Georgetown View • March 2022 by Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC

MARCH 2022

Georgetown's

FAMILY FRIENDLY SQUARE “A HAPPY FAMILY IS BUT AN EARLIER HEAVEN.” ~George Bernard Shaw

This month's focus on Kids & Family is a fun mingling of people, activities, and expert advice for springtime and summer planning!

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INSIDE FEATURES COVER FEATURE 6 Georgetown's Family Friendly Square

FEATURES

A VISIT TO UKRAINE 28 Reflections from our senior writer about her journey to her mother's home country

Focus on fitness, facts, and fun for your family!

WHAT MAKES TEXAS "TEXAS" 44 A History Primer for New Texans

FAVORITES EXPERIENCE GEORGETOWN 10 The Hidden Jewel Parks of Georgetown SHELTER STORIES 18 Preparing Your Family For A New Dog ARTS 22 Healing Arts Gallery At St. David's

FAVORITES

WORTH THE DRIVE Wild Flower Road Trip

FOOD 58 "Make-It-Myself" Recipes for Kids FACTS TO BLOW YOUR MIND 61 Facts & Memories of Childhood POPPY TALKS God In Mother Love

THRIVING AFTER 55

PARTING SHOT 64 Groundbreaking for the WCCAC

THRIVING AFTER 55 ADVISING Tax-Free Retirement

MARCH FOCUS

KIDS & FAMILY FUN WELL BEING Indoor Play

SAVE THE PLANET Teaching Kids to Use Less

ASK THE EXPERT Helpful Dental Health Hacks

PEOPLE 40 A Young Athlete's Path To Excellence

SERVING 52 Sun City Kiwanis & Key Clubs GIVING Sun City Horticulture Club

ON THE COVER Benjamin, Walker, Brinley, and Colt taking some sun-warmed kid time on the Square with their parents. Photo by Christianna Bettis Photography

Next Month...

HOME IMPROVEMENT & REAL ESTATE Visit our Facebook page for follow-ups to these stories, out-takes & hints to those upcoming...

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EDITOR'S NOTE | ANN MARIE KENNON Welcome Spring!

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.

EXECUTIVE 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 / EDITOR Charlotte Kovalchuk CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Linda A. Thornton • Cassidie Cox EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR Camy Reynolds GRAPHICS & DESIGN Sandra Evans • Ann Marie Kennon CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Rudy Ximenez • Christiana Bettis SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Jenny Campbell IT / WEBMASTER Jesse Payne

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

Georgetown View is an Optimus Media Group, LLC publication and a product of AdvocateNewsTX Newspaper Copyright © 2022 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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Our editorial staff recently pondered how many people actually read editor letters in magazines. It came up at a writer retreat we had last month and we were discussing our process. It is pretty near standard practice that we send drafts of our stories to the folks we interview before we print them. It's a departure from most media to give people the opportunity to fact check what has been written about them, and also to let them polish or strengthen a thought or a quote after they've had time to think about it. The reason I'm sharing that little nugget is to demonstrate our commitment to being a medium our readers can trust. We hope that will give confidence to the folks we invite to be on our pages that we will faithfully represent them and the stories they tell. That is all important for this family-friendly magazine, particularly this month since our theme focus is kids and family. We've been all over Georgetown and towns around to find people, activities, and resources to entertain, encourage, and get everyone started on that all important spring and summer activity planning. We also have a great mix of stories for those planning for gracious—and comfortable—retirement living. Wrapping it up is an event that has been a long time coming and we were so happy and proud to be a part of it. Our February cover story mentioned the WCCAC groundbreaking and, even with so much anticipation, the event did not disappoint. Congratulations to Kerrie Stannell and all her staff, who never lose the faith and courage to give hope to children who have endured and lived through the nightmare of abuse.

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FE ATUR E

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL TOWN SQUARE IN TEXAS

COV E R

To Us, It's Just Home

by Charlotte Kovalchuk and Cassidie Cox

ocial center. Community cornerstone. Heart of Georgetown. Or, the moniker that draws many an out-of-towner—the Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas. All describe a downtown hub where folks of all ages gather to enjoy live music and a glass of wine with friends, browse eclectic shops, picnic on the courthouse lawn, and tour the 112-year-old courthouse at the center of the downtown gem. “It’s just where you go,” Mayor Josh Schroeder says. “Date night. Family dinner. Celebrating. Mourning. It’s where we go for the important events in our lives.”

mix of businesses that draw locals and tourists alike seven days a week. Many credit 600 Degrees Pizzeria with sparking the Square’s transformation from a “great place for restaurants to come and die,” as Cody Hirt describes it, to a flourishing business hub.

FOR THE LOCALS Georgetown prides itself not only on its charm as a modern-day Mayberry; it also boasts a thriving Andrea Denton enjoys a bite to eat on the Square with her kids, Brooks and Bridgette, before Brooks goes to spend his piggy-bank money next door at All Things Kids. “I think I want to get all kinds of toys,” Brooks said. 6

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That culture inspired Cody to open Mesquite Creek Outfitters and The Golden Rule downtown with Brad Strittmatter. Growing up in Stanton, Cody treasured his closeknit town where everyone helped each other and community meant everything. “Georgetown was the only place where I sensed that same type of community. We have such a diverse group of businesses now. On top of that, none of us sees each other as competition. We see everyone as complementary. There's a great group effort to raise the tide to raise

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“ T H E [ TO W N ] S Q UA R E I S A T R E A S U R E P R E C I S E LY B E C AU S E I T D O E S N ' T M A S Q U E R A D E AS AN OUTDOOR MUSEUM. IT'S A LIVING PLACE, JAMMED WITH PEOPLE, CHANGEABLE, D E M O C R AT I C , U R B A N E . ~ M I C H A E L K I M M E L M A N , " C U LT U R E : P O W E R O F T H E P L A C E " SQUARE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

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Market Days: From March to November, Market Days take place every second Saturday and feature artisan booths and live music. First Fridays: Enjoy after-hours shopping and dining while businesses stay open later the first Friday of each month. Courthouse Tours: Take a trip back in time during free tours at the courthouse on Fridays at 1:30pm, 2:30pm, and 3:30pm. Rocky Shaw and Jawz relax on the east lawn during a summer Music on the Square performance.

all the ships.” Sweet Lemon Kitchen owner Rachel Cummins adds, “The people here are just really wonderful, kind, and caring.” Several storefronts and eateries have been on the Square long enough to have watched Georgetown grow through their windows, and change from a small town to a new cultural center. One such shop is the Framer’s Gallery—a hybrid art gallery and custom frame store that has been a mainstay on the Square for more than 14 years. Kimi Chapman, owner of the store for the last nine years, finds the growth in the diversity on the Square in the last few years hard to believe but has been excited to welcome the wave of newcomers. “Exposure to art and beauty for kids is so important,” she says. “It doesn’t just prepare their minds for the present, it prepares them for the future.” Another family friendly, whimsical stop on the Square is All Things Kids, which opened 11 years ago and has proved to be a consistently popular destination for kids—and kids at heart—to ignite their imag-

inations through the magic of toys. Carl Soeffker has been working at All Things Kids with his mom Karen since he was a young boy. He believes part of the store's attraction is the nostalgia of old world craftsmanship, “We’re proud to be a battery-free store. My dad always says the toys [in America] play the kids, not the other way around.”

WHEN YOU GO... AGAIN AND AGAIN “There are so many things for families to do,” Gumbo’s owner Denise Page says. She encourages folks to stop by the restaurant’s family friendly bar and enjoy live music every night of the week and twice a day on Saturdays and Sundays. To her, the distinction and attraction is clear; “We’re not a Sixth Street bar. We always encourage anxious parents and tell them, ‘Your kids are bothering you more than they’re bothering us.’ ”

Ghost Tours: Enjoy a historically accurate walk through the spirits, haunts, and legends of downtown Georgetown. Tours meet at the museum first Fridays at 8pm February through November. Red Poppy Festival: Each April, as the poppies bloom, Georgetown celebrates with the annual Red Poppy Festival. This year, April 22-24, enjoy live music, including country music artist Jack Ingram and Dysfunkshun Junkshun; food, a parade, car show, and more than 100 arts and craft vendors. Christmas Stroll: Kick off the holiday season with the annual Christmas Stroll that will feature artisan, craft, clothing, and jewelry vendors, live music, a parade, and Bethlehem Village. Live Music: Visitors to Georgetown can find live music around town nearly every day. Scan the code for the latest events.

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COV E R

FE ATUR E

What's Old is New Again

East side of the Square early 20th century, courtesy Williamson Museum

The 'town square' has been an integral city function for centuries; a central hub of activity—a place to gather to celebrate, receive information, conduct business, or simply sit. A holdover from European traditions, Texas settlers built them primarily as a means to nurture townships and for neighbors to help each other through harsh winters. Over time, civic interaction began to spring up organically as the earliest town squares were gathering spaces located at the geographic center of the town. Even government took place in the square, where citizens were already present, until city halls and courthouses were constructed. Our Georgetown Square filled all of these needs for the community until growth began to stretch beyond the downtown area and outlier residents found retail, services, and restaurants closer to home. Building owners in the 1950s and 60s tried to modernize their facades by covering the historic architecture with stucco and other material so, by the 1970s, the area was quite featureless compared to its previous Victorian beauty. As construction costs rose, renewal of historic sites became profitable and by 1984 the Main Street program had helped transition many buildings back to their former glory, creating an 'old town' ambiance that began to attract tourists and foot traffic once again. As technology took off and created an environment that allowed for information at our fingertips, and people no longer needed the town square for news, the Georgetown Square has re-emerged as a place for people to be intentional about gathering in person for celebrations, business, and discussion. Today, social life on the Square includes spontaneous and planned meetings, civic engagement, retail and restaurants, and an environment of learning. It is home to festivals and celebrations, street entertainers, and passive people-watching. As the 21st century marches on, our reasons for visiting the Square as the same as they were 150 years ago; buying fresh produce and artisan products, eating and celebrating, and days out with the family. 8

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The Birnbaums of College Station got in the Poppy spirit on the Square, including original wardrobe created by mom Nancy.

MAKING IT OFFICIAL These transformations did not happen by accident. Since 1982, Georgetown has been part of the Texas Main Street Program, which was designed to provide tools and nurturing resources to revive local economies and provide a locus for growing communities to come back together. Over the past 40 years, with funding for restoration and the consistent commitment of hundreds of volunteers and business owners, Georgetown has been repeatedly awarded and certified among more than 1,200 Texas communities as a city that maintains the quality and appearance of our main streets with the same zeal we apply to preserving history. Hand in hand with the Main Street program is the Downtown Georgetown Association, which focuses on the health of the business community by supporting and recruiting local merchants. Their efforts, along with those of city staff, largely contribute to the frequency and diversity of offerings on the Square. Scan the code to learn more about their work and events on the Square.

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EXPERIENCE GEORGETOWN

Ride, Run, Roam, Relax Georgetown Parks & Recreation

by Charlotte Kovalchuk photos courtesy City of Georgetown

troll through San Gabriel Park on a typical Saturday and you’ll see folks fishing on the banks of the river and families enjoying picnics at the pavilions, baseball and soccer games on the fields, and pickup basketball games at the courts. Parks and Recreation Director Kimberly Garrett says, “Our parks and recreation programs are a part of the everyday lives of our residents and are places where we create lasting memories, from July 4th celebrations to our kids' soccer, softball, and baseball games to swimming lessons to family reunions. Our parks and open spaces can be the stage where people have some of the best experiences in our community.” They are also a big part of Georgetown’s quality of life. “Williamson County is consistently ranked one of the healthiest in Texas, and we think our parks play a role in that,” Kimberly says.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS The Parks and Recreation Department oversees 42 parks throughout the city that cover 1,081 acres and include eight baseball/softball diamonds, 12 athletic fields, 12 tennis courts, 33

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playgrounds, and more than 18 miles of trails. The department provides opportunities for fitness and personal growth for youth and adults with athletics, aquatics, instructional programs, special events, and senior adult activities. A few of Georgetown’s outdoor parks include: San Gabriel (445 E Morrow St): Along the banks of the San Gabriel River where the north and south forks of the San Gabriel River meet,

Garey Park (6450 RM 2243): In 2004, Jack and Camille Garey donated their 525-acre ranch off Leander Road to be turned into Garey Park along with $5 million for park development. Visitors enjoy the hill country terrain, a dog park, equestrian arena, fishing ponds, pavilions, picnic shelters, a splash pad, playground, Garey House event facility, and more than seven miles of hiking and equestrian trails. Berry Springs Park (1801 CR 152): Berry Springs Park and Preserve, run by Williamson County and located on the outskirts of Georgetown along Berry Creek, is home to a century-old heritage pecan grove, opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and camping; picnic pavilions, playground, and friendly donkeys Lil' Bob and Pedro, who are excited to greet visitors.

EXPERIENCE GEORGETOWN

you’ll find San Gabriel Park, a beautiful 180-acre park graced with 200-year-old oak trees that offer shady spots for family picnics, a disc golf course, hike and bike trail, and fields for soccer, football, lacrosse, and baseball. The recently restored aquatic springs in San Gabriel Park and along the city’s trails is a hidden gem park feature that also provides a habitat for endangered salamanders that make their home in Georgetown. The city also sponsors free movie nights near the gazebo in summer.

Trails: Whether you like to walk, run, hike, bike, or ride your horse, Georgetown has a trail for you— more than 10 miles of it.

WHAT’S NEXT Two park projects in the works include a southeast community park and several neighborhood parks on the east side of Georgetown. “The southeast part of the city has been identified for a community park due to the significant growth in new residents and neighborhoods,” Kimberly says. “We don’t yet know the amenities that may be included at the park, but we will seek community input prior to design.” The first step, she adds, will be identifying possible properties. Funding has been allocated in the FY2022 budget for acquisition, but funding for development will likely require a bond election. Scan the code to learn more about parks in Georgetown.

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A DV E RTO R IA L

Home buying is Complicated But It Should Never Be a Mystery

uying a home is the most significant—and complex—financial transaction most of us will ever close in our lifetimes. That complexity makes it necessary to turn to experts who have the knowledge and integrity to guide us through steps, unfamiliar terms, and figures that seem to grow more fluid every day. Fortunately, Rosemary Calcese at Transformation Title & Escrow is two of those experts. As a title & escrow officer and an attorney, she not only understands the home buying process, she can also draft necessary legal documents in house. She says, "Real estate has always been a legal transaction, and every closing has a lawyer on the list." At the heart of Transformation Title & Escrow however, is Rosemary's zeal to protect clients and families from being misled or overwhelmed while they look forward to being handed the keys to their new home or place of business.

A HEART FOR SERVICE At just 17 years old, Rosemary enlisted in the U.S. Navy, earning a bachelor's and Master's degree while on active duty. When she left the Navy, she married a U.S. Army NightStalker1 and worked for a real estate developer in Texas who led her to Georgetown. She soon moved to a tier one law firm where she worked as a paralegal and was told she really needed to go to law school. "It was unusual to do so at 35," she says, "but with the experience I already had, when I graduated I began working on commercial and real estate transactions for Fortune 50 companies." 1 Th e 160th S peci a l Operat ions Aviat ion R egiment is a sp ec ial op e ra t io n s fo rce o f th e U.S. Ar my. The " N ight St alker s" p rovid e helicop te r avi a t io n su ppo r t fo r gen era l and sp ec ial op erat ions forces. M issions inc l u de at ta ck , a ssa u l t, a n d reconnaissance; usually cond uc ted at night, at h i g h s p eed, l ow a l ti tu de, a n d on shor t not ice.

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TRANSFORMATION When her family transferred to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Rosemary went to work at a local law firm and it was there she recognized similarities in the negative experiences her friends and colleagues had in the real estate world. "So many people bought a house and just didn't understand what happened. They were never sure if or where they may have been overcharged, or they were just never clear about where their money went." She began spending time and working on weekends to help people fix their problems. "I still get very emotional about it because in the 160th, our husbands are deployed with little or no notice and no communications. Sometimes the family might be in the middle of buying a house and they are suddenly told they can't. I'm here to tell them yes they can, they just need to do the work."

SERVING THOSE WHO SERVED Rosemary became more and more invested in her advocacy and finally opened her own title company, which she leads with a servant's heart. She says, "Everyone is an exception in some way and there is no difference in the way I serve the people at a Fortune 50 or in the house next door. It starts and ends with answering every question about the closing process."

She adds that everyone in a real estate transaction—buyer, seller, agent, and lender—is the client, and she is committed to protecting every one. "It is my job now to make sure the deal closes and my clients understand what is happening and what they've done. I don't take that lightly and it should get the respect it deserves. It means I slow down for everyone and work with focus."

APART FROM THE PACK As a boutique agency owned by a title agent who is also the attorney, Transformation's success is not based on volume. "Everyone here is an expert on what they do.," Rosemary says. "Every closing needs a title officer and an attorney but with me you get both. My law firm is parallel with the title company so everything we do is in house and we look at every piece of paper without the high cost that comes with having outside attorneys move paper around." Transformation also offers flexible closings that honor COVID concerns and other preferences. "We have elderly friends or people who are compromised. Fortunately, much of our work can be done digitally, then we go to them wherever they are. Or, if for some other reason, the home buy is a particularly special moment, we will slow things down, capture it, and make everything memorable." Rosemary says it's a good day when she can make the process better for her clients. "I spent years going to school and learning this business from every angle so my clients don't have to. Even my attorney friends appreciate the expertise I bring to the table for their own transactions."

A DV E RTO R IA L

A S A N A D V O C AT E , I WA N T E D T I T L E CO M PA N I E S TO P U T I N T H E E F F O R T. I I M P R E S S E D U P O N T H E M T H AT T H E Y N E E D E D TO C H A N G E T H E WAY T H E Y D O THINGS—VETERANS PROVIDE OUR F R E E D O M A N D B LU E - CO L L A R FA M I L I E S PROVIDE MOST OF THE WORK IN THIS CO U N T R Y. T H E Y N E E D T H E S E CO M PA N I E S TO B E M O R E F L E X I B L E A N D G O I N G B E YO N D T H E S TAT U S Q U O I S E S S E N T I A L .

As a national title agent, she is able to close in all 50 states, and is licensed to practice law in Texas, Tennessee, and Alabama. "I am happy to close or consult anywhere unless I believe it is more beneficial to have someone local to oversee the process." She also reminds buyers that they are able to choose any title company for a home or commercial purchase. "There is always the potential for a title conflict, which, for many title companies, means outsourcing to an expensive outside attorney. That can break the bank because the attorney has no interest in closing the deal quickly, and buyers should not have to spend more of their down payments funds to afford the legal solution or switch to a new company mid-stream. Having grown up in an average military family and living a hardworking blue-collar life, she explains, "I know what it's like to make an hourly wage and save your money—I don't take that lightly and it should get the respect it deserves. It means I slow down for everyone and work with focus."

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huckwavy—one word, no spaces—is as unique as one might imagine a barber-turned-hip-hopartist might be. With a speaking voice to rival Marvin Gaye, his name is about the wave that is relentless. He says, “My voice is the meat of my performance, and my name is about the ocean. The world will happen, people may stop loving, but the wave will touch the shore no matter what. That’s my spirit and I love the idea behind it.” This Central Texas singer was born and raised in New Orleans and came to Texas when he was transferred to Fort Hood as a truck driver. When he returned from deployment in Afghanistan, he switched his MOS to barbering and provided his signature brand of haircutting and trust building among his fellow soldiers. He says, “People seemed to confide in me while I was talking and cutting their hair, and I built a lot of relationships that way.” After the Army, his entrepreneurial spirit kicked in, he gutted and outfitted a passenger van with hardwood floors and faucet, and created a mobile barbershop that he took to music festivals and other events. “People came to see me just for the ‘wow’ factor,” he adds. 14 14

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He began writing in earnest and performing at SXSW, clubs, and larger events like NBA Hornets halftimes. “Pretty soon I had my own audience,” Chuckwavy says. “I had a great thing going with the mobile barbershop but I told myself that hair will probably grow forever and I need to take this opportunity while I can. I always knew I had the knack and I didn’t know anyone who had done what I was doing but you only live once so I jumped.”

THE MUSIC Chuckwavy’s music comes from a place of experience, whether it’s expressing a shared emotion with his audiences, or working through the PTSD he and other soldiers must manage. “A lot of us say, ‘You see what I’m sayin’ and I feel like writing is easier than sitting around complaining about how the world is bad. Barbering was therapeutic and I loved servicing people; sometimes people come to you for more than a haircut. But, as a performer, I can reach so many more people and I enjoy that we all gravitate toward each other through the music.”

He describes his music as a mix of hip-hop and R&B and has a library of about 40 songs to date. “I try not to tailor it to anything specific because then it’s not really me, but my music is always intentional or truly inspired." He invites readers to give him a try on one of the many streaming services where he's featured. "Not all of my songs are family-friendly, but I do not write about violence and if people want to expand their musical palette I have many songs you can listen to in the car with your auntie or grandma,” he adds with a smile. He released his newest record "Wavy Womac" on Valentines Day, or you can subscribe to his YouTube channel for more. You can also see him live at SXSW, and the Texas Barber Battle & Expo at the San Antonio Shrine Auditorium in July.

photos courtesy Chuckwavy

A DV E RTO R IA L

Rather than create a brand through traditional advertising, he wrote his first song, called “Hairoin,” which spoke to the idea that people feel like they have to have perfect hair. As luck would have it, a friend was able to play the song over a radio station in Temple and it got great reviews. Soon after, people were asking him for more and he happily obliged them.

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nyone who had a dog while growing up likely has fond childhood memories filled with love and joy. Days playing fetch in the backyard, nights snuggled up in bed dreaming of what great adventures are in store. Dogs are a staple of childhood, as ubiquitous and nostalgia-filled as summertime baseball games in the street and tea parties with the grandparents.

S H E LT E R

STO R IE S

Becoming a Dog Family

So what are some great ways to teach your children to treat pets with love and compassion? Are they ready for the responsibility a new pet represents? These are questions that parents may ask themselves before choosing to add a four-legged furry companion to the family fold.

GREAT BENEFITS Dogs are a great way to introduce kids to one of life’s lessons—being responsible for another being. Dogs require love, patience, guidance, and of course, day-to-day care in the form of food, water, shelter, and grooming. Your guidance as a parent can teach a child about these new chores and how to complete them, while remaining at the ready should the task prove to be too much at first, providing an example for the children to emulate. Some things that are important for children to learn: Pet a dog gently and only when the dog is happy to receive attention.

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Contributed by April Peiffer WCRAS Community Programs Director

Giving a dog a safe place to go to when it wants time to itself is a great way to provide boundaries. A dog crate is great for this. Give the dog space when it’s eating, chewing a bone, or sleeping. Each dog has her own needs and boundaries, and learning to recognize and respect them are keys to successful pet ownership. Parents who aren’t sure whether their kids are ready for this kind of responsibility can take advantage of the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter’s fostering program. The foster program allows a family to take a dog home for a short period of time, giving the dog a break from life in the shelter while also providing the opportunity for the family to decide whether to make the commitment to adopt. More information on the foster program can be found at wilcopets.org. A child’s love for a dog can be one of the most special memories made, and there are so many at the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter who would love a family with children to call their own. When the time is right, allow them to help you make a match so kiddos can look back with happiness and love when thinking about that very first dog they brought home from the shelter.

Let Your Pet Be Our Guest!

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A RTS

story and photos by Charlotte Kovalchuk

Healing Through Art

Healing Arts Gallery Provides Respite for Hospital Patients and Staff

or patients, visitors, and staff, The Healing Arts Gallery at St. David’s Georgetown Hospital is a haven of beauty and peace in a stressful environment. “The Healing Arts Gallery and the Impressions Gallery are wonderful examples of how our community partners help us provide truly exceptional care in a warm and friendly environment,” St. David’s Georgetown CEO Hugh Brown says. “On a daily basis, I observe visitors, staff, and physicians pausing to look at the work of the local artists featured in our galleries, and I know they appreciate that brief opportunity to reflect and re-energize in the midst of their often stressful situations.”

The original goal of the gallery was to create a welcome place that would encourage people through the healing power of art. Gallery curator Rob Neff (above) says, “The chance to focus on something beyond the hospital is a big thing.”

THE GALLERY Nature scenes and abstract works cover the walls of the hospital hallway, providing a beautiful mix of paintings from various art clubs in Williamson County, including the Williamson County Art Guild, Central Art Club of Round Rock, Central Texas Pastel Society, Waterloo Watercolor Society, Sun City Visual Arts Club, and Sun City Photography Group. One exhibit also showcased the artwork and photography of the physicians and staff. The hospital doesn’t take any part of artwork sales—all funds go straight to the artist.

NEW YEAR, NEW EXHIBIT St. David’s Georgetown is hosting its first exhibit of 2022, which is featuring 18 artists from the Williamson County Art Guild, displaying photos and watercolor, pastel. “The range of media and ability to handle large exhibitions means the gallery has something that will catch almost everyone’s eye,” Rob says. The Williamson County Art Guild has more than 60 members, including professional artists, teaching and exhibiting artists, serious amateurs, hobbyists, and enthusiasts. Members create in many media such as painting, ceramics, fiber, sculpture, photography, watercolors, pastel, metal, and mixed media.

The Healing Arts Gallery is open, during hospital hours, at 2000 Scenic Drive in Georgetown.

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D R IV E

TEXAS ROAD TRIP JEWEL:

WO RTH

THE

Wildflowers on Willow City Loop by Ann Marie Kennon

or decades, wildflowers have been the #1 roadside attraction in Texas—the only place in the world where bluebonnets grow naturally. Every year, these floral rainbows stretch across Central Texas, enthralling many a visitor in the Hill Country and Willow City in particular and they will soon make a dazzling appearance on the Willow City Loop near Fredericksburg. Just two hours away, visitors describe this 13-mile byway as nature’s eye candy thanks to the abundance of flowers, but the views are also rich with granite, red sand, cliffs, valleys, creeks, springs, and mesquite trees, and wildlife like deer, cattle, and wild turkey.

WHEN TO GO Be sure to visit during peak wildflower season—March to May—when the loop is lush with bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, sunflowers, and poppies. Now is the time to plan your trip to a Fredericksburg vineyard or nearby Wildseed Farm, the nation’s largest working wildflower farm. With more than 1,000 cultivated acres and 200-plus acres of wildflower fields, locals say as Wildseed fields begin to bloom, they know it is time for a sojourn across

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the countryside to see nature at its best. The farm also has a Market Center featuring gifts, home decor, Texas native plants, and pottery. While spring is the most popular time to visit, the drive is delightful all year; in summer, the rocky hillsides offer beautiful views and long shadows create great photo ops in wintertime. For a quieter, more relaxed outing, plan a mid-week road trip as the loop can be extremely busy, especially on peak wildflower weekends. Trip advisors recommend photographers visit in the early morning and late afternoon for the best light.

HOW TO ENJOY THE TRIP While driving is the easiest and most common way to enjoy the floral display, Willow City Loop is also extremely popular with bikers and cyclists. Both groups enjoy the slower pace and, due to its low elevations, the route is fun for cyclists of all levels. For runners, the 13-mile distance allows for perfect half-marathon practice. For those non-motorized outings, visitors may park in the Willow City School parking lot before heading out on two wheels or on foot, making sure to exercise caution as the roads do not have shoulders.

WO RTH THE D R IV E

D R I V E A N D P H OTO G R A P H AT YO U R O W N PA C E . B E AWA R E T H E L A N D A LO N G T H E R O A D I S P R I VAT E LY O W N E D ; V I S I TO R S A R E D I S CO U R A G E D F R O M S TO P P I N G , PA R K I N G , A N D E X P LO R I N G O N F O OT W H I L E O N T H E LO O P.

ON THE LOOP While either terminus provides a great starting point for the trip, the majority of the wildflowers are visible on the northern half of the route. Photographers may also want to stop along the TK The Hill Country Wildflower Report provided a teaser based on last fall's rainfall Ranch (see map inset), which has a barbed wire fence report. Yellow on this map indicates below normal rainfall in October through adorned with upside down cowboy boots, and is one November 7. Any location not colored in yellow has a better chance for plants to exist as nearly all spring annual wildflowers germinate in the fall. More recent of the most photographed spots in Central Texas. rain in February helped encourage root growth for larger plants. (Williamson County in white)

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P E R S O N A L

J O UR N E Y

Going Home... For the First Time

Charlotte Kovalchuk is the senior writer for the Georgetown View. Her mother emigrated from Ukraine in 1991 and shared her first return home with her two daughters this past December. Following are Charlotte's personal reflections on her first visit to her mother's home country.

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

rit is defined by Merriam Webster as a firmness of mind or spirit, unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger. It’s a fitting description for my family in Ukraine. Growing up, I heard stories about how my great-grandparents survived the Ukrainian famine in 1932 by eating grass soup, how my mom and her family faced rejection from society because they were Christians and refused to become communists. Later, despite heavy influence against practicing Christianity, and the requirement to be a communist in order to get a college education, my mother found a way to go to college anyway. As an English major, I especially loved the story of my grandfather putting up a portrait of Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko on his wall in defiance of Russia’s cultural repression. 28

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In 1991, my mom left her home to trade that cultural and religious oppression for American prosperity, not knowing it would be 30 years before she would find her way back home, this time with two daughters in tow.

CULTURE SHOCK My mom did the best she could to prepare my sister and I for Ukraine—including warning us that if we acted like American pedestrians and took the right of way in front of a driver, we would die. And, after listening patiently to my attempts at speaking Ukrainian, saying, “Don’t try to talk to anyone, honey.” Nothing could have fully prepared me, though, for the adventure and gift of Ukraine. Knowing Ukraine is a close-knit country with multi-generational homes, I was still surprised how

many people lived in my Aunt Natalya’s tiny apartment. Along with my mom, sister, and me, ten family members got to know each other pretty well over two weeks in December and January—as well as we could with the language barrier. That barrier was especially difficult during church, as services were twice as long as they are here in Texas and I couldn’t understand a word of it. Still, I could feel everyone’s zeal for God. People knelt and prayed out loud together, and instead of heralding the new year with a countdown and cheers, they prayed their way into 2022. I was shocked, however, to see everyone sharing the same two communion cups. Knowing my germaphobia, my mom and sister teased me about my reluctance to participate. I reminded them, “We’re in a pandemic!”

THE GREATEST FLATTERY

P E R S O N A L

Wanting to embrace my Ukrainian roots, I was excited about the prospect of listening to Ukrainian music and buying clothes with Ukrainian phrases, only to find that every major store I visited blasted American music and sold shirts with American phrases. But I ended up being grateful for that westernization, because it means more people are learning English. Many were excited to practice their English with us, especially Aunt Natalya, who was trying to get a promotion and joked that we should have a conversation in English in front of her boss to increase her chances of getting a better job.

J O UR N E Y

At first, I couldn’t understand Ukraine’s obsession with America, as I was raised to believe that “everything is better in Ukraine.” My aunt corrected that notion with a laugh: “Everything is better in America.”

BONDING OVER FOOD AND TUNES The hardest part about staying in a foreign country wasn’t the language barrier or cultural differences—it was not having Chick-fil-A for two weeks, or eating out at all, as it turned out. As one guy noted with surprise when I told him Americans eat out all the time, “It’s too expensive to eat out!”

Indeed, visiting a country that struggles with poverty and few job opportunities made me appreciate my life in America. But I’m grateful my family and I got to visit Ukraine and learn the value of family bonds and connections through food and music. My mom, who emigrated right before Ukraine won its independence in 1991, is especially glad she was able to see her homeland free. We continue to pray for the safety of our brothers and sisters in Ukraine as they struggle to hold onto that freedom.

Instead, I watched people bond in the kitchen. Whether it was my aunt and cousins preparing Christmas dinner, or a young adults church group making snacks for a gathering, I learned that cooking is more than just another chore to add to one’s to-do list. When you do it with other people, it becomes a shared act of service that inspires joy from creating something together. I enjoyed learning from my aunt how to make New Year’s dishes like varenyky (potato dumplings) and olivye (potato salad). Treasured just as much as food, music flowed everywhere I went in Ukraine. Whenever there was a lull in the conversation at a gathering, someone would reach for the nearest instrument. Usually it was the piano or guitar and my mom, who plays both, always hoped to pass on her gift of music to her kids, and now I know why it was so important to her. Like cooking, music connects people.

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K I D S & FA M I LY F U N

A DV E RTO R I A L

Always Something New at I

nner Space Cavern has been a staple of local and regional tourism for many years. First discovered in 1963 by surveyors boring into bedrock at the future site of IH-35, the caves have become a place of escape to a time long forgotten. Even the name inspires visions of a new world just waiting to be discovered, from the classic large rooms to dark passages. Visitors, travelers, and students of all ages enjoy the famed cavern yearround and, although Inner Space has been a popular destination for decades, those who make the beloved cavern what it is always make sure there is something new to discover.

For passionate adventurers, it might be fun to book a Wild Cave Tour ahead of time. This tour takes visitors through the smaller spaces of the cave and provides the most raw and authentic subterranean experience this Georgetown attraction has to offer. Taunya adds, “Even if you have visited Inner Space in the past, there is always something new to discover, whether it’s a new formation in a familiar room, or a new program we have added to our already diverse offerings.”

The Adventure Tour is a wonderful introduction to the cavern and is open every day. This guided tour winds through the cavern’s larger rooms on a paved and lighted path and is great for all ages.

The newest and most exciting addition to the cavern celebrates the world above the Texas Hill Country. The Saber Tooth is a two-seat zip ride located on the property. Similar to a ski lift, the ride begins on the south end of the property, lifts two passengers 130 feet into the air—facing south, for spectacular views of the hill country, quarry, and other fantastic sites around Inner Space—then slopes them gently to the ground at 30mph. The Saber Tooth opened in May and with spring fast approaching the time to try out this new attraction is upon us again.

For those who prefer “a little bit more exploring”, as manager Taunya Vessels says, the Hidden Passage Tour is the perfect fit. It is much different from the Adventure Tour—it has no paved paths or lights. Each adventurer is provided a flashlight and follows the tour guide into and through smaller cavern rooms, allowing for up-close looks at the cavern’s features. This tour is also open every day and is appropriate for visitors seven years and older.

FOR YOU IN 2022

The team at the cavern are excited to welcome you, share all the tours you love and remember, and introduce you to exciting new additions sure to bring you back. Scan the code for tickets and information.

VISIT INNER SPACE AT 4200 S. I-35 FRONTAGE RD INNERSPACECAVERN.COM 512-931-2283

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The store is open seven days a week, but you don’t need to go to the Square to enjoy the fun. The SCOOPS ICE CREAM TRUCK is available to rent for events. 703 S MAIN ST • 512-868-2659

With a heart for kids, KIDS’ ZONE LEARNING CENTER is committed to offering Christ-centered education for children 0-12 years at four locations across Jarrell and Georgetown. Kids’ Zone is Texas Rising Star certified and teaches FrogStreet, ABC Jesus Loves Me, and ABEKA curricula. Children enjoy a family atmosphere, Christian character building; and experienced, award-winning teachers along with a low student-teacher ratio. Private school classes include Gifted & Talented, ESL certification, Phonics, and STEM, which are designed to meet all TEKS so students easily integrate into public school. Kids’ Zone offers private schooling from Kindergarten through 3rd grade as well as an after-school program and child care at the following locations: Jarrell: 104 Copper Lane, 512-746-2333 Jarrell West: 105 Western Sky Trail, 512-598-3900 Jarrell Downtown: 107 S. 7th Street, 512-746-4144 Georgetown: 4802 Moreland Drive, 512-868-8300

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K I D S & FA M I LY F U N

ALL THINGS KIDS is a favorite for kids of all ages who visit Georgetown. Founded in 2011, the battery-free store is run by Karen and Christian Soeffker and their son Carl. Their selection of toys and activity sets represent the best in imaginative play and are a perfect complement to snow cones, a decadent selection of 400 kinds of candy, an old-fashioned soda fountain, and 48 flavors of premium hand-scooped ice cream. Relax and indulge in their cozy book niche with your choice of sweets and all your favorite children's classics.

K I D S & FA M I LY F U N

Adventure Exercise!

Why Indoor Play is a Growth Industry

by Ann Marie Kennon

t is common knowledge that playing outside is great for children, but gone are the days when kids could explore or ride their bikes around the neighborhood, or the town, all day until the streetlights come on. Parents may also be at a loss when Texas weather feels like the Inferno's front porch. Both of these paradigms mean indoor play has greater appeal for after school, weekends, and birthday parties. The $658 million in domestic revenue at indoor play parks, even in pandemic-stricken 2021, seems to confirm their growing popularity. Industry trends indicate that number will continue to grow as the economy continues to open and families have discretionary income again. Indoor play areas allow children to stay active and entertained in safety and air conditioning, plus many supply snacks and drinks in-house, all of which are a bonus for parents as well.

BENEFITS In a time when indoor electronics are so attractive to most kids, indoor play parks have great diversity in type and style of activity. Multiple trampolines, zip lines, and rock walls are not practical in a typical suburban home, but large converted commercial buildings allow for all of these things in one place,

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at one price. Additionally, business establishments are legally required to provide supervision and a superlative level of safety. Children are free to experiment and attempt to master new skills without fear of injury. Socially, children are faced with situations and challenges when they bond and interact with other children, which helps them develop imagination. With an indoor play area, they have the freedom to explore and develop their creativity while interacting with friends they might not otherwise have met in their school or neighborhood. Play also encourages children to socialize and understand particular social behaviors, but with supervisory staff or coaches who are actively watching. With parents also nearby, indoor play enables many layers of safety for children to learn new things via trial and error. Crawling, climbing, balancing, stepping, running, and swinging provide support for gross and fine motor development, and experts agree that children who engage with physical activity regularly are healthier both mentally and physically. For neurotypical children, medical experts add that swinging, spinning, and pushing are a great way for your child to 're-boot' the brain and provide focus. As a result, all of our children are more likely to want to face tasks and challenges head on, which is a great attitude for indoor soft play.

K I D S & FA M I LY F U N

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K I D S & FA M I LY F U N

compiled by Ann Marie Kennon

In the kitchen

suggest

Paper towels and napkins are an easy target for reducing paper goods in the home. Encourage kids to use reusable cloth towels and napkins. Ditch paper plates and disposable cutlery for the real thing. And that notepad everyone uses to make lists and reminders can be replaced with digital apps the whole family can share.

At the table

t may seem like children don’t have much agency in reducing consumption in the home, but even the smallest members of the family can play a role. Bearing mind that 'consumption' is not always about food but also includes accumulation of material things and the waste we create. Addressing consumption habits early can help children create habits that will maintain later in life, lead to better money management, and create less waste.

Culture fight New Dream, a national organization that addresses issues related to material consumption says, on average, American children can recognize 100 brand logos by age 3. Marketers and advertisers are increasingly targeting young children in their efforts, not for their own spending but for what they might ask their families to spend on them. Parents can soften kids' impulses to ask, and their own impulse to buy with less screen time, and modeling behaviors. Experts and educators 36

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talking about advertisements with children and teaching them to think critically about the advertisements they do see. Be especially aware of Internet and social media advertising. More and more, advertising doesn’t look like a Saturday morning commercial. They are branded or free games that have in-app purchases; ringtones, and backgrounds. Be aware of what is on your children’s devices and how much time they spend on them.

Using their own money The best way to teach kids the value of a dollar is to have them spend—and possibly also earn— their own money. Knowing the price of things goes a long way toward teaching kids the difference between cost and value. When the child is the one paying the bill, sometimes the cost of buying all the items in the latest collection of branded toys feels much higher than their actual value.

It is also recommended families green up the menu to reduce waste of food products and packaging. Eating more fruits and vegetables, especially locally grown ones, can help reduce your family’s environmental impact in a big way. Look for local farmers who use sustainable practices at local grocer or farmers markets. There are several local butchers and ranchers who provide raised and harvested animals, and also use all cuts of the animal. Most will even give you cooking tips. Plus, when dinner is finished, most produce and non-meat leftovers can be used as compost. Scan the code for the Environmental Protection Agency's guide to beginner composting.

A DV E RT I S E M E N T

ealthy marriages create a strong and healthy community. Studies show that those in a healthy marriage do better financially, are healthier and live longer; their kids tend to do better in school, and are less likely to be involved in crime. Hebrews 13:4 says, “Marriage is to be honored by all…” At River Rock, we desire to honor marriage and to see marriages flourish," says Lead Pastor Charlie Turner. River Rock Bible Church is inviting the Georgetown community to take part in "TWOGETHER" Sundays. On the second Sunday of every month in 2022, River Rock will be teaching on topics related to relationships, marriage, and singleness to equip the community to strengthen their marriage, the other marriages around them, or prepare for a future marriage. Nicole Gianelli (below) says, "River Rock goes far beyond just Bible teaching. It’s a community of people putting those words into action through relationships. The love we have for one another is palpable and real. We

celebrate together during good times and walk with each other during hard times. Simply put, we do life together." In addition to TWOGETHER Sundays, River Rock has begun the #52IN22 challenge to encourage couples to invest in their marriage by having date night once per week throughout the year. Married couples who meet the weekly challenge and share their date on the church's Facebook page will be entered into a drawing with a chance to win the grand prize, an all-inclusive weekend getaway. Singles who invest in and support the marriages around them also have the chance to win an all-inclusive overnight getaway to a local spa. So whether you need help with challenges, or just want to make a good relationship better, visit their website or see them in person at City Lights Theater every Sunday at 10:02 am.

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K I D S & FA M I LY F U N

twogether

K I D S & FA M I LY F U N

Twice a Day Keeps the Yellow Away

compiled by Ann Marie Kennon

arents, rejoice. We've canvassed the experts for some proven (and sometimes sneaky) hacks to help keep smiles cavity-free. Keep xylitol wipes handy for late-night cleanings. If your little one requires nighttime feedings and/or medications, wipe down the teeth afterwards to reduce exposure to harmful sugar or acid overnight. Most varieties use xylitol, a safe, natural sweetener that inhibits the growth of plaque. Check that wipes are free of paraben and formaldehyde and, remember, they are an aid, and not a substitute for brushing and flossing. Encourage a drink of water after a sweet treat. A little H2O right after dessert helps minimize sugar-to-teeth contact and can dislodge tough food particles to help restore the mouth’s pH balance. Cleansing the palate by drinking water (and brushing, if possible) can also diminish an incessant sweet tooth. Speaking of pH, for a healthy mouth we want to maintain a neutral pH between 5.6 and 7.9. Once the pH hits 5.5 or lower, teeth begin to demineralize and risk cavity development. Try incorporating foods that balance the alkalinity of saliva. Some great foods on the high end of the pH spectrum include spinach, broccoli, cucumbers, onions, sweet potatoes, green beans, blueberries, mangos, avocados, and peas. Other options for picky eaters include lemons and limes, which taste acidic but, once metabolized, produce alkaline byproducts. Some foods that have a lower pH include: soda, beef, bread, artificial sweeteners, pasta, pork, and coffee. Before your child heads to a party and is faced with all sorts of food temptations, have him or her eat just beforehand. Offering a plate of nutritious food can help fill the stomach and make a cavity-causing cake and dessert binge less likely. 38

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NOTHING BEATS BRUSHING AND FLOSSING With all the clever products and advanced science out there, good mouth wellness still comes down to the basics. But we all know kids have many things to do that are—in their minds—way more fun. If you want to take a creative approach to motivating your kids: Take kids with you to the store and let them have their choice of toothbrushes and toothpaste. Better yet, share the activity with them; they will likely mimic your motions and the time you spend brushing. Play their favorite song. Dentists recommend brushing at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes. To motivate your child to brush for those full two minutes, play a favorite song or video that lasts at least two minutes. Playing an upbeat song can make the time fly and your child will be having fun as he or she brushes. Download an app. Yes, there are apps for toothbrushing. There are many free and low-cost apps available that use the camera to create avatars of the users and children may be likely to watch their cartoon selves longer. Plus, they get rewarded with stickers and badges if they follow along and brush the places they might normally miss.

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K I D S & FA M I LY F U N

adapted from a story by Katherine Kerr Kubatzky photos courtesy Michelle Brooks

elief in a higher power and help from others propelled 2021 Georgetown High School graduate Avery Brooks to soar to new heights. Avery, a star athlete, says a juvenile arthritis diagnosis at age 4 combined with the discipline required to manage her disease helped her develop a focused approach to life. Nurtured in faith at First Baptist Georgetown, she learned to keep her priorities straight and, as a result of her hard work, she is enjoying generous academic and athletic scholarships as a freshman at the University of Kansas. Her parents, Jon Brooks, a custom homebuilder, and Michelle Brooks, a teacher at Village Elementary School, instilled in her the values of hard work and perseverance. And, no excuses, Avery says. Every three months, for much of her life, she traveled to the Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas for treatments. Now too old to be a patient at the children's facility, Avery manages her disease through diet, sleep, and bi-monthly injections.

Raising the bar Seeing and being treated by such caring health providers set her course for the future. She is majoring in exercise science with plans to become a pediatric physician’s assistant so she can encourage other children and young people to pursue their dreams despite health challenges. “I feel so grateful to have been poured into by my fam40

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image courtesy University of Kansas Sports Information

Young in Years, Mature in Faith ily, friends, coaches, and the staff at Scottish Rite Hospital,” she says." The least I can do is give to others the same encouragement, support, joy, and hope they all instilled in me.”

A strong landing Pole vaulting came about by accident—literally. In the seventh grade, while participating in competitive cheerleading, Avery fractured her pelvic bone. A friend who turned to pole vaulting after a similar cheer accident encouraged Avery to give it a try. With her trademark infectious smile, Avery says pole vaulters are adrenaline junkies by nature. While the vault takes mere seconds, time seems to slow with the turn she makes going over the bar, folding her body into a V shape so she sees the horizontal pole and mat below and then falling backwards onto the mat.

As a senior at GHS, she set a school record with a 12’9” jump and won the silver medal in state competition. Her highest vault to date is 13 feet.

Giving thanks Avery is quick to give credit for her success and outlook on life to mentors like Benold Middle School Coach Nicole Coronado Zavala and Georgetown High School Coach Andrew Braun. "What sets her apart from others," says coach Zavala,"is her passion and discipline for not only being the hardest working student and athlete, but being the best individual she could possibly be. Avery works hard and grows in all she does whether it be school work, athletics, or as a person." Avery says Coach Zavala in particular encouraged her to seek a higher purpose for her life—a message she still takes to heart. “I glorify the Lord in everything I do,” Avery affirms. Reading the Bible every morning during the wait for her event at track meets is among the rituals likely to help this inspiring young athlete soar to ever greater heights.

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WHAT MAKES TEXAS “TEXAS”? Here's Some Stuff Y'all Oughta Know

arch 6 is the 186th anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo. Most Americans are familiar with that history and, if you went to public school here, you most likely had Texas history for a full year before reaching seventh grade. If you didn't, here's some stuff you may have missed.

MORE THAN A THEME PARK The story behind Six Flags' name dates back to 1933, when Texas began pledging allegiance to our state flag. Sixteen other states do the same, but a survey of newcomers revealed most didn't know if their home state had a state pledge and certainly never recited it daily at school or at civic meetings and sports events. 44

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HONOR THE TEXAS FLAG; I P L E D G E A L L E G I A N C E TO T H E E , T E X A S , O N E S TAT E U N D E R G O D, ONE AND INDIVISIBLE. This pledge is so important to Texans because, since the 17th century, Texas has been under six sovereign flags. The earliest flags were for Spain and France, which controlled parts of Texas at different times. Next was Mexico, after the nation gained independence from Spain. In 1836, Texas declared independence from Mexico—remember the Alamo—and became a Republic under interim President David Burnet. Sam Houston was the republic's military commander, and later president.

image credit: car2go.com

So You're New to Texas?

by Ann Marie Kennon

On February 24, 1836, the second day of the siege at the Alamo, William Travis wrote one of the most famous letters in American history. He addressed it “To the People of Texas and All Americans in the World" to ask them for help. He ended the letter “Victory or Death,” and local printers made 700 copies of the letter to encourage Texans to join the fight. After the defeat at the Alamo, the Mexican army continued to advance. At the end of March, nearly 400 Texans who had not evacuated the presidio were brutally executed at the Goliad Massacre, under orders from Mexican General Santa Anna. Often called "the second Alamo," it spurred Texans and Americans to greater resistance and amended the battle cry, "Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!" In April, in what has been called the most important event in Texas history, Texans— some of whom arrived after reading Travis' letter and were triggered again by Goliad—defeated Santa Anna's forces at the Battle of San Jacinto. This was the decisive win for independence that turned Texas into a sovereign republic. In 1845, after much negotiation about what statehood would mean for both sides, Texas was admitted to the United States. It bypassed the normal process of becoming a territory first and went straight into statehood, at which time it raised the fifth—American—flag.

In 1861, Texas seceded to join the Confederacy (the sixth flag), and was readmitted to the Union in 1870.

P R IME R

The Texas revolution for independence from Mexico officially began in 1835 at the Battle of Gonzalez and soon after recorded 50 Texans storming the presidio at Goliad. This was the period in which Jim Bowie made a name for himself—with fewer than 100 men, he defeated 450 Mexicans at the Battle of Concepción.

The agreement came with the understanding that the Union would always respect Texas' history as a sovereign nation, and why the Texas flag is raised to the same height as the American flag. Hawaii is the only other state that, having been sovereign at one time, can do the same.

TE X A S

REMEMBER THE OTHER IMPORTANT BATTLES TOO

Thus, the flag has always meant something very specific in Texan history. In 1933, state legislators decided to formalize it and require schoolchildren to recite a pledge to the Texas flag.

THE CULTURE OF SELF-GOVERNMENT While Texans are notorious for rebelling against federal overreach, legal experts suggest Texas may not leave the Union legally. The annexation resolution of 1845 stipulated that Texas could, in the future, choose to divide itself, and create four states plus the original Texas. Some joke that the new Texas would look like a pie, sliced outward from a circle around the Alamo, so every Texan could still claim it. Meanwhile, Texas still has an outlet if secession becomes necessary. We have our own power grid (and plenty of oil and natural gas to fuel it), which is immune from Federal interference because the power lines do not cross state lines.

MISCELLANEOUS TEXAS... � “Don’t Mess With Texas” was originally an anti-littering campaign. But today, Texas is by far the state with the most residents serving in the military. � The left lane is for passing. If you're going to drive in it, you should be at least 10 miles over the speed limit. � Chili. Does. Not. Have. Beans. Tacos are for breakfast. H-E-B. Whataburger. Sweet tea. No soda or soft drinks or pop, just cokes. Football. Church.

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Thriving AFTER 55

ADVISING

SERVING

GIVING

A Tax Free Retirement? Page 50

Sun City Kiwanis

Sun City Horticulture Club Page 56

Page 52

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Want a Tax-Free Retirement? Texas Trusted Advisors Has Solutions

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

ou’ve done everything you are supposed to when it comes to finances—saved, invested, made sure you have a 401(k) or pension plan. Even with a smart retirement strategy, three things can threaten that goal: health, taxes, and market risks. Health: While we all hope for a healthy retirement, our later years could involve around-the-clock caregiving. When circumstances call for 24/7 care, that’s exactly what it means. All too often, kids do not live close to their parents, which creates a new set of problems and expenses. Most people do not want to be a burden to their spouses or children, who are dealing with their own lives. Taxes are another big concern whether you are a Democrat or a Republican. With the national debt at $30 trillion, only higher taxes and Financial Martial Law will foot the bill. Financial Martial Law gives the government the right to seize and freeze checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, money market accounts, mutual funds, 401(k)s, and 403(b)s for the betterment of the United States. If we can show you how to limit your tax exposure and protect you from Financial Martial Law, you could gain up to 30 percent savings on your retirement account. Market Risks: The stock market has made some people rich while leaving others broke. High debt and rising interest rates are good indicators of a falling stock market. If you are 60-85 years of age, ask yourself if you can afford to lose 20, 30, or 40 percent of your retirement account. Despite these obstacles, there are ways to protect savings and retirement funds. The solution is understanding how putting dollars in secure places can secure your wealth and well-being and provide you with a guaranteed income for life. 50

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PROTECT YOUR ASSETS One way to secure your assets is by rolling over your individual retirement account (IRA) or 401(k) into protected investments such as indexed annuities. You can also purchase an indexed universal life insurance policy, which includes a tax-free retirement, compound interest, and living benefits like home health and special care. If your good health qualifies you, this policy will provide tax-free growth, tax-free benefits, and tax-free retirement. Your property tax can also be deferred when you reach 65 years or older, and it will be paid back when you sell your home or have passed away. Texas Trusted Advisors has been helping people for more than 40 years and can be reached at 512261-7660 for a free consultation. Scan the code to learn more.

This is the first in a series of articles to give readers peace of mind when it comes to finance. Stay tuned for next month’s article that will talk more about ways to protect your assets and ensure a successful retirement.

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Key Clubs Unlock Teens’ Motivation

wice a month, Sun City Kiwanis members and Key Club faculty advisers Wayne Canino and Pat McGrory travel to Georgetown, East View, Richarte, and Jarrell High Schools. After greeting Key Club students and handing out an always-appreciated snack, they settle into the background and observe as the student officers lead the groups in discussing ideas and implementing plans to help make their school a better place.

KIWANIS YOUTH Key Club is an international student-led service organization sponsored by Kiwanis. The dedicated 14 to 18-year-olds commit to four to five projects a semester that help them develop leadership skills and a sense of camaraderie, whether it’s by supporting nursing homes, veterans, animal shelters, or children’s hospitals, picking up trash in area parks, or assisting in Kiwanis events such as the Sun City garage sales or yearly house tour. Key Clubbers have even been known to return after graduation to participate. Richarte High School, an academic alternative

school, offers its students an innovative, flexible model that offers self-paced academics. Principal Rob Dyer sees firsthand the impact of Key Club on his students. With a Local Key Clubbers at the Dallas Convention, 2019 student population Seated: Tina Bradford, EVHS faculty adviser, Pat McGrory of no more than 100, everyone is invited to Attending the annual Texas-Oklahothe prom that is entirely orchestratma convention, he and 1,000 other ed by their Key Club. “Their princistudents from 200 schools followed ples of leadership, character, and parliamentary procedure to run service embody Richarte’s spirit and meetings, adhered to a strict dress prepare students for life,” he says. code, and exhibited good manners. A perfect example is Matt Salley Now the media director for Hill (below), who transformed from a Country Baptist Church, he says, shy teen to president of the Richarte “Those first-time life experiences Key Club, then on to Lt. governor of created lasting friendships and gave the Key Club’s Kiwanis Division 24. me the confidence and motivation I attribute to who I am today.” The Sun City Kiwanis chapter prides itself on the fact that 100 percent of its funds go to the children of Williamson County. Their motto, “It’s all about the kids,” seems to be shared by the local community, who can’t help but realize the benefits of supporting these young people as they transform into the leaders of tomorrow.

Standing L-R: Pat McGrory, Matt Salley, Principal Rob Dyer • Seated: Stacey Robinson, PR Director, Sun City Kiwanis, Wayne Canino

T H E S U N C I T Y K I WA N I S C H A P T E R I S N OT A C H A R T E R C LU B S O M E M B E R S H I P I S O P E N TO A L L W I L L I A M S O N CO U N T Y R E S I D E N T S . F O R M E M B E R S H I P I N F O R M AT I O N O R TO D O N AT E TO K E Y C LU B, CO N TA C T WAY N E C A N I N O AT B O B @ C A N I N O S O N S U LTA N T S . CO M . 52

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photo courtesy Sun City Kiwanis Club

by Linda A. Thornton

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Sun City Horticulture Club Cultivates Community Focus

ill Greenhalgh says he has three jobs in retirement; maintaining good nutrition, exercising, and giving to others. As director of the Sun City's Horticulture Club’s outreach program, he can do all three at once. Over the past 15 years, thanks to the generosity and oversight of the club's board of directors and 20 or so member-volunteers who plant and harvest organic vegetables nearly year round, the club has donated close to 30,000 pounds of vegetables to those in need, from south Georgetown to Andice. The club recently planted red potatoes and tomatoes and are planning to add sweet potatoes, cucumbers, and other vegetables later this season. In the fall, they plant root vegetables: carrots, beets, cabbage and broccoli. "The only thing we don't plant," Bill laughs, "is brussels sprouts; no one eats them." Club members have an overwhelming desire to share the fruits of their labor with the community. Bill says, "It all started with the president asking if anyone had any 56

MAR CH 202 2

extra produce. He delivered it to The Caring Place, Helping Hands, and Annunciation Maternity Home for their use. That grew into our current program that includes five beds dedicated, in perpetuity, to charity." The outreach program has ten additional beds that are sometimes used for vegetable donations when residents who rent them are unable to tend them due to illness or travel. "We don't want them to languish," Bill says. "We take over the unused beds, amend the soil, and always leave it better than we found it. That's the payback for the donation to the club." Aside from the mission of benevolence, he says he enjoys the sense of joy that permeates the work and the people. "I couldn't do it without Leslie Hart, who takes care of scheduling and logistics for us. And I love working with folks like St. Vincent dePaul in Andice; they come pick up the food and then bring back the boxes. We all enjoy it, laugh a lot, and it's not really work; it's a ministry." Scan the code for more information about the club or email Leslie at yardie@ suddenlink.net. by Ann Marie Kennon photos by Anne Maher

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FO O D

Do-It-Myself Recipes for Kids Grilled Pizza Roll Ups (nut free) • WeeLicious.com

INGREDIENTS

• 4 slices sandwich bread • 4 mozzarella sticks or 1/2 c grated mozzarella • 4 pepperoni, diced optional • 1/2 cup marinara sauce, warmed • 1 tablespoon butter

DIRECTIONS Cut the crusts off the bread. Using a rolling pin, roll out the pieces of bread until flat. Place a cheese stick or 2 tablespoons of cheese on the edge of the bread closest to you and add diced pepperoni if desired. Tightly roll up the bread pressing the seam/end down to adhere. Heat butter in a sauté pan over medium heat and cook the roll ups seam side down for 1-2 minutes or until golden. Continue sautéing the rollups on each side until golden all over. Cut each roll up into 4 “sushi rolls” and serve with marinara sauce

Chocolate-Marshmallow Mug Cakes • 1/2 c sugar • 1/2 c buttermilk • 1/4 c vegetable oil • 1 egg • 1/2 t vanilla • 1/3 c flour • 2 T unsweetened cocoa powder • 1/8 t baking soda • pinch salt

MAR CH 2 022

Whisk sugar, buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth. Whisk in flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Butter 4 small microwave-safe mugs and divide the batter among them. Microwave, one at a time, until a toothpick comes out clean, about 2 minutes. Make a slit in the center of each cake and pipe marshmallow cream into the slit. Top the cake with warmed chocolate frosting, then pipe white frosting squiggles on top.

FO O D

APPLE NACHOS

SHEENA PATEL SWANNER MS, RDN, LD

Not only is this recipe fun for kids to make and eat, it was specially crafted for the American Institute for Cancer Research to support cancer prevention and survival. Fresh apple slices are the base of this “nacho” recipe. Apples are a good source of fiber and vitamin C, and with this recipe you can choose any type of apple. The best part is you can get creative and use different healthy toppings you have around the house.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 medium apple, sliced

• 1/2 cup plain reduced-fat Greek yogurt

• 1 tsp. honey

• 1 T almond butter

• 3 T water

• 1 T salted pumpkin seeds

• 1 tsp. chia seeds

• 1 Tbsp. granola chunks

• 1/8 tsp. cinnamon

DIRECTIONS Slice apple into thin slices (about 25 slices) and arrange on a plate. Mix yogurt, honey, almond butter, and water together and drizzle over apple slices. If yogurt dip is too thick to drizzle, add more water to thin out. Sprinkle pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and granola chunks on top of yogurt layer. To finish, sprinkle cinnamon over the entire dish and serve immediately.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip

FOCUS ON THE FAMILY

INGREDIENTS

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened • 1-1/2 cups powdered sugar • 1 cup canned pumpkin • 1 teaspoon cinnamon • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice • Graham crackers or apple slices

DIRECTIONS With a mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add pumpkin, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Blend until creamy. Spoon dip into serving bowl or a small, hollowed-out pumpkin. Dip in graham crackers or apple slices.

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FAC TS TO BLOW YOUR MIND

You Must Be KID-ding me Play-Doh started out as a wallpaper cleaner before the head of the struggling company realized the non-toxic material made a good modeling clay for children and re-branded it.

In the 1940s, a retired schoolteacher came up with Candy Land to entertain children who were hospitalized from polio. Because its color system required no reading, young kids could easily play.

Scooby Doo's real first name is Scoobert.

Before 1913, parents could mail their kids to Grandma’s— through the postal service.

At around the 28th week of pregnancy, babies can begin to smell the same smells as their mother. In fact, the amniotic fluid enhances a baby’s sense of smell.

If babies’ bodies grew at the same rate as their brains, they would weigh 170 pounds by the time they turn 1 month old.

When researchers offered kids broccoli or a chocolate bar, four out of five kids picked the chocolate, but when an Elmo sticker was placed on the broccoli, fifty percent chose the broccoli. (NutritionFacts.org)

Mozart’s kids used to taunt him by playing incomplete scales on the piano forcing him to rush downstairs and complete them.

You might know a or a soccer mom, but do you know a 'lawnmower' mom... who goes to whatever lengths are necessary to mow down adversity, struggle, or failure for her child.

"Mickey Mouse" was the secret password used by Allied intelligence officers leading up to the D-Day invasion of 1944.

MA R C H 2 0 2 2

TA LKS P O P PY

Deus ex Matrem Caritatem I

'm borrowing from a famously ill-advised literary device that means “God in the machine”. It’s when storytellers run out of logical ideas to save the day and come up with a magical solution out of the blue, like Superman (II) finding a green crystal lying in the rubble of his fortress that will give him his superpowers back after he supposedly gave them up forever.

After a few years of mothering, I often feel the need to apologize to my own mother. I can’t imagine my son will ever know the depth of feelings I have for him and I don’t think he could reciprocate it entirely. Maybe because I chose, and went to a lot of medical effort, to make him and took it upon myself to be responsible for his very survival.

However, I think God in Mother Love is not so farfetched. Since I'm thinking about kids and family this month, I have to say I think being a parent is one of the greatest means of understanding part of the unknowable nature of God, as many people think of Him.

It’s by design, I suppose; you pretty much have to love something in tidal waves to continue to do that kind of work. All the jokes about moms being teachers, maids, counselors, cooks, chauffeurs… it’s all true, and you do it because they must be safe and fed and happy. If we didn’t love them with such wild abandon, we’d never have changed the second diaper.

When they’re born, empirically speaking, babies offer nothing but work, lack of sleep, and frustration. They have earned nothing, and yet we are eager and delighted to cater to and nurture them 24 hours a day. We are stunned and fascinated and brought to tears simply staring into their little faces. I would instinctively throw myself in front of a bus on fire to save him from suffering, simply because he lives, and he is mine. The mere idea that I made a whole person in my own body is the craziest notion, and yet we all have the equipment to do so. Even on his worst day, I still love him and can’t wait until he’s happy again. I have been shamefully able to stay mad and hold a grudge against practically every other human being I know, except this little person who isn’t thanking me or helping me and is mad at me because he didn’t get a second bowl of goldfish crackers. I want to squeeze him and kiss him even while he’s muttering about me behind a slammed door. I’m only sad when he acts like he doesn’t love me. I go to smelly circuses, massively expensive parks, and ridiculous animated movies just to enjoy his happiness. There is nothing more satisfying than his laughter and knowing I found a thing or created an experience for him to enjoy. Although I may roll my eyes when I realize it was just for five more minutes. 62

MAR CH 2 022

On the flip side, as a daughter, my whole goal was to grow up and get away from my parents. If I did love them as much as they loved me, I’d never have left. Maybe that’s why moms and dads are the ones crying in the commercials where the kids drive away in the new car, or close the dorm room door. My mom still tries to mother me and it’s annoying because I am surviving just fine without her help. I used to wonder why she still tries so hard. I know now that she still loves the baby that needed her, and the little girl that idolized her. I know that because I often look at my own little boy and grieve a little for that tiny person who is no more. The one I could hold in my arms when he smelled good and I was the glowing center of his universe. When he is 50 years old, I will still time-travellove the two-year old who laughed when I fake-sneezed. Aaaaand now I’ve made myself cry. All that to say, imagine a Supreme Being who multiplies that feeling by all 160 billion people who have lived on this Earth. That’s a lot of love. Much like a dog that will never learn calculus, I'll never truly understand God, but I'm thankful to have a 12-year old sliver of Him in my house.

Daylight Savings Time We can thank Benjamin Franklin, among others, who proposed moving clocks forward in the spring and back in the fall. He published an article in 1784 that proposed saving money on candles by rising earlier to use morning sunlight. His idea was pretty much satirical since, without mass transit or communication, or even a standard work day, the 18th century did not thrive much on precise scheduling. Fast forward to 2022 and remember to move your clocks forward...

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Breaking Ground Through "The Power of Us"

he Williamson County Children's Advocacy Center broke ground last month on their new building on Inner Loop in Georgetown. The larger facility is just one piece of a multi-million dollar campaign to expand programs and physical space, and build a stabilizing endowment to continue providing hope for abused children. Nearly 200 people joined the center's leadership, staff and board members; Williamson County elected leadership, law enforcement, members of the judiciary, and an impressive contingent of Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) to celebrate the public phase of "The Power of Us" campaign. The campaign makes powerful use of the collective strength of those involved, with the help of the community. Specific notions like, "Some children think no one cares... until they meet us," all the way to "Some children's dreams will come true... when they meet us," are at the heart of the services, expertise, and compassion provided to victims and their families. Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell said again, "The reason the Advocacy Center is the most important building in Williamson County is because it's a place where children can come who are afraid, hurting, and terrified. 64

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Advocacy Center CEO Kerrie Stannell (center) with capital campaign consultants Dori Flores and Fayruz Benyousef.

Here, they will meet kindness, gentleness, police officers and prosecutors. They can begin to tell their story and help us build evidence to prosecute those who do violent crimes against children. It's where hope begins and the opportunity for healing begins. I wish we didn't have to expand this building but the reality is we have to." CEO Kerrie Stannell said, "Our vision is daring and bold. We envision a community where children grow up safe and free from abuse. Imagine that. This doesn't happen on its own. This happens when a caring, committed, engaged, and educated community comes together. This is the power of you, the power of me, and the power of all of us." by Ann Marie Kennon

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ECRWSS POSTAL PATRON GEORGETOWN, TX P. O. B ox 2 0 3 | Ja r rell, TX 76537

MA R C H 2 0 2 2

Georgetown View • March 2022

Articles inside

GIVING

FOOD

FACTS TO BLOW YOUR MIND

ADVISING

PARTING SHOT

SERVING

POPPY TALKS

WORTH THE DRIVE

ARTS

A VISIT TO UKRAINE

ASK THE EXPERT

COVER FEATURE

SAVE THE PLANET

SHELTER STORIES

WELL BEING