Georgetown View Magazine • October 2021

O C TO B E R 2021

IN THIS ISSUE Honoring Old Glory: Inspiration Park Foundation | 14 Saddle Up! Inaugural Williamson County Fair & Rodeo | 22 O C TO B E R 2 0 2 1  G E O R G E TO W N V I E W Art On The Square: First Annual Arts Stroll | 54

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OC TOBER 2021  GEO R GE TO W N V I EW

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georgetownview THRIVING AFTER 55

FAVORITES

FEATURES EXPERIENCE GEORGETOWN 10 "Let Me Be Myself" Anne Frank Exhibit INSPIRATION PARK 14 Georgetown Honors Old Glory WILLIAMSON COUNTY 22 Inaugural County Fair & Rodeo IN MEMORIAM Constable Kevin Stofle

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WHAT MAKES TEXAS "TEXAS" 42 Hispanic Heritage Month

SCOUTS 13 The Girl Scouts Want You! EVERYDAY HEROES An American Immigrant Story

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AROUND TOWN The History of Poppyfest

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SHELTER STORIES Rescues and Fosters

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MAGICIAN 48 Kent Cummins' Seven Decades of Magic FIELD OF HONOR 52 Memorials, Events, Contests, and the Vietnam Wall replica

ARTS‑ 54 Georgetown Art Stroll EVERYBODY HAS A STORY Georgetown Beauty Queen

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POPPY TALKS Shower Thoughts

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PARTING SHOT K-9 Kerplunk

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Visit our Facebook page for follow-ups to these stories, outtakes & hints to those upcoming...

GeorgetownViewMagazine

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INSIDE

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ON THE COVER

Georgetown and Williamson County bid farewell to a beloved public servant. p. 31

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georgetownview 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.

SENIOR WRITER Charlotte Kovalchuk CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Karina Cuenca • Linda A. Thornton • Ruby Moseley GRAPHICS & DESIGN Sandra Evans • Ann Marie Kennon CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Rudy Ximenez • David Valdez • Todd White SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Jenny Campbell ACCOUNT SERVICES Debbie Tolliver 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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EDITOR'S NOTE | ANN MARIE KENNON September was a difficult month for many people in Georgetown. We said goodbye to two inspiring public servants who guided, looked after, and touched us. This issue went to press prior to the memorial service for Georgetown Police Officer Michelle Gattey, but the editors and staff of the Georgetown View want to honor her service and her family with our sincerest condolences and many prayers for comfort. As well, we lock arms and hearts with those mourning the loss of their beloved pets.

My hope is that we will gather our faith as a city, celebrate the lives of those taken too soon, and appreciate those we can reach out to and hug or high-five. It's finally less hot than the surface of the sun, so let's get out there and spend time together.

As well, we did our best to prepare for you a wonderfully eclectic mix of heart, heroes, harvest, and Halloween.

I am thrilled to introduce our readers to historical truths, a beauty queen, a preview of the Field of Honor®, and a warm and wonderfully humble immigrant who cannot wait to be an American.

Finally, be sure to congratulate the "Chief of Hope" on his fundraising success at the Williamson County Children's Advocacy Center's Purse Bingo night. Charlotte, Cathy, and I joined many friends from Georgetown and towns around for an evening out to help victims of abuse and violence. Naturally, our own Chief Cory Tchida brought his A-game and stole the show... 'cause it's for the kids!

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A Brighter Future for EVERYONE in our Community

To address consistent growth, care for our aging facilities, ensure equity across campuses, and keep GISD programming competitive, the Board of Trustees has unanimously called for a $381.7M bond election to be held on November 2. In accordance with a new state law, this bond will be presented as five separate propositions on your ballot.

PROPOSITION A

addresses growth, academic needs, and aging facilities with: • two new elementary schools & a new middle school • a future-ready complex to house • advanced career & technical education courses, Richarte High School, Bridges transition program for 18+, GISD childcare center and health clinic • land acquisition and design of future facilities • safety & security upgrades • HVAC & roof upgrades/replacements • buses and maintenance vehicles

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includes necessary technology to align with the district’s one-to-one initiative, student and staff devices, and technology infrastructure upgrades.

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will renovate the interior finishes at the Klett Performing Arts Center.

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includes a new swim center in partnership with the YMCA that will serve the district and community, benefitting Georgetown citizens of all ages.

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will provide renovations to the tennis courts at Georgetown High School.

Deadline to register to vote: OCTOBER 4 Early Voting: OCTOBER 18-29 Election Day: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2

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This is political advertising paid for by Yes For Georgetown ISD.

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experience georgetown

by Cassidie Cox

photo credits: AFS/AFF, Amsterdam/BASEL courtesy of Lenora Hausman

The Life Story of Anne Frank on Display

I

f we forget our history, we will never have a sense of just how much it has changed. To that end, Congregation Havurah Shalom of Sun City, in partnership with the Georgetown Public Library, has brought a new Anne Frank exhibit to the library (402 W 8th St), open now through November 15.

“Let me be myself and then I am satisfied,” Anne wrote in her diary in 1944. In the secret annex where the family hid from the Nazis, Anne dreamed of becoming a writer and journalist after the war. Little did she know what an internationally famous writer she was becoming even then.

But, to the Nazis, Anne Frank was just Jewish, and just another of the 1.5 million children who died as a result of the anti-Semitism of the Nazis and the Holocaust. She was 15.

Lenora Hausman, co-chair of the exhibit says, "This exhibit will be more than just information, it will bring this history to life with photos and videos. The exhibit will provide insight into Anne and her family throughout their lives, as well as how they were affected by the world around them with the rise of Hitler and the Second World War." In addition to visual exhibits, the display includes a scale model of the Franks' hiding place, and a replica of Anne’s famous diary, which has never been out of print since first published in 1947.

“ I T ’ S D I F F I C U LT I N T I M E S L I K E T H E S E : IDEALS, DREAMS, AND CHERISHED HOPES R I S E W I T H I N U S , O N LY T O B E C R U S H E D B Y G R I M R E A L I T Y." ~ f ro m A n n e' s d i a r y

A WORLD OF CHANGE...

The world is so different from the days of Anne Frank that her story, to younger generations, may feel made up. In a solemn effort to reaffirm our connection, the exhibit includes written experiences from six 21st-century teens whose lives reflect a bittersweet similarity to Anne's. The teens depicted in the exhibit come from various backgrounds with diverse identities and disabilities. “Aren’t we all born equal?” they ask.

Their stories of intolerance, discrimination, and racism are important to read, and demonstrate the idea that discrimination is still a daily occurrence all over the world.

Lenora is very pleased with the library's collaboration. "We need exhibits like this more than ever with the rise of anti-Semitism, discrimination, the bullying. What is wonderful about this exhibit is how it brings the lessons of the past into the present with the stories of six contemporary teenagers who have

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experience georgetow n

experiences such exclusion and how they have dealt with it. We are so fortunate in Georgetown to have a library committed to community outreach and Holocaust education."

VISIT THE LIBRARY Volunteer docents from Congregation Havurah Shalom will lead groups of students, youth groups, and other groups through the exhibit. The docents will be trained by a professional from the Anne Frank Center.

Lenora adds, “This exhibit provides an excellent resource for schools and charter networks to comply with a new state law, signed by Governor Abbot in the previous legislative session, to teach students about tolerance, genocide, and the Holocaust."

The exhibit is appropriate for middle and high school students and recommends teachers allow two hours to view the complete exhibit and ask questions.

Docent-led tours can be scheduled on the website, AnneFrankExhibitGeorgetown.com.

Public walk-in tours will also be available on Saturdays and Sundays at 11am and 1:30pm.

The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular library hours.

Library Hours: Mon-Thurs: 9am-8pm Friday: 9am-6pm Saturday: 9am-5pm Sunday: Noon-5pm

O C TO B E R 2 0 2 1  G E O R G E TO W N V I E W

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GIRL SCOUTS MAKE A DIFFERENCE Building confidence as we return to a life filled with friends and new experiences.

by Ann Marie Kennon annmarie@georgetownview.com

T

he Girl Scouts of America say if you find a troop near you, you’ll always have something to do. That is certainly true of the Red Poppy Service Unit, which has troops looking for new members and leaders in Georgetown, Jarrell, and Florence. They are especially eager to create new early elementary Daisy groups.

Director Erica Edwards explains, “After a year of staying home, we are eager to give young ladies in elementary and middle school the opportunity to join our existing troops or build new ones with friends. The mission and values of scouting remains the same, teaching girls about independence and how to make a difference, but we are also diligent in making sure that our activities and achievements are relevant in the 21st century.”

One of the unique things about Girl Scouts is the leadership opportunities they provide for all ages. Scouts choose their own experiences and team up with other girls to choose hands-on activities they find interesting.

Along the way, they are given the reins to lead themselves, work within their schools or communities, and discover ways they can have the greatest impact. Troops are organized by grade level and members still go on camp outs and earn traditional Life Skills and Outdoor badges, but today’s Scouts also work toward STEM, Digital Leadership, Entrepreneur, and Global Action badges, and even earn college scholarships.

CHANGING THE WORLD REQUIRES VOLUNTEERS Erica says her biggest challenge in a post-COVID year is recruiting parent leadership to guide the young ladies throughout the school year. “Our Scouting year begins in October and the great thing about this volunteer role is that it can be what you make of it. Most troops have co-leaders to share the responsibilities and if they want to meet weekly, or twice a month, they can set their own pace and schedule. Plus, each troop has support positions, like Treasurer, or Cookie Coordinator, that don’t require as much time. We are all busy moms, of course, but if your daughter enjoys it, it’s a wonderful way to spend quality time together. We just encourage those who can make the time to help us build troops for everyone who wants to participate.”

BE A PART OF IT The Red Poppy Service Unit is having a gathering at Georgetown High School on October 7 at 7pm to answer questions and help with registrations. Membership is very affordable, just $25 annually and the cost of one uniform. Erica says GSA provides financial aid as well. Scan the code to sign up or get more information.

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patriots

by Ann Marie Kennon • annmarie@georgetownview.com images courtesy of Acuity via SmugMug and Randy Mongold

"Twin" Flag will Celebrate America

W

hen Sun City's Randy Mongold retired for the second time, he wondered, Is this it?... Do I just watch 'Murder She Wrote' with my wife for the next ten years?

As it happened, he was not long for relaxing. Being curious, and a patriot, he asked Siri where in the United States he could find the largest flag. Her response was the 9,800 square foot flag hoisted on a 400-foot pole (facing page), built by Acuity Insurance in Sheboygan, Wisconsin after the September 11 attacks.

Inspired by the story and the site, Randy set about creating the Inspiration Park Foundation, a non-profit that will build and support a second American flag monument in north Georgetown. Randy's plan will also include a park (below) with a mission to celebrate freedom, hope, and honor.

GRATITUDE Much like the Sheboygan project, Randy's mission is to show his gratitude for the great country in which we live and work, and, as a former President of Georgetown Rotary, he is often inspired by others' hard work and creativity. He says, "So many of us are interested in what Old Glory represents. Unlike holidays or observances that come and go on the calendar, this park will pay tribute every day, and will be inspiring people 100 years from now."

SISTER MONUMENTS Randy was very intentional about the plans and dimensions of his tower and flag. "I don't want to build it 401 feet tall­—it's not about competing with Wisconsin— only to have someone build a 402-foot tower. When I spoke to Acuity, they were happy about our Foundation and having a 'sister' option and they have been extremely generous in sharing best practices. We are even using the same builder and we have been fortunate, as they didn't have a model to work from, to have the benefit of learning from their mistakes."

The major difference between the two will be the park, located at the intersection of IH-35 and CR143, on 5.5 acres donated by Trey Tap, President of Champion Site Prep. More than just a flagpole, Inspiration Park will include a wall of history, memorial brick plaza; air conditioned restrooms, meeting space and information center; and audio equipment in place for ceremonies and entertainment. Randy says, "I didn't want people to just drive up, take a selfie, and leave.

We will provide plenty of reasons to stay, enjoy, and reflect."

His plans also include parking for buses, RVs, and more than 200 cars that will bring tourists to the area—or motivate them to stop in town and eat-stayplay—and will all but guarantee that Texas continues to represent hope and possibilities to people from all over the United States.

� The foundation is 70' in diameter and 10' deep. It contains 750 cubic yards of concrete, 6 miles of rebar, and 148 ten-foot anchor bolts. � The tower is 400 feet tall—100 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty and is visible from 15 miles away. It weighs 200 tons and weath‑ erized to withstand 2 inches of ice, high temperatures, and lightning strikes (about 200 per year). � The top section of the tower rotates with the flag to prevent tangling. � The flag is 70' x 140', weighs 250 lbs, costs $12,000, and requires six people to carry it. Three flags rotate monthly to en‑ sure proper maintenance and appearance.

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patriots “I AM REALLY EXCITED ABOUT THIS PROJECT. IT COULD BE SOMETHING THAT MAKES AN INCREDIBLE STATEMENT ABOUT OUR CIT Y. WE LOVE OUR COUNTRY, AND WE LOVE OUR FLAG.” ~MAYOR JOSH SCHROEDER

INSPIRATION PARK

HISTORY PANELS

Randy's foundation is a 501(c)3 and is in the fundraising phase while he awaits municipal approvals. He expects to complete construction and raise the flag in late 2022 or early 2023.

The history panels will be covered by a tension ring, large enough to cover a football field, to provide shade. Panels will include national and wartime history from 1776 to today, with room to add or modify more.

As well, the indoor information room will have video presentations explaining how the park came to be and how it was all accomplished.

MEMORIAL BRICKS The park's Memorial Brick Plaza is an opportunity for everyone to be a permanent part of the grounds. Approximately 50,000 bricks will make up the circular walkway around the park. Once the park is built, engraving equipment will remain onsite to engrave bricks in place for $100. There are three sections; military honors, park donors, and commemorative family or favorite causes.

Randy explains, "We hope the walkway will reflect the patriotism of residents and visitors alike. It's a wonderful gift idea because it will last for decades."

For now, the Foundation invites you to visit the website and tell them how you think you can help. They will add all contacts to the e-mail distribution and share regular updates.

If you gotta go, you might as well go looking up.

The Acuity Insurance flag... from nearly two miles away

~Randy Mongold

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5 PROPOSITIONS: Proposition A [$333,420,000] 2 elementary schools, 1 New Middle School, Future Ready Learning Complex, Ag barns at EVHS GHS, Land acquisition for future development, Safety & Security EQUIPMENT and more...

Proposition B [$16.5M] Technology Infrastructure + Student & Staff Devices Bond Package Breakdown: The $381.7 million bond package includes 5 propositions and will be on the November 2nd Ballot.

DID YOU KNOW? The overall district tax rate has been reduced by 17.8 cents since 2018 to its current rate of $1.231. Passage of all 5 propositions could have a tax impact for property owners ranging from 0 to a maximum of 2.6 cents/$100 valuation.

Nearly 5,000 new students are expected in the next 5 years.

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Proposition C [$7.3M] Renovations to Klett Performing Arts Center Proposition D [$23.6M] District Swim Center + YMCA Partnership Proposition e [$850,000] Renovations to GHS tennis complex

LEARN MORE: www.georgetownisdbond.org

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everyday heroes

by Ann Marie Kennon • annmarie@georgetownview.com

AN AMERICAN STORY

OF BY-THE-BOOKS IMMIGRATION W H I L E M A N Y A R R I V E E V E R Y D AY O N F O OT, U P E N D R A A N D K I S H O R I C H O W L E R A W E R E E X T R E M E LY T H O R O U G H , P R O P E R , A N D K E P T T H E FA I T H TO E N S U R E T H E Y D I D E V E R Y T H I N G L E G A L LY.

U

pendra Chowlera recently celebrated his wife Kishori's arrival in Georgetown after many months of waiting for approval of her green card application. The Chowleras submitted, wrote, and made calls to the Departments of State and Homeland Security for more than two years with little to no word. Finally, two Sun City friends enlisted the help of Congressman John Carter to reunite the couple who had spent their newlywed years nearly 9,000 miles apart.

IT WAS A DIFFERENT TIME In 1968, when Upendra left India, he says there was a lot about America that was straightforward and simple. He remembers working at Wrigley Field in Chicago in the summertime and leaving change in an open coin box to buy a daily newspaper.

Having arrived as a student, he applied for his green card and received it shortly thereafter, and became a citizen just five years later. “My family had been filthy rich in India, but things changed and we went to the bottom of the barrel,” he says. “To restore our provision, we took a risk and came to the United States.”

Five decades later, divorced with two American-born children, Upendra returned to India and met Kishori through an introduction service. He recalls, "Kishori had been a

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OC TOBER 2021  GEO R GE TO W N V I EW

widow for 20 years and I loved that she had dedicated her life to raising her son on her own. She was happy to be re-married and eager to see a different world." They were married March 1, 2019.

COMING TO AMERICA When Upendra returned to the United States, they both began the process of Kishori’s immigration. On May 6, 2019 they were told it would take six to eight months because Upendra was a naturalized citizen.

For obvious reasons, the United States is the only nation in the world that does not allow spouses to immigrate automati-

everyday heroes cally. So, right away, Upendra had an agency review their documentation to ensure everything would be in place. Sadly, as six months turned into 12, and the questions and investigations grew somewhat redundant—Kishori not only had to provide her husband's death certificate to the embassy but also Upendra's divorce papers—they grew increasingly frustrated that they were unable to get any word or status update.

THE GIFT OF FRIENDSHIP In 2020, Upendra called on his friend Anne Marshall for help. He explained his wife wasn’t able to even visit him because she had already applied for a green card and they wanted to continue working through proper channels. He also contacted Con-

spoke to his Chief of Staff, August Alvarado. Betty says, "I immediately felt like this was a tragedy that didn't have to be, and I have known Judge Carter to be a compassionate and vigilant public servant. I had difficulty understanding why it was difficult for a citizen, father, and businessman making contributions to the community to wade through these difficulties to have his spouse come to live with him."

Mr. Alvarado presented the case to the Congressman for review. Upendra says, “I don’t know what happened behind the scenes, nor do I care to. The bottom line is that Kishori is here because of Judge Carter, with many thanks to Anne and Betty in the process.”

Kishori's green card was approved Sept. 1, 2021 and she arrived in the United States just ten days

"We took a risk and came to the United States to restore our family to the prosperity we had enjoyed and lost in India.

I completed my Bachelor and Master's Degrees and earned an MBA. I had a wonderful career in IT, consulting, and real estate.

God has given me more than I can thank Him for." ~Upendra Congressman John Carter welcomed Kishori at his offices in Round Rock. photo by Anne Marshall

gressman John Carter’s office, but, he believes, he did not pursue the matter persistently, so no progress was made. “It seemed very clear cut,” Upendra says. "I am a U.S. citizen, I am divorced, and I have no criminal record. I am in good health and I have resources to support us both. I wondered who on earth might think it was simply a green-card marriage at my age.” Anne had the same questions; “I made some calls and got Kishori an interview at the embassy in Mumbai but the questions continued to be about Upendra's first wife.”

Anne then called her friend Betty Schleder, who made a call to Congressman Carter’s office and

later. Anne says she has never seen Upendra so happy and Kishori is looking forward to visiting her extended family in Boston. She is already learning English and is enjoying getting comfortable in her new way of life.

Betty and Anne, too, are already working on a green card for Kishori's son who, like his stepfather, is eager to bring his education and global skills to bear in America. He also wants to be with his mother again soon. Betty says, "He has been alone in India for ten days, and already says he feels like a boat in the ocean alone. We will reunite this family; onward!"

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Virtual Silent Auction•Country Store•Food Court Pot O’Gold•Fruit of the Vine•Kids Train Ride Petting Zoo•Inflatibles•Cake Walk & much more for the Kids, Teens & Adults

St. Helen Catholic Church 2700 E. University, Georgetown, TX For more information, call 512-863-3041 or check our website at www.sainthelens.org/festival Sponsorships Available All profits go to benefit St. Helen Catholic Church and local charities

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around town

by Charlotte Kovalchuk • charlotte@georgetownview.com photos courtesy Clint Chitsey & Williamson County Expo Center

Saddle Up!

The Inaugural Williamson County Fair and Rodeo

H

ome to a rich agricultural heritage, Williamson County has enjoyed an annual livestock show and rodeos in Taylor and Jarrell, “But what we’ve never had is a true county fair,” County Treasurer and Williamson County Fair Association President Scott Heselmeyer says.

Scott, former County Judge Dan Gattis, and the Expo Center’s Clint Chitsey put their heads together to plan a county fair combining a rodeo, carnival, live music, food, and other family fun. Unfortunately, their plan for the 2020 Williamson County Fair and Rodeo got derailed by the pandemic. “It’s been a really challenging year-and-a-half for everyone,” Scott says. “We’ve been looking forward to having [the fair and rodeo] for quite some time. It’s exciting to be able to finally have it.”

Kicking off this month in Taylor, the fair and rodeo will feature a carnival and pig races for the kids, a special mustang event for veterans, concerts featuring Roger Kreger and Tracy Bird, and local live music throughout each day. “The goal is to celebrate

Williamson County’s agricultural heritage through education and entertainment, and to have an opportunity for the community to come together in a fun and family friendly environment,” Scott says. “We’re really hoping it can be a good countywide event and an event for families to come to, even just for part of the day and enjoy activities for some of the day, or to come for the day and the evening for the rodeo and concerts.

There’s something for everyone.”

To learn more, call 512-238-2101 or info@wilcofair. com. Scan the code for information and tickets.

OCTOBER 21-23 WILLIAMSON COUNTY EXPO CENTER 5350 BILL PICKETT TRAIL ∙ TAYLOR

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around town

County Fair Attractions MUSIC

ARTS AND CRAFTS

Friday headliner: Roger Creager Saturday headliner: Tracy Byrd Make your way over to The Corkyard, where you will find the Local Talent Stage featuring an assortment of musicians and performers from around the Austin area. This stage is the perfect, cozy scene to have a glass of wine or a cold beer and listen to up-and-coming entertainment.

PATRIOT PRO MUSTANG SHOWDOWN The Williamson County Fair Association is partnering with the Mustang Heritage Foundation to showcase local veterans, wild mustangs, and professional horse trainers in the Patriot Pro Mustang Showdown at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Veterans and professionals will present their mustangs through a freestyle theatrical performance displaying maneuvers with music, costumes and props.

BEER AND WINE GARDEN Unwind at The Corkyard and check out a wide array of beer and wines at the Williamson County Expo's patio. Try a range of domestic, foreign, & craft beers or pair a charcuterie and cheese platter to a new wine. Stop by to relax under the patio lights and soak up the atmosphere while listening to local talented musicians.

CARNIVAL Join us at the carnival grounds to enjoy the thrills the rides have to offer! Kids and families of all ages will enjoy the games and attractions of the carnival.

PETTING ZOO Ever wandered what a goat felt like? Head to the petting zoo filled with friendly furry friends for the whole family to enjoy!

LIVESTOCK SHOW The Youth Sheep & Goat show will be open to all youth exhibitors.

FARMERS MARKET Come experience farm-totable shopping on the fairgrounds! The Farmers Market will feature local vendors and farmers looking to delight attendees with fresh produce and artisan foods. Discover all the great things grown and made in the area! The Farmers Market is located in the Covered Expo by the Main Covered Arena.

The Arts and Crafts Vendor Fair inside the main Expo Hall will include handcrafted jewelry, arts and crafts, holiday decorations, and home goods from more than 60 amazing craft artisans and vendors.

RODEO Hang onto your cowboy hats—you are invited to witness the inaugural Williamson County Rodeo! Grab a seat and watch cowboys and cowgirls race to beat the clock. Riders from far and wide will be competing for cash prizes and prestige! Kids will also be able to join in on the fun in the kids’ mutton bustin' and kids calf scramble events.

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Even the Pumpkin Patches are BIGGER in Texas Or, if you arrive looking for a workout, as the pumpkins get a little soft, patrons are invited to smash them with a huge wooden mallet or wooden sword on a big tree stump. Scott and Shari agree, "Pumpkin Smash'N is great fun for kids and adults and it's free, as long as you record in slo-mo, post to social media, and tag Texas Pumpkin Fest. When pumpkins age, we can't sell them, so we can have a little fun before we toss them."

NEW THIS YEAR

T

exas Pumpkin Fest, LLC is pure passion for owners Scott Smith and his mom, Shari Arnold. Shari is also the owner of Anderson Terrace Event Venue in north Austin, and she has been showing Scott the ropes of managing events and pumpkins since 1990, when he was just 14 years old.

This year, following a great 2020 season, they have doubled their parking and scheduled more frequent deliveries to ensure everyone will have pumpkins to talk about.

There is also an ATM, tented and shaded restrooms, and more staff to serve.

Not only do they provide Texas-grown, food-grade pumpkins starting at $2, there are face painters and train rides for $5 plus many family-friendly activities and games included in the price of admission. Perfect for a family outing or field trip, no reservations are required and the patch is open every day until November 7. Scott says, "We celebrate Halloween in spectacular fashion but after October 31, we start taking down the decorations and enjoy a soothing Autumn vibe."

GENERAL ADMISSION Mondays FREE • Tue-Thur $5 • Fri-Sun $10 1st Responders, Military, & Veterans FREE Tuesdays Seniors always half-price

SO MUCH TO DO Opening with 250,000 pounds of pumpkins and gourds, the 'Fest covers five acres dotted with mazes, corn stalks, hay bales, and selfie stations. All the pumpkins are available for purchase, but if you arrive hungry, there will be several food trucks onsite. Patrons can also shop many fall-inspired retail and craft vendors.

Spend the day between the 65-ft Super Slide, a Giant Pumpkin Spinner (the largest Pumpkin In Texas), inflatable obstacle course, or The Circle of Haunt. Plus, to celebrate National Magic month, there will be magician performances on stage every Friday through Sunday.

WHEN YOU GO Organizers request visitors bring no pets. They also ask everyone to respect the pumpkins; no sitting on, kicking, or throwing the little guys (unless you're at the Pumpkin Smash'N station!), and treat all people with kindness.

You can also visit Texas Pumpkin Fest on Facebook— tag friends and Like the page to win 10 tickets and $200 credit towards pumpkins, gourds, train rides, food, and drinks.

LENDING A PAW A percentage of the proceeds from the event will benefit Texas Humane Heroes (THH), a no kill, private animal rescue. CEO Jeff Struchtemeyer says, "Humane Heroes is proud to partner with Texas Pumpkin Fest again in 2021. As a non-profit animal welfare organization, donor support is crucial to our operations and the pursuit of our mission to rescue, heal, and adopt thousands of animals in need. We are happy to provide our friends at Texas Pumpkin Fest with the front part of our 22-acre property in Leander to create a fun fall event for families in the area. Their generous donation will be invested in animal rescue missions, daily animal care, and pet adoption preparation."

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Brooklyn (3) and Finley (1) at the 2019 Poppyfest

How Georgetown became the Red Poppy Capital of Texas

Poppyfest

by Ann Marie Kennon • annmarie@georgetownview.com

G

eorgetown’s red poppies trace their origin to one bag of poppy seeds brought home by Corporal Henry Purl “Okra” Compton after World War I. Okra’s whole life was wonderfully colorful, but his poppy story begins, it is said, with his 28 days in the front-line trenches... without a gun. He is believed to have been the only solder to ever capture an enemy without the aid of a weapon.

Okra’s son Carter said, in a 2007 interview, the sight of the battlefield cemeteries had a huge impact on his father. “He told Mother the thing that got to him about that war more than anything was when he went to Flanders and saw all those crosses. And most of them were American soldiers.”

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Okra brought the seeds back in a Bull Durham sack, and gave them to his mother, Maggie, who planted them in her front yard on E. Seventh Street. “Every year they’d come back up. She’d water them and take care of them.”

From Mrs. Compton’s yard, aided by wind, pollinators, and citizens who later planted seeds, the red poppies spread all over town. In the 1980s, organizations like the Red Poppy Garden Club, City of Georgetown, and others began preserving and spreading poppies by giving away and selling millions of seeds of related species, which grow and reseed themselves like those from Flanders Fields.

By 1990, they propagated to the point that Georgetown was certified by the Texas legislature as the Red Poppy Capital of Texas.

st

PoppyFest & Popptober Poppyfest, the street festival, had its origins in another celebration, the Mayfair on the Square.

The event was sponsored, in Georgetown, by the Chamber of Commerce and usually took place during the first week of May at San Gabriel Park.

The weekend included arts and crafts, a 5K run/ walk, car show, live entertainment, a dance, and plenty of refreshment.

Today a typical poppy festival hosts more than 65,000 people, with headliners, cooking contests, and hundreds of vendors and several co-located fundraising events around the city.

After the 2020 was rescheduled, the city is ready for three days of food, entertainment, and family fun October 1-3. “We’re hoping for perfect, fall weather for our POPPtober event,” Tourism Manager Cari Miller said in a release from the city.

“Georgetown may feel like a small town, but this is going to be a big party. Folks need to plan to arrive early, be patient, and be prepared to be amongst hundreds of people, especially Saturday night.”

Henry Compton’s grandchildren and Great-grandchildren at Poppyfest 2017 Henry Purl’s nickname “Okra”, came from an early attempt at entrepreneurship on his family farm.

According to the story, his parents told him to plant 100 acres of cotton and left him to this task. Hearing that a neighbor made $1,000 from one acre of okra, the teenage Compton figured if he planted 100 acres in okra, he’d make a fortune.

When his father realized what he had done, he explained to his son that one acre of okra was enough to supply the whole county, and ordered him to plow it up.

Sadly, rains kept the eager youth from working in the fields, leaving the Compton family with more okra than they could possibly consume, and not a penny in profit.

After his venture in vegetable farming, H.P. was known by the locals as Okra.

Cari says the city is looking forward to resuming the Springtime schedule in 2022 so Poppy lovers can look forward to another festival in about six months.

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with Friends, Family, and the World NOW WE CAN COMMUNICATE, NOT SCREAM AT EACH OTHER! “Most of the time, people don’t even know their life needs restoring until someone else points it out,” says Karen Block, Hearing Instrument Specialist and owner of Advanced Hearing Aid Solutions. “Nine out of ten times a family member—a husband, wife, daughter, son or grandchild— will comment that there’s a hearing problem before people realize it themselves.”

Sun City resident Betty Schleder denied having a hearing problem for many years before turning to Advanced Hearing Aid Solutions (AHAS) for help. “I’m living in the Number One place to retire in America, I’m living with 15,000 people—half of whom have hearing issues,” she says. “No matter where I went, people would tell me about Karen Block. What prefaces everything about this extraordinary woman is that it’s not about the money. It’s all about helping people.”

Thanks to AHAS, many lives have been transformed in Georgetown and surrounding areas. “We have saved marriages, jobs, friendships, and family relationships,” Karen says. “No one runs in my front door so excited to get hearing aids, but many people come back and thank us over and over. It really made a huge impact on their lives and changed the direction of their marriages and relationships.

Now they can communicate and not scream at each other, they can hear their grandchild’s first words, and the TV can be turned down—little things many people take for granted.”

SERVICES Beyond focusing on restoring hearing, Advanced Hearing Aid Solutions is about restoring lives. Since each person’s hearing loss, listening needs, and preferences are different, AHAS is committed to making sure every client gets the right hearing aid they need to fully engage and reconnect with friends, family, and the world around them.

AHAS offers comprehensive hearing evaluations, advanced technology, customized hearing aid fittings, and personalized care. Free office visits are included with the purchase of a hearing aid, plus starter kits, software updates, education, and long-distance hearing aid adjustments.

COMMUNITY

Karen is also a long-time member of the Rotary Club of Sun City and Sertoma Georgetown, driven by a passion to spread the word about hearing solutions and help reduce hearing aid costs for those in need.

“My greatest joy is helping people hear. We hear with our brains, so hearing well keeps the brain active, which in turn helps to lessen the possibility of cognitive decline,” she says.

Today’s hearing aids can stream TV, phone calls, and church services directly into hearing instruments. You can adjust your ability to hear based on the environment. If you lose a hearing aid, there is even an app to help you find it.

Folks are invited to weekly Lunch-and-Learns at 11am on Thursdays at AHAS’ office to learn about solutions and advancements in the hearing aid industry. Friday ice cream socials will continue throughout the year; an RSVP is required for both events for social distancing.

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In Memoriam

Kevin Stofle

b. 1959 End of Watch 9.13.2021 O C TO B E R 2 0 2 1  G E O R G E TO W N V I E W

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in memoriam

Constable Kevin Stofle

W

ith a heavy heart, Williamson County mourned Constable Kevin Stofle, who passed away suddenly September 13. His memorial service at Celebration Church was attended by hundreds of friends as well as first responders from Georgetown, Cedar Park, Austin, Round Rock, Texas DPS, and many others.  County Judge Bill Gravell, grateful to those honoring his friend, said: "Kevin Stofle was a man of faith, and the most honorable man I know. He was more than a dedicated public servant, he was a devoted and loyal son, brother, husband, and father. He was a protector; he served my court and protected me and my family at JP3—whenever we had court, he was never far.

"When I was elected County Judge, the duty for that office traditionally falls to the County Sheriff but I always wished I could have Kevin and his team with me there too. The best way we can honor the life of Kevin Stofle is to give his family time and space to grieve."

F

rom September 13 at his home, to the IOOF Cemetery September 22, Williamson County Constables stood watch over Kevin—and his family—night and day.

Safeguarding the family for 8 to 16 hours at a time, and taking leave for just four hours of sleep, they honored the man and a stirring law enforcement tradition.  Standing by a fallen officer is a tradition I have seen throughout my entire law enforcement career. Constable Stofle was my boss and my friend, which made it much more important that this tradition was carried out and done respectfully. The main significance is to ensure he is not alone.

We guard his Earthly remains until we know and see that he is finally at rest.

As a man who served his community for over 40 years it is only fitting that we should serve him by

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Kevin previously served as Assistant Chief of Police with the Georgetown Police Department, and Emergency Management Coordinator for the City for ten years. During his long public service career, he had more than 33 years in law enforcement.

Judge Evelyn McLean worked with him for 25 of those years. As JP3, it was her official duty to do the inquiry at his passing, but, as his friend, she says it was a solemn honor to stand by his side with his wife and children one last time.  "I can’t imagine work or life without Kevin. We agreed we made the best damn Constable-JP Team and he would want me to carry on and do it well. I honor Kevin by remembering the memories we created, the laughter we shared, and the advice he gave me through the years.

"Whenever a conversation would make Kevin shake his head, he would start with, “Boy…..” So, in closing, I say, “Boy…..I miss you but I will see you again someday.”

standing by his and his family’s side throughout their hardest time. He was our family and we never leave our family when they need us the most. For me personally it was about respect. I stayed with him as he laid in the sanctuary for over 16 hours and did not leave his side.

There may have been no one around, doors locked and lights dimmed, but he was not left alone. It was the least we could do to honor his service to this community.

~Roger Garcia Constable Deputy Precinct 3

in memoriam

Y

 ears ago, soon after we moved to Georgetown, I chaperoned a field trip, and as I was sitting in my car alone, set to follow the caravan of drivers I remembered Proverbs 18:24, “He who has friends must himself be friendly…” and, at that, I got out of my car and invited myself to ride with some other moms. I met Laura Stofle in that car, and within minutes she said, “Have y’all ever heard of Celebration Church?” She invited herself, and I offered them good seats. I’m sure our church didn’t feel like the church Kevin had grown up in, yet the message was the same in a little different package. I obviously misjudged his tough exterior, because there has never been a couple who jumped into our fellowship more whole-heartedly.

Before we knew it, Kevin was serving everywhere and making an impact on everyone he touched, from helping newcomers in our membership classes to leading a

variety of small groups for Law Enforcement families, financial groups, missions and outreach, and prison ministry groups. He is best known for leading our campus support team, which provides a world-class ministry of safety for all our guests and members.

Kevin was the embodiment of a quiet professional; very humble, and, yet very effective as a leader on our team. Kevin loved to watch over the people and the House of God. Whenever the Church had a service or an event, Kevin was there, making people feel safe and cared for in his presence.

On the night of Kevin’s death, a spontaneous memorial service was held at the foot of the 80-ft cross that sits on the church’s property. As news got to the teams that Kevin served on, a band of brothers and sisters gathered together and prayed, and wept as they shared about the huge impact Kevin had quietly made on each of their lives.

The hill the church is on happens to be the location where Kevin proposed to the love of his life, Laura, over 25 years ago and before the existence of our church.

Kevin found the special place we call Celebration Church before we did, and we don’t think that’s a coincidence at all.

~Pastor Lori Champion Celebration Church

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tails from the shelter

contributed by April Peiffer photos by Kim Fachet De Araujo

The Difference between Shelters and Rescues I N O U R J U LY I S S U E , W E LO O K E D AT T H E D I S T I N C T I O N S B E T W E E N S H E LT E R S A N D P O U N D S .

T H I S M O N T H W E LO O K AT T H E S E R V I C E S A N D B E N E F I T S O F F O S T E R S A N D R E S C U E S .

S

helters rely on the support of the community in myriad ways; volunteers, fosters, donations, and more. They also rely on rescues to assist them in managing the number of dogs and cats in their care.

When the shelter fills up, they may ask rescues to step in to help make space. There are breed-specific rescues who focus on one type of dog (or cat) and general rescues that will take in any kind, so long as they have a place for the animal to go and the capacity to provide care.

RESCUES Rescues are typically run by volunteers who foster the dogs (and cats) they take in. They rely on those fosters to do the day-to-day care of the dogs, and the organization takes care of the financial side of things for veterinary care and routine vaccinations, spay/neuter, and microchipping. Fosters often advocate for the pets in their homes, getting great photos or videos, gathering information about the dog's character. They get accustomed to the doggos' likes and dislikes, quirks and cute

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behaviors, and what each knows training-wise, or doesn't yet know. This is extremely valuable information for a rescue or a shelter to have so they can help place the dog in a loving new home that most suits its needs.

Once a rescue takes a dog in, that dog will always have a place with the rescue should it ever need a safe place again. This is the crowning effort of rescues' assistance to shelters. If a dog becomes lost, is brought to the shelter, and they discover it has been a part of a rescue group, the rescue group will be contacted to come and get the dog again. This benefits the dog because it will not have to spend a lot of time in the shelter, and it benefits the shelter because they have a space open for the next pet in need.

Shelters around the country rely on rescues in these ways, and they are very grateful for the support they receive from them. When you adopt a pet, either from the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter or from a rescue, you are helping two pets—the one you have adopted and the one who gets to move into that newly-opened space.

tails from the shelter

WCRAS Pets of the Week ROONEY, 8 YEARS OLD, 65 LBS Rooney is a sweet senior pup in search of a new home to call his own. He loves humans that are all grown up, and he has been really good with cats in both his previous home and in a foster home!

Rooney takes the time he needs to assess new things, and once he's comfortable, he's a very loving boy. He enjoys lap time and ear rubs!

Would you like to meet this suave fellow?

Scan the code to schedule a priority-service appointment!

BELLE, 1 YEAR OLD, 6 LBS Beautiful Belle— she's a lovely little lady who is eager to find a home for herself.

She enjoys getting pets and scratches and she rewards love and kindness with tiny little kisses all over your arms and face. Belle is ready to meet you today. What are you waiting for? Scan the code to schedule a priority-service appointment to meet her.

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Excuses Don’t Burn Calories

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WHAT MAKES TEXAS “TEXAS”?

by Karina Cuenca

T

exas without a Hispanic influence would not really be Texas. Fortunately, the Lone Star State has evolved alongside a culture that dates back hundreds of years. After all, among the historical six flags of Texas are Mexico and Spain.

Our Hispanic heritage has been wonderfully fluid through the years, growing in size and influence and adapting alongside the rest of Texas to a more international culture. Consider rodeo, chili, barbecue, Cinco de Mayo, macho, fiesta, tacos—words, foods, and events that now belong to all Texans.

between officers and Spanish speaking members of the community. We can thank Lt. Alvarez for the translation of many of Georgetown's official documents and informational pamphlets.

For many years he also led language immersion and customs training to help other officers communicate with and identify norms within the Hispanic community.

Today, we honor some of those making lasting impacts on the community right here in Georgetown.

Lieutenant Rene Alvarez , a first generation Mexican-American and oldest of three children, joined the Georgetown Police Department (GPD) in February 1998. Following in the footsteps of his hardworking parents, who came to the United States in the 1970s to work in the oil fields, and his grandfather, who was a police officer in Mexico, Lieutenant Alvarez currently ensures the training and readiness of the Georgetown Police Department as head of the training division.

He has had countless opportunities to serve the community, but some of his most rewarding days were facilitating communication and understanding 42

photo credit: Rene Alvarez

FIRST RESPONDERS

These days Lieutenant Alvarez spends most of his time training and supporting patrol officers, but he recalls being a young patrol officer himself and the work he was able to do as a part of a program called “Neighborhood Interaction,” a predecessor to CommUNITY, which seeks to place police officers in leadership roles to engage the community. Lt. Alvarez recalls his favorite story, “I met with the San Jose neighborhood…with the community leaders and

Hispanic heritage Councilman Llorente Navarrette. We got some money authorized by the City Council to renovate San Jose Park... I was able to focus specifically on a Hispanic neighborhood.”

town and says, "If you look at most people without a lens of race, culture, or ethnicity, at the end of the day, we all want the same things.

How we get there is different, and some of our customs and traditions may be different, but we’re all seeking the same American Dream.” In service to the community, we think Councilman Gonzalez is doing his part to support the people of Georgetown in their American Dream.

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY AMBASSADORS

GOVERNMENT District 7 Councilman Tommy Gonzalez is a first-generation American of Cuban descent. Originally from Florida, he has been serving the Georgetown community for 14 years in an effort to live out his mantra, Not to point out problems unless I want to be part of solutions. His leadership journey began on the Historic and Architectural Review Commission (HARC) before he decided to run [for City Council]. He says, "I ran not to just point out what potential problems are, but try to be part of the solution.”

Recently, he had the opportunity to engage the people of the San Jose area on the plan to bring historic designation to the neighborhood in an effort to preserve the culture and history. Research is underway and he looks forward to supporting the process and ensuring the outcome is what the majority of the community wants. He wants to ensure the voices in the Hispanic community are heard, and that the City at large understands the true issues and challenges they are facing.

Mr. Gonzalez acknowledges and appreciates the diversity of George-

Elena Lewis' family history dates back to the days of “Mexican Texas,” before the annexation of Texas, and Carlos Hernandez is a first-generation American from El Salvador. Together, they serve the Georgetown community in a number of ways and embody an important aspect of Texas and Hispanic culture—the diversity within the Hispanic community itself.

So many celebrations, foods, and dialects illustrate this diversity and Central Texans clearly enjoy the enrichment they bring.

the community provides visible support to many demographics across Georgetown. Also, as an extension to their role in the Chamber, Carlos and Elena run the Hispanic Business Owners Chamber Circle. "We want to really help," Elena says, "And be a part of anything dealing with Hispanics to make things easier and better for them.” It is a lesson she says they learned from their parents who were also heavily involved in helping others.

While it might seem like this duo has their hands full, they are still finding new ways to contribute. Right now, in collaboration with other residents, they are planning a 2022 multicultural day. The event will be a city-wide celebration of Hispanic culture in Central Georgetown.

photo courtesy Elena Lewis

Best known for teaching Georgetown how to dance as owners of Arthur Murray Dance Center of Georgetown, this couple also volunteers their time and leadership across the community at the Chamber of Commerce, Boys & Girls Club of Georgetown, and Georgetown Beard Club.

Elena and Carlos moved to Georgetown five years ago to open their dance studio and it wasn’t long before they felt the call to serve the community. Carlos is on the board of directors for the Chamber of Commerce and the Boys & Girls Club of Georgetown. Their work in O C TO B E R 2 0 2 1  G E O R G E TO W N V I E W

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Thriving AFTER 55

PRESTIDIGITATION

COMMEMORATION

Kent Cummins is pulling more than rabbits out of his hat

Field of Honor 2021 Page 52

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Pulling More than Rabbits Out of His Hat story and photos by Linda A. Thornton

A

ny magician worth his top hat can saw a person in half. It takes special magical powers to re-materialize, and Georgetown's Kent Cummins has perfected the art over his 70-plus years in the magic business.

Entertainer, author, retired Lieutenant Colonel, businessman, motivational speaker, consultant, teacher; the self-professed showman with hyperactive tendencies has managed to weave his talents into a succession of careers, each one inspiring him to seek out his next quest.

HOW IT ALL STARTED A magic kit from his dad at age 6 and Presto! By high school, Kent was winning trophies at magic conventions and paid his way through college. He earned an MBA from UT Austin, then founded SamWitch Shops, an Austin restaurant chain. He sold the business to become a full-time magician and along the way started The Magic Camp, a children’s summer camp using magic to help raise self-esteem.

Armed with his slogan “Sometimes it takes a Magician,” Kent became a one-man marketing machine. He later combined magic with his motivational speaking prowess and led corporate training and team building sessions for Fortune 500 companies.

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A MAGICAL LIFE It seemed fitting that Kent celebrated his 70th year in magic with three performances at Austin’s Scottish Rite Theatre in 2019. That same year, he decided his collection of magic paraphernalia needed a home, so The Fantastic Magic Center was born. Inspired by David Copperfield’s Magic Center in Las Vegas, the Georgetown location has no signage and is not advertised.

Inside, Kent’s personal memorabilia is lovingly displayed from floor to ceiling in theme-named rooms.

There is a gift shop in the working kitchen, which leads to the 32-seat cabaret theater—a renovated garage— where donation-only performances are held. You also won't want to miss the Korean apothecary chest filled with magic tricks or the 1936 newspaper article about Houdini; every item has its own story.

KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY Kent’s granddaughter, The Amazing Adele, a senior, has been performing with him since she was 10 years old. This year, they created three new shows, an impressive task considering the costumes, music, staging, tricks, and scripts that go into each performance.

They’ve been booked all over the area, with 12-15 shows per month.

Living in Georgetown has given Kent a special connection to family and community that only small town living can. He credits a quote from Zig Ziglar that has guided him through the years; ”You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” With a smile and ever-present sparkle in his eyes, Kent adds “Ultimately, everything is about relationships.

They have led to many opportunities and sometimes it does take a magician."

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The Cost of Freedom is Written on the Wall Experience the Vietnam Wall at Georgetown's Field of Honor®

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he Rotary Club of Georgetown is paying tribute to our valued veterans, active and reserve duty military, first responders, and K9 heroes at the fifth annual Field of Honor®.

All are welcome to visit and participate, starting with a spectacular opening ceremony at San Gabriel Park Sunday, November 7th at 1pm. There will be fly-overs, cannon fire, military and emergency vehicles on display—even a tank.

Throughout the week, night and day, visitors may take photos and walk among the 1,500 full-size United States flags on display, including 27 historical flags flown throughout American history.

HONORING ALL

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have made to preserve the freedom we have in the United States of America."

The week’s events will commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and the 100th anniversary of the First Cavalry at Fort Hood. The Marine Corps League Detachment 1022 will also hold their Birthday Cake Cutting Ceremony at the field.

EVENTS & DETAILS Purchase and dedicate flags, $40. Repost flags from prior years for $20. Re-post flags must be in perfect condition. Scan the code to purchase.

Watch or help set-up of the field and the Vietnam Wall, Nov. 5 Field of Honor® November 6-14. San Gabriel Park, free of charge. Bring a camera to their 16-ft observation desk.

This year, for the first time, the event will include the “Cost of Freedom” American Veteran Traveling Tribute (AVTT). This emotional display includes the 80 percent replica of the Vietnam Wall and 72 additional panels that pay tribute to Veterans of all other wars and conflicts. The tribute has been part of more than 300 events across the United States over the last 15 years.

Opening Celebration: Sunday, Nov. 7, 1pm

Nathan Winstead, Rotary Club President said, "We are honored to be able to offer this special new addition of the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall. We greatly appreciate all our donors for allowing us to make the new addition and welcome all visitors to the field. We will never forget the sacrifices our veterans

Evening BBQ, Saturday, November 13 in the tent with music, dancing, a bucket raffle, and more.

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Veterans Day ceremony, Thursday, Nov. 11 Nathan Chapman Honor Walk (philharmonic), Sunday, Nov 7 at the Klett Performing Arts Center.

Ticketed events can be purchased online beginning September 15.

Don't miss their Quilt of Valor ceremonies, photography contest, and many amazing displays in the tent throughout the week.

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hispanic heritage month

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

by Charlotte Kovalchuk photos courtesy of Amanda Still and David Valdez uncredited photos courtesy of Amanda Still

Autumn Arts Stroll Arts and Culture Program Enhancing the Georgetown Art Scene

T

his fall, downtown Georgetown will transform into an art paradise during the inaugural Autumn Art Stroll—the next step in the city’s vision of developing a thriving arts, culture, and entertainment district.

Grab a glass of wine from the nearby Kork Wine Bar or Sweet Lemon Kitchen and check out artist booths, surrounding art businesses, and live music

by Jack Flatau.

FESTIVITIES KICK OFF 4 P M T H U R S D AY, O C TO B E R 21 GRACE PLAZA N E X T TO G R A C E H E R I TA G E C E N T E R AC R O S S T H E S T R E E T F R O M T H E A R T C E N T E R

Art enthusiasts can check out plans for the upcoming Arts District Capital Improvement Project between Founders Park and Grace Plaza, as well as participate in a mosaic mural project led by muralist and Texas Commission on the Arts Texas Touring Artist J Muzacz at the Georgetown Art Center.

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Georgetown Arts and Culture Coordinator Amanda Still is excited about creating a one-stop shop for art and helping creatives and businesses showcase their work. “We want to make these products easily accessible to shoppers and collectors by bringing the art from different artists’ studios and showcasing it in a central location,” she says.

arts

Amanda already has her eyes on next year’s events, with more art strolls in the works for third Thursdays in April, July, and October.

“The recurring art strolls will continue to raise awareness of how the arts impact the community,” she says, “and the events’ sales component will help leverage arts and culture as an engine for economic development by raising awareness of fine art and artisan products available for purchase in Georgetown.”

Scan the code to learn more about the stroll.

photo by David Valdez

“I’m really excited about showcasing the existing arts businesses and cultural district organizations that will be open late and offering fun programming to the public.”

PARTICIPATING VENUES Artisans Connect Gallery, 800 S Austin Avenue #105: Join the celebration of the gallery's 10th anniversary and check out new pieces from your favorite artists and several works by new artists. For one night only in the Art Atrium, catch a glimpse of large-format pieces exclusively from the Artisans Connect Gallery.

Georgetown Palace Theatre, 810 S Austin Avenue: Enjoy some of your favorite musical numbers by featured performers from the Georgetown Palace Theatre’s 2021-22 season opener of Grease. Street side performances will be accompanied by photo opportunities with the performing artists.

Georgetown Art Center: Stop by and help create a mosaic mural with Texas Touring Artist J Muzacz, as well as view award-winning artwork from the Art Hop exhibit in the Georgetown Art Center gallery, 816 S Main Street. The center’s studio artists will have additional artist booths set up at the Georgetown Art Center Splash Pad. Prima Dora: Check out the variety of artwork and artisan-created products at Prima Dora, 114 W 8th Street, while mingling with the artists as they discuss their work on the night of the stroll.

Circle for Creatives: Speaker series at 6 p.m. every third Thursday at Grace Heritage Church, 817 S Main Street. Guest speaker/creative/artist Alexha Bonner will demonstrate printmaking technique.

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Beauty from Ashes everyone has a story

Georgetown Woman Crowned Mrs. Texas American

everybody has a story

by Charlotte Kovalchuk photos courtesy of Katie Hollis Dowell

G

liding across the Mrs. Texas stage in a white gown and five-anda-half-inch heels to accept the crown that would take her to nationals, Georgetown's Katie Hollis Dowell thought of all the women across Texas she was representing.

The example she was setting that a wife and mother can be a beauty queen too. She thought of the awareness she would raise for Build Your Beautiful, an organization inspired by a scoliosis battle that ultimately propelled her into the beauty pageant spotlight.

The Struggle

For the high school cheerleader who did “all the normal high school things,” scoliosis came as a devastating blow. Unlike most people who grow out of the back illness or recover after wearing a brace, Katie needed rods implanted in her back, which became infected and required five more surgeries. “That took a big toll on my self-esteem and my physical and mental health, and it took me a long time to understand that I was going to make it through and would not be disabled for life,” she says.

Without God and counseling, she says, she would not have made it. Today, she wants to uplift others who struggle with mental health issues by first normalizing them. “When I was in high school, people sometimes said, ‘They’re doing it for attention.’ There is a stigma around mental health and we have to break that. It takes a lot of courage for people to speak up,” she says.

Katie hopes people will use Build Your Beautiful to begin their journey of healing, perhaps to find help with counselor fees or someone safe to talk to. She is working on turning Build Your Beautiful into a nonprofit and spreading the word about the organization, starting with the Mrs. Texas beauty pageant.

The Pageant

A sophomore pageant candidate, Katie initially considered hanging up her sash after her daughter was born. “I actually felt really led to give it another shot,” she says. “I want to show people who are physically or mentally struggling that they can turn their battles into something beautiful. No matter how low you are or what rut you may be in, you can build something beautiful. As Mrs. Texas, I would have the opportunity to reach more people and inspire

them to see that there’s hope and a future if you just hold on, reach out, and get help.”

Last year's pageant—dampened

by COVID—was a masked event with no audience, so Katie was excited to compete in front of the crowd in Corsicana. Having just made Georgetown her home, she retained and competed with her east Texas title, Mrs. Houston County. Interview questions covered platform topics like what she believed set her apart from the other 20 contestants—having to accept her body with its scars and flaws and learning to take care of her mental health at a young age— and the charming get-to-know-you questions like who was better at golf, her or her husband, and her favorite road trip...weekend trips to Fredericksburg and Buc-ee’s stops, “What Texas girl doesn’t love Buc-ee’s?”

The Crown

Katie was crowned Mrs. Texas American, a new title added this year, while Waco’s Ashley Beard was named Mrs. Texas America.

Both will represent the Lone Star State in Las Vegas in November in different divisions. “As women, we have so many things on our plate, and I am just honored to show other American women that we can go be something outside the mother and wife roles. With the pandemic, we have gotten caught up in taking care of our families and forgotten to take care of ourselves,” Katie says. “When I was crowned, I felt like it wasn't about me, I represented so many omen across Texas.”

To keep up with Katie’s journey to Mrs. America, follow her on Instagram, mrskatiedowell.

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poppy talks

Shower Thoughts...

S

ometimes I use my shower time to pray. I could go all English-major on it and say it's all about cleansing the soul and body together, but it's really because I have a short attention span and there's not much multitasking to be done in there anyway. Unless there's a hair stuck on the wall and I can spend five minutes trying to aim the shower head at it. Still, the lack of focus will kick in eventually and my holy intentions turn to ridiculous thoughts... like the fact that biscuits and gravy are just wet flour poured over dry flour.

If you replace the W with a T in What, Where, and When, you get the answer.

Self driving cars will not need windshield wipers. I think lights might also be optional until everyone else is driving them too.

Does anyone ever click on the 3,000 ads that pop up on the 42 one-sentence pages of every click-bait "You won't believe..." headline? How much are those people spending?

Other thoughts do sometimes include my English major. For example, next time you feel like you want to criticize someone who doesn’t speak English well, think about these sentences…

Well, since the answer is probably a “butt-load”...

I found out that is an actual measurement. Based on English wine units, a butt-load cask holds 126 gallons, nestled between the “Tun” and “Puncheon” sizes.

You're welcome.

Though rough, the dough-faced, thoughtful man, after falling into a slough, coughed. Later, he sloughed his skin with a bough while walking through the borough.

Having robots do some of our jobs better than we do sounds like a great idea, until we no longer find extra fries at the bottom of the bag.

He then slipped on a brooch on the floor, spilled his food, and bloodied his foot. Cooperative, isn't he?

When we started out, our belly buttons were our mouths. Since the day I began using my mouth and my mouth, I've woken up 19,345 times and I'm still not good at it.

The Creator heard the heartbeats of sweaty creatures from above the Earth.

When someone tells me to hold my horses, are they implying that I need to be more stable?

In the ruining my childhood column… ever consider that The Wizard of Oz might simply be Nietzsche's “eternal recurrence” in which Dorothy will forever wake up from her dream, the tornado is always on the way, and she has to walk the yellow brick road until she reaches the right conclusion without murdering witches?

Also, The Lion King is essentially the same plot as Hamlet, but it’s much more fun with cute animals.

This didn’t actually ruin any part of my life but finding out stripper poles actually spin… it’s not the super athletic dancer making her body move around it… is kind of a disappointment.

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All my life I was told never to get in a car with a stranger. In my 20s they said don’t meet up with people from the Internet. Then someone invented Uber.

They also told me not to believe everything I saw on TV. Now I have to tell my mom not to believe everything she sees on Facebook.

My least favorite advice: Just don’t think about it. You’ll feel better in the morning. Don’t let it bother you.

In my 20s, I partied to music on speakers large enough to be furniture that shook the house. Today, I listen to that same music silently through what are essentially hearing-aids, while I do housework.

Finally, I realize I didn't say any prayers for people who need them and then I feel bad about wasting water, so I pray for rain.

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parting shots

Man's Best Friend's Best Pool Paw-ty  Gizmo and Brendan: A Study in Perspective!  No 21st-century pooch would be caught dead at a social event without a GoPro.

 Brendan and his guests, Amelia, Aria, and Dylan Cox

 Georgetown's favorite fire dog, Koda  Kiera (4) enjoyed the warm water as much as her furry friends.  Brendan showing off his fetching form

The 2021 K-9 Kerplunk was a perfect marriage of beautiful weather and happy families. Many thanks to the City, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and all the fur-babies who made it the ulti-mutt end-of-summer event!

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