My Jarrell Monthly • December 2023 by Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC

JARRELL MY DECEMBER 2023

We B u i l d Co m m u n i t y

Uniting 76537

WHAT'S INSIDE BLUE MATTERS

New Faces At Local Law Enforcement

INNOVATION CELEBRATION

Jarrell Education Foundation Grants

HOLIDAY FUN

A Very Merry Jarrell

BASKETBALL YOUTH LEAGUE

D E C E M B E R 2023  M Y JA R R ELL M O NT HLY

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EDITOR'S NOTE | CAMY REYNOLDS Dear Readers, PUBLISHERS

Cathy Payne

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 vice-president of the Jarrell Education Foundation, is on the District and Igo's Educational Improvement Committees, was a director on the Sonterra MUD Board for 5 years, and founded the local Facebook group Mom Tribe Jarrell that has just under 2,000 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 • Rachel Strickland GRAPHICS & DESIGN Sandra Evans • Zion Eaton CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Christianna Bettis DIRECTOR OF SALES • Allison Smith IT/WEBMASTER • Jesse Payne CONSULTANT • W. Ben Daniel ADVERTISING INFORMATION info@myjarrell.com 512-746-4545 My Jarrell Monthly is a Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC publication and a product of AdvocateNewsTX Newspaper. Copyright © 2023 All rights reserved. My Jarrell Monthly 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

D E C E M B E R 2023  M Y JA R R ELL M O NT HLY

The holiday season tends to be more chaotic than my typical day-to-day life, but at the same time it seems to slow down and allows me to enjoy small things I tend to take for granted. I find myself making extra time to read a Christmas story to my kids by the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree, actually sitting down to drink my coffee (if you are a mom, you get it) while listening to the crackling fire and pausing more often to dance around the house with the kids while belting out Christmas songs. While some aspects of the Christmas season are a cause for pause, other pieces continue moving ahead full force. Sonterra MUD Parks and Recreation wasted no time getting involved in the community since the department’s creation in August. Along with the several community events they have hosted, they recently launched their first youth basketball league. The affordable price to play in the league will allow all kids in Jarrell the opportunity to participate, made possible thanks to the wonderful relationship with our JISD. Jarrell ISD’s police department is rapidly growing with the addition of three new deputies, plus the first-ever K-9 in Jarrell! You will meet Sergeant Wolf, Officers Champion and Adams, and K-9 Nosek in our story, “Beyond the Badge.” The Jarrell Education Foundation continues to award more innovative and creative grants each year to teachers using funds raised solely by the foundation. This year 16 lucky teachers received a total of $35,000 in grants. You can read their story on page 10 to learn more about the different grants and how they will positively impact the students of Jarrell ISD. If you are searching for activities to get you into the holiday spirit, look no further! The City of Jarrell is hosting its first annual Christmas festival complete with an ice skating rink and train rides for the kids. You can also visit the most festive town squares around or drive to see some of the best decorated homes in the area. The holidays are not complete without tasty foods so check out our international recipes to see what you might want to take to your next holiday party. From all of us here at My Jarrell Monthly, we want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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INSIDE FEATURES 6 COVER FEATURE

28 FAMILY FUN

10 EDUCATION

30 TEN QUESTIONS

Sonterra MUD's New Basketball Youth League

Innovation Celebration, Jarrell Education Foundation Grants

Holiday Light Tours

People You Need to Know

16 JARRELL ISD

Beyond the Badge: Welcoming Jarrell ISD PD's New Faces

20 CITY DESK

Jarrell PD's New Leadership

22 AROUND TOWN

Jarrell's Inaugural Christmas Festival Lights Up the Season

EDUCATION

Education Foundation Innovation Celebration

24 TEXAS SIT REP

Border 101 with Texas Representative Terry Wilson

FAVORITES 32 SHELTER STORIES

Keep Your Pets Safe During the Holidays

34 WHAT MAKES TEXAS "TEXAS" The Romance of Town Squares

WORTH THE DRIVE Visit Some of Texas' Greatest Christmas Towns

36 WORTH THE DRIVE A Holly Jolly Road Trip

40 FOOD

International Christmas Favorites

42 NEIGHBOR LEIGH

Some Christmas Truth

44 PARTING SHOT

Library Hosts Fundraiser Extravaganza

44 PARTING SHOT

Library Fundraiser Extravaganza 4

D E C E M B E R 2023  M Y JA R R ELL M O NT HLY

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Families who have had to search outside Jarrell for youth sports leagues can look forward to Sonterra MUD Parks and Recreation’s first youth basketball league launching this winter. Meeting that need for local youth athletic programs has been a goal of Sonterra’s Parks and Recreation since the department was created earlier this year. “Starting a youth basketball league was an easy way to build community and have everyone currently going to Georgetown for basketball to play here,” Parks and Recreation Director Blake Reynolds says. “It was really just to hit the ground running — start with this league, and build more as we go.” 6

D E C E M B E R 2023  M Y JA R R ELL M O NT HLY

GAME ON

COVER FEATURE

NEW BASKETBALL LEAGUE LAUNCHES

FOR JARRELL YOUTH

COMMUNITY SERVICE

he league kicks off the first week of January and is open to boys and girls ages 5-12 who are resCoach Marty Murr and the Jarrell ISD Administraidents of Sonterra or anywhere in Jarrell and the tion supported and approved a lower rental fee for surrounding areas. In addition to 10 weekly practhe Jarrell Middle School gym where practices and tices and seven games with experienced, certified games will be held, allowing the Parks and Recrereferees, kids can get excited about the NBA brand ation team to offer league play at a more affordable custom jerseys and medals cost to the community. “We they will receive at the end of “I’M EXCITED FOR ALL THE KIDS IN THE COMMUNITY just want to cover our costs,” the season. TO GET A WELL-ORGANIZED LEAGUE AND HAVE Blake says. “It’s more so just What sets the league apart SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN MISSING IN SONTERRA a service to the community from others in the area is Sonto get kids active and proAND JARRELL FOR QUITE SOME TIME.” terra Parks and Recreation’s -SONTERRA MUD PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR mote teamwork, sportsmandedicated staff. “We have full ship, health, and fitness.” BLAKE REYNOLDS and part-time staff members That community partnerwho are actually managing and executing these ship is just another way the league is unique among types of leagues and programs. They have time, others in the area. “Our money is going to cover expertise and, more than anything, the availability our costs and go back into the community for future to answer people’s questions,” Blake says, adding programs and playgrounds and trails, not into our that those directing and managing the league are organizational pocket as a profit." experienced, full-time staff members, not just volAs for future plans, Blake says a girls’ volleyball unteers. league is in the discussion stage and he hopes to Four new employees recently joined the Parks eventually bring other youth sports leagues to Jarand Recreation team, including Recreation Superrell. visor Tyler Brown and Administrative Assistant Amy Perkins, as well as two recreation assistants. Blake plans to add a maintenance supervisor and three The basketball league is open to all skill levels more part-time staff members to help the depart- and includes an assessment to help balance teams. ment as it continues to serve Jarrell’s growing com- “We are not holding a tryout, just an assessment to munity. help balance teams evenly as best we can to make

HOW TO JOIN

He also highlights the need for volunteer assistant and head coaches for the fledgling basketball league. “We definitely need as many volunteer coaches as possible."

for a good experience. Everyone gets to play,” Blake says. Registration costs $40 and is open until January 3. Scan the code to learn more and to sign up for the league.

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EDUCATION

EDUCATION FOUNDATION INNOVATION CELEBRATION E

nd of the school year means many things to many people, and thanks to Jarrell Education Foundation classroom grants, it means greater resources for teachers in the next school year. In May, the Foundation awarded more than $35,000 for 16 projects across the district for innovation in learning, arts, fluency, and sensory needs. Once these programs are set in motion, they will serve and benefit our staff and students for years to come. The Jarrell Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 2019 to enhance student learning through innovative opportunities that promote academic excellence. The board of directors represents many dedicated parents and partners in Jarrell who share a vision for excellence in our schools. The board is deeply committed to partnering with parents, teachers, and the community to support and enhance the education of all students in the Jarrell Independent School District. “I believe thriving schools and happy teachers can help build thriving and happy communities,” Education Foundation President Sarah McLellan says. “The Jarrell Education Foundation works to raise money to fund innovative ideas for enhancing classroom learning and opportunities for teacher training. By donating to JEF you are investing in Jarrell schools, students, and teachers!”

D E C E M B E R 2023  M Y JA R R ELL M O NT HLY

by Charlotte Kovalchuk photos courtesy of Jarrell ISD Sensory Room photos courtesy of Charlotte Mendoza

EDUCATION 2023 GRANT AWARDEES The FUNdamentals of Teaching - $3,000, Teaching and Learning Department, Central Office • Study of the book, The Fundamentals of Teaching.

“Our teachers work so hard . . . This is going to go so far, so thank you so much,” Superintendent Dr. Toni Hicks said on Grant Awards Day. Thanks to D’Ann Johns’ grant for a C-Pen, students with deficits in reading at Jarrell Elementary School will have a portable reading tool designed to improve literacy. “We have Literary Legends who struggle in reading for many different reasons, and as they get older the struggle becomes more apparent,” she says. “They are embarrassed to ask for help for fear of peers making fun of them. Furthermore, they act out and exhibit negative behaviors in order to escape not being able to read. They also feel that they are inferior.”

iPads for the Classrooms - $3,000, Tammy Fitzner, Lynn Norris, Mary Perez, Stephanie Rutherford, Brendie Engledow, Jennifer Williams, Paw Prints Child Development Center • Thanks to iPads and other technology, teachers have the ability to communicate effectively with parents daily and capture photos and videos to send home. This will allow parents to see their children in their daily environment and be part of their learning experience. Tennis Racquets - $2,100, Ricardo Pell, Igo Elementary • More tennis racquets will allow each child in a PE class to participate in a sport many kids do not have the opportunity to learn in elementary school. How Does Your Herb Garden Grow - $1,474, Alison Tillotson and Pennie DeAugustineo, Jarrell Elementary School. Movement and Mindfulness - $1,347, Laura Lake, Double Creek Elementary • This project provides Yoga for Classrooms program training for staff members. Recreation Stations - $1,340, Alison Tillotson and Coach Carol Sukup, Jarrell Elementary. JES Literary Legends - $3,000, D’Ann Johns and Danna Gray, Jarrell Elementary • This project funds the C-Pen, which provides the school’s Literary Legends — a select group of third through fifth grade students who have deficits in reading — a convenient portable tool to support their independent reading. By swiping the pen over the text, the pen reads the words out loud to help each student read more fluently, improve literacy, and assist with the definitions of unknown words.

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EDUCATION Winning this grant has been beneficial for our students, she says. “It allows them to be successful and confident when they are engaged and working independently in any subject area. The goal is to have our Legends with reading deficits learn the material presented without the fear of unknown words or the meaning of the words. It is working!” Charlotte Mendoza says her Sensory Mindfulness Room grant was written with the social and emotional well-being of students and staff in mind. “With post-COVID came some emotional behaviors that students were not capable of dealing with on their own. This room allows students the opportunity to take a few minutes for themselves, reset, and refocus. We have specifically chosen items for the room to be used as sensory soothing mechanisms for students. As of today we have many students who use the room and ask if they can go to just calm down or work through some emotions so they can return to class with a clean mind-set and better ability to focus.” For teachers who are considering applying for future grants, Charlotte says, “Do it! Anything you feel you need to help your students be successful is worth it. It only takes a few minutes to fill out the paperwork and the rewards will last a lifetime.”

The Wonderful World of Robots and Coding - $3,000, Pennie DeAugustineo and all elementary principals, elementary campuses • Funds the VEX 123 and VEX Go Robots for the Gifted and Talented Program, which will allow students hands-on experience to learn coding and robotics while enriching their reading, writing, and math skills. Tuners for the Band Program - $2,731, Leah Jones, Jarrell Middle School • This grant helps students who can’t afford tuners, which not only tell them what note they are playing but how they need to adjust their instruments to play them correctly. NoRedInk Premium Subscriptions - $3,000, Chesna Bowman and Carla Clegg, Jarrell Middle School • Premium 12

subscription to NoRedInk, an online writing program for eighth graders at Jarrell Middle School that supports all parts of the writing instruction. The program uses student interests to create grammar exercises, gives them choice and voice, and enables them to see their growth through the writing process. Sensory Mindfulness Room $2,100, Charlotte Mendoza, Eric Taylor, and Shelby Duplichan, Jarrell Middle School • This room allows students the opportunity to take a few minutes for themselves to reset and refocus. Science Equipment - $1,500, Crystal Thompson, Jarrell Middle School. Achieving Math Mastery $1,500, Carla Clegg, Jarrell Middle School.

D E C E M B E R 2023  M Y JA R R ELL M O NT HLY

LEGO Mindstorms STEM Kits - $780, Michael Griffiths, Jarrell Middle School • These kits introduce robotics and mechanics via a less intimidating platform. In it to Win it: Building the Future of JISD eSports: $3,000, Alison Marlone, Jarrell Middle and High schools • This grant provides upgraded equipment and gaming systems that allow students to be more competitive in e-sports competitions as the program grows. JHS PLC Team - $3,000, Kelly Blair and Andrew Maddox, Jarrell High School.

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BEYOND THE BADGE

Welcoming Jarrell ISD PD’s New Faces

Police Chief Sharif Mezayek, Officers Patricia Champion and Valerie Adams, Sargeant Jason Wolf, and K-9 Nosek 16

D E C E M B E R 2023  M Y JA R R ELL M O NT HLY

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

our years ago, Sergeant Jason Wolf and officers Patricia Champion and Valerie Adams helped Chief Sharif Mezayek start the Liberty Hill ISD Police Department. This year, they followed him when he felt led to start a police department at Jarrell ISD. “We’re like the PD Starter Pack,” Sgt. Wolf says. All three officers came on board in September with prior, invaluable experience working with students, Chief Mezayek says. “In this job, you must advocate for the kids as much as intervene in criminal activities. The best thing about this group is that they have already proved themselves. They know how to work with kids.” For Sgt. Wolf, it’s even easier since he used to be one of them. “I have a little bit of history —I came to school here in fourth grade. I still run into people I knew then,” he says. “You know these small towns – you can leave and always come back.” That small-town feel is what led Sgt. Wolf and the rest of his team from Liberty Hill to Jarrell. “Liberty Hill used to have that feel, but they’ve grown so much that they’re pretty much losing it. Jarrell still seems to have that small-town feel.” Having previously served with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, Austin PD, and Liberty Hill ISD, Sgt. Wolf will be stationed at Jarrell High School along with his K9, Nosek. Originally from Poland, Nosek was donated by Pacesetter K9, a Liberty Hill company that trains and donates K9s to law enforcement agencies. “The kids at first are like, ‘Why is there a dog in school?’ ” Sgt. Wolf says. But they have since warmed up to the K9 that serves as both drug detector and unofficial therapy dog. Plus, as long as Nosek isn’t on the job, students are welcome to give the attention-loving canine some pets. “He can be loving on kids one second and the next second he’ll be working,” Chief Mezayek says. “He’s an amazing dog. I don’t know if we’ll ever find another one like him.”

JARRELL ISD BUILDING CONNECTIONS Having built relationships with students in Liberty Hill, Officer Champion looks forward to doing the same thing at Jarrell Middle School. “Right now they don’t know us; we are pretty much starting from square one,” she says. Before working for Liberty Hill and Jarrell ISDs, she served at the Edinburg Police Department. “I definitely want to see if we can get to where we were at with Liberty Hill ISD and establish a good rapport with students.” Officer Adams adds, “I want to be someone [the kids] can talk to and ask questions. I don’t want them to be afraid of the police. We want to show them we’re not mean bullies.” She previously worked for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and Liberty Hill ISD and she will station-rotate among Jarrell’s three elementary schools. Their biggest goals, Sgt. Wolf says, are keeping kids safe and ultimately helping them become successful in life. “Hopefully, with Nosek keeping drugs out of the schools and building relationships with the kids, especially the ones I like to say are walking that fine line of getting in trouble, we can them on this side of the line and out of trouble. And even if they cross over, we are here to help them through that process so they can learn from it and get back on the right track. It’s all about having them grow up to be successful.”

HOLIDAY MEET AND GREET Citizens can look forward to meeting the Jarrell ISD police team January 16 during the city’s first A Very Merry Jarrell Christmas festival. “We want the community to feel comfortable with us and get to know us,” Chief Mezayek says.

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CALUMET CALUMET SUBDIVISION CCaalluummeett SSuubbddiivviissiioonn SUBDIVISION There will be 55 townhomes in

the Subdivision a variety in of Located in the beautiful Jarrell, Texas countryside, Calumet offers a variety of homes There will be 55with townhomes in the beautiful Jarrell, Calumet offersTexas a variety in the City of Jarrell located onTexas IH 35,countryside, 40 miles north of Austin, andof12homes miles twoSubdivision and three bedroom units. the with a variety of Located in the City of Jarrell located on IH 35, 40 miles north of Austin, Texas and 12 miles Theyand willthree be nicely appointed two bedroom units. north of the Williamson County seat, Georgetown. and will a appointed more cost north of the Williamson County seat, Georgetown. They will provide be nicely effective entry fora the and will provide morehome cost The Calumet subdivision is a M aster Planned Community located at 891W FM 487 buyer along withfor opportunities effective entry the home The subdivision is a MItaster Planned Community located at to 891W FM 487 nearCalumet the Jarrell High School. is ideally located with quick access IH 35. The for thealong multi-family investor. buyer with opportunities near the Jarrell High School. It is ideally located with quick access to IH 35. The Calumet Subdivision offers competitively priced single-family homes, and multifor the multi-family investor. • • • • •

Calumet Subdivision offers competitively priced single-family homes, and multifamily homes, and townhomes to fit a variety of needs. family homes, and townhomes to fit a variety of needs.

Open Concept Floorplans & 2 Car Garage • Firewall Between Units Open Floorplans & 2 Car Garage • Firewall BetweenFeatures Units City ofConcept Jarrell Utilities Energy Efficient & Appliances There will be 55 townhomes in the Calumet Subdivision with a variety of two and City of Jarrell Utilities • Energy Efficient Features & Appliances Engineered Foundations Granite Counters in Kitchen & Bathof two and There will be 55 townhomes will in the Subdivision with variety be Calumet nicely appointed will aprovide a more cost Engineered Foundations • Granite Counters Kitchen & Systems Bath R13 Walls with R37 Ceiling three bedroom units. They Landscaped Yardsin&and Sprinkler three bedroom units. They will be nicely appointed and will provide amulti morefamily cost effective entry for the home buyer along with opportunities for the R13 Walls with R37 Ceiling • Landscaped Yards & Sprinkler Systems effective investor. entry for the home buyer along with opportunities for the multi family investor.

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CITY DESK

by Charlotte Kovalchuk | photos courtesy of Angela Mathews

SPARKING DEPARTMENT GROWTH AND COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Jarrell PD Welcomes New Leadership

ot long ago, Jarrell had only daytime police coverage. “Now it’s 24/7, but there is still a long way to go before it is fully functional,” Chief Patrick South says. He and Assistant Chief Angela Mathews recently joined the city’s police team and are looking forward to helping the department and community thrive. With 27 years of law enforcement experience, Chief South says his specialty is building fully functional police departments to meet the needs of the city. When he became Elgin’s police chief, the city had eight officers – the same number Jarrell has now – and grew to 24 in his three-year tenure there. “I want to do the same here — grow and develop the police department. The community deserves to have a much better service level in the police department than what they have had so far. They are a very dedicated team but don’t have the capability right now,” he says. “Given the growth that is occurring here, this is the perfect time to help develop the police department.” He plans to grow his team from eight to 14 officers over the next three years, plus three more detectives and five more sergeants. But, Chief South says, a larger team is only one aspect of a successful police department. “The other aspect is that you really want to develop relationships with the community.”

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Assistant Chief Mathews is excited to help foster new relationships as well. With 17 years of experience in law enforcement, her most recent role was as the Community Engagement Supervisor for the police department in Killeen, where she introduced community engagement initiatives. In addition to working alongside Chief South and helping ensure officers have the tools they need to provide the best service to Jarrell, Assistant Chief Mathews looks forward to helping Community Engagement Officer Estrada expand community engagement through relationships with local businesses and schools. “We look forward to scheduling more community-facing events like Coffee with a Cop, Civilian Response to Active Shooter training, crime prevention initiatives, and senior, bike safety, and holiday events.” Assistant Chief Mathews has been helping Chamber of Commerce President Sherry Smith with food trucks and craft vendors for A Very Merry Jarrell festival on December 16. “This is the beginning of what’s to come for the city of Jarrell,” Assistant Chief Mathews says.

D E C E M B E R 2023  M Y JA R R ELL M O NT HLY

D E C E M B E R 2 0 23  M Y J A R R E L L M O N T H LY

AROUND TOWN

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

Merry and Bright:

Jarrell’s Inaugural Christmas Festival

Lights Up the Season

Friends and families can mark their calendars for the first annual A Very Merry Jarrell festival, which will spread Christmas cheer on Saturday, December 16 from 3 to 8pm in the downtown area. Festival goers can look forward to:

Local vendors

A 26-foot Christmas tree

Street dancing

A visit from Santa

Free, trackless train rides and ice skating for all ages until 7pm

Music Food and drinks Downtown lights

An after party hosted by El Pitayo from 8 to 11pm

The goal of the festival is to foster unity in the community and create a city worth investing in, City Manager Danielle Singh says. “The partnership with El Pitayo is a perfect example of how these events can spur economic growth and development. One of our most important functions as a city is to support small businesses and create opportunities for entrepreneurs. We hope that as the event grows in future years, it will continue to create opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses.” One festival activity Danielle is especially looking forward to is the street dance, which was held previously as an annual fundraiser for the volunteer fire department. It was an event everyone looked forward to, first on Fifth Street and later in the pavilion behind the main fire station. “By incorporating a street dance and holding the event on Fifth Street, we felt it was a way to honor the history of our city while creating new traditions with the community.”

GATHERING PLACE A Very Merry Jarrell originated from a City Council discussion about the lack of local events, followed by a vote to bring a Christmas festival to Jarrell. “Currently our residents have to travel to other cities for events we do not offer,” Mayor Patrick Sherek says. “This creates a favorable time for citizens to gather, businesses to promote their products, and see downtown/old town as a vibrant place. This also creates the opportunity for people to travel to Jarrell.” For Mayor Sherek, the event is the fulfillment of a campaign promise. “I branded my campaign when I ran for mayor to bring events back to Jarrell and add value to our citizens." Mayor Pro-Tem Tanya Clawson is looking forward to the festival being one of the first steps toward reviving the downtown. “In my opinion this is the starting point of our efforts to revitalize downtown by bringing people together and seeing all the potential. Downtown will be shining bright with the people gathered and that helps to create future vision." For event updates, follow The City of Jarrell, Texas Government on social media and mark your calendars for the city’s next holiday, scheduled to celebrate Independence Day, on Saturday, July 6, 2024. 22

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TEXAS SIT-REP Colonel Terry Wilson, center, (USA-Retired) Representative TX-20

BORDER 101 Article and photos contributed by COL Terry Wilson US Army, Retired R-TX20 State Representative for Williamson County

In September, I had an opportunity to visit Eagle Pass — ground zero for the border crisis, alongside Border Czar Mike Banks, and Chairman Ryan Guillen, who leads the House Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety.

s Chairman of the House Committee on Defense & Veterans’ Affairs, it is my duty to witness firsthand the challenges the men and women of our Texas Military Department (TMD) and Department of Public Safety (DPS) face to help secure the Texas border as part of Operation Lone Star.

WHAT IS THE CRISIS AT THE BORDER? The crisis at our southern border is one of dereliction of duty. Eleven years ago, the United States Supreme Court decreed in U.S. v Arizona that only the federal government had the authority to enforce immigration law. The Biden administration twisted this decision to mean that a president can simply ignore immigration laws already passed by Congress, and choose not to enforce the parts of the law he does not like.

Administration’s refusal to secure our border. Over the last two years, thousands of DPS troopers alongside National and State Guard have deployed to the border. Since US v Arizona prevents direct immigration enforcement, OLS has focused on building barriers and installing razor-wire to prevent illegal entry, and working with landowners near the border to enforce criminal trespass laws and other state laws often broken by those entering the country illegally. Under the orders of President Biden, Federal Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents are neglecting to enforce immigration law by instituting a “catch-and-release” policy. I witnessed CBP agents who could only watch as individuals crossed the Rio Grande, approached the razor wire installed as part of OLS, and proceed to cut the wire to cross the border. The agents took them into custody for processing, and later released them without penalty.

Operation Lone Star (OLS) was Texas’s initial response to the Biden 24

D E C E M B E R 2023  M Y JA R R ELL M O NT HLY

Knowing there is no real penalty or chance of deportation, roughly 6,000 people have illegally crossed the Texas/Mexico border every day since Biden's first day in office, accounting for 3/4 of all illegal border crossings. To put that number into perspective, at the end of last year the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) had the capacity to incarcerate 122,132 people. At the current rate of illegal immigration, arresting, processing, and holding every person crossing the border illegally would require the current resources of our entire criminal justice system every 22 days. Cartels use the chaos as a cover for their drug smuggling and human trafficking operations. Although most of those looking to come to the United States are not involved with drugs or trafficking, the cartels rely on unenforced laws, weakened infrastructure, and overwhelmed personnel. They can operate nearly undetected, without real fear of having their activities curtailed by Texas or U.S. law enforcement.

What Can Texas Do? WHY IS THIS HAPPENING? The best way to tackle any problem is to understand the root cause and address it if you can. For illegal immigration, the key question is “Why are so many people leaving their homes to come here?”

Sadly, Texas can do little to address the root cause, since international affairs are out of our hands. However, we can do a great deal to address the symptoms, and make up for the Biden Administration’s refusal to enforce federal immigration law. Doing so requires a shift away from the emergency stop-gap measures that have been so necessary and toward a set of long-term permanent solutions.

The recent surge in illegal immigration is coming from countries in South America; Mexico serves as a passthrough point for individuals coming to the United States. In September of this year, Venezuela, Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia, and Ecuador accounted for 55 percent of all border patrol encounters. Those countries have been in a steady decline of economic and politIN THE 4TH SPECIAL SESSION OF THE 88TH LEGISLATURE, ical stability over the last half century, WE PASSED TWO MAJOR PIECES OF LEGISLATION ADDRESSING all of which has come to a head in the THESE ISSUES DIRECTLY. last 10 years. The more destabilized IMPROVING BORDER INFRASTRUCTURE the economy, the more people will leave their homeland looking for new The legislature committed $1.5 billion for Operation Lone Star and Border opportunities. Security Infrastructure. Specifically, through the construction of border walls, Venezuela serves as a good exam- deployment of buoys, and helping fund DPS (Department of Public Safety) and ple of this. The nation spent gener- local law enforcement. ations under oppressive cartel-run governments that have left behind a crumbling economy. A person from Venezuela is five times more likely to attempt to enter the United States illegally than a person from Mexico. In September of 2023 Venezuela accounted for 18 percent of all encounters with CBP.

Since walls cannot be built in the middle of the Rio Grande, someone approaching the wall would first set foot on American soil, allowing CBP to intercept and process them. While this does not currently do much to stop economic migrants from crossing the border — as CBP will simply release them once processed without deportation — anyone engaged in any other illegal activity will typically seek to avoid arrest and capture, making the wall highly effective against terrorists, drug smugglers, and human traffickers.

Constructing a border wall will take time, but Texas is dedicated to doing it right the first time. With 319.9 miles of existing wall (179.9 from natural barriers Fortunately, the situation in Vene- like mountains, 65.7 miles built under the Trump administration, and 74.3 miles zuela is not hopeless. Just last month built under President Bush), Texas needs to build 825.8 miles of quality wall to Venezuelans elected a new president finish securing our border. dedicated to fighting cartel corrupThe walls being built by the Texas Facilities Commission (TFC) are more than tion and putting the country back on a just barriers, they also include the electrical and communications infrastructure path to free enterprise and economic needed to light and monitor every inch of the border properly to ensure true growth. While that will take time, any security. According to estimates, the current budget of $750,000,000 per year improvement to the situation in Cenwill allow the construction of about 65 miles of wall built each year, making the tral and South America will reduce the border wall a 10-to-15-year project to complete. burden on Texas.  D E C E M B E R 2 0 23  M Y J A R R E L L M O N T H LY

TEXAS SIT REP

The funds set aside for border infrastructure are a solid baseline, but in 2025, the 89th Legislative session, I will be working to expedite this process by putting additional surplus funds to move the timeline for completion up as much as possible. Walls will also be supplemented by buoys (below), which help prevent illegal aliens from setting foot on U.S. soil to begin with, helping encourage them to seek legal ports of entry. Their deployment requires optimal water depth and weather so they cannot be primary deterrents.

MAKING ILLEGAL ENTRY A FELONY In the recent special session, we imposed strict penalties for illegal entry into Texas, starting as a Class B misdemeanor and escalating to a felony for repeat violations. It further criminalizes re-entry by previously removed aliens, with penalties varying by criminal history and reasons for removal. Central to the act is the power given to magistrates and judges to order non-U.S. citizens to return to their home countries, targeting individuals without serious convictions or current charges for major offenses. It also requires collecting and cross-referencing biometric data with criminal and national security databases, highlighting a focus on public safety. Crucially, the legislation grants immunity and indemnification to local and state officials, employees, and contractors enforcing these rules, except in cases of bad faith or recklessness, ensuring accountability and protection for enforcers. Under this law, those charged or convicted are ineligible for community supervision or deferred adjudication, reflecting the seriousness of immigration offenses. Additionally, the law requires recording all related orders in the state’s criminal history system, which improves offense tracking and management. The act also restricts parole and mandatory supervision for inmates

D E C E M B E R 2023  M Y JA R R ELL M O NT HLY

convicted of these offenses, emphasizing a stringent stance on immigration violations.

FINAL THOUGHTS Governor Abbott deserves credit for taking action to secure our border when the Biden Administration refused to do their job, and for calling for more permanent solutions in the special session to protect our citizens, and ultimately reduce the need for Operation Lone Star. The National Guard’s first priority is to prepare for the defense of our nation. It is routine for TMD forces to deploy around the world to support Department of Defense missions. To sustain military readiness, soldiers and airmen must meet individual and collective quarterly, semi-annual, and annual training standards. Unlike emergency response, where a National Guard unit may briefly deploy in response to a hurricane without disrupting training, OLS has required yearlong deployments of our National Guard, which has disrupted their ability to train effectively. In addition to expediting the construction of the border wall, Texas should consider the establishment of either a dedicated agency or a new division of the Department of Public Safety, solely focused on addressing border-related crimes. This is essential to streamline and consolidate efforts across existing state

TEXAS SIT REP We cannot rely on the federal government to do their job long term. Even if a more favorable administration takes over, nothing is guaranteed, and our security cannot rely on whoever is in the White House. border operations. This specialized agency’s primary mission would be to investigate various border-related offenses, including human smuggling, narcotics trafficking, and money laundering. Additionally, the agency would be responsible for compiling comprehensive data on border-related cases investigated by other law enforcement agencies. Oversight of this agency would fall under the purview of the Texas DPS or necessitate the creation of a Texas Department of Homeland Security. This initiative would enhance border security and also create employment opportunities for law enforcement personnel specializing in this field.

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FAMILY FUN

Holiday Lights Tour THE HOLIDAYS ARE FILLED WITH JOY, AND ONE CUSTOM MANY FAMILIES ENJOY IS TAKING A TOUR OF HOLIDAY LIGHTS IN AND ACROSS WILLIAMSON COUNTY. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF NEIGHBORHOODS AND BUSINESS CENTERS THAT CATER TO THIS ANNUAL RITUAL, AND IT CAN BE QUITE AN EXPERIENCE.

37th Street • Locally known since the '80s and comprised of some of the weirdest displays near downtown Austin—from giant dinosaurs and a stuffed animal petting zoo to a Santa disco party—37th Street is a collection of neighbors keeping the beloved tradition alive. The lights will be on from sunset to 10pm through New Year’s. Search "507 W 37th Street" to find them.

Maywald Christmas • The Maywald family light display at 10505 Twilight Vista in Austin is ultra unique in that it features a 15-foot Santa Claus and a 15-foot snowman. You can enjoy their display from 6-10pm through December 31st.

Chinati Court • Stop by to see this cul de sac illuminated in lights through Christmas day in the Ranch and Cypress Creek Community in Cedar Park. You may park on Sun Chase and walk to Chinati Court.

� Butch Gap Cove • More than 300,000 lights are dispersed among 12 homes on Butch Gap Cove in Cedar Park. You can park or drive, but either way you will be fully immersed in the joy and excitement of the holiday season. The show runs from 5:30pm to 10pm seven days a week.

� Rhodes Family Christmas • This home was featured on ABC’s "Great Christmas Light Fight" and they have some new tricks up their sleeve for this holiday season. 2410 Sharon Drive in Cedar Park.

Warnock Court is located in Parkside at Mayfield Ranch off County Rd 175. All homes from 100-124 Warnock Court will participate in the tour.

� Marble Falls Walkway of Lights • You will be dazzled by the 2 million lights and more than 130 sculptures at Lakeside Park. The 33rd annual holiday celebration will be open nightly at 6pm until December 31st. The walk is located at 305 Buena Vista Drive in Marble Falls.

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1460 CR 313 • Jarrell, TX 76537 • WWW.UPWARDS.CHURCH

D E C E M B E R 2 0 23  M Y J A R R E L L M O N T H LY

TEN QUESTIONS

photos courtesy Whitney Brown

QUESTIONS

PEOPLE YOU NEED TO KNOW

THE BEST LEADERS SUPPORT THEIR TEAMS

4 30

ONE

WHITNEY BROWN

I DEFINE A GREAT ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE AS ONE THAT promotes a positive work environment and engages team building between employees.

ONE THING I TRY TO DO EVERY DAY

is give compliments to others. I also try to spend quality time with my own kiddos each day and put all distractions aside.

I FEEL MOST ALIVE WHEN making forward progress to a common goal. And crossing off my daily to-do list!

D E C E M B E R 2023  M Y JA R R ELL M O NT HLY

FIVE

by taking interest in their team members. Great leaders value their team members and support each one embodying their true interests and strengths.

W I T H

TO AVOID DISTRACTIONS

I say a quick prayer of relief from said distractions, silence any technology devices around me, and set small and large goals for the task at hand.

TEN QUESTIONS

WHITNEY BROWN describes herself as a steward of her parents' dream to build childcare centers throughout local communities. Her mom and dad, Donna and Steve Brown, opened the first Kids' Zone Learning Center in Salado in 2000, and Whitney continues to carry on their legacy as the owner of seven Kids' Zone centers in Georgetown, Jarrell, Belton, Caldwell, and Salado. She also serves the community as a board member of the Jarrell Chamber of Commerce, and is mom to Tatum, Harper, and Mason.

I HANDLE NEGATIVITY BY

realizing there is a greater purpose than focusing on the negative. That no matter what, tomorrow is another opportunity to prove the positive. Also, that God is in control in all situations.

ONE THING THAT IS DIFFICULT FOR ME BUT I ENJOY is being still!

7 10

MY BEST ADVICE FOR HANDLING CHANGE IS

I DEFINE SUCCESS AS

to harbor grace while changing. Allowing myself and the situation that is changing grace and knowing that not everything is going to be perfect the first time around.

IN TEN YEARS I HOPE TO...

NINE

HA! I enjoy taking a Sunday afternoon nap.

the success of my children. Furthermore, my success is determined by the number of lives impacted through my daily walk. My ultimate goal in life is to get to Heaven and take as many people with me as I can.

be as positive as I am today. I hope to be continuing to lead my momma’s dream of offering remarkable, Christian childcare and private school to the Central Texas area. I also want to continue enjoying farm life and escaping the “busyness” of life every once in a while.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 23  M Y J A R R E L L M O N T H LY

SHELTER STORIES

contributed by April Peiffer, WCRAS

Keep Your Pets Safe During the Holidays Holidays are a time for cheerful gatherings of families and, of course, that includes the furry ones too. To help ensure those furry friends stay safe and healthy in the midst of the feasts and celebrations, here are some safety tips to keep in mind. FOOD

CHRISTMAS TREE

Chocolate and food with xylitol can be lethal, even in small amounts, so keep human food out of reach. Xylitol is commonly found in sugar-free foods like peanut butter. You also should not feed fatty or spicy foods or bones to your pet. Bones can become lodged in the esophagus or lacerate the intestines. Alcohol can also cause your pet to become very ill, from gastro-intestinal upset to coma and respiratory failure.

Anchor your Christmas tree properly so it doesn’t fall over onto your pet or while your pet is in the tree. If you are using a live tree, be sure to change the water in the base frequently to keep the types of bacteria that breed in stagnant water from growing. This bacteria can cause vomiting and diarrhea in pets. Also be careful about using fertilizers or additives that may be added to the water and may be toxic to your pet.

PLANTS

VISITORS

Holly and mistletoe may cause vomiting and diarrhea and mistletoe can also cause cardiovascular issues in an animal. Poinsettias are toxic to cats.

If your pet is on the shy or fearful side, be cautious when introducing them to new people. They may become overwhelmed. You can give them a room of their own or have them in their crate. Make sure visitors to your home do not have medicine within reach of your pet. If you have visitors in and out of your house, make sure pets do not have access to the frequently used door. Try to keep your pet’s routine as close to normal as possible to reduce anxiety.

DECORATIONS Small decorations and tinsel can be swallowed, as they are hard to resist to playful dogs and cats. This could lead to an obstruction and, if not caught in time, could result in an expensive surgery and even death. Glass ornaments can break and cut your pet’s mouth or esophagus. As well, be mindful of candles - you don’t want your pet to accidentally knock one over and cause tissue burns and/ or catch your house on fire. Like any time of the year, keep electrical cords and batteries out of reach, as they can cause electrical shock or burns to the mouth and can be harmful if ingested.

D E C E M B E R 2023  M Y JA R R ELL M O NT HLY

GIFT OF FAMILY That being said, the holidays are a wonderful time to bring home a new adopted dog or cat. What greater present for a shelter animal than a family? Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter is here to help make that happen. Go to www.wilcotx.gov/pets to see all our adoptable dogs and cats!

Sunday, December 24 - 4:00pm / 6:00pm / Midnight Monday, December 25 - 8:30am Sunday, December 31 - 12:00am (Midnight) Monday, January 1 - 8:30am & 10:30am For more information, please visit our website at HolyTrinityOfCornhill.org For uestions, email us at mainooce@holytrinityofcornhill.org or call 512-863-3020.

8626 FM 1105 • Jarrell, TX 76537

Join us for Junior Kindergarten $750/mo OR $170/wk

What is junior kindergarten?

Our junior kindergarten is an accelerated pre-k class that was developed for children who “just miss” the birthday cut-off (age 5 by Sept 1st) for kindergarten. During your child’s year in junior kindergarten they will build foundational phonics and math skills while developing a love for learning through student-led inquiry and hands-on activities! *Phonics and STEAM based curriculums *Academic instruction alighted with the TEKS

*Focus on Biblical character trait building *Weekly Bible study and monthly school-wide Chapel

*16:1 student-teacher ratio *Fine Arts program *Field trips *Community engagement

Does my child meet the criteria for junior kindergarten?

To qualify for junior kindergarten students must mee the following criteria: *Will turn 5 between Sept. 2nd and Dec. 31st of the current school year. *Has completed a pre-k program prior to enrollment OR been assessed by administration and granted admission

About our School

At the heart of Kids’ Zone Christian Academy is Christ! We strive to give our students a strong academic foundation while preparing them for life as a Christian leader with a heart for service! Beginning in junior kindergarten, our students are exposed to a wide vartiety of educational experiences taught through a combination of traditional instruction, inquiry based learning, and hands-on activities. Charter development and social-emotional education are also integral to our program. We integrate Conscious Discipline throughout our school and implement a Biblical character trait curriculum to encourage and promote the developtment of positive, Christ-like character. Class sizes are kept at a 16:1 student to teacher ratio. Small classroom ratios are imperative to providing each of our learners with differetiated instruction through small groups and one-on-olne learning. Along with academic studies, student life is enriched with Physical Education (P.E.), Music, Art, and Chapel. Kids’ Zone Christian Academy currently serves students junior kindergarten through fourth grade.

To apply for the 2023-2024 School year, please contact us: admin@kidszonechristianacademy.com | 512•595•1080 www.kidszonechristianacademy.com D E C E M B E R 2 0 23  M Y J A R R E L L M O N T H LY

DEEP IN THE HEARTS OF TEXAS

The Romance of Town Squares

WHAT MAKES TEXAS “TEXAS”? by Ann Marie Kennon

he concept of the "town square" has served as a vital component of urban life since long before European explorers adapted it for use in American settlements. Dating back to the Bronze Age, these squares have consistently served as vibrant centers of activity — a place for communities to come together to celebrate, exchange information, conduct business, or simply relish the lively atmosphere and unique lifestyles of their region. While many urban areas in America have transformed their town squares into commercial spaces like Walmarts or public art collections, the town and city squares in most parts of suburban and rural Texas have retained their historical significance. They continue to serve as not only hubs for food and entertainment but also as important connections to our collective past. Although the presence of a "town square" is not exclusive to Texas, the distinctive characteristics of these squares in the Lone Star State reflect the values and identity of its early settlers. For example, in New England, community activity centers on a village green and a picturesque setting with a white church and colonial-style buildings, while most Texas squares have evolved around and still proudly showcase grand courthouses. Both styles reflect the needs and trends of the people who settled the area; i.e., 17th century pilgrims were seeking religious liberty and built their common areas around houses of worship, while law and order was important for early Texans.

A LITTLE BACKGROUND In the late 17th century, Spain was busy creating settlements in the American southwest, and in 1718 the first Spanish-speaking settlers began to group around the San Antonio River. At that time, the Spanish Empire decreed that every town it started had to have a central square, so our earliest towns and cities followed suit with the tradition of the ancients. Later, other European immigrants built squares according to their own traditions, 34

D E C E M B E R 2023  M Y JA R R ELL M O NT HLY

primarily to nurture townships and for neighbors to see and help each other through harsh winters. Over time, civic interaction began to spring up organically as the earliest town squares were gathering spaces located at the geographic center of the town, which allowed settlers and visitors alike to reach and benefit from the aggregate activity. Even government took place in the square, where citizens were already present, until city halls and courthouses were constructed.

WHAT MAKES TEXAS "TEXAS" LOCAL CENTERS Many of our Williamson County squares filled those social and government needs for their communities until growth began to stretch beyond the downtown areas and outlier residents found retail, services, and restaurants closer to home. Building owners in the 1950s and 60s modernized their facades by covering the historic architecture with stucco and other material so, by the 1970s, many had lost their previous Victorian beauty. But, as new construction costs rose, renewal of historic sites became profitable and Texas' Main Street program helped transition many buildings back to their former glory, creating an ‘old town’ ambiance that has been attracting tourists and foot traffic once again.

Cleburne, TX circa 1910

Having a 'town square' is not unique to Texas but many of its details reflect the priorities and personality of those who settled the Lone Star State. While squares in New England are typically centered around a little white church with a steeple and a bell, most Texas squares grew up and still celebrate a large and very grand courthouse.

TODAY'S DOWNTOWNS When technology took off, mainstream and social media created an environment that provided information at our fingertips, so we no longer need the town square for news or to conduct business. However, as the 21st century marches on, our reasons for visiting local squares have returned, somewhat, to what they were 150 years ago — buying fresh produce and artisan products, enjoying festivals, dining and celebrating, days out with the family, and passive people watching. Consequently, the modern square has re-emerged as a place for residents and visitors to be intentional about gathering in person for celebrations and civic discussion. And, as squares are reborn, they become physical magnets for social gatherings that are more important than ever.

Sadly, many of our state's majestic courthouses look out over empty storefronts. But, unlike big cities, a vibrant town square can really exist only in a small town, a place compact enough to have a single focus, and with the help of the Main Street program, Shop Small Saturdays, and similar campaigns, many are making a comeback. While Jarrell does not have an official square or historic courthouse, its inaugural A Very Merry Jarrell festival this Christmas is set to be the first step toward revitalizing the downtown and turning Jarrell into a community gathering destination.

THE SQUARE IS STILL THE PUBLIC LIVING ROOM. ~ RAY OLDENBURG, PROJECT FOR PUBLIC SPACES

D E C E M B E R 2 0 23  M Y J A R R E L L M O N T H LY

WORTH THE DRIVE

by Ann Marie Kennon

A Holly Jolly Road Trip

GET IN THE SPIRIT AND VISIT SOME OF TEXAS’ GREATEST CHRISTMAS TOWNS

s if we needed another reason to appreciate living in Central Texas, there are so many Christmas towns within a two-hour drive to help you get into the spirit. Each stop on this Yuletide experience will amaze young and old with millions upon millions of lights, snowy experiences and activities, and favorite holiday characters. Oh, and there’s shopping! Plus, unlike Santa, you don’t have to visit them all in one night — you have until the end of December to enjoy the festivities so pack the sleigh and the family and head out on some magical holiday adventures.

1. SANTA’S WONDERLAND  18898 HWY 6 • COLLEGE STATION Santa’s Wonderland is the biggest Christmas attraction in the state. Their goal is to provide a happy space that perpetuates the spirit of the season, Texas style. It is open nightly, through December 30—rain or shine. Activities include holiday foods, Christmas shops, train rides, petting zoo, live music, and wintry stations with ice skating and real snow. Best of all, their can’t-miss Trail of Lights includes more than three million lights illuminating various Christmas scenes you can enjoy from a horse-drawn carriage.

2. GEORGETOWN SQUARE 710 S. MAIN ST. If you haven’t experienced Georgetown during the Christmas season, take this as your cue to make plans. Having been named the “Most Beautiful Town Square In Texas,” Georgetown’s historic downtown becomes even more breathtaking

with the arrival of the holiday festivities. The many local shops and eateries, along with the trees adorning the streets, are all aglow with more than one million sparkling lights. Additionally, Georgetown offers a variety of festive events, including Breakfast with Santa, a Christmas-themed stroll in early December, a reindeer run, and other holiday activities.

3. JOHNSON CITY  101 E PECAN DR Johnson City, though a small community with less than 2,000 residents, particularly among the pseudo-metropolises of the Texas Hill Country, is renowned for its grand Christmas celebrations. Each year, the town hosts the Lights Spectacular, a complimentary event that transforms the town square into a dazzling display with more than two million lights. This event also features local food, beer, wine, and an abundance of holiday spirit. Their light display is so extensive it is visible even from space. 36

D E C E M B E R 2023  M Y JA R R ELL M O NT HLY

PHOTO BY BERT RICHARDSON

4. RIVER WALK  SAN ANTONIO Every year, following Thanksgiving, the renowned San Antonio River Walk transforms into a festive wonderland. Trees along the river are adorned with dazzling, multicolored lights, creating a stunning and graceful display. Tourists in San Antonio during this season enjoy a variety of merry activities, including the SeaWorld San Antonio Christmas Celebration, the enchanting Lightscape at the San Antonio Botanical Garden, and the delightful lights at the San Antonio Zoo. The Christmas lights at the San Antonio River Walk stand out for their sheer vibrancy and captivating charm. This magical holiday spectacle leaves a lasting impression on everyone, from young children to the elderly. It’s a memorable experience worth exploring. San Antonio shines as the top destination for Christmas lights. A simple evening walk along the River Walk, with more than 100,000 shimmering lights mirrored on the water below, is enough to appreciate its unparalleled beauty.

5. FREDERICKSBURG EAST MAIN STREET Fredericksburg, a charming and well-loved small town in Texas, transforms into a wonderland during the holiday season. It is even called, from time to time, the Hallmark movie of Texas Christmas towns. The festivities begin in mid-November with the “55 Nights of Fredericksburg Lights” event. This celebration includes a variety of activities like an outdoor ice skating rink, festive shopping opportunities, wine tasting sessions, and more. The town’s German roots are celebrated with a stunning 26-foot tall German Christmas Pyramid. Additionally, the Singing Christmas Tree, featuring choir members positioned on each tier, is a beautiful and unique attraction.

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FOOD

by Ann Marie Kennon

International Christmas Favorites LAUFABRAUÐ (Icelandic Leaf Bread) Sometimes called "Snowflake" bread, it is decorated with different patterns and fried for a very crunchy treat. Laufabrauð originated as a way for Icelanders to economize on flour during latter centuries when cold climate and poor trading meant no wheat. No wheat meant grain products were reserved for holiday indulgence and the bread became a Christmas tradition that was eagerly eaten and shared. 3 1/2 cups flour 1 tbsp. sugar 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. Kosher salt 3 1/2 tbsp. unsalted butter 1 cup plus 2 tbsp. whole milk, heated to 115° Canola oil, for frying

INSTRUCTIONS Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Using two forks or your fingers, cut butter into flour mixture, forming pea-size crumbles. Stir in milk until dough forms. Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth. Divide dough into 25 one-oz. balls; working with one ball at a time, roll dough into a 7-inch disk, about 1⁄16” thick. (Cover remaining dough with a damp towel to prevent dough from drying out.) Using a paring knife and working outwards from the center of disk, cut rows of nested Vs 1⁄4” apart. Use knife to lift the tip of every other V; fold each tip back to cross over the V behind it, pressing the dough to adhere. (Scan the code to see a step-bystep demonstration). Store cut dough disks between parchment paper and cover with a damp towel until ready to fry.

Scan the code for a video demonstration on cutting and frying the bread.

Heat 2 inches oil in a 6-qt. saucepan until a deepfry thermometer reads 400°. Fry 1 dough disk at a time, flipping once, until crisp, about 30 seconds. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

D E C E M B E R 2023  M Y JA R R ELL M O NT HLY

FOOD

Putobumbong • Philippines This rice dish is made with a glutinous (sticky) purple-colored rice and is usually garnished with a dollop of butter and a heap of sugary, shredded coconut. It is mostly sold outside churches during the traditional simbang gabi, a devotional nine-day series of Masses practiced by Filipino Catholics and Aglipayans in anticipation of Christmas. • 1 1/3 cups sticky purple rice

• 1 1/3 cups sticky white rice malagkit

• 2/3 cup long grain purple rice

• 6 cups water for soaking the rice

• 3/4 cups muscovado sugar

• 1 1/2 cups freshly grated coconut

• 1/2 cup softened butter Combine all the rice in a large mixing bowl. Cover with water and soak for 2 days. Pour contents into a large sieve to drain. Put soaked rice into food processor. Grind rice until it becomes very fine, about 10 mins. Fill a steamer with water halfway and bring to a boil. Meanwhile, fill each bumbong (bamboo tube) with powdered rice. Do not compress the rice so steam can pass easily. Once water is boiling, arrange each bamboo tube on the steamer. Continue to cook until steam comes out of the tube. Remove the tube from the steamer. Arrange the contents over a piece of banana leaf. Spread butter all over and then top with freshly grated coconut and muscovado sugar.

Peruvian Spicy Hot Chocolate • 1 cinnamon stick

• 2 cloves

• 1 piece orange peel dried, about 1"

• 1 star anise (spice)

• 1 pinch nutmeg

• ½ cup water

• 2 cups prepared whole milk • ½ cup evaporated milk

• 3 tbsp. Peruvian bitter cocoa

• 1 ½ tbsp. cornstarch

• sugar to taste

• 1 tsp. instant coffee

Place small pot on medium heat, add 1/2 cup water and immediately add spices. Add cinnamon stick, cloves, and star anise. Cook on low heat. Cook spice infusion half-covered over low heat for at least 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and strain spices. Discard spices and preserve the infusion. Return the infusion to the pot, and dissolve dark chocolate and instant coffee in it, whisking with hand mixer. Add whole and evaporated milk. Stir well until mixed.

Add pinch of nutmeg and continue beating without letting the mixture boil. Dissolve cornstarch in 3tbsp. water. Add diluted cornstarch to the chocolate and continue beating in circles until chocolate is thick. Cook three minutes, add sugar to taste, serve hot in large cups. If you like chocolate with a lot of foam, blend before serving. Decorate with whipped cream, marshmallows, or cinnamon powder. D E C E M B E R 2 0 23  M Y J A R R E L L M O N T H LY

NEIGHBOR LEIGH

Some Christmas Truth I

t's the holidays, and like many of us grownups, when I was young, I started counting down to this time of year sometime around Martin Luther King Day when all the big holiday vacations were done and all we had to look forward to was three months of industrial gray suck before blue skies returned for Spring Break. Sure, there was Valentine's Day but that's not a day off and it's too much pressure to turn your life into a Nicholas Sparks novel for a day. So, now, Leigh is old and the holidays are no longer a time to relax and check the boxes for The Grinch, Rudolf, and 24 hours of A Christmas Story. In my parental years, Christmas is little more than a deadline. And it's harder to beat that deadline every year, even though I typically start asking my Beloved sometime in September to help me plan THE LIST. Aside from remembering all the names, we also have to decide how much of our paychecks we can set aside for three months so we don't set the credit cards on fire from all the swipe friction over last minute December weekend. As much as I love Frosty and all the other Christmas TV specials, I don't really have too much time to watch television. Around November 1 I typically start blocking network shows from my little Offspring Elf because I just can’t stand another 30-second spew of plastic that is generally pink and really loud — otherwise known as a commercial. Wasn’t the FCC going to make a law, like, 20 years ago that required broadcasters to lower the volume of commercials from, say, 747-ish to reasonable? Unlike Mama Elf—who watches almost nothing not recorded on the DVR, specifically so I can skip over commercials — “Hey, for just $29 you can have a toy that only has one function! There are eight in the set and you need them all so go get your mommy’s credit card!” Finally, and this is a general fuss that has nothing to do with my family; when and why did we start talking about the “war” on Christmas? Depends on what you call a war. Granted, some are upset that Santa Claus is an old white guy, and that is exclusionary to all the non-white people who celebrate the holiday. I will stipulate that everyone is entitled to feel as they wish, and I never want people to feel excluded. Still, without boring you with my wiki-Christmas history, suffice to say most modern American Christ-

D E C E M B E R 2023  M Y JA R R ELL M O NT HLY

mas traditions have almost exclusively come out of European history. St. Nicholas himself was Greek, so maybe olive-skinned might be more accurate. But with dozens of icons to choose from to represent the holiday, can’t it just be okay that the people who like Santa can stick to the original Father Christmas (who actually wore blue and multi-color coats in various legends until Coca-Cola dressed him in red)? And let’s remember our country encourages us to do a lot of things as we wish as long as we don’t tell others they can’t. So hey, you don’t *have* to celebrate with a guy in a red suit. If seeing a paisley hippopotamus on roller skates will give you a feeling of hope and giving, I’ll send the memo to Hallmark to get busy on a new line of ornaments. The icons of the day shouldn’t change the ambiance and sentiment of anything. Seriously, would anyone even think of going over to Hong Kong and complaining that none of the dragons in the New Year parade have cowboy hats? Has anyone ever asked to have more red, white, and blue in the Kwanzaa stamp? No, because that’s how the people who celebrate those holidays do it. And I’m not sure what people are complaining about at Starbucks this year but I’m sure it’s something, and if you can afford a $7 coffee, there are plenty of down-on-their-luck people in every neighborhood who have bigger problems in December. So let’s all go to our respective corners, celebrate the birth of Jesus—or the oil that lasted eight days, or whatever it is you choose do around the Winter Solstice—any way you want, pray for peace on Earth, and enjoy the generalized spirit of the season. And that includes letting me invite the Amazon delivery driver for turkey dinner because we've seen each other every day since September and my dogs like him better than they like me now. P.S. – Yes, Generation-X, “Die Hard” IS a Christmas movie.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 23  M Y J A R R E L L M O N T H LY

PARTING SHOT

by Charlotte Kovalchuk photos courtesy of Susan Gregurek / Jarrell Community Library

Beyond the Shelves Library Hosts Fundraiser Extravaganza

ver 200 people gathered at the Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center for its major annual fundraiser on November 18. The Holiday Craft, Business and Children’s Fair featured 41 booths, including a Children’s Fair with face and hair painting and bounce houses donated by V’s Bounce House, a fun action photo booth donated by ATX Top Shelf Photo Booth, a Musical Chairs Cakewalk with beautiful desserts contributed by local bakers, and a Wine, Beer and Austin Eastcider’s Cider Ring Toss that was a hit with adults. The library team was also thankful to Andy Bilger and Uptown Liquor for providing parking for the event. The library also handed out free oral care kits donat-

D E C E M B E R 2023  M Y JA R R ELL M O NT HLY

ed by Benco Dental, and free books donated by the Sun City Kiwanis Club. The Library staff, Library Board, and Friends of Jarrell Library worked as a team to help make the event a success. “We had a great time, but are still short of our goal of $12,000,” Library Director Susan Gregurek says. Funds will be used to pay the director, utilities, activities, and any association fees. People can continue to support the library at jarrellcommunitylibrary.org/donate-2. Stay tuned for the library’s Wine and Cheese Art Walk with local artists in the spring!

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Up to 5 quarts major brand synthetic blend oil • New oil filter Vehicle maintenance inspection • Lubrication of grease fittings • Top-off vital fluids • Check & adjust tire pressure Most vehicles. Shop supplies, tax and waste disposal fees may apply. Cartridge filters extra. At this location only. Not valid with other offers. other restrictions may apply.

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My Jarrell Monthly • December 2023

Articles inside

Beyond the Shelves: Library Hosts Fundraiser Extravaganza

Neighbor Leigh: Some Christmas Truth

International Christmas Favorites

A Holly Jolly Road Trip

What Makes Texas "Texas"?: The Romance of Town Squares