Georgetown View • June 2022

JUNE 2022

GEORGETOWN ISD

The Future Is Now

ROCKETRY STUDENTS GET ADVICE FROM NASA EXPERTS

June Special Focus Education, Trades & Learning A Multi-Feature Look at Resources, Opportunities & Achievements in Georgetown and Towns Around

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INSIDE FEATURES THE FUTURE IS NOW Georgetown ISD

FEATURES

TEXAS HISTORY Celebrating Juneteenth

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TEXAS WEDDINGS 42 Beautiful Days at HighPointe Estate

JUNE SPECIAL: EDUCATION, TRADES & LEARNING A multi-feature look at learning and training in Georgetown

FAVORITES EXPERIENCE GEORGETOWN 16 The Hammerlun Center

FAVORITES

PEOPLE Godspeed John Davenport

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AROUND TOWN Texas Bach Festival

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SHELTER STORIES It's Kitten Season

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FOOD Modern Day Cavemen

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FACTS TO BLOW YOUR MIND 62 The Measure of a Man

THRIVING AFTER 55

POPPY TALKS An Ode to Dads

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PARTING SHOT GISD Teachers of the Year

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THRIVING AFTER 55 ANIMAL RESCUE Harley's Angels

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PROTECT YOUR SAVINGS Advice About Government Spending

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GHS DRONE PROGRAM Learning in the Sky

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EDUCATION FOUNDATION Grants & Growth

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TRANSFORMATIVE JUSTICE Help for Emerging Adults

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EDUCATION OPTIONS Making Informed Decisions About Schools

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BUSINESS PROFILE Proper Training & Techniques at Guns Plus

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Next Month...

SENIORS & RETIREMENT LIFESTYLE

ON THE COVER

Students traveled to Fredericksburg Friday, May 13 to work with NASA engineers to get feedback on the rockets they designed and built. Insets: JROTC at competition • Sea Perch • EVHS Students at Cooking Around the World at Epcot Center (Photos courtesy GISD) 2

SCHOLARSHIPS There's Free Money Out There

J UN E 2022

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 / COPY EDITOR Charlotte Kovalchuk CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Linda A. Thornton • Cassidie Cox • Elle Bent EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR Camy Reynolds

June is the month we celebrate summer and perhaps start thinking about the beach or the mountains. As children began to think about being out of school, our writers took a good look at education and learning opportunities—from childhood education to hi-tech drones to gun safety—available in Georgetown and around. Aside from the growth, achievements, and great programs at GISD, there are alternative schools, trades, and avocational training available for a number of skill sets and interests.

In our schools, Dr. Fred Brent has plenty to brag about, and he continues his resolute efforts to ensure every student has the opportunity and support to move forward in his or her academic progress. With tremendous help from Greg Bowden and the Education Foundation, our students are bound to succeed, literally, from the Earth to the moon.

Elsewhere in this issue, we are pleased to share updated news about Juneteenth and a preview of the Texas Bach Festival. Plus, we didn't forget about June favorites—there are also bits for brides and grooms and dads.

Personally, I'm looking forward to summer, early sunrises, and porch sitting. I also want to report that Jim Wallace's keynote, featured in our May issue, was an amazing gift from Main Street Baptist Church and John Murphy.

I'm glad Georgetown has a reputation that brings folks of Jim's fame to our city to share unique perspectives on everything from government to the life of Jesus. To paraphrase our former mayor, it's still a blessing to live in the greatest city on planet Earth.

GRAPHICS & DESIGN Sandra Evans • Ann Marie Kennon CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Rudy Ximenez • Christianna Bettis SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Jenny Campbell IT / WEBMASTER Jesse Payne

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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EDUCAT ION • T R A DES • LE A R NING

Georgetown ISD: Achievement and Growth Looking toward the future

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building to create a central and secure space to manage the annual deployment and service of nearly 13,000 devices. Frost is an ideal site to accommodate that directive and also serve as a warehouse for curriculum materials."

here are three facts many people recognize about Georgetown. First, the city is growing every day. Second, we have a superlative school district. Third, the first two are positively connected.

Fortunately, city and school leadership are adept at planning for growth via bond propositions that allow the district to adjust and avoid overcrowding.

BOND BENEFITS In 2021, voters approved two propositions that will provide new facilities for the fast-growing district as well as maintain and improve technology. Elementary School #11 will be located in Santa Rita Ranch to help accommodate for capacity in the fast growing western part of the district and Wolf Ranch attendance zone. Elementary School #12 is also being planned for an opening in fall 2024 but a location has not yet been determined.

Communications Director Melinda Brasher explains, "Our demographers predict we will have 1,000 new students by the fall of 2022 and another 3,000 by the fall of 2024 when new campuses are expected to open. Half of that projected increase will be at the elementary level. Fortunately, we will be able to get both schools ready quickly because they are based on the designs of Williams and Wolf Ranch schools, which opened in 8

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2020. Those designs have proven very effective for learning and we need only make small tweaks based on feedback from staff to complete construction. This saves us tremendous time and expense."

ASSET BENEFITS The district also plans to break ground on a new Benold Middle School in the Parmer Ranch subdivision in west Georgetown.

Melinda says the current Benold Middle School will be redesigned to become a future Frost Elementary. "The current Frost is our smallest campus and there is no opportunity to expand its footprint, but maintaining an elementary school in that area is important to the community.

Redesigning Benold creates space for growth in the Frost attendance zone."

She says the current Frost facility may be re-purposed. "Another bond proposition will enable us to sustain our one-to-one device initiative for students, improve our technology infrastructure, and increase security for both. One option is to re-purpose the old Frost

GROWTH BENEFITS As the population increases, the district's special programs increase as well. "A fourth campus funded by the bond will be our Future Ready Center," Melinda says. "This complex will be constructed on Airport Road near the Titan Commercial center and will be the new home for Richarte High School, advanced Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, Bridges transition program, and Eagles Wings, an early learning center that provides daycare for teachers and staff, allowing for increased capacity in each program.

It will also house the GISD Health and Wellness Clinic." The district plans to break ground before the end of summer.

As well, the entire district will benefit from new school buses that will not only accommodate growth where it is happening, but are also safer for students and the community.

Visit GeorgetownISD.org/bond to review previous bond projects and updates on how the district is stewarding our tax dollars.

EDUCAT ION • T R A DES • LE A R NING

by Ann Marie Kennon photos courtesy GISD

CLASSROOM BENEFITS In the 2022-23 school year, high school students will have the opportunity to take new semester-long electives focusing on Mexican-American and African-American studies.

Also at the high school level, the Rocketry program added Level 3 applications through SystemsGo. Melinda says, "We add a new level each year so the students are able to advance in the program.

A FEW BRAGGING POINTS IN 2021-22: The Aerospace Engineering students complete their fourth airplane, then tested and sold it to fund the fifth plane already in production.

East View was home to Claire O'Shoney, the top national chef in the 2020-21 school year. This year, the Patriots' top chef again won the Texas title and is traveling to nationals this month to continue the streak.

GISD has a total of 39 Sea Perch teams district wide.

Two teams from Benold Middle School qualified for an international competition being held in Maryland this month. All Sea Perch teams are funded as a priority initiative of the Education Foundation For the second year in a row, Georgetown was recognized by the Texas Art Education Association as a Dis-

trict of Distinction. Only 40 of 1,100 eligible districts met this Gold Standard for fine arts programs.

The Liberty Battalion was named 2022 Area 10 Navy JROTC State Champion and a Navy JROTC Nationals Finalist. The group has been named a Navy Distinguished Unit ten years in a row, and is also a Bravo Zulu award-winning battalion. Bravo Zulu is military code for “well done” and pennants are given only to units that truly stand out in overall performance at inspection.

The CTE program continues to produce well-prepared and job-ready students upon graduation.

GISD’s Learner Profile closely aligns with a recent Capital Workforce Solutions report that shows the list of skills employers are looking for in the regional job market, meaning our students are a good match for soft skills in demand in the larger job market.

KEY TAKEAWAY As growth and achievement are always a priority, Superintendent Dr. Fred Brent is pleased the strong relationships among the district, city, and Chamber of Commerce provide great perspective when planning for the future. He says, "We know our community is growing and we are conscious of the need to grow with it while making sure students in GISD have a safe and welcoming place to learn. We will continue to work closely with demographers and maintain a three-year bond cycle to accommodate Georgetown's growth and popularity with families. Plus, in the classrooms, we will make sure to continue the programs that support their interests, and the future-ready needs of our community and its workforce."

JUNE 2022

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Development Considering the Pros and Cons

W

hile land development can sometimes be frowned upon—more traffic, changes to the face of the landscape, ecosystems, and habitats—it does mean prosperity for a community. New construction generates more jobs and curb appeal, unites community members, and maintains or increases home values. Finding a balance between growth and preservation of a community’s character is key to a successful development plan.

With a continuous surge of new Georgetown developments—from subdivisions to retail to restaurants— Rosemary Calcese with Transformation Title & Escrow and real estate law firm Calcese & Associates provides a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring these developments to town.

WHERE DO DEVELOPMENTS COME FROM? As entrepreneurs who oversee the development and redevelopment of properties, real estate developers plan and control projects from start to finish. Most real estate developers work on commercial real estate projects, including retail spaces, office and residential buildings, and travel and leisure developments.

The development process is a lengthy undertaking that can take months to years, starting when developers purchase land and begin the entitlement or approval process with the city or county. They are required to submit a variety of engineering and construction plans to the city and apply for multiple permits. The municipalities then make the determination if the proposed plan is in line with their vision of growth and development goals.

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Community Impact INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS Some cities or townships require the developer to make improvements to the infrastructure, e.g., road enhancement, replacing old water or sewer pipes, installing sidewalks, adding landscaping, and increasing the number of public parking spaces.

Holding developers accountable for community improvements removes some of the financial burdens on the city or township.

ECONOMIC & SOCIAL IMPACT Expanding businesses, commercial buildings and neighborhoods under construction, and home renovations signify a growing community. While growth can present challenges and seem invasive, the trickle-down effect creates jobs, which are vital to the prosperity of a city.

Commercial and residential construction stimulates growth in retail, real estate, equipment, manufacturing plants, schools, and tourism— much like the “Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas” is a destination for shopping and events. Developments like the Wolf Ranch and Wolf Crossing shopping centers also allow residents to keep their dollars local instead of having to travel to Round Rock or Austin.

As more jobs move to Central Texas, the tax base increases, which allows funds to be reinvested in the community to improve schools, parks, transportation, and other city services. The estimated impact of 100 single-family homes in the first year is 394 local jobs, $28.7 million in local income, $3.6 million in taxes and other revenue for local governments.1

Real estate development trends Georgetown is home to more than 67,000 people thanks to nearly 42 percent growth in the last decade.

In March, the median price of a Williamson County home increased 22 percent to $490,000 from the previous March.2 “Because Georgetown is conveniently nestled between Austin and Waco, I believe the market and area will continue to grow rapidly to support new companies moving to nearby locations,” Rosemary says.

When settling here, more home buyers tend to look for residences with amenities like pools, green space, and walking trails for kids and pets. “People want to spend more time with their families doing positive and enjoyable activities. Thankfully, Williamson County has done a fantastic job making sure developers are adding to the enjoyment of communities,” Rosemary says.

1 National Association of Home Builders 2 Austin Board of Realtors

JUNE 2022

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H IS T O RY T EXAS

by Ann Marie Kennon

Celebrating Juneteenth

I

n 1980, Texas was the first to declare Juneteenth a state holiday. In 2021, in an ever-evolving celebration of common bonds of freedom, June 19 was named a federal holiday.

The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer. ~General Order #3

June 19 is also Father's Day this year and the national theme is recognition of the Founding Fathers of Freedom—the United States Colored Troops who marched into Galveston to announce freedom to those still enslaved.

WHAT IS IT? Juneteenth is a day that traditionally recognizes the end of slavery in the United States. While many believe Abraham Lincoln’s executive order, known as the Emancipation Proclamation, 'freed the slaves,' his 1863 order was just the first step.

President Lincoln signed the document on September 22, 1862, and it became official January 1, 1863. It changed the legal status— from slave to free—of more than 3.5 million African Americans. However, the order was not recognized or enforced by states rebelling against the Union. All other enslaved people were legally freed by state actions and ratification of the 13th Amendment in December 1865.

MEANWHILE, IN TEXAS… Texas was geographically isolated from the significant battles of the Civil War and, without mass communication, slavery persisted even after the Confederacy surrendered

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Juneteenth celebration in 1900 at Eastwoods Park in Austin.

Photo from Austin History Center

in April 1865. Finally, on June 19, Major General Gordon Granger and 2,000 Union soldiers landed at Galveston.

“JUNETEENTH” BEGINS History says reactions among the new freedmen were mixed—from disbelief, to being gone before the general even finished his statement.

Initially called “Jubilee Day” or “Emancipation Day,” celebrations emerged in Galveston in the years following General Granger’s proclamation and flourished year after year. As more families emigrated from Texas, they took the tradition with them and continued the celebration, first in border states, and eventually coast to coast.

The day was first celebrated in Austin in 1867 and five years later, African-American leaders purchased land specifically designated for the annual event, now known as Emancipation Park. Celebrations across Texas continued to grow and by the 1890s, the name had commonly changed to Juneteenth.

In 1979, Texas state legislator Al Edwards was the first to introduce a bill to make Juneteenth a legal holiday and the first state-approved celebration took place in 1980. Prior to the 2021 federal designation, all but three states had passed legislation to officially recognize June 19, or the third Saturday in June, as an official holiday or observance.

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GEO RGET O WN

LEARNING HUB, OLD TOWN ANCHOR

by Charlotte Kovalchuk historical photo courtesy GISD

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ome to several Georgetown schools over the years and now serving as a home base for 100 school district employees, the Hammerlun Center for Leadership and Learning building just west of Southwestern on University Avenue has been a hub of education for nearly a century.

The historic building, at different times, housed elementary, middle, high school, and college students.

The original site of Southwestern University in 1870, the property was sold to the city in 1916 and ultimately transformed into the Hammerlun Center in 2018.

What were once classrooms have been remade into offices for the superintendent, HR, payroll, athletics, communications, special education, and federal programs. The site also serves as a learning center for professional development, and a venue for community meetings and events.

Many view the building as a longtime anchor of Old Town, and its renovation honors the past while

re-purposing for the future. GISD Communications Director Melinda Brasher says, “A lot has changed in 100 years. Building design in 1916 was not suited for today’s learning environment, but the bones of the building are in perfect shape. We were fortunate to own a facility like this that could be preserved for the future and re-purposed.”

Visitors may notice remnants of the past here and there, including some of the original wood floors, clay wall tiles, hardwood stage, and retrofitted light fixtures. Using the artifacts and stories they have received, staff hope to create a gallery showcasing the history of the building. “We want to honor a building that’s been here 100 years that we believe will be here for another century,” Melinda says.

BUSINESSMAN, PUBLIC SERVANT, FRIEND OF GISD When it came to re-naming the building, staff knew the namesake needed to be someone who left a legacy not just in Georgetown ISD, but in Georgetown as a whole. A City Council member, GISD Education Foundation Board member, and mentor to many including Superintendent Fred Brent, Jerry Hammerlun (right) fit the bill. “He believed in developing leaders and especially adult leaders,” Melinda says.

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“He understood and believed in the role teachers play in the classroom to develop students. He focused his energy on developing adult leaders to grow and serve our community.

When we built this campus and knew we wanted it to be home to a professional learning space for developing adult leaders for the future, it was fitting that we would name it after Jerry Hammerlun.”

Following Jerry’s death in 2018, Huckabee, Inc., the architecture firm at which he was a partner, made a donation to the Georgetown ISD Education Foundation. The vision was to develop a leadership program that embodied Jerry’s goal of helping people become good leaders. The Hammerlun Leadership Academy launched in 2021.

P E O P LE

Godspeed, John Davenport Zion Lutheran's Pastor Enjoying Retirement

A

sk any regular attender at Zion Lutheran Church about former Pastor John Davenport and the answer is always the same: “He’s really good at remembering names.”

“When visitors come, he has a way of repeating the name and maybe attaching some side remark,” Gene Buchhorn says. “It doesn’t matter if he’s in his job or out socially—he practices that religiously.”

Rosanne Capdeville, his former secretary, says it is a gift that shows how much he cares about people and connects with them, whether they are regular attenders or first-time visitors. John has provided that care since 1995, when he began shepherding Zion after a stint as an Air Force chaplain. “When I came to town, I was excited about the history of Zion and excited about the possibilities. I’ll go out the door with the same sentence on my lips,” he says.

"Zion’s best days are ahead of her. The same God who looked after her for 140 years will see her through the next 140."

Life at Zion Zion, located off FM 1105 in Walburg, held a farewell service May 1 for John, who says he is honored to have had the chance to serve the church while knowing “it’s time for me and Ms. Lynn to have a chance to enjoy the next season of life.”

From visiting church members in the hospital to ministering to families impacted by the Jarrell tornado in 1997, members recall how John was always there for them when they needed him.

That was especially true for Bonnie McNemar when she faced a near-death experience six years ago. “He saw us through that very difficult time,” she says, remembering how he sat with her when she was in the hospital, holding her hand, reading scripture, and praying over her.

Since John came on board, Zion has expanded membership, school enrollment, and staff, as well as undergone two building projects. In 2000, they added classrooms and connected the church and school, and the second added a modern worship center in 2021.

While he will miss shepherding the church, which will be 140 years young this year, John knows the church will continue to thrive.

by Charlotte Kovalchuk photos courtesy John Davenport 18

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BACH

ARO U ND

and More Energized Than Ever Texas Bach Festival to Serenade Georgetown June 20-26

E

ach time he orchestrates the Texas Bach Festival, Barry Scott Williamson is asked the same question: “Are you going to do it again?” Every year, the answer is in the festival title, including this year’s “Bringing it Bach Again,” the fifth annual celebration of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and other classical composers June 20-26.

Barry’s answer is an even more resounding “yes” after he and the festival team forged ahead during the pandemic alongside other nonprofits and emerged even more committed to their mission of bringing transformative classical performances to Central Texas.

“We are coming back again stronger than ever, more intent, and energized for the future,” he says. “We are now the only classical music festival in Georgetown, and, as founder and artistic director, I feel it is our passion and mission to bring this music to the people of Georgetown and music lovers everywhere.”

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS From chamber and organ music to operatic works and a rarely performed a cappella choral masterpiece, the Texas Bach Festival has something for every classical music aficionado.

Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “AllNight Vigil” (“ANV”) will be a special performance.

It is a singular work “so rarely heard, so difficult and amazing that not just any choir can attempt to do it,”

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by Charlotte Kovalchuk photos courtesy Barry Williamson

Barry says. “We are programming the ‘ANV’ because our TBF choir—and especially our bass voices—can handle it.” Inspired by the Russian Orthodox Church’s liturgical music, Rachmaninoff created what would become a powerful, moving cornerstone of the choral repertoire. He composed the “All-Night Vigil” in less than two weeks in 1915, with 10 of its 15 movements based on three styles of Russian Orthodox chant. Its first performance was given in Moscow shortly before the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the rise of the Soviet Union. Russian musicologist Francis Maes wrote that “no composition represents the end of an era so clearly as this religious work.”

Another highlight will be the June 24 performance of “Appassionata II” at St. Martin’s Lutheran in Austin.

It will showcase tenor Angelo Ferrari, soprano Laura Pedersen, and pianist Rick Rowley, who will perform a sumptuous assortment of operatic excerpts, Americana, and musical theater selections. “Appassionata” was one of TBF’s 2021 best-received concerts, and adding Laura will allow her and Angelo to present thrilling duets from Verdi’s “Othello” and “La Traviata,” Puccini’s “La Boheme” and “Bernstein’s “West Side Story,” as well as “The Prayer.” St. Martin’s resonant acoustic will make this performance all the more memorable.

German composer Johann Sebastian Bach “set the table” for all subsequent composers, particularly through his work with harmony, temperament, and styles of composition, Barry says.

“Every prominent composer from the 18th-21st centuries is strongly influenced by Bach in these respects. As such, TBF honors and features a growing number of composers who followed Bach, and we all benefit by the study and performance of their works. This process is one way that TBF ‘Brings Bach Alive’ for the audiences of today.”

ARO UND

TICKETS

T O WN

The Texas Bach Festival will feature seven concerts in Georgetown and Austin, with in-person and live-streamed performances. Last year the virtual option was offered free during the pandemic; however, for 2022, both in-person and livestreaming tickets are available on TBF’s website for $30 for general admission and $25 for seniors. The Georgetown and Georgetown/Austin bundles provide a significant discount—$160 for general admission and $130 for seniors—to enjoy six concerts.

As for the oft-asked question of whether the Texas Bach Festival will return next year, plans are already being made for the next few years.

“It all depends on finances.

Donations are crucial for us,” Barry says. The festival team is searching for grant opportunities and welcomes donors and underwriters to support its young festival as it grows and continues to make its mark on the local

and area music scenes.

“Georgetown is not a huge city like Los Angeles or New York, but it is a prosperous city with people who are interested in the arts, so we have great optimism about continuing to base ourselves here. We feel strongly about that. We have no plans to relocate elsewhere,” Barry says.

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

June 21, 8pm • Organist Dr. David Polley. Music of J.S. Bach, Felix Mendelssohn, and Johannes Brahms at Grace Episcopal Church

June 24, 8pm • Tenor Angelo Ferrari, soprano Laura Pedersen, pianist Rick Rowley. “Appassionata II,” operatic excerpts by Gaetano Donizetti, Gioachino Rossini, Giacomo Puccini, and Giuseppe Verdi.

Americana, Neapolitan, and musical theater selections, including “The Prayer" at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, Austin

June 22, 8pm • Chamber music 2. Stephen Girko, clarinet, Toby Blumenthal, piano, Bruce Williams, viola, Douglas Harvey, cello. Music of J.S. Bach, Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Robert Schumann at Wellspring United Methodist Church

June 25, 8pm • Allegro Chamber Trio. Megan Meisenbach, flute, Elaine Barber, harp, Bruce Williams, viola Works of François-Joseph Gossec, Josquin des Prez, Tielman Susato, J.S. Bach, Claude Debussy at Wellspring United Methodist Church

June 23, 8pm • Texas Bach Festival Choir. Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “All-Night Vigil” (“Vespers”). Barry Scott Williamson, conductor at Wellspring United Methodist Church

June 26, 3pm • Texas Bach Festival Choir. Rachmaninoff’s “All-Night Vigil” (“Vespers”) Barry Scott Williamson conducting at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, Austin

June 20, 8pm • Chamber music 1, Artisan Quartet members, pianist Rick Rowley. Music of J.S. Bach, Johann Christian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at Wellspring United Methodist Church

JUNE 2022

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S T O RIES S H ELT ER

It's Kitten Season!

Y

ou’re walking through a local shopping complex, maybe distracted by the day’s events or plans for the evening, and suddenly you hear mewing. It is a sound easily recognized—kittens. Of course, you search for them, as any person with a kind heart would, out of concern for their well-being. There they are, underneath a bush, cuddled up together in an adorable little kitten pile, but Momma Cat is nowhere in sight.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO? STOP! Don’t be a “kit-napper”.

Before you spring into action, assess the situation to find out if they need intervention. If the kittens are not in immediate danger, injured, or suffering, find out if Momma Cat is nearby. You may not see her—she could be out hunting for food so she can feed her babies. Or she might be hiding from you. In either case, she is best equipped to care for her little ones and you should leave them where they are for the time being. To be sure she is around and able to care for them, you can wait and watch for her return or sprinkle

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contributed by April Peiffer, WCRAS Marketing Director

some flour around the kittens. If, when you return a few hours later the flour has been disturbed, you know Momma Cat is taking care of her babies.

WHEN TO SHELTER First, if they are sick, hurt, or in immediate danger, the shelter is ready to help.

Second, if the kittens are active— running, jumping, playing—and eating solid food, bring them to WCRAS; they will be spayed, neutered, and vaccinated, and staff will help find loving new homes.

Third, if you watch for Momma Cat and she hasn’t returned in 8 to 12 hours, the kittens need your help and you should bring them to the shelter.

KITTEN SEASON Kitten season, also known as feline breeding season, occurs throughout the summer months.

It is kitten season right now, and following this advice can help the shelter care for all of the animals brought or surrendered.

Outdoor female cats can occasionally have many litters in one season because the season lasts more than half the year. Cats are pregnant an average 64 days and have four to six kittens at a time. In the same litter, female cats can bear kittens from various dads. This is why kittens from the same litter can have such a wide range of appearances.

If you do bring kittens in, consider offering to foster them right away.

This allows WCRAS to take them into the system, properly assessed, then fosters may take them home to help them grow big and strong enough for adoption.

Kitten fostering is very rewarding, and the shelter has a team of volunteer mentors ready to help owners learn all they need to know.

Remember, no one can care for kittens better than their momma and leaving kittens where you find them may be the best course of action.

JUNE 2022

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or high school graduates preparing for college, a daunting process awaits—searching for scholarships to ease the financial burden.

In the United States, students pay an average of $38,000 per semester at a private college, $22,000 at an out-of-state public university, and $10,000 at an in-state public university. Even the lowest cost adds up over the course of two or four years.

While the process of finding scholarships can be intimidating, students should know there are many unique opportunities available to fund their higher education.

In Texas, thanks to the Hazlewood Act, qualified veterans, spouses, and dependents may receive an education benefit of up to 150 hours of tuition exemption at a state school. Learn more at tvc.texas.gov.

GET SPECIFIC

Many students will appreciate the opportunities offered to those who fit into specific demographics or niche categories. For instance, the Tall Clubs International Foundation awards scholarships up to $1,000 to female students who are 5’10" and taller and male students 6’2" and taller who apply on their website.

Students who can prove they are not averse to taking risks may apply at Bold.org for up to $25,000 in their "Be Bold" No-essay Scholarship. As well, all scholarships are not just for public or private schools.

OnToCollege.com lists many programs and awards specific to homeschool students. Some require only that the student learn at home for at least two years, while others, like the Mason Lighthouse Scholarship, award funds for college, trade school, or even mission work after graduation.

Students can also check out GoingMerry.com and let the free scholarship search and application platform do the work for them.

LOCAL MONEY

Students in Williamson County may submit a single application for scholarships to the Austin Community Foundation, which then matches their qualifications to relevant scholarships. Additionally, any student in Williamson County in the top 25 percent of his or her class is qualified for the Leola and Charles H. Hugg Trust Scholarship (huggtrust.org).

by Elle Bent

CHISHOLM TRAIL COMMUNITIES FOUNDATIONS

Georgetown students may also apply for scholarships available only to GISD students.

Georgetown Promise was established in 2020 to increase the educational opportunities for African American and Latino students.

Madelyn Grace Shoales Memorial Scholarship awards scholarships to Georgetown High School student athletic trainers.

More scholarships can be found at GeorgetownISD.org.

Editor's note: Scholarships, like any other financial transaction, are subject to scams. While search platforms are helpful, some things to remember:

Do not pay fees up front to apply.

Research the name of the company and make sure the website provides contact information.

Do not provide financial information in your application.

Delete messages that say "You've been selected..." if you did not apply first.

Check an offer's eligibility requirements to make sure they match your qualifications.

When in doubt, ask your counselor.

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EDUCAT ION • T R A DES • LE A R NING

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EDUCAT ION • T R A DES • LE A R NING

by Cassidie Cox

RNING FROM E L S S A L C ABO DL R VE WO

As demand for drones in the workplace continues to grow, one program at Georgetown High School is helping students prepare for careers in technology with a fun, creative spin.

I

n 2021, Robert Thomas, facilitator at Georgetown High School’s Eagle Innovation Center, and teacher Walker Nikolaus, teamed up with Youth Drone Sports Championships (YDSC) and launched a drone program in Georgetown ISD. By year's end, the class was at capacity and there were 26 students in the after school club.

THE CLASS In the classroom, the curriculum includes increasingly complex skills that build, year over year, to enable students to construct and operate drones safely for photographs, videos, surveys, or simply to gain a better understanding of aerodynamics. Teachers also facilitate the students' acquisition of FAA certifications that allow them to participate in the end-of-year project: employment with local businesses as drone operators.

Hunter, a senior, has already created a startup company and provides drone video to local businesses for marketing.

“I’ll stay [after school] for hours sometimes,” he says, “just trying to get better at flying.”

Hunter and Robert Thomas in the EIC

the fast pace of competition and plans to continue racing after graduation.

Thomas and Nikolaus agree the fun and friendly competition of drone racing is their favorite part of the class and club, particularly now that club members have transitioned from online racing to real-world drone work.

THE FUTURE IS NOW "Drone technology is disrupting innumerable industries," Thomas says. "With support from the community we've worked to expose our students to future career opportunities in this growing field.

The kids love it, and the learning will prove to be quite beneficial in their future.”

THE CLUB In contrast, the club focuses on applying classroom instruction to the tricky task of flying—and racing—drones via simulators with students from around the country.

As a first-time participant, Casey, a senior and the club's top racer, placed first in the nation in the novice category. He says he enjoys

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To inquire about hiring a student for drone services, contact Robert Thomas at thomasr@georgetownisd.org.

Hunter is not alone— most of the graduating seniors are building similar startups, ready to promote their future-friendly services to local businesses and firms. Madison, another member of the class of 2022, plans to take her drone business with her when she moves to California. “This is a really good program,” she says. “I’m excited to raise awareness and engage more students in the opportunity.”

BE PART OF IT The drone program was started, in part, with grant funds from the Georgetown ISD Education Foundation. Anyone wishing to support and facilitate its growth, which will provide as much benefit to the Georgetown business community as its students, can visit their website to donate to the program.

(GISDEdFound.org)

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EDUCAT ION • T R A DES • LE A R NING

GEORGETOWN ISD EDUCATION FOUNDATION

by Elle Bent

Funding for Reading, Rendering, and Virtual Reality

T The Georgetown ISD Education Foundation celebrated its sixth year of funding in April by awarding $34,125 in collaborative grants.

The purpose of the grant program is to fund innovative and creative educational projects that align with the district’s Learner Profile and impact student learning.

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eachers in the Georgetown Independent School District roll up their sleeves twice a year to brainstorm engaging projects and creative solutions for their students.

They then present these ideas to the Georgetown ISD Education Foundation for funding.

“It never ceases to amaze me what the teachers in our schools do on a daily basis and the type of innovative thinking and stretching that goes into helping our students be prepared for the future,” says Greg Bowden, founder and chair of the foundation.

THE FOUNDATION The GISD foundation awards grants to teachers and schools in two annual cycles, with each providing financial support for innovative opportunities. In the fall cycle, individual teachers submit proposals for classroom, school, or training programs, while the spring cycle funds larger, collaborative efforts.

“We’re blessed at the education foundation to be able to provide grants twice each year,” Greg said.

Last fall, nearly $9,000 was awarded to 20 teachers across 11 campuses in GISD. Grant projects focused on supporting student needs, incorporating new technology, and funding creative art and science projects. In April, the foundation chose 13 projects across nine campuses and awarded $34,125 in collaborative grants.

“The spring cycle means large grants for groups of teachers, whether that’s a team of language arts or science teachers,” Greg added. “Those dollar amounts reach as much as $5,000.”

2022 AWARDS All of the district's elementary librarians collectively received $2,600 for green screens and stop motion animation, which will help them connect elementary students better to the curriculum and literature.

EDUCAT ION • T R A DES • LE A R NING

“Reading for Success” at Mitchell Elementary will help students with learning disabilities become successful readers.

"Decodable Reading” at Carver Elementary will provide Heggerty products that help with phonological awareness—i.e., the ability to work with sounds in spoken language. These skills set the stage for decoding, blending, and word reading in early education.

“Award Winning Exploration Book Club” will provide eighth grade students at Benold Middle School with Newbery Award books. The Newbery Medal is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children to an author who has made a distinguished contribution to American children's literature.

McCoy Elementary teachers will have eight new virtual reality headsets, which will add a new and interactive dimension to learning.

Georgetown High School science teachers Elise Lutz and Grace Lisenby received $4,500 for their project, “Light up the World with DNA.” Their award will provide an electrophoresis system and miniPCR thermocycler for forensics and biotechnology classrooms.

This equipment will allow students to separate DNA fragments for genetic testing and explore the nature of crime scene analysis.

NEXT STEP AWARD In 2021, with funding from the Georgetown Education Foundation, GHS teachers Robert Thomas and Walker Nikolaus collaborated with Youth Drone Sports Championships to launch a drone program.

Georgetown ISD is the first district in Texas to have a drone class and drone club. Their April 2022 proposal was worth an additional $4,900, which will fund the students' Federal Aviation Administration part-107 unmanned aerial vehicle pilot’s certification—i.e., their drone license. (See story on p. 26.)

These unique opportunities give students the chance to engage with the curriculum in incredible ways and prepare for use of the technology in future careers.

BE PART OF IT Fortunately, the Georgetown community is tremendously supportive of the foundation's efforts.

Donations are accepted year-round directly to the foundation at GISDEdFound.org, but one neighborhood group recently made a big splash by making the largest-ever single donation. 

JUNE 2022

29

The HOA was created in 2008 by the developer to fund, build, and operate a community pool for the homeowners in two sections of the neighborhood. Last winter, after much discussion and insufficient funds to construct the pool, a homeowner majority voted to dissolve the HOA. “The HOA laws in the State of Texas are strict and make dissolution very difficult, but the homeowners spoke loud and clear. I am proud our board did not give up and worked hard to allow the homeowners the opportunity to make their voices heard,” said Michael Charles, former President of the HOA. Since 2015, the foundation has

operated as a fully volunteer board to support innovative learning in Georgetown ISD schools.

Greg Bowden accepted the check and said, “We are honored the homeowners and parents in the Village community would entrust us with this gift. It is a game-changer for our organization. We are humbly aware of the responsibility we have to be good stewards of these funds, which will provide a lasting legacy for students in GISD.” Superintendent Dr. Fred Brent added, “As state funding shrinks for public schools, organizations like the Ed Foundation become increasingly essential to sustaining innovative programming. I am honored and humbled.”

Greg Bowden (far right) , GISD trustees and administrators, and Village residents join Michael Charles (holding check) for the presentation.

(image credit: Facebook/VillageHOA)

EDUCAT ION • T R A DES • LE A R NING

On May 12, the recently dissolved Village Homeowners Association (HOA) donated $450,000 and a 2.792 acre parcel of land valued at $343,568 to the foundation. The Village is a neighborhood of 549 homes off of Shell Road.

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EDUCAT ION • T R A DES • LE A R NING

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

A $15,000 grant from the Texas Bar Foundation has bolstered the Williamson County Transformative Justice program’s mission of transforming young lives and keeping the community safe.

T

he Transformative Justice program is a diversionary program for 17 to 24-year-olds charged with non-violent felonies. The initiative meets participants where they are with early intervention and personalized case management over 10 to 18 months. Program partners learn about participants’ journeys and address substance abuse and mental health issues, and educational and vocational challenges.

The program is a collaborative effort of the Williamson County District Courts, Juvenile Services, the Defense Bar, and the District Attorney’s Office. With the support of the Williamson County Commissioners Court, the program focuses on reducing crime recurrence for emerging adults in an effort to change the trajectory of their lives and safeguard the community.

EMERGING ADULTS Defined as individuals age 17-24, these offenders are too old for juvenile detention, but, because of their age and maturity, it is believed adult incarceration is less likely to fully rehabilitate them. Data show emerging adults represent 10 percent of our population, but make up nearly 30 percent of arrests and 21 percent of the adult prison population.

This age group is distinguished in the justice system because, as is generally understood, our brains do not fully mature until we are about 25 years old. As such, more than 75 percent of offenders in this demographic will re-offend in the 34

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Williamson County Juvenile Services Assistant Executive Director Matt Smith, 277th District Judge Stacey Mathews, and Executive Director Scott Matthew

Transformative short term, and their probations are revoked at a rate three times higher than older adults.

RESTORATIVE The Texas Bar Foundation’s grant supports enhancements to mental health services for participants.

“I’m deeply grateful to the Texas Bar Foundation for approving this grant,” says District Judge Stacey Mathews, who presides over the program. “These funds will make a real difference for our program as we work to transform young lives and make a positive impact on our community.”

The program provides life skills education to prepare participants for success in the community.

Program graduates are eligible to have their charges dismissed and records expunged. “It is easy to lose

sight of the fact that individuals facing criminal charges remain a part of our community,” District Attorney Shawn Dick says. “I am proud to support a program that works to keep our community safe while helping participants so they can make a positive contribution going forward.”

County leadership has partnered with Texas A&M University and Harvard University to conduct research to verify the effectiveness of the program and its impact on a vulnerable age group. Through the study, Judge Mathews believes the program will show that investing early on in case management and mental health services can reduce crime recurrence and decrease the number of people who end up in the criminal justice system.

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EDUCAT ION • T R A DES • LE A R NING

Doing Your Homework on Education

by Linda A. Thornton

N

o one knows your child better—or is determined to find the right academic setting to help him or her thrive—than you do. With so many options available, having all the specifics will help you make informed decisions about your child’s education journey.

“Knowledge is power.” ~Sir Francis Bacon Start by considering the basics: School Type: Each school has its own unique mission statement.

Location/Daily Commute: How far is too far? Is staying in your community important?

School/Class Size: Evaluate the student-to-faculty ratio.

Cost: From free to tuition-based, plus other expenses.

Style: What is your child’s personality? Does he require constant monitoring? Is she independent?

Does he need to be challenged?

PUBLIC Attendance at public schools is free and there are no entrance requirements. Your child will likely be exposed to a greater diversity of cultures and ethnicities while the experience is still community based—i.e., classmates live nearby.

Class sizes may be large, but public schools often offer more options for courses, after-school activities, and curricula. Some districts also 36

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offer impressive facilities such as sports fields, swimming pools, art and music programs and even theaters. Public schools are required to provide for the needs of all students—i.e., speech, physical, and behavior therapies. Standardized testing is required and public school teachers must be certified.

PRIVATE Private schools offer a smaller class size and a challenging curriculum, but come with a price tag and, most likely, admission requirements.

Teachers may have more control over the curriculum and teaching methods, but if the school does not seek state certification, teachers need not have a teaching degree.

The school size may not be able to support any advanced facilities and each promotes an individual religious or ideological doctrine. Private schools do not need to uphold the same requirements as public schools for special needs students.

CHARTER Charter schools began operating in Texas in 1996 and are free to attend with no admission requirements. These schools are subject to fewer state laws in return for more innovation and flexibility in their curriculum. School size will determine the amount of advanced facilities and special needs programs.

Although not entirely government funded and must seek other sources of revenue, charter schools continue to grow in popularity.

HOME-SCHOOL Home-school proponents passionately agree their goal is to not recreate public school at home, but to personalize each child’s

educational experience. Some parents prefer unschooling, a type of learning based on the child’s interests. While Texas is among the most lenient states when it comes to home-schooling requirements, it does stipulate that children must attend school from ages 6 to 19, learn required subjects using a written or online curriculum and receive a parent-issued diploma. Home-schooling is considered a private school, hence special needs children receive no added assistance. With a variety of support and resources available, the costs vary widely.

HOME-SCHOOL CO-OPS To avoid isolation and broaden the emotional experience, co-ops are communities of home-schooling families. Parents share skills, resources, and ideas; e.g., a parent with an art or science background teaches that subject to the whole group. Children enjoy socialization on field trips and in group activities.

Conferences and special events also provide parents with up-to-date information on laws and trends.

One person’s “pro” could very well be another's “con.” Educate yourself on the facts so you can make the best determination about your child’s education.

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Training Toward Unconscious Competence* image courtesy Kyle Simank

EDUCAT ION • T R A DES • LE A R NING

BUSINESS PROFILE

Speed is fine but accuracy is final.

- Larry Vickers

E

xpertise and customer service are why Guns Plus has been one of the most successful firearms stores in Central Texas for the last 12 years. The Simank family's pride in ownership is as apparent in their selection of guns, ammunition, and accessories, as in their desire to educate customers on safety and self-protection.

Proprietors Steve, Kristi, and Kyle Simank are well known for the company's training and advice. Steve says, "Many customers come in with preconceived notions about what they think they need, only to learn that their information is outdated or exaggerated. It is our mission to deliver the best—and most suitable—products."

Kyle agrees, "We are here to teach and take care of people. We believe it is incumbent upon experts to make people aware of the substance of misinformation when it comes to firearms. Our business is a no-ego zone; there are simply a lot of good intending people with bad information."

Affecting change daily, the Simanks and their instructors lead classes of all types—every scenario, every weapon: beginner, Concealed Handgun License, competition, and private instruction.

EXPERTS IN THE FIELD Guns Plus lead instructor Grant Flynn (above, right) has more than 14 years experience as an Army Ranger officer and led hundreds of combat missions overseas. His firearms training includes Basic and Advanced Rifle Marksmanship and Demolitions, Sniper Employment Leader Course, counter insurgency operations, and many leadership courses. He was also the Fort Hood finalist in the Army's 2013 Best Ranger Competition. Today, he continues his passion for training and competition as an avid 3-gun and shotgun competitor.

Grant explains, "I can teach anyone, but our best students are those who really want to absorb the knowledge. They realize they have a need for proper instruction whether it's the first time they have fired a gun or have been shooting for 40 years. Some come to us just to get their [license to carry] card but nearly everyone finishes our courses having learned, and likely unlearned, a lot."

change as the mystique is lost and the student grows more confident with a skill and a perspective that did not exist before. It energizes me."

TRAINING FOR ALL LTC courses are scheduled on Saturdays in a group setting and Grant also provides private, handson training at the student's pace.

Firearms may be provided during training and they also have a club membership for recreational and competitive shooters.

Kyle says, "Training is not inexpensive but it is worth the time and resources to get it right. Plus, as a one-stop shop, we buy, sell, and trade firearms, provide ammo and accessories, and onsite gun smithing when you need it. You can come to us for just about anything."

Scan the code to watch their training video, visit GunsPlus.net or call 512-547-4867 to reserve a space in the upcoming LTC classes, June 18 or July 16.

Kyle adds, "I appreciate when a student knows nothing, or is even a little intimidated. There's a dramatic

*Having so much practice with a skill that it has become "second nature" and can be performed easily. As a result, the skill can be performed while executing another task.

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Thoughtfully Designed, Artfully Created

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beautiful

M A K I N G YO U R DAY

T EXAS WED D I N G S

When setting the stage for weddings and events, the team at HighPointe Estate is all about creating the most beautiful environment for every memorable moment.

C

andles, string lights, and suspended florals cascaded from the ceiling at HighPointe Estate as Paul Sulinski and Sara Bracamonte stepped into an enchanted indoor garden party scene for their wedding. “We had no idea what we were walking into on our wedding day,” she says. “Everything was so perfect. We couldn’t have asked for anything more.”

From their initial tour of the venue when they met owner Dawson Clark, to meeting wedding planner Karla McNeill of Karla McNeill Events a year ago, their wedding planning experience was perfect. They began by sharing their vision of suspended florals, knowing their wedding was in the right hands. Paul says, “We gave them ideas and things we liked and let them go nuts because we

trusted them completely. They went beyond what we thought it was going to be.”

Those garden themes and vibrant colors reflect a shift in wedding floral design trends. “We’re not seeing as many brides who want to use blush and navy blue. Sara’s color palette had lots of deep, bright pink and magenta, and many other brides are choosing a bold colorful look,” Dawson says. Another trend has been less formal designs and more garden styles. “People want their flowers to almost look like they were picked out of a garden, with lots of natural greenery and vines.”

HighPointe Estate’s floral team has embraced these trends while maintaining intense dedication to their client’s dreams for their day. Dawson and his team have 

HighPointeEstate.com JUNE 2022

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WED D INGS

cont'd.

T EXAS

an ability to bring creative and often challenging floral design concepts to life. “I can come in with an extremely bold vision and his answer is almost always yes. He’ll say, ‘I can figure this out,’ ” Karla says. “My favorite part is his creativity and his willingness to make magic. He gets excited about it and is so dedicated to making the vision come alive.”

The realization of Paul and Sara's floral dream was made possible thanks to HighPointe’s in-house floral team, which works only at HighPointe Estate onsite weddings. “Since we’re onsite, we don’t charge delivery or set-up fees like a typical offsite floral studio would. Families save a lot of money and have a less stressful experience since we handle all the set up and clean up.”

“He is emotionally attached to every one of his clients,” she adds.

“Dawson is invested heavily in everything, all the details. He and the entire team deliver intense creativity and time. And it’s not just a business offering to him. He is genuinely concerned with the couple and their story. It’s so refreshing because he is motivated with his heart."

For Sara and Paul’s wedding, that vision included Dawson building a 20-foot flower box filled with lush greenery, vivid roses, orchids and suspended candles hanging above the head table. “When we were sitting down looking up at it, every inch of it was so beautiful,” Sara says.

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F O OD

Modern Day Cavemen Yours may have been Prometheus personified, or perhaps wore a "kiss the cook" apron with black socks and sandals, but it is hard to imagine a greater grilling champ than a dad.

Beer Can Chicken • Pam Lolley • 1/4 cup kosher salt • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar • 1 tablespoon ground cumin • 2 teaspoons ground coriander • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika • 1 teaspoon black pepper • 2 (3 1/2-4-lb.) whole chickens • 2 (12-oz.) cans beer Stir together salt, brown sugar, cumin, coriander, paprika, and pepper in a small bowl. Remove giblets from chickens, and discard or reserve for another use. Sprinkle skin and cavities of chickens with salt mixture. Chill, uncovered, at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours.

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Preheat gas grill to medium (350°F - 400°F) on 1 side. Open beer cans; drink or pour out 1/2 cup beer from each can. Working with 1 chicken at a time, hold chicken upright with cavity facing down, and insert 1 opened beer can into cavity. Pull legs forward to form a tripod, allowing chicken to stand upright.

Place chickens upright on unoiled grates over unlit side of grill. Grill, covered with grill lid, until the skin is crispy and a thermometer inserted in thickest portion of thighs registers 165°F, about 1 hour, 40 minutes.

Remove from grill; rest 10 minutes. Carefully remove cans; cut chickens into quarters.

F O O D

CLASSIC GRILLED CORN ON THE COB • 6 large ears yellow or white corn with husks (about 5 lbs) • 1/4 c butter, cut evenly into 12 pieces • 3/4 t kosher salt • 1/4 t black pepper Preheat a gas grill to medium-high (400°F to 450°F) on 1 side, or push hot coals to 1 side of a charcoal grill.

Working with 1 ear at a time, grab silks at top of corn with half the silks in each hand. Slowly peel silks down, 1 side at a time, peeling back all silks and husks in 1 motion.

Discard silks; pull husks together to form a ponytail-like handle. Tear off 1 small husk piece; use it to tie a knot around husks to secure.

Coat corn with cooking spray; place on unoiled grates on lit side of grill. Grill, uncovered, turning occasionally, until charred in spots, 15 to 18 minutes. Hang husks over edge of grill to prevent burning.

Remove corn from grill. Wrap individually in aluminum foil, excluding husks, placing 2 butter pieces on each ear.

Put wrapped corn on unlit side of grill. Cover grill to keep warm until ready to serve, at least 5 minutes or up to 30 minutes. Unwrap corn; sprinkle with salt and pepper.

BASIL BUTTER WITH PARMESAN Process 1/2 c packed fresh basil leaves, 1/2 c softened butter, 2 t. fresh lemon juice, and 1/4 t. kosher salt in a food processor until smooth, 1 minute. Arrange corn on a platter. Rub corn with butter mixture; sprinkle evenly with 1/2 c finely grated Parmigiana-Reggiano.

SMOKY BARBECUE RUB Stir together 2T dark brown sugar; 1T smoked paprika; 1t fresh lime zest; and 1/2t each of ancho chile powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl.

Sprinkle mixture evenly over Classic Grilled Corn. Return corn to lit side of grill. Grill, uncovered, turning occasionally, until sugar is melted, 4 to 5 minutes. Arrange grilled corn on a platter, and serve with lime wedges.

GRILLED PEACH COBBLER • 7 cups 1/2-inch fresh peach slices or 2 (20-oz.) bags frozen sliced peaches, thawed and drained • 3/4 cup granulated sugar • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg • 2 tablespoons butter

BISCUIT TOPPING

• 1 cup all-purpose flour • 1/4 cup granulated sugar • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder • 1/2 cup heavy cream • 1/4 cup butter, melted Heat one side of grill to medium-high (350°F to 400°F). Place peaches in a large bowl. Stir togeth-

er sugar and next 4 ingredients in a small bowl. Sprinkle mixture over peaches, and stir gently to combine.

Spoon peach mixture into a buttered 10-inch cast-iron skillet. Cut 2 tablespoons butter into small pieces over peaches. Cover skillet tightly with aluminum foil.

Place skillet over lit side of grill, and grill, covered, until bubbling and hot, about 15 minutes.

well in the center, and add cream and melted butter. Stir just until mixture comes together. Uncover grill, and discard foil; dollop peaches with dough mixture. Cover with grill lid, and grill until biscuits are browned, about 15 more minutes. Remove skillet from grill, and let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Biscuit Topping: Stir together flour and next 2 ingredients in a small bowl.

Make a

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Thriving AFTER 55

RESCUING

SAVING

And Being Rescued

Safekeeping Your Retirement Page 60

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A New Leash on Life from Harley's Angels

by Cassidie Cox • photos courtesy Kelly Willmott

F

inding the place you’re meant to be is not always easy, especially later in life. When Kelly Willmott retired and moved to Sun City with her husband almost four years ago, she immediately began searching for a new purpose in this stage of her life. She tried volunteering at various shelters, learning new languages and sports; all good ways to connect with her community, but none really spoke to her. Then she found Harley’s Angels Sanctuary.

Kelly always loved animals, and says her career in the federal government, helping soldiers in combat, was one of the greatest experiences of her life. “Talking with the soldiers every day, helping them,” Kelly says, “It was the best job of my life. I wanted to find some way to give back. Now I’m giving back to dogs.” Kelly began volunteering at Harley’s Angels a week after one special dog joined the sanctuary too, giving birth to nine puppies. Kelly spent the first few months of her volunteer time there watching these puppies all grow up and find their forever homes. Their mom is still up for adoption to any loving new family.

THE SANCTUARY Harley’s Angels is a small sanctuary for dogs and cats, located on a beautiful piece of land in Florence. Run by a small coalition of people who work tirelessly with healthy and sustainable supplies to provide dogs and cats a sanctuary, Kelly immediately felt at home. Kelly says taking care of rescued animals and enjoying the company of the other volunteers has awakened a true passion for her.

Working hard together has allowed Kelly and fellow volunteer Lisa Dixon to become friends. Such a small sanctuary in desperate need of more donations from locals with hearts for animals has been a rewarding and uplifting part of their lives after moving to Sun City.

“I can’t change a lot,” Kelly says. “But I can make a small change, even if that is taking care of 50 dogs.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP Small changes like Kelly's add up, and she understands the importance of encouraging others to help. Change an animal's life for the better by visiting Harley's Angels Sanctuary on Facebook to adopt, donate, or provide supplies. Not every animal is available for adoption, but all are deserving of love and care.

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Big Boy, the resident Greeter at the sanctuary

Cookie has three legs and was recently adopted

If you want a service minded, responsible agent to sell your home or help you buy a home,

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Congressional Spending And the Impact to Savers

P

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

rotecting your assets is even more important as Congress shifts its focus from incentivizing Americans to save for the future, to penalizing those who have successfully saved. Many savers want to understand all the risks they may face in retirement. Unfortunately, too many do not fully understand legislation risks and how they can impact their assets.

deliver. It is worth noting the cash value of a life insurance policy, like IUL, is not counted towards Congress’s arbitrary cap on assets under this bill, whether that cap ultimately lands at $10 million, $5 million, or any other amount.

As elected officials pass new laws to raise billions of dollars in taxes from 401(k)s, IRAs, and Roth accounts, people are at risk of having fewer retirement assets and less retirement income than planned. If you want to address the potential risks to your retirement funds, you may need to mitigate tax and legislative risks. Many have leaned heavily on Roth accounts to protect their retirement assets from rising retirement taxes but, as in recent cases with the latest tax and spending bills, Roth accounts are also susceptible.

Additionally, Texas Trusted Advisors believes IUL is less susceptible to legislative risk than qualified and Roth accounts. That is because IUL policies, like all life insurance policies, are private contracts between an insurance company and a consumer. There is a significant difference between legislative changes to accounts versus contracts. No matter what laws were in place when you started saving in a qualified or Roth account, Congress is able to change the rules, and those changes can take place immediately. However, the courts have repeatedly upheld a different set of rules for contracts.

Legislative changes to private contracts can only be implemented for contracts going forward. They cannot change contracts already in place. This means if Congress changes the rules for IUL, existing contracts would experience no change.

LIFE INSURANCE STRATEGY Congressional members have proposed changing multiple sections of the tax code. One not mentioned is IRC Title 26, Sec. 7702—the section covering life insurance. The use of cash value life insurance, specifically Indexed Universal Life (IUL), is one strategy some savers have incorporated into their savings approaches as either a death benefit protection or a supplemental source of retirement income. Some have chosen this approach to help protect a portion of their funds since the legislative risk of IUL and other cash value life insurance policies has not been heightened by any of the tax and spending bills. Texas Trusted Advisors believes this new approach to taxing retirement accounts has strengthened the value IUL may

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CONTRACT BENEFIT

In this way, some savers may use IUL as a hedge against both rising taxes and legislative changes. For more information about this retirement strategy, contact Texas Trusted Advisors at 512-261-7660 for a free consultation. Scan the code to learn more.

This is the third in a series of articles to give readers peace of mind when it comes to finance.

Thank You! For making our 5th annual Justice 4 Children event a success!

We’d also like to say Thank You to First Watch for providing breakfast & Love at First Bite, courtesy of Georgetown View, for providing lunch

Benefitting:

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MEASURES OF MEN Sonora Dodd (1882-1978) from Spokane, Washington, first suggested a “Father’s Day” in 1909 after listening to a Mother’s Day sermon. She hoped to establish a day to similarly honor her father, William Smart, who was a widowed Civil War veteran with 6 children and a farm. President Nixon signed the holiday into law in 1972.

According to multiple surveys, in his lifetime, a man spends almost six months shaving but nearly a year staring at women.

The top 10 best TV and movie dads (according to Salon) include 1) Atticus Finch, To Kill a Mockingbird 2) The Little Tramp, The Kid 3) Charles Ingalls, Little House on the Prairie 4) Nathan Lee Morgan, Sounder 5) The Father, The Road 6) Stan, Killer of Sheep 7) The Father, Children of Heaven 8) Furious Styles, Boyz N the Hood 9) Shukichi, Late Spring 10) Andy Taylor, The Andy Griffith Show.

In the Gen-X survey, Andy Griffith is in the #1 spot.

Twenty-eight percent of dads said they always buy top brands without concern for the price.

Halsey Taylor invented the drinking fountain in 1912 as a tribute to his father, who succumbed to typhoid fever after drinking from a contaminated public water supply in 1896.

If "The Brady Bunch" creator/producer Sherwood Schwartz had gotten his way, Gene Hackman would have played Mike Brady.

In Ancient Persia, men debated ideas once sober and once drunk, because the idea needed to sound good in both states in order to be considered a good idea.

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P O P P Y TA L K S

An Ode to Dads

D

ear Dad,

It's so easy to picture you by the grill and telling me to step away from the heat. I can see you cutting the grass, telling me I'm not old enough to do it safely by myself. I can hear you telling me to stay away from your power tools because I'm not strong enough to use them without cutting off a limb or poking my eye out. I can smell the gun oil on your hands, earth on your hunting jacket, and the animals you told me not to look at because I wouldn't want to eat them after.

Here's the thing, Buz—I am so grateful to have grown up without an iPhone, or even a second TV, because all those times you didn't allow me to do stuff, I never walked away. I sat on the stairs, or in the driveway, or on the porch and just kept on watching you. Everything you did—every time you competently moved your own hand or foot just out of the way, figured out how to measure a perfect cut or right angle without a ruler, knew exactly when to take the burger off the fire, or how to put something back together the right way—I had nothing else on my mind other than wanting to be close by to watch a master at work.

You would never have called yourself a master. You were just doing what dads have been doing for millennia and I was at your knee, or across the yard, marveling at how you somehow knew how to do just about everything. Solving problems was your element, and you were always kind of a glorious giant that I wanted to be like someday when I was big enough.

Maybe you worked too late sometimes, but that was okay. Working two and sometimes three jobs was just what a dad does. But you also played hard and in our home, as you were in life, everyone knew you to be Will Rogers, Muhammad Ali, and Andy Griffith all in one.

When you told us stories of hunting and fishing and saving people from burning buildings, we listened.

We bought it. We never even considered that some of those stories may or may not have been true. Much like the ashy footprints coming out of the fireplace on Christmas morning looked startlingly like the bottom of your fireman's boots.

You were more than recliner chairs and the big piece of chicken. You were more than football and dad jokes and watching Clint Eastwood shoot up a composite of archetypal thugs on weekend nights. Home was always the epicenter of You—the ground zero for everything 'dad' and infusing our little minds with life hacks before we even knew what those were.

It's still hard for me to inhale the burn of charcoal, billowing sawdust, cut grass, or Aqua Velva without remembering you, your common sense, and the twilights when the magic-hour sunlight swam through the smoke from your cigarette and the talking began. Hard to imagine a greater hero, really.

Then we started getting older. We realized your cop friend, Pete, could probably beat you in an arm wrestle. We sort of decided that well-done wasn't the best way to eat a steak. Like all of us, I worshiped you in childhood, ignored you as a teen and, as a grownup, realized that those childhood days were about so much more than fixing stuff or making dinner.

I love that, as a parent myself, I can imagine the perfectly imperfect person you were before fatherhood turned you into a responsible guardian. I am also proud, thanks to you, that I can clean a fish, a carburetor, and a gun. I can only hope my son looks at me with the same awe and wonder just once in a while. And oh, how I wish you could have met your him so I could study your face again in that moment.

By the way, you were right about the power tools.

Apparently, even at 47, I was still 'not old enough' to use them safely. Though you left us when I was 25, I heard your voice the very instant I cut my finger off with a circular saw.

Happy Father's Day from your loving and careless daughter.

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S HOT PA RTIN G

by Cassidie Cox image credit: GISD

GISD Teachers of the Year

E

ach year, as the school year draws to a close, Georgetown ISD campuses and departments nominate teachers and employees who embody the district's vision and mission of empowering every learner to lead, grow, and serve.

The Texas Teacher of the Year program has been honoring excellence in the classroom since 1969 and has showcased many outstanding educators whose examples inspire students, colleagues, and the community.

2021-2022 WINNERS This year's elementary Teacher of the Year is Hannah Mize, a music specialist at Williams Elementary.

The secondary school winner is Terri Henry, who teaches STEM electives at Benold Middle School.

While details have not been released yet, as district winners, Hannah and Terri will advance in competition to the regional level and perhaps to the state. State winners are given the opportunity to take a year-long sabbatical during which they will be able to campaign on behalf of public education.

School District Communications Director Melinda Brasher is proud of all the teachers who were awarded this year. “It’s a fantastic list,” she says. “We have outstanding teachers in our district.”

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