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KIDS & EDUCATION The Kitchen is a Classroom

NOVEMBER 2026

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CONTENTS NOVEMBER FEATURES 8 / COVER FEATURE • Sky & Co Jewelry The Craft of Giving 11 / ASK A PRO • Austin Orthopedic Institute 13 / ASK A PRO • Moore Liberty Buildings 16 / WORTH THE DRIVE • Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm

22 / LONE STAR ROOTS • Hill Country Two Step 24 / WHAT MAKES TEXAS "TEXAS" • Beer 27 / ASK A PRO • Wild Birds Unlimited 28 / FOOD • The Season for Seconds 32 / POPPY TALKS • Deploy Hummingbirds

20 / KIDS & EDUCATION • The Kitchen is a Classroom Sponsored by InnerSpace Cavern

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As a nonprofit senior living community, The Wesleyan exists for the people who live here and the community we serve. That means investing in experiences, connections and opportunities that enrich everyday life— not answering to shareholders. When people come first, everything changes. Faith-Led. Purpose-Driven. Community-Centered.

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WHO WE ARE

n 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 local businesses and 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 to these, every November our "Giving Thanks and Giving Back" issue shines a spotlight on local nonprofits and philanthropic efforts, reminding us of the power of community support and the importance of gratitude.

PUBLISHER Cathy Payne cathy@georgetownview.com SENIOR WRITER / CONTENT EDITOR Ann Marie Kennon CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Linda A. Thornton • Steve Fought CONTENT MANAGER • Camy Reynolds GRAPHIC DESIGN • Ann Marie Kennon • Joni Mozis 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. Mail may be sent to: Georgetown View P.O. Box 203 • Jarrell, TX 76537

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.

Carlos Barron Photography

KITCHENS

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ASK A PRO • FEATURED PROFESSIONALS 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.

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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

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NOVEMBER 2026

COVER FEATURE

by A nn Ma r i e Ke nnon • p h otos c ou rte s y of Ef ra i n Montes

THE CR

GIV

EFRAIN MONTES BRINGS A PERSONAL TOUCH A thoughtful gift can become part of someone’s everyday life—a necklace worn to work, a bracelet saved for special occasions, a ring eventually passed to the next generation. During the holidays, jewelry offers a way to celebrate both the person receiving it and the relationship behind it. For Efrain Montes, owner of Sky & Co Jewelry, that personal connection is what makes the work rewarding. With decades of experience, he helps customers choose, create, or restore pieces that carry meaning well beyond the moment they’re unwrapped.

From Chicago to Georgetown

But the journey to becoming a trusted local jeweler didn’t begin in Texas. Efrain originally lived in Chicago before moving to Georgetown to help his sister with her marketplace business. What began as a family move eventually became the foundation for a new chapter, one centered on a craft he had already spent decades perfecting. He first learned jewelry repair at just 19 years old. What started as an opportunity to learn a technical trade quickly became a passion. Over the years, he developed the hands-on skills that allow jewelers to bring worn, broken, or outdated pieces back to life. That early start eventually grew into more than two decades of experience working with precious metals, gemstones, and custom designs. Today, those years of knowledge form the backbone of Sky & Co Jewelry. Opened in Georgetown in 2020, the store offers a wide range of services, from engagement rings and bracelets to watch batteries, repairs, engraving, cleaning, and appraisals. The shop specializes in helping customers design or select jewelry that reflects personal milestones. 8

N O V E M B E R 2026

While many jewelry purchases today happen online, Efrain believes the in-person experience still matters. Jewelry is not only valuable, it is deeply personal. Customers often arrive carrying pieces with emotional history: a ring that belonged to a grandmother, a necklace that broke after years of wear, or a diamond waiting to become part of a new engagement ring. Helping customers preserve those memories is one of the parts of the job Efrain enjoys most.

“Every piece tells a story,” Efrain often explains when describing the work. That philosophy guides the way Sky & Co Jewelry approaches both custom design and repair. Rather than simply selling products, the shop focuses on helping customers create or restore pieces that will continue to hold meaning for years to come.

Designing Pieces that Tell a Story

Custom design has become one of the store’s most popular services. Customers frequently arrive with an idea—a sketch, a photograph, or simply a concept—and work with the jeweler to turn it into a finished piece. The process allows them to create something unique, whether it’s an engagement ring designed from scratch or a new setting that incorporates stones from family jewelry. That combination of craftsmanship and collaboration helps set Sky & Co Jewelry apart from larger chain retailers. In an industry where mass-produced pieces are common, Efrain emphasizes the importance of understanding the materials and techniques that go into making jewelry last. Proper repair, stone setting, and metalwork all require experience and precision.

COVER FEATURE

AFT OF

ING

TO HOLIDAY GIVING AT SKY & CO JEWELRY

Serving a Community's Milestones

For many customers, having access to a skilled jeweler who can perform those services locally makes a significant difference. Community relationships have also played a major role in the growth of the business. Serving customers in Georgetown has allowed Efrain to build connections with families who return for multiple milestones—engagements, anniversaries, birthdays, and graduations. Over time, those visits become more than transactions. They become part of a shared story between the jeweler and the community he serves. As Sky & Co Jewelry continues to grow, Efrain remains focused on the same principles that first drew him to the craft: attention to detail, pride in the work, and appreciation for the moments jewelry represents in people’s lives.

This holiday season, a meaningful gift might be something new, a custom design, or a treasured piece repaired for someone to enjoy again. At Sky & Co Jewelry, Efrain brings the same care to each—helping customers give something personal, with a story that continues long after the decorations come down.

SKY & CO. JEWELRY Georgetown (512) 635-8628 723 W University Ave, Suite 115

NOVEMBER 2026

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BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE

Austin Orthopedic Institute Board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, joint reconstruction, and orthopedic trauma, with over 15 years of surgical expertise. AustinOI.com • 512-856-1000

Ask Where — Not Just Who Most people put real effort into choosing a surgeon. Far fewer ask what else they will be billed for, or where the procedure will actually happen. Both questions can change what you pay.

ONE PROCEDURE, USUALLY THREE BILLS Most patients expect one charge from their surgeon. In reality, you will typically receive at least three separate bills: The surgeon’s fee, for the surgery itself. The facility fee, from the hospital or surgery center where the procedure happens. It covers the operating room, nursing staff, equipment, and supplies, and is often the largest of the three. The anesthesia fee, usually from a separate anesthesia group billing under its own name. Depending on the procedure, you may also see bills for lab work, pathology, or imaging. Each is processed by your insurance separately, and each can carry its own copay or coinsurance.

WHERE IT HAPPENS CHANGES THE BIGGEST BILL A knee arthroscopy, carpal tunnel release, or rotator cuff repair can often

be performed in a hospital, a hospital outpatient department, or an ambulatory surgery center (ASC), a freestanding facility built for same-day surgery. The surgeon may be the same. The facility fee often isn’t. Medicare pays hospital outpatient departments more than surgery centers for the same procedure, and many commercial insurers follow a similar pattern.

ASK ABOUT FACILITY FEES Facility fees aren’t limited to surgery. When a doctor’s office is owned by a hospital system, it may be billed as a hospital outpatient department, meaning a facility fee on top of the physician’s fee for a routine visit or X-ray.

CHEAPER ISN’T AUTOMATIC. CHECK YOUR PLAN. Under traditional Medicare, your share of a hospital outpatient procedure is capped, so for some larger procedures your out-of-pocket cost at a surgery center can be similar or even higher. With a Medigap supplement, the difference may disappear. With Medicare Advantage or a commercial plan, it depends on your contract.

QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE YOU SCHEDULE Where will this be done: hospital, hospital outpatient department, or surgery center? Who will bill me? Your surgeon’s office can name the facility; the facility can name its anesthesia group. Ask each, or your insurer, for an estimate. Are the facility and the anesthesia group both in-network with my plan? Am I a good candidate for a surgery center? Ask your surgeon. Patients with certain heart, lung, or sleep apnea conditions may be safer in a hospital. On Medicare? Compare national average costs by setting with the free Procedure Price Lookup tool at medicare.gov/procedure-price-lookup. The right setting is always the one that fits your health first. But when more than one option is appropriate, asking a few questions up front can save you money and surprises.

Yvonne Powe r s is th e Pra ct ice Ad m in is t ra to r at Austin Or th opedic In s t it u te in Geo r getow n , Austin, and Marb le Fa l l s, w it h 3 0 yea r s in hea lth care administra t io n . NOVEMBER 2026

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HOA and Permits There are myriad great reasons to add a shed to your property. But before you order and put down money, you need to make sure it is allowed on your property. HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW. 1. If you are outside city limits and don’t have an HOA, then no permits or permissions are required. You may have deed restrictions or easements that could restrict your shed placement, so check those. 2. If you are within city limits, all the cities in Williamson and Burnet counties require permits depending on the size of your shed. Georgetown, for example, requires a permit for any size shed. Other cities have size thresholds from 120-200 sq ft that trigger the need for a permit. a. If you need a permit, you will need to locate your property survey as you’ll want to verify any easements and building setback lines (how far the shed must be from your property line). b. You must mark the location of the shed on your survey and submit as part of your permit application. c. Impervious cover: This is a technical term for surfaces on your property

that water cannot penetrate. This includes your house, driveways, sidewalks, patios, garage, pools (50 percent of the surface area) and any other hard surfaces. You’ll have to add up all the square footage of your current impervious cover (including your new shed) and compare that to the total square footage of your property. Most cities require your impervious cover to be no more than 40 percent of your total property size. d. If you are adding electrical to the shed, you will need a separate permit. e. If you live in an historic district, often the city will mandate the design and aesthetic features of your building. 3. Is your neighborhood part of an HOA or POA? If so, you will need to obtain permission from your governing committee. a. Again, you’ll need your property survey and mark the location.

b. The HOA will be concerned with how the exterior looks. Paint, shingle color, and sometimes the building materials are usually pre-determined and typically must match your house. They usually require a mockup of what your shed will look like. c. HOAs will often have strict size and height restrictions. Sometimes they require the shed to be built on a slab. 4. If you are both in an HOA and within city limits, you will need a city permit and HOA approval. Just because one entity approves does not mean the other will. Once you are armed with the requirements for your shed, you are ready to go shed shopping! Make sure your shed provider can meet the requirements you need. Some shed builders will take care of the city permitting for you for an additional fee. HOAs typically require the homeowner to apply for approval.

Taking the time to understand what’s allowed will save you time, money and the headaches of unforeseen regulations! NOVEMBER 2026

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N O V E M B E R 2026

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WORTH THE DRIVE

Family Time, Farm Style

SAUER-BECKMANN LIVING HISTORY FARM An Old-fashioned Outing with a Thanksgiving-Bonus

Before Thanksgiving dinner reaches the table, someone has to grow, gather, preserve, and prepare the food. A visit to Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm gives those familiar tasks a fresh sense of wonder—and gives families a good excuse to spend a November day together in the Hill Country.

t Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site near Stonewall, about 1-1/2 hours from Georgetown, the farm portrays German heritage life in 1918 Texas. Rangers and volunteers in period clothing carry out household and agricultural work, answering questions as visitors explore. For kids, the appeal is in watching ordinary work happen in unfamiliar ways. Depending on the day’s chores, visitors may see animals being fed, eggs gathered, butter churned, or a meal prepared entirely from scratch on a wood-burning stove. Gardening, knitting, and seasonal food preservation are also part of the farm’s routines. The activities change with the work that needs doing, giving each visit its own rhythm.

WHEN YOU GO Tours are self-guided, so families can linger over whatever catches their attention. Curious kids can ask how a tool works or where an ingredient comes from, while grandparents may recognize something from their own family stories. It is a welcome engagement to give family members a mission to find 16

N O V E M B E R 2026

an unfamiliar household object, notice a task that would have been a kid's responsibility, or choose one question to ask a ranger or docent. The setting, too, has a history of its own. Johan and Christine Sauer settled the property with their children in 1869 and the Beckmann family acquired it in 1900. Many improvements were added to the property thanks to a prosperous cotton crop in 1915. The state opened the preserved farm to visitors in 1975 and its buildings and daily routines provide a glimpse of the ingenuity and effort that supported households more than a century ago. All of that makes November an especially great time to visit. Conversations about meals, family traditions, and gratitude come naturally when children can see the work behind everyday necessities. Ask how food was kept before modern refrigeration, how families prepared for winter, or what happened when clothing needed repairing. Those questions can turn into lively discussions on the drive home—and perhaps a few new questions for relatives at Thanksgiving.

WORTH THE DRIVE LYNDON B. JOHNSON PARK Starting at the visitor center is a useful way to get oriented and ask about that day’s activities. Inside the center, visitors are introduced to the people and landscape that shaped Lyndon Johnson's life before politics and the White House. Then, beyond the farm, the park has 1.2 miles of trails, with routes passing historic cabins and pastures with Texas longhorns and American bison. Children can also pick up a Junior Ranger journal, adding another activity to the outing. Families are encouraged to pack a picnic and make time for lunch at one of the park's picnic areas, which include tables, restrooms, and a small playground. Staff recommend comfortable walking shoes, layers, and water bottles. Families should also plan to use restrooms and fill water bottles before heading to the farm as the living-history area has no restrooms or water fountains.

SPECIAL EVENTS Thanksgiving weekend brings a special invitation. On Saturday, November 28, the farm’s free “Deck the Halls” event runs from 10am to 2pm. Families can learn about traditional Christmas preparations, including stringing popcorn, making wreaths from local cedar, and dipping candles. The event is come-and-go, and all visitors must check in at the visitor center first. It is an appealing way to spend time with visiting relatives, enjoy cooler-weather exploring, and bring home ideas for handmade holiday decorations. Along the way, children may discover that a day filled with chores can also be a day filled with stories.

WHEN YOU GO Park entry and farm tours are free; donations are welcome. November farm hours: 10am–4pm CLOSED Tuesday, November 24, and Thanksgiving Day Thursday, November 26.

“Deck the Halls” November 28, 10am–2pm; free admission. Check current park alerts and event details before traveling. Activities vary with daily and seasonal chores; visitor participation in chores is not promised.

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KIDS & EDUCATION

by A nn Ma r i e Ke nno n

The Kitchen Is a Classroom

THANKSGIVING PREPARATIONS OFFER LESSONS IN MATH, SCIENCE, READING, AND A LITTLE FAMILY HISTORY

Thanksgiving kitchen has plenty of jobs to go around. Some-

one is counting potatoes, measuring flour, checking a recipe, or figuring out whether one baking dish will feed everyone at the table. Invite a child into that work, and an ordinary holiday task becomes a chance to practice skills that reach well beyond supper. Jennifer Powell, M.S., C-PT, Family and Community Health Extension Agent with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Williamson County, sees that learning firsthand. Through school programs and monthly family nutrition workshops, she helps children and adults put practical skills to work together. “The kiddos love making salad dressing,” Jennifer says. "Preparing it themselves has helped get children interested in eating salads, giving them a personal stake in what reaches their plates." Texas A&M’s Institute for Early Childhood Development & Education identifies cooking as an opportunity to explore math, vocabulary, science, sequencing, and fine-motor skills and holiday preparations provide plenty of opportunities to put those ideas into practice.

N O V E M B E R 2026

MEASURING UP

GROWING CURIOSITY

For younger children, start with counting apples, naming ingredients, or scooping oats into a bowl. Ask which measuring cup holds more and what happens next. Pouring and stirring give small hands practice, while following directions introduces the importance of order and process.

Jennifer also encourages families to begin before the ingredients reach the kitchen. Growing vegetables gives children opportunities to water, observe, and harvest something they helped produce. Grow bags offer an option for families with limited space.

Older children can tackle the numbers behind the meal. If a crumble calls for 1½ cups of cranberries, how much will a double batch need? A recipe serving eight provides another practical problem when 12 people are coming. The lesson can begin at the grocery store. Compare prices and package sizes, check the pantry, and let teens calculate a dish’s cost per serving. Jennifer recently brought that everyday thinking into a workshop she called “Lunchbox Remix,” exploring how families could prepare lunches at home and choose what to include. Reading and science belong at the counter, too. Have a child read a recipe step aloud and explain it. Ask what might happen when butter warms or ingredients are combined, then compare the prediction with the result. Leave room for questions and discoveries.

“They love watching to see if things are growing,” she says. That interest can expand to the pollinator plants that support a garden. Following food from a growing plant to the dinner table brings nutrition, outdoor activity, and curiosity into the same conversation.

ADDING CONFIDENCE Jennifer also introduces kitchen safety alongside the fun. She uses plastic knives to help younger children practice cutting, showing them how to keep their fingers clear. Parents should ensure tasks suit each child’s experience and abilities, with plenty of supportive adult supervision.

KIDS & EDUCATION Handwashing and washing produce are also regular parts of her lessons. She encourages children to think about what they have touched and how germs can travel. “Everything you touch can then get on your food and it can make you sick,” she explains. Start with clean hands and work surfaces, keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods, and save tasting dough or batter until it is fully cooked. For a busy holiday cook, begin with one helper and one manageable job. Set aside ingredients to measure and allow time for spills. Mixing a topping or arranging the table gives a child a contribution to point out when everyone sits down.

FAMILY TRADITIONS Thanksgiving preparations can also introduce family history. Ask a grandparent where a recipe came from, write down a handwritten card’s missing instructions, or let a child interview the relative who brings the same dish every year. Jennifer's goal is to involve the whole family in learning. Around the holidays, that can start with the meal already on the calendar—and a place at the counter for someone eager to help.

Little Helpers, Growing Skills Adapt these suggested activities to each child’s abilities and supervise.

Ages 3–5: Wash apples, count ingredients, stir a cool mixture, and describe what comes first and next.

Ages 9–12: Scale a recipe, measure accurately, and prepare a simple dish with adult guidance.

Ages 6–8: Measure oats or flour, compare cup sizes, read short directions, and help set the table.

Teens: Compare grocery unit prices, calculate cost per serving, and coordinate a dish’s preparation with the family’s meal schedule.

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NOVEMBER 2026

TEXAS TWO-STEP The Honky-Tonk Heartbeat

by Li n d a A . T hor n ton

Who would guess that what started as the simple rhythmic beat of Texas boots on an old wooden dance floor would have people two-stepping all over the world?

sk most anyone and they will tell you they’re not exactly sure how Texas Two-Step came to be. One theory claimed it was a Foxtrot. That idea collapsed when it was shown that Harry Fox, a vaudevillian performer, popularized Fox’s Trot. Later theories suggest a mix of dances or an evolution of the French waltz. These appear to be confusions of nomenclature rather than Texas history. According to Wyatt Gauss, founder of Hill Country Two Step dance school, the Texas Two-Step cannot be defined as one specific dance, but as a set of dances. The historical abundance of German and Czech dance halls across the state (estimates range from 1,000 to 2,500) undoubtedly contributed to this variety. Historian T.R. Fehrenbach points to a little known fact that by 1850 European (mostly German) immigrants in San Antonio outnumbered both Mexicans and Anglos. The true roots are the German Polka and the Czech Schatzi. The original and variant versions, known interchangeably as Texas Shuffle and Texas TwoStep, are still danced throughout Texas today.

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The Shuffle has the Polka rhythm danced as gliding or shuffling footwork, three steps to two beats (a triple step) on alternating sides, producing the classic “boot scooting” look. Studio versions such as Triple Two-Step are simply ballroom-style variations of this old Shuffle. The Schatzi uses side-to-side steps followed by two forward steps in a slow-slow-quick-quick rhythm. Some later varieties simply walk the rhythms, or even reverse its start to quick-quick-slowslow for competitive and studio use. Texas Two-Step in all its varieties, along with related swing dances, continue to use moves such as the “cuddle” and “promenade” that were and still are part of those original “cute” or Schatzi dances. In 1980, John Travolta’s starring role in the movie Urban Cowboy brought two-stepping and country-western bar culture into the national spotlight and they remain a core part of Texas dance hall culture today.

There are many versions of two-step across the United States and there is no one “correct” dance. Visit any dance hall and they will assure you their unique version is correct.

THINKING ON ONE’S FEET Wyatt Gauss grew up rather shy but enjoyed social dancing. Little did he know each step was leading him toward becoming a true dance aficionado. Encouraged by his mother to dance and inspired by his father's sense of adventure, Wyatt took the initiative to reach out to several world champion dancers. What began as an email friendship eventually turned into an invitation to train with them and he developed a deep appreciation for the artistry, technique, and subtle connection between movement and music. When Wyatt founded Hill Country Two Step, his goal was to create more than just another dancing school. His dream was to combine his love of dance with an homage to the history that celebrates this classic dance.

by Linda A. Thornton • p h o to s co urtesy Wyat t Gauss

LONE STAR ROOTS

GROWING, ONE DANCE AT A TIME With one foot still in the tech business and one foot in dance, Wyatt’s quiet nature tempers his competitive edge. Using social media and a website to promote his business, he prefers a low-key approach and relies mainly on word of mouth.

ROOTS AND RHYTHMS Wyatt has had the privilege of introducing dance newbies from all walks of life to Texas culture and dance: His expertise caught the attention of television producers. The reality show 90 Day Fiancé invited him to film a dance lesson for an episode set in Austin. He was invited to teach students at the University of Texas in the Gallery of Texas Cultures and later to lecture on the history of Texas Two-Step while teaching the dance itself to rather straitlaced visiting scholars from around the world. Even the typically reserved students from the London Business School let loose during a visit to Austin, ending their dance lesson laughing and two-stepping together. Participants in the Youth Cultural Exchange and Summer Discovery programs eagerly embraced the chance to learn the Texas two-step, while members of the Governor's Office Youth Ambassador Program welcomed the lessons as a refreshing break from their structured schedule. When Deep Eddy Vodka hosted a private event for guests from across the country, Wyatt and his team were there to introduce them to one of Texas' best-known traditions with lively two-step lessons.

In addition to private, in-studio lessons, Wyatt and his team bring dance directly to the community through weekly classes at some of Central Texas' favorite dance halls. Their mission is to make dancing approachable, welcoming, and just plain fun. Regular lessons are held in Austin at Backwoods Bar, Little Longhorn Saloon, Sagebrush, and at the iconic Luckenbach near Fredericksburg. Classes are free, although tips are always appreciated.

NO LEFT FEET, NO WALLFLOWERS Give Wyatt and his staff an hour and they promise to have you two-stepping. Enough that you will be able to attend a dance and not have to do the same step all evening. Despite starting with zero dance experience when they met, Wyatt’s girlfriend and dance partner, Crystal (above), has transformed herself into an accomplished professional in just one year. The key is to relax, have fun, and let those slow easy steps carry you around the dance floor. Scan the code to visit the Hill Country Two-Step website and mark your calendar for lessons and community events.

NOVEMBER 2026

LIQUID ASSETS

WHAT MAKES TEXAS "TEXAS"?

by L i nda Th or nto n

THE BOOMING BUSINESS OF BEER From indigenous tribes brewing fermented beverages from local plants and grains to European heritage, to the creative focus of craft beers, beer has become a staple of Texas culture and commerce. ONE LONG POUR In the early days of European settlements, Spanish missionaries brewed most of the beer. As demand grew, so did the need for commercial breweries. Lone Star Brewery was established in 1884, followed by the Pearl and Spoetzl—a.k.a. Shiner—breweries, all of which played a significant role in the growth and development of the state’s economy.

N O V E M B E R 2026

When German, Polish, and Czech immigrants arrived in Texas, they settled in the Texas Hill Country, where the natural limestone springs matched the brewing conditions of their homeland. They introduced new lager techniques, old-world recipes, celebrations such as Oktoberfest, and biergartens— community spaces that welcomed families and hosted music and polka dances. This strong European heritage made it possible for Texas’ beer industry to survive the competition of national breweries and the 1919 Prohibition law. Some of the breweries were able to remain open during Prohibition by introducing “near beer” with a lower alcohol content. Once Prohibition was repealed, breweries reopened and sprang back into business.

WHAT MAKES TEXAS "TEXAS"? THE MODERN AGE The modern American craft beer movement gained momentum in the 1970s, as small, independent brewers drew inspiration from European traditions and experimented with distinctive styles and flavors. Their creativity helped introduce drinkers to a broader appreciation of beer’s craftsmanship and variety. In Texas, changes in state law helped that movement take root. The legalization of brewpubs in 1993 allowed brewers to make and sell beer directly to their customers. Twenty years later, another round of reforms expanded those opportunities: qualifying production breweries could sell beer for customers to enjoy in their taprooms, while brewpubs gained the right to distribute beyond their own premises. Together,

these changes opened new paths for small businesses to reach beer lovers across the state. The results represent a substantial contribution to the Texas economy. According to the Texas Craft Brewers Guild’s 2025 figures, the state had 420 craft breweries, ranking sixth nationally. The industry supported more than 23,000 jobs and generated approximately $4.6 billion in economic impact—the third-highest total in the country. A spirit of collaboration runs through the business, with brewers sharing knowledge, resources, and ideas that help strengthen the wider craft beer community. That combination of craftsmanship and entrepreneurship has also found a place in the classroom. At The University of Texas at Dallas, a graduate

course examines the craft brewing business from financing and production to marketing, distribution, and regulation, giving students a practical look at what it takes to turn a passion for beer into a livelihood.

WHICH BREW IS FOR YOU? Almost every beer belongs to either the ale or the lager category. Ales are top-fermented. The yeast rises to the top of the liquid after fermenting at warmer temperatures. This produces bold, complex, fruity, and spicy flavors. Lagers are bottom-fermented. Cooler temperatures cause the yeast to settle to the bottom, followed by a cold conditioning period. They are known for their clean, crisp flavors and smooth finish.

RAISE A GLASS! Alongside the big, nationally recognized brands like Anheuser-Busch, Miller, Coors, and Modelo, craft brands have gained prominence, as they celebrate the combination of Texas traditions with modern innovation: Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner is the largest Texas craft brewery, and SHINER BOCK—a dark amber lager—is the most famous and widely distributed brand.

Houston’s Saint Arnold Brewing Company’s crisp German Style FANCY LAWNMOWER is a classic favorite.

LONE STAR BEER in San Antonio, a classic-style lager, is known as “The National Beer of Texas.”

512 Brewery in Austin features its dark, rich PECAN PORTER, using locally grown Texas pecans.

Pinthouse Brewery’s ELECTRIC JELLYFISH from Austin and YELLOW ROSE from Lone Pint Brewery in Magnolia, both IPAs, are consistently top-rated.

A THIRST FOR COMMUNITY Dimly lit dive bars with their sticky floors have been reinvented into sunlit community spaces. A modern twist on the European beer garden, these social hubs have become our modern town squares. Large patios and open lawns provide ample space for children and dogs. Play areas and games offer a friendly atmosphere. Onsite food trucks, restaurants, and weekend afternoon events allow for adult socializing that welcomes families. NOVEMBER 2026

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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

New Nest, Same Wild Wonder I f the feeders in your backyard have seemed a little quiet lately, Christina Darlington, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Georgetown has good news: the birds are fine. In fact, they are probably doing exactly what they are supposed to do. “This time of year, don’t take it to heart if you’re not seeing a lot of activity at your feeders,” she says. “Everything out in nature has gone to seed, and that’s what the birds should be doing — eating the natural food.” Fall is a season of abundance for birds. Trees, grasses, and flowering plants are producing seeds, berries, nuts, and insects, creating a natural buffet that can draw birds away from backyard feeders for a while. After good rains, seed crops can be especially plentiful, and live oaks heavy with acorns may even explain why the squirrels seem less interested in raiding the feeders. Migration also plays a role. Many summer birds have moved on, while winter visitors may not have arrived yet, especially when warm weather lingers. But backyard bird lovers should not pack up yet. Christina encourages customers to keep feeders clean and stocked, and continue offering fresh water. “Keep the water out,” she says. “My bluebirds are still losing their minds in my bird bath.”

A FRESH PERCH That kind of practical, seasonal advice is part of what has made Wild Birds Unlimited a favorite stop for people who love their backyard wildlife, and now customers have a new place to visit. Christina officially opened her new Wild Birds Unlimited location on Rt 29 October 1, after outgrowing her previous store.

The new 2,400-square-foot shop gives her more room, better visibility, and a more open, welcoming layout. It also offers something customers will appreciate immediately: easier parking. For a store that regularly carries seed out for customers, including many older customers, having her own parking lot makes a real difference. The move was no small project. The building had previously been an office space with multiple rooms, and Christina invested heavily in transforming it into a bright, open retail space. Even with a few finishing touches still to come, she says the response has been encouraging. A Wild Birds Unlimited vice president recently visited and called it a “showcase store.” The new location also includes a backyard bird feeding station visible through a large window that faces a peaceful view, and the birds found it quickly. Christina says wrens, bluebirds, house finches, and mockingbirds showed up within hours of the feeders going up. Shoppers will also find seasonal products designed for what birds need right now, including Feather Pro, formulated to support birds during molting and new feather growth. Cardinals, in particular, can look a little alarming while molting, but Christina says not to worry—they are simply growing fresh feathers. The store also carries popular specialty blends such as Cardinal Confetti, mealworm blends, seed cylinders, bells, squirrel feeders, and plenty of giftable nature-themed items.

WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED MONDAY—SATURDAY, 10AM-6PM SUNDAY 11AM-3PM COME SEE THE NEW HIGHWAY 29 LOCATION, EXPLORE THE EXPANDED SHOP, AND GET READY FOR THE RETURN OF BACKYARD ACTIVITY AS COOLER WEATHER SETTLES IN. NOVEMBER 2026

FOOD

The Season for Seconds

By November, even Texans are ready to turn on the oven. The evenings arrive a little earlier, the kitchen windows fog up, and supper feels like a good reason to settle in. This is the season for pulling an extra chair to the table, passing generous helpings, and letting the conversation linger. Whether you’re feeding a houseful of holiday guests or gathering your usual crew on a quiet Sunday, a warm meal makes room for a little gratitude—and gives everyone a reason to stay awhile.

CRANBERRY-BALSAMIC POT ROAST • A Hearty Supper with a Little Holiday Flair • 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 3 tbsp packed light brown sugar

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar

• 1 small sprig fresh rosemary

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth, plus more if needed

• 1 bay leaf

• 2 large yellow onions, cut into thick wedges

• 1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries, divided

INGREDIENTS

• 3-4 lbs boneless beef chuck roast • 1½ tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Heat oven to 325°F. Pat roast dry and season all over with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in large Dutch oven on medium-high. Brown roast on all sides, allow 4–5 minutes per broad side and transfer to a plate. Reduce heat to medium. Add onions and cook 5–7 mins, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and tomato paste; cook 1 minute. Pour balsamic vinegar and scrape up browned bits from bottom of the pot. Stir in broth, 1 cup cranberries, brown sugar, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Return roast and accumulated juices to the pot. Liquid should cover 1/3 to 1/2 of the beef; add broth if needed. Bring to gentle simmer, cover tightly, and transfer to oven. Braise for 3–4 hours. Begin checking at 3 hours: a fork should enter easily, and meat should pull apart with little resistance. If it still feels firm, cover and continue cooking, checking every 30 minutes. Add remaining ½ cup cranberries for final 30 minutes of cooking. Splash more broth if the pot looks dry. 28

N O V E M B E R 2026

• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water, optional

Transfer roast to a platter and loosely cover. Discard rosemary stem and bay leaf. Skim excess fat from the braising liquid. Simmer on stove top 5–10 minutes to concentrate the flavor. For thicker gravy, stir in the cornstarch mixture and simmer 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. If gravy is too tart, add brown sugar a teaspoon at a time. Pull beef into generous pieces and spoon the onions, cranberries, and gravy over the top. Serve with mashed potatoes and roasted carrots or green beans. Make-ahead tip: Prepare a day ahead and refrigerate beef in its gravy. Remove the chilled layer of fat, then reheat gently, covered, adding a splash of broth as needed. Chef’s note: Use fresh or frozen cranberries, not dried cranberries or canned cranberry sauce. Choose a chuck roast with visible marbling for the most tender result.

FOOD

APPLE, SAUSAGE & CHEDDAR BREAD PUDDING • Ready for a Cozy Brunch • • • • • • • • • • • •

2 tbsp butter, divided 1 lb bulk pork breakfast sausage 1 medium yellow onion, diced 2 medium apples, cored and cut into ½-inch pieces 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage, or 1 tsp dried rubbed sage 10 c day-old sturdy bread, cut into 1-inch cubes, about 1 lb 2 c shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided 6 large eggs 2½ c whole milk ½ c heavy cream ½ tsp kosher salt ½ tsp black pepper

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease deep 9-by-13-inch baking dish with 1 tbsp of the butter. In large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage, breaking bite-size crumbles, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to large mixing bowl. Drain skillet, leaving about 1 tbsp drippings. Add remaining butter and onion to the skillet. Cook 4-5 mins, until softened. Add apples and cook another 4-5 mins, stirring occasionally, until beginning to soften but still holding their shape. Stir in sage, then remove from heat. Let cool slightly. Add apple mixture, bread cubes, and 1½ cups cheddar to the bowl with sausage. Toss gently, spread evenly in baking dish. Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, salt, and pepper. Pour evenly over bread mixture. Press bread gently into liquid with

a spatula. Let stand 20 minutes so bread can absorb the custard. Sprinkle with remaining ½ cup of cheddar. Cover loosely with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 25-35 minutes, until top is golden and center is set. Thermometer inserted into the center should register at least 160°F. If top browns before center is ready, loosely cover with foil. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting into generous squares or spooning onto plates. Note: Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples both work well; peeling is optional. Choose a sturdy French, Italian, or sourdough loaf. If your bread is fresh, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and dry them in a 300°F oven for 15–20 minutes before beginning the recipe.

CRANBERRY-APPLE CRUMBLE WITH ORANGE & OATS • A Great Finish FILLING

In large bowl, combine sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt.

apples are tender when pierced with a knife. If topping

•

6 medium apples, about 2½ pounds, peeled, cored,

Add apples, cranberries, orange juice, and zest. Toss until

browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

and sliced ¼ inch thick

evenly coated, then transfer to baking dish.

•

1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries

•

Let stand 20 minutes to allow juices to thicken. Spoon

In another bowl, stir together oats, flour, brown sugar,

into bowls and serve warm, with vanilla ice cream if de-

⅔ cup granulated sugar

cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter. Using fingertips or

sired.

•

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

pastry blender, work the butter into the dry ingredients

•

2 tablespoons orange juice

•

2 tsp finely grated orange zest

•

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

•

Pinch of salt

until the mixture forms coarse crumbs with some pea-size clumps. Scatter crumble evenly over fruit. Place dish on rimmed

Honeycrisp, Braeburn, and Granny Smith apples work well; frozen cranberries can go straight into the filling without thawing. Use rolled oats rather than steel-cut oats for the topping.

baking sheet to catch drips. Bake 45-60 mins, until topping is golden brown, filling bubbles near the center, and

CRUMBLE •

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

•

¾ cup all-purpose flour

•

½ cup packed light brown sugar

•

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

•

¼ teaspoon salt

•

½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

•

Vanilla ice cream, for serving, optional

Heat oven to 375°F. Lightly butter deep 9-inch-square baking dish with a capacity of at least 2½ quarts.

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NOVEMBER 2026

POPPY TALKS

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, DEPLOY HUMMINGBIRDS

know considerably more about the Marvel Cinematic Universe than a woman my age really should. On the other hand, I now completely understand Sheldon and Leonard spending hours debating whether anyone other than Thor (and Steve Rogers) could conceivably pick up his hammer. These are important questions once you have enough useless information stored in your brain—and enough time on your hands. As a newly-minted widow with no one beside me to discuss “whodunit” during every procedural show, I have been watching a LOT of understandably unromantic television. Somewhere along the way I created a busy little virtual universe of "company" all my own. The Avengers live in it. So do Jack Reacher, Sherlock Holmes, Shawn Spencer, the gang from The Big Bang Theory, Tony Stark, and Harry Potter, among many others. I am currently working out whether the Immortal Iron Fist could punch a Dementor, or positing that Frank Castle would have outmaneuvered Ellen Ripley and saved the Marines on the Nostromo. Change my mind! But if Danny Rand could get his hands on some Ant-Man Pym particles, theoretically he could make a Dementor veeeery, very small. Punching it would diminish its ability to suck the joy out of life and reduce its effects to something more akin to mild seasonal depression. I often muse that all this information might someday save the world. Perhaps aliens arrive and scientists try communicating with them with radio waves and prime numbers, only to discover the spacecraft repeatedly banging itself against the International Space Station. Fortunately, NASA would realize there's a loony lady in Texas who has functional knowledge of space-time and cardinals. “Deflect the spacecraft 32 degrees aft,” I would tell them. “It's fighting its reflection.” The banging would stop and humanity would be saved. You're welcome. But, before anyone starts recommending actual grief therapy, consider this: Thanksgiving is coming. And it's an election year. Which means sometime between the blessing and the pumpkin pie, Uncle Pot-stirrer is going to point at someone with his fork and say: “You know what's really wrong with this country...” Dear Readers, I have been training for this for years. I have watched Elementary four times, Timeless three times, The Andy Griffith Show and The Big Bang Theory often enough that I probably qualify for Mayberry residency and an honorary degree from CalTech. I have accumulated historical foot-

by A nn Ma r i e Ke nno n

N O V E M B E R 2026

notes, scientific curiosities, fictional trivia, and completely useless facts that are, at any given moment, all open mental tabs. But perhaps I've been preparing for a more plausible emergency—Thanksgiving dinner. So, in the spirit of familial harmony and getting through dessert without anyone storming out of the house, I offer the Poppy's Thanksgiving Diversion Starter Kit. When Uncle Pot-Stirrer starts explaining what's wrong with America, ask him if he knows why the Hindenburg actually crashed. If someone attempts a rebuttal, immediately inquire whether Harry Houdini might have visited (and escaped) Chicago's Murder Castle in 1893. If someone says, “Well, actually—,” deploy hummingbirds. Their finger bones are shorter than their arm bones, which is how they can fly backwards. Still not working? “Do you think Wilson 'Kingpin' Fisk would qualify for Dexter Morgan's code?” ought to buy you 20 minutes. And if your family is anything like mine, there will be at least one teenager at the table capable of supplying emergency backup material. “Jack! Random TikTok challenge — GO!” The truth is, maybe that's part of why I keep returning to the same television shows in the first place and have recently added morally questionable superheroes. They are the comfort food of television. I know these people, their peculiarities, who's going to annoy whom, and how the arguments end. Come to think of it, that sounds an awful lot like my Thanksgiving table. Every year we gather the same recurring cast of characters. Somebody tells the same story, brings the same casserole, and inevitably starts the debate everyone knew was coming. We've seen this episode before and we come back anyway because these are our people. Maybe we don't have to settle every argument, correct every opinion, or defend every position over mashed potatoes. There is an entire fascinating universe available to us, full of black holes, squirrels, Hogwarts, superheroes, and a million other things we haven't learned yet. For one afternoon, we could talk about literally any of them. And should things become truly desperate, I have 12 seasons of Frasier, several pies, Star Wars crossovers, and enough completely useless information to keep everyone distracted until Christmas. If that doesn't work, eventually something will fly into a window and I'll know exactly what to do.

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NOVEMBER 2026

P. O. B ox 2 0 3 | Ja r re ll, TX 76537