Liberty Hill Digest January 2021

Liberty Hill digest

JANUARY 2021

NO ONE PERSON CAN DO EVERYTHING, BUT EVERY ONE OF US CAN DO SOMETHING. ~ Christine Caine, A21 Chief Advocate

BY PRESIDENTIAL DECREE, JANUARY 2021 IS NATIONAL SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION MONTH

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FAVORITES 4

HEALTHY HABITS Resolution Hacks for 2021

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WILLIAMSON COUNTY Musicians Blooming with Virtual Guitar Lessons

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WHAT MAKES TEXAS “TEXAS” Fairs, Festivals & Feasts

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SAVE THE PLANET Eco-friendly Weddings

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SHELTER STORIES Humane Heroes

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EXPERIENCE LIBERTY HILL L4 Cares

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WORTH THE DRIVE Enchanted Rock

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FACTS TO BLOW YOUR MIND Deep Thoughts

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BELLE CHIMES IN The Upsides of 2020

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FOOD Winter Wellness Recipes

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PARTING SHOT L4 Cares About...

CONTENTS

5 ON THE COVER: A representative image of human trafficking; the buying and selling of people and children, around the world, for labor or their bodies. January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention month. Story pp 5-8.

FEATURES 5 AWARENESS & ACTION

Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month

10 #WALKERTOUGH

Panthers Football Perseveres

10 #WALKERTOUGH Panthers Football Perseveres

20 HUMANE HEROES

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Furry Friends Get A Second Chance

WINTER WELLNESS Comfort Food That’s Good For You J A N UA R Y 2 0 2 1  L I B E R T Y H I L L D I G E S T

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Digest Published by Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC

ANN MARIE KENNON EDITOR’S NOTE Happy New Year! Even though not much is new, just the collective sense that January 1 brings some kind of change to all of us is enough to give me a notion of renewal.

PUBLISHER

Cathy Payne

Like many of the best in her craft, Cathy has a specialized degree—in her case, hard science—and a gift for writing. She found her voice and fulfilment reporting and writing news and magazine features for a regional Central Texas audience. Along with serving as the publisher of the Liberty Hill Digest, Cathy oversees multiple magazines, marketing campaigns, and books.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Ann Marie Ludlow Kennon While not a native of Texas, Ann Marie is at home here. With a quarter-century of writing, reporting, and marketing behind her, she not only writes about central Texas, she dove into community service almost as soon as she moved here.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Charlotte Kovalchuk • Miranda Bradley • Greta Bauer

As I am writing this, my neighborhood is experiencing a power outage and I am reminded how infrequently I remember to live in the moment, and to be amazed at many things that are just part of “the background” in everyday life.

Nothing pushes you to live in the moment more than watching your laptop battery dwindling to zero with no thought of what to do next without devices, lights, or even appliances.

I suppose, while I generally eschew resolutions, I have just decided I will make some lifestyle alterations that will make a power failure less of a showstopper. This year I will try to live, once in a while, like it’s 1921. For instance, perhaps I can take up acoustic guitar with the folks from the Wilco Guitar Society—this chat was a lot cooler than a typical interview!

GRAPHICS & DESIGN Zion Pistole • Ann Marie Kennon CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Rudy Ximenez • David Valdez • Todd White Charlotte Kovalchuk SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Jenny Campbell ACCOUNT SERVICES Debbie Tolliver DISTRIBUTION David Schumacher IT/WEBMASTER Jesse Payne CONSULTANT W. Ben Daniel

ADVERTISING Mark Elliott 512-240-2267 • 512-746-4545 mark@lhtxdigest.com

Liberty Hill Digest is a Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC publication.

Copyright © 2021 All rights reserved. Liberty Hill Digest is published monthly and mailed USPS, free of charge, to homes and businesses in Liberty Hill, TX zip codes. Mail may be sent to Liberty Hill Digest, P.O. Box 213, Jarrell, TX 76537.

Email: info@lhtxdigest.com

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We also invite you to learn about the stain of human trafficking during January’s awareness and prevention month.

It is not just something than happens in other countries, and we are fortunate to have a senior executive of A21 right here in Williamson County to tell us what we can do to make a difference in our own communities.

Much of this issue is about new things; new friends, new homes, renewable resources, new career adventures, and resolutions. And, however you may be celebrating or fretting about the new year, I’ll just leave this quote from Billy Graham right here...

“I’ve read the last page of the Bible, it’s all going to turn out all right.”

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healthy habits

compiled by Greta Bauer

A Fresh Look at Resolutions

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urveys across the nation indicate a lot of change in our focus on resolutions. Putting 2020 behind us has assured many that creating better budgets, saving more money, and learning a new skill may be more practical than losing weight or getting a better job.

Studies show only 12 percent of people who make New Year’s resolutions feel like they were successful.

The good news is that people who “resolve” are still ten times more likely to change their behavior than those who don’t. So, while you may have already missed your chance to start in December, which many experts say is a great way to establish the habit by the New Year, there are many ways you can still follow through.

BE REALISTIC: The surest way to fall short is to make the goal unattainable. Resolving never to spend money on UberEats again will trip you up the first time you’re too tired to cook. Instead, work a goal that is attainable, such as allowing one uber night a week in your budget and sticking to it.

JUST ONE: Psychologists suggest picking one resolution and focusing your energy on that behavior, rather than spreading yourself too thin among different objectives. Taking on too much at once can be daunting, and hard to maintain.

BITE-SIZE: Break goals down to manageable chunks.

Set clear, realistic goals such as mastering one Spanish lesson a week, saving $100 a month, or finishing a new book every two weeks. Each small success will empower you for more.

MAKE A PLAN: Don’t overdo it January 2. If you’ve resolved to run a marathon this year, create a plan to run a little more each week and adapt your schedule to your progress. Plan menus to force yourself to learn how to cook one new thing each week, or a reasonable work adjustment, over time, to cut down on answering emails at home.

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MEASURE IT: Easy, if your goal is fitness or weight loss, but you may have to get creative for lifestyle behaviors.

If, for example, you want to spend less time on social media, download a tracking app to keep you honest and reinforce your progress.

TALK ABOUT IT: Explain what your goals are to friends or family and ask them to help you achieve your objectives. Better yet, enlist the help of others by joining a group that shares your goal.

REWARD YOURSELF: No, you can’t eat a box of chocolates if your resolution is to eat a better diet. Celebrate your success by treating yourself to something that doesn’t contradict your resolution. E.g., if you have been sticking to your promise to eat better, reward yourself with an outfit in your new size.

TRACK PROGRESS: Keep track of each small success, especially if your goal really has no “finish line.” Shortterm goals are easier to keep, and each small accomplishment will help keep you motivated. If you resolve for better health, get a 2021 planner and schedule a year’s worth of doctor, yoga, or chiropractic appointments. Crossing each one off the list is a visual reminder of success.

KEEP TRYING: If you get to, say, mid-February and already feel like you didn’t stick the landing, don’t despair—start over. Recommit to it for 24 hours; you can do anything for 24 hours. Those increments will soon build on each other and get you back on track.

If all else fails, you can resolve to buy a bunch of leftover 2020 calendars and enjoy burning them. We can all get on board with that.

awar e n es s & actio n

Abolish Slavery Everywhere and Forever

by Ann Marie Kennon annmarie@lhtxdigest.com

IF YOU RESOLVE TO DO EVEN ONE THING TO MARK NATIONAL SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION MONTH, THE SINGLE BEST ACTION YOU CAN TAKE IS TO LEARN HOW TO SPOT THE SIGNS OF TRAFFICKING.

BY PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION, JANUARY 2021 IS NATIONAL SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION MONTH

THE PROBLEM Right now, people are being bought and sold against their will in every country around the world. This illegal trade, recruitment, control, and use of people for their bodies and labor is called Human Trafficking. At $150 billion a year, it is the world’s fastest-growing criminal enterprise; a criminal can only sell a drug or a weapon one time, but he can sell a person indefinitely.

The Attorney General of Texas reports, at any given time, there are 79,000 child and 155,000 adult victims in our state alone. Across the globe, there are more individuals enslaved today than any other time in history; 5.4 out of every 1,000 people. But, thanks to organizations like A21, slavery is more stoppable than ever before.

THE SOLUTION Since 2008, Christine Caine and her husband Nick have been working to do the impossible; create a world where men and women are no longer sold for labor or

sex, and children are not exploited. As founders of A21, they developed a global strategy to reach the vulnerable, rescue the victims, and restore survivors.

Close to home, Michelle Parrozzo, A21 Senior Advisor of Strategic Partnerships, lives in Williamson County and says the organization employs a holistic approach to breaking the cycle of trafficking.

“Reach is about preventing trafficking before it happens. A21 has curricula in place that are customized by region and country; one such program is written to Texas core education standards, and we are eager for any opportunities to share with Liberty Hill schools and community organizations.”

Michelle explains the importance of recognizing the signs, and A21 provides examples of awareness to help students recognize when a person is being trafficked, including themselves; e.g., having limited freedom of movement or no access to medical care. They are also taught to recognize when they are being approached or groomed on social media. “It is difficult to quantify the results of prevention,” she says. “By continuing to equip  J A N UA R Y 2 0 2 1  L I B E R T Y H I L L D I G E S T

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Photo: Wikimedia Creative Commons

Christine Caine

when they arrive at the new workplace, their passports are taken and they are trafficked for sex or labor. Another tactic is the ‘loverboy’ approach, in which an isolated teen thinks she has finally found someone who cares for her but, over time, her ‘boyfriend’ takes increasing control over her life and eventually sells her for sex. Since deception is a key tactic for traffickers, education and awareness makes a difference.

“The Reach aspect of our mission is super important,” Michelle adds. “If we can stop trafficking before it happens, we can prevent people from ever experiencing this horrific abuse.”

RESCUE people with information they need to stay safe—we believe we will continue to see vulnerable people avoid situations of trafficking. Following, victim identification and assistance will increase, and survivors will be restored.”

CAN YOU SEE ME? To assist in that recognition, A21 offers many free and online videos that demonstrate common scenarios of trafficking, which equip people everywhere to be a part of the solution. This awareness campaign, Can You See Me?, is reaching millions of people, across several countries, every day.

Within six months of launching this campaign in the U.K., A21 reported a 400 percent increase in hotline calls.

Additionally, several investigations by law enforcement led to raids and the identification of trafficked victims.

This success led to the campaign’s expansion into new locations in the U.S., South Africa, Mexico, and Thailand.

In 2019, the campaign arrived in Texas (photo next page), with support and cooperation from Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott, Clear Channel Outdoors, law enforcement, and Senator Ted Cruz.

T R A F F I C K I N G H A P P E N S TO P E O P L E W H O A R E V U L N E R A B L E B E C AU S E N O O N E I S LO O K I N G F O R T H E M .

“It’s not like you see in the movies,” Michelle says.

“It is much less common for people to be abducted in dramatic ways; it often involves deceptive tactics.” Common examples are women and men ‘hired’ by foreign businesses for what they believe are legitimate jobs, but 6

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A21 works with local authorities in 13 countries to set victims free and also supports survivors who have bravely managed to escape on their own. According to Michelle, regardless of how a person came out of trafficking, A21 supports survivors through the legal process to hold traffickers accountable.

RESTORE A21’s restoration goal is to set survivors up for independence; working with each individual to provide tailored care plans designed around their goals and dreams. “Restoration is a process,” Michelle says. “In some cases, it can take months or years to regain independence. But this stage is so important; it equips survivors to take steps toward the life they want. For some, that might be going back to school and completing their education, for others it’s being reunited with family, starting their own business, or getting a job. And, at the core of this restoration strategy is the Freedom Center.”

The Freedom Center is a drop-in day center that provides survivors access to services like counseling, life skills courses, job training, health services, and more.

For their efforts, A21’s Freedom Center in North Carolina received the 2020 Presidential Award for Extraordinary Efforts in Combating Trafficking in Persons, which is annually awarded by the State Department.

Locally, The Key2Free (TheKey2Free.org) is committed to the mission to prevent and end sex trafficking through education, awareness, and aftercare for survivors. This non-profit is dedicated to restoring survivors to healthy lives and a place where they can hope again.

aro und to w n

Lamar Advertising joined forces with Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott and displayed A21’s ‘Can You See Me?’ campaign in more than a dozen cities in Texas, encouraging people who see or suspect trafficking to report it.

Co-founded by Executive Director Amy Davis, The Key2Free works independently and also within a network of more than 100 regional organizations to create a safe, quality environment, provide access and referrals to community-based services, and educate the public and at-risk youth about trafficking.

The Key2Free also provides safe housing for adult females, and non-residential services to a fully diverse demographic. All services are free to clients, including case management, medical referrals and counseling services, life skills classes, and educational support such as earning their GED or acquiring their driver’s license.

spend money on you, then asks you do to something ‘just this once.’ After that, he will threaten to tell parents or family that you’ve done something shameful unless you continue doing it. They lull you into a mental state from which you can’t escape, even though you’ve never left the safety of your own room.” She adds that, with COVID, online grooming is on the rise, as people spend more and more time in virtual conversation, commerce, and job searches, “We need to be vigilant as it is happening in plain sight”.

LAW ENFORCEMENT SAYS...

Another restoration arm is the Sanctuary Project in Austin (SanctuaryProject.com), which provides meaningful employment and job training to women who have survived trafficking. Founded and run by survivors, the Project supports women in transition by teaching practical skills in jewelry making. Retail sales then provide revenue and profit, which allow the agency to be self-sustaining while creating future job opportunities and growth.

Liberty Hill Chief Royce Graeter says, “While many victims are undocumented and taken advantage of because of their status, children remain our most vulnerable population.” While not all of these suggest trafficking, Chief Royce always recommends parents stay involved with their children so they will recognize sudden changes or note potential warning signs.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Children or teens who run away, or are in unstable living conditions; staying with someone who is not a parent or guardian, or develop a relationship with someone they only know from social media.

Visit A21.org/GetInvolved for resources and ways to make a difference. Educate yourself on what human trafficking looks like by taking A21’s Human Trafficking eCourse, hosting a local fundraising event to bolster awareness in your own community, or donate to be a part of A21’s global restoration work.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR In the United States, trafficking often begins with grooming online or as a normal interaction. Michelle says, “A person pretends to be your age, promises to

Take note of gifts or money children received from unknown individuals.

Jobs offered to young people that seem too good to be true, probably are.

Messages they receive that are clearly not written by native English speakers, or using language that seems inappropriate for the writer’s alleged age or situation.

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awareness & acti o n He adds, “Calling 9-1-1 is always the answer, but we are available to talk over concerns in person, and the National Hotline is a great resource, as this is their primary focus. Even if your situation turns out to be nothing, you never know if your information may turn out to be a breadcrumb to help law enforcement in a larger, and serious situation.”

Exhibit signs of physical and psychological trauma e.g. anxiety, lack of memory of recent events, bruising, addictions, untreated conditions.

Be fearful of telling others about their situation, or seem to be aggravated and angry much of the time.

Have limited freedom of movement; always brought to and picked up from work by others.

PEOPLE BEING TRAFFICKED MAY...

Be unpaid or paid very little.

Be fearful of or angry at police and other authorities.

Have few or no personal belongings; wear the same clothing most of the time.

Struggle to speak English words not related to labor or sex-related topics.

Be unaware they have been trafficked and believe they are simply in a bad job.

Seem to be in debt to someone, or unusually attached to a person who never leaves them alone.

CALL 888-373-7888 • TEXT “HELP” OR “INFO” TO 233-733 • VISIT REPORT.CYBERTIP.ORG

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#WalkerTou g h

by Ann Marie Kennon • annmarie@lhtxdigest.com photos by Ralph Arvesen • LostOak.com

Undefeated on the Field and in Spirit

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The Panthers celebrate Coach Walker’s 100th win after defeating Rouse High School, December 26. Players held up four fingers to signify their win in the 4th round.

oach Jeff Walker’s admonition to his teams to “Be tough!” has been ringing true in the weeks since his death December 1. Not only has the Liberty Hill football team continued its perfect season in a pandemic year, at press time, they are headed to the UIL semi-final, ranked in the Texas top 100, with Walker’s initials on their jerseys, his hashtag on their helmets, and a renewed vigor to be state champs in his honor.

Coach Walker was known, above all, as a family man who spent as much time as he could with wife Miranda

and twin daughters, Madison and Regan. He was an educator and multi-sport coach in Liberty Hill for more than 20 years and was well known for his excellence, high standards, and love of the game.

SUCCEEDING, WITH HEAVY HEARTS One player’s parent shared, “Jeff Walker has been a valuable partner in raising my son through his high school years. The good, the bad, the highs and lows—he was a part of the conversations, the encouragement, and the building of my son. Nobody will ever say Coach Walker was easy on his players. In fact, only he could instill the mental toughness they need right now to dig deep and finish strong.”

Hers is one of many voices that continue to praise and encourage the Panther team through a difficult holiday season, but always back out onto the field. Superintendent Steve Snell, reflecting on a difficult month that was punctuated by breathtaking victories, agrees; “At the end of the day, once you accept the loss of the coach, you have to have the strength to get back on that field and compete again. I think our coaches have done a wonderful job. They have a saying that we need to ‘hold the rope’... they and the senior leadership have done a tremendous job keeping that rope tight, keeping the players focused, and doing their jobs on and off the

Nathaniel Hilbrech and Charles Calabretta after the Panthers’ win for the Regional Championship against Rouse HS December 26.

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field. Everyone’s preparations have been as meticulous as ever; their determination and focus has been awesome, as has the community support which is keeping this train rolling despite the distractions and the tragedy of losing our coach.”

Steve added that while Walker’s loss was difficult for Liberty Hill, his influence was felt far and wide; “I have received messages from coaches all over the state.

The stories I have liked best come from our current student athletes, and parents from all sports and coaches he worked with.

“Coach Walker’s legacy cannot be truly measured at this time. Toughness, winning, and the pursuit of perfection are all evident, but his love of all students, all sports, and his teams just can not be measured.

The life lessons taught will continue to grow and be retaught by others for years to come. The coaching staff will continue to carry the torch, but the hole left by his physical absence is large. The spirit and energy he brought to Panther Nation will live on.”

Below, the Panthers pose for another milestone photo January 2. After defeating Pioneer in the quarter finals, the players proudly hold up five fingers, to signify the win in the fifth round en route to the State championship. 

Superintendent Steve Snell nominated Coach Walker for the 2020 UIL Sponsor of Excellence Award, which he later received. When Steve was notified, he typed a letter and, thanks to the Coach’s wife, Miranda, and brother Kent, he was able to make the presentation over the phone.

Excerpts from his letter...

Congratulations on winning this award!

It symbolizes the excellence you brought to LHISD and that you instilled in the coaches and student-athletes you led. You are easily one of the toughest and hardest working and selfless men I have ever met. You make sure everyone you coach and your coaches are prepared to handle every situation to win the game.

The thing I am going to miss the most is the pre-game conversations about how good the opponent is and how we do not match up well, only to have us win by 50 points.

You are a great coach and an even better husband and father.

You are leaving a Legacy of Winning on and off the field.

This place is better because you were here, and these kids are much better because you coached them, improved them, loved them, and built Champions!

Love you, Coach!

~ SS

Photo courtesy Liberty Hill ISD, used with permission.

He also, very poignantly added in a public letter, “After a perfect 8-0 season, and as a Champion, coach walked through a different gate.”

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COMMUNITY TRIBUTE With no reasonable way to socially distance hundreds of friends and fans who wished to pay tribute to this treasured coach, the Liberty Hill Booster Club arranged a community event that allowed everyone to embrace his memory.

On December 6, more than 300 cars, most with four or more passengers, lined up in a zig-zag queue in the high school parking lot, and stretched more than a halfmile down Rt 29 to be part of a solemn drive-through.

Each vehicle passed by a small table decorated in purple and gold­—attended by members of his family— and many participants left notes in a basket that wasn’t nearly large enough for the love that was shown.

With several media present, an ISD liaison spoke with the family and shared their sentiments that the ‘reverse-parade’ was really for those in the community who were also mourning, but that they were overwhelmed by the outpouring.

It was an appropriate and unique tribute to a man who was said to be “everything you would want in an educator.”

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CLARITY IS QUALITY WHEN YOU GO

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exas Family Eyecare is a close-knit group of doctors, techs, and staff who are eager to build a relationship with your whole family.

Patients enjoy the welcoming atmosphere and great staff, who take patient health very seriously. “We have UV sanitizers in every room, and a system in place to make sure everything is as clean as possible for each use.”

Nearly all major health plans are accepted and staff are Owner Jodie West has been in private practice for expert at managing needs-to-benefits to ensure patients most of her 20 years as a doctor of optometry. “As a docmake the best use of their insurance. Dr. West explains, tor, I believe it is important to know my patients individ“Many plans cover glasses and specialty lenses. We will ually—kids to grandparents—and take the time to discuss investigate every option because we don’t want patients their vision symptoms. As the owner, I enjoy having no to ‘leave anything on the table’,” limits on the type or number of selections my patients When it’s time for glasses, can make for treatment or patients choose from more CURB FATIGUE AT YOUR COMPUTER. products. Once we deterthan 1,000 traditional, THE 20-20-20 RULE GIVES EYES A BREAK AND MAY mine a need, we look at trendy, or custom frames PREVENT HEADACHES OR SPASMS AFTER A LONG all the research available appropriate for all ages.

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Dr. West and her associate, Dr. Jordan Gjolberg, take

A SITE FOR SORE EYES

pride in providing comprehensive family eye care, which includes preventative wellness as it relates to eyesight, and quality eyewear that lasts. Their facility is a hybrid of capabilities that enable them to treat emergent needs; e.g., objects in the eye, allergy vs. dry-eye determination, or infections. They may assess glaucoma, and provide wellness options for hypertension or diabetes, as they relate to vision—patients are only referred out for surgery.

“It is our goal to help patients see clearly as they go about their day. We want to address a spectrum of prevention and eye health for a lifetime of clarity...after all, we can get new teeth, but we only get one pair of eyes.”

SPEC-TACULAR Dr. West invites new patients to call for an appointment and come in for a comprehensive exam, without the anxiety of figuring out their insurance on their own. “It is our mission to provide comprehensive family eye care, and quality eyewear, that enhances the beauty of life.

Everything we do is with that in mind, including educating patients about their health. Glasses will help you see better, but we also want to help you avoid the need for correction as long as possible.”

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WILLIAMSON COUNTY

by Ann Marie Kennon • annmarie@lhtxdigest.com

Guitar Society Nurturing Blooming Talent

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THE GUITAR SOCIETY

f you’re thinking about using some of your time at home to learn a new skill, Kevin Taylor has something great for you. In 2019, he founded the Williamson County Guitar Society to bring a world of superlative acoustic guitar music to students and audiences in Central Texas.

A world-class musician himself, Kevin has been creating guitar programs and curricula for nearly four decades, and has enriched the lives of more than 20,000 students.

The second part of the Society’s vision is growing interest, education, and enjoyment of the beauty of the guitar. “We are here for teachers, students, and aficionados,” Kevin says. “We will continue to develop concert series and education programs as there are a number of teachers who would like the opportunity to interact with people in Williamson County. We will be on mission as long as the Society exists and we have audiences.”

This month, he is wrapping up his first online class for beginning seniors. “I’m still a teacher and I wanted to do something for the community,” he says. “I know many who are teaching online in order to keep working, and it occurred to me an online program would be a wonderful vehicle for older folks stuck in their homes.” Thanks to an anonymous donor, Kevin was able to provide classes, at no charge, to 17 eager students, taught by Chad Iverson and his wife, Janet Grohovac, who live in Austin and teach guitar at the college level.

Kevin is looking forward to a time when audiences can gather again so he can book some of the world’s best players for house concerts and music series. “This is my professional domain and I know many national and international guitarists,” Kevin says. “I know I can get worldclass artists to come and play. Several terrific artists added us to their world tours last year and, unfortunately, we had to cancel. Right now, I am still looking forward to having European virtuoso, Cristiano Porqueddu in July, who will be playing Carnegie Hall on his way to Williamson County.” Chet Atkins’ protege, John McClellan, will also be coming for a Summer concert. Once audiences feel secure and confident we can continue to bring the best talent to the area.”

Chad says his senior students have been a wonderful experience. “I am seeing everyone getting better week to week and I’m able to create the curriculum from what I see happening organically. Adult students care so much about learning and I hope to keep teaching like this into the new year.”

Feedback from students was entirely positive as well, particularly because the best teachers no longer have to be nearby. Robert Muller says, “The Internet is a great way to learn the guitar, and it’s right in your home. I appreciate the Society making this opportunity available; it’s a great way to learn.” Joyce Edge agrees, “I have a medical condition and practicing several times a day has become a great new focus.” Stef Gorel adds, “I plan to continue these lessons as long as they offer them.”

Students and teachers alike hope to impress these benefits upon additional donors, and plan to hold fundraiser concerts to help keep the program viable.

Anyone may donate to help Chad and Janet continue to add classes and students at WilcoGuitar.org.*

*Don’t ‘fret’... the Society is 501(c)3 14

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Learn more, donate, and keep up with events at WilcoGuitar.org.

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WHAT MAKES TEXAS “TEXAS”?

Fairs, Festivals and Feasts

by Ann Marie Kennon

w hat mak es Te xas “ Te xas”

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t takes a place as big as Texas to host the kind of year-round fun and excitement offered by the more than 100 fairs and festivals we have every year. Celebrating everything from livestock to flip flops—even mosquitoes—there is something for everyone in every season, and that’s just at the state level.

Big Tex at a 1960s-era Fair.

As a historically agrarian state, community fairs have always been part of Texas culture. Few communities across the state manage to get through a full year without a celebration of some kind to bring people together to show off the best of their yearlong efforts. In many rural communities, fairs were often the only way to get fellow farmers and breeders to take a break from working their land, meet up, and catch up on news and innovations in their respective livelihoods.

Over the years, adding more food and entertainment to the mix offered motivation for even more people to visit, trade, and carry on the traditions of the area and its people.

THE BIG ONE Our best-known event, the State Fair of Texas— also lovingly known as the celebration of all things fried—has roots as far back as 1886, when it began as a private enterprise. Back then, as now, it celebrates all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment.

Even in those early years, the fair included extraordinary things like hot air balloon rides, horse and car racing, Presidential visits, and stunt flying exhibitions. By 1905, more than 300,000 visitors made the trip, and attendance grew to one million before World War I shuttered it to make room for an army encampment.

The Fair continued to grow in the 1920s and ‘30s, followed by another break for World War II, but undaunted by the pause, more than 2 million people showed up for the 1949 Fair. In the 1950s, they added an international livestock show, and monorail system.

In a typical year, the State Fair begins the last Friday of September and runs for 24 full days. As it is the longest-running fair in the nation, Fair Park has been designated a National Historic Landmark.

It’s worth noting the State Fair was not alone in history, even in the early days. The Washington County Fair in Brenham also began 1886. Communities like Kendall County with its Annual Labor Day Kendall County Fair, Stock Show, and Rodeo have been at it for over one hundred years as well. Later arrivals include the Helotes “Cornyvale”, the Laredo International Fair & Exposition, and Lubbock’s Panhandle South Plains Fair, first held in the fall of 1914.

Nancy Wiley has worked in State Fair Public Relations since 1971, and she has collected many fun facts: 1889: A Tyler man showcased his multipurpose invention, which simultaneously churned butter, rocked a baby’s cradle, and shooed flies away from the table.

1900: Former slave and prominent black educator Booker T. Washington spoke to crowds on Colored People’s Day. 1900: Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Show, featuring the famed sharpshooter Annie Oakley—along with 600 horses, a herd of buffalo, and dozens of other acts—attracted 70,000 fans.

1915: Female fairgoers were dismayed to discover that all the ladies’ rooms in the fairgrounds were equipped with coin-operated toilets.

1951-1952: Fair president R. L. Thornton purchased a giant used Santa Claus from the small town of Kerens, near Corsicana, where it had been  J A N UA R Y 2 0 2 1  L I B E R T Y H I L L D I G E S T

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used to lure shoppers at Christmas. Thornton then hired Dallas artist Jack Bridges to turn the white-bearded, red-suited figure into a giant cowboy; dubbed Big Tex and quickly became the ultimate icon. He was 52 feet tall, wore size 70 boots, and a 75-gallon cowboy hat.

1956: Big Tex acquired a pet, a 12’-tall model of a Hereford steer with a hollow interior holding displays like how milk is produced and how a calf is born.

1957: As the Cold War got chillier and the space race continued to heat up, the Army allowed two Nike missiles to be put on display, and the Navy okayed the release of a scale model of a surveillance satellite.

1965: Exceptionally rowdy celebrations after the Texas-O.U. game landed 371 people in jail.

1982: King Olaf V of Norway visited on Norwegian Day. 1986: Pig races became a standard feature of the fair, taking place in an area quickly christened Pork Chop Downs.

2002: Fried Twinkies were introduced.

2003: For a temporary change of pace, the Fair announced that instead of butter sculptures on display, it will offer pumpkin carving.

HOME TOWNS AND BIG CITIES The common thread that links so many events across the sate is a commitment to a professional code of conduct that delivers family entertainment value that is Texas-friendly. We even have a Texas Association of Fairs & Events to manage and promote all the petting zoos, BarB-Q cook-offs, agriculture exhibits, carnivals, art displays, concerts, dances, and more.

While 2020 was not kind to everything from SXSW to our own Christmas Festival and Independence Spectacular, the Texas Association of Fairs & Events has created a task force and is asking Governor Greg Abbott for some guidelines that will allow everyone to open back up in 2021.

There is hope. Many smaller expos and educational events are coming up. Typical of Texas, there is a whole expo for potatoes; this month’s Grapevine Potato Expo.

This annual industry event showcases innovations and offers business solutions related not just to potatoes, but soil health, disease management, and technology; things that should interest most Texans.

On a large scale, the 90th anniversary Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is scheduled to go on, pending any emergent COVID protocols, in May 2021.

Visit FairsAndFestivals.net for upcoming events.

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A sampling of some of Texas’ unique fairs and festivals...

JANUARY

Chili Quest & Beer Fest, Galveston Eagles Fest, Emory Denton Black Film Festival, Denton Kerrville Renaissance Fair, Kerrville

FEBRUARY

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, San Antonio Stars & Stripes Air Show, Laredo Whooping Crane Festival, Port Aransas

MARCH

Texas Storytelling Festival, Denton Rattlesnake Roundup, Sweetwater ABC’s Kite Fest

APRIL

Poteet Strawberry Festival, Poteet Bluebonnet Festival, Burnet Eeyore’s Birthday, Austin Poppyfest, Georgetown GTX Film Festival, Georgetown

MAY

Yaga’s Wild Game BBQ Cook-off, Galveston Babes on the Bay Fishing Tournament, Rockport World Champion Bison Cookoff, Santa Ana

JUNE

Children’s Art & Literacy Festival, Abilene Tomato Fest, Jacksonville

JULY

Great Texas Mosquito Festival, Clute Cheeseburger Festival, Friona

AUGUST

AnimeFest, Dallas BatFest, Austin Flip Flop Festival, Port Lavaca

SEPTEMBER

Austin Ice Cream Festival Plano Balloon Festival Texas State Fair

OCTOBER

Austin City Limits Festival Formula 1 Grand Prix Tyler Rose Festival

NOVEMBER

Texas Gospel Music Festival, Fort Worth Texas Book Festival, Austin

DECEMBER

Christmas Stroll, Georgetown Festival of Lights, Austin Dickens on the Strand, Galveston

by Greta Bauer

save the planet

J

anuary is the most popular month for wedding planning. Many engagements happen during the holidays, so here are some ideas to start the year right by planning an Earth-friendly event. No, you don’t have to walk down the aisle in a hemp dress, but there are myriad ways to be kind to the planet without sacrificing details of your perfect day.

BONUS: Skip flowers all together and use a brooch bouquet or silk flowers. Plus, you’d be surprised at the types of pretty greenery you can find at a farmer’s market.

THE VENUE Cut down on energy and get married outdoors; there are plenty of local ranches and gardens that will provide the perfect lighting. If you prefer indoors, look for

INVITATIONS

a place that will hold the ceremony and reception in

Most people still use snail mail for the invites but you

one place—no travel time or fuel to move everyone to

can certainly go paperless for save-the-dates. You can

the next event.

also create a wedding website and direct people to it rather than including inserts and RSVP cards in your invite. It’s a good idea to look for recycled paper products and vegetable-based inks as well.

RENT, DON’T BUY Single-use anything is not good for the environment and much of what people use at weddings is rentable.

Plus, rented stemware and china will look much more

BONUS: Some paper products are plantable. Botan-

elegant than paper and plastic, and the local landfill

tical Paper Works embeds their papers with seeds, so

will thank you. Same for linen tablecloths and napkins

guests can plant them in their backyards and the paper

over paper.

turns into flowers, plants, or herbs instead of ending up in a landfill.

FAVORS Look for items your guests will use again; think plants

FLOWERS

or food. Saplings, herbs or succulents are small and

For flowers, think ‘re-usable’ or make sure your blooms

make a nice long-term remembrance. Perhaps a seed

are as sustainable as possible. Ask local florists about

ball with Texas bluebonnets. Or if guests are traveling,

in-season and local flowers to ensure the freshest

ask one of our local business for signature wines, olive

and best quality. Some florists will also pick up your

oil, or honey in reusable glass jars from a local orchard.

arrangements and re-use them, or you can choose potted plants and florals as centerpieces and give them away for replanting after the ceremony.

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SH ELTER STO R I ES

by Charlotte Kovalchuk • charlotte@lhtxdigest.com photos by Daysi Yeates

Heroes of Furry Friends

T

exas Humane Heroes—it’s a fitting name for the lifesaving work this animal welfare organization accomplishes. Those involved in the nonprofit are indeed heroes, lending a hand to animal shelters to ensure no dog or cat needs to be euthanized for lack of room for them.

Along with low-cost spay and neuter services, affordable vaccination clinics, animal welfare counseling, and pet adoptions, Texas Humane Heroes provides crucial intake and rescue efforts to support shelters across Texas that are often forced to euthanize for space. “When municipal shelters run out of space to house their animals or a natural disaster leaves more animals on the street, our work to rescue homeless dogs and cats provides an important community service,” CEO Jeff Struchtemeyer says. “Every day, sick and struggling animals come to Texas Humane Heroes and our team cares for them with inspiring dedication. With time, treatment, and dedication, many of these cats and dogs return to full health.

Watching deserving animals recover and find their forever home is the best part of this work.”

LIFESAVING MISSION Formerly the Williamson County Humane Society, Texas Humane Heroes has been rescuing animals since 1979. It is a no-kill, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization with adoption centers in Leander and Killeen. All funds come from donations, grants, and adoption service fees. So far, 4,300 furry friends have been rescued and found forever homes. “We are so happy to continue our mission and we try to get animals into our care as soon as possible, so

other shelters don’t have to euthanize for space,” marketing and events manager Daysi Yeates says.

Above and bottom left: Intake Manager Caitlin

She deCravey cuddles with shelter animals. scribed one recent, harrowing example of the desperate need for Texas Humane Heroes. “A few weeks ago, we had a shelter in Killeen reach out to us to say they were at capacity. If they didn’t get animals rescued, they’d have to euthanize them,” she says. “We dropped everything and went to that shelter and were able to rescue them the next day.” Thankfully, all the animals were saved and many found their forever homes.

HELPING OUT Despite a trying year, Texas Humane Heroes is more devoted than ever to its mission of saving animals from euthanasia or a severe medical condition. “This year, whether it’s a leg amputation, skin issues, or spine injuries—we were able to help them and heal them,” Daysi says. “It’s amazing to see the before and after pictures.”

Before and after pictures show the impact Texas Humane Heroes has on furry friends.

WA N T TO L E N D A H A N D TO T E X A S H U M A N E H E R O E S ? M O N E TA R Y D O N AT I O N S A R E W E LCO M E , A N D YO U C A N A L S O S H O P T H E I R A M A ZO N W I S H L I S T. TO D O N AT E A N D LEARN MORE, VISIT HUMANEHEROES.ORG. 20

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Caring for the Community

by Charlotte Kovalchuk photos by Kendra Cofer

L4 CARES AMBASSADORS REACH OUT

W

ith many wonderful nonprofits out there, Kendra Cofer asked, “Do we need another one?” She got her answer when a pastor reminded his congregation that God commands us to care for the least, the last, the lost, and the lonely. It inspired the name of her Liberty Hill-based nonprofit, L4 Cares.

“Elsa” cheers up a Dell Children’s Medical Center patient as part of L4 Cares’ Operation Superhero program.

A former corporate executive who volunteered endless hours with many nonprofits, Kendra searched for under-served demographics she could reach. “We wanted to focus on the folks who fell through the cracks,” she says. She discovered many people—particularly military, seniors, and people facing a crisis—were not asking for the help they needed.

That’s where L4 Cares ambassadors come in.

COMMUNITY AMBASSADORS L4 Cares’ mission is to train and send out ambassadors to find people who are hurting in silence, ensure they get the help they need, recruit other volunteers, and coordinate fundraising activities. Kendra hopes that community ambassador mentality, along with L4 Cares’ motto, #KindnessIsEasyYall, will encourage people to look beyond themselves and recognize their neighbors’ unspoken needs. “One of our main missions was to encourage everyone to stop what they’re doing, put cell phones down and pay attention to the people around them; their own family, coworkers, or a stranger, to challenge them to look for those unspoken needs,” she says.

L4 Cares has been working to meet those needs since 2017 in Liberty Hill, Georgetown, and Bertram, as well as small, rural areas such as Florence and Andice—“all the little towns that may not get some loving.” That love includes providing basic needs assistance for veterans, CWS Apartment Homes and L4 Cares give Park Place seniors a merry Christmas.

military service members and their families, residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities, as well as people in crisis. Thanks to L4 Cares and their partnerships with local businesses, homeless veterans have found housing, and the veterans hospital in Temple has received needed supplies. Through Operation Enduring Deployment, families with a deployed loved one receive care packages and a welcome home celebration upon the soldier’s return. Operation Not Forgotten focuses on senior citizens, who will often find their days brightened

by Elvis impersonators, Christmas gifts, and help with basic needs like groceries or a light that needs fixing in their home.

Another heartwarming program, Operation Superhero, helps children fighting terminal illnesses at Dell Children’s Medical Center. Superheroes and princesses will visit the hospital to cheer up patients through storytelling, singing, photo ops, and gifts. Even though COVID shut down those hospital visits, L4 Cares continues to uplift kids through video messages and home visits.

GROWING OUTREACH Despite 2020’s bump in the road, Kendra is excited about the future of L4 Cares, ultimately planning to launch other L4 Cares in more cities and become ingrained in communities through partnerships with local churches, businesses, and hospitals.

With big plans come big needs, and L4 Cares can always use more volunteers, increased awareness of the organization, Amazon gift cards for clients, and sponsors to help continue its mission of caring for those in need.

To learn more about L4 Cares, visit L4cares.org.

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w orth the dr ive

Ann Marie Kennon • annmarie@lhtxdigest.com

Enchanted Rock 16710 Ranch Rd. 965, Fredericksburg • $8; children under 12 free • Re-opens Jan 15, daily 6:30am-10pm MUST RESERVE PASSES online, or call customer service 512.389.8900 and COVID-19 guideline updates.

A

rchaeological evidence suggests Enchanted Rock State Natural Area has been fascinating and drawing people to Central Texas for 12,000 years.

Its principal attraction is a pink granite dome, which peaks 1,825 feet above sea level, known as a batholith.

In the modern era, the area was colonized in the 1700s, and has been home to missions, presidios, and mineral mining. Today, the park is a National Natural Landmark and is one of the most visited parks in Texas, with more than 250,000 trekkers annually. It is open to the public daily, with specific guidelines for COVID-19 provided by TX Parks & Wildlife as necessary.

THE BATHOLITH One billion years ago, this granite was part of a large pool of magma (liquid rock), as much as seven miles below the surface. It pushed up into the rock above in places, then cooled and hardened very slowly, becoming granite. Over time, the surface rock and soil eroded, leaving Enchanted Rock, Little Dome, Turkey Peak, and other domes visible.

The domes, a bit like icebergs, are the small and visible part of a much larger underground area of granite. The Enchanted Rock Batholith stretches 62 square miles, mostly underground.

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Although Enchanted Rock appears to be solid and durable, it is actually an exfoliation dome, which means it has layers like an onion, that are changing and eroding—however slowly­—even today.

As rock and soil on the top wear away, the granite expands slightly, because there is less weight on it.

This expansion causes the dome to split into curved sections. As the outer layer of rock breaks into smaller pieces and slides off, the next layer begins to peel away from the dome.

HISTORY Prehistoric people left at least one kind of evidence throughout the park; bedrock mortars­—depressions in the granite—where they ground and pounded their food. There are at least 400 known archaeological sites in the park.

During the 1700s, Spaniards began to colonize the area and mine for minerals. Word from the mines got out and Germans and Americans began arriving in the mid-1800s, hoping to strike it rich.

WHY IT’S ENCHANTED Geologists say temperature changes cause the dome rock to “creak and grown” on occasion. Native Americans believed the sounds were from ghosts. As well, on clear nights, after a rain, the top of the rock

glitters—resembling flickering “ghost fires,” which enhanced legends and stories through the ages. Scientists believe the glittering is reflections from collected water or wet feldspar (crystallized magma).

WHEN YOU GO It is just about a 90-minute drive from Liberty Hill. There are nearly 11 miles of hiking trails, rock climbs, picnic and camping areas. Visitors can also birdwatch and geocache.

From ground level in the park, Enchanted Rock rises 425 feet. The entire dome covers 640 acres and the trip to the top is about like climbing the stairs of a 30- or 40-story building.

Hikers suggest arriving early in the day to avoid large crowds and full sun exposure in the open expanse of the rock on warmer days.

Tent campsites are available for a per-car fee. Some private sites include shade shelters, and all are located near the shower building, with water faucets and restrooms nearby.

Each has an outdoor grill and fire ring, tent pad, and lantern post. For hardier guests, you may bring a pet, hike further in to the historical sites, and spend the night near Moss Lake or Walnut Springs. There are also group historical sites that allow as many as 75 campers per night.

Stargazers are in luck as well. The park has International Dark Sky status and, while visitors are welcome to stay until 10pm daily, Rangers occasionally host Rock Star Parties for expert input (check website for events).

Pets are welcome on a leash and the only activities not permitted in the parks are swimming and trail biking.

There is also a park store that carries gifts, wood, and snacks. Right now, they are experiencing a water shortage; rangers encourage visitors to bring and carry their own drinking water to ensure a good supply.

TPWD.texas.gov/state-parks/ enchanted-rock @GoEnchantedRock

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facts to blo w yo ur m i n d

DEEP THOUGHTS More people have been on the Moon than on the bottom of the deepest point in our deepest ocean.

Cassette tapes had a Side A and Side B... so it makes sense that they evolved into CDs. Forty percent of the people reading this just put a finger in their ear.

There is always a lifeguard at Olympic swimming events.

November 2, 2000 was the last day humans all lived together on planet Earth. Since that day there has always been at least one person on the International Space Station.

If you put your finger in your ear and wiggle it up and down, it sounds like a Pac-Man game.

Maybe plants are really farming us; giving us oxygen until we eventually expire and turn into mulch, which they can consume.

‘Coffee flavored water’ doesn’t sound good but that’s what coffee is. Much like it’s cousin, leaf soup, or ‘tea’.

When you say ‘Forward’ or ‘Back’, your lips move in those directions.

When you call a company to cancel your service and they offer you a big discount to stay, they’re just admitting they were overcharging you.

My car can surf the web, link to my phone, play multiple DVDs, and show me exactly where I am on the planet.

But I still have to pay someone a fortune to tell me why the “Check Engine” light is on.

If you drive north long enough, you will eventually be driving south. If you drive east, you’ll go east forever.

This year, I resolve to start writing 2021 on my checks.

If aliens come to earth, we may have to explain why we made so many movies about fighting and killing them.

People are more likely to agree with a statement written in Baskerville than any other font.

You won’t know if it you meet a genuine ninja. The black uniform comes out of fiction and folklore; real ninjas wear whatever helps them blend in.

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Cars will soon drive themselves and traffic will be controlled through AI. AI realizes cars are more efficient when in slipstream. AI connects cars in a line to minimize drag. We’re back to traveling by train.

I resolve not to throw my alarm clock when it doesn’t work properly. Also... when it does work properly.

belle chimes in

The Upsides of 2020 S

ure, everyone writes their 2020 retrospective columns for January, and, normally, I would make a snark-filled list of things I won’t miss about last year (I’m looking at you, Facebook). But, despite 2020’s attempt to make us pine for the more exciting days of roller disco or Star Wars Episodes 1-3 (because we had to leave the house to enjoy them) there are some things I’m hoping we can enjoy as the norm for just a while longer.

Right off the bat, as an introvert, I no longer have to pretend I’d really like to go somewhere then make up a believable reason that I can’t. I was running out of broken plumbing and looking-for-lost-homework excuses, and it’s just rude to say, “It’s ‘The Good Doctor’ night and my DVR is too full to record it.” As a bonus, I can safely scroll through my social media feeds without a sense of FOMO, because nothing happened, and no one posted about it.

On that note, I’m also enjoying the relative good health of my spine because not leaving the house means not carrying a purse, backpack, or laptop bag, with their accompanying and various collections of “stuff I need for the place I’m going.” All of these include some kind of snack, many of which are just over there in the pantry.

Staying home means I don’t have to decide ahead of time what I might have a craving for…just eat it when the mood strikes. I will, however, stipulate that now I’m carrying the ‘rona-15 at all times, but the only people who know it are in my house, and they’re as big as me.

I am also happy that, in the Venn Diagram of my closet, the intersection of “things I prefer to wear” and “things people haven’t seen me wear in a while” is also, functionally, the union of the two. The other day I was getting dressed and my Darling asked, “Do you want me to bring you the shirt?” and we laughed and laughed… because as any perfect spouse would

do, he doesn’t mind that I’ve been wearing the same sweatshirt for four days. But he’s the only one who knows it. (Until I write it in a magazine, I guess.) Getting meals at a drive-through, and groceries shopped and brought to me; I barely even have to wear shoes any more.

My family has also adapted to Zoom, which is a nice change. No longer do we negotiate who has to buy the “$900 holiday dinner”, because no one was obligated (allowed) to pay for expensive travel to enjoy a single meal together. We spend more time together from four states than we have since we all lived together. Cheaper, and more often. Who knew?

I feel the same about every video meeting I had last year. I do miss seeing people in person, and small group would be more fun as an actual group, but I think I would also love to do the time-equity math on the hours I did not spend shutting down, driving across town, driving home, and getting back into the right thought lane to resume my work tasks.

What I’m getting at is the idea that merely putting up a new calendar didn’t change anything about the 2020 lifestyle. But I am pleased to ponder great things to enjoy in the infinitely-short present, because the future is infinitely long. I stopped looking at these life changes as some kind of countdown to whatever is next because that just caused no end of worry. That, and I still love not going anywhere.

Sure, there are still many, many things that stink about this time, but we have TV news for that, and the whole point of getting my Belle on is to feel better about stuff.

So I’m going to put my hair in a ponytail, put on my most comfortable jeans (which are right where I left them from yesterday), and my favorite sweatshirt, then binge-watch reruns of “The Big Bang Theory” while eating whatever Waiter With Wheels brought me, and be happy that is all anyone expects of me today.

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food

Foods for Winter Wellness CINCINNATI CHILI Sure, no one knows chili like Texans, but if you’re feeling bold enough to try Cincinnati chili, you won’t be disappointed. Plus, any good chili is great winter comfort food; it speeds up your metabolic rate and stimulates circulation—perfect for warming cold hands and feet. For a little added comfort, experts on Cincinnati chili say, if you really want to make it authentic, add an ounce of chocolate.

INGREDIENTS

• 5 bay leaves

• 1 tsp whole allspice

• 1/2 tsp whole cloves

• 2 lb ground beef

• 2 c. chopped onion (2 large)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

• 1/8 tsp ground cardamom

• 2×14-oz. can beef broth or 3-1/2 c. water

• 1×8-oz. can tomato sauce

• 1 tbsp vinegar

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 12 oz. dried spaghetti, cooked/drained • 1 can (15oz.) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained • Optional: shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, oyster crackers

INSTRUCTIONS For spice bag, place bay leaves, allspice and cloves in double-thick, 6-inch square of 100-percent-cotton cheesecloth. Bring up corners; tie closed with clean kitchen string. For meat sauce, in a 4- to 5-quart Dutch oven, cook beef, 2 cups onion and garlic until meat is brown and onion is tender. Drain off fat.

Stir in chili powder, cinnamon, cayenne pepper and cardamom. Cook and stir for 1 minute. Stir in broth, drained beans, tomato sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and salt. Add spice bag. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 45 minutes. Simmer, uncovered, about 15 minutes more or until sauce reaches desired consistency.

Remove spice bag; discard.

To serve, top hot spaghetti with meat sauce. If you like, sprinkle with cheese and additional onion, and serve with oyster crackers. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

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CREAMY WINTER CITRUS TART Citrus is not only packed with bug-chasing Vitamin C, it's also a great pick me up when you're feeling a little low.

CRUST FILLING

• 2 c. activated & dehydrated almonds • 2-1/2 c. soaked cashews

• 1/4 tsp vanilla bean powder

• 1/4 tsp sea salt

• 1/2 can coconut cream

• 3/4 c. coconut nectar

• 1/4 tsp vanilla bean powder

• 1-1/2 c. Fresh Lemon/Lime Juice

• 3/4 c. coconut oil (melted)

• 1 cup coconut flour

• 1 tbsp lemon zest

• 1/4 tsp turmeric

• 3/4 to 1 c. dates (stones removed)

• 1/2 c. coconut water or almond milk (can vary for consistency)

INSTRUCTIONS: CRUST

creamy, slowly add coconut oil.

Line 10-inch tart pan with baking paper. Lightly spray sides with coconut oil.

Remove about 1c. of mixture and place in freezer for topping. Add turmeric to the mixture for a slightly yellow tinge. Pour into tart pan being careful not to over fill.

Blend nuts, then add other dry ingredients. With food processor going, slowly add dates through feeder tube until crust rises rise up the sides of the bowl, it should look dry but stick together when pressed between thumb and forefinger.

Press base into place, it should be sticky but pliable. Cover the base of the pan evenly making sure it sits a little away from the tart creases; i.e., don’t press too tightly or case will break when removed.

FILLING Add ingredients to a blender (not food processor), except coconut oil and turmeric. Blend till smooth and

Place in freezer for two hours minimum or overnight to set the coconut oil. Store in fridge; make sure it has been out of the freezer a few hours prior to serving.

TOPPING Remove topping from freezer and defrost for 2-3 hours.

It should still be firm but can whip slightly with a spoon.

Using piping bag or other icing device, create rosettes around the diameter of the tart, making your way in until it is all covered. Add optional zest to the top.

Photo: RawAmbition.com

HOMEMADE HERBAL TEA Make a small amount first and adjust the ratio of ingredients to your taste. Store leftovers in an airtight container.

If you are using a glass jar, keep away from light.

Blend: (for 2 cups)

To brew, use about one teaspoon per cup of water, steep 5-10 minutes in boiling water.

• 1 teaspoon of honey

MINT AND LAVENDER Lavender may help with relaxation, and help freshen the breath. Together with mint it creates a delicious and potent tea with relaxing, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties.

• 1 spoon of mint • 1/4 spoon of lavender flowers Use about 1 tsp of dry leaves. Bring water to a boil and let it cool for a few minutes. Oversteeped lavender tea may become bitter. You can easily fix this by adding a spoon of honey. Once brewed, you can cool it down and serve with honey and ice as iced tea.

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27

PARTING SHOT

by Charlotte Kovalchuk • charlotte@lhtxdigest.com photo by Kendra Cofer

#KindnessIsEasyYall

John, in front of 600 Degrees with co-workers Joseph Davila and Carey O’Donohue

W

ith winter approaching, the staff at 600 Degrees Pizzeria on the Square in Georgetown began to grow concerned about one of their employees.

John was walking to work every day—a 12-mile round trip. They nominated him to receive a free bike from Liberty Hill’s L4 Cares, a nonprofit that serves the military, seniors, and people facing a crisis in many local communities. See story on page 21.

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L4 Cares founder, Kendra Cofer, said John’s reaction to his gift awesome. “When he jumped on the bike and began riding it in the street, it was like he was a little kid,” she says. “It was really sweet and neat to see his managers put their arms around him and acknowledge how much they appreciate him. It was nice to know he would make it home in a lot less time that day.”

P.O. Box 213, Jarrell. TX, 76537

ECRWSS POSTAL PATRON LIBERTY HILL, TX