Camy is a native Texan and mom of three who has lived in Sonterra since 2009. She serves her community as vice president of the Jarrell Education Foundation, recently served on the Rezoning Committee for JISD, was a director on the Sonterra MUD Board for five years, and founded the local Facebook group Mom Tribe Jarrell that has over 2,200 members.
COMMUNITY LIAISON Janet Hage
Janet Hage has been part of the Jarrell community for almost 30 years. She has volunteered with JISD, and worked for the City for more than seven years. She is a development partner of NW Wilco, LLC, serves on the Community Library Board of Directors, and was recently appointed to the Williamson County ESD #5 board.
All rights reserved. MyJarrellMonthly is published monthly and mailed USPS, free of charge, to homes and businesses in the 76537 zip code. Mail may be sent to My Jarrell, P.O. Box 213, Jarrell, TX 76537. Email: info@myjarrell.com
WHO WE ARE
In 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 what makes our community thrive—its people and their impact.
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 9,200 homes and businesses monthly.
Works closely with Jarrell Independent School District, the Jarrell Chamber of Commerce, Sonterra MUD, Jarrell Economic Development Corporation, Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center, and the City of Jarrell.
Is a local business, located in Jarrell, that employs local people.
Has, to date, mailed more than 300,000 magazines within the 76537 area.
But we are also good at doing what we do — showcasing 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 multipage features. These not only celebrate their contributions but also inspire readers to personally engage and participate in the missions of these community pillars.
In every story, from first responders and community leaders to the latest events and programs, our purpose is to foster a sense of pride and connection. In short, we believe My Jarrell Monthly is more than a magazine; it is a vital part of the community’s fabric that spotlights advocacy, education, and celebration. We hope you will agree it stands as a testament to what we can all achieve when we choose to focus on the positive and the possible.
Happy Father's Day
to my amazing dad and all the dads out there who've mastered the art of the perfectly timed dad joke and the backyard grill! Today is the one day a year you can proudly wear socks with sandals and no one can say a thing. Here's to dads everywhere—enjoy your day!
6/13 7/25 7/19 8/8 FRI FRI SAT FRI
MOANA 2 (PG)
Where: Sonterra Pool @ 510 Sonterra Blvd.
Time: 8:30pm Price: $5.00 ALL AGES WELCOME
GLADIATOR 2 (R)
Where: Cool Water Pool @ 401 Fighting Seabees Run
Time: 8:30pm
Price: $10.00
ADULT NIGHT (18+)
A MINECRAFT MOVIE (PG)
Where: Cool Water Pool @ 401 Fighting Seabees Run
Time: 8:30pm
Price: $5.00
All AGES WELCOME
MUFASA LION KING (PG)
Where: Sonterra Pool @ 510 Sonterra Blvd.
Time: 8:30pm Price: $5.00 ALL AGES WELCOME
ASK A PRO Aqua-Tots
Choosing a Swim School
76537
ASK A PRO Jarrell Montessori
10 Tips to Help Your Child Fall Asleep
KIDS & EDUCATION
New Exhibit Explores 200 Years of Williamson County Growth
ON THE COVER
Instructors and students want parents to know how to help kids make waves with confidence at Aqua-Tots in Round Rock.
BLUE MATTERS
D.J. Daniel Visits Williamson County
16 23 26 28
TEXAS SIT-REP
Protecting Our Power Grid
WHAT MAKES
TEXAS "TEXAS" Unique Art Installations
ASK A PRO 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 allison@myjarrell.com or 512.966.2164
NEIGHBOR LEIGH
"Lee" has thoughts about Summer Vacation
PARTING SHOT
Jarrell ISD Class of 2025
AQUA-TOTS
SWIM SCHOOL ROUND ROCK
The largest international provider of year-round, indoor swim instruction dedicated to teaching water safety through our proven curriculum.
Aqua-Tots.com/Round-Rock 512-336-8687
HALL'S ROOFING & SHEET METAL
Family owned since 1939. Roofing professionals specializing in full-service roof repair, installation, and replacement.
HallsRoofing.net 512-864-7579
DTC AIR CONDITIONING
DTC provides advanced HVAC solutions with Carrier® factory-authorized service, expert technicians, and a commitment to innovation, training, and 100% customer satisfaction.
DTCTexas.com 512-887-5091
JARRELL MONTESSORI
Offering academic and loving care of children from infancy to 5 years old. Jarrell Montessori... Where Families Belong!
Before They Dive In Smart Tips for Choosing a Swim School
With swimming season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start thinking about swim lessons! Whether you’re just beginning to explore swim schools or have looked into a few options already, we know that choosing the right swim school for your child is an important decision—one that requires careful and deliberate consideration.
To help you find the right fit, we’ve compiled a list of what to look for when you begin your swim school search. Read on for our priority considerations when choosing a swim school.
1. SAFETY FIRST
Safety is every parent’s top priority, and it should be that of any swim school, too. Look for schools that teach proficient swimming as a lifelong skill, not just “get-to-theedge” techniques.
2. SMALL CLASS SIZES
Learn what the instructor-to-student ratio is at each swim school. Smaller class sizes allow children to receive more individualized attention, which helps them succeed. Class size is also important for social interaction. Swim lessons give children an opportunity to meet new friends and develop relationships.
3. CURRICULUM CENTERED AROUND PROGRESS
A swim school’s curriculum should have a foundation in childhood development and offer a clear path to becoming a safe and confident swimmer. Every child learns at their own pace and in their own unique way. Swim instruc-
Aqua-Tots Swim School Round Rock Year-round swim lessons for children of all ages, focusing on water safety, confidence, and fun in a nurturing, family-friendly environment.
Aqua-Tots.com/Round-Rock • 512-729-6423
tors should recognize this and be willing to adapt their teaching styles as needed, helping your child to understand and progress.
4. QUALIFIED, FRIENDLY INSTRUCTORS
Similar to traditional schooling, finding swim instructors who are certified and highly trained is important. The length and quality of this training matters, too. Ask how many hours of training each instructor is required to complete and what this training consists of. Swim instructors should also have a friendly, welcoming attitude, a deep level of patience and the ability to help new swimmers feel at ease, building trust and excitement for each lesson.
5. FAMILY-FRIENDLY FLEXIBILITY
Make it easier on yourself by finding a swim school that offers weekend or evening classes and a clear make-up policy in case of illness or vacations.
6. HASSLE-FREE MONTHLY PRICING
Schools that have a consistent monthly rate make tuition more budget-friendly, easier to plan for, and an even better value in five-week months. That way, you can focus on what truly matters: your child’s safety, confidence and progress in the pool.
7. PROVEN EXPERIENCE AND REPUTATION
Discover how long the school has been teaching, what their reputation is in the community, and how parents feel about their programs. Online reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations can give you insight into the school’s consistency, approach and success in helping kids become safe, confident swimmers.
A10 TIPS TO HELP YOUR CHILD FALL ASLEEP (and Stay Asleep All Night)
h, sleep. It’s one of the first things to go when you become a parent. First, they can’t sleep. Then, they won’t sleep. And meanwhile, you’re running on fumes.
But sleep isn’t just a luxury. It’s essential for your child’s health, development, and emotional regulation (and let’s be honest, yours too). If you’re desperate for a full night of rest, here are 10 tested tips to help your child go to and stay asleep.
#1 CREATE A CONSISTENT BEDTIME ROUTINE
Same time, same steps, every night.
Include wind-down rituals like bath, teeth brushing, stories, and lights-out songs.
Keep the order predictable to help your child feel secure.
#2 LET THEM FALL ASLEEP ON THEIR OWN
Don’t rock, lay with, or stay until they’re asleep.
Leave while they’re drowsy but still awake to teach self-soothing.
#3 SET UP A SLEEP-FRIENDLY ROOM
Keep toys out of the bedroom.
Use a dim night light (avoid blue as it is a 'daytime' signal to the brain) and control temperature with a fan if needed.
Avoid noise and bright lights nearby.
#4 ENCOURAGE DAYTIME ACTIVITY AND HEALTHY MEALS
Active play and balanced meals help with better sleep.
Skip sugary treats and stimulating activities before bed.
#5 WATCH FOR MEDICAL RED FLAGS
Snoring or mouth breathing could signal enlarged tonsils or allergies.
Nighttime coughing may be linked to asthma—trust your instincts and see a doctor.
#6 AVOID EXCITEMENT AT NIGHT
Save TV, games, and fun conversations among older family members for after bedtime.
Keep things quiet and calm.
Address nighttime fears—give them a flashlight or clear the closet if needed.
#7 USE A CLOCK TO PREVENT EARLY WAKE-UPS
Cover the minutes on a digital clock and teach your child they can’t get up until a certain number (like 6).
Try a kid-friendly clock that changes color when it’s okay to wake.
#8 AVOID OVERTIREDNESS
Earlier bedtime = better sleep.
Preschoolers need 11–14 hours of sleep including naps.
Adjust bedtime as your child grows.
#9 HANDLE NIGHT WAKING CALMLY
Normalize it (“Mommy wakes up sometimes too!”).
Don’t let them crawl into your bed—offer a less comfy “camp-out” spot on the floor if needed.
#10 BE CONSISTENT AND STICK TO THE PLAN
Make bedtime non-negotiable.
Offer small morning incentives (like picking your shoes!) but don’t cave at night.
Think through your full bedtime plan and stay firm for a few nights—it will pay off.
With patience and consistency, bedtime doesn’t have to be a battle. You’ve got this—and sweet dreams are just ahead!
Check out more blog posts like this one at JarrellMontessori.com
Charlotte Kovalchuk
The Making of Williamson County
New Museum Exhibit Explores 200 Years of Growth
On January 1, 1892, Charles Belford signed a deal to buy out his partner, Moses Harrell, and take full ownership of the Belford Lumber Company. Over time, his lumber would become the backbone of the homes and businesses that anchored Georgetown and other growing Central Texas towns. The Portal to Texas History website calls the company “a well-known and respected business...that built some of the most architecturally and historically significant buildings and homes in Georgetown.”
More than 130 years later, those original purchase documents found a home at the Williamson Museum and are
among many displays that tell the story of Williamson County as part of the museum’s new Building Up Wilco exhibit. Curated by Ben Geiger with the help of museum intern Daniel Weinstein, the exhibit explores nearly 200 years of growth, construction, and change across the county. Ben shares, “With our current growth rate being one of the fastest in the country, the Williamson Museum and I wanted to reflect how Williamson County has continued to build since its initial settling in the 1800s. This goes anywhere from what they built with, what they built, who built it, and why they settled in the places they did.”
BRINGING THE PAST TO LIFE
Designed with all ages in mind, the Building Up Wilco exhibit offers interactive elements that allow people to engage with history in a hands-on, play-based learning environment. “It is also a great place for visitors to the Square to take a break from the outside, let their kids play, and have fun with history,” Ben says.
Among the exhibit’s displays are stories that shine a light on the lesser-known challenges early settlers faced–e.g. the process of cutting and hauling stone in the 1800s, which was a far cry from today’s quarry operations. “In the 1800s, they did not have excavators and technology we use in the 2020s. Instead, they did everything by hand and often used mule-drawn carriages to transport the stone.” It wasn’t until the arrival of the railroad that the process sped up significantly, allowing materials to be transported more efficiently, including pink granite from Marble Falls that was used in the construction of the Texas State Capitol.
The railroad didn’t just move materials; it moved people, too–shaping the map of Williamson County in ways that trace its historic roots and modern growth. In fact, entire settlements shifted their locations based on where the tracks were laid. One example is Bagdad, the original settlement near present-day Leander. When the railroad route bypassed Bagdad in favor of Leander, many residents relocated, leaving Bagdad behind as a ghost town. A similar story played out in Corn Hill, where people moved to the newly established town of Jarrell after the railroad created new opportunities there.
STORIES STILL UNFOLDING
Whether you’re a lifelong resident curious about your hometown’s beginnings or a newcomer eager to understand the landscape you’ve joined, Building Up Wilco offers an en gaging window into people and enterprises that built Wil liamson County and continue to shape it. Ben explains, “It’s a reflective project that asks, ‘How have we built for almost 200 years, and how will we continue to build?’ ”
The Building Up Wilco exhibit will run through March 2027 at the museum located at 716 S. Austin Ave. in Georgetown on the west side of the Courthouse Square. To learn more about the Building Up Wilco exhibit and other upcoming museum events, scan the code or visit williamsonmuseum.org.
FIGHTING CANCER,
13-Year-Old Cancer Warrior Sworn
In May, 13-year-old DJ Daniel was sworn into the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office and several other local law enforcement agencies, tallying another stop in the young cancer warrior’s quest to be sworn in across a total of 1,000 law enforcement agencies.
At 6 years old, DJ was diagnosed with a rare brain and spinal cancer and given five months to live. That was six years ago and, since then, he has traveled around the world visiting police stations and being welcomed into their ranks after word spread of his dream to become a police officer. That dream took root in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, when DJ witnessed firsthand the compassion local law enforcement showed in responding to the disaster in the Houston community where he lives.
He was first sworn in as an honorary officer by the Brookshire Police Department in Texas in 2019 and, as more departments began reaching out, DJ’s journey gained momentum and eventually attracted national attention. In March, President Donald Trump recognized him during a joint session of Congress and named him an honorary U.S. Secret Agent.
DJ’s initial goal was to be sworn in by 100 law enforcement agencies. He has since been named an honorary member of more than 900 departments and offices in the United States, Belgium, Turkey, Italy, and Israel. Multiple GoFundMe fundraisers have helped fund their travels as DJ continues his inspirational journey around the world.
WILCO WELCOMES DJ TO THE FAMILY
When Williamson County Sheriff’s Deputy Jeff Combs heard about DJ’s story, “I felt like I had to do it for him here in Williamson County,” he says. He reached out to DJ’s dad, Theodis, and invited them to visit for another swearing-in ceremony. DJ kicked off his stop in Williamson County with a swim at Kalahari Resorts before heading to the courthouse the next day, where he was sworn in by Sheriff Matt Lindemann as well as police chiefs from Georgetown, Jarrell, Cedar Park, Granger, Florence, Taylor, Constable Precinct 3, and other cities around the county. “It was an honor, a very special honor to be able to swear him in as an honorary deputy here in Williamson County,” Sheriff Lindemann says.
Jarrell ISD PD Chief Sharif Mezayek echoed the sheriff’s remarks, saying he was proud to be one of many law enforcement agencies across Texas and the country to swear DJ in
CENTER: County Judge Steve Snell, Theodis Daniel (black hat), Sheriff Matt Lindemann (white hat), and DJ Daniel with Wilco chiefs, officers, deputies, and K9s.
ONE BADGE AT A TIME
as Honorary Member of Wilco Agencies
as an honorary officer. “Anytime we can do something for a young person who's going through something like that, we definitely want to be a part of it. We could all take a lesson from DJ–he is living life and he’s not sitting around feeling sorry for himself.”
Despite 13 surgeries and a relapse earlier this year, DJ has maintained a positive attitude, keeping attendees laughing with jokes and quips throughout his swearing-in ceremony. “It feels great,” he said simply when asked what it’s like to be recognized by so many law enforcement agencies. As he has told his growing community of online supporters, “Like I always say, I’m going to keep on going until my gas tank runs out. If you got cancer, don’t give up on life. All you got to do is pray, believe in God, and just keep that negative energy out of your mind.” He remains optimistic about his cancer battle, saying after the ceremony, “If you have terminal brain cancer, you’re not alone because I’m still battling it. But I’m not going to let it take me over.”
His dad sees their travels and ceremonies not just as symbolic gestures, but part of DJ’s healing. “They are a form of treatment for him,” Theodis says. “Most parents, when they find out their kids have cancer, they close them off from the world. But it’s not healthy for them. Take them out and let them be as normal as possible. I don’t care if they have two months to live. Take them to a football game, yeah put a mask on them, do whatever, but let them enjoy life. Yeah, you’re looking at two months, but it could be substantially longer than that if you keep the positivity that makes your worst day the best day.”
There are several GoFundMe pages in DJ's name. This link was provided by his father, Theodis, so you can scan with confidence and bless their family as they carry the financial burden of DJ's medical care on a single income.
Chief Sharif Mezayek administering DJ's oath for Jarrell ISD PD
Texas Must Prepare for Threats to Our Power Grid
ELECTRICITY IS THE INVISIBLE LIFELINE OF MODERN SOCIETY. WITHOUT IT, SYSTEMS THAT SUPPORT OUR SURVIVAL—CLEAN WATER, FOOD SUPPLY, HEALTHCARE, TRANSPORTATION, AND COMMUNICATION—GRIND TO A HALT. IN THE EVENT OF A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE, SOCIETY COULD DESCEND INTO CRISIS WITHIN DAYS.
THAT IS WHY TEXAS MUST TREAT THE THREAT OF ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSES (EMPS) WITH THE SERIOUSNESS IT DESERVES. EMPS, WHETHER CAUSED BY NATURAL SOLAR STORMS OR MAN-MADE ATTACKS, HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO DISRUPT OR DESTROY UNPROTECTED ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS, CRIPPLING THE POWER GRID AND PLUNGING COMMUNITIES INTO CHAOS.
EMPS: THE SILENT THREAT THAT COULD SHUT TEXAS DOWN
EMPs are bursts of electromagnetic energy capable of damaging or destroying electronics over a wide area. These can come from high-altitude nuclear detonations (HEMPs) or natural phenomena like geomagnetic solar storms. Either way, the result is the same: a blackout that could last not hours, but months—or even years.
Such an event would devastate Texas. Water pumps would fail. Fuel couldn’t be delivered. Medical equipment would shut down. Grocery stores would be emptied within hours and restocking them would be impossible. The power grid’s most vulnerable components—large transformers—can take years to replace, and the supply chain for these devices is almost entirely overseas.
This is a nonpartisan issue. If the lights go out, they will be out for everyone.
WHEN, NOT 'IF'
In the years leading up to 2005, meteorologists made clear that it was only a matter of when, not if a Category 5 Hurricane would hit New Orleans, putting their levies to the ultimate test. Yet, the New Orleans Levy Board chose to ignore the warnings, believing the threat to be too far off to justify immediate expenditure. As a member of the U.S. Army’s response team for Hurricane Katrina, I saw firsthand the devastation that willful negligence can cause.
Those same emergency management specialists who warned the New Orleans Levy Board make clear that the question of a geomagnetic solar storm striking without warning is also a question of when and not if it will happen.
Think of these storms as a type of “space weather” that happens when a large burst of energy from the sun hits Earth’s magnetic field. In 1921, a massive geomagnetic solar storm impacted our atmosphere that, were it to hit today, would permanently destroy 350 electrical transformers, leaving 130,000,000 Americans without power indefinitely.
Natural disasters aren’t the only threat to our power grid. Man-made dangers also pose serious risks—from electromagnetic pulse (EMP) weapons launched by adversaries like China to the growing strain of emerging industries such as artificial intelligence, data mining, advanced manufacturing, and electric vehicles. With these mounting pressures, enhanced market incentives and stronger regulatory frameworks are essential to ensure electric utilities prioritize grid security.
This is not science fiction. The federal government has long acknowledged EMPs are a national security threat and, as of late last year, so has Texas. With Governor Greg Abbott’s Executive Order GA-49 creating a multi-agency task force, the Lone Star State has taken a significant step toward strengthening its infrastructure against EMPs and related threats.
A REAL AND PRESENT DANGER
Federal attention to EMPs dates back decades, to concerns caused by nuclear tests in the 1950s and 1960s. Prior to 9/11, Congress authorized the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack; attempts were made to strengthen our nation’s preparedness from the commission’s first reports. In 2019, the Trump administration issued an executive order instructing agencies to prioritize EMP resilience. The 2024 GAO report and earlier findings by the Congressional EMP Commission further emphasized the vulnerability of U.S. infrastructure.
Texas is now following through with real action. Governor Abbott’s Executive Order GA-49 tasks the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) with assessing the threat of EMPs and other critical infrastructure risks. In its January 2025 response, TDEM laid out clear warnings and recommendations:
EMPs pose a known threat, with adversary nations, including China, openly discussing their use.
Texas should invest in EMP-resilient technologies and infrastructure hardening.
Grid components like transformers and conductors must be updated to withstand both fast-pulse (E1) and slow-pulse (E3) EMP effects.
Importantly, the report also called for a realistic evaluation of EMP threat levels. Current national standards, set by the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC), the equivalent of ERCOT for the Eastern half of North America, protect against a pulse of only 0.8 volts per kilometer. Research from
the Department of Defense and the Congressional EMP Commission suggests the standard should be closer to 85–100 volts per kilometer—more than 100 times higher. Without realistic models, no protection plan can be effective.
TEXAS RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS ARE STEPPING UP
Fortunately, Texas is home to some of the nation’s most advanced research centers on EMP resilience. At Texas Tech University, the Center for Pulsed Power and Power Electronics (P3E) has supported U.S. defense and energy agencies since the 1960s. Its EMP simulators are among the most advanced in the country.
Texas Tech’s GLEAMM microgrid lab is also working on real-world solutions to manage energy flows and isolate grid components during emergencies. Meanwhile, Texas A&M University is conducting EMP simulations in partnership with ERCOT—the Electric Reliability Council of Texas—to assess the real-world impact on our state’s grid.
These institutions are not only producing cutting-edge research, but they are also anchoring a new statewide strategy that could become a model for the nation.
GROWING GRID, GROWING RISKS
With more than 1,000 people moving to Texas each day, our demand for electricity is growing, driven by everything from AI and data centers to electric vehicles and industrial manufacturing. That makes grid stability more vital, and the grid more vulnerable than ever before.
Hardening the grid used to be prohibitively expensive, but not anymore. Technological advances have slashed costs, making EMP mitigation a realistic and achievable goal. We are now at a tipping point. Modernizing both public and private infrastructure is not only possible—it is essential.
FROM THE EDITOR • WHY GRID SECURITY MATTERS MORE IN TEXAS
In case you're new to the Lone Star State, it's important to know the United States operates on three main power grids: Eastern Interconnection–serving states east of the Rockies, Western Interconnection–serving states west of the Rockies, and the Texas Interconnection, which stands alone, operated primarily by ERCOT. Unlike other states, Texas does not rely on the federal grid. That independence gives our state more control—but creates greater challenges if our grid is compromised.
Winter Storm Uri in 2021 made it clear that while Texas’s power grid is independent, it is not invulnerable. The combination of energy isolation, insufficient weatherization, over-reliance on natural gas, and prolonged blackouts exposed critical gaps in the system and caused widespread damage and suffering. — Ann Marie Kennon
Senate Bill 75: Turning Awareness into Action
On May 26, Senate Bill 75 (SB 75) was sent to Governor Abbott by the Texas Legislature, following unanimous votes in the Texas House and Texas Senate, codifying the state’s new commitment to grid security and creating the Texas Grid Security Commission. The Commission, building on Governor Abbott’s executive order, is charged with developing and implementing a comprehensive resilience plan for the critical infrastructure of our state.
I am proud to have sponsored this bill in the Texas House, a bill authored by State Senator Bob Hall and one he has championed for the last six sessions!
Under SB 75, the Commission will:
Assess vulnerabilities across energy, communications, emergency services, transportation, and more;
Recommend protection standards and strategies for EMPs and cyber threats;
Establish resiliency certifications for microgrids;
Oversee implementation via ERCOT, the PUC, and the Railroad Commission; and
A SECURE GRID MEANS A STRONGER TEXAS
Grid security is not just a safety issue, but also an economic opportunity. A resilient energy system gives businesses confidence to invest, reduces disaster recovery costs, and protects millions of Texans from catastrophic disruption. The economic benefits of investing in grid resilience far outweigh the shortterm savings of delay or inaction.
Track compliance and report progress to the legislature.
This approach doesn’t just improve emergency preparedness. It positions Texas as a national leader in grid innovation and security.
The message is clear. Texas is taking the security of our critical infrastructure seriously—and it’s time we all did.
By establishing enforceable protections,
incentivizing innovation, and leveraging our research institutions, Texas is creating a model that other states—and even the federal government—can follow.
Texas is at a crossroads. The threats to our power grid are real, rising, and within our control, if we act now. Through Executive Order GA-49, SB 75, and strong leadership from researchers, lawmakers, and utilities, Texas is taking the decisive steps needed to protect the lifeblood of modern civilization: electricity.
With bipartisan support, technological momentum, and a clear sense of urgency, we have the tools to get this right. It is not just about keeping the lights on. It is about protecting lives, defending freedom, and ensuring Texas remains strong, no matter what comes our way.
From Quirky to Iconic Art That Sets Us Apart
WHAT MAKES TEXAS “TEXAS”?
by Linda A. Thornton
With its fiercely individualistic streak and proud history of doing things its own way, Texas didn’t just accept the avant-garde— it ran toward it with open arms and a sideways grin. Part of a proud, offbeat heritage, these creative artworks have flourished into renowned tourist attractions. Featured on social media and celebrated in songs, photographs, videos, television, and movies, this is what happens when folly and fame intersect.
PRADA MARFA: YOU CAN STOP, BUT YOU CAN’T SHOP
It made perfect sense to Scandinavian artists Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset: construct a luxury designer boutique in the middle of the desert that is not actually a store and not actually in Marfa.
With the help of Art Production Fund and Ballroom Marfa, two art organizations, the artists found a rancher who was willing to donate land in the town of Valentine–population 200. The project was named after the town of Marfa, known in the art world as the onetime home of famous minimalist artist Donald Judd.
In 2005, the structure, modeled after a Prada boutique, was completed. Though Prada did not commission the project, their founder, a contemporary art enthusiast, gave permission to use the Prada logo and donated merchandise for display, which can be seen through the locked door.
The night it opened, the building was vandalized. Thieves stole all the
Prada merchandise and spray-painted graffiti on the walls. After repairing and restocking, a security system was installed, which many saw as a nod to today’s society.
A 2013 threat by the Texas Department of Transportation to remove the structure, deeming it illegal roadside advertising, was thwarted by granting the installation museum status. Through it all, tourists have eagerly embraced this powerful statement, thought of as a commentary on modern life, a time capsule, and a statement on high priced commercialism.
"TEXAS": ART INSTALLATIONS
THE CADILLAC RANCH: JOYRIDE IN AMARILLO
Only in Amarillo, can you find 10 Cadillac cars buried in the dirt, nose down, with their tail fins proudly held high (previous page).
In 1974, The Ant Farm—a group of San Francisco hippies—and silent partner, Amarillo billionaire Stanley March, III came up with an idea for this public art installation, which pays tribute to the American car culture by highlighting the famous Cadillac tail fins.
Inspired by America’s infatuation with road trips, the initial site was
located directly on Route 66, west of Amarillo. Long before sleek interstates cut across the map, Route 66 was the open road—a legendary lifeline of American adventure and migration. The highway begins in Chicago and crosses eight states before ending in Santa Monica, California.
When the highway was realigned, the installation was moved to anoth-
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH WALL: AUSTIN’S LOVE LETTER
It started out as just a few simple words painted on a wall. Passersby shared in the spirit of the fun, sweet, uplifting message. Soon, lines formed to have photos taken, and its location–the side wall of Jo’s Coffee at 1300 South Congress Avenue–officially became the most famous street corner in Austin.
It was originally a personal message from local musician, Amy Cook, to her partner, Liz Lambert, majority owner of Jo’s, back in 2010. South Congress Avenue–also known as SOCO–is known for its high foot traffic, which helped the wall gain in popularity. Through the years, the public love letter has also cultivated a sense of community in Austin.
er spot in Amarillo. Now, rather than just viewing the artistic grouping, tourists are invited to bring spray paint and leave their mark on the cars. Though their artistic comment will only last until the next spray cans take aim, the creative activity remains an exciting collaborative gesture.
MEOW WOLF: PROVOCATIVE PLAYFULNESS
Picture artists being given carte blanche to manifest their innermost psychedelic dreams in a cavernous space.
In 2008, a collective of artists in Santa Fe joined forces to publicly display their work. Today, the creative minds of an artistic staff collaborate in a range of media–sculpture, fabrication, digital art, writing, film, and music–into “a mind bending, interactive, immersive, explorable art experience.” Houston and Grapevine have now joined the other five Meow Wolf locations in the United States.
In one its famous displays, you quickly realize the only way to continue through the home is to either open the refrigerator and walk through it or open the clothes dryer and slide down it. Part jungle gym, part haunted house and part children’s muse-
um, visitors of every age can easily become enthralled with the level of creativity and downright outlandishness.
Just when you wonder if the best way back to reality may be via the bar, their neon-colored cocktails topped with cotton candy remind you of their slogan “We celebrate the unexpected because it is the doorway to discovery.”
Your donations will fund the future of Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center.
bit.ly/4l54VgI
Activities and Programs
Senior Games Group: Tuesdays 1:00 pm
Seniors That Sew: Wednesdays 10:00 am
Tech Support Office Hours: Tuesdays 12:00-2:00 pm, Wednesdays 4:00-6:00
Girls That Code: Wednesdays 1:30 pm
Crochet for Charity: Wednesdays 5:30 pm
Autism Support Playgroup: Wednesdays 5:30 pm
Dungeons and Dragons: Fridays 5:30 pm
Green Thumb Gardeners: 2nd Saturday of the Month 10:30 am
Wellness Through Music Exploration: 3rd Monday of the Month 5:00 pm
Veterans Support Group: 3 Monday of the Month 6:00 pm rd
Teen Support Club: 2 and 4 Wednesdays 6:00 pm nd th
Calming Crafts: 3rd Weds of the Month 4:30 pm
June 14: We Are Blood Blood Drive
Visit the website for updated info: jarrellcommunitylibrary.org
Summer Reading Program
Pre-K-K: Tuesdays 10:30 am Grades 6-12: Wednesdays 3:00 pm
Books and Babies: Thursdays 10:30 am Grades 1-5: Thursdays 2:00 pm
Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center 113 Limestone Terrace #500 Jarrell, Texas
Leigh is handing over the keys—figuratively, of course, because he insists on driving—to the dad in the house we'll affectionately call *Lee.* In honor of Father’s Day, it seemed only right to let a dad have the floor… or at least a recliner, a remote, the big piece of chicken, and a solid 500 words to say what’s on his mind. After all, he is among those giants of grilling, champions of dad jokes, brave souls who could reach the backseat with one hand while steering through construction with the other—and somehow still know exactly where the nearest Buc-ee’s is.
So, as you please, dear reader, crack open a root beer, adjust your shorts, and enjoy this month’s column, brought to you by the guy who believes “Don't make me come back there!” should be printed on every family vacation t-shirt.
I’m not saying I don’t *like* vacations. I’m just saying they cost a lot, require suitcases I see once a year, and somehow still involve problems I have to resolve. It’s amazing how every Airbnb comes with complimentary towels, coffee filters and, inevitably, something I have to snake out of a drain.
Around here, “vacation planning” means Leigh fires up a dozen browser tabs, toggles between TripAdvisor and weather apps, and starts way too many sentences with “Wouldn’t it be fun if…”—to which I brace myself and silently channel my inner Captain Kirk: “Sulu… go to red alert.” Next thing I know, we’re booking a place that’s “charming” (read: no Wi-Fi and has a questionable smell). On the plus side, rustic is apparently code for “able to pee outside with privacy.”
As is my anthropologically programmed prerogative, I’d rather drive than fly. With air travel I have to *people* from start to finish, I have no fondness for $23 airport sandwiches, and I can never say, "If you don't stop fighting I'm going to turn this plane around and take us all home!"
I pack one pair of cargo shorts, three t-shirts, a Swiss Army knife, and a roll of duct tape, which is just com-
mon sense. The kids want amusement parks and pricey sno-cones. I want a chair in the shade and the legal limit of beef jerky. Bonus points if I can serve every component of our dinner with grill marks—while holding a Coke, a spatula, and a Bluetooth speaker, all without losing my flip-flop.
And don’t get me started on screen time negotiations. Kids have no idea how good they’ve got it. I grew up riding in the back of a station wagon with no seat belts, making faces at the cars behind us, and playing the license plate game until someone got car sick. No tablets, no earbuds, no in-seat charging ports—just window smudges and boys weaponizing the burritos they had for lunch and blaming it on the dog. Entertainment was either I-Spy, dirty word hangman, or someone crying. Sometimes all three.
Here in 2025, we rent a cabin with a hot tub, surround sound, and a view worthy of a travel magazine... and the kids are still glued to their screens engrosssed in ottercore. I point out a bald eagle soaring over the lake and get a grunt of acknowledgment without eye contact.
But then—somehow—around a fire, no screens in sight, one of them will say something unexpectedly kind or hilarious, and I’ll think: Okay. It’s still
getting through. Even with all the gadgets and devices, the moments still find a way in. And maybe that’s the real magic of vacation—less about the scenery, more about the glimpses of who we’re all becoming when the distractions are buffering.
Every year, I survive by one principle: lower your expectations and nobody gets hurt. You won’t see that stitched on a beach house pillow, but you *will* see it etched into the soul of every dad who ever tried to herd sandy children through a souvenir shop without buying more seashells.
Somewhere between “Dad, are we there yet?” and “Honey, can you carry my bag too?” I begin to wonder when “vacation” turned into a mobile version of my daily responsibilities—just with more humidity and fewer bathroom options.
Still, I can’t lie. I wouldn’t trade it. Because somewhere along the way, we laugh, connect, and accidentally make memories that will outlast the sunscreen stains. And even if the trip includes a flat tire, sunburn, and a bird stealing half my sandwich—I’ll take every ridiculous minute of it.
Just don’t ask me to plan it. Or worse… review it online.
Happy Father's Day, Jarrell!
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ongratulations to the Class of 2025 and our kindergarten graduates across Jarrell ISD! This season marks a special milestone for students at both ends of their academic journeys. At Cougar Stadium, 224 high school seniors proudly walked the stage, cheered on by family, friends, and faculty. Their accomplishments reflect years of dedication and the support of a community that values education.
Equally heartwarming are the kindergarten graduation ceremonies at Igo, Jarrell, and Double Creek Elementary Schools. These young learners, full of excitement and curiosity, celebrated their first major academic achievement, setting the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.
A cherished tradition bridging these two milestones is the Senior and Kindergarten Graduation Walk. High School seniors return to their former elementary schools, donning caps and gowns, to walk the halls once more. Students line the corridors, offering high-fives and smiles, inspired by both graduates’ achievements. This event beautifully symbolizes the educational journey, fostering a sense of continuity and community within Jarrell ISD.
As our graduates step into their next chapters, we celebrate their achievements and the bright futures that await them.
