City Insider - February 2016

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FEBRUARY 2016

INSIDER

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Premier Independent Resource Guide for Sun City Texas Mailed to every home in Sun City

Take me out to the ball game!

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Friendship & Fun on the Dance Floor Sun City’s Newest American Still Going Strong After All These Years: A Valentine Special Ask A Lawyer • Club News & Photos

Read the latest issue of City Insider online at

CityInsiderTX.com

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This is an exciting time to live in Georgetown.

We are experiencing unprecedented growth that requires planning, sound financial management and experience in order to retain the good things that make our city a special place to live.

Having been part of this process the last three years, I am asking for your support to continue the work that has begun.

John Hesser

LEADERSHIP Visionary • Courageous Creative • Integrity

STRENGTH Trained Financial Analyst Conservative Financial Manager Common Sense Problem Solver Risk Manager

EXPERIENCE City Council District 3 (2013- present)

Early Voting April 25 - May 3, 2016

Election Day May 7, 2016

Georgetown Utility Systems (2013-2015) Georgetown Transportation Advisory Board (2013- present) Georgetown Transportation Enhancement Corporation (2013-2016) Georgetown Economic Development Corporation (2015) Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (2010-2013) General Government Finance Advisory Board (2015- present) (Former) COO Multi-National Auto Finance Company B.S. degree in Marketing - Indiana State University

Re-Elect

FOR GEORGETOWN CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 3

JOHN HESSER

Political ad paid for by John Hesser 2016. Vernon Gonion, Treasurer.

2 | FEBRUARY 2016

© Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC, 2016. All rights reserved.

HOW DO I LOVE THEE? LET ME COUNT THE WAYS...

It is said that love transcends all. And love is never more at the forefront of our minds than on Valentine’s Day. One legend proffers that Valentine was a priest who served in Rome during the third century. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius, and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he immediately be put to death.

And from those beginnings, Valentine’s Day has become the symbol of lover’s affection for each other around the world. And along with it comes traditions that carry staggering numbers. Over 180 million Valentine’s cards will be exchanged annually.

Would it surprise you to learn that 85% of those cards are bought by women?

And, did you know that 200 million roses are grown for the occasion? And as you may have guessed, 73% are purchased by men. If you are part of the 61.8% of people who celebrate the holiday, hopefully you’re part of the 50% that receives or gives candy, or in

City Insider

the three out of ten that receives flowers. If you’re really lucky, you might be in the 17% who receive jewelry.

Ladies—I need your opinion. My husband and I met on February 15th, the day after Valentine’s Day over twenty years ago. While he still expresses the depth of his love for me on a regular basis, I believe that on this particular holiday, I just might be getting bamboozled. You see, he convinced me early on in our marriage that since we met the day after Valentine’s Day, it is perfectly acceptable for us to celebrate Valentine’s Day on the 15th.

At first I found this very romantic; after all, he remembered the day we met...

I do get the gigantic Valentine’s heart filled with chocolate every year, but I just can’t get past that big yellow ‘50% OFF’ sticker plastered on the front of it.

One time he even tipped his hand and reminded me that while most women got a dozen roses on Valentine’s Day, I got two dozen the day after… Seems a little shady to me. One thing is for sure, though—I do love that “Buy OneGet One Free” restaurant he takes me to every year on the 15th. I think I answered my own question. As I’ve said before, the day doesn’t matter, and I definitely have a keeper! Here’s hoping that your day is extra special in every way. Happy Valentine’s Day!

CITY

INSIDER A Guide To Quality Living in Georgetown A local resource for residents of Sun City, Texas © 2016 Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC

CONTENTS 4

Fun & Friendship on the Dance Floor

6

Sun City’s Newest American

11

Bigger & Better Things Are Headed To Sun City

12

Take Me Out To The Ball Game

14

Voter Information

15

Still Going Strong After All These Years: A Valentine Special

18

Ask A Lawyer

20

Mayor’s Update

21

Crossword

22

The Past Is Present with the Williamson Museum

Cathy Payne, Managing Editor CPayne@CityInsiderTX.com

STAFF Managing Editor/Lifestyles: Cathy Payne Writers: Ann Marie Ludlow, Kylie Ebersole Guest Columnists: Mayor Dale Ross, Mickie Ross, John Bickle, Sharon Patterson

CONTACT US

Info@CityInsiderTX.com P.O. Box 213, Jarrell, TX 76537 To Advertise in City Insider, call a sales exec at 512-746-4545 Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

FEBRUARY 2016 | 3

City Insider

Friendship & Fun on the Dance Floor

By Kylie Ebersole The Sun City Line Dancers was founded on a driveway twelve years ago by residents Lynne and Jim Wray, and since then, the club has grown at an exponential rate. What started out as “just a little fun with a boom box and friends,” has become one of Sun City’s largest chartered clubs with membership well over 400.

Much of this growth can be attributed to the club’s focus on having fun.

While the group’s stated purpose is to “teach, learn, and dance line dances in order to encourage fellowship and friendship while providing physical and mental exercise,” the bottom line is that there is a room full of happy faces that bring a real feeling of joy among the dancers. One benefit of line dancing specifically is that it doesn’t require being part of a couple to participate.

Additionally, it’s an incredible way to stimulate brain activity, get some good exercise, meet new people, and stay young, say members.

Classes are available at all skill levels, and beginner classes boast a

4 | FEBRUARY 2016

staggering 180-200 participants. Transition classes are a little more difficult, and participation is whittled down to around 85 dancers. Intermediate, the most advanced level, has about 25 in attendance. The dances are from all different genres from oldies to country to pop, so there is something for everyone. Classes are most commonly held at the Sun City ball room, and all dancers are welcome and encouraged to attend all the dances. The majority of the members are women, however several men enjoy the activity, as well.

The club introduces two new dances a month for Beginner and Transition.

The classes learn the new dances, and then review the dances they have already learned, so they can build on what they already know. Intermediate gets much more difficult, so dancers work on dances for a longer period of time. The club’s four instructors are: Barb Forrest who teaches the beginner and the transition classes; Mary Watts is in charge of the Ultra Beginner class and assists with the Beginner; Kathy Perrine teaches the Intermediate dancers; and Betty Wyer instructs Intermediate and Pattern Couples dancing. There is usually a teacher on the floor and two stage dancers, so students can see the moves at all times.

The Sun City Line Dancers’ focus on fun and camaraderie is also evident at their five annual socials that include food and drink, and dancing.

This year, instead of a Valentine’s dance, the group will be hosting a

Beginner Line Dancing classes often have up to 200 dancers. Line dancing is popular among the 55+ crowd because dancers don’t have to be part of a couple to participate.

Club member Judith Chaney, Vice President June Mueller, and former President Jana Douglas attend the weekly line dancing classes.

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“Year of the Red Monkey”-themed Asian pot luck on February 13th. The social will feature Beginner, Transition, and Intermediate dancing in what is called a “split floor.” This is when two different levels dance different dances to the same song, at the same time, making for an interesting dance floor and providing more opportunities for everyone to dance—a lot. Members may invite two (non-member) guests to accompany them to the social.

www.Salado.com 254-947-5040

The club also has a special performance group that visits nursing homes. This group’s next performance will be for an Alzheimer group at Wellspring on February 12.

Class sessions are held every Wednesday afternoon (Class 1-Beginners-12:45 to 1:35; Class 2-Impover/Transitional-1:40-2:25; Class 3-Intermediate-2:30-3:30). Members are encouraged to attend any and all sessions that are appropriate for them, and newcomers can attend three times free before committing to the club. Members’ short term house guests may attend the dance for free.

There is an Ultra- Beginner class (20 minutes) at 1 pm the first Thursday of every month that provides an introduction to line dancing.

Pattern/Partner Dancing SIG is also available, and meets every 1st, 3rd, and 5th Thursday from 6-8 pm at the Activity Center Atrium. This group focuses on couples’ dancing, but is not limited to male and female partners, and utilizes many of the steps employed in line dancing.

Membership dues are $14 per person, per calendar year, and may be paid online via the Sun City Website or in person at the sessions. After June 30th, members pay $7.

For more information visit sctexas. org (Select “Charter Clubs”, then select Line Dancing) or contact Vice President June Mueller at Muellertj203@gmail.com, 512-591-7618.

2016

Feb. 12th - Salado on the Rocks • Feb. 27th - Taste of Salado Apr. 1st - Spring Pub Crawl • Apr. 2nd - Edgy Art Competition Apr. 2nd - 3rd Wildflower Art Show May 6th - 8th - Mother’s Day Get Away Weekend June 18th - Dog Daze of Summer SaladoChamberofCommerce

KEbersole@CityInsiderTX.com © Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC, 2016. All rights reserved.

@Salado_Texas

@SaladoTexas

#SaladoTX #ShopSalado #VillageofSalado FEBRUARY 2016| 5

City Insider

Sun City’s Newest American Is A Familiar Face

By Ann Marie Ludlow Catrin Dubois has been in the United States for 30 years. She has been beautifying Sun City’s landscape for eight years. She has been an American citizen for 20 days. While her story spans some of the most remarkable and terrible events of the 20th century, today she is a thrilling and grateful spirit who is pleased that her fate brought her to America.

In 2013, after a trip home to Germany and with inspiration from close friends, she decided “You either belong to a country 100 percent or you don’t.”

She began saving up for the $1000 application fee, and after a few stalls, took her oath January 21, 2016 in San Antonio.

Her appreciation for America actually began at a young age, “If it weren’t for the American soldiers who stood guard at the Iron Curtain, I would be speaking Russian today.” Catrin’s mother was born in 1939, growing up during World War II. She fled the country in 1961 as the Berlin Wall was being built and told her stories about people jumping out of windows

hoping to land on West German soil. She also told her about the freedoms lost in East Germany, people disappearing, and the American support in Europe— keeping the Russians on their side of the fence after World War II. After the wall went up, her mother could visit her parents, but only did so until Catrin was old enough to speak. “They were afraid I would say something against the regime that would get the family into trouble. There was no freedom of speech, or religion. Going to church was frowned upon.”

Growing up, Catrin demonstrated against the U.S. nuclear warheads that were stationed right outside her hometown keeping Russia in-check. Her father, born in Nuremberg, was in the West German Air Force, stationed in Leipheim.

Catrin and her family lived their lives over the span of the Cold War, right in the middle of it. Her grandparents were not allowed to leave East Germany until they reached retirement age and had put in their time for the Fatherland. Anticipating their retirement, they pre-ordered and pre-paid for a Trabant automobile,

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© Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC, 2016. All rights reserved.

which would take five years to be built and delivered. (So, that joke Ronald Regan told about the car being delivered in the morning five years from now because the plumber was coming in the afternoon is really true.)

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Another story told by her mother was when you went to the hair salon, you brought your own towel. Or for a doctor’s visit, you brought your own towel if you didn’t want to sit on the same table as the last ten patients.

Catrin remembers, “When I got to the U.S., I saw the abundance that was here - like how many kinds of breakfast cereal there was. I was blown away.

And when the wall came down in 1989, I cried. Families, brothers and sisters, who had been divided for decades were finally reunited!”

“Being an American now, I am able to participate in my own local and federal governance. This makes me very happy and proud. I have a voice.

I have owned land here for four years, but now I can have a say in how it is taxed,” says Catrin.

She is very proud to belong to this country hundred percent. She has registered to vote and has applied for U.S. a passport. She was eager to give credit to her friend, Command Sergeant Major Hixon (U.S. Army, Ret.). His duty to defend the border of West Germany is a primary reason she will not miss a Memorial or Veterans’ Day ceremony. Friend and co-worker, retired Air Force Colonel Carl Zimmerman, has seen her through the study of the one hundred U.S. civic questions and ensured a successful trip to San Antonio where she took her oath of citizenship, which included keeping the laws of this country, bearing arms for it, if necessary, and upholding our U.S. Constitution.

Ms. Dubois will continue to take care of things in Sun City and is busy preparing for its 20th anniversary. But for now, she says, “It has been 30 years since I got off the plane and I am just ecstatic every day to be here.”

ALudlow@CityInsiderTX.com

FEBRUARY 2016 | 7

City Insider

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Women Helping Others (WHO) of Sun City WHO were special guests at the 50th Anniversary celebration for Opportunities for Williamson & Burnet Counties January 28 at the Baca Center in Round Rock. WHO members have been avid supporters of and volunteers for Opportunities’ Meals on Wheels program and their table was provided compliments of one of the corporate sponsors to honor their hard work. WHO members not only help deliver meals around the Georgetown and Sun City area, they also donate money to support the program and recently toured the facility to get a sense of Opportunities’ stewardship of their money. They were not disappointed.

Opportunities has been providing services and support to children, families and seniors in need since 1965. Their goal is to provide paths to independence and helping people transition out of poverty via Head Start, Meals on Wheels, Affordable Housing and Community Services (utility assistance). Executive Director Diana Phillips was thrilled to have the WHO ladies participate at the event. “We couldn’t do it without them and all the wonderful volunteers like them. Our seniors are much better off with caring people like Nina, who feed and check on them every single day!”

26th Annual

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Amplify Austin is a 24-hour online giving day beginning at 6:00 p.m. March 8, 2016. For more information, visit www.amplifyatx.ilivehereigivehere.org or contact Rita Turner at 512-943-0702. © Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC, 2016. All rights reserved.

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FEBRUARY 2016 | 9

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Opening Summer 2016 We’re here and ready

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Executive Director Greg Williams and Director of Marketing and Sales Tanner Easley want to tell you all about this new community.

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Bigger & Better Things Are Headed to Sun City Left: Site work for roads has begun on the 365-acre Queen Tract expansion, located just across from the softball field and dog park near the SH 195 entrance to Sun City.

Construction on new homes is expected to begin in 2017.

Have You Been to

Dale’s lately?

Mon -Thurs: 11 am-9 pm TUES & THURS BBQ Fri & Sat: 7:30am-10pm Ribs & Brisket Served 5 pm - Cl ose Closed Sunday WED - Chicken ‘n Dumplings BREAKFAST w/ 2 homemade sides Served at Lunch Fri. & Sat. 7:30 am - 3 pm & Dinner THURS - Meatlo af w/ 2 ho N

Exit 268 Walburg

4 miles

Left: HEB will soon be announcing (officially) its expansion plans for its Sun City store, located at 2338 FM 3405 (Williams Dr.). Local public affairs director Leslie Sweet shared that the company will release more information to the community after February 6. For now the Texas-based grocery chain is excited about helping communities all over Williamson County, including additional planned expansions in Pflugerville and Hutto. “We hope that everyone is getting the best of HEB, and we really see people as our investment. We don’t just focus on what each store means, but also the bigger picture to show how HEBs all over are working together to bring the best to everyone in the county.”

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City Insider

By Kylie Ebersole Sun City Texas Softball Club (SCTSC), founded in 2007, is a recreational co-ed softball league that supports fun, fellowship, and good sportsmanship. They are proud to be one of the few spectator sports in Sun City, and encourage everyone to come out to watch, play, and have some fun. “This is purely recreational,” Club President Henry Schuessler asserts, “though some are hard to convince,” he adds with a jovial wink. There is

Take Me Out To

definitely some friendly competition among the 175 members, though not all members actually play; some volunteer as umpires or keep score and simply enjoy the camaraderie and the beautiful Texas weather. All games and practice sessions are held at the immaculately manicured Del Webb Field located on Sun City Blvd., just before the State Hwy 195 exit.

The league consists mostly of men, but women are welcome and encouraged to join. Players range in

age from the youngest at 52 to the oldest at 83, and currently include seven ladies. The league has become an attraction to people from different walks of life, and from all over the world. Club member Allison Worley, an Australia native, plays in the outfield for the Farmers Insurance team. Worley is a personal trainer who loves to keep fit, and help others do so, as well. She has played softball all over the world, and the SCTSC has allowed her to continue that passion since moving to Sun City two years ago. There are many veteran members who use the sport as a means to keep healthy and active. Membership Director, Tom Davis played softball throughout his military career in the Army, and is playing now on the team that is sponsored by DTC, a heating and A/C company in Georgetown.

The league also boasts of having a few World Champs from the “Over 75” tournament in Las Vegas —they even have rings to prove it.

Championships aside, the league is most interested in players having fun and being safe. And to that end, they have a specialized group that evaluates the players’ abilities, and how to keep everyone safe. Some interesting rules are in place so the game is a little easier and players are less likely to hurt themselves. The outfielders have to stay at the 150’ line, and are not allowed to start a play in the dirt.

They can only come in front of that line once the ball is hit. Infielders are not allowed to start a play “deep” in the grass, and are only allowed to enter the grass after a hit is made.

This makes the batter more likely to get on base if they hit the ball to the outfield. The league also employs a “pool” system for individuals who would like to play occasionally, but not 12 | FEBRUARY 2016

all the time. Pool players can wait to be picked up by teams that may need them if someone is unavailable to play or players from other teams can play in that member’s spot.

Practices are open to any resident who would like to try their hand at softball. Even for those who have never picked up a ball, the practices meet all learning needs and softball abilities, and the club encourages a fun learning experience for everyone.

Scheduled practices are held every Tuesday and Friday from 11 am to 1 pm, weather permitting. Club membership is not required to play or volunteer, and there are numerous volunteer opportunities for those who want to participate, but not necessarily play.

o The Ball Game sons generally have four to six teams, while Spring and Fall seasons have as many as ten. The SCTSC has eight local sponsors: DTC Heating and A/C, Wriggley’s Pub, Catfish Parlor, Farmers Insurance, Hicks Fencing, Jovan Prosthodontics, Postal Annex, and Quality Carpet.

2016 League Schedule: Winter Season January 4 -February 25; Spring Season March 7 -May 26; Summer Season June 6 - July 28; Fall Season September 5 – November 21.

More information (along with a link to some stretching exercises to lessen the possibility of injuries) can be found online at sctx.org, by selecting “Charted Clubs”, and then “Softball”; or by contacting Club President Henry Schuessler at texashunter@hotmail. com, 512-699-7683 or Membership Director Tom Davis at trdavis101@gmail.com, 512-8439465.

City Insider

Clockwise from bottom left: Volunteer scorekeepers, Karen Karl and WA Heard • Ken Phipps stretches before a game (photos by Kylie Ebersole) • Shirley Harmes throws a pitch • Jerry Schaeffer warms up before a game against GHS’s Lady Eagles • Rico Nash gets Lady Eagle Alyssa Smith out (photos by Deborah Marquis)

Come see why we’re in Sun City almost every day!

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Currently, there are twenty volunteer umpires who simply attended a short training program to be qualified.

SCTSC is also very involved outside Sun City. Throughout the year, the club sponsors several events aside from the regular league games. They support the community by teaming up and playing for Junior University Day; the University of Texas Softball Team comes out every Veterans Day to play, and has even televised the event; and other events include the Blue Santa Tournament, Military Veterans Games, and Grandkids Day at the Ballpark.

There are presently four teams in the league. Winter and Summer sea-

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FEBRUARY 2016 | 13

City Insider

Don’t Forget to Vote!

Williamson County Primary Election

Early Voting Feb. 16-26 • Election Day Mar. 1

Early Voting Locations 1. Williamson County Inner Loop Annex, 301 SE Inner Loop, Georgetown

8. JB and Hallie Jester Annex, 1801 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Round Rock

2. Georgetown ISD Admin Building, 603 Lakeway Drive, Georgetown

9. Anderson Mill Limited District, 11500 El Salido Pkwy., Austin

3. Georgetown Parks and Recreation Administration Building, 1101 N. College Street, Georgetown

10. Cedar Park Public Library, 550 Discovery Boulevard, Cedar Park

4. Cowan Creek Amenity Center, 1433 Cool Spring Way, Georgetown 5. Baca Senior Center, 301 W. Bagdad Avenue, Round Rock 6. Brushy Creek Community Center, 16318 Great Oaks Drive, Round Rock 7. Round Rock Randalls, 2051 Gattis School Road, Round Rock 14 | FEBRUARY 2016

11. Cedar Park Randalls, 1400 Cypress Creek Road, Cedar Park 12. Pat Bryson Municipal Hall, 201 N. Brushy Street, Leander 13. Hutto ISD Administration Building, 200 College Street, Hutto 14. Taylor City Hall, 400 Porter Street, Taylor For additional information and locations Visit: www.wilco.org/elections

Facility ID No. 105556

© Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC, 2016. All rights reserved.

City Insider

Still Going Strong After All These Years This Valentine’s Day, three Sun City couples, married 50 years (or more), share their secrets to lasting love

John & Thoma Hesser Where did you meet? We were seated alphabetically in a typing class in high school. Thoma was a freshman and I was a sophomore.

What was “courting / dating” like in those days? Most of our dating centered on school events. Sock hops after ball games, going to the movies, and hanging out at the local drive-in (The GinJerBoo) restaurant.

How did you propose or decide to get married?

Nothing exciting took place. We sat down at the kitchen table with another couple that were dear friends and with a pad of paper and calculator in hand; decide if we pool our money and salaries the numbers worked for us to get married. We set the date shortly after.

What is the most romantic thing your spouse has done during your marriage? John brings me flowers…the most romantic ones are for no reason at all.

How do you show your spouse you love them?

Anticipating each other’s needs and trying to fulfill them.

Married 53 Years

Describe your favorite vacation as a couple/ family. We took our sons who were in high school and college to Hawaii for Christmas and joined my sister and her husband there. Thoma packed a small Christmas tree and an Elvis Presley Christmas tape for atmosphere. We drew names for gifts with a $5.00 limit and had a wonderful Christmas dinner at the hotel. There were lots of laughs.

Do you have family traditions? We open Christmas presents on Christmas morning and try to make a big deal out of everyone’s birthday.

What advice can you offer about dealing with conflict? Live in the present and forgive.

What is still the same about your spouse after over 50 years of marriage? What is the most significant change? There is no one I admire more than my wife. She has always known who she is and has not changed. She has become more confident and her kind and gentle spirit has made changes in me.

Why has your marriage endured the test of time? Our faith in God, commitment, patience, communication, forgiveness and learning to love unselfishly.

FEBRUARY 2016 | 15

City Insider

Still Going Strong...

Where did you meet? We met in 1957 at the Prudential Insurance Co. I was a loan closer and he was an appraiser.

Describe your first date. We went to see “Around The World In 80 Days” How did you propose or decide to get married? After dating for 3 years, it was pretty much a mutual decision to get married. After all we were 26 and 28 years old, and back then that was considered older than the average dating couple.

Chuck & Virginia Wingo Married 55 Years

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16 | FEBRUARY 2016

What is the most romantic thing your spouse has done during your marriage? Chuck surprised me with tickets to New York to see the “Phantom Of the Opera” with second row center seats. Of course I have had my share of candy and flowers also, however he was a little more creative than that. .

Describe your favorite vacation as a couple/family. We have had a lot of wonderful vacations, some as a couple and several with our family. We have been to Europe several times as a couple and with friends, and many Christmas trips with our family to places like Hawaii, Copper Mountain for skiing, Puerto Vallarta. We have always loved our family Christmas travels through the years.

Do you have family traditions? Our family traditions usually mean celebrating the holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas together. Of course as our families grow, it means we have to share and share alike. We have never had a problem with that. We never wanted to make the holidays stressful and our children understand that we are very flexible, so the holidays have always been very enjoyable.

What advice can you offer about dealing with conflict? Conflict is always difficult, however you must stay flexible, and be considerate of other people. We have never had a serious conflict that I can remember.

How do you show your spouse you love them? By being there for you in all the bad times as well as the many good ones. I work at keeping our family very close. We are a happy group when we all get together, which is often.

What is still the same about your spouse after over 50 years of marriage? What is the most significant change? I am certain that we all change through the years, especially after 55 years of marriage, however Chuck has always been a considerate and very patient person and that has never changed. I on the other hand, do not always have these same traits.

Maybe that’s why we work so well together.

Why has your marriage endured the test of time? I think one of the main reasons is that our generation didn’t run to the divorce lawyer every time what we thought we had a problem, we worked it out between ourselves. We had too much invested in our little family to throw it all away.

Sometimes what we thought was a BIG problem, wasn’t so big after all.

...After All These Years Bill & Kay Stauss Married 58 Years

Where did you meet? We were 15 & 12 in Tahlequah, OK. My mother had roomed with Bill’s parents in college.

They (Bill’s parents) owned a drugstore & I would go frequently go get a drink and flirt.

Describe your first date. Our families had moved 80 miles apart, so much of our courtship consisted of letter writing. Our first “date” was a hayride we were both on which was the first time we noticed each other in “that” way.

(Bill was 17, Kay was 14) How did you propose or decide to get married? I was a senior in high school, living in Tulsa and Bill had been at the University of Oklahoma and was preparing to go back to school. Bill got a ring in April and we wed in August. We both attended the university of Oklahoma and lived together in student housing.

Were there any memorable events from your wedding day? After leaving the church, we stopped on the other side of the lake at a restaurant.

We noticed that people were laughing at us. We looked at our reflection in the window and realized we still had a ton of rice in our hair.

What is the most romantic thing your spouse has done during your marriage? Before we were married, Bill surprised me with the most beautiful birthstone ring and a curly dog for my bed on my16th birthday. (She still has the ring.. ) What advice can you offer about dealing with conflict? We have always known, even in conflict, we love each other. We allow each other to grow and listen to one another, and allow the other to get out what they need to get out. Most importantly, we are always there for each other.

City Insider What is still the same about your spouse after over 50 years of marriage? What is the most significant change? (Bill) We have always been happy doing things together or doing things apart. (Kay) Bill has always had the kindest and sweetest nature.

He never forgets a birthday or anniversary. (Both) We have changed/ aged a bit.

Why has your marriage endured the test of time? Pure stubbornness!

Really, we still love each other. Communication has been key...

How do you show your spouse you love them? We really look at how to take care of one another. We are “there” for the other especially when times get tough. We also really like to make each other laugh. Laughing is key...

What advice would you give your grandchildren about finding a spouse? Don’t plan for it, let it find you. Put yourself around good people. Make sure that person cares and make sure you enjoy them.

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FEBRUARY 2016 | 17

City Insider

By John W. Bickle, Attorney at Law As the TYLA pamphlet, Living Trust Scams and the Senior Consumer points out…If you are a senior, like me, you should be extra careful when buying living trusts. Our age group is often targeted by unscrupulous salespeople whose goal is to sell you something without carefully analyzing your needs.

As the pamphlet indicates…Con artists promote their business by making false or incomplete statements about the probate process, guardianships and taxation of estates. Such statements might include: Welcome aboard! Come join me as we review a number of legal matters primarily affecting seniors. To begin with, we’re going to look at whether or not a living trust might be right for you.

This month’s article is based on and quotes from information provided by the Needs of Senior Citizens Committee of the Texas Young Lawyers Association (TYLA). However, remember this is information and not legal advice. For legal advice, ask your lawyer.

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1. Living trusts save taxes.

This statement is misleading. Most Texas estates will face no death taxes at all. We don’t have a state inheritance tax in Texas. If your estate is taxable for federal tax purposes, a will can accomplish exactly the same tax savings as a trust at a much lower cost.

Each of our estates may transfer a certain amount of assets “tax free. At the present time, your estate may transfer $5.45 million dollars to anyone free of federal estate taxes.

This is referred to as the “federal tax exclusion”. The exclusion limit for the combined estates of a husband and wife is $10.90 million dollars.

2. Living trusts help you avoid contested wills.

This statement is misleading.

Because a “trust” and a “will” are separate legal concepts, a trust is not subject to a will contest. However, trusts just like wills are subject to attack on the grounds of lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, and fraud.

3. Living trusts help you avoid your creditors.

This statement is false. During your lifetime, assets in your living trust are subject to the claims of your creditors. After you die, those assets are subject to the claims of your estate’s creditors.

4. Living trusts avoid the expense of guardianship.

This statement is misleading. A living trust is helpful as a device to avoid guardianship in case of your future incapacity. In some circumstances, a durable power of attorney is a simpler and less costly way to achieve the same goal. However, you should choose between these alternatives only after you have considered the advantages and disadvantages of each in your particular situation.

5. Probate is a costly and time consuming legal process.

This statement is misleading at best, and most likely false. In fact, most Texas attorneys do not charge fees based on a percentage of the estate, but rather, charge an hourly rate or a flat fee for their work in probate.

Because Texas has an independent administration system, a simplified probate process under the Texas Estates Code, more than 80 percent of Texas probate cases involve only one court appearance and the filing of an inventory and notice to beneficiaries. Independent administration can be accomplished through a properly drafted will. In addition, probate in Texas can be accomplished in a few months rather than a few years like many other states. In most circumstances, the administration of a living trust is no more time efficient than the administration of a will in probate.

6. Everyone should have a living trust because it’s the only way to avoid probate.

This statement is false. While a living trust may be appropriate for some people, the cost of creating, funding and administering a living trust outweighs the benefits for many of us. However, a living trust might be right for you if you need assistance in managing your assets because of incapacity or if you have property in another state where probate is more onerous than it is in Texas.

If you’re trying to avoid probate there are several ways to do so. Joint tenancy with rights of survivorship and multiple party accounts with financial institutions are common and inexpensive methods of avoiding probate.

Texas has a new Transfer on Death Deed which is a simple, inexpensive way to transfer real estate without going through probate court. You and you attorney can determine whether these options will work to your benefit.

So, what can you do to protect yourself from a living trust scam? If you hear any of the statements you just read, don’t rush your decision.

Take the time and expend the effort to do your due diligence. Don’t buy on impulse. Finally, if you conclude that a trust might be right for you, make sure you work with a licensed Texas attorney who has substantial experience in creating and documenting estate plans.

John W. Bickle resides in Sun City, is licensed to practice law in all courts in Texas and continues in practice today as a member of the Williamson County Bar. He can be reached by phone at (512) 8688593 and by email at jbbickle@msn.com.

© Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC, 2016. All rights reserved.

City Insider

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FEBRUARY 2016 | 19

City Insider

MAYOR’S UPDATE

Georgetown: Transportation & Mobility Projects for Today & the Future

By Mayor Dale Ross Transportation Bonds In May, Georgetown voters approved $105 million in funding for a range of transportation projects.

Projects include new roads and road improvements in all sectors of the city to be constructed or designed over the next 10 years.

Last year the U.S. Census Bureau announced that among the fastest-growing cities in the country with population above 50,000, Georgetown was second on the list.

Why are so many people coming here? A key factor is strong job growth across the Austin metro in the high tech, health and life sciences, and higher education sectors. In addition, Georgetown has qualities that make us uniquely appealing—our beautiful Square, amazing parks, great schools, and safe neighborhoods.

While growth helps to fuel our vibrant local economy it also puts new demands on our transportation infrastructure.

In 2015, Georgetown took important steps to address the current and future demands on our transportation network. Those include new investments in projects to accelerate mobility and working with partners at the federal, state, region, and county levels to move forward on projects across the city.

Here are some highlights of transportation initiatives in 2015 and projects that are planned for the future to address our growing community.

20 | FEBRUARY 2016

Road projects to be constructed in this 10-year time frame include sections of DB Wood Road, Wolf Ranch Parkway, Southwest Bypass, Southwestern Boulevard, and Leander Road. New roads to be built also include a new bridge over Interstate 35 on Northwest Boulevard, the Rivery Boulevard extension, and the segment of Interstate 35 frontage road from Williams Drive to Lakeway Drive.

This year, the City plans to begin work on Southwest Bypass, which will add a crucial north-south link on the west side of the city. The City will also add new traffic signals at Jim Hogg Road and Williams Drive, and at Austin Avenue and Fifth Street.

Bond projects also include $10 million to be used for sidewalk and accessibility projects in the city. A prioritized list of projects was developed in the Sidewalk Master Plan last year.

Another $5 million will be used to address key intersections and safety issues such as new traffic signals at high volume intersections.

Bond funds also include design work for a segment of Southwest Bypass, East University Avenue, NE Inner Loop, Stadium Drive, and a segment of Southwest Bypass. Planning work is funded for a number of projects, including a segment of DB Wood Road, Shell Road, SE Inner Loop, and added turn lanes on the I-35 frontage road and Williams Drive near the

Rivery project. While projects in the design and planning phases will likely include funding from county, state, or federal sources, having designs or plans completed can accelerate other sources of funding that are needed to build a project.

Regional Partnerships While the City bond funds will help to build or accelerate many transportation improvements, most of the highest-volume arterials in our city are federal, state, or Williamson County roadways. The City continues to work with these partners to build needed improvements, such as the Texas Department of Transportation project to rebuild FM 1460 as a four-lane roadway and Williamson County projects including the new I-35 northbound frontage road from SE Inner Loop to University Avenue and Texas 195 and the Southwest Bypass from I-35 to FM 2243 (Leander Rd).

Planning Studies and Other Work In addition to the construction of

physical improvements, the City is working on several long range transportation studies. In May 2015, The City completed a Transit Development Plan, which is a feasibility study of fixed-route bus service. Other planning work in 2016 includes a ninemonth study of the Williams Drive corridor, public outreach and participation related to the Austin Avenue Bridges, and the environmental impact review for the Lone Star Rail District passenger rail line from San Antonio to Georgetown.

In all of these ways, the City continues to plan for, design, build, and implement new projects that will help to increase mobility as our community continues to grow. Georgetown’s unique charm will continue to attract new residents to our City. Our commitment to transportation improvements helps to insure we maintain the quality of life that makes Georgetown such a special place to live, work, raise kids and retire.

City Insider

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There sure is a lot going on this year!

Americans will elect the forty fifth president of the United States of America; Rio de Janeiro will host the Summer Olympics; and 2016 is a Leap Year. What exactly is a Leap Year and why do we have them?

Leap Years are needed to keep our modern day Gregorian calendar in alignment with the Earth's revolutions around the sun. It takes the Earth approximately 365.242199 days – or 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 46 seconds – to circle once around the Sun. This is called a tropical year.

However, the Gregorian calendar has only 365 days in a year, so if we didn't add a day on February 29 nearly every 4 years, we would lose almost six hours off our calendar every year. After only 100 years, our calendar would be off by approximately 24 days! This happened in the Julian calendar, which was in use until the Gregorian was introduced.

Were you born on February 29th? According to astrologers, those born under the sign of Pisces on February 29 have unusual talents and personalities reflecting their special status.

Most have to wait every four years to "officially" observe their birthdays, but leap year babies typically choose either February 28 or March 1 to celebrate in years that aren't leap years.

One last interesting fact about February 29th is that in many cultures it is the only day a woman is allowed to propose to a man. It is believed this tradition was started in 5th century Ireland when St. Bridget complained to St. Patrick about women having to wait for so long for a man to propose. According to legend, St. Patrick said the yearning females could propose on this one day in February during the leap year.

Take advantage of the extra day in February to do something fun and exciting because it won’t come around again until 2020!

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A.M.E. Church was a community celebration.

City Insider

By 1923 a new limestone school building was constructed near the original frame building to accommodate the school’s growing population.

The new building helped academic programs to grow and students excelled in literary, athletic and homemaking contests on all levels. Marshall left the high school in 1930 and it was renamed for him at that time. The name was again changed to George Washington Carver High School in the 1940s and retained that name until it closed in 1965. The legacy of the school remains today with the naming of Georgetown’s newest elementary school located in the Teravista neighborhood.

The Past Is Present

By Mickie Ross

Tales from Georgetown’s Black History Williamson County’s rich history would not be complete without the contributions of the African Americans who settled in and impacted the community. As the country celebrates Black History Month in February, this is a fitting time to highlight some of the stories of Georgetown’s past.

Wesley Chapel A.M.E. Church, located at 508 4th Street, is a good place to start. Founded in 1869, it was the first organized black church in Georgetown. The church was organized by Reverend Richard Robert Haywood, an early missionary in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Prior to the establishment of Wesley Chapel, the Methodist Episcopal Church listed many Negroes as members. Land for the church was purchased in 1881 and the current structure was built in 1904. Wesley Chapel today is known as the “Church on the corner” where love abides, Jesus guides and “all are welcome”, and it continues to serve the Georgetown community in many ways.

Macedonia Baptist Church held its earliest services in 1881 when a group of families began meeting 22 | FEBRUARY 2016

under a back yard arbor at the home of Matilda Lewis. Originally called the Colored Baptist Church, the trustees purchased the land where the church sits today. The first small wooden structure was replaced by a new building in 1914, and the current sanctuary was dedicated in 1975. Macedonia also continues to serve the community with services and events for all of Georgetown.

The first school for African American children in Georgetown, known as “The Colored School”, was established around the turn of the century.

The school, located near 4th and Timber Streets, taught grades one through eight. In 1984, Timber Street was renamed Martin Luther King Street. In 1912 the school’s principal, S.C. Marshall, asked the school board to provide instruction through the high school level. His first student, Lois Palm, enrolled in 1913 and was the first black student to graduate in Georgetown in 1916. Her graduation ceremony held at Wesley Chapel

One of Georgetown’s most remarkable stories highlights the Negro Fine Arts school that operated in town from 1946 – 1966. Under the direction of Mrs. Iola Bowden Chambers, a music professor at Southwestern University, several of her piano students searched for a way to practice their piano teaching. Through a partnership with First Methodist Church, the university and the community, students who were interested in studying piano joined the venture. The annual recitals were a community affair, and for a time art classes were taught as well. By 1966 the schools in George-

town were integrated and the school stopped operating. It is interesting to note that the first African American admitted to Southwestern University after its integration in the fall of 1965 was Ernest Clark, one of the star students in the Negro Fine Arts school.

The African American legacy continues. Learn more about our own local Black History at The Williamson Museum through our current exhibit and items in the Museum Store. We are proud to tell all of the stories of the county, past and present.

Above: Wesley Chapel A.M.E. Church on 4th Street was the first organized black church in Georgetown, founded in 1869 Left: The historical marker for Marshall-Carver High School (closed in 1965). The school’s legacy lives on in Georgetown’s newest elementary school, Carver Elementary in Teravista.

Below: Mayor Dale Ross and Mickie Ross (center) take part in the Georgetown community’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day March.

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