76537 Life • June 2026

JUNE 2026

Big Brand Coverage

Hometown Service

CHURCH SPOTLIGHT New Hope Baptist Church

CLASS OF 2026 Graduation Photo Album

WORTH THE DRIVE Fredericksburg Peaches

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JUNE 2026  76537 LIFE

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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.

When we began planning this month’s A Peachy Keen Day feature, I knew Fischer & Wieser had to be part of the story. From its beginnings as Das Peach Haus to the culinary destination it is today, it represents so much of what makes the Texas Hill Country special. It’s a place where local history, agriculture, and great food come together, reminding us that some of Texas’ most cherished traditions are rooted in the land and the families who have cultivated it for generations.

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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 Sandra Evans 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

SCAN THE CODE FOR E-SUBSCRIPTION AND NEVER MISS AN ISSUE.

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CONTENT

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In This issue 8 / YOUR LOCAL INSURANCE CONNECTION Personalized GEICO Service in Jarrell

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10 / IN MEMORIAM • Judge Rick J. Kennon

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12 / CHURCH SPOTLIGHT New Hope Baptist Church 14 / KIDS & EDUCATION • JISD Class of 2026 18 / PEOPLE • A Family Legacy of Investigation 20 / FOOD • Garden Fresh, Fork Ready 24 / WORTH THE DRIVE • A Peachy Keen Day in Fredericksburg 28 / NEIGHBOR LEIGH • The Echo in my Kitch... Head

ASK A PRO

FEATURED PROFESSIONALS Meet our Pros — industry professionals, business owners, and subject matter experts from leading local companies who share their knowledge and expertise to bring readers practical advice, how-to tips, best practices, and current and emerging trends.

To learn more about becoming a featured pro, contact info@myjarrell.com or 512.746.4545

DTC AIR CONDITIONING DTC provides advanced HVAC solutions with Carrier® factory-authorized service, expert technicians, and a commitment to innovation, training, and 100% customer satisfaction.

DTCTexas.com 512-887-5091 4

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HALL'S ROOFING & SHEET METAL Family owned since 1939.

Roofing professionals specializing in full-service roof repair, installation, and replacement.

HallsRoofing.net 512-864-7579

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COVER FEATURE

by Ch a r lot te Kova lc hu k

Bringing personalized service to GEICO insurance in Williamson County

YOUR

LOCAL CONNECTION

You probably know GEICO from the company’s many television commercials featuring a lovable, Britishaccented gecko promising low car insurance rates. What many people may not realize, however, is that behind the nationally recognized brand are local offices staffed by real people who live and work in the communities they serve.

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n Round Rock, the local face of GEICO is owner Sam Chande (above, center), who is working to bring a more personal, relationship-driven approach to an industry often associated with call centers and automated systems. Instead of speaking with a different representative every time they call, customers can work directly with agents who know the area, understand local insurance concerns and are focused on helping clients navigate the often complicated world of insurance coverage. “We want people to know they’re dealing with someone directly,” Sam says. “Not just a call center.

You’re working with people who live here, who understand 8

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the community and who are invested in helping you throughout your insurance journey.”

That philosophy has become the foundation of Sam’s local GEICO office, which serves customers throughout Round Rock, Georgetown, Jarrell and the greater Austin area. While customers still receive the backing of a nationally recognized company, he says the experience inside the office is intentionally centered on relationships, accessibility, and local connection. “It’s big-brand pricing with small-town service.”

The office’s eight agents bring more than 50 years of combined insurance experience, with backgrounds spanning sales, service, underwriting, and claims. Rather than focusing solely on transactions, Sam says the team works to guide customers through coverage decisions and a better understanding of the often-confusing world of insurance. “All that experience comes together to help connect with the local market and really be there for customers,” he explains.

FROM CORPORATE CAREER TO COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Sam entered the insurance industry at a time when many other career fields were struggling. Having graduated with a finance degree during a recession, he joined corporate GEICO and spent more than 11 years growing within the company, working as a sales agent, coach, supervisor, and

COVER FEATURE eventually a project manager. Along the way, he learned both the front- and back-ends of insurance, but he discovered the part of the job he enjoyed most was working directly with people.

“I really enjoyed interacting with customers on a personal basis,” he said.

“That was always the better fit for me.”

The opportunity to open a local office allowed him to combine that passion for customer relationships with the strength of a nationally recognized company.

Originally from Florida, Sam and his wife relocated to Texas because of her career, and the couple quickly found themselves drawn to Williamson County’s rapid growth, family atmosphere, and thriving tech community. “I have two young kids, a baby and a fouryear-old, and Round Rock is one of the best places in the country to raise a family,” Sam says. “There’s so much growth and opportunity here.”

As someone drawn to the area’s rapidly growing tech community, he saw Williamson County as the ideal place to establish roots, raise a family, and build lasting relationships within the community. But shortly after opening the office in June 2020, the pandemic suddenly transformed what was supposed to be a highly personal, community-focused business model.

PERSONALIZED SERVICE FOR GROWING COMMUNITIES While many people primarily associate GEICO with auto insurance, Sam says the Round Rock office offers a much broader range of services, including homeowners’, renters’, life, umbrella, business, and investment property insurance, along with specialty coverages. More importantly, he says the office focuses on helping customers truly understand the coverage they are purchasing—especially when it comes to more complicated policies like homeowners’ insurance.

“The more intricate the coverage gets, the more important it is for customers to understand what they’re buying,” he explains. “Sometimes people focus only on the premium price without realizing the differences in deductibles or settlement coverage until something actually happens.”

That educational, hands-on approach has become especially valuable in rapidly growing communities like Jarrell, where many residents are first-time homeowners or young families looking for affordable options outside of Austin and Georgetown.

Launching an office centered around face-to-face customer interaction became especially challenging at a time when many people were hesitant to walk into businesses in person.

“It was definitely a tough beginning,” Sam says. “But we stayed focused on being available for customers however they needed us.”

“These are people establishing themselves and going through important life events,” he says. “Having someone local they can pick up the phone and call directly makes a huge difference.”

One of those local connections is agent Nelson Chan, a Jarrell resident (above) who works closely with customers in the community.

For Sam, the goal is simple: to ensure customers feel supported, informed and cared for—not treated like transactions.

“We want people to feel like they’re working with their neighbors.

That personal connection still matters.” ~Sam Chande

BIG BRAND COVERAGE. HOMETOWN SERVICE.

737-220-9800 2200 E Palm Valley Blvd Suite 120, Round Rock JUNE 2026  76537 LIFE

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IN MEMORIAM

T H E

L E G AC Y

O F

Judge Rick Kennon 368TH DISTRICT COURT 2013-2022 SENIOR JUDGE 2023-2026

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here are people whose titles become synonymous with their names. For many across Williamson County and beyond, he was simply Judge Kennon — fair, prepared, dependable, and deeply committed to work and service.

But titles, while meaningful, rarely tell the whole story. Rick Kennon left behind a legacy measured not only in years of service or legal accomplishments, but in something more enduring: the way he treated people and the impact he had on the lives around him.

Throughout his career, Rick earned a reputation for honesty and integrity. His law partners knew him to be practical, athletic, and a fun-loving family man; and those who later appeared in his courtroom knew they would receive careful attention, thoughtful consideration, and efficient dispensation. Those at the courthouse knew him as diligent and exceptionally hardworking—never failing to answer warrant calls in the middle of the night, arriving early and leaving late, and making it a personal point of pride to keep his docket on schedule.

Everyone fortunate enough to know him personally understood that beneath the title and responsibilities was a man of great generosity, deep faith, and quiet humor.

On the bench, Rick carried a steady presence and a high standard. He believed in preparation, responsibility, and doing things the right way, even when it required more effort. He was blessed with wisdom and intelligence that could even be a little intimidating—because he approached his responsibilities with seriousness and clarity.

He understood the weight of decisions in the courtroom and recognized that responsibility didn't end when he left the bench.

Still, outside the courtroom, another side of Rick emerged.

Judges Donna King, Stacey Mathews, and Betsy Lambeth recalled happy memories and stories during a shared eulogy for their "Big Brother" judge.

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by Ann Ma rie Kenn on

IN MEMORIAM

BEYOND THE BENCH Friends and family knew a man who laughed wholeheartedly. Not politely.

Not quietly. And, sometimes, not easily. Many people in Caldwell (his home after retiring) considered it a great accomplishment to get a "Rick Kennon giggle." But he relished the kind of laughter that overtook him with shoulders shaking, face reddening, and tears forming in his eyes. He especially loved the private jokes and everyday moments that become the language of shared universes.

He found joy and comfort in life's restful routines and, at his core, was a hammock-nap kind of guy. Through familiar phrases, constant attempts to improve his golf swing via millimeter-sized adjustments, carrying his six grandchildren on his shoulders, and simple rituals repeated over years, he built a life rooted not in grand gestures but in consistency.

Rick was also a man of strong faith. He loved God, loved his family, and had a strong desire to serve well. His faith shaped not only what he believed but how he treated people. And, in lighter moments, he was eager for heaven because he wanted to know what it would feel like to fly.

A MOVING FAREWELL Since his sudden passing, one theme has surfaced repeatedly from nearly everyone who knew him: respect.

Thanks to the generosity of County Judge Steve Snell and the District and County Court judges, more than 200 friends, family, and elected officials gathered at the historic courthouse May 8 to pay final respects in a very memorable celebration of life. Several speakers mentioned that Rick himself would have hated it because he was too humble to think he deserved that much praise and attention. But court staff, colleagues, law enforcement, attorneys, friends, and members of the community shared stories and memories reflecting the same qualities—honest, generous, hardworking, faithful, and kind. And perhaps most tellingly, many spoke not only of the judge they admired, but of the father or friend they loved.

And while his absence leaves a bottomless space in the lives of those who loved him, the impact of who he was continues forward through every person who knew him.

Some lives are counted in years. Others are measured by the people they leave changed. Rick leaves behind both.

And for what it’s worth, if he were somehow able to read this article, he would probably respond in a very Rick-like way: Roll his eyes at my latest attempt to put him on a pedestal.

Grumble that everyone made too much fuss over him. Then secretly read it twice. And later, when nobody was looking, quietly say: "Thank you for writing it, Honey Bunny."

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CHURCH SPOTLIGHT Faith communities play a quiet but powerful role in shaping the heart of a town—offering service, connection, and a place to belong.

Our Church Spotlight feature is designed to introduce readers to the people, ministries, and missions behind local congregations, highlighting how they serve both their members and the wider community. In each installment, we’ll share stories of outreach, fellowship, and faith in action, offering a glimpse into what makes each church a meaningful part of life in 76537.

New Hope Baptist Church

1. What is one meaningful story from this past year that reflects the heart of your church community?

I picked up some Domino’s pizza for my family and the gentleman that gave them to me recognized me as the pastor of the church that hosts 5th Quarters after the football home games. He thanked us for reaching out to the community and sharing God. While a small kindness on his part, it was an amazing encouragement that our efforts in Jarrell are noticed and appreciated.

2. What programs or ministries have grown the most recently, and what do you believe is driving that growth?

We’ve seen increased attendance at Sunday School thanks to continued dedicated deep dive into the Word of God and word of mouth amongst our parishioners.

3. How does your church create opportunities for members to build real relationships and support systems?

The second Sunday of each month we host a Fellowship Meal after service that’s an amazing potluck thanks to all the wonderful cooks that attend. It lets us literally break bread with one another and focus on fellowship, camaraderie and investing in one another’s lives.

listen to music, play games and eat free food. Residents interested in contributing to our 5th Quarters can donate prepackaged snacks and drinks and are encouraged to come join in on the fun.

5. For new families moving into Jarrell, what can they expect when they attend a service or event for the first time?

First and foremost, New Hope will make you feel welcomed.

We take very seriously the godly virtue of hospitality. We also take very seriously the Word of God and will present the whole Gospel to you that we can all know how great Jesus is.

6. Are there any upcoming events, seasonal initiatives, or programs you would love our readers to mark on their calendars?

Each Spring we host a Jarrell Community Day to give our neighbors an opportunity to fellowship, evangelize and have fun.

Our Summer Vacation Bible School is a Mega Sports Camp will be June 8th-10th from 6-8pm. It’s absolutely free and available to kids that have finished K thru 5th grade.

4. What is one outreach or service effort your church is especially proud of, and how can residents get involved?

Every Winter we also have a Christmas Eve service at 6pm where we sing carols as we walk through the Christmas Story in the Scriptures with candlelight, cookies, cocoa and Communion.

New Hope hosts 5th Quarters from 10pm to Midnight after every home football game. It enables us to provide a safe, wholesome environment for the youth in town to have fun,

7. What partnerships does your church have with local organizations, nonprofits, or schools, and how do those collaborations make a difference?

For almost a decade we have been able to partner with KidZone on various events and activities. KidZone does so much for the community, it is a blessing to be able to give back by hosting monthly assemblies for them and worship with the kids.

8. If someone feels unsure of where to start, what’s the easiest first step they can take to get connected with your church community?

Simply come. All are welcome to come as you are so that the transformative power of Jesus Christ can make us into who we are intended to be. God is so good. He makes us like Him.

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KIDS & EDUCATION

Congratulations to the 271 graduates of Jarrell High School’s Class of 2026!

Under clear skies and perfect timing, family, friends, and faculty gathered to celebrate a milestone years in the making. The rain forecast held off until after the ceremony, allowing graduates to enjoy a memorable evening filled with pride, accomplishment, and anticipation for what comes next.

As members of a generation entering adulthood during a time of rapid innovation and opportunity, the Class of 2026 is uniquely positioned to shape the future. Whether pursuing college, careers, military service, or new adventures, these graduates leave Jarrell ready to make their mark.

Congratulations, Cougars—the future is yours.

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KIDS & EDUCATION

by Ann Marie Kenn on • photos co urtesy J I SD Co m m un i cat i o n s an d Fa c e book/ JI S D

Top Scholars #1 Leslie Galindo-Mendoza

#2 Bria Faulkner

#3 Brandon Juarez-Teran

#4 Jazlene Valdez

#5 Sophia Dunnam

#6 Kyle Alforte

#7 Kaydyn Edwards

#8 Assiatou Bah

#9 Kyleigh Huerta-Cummings

#10 Raneem Albattat

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What's the Real Deal?

If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling social media wondering:

Is that actually true?

Why does this keep happening?

...this new column is for you. Each month, Here’s the Real Deal will tackle questions and conversations specifically related to our community in Jarrell and Sonterra and we're digging in to find real, reliable answers.

HOA and COA concerns parks and amenities new businesses coming to town water quality issues and other local topics.

Each month, we’ll take a question submitted by readers—or one we’re seeing repeatedly online—that relates directly to life in Jarrell or Sonterra, and do the legwork to get the facts. That means reaching out to local officials, organizations, experts, and trusted sources to provide clear information, helpful context, and when possible, practical solutions. No speculation. No keyboard debates. Just the real deal.

Have a community-related question you’d like us to look into? Email Camy@myjarrell.com.

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PEOPLE

by Ch a r lot te Kova lc hu k

Family Legacy of Investigation She Spies Private Eye Cultivates Generations of Sleuths Anji Maddox and Bettye Pribyl

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hen the television series "Roots" aired in 1977, audiences across the United States were captivated by the sweeping story that followed one man from an African village through the horrors of slavery and the generations that followed. The portrayal of cultural identity and family legacy—inspired by author Alex Haley’s journey tracing his own ancestry—emboldened millions of viewers to begin exploring their own family histories.

Bettye Pribyl (below) was one of them. “Back then, we didn’t have computers, so we had to go out and do our own research,” Bettye says. “I would take my three girls with me to the library and to relatives’ houses to do genealogy interviews.” What began as a hobby soon became a way of life. Armed with cassette recorders, notebooks, and endless curiosity, Bettye spent decades piecing together family histories through courthouse documents, cemetery records, and conversations with relatives. Trailing behind her through libraries and graveyards were her three daughters (above, right), including Anji Maddox, who grew up fascinated by the process of uncovering hidden stories.

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That instinct for investigation would eventually lead Anji to open her own Georgetown-Austin based private investigation business, She Spies Private Eye. While Bettye searched for ancestors, Anji built a career locating missing people and conducting undercover operations. “She says I look for dead people while she looks for living people,” Bettye laughs.

The same sleuthing curiosity that began with Bettye continues to live on in Anji and, in different ways, through her own children.

NEXT GENERATION OF INVESTIGATORS Just as Bettye once hauled her daughters to genealogy research locations, Anji found herself bringing her own three children along on surveillance jobs and stakeouts while building her business as a single mother. Over time, they became fascinated by the stories behind the cases and the people their mother was helping. “I would explain to them that we were helping someone—a missing child or a wife or husband in a child custody case. I always wanted them to understand why I loved my job.”

That fascination with investigative work stuck with them.

One son became a police officer. The other briefly worked alongside Anji doing fugitive recovery until she decided—after a harrowing foot chase that made the Austin news—the

PEOPLE

danger was too great. “That’s why he’s in oil and gas now.”

Her daughter, Breann Griggs, now runs a childcare center while continuing to help part-time with investigative work.

“I remember going on stakeouts with her where she looked like a soccer mom sitting in the car, but we were actually doing spy work,” Breann says.

“I feel like my kids grew up loving to help people,” Anji says. “They became very compassionate adults.”

As an adult, she began stepping into undercover work herself, helping with custody cases, runaway recovery, and online scams—cases that often placed her inside the story she was trying to unravel. In one case, Breann—who has long been a fan of Johnny Cash and even named her daughter Cash—became involved in an investigation targeting an online scammer falsely claiming that he was Johnny’s friend, Bill Miller. What started as an attempt to trace a fraudster eventually led her to the real individual being impersonated. Grateful for the family’s persistence in uncovering the truth, he later thanked the family with memorabilia and tickets to the Johnny Cash Museum in Nashville.

MOTHER-DAUGHTER TEAMWORK Anji’s family legacy may have expanded to new generations and different forms of investigative work, but at its center remains the mother-daughter duo that started it all. Today, Bettye and Anji continue working together on heirship and probate cases, combining Bettye’s decades of genealogy research with Anji’s investigative databases and fieldwork.

Some nights, Bettye stays up late digging through records before calling her daughter with a new lead and putting their resources together to figure out a case.

For Breann, the work has strengthened not only her investigative instincts, but also her relationship with her mother.

“We’re really close,” she says. “She’s my best friend. When we’re talking in the office together laughing, it doesn’t even feel like work.”

Despite the unusual childhoods filled with stakeouts, courthouse records, and undercover work, both women say the experience shaped their families in unexpected ways.

For more information about She Spies Private Eye, and to schedule a free 30-minute phone consultation, call 512-246-9889 or visit SheSpiesPI.com.

DPS Lic#: A11433

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FOOD

Garden Fresh, Fork Ready

WHIP UP A QUICK PASTA SALAD WITH INGREDIENTS FRESH FROM THE GARDEN Fresh produce is refreshing and delicious. Whether it’s recently plucked fruits or freshly harvested vegetables, these foods boast a flavor and nutritional profile unlike any other.

Comfort foods might reign supreme during colder winter months, but come spring and summer, lighter fare can be just what people need to maintain their energy and avoid feeling sluggish on warm days and nights.

Chickpea, Feta and Orzo Salad • 1 cup uncooked orzo • 1 cup refrigerated pre-chopped tomatoes • 1 16-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1/3 cup (1.3 ounces) crumbled feta cheese with basil and sun-dried tomatoes Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse under cold water. Drain well.

While pasta cooks, prepare Cucumber-Thyme Relish (below). Combine tomato and chickpeas in a large bowl, tossing gently; stir in pasta, salt, and relish. Add feta cheese; toss gently.

Cucumber-Thyme Relish • 1-1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

• 1/2 cup chopped English cucumber onion

• 2

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

tablespoons finely chopped red

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Combine lemon juice and olive oil in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk. Stir in cucumber and remaining ingredients.

Pasta Salad with Herbs Makes 6 to 8 servings • 1 lb. farfalle pasta • 4 vine tomatoes, diced • 8 ounces broad beans • 1 yellow pepper, diced • 2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley • 1 sprig chopped thyme • 1 small bunch chives, snipped • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 tablespoon lemon juice • Salt and freshly ground black peppercorns Cook the farfalle in a large saucepan of salted, boiling water until al dente; 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and refresh immediately in iced water. Once cool, drain again and toss in a large mixing bowl with the vegetables and chopped herbs. Add the olive oil, lemon juice and seasoning, tossing again thoroughly before serving.

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FOOD

Authentic Greek Salad • 4 medium tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch chunks • 1 seedless English cucumber, cut into 1Ú2-inch chunks • 1 small red onion, diced • 1/3 cup Zorba the Greek Dressing (see below) • 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 1 cup) • 1/2 cup black olives (kalamata or other brine-cured ones are best) • Salt and black pepper, to taste In a large bowl, toss tomatoes, cucumber, and onion. Add dressing and toss to mix. Sprinkle feta cheese and olives, and toss gently. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Zorba the Greek Dressing • 1/2 cup olive oil

• 3 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon crumbled dried oregano In small bowl, whisk ingredients together until combined. Makes 3/4 cup dressing— enough for a couple of bowls of Greek salad.

Store leftover dressing in the refrigerator up to one week.

Pasta Primavera with Asparagus, Peas, Leek, and Tomatoes •

16 ounces fusilli pasta

•

3 tablespoons olive oil

•

1 small leek, thinly sliced, washed and drained

•

9 ounces asparagus, trimmed and halved

•

11 ounces frozen peas, thawed

•

8 ounces cherry tomatoes, quartered

•

Salt and freshly ground black peppercorns

•

5 tablespoons grated Parmesan, for sprinkling

•

1 sprig thyme

Cook fusilli in large saucepan of salted, boiling water until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, heat oil in large saute pan over medium heat until hot. Add leek and pinch of salt, and sweat for 5 to 6 minutes until softened. Add asparagus and peas, and cover with a lid. Cook 3 to 4 minutes until green vegetables are tender to the point of a knife. Drain fusilli, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Add fusilli to the vegetables with cherry tomatoes, some salt and pepper, and a splash of reserved cooking water. Cook 2 minutes until pasta looks glossy.

Divide between bowls, sprinkle with Parmesan and garnish with thyme.

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WORTH THE DRIVE

by L i nda A. Th or nto n

A PEACHY KEEN DAY Peach season in Fredericksburg has a way of branching out in celebration of that sweet, juicy fruit.

From midMay through mid-August, there are a basket full of events that are just two hours away and too good to pass up.

ORCHARDS: STRAIGHT FROM THE BRANCH

The bad news: Due to a warm winter and a late freeze, the 2026 peach crop will be smaller than in previous years. � The good news: Fewer peaches competing for nutrients and water means the surviving fruit should be larger and juicier.

It’s best to check directly with each orchard before you visit.

ECKHARDT ORCHARDS: PEACH PIONEERS

JENSCHKE ORCHARDS: UNPARALLELED PEACHES

DAS PEACH HAUS: FROM ONE TREE TO H-E-B

Having planted their first orchard in 1920, the Eckhardt family was one of the first to grow peaches in Gillespie County. Today, the third generation continues the family legacy, growing peaches and offering them along with other fruits and vegetables, Texas specialty food products, and antiques.

The family-owned orchard is one of the largest in the area. Since 1961, they have been growing more than 25 varieties on 200 acres and they are the only major producer in town to offer a pickyour-own experience. They are closed this season, but you can still try some peach ice cream and or try some peach wine at the Jenschke Cellars tasting room. Then, browse their country store, dine at their restaurant, Leroy’s Tex Mex BBQ and Biergarten, and plan to stay at The Loft at Jenschke Orchards, a studio retreat.

In 1928, German immigrant J.B. Wieser planted a peach tree, the start of an orchard. Twenty years later, his son Mark founded the region’s first permanent peach stand, crafted from an 1870s log cabin. Teaming up with Case Fischer, who began working there as a teenager, the two founded Fischer & Wieser Specialty Foods, receiving recognition from the Specialty Food Association along the way.

Open daily 8:30am – 5:30pm 2150 S. US Hwy 87 (830) 992-0289 hillcountrypeaches.com/ the-eckhardt-family

Wed–Sat: 9am – 5pm Sunday: 12pm – 5pm 8381 E. U.S. Highway 290 (830) 997-8422 bestfredericksburgpeaches.com

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Next came a wine tasting room, a cooking school and a food line, Four Star Provisions, developed in partnership with H-E-B. Their farmstead also offers unique places to stay, including a train car, Airstream RVs, and a tiny house.

Mon – Thurs: 10am – 5:30pm Fri – Sat: 10am – 6pm Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm 1406 S. U.S. Highway 87 • 830-997-8969 fwfarmstead.com

IN FREDERICKSBURG

WORTH THE DRIVE

PEACH PIT STOPS BALLOON & PEACH FESTIVAL

MARKTPLATZ FARMERS MARKET

This one-day event celebrates the summer fruit with grape stomping, safari wine tours accompanied by the vineyard’s resident exotic animals, tethered hot air balloon rides, farmto-table dinners – featuring all things peachy – and live music.

The historic market square was originally established as a gathering place by German settlers in 1846. Taste and shop for locally produced peaches, jams, and wines, while enjoying live music.

July 4, 2026 • 4pm – 8pm Grapetown Vineyard and Farm 8142 Old San Antonio Road

Every Thursday – mid August 4pm – 7pm Marktplatz • 126 E. Main Street 830-997-4202 Fbgtx.org

Tickets available via Eventbrite Fredericksburg Balloon & Peach Festival Listing

SWEET DESTINATIONS THAT ARE JUST PEACHY DAS PEACH HAUS The charming location’s restaurant offers seating with a view and features their famous peach cobbler.

Continuing the family legacy, Case Fischer's children, Dietz and Elle Fischer, opened Dietz Distillery next door to the farmstead. Their Peach Eau de Vie- French for “water of life,” an un-oaked fruit brandy, is the star of their Hill Country Old Fashioned.

Relax and sip your cocktail outside or purchase their Peach Jalapeno mix, a combination of 100 percent peach juice and jalapeño, and create a Texas cocktail at home.

HILL AND VINE Classic Texas food and wine served in a cool, rustic vibe. Dip your tortilla chips into their peach margarita seviche and try their roadside fried peach pie.

Mon – Sat: 4pm – 10pm Sun: 9am – 3pm and 4pm – 9pm No reservations accepted

FREDERICKSBURG PIE COMPANY This cute little pie shop also sells antique quilts and vintage items. Family owned, its mission is to “serve pies that are as good or better than our mothers and grandmothers made.”

Call ahead to order sugar-free or whole pies.

Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10am – 3pm or until sold out 108 E. Austin Avenue 830-990-6992 fbgpie.com

“A ripe peach is the definition of summer—it cannot be eaten politely, and it shouldn’t be.” ~Unknown

210 S. Adams Street 830-307-3401 hillandvinetx.com JUNE 2026  76537 LIFE

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NEIGHBOR LEIGH

by A nn Ma r i e Ke nno n

THE ECHO IN MY KITCH... HEAD

There is a very specific and underre-

ported condition that occurs when your mate passes away. And no one prepares you for it because Hallmark prefers its grief with soft lighting and a violin soundtrack. In reality, what happens is this: your brain refuses to update the system. It continues to operate as though your person is alive, nearby, and quietly evaluating your daily to-dos from an undisclosed location in the kitchen.

I recently grew some tomatoes.

Successfully. This is notable because I have historically treated plants like short-term house guests—welcome, briefly admired, and then mysteriously or, perhaps inevitably, gone. But this time, I did it. I started the little baby plant in December and kept it alive in the warmth of my kitchen until it was ready for the porch.

Now, in the warm Texas spring, I have a huge bag of golf-ball-sized tomatoes in my freezer awaiting their brethren to ripen so I can make some amazing sauce or have my frontier-woman canning day. I even had that moment where you hold one in your hand and think, Look at me, participating in agriculture. The irony of “well, doofus, that’s what nature does… it grows” in my head and me realizing generations of people have been doing this successfully for thousands of years, is still not enough to wipe away the pride of growing edible objects on my porch.

And then, without warning, my brain did what it has done approximately 60 times a day since he died—it reached for him.

Not metaphorically. Logistically.

Rick needs to see this. I have been doing this to please and delight him for three years and I finally had a huge success.

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Which is tricky, because Rick is in heaven, presumably not concerned with produce, and definitely not available for real-time feedback on whether I overwatered. But my mind? My mind has him standing right behind me, smiling, while I relish his home-grownis-so-much-better-than-grocery-store grin.

This is what no one tells you. Grief is not just missing someone. Grief is discovering your entire internal operating system was built with another person as a primary user, and now the account is… inactive, but still somehow resident on so many tabs running in the background.

It’s like a phantom limb, except instead of a missing arm, it’s a missing audience. A missing witness. A missing person to say, “Yes, that mattered,” or, occasionally, “Why are you doing it like that?”

And the worst part is—not the sadness—it’s the constant, ridiculous, deeply human impulse to keep that person on the email thread of your life.

CC: Rick Subject: Tomatoes Status: Still impressive, please advise.

Before anyone sends me a strongly worded email accusing me of turning

grief into material, let me assure you: Leigh is fully aware that many of you are carrying losses, some may be far heavier than tomatoes and sniffing golf shirts in the closet. Some of you are missing spouses. Parents. Children.

Friends. Some of you are grieving people who are still alive but no longer reachable in the ways that mattered most.

This is not Leigh making light of grief.

This is Leigh doing what she has always done—standing in the middle of ordinary human life, noticing the strange little corners of it, and saying, “Well… nobody warned me about this part.”

Because grief, it turns out, is not always dramatic weeping beside a rainstreaked window while a cello plays softly in the distance. Sometimes it is standing in your kitchen holding a perfectly respectable tomato and realizing your brain still wants approval from a man who, according to my son, is either doing carpentry with Noah or having tea with Jesus and therefore no longer available for produce consultation.

And somehow, absurdly, heartbreakingly… both things can exist at the same time.

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