Liberty Hill Digest • March 2023

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Liberty Hill

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 fulfillment 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.

SENIOR WRITERS / COPY EDITORS

Ann Marie Kennon

Charlotte Kovalchuk

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Linda A. Thornton

Emily Tilly

GRAPHICS & DESIGN

Sandra Evans

Zion Eaton

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Christina Tucker

Christianna Bettis

IT/WEBMASTER • Jesse Payne

CONSULTANT • W. Ben Daniel

FROM THE EDITORS

Dear Readers,

As we enjoy the sights and smells of spring in the air and one of the handful of truly delightful Texas weather months, we start to think of the many ways things come alive in the warm weather. So, it's time to revamp our routines and embrace any fresh starts you may have been thinking about during the winter months.

For starters, it’s spring break for many of us and this issue includes a great collection of popular spots and hidden gems for family fun and entertainment while the kids are home. And for those who want to get a jump on summer, Leander Parks and Recreation is offering a variety of camps from sports to legos to cooking and most things in between. We encourage Liberty Hill kiddos and parents to check out this month's cover feature and plan to learn a fun new skill this summer.

While we’re focusing on kids, our thoughts turn to education and a brilliantly inspired museum of local history at Santa Rita Elementary thanks to a fifth grader who saw an opportunity to beautify his school. Plus, we know education knows no age so we hope you will consider enrolling in the next or a future Liberty Hill University course, which is featured in our Parting Shot.

We’ve also decided to be early adopters of the latest in charcuterie boards (spoiler alert: It involves butter!) so don’t wait another month to find a way to spread the love, maybe on St. Patrick’s Day, or your first spring brunch. Creativity and amazing new flavor mixes await!

As always, we hope this month's issue inspires you to make positive changes in your life and try something new like hydroponic gardening for exercise, nutrition, and self-reliance. Whether it's picking up a new hobby or simply taking some time to relax and recharge, we hope you find something that brilliantly inspires you too.

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by Charlotte Kovalchuk

Leander Summer Camps Offer Fun, Education Activity Center Provides Programs All Year Round

Leander Parks and Recreation has a unique array of summer camps for kids that will engage and inspire their creativity from the kitchen to the art studio to the science lab. “What we’re offering is more than your typical day camp—drop off, watch movies, and play games,” Recreation Supervisor Blake Reynolds says, adding that the department’s goal is to offer camps with educational opportunities. “We wanted to set ourselves apart from other cities in terms of what we’re offering. We are also being purposeful about providing experienced instructors who will help kids along even through the summer. It’s all about unique experiences for the kids to learn and not just feel like they’re at the babysitter’s.”

Camp sessions, scheduled June through early August, with full and half day options available, are open to Liberty Hill residents.

COMMUNITY HUB

More than just a summer youth camp venue, the Leander Activity Center is a year-round hub for events, meetings, and programs for all ages. “It’s a multi-generational space,” Blake says. The center also serves as a turning point for Leander as the Parks and Recreation department has plans to build a center of its own in the near future.

Since opening in April 2022, the activity center has hosted myriad programs and gatherings, including Chamber of Commerce events and city department meetings. Coming soon, the center will play host to a kite festival, historical house tours, and a spring Eggstravaganza. Blake says, “It’s more than just camps, fitness, and arts & crafts. We have other programs and events throughout the year—it’s a citywide space for numerous things for all ages and other departments.”

summer camps

Play-Well Teknologies

Participants dive into a massive collection of LEGO® parts to build and create elaborate objects, structures, and vehicles. Each session is themed to keep the fun and creativity flowing.

Ages 5 – 11 • $195 / week

June 5 – August 4

Kinderdance

Campers come together for guided dance, tumbling, story time, and crafts.

Ages 3 ½ – 7 • $110 / week

June 5 – August 4

Camp Curiosity

Each camp day is an immersive, hands-on approach to art and science. Art projects include drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture while science projects allow participants to learn about the world around them.

Ages 7 – 12 • $350 / week

June 12 – July 28

Sticky Fingers Cooking

For aspiring bakers who love to get their hands sticky in the kitchen. Learn the basics of scratch baking from pies and scones to calzones. Young chefs will enjoy creating sweet and savory baked goods.

Ages 6 – 12 • $285 / week

June 5 – July 21

Snapology

Snapology of Leander is a kids enrichment program that focuses on science, technology, engineering, art, math, and literacy concepts. Instructors adapt a mix of techniques and tools for each student’s needs.

Ages 4 – 14 • $260 half day or $375 full day, per week

June 5 – August 11

Amazing Athletes

At Amazing Athletes, we empower children by using sports as a catalyst to engage their inner strengths and abilities so they can confidently pursue an active lifestyle through each stage of development.

Ages 4 – 6 • $140 / week

June 12 – July 13

Mason Homestead, 1101 S Bagdad Rd, Leander

Nerdy Cooks

Nerdy Cooks is a food science program on a mission to foster a safe space for children to create and explore with handson projects while playing with their food. Children will engage in interactive experiments and activities, develop their curiosity by thinking outside the box, and ignite their passion for discovery and creativity in our test kitchen.

Ages 6 – 14 • $315 / week

June 5 – August 11

Baseball

Led by the Leander High School Varsity coach, this camp will focus on general baseball defensive skills and drills. Campers will learn throwing mechanics, ground balls, and fly balls.

Ages 7 – 12 • $55 / week

June 12 – June 21

Benbrook Ranch Park, 1100 Halsey Dr, Leander

Softball

Led by the Leander High School Varsity coach, this camp will focus on general baseball defensive skills and drills. Campers will learn throwing mechanics, ground balls, and fly balls.

Ages 6 – 11 • $55 / week

July 10 – August 3

Benbrook Ranch Park, 1100 Halsey Dr, Leander

Soccer

Camp is led by the FC Leander staff, and kids will learn soccer from one of Brazil’s favorite coaches and receive a camp shirt.

Ages 6 – 12 • $125 / week

June 5 – August 4

Bledsoe Park–601 S Bagdad Rd, Leander

Camps take place at the Leander Activity Center, 11880 Hero Way West, unless otherwise noted.

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by Charlotte Kovalchuk

Shaping Liberty Hill’s Future

As Liberty Hill continues to grow and develop, its Economic Development Corporation (EDC) plays an essential role in shaping the town’s future. With Mary Poché now at the helm, the community can look forward to a bright future filled with new economic development opportunities and ongoing growth.

Mary was appointed EDC director in January with direction and support from the EDC Board and City Council “to support existing business and industry in terms of their desired growth and potential and to recruit new business and industry to Liberty Hill. To have a balanced community there needs to be places for people to work, live, shop, and recreate. This balance provides for an expanded tax base that allows for further infrastructure and services that continue to support growth.

“I am honored to have been appointed as the EDC director for Liberty Hill. I am excited to work with local businesses and community leaders to support the growth and development of this vibrant town. Together, we can build a bright future for Liberty Hill.”

Mary brings 16 years of experience working in economic development with communities of all sizes across the United States, including the Texas cities of Temple, Pflugerville, Decatur, Salado, and Jarrell, and Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico. She and her husband have also owned a business in a nearby city for 17 years, which has given her firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities many businesses face. This unique perspective has given her the knowledge base to collaborate at the "speed of business" in conjunction with a city's needs and requirements.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Established in 2002, the Liberty Hill EDC is led by seven members all eager to support the community, including Tiffany Stillwell, president; Demetrice Gonzalez, secretary; and board members Steven Schiff, Amy Gandy, Landon Smith, Greg Parma, and Robert Baughn.

Located on busy Highway 29, "Liberty Hill has mostly grown organically, but because the light is shining so brightly on Central Texas now, and specifically Williamson County, there is going to be a big push for structured

Mary Poché Takes Helm of EDC

economic development. Community and public desire have been considered and are documented in the new Strategic Plan, which is nearing completion. This plan will be the marching orders for moving forward,” Mary says. While much of the early groundwork has been laid for the EDC, she adds there is still a lot of basic work to be done, such as creating a new website and collateral materials, and completing the economic development plan.

To address the first of the EDC’s primary missions— supporting legacy business in Liberty Hill—the board of directors has created a subcommittee to work on new programs, using metrics and parameters as ascribed by the legal set-up of the LHEDC, that will provide a means of helping existing businesses thrive.

Second, the EDC is actively recruiting companies to build in or relocate to Liberty Hill, thus creating primary jobs for residents and newcomers. Mary adds, “An equally important task is to bring in jobs and the property tax base to be the rising tide that lifts all boats. If you bring the jobs here and have people who live here, retail and commercial will follow. Bringing the companies with those primary jobs is the biggest mandate.”

Based on preliminary findings of the Strategic Plan, the EDC sees mid-size businesses as likely targets for Liberty Hill. Mary says, "Businesses with 25-150 employees with an average salary in the $85-100K range that could go into a nicely done office or flex space would work well in Liberty Hill. There will be a push to attract those kinds of developments."

Mary Poché

IMAGE CREDIT: MARY POCHé

A CENTURY OF PANTHER HISTORY

New Liberty Hill ISD Museum

In the heart of the community it is named for, Santa Rita Elementary School is home to a new, unique, and inspiring educational experience: the Panther Museum. Inspired by fifth-grade student Slone Williams, the showcase display celebrates local history and empowers young learners to embrace the legacy of more than a century of education in Liberty Hill.

Slone’s dad, Ian, says his son was pondering the empty space in the school’s main lobby and had the idea to create a museum of history. “Slone thought, 'Why don't we add a museum of history, so people can learn about what was in Liberty Hill before this brand new school was started?' ” He adds Slone is normally the “quiet one” but he is very excited he got to help pull it all together and that other people get to see the fun things that happened in history. “He really saw it as a way for everyone to share the space and provide more school unity.”

Coach Gino Peña collaborated with Slone to write a letter to the editor of the local paper to see what kind of

by Ann Marie Kennon • photos

interest there might be in creating the museum. Coach Peña says, “It was originally a trophy case, but we are a new elementary school, so we were using it to display students’ artwork for the time being.”

Slone and Coach Peña soon heard from local historian Gary Spivey and his daughter Kandice Wright, who were willing to share items from the family’s treasure trove of historical Liberty Hill items. Often called an unsung hero of Liberty Hill—Mr. Spivey has dedicated his life to serving the community in a variety of ways. Whether through his work as a coach, involvement in church, education, and local politics, or efforts to make the sculpture garden a reality, Mr. Spivey’s affection for the city will undoubtedly continue to inspire and uplift future generations of community builders and leaders. He has often shared his desire to create a museum with the many stacks of newspapers, photographs, trophies, and more he has collected over his 75 years. “I've been saving all this stuff so people can see the progression of Liberty Hill,” Mr. Spivey said in a previous interview. “To understand the good times and bad times.”

“I've been saving all this stuff so people can see the progression of Liberty Hill,” ...

“To understand the good times and bad times.”

~ Gary Spivey

Slone Williams (front) with Gary Spivey and Coach Gino Peña

HISTORICAL “TROPHIES”

Exhibits on the district's early schools, including photographs, documents, and artifacts give a fascinating glimpse into what education was like in rural Texas in the late 19th and early to mid-20th centuries. The museum also features displays on the sports teams, music programs, yearbooks, and other extracurricular activities, as well as its academic achievements and notable alumni. Among the museum's most interesting pieces, Coach Peña adds, is the

yearbook in which Mr. Spivey himself was voted Most Popular senior at Liberty Hill High School.

The exhibits are well-organized and informative, and school staff report nearly everyone who passes by spends time gazing in the windows with accompanying ‘oohs' and ‘aahs.’ Visitors come away with a deep appreciation for the growth and triumphs of Liberty Hill ISD, and a better understanding of how education has evolved over the past 140 years. Folks at the ISD say they hope to host different Panther Museums

at other campuses—or maybe even rotate them—to share the history of Liberty Hill ISD, so stay tuned!

For student safety and ISD protocol, the museum is not open to the public, but parents and volunteers are welcome to stop and look when they are admitted to the building. However, everyone can get a sneak peek at the museum on Facebook/LibertyHillISD.

Experience Stunning Hill Country Views

Situated on some of the most scenic land in Williamson County, The Canyons rests atop rolling hills looking out over the vast landscape. Offering an abundance of natural beauty and lush vistas, The Canyons has been carefully planned to integrate seamlessly into the natural environment. The development of The Canyons pays homage to the rich heritage of the land and encourages the continuation of this existing beauty to create a timeless natural environment. The homes in The Canyons are considered part of a cohesive element that melds the natural beauty with a place to call home.

Grow Your Own Groceries

Sustainable Gardening is Harvesting Self-reliance

since 2020, consumers have reacted and adapted to shortages of toilet paper, disinfectant, beef, yeast and flour, lumber, canned soup, and more. Even now we are wishing for affordable eggs and hoping shortages won’t continue or get worse.

As the potential for food insecurity looms, it is no surprise that more than half of all American households spend time in some type of gardening activity for enjoyment or sustenance. Fortunately, the average garden provides $600 in produce in one year and, as an added bonus, children are more likely to eat vegetables they grew themselves.

So, if you are ready to embark on a soothing hobby for the whole family, a great way to get exercise, and improve your self-sufficiency, hydroponic gardening is a great way to get started.

HYDROPONICS

The basic concept of hydroponics is growing plants—without dirt in nutrient-infused water to suit different needs, spaces, and availability of resources.

Believe it or not, all a plant really needs in order to grow is a direction.

Hydroponics have increased in popularity because the plants are high quality, take up less space, and require fewer resources than traditional gardening. Because hydroponic plants do not have to use energy to find food, they spend more time growing. You can also grow, and mix, plants in small spaces or even indoors year-round. There are many fruits, vegetables, and herbs that can thrive in the smallest of spaces, no yard required.

BUILDING YOUR GARDEN

You can assemble and build a simple garden in a day’s work using anything from PVC pipe and plastic cups, to plastic or styrofoam bins and pots. For growing, just add clay pebbles, water pump, plant ties, and seedlings to your shopping list. You can review expert plans at gardeningheavn.com/diy-hydroponics and thealternativedaily.club.

by Ann Marie Kennon

All you need is a level and enclosed structure or room, or an outdoor patio or deck with a wind barrier. Be mindful of extreme cold outside, and provide lighting if you plant inside.

When you get your seedlings home, soak the root ball in a bucket and separate the roots to remove all of the soil. Any soil left on the roots could clog the holes in the nutrient tubes or cups.

TIPS FOR GROWING

 Hydroponics are great for crops that need a lot of water to produce a lot of fruit; think tomatoes, cucumbers, and melons.

 To help your garden self-sustain, also consider sweet potatoes. Cuttings from a sweet potato vine grow well when placed in water, with good light and a consistent temperature. Their rapid growth is supported by ammonia and nitrates so the vine will convert toxins in your nutrient solutions.

 For an outside garden, be sure to keep the water reservoir in a location with as little direct sunlight as possi-

ble. This will inhibit the growth of algae in the nutrient solution.

 You can also support tomato growth with aspirin. Mix one tablet in a gallon of water and spray twice a month to prevent blight and wilt.

 Styrofoam coolers are best lined with plastic or trash bags to keep water from seeping out, and light from seeping in.

 Pool noodle cuttings make great plant stabilizers; they do not lose their shape or rigidity in water.

 Whether indoors or out, it is important to look for signs of pests and diseases; chewed leaves and fungal diseases. Since the leaves of the plants never get wet (unless it rains), they’re much less likely to get leaf fungus, mildew and mold. But, because of their size and proximity, one sick plant can quickly damage others remove them immediately.

 Even if growing hydroponic, insects and caterpillars can always find a way into the garden, so be sure to pick off and dispose of any bugs you see.

by Ann Marie Kennon

Spring Break Scoops

 PLAY FOR ALL PARK • ROUND ROCK

Liberty Hill is wonderfully situated to provide us access to a cornucopia of family-friendly activities in every season. This month, many of us will be looking for spring break activities and looking ahead to summer camps and vacation plans. Following is a short list of some of the area's most popular destinations and a few hidden gems that are close by or just a short drive away.

 THINKERY • AUSTIN

Thinkery is an interactive indoor/outdoor space where children of all ages can learn through play. Designed specifically for children from infancy through 11 years old, Thinkery uses hands-on, interactive STEAM exhibits and programs to encourage physical, emotional, and cognitive growth.

Outside, children can play in flowing water or build strength on the three-story climbing apparatus. Inside, they can paint on glass or draw with light, watch electricity work, or share engineer duties on a model train. Scan the code for their spring break camp.

1830 Simond Ave Austin • Admission required • Open every day

 TOPSEY EXOTIC RANCH • COPPERAS COVE

Topsey is a natural, free-range safari and petting zoo on 350 acres in the Hill Country. Guests can see a great variety of exotic domestic and wild animals from around the world, some of which are endangered and even extinct in the wild. Located about an hour from Liberty Hill, visitors can feed animals all day long for $1 per bag. Everything is well-maintained, well-marked, very clean. There is also an air-conditioned gift shop with games, toys, snacks and drinks, and apparel; some purchases help support conservation efforts outside the ranch.

945 CR 118, Copperas Cove •

All-day admission

Open every day

This park was designed to enable and entertain kids while they develop new skills. While specially designed to accommodate neuroatypical and special needs children, Play for All is a safe and exciting place for all. There are dozens of apparatus and theme sections to stimulate creativity and help develop gross and fine motor skills, physical strength, and social interaction.

 CORDOVAN ART SCHOOL • GEORGETOWN

Cordovan is right on the Square in Georgetown and has classes year round for painters and sculptors. In addition to their morning, afternoon, or all-day classes, registration is open now for St. Patrick's Day and Easter paint and pottery events. Plus, their spring break and summer camps have morning, afternoon, or all-day options for kids to paint anything from Pixar to Pikachu and all the dragons and woodsy animals in between.

816 S Main St., Georgetown • Fees required Open every day

 AUSTIN STEAM TRAIN • CEDAR PARK

The Austin Steam Train Association combines nostalgic style with modern comfort. Genuine locomotives depart from Cedar Park and Bertram depots nearly every weekend, and they have nearly 100 special and annual events for all ages. Train cars are typical of those used in the 1920s to 1940s, they are air-conditioned, and include a concession car with refreshments and souvenirs. Local rail aficionados have recreated a historically authentic passenger experience for families and train-lovers alike who wish to enjoy seasonal or scenic weekend excursions.

401 E Whitestone Blvd. #C-100, Cedar Park • Tickets required

151 N A.W. Grimes Blvd, Round Rock • FREE Open every day 6am-midnight

 IFLY INDOOR SKYDIVING • AUSTIN

iFly invented a recirculating wind tunnel that allows guests to experience flight in a safe and controlled environment.

Certified and trained instructors allow people of all ages (40" tall and under 300 lbs) to enjoy 60-second flight sessions. They also do birthday parties and special events.

13265 N US 183 • Fees required, packages available

 JUNGLE MOVEMENT • ROUND ROCK

The Jungle Movement Academy specializes in movement arts like parkour, ninja warrior, aerials, trampoline, rock climbing, and martial arts. Kids will never sleep better after playing games, running obstacle courses, swinging on ropes and rings, jumping on trampolines, doing flips into the foam pit, climbing the rock walls and more. The academy has one day, half- and full-day camps for spring break and summer vacation, plus after-school programs all year.

2701 Gattis School Rd, Round Rock

Fees required • Open every day

 SPLASH SHACK • CEDAR PARK

This indoor water park is designed for kids age 1-10 but has plenty of room for parents to join in the play. A 10,000-square-foot building houses an interactive water play structure with slides and a large dump bucket. Ideal for young children to enjoy as there are no water depths outside of the slideouts.

 BLUE HILLS RANCH RESORT • MCGREGOR

Blue Hills Ranch in Texas is a perfect destination for families who love the outdoors. The resort is rife with scenic beauty and a tranquil atmosphere—and who doesn't want to have lunch with a giraffe or swim with an otter? The ranch offers private, luxury safaris on which groups will be up close with kangaroos, mini donkeys, zebras, camels, and free roaming cows, deer, and emu. Their rustic cabins provide a close-to-home glamping experience, with stunning sunsets, but with A/C and wi-fi! Kids can enjoy the wildlife and scenic vistas while engaging in a range of activities. They can have a chance to learn about animals, from the horses at the stables to the fish in the pond. An excellent destination for families seeking a break from suburban life but want to stay close to home. Even if you don't decide to go today, call the number just to hear the voice mail—it's priceless.

1801 Clover Lane, Cedar Park Admission required >1 year old • Open Wed-Sun

2032 Blue Cut Rd. N · McGregor Reservations required

What Makes Texas "Texas"

SIX FLAGS

Today, the nation and the world recognize Texas' Lone Star State flag but most Texans know there is much more to Texas vexillology. Our modern history began back in the 16th century, is entwined with that of five nations, and includes a period of sovereignty during which Texas governed itself.

1 • Kingdom of Spain

In the early 1500s, Spanish Conquistadors began exploring this lush region as they moved northward from their South American colonies. At the time, Spain was a collection of kingdoms rather than a country, and Texas was ruled by the Crown of Castile for more than 150 years.

2 • Kingdom of France

In the 1680s, after claiming Louisiana, French explorers continued moving west from the Mississippi River and set about settling this large and strategic land mass for France. Recognizing its commercial potential, Robert de La Salle founded Fort St. Louis, a French colony along the Gulf coast, and hoped to profit from food crops and cotton. Unfortunately for France, Native Americans defend-

by Ann Marie Kennon

ed their own rights to be there and killed the French colonists. After the failure of Fort St. Louis and due to continued pressure from Spaniards to keep Texas for themselves, the French colony was abandoned in 1690.

Spain (again)

The Spanish never actually left and between 1690 and 1821, Spain built many settlements and forts across the southwest territories to accommodate Spanish settlers, missionaries, and soldiers. Spanish influence remains today in much of the culture and city names across Texas, most notably, San Antonio.

3 • Republic of Mexico

Like America against Mother England, Mexico won its own war of independence with Spain in 1821 and made Texas part of its new nation. Mexico's leaders quickly began encouraging settlers from the United States to immigrate and by 1834, Anglo settlers outnumbered Mexicans by nearly 5 to 1. However, the Texians were never happy with the dictatorship of President Santa Anna and they banded together to fight their own revolution in 1836.

4 • Republic of Texas

Motivated by losses at the Alamo and Goliad, Texas won its independence in 1836. Mexico refused to accept it but the Republic of Texas nonetheless convened its first Congress in 1836 under self-rule. Having endured nearly a decade of political turmoil, continuing conflict with Mexico and First Nations, a failing economy, and government debt, Texas began discussions with the United States to be admitted into the Union. While it existed 1836 to 1845 the Republic had two national flags. The second was the Lone Star flag, first flown December 29, 1845, when Texas joined the United States. The Lone Star flag is still recognized today as the state flag of Texas.

5 • United States of America

Texas was admitted to the Union and became the 28th state in 1845. The federal government assumed the Republic's debt and in return, Texas lands were annexed as were other territories and claims in Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Wyoming (map).

6 • Confederate States of America

After 16 years in the Union, Texas seceded with other slave holding states and more than 70,000 Texans served in the Confederate army. Texans are known to have fought in every theater and almost every battle of the war. Texas surrendered June 2, 1865 following General Lee's surrender in Virginia and on June 19 (Juneteenth), federal forces arrived in Galveston to enforce United States law and begin the process of readmitting Texas into the Union.

And then there were parks...

Six Flags was the brainchild of Texas oil man Angus Wynne, Jr. He opened his premier park in 1961 and imagined a franchise that would be bigger than Disney World. He achieved his goal by building parks close to where people lived to make it easier and more affordable for families to enjoy them. His Texas park was named for the flag display and his namesake vision has grown to 27 parks in three countries.

IT IS ACTUALLY A MYTH (SORRY!) THAT TEXAS IS THE ONLY STATE ALLOWED TO FLY ITS FLAG AT THE SAME HEIGHT AS THE U.S. FLAG. "ALL STATE FLAGS CAN BE FLOWN AT THE SAME HEIGHT AS THE US FLAG, AND ARE ROUTINELY FLOWN THAT WAY.

~ PETER ANSOFF, PRESIDENT, NORTH AMERICAN VEXILLOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION

U.S. FLAG CODE STATES: NO ... FLAG OR PENNANT MAY BE PLACED ABOVE THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OR TO THE UNITED STATES FLAG’S RIGHT. TEXAS CODE ALSO INDICATES THAT IF THE STATE AND U.S. FLAG ARE DISPLAYED ON THE SAME FLAGPOLE, “THE UNITED STATES FLAG SHOULD BE ABOVE THE STATE FLAG."

a brilliant board presentation

THERE'S NO MISTAKING THE NAME OF THIS NEW FOOD TREND. MUCH EASIER TO REMEMBER—AND PRONOUNCE—THAN CHARCUTERIE*, THE LATEST IN HOSTESS AND FAMILY APPETIZERS ARE BUTTER BOARDS.

Next time you’re wondering which appetizer or snack to make for a dinner party, barbecue, or even a child's birthday, you'll be happy you've discovered this low-effort, economical, delicious appetizer that only requires butter, toppings, and bread. Whether savory or sweet, butter boards are helping hostesses and busy families everywhere serve up beautiful and flavorful spreads in easy and unexpected ways.

Since going viral just before the holiday season, butter boards are already making the transition to spring entertaining and inspiring people to flex their culinary creativity with seasonal aesthetics and flavors. Of course, while butter is a great complement to nearly any finger food, the options are endless and the only limits are your imagination and your personal palate.

Spreads may be sweet or savory so, depending on the occasion, you may want to start with unsalted butter and use sea salt or a variety of spices to make a custom flavor, or sweeten with fruit or honey for a lighter flourish.

For a savory experience, consider adding bits of vegetable, nuts, olives, or cheese. Add some heat with slices of pepper, red spice, or curry. For sweet toppings, fresh or dried fruit will pair nicely or spoon in some jam, citrus, coconut flakes, or chocolate.

Experts recommend serving with a hard bread that is easy to swipe without breaking, but any butter delivery vehicle will do including pita chips, naan dippers, crackers, pretzels, and chips.

by Ann Marie Kennon

DESSERT BOARD

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• pinch of salt

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1-2 Tbsp. heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• mini chocolate chips for topping

• sprinkles for topping

Beat softened butter on high speed 2 minutes until pale and fluffy. Add salt.

Add powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, beating well after each addition.

Add 1Tbsp. heavy cream, then gradually add more until the mixture has a spreadable consistency.

Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread frosting across the board or platter.

Dust with mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, coconut, or fruit pieces.

Serve with dippers (animal crackers, vanilla wafers, graham crackers).

SPICY BUTTER BOARD

• butter

• chives, rosemary, or basil

• Chile-infused honey

• black pepper

• fresh baguette, sliced

Spread a thick layer of butter across the board or platter.

Top with fresh herbs, hot honey, and black pepper.

Serve with baguette slices.

GETTING YOUR BUTTER JUST RIGHT

Start with softened butter not straight from the fridge or melted. To soften to optimum consistency it is important not to use direct heat or a microwave—these will affect the texture after cooling. Try one of these techniques:

 Cut sticks into cubes, or scoop from a tub in small portions. Greater surface area allows each measure to come to room temperature. To speed the process, place butter portions into a bowl or large mug and cover with another steaming bowl.

 Pound butter with a spoon or tenderizing implement.

HERB BUTTER BOARD

• 8 oz unsalted butter softened

• ½ cup fresh basil plus extra for topping

• ½ cup dill plus extra for topping

• ½ lemon zested

• 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt

• 4-6 slices bread for serving

Add softened butter to a food processor along with the herbs. Blend until smooth.

Remove and spread on a board or plate. Top with lemon zest, flaky sea salt, and extra fresh herbs.

Serve with a butter knife and bread or add fresh radishes.

*While"sharkcoochie"isfuntosay,inEnglishitis shar-KOO-duh-ree,andifyouwanttotryFrench, shar-kyut-REE.

 Leave butter out at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Once softened, use a small, smooth knife or spoon to spread butter as thinly as possible onto the serving surface; e.g., cutting board or decorative tray. Create spaces with greater thickness to swirl the butter into peaks and pools, which will hold spices or toppings added later.

Sprinkle toppings evenly, keeping in mind that this is a spread (not a dip) and the butter is still the focus. Butter will complement a variety of toppings but it is best not to overload the board. This will keep the focus on the richness of the butter and make it easier to transfer the board from kitchen to party or between guests without spillage.

Snow-pocalpyse 2.0

Sure, I believe in climate change but only because that's what the planet has been doing for all of time and I'm not convinced social media is not the reason we all *believe* storms are worse now than they used to be.

I say this because 30 years... wait, I'm so old now that 30 years ago is no longer the disco era it was 1993 [headslap] and we had Internet then. Wow, okay, forty years ago, there were terrible ice storms and blizzards but we didn't know how many people lost trees and power until days later when we all dug out our driveways and went back to school to compare stories with a few close friends at most. But, during last month's freeze, there were dozens of stories on my social feeds, before the storm was even over, from people who managed to post things about having no power... without power.

I know it was a difficult time for all of us and I joke because I love, and I suppose the socially shared misery of broken trees and power lines was all about the comfort of not being in it alone. Or, it could just be a new kind of selfie contest focused on, "That's nothing, you should see how many trees we lost / hours we went without power!"

Alas, irony abounds, because ever since it happened, I knew the oak tree that gave my house an icy eight-ton hug was going to be the focus of my column this month. Not in a look-howtough-we-had-it way but, oddly, in a "Wow, there is no question watching Jason Bourne movies has done nothing to impart upon me any type of crisis response or superhero reflexes."

Writing at my desk, I heard what could only have been a freight train in my living room. No immediate run to the upstairs rooms to fling my son into the safe room, or jumping out of the chair to grab a bat or a firearm. Instead, as the clinkety-clink continued on the porch outside my office and, having grown up in a mid-Atlantic state, I continued to sit at my desk thinking, "Hm, that must have been a pretty big sheet of ice that just slid off my roof." But then the clinkety-clinking continued and I thought I might as well turn on the light to see a lovely wonder of nature on the deck. Lo and behold, there were not delicate Disney-esque shards of ice sparking in the glow of the floodlights but I instead discovered a rather gaudy collection of bricks and shingles.

Walking gingerly among them, the realization that I had been transported from my images of Frozen into a real

life scene from Poltergeist, it occurred to me that there were several tons of lumber still perched precariously atop and sticking out of my chimney and roof. Perhaps I and my clearlynot-lightning-quick reflexes might not want to be walking underneath with a flashlight (and a camera). On the plus side, there was great potential for a Wizard of Oz picture of my feet sticking out from under a section of trunk, which might have gone viral.

No idea why there are so many movies associated with the mess in my mind. I suppose for Millennials who haven't seen Poltergeist, think Mind Flayer from Stranger Things. Hopefully, dear readers, you are amused by or share the same sense that it is often easy to miss or not react to the obvious because it is kind of unthinkable. I've heard ice falling off the roof before so my icy Spidey-sense didn't picture Carol Ann getting sucked out the window quickly enough to see the giant tree doing its thing. But I suppose it also saved me from a brick to the head too. We'll never know.

In any case, I know I will be amused when the contractors are eventually gone and I can re-tell the story a hundred times, then take a selfie with the bill and complain about the cost on social media. I can't wait for the Likes!

We at the Liberty Hill Digest are joining the mayor and city staff to celebrate and congratulate the first graduating class of Liberty Hill University. This semester-long community course was designed to bridge the knowledge gap and help residents gain a better understanding of how local government operates and impacts their daily lives. The class was also more than just a passive learning experience; students were asked to provide input for the city's long-term vision for growth and development.

Participants attended five sessions and learned about the various functions and procedures of city departments, while city staff gained valuable insights to what residents are looking for from and how they can support city leaders. Staff report, "This was a good learning experience for those interested in how the city works and what opportunities and challenges lie ahead for all of us."

Classes covered a range of topics, such as the structure of our local government, roles of elected officials, the budget process, and how residents are able to participate in local decision-making.

Attending LHU will enable community members to become more informed and engaged citizens, and perhaps even inspire one or two to run for local office themselves.

We also applaud the mayor and city staff for promoting transparency, accountability, and civic participation in this way. We hope this and other similar educational opportunities will become a valuable resource for all the citizens of Liberty Hill.

PHOTO CREDIT:

FACEBOOK/CITY OF LIBERTY HILL

by Ann Marie Kennon

ECRWSS

POSTAL PATRON LIBERTY HILL, TX