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TOWN & COUNTRY

County Judge-elect Bill Gravell • Page 9 DECEMBER 2018

The Holiday Season Officially Begins

The 38th annual Christ-

mas Stroll officially kicked off Friday night (Nov 30) with a public screening of The Grinch, and continued with record-setting crowds during the traditional parade on Austin Avenue, Saturday morning. Sponsored by the Downtown Georgetown Association, the parade began, as always, with the Mayor and Police and Fire Chiefs, and finished with the real guest of honor (right). Events included live entertainment on two stages, and holiday shopping at more than 150 arts and crafts booths as well as downtown merchants; a Bistro Food Court, Santa’s Village, Everest Mountain Climb-N-Slide, street hockey, a children’s train, a Whoo hair salon, and a taste of the biblical Christmas story in Bethlehem Village.

Season of Giving

In the spirit of the season, hundreds of new, unwrapped toys were collected by Blue Santa Elves

Gonzalez's Vision For District 7: Continued Improvement

along the parade route, set for distribution to more than 1500 Georgetown children on December 15.

Blue Santa is a program of the Georgetown Police Department to provide toys to children in need in Georgetown.

As well, the Williamson County Sheriff's Office is collecting donations for the Brown Santa program.

Funds collected are used to purchase toys, books and other items for low income or poverty-stricken families with children from infancy to age 17. They aim to make Christmas merrier and positively impact families. Eligible families live in Williamson County but outside city limits or are not eligible for other giving programs. Donations can be made directly to adopted families or through the Sheriff's department, 508 S Rock Street in Georgetown or call 512-864-8215.

AT THE STROLL, L-R: East View Sparkler Kimberly Lopez • 1st place float sponsored by

District 7 Councilman

GISD Transportation • Mark Gonzalez Jr. and Sr. enjoying a unique view of the parade.

• Daniela (6) and mom Laura Talavera came to see her cousin, who is with the Scouts

in the parade. They enjoy the parade together every year. • Williamson County A&M Club

Tommy Gonzalez has announced he will file and campaign to retain his seat on the Georgetown City Council. He plans to maintain his platform of sustaining the historic nature and character of the City as it experiences rapid and continued growth. Gonzalez has been a strong advocate of attracting new quality business to Georgetown to help increase revenues for the city, and his focus will continue to be on projects east of I-35. "Most importantly, I want to maintain or improve the overall quality of life for all the residents of Georgetown."

As an incumbent, Gonzalez says, "I want to finish what I started. Since beginning my service, the city has modernized, finished a new public safety facility and I am eager to see it through for the new city hall, Fire Station 7 and continuing to service the east side of Georgetown.

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Loyce J. Graham MD, PLLC 181 Town Center Blvd. Suite 400 � Jarrell � 512.746.2690 Office Hours: Mon., Wed., Thurs., Fri. 8 am - 5 pm | Tues. 8 am - Noon ers will be making pancakes and sausage served with juice and coffee. The event is 7:30 to 11 a.m.

At the event, children can climb on board a fire truck, visit with firefighters, and have a free picture taken with Santa.

Tickets are $6 per person and can be purchased at the door on the day of the event or in advance at the Public Safety Operations and Training Center, 3500 D.B. Wood Road. Children age 12 and younger are free with a paid adult.

The event is sponsored by the Georgetown Fire Department, Sun City Rotary Club, YMCA of Greater Williamson County, and Georgetown ISD. All proceeds from Breakfast with Santa, as well as other fundraising, provides clothing, food, and gifts for children in the Georgetown area. Breakfast with Santa aims to help 180 children in need in Georgetown, provide clothing and gift cards to homeless teenagers in Georgetown served by The Georgetown Project’s NEST program, and provide help to Jarrell’s UMC Christmas outreach program.

Tax-deductible donations are accepted to help fund Breakfast with Santa.

Checks should be made out to “Chisholm Trail Communities Foundation” with “Sun City Rotary – BWS” on the memo line. Mail the

Blue Santa

Blue Santa and his elves need your help. This program of the Georgetown Police Dept. provides toys to more than 1,500 children during its annual toy drive and distribution. Monetary donations to purchase toys also are accepted. Checks to “CPAAA Blue Santa” should be sent to the Police Dept, c/o CPAAA Programs, 3500 D.B. Wood Rd, Georgetown, 78628.

For information about donation events and donations to Blue Santa, go to BlueSanta.Georgetown.org.

Blue Santa also donates toys anytime residents have lost their belongings in fires or natural disasters.

Monetary donations and new, unwrapped toys are welcome any time. Call (512) 930-2747.

Breakfast with Santa Dec. 15

The 18th annual pancake Breakfast with Santa event is Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Community Center, 445 E. Morrow St. in San Gabriel Park. Georgetown firefight-

donation check to Chisholm Trail Communities Foundation, 116 W. Eighth St., Ste. 203, Georgetown, TX, 78626.

For details, contact the Georgetown Fire Department at (512) 930-3473.

A New Pet for the Holidays

The cats and dogs at the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter have sent their list to Santa, and every one of them listed "Home" or "Family". Make their wishes come true by adopting or fostering a pet during the holidays.

“Home for the Holidays” is a foster drive continuing through Jan. 3 that saves the lives of the lost and abandoned pets and raises awareness about the importance of pet adoption during the holiday season.

The short-term commitment of fostering saves lives by opening kennel spaces and gives the dogs and cats a healthy break from the stresses of shelter life. After fostering, they are healthier and happier–ready to find their forever homes. More families bring a new pet home during the holiday season than any other time of the year.

Foster dogs and cats still will be available for adoption on the WCRAS website. Adopters can email wcras@wilco.org to get in touch with foster families.

Order Your HOLIDAY HOME DÉCOR

In December, all adult dogs and cats are only $12 to adopt, kittens and puppies are only $75. Visit Pets.

Wilco.org to view adoptable animals or fill out a foster application.

County Office Closures

Williamson County offices will be closed for Christmas December 24-26, 2018, and January 1 for the New Year’s holiday. Commissioners Court will not meet Dec 25 and will have a short meeting with agenda items pertaining to elected officials’ offices and staff only Jan 1.

The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter, 1855 S.E. Inner Loop, will

be open Christmas Eve 11am-4pm, closed Christmas Day, and open regular hours December 26. The shelter will be open New Year’s Eve 11am-4pm and will be closed New Year’s Day except for lost dog or cat intake and reclaim.

Holiday Recycling

The County Landfill, 600 Landfill Road in Hutto, will accept Christmas trees for recycling Dec 26-Jan 12, free of charge for County residents. Flocked trees are not accepted for recycling.

They will be closed Christmas and New Year’s Days.

The City of Georgetown has partnered with Texas Disposal Systems to

offer string-light recycling to Georgetown residents.

Residents can bring old or broken string-lights through Jan. 31 to the Collection and Transfer Station, 250 WL Walden Rd; Georgetown Municipal Complex, 300-1 Industrial Ave.; and Library, 402 W 8th St. Sun City residents may drop off old or broken string lights at the Cowan Creek Pavilion, 1433 Cool Spring Way. The program is limited to string lights only and they must be taken to a collection station. String lights should not be placed in residential or commercial recycling bins because they can damage the sorting machines at the recycling center.

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The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of The 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 Advocate reserves the right to edit letters for length and journalistic style, and has a recommended length of 300 words.

"To know the will of God is the greatest knowledge, to find the will of God is the greatest discovery, and to do the will of God is the greatest achievement." ~Author Unknown

Georgetown DECEMBER 2018  AdvocateNewsTX.com

Annual Lighting of the Square Retiring County Judge Dan Gattis (below) greeted the crowd and was invited

by Mayor Dale Ross to throw the switch to officially light the Square and kickoff the holiday season in Georgetown. At right, the Austin Carolers led the crowd for the 7th year in a row. • Gabriel Medina and Melissa Ortiz brought Melianys (10) and Adrian (8) to the see the lights for the first time. • GPD Assistant Chief Cory Tchida and Captain Roland Waits • Joe Marion and Jellybean

3

Georgetown

4

GISD “Buddy Benches” Help Students Create Friendships

Georgetown ISD stu-

dents and staff are taking a proactive approach to spread a culture of kindness and inclusion through Buddy Benches.

Buddy Benches are special, brightly colored benches for students to go and sit when they need a friend. They are designed to create friendships by facilitating inclusion on playgrounds. Students often use them when they are feeling lonely. When other students see a student sitting on the bench, they recognize that the student is feeling lonely and invite that student to play.

The first Buddy Bench in GISD was made at Ford Elementary this past fall, as a service project of the Ford 2nd grade team.

“As part of our professional learning earlier in the year, our Ford teachers and staff were challenged to design learning projects around our district mission to inspire and empower others to lead, grow, and serve,” Ford Elementary Principal Jessica McMullen said. “Our #fordserves projects were born in an effort to give back to our community and help empower others to carry on the projects so that there was a ripple effect for kids, teachers and staff, and our great city of Georgetown.”

The second grade team collaborated with Home Depot in Georgetown for the Buddy Bench supplies, designed

Forbes Middle School Students building sessions that had families helping to build the benches, created instructional materials to help others share the purpose and intent behind the Buddy Bench, and then donated a Buddy Bench to Frost Elementary.

Ford counselor Karen Cavanaugh has also included the Buddy Bench in her guidance lessons so that students feel confident in using the bench.

After hearing about their success, Buddy Benches have caught on at other GISD schools. Benold Middle School and Forbes Middle School have made them as service projects, using Ford’s design. Ford staff built a bench for Frost Elementary to use, and Forbes students and staff donated a bench to Cooper Elementary.

“It’s been so inspiring to see how our students are utilizing the Buddy Benches to build and foster friendships at school,” McMullen said.

“Classes now have Buddy Bench Ambassadors that help to ensure the Buddy Bench is a place of inclusion and a

way of spreading kindness. Watching the ripple effect of kindness spread to other schools is heartwarming, and I’m thankful it’s been embraced at so many schools in such a short amount of time.”

In the United States, buddy benches began popping in Pennsylvania in 2013. But, also known as friendship benches, these pieces of playground furniture have been around for a while, in various countries.

Apart from reducing social isolation and improving mental wellbeing, the hope is that the benches can tackle another problem found, to some degree, in most schools: bullying. Benches have become part of the community learning project and serve as a reminder for children about things like communication, mutual support and opening up about feelings in an age when even young children can be engrossed in smartphones.

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GONZALEZ, FROM A1 My district is under rapid development and we are making smart changes to prepare us, not just for tomorrow, but for the next 50-75 years."

As a financial specialist, Gonzalez has consistently pushed to secure favorable financing rates that help the city's growth while maintaining the historical relevance of the downtown area. "I like to think I have played a part in the 'Top Places' accolades our city has received lately. We have been more visible in the last decade while still maintaining one of the lowest tax rates in Central Texas."

He believes his votes in committee and on Council reflect a conservative fiduciary record; "People know what they are getting from me and I like to think that I have been at least 1/7th of the success that Georgetown has enjoyed over the past eight years.

I believe the institutional knowledge I bring to the dais is important. To know where we're going, we need to remember where we've been, and I'm one of the people who was there when decisions were made."

Gonzalez believes the changes in Dist. 7 reflect

some of the changes in the city and the region. "People still appreciate our values and all of the turnover in my district means I'll be doing a lot of outreach to introduce myself and the culture of our city to new neighbors."

Gonzalez also has plans to engage and include younger voters in local causes, non-profits and identifying the issues and concerns that are current and important to them.

"I want to know what is important to everyone in my district, while continuing to focus on the primary needs that matter to us all; public safety and quality education. I am part of how that message gets out and will continue to work with school boards and other city governments to ensure education and opportunity are available and recognized."

Gonzalez says he was encouraged by friends and family to continue his work and satisfy his desire to serve. "It's not an easy job but if there's a problem, I won't be the one telling people what's wrong; I want to be part of the solution."

Interested residents may file for all city elections beginning January 16.

DECEMBER 2018 ď‚Ť AdvocateNewsTX.com

Trinidad Gomez has been a graphic designer at Minuteman for more than four years. He is an expert in digital design and imagery and says he loves going to work every day to be creative. He is always up for the challenge to deliver something new and unique to delight his customers but also meet deadlines to keep them on time.

As a designer, he works on day-to-day jobs and specializes in large format printing, banners, posters, business cards, envelopes and more; all the things most businesses use every day. "It's never a slow day and there is always something different to work on," he says.

He also appreciates working with a company that has a great reputation. "For designers, freelancing is a nice gig but I love that Minuteman is so well known and has many happy customers.

I can work consistently and I enjoy coming to work in a shop with great employees around me."

Designers also get to connect with customers on special projects; wedding invitations, party planning and other milestone events where printers really add to the sophistication of the day. "I love getting to know our customers; it adds to the blend of working in a great environment."

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Sheriff's Office Celebrity Meet & Greet Williamson County Sheriff Robert

Chody and the exemplary deputies in the office's K9 unit showed off their rock star personalities Nov. 28 at Williamson Co. Regional Park.

The K9 unit gained a huge following in the past year thanks to each dog having his own Twitter account and tremendous social media followings. The event was prompted by social requests to meet the dogs, and the team expected about 60 guests.

They were excited to see more than 300 dog lovers who depleted the stack of K9 trading cards before skills demos even began.

The Unit includes Deputy trainers, German and Belgian K9 partners and one Lab mix rescue, Bolo, in training to be a narcotics dog. The active duty dogs are chosen for their high drive and constant willingness to work. The dogs are trained/ certified in criminal apprehension, handler protection, tracking, and narcotics detection. As well, each K9 deputy of this unit has many years of experience as a dog handler and their combined efforts have contributed to the seizure and/or location of numerous fleeing suspects, missing persons, large amounts of narcotics, and drug currency.

Sheriff Chody explained; "Practically speaking, we use the dogs as a tool in law enforcement because they have talents that people don't and depending on the situation, they can go into and be more effective in situations where we wouldn't send a person. They also make great strides in humanizing the badge. The combination is outstanding; Nemo is a sweet dog and he loves the attention from citizens of every age, but you flip the appropriate switch and he's literally on your back."

The event was free, but deputies realized they had the opportunity to bring awareness to local needs and encouraged visitors to bring toys for Brown Santa or food, toys and beds for the County Animal Shelter.

During the demos, the dogs began barking and got very excited in preparation for the chase. They demonstrated speed and obedience, while the "bad guys" made sure to show off the dogs' strength by getting them airborne without losing their bite. Kids chanted in unison for

Nemo!, who gained fame last year during a Twitter war to rescue him from doggie jail after he spirited away his Kong after hours. Support staff say it's even become common for people to approach and say "Hello Sheriff Cho... oooh there's Nemo!" But because the sheriff is so active on social media, many other agencies have called to get tips and learn the lesson of citizen engagement and outreach.

Sheriff Chody was pleased with the event, "I didn't realize until today how much the pubic wants to see the K9s so don't worry, if you missed it today, we will definitely make arrangements with the handlers and do it again."

Officer Drago (8) preparing for his opening Obedience demo • Below, K9 Kato shows his tenacity during a bite drill • Deputy Bell and Axel making friends with Noah (3) • Deputy Stewart and pup-in-training, Bolo

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Not Christmas Too!

We have known for a while that the world is being overrun by liberal bias and snowflakes. Ironically, it's only a matter of time before Santa Claus, the King of Snow, is declared inappropriate as an overweight, straight male who may or may not be using slave, or at least non-union, labor. Whyever are we still letting small children sit on this man's lap?

Seriously, people. This month we heard Charlie Brown is racist and Rudolf celebrates bullying and misogyny. What? No outrage about a non-licensed elf pulling Bombie's teeth in an unsanitary environment then monster-shaming him?

Well, isn't it a relief, dear readers, that the Grinch is green, is mean to dogs (Public Policy Polling says liberals prefer cats), and steals from the rich? Heck, —with those credentials, Grinchy will live forever!

At least until the aliens with furry green heads and tiny hearts arrive and are offended by his cultural appropriation.

So let's get back to it; Santa's eight reindeer were also unscrupulously plagiarized from a flying Viking warhorse with eight legs who traded candy and treats for horse food. Where are all the angry Norse protesters? Or even the Germans and Dutch, from whom we have changed Donder and Blixem (Thunder and Lightning) to dancing, castrated deer? (Only females and castrated males keep their antlers past early December.)

Our modern icons are also major cons by huge, greedy corporations. Throughout history, St. Nicholas dressed in any color he liked—blue, mauve, whatever. In 1931, Coca-Cola put together a massive ad campaign featuring Santa in their red and white colors. The ads were so ubiquitous—it's Coke, after all—they effectively locked Santa's fashion down from that point on.

Later, in 1939, our darling Rudolph was created for an assignment for the Montgomery Ward company, which decided

The Last Word

creating their own coloring book would make more money. We are such dupes.

Never mind the lesson that being different is sometimes cool and better.

George Bailey's Wonderful Life convinced us that rich people and big banks are evil and can't be trusted. Hmmm, I guess we can move to Bedford Falls after all.

Is Clark Griswold even *thinking* about using green energy for all those lights?

Frosty?... hates cops and I'm sure all those kids developed abandonment issues after he thumpety thumped out of town.

I am triple-dog sure if snowflakes get their way, Ralphie will never discover his official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle at the last minute. But certainly they will keep the part about him shooting his eye out to prove a point about gun control. This movie also celebrates obscenities, child abuse (Palmolive had a nice after-dinner piquant but Lifebuoy, yuck!) and invites violence against bullies, Bumpas hounds and Chinese ducks. So...out it goes!

"Baby It's Cold Outside" is too suggestive? Gasp. Before they told me that, I had no idea people drank and fooled around during the holidays. I've been triggered!

Quick—someone bring support cats to my safe space!

Home Alone... just keep the change, ya filthy animal. Breaking and entering, undue stress on a tarantula, child endangerment and abuse (Harry bit Kevin on the finger).

Is it any wonder that Kevin, a kid with anger issues and a propensity for building deadly contraptions, probably grew up to be a serial killer named Jigsaw?

Is it, further, any wonder then that my favorite Christmas movie is "Die Hard"?

The lead female is named Holly, for goodness' sake. This classic doesn't even try to disguise itself as wholesome or merry while sneaking in all those deplorable notions about corporate success and nothing matters more than family. In the end, the smart guy with the concealed gun wins; yippie-ki-yay, haters.

And before you even start, can we just stipulate ahead of time that the Easter Bunny is offensive to vegans and eggs have nothing to do with rabbits anyway?

Satire aside, I do wish all y'all the very best and most Advo-catedly irreverent Christmas! I'm gonna go put on my MAGA hat and eat a Quarter Pounder next to my nativity display.

7

PUBLISHER'S CORNER

It Can Be Christmas All The Time!

Let no pleasure tempt thee, no profit allure thee, no persuasion move thee, to do anything which thou knowest to be evil: so shall thou always live jollity; for a good conscience is a continual Christmas. ~Benjamin Franklin If we chose not to observe the tenants of the Bible, and just lived according to this admonition, we’d all live

on a much better planet. It seems like most Americans used to, in fact, live this way. Today? Not so much.

There is a cataclysmic division between the mores of the twentieth century and the so called “progressive logic” of today.

People constantly ask why we are having a harder and harder time finding common ground. The answer is simple. If we all don’t start tethered a similar set of morals, then there is no method of reconciliation.

Let’s reduce this issue to its lowest common denominator, our children. It used to be that a large percentage of children got up and went to church with their parents.

It used to be that they were taught that America was the greatest nation on earth, blessed by GOD Almighty.

It used to be that they were taught that Communism and Socialism were evil, and a guaranteed failure.

And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.

Luke 1:14

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Now, more than 44% of our young people believe Socialism is a good idea.

And faith? Well, that’s for old fuddy-duddys who need a crutch to “believe” in.

Yet, when tragedy happens, nowadays there is always a great weeping and gnashing of teeth and a vast sense of hopelessness because they do not understand the infinite wisdom, nature, and love of Christ.

So, this holiday season, let’s take time to reflect on more than gift giving. Let’s take a look at ourselves, and imbibe the essence Franklin’s invitation into our very soul. It will not only make for the merriest of Christmases this year, it truly will be Christmas... all the time.

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DECEMBER 2018 ï‚« AdvocateNewsTX.com

DECEMBER 2018

TOWN & COUNTRY

County Judge-elect Bill Gravell Talks Transition, Leadership and Customer Service The more we do life together, the more we learn from each other With more than 607,000

residents, 1,800 employees, five senior division chiefs and 28 elected officials, Williamson County is hardly a sleepy Texas hamlet any more. Having earned 103,740 votes on election day, Bill Gravell is already asking himself how he can inspire the remaining 400,000 next time.

On his transition from JP3 to County Judge, Gravell says he is looking forward to new challenges and is preparing now for the job; "We are a multi-million dollar corporation and the business of this County doesn't stop. Additionally, the Texas Legislature goes into session January 8, and

to date have given him a sense that what most of his electeds and officials seek is leadership and a path to emerge from current conflicts and move forward. "My first priority is to remind all of our elected officials that we are here to serve and customer service should be everyone's top priority. Internally, in 2019, we are beginning the 'customer service matters' campaign. What my staff accomplished at the JP3 level, in terms of kindness and service, is about to be a major initiative for the entire County. And we have a wall of awards to show that we know how to do that well."

I want people to know we notice and appreciate all the people who keep the county running smoothly, and I will be visible about it. I went to a symposium for training our emergency communications staff recently. I wanted to say thank you to Adam. He has been up in the middle of the night for years, kindly and professionally calling me to report to death scenes. I wanted to thank him publicly but he wasn't there. It turns out he has chosen to work the night shift because he wants to be home during the day as he is raising his 11-year-old nephew and that day he had taken the boy to a professional football game. Those are the people I want to celebrate, and the values I want to share. Fortunately, Adam is just one of 100 stories I can tell about our great County. we can't wait until the oaths are taken January 1 to start preparing. I am confident if we handle it well, the transitions will be flawless and no on will notice much more than one name drifting into the news and one name drifting out."

Judge Gravell's meetings

Judge Gravell has enlisted Tax Assessor Larry Gaddes to lead the way and is confident that he will do that job and set an exceptional example.

On a larger scale, Judge Gravell will implement a leadership program, "Wilco University", which will be instrumental in preparing

lower level management our citizens every day. "I are making deliberate to be the next generation want us to share ups and choices, taking steps of leadership in the county. downs, work together and and doing it right.

"We will use the amazing expect to be exceptional for And, as always, at the teachers, leaders and equip- the sake of the values of the end of the day, it is my pers who already work here people who live here." job to ask everyone I to facilitate the 18-month What is not going to meet, 'What can I do to programs so there will be change is his level of help you?' The answer no additional expense to the visibility. "You're going to always county. Our progress will see more of your Judge; I mean more to the county will tweet and take selfies in terms of succession and you will hear a lot planning so we are well of stories about a lot prepared when senior jobs of people doing change hands." good. We spend Outside County governtoo much time ment, Judge Gravell also talking about will have monthly breakwhat people fasts with the cities' mayors. "Some of the brightest minds I know are in city government. Why shouldn't we want the folks in Liberty Hill to learn from the Mayor of Round Rock, or the Mayor of Granger helping the Mayor of Taylor? I plan to discuss not just our challenges and struggles, but also about life and how we can all learn to live, work, play and fight together. Not among ourselves but together, and for all the people of the County."

The Judge also plans to encourage Judge Gravell with Republican electeds on election night • Congressman John Carter (R-TX31) • 368th Dist elected officials to Judge Rick Kennon, 277th Dist Judge Stacey Mathews (right) and 277th court admin. Wanda Davidson. take a day off to "take off the robes duties as JP3, which he and uniforms and put on do that's bad. I want to celleads me to what matters says never stop. But he is their jeans" to volunteer at ebrate the good things and to people and that's where confident that his JP3 and The Serving Center, Habitat the people who do them." the service, and kindness, transition teams are manfor Humanity, or R.O.C.K. For now, Judge Gravell begin." aging both very well. "We and see what people do for continues to manage his

Keeping Williamson County Great

Williamson County voters set a record for voter participation (62.25%) in the 2018 midterm election. But, Glenda Dennison of Sun City personally embodied a true commitment to civic responsibility and inspired thousands on social media with her story. Glenda has a terminal diagnosis of brain cancer and had been homebound for several months. She confided to friend Betty Schleder that she did not want to let this election day go by without helping Bill Gravell become County Judge but she had no way to get to the polls. Schleder, well known for her willing and resourcefulness, made sure that Glenda got her wish. She hooked a trailer to her pickup and strapped Glenda's wheelchair to it. (Glenda and Charlie rode up front to Cowan Creek.) Once there, Schleder had pre-arranged for a voting machine to be brought outside to the truck. Supervised by election judges Cathy Cody (R) and Don Keller (D), Glenda cast an emotional ballot. Judge Gravell commented, "It is deeply humbling to see the sacrifice of one for the sake of a vote. Glenda, I will always remember you." Glenda said, "That's awesome, thank you."

At left: Judge Bill Gravell, Charlie and Glenda Dennison, Betty Schleder celebrate voting at the Cowan Creek polling center on election day.

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CITY INSIDER

DECEMBER 2018

MAYOR'S UPDATE: NEW DEVELOPMENT IN DOWNTOWN

by Dale Ross

If you’ve been in downtown Georgetown

recently, you’ve probably seen a number of construction sites near the Square. Several new development or redevelopment projects are currently underway and more are in the planning stages. These projects represent both public and private investment in our downtown—an entertainment and cultural district as well as an economic engine for the community.

Georgetown City Center Georgetown City Center (above), formerly known as Downtown West, will open in late January. City Center is a collection of City government offices located at Martin Luther King Jr. and Ninth streets. The municipal campus includes new construction for City Hall and Council and Court buildings as well as the current Light and Waterworks building and the Georgetown Public Library. City Center will centralize several offices that are currently scattered throughout the city.

In addition to providing needed facility space, the new campus enables easier collaboration for City employees and convenience for residents using City services.

To help provide more parking for City Center, the public parking lot at MLK and Eighth streets will be expanded. Vacant buildings on Seventh and Eighth streets will be removed to allow for 66 additional spaces across from the Georgetown Public Library.

The expanded lot will have 204 spaces. The parking lot also will include a new turn-in and bus stop area for GoGeo and CARTS buses.

Restaurants and distillery in City buildings Georgetown City Council approved the real estate contract for the sale of two downtown buildings in October.

The proposal for the historic Post Office at 113 E. Eighth St. is from City Post Partnership for a ballroom, restaurant, and bar. The proposal for the Municipal Court and Council Chambers at 101 E. Seventh St. is from Loyal Spirits Distilling Company and URBAN Eat. Drink for a restaurant and micro-distillery. The City hopes to close on the properties in early-2019 in advance of moving into the City Center facilities. The proceeds from the building sales help offset the costs of construction for City Center.

200-seat theater, classrooms, a dance studio, and offices. Plans for Riverplace Georgetown, (photo left) a three-story mixed-use building, were approved by the Historic and Architectural Review Commission in September. The project at Austin Avenue and Second Street will include commercial space and covered parking on the first floor, office space on the second floor, and residential units on the third floor.

In addition, plans are underway for a new two-story mixed-used building at the corner of Eighth and Church streets. Finally, a new

CVS store will open in 2019 at the corner of University and Austin avenues.

While 2018 has seen a significant number of new developments, we will continue in 2019 to maintain Georgetown’s unique character, maximize opportunities for thoughtful development, and enhance the quality of life for our residents. These investments by the community complement the significant preservation and development efforts of the past and those that are planned for the future, ensuring we remain the Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas.

New buildings in downtown A number of new commercial projects are currently under construction or are set to start in 2019. The Watkins building, a two-story 9,600-square-foot building at 815 S. Main St., will house Watkins Insurance Group offices on the second floor and another tenant on the first floor.

The new building next to the Grace Heritage Center is expected to open next year. A ground break November 13 marked the start of construction on the Palace Theater Smith Performance Center, a three-story building on Rock and Second streets.

The new educational center will include a

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CITY INSIDER

DECEMBER 2018

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CITY INSIDER

DECEMBER 2018

"Style in Action" in Sun City

Opportunities for Williamson & Burnet Counties held an inaugural luncheon and style show at the Sun City ballroom December 3 to raise awareness and money for Meals on Wheels of Williamson & Burnet Counties. More than 300 guests raised nearly $20,000 to help ensure homebound seniors will have hot, nutritious food during the holidays and throughout the year.

After a successful start in Burnet County last Spring, the agency plans to make the fashion show a signature event in both counties, with support (and models)

from local boutiques like Pink Poppy, The Caring Place, and Diva Chicks; as well as sponsorships from James Avery and Round Rock Nissan.

The Sun City event also featured lunch service by some "distinguished gentlemen of the county"; Judge Bill Gravell, Jarrell police chief Marc Owen, Liberty Hill Mayor Rick Hall and police chief Maverick Campbell who garnered nearly $2000 in "tips" that were donated to the cause.

Visit MealsOnWheelsWilliamsonBurnet.org for information or to donate for the holidays.

Above: Development Director Lauren McAndrews wraps up the fashion show for guests. • Inset: County Judge-elect Bill Gravell took a break from serving lunch with W.H.O. volunteers Kathy Grebb, Peggy Springer, Debby Hall, Sarah Huddleston and Sandy Goodman.

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DECEMBER 2018

CITY INSIDER

WISHING YOU PEACE, JOY & BLESSING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! CD RATES 12-Month CD

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DECEMBER 2018

CITY INSIDER

M•A•R•K•E•T•P•L•A•C•E ANIMAL MEDICAL

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Jarrell Clinic

Jan 5 & Feb 2 • 10 am - Noon 304 Sonterra Blvd.

Florence Clinic Jan 12 & Feb 9 10 am - Noon

Lively Coffeehouse & Bistro

David Foster, DVM • (254) 228-3960 No Appointment for Mobile Clinic Limited to Cats & Dogs

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CityInsiderTX.com

CITY INSIDER

DECEMBER 2018

Merry hristmas LIVE MUSIC EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY! C, EVERY SUNDAY 5PM - 10PM Y all!

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DECEMBER EVENTS DEC 8 - Scooter Dubec DEC 13 - Rian C. ( 7 - 11 pm) DEC 14 - CLOSED DEC 15 - Jeff Woolsey Cotton Baron’s Christmas Ball DEC 19 - Christmas Program

DEC 20 - Rian C. ( 7 - 11 pm) DEC 21 - Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree Sock Hop (7 pm - 12 am) DEC 22 - Debonaires DEC 27 - Rian C. ( 7 - 11 pm) DEC 28 - DJ & Karoke (7 pm - 12 am)

DEC 29 - People’s Choice DEC 31 - Last New Year’s Eve with The Can’t Hardly Playboyz (8:30 pm - 12 am)

Restaurant Opens at 5pm Friday & Saturday | 4pm Sunday www.GrangerCottonCountryClub.com

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CITY INSIDER

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DECEMBER 2018

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