Georgetown View • February 2026

In an age where the rush of daily news often overshadows the deeper narratives that shape our community, the Georgetown View constantly strives to be an eager beacon of positivity and unity. Far more than just a lifestyle magazine, our publishers and staff are committed to creating a means of getting to know what makes our community thrive: its people and their impact.

Since its inception in 2009, the Georgetown View has not only reported on the great stories and people in our city but also taken pride in actively contributing to its enrichment. Through donations exceeding $100,000 in advertising, we have extended our support beyond the printed page to organizations that further amplify the voices of those who work tirelessly to make a difference, ensuring their missions reach as many eyes and hearts as possible.

But we are also good at doing what we do–showcasing prominent community agencies and initiatives like ROCK, Georgetown ISD students, FFA, 4-H, and many more on our covers and in multi-page features. These not only celebrate their contributions but also inspire readers to personally engage and participate in the missions of these community pillars.

In every story, from first responders and veterans to the latest city events and programs, our purpose is to foster a sense of pride and connection. In addition, our annual "Giving Thanks and Giving Back" issue each November shines a spotlight on local nonprofits and philanthropic efforts, reminding us of the power of community support and the importance of gratitude.

In short, we believe the Georgetown View is more than a magazine; it is a vital part of the community’s fabric that spotlights advocacy, education, and celebration. We hope you will agree it stands as a testament to what we can all achieve when we choose to focus on the positive and the possible.

PUBLISHER

Cathy Payne • cathy@georgetownview.com

SENIOR WRITERS / CONTENT EDITORS

Ann Marie Kennon • Charlotte Kovalchuk

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Linda A. Thornton • Steve Fought

CONTENT MANAGER

Camy Reynolds

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Sandra Evans • Ann Marie Kennon • Marilee Goldoni

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Jesse Payne

WEBMASTER

Ann Marie Kennon

ADVERTISING

512.746.4545

info@georgetownview.com

Georgetown View is a Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC publication and a product of AdvocateNewsTX Newspaper.

Copyright © 2026 All rights reserved. Georgetown View is mailed monthly via USPS to homes and businesses in Georgetown, TX zip codes.

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A SEASON TO RESET

Winter has a way of slowing things down just enough to help us see more clearly. This issue leans into that pause—offering thoughtful stories and practical inspiration to help you start the year with purpose. Inside, you’ll find fresh perspectives on health and wellness, ideas for making the most of outdoor living even in cooler months, and home and garden features designed to set the foundation for the seasons ahead. Whether you’re refining routines, planning projects, or simply gathering ideas, this winter issue is meant to meet you where you are and help you move forward—steadily, thoughtfully, and well.

Meet our Pros — professionals, business owners, and subject matter experts from leading local companies who share their knowledge and expertise to bring readers practical advice, how-to tips, best practices, and current and emerging trends. To learn more about becoming a Featured Professional, contact info@georgetownview.com or 512-746-4545.

Aqua-Tots Swim School Round Rock

The largest international provider of year-round, indoor swim instruction dedicated to teaching water safety through our proven curriculum.

Aqua-Tots.com/Round-Rock 512-336-8687

Doleva Elite Tree Certified Arborists to care for your trees! Our large equipment makes jobs efficient and economic, and prevents damage to lawn or property. Serving Georgetown since 2009.

DolevaEliteTree.com 512-943-8733

Inner Space Cavern

One of the best preserved caves in Texas, Inner Space Cavern has hosted hundreds of thousands of visitors since 1966 and offers a variety of activities year round.

InnerSpaceCavern.com 4200 S IH-35 Georgetown

Prime Wellness and Longevity

Personalized hormone therapy, weight loss, and wellness plans to help clients optimize health, boost energy, and feel their absolute best.

PrimeWellnessand Longevity.com 512-240-4456

DTC Air Conditioning

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

DTCTexas.com 512-887-5091

Hall's Roofing & Sheet Metal, LLC

Family owned since 1939. Roofing professionals specializing in full-service roof repair, installation, and replacement.

HallsRoofing.net 512-864-7579

Keller Commercial & Home Services

Experts specializing in maintenance, enhancement, and design. Armed with cutting-edge tools and programs — driving rapid growth in architectural landscaping.

KellerServicesTX.com 512-930-4769

Sky & Co. Jewelry Handcrafted elegance meets modern meaning. Sky & Co Jewelry creates minimalist pieces with lasting impact—designed to celebrate individuality, intention, and the stories you wear.

SkyCoJewelry.com 512-254-9337

Moore Liberty Buildings Chad & Amanda Moore Thousands of structures built since 2015.

MooreLibertyBuildings.com 512-548-6474

The Wesleyan Providing a new, bountiful experience of aging full of purpose, passion, and possibility for more than 50 years.

TheWesleyan.org

Wild Birds Unlimited

Expert advice, quality seed, and feeders. Let us provide joy to you and your backyard birds. We bring people and nature together and do it with excellence.

GeorgetownTX.wbu.com (512) 763-1081

by Ann Marie Kennon

INVESTING IN THE HOME You Already Love

THE SMARTEST UPGRADE OF ALL

For years, the dream solution to a house that felt too small, too dated, or not quite “you” was simple: move. But as the housing market shifts, many homeowners are pausing—not because they’ve given up on better living, but because they’re rethinking what it means.

That kind of quality-of-life perspective is shaped by experience. Janice Bowman, who co-runs Bowman Outdoor Living with her husband, Jody Robinson (pictured), represents the second generation of leadership in a company built on long-term vision and craftsmanship and they help homeowners capture that perspective for themselves. What began as a family operation has evolved into a multi-generational business, with three of their children now stepping into the company as the third generation—bringing modern design tools and fresh perspective while preserving the values that have guided the business for decades.

“Most homes already have a natural gathering place,” Janice says. “It’s usually the kitchen. But when you create a true outdoor living area, one that feels like part of the home, you’re giving people another place to gather, relax, live, and entertain.”

More Than a Slab of Concrete

Janice is quick to clarify that not all patios are created equal. Pouring a slab, she says, isn’t outdoor living—it’s just concrete. True outdoor living is about continuity: materials that echo the home’s architecture, colors that flow naturally from inside to out, and thoughtful transitions that make the space feel intentional.

She recalls a recent project where a client extended the same porcelain tile from their interior living space onto the covered patio, then coordinated complementary pavers beyond that. The result was a seamless flow—kitchen to living room to patio to open air—creating a sense that the home had simply expanded.

“That cohesion changes how people use their space,” Janice explains. “They don’t just step outside occasionally. They live there.”

• photos courtesy Janice Bowman

Function Over Flash

In a world shaped by Pinterest boards, HGTV reveals, and AI-generated dream yards, Janice brings homeowners back to a simpler—but often overlooked—question: How will you actually use this space?

She’s well known for gently steering clients away from expensive features that look impressive but don’t fit their lifestyle. Outdoor kitchens are a prime example. “If someone grills eight or ten times a year, a $12,000 outdoor kitchen may not make sense,” she says. “That money might be better spent creating a fire feature, shade, or a seating area they’ll use every single day.”

The same philosophy applies to layout. Level patios often outperform multi-step designs. Fire pits placed near the door get used more than ones tucked into the far end of the yard. Fewer stairs mean safer movement, easier entertaining, and more usable square footage. It’s design rooted in real life.

Standing Out in a Sea of Sameness

In newer neighborhoods, outdoor design becomes one of the few ways homeowners can personalize their property, and Janice sees it as an opportunity, not just for resale value, but for identity. “When so many houses look the same, thoughtful outdoor upgrades make yours feel intentional,”

she says. “It gives your home character and, eventually, when you do sell, it makes it memorable.”

One of her favorite high-impact, low-regret upgrades? Reimagining the front porch and entryway with pavers or thin porcelain tile. “It’s one of the first things people see, and it completely changes the home,” Janice says. “Plus, we can often eliminate steps or create gentle ramps, which matters more as people think long-term about aging in place.”

Experience You Can’t Google

What truly sets Bowman Outdoor Living apart isn’t just design, it’s experience. Janice personally handles most of the company's sales appointments, giving homeowners direct access to decades of hard-earned insight. She understands local codes, HOA restrictions, build lines, and permitting nuances that can quietly derail less-experienced contractors.

Her team reflects that same depth. Many employees have been with the company for 15 to 20 years—stone masons, foremen, welders—people who remember projects from years past and return by name when clients call.

“That continuity matters,” Bowman says. “We want it done right the first time—but if something isn’t right, we stop and fix it. Even if it’s just ten stones.”

A DIFFERENT KIND OF INVESTMENT

As the housing market recalibrates, Janice sees homeowners growing more confident about spending money where they already live, not impulsively, but intentionally. “This isn’t about quick timelines,” she says. “Good de-

sign takes planning, permitting, and patience. But when we start a project, we stay until it’s finished—well.”

For homeowners choosing to stay put, the reward is immediate:

more comfort, more function, more joy in everyday life.

Because sometimes, the smartest move isn’t moving at all, it’s making your home fit the life you’re living.

THE WATER RECEDED,

Over the Fourth of July weekend, devastating floods swept through parts of Central Texas, changing lives in a matter of hours. For many in the Bertram community, the destruction felt personal—because it was.

C.R. Williamson—great-grandson of "Three-legged Willie" Williamson—and his wife Gayle are familiar, well-loved faces. When floodwaters rose rapidly that weekend, they, their daughter Donna and her husband Randy, found themselves trapped inside the home that held decades of family life.

As water climbed, eventually reaching less than two feet from the ceiling, the family made a split-second decision that would save their lives. They were able to climb onto the roof and wait for rescue. First responders later cut them out and evacuated them by boat, an ordeal that still feels surreal to recount.

When the water finally receded, nearly everything was gone. Vehicles, clothing, furniture, and family keepsakes were lost. The house itself was left

nearly unrecognizable—saturated and unsafe—requiring a complete gut down to the framing. Recovery would not be quick, and it would not be simple.

After Headlines Fade

That reality is what Kendra Cofer encountered when she first met the Williamsons. As founder of L4 Cares, she visited flood-affected areas to observe recovery efforts already underway. When she met C.R. and Gayle and heard their story, the magnitude of what they were facing was immediately clear.

“My heart went out to them,” Kendra said. “I didn’t know what the plan was going to be yet, but I knew we needed to stay with them.”

Like many families impacted by the flood, the Williamsons stared down an uncertain future. Insurance would not cover the full rebuild, and the loss extended far beyond walls and flooring.

A Chain of Yeses

Kendra began making calls. One of those calls was to Tracy Hayes with CWS Corporate Housing. For more than three decades, CWS has operated in Texas, and although the company now has offices across the country, Tracy says Central Texas will always be home.

by Ann Marie Kennon •

Justin Jacobs

Left photo: Justin Jacobs (center) with Gayle and C.R. Williamson in their home prior to the start of construction and, at right, in the same spot—ready to move in—last month.

THE WORK CONTINUES

“Anytime there’s a need in the community, we feel very privileged to help,” Tracy said. “And because we have access to furniture and housewares, we’ve been able to support people who are trying to get a fresh start.”

Through partnerships with nonprofits serving veterans, homeless youth, and individuals coming out of foster care, addiction, or homelessness, Tracy has seen firsthand how much dignity is restored when someone has a place they’re proud to call home.

“That’s why, when Kendra called about the Williamsons, it was a no-brainer,” she said. “They’re just such a neat couple.”

When Community Becomes Personal

Tracy then mentioned the situation to her son-in-law, Justin Jacobs, owner of Grand Endeavor Homes, and asked if he would be willing to visit the property. No decisions or promises were made in advance but the group set out to see the home and understand the scope of what had been lost.

Standing inside the stripped shell of the house, Justin recognized C.R. from years earlier—a reminder of how closely connected the community truly is. “This wasn’t just a project,” Kendra said. “This was someone we knew.”

Justin made it clear this was not a business venture. After walking the home and listening to the family’s story, he made a quiet decision that changed the course of their recovery.

Six months later, the Williamsons’ home has been completely rebuilt and restored from the studs up. Walls, systems, and finishes have been replaced. Furniture has been delivered. What was once a hollowed-out structure is now a place of warmth again.

But Justin is quick to redirect attention away from himself.

“This isn’t about me,” he said. “It’s about helping your neighbor—and remembering there are still people who haven’t recovered yet.”

Tracy agrees, and hopes the story serves a larger purpose. “This isn’t to toot anyone’s horn,” she said. “But someday Justin’s kids will read about the legacy of the Jacobs family generosity and, beyond that, maybe it inspires one builder, or framer, or a window company to step in. We can all make a difference.”

The Long Road Still Ahead

That reminder matters. While the Williamsons’ story is one of renewal, many families across Central Texas are still waiting. In places like Sandy Creek, residents remain displaced months later, living in RVs while navigating permits, codes, and the long process of rebuilding. “The work is still going on,” Tracy said. “It’s just not in the news anymore.”

New furnishings provided by CWS Corporate Housing

After floodwaters receded, the full extent of the damage to the Williamsons’ home became clear.

When Hope Returns Home

Through grants, donations, and partnerships, L4 Cares has continued working behind the scenes—coordinating donated flooring, rebuilding driveways, distributing gift cards, and connecting families with resources. They saw the impact of that presence when furniture was delivered to the Williamson home.

“The transformation wasn’t just physical,” Kendra says. “Their eyes were shining. They were laughing, telling stories about family gatherings. You could see hope return.”

The Work Continues

For the Williamsons, Justin, Kendra, and Tracy, the hope is simple: that this single home might serve as a reminder to stay aware, look around, and help when we can.

L-R: Kendra Cofer, Ronnie Williamson, Gayle and C.R. Williamson, Justin Jacobs, Tracy and Scott Hayes await the final touches in the Williamson's rebuild.

THE BACKYARD NATURE COMEBACK

Turning Your Yard Into a Micro-Habitat

How simple, low-maintenance choices can invite butterflies, hummingbirds, songbirds, native bees, and even owls back into your outdoor space.

There’s a quiet movement happening in backyards across Central Texas—one built not on elaborate landscaping or hours of weekly upkeep, but on small, intentional choices that bring nature closer to home. Residents are discovering that with just a few thoughtful additions, an ordinary yard can become a micro-habitat: a welcoming refuge for the pollinators, birds, and wildlife that once defined the Texas landscape.

And the best part? You don’t need a green thumb or a large property to make it happen. According to local master naturalists, even a handful of native plants or a small patch of habitat can help restore ecological balance in ways that benefit both the environment and your own enjoyment of your outdoor space.

WHY MICRO-HABITATS MATTER

Many homeowners assume their yard is too small to make an impact— but that’s not how nature works. Pollinators like butterflies and native bees navigate using clusters of habitat spread across neighborhoods. Songbirds rely on pockets of shelter and food sources scattered from yard to yard. Even owls are drawn to areas where insects, small mammals, and safe nesting spots coexist.

“When one homeowner makes a simple change, it becomes part of a larger patchwork that supports wildlife across an entire community,” says one local master naturalist who has helped residents transform their landscapes. “You don’t need acres. You just need intention.”

THE POWER OF NATIVE PLANTS

The heart of any micro-habitat is native vegetation. These plants evolved with Texas wildlife, which means they offer the exact nutrition and shelter local species need—something non-native landscaping simply can’t replicate.

A few standout native plants that thrive in Williamson County include:

 Milkweed for monarch butterflies

 Turk’s cap for hummingbirds

 Flame acanthus for bees and butterflies

 Cedar elm and live oak for songbirds seeking shade and shelter

 Golden groundsel and black-eyed Susan for color and pollinators

The beauty of these plants isn’t just ecological—it’s practical. Native species are drought-tolerant, heat-adapted, and require far less watering and maintenance than traditional landscaping plants.

BRINGING WILDLIFE IN WITHOUT THE WORK

One of the biggest misconceptions about wildlife-friendly yards is that they are time-consuming. In reality, micro-habitats are often lower maintenance than manicured lawns.

Here are some naturalist-approved methods that add life without adding labor.

 Replace small lawn areas with native ground cover to reduce mowing.

 Add a shallow water source, such as a birdbath or small bubbler fountain. Running water dramatically increases visits from birds.

 Leave a small brush pile in a discreet corner—it becomes instant shelter for songbirds, lizards, and beneficial insects.

 Install a simple owl box to encourage barn owls, which naturally control rodent populations.

 Use mulch generously, which helps soil retain moisture and reduces weeding. You can start with just one or two elements and expand over time as your yard becomes more alive.

BUTTERFLIES, HUMMINGBIRDS & BEYOND

Butterflies and hummingbirds are often the first visitors to appear in a micro-habitat because they are drawn to bright blooms and nectar-rich plants. Monarchs pass through Georgetown along their migration route, making milkweed a powerful addition for supporting their journey.

Native bees—unlike honeybees—are gentle, solitary pollinators that rarely sting. They thrive in yards with flowering natives and small patches of bare soil.

Songbirds and warblers show up when plants provide berries, cover, and insects. Even owls will make a home nearby if conditions feel right.

“You’ll be amazed at how quickly wildlife responds,” says another master naturalist. “Sometimes within days of adding the right plant or water source, you’ll start seeing new species you’ve never noticed before.”

10 Easy Ways to Start a Micro-Habitat

A micro-habitat isn’t just good for the environment—it makes your outdoor space more vibrant and enjoyable. Morning coffee becomes a front-row seat to hummingbirds darting between blossoms. Dusk brings the soft hooting of an owl settling in. Butterflies drift through the yard on warm afternoons. Every visit becomes a reminder that nature is still all around us, waiting for an invitation.

And in a community like Georgetown, where the landscape is changing quickly, these small refuges matter more than ever.

“This is something anyone can do,” the naturalists emphasize. “Start small. Watch your yard come alive. You’ll be surprised how much joy it brings.”

High Impact • Low Maintenance Wildlife Approved

 Plant three natives. Start small with proven Central Texas favorites like Turk’s cap, milkweed, or flame acanthus.

 Add a shallow water source A simple birdbath or shallow dish attracts birds, butterflies, and bees within days.

 Create a “no-mow corner.” Let one small section of lawn grow naturally to give insects and pollinators a safe haven.

 Install a hummingbird-friendly bloom. Red, tubular flowers such as salvia or Turk’s cap are irresistible to hummingbirds.

 Leave a few leaves. A thin layer of leaf litter provides habitat for butterflies, fireflies, and ground-dwelling insects.

 Add a native tree or shrub. Cedar elm, kidneywood, and evergreen sumac offer food, shade, and nesting cover.

 Keep a patch of bare soil. Many native bees nest underground and need small, undisturbed spots of soil.

 Create a discreet brush pile. A small pile of sticks or trimmings becomes instant shelter for songbirds and lizards.

 Place a simple owl box. Barn owls help control rodents naturally—no chemicals needed.

 Choose mulch over manicuring. Mulch protects the soil, retains water, and reduces your weeding workload.

The Psychology of a Peaceful Home

HOW SUBTLE CHANGES IN COLOR, LAYOUT, AND LIGHT CAN TRANSFORM YOUR LIVING SPACE INTO A PLACE THAT TRULY RESTORES YOU

Walk into a peaceful home and you feel it immediately— a sense of calm that settles over you like an exhale. Walk into a cluttered or overstimulating space, and your body reacts just as quickly, though not in the way you’d like. While we often think of home improvement in terms of paint colors or furniture styles, the truth is that much of what makes a home feel good is rooted in psychology.

COLOR AND MOOD

Soft, muted tones bring down the heart rate. Warm neutrals offer comfort. Blues and greens encourage relaxation. Bold colors have their place too, but in large doses they can energize the brain—sometimes too much for everyday living spaces.

THE WEIGHT OF VISUAL NOISE

Every item on a counter top, every stack of papers, every mismatched item in view asks the brain to process it. Over time, this creates subtle mental fatigue. A peaceful home isn’t empty—it’s intentional. The fewer decisions your eyes must make, the calmer your brain feels.

LIGHTING THAT SUPPORTS YOUR LIFE

Cool light energizes. Warm light soothes. Natural light enhances mood and helps regulate sleep. A peaceful home blends all three, with dimmable options to match the time of day.

FURNITURE THAT FLOWS

A room’s layout can either invite you in or push you out. Spaces that allow easy movement, comfortable seating, soft textures, and natural pathways create emotional ease. Think of your home in zones: a reading spot, a conversation area, a kitchen prep space that feels uncluttered enough to enjoy.

WHY A HEALTH-CENTERED HOME MATTERS

A home designed and decorated with mental and physical health in mind does more than look good—it actively supports how you think, feel, and function each day. Research consistently shows our environments influence stress hormones, sleep quality, focus, and even immune response. When your surroundings feel chaotic, your nervous system stays on alert. When they feel ordered and soothing, your body is given permission to rest.

A peaceful home acts as a buffer between you and the outside world. It creates a sense of predictability and safety, which lowers cortisol levels and helps regulate emotions. This is especially important in a culture where we’re constantly overstimulated by screens, notifications, and noise. Your home can become the place where your brain finally powers down.

There’s also a cumulative benefit. Small environmental stressors—harsh lighting, cluttered surfaces, awkward

furniture placement—may seem insignificant on their own, but over time they drain mental energy. By contrast, a health-oriented space quietly gives energy back. You may notice better sleep, improved focus, or simply a greater desire to spend time at home instead of escaping it.

Creating a health space also encourages healthier habits. When a room feels calm and intentional, you’re more likely to sit and read, stretch, cook a real meal, or engage in conversation rather than defaulting to passive distraction. The environment gently nudges behavior without requiring willpower.

Perhaps most importantly, a peaceful home reinforces a sense of control. In a world full of uncertainty, having a space that reflects your values and supports your well-being builds emotional resilience. It becomes a reminder that rest is not a luxury—it’s a necessity, and one you can design into everyday life.

ENGAGE SENSES BEYOND SIGHT

A truly peaceful home isn’t just something you see—it’s something you experience. While visual calm is important, your brain also takes cues from sound, texture, and scent. Softening these sensory inputs can dramatically improve how a space feels.

Start with sound. Hard surfaces amplify noise, which can subtly increase stress. Adding a rug, curtains, or upholstered furniture helps absorb sound and makes a room feel quieter and more grounded. If outside noise is an issue, white noise or gentle background music can create a sense of auditory privacy.

Texture matters as well. Incorporating soft, natural materials; linen pillows, cotton throws, wool rugs, and wood accents adds comfort without visual clutter. These tactile elements invite you to slow down and physically relax.

Finally, be intentional with scent. Smell is one of the strongest triggers of memory and emotion. A subtle, consistent scent from a candle, diffuser, or fresh greenery can signal calm almost instantly. The goal isn’t to announce the scent, but to let it quietly define the room.

When multiple senses are supported, your home stops feeling like a backdrop and starts functioning as a restorative environment—one that helps you feel better without asking for effort.

by Camy Reynolds and Ann Marie Kennon

Your Brain at the Start of Something New

The Cognitive Fresh-Start Effect

The surprising science behind why natural transition points—like a new year, a new season, or even a new week—makes it easier to think clearly, reset routines, and build momentum.

There’s something about a fresh beginning that feels different. A new calendar, a shift in season, or even a subtle change in routine can make familiar patterns feel lighter—and possibility feel closer.

For years, people have talked about this sensation as a “New Year mindset.” But neuroscientists now know it isn’t limited to January—and it isn’t just a feeling.

It’s called the Fresh-Start Effect: a cognitive shift that occurs when we cross a meaningful time marker. A new year, a new month, a birthday, a move, even the start of a workweek can create psychological distance between our past selves and our current goals. While the turn of the calendar year is one of the strongest examples, the brain responds to fresh starts whenever it senses a clean edge between “before” and “now.”

Why Fresh Starts Work Like a Reset Button

Researchers have found our brains are naturally wired to embrace change at the start of a new cycle. Novelty sharpens focus, increases motivation, and improves self-regulation. It’s as if our minds lean forward, ready to begin again.

Environmental cues also play a role. Winter light, cooler temperatures, and slower social rhythms create natural moments for reflection. This inward pause opens the door for clearer thinking and healthier decision-making.

Taking Advantage of the Fresh-Start Effect

The momentum that comes with a fresh start is powerful—but like all momentum, it can fade unless we reinforce it. You don't need a brand-new year to extend your mental "reset."

Try these simple strategies:

�Seek morning light. Bright natural light early in the day signals alertness and improves mood.

�Add something new. Join a class, try a new walking trail, or explore a hobby—novelty rewires the brain.

�Declutter one small space. A drawer, a shelf, or your car console. The mental clarity that follows is noticeable.

�Set micro-goals instead of massive ones. The brain builds confidence through easy wins.

Fresh starts aren't just symbolic—they are neurological. When we understand how the brain uses these fresh starts to re-orient and refocus, we can intentionally create them, rather than waiting for the calendar to do the work for us.

There’s even a physiological rhythm at play. Changes in temperature, light exposure, and daily structure help stabilize circadian patterns and mood-regulating hormones. This is why a simple walk, a quieter morning, or a simplified routine can suddenly feel grounding again.

Perhaps the most overlooked aspect of the Fresh-Start Effect is what neuroscientists call habit architecture—the scaffolding around daily life. Fresh starts are rare moments when the brain is willing to question its defaults:

BEYOND THE RESET: What New Beginnings do to the Rest of Your Mind

What’s especially interesting about fresh starts is that they don't just make us want to change—it actually changes how we see ourselves. Psychologists call this temporal self-appraisal, the idea that we mentally separate our “past self” from our “current self” when a major time marker arrives.

That distance makes change feel safer. Suddenly, the choices you made in October feel like they belong to a version of you who no longer exists. This subtle identity upgrade is one reason people feel bolder, more optimistic, and more willing to make adjustments that felt overwhelming a few months earlier.

Fresh starts also reduce cognitive clutter in ways we rarely notice. After the frenzy of the holidays— shopping lists, travel plans, social overload—we naturally enter a period of lowered sensory and mental load. In other words, our brains finally have bandwidth again. With fewer inputs competing for attention, the executive parts of the brain (the planning, organizing, and decision-making centers) regain their strength. That restored clarity often feels like “motivation,” but scientifically, it’s more like finally getting access to RAM that’s been tied up for weeks.

� Do I still want to start the day with my phone?

� Is this the healthiest rhythm for my family?

� What could I swap, streamline, or simplify?

These questions matter because new habits don’t form from willpower—they form when the brain is open to renegotiating the contract of everyday life.

In the end, the real gift of a fresh start isn’t a resolution or a date on the calendar—it’s the opportunity to think differently about who you are becoming. And leaning into that shift, even in small ways, can shape not just the year ahead, but the person you grow into along the way.

January gets the credit because it shows up with a clean calendar and a lot of marketing but February does the real work. It’s where habits either settle in—or get revised without the drama. And fortunately for us, the brain doesn’t care what month it is. It just needs a reason to begin again.

Resetting Your Health at Any Age

THE MICRO-HABITS METHOD

by Camy Reynolds and Ann Marie Kennon

Why tiny changes, done consistently, are the most powerful way to transform your health in the new year.

Anew year has a way of making us feel like anything is possible. We buy fresh planners, reorganize closets, and promise ourselves we’ll finally commit to the big goals we put off last year. But what if the key to better health isn’t found in sweeping resolutions at all? What if the real secret is tucked into the smallest moments of your day?

Health researchers are increasingly turning their attention to micro-habits—tiny, repeatable actions that require almost no effort but, over time, create measurable improvements in energy, mood, and overall well-being. Unlike traditional resolutions, micro-habits don’t depend on willpower. They simply attach themselves to routines you already have.

A micro-habit might be as simple as drinking a glass of water before you pour your morning coffee. Or standing up and stretching each time you finish a phone call. Or taking 30 seconds to breathe deeply before you start the car. The goal isn’t dramatic change. It’s quiet, steady progress.

WHY MICRO-HABITS WORK

Our brains love patterns, but they are actually wired to be lazy. In more positive terms, this simply means they work in ways that conserve as much energy as possible to ensure sufficient resources to achieve big or critical goals. Big lifestyle changes can feel exciting at first, but they often fail because they demand too much too soon. Micro-habits sneak under the radar of resistance. They take seconds to complete, which means they’re easier to sustain—and much easier to build upon.

When done consistently, these tiny choices stack up, creating momentum toward bigger transformations. A daily one-minute walk often becomes five minutes, which becomes ten. A single stretch becomes a mobility routine. A nightly deep breath becomes a calming wind-down ritual.

WHERE TO START

Try anchoring micro-habits to things you already do:

 While brushing your teeth, stand on one leg to improve balance.

 When heating your morning oatmeal, do two simple shoulder rolls.

 After you take your evening vitamins, drink a second glass of water.

 At every red light, relax your jaw and drop your shoulders.

It doesn’t matter which habits you choose. What matters is consistency.

Instead of making resolutions that may already be fading, give yourself the gift of small, steady wins. Those tiny steps may not look dramatic on day one—but by day 100, you’ll feel the difference in every part of your life.

A LIFETIME OF GROWTH

There’s nothing wrong with turning over a new leaf now and then. Fresh starts feel hopeful. They remind us that we’re allowed to change our minds—and our habits—at any point in life. But lasting change doesn’t come from the occasional reset. It comes from quietly reshaping the lifestyle that runs on autopilot every single day.

Most of us don’t make choices moment by moment. We live by instinct, repetition, and routine. And as we age, those routines often shift without us noticing. We move less. We sit more. Aches and stiffness make us hesitant to be active. Portions slowly grow, even as our energy needs quietly shrink. Over time, the math stops working in our favor.

That’s why there’s no amount of intense exercise that can undo habits formed over years. You can’t out-train a lifestyle. If an extra 20 pounds arrived gradually, it won’t disappear through heroic effort alone. The real adjustment happens in the small, unremarkable moments—eating slightly less, choosing simpler meals, pausing before second helpings, and allowing your body to recalibrate.

Micro-habits work because they align with reality. They meet us where we are, not where we wish we’d been ten years ago. When the lifestyle shifts, the body follows—slowly, steadily, and sustainably.

EXPERIENCE. INTEGRITY. JUSTICE.

WA judge’s role isn’t about power. It’s about responsibility. Knowing the law and applying it fairly is how you serve real people.

hen Ryan Bownds decided to run for Judge of the 512th District Court, he wasn’t driven by politics or ambition, but by experience. With more than a decade of prosecution experience he has devoted himself to Williamson County, including as the Chief of the Special Victims Unit. Ryan has spent his career in courtrooms where decisions carry real consequences for victims, defendants, and families. He has seen firsthand how much depends on a judge who understands the law, applies it consistently, and treats every person in the courtroom with fairness and respect.

Ryan is running for the 512th because he believes the courtroom should be guided by law, not ideology. His judicial philosophy is straightforward: a judge’s role is to apply the law impartially no matter who is standing before the bench. “When you do this job long enough,”

Ryan says, “you must be mindful that litigants are not just cause numbers. They’re real people, and a judge’s decision can affect them significantly.” To Ryan, taking the bench is not a position of power, but one of responsibility, which carries an obligation to the community as a whole.

The Difference

Ryan believes one of the distinctions between himself and his opponents is depth of trial experience. Ryan has been a trial prosecutor for 13 years; consistently in the courtroom and handling cases from start to finish. He hasn’t just studied the rules of the road, he’s been behind the wheel for a long time. That experience gives him an instinctive understanding of how trials unfold, how evidentiary rulings affect outcomes, and how courtroom decisions impact everyone in-

~ RYAN BOWNDS

volved. A judge with that background doesn’t have to imagine how rulings will play out, he already knows.

As well, Ryan’s commitment to Williamson County runs just as deep. When he passed the bar, he was licensed in Williamson County, and his very first trial was in Justice of the Peace court here. “I didn’t move around to different counties or offices to chase a career,” he says. “This is where I want to be, and this is the community I want to stay invested in as a judge. I have consistently poured into the same role, building institutional knowledge and long-term relationships rooted in service to Williamson County."

That focus is also reflected in the professional organizations he supports. Ryan serves as Treasurer of the Williamson County Bar Association and is a member of the American Inns of Court—groups dedicated to ethics, mentorship, legal excellence, and strengthening the judiciary itself. These roles are about upholding the standards that keep courts functioning with integrity.

So why should voters choose Ryan Bownds?

Because he understands the weight of judicial decisions and has the experience to carry it well. “I’m running because I know the impact a judge’s decision has on real people,” Ryan says. “I know I can make fair, right, and just decisions and I feel an obligation to use that experience for the community I love.”

In a role where impartiality is essential, Ryan offers voters confidence that justice will be applied thoughtfully, fairly, and with the greatest respect.

HIGHER EDUCATION REFORM

On September 10, 2025, the assassination of Charlie Kirk shook the country. What followed was just as troubling: the public celebration of political violence by many individuals operating within or around college campuses, amid heightened anti-Israel protests related to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. That moment stripped away any remaining illusion that our campuses were immune to the broader breakdown in civil discourse gripping the nation. When violence is justified as political expression, the rule of law is no longer guiding behavior.

Why the Legislature Acted

These concerns did not emerge overnight. Senate bill 2972 was passed earlier this year in response to a wave of disruptive campus protests, many involving non-students and conduct that interfered with core academic operations. The bill represents the state’s direct effort to restore lawful order while fully protecting the expressive rights of students and faculty on campus. Following the events of September, Speaker Dustin Burrows and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick jointly established The Select Committees on Civil Discourse and Freedom of Speech in Higher Education. As Chairman of the House Committee, I am committed to using the interim to examine how campuses across Texas are implementing these reforms and whether further action is needed to preserve both liberty and safety.

From Transparency to Conduct

The bill makes clear that students and employees of public institutions of higher education have the right to engage in expressive activities and observe the expressive activities of others. Universities are instructed to treat these freedoms not as privileges, but as core institutional obligations.

This article is the second installment of a three-part series on higher education reform in Texas that began in last month’s issue. In the last article, an outline of SB 37 established a comprehensive framework for transparency and accountability in our public institutions of higher education. That law strengthened governing boards, clarified faculty roles, and created an independent ombudsman to ensure students, faculty, and administrators all have a fair and lawful channel for resolving disputes. However, transparency alone will not be enough. A university can be well-governed on paper yet still fail its fundamental mission if civil discourse collapses on campus.

SB 2972 codifies those principles in state law. Universities may adopt time, place, and manner restrictions only if clearly published pursuant to institutional policy, applied equally regardless of viewpoint, and allow ample alternative means of expression. The bill also prohibits institutions from requiring prior permits or permissions before individuals may assemble or distribute written material in designated public forums.

Governing boards are now explicitly required to designate the public forum areas on their campuses consistent with constitutional standards. This prevents institutions from moving the goalposts when controversy arises and ensures expressive rights remain stable no matter which administration is in place.

Under the law, students and employees are prohibited from using amplified sound during class hours if it intimidates others, interferes with campus operations, or obstructs the lawful duties of employees or law enforcement. During the final two weeks of a semester, when academic pressure is at its highest, disruptive expressive activities face additional restrictions to protect instructional continuity and student performance.

ORDER IS NOT OPTIONAL

Camping and encampments are expressly prohibited. Universities exist to educate, not to serve as permanent protest encampments where sanitation, safety, and access quickly deteriorate. The law also prohibits wearing disguises to obstruct enforcement, intimidate others, or interfere with law enforcement activity. Accountability requires visibility.

Expressive activity is prohibited between 10pm and 8am, recognizing free speech must coexist with the right of students to rest, study, and live without constant disturbance.

The lowering of the United States or Texas flag for the purpose of raising another nation’s or organization’s flag is also prohibited. Public institutions are required to uphold the symbols of the constitutional order under which they operate.

SB 2972 does not merely announce expectations. It requires each institution to adopt a formal policy outlining rights and responsibilities regarding expressive activities. Those policies must establish disciplinary sanctions for those who unduly interfere with the expressive activities of others or violate institutional rules or state law. They must include a grievance procedure for addressing complaints. And they must require individuals to present proof of identity and status when asked by an institution official engaged in lawful duty.

Oversight Continues

The Legislature does not pass laws and walk away. Following the September assassination and the unrest that followed, Speaker Burrows and Lieutenant Governor Patrick formed select committees in both chambers to examine civil discourse and freedom of speech in higher education. I was honored to be asked to serve as Chairman of the House committee.

Over the next year, our committee will hear testimony from students, faculty, administrators, law enforcement, and constitutional scholars. We will evaluate how institutions are implementing SB 2972. We will examine whether public safety is adequately protected. And we will assess whether outside political organizations are exploiting campus unrest to destabilize learning environments.

This work is not about punishing institutions—it's about ensuring laws passed by the Legislature are implemented faithfully and consistently across all systems. Uniform law is meaningless without uniform application.

SB 37 created the structure for transparency and accountability in governance. It strengthened Boards of Regents, clarified the advisory role of faculty senates, mandated leadership evaluations, and created the Office of the Ombudsman within the Higher Education Coordinating Board. That office will serve as an external channel for resolving disputes involving governance, curriculum, and employment practices.

SB 2972 supplies the behavioral framework that complements that governance structure, the statutory system through which Texas public universities are overseen by Boards of Regents, presidents selected by those boards and statewide oversight established by the Legislature. One law governs how decisions are made. The other governs how conduct is regulated.

Civil Discourse Is a Civic Skill

Civil discourse is not a political luxury. It is the foundation of self-government.

The First Amendment protects unpopular speech not because it is comfortable, but because it is necessary.

Still, no constitutional tradition has ever equated free speech with the right to disrupt, intimidate, or threaten.

A university should be a place where students learn how to argue without fear, how to disagree without dehumanizing, and how to engage in conflict without resorting to coercion. That is how leaders are formed. That is how citizens are prepared.

SB 2972 does not silence speech. It protects it by re-anchoring expression to the rule of law. It affirms that campuses belong to learning, not lawlessness; to dialogue, not disorder.

Texas is proving that it is possible to defend liberty without surrendering order. It is possible to protect speech without tolerating chaos. And it is possible to restore public trust without sacrificing constitutional rights.

SARAH MOORE Trusted Legal Hand for a New Court SARAH MOORE Trusted Legal Hand for a New Court

Assistant District Attorney Sarah Moore’s path to running for judge of the recently established 512th District Court isn’t a pivot—it’s the next chapter in a life built around service, community, and deep experience in the law. A mom of four and a Williamson County resident, she’s spent nearly two decades putting in the work that matters most when a courtroom decision affects real families.

Sarah’s professional journey has largely been in prosecution, and she’s led cases most people never see— from serious felony jury trials to everyday matters that touch local families. In that time, she’s been lead counsel in more than 100 felony jury cases, a body of experience that simply can’t be replicated from behind a desk.

But Sarah doesn’t just believe in experience—she lives it. She is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, an honor that reflects mastery in her field. She is a published legal author and has also been recognized with statewide awards for ethical prosecution and victim advocacy, including the 2020 Lone Star Prosecutor Award and the 2024 Crime Victims Advocate Hall of Fame Award from local advocates.

LOVE OF THE LAW

"I believe what sets me apart," Sarah says, "isn't simply the number of cases I've tried—it’s how I strive to use those experiences to lift up others in the profession. I make a point of

regularly teaching lawyers across Texas on advocacy, leadership, ethical plea negotiations, and professional ethics."

Sarah affirms judges must be prepared and able to bring more than just legal knowledge to the bench. Such an honorable job also demands sound discretion shaped by years in the courtroom—an individual who appreciates not only the letter of the law but its real-world impact on families, victims, and defendants alike. That’s the balance she wants to bring to the 512th District Court: fairness grounded in compassion and common sense.

Sarah's commitment doesn’t stop at the courthouse door. She serves on the board of the WilCo Women’s Center and is active in local civic organizations including Georgetown Area Republican Women, Leander Area Republican Women, Northwest Austin Republican Women, Republican Club of Sun City Texas, and has recently been approved for membership in the Rotary Club of Georgetown, specifically for involvement in their human trafficking awareness initiatives.

Her life outside the law—as a parent, volunteer, community leader, and neighbor—informs how she sees justice: it’s not an abstract ideal, it’s something that should make life better and safer for every family in Williamson County.

THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL

Sarah is running in the 2026 Republican primary because she believes in service, not status. She sees this campaign as a long job interview with the community—one she approaches with energy and humility and she is confident she will not tire of reaching every part of the county to earn the trust and confidence of voters.

I am asking the community for their vote because I want to elevate the discourse and quality of the legal profession in our county and help our community members feel certain that they can depend on fairness and firmness from this new court.

She says she finds the robe to be much more than a symbol. It is a promise that the people of Williamson County deserve a judge with experience they can trust, judgment they can count on, and a heart for service that carries beyond the bench into the community.

by Ann Marie

When Screens Go Dark, Kids Light Up

HOW A LITTLE LESS SCREEN TIME IS MAKING ROOM FOR CONNECTION, CREATIVITY, AND CHILDHOOD AGAIN

On December 10, 2025 Australia became the first nation to enforce a sweeping restriction on social media use: children under 16 years old are no longer permitted to hold accounts on major platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Under the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024, tech companies that fail to block under-16s from accessing these platforms can face fines in the tens of millions of dollars. The law doesn’t penalize kids or parents but does hold platforms accountable and aims to address concerns about mental health, harmful content, and the addictive design of social media.

Meanwhile in the United States, Texas passed its own landmark law targeting the way children interact with screens—specifically in schools. Under House Bill 1481, students are prohibited from using cell phones and other personal communication devices during the school day. Schools must either ban these devices on campus entirely or en-

sure they remain unseen and unused, tucked away in backpacks, lockers, or secure storage, from "bell to bell."

Taken together, these two policies— one national and digital, the other state-level and physical—reflect a growing recognition that unfettered access to screens and digital communication can shape young people’s social lives in ways that are neither healthy nor fulfilling. Both laws represent bold experiments: Australia’s with redefining how minors interact with social networks outside school, and Texas’s with reshaping the environment of learning and community inside school.

The immediate critique of such efforts is familiar: don’t teenagers need digital connectivity? Isn’t online social life just part of growing up in the 21st century? But there’s something deeper at stake—a chance to reclaim social rhythms and spontaneous interactions that dominated childhood before smartphones became umbilical cords.

WHAT'S OLD IS NEW AGAIN

Imagine school hallways no longer dominated by heads bent over screens, headphones blocking out the world. Instead, in passing periods and at lunch, students might actually talk to one another, not by tapping emojis or swiping right, but by engaging face-to-face conversations, sharing jokes, and trading stories from morning classes. Consider the subtle shift when a student reaches into a pocket not for a phone, but for a deck of cards, challenging a friend to a quick game of war or Uno at a lunch table. Cards—simple, tactile, social—become a catalyst for laughter, negotiation, and connection.

Or picture a group of friends at a picnic table, not posting to a feed, but weaving friendship bracelets with knots of thread that signify bonds, patience, and creativity. These bracelets carry memories of the time spent weaving them, of inside jokes embedded in color choices, and of hands that touched the same strings at the same moment.

Kennon • photo by Christianna Bettis

That’s a different kind of social imprint than likes or follows, one that lasts not in unique algorithms, but in braided color.

And what about those folded paper notes? The clandestine whispers of friendships and crushes, passed with intricate origami folds that thrilled students way back in the 1900s. Long before DMs, handwritten missives were the beating heart of school communication: goofy, awkward, sincere, secret. They demanded not just attention, but presence.

These are small things, maybe even quaint. But small things shape social muscles. They teach a child to read tone of voice, to negotiate both words and feelings, to interpret a facial expression or a sliding chair. They help cultivate patience— waiting for a friend to arrive at lunch rather than instant gratification from a screen, and empathy, listening deeply to a friend who’s not filtered through reaction buttons, but sitting right across the table.

EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL HEALTH

Of course, neither the Australian law nor the Texas school ban suggests a full rejection of technology. The goal isn’t to throw away all screens, but to create space for real conversation, creativity, and connection. Australia’s law acknowledges that social media can distort self-image and domino into anxiety; Texas’s law acknowledges that constant notifications fracture attention and distract from learning. Together, they may nudge an entire generation to rediscover the joy of being present—to look up, to talk, to laugh without a screen between them.

Maybe, in this quietly revolutionary shift, kids will start doing the old-school things again—playing, creating, speaking, and weaving communities in the real world. And maybe that’s exactly the kind of social skill many of us Gen-Xers and Millennials have realized we’ve been missing too.

A Playful Pause from Screens

One creative tool that’s gaining attention in the effort to help kids and, honestly, adults as well to break the cycle of endless scrolling is an app called Touch Grass. True to its name, this app doesn’t just track screen time; it blocks access to distracting apps until the user literally goes outside and touches grass and takes a photo as proof. The idea behind it is simple and playful: instead of unlocking Instagram or TikTok with another tap, kids have to step outside, breathe some fresh air, and reconnect with the physical world before screens unlock again. Touch Grass turns a common internet joke into a real prompt for real-world movement, encouraging more outdoor breaks, more connection with nature, and a healthier balance between digital and physical experiences that can only help young minds grow.

Reunion Stations Turn “Found Dog” Moments Into Happy Endings

Last year, when Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter (WCRAS) launched its LOCAL MICROCHIP READER PROGRAM, the idea was simple and hopeful: make it easier for neighbors to help neighbors—and get lost pets home faster.

This winter, that idea is quietly but confidently taking up residence across Round Rock, one bright yellow box at a time.

WCRAS has begun distributing what they call REUNION STATIONS, small, highly visible kiosks placed at participating local businesses that give everyday residents the tools to help reunite lost pets with their families on the spot. The goal is ambitious but refreshingly practical: one Reunion Station in every Round Rock ZIP code, with plans to expand into surrounding communities once the city is fully covered.

If you spot one around town, you’ll know it. The stations are impossible to miss—sunny yellow boxes designed to

stand out when someone is stressed, worried, and holding a confused dog or cat on a leash. Inside each station is a microchip scanner and clear instructions that walk a good Samaritan through what to do next.

The process is intentionally simple. If you find a lost pet, you visit the nearest Reunion Station, scan the animal for a chip, and then use the QR code on the box to follow step-by-step instructions. If a chip number appears, the system helps connect you with the owner or the appropriate support team—no shelter trip, no law enforcement call, and no guessing what to do next.

“It removes the panic from the moment,” one volunteer noted. “You’re not wondering who to call or where to go. You’re doing something helpful right away.”

One of the first confirmed locations is Round Rock Yoga in downtown Round Rock, where the station sits just outside the studio doors. Founder Zelinda, a longtime shelter volunteer and supporter, didn’t hesitate to host one.

“Round Rock Yoga is proud to host the WCRAS chip scanner in front of our studio,” she shared. “It’s such a simple way to help reunite lost pets with their owners—and to serve the community we love.”

Other early host locations include PetSuites Round Rock and Anchor Bar, a reminder that helping lost pets doesn’t require a veterinary clinic or official building—just a visible, accessible place and a willingness to help.

That’s part of what makes the Reunion Station concept feel so aligned with the spirit of Round Rock and Williamson County. It relies on everyday people doing what they already want to do when they see a lost pet: help. The stations simply give them the confidence and tools to act quickly.

WCRAS is actively looking for additional local businesses willing to host a station. Each new location expands the safety net, making it more likely that a wandering dog or curious cat can be scanned within minutes instead of hours.

For a program that started as a pilot, the Reunion Stations feel like a natural next chapter—one that turns community compassion into something tangible and visible on our sidewalks.

Because sometimes getting a pet home doesn’t require a big intervention. It just takes a neighbor, a scanner, and a bright yellow box pointing the way.

THE TALK

More Than Car Keys: It’s About Independence

Many of us Boomers (and even the younger crowd) have reached, or will soon reach, a point where we become our parents' caretakers. One of the most difficult, gut-wrenching situations occurs in this transition when it’s painfully obvious these super-seniors need to quit driving. Even broaching the subject can generate inter-generational anger.

Gina and I were fortunate in this regard, but it was more by happenstance than anything else. When Gina’s dad moved to assisted living, he quit using it on his own accord. My fiercely independent (and somewhat stubborn) mom finally decided to “only use the car in an emergency” when she reached her 90s. But, to our chagrin, “emergencies”, such as running out of ice cream or Cheetos, occurred on a regular basis. When mom moved to an assisted living facility, the car went away, as had happened with Gina’s dad.

Paying More to Drive Less

Gina’s and my decision was driven by economics. Our auto insurance took a significant (but still bearable) increase when I turned 70. However, when I turned 80 it nearly doubled, even though we were driving less than 1,000 miles per year, in a 2014 vehicle (that had less than 30,000 miles) and had no accidents or tickets in the last 30-plus years.

By this time we had moved to an independent living facility and begun to use their transportation system. Their multiple vehicles are equipped to handle mobility devices (walkers, rollators, wheelchairs, scooters, etc.); and their range includes all of Georgetown and the surrounding communities, as far south as Austin and north to Temple. All included in the rent, or at a very low charge for the longer distances.

So the car wasn’t being used very much, but it was presenting a horrendous expense, and there was an excellent personal transportation system immediately available. It was time to get rid of the car, and we did.

It’s all worked out well for us. In fact, it’s made life easier, less expensive, and gives us an experience to share with our children and grandchildren, because they’re already in the Amazon/Uber/Lyft world and love it. We probably could have, and should have, made the shift a few years ago.

But, as I noted in the opening, most of this was by chance, not part of any grand strategic plan. Things may not fall into place as easily for others as they did for us. If you’re in a situation where you need to have “The Talk” with your parents, here’s some suggestions on how to proceed.

First, appreciate that change is hard. The only people who like change are babies with wet diapers, and even then, not always. When faced with significant change, people routinely exaggerate prospective losses, and minimize potential gains. Giving up the keys is especially difficult because the car keys are a symbol of independence.

Given the importance of this conversation, and the likely sensitivity and resistance, it’s best to be fully prepared, and even rehearse. One possible outline would be to focus first on cost and added convenience, then on safety, and all the while emphasize maintaining their independence.

The cost factors are easy to outline. Among other things, having no car means having: (1) no auto insurance bill; (2) no more operational (gasoline) or maintenance expenses (oil, repairs, tires, etc.); and (3) no car payments or any need to get a new car when the current one needs to be replaced.

Next is convenience. Amazon sells everything you can think of and brings it to your door, sometimes the same day or overnight! Every grocery store in Georgetown delivers for a modest fee. Medications can be done by mail, or through pharmacy delivery. Nearly every restaurant has a home delivery option.

Mobility, Included

For those instances where you actually need to go in person (e.g., medical appointments), haven’t you always wanted a chauffeur? Now you can have several! Uber, Lyft, or even most independent living facilities, pick up at your door, take you directly to where you want to go and pick you up when you’re finished. The City of Georgetown even has a subsidized Uber program (see next page).

With a chauffeur there’s no need to fight traffic, find (or pay for) a parking place. There’s no risk of having an accident or getting a traffic ticket. You can even have wine at dinner and not have to worry about a DUI.

MOBILITY WITHOUT THE BURDEN

Finally, there’s safety; safety for them and for others. This is likely to be the most contentious part of the discussion unless a serious incident has already occurred (and hopefully it hasn’t). While safety might be the most important factor in this discussion, and may well be the stimulus for taking action, it may be prudent to make it the culminating aspect of the conversations, for emphasis if nothing else.

Most of the material I’ve read suggests any of the following circumstances warrant having and/or should be included in your talk:

 Recent traffic incidents (e.g., minor bumps and scratches, traffic tickets).

 Complaints that other drivers honk at them, or are rude and speed around them.

 Expressed anxiety about night driving.

 A major change in health (decline in hearing/vision, disorientation, even a minor stroke, etc.).

 An increase in personal, non-driving incidents: falling, dropping things repeatedly, or being disoriented.

Preparing for "The Talk"

As I noted in the beginning, the situation with our parents more or less took care of itself. However, as we tried discussing it several times, using this outline; there was a lot of resistance and the only action was that they reduced their driving, until the point they moved to assisted living and the car “vanished”. So, don’t expect miracles, but keep at it if you’re convinced it’s necessary.

And if you’re a senior reading this and thinking “Well…there are some good points here...”, I suggest you be open minded, and maybe even encourage the conversation. After all, times have changed. When we were teenagers, chafing at the bit to get our driver licenses, there were few other options for exploring our new found freedom than having our own automobile. Now there are many more, and very good, options, don’t get locked in the past.

What I can add at the end is that my experience has convinced me that giving up the car is not a sacrifice, it’s a real step forward into a new world, using technology that offers the mobility we all cherish, often at a much lower cost, and without the frustrations of having to own or drive our own vehicle.

Best wishes as you — Go For It!

Steve Fought

For transportation:

Georgetown has a wonderful collaborative arrangement with Uber.

 Uber riders get up to 10 discounted rides per month for rides that start and end in the service area. Riders pay the first $4, and the City subsidizes up to $10 per ride. Riders pay any remaining balance over $14.

 Ztrip riders (wheelchair accessible vehicles) get unlimited rides in the service area and also pay the first $4 per trip.

 Rides that start and end in the service area are eligible for the discount. The service area includes the city limits of Georgetown plus Baylor Scott and White and Ascension Seton Williamson hospitals in Round Rock.

Scan the code for more information about rideGTX.

For some additional insights on “the talk”, The National Institute on Aging has a useful pamphlet on Older Drivers at this link.

by Linda A. Thornton and Ann Marie Kennon

ALL IN FOR TEXAS HOLD 'EM

YOU WOULDN’T EXPECT ANYTHING LESS FROM TEXAS. IF YOU'RE GOING TO PUT YOUR SPIN ON A CENTURIES-OLD CARD GAME, WHY NOT GO AHEAD AND PUT YOUR NAME ON IT, TOO?

While early versions of poker can be traced to Persian, Chinese, and European card games, Texas Hold ’em itself is a truly American invention—born in Robstown, Texas in the early 1900s. Recognized by the Texas Legislature as the official birthplace of the game, Robstown’s road gamblers refined a style of play that used two private “hole cards” and five shared community cards. This structure created a perfect mix of luck, psychology, and strategy—and it was only a matter of time before the game outgrew its Texas roots.

FROM ROBSTOWN TO LAS VEGAS

Throughout the mid-20th century, a group of legendary Texas gamblers (page 47) traveled the country playing highstakes poker. When they arrived in Las Vegas in 1967, they introduced Hold ’em to casino owners who were immediately intrigued by its action-driven pace and strategic complexity.

The turning point came in 1970, when the influential Binion family, owners of Binion’s Horseshoe Casino, adopted Texas Hold ’em as the featured event in their newly created World Series of Poker (WSOP). Patriarch Benny Binion believed the game’s mix of skill and drama made it the perfect format for determining the “world’s best poker player.”

He was right, and local culture played a part as well—seven of the first eight WSOP champions were from West Texas.

This decision transformed Hold ’em from a Texas curiosity into an international phenomenon. By the mid-1970s, Hold ’em was the preferred game of serious players. By the 2000s, it became the version of poker showcased on television, online platforms, and competitive circuits worldwide.

The biggest surge in popularity came in 2003, when amateur player Chris Moneymaker (yes, his real name) won the WSOP Main Event after qualifying online for just $39. His improbable win demonstrated that anyone could play—and anyone could win—sparking the modern poker boom.

Today, Texas Hold ’em is the most popular form of poker in the world.

DICHOTOMY OF THE GAME

The rules are simple enough for beginners, yet deep enough to reward long-term strategy.

♠ LUCK V. SKILL: You can’t control the cards you’re dealt, but you can control your odds, your reads, and your decisions.

♠ HIDDEN VS. SHARED INFORMATION: Your private hole cards make each player’s situation unique, but everyone must analyze the same community cards—and each other.

BUT ISN'T PLAYING POKER IN TEXAS ILLEGAL?

According to Texas Penal Code 47.04, poker is legal when the following conditions are met:

♠ Games must take place in a private venue with membership access.

♠ The house cannot profit directly from the pot as casinos do; instead, players pay for time at the table.

♠ All players must have an equal chance of winning, apart from skill and luck.

♠ This model has led to a surge of legal poker clubs across Texas—and a thriving poker culture.

POKER AS A PROFESSION • WITH MICHAEL GERONIMO

After ten years spent as a professional player, dealer, and floor supervisor, Michael Geronimo tried transitioning into a new business field. But whenever he networked, people were far more interested in his poker experience than anything else. Eventually, he realized the obvious: he already had a business worth building.

In April 2023, Michael launched Texas Poker Culture, a website and brand designed to showcase the industry he knows best. His professional dealer school quickly became his most in-demand offering, filling beginner classes almost entirely through word of mouth.

Since then, he has expanded to include private poker events— birthdays, charity fundraisers, corporate team-building functions, and more. Michael was especially honored to provide services for a Texas State Lawmakers annual event, where he was surprised to learn that many attendees had no idea legal poker rooms even existed in Texas.

TEXAS POKER CULTURE

Poker is having a moment in Texas— and Georgetown is part of it.

Not the high-roller, Vegas-only version people picture, but a modern, social game that feels surprisingly normal. The kind of normal where someone says they are playing poker the same way they would say they’re meeting friends for trivia, pickleball, or an escape room.

Across Texas, players are discovering that live, in-person poker is legal in private social clubs—clean, organized spaces that feel more like community gathering spots than smoky back rooms. Larger clubs like Texas Card House and The Lodge helped set the standard, while places like Georgetown Poker Club make the game accessible close to home.

For first-timers, the biggest surprise usually isn’t the game—it is the atmosphere. These rooms are professional, welcoming, and filled with regulars who remember what it felt like to be new.

Poker also isn’t quite what its reputation suggests. Unlike games of pure chance, poker is a social strategy game. Luck matters, but what keeps players engaged is the mental challenge—reading sit-

uations, managing emotion, and improving decisions over time.

That mix is why poker works across generations. Younger players enjoy the structure and competition. Older players treat it like a mental workout. And many stay because poker creates something rare: a place where strangers sit down, talk, and build community.

That’s where Texas Poker Culture comes in—helping people understand the game, the etiquette, and the pace so poker feels welcoming instead of overwhelming. Some tips from Michael:

♠ PAY ATTENTION TO THE GAME . Conversation matters, but newcomers learn when talk fits naturally between hands.

♠ PLAY PREMIUM CARDS . Starting strong builds confidence and supports better long-term decisions.

♠ STAY WITH IT . Poker is a lifelong game. It evolves, sharpens thinking, and blends strategy with social connection — which is exactly why its appeal keeps growing.

Scan the code to learn more about Texas Poker Culture.

LET’S PLAY TEXAS HOLD ’EM!

Gone is the knock-three-times-to-enter, smoky, secretive poker room. Today’s Texas poker clubs are legal, friendly, and designed for recreational players of all skill levels. Michael recommends trying your luck at:

Georgetown Poker Club The Lodge Poker Club Round Rock

THE ROAD GAMBLERS: TEXAS’ POKER LEGENDS

Before poker tables were televised and tournament fields filled stadiums, the game was shaped by a gritty, fearless group of Texans known as the road gamblers. In the 1950s and ’60s, these men traveled dusty highways from one underground game to the next, carrying only their skill, their bankroll, and the courage required to sit down across from strangers in high-stakes rooms where players could win a lot of money, or a bullet. They lived like poker nomads— crisscrossing the southern states of the USA, always with cash, guns, and cards. Their goal was one thing: to find a game with sufficiently rich opponents and weak abilities.

DOYLE BRUNSON THE GODFATHER OF POKER

LONGWORTH • Before he was a poker legend, Doyle Brunson was a world-class athlete. Standing 6’2” with NBA-level talent, Brunson’s professional basketball dreams came to an end after he broke his leg—an accident that changed the course of poker history. He turned his competitive fire toward cards and quickly became one of the most formidable Texas Hold ’em players in the world. Known as “Texas Dolly,” Brunson won two World Series of Poker Main Events, both with the same hand, 10–2—now famously called “the Doyle.” Another hand, known as a "Doyle Brunson", especially in Texas, is the ace and queen of any suit because, in his words, he "[tries] never to play this hand". His book Super System is still considered the poker player’s bible, laying out strategies that transformed the game from guesswork into calculated skill. Brunson wasn’t just playing poker—he was teaching the world how to think.

AMARILLO SLIM PRESTON THE SHOWMAN

AMARILLO • Amarillo Slim didn’t just play poker—he sold it. With his cowboy hat, quick wit, and fearless confidence, Slim became poker’s first true ambassador. A 1972 World Series of Poker champion, he helped bring Texas Hold ’em into the mainstream through television and film appearances, famously playing with figures like Larry Flynt and President Richard Nixon. Before tournament fame, he was a road gambler who helped introduce Hold ’em to Las Vegas in the 1960s. He later founded the Super Bowl of Poker, further elevating the game’s profile and authored several books on the game. Thanks to Amarillo Slim, poker gained personality, popularity, and a sense of fun that carried it far beyond smoky back rooms—even inspiring a 1991 video game bearing his name.

CRANDELL ADDINGTON THE STRATEGIST

SAN ANTONIO • Known as “Dandy” for his sharp dress and sharper mind, Crandell brought a rare intellect to the poker table. A selfmade millionaire, he earned his degrees right here at Southwestern University before applying that academic discipline to Texas Hold ’em. While others relied on bravado or instinct, he focused on probability, betting patterns, and long-term strategy, famously calling Hold ’em “the only poker game where strategy truly mattered.” Addington competed in the very first World Series of Poker, finishing runner-up in the inaugural Main Event, and played a key role in convincing casino owners that Hold ’em deserved center stage. His analytical approach helped legitimize poker as a game of skill, shaping its evolution from outlaw pastime to competitive sport.

SAILOR ROBERTS THE SILENT FORCE

SAN ANGELO • Quiet, disciplined, and relentlessly consistent, Sailor Roberts was the opposite of a showman—and that made him dan gerous. A former Navy serviceman, Roberts carried military precision into every hand he played. He avoided flash, rarely tilted, and outlasted opponents through patience and razor-sharp decision-making. Roberts was a founding figure in professional tournament poker, earning a World Series of Poker Main Event title and multiple final table appearances. Among fellow road gamblers, he was respected as the steady hand—the player who didn’t need theatrics to win. His calm, methodical style helped shape tournament poker’s emphasis on endurance and mental control, proving that sometimes the quietest player at the table is the one to fear most.

by Ann Marie Kennon

HOME, HEROES, AND HEARTS

February used to mean something different.

Happy birthday, Abraham Lincoln— who told the truth even when it was wildly inconvenient, and who paid a steep personal and political price for believing all people were created equal.

Happy birthday, George Washington—kneeling in the snow at Valley Forge, praying not for a dozen roses, but for the survival of an entire nation.

For some time, it's meant Black History Month—a time to honor the struggle, resilience, and brilliance of generations who fought for freedom long after Lincoln signed the paperwork.

But, like Christmas hijacking Jesus for Santa, February has become vaguely more about romance, vaguely about sales, and very specifically about cinnamon-scented bears the size of Saint Bernards. And, this year, it's even about getting hammered on Mardi Gras.

Our forefathers gave us a republic— if we could keep it. We gave them... a long weekend and a clearance rack.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not here to shame anyone's longing to please their sweetheart. I’m just saying we’ve gotten a little confused. When Honest Abe gets reduced to a clip art top hat and George Washington’s birthday is mostly known as “That Mattress Sale Week,” maybe we’ve lost the plot a little.

I mean, I’ve seen actual commercials where retailers try to combine Valentine’s Day and Presidents Day. “Show them you care—with 20 percent off select recliners!” Hmm... George crossed the Delaware for this?

Somewhere between Monticello and eternity, Thomas Jefferson is furiously editing a pocket Constitution to remove “February” altogether and replace it with “Seriously?” He’s probably just re-

lieved we haven’t added a Black Friday to every holiday, because nothing says “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” like trampling a stranger for a discounted flat-screen.

Still, maybe Mr. Jefferson would be a little proud. The backyard gardeners. The Little Free Libraries. The citizens with compost bins and Constitution-themed dish towels. Somewhere out there, someone is quoting him while canning jam—and honestly, that’s probably closer to his vision than how quickly Cupid-pink booted Santa-red out of the seasonal aisle on December 26.

We’re a country that has not-ironically consumed our own consumer culture. Every holiday is now a shopping season. We can’t commemorate anything without coupons. Christmas gave us Santa. Easter gave us marshmallow chickens. And February—the month of Lincoln, Washington, and Black Pride— has given way to Galentine’s Day, a surcharge in flower delivery fees, and anxiety about dinner reservations.

And let’s not forget Mardi Gras—our annual nationwide permission slip to eat, drink, and lose our minds before Lent starts. A tradition rooted in Christian repentance… now celebrated with glitter beads, king cake, and public indecency.

Do revelers even know they’re participating in a Jesus-based activity? Doubtful. But you’ve got to admire the commitment.

And just for fun—because Poppy loves a teachable moment—(big inhale) Mardi Gras is in February this year because the first Sunday after the first full moon after the Spring Equinox is Easter and Ash Wednesday is 40 days before that (and if you're like, hey, it's really 46—well, Sundays don’t count because they’re technically little Easters, even

during Lent, because nothing says spiritual consistency like carving out a few cheat days from your own repentance plan) and Fat Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday—the last big blowout before the solemn season begins and that’s when people load up on beads and bourbon before pretending to behave for 40-ish days.

Whew! Clear as gumbo, right?

This year, I’m going to lay my iPad down next to the little cross on my piano and give up doomscrolling—because nothing says repentance like trying to give up anger for Lent. Now, if only there was a device I could channel my covert narcissism into and be rid of THAT for Lent, too.

Anyway, for a culture that loves to chant “Because, science” whenever it suits us, we sure don’t care what lunar-solar-calendrical magic puts the party on the calendar—just so long as we don’t miss the date to catch plastic beads and scream "Throw me something, mister!"

So maybe this month, in between the boxed chocolates and bead parades, we pause long enough to remember the men who gave us more than a long weekend. Maybe we try to be a little more honest like Abe, a little more resolute like George, and a little more forgiving like Jesus—especially when the world feels cold and we’re all just counting the days to Spring Break.

Because the older I get, I don’t want to think I’m getting crankier—just less impressed by shiny things wrapped in foil, and more appreciative of truth, sacrifice, and the kind of love that doesn’t melt under pressure.

Turns out, experience ages better than chocolate.