Liberty Hill Digest • November 2020

THE GIVING ISSUE 2020

An Inspiring Look At Some of Liberty Hill’s Most Generous

Unique Giving | Compassionate Room Makeovers Live Here, Give Here | Liberty Hill Lions Club Giving Thanks For All That Our Veterans Gave

NOVEMBER 2020

A Season of Giving and Giving Thanks

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CONTENTS

FAVORITES 4

LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES You can, too!

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MEMORIAL BRICKS Casey Cobb’s Veteran Program

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EVENTS 2020 Christmas Festival

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NEW NORMAL Keeping it Safe for the Holidays

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SCOUTS Pumpkinpalooza

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EXPERIENCE LIBERTY HILL History on Display

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WORTH THE DRIVE The Tamale Lady—every day!

FEATURES

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WHAT MAKES TEXAS “TEXAS” Talkin’ Texan

8 UNIQUE GIVING

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FACTS TO BLOW YOUR MIND Hollywood Veterans

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BELLE CHIMES IN The Art of Holiday Conversation

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FOOD Thanksgiving Leftovers

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PARTING SHOT Whistle Stop in Liberty Hill

19 U.S. Navy Corpsman Gilbert Vickers gets a congratulatory thumbs-up from Congressman John Carter after receiving his 2020 Congressional Veteran Commendation.

My Safe Space: A Room Transformation Project

19 VETERAN HONORS

Corpsman Gilbert Vickers Honored in Congress

22 HELPING OUR OWN Liberty Hill Lions Club

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4 BIG BENEFITS FROM LITTLE LIBRARIES

Local free libraries bring communities closer while expanding our minds.

Photo by Dan Grubbs

APPEARING LIVE AT THE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL Save the date for holiday food, fun, and festivities • December 12 N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 0  L I B E R T Y H I L L D I G ES T

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Digest Published by Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC 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.

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.

Currently, she is on the board of the Williamson County Child Advocacy Center and a member of several support organizations.

ANN MARIE KENNON EDITOR’S NOTE

By the time you read this, it is my hope we will all be enjoying election withdrawal and, perhaps, replacing political mindedness with gratitude for Veterans, and looking forward to celebrating a happy holiday season.

With that in mind, we present a Giving Issue, featuring a few wonderful people and organizations you might like to keep in mind as the season of giving and hope approaches. I am always pleased to shine a light on Boy Scouts of America, Lions’ Club, and the Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center. All serve our community by caring about children and families, and each has continued to serve those in need, even while facing the same financial and logistical challenges we’ve all encountered this year.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Charlotte Kovalchuk • Greta Bauer 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@fpgtx.com

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

Copyright © 2020 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@fpgtx.com

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For our focus on Veterans’ Day, I was happy to visit with my beautiful friend, Jeanne Cox, who is as committed to celebrating and honoring our Veterans, with Congressman John Carter, as she is a proud mom of a Navy Corpsman.

She is also hoping to see many visitors at the Rotary Club of Georgetown’s Field of Honor® November 7-15.

Since we’re thinking about the holidays, there is a bit of turkey talk to make you a tiny bit sleepy. As I write this, I’m already thinking about the best way to reach Santa Claus for our December issue. I am looking forward to seeing him, and a lot of other fun things to come at the annual Christmas Festival.

AmericanHomeAndCommercial.com

Talkin' Turkey

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OR... DON’T COOK AT ALL

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Smokey Moe’s 512-515-0668 Smokeymosbbq.com Pickup 8am- 9pm, Sun-Tues Wednesday Nov 25 pickup begins 8am Deadline for all ‑pickups, 6pm

N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 0  L I B E R T Y H I L L D I G ES T

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Little Free Libraries Bring Neighbors Together

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by Charlotte Kovalchuk

n the middle of all the craziness in 2020, the Little Free Library organization celebrated a silver lining­—its 100,000th library, located in Houston. It came at just the right time, as Little Free Libraries all over the world are combating isolation by bringing neighbors closer together with “mini town squares.”

Little Free Library is a nonprofit that inspires a love of reading, builds community, and sparks creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges around the world. A Little Free Library is a “take a book, return a book” free book exchange.

They come in many shapes and sizes, but the most common version is a small wooden box of books. Anyone may take a book or bring a book to share. And they have unique, personal touches, as there is an understanding that real people, who live nearby, are sharing their favorite books with their community.

Liberty Hill has three registered Little Free Libraries: 30 Double File Trace. Neal Younker built the library in 2015, making it the first official Little Free Library in Liberty Hill. His daughter, Stephanie Grubbs, said installing the library was one of the first things they did when they moved from Cedar Park, which she said is full of Little Free Libraries. Operation Liberty Hill, where she volunteers, helps keep the library stocked.

304 Spoleto Drive. This Little Free Library was built to “connect with neighbors in a new development area where everyone is new to the neighborhood. Feel free to stop by to borrow, lend, or add a quote suggestion to inspire others. This library is for readers of all ages.”

201 Santa Fe Trail. Catherine Boyd, a 15-year-old sophomore at Liberty Hill High School, built her Little Free Library for her Girl Scout Silver Award project. A bibliophile herself, she says she built it to inspire other readers and creative thinkers. “The more you read, the more your mind grows,” she says. Her grandfather, a woodworking master, helped her with the project, which Catherine says has become a legacy for them.

The library has also been a good way to bring the community together. “It was a really fun way to connect with my neighborhood and with my Papa. It was a great way for me to really get to know the people around my

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Catherine Boyd built her Little Free Library at 201 Santa Fe Trail for her Girl Scout project.

neighborhood, because without it, I probably wouldn’t know much about anyone,” says Catherine.

BUILD YOUR OWN Now that you’ve been inspired by the movement, you might be asking how you can build one yourself. First, identify a legal and safe location with a lot of foot traffic, and at least one person to be the steward, or caretaker, who will promote the library and make sure it is clean and inviting.

Next, build or purchase your library box at the non-profit website. Then register your new project to access a network of support and benefits, including an official charter number. Those purchased through Little Free Library’s online store are automatically registered and a charter sign is included. Now you’re ready to tell your friends, family, and community you’re open.

Consider a grand opening ceremony to kick off the library in style! Take lots of photos, add your library to the Little Free Libraries’ world map online, and join the private stewards’ Facebook group to share tips and ideas with your fellow stewards.

To learn more, get tips from their blog, and purchase a library, visit LittleFreeLibrary.org.

Remembering Their Sacrifice

Memorial Brick Program Honors Veterans

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

A veteran himself, after retiring from the Navy last year, Casey was hired by the city as emergency management coordinator, but fell into the role of veteran outreach coordinator after asking Mayor Rick Hall if he could take the lead on T H E C I T Y O F L I B E R T Y H I L L I S PAY I N G T R I B U T E preserving the Veteran’s TO I T S V E T E R A N S , B R I C K B Y B R I C K .

Memorial Park. For inclusion in the park, Veterans must have ties to Liberty Hill, such as being a former hrough the city’s Veteran’s Memorial Park Brick student, former resident, or current resident. Proof of Project, anyone can honor Liberty Hill veterans who have service for post-service, honorably discharged veterans is served our country. For a fee, you can have the Veteran’s required. The brick memorialization will typically feature name etched onto a brick, tile, or wall at the Veteran’s the veteran’s branch of service logo along with the name, Memorial Park at 1013 Loop 332. “We want to make sure rank, and years of service. There are also various options veterans in the area are recognized and not forgotten, that allow for customization. and that they have an area they know is dedicated to As the Veteran’s Memorial Brick Project is a year-round their memories,” says Casey Cobb, the city’s veteran program, people can buy a brick, tile, or spot on the wall outreach coordinator. any time throughout the year. However, the city is striving to fill in as many of the still available brick vacancies surrounding the flagpole at the Veteran’s Park in time for the city’s Veteran’s Day ceremony at the park on November 11.

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The program included local USMC David Hardin’s spouse, Holly, singing the National Anthem; speaker Giovanny Magallon, a military service member and former Liberty Hill High School student; a military honor guard parade; and the Liberty Belles performed a tribute dance. After the ceremony, guests moved over to Hell or Highwater for more entertainment.

For more information about the Veteran’s Memorial Park Brick Project, call City Hall at 512-778-5449, visit experiencelhtx.com, or email Casey at ccobb@libertyhilltx.gov.

Casey and his daughter, Maggie, at the 2019 ceremony.

Photo courtesy of Casey Cobb

ARE YOU A LOCAL VETERAN LOOKING TO CONNECT? CASEY HAS STARTED A LIBERTY HILL VETERANS NETWORK FACEBOOK GROUP TO PROVIDE A PLACE FOR VETERANS AND CENTRALIZE VETERAN SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROJECTS. N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 0  L I B E R T Y H I L L D I G ES T

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We are still having Christmas!

While many are celebrating the simple fact that 2020 is nearly over, it’s also time to start the countdown to Christmas. Kids are still getting a break from school, homes and trees will be decorated, stockings will be hung, and the Liberty Hill Christmas Festival is on!

The Festival has been a tradition for many years and, although there are some changes, there will be plenty of wintertime activities, entertainment, and photo ops with Santa Claus.

SLEIGH’N IT The festival begins Saturday, December 12 at 5pm with a one-mile Fun Run on the parade route through Downtown Liberty Hill. The fun continues at 6pm with the parade of floats and many activities in and around the Downtown Area, which will be closed to traffic, to help give the festivities a “block party” feel.

The parade is expected to last about one hour. All events are outside, but organizers expect a great crowd, so spectators are expected to follow standard social distancing guidelines for optimum safety while enjoying the view.

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MYRRH! After the parade, enjoy winter vibes at the artificial skating rink, a field of real snow, and pony rides. There will also be two inflatable slides and a giant snowman.

THE MAN OF THE HOUR You guessed it!... Santa Claus will attend, and he doesn’t want to disappoint anyone who wants a memento. He will be safely seated inside a giant inflatable snow globe for photo opportunities with kids and families.

SAVE THE DATE There is still time to register and design a float for the parade. Visit ExperienceLHTX.com for details on types and requirements. Keep in mind the parade begins at 6pm, so your float should have lights or other illumination to share the full effect with those on the parade route.

Activities are free to the public, and food and drink will be available for purchase at dessert trucks and local restaurants. Visit ExperienceLHTX.com frequently for updates.

If you need a little sustenance to keep you going for the evening, downtown restaurants will be open and serving Christmas-themed menus for all.

After dinner, return to the block party and choose some sweets from dessert trucks serving up cotton candy, funnel cakes, and kettle corn.

At 8:30pm, head to Main Street to hear a live performance by country artists Little Texas. Everyone is encouraged to partake in the free concert and even a little street dancing.

SAVE THE DATE • SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 • 6:00-10:00PM DOWNTOWN LIBERTY HILL • MAIN STREET EXPERIENCELHTX.COM 6

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Photos courtesy Facebook/ExperienceLibertyHillTX

un iqu e giving

Ann Marie Kennon

My Safe Space: A Room Makeover Project IT’S THE SMALL, SIMPLE THINGS THAT COUNT. AND IT TAKES ALL OF US TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. ~FIRST LADY OF TEXAS, CECILIA ABBOTT

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ou may already know the Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) provides many invaluable services to assist and support child victims of abuse and neglect every day.

Their caring and professional staff provide a welcoming, child-friendly, and protected place for victims and their families to share experiences, receive medical assessments, engage with law enforcement, and, ideally, be restored through therapy and counseling. The Center’s mission is to break the cycle of abuse, one child at a time, by working to reduce the emotional trauma for children and their non-offending family members.

While clients receive services that always reflect best practices in the field, it is quite possible that a recent Texas grant program may be the most innovative and compassionate of them all.

COMPASSIONATE TRANSFORMATION I M A G I N E L I V I N G O R G O I N G TO S L E E P EVERY NIGHT IN A CRIME SCENE Nearly every child victim of sexual abuse (90%) knows his or her attacker, which means a great deal of abuse happens in a familiar environment. Having to live in a place that has become a crime scene is a desperate fact of life, and one that might be easily overlooked in light of pressing clinical and judicial needs. While children do need and find healing in counseling, in many cases, they go back to the home or bedroom where the abuse occurred.

Challenges arise because the child’s personal space was violated by the perpetrator of their abuse, or furniture and belongings may have been removed as evidence in the

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criminal investigation. Being in this space again can trigger or renew the emotional response from the original trauma.

But, through unique donations and grants, volunteers are able to provide some children with a truly new start by fully remodeling their bedrooms or other rooms in the home. New colors, furniture, toys, and personalized decór help return a sense that their personal space is an authentically safe haven.

THE IDEA Based on a 2015 Women of Courage grant, My Safe Space: A Room Makeover Project provides funding for CACs statewide to transform spaces in which children impacted by trauma can have greater consistency in the sense that they are moving forward from a bad experience. Funding from these grants is available to all 71 CACs in Texas.

The program is implemented in a variety of ways across the state. The Williamson County CAC is proud to participate as well, and has expanded on the premise to provide support in any capacity that might help further the healing process.

Kerrie Stannell, CEO, of the Williamson County Advocacy Center says the program is developing, and they are particularly sensitive to the need for the entire family to feel safe inside their own home. “The abuse happened to the child, but the trauma happened to the whole family. When we receive funds from the Women of Courage grant we use them accordingly to makeover a bedroom. However, with local partnerships and donations we can expand the help we are able to give.

We can redo a parent’s bedroom, a bathroom, help with a few repairs or assist with siblings’ rooms, whatever it takes to reinstate the victim’s comfort and healing, and help the siblings and protective family members with safety and stability.”

un iq ue g ivin g WHETHER IT’S A LAMP, NEW BEDDING, AN AREA RUG, CURTAIN TREATMENTS, THROW PILLOWS, OR A NEW COLOR OF PAINT, THESE ROOM MAKEOVERS ARE A SIMPLE YET POWERFUL ACT OF CREATING A POSITIVE AND SAFE NEW ENVIRONMENT FOR CHILD VICTIMS.

HOPE, HEALING, AND JUSTICE Kerrie says, while the program is still relatively new, the Center is grateful to receive funding from Women of Courage, which has inspired others in the community to donate. “We are fortunate to have the Round Rock Leadership Class and Renee Fox at Fox Realty partnering with us to help grow the program.

It is our hope that more people in our community will see the benefits of striking up a corporate or business partnership for this program, so we can make changes in more homes. We are always happy to accept small donations from individuals or community groups as well, to enable us to help more children in need.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP The WCCAC is ready to accept financial donations on their website at WilcoCAC.org, and you can arrange to donate household items in person. Director of Community Engagement Tiffany Sturman says donors may ask to direct funds to the program in the Paypal memo field, but if the field proves elusive, you can email her directly to ensure the donation gets into the right account. (tsturman@wilcocactx. org) Blankets and toys, if not used for a room makeover, help make the interview and counseling rooms at the Center more comfortable as well.

Kerrie adds, “This wonderful program is part of the healing. New rooms and spaces allow children and families to feel safe inside their home again. Many suffer through nightmares or the simple fact that they do not want to go to their room again. Having a new space, one that is different than it was before, is a big step to putting the trauma behind them.”

When I helped to paint my room during the makeover, it was as if I were covering all of the bad things that have happened in that room.” ~ My Safe Space recipient N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 0  L I B E R T Y H I L L D I G ES T

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NEW NORMAL

Happ... um, Safe Holidays!

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e have all been having those moments of temptation—asking “should we?”—since Easter, and continuing through every holiday and special celebration.

This month we might be thinking about how to adapt these typically overly-scheduled weeks of thanks, fellowship, and celebrating everything from a good business year to the birth of the Christian Savior. We are in for much enticement to collectively shop, eat, plan, worship, and spend time with the people we have been missing since last Spring.

In a normal year, about 50 million Americans travel more than 50 miles to see family and friends in November and December. Experts believe that number will be down by about half this year, with most of the reduction being in air travel. If Bureau of Transportation Statistics hold true, based on 4th of July and Labor Day trips, the number of 100-500 mile trips will go up, while those covering more than 500 miles will diminish.

you should continue to follow the rules and socialize outdoors when possible.

Quarantine ahead of time. Consider staying home a little (or a lot) more before you go, to minimize exposure or bringing something with you.

Go Virtual. For $15, you can buy yourself a month of unlimited Zoom calls and see your family any time.

DRIVE! If you really want to get out of the house, consider turning the big days into an opportunity for a travel vacation. We still have days off, and travel deals are aplenty right now. There are great destinations where you can relax and not feel like you’re missing out entirely.

IF YOU GO...

Dr. Stephen Morse, an epidemiologist at Columbia University says, “Although the collective risks of holiday travel are large, with caution, the risks for any given individual traveler can be reduced. If you’re unsure, or your loved ones are particularly vulnerable, err on the side of not going.”

Consider visiting off-peak—that is, not right around a holiday, when many others might be traveling too.

Plan a smaller gathering. The fewer people from different households, the better.

It’s not clear that shortening a visit marginally—say, from three days to two or from two weeks to one—will reduce risk in a predictable, linear way.

Get tested. Each family member should be tested before the trip. If the test comes back positive or if you’re feeling sick, bail on the trip.

Stay with your family. For longer visits, if your loved ones have the space, it’s probably safer to stay with them than in a hotel.

Follow the basic guidelines that apply the rest of the year. Even if you’re willing to take on some extra risk to see your loved ones for the holidays, 10

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D r. M o r s e s ays i f yo u c an g et th e re i n a d ay ’s ti me, d r i v i ng i s s a fe r th a n f l yi ng.

To be s a fe, yo u s h o u l d not dr i ve fo r mo re th a n n i n e h our s a d ay, exc l u d i n g bre a k s. Th i s i s a map o f th e pl a ce s yo u c a n reac h i n a d ay ’s d r i v i n g f ro m L i b er t y H i ll, u s i n g h i g hways a n d s tate road s. . .

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SCOUTS

by Ann Marie Kennon

Pumpkinpalooza

Scouts listening intently to the safety guidance on the BB-gun range.

Xander shows off his freshly-cut geode.

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he Smilin’ V Scout Ranch re-opened for Scouting October 24 for the annual Pumpkinpalooza. While COVID concerns called for a more spartan celebration, the mood and energy levels were no less elevated for 50 Scouts and their families.

Program Director Teresa Northcutt says, typically, Pumpkinpalooza draws 800-1,000 Scouts and family members. The event offers a sampling of activities Scouts get to do during normal summer or resident camps. In a typical year, Scout leaders play a Halloween movie in the pavilion while the parents decorate their camping tents. After the movie, the kids Tent-orTreat between activities.

Teresa says, “It is hard for us, not having the ability to do what we love and all the things that inspired us to join and work for the Scouts. But even in this scaled-down version of the event, we are re-energized to continue doing what we do; remembering why we do it. It’s wonderful just to be able to get outside with the kids.”

The 2020 guests still enjoyed about half of the regular activity stations, including glow-in-the-dark screen printing, giant horseshoes, a haunted trail, giant Connect4, skeeball, and everyone’s favorite, the BB-gun ranges.

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Top: Dad vs. Scout in giant Connect4 Bottom: Elephant toothpaste brought a little science to the party.

Ann Marie Kennon photos courtesy of Wes Odell

EXPERIENCE LIBERTY HILL

Wes Odell’s “History” on Display

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eorgetown’s Wes Odell is a well-known and award-winning photographer, and this month you can see his 19th Century West and Cavalry photos at the Stubblefield Visitors Center in Liberty Hill.

Wes specializes in two genres: photojournalism, particularly of local people “doing their thing” such as rodeo, boxing, and folkloric dancing. He also enjoys making monochrome prints of “old-time things and people,” capturing the images before they vanish forever. Along the same lines, he says prefers action photography to freeze moments that will never happen again.

“Mountains and landscapes will look the same a month from now, but a well-landed punch in a boxing match is a thing to behold.”

His Liberty Hill exhibit features the U.S. Army’s Horse Cavalry Detachment at Fort Hood, and Western Re-enactors, including the Trader from the Mountain Man Rendezvous at Fort Bridger, Wyoming; the Town Marshall, and the Gunslinger.

Wes says each of these show the action just as it happened in the late 19th Century. “Half the exhibit is dedicated to showing the people who were contemporaries of the Cavalry—the ones who lived in Texas and the West during the 19th Century, when the Cavalry was protecting Westward migration and settlements.”

The Liberty Hill exhibit is open Monday-Friday 9am-4pm You can meet the artist at a reception November 21st from 6:30-8:30pm.

Photos, greeting cards and magnets are available for purchase.

The other half of the collection is titled ‘Gone Are the People.’ Most are in Black and White and some reflect the early photographic techniques the industry now calls ‘antique.’”

Wes says he has a personal affinity for the 19th century and loves the Old West. “Photography has been in my family since 1892, and I had my own wet darkroom when I was 12. At 86 years old, I have known many people in my life who were alive in the 1800s, and I have always been fascinated with the life and lifestyle reflected in those times.”

In addition to sharing his work in shows and galleries, he judges photography contests across the state, and also teaches other photographers the fine art of film photography.

Next up in his hobby plan is to resurrect some of his old cameras and reworking photos from negatives. “There’s just something about seeing the photo appear when it comes out of the water.”

S E E W E S’ W O R K S AT T H E S T U B B L E F I E L D C E N T E R 1000 LO O P 332 • L I B E R T Y H I L L

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worth the drive

Ann Marie Kennon

No More Waiting For “The Tamale Lady”!

205 SONTERRA BLVD, JARRELL (INSIDE FAMILY FOOD MART) • 972-971-7216 JARRELLKITCHEN • OPEN TUESDAY-SUNDAY 8AM-8PM • TAMALES FROM $12/DOZEN

For all those times you couldn’t wait for the spontaneous visit from “the tamale lady” at your office, home, or community meeting, to deliver her hand-made bits of heaven, you should know you can enjoy authentic tamale taste any time you get a craving.

Located inside the Family Food Mart in Sonterra in Jarrell, Aurora’s Family Kitchen is true to its name; run by the family of tamalera (tamale maker) Aurora Cedillo.

She and her husband, son, and daughters have been serving up Grandmother Aurora’s corn tamales to the public since 2019. In addition to tamales, they serve a full menu of Mexican favorites and are happy to take orders for catering and pickup.

No matter where you live, you can stop in for the nearly infinite combinations of beef, chicken, sweet corn, fruit, cinnamon...whatever you like, in these special treats. Son Albert says you can even request off-menu combinations, or bring your ingredients (venison, anyone?) and they will work up a custom creation. Some items may add a bit to the cost—brisket is popular—but starting at just $12/dozen, your favorites are worth a try.

But, best to do it soon. Aurora’s is already seeing an uptick in holiday party orders, ready to pick up for catered events, or freeze for yourself for up to six months.

HOLIDAY FARE? Perhaps you haven’t lived among Texans or Hispanics long enough to know, for holiday meals, tamales are right up there with turkey and gravy.

A few millennia ago, many peoples in what we now call Central America enjoyed plantain-leaf- or corn-huskwrapped packets of goodness, and passed their customs down through the generations. Tamales are a lot of work and preparation, so it was common for groups to make a big supply for traditional celebrations and contemporary holidays.

Fast forward a few thousand years, when Mexican families began adopting the culture brought over by Europeans. Eventually, Christmas became part of the holiday calendar, and the annual tamaladas (tamale making parties) became part of that holiday as well. Today, the tradition continues as Hispanic families gather in kitchens and share goodies among family and friends far and wide.

PLAN YOUR HOLIDAY NOW Albert explains, “Tamales are not technically seasonal, but we know a lot of our customers have a tamale lady they only see once a year, mostly around the holidays.

My mother has been cooking all her life and has put a lot of finesse into my grandmother’s recipe. She started out delivering to family and friends, and was very successful just by word of mouth. We opened this kitchen to be able to work together as a family, and keep the quality of our product at a premium for customers old and new.”

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Albert recommends tamales for their variety and resiliency. “These are hand-made, and you can eat them in so many ways, with many toppings. We are ready to cook and custom-make; right now we have one order for 42 dozen, so don’t be afraid to ask for a lot.”

WHAT MAKES TEXAS “TEXAS”?

Talkin’ Texan

part 5

Ann Marie Kennon

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exas is big enough to be its own country. In fact, our land area is larger than 155 whole countries. So, is it any wonder we have our own culture, several sub-cultures, and in the case of this month’s feature... our own language?

While diversity is more of a thing these days, and some of these Texas-isms are more stereotype, or antiquated, than standard, they are still a part of Texas style.

You may not run across any pardners gittin’ along their little dogies any more, but if you really want to feel Texan, there’s just some things y’all ought’a know how to say properly, or at least translate.

First and foremost, a visitor or new Texan must understand the finer points of addressing others. A single person may be addressed as Hoss, or Darlin’. However, be they from Bexar (BAY-er), Boerne (BURN-ee), or Manor (MAY-ner), y’all (proper contraction of you all) is used when addressing more than one person.

It’s also more polite than calling a mixed group “you guys.” Naturally, if the group gets large enough, you must emphasize the quantity with an All Y’all. Of course, y’all’d’ve known that if you were born here.

It is also reasonable, when you are formally introduced to someone you are somewhat acquainted with, to say, “We howdied, but we ain’t shook.” Perhaps you ain’t met this person before because they live yonder, so far out in the country, the sun sets between their house and town.

what makes texas “texas” If your new friend is a particularly boastful type, you may consider him all hat and no cattle. If he’s not the intellectual type, perhaps he couldn’t pour [urine] out of a boot with a hole in the toe and directions on the heel.

Since daylight’s burnin’ (wasting time), you reckon you’d like to get to know him right quick (immediately), before you are near about past going (too tired), so you explain you are fixin’tuh (about to) get some lunch and you have a hankerin’ (craving) for barbecue. It is also important to explain that fixins’ are also what you eat with your barbecue (white bread, sliced white onions, dill pickle slices, sauce, and sometimes cheddar cheese squares on the side).

So you say, “Jeetjet?...No?... then les’queat.” He may respond that he might could (has an affinity to) enjoy some barbecue himself, and will ask what kinda coke (all soft drinks) you want with your meal, particularly if it’s summer and you’d have to set yourself on fire to cool off.

If you’re lucky, he’s got more than he can say grace over (wealthy) so he can pick up the tab. If you like and enjoy the barbecue, then it was good as all git-out (the extreme case) and you can plan to meet again sometime to paint the town and the front porch (celebrate then come home to relax and talk about it). So, you ask “Y’aunt’to?”

GEN’L PURPOSE

ADVICE FOR LIVING HERE Don’t dig up more snakes than you can kill.

If you cut your own firewood, it warms you twice.

Don’t cut your foot. (Watch out for cow pies.)

Can’t dance, never could sing, and it’s too wet to plow.

(Might as well do it.)

Don’t go out in a toad choker / frog strangler. In other parts of the country, it rains cats and dogs. ‘Roun’ here, rivers flood with little warning, so a big rain is cause for caution.

Always show loyalty with at least a Lord willin’, and the creek don’t rise, (I’ll do my best) and its more serious cousin, Come hell, or high water (no matter what).

BETTER’N YOU FAST: He can blow out the lamp and jump into bed before it gets dark.

HAPPY: If I felt any better, I’d drop my harp plumb through the cloud.

LUCKY: He’s riding a gravy train with biscuit wheels.

TIRED: One wheel down and the axle dragging.

HOT: Hens are laying hard-boiled eggs.

BIG: When do we get to the ranch?

Get there?... we’ve been on it for two hours.

It is helpful to drop the -Gs at the end of your verbs if you don’t want to sound city-fied. To make up for it, be sure to add the -Ns in your descriptive clauses so a Texan won’t be thinkin’ you’re dumber’n a box a’hammers.

Like many Southerners, Texans are big on blessing your heart. But, it is wise to consider the context, as the friendly phrase can mean anything from “Thank you,” to “Aww, your life really stinks” or “You’re a moron.” It is also worth noting, if a sentence starts with “Bless her heart, but...” the rest may be wildly insulting; “...she makes a hornet look cuddly.”

Other examples of Lone Star speak are evident in the pronunciation of words. You can tell a Texan by the way they emphasize the first syllable in words like CE-ment, PO-lice, and DIS-play.

Also helpful, for nearly every situation, is the universal You Good(?). Translated, this means: Are you okay? You are okay. How have you been? You’re welcome. No need to apologize. Need some money? Did you get enough?

I’m very impressed with what you just did.

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N O V E M B E R 2020 ï‚« LIBER T Y HILL D IGES T

PEOPLE

by Ann Marie Kennon

Honors for the “Indestructible Texan”

O

n October 10th, Rep. John R. Carter (TX-31) hosted the 6th Annual Congressional Veterans Commendation ceremony, where he formally honored distinguished veterans of District 31 for their wartime sacrifices and peacetime community involvement. The CVC program is nomination-based; designed to recognize veterans within the 31st District of Texas and preserve their stories for future generations of America.

“The CVC program is a great way to honor the brave men and women across our community for their faithful service to protect our great Nation and their continued service to their community,” said Rep. Carter.

Among the awardees was Liberty Hill’s own Gilbert Vickers, a proud Navy Corpsman and Vietnam Veteran.

The Congressman said, “This is one of the great things I get to do. To honor these fantastic veterans for all they’ve done for our country is a duty I take great pleasure in. They have done great things, as well as all the little things that matter in life, without asking for recognition for it.”

MEET GILBERT VICKERS Corpsman Gilbert Vickers, 77, has lived in Liberty Hill all his life. He was one of six children, and the only one of his brothers to serve in the military. Prior to his service, he played football for Liberty Hill High School and married his high school sweetheart, Cleo. They’ve been happily wed for 58 years, and all five of their children attended Liberty Hill High School as well. u Above: Gilbert holds the 1967 Tennessee newspaper article. • Left: Dan Garza, Brigadier General Ronald R. Ragin, Corpsman Gilbert Vickers, Congressman John Carter, Jeanne Cox N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 0  L I B E R T Y H I L L D I G ES T

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With no helmet and ragged clothing; wounds in both legs, a hip, and on his head, he dragged himself into a ditch to evade 50 enemy soldiers coming toward him, and waited. “I did some hellacious praying in that ditch.”

When he looked up, there were three enemy combatants standing over him, jabbing guns into his neck and taunting him. Before they could take turns trying to kill him, he heard another rocket swish, which killed all three soldiers, blew his pants off, and sent him further down the hill. A third rocket sent him tumbling down again, until he found himself crawling toward a muddy, leech-filled river­—with body parts intact beneath damaged body armor.

He pulled himself, branch by branch, through the water until the battle sounds subsided and he felt it was safe to emerge. Then he passed out.

THE RIGHT STUFF When his draft card came up, a football injury kept Gilbert from his first choice, the Marine Corps, so he joined the U.S. Navy. “The Navy furnishes all the medical personnel to the Marines, so I was at least able to deploy with them to Vietnam, and I later went through a few Corps schools.” He laughs and adds, “Of course it was really all because I got filthy rich. When I first joined up I was making 17¢ an hour.”

His favorite story about his service? “I will tell any story someone wants to hear, but my favorite is the one where I was able to come back home to my son and wife after Vietnam.”

“INDESTRUCTIBLE TEXAN” War correspondent Dan Tate called Gilbert “indestructible” after a series of events, Gilbert says, taught him to not volunteer.

When he was 25, he volunteered to drop into an active firefight in response to a desperate call for help for wounded Marines on the ground. His pilot put him in the wrong place and, nearly immediately, he was blown down a hill by a ‘friendly’ rocket.

Photos courtesy of Gilbert Vickers

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When he awoke, five Vietnamese boys were carrying him, and laid him on a railroad track to dry.

He gathered his strength, made his way to a highway and flagged down a bus. Bloody, and wearing not much more than muddy boots, he found his way back to safety, and realized he wanted nothing more than to see his wife and son again.

Not surprisingly, he also earned a recommendation for the Silver Star for his actions that day.

Gilbert’s fashioned his Purple Heart into a belt buckle.

He has never worn it, but is very proud to have his grandkids take it to school.

LIFE IN LIBERTY HILL After his service, he taught first aid for the Red Cross and local fire department, and began studying for a sports medicine certificate. “The medical community had just started their ‘more than a nurse, but less than a doctor’ programs, which we now know as Physician Assistant positions.” More schooling would be required, but with four kids in college, he taught himself how to operate heavy equipment and had a long and successful career in construction.

In between, he coached football, baseball, basketball, and made good use of his sports medicine certification as a volunteer athletic trainer at Liberty Hill High School from 1972-1993.

About his award, Gilbert says, “It felt great to speak with the Congressman.

I was proud and honored to be recognized but, at the same time, quite humble.”

Humble is the correct word. He protested when I suggested we call this a story about a local hero. “I don’t feel like a hero. We just did the job and what we knew to be right.”

Sounds about right to me. Thank you, Gilbert, for your service.

U.S. Navy Corpsman GILBERT VICKERS, after defending our nation, continues to dutifully serve his beloved community of Williamson County.

As an exemplary corpsman and outstanding citizen, it is my honor to award him with the Congressional Veteran Commendation.

Throughout his years of military service, Corpsman Vickers played a vital role in numerous assignments, including beginning as a Corpsman in the Navy, then as operating room technician, then a field medical corpsman for the Marine Corps.

In September 1967, he was deployed to Vietnam with the First Marine Air Wing, and treated numerous combat injuries. This fearless support of our country’s interests abroad, served as a clear testament of his dedication to our great nation, and to his commitment to serving others, regardless of their nationality or origins.

Corpsman Vickers accumulated many different honors along the way, including the Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal, ten Air Medals, and National Defense Medal.

His service did not end with his military career as it came to a close. As chaplain of VFW post 10427, and member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Texas Capital Chapter 1919, Corpsman Vickers remains a valued part of the Central Texas military family.

Over the years he has coached nearly every sport there is, and remains committed to ensuring young people mature into leaders of tomorrow. Committed citizens like him make the region a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

I commend Corpsman Vickers’ selfless service to his community and his nation. His patriotism, citizenship, and commitment to excellence reflect the very best of Central Texas. I join his friends and family in celebrating his outstanding achievements and thank him for his service.

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SERVICE

by Ann Marie Kennon photos courtesy of Seth Herbeck / Facebook

A Club Like No Other THE LIBERTY HILL LIONS WANT YOU!

W

e have all heard the expression, “Live Here, Give Here.” For nearly 30 years, the Liberty Hill Lions Club has been doing just that; supporting many great causes, helping organizations and individuals, and enriching lives in Liberty Hill and surrounding communities.

The club’s simple mission, and the mission of Lions International is simply, “We serve.” Since 1917, Lions clubs, which now number nearly 48,000, with 1.4 million members in 200 countries and geographical areas, have been meeting ever-increasing needs of the global community.

MEET THE PRESIDENT Seth Herbeck (photo right) is a perfect embodiment of that mission. As a small business owner, he joined the club to commit time and talent to helping the local community. After only three months as a member, his energy and enthusiasm for the people the club serves and the projects they promote got him elected President.

“I had heard of Lions in a general sense,” Seth says. “Like Elks Lodges and the like. But when I learned about the mission, and the great causes they promote, I was blown away by what a great organization it truly is. I had to ask myself why everyone doesn’t do this.”

WHAT LIONS DO While each Lions club has its own service focus, there are five global causes of particular interest; diabetes, vision, hunger, environment, and childhood cancer. Each was voted on by members and is supported by the association and foundation.

Seth says the origins of the Lions Club focus on vision and eye health go back more than 100 years, when chapters in the mid-west began collecting glasses for children who were struggling to read. “Glasses donations are still a large part

of our mission. We collect previously worn pairs that are recycled and distributed internationally, typically to 3rd world countries. There are several drop locations in Liberty Hill. We also work with the schools to provide new eye glasses to grade school children whose families are unable to afford them.”

For other causes, the Club raises money via a few signature events. They partner with the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation for the Rip Roarin’ Ride cycling trip in the Fall, and the route takes riders from downtown through the Hill Country.

Unfortunately, they had to postpone the 2020 event; Seth hopes to reschedule in Spring 2021.

Flags Over Liberty Hill offers residents and businesses the opportunity to have flags delivered for all patriotic annual holidays; Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, etc. Seth explains; “For a fee, owners don’t have to do anything; we deliver and do the setup. I think the view across the city adds so much to those special days.”

DROP YOUR “PREVIOUSLY WORN” GLASSES AT THE LIBERTY HILL LIBRARY • 355 TX-332 LOOP OR LIBERTY HILL EYE ASSOCIATES • LIVE OAK PLAZA 14370 TX-29 22

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Past District Governor and Zone Chair Frank Kinald speaks at the September meeting.

(Facebook)

If you’re hungry, keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates. He is eager for the city to cut the ribbon on the new community center so they can announce the next quarterly, and very popular Fish Fry. “I am restless for us to get back to normal operations and have more community fundraisers. When the time comes, we will be hitting social media and getting the word out.”

In the summer, members donate their time and treasure to the Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville. For six weeks, volunteers and specialists host childen with special needs and physical challenges, to help them recognize the abilities they have. “Every week we have different mix of young people, and we love showing them they can be active and productive members of the community. It’s all about the focus on them and having a good time while strengthening their confidence.”

while we’re part of an international vision, we have a wonderfully big impact at the local level. For just one hour a month, it is great to be able to give back to such noble and positive causes.”

THE LIBERTY HILL LIONS CLUB MEETS 3RD THURSDAYS AT 6PM AT LIONS FOUNDATION PARK, LOOP 332.

TALK TO A LIONS CLUB MEMBER OR EMAIL LARRY NICHOLSON LARRYNICK1943@GMAIL.COM FOR AN INVITATION TO APPLY.

They also raise funds and award several $1,000 scholarships to Liberty Hill seniors every year; and, at holiday time, the club adopts a local family in need and helps them craft a Christmas celebration.

“Depending on their need, we work to provide help with bills and extra money for gifts and a holiday feast.”

BE A LION The Club is open to everyone in the community over 18 years of age.

Seth says, “We are not linked to any particular social philosophy, other than serving others.

That’s what makes Lions Club so special; it’s just people. We see a need in the community, then jump in and help.”

The club meets every 3rd Thursday at Lions Foundation Park, and meetings have the reputation of being efficient and quite social. Seth says 2020 has re-energized them to grow membership. “We are looking to have some new blood and great energy when things open up again. The great thing is that N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 0  L I B E R T Y H I L L D I G ES T

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facts to blo w yo ur mi n d

HOLLYWOOD VETERANS Canada’s James “Scotty” Doohan stormed the Beach at Normandy.

He led his troop up mine-strewn Juno Beach as part of the Allied Forces’ D-Day invasion. He was shot six times, and saved from a fatal bullet by his cigarette case. Star Trek, directors did the best they could to avoid showing a missing middle finger on screen.

Also on the beaches on D-Day... Yogi Berra, Alec Guinness, and author J.D. Salinger, who was carrying the first six chapters of Catcher in the Rye in his pocket at the time.

Christopher Lee was aptly cast as Dracula, Saruman, and Count Dooku. As a former member of the British SAS, he not only accurately explained to Peter Jackson how a person react to a knife wound, his training was handy as he participated in more onscreen sword fights than any other actor in movie history.

Bob “Happy Trees” Ross served in the United States Air Force for 20 years. As Master Sergeant, it was his job to be “the guy who screams.” At retirement, he promised himself he would never scream again.

Clark Gable flew combat missions in WWII Europe. For his service, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal.

During WWII, Jimmy Stewart flew 20 combat missions over Germany, bombing targets in Bremen, Frankfurt, and Berlin and earning numerous military honors. In 1959, Stewart was promoted to Brigadier General.

Charles Bronson received the highest-casualty assignment on a WWII bomber—tail gunner. He survived 25 missions in the “airman’s coffin” and was awarded a Purple Heart after the end of the war.

Steve McQueen was promoted and demoted by the USMC many times, but appreciated the discipline it taught him. A training ship loaded with tanks hit a sandbank, which sent tanks and crews into the water. McQueen jumped in and saved the lives of five men. He was later assigned to the Honor Guard protecting Harry S Truman’s yacht.

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belle chimes in

The Art of Holiday Conversation Thanksgiving is a wonderful time. I spend $100 on fancy groceries, plan an elaborate menu of Norman Rockwellian delights, wake up at 5am to prepare and send smells wafting through the house like hugs from longago relatives. Arrange mini pumpkins on the ne’er-used dining room table at place settings right out of Downton Abbey. All this so my precious offspring can sit down to the feast and say, “Can I have noodle-lines, please?”

(That’s his word for Ramen.)

Fortunately, I have other family members I invite as much for material as for their company. I always enjoy telling and re-telling some of my little brother’s antics that would make the Mayhem guy laugh hard enough to ugly-cry.

So, if you have mixed relationships in your family... like republicans and democrats, or things that really matter like Picard vs. Kirk—and you’re wondering how to get through the dinner, there are always a few safe topics we humans have in common. After all, you do have to wrap it up and get to Walmart by 3am.

Cousin Donna... do you ever pull out your phone to see what time it is, then after scrolling through your Facebook feed and texts, look at a clock to see what time it is?

Adam, ever catch yourself saying, “Yeah, I know!” when you have no idea what the person said, but you’re too embarrassed to admit you didn’t hear it twice already?

Dad, do you make a mental note of the last car in the drive-through line when you walk into the restaurant so you can be sure you won at getting your food faster?

Yes, I still tell the sales lady I’d like to try on the dress after looking at the price tag and there’s no way in the world I can afford it, but don’t want her to know that.

Andrew, do you still count the grocery bags you can hang on your arm to see if you can do it all in one trip?

Do any of you tell the doctor the absolute truth about how many alcoholic drinks you have per month? Or how much exercise you do?

No, I never tell the truth about flossing either.

Paige, how many times have you tripped over your own feet and decided to jog a little bit to cover it up?

Okay, Amy, how many times have you taken the box or the bag out of the trashcan because you already forgot the directions on how to prepare the food that was in it?

Those should get you through the main course at least.

Still, if things get quiet and you begin to worry if they’re having a good time, stir the pot a little with, “Hey, why didn’t you bring [name of person you just broke up with]?”

If all else fails, never forget the nuclear option; an-

nounce loudly, “I’m so glad [blank] [won/lost] the election. That guy will do a [great/terrible] job!” That one has been flaming dinner tables since 1789.

You may be late to Walmart after that, but you’re going to have all kinds of new stories to tell when your in-laws come for Christmas.

I like to notice the car in front of me when I change lanes in traffic to make sure I stay ahead because I made the right choice.

Aunt Fluffy... don’t you say, “Moo” (even in your head) every time you pass a field full of cows?

Uncle Buck, did you ever decide what to say if you run into Matthew McConaughey at Whataburger?

Aunt Beverly, ever use the condensation on your cup to wash the sticky off your fingers?

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What to do with Thanksgiving leftovers THANKSGIVING RING INGREDIENTS

• 1 (8-oz.) tube crescent rolls There are two kinds of

• 1 c. leftover mashed potatoes

people at Thanksgiving.

• 1 c. leftover stuffing

The first group enjoys a

• 1-1/2 c. shredded leftover turkey

big dinner and looks

• 1 c. leftover cranberry sauce

forward to having three

• 1 tbsp. melted butter

days to recover.

• 1 tbsp. garlic powder • Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

The other group grabs a

Pss have t! They do to can be lef n’t actu tove ally nos h main on th rs... you mea is as a l too !

• Leftover gravy, warmed, for dipping

turkey sandwich and runs out the door to earlyearly-Black-Friday-on-

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 375°.

Thursday sales.

Unroll crescent rolls, separating each triangle.

What they have

Arrange on baking sheet in a sunburst pattern, with pointy ends of triangles facing outward and bases of triangles overlapping.

in common is an appreciation of the best leftovers of the year. How much do we all love having wholesome and good food just waiting to be heated up quickly...

Spread mashed potatoes over triangle bases, forming a ring. Top with stuffing, turkey, and cranberry sauce. Fold triangle tips over filling (there will be gaps where ingredients peek out between triangles).

Brush crescent dough with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.

Bake until golden, 15 to 20 minutes.

Garnish with parsley and serve with gravy for dipping.

for days!

Here’s hoping you have plenty of good leftovers and can take advantage of these recipes to turn leftovers into “Bestovers”.

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fo o d FRIENDSGIVING NACHOS First heard in 2004, and growing exponentially since 2013, Emily Post suggests having Friendsgiving gatherings the weekend before Thanksgiving. If you have a group of friends who are away from home, splitting up to see family, or just looking at each other saying, “Well, I’m gonna be here... what about you?” nothing says you can’t have a Thanksgiving season, with many fine meals. Plus, never let it be said that our millennial generation doesn’t know how to invent something and immediately make it “cool” with a hashtag or two.

INGREDIENTS • 1 bag ridged/wavy potato chips • 1 c. Gouda • 1 c. cooked, shredded turkey • 1-1/2 c. leftover stuffing • 1 can cranberry sauce • 1/2 c. turkey gravy

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 375°.

As it heats, spread potato chips on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Top with half of the cheese, turkey, and stuffing. Top with more chips and remaining cheese, turkey and stuffing. Bake until the cheese has melted, 8 to 10 minutes.

Top with dollops of cranberry sauce and garnish with a drizzle of turkey gravy.

LEFTOVER APPLE PIE MILKSHAKE INGREDIENTS • 1 slice leftover apple pie, plus more for garnish • 3 scoops vanilla ice cream • 1/2 c. milk • whipped cream, for garnish • caramel sauce, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

In blender, blend apple pie, ice cream, and milk until smooth. (Add more milk for thinner consistency.)

Pour into milkshake glass and garnish with whipped cream, caramel sauce, and apple pie crumbles.

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PARTING SHOTS

WHISTLE STOP VISIT IN LIBERTY HILL United States Senator John Cornyn made a scheduled visit to Liberty Hill November 1 as part of his 21-stop Texas bus tour. Nearly 300 local supporters enjoyed ideal Fall weather and even more ideal pies and refreshments from Dahlia’s. Guests also had a chance to meet and visit with more than a dozen county and state elected officials, including Congressman John Carter, County Judge Bill Gravell, and Texas Senator Charles Schwertner.

The Senator spent five days touring the state, encouraging voters and talking about the economy ahead of Election Day. The Senator even stayed over his allotted time to ensure he was able to speak and take photos with supporters, and he was happy to take one of Dahlia’s chocolate pecan pies for the road.

Immediately after his departure, he sent a text to Judge Gravell and said Liberty Hill was his “best event yet.”

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