Texas Trends Vol 2. Issue 10 by TexasTrendsMagazine

Blessing Bags Program Ensures Liberty Hill Children Don’t Go Hungry Year-Round

Creating a Cozy Home for Winter in Texas

What We Love About Living in Central Texas During the Holidays

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Vol. 2 | Issue 9

Table of Contents

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Blessing Bags Program Ensures Liberty Hill Children Don’t Go Hungry Year-Round Chatting with Champions Grant Patrol Delivers to LHISD Campuses Creating a Cozy Home for Winter in Texas Trendy Eats

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs What We Love About Living in Central Texas During the Holidays Simple Ways Central Texas Families Can Slow Down During the Holidays

P.O. Box 646 • Liberty Hill, TX 78642

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Blessing Bags Program Ensures Liberty Hill Children Don’t Go Hungry Year-Round

hat began as a simple summer feeding effort 13 years ago, has now grown into a yearround lifeline for children in Liberty Hill. Earlier this year, Operation Liberty Hill expanded its Kids Summer Snack Bags program into what we’re now calling Blessing Bags—a weekly food program designed to ensure students have reliable access to meals even when school is not in session. The expansion came after Executive Director Susan Baker felt the Lord’s leading to respond to a growing need in the community. With the Liberty Hill ISD implementing multiple months of a fourday week during the 2025–2026 school year, many

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students are missing the breakfast and lunch they normally receive at school. For families already struggling, those additional days without school meals can mean children going hungry. Blessing Bags were created to close that gap. Each Blessing Bag provides 3 meals and 8-10 snacks, carefully packed to help nourish students through long weekends and school breaks. Through a close partnership with the school district, Operation Liberty Hill ensures that every campus receives the number of bags needed each week, along with additional bags to help students stay fed during extended breaks.

Since the beginning of October, the impact has been significant. Schools have received more than 700 Blessing Bags and nearly 1,000 pounds of food distributed directly to students. To meet the growing demand, Operation Liberty Hill has invested over $5,000 in food purchases thus far. Behind every bag is a simple but powerful goal: making sure no child goes hungry when they’re not in school. The program is sustained through community generosity—financial donations, food contributions, and volunteers who give a few hours of their time to pack bags each week. As the need continues,

Operation Liberty Hill is inviting the community to join us in supporting the Blessing Bags program so it can continue serving children consistently throughout the year. You can make designated monetary donations as well as find the full list of food items needed for the bags on our website at https:// operationlh.org. In a season often focused on giving, Blessing Bags stand as a reminder that small acts of compassion— one bag of food at a time—can make a lasting difference in a child’s life. 7

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Chatting with Champions

Grant Patrol Delivers Record-Breaking Support to LHISD Campuses

n this holiday season of giving, the Liberty Hill ISD (LHISD) Education Foundation awarded grants to LHISD teachers in record numbers this week. Let’s chat with them about the work the foundation does in our community and the teacher grant program. The LHISD Education Foundation (LHEF) was formed in 2019 by community members with the mission of supporting the students, staff, and teachers of LHISD. The LHEF board consists of 19 community members who represent parents, local business owners, and former district teachers. They

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meet monthly to review financials, execute giving programs, and plan fundraising events. Through donations and fundraising events, the foundation provides teacher grants, scholarships to students, grants to staff members working toward their teaching certification, monetary awards to the primary and secondary teachers of the year and top ten graduates impact teachers, and gift cards to all staff members at Thanksgiving. Collectively, the foundation has given back over $727,000 to LHISD since 2019.

Of all the ways the foundation supports LHISD, the largest is the teacher grants program. It is designed to bridge the gap between district resources and academic needs, helping to foster an enhanced educational experience for students. “We’ve got the best teachers in Liberty Hill, and they have a lot of great ideas,” said, LHEF president. “Our goal is to help bring those ideas to life.” Teachers submitted their ideas through an online application that underwent a blind review process by LHEF Board members who scored and ranked them to determine this year’s winners. Former LHISD teacher, LHEF volunteer, and new foundation Board member Amy Rosser agreed and said the grant patrol brings joy, opportunity, and excitement to LHISD campuses. “We help empower teachers who go beyond the curriculum, enrich the student experience, and continue to build champions across Liberty Hill ISD,” said Rosser. “LHISD is incredibly special to me, as both an educator and a parent of two LHHS graduates. Joining the Education Foundation felt like a natural extension of my commitment to this community.” This week, the foundation awarded 72 grants to all 11 campuses around Liberty Hill ISD, totaling $127,740. It is a record-breaking amount that Development Coordinator and LHISD parent Carrie Betzen attributes to the generosity of the foundation’s sponsors and community supporters. “We have

many sponsors that have been with the foundation from the beginning, and they continually sponsor our events and the different programs that we have throughout the year,” she said. “We have also added new sponsors, including a $40,000 donation from a private foundation in the area.” That donation was put into action this week, as LHEF board members and LHISD leaders visited campuses to surprise teachers with their grants. Classroom instruction was briefly interrupted as members of the grant patrol charged into classrooms, surprising teachers and staff with oversized checks with cowbells, pom poms, and cheers. “The encouragement and morale boost for our teachers is powerful! It reminds our educators that they are seen and their work is valued and worth investing in,” said Kendell Luedtke, Santa Rita Elementary - Mike Bowles principal, “During a time when resources and personnel are limited, these grants empower our staff and educators to bring instructional ideas to life and provide learning opportunities for students that simply would not be possible without LHEF’s support.” If you’d like to learn more about LHEF, you can visit their website at www.lhisdeducationfoundation. org. Donations can be made online or checks sent to LHISD Education Foundation, PO Box 527, Liberty Hill, Texas 78642.

“We’ve got the best teachers in Liberty Hill, and they have a lot of great ideas.”

Creating a Cozy Home for Winter in Texas

inter in Central Texas may look different than in other parts of the country, but that does not mean homes cannot feel just as warm and inviting. In Liberty Hill and Georgetown, winter is about comfort rather than cold, and creating a cozy home is less about heavy layers and more about thoughtful touches that reflect the season.

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One of the simplest ways to create a cozy atmosphere is through lighting. Shorter days mean more time spent indoors during the evening, making soft lighting essential. Lamps, string lights, and candles can transform a room instantly. Warm light creates an inviting environment that encourages relaxation and conversation. Many homeowners opt for subtle seasonal

accents rather than full holiday décor, allowing their space to feel festive without overwhelming it. Textiles also play a key role in winter comfort. Even without freezing temperatures, lighter blankets, throw pillows, and area rugs add warmth to living spaces. Draping a throw over a couch or layering textures on a bed makes rooms

feel intentional and welcoming. Neutral colors paired with natural textures work especially well in Texas homes, blending seasonal comfort with year-round style. Scent is another powerful element of a cozy home. Seasonal fragrances like pine, cinnamon, vanilla, or citrus can evoke warmth and familiarity. Candles, diffusers, or simmer pots on the stove create subtle sensory experiences that make a home feel lived in and loved. These small details often have the biggest emotional impact. Winter is also an ideal time to refresh spaces that may have been overlooked during warmer months. Decluttering common areas, organizing entryways, and refreshing guest rooms prepares the home for holiday visitors and everyday living alike. In Liberty Hill and Georgetown, where entertaining often happens casually, having a welcoming space ready brings peace of mind. Outdoor spaces should not be forgotten either. Even in winter, patios and porches remain usable in Central Texas. Adding outdoor cushions, lanterns, or a small fire feature can extend living space and create a perfect setting for evening conversations. Many families enjoy spending time outside well into the winter months, taking advantage of mild weather and clear skies. The kitchen often becomes the heart of the home during this season. Simple meals, warm drinks, and shared baking traditions bring families together. Keeping the kitchen organized and comfortable makes it easier to enjoy these moments without stress. Small changes like a seasonal centerpiece or fresh linens can make the space feel festive without requiring a full redesign. Ultimately, creating a cozy home for winter in Texas is about intention rather than transformation. It is about making small adjustments that support comfort, connection, and rest. In Liberty Hill and Georgetown, homes reflect the people who live in them, and winter offers the perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy those spaces fully. 13

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What We Love About Living in Central Texas During the Holidays

ecember brings a different pace to life in Central Texas, especially in communities like Liberty Hill and Georgetown. The temperatures cool, the evenings arrive a little earlier, and neighborhoods seem to slow just enough to remind us why we chose to live here in the first place. While the holidays can feel busy anywhere, there is something about this time of year in our area that feels grounded, familiar, and deeply connected to community. One of the things residents love most is how personal the season feels. Holiday lights appear gradually on front porches, fences, and oak trees. Families decorate at their own pace, often keeping traditions simple. Evening walks through the neighborhood become a favorite activity, with neighbors waving from driveways or stopping to chat while kids admire decorations. It is not about spectacle, it is about presence. Downtown areas also take on a welcoming charm in December. In Georgetown, the historic square feels especially inviting as local shops and restaurants create warm spaces to gather, shop, and enjoy a meal together. Liberty Hill offers

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its own version of holiday comfort, with small businesses, churches, and community spaces becoming natural gathering points. These moments remind residents that connection does not require elaborate plans, only shared space and time. Another reason the holidays feel special here is the strong sense of community support. People look out for one another, whether that means helping a neighbor decorate, dropping off homemade treats, or supporting local businesses during the busiest shopping season of the year. There is pride in shopping local and knowing that your purchase helps a family or small business just down the road.

Faith and family traditions also play a meaningful role during this time. Churches across Liberty Hill and Georgetown host services, concerts, and gatherings that bring people together regardless of how long they have lived in the area. For many families, attending these events is as much about reconnecting with friends as it is about celebrating the season itself. The holiday season in Central Texas is also a time for reflection. Cooler weather invites people indoors for slower evenings, shared meals, and conversations that are sometimes lost during the busier months of the year. It becomes a natural moment to reflect on what the year brought, both challenges and blessings, and to look ahead

with intention. Perhaps the most loved part of living here during the holidays is the balance. Life does not stop, but it softens. The season encourages gratitude without pressure, celebration without excess, and connection without expectation. Liberty Hill and Georgetown offer a holiday experience rooted in authenticity, where community still matters and traditions are shaped by the people who live them. As the year comes to a close, residents are reminded that the greatest gift of the season is not found in a store. It is found in the neighborhoods, the familiar faces, and the shared moments that make Central Texas feel like home. 19

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Simple Ways Central Texas Families Can Slow Down During the Holidays

he holiday season often arrives with high expectations and full calendars, but in communities like Liberty Hill and Georgetown, many families are choosing a different approach. Slowing down during December is not about doing less, it is about doing what matters most with intention and presence. One effective way families slow down is by simplifying schedules. Instead of trying to attend every event or activity, many choose just a few traditions that hold the most meaning. This might include decorating together, attending a local service, or setting aside a weekly family night. Reducing commitments allows families to enjoy the season rather than rush through it. Spending time outdoors is another natural way to slow down in Central Texas. Cooler temperatures make neighborhood walks, park visits, and time on the porch more enjoyable. Families in Liberty Hill and Georgetown often take advantage of the mild winter weather to reconnect outside, whether through evening walks or weekend outings close to home. Creating intentional screen-free time also helps families reconnect. Setting aside certain evenings or hours without phones or televisions encourages conversation, games, and shared experiences. These moments often become the memories families cherish most long after the holidays end. Mealtimes offer another opportunity

to slow down. Preparing simple meals together, sitting at the table without distractions, and sharing stories from the day create rhythm and connection. Even busy families can benefit from just a few intentional meals each week that focus on togetherness rather than efficiency. Rest is equally important during this season. Prioritizing sleep, quiet mornings, and unstructured time helps families manage holiday stress. In a culture that often celebrates busyness, choosing rest can feel countercultural, but it is essential for physical and emotional well-being. Many families also find meaning in giving back, even in small ways. Volunteering time, donating goods, or simply helping a neighbor fosters gratitude and perspective. These acts do not need to be large to be impactful, and they reinforce the strong community values found throughout Liberty Hill and Georgetown. Slowing down also means letting go of perfection. Homes do not need to look magazine-ready, meals do not need to be elaborate, and schedules do not need to be full. The holidays are an invitation to be present, not perfect. By choosing simplicity, connection, and rest, Central Texas families create space for what truly matters. In Liberty Hill and Georgetown, slowing down is not a trend, it is a return to the values that make these communities feel like home. 21

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