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JP3 Court Expunges 2200 Countywide Truancy Records HOUSE BILL 2794 GOES INTO ACTION Page 3

Georgetown Police Chief Wayne Nero, and “Thank Blue” organizer Mac Byneham

Citizens Can

THANK BLUE

Saturday at San Gabriel Park

CUTTING EDGE EMS Page 4

On Saturday, September 12,

between 4 and 8 p.m. at the Community Center in San Gabriel Park a “Thank Blue” event will be held so that the Georgetown community can show its support for the Georgetown Police Department. This informal gathering will allow citizens the opportunity to meet the men and women of Georgetown law enforcement individually in order to thank them for their dedicated service in keeping Georgetown one of the safest cities in Texas. Local resident Mac Byneham, a retiree living in Georgetown, came up with an idea for an event that would give the community an opportunity to thank the Georgetown police officers for the good work they do each day. According to Mr. Byneham, he started thinking about doing something for our local police after seeing “some national stories coming out of Ferguson, Missouri and other places, which in some cases, lead to protests that injured people and destroyed property. I believed that police in general were being unfairly criticized and something See Blue, page 3

In a historic move, on

September 3, Williamson County Attorney Dee Hobbs presented 2018 truancy records and nearly 200 additional cases related to or resulting from truancy charges to Judge Bill Gravell for expunction. The Texas Legislature voted to decriminalize truancy beginning September 1, 2015. The more than two-decadesold law witnessed tens of thousands of children ticketed for their unexcused absences. As a result of truancy, many of them now have criminal records. Mr. Hobbs was joined

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at the County’s table by Georgetown ISD Superintendent Dr. Fred Brent, Florence ISD Superintendent Paul Michalewicz, and Jarrell ISD Superintendent Dr. Bill Chapman. Judge Gravell thanked the superintendents for their efforts to this point, which have again put Williamson County in the forefront of reform, and begun to influence other ISDs across the state. “This has been a contentious matter however,” Hobbs said. “The Legislature has created new laws and this law will soon be in effect. As this Court will, all

Top: County Attorney Dee Hobbs, Terra Tucker and Judge Bill Gravell. Inset: Jarrell ISD Superintendent Dr. Bill Chapman

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Courts in Texas should follow the new laws. In the interest of justice and to protect our children, our Court will be expunging and dismissing all cases filed prior to September 1, 2015. We are excited about the new truancy laws going forward to protect our kids,” stated Judge Bill Gravell. “I am extremely proud of the way Williamson County Judges have handled truancy cases in

this county. The Judges have proven over time they are about solving problems regarding truancy without sacrificing the best interest of the student. Today reinforces my faith in Judges’ ability to exceed expectations when dealing with the youth of Williamson County. The Legislature passed new laws this session that give courts new tools

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Secret Soldiers of Benghazi

The Georgetown Area Republican Women are sponsoring a lecture event with Mark Geist and John Tiegan, two soldiers who were on the ground during the attack and authors of “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi.” Tickets are on sale now for September 24, 7:00pm at Georgetown High School Center for the Arts. The event includes a one-hour lecture, Q&A period, and a preview of the movie, based on the book, scheduled for release January 15. Visit GARW.org; tickets are $35 and proceeds benefit military, literacy and scholarship programs supported by the GARW. Contact Paula Dennis 512-868-1177 for information.

one in the purchasing cycle. It is a collaborative effort by not only the purchasing staff, but other county departments and the business community together with the support of the Commissioners Court,” stated Max Bricka, purchasing agent for Williamson County Purchasing Department. “We are thrilled to receive this recognition for the 16th consecutive year.” The award is determined and sponsored by the National Procurement Institute, Institute for Supply Management, Institute for Public Procurement, National Association of State Procurement Officials, the National Association of Educational Procurement, the National Institute for Governmental Purchasing, the California Association of Public Procurement Officials, the Florida Association of Public Procurement Officials, and the Texas Public Purchasing Association.

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The Williamson County Purchasing Office was the recipient of the 2015 Achievement of Excellence in Public Purchasing Award. This is the 16th consecutive year Williamson County has received this award. Williamson County is one of only 47 counties in both the U.S. and Canada to receive the award. This award is the national program to benchmark organizational excellence in procurement and recognizes excellence and best practices in the areas of: ethics, customer service processes, procurement automation, procurement card management, contracting, staff development, leadership, and continuous improvement. “The Achievement of Excellence in Public Procurement Award is a great honor because it represents the collective efforts of every-

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Glowing Gold in September

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Williamson County is joining the cause to raise awareness by glowing the historic courthouse dome gold this month as part of the “Paint Georgetown Gold” initiative. Residents are encouraged to join in by hanging a gold ribbon in your yard and/or place of work or by changing your front door light bulb to gold/yellow! For more information, visit Facebook. com/Georgetowngold

Vote in September

Where’s the best place to take kids in Georgetown? Where is the best lunch spot? The best dessert? The best wedding venue? During the month of September, vote in the online poll for the Best of Georgetown, TX with 42 categories for local businesses, attractions, services, and activities in Georgetown. Voting ends Sept 30. Vote online at Bestof.Georgetown.org. The top three winners in each category will be announced on First Friday on November 6 at 6:30 p.m. at Union on Eighth Street at 224 E. Eighth Street. The list of winners will be posted at Bestof.Georgetown.org. The annual contest is sponsored by the City of Georgetown Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Sun City Plant Sale

The Sun City Horticulture Club is busily preparing for the semi-annual plant sale September 26 from 9:00am1:00pm. Members are making all manner of flora available; landscaping, fall colors, vegetables, native plants and iris. Visit the sun City Gardens between the Dog Park and Ballfields on Sun City Blvd.

Join the Williamson Museum

The Williamson Museum invites residents to start the season right during the “Kick Off a New Year” membership drive throughout September. Proceeds from memberships benefit educational programs, which have served more than 10,000 students this year. They also fund exhibits like the two new ones opening on

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Contributing Writers: Dave Schumacher Points of View Jim Kelley Building a Better Brain Butch Horton The 300 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

First Class Mail Subscriptions: $37.00 / 26 issues Georgetown Advocate P.O. Box 213 Jarrell, TX 76537

September 4 - Mascots of Williamson County and Fighting Back: The 1923 Klan Trials. Membership benefits include invitations to balcony parties at the courthouse, discounted tickets for many of the museum’s special events and discounts at the Museum Store. Private membership parties are held monthly at First Friday. Additional prizes and giveaways will be offered to members during September as well. A variety of levels are available, beginning with a $10 student and teacher category. Business and nonprofit memberships include promotional opportunities, premier website placement and exclusive event invitations. To become a member or learn more about the museum, visit the website at www.williamsonmuseum. org or call 512-943-1670.

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.

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"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 Unkonwn

THE ADVOCATE  SEPTEMBER 10, 2015

PUBLIC SAFETY / JUSTICE

Independence Denied No More

BLUE, FROM PAGE 1

Pastor Dan Woolridge (Crestview Baptist Church), Georgetown Mayor Dale Ross, Georgetown Police Chief Wayne Nero, Mac Byneham (“Thank Blue” organizer), Pastor Ernest Jones (Main Street Baptist Church) and Georgetown Assistant Police Chief Cory Tchida

Judge Rick Kennon, Rep. Marsha Farney, Alecia Faith Pennington, Faith’s grandmother Lee Southworth.

19 Year Old Georgetown Woman Will Receive Delayed Birth Certificate by Ann Marie Ludlow

SEPTEMBER 4—Alecia Faith Pennington is 19 years old and, until today, she didn’t exist legally. At a hearing in the 368th District Court, Judge Rick Kennon signed an order validating her proof of birth and requiring the Bureau of Vital Statistics to issue her a birth

certificate. Before today, she had no way to obtain a driver’s license, open a bank account, apply for college, get a job, or even find health insurance. The Advocate first wrote about Ms. Pennington in the June 30 issue highlighting legislation sponsored by Dr. Marsha Farney (TX District 20) at this year’s session. “HB 2794 is a very timely bill dealing with Identity Abuse,” Farney said. “It provides misdemeanor penalties for the willful denial of a person’s rights as an American and as a Texan, even from a well-intentioned parent.” Many are aware of identi-

ty theft, but Faith Pennington was not given access to her own birth certificate. The bill went into effect September 1, and the hearing today is the first of its kind in Texas. Faith, at this writing, is on her way to the Bureau of Vital Statistics with a signed court order in hand. Faith has been on a mission to bring visibility to the issue and help others get access to their own identity in this way, from her own eight siblings still at home to the more than 3000 documented cases across the United States. Pennington says as many as 4 percent of all home-

schooled children have no identity documentation, and she launched her campaign “Help Me Prove It” to draw attention to those who have no voice because of it. She made a YouTube video last February and has received nearly 1.5 million hits; and she has been interviewed by everyone from The Washington Post to UK Dailies. “I got so many responses from people who were in the 50s or even their 80s, who had the same life I did and never knew how to get out of it.” Ms. Pennington was born at home and was home schooled all her life. Nearly one year ago she decided

needed to be done to recognize all the good the police do on a daily basis. I contacted Mayor Ross and he immediately believed this was a great idea and he set up a meeting with Chief Wayne Nero and Assistant Police Chief Cory Tchida who were a huge help in moving my idea forward.” According to Mayor Ross, “it was an honor to help with this event, especially since Mac had already developed the concept, secured the food and lined up plenty of volunteers to serve the food to the Georgetown she wanted to move in with her grandparents and make strides toward living independently. What she arrived at instead was a string of refusals and roadblocks to her goal because she had no documentation to prove she is who she says. “I couldn’t legally be hired,” she says. “I was turned away by the Department of Public Safety for insufficient documentation for a license

Police personnel and their families. Mac was able to get two great leaders in Georgetown to assist with volunteers. When I learned that Pastor Dan Woolridge of Crestview Baptist Church and Ernest Jones of Main Street Baptist Church were helping with volunteers, I knew this would be a successful event and we had to do it. For all of those in our community who recognize we are truly blessed to live in such a safe community, I encourage you to come on out and ‘thank blue.’”

to drive, and the same happened elsewhere. We went up against many obstacles and my grandmother finally went to Dr. Farney to help us get this far.” Faith’s parents were initially reluctant to support her efforts, but she struck out on her own and once the bill was introduced, Faith testified in front of the See Identity, page 15

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GEORGETOWN

Cutting Edge Emergency Services in Georgetown On August 18, George-

town’s Fire Chief John Sullivan was the guest speaker at the Sun City Georgetown Kiwanis Club’s weekly meeting. Chief Sullivan updated club members on the latest changes and innovations being utilized by the city’s Emergency Services to transition from a being a “first responder” to a “full-service responder”. The theme of his message was that Georgetown’s Emergency Services is working diligently to become a more customer service-oriented model, and that they are integrating the latest technology available; community outreach, education, and prevention programs; partnerships with local healthcare providers and hospitals; and accountability, analytics and quality assurance standards to achieve that goal. Sullivan attributed the need for such changes, not to a broken or deficient system, but rather an exemplary system improving on what it’s already doing right. The vision is to be “a premier emergency services provider that is best known as a caring service provider.” In a nutshell, George-

town EMS will be about “getting there quickly, solving the problem, and being nice.” While this is a motto the Georgetown Fire Department always upheld in its 134 years of serving the community, the precipitating factor today is Georgetown’s exponential growth. Sullivan pointed out that in the next 10 years Georgetown is going to have more people moving in than it had in the last 100 years. Currently, approximately 27% of City’s the population is over 65, and as this retiree population continues to grow, so does the demand for emergency and medical services. Many of the changes such as call analysis, review processes, automated information systems, and integrated response plans are improvements “within the system,” and while these will unquestionably help achieve the goal of faster, more-seamless, better overall services, their specifics are likely to go unnoticed by the general population. There is, however, a new advance that should make local residents rest easier in the event of an emergency. Since the goal is to get the most highly trained

Above: Georgetown Fire Chief John Sullivan chats with Kiwanis member Jim Montgomery. Right: One of Georgetown’s “Rolling ER’s” paramedic on scene in the shortest amount of time, and statistically the fire department is the first to show up, all emergency service vehicles have been upgraded to carry advanced life support (ALS) equipment, such as 12-lead EKGs (the same ones you get in the hospital). Sullivan noted that fire engines might now be more appropriately renamed “rolling ERs.” Additionally, ALS data is sent directly to the ER, so that physicians can review readings in real time during transport, and prepare to treat before arrival at the

hospital. Chief Sullivan’s takehome admonition was that no matter how advanced an emergency service system is, the process rarely starts without a 9-1-1 call. He

encouraged anyone who thinks they may have a problem to call. And on that subject, he emphasized the importance of maintaining a traditional land-line telephone, noting that,

while our local system is equipped to respond to other types of phones, calling 9-1-1 from a cell phone or internet based phone increases response time an average of three minutes.

THE ADVOCATE  SEPTEMBER 10, 2015

WILLIAMSON COUNTY TRUANCY, FROM PAGE 1 Judge Bill Gravell invited Terra Tucker from Senator John Whitmire’s office to push the button that would erase the 2200 truancy records from the county database. Below: The historic moment was captured by local press and television media.

to combat truancy and advance education while preserving the integrity of the student. I commend Judge Gravell for openly embracing the new laws and his willingness to employ the new tools the Legislature provided,” Hobbs added. Court documents will be provided for dismissal upon recommendation from County Attorney Dee Hobbs. The dismissals will be processed, cases will be expunged, and parties will be notified. Judge Gravell introduced Morgan Craven, Texas Appleseed School-to-Prison Pipeline Director, and several legislative repre-

sentatives who have all fought for the new law and the changes to come. “Our Texas is made great because of young men and women like you who work a the Capitol for little or no pay, but you do what is right and I deeply appreciate that.” The Judge also addressed the Superintendents directly. “At the first meeting I was part of with Texas Appleseed, ACLU, and several folks on both sides of the aisle, the first thing I remember them saying was that Williamson County was the standard in Texas for how you should treat children. I have to tell you when I’m in a meeting

OUR GOAL HERE IS NOT TO CUFF ‘EM AND STUFF ‘EM. OUR GOAL IS TO GET KIDS GET ON THE RIGHT TRACK. ~JUDGE BILL GRAVELL, JR.

ent approach in Texas for children accused of missing school that focuses on fixing the problem instead of punishing the student. I believe Judge Gravell’s actions speak volumes towards Williamson County’s ongoing willingness and desire to stay at the forefront of protecting the interests of our children. I hope this will be a shining example for the State of Texas. People often hope for a second chance that

with the ACLU and they are telling me I’m doing a good job, I’m floored. Even Texas Appleseed in their annual report talked about Georgetown and Williamson County and what we do. I appreciate your heart and love for kids and the state of Texas will be better in the area of truancy because of what we do in Williamson County.” Mr. Hobbs spoke about Judge Gravell’s efforts as well. “He is leading by example by deciding to ‘wipe the slate clean’ for all the students with truancy cases currently pending in JP 3 Court. The Legislature wanted to take a differ-

will never come, but today Judge Gravell is providing that second chance for a new beginning. We may not know what tomorrow will bring, but I am confident that Judge Gravell and all of our Judges will continue to be successful in this endeavor. As a result, the school children of this county will benefit greatly from the use of these new opportunities provided by our Legislature” stated Hobbs.

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Hunt & Fish Club Helps Keep Kids Outside The Hunt and

Fish Club showed their support for six Georgetown non-profits SEPTEMBER 8 at Cowan Creek. Funds raised from the annual fish fry and silent auction, held last May, were distributed among community organizations with a primary focus on youth education and outdoor activities. This is the third year the Club has presented awards. The Club’s Worthwhile Projects Committee Chair Gary Massaglia (pictured)

explains, “We enjoy supporting these groups and we like to pay for things that might not otherwise happen for them. Or provide things they may not be able to have on their own.” The Committee works to identify local organizations that are in line with the Club’s mission of promoting and enjoying outdoor sporting activities as well as families of our Armed forces. Other award criteria ensures donations are spent locally, not fun-

neled to national organizations and they encourage past recipients to re-apply each year. This year the winning organizations include Boys and Girls Club of Georgetown. They requested funds to purchase rod & reel combos and a shade tent so they could introduce fishing activities to their participants at the San Gabriel River. The Austin Fly Fishers benefits children of active duty deployed Armed Forces. An adult guide takes the kids fishing, at no charge to the family, then creates a photo and video package to send to the parent overseas. “Last year we funded ten

of those trips,” Massaglia says. “This year we were able to increase it to 15. It just doesn’t get any better than this.” The Austin Fly Fishers also send a video package back to the Hunt & Fish club so they can enjoy the experience as well, and parents are just as happy to have a day off while the kids enjoy the river. Massaglia was most pleased to report that last year another group picked up on the fly fishing program and is sponsoring even more kids to do the same. He hopes many more will read about it and donate from their own programs as well.

Manuel Peña and Dave Hill – Fly Fishers of Austin, Jim Key – Hunt & Fish President, Daniel Anstee – Boys & Girls Club, Thais de Macedo and Jessica Noelke - Girl Scouts, Kimberly Garrett – Georgetown Parks & Rec, John Baumann and Ron Garland – San Gabriel Boy Scouts

‘Tis the Season

Salado Christmas in October Fall is in the air and around the corner! So is the Salado Chamber of Commerce Ladies Auxiliary’s Christmas in October. The event is scheduled for Oct. 9-10, 9 am-5 pm at The Venue on College St. (near the corner of Royal St. and College St. in Salado.) Admission $3 per adult. This annual event is an introduction to the Christmas season, and will feature sights, sounds, smells, tastes and charms of the Village of Salado. Local and area merchants will display their wares inside a beautiful setting at The Venue on College Street. “Vendors will bring decorations, jewelry, clothing, food and specialty gift ideas for shoppers to experience. Each year we have a wonderful variety of merchants, and this year is exceptional!” says CoChair, Tommye Prater. “We are delighted to have the Style Show returning this year. Models will feature fashions from local boutiques as well as out

of town merchants. Also, on Saturday at 10 am, we anticipate the performance of a Salado Community Chorus sextet group,” said Deborah Roberson, CoChair. “Of course, do not forget the fabulous bake sale inside the venue!” said Prater. Customers will enjoy browsing through the booth area and the bake sale area all in the same climate controlled building. Roberson states, “Best part of the bake sale is the opportunity to purchase delicious homemade pies, cakes, cookies and a wide variety of desserts.” The Village trolley will be available to transport visitors from several Village parking areas to the entrance of The Venue on College Street. For more information, visit us online at Salado.com or contact the Chamber of Commerce at 254-947-5040 or contact the Village of Salado at 254-947-8634.

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Blanketing the Community With Hugs

Linda’s Hugs Provides Comfort, Hope & Warmth To Cancer Patients

By Cathy Payne

After her husband James’s

death from cancer in 1997, Pittsburgh native Darvina Emmerich found herself looking for a way to honor his memory. As she soul searched, Darvina, who has since moved to Austin, connected the memory of James constantly carrying a blanket to keep himself warm while in chemotherapy and a question he asked during his illness, “Cancer research is great, but what can help me now?” In 2011, she put the two together and founded a non-profit foundation, Wrapped in Love, which provides hand-made blankets to chemotherapy patients free of charge. The concept took root in the Pittsburgh area, and the organization now delivers blankets to 20 hospitals there on a regular basis. Fast forward three years, and Sun City resident Pat

Prudhom found herself in a similar situation. In 2011 Pat read a story in a local publication about Wrapped in Love in the Austin area. Although touching, Pat says she read the article and moved on. Two months later, however, her dear friend and neighbor Linda was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and Pat was left wondering what to do - how she could comfort her friend. Recalling the article, Pat and some friends made a blanket and gave it to Linda before she passed away. Pat recalls Linda’s emotional reaction, and being so touched by the impact such a small, yet sincere, gesture had on her sick friend, that she knew she found the perfect way to honor her memory. Pat organized eight of Linda’s friends, who together founded Linda’s Hugs, buying blanket kits and making them in their homes.

Now a part of the organization that inspired it, Linda’s Hugs serves as the Austin Chapter of Wrapped in Love, and Pat Prudhom puts her energy and enthusiasm to work as the chapter’s coordinator. Over the past four years, the original eight have grown to a rotating group of approximately 75 in Sun City alone. Each month, the group averages about 20 women who make the blankets that are distributed in five area hospitals, most locally St. David’s Hospital in Georgetown and Dell Children’s Hospital. Linda’s Hugs produces about ten blankets monthly, and each is placed in a purple tote bag for ease of transport, and accompanied by a hand-written card of encouragement. Blankets are hand-delivered by another dynamo, Bill Carson, a cancer survivor himself. Bill uses his experience to encourage and comfort.

Each is designed “to make patients feel like someone just gave them a hug, like they’re wrapped in arms of love, not just a blanket,” explains Pat. “[They] provide hope and comfort, as well as warmth.” Pat spreads this warmth and generosity in true “pay-it-forward style” by including as many people and groups as possible in her vision. Cards and tags for the tote bags are hand-made and donated by other groups in Sun City; blanket scraps are donated to local animal shelters and veterinarians to give snuggly warmth to animal cages; and edge trimmings are utilized by the Sun City Pet Club who braids them into dog toys. She has also begun a campaign to start “Block Groups” as an offshoot of Linda’s Hugs. Recently, one neighborhood bought 14 blanket kits, and Pat encourages other neighborhoods, organizations and SIGs to do the same. “Unfortunately, cancer is rampant, so there is always a need,” she says of the organization’s ever increasing need for blankets, funds, and volunteers. Her hope is that groups all over Sun City and Georgetown will join this mission. The easy-to-make blankets are completely “no sew”; they

are simply cut and tie, and could make an ideal project for a variety of organizations. Other types of blankets; crocheted, knitted and quilted, are also welcome. Wrapped in Love is an all all-volunteer, non-profit organization, and Pat’s biggest hurdle now is funding. Blanket kits are bought from Joanne’s Fabrics, and with a $10 per blanket budget she is limited to purchasing the $20 kits when coupons make them affordable. Linda’s Hugs has been supported by generous donations from organizations including Kiwanis and Red Hat groups, but Pat is seeking more consistent funding in the form of corporate or group sponsorships. $100 per month would cover the current cost of blanket kits, although she is hoping the group continues to grow. She is also ready and available to share the mission and vision of Linda’s Hugs with any group or organization that is interested. Linda’s Hugs does not require membership or dues, and is open to anyone “who has a big heart” and wants

Photos: Left - Dottie Browner, Marva Karas, Zina Graalfs, Cecelia Springfield, Pat Laird Top: Pat Prudhom brings out the “crafty” and “benevolent”. Above: Bill Carson, a cancer survivor himself hand-delivers blankets to local hospitals. to participate. For information on monthly meeting times and locations, or to get more information about donating, volunteering or starting a blanket group, contact Pat Prudhom at 512-686-0506 or PatAtWinterHaven@yahoo.com.

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School Board Votes to Call Bond Election

On August 17, 2015, the Georgetown ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to call a bond election that will be held November 3, 2015. The bond package was developed and recommended by the district’s Citizens Advisory Committee, which represents a cross section of the community, including local citizens, civic and business leaders, parents and school staff. The bond package, totaling $160.6 million, includes construction of new district facilities, renovations and

improvements to existing facilities, increased safety and security, technology upgrades, and other districtwide improvements. For more details on the contents of the bond package, visit GeorgetownISD.org/ Bond2015. If approved, the estimated maximum tax impact of this bond is anticipated to be 5 cents for a total tax rate of up to $1.45 per $100 assessed value. For the average taxable home value of $252,058, this represents an increase of approximately $10.50 per month.

VOTING INFORMATION

Election Day is November 3rd. You must be a registered voter who resides within Georgetown ISD boundaries to vote in this election. The deadline to register to vote is October 5, 2015. To check your

don.homeyer.b4ma@statefarm.com Learn more at statefarm.com®

HOME AUTO LIFE NEW CONSTRUCTION Middle School #4 ....................................................... $27,000,000 New Purl Elementary................................................. $31,400,000 RENOVATIONS Tippit Middle School.................................................. $26,100,000 Georgetown High School - Phase 2............................ $23,400,000 Williams Elementary.................................................. $14,800,000 Convert to Administration Office/Professional Learning Center

voter registration status, update your address if you’ve recently moved, or register to vote, visit the Williamson County Elections Voter Registration web page. Early voting is October 19-20 and is held at various Georgetown and Williamson County locations. Visit wilco.org/elections.

DISTRICT-WIDE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS Safety and Security Secured Entries at Five Elementary Schools Add’l Surveillance Cameras ........................................ $1,500,000 Technology - Infrastructure Upgrades........................ $12,700,000 Maintenance Repair/Replace Roofs, Parking Lots, and Drives......... $7,170,000 Repair/Replace HVAC Systems and Gym Lighting .... $8,500,000 Athletics - Replace Turf at GISD Athletic Complex.... $1,230,000 TOTAL.................................................................... $160,600,000

THE ADVOCATE  SEPTEMBER 10, 2015

ELECTIONS / POLITICS

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TX Rep. Marsha Farney Seeking Re-election Representative Marsha

Farney (R - Georgetown) announced she will seek reelection to the Texas House of Representatives, District 20. Farney is currently serving her second term in the Texas Legislature. “Texas will face many challenges as the state and our district experience tremendous population growth. We need experienced leadership ready to meet those challenges. I’m honored that twice the voters of House District 20 have given me the privilege to represent them in the Texas Legislature. With your support, I look forward to continuing our work to ensure we have another fiscally responsible session that addresses the critical issues facing the residents of Burnet, Milam, and Williamson Counties.” During the 84th legislative session Farney had a highly effective session authoring 17 pieces of legislation that passed both legislative chambers and were sent to the Governor’s desk for final approval. She also was the joint author, co-author or House sponsor of an additional 30 bills that became law. Some of her bills include Colton’s Law, judicial divestment in detention facilities, charter school liability reform, identification abuse reform, personal financial literacy, easier renewal of

driver licenses for military personnel serving overseas, election law revision, and several local economic development bills. “The 84th legislative session had many significant accomplishments that I was happy to support including: passing a balanced budget without raising taxes, significantly improving border security, increasing funding to public schools, providing $3.8 billion in tax relief for Texans and Texas businesses, providing additional funding for transportation without raising taxes or fees, and strengthening the Teacher Retirement System. “ Farney was appointed to the House Public Education Committee, the Public Education Subcommittee on Educator Quality, the

State Affairs Committee, and the House Administration Committee. The House Public Education Committee has jurisdiction over all legislation affecting Texas public schools including school finance, prekindergarten, and teacher development. The House State Affairs Committee is a powerful com-

mittee that has jurisdiction over matters of statewide policy, the administration of state government, and the organization and operation of many state agencies as well as jurisdiction over regulated industries such as electricity, telecommunications, and pipelines.

Barker Kicks Off for County Court #2

Candidate for Judge,

County Court #2 Laura Barker took to the Square for a kickoff fundraiser event Thursday at Burger University. Ms. Barker is a Georgetown attorney and was supported by many attorneys, law enforcement and political friends who attended. Having recently received an endorsement from the Leander Professional Firefighters Association, she is working hard demonstrate her commitment to giving back. “There are so many people out there who have inspired me to help. A case a while back, I helped a woman with a hearing and afterward the had flowers delivered to the office for me. That small gesture made me realize how

important doing my job can be to every person I touch. That woman cared enough to say ‘thank you’ and I just want to continue to reach out and help people make decisions on a new or better path.” Barker emphasized the benefit of working in a misdemeanor court; “People in County Court, most of the time, have made a mistake but they are not hardened criminals. Being Judge will give me the opportunity to guide them from bad judgement and think about their lives before they end up in higher court with hard punishment.” About campaigning, Barker says “I knew it would be a lot of work but I have been surprised and enjoyed the great rewards. It’s the small moments, like running into an old client who said she thought I would make a great judge. It’s years later and a different time, and I’m ready to help people in a whole new capacity.” Voters may get to know Laura at local Republican events, which she attends frequently, and visit LauraBarkerForJudge.com.

Campaign Kickoff for Judge Donna King Judge Donna King, 26th

District Court presiding was the center of attention September 8 at a barbecue fundraiser at the Deck Law Firm in Round Rock. Nearly 75 people were in attendance at the dinner bell to support the campaign to “Keep Donna King” as the 26th District Judge in next March’s primary election. More donors and supporters arrived throughout the evening. What started out with just a small event turned into a large gathering with nearly 50 sponsors and filled up a parking lot. Many elected officials and Williamson County VIPs were there to visit with Judge King at her first big event of the campaign. She was lauded by guest speaker Sheriff James Wil-

son, and host Ryan Deck who said, “I’ve had a lot of conversations with prosecutors and defense attorneys since Judge King started and the word I keep hearing is ‘fair.’ [Lawyers] just want a judge to call balls and strikes and if both sides of the aisle are calling you fair, you’re doing it right.” Dan Gattis, Jr., Judge King’s former court partner, was enthusiastic about the hard work that went into everything she did in the courtroom. “Donna was always prepared at each and every turn, even on my cases. I want [a judge] who has been there and done that; someone who has had to sit in front of a judge and make hard decisions and hold her own. She knows the law, and I am happy to have her make decisions on

Left: Tyler Deck, Republic BBQ’s Walter “Buzzy” Earl, Attorney Ryan Deck, Judge Donna King. Above: Judge Donna King and Judge Billy Ray Stubblefield the welfare of my clients.” Judge King was very thankful as she spoke. “Becoming Judge of the 26th took the perfect path for me. I give it my whole

heart and want to do my best each and every day. It means so much to me, today, to hear from the lawyers because for the last ten months, I have just tried to

do what is right and I never forget that is my job. I am also fortunate to be part of the wonderful, collegial feel in the courthouse, so I am looking forward to being

elected to the position and continuing to work hard for the people of this county.” Primary election for the 26th District Court is March 1, 2016.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2015  THE ADVOCATE

LIFESTYLE

Stuff I Probably Won’t Do Again I will consider myself lucky to live to be 93, so I’m going to say, without reservation, that I’m over my own hill. I am by no means wise, but during the second half of my life, I’m going to not repeat some things. I’m not going to buy a car again for one feature. The minute I rejoice in the good gas mileage, I need to move a piece of furniture and have to pay someone to deliver it. Just gonna buy something that is good for a few things and deal with the cost or hassle of it. Besides, they all end up low on gas most of the time and french fries fossilizing under the seat anyway. I’m not going to lend money to friends or family any more. If I can’t afford to just give it to them, they get nothing and the relationship might survive. A 50 percent return over a lifetime is probably better than the government, but it just means I’m stupid about

half the time. I probably should stop watching true crime television, but don’t know if that will happen. It’s making me paranoid. I have decided, however, on a rather morbid life hack. I will not go on a blind date without bringing a bag of glitter. If I don’t make it home, ain’t nobody going to get every sparkly bit out of his car or clothing that forensics won’t find, so

at least they’ll know who did it. I’m never going to lease back a house again. I will live in a hotel or with my mother if I sell my house without another to go to. Everything that wasn’t noted by the home inspector at closing somehow became “damage” that occurred while I was the tenant in my own house in a 30-day period, and apparently running around with a hammer.

I could have lived at the Plaza for a month for less. Maybe still not worth living with mom for a month but we’ll see. I’m not going to not go on vacation again. It’s too easy to forget how great it is to unplug and do nothing when I’m too busy and think I’m not expendable for even a few days. Even if it means double the work before and after, and the inevitable vacation “blues” that set in when you get home. When I consider I could have five days in Cancun for what I spend on two trips to Walmart, what the heck am I doing here 365 days a year? I’m not going to cut my hair because I’m having a bad day. ‘Nuff said about that. I’m not going to watch horror movies at night. You’d think I’d be over it at my age but they just keep coming up with scarier and scarier things. Whoever invented stop-action little-kid ghosts should be in jail. I’m not going to buy another gym membership

The Past is Present Dan Moody and the Klan Trials The Williamson Museum

and City of Georgetown have announced a partnership to install a statue of Dan Moody on the courthouse lawn. Dan Moody, the only Texas governor from Williamson County, took a stand for justice in and the story still inspires today. The Ku Klux Klan emerged in Williamson County in 1923. Robert W. Burleson, a traveling salesman from Waco, received a warning to leave town because of a relationship with Fannie Campbell, a widow renting Burleson a room. Burleson stayed, refusing to be bullied by the Klan. On April 1, 1923, Burleson and Campbell went to Jonah to visit a friend. That evening, two cars forced Burleson’s car off the road. Men pulled Burleson out, beating him with pistols. They drove him away, stopping to chain him to a tree and whip him with a leather strap. Then they took him to the Taylor city hall lawn where they left him with a bucket of tar and creosote poured over his head. Burleson managed to make his way to a nearby boarding house. His wounds were treated and he spent a week in the hospital. An investigation began into the incident. Five men

identified as the attackers were arrested and charged with beating Burleson. The grand jury met at the Williamson County Courthouse. The first defendant, Murray Jackson, refused to answer questions. Fined $100 for contempt of court, he was placed him in jail. The grand jury indicted Jackson on a charge of assault with a prohibited weapon. Dan Moody, district attorney for the 26th Judicial District, led the prosecution team on behalf of the state of Texas against Murray Jackson. His team included former county judge Richard Critz and former county attorney Harry Graves, among several others. Born in Taylor, Texas, in June 1893, Moody graduated from Taylor High School and studied law at The University of Texas. Admitted to the bar in 1914, he practiced law

that just serves to annoy me every month when I see the money leave my account. I am old enough to accept and just be happy that I hate to exercise and money is not a good enough motivator. I’m also not going to miss voting in another election, no matter how short the ballot. You hear sometimes that local elections are won or lost on name recognition, so paying attention to who is running, and voting for good people on the school board or municipal cooperative is how you keep them around in a few years when they move on up to state legislature or U.S. Congress. I suppose I should add that I won’t get married again, but suffice to say I will simply not ignore subtle red flags—like e-mails from AshleyMadison.com apologizing for the breach in my spouse’s credit card information. And, less awful but most frequent, I will no longer allow myself to be “upsold.” I pretty much expect it from a car salesperson, but in the past week alone I was told that I was an irresponsible pet owner if I didn’t get the newest vaccines for my dogs (who

are 11 years old and can hardly go outside). Then my dermatologist barely paused after a biopsy to tell me my skin was dull and I should consider $1450 laser treatment. Or this $40 tube of tinted sunscreen.

If I had $1450 laying around, I’d be in Cancun ruining my face some more. Can’t wait to see what kind of new dumb things I do in the second half.

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in Taylor until he served as a soldier in World War I. Moody then returned to Taylor and began a career in public service. From 1920 to 1922, Moody served as county attorney for Williamson County. In 1922, he was appointed district attorney for the 26th Judicial District. Moody was elected attorney general of Texas in 1925, and elected for two terms as governor of the state (1927-1931). The trial against Murray Jackson began in the Williamson County Courthouse on Monday, September 17, 1923. Testimony started on Wednesday and Burleson spent the two days sharing his experience, identifying Jackson as one of his attackers. Mrs. Campbell also identified Jackson. Thursday afternoon, Moody’s team rested its case. On Friday, the defense began calling witnesses to establish an alibi for Jackson. More witnesses testified on Saturday before the defense concluded their case. The prosecution called rebuttal witnesses Monday and completed their questioning. The jury heard closing arguments on Tuesday. The defense’s closing statement lasted six hours and 45 minutes. At 7:30 pm,

the prosecution team began their two hour and 15 minute argument. By 10:00 pm, the jury left the courtroom to deliberate. They returned in 15 minutes with their verdict: guilty, with a sentence of five years in the state penitentiary. Three other men indicted - Olin Gossett, Dewey Ball, and Godfrey Loftus - pled guilty. Each was convicted and sentenced to a year in jail. A fourth, Rev. A. A. Davis, was indicted for perjury, found guilty and sentenced to two years. The Burleson case marked the first successful prosecution of a Klan member in the United States. Visit the courtroom today to sit in those original benches and jury chairs, and stop by The Williamson Museum to watch a documentary about the trial.

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THE ADVOCATE  SEPTEMBER 10, 2015

LIFESTYLES oxygen and sugars necessary for function are not available. The second effect is that it stimulates the pleasure centers or appetite centers in the center of the brain.

Building Better Brains by Jim Kelley

EEG Neurofeedback. It is amazing how interconnected our brains are. When one thing becomes imbalanced, other areas behave abnormally. Just as a capacitor or a transistor in one side of a circuit board can influence the product of the circuit board at another location. It may look like the problem is in one area when in reality it is a failure further up the line that’s causing the problem. It is important to note that failure of the outer layers of the brain to develop normally or be maintained adequately directly impacts various emotional systems in the brain and can yield an intractable depression. Also, if the frontal regions of the cortex or the outer layers of the brain exhibit too much high frequency activity in the 19 Hz to 39 Hz range, that individual will have a terrible time overcoming alcohol, cocaine, or marijuana abuse. Although these chemicals affect the brain in dramatically different ways, the net effect they have in common is the deactivation of the outer layers of the brain. Alcohol does it by forcing water out of the neural tissues making it difficult to maintain proper solutions. Marijuana acts very similarly to a fouled spark plug. THC inhibits signal propagation along the neural pathways, thereby deactivating the cortex by electrical resistance. Cocaine has a one-two punch. First it deactivates the cortex by constricting the blood vessels so that

EEG Training By measuring the brain activity with the EEG, we can follow the functional aspects of the brain through the electrical activity it measures. EEG neurofeedback allows the individual to become aware of the brain’s activity but it also works especially well on the subconscious level. A desirable reward (usually a visual one) is presented by the computer software when it detects improvement in brain performance. During the session, the brain is led effortlessly to more and more efficient performance while the trainee rests in a comfortable chair. FMRI studies on healthy college students have demonstrated an increase in the mass of the brain as a result of this training. Benefit of the Christian Lifestyle The Christian lifestyle has numerous benefits for our cardiovascular systems. A Duke University study of 4000 people 65 years and older showed a 40 percent less risk of elevated blood pressure among those who prayed, studied the Bible daily, and attended religious services once a week. Another study of nearly 15,000 American adults showed that regular attendance at religious services was associated with lower blood pressure. Additionally, the Harvard School of Public Health tracked the health of 28,000 men between 40 to 77 years of age over a ten-year period. “Those who lack close friends or social network and did not attend religious services has significantly increased risk of death from heart disease.” The State University of New Jersey followed 142

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patients who had heart surgery. Those with strong religious beliefs had fewer complications and shorter hospital stays. It is important that the prayer and godly attitudes are practiced beforehand as well so says the University of Washington health sciences study, which followed the recovery of heart surgery recipients. 1Samuel_25:3,36,37 The man’s name was Nabal and his wife’s name was Abigail; she was a woman of good understanding, and beautiful. But the man was rough and evil in his doings; he was a Calebite. And Abigail came to Nabal, and behold, he was holding a feast in his house like the feast of a king. And [his] heart was merry, for he was very drunk; so she told him nothing at all until the morning light. But in the morning, when the wine was gone out of Nabal, and his wife told him these things, his heart died within him and he became [paralyzed, helpless as] a stone. Matthew 6:21, 31-34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear? For the Gentiles wish for and crave and diligently seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all. But seek first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides. So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble.

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SEPTEMBER 10, 2015  THE ADVOCATE

FAITH

was killed, and three days before He would rise from the grave, Jesus told His disciples He was going there. He told them that he was going there to make a place ready for them. Then He told them that they knew the way to the place where he was going.

John 14:1-4 NIV

The 300 by Butch Horton

Do you ever think about

heaven? Do you believe that heaven is a real place? On the night before he

[1] “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. [2] In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. [3] And if

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I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. [4] You know the way to the place where I am going.” “Trust also in me,” Jesus said. Jesus knew that once he was gone these men would need to trust in the words He was telling them at that moment. He knew these words would be the only thing that could get them through what was ahead of them. What words do you hold onto? In what or in whom is your hope depending on?

We all need words of encouragement at times. Everyone needs an occasional reminder from heaven that He’s coming back. Dear friend I hope you know that you can trust in the words of Jesus. Those disciples did not have everything all figured out. They did not have all of the blanks filled in. When you are considering your eternity and you do not find the answer within yourself, please know you can turn to Jesus. If you have questions or just need to

talk, please call Pastor Butch Horton at 512-9668817. Butch Horton is the Senior Pastor at Open

Road Biker Church, on the IH-35 access road between Georgetown and Jarrell. Cell phone 512-966-8817 email notetobutch@gmail. com.

Dare To Ascend Fund-Races Ascend Outdoor Adventures is holding three events in one at its “Dare to Ascend” fundraiser event September 26 at Lake Georgetown. Gates open at 6:00am.

Ascend is a non-denominational outreach program that provides outside-thebox adventures in the great outdoors for at-risk youth. Founder and Executive Director Jason Mann explains, “We try to create dynamic and life-changing moments out in nature that foster spiritual formation, leadership and trust. When we started we just wanted to help kids but as we grew, we recognized our strengths and how we were going to make an impact for the Kingdom of God.” Ascend started out in 2010 and regularly organizes events and trips to introduce kids to camping, canoeing, rock-climbing and other activities that

might create a passion for the outdoors. “Dare To Ascend” is a group of trail runs designed for all levels of runners. Keeping to the shoreline of Lake Georgetown, participants can register for a 5K, a halfmarathon, or the 26.8 mile Goodwater loop; a scenic and wild thrill ride for runners of all skill levels. To register, visit AscendOutdoorAdventures.com/ dare-to-ascend.htm

Top: Ascend took John on his first, challenging rock climb in 2015. Bottom: Brian, and Ascend Founder Jason Mann at Sand Dunes National Monument, CO

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THE ADVOCATE  SEPTEMBER 10, 2015

If we build it... They will come!

Oct. 12, 2015 8:30 am

Co-Chairs: Diane & Ira Shapiro • Erin & John Kiltz Patti & Kenneth O’Meara

Team Sponsors (foursome) invited to Celebration Breakfast & Golf at Cimarron Hills Country Club

We’re building a bright future for adults with special needs who have so much to contribute to their communities. Our vocational program empowers these citizens with real jobs and real opportunities for growth, lifting their selfesteem and providing purpose for their lives. The annual Brookwood in Georgetown Golf Benefit is as unique as each of our citizens! Each amazing citizen is the captain of a fundraising team, and each team is encouraged to raise $10,000 (or more!) to support the operating expenses of the program. Each team needs a sponsor and many sponsors to achieve this goal. Thanks to a generous underwriter, 100% of each dollar raised directly underwrites operating expenses, staff salaries and enterprise supplies! We’re building on the firm foundation of The Brookwood Community, the premier provider of services for adults with disabilities for 30 years. We proudly strive to replicate this model of excellence.

Won’t you join us in building the dream? Your gift helps support theirs!

www.BrookwoodInGeorgetown.org The Carl C. Anderson Sr. & Marie Jo Anderson Charitable Foundation will match any donation, dollar for dollar up to $25,000, given to the golf benefit.

Please sponsor!

Team Abby

Please sponsor!

Team Ambrose

Team Anthony sponsored by Georgetown Orthopedics

Please sponsor!

Team Ashley