76537 Life • August 2026

AUGUST 2026

A Sweet New Chapter The Sweet Spot Bakery & Boutique

COMMUNITY Jarrell's 25th Anniversary 9/11 Stair Climb

KIDS & EDUCATION The Evolution of the Classroom

WORTH THE DRIVE The Painted Porch Bookshop

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ABOUT THIS ISSUE

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n an age where the rush of daily news often overshadows the deeper narratives that shape our community, 76537 Life constantly strives to be an eager beacon of positivity and unity. Far more than just a lifestyle magazine, our publishers and staff are committed to creating a means of getting to know what makes our community thrive: its people and their impact.

Since its inception in 2021, 76537 Life, Has grown with the community – we originally mailed to 4,200 homes and businesses in 76537 and now mail to over 9,600 homes and businesses monthly.

Works closely with Jarrell Independent School District, the Jarrell Chamber of Commerce, Sonterra MUD, Jarrell Economic Development Corporation, Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center, and the City of Jarrell.

Is a local business, located in Jarrell, that employs local people.

Has, to date, mailed close to 400,000 magazines within the 76537 area.

But we are also good at doing what we do — showcasing prominent community agencies and initiatives like the Jarrell Education Foundation, Jarrell Community Library, Jarrell ISD students, FFA, 4-H, and many more on our covers and in multipage features. These not only celebrate their contributions but also inspire readers to personally engage and participate in the missions of these community pillars.

 You’ll notice a common theme throughout this issue: books and reading.

Since I discovered reading for fun in 2020, it has completely transformed my life. It has become more than a hobby—it has introduced me to incredible stories, meaningful friendships, and new ways to connect with people.

Chances are, if you see me in the school pickup line, at a sports practice, at my desk, or anywhere in between, I’ll have a book in my hands or ears. I hope the stories in this issue inspire you to pick up a book, visit your local library, or simply remind you of the joy that reading can bring.

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PUBLISHERS Cathy Payne • Mike Payne COMMUNITY EDITOR Camy Reynolds SENIOR WRITER/COPY EDITOR Ann Marie Kennon ∙ Charlotte Kovalchuk CONTRIBUTING WRITER Linda A. Thornton GRAPHICS Ann Marie Kennon ∙ Joni Mozis DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER Jesse Payne ADVERTISING 512.746.4545 • info@myjarrell.com 76537 Life is a Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC publication and a product of AdvocateNewsTX Newspaper.

Copyright © 2026 All rights reserved. 76537 Life is published monthly and mailed USPS, free of charge, to homes and businesses in the 76537 zip code. Mail may be sent to 76537 Life, P.O. Box 213, Jarrell, TX 76537.

Email: info@myjarrell.com

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CONTENT

8 IN THIS ISSUE

16 22

6 / COVER FEATURE The Sweet Spot • A New Chapter for an Old Favorite 8 / COMMUNITY • 25th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb 12 / KIDS & EDUCATION • The Evolution of the Classroom 16 / LIFESTYLE • Turning Reluctant Readers into Bookworms 18 / ADVERTORIAL • Family Emergency Room of Georgetown 20 / THRIVING AFTER 55 • How Reading Continues to Shape our Lives 22 / WHAT MAKES TEXAS 'TEXAS' • The Texas Two-Step 26 / WORTH THE DRIVE • The Painted Porch Bookshop 28 / NEIGHBOR LEIGH • The Sunday Afternoon of the Year

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

by Ca my Rey nolds

THE SWEET SPOT

A Sweet New Chapter for a Jarrell Favorite For years, Love at First Bite has been a Jarrell favorite for homemade baked goods, catering, and comfort food.

Now, owner Denay Hill has breathed new life into the familiar space with a concept that still satisfies those cravings while giving local entrepreneurs a place to grow.

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he Sweet Spot Bakery & Boutique is more than a bakery or gift shop. It's a collaborative marketplace where nearly 20 local small businesses share shelves, showcase their talents, and offer shoppers a unique collection of handcrafted products alongside the bakery favorites customers have loved for years.

For Denay, the inspiration came from two simple desires—strengthening the community and reconnecting with the people she had been missing. "It has always been my heart's intention to make my community stronger," she said. "I wanted to create opportunities for other small entrepreneurs while also getting back to baking for my people.

I missed them."

That community-first philosophy is evident the moment visitors walk through the front door.

More Than A Bakery Rather than rows of mass-produced merchandise, customers discover an ever-changing collection of handcrafted and locally made products. Shoppers can browse handmade jewelry, handbags, candles, essential oils, healing salves, crocheted gifts, home décor, custom T-shirts—including Jarrell High School apparel—bird baths, concrete-crafted bowls, children's backpacks and lunch boxes, local honey, wall art, women's and children's clothing and much more.

Of course, no visit would be complete without stopping by the bakery counter. Fresh baked goods from Love at First Bite remain a cornerstone of the business, joined by brioche breads, gluten-free desserts, snacks, and an extensive drink menu featuring dirty sodas, iced coffees, horchata, and specialty teas.

Denay says many longtime customers are relieved to discover that while the name on the building has changed, the recipes—and the baker behind them—have not. "People still ask about their favorite treats," she says with a smile. "Of course you can still get cinnamon rolls, brownies, carrot cake, and our popular Pie Day Fridays. And if there's something you've been missing, you can still order it."

"It's still me doing the cooking— not the name or the building."

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Building a Community of Entrepreneurs

Sweet Reasons to Stop By

Today, The Sweet Spot is home to 18 local businesses, with room to welcome even more vendors who offer products that complement the boutique's growing selection. Having experienced the challenges of owning a small business herself, Denay understands the importance of creating a space where entrepreneurs can thrive.

The Sweet Spot Bakery & Boutique is home to 18 local businesses under one roof. Here's a taste of what you'll discover:

"Together is better. I wanted to create a place that gives entrepreneurs hope while building something better for our community."

That collaborative approach has created an atmosphere unlike a traditional retail store. Every display tells the story of another local maker, artist, or entrepreneur chasing a dream, while customers have the opportunity to shop local and support multiple families in a single visit.

Perhaps the biggest surprise for Denay has been how much she has enjoyed spending time on the front side of the business. "For so many years I was in the kitchen or behind the scenes," she says. "This summer I've had the opportunity to be out front, meet new people and have conversations with them. That's been the most rewarding part."

Looking ahead, she believes the future of The Sweet Spot will be shaped by the community itself. "If people continue to support us, there's so much more we could do," she says. "We have a small seating area now, but with enough support we could bring back some lunch menu favorites, extend our hours and even create more jobs here in Jarrell."

BAKERY FAVORITES Famous cinnamon rolls

Carrot cake

Brownies

Gluten-free desserts

Brioche breads

Pie Day Fridays

DRINKS Dirty sodas

Horchata

Iced coffees

Specialty teas

SHOP LOCAL Candles

Custom Jarrell apparel

Essential oils

Crocheted gifts

Local honey

Wall art

Handbags

Children's backpacks & lunch boxes

Handmade jewelry

Home décor Women's & children's clothing

Concrete bird baths & bowls

DIDN'T SEE YOUR OLD FAVORITE? Many Love at First Bite specialties are still available by special order.

The Sweet Spot Bakery & Boutique 180 Town Center Blvd Ste 1200 Fresh bakery items Coffee & specialty drinks Gifts from 18 local vendors Special-order bakery favorites Seating area for relaxing with a treat Ultimately, Denay hopes residents see The Sweet Spot as more than another place to shop. She wants it to become a destination where neighbors connect, local businesses thrive, and newcomers immediately feel at home. "The Sweet Spot is really small businesses within a small business," she says. "Whether you've lived here for years or you just moved to Jarrell, you're welcome here. We ask for local support, and we promise to continue serving our community with great options.

And if you don't see what you're looking for, just ask. We love special requests."

For longtime fans of Love at First Bite, The Sweet Spot offers the familiar flavors they've missed. For local artisans, it provides an opportunity to grow. And for Jarrell, it's another reminder that some of the community's sweetest success stories are built when neighbors choose to support one another.

Supporting local makers, artisans and entrepreneurs while bringing unique shopping and homemade treats to Jarrell.

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COMMUNITY

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wenty-five years after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Jarrell Fire and Rescue (Williamson County ESD 5) is expanding its annual remembrance into a larger community wide tribute. For years, the department has hosted a small memorial ceremony at its original fire station, drawing department members and a handful of community residents to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and loss of 9/11. But as the 25th anniversary approaches, organizers felt the milestone called for something more. “This year is a big deal,” says Morgan Coop, financial manager with ESD 5. “We thought we’d do something bigger and got some other partners involved.”

The department’s inaugural 9/11 25th Anniversary Memorial Stair Climb will bring together Jarrell Fire and Rescue, the Jarrell Chamber of Commerce, Jarrell Police Department, Jarrell ISD Police Department, and first responders from across Central Texas to honor those who answered the call during 9/11. The memorial pays tribute to the 343 firefighters, 60 law enforcement officers, eight EMTs and paramedics, and nearly 3,000 innocent lives lost during the attacks. The anniversary carries added significance because an entire generation is now growing up with no firsthand memory of September 11.

“We’ve reached the generation where a lot of people weren’t alive during that time,” Morgan says. “It’s important to show them the promise we made to never forget.”

For Jarrell Fire Chief Ron Stewart, the passage of time has only strengthened the department’s commitment to honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. “Twenty-five years does not lessen the impact of that day,” he says. “The fire service promises to never forget those who lost their lives.

Whether it’s the 25th, 50th or 100th anniversary, we will always pause to remember and give honor and respect for their ultimate sacrifice.”

RETRACING STEPS OF COURAGE

CLIMB TOGETHER

Remember Together.

Honor Together.

Never forget.

JARRELL FIRE AND RESCUE INVITES THE COMMUNITY TO HONOR HEROES DURING 25TH ANNIVERSARY 9/11 MEMORIAL STAIR CLIMB 8

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The morning will begin with a 15-minute memorial ceremony led by Chief Stewart, Jarrell Police Chief Jim McLean, Jarrell ISD Police Chief Sharif Mezayek, County Judge Steve Snell and Commissioner Russ Boles. During the ceremony, speakers will guide attendees through the timeline from 2001, reflecting on where they were as the attacks unfolded and how events of that day changed the nation forever. The department’s honor guard will present colors, followed by a traditional firefighter ceremony in which a bell is rung three times to honor firefighters who have died in the line of duty.

Following the ceremony, participants will climb the equivalent of 110 flights of stairs, symbolizing firefighters' courageous ascent inside the World Trade Center, answering the call to save others. Judge Snell hopes the event reminds people of the sacrifices made that day, and the unity that followed. “The one thing I remember about the tragedy of 9/11 is during the aftermath, the country was united and patriotism was shown everywhere. I think it’s important for events like this to continue to remind us of the sacrifices made that day and to stay connected to the things that unite us as communities.”

by Ch ar l o t te Koval c h u k

A COMMUNITY CLIMBING TOGETHER

Jarrell firefighters will complete the climb wearing full bunker gear, while members of the public are invited to participate at their own pace. Those who prefer not to climb the stadium stairs are invited to walk laps around the track in solidarity. Participants are encouraged to arrive between 7:30 and 8am for check-in before the ceremony begins at 8:30am. Organizers also invite attendees to wear a name or photo of someone who lost their life on September 11, serving as a visible reminder of the individual they are honoring throughout the climb.

The event is supported by H-E-B and Warren Mechanical, with H-E-B providing breakfast for participating first responders and merch proceeds benefit the 9/11 Memorial Fund. Organizers are still seeking additional sponsors and volunteers to help provide refreshments, food, and sports drinks for participants following the event.

Whether participants climb all 110 flights, walk the track, or gather to encourage those making the climb, organizers hope the event leaves everyone with the same message: the promise to never forget. “Whether you climb in memory of a loved one, in support of first responders, or simply to pay your respects,” Morgan says, “your presence helps keep their legacy alive.”

EVENT DETAILS Sept 12 • Jarrell High School Stadium Check-in: 7:30–8:00 a.m. • Ceremony: 8:30 a.m.

Cost: Free to participate (t-shirt, challenge coin $25) Climb: 110 flights (firefighters) or walk the track Scan the code to register or contact Morgan at admin@wilcoesd5.org to sponsor the event.

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WEEKEND MASS TIMES: SATURDAY VIGIL 5:00PM SUNDAYS 7:30AM, 9:30AM & 11:30AM

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KIDS & EDUCATION

by Ch a r lot te Kova lc hu k

THEN AND NOW Reflecting on Three Decades of Change in the Classroom

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here was a time when the first day of school meant a brand-new Trapper Keeper, freshly sharpened #2 pencils, a lunchbox featuring your favorite cartoon character, and brown grocery bags carefully folded around every textbook. If you were lucky, your best friend ended up in the same homeroom. If not, you spent the next nine months hoping your teacher would change the seating chart.

For Baby Boomers and Generation X, school looked remarkably different from the classrooms students will enter this August. Chalkboards have given way to interactive displays. Heavy textbooks have been replaced by Chromebooks. Parents who once waited six weeks for report cards can now check grades from their phones.

Few people have witnessed that transformation more closely than retired Jarrell ISD educator Jackie Puska, who has spent 32 years teaching and watched Jarrell grow from a tiny district of just a few hundred students into one of the fastest-growing school systems in Central Texas.

When Jackie walked into her new classroom at Jarrell ISD in 1994 as its first pre-kindergarten teacher, she remembers walls covered in slate chalkboards and no computers or a school phone. “The first day was very exciting and very frightening since I was starting something brand new,” says Jackie, who now serves as a math interventionist at the Berry Creek Elementary School opening this fall. “I didn’t have a cell phone at the time, so I had to leave my teacher aid in charge and go all the way to the main office if I needed to take a call. We didn’t have any technology in the classrooms.

It was all so very different.”

Three decades later, the chalkboards and pre-digital era classrooms have been replaced by whiteboards, computers, and digital learning tools. As computers and other technology began making their way into classrooms, many schools transitioned away from chalkboards in part because chalk dust could interfere with the new equipment. For Jackie, the change was more personal—she had developed an allergic reaction to the chalk dust.

WHEN TECHNOLOGY CHANGED EVERYTHING The shift from chalkboards to whiteboards was only the beginning of the transformation she would witness in the 12

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classroom. The biggest change, she says, has been the growing role technology now plays in education. When she began teaching, lessons were delivered through transparencies and overhead projectors.

She remembers the excitement of receiving the classroom’s first Macintosh computer—a bulky machine that occupied its own corner of the classroom and introduced students to a whole new way of learning. Back then, teaching kids how to use a computer mouse was a challenge, whereas today, students often enter classrooms already familiar with technology. “Kids can figure out how to solve a technology problem now, whereas before kids had no technology in their homes,” Jackie says. “Now it’s unusual for kids to come into a classroom without some kind of technology.”

THE THINGS WE GAINED—AND LOST She believes technology has brought incredible opportunities to the classroom, from providing teachers with instant feedback on student skills to creating easier communication with families. But she also sees what has been lost along the way. She remembers the excitement students felt when searching for answers together—sitting in the library, flipping through books, and discovering something new. Now, many

KIDS & EDUCATION answers are only a Google search away. “That anticipatory wonder kids had back in the late ’90s and early 2000s has been lost because they can get it instantly,” she says.

She also remembers when elementary classrooms relied more heavily on traditional textbooks and hands-on activities, with students learning through tangible materials and direct experiences. Today, elementary education has moved away from the traditional “turn to page…” approach, with lessons often shaped by workshops, digital resources, and more interactive forms of learning.

The evolution of the classroom extends beyond curriculum and technology. Jackie recalls when classroom “mothers”— parent volunteers who helped teachers with activities, celebrations, and special projects—and frequent classroom parties were a regular part of the school year. While schools still find ways to celebrate and build community, some of those familiar traditions have become less common as curriculum demands and instructional expectations have changed.

HOLDING ON TO WONDER But the heart of teaching remains the same: helping children learn, explore, and grow. Jackie believes children today are growing up in a rapidly changing world—one where they have access to more information than ever before. For her, the future of education isn't about choosing between the old and the new. It's about finding the balance—using technology's possibilities while preserving the curiosity, discovery, and wonder that have always made classrooms special.

As another school year begins, that balance is playing out in classrooms across Jarrell and beyond. Whether students are carrying pencils and crayons or fully charged Chromebooks, the first day of school still represents something much bigger than school supplies. It is a fresh start, a chance to make new friends, discover new talents, and find teachers who believe in them.

The classrooms may have traded chalk dust for touchscreens, but every August still begins with the same quiet promise: this might be the year something wonderful happens.

1980s

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LIFESTYLE

by Ch a r lot te Kova lc hu k

 TURNING

RELUCTANT READERS

INTO BUDDING BOOKWORMS ALTERNATIVE FORMS TO HELP KIDS DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF READING

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mental health peer support specialist at the Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center, Ailina Aponte remembers when the library was her least favorite place.

“When I was a kid, I hated reading. I wasn’t a reader at all.”

That aversion to books was a constant source of exasperation for her mother, a lifelong bibliophile and reading advocate who spent summers handing them an endless assortment of books at the library. “It didn’t matter what genre,” Ailina says, “she just kept trying to initiate that spark.” One of those books was Tears of a Tiger, a young adult novel that explores grief, racism, and mental health through the story of a high school basketball player who accidentally causes the death of his best friend in a drunk driving collision. “I just got so hooked,” she remembers of the book that would inspire a newfound love of reading as well as a career devoted to helping others navigate mental health challenges.

Ailina’s childhood as an initially reluctant reader mirrors the struggle many kids and teens face when it comes to developing regular reading habits. The National Literacy Trust’s annual literacy survey shows youth enthusiasm for reading has fallen to its lowest level in 20 years. Just one in three

aged 8 to 18 said they enjoyed reading in their free time in 2025—a 36 percent decline since the survey began in 2005.

Daily reading has also dropped, with fewer than one in five saying they read something every day in their spare time. Yet reading remains a powerful tool for supporting children and teens’ academic, emotional, and social development.

Reading does more than build vocabulary and literacy.

It has been linked to greater empathy, improved focus and cognitive function, reduced stress, and better emotional well-being. For children and teens, books offer safe spaces to explore new perspectives, develop emotional awareness, and find comfort in stories that reflect their own experiences.

For Ailina, a traditional novel sparked a lifelong love of reading, but every reader's path is different. "If big chapter books aren't your thing, try novellas, graphic novels, or audio books.".

“There are so many options, and all of them count as reading.”

BEYOND THE PAGE For reluctant readers, finding the right format can make all the difference. While a traditional physical book may be the perfect fit for some, others may connect with reading through audio, visuals, or interactive features. The goal is not finding one “right” way to read—it’s discovering the experience that captures their imagination and makes stories come alive.

AUDIO BOOKS

E-BOOKS

GRAPHIC NOVELS

Audible Kids offers a large collection of children’s audio books with a paid subscription. Hoopla and Libby connect young readers with free audio books and e-books through participating libraries. YouTubeKids provides access to read-aloud stories and interactive storytelling videos. For screen-free options, Yoto Player uses physical cards to play audio books, podcasts, and short stories.

For kids who prefer reading on a tablet or e-reader, platforms like Epic!, Libby, Hoopla, Sora, and Kindle Kids offer digital books with adjustable text sizes and built-in dictionaries.

Graphic novels can help readers engage with stories through both visual and written storytelling, serving as a great entry point for those who feel intimidated by traditional chapter books.

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LIFESTYLE HIGH-LOW BOOKS

IMMERSIVE READING

Short for high interest, low readability, high-low books are designed for readers whose reading abilities are below the typical level for their age group. They pair engaging, age-appropriate topics with simpler vocabulary and shorter sentences to make reading more accessible.

Combining text, audio, visuals, and interactive features, immersive reading can help make stories more accessible and engaging for reluctant readers. Print options like Wonderbooks and VOX Books pair physical books with built-in narration, while digital platforms like Epic!, Sora, and other apps offer read-aloud features, highlighted text, and interactive elements.

UNEARTHING A SUMMER OF STORIES The ongoing decline in reading enthusiasm among kids and teens is why libraries and bookstores continue filling their calendars with story times, book clubs, and summer reading programs that spark imaginations and help the next generation discover the joy of reading. This year's national Summer Reading Program theme, "Unearth a Story," invited libraries to celebrate the joy of discovering stories through books, programs, and shared community experiences. At the Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center, that theme came to life through a month of reading challenges and hands-on activities encouraging readers of all ages to dig into a treasure trove of literary adventures.

Throughout June and July, readers from babies to seniors participated in the library's summer program, tracking reading through the Beanstack app while enjoying activities that encouraged creativity and connection. From interactive story times to a dinosaur tea party, the program gave families opportunities to celebrate books in ways that extended beyond the page.

Beyond encouraging a love of books, summer reading programs also help students stay connected to learning while

away from the classroom. "Things that kids learned in the last school year aren't always retained, so reading is a good transition back into it and getting back into the swing of things," Ailina says. "Reading during the summer downtime always helps before going back to school. If they're exercising their minds, that gap doesn't seem so big."

Although the official program has ended, library staff encourage families to keep those reading habits alive as the new school year begins. Even reading a page or two each day can help students retain what they learned over hat the summer and make habit is w Building a ntum going the transition back to mome s. keeps the the classroom easimmer end ng after su lo er. Most importantly, every type of reading counts, whether it's a graphic novel, an audio book, a chapter book, or a parent reading aloud.

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ADVERTORIAL

FAMILY EMERGENCY ROOM AT GEORGETOWN

24 / 7 / 365 A

PERSONALIZED PATIENT SERVICE & ENHANCED EMERGENCY CARE

welcoming, personal greeting in a comfortable waiting area awaits patients who come to Family Emergency Room at Georgetown. The goal of this premier health care provider—located at 1210 W. University Ave. in Georgetown, next to Walgreens—is to provide personal, patient-centered care that combines a state-of-the-art facility with caring attention.

The beautiful facility, less than 15 minutes from Jarrell, treats children and adults in a comfortable, private setting that truly puts patients first. From day one, the mission was to create a practice where patients receive the care and attention they deserve, directly from a Board Certified Emergency Physician. “I wanted to practice personalized Emergency Medicine in an environment that would allow me to spend as much time with my patients as needed. This is an exceptional facility that allows me to truly focus on patient needs while ensuring an effective treatment plan,” Dr. Ryan Prudoff says.

Dr. John Valentini, Dr. Prudoff, and Dr. Rick Daniels are Board Certified in Emergency Medicine and have nearly 70 years of combined experience. They are well prepared to handle any emergency, from broken bones to heart events.

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The facility is equipped with a CT scanner, X-ray, and ultrasound, as well as a full in-house laboratory equipped with a state-of-the-art PCR Rapid Testing, which detects 21 viruses and bacteria in about one hour.

Comprehensive cardiac evaluations are performed utilizing Cardiac Coronary CT Angiography, which directly visualizes heart vessels and can accurately determine coronary heart disease without an invasive catheter procedure. “We are very fortunate to have Coronary CT angiography in our practice. It enables us to safely discharge patients home who present symptoms concerning for heart disease,” Dr. Prudoff says.

Dr. Valentini adds, “We ensure the highest safety standards for our patients and staff. Our facility maintains an exceptional standard of sanitation, including individual in-room and central HEPA filtration, UV and chemical sterilization, and fresh linens for every patient.”

ADVERTORIAL

I took my daughter here for what I thought was a broken index finger. When we walked in, it was clean and the receptionist was very inviting and friendly.

Registration was easy on the iPad. We were seen so quickly that I was still completing my daughter’s registration info. As we walked back I noticed the place was still exceptionally tidy (loved that). Nurse came in, tech came in, doctor followed right behind them. I was taken back by how well and promptly they attended to her for a little broke finger. She went straight back for X-rays. Discharge paperwork and what to do at home list was super simple and very reader friendly. We were in and out in under an hour.

Everyone at Family Emergency Room was incredibly kind and genuinely compassionate. From the moment we arrived and through diagnosis and treatment, we felt we were in good hands. Dr. Daniels is an exemplary physician who patiently listens, asks great questions, and is thorough in his effort to provide an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Best of all, he truly cares. The facility is clean and has all the modern equipment that is needed to diagnose and treat their patients.

The entire experience was outstanding.

I have had to utilize this facility a few times now over the years and have had a great experience each time. I've never had to wait to be seen, and everyone I have encountered has been friendly and caring. Each doctor that I have seen always took their time with me, and never made me feel judged or rushed. I once had to call the day after a visit with some follow up questions, expecting to leave a message, but the doctor actually got on the phone with me to address my concerns. They seem to genuinely care about you and making you feel better.

IMPROVING EMERGENCY CARE

KEEPING UP WITH GROWTH

Doctors and staff take time to build rapport with every patient, and every patient leaves with the doctor’s contact information. “It is my hope that patients receive a level of care that will make stressful situations more comfortable. Patients deserve that personal attention. It was important for us to create a practice where clients have continued access to their physician. I enjoy talking with patients and giving them any support needed to facilitate their healing,” Dr. Valentini says.

With Jarrell continuing to attract new residents from all over the country, Family ER strives to meet the increasing need for immediate health care services. “New residents need quality and safe care in their neighborhoods,” Dr. Valentini says. “We’re here to serve the fastest growing communities in Williamson County when the unexpected happens!”

Family ER meets their community neighbors by supporting local businesses, participating in school PTA functions, and attending Chamber and community events.

Among the many 5-star Google reviews, high quality care is mentioned constantly. One recent review says, “This is by far the best ER I have ever been to in my life. Unfortunately, I’ve had quite a few visits to ERs…this one outshines them all. I actually don’t dread having to go to the ER because the experience is always so above par here.”

Stop by to meet your local doctors and follow Family ER on Facebook and Instagram to save the dates for upcoming CPR classes, preventative screenings, and more.

"We are honored to provide medical services to Georgetown, as well as Jarrell, Liberty Hill, and surrounding communities," Dr. Valentini says. "And to serve as a trusted community partner."

"

WE ENSURE THE HIGHEST SAFETY STANDARDS FOR OUR PATIENTS AND STAFF

DR. VALENTINI

To learn more about Family Emergency Room at Georgetown, call 512-690-4590, or email jvalentini@familyemergencyroom.com.

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 Reading!

THRIVING AFTER 55

by S teve Fou gh t

How Books Continue to Shape our Lives After 55

I

’ve always been a voracious reader. Reading became even more important in my later years as a means of enjoyment, enlightenment, and keeping up with current events, especially as my inclination to travel faded.

From time to time friends have asked me how to get started on a reading program or the books that shaped my understanding of life. I’m thrilled to be asked, and eager to share ideas.

Before we move ahead, I want to point out I didn’t include the time-tested “Great Books”. Those titles/authors are obvious and don’t need to be repeated here. The titles/authors I suggest here are those that resonated with me, and ones that people might not discover otherwise.

Now, let’s turn to the questions posed. For those looking to start a reading program, I suggest reading one local, one state, and one national newspaper, along with one satirical publication (the Babylon Bee is my current favorite). Then add one professional journal. Finally, I recommend historical-based works by contemporary writers (e.g., Michener, Uris, Wouk, and McCullough).

These top-tier readings deal in real world (or near-real) topics and circumstances. So I then suggest venturing off the planet with science fiction (Asimov, Bradbury, Heinlein, Clarke, and Crichton). Then, just for grins, it’s good to toss in an occasional blood-and-gore, no-brainer, shoot-’em-up (e.g., Cussler, Baldacci, Lehane).

The response to the “What are you reading now?” question begins with a few books that shaped my perspective on life, and that I re-read every few years, followed by a couple that help me understand current events and circumstances.

These latter readings shift with time, as do my perspectives.

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BOOKS THAT MADE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WAY I LOOK AT LIFE  THE SHACK (William Paul Young), is stunning, even jolting at times, in the manner it portrays God, in many, many forms, and explains the power of forgiveness. The story begins when the main character, whose daughter has been murdered, receives a note in his mailbox that reads: Mackenzie, It’s been a while. I’ve missed you. I’ll be at the shack next weekend if you want to get together. —Papa “Papa” was his wife’s nickname name for God. So, Mackenzie just got a personal note from God, inviting him to meet for a weekend. And the story ignites after that.  JONATHAN LIVINGSTON SEAGULL (Richard Bach) examines how an individual’s talents, drive, and ambition can run counter to the pressure to conform to societal norms.

Jonathan pursues his own path to excellence at flight and is expelled from the flock. He eventually concludes that freedom and peace are found only when one casts aside society’s constraints and the judgment of others.

THE OX-BOW INCIDENT (Walter van Tilburg Clark and Wallace Stegner) will convince you to never convict anyone on the basis of rumor, news reports, or any other form of hearsay.

The book assails mob rule and vigilante justice, and dramatically emphasizes the importance of due process. The book’s driving force is peer pressure for swift justice that causes good men to commit an evil act.  TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (Harper Lee) explores the societal pressure to conform to deeply rooted racial prejudices in the 1930s South. The trial at the center of the novel reveals the importance of moral courage, empathy, and integrity in the face of extreme bigotry.

THRIVING AFTER 55  BEING MORTAL (Atul Gawande) examines the proposition that medical science has outpaced medical ethics. Medical science prolongs life, but not necessarily the quality of life, and barely deals with death, except as something to be defeated rather than managed. Hospice and palliative care are cited as examples by which individuals can manage death, and die with dignity and on their own terms.

The next two books are rooted in Afghanistan. I selected these books because Afghanistan retains a great deal of the nomadic, tribal culture that permeated the Middle East before the Europeans drew artificial state boundaries after World War I. I wanted to examine how a deeply seated culture coped with intrusion of the modern, western world.  THE KITE RUNNER (Khaled Hosseini) explores the idea that true redemption requires more than apologies or expressions of remorse. Redemption requires one to confront past sins, make reparations, and eventually offer forgiveness. The story is told through the characters’ experiences in a rigid religious culture, under conditions of both poverty and wealth, and with rugged differences among the participants.  CARAVANS (James Michener), seems to be a simple book about a search for a missing woman. As the search proceeds, the story delves deeply into the religious and tribal culture of a nomadic people and their struggle to maintain their identity. In the end, the reader is faced with two very different societies facing similar problems, but each constrained, and reinforced, by their cultural heritage.

As I noted at the beginning, I thrive on reading, I’ve found it to be good for my mind and my soul. Plus, we know there’s a cause-and-effect relationship between reading and success. Successful people read, a lot.

Various studies reveal that executives typically read four or five books per month. Reading expands their methods of thinking, builds their analytical skills, cultivates creativity, improves their writing, and offers them new interpersonal skills.

There are myriad reasons to read; I can’t think of a single reason not to. If you don’t have a reading program in place, I suggest you develop one. If you’re just reaching the age of 55, you have plenty of time; if you’re well over 55, then reading is all the more attractive because you can overlay your experience.

In any case, I have no doubt you’ll find reading enjoyable, entertaining, and useful.

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Wednesday, Aug. 19th, 6 - 8pm 6th - 12th Graders

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TEXAS TWO-STEP The Honky-Tonk Heartbeat

by Li n d a A . T hor n ton

WHAT

MAKES TEXAS

“TEXAS”?

Who would guess that what started as the simple rhythmic beat of Texas boots on an old wooden dance floor would have people two-stepping all over the world?

A

sk most anyone and they will tell you they’re not exactly sure how Texas Two-Step came to be. One theory claimed it was a Foxtrot. That idea collapsed when it was shown that Harry Fox, a vaudevillian performer, popularized Fox’s Trot.

Later theories suggest a mix of dances or an evolution of the French waltz. These appear to be confusions of nomenclature rather than Texas history.

According to Wyatt Gauss, founder of dance school Hill Country Two-Step, the Texas Two-Step cannot be defined as one specific dance, but as a set of dances. The historical abundance of German and Czech dance halls across the state (estimates range from 1,000 to 2,500) undoubtedly contributed to this variety.

Historian T.R. Fehrenbach points to a little known fact that by 1850 European (mostly German) immigrants in San Antonio outnumbered both Mexicans and Anglos. The true roots are the German Polka and the Czech Schatzi. The original and variant versions, known interchangeably as Texas Shuffle and Texas Two-Step, are still danced throughout Texas today.

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The Shuffle has the Polka rhythm danced as gliding or shuffling footwork, three steps to two beats (a triple step) on alternating sides, producing the classic “boot scooting” look. Studio versions such as Triple Two-Step are simply ballroom-style variations of this old Shuffle.

There are many versions of two-step across the United States and there is no one “correct” dance. Visit any dance hall and they will assure you their unique version is correct.

The Schatzi uses side-to-side steps followed by two forward steps in a slow-slow-quickquick rhythm. Some later varieties simply walk the rhythms, or even reverse its start to quickquick-slow-slow for competitive and studio use.

Wyatt Gauss grew up rather shy but enjoyed social dancing.

Little did he know each step was leading him toward becoming a true dance aficionado. Encouraged by his mother to dance and inspired by his father's sense of adventure, Wyatt took the initiative to reach out to several world champion dancers.

What began as an email friendship eventually turned into an invitation to train with them and he developed a deep appreciation for the artistry, technique, and subtle connection between movement and music.

Texas Two-Step in all its varieties, along with related swing dances, continue to use moves such as the “cuddle” and “promenade” that were and still are part of those original “cute” or Schatzi dances.

In 1980, John Travolta’s starring role in the movie Urban Cowboy brought two-stepping and country-western bar culture into the national spotlight and they remain a core part of Texas dance hall culture today.

THINKING ON ONE’S FEET

When Wyatt founded Hill Country Two-Step, his goal was to create more than just another dancing school. His dream was to combine his love of dance with an homage to the history that celebrates this classic dance.

by Lin da A. Thornton • p h o to s co urtesy Wyat t Gauss

WHAT MAKES TEXAS "TEXAS"

GROWING, ONE DANCE AT A TIME With one foot still in the tech business and one foot in dance, Wyatt’s quiet nature tempers his competitive edge. Using social media and a website to promote his business, he prefers a low-key approach and relies mainly on word of mouth.

ROOTS AND RHYTHMS Wyatt has had the privilege of introducing dance newbies from all walks of life to Texas culture and dance: His expertise caught the attention of television producers. The reality show 90 Day Fiancé invited him to film a dance lesson for an episode set in Austin.

He was invited to teach students at the University of Texas in the Gallery of Texas Cultures and later to lecture on the history of Texas Two-Step while teaching the dance itself to rather straitlaced visiting scholars from around the world.

Even the typically reserved students from the London Business School let loose during a visit to Austin, ending their dance lesson laughing and two-stepping together.

Participants in the Youth Cultural Exchange and Summer Discovery programs eagerly embraced the chance to learn the Texas two-step, while members of the Governor's Office Youth Ambassador Program welcomed the lessons as a refreshing break from their structured schedule.

When Deep Eddy Vodka hosted a private event for guests from across the country, Wyatt and his team were there to introduce them to one of Texas' best-known traditions with lively two-step lessons.

In addition to private, in-studio lessons, Wyatt and his team bring dance directly to the community through weekly classes at some of Central Texas' favorite dance halls. Their mission is to make dancing approachable, welcoming, and just plain fun. Regular lessons are held in Austin at Backwoods Bar, Little Longhorn Saloon, Sagebrush, and at the iconic Luckenbach near Fredericksburg. Classes are free, although tips are always appreciated.

NO LEFT FEET, NO WALLFLOWERS Give Wyatt and his staff an hour and they promise to have you two-stepping. Enough that you will be able to attend a dance and not have to do the same step all evening.

Despite starting with zero dance experience when they met, Wyatt’s girlfriend and dance partner, Crystal (above), has transformed herself into an accomplished professional in just one year.

The key is to relax, have fun, and let those slow easy steps carry you around the dance floor.

Scan the code to visit the Hill Country Two-Step website and mark your calendar for lessons and community events.

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WORTH THE DRIVE

by A nn Ma r i e Ke nno n

The Painted Porch Bookshop

I

t's not often a single retail space makes it to our "worth the drive" list but The Painted Porch Book Shop definitely earns its spot. Tucked into the heart of historic Bastrop's historic Main Street, this isn't the kind of bookstore that tries to carry every title ever printed. Instead, it offers something increasingly rare: confidence. Every book on its shelves has earned its place.

Owned by bestselling author Ryan Holiday, The Painted Porch opened in 2021 with a refreshingly simple philosophy: don't stock what's trendy—stock what's exceptional. The result is a carefully curated collection where every recommendation feels personal, as though a well-read friend quietly handed you a book and said, "Trust me," and that philosophy becomes obvious the moment you walk through the front door. Nearly every shelf has a handwritten note, or a laminated review card from the owner himself, to give you an idea of what you might find fascinating before even picking up a book.

Instead of towering shelves and endless aisles that can leave readers overwhelmed, the store is warm, intimate and inviting. Wood floors creak and 26

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staff recommendations tease you into picking up one more title. Beautiful editions of classics sit comfortably beside contemporary nonfiction, children's books, history, philosophy, and fiction.

The atmosphere encourages lingering instead of rushing.

In an era when algorithms constantly suggest "people who bought this also bought…," The Painted Porch offers actual human experience from those who read cover to cover.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ryan has built a career writing about timeless principles—discipline, courage, wisdom and resilience—and those same values influence his store's collection. The shelves reflect books that have stood the test of time or offer ideas worth wrestling with, rather than simply occupying this week's bestseller list. Even if you've never read one of his books,

you'll appreciate the experience provided by a lover of great literature across thousands of years of thought.

The Painted Porch feels less like shopping and more like discovering. Visitors often arrive expecting to browse for a few minutes and find themselves losing track of time. Ryan

WORTH THE DRIVE

and his staff take pride in watching customers leaving with a stack of books they never knew they wanted but somehow can't imagine putting back.

For readers looking for more than a single afternoon of browsing, The Painted Porch also offers its popular, subscription-based Quarterly Classics Book Club. Rather than racing through the latest bestseller just to get to the wine and charcuterie, members spend three months reading one carefully chosen classic, then gather in Bastrop for an in-depth discussion. The slower pace encourages readers to really absorb the book, reflect on its ideas, and enjoy thoughtful conversation with fellow book lovers. It's a refreshing reminder that some books deserve to be savored rather than simply finished—and it's the kind of experience that turns a charming bookstore into a destination worth returning to throughout the year.

So the next time you're looking for a Saturday adventure, point the car toward Bastrop, wander into The Painted Porch, pick up a book you weren't planning to buy, and settle into the slower pace of a town that still believes some of life's best discoveries happen one page at a time.

WHEN YOU GO A visit to Bastrop's Main Street is about more than just one destination. The Painted Porch is nestled in the heart of one of Central Texas' most charming downtown districts, where historic storefronts invite visitors to spend a leisurely afternoon exploring boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafés. Stop in for a coffee—or treat yourself to the raspberry iced tea at Gracie's, which the bookstore clerk says she dreams about—then simply wander and enjoy one of Texas' oldest and most picturesque downtowns.

Maybe you're an avid reader searching for your next favorite novel, or shopping for the impossible-to-buy-for friend who already owns everything. Or maybe you're simply looking for an excuse to slow down for a few hours in a world that rarely encourages slowing down at all. A bookstore may seem like an unusual destination in the age of two-day shipping and e-books, but that's really the point.

The Painted Porch proves that choosing fewer books—but choosing them well—can create something far richer than endless selection. It reminds visitors that reading isn't just about consuming information; it's about finding stories and ideas that stay with us long after we've turned the final page.

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NEIGHBOR LEIGH

T

The Sunday Afternoon of the Year

here comes a point every August when you walk outside and realize the sun has somehow become personal. It is no longer simply hot—it is offensive. The grass crunches beneath my feet like corn flakes, my steering wheel feels like a branding iron, and even my dogs give me looks that say, "We're not doing this today."

By August, we've all become survivalists. We know exactly which parking spots will still have a sliver of shade two hours later. We've mastered the art of carrying a dozen grocery bags in one trip because nobody is making a second journey across the parking lot. We can tell the difference between "it's 102 degrees" and "it's 102 degrees with humidity," because one feels like an oven and the other feels like being hugged by a wet mattress.

And despite Texas feeling like a blast furnace for six straight months, August still feels a little different from June or July. Mostly because June is the hopeful start to a long break from school schedules, vacations are still ahead, tomatoes are just beginning to ripen, and the pool still feels like a novel idea.

Then July comes with fireworks, cookouts, and the relief that there's still a whole month before we have to start doing things again.

But the whole month of August is basically a Sunday afternoon. That feeling that the weekend isn't over yet, but you can already hear Monday clearing its throat and you're giving your alarm clock the side-eye.

Stores are quietly replacing beach towels with pumpkins. School supplies are arriving like the parking lot is directly adjacent to the Strait of Hormuz and the ships are carrying nothing but #2 pencils, glue sticks, and spiral note28

by A nn Ma r i e Ke nno n

AU G U S T 2026  76537 L I F E

books. And Leigh always feels compelled to post the season's first Christmas decoration the minute she spots one, usually around August 2—even though it's still 98 degrees after sunset and stepping outside feels like standing in front of a jet engine in the desert.

We're caught between two seasons.

Maybe that's why August is such a good reminder to slow down.

There are only so many evenings left to watch lightning bugs blink across the yard. Only so many backyard burgers before chili starts sounding like a good idea. Only so many peaches, watermelon slices, homemade ice cream, and late sunsets before the calendar quietly turns another page.

In fact, you don't even need a calendar. You just need to hear that television theme you've been associating with football since Reagan was in office. Before the first commercial break, Chris Collinsworth is diagramming a blitz, and you're in the fourth quarter of summer.

Life has a funny way of convincing us that the next season will finally be the one where everything settles down. After school starts... maybe after football season... no, probably after the holidays. Still, if we're honest, life never really slows down, it just chang-

es costumes. So maybe August isn't asking me to hurry toward fall. Maybe it's inviting me to sit and enjoy what's left of summer.

My backyard is swarming with dozens of precious little hummingbirds on their annual migration south, the tomatoes are stubbornly producing one more harvest, and the neighbors wave from the driveway after dinner because it's finally cool enough to stand outside for five minutes. My pool water is bathtub temperature, which is great for naps on a float, and I can enjoy my morning tea for an extra 30 minutes before the heat of the day descends on the porch like the Road Runner dropped it.

Those ordinary moments rarely make my calendar, but years from now they're often the way I remember a particular stage of life. August reminds me every season has its own kind of peace—even the kind that tries to melt my flip-flops to the driveway.

So before you start decorating with pumpkins while wearing shorts and sunglasses, take one more evening to sit on the porch, watch the sunset, listen to the cicadas, and wave at a neighbor.

Fall will get here soon enough; usually sometime between the first high school playoff game and Thanksgiving. And if you're one of those people who lights a pumpkin spice candle before Labor Day, just know the rest of us are secretly judging you... while also possibly wondering where you bought it.

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ECRWSS POSTAL PATRON JARRELL, TX P.O. Box 213, Jarrell. TX, 76537

Please keep your furry family members cool as we head into the scorching Summer heat.

Plan walks for early mornings or later in the evening once the pavement has cooled.

SUMMER BRINGS MORE THAN JUST SUNSHINE

If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws.

We are here when YOU need us the most!

Rattlesnakes, ant hills, and predatory birds are active this time of year.

Please supervise your pets closely whenever they’re outdoors.

We offer:  Emergency rattlesnake envenomation treatment  Rattlesnake vaccine to help reduce the severity of venom effects

Walk In and Same Day Urgent Care Openings Available Mon-Fri 7:30am - 5:00pm | Sat 8:00am - 3:00pm | Closed Sunday

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