My Jarrell December 2025

DECEMBER 2025

A Life of Service, A Season of Gratitude HONORING SENATOR CHARLES SCHWERTNER’S WORK FOR TEXAS FAMILIES

DECEMBER FOCUS How to Holiday KIDS & EDUCATION Evolution of the Christmas Tree HOLIDAY RECIPES A Taste of Good Fortune

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WHO WE ARE

I

n an age where the rush of daily news often overshadows the deeper narratives that shape our

community, My Jarrell Monthly constantly strives to be an eager beacon of positivity and unity. Far more than just a lifestyle magazine, our publishers and staff are committed to creating a means of getting to know

Cathy Payne • Mike Payne

PUBLISHERS COMMUNITY EDITOR

Camy Reynolds

COMMUNITY LIAISON

Janet Hage

what makes our community thrive: its people and their

SENIOR WRITERS / CONTENT EDITORS Charlotte Kovalchuk, Ann Marie Kennon

impact.

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Since its inception in 2021, My Jarrell Monthly: Has grown with the community – we originally mailed to 4,200 homes and businesses in 76537 and now mail to over 9,600 homes and businesses monthly.

Works closely with Jarrell Independent School District, the Jarrell Chamber of Commerce, Sonterra MUD, Jarrell Economic Development Corporation, Jarrell Com-

GRAPHICS & DESIGN Sandra Evans • Marilee Goldoni • Ann Marie Kennon CONSULTANT

W. Ben Daniel

IT / WEBMASTER

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munity Library and Resource Center, and the City of Jarrell.

Is a local business, located in Jarrell, that employs local people.

Has, to date, mailed close to 400,000 magazines within the 76537 area.

But we are also good at doing what we do — show-

Linda A. Thornton

512.746.4545 info@myjarrell.com

My Jarrell is a Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC publication and a product of AdvocateNewsTX Newspaper.

Copyright © 2025 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

casing prominent community agencies and initiatives like the Jarrell Education Foundation, Jarrell Community Library, Jarrell ISD students, FFA, 4-H, and many more on our covers and in multi-page features. These

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not only celebrate their contributions but also inspire readers to personally engage and participate in the missions of these community pillars.

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his month is truly my favorite time of the year. It’s a season when I get to slow down, soak in time with my family, and celebrate the joy of the holidays.

It’s also when I find myself reflecting on the core memories we’ve made throughout the year—those big moments, small moments, and everything in between that make life in our community so special.

2025 has been an amazing year, and I am incredibly grateful for every story shared, every connection formed, and every reader who continues to make this magazine a meaningful part of Jarrell. But as we turn the page, I’m equally

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excited to see what 2026 holds for all of us.

As we embark on a new year, we’ll also be embarking on a new chapter for this publication. We will officially say goodbye to the name My Jarrell and welcome 76537 Life, a name that truly reflects and represents our entire community. I can’t wait to take this next step forward together.

Cheers to the best year yet—and from my family to yours, Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

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CONTENT

DECEMBER FEATURES 6 / SENATOR SCHWERTNER'S LIFE OF SERVICE

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10 / THE RISE OF MOCKTAILS 14 / FOODS FOR GOOD FORTUNE

COLUMNS 16 / KIDS & EDUCATION • CHRISTMAS TREE EVOLUTION 19 / WHAT MAKES TEXAS "TEXAS"? • STATE PLEDGE

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22 / WORTH THE DRIVE • WINTER ON ICE 26 / NEIGHBOR LEIGH • ON THE ROAD FROM EMMAUS 28 / PARTING SHOT • ONE COMMUNITY. ONE MAGAZINE.

ASK A PRO 9 / ASK A PRO • JARRELL MONTESSORI

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FEATURED PROFESSIONALS Meet our Pros — industry professionals, business owners, and subject matter experts from leading local companies who share their knowledge and expertise to bring readers practical advice, how-to tips, best practices, and current and emerging trends.

To learn more about becoming a featured pro, contact info@myjarrell.com or 512.746.4545

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JARRELL MONTESSORI Offering academic and loving care of children from infancy to 5 years old. Jarrell Montessori...

Where Families Belong!

JarrellMontessori.com

Director@JarrellMontessori.com

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COVER FEATURE

s tor y a nd p h otos c ont r i bu te d by t h e of f i c e of Se na tor Ch a r le s Sc hwe rt ner

A Life Built on Service Grounded in Family and Faith

Senator Charles Schwertner's Texas roots, medical and political career, and legislative work continue to shape the lives of families across the state.

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harles Schwertner is a sixth-generation Texan born into a long line of farmers and ranchers whose deep roots shaped his commitment to hard work and service. His ancestors arrived from Austria around 1877, settling in the area now known as Schwertner, Texas. His father, a decorated officer in the U.S. Air Force, and his mother, a mental-health nurse, instilled in him both a love of country and a lifelong commitment to helping others.

she dedicated her practice to caring for patients throughout Williamson County and the greater Central Texas region. Following a successful medical career, Belinda later earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law. The couple resides in Georgetown, Texas, where they raised their three adult sons, Carson, Zachary, and Matthew.

Growing up, Schwertner spent time serving others in his grandfather’s pharmacy and working alongside his father on the family ranch, experiences he credits with shaping his values and strong work ethic. This close-knit, multi-generational Texas upbringing continues to influence his life, work as a physician, and dedication to public service.

Schwertner’s path to medicine began with a B.S. in Pharmacy from the University of Texas at Austin, making him the only pharmacist in the Texas Legislature. He then attended medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, where he also completed his orthopedic surgery residency. For more than two decades, he’s helped restore mobility and improve patients’ quality of life across Texas.

Even while serving as a state legislator, he continues to treat thousands of patients each year.

His wife, Belinda, was his medical school sweetheart. After completing her residency in obstetrics and gynecology,

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Path to Medicine

Political advertising paid for by Texans for Charles Schwertner

COVER FEATURE As a physician legislator, his medical background lends him credibility among peers and constituents, particularly when addressing health care related issues. His experience and expertise give him insight into health policy, regulatory issues, and reforms needed to ensure patients stay in control of their healthcare decisions.

Caring for the Most Vulnerable

Dr. Schwertner was first elected to serve the people of House District 20 as a member of the Texas House of Representatives in 2010. In 2012, he was elected to serve Senate District 5—an 11-county region.

One of Senator Schwertner’s most notable legislative accomplishments has been his work to reform the child-welfare system. While serving as Chair of the Senate Health & Human Services Committee (20142019), he championed legislation to improve how the state cares for children in foster care and address deficiencies within the system.

In 2017, Senator Schwertner authored landmark legislation that requires children entering foster care to receive comprehensive assessments within 30 days, mandates faster medical exams for children removed from unsafe environments, streamlines investigations of abuse and neglect, and encourages community-based, non-profit case management for high-needs youth.

Recognizing that vulnerable children represent the state’s single greatest responsibility, the Senator sought solutions that prioritize accountability and collaboration with faith-based and community organizations. His approach reflects a deep belief in giving children the stability and care they deserve, helping them stay closer to home and ensuring they receive the support necessary for healthy development.

During this holiday season, we pause to give thanks, provide, and care for those less fortunate. ~ Senator Charles Schwertner

Long-Term Impact

Senator Schwertner continues to witness the difference such efforts make through organizations like the Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center, which provides hope, healing, and justice for children and families affected by abuse and violence. The work of these organizations is critical, ensuring vulnerable children receive the support, protection, and opportunities they need to build brighter futures. Earlier this year, he visited the Williamson County CAC to deliver a $65,000 check raised during his Governor for a Day celebration, a record-breaking effort that contributed more than $260,000 to programs supporting children and veterans across Senate District 5.

Serving Texans Today and Tomorrow

Today, Senator Schwertner serves as Chairman of the Senate Business and Commerce Committee, overseeing policies in energy, banking, technology, insurance, and telecommunications. He also serves on the Senate Committees on Finance, State Affairs, Economic Development, and the Legislative Budget Board.

From the pharmacy counter and the family ranch to the operating room and the Senate Floor, the senator's life reflects a continued commitment to hope, healing, and service. Whether in the clinic, the legislature, or the community, he strives to strengthen families and ensure the most vulnerable Texans receive the care and support they need to thrive.

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ASK A PRO • KIDS & FAMILY

c on tribu te d by Sha n n o n Bl ac k , Fo un d er/Co - O wn er of Jarre ll Monte s s or i

5 Things Every Parent Should Check Offering academic and loving care of Before Picking a Daycare children from infancy to 5 years old. Jarrell

Choosing a daycare or preschool can be as easy as 1-2-3!

Montessori...Where Families Belong!

JarrellMontessori.com

Director@JarrellMontessori.com

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ack in 2005, when my son John was a busy 1-year-old, my older sister suggested I look into Montessori programs. I toured six child care centers—Montessori and non-Montessori—and quickly realized that there were stark differences between all of them. After I opened my own Montessori school the following year, I learned even more.

Here’s the updated, insider's guide I wish someone had handed me back then so any parent can confidently choose a child's daycare!

KNOW WHAT ENVIRONMENT YOUR CHILD THRIVES IN

Every child is different, so the “best” school is the one that fits your child. Ask yourself, do they need: A play-based setting?

A Montessori classroom with handson learning?

A smaller classroom due to sensory needs, autism, or ADHD? Not all schools are academic or religious, even if their website says otherwise. Request a couple names and numbers from the preschool of parents you can call. Look at Google and Facebook reviews and trust patterns­—not one-off comments.

MEET THE TEACHERS —THEY ARE EVERYTHING!

When touring, look for: Smiling, warm teachers Calm classroom energy

Teachers down at the children’s level Ask smart questions: “How long has your lead teacher been here?”

Transparency about illness notifications You'll absolutely form an impression. Trust your instincts.

CHECK LICENSING, SAFETY, AND STATE INSPECTION REPORTS

Before you fall in love with how close the daycare is to your home, verify it: Is licensed

“What training do your caregivers receive?”

Has a solid inspection history

"What benefits do you provide your team?"

Parents can review Texas centers here.

Quality child care centers invest in their teachers with training, benefits, paid time off, and professional development. At Jarrell Montessori, we offer free child care to our team because supported teachers create stable, loving classrooms.

COMMUNICATION SHOULD BE CLEAR, CONSISTENT, AND STRESS-FREE

Good communication= peace of mind. You should know what is happening in your child’s day without having to guess. Look for things like: Daily app updates Quick response times (within one business day) Communicative Director

Follows clear safety policies

OBSERVE RATIOS, CLEANLINESS, & OVERALL VIBE

In Texas, classroom ratios are surprisingly high. Ask each school to be clear and upfront with theirs. We keep our 2 year old room at a max of 16 even though Texas says we can have 22. We value both the children's care as well as our teachers’ work experience.

Then check your gut: Does the school smell and look clean?

Is the environment warm and welcoming?

Do the classrooms feel calm?

Would you want to spend eight hours there?

Your comfort matters just as much as your child’s. Trust your instincts, ask questions, and you’ll easily be able to choose the place where your child will be safe, loved, and inspired every single day!

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CHEERS!

by A nn Ma r i e Ke nno n

The For-All-Ages Mocktail Movement The idea of a “cocktail without the spirit” has fully stepped into the spotlight—whether you’re 16 or 60, there’s plenty of reason (and fun) in raising a no-alcohol glass this holiday season. Across menus and home bars alike, mocktails are having a moment, driven by wellness goals, inclusive entertaining and fresh flavor innovations.

Let’s start with *why*. People are more mindful these days—sleep, hydration, recovery, and clarity matter. The mocktail (or “zero-proof” as many bartenders prefer) offers the social ritual of a drink without the next-day drag or exclusion of younger guests. At the same time, mixologists and home cooks alike are embracing deep flavor profiles: bitter, herbal, fizzy, bold—not just juice and soda.

And for the holidays? These are the perfect drinks to keep in rotation. Think warm spices and bright citrus, bubbly bases and garnishes that sparkle—just without the alcohol. Here are some of the best ideas and fun names that can work for your whole gathering.

Trendy Ingredients + Flavors

Sparkling or herbal tea base:

Fun Holiday Mocktail Names & Recipes Snow Day Spritz: Sparkling water (or

non-alcoholic prosecco substitute), a splash of white cranberry juice, fresh lime and a sprig of rosemary.

Yule Be Sober: Pomegranate juice, ginger

Green tea or hibiscus tea serve

beer, a squeeze of lemon, topped with sage

as more complex backdrops

leaves (herbal and bright).

than plain soda.

Botanical ‘spirits': Non-alcoholic spirit alternatives (think gin or amaro style) are being used to bring depth.

Seasonal fruits + herbs: Cranberry, pomegranate, rosemary, ginger, lime—making the drink feel festive and grown-up.

Low-sugar and functional tweaks: Using sug-

Silent Nightcap: Chamomile-infused iced tea, honey syrup, lime, fizzy soda — a mellow but elegant option for younger guests or later-night sipping.

Merry Mule: Ginger beer, cranberry juice, lime, mint—served in a copper mug for that cocktail feel with zero alcohol.

For the kids or anyone who prefers something gentle: Jingle Bell Lemonade: Homemade lemon-

ar-free syrups, fresh herbs, even sleep-support-

ade (fresh lemon + water + light syrup) enhanced

ing ingredients like tart cherry juice.

with muddled raspberries and topped with sparkling water; add a sugared rim for festive flair.

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CHEERS!

Why It Works for All Ages & Gatherings Your youngest guests get something fun,

adult-looking (and Instagram ready!) without feeling sidelined.

Adults who aren’t drinking can still sip something crafted and special—not just “juice.”

Hosts stay inclusive: everyone feels part of the toasting moment, no one left out.

And with the flavor depth and presentation upgrades, no one feels like they’re sacrificing

Quick Hosting Tips

Set up a mocktail bar station: one or two signature drinks, a garnish tray (berries, citrus wheels, herbs) and sparkling water choices.

Pre-make the base mixture (minus fizzy water) so you’re not scrambling when guests arrive.

Use festive glassware — tall glasses, copper mugs, sugared rims — so the drink feels intentional.

Label the drinks: let people know “Snow Day Spritz – non-alcoholic” so there's no confusion and everyone can feel part of the fun.

sophistication for sobriety.

In short: This holiday season, serving smart, great-tasting mocktails is more than just a nod to wellness—it’s a celebration of flavor, style and inclusive hospitality.

Whether it’s a cozy night on the porch or a fullblown party, pick your name, pour your mocktail, and raise the glass.

No spirits required.

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HOW TO HOLIDAY

by A nn Ma r i e Ke nno n

AROUND THE WORLD

in 12 Bites

NEW YEAR'S Luck and Let’s-Try-This-Again Energy If there’s one thing humanity agrees on, it’s that good fortune can’t resist a well-timed snack.

From noodles that promise longevity to peas that look like coins, cultures everywhere have found ways to chew their way into a better year. So grab your fork (or chopsticks, or hands—no judgment) and take a tasty little tour of global good luck traditions. After all, this might finally be the year our fortune cookies mean it.

Hoppin’ John

In the American South, black-eyed peas, greens, and cornbread form the trinity of New Year’s luck: peas for coins, greens for cash, and cornbread for gold.

A humble plate that quietly whispers, “You got this.” In Europe, they focus on the greens, which symbolize wealth and prosperity as they have a shape resembling folded money. The more you eat, the more "green" comes your way.

Grapes at Midnight

In Spain, it is customary to eat one grape for each clock chime at midnight. Sweet grape, sweet month. Sour grape—brace yourself for March. Practice chewing fast if you plan to keep up.

Lentils and Sausage

In Italy, tiny coin-shaped lentils symbolize prosperity, and since pigs always root forward, pairing them with pork (cotechino) represents progress, stability, and optimism for the year ahead.

In Germany, the tradition expands with sauerkraut for blessings (and a little

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gut health), plus the occasional marzipan pig — arguably the world’s cutest good-luck charm. Meanwhile, in Brazil, lentils return to the menu alongside seven pomegranate seeds for wealth, and those celebrating by the sea take their luck one step further, leaping over seven ocean waves to make sure fortune follows them ashore.

Cozy Good-Luck Soup

In France, velouté de marrons (chestnut soup) is more than winter comfort food. Chestnuts symbolize endurance and prosperity. Once a staple food in the poorer mountain regions, they now represent abundance restored. Serving chestnut soup at New Year’s honors that transition: from scarcity to plenty, from old year to new.

Long Noodles

In China, Japan, and elsewhere around East Asia, long noodles are eaten without cutting or breaking them—the long strands are believed to stretch one's lifespan. Breaking a noodle early is said to cut your luck short. Slurp responsibly.

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Dumplings and Fish

The Chinese don't celebrate on the same day but they do have dumplings shaped like gold ingots to bring wealth.

A whole fish promises “surplus.” Leave a bite uneaten so abundance carries into the next year. Discipline never looked so delicious.

Round Food

Circles have long symbolized life coming full circle—no corners, no endings, just endless possibility. In the Philippines, it’s tradition to welcome the year with 12 round fruits to represent twelve prosperous months. Bonus luck if you wear polka dots while eating them; after all, circles are everywhere this time of year — coins, bubbles, joy itself.

SERVING SUGGESTION

Mix and match these superstitions freely—lentils for lunch, grapes for dessert, noodles at midnight. The only real rule is to start the new year with something you love to eat… and maybe a side of hope that this time, it sticks.

HOW TO HOLIDAY

BAD LUCK BITES: WHAT NOT TO EAT Every culture has its edible charms for a lucky new year — but just as important are the foods you *don’t* touch. Superstition may be the world’s oldest dietary restriction, and it’s surprisingly practical: avoid anything that pokes, pinches, claws, or goes backward. feed, which some say sends your luck

piece? Hard pass. Anything covered in

all seafood swims toward

in reverse. The rule of thumb: eat like

spikes is believed to invite tension and

fortune. In parts of Asia,

you mean to move forward.

prickly relationships. A smooth start to

Sharp-Boned Fish: Not

spiny or bony fish are avoided for fear that their sharp fins or bones might “pierce” your good luck. Stick to softboned fillets and fish that swim forward — symbolic of progress and smooth sailing.

Birds with Claws or Wings: Across Europe and Latin America, chicken and turkey stay off the table.

Birds scratch backward while they

the year begins with a smooth surface.

Lobsters and Crabs: They

Breaking Bones: Some

might be luxurious, but their backward or sideways crawl

traditions skip ribs or other

is considered a bad omen

bone-heavy meats, fearing

in Italy, Portugal, and several coastal

that cracking bones could

cultures. Add in those sharp shells

symbolize fractured relationships or

and claws, and you’ve got a recipe for

broken fortune. Instead, serve whole

“cutting away” prosperity.

dishes — whole fish, whole loaves,

Spiky Foods and Decor: Durian, sea urchin, or even

whole hearts — and keep the blessings intact.

a decorative cactus center-

Moral of the menu: Save the spines and claws for later. On New Year’s Day, you want your food — and your future — to move only one way: forward.

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KIDS & EDUCATION

The Evolution of the

Christmas Tree How a Simple Evergreen Became a Global Symbol of Joy

by Ch a r lot te Kova lc hu k

Towering evergreens strung with lights, glass baubles, and family heirlooms— few sights capture the spirit of the holidays quite like the Christmas tree.

Today, it stands proudly in homes, city squares, and shopping centers around the world. But this glittering tradition has deep, surprising roots that stretch back centuries and across continents.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN The story begins in 16th-century Germany, where devout Christians began bringing decorated trees into their homes. These early evergreens were simple by modern standards—adorned with apples, nuts, and candles instead of garlands and ornaments. The apples echoed an older medieval custom: during “Paradise Plays” performed on Christmas Eve (which was once celebrated as Adam and Eve’s Day), evergreen boughs hung with fruit symbolized the Tree of Knowledge from the Garden of Eden.

EARLY SPARKS OF TRADITION Before long, the idea of the decorated tree spread across Europe. In Alsace, France, local markets sold small firs limited by law to “eight shoe lengths”—a modest four feet tall. Meanwhile, in Riga, Latvia, members of a merchant’s guild were recorded in 1510 decorating a tree with roses, a symbol of the Virgin Mary, before burning it in celebration. These early trees carried both Christian and pre-Christian meanings, representing eternal life and the promise of light during the darkest season of the year.

MARTIN LUTHER AND THE LIGHT OF WONDER One legend credits Protestant reformer Martin Luther with adding candles to the tree. Inspired by the way starlight shimmered through the branches of evergreens on a winter’s night, he supposedly brought a tree indoors and lit it with candles to share that wonder with his children—a gesture that forever linked Christmas trees with light.

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KIDS & EDUCATION

ROYAL APPROVAL AND VICTORIAN ELEGANCE As German families began to emigrate, they carried the custom with them. The Christmas tree reached England in the early 1800s but did not become fashionable until Queen Victoria and her German-born husband, Prince Albert, were sketched with their children around a decorated tree in Illustrated London News in 1848. The image captured the public imagination, and within a few years, Christmas trees had become a staple of British holiday décor.

FROM IMMIGRANT TRADITION TO NATIONAL ICON Across the Atlantic, German settlers in Pennsylvania introduced the Christmas tree to America in the 1800s. Initially seen as a quaint ethnic tradition, it gradually gained popularity—especially after President Franklin Pierce displayed

about a poor widow whose Christmas tree was mysteriously decorated by spiders on Christmas morning. In the Philippines, trees are often adorned with parols—star-shaped lanterns symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem. Even the material has evolved: from real pine and fir to sustainable artificial versions, driftwood sculptures, and creative digital displays.

EVERGREEN SPIRIT: HOPE THAT ENDURES More than 500 years since families in Germany first brought evergreens indoors, the Christmas tree continues to evolve—bridging old traditions and new technologies, faith and festivity, light and life. Whether standing in a quiet living room or glowing at the heart of a bustling city, it remains what it has always been: a symbol of hope that endures through the winter and beyond.

the first White House Christmas tree in the 1850s. By the late

BRING THE TRADITION HOME

19th century, department stores were selling ornaments, tin-

If reading about the centuries-old charm of Christmas

sel, and electric lights, making the once humble evergreen a

trees has you dreaming of your own perfect evergreen, you

centerpiece of modern holiday celebration.

don’t have to look far. Grigsby Farms in Salado is taking

CHRISTMAS TREES AROUND THE WORLD Today, Christmas trees can be found everywhere from Tokyo to Rio de Janeiro, each culture adding its own flair. In

pre-orders for their 2025 Premium Fraser Firs, ensuring you get the height, fullness, and fresh-cut fragrance your family loves. Support a beloved local farm and reserve your tree early at GrigsbyFarmsTX.com.

Ukraine, shimmering cobweb ornaments honor a folk tale

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by Lin da Thorn ton

WHAT MAKES TEXAS "TEXAS"

The Texas Pledge

Honor the Texas Flag (It's the Law!) I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible.

ONE PLEDGE UNDER GOD Seventeen states have pledges to their flags, but Texas does what Texas always does—goes bigger. It’s the only state that requires public school students to recite the state pledge daily, setting the Lone Star apart once again.

In 1933, the pledge was introduced into Texas public schools after the Legislature formally adopted it. Since 2003, state law has required schools to lead the pledge in the classroom each day, with both the United States and Texas flags prominently displayed.

Each morning, students begin their day standing and reciting the pledge with their hands over their hearts. Intended to remind them of their civic pride, they face the flags and recite the pledge in unison. This is followed by a moment of silence at which time the students may reflect or pray.

The Texas flag is the oldest, unchanged state flag in the United States. It was adopted as the Republic of Texas flag in 1839 and became the state flag when Texas became the 28th state in 1846.

Leave it to Texas to never miss a chance to promote its community spirit. Most recently, “Don’t Mess with Texas,” originally an anti-litter campaign, caught on as Texas’ iconic slogan.

“Friendship” is Texas’ official state motto. Adopted in 1930, it is derived from “Tejas, the Spanish pronunciation of the Caddo Indian word for “friends” or “allies.

Our state pledge was also originally intended to support local patriotism, but it’s had its share of diverse perspectives throughout the years. 

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WHAT MAKES TEXAS "TEXAS"

17 Words That Ignite Passion EXPELLED!

VINDICATED!

Inspired by the NFL players who began kneeling during the National Anthem in 2016, India Landry did what she had done 200 times before. The black high school senior refused to stand when the Pledge of Allegiance and the Texas Pledge started on the PA system. But on that day in 2017, the principal of Windfern High School, outside of Houston, told her “That’s it, you’re out of here!”

In March 2022, a Texas student who refused to write the pledge as part of a classroom assignment won a $90,000 lawsuit against a teacher.

Today, the controversy has subsided. Texas is now one of four states, where students may opt out of reciting the pledge with a written request signed by a parent or legal guardian.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL

This sparked India to file a lawsuit. She sued the school district and principal, alleging her rights to free speech were violated. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton intervened, defending the state law requiring students to stand for the pledges unless excused in writing by a parent. The case was resolved through a confidential settlement and never went to trial.

The 1933 pledge “Honor the Texas Flag of 1836; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one and indivisible” incorrectly referred to the 1836 national flag, rather than the Lone Star flag. A bill to correct this error was introduced in 1951, but the legislature did not delete the words “of 1836” until 1965. The pledge was again amended in 2007, amending the wording to include “one state, under God.”

OFFENDED!

POP QUIZ

In 2007, a North Texas couple filed a lawsuit on behalf of their three children who attended the Carrollton-Farmers Branch School District, citing that the phrase “under God” in the Texas Pledge violated the separation of church and state.

Test your knowledge about the Texas Pledge:

After the federal court in Dallas rejected the couple’s challenge to the wording, they appealed their case to the U.S. Court of Appeals. In 2010, the court found that both the Texas Pledge and the wording “under God” were constitutional.

3. Are private school students required to stand and recite the

1. Is it mandatory for public schools to lead the pledge daily?

2. What state has the oldest, unchanged state flag in the United States? pledge?

4. Do most public schools in the United States provide the opportunity for students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance?

ANSWERS: 1. Yes. It is Texas law. 2. Texas! 3. No. Recitation depends on individual school policy, since private school students are not bound by the First Amendment. 4. Yes; 47 states offer the voluntary option of the daily recitation.

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WORTH THE DRIVE

by Ch a r lot te Kova lc hu k

WINTER ON ICE Central Texas’ Top Rinks for Holiday Fun

Whether you’re planning a festive weekend afternoon with friends, fun family outing, or romantic date under the stars, Central Texas’ ice rinks offer winter fun for every occasion.

Discover Temple’s brand-new downtown ice rink, revisit Bee Cave’s cherished holiday tradition, or enjoy Austin’s most glamorous winter destination at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Lace up your skates, grab a mug of hot cocoa, and get ready to hit the ice for a little holiday magic!

DOWNTOWN SPINS, 30 mins RINK ON THE RAILS

A brand-new attraction is rolling into downtown Temple this holiday season with the opening of Rink on the Rails, the largest outdoor ice rink in Central Texas, made entirely of real ice. Rink on the Rails—a nod to Temple’s railroad heritage and nearby Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum—will be open December 12 through January 4 at the MLK Festival Grounds, 301 S. 4th St. Hours are 11am - 8:30pm Monday through Thursday and Sunday, and 11am - 10:30pm on Friday and Saturday. For $12, visitors can lace up their skates—with skate aids available for $5—and glide, spin, and laugh their way into a new Christmas tradition.

For more information, visit hollyjollytemple. com.

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IMAGE CREDIT: FOURSEASONS.COM

WORTH THE DRIVE

FROSTY FUN, 1 hour : BEE CAVE ON ICE

A beloved holiday tradition returns to Bee Cave as Bee Cave on Ice opens for the season from November 14 through January 19. Located behind City Hall at 4000 Galleria Parkway, the rink is a favorite spot for families, friends, and couples to celebrate the season with a little skating magic. Hours run Monday through Thursday from 3 - 9pm, Friday from noon - 10pm, and Saturday from 10am - 10pm. Tickets are $16 and include 50 minutes of skating with skate rentals Wednesdays through Mondays, with discounted Community Nights on select Tuesdays for $11.

Learn more at beecavetexas.org.

LAKESIDE LUXE, 50 mins ICE RODEO AT FOUR SEASONS

For some upscale holiday cheer, Four Seasons Hotel Austin welcomes guests to its outdoor rink featuring sweeping views of Lady Bird Lake. Open November 21 through January 4, it’s one of the city’s most picturesque settings for a winter escape located at 98 San Jacinto Boulevard in Austin.

Beyond the ice, the hotel transforms into a magical winter wonderland with immersive holiday decor, art installations, and popup lounges. Visitors can wander through the holiday candy shop, admire the annual gingerbread display, slip into the winter pop-up speakeasy, and even enjoy a stay at one of the rinkside cabins. Holiday teas and lounge service start at 1pm each day, making the experience perfect for both daytime visits and evening skating under the stars.

Tickets and cabin reservations can be booked online at fourseasons.com/austin/ icerodeo.

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NEIGHBOR LEIGH

by A nn Ma r i e Ke nno n

WHAT I FOUND ON THE ROAD FROM EMMAUS Or... In Loving Memory of Frankincense the Squirrel

It's Christmas, and Leigh is feeling a bit Guidepost-y at the keyboard. The computer kind, while reflecting on the musical kind.

There are weekends soaked in such dense holiness you can practically feel the prayer saturation in the ground.

Like the whole place is inside Billy Graham's microwave. The Walk to Emmaus is one of those weekends. It is a 72-hour retreat for people who want to reclaim, find something new, or grow in their Christian faith.

I did the pilgrim walk last spring and decided I wanted to extend the spiritual afterglow by serving on the music team at the subsequent fall walk. It was lovely to play on the music team, providing the soundtrack for other people’s spiritual breakthroughs. During the six months in between, we had many gruelingly long days of church rehearsals and I thought, well, at least when the time comes to do the job, it will simply be glorious. Y'know, like the glory of lugging a digital piano across gravel in the rain.

But, yeah... rather than swaying happily to well-prepared worship with the pilgrims, I spent most of the time panicking over the tinny sounds of the camp's digital keyboard and obsessively checking the four-page setlist like it was a Dead Sea Scroll. Everyone else was having radiant mountaintop moments with God—crying, praising, getting spiritually wrecked and restored.

Meanwhile, I'm sweating through a piano bench and wondering if anyone noticed I messed up the bridge in "Oceans."

It’s not that I didn’t want to meet the Spirit. I just... didn't. Not in the big, theatrical ways. I really felt a little like 26

the hired help at a wedding banquet— delivering the wine, but not invited to dance and still expected to nail the key change.

Sometimes He waits until you're out of the holy bubble and back in the world, where things hit harder and nothing feels safe or sacred.

By the end of the weekend, I was really tired, a little spiritually hangry, and mildly jealous of every person who had been hammered by grace while I was wrangling the PowerPoint to make sure the lyrics on the big screen were the same ones the team was singing.

That squirrel didn’t die for my ministry fatigue. (Let’s be real—I’m not building a theology around roadkill.)

But in the weirdest, most unexpected way, Frankincense reminded me that tenderness—grief, longing, disappointment—isn’t separate from the Spirit.

It is evidence of His nearness. Not all things holy glow. Some are more raw and show up when you ugly-cry over a Squeaky McWhiskers.

And then I ran over a squirrel.

I was heading home, rushing a bit after missing my family, still riding the emotional residue of the closing ceremony, when a little gray blur darted out in front of my car. I hit the brakes.

Too late. The bump was sickening. I sat there in my car, stunned, tears stinging the corners of my eyes—not just for the little furball, but for the whole strange, hollow ache that had followed me all weekend and the end of that tiny life was what finally let some emotion in.

I have since named him Frankincense. It felt appropriate. One of the wise men’s gifts, cut short on the road.

Gold felt too optimistic, and myrrh didn’t have the right energy.

In that ridiculous, awful moment, something in me finally cracked open.

I hadn't had my big moment with God in the candlelit chapel or during the fourth verse of How Great Thou Art. I’d had it on the shoulder of a backroad, staring at a tiny creature who never saw me coming. And maybe that’s the whole point.

Sometimes the Spirit doesn’t arrive on cue. Sometimes He slips in quietly, tucked into the unnoticed work, the missed intro cues, the invisible service.

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So this Christmas, my takeaway is a lot of extra reverence for everyone who is also serving (and exhausted) in the background. The musicians playing through the altar call when they'd really like to do the walk themselves.

The moms burning the cinnamon rolls while the family gleefully bonds in another room. The volunteers organizing the coat drive in church basements or stacking cans in a drafty food pantry. The teenagers working the drivethrough on Christmas Eve to afford something nice for mom or dad, or just for gas money. The first responders who are literally shepherds keeping watch overnight, and anyone who feels like they are missing their moment in service to others.

Maybe they did miss it—maybe it’s still coming. Or maybe it’s hiding in the moments they least expect.

And maybe—just maybe—the Spirit rides shotgun on the way home, too. I just wish He'd offered to take the wheel for five minutes. He definitely would have spotted Frankincense in time.

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PARTING SHOT

by Ca my Rey nolds

Community. One M e n O . e d o C agaz p i Z ine.

One

W

hen My Jarrell launched in 2021, our mission was simple: to be the go-to source for information, connection, and stories that reflect the heart of our community. At the time, we mailed just over 4,200 copies—a significant number for a town that was still growing into its identity. Since then our community has expanded in extraordinary ways.

Today, we are mailing 9,600 copies every single month, a number that reflects just how quickly Jarrell and the surrounding area have grown.

With new families arriving each month and neighborhoods expanding at a remarkable pace, the questions also became louder: Who lives

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in Jarrell? Who lives in Sonterra?

Does the difference matter? While we know we are one united community, the highway has always created a clear visual divide. Yet the stories we tell—your stories—have never been divided.

Beginning in 2026, you will continue to enjoy the same uplifting stories, local spotlights, small-town charm, and community pride you’ve come to expect—but under a new name: 76537 Life. This name is a true representation of our community as one whole, vibrant, connected place.

Our stories represent all of us: every family, every student, every business, every neighbor who calls 76537 home. And that realization set us on a journey to find a name that fully reflects who we are together.

We are deeply grateful for each and every one of you who has supported My Jarrell from the beginning.

Here’s to an exciting new chapter and a wonderfully successful 2026 together!

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P.O. Box 213, Jarrell. TX, 76537

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ECRWSS POSTAL PATRON JARRELL, TX