Liberty Hill Summer Guide 2017

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PANTHER DEN SUMMER CAMP LOCATED AT HAPPY TRAILS LEARNING CENTER FIELD TRIPS • WEEKLY THEMES • FUN FRIDAYS FOR KINDERGARTEN GRADUATES THROUGH AGE 13

SPACE IS LIMITED, ENROLL NOW! CALL 512-515-0555


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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Liberty Hill Summer Guide A free seasonal publication of THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

The Liberty Hill Independent PO Box 1235 14251 W. SH 29, Ste. B Liberty Hill, TX 78642 (512) 778-5577 www.LHIndependent.com News@LHIndependent.com

Shelly Wilkison Publisher/Managing Editor Katie Amsler | Advertising Director Rachel Viator | Graphic Design Waylon Cunningham, Dana Delgado Staff Writers Alex Rubio | Photographer Copyright 2017 The Liberty Hill Independent. All rights reserved. The entire contents, including editorial and advertising copy is protected under the Federal Copyright Act. The publication, reproduction, or use in any manner of any portion of this publication is prohibited without the express written permission of the publisher.

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Liberty Hill’s Summer Instagram Photo Challenge May 1 – July 1

Post pictures of you and your family doing any of the 35 activities below to Instagram. Use the hashtag #libertyhillsummerfun. If your Instagram profile is private, be sure to follow @LHIndependent. We’ll follow you back so we can see your photos. Once you’ve posted 10 pictures, email your Instagram name to Katie@lhindependent.com. We will email you a gift certificate for a prize from our Treasure Box. Prizes must be picked up at The Independent’s tent at the Liberty Hill Independence Day Spectacular on July 1st. 1. Climbing a tree 2. Shopping at a Farmers Market 3. Swimming at a Public Swimming Pool (See map on Page 28) 4. Going to Summer Camp (See Calendar on Pages 12-13) 5. Jumping on a trampoline or a water blog (See story on Page 10) 6. Playing on the train at Lions Foundation Park, 355 Loop 332

7. Practicing a sport at City Park, 251 CR 200 8. Flying a kite 9. Posing with a sculpture in the Liberty Hill International Sculpture Park at Liberty Hill Intermediate School, 101 Loop 332 10. Geocaching (See story on Page 18) 11. Attending a Vacation Bible School (See Calendar on Pages 12-13) 12. Sliding down a slide 13. Squirting a water gun 14. Having a water balloon fight 15. Riding your bike 16. Doing a cartwheel 17. Making a craft at the Liberty Hill Public Library (See Library Calendar on Page 5) 18. Baking a Treat (See recipe ideas on Pages 8-9) 19. Walking your dog 20. Making your bed 21. Working a puzzle 22. Taking a selfie with your mom or dad 23. Eating at your favorite Liberty Hill

See INSTAGRAM, Page 16

Your Liberty Hill Specialist

Kim Jackson Sanders kimsanders.kw.com kimsanders@kw.com

ALEX RUBIO PHOTO


SUMMER GUIDE

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

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Learn & Explore

Museum explores pioneer life, war times, archaeology of Williamson County

By DANA DELGADO Staff Writer GEORGETOWN -- Whether you’re a newcomer, a serious researcher, or just seeking enlightenment, the Williamson Museum will not only peak your interest but provide an understanding and appreciation of the county’s heritage through an array of engaging and interactive programs. This summer is no different as the museum rolls out an array of intriguing programs including exhibits and tours for learners of all ages, and youth historical camps as well as some special events. The perspective and focus is unquestionably Williamson County but its programming reflects the mood of

the region, the state, and the country. “Hands on History” is one of the Museum’s ongoing programs, which meets the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Offered at no charge and open to children of all ages, this fun program covers an assortment of topics over the year. In the spring, for example, attendees celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the U.S. entry into World War I and learned about how soldiers enlisted. During the program, they created a military dog tag or made a victory button. As a group, they also explored an accompanying exhibit on World War I. For

See MUSEUM, Page 14

DANA DELGADO PHOTO

On the square in Georgetown, the Williamson Museum offers interactive programs for visitors of all ages, and is home to a great deal of Liberty Hill history.

The City of Liberty Hill Parks & Recreation Board and Economic Development Corp. present

STAR WARS LEGOS CAMPS IN LIBERTY HILL

Jedi Engineering with LEGO® Materials Ages 5-6 | July 17-21 | 9:00am to 12:00pm

The Force Awakens in this introductory engineering course for young Jedi! Explore engineering principles by designing and building projects using LEGO® materials such as X-Wings, R2 Units, Energy Catapults, Defense Turrets, and Settlements from a galaxy far, far away. Create motorized and architectural projects with imagination and engineering to defeat the Empire!

Jedi Master Engineering with LEGO® Materials Ages 7-12 | July 17-21 | 1:00pm to 4:00pm

The Force Awakens in this advanced engineering course for young Jedi! Discover key engineering concepts such as gear trains, worm drives, pneumatics, and eccentric motion. Build projects from LEGO® Materials such as X-Wings, AT-AT walkers, Pod Racers, Star Destroyers, Cloud Cities, Settlements, Fortresses, and other complex machines and structures from a galaxy far, far away.

STAR WARS LEGOS CAMPS JULY 17-21 | 2801 RR 1869 $125 / CHILD

Includes class, instructions, snacks, juice and gift set of LEGOS

REGISTER AT

http://play-well.org/schedule/class/list/county/ williamson/county_id/95/type/camp

SPONSORED BY:


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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Public Library offers big fun for all ages this summer in Liberty Hill By WAYLON CUNNINGHAM Staff Writer This summer, try telling your kid to hit the library. YAWN. To most 10-year olds, hanging around a bunch of dusty old books sounds like a terrible idea. But even a glance through the itinerary of the Liberty Hill Public Library’s Summer Reading Program makes it clear that the library is far from the study-dungeon popular entertainment sometimes paints it as. Instead, it’s a visit from a reptile expert with a boa constrictor and other exotic snakes. It’s astronomers coming with their professional telescopes to show what Jupiter really looks like. It’s fire trucks and backhoes, and all sorts of other big rigs, pulled up into the parking lot for kids to play on. And that’s not even to mention the water balloon fights, hula hoops, robotics, snacks, prizes, and much more. (See calendar of events on Page 5.) To be clear, the program encourages a lot of reading. That’s the point. Kids come in for the hands-on fun, and leave with a book in hand. At its heart is a friendly reading competition to see who can read the most minutes over the two-month period. So don’t be surprised if your child comes home with a newfound love for all books (dusty and otherwise). The Summer Reading Program might make you wish you were a kid again. But, you don’t have to be a child for this -- there’s something for all ages. The library hosts programs for children, teens and adults. In fact, roughly 350 adults signed up for last year’s program. And, Head Librarian Angela Palmer said, they usually get “quite competitive.” But for young children and teens, it’s one of the best defenses against the “summer slide.” Without the persistent learning environment of school, students tend to slide back in academic progress during the summer break. The first part of the next school year is then spent trying to catch back up. But reading, especially material they actually want to read, keeps the mind in learning mode. And unlike school, it’s quite popular with the kids. In the four years since Palmer has been in Liberty Hill, she says the program has grown by about one-third every year. (TOP) Big Rig Petting Zoo offers kids of all ages an opportunity to explore big trucks and equipment. (CENTER) Every Saturday, children enjoy trained literature therapy dogs through Barking Book Buddies program. (LEFT) The Reptile Show is a popular summer event at the library. (Courtesy Photos)

She runs the program with three other employees and one part-timer. All events are totally free. You do not have to be a member of the library, and you don’t have to attend the events to be a part of the reading program. But, children under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Reading is its own reward, but you can also win prizes Every minute spent reading earns a point in the Summer Reading Program. And it’s not limited to books — newspapers, cereal boxes, and even listening to audio books counts. For the kids, for whom there is no lower limit to age, parents reading to them also counts. Readers get prizes at 350, 700, and 1,000 minutes. For kids, the 350 mark also earns them the option to have a picture taken with their favorite book. One copy goes up on the wall, and another goes home with them. And for all age groups, every reader who earns above 1,000 minutes has their name put into a raffle. At the end of the program, one name will be drawn for an even bigger prize. Harry Potter Theme This summer’s program is Harry Potter themed, in honor of the 20th anniversary of the initial publication of the first Harry Potter book -- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone -- on June 26,1997. That day, readers will enjoy an imaginary visit to Hogsmeade, the wizardly village Harry’s class took a field trip to in the second book. They’ll drink “butterbeer,” and eat chocolate wands, make Harry Potter glasses, and play “Bertie Bott’s Bean Game,” which, if you’ve read the books, should be familiar. Many of the usual reading program activities (of which there are usually two daily) have a Hogwarts-twist to them. You can attend “Professor Snape’s Potion Class,” or “Forbidden Forest Park Ranger Jennifer’s Magical Nature Program,” or the “Harry Potter Engineering Challenge,” in which readers are tasked with designing and building a boat for Hagrid. There are also, of course, “muggle days” as well, such as meeting the Southwest Dairy Farmer’s cow, or listening to tales from British storyteller Bernadette Nason. The theme also gives readers additional opportunities to win prizes as part of a group. At the beginning of the program, a “sorting hat” will group the kids randomly into the four houses of Hogwarts: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Slytherin is of course the house associated with many of the series’ villains. Although the adults are often dismayed at the idea

See LIBRARY, Page 10


SUMMER GUIDE

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

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LIBERTY HILL PUBLIC LIBRARY

2017 Summer Reading Program


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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Summer is best time to discover dinosaur tracks in South San Gabriel

By WAYLON CUNNINGHAM Staff Writer Between the cedar woods and limestone river bed, this bend on the South San Gabriel River is scenic but unremarkable. Concentrate and you might hear the sound of cars on nearby Highway 183, or see the cigarette butts and soda cans. Look a little harder though, and you might see something else entirely. They should be familiar to anyone who has seen “Jurassic Park”. Dinosaur tracks — 12 three-toed imprints, aligned in a straight track, perfectly outlined and preserved in the limestone bed for millions and millions of years. Tracks like these have been found all over Central Texas in what’s known as the Glen Rose Formation. Like the others, the threeclawed shape marks them as belonging to an “ornithopod,” which means “bird-footed” in Latin. Measuring roughly 20 inches from heel to tip, the tracks have invited much speculation on their origin. It’s often written in travel blogs that they belonged to the rare

Acrocanthosaurus, but scientists are often reluctant to tie any print to an animal, since bone records tell us little about their foot shape. (Try comparing your own foot bone to your footprint). And without knowing the length of its legs, we also can’t know how fast it was going. But looking at the tracks, which appear so similar to the paw prints and sneaker imprints left in the mud by more recent visitors, it’s hard not to imagine the creature that left these. Perhaps it was a slender dinosaur, tall as a man despite its perpetual hunch. Maybe covered in bright feathers, resembling a modern raptor bird. She darts toward some kind of commotion, appearing as a speck on the horizon — or maybe she’s escaping a predator, a bigger dinosaur. The tracks begin at no particular point in the shallow riverbed, but they end abruptly at its edge, a large slab covering what could be its next step. At the time, 100 million years ago, there

See TRACKS, Page 7

WAYLON CUNNINGHAM PHOTO

The best time to view dinosaur tracks is the dry summer season when the tracks are not submerged under water in the South San Gabriel River.


SUMMER GUIDE

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Tracks

WAYLON CUNNINGHAM PHOTO

It’s often said that the tracks belong to an Acrocanthosaurus, but scientists are reluctant to tie a footprint to a specific animal. A bone record does not translate well to a foot shape.

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Continued from Page 6

was no river here. Her intersection with what would become the South San Gabriel River was mere coincidence. Instead, she would have been traveling over a flat expanse of mud, swept over by gentle waves of saltwater, and which extended out as a very shallow sea for hundreds of miles in every direction. Her footprints would have been at first like the modern paw prints in the mud nearby: wet, sloppy and completely temporary. But over time, sand and small pebbles would fill the prints. The whole area would be buried with layers of rock over the millennia, while the track’s light filling allowed them to keep their shape while they harden into their present form. They stay hidden for millions of years until erosion again uncovers them. Though their preservation then required a rare set of conditions, given enough footprints over a long enough period of time, results like these are inevitable to occur. But that’s not to say these are for sure “real.” Dinosaur hoaxes after all, have happened before, and scientists are always wary of any prints at first, especially ones as perfect as these. That’s the suspicion at least given by Dr. Susan Hovorka at UT’s Jackson School of Geosciences, though she says she can’t be sure. One way to know for sure, Dr. Hovorka said,

would be to see if the tracks continued under the limestone slab that they disappear under. Otherwise, they might have been made by a skilled hoaxer, maybe someone knowledgeable about the verified dinosaur tracks in the Paluxy riverbed nearby. But she says this would be the perfect environment for an ornithopod, such as our possible dino friend here. As the name suggests, they would have had a diet similar to modern birds, such as shrimp, worms, and fish. “The present is the key to the past,” Dr. Hovorka says. In either case, the environment has plenty of very real records of the land 100 million years ago. Pillowy lumps in the limestone nearby remain as fossilized algae from the time, which exists side-by-side with the living algae of today. Long thin cracks, called “joints” in the geosciences, are pressure lines adjacent to the Balcones Fault, a collision of tectonic plates from hundreds of years ago. Pentagonal shapes in the rock also point to the ancient mud that extended over the land. These are actually ancient cracks in that mud, from when it was dry. Again, nearby, one can find modern mud that, if

See DINOSAUR, Page 24


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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Summer Picnics Invite the neighbors to a backyard picnic this summer. With quick and easy recipes, everyone will enjoy making their own healthy creations. ~ By Katie Amsler

ALEX RUBIO PHOTOS

Chicken Salad Ingredients: 2 cups rotisserie chicken 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled ½ cup arugula, chopped ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, quartered ½ cup mayonnaise 2 Tbsp. half & half 1 tsp. dried parsley ¼ tsp. garlic powder ½ tsp. onion powder Instructions: 1. Combine mayonnaise, half & half, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder in a medium mixing bowl. 2. Add in chicken, bacon, arugula, and tomatoes. Stir until well combined. 3. Serve on rolls.

Caterpillar Fruit Skewers Ingredients: Green grapes Strawberries White frosting Mini chocolate chips Instructions: 1. Wash grapes and strawberries. Cut green, leafy tops off of strawberries. 2. Slide grapes onto a wooden skewer. Leave 1/3 of the bottom of the skewer empty. 3. Slide a strawberry onto the end of the skewer to make the caterpillar’s head. 4. Secure mini chocolate chips to the strawberry with a dot of white frosting for eyes. Consider letting children add eyes at the picnic for easier transport.

(ABOVE) Caterpillar Fruit Skewers are fun, healthy snacks that the children will enjoy creating themselves. (LEFT) Chicken Salad can be served on rolls or crackers.


SUMMER GUIDE

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

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Raspberry Cheesecake Truffles Ingredients: 8 oz. cream cheese, softened ½cup powdered sugar 1 tsp. vanilla ¾ cup Cool Whip ¾ fresh raspberries 8 graham crackers 15 oz semi-sweet baking chocolate, coarsely chopped Instructions: 1. Wash and drain the raspberries well. Set aside. 2. Place graham crackers in a gallon sized Ziploc bag. Using a rolling pin, smash the crackers into coarse crumbs. Set aside. 3. Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a mixer until fluffy. Add raspberries and mix more. 4. Stir in the Cool Whip with a spatula until well-combined. 5. Stir in graham cracker crumbs. 6. Place mixture in freezer for 2 hours. 7. Using hands or a small ice cream scooper, form truffle mixture into small balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. 8. Place back in freezer for 2 more hours. 9. Melt baking chocolate in the microwave, and cool slightly for 5 minutes. 10. Dip truffle balls into chocolate, removing only a few balls from the freezer at a time. Balls must be completely coated in chocolate to seal completely. Let harden on parchment paper. 11. Store truffles in the freezer until picnic time. Transport in cooler.

(ABOVE, RIGHT) Liberty Hill friends enjoy making their own snack necklaces using Cheerios, Fruit Loops cereal, chocolate cookies, pretzels and fruit snacks. ALEX RUBIO PHOTOS

Trail Mix Snack Necklaces Ingredients: Pretzels Cheerios Fruit Loops Lifesavers Gummy peach rings Any other snack with a hole Instructions: 1. Cut 24” of string for each necklace. 2. Let the kids add snacks to their string. 3. Tie around their necks, and let them play and munch while you set up the picnic.

Perfect Picnic Punch Ingredients: 1 liter Sprite 2 cups grape juice 2 cups of orange juice 12 oz. can frozen limeade concentrate, softened Instructions: 1. Combine all ingredients. 2. Funnel punch back into Sprite bottle for easy transport.

7:30am to Dark – Monday thru Friday 9:00am to Dark - Saturday 1:00pm to 5:00pm Sunday

Hawaiian Shaved Ice - Lattes - Frappes - Smoothies 1 3 9 5 1 W S ta t e H i g h way 2 9 , L i b e r t y H i l l


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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Library

Continued from Page 4

ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

How to make a giant water blob

Things You’ll Need: - Plastic Sheeting (at least 3 mil) - Iron - Parchment Paper - Duct Tape

Instructions: 1. Choose the correct plastic sheeting. It needs to be at least 3 mil thick. 10’ x 25’ rolls can be purchased from Winkley’s. 2. Roll the plastic sheeting out on a flat, level surface, and fold in half. 3. Place a brick on each corner to keep in place. 4. Fold parchment paper in half, and place around the edges of the plastic. The parchment paper keeps the plastic from getting holes and sticking to the ground un-

derneath when ironing. 5. Iron around the edge of the plastic on top of the parchment paper, moving the parchment paper along with the iron. This melts the plastic together and seals the edges. 6. Leave a 3-inch opening in one corner. 7. Pour glitter, food coloring, toys, or any other decorations into the 3-inch opening. 8. Insert the water hose in the opening, and turn the water on. 9. Fill the water blob for about 30 minutes, or until full. 10. Check for leaks as you fill. As a leak sprouts, cover it with duct tape. Consider trimming all edges with duct tape for an extra-tight seal. 11. Once the blob is full, gently

remove the water hose, and seal the opening with duct tape.

12. Jump, play, roll and have fun! Katie@LHIndependent.com

of this house being an option, Palmer said, “the kids love it.” And why wouldn’t they? Librarian Glenda Van Horn heads it. Whichever house has the total highest amount of minutes read will see all its members receive additional prizes. The place to be this summer - The Big Rig Petting Zoo is one of the most anticipated events every summer. The parking lot fills with tractors, backhoes, construction trucks, and school buses. The police and fire departments and Pedernales Electric Co-op bring out their vehicles as well. The kids can touch them, climb them and play on them in their own, hand-decorated hardhats. Plus, they can talk to the men and women who drive these rigs every day for a living. This year, they’re also trying to include some military vehicles. It’s not just for kids, either. Over 600 people attended last year. - The Reptile Show might be popular with the kids, but with Palmer? Not so much. She can’t stand snakes. Van Horn, on the other hand, loves them. When the husbandand-wife team -- the Austin Reptile Service from Leander -- brings out the boa constrictor, Van Horn has been known to drape it around her neck and walk around. (It’s no wonder she heads Slytherin). They also show off their other exotic and locally-found reptiles. Yes, the kids can touch these too. None of them are poisonous, and the handlers are professionally trained. - The Wild Things Zoofari is much more friendly to the non-snake loving. This day sees much furrier exotic animals brought out, which in recent years have included kangaroos and a wallaby. This year, Palmer says, the animals will include a toucan. - Water Day Fun sees the backyard of the library transform into a wading pool. Kids can throw water balloons, hula hoop, and see “MerPeople.” Being at a library shouldn’t have to be about staying indoors, especially when the weather’s nice. - Astronomy Day, or as the itinerary has it, “Professor Sinistra’s Astronomy Class,” will have a NASA employee come out to talk about black holes. Later, members of the Austin Astronomical Society will bring their powerful telescopes so participants can look at the planets as more than just twinkles in the sky. Palmer says this is one program the adults love as much as the kids. - Every Saturday, the Barking Book Buddies program will offer kids the opportunity to read to trained literature therapy dogs, from the “Divine Canines of Austin.” It’s proven that reading out loud is the single best way to improve reading skills, and these dogs are ready listeners. The Liberty Hill Public Library’s Summer Reading Program begins June 16 and ends July 31. Sign-up starts Monday, May 15. Waylon@LHIndependent.com


SUMMER GUIDE

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

PRESENTED BY

JULY 1 AT 6PM

FIREWORKS - LIVE MUSIC FOOD TRUCKS - ACTIVITIES - CONTESTS

SHUTTLES FROM LIBERTY HILL HIGH SCHOOL Email katie@lhindependent.com for sponsorship inquiries.

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

L I B E R T Y

H I L L

ONGOING WEEKLY CAMPS

CAMPS RUN WEEKLY FROM MAY 30-AUG 18 Panther Den Summer Camp Happy Trails Learning Center | 14865 West Hwy 29 | Liberty Hill Completed Kinder – Age 13 Contact: (512) 515-0555

CAMPS RUN WEEKLY FROM JUNE 5-AUG 25 Zero Gravity Summer Camps Zero Gravity Gymnastics & Cheer | 2041 S. Highway 183 | Leander 8am–6pm (Full Time) | 9am–2pm (Part-Time) $225 (Full-Time) | $170 (Part-Time) | $15 Registration Fee $50 Non-Refundable Deposit www.zerogravitygymnasticsandcheer.com

CAMPS RUN WEEKLY FROM JUNE 5-AUG 18 Healthy For Him Weekly Summer Camps Fellowship Church, 3600 RR 1869, Liberty Hill 7:15am – 6pm 5 yrs – 12 yrs $100/3 days or $150/5 days Contact: lesley@fellowshiplh.org

CAMPS RUN WEEKLY FROM JUNE 5-AUG 4 NO CAMP JULY 3 & 4

Bits, Bytes & Bots Summer Camps

Summit Christian Academy, 2121 Cypress Creek Rd, Cedar Park 6 yrs – 14 yrs $295/5-day camps (morning or afternoon) | $345/3-day camps (full day) austintx.bitsbytesbots.com/summer-camp/summit-christian-academy

MULTIPLE CAMPS Courage Tumble & Parkour Camps (Running & Standing Tumbling, Parkour Fundamentals) June 6-7 | June 13-14 | June 20-21 | June 27-28 July 11-12 | July 18-19 Aug 8-9 | Aug 15-16 | Aug 22-23

Courage Cheer & Dance, 134 Jonathan Dr, Liberty Hill 9am – 3pm, bring a lunch All Ages & Levels $79/Members, $99/Non-members Contact: (512) 548-6705, Must Pre-register

Courage All-Star Camps (Jumps, Tumbling, Stunts, Motions) June 8 | June 15 July 13 | July 20 Aug 10 | Aug 17

Courage Cheer & Dance, 134 Jonathan Dr, Liberty Hill 9am – 3pm, bring a lunch All Ages & Levels $49/Members, $59/Non-members Contact: (512) 548-6705, Must Pre-register

EVENTS

SUMMER 2017 MAY MAY 1

The Independent's Summer Instagram Photo Challenge Begins

MAY 14

Mother's Day

MAY 29

Memorial Day

JUNE JUNE 1 Courage Jazz/Hip-Hop Dance Intensive

Courage Cheer & Dance 134 Jonathan Dr | Liberty Hill TIME: 9am–3pm, bring a lunch All Ages and Skill Levels FEE: $49/Members, $59/Non-members CONTACT: (512) 548-6705 MUST PRE-REGISTER

JUNE 1-3 LHHS Cheer Clinic

LHHS AGE: Grades Pre-K-6th FEE: $55 before May 1, $65 after May 1 CONTACT: Laura Brown, lbrown@libertyhill.txed.net, 512-260-5500 x7142

JUNE 2 Courage Fun Day

Courage Cheer & Dance 134 Jonathan Dr | Liberty Hill TIME: 9am–3pm, bring a lunch All Ages and Skill Levels FEE: $39/Members, $49/Non-members CONTACT: (512) 548-6705

JUNE 5-7 LHHS Baseball Camp

LHHS TIME: 9:30am – 12pm AGE: Incoming 2nd-9th Grade FEE: $85 pre-registration $100-Multiple Campers in Same Family $100 Day of Registration CONTACT: Coach Kristan, (512) 260-5500

JUNE 5-8 LHHS Lady Panther Hoop Camp LHHS TIME: 9am – 3:30pm AGE: Incoming 3rd-9th Grade FEE: $110 on or before June 1 $130 after June 1 CONTACT: Chris Lange, (512) 931-9329

JUNE 6-22 Sparks 2nd-4th Grade Volleyball Camp

Country Fire Volleybarn Liberty Hill AGE: 2-4th grade FEE: $85 www.countryfirevolleyball.com

JUNE 6-22 Flames/Blaze 5-8th Grade Volleyball Camp Country Fire Volleybarn Liberty Hill AGE: 5-8th grade FEE: $120-$155 www.countryfirevolleyball.com

JUNE 6-AUG 11 Volleyfit Summer Fitness Program for Volleyball Players Country Fire Volleybarn Liberty Hill AGE: 5-12th grade FEE: $60-$180 www.countryfirevolleyball.com

Thursday, March 23, 2017

JUNE 12-15 LHHS Boys Runnin' Panther Hoop Camp

LHHS TIME: 9am – 4pm AGE: Incoming 2nd-9th Grade FEE: $115 on or before June 5 $135 after June 5 CONTACT: Barry Boren, (512) 260-5515

JUNE 12-15 LHHS Lady Panther Softball Camp

LHHS TIME: 8:30am – 12pm AGE: Incoming 3rd-9th Grade FEE: $60 CONTACT: Charice Hankins, (512) 970-6552

JUNE 16 Downtown Art Exhibit

LOCATION: Downtown Liberty Hill (Loop 332) TIME: 6pm-8pm FEE: FREE

JUNE 18 Father's Day JUNE 26-28 LHHS Boys & Girls Soccer Camp

LHHS TIME: 8:30am-10:30am AGE: Incoming 5th-9th Grade FEE: $50 CONTACT: Darren Bauer, (512) 639-9941

JULY JULY 1

Independence Day Spectacular

City Park (shuttle from LHHS) TIME: 6pm-11pm FEE: FREE Facebook: Independence Day Spectacular


SUMMER GUIDE

JULY 1 Last Day The Independent's Summer Instagram Photo Challenge JULY 3-4 Courage 4th of July Lock In Courage Cheer & Dance 134 Jonathan Dr | Liberty Hill TIME: 8pm–8am Bring a sleeping bag All Ages FEE: $39/Members $49/Non-members CONTACT: (512) 548-6705

JULY 4 Independence Day JULY 6 Courage Pom/Cheer Funk Intensive Courage Cheer & Dance 134 Jonathan Dr | Liberty Hill TIME: 9am-3pm Bring a lunch All Ages and Skill Levels FEE: $49/Members $59/Non-members CONTACT: (512) 548-6705 MUST PRE-REGISTER

JULY 10-14 UK International Soccer Camp LHYSA 251 CR 200 | Liberty Hill Ages 4-6: 9am-10:30am or 10:30am-12pm | $70 Ages 7-12: 9am-12pm | $109 www.libertyhillsoccer.org

JULY 11-AUG 10 Middle School Volleyball Tryout Prep Camp

Country Fire Volleybarn Liberty Hill AGE: 5-8th grade FEE: $195-$250 www.countryfirevolleyball.com

JULY 11-27 High School Volleyball Tryout Prep Camp

Country Fire Volleybarn Liberty Hill AGE: 9-12th grade FEE: $155 www.countryfirevolleyball.com

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

JULY 17-21 Camp Fellowship

Fellowship Church 3600 RR 1869 | Liberty Hill TIME: 8am-5pm AGE: Completed Kinder-4th Grade FEE: $39 www.fellowshiplh.org

JULY 17-21 Fellowship Wild Week

VFW 102 E. Myrtle St. | Liberty Hill TIME: 8am-5pm AGE: Completed 5th-6th Grade FEE: See Website www.fellowshiplh.org

JULY 17-21 Star Wars Lego Camp

2801 RR 1869 | Liberty Hill TIME: 9am-12pm AGE: 5 & 6 yrs old FEE: $125 For more information visit: www.play-well.org/schedule/class/list/county/Williamson/county_id/95/type/camp

JULY 17-21 Star Wars Lego Camp

JULY 30-AUG 2 Fellowship Pre-Teen Overnight Camp

Highland Lakes Center Spicewood AGE: Completed 3rd-6th Grade FEE: $285 www.fellowshiplh.org

JULY 31-AUG 2 LHHS Football Camp

LHHS More Details Coming to Website Soon CONTACT: Jeff Walker, jwalker@libertyhill.txed.net

AUGUST AUG 8-9 LHHS Little Belles Dance Camp LHHS TIME: 8:30am-12pm CONTACT: Emily Pirtle, epirtle@libertyhill.txed.net

AUG 12 Middle School Volleyball Power Hour Skills Camp Country Fire Volleybarn Liberty Hill AGE: 5-8th grade FEE: $15/session

2801 RR 1869 | Liberty Hill TIME: 9am-12pm AGE: 7 & 12 yrs old FEE: $125 AUG 24 For more information visit: Courage Contemporary/ www.play-well.org/schedule/class/list/county/Williamson/coun- Broadway Intensive Courage Cheer & Dance ty_id/95/type/camp 134 Jonathan Dr | Liberty Hill TIME: 9am-3pm, bring a lunch JULY 24-27 All Ages and Skill Levels LHHS Volleyball Camp FEE: $49/Members, LHHS $59/Non-members AGE: Incoming 5th-9th Grade CONTACT: (512) 548-6705 FEE: $60 MUST PRE-REGISTER CONTACT: Gretchen Peterson, gpeterson@libertyhill.txed.net

JULY 29 High School Volleyball Power Hour Skills Camp

Country Fire Volleybarn Liberty Hill AGE: 9-12th grade FEE: $15/session www.countryfirevolleyball.com

AUG 25-26 Courage Back-to-School Lock In

Courage Cheer & Dance 134 Jonathan Dr | Liberty Hill TIME: 9pm-9am Bring a sleeping bag All Ages FEE: $39/Members, $49/Non-members CONTACT: (512) 548-6705

Page 13


Page 14

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Museum

Continued from Page 3 specific topics for this program, contact the museum or visit its website. Interactive rotating exhibits will continue their engaging presentation through the summer. Currently on display is the exhibit “Williamson County’s Hispanic Roots”, which traces the settlement and influence of Hispanic families in the area beginning with the arrival of Spanish priests in 1747 who founded the San Xavier missions near Georgetown. This exhibit, available through May 31, touches upon Hispanics’ push for desegregation, fair wages and labor practices. Another display that is currently open to the public and runs through August 31, “Schools of Williamson County,” looks at the development of schools from one room schoolhouses, to integration, and to the school systems of today. Drawing great interest are upcoming tours to one of the foremost archaeological sites, which is located at Georgetown’s doorstep. On May 13, July 8, and Sept. 16, the Williamson Museum in conjunction with The Gault School of Archaeological Research will be sponsoring special tours to the Gault site, a world-renowned archaeological site that first attracted archaeologists from the University of Texas in 1929. According to

the Gault School, the site has yielded over a million artifacts including more than 100 engraved stones, among the earliest in the Americas. Tours begin at 9 a.m. and are scheduled to last until noon. Tickets are available for $10 from the museum by calling (512) 943-1670 or emailing koliver@williamsonmuseum.org. Children under 11 are admitted free. In addition, free 45-minute guided tours of the historic Williamson County Courthouse are offered every Friday and Saturday at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 pm. Tours start at the museum. Notwithstanding all the other museum activities and events, two five-day “History Explorers Camps” headline the summer schedule. One camp, “Poppies & Progress,” explores life during World War I while the other celebrates pioneer life along the Chisholm Trail. Both camps provide participants a host of hands-on activities. The Chisholm Trail day camp is offered over two distinct sessions at a historic Texas homestead in Round Rock. Participants select one of the first sessions, June 19-23 or June 26-30, and one of the second sessions July 17-21 or July 24-28. The World War I day camp, which provides

participants a taste of the life and culture during the war, is available on either July 17-21 or July 24-28. All camps are scheduled from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., include all snacks and meals, and are open to students entering third through sixth grade. Cost is $150 per session or $120 for museum members. Day rates are also available. Interested participants should complete the online registration form and submit it to Danelle Houck at dhouck@williamsonmuseum.org or deliver it to the museum at 716 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown, TX 78626. Other special events are on the museum calendar. The free annual “Pioneer Days” event at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock gets underway May 6 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The public is invited to participate in various activities including dipping candles, churning butter, making corn husk dolls or explore re-enactment camps and a fully-stocked general store. On April 1, the museum unveils its new Chisholm Trail location where the public can meet living history characters portraying significant figures of Williamson County’s past. There is no charge for this event. The Williamson Museum is a non-profit

organization established in 1997 to collect, preserve and exhibit items relating to the rich culture and heritage of Williamson County. The Williamson Museum is located at 716 S. Austin Avenue in Georgetown. Hours are Wednesday – Friday from 12 – 5 p.m. and Saturday’s from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information visit www.williamsonmuseum.org.

DANA DELGADO PHOTO

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SUMMER GUIDE

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Page 15

A guide to Liberty Hill day trips

Under 40 minutes and 4 gallons

By WAYLON CUNNINGHAM Staff Writer

LHINDEPENDENT FILE PHOTO

Operation Liberty Hill seeking contributions to Summer Snack program

Operation Liberty Hill is looking to get an early start on its annual Summer Snack program, which provides economically disadvantaged children with healthy snacks throughout the summer months. Operation Liberty Hill assists residents in need within the Liberty Hill ISD with food, clothing, household items and furniture. In recent years, it added the summer snack project as a way to provide food for children during the months they are out of school and lack access to free or reduced priced meals. OLH is also collecting box fans for those without air conditioning. During school months, many children re-

Summer Snack Program Items Needed: Fruit cups apple sauce fruit pouches 100% fruit juice (or fruit + veg) fruit strips fruit snacks (preferably made with real fruit) dried fruit pouches

ceive free or reduced price meals at school. And during the summer, parents struggle to feed their children, volunteers say. The snack program provides children up to age 18 with a snack bag with 15 items every two weeks until August 16. Program Coordinator Meredith Brand said it will take 16,800 snack items to fill 200 bags every two weeks this summer. Operation Liberty Hill is located at 1401 US Hwy 183, Leander. It is open Mondays from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; and Fridays, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Learn how you can help Operation Liberty Hill by calling (512) 778-4175.

raisins Jello cups pudding cups pretzels Gold Fish crackers beef jerky Slim Jims vienna sausages macaroni cups tuna packs noodle cups (Ramen) kid-friendly cans of soup (chicken noodle)

small microwave meal bowls (Chef Boyardee) individual peanut butter nuts trail mix sunflower seeds granola bars breakfast bars individual cereal boxes Pop Tarts protein bars microwave popcorn

FOR SUNSHINE SPLASHERS AND ROUGH TRAIL HIKERS Splash around in Salado Creek with the legend-filled statue of Sirena the Mermaid. Bring a bucket and catch minnows and tadpoles. Listen carefully, and you’ll hear the beautiful church bells that ring every hour at Salado United Methodist Church across the creek. Plus, when the kids get tired, take a short drive to the Sugar Shack for some good old-fashioned bulk candy. Recent local efforts have taken to highlighting the creek’s storied past, so take a little time to soak up the history along with the sunshine. In the 19th Century, this 40mile creek was believed to have medicinal qualities, as farmers reported an amazing abundance of fish, ducks and geese. Two battles in Texas history, the 1813 Battle of Rosillo and the 1842 Battle of Salado Creek, were fought on this river for control of the nearby Presidio La Bahia. Driving Time: 40 Minutes Special Directions: Exit 283 off of IH 35, turn right on Royal Street, and take an immediate left to get to the creek. Bring: Swimsuits, Sunscreen, Towels, Picnic Goods, Bucket

This gentle bend is marked by dozens of small pools broken up by the granite outcroppings. Sunbathe, picnic and swim in the lazy pools at The Slab, a little nook in the Llano River that’s long been a favorite hangout for the locals in Kingsland, just a little downstream. Like Salado Creek, it’s shallow and cool year-round, even in the hottest days of August. There’s also a small trail on the east side of the Slab, so if you want to double-down on the outdoor fun, pack some appropriate clothes alongside the swimsuits. Just as a heads-up, it can get crowded during the peak hours around noon and the early afternoon, so it’s best to get there early, especially if you have small children.

That’s also when the water is much cooler and calmer. Also, be sure to stay clear of the bridge. That’s where the currents pick up and eventually deposit into Lake LBJ. Driving Time: 45 Minutes Bring: Swimsuits, Sunscreen, Towels, Picnic Goods

Throw out the TV, pack up your camping gear, and head out to Inks Lake State Park outside Burnet for a sunny weekend among cedar pines, crystal clear water, striped rocks and gorgeous views. The 9-mile trail through prickly pears and rocky hills offers a great day-hike for enthusiasts, but the 3.3-mile trail is perfect for the whole family. The recently opened Bird Blind gives park visitors the opportunity to sit or stand in an open space with a plexiglass display to quietly observe the birds flitting, perching and singing to one another. Go out with another family and rent the group picnic pavilion for a grand outdoor gathering. Driving Time: 40 Minutes Bring: Hiking-Appropriate Clothes, Camping Supplies, Water, Sunscreen, Binoculars ..... The Vanishing Texas River Cruise might offer a compromise between the nature-loving and Netflix-watching. These slow, seated cruises depart from Lake Buchanan and offer a tour of nearly every spectacular view that can be found on the Colorado River. Spot waterfalls and Bald Eagles without the hike. Book the sunset cruise and enjoy gorgeous evening vistas set to live musical accompaniment. Sound like a perfect date? That’s because it is. And at $40 a ticket (with dinner included), it’s a romantic gesture to your bank account as well. Driving Time: 40 Minutes Bring: Shorts, Sandals, Binoculars, Camera

See DAY TRIPS, Page 30


Page 16

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Instagram

Continued from Page 2 restaurant 24. Going fishing 25. Attending a Summer Reading Program Event at the Liberty Hill Public Library (See Library Calendar on Page 5) 26. Having a lemonade stand 27. Riding the shuttle bus to the Independence Day Spectacular (See ad on Page 11) 28. Attending the Downtown Art Exhibit on June 16 (See ad on Page 25) 29. Donating summer snacks to Operation Liberty Hill (See story on Page 15) 30. Trading out a book at Liberty Hill’s first official Little Free Library, 7400 RR 1869 31. Finding Dinosaur Tracks on the South San Gabriel River (See story on Page 6) 32. Having a picnic at the Veterans Park Gazebo or Nathan Wetzel Pocket Park downtown. 33. Reading THE INDEPENDENT 34. Sleeping in a tent 35. Playing on your favorite App (See story on Page 30.) Katie@LHIndependent.com

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Slime Day at Liberty Hill Public Library. Post a photo from the Library and be part of the newspaper’s Instagram Challenge. (Courtesy Photo)

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THE INDEPENDENT $25 in Williamson County $29 In Texas (outside Williamson County) $32 Out of State

Name _____________________________________ Address ____________________________________ City/State/Zip ________________________________ Phone _____________________________________ Email Address ________________________________ Mail To: The Liberty Hill Independent PO Box 1235, Liberty Hill, TX 78642 Call us at (512) 778-5577 to purchase subscription with a credit card, or pay at www.LHIndependent.com


SUMMER GUIDE

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Page 17

Burnet area camps declare: ‘Let the fun begin!’ By DANA DELGADO Staff Writer BURNET -- Looking for sheer fun that will unquestionably challenge, delight and thrill? Look no further than two long-established camps at nearby Inks Lake and the Colorado River -- Camp Longhorn and Camp Champions. Both are storied programs with impressive beginnings, long-standing traditions, and unique facilities and grounds. This summer, Camp Champions and Camp Longhorn will offer various lengths of overnight experiences and both are co-ed. Camp Longhorn Camp Longhorn’s story is as remarkable as its success. Located on the shores of Inks Lake just west of Burnet, Camp Longhorn first served campers in 1939 after being founded by Tex and Pat Robertson. With the help of family, friends, and a handful of college students, the camp hosted only one paid camper and one volunteer camper that first year. After nearly 75 years and thousands of campers later, Camp Longhorn has grown into three separate sites on Inks Lake to accommodate the demand for an unforgettable summer of non-stop fun, which has become the camp’s legacy. Its access to the constant-level lake provides an abundance of opportunities for many water as well as

Campers at Camp Longhorn enjoy plenty of water activities on Inks Lake. (Courtesy Photo) land activities including sailing, fishing, soccer, or jumping on the renowned blob (a trampoline-like platform in the water invented by Camp Longhorn). Robertson had founded the University of Texas swim team a few years before opening Camp Longhorn. As head coach, he would bring his swimmers to Inks Lake to train over the summer. Some of his swim-

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mers became the first camp counselors. When World War II broke out, the camp closed down so Robertson could go to Florida to train Navy frogmen in underwater demolition. When Camp Longhorn reopened in 1945, 66 campers attended and then more than doubled the next year. In 1950 when Robertson retired from coaching at UT to focus on the camp, attendance ex-

ploded when Longhorn Camp began to include girls along with the boys. The growth has led to the establishment of a second site in 1975 and a third site in 2016. One, two, and three-week sessions are being offered this summer but fill rather quickly. Registration information for Camp Longhorn is available at www.camplonghorn.com. A $250 deposit is required with the application. Applications and information packets are available by calling (512) 756-4650. The balance of fees is due by May 1. Camp Champions With over 30 activities including waterskiing, horseback riding, sports, crafts, climbing walls, and archery, Camp Champions, located just west of Marble Falls, is accepting campers ages 5-18. Two and three week sessions begin June 4 and continue throughout the summer. Darrell K. Royal was among a group of sports legends who founded the camp in 1967. Notable alumni include Drew Brees, current quarterback of the New Orleans Saints, singer Lisa Loeb, and Susan and Michael Dell. This camp is accredited by the American Camping Association. For additional information contact them at (830) 598-2571, email them at info@campchampions.com or visit their website, campchampions.com.


Page 18

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Family Adventures Liberty Hill is the site of dozens of hidden caches of small treasures. Download the app at geocaches.com and explore the community this summer. Left, treasure finders leave a note behind for the geocache host. Right, Bryant Amsler makes a discovery in Liberty Hill. KATIE AMSLER PHOTOS

Geocaching

Modern-day treasure hunting begins online

By WAYLON CUNNINGHAM Staff Writer They’re hidden in remote wildernesses and just down the street. They’re under bridges, in hollow stumps, on lampposts and in trapdoor compartments. Even using fake dog poop is not unheard of, because when it comes to treasure hunting, the geocaching community has long gone beyond “leaving no stone unturned.” Sign up yourself and you’ll see why. This online-based, locally-oriented game of dead-drops and hideaways proves quickly addictive. People in the community hide geocaches everywhere. To be clear, if it’s not already, literally everywhere. And finding them is more complicated than simply walking to their GPS coordinates

listed on the app. These are small boxes filled with trinkets and curios, and a logbook for recording the experiences of past discoverers. Larger boxes are found sometimes too, which contain items to be traded into other geocache sites. Some require multiple discoveries, each pointing to the next. Others have encrypted clues to their location, requiring a good bit of pencil work, and potentially more time thinking than walking or looking. The steps to participate are easy. First, create a Geocaches account. This allows you to explore, discover and log geocaches all around the world. Second, find a geocache. That requires either using the site (geocaches.com) or downloading the official app for iPhone or Android

mobile phones. And finally, you find one. Sign and log the datebook. Write about your experiences online, as joining the online communities only doubles the fun. And remember, in the spirit of treasure-hunting, to rehide the cache just the way you found it. Liberty Hill alone hosts dozens of hidden caches within a 10-minute drive of downtown. There’s one listed at the library. “Very well camouflaged,” writes one user, nearly three weeks after posting online that they couldn’t find it. Another can be found in a wet log by County Road 214. It begins a Halloween-themed series of geocaches that guides treasure-hunters through the local cemeteries. (Community culture

strongly warns against any latenight vandalism of the sites). Many, of course, are planted by local participants. For one geocache at the Mercantile Feed Store, just north of Liberty Hill, a description calls it a “park and grab.” “My friend Rusty and his wife Fran have given me permission to place a cache near their store they opened near their home 8 years ago,” the hider continues. “You may see a friendly border collie who will teach YOU to fetch.” Others testify to the travel schedule of more dedicated, regional treasure-hunters. One team writes that in honor of their 200th find in Texas, in which they’ve stayed for the past two months, they’re hiding a medium cache in Liberty Hill, which can be found by turn-

ing right on CR 200 and driving for approximately 3.6 miles. The exact GPS coordinates narrow the possibilities down, and a further hint, encrypted with a listed cipher, gives even more direction. “Cache is a medium-sized plastic container filled with lots of things we’ve collected from other caches and places around the country,” they write. There’s also a $5 reward for the “FTF,” or “first to find.” Take your kids, your friend, or your spouse for a weekend expedition or just an evening excursion. Wear a baseball cap or a pith helmet (if you really want to get into the groove). Take it casually as a part-time looker, or dedicate your life to tracking the next big cache. It’s all up to you. Treasure hunting has never been easier. Waylon@LHIndependent.com

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SUMMER GUIDE

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Page 19

Take the kids and ride the rails for day-long adventures By KATIE AMSLER Advertising Director Take a Summer Adventure on the MetroRail! The MetroRail is a commuter train that treks the 32 mile distance between Leander and Austin, with 9 stops along the way. The Leander Station, 6 miles from Seward Junction, is located just across 183 from HEB. Ride the MetroRail, and follow one of the itineraries below for the perfect day adventure to keep your kids entertained this summer. Plaza Saltillo Station When to Go: Tuesday – Friday, Leave Leander Station at 8:04am

Make commuting to Austin fun this summer on MetroRail. Leave the stress of traffic and parking behind, and explore historic places, museums, the arts, as well as good food and entertainment. Trains leave weekday mornings from Leander Station. (Courtesy Photo)

Possible Itinerary: - Texas State Cemetery, 909 Navasota Street, open 8am – 5pm - Franklin’s BBQ, 900 East 11th Street, open Tues – Sun, 11am until sold out - Lott Splash Pad (1108 Curve Street) – Open 9am – 8pm

Dress the kids in swimsuits with cover-ups. From the Plaza Saltillo Station, walk 0.5 miles to the Texas State Cemetery. Take a few minutes to stroll around and locate the burial sites for many famous Texans. Then continue another 0.4 miles to Franklin’s BBQ. Due to its many prestigious accolades, expect the wait to be a couple hours. Although the restaurant opens at 11am, arrive by 9:30am to ensure being served before they run out of food. Consider choosing one adult to stand in line, while another adult takes the kids to Lott Splash Pad. Once in the restaurant, be sure to try the Key Lime Pie! Downtown Station When to Go: Wednesday, Leave Leander Station at 8:04am Possible Itinerary: - Children’s Day Art Park at Symphony Square Amphitheatre, 1101 Red River Street – Wed 9:30am

See TRAIN, Page 24

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9am-12 Cost: $109 (Includes Training Jersey)


Page 20

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, March 23, 2017

WE NEED YOU!

Help us create a logo for the Liberty Hill Youth Panther Rugby Team ! The Liberty Hill Youth Panther Rugby team and our Sponsor Ortho360 need your ideas for our new team logo. All students from Kindergarten though 6th grade can enter. Please create a themed logo that includes: LIBERTY HILL, PANTHERS AND RUGBY

LOGOS ARE DUE AUGUST 1, 2017

Once you have created a logo, scan the image and email to: lhpantherrugby@gmail.com Enter as many logos as you like, please save your original drawings. Only one winner will be selected and once selected, your drawing will become the Official Panther Rugby Logo. In addition, if your child (k-6 ) is interested in playing in our 2nd Season, please email LHPANTHERRUGBY@GMAIL.COM and use "RUGBY SIGNUPS" as the subject header. The 2nd Season invitations go out via email in mid September.


SUMMER GUIDE

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Page 21

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Page 22

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, March 23, 2017

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SUMMER GUIDE

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Page 23

In Austin, it’s explore and discover

By DANA DELGADO and protect water, a vital resource for all Staff Writer living things. This is a Wednesday through With so much going on in Austin, it was Friday only camp due to the holiday a bit of a challenge to narrow down to two - July 10-14 Camp Wildflower: “Botanist the summer programs that would truly Bonanza” - What makes a plant a plant? provide the participant a chance to ex- Campers find out what makes a plant a plore and discover. plant while playing botanist. The exhaustive search led to two, very - July 17-21 Camp Wildflower: “Nature different opportunities. One, The Bullock Trackers” - Campers investigate the natuTexas State History Museum, provides an ral world using microscopes, nets, and all indoor experience to escape the summer the senses to interpret clues left by plants heat, yet and anisends one mals. on a curi- July 24osity satis28 Camp fying expeWildflowdition. The er: “Friend other sumor Foe?” mer expeFrom rience, The invasive Lady Bird species to Johnson beneficial Wildflowinsects, er Center, campers takes adlearn about vantage helpful and of Texas’ hurtful ornatural ganisms. beauty and Activities provides include hands-on hikes, arts opportuniand crafts, ties. n a t u r e Besides games, scis i m p l y ence labs, touring the Families search for frogs in the wetland pond at the Lady o u t d o o r W i l d f l o w - Bird Johnson Wildflower Center while learning about wild- e x p l o r a er Center, life tracking. (Courtesy Photo by Jim Turner, Lady Bird tion, and which is a Johnson Wildflower Center, The University of Texas at l e a r n i n g treat all by Austin) sessions itself, the with Wildcenter is offering a bundle of summer pro- flower Center experts. Participants are digrams under the banner of Camp Wild- vided into three age groups: preschool, flower that are sure to excite and engage. kindergarten through second grade and Each week will have a different focus. The third through fifth grades. Preschoolers atdistinct, weekly Camp Wildflower sessions tend 9 a.m. to noon while all other grade begin June 5 and end in late July. levels attend 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Grades are The schedule is: determined by the grade students will be - June 5-9 Camp Wildflower: “Bug-ol- entering in the fall. ogists” - Campers investigate insects and Registration for kindergarten through become junior entomologists during this fifth grades is $200 for Wildflower Center creepy, crawly week of camp. members and $250 for non-members. The - June 12-16 Camp Wildflower: “Have fee for preschoolers is $160 for members to Have a Habitat” - Campers trek through and $175 for non-members. Scholarships the gardens to discover successful habi- based on need are available. Registration tats. forms are in the events section of the cen- June 19-23 Camp Wildflower: “Soil, It’s ter’s website, www.wildflower.org. Alive!” - Campers learn what soil is made of and what lives in it. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is - June 26-30 Camp Wildflower: “Nature located at 4801 La Crosse Ave, just 10 Create” - Campers discover why nature miles south of downtown Austin. You has been the focus of great artists. can reach them at (512) 232-0100. - July 5-7 Camp Wildflower: “The Aquatic World” - Campers learn how to conserve See AUSTIN, Page 24

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Page 24

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Train

Dinosaur

- Pelon’s Tex-Mex, 802 Red River Street, opens at 11am From the Downtown Station, walk 0.8 miles to Symphony Square. Children’s Day Art Park is an Austin summer tradition that takes place on Wednesday mornings throughout the summer. Check the Austin Symphony website for a schedule of musical performers. Gates open at 9am, and admission is $0.50 per child. Adults are free. Following the performance, follow the Pied Piper down the Lemonade Trail to the craft tent. Here you can find clowns, bubbles, storytellers, crafts and face painting. When the kids have had enough festivities, walk 2 blocks to Pelon’s Tex-Mex to cool down and eat lunch. Whatever you do, don’t let the kids order the $2299 bathtub filled with queso!

dry, cracks into five-sided figures. If you want to see the tracks yourself, it’s very easy to get there from Liberty Hill. Drive south on Highway 183 until it intersects with the South San Gabriel River. You should see a small broken bridge on one side, under the highway. Pull off road here. You can park your car in front of an electrical maintenance building. If you need an exact address, 601 S. Gabriel Drive, Leander, will work in Google Maps. You want to be on the northern side, though. Walk down to the river and cross under the broken bridge. Here’s where you’ll need some shoes you don’t mind getting wet. You should be wearing hiking clothes anyway. It’s a half-mile to the site. Continue along the river until the broken bridge is just out of site. It’s about a half mile to the West of 183. You should see some stairs nearby. And if all else fails, Google Maps has a small photo icon where the tracks are located. Be warned that if the water table is high,

Continued from Page 19

Downtown Station When to Go: Any weekday, any time Possible Itinerary: - Museum of the Weird, 412 East 6th Street, Open Daily, 10am - Midnight - Uncle Julio’s, 301 Brazos Street, Suite 150, Opens at 11am From the Downtown Station, walk 0.4 miles to the Museum of the Weird on 6th Street. Admission is $7 for children under 8 and $12 for 8 years and older. Enter at your own risk to see freaky sights like shrunken heads, mummies and 2-headed cows. Following your tour of everything weird, you’ll head into the Weird Theatre Sideshow. Depending on the performer of the day, you might encounter paranormalists, a sword-swallower, or the Pain-Proof Man who can hammer nails into his nose. As you’re exiting the theater, be sure to glance up to see the apartment that Johnny Depp was once rumored to live in. Now that your stomach is in knots, shake off that weird feeling with a 0.4 mile walk to Uncle Julio’s. Eat some yummy Mexican food, or just order dessert. Splurge on the

Continued from Page 7

$25 Chocolate Piñata. Use the wooden stick to break open the piñata to release mini cinnamon churros, fresh fruit and berries. Know Before You Go - Always check the MetroRail schedule online before heading out. The Leander Station is only available during peak times. - Purchase tickets online, or pay at the ticket vending machines at each station using cash only. - Change is given in the form of an Electronic Change Card, so take small bills. Tickets may also be purchased using the CapMetro app, but if your phone dies, you will have to re-purchase tickets at a vending machine. - Capital MetroPlus Day Passes are $6. Kids under 5 ride for free, and students 18 and under qualify for reduced fare with appropriate IDs. - Stations do not have public restrooms. There are restrooms inside the Austin Convention Center near the Downtown Station. - Arrive early in order to get a “table seat” on the MetroRail. Take cards and games to entertain kids on the trip. - Food and drinks are not allowed on the MetroRail. - Keep tickets handy. A Fare Enforcement Officer may ask to see them at any time. There is a $75 fine for being caught without a ticket. - Wear good walking shoes, and slather on sunscreen. Katie@LHIndependent.com

DIY CRAFT WORKSHOP PERFECT FOR GIRL'S NIGHT OUT, PARTIES AND MORE!

Reserve a spot at one of our events or book a private one for just you and your friends. 211 S. HWY 183, LEANDER

WWW.CREATETHISLANDER.COM FOLLOW US:

Thursday, March 23, 2017

CREATETHISWITH2CRAFTY CHICKS |

CREATETHISLEANDER

they may be submerged. As such, it might be better to wait until the dry season of summer to make this trip. If you do find them however, be sure not to touch them. They should be preserved for future generations, just as they have been for millions of years. A storm could of course wash these slabs away in an instance (perhaps revealing different tracks underneath), but the exposure to human oils from incessant visitors can erode them slowly. Some tracks already have circles around them where past visitors tried to excavate them. Don’t do that either. The site is also a great opportunity for you or your kid to practice a little science. Bring a yardstick or tape measure. Record how large the tracks are yourself. How far apart are the tracks? What dinosaur could this have been? What besides the track measurements might make you say that? Waylon@LHIndependent.com

Austin

Continued from Page 23 The Bullock Texas State History Museum needs no introduction. It’s an experience not to be missed in any season. In the summer, it’s a welcomed retreat. From fun family programs to one-of-a-kind artifacts, there’s a place for every member of the family, from small to tall. Open seven days a week, the museum invites the public to experience the story of the state through its Texas-size exhibitions on three floors, larger than life films on its two massive state-of-the-art screens, varied activities, and much more. Don’t expect to see everything in one visit and do plan to take advantage of their various programs and activities. Some of these programs in particular, should enhance your experience at the museum. H-E-B Free First Sundays: Admission is free to the exhibitions all day on the first Sunday of every month. On most first Sundays, H-E-B presents family programs from noon to 3 p.m. that integrate art, performances, and gallery activities. Family Workshops: Check the museum’s calendar for programs that tell the stories behind various exhibitions and artifacts. The 45-minute workshops provide opportunities for children ages six and up to create something related to the discussion. Exhibitions: Many of the galleries through-

out the museum use artifacts to bring to life the history of Texas. Films: Discover life through history, science, and culture as depicted in film on the museum’s two superb theaters. The Texas Spirit Theater utilizes unique 4D effects to bring the Texas experience to you while upgraded digital technology in the IMAX Theater presents the magical world of science, history, and the natural world on the state’s biggest screen. Admission to the museum ranges from $9 for youth to $13 for adults. If time doesn’t permit a visit to the museum, immerse yourself and your family in the campfire stories of the people who defined Texas. These intriguing stories come to life online at www.thestoryoftexas.com/discover/ campfire-stories. Also, consider taking advantage of the museum’s “History Timeline” at www.thestoryoftexas.com/discover/ texas-history-timeline and the Texas Story Project to read about unique stories from people around the state. The Texas Story Project is online at www.thestoryoftexas. com/discover/texas-state-capitol The Texas State Bullock Museum is located at 1800 Congress Ave. It is open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 Noon to 5 p.m.

THE INDEPENDENT’S GRADUATION EDITION Advertising Deadline is May 9! Contact us now for special business, family rates katie@LHIndependent.com


SUMMER GUIDE

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

unity, m m o ture C p l u c S ent Art & s l l e i r H p y e t merc Liber m & o l l C i f H o ber iberty m L a h f o C l y l rty Hi e The Cit b i L e & Th

FRIDAY, JUNE 16 6-8PM Liberty Hill Cafe "Supper Club" & Wine Tasting in downtown Liberty Hill For information, visit www.libertyhilltx.gov or call 512-778-5449.

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

What’s your favorite Netflix series to binge watch?

Thursday, March 23, 2017

AVERY HEIDER Sophomore “Friends”

School ends May 26 and begins again August 21, so we asked some students at Liberty Hill High School which Netflix series they are looking forward to binge watching this summer. (COURTESY PHOTOS) ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

BRADYN BATY Senior “Switched at Birth”

MATTY HILBRICH Junior “Friends”

SUMMER

ALLISON VAN KLAVEREN, Soph. “Gilmore Girls”

MOLLY MELDAU Sophomore “Parenthood”

512-810-0185 adrienne@hughes-and-company.com www.hughes-and-company.com

MARLEY O’BRIEN Sophomore “The Fosters”

Do you have any home improvement projects on your summer to-do list? Here are some of my favorites with both the average cost and the average return on investment:

Home Improvement Projects

Adrienne Hughes

JACKSON EAST Senior “The Office”

Project

Average Cost

Average Return

Repair Damaged Floors

$750

250%

Paint

$700

200%

Kitchen Renovation (minor)

$8,500

79%

Kitchen Renovation (major)

$24,000

70%

Bathroom Renovation

$7,500

69%

New Roof

$6,500

61%

Deck

$6,000

60%

Replace Windows/ Doors

$12,000

55%

Add a Swimming Pool

$45,000

39%

Source: National Association of The Remodeling Industry and HomeGain.com

Do you have any questions about home improvement projects? Or, the Austin area real estate market? Give me a call; I would be honored to help you in any way I can!


SUMMER GUIDE

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Page 27

COURAGE CHEER & DANCE UNITED

2017 SUMMER CAMPS Tumble and Parkour Camps $79 members/$99 non members Dance Intensives $49 members/$59 non members

All Star Camps $49 members/$59 non members See Summer Calendar for Camp Dates and Details $599 unlimited camp pass for all camps (over $1200 Value) Courage Events $39 members/$49 non members Fun Day, 4th of July Lock In, Back to School Lock In

Open Gyms Every Friday Night 7- 9pm All Ages Trampoline, Parkour, Tumbling, Dancing $5 members/$10 non

Club Courage Teen Night Every Saturday Night 8-10pm Starts April 22nd | Ages 13-18 with High School ID, Dancing & Music $10 members /$15 non

Indoor Explore Mondays 10-11am $5 Ages Pre-K and younger Tot Tumbling, Dance and Trampoline classes available.

134 Jonathan Dr Liberty Hill • 512-548-6705 • WWW.COURAGECHEERANDDANCE.COM

WE HAVE FLOOR PLANS FOR YOUR BIG PLANS. Clearwater Ranch

DISCOVER CLEARWATER RANCH Pick your perfect floor plan from a luxurious portfolio of 10 homes ranging from 2,600 to 4,600+ sq. ft. At Drees, we make it easy to design a home that’s so you – at Clearwater Ranch in Liberty Hill. • 1 acre wooded home sites • Beautiful Hill Country setting • Creekside community park and playground • Exemplary Liberty Hill ISD

CR200

183

29

Homes from the $420s For information contact Market Manager Jim Reed at 512.548.6845 or visit dreeshomes.com

212 Bold Sundown Liberty Hill, TX 78642 Decorated Model Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10 am to 6 pm Sunday: 12 pm to 6 pm

©2016 The Drees Company. All rights reserved. 171534 2/17


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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, March 23, 2017

SURROUNDING AREA

Directo�y BERTRAM

LEANDER 1. Robin Bledsoe Water Playscape | 406 Municipal Drive

The zero depth water playscape is designed to be a safe and fun area for even the youngest swimmers to get a break from the heat! This area features a variety of water features and interactive elements from ground sprays to overhead buckets that randomly dump water.

May 1 – Sep 30 | Open Daily | 9am – 8pm Free Admission

2. Robin Bledsoe Swimming Pool | 406 Municipal Drive

The Junior Olympic-size pool features a gradual slope from 3 feet in the shallow end to 12 feet in the well under the diving board. The pool area also includes shade structures, deck chairs, and four umbrella covered picnic tables. Handicap pool lift available upon request.

Jun 5 – Aug 27 Mon, 1pm – 5pm | Tues – Fri, 1pm – 7pm | Sat, 11am – 7pm | Sun, 1pm – 7pm Also Open Memorial Day Weekend & Labor Day Weekend $2 Admission

6. City of Bertram Swimming Pool | 601 W. Vaughn Street

The zero entry pool has lifeguards on duty during operational hours. Gazebos and picnic tables are also available for use.

Opens May 27 | Mon – Sat | 1pm – 6pm $2 Admission

GEORGETOWN 7. San Jose Park Splash Pad | 1707 San Jose Street

The 1,656 square-foot water play area has 15 spray features, including a spray archway called a Super Soaker, a shower tunnel that sprays water in an archway from the ground, a T-shaped pole that spins and sprays called a Storm Spinner, popcorn jets that shoot water from the ground, and a post that sprays water in a bell shape.

Apr 1 – Sep 30 | Open Daily | 9am – 8pm Free Admission

3. Quarry Splash Pad | 3005 County Road 175 Located inside Williamson County Regional Park, the splash pad was constructed out of a former quarry and features a variety of spigots, shapes, and sprays, along with a waterfall and rock slide.

May 20 – Sep 4 | Open Daily | 10am – 7pm $2 Admission (Cash Only)

CEDAR PARK 4. Veterans Memorial Pool | 2525 W. New Hope Drive

6

BERTRAM

LIBERTY HILL

This 8,300 sq. ft. activity pool with a drop slide, jumping platform and water playground also features additional amenities including a family slide, cargo net log crossing, water basketball, and rentable poolside shade. Maximum capacity 450.

June 3 – Aug 20 | Mon-Sat: 12pm – 7pm | Sun: 12pm – 6pm Admission: 3 & Under – Free | Ages 4-8: $2 | Ages 9-17: $4 | Ages 18 Up: $5 | Over 60 or Military with ID: $2

5. Brushy Creek Lake Park Water Playscape | 3300 Brushy Creek Road

This splash pad, complete with jets gushing water up from the ground and colorful pipes spraying water from above, is also home to picnic tables, a shaded playground and Brushy Creek Lake.

7

GEORGETOWN 1&2

LEANDER

3 4

CEDAR PARK

May 1 – Sep 30 | Open Daily | 10am – 8pm Free Admission

Admission Fees & Hours of Operation Subject to Change

5


SUMMER GUIDE

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Page 29

Dental Care & Orthodontics for Your Children and Teens • Comprehensive Dental Care for Children & Teens • Routine Check-Up & Cleanings • In-Office Conscious Sedation & General Anesthesia • Orthodontics

Call Now To Schedule

512.258.8888

BirthToBraces.com 2051 Cypress Creek Rd. Suite N Cedar Park, TX 78613

(Corner of Cypress Creek Rd & El Salido Pkwy)

Bert C. Vasut, DDS

Sam F. Alzayat, DDS

• Open To All LHISD Students K-6 • LHYFC Follows LHISD Football & Cheer Curriculums • Registration for Fall Season Open April-June

www.LHYFC.com


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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Find an App to keep the kids entertained this summer

By KATIE AMSLER Advertising Director As much as we’d like to pretend that our kids will have an electronics-free summer, let’s be honest, sometimes an iPad will give Mom an extra 30 minutes of sanity. So draw a bath, grab your favorite book, or organize your closet. We’ve compiled the best apps to keep your kids entertained this summer! Geometry Dash - $1.99 Ages 4+ Prepare for a near impossible challenge in the world of Geometry Dash. Push your skills to the limit as you jump, fly and flip your way through dangerous passages and spiky obstacles. Faces iMake - $1.99 Ages 4+ Create faces using unusual collage materials, such as candy, toys, fruit, musical instruments, and more to make fanciful art. Flow Free - Free Ages 4+ Connect matching colors with pipe to create a Flow®. Pair all colors, and cover the entire board to solve each puzzle in Flow Free. But watch out, pipes will break if they cross or overlap! Chore Monster - Free Ages 4 - 12

COURTESY PHOTO

Take the tension out of chores with an easyto-use tool. Kids earn points by completing chores and earn rewards to be used towards things like ice cream, an hour of Xbox, or a

family camping trip. Parents manage their children’s chores and the rewards they can earn. Parents monitor chores through the compatible Mothership app.

ly plagued the British excavators in the early 20th Century. The second exhibition, “TimeWalk,” takes visitors on a tour through Earth’s long, dramatic history. Starting in the murky depths of the Precambrian Era, the display carries through to the Jurassic and into the Holocene eras with a staggering collection of ancient fossils. You’ll meet the skull of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Saber Tooth Tiger, and a cast of “Lucy,” the remains of a hominid woman thought to have lived over 3 million years ago. Driving Time: 20 Minutes Bring: Walking Shoes, Your Imagination .....

ter deal! But don’t worry, the budget prices don’t mean cheap services. These are still trained professionals, and you’re guaranteed your safety as much as possible in an activity in which you literally leap out of a plane from two miles up. Plus, if you want to learn how to skydive on your own, this is the place. The Accelerated Freefall Program gives interested jumpers an opportunity to learn the accepted and practiced techniques that the professionals have honed for years. Driving Time: 40 Minutes Bring: Comfortable Clothes, Tennis Shoes, a Deathwish ..... Have you ever ridden in a helicopter? Have you ever shot a machine gun? Do both at Heligunners, which offers Helicopter Target Practice. Participants can enjoy the unique opportunity to shoot reactive steel targets out of the air from an MD-500 Military Helicopter, which the company normally uses to perform hog exterminations (you can sign up for that as well). The first 10 minutes of the 20 minute ride are spent in the front, observing Williamson County from a bird’s eye view. The last 10 are spent operating

Inventioneers - $2.99 Ages 6-8 Create your own crazy, fun inventions! With the help of the Inventioneers, our tiny helpers with unique characteristics, you can invent fun, creative and often quite weird inventions. Move the Turtle - $3.99 Ages 9-11 Learn the basics of creating computer programs, using intuitive graphic commands. A friendly turtle will introduce your child step by step to the basic concepts of programming in a colorful graphic environment. Presidents vs. Aliens - $1.99 Ages 9-11 Learn presidential facts, quotes, nicknames and historical events, and use your knowledge to help the presidents defeat the aliens. Fling the presidents at the aliens to knock them all down. Use the many special objects and “Executive Powers” to increase the fun! Jet Pack Joy Ride - Free Ages 10+ Suit up with a selection of the coolest jetpacks ever made, and test your skills as legendary action hero Barry Steakfries. Katie@LHIndependent.com

Day Trips

Continued from Page 15 ..... The Texas Museum of Science and Technology in Cedar Park only opened the doors to its permanent building in mid2015, when it debuted it’s own exhibit on BODY WORLDS. For the 13 years before, this planetarium traveled all around Central Texas as a stargazing showcase centered on the past 3 billion years of Earth’s history. Now, their mission is to create a long-lasting center to “ignite curiosity, embrace imagination expand understanding and build a community for science and technology in Central Texas.” On display now and throughout the summer are two traveling exhibits. The first is a display of artifacts from the tomb of the Ancient Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun, called “Wonderful Things: From the Tomb.” 131 replicas of the ruler’s possessions — such as the golden mummy case, his funerary mask, bed, royal jewelry, canopic shrine, chariot and more — will paint a vivid picture of a turbulent and dangerous time in Egyptian history, when its first monotheistic religion fought against the old pantheon cult. This is the same Tutankhamun of the infamous mummy’s curse, which supposed-

FOR THE CRAZY AND THRILL-THIRSTY Want to take your date for a wild, say really wild, time? Take them skydiving at Skydive Temple in Salado. Go ahead and make it a quadruple-date with your friends and get a big discount, as for groups of 5 or more, the price drops by $10 a person. For a group of 10 or more, the rate drops by $20 a person. Make a Facebook event and attract a crowd (20 or more people and the organizer jumps for free). Go on a Thursday for an even bet-

A swimmer on the banks of Salado Creek. (Courtesy Photo) the gunnery in the back. Each flight takes 4-5 passes over their custom gunnery ranger, with 8-10 reactive targets on each pass. The company holds periodic events here in Liberty Hill, though they’ve also operated in Marble Falls and surrounding towns. Wait until the next demo, or book a private event on their website. Driving Time: 5-30 Minutes Bring: Laced Boots, Comfortable Clothes, Low-Recoil Guns with Ammunition (optional, since they also provide their own). Waylon@LHIndependent.com


SUMMER GUIDE

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Page 31

UNITED, REALTORS TheATeamRealtyGroupTexas.com

Cheryl Arnold, REALTOR®, MRP License # 642702 Transaction Manager The A-Team Realty Group 512-818-0048 Cheryl.Arnold@cbunited.com

Bobby Arnold, REALTOR®, ABR, CNE, GRI

License # 626056 Team Leader The A-Team Realty Group 512-635-3574 Bobby.Arnold@cbunited.com

Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS® are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker is a registered service mark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC.

DEMOLITION SERVICES

Interior & Exterior • Complete or Partial Building • Slab Swimming Pool Demolition • Land Clearing Maynard Construction Services | www.maynardcs.com | 512-887-3366


Page 32

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, March 23, 2017


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