Georgetown View • April 2021 by Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC

ge o r ge t own v i ew APRIL 2021

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

GEORGETOWN ISD

Schools of Thought IN THIS ISSUE

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QUICK FACTS Based on the recommendation of a Long-Range Planning Committee and to keep up with the rapid growth in the district, the LHISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved an order calling for a $491.7M bond election to be held on May 1, 2021.

BOND PACKAGE BREAKDOWN This bond proposal, developed by the community to address student growth, will be presented to voters in Propositions A-D:

PROPOSITION A $457.7 MILLION School Facilities

PROPOSITION B $8 MILLION School Technology

New Construction to include 2 new elementary schools, 1 new middle school, 1 new high school

Technology devices for students and staﬀ

Expansions at Liberty Hill ES and Louine Noble ES; Liberty Hill MS and Santa Rita MS; Liberty Hill HS. These expansions will address capacity, equity, CTE and ﬁne arts Safety, Security & Infrastructure across campuses Land Acquisition and design of Elementary #8 and Middle School #4 Transportation and buses

PROPOSITION C $6 MILLION Expanding and Improving Panther Stadium Expand LHHS stadium seating to include additional 5000 seat capacity and addition of ADA compliant restrooms

PROPOSITION D $20 MILLION Construction of New Stadium at High School #2 Modest Stadium for High School #2, including competition ﬁeld with track, locker rooms, home and visitor seating, concessions and restrooms

NO TAX RATE INCREASE By law, the district cannot increase the debt tax rate, also known as the Interest and Sinking (I&S) fund, because it is already at $0.50 per $100 valuation — the maximum allowed by the state. The passage of this bond will not result in a tax rate increase. However, a new state law now requires every school district to include the statement “THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE” on the ballot, regardless of the actual impact on that district’s tax rate. If approved by voters, the district tax rate would not increase. This is due, in part, to the rapid growth in the community. While the I&S rate has been and would remain at 50 cents (regardless of the outcome of this bond), the Maintenance and Operations rate was reduced by 11 cents last year and 7 cents in 2019. Learn more about how this tax rate is possible at www.libertyhillisdbond.com/tax-information.

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DID YOU KNOW? In Texas, bonds are the only mechanism to fund the construction of new schools or pay for large infrastructure projects or expansions. Along with accommodating for growth, this bond also addresses equity of schools, eﬃciency of scale, and campus student capacity. • Three of the four elementary schools are built for 800 students, while one holds approximately 400 students. • The Long-Range Planning Committee, made up parents, residents, business owners, senior citizens and staﬀ, determined that for schools to be more equitable, they need to be approximately the same size so all students would have similar opportunities, programs and experiences as other campuses in the district.

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

With a quarter-century of writing, reporting, and marketing behind her, Ann Marie enjoys sharing her vision and voice with a Central Texas audience. She believes being involved in and writing about local communities is the best way to show her affection and appreciation of everything Texan.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Charlotte Kovalchuk • Miranda Bradley Camy Reynolds • Greta Bauer GRAPHICS & DESIGN Zion Pistole • Ann Marie Kennon CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Rudy Ximenez • David Valdez • Todd White SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Jenny Campbell ACCOUNT SERVICES Debbie Tolliver ADMINISTRATION Kristina Poché IT / WEBMASTER Jesse Payne DISTRIBUTION David Schumacher CONSULTANT W. Ben Daniel ADVERTISING Mark Elliott 512-240-2267 • 512-598-3500 mark@georgetownview.com

Georgetown View is an Optimus Media Group, LLC publication. Copyright © 2021 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 Georgetown View, P.O. Box 203, Jarrell, TX 76537.

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ANN MARIE KENNON EDITOR’S NOTE April feels like the ‘friendliest’ month to me. Maybe it’s the delicate buds on trees and multi-colored flowers that emerge, however late they may be this year. Easter, of course, is the highest of happy days for many people. Or it could be that, even on the east coast where I grew up, there’s next to no chance of freezing temperatures. If you want a quick cheer up, our arts feature will give you a few ideas to enjoy the creativity of our mural artists around town, and it blends with all the themes this month that made me feel pretty good about things. I have always been kind of a generic space nerd, and I am still thinking about the two amazing men I got to meet who literally touched the moon, albeit in different ways. Other happy stories include Laura Jones, who is as lovely as she is inspirational; helping “wise owls” combat isolation all over the county. I also hope our extended section on education in Georgetown gives you some food for thought ahead of the election in May. There are many perspectives and so much diversity of ideas; I’m pleased to note that regardless of where people stand on different topics, there is no question Georgetown is vigilant about making sure our children get everything they need and deserve. While I usually include a photo of something fun that happened during the month’s writings, I decided to share the photo of Roslyn. Her mom says, at 18 months old, she discovered the Georgetown View and spent quite a bit of time “reading” through it. Mom Sheridan, snapped some photos and says Roslyn is already looking forward to the next issue. I hope she is excited to see herself.

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FEATURES 12 MOBILITY Info on the 2021 Road Bond 38 GO BLUE 4 WILCO April is Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month 52 WHAT MAKES TEXAS “TEXAS”? Wildflowers

FAVORITES 14 ARTS The Murals of our Thriving Art Scene 48 WISE OWLS INITIATIVE Laura Jones is Planting Smiles 50 BRINGING THE MOON INTO FOCUS Georgetown’s Simon Wheaton 54 TOWNS AROUND Liberty Hill ISD School Bond 56 WHY IS THIS A THING? Cold Laser 58 POPPY TALKS I Need a Hero 61 FACTS TO BLOW YOUR MIND A Spring Bouquet 64 PARTING SHOT Out-of-this-World Breakfast

INSIDE

INSPIRED & EMPOWERED A special section highlighting the growth, success, and challenges being met at GISD. 18 PLENTY TO BRAG ABOUT Dr. Brent’s reflections on the mission 19 PERSPECTIVES Clara, GHS student

Go Blue 4 WilCo is aligned with National Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month. Read about the committee and special events you can participate in and support throughout April.

20 OPINION Ben Stewart’s Education Journey 21 PERSPECTIVES Georgia Medler, Teacher 22 MULTI-GENERATIONAL SUPPORT Sun City’s role in GISD Success

THRIVING AFTER 55 Simon Wheaton and just a few of the awards that represent his lifetime of scientific achievement.

25 MANAGING IN CRISES COVID and Uri 26-27 POINTS OF VIEW Tim Carr, Jen Mauldin 28-29 PERSPECTIVES Drs. Ron Swain, Steve Fought, & Betty Schleder 31-32 STAAR WARS STAAR v. MAP Testing 35 JUDGE BILL GRAVELL Support for GISD

ON THE COVER GISD students showing their skills and talents in Rocketry, Culinary Arts, Languages, Conservation, Sea Perch, Auto Tech, CNA, Fine Arts, Athletics, Virtual Media, Tango Flight, Veterinary Tech, and JR-ROTC. Photos 2017-2020 Visit our Facebook page for follow-ups to these stories, outtakes & hints to those upcoming... GeorgetownViewMagazine A PR I L 2 0 2 1  G E O R G E TO W N V I E W

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mobility

by Ann Marie Kennon • annmarie@georgetownview.com

Mobility Improvements on May 1 Ballot EAST V. WEST All bond projects were selected by a Blue Ribbon Citizens Bond Committee representing all areas of Georgetown. The committee concluded rapid, consistent growth across the city demands mobility solutions in all areas of the city.

n May 1, Georgetown voters have the opportunity to approve funding for ten new road projects that proponents say will improve driving safety and convenience; five projects each on the east and west sides of Georgetown, and seven of the ten will widen existing roadways. Bond purchases are an important part of mobility because, unlike other capital improvements, when road improvements are needed, government must purchase land for right-of-ways and begin construction quickly. Thus, money needs to be readily available when the roads are needed. Chair of the Georgetown Mobility Coalition Ron Garland explains, “A city cannot spread out payments over ten years because the cost of construction goes up every day we are not building, and no one wants construction on any roadway to pause, or last one day longer than necessary. Bond sales allow us to spend today’s money on a project that needs to be finished within 12 to 18 months, and right now, the bond market is selling at 2 percent interest; the lowest rate I’ve seen in my lifetime.” Ron says we are fortunate these rates coincide with our current needs, which are critical rather than speculative. “We are not building for the future, we are meeting today’s needs. The city has not asked taxpayers to spend at this level since the 1970s, but Georgetown was much, much smaller then; those roads were not built for the volume of cars in 2021 Georgetown.” Regarding cost, he adds, “Bonding road projects allows future users of that infrastructure to help pay for it, as opposed to using today’s tax dollars to pay for all the infrastructure needed. Bottom line, new growth will pay for itself. And, while we know there are safety concerns on Williams Dr., backups at intersections, and traffic on Inner Loop, also consider how fast you want EMS to get to your home? How manageable and safe are left-turn egresses for school buses? Safety is as critical as convenience.”

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At Coalition events, Ron says, concerns have come to light that the bulk of the growth is specific to the Williams-Sun City area. However, building permits and congestion indexes across the city tell a different story— significant growth is everywhere. As well, the “Williams Dr. Central” project, selected by the committee, is designed to greatly improve safety on Williams Drive. Currently, Williams Dr. has a “chicken lane” between signaled intersections. This industry term comes from the increased frequency of accidents caused by drivers attempting to cross two congested lanes of traffic without benefit of a traffic signal. Designated turn lanes, proper spacing, and physical barriers, should improve traffic safety significantly.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU The new debt will be paid for by a $.03 tax increase in the appraised value of our homes. The average home price in Georgetown is $300,000, which means about $87 per year in increased property taxes. Ron asks, “While no one enjoys paying more, isn’t it worth $7.50 a month for safer driving, better driving, and more convenience?” Mayor Josh Schroeder adds, “I consistently hear that the community’s greatest frustration with growth is traffic. This mobility bond is a chance for the citizens of Georgetown to take action to address our transportation issues. I want this process to be completely transparent, so people will know how their tax dollars will be spent if they vote to approve this bond package.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP The Road Bond is the only proposition on the May 1 Georgetown ballot. The Georgetown Mobility Coalition recommends a “Yes” vote for Proposition A to support safer, better driving. Scan the QR code for a map, important information on bond projects, or to donate to help the coalition educate citizens on this vote.

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georgetown arts

story by Charlotte Kovalchuk • charlotte@georgetownview.com photos by Georgetown City Staff

Georgetown’s Thriving Art Scene Telling Stories, Building Community Through Art credit: Sarah Blankenship

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rom honoring military heroes and preserving history to welcoming newcomers and showcasing our signature flower, Georgetown’s murals are part of the Arts and Culture Board’s vision of building a vibrant arts community. “Members of the Georgetown Arts and Culture Board believe a vibrant arts community and cultural offerings are good for the quality of life for residents, will attract visitors, and will assist Georgetown in becoming a nationally recognized arts destination by 2030,” Arts and Culture Coordinator Amanda Still says. With so many murals popping up all over town, Georgetown is well on its way to achieving that goal. Here are the murals currently covering the walls of Georgetown:

“Greetings from Georgetown, Texas”: Postcard-themed mural by Sarah Blankenship at Gus’s Drug. Each letter of “Georgetown” showcases a city landmark, such as Lake Georgetown, the library, and the courthouse.

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“Preserving History”: Artists Norma Clark and Devon Clarkson honored Mary Smith Bailey, who founded The West Side Kindergarten in 1953, the first preschool in the area to offer educational preschool services to non-white children. Abstract images also feature children and students participating in athletic and educational activities. The mural is on the back of City Hall and adjacent to the African American Shotgun House.

“Best Friends”: J. Muzacz and Jay Rivera teamed up to create a service-dog themed mural at Wag Heaven to honor K-9 service heroes, the Rotary Club of Georgetown’s Field of Honor® and war dog hero, Nemo A534. “Dayscape Wonder”: A beautiful abstract tile mural by Kevin Greer in the lobby of the Georgetown Municipal Court. ”El Árbol” (The Tree): The El Árbol mosaic mural by J. Muzacz was inspired by a well-known vista from the Jim Hogg Campground at Lake Georgetown. Visitors can check it out in the lobby of the Georgetown Municipal Court. “Jumping Around”: This mural, designed by Joe Magnano, is on the rear wall of 711 S. Main Street, the oldest building on the Square.

“Traditions to the Future”: Mila Sketch created this mural at 215 W. 8th Street to start an art dialogue with Georgetown residents and visitors about the historic heritage and new innovative technologies in the city.

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georgetown arts

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Together, these murals tell stories, bring the community together through painting parties, and create a beautiful art scene that draws many new faces to Georgetown. Murals on city property are funded by the city, while property and business owners can work with the Arts and Culture Board to install a mural on their building. The board can also help fund murals near city projects, such as the upcoming Georgetown Title Company mural. Thanks to a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts, another mural will soon spring up on the back of the Georgetown Art Center. Four diverse artists will team up on the diversity-themed “street art” project: Sarah Blankenship, Norma Clark, Devon Clarkson, and J. Muzacz. Art enthusiasts can look forward to seeing the new art this month, or by May, with a dedication event

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in July coinciding with the opening reception of the Art Center’s Street Art exhibit. The mural is part of the Arts and Culture Board’s Cultural District project designed to create an Arts District in the downtown Georgetown area and focus on cultural diversity. “We wanted to commission a group of these artists to raise awareness of this artistic diversity in the Public Art Program and demonstrate how one piece of artwork can be created when diverse styles, artists, and backgrounds form a collaboration.” The Georgetown Animal Shelter will also sport a mural by Jason Tetlak in the spring or summer. To learn more about the mural program and Arts and Culture in Georgetown, visit arts.georgetown.org.

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Georgetown ISD • Plenty to Brag About by Ann Marie Kennon • annmarie@georgetownview.com

n his first day at GISD, Superintendent Dr. Fred Brent turned the District’s attention to becoming a learning organization. “Our focus was a District-wide curriculum and evaluation that, regardless of which school a child attends, he or she is seen through the lens of the Learner Profile, for which we provide meaningful assessments of growth. I’m pleased that we are really starting to see the fruits of those efforts.” As an example, he explains, the student needs at one school vary from the needs of the population of another. He ensures each principal is empowered to focus appropriate resources to meet those needs, while meeting the high expectations of the District, and ensure every student is making academic progress on state standards.

OUTSIDE THE BOX While learning assessments progress, GISD continues to build upon cutting-edge programs like cosmetology, CNA, automotive technology, veterinary tech, and others that certify graduates for immediate career advancement. Others, like Sea Perch, Rocketry, Tango Flight, and an engineering program based on Project Lead the Way (PLTW), prepare them for higher learning and advancement.

Dr. Brent and Waterboy Graphics owner Ty Gipson at a previous State of the District. Waterboy is one of the District’s partners and provides largescale graphics for school branding to promote a positive student culture.

Introduced in middle school—the time when students begin to be curious about how their passions might determine their futures—PLTW presents students with problems to solve, and the tools to discover creative solutions. Dr. Brent says, “This program teaches them how to think, and not necessarily what to think.”

H I S C U R R E N T G O A L I S , B Y 2025, E V E R Y S T U D E N T W I L L G R A D UAT E G I S D CO L L E G E - , C A R E E R - , O R M I L I TA R Y - R E A DY. “One of the greatest gifts the board gave me was their encouragement to build the Learner Profile. When we embark on a plan that focuses on creativity, self-awareness, problem solving, and obtaining knowledge through inquiry, we are meeting our obligation to prepare kids to navigate life. We hold academic team meetings on a regular basis to assess student learning and focus on building instructional programs that ensure that growth for every student. What I love about our work around learning profiles is that every child needs to leave GISD able to purse hopes and dreams. For some students, that means four-year college, but to others, it’s a career or technical college, or the military.” Dr. Brent cited the 2018 bond election that funded the design of a new CTE facility that will offer even more career and technical education. “Our board of Trustees has very strong goals for social emotional learning, numeracy, and literacy, and combined college/career/military readiness. I love the fact that they see the big picture; that kids will truly be able to pursue passions, that lead not just to graduation, but to navigating life successfully.”

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A STUDENT’S PERSPECTIVE Reflecting on her experience at Georgetown High School, Clara speaks highly of being in GISD. “I’m lucky to be at a big school. We have so many good opportunities here; whether you choose welding, cosmetology, fine arts, or sports, students are empowered and able to flourish if they choose.” The diversity of opportunity was not lost on Clara when she auditioned and was cast in the school musical, but realized the time commitment would be too much for her schedule. She then tried out for theater tech and was delighted with the work and new skills she learned. “I know I can try anything because I have the support of my teachers when I make choices; it’s ‘college lite.’” As many people in Georgetown are talking about standardized test scores, Clara has a more personal connection. “I believe testing is a reasonable way to identify deviations out of hundreds or thousands of students, but it’s not the best way; it’s not really an indication of intelligence or empirical accountability.” This is true, she says, particularly because students like her are exempt from taking the STAAR test if they score very high on the PSAT. To avoid gaps in test data, exempt students are given a passing score of 70 on the STAAR test, and it is not unreasonable to assume they would have scored substantially higher. The 70 score artificially lowers the overall rating for the school. “The system is frustrating,” she says, “But I understand why we take the STAAR test. What people don’t realize is how stressful it is on the kids who have to take it. We have 45 minutes of testing, during which the whole school environment is extremely rigid and not very conducive to normal focus. As well, taking the test on a bad day may determine the course of your high school or college career. We can re-take the PSAT or SAT to get a better score, but we only get one chance with the STAAR.”

Clara believes the testing is helpful but schools need a better, more universal way to measure how kids are doing. “I might suggest teaching students how to take a test rather than only focusing on the memorizing. I’m a high-performing student but not every student loves school, or has the self-sufficiency that keeps them from getting left behind. Testing doesn’t address that in any measure.” She smiles and shares that her brother, who did not share her passion for academia, discovered welding at GHS, is getting an Associate’s Degree in the trade, and will be making a lot more money than she in a very short time. “Teaching to the test keeps the scores high, but are we really doing students the service they need?” Clara mentioned friends who were able to try new things in high school and discovered what wasn’t a good fit before they spent time, effort, and money for the same pursuit in college. “We are able to learn from mistakes before they have real-world consequences. “I don’t think standardized testing is the best or the only way to go, but we can’t ignore the fact that we are supposed to do well on it. I feel we can do both, or adapt the test to apply to the real world. We don’t want to focus on the test to the exclusion of other things that are important for our social and emotional growth.” Clara is a junior at GHS. She is also an author, an award-winning artist, and daughter of School Board Member Andy Webb. “Don’t worry,” she says, “I don’t always agree with my dad.”

CURRICULUM? School officials say it is a miscommunication to say low scores mean GISD is not teaching to the Texas curriculum. The State of Texas does not have a “curriculum”. Schools and Districts follow the TEKS, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, as a guideline, then choose or purchase a program from which they develop a day-byday curriculum for the classroom. TEKS is the standard to which a District must teach to with its chosen curriculum.

a certified education program or package that he or she cannot share freely because it is, essentially, a copyrighted product.

As well, Districts do not make their curricula public because those are proprietary programs published internally for teacher use. Much the same way a parent who chooses home school may subscribe to or purchase

Regardless of the medium in which students are taught, if they are taught to the TEKS, they are organically gaining the skills they need, at each grade level, to be successful.

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Ben Stewart • “My Education Journey”

am proud to be a product of public education. I refuse to listen to those that say public education is failing, or those who find value in an A-F rating system that makes students and teachers feel shame about their efforts, or allows kids to fall through cracks because a school is rated “Exemplary,” according to narrow standards, and need not change. Using standardized testing to measure an infinitely diverse population, as a means of categorizing schools in an A-F system, seems a bit perverse to me. All children should be provided the opportunity for an education that meets them where they are in life, not an education that is unbearably linear and state governed to provide A-F outputs. I find unlimited value in implementing and expanding programs that provide kids with social and emotional wellness, that get them excited to go to school, or get them talking with their parents around a dinner table. When we match kids’ talents to the right programs, we provide them with confidence that is magical. That is when the learning can start. When was the last time you heard of a kid becoming excited for standardized testing? We do this to kids so adults feel better or worse about where their tax dollars go without

EVERY TIME I HEAR SOMEONE S AY “ P U B L I C E D U C AT I O N I S FA I L I N G ” I F E E L A B I T O F R A G E I N M Y G U T. E A C H T I M E SOMEONE THROWS A LET TER G R A D E O U T A N D S AY S , “ T H I S S C H O O L I S FA I L I N G K I D S ,” I WA N T TO S C R E A M .

Ben Stewart is a father of two GISD students, former PTA President, and ISD Trustee since 2016.

ever having to get involved in the system. Using all our efforts and resources to focus on programs and engaging kids will provide a better outcome than chasing metrics on a state-mandated test.

LIVING PROOF I come from a single parent home; raised by my mother, with an older and younger sister. If not for them, my grandparents, friends, teachers, coaches, and public education, I may have met all the statistics and wound up in jail or worse. I don’t speak of my background often; I had a wonderful childhood. Until recently, I have not reflected on my past. In doing so, I am beginning to understand how I became who I am today—a son, brother, husband, father, a community servant to the best city and school district in the country, and a proud Texas State Bobcat. I attended elementary school in Harvey, Louisiana. My younger sister is dyslexic, so my mom researched schools and moved us to Austin to

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attend Eanes ISD. Vastly different in terms of socioeconomics and perceived educational quality; my hunch is many of the students in Eanes ISD would be above average students no matter where they attended school. From 5th grade until my sophomore year at Westlake High, I was an average student. I often think about my life at that time as a statistical probability. Looking at the data on fatherless homes*, a lot of it lines up—behavioral problems began. I went from being an average student to dropping out midway into my junior year. My life was falling apart at 16 years old, and I was at one of the “best” schools in the nation. My mother stuck by me and was brave enough to make me walk the line as an “adult” since I was not going to attend school any longer. Working for minimum wage, and trying to pay rent and bills was all the catalyst I needed to emphasize education. After life kicked me around, and a good amount of counseling, I went back to school. Perhaps a bit of shame, and a bit of needing to know my father, led me to try living with him in Oxford, North Carolina where I enrolled at J.F. Webb High School. It was a relatively small school in a very small southern community, and I have compelling memories of the teachers who engaged with and cared about me. *Fatherhood.org/father-absence-statistic

A TEACHER’S PERSPECTIVE

With a head newly-filled with academic confidence, I decided to head back to Texas to complete my senior year. I returned to Westlake and graduated, one year later than planned.

PAYING IT FORWARD As a School Board Trustee, I am committed to giving students in GISD the same experience. The goal is to find programs that engage them. My children attend GISD, I see what they are doing day-to-day; what they are bringing home, and the satisfaction they feel with the culture and climate in our schools today. Once you have kids interested and excited, they will learn. Whether it is building planes, cooking, or theater, they thrive when you give them the spark. My experience is my own inspiration, which is why I am so passionate against people who say public school is failing. People need to see the dejected faces of teachers and kids who are disappointed to hear that the school they love isn’t any good by someone else’s measurement. I am confident that the public school system will ensure they will learn reading and writing; that is our job. But it is also our obligation to discover what makes them want to come to school so they can receive the teaching. We must consider that “data-driven” is not a way to take care of kids. If the STAAR test is the only metric we look at, we’re only investing in a single stock. The whole market doesn’t fail because of one stock. I do not come from an education background but I do know Dr. Brent is the only person in the state willing to step out and take the initiatives to build programs over testing. But, the school board has the power to approve or disapprove our District curricula, and a more liberal school board will not reflect the conservative mindset we have in Georgetown. I am pleased to be a part of this board because I am investing, for my children, that we will not lose that mindset; it all starts with what is being taught in school.

Georgia Medler was a public school teacher for 32 years in three different Texas ISDs and is now a member of the Board of the Georgetown Education Foundation. About Georgetown, she says, “I am pretty familiar with how Districts are run and what happens in the administration, and I am so impressed with Dr. Brent and all the people I have met in our schools. Everyone in the District is gracious and professional about working with the Kiwanis Club and many others in Sun City. I am always eager and excited to tell people about the many benefits of volunteering with our schools and students. I never wanted to do anything but be in the classroom, and I can personally recommend helping our students will make your own life richer.” Georgia is a student mentor and also enjoys being part of the Kiwanis Literacy program. In a typical year, members read books to students and provide each child with a copy of the book. Over the years, they have distributed more than 6,000 free books, and are looking forward to the day they can come back to campus for in-person reading. She says, “Everything Dr. Brent and his team do is with constant emphasis on their mission, to inspire and empower every learner to lead, grow, improve, and serve. The schools’ Key Clubs we work with are a perfect example of that; they are very receptive and eager to volunteer for their school and community.” As a member of the Grant Committee, her enthusiasm for the ingenuity and creativity of the proposals submitted by teachers, year after year, is topped only by the pride that these educators have been empowered by leadership to do so, and are inspiring in the classroom on a daily basis. She says, “It’s not about taking a dumb state test. When I was teaching in a public school, I got sick of hearing about what my kids had to do for a test. That is not what learning is all about. I have seen for myself how involved our teachers are, looking for different ways to inspire these children to come to school every day and learn. I want to personally encourage every person in Georgetown to attend a GISD State of the District to see the things we are able to brag about.”

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Multi-Generation Enrichment by Ann Marie Kennon

any people in GISD leadership and faculty share great praise for the Sun City community, which has been a critical partner to the District. While many regular mentors, volunteers, and supporters have had to pause due to COVID concerns, Dr. Brent says the example set by Sun City residents is one of the things he loves most about Georgetown.

“ F I R S T TO M I N D I S O U R TA N G O F L I G H T A E R O N AU T I C A L E N G I N E E R I N G C L A S S . T H E R E A R E A S M A N Y M E N TO R S A S T H E R E A R E S T U D E N T S I N T H AT C L A S S , A L L WA L K I N G S I D E - B Y - S I D E TO B U I L D, M A R K E T, A N D S E L L A N FA A - C E R T I F I E D A I R P L A N E E V E R Y Y E A R .” He also mentions the Sun City Kiwanis Club and the speed with which they respond whenever a student is in need. Dr. Brent recalls, “The club members were made aware of a student with significant financial needs that, if not met, would force the student to withdraw from school to work for his family business. When Kiwanis heard this, they generated several thousand dollars to help him and his whole family so he could stay in school. Remarkably, they never met him and didn’t even know his name; just heard through the District that there was a need, and they took it upon themselves to help this young man stay in school.”

FOUNDATIONAL HELP In 2014, the Georgetown Education Foundation, with help from local community members, renewed its commitment to the District and has been growing strong ever since. Dr. Brent says, “We had re-started the rocketry and cosmetology programs, and we were working toward Sea-Perch, but we needed additional funding. Many 22

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Tango Flight volunteers touring the District’s first-ever plane at the 2017 ribbon cutting.

of our Foundation board members live in Sun City and they immediately got to work to support the launch. The results included Fifty Fellas Foodfest, which was a huge hit with the community and generated a great deal of interest in the Foundation itself. Since then, the Foundation has been able to put hundreds of thousands of dollars into our Innovative Teaching grants.” Foundation grants have been very successful, and popular. One project in particular singularly reflects the goals of the program—a grant that provided flexible furniture in an elementary classroom. Benefits were soon realized and a bond election provided the flex-furniture for every elementary school classroom in the District. In 2020, teachers received funding for everything from sensory-friendly learning spaces and multicultural awareness to drones and high-powered telescopes. Dr. Brent adds, “I’m really proud our school board knows how to address the whole child. We are pursuing new assessment strategies that allow us to track student growth over time, and we’ve see that growth within our instructional programs. I love that the Board, our Foundation, and the community recognize the need for improvement, but they are not willing—and we are intentional— about not compromising the experience of the whole child while we pursue academic excellence.” He is pleased so many supporters in Sun City, and throughout the community, appreciate a holistic approach, and remain concerned about the wellness of students.

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Rising to Challenges

s the City of Georgetown evolved new levels of flexibility and adaptability in 2020, GISD, for its part, was no exception. The leaders of both believe the continued success of our District is the result of a school system and a city that have maintained a commitment and mission to prepare students for the future in the best of times. Dr. Brent says, “If we look at GISD through the lens of COVID and Winter Storm Uri—not the best of times—we validate who we truly are as a District, and our beliefs as a learning organization.” Georgetown Mayor Josh Schroeder agrees, “Every emergent or developing challenge was similarly addressed through collaborative teams, empowered by leadership, and supported by so many in Georgetown, all of whom still relish the small-town feel of our city, and the schools, which are a foundation of that community.” At the helm since 2014, Dr. Brent says he immediately knew Georgetown would be the city he and his family would call home. “I am proud of our leadership and our team because we have always endeavored to ensure our employees were on the same mission we had for students; to be leaders, capable of growth and constant learning on their own. All of this was truly manifested over the past year in ways we couldn’t have imagined.”

THE YEAR TO REMEMBER As the District navigated re-opening schools during the pandemic, and again after the ice storm, Dr. Brent invited leaders from all sectors of the community who gave time and energy to solve problems and get the work done. “Everyone involved was focused on the good of the team,” Dr. Brent says. When schools were shut down last year, the community came together to provide food for students, prepare the technology, and adapt to virtual learning in a very short time. “For many weeks,” Dr. Brent says, “there were many rooms, filled with 15-20 people, solving multi-

Councilman Kevin Pitts, Mayor Josh Schroeder, and Trustee Andy Webb clearing branches and brush around the city after the ice storm.

ple problems simultaneously; parents, chamber members, PTA presidents, community leaders, teachers, and District GHS dad Scott Meyner, scraping ice from students’ leaders. Today, cars at the school as “Uri” arrived. (photo: Ashley Fraser) we continue to solicit feedback, and honor the beliefs and values of the District while staying focused on the best experiences in the safest environment possible.” His enthusiasm for his leadership teams is palpable. He singled out Director of Operations, Kirby Campbell, who has served GISD from the ground up. “During the lockdown, I just told Kirby we have to make sure we are feeding the kids. He set to work, and we were soon feeding students and family members in overwhelming numbers. He did the same during the ice storm. I called Kirby every morning and asked him where I needed to be. He gave me a list of schools and tasks, we checked pipes and infrastructure personally, and did not lose a day of instruction. That is the kind of empowerment that demonstrates that we are who we want to be. ” Mayor Schroeder agrees, “It does not surprise me to see our school operations and learning continue with as much consistency and strength as they have in the past year. While City leadership worked to keep people safe, keep the economy going, and try not to overreach its authority, the school district also had to educate kids. Shutting down is not an option for them, so Dr. Brent had to figure out how to keep going during a pandemic and snowpocalypse. Thanks to his leadership, and the tenacity of the people he places his trust in, GISD was up and running immediately after the ice storm; other Districts had to stay closed for several days to address issues caused by the storm. ”

“ W H AT S E E M E D PA R T I C U L A R LY D AU N T I N G , T R U LY R E V E A L E D T H E S T R E N G T H O F O U R CO M M U N I T Y.” ~ F R E D B R E N T Dr. Brent admits that leading in such a season is understandably stressful. “Having to make many significant decisions is the job, and it is reasonable that not everyone will be happy. More than anything, I remain committed to providing direction and creating opportunities to bring the best thinkers from across the District to be part of every decision.” A PR I L 2 0 2 1  G E O R G E TO W N V I E W

POINTS OF VIEW FOR

here has been a lot of dialogue with regard to GISD, STAAR testing results, and accountability ratings. We must continue to improve, and find the appropriate balance between STAAR results and making sure that, post-graduation, each student is poised for success.

The current Board has been transparent about where we need improvement, they’ve shared their incremental focus, and shared the plan to address those areas. This is a community board; not just seven people making decisions. Dr. Brent, as the CEO, always acknowledges that things can be improved, and he continues to move forward with collaborative plans in place.

For reference, the 2019 accountability ratings are from 2018 testing. The test The reality of our District is that every stuwas not administered in 2020; the 2021 dent, no matter their background, economtest will not include accountability ratTim Carr, Candidate ics, ethnicity, or gender, should have the for School Board Place 6 ings. To infer nothing has changed in four exact same opportunity to participate in the years is untenable, and I don’t believe this exact same programs* across every campus. single measure should ever determine the overall success It is critical that we provide access and opportunity but of our students. also empower schools to identify the resources they need The District is doing some really incredible things to prepare our kids for post graduation. From a parent’s perspective, our Board has been adamant that the only goal should be that 100 percent of our graduates should be college-, career-, or military-ready. We have to prepare our kids for one of those three things, and they are doing a great job. No one loves testing, but it is a necessary part of public education. Our challenge is to make sure students are prepared for the test, but we also must continue to ensure we are setting up each child for success. When I’ve attended the State of the District events, I look around and say, “This is what I want for my kids.” My son is very smart, but at the end of the day I don’t want anyone judging our kids’ sole success or failure on one test.

to enable those choices. We are challenged when parents don’t attend board meetings, so we need to have town halls and similar opportunities for feedback so we are getting that input. That is a critical piece to making our students successful. I believe GISD is moving in the right direction and I would hate to see us take ten steps backward in order to take two steps forward. We need to keep growing, but not at the expense of the gains of the past ten years. My children are in 7th and 4th grade. I want to make sure they are going down the best path, and I want to be a good shepherd to them through the end of their school years. As parents, we have to take more ownership of our kids’ education and be a louder voice in the community. It’s not just about what they do day to day, but also what impacts them. That’s where I want to be involved.

*Mr. Carr clarified that he refers to academic and career-ready programs, not gender-specific athletics.

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GISD SCHOOL BOARD PLACE 6

ter the ones they find difficult. It’s important to take the results and use them.

ur District does a great job on career and technical education. They are very innovative, with great programs, and I think they’ve tried things that have been a bit out of the box; explored some arenas that many others have not—kudos to that.

Some want to say I just want to focus on the knowledge and skills, but I believe it is an ‘and’; we need to master the core curriculum and we need to have great and innovative technical and career programs. While the test results are from 2018, the District can say we’re doing better, but, unless we have the data to show the accountability and show that change has occurred, there’s no certainty. We are simply aware of the need, the District is working on it, and I don’t think people really know where we are.

It is really important that a District provide a range of opportunities for students to consider post-high school. It may not be college or the military, Jen Mauldin, Candidate and there are some great technical for School Board Place 6 areas they can consider. I also feel the social-emotional learning and counseling they are workAbout student challenges: There is a school in East ing on now, while not fully implemented, can make life Austin with 84.4% free and reduced lunch, and 64.4% challenges smoother and a little easier. It provides great ESL. Overall, the school scores 96% in reading, 95% in coping strategies and skills; good job there. math, and they are doing phenomenal things. They are As a principal for 25 years, I applaud our state for its focused and intent on instruction and making sure kids curriculum; they stay abreast of updates so if a student is are mastering the skills. They work one-by-one, re-teach mastering it, they will leave high school as a well-roundwhen necessary, and really work with kids. Kids can learn ed and -educated student. The District took a detour but you have to have the resources. It’s not just materiabout five years ago and started focusing on other areas, al; sometimes it’s personnel that work with one student so when you focus on one thing, you lose focus on othwhile the rest of the class moves on. It’s part of the equity ers. I believe some of the focus on learning and meeting framework, and it should be our primary mission. The the state curriculum was lost. District needs to be prepared to do that. It is not a teacher issue, but more an upper administration issue. We just took a detour and we can do better. It is better with kids mastering, measuring that, and using the results to help kids. We can applaud kids on those objectives they are meeting well, and helping them mas-

I’m really focused on academic change because of where we are. I’m really passionate about there being change.

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PERSPECTIVES FROM

nyone who knows me understands I am not a fan of “averages,” nor am I a fan of standardized scores. In my opinion, you simply cannot evaluate something as complicated as a school system by something as simple as a test score, even if you use the trend of that single average test score over time.

Dr. Steve Fought

What I look at is other things, like graduation rates, which are quite good, and the colleges that accept our graduates—an impressive list. Then, I look at other sorts of options our students have, such as our vocational education—something that has ramped up in the last 5-6 years and is outstanding. I also can’t say enough about Richarte [Alternative Ed]. How many kids have been saved by that program? Then I start looking at the courses students have available; Robotics, and a whole range of computer courses. I went to see the 3-D printing courses, and what I’ll call the “education with industry” program, where students work with local businesses to get a taste-test on their career interests. How about the advanced math and science (STEM), and the various arts and music programs? And then sports, where students learn how to really get along; teamwork, and tough work—what it means to win, and lose, and do it all with grace. These things didn’t happen by accident, and they aren’t captured by the “standardized test scores”. So, when somebody comes along and says, “These schools are failing,” and the evidence is a single set of test scores, I have to say, “Wait a minute, let’s look at the bigger picture.” These schools are not failing from my perspective. There’s no doubt the test scores need to improve. Somebody needs to teach these students how to take a standardized test. There is, after all, an art and a strategy to taking those. So, do it, it’s overdue. And then get back to the real business of educating our young people to be good human beings and good citizens— which is far more important than teaching them how to take a test. So, at least in my opinion, these are very good schools, and I like the way they have been developed over the past six years or so. I would certainly send our kids there if they were of the age to attend. by Steve Fought 28

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ith a background in higher education, Dr. Ron Swain believes youngsters need exposure to many things, and setting high expectations is of critical importance. Dr. Swain asserts that educating our children is a community effort, and not the sole responsibility of Dr. Ron Swain the schools. When he served on the Board of the Georgetown Project, he incorporated the philosophy of the Ready-by-21 program, which operates on the idea that focusing solely on school-related issues will not ensure all young people are ready for independence. Around our schools are “pipelines” of other organizations and entities that can share that responsibility to help children prepare, by age 21, for work, career, or military. He explains, “Education is not just the District’s sole responsibility; our leadership needs to be transparent so that we, as a community, will know where we can be supportive, fill in, and provide resources when necessary.” He says he finds great satisfaction and understanding from being a tutor and reading buddy. “I look at elementary school as a place where every student is equipped with foundational skills; reading and math. It prepares them for middle school, where that learning is enhanced to a higher level and they can be exposed to various future options in terms of career choices. They begin to show interest and passion for things they may have talent for, and assessing their potential for higher education. In high school, these explorations are refined, reasonably, to two or three areas of interest, that they want to pursue that may mean going to college, work, or into the military. That is where GISD’s readiness programs comes into play. It helps youngsters at the high school level zero in on what they want to do for the next 5-7 years.” He emphasizes that technology must be one of the elements of this plan as it is what makes the modern job market change to rapidly. “Opportunities today are much greater than in the past, and we won’t know what opportunities will be available to them. We need to prepare them, with curiosity and adaptability, for lifelong learning.” by Ann Marie Kennon

CO M M U N I T Y I N F LU E N C E R S by Betty Schleder

Betty Schleder (right) with her daughter and grandson.

e don’t have a choice to not vote. On May 1, everyone in Georgetown, including Sun City, needs to vote for School Board trustees. Nikita Kruschev said, in 1956, “We will take America without firing a shot. We do not have to invade the United States. We will bury you from within.” As a former educator, It is my belief that what children are taught, they ideas that are put into their hearts and minds, they will become. For this reason, the Sun City Grandmas and I believe that we have to vote, and we have to vote for Tim Carr and Ben Stewart. I believe this because I do not believe that educators belong on school boards—they belong in the classroom, and in administration for schools. The responsibilities and decisions of Trustees must be left to parents of students, and business people who value the educational values of our city. By comparison, would anyone ever put a union leader on a corporate board? I believe having educators on a board leaves too much room for personal agendas that is out of touch with temporal needs of children. Tim and Ben are wonderful parents who espouse the conservative values that reflect Georgetown as a whole. Both are leaders in the community and have given so much to our schools already; we should be so lucky to have them both on the board.

STAAR FACTS I am aware of the controversy between teaching to the test and the District’s low score from three years ago. I have spent many hours speaking with these two fathers, and I encourage others to get the facts when it comes to the STAAR test. First, look at the data; the scores that reflect our failing grades are based on averages. Making judgements on schools based solely on averages does those students a disservice. We need to look deeper; our students built an airplane! We are blessed to be in such an extraordinary school district. The time I have spent with Tim and Ben, they have repeated, with enthusiasm, that they are available to anyone who wishes to understand the facts and significance of the testing and the scores. I also listen to other city leaders whom I respect and trust; they are all in agreement regarding what Tim and Ben represent for our children.

AT THE POLLS I just want to tell people, if you care about schools, you must vote on May 1. Please consider the book The Dream House, which is being read by student-led book clubs in Leander ISD. No one in the ISD fully vetted the books in the reading list, and this book was paused—not cancelled—only after many parent protests. The book is a memoir about an abusive, same-sex relationship that includes graphic depictions of both. Without rendering judgment on the content, it is unquestionably not a book for high school students. Administration failed to vet the book, saying, “The team relied heavily on recommendations and online book reviews.” That is Williamson County, not some far way place in Oregon. This same district has also cancelled Huckleberry Finn. Our school board plays a part in our school’s reading materials. It’s important to remember, once Trustees are elected to the school board, there is nothing we can do about the votes they cast. If our Board decides to approve a curriculum that includes material in conflict with our values, or fire someone they disagree with, parents will be largely unable to do anything about it. This is why I am saying we need conservative school board members. My bottom line, I’m not only a former educator, I’m a parent who raised two children with whom I was very involved. I am also very active in the education of my grandchildren, and am eager to help them seek and choose the best educational opportunities. I’m not sure how GISD could do better than it is now. Yes, until everyone gets a perfect scores, we can improve. But at what cost to the social-emotional health of our children? I believe GISD is doing something right and we can be proud of it. A PR I L 2 0 2 1  G E O R G E TO W N V I E W

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Shaping the Future of Public Education through True Accountability by Charlotte Kovalchuk

efore handing out the STAAR test, Georgetown High School teacher Sarah Kuczek puts it into perspective for her students. “I don’t teach to this test. I teach you skills,” she tells them. “This one test is not going to define you. It’s not going to define my teaching. It’s not going to define who you are.” Created in 2012, State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) testing is used as an indicator of student learning to ensure they’re ready to enter the next grade level. But Sarah believes it falls short of that goal. She says STAAR testing is not a true indicator of kids’ abilities, with its arbitrary grading, focus on a certain population that leaves minorities at a disadvantage, and a one-size-fits-all approach. “They’re asking us to reach students where they are, and help them grow, but they’re asking kids to all conform to the same test,” she explains.

EDUCATION GAME CHANGER Through his advocacy for True Accountability, John Tanner hopes to change that paradigm and forge a bright future for public education. When an impoverished student falls behind because of limited access to education, it doesn’t mean they’re a failure. But a test can make them feel like one. It’s why John, founder of bravEd, is working to change accountability in public schools from a metric-based system to one that focuses on student progress and meaningful change. BravEd is an organization that pushes for schools to move beyond testbased educational accountability. “What we do with our current system is look at children who are years behind through no fault of their own and declare them failures,” he says. “If they’re labeled failures just because they’re behind, you’re at risk of creating failure where none exists.”

The same is true for schools and the annual letter rankings they receive from the state based on STAAR test results. In 2019, Georgetown ISD was given a B, while several of its schools got Ds and Fs. “Saying you’re a C or D or B doesn’t tell me anything about the effectiveness of that school,” John says. “What does reveal a school’s effectiveness is True Accountability,” he adds. True Accountability is a movement spearheaded in Texas by the Texas Public Accountability Consortium (TPAC) that fosters connections between school districts and communities to learn schools’ strengths and weaknesses, and to find ways to improve. For the last five years, John has worked with 60+ school districts in Texas, including GISD, to establish True Accountability systems alongside the required standardized testing. Ultimately, John hopes to work with policy makers to eliminate STAAR testing altogether. “I would love to see meaningful accountability in schools, and for test-based accountability to go the way of the dodo bird,” he says. To learn more about bravEd and the True Accountability movement, visit brav-ed.com.

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GISD Fosters Student Growth through MAP Testing by Charlotte Kovalchuk

the country,” says Wes Vanicek, GISD chief strategist for assessment and feedback. “This allows teacher teams and campus leaders to tailor practices and dig in a little deeper to understand why certain results are the way they are, then make adjustments in the classroom.”

“We knew that if we focused on providing for student growth every year, every student—regardless of what level he or she is on at the start of a school year—deserves at least one year’s academic growth,” he says.

The MAP Growth test is different from other standardized tests in that the questions are “leveled” by grade level difficulty, and the test is adaptive—as a student answers questions correctly, the questions become more challenging and vice versa. “This provides a more precise measurement of progress. A teacher can better see where exactly a student is ready to learn (i.e., at, above or below grade level),” Wes says.

hen Georgetown ISD received lower-than-expected STAAR test scores two years ago, Dr. Brent knew the District could do better. He convened his leadership and instructional teams to begin planning and meeting the challenge.

STAAR V. MAP At the end of every school year, Texas students are required to take the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test, which is used as an indicator of student learning to ensure they are prepared to enter the next grade level. What the STAAR test is not able to do is adapt to individual students and help them grow over the year. That’s where MAP testing comes in. Created by the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA), Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Growth is a standardized test used to monitor academic growth throughout the school year and set goals for the next assessment cycle.

MAP-ing GISD students in K-8 grade take the MAP three times; the beginning, middle, and end of the year. The District incorporated MAP testing to assess student progress so teachers can track and foster growth. “Schools and teachers are able to see which students and student groups are growing, how they are growing, as well as how they are performing compared to their peers across

To Dr. Brent, focusing on the individual child and the academic growth of each will naturally result in better test scores. “What I worry about with regard to improving STAAR scores, is that if we focus only on the test, we would rob students of so many enrichment experiences.”

“I LO V E T H E FAC T T H AT E V E RY M I D D L E S C H O O L C H I L D, R E G A R D L E S S O F W H O T H E Y A R E O R W H E R E T H E Y ’R E F R O M, I F T H E Y WA N T TO B E I N M I D D L E S C H O O L O R C H E S T R A, W E’R E G O I N G TO MA K E T H AT H A P P E N. W E H AV E M I D D L E S C H O O L O R C H E S T R A AT E V E RY M I D D L E S C H O O L C A M P U S. W E H AV E E N G I N E E R I N G AT E V E RY M I D D L E S C H O O L. W E H AV E S O MA N Y E L E M E N TA RY I N S T R U C T I O N A L P R O G R A M S T H AT A R E C R E AT E D TO M E E T T H E D I V E R S E N E E D S O F O U R S T U D E N T S.” MAP Growth is another way to meet those needs, with the added benefit of boosting test numbers. “What we believe is that by focusing our student growth on the standards over the course of the year, and making instructional adjustments along the way, that our students are going to grow, and that growth will be reflected through improved STAAR scores,” Dr. Brent shares. For more information about MAP testing, visit nwea.org or scan the code below.

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Judge Bill Gravell • Support for GISD Traditional, Conservative...Children First

by Ann Marie Kennon

illiamson County Judge Bill Gravell says, as a father—and a Paw-paw—he has deep appreciation for the values and benefits our children receive through public school education. In learning, as in all things, he believes we should not have a low standard of high expectations. As County Judge, he is also keenly aware of the challenges Georgetown ISD leadership has been faced with since STAAR results were reported in 2019. “I am a person who relies on data for many things, but I am concerned these children have been led to believe their educational experience is diminished according to metrics that have more to do with their ability to take a single test than with their capacity to learn and pursue their goals.” Specifically, the Judge refers to the accountability report that indicated a compelling number of Georgetown students were considered “at-risk” for dropping out. However, the District’s current graduation rate is 96 percent; 3 percent higher than the Region, and 6 percent above the State. “The District has been negatively influenced by those standardized scores, and yet, students are significantly surpassing those low expectations. That same year, GISD scores for the PSAT and SAT scores beat the state average by 6 percent. Surely, the administration’s Learner Profile is doing something right.”

credit: Camy Reynolds

Judge Gravell affirms what school superintendent Fred Brent has said that, despite challenges that remain from

a test taken in 2018, he is confident the District will be ready for the next one. The Judge adds, “The STAAR test is important, and is a metric to judge how we are doing. But, as a tool, it pales in comparison to what the leadership has accomplished during the last year or two during a global pandemic. I believe Ben Stewart and newcomer Tim Carr have proven to be amazing leaders during the most difficult and complex times our city, county, and state have ever faced. They do not rush to judgment, or try to fix things with a band-aid, but will continue to focus on the things that make Georgetown special and reflect what the community truly cares about.” He draws similarities between managing the needs of different schools and the needs of different municipalities within our growing county. “Our County is very diverse; the needs and resources of the folks in Jarrell are different than those in Cedar Park. It’s the same for a school system with 19 campuses. It is a leader’s job to dig deep and focus on making the best decisions for everyone, with a mindset toward the collective future of all of them. I believe GISD is well-served by Dr. Brent’s conservative and student-focused approach to problem solving. I’m pleased with the progress our students are making in their preparations for college, career, and military, and that he and the Georgetown community have stayed true to the traditional values that reflect the best Williamson County has to offer.”

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Go Blue 4 WilCo

by Ann Marie Kennon • annmarie@georgetownview.com

APRIL IS CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS & PREVENTION MONTH

Partnerships All About Kids

he Go Blue 4 WilCo Committee has great activities and events in store this month to raise awareness and advocate for child victims of abuse and violence. WCCAC CEO Kerrie Stannell says, “Go Blue is a time to shine a light on the agencies that work to brighten the lives of children in our WilCo community.” Throughout April, Go Blue 4 WilCo honors children served by advocates and law enforcement across the county.

Place pinwheels in your yard, wear blue, and send photos to Erin Langford, elangford@wilcocactx.org. WCCAC will feature you on their social media pages. You can also purchase Go Blue! Blue ribbon window clings and t-shirts to show your support and dedication to keeping kids safe.

GO BLUE! In Spring 1989, a Virginia grandmother named Bonnie Finney tied a blue ribbon to the antenna of her minivan in honor of her late grandson, who was a victim of child abuse. She chose blue to make sure no one would forget his bruises. Her mission was to send a message to the community that child abuse was, and continues to be a devastating plague. The visibility of her blue ribbon and her mission grew and inspired a community-based effort to prevent child abuse everywhere. In the years since, child advocates have also adopted the pinwheel as a national symbol for child abuse awareness and prevention. It represents hope, health, and happiness, and serves as a reminder that we all have a responsibility to create communities that promote healthy environments for children. Go Blue 4 Wilco committee is comprised of Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center, Bikers Against Child Abuse; Taylor, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, Round Rock police departments; WilCo Sheriff’s Office, The Georgetown Project, CASA of Williamson County, and Juvenile Services. The Committee builds awareness events and activities that align with the national observance dedicated to awareness and prevention.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

“GO BLUE” ART CONTEST The Go Blue 4 Wilco committee is inviting all school-age kids to participate in an art contest. Artwork may be submitted April 1-30 to elangford@wilcocactx.org or Delta.Jolly@georgetown.org THE THEME OF THE CONTEST IS

“I MATTER BECAUSE...” The committee hopes to encourage greater awareness of child abuse and prevention, as well as engage kids in activities that promote self-esteem. GPD Officer Delta Jolly affirms, “We want kids to understand, while they may feel vulnerable after being taken advantage of, each child truly matters.”

Celebrating and recognizing April has changed due to COVID. While these groups are typically visible in the Red Poppy Parade, and rest stop at the Red Poppy Bike Ride, most recognition has moved online.

The Georgetown winners in the Elementary, Middle, and High School categories will be featured on social media and in the May issue of the Georgetown View.

You can show your support by following WCCAC on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for fun family activities, tips on how to talk to children about abuse, and participate in social media challenges.

Officer Jolly says she hopes to have many submissions that can be reproduced on paper, but they are happy to capture any type of art in a photograph to share. She adds, “Whatever helps fuel creativity, functions as an outlet, and celebrates how much each child matters.”

APRIL 2021  GEO R GE TO W N V I EW

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Working with Nick and his committed team of friendly professionals means taking advantage of the wisdom and experience of experts who will:

ick Keller has spent a lifetime working and understanding the literal science of making things prettier than they once were. He began mowing lawns at age 12, and 28 years later with a master’s knowledge of chemicals and proper usage, he is still beautifying Georgetown. “I enjoy nature,” he says. “I love being outside, and I love telling a homeowner with an unattractive or problem lawn that the view from their front window will look like a golf course.” Nick’s Green Dream Lawn Care is a fertilization and weed control program that applies carefully chosen, non-toxic sprays and spreads on a very meticulous schedule. He explains, “There is more to lawn care than what is on the label. Applications are also dependent upon wind speeds, barometric pressure, and ground temperature. We start with products only available to licensed providers, and I have spent decades understanding not only what plants and grass need, but when they need it. Even the friendliest chemicals, if applied at the wrong time, can burn your roots, waste your money, and require greater effort to recover.”

Diagnose the health of your plants and lawn Heal what is damaged Nurture your plants and grass to look better and live longer Make your home look its best.

Green Dream services follow a seasonal schedule and include free followups. Techs study every lawn to determine what each needs while keeping within homeowner budget. “We cater only to what the homeowner wants and can afford. If we can heal your lawn without a complete overhaul, we won’t sell you one. Perhaps you just want to keep the burrs out of the grass (and off the dog), or create a fully lush yard. In all cases, I’ll go over the full spectrum of options so you can make an informed decision about care. It’s about building trust and a long-term relationship.” In addition to educated field techs who apprentice for many months during training, they have a dedicated office staff to manage accounts. Every manager is provided the flexibility and autonomy to treat each account like it is his or her own.

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HOMEOWNER ADVOCATE Nick and his specialists have studied lawns from every angle, and they maintain healthy growth in unique ways. “We don’t just look at the back of the bottle, we have a deeper understanding, from many years’ experience, about how to use products the right way.”

Nick says all is not lost for many plants after Winter Storm Uri. “Germination was just beginning to happen when the cold arrived, and for some plants it has been pushed back a few weeks while the dirt warmed up. But, the snow acted like a blanket, protecting many plants from the single-digit temperatures. We Texans know how much our weather changes, and my whole life has been focused on making sure that I keep up with the science, so you don’t have to.”

“A P R E T T Y YA R D I S T H E I C I N G O N T H E C A K E . I A S K M YS E L F W H Y S O M E S P E N D S O M U C H M O N E Y TO P U R C H A S E A B E AU T I F U L H O M E T H E N D O N ’ T CO N S I D E R T H E $40/ M O N T H I N V E S T M E N T TO M A K E T H E I R L AW N LO O K B E AU T I F U L . W E A R E CO M M I T T E D TO T H AT.”

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Thriving AFTER 55

Brought to you by

Faith in Action Georgetown

faithinactiongt.org • 512-868-9544 Helping seniors maintain independence through transportation and support services.

ENGAGEMENT

Wise Owls Initiative Page 48

INNOVATION

Simon Wheaton’s genius Page 50

Right: Photo of Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin on the lunar surface by Neil Armstrong (NASA). Film created by Simon Wheaton

Engaged and Thriving Wise Owls Initiative

by Ann Marie Kennon • photos courtesy Laura Jones

ometimes a vision just needs a reason, and Laura Jones (pictured) is a perfect example of being on mission at the right time. Laura is founder of the Wise Owls Initiative, a non-profit focused on reducing the negative effects of isolation on our senior population through volunteer and activity engagement. The organization is an outgrowth of her own clinical and evidence-based research, and is a coordinated effort with agencies across Williamson County. Laura and her multi-generational group of volunteers create events and activities that provide positive and creative stimulation for elders who are observing strict social distancing in group facilities or living alone. Laura says, “I just love elderly patients and people, and have committed my career and vocations to them. With all the changes in 2020, it was on my heart to expand my work outside the clinical setting, and into homes where the needs often go unseen. When I began helping the Medical Reserve Corp I saw the county employees working on all burners for our health and safety, so I decided I could get the emotional health lane covered.” She then used her COVID stimulus check to establish the Wise Owls Initiative, which primarily helps those in nursing homes who are in need of contact and support.

MEETING SENIORS WHERE THEY ARE Wise Owls began with volunteers who created greeting cards, which were delivered to residents at The Reserve at Georgetown, and were richly received. She soon developed and introduced what has become one of her most popular activities, Planting Smiles. “This one is so important,” she explains, “because engagement is at its core. We provide our new friends with a terra cotta pot, paint, and seeds, which grow into a plant that is dependent upon them. These combined activities foster creativity and social interaction, give worth to the work, and by connection, the worker. People pull energy from their heart and soul to nurture something, and it gives them purpose.” Laura is already working on local fundraising events and applying for grants on her journey to reach every person in a group setting. “We are working with home health agencies and faith communities to reach out, even if it’s just connecting penpals, who are both staying safe, across the county.”

She is actively seeking new places where her volunteers can make friends and plant smiles, or maybe donate a popcorn machine to enjoy the delight on residents’ faces when they get a taste of nostalgia. She welcomes suggestions and requests at WiseOwlsInitiative.org.

HOW TO HELP Wise Owls has a Giving Tuesday campaign available on Facebook, and an Amazon wish list to contribute to the group activities, and all sponsors get a mention in their social media. Laura adds, “We love and appreciate financial donations, but we also hope the community will donate activity supplies as well.”

Laura and some of her volunteer team delivering smiles to Age of Central Texas 48

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To donate time, contact Mike Caudle at the Williamson County Health District (512-9433665) and mention Wise Owls. Volunteers need no special training, just the desire to help some new friends.

Advanced Hearing Aid Solutions is pleased to announce some wonderful changes that will enable us to serve our clients with greater technology, convenience, and safety. We have relocated to a new larger office in the same building, with updated and upgraded technology. We have a new, private entrance, which provides improved accessibility-handicap parking and wheelchair/walker direct access into our office—and the convenience of curbside delivery. We are continuing to maintain the utmost in COVID safety-private appointments, and time between clients for thorough cleaning. Plus, as our lifestyles gradually return to normal, we look forward to putting our new, large covered patio to good use. We have missed seeing our clients and friends at monthly learning lunches to talk about the latest in hearing technology, testing, and products. Now, we have the perfect spot to schedule those monthly visits, and we are pretty excited to add ice cream socials to the calendar too!

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Life sounds brilliant. Some new and favorite services you can look forward to in the new space include our new state-of-the-art Hearing Aid Verification, and Aurical Free fit system, which will make the first fitting more precise and accurate. As always, we still provide free hearing exams, hearing aid cleanings, and consultations.

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He Brought the Moon Into Focus by Ann Marie Kennon • annmarie@georgetownview.com

imon Wheaton is the man responsible for all the detailed images we have from NASA’s Apollo moon landings. In the 1960s, he was given a scholarship to study for a Ph.D. but his sponsor asked him to work a few years, to learn from the ground up, at the largest chemical company in the U.K. One of their products was a chemical substrate (physical film base) for 35mm and x-ray film. Simon explains, “I was “ W H AT I LO V E A B O U T T H E A P O L LO S TO R Y I S T H AT T H E working in Scotland at that A S T R O N AU T S L E F T A LOT O F T H I N G S , I N C LU D I N G T H E E X T R A F I L M , time, and digital cameras were O N T H E LU N A R S U R FA C E TO A CCO M M O D AT E T H E W E I G H T O F T H E not even in our imagination. M O O N R O C K S O N T H E T R I P B A C K . I L I K E TO S AY M Y C L A I M Substrate is about the thickness TO FA M E I S T H AT I P R O D U C E D G A R B A G E O N T H E M O O N .” of a modern plastic shopping bag, but must be incredibly career. “My first circuit was about as big as the tip of my strong to withstand the photo-reactive chemicals applied little finger. It’s amazing how things have reduced in size, to it, which were known to cause distortion when magnibut the Hasselblad camera on the front of Buzz’s suit— fied. It was possible that when an image was ‘blown up,’ the same camera Neil was using—had a 2-1/2-inch negasomething you see may not have actually been there but tive, and that is the reason you can even see the wrinkles was a distortion on the substrate.” in the gold foil of the lunar lander in the reflection of his Two gentlemen from NASA approached his boss with helmet.” requirements for a new substrate that would do—and not do—certain things. “I had two days and a production line. They did not say, so I didn’t know until much later, that Simon’s career has been much more diverse and the ‘project’ was Apollo. No one had been to the moon fascinating than we can share in this space, but he is still yet, so it wasn’t like Mars landings where we are all anticiup at 5:30am every day, answering emails from clients pating it and it’s in our collective conscious.” around the world for his company, CypherCo Limited. A true Englishman, he sought no accolades or credit, Since 1989, he has produced everything from beer keg and doesn’t boast about the film, or the many awards handlers to chemical safety equipment. “When you in engineering, plastics, and chemistry he has received understand the pathology of some chemicals, you know since. He says, “I received many projects like that. When that rubber gloves are often not enough.” I asked why they choose me, the newest and youngest, As a naturalized citizen and Georgetown resident, he they said, ‘Because we didn’t know if it could be done,’ loves the variety of America, and the business sense of but I took it in stride. Kodak and DuPont had declined to Texas, and has no plans to retire. He does admit he may, try, but I knew what should make it work. It was a relativeperhaps, slow down a bit to enjoy more time on his boat. ly small amount of product and the NASA men left with it under their arm.” If you are fortunate enough to meet Simon in person,

STILL INNOVATING

As an engineer, he has an appreciation for the photo technology we have today, and smiles to think of the valve-tube-transistor evolution he was part of in his 50

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ask him about Uncle Harry and the beknighted boat owner.

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WHAT MAKES TEXAS “TEXAS”?

Texas Wildflowers

BLUEBONNETS ARE WHERE THE SKY FALLS ON TEXAS

Ann Marie Kennon • annmarie@georgetownview.com

“ W H E R E F LO W E R S B LO O M , S O D O E S H O P E .” L A DY B I R D J O H N S O N

ver wonder why Texas roadsides are covered in bright wildflowers each spring? It’s just another great benefit to living in a state as big as Texas—the great diversity of land and climate types we have. “Everything’s bigger...” may help explain why there are more than 5,000 native flowering plants in the state. Wildflower season is typically late March through May, which is also when our state flower, the bluebonnets, are in bloom.

Yes, that is plural. In 1901, the legislature chose the Lupinus subcarnosus as the floral emblem, but some people thought it was the least pretty of the subspecies they found. After much debate, in 1971, the state decided all varieties of bluebonnet would be the state flower. Historian Jack Maguire explains, “The bluebonnet is to Texas what the shamrock is to Ireland, the cherry blossom to Japan, the lily to France, the rose to England, and the tulip to Holland.” In all cases, the appearance of the flowers continue to pay homage to brave Texas pioneer women who wore bonnets to shield themselves from the sun.

what makes Texas “Texas” WHAT TO KNOW Experts say, based on our February deep-freeze, we can expect the peak of the 2021 season to be a bit later than normal, but, the bluebonnet watch has already begun in earnest. Where and when you can find the best views tends to change from year to year. Weather and local conditions play a big part in the bloom volume; a place that had a lush pillow of color last year isn’t guaranteed to provide a repeat performance. But, if you do hear about a great spot, don’t wait, if you can help it. A few days can mean the difference between peak colors and untouched grass, and fewer fresh blooms with footprints all around because everyone shared your stash.

BACKGROUND While she was First Lady of the United States, Claudia Alta “Lady Bird” Johnson promoted and lobbied for national beautification. Mrs. Johnson pushed Congress to pass the Beautification Act of 1965, known as “Lady Lady Bird Johnson 1977 Bird’s Bill.” That bill limited the amount of signage and junkyards on the sides of U.S. interstates, and encouraged scenic improvement. In 1965 she said, “Though the word beautification makes the concept sound merely cosmetic, it involves much more: clean water, clean air, clean roadsides, safe waste disposal, and preservation of valued old landmarks as well as great parks and wilderness areas. To me…beautification means our total concern for the physical and human quality we pass on to our children and the future.” The First Lady’s efforts were not just focused on Texas, but she did put a spotlight on wildflowers, which are ubiquitous here. Fortunately, the Texas Department of Transportation had been taking care of the state’s roadside wildflowers since 1934. Today, the agency continues to delay roadside mowing until after the wildflowers bloom, which means late Spring or early Summer.

TxDOT also scatters 30,000 pounds of new seeds on Texas roadsides every year; a mix of grasses and wildflowers that set up the Springtime blooms. They then schedule and time their strip mowing to foster native plant growth, including wildflowers.

IF YOU’RE TEXAN... While you won’t get your Texas card revoked for not getting the yearly bluebonnet photo of your children and family, you will certainly be missing out on this... sort of, required... annual pilgrimage. They are distinctive to the state and there aren’t many things that make you stop and stand still better than a sea of wildflowers. And, you don’t want to be the only one without swashes of blue on your social feed. Plus, getting out to the Hill Country and enjoying everything about being outside is a lot more fun than looking at other people’s photos, y’all. Lady Bird certainly deserves credit for spreading Texas’ love for roadside wildflowers to the rest of the nation, and while some may try to tell you it‘s against the law to pick or cut down bluebonnets, it is not. It is illegal to damage public property—like mowing a roadside— but a law that specifically prohibits damaging wildflowers is just legend. It’s just nice to leave the fields full of color for the next visitor.

A REAL BLUEBONNET LEGEND ...tells the tale of a Comanche tribe suffering after a bitter winter. The medicine men knew they would have to sacrifice their most prized possession to appease the Great Spirit. Overhearing their conversation, a young girl decided she must sacrifice hers—a little doll adorned with blue jay feathers. After everyone went to sleep, she burned the doll and scattered its ashes in the wind. The tribe awoke the next morning to see the hillsides blanketed in blue.

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towns around

Liberty Hill School Bond • May 1

by Ann Marie Kennon

The M ay 1 ele c t io n in c lu d es severa l IS D Tru stee pl a ce s and a bond vo te fo r Lib er t y H ill IS D. As t h e sch o o l D i s tr ic t bounda r y over la p s t h e Cit y o f G eo rgetown , th e s e items will a ppe a r o n so m e G eo rgetown b a llo t s.

credit: LHISD

iberty Hill ISD voters have the opportunity to approve funding that will prepare the city and the District to accommodate predicted and unprecedented growth that is, to some degree, already happening. Superintendent Steve Snell affirms Liberty Hill growth is in the top one percent in Texas, and the city is poised to be a ‘boomtown’ in the next decade. “We are also the highest performing ISD in Williamson County, and among the highest in Texas. Our long-range planning committee assessed what our needs would be for the next ten years, and this bond will prevent us from having to ask for another election for another 4-5 years.” As demographers predict enrollment to increase from the current 5,735 to 22,374 by 2030, this bond will be in place to cover the needs where homes are planned or already being built (image).

purchase land at today’s prices, to help us prepare to cover the needs of those 6,000 new students we will welcome to our District before mid-2025.”

WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU

VISIT, AND VOTE

The bond is made up of four propositions totaling $491.7 million, and voters can vote for or against them individually. The superintendent affirmed, even with passage of all four, the city’s tax rate will not increase. “First, we are already at the state maximum of $.50 allowed for school taxes. Second, we have a great plan to pay the bond note, and, most importantly, the organic increase in the number of taxpayers in Liberty Hill will absorb the cost of the bond note.” He added, while a few new students per campus would be manageable, the District expects 13-16 percent annual growth, and it is important to provide appropriate resources to enable hundreds to maintain the District’s high expectations, and strong culture of character and service. “New students don’t just show up on the first day,” Steve says. “We receive new partners every day; we’ve had the equivalent of two full classrooms just since Christmas, and we hit ‘trigger’ points throughout the year that indicate a need for more space. This bond, among other things, will allow us to

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The ISD bond website provides specific details about the contents of each proposition, allowing each voter to compare cost options with their personal views on what is best for the community. Superintendent Snell says the website is a valuable tool and worth a visit; “We want our residents to know what they are paying for, so they can make an informed decision. If the community prefers to expand rather than build new, we are confident to let them decide. The website includes supporting details; e.g., irrespective of the number of schools we build, our bus fleet will need to double to get those students to school each day.”

W E ’ R E N OT D O I N G A N Y T H I N G E X T R AVA G A N T. W E WA N T TO G I V E K I D S E V E R Y T H I N G T H E Y N E E D TO H AV E A CO M P E T I T I V E A D VA N TA G E W H E N T H E Y G R A D UAT E . ~ S T E V E S N E L L AT THE POLLS: For any bond election, the state requires “THIS IS A TAX INCREASE” printed on the page. Steve explains this is necessary because property taxes are correlated to bonds of any kind. In this case, the increase is $0.00.

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why is this a thing?

story and photo by Charlotte Kovalchuk charlotte@georgetownview.com

Shining a Light Cold Laser Therapy

hen Rebecca Garner came in to see Dr. Stephen Tranter in Georgetown about her injured foot, the pain was so severe she could not wear a shoe. Surgery had healed her broken foot but not the tissue, which was so swollen she could not even tolerate having Dr. Tranter touch it. He prescribed and provided cold laser therapy, a treatment that focuses a laser on the affected area, which Rebecca now calls marvelous for the wonders it did her foot. After two treatments, she was able to wear a shoe again, and after ten treatments, only mild soreness remained. “It’s just marvelous, unbelievable really, how fast it worked and how well it worked,” Rebecca says. Dr. Tranter has seen many success stories like Rebecca’s, including relief from tendonitis, frozen shoulder, hip bursitis, and even a paralyzed diaphragm.

HOW IT WORKS Known as the grandfather of laser therapy, Professor Andre Mester began using cold laser therapy in 1967 to treat patients with skin conditions that were not healing. The therapy was originally approved by the FDA in 2001, and was recently cleared for chronic musculoskeletal pain, which has made it more mainstream and, some hope, helpful in reducing the need for opoids for pain treatment. Dr. Tranter says this is a typical example of the sometimes-slow march of medicine. Cold laser works by concentrating a laser for a few minutes at a time on the area experiencing pain, to stimulate healing and reduce muscle and joint pain. Different wavelengths and outputs of low-level light are applied directly to a targeted area. The body tissue then absorbs the laser light as it would sunlight, but allows it to penetrate more deeply. The red and near-infrared light cause a reaction, and the damaged cells respond

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with a physiological reaction that promotes regeneration. “When an area is injured, the function of it is low, and healing can be slow,” Dr. Tranter says. “Stimulation goes beyond natural healing and there are no side effects.” Hot lasers—surgical and aesthetic—work by heating specific tissues and are quite expensive. Cold laser, as opposed to hot laser used in surgery, costs $30 to $50 per session, with ten sessions being the typical treatment period. The laser penetrates clothing layers and patients do not feel anything. Dr. Tranter himself was skeptical when he had cold laser applied to one of his own injuries, “You have to trust that it’s doing what it should,” he says. Dr. Tranter says cold laser therapy is great for patients who are in their 20s or older, but not recommended for adolescents who have not finished growing.

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poppy talks

I Need a Hero I

feel fortunate to have been able to hear Astronaut Charlie Duke at the Mayors’ prayer breakfast last month. The grown-up side of me is still thinking about the bravery he showed—not walking on the moon, which was extraordinary, of course—but by telling a room full of strangers about his personal failures on his journey to finding peace with God. I fail all the time, but I am in no mood to tell anyone about it. Given I am not scheduled for my first space walk any time soon, it’s not like I have that far to fall in anyone’s estimation, but I’m still not in a rush to shine a light on it. Speaking to an American hero in person, despite his mission being nearly 50 years ago, I couldn’t help but marvel at what he did, and how unfortunate it is that we aren’t honoring people like Charlie every day. No matter how many apps, gadgets, or planets we conquer, no other humans will ever be able to say they were Apollo astronauts. That said, there’s always the Poppy side of me that can’t do anything without amusing myself in the process. For instance, how does General Duke keep from responding to people who want to brag about, literally, anything, with a bit of a wink? “Oh, you have two million followers on Instagram? That’s nice. I don’t post many pictures but there is one photograph, lying on the moon, of me and my kids.” “Yes, that is a nice Rolex. I don’t really go for brand name stuff, unless you count my hometown wanting to name an elementary school after me. My friend Buzz Aldrin has one in Virginia.” “Oh, you created Facebook? That’s pretty cool; I drove a car on the moon.” Conversely, we know his tenacity wasn’t always about super-achievement. “Well, I spent 71 hours on the moon when I was 36. It was kind of challenging to know where to go in my career and my goals after that, but go ahead and tell me about your mid-life crisis.”

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As classy as General Duke is, I’m sure he never said, or even thought, any of those things, so I’m happy to be sassy for him in retrospect. Naturally, one need not walk on the moon to be a hero to Poppy. I also have great admiration for any person who can read a disagreeable social media post without flaming the poster and calling him/her a bunch of socially trendy -ist names. I also love every adoptive parent, ever. Particularly the foster mom in Texas I just heard about who adopts orphans in need of organ transplants because they are not eligible for treatment unless they have a home. She is equally prepared and fortified to care for children who will have a lifetime of special needs, or whom she may grieve as quickly as they become family, just to give them the chance. I might be good enough to gift someone a kidney, but she is next-level love. No contest. My point, I guess, is that I don’t always subscribe to the worldly view of heroes. There are probably thousands of people worthy of our praise and thanks, and we will never know them because they don’t do it for Likes. Some days, the bravest thing I do is open my e-mail. Someone is always upset at something and it appears I’m never going to grow a writer’s thick skin. Honestly, I don’t know how people truly in the public eye get out of bed in the morning. Outside of that, I suppose I could confess that half the stuff I do as a mom, I do for Likes. But, just from that one kid, and I’m only successful about 50 percent of the time. So, like Charlie, I will continue look to the universe in wonder, and be grateful for the little blue ball that seems to be hanging in the blackness of space. And I will also be grateful there are still many blobs of carbon-based matter on it, however unfamous, who have the Right Stuff. To you, I say, “Godspeed.”

CHILDREN ARE A GIFT FROM GOD

~ PSALM 127:3

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A SPRING BOUQUET

facts to blow your mind

Donald Weder holds the patent for plastic Easter eggs and shredded grass. He also holds a total of 1,411 other U.S. patents — 320 more than Thomas Edison (1,093). William Schrafft invented the jellybean in the late 1800s. His original goal was to send them overseas to our soldiers. Americans eat enough at Easter to fill a nine-story building. The Easter “bunny” stems from the Anglo-Saxon festival of Eastre, which featured a spring goddess who used the rabbit to represent fertility. When Germans settled in Pennsylvania in the 1700s, they brought the Middle-Ages bunny-with-eggs tradition with them. During April showers, when it’s raining cats and dogs in the U.S., in Portugal it’s raining pocket knives. In France it rains ropes, and in Norway it is raining troll women. If you visit South Africa beware of raining old women with clubs. Lemons make more sugar than strawberries. Blue pigment doesn’t occur in nature. Blue birds, like the blue jay, get their color through light-scattering, microscopic beads spaced on each feather in a way that cancels out everything except blue light. Strawberries aren’t berries—neither are raspberries and blackberries. True berries stem from one single-ovary flower and have two or more seeds. Strawberries don’t fit that bill, but bananas, kiwis, and watermelon do. April is the 423rd most common name in the United States. April Fools’ Day may have begun in 16th century France when the observation of New Year’s changed from April 1st to January 1st. Those who continued to celebrate on April 1st were called “April Fools.” Sunflowers save lives... their stems have been used to fill life jackets. Plus, floating sunflower rafts have been used to clean up water contamination from the Chernobyl disaster; their roots remove up to 95 percent of the radioactivity by drawing the contaminants out of the water.

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parting shots

Out-of-This-World Prayer Breakfast

Left: Organizer Jerry Geiger, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Charles Duke, Board Chair Chris Logue, Kesha Rogers

ot many people will say the first word that comes to mind when you say “astronaut” is humble. But, attendees at the 2nd Annual Williamson County Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast learned a great deal about humility, when keynote speaker and Apollo 16 Astronaut Charlie Duke, shared what life was like after he walked on the moon.

THE EVENT Organizer Jerry Geiger was the first co-sponsor of a Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast in Oklahoma City in 1983 and, with help from Sun City’s John and Melinda Marler, chose to continue the tradition in Williamson County in 2019. The early-morning event was sponsored by Schwertner Farms and NationalUnited Bank, and drew several hundred guests who joined Police Chief Wayne Nero, County Judge Bill Gravell, and Georgetown pastors Kelly Barnett and Ernest Jones to pray for our leadership, first responders, business community, our State, and our nation. Georgetown Mayor Josh Schroeder also humbly thanked the assembly, and was quick to point out the breakfast was not about him, or his office, but about the commitment our community showed by gathering in faith for the sake of its citizens. 64

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THE UNIVERSE General Duke had complete command of the room as he shared personal recollections of the first moon landing—with computers that had 80K of memory—and his own tremendous, and funny, experiences in space. Movie fans might remember his name from “Apollo 13”; he was the astronaut who got the measles, resulting in the crew change in that mission. Apart from the adrenaline-fueled stories of being atop the Saturn V rocket, he recalled seeing the circle of the Earth 25,000 miles away. “That jewel of Earth was suspended in the blackness of space...At the time i didn’t believe God created it, but I do now.” After his time at NASA, he struggled with life decisions that would plague any person who had stepped on the moon at age 36, but wasn’t quite sure where to go from there. After many years of personal and professional angst, he gave his life to Jesus and said it was then that he felt the peace he had been searching for since beginning his journey to space. You can see (and be moved by) General Duke’s keynote address and other videos. Contact Jerry at gag3@ live.com. See the committe’s ad on the previous page.

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