Liberty Hill digest
J A N UA R Y 2 0 2 4
Still Flying High At 107 PEOPLE YOU NEED TO KNOW
FAMILY PHOTOS
WORTH THE DRIVE
10 Questions with Mayor Branigan
Father & Daughter Share Their Love of the Lens
Treasures Await at Round Top Antiques Fair
GEORGETOWN
POOLS
BOERNE
ROUND TOP
PATIOS LANDSCAPES
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J A N UA R Y 2 0 2 4 L I B E R T Y H I L L D I G E S T
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Liberty Hill 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 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 Rachel Strickland GRAPHICS & DESIGN Sandra Evans Zion Eaton CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Christina Tucker Christianna Bettis DIRECTOR OF SALES • Allison Smith IT/WEBMASTER • Jesse Payne CONSULTANT • W. Ben Daniel
FROM THE EDITORS Dear Readers, As we welcome the new year, we are happy to bring you an eclectic mix of stories that, together, paint a vivid picture of the diverse and connected Liberty Hill community. We kick off with a great story about a now 107-year-old Williamson County man who not only defied age and gravity to break the world skydiving record for the second time, he is still looking forward to breaking more stereotypes and pushing the boundaries of what's possible for us all. Next, we feature a heartwarming narrative of a father’s exciting life journey through a lens, and his delight in sharing his passion with his daughter. Turning our focus to more pressing matters, we provide an insightful update from Rep. Terry Wilson on the achievements of the 88th Texas Legislature and how the latest changes to Texas law will affect you and your family. On a lighter note, we explore the rapid growth of pickleball, a sport that has been gaining immense popularity. Discover how this sport is captivating hearts and bringing communities together. For the wanderlust in you, join us on a road trip to an enchanting antique festival. It's more than just a journey; it's an exploration of history, art, and the stories behind timeless treasures. Lastly, we celebrate a precious new member of the family at Sunrise Ranch, “Sunrise Sugar,” named to commemorate UT’s appearance in the 2024 Sugar Bowl. Each story in this issue, from the skies to the football field, from historical artifacts to a simple camera, is a reminder of the extraordinary in the ordinary. We hope these narratives inspire, inform, and entertain you as you step into the new year. Wishing you many blessings in 2024!
ADVERTISING Nick Spence nick@lhtxdigest.com Office: 512-746-4545 Cell: 737-349-8366
Liberty Hill Digest is a Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC publication and a product of AdvocateNewsTX Newspaper. Copyright © 2024 All rights reserved. Liberty Hill Digest is published monthly and mailed USPS, free of charge, to homes and businesses in Liberty Hill, TX zip codes. Mail may be sent to Liberty Hill Digest, P.O. Box 213, Jarrell, TX 76537.
Email: info@lhtxdigest.com 2
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Congratulations to the Liberty Hill High School football team for their hard work and determination to make it to the state semi-finals last month.
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INSIDE
ASK AN EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact nick@lhtxdigest.com or 737.349.8366.
FEATURES
Deb Lohman • Blinded by the Light & Hunter Douglas Dealer Owner of a lifestyle home décor boutique specializing in Hunter Douglas window coverings to include soft shades, blinds, and shutters. blindedbythelightdecor.com 512-636-9653
6 COVER FEATURE
Record-Breaking Skydive
8 PEOPLE
Doug Durden, Branch Manager • Green Dreams Lawn Care Over three decades in turf management, with roles as Service manager, Branch manager, Regional Agronomist and GC Superintendent at renowned companies. info@greendreamlawns.com • greendreamlawns
Family Photos: Sharing The Love of the Lens
12 TEXAS SIT-REP
2023 Legislative Review With State Rep. Terry Wilson
Emily Hanson • Hanson Insurance Sixteen local brokers, specializing in Medicare, and ready to assist with all your health insurance needs. NPN #18816155 HansonFirst.com • 512-817-6906
16 TEN QUESTIONS
With Mayor Branigan
18 SPONSORED CONTENT DuValls Boutique
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Chad & Amanda Moore • Moore Liberty Buildings Thousands of structures built since 2015. MooreLibertyBuildings.com • 512-548-6474
ASK AN EXPERT Maximizing Your Medicare
Reid's Triple T Locally and family-owned business specializing in tractors, trailers, zero-turn mowers and UTVs offering sales, parts and service. ReidTx.com • 512-379-4100
FAVORITES 20 HEALTHY HABITS
Pickleball is Serving Up Excitement To All Ages
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22 SHELTER STORIES
WCRAS' Lifesaving Mission
24 WORTH THE DRIVE
Round Top Antique Fair
26 BELLE CHIMES IN 2023, Adieu
28 PARTING SHOTS
Sweetest Christmas Gift
Visit our Facebook page for follow-ups to these stories, out-takes & hints to those upcoming. LibertyHillDigest Read online at LibertyHillTXDigest.com
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COVER FEATURE
Triumph in the Skies
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hile most people put skydiving on their bucket list and never take the literal leap, Sun City's Al Blaschke has done it three times . . . all since turning 100 years old. Al’s story has been told and seen many times over, but coverage of his inspiring life has become a story in itself. Born January 4, 1917, his narrative is rich with historical resilience: surviving the Spanish flu, enduring the Great Governor Abbott and Al Blaschke share a celebratory moment after landing.
by Ann Marie Kennon
AT ALMOST 107, AL BLASCHKE BREAKS WORLD SKYDIVING RECORD FOR THE SECOND TIME
Depression, and providing essential services during World War II by building airplane parts for Pratt & Whitney. Before moving to Sun City, he was an avid skier and even more impressive, until the onset of the pandemic, was still playing golf every Friday. Fortunately for us, Al was also vigilant in avoiding COVID so he could look forward to celebrating his 107th birthday January 4, 2024.
TAKING THE LEAP Al's time as a media darling began when fellow Sun City resident Betty Schleder (above at right) asked him, on his 97th birthday, if he would like to jump out of a plane. He replied that it was a good idea but said, “No thank you, I’ll wait until I’m 100.” His prescience prompted a close friend to comment, “While most people blessed enough to make it to 97 might reflect on accomplishments, Al was still making long range plans.” True to his word, on January 4, 2017, Al did a tandem jump from 10,000 feet to closely tie the world's record for the oldest person to jump out of a plane.
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After a safe landing, and all smiles, Al promised he would jump again to celebrate his twin grandsons’ college graduations. Three years later, at 103 years and 181 days, he honored that promise by jumping out of a moving plane at 14,000 feet. His jump was confirmed and verified to have broken the world record but Al admitted he was more excited to share the day with his grandsons. “That was my dream in 2017 because I never thought I’d be around this long.” With a crowd of family and friends and a gaggle of journalists, Al attributed his longevity to his wonderful wife of 49 years, who had always helped him see the joy in everything (and also kept him hydrated). Soon after, Betty arranged for Al to spend some time with Governor Abbott at her home. She says, "They spoke about Al's recent achievement and at the end of the interview the governor said, 'I will jump with you Mr. Blaschke.' My jaw dropped and I said, 'I heard that, and you're not going to be able to back out!' "
NEW RECORD As other centenarians around the world continued to raise the bar on the oldest jump, Al and Betty decided it was time to reclaim the title. True to his word, Governor Abbott was ready to join them in the air and joked that he was honored Al would "make him famous" by allowing him to share in the moment. After four postponements due to scheduling and some bad weather, the day finally came November 27. At 106 years 10 months, and 23 days, Al was joined by his children and grandchildren, as well as Precinct 3 Constable Matt Lindemann as the official witness for Guinness. Happily, the governor and Al both enjoyed a thrilling ride and safe landings and Al's tandem jumper reported that he sang "When You Smile" from the plane to the ground. As they shook hands, the governor told Al he looked great and said, "I"m proud of you, and proud to be jumping with you." Ever humble, and noting it was the governor's first jump, Al said, "I'm very proud of you too, this was the highlight of my jumping career." Al's advice to anyone who might have some hesitation about similar extreme feats, "If you think you can't, you're just underestimating yourself. Everyone is more capable than they think. They just need to make the decision to try."
IMAGE CREDIT: SKYDIVE SPACELAND
GOVERNOR GREG ABBOTT TEXAN THROUGH AND THROUGH
Governor Greg Abbott's skydiving adventure alongside centenarian Al Blaschke was a testament to his Texan spirit and commitment. Addressing the press before the jump, the governor said he felt all along that his odds were the same as the Longhorns going to the Big 12 Championship. As they suited up and strapped in, the two men were joined in flight by Betty Schleder and two members of the US Army National Guard. Upon landing, Governor Abbott addressed the assembled TV and news reporters with his customary humor, saying, "My worst fears about skydiving were realized; that I would land and not be able to walk away." He described the experience as fascinating and incomparable, emphasizing the thrill of freefall — they immediately did a roll and a few hard turns — but added, "I think my favorite part is when [you pull the chute and] you're almost at a standstill in the middle. It's peaceful and quiet." Reflecting on his first skydiving experience, Governor Abbott compared it to his frequent travels in helicopters and planes across Texas, noting the stark difference when one is freefalling. He appreciated the guidance from his tandem instructor, who ensured his comfort throughout the jump, but he shared insights about the experience, emphasizing how overcoming initial fears can lead to exhilarating and peaceful moments. The governor's recollections resonated with Al's philosophy and encouragement that we should all try new things, underscoring the importance of staying active and positive. Al's adventurous spirit and Governor Abbott's participation highlighted the limitless potential we all have, regardless of age or circumstances. Their shared experience served as a reminder to continually embrace life's opportunities and challenge our own self-imposed limits.
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PEOPLE
by Charlotte Kovalchuk | photos courtesy of Brien Aho
After being laid off during the pandemic, Brien became an audio-visual production specialist for the Food Safety Inspection Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “I create training videos for food inspectors, which unfortunately brings me to a lot of slaughterhouses.” Happily, when not working for the USDA, he is still able to pursue his love of visual storytelling as a sports freelancer for Getty Images and the Associated Press.
rowing up among storytellers — a TV producer mom
raphy bug early in life. “When my father gave me a camera, I realized capturing photos of my friends and fellow classmates allowed me to be in community and tell stories.”
A senior at Liberty Hill High School, Sophia has always had a heart for taekwondo. After her martial arts gym closed for a time during COVID, she began helping her dad shoot a school football game and a new hobby was born. “I thought I was taking normal pictures like you would with a phone, but after I saw what I took pictures of, I loved what I captured.”
Brien’s photography journey is a story in itself, taking him from his high school yearbook and small newspapers in his Minnesota hometown to 45 countries as a combat photojournalist for the Navy. He shot for the Na“The power of the image is vy’s All Hands magazine, traveling to Iraq, amazing as it literally has conAfghanistan, and Guantánamo Bay, Cuba vinced folks to stop wars or and capturing everything from autopsies donate millions to a cause. The image in my opinion is far more and front lines action to special forces powerful than words themoperations like fast roping, a technique selves. They say the power of troops use to enter an area by descending the pen is mightier than the from a rope from a helicopter. “I got to exsword but I guarantee you an perience everyone else’s jobs and come image is far more powerful!” back and tell the world. It was the best job ever.” During his 20-year service Brien was awarded first place more than six times in different categories in the Military Photographer of the Year contest, and helped shape future military photographers as a Navy instructor, before retiring and starting a new chapter as a marketing tech rep for Nikon. It gave him the chance to travel once again, this time to global sports events, including five Super Bowls and several World Cups and Olympics. 8
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That experience inspired her to join her school’s yearbook staff and continue photographing different sports. What drives Sophia and her dad, she says, is getting to capture images “like sad moments if a football team loses a game, and really good moments like a sports team winning.”
She also covers sports events for a local newspaper and is considering studying photojournalism at UT, along with — hopefully — a scholarship to its taekwondo program. “Obviously, as a photographer and father, it’s kind of cool to see your kid follow in your footsteps. Hopefully she continues it and sees where it takes her,” Brien says.
– Brien Aho
His advice for other aspiring photographers? “Find a photographer who shoots in a way that inspires you and either reach out to them or learn from them by studying their imagery. And then go out and capture that type of work yourself.” Check out Brien’s work at brienaho.photoshelter.com and Sophia’s on Instagram, @sosopixs.
SOPHIA
G and sports writer dad — Brien Aho caught the photog-
Capturing Moments
BRIEN
Through the Lens
Another highlight of his photography journey, he says, has been seeing his daughter Sophia discover her own love for storytelling.
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TEXAS SIT-REP IMPROVING HIGHER EDUCATION
T
Article contributed by COL Terry Wilson US Army, Retired R-TX20 State Representative for Williamson County
here has been a lot of discussion in the last year about what did and did not get done in the 88th Texas Legislature. While these issues are clearly important, I want to take a moment to go over some of the changes to Texas law that you may not have heard about that will have an impact on you and your family. These changes may not get a great deal of attention from the media or activist groups, but they are the ones about which I get the most questions from constituents on a day-to-day basis. People want to know that their kids will receive an education that opens doors for their future, that the economy of the state will continue to grow and provide them with new opportunities, and that their family will be safe from harm. Here is what we got done on those issues in 2023. PROPERTY TAX RELIEF & SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT $12.8 billion in new property tax relief, for a total of $18 billion overall. Homestead Exemptions were increased from $40,000 to $100,000. Economic development incentives were created that encourage investment in Texas to deliver compression on school property taxes over time. Small businesses will have new protections from the types of sudden large increases in property tax bills that have closed hundreds of Texas businesses. Franchise Tax exemption doubled from $1.1 million to $2.2 million, exempting over 67,000 small businesses from burdensome franchise taxes.
SUPPORTING PUBLIC EDUCATION Overall state funds to public education of $50.4 billion. Schools will now receive $15,000 per campus and $10 per student for improving school safety. School safety standards will require at least one highly trained and qualified armed security guard to be on patrol at each campus during regular school hours. Teachers will have more access to high-quality instructional materials that support on-grade-level instruction. Retired teachers will receive a long-needed cost of living adjustment, as well as a 13th check to help adjust for the impact of inflation on our fixed-income seniors. Schools may now have a volunteer chaplain on staff to help support students.
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Community College and Junior College funding has moved to a new dynamic formula based on performance metrics and workforce development that will provide more support for vocational training and building our future workforce. “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” (DEI) offices have been banned at public universities, preventing taxpayer funds from going towards enforcing leftist policies not supported by Texans. The tenure process has been reformed, allowing a dismissal process for professors who commit serious breaches of professional conduct. The Texas University Fund was established to help fund competitive research at Texas universities; will bring industrial investment and economic development.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE Approval process for property development and building review has been streamlined, requiring local governments to utilize third-party reviewers if they fail to complete projects in a timely manner. $1.05 billion for the Texas Broadband Fund to help provide rural areas with vital information infrastructure, allowing commercial and industrial investment and bringing new jobs. The “New Water Supply for Texas Fund” and the “Texas Water Fund” will help provide financial assistance to addressing pressing water challenges across Texas. Insurance providers will no longer be allowed “environmental, social, and corporate governance” (ESG) ratemaking. This will ensure insurers charge similar rates for similar hazards and help prevent external pressures from influencing insurers’ business decisions.
HEALTHCARE $11.6 billion for mental health and behavioral services. $447.2 million in funds for women’s health, an increase of $160.1 million. Prescription drugs from Canada can now be imported wholesale through the Texas Wholesale Prescription Drug Importation Program. Healthcare providers are now required to itemize all services and supplies when billing patients. An incentive grant program was established for universities that run programs to recruit, train, and produce behavioral health and psychiatric specialists, with a priority on those who serve rural or undeserved areas. The Thriving Texas Families Act will ensure proper and better coordinated access to pregnancy and childhood services. The Texas Advance Directives Act has been updated to better protect the rights of patients and healthcare providers.
TEXAS SIT-REP FIGHTING FENTANYL If a person dies from fentanyl poisoning, the supplier can now be charged with murder. Death certificates now must list “fentanyl poisoning” as a cause of death if the death was caused by fentanyl. Opioid antagonists like NARCAN can now be distributed to public schools and universities. Fentanyl testing strips are now legal, allowing parents to test drugs or drug-related items their children may have to see if NARCAN should be administered. Tucker’s Law ensures that every school will have a Fentanyl Awareness Week for grades 6-12, where schools provide instruction on the prevention of the abuse and addiction to fentanyl and are authorized to bring in real people who have suffered the loss of a loved one to fentanyl so students can see the effects first-hand.
DEFENSE & VETERANS’ AFFAIRS The Texas Military Department (TMD) can now use state funds for recruiting and retaining service members, employees, and other personnel. The Bishop Evans Act ensures that, when a member of the Texas Military Force dies while on active state duty, a death benefit is paid to their eligible survivors. Additionally, it allows service members to seek compensation for active state duty-induced PTSD and requires insurance providers to give priority to Texas military service members to relieve compensable injuries sustained on active duty. Military spouses stationed in Texas who have occupational licenses from other states may now work in Texas for up to three years without obtaining a Texas license. State agencies will now give a hiring preference to military spouses and disabled veterans. A new awarding for the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor has been created for those who served after 9/11/2001, helping honor those who fought in the War on Terror without making them compete against other post-World War II veterans. Every two years, the Republican Party of Texas meets for a convention where delegates shape the next two years of the party, electing officers, changing rules, setting a platform, and selecting the priority issues they want the legislature to tackle in the upcoming session. Here is what the 88th legislature accomplished from the list set forward in the 2022 convention.
ELECTION INTEGRITY The penalty for voter fraud was restored to a felony. Cast vote records and ballot images are now available for inspection upon request 61 days after an election, instead of two years after, allowing the public to review the count after it has been certified.
Texas has withdrawn from ERIC, an unreliable organization that tracked voter eligibility across states, in favor of establishing a more reliable organization with more effective standards.
BORDER SECURITY $6.6 billion for building the Texas border wall and supporting law enforcement efforts in border counties. Texas law enforcement officers are now authorized to arrest illegal aliens caught crossing the border and return them to Mexico. The Texas Military Department is now authorized to use drone photography to help enhance border security.
PROTECTING TEXAS KIDS FROM SEXUALIZATION AND GENDER MODIFICATION Sexually explicit or inappropriate books in public schools can now be challenged for removal. A new content rating system and set of standards will be created that puts the burden on vendors selling books to our schools to ensure they are appropriate. Safeguards have been established to prevent children from accessing pornography online, along with penalties for companies that allow children to access their pornographic content. Sexually explicit performances can no longer be performed in front of children. Gender modification of minors, both chemical and surgical, are now illegal in Texas. Men can no longer compete in women’s school sports, at both the public school and university levels.
PROTECTING PERSONAL LIBERTIES Employers can no longer mandate COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment. Healthcare providers can no longer refuse to provide healthcare services based solely on the patient’s refusal or failure to obtain a vaccine. Wealth taxes were banned in the Texas Constitution, preventing any future legislature from imposing a wealth tax on Texans. We accomplished a great deal in 2023. Overall, the work done by the Republican-led 88th Legislature supports families, gives better healthcare access and protections to hard working Texans, and helps build a path for a brighter future for our children. However, there is always more to be done. I’d like to hear from you about what you want to see done in the 89th legislature. You can reach me by email at terry.wilson@house.texas.gov or you can call your HD20 office at (512) 463-0309.
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TEN QUESTIONS
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photos courtesy Elizabeth Branigan
QUESTIONS
PEOPLE YOU NEED TO KNOW
by leading from the front. The leader should have a clear vision shared by the team and a clear path to the goal. She must aways clearly “walk the walk.”
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ONE
I FEEL MOST ALIVE WHEN
I am out of doors. We are supremely lucky to live in Texas where natural beauty abounds and the weather is usually good for outside activities. From gardening to stargazing, life is better spent outdoors.
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ELIZABETH BRANIGAN I DEFINE A GREAT ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE AS ONE THAT is inclusive and mutually supportive. There is no room for rivalry within a team.
ONE THING I TRY TO DO EVERY DAY is make contact with our constituents. Our citizens are what it is all about.
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FIVE
THE BEST LEADERS SUPPORT THEIR TEAMS
M AY O R
TO AVOID DISTRACTIONS I like background music, but if it is good music it can become distracting!
TEN QUESTIONS
ELIZABETH BRANIGAN made Liberty Hill her home in 1977 after attending the city’s first Sculpture Symposium and experiencing what she calls a “community that could do anything.” Following a nearly 30-year nursing career, she devoted herself to pursuing community work in Liberty Hill. Her lifelong love of baseball and experience as an assistant T-ball coach inspired her to serve on the Parks and Recreation Board. Elizabeth has also held three terms on the City Council and was elected as mayor in 2020, saying she has the city’s best thinkers sitting alongside her on the dais.
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I HANDLE NEGATIVITY BY
having so many positive influences in my position, which makes it easy to concentrate on them. I do not encourage negativity by giving it an ear and I do not entertain gossip.
ONE THING THAT IS DIFFICULT FOR ME BUT I ENJOY is public
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MY BEST ADVICE FOR HANDLING CHANGE IS
to remember that all living things change. Growth always brings change. The alternative is stagnation and death.
IN TEN YEARS I HOPE TO...
NINE
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speaking. One can overcome nervousness by having something important to say.
sit on my porch peacefully enjoying the fruits of the things we have done together in this place.
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I DEFINE SUCCESS AS
reaching the goals we have set together.
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ADVERTORIAL
by Charlotte Kovalchuk • photos courtesy Lauren Martin
Enchanting Attire for Precious Moments Whether it’s a wedding, birthday, or school dance, kids need special outfits for life’s special moments. “It’s great to have play clothes — my kids have play clothes from Target and Walmart — but there are times in life when they do need to be dressed up,” says Lauren Martin, owner of DuValls Boutique. The only children’s boutique in the north Austin area, DuValls offers high quality, one-of-a-kind clothing for newborns through tweens. “We really fill that void in the area where you can come and find those special occasion outfits,” she says.
CHILDHOOD, WITH STYLE Bringing classic children’s fashion to the area has been Lauren’s dream for the past 17 years. A mom of five kids, she held onto the plans and designs for her business until everyone was in a good place “where I felt like I could do something for myself again.” Finding the classic 1913 home in Leander she ended up renovating was undoubtedly a God thing, she says. “I came in and fell in love with it. It was exactly what my vision was and wanted [DuValls] to be.”
DuValls, inspired by Lauren’s middle name, opened in April 2023 and offers everything from seasonal outfits, Game Day garb, and heirloom clothes, to boys’ suits and junior bridesmaid / flower girl dresses. Each one is made to last, Lauren says, with the boutique featuring many custom, high quality European styles that customers can’t get anywhere else. “It’s really important that when you buy it, it doesn’t tear or fade in its first wear and wash. You’re paying for something that will truly last.” It’s also important to her that kids feel proud of what they are wearing. “I want parents or whoever is coming in to know that they are walking out with something really unique, and that kids feel really special or unique because no one else will have it. That’s why we focus on limited-size runs and specialty items.”
SPECIAL DAYS, SPECIAL BONDS DuValls now offers high-end women’s styles to complement the boutique’s children’s clothing, such as mother-daughter outfits for Valentine’s Day, Easter, and other spring celebrations. Getting to be part of her customers’ special moments has been Lauren’s favorite part of owning DuValls Boutique. “It’s such a special feeling to know you’re part of so many families’ lives, from birth through christenings and birthdays and first dances — all those milestones that are so important. I love that.”
duvallsboutique.com 109 S Highway 183, Leander 737.287.5758 lauren@duvallsboutique.com
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ASK AN EXPERT • MEDICARE
Maximizing Your MEDICARE
by Emily Hanson Hanson Insurance Agency
Essential Tips for Seniors to Navigate Health Coverage in 2024 Along with new resolutions, January also brings new health coverage for many of us. With all of the confusing calls, texts, emails, mail, social media, and television ads targeting seniors, it’s no wonder so many Medicare recipients end up on the wrong plan in January! Or maybe you chose good coverage during the fall annual enrollment period, but you really don’t understand your benefits.
H
ere are a few tips to make the most out of your Medicare health insurance plan: Verify with your doctors and pharmacists that they are “in-network” with your 2024 coverage. Will your medications be covered by your plan? Locate and read your Summary of Benefits. This document is a contract between you and your insurance company and tells you what is covered and what you will pay for that coverage. For example, a primary care doctor appointment will cost you $0 and an urgent care visit will cost you $40. The Summary of Benefits will also list extra benefits you may not have realized you had included in your plan, such as dental or a gym membership.
The misleading commercials and ads on the Internet will continue. If you see something too good to be true, think twice before calling the number. Many of the WOW items advertised are only available if you have Medicaid (Texas financial assistance) along with your Medicare. If you call the number on the ad, you will be connected to an insurance agent (somewhere) whose job it is to convince you that you need to switch your plan for better benefits. Most of the time you are not able to speak to the phone agent again for help if you need them. A better idea is to call a local broker, who offers all of the major insurance options. A FINAL BIT OF ADVICE: Do not give your Medicare number to anyone other than your doctor and your trusted Medicare broker, especially over the phone. That number is used to change your health coverage and, in the wrong hands, can lead you to medication coverage issues or an inability to see your doctors. Treat your Medicare number as securely as you do your Social Security number.
Put a reminder of important dates for the extra benefits on your calendar so you don’t miss out on them. Many Medicare Advantage plans include things like Over The Counter (OTC) credits that expire at the end of each month or quarter. These can be used to purchase things that you are already buying so you keep more money in your pocket. All benefits expire at the end of the calendar year. J A N UA R Y 2 0 2 4 L I B E R T Y H I L L D I G E S T
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HEALTHY HABITS
by Linda A. Thornton
Pickleball is Serving Up Excitement to All Ages
I
t was just supposed to be a game their families could play together. The year was 1965 and there wasn’t much to do at their summer home on Bainbridge, Island, WA, so Joel Pritchard, congressman from Washington state, got together with two neighbors to come up with something. Little did they know then, that an old badminton court on his property, ping-pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball would become the phenomenon now known as pickleball. Fortunately, they were smart enough to form a corporation to protect their creation of this new sport. The Sports & Fitness Industry Association — or SFIA — named pickleball the fastest-growing sport in America for the third year in a row. According to the report, pickleball enthusiasts now total 8.9 million in the United States, with players starting at age 6. Also popular around the world, the sport is rumored to potentially enter the 2028 or 2032 Olympic games. Much has been written about how pickleball got its name. Many surmise it was named after the Pritchard family dog, but research has shown that Pickles was not yet a part of the family. It was actually Joel’s wife, Joan, who named the sport. Having rowed crew in college, she thought the weaker, mismatched crew boat teams known as “pickle boats” were similar to their new game that combined bits of unrelated games.
PICKLEBALL BASICS Pickleball can be best described as a combination of tennis, racquetball, ping-pong, and badminton. Played on a badminton-sized court with the net lowered to 34 inches at its center, players use a perforated plastic ball - similar to a whiffle ball — and a wood or composite paddle. Proper court shoes are a requirement. Since tennis and pickleball are both played on the same court surface and require lateral, side to side motion, tennis shoes will suffice. Pickleball shoes tend to be a bit lighter and are thought to be beneficial for the games’ short, quick movements.
THE GAME
The basic objective of pickleball is for a singles player or a doubles team to whack a ball over the net in order to win a point when the opponent can’t return it. The five main rules of pickleball are: Ball must stay in bounds Only one bounce per side Serve at the baseline Serve must land beyond the kitchen (no-volley zone) Game ends at 11 or 15 points
Pickleball requires minimal instruction, it’s easy to learn and it offers a level of camaraderie that other sports don’t. More clubs and schools — including colleges — are adding pickleball to their programs. 20
J A N UA R Y 2024 LIBER T Y HILL D IGES T
HEALTHY HABITS Though Joel Pritchard was Washington State’s lieutenant governor from 1988 to 1996, he is probably best known for his connection to the birth of pickleball.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
Always be in the ready position, train until it becomes an automatic reflex: Feet, shoulder-width apart and keep knees slightly bent Weight on the balls of your feet, not your heels Shoulders and upper body relaxed Arms and pickleball paddle out in front of your body, pointed slightly up
NOT JUST A SENIOR SPORT
Juniors Pickleball, for players 18 and under, has emerged as a major force within the sport. The 2022 Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s Single Sport Report on Pickleball found that players age 6-17 make up 21.2% of all pickleball players.
The inclusion of pickleball in school’s athletic curricula and at summer camps is part of the reason for its fast growth. Recently, USA Pickleball, the sport’s national governing body, launched a teaching curriculum designed to introduce the game to young players. Sponsored by The Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) Tour, the Next Gen program trains players ages 16-23 in the hope of turning out professionals. “The beauty of this sport is that it crosses multiple generations—kids can play with their parents and their grandparents,” says Hope Tolley, the managing director of recreational programs at USA Pickleball. “Outside of tournaments, players are largely paired up by skill, rather than age or gender; on a local court, it’s not uncommon to see a 14-year old competing, and often winning, against a 40year old.” That was just what Joel Pritchard had in mind.
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SHELTER STORIES
story and photos contributed by April Peiffer
REFLECTIONS ON 2023
Rave, in a moment we can imagine is a time of reflection about his great new life on the east coast.
SHELTER CONTINUES LIFESAVING MISSION 2023 was both challenging and rewarding for the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter located at Inner Loop in Georgetown. “We maintained our no-kill status, which means we saved at least 90 percent of the animals that come to the shelter. That is an accomplishment and the challenge,” Community Programs Coordinator April Peiffer says. “Dogs have been the main focus for the year as we’ve seen an increase in animals coming in, without an increase in adoptions, which has in turn increased the number of dogs we’re caring for on a daily basis.”
WAYS TO WAGS
She is grateful for several programs the shelter launched this year that have helped with the shelter’s overcrowding issue — Doggy Day Out and the Best Match Program. “Doggy Day Out was launched in March and was a big success from the start. With people coming to take dogs on outings to their favorite parks, grabbing pup cups, walking around local gems like the nearby Georgetown Square, and more.” This new program was responsible for a number of adoptions, happily, by people who came in thinking they were just going to take a dog out for the day, and others who found their match due to the valuable information gathered by these daytime fosters about the dog they took out. “The Doggy Day Out program is
running strong and is a great way to support the shelter in their lifesaving efforts,” April says. The Best Match Program is designed to highlight dogs with unique features people may be interested in when looking for a new companion, and to market those dogs to people in other areas of the United States where there are waiting lists to adopt. Rave was the program’s first success story. “He was adopted to someone in Connecticut and sent off to his new home with much fanfare (above). Reports tell us he is doing very well in his new home, and we are pleased as can be about it all!” One unique adoption initiative ended up being the highlight of the year for April. As part of the Pies for Paws Challenge in November, Shelter Director Misty Valenta agreed to take a pie to the face for every dog who left the shelter during the challenge, then shared that challenge with other shelters. On December 1, she took 16 pies to the face.
SUSTAINING SUCCESS
In 2024, “We hope to continue our lifesaving mission of providing care to the lost and unwanted animals of our jurisdiction,” April says. “With the support of our local community — adopters, fosters, donors, volunteers, and partner organizations — we can continue to do this work. It’s hard and it’s sometimes tiring, but worth every moment.”
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WORTH THE DRIVE With the population of 90 swelling to 150,000 during each of their three annual Antiques Weeks, Round Top, Texas has become the mecca for antique shopping and Texas Monthly has named it “The Aspen of Texas.”
I
taly, France, and Round Top? Ask celebrities, influencers, and designers where they like to antique shop, and Round Top, Texas is usually in the mix. You may just run into Chip and Joanna Gaines of "Fixer Upper" fame, who dedicated an entire show to their family trip to Round Top Antiques Week, where Joanna, giddy with anticipation, secured unique treasures for her clients.
A LITTLE BACKGROUND More than 50 years ago, Emma Lee Turney, “Godmother of Texas antiques,” was recruited to organize a show in the hopes of restoring Round Top. And restore Round Top she did. Now considered an antiques hub, the largest antiques show in the country boasts the 30,000-square-foot Big Red Barn, along with The Continental Tent. During shows, you’ll also find an overflow of vendors displayed in fields, barns, and tents for more than 12 miles down Highway 237. Every spring, fall, and winter, serious shoppers fly in on helicopters, making sure they are in place alongside first timers and top retailers in search of new design trends. Standing behind the yellow tape, each is poised and ready to leap as soon as the metal triangle rings at exactly 9 am, signaling the start of the show. Dedicated attendees say it is not just the thrill of the hunt that brings them back each year, there is also a great sense of community and a fun vibe. Twice a year, the owners of Junk Gypsy celebrate the Junk O’ Rama Prom. Originally started as an homage to the forgotten prom dress, it has now become an eclectic costume party fueled by live music, food and drink.
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by Linda A. Thornton
The Original
Round Top AntiquesFair
SHOP ROUND TOP LIKE AN EXPERT Tickets are now on sale for the January 19–20, 2024 fair. The show runs daily from 9am to 5pm. The $10 fee includes parking and is good for both days of the show. Tickets are available online or cash only at the entrance gate. Plan a day trip to Round Top, about a two-hour drive, or book way ahead and treat yourself to an area hotel such as The Red Antler, Rancho Pillow, Hotel Lulu or the Wander Inn. Plan ahead for dinner reservations. Some area favorites include Royer’s Round Top Café and Garden Co. Marketplace and Café. Review the Round Top Show Guide beforehand - available online - to familiarize yourself with the array of vendors. Wear comfortable shoes. Bring cash and prepare to haggle. Porters are available to help you load heavy items, and professional shipping services are also available on site. Take advantage of a curated day trip. Starting in 2024, designers such as Chad Dorsey and Claire Staszak are planning to host lunch, VIP access to the best halls, and personalized shopping selections. If you see something you like, buy it! Chances are it won’t last long. If you plan to visit when a show is not scheduled, you’ll have less trouble making hotel and dinner reservations and can still visit many of the antique shops that remain open all year round. Designer Alessandra Branca, who never misses a fair, says, “What I love about Round Top is that it’s a true festival of people who love design, love the hunt, and love that famous Texas hospitality. It’s such a great cross-section of America and an endless feast for the eyes.”
THINGS TO DO IN ROUND TOP Don’t forget to add Round Top Festival Institute to your itinerary. Founded by renowned concert pianist James Dick, the 1,000seat Festival Concert Hall is set on over 200 acres of green space.
You can attend a concert, visit the museum and restored chapel, schedule a guided tour, or walk the trails and gardens on your own. Stop in at The Stone Cellar for some country music and line dancing. The true Texas historic honky-tonk dance hall is housed in a re-purposed train depot built in 1861. While other national antique shows have struggled, Round Top’s size, product variety, and cachet have helped it continue to thrive. With its small-town charm, western flair, and sky-high real estate prices, Texas Monthly has named Round Top “The Aspen of Texas.” Another reason to add a visit to one of the smallest incorporated communities in Texas to your bucket list.
Scan the code for more information about the Antique Fairs.
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J A N UA R Y 2 0 2 4 L I B E R T Y H I L L D I G E S T
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BELLE CHIMES IN
2023, Adieu: Don't Know if I'll Miss You I
’m not sure if we can blame 2020 for giving us a permanent feeling that twenty-twenty-anything was a terrible year. But, since that was the year of lockdowns, murder hornets, impeachment, riots, and — for those of you going for a full card in Doom Bingo — fire-nados, I think it’s safe to say 2020 was a true milestone of misery. On the plus side, we did get pretty close to a real Christmas Star on December 21 that year. So in keeping with that tradition, it seems a lot of people think 2023 was a terrible year too but I have decided we can't blame the calendar for bad times. I think social and mainstream media just keeps feeding us all the ugly news we can swallow, and we run with it every year. Seriously, right out of the gate in 2023, an NFL player had a heart attack on national television. Some things did start out pretty good. The entire country united behind a billion-dollar-plus lottery in January, and two more billion-plus jackpots over the summer. Definitely feel-good news, even if only three people really got to enjoy it. Artificial Intelligence got a ton of attention this year so now we can not only complain about fake news but now we can make fun of people who get busted for “faked” news. Sure, A.I. motivated a lot of companies to completely re-think their entire tech strategy but it was also amusing to
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see everyone from public universities to Sports Illustrated getting dinged for publishing stories by imaginary writers. Some think it was a bad year because of all the celebrities who died. My Gen-X friends certainly mourned Marty Krofft...without whom we would never have met Sleestaks or mean sea-brothers, Blurp and Slurp. We also lost Suzanne Somers, Dick Butkus, Michael Gambon, Jimmy Buffett, Cindy Williams, Paul Reubens, and Tony Bennett. While I'm still not over losing Matthew Perry, I know many will agree with me that one of the best things about staying home sick from school was Bob Barker on "The Price is Right" so he was a big loss too. Still, I hate to be a jerk about it, but famous people die every year, so it’s not 2023’s fault. Are we still mad at 1977 for killing Elvis? Politics did not disappoint this year. Our president got another year older and provided us with plenty of gaffes and word salads so I would say "yay, 2023 is over" but he's just going to get another year older in 2024. Plus, I know how excited we *all* are that 2024 will be chock full of debates and robocalls asking for campaign donations every day. Yay. Also in 2023, I decided the job I am most qualified for is head football coach at Texas A&M. Where else can you do your job badly for a few years, get fired, and walk away with $75 million?
J A N UA R Y 2 024 LIBER T Y HILL D IGES T
You probably didn’t see much about the European Space Agency heading to Jupiter's moons to look for signs of life and India's picture-perfect landing on the south pole of the moon. But, naturally, we did have to watch a Chinese "weather balloon" for six days that may or may not have been looking for signs of life on military installations across the United States. In other lives of privilege, I still love Elon Musk. Seriously, wouldn't we all like to have so much money we could tell Disney and Apple to 'self-reproduce' to their face, and still have enough money and status left over to help rebuild a whole country in the Middle East? How could we be mad at a year that saw Mexico turn away from Acapulco hurricane victims and focus on fake Peruvian extraterrestrials. We also managed to prove that a perfect clock will never be possible. If I understood quantum computing, I might even know why that is important. So I guess we’ve had better years. Farewell year of nurses' strikes, Hollywood strikes, we-can't-decide-whothe-House-Speaker-should-be, Susan Meachen faking her own death to sell books, Putin's 24th year in charge, Boomers vs. Zoomers, and George Santos. With all that said, I am actually still mad at 2016 for killing Alan Rickman.
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PARTING SHOTS
by Charlotte Kovalchuk photos courtesy Betty & John T. Baker
Sweetest Christmas Gift On December 26, Sunrise Ranch – home to longhorn legend Bevo XV – celebrated the arrival of his adorable little sister, Sunrise Sugar. Named in honor of the University’s invitation to play in the 2024 Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day, Sugar boasts a notable lineage that has ranch co-owners Betty and John T. Baker beam-
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ing with pride. “She’s just beautiful. I know Bevo would be proud,” Betty says. The excitement didn’t stop there; Bevo made a grand appearance in the Sugar Bowl parade, complete with a police escort on the way to the event. “He thinks he’s pretty important. It’s like the king was coming.”
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