Georgetown View Magazine • April 2022

APRIL 2022

Improve Your View AUSTIN WINDOW FASHIONS: START THE SEASON WITH A FRESH, NEW LOOK April Special Focus

Home Improvement & Real Estate Local, Professional Advice for Home Decor | Landscaping | Interior Design Upgrades | DIY Projects

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INSIDE FEATURES

FEATURES

GEORGETOWN FUNDRAISER 7 Mesquite Creek Outfitters Helping Outfit a Refugee Family WHAT MAKES TEXAS "TEXAS" 26 The Great Texas Migration

Expert advice for home decor, landscaping, interior design, upgrades, and DIY projects that will get you the best return on your investment.

FAVORITES SAVE THE PLANET Green Gardening

APRIL SPECIAL: HOME IMPROVEMENT & REAL ESTATE

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SHELTER STORIES 16 Large Donor Helps Spring Kittens ASK THE EXPERTS Property Fraud Alert

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FAVORITES

EXPERIENCE GEORGETOWN 24 Poppyfest is Back FOOD Super-Fast and Super-Slow

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POPPY TALKS Thoughts on Relationships

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PARTING SHOT 64 Groundbreaking on New Jobs

THRIVING AFTER 55

THRIVING AFTER 55 ADVISING Tax-free Life Insurance

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INSPIRING Partners in Art

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IMPROVE YOUR VIEW 32 Benefits & Wisdom of Window Treatments with Austin Window Fashions PRESERVATION GEORGETOWN

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HOME IMPROVEMENT Getting the Most for Your Money

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DIY GARDENS

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LIVING BEAUTIFULLY 43 Beautiful Things at Blinded by the Light BACKYARD TRENDS What's New in Outdoor Living

Next Month...

WOMEN IN BUSINESS & WINERIES

ON THE COVER Image credit: Austin Window Fashions

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

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 • Christianna 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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April feels like the ‘friendliest’ month to me. Maybe it’s the delicate buds on trees and multi-colored flowers that emerge. Easter, of course, is the highest of happy days for many people. Or it could be that, even on the east coast where I grew up, there’s next to no chance of freezing temperatures, and I can start planning my summer excursions in earnest because my son will start his 60-day countdown to the end of school.

If you are tired of thinking about your taxes and want a quick cheer up, take a minute to be proud, once again, of Georgetown generosity and the quick thinking of Mesquite Creek's Cody Hirt, who made it happen. Speaking of Square topics, check your calendar for the return of the real Poppyfest April 22, and prepare to enjoy some old and new traditions once again.

If you're thinking about spring cleaning, be sure to review all the local profiles and resources for home improvement and real estate in our special section. Everything from DIY to major home renovations, inside and out, and great information to start populating your to-do list.

On the serious side of homeownership, we are pleased to share advice and cautionary tales from County Clerk Nancy Rister and JP3 Evelyn McLean about "paper terrorists" who threaten to steal homes from rightful owners with little to no warning. We are fortunate to have the experience and institutional knowledge of these committed public servants on our side.

Meanwhile, in honor of our monthly theme, I'm enjoying the outdoors and finally breaking in the new fire pit with the leftovers from my own yard improvements.

PS - Be on the hunt for Easter eggs in this issue (there are nine), to spell out a holiday-themed word. Send your guesses to us in a direct message on Facebook for a drawing on April 28.

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A R O UN D

At the Corner of Generosity and Austin Avenue O THE BEGINNING Editor Note: Out of courtesy and for safety's sake, we'll call our new friends Joe and Fazal.

"Fazal" worked for the U.S. military in Eastern Afghanistan and was evacuated with his wife and five young children last year. They recently arrived in Texas and are being sponsored—officially and unofficially—by Army CWO3 "Joe," his wife, and five other service members.

Having been in Texas for just over one month, Fazal mentioned to Joe that he was ready for work to provide for his wife and children. Joe reached out to his neighbors and his friend Rory Pettway posted the request on Facebook. The ultimate goal was to purchase a reliable car for Fazal's commute and the family’s general use.

TO W N

ne Wednesday evening in March, Georgetown’s Mesquite Creek Outfitters demonstrated the Georgetown mantra that no matter how long you've been here, you're family. When owner Cody Hirt put out the word that there was a family in need—in a matter of hours—the town came together under his roof to raise money for an Afghan refugee family who were in need of a vehicle.

Cody saw the post and, not content to just send money, he spent three days setting up, sharing, and hosting what became a indisputable fundraising success. He said, “To go from a Facebook message to this, in the course of about three days, shows exactly what this community is built on.”

THE EVENT Cody was hoping people might come in and give money to help, but he was elated to see bottles of liquor, guns, and coupons for boating come through the door for a silent auction. He also stationed jars 

by Cassidie Cox

APRIL 2022

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T O WN

and QR codes for cash donations around the store for anyone who wanted to give. During the two-hour event, friends old and new milled about and placed bids while enjoying drinks and fellowship.

ARO U ND

Cody himself spent most of the night visiting with patrons and guests and remarked, "Word spread well beyond our circle to the rest of the Square and the town beyond. It felt like a welcoming party and was a wonderful opportunity to greet old friends and meet new people."

THE LARGEST LARGESSE The evening was a success of fundraising and at the closer, Cody and Rory delighted the crowd with the revelation that they had already purchased a car for Fazal's family.

"We did not want to wait for the money to come in from the event before helping Fazal.

We had the car parked behind the building and all the money we raise tonight will help pay the balance on the note. Everything left over will be given to Fazal for other needs like diapers for their baby. We just wanted to make sure we had a safe and reliable car ready for his use as quickly as possible."

Fazal and Joe also attended the event and, upon hearing the news, became emotional and promised a hug to Cody and everyone who went above and beyond to help. “He wants to start providing for his family so he wants to get to work," Cody said. "How cool is this that we can get together and provide an opportunity for someone?”

MOST GENEROUS CITY Cash and auction donations totaled $16,400 by night's end and easily surpassed the balance on the vehicle. Cody and his friends continue to accept donations through the end of April via the QR code at right and all money will be given to Fazal's family. He adds, "Georgetown's sense of family is not limited to where someone is from. I’ve lived all over the state of Texas, and you just don’t find this anywhere else. People really care about each other." Rory echoed his sentiment and shared his appreciation for so many in Georgetown who helped.

UPDATE Following the event, an associate of Mesquite Creek Outfitters approached Cody about a job for Fazal. Cody explained, "Now that he has a vehicle, he could easily work in landscaping or other service position but that will wear him out. My friend wishes to give Fazal a job and an apprenticeship as an electrician. This is not just a paycheck, but an important trade and skill set; he will eventually be an electrician and can build his own company over time. Just another example of how people in Georgetown believe in and want to love on others."

Scan the code to help Fazal and his family achieve the American dream.

In the United States a person who reports their employer for tax evasion is eligible to receive 30% of the taxes subsequently collected.

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

We want to give our kids the world.

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At Grace Academy we strive to give children, kindergarten through 12th grade, an understanding of the world through the lens of scripture and knowledge of God. In contrast to growing trends in modern education, Grace Academy offers a foundation that shapes the hearts and minds of students well beyond their school years.

Give your child an education that aligns with the values in your home. Give them GRACE.

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Being Green was Never So Easy

M

any homeowners go to great lengths to create a beautiful lawn and garden. As you daydream about blooms and produce, don’t forget to plan ahead to care for and protect grass and plants to ensure a full season of healthy growth.

THE

P LA N E T

by Cassidie Cox

S AV E

Caretakers may want to consider how to manage a green garden in the most 'green' way. Puns aside, eco-friendly planting and treatments are healthy for the soil and plants,as well as your home. Following are a few tips provided by a Central Texas green garden enthusiast on how to prepare an environment-friendly lawn and garden.

THE BASICS As spring arrives in Texas, it is essential to amend— fertilize—your soil to prepare for the new season. Since the levels of chemicals and heavy metals in commercial fertilizers are difficult to pinpoint, a green solution here is compost. Making your own compost is a great way to recycle and make soil even healthier.

A compost pile should have an equal amount of browns to greens and alternate layers of organic materials of different-sized particles. The brown materials provide carbon, the green materials provide nitrogen, and water provides moisture to help break down organic matter.

Fruits and vegetables

�Eggshells

Coffee grounds and filters

�Tea bags

Nut shells

�Leaves

Shredded newspaper

�Cardboard

Yard trimmings

�Paper

Grass clippings

�Houseplants

Houseplants

�Hay and straw

Wood fireplace ashes

�Sawdust

Wood chips

�Leaves

Cotton and Wool Rags

�Hair and fur

NEIGHBORING PLANTS Another way to make sure soil stays healthy is to have neighboring plants; i.e., planting two types of plants close together so they help each other.

Marigold flowers repel bugs, so keep some close to tomato plants to help keep leaves and fruits safe without pesticides. This also works with pairs like basil

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and rosemary—the bitter smell of rosemary keeps bugs away from the sweet-tasting basil leaves.

HELP IN YOUR PANTRY Pesticides do not have to be expensive chemicals; the best ones can be found in a spice rack. Sprinkle a little cinnamon or cayenne pepper on soil or plant leaves to keep slugs, ants, and other critters away from plants. Cinnamon also acts as a fungicide for seedlings when transferred to the ground, and a healing agent for broken leaves and limbs.

Keeping a plant in a planter can be challenging, but putting rocks and bark at the bottom of the pot will help with water absorption, while a little cinnamon in the soil will stimulate root growth.

OUTDOORS Watering in the morning and evening by hand is more sustainable and helps plants absorb that water before it gets too hot.

Small things like these can go a long way to make lawns and gardens beautiful and sustainable, without being too expensive.

Leading by example to ensure every student succeeds Georgetown resident since 2008  Parent of two current GISD students  Co-owner, Mesquite Creek Outfitters, The Golden Rule  Co-founder of Veteran Outdoors 501(c)(3) Nonprofit 

2021 GISD Bond Committee  Youth Sports Coach, 2016-22  Georgetown ISD Education Foundation Sponsor  Special Olympics, Volunteer Coach, 1998-2000 

EARLY VOTING APRIL 25–MAY 3 ELECTION DAY MAY 7

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Contributed by April Peiffer WCRAS Community Programs Director

T

hanks to a generous Georgetown couple, the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter’s kitten program is getting some much-needed help.

Two animal lovers who fostered kittens and adopted adult cats recently donated $142,800 that was left in trust after their passing. “When they saw the efforts we made in providing for the dogs and cats in our care, they decided to leave a donation to us to continue their legacy,” says April Peiffer, community programs coordinator at the shelter. “In their letter advising us of their intent, they said, ‘We have watched over the years and have been impressed with the no-kill policy and the effort to care and treat these animals.’ "

S H E LT E R

STO R IE S

Donation Gives Kittens A Bright Future

April adds that it was an amazing surprise to receive this gift. “So much good will come from it, and we're excited to watch it be put to good use. The potential for even more life-saving is great!”

The donation will be used to help the shelter’s life-saving programs, starting with the one most in need at the moment, the Kitten Program. The Kitten Program consists of a maternity ward and kitten nursery, as well as kitten fosters and volunteers. When kittens are brought in, they go to the

nursery for care while staff try to find fosters for them.

Momma cats are kept with their kittens in the maternity ward. Kittens are then sent to foster homes, and the shelter helps with food, formula, and any supplies the fosters might need, if the shelter has them available to share.

“The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter is extremely grateful for such a generous gift, and we hope the donors would have been proud of the life-saving work we will do with this donation,” April says. She adds that the shelter runs most of its programs through donations and are always in need as new animals are brought in daily. “We hope the community will think of us when donating or adopting. We have hundreds of animals to choose from, potential new family members to brighten days,” she says.

Learn more about the shelter’s life-saving work and how to help at pets.wilco.org.

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Student Success Has Multiple Measures Tania Easton is about Children and the Community

F

FOR TEACHERS

irst-time candidate Tania Easton spent months in reflection and prayer before discerning that running for School Board Trustee was what God wanted her to do, and what students in GISD really need. "I love kids and our community," she says, "I thrive on making an impact and I have a strong dislike for politics so it was a challenging decision, but my path is intentional.

I have since met and spoken with many people who represent a wealth of knowledge and the consensus is that the job is simply to help our students."

EXPERIENCE Tania has extensive experience with children and their development, and a track record that represents a lot of hard work for positive change. She has assumed leadership positions since 7th grade and has a degree in Child and Adolescent Studies with a minor in Human Services. Today, she is a Community Education specialist at the Children's Advocacy Center, PTA President at Tippit Middle School, and Community Education Chair on Council PTA. When her family started at Tippit, she set about creating programs to improve its rankings and the education experience for all students. In partnership with parents, the PTA, and relevant Georgetown agencies, she instituted mental health days, SRO Nights, and a parenting group that met regularly to share and collaborate. "My husband and I became the change we wanted to see and now I want to help every school in Georgetown achieve a top tier rank."

FOR STUDENTS Tania recognizes leaders always stand on the shoulders of those who came before; "I feel passionate about engaging the community and asking people what is important to them."

Tania believes, while no one goes into education to get rich, compensation is paramount for retention of those who want to help children. "I want teachers to know that we are listening and that when they speak they are actually driving change. We will engage all of our stakeholders when creating budgets and goals. If the people in the classroom are not happy, there is no mitigation that will make us stand out as a desirable district."

FOR COMMUNITY School Board Trustee Place 3 Candidate

" B OT H S I D E S C A N A D M I T W H AT T H E Y D O N ' T L I K E A B O U T S TA A R TESTING. IT IS A BROKEN C R I T E R I O N B U T T H E S TAT E S AYS T H I S I S O U R M E A S U R E. I B E L I E V E O U R C H I L D R E N S H O U L D N OT B E M E A S U R E D BY J U S T O N E S TA N DA R D. W E W I L L CO M E TO G E T H E R TO F O C U S O N S CO R E S A N D T H E OT H E R S U P E R L AT I V E P R O G R A M S A N D AC H I E V E M E N T S I N O U R D I S T R I C T. "

Knowing that many issues have the potential to create controversy, Tania is committed to keeping politics out of the discussion. "Unity and earning the community's trust will mend that disconnect between what our education looks like on paper and what happens in the classroom. I want to focus on bridge building and transparency to show parents we care and are willing to do the hard work."

The bottom line, she says, is her passion sets her apart. "This is not something I'm doing but more about who I am and my track record, which shows I'm willing to do the hard work. I am committed to making change for the population I care most about, children."

Tania says, "I myself am an advocate of multiple measures of success. When it comes to standards, the solution is not an 'or' but an 'and' so I am not running a campaign on test scores because they do not tell the entire story. I want to see our district implement and benefit from the Community Based Accountability program. Let's focus, together, on what we do well and what our opportunities for improvement are."

Political Ad Paid For By Tania Easton for Georgetown Independent School District Board of Trustees A PR I L 2 0 2 2

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E X P E RT

Property Fraud What is it—How to Recognize It

by Ann Marie Kennon

THE

T

A S K

he pandemic may not be a priority topic anymore but residual effects remain for victims of property fraud. While not a new enterprise, many Texas courtrooms saw and continue to adjudicate an uptick in cases of this type. Lockdowns, eviction moratoria, and unemployment created a hotbed of criminal opportunity as many homeowners were unable to manage critical accounts properly.

A typical case might be a homeowner who checks on a vacant property only to find 'sovereign' residents—squatters—who claim the property is theirs. Or a divorced spouse finds someone living in a co-owned home rented out by the ex without permission. Some offenders simply drive through neighborhoods looking for vacant homes, break in and change the locks, then rent or sell the home to an unsuspecting buyer.

HOW IT HAPPENS Justice of the Peace Evelyn McLean and Williamson County Clerk Nancy Rister say these 'paper terrorists' upped their game in frequency and creativity during the pandemic.

Ms. Rister says, "Criminals also count on homeowners who don't recognize errors in their tax forms, or don't realize they haven't received timely documents from their mortgage company." To create legitimacy, criminals must file documents with the County Clerk's office. Her staff assess all filings for red flags but may not review a case right away. In 2021 alone, due to real estate surges, they processed 167,000 documents, a 30 percent increase over the previous year. "We are not authorized to study and turn down documents at the counter," she adds. "But even fraudulent documents receive a number and are filed to the public record so they can't remain covert."

Judge McLean heard a case in which a woman received a foreclosure notice while living in a home she had paid off. She recalls, "She had hired a pool company in 1999. They dug the hole then went out of business so the mechanic's lien1 was null because the business no longer existed. In 2020, she got a call from a mort-

1 For ma jo r pro jec t s like p o o ls, win d ows, o r ro o fs, i f th e h ome owne r do esn' t p ay, t h e b u sin ess files a m ec h a n i c 's l ien o n t he ho me to reco u p lo sses.

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APRIL 20 22

gage company in another state that had filed paperwork to foreclose on the lien—liens have no expiration date— and then sold the home to a property management company."

WHAT TO DO Judge McLean says, "Just like the scam IRS and Social Security calls, no one from your mortgage company will call to threaten you, so just hang up. Be aware of your annual escrow and insurance schedules and be vigilant about checking payment status."

Notify neighbors about vacations; thieves don't need a year-long deployment to move in and if a squatter possesses any type of documentation, law enforcement can not remove them. Do make the 9-1-1 call to get it on the record.

If buying a second home that you're not living in all the time, check on sudden spikes in utility bills in person and install a security camera or alarm because you can not always count on your neighbors to report back to you.

Ms. Rister says not receiving a tax statement for your home is one of the first warning signs. It may be that someone already stole your identity and sold your note; you are not the owner of record any more so you can be evicted or foreclosed for non-payment.

Any documents filed for your address—since 1838 to last week—are available for review at the Clerk's office, including title applications and liens filed illegally.

Look up your own name at the District Clerk website or in their library to review signatures, especially if you are a first-time or widowed owner. Library staff may not give advice, but will help you find what you need.

Scan the code to sign up for fraud alerts on the clerk's website and call the office (512-943-1515), before you call the mortgage company, about suspicious filings.

A DV E RTO R IA L

Home buying is Complicated But It Should Never Be a Mystery

A

house is the largest purchase most of us will ever make, and a symbol of the start of a new stage in life. Such an exciting development may cause stress but the right legal team can make a world of difference. Veteran-owned Transformation Title and Escrow can be that legal team.

Rosemary Calcese began Transformation Title & Escrow intent on helping veterans with the legal details of buying a house. She was inspired to settle in and offer her services to neighbors and veterans of Georgetown while her husband and co-owner was preparing to retire from the Army after 20 years of service.

“ I WA N T TO S E R V E OT H E R PEOPLE IN THE BIGGEST TRANSAC TION THEY’LL DO IN T H E I R L I F E .”

ence in real estate law and business law, she has been consistently and expertly prepared to meet the needs of home buyers. And, as her business expands, she has assembled a superlative legal team all focused on making buying a home as relaxed as possible.

From big developers to local residents, Rosemary has done it all, and she manages every client transaction with the same drive and attention.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re buying a $200,000 home or a $2 million home. Everyone deserves our top-tier service.”

THE PROCESS Rosemary and her team have the expertise and resources to provide turnkey service, and their greatest mission is to make clients feel happy and comfortable. Having title and legal services in the same agency pro-

vides continuity for the client and creates a relationship that includes having the closing in the new home instead of an office. “It’s very heartwarming to be there in the home with the buyer,” Rosemary says. “I want them to feel important, because they are important.”

IT'S PERSONAL Rosemary’s first love in the business is the people she gets to work with, and helping people in Georgetown buy the homes of their dreams is what motivates her. She is proud to be set apart by keeping all the required real estate services in-house to allow her to personally oversee every detail and ensure the highest quality legal help.

This business is one you can trust to be experienced, personal, and to be there every step of the way.

Transformation Title and Escrow formally opened its doors on November 1, 2021, but Rosemary has been assisting people with real estate transactions for some time.

With more than 16 years experi-

APRIL 2022

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EASTER Brunch SUNDAY, APRIL 17 (Served 11 am - 3 pm)

Reservations Encouraged - Call 512-943-4214 *Items are Subject to Change

BRUNCH ENTRÉES • • • • • • • • • • •

Banana’s Foster French Toast Gumbo’s Breakfast Steak & Eggs Eggs Benedict Crab Cake Benedict Shrimp & Grits Strawberry Spinach Salad with Grilled Chicken Chicken Dixie Chicken Fried Steak AND MORE!

FROM THE BAR • • • • • • • •

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GUMBO’S DINNER MENU SERVED AT 4PM Plus Special Features

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GE O R GE TO W N E X P E R I E N CE

April 22-24

It's Back

by Ann Marie Kennon

THE POPPYFEST WE KNOW AND LOVE

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ho would have guessed, when we watched the Red Poppy Festival parade in 2019, that we would not see another until nearly three years later? Happily, with most social restrictions relaxed or eliminated, Georgetown will host a traditional Poppy weekend April 22-24, including the Saturday morning parade and car show. Current weather predictions promise a lovely spring day, but the parade will go on, rain or shine.

Parade coordinator Karen Frost says the parade is shaping up very nicely and she is excited about returning to the traditional schedule. She is also eager to implement some changes to make the parade even better this year; "The procession will have 40 entries, about half

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as many participants as our previous parade. This way there will be no stopping on the route and the spectators will enjoy the flow."

The Poppy parade flips some of the features of the Christmas Stroll.

Both parades begin with flags and standards but where the Stroll begins with the mayor and chiefs on a fire engine to start the show, the ladder truck is the big finale in the Poppy parade.

Karen also says the Georgetown and East View bands take turns marching in the lead and there are several performance groups returning from previous parades.

She adds, "We are just encouraging everyone to put on your red and come celebrate being back."

BACK IN STYLE Mayor Josh Schroeder is pleased about the prospect of his first Poppy parade since taking office, "I'm glad the festival is back to its original schedule. What better way to celebrate having all that lockdown business in our rear view mirror. The Poppy Festival has long been the keystone of all the events we have to celebrate Georgetown and bring people to the Square."

THE BUSINESS SIDE Mayor Schroeder said the perennial success of the Poppy Festival has laid the foundation for a Square that is now bustling with events. "In the early days, one of the aims of the festival was to draw people to

E X P E R IE N CE GE O R G E TO W N

Poppy Festival... Poppyfest... Poppy Fest? Technically, it's the GEORGETOWN RED POPPY FESTIVAL the Square to support businesses that were struggling.

Now that our Square has evolved as a regular destination for festivals, live music nights, or just a Tuesday out with the family, we are looking at why and how we do events with a greater 'worldview'."

Festival fans can look forward to similar events popping up across town and all year, even a recurrence of Popptoberfest. The mayor's plan is to add new events during months when there are none currently, rather than a handful in April and none in September. He adds, "We also plan to spread them across different locations. This is an important economic development so our neighbors and visitors will be encouraged to see and spend money in all of our businesses, or move their companies here because there are vital lifestyle and shopping sites everywhere in our city limits."

Mayor Schroeder suggests we may soon see music festivals in Garey and San Gabriel parks, or arts festivals at Wolf Lakes and other retail recreation sites. He says, "We are excited about having Jack Ingram as our headliner at Poppyfest. It tells people who we are and how we think

as a city. We believe his audience is our community so his performance will incentivize major event organizers and artists who will appeal to all of our Georgetown demographics. We just want people to see us, get excited that there is so much cool stuff going on in our little town, and decide to come here to be a part of it."

S AV E T H E D AT E S F O R T H E R E D P O P P Y S TA G E DY S F U N K S H U N J U N K S H U N F R I D AY 7 P M J A C K I N G R A M , S AT U R D AY 9:30 P M

Back in 1933, composer Irving Berlin didn't simply write a song about the Easter bonnet tradition, his song "Easter Parade" started the bonnet-wearing trend. It's still one of the most popular songs for the holiday.

APRIL 2022

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WHAT

Migration is the Sincerest Form of Flattery

MAKES TEXAS “TEXAS”? by Ann Marie Kennon

I

n 2021, Texas ranked #1 in one-way U-Haul rentals entering the state. Representatives at U-Haul report that pandemic conditions forced many to make adjustments in their lives. More than half of their national traffic involved a move to or within Texas last year. Texas U-Haul Vice President Matt Merrill said, "The way Texas deals with the pandemic is using common sense. Everybody takes care of themselves and takes care of their neighbor and we can't be shut down. We deal with it head-on. We continue to be open." Traffic into Texas grew nearly 20 percent from 2020 to 2021, largely due to moves from the west coast, mid-Atlantic, and New England states.

Still, for nearly 200 years before COVID, Texas was attracting other Americans and today, migration from other states accounts for nearly onethird of the state's population growth from year to year. According to experts from U-Haul to Forbes, data show Texas is home to four of the top 50 most active metropolitan areas in all sectors of real estate combined over the past decade.

REAL ESTATE TRENDS Over the past decade, Dallas has shown the most office and industrial growth while Houston stands out as the most active single family market

and the Austin-Williamson County metro area ranks 11th with the greatest population growth by percentage. This is no surprise to those who have been following Georgetown's top three ranking for growth cities in the nation for several years running, although a significant portion of that growth is due to in-state migration.

Newcomers to Texas seem to land in the Houston area, particularly Californians seeking relief in the state's lower home prices and tax rates, cheaper land, and solid economy but still preferring a city lifestyle. Combining all these trends, the U.S. Census Bureau data show, overall, more than 687,000 Californians have moved to Texas over the last decade. Given the cost, it is hard to blame them; a typical home in Harris County, for example, is 57 percent cheaper than in Los Angeles County, whereas the average annual pay is about the same.

" T H E R E A R E LOT S O F P L AC E S I N A M E R I C A W I T H J O B S A N D LO W E R C L I M AT E R I S K S , O R J O B S A N D R AC I A L D I V E R S I T Y, B U T I F YO U WA N T A L L T H R E E , T E X A S W I L L TA K E C A R E O F YO U B E S T." ~NY TIMES

If Texas were a nation— again... we would have Won more Olympic medals in 2020 than 89 other countries • the 7th largest number of billionaires in the world • the 50th largest population in the world • more tax revenue, because we give the Federal Government more than they give back • the 9th largest GPD in the world (2021); about the same as Canada • one-third of the world's largest recoverable oil reserve • the ability to defend ourselves via 25 military bases, including ownership of the only nuclear weapons assembly plant in the current United States • continued ability to power our nation with our own power grid • Elon Musk as a sovereign citizen.

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HOM E I M PROV E M EN T & R E A L E STAT E

CUSTOM DESIGN

Hom e i m prov e m en t & r e a l estat e

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or almost 40 years, Austin Window Fashions has helped homeowners enhance the beauty of their homes while improving safety and comfort through window treatments.

Whether you prefer shutters, blinds, shades, or draperies, Austin Window Fashions prides itself on providing a variety of full-service window coverings along with a wealth of knowledge and experience, all while treating each customer like one of the family— something that isn’t difficult for the family-run business.

The company is in its second generation of serving the Central Texas area with a commitment to customer service and satisfaction, which has earned the business

more than 1,000 five-star reviews between the Austin and San Antonio markets. “We have an experienced staff that will provide professional service and expert installation, and who are committed to your satisfaction,” Vice President of Sales and Marketing Taylor Wadsworth says.

Inspired to update or change your window treatments but not sure how to get started? Austin Window Fashions has tips on choosing the right coverings that will elevate both the beauty and comfort of your home.

What are the benefits of window treatments?

Energy efficiency is a big one, especially in Central Texas where we can experience extreme temperatures. There are many treatments that increase a home’s energy efficiency by providing insulation, controlling heat gain, and using natural light to reduce the use of electrical light. All of these things help save energy and create a comfort zone for your home. Cellular shades, roller shades, and wood shutters are good options when looking for a product to improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Curb appeal is the first thing people notice about a home and

by Charlotte Kovalchuk 32

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HOM E I M PROV E M EN T & R E A L E STAT E

The right window treatments can help create a polished first impression while adding value to your home. a lot of times when we think about improving the curb appeal, we don’t often think about how interior window treatments can also transform the exterior of the home.

What window treatments would you recommend?

The versatility in window treatments allow for many options when attempting to achieve a certain look or décor. Shutters are one of the most versatile options and can be complementary to any design style. For a more modern look, choose a larger louver, side or hidden tilt bar, and a flat frame. More traditional options would be a mid-size louver with a center tilt bar and decorative frame. Not only are shutters timeless, they are also designed to last the lifetime of your home.

Where should we start?

Like with any new or existing home improvement, starting the process can be intimidating. Where to start really depends on your needs. Are you looking for privacy in your bedrooms and bathrooms?

Is there a glare on the TV in your living area? Is it getting too hot or cold in part of the home? Are you just looking for a change in style or decor? Austin Window Fashions’ experienced design consultants are here to help you navigate this process and determine what is best for you and your home.

Check out Austin Window Fashions’ window treatments at 10321 Burnet Road, Suite A, Austin. Scan the code to learn more or call 512-851-1856.

In keeping with the clean lines of modern homes, roller shades provide a seamless look while allowing for natural light and unobstructed views. Woven wood shades also provide that natural element common in modern decor.

Roman shades offer a multitude of fabric options that can enhance the style and elegance of traditional homes. The layering of custom draperies can also transform wood blinds or shades to create a luxurious, traditional look.

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hether you’re searching for a man cave or she shed, lake house or backyard office, Moore Liberty Buildings is passionate about combining experMoore Liberty Buildings also offers carports, cabins, tise with above-and-beyond customer service to help you covered porches, and decks – all customizable and delivfind the perfect building to fit your needs. ered or built right in your backyard, along with financing As passionate as he is today about selling buildings, and rent-to-own options. “We care about getting people it was never part of co-owner Chad Moore’s ultimate the building that works for them,” Chad says. “We’re not plan for his life. But as a traveling salesman with deep just out to close a sale.” family roots in Liberty Hill, a widower, and father of four, He and Amanda pride themselves on providing a he knew he needed a stable, 9-to-5 job in order to focus stellar customer service not on his family. When his friend and owner of a Liberty Hill often found at shed dealbuilding dealership asked him to help with sales and ers. “People are surprised later to take over the business, Chad saw it as an answer when they come to see us,” to prayer—after some encouragement from now-wife she says. “Unfortunately, Amanda, on their first date in 2015. shed dealers are not always Now co-owners of Moore Liberty Buildings, Chad and informative and not always Amanda strive to fulfill people’s dreams of space, anyaround. When people see thing from peaceful lake houses to fancy chicken coops our level of care, knowledge, to backyard sheds that meet strict HOA requirements. and professionalism, they The couple dreams alongside their clients, designing really appreciate it.”

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HOM E I M PROV E M EN T & R E A L E STAT E

MOORE LIBERTY BUILDINGS

Hom e i m prov e m en t & r e a l estat e

Preserving Georgetown

by Charlotte Kovalchuk photos by Liz Weaver

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hen it comes to preserving historic buildings and homes, Preservation Georgetown Board President Mickie Ross says it’s not just about maintaining a building, it’s about maintaining Georgetown’s identity. “If we lose the historic part of the community, we lose a lot of our past. That historic nature is what gives our town an identity other towns don’t have, and protecting it is important to the whole community.”

Preservation Georgetown has been doing just that since 1976, when America’s bicentennial celebration sparked a nationwide preservation movement.

Originally known as the Georgetown Heritage Society, Preservation Georgetown educates people about the city’s history, hosts an annual historic home tour, and helps fund preservation projects. Some of the events enjoyed by residents today that were begun by Preservation Georgetown include May Fair (the Red Poppy Festival), Visitors Center (now run by the city), and the collection of historic photos and documents available at Southwestern University.

GRANTS FOR HOMES Since launching the grants program in 2016, Preservation Georgetown has awarded more than $70,000 to homeowners to restore and rehabilitate older homes and buildings in the historic districts. Georgetown’s two historic districts include the Downtown Overlay District, which includes the historic downtown and surrounding commercial and residential areas; and the Old Town Overlay District, which includes mostly residential areas between Downtown and Southwestern University and south to parts of 17th, 18th and 19th Streets. Previous projects have included foundation repair at Wesley Chapel A.M.E. Church and St. John’s United Methodist Church, chimney and window work at the Taylor-Cooper House, and awning restoration at the Love Building that houses Barons Creek Tasting Room & Wine Lounge on the Square.

Preservation Georgetown will announce the new grants program cycle in May—Preservation Month.

In the meantime, Preservation Fund chair Jerry McCulley offers historic home improvement tips: 36

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Water penetration is the enemy of a home, so be sure to have an annual inspection done.

If you have a pier and beam foundation, it may need adjustment if there are cracks in the siding or around the windows. Have a professional check the condition.

If the exterior paint is deteriorated, clean it with a minimum abrasive cleaner and low pressure wash.

Replace deteriorated caulk to seal the outside walls and then re-paint it.

Windows should be repaired by replacing broken glass as needed. Re-glaze as needed, insure that the frames are in good condition, then scrape, caulk and paint.

Clean the hardware, both interior and exterior, and finish with a light cleaning using very fine steel wool.

For floors that get cold in the winter, consider strapping mineral steel wool between the joists, as this will provide some protection from moisture penetration.

Visit historic.georgetown.org to see if your home is identified as historic. To learn more about Preservation Georgetown, go to PreservationGeorgetown.org.

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Making the Most of Your Home Improvement

A

s a homeowner, trying to determine the best return on upgrades to your property is sometimes more complex than just finding the time and money to do it. From flower beds to full remodels for added comfort or sale preparation, experts suggest the first step is to ask yourself, “Why am I doing this?” Simply put, it is important to consider the reasons for the change; e.g., being unhappy with current surroundings, renovating an older home for safety and efficiency, or planning a move. Not all changes are about being paid back in a sale, and we asked Tyler Wolf of Wolf Real Estate for ways, however large or small, to improve your home’s appearance and livability. As a local licensed real estate service provider, he is well-appointed to advise homeowners about optimum projects and timing.

MAKING A CHANGE If you are thinking about a remodel because you are selling a home, Tyler recommends considering two types of buyers, "You can prepare to market to homesteaders who want a house that is ready to live in, or fixer-uppers who want to save money on the purchase to live in or flip it."

In either case, it is practical to consider which improvements will increase your home's value in the time you have before you want to list. The most high-value additions Tyler recommends include adding a fresh coat of interior paint, touching up landscaping, and updating bathrooms and the kitchen.

"If you have a long-term plan to sell or will live in the home for some time," he adds, "You can choose projects that provide the greatest return on your investment. The best solutions are greater energy efficiency—windows and insulation—kitchen and bathroom

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by Ann Marie Kennon

remodels, paint, flooring fixes, and adding square footage. "

INSIDE While Tyler and his agents report buyers consistently favor updated kitchens and bathrooms, clients looking for low-budget changes should consider a few DIY updates.

Paint; neutral colors such as gray and greige (gray and beige) are the current trend in home sales.

Lighting makes a home look more inviting. Tyler recommends 100 watts of light for every 50 square feet.

Under-cabinet and accent light fixtures for tables or walls are a plus.

Update/paint cabinets. Outdated cabinetry may make a home look out of style. A less expensive solution is to paint or reface cabinets to freshen the look, or the least expensive option—update the hardware.

For a bit more, other short-term projects include installing crown molding or refinishing old flooring or deck surfaces. If you have more time and a good contractor, consider: Basement remodel Kitchen remodel Custom cabinets and counter tops Bathroom updates Deck installation (depends on weather) Roofing installation

HOM E I M PROV E M EN T & R E A L E STAT E

OUTSIDE Whether staying or selling, Tyler advises the most economical exterior updates are obvious repairs and updates, and a good deep clean of the property. "Doing these things alone can increase home value," he says.

It’s easy for dirt, algae, cobwebs, and other debris to accumulate on siding so be sure to clean gutters and wash exterior siding. Spray with a pressure washer and assess where you need to touch up the paint or fix a loose piece of siding.

Repair and repaint the front door, fences, and gates. It is worth it to have a cheerful first look when you come home every day, or to welcome potential new buyers.

Pressure wash the driveway and other walkways.

Fix broken bricks or loose flagstones.

Spray or pull weeds regularly. You don’t want to plant seeds of doubt with potential buyers by revealing unsightly weeds or cracks before they even make it inside.

After the house is sparkling and ready for upgrades, add new exterior lighting, such as a budget-conscious lantern, new fixtures, and uplights to draw attention to particular areas.

When you're ready to invest more, add pops of color with flowers and plants. Place a few potted plants on the porch and deck for added appeal.

If you have the resources, a good landscape architect can create a sanctuary that makes every evening feel like a stay-cation, or set your home apart during a sale.

Tyler adds, "Landscaping is an excellent way to get a good return on cost, but it does not have to be expensive. Simply adding new mulch to trees and beds gives any yard a healthy and meticulous appearance."

If you have the time or are planning to stay in your home for some time, high-end upgrades that add appeal and value include new garage doors, hardy or stone siding, and new flooring. Tyler says, "These provide the best return on investment; most homeowners recoup at least 70 percent of those costs at sale."

SHOULD WE GET A POOL? Home improvement icon Bob Vila always advised homeowners not to install a pool as an attempt to increase a home’s value as they have a neutral or negative effect on home value. Still, if you choose to build a pool as part of your lifestyle, and you believe you will use it at least 4-6 months of the year, which is normal for Central Texas, it is a sound choice. In a sale, a pool will raise the value of your home by about 7 percent1, and slightly more if you live in a neighborhood with many pools (i.e., you don't want to be the only house without one when you sell).

1

Our local expert, Tyler Wolf, says Bob's recommendation doesn't float in a post-COVID Texas. He says. "With more people working from home and enjoying the outdoor life at their own house, pools have become more popular and are a bigger value increase than two years ago." He adds pools still may not increase the bottom line in a sale but for families in the right stage of life, the returns will be many years of lifestyle benefits and a faster resale down the road.

If you're not ready to invest $60,000 or more for an in-ground pool, see more alternatives in our Backyard Trends on page 46.

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Do-It-Yourself Gardens

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ver the past two years,many people have enjoyed gardening not just to cure lockdown boredom and beautify their homes, but as a way to bring some of the purpose, fulfillment, and joy back to their lives that went missing over many months of uncertainty.

FLOWER GARDEN: For those who like a traditional garden, flowers may be the way to go. Whether in beds or small planters under windows, gardens filled with vibrant color are sure to brighten your mood.

The best bets for surviving Texas heat are lantana, zinnias, hibiscus, and firebushes.

WILDLIFE-FRIENDLY GARDEN: Honeysuckle and sunflowers will bring bees buzzing, cosmos and Miss Molly Butterfly Bush attract monarch butterflies, and daylilies and petunias welcome hummingbirds.

ROCK GARDEN: A rock garden may be the best choice that is also peaceful and therapeutic for those without a green thumb. Planting cacti and other drought-tolerant desert plants between rocks for a low-maintenance look. � INDOOR GARDEN: Indoor gardening can freshen up your home and give it a peaceful atmosphere.

Snake plants, fiddle-leaf fig, and pothos are great for beginners. Adding living things will brighten your mood and freshen the air. � JUNK GARDEN: For anyone wanting to get rid of that rusty old bucket or tire, reusing junk as planters has become a new trend. With

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APRIL 2022

by Cassidie Cox

some paint, positioning, and a good drainage system, plants will thrive while transforming something unappealing into a work of art while saving space in a landfill.

VERTICAL GARDEN: Plants that grow upwards instead of outwards can make the most of a small space indoors or out, brighten up a dull wall, or give gardeners more space to plant when they run out of room in the yard. With some PVC pipe, soil, sun, and a water source, you can grow many types of fruits, vegetables, and herbs on a patio or porch.

BENEFITS TO YOU Science has long since proven that gardening helps people feel calmer, less stressed, and more productive.

Spending time outdoors also provides a shot of vitamin D while clearing an anxious mind.

Gardening is not always about production. Sometimes it is about calming the mind, getting us out in nature, or allowing us to feel grounded at home. With these tricks and different gardening styles, there is a garden ready to be planted when you are ready to unplug from everyday stress.

The text of the 16th Amendment, combined with the text of the Revenue Act of 1913, is generally considered to be the original tax code. Combined, these documents were approximately 27 pages in length. Today, the actual tax code is about 2,600 pages. When you read Internet memes that say it has more than 70,000 pages, that number includes a lot of related writings about the tax code, and a lot of previous laws and codes.

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B U S I N E S S

P R O F I L E

"Get Comfortable"WITH THESE NEW REAL ESTATE AGENTS

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pening the door to your home after a long day should bring familiarity and comfort. At Comfort Realty, that idea is not just a casual hope—it’s their mission. Last year, after a decade of friendship, Rachelle Anselmi and Kelly Hamilton decided to turn that mission into a practice at Comfort Realty.

Choosing the right home takes work, and the agents agree one of their favorite parts of the job is getting to know clients and their tastes in order to find the perfect property for each. But, what sets Comfort Realty apart is expert knowledge of the local area and its properties, and a willingness to collaborate with other agents.

“If I don’t know an area, I’ll refer (a client) to someone who does,” Rachelle says. “It’s not about the money for us. It’s about finding the right home.”

Real estate isn’t easy and the agents at Comfort Realty know that, which is why they have adapted their business to include as much education for clients as possible.

An agent who understands, and wants to help you understand, makes a world of difference.

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COMFORTREALTYTEXAS.COM KELLYSELLSTX@GMAIL.COM (M) 512-508-6393 RACHELLE@RACHELLEANSELMI.COM (M) 512-791-7990

FINDING THE RIGHT HOUSE FOR A PERSON I S T H E M O S T P E R S O N A L T H I N G . ~ K E L LY

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IS HERE TO HELP YOU LIVE BEAUTIFULLY

here is no other shop in Liberty Hill like this unique home décor lifestyle boutique. Deb Lohman, owner of Blinded By The Light, prides herself on finding one-of-a-kind home décor pieces and Hunter Douglas® window coverings that combine the hottest trends with local inspirations.

Owning and curating her own home décor store was always a lifelong dream of hers and that dream came true in the Fall of 2020 when Deb opened Blinded

By The Light in Liberty Hill.

BRING STYLE TO LIFE Deb strives to provide a unique shopping experience for every customer who comes through her door. “I don’t want my customers to see the same old décor so many of the big box stores have; all items I carry are in limited quantity.

I want my clients to feel special about their purchase, and not worry about their neighbors having the same exact piece.”

When asked how she chooses the items for her shop, Deb said, “It’s all about finding the right vendors to work with that provide unique, good quality items. Not only do I try to support other local or US manufacturers, I don’t order my products online. I have to see it, touch it and feel it, so I know my customers are getting top quality pieces.”

�Let Your Personality Shine: Minimalist is out! Don’t be shy, go all out with décor as long as it is tasteful and cohesive.

LOCAL EXPERT

A LIFELONG DREAM Deb has always had an eye for detail, especially when it comes to home décor.

She once considered becoming an interior designer, but eventually made a career out of working with home goods and décor manufacturers who sold their products to Target Corporation.

�Bringing the Outdoors In: Natural wood finishes mixed with earthy color pallets create a tranquil space.

To some, home decorating can be overwhelming, so we asked Deb how she overcomes this challenge. “Changing the decor in your home does not always mean that you are taking everything out and starting all over. The home decor that best suits you should be an expression of your personality. You can make a big statement just by simply adding stunning wall artwork or an accent chair in a vibrant color.”

Here are some simple decorating tips Deb suggests that are easy to do.

Large Wall Art: Having one large piece of art provides an anchor to your space that draws focus and pulls your design together.

Large Mirrors: A giant wall mirror makes a room feel spacious and bright and the sunlight can be reflected as another light source to open up your room.

Brass Accents: Yes, brass is back in vogue, it’s time to em-brass it! Brass creates warmth and adds a pop of shine in monotone color schemes.

Deb is an expert on Hunter Douglas window covering fashions so there is no need to go to Austin. Her keen eye for detail and design allows her to seamlessly combine the latest in window coverings with the interior design and decorating trends of any home. Initial consultations with Deb may be conducted either at Blinded By The Light or at your home, whatever your preference.

Window coverings have come a long way from the basic vertical and mini-blinds. Today, they are beautifully designed and can be the focal point of your room or enhance any space. With smart home technology on the rise, all Hunter Douglas window coverings are available with PowerView motorized shades that can be programmed to block out harmful UV rays during the hours of your choice. When it comes to window coverings for your home, Deb suggests “Let your personality shine through in your home décor and accessories.”

At Blinded By The Light you will find that one-of-a-kind piece or that perfect gift for a new bride or friend. Deb is passionate about home decor, so if you’re considering adding new window coverings or want some decorating advice, stop in and speak with her, she will love to help you live beautifully.

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image credit: Moore Liberty Buildings

Hom e i m prov e m en t & r e a l estat e

by Ann Marie Kennon

F

Upgrade Your Great Outdoors

or two years, the pandemic kept us in our homes or at least in our own yards. Many of us found getting back to our lawns and gardens was healthy and uplifting. We added bird feeders, planted gardens, and recaptured the quiet of porches and patios. According to a National Gardening Association survey, more than half of us are spending an extra two hours a day outside compared to pre-pandemic days. With the worst of it in our rear-view mirror, the new generation is getting more creative and turning our own outdoors into spaces we can live in.

For 2022, the hottest trends include working outdoors and making our yards into entertainment spaces.

SHE SAID "SHE SHED" One post-pandemic trend whose time has come is the need for more space for all those new hobbies. If the man of the house wants to reclaim the garage or the lady of the house wants to spread out to accommodate supplies for quilting or scrapbooking, or provide space for yoga, a She Shed is all the rage. Amanda Moore of Moore Liberty Buildings affirms there are also plenty of Man Cave designs in the offing as well, for those who want room for carpentry, fly tying, or space to entertain friends. In 2022, even grownups can have club houses.

Amanda says, "People don't realize how many options there are, but many of our clients enjoy the choices of windows, flower boxes, lofts, and shelving.

Depending on the type and size of your yard, and distance from electrical and water sources, designs can include wiring and plumbing for wet bars and televisions.

"We are currently designing a hangout spot with a wet bar so the only limit is your imagination," Amanda says.

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OUTDOOR HOME OFFICES Experts predict 53 percent of the U.S. workforce are working a hybrid remote set-up this year. For the emerging 'laptop class' working in natural light, we not only look better on Zoom, the sunshine is a mood booster.

Outdoor workspaces need some of the same features as an indoor office. Create privacy and shade with dense plantings that muffle surrounding noise and block the neighbor's view. An inexpensive laptop sunshade or an anti-glare screen protector, can significantly reduce glare and eye strain that is possible even when working in the shade. An outdoor extension cord or power strip will keep things charged, or if you are worried about safety and aesthetics, a portable power bank may be the right solution.

It is also critical to study how far from your router your new workspace will be. A WiFi extender or mesh network can keep speeds up and they typically plug into electrical outlets.

Remember your equipment doesn't like things too hot or too cold so be sure to create a cool shady spot, and invest in a patio heater or chimenea.

GET FIRED UP Fire pits have always been a popular backyard feature but this perennial favorite is being updated to the fire table. Generally smaller in size and offering the flexibility of alternate fuel sources—electric, natural gas, and biofuel—their smaller and sleeker look is becoming a modern design trend.

Along with fire pits, grills are also going electric in an effort to reduce the environmental impact of outdoor cooking.

HOM E I M PROV E M EN T & R E A L E STAT E

GO FOR A SWIM If you’re worried that your dream pool might be too big of an investment, it may be time to start looking at alternatives.

An above ground option offers a similar swim experience for much less cost, and they can be taken down and resold when you're ready to move or upgrade. While above ground does not have the appearance or prestige of an in-ground, landscape design and wraparound decks have caught up with the trend and provide a similar aesthetic for a smaller investment.

A swim spa combines the benefits of water exercise and the relaxation of a hot tub. Generally 8' x 10' or larger, these 'water treadmills' are low maintenance, energy efficient and, because they are heated, you can use them year round. Most have capacities of ten people or more, so the kids can host a birthday party, or you can have another activity to keep the family busy during a visit. Swim spas fit on a deck or patio, and can also be in-ground. Prices start at about $10,000 and most can be installed in less than a day. Using jets, they create a current that allows you to swim in place or do other water-based exercises, or enjoy as a jet hot tub.

THE RETURN OF BIRD BATHS Water features are making a splash in front and backyard landscapes.

New styles and designs, as well as upcycles and re-purposed elements have re-imagined the humble bird bath, and are giving homeowners something else to enjoy while they relax outside. All birds need a dependable supply of fresh clean water for drinking and bathing, so you are likely to see a greater variety of feathery visitors who don't eat seeds and wouldn't otherwise visit your yard.

Pollen doesn't just make some of us miserable in spring, it can also fight crime. Pollen is used in forensics to determine where a person or object has been. It has even been proposed that pollen is added to bullets to enable them to be tracked.

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Functional and TaxFree Life Insurance Page 54

Art for a Lifetime Page 56

The fluffy bunny stems from the Anglo-Saxon festival of Eastre, which featured a spring goddess who used the rabbit to represent fertility. It wasn't until Germans settled in Pennsylvania in the 1700s that the tradition of the bunny that lays eggs came to the United States.

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Life Insurance You Can Use Texas Trusted Advisors Has Solutions

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

I

n last month’s article on tax-free retirement, Texas Trusted Advisors addressed three factors that could impact your retirement plan, including health, taxes, and market risks—llenges many people have experienced. This month, Texas Trusted Advisors dives deeper into the benefits of an Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policy.

THE BASICS Setting up an IUL policy has provided assistance for many families, thanks to the policy’s health benefits, tax-free retirement, and tax-free death benefits. This type of policy has several moving parts with regard to client age, health, and the amount of premium paid into the policy. Here are some ways an IUL policy can work for you.

If you purchase an IUL policy and happen to have a chronic or critical illness along the way, you may take a portion of your tax-free death benefit. If it is a terminal illness, you can take up to 90 percent. With these benefits, you could seek treatment anywhere in the world.

The IUL product will ease the pain of taking money from an IRA or 401(k) when tax time comes. If you need $50,000 for health benefits not covered by your health insurance, it is important to take out enough to pay the taxes as well. But with an IUL policy, you can take out money without owing the IRS. 54

APRIL 2022

In an IUL policy, the death benefit with Option B allows your cash value to be included in your death benefit. For example, with a $250,000 death benefit and after ten years of funding, your cash value may have increased to $100,000, which is added to your death benefit for a total of $350,000.

WORKING FOR YOU There are countless ways to use the cash gained from your IUL policy, including a tax-free savings account, buying a new car, remodeling your home, building a pool, or other investment of your choice.

Plus, if you pay the loan back, you become the big winner.

Texas Trusted Advisors has helped people for more than 40 years and can be reached at 512-261-7660 for a free consultation. Scan the code to learn more.

This is the second 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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Art for a Lifetime

by Charlotte Kovalchuk • photos by Rudy Ximenez

B

eing an artist is about learning to see the world differently," Sue Bishop says as she points to a tree in her backyard.

“When artists look at a tree they see shapes and relationships not just objects. An artist has a moral obligation to learn to see so she Sue Bishop and Carol Light can truly appreciate the beauty in marriage of styles and generations their world.” Observing the world includes Carol’s organic painting more closely is one of the lessons style, which focuses on animals and she and Carol Light learned on their the environment, and Sue’s contemart journeys, which intersected 50 years ago and sparked a creative col- porary, geometric, straight-lined approach that emphasizes the human laboration, and lifelong friendship. figure.

A LIFETIME OF ART

Carol, 92, was bitten by the art bug early in life. “My biggest thing when I was a child was getting a new box of crayons. I’ve always loved putting down colors and lines and shapes,” she says.

It took Sue, 75, a little longer to discover her creative calling. Growing up, she was surrounded by art thanks to a mom who was an artist, but it wasn’t until college she began carrying on the family tradition. Sue remembers walking by the art department student show and thinking, “I can do that.”

The two have been best friends since the '70s. “Artists are the greatest people in the world to have as friends,” Sue says. “You're around fabulous people and there is always someone better to learn from.” The 56

APRIL 2022

The goal, Carol says, was to view life from two perspectives while combining one idea. Their first project together was sparked by a trip to the artsy Monhegan Island, where Carol learned about thin places—points where spirit and humanity meet.

Their hobby turned into a professional opportunity when the city’s Arts and Culture Coordinator Amanda Still heard about their venture and decided they needed a show “before we even began,” Sue points out.

After two months, Sue had a breakthrough, realizing the subject she needed to paint was herself.

“Not physically me, but the emotions I was feeling,” she says. “I needed to put aside my fear of disappointing [everyone], reach up and take hold of that thin place. “It was the greatest lesson of trusting myself and putting

the fear aside to allow wonderful things to happen.”

Amanda Still, the city's Arts and Culture Coordinator, "Carol Light is an anchor to the local art community.

She has served the arts community for many years by volunteering her time for the arts, working tirelessly as a professional artist, providing art instruction and inspiration to artists of all levels, and acting as mentor to a majority of local artists. Her artistic works are iconic and highly regarded and sought after by art collectors across the state and beyond. Sue Bishop’s work has a sophistication and intuitive style that is distinctly recognizable, and I often find myself awestruck when viewing one of her new pieces. Sue and Carol collaborate so well artistically because each understands the other’s visual language and how to weave one into the other. Their pieces come together so intuitively, as evidenced by their many collaborative paintings developed together through the years.

IN PERSON Carol and Sue still enjoy painting and passing on their love of art to creatives of all ages, especially young artists through mentorship and workshops. They will provide an artist demonstration and talk at 5:30pm April 21 at Grace Heritage Chapel during the Georgetown Art Stroll.

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FO O D

Super Slow to Super Fast and all Good Multicookers have become a kitchen must-have. As the name suggests, they are convenient multi-taskers— a set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker, and a pressure cooker, which uses high heat to speed up the cooking process.

MULTICOOKER CRISPY CARNITAS • 1 (4-5 pound) lean boneless pork roast, cut into 2-inch chunks (with excess fat trimmed off) • fine sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil • 1 batch mojo sauce • for serving: chopped fresh cilantro, diced white or red onion, and/or fresh salsa

MOJO SAUCE:

• 1 cup beer (or chicken stock) • 6 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice • 1 tablespoon ground cumin • 1 teaspoon dried oregano • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt • 1/2 teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together mojo sauce ingredients until combined. Set aside until ready to use.

Season pork chunks on all sides with salt and pepper.

Set multicooker to Sauté. Add oil, followed by half the pork, and sear, turning every 45-60 seconds or so, until pork is browned on all sides. Transfer pork to a separate clean plate, and repeat with remaining pork, searing until it has browned on all sides. Turn off heat.

Pour in the mojo sauce, and toss briefly to combine with the pork. Close lid securely and set vent to seal.

Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes, followed by a natural release (about 15 minutes).

Set oven broiler to high heat.

Remove the pot lid and shred the pork with two forks. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a large baking sheet.

Spoon about a third of the leftover juices evenly on top of the pork and toss to combine. Broil for 4-5 minutes, or until the edges of the pork begin browning and crisping up.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven, then half of the remaining juices from the Instant Pot evenly over the pork and toss to combine. Broil for an additional 5 minutes to get the meat even more crispy. Remove baking sheet from the oven, then ladle the remaining juices over the pork, and toss to combine.

Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro, then serve warm in tacos, burritos, salads, or whatever sounds good to you! Or, refrigerate pork in a sealed container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

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FO O D

CROCK POT LEMON-CHICKEN SOUP A grown up spin on a childhood favorite.

• 9 c reduced-sodium chicken broth • 4 c (1 rotisserie) shredded cooked chicken • ¾ c chopped sweet onion (1 small onion) • ¾ c thinly sliced peeled carrots (2 large carrots) • ½ c thinly sliced celery (3 celery stalks) • ½ c dry white wine • 2 ½ t kosher salt • 8 oz uncooked orzo pasta • ¾ c frozen English peas, thawed • ¼ c chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley • 1 T lemon zest plus ¼ cup fresh juice (from 2 lemons) Combine broth, chicken, onion, carrots, celery, wine, and salt in a 6-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on low until vegetables are tender, about 4 hours.

Increase heat to HIGH, and stir in orzo. Cover and cook until orzo is tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in peas, parsley, zest, and juice.

AIR-FRYER PECAN STRAWBERRY RHUBARB COBBLER April is the start of strawberry and rhubarb season, and pecans are a good idea any time of year.

• 1 c sliced fresh or frozen rhubarb

• 1 c sliced fresh strawberries

• 1/4 c sugar

• 1 T quick-cooking tapioca

• 1 t lemon juice

• Dash salt

• 1/3 c all-purpose flour

• 1/4 c chopped pecans

• 3 T sugar

• 1/8 t baking powder

• Dash salt

• 2 T cold butter

TOPPING

• 1 large egg

SAUCE

• 1/2 c vanilla ice cream

• 2-1/4 t Marsala wine

Preheat air fryer to 375°. Combine the first 6 ingredients; divide between 2 greased 8-oz. ramekins or custard cups.

Let stand for 15 minutes.

In small bowl, combine flour, pecans, sugar, baking powder and salt; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in egg. Drop by spoonfuls over fruit mixture; spread evenly.

Place ramekins on tray in air-fryer basket. Cook until filling is bubbly and a toothpick inserted in topping comes out clean, 25-30 minutes.

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine ice cream and wine.

Cook, uncovered, at 50 percent power for 1-2 minutes or until heated through; stir until blended. Serve with warm cobbler.

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TA LKS P O P PY

Poppy Thoughts about Relationships

F

orget Mars and Venus. At least those two celestial bodies are in the same solar system. Ladies, have you had the conversation with your male partner who says, "Who is coming over again? I can never keep your friends straight." Two minutes later he is reciting the yardage statistics of three running backs over four seasons on two teams. I love him, but mine can tell me how many yards to what number hole on which course and how many times he didn't hit the fairway on it.

And it's not age related. My sixth grader likes to watch TV with the captions on because he is hyperlexic and it helps him memorize the lines faster. Sure, we Gen-X folks were happy to be the first generation to have cable and watch movies so many times we knew all the best lines from The Breakfast Club, but watching a movie with a kid who is speaking. every. word. of dialogue in a 90-minute cartoon makes my head explode.

This same kid, when asked what the teacher talked about in Social Studies today, says, "I'm not sure."

Perhaps this isn't universal but I can still remember a time before Google or IMDb when, if I didn't know a fact or couldn't remember the guy that was in the show with that other girl, I couldn't find the answer in a matter of seconds and it would bother me until the show came on again or I got up and looked in an encyclopedia.

Men aren't obsessive like that. They are completely content to just keep on not knowing something. I'm working hard to acquire that skill. I think I would be a lot less unhealthy if I could also not care about stuff in a positive way.

Now that the pandemic is over (eyes rolling because it's really just that the war, gas prices, and mid-terms are hogging the news) it will be nice to have the house back to a normal routine. Yes, we all spent a lot of time in each other's spaces and I really wish I had a dollar

for every time one of us said, "Why are you doing it that way?" I'm still not sure how it works that he hates the way I drive but always asks me to drive because he doesn't want to. It's amazing how he thinks the vehicle is a force field. If you were just walking down a hallway, and someone almost bumped into you, would you really turn and scream, "Idiot!" at them?

Anyway, happily, spouse and I do get along very well, although we still can't agree on whose fault it is when moving the salt three inches to the right means he can't see it. Science tells us men sense movement better than women, and women sense subtle changes in the environment. Perhaps he could find things faster if I just throw things to him.

Still, I love being married. When you're just dating, you don't have anyone to check your weird mole, you can't eat dinner out of the pot standing over the stove, and you definitely can't get excited about a text that says, "I found the scented dog waste bags you like." You have a buddy who will hide in the bedroom to eat all the snacks you don't want your kids to know you have, and we have also agreed that either of us ever wishes the other happy birthday or anniversary on Facebook, our friends should know we've been hacked.

This is us in 200 years because we starved to death during the "I don't care, what do you want to eat?" conversation loop.

April Fool's Day is the one day of the year when people critically evaluate news articles before accepting them as true.

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S HOT PA RTIN G

by Charlotte Kovalchuk photo courtesy of City of Georgetown

Breaking Ground on Georgetown Jobs

Georgetown City Council members and member-elect, Mayor Josh Schroeder, Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell, and Commissioner Valerie Covey help turn the dirt February 23.

At right, Judge Gravell, CelLink CEO Kevin Coakley, and Mayor Schroeder.

W

illiamson County and Georgetown officials broke ground February 23 on a CelLink Corporation manufacturing facility that will be located between I-35 and State Highway 130 in Georgetown. CelLink manufactures flexible circuits used in electric vehicles and battery storage units and will complete the nearly 300,000-square-foot building in June in the Gateway35 Commerce Center, an industrial park by Titan Development.

“We are excited to see Georgetown become part of the growing electric vehicle and energy storage industries,” Mayor Josh Schroeder says. “Companies like CelLink and industrial park developers like Titan will strengthen the economic foundation of our com-

munity, bringing sales tax revenue, creative talent, and good jobs to our city.”

The facility is expected to create up to 2,000 hightech jobs in the next decade, making CelLink one of the largest private sector employers in the city.

The project’s investment is estimated to be at $130 million in five years. “Williamson County is becoming known as a hub for technology and innovation due to our highly skilled and educated workforce,” County Judge Bill Gravell says. “Having another world-class project land in our county reinforces our desire to bring good paying, exceptional employment opportunities to our residents.”

On April 15, 1912, Sidney Leslie Goodwin, 19 months old, became one of the youngest fatalities on the Titanic. He was buried with other unfortunate souls from the Titanic under the marker “unknown child” but was finally identified in 2008 after extensive DNA testing and a worldwide genealogical search.

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