Taylor Press | 2019 Winter 76574 Magazine by Gretchen Dyson

_________ Taylor _________

76574

WINTER s 2019

HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS A look at Christmastime in Taylor

AQUAPONICHYDROPONIC LEARNING LAB

Learning and research opportunities for students

TOUCHDOWN! A look at the history of Taylor Duck football

akes Who m oney m all the cling? y c e on r

Are we ever gonna get our STREETS FIXED?

ne Anyo ? h iring

Why is my water b ill so high?

Did we REA LLY sp end $20 m illion on a football ﬁeld ?

Is there live mus ic anywhere Frid ay night?

You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers. Is Dr. Graef open today?

Well, maybe not that one. Reading your award-winning community newspaper will make you smart. When you read the paper, you have the opportunity to learn about Taylor schools and property taxes, street repair plans and about the latest police activity as well as local businesses, companies looking for employees and houses for rent. Your subscription gives you access to our website where we’ve archived

more than 100,000 articles, photographs and videos dating back to 2002 so you can explore the history behind issues like how our downtown master plan was developed, school bond elections and stories about delightful local characters. Along the way, your subscription helps our work to hold elected officials accountable and to support local non-profit civic and charitable groups. There’s nowhere else you can find the answers to some of Taylor’s most vexing questions and there’s no better time to become a new subscriber. ! WOW wspaper ne e h t g mart! Readinmake you s CAN

Print and digital for six months $38 Print and digital for a year $65

PRESS TAYLOR

your community. your newspaper.

Texas Assoc. of School Boards Media Honor Roll

Fall 2019

2018: Thrall ISD 2017: Taylor ISD 2106: Granger ISD

In print Wednesday and Sunday Online 24/7/365 TaylorPress.net On Social @GoTaylorTx

512-352-8535

_________Taylor _________

76574 Facebook@Taylor76574 EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Jason Hennington BUSINESS MANAGER Carolyn Hill ADVERTISING SALES Regina Taylor PRODUCTION EDITOR Gretchen Dyson ASS’T PRODUCTION EDITOR Jasmine Gutierrez ADVERTISING DESIGN Patti Slavych Minerva Kutch Orlando Rojo-Buendia OUR THANKS TO Tim Crow Magdalena Zavala The Culinary Arts Department at Taylor High School Catherine Parker

H O L I DAY H A P P E N I N G S There is a lot happening in Taylor during the holidays. This is your guide to the events and fun. This year something new will glow in Heritage Square. Find out what it is!

~ PAGE 25

D E PA R T M E N T S WINTER CALENDAR �� PAGE 7 From regular weekly and monthly events to exciting live music festivals, here’s a handy planning guide.

BY THE NUMBERS �� PAGE 12 The Bill Pickett Educational Foundation will continue the tradition of giving gifts to families during the holiday season. See what it takes for the Bill Pickett Educational Foundation’s Toy Drive.

THE GREEN AND WHITE SHALL EVER FLY �� PAGE 15

ON THE COVER Holiday décor will be all over Taylor in the coming weeks for the Christmas season. It doesn’t matter if you are looking for tree ornaments, gifts, treats or Santa himself, you will be able to find it. – Photos by Catherine Parker

Published by

PRESS TAYLOR

5 1 2 - 3 5 2 - 8 5 3 5 • 2 1 1 W. T h i r d S t . • Ta y l o r P r e s s . n e t

your community. your newspaper. P.O. Box 1040 • Taylor, TX 76574 For advertising information, call

512-352-8535

Take a look at the history of Taylor Duck football. From the beginning to today. There have been a lot of wins, losses and coaches. Duck football – then, now, forever.

10 QUESTIONS �� PAGE 20 Brian LaBorde is the Taylor City Manager. But who is he as a person? Get to know a little bit more about him.

THE LEARNING LAB �� PAGE 22 The Taylor High School Culinary Arts class will not teach us how to make fruit cake, sorry. Instead, take a trip into the AquaponicHydroponic Learning Lab.

SANTA DUCK PAGE �� PAGE 32 Santa Duck is a tradition started at Taylor Middle School by iconic coach Larry Safarik. Take a look at what the program has done recently.

THE DABBLING DUCK �� PAGE 34 The annual Spanking of the Hams? DD says don’t ask questions and talks about some of his favorite local yuletide traditions.

Winter 2019 3

512-352-5248 tbcpropane.com

Family Owned Since 1960

FAMILY OWNED Plumbing Company www.plumbout.com plumbingoutﬁtters@gmail.com Master Plumber:Warren Stroud 512-269-1382 PlumbOut

License # M-41984

WILLIAMSON CO. EQUIPMENT 1006 CARLOS G PARKER BLVD • TAYLOR, TX

Christmas card ON SCREEN

STAFF REPORTS

t’s nice to receive a Christmas card in the mail from a family member, friend or business. So, how cool is it to receive one with people moving, talking or even singing? Over the last few years, the Taylor Press has produced a video Christmas card and posted to www.taylorpress.net and the Taylor Press Facebook page. Started in 2015 by Publisher Jason Hennington, the video offers holiday greetings from the community to the community. “It started out as an idea, and turned into a fun and exciting project,” he said. The video features short promos from locals wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. “It’s always fun to produce and see what people will come up with,” he said.

“Then we add our own funny spot to it.” Over the years, the video has featured mayors, firefighters, the Taylor ISD superintendent, the city manager, school board members and event State Representative James Talarico. “The video always ends with a special Merry Christmas from Santa,” Hennington said. In its first year, the video featured more than 20 entries, and had to have a special Taylor ISD edition. Hennington said this year had to be managed a little differently. “Everyone wanted to participate, and that was great, but it became overwhelming to produce,” he said. “This year people participated because they walked into our office or just had a minute to help out.”

The video in 2017 featured former mayor Don Hill reading a Dabbling Duck Christmas, which was in the Winter 2017 edition of the 76574 magazine. Last year, prior to the premiere of the video, a bloopers clip was released on the paper’s Facebook page. “It was great because you saw a side of people you normally won’t see,” Hennington said with a laugh. “It was so funny we felt like we had to release it, and we got a great response.” Hen ni ng ton hopes t he v ideo Christmas card can continue and become something people expect. “We’ve had people ask about it already, and we want to include them,” he said. “It’s another way of the newspaper connecting the community to the community.”

CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: Then Managing Editor Jason Hennington mics up former mayor Don Hill for the filming of the Dabbling Duck Christmas. State Representative James Talarico takes a moment to offer his holiday greetings to the people of Taylor. In 2017, the video Christmas card had a different format. Instead of a community greeting card, it was a Christmas bedtime story. Rotary members and members of St. Paul Lutheran Church look through the music book to make sure they don’t forget the words to “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” Taylor firefighters and members of the Taylor Salvation Army say Merry Christmas while collecting bikes for the Red Santa Toy Drive. Former City Manager Isaac Turner and Taylor ISD Superintendent Keith Brown laugh during the blooper reel. Turner said they received an F and an F- for their performance. Carl Caldwell gets a good laugh when he was asked to sing on camera. He made it clear there would be no singing. Derek from True Barbershop is surprised he was asked to sing for the video Christmas card. Members of the Taylor Police Department wish the Taylor community a Merry Christmas. CENTER: The camera is all set up for former mayor Don Hill to read the Dabbling Duck Christmas for the 2017 video Christmas card.

Winter 2019 5

Monthly Events G21 CAR SHOW G21 Car Show is on the fourth Sunday of every month beginning at about 9 a.m. It is held in parking lot at Beall’s on North Main Street. Several different charities benefit from it throughout the year. SECOND SATURDAY Join us on the second Saturday of the month for events in our parks and all over town. Specials and bargains in our downtown shops and cool drinks at our “rest stops.” THIRD MONDAY The Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce hosts a luncheon at Sirloin Stockade the third Monday of each month. The topics vary but usually focus on Taylor issues. Open members and non-members. THIRD THURSDAY The Third Thursday of every month, our downtown shops stay open until 8 p.m. 120 Art Gallery opens a new exhibit and music fills Texas Beer Company, Taylor Station and other venues around the area.

YOUR GOVERNMENT Taylor City Council The Taylor City Council meets the second and fourth Thursdays of the month, 6 p.m. at City Hall, 400 Porter St. Agendas are posted to the city’s website Tuesday prior. Meetings are streamed live from the city’s website. You may sign up for notifications about this and other Taylor boards and commissions on the homepage of the city’s website, ci.taylor.tx.us. TAYLOR SCHOOL BOARD Taylor school trustees meet 7 p.m. the third Monday of the month, in the board room at the central administration office, 3101 N. Main Street. Agendas are posted to the school’s website the Friday prior to the meeting. WEEKLY CIVIC CLUB MEETINGS Taylor Lions Club Every Friday at Noon at Sirloin Stockade Taylor Rotary Club Every Thursdays at noon at Sirloin Stockade Taylor Kiwanis Club meets Every Wednesday noon at Sirloin Stockade

If you would like to see your non-profit community event or regular meeting listed in this calendar, please send it to Taylor76574 Calendar, P.O. Box 1040, Taylor, TX 76574 or email to news@taylorpress.net.

Taylor 76574

Winter Calendar December DEC. 2-7 - WCLA LIVESTOCK SHOW & YOUTH FAIR Each year, hundreds of Williamson County FFA and 4-H members participate in the Williamson County Livestock Show. Funds raised through the junior livestock show auction go directly to the youth to help offset the costs associated with raising livestock projects. The money students receive is reinvested in the community through the purchase of goods and services and portions are saved for furthering their education. DEC. 6 - DOWNTOWN WINE SWIRL 5 - 9 p.m. on Main Street Join us for a fun evening of wine and food tastings to kick-off the holiday season in Historic Downtown Taylor. “Swirl” among our downtown merchants and enjoy wine samplings from several wineries and samplings from restaurants while you get a head start on your holiday shopping. Enjoy live entertainment and food trucks also for just $29.95. DEC. 7 - MAIN STREET CHRISTMAS FAIR 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. City Hall Auditorium Event will take place inside the auditorium and outside in the parking lot. Shop for holiday gifts from local artisans. VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS AT THE MOODY MUSEUM 1-3 p.m. All local school children from kindergarten through fourth grade are invited to the museum on Saturday

afternoon from 1-3 p.m. to handcraft Christmas ornaments which they will then take home with them. All children should be accompanied by a parent and it is a beautiful time to see the home decorated as it might have been when the Moody family lived there. Many families pose for Christmas photos in front of the tree. CHRISTMAS PARADE OF LIGHTS 7 p.m. — Downtown Main Street Travel down Main Street begins at 7 p.m. Must register for the parade in advance. For information, contact Tammy Eulenfield at 512-352-8314. DEC. 7-25 - SANTA ON THE SQUARE Fridays-Saturdays in December 6:30-8:30 p.m. DEC. 14-15 - PILGRIMAGE TO BETHLEHEM Immanuel Lutheran Church, located at 411 CR 401 in Taylor, will have

their annual Pilgrimage to Bethlehem and live nativity. The event is a chance to walk through and watch the Christmas story play out before your eyes. Follow the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem’s stable. Mingle with people in biblical era costumes and feel the stern looks of the Roman guards. Share the joy of shepherds hearing angels proclaim the good news of the Messiah’s birth, and join the wise men in paying homage to the newborn King. Free tours are every 20 minutes between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. DEC. 21 - HORSE DRAWN TROLLEY RIDES New for this year, take a horsedrawn trolley ride and see the decorated historic homes around Old Taylor High from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Starting at Plowman’s Kitchen, the decorated trolley will play festive music then stop at Pecan Manor Bed and Breakfast.

Winter 2019 7

Timmy & Nancy Talley, Owners

(512) 365-1979

nancohomes@att.net | www.nancohomesinc.com

Williamson County Farm Bureau supporting the interests of the agriculture community, farmers and ranchers since 1950. 2301 N. Main St. Taylor, TX 76574 512-365-5212

A reputation for excellence

3000 Joe DiMaggio Blvd, Ste. 20 Round Rock, TX 78665 512-341-9880

ÂŽ

TOMMY TALLEY ROOFING A name that stands for Quality and Integrity Serving Taylor and Surrounding Communities for Over Four Decades

512-352-2838 Office 512-844-8883 Cell

Locally Owned & Operated

BASKETBALL SCHEDULE TAYLOR DUCKS

January JAN. 20 - MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. MARCH AND PROGRAM Begins in Robinson Park at 9 a.m. and ends at City Hall. Following the march is a program that begins at 10 a.m. JAN. 14 - CHAMBER & COMMUNITY AWARDS BANQUET 6 p.m. Chair’s reception begins this evening that includes dinner, an introduction of Chamber leadership and presentation of awards for Business of the Year, Ambassador of the Year, Woman of the Year, Customer Service of the Year and Citizen of the Year. JAN. 18 - RUN FOR THE ROSES 5K Each year on the Third Saturday in January the Taylor Garden Club sponsors the Run for the Roses 5K race along the hike and bike trails throughout our parks system. This is one of the organizations major fundraisers which helps with our many projects toward beautifying the City of Taylor.

February BLACK HISTORY MONTH Special programs sponsored by the O.L. Price Ex-Student’s Association at various Taylor schools. VICTORIAN VALENTINE GALA The Moody Museum is at the corner of 9th and Talbot Streets, Taylor Moody Museum will host the annual Valentine’s Gala. The event kicks off the membership drive for the Friends of the Moody Museum. Those who attend will be treated to music played on the Moody family piano (circa1901). There will also be food and drink for guests to enjoy. Tickets will be available at the door for $25 per person or at Taylor Chamber of Commerce. To learn more, call 512-365-7396 or visit www.moodymuseum.com.

Date Opponent 9th JV Varsity Nov. 25 Open Nov. 26 @ Georgetown East View 10:00^ 10:00 11:30 Dec. 3 Lago Vista 5:15^ 5:15 6:30 Dec. 5-7 Cedar Creek Tournament TBA TBA TBA Dec. 10 @ Gatesville 5:00^ 5:00 6:15 Dec. 12-14 Taylor Tournament TBA TBA TBA Dec.17 @ Pflugerville Weiss 5:30^ 5:30 7:00 Dec. 20 @ Dripping Springs 2:30^ 2:30 4:00 Dec. 27-28 Leander ISD Holiday Tournament TBA Dec. 31 Lorena 10:00^ 10:00 11:15 Jan 3 Open Jan. 7 Giddings 6:30^ 5:15 7:45 Jan. 10 @ Caldwell 5:00 6:15 7:30 Jan. 13 @ Llano 5:15^ 5:15 6:30 Jan. 17 @ Lampasas* 6:30^ 5:15^ 8:00 Jan. 21 Salado* 6:30^ 5:15^ 8:00 Jan. 24 @ Liberty Hill* 6:30^ 5:15^ 8:00 Jan. 28 @ Eastside Memorial* 5:00 6:30 Jan. 31 @ Burnet* 6:30^ 5:15^ 8:00 Feb. 4 Lampasas* 6:30^ 5:15 8:00 Feb. 7 @ Salado* 6:30^ 5:15 8:00 Feb. 11 Liberty Hill* 6:30^ 5;15 8:00 Feb. 14 Eastside Memorial* 5:15 6:30 Feb. 18 Burnet* (S) 5:15^ 5:15 6:30 * - District Games (S) - Senior Night ^ - Aux Gym Schedules Subject to Change

TAYLOR LADY DUCKS Date Opponent 9th JV Varsity Nov. 25 @ McGregor (R) 2:00 2:00 3:30 Nov. 29 – 30 Fantasy of Lights Tournament X X TBA Dec. 3 @ McCallum X 5:15 7:00 Dec. 5 – 7 Thrall Tournament X X TBA Dec. 10 Caldwell X 5:15 6:30 Dec. 13 @ Ann Richards 5:30 X 6:45 Dec. 14 Taylor JV Tournament TBA TBA X Dec. 17 @ Giddings 5:00 5:00 6:30 Dec. 20 Llano 2:00 2:00 3:15 Jan. 3 Normangee X 1:00 2:30 Jan. 7 Savio X 5:15 6:30 Jan. 10 Eastside* 5:15 5:15 6:30 Jan. 14 Burnet* 5:15 5:15 6:30 Jan. 17 @ Lampasas* 8:00 5:15 6:30 Jan. 21 Salado* 8:00 5:15 6:30 Jan. 24 @ Liberty Hill* 8:00 5:15 6:30 Jan. 28 @ Eastside* 8:00 5:15 6:30 Jan. 31 @ Burnet* 8:00 5:15 6:30 Feb. 4 Lampasas* 8:00 5:15 6:30 Feb. 7 @ Salado* 8:00 5:15 6:30 Feb. 11 Liberty Hill* (S) 8:00 5:15 6:30 * - District Games (R) - Rhett Revolution Game (S) - Senior Night Schedules Subject to Change

Winter 2019 9

Art Off Center On Potter's Alley (off Talbot St.) 116 W. 2nd. St., Ste 108 Taylor, TX 76574 512-666-9003

… t is L r u O n o e r ʻ u Yo nt to a Of People We W

THANK!

inded son unfolds, we’re rem As another holiday seao have helped make our year wh of all the nice folks Your support and friendship are especially rewarding. appreciated! duly noted, and much be

or selling, we want to Whether you are buying Our goal is to keep our ce. our your Real Estate Res . appreciate their referrals customers for life and we r business. you We are truly grateful for

Pottery and Sculpture Classes in downtown Taylor for all ages!

Pottery Wheel Basics Clay Bootcamp for Kids Claydies Night Sip and Spin, Couples Nite

www.artoffcenter.com

| 512-269-2176 Carmen Velasquez 0-8767 94 Art Baisley | 512898-2141 2Melody Huber | 51 | 620-446-1034 n Ramona Masterso

TX 76574 202 N. Main • Taylorfi,eldrealestate.com ras w.b ww • 00 -65 (512) 365 License #: 434992

Christmas

COUNTING DOWN UNTIL

very year, children help the Taylor Press countdown to Christmas. Different smiling faces show up on the front page of the paper to remind readers how many days are left until Christmas. According to the archives at the Taylor Press, the Christmas countdown began in 1981, and has been in the paper every year since. The countdown typically begins the first issue after T hank sgiv ing, and r uns until the Christmas edition. Instead of one person saying â&#x20AC;&#x153;Merry Christmas,â&#x20AC;? that edition normally will have two

or three students. In previous years, the countdown was either a group of students from a local elementary school or photos submitted by parents. One year, an open photo shoot was set up at the Taylor Press to attract people. Regardless of how the photos are obtained, the children are usually excited to see their name and face in the paper counting down the days until Santa visits. This year, there will be eight spots, unless there is a set of twins or siblings who take a photo together.

BY THE NUMBERS

BILL PICKETT

YEARS

TOY DRIVE

PICK UP

EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION’S

LOCATION

HOURS TO WRAP GIFTS

–

TOYS CHILDREN

HELPED

BIKES

BOXES OF TISSUE USED

BOARD GAMES

BALLS

(MAINLY FOR CRYING MOTHERS OR CHILDREN)

HOURS TO DELIVER

HOW MANY ROLLS OF TOILET PAPER USED?

WE’RE NOT SURE, BUT WE DON’T USE ANY TO WRAP GIFTS.

Taylor 76574

Winter 2019

AT LEAST

DONORS

MILES DRIVEN TO DELIVER

WRAPPERS 13

T’was some time before Christmas JASON HENNINGTON

publisher@taylorpress.net

T’was some time before Christmas and all through the house, decorations and lights were scattered about. School was out for some reason, so children were home. To help pull out boxes with snowmen, Santas and gnomes. Children 9 and under thought, “oh, what day,” not knowing that hours would be burning away. Not having fun was the teenager by the door, who thought, “this is not fun, it’s more like a chore.” “What was that boy?” his mother yelled about. “Nothing, mom. Just getting this box then coming out.” Outside dad is on the ladder stringing up the lights. Since we’re in Texas he swats mosquitoes to avoid any bites. He finishes the strand and off the ladder he would book it, but mom tells him, “wait, those lights are kind of crooked.” He ascends once more to adjust the way that she likes. Then mom decides green strands just don’t work and would rather use the white. Children’s faces are astonished as their father begins to yell. The teenager whispers, “I didn’t even know there was a cuss word that started with L.” Things start to look better as time continues to elapse. The youngest child still smiling, the teenager is ready to collapse.

Dad says, “Dear are we about finished? There’s a game I want to watch.” Mom replies, “we’re almost done now, we simply cannot stop.” The sun has become the moon and the light is now dusk. No one has eaten since breakfast, they worked straight through lunch. Now the front yard is complete and the outside looks the best. Once they open the front door, the decorations are still a mess. Dad exclaims, “I’m done. Y’all got it from here.” The teenager slumps over, the youngest child starts to cheer. Shoeboxes and H-E-B crates that they don’t even make anymore are filled with 20-year old lights, ornaments and decor. The tree stands tall, all naked and bare. You get pricks from the pines when you bend the limbs in the air. You look for ornaments with hooks to hang on the tree. Of the 40 you’ve dug through, you only found three. Finally, its finished and everything seems done. They even added the train with the same batteries from 2001. The stockings are hung and house looks amazing. What seems like two weeks was actually 17 hours. That’s just crazy.

Making the RIGHT CONNECTIONS Since 2001 Proudly Promoting the Honor and Integrity of The Great American Cowboy

THANK YOU to everyone who made the 70th Annual Taylor Rodeo a success! We would not have been able to do it without our great community, sponsors and participants. Join us next year for the 71st Annual Taylor Rodeo on July 17th and July 18th, 2020

www.taylorrodeo.com

What’s worse than that? When the kids begin to clean, the teenage finds a box marked “Halloween.” He asks, “mom what’s this box, and why is it in my room?” She says, “Your costumes because Halloween will be here pretty soon.” “Mom! It’s Oct. 1,” the teenager whelps. Mom replies, “do what I said before I go get my belt.” This ends our tale of early decorating madness. To some this is fun; to others it’s sadness. This is story that I tell is nothing like my life. It’s not about my childhood, my kids or my wife. This was just something special for our Christmas edition. If you enjoyed this little tale, then I’ve achieved my mission. Now off of my soapbox, I think the Spurs play tonight. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Happy Holidays from

Home and Office Solutions Virus and Spyware Cleanup Operating System Reload Network Installation Custom Built Computers Refurbished Computers Hardware and Software Upgrades Software, New and Used Parts Data Recovery Security Camera Systems

Dream Designs Computer Services

(512) 352-8605 or (512) 771-3279 (Mobile) dream-designs.com

BUYING ~ SELLING REFINANCING?

Demand our locally owned and operated Title Company Since 1972

Longhorn Title Company, Inc. Georgetown office: 512-869-2661 Taylor office: 512-352-3520

Large enough to serve, Small enough to care

Once a Duck

Always a Duck... Now & Forever

MATTHEW HOOKS

sports@taylorpress.net

“There’s no room for fear in this game. If we go out there and half-ass it because we’re scared; all were left with is an excuse. But if we go out there and give it absolutely everything, that’s heroic. Let’s be heroes”- James Van Der Beek Varsity Blues 1999

n Texas football is indeed a way of life, a mindset. Through the good years and the not so good, fans and families of the Taylor Ducks football program have remained loyal and filled the stands of Memorial Stadium every Friday night. Likewise, they travel in flocks when the Ducks are playing away. Football in the small town of Taylor has existed since the days of President McKinley. Over the 118 years of existence, twenty different head coaches have paced the field better known as “The Pond.” Of those coaches, the most prominently known are C. Ruby Drake and T.H. Johnson. Beating Georgetown was a huge goal all through the years. Before 1924 Taylor’s football program was simply known as the Green & White and had never won against Georgetown until Coach Drake came. Drake’s team finished the season 5-4-1. In the extremely rainy fall season of ’24, it is said that the team looked like “A bunch of ducks on a pond” on the rain-soaked field; and so, the Taylor Ducks name was born. Under Coach Drake, the Ducks amassed 38 wins 19 losses and 6 ties along with their first of 26 district titles in 1926. As the depression era hit full stride Coach Eugene Lambert found success in Taylor. In his three seasons as a coach, he guided the team to a then season-best 12 wins in 1931 and had an overall record of 27-5-3 and two district titles.

1964, 13-1 squad

In 1933 the man who would one day have a school named after him took over as Taylor’s coach and the original historian for the program; that man was T.H. (Heck) Johnson. Johnson remains the school’s winningest coach with an overall record of 120-22-4 and eight district titles in his 13 seasons. Johnson’s goal was always to beat Georgetown, and he far exceeded that with his numerous winning seasons. During WWII (1942-1945) Johnson compiled an unmatchable stretch of 41-1. Over the course of his 13 seasons, Coach Johnson had 5 undefeated seasons in 1933, 1938, 1942, 1943 and 1945. The success of the Ducks not only spread across Taylor but all the way to California, leading to the now famous autograph from Walt Disney himself. Years later when T.H. Johnson Elementary School was dedicated in his honor, the first words out of his mouth when he stepped up to the mic were, “This is more fun than beating Georgetown.”

Winter 2019 15

The District title in 1945 would be the Ducks last until 1959. During that period Taylor would experiment with three different coaches: Dan Hannan, Ross Baldwin, and Bill Ford. In Baldwin’s final season as Ducks coach in 1953 the team finished the season 0-10 and scored just 50 points all season. Coach Ford’s 1959 squad would bring winning back to Taylor and welcome the 1960’s with an impressive 11-1 record along with the program’s highest points scored total in a season of 483 which still stands as a benchmark for future squads. In ’61 Coach Raymond Haas took over the reins at Taylor capturing 4 district titles in 5 seasons. The 1964 Ducks would produce the team’s highest win total in program history of 13-1. From 1966 to 1970 the Ducks found themselves amidst mediocrity; mostly with Coach Cliff Vandeventer who compiled a 23-16-1 record in his years at Taylor. 1971 was the first and to date, only season a coach lasted just one season. In his one-year Coach Mayo took the Ducks to 6-4 season and no postseason appearance. The remainder of the ’70s would bring some stability to the program under Coach Shirl Frazier. Frazier com-

piled a record of 41-29-3 in his seven seasons. His last year of 1978 is one surrounded with controversy and the team finished 0-10, with only 27 total points to show. It has been said that a player missed practice to visit his sick mother and afterward was punished by

the coach. That action became a domino effect as one by one members left the team in protest. Healing from the wounds caused by the end of the Frazier era slowly healed into the 1980s. After two seasons with Bob Lindquist and midway

mr.

Free Tests Pregna nc & Ult rasou y nds

DAILY ILY LY Y SPECIA SPECIALS Monday

Kids eat free all day with each adult purchase.

Pregnant? We can help!

Tuesday

Half price games all day!

All services free & confidential. In Taylor every Thursday providing free pregnancy tests, free ultrasounds, nurse visit, prenatal vitamins, and information on options.

Agape's ICU Mobile Center

737-240-0000 www.agapeprc.org/mobile

Wednesday

Senior Day! All seniors eat and drink for $6.39 all day.

Thursday & Sundays

Buy a buffet, drink and $5 game card and receive a $5 game card free! 2708 N Main St, Taylor, TX 76574 Call for daily pick up specials!

1100 Beech Street Taylor, TX 76574 512-309-4045 mustangcreektaylor.com

512-365-2222

Birthday Parties & Web Orders available @ GATTISPIZZATAYLOR.COM

The family pizza place the WHOLE FAMILY will love

1950

1961 1916 through Eddy Spiller’s tenure the Ducks were once again competitive and were again district champions. Spiller would bring a total of 3 titles to Taylor before passing the torch to former Ducks QB Wayne Schroeder. Schroeder was the coach of the Ducks longer than any other coach in the program’s history with 14 seasons (1987-2000). His total wins of 85-614 rank him second all-time behind Johnson. Under Coach Schroeder, the Ducks collected 4 district titles and 7 playoff appearances. Many of his seasons were barely above .500 apart from his 1994 squad which was Taylors first double-digit win total in thirty years, finishing 11-2. It remains the most recent season that the Ducks have reached double-digit wins. In the last two decades of Taylor Ducks football, the program has wobbled into mediocrity once again and won just 1 district title. During the recent years, the team has gone through four coaches. Tim Holt took the Ducks to the playoffs in 3 of his 4 seasons in Taylor. He was followed by Rick Cobia, who as the years sent the team in a downward spiral in his tenure. In 2012 Coach Rusty Purser came to Taylor and brought winning back to Duck football. Purser made the playoffs in each of 7 seasons, along with their first district title since the 1994 season in 2016. Following a dismal 4-7 season, Purser was let go by the Ducks. In the Spring of 2019, Taylor hired former Chilton and Riesel coach Robert Little. Little won a state championship in his first year of coaching back in 2006 and came to Taylor with the

moniker “Win State.” After a 10-win season in his last year at Riesel; the Ducks, under Little, are on the cusp of their first 0-10 season in more than four decades. The team has scored just 69 points the entire season, their lowest total since 1979, and have been shutout on 4 occasions. In Little’s 13 seasons as a head coach he has only amassed 10 wins in only 3 of those years. His time at Taylor remains current. Before Waddles took over as the mascot of the Taylor Ducks many may remember Drallam, the first official Taylor Ducks mascot. Drallam was named in a contest won by a young lady who simply spelled Mallard backward. Throughout the 100 plus seasons of Taylor football the Ducks have battled through tragedy and adversity. They have won and they have lost. The young men who would play the sport just for the pure joy of the game; strapped on their helmets and for 48 minutes on Friday nights were performers on the greatest stage in Texas. They became people to be remembered and admired. They each paved the way for future generations to carry on the legacy of the Green & White. They became fathers, uncles and grandfathers, and today they are sons, nephews and grandsons. They have all been Ducks, but more importantly they have all been heroes. If you enjoyed this story, look for more similar articles in a new portion of the sports section of the Taylor Press entitled Quack Facts which will be coming real soon. I would also like to give a big thank you to Tim Crow and Pat Helbert for their assistance with this piece.

1970

1978

1984

1990

2000

2010

Winter 2019 17

Taylor, Tx

We want to help you with ALL of your real estate needs. A family-owned business that treats you like family.

RESIDENTIAL | FARM & RANCH COMMERCIAL | LOTS | INDUSTRIAL

METAL ROOFING | BUILDINGS CARPORTS | COMPONENTS

Curtis Moore, Store Manager

500 Carlos G. Parker SE

Taylor, TX 76574 | 512-352-6310 www.metalmarts.com OPEN Mon.-Fri. 8-5, Sat. 8-12Noon

A.P. PATSCHKE

Loretta PATSCHKE

David HORTENSTINE

Bob SCARBOROGH

Christina FORD ARMSTRONG

Broker/Owner 512-626-1905

512-797-5842

512-771-7248

512-940-2959

512-786-9170

PATSCHKE & PATSCHKE

Real Estate LLC

Your “Golden Rule” Real Estate Company

(512) 365-1905 WWW.PATSCHKEPROPERTIES.COM 2405 N. MAIN, TAYLOR

Thank you for entrusting your loved ones to our care

A Caring Community Funeral Home

(512) 352-5909 TaylorProvidenceFuneralHome.com

The Taylor Pressâ&#x20AC;¦ Your connection to your community.

10 Questions with City Manager Brian LaBorde

1. WHAT IS YOUR SUPERPOWER? I can eat a jalapeno.

7. WHAT’S BEST AND WORST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? Best advice is to be yourself and worst is buying anything on an infomercial.

2. TELL US SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU? I like haunted houses during Halloween.

8. WHAT SONG IS YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE? Anything from Dr. Dre and Snoop Dog.

3. WHY DO YOU DO WHAT YOU DO? Work for the community you live in to make it better than when you arrived.

9. WHAT IS YOUR CLAIM TO FAME? Helped with a $55 million general obligation bond for the City of Buda for various streets improvements, drainage improvements, park improvements and new city hall/library/police station.

4. WHAT MAKES YOU GOOD AT YOUR JOB? 20 years-experience of lessons learned. 5. WHO OR WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION? My dad. 6. IF YOU HAD THREE WISHES FROM A NON-TRICKY GENIE, WHAT WOULD YOU WISH FOR? Endless resources for our community, fix all streets, drainage, water, sewer, new facilities, and have the lowest tax rate in the County.

10. IF YOU COULD WITNESS ANY EVENT OF THE PAST, PRESENT OR FUTURE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Texas Tech winning a national championship in football.

BONUS QUESTION WHAT IS THE FUNNIEST THING YOU’VE HEARD A COUNCIL MEMBER SAY? When Councilmember Garcia requests the color “purple.”

Taylor 76574

The greatest story ever told T

his season take a walk to Bethlehem and hear the “greatest story ever told” during the Live Nativity Scene at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 411 CR 401 in Taylor. The event will be held Dec. 14 and 15 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the church. The event is a re-creation of the night Jesus was born. The story begins in the city of Nazareth where the angel Gabriel came to Mary and Joseph to tell them they were going to have a son. Then, the story moves into the city of Bethlehem, and the set features inns and a marketplace. Follow the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem’s stable. Mingle with people in biblical era costumes and feel the stern looks of the Roman guards. Share the joy of shepherds hearing angels proclaim the good news of the Messiah’s birth, and join the wise men in paying homage to the newborn King. Free tours are every 20 minutes between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. Donations will be accepted for Shepherd’s Heart and Hutto Food Pantries. For more information call the church office at 512-365-9494 or visit www.ilctaylor.org.

The staff at the Taylor Press wishes you a

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Learning & research opportunities for T.H.S. students in the...

Aquaponic + Hydroponic Learning Lab 22

Photo by Norma Taylor Luna-Mota 76574

The AquaponicHydroponic Learning Lab carry the fish aquarium on the lower half and the growing plants on the top half. Cisco de La Garza and Gabriel Lopez help show the scale of the learning lab. Photo by Francisco Calzada

aylor High School Engineering students created a self-sustainable, well balanced AquaponicHydroponic system to study the relationships between plants and fish. It was designed by last year’s engineering students under the guidance of their teacher Dr. Barbara Benson. The system also provides research opportunities for new students to come in and observe and learn about different aspects of the system. It shows the relationship between the fish and the plant where the fish produced nutrients feed the plants and the plants clean the water for the fish. “We installed new motion detectors to minimize destructive behavior,’’ said Dr. Benson. “Last year we had a few students throwing Mentos in the tank and somebody tossed goldfish across the floor in the room while I was away from school.” Students can still see the fish and look at the plants but the detectors ward off potential mischievousness. “I wanted the system to teach other classes. For example, if a Biology teacher wants to teach about nutrients and how they cycle through the ecosystem they can come and study the system and learn from it. The monitor shows the nutrients, Ph levels, the temperature, and lighting; it shows what is happening in the tanks and live video of the fish. We want to create a website that will illustrate what is happening in the tanks and also anyone can see it online and learn from the process.

The T.H.S. Aquaponic-Hydroponic Learning Lab was started thanks to the Taylor Education Enrichment Foundation Grant that Dr. Barbara Benson won last year. She earned $1500 to build and buy what is needed to build the system. The

purpose of the unit was to provide a design opportunity for the Engineering student and teach them about Process and Control technology. It also provides a lab for teachers and students in the STEM and Agriculture areas.

76574

For All Your Holiday Shopping THANKSGIVING: CLOSED BLACK FRIDAY: 2PM6PM CHRISTMAS: CLOSED NEW YEAR’S DAY: CLOSED

Antique Furniture Unique Items Collectibles Vintage

401 NORTH MAIN STREET Taylor, Texas

512.309.4386

www.TrouvailleAntiques.com Facebook @trouvaille.antiques Instagram @trouvailleantiques

512-352-6792 2210 W. 2nd Street Taylor, Texas

taylordflowersforyou.com

There are two tanks that hold the plants. The barrels were donated so they are two different colors painted with Duck motifs. Photo by Tyler Hiduke

Five Star Gutters & Services Inc.

JOANN ROGERS 512-944-3924 office/cell FIVESTARGUTTERS512@GMAIL.COM

WWW.FIVESTAR-GUTTERS.COM 7500 FM 619, Taylor, Tx 76574

supporting

The students designed it last year and now students are learning how to keep the system balanced. Engineering students learn to troubleshoot. For instance, they sprung a very small leak in one of the water tanks and they had to troubleshoot it by adding flex seal. It was successful, but just imagine a drop of water spilling from the tank every 10 seconds can really add up. “It would be nice to have some money to add some more parts as we progress

with it, said Dr. Benson. All of the grant funds went to creating the system and now costs for future items will need to be raised or donated. Team members include seven st udents and Dr. Barbara Benson. They hope to set up a website and this will affect all science classes and for teachers who want to teach about pH balance or dynamic or non-dynamic, static or not static systems. It is a wonderful project for troubleshooting which is a big part of an engineer’s life.

5 Vance th &

EVENTS

301 W. 5th St. | Taylor, Texas | (512) 468-2490 events@5thandvance.com | 5thandvance.com

2207 N MAIN ST • TAYLOR, TX 76574 • 512-818-2188 • GUNGEAR.COM SELLING GUNS AND ACCESSORIES SINCE 1989. Black Friday Specials, Layaways, Consignments, and free FFL transfers. Black Riﬂe Coﬀee, Bags to hold guns and accessories. Conceal Carry Purses and Fanny Packs, Knives, Scopes, lights and lasers plus much, much more.

WilliamsonHabitat.org/hopsforhouses

Twenty-four to 48 hour turn around on orders . M-F 9-5 • Sat 10-5 • Sun 12:30 - 4:30

The Glittering Guide to

TAYLORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HOLIDAY

HAPPENINGS

Winter 2019 25

Each visitor gets a 20-minute guided tour and the actors interact with the crowd. Each year brings about 1,000 people to the live nativity, according to Gordon. This event is free though accepts canned food donations along with monetary donations benefitting Taylor’s own Shepherd’s Heart and the Hutto Community Food Pantry. Last year’s live nativity raised close to $1,000 and 136 pounds of food, according to Gordon. The Immanuel Lutheran Church is located at 411 CR 401 and the event is rain or shine.

The Taylor Fire Department’s Red Santa Program distributes bikes donated from the Salvation Army. CATHERINE PARKER

Enjoy the best of small town living and grab your friends and family to enjoy Taylor’s most festive season. And Taylor’s own Heritage Square Park will sparkle and dazzle this season with a new decorated and lighted Christmas tree guiding the way. PARADE OF LIGHTS AND CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING In Taylor’s signature holiday event, the Parade of Lights will be cruising down Main Street with close to 70 lighted floats from area churches, non profits, youth groups, schools along with decorated cars on Saturday, December 7, starting at 7 p.m. The long-time event brings visitors and residents together, standing shoulder-to-shoulder from 3rd Street to 12th Street with spectators showing up hours before to secure their spots. Though new for this year, the 30-foot evergreen tree with ornaments, LED lighting and a 4-foot star will be lit by Santa after the parade at 8 p.m. in the revitalized Heritage Square Park. After his lighting duties, Santa will head to the Santa Hut for photos until 9 p.m. Though don’t fret, Santa will return to his hut every Friday and Saturday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. until Christmas. The new decorated tree will be installed the week of Thanksgiving, if not earlier, though will remain unlit until the Parade of Lights. The splash pad will be active until mid-November then remain turned off until after the new year, according to Larry Foos, the Director of Parks and Recreation.

Courtesy Photo

The original lighted decorations will be utilized in Heritage Square Park. And Santa’s Hut as well as the Nativity will be back according to Foos. This signature event is organized by the Taylor Area Ministerial Alliance, a group of pastors and congregations that support Taylor and the surrounding communities. For more information to participate in the Parade of Lights, contact event organizer Tammy Eulenfeld at tameulenfeld@austin.rr.com. PILGRIMAGE TO BETHLEHEM LIVE NATIVITY As a community favorite, walking through the living nativity transports visitors over 7,200 miles and 2,000 years back in time to the Holy Land. For the twelfth year, the Immanuel Lutheran Church, or the church on the hill, is hosting its live nativity on Saturday, December 14, and Sunday, December 15, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. According the Bonnie Gordon, this year’s coordinator, approximately 135 people pitch in to make this event happen every year. And last year’s event had volunteers from Taylor, Thrall, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Bartlett and Richland. “It’s a community event with members from 15 different churches,” Gordon said of the volunteers. Gordon starts the planning process in August every year, with a mid-October kick-off party. The construction starts in November and rehearsals start after Thanksgiving. Volunteers come together and construct the sets, sew the costumes and learn lines from the script. And the youngest cast members are kindergarteners and the oldest volunteer is 88-years-old.

Taylor 76574

TAYLOR WINE SWIRL In a kick-off event, shop, sip and savor while exploring the boutiques of historic downtown Taylor. Sample Central Texas wines while enjoying extended shopping hours from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 6th. Find a different winery or vineyard at each participating location, like Bastrop’s Colorado River Winery at Friends of the Bride, and Lampasas’s Pillar Bluff Vineyards at Cherry Tree Creative. A nd Southern Hospitalit y and Marco’s Pizza will provide sustenance. And Murphy’s Mellows and Sam’s Home Bakery will be on hand for sweets. While the Chubby Knuckle Choir will provide the live entertainment. Each adult (21+) ticket holder will receive a swag bag with goodies along with a Let’s Swirl wine glass. Tickets available at participating shops for $29.95, like Cherry Tree Creative, Frills on Fourth, Amy’s Attic, Sweet and Southern Finds, Trouvaille Antiques, Liberty’s Consigned Finds, Rhinestone Cowgirl, Red Cap Cigar Lounge, Texas Dirt Road Home and Mezoozah Boutique. A shuttle van with several stops will be available during the evening. This is a Taylor Main Street Program event. HORSE DRAWN TROLLEY RIDES New for this year, take a horsedrawn trolley ride and see the decorated historic homes around Old Taylor High on Saturday, December 21, from 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. Starting at Plowman’s Kitchen, the decorated trolley will play festive music then stop at Pecan Manor Bed and Breakfast. Toast up a s’more at one of several fire pits around Old Taylor High. Then grab a holiday picture with the Santa Sleigh from the Parade of Lights. Or

All Holiday Shopping Photos from Cherry Tree Creative and Nest Box. lean against Plowman’s own 1965 Ford Pick-Up truck for a family pic. S’more kits will be available for $5 each, with grahams, chocolate and marshmallows for two. Enjoy some hot chocolate and caroling at the Pecan Manor Bed and Breakfast. With sheet music provided, lift your spirits with a holiday classic. Located at 819 Hackberry Street, next to Old Taylor High. The trolley rides start at 5:30 p.m. and last 20 minutes with three rides an

Catherine Parker

hour. With space for 20 people on each ride, reservations are recommended for this in-demand event. Call Plowman’s Kitchen for timed reservations at (512) 352-0055. Tickets are $6 per person, will be available starting December 1. Plowman’s Kitchen and Pecan Manor Bed and Breakfast are holding a holiday home decorating contest for homes around Old Taylor High. The lucky winner will receive a date night package with dinner for two and a night at Pecan Manor B & B.

Winter 2019 27

Celebrate a Victorian Christmas at the Moody Museum.

Courtesy Photo

SHOPPING LOCAL THIS SEASON

Located at 112 W. 2nd Street on Saturday, December 7th, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the lobby of the McCrory Timmerman Building, on both levels.

MAIN STREET CHRISTMAS FAIR With a new venue to enjoy, the Main Street Christmas Fair will be held at the Heritage Square Park along with City Hall at 400 Porter Street on Saturday, December 7th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s event will have both indoor and outdoor booths, featuring arts and crafts along with food items. And special guest Santa Claus will be picture ready from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Southern Hospitality will have a booth along with other food vendors. This is a Taylor Main Street Program event.

THIRD THURSDAY With extended hours for shopping, stroll downtown businesses and shop local on Thursday, December 19th, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Find special items for the people of your list this year while contributing to the local economy.

MISTLETOE MARKET Head to the corner of Main and Second to shop local for the holidays. Find artisan wearables, ceramics and jewelry among other handmade crafts.

FOR THE KIDS

Find several pint-sized activities, just for the kids this season. TAYLOR PUBLIC LIBRARY Join the staff at the Taylor Public Library on Saturday, December 14, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a Christmas party, celebrating the original 1964 TV program, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The Library will offer holiday music and crafts along with refreshments, and of course the story of Rudolph. Shh, don’t tell the kiddos but SANTA will make an appear-

ance. Free, though advance registration is required since space is limited. A New Years Celebration that won’t wreck the kids’ sleep schedule. Enjoy crafts and fun while counting down to NOON for a New Year Celebration on Wednesday, December 31, beginning 11 a.m. Located at 801 Vance Street. Call the Taylor Public Library at 512-352-3434 for registration. CHILDREN’S VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS Head to the Moody Museum for a Victorian Christmas with period Christmas decorations, perfect for a holiday picture. On Saturday, December 7th, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. the Moody Museum invites kids to make a Victorian Christmas ornament to take home. The Moody Museum will also offer tours of the boyhood home of the youngest Texas governor, Dan Moody. Dan Moody served as governor from 1927 to 1931.

Taylor 76574

Located at 114 W. 9th St. and the Moody Museum will be open for extended hours on Saturday, December 7, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. KIDS ORNAMENT CLASS AT ART OFF CENTER Make a keepsake with the kiddos in this fun class for kids 3 and older. Get a clay slab and use holiday-themed cookie cutters and glazes to make a treasure for the tree. Located on Potter’s Alley at 116 W. 2nd Street. Class is Saturday, December 14, from noon to 2:30 p.m. Advance registration is required and kids are $28 each with adult supervision for kids 3 to 6.

CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCES

With churches dotting the Taylor landscape, don’t spend the holidays alone. Find services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day throughout the area. ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH will host its Lessons and Carols, a festival that originated at Kings College in England over 100 years ago, on December 15 at 4 p.m. It’s a traditional Christmas celebration with untraditional music. Its choir will perform with Kelley McRae and organist Kevin McClure. Located at 614 Davis Street. ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL will perform its annual Christmas Program featuring its students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 12th. Located in the gymnasium at 520 Washburn Street. NOLLAIG CELTIC PERFORMANCE Enjoy the season and Nollaig (Christmas in Irish) as Austin band, Here and Now, performs Celtic music at the Black Sparrow. In its third year, enjoy live music, dance and food, Celtic-style. Located at 113 W. 2nd St. Show starts at 8 p.m. on Friday, December 13, and advance tickets are $20. NYE PUB CRAWL Walk the streets of historic Downtown Taylor for New Years for the 2nd annual NYE Pub Crawl. Enjoy a vibrant entertainment district close to home. The evening starts early at the Curb Side Coffee House at 6 p.m. Then swings into the Texas Beer Company. Then hops across the street for the 9:30 p.m. performance of the Scarlet’s Eyes at the Black Sparrow Music Parlor. Then bring in the New Year at The Taylor Station with a champagne toast. Winter 2019 29

WHERE TO GIVE THIS SEASON

As a small town with a big heart, several organizations help those in need for the holiday season. RED SANTA PROGRAM The Taylor Fire Department and the Taylor Professional Firefighter’s Association are accepting donations, especially monetary ones, to ensure the families of Taylor in need have gifts under the tree and a holiday meal. Bring gifts or wrapping supplies, including boxes, to the Taylor Fire Departments by Friday, December 13, at 304 E 3rd Street during business hours. Gifts for teens along with footballs, basket balls and soccer balls are especially needed. The Red Santa Program is also looking for wrappers. Starting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 14th, gifts will be wrapped at City Hall at 400 Porter Street. BILL PICKETT FOUNDATION OPERATION CHRISTMAS For the fifth year, the Bill Pickett Foundation is looking for donations for its Operation Christmas. With a kick-off on Friday, December 6, at the Texas Beer Company, people can donate a gift for a kid in the Taylor area. Or grab a stocking with an individual child’s name and their wish list. Gifts will also be accepted at the Black Sparrow Music Parlor and The Taylor Station. The Bill Pickett Foundation Operation Christmas is partnering with Walmart in Taylor this year as well. The Bill Pickett Foundation is still accepting applications for recipients. Contact Gerald Anderson at (512) 269-8270 or through its Facebook page at Bill Pickett Foundation Operation Christmas. The foundation takes applications until Monday, December 23. According to Gerald Anderson of the Bill Pickett Foundation, “I’ve had people reach out on Christmas morning and we were able to help with $150 and gifts.” SHEPHERD’S HEART As the food pantry in Taylor, Shepherd’s Heart distributed close to 500,000 pounds of food to over 1,100 households according to the ministry. In addition to monetary donations, canned goods, household items and clothing. Shepherd’s Heart is always looking for volunteers to help with its operations. It’s located at 121 E. 2nd Street and the thrift store is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Taylor Fire Department’s Red Santa Program distributes bikes donated from the Salvation Army. Courtesy Photo

Taylor 76574

SALVATION ARMY The Red Bucket ringers at Walmart will collecting money to assist those in need cover utilities in the Taylor area. Winter 2019 31

Santa Duck

A tradition of giving TIM CROW

tcrow@taylorisd.org

anta Duck began at Taylor Middle School in 1995 when Coach Diane Robbins partnered with a group to provide Christmas presents for foster children in Williamson County. Later, she partnered with Coach Larry Safarik to make this a program to help Taylor families, and the tradition continues today. Assisted by Coach Allen Dews, Safarik involves girls and boys athletics and outdoor rec classes in the annual Santa Duck project. Students raise money, purchase gifts, wrap them and then deliver to local families. Last year Santa Duck raised over $1,200 and provided Christmas presents for sixteen children in the community.

Taylor 76574

SANTA and the ELF BOY

In 1979, the Taylor Daily Press ran a short holiday series called, “Santa and the Elf Boy.” The holiday series is about Esteban the Elf and his adventures with Santa Claus. The story was spread over 17 chapters and 17 issues of the Taylor Daily Press. The original fable was written by Lucrece Hudgins in 1958. Forty years later, the Taylor Press will bring back Santa and the Elf Boy for the holidays. Look for the first chapter in the Nov. 27 issue of the Taylor Press. The series will run in its entirety and end in the Dec. 25, Christmas issue.

continued from page 34

But I’m with you on Taylor holiday traditions. That big tree on the splash pad should be something to see. Of course, I’ve been lobbying for the construction of a colossal Yule Duck, made of straw, to be displayed in the middle of Heritage Square. But that plan never seems to get off-center because someone invariably Googles some key terms, runs across the northern European tradition of the Yule Goat, and realizes the whole thing typically ends in a fiery spectacle that our

Santa’s Mailbox

IS OPEN S

anta Claus has started making his list as Christmas fast approaches. As always, the Taylor Press has agreed to help the Jolly Ol’ Gent with his mail needs. The look of his local mailbox has changed over the years, but the mission has always remained – get the letters to the North Pole! We will be collecting children’s letters to Santa in the decorated box inside our office, 211 W. Third St. until Wednesday, Dec. 18. They will be in the Christmas edition of the paper but will be delivered to the North Pole.

local bucket brigade is none too eager to see in the heart of our fair city (or anywhere else for that matter). As I flip about the cable box every year around this time, in some corners of Fake News or otherwise, I hear tell of a War on Christmas. If there is, in fact, a War on Christmas, I’d say it’s going about as well as the War on Drugs. And, here in Taylor, I’d say Christmas is more than holding its own against whatever forces are aligned against it—presumably including some of those witch covens over in Cedar Park. After all, we have our

annual crèche (fancy word for nativity scene) in Heritage Square. From time to time grumbles may be heard about it. Something about separation of church and state. I’ll leave that for the lawyers. Most folks in Taylor seem to appreciate the manger scene. When it’s joined in Heritage Square by a Jewish menorah, a traditional pagan evergreen tree (oh wait… the splash pad), and/ or a Faravahar in observance of Zarathosht Diso, then I suppose that will trigger a broader discussion—probably more about overcrowding than anything else. Taylor is a great place to be for the holidays. Or any

time, actually. You just can’t beat things like the annual Christmas bazaar, the semi-annual Holiday Home tour, and our yearly parade. It is the most wonderful time of the year in the most wonderful town around. But for now, I need to get off my soapbox, erect my Festivus Pole, put on some Burl Ives tunes, and start my ham preparation. After all, that ham isn’t going to spank itself. From the Dabbling Duck, “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukah, Sensational Solstice, and [insert your preferred inoffensive seasonal greeting here]!”

Winter 2019 33

The Dabbling Duck

Q: A:

Dear Dabbling Duck, I’m super-stoked about the planned 30-foot Christmas tree in Heritage Square this holiday season. It’ll be a nice addition to Taylor’s yuletide traditions. I love the Christmas parade through downtown and the decorations that have been set up in Heritage Square in the past. What are some of your favorite things about Taylor and the holidays? Merrily yours, Goodwill on Gladnell Dear Goodwill on Gladnell, For my money, it’s not the holidays in Taylor unless it’s 80 degrees and the Longhorns are playing in a mid-tier bowl game. Considering the lead time associated with this piece, University of Texas fans are either shrugging their shoulders because I’m right, scoffing because the Horns have exceeded my expectations, or are refreshing their internet browsers in the midst of a search for a new coach. As for Christmas, around the Dabbling household it’s all about good food, good friends, good cheer, and the annual Spanking of the Hams. I can’t go into much detail here, but suffice to say a run-of-the-mill city ham won’t do. We’re talking a full-on Christmas ham—boiled, glazed with mustard, egg, and breadcrumb, baked… then spanked like it stole something. You kind of have to be there. Or maybe it’s best you’re not. Don’t judge.

continued on page 33

Taylor 76574

Residential Postal Patron Taylor, Texas 76574

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

ECRWSSEDDM US POSTAGE PAID EDDM RETAIL

_________ Taylor _________ P.O. Box 1040 • Taylor, TX 76574 • 512-352-8538

Graduation rates consistently surpass regional and state averages. Early College High School providing the opportunity to earn a college associate degree while in high school at no cost to students. Nationally Ranked Academic Decathlon Nationally Ranked Color Guard Superior Division I Band Rating for 20 Consecutive years. Leader in Me Initiative State Band Qualifiers New Athletic Complex Athletic State Qualifiers 4X State Girls Pole Vault Champ State 4A Boys Long Jump Champ State 4A Boys Pole Vault Champ Career preparations with certifications in numerous areas including welding, culinary arts, automotive and floral design. Every high school student issued a MacBook Air State Ranked HI-Steppers Free and Tuition Based 4 Year Old Pre-K NEW: 3 Year Old Pre-K Parent and Community Involvement

Fall 2019