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P.O. Box 213 • Jarrell, TX 76537 • (512) 746-4545

NOVEMBER 18, 2014

Central Texas’ Award-Winning Local News Source

GOVERNM ENT

Hammerlun Not Seeking Second Council Term

“It’s Georgetown’s Time” Jerry Hammerlun This week Precinct 5 City aandcontribution give back to

“Heart, Brains and Talent” Judge Donna King Sworn in 26th District Court by Ann Marie Ludlow

The headline is a quote

by Judge Billy Ray Stubblefield and a sentiment shared by many in the 26th District Courtroom as he administered the oath to Williamson County’s newest District Judge, Donna King. In an emotional ceremony with several mentions

of “coming full circle,” Judge King’s husband John held the Bible for her while Judge Stubblefield spoke the words, much as he did almost 19 years ago when he swore King in as a lawyer. The standing-room-only ceremony was packed with family, friends, colleagues, elected officials, law enforcement, prominent businessmen and dozens of cameras. See Oath, page 5

Councilman Jerry Hammerlun shared with the Advocate that he would not seek a second term on the Georgetown dais. A firm believer in public service and an ardent fan of Georgetown, Hammerlun is also a savvy businessman and has decided to give his own growing company his full time and attention. But because preparation for and outreach for the Council position requires 60-70 hours per month, he believes Council also deserves full time and attention and is unwilling to shortchange his business or his constituents. What inspired you to run for office? What made you decide not to run again? Georgetown is the greatest place in the world and it has been a fabulous place for my wife and me to raise our family. I believe in service and I believe I had an obligation to make

the city. Being on Council was a good opportunity to contribute some of my understanding of the issues and challenges of the City. I am proud of the preparation I’ve done and my ability to engage on all the issues and questions. That’s the reality of the job; you have to be willing to make the time and go out to help the people understand your point of view, and let them know how you’re going to proceed. I underestimated the commitment and the significant time required to be a Councilman today. So the reality is that my business is flourishing and we will soon be opening new offices, so it is important for me to acknowledge that to do both will not allow me to give

NO CASE TOO COLD Page 3

the city the kind of quality service is deserves and has come to expect. It’s been a phenomenal experience and I love being involved and part of the process. I respect the group that we have on the dais today; the diversity of that group is also phenomenal. It doesn’t simplify anything to have a variety of outlooks, but the diversity and perspective they all bring is exciting. I also want to add that when you decide to transition a position such as this, it’s important to engage in the process of someone who can succeed you. I am pleased to say, and I fully See Hammerlun, page 4

COUNTY COURT APPOINTS ELDER GUARDIANS

FAREWELL TO JARRELL MAYOR Page 6

COMING SOON TO JARRELL, BOOKS! Page 7

LIGHTING OF THE SQUARE

Friday, November 28

Beginning at 5:30 p.m. Photos with Santa will be available in the courthouse rotunda following the lighting, from 6 to 8 p.m., with proceeds benefitting Williamson County’s Brown Santa program for area children and families.

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NOVEMBER 18, 2014  THE ADVOCATE

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The court administrator for the City of Georgetown Municipal Court recently received the Distinguished Service Award from the Texas Court Clerks Association. The Distinguished Service Award is given each year to court professionals in Texas in recognition of a service, program, task, or endeavor that benefits the association membership. Phyllis Mathison, court administrator for the City of Bastrop Municipal Court, said of Leloux, “She has always stepped up to the plate and would volunteer for the [TCCA] chapter. As chapter president, I want to recognize her for continued support to her court, chapter, and TCCA for all these years and her dedication and commitment to help where she could.” Leloux has served as the court administrator for the City of Georgetown Municipal Court since 1995.

Ladies Nite Out on the Square Nov 20 The second annual Ladies Nite Out in downtown Georgetown is Thursday, November 20. More than

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lighting campaign. Go to a copy. MainStreetGeorgetown. Men are com for details. invited to participate in the event at the designated Man Cave at Roots Three Georgetown elemenBistro, 118 W. tary students were honored Eighth Street. for their winning essays on The Man Cave the topic, “What a purple will feature an heart means to me?” NFL football The Purple Heart essay game on large contest was sponsored screens as by the City and the Texas well as drink Capital Chapter 1919 of the specials. Military Order of the Purple Those at the City of Georgetown Finance Director Susan Ladies Nite Out Heart. Morgan, Cathy Leloux, and Municipal Court event will see First place went to AleJudge Randy Stump. the downtown in jandra Almendarez, a 5th its holiday finest grade student at Gateway 45 businesses around the College Preparatory School. with storefronts decorated Courthouse Square will be Second place went to Mary for the holidays and lit participating from 5 to 9 Mac Decker, a 4th grade p.m. by offering demonstra- tree canopies along the student at Village Elemensidewalks. Judging for the tions, special services, and tary School. Third place downtown holiday lighting giveaways. Ladies Nite went to Brooklynn Petty, a contest will be happening Out, a Winter White Nite, 4th grade student at Mitchon the evening of Ladies is a free event sponsored ell Elementary. Nite Out, so watch for by the Georgetown Main Each of the three students the best holiday displays Street Program. received a cash prize and around the Most Beautiful Limited-edition Ladies new bicycle. The new biTown Square in Texas. Nite Out goodie bags All proceeds from Ladies cycles were provided by an containing special coupons anonymous donor. Nite Out are for the Light and giveaways are available up the Square holiday through noon on Thursday, November 20 for $10 each. Only 350 goodie bags are available. Pay online at MainStreetGeorgetown. com. Goodie bags can be picked up with a printed receipt starting on Saturday, November 15 at the Georgetown Visitor Center, 103 W. Seventh Street. During the event on November 20, a TapSnap digital photo booth will be set up at the former Chupa Rosa location at 704 S. Austin Avenue. Attendees Ted Acheson with Chapter 1919 of the Military Order of the can use the TapSnap photo Purple Heart, Mary Mac Decker, Brooklynn Petty, and Alejandra booth to take and post phoAlmendarez. tos to social media or print

Purple Heart Essay Awards

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P.O. Box 213 • Jarrell, TX 76537 • (512) 746-4545

a publication of Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC Publisher: Mike Payne • Editor: Cathy Payne

Contributing Writers: Jeff Binney Wine Corner Dave Schumacher Points of View

First Class Mail Subscriptions: $32.00 / 26 issues Georgetown Advocate P.O. Box 213 Jarrell, TX 76537

Freelance Correspondents Ann Marie Ludlow Greta Bauer Atticus Jackson Deborah Marquis Address of Record: 181 Town Center Blvd. Suite 500 Jarrell, Texas 76537 512-746-4545 info@GeorgetownAdvocate.com

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The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the Georgetown Advocate, administration, staff or contributing writers. The views expressed in all letters to the editor and signed opinion articles are those of their authors. All letters to the editor must include a name, address and phone number for verification. Anonymous and unverified letters to the editor will not be printed. The Georgetown Advocate reserves the right to edit letters for length and journalistic style, and has a recommended length of 300 words.

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THE ADVOCATE  NOVEMBER 18, 2014

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D.A. Still on the Trail of Cold Cases

by Ann Marie Ludlow

ADA Sunday Austin, DA Jana Duty, ADA Geoffrey Puryear

The Williamson County

District Attorney’s Office got another cold case guilty verdict October 27, quickly followed by a sentence of capital punishment. Although she didn’t argue this case personally, District Attorney Jana Duty does take the mission to investigate them personally. She recently received a call about another murder— 20 years ago—so there is no time to celebrate crossing Steven Thomas off the list when there is a new case to add. The District Attorney is focusing a lot of energy on cold cases during her first term and she just received a letter from a woman whose friend was murdered 20 years ago. Duty says “These cases sometimes adopt me and for this one I’m going to the grand jury to see if I can get an indictment.” This case, like several others she has re-opened, was investigated when it was new, but the District Attorney at that time did not believe there was enough evidence to get a conviction. Ms. Duty feels it’s possible to “take what we have, argue effectively and make it work. We did that with Rex Nisbett and we got a conviction without a body. We at least need to give the Grand Jury the option to make a decision.” At any given time, either the DA or her Assistants are working on one or more cold cases. Often cases are re-opened by law enforcement agencies with new personnel or when new evidence becomes available in the form of better DNA testing or a hit in a database. Prosecutors are actively working on the Ritchie

case right now. A couple in Taylor was bludgeoned in 1988 during a robbery. The husband died soon after and the wife never saw her four attackers. Duty says, “It was a tough one to solve in 1988 and even tougher now. We’re hoping we can make some offers of immunity to some of the co-conspirators, because at this point the family just wants to know the truth of what really happened.” From the facts, it does not appear that murder was the intent, but the resulting death has plagued the family for nearly two decades. Ms. Duty feels the investigation is warranted even without a trial because “the law is to seek justice and not always conviction.” She is quick to praise her staff who, she says, “always go over and above, and pour their hearts and souls into their cases.” Referencing the recent capital case, Duty says “ADA Rojas had a herculean task to eliminate 34 years of alternate suspects, and if it weren’t for my staff, this case would never have made it to court. It is amazing to me that [Thomas] got away with it for all those years and pretended to his family and friends that he was a great guy.” The D.A. did not think the jury would decide on the death penalty so soon after Michael Morton was

released and Judge Anderson resigned. “I thought the jury might be fearful about handing the death penalty. But what it means is that people have a lot of faith in DNA. If your sample was there, you were there.” Another case on the list is about a 21 year-old man shot in the head in Taylor in 2004. Ms. Duty has consulted with a reality television producer to bring fresh eyes to the case and visibility to the police department. The case has suspects, and the Chief of Police is willing to engage with the show’s well-known expert investigator. Duty says, “I like how they go in and look at a cold case. And we will get to watch the process happen. Bringing this team in and seeing what they can do may just be the fresh eyes the case needs.” The office also has a warrant out for a man they believe was involved in a 1983 murder; he is a fugitive who has been around for a long time, so it is likely there are others out for him as well. Williamson County will be looking to indict him whenever he turns up. Some cases may never be solved, Duty admits. Two cases that have nothing but remains as evidence, and they are not even identified, so the office may always be left wondering.” Prosecutors and investigators put samples into DNA databases whenever they can. As technology improves, more familial connections may be made. Duty says one state is obtaining DNA samples from everyone who is arrested, and they have solved

40 outstanding cases from the samples. Duty believes privacy issues are tricky but certain offenders should be sampled. “A person with a propensity to commit burglary in a home likely has fewer boundaries than, say a car thief. The first person may be more likely to commit a worse offense, like an assault.” DA Duty’s office will continue working down the list one by one. There is no rhyme or reason as to which is next; “It’s based on a mention from a detective who is interested in the case, or new evidence or new laws. But we will keep looking at them until they are all off the list.”

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NOVEMBER 18, 2014  THE ADVOCATE

WILLIAMSON COUNTY

WCJJS Holds 4th Annual Conference Mental Health in Schools and Community Resources Expo by Ann Marie Ludlow

Williamson County Juvenile Justice

Services held the 4th Annual Mental Health in Schools Conference November 13-14. Attended by over 100 educators and child services professionals, the conference is planned and coordinated through the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Subcommittee of the Williamson County Mental Health Taskforce. Committee Chair and WCJJS Assistant Executive Director Matt Smith says, “This conference is one of the primary ways we connect with school districts and community agencies to create a coordinated system of care for the youth and families we work with. We want to strengthen professional skill and service delivery in schools to keep kids out of our system, and streamline transition for youth leaving our supervision and returning to their home communities and campuses.” The move toward a “whole child” approach has created an opportunity for schools and educators to work together to create a modern framework of learning and safety. Students today need to learn about reading and math, but also bullying, social constructs, Internet safety, and a host of other life skills. Each agency brings its expertise to the table; enabling each job to be done by the people who do it best. This year the conference included a community services expo with 25 booths. Participants were a variety of local service organizations providing mentorship, substance abuse therapy, and mental health treatment, including representatives from Georgetown’s two new mental health

hospitals; Rock Springs, now with youth outpatient treatment, and Georgetown Behavioral Institute, which will soon have a female-only facility. One notable booth was Phoenix House, with a full spectrum of treatment for alcohol and chemical dependency, including prevention and education for grades K-5. Outreach Manager Kyle Withrow says these agencies fill a great local gap in substance abuse prevention, and Phoenix has everything from fine arts to credit repair to help kids transition well when they complete their recovery. They also work with kids who are leaving WCJJS to continue treatment. One of the newest organizations in Williamson County is “The Sandbox at Madeline’s Place” in Hutto. Founded by Rachel Haynes as a memorial to her daughter Madeline, The Sandbox is a teen center that caters to physical and emotional needs of teenagers in the Hutto area. Madeline was a victim of bullying and in light of her tragic death, her family and friends are spreading the message of “Be honest. Be kind. Speak up.” She was also a volleyball player so the vision of The Sandbox is to build an indoor sand volleyball court as a centerpiece for a resource the schools can refer students to for everything from pizza night to homework help. The center has a board of nine adults and 15 teens who generate ideas for fundraising, activities and keeping the center relevant to the youth population. They raise private funds to hold volleyball tournaments, sell t-shirts and other apparel, and recently held “Chicopalooza”

named after Madeline’s beloved dog Chico. Haynes says, “To make sense of my daughter’s death, it’s just one day of someone not speaking up. We need to spread our message and we need to keep being all the things that Madeline was; funny and loud and the shoulder everyone could cry on.” The Sandbox is looking for support; treasure, time and talent to help grow their group, including some land to build their dream court. Visit TheSandboxAtMadelinesPlace.com

LEFT: Michael Durr (volleyball dad of the year) and Rachel Haynes of The Sandbox. TOP: Dr. Kent Pekel , Ed.D. President/CEO of the Search Institute presents “The Perseverence Process during Thursday’s seminar. BOTTOM: Kyle Withrow provides Outreach services for Phoenix House.

“We have made great progress making Georgetown a more friendly place to do business.” HAMMERLUN, FROM PAGE 1 support that [Minuteman Press owner] Ty Gipson will be stepping up to run

for the seat. I am very excited he is willing to get on the ballot and do the work.

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He will be a great candidate; he is already a leader in the community and has made great contributions to the city. I’m so glad there are those with the flexibility to do it. Ty’s business perspective will be a great addition to the council and he understands the commitment to do it the right way. What issues were/are you most passionate about? I believe regional water is the most significant effort we’ve made and it is still a work in progress. I also think the Rivery Project, economic development and tax diversity need to be on the forefront of future councils. I am proud of the leadership of our fire and police departments, as well as the financial position we are in. We have made a great deal of progress making Georgetown a more friendly place to do business. We’ve made strides in customer service and have proactively resolved our relationship with LCRA; we’ve pushed our water strength to the next level.

How do you feel you’ve helped change Georgetown? I think the most significant accomplishment of this Council has yet to be made. We will soon have a new CEO for Georgetown, and I am excited because the decision to move in a different direction was unanimous. The Council understands how important the selection is and I’m happy to be a part of that. I have strong opinions on the nature of that job and the skill set needed to move us forward. Nothing is more important than the person who sets the tone on how we respond to customer service than the CEO of the City. We need someone who is proactive, a visionary, and a very charismatic ambassador for our town. Over the past few months, the thing that has become a focal point for the council as a whole is bringing a customer service and responsive focus to our team and make sure that we do it in a passionate and energetic way. We’re all looking for that. Let’s make

certain we’re acting like the most successful businesses out there. It is Georgetown’s time and there is a window of opportunity for us. Being on Council I realized the city is a complex and diverse challenge. I thought I understood the complexity of the issues and the number we had, but I underestimated the reality. We regularly move from public safety to electric utilities to the airport to P&Z; the challenges the city faces on a daily basis are significant. Clearly, because of our growth and success those issues are getting more overwhelming every day. I absolutely appreciate the other council members and the mayor for the commitment they make to study and learn the issues and they come prepared every two weeks to make significant decisions. So again, I’m stepping aside because my business demands that I give it my full attention and I am challenged to find the time to do both jobs as well as they deserve.

What are your plans moving forward? I’ll be focusing on business growth of my own. I would like to come back in the future and serve on a board or commission. Georgetown is a special place, especially because of the people who live here. Neighbors here always want to give back and I think my expertise would fit well with one or more of our boards. I just want to say thank you to the great group on Council who are, across the board, committed to Georgetown. I can’t express how amazed I am by the quality of preparation that group does. We need that kind of preparation. Meanwhile, I am excited by the opportunity we have now and I am glad I get to participate in the decision about who next CEO of the city will be. Read about Precinct 5 Candidate Ty Gipson in the next issue of The Advocate.

THE ADVOCATE  NOVEMBER 18, 2014

WILLIAMSON COUNTY

Elder Guardian Pilot Program, from p.1

Williamson County has

created another layer of oversight and care for our elderly and assisted care population. On Nov. 6, County Court at Law 4 Judge John McMaster officially launched the pilot program for Elderly Advocacy in partnership with Concordia University. Eight senior nursing students volunteered to

visit with and observe some of the 1000-plus wards of the state of advanced age or who are incapacitated mentally or physically. McMaster’s court provides guardianships and, as judge, he is ultimately responsible for their welfare; “You are here today because you are in a helping profession. One thing I love about my job is that I can make a differ-

ence and can take care of people who can’t look out for themselves. That’s what nurses do so well.” Nurses will participate via home and facility visits and brief the court for evaluation. Their unique perspective and input will provide additional and objective information to the court regarding adequate care, mental acuity and

other factors that will help the court transition into action if necessary. Representatives from Adult Protective Services (APS) also spoke and assured the students that APS is eager to respond and support the program in a variety of ways. Linda Wright explained that APS is responsible to investigate allegations of abuse, neglect or exploitation of elderly persons (over 65) or anyone over 18 with a disability and the students should use them as a resource. Part of those investigations is making sure those who need care will get it, and those who are self-sufficient, however atypical, are not forced into care facilities unnecessarily. Judge McMaster agreed, “In a perfect world, you’re looking for

OATH, FROM PAGE 1 Judge King was appointed by Governor Perry in October to succeed retiring Judge Stubblefield. King has been an attorney for nearly 20 years as a prosecutor, litigator, child advocate, and in private practice. She was also an Associate Magistrate for the City of Leander. Judge Mike Jergins presented King with a brand new gavel, custom made from the wood of a 90-year old oak tree, and it has never been struck. He spoke about the meaning of the gavel saying, “It is a symbol of what we do. The right to act officially in the capacity of judge. The sound, clearly audible, serves to sharpen and define our action in time. What was not, before striking—is—after it.” King’s older brother Jeffrey performed the robing ceremony saying tearfully, “This is the proudest day in our family’s life. Although don’t be thinking I’m going to be calling you ‘Your Honor.’”

A rare portrait of Williamson County Judiciary. Back L-R: County Judge Dan Gattis, County Court Judge Tim Wright, 395th Judge Mike Jergins, 368th Judge Rick Kennon, JP4 Judy Hobbs, County Court Judge Doug Arnold, JP3 Bill Gravell, 26th Judge Billy Ray Stubblefield, Magistrate Wayne Porter. Front L-R: County Court Judge Suzanne Brooks, 277th Judge Stacey Mathews, 26th Judge Donna King, 425th Judge Betsy Lambeth, JP4 Edna Staudt.

Judge King addressed the crowd and spoke again, sometimes tearful, about coming full circle. She thanked Judge Kennon for all the experience of the campaign and the shared realTry not to become a person ization that “God works on his own of success. Try instead to time and his plan was revealed, just not in the way that I had thought. I become a person of value. didn’t expect it.” Judge King ~Donna King / Albert Einstein thanked Governor Perry for his faith in her; Judge District Attorney Jana Duty gave a Stubblefield for heartfelt speech recognizing King’s contributing to poise and brilliance as well as her sense of humor. But she contrasted her the history of the 26th court. She personal praise with professional adalso thanked all the miration for her former mentor. “She is a terrific trial attorney; all the things individuals who reached out to the you want to see in a lawyer. I also Governor on her got to respect her when she was eight months pregnant and argued a murder behalf. Sadly, her trial. Watching her, she was gracious, parents were not professional and I learned a lot from present but she her.” Duty also mentioned that she gave an emotional has known, since the time they met 17 thank you to them years ago, that “Donna was meant to as well. Included be here today.” in the list were Duty was one of the individuals coaches, teachers who encouraged Judge King to put her name on the ballot last year for the and professors; all of the individuals 368th District Court judge because, who helped get her she says, of her legal acumen and to her moment; her embodiment of all the things the and of course her county likes to see in its judges. husband John for Judge King waged a tough camopening her eyes paign against sitting Judge Rick Kennon, who eventually won the race. to recognizing that this was her time Although she was disappointed, King to “go for it.” was determined to somehow make it Judge King to this culmination of many years of vowed to continue being a lawyer. being a person of

value and integrity and will continue to serve the people of Williamson County. While she didn’t mention it, the new Judge also represents a shift in the court lineup. For the first time, there are more women than men on the District benches!

the optimal ways people may live. We are here to make sure that the most important of all our rights, our liberty, is protected and looked after.” Annie Burwell from Williamson County Mobile Outreach spoke about the EMS element to the program. “Of the 3000-plus calls we receive each year, very few reach the threshold requiring court action. We are here to help you with those assessments.” Concordia Professor and coordinator Greta Degen developed the program as a way to enhance the students’ education. “Instead of taking them out to shadow nurses already filling gaps, we are filling new ones as court visitors when appointed by the Judge, while completing commu-

nity health rotations.” Carley Frost, one of the program participants says although she loves children, she was drawn to the elderly wards because the court saw a need for them to be guarded. “Research says doctors aren’t always the best at detecting abuse because they may only see what they are looking for; a health problem. Nurses do head-to-toe assessments and we will be able to look at each patient more deeply to report back to the judge and allow the court to proceed accordingly.” Dr. Degen says, “I am thrilled for the students to fulfill their potential and fill a gap in the community. We are here today because I have the most motivated, driven and passionate students in Texas.”

6 |

NOVEMBER 18, 2014  THE ADVOCATE

JARRELL

Building Jarrell’s Legacy Fond Farewell To Mayor Dewey Hulme

Justice of the Peace Precinct 3, Judge Bill Gravell and Mayor Dewey Hulme. At his last meeting as acting Mayor on November 12, the City of Jarrell presented Hulme with a plaque in recognition of his service to the community. By Mike Payne

Dewey Hulme is a quintessential Texan; a man of few words, but when he says them, they are considered. For this interview, the outgoing Mayor of fast-growing Jarrell, Texas relaxes in his chair, his trademark black hat perched squarely on his head. Hulme admits that leaving his mayoral position, as well as leaving Jarrell and moving to Comstock, Texas stirs up some significant emotions. The now ex-Mayor says that when he arrived in 1989, Jarrell had fewer than 300 residents. “I chose Jarrell because a friend suggested that I come out

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and take a look. I did, and I fell in love immediately,” he says. Hulme has called Jarrell home since then, and in the last 25 years has watched Jarrell go through a metamorphosis. “I had the privilege of watching Jarrell go from tragedy to triumph,” he recalls, referring initially to the devastating tornado of 1997 and then to the continued growth, in terms of population and closeness of the community. After taking office in 2010, Hulme says the first thing he did was call a meeting, telling his new staff, “Everybody makes mistakes; no one is immune to that; but let’s not

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let them define us. We’ll stop, analyze, and then form a solution that moves us forward.” That humility and pragmatism define his tenure as Mayor. Never considered a micro-manager, Hulme says he prefers to operate on Ross Perot’s philosophy that “the real key to success is to hire people smarter than I am.” Hulme affirms that is the course the city charted then, and Jarrell has been blessed with a cadre of wise representation in every category from the city council through the myriad organizations that operate it. Hulme also instituted prayer before every council meeting that first year. “As a Christian, I hold firmly the conviction that with the Lord’s guidance, Jarrell has become a better place for current and future residents,” he asserts passionately. “I didn’t become Mayor by choice, it was a calling.” He goes on to say that he owes much of his close relationship with Christ to his friend and mentor, the late Pastor John Warden, who, in times of trial, spoke words of encouragement into his life. “I give Pastor John Warden credit for keeping me on the right path.” Hulme continues with reticence. When an audit report showed financial deficiencies in 2011, Hulme was quick to appoint an advisory committee of

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local finance professionals to formulate fixes. Since then, Jarrell has received outstanding audit surveys, with no deficiencies. “As a result of having a welldefined set of procedures in place we have increased the quality of life here while lowering taxes. We have a budget and we stay within it,” continues the unapologetic fiscal hawk. Hulme also praises the dedication of city employees. “Sometimes I wondered how we were going to make it with the help we had, but people stepped up and went above and beyond,” he lauds. Hulme fostered close working relationships with local, County, and State officials, resulting in the fruition of multiple community projects in Jarrell, including much-needed road improvements, the jewel of which is current replacement of the CR 313 bridge. Hulme applauds the Road Committee for their hard work, and says that through their efforts, relationships were forged with the County and State that affect many impending projects currently on the books. He also points to more parochial projects, “Even if it seems to be slow coming, we’re gaining in our efforts to fix streets and improve drainage.” The project he

is most proud of, however, is the remodel and improvements at Jarrell Memorial Park, a special place of emotion and reverence to many residents who remember losing the Igo family in the 1997 tornado. Through the bequest of the land where the park now sits by remaining family members, they will live on. Hulme says one of the most important messages he leaves with future leaders of Jarrell would be to consider the impact of regionalism. “It’s not just what benefits the city of Jarrell, but what benefits people in surrounding areas; because what helps us may also

benefit others, and what benefits others may also help us,” he exhorts. Hulme says he often contemplates what has been most exciting about being the Mayor of Jarrell. “There are few people in this world who have the opportunity to help build a city. Most cities were established long ago. With Jarrell’s incorporation in 2001, we had to start from scratch. I’d like to thank each and every one who played a part in this on-going journey. I will pray for you as you seek to take Jarrell into the future that it will continue to be a shining star among cities in Texas.”

JHS Grad Excels in NC J

HS Graduate PV2 Trey Fuller is doing great things at Fort Bragg, NC. Since the beginning of November Trey has received two distinguished honors. On November 5, 2014 he was chosen as Soldier of the Month by a Board of senior officers. If that honor wasn’t enough, he was chosen as Soldier of the Quarter a week later by another Board of superiors. These two honors come to a soldier who has only been at that base since mid-September, and in the Army for less than eight months. Trey’s confidence and knowledge of U.S. Army rules and regulations have put him on a path to success.

THANK YOU to these businesses & organizations for participating in Jarrell’s 1st Annual Community Fall Fling Festival! FIDELIS PUBLISHING GROUP SMALL PERKS MYTEE ENTERPRISES HAIR TRENDZ SONTERRA SMILES ANYTIME FITNESS SCHWERTNER STATE BANK JARRELL FFA BOOSTER CLUB JARRELL HIGH SCHOOL BAND BOOSTERS SCHWEGMANN ORCHARD BAR ONE ELEVEN SCENTSY DOTERRA ESSENTIAL OILS GLADDY COUTURE

COMPASSIONATE SPROUTS COMMUNITY BANK OF JARRELL MARANATHA CARE HOME HEALTH S.O.S. COMMUNICATIONS SLIDERS KITTY’S CORNER AMERICAN LEGION POST #317 LARS BODY SHOP DIAMOND T CANDLES RUSTY RANCH DESIGN JEFF STOCKTON REAL ESTATE JARRELL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH

ICEE BABY SNO CONES JARRELL COUGAR BOOSTERS BMI PEST MANAGEMENT JARRELL HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADERS BC SPORTS JARRELL HIGH SCHOOL SPANISH CLUB THE RIDGE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH SONTERRA CRIME STOPPERS WES WALTERS REALTY SONTERRA MUD ST. STEPHENS CATHOLIC CHURCH

The Community Fall Fling Festival, hosted by the Jarrell Noon Lions Club, held on October 25th was a huge success! There were 23 vendors ranging from candles, mums, childcare, and food booths. Jarrell United Methodist Church sponsored the Kids Corner with a bouncy house, face painting, and pumpkin decorating booth. John Grant, Vice President of the Jarrell Noon Lions Club, built a trebuchet which launched pumpkins across the field in front of amazed spectators. Kathryn White organized the car and motorcycle show which awarded plaques to all winners. The Jarrell Noon Lions Club would like to thank everyone who participated and donated to make this event successful! A special thanks to Armadillo Road for performing an excellent country music concert and Haley Holt for showing off her unbelievable talent. This event will be an annual festival so if interested in participating next year please visit the Jarrell Noon Lions Club Facebook page.

THE ADVOCATE  NOVEMBER 18, 2014

JARRELL

Jarrell Community Library Begins... 4th Grader’s Vision Starts with a New Bank Account

Hayley Warren is a 4th grader at Jarrell

Elementary. Last summer she wrote a letter to the City Council explaining that when school is out for the summer, it is difficult to find all those books she wants to read. Her family “has to drive all the way to Georgetown to the public library, and some people in Jarrell don’t have cars. We need books to study or use our imagination. And it’s not just for kids; adults can enjoy reading and learning as well.” On November 10, Hayley was joined by her family and a proud group of Williamson County officials and VIPs to officially open a checking account at the Schwertner State Bank for the Community Library of Northern Williamson County (search on Facebook). Schwertner Bank is the only locally-owned bank in Jarrell and Jim Schwertner himself was on hand to show Hayley the vault where her money would be safe and grow until ready to move forward with the project. Judge Bill Gravell told Hayley, “This is a good day and we are all grateful for your vision.” He then handed her a very tall stack of dollar bills to deposit in her account. Representative Marsha

Farney also donated and spoke saying, “You are helping make Jarrell a better place and I will have a place for you as a page at the capital when you are ready.” Next, Superintendent Bill Chapman offered up $20 per person for all his staff members that wear jeans to work for a week thanks to Hayley’s love of learning and Riders BBQ presented a check for $100. Attorney Wayne Cavalier also provided free legal services to set up the fund and make sure everything is in place to begin taking donations. Not to be outdone by the generosity of the guests (and the UT fans in the crowd) Mr. Schwertner offered to fly Hayley in his helicopter to see a “real” university—Texas A&M—where she would fit right in when she’s ready for college. He also contributed $500 to the fund on behalf of the bank employees. Hayley’s first day total was $1000 and donations may now be made at both Schwertner bank locations.

Top: Bank Owner Jim Schwertner looks on as the Warrens help Hayley with her first deposit. Right: JISD Superintendent Dr. Bill Chapman with Hayley after her tour of the vault.

Real Estate Means Real Charity

As Jarrell grows, the

people who live in and love it are also growing and doing everything they can to help others who live there. No exception to this rule are Barry and Barbara Cryer, who decided a few years ago they would give 20 percent of their real estate commissions to worthy charities. Before you say “No one really does that,” it’s a very simple formula. The Cryers own Cen-Tex Real Estate, which provides property acquisition and property management. They are really good at managing their own money, and they are a walking epitome of living within their means. The property management side of the house is lucrative enough to pay their living expenses and they decided they didn’t need any more for themselves. So when they buy or sell property, the commission is split; 80 percent back into the business and 20 percent to charity. The Cryers started Cen-

Tex in 2009 because they wanted to run a business that would enable them to control their own destiny, help people, and create a lasting and honorable legacy for their children and grandchildren. They also began attending the Williamson County Cowboy church about that time and both agree it has really changed their lives. Now, when they are looking at their commissions, their thoughts turn to their favorite causes; animals and children. Barry has contributed regularly to Texas Humane Heroes, a Leander Shelter; and he supports several programs for kids at the cowboy church like bull riding and rodeo activities. “We don’t live from one commission to the next,” Barry says, “And the donations are usually between $300-500. It makes a bigger difference to people who have nothing than it would for us to buy another flat screen television. We just want to help our clients.” They are careful to donate only to charities in good standing with the state and the IRS so they can feel good about doing the right thing and maintaining the positive relationships that spawn the support in the first place. Barry even

sent one commission to the United Methodist Church all the way in Alabama on a client’s behalf. The Cryers recently moved to Sonterra from Round Rock to be close to their clients and also to be in a place where they felt like they could really get to know their neighbors. Barry says, “We are helping Jarrell grow and want to help our clients grow at the same time. Anyone who hires me gets the whole package, whether we’re negotiating for a mobile home park or an apartment complex.” But they are very happy in their business. Barry has studied business and real estate says they only want to make more money so they can give more away. They began their giving about a year ago and even put it on the back of their business card, not to be ostentatious, but just so people will know they are a resource for help. Barbara says, “Our thing is animals and kids. We lost a dog we’d had for 12 years and when she was gone we decided to help others who worked in animal welfare. We have sponsored Jarrell Youth Soccer and baseball; we give money for teams who don’t have enough money to fund their season or for families who don’t have enough to pay for their kids to play. So if there are kids who need a sponsor, just let us know!” Barry and Barbara can be reached at Cen-TexRealEstate.com.

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NOVEMBER 18, 2014  THE ADVOCATE

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Special Events November 1-30 Letters of Sacrifice - art and memorial on display at the Georgetown Art Center, 816 S. Main St. Letters of Sacrifice by Texas-born artist and Air Force Veteran Jenn Hassin is a memorial to service members who have been killed in action since 2001. “Letters of Sacrifice” will be on display at the Pentagon for a year. Wednesday, Nov 19, 11am Georgetown Area Republican Women Monthly Meeting at Berry Creek Country Club, 30500 Berry Creek Dr., Georgetown. Guest Speaker Rev. Rafael Cruz, father of Texas Senator Ted Cruz. Cost: $15 - meeting and luncheon. Mail to: GARW-PAC, 1530 Sun City Blvd., Suite 120, PMB 424, Georgetown, TX 78633 or email reservation to: garwpac@yahoo.com. Fri, Nov 21 10am-11:30am Sun City Current Issues Club at Cowan Creek Amenities Center. Georgetown Room, 1433 Cool Spring Way. The topic is “The Affordable Care Act (Obama Care) vs.

Universal Health Care.” Current Issues Club provides a nonpartisan environment for respectful exchange of ideas. Guests welcome and may participate if time allows. Sunday, November 23 Noon FREE Thanksgiving Dinner at Chisholm Trail Cowboy Church, 1500 CR 120, Weir. Sunday services at 10 am. Visit us on Facebook at Chisholm Trail Cowboy Church Weir. Thursday, Nov 27 Noon FREE Thanksgiving Dinner at American Legion Post 317, at 201 W. FM 487 Jarrell. Please join the American Legion family and friends for a free Thanksgiving dinner and a day of football! The Legion hall will open at noon on November 27 and a full turkey & ham dinner (all the fixings) served at 1:30. Sponsored by The Ridge Fellowship and The American Legion Post 317. Wednesday, Dec 3, 7-8:30 pm Thurs, Dec 4, 7pm-8:30 pm Sun City Singers Christmas Concert at Sun City Ballroom, 2 Texas Dr. Come celebrate the season, celebrate the reason, “Come to the Manger,” performed by the 140-voice choir

directed by Dick Anderson. Reserved seat tickets are $8 and go on sale November 3. Tickets are available on-line at www.sctxca.org or at the Sun City Member Services Office (512-948-7720).

Wednesdays - 7 pm Veteran Support Group (HNO Center AND at Akins HS at 10701 S. 1st St, Austin) Thursdays - 7 pm Combat Veteran Support Grp (at HNO Center)

Saturday, Dec 13, 10am-2 pm Christmas VBS Drop & Shop at Calvary Chapel of Georgetown, 3400 Shell Road, Georgetown. A holiday version of Vacation Bible School to allow parents of preschool and elementary age children to go do some Christmas shopping.

FREE Sports Injury Screenings -Wednesdays - 4 pm at the Scott & White Sports Medicine & Rehab Clinic located at 5353 Williams Dr., Suite 100 in Georgetown. The clinic provides athletes with quick access for injury assessment and recommendations for care of the injuries. Contact 512-819-5000 for more info.

Weekly Events Georgetown

AA Meetings Mondays - 10 am, Wednesdays & Fridays - 3 pm at the Scott & White Clinic located at 4945 Williams Dr. Saturdays - 9:30 am at The Worship Place located at 811 Sun City Blvd. in Georgetown. Heroes Night Out Center 1150 S Bell Blvd, Cedar Park Tues & Thurs - 9:30 am Peer to peer Donuts & Coffee Wednesdays - Noon Peer to peer pizza lunch

Mobile Veterinary Clinic

Vaccinations, Internal Medicine, Microchipping, Spay/Neuter, Dentistry, Heartworm & Flea Preventive

Jarrell Clinic - Dec. 6 | 10 am - Noon Cougar Plaza Parking Lot

Florence Clinic - Dec. 13 | 10 am - Noon in front of Ace In The Hole Pawn (FM 970 & IH-95)

David Foster, DVM • (254) 228-3960

No Appointment for Mobile Clinic • Limited to Cats & Dogs

Healing Rooms of Georgetown Thursdays 7 pm - 8 pm River of Life Church (6040 Airport Road) bringing the Power of God’s Love & Healing to those in need,wherever they may be. If you or a loved one are in need please contact Michelle at 512-508-3222 or 512-863-0854. Email us at HealingOutreachMinistry@ gmail.com.; Riveroflifegt.org Special Friends - Alzheimers Caregivers Support - Thursdays 10 am -2 pm Free, weekly respite care program that gives caretakers a

few hours of free time. Meet in the foyer of the Worship Place, 811 Sun City Blvd.; volunteers plan special activities, serve lunch, and have a fun time. Volunteers needed. Cheryl White (512) 864-1380 or Carol Cockrell (512) 240-9103. Wolf Ranch Farmers Market Saturdays 9 am - 1 pm Wolf Ranch Ctr, 1015 W. University Ave, Rain or shine. wolfranchfarmersmarket.com VFW Post 8587 1000 College St, Georgetown. Saturdays - 8 pm - Midnight “Freedom Karaoke” Sundays - Noon until ? NFL Sunday Ticket - watch the games on 4 Flat Screen TVs

Jarrell “All You Can Eat” Public Meal Wednesdays - 6-8 pm at American Legion Post 317, located at 201 W. FM 487 in Jarrell. $6 per person - dine in or carry-out.

Florence

Florence Noon Lions Club 1st & 3rd Wednesdays Noon at the Florence Fire Hall, 301 Brewster St.

Community Wide Fellowship & Game Day 1st & 3rd Wednesdays - 1 pm at First Baptist Church of Florence, 106 College Ave, Florence. Seniors 55+ welcome! Call (254) 793-2991 for info & transportation.

Don’t see your event? Visit our website for a full listing of weekly and monthly happenings. To have your community, church, or non-profit event posted on our calendar! WILCOONLINE. COM

click on “Submit A Calendar Event”

THE ADVOCATE  NOVEMBER 18, 2014

GEORGETOWN CELEBRATES VETERANS’ DAY

Veterans Eager for (Frigid) Freedom Flight In our October 31 issue, we pre-

viewed the Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation program and the planned flights for World War II veterans on Veterans’ Day. Nine participants enjoyed a 35-minute flight with pilot Darrell Fisher who does the same across the country from April to November. The cold weather took everyone by surprise and although the plane had an open cockpit, Navy Veteran Gary Richards said he would never turn down the opportunity to go. Sun City resident Jim Tegarden said, “It is a dream cone true!” Tegarden was in the Army Air Corps 1943-45, was stationed in Guam 1952-53, and flew C-47s in Vietnam before retiring in 1974. His flight time included AT-10, PT-17, and B-25s, and between flights he also got a degree in aerospace engineering and raised four kids. He has 7 grandkids and 16 great grandkids. Pictured at right with daughter Brenda and son-in-law Tommy who says, “He’s my hero!” Billy Long, 89, also of Sun City and pictured below in the cockpit, flew just about everything. He entered the service in 1943 and flew the Stearman airplane as part of his

Aviation Cadet Program. He was in the Army Air Corps, was part of the Panama Air & Sea Rescue; and was also in Security Services for the Air Force. “I haven’t been up yet, but I am looking forward to it. It was an experience then and it will be again.” Jerry Obermeyer served in the Army AirCorps in 1945 for the 43rd Bomb Group. He saw more of the world after the war; he worked for Westinghouse for the next 56 years and supported operations all over the world. Henry Behrens, Jr., 88, was a crew member and an aerial gunner on a B-24. He flew night missions and was pleased to meet another member of the same bomb group prior to the flight. He participated in Honor Flight and said the flight would make this Veterans’ Day tremendous and would bring back lots of memories for him. He, like all the veterans, was really looking forward to the flight. The event was made possible through generous sponsorship of SportClips and CEO Gordon Logan had the privilege of taking the first flight of the day.

Clockwise: Pilot Darrell Fisher autographs a hat for Navy vet Gary Richards. Tommy and Brenda Cox with Brenda’s father Jim Tegarden. Henry Behrens, Jr. Jerry Obermeyer. Billy J Long gives a thumbs up just before takeoff.

At Jack Frost Elementary

Students at Jack Frost

Elementary celebrated Veterans’ Day with a patriotic and musical tribute, complete with veteran parents and relatives on stage to

share stories and gratitude for the children’s support. Cub Scout Pack 405 posted colors, followed by singing, percussion, recorders, and a special xylophone

rendition of Taps. Music director Leonine Critides says the kids rehearsed a full six weeks to pay homage to their special Veteran guests. Students from Ms. Phillips’s, Ms. Thomas’ and Ms. Travis’ classes performed and members of the Student Council were expert greeters. Principal Janet Mormon said, “We are honored to host the program. My own son is deployed in Peru right now. It is always great when parents and grandparents come because it teaches the values of patriotism and shows our veterans are great models of that.”

Reservist Jeremy Kirby explains to Principal Mormon and students that events and kids like this make his service “Worth it!”

NOVEMBER 18, 2014  THE ADVOCATE

FAMILY LIFE

HOLIDAY LIFE HACKS

22 Uncommon Solutions to Common Problems 1. “Free” Gift Wrap ~ Open your potato chip bags carefully, turn inside out, wash, and you have beautiful silver foil paper, or use a s a bag and just tie up the top with a pretty ribbon. 2. Sweet Scents ~ For a yummy-smelling house, put whole coffee beans in a decorative bowl, place a few tea lights on top and light. Instant scented candles on the cheap. 3. Sweet Scents 2 ~ Cut an orange in half and dig out the meat; leave the stem in the middle. Fill with olive oil and light the stem/wick. 4. Book your airline travel between December 4 and

10. Travelocity says tickets are cheapest then, but you might not find the flights you want.

8. Need a cheap garland? Use $.99 white light strands and push Dixie cups over each bulb for a lantern look.

5. Ice down the turkey’s breast before roasting to keep it from drying out. By starting the breast at a slightly lower temperature, you solve the problem of white meat cooking faster than dark.

9. Posh Pancakes ~ Dip metal cookie cutters in oil and place in a hot pan. Pour pancake batter into the mold and let cook about a minute. Remove cookie cutter and flip. Viola! Christmas trees and snowmen with syrup.

6. Bake stuffing in muffin tins to maximize crispy surface area and make easy single servings. 7. Cut toilet paper rolls through the middle, wrap them around your tubes of wrapping paper to prevent them from unrolling.

10. If you can’t decide how to jazz up your desserts, put a chocolate bar in the fridge for a while then take a potato peeler to it to make perfect chocolate shavings for pie, cocoa, etc. 11. Need to travel light? Hair conditioner can be used as shaving foam, styling cream/hair gel, eye make-up remover, bath cream, cuticle cream and laundry detergent. 12. Out of marshmallows? Spread whipped cream on a cookie sheet and freeze. Use a cookie cutter to cut out holiday shapes to melt in the cocoa. 13. Sign up for Amazon Prime free trial. Free twoday shipping for any of Amazon’s “Prime eligible”

bounty, and if you cancel before the 30 days are up it’s totally free. 14. Add baking powder to make mashed potatoes extra fluffy. 15. Don’t get up at 5am to cook that 20-pound turkey. Cook two 10-pounders in half the time. Twice the dark meat! 16. Forgot to defrost the turkey? Pre-heat your oven to 325 degrees. Unwrap your bird and bake it in a shallow roasting pan for 3 to 3-1/2 hours. When the inside is soft enough, remove bird from oven to take out the neck and giblets. Season and stuff the bird and bake for another 2 to 3 hours, monitoring the breast temperature. Once it has reached an internal temp of around 170 degrees, remove and let sit for 15 minutes. 17. Separate eggs by gently squeezing a plastic water bottle over a cracked egg.

g e o r g e t o w n

When the bottle re-inflates with air, it will scoop the yolk right up. (Disclaimer: This method may take a little practice.) 18. If you have no candlesticks or tall candles, flip a wineglss and place a tea light or votive on top.

#18

19. Leftover pumpkins? Paint them white and stack for makeshift snowmen. 20. Use a hair dryer on your artificial tree to fluff up the needles. 21. If you have guests coming from out of town, print out a channel guide for the guest TV so they won’t spend down time scanning. 22. After the party, use your leftover egg nog to make extra rich french toast in the morning.

#19

A I R F E S T

The fifth annual Georgetown AirFest began Nov 8 with three sunrise balloon launches. This year for the first time, visitors were able to fly in the Ford Tri-Motor, a 1929 metal aircraft that was the first mass-produced airliner.

THE ADVOCATE  NOVEMBER 18, 2014

FAMILY LIFE

About the Bubbly by Jeff Binney

The holidays are here,

and in the wine world that often means lots of Champagne and sparkling wine. In fact, November and December account for about 70 percent of their annual sales. So, this seems to be a perfect time to take a look at these most festive of wines. Sparkling wine is produced throughout the world, but in order for it to be rightfully called “Champagne” it must be produced in the Champagne region of north-central France. Therefore, all Champagne is sparkling wine, but not all sparkling wine is Champagne. Sparkling wine can be made one of four ways, with the best and costliest being the “Methode Champenoise.” Here, the wine is naturally fermented in the actual bottle we buy, and the carbonation in the wine is the by-product of this fermentation. This is

e m o H

the only legal means of production in Champagne, and the wine creates tiny bubbles (beads), which rise from the bottom of our flute for a long time. Sparklers produced by the Methode Champenoise will, in some manner, say so on the label. Legend tells us that Dom Perignon (1638-1715), a Benedictine Monk and cellar master at the Abbey de Hautvillers, first discovered (or created) Champagne. This is indeed legend; but what he did do was refine bottle making and corkage techniques (thicker glass and tying the cork to the bottle) to withstand pressure reaching six pounds per square inch. Still, about half of his bottles would burst apart! Many different grape varieties are used to produce sparking wines, and different regions of the world call sparklers by different names. In Champagne, only Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier can be used legally. In the Loire Valley of France, Chenin Blanc is used to make “Cremant,” while Germany predominately uses Riesling to produce “Sekt.” In Italy, “Spumante” is made from Muscat, Prosecco, and Brachetto, while Spain’s “Cava” is from Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarel-lo. In Bulgaria, sparkling wine is called “Champanski,” which always makes me

laugh! As I’ve said before, we can tell a lot about what’s in the bottle by what’s on the label. A lot of the quality of a sparkler is determined by how it is made. Again, the Methode Champenoise produces the best wines, and we may also see accompanying verbiage like “naturally fermented in this bottle.” Lower quality wines will say on the label “Charmat Process” or “Transfer Method.” Labeling will also tell us how dry or sweet a sparkler is in terms of residual sugar. “Extra Brut” is less than .6 %, “Brut” less than 1.5%, “Extra Dry” 1.2-2%, “Sec” 1.7-3.5%, “DemiSec” 3.3-5%, and “Doux” over 5%. The last two are very sweet and considered dessert wines. Finally, a little bit about style. Great Champagnes and sparkling wines are made from both white and red grapes. A wine labeled “Blanc de Blanc” is from a white grape, shows little color, and is very crisp with high acidity. If we see “Blanc de Noir” or “Brut Rose” we have a more fruity wine, with color ranging from light copper to salmon. Purists say not to pop the cork because it wastes carbonation. They’re right, but there is something very celebratory and beckoning about that loud POP! Happy holidays, everyone...

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NOVEMBER 18, 2014  THE ADVOCATE

OPINION / COMMENTARY PUBLISHER’S FORUM

by Mike Payne

Bass Pro: The One That Got Away How Can Georgetown Reel In The Next One? Let’s talk about economic development in Georgetown. From a macro-focus, it pains me greatly to see a Bass Pro Shop located a stone’s throw from the Georgetown city line. It pains me to see the millions of dollars in sales tax and hundreds of thousands of dollars in property tax all go to the city of Round Rock. How did Round Rock land this big fish? Round Rock negotiated, plain and simple. Georgetown had the same opportunity as Round Rock to land this giant, but here is a key example of one that got away. In economic development terms, no matter how anyone spins it, failing to reel in such a prime catch was a major loss to Georgetown that would have added greatly to the quality of life by helping balance the percentage of residential property taxes with business property taxes. This opportunity is gone, and there’s no sense crying over spilled milk. But as we move forward, we must make sure the next time a business with the ability to enhance our community comes to town we don’t let it slip away until we’ve done everything possible to keep it here. Forbes Magazine rated Austin-Round Rock as the

number five “Best Performing Area” on a top 25 list. Since Georgetown sits directly adjacent to Round Rock, don’t we have an extra dose of that ‘swagger’ as well? The answer to that should be obvious. Are we on the radar of people across the United States looking for a place to locate their businesses? And if so, are we considered favorably, or as a “you can’t do business there” place? Before you call me a naysayer and accuse me of focusing on Georgetown’s failures, let me remind you of a verifiable quote that was uttered at a meeting in recent history —“Austin developers will not bring business to Georgetown.” Don’t blame me; I didn’t say it. But I will say that it’s time to fix it. How do we do that? We now have a first-class, business-minded city council and mayor who understand the core tenants of doing business. Before those who consider Earth Day a real holiday get all worked up, please rest assured that no one on Georgetown’s City Council wants to breathe dirty air, drink dirty water, or fight Austin-like traffic. But, in order to guard against skyrocketing property taxes for residents, there is a time-proven formula to ensure that John Q. Public doesn’t pay the freight for the entire city. That formula is to bring much-needed businesses here. The logical thing to do is for the city council to redefine the goals for economic development and then keep a detailed scorecard. It isn’t enough for the economic development department to only tout “what came here.” It’s equally, if not more, important to keep track of what didn’t come here and why not. The Economic Development Director should report that informa-

tion directly to Council, not to a city manager who has to deal with everything from cats stuck in trees to keeping the lights on. In a healthy economic development environment, the community is hitting on all eight cylinders; that means the engagement of everyone from the Mayor on down. It is inconceivable to me that when multi-million dollar companies wanted to locate here, a previous mayor stated, “I only want to see it on the dais.” That bureaucratic attitude may have cost Georgetown hundreds of millions of dollars in economic development. In addition to city leaders being kept in the loop, we should engage business leaders in an economic advisory capacity. Who do CEOs want to talk to when they’re thinking about relocating? Others who have already done it, of course. It gives them a collegial overview of what they can expect as they navigate the process. Finally, we should compare every aspect of our economic development department to the top ten in the United States. After all, we’re in that group. Then we must provide our Economic Development Director with the best equipment and the best players. Why should Georgetown be happy conceding, “We’re doing all we can with what we have?” Shouldn’t we be saying, “We’re among the best in the United States. In this arena, we simply won’t settle for anything but the best?” It’s known throughout this region that Georgetown has some catching up to do. Why? For a better quality of life, and so that you can keep more of your hard-earned money through lower, shared taxes!

LETTER TO THE EDITOR New Doctor In Jarrell I am excited to bring a new concept in medical care to Jarrell. It is called Direct Primary Care and fosters the physician-patient relationship, which is the cornerstone of medicine. Through this relationship, patients can work with their phyician to achieve their heathcare goals. Insurance is not accepted so insurance does not dictate care. This doesn’t meanyou don’t need insurance for the major things. It just means that your primary and preventive are are under your

control. Because I can limit the number of patients I have, the care will be more personalized. I will know you better and, I will work for you. Membership covers unlimited visits, and email and texting are available for questions. Services include (at no extra cost) EKG’s, nebulizer treatments, cryotherapy and removal of skin lesions, simple laceration repair, strep screening, urinalysis and pregnancy tests. Labs are available at my cost or insurance can cover

it. Does this sound too good to be true? It does to me, but I am looking forward to practicing medicine the way I want to practice. To learn more, check out my web site at yourpersonalmd.net. I will be contacting interested parties in late December, and will open my office in January, 2015. I can’t wait to be Your Personal MD. Dr. Loy Graham

POINTS OF VIEW

by Dave Schumacher

Election 2014: A Lesson For Conservatives The 2014 election is over, and the Republicans roasted the Democrats. This vote was a mandate for the Republicans to stop the Obama regime in its tracks. The Republican Party offered nothing new; they simply ran on the Democrats’ poor records in leading the country. Suddenly, the Democrats have begun to use the term ‘compromise’ now that both houses of Congress belong to the Republicans. Let’s look at how ‘compromise’ worked when the Republicans had only the House. There are over 350 bills passed by the Republican House sitting idle in the Democrat Senate. Harry Reid simply tabled every bill sent over. It is time the now-Republican Senate take up many of those bills, vote on them, and, if passed, send them to President Obama for signature. My guess is, instead of “using his pen,” he will use his VETO stamp. That will

show the American people how partisan he really is. He will become the obstructionist in Washington. The elitists in the Republican Party say this election was about the centrist ideas trumping the far left. They say the right in the party did not fare so well. They say that a conservative cannot win an election against a far left opponent. I beg to differ. I offer up a classic case of a real conservative prospering in a blue state. The state is Wisconsin, birthplace and now bastion of radical left ideals. In 2009, a man named Scott Walker, a staunch conservative ran for Governor. Wisconsin was in a mess. They were facing a $3.7 billion shortfall; 1500 teachers were going to be laid off. The pension issue was huge. Unemployment was higher than the national average. Wisconsin was heading towards the proverbial fiscal cliff. Scott Walker promised he would fix the fiscal woes of Wisconsin. He was elected Governor, and the two state houses were turned Republican. The two houses immediately wrote a bill that raised Union members’ contributions to their pensions and health insurance, however the averages under the bill were still below what the private sector employees paid on average. This bill removed the bargaining power of the public sector unions in regard to their benefits. It also allowed union workers to leave the union without penalty. In

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addition, it allowed school districts to shop for their health insurance (formerly supplied only by a union insurance company). Oh yes, it also stopped the state withholding union dues. All heck broke out. First the Democrat senators fled the state to avoid voting on the bill. However, the Republicans found a way to pass the bill without the Democrats in session. People flocked to the capitol in Madison and protested vehemently. They did $9 million worth of damage to the capitol and grounds. Every union in the nation sent people. The teachers shut down schools to protest. Later, the radical left began a recall process. There wasn’t much love happening. Although millions of dollars were poured into the state, the recall failed. Scott Walker won the recall election. Scott Walker became the number one enemy of the Democrats. This year, they poured money into the state to defeat Scott Walker. He won re-election with the same margin as he won the recall. So, why am I telling this story? Wisconsin went from a deficit of 3.7 billion to a surplus of 1 billion. No teachers were laid off. Taxes were reduced for all citizens. School districts saved millions of dollars on their new private sector insurance policies. I read that at least 30 percent of teachers left the unions the first year. Unemployment plummeted. This story should tell everyone, including Karl Rove and Mitch McConnell, that a conservative can win and then win again, even in a dark blue state. Moreover, he completely turned Wisconsin’s economy around and pulled the state back from the abyss. Governor Walker faced down more adversity than can be fathomed. He stuck with his conviction under tremendous pressure and he and Wisconsin prevailed. Mr. Rove and Mr. McConnell, remember this lesson come 2016.

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NOVEMBER 18, 2014  THE ADVOCATE

FAITH

1000 Meals~1 Day

Pastor Joe and Lori Champion are the founders of Celebration Church, located in Georgetown, Texas. Celebration Church is one church with multiple campuses, including a second location in the Austin metroplex, a Spanish service, online viewers, and an international campus in Mozambique Africa. Founded in 2000, over 9,000 people call Celebration Church home. The church vision is to connect people to their destiny. Celebration Church, Westinghouse Campus is at 1202 Rabbit Hill Rd. Georgetown.

This Thanksgiving, Celebration Church, led by Pastor Joe and Lori Champion, will collect 1,000 Thanksgiving meals through church members. Each meal consists of a turkey and a bag of groceries. Bags of groceries will be assembled at the Westinghouse Campus on Wednesday, November 19th at 6:30pm. Celebration Church volunteers will deliver each turkey and grocery bag to homes on Sunday November 23rd, following all services. For initiative information, go to CelebrationChurchTX.com

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Victorious Living

by Rev. Clyde E. Nichols

One day the twelve

disciples came to Jesus with the request, “Lord, teach us how to pray. They never asked for instructions on how to teach, or how

to preach. They seemed to feel that if they only knew how to pray as Jesus prayed, everything else would take care of itself. One of the big failings of us ministers is that we don’t teach our people how to pray. We tell them they ought to pray, exhort them to pray, but never teach them how to pray. Somewhere I read about a young nurse who felt she needed a plan of prayer for her life. She was up early and worked a full day. It seemed that by the time she reached home and took care of the chores there was no time left for private devotions. She came up with this plan: Since she was constantly busy with her hands—giving medications, fluffing pillows, raising and lowering patients’ beds— she would use her hands as

Life Hacks: Strategies or ideas adopted in order to solve everyday problems in an inspired, ingenious manner. More simply, uncommon solutions to common problems. Having trouble opening sealed plastic packaging, try using a can opener. Want to fix a scratched DVD, simply rub a banana peel on it. Life hacks are simple, creative, and very effective. But this concept of life hacks isn’t a new idea. Several times in the bible, Jesus gives us uncommon solutions to some of our most common problems.

Those People!

Problems with “other” people? People who have rowdy and disobedient children, talk during a movie or concert, and do other things we dislike or don’t understand. So what do we do when we encounter them? We’ve been taught, trained, conditioned to ignore these people, tolerate them, and especially to judge them. As a Life Hack himself, what uncommon solution does Jesus offer? In Matthew 5:43-48, the famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says, “You have heard it said to love your neighbors and hate your enemies” (i.e. common solution) “… but I tell you, love your enemies” (i.e., uncommon solution/life hack). The words

an aid to prayer. First, there was the thumb. It was closest to her. It would be a reminder to pray for those nearest and dearest to her—her family and friends. The index finger was used for pointing. It would remind her to pray for those who teach, those who give instruction and guidance. A teacher truly affects eternity. The middle finger is the most prominent. It would remind her to pray for those in authority, the leaders of our nation—the president, the congress, the leaders of the other nations, law enforcement officers, that God lead them in paths of peace. She remembered from her typing class that the third finger is the weakest of all. It would remind her to pray for the helpless and

“hate” and “enemies” in this context aren’t as emotionally charged as we might think them to be. To hate people simply meant to condemn or overlook them, and the enemies Jesus was referring to were merely nonJews: people who didn’t live the same

downtrodden people of the world. For the sick, the suffering, those in need—for the least, the last, the lowest and the lost. The little finger is the smallest and least important. It would remind her to pray for herself, to ask day by day for God to bless her life and make it a blessing. O Thou, by whom we come to God, The Life, the Truth, the Way, The path of prayer thyself hast trod, Lord, teach us how to pray. Rev. Nichols is Minister Emeritus of First Christian Church, Temple, where he served as senior minister for 23 years before retiring in 1986. He writes a religious column for several newspapers.

ways Jews did. At the same time, to love people didn’t mean you had to have warm and fuzzy, mushy, and emotional feelings toward them all the time. The kind of love Jesus talks about is agape love. Christian love. The love the Apostle Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. Elizabeth noted that of the 16 different descriptions of love in that passage, not one of them is a feeling or emotion. Love is a state of being. It is being patient and kind; love is not being arrogant or rude. Adapted from Highland Park Methodist Church.

THE ADVOCATE  NOVEMBER 18, 2014

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NOVEMBER 18, 2014  THE ADVOCATE