The Liberty Hill Independent Holiday Edition 2019

Š2019 The Liberty Hill Independent

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, November 28, 2019

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HOLIDAY EDITION 2019

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

A chance to give

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How you can help area non-profit organizations this holiday season

By RACHEL MADISON Staff Writer Williamson County is home to dozens of nonprofit organizations—and many of those are based in Liberty Hill. If you’re looking for a nonprofit to donate to or volunteer at this holiday season, check out this list of local places where you can help everyone from children and seniors to animals and communities.

Dream a Dream Therapeutic Horsemanship Dream a Dream was established in November 2007 to empower individuals with disabilities through the love and power of horses. The organiza-

tion’s mission statement focuses on partnering with equine friends to provide love, hope and therapy for children and adults with physical, mental and emotional disabilities.

Dream a Dream serves children and adults through equine assisted therapies, mental health services, therapeutic riding lessons, beginner riding lessons, family support, social skill groups and inclusive horse camps. Through horses, the program aims to empower individuals with disabilities by helping them to develop skills and confidence that can be carried into every aspect of life.

The organization is located at

23650 Round Mountain Circle in Leander. Volunteer opportunities to groom horses, clean stalls and walk alongside horses are available by calling 512260-5957 or visiting www. dadth.org. Donations are also accepted via the website.

Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1976 and became a part of Williamson County in 1999.

The nonprofit’s mission is to bring communities and RACHEL MADISON FILE PHOTO people together to create and sustain home ownership in A few of Hope House’s residents sit together on the back porch of one of the organization’s four homes in Liberty Hill. Volunteers for Hope House are able to help with numerous projects See GIVING, Page 30 around the grounds of these homes, maintaining them for these lifelong residents.

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Thursday, November 28, 2019

A feast of friends for Over the Hill Gang

By ANTHONY FLORES Staff Writer Since its inception in 1998, Liberty Hill’s Over the Hill Gang has become a home for the senior citizens of the community, developing relationships and creating a tight-knit family over weekly homecooked meals.

The group comes together every Thursday for lunch to spend time with one another and enjoy a welcoming place to go.

“People leave out the seniors, I do not know why, but the seniors always get left out,” said Dorothy Hill.

It was that feeling of being left out during such a crucial time in life that gave rise to the weekly gatherings.

To celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, the group hosted its annual Thanksgiving feast Nov. 21.

For many seniors in the community, getting together with family has become increasingly difficult as the years have gone by and this event is meant to provide them a place to commiserate with friends and adopted family while enjoying a holiday meal.

“It’s very important. My spouse is gone, her spouse is gone,” said Hill looking over at another at the table. “It’s important for us to have our families and it’s important for us to have our friendships and do things. I don’t want anyone that I know to have Thanksgiving alone.”

The meeting location may be centered in the heart of Liberty Hill, but the center is also open to the areas that surround the small town.

“I see people coming from different places,” said Hill.

“Lots of people that we have here come from Austin or different places. It’s for anybody over 50 years old. The doors are open.”

Several members of the group have been coming for the entire 21 years.

Hill has been in charge of the Over the Hill Gang since 2011 and has continued its tradition of hosting a Thanksgiving feast. The meal was originally home-cooked by Hill and a few other members. This year food was provided by several churches in the area -- Grace Alive, Williamson County Cowboy Church and Fellowship Church.

Pam Hammers has been a member of the Over the Hill Gang for three years and is facing her first Thanksgiving without her spouse after he passed away in June.

“It’s real hard to go through the holidays, your first holiday not having everybody there,” said Hammers. “I just have to learn life all over again, it’s a happy time but a sad time.”

Hammers met her husband late in life, adding his six children to her own seven. The now mother of 13 children used Thanksgiving as a way to bring both families together into a more cohesive unit.

“When we went to have Thanksgiving, I wanted all of them to be there so they could get to know each other and bond and that was the best,” said Hammers. “It got to the point where grandkids came in and we had to rent a hall.”

Although this is her first Thanksgiving without her spouse, Hammers isn’t alone because she has the members of her group and her children to lean on.

“They’re very important, I usually sit in the other room because we have a table that all people that know each other’s stuff and we support each other,” she said.

Living in modern times when most holidays have become heavily commercialized and Thanksgiving is mostly overshadowed by Black Friday, it becomes harder and harder to remember when things were simpler.

Nadine West remembers when Thanksgiving was a time

to actually give thanks. When families didn’t run out after a feast to stand in line for hours just to save a buck on a flat screen television.

“We were just always thankful for what we had because my father died and left my mother with six children,” said West. “We would draw names at Thanksgiving and you only had just a few gifts to buy, you didn’t get burned out trying to buy a gift for everybody.”

West is recently widowed, having lost her husband in 2018, and like Hammers, is using the Over the Hill Gang as a way to cope and move forward.

“We are both widows now, and we are still going through the first Christmas, the first Thanksgiving without them,” ANTHONY FLORES PHOTO said West. “It’s been tough.”

Over the Hill Gang President Dorothy Hill proudly continues the tradition of hosting the group’s One of the more overlooked annual Thanksgiving dinner in its 21st year. and arguably most important aspects of Thanksgiving is the opportunity to expose younger generations to the wealth of knowledge and experience that

By ANTHONY FLORES On Dec. 12 there is some- teacher to teach them. seniors have to offer.

Staff Writer thing to see on a variety of The program is directed by Hill believes it is paramount As December comes around campuses. The High School Christi Poulter, who has been that young people get more and the holiday season be- and Junior High bands will working with students on the exposure to their grandparents gins to kick into high gear, be presenting their holiday production for nine weeks. and those older individuals in schools in the Liberty Hill concert at 6:30 p.m., the Bill The Bill Burden teacher entheir lives and thinks ThanksISD are preparing for a flurry Burden second grade class joys what she does but loves giving and the holidays are the of holiday performances. will be presenting a perfor- it even more during the holperfect times for that.

The programs begin Dec. 10 mance of “Elflandia” and idays.

“They need to be around with a choir concert by the the Liberty Hill Intermediate “The gig is good already, their grandparents so they can junior high choir. The concert School will be presenting its but holiday time is the best know what they did, what their will feature the 7th and 8th “Northern Hijinks” play. time,” said Poulter. “The kids parents did,” said Hill. “They grade classes performing a “We have a Christmas fan- are excited and have no issue need to be around them bemedley of holiday songs both fare that we’re going to start with being self-conscious.” cause they have a wealth of together and separately. with at the high school level Closing out the holiday knowledge that they can pass Making the list of songs are and it has a lot of different events for the district is the on as their history.” a few holiday classics like carols in it,” said John Per- Liberty Hill Intermediate As Liberty Hill continues to “Winter Wonderland”, “Joy rin, LHISD director of bands. School band concert Dec. 16. grow and change, the Over the to the World”, and “Believe” “We have a slow piece called The concert will be held at Hill Gang stays the same, refrom “Polar Express”.

‘Greensleeves’ and a piece the Liberty Hill High School maining a place for the seniors “We’re going to combine with spoken word and one of Performing Art Center at of the community to thrive. everybody at the end,” said our students will read ‘The 6:30 p.m.

Over the Hill Gang meets choir Director Clark Stanley. Night before Christmas’.”

All programs with the exThursdays at 3407 RR 1869 in “But we always start separate Elflandia is the name of ception of the “Northern HiLiberty Hill. Any area senior so we’ll start with our 7th a town in the North Pole jinks” play will be free to the 50 years or older is invited to grade girls and they’ll do a where Santa’s elves live and public. Tickets for the play join them for fellowship and a processional type thing, then build toys. The story centers are $5 for adults and $3 for meal every Thursday at 11:30 they’ll do a slow song and around the elves not believ- students. a.m. The first meal is free; afthey’ll do ‘Winter Wonder- ing that humans exist and terwards, individuals are asked land’ with the other girls.”

Santa bringing them a human to donate $5 for their meal.

LHISD gears up for holiday events

OPINION

You’re not stupid, but you don’t know the real story about the first Thanksgiving

By WILT CUTTER Columnist I know about the real meaning of Thanksgiving. The Cutter family was there at the first one.

I mean our name was Patuxet of the Wampanoag back then before we started marrying the invaders and trying to help straighten out thousands of years of their European inbreeding and downright inferior DNA. Of course we were there on the scene working. I mean somebody had to help these poor pale individuals who had so graciously brought their funny-colored flags and smallpox to help us become civilized.

Some said they had come to escape the King, some said they were here to bring Jesus and some said they had come to America to get rich. Pretty soon one of my great-aunts broke with tribal tradition and stood up in our meeting and said, “Look, Chief, Elders, Prophets, let’s please quit trying to figure out which is the true motive. It’s all the same thing. Now they are our relatives and if we don’t do something drastic, ceremonial and semi-religious they are going to get on that stupid little boat and take my grandbabies back to England.”

As the pipe was being passed back and forth in the testosterone tent, one of my great (x5) grandmother’s sisters started cooking. That day she sort of evolved into the strong-willed and opinionated individual that saved lives and changed history by inventing a holiday to

keep her family together.

Now I know you’ve never been told this story before and your history teacher/ coach may have erred out of their lack of knowledge.

It’s not their fault either. It’s kind of sad and cool at the same time. The real American Thanksgiving story has been lost to CEOs peddling turkeys and Black Friday.

Politicians and preachers have always attempted to lay claim to the day assumedly to continue the theft of the idea from my aunt.

But as the story is told she didn’t just invent a holiday.

As all the food was laid out for the joint community feast she was standing off to one side watching all the goings on. It’s said that the Pilgrims said a wonderful prayer of Thanksgiving. The Governor himself emerged from his little hut wearing his dress sword. His wife had made a little bowl of tasteless mush that everyone was fawning over. The Chief came in his elaborate headdress. Both of the men made speeches and promised to try to do better at getting along. Both men

claimed credit for the idea of Thanksgiving and my great aunt led in giving them both a heartfelt and lengthy standing ovation.

That’s also the day that Pocahontas invented jumping rope. Arm wrestling was introduced but it didn’t begin as a sport. It was two guys trying to get the same turkey leg. They were equally physically fit, both very hungry, thereby being highly motivated. A crowd began to gather. People began to choose sides and cheer. It’s said my aunt also broke up the match by pointing out that a turkey has two legs. People from my family taught the little malnourished White kids how to play hide and seek.

Football was invented that day. The Cowboys played the Redskins. The game ended when everyone stopped to go back for seconds.

Go take a DNA test and discover we’re all wonderfully human with Thanksgiving running through our veins somewhere.

You’re Welcome!

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT Thursday, November 28, 2019 Page 7

EDITORIAL:

Downtown is the new home for The Independent

In 2010, The Liberty Hill Independent was purchased by new owners and moved up the road to its current location on Hwy 29 next to P&R Propane.

After almost a decade we are excited to announce that by January 2020 you’ll be able to visit us at our new home at 921 Loop 332 in downtown Liberty Hill. Yes, we are moving our news, sports and advertising operations to downtown!

This move comes after a yearlong search for more space for our staff and customers, but also room for future growth and expanding our ability to do more for our subscribers, advertisers and the community that we care about so deeply. In fact, this move gives us an opportunity to practice what we preach. This move will bring us more opportunities to invest and contribute.

We hope you’ve noticed our constant drumbeat for revitalization of downtown, the recognition and utilization of Liberty Hill and the Greater

The newspaper operations will be moving to 921 Loop 332 in downtown Liberty Hill in December. The 120-year-old building in getting a facelift and being remodeled inside. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more news about our move.

Shin Oak Ridge area of Texas as both a home to our community as well as a wonderful destination for visitors. We’ve accelerated our push for activities by coming up with local events, promoting them and working behind the scenes for quality of life issues for our citizens as well as openly as-

sisting in business growth and future development.

So, we see it as our greatest vote of confidence for the future of our community to move to the heart of where the revitalization should be focused -Downtown.

See MOVE, Page 32

The Independent lands interview with Santa

By MIKE EDDLEMAN Managing Editor With just a few weeks before the big night, S a n t a C l a u s agreed to sit down with The Independent for a few minutes for a con-

versation about all those burning questions fans around the world ponder each year.

Sitting across from the big man himself, his finger characteristically aside of his nose, it is difficult to not be mesmerized by the unsoiled bright red suit and a beard any hipster would envy. He comes across all at once serious, as though he is contemplating the task at hand, and merry, you know,

reminiscent of a jolly old elf.

We mentioned the word elf only once, and the twinkle in his eye vanished and we let it drop, not wanting to be offensive.

As I tried to keep track of all the questions I wanted to ask in such a short time, I stumbled over my words, unable to get out anything more than “Well, Santa, how is Mrs. Claus?”

He sighed, glancing up just over the top rim of his round glasses. “Do you know how many times I have to answer that question in crayon-written letters each year?” he said yawning in response, before pushing a tin full of cookies across the table. “She said to give you these.”

I pulled at the top of the tin, curious, and as it popped off I found a dozen Santa-shaped

cookies. I immediately picked one out, bringing it to my lips as my eyes met his again and I hesitated.

“Go on,” he laughed. “Weird isn’t it?” he asked.

I nodded and gently bit the top of his hat off before setting the rest of the cookie down gently.

“Mrs. Claus is good,” he said.

See SANTA, Page 31

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

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Thursday, November 28, 2019

OBITUARY Bonnie Lavern Vance Bonnie Lavern Vance, 88, passed peacefully from this life on Monday, November, 18, 2019, at Sundara Senior Living, Round Rock, Texas.

Bonnie was born September 6, 1931, to Hershell and Carlee (Murry) Johnson in Limestone County, Texas. She grew up in Portlaes, New Mexico, where she met the love of her life, Odell “Red” Vance. They married September 6, 1949, in Clovis, New Mexico, and spent most of their married life in Hobbs, N.M. where they raised two sons, Jerry and Terry.

Bonnie was a devoted wife and mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Throughout the years, she enjoyed watching her sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren participate in football, baseball, soccer, golf, dance, and cheerleading. She was a favorite among her many nieces and nephews and could always be counted on for a warm welcome and a place at the table

in the Vance home. A strong Christian, she set an example of love, devotion, and compassion for those who knew her well. She always brought great fun and laughter to any family gathering.

After Red’s death, Bonnie made her home in Leander, TX, to be closer to her sons and their families and to be able to attend the Liberty Hill Panther football games as long as she was able. She was a loyal Panther fan! She and Red were also enthusiastic followers of the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys. Her greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom affectionately called her “Ginny.”

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and six sisters, her husband of 64 years, granddaughter Jessica Vance, great-grandson Cooper Cook, and daughter-inlaw Annette Vance. She is survived by one sister Gwen Mi-

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Great-grandchildren: Tyler and Carter Cook; Ruby and Nora Vance; Berkleigh and Bowen Alfier. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins whom she loved.

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HOLIDAY EDITION 2019

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Thursday, November 28, 2019

SPORTS

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT Thursday, November 28, 2019 Page 17

ALEX RUBIO PHOTOS

Carter Hudson (#24) celebrates an interception during Liberty Hill’s 66-7 playoff win against La Feria on Friday.

Trey Seward (#20) rushed 17 times for 297 yards and four touchdowns, including a 96-yard scoring run.

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Much is made of common opponents when forecasting football.

So, the fact Liberty Hill defeated West Columbia, 44-8 in the opening round of the Class 4A state playoffs, while this week’s third-round opposition, El Campo, was defeated by the Roughnecks earlier this season by a score of 17-9 should bode well for the Panthers, right?

Not so fast, said Liberty Hill head Coach Jeff Walker.

“They’re a really good football team,” he said. “With three really good running backs.”

Sounds as if Walker is talking

you have to make adjustments based on how they’re playing you.”

El Campo has a three-headed backfield monster of its own, comprised of sophomore Johntre Davis, freshman Reuben Owens and junior Charles Shorter, which has certainly gotten Walker’s attention, he said.

“They’re primarily a run team – they want to run the ball,” said Walker. “Probably about 80-20 run-pass.”

The Ricebirds boast a 10-2 record on the current campaign, including a 49-13 win last week against Jones, which followed victory against another common opponent in

El Campo next for Panthers about his own stable of backfield runners.

The Panthers’ prolific Slot-T offense looked much like last season’s version against the Lions, piling up 496 yards on the ground, as eight different Liberty Hill players carried the ball, not the least of whom was junior Trey Seward, who ran wild for 297 yards on 17 attempts and a pair of touchdown, including a spectacular 96-yard sprint with the Panthers backed up on their own 4-yard line early in the game when the outcome was still in doubt.

On top of all that, senior quarterback Jacob Cearley lit up the San Antonio night sky

at Heroes Stadium, completing 4-of-5 passes for 62 yards and a touchdown.

Walker attributed the Panthers’ suddenly potent air attack to the point of the season they find themselves in.

“I think when you get to the playoffs, you have to be a bit more aggressive with your play-calling,” he said. “So, we add in a few wrinkles, but nothing crazy.”

However, Walker added sometimes at this stage, caution must be thrown to the wind with the stakes so high.

“When you get to this point, you’ve got nothing to lose because if you don’t win, there’s no next week,” he said. “So,

Fredericksburg, who the Panthers lost to, 35-21 on Oct. 11.

But the Panthers are a vastly different team now compared to the one which lost at home to the Battlin’ Billies, thanks to the arrival on the scene of some new players who have been making an impact since entering the lineup, not the least of which has been sophomore Carter Hudson, who got his first varsity start against La Feria and shined with an interception, a pair of tackles and a pass defended, said Walker.

“Carter definitely bowed up and played an outstanding game,” he said. “He didn’t even know he was starting until he got on the bus, so he

was thrown to the wolves, but he reacted, didn’t back down, wasn’t worried about the Friday night lights and had a big night – he exceeded our expectations.”

The occasion also marked another solid effort by the Liberty Hill offensive line, who continued to open gaping holes in the bigger, stronger La Feria defense, with senior center Ryley Rosenbusch flanked

by Jed Lapuszynski, Keegan Klaus-Ryan, Luke Huddleston and Blake Wilson, as the group gains more momentum with every game of experience they get in further developing

See EL CAMPO, Page 19

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Thursday, November 28, 2019

Panthers, Seward tame Lions, 66-7

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor SAN ANTONIO -- Last week, Liberty Hill head football Coach Jeff Walker stood in the cold night air outside a boisterous locker room in Waller after his squad had just defeated West Columbia by a score of 44-8 in the Panthers’ playoff opener and offered this assessment of his team.

“I still think we can play a lot better,” said Walker.

Guess he was right.

At the moment, it seems as if there is absolutely nothing the Panthers can’t do on a football field.

Witness Friday’s 66-7 demolition of previously unbeaten La Feria in a Class 4A state playoff contest as an example.

From the outset, everything Liberty Hill did turned to gold, while whatever the Lions did – not exactly.

Entering the game, Walker knew he was going to have to rely on his offense keeping its high-powered counterparts across the field on the sidelines and one way to do exactly that was to grind out long drives in trademark Slot-T style.

Which is precisely what the Panthers did.

Liberty Hill opened the game with a methodical, seven, play, 55-yard drive consisting of bruising runs between the tackles by Blake Simpson and Nash Robinson, which was punctuated by an eight-yard scoring rumble by Simpson after the big back was sprung into the end zone with a superb block by Luke Huddleston for a 7-0 advantage.

Curiously enough, Trey Seward had nary a carry on the opening drive, but all that changed after the Panthers’ defense forced a three-and-

out on the Lions’ first series, which included a triple-team sack of La Feria quarterback Dorian Hernandez by the triumvirate of Preston Shephard, Walker Baty and Austin Knox, who was seeing his first action back in the lineup since being sidelined by a broken collarbone on Sept. 19.

After the Panthers had taken over after being pinned by a punt at their own four-yard line, Seward wasted no time in getting his name on the stat sheet.

Seward took a handoff from quarterback Jacob Cearley and raced 96 yards for a touchdown on a play during which he outsprinted the entire La Feria defense on the way to a quick 14-0 Liberty Hill lead.

One play, 96 yards.

By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor We have plenty to be grateful for this Thanksgiving.

Right at the top of that list are a couple of colors that go together quite well, indeed.

Purple and Gold.

When I arrived here a little over three months ago, I didn’t know much at all about Liberty Hill or the high school that sits at the west end of town.

I certainly didn’t have any idea what kind of winning traditions existed.

Only thing I knew straight away was the pristine campus was one most colleges would be proud to call home, and the football stadium?

Please, people.

An absolute cathedral the likes of which I had never laid eyes on at the high school level.

A completely enclosed press box with all the comforts of home and a view of the Hill Country as far as the eye can see.

Very thankful for the fact I can call Panther Stadium my home – especially as opposed to the not-so-glamorous surroundings in places like Lampasas and Canyon Lake.

Also very thankful for the fact the Panthers win more times than not across the spectrum of sports.

During my last stop in Wyoming, the talent pool was so shallow because of the sparse population, the level of play suffered.

Everybody tried real hard, but the results simply weren’t there most of the time.

Despite the fact there’s no rooting in the press box (al-

though try telling that to the homers in Lampasas), it’s much more enjoyable to cover winning teams because contrary to popular belief, we’re not all winners.

Besides, as Mayor of Pantherville, you’re darned right I root!

Perhaps the coolest part of my job here is the fact I get to develop relationships with everyone who is a part of Panthers sports – coaches, players, parents, administrators – you name it and when that happens, one has an emotional investment and sure, you want the home team to win.

Very thankful to be in a oneschool town because said relationships couldn’t happen if we had multiple schools to cover, as was the case previously in my career.

Something else we have to be thankful for are country roads.

We’ve headed out north to

ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

See LA FERIA, Page 20 Preston Shephard (#27) returns an interception 90 yards for a touchdown during the Panthers’ 66-7 playoff victory against La Feria on Friday.

Plenty reasons to give thanks

Lampasas, west to Burnet, Marble Falls and Canyon Lake and east to Hutto and loved every minute of it.

Certainly there’s something soothing to the soul about cruising down a two-lane lined by trees and plenty of open land on the way to some farflung destination where the Panthers will be playing.

Could be football like our recent journey to Waller or volleyball in Burnet or cross country in Round Rock (although that was a little urban for our liking).

Each road trip has its own unique set of sights to see.

Funny, during our visit to Canyon Lake for the Panthers’ final regular-season game, I met a nice lady who was guarding the entrance to the field at Hawks Stadium and when I told her I had just

See NUMBERS, Page 20

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El Campo

Continued from Page 17 the cohesion which was missing earlier in the season.

Seward has now rushed for 1,735 yards on 168 carries for the season, a hefty 10.8-yard average and 19 touchdowns, while fellow junior Blake Simpson has compiled 1,357 yards on 184 attempts and a 7.4 average, along with 16 scores.

Senior Nash Robinson has been back in the backfield mix since moving over from defense and has added 445 yards and eight touchdowns on the season.

Defensively, sophomore Andon Thomas leads Liberty Hill with 96 tackles, while a pair of seniors in Drake Oberpriller and Walker Baty have 86 and 68, respectively.

Baty also leads the Panthers with 15 tackles-for-loss and nine sacks.

However, despite the success his club has had over the course of the current fourgame winning streak, Walker hesitated to compare this season’s squad with the one who went all the way to the state championship game last year.

“We’re a totally different group this season,” he said, of the side which posted a 13-2 mark. “We lost 36 seniors to graduation.”

But, that doesn’t take anything away from the current version – in fact it might even add some luster, said Walker.

“I think right now our players are celebrating better than I’ve ever seen them,” he said.

“I always knew we could do some great things if we got to the playoffs and now the players are believing they can achieve.”

One player who’s missed out on all the fun is senior safety Brady Brewer, who has been out for the season after a knee injury suffered against Connally earlier in the campaign.

But, Walker said Brewer has remained an integral part of

the Panthers’ resurgence.

“We all think a lot about Brady in this building,” he said. “There have been a lot of times when I’m leaving for the day and he was still out on the field working on things – he’s paid a price and we still look to him for our leadership.”

With Walker’s penchant for strict routines, this week will be disrupted by the fact school is out for Thanksgiving.

But, no worries, he said.

“Our kids have been here and done this,” said Walker.

“So, I don’t think it will affect us at all.”

For Walker and his entire coaching staff, the current renaissance has been just rewards for all the effort and work they’ve continued to put in behind the scenes in support of the players.

“I have a great staff here,” he said. “Without them, we couldn’t do any of this.”

But, that doesn’t mean anyone in Purple-and-Gold can ever rest on what has already been accomplished, said Walker.

“You know, on the sidelines the other night, one of the players said to me, ‘Coach, what I love about you is you’re never satisfied,’” he said. “I always think I can do better, but that’s just who I am.”

Walker added the gratification he and his players are now experiencing having saved their season has been worth all the trials and tribulations they’ve endured.

“Back when we were losing, people were yelling at us and telling us we weren’t any good,” he said. “But, now those same people are telling us how good we are. During all that time, the players and coaches never stopped believing in one another.”

Ava Ortega won the girls’ singles competition, while the boys’ doubles duo of Cash Terry and Michael Evans were second at the Killeen tournament on Nov. 12. (Courtesy Photo)

JV ROUNDUP Basketball

The Liberty Hill boys’ junior varsity basketball squad made the trip to Hutto Nov. 19 and came away with a 57-40 loss to the Hippos.

Hutto led 26-23 at the half, but then pulled away for the victory.

Bobby Haddaway led Liberty Hill with 12 points.

The Panthers’ freshmen de-

feated the hosts by a score of 58-25, as Cayden Brach led the visitors with 26 points.

Tennis

The Liberty Hill freshman tennis team played at a tournament in Killeen Nov. 12 and emerged with a winner and runner-up on the day.

Ava Ortega was victorious in the girls’ singles competition,

LHJH SPORTS Boys’ Basketball

The Liberty Hill Junior High School boys’ basketball teams opened their season Nov. 21 against Tippit and won all four games contested.

Eighth-grade A won, 56-24, as Toby Rimann led all scorers with 10 points. AJ Roldan and Caden Glenn each added 9 points.

“We played well in all phases of the game after a slow start,” said head Coach John Mason.

“Always good to start with a win.”

Eighth-grade B also won, 507,as Gavin Voth led all scorers with 12 points and John Rodriguez added eight. After a slow start, the Panthers’ defense was able to shut down Tippit’s offense.

Seventh-grade A beat prevailed by a score of 59-36, as Jaxson Scott scored 15 points and Haegan Oncken added 10.

Finally, Seventh-grade B won, 35-16, Cole Hanson scored seven points.

winning all four of her matches in the process.

The boys’ doubles team of Cash Terry and Michael Evans won their first two matches before losing to Connally in the championship match.

On the girls’ doubles side, Grace Davis and Jesslyn Jackson went 1-1, while in boys’ singles, Creighton Legerit went 1-2 and Caden Adams was 0-2.

According to Liberty Hill head Coach Sue Davidson, the Panthers persevered in difficult conditions.

“Our athletes competed well -- the temperature was 28 with a wind chill of 15,” said Davidson. “I couldn’t have asked more of these athletes during the day.”

Girls’ Basketball

47-23. Aubrey Hughes 8, Taylor Gaines 7, Elayna Hubbard 6, Clara Justice 6, Addison Shifflett 5, Gabriella Mundy 4, Addison Lee 4, Aubri Ettinger 3, Avery Daugherty 2, Evelyn Bruce 2 Seventh-grade Gold team won, 50-2. Annie Witt 8, Brooke Richardson 6, Emily Rios 6, Lily Jameyson 4, Kate Bednarz 4, Mehkayla Mulski 4, Emma Farnsley 4, Cali Pounds 4, Jessa McGhie 4, Amelia Miller 2, Haley Maderia 2, Hailie Levy 2

The Lady Panthers also opened against Tippet on Nov. 18.

Eight-grade Purple won, 3521. Ella Granda 12, Riley Clayton had 11, Trinity Collins 6, Paige Sterling 2, McKinnley Grimm 2, Izzy Amthor 1.

Eighth-grade Gold won, 3521. Jordan Wilson 16, Abby Swieczkowski 7, Daisy Anaya 6, Ella Lewis 4, Summer Lewis 2 Seventh-grade Purple won,

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Numbers

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Continued from Page 18

moved here to work in Liberty Hill, her response was quite interesting.

“Wow, Liberty Hill, guess you must feel like you hit the jackpot, huh?”

Indeed we have.

We were up for a job as sports editor of the Fort Killeen newspaper, which I thought would’ve been cool because it would’ve brought me back to my Army roots, but alas, it didn’t happen and as with ev-

La Feria

erything associated with God’s Great Plan, we ended up a piece down the road instead.

Very thankfully.

When I think about all the cool people I’ve already met and formed relationships with over a relatively short amount of time, it fills me with a great deal of fulfillment and validates why I do what I do.

Too many people to mention.

But, you all know who you are.

Continued from Page 18

Not exactly a textbook Panthers’ scoring drive, but no matter.

There were plenty of those to be had on the evening as the Slot-T was only getting warmed up, while the Lions were already beginning to wonder what had hit them so early on.

After another three-and-out on the Lions’ second possession -- and another sack by Baty – the offense went back to work, resulting in a 29-yard field goal by Matthew Shipley, which ended a six-play, 32yard drive and a 17-0 lead.

After La Feria had converted a critical 24-yard pass from Hernandez on 4th-and-4, the Lions signal-caller again tried his luck down the field.

However, junior Preston Shephard stepped in front of the La Feria receiver, intercepted the pass at the Panthers’ 10yard line and returned it 90 yards for a 24-0 lead, which was how the first quarter ended, as the shell-shocked 11-0 Lions were at a complete loss.

Hernandez had entered the game having accounted for 41 of La Feria’s touchdowns this season – 25 scoring passes and 16 rushing touchdowns – but simply couldn’t get anything going on a night when the Purple-and-Gold defense seemed to be everywhere all at once.

But, that didn’t stop him from trying.

Following back-to-back incompletions on the Lions’ next series, Hernandez once again dropped back into the pocket and looked downfield only to be sacked by Knox after failing to find an open man.

After Robinson had capitalized with a 10-yard scoring run to increase the lead to 31-0, the Panthers picked off Hernandez again as Carter Hudson hauled in a wayward pass, giving the offense the ball at its own 20.

Eight plays and 80 yards later, it was 38-0 after Seward scored his second touchdown of the game from 22 yards out.

What happened next was something Baty had been waiting a very long time for.

On 1st-and-goal with the ball on the La Feria 8-yard line, Cearley rolled out to his right and found a well-covered Baty in the back corner of the end zone, only for the mammoth senior to out-jump and out-muscle the Lions’ defender for an eight-yard touchdown reception.

Walker said Baty had been chomping at the bit to contribute offensively.

“We’ve been working on it in practice and Walker’s been begging us to do it,” he said.

“He can do some good things offensively.”

In fact, not only was Baty’s presence on offense a wrinkle, but Cearley also completed passes on the drive to Nathan-

Maybe the best part of this entire deal for me is despite only having been here for a few months, it already feels like home, which is something I definitely can’t say about the previous stops over the course of my journalistic journey.

Can’t quite put a finger on the reason why – it just feels right, as if this is the place I was meant o be all along.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says “Trust in the Lord and do not rely

on your own understanding.

Think of Him in everything you do and He will guide you on the right paths.”

Well, I certainly don’t understand why everything has led me to this place, but I don’t need to.

Very thankful.

Most of all, I’m thankful to be blessed with the opportunity to wake up every day knowing what I do for work is anything but.

It’s been said if you can find something you love to do and make a living at it, you’ll never work a day in your life.

Well, I can honestly say that’s the case with me.

Very thankful.

Guess what we’re getting at here is we’re very thankful to be a part of a Purple-and-Gold family, which transcends political affiliations, religious beliefs or anything else, for that matter.

Always wondered why we never really fit in a big city.

Maybe it’s because we’ve been a country boy all along and simply needed the proper environment to realize it.

With a healthy dose of Purple and Gold, of course.

Something to be very thankful for.

iel Hibrich and Andrew Hunter for 18 and nine yards, respectively.

If the La Feria defense had already been confused by the Panthers’ intricate, precise blocking schemes to that point in the game, now they we completely flabbergasted.

Baty’s catch came with zeros on the clock and a 45-0 halftime lead.

Seward and Robinson scored from 32 and three yards out in the third, respectively, before Seward put the Panthers’ cherry on top with a 61-yard touchdown run in the fourth.

Only a late Lions’ score prevented the Liberty Hill defense from posting a shutout.

Seward rushed for 293 yards on 15 carries, with four touchdowns and credited the quick start he and his teammates had with a renewed intensity.

“We got off the bus with momentum,” said Seward. “I think we had a lot of focus.”

Simpson piled up 82 yards on 12 carries and a touchdown, while Robinson added 36 yards on eight attempts and a pair of scores.

But, perhaps the most refreshing aspect of the victory was a resurgent Panthers defense, which for the second straight week shut down a high-powered attack.

Going back to a 63-0 home win against Taylor on Nov. 1, which began the Panthers’ cur-

Blake Simpson (#42) ran for 109 yards and a touchdown in Liberty Hill’s second-round playoff win. rent four-game winning streak, a score.

Once again, like the previous “No doubt, Preston played week again outside a celebrathe Liberty Hill defense has allowed on 22 points in four that well,” he said. “He might tory locker room on a chilly only be 150 pounds, but he night, Walker was still certain games.

“Our defense has been lights plays extremely hard and his team had not yet maxed out out,” said Walker. “We came doesn’t want to let his team- what they’re capable of.

“We’re never satisfied,” he out and played good football mates down.” like we needed to.”

Liberty Hill (6-5) will next said. “Our players know we Speaking of which, Walker face El Campo in a third-round expect perfection, so we just praised Shephard’s continued game, with the date and site to work every day to achieve our spirited play, which included be determined. goals.” the long interception return for But, that’s next week.

ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

HOLIDAY EDITION 2019

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

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nd a s a m st i Merry Chr s y a i l o H Happy

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Spring Soccer

2020

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www.libertyhillsoccer.org

HOLIDAY EDITION 2019

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, November 28, 2019

HOLIDAY EDITION 2019

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

12 DAYS OF

Cookies

Quick and easy cake mix cookies customized 12 different ways. So many varieties, you’ll want to try them all!

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, November 28, 2019

LHISD 2ND GRADERS’ LETTERS TO SANTA COMING DEC. 19 IN THE INDEPENDENT

COME IN FOR

DAILY

MANAGER SPECIALS!

SHOP AND SPEND LOCALLY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

HOLIDAY EDITION 2019

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

RACHEL MADISON PHOTO

Nicole Rysdyke, owner of Rys Above Nutrition, will be serving healthy teas and smoothies during Holiday Around the Hill. Parker’s Place Designs and Lyssa Loo’s boutiques are both set up inside her shop for customers to peruse during the event.

Holiday Around the Hill set for Small Biz Saturday

By RACHEL MADISON Staff Writer For the first time ever, 11 women-owned businesses across Liberty Hill are joining forces to put on a boutique hop for Small Business Saturday.

The event, called Holiday Around the Hill, will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 30.

Tami Spearman, owner of Simply Home Décor and More, came up with the idea earlier this year and reached out to several local boutiques to see if they’d be interested. Small Business Saturday, which was started by American Express and takes place annually the Saturday after Thanksgiving, seemed like the perfect time to do it.

“We met for the first time in September and everybody was very receptive,” she said.

“I don’t know that we’ve ever done anything like this in town before.”

The participating businesses are Simply Home Décor and More; Pep & Punch; The Wildflower Republic; Radiant Salon and Boutique; Bluebonnet Boutique; Two Brand

It; XLR8 & Co.; The Blue Door Gift Store and Boutique; Junque and Disorderly; Rys Above Nutrition; Parker’s Place Designs and Lyssa Loo’s within Rys Above Nutrition; Salon 29; and Weekday Whim and Luckey Looks Skincare within Salon 29.

“People can visit in any order,” Spearman said. “Whatever store they start with, they will get a passport card that will have all the businesses listed. They’ll take that card to each business and get a stamp.

They don’t have to make a purchase to get a stamp. If they’re able to make it to all 11, they’ll leave their card at the last store they visit. Then, all the businesses will get together the following week to draw a winner for the grand prize.”

The prize is a gift card basket, with $50 from each of the participating businesses, and is valued at $700, Spearman added. The business owners plan on drawing the winner during a Facebook Live stream.

“Since this is right after Thanksgiving, people can grab family and friends that are visiting and go out and spend the

day shopping and exploring all the stores in town,” Spearman said. “Each location will also have either drink or food samples from other local food establishments. For example, I’m working with Major’s Burgers and somebody else is working with Malted Grains.

This way people can not only shop, but also see what there is to eat in town.”

Many of the participating businesses will also be hosting their own drawings, giveaways, games and other activities within their locations.

“Each store will be doing their own offerings for the day,” Spearman said. “But the great thing is that each business will donate a portion of all proceeds they earn to Operation Liberty Hill. Each business owner will choose how much to donate back.”

Nicole Rysdyke, owner of Rys Above Nutrition, said she’s excited to show off the two boutiques inside her shop.

She will also be serving up teas and smoothies throughout the day.

See BUSINESS, Page 32

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Giving

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

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Williamson County through building homes for those in need. Through this process, Habitat for Humanity is able to increase people’s strength, stability and self-reliance.

In addition to building homes, Habitat for Humanity also operates two ReStores, which are home improvement stores open to the public selling new and gently used building materials, appliances, furniture, home décor and more. Donations and volunteers at these stores are accepted.

Habitat for Humanity is located at 2108 N. Austin Ave. in Georgetown. To volunteer to help build a home, call 512-863-4344 or visit www. williamsonhabitat.org. Donations are also accepted via the website.

Hope House Since the late 1960s, Hope House has been part of the Liberty Hill community. Four different homes across town serve as residences for the most severe cases of mental and physical disability in a loving Christian family environment where they can live as normal a life as possible, free of chemicals, restraints and isolation.

Both child and adult residents at Hope House spend time with long-term staff who are fully trained for special needs and disabilities. Indoor and outdoor playscapes, a therapy room with qualified therapists, a full-time nurse, and healthy, well-balanced meals and snacks are all provided. In addition, residents have numerous opportunities for outings, travel, games, fun activities and stimulating experiences, with access to many community recreational facilities.

With four homes to maintain in Liberty Hill, the organization often needs volunteers.

For more information on getting involved, call 512-5156889 or visit www.hopehouseaustin.org. Donations are also accepted via the website.

L4 Cares L4 Cares was established in 2017 with the mission to find value in the unvalued, hope in the hopeless and love in the unloved. L4 stands for the least, the last, the lost and the lonely. Through various community outreach programs, L4 Cares strives to inspire positive changes for military families, senior citizens and those in crisis.

These programs include Operation Superhero for children that includes weekly visits to a local children’s hospital that includes story time, toys, coloring and entertainment, and Operation Not Forgotten for seniors which includes visits to nursing homes and senior centers that include entertainment and treats.

L4 Cares is primarily focused on addressing ongoing individual needs for assistance, but the organization will also participate in efforts to provide emergency assistance as needed. The program also focuses on reducing corporate waste while also engaging local youth in various acts of kindness within their communities.

L4 Cares is based in Liberty Hill, and volunteer opportunities are available frequently.

For more information, call 737-444-7002 or visit www. l4cares.org. Donations are also accepted via the website.

Operation Liberty Hill Operation Liberty Hill was founded in 2012 as a response to food insecurity, social service unavailability and lack of public transportation in the Liberty Hill area. The nonprofit’s mission is to answer the biblical call to love thy neighbors by providing basic needs, spiritual guidance, encouragement and referrals to other social service organizations.

The organization serves Liberty Hill as well as Bertram, Leander and Briggs. Services offered include a food pantry, free clothing, financial assis-

Thursday, November 28, 2019

tance and more. Operation Liberty Hill also accepts donations from the community to sell in its thrift store.

Operation Liberty Hill is located at 1401 US-183 in Leander. Volunteers are always welcome to help sort donations, work in the thrift store, assemble food orders and more.

For more information on volunteering, call 512-778-4175 or visit operationlh.org. Monetary donations are accepted via the website, while food, clothRACHEL MADISON FILE PHOTO ing and other items are acceptVolunteers are always welcome at Dream a Dream Therapeutic Horsemanship, where they can ed during business hours. do everything from help to groom the horses to walk alongside riders as they learn new skills.

Williamson and Burnet crimination of species, age sionals to transform the lives Texas. It began in Taylor and Counties Opportunities or handicaps. The sanctuary, of children and families who Georgetown, later expanding Williamson & Burnet Coun- located on 54 acres, serves as have experienced trauma. The to Round Rock. Eventually, by ties Opportunities (WBCO) a home for animals that have organization’s therapy model 2005, all of the separate units was established in 1965 as the been saved from slaughter, helps children feel and experi- dissolved and instead joined area’s official Community Ac- abuse, neglect, abandonment ence safety and build healthy, together to become the United tion Agency. The organization and natural disasters. Animals authentic relationships.

Way of Williamson County. is a private, nonprofit corpora- living at the sanctuary include Its trauma-informed services Following the nationwide tion governed by elected offi- a wide range, from livestock to are based on the neuroscience movement toward community cials, community leaders and dogs and cats. of brain development, how impact goals, United Way of area representatives. WBCO The organization’s mission is trauma affects the brain and Williamson County adopted has an annual operating budget to serve as an advocate for an- the ability to form healthy a community impact model of over $12 million and a staff imals, promoting compassion, relationships.

Combining in 2008 and maintains its foof more than 200. respect and kindness for all traditional therapeutic inter- cus on creating opportunities The organization’s mission living creatures. It also aims ventions with innovative ap- for a good life by investing in statement focuses on making to inspire change in the way proaches like trauma focused education, financial stability, communities stronger by em- society views and treats all equine-assisted psychothera- health and basic needs. powering children, families animals, while providing ed- py, Spirit Reins helps children United Way’s mission is and seniors to achieve inde- ucation and raising awareness heal from trauma and build to help children and youth pendence and improved qual- about the benefits of a plant- healthy, connected relation- achieve their potential through ity of life. It does this through based, vegan lifestyle. “Being ships with themselves and the education, help families beprograms such as Meals Kind to Every Kind” is the people in their lives. Each cli- come more financially stable on Wheels and Head Start. nonprofit’s motto. ent who comes to Spirit Reins and independent, help people WBCO also helps county resRescued Sanctuary for Ani- has their own dedicated team, access health care and prevenidents find affordable housing mals is located in Florence. which includes a licensed ther- tion services, and help families and improve job skills and ed- For more information on Res- apist, an equine professional meet their basic food, housucation. cued Sanctuary or to make a and a horse. ing, utility and clothing needs.

The organization is located donation, visit www.rescuedSpirit Reins is located at 2055 United Way of Williamson at 604 High Tech Drive in sanctuary.org or email ad- County Road 284 in Liberty County also offers several proGeorgetown. For more infor- min@rescuedsanctuary.org.

Hill. For more information on grams for children and adults, mation on volunteering for volunteering, which includes including Dolly Parton’s Meals on Wheels delivery or Spirit Reins tasks like grooming horses Imagination Library, financial to assist in a Head Start classSpirit Reins was founded in and working on the ranch, call literacy classes and free tax room, call (512) 763-1400 or 2003 with the vision to end the 512-778-9449 or visit www. preparation services. visit www.owbc-tx.org. Dona- generational cycle of trauma spiritreins.org. Donations are United Way of Williamson tions are also accepted via the by healing families and help- also accepted via the website.

County is located at 1111 N. website. ing children believe they are IH-35, Ste. 220 in Round Rescued Sanctuary for Animals Rescued Sanctuary was born in 2018 and serves as a haven for all animals without dis-

worthy of love and belonging and can reach their full potential.

Spirit Reins partners with licensed mental health professionals and equine profes-

United Way of Williamson County Nationally, United Way has been around for more than 125 years. By the early 1940s, it had made its way to

Rock. For more information on volunteering, call (512) 255-6799 or visit www.unitedway-wc.org. Donations are also accepted via the website.

HOLIDAY EDITION 2019

SANTA

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Continued from Page 7

“She’s been saying for years I should do the occasional interview, so here we are. It’s difficult to make the time and honestly, the anticipated questions are disappointing to even consider.”

I gulp, sliding my scribbled list up under my notebook slowly as he goes on, wondering if he saw me when I was writing my questions.

“Why this interview then?” I ask. “We’re awfully grateful, but how long has it been?”

“The last interview I did was St. Nicholas Magazine, I think in 1938,” he said. “No one said up front it wasn’t about me.

Wouldn’t you think with that title it was some biographical piece? They just asked for the interview and I found out later it was just a children’s magazine trying to sell copies, you know?”

An interview more than 80 years ago got me wondering how old Santa must be, but he wasn’t sharing.

“Do you know the last year kids didn’t get stuffed stockings on Christmas morning?”

I shook my head no.

“Well, that’s all anyone needs to know,” he said.

“May I ask why you chose to grant us this interview today, especially at such a busy time?”

“The break is good for me, at least that’s what Mrs. Claus says,” he grumbled. “Everyone says I get a little overbearing once November rolls around. But really, the elves have all this on autopilot now.

“And we love reading The Independent, you’ve got a lot going on here,” he said.

“You read The Independent?”

I asked, surprised.

“Is that one of your good questions?” he asked drolly.

I nodded quietly, still in disbelief.

“We read every paper. Do you think the naughty and nice lists keep themselves?” he asked.

“It’s not easy, but we’ve found that the local paper is the best way to keep up with what the

kids are doing in every town.”

He paused tapping a finger, looking intently at me as I scribbled. “And if you ask which list you’re on next, this interview is over.”

Glancing around, doing my best shocked look, “I never even thought of that.”

“We do wonder how it makes you feel when people say they don’t believe in you,” I inquired, sitting up, hoping to get into the meat of the conversation.

“Who doesn’t believe in me?” he snapped quickly. “Do you know anyone?”

“Well, I mean, there are lots of people that..” but he interrupted.

“People that what? People who say I’m not real, or look for all those ways to prove I’m impossible?”

“Yes,” I said.

“Do those people ever tell you they didn’t get presents on Christmas morning?” he asked. “Of course not. Because they believe deep down.

No belief, no presents. Everyone knows that.

“I’m impossible. I’m not easy to understand, but not believing in me comes with a big price that no one wants to pay.

In the end, everyone goes to bed Christmas Eve and sleeps soundly and happily knowing the magic of Christmas will appear overnight.”

“But, what about the cookies and milk,” I asked quickly like I was firing off a gotcha question. “So many parents eat those after their kids go to bed, I know that’s true.”

Santa’s lawyer – who until now had sat quietly behind Mr. Claus – leaned forward, grasping his shoulder, whispering in his ear.

But still he insisted, pulling away. “Of course they do,” exhausted by the doubt. “Do you think I’d be, well, this old, if I ate cookies and milk at every home around the world in one night? I appreciate the favor really.”

“But how is it, Santa, that

no one has ever seen you on Christmas Eve?” I ask, leaning in, mustering my best investigative journalist tone. “That really seems like a stretch.”

“Oh, I was seen once. Once,” he said, wagging his finger in my face. “You know what I got for that? A Christmas poem that compared my anatomy to a bowl full of jelly. No more!”

We sat in silence a moment, both knowing I struck a nerve.

“How do you feel about all the mall Santas everywhere all the time? Isn’t it a bit, well, like people are taking advantage of your hard work and good reputation?” I asked trying to change the subject.

He sits back, his face wrinkled as though recalling something bad he ate once.

“They are what they are,” he said. “I often think Elvis would be glad to know that Elvis impersonators only became a thing after he was dead. Sure, there’s the occasional dead ringer, but come on. Most of these guys just can’t pull it off.

I see it as job security, though, and I do appreciate the suggestions that come from the visits some kids make to these guys.”

“Did you go to school, Santa?” I ask. “Or did you just learn to make toys at the North Pole?”

“Who learns to just make toys?” he retorted dryly. “Has anyone just made an apple pie or sent a rocket into space?

“Yes, without school most of these toys would never happen. I studied engineering and lots of math for manufacturing,” he continued. “History has been key as I pride myself in keeping up with the hot spots through my travels and again, try and keep up with the naughty and nice list. I finished my MBA in 1973 I believe it was – I do wish these new online classes had been available – and that made a huge difference in supply chains, leadership and budgeting.

“Keeping the North Pole in the red gets more difficult ev-

ery year,” he chuckled, slapping the table. “Get it? In the red?”

“Do you like jokes, Santa?”

He sits up, leaning over the table.

“An honest politician, a kind lawyer and Santa Claus were walking down the street and saw a $20 bill. Which one picked it up? Santa! The other two don’t exist!” he yells, laughing and bouncing, slapping his hand on the table again.

“Like Dad jokes, but Santa jokes,” I said nodding again.

“Is that all?” he asked leaning back, furrowing his brow.

“No,” I blurted out. “How do you fit down the chimney?”

Page 31

Sighing again, he mutters to himself “no more interviews.”

“I’m sorry Santa, but everyone wonders.”

“Some answers are just magic,” he said. “Does it look like this suit has ever seen soot?”

I shook my head.

“I’ve been down plenty of chimneys, but not the way you are imagining right now,” he said. “That’s why these interviews don’t work. The questions don’t work. Everyone needs such literal answers to everything.”

Knowing time was getting short, I suggested we talk about elves and reindeer.

“Are the other reindeer jealous of Rudolph?” I asked.

“Jealous? I’m not sure I’d call it that,” he said, but he admitted getting past the whole reindeer games fiasco was tough.

“It was a hard lesson for us all, you know? Realizing that he has a talent that no one else can match and having to live down all that harassment and ribbing.

“Rudolph is a great team player, but let’s just say having his own song really went to his head, and he’s not good at letting things go.”

“And the elves, how do you get them to make millions of toys each year? How do you pay them?”

See INTERVIEW, Page 32

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Interview

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He paused, leaning back and mumbling to his lawyer before looking back at me.

“Let’s just say seeing you when you’re sleeping, and knowing when you’re awake can be a useful tool of persuasion.

“Next question.”

“Do you have a favorite Christmas song?” I asked, hoping to see the old fellow smile again and avoid digging in to North Pole labor issues.

“Hands down it’s ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’, the one by the Boss,” he said.

“Who gets Bruce Springsteen to sing about them, right?”

Then his eyes went from recalling that special shout out to another tune that he was not so fond of.

“That whole mommy kissing

Move

Santa Claus mess caused me nothing but grief at the North Pole though,” he said.

“Just a couple more questions if you have the time.”

He nods, sitting back in his chair. “This is probably coming out of your stocking now, though,” he said with a serious look as he scribbled something on his notepad.

Then he paused, slapped my shoulder and laughed heartily, “Got you didn’t I?” he asked between chuckles. “I’ve still got some socks with your name on them. Don’t you worry.”

I’ll admit I was a bit relieved he was joking, I think.

“How do you stay jolly all the time?”

“Am I?” he asked.

I shrugged.

Continued from Page 7

The new space not only provides a little more room for our expanding staff, but it further roots the newspaper in the community. Liberty Hill is our home, and we plan to be telling the stories and sharing the news of our hometown with our neighbors – new and old – for a long time to come, right from our own

new home.

You’re always welcome. It is a place where we invite you to come share fun stories or worrisome concerns. Come tell us what we do wrong, and perhaps what we are doing right. Tell us what you need more of to stay informed and in tune with what’s happening.

Thursday, November 28, 2019

“Sure, there’s great joy in bringing so many smiles and keeping the magic going for a world full of increasingly skeptical people, but I have my moments like everyone else,” Santa said.

“Is it enough to believe, Santa?” I ask in closing.

“All anyone has to do is believe. I mean you can’t be a hoodlum,” he said. “See the good in one another, be there for one another, and I will always be there on Christmas Eve. It doesn’t cost a thing, and makes everyone smile. It reminds everyone of the magic in life and the joy we can carry from our first Christmas memories through to our last.”

There’s always a cup of coffee for you, and our future plans promise so many more ways to connect to the community and report your news.

It’s an exciting time to be in Liberty Hill, and The Independent is excited to be at the heart of it all.

RACHEL MADISON PHOTO

Amber Capuano, Melissa Dudley and Christina Hobbs are the co-owners of The Wildflower Republic, one of 11 boutiques participating in Holiday Around the Hill.

Business

Continued from Page 29

“There are so many small business owners in this town, and I think that’s what this town is built on,” she said.

“Being able to expose not just the boutiques but also the local food opportunities is a big plus because we’re all coming together as a town to say, ‘Hey, you don’t have to travel miles and miles to find good stuff.’ And shopping local goes beyond the price tag of what you’re buying—you’re supporting local families.”

Amber Capuano, co-owner of The Wildflower Republic, said she is looking forward to getting to know more people around town. Her shop is going to partner with Jackass Honey Farms to put on a bloody Mary bar with jalapeno-infused honey.

“It’s so cool to have one day that everybody is planning for and designating just for hitting

up the local shops,” she said.

“People will get to come and see everything, but they don’t have to buy anything. Even if they bought nothing from any of the shops, they’re still able to come see what’s new in the community, see what we can offer them, and get to meet us as business owners.”

Holiday Around the Hill t-shirts are also available for purchase, and a portion of t-shirt sales will be donated to Operation Liberty Hill as well.

“We had an official logo made so people can get a shirt to wear while they shop,” Spearman said. “We envision doing a t-shirt with a logo every year, but next year it’ll say it’s the second annual Holiday Around the Hill. People can collect a shirt ever year.”

Spearman said the plan is to continue this boutique hop annually.

“We hope it’s well-received and well attended, and we hope it grows every year,” she said. “I love the addition of the food samples. I would love to see how we could put a twist on that in the future where maybe even local restaurants get involved and be a part of the passport stamp card.”

Spearman added that many Texas towns do a similar boutique hop, but on a larger scale.

“We kept it small this year since it’s our first year so we could do it well, but maybe someday we’ll grow into a big event,” she said. “I would love it if we could even host something like this twice a year and do a ‘Hop Around the Hill’ event in the spring.”

For more information on Holiday Around the Hill or to purchase a t-shirt, search for “Holiday Around the Hill” on Facebook and Instagram.

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y a d i l Ho

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Thursday, November 28, 2019

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WISHING YOUR FAMILY A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON!

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From Our First Texas Bank Family to Yours

Happy Thanksgiving

We are thankful for the loyalty and confidence that our customers show us each year.

Thank you Liberty Hill!

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, November 28, 2019

HOMES AROUND THE HILL Rosemont AWO548 - 3.59 acres Santa Rita Ranch High River Ranch Highland Oaks Durham Park - 14.6 acres!

Meadows at Bluebonnet Hill Autumn Breeze Santa Rita Ranch North Jenks Branch Dove Meadows Dove Meadows Sandy Creek Ranches Berry Creek (Georgetown) Whitewater Springs Woods of Fountainwood - Georgetown Highland Oaks

108 Dax Dr 2151 County Rd 282 314 Andele Way 158 High River Ranch Dr 109 Red Mulberry 500 San Gabriel Dr 1953 CR 250 1160 CR 226 209 Estima Ct 107 Matthews Circle 429 Dove Trail 433 Dove Trail 24703 Long Hollow Trail 31451 Kingsway Rd 105 Junction Circle 126 Robert’s Circle 120 Red Mulberry

Ranches at Bentley Ridge Mesa Vista Ranch Greystone Ranch - Bertram

FM 963 3700 County Rd 201 Greystone Ranch

Liberty Hill – Riverfront

4155 Ranch Road 1869

Sun City Downtown Liberty Hill Rio Ancho – Sec 2 James M. Long - 7.85 acres Ancient Oaks Georgetown

211 River Rock Dr 119 Hickman St 733 Buffalo Trail 110 Lawman Trail 118 Laura Lane 5626 FM 3405

Whitewater Springs Whitewater Springs Liberty Parke Sundance Ranch North - 4.2 acres Sundance Ranch North - 4.8 acres Rio Ancho – Riverfront Sundance Ranch

450 Whitewater Dr 451 Whitewater Dr 200 Freedom Park Avenue 401 Mustang Mesa 301 Quarterhorse Dr 712 Buffalo Trail 346 Appaloosa Run

Houses For Sale 4B/3BA 4B/3BA + 2 mobile homes 4B/3BA 5B/3BA w/pool + workshop 4B/3.5BA 3B/2BA 3B/2.5BA 3B/2BA 3B/2BA 4B/2BA 3B/2BA 3B/2BA 3B/1FB/2HB 6B/4BA 3B/2FB/2HB 3B/3BA 3B/2.5BA Lots For Sale Multiple lots 13 lots available Lot 14-B Homes for Lease

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HOLIDAY EDITION 2019

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

CLASSIFIED ADS $10/week for Minimum 30 Words Additional Words $0.20 Deadline Tuesday At Noon

(512) 778-5577 or NEWS@LHINDEPENDENT.COM

SALES STOCKTANK MARKET DAYS. Now open every Saturday 9am to 5pm. Starts October 5th. New vendors welcome. Call (512) 963-4612.

8950 RR 1869, Liberty Hill.

(11/28p)

EMPLOYMENT SEEKING PART-TIME HELP for fireworks stand Dec. 21-Jan. 2. $10 per hour paid daily. Four positions needed. Must be 18 years old and be able to lift 20+ pounds.

This is flex scheduling to cover busy evening hours and some day stocking. Send email to imr1873@gmail.com.

(11/28p)

FOR SALE RECLAIMED LONGLEAF PINE beams, flooring, barnwood, shiplap, beaded board, 1-inch and 2-inch lumber, oak flooring, doors, door hardware, windows, clawfoot tubs, sinks and chamber stove. Liberty Hill, (512) 355-2567.

(11/28p)

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE FOR SALE. Sixty-eight acre creekside ranch near Bertram, TX. Wooded, house, barn. Call (512) 869-9699 for details.

(11/28p)

REAL ESTATE FOR LEASE MULTI UNIT OFFICE SPACE for lease. 1800 sq.ft. located at 101 Jonathan, Suite

7, Liberty Hill. $1800/mth plus utilities. Call 512-5856256 to inquire.

(12/19)

PUBLIC NOTICES MOVE IT SELF STORAGE LIBERTY HILL Pursuant to Chapter 59 of the Texas Property Code, Move It Self Storage located at 15725 Highway 29, Liberty Hill, TX 78642, will hold a public auction of property being sold to satisfy a landlord’s lien. The sale will be held online at http://www.storagetreasures. com. Competitive bids for the unit(s) will be accepted until December 10th, 2019 at 10:00am. Property will be sold to the highest bidder. Deposit for removal and cleanup may be required. Seller reserves the right to refuse any bid and to withdraw item(s) from sale.

Property in each space may be sold item-by-item, in batches, or by the space. Property being sold includes contents in spaces of following tenants. Kulbeth, Susan; Bikes, Furniture, Misc. Items.

(11/28p) NOTICE OF PUBLIC POSTING AND PUBLIC HEARING FOR WILLIAMSON COUNTY/ HUD CDBG GRANT CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER) Williamson County was awarded a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) FY18 (October 2018-September 2019) funding allocation and reallocation of $1,766,534.95 to successfully support community develop-

ment and affordable housing efforts for low and moderate income areas throughout the County.

A public hearing will be held by the Williamson County CDBG office on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at 5:00pm at the Williamson County Courthouse located at 710 Main Street, Georgetown, TX 78626. The purpose of the hearing is to receive public comments concerning the 2018 CAPER. Please use the 8th Street (south) entrance to the Courthouse.

In accordance with HUD regulations, the County encourages public participation to review and comment on the CAPER. Direct written comments by December 13, 2019 to the following address: Honorable Bill Gravell, County Judge, 710 Main Street, Georgetown, TX 78626.

The report will be available for review from November 27, 2019 – December 13, 2019 at the following locations: Williamson County Courthouse and Website at www. wilco.org Georgetown Housing Authority Jarrell City Hall Granger City Hall Granger Housing Authority Taylor City Hall Taylor Housing Authority Cedar Park City Hall Georgetown City Hall Leander City Hall Liberty Hill City Hall Weir City Hall Coupland City Hall Hutto City Hall Comments received on or before the December 13, 2019 deadline will be considered for inclusion in the final report.

Williamson County also offers, to all non-speaking English persons and upon written

request, translated versions of all public documents and public hearing notices. Non-English speaking persons who desire translated public documents or public notices should formally request these items from the Williamson County CDBG Office during normal business hours.

Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities and for non-English speaking populations will be made upon request and as appropriate. Call 512-943-3757 or write to the address below to request information, documents, records or accommodations.

Williamson County is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Please call 512-943-3757 (voice) or Relay Texas at 1-800-735-2989 (TDD) for assistance.

Bill Gravell, County Judge AVISO DE LA FIJACIÓN PÚBLICA Y AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA PARA WILLIAMSON COUNTY / HUD CDBG GRANT RENDIMIENTO ANUAL CONSOLIDADO Y INFORME DE EVALUACIÓN (CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORTCAPER) El Condado de Williamson recibió una Subvención del Bloque para el Desarrollo Comunitario (Community Development Block Grant (CDBG),

FY18 (octubre 2018 a septiembre 2019) la asignación y reasignación de fondos de 1,766,534.95 dólares para sostener exitosamente el desarrollo de la comunidad y esfuerzos de vivienda razonable para áreas bajas y de ingresos moderados a través del Condado.

Una audiencia pública se llevará a cabo por la oficina de CDBG del Condado de Williamson el martes, 10 de diciembre 2019 a las 5:00 pm en el Palacio de Justicia del Condado de Williamson ubicado en 710 Main Street, Georgetown, TX 78626. El propósito de la audiencia es para recibir los comentarios del público acerca de CAPER 2017. Por favor, use la entrada Calle Ocho (8th Street) (al sur) del Palacio de Justicia. De conformidad con las regulaciones de HUD, el Condado fomenta la participación del público a revisar y comentar sobre el CAPER. Enviar los comentarios por escrito en o antes del 13 de diciembre 2019 a la siguiente dirección: Honorable Bill Gravell, Juez del Condado 710 Main Street Georgetown, TX 78626.

El informe estará disponible para la revisión del 27 noviembre 2019 hasta 13 diciembre 2019 en los siguientes lugares: Williamson County Courthouse y Sitio Web en www. wilco.org Georgetown Housing Authority (Autoridad de Vivienda) Jarrell City Hall Granger City Hall Granger Housing Authority Taylor City Hall Taylor Housing Authority, Cedar Park City Hall, George-

Thursday, November 28, 2019 town City Hall, Leander City Hall, Liberty Hill City Hall, Weir City Hall, Coupland City Hall, Hutto City Hall.

Los comentarios recibidos en o antes del 13 de diciembre 2019 serán consideradas para su inclusión en el informe final.

El Condado de Williamson también ofrece, a todas las personas que no hablen inglés y previa solicitud por escrito, versiones traducidas de todos los documentos públicos y avisos de audiencia pública.

Las personas que no hablen inglés que deseen documentos públicos traducidos o avisos públicos deben solicitar estos artículos formalmente en la Oficina de CDBG del Condado de Williamson durante el horario comercial normal.

Se realizarán adaptaciones razonables para personas con discapacidades y para poblaciones que no hablen inglés a pedido y según corresponda. Llame al 512-943-3757 o escriba a la dirección a continuación para solicitar información, documentos, registros o adaptaciones. El Condado de Williamson se compromete al cumplimiento de la Ley de Americanos con Discapacidades (ADA) y la Sección 504 del Acta de Rehabilitación de 1973, según enmendada. Modificaciones razonables e igual acceso a comunicaciones se puede proporcionar a petición.

Por favor llame a 512-9433757 (voz) o Relay Texas al 1-800-735-2989 (TDD) para obtener ayuda.

Bill Gravell, Juez del Condado (11/28)

THE INDEPENDENT is the ONLY SOURCE of LOCAL NEWS you can TRUST! Every week, we deliver to your mailbox!

(512) 778-5577 or online LHINDEPENDENT.COM/SUBSCRIPTIONS $25 ANNUALLY IN WILLIAMSON COUNTY

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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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HOLIDAY EDITION 2019

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

! s a m t s i r h Merry C

We appreciate you and wish you a very

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We believe every child should know the love of Christ. Sharing His love with children is the reason we exist.

Education gives our children a foundation for life. They are our future explorers and creators, innovators and leaders, neighbors and parents.

OUR PHILOSOPHY of EDUCATION We are a community of families, students, educators, and friends who are dedicated to working together to help our children thrive. That’s why we call ourselves “The Divine Savior Family.”

We believe our mission has an eternal impact and that education can change the world. Because we believe this, we strive to give our children excellence in all we do.

OPENING FALL 2020

Serving Students from PreK-3 - 5th Grade Santa Rita Ranch Campus | 23857 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Liberty Hill, TX 78642 | (512) 492-5332 LEARN MORE: DivineSaviorAcademy.com/SantaRitaRanch