My Jarrell Monthly • April 2023

PUBLISHERS

Mike Payne

COMMUNITY EDITOR Camy Reynolds

Camy is a native Texan and mom of three who has lived in Jarrell since 2009. She serves her community as a director on the Sonterra MUD Board, is on the board for the Jarrell Education Foundation, on the District and Igo's Educational Improvement Committees, and founded the local Facebook group Mom Tribe Jarrell that has over 1,400 members.

COMMUNITY LIAISON Janet Hage

Janet Hage has been part of the Jarrell community for almost 30 years. She has been involved in community fundraisers, campaigns, and committees; volunteered with JISD, and worked for the City for more than seven years. She is a development partner of NW Wilco, LLC and serves on the Community Library Board of Directors. Janet focuses her energy on serving, giving back, and uniting the community in positive ways.

SENIOR WRITERS/COPY EDITORS

Ann Marie Kennon • Charlotte Kovalchuk

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Linda A. Thornton • Emily Tilly

GRAPHICS & DESIGN

Sandra Evans

• Zion Eaton

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Christianna Bettis

DISTRIBUTION • David Schumacher

IT/WEBMASTER • Jesse Payne

CONSULTANT • W. Ben Daniel

The wildflowers are in full bloom this spring, but they aren’t the only thing growing. Jarrell Independent School District has added more than 1,300 students in just the last two years and is on track to double in size within the next five years. Our story, “Jarrell Growth is on the Ballot,” breaks down all the $324 million bond encompasses and how approving it would benefit our children and teachers.

ADVERTISING INFORMATION

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All rights reserved. MyJarrellMonthly is published monthly and mailed USPS, free of charge, to homes and businesses in the 76537 zip code. Mail may be sent to My Jarrell, P.O. Box 213, Jarrell, TX 76537. Email: info@myjarrell.com

Our feature on Little Steps Pre-K and Daycare also addresses the growth in our area and why Pastor Joe Stephens and his family felt called to open a faith-based school and daycare in Jarrell. Investing in the next generation is important and Little Steps is excited to start teaching our future leaders.

April also means the end of the school year is in view but that doesn’t mean the learning has to stop. Our Life Skills feature includes tips for parents to help their kids and young teens prepare for life outside the classroom.

Congratulations to Jordan Schwertner for his impressive achievement of pitching a perfect baseball game, and to the Jarrell High School Band and Color Guard for being invited to play at Disney World.

Wishing all our readers a happy and joyous Easter season! We hope your celebration was filled with love, happiness, and plenty of chocolate!

MAKING AN IMPACT Through Faith-based Education

Living Word Church Launches Pre-K and Daycare

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

Among the large number of families relocating to Jarrell, Pastor Joe Stephens has noted a recurring concern — the desperate need for reliable childcare. Fortunately, creating a faith-based daycare and preschool was one of his community outreach goals when he began pastoring Living Word Church. “The city is growing so quickly. We can’t build schools or daycare facilities quickly enough. While Jarrell may be a wonderful town that attracts many, there are still certain needs yet to be fulfilled.”

PHOTOS COURTESY LITTLE STEPS

BRIDGING THE GAP

Recognizing that many children are demonstrating learning deficiencies due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pastor Joe decided to create a child development program to prepare 3- and 4-year-olds for kindergarten. A family-run endeavor, Little Steps Pre-K will be taught by Pastor Joe’s wife and daughter and is open to 3- and 4-year-olds in Jarrell and surrounding areas. The daycare program will be open to children 18 months to 2 years old.

Little Steps Pre-K offers a safe, loving, and nurturing Christian environment where children can safely engage in hands-on learning experiences that will be the building blocks for their future academic success. Pastor Joe says, “Our program operates on the premise that children learn most effectively when they actively participate in the learning process and are provided with opportunities to exercise independence, cooperation, and problem-solving skills. As such, we offer a holistic approach to child development, emphasizing growth in all areas — emotional, social, cognitive, physical, and spiritual.”

NURTURING LITTLE HEARTS

Even beyond offering a safe and encouraging environment where children can learn and grow, the church’s programs also promote socialization and help children develop valuable communication and interpersonal skills. Children who participate in Pre-K and daycare programs are exposed to structured learning environments that emphasize cognitive and intellectual development, as well as physical activities that promote gross and fine motor skill development. In addition, these programs can help children build independence and confidence, as they are encouraged to engage in activities and problem-solving exercises that challenge them to think creatively and act independently.

Finally, Pre-K and daycare programs can offer working parents a valuable solution for childcare, allowing them to focus on their careers and other responsibilities, knowing their children are enjoying the benefits of structured learning and socialization in a safe and secure environment.

By being based at the church, Little Steps also enjoys greater flexibility than other daycares and preschools that must lease or purchase a ded-

icated facility. “We’re a little more flexible because we already have the building,” Pastor Joe says, adding that this enables Little Steps to be more affordable than other daycares and preschools. Moreover, smaller groups foster a more personalized, one-on-one experience. Plus — one more reason for busy parents to rejoice — Jarrell’s Love at First Bite bakery will offer catering services, making it easier for them to take a break from packing lunches.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

Living Word Church also addresses another gap, Pastor Joe says, which is the need for community activities. “Some parents say there aren’t many family-type things to do here,” he says. Although attending Living Word Church is not a requirement for enrollment in Little Steps, families are always welcome to participate in the year-round church activities. The family-friendly calendar includes puppet shows, Easter egg hunts, plays, and Christmas programs, and the summer season also promises to be filled with exciting activities. Last year’s Family Fun Days will return and may include anything from petting zoos to inflatable castles, games, police cars, and fire trucks. With so much to look forward to, Jarrell families can make the most of their summer and create cherished memories together.

LITTLE STEPS IS EXPECTED TO OPEN BY MAY 1 and is located at 301 W Avenue H, in Jarrell. Scan the code to learn more and to register for Little Steps Pre-K and daycare.

Texas Homestead Protections

The Texas Homestead Law was created to prevent most creditors from taking a person’s home to satisfy a debt or lien. The law does NOT include the holders of liens for mortgages, taxes, or home improvement loans.

HOW DO YOU DECLARE A HOMESTEAD?

When you purchase a new home, it is important to contact your appraisal district in the county where you reside to ask for the necessary forms for declaring a homestead. Thanks to a recent change in the law, homeowners are now eligible for this exemption from the date that they obtain ownership of their new property. It is necessary to provide your driver’s license or valid state-issued ID and a copy of your vehicle registration receipt. The address on these documents is required to match the address of the homestead. If you don’t own a vehicle, you must submit a notarized affidavit and provide a current utility bill instead.

WHAT IS A PRETEND SALE AND LEASE OF A HOMESTEAD?

Any sale of a homestead property that is less than the appraised fair market value in which the buyer of the property implements a lease of said property to the seller. The lease payments typically exceed fair rental value of property. It is considered to be a loan with all payments made from the seller to the buyer in excess of the sales price with interest, subject of the usury statute as found in Article 5069.01 Et Seq. This type of transaction is considered a dishonest trade practice and is disfavored in the state of Texas. An exception to this rule applies if the sale of the family homestead is to a parent, step-parent, child, step-child, brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, grandparent, or grandchild of an adult family member. Title insurance is NOT available on the sale and leaseback of a homestead property.

254-228-9870

WHAT IS HOMESTEAD ABANDONMENT?

If the claimant of a homestead is married, the homestead cannot be abandoned without the permission of the claimant’s spouse. When the parties purchase a new home, the old homestead will be considered abandoned. (A new homestead must be acquired in order for the former homestead to be deemed abandoned.)

WHAT IS CONSIDERED A HOMESTEAD?

Houses, condos, townhouses, or permanently installed mobile homes are all considered homesteads.

RURAL HOMESTEAD

A rural homestead is not more than 100 acres for a single individual (not otherwise entitled to a homestead) and is not more than 200 acres for a family. The land can be in more than one parcel with improvements thereon. A homestead is to be considered rural if, at the time of designation, the property is not served by 22-municipal utilities and Police/fire protection.

URBAN HOMESTEAD

An urban homestead cannot be more than 10 acres of land, whether it is a family’s home or the home of a single adult individual (not otherwise entitled to a homestead). The land can be in one or more contiguous lots with improvements thereon.

The website knowyourtaxes.org explains more about property taxes in Texas. Information for your property can be found at wcad.org.

lara.ingalsbe@outlook.com LaraIngalsbe.com

Landscape Designs and Lawn Care

Offers Enhanced Mowing Services

As yards respond to nature’s wakeup call this spring, it’s important to keep outdoor spaces in top shape. That’s why Landscape Designs and Lawn Care is excited to introduce a new residential customer manager, Imelda Fulfer. With Imelda’s help, the landscape team is able to focus on and enhance their lawn care services and are already transforming yards into lush and healthy green spaces.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Imelda says she has truly enjoyed engaging with homeowners and being their point of contact since taking over as residential customer manager. “You want good customer service and quality work. Yo`u want to speak to the same person every time, not ‘Let me transfer you.’ It’s always me they are talking to and I take much pride in communicating well with our customers.”

Being based in Jarrell also ensures a fast, personal customer response. “Homeowners can lean on us for their yard services rather than having to wait for someone to complete other projects—however long it takes them to finish—before getting care for their lawn,” says owner Eddie Castro, who was born and raised in Jarrell. “I really appreciate the town Jarrell and what it used to be and the town we are becoming. We understand the unique needs and values of the people here.”

FLEXIBLE SERVICES

Whether you need regular lawn care or temporary maintenance, Landscape Designs and Lawn Care services are very flexible. Eddie says, “Maybe you don’t want regular service, but couldn’t get to mowing the lawn all week and you’re planning your child’s birthday party this weekend. Or perhaps you have an injury and aren’t able to mow the yard — we can knock that out for you until you get back on your feet. No contract is needed. We are happy to help when you are in need.”

Imelda also assures customers that the company will stay true to its roots. “We understand customers value consistency and reliability, but they may start to think that since we’re growing, we might forget about them. That’s not what I want. I want to still be present and provide residential mowing services. This company was founded on quality residential services, and I think maintaining that reputation is essential. It’s important to us that people know we truly appreciate them being with us as we continue to grow.”

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

Jarrell Growth

IS ON THE BALLOT

ALL VOTERS WHO LIVE WITHIN THE JISD BOUNDARIES CAN VOTE IN THE BOND ELECTION, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THEY HAVE CHILDREN WHO ATTEND THE DISTRICT. THIS AREA INCLUDES ALL OF JARRELL AND SONTERRA, PARTS OF THE ETJ, PORTIONS OF SUN CITY, AND AN AREA IN NORTH GEORGETOWN JUST WEST OF IH-35.

The bond proposal includes:

Jarrell ISD has grown by more than 50 percent since the last bond election and is projected to double in size over the next five years.

 50 percent growth equates to 1,300 students added in the last two years.

 Doubling in size equates to nearly 7,500 students enrolled in Jarrell schools by the 2027-28 school year.

 When today’s kindergartners start high school, Jarrell ISD is projected to have more than tripled in size, with more than 11,600 students enrolled.

Nestled along the bustling I-35 corridor, our oncetiny bedroom community has transformed into one of the most rapidly expanding places to call home in the entire United States and a vital sign of this community’s impressive growth is the skyrocketing enrollment at Jarrell ISD. The 2022/23 attendance is more than 3,600 —a 158 percent increase over the last seven years and the driving force behind a bond package that will come before voters May 6. To meet the growing educational needs of the community, the school district is proposing a $324.6 million bond that would add three new schools and fund renovations to the high school and district facilities.

Dave and Georgia Lovelace have lived in Sun City for 17 years and are staunch supporters of Jarrell ISD’s bond. “‘Build it and they will come’ has been replaced in Jarrell with, ‘they are here and we have to build.’ We want those children living in Jarrell to have good, safe schools. We will vote yes to the proposed 2023 bond issue to ensure every child has a safe and compatible classroom.”

Elementary school #4: 120,000-square-foot school for 900 students, estimated to open in August 2025, $48.49 million

Elementary school #5: 120,000-square-foot school for 900 students, estimated to open in August 2027, $55.11 million

Middle school #2: 145,000-square-foot school; phase one will accommodate 700 students with room to grow to a 1,200-student capacity, estimated to open in August 2025, $89.37 million

District Operations Center: Create a transportation center with maintenance bays and a fueling station, estimated to open in August 2025, $17.33 million

Enhanced technology: $1.37 million

Paw Prints Facility: Upgrade the child development center, $6.38 million

Transportation: Add 16 school buses and eight fleet vehicles, $3 million

Jarrell High School: Increase capacity to 2,200 students, expand the Ag Barn, add a Career and Technical Education wing, Fine Arts wing, library, administration, and general classrooms; estimated completion in December 2025, $92.59 million

Security: Additional security cameras and access controls, $945,972

Utility improvements and land acquisition for future facilities: $10 million

Janet Hage is one of the bond committee’s 45 members, which include district staff, community members, parents, and students. She believes the JISD bond is essential to the Jarrell community. “With the projected growth set to double in the next five years, we are wise to be prepared for our students,” she says. “I am not just a long-time resident, parent, and grandparent. I am a local developer; I know what’s coming. Education builds great communities, and the heart of this community is our schools.”

Camy Reynolds, President of Sonterra MUD, has a front-row seat to Jarrell's incredible growth. With a current population estimate of 14,000 in the Sonterra MUD alone — only a portion of the total population served by Jarrell ISD — it is no surprise that the area's schools are feeling the strain.

Igo Elementary, which has only been in operation for four years, is already overpopulated, with a student body of 1,031, far exceeding its advertised capacity of 800. To accommodate the overflow, the school now relies on six portable classrooms. Similarly, Jarrell Elementary School, which was designed for 608 students, has had to turn to portables to provide instruction to its 876-strong student body.

Jarrell Middle School also has portables, and the high school will need to add five portables to accommodate the anticipated student and teacher population in the next school year. Camy says, “The passing of this school bond is crucial to not only get us caught up on the amount of space we need right now, but to also give us the opportunity to be proactive in preparing for future growth.”

Committee member, parent, and Jarrell resident Rebecca Beach agrees the school district needs to be prepared for the city’s growth. “I am in commercial construction, so I see how much industry is coming to the area, which supports the demographic reports we reviewed as a committee,” she says. “We're growing exponentially... you have to put [the students] someplace.”

the bond passes, the JISD tax rate will remain at its current $1.3546. Taxes are frozen for residents ages 65 and older.

BASEBALL is Pitch PERFECT Jarrell

by Ann Marie Kennon

the game has a lot to do with the camaraderie on the field. And, although pitching has always been his strong suit, this season he is also scooping would-be hits at shortstop.

When not on the field perfecting his game, Jordan is equally focused on his academic pursuits. He understands the importance of having a backup plan and wants to study engineering to support the family business if his dream of playing in the major leagues does not come to fruition. He would also love to be a coach and pass on his love and knowledge of the game.

THE BIG GAME

According to data from the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), a high school pitcher throws a perfect game approximately once in 15,000 games. The statistic is based on a number of factors but suffice it to say, it is a rare occurrence. Still, it is something Jarrell sophomore pitcher Jordan Schwertner could brag about — if he were not so incredibly humble — for the rest of his career.

STUDENT-ATHLETE

Jordan has been refining his skills on the field since kindergarten and plays for different teams and leagues year-round. His competitive spirit was evident at a young age but his love of

Jordan says he wasn’t particularly confident going into the game against Manor February 28. “I wasn’t feeling it in the bullpen. But when I got to the mound, things started coming together and I began to feel pretty good. It just went that way until the coach said he was going to pull me.”

Fortunately, Jordan received welcome news from his first baseman who — having done the math — said he had a perfect game going so Coach Fitzner agreed to let Jordan stay on the mound. The promising shutout energized the entire team and everyone doubled down on their already impressive efforts. Jordan struck out 11 batters, walked none, the 11-0 victory went on the books, and Jordan received the game ball.

IT WAS JUST ANOTHER DAY OF PITCHING. I’VE THROWN NO-HITTERS BEFORE, BUT I HAVE TO GIVE CREDIT TO THE WHOLE TEAM FOR MAKING IT HAPPEN.

Despite the impossible odds, Jordan says simply, “It felt great and the whole team celebrated but I don’t really overthink things— although they call me ‘Ace’ now,” he laughs. “The only thing on my mind after was to just be ready for the next game.”

Like most great athletes, Jordan doesn’t rest on his past performances or get weighed down by pressure to maintain his perfect performance. “I suppose I’m self-taught so I am happy to have a God-given talent. I just always do my best and give it all I’ve got no matter what.”

The whole team was behind the mound for a perfect game

photos courtesy of Rebecca Schwertner

Life Skills: Teens Learning to Navigate the Real World

On any given day in Jarrell ISD, teens might focus on anything from floral design and culinary arts to audio/video technology and health sciences – just a few of the available Career Technical Education (CTE) programs. Equipping these future industry leaders is the goal of these CTE programs, which is composed of eight career clusters that provide students with the opportunity to learn important college and career readiness skills — teamwork, problem-solving, organizational skills, decision making, and professionalism. Furthermore, students can choose to sit for certification exams, offered in select fields, that equip them with the necessary credentials to

kickstart their professional careers as soon as they graduate. As part of the College Career and Military Readiness program, the district pays the certification test fees, even if the student takes it multiple times.

The district also offers a character development program for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Using specialized curricula, the programs focus on character building and life skills development through teamwork and personal responsibility. Each month focuses on different character traits, such as confidence, respect, and perseverance.

TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS: Leave it to Jarrell ISD to teach students life skills under the guise of fun. Even parents can glean valuable insights from the experts on how to equip their teens with the essential life skills required to thrive in the real world.

FINANCIAL COMPETENCE

When retired bank executive Marjorie L. Anderson decided to write a book as a legacy for her grandchildren, she never imagined so many parents and grandparents would encourage her to publish it. After interviewing 100 middle and high school students, she was motivated to provide a simple, basic understanding of money management.

Her book, The Key: Wise Money Choices for Teens, available in English and Spanish, is divided into five different chapters/lessons and includes a glossary of financial terms and a list of resources.

• What is finance

• Money management

• Personal responsibility/philanthropy

• Saving and investing

• Credit/debit cards

By presenting strategies for saving and earning money, advocating against compulsive spending, and offering a beginner's guide to navigating the stock market, her book not only piqued the interests of teens, but also earned the coveted title of "2019-2020 Best of the Best" in the Children's Nonfiction category at Austin's Reader Views Literary Choice Awards.

SOCIAL SKILLS/MANNERS

DOMESTIC SKILLS

Infusing music into family food preparation or turning sewing and cleaning lessons into fun-filled events are other strategies that can help elevate mundane chores to entertaining family activities. Encouraging your teen to cook a meal as a gift can be a great motivator, and imparting essential laundry skills can also prove beneficial — some sports teams even rotate jersey cleaning duties among their members.

ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS/ TIME MANAGEMENT

Let your teen know where you stand on being the backup for last minute projects. Encourage each to use his or her time well by providing some ideas for project management—using a white board, scheduling due date phone reminders, creating a to-do list, or using a task app. Set an example by demonstrating how you plan for your upcoming week.

DRIVING/AUTO MAINTENANCE

by Linda A. Thornton

Practicing good manners goes beyond saying “please” and “thank you.” Learning important social graces—making eye contact, shaking hands when greeting someone, coughing into an elbow, and refraining from texting when in a social setting— can start at home. Consider having your teen dress up and accompany you to social events or make an appointment for a local college tour and encourage your student to see the student tour guides as role models.

GOAL SETTING

If your teen shows an affinity for a certain career, act on it! Request college brochures and have them mailed to your teen. Also, when convenient, make an appointment to meet with a local business owner. A formal setting will make a teen feel important and excited about future prospects. It is also important to set a meeting for parents and students to meet with a counselor together to discuss how to proceed and create realistic objectives.

Create a comprehensive driving contract for your teen, emphasizing the significance of safe driving practices and their monetary responsibility for any traffic violations. Additionally, consider taking your teen along for car servicing sessions to learn the basics of automotive maintenance.

FROM A PARENT: Among the practical and sentimental gifts for a graduate, consider a gift-wrapped tube of toothpaste accompanied by the following note, “Decision making is like a tube of toothpaste. Once it’s squeezed out, there is no way it’s going back into the tube!” Hopefully your graduate will remember your sage advice and smile each time he or she prepares to brush.

For more information about Jarrell ISD or “The Key,” scan the QR code or go to:

jarrellisd.org

challenge4teens.com

SPREADING SMILES

Operation Heroes Unite Celebrates Cancer Warrior's Birthday

FOLLOW OPERATION HEROES UNITE ON FACEBOOK OR INSTAGRAM

for birthday party updates and ways to help uplift local cancer warriors.

Xander Keith’s fourth birthday party was originally supposed to be a low-key celebration with a few of his friends. “I was just going to buy pizza for the kids and let them play at the park. Then Megan [Beatty] found out it was his birthday,” Xander’s mom and Jarrell resident Linsey Keith says. Linsey and Megan are in the same cancer moms group, and when Megan found out Xander’s cancer had returned in January and that his birthday was also coming up, she said, “We have to do something.”

UPLIFTING WARRIORS

In 2018, Megan’s daughter Haley, then 6 years old, was diagnosed with a brain tumor and a type of cancer called medulloblastoma. One silver lining of their difficult journey turned out to be a group of neighbors who threw Haley a birthday bash complete with horses, Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, a clown, face painter, ice sculpture, tons of food, and a magnificent three-tiered cake. “I’ll never forget the feeling I had when complete strangers came to do something so nice—knowing people who didn’t even know us heard our story and it touched them.”

Megan has been passing on that kindness ever since by throwing birthday parties for other kids battling cancer. Her nonprofit, Operation Heroes Unite, organizes lively parties that include laser tag, bounce houses, and car parades, plus special appearances from iconic superheroes and beloved Disney characters. For every event, regardless of the activities, the focus of all the joyful chaos is a happy child who gets to step away from his or her diagnosis and relish being like other kids for a day.

BEST BIRTHDAY EVER

Thanks to Operation Heroes Unite, Xander’s party went from a low-key celebration to a full-on birthday bash at Georgetown’s Creative Playscape featuring Mario and his kart and Wonder Woman. “He was very surprised. He ran over to Mario and got on the bike right away. He was just overwhelmed with it all. He was very excited and made himself at home right away with it,” Linsey says. She adds that even though Xander probably didn’t know who Won-

der Woman was – “we’re a Marvel family” – he gave her a hug and clung to her the whole time she was there. “We had a blast. Xander wouldn’t have had as good of a day without Mario and Wonder Woman showing up."

A few years ago, when Xander was just a baby, he was diagnosed with a form of cancer called neuroblastoma. Linsey says at that time she probably would not have let Megan plan this kind of celebration. “I’m not one that likes help. I don’t like to put people out. But I’ve since realized I have to put that aside and it’s okay to let her do this. This time around, with his cancer, I’ve been a bit better with people helping.”

Being there for cancer warriors like Xander and their parents is the heart of Operation Heroes Unite. “Knowing you’re not alone, that’s the goal,” Megan says. “We’re here for you. There are people, complete strangers out there, who are praying for you and willing to help carry you through this fight.”

Drawn by affordable house prices and the small-town feel, the Keiths made Jarrell their home in 2021. With Xander’s speech delay caused by partial hearing loss from his first battle with cancer, he was accepted into Jarrell ISD’s Pre-K program for kids with special needs. “He absolutely loved it, his friends, and his teachers,” Linsey says. While they had to pull him out when his cancer relapsed, his teachers have supported them with visits, gift cards, and activities for him to enjoy.

by Charlotte Kovalchuk photos by Linsey Keith & Megan Beatty

SONTERRA POOL PASSES AVAILABLE STARTING APRIL 6TH! Get your pool passes made early and avoid the long line on opening day!

POOL PASSES WILL BE ISSUED:

Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 6 through April 27

5:30 to 7:30 pm

Sunday, April 23 ∙ 12-5pm

Sonterra Clubhouse (510 Sonterra Blvd.)

ID and a copy of your water bill* to verify residency in the Sonterra MUD district are required. *Renters may bring a copy of their current lease.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO PRIOR TO COMING TO GET YOUR POOL PASS?

1. Scan the code to register with Community Pass and create your account or sign in if you are a returning resident from last year.

2. Add all family members in your household to your account.

3. Register for Family, Couple or Individual pool pass “membership”.

4. Follow prompts for membership.

All HOA fines and fees must be paid IN FULL prior to receiving a pool pass. The HOA will have a table set up at pool pass registration where this is verified. Payment will also be accepted at this time.

Sonterra Pool Opening Day: Saturday, May 27 at Noon

Pool Hours: Tues-Sun Noon-9pm • Family Swim Tues- Fri 10am-Noon

Adult Swim (lap pool only) Tues-Fri 10am- Noon

ADORACIÓN

RESCUE

June 5th-8th 6pm-8:30 pm (Kiddos entering 1st-5th Grade)

YOUTH & KIDS

Wednesday Evenings

6:00-8:00 PM

Fun, Games, Food, Friends, Worship, Devotional & more!

YOUTH

6th-12th Grade

Every Wednesday

KIDS 4 CHRIST

1st-5th Grade

First Wednesday each Month

UPWARDS PRESCHOOL

12 Months - 5 Years

Tuesday & Thursday

Darrell Koop, Senior Pastor Lewis Alexander, Jarrell Campus Pastor

Michael Arce, Spanish Pastor Brian Shanklin, Teaching Pastor

It'sAdulting: all about the tradeoffs

Regular readers of Leigh's musings know of my affection for "The Andy Griffith Show" and I'd like to add I am no longer surprised that I am You-don't-know-who-AuntBee-is? old. However, I was not prepared to find out that I'm now You-don't-know-who-Eddie-Murphy-is? old. True story.

Standing near a middle school student who used a punch line from Eddie Murphy Raw that had apparently been re-purposed on TikTok I had to explain to the group who said it first and when. They had no idea he was famous as a stand-up comedian before he was "that guy in The Nutty Professor." Of course we Gen-Xers thought Raw was the height of cultural humor at the time, but thus endeth the lesson because there was no way in the world I was going to explain to a Gen-Z or an Alpha what Eddie was talking about when he said it in 1987. He'd have been in Facebook jail for eternity, or at least a neck brace if he did that show today.

Similarly, I had an I-was-today-years-old moment recently when I heard a young person start a sentence with "In the late 1900s..." I'll wait while you process that too. I think the rest of the sentence was something about how long it must have taken to e-mail videos to each other.

These, naturally, got me thinking about all the attendant comparisons to be made. Youth and maturity both have their advantages and drawbacks but let's just say I think Marty McFly must have lost his mind when he time traveled back to 1984 and then freaked out and spent a lot of time and energy to get back to 2023. While I don't miss the worrying-about-nuclear-war-with-the-Russians 80s, I can't say I'm enjoying the worrying-about-nuclear-war-with-the-Russians in 2023 either. Still, who needs global peace when you can dance like a "Thriller" zombie and wear shoulder pads that make you look like a fashionable linebacker?

Plus, I would definitely stick around long enough in the 80s to invest a few bucks in Apple, and pre-plan exactly when to move my stock options from Blockbuster to RedBox to Netflix. I would also be at the airport resume in hand when Elon Musk immigrated.

This millennium does have its perks but we can, perhaps, all agree that adulting in any decade is not as much fun. I love having 10,000 songs on my phone rather than 10 songs on a CD but I still spend most of my time listening to podcasts about finance and Bible history. Those are great, but probably don't qualify as 'fun.' I can order shoes from the other side of the world and they show up at my front door in 48 hours but it's probably been 45 years since anyone got excited for me and said, "Wow, I bet you can run really fast in those!"

I remember playing video games in mall arcades, enjoying my friends and eating junk food. Today, I'd be hunkered in my bonus room, playing alone, talking to strangers in the game on a headset. And yet, the down side was having to continue shoving quarters into the machine because Pac-Man only gave us one extra life at 10,000 points and then never again for infinity. There were no 'health' items to eat to make the game last longer. Score one for 2023 I guess.

One thing I'm happy about in my 50s is that my generation adapted to the Information Age and enjoyed the new conveniences as we aged. We are tech-savvy without being tech dependent, which is a great thing. What this means is that I don't spend my time taking selfies with my new shoes which don't make me run faster for likes. However, I do spend a lot of time Googling whether the new pain in my chest is a torn muscle, allergies, reflux, or if my heart is going to explode before lunch. Okay, that's a weird trade-off, but I am none the less really good at it.

So, to all the young people out there dreaming of the day you can pay your own rent, complain about taxes, and buy your own ticket to whatever you want just remember, adulting is a roller coaster of joys and pains. But hey, you get to eat ice cream for breakfast, literally, whenever you want.

Better yet, even the inimitable Sheriff Taylor himself couldn't make you eat another vegetable if you don't want to. Totally worth it.

I have tried many chiropractors and have had the good fortune to meet many good practitioners. Dr. Taryn stands out from most because of her intuitive and healing approach. Her adjustments are gentle and I always feel great afterwards. She has helped me develop better posture and body awareness with the exercises and stretching techniques she has shown me. She is the only one I use now and I highly recommend her!

TEACHER SPOTLIGHTS S

mr.isaiah

Something I really love about Kids’ Zone is the closeness we have with not only the staff, but also the parents. I love Jesus, plants, and photography, and my hobbies include working out, photography, and gardening.

mr. isaac

I love working for Kids’ Zone because everyone is friendly, supportive, and we have great management. In my free time I enjoy 3D printing, circuitry (electronics), going to my weekly church group, karate, and caring for our family of animals (cows, horses, rabbits, chickens, ducks, a parrot, guinea pigs, and pigs). I’ve been homeschooled my whole life, which allowed me to graduate a year early.

mr. torryen

I graduated from the University of Houston-Victoria with a bachelor degree in business administration. I am passionate about working in a business that allows me to impact the future of our youth. It gives me joy walking into work and seeing the excitement the kids have when they see me. Kids’ Zone allows me to have the opportunity to do what I love each and every day! It is an environment that is full of positive energy.

For questions, information, or to schedule a tour visit us online at KIDSZONELEARNINGCENTER.ORG

Marching to Magic the Beat of

by Camy Reynolds

This year, the Jarrell High School Band spent their spring break in Orlando, Florida and performed at the most magical place on Earth. Walt Disney World invited the band and color guard to perform in one of their daily parades and dubbed them all cast members for the day. High School Band Director Scott Lanham said although a trip like this takes a tremendous amount of planning and fundraising, all 85 students enjoyed their time together outside of school and unanimously agreed the fireworks show was the icing on the cake. It was a trip that rewarded the students’ hard work throughout the year while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

IMAGE CREDIT: FACEBOOK/JARRELL BANDS AND COLOR GUARD

ECRWSS POSTAL PATRON JARRELL, TX

It is time again for the City of Jarrell businesses and residents to come together and beautify our wonderful City!

What to bring?

Construction material, limbs, brush, metal, furniture, etc.

ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED: Tires, batteries, TV’s, refrigerators, freezers, paints, oil, hazardous liquids, etc.

CITY OF JARRELL ANNUAL SPRING CLEAN UP

SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2023

*alternate bad weather day, April 22nd

Time: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm (or until dumpsters are full)

Location: City Storage Facility (the property beside the Quonset Hut) 13201 N. IH-35

For hazardous items, please call 1-800-cleanup for disposal information.

VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME

If you wish to volunteer to help, please call Mike Eubank at (512) 746-4593 or send an email to m.eubank@cityofjarrell.com