BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Massa Dentistry

Total Health Dentistry for You and Your Family

DR. LOURDES MASSA DRAWS INSPIRATION FROM HER GENTLE AND CARING CHILDHOOD DENTIST, AND HER EARLY YEARS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE PROVIDING EMERGENT DENTAL SERVICES IN UNDERSERVED AREAS. "FAMILY AND COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A WAY OF LIFE, AND I ENJOY PARTNERING WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES TO PROVIDE FOR MY NEIGHBORS' NEEDS IN JARRELL."

SUPERLATIVES

Dr. Massa completed her Dental training at the top of her class at Loma Linda University in California. She was an Asst. Clinical Professor at LLUSD, and a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society.

Since March 2017, Dr. Lourdes Massa has been taking care of the dental health of the citizens of Jarrell, and she happily admits her Jarrell practice is her favorite in all her 30 years of practice. "I am not just a doctor who drives through town—I live here and I care about what is happening with my patients and the community."

When she and her husband moved to Jarrell, they fell in love with the people. Dr. Massa soon realized she wanted to practice here and be of service to the community, so she closed her Austin office and moved her practice to Jarrell so she could be here full time. When not tending to health care, she is a member of the Jarrell Civilian Emergency Response Team, and is the Oral Healthcare educational speaker at Jarrell Middle School. She is also a proud supporter of the Jarrell City Fire and Police Departments, Jarrell Chamber of Commerce, and is an auxiliary member of the local parish Legion of Mary.

PROFESSIONAL

Before finally settling in Jarrell, Dr. Massa practiced privately in California and in Austin. But, she feels she may be a dinosaur in an age where corporate dentistry is taking over dental healthcare. "I really love what I do as a dentist and having my own practice allows me to take care of my patients—my neighbors—to the best of our ability. In this age of computer technology, I still like to do things myself, including denture teeth setup or minor denture repair to facilitate patient needs."

NOT JUST A NUMBER

Dr. Massa takes time to know everything about her patients and their health care needs. Care is individualized because she and her staff take time to listen, then overcome any hurdles on the way to a healthy smile. "We look at the bigger picture. For instance, if a patient comes in with a toothache, we not only examine every detail of his dental health, we may coordinate with his physician to assess his complex systemic health. We do our best to listen, understand patient concerns, and always look for answers, not just for great teeth but for good oral health as it relates to total overall wellness."

OPEN 9-6 MON, 8:30-5:30 T-TH AND 8-5 FRI 512-746-5222 • MASSADENTISTRY.COM 181 TOWN CENTER BLVD # 100, JARRELL

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

MY PATIENTS ARE THE DRIVERS AND I AM THEIR GPS. I CAN GIVE THEM A DIRECT ROUTE TO A HEALTHY SMILE, BUT THEY MAY OPT FOR A DETOUR, OR EVEN TO STEP ON THE BRAKES. ULTIMATELY, EVERY PATIENT WILL MAKE THE FINAL DECISION THAT MAPS A HEALTHY SMILE DESTINATION.

WHEN YOU GO

When Dr. Massa first took over the Jarrell dental practice in 2017, many patients shared that they didn't have insurance and could not afford the care. In response, Massa Dentistry instituted an in-house membership plan for uninsured patients. They also have an in-house payment plan with credit card auto-payment. Dr. Massa explains, "Part of being a health care provider is listening to all of my patients' concerns, and showing compassion. In this case, I just listened, and created a path to overcome financial challenges with an affordable alternative."

She also offers patients the convenience of an in-house dental surgeon at an affordable fee if they are in need of wisdom tooth extraction or implant placement.

While supporting patients with financial solutions is important, Dr. Massa's true goal is to eliminate barriers to proper care. "I have provided a lot of emergency care where patients lose a tooth that could have been saved with corrective or preventive care. We re-educate patients with the goal of making sure they have no cause to skip or postpone important preventive visits and procedures. I want my patients to be healthy and I encourage them to call me to talk about dental health, systemic, or airway issues and concerns; they are all interrelated."

UNIQUE PROPOSITIONS IT'S ABOUT PEOPLE

Dr. Massa says patients love her friendly staff as much as she does. That connection is important because Dr. Massa’s goal has always been to take the fear out of going to the dentist. She works very hard to avoid the 'white coat syndrome' that can be intimidating. "Our patients appreciate that we provide gentle care. We have many patients who used to be anxious about dentists in general, but now their visits are much more relaxed."

Dr. Massa’s care continues even after patients get out of the chair. She is available after hours for emergent needs; "I may go home at the end of the day, but my assistance is not limited to business hours. We simply want everyone to give us a chance to exceed their expectations."

One of the special services offered at Massa Dentistry is Sleep and Airway Dentistry, which helps those diagnosed with airway problems (snoring or sleep apnea). Dr. Massa is eager to bring awareness to airway concerns and find solutions that combine dental therapies for snoring, sleep apnea and/or TMJ. "Our methods are beneficial for patients who have been prescribed a CPAP device but fail to use it due to claustrophobia or anxiety. We offer a great alternative."

For healthy smiles, Dr. Massa is a FastBraces Master Provider. FastBraces are a fast, safe alternative to traditional metal braces and are appropriate for patients of any age. It is a unique system that reduces the complete treatment to half the time needed for traditional braces.

Her office also uses cutting-edge 3D scanning technology to take impressions for dentures, braces, and more. No more gooey impression material in patients' mouths; just a quick and easy scan with a wand. This is a boon for patients who are anxious about their gag reflex or uncomfortable with gels and molds in their mouth.

YOUR HEALTH AND SAFETY AT MASSA DENTISTRY

Dr. Massa's office has always set a high standard when it comes to infection control. With COVID, the entire staff is dedicated, diligent, and focused on making a difference in office safety, and maintaining sterilization at all times. They have implemented meticulous stringent hands-on cleaning and disinfection protocols; all employees check their temperatures daily, wear required PPE, practice social distancing, and provide Povidone-Iodine mouth rinse for every patient prior to treatment. The office is also fitted with a germ and virus-killing UV light sanitizer, HEPA Air Filtration, and HEPA Extra-Oral Vacuum Systems to clean the air continuously. In addition, patient treatment rooms are covered, and each uses a cold fogger to contain and sanitize aerosols.

WHAT MAKES TEXAS “TEXAS”?

Birthplace of Modern Cheerleading

There are many icons of American culture that did not originate in Texas, and cheerleading is one of them. But, like barbecue, pageantry, and law enforcement, Texas went and made it better.

You may already know the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders were not the first in the NFL, but they are about as famous around the world as Mickey Mouse so, whether that is the cause—or effect—of the Lone Star love affair with cheerleading, the sport is still going strong at all levels.

It should surprise no one that in a state that loves football so much, those on the periphery also enjoy a sense of connection and identity as participants in the culture of Friday night lights. In decades past, cheerleading created a social aspect that allowed girls and women who did not play sports to feel connected to teammates and their school. In recent years, as cheerleading has been elevated to a competitive sport, Texas has been equally intentional about being bigger, more creative, and nailing the most challenging stunts.

BACK(FLIP)STORY

History books tell us organized cheerleading began at the University of Minnesota in 1898. Women were not invited to participate in the sport at all until 1923, but they brought the first tumbling and acrobatic elements to the routines.

TEXAS STEPS IN

In 1939, the dean of Kilgore College in east Texas wanted to encourage more young women to enroll but also keep football fans in their seats during halftimes. With the help of Gussie Nell Davis, the first-of-its-kind Rangerette dance team brought entertainment to the field and set the bar for on-field performance. The Rangerettes are still the gold standard and the world’s best-known collegiate drill team, performing coast-to-coast in the United States and on frequent world tours.

By the 1940s, professional teams began nurturing entertainment programs of all kinds, and the trend trickled downward. While cheerleading was still a male-dominated activity, and had remained fairly exclusive to collegiate football, it was growing fast.

In 1948, cheer had grown so much at colleges and high schools that Lawrence Herkimer, a former cheerleader at Southern Methodist University, formed the National Cheerleaders Association, the organization that drew cheerleading off the sidelines and into the national spotlight.

Lawrence held his first camp in 1948 in Huntsville, Texas with 52 girls and one boy. His signature jump while a cheerleader at SMU—the Herkie—is still one of

WHAT MAKES TEXAS, TEXAS

the most popular jumps around the world. Today, NCA is headquartered near Dallas and remains one of the largest and most influential camp and competition organizations, holding hundreds of camps nationwide every year and more than a dozen televised championships.

Herkie also created the PomPon and held the patent for the stick with colored paper designed to attract fans’ attention and be more visible on television. Herkie created the “Spirit Stick” in 1957 as a reminder to teams of the importance of positive attitudes, leadership, and supporting the team and leading the fans. It is still a cherished award in cheerleading.

AMERICA’S SWEETHEARTS OFF THE FIELD

Texas loves cheerleading so much that many cities and towns have multi-generation dance and pom squads that raise money as well as spirit.

But, if you are a purist, Cheer Austin is an all-volunteer, community-based 501(c)3 now in its fourth season. Director Ernie Barrera says he wanted to be a cheerleader as a child but was told he should probably play football, so he wasn’t able to pursue that dream. Then, at age 35, he saw several “Cheer” teams at a parade and joined Cheer Chicago. “I decided if I ever moved to a city without one, I would create it. I think for many people, particularly in Texas, we just never get over it, even as our opportunities seem to end when we leave school.”

Ernie’s former and woulda-been cheerleaders don uniforms, practice weekly, and perform routines and stunts at parties, 5Ks, and other events in the Austin metro area. Money they raise supports local small non-profits that provide direct care services for those with life-threatening challenges. Their beneficiary this year is Strong Family Alliance and they are holding tryouts right now, virtually, if you want to stretch out your Herkie one more time! (CheerAustin.org)

While Herkie gave Texas the inroad to setting many standards for cheerleading, Dallas brought it to worldwide fame. Several NFL teams had cheer and pep squads in the 1960s and the Cowboys were no different.

The team’s Cow Belles and Beaux were a co-ed squad of local high school students who led traditional cheers on the sidelines. Then, in 1971, owner Tex Schramm, having watched the crowd’s reaction to exotic dancer Bubbles Cash walking down the steps in his new stadium, told his cheer director to find professional dancers who would add some glamour to the game.

The new dancers, and their star-spangled outfit, resulted in the birth of an image that changed sports entertainment forever, and that uniform has since been installed in the Smithsonian Institute as a permanent symbol of American culture. It did not hurt the DCC, or Texas’ reputation for being the best, when the ladies began appearing in television shows, USO tours, and even had their own DCC “Barbie” doll.

If that weren’t enough, you can watch or stream 15 seasons of “Making the Team” on the CMT network, which documents the annual tryout for those 45 hard-to-win spots on the Cowboys’ sidelines.

As popularity grew and tryouts for coveted spots everywhere got tougher, other not-so-flattering productions showed the world just how seriously Texas takes its cheerleading, including two television movies about the mom of a junior-high candidate who hired a hit man to kill the mother of a rival student. More recently, Netflix featured students at Navarro College in Corsicana in a docuseries about their journey to their 15th national championship. The show got mixed reviews for content, but was praised nationally for demonstrating the superior, but often-overlooked athletic skills of many in the sport to a nationwide audience.

KIDS

Kids Helping Kids in Jarrell ISD

The first things you notice about Charli Gick are her love of family and friends, consistency of mission, and the fact that no matter what she is doing, it is all for the kids.

In addition to being the nurse at Jarrell HS, Charli oversees the ISD's student service organization known as The Locker, founded at Georgetown HS by Karen Crosby. Having grown up around the Crosby family's kids, Charli is following in Karen's footsteps and helping Jarrell's kids help kids.

HOW IT STARTED

In 2008, a group of student-athletes approached Karen with an idea to do more. They wanted to help fellow students who were in need. What started as a modest effort to help support a sense of normalcy has grown into a foundation that no longer grows by schools, but by entire districts.

It has also become part of the fabric of Jarrell ISD, adding layers of assistance through scholarships and anticipating the needs of kids as they navigate the milestones of young life.

For her part, Charli always wanted to be a school nurse, and, although her job is tremendously busy—keeping up with changing in-person enrollment and COVID compliance— she loves that everything is done without an expectation of getting anything in return. "The Locker is so selfless, as are the kids who participate. They don't want recognition and, most of the time, don't even know whom they are helping; they just want to do it because a family somewhere has a need."

KIDS HELPING KIDS

The mission of The Locker is to help kids with any kind of need. They do not have to qualify, they just need to ask. Charli says, “We collect and purchase sundries like soap, socks, and other basics. But many students have other financial challenges for which there are no programs. The Locker responds with money for Life Enhancement. “AP testing costs close to $100. Sometimes families cannot pay this fee after the student has completed the course. We also help kids in the choir with slacks and white shirts. No kid should have to miss out on those things.”

COVID PIVOT

Like most, The Locker made changes this year to manage services and fundraising. Charli says, "The kids are still engaged, whether in-person or virtual but we've had to do a lot of things behind the scenes as we're not able to meet with the kids in groups. Happily, as a smaller district, we are used to wearing many hats and school staff are eager to help when they can."

HOW TO HELP

Charli reports a steady stream of students visiting The Locker for personal hygiene and school supplies. "I want people to know help is here for the asking. Just call and, even after school, I will meet them for deodorant or anything else they need."

Charli says schools often need undergarments and backup clothing for students' accidents. It is important to a child or a young lady that they aren't wearing something from the lost-n-found in those cases. Hoodies are also a popular item for kids who don't have warm clothes that fit.

Charli adds, "We also love to have plenty of snacks or Walmart food cards. If a student tells me he is hungry, it is on my heart to understand why. Maybe it's a choice, or maybe I can make a call home and give them extra food for the weekend."

Monetary donations are also welcome to help cover things like Chromebook fees, which are in great demand due to virtual learning. "I am proud to be a part of it," Charli says, "And I'm proud of Jarrell for expanding and getting lockers on all campuses. I just wish we could do more."

Scan this code to donate to The Locker Foundation.

76537 LIFE

New Leadership at the EDC

Mary Poché is the first full-time Executive Director for the Jarrell Economic Development Corporation (JEDC). Her 13 years as an economic development expert in Central and North Texas means a wealth of marketing and event expertise for the City. Her focus on the roots of what bring business and community together; retail, industrial, and commercial recruitment will help Jarrell flourish as a growth community.

Mary is a native Texan with turnof-the-century roots near Jarrell; her Czech ancestors settled in nearby Corn Hill, Bartlett, Taylor, and Granger.

What is the EDC?

The EDC is a government entity funded by .25 percent of the sales taxes collected in the city. We have a board and bylaws, and operate as an independent corporation. I am pleased to be a part of Jarrell's next steps economically, but I have to give credit to prior leadership, and even back to people like Bruce Barton who, in 2008, had the foresight to recognize the growth that was coming to our part of the I-35 corridor, and put many things in place.

What does the EDC do? How does the EDC help businesses?

For businesses considering a move or expansion to Jarrell, having an EDC shows them that our city is serious about supporting new business. For existing businesses, we support their growth with funding or by improving infrastructure. We also work with employers to support training and employee retention. As they meet certain milestones of employment, we can provide funding to additional worker training.

Most people are familiar with local chambers of commerce. The EDC complements their work, but with a bit broader view; we focus on prospects of long-term economic growth and attracting businesses to the city. Our prime objective is to bring new money to our community; 'new' meaning distinct from money that simply changes hands in a community. For instance, I live and work here, I get a paycheck, and I spend it at our local store for groceries; that store pays its employees with that money. What the EDC works for is recruiting a manufacturer to build a plant here, then sell their products outside of Jarrell, which brings money from other communities into ours. This is how we expand our economy.

How does the EDC help the community?

My focus on recruiting new businesses is to provide good primary jobs to our residents; jobs with benefits and solid salaries. One way we do that is by looking at our existing businesses and supply chains. For example, since Jarrell has rock quarries, it makes sense to reach out to businesses that use quarry products and explain the growth benefits of building a facility in close proximity to them. When they do, they bring new money and solid-paying jobs to our community. This brings more people, more development, and a greater quality of life in the community.

What are you looking forward to in the near future?

I am pleased that everyone here is on the same page; our board, the citizens and the Mayor. We have many new homes being built and planned, and I am excited about the job growth as well. How much better will it be for all our new residents to know that there are great and affordable homes just ten minutes from where they work?

It will be wonderful when everyone here can talk about Jarrell in a few great bullet points; we are a bedroom community near a metro area, with affordable housing and a wonderful school district. Sharing those points as a way of understanding what people think Jarrell is and what they want it to be.

I want people to know that my door is always open. I believe the community grows best when we are able to satisfy everyone's needs and the only way to do that is to listen and encourage. If you have a business idea or know someone who may want to move here, or bring a business here, come see me at City Hall, or even call my cell phone... 512-947-6922

NEIGHBOR LEIGH

Sno-VID Perspectives

Remember when we had lockdowns and couldn’t find toilet paper or hand sanitizer and we were frustrated about our non-essential conveniences being taken away? Then, Mother Nature said, “Hold my beer...” and made me long for the at-least-we-had-electricity days of lockdown.

Now, dear readers, Leigh knows the pandemic is no joking matter, but, like every meme you see on Facebook that generally enrages someone, think back to the days when satire was just supposed to make you smile as you pondered an idea. For me, as we neared the bottom of our wood pile, and I was pondering which bed frame to burn first, I couldn’t help thinking about how our “spectrum” of inconvenience changes as the universe says, again and again, “Oh, no, it can still get worse.”

But God is a great chess player and helps out in ways we wouldn’t (at the time) have imagined. Perhaps our deep freeze was Him finally throwing up His hands, saying, “Now maybe you will stay home with your own family like they told you. You’ve been preparing for this with Zoom calls for months.” Perhaps He cut the power so we could huddle in with family and teach our kids how to play Crazy-8s with actual cards like we kept saying we would if we only had the time, but...we still had Netflix. Perhaps He also sent the snow first so we would all have something to melt to use in the bathroom.

Perhaps He nudged my son to forget his water bottle for KidStrong class, precipitating my aggravated purchase of a whole case of water because I didn’t want to use a debit card for a single bottle. But, then, that case of water was all we had for three days. A month ago, I’d have been aggravated just being told to boil water, but today, using a faucet at all feels like a vacation.

I also hope, on a bad day, or my deathbed, I can fully summon the supreme joy of “The power’s back on! Find all the chargers... we’ve got 60 minutes! Go, go, GO!” game, and “Quick, somebody cook something!”

I also might not have guessed how much I love my dog-that-can’t-swim until I midnight-body-slammed the icy brick around the pool and, crying, reached through a layer of razor-sharp slush up to my shoulder to pull him out of the hole he punched through. Naturally, when the pool is liquid, he gives it a knowingly-wide berth but, apparently, when frozen, it’s “Go” time. He slept the whole next day in front of the fire, like Leo DiCaprio fished him out of the North Atlantic.

Your blizzard story is surely different, but I’m hoping you might have had a providential moment or two in there somewhere. It’s just nice to know Someone is in control.

Still, on the negative side, I am now fully aware of what a lousy pioneer woman I would have made. It occurred to me, while I was pondering whether I could safely make toast over an open fire, my much hardier great-great grandmother might have been outside pounding grain on a rock to make bread. Then again, at least she knew how to do it, having always cooked everything with fire, and likely wouldn’t have been complaining about it. She’d have probably even said a little prayer of thanks that she had wheat in the first place.

Heck, even my grandmother would have had Jiffy Pop, which surely would have worked on a fire. (Note to self for future grocery trip and prepper-food box.)

One thing I did enjoy in my metaphysical connection with my ancestors... reading paper books, and the Bible by candlelight was kind of nice. I guess 21st-century living is still relatively easy, even when I think it’s not.

For now, the power is back on and this is the best microwave popcorn I’ve ever had.

P.T.S.D.O.G.

WORTH THE DRIVE Always Something New at Inner Space Cavern

The cave at Inner Space Cavern has changed slowly over several million years, but today, even if you have been on a tour before, there is something new to see and do nearly every month.

The cave was discovered in 1963 when surveyors bored into bedrock at the future site of IH-35. Had they drilled the first hole 50 feet away, we may never have known about the wonders beneath that provide fascinating opportunities for education and amateur exploring.

ACTIVITIES BELOW

There are three underground tours, depending on your preference for visuals and adventure. Plus, no matter how many times you take the tour, you’re certain to see, perhaps, a tiny and delicate formation, or unique feature on a huge rock flow for the first time. There’s so much detail, you simply can’t see it all in one trip—cave bacon, anyone?

The Adventure Tour is a guided walk on a paved and lighted trail to see the largest formations and the most decorated rooms. For more rugged types, the Hidden Passages tour provides guests with a flashlight to explore delicate formations in a newly-opened section of the cave. This undeveloped trail allows visitors a closer and more intimate view of the underground.

If you’re ready to channel your inner Indiana Jones, the Wild Cave Tour is a genuine spelunking experience— crawling and squeezing deep underground into tight spots, outfitted with headlamp and body pads. Cavers are rewarded with views of beautiful formations and large decorated rooms.

Regardless of your preference, the caves are always a cozy 72°, making them a good choice for year-round fun.

FAMILY FUN

There are also many things to do at Inner Space if you prefer sunshine to sinkholes. Visitors can try their hand with the sluice to pan for gemstones, rare stones, and maybe even a fossil or two.

This is also the International Year of Caves and Karst, and expert staff have new projects and special events and projects every month to celebrate. Visit the website for activities, Home School and group tours, and special pricing for weekday tours.

THE SABER TOOTH zip ride will provide passengers a bird’s-eye look of the InnerSpace site, the cave entrance, and views of everything from Georgetown to Austin.

WHAT’S NEW?

The best new thing at the cavern is actually 130 feet in the air. General Manager Taunya Vessels says the Cavern’s new zip ride, The Saber Tooth, should be operational by mid-March and is certain to be a breathtaking family experience. “While it is part of our Inner Space experience, it is separate from our cave tours and packs plenty of excitement in a four-minute thrill-ride. We hope it will become a new family destination, for all of Central Texas.”

The zip ride, which looks similar to a ski lift, begins on the south end of the property, lifts two passengers backward—facing south, for spectacular views of Round Rock and Pflugerville—then slopes them gently to the ground 630 feet away.

Taunya is also particularly proud of the new logo (above), designed by Round Rock senior and future UT art major, Addie Hall. The Saber Tooth will also be managed and marketed by Maddie Brand, who began working at the cavern in high school, and has now made it her career.

Check the website for opening day information or visit Inner Space at 4200 S. I-35 Frontage Rd. in Georgetown.

InnerSpaceCavern.com • 512-931-2283

ASK THE EXPERT

Compiled from IRS.gov, Forbes.com, TaxAct.com

Looking at COVID-year Taxes

We know 2020 was the longest year ever and, among other things, the IRS won’t let us forget it either. Following are some things to consider as you prepare your returns. Be sure to consult a tax professional for a careful review before filing, particularly if any of these situations apply to your tax situation.

 Unemployment: Federal unemployment compensation is taxable and must be reported on a federal return (1099-G). Any of the special unemployment compensation authorized under the

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, enacted in Spring 2020, is taxable. m Includes any who received federally funded unemployment benefits, including those not traditionally covered (self-employed, independent contractors, and gig workers). m Funds received from Williamson County under the CARES Act (WilcoForward grants) is gross income taxable to a business. Sole Proprietors will receive a 1099-NEC from the County. Gig work: If you picked up a side job for cash and netted more than $400, you must include it on your tax return as self-employment income. Make sure to note qualifying expenses that may reduce your net revenue and tax obligation (mileage, equipment, etc.). EIC: Families who received unemployment income should also note, with regard to the earned income tax credit and the child tax credit—unemployment benefits are taxable, but not considered earned income.

Under normal circumstances, receiving unemployment would result in a reduction of both credits when you file your tax return. Stimulus 1: Stimulus payments received from the government are not taxable. The IRS does not consider it income and it will not affect your refund or tax owed. Stimulus 2: If you believe you were eligible for the

Round 1 and Round 2 Stimulus payment, but did not receive what you expected, or received none at all, you can claim a Recovery Rebate Credit. E.g., if your income was lower in 2020 than 2019, you may be owed a partial credit. Or, if you were claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return in 2018 or 2019 but won’t be for 2020, you may be eligible for the credit. PPP Loans: The CARES Act says the forgiven loan amount is not included in taxable income. The December 2020 stimulus plan does allow you to deduct allowable expenses paid with PPP funds. Retirement Account: If you took a CARES Act 401(k) or IRA distribution in 2020, you can report all of the income on your 2020 tax return, or in equal installments over three years. You may also recontribute money back into a retirement account and undo the tax consequences of the distribution. Note: For 2021, the rules returned to standard hardship and standard plan loan rules.

Charity: If you made cash gifts to charities in 2020, there is a new $300 above-the-line charitable donation deduction per tax return. That means that even if you take the standard deduction and don’t itemize, you can take the $300 charitable deduction. Just make sure you have receipts for your gifts; under $250 you can use credit card statements or cancelled checks. For gifts of $250 or more, you need a written acknowledgment from the charity. Winter Storm Uri Extension: The IRS announced extensions for Texans in the federal disaster area. Individual returns, Partnership and S Corp annual filings, fourth quarter estimated payments, quarterly payroll returns, and 2020 IRA contributions are now due June 15.

FREE TAX ASSISTANCE

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program of United Way is available to wage earners earning $57,000 or less. IRS-certified volunteers provide basic return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.

SHOP LOCAL MARKETPLACE

CHILDREN ARE A GIFT FROM GOD ~ PSALM 127:3

KiDS’ ZONE

CONSTRUCTIVE LEARNING AHEAD

QUALITY, AFFORDABLE PRIVATE SCHOOL

SERVING CHILDREN 0-12 YEARS

FULL & PART-TIME CARE AFTER SCHOOL CARE KINDERGARTEN 1ST & 2ND GRADE

104 Copper Lane Jarrell 512-746-2333

105 Western Sky Trail Jarrell 512-598-3900

4802 Moreland Dr. Georgetown 512-868-8300

TEGAN HOFFMAN

KINDERGARTEN

MEET OUR TEACHERS!

ASHLEY SIGAFOOS

1ST-2ND GRADE

LAIZA REYES

KINDERGARTEN

How many years have you been teaching at Kids’ Zone?

4 Years 6 Years (4 Years in Private School)

1 Year

What is your favorite thing about working with kids?

I love watching my students gain confidence when they learn something new. Their creative minds and unique personalities make it fun and exciting every day!

I love having the opportunity to watch our students grow over the years and fostering their love of learning. They come to us in Kindergarten and many of them are still with us today in second grade. I love working with kids, they bring me so much happiness every day. There is nothing more rewarding than knowing and seeing the evidence that you’ve made an impact on someone’s life and getting to celebrate their milestones. Teaching is the Best Thing Ever!

I love the family atmosphere!

What is your favorite thing about Kids’ Zone?

At Kids Zone we are a close-knit Christ-Centered Community. I love the relationship we build with the families who come to us as well as creating a sense of family within the classroom where students are able to feel safe and loved. We all work together like a big family. I also have made some amazing friends and I love being a part of such a great community.

For questions, information or to schedule a tour, visit our website or call any of our locations. KidsZoneLearningCenter.org

FOOD

Irish Fare for Texas Fancy

It is believed the first Irishman in Texas was Hugh O’Connor. Born in Dublin in 1734, he left to serve in the Spanish military when England ruled Northern Ireland.

He came to New Spain (Texas) in 1767, and served as governor until 1770. Hugo Oconór (his Spanish name) helped reinforce San Antonio and participated in laying stones for the Mission San José church.

The Texas State Historical Association places 12 Irish-born heroes among those who died defending the Alamo in 1836. The battle of San Jacinto found about 100 Irish natives among the troops fighting for Texan independence.

Many more Irish came to Texas because of the terrible Potato Famine that struck in 1845. During the American Civil War, County Galway-born Richard “Dick” Dowling led an all-Irish unit known as the Fighting Irishmen.

COWBOY IRISH STEW

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour • 1 Tbsp coarse salt • 1 Tbsp ground black pepper • 2 Tbsp vegetable oil • 2 1/2 pounds beef stew meat • 1 medium onion, chopped • 8 cloves garlic, minced • 2 cups beef stock • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves • 1large turnip, peeled and diced • 3 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped • 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 1/4 tsp liquid smoke • Salt and pepper to taste • 1 Tbsp spicy mustard or Dijon mustard • 3 carrots, cut in bite-sized pieces • 1 pound potatoes, cut in 1/2-inch pieces • 1 pound crimini or portobello mushrooms, cut in bite-sized pieces

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 300°F. In a medium bowl, mix together flour, salt and pepper. Set aside.

Heat oil in a large, oven-proof pot over medium heat. Dredge beef in flour mixture and add to pot with garlic and onions. Cook until well browned on all sides, stirring occasionally. Add all remaining ingredients except parsley and mushrooms. Reduce heat to medium low, cover and cook for 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes, stir well to incorporate the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Cover and place in oven for 30 minutes.

Remove from oven, add parsley and mushrooms and cook, covered, over medium heat for an additional 10 minutes. Taste for seasoning and serve with a good crusty bread.

FOOD

IRISH SODA BREAD MUFFINS WITH CHEDDAR AND JALAPEÑOS

Proving that, in Texas, everything is better if you add cheddar and jalapeños! • 3 c all-purpose flour • 1 tbsp baking powder • 1 tsp salt • 2 tbsp white sugar • 1/2 tsp baking soda • 1-3/4 c buttermilk • 1 egg • 1/4 c butter melted • 1 c shredded cheddar • 4 jalapeños seeded and diced

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a muffin tin with paper liners, or spray muffin tin with cooking spray.

Mix flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and baking soda in a large bowl. Whisk together buttermilk and egg together in a small bowl. Stir into flour mixture. Fold butter into the batter. Stir in shredded Cheddar, add diced jalapeños.

Spoon batter into the prepared muffin tin. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 20 to 30 minutes.

IRISH BROWNIES

• 1 c all-purpose flour • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 3/4 c unsweet cocoa powder • 8 oz dark bittersweet chocolate, chopped • 3/4 c white chocolate chips • 4 large eggs, room temperature • 1 c granulated sugar • 1 c semisweet chocolate chips • 10 oz Guinness Extra Stout beer, room temperature (no foam) • 2 tbsp confectioners’ sugar (approximate) for dusting • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into cubes

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with nonstick foil. In medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.

Melt butter, bittersweet chocolate, and white chocolate chips in a double-boiler over very low heat, stirring constantly until melted. Remove from heat. In large mixing bowl, beat eggs and sugar high-speed until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add melted chocolate mixture, beating until combined.

Mix flour mixture into melted chocolate mixture. Whisk in Guinness stout beer. The batter will seem a bit thin. Drop semisweet chocolate chips evenly on top of batter (some will sink in).

Pour into prepared baking pan. Bake 25 to 30 minutes on center rack in the oven, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out almost clean. Let brownies cool, uncovered, until they reach room temperature. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving. Makes 3 to 4 dozen brownies, depending on how large you cut them.

PARTING SHOT

Unprecedented Storm; Classic Community

Makeshift warming stations, Jarrell Meal Train, hundreds of deliveries, physicians opening their doors for free health care... Jarrell and Sonterra were solution factories during the cold and cloudy days of Winter Storm Uri. Residents and businesses on both sides of the highway donated groceries, paper goods, and gasoline, as well as plenty of muscle to push cars out of ditches and clear walkways and driveways.

But, the community service was not limited to our own zip code. Unlike many districts in Williamson County, Sonterra MUD was spared the need for a boil-water notice near the end of the storm week. They jumped on social media and invited everyone in Jarrell, as well as anyone in the county who needed drinking water, to come to Limestone Terrace and fill up containers of any kind.

Then, when the City of Taylor reached out with a desperate need, the MUD went to work. Collaborating with Williamson County, Judge Bill Gravell, and the Jarrell Fire Department, they pumped 2,000 gallons of drinking water into large drums brought to the city by truck. The water was driven to the Texas Beer Company, which bottled it for city residents, and a nursing home that ran out of water.

From this epic storm I have learned there is much power in one versus many. The camaraderie and teamwork displayed by the Sonterra MUD, Williamson County, and Jarrell Fire Department brought a great sense of relief to the City of Taylor and Eastern

Williamson County. The quickness with which this all came together was phenomenal.

I made the call to Sonterra MUD at 8:30am and we were filling up water at 10:30am. Everyone understood the sense of urgency and didn’t hesitate to act. ~Judge Bill Gravell

Instagram / Crossroads Utility Services