Liberty Hill Digest • November 2022

Liberty Hill digest

PUBLISHER EXECUTIVE EDITOR

EDITOR’S NOTE | MEGAN DIANE BEATTY

Dear Readers,

I know I say this every year but this year seemed to go by so quickly. October especially flew by. It seems like I blinked on October 1st and it was November 1st. Now all the anxiety is setting in about preparing for the holidays and I don’t have a meal planned or a single gift purchased. Holiday procrastination at its finest! It always works out pa rum pum pum pum. There will be eggnog pa rum pum pum pum.

COMMUNITY EDITOR

Megan, a mom of two, has been a part of the Liberty Hill community for 11 years. Originally trained as a nurse, today, she channels her passion to help others into throwing birthday parties for kids battling cancer. Megan’s other passion is running, and that same zest for life flows into her writing and sharing the inspiring stories of Liberty Hill.

As we approach the season of giving, I hope you find this issue of the Liberty Hill Digest helpful in planning where to give back. Liberty Hill is filled with so many big-hearted folks, which means we have plenty of great charities to sup port. I am not sure there is a town in Texas that gives more, supports more, or loves one another more than our town does. I am so proud to live in it.

Another great way to give back this year is shopping local for those holiday gifts during Liberty Hill’s first annual Christmas Stroll. Not only are you supporting some great small businesses but you are also giving back to a local non-profit by doing so. Have I mentioned local?

GRAPHICS & DESIGN

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

DISTRIBUTION • David Schumacher

IT/WEBMASTER •

CONSULTANT • W. Ben Daniel

Liberty Hill Digest is a Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC publication and a product of AdvocateNewsTX Newspaper.

Copyright © 2022

All rights reserved. Liberty Hill Digest is published monthly and mailed USPS, free of charge, to homes and businesses in Liberty Hill, TX zip codes. Mail may be sent to Liberty Hill Digest, P.O. Box 213, Jarrell, TX 76537.

Email: info@lhtxdigest.com

November is also a month to reflect on all the things we are thankful for. I am thankful for all the usual things like faith, family, food, and friends but this month I am also thankful for the Digest and the platform it gives me to express myself. I am thankful that you trust me with your precious stories and that I get to share them.

Happy Thanksgiving, Liberty Hill!

Shop Small to Give Big

The six women behind the Liberty Hill Christmas Stroll own a variety of different businesses from a Christian bookstore to an old-fashioned candy shop but all are connected by a love for their community and a goal to see it become a destination town. Their shared passions inspired them to collaborate on the first Liberty Hill Christmas Stroll December 10. Their vision is a time to slow down during the busy holiday season and enjoy a relaxed holiday shopping experi ence with family and friends while supporting six new local businesses:

 Anchored by Hope (Bibles, home school curricu lum, and gifts)

 Blinded By The Light (window treatments, home décor, and gifts)

 Hill Country Hickster (boutique and gifts)

 Liberty Hill Outfitters (men’s and women’s items)

 Main Street Marketplace (more than 25 boutique vendors)

 Texas Honey Hole (800+ types of candy dating back to the 1800s, clothing, Texas products)

“We decided it would be fun to create an event to showcase the diversity of our shops, get the public in volved for local charities, and create exposure for our town, which we love so much,” Liberty Hill Outfitters owner Danyel Cake says.

The Stroll will also spotlight Agape BBQ and Whis key Barrel Pub, who are sponsoring the event, as well as the nonprofit that will receive a percentage of event sales– L4 Cares. Chosen for its strong roots in Liber ty Hill as well as commitment to the greater Central Texas area, L4 Cares embodies the spirit of Christmas through its mission to serve the least, last, lost, and lonely in the community. L4 Cares founder Kendra Cofer says, “It means a lot to us to have the local sup port and exposure and for us to create awareness for each of their businesses as well.”

“Doing good never goes out of style.”

~ Ellen McGinty, owner of Anchored by Hope

Blessed to Bless Others

After opening Hill Country Hickster in March, Briget Skelton was excited to join the Stroll team and connect with other new women-owned busi nesses. “I was so happy and honored to be a part of this group, to get to know these ladies and their stories, share in their successes, gain exposure for L4 Cares and be able to give back in the most giving time of the year.” Danyel adds, “I feel like the fiber of the community is stronger when we can all work together.”

For Deb Lohman, owner of Blinded By The Light, it was the diversity of shops that inspired her to become a part of the Stroll. “I like the idea of such a variety of different offerings for our customers and promoting that camaraderie where we can send somebody down the street.”

Stacie Kenyon, who owns Main Street Market place, says, “We want to do our part to bring more awareness to the unique shopping and eating opportunities in Liberty Hill. This is a fun way to ac complish that and give back to our community.”

When You Go

From 10am to 7pm on December 10, visitors can sip, shop, and socialize while checking off their Christmas lists during the Stroll. “It’s so much fun go ing on a shopping excursion with friends and family than shopping online. It’s all about slowing down and enjoying life,” Deb says. “Especially during the Christmas season with everybody rushing around,” Anchored by Hope owner Ellen McGinty adds.

Visitors can snap a selfie with Santa, enjoy raffles, and binge on treats at each store, with the chance to win a grand prize valued at more than $400 if they visit all six boutiques. Guests are encouraged to bring a toy to donate to Blue Santa/Operation Liberty Hill.

Can’t come to the stroll?

Scan the code to donate online to L4 Cares or Operation Liberty Hill.

“I HOPE THEY COME AND CREATE MEMORIES. I HOPE THEY BRING THEIR FRIENDS AND FAMILIES AND LEAVE WITH A SMILE ON THEIR FACE, KNOWING THEY DID GOOD, NOT ONLY HELPING THEIR COMMUNITY BUT HELPING A NONPROFIT CHARITY AS WELL.”

–

WHAT YOU—AND YOUR CAR—DESERVE

For many, their vehicles are merely a means of getting from point A to point B. But at Podium Body Works, a car both a sanctuary and the second biggest investment after a home. “It’s where you can get peace and quiet,” owner Kevin Keehl says. “You can get away from the chaos life brings. It’s a sanctuary—that’s how we treat our vehicles.”

The auto body shop is new to the area, having opened its doors in January, but Kevin is excited to build a foundation in Liberty Hill with a team of experienced technicians and community involvement efforts. Inspired by an auto shop elective in high school as well as a mechanical engineer father who instilled a love of cars in him, Kevin began a motorsport career by getting involved in a number of different on-and off-road racing programs. Over time his successes led to an opportunity to work as a preproduction test driver for Audi of North America and as a stunt driver for TV and film productions. He later established a private research and development facility for off-road racing teams in the Mojave Desert and channels his intensity into repairing and customizing vehicles as well as sharing his clients’ excitement in getting their cars back on the road. “Even if it’s just as simple as repairing a customer’s fender or a complete restoration on a classic car, bringing a vehicle back to life is a rewarding job,” he says.

MORE THAN A BODY SHOP

“We don’t just fix dents,” Kevin says. Described as a specialty collision repair facility for domestic and foreign cars, Podium provides collision repairs as well as custom upgrades, including suspension modifications, window tinting, custom wheels, vehicle wraps, performance upgrades, and more. “Your car makes a statement about you and customizing it is about making it unique to you. For that, we want to be your one stop shop,” he says, adding that his team takes pride in their work. “We strive to provide our clients with excellent customer service and help reduce the stress of being involved in an accident.”

Some of that stress comes from insurance companies, he says. Most will urge clients to go to a corporate auto body shop for repairs after an accident. “Texas law states a customer gets to choose where repairs are done,” he explains but cautions that corporate shops negotiate contracts with insurance companies in an effort to save money, which can compromise the quality and safety of the repair being performed. “Podium Body Works would like to earn your business because our team has the experience and training to perform a high-quality repair and get your car safely back on the road.”

LOCAL, PROFESSIONAL, ENGAGED

A resident of North Austin, Kevin felt that the growth opportunity and “being close to home for our business makes Liberty Hill a good location. We want to be in the highly visible 183 corridor and easily accessible from anywhere in the Austin area.” Their base of operations also allows room for expansion, as he plans to add two buildings for his racing and manufacturing programs. He also plans to host monthly car meet-and-greets including an open house of the paint facility and lab; “We want to show folks what it’s like behind the curtain at the body shop.”

“WE WANT TO BE A SHOP THAT IS KNOWN FOR ITS OPEN-DOOR POLICIES, SOCIAL ATMOSPHERE, ETHICAL TREATMENT, AND JUST GREAT SERVICE. WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON THE WORK THAT WE DO HERE.”

GIVING BACK

UNITING FOR MANY CAUSES

Liberty Hill has many non-profit organizations that contribute, collect, organize, and serve those in need in the community and surrounding areas. In a sublime example of being greater than the sum of its parts, these organizations work individually and together to serve a common purpose.

L4 CARES

THE LEAST, THE LAST, THE LOST, AND THE LONELY

In January 2021, we brought you the story of Kendra Cofer and L4 Cares. She established her 501(c)3 in 2017 and their devotion to meeting the needs of the least, the last, the lost, and the lonely has never wa vered. They focus on senior citizens, active and retired military, families with a child diagnosed with a terminal illness, and those in crisis. She describes the mindset of her volunteers; “Look at the person next to you and pay a little extra attention. Let people know you care, and they're not alone.” She is also busy reminding people that #KindnessIsEasyYall is key to everything they do.

SPREADING SMILES

Families with a child diagnosed with a terminal illness have many challenges and battles. Operation Superheroes Unite creates delightful experiences for children to engage with and be entertained by their favorite superheroes or storybook characters. The su perheroes gather for birthday parties, parades, or hos pital visits to create memories that will last a lifetime. “Belle” and “Beast”, “Mickey” and “Minnie” and others gather to spread joy and make memories with patients and their families.

DURING & AFTER THE MISSION

Welcome Back Soldier focuses on those returning from active duty with decorations and gifts to cele brate their homecoming. As well, twice each year, L4 Cares oversees the collection of items for care packag es to send overseas. Company leaders send requests according to specific unit needs—snacks, toiletries, and socks along with cards of encouragement and appreciation.

LOOKING AT

CRISES DIFFERENTLY ‘Crisis’ can refer to a situation of immediate need, or a time of physical or emotional turmoil, as might be the case for anyone adjusting to the terminal diagnosis for a family member. L4 Cares has built partnerships with many businesses and organizations to provide amazing experiences for families to share when they are navigating a difficult time.

Shannon Smith (pictured) was diagnosed with termi nal brain cancer. In September she and her 9-year-old daughter received a weekend full of memories provid ed by Kalahari Resorts in Round Rock and L4 Cares.

OPERATION NOT FORGOTTEN

During the Holidays, L4 Cares partners with families, churches, schools, and other organizations to write and deliver encouraging notes to nursing home residents in Liberty Hill and the surrounding ar eas. Last year more than 800 notes and cards were delivered—with cookies—to residents.

HOW TO HELP

L4 supporters can donate any time by selecting L4 Cares as their charity of choice on AMAZON SMILE. Also, coming soon, supporters will be able to round up any purchase from Wal-Mart.com to benefit L4 Cares. For information on any of these areas of focus, visit Facebook/L4Cares or scan the code to visit their website and sponsor an appearance through Opera tion Superheroes.

LIBERTY HILL LIONS CLUB

Lions Club is an international organization that helps meet needs worldwide. The Liberty Hill chapter of the Lions Club is actively dedicated to this mission and can always be counted on to help in the wake of a catastrophic event or natural disaster. In addition to their response teams, they also contribute proac tively by sending children with physical disabilities or Type-1 diabetes to Texas Lions Camp and donating scholarships to Liberty Hill High School students. They are also the proud builders and conservators of Lions Foundation Park, which boasts many amenities and activities for community use.

eye-screening to adults and children and providing glasses to those in need is a major part of what the club does. Over the years, like many other clubs in the region, the Lions have screened and helped thousands of people. “We begin screening kids in pre-school and make recommendations for them to see an eye doctor when the need arises,” explains Nicholson.

BECOMING A LIBERTY HILL LION

The club’s fundraising campaigns include an an nual bike ride and the Flag Project. For the latter, the Lions furnish a flag and pole to local businesses and homes for patriotic holidays for a yearly fee of $75. Rather than ask for donations, they encourage others to participate through membership. Meetings are held twice monthly and generally consist of discus sions about upcoming events, ways to get involved, local speakers from charities they support, and the benefits of membership and service.

“We're always looking for more hands to do the things we do. People have come to meetings and ended up becoming clients,” Larry says. Meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month at 12pm and the third Thursday at 7pm at the Methodist Church. All are welcome to attend.

Scan the code to visit their Facebook page.

The Lions Club also supports the efforts of other organizations such as Operation Liberty Hill, school charity food drives, and the Angel Tree Project. Presi dent Larry Nicholson says, “When someone else is di recting particular community project, we support and supplement their efforts where needed. When there is a concern or need that we can address ourselves, and no one else has taken the helm, we go out and do it ourselves.”

BRINGING SIGHT INTO FOCUS

In 1925, a visit by Helen Keller to the Lions Club International Convention made a lasting impact and facilitated the Lions’ focus on assisting the blind and visually impaired. Accordingly, offering free

OPERATION LIBERTY HILL

Operation Liberty Hill is more than just a food pantry. They are fully committed to the mission of loving thy neighbor and do so by providing food, clothing, and financial assistance on a regular basis. They also man age several annual programs like Operation Share the Warmth and Angel Tree. This month, members of the community will have the opportunity to show them some love in return.

Most people are aware that high food and gas pric es are squeezing the budgets of working families and sending some to food pantries for the first time. Food banks across Texas are now struggling to keep up with a demand that is increasing, even as the pandemic continues to wane. Regina O’Brien, Case Manager at Operation Liberty Hill, explains, “With inflation and housing costs skyrocketing, we have seen consistent increases in new clients. So far in 2022, we’ve assisted 29,796 people and distributed more than 260,870 pounds of food. The number of households served this year has doubled or tripled compared to the same month in 2021.”

Bare shelves mean empty stomachs so Regina has compiled a list of the items in short supply or greatest demand and is asking the community to help as much as they reasonably can.

CANNED GOODS AND BOXED DINNERS (15OZ)

Black beans

Refried beans

Kidney beans

Pinto beans

Baked beans

Ranch style beans

Peas

Carrots

Mixed vegetables

Corn

Green beans

Apple sauce

Peaches

Pears

Mixed fruit

Canned tuna

Canned chicken

Tuna helper

Chicken helper

HYGIENE CLOSET ITEMS NEEDED

Paper towels

Shampoo conditioner combo

Toothpaste

Dish soap in a small bottle

Laundry soap <64oz

Panty liners

Feminine maxi pads

Adult bladder briefs size XL

Baby wipes

Diapers size newborn

Diapers size 5

Diapers size 6

Diapers size 7

Pull ups size 3T-4T

Pull ups size 4T-5T

Tampons size regular  Incontinence pads for men  Incontinence pads for women

BE AN ANGEL

As the giving season approaches, many of us may be looking for new ways to give back. In addition to food donations, readers can also reach out to Jamie Etzkorn at lhangeltree@gmail.com to learn more about Opera tion Liberty Hill’s Christmas Angel Tree. This giving pro gram benefits children in the Liberty Hill school district who need assistance for Christmas. “Christmas is such a magical time, and we want to ensure that magic for every child in the district. Liberty Hill’s community spirit is like none other, and we want that spirit to grow and continue to spread to everyone,” Jamie says.

Scan the code to visit their website for more volunteer and donor opportunities.

Ready to Give Time, Talent, or Treasure?

THESE ORGANIZATIONS SERVE THE RESIDENTS OF LIBERTY HILL

It was our intent to include as many as we could big or small in a format that demonstrates how each contributes to our com munity. Many appear in two or more categories, based on ser vices provided and populations served. The format is designed to assist you, based on things you care about personally, when you wish to donate financially or are looking to volunteer. The names of the organizations appear here for the sake of space, but please web-search their names to give or volunteer locally.

ANIMALS

• 4-H

• All Things Wild Rehabilitation

• Blue Moon Equine Rescue

• Critter Crusaders

• Doggies for Dementia

• Mustang Heritage Foundation

• ROCK

• The Dog Alliance

• WilCo Regional Animal Shelter

CHILDREN & YOUTH

• Annunciation Maternity Home

• BACA

• Blue Santa

• Bluebonnet Trails Comm. Svcs.

• CASA

• Hope House

• Key2Free

• ROCK

• STARRY

• Texas Baptist Children's Home

• Wil Co Children's Advocacy Ctr

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

• Jail to Jobs

• Literacy Council of WilCo

• Liberty Hill Education Founda tion

• Orenda Education

• Show Team Supporters

• The Locker

ENVIRONMENT

• All Things Wild Rehabilitation

• Critter Crusaders

• Wil Co. Conservation Found

FOOD INSECURITY

• Central Texas Food Bank

• Operation Liberty Hill

• Hill Country Comm. Ministries

If you know of or are a volunteer for a Liberty Hill charity or agency not listed here, please visit our website and send us the name and web link to include in our next guide. There are many non-profit organizations serving our city, but the focus of this guide is agencies that provide services and support to those in need.

GRANT MAKERS

• Cares Alliance

• Cars for Charity

• Chisholm Trail Communities

• SportClips Philanthropic Fund

• The Boot Campaign

HEALTH

• AGE of Central Texas

• Driving Hope of Texas

• LifeSteps Council on Alcohol and Drugs

• Williamson County & Cities Health District

HOMELESS / HOUSING

• Habitat for Humanity

• Operation Liberty Hill

RECOVER & RESTORE

• Austin Disaster Relief Network

• Colt Catalina Foundation

• Jail to Jobs

• Oak Ridge Disciple House

• Wilco VOAD

SENIORS

• AGE of Central Texas

• Ageless Aviation Dreams

• Baca Senior Center

• Doggies for Dementia

• Freedom Flyers

• Honor Flight Austin

• Opportunities Meals on Wheels

SPECIAL NEEDS & DISABILITIES

• Bluebonnet Trails Comm Svcs

• Dream a Dream Horsemanship

• Hope House

• TX Wounded Warrior Found.

SOCIAL SERVICES & POVERTY

• Bluebonnet Trails Comm. Svcs.

• Brown Santa (WilCo)

• Operation Liberty Hill

• Opportunities for WBC

• The Locker

• L4 Cares

VETERANS & 1ST RESPONDERS

• Celebrating Heroes

• Heroes Night Out

• Honor Flight Austin

• United for the People

• Veteran Outdoors, Inc.

VICTIMS & ILLNESS

• BACA

• CASA

• Hope Alliance

• Key2Free

• MADD

• Operation Heroes Unite

• S.A.F.E.

• STARRY

• TEARS Foundation

• Wil Co Children's Advocacy Ctr

WOMEN

• Hope Alliance

• Key2Free

• Pregnancy Help Center / WilCo

• Redeemed Ministries

• S.A.F.E.

• STARRY

Luxury homesites are selling now at The Canyons at HCH Ranch in Georgetown. Located off of FM 3405 in Georgetown in a private gated community, these heavily wooded home sites will offer expansive hill country views throughout. The Canyons at HCH Ranch feature luxury custom homes built exclusively by Grand Endeavor Homes. The Canyons is a place of unmatched natural beauty in the Texas Hill Country.

Experience Stunning Hill Country Views

Situated on some of the most scenic land in Williamson County, The Canyons rests atop rolling hills looking out over the vast landscape. Offering an abundance of natural beauty and lush vistas, The Canyons has been carefully planned to integrate seamlessly into the natural environment. The development of The Canyons pays homage to the rich heritage of the land and encourages the continuation of this existing beauty to create a timeless natural environment. The homes in The Canyons are considered part of a cohesive element that melds the natural beauty with a place to call home.

SETTING THE STANDARD

The Good, the Bad, and their Money

When good guys Sheriff Mike Gleason and District Attorney Shawn Dick are not out catching and prosecuting bad guys, they are personally helping the most vulnerable people in Williamson County child victims of abuse and neglect. Both elected officials represent the Williamson County Children's Advocacy Center (WC CAC) as members of its board but they are also on mission, as head of their respective county agencies, to assist with the healing process as well. They recently put bad money to good use by gifting $200,000 to the WCCAC capital campaign.

PERSONAL ADVOCACY

DA Dick has been a member of the board since taking office in 2017 and said his $100,000 donation was meant to inspire others to do the same. "My office donates $10,000 every year to help fund operations at the CAC but it was important to me that we set an example for other agencies to sup port the capital expansion as well."

Newly voted to the board, Sheriff Gleason has been working in Wil liamson County since 1993 and was a crime fighter under six other sher iffs. After his election in 2020 he was tasked by WCCAC Executive Direc tor Kerrie Stannell and collaborated with several city police chiefs and caseworkers to create the CAC's multi-disciplinary team. Today, as a board member, he is eager to put

his many connections and strong relationships to work in advocacy for the children and families at the center. "We all took oaths as law

enforcement officers to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves and in many of these WCCAC cases, it's the people who are supposed to love them most who are hurting them."

The sheriff insists his first $50,000 donation was simply the right thing at the right time for the right reason. "I spent my whole career seeing the worst part of this process and I am happy to see the results that can come when we have strong victim advocacy. I am happy I can help make it better. I have a great working dynamic with Kerrie and we will donate another $50,000 when construction is complete and it's time to outfit the interior."

BAD MONEY DOING GOOD

The money donated from both agencies comes from discretionary

Above:

Left: D.A. Dick and Sheriff Gleason turn dirt with donor Julie Herrera, Commis sioner Terry Cook, and WCCAC Exec. Director Kerrie Stannell.

funds built from asset forfeiture. DA Dick explains, "Someone driving back to the border from Dallas with $150,000 in drug money is simply taking it back to a cartel. We have to take it but what else should we do with it?"

Both agencies are entitled to use seized and forfeited funds, within certain guidelines, at their discre tion. Seized funds are often used for training and equipment or to fi nance task force operations. Sheriff Gleason says, "I am solely respon sible for it and the federal govern ment audits it, but they cannot tell me how to spend it. I can’t think of a better way to spend money coming from a bad guy or girl who has a history of abuse or is bringing poison into our community."

Having worked in county law en forcement for some time, the sheriff adds, "I know how things work in

the county and once that building is complete they will need chairs and microwaves and coffee pots. My idea was to fund whatever they will need. I don't want them to open the doors on that first day and only then realize there's a bed without a blanket. I am also pleased that all the detectives will have a home there within arm's reach of forensic interviews so I want to make sure the officers and deputies have secure spaces to protect their information and work products."

DA Dick says while there are some steps that must be taken to ensure judicious outcomes and avoid abuses, he is vigilant about due process and only assigns crim inal funds after cases have been adjudicated. "It feels great to have money that would otherwise have gone to fund criminal activity and change it into something really good," he says. "And I want to help create a cen ter that is a model for all other CACs around Texas."

~District Attorney Shawn Dick

THE CAMPAIGN

Williamson County is growing at record rates, as is the corresponding rise in trauma cases. Sheriff Gleason reports that although the pandemic has waned, the increase in outcries has not; in fact, it has continued to grow. "Mental health concerns that have emerged since the lockdown period are through the roof and just hav en't gone down. We're seeing a desensitization to crimes of all kinds."

Meanwhile, the new WCCAC construction is well underway but is in need of continued financial support. “The space we had was no longer suitable for our essen tial services,” Kerrie says. “Our new building will provide ample and state-of-the-art space for forensic exams and interviews, case review meetings with investigative partners, trauma therapy, and confidential meetings on behalf of and with families.”

The sheriff, district attorney, and center director invite everyone in the community to pass the message along about what the CAC does for children and what they need. Sheriff Gleason asks, "Attend our gala and sponsor a group. Create an event or attend our clay shoot. Make a phone call and ask for a check. Volunteer at the center or an event. There are so many ways to help children."

DA Dick adds, "Above all else, if you see something, say something."

What happens at the center is vital and crucial to being able to hold offenders accountable. Forensic interviews and medical exams are vital to successful prosecution. Everyone at WCCAC is working for the wellness of children so we have to get it right.

SHELTER STORIES A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Foster a Holiday Companion Starting November 18

This fall, give a shelter pet the gift of a Home for the Holidays. “It’s the perfect opportunity for the animals to be in a home environment, decompress from the stress of living in the shelter, and it gives shelter staff much needed information to help match them with the best families for them,” says April Peiffer, community programs coordinator for the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter.

Shelter Respite

For more than 10 years, Home for the Holidays has given pets a much-needed break from the shelter and allowed individuals and families to enjoy having a pet throughout the holiday season. Starting November 18, residents can come to the shelter and pick out a medium-to-large adult dog or an adult cat to take home for the holiday season. The pet will remain available for adoption during their Home for the Holidays break, and the program will end Jan uary 2. “People really love this program,” April says. “Home for the Holidays gives people the opportuni ty to give back in a different way, and impact many lives at once.”

Benefits All Around

April says the program has been a big success, always making needed space for new animals that continue to come in every day. As well, being in a home allows the animals to be themselves and assimilate a bit to home life. This gives staff valuable information about a dog or cat that can’t be learned when they are at the shelter. “Is the dog house trained? What does she like or dislike? Does she enjoy a lot of attention or exercise? Does this cat like dogs? So much is learned when they are able to live in a home environment, and

it makes our job of matching them to new families much easier.”

Participants may choose to adopt their Home for the Holidays foster pet at any time during their stay, with many ending up adding a new furry friend to their family. “People have sometimes decided they just can’t part with their Home for the Holidays foster pet and end up adopting. We love when that happens!”

Potential fosters can scan the code today to begin fostering No vember 18.

Wellness from Ketamine?

A MENTAL RESET IS POSSIBLE

WHAT IS KETAMINE?

Ketamine has been around for decades, but its role as a potent tool against depression, anxiety, and chronic pain is relatively new. Ketamine was initially developed as a surgical anesthetic; it received FDA approval for this use in 1970 and is now considered an essential medication by the World Health Organization.

Because of the drug’s remarkable ability to induce a trance-like state with minimal side effects, ketamine was added to first responder pro tocols to calm agitated and actively suicidal patients. Providers realized that the immediate mood-lifting ef fects of ketamine often lasted much longer, with some patients showing complete remission of depression with a single dose.

In 2006, a landmark study on the use of ketamine in treating depres sion, published by the National Institute of Mental Health, revealed a single intravenous dose of ket amine produced "robust and rapid antidepressant effects" within just a few hours. Since then, several other studies have shown similar findings. As a result, a growing number of physicians across the country are turning to ketamine to provide po tentially life-changing solutions for people in need of rapid relief from a number of debilitating condi tions—depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain.

Ketamine infusion clinics have been growing—and thriving—for the past few years, and Georgetown is now part of that trend.

ReKonnect Wellness in George town provides ketamine injections and intravenous infusions to treat several conditions commonly resis tant to traditional medical interven tions. Ketamine has the remarkable ability to provide relief almost im mediately, with effects lasting days, weeks, or months at a time.

Dr. Aaron S. Gingrich at reKonnect Wellness in Georgetown provides ketamine therapy in a calm, spalike setting. A registered nurse administers each dose and care fully monitors each patient for any adverse effects. Blankets, eye masks, and curated playlists are available during each session. It is important to note insurance companies have not formally recognized ketamine treatment for depression and chron ic pain, so treatment is typically managed on a self-pay basis.1

Dr. Gingrich explains, "For mental health this is a wonderful complement with other kinds of therapies to a holistic approach to wellness. It provides a powerful reset for the mind and helps change thought patterns. For those with chronic pain, it is a great alternative to addictive pain relievers."

HOW IT WORKS

Clients begin with a consultation with Dr. Gingrich to discuss client goals for ketamine therapy and to create a treatment plan. An initial treatment plan typically consists of six ketamine sessions spread over two weeks. Each appointment lasts approximately 90 minutes to allow patients to prepare and recover adequately before and after their infusion.

During a treatment session, most patients experience a brain trip. "Ketamine is classified as a psyche delic, but is safely administered in low doses under constant medical super vision," Dr. Gingrich says. "Patients do not sleep but some report seeing vi sions or may have extremely calming out-of-body experiences. Some feel better right away, or after a few hours, and the calming effects may extend from a few days to a few months."

Dr. Gingrich adds, "Ketamine therapy is effective for about 80 percent of our clients, and we are on a mission to help the 20 percent who don't experience the full effects. In all cases, however, there is still two hours of peace, and a brief respite from whatever is diminishing their quality of life."

Scan the code to visit their website and click the News link to watch a treatment documentary.

NO MATTER WHAT YOU THINK YOU KNOW ABOUT KETAMINE, BY THE TIME YOU FINISH READING THIS PAGE, YOU MAY BE THINKING IT IS RIGHT FOR YOU OR SOMEONE YOU LOVE.

WHAT MAKES TEXAS “TEXAS”?

To discern what makes a Thanksgiving distinctly Texan, let's start with the Texas town named Turkey. Located at the southern end of the panhandle with a population around 400, Turkey's claims to fame include being home to the first Phillips 66 gas sta tion in Texas, professional gambler Amarillo Slim, and country music performers Bob Wills and Joe Barnhill. The town was also in the news in 2011 when PETA petitioned its leadership to change the name temporarily to "Tofurky" for an annual campaign aimed at encouraging people to not eat meat.

But a name isn't everything. Despite the translation meaning leather or hide, the southeast Texas town of Cuero the self-pro claimed Turkey Capital of the World makes the bigger fuss over Thanksgiving. Cuero's annual Turkey Trot began in 1912 with a turkey drive in which thousands of the birds were herded through the streets and humans went on to enjoy a carnival, dance, football game, and agricultural exhibits. The

Cuero Heritage Museum even has a per manent exhibit to honor the event and its impact on the community.

THE REAL FIRST THANKSGIVINGS

Not surprisingly, history records distinctly thankful communal events in Texas long be fore the pilgrims arrived. Predating the May flower by nearly 80 years, Coronado led an expedition to find the Seven Cities of Cibola in 1541. He was guided by a Pueblo Indian the Spaniards called La Turque (or, the Turk). When they arrived at Palo Duro Canyon near modern-day Amarillo, Friar Juan de Padilla celebrated Mass in thanks for their success.

Then, in 1598, an expedition team of 500 people, led by Juan de Oñate, spent 50 days crossing the Chihuahuan Desert. They reached the Rio Grande at the future site of El Paso and gave thanks for surviving their desert trek by feasting on fish and fowl. As well, in what must have been the first

Thanksgiving play, Captain Marcos Farfán de los Godos rendered the event in a script, including the Pueblos' conversion to Christianity. In 1991, El Paso residents re vived the script and now reenact the event every April.

THE TEXAS WAY

As they have often done, Texans held on to their own Thanksgiving traditions long after President Lincoln designated the last Thursday in November as the na tional holiday. For many years, regional Texans contin ued to celebrate the 16th century dates too. Even when Congress specified the fourth Thursday—in answer to the "What if there are five Thursdays in the month and Christmas shopping is delayed?" problem Texas con tinued to celebrate on the last Thursday for some time, perhaps to coincide with the enshrined Texas vs. Texas A&M football game.

AT THE TABLE

Texas feasts are a great reflection of the Lone Star State itself. With an eclectic variety of traditional Amer ican, Hispanic, German, and Southern tastes, a Texan's table is quite likely to be a melting pot of flavor as much as it is nostalgic. To begin with, you are allowed to eat your holiday dinner at Whataburger, but if you decide on a turkey, Texas has two traditional ways of cooking the bird deep fried or beer can. To ratchet up the Southern flavor, Texans forego dinner rolls for biscuits, which are much better for sopping up gravy and make better leftovers for breakfast.

Regardless of your favorites, however, it is important to know, if one wants to receive or retain one's Texas card, remember... it is dressing, not stuffing! See page 27 for an ultra traditional recipe.

And, perhaps not exclusively in Texas, but at least commonly, the turkey may be complemented with tamales. Pork is the favorite but tamales are great with everything from cheese to sweet raisin, depending on which abuela or local hookup is providing the goodies. For dessert, a state-nut-pecan pie is not required by law but it is the best bit of sweet goodness to serve with Blue Bell vanilla ice cream.

AFTER DINNER

While the UT-A&M game is no longer a factor due to A&M changing conferences, some are consoled know ing they can kick back and watch the Dallas Cowboys as the tryptophan begins to kick in. While not a league contract, the late afternoon game has been a tradition since 1966. It began as one of several brilliant publicity grabs by team manager Tex Schramm to bring national attention to the Cowboys prior to their league domi nance in the 1970s. Fans beat attendance records at their first Thanksgiving game and the Cowboys have played nearly every year since.

Tex was also the one responsible for hiring profes sional dancers as cheerleaders, and the annual holiday exposure didn't hurt their ascendancy in the entertain ment world either.

WHAT MAKES TEXAS "TEXAS"?

Regardless of your favorite food or football team, our Liberty Hill Digest team wishes all our readers and neighbors a healthy, happy, and very Texan Thanksgiving.

BELLE CHIMES IN Holiday Bingo

Ilove the holidays. It’s a chance to stockpile things to keep my “ideas for Belle column” notebook full. By that, I mean… family is here. Yippie-ki-yay!

I love my family. I even love my family that are not my own people. Family is my favorite thing about Thanks giving and Christmas. If I had a lot of money and a B&B in my backyard, I would probably love them even more.

I don’t mind at all that I haven’t been able to do my own laundry for near’bout a week. BUT there is never enough time to channel my inner Aunt Bea when some one asks, for the tenth time, “Are you going to let your son eat/watch/play/do that?”

Why is it that relatives who eat healthy offer to cook whatever weird food they like, full of spices I’ve never heard of, and vegetables with hair, and insist I’ll enjoy it “because it’s good for me”. So I’ll eat the veggie burgers and candied asparagus because I’m polite. And wait for January when there are no more brunches, lunches, dinners, parties, cookie exchanges, and, in my case, a visit from Insulin Claus, so I can go back to my bacon covered tater-tot waffles.

Let’s not forget the people who want to get up at 6am on a holiday to run a 5K Turkey Trot. These are people you need to know about before you marry into them; a no-fun-run pre-nup! I can’t remember the last time I Googled restaurants, job sites, or retail stores, that I didn’t include “within 10 miles” in the filter. I won’t even drive 26.2 miles.

In any case, this year I decided to play “Family Bingo” with my favorite brother to make things more interest ing. Here are some ideas if you are looking forward to the quiet of January, and the long dark days until Texas assumes my preferred surface-of-the-sun weather.

Get yourself a 5×5 grid and add all the things you are most likely to experience funny or annoying when your family is gathered. The person with the most bingos doesn’t have to host the holidays next year. It’s only fair, right?

Some of these classics will require a dabber at my house, and perhaps yours as well.

 “Are you going to let your son eat/watch/play/do that?” (I mention twice because it gets a full row of squares.)

 “Did I tell you how much is in my 401K?”

 Family member starting home business, brings sam ples, and/or needs “associates.”

 “Whatever happened to [name of person you broke up with]?”

 “Your hair has gotten a lot grayer since I saw you last.”

 Argument from ten years ago re-starts during meal or board game.

 “Have you lost/gained weight?”

 “You still haven’t found a job?”

 Argument about inflation and/or vaccine status.

 “Haven’t you had enough [alcohol, TV, food, screen time] already?”

 “When are you going to settle down / give me grandchildren?”

 Child calls out adult for saying bad word.

 “Well that’s nothing; let me tell you about the time I…”

 “Remember that time you sneaked out of the house…”

 Strict avoidance of any words / topics that will prompt the 100th telling of a story.

 “Who stole the remote?”

 Story re-told for the 100th time anyway.

 New partner / spouse insists the pets be put outside or in a locked room.



“It’s all because the [Democrats / Republicans] won/ lost the election."

 CENTER SPACE: Hugs and kisses and exclamations that we need to not wait for next Thanksgiving to do this again!

A Texas Thanksgiving

Texas Thanksgiving is a great reflection of the Lone Star State itself. With an eclectic variety of traditional American, Hispanic, German, and Southern tastes, a Texan's table is quite likely to be a melting pot of flavor as much as it is nostalgic. While it is not technically against the law to serve these dishes without sweet tea, it is recommended for those who would like to keep their Texas card.

Broccoli Rice Casserole

According to Google, this dish was the most searched recipe in Texas last year.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 1/2 cup chopped celery

• 3 cups frozen chopped broccoli, thawed

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 jar (8 ounces) process cheese sauce

• 1 can (10-1/2 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted

• 1 can (5 ounces) evaporated milk

• 3 cups cooked rice

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 325°.

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat.

Add onion, celery and broccoli; cook and stir until crisp-tender, 3-5 minutes.

Stir in the cheese sauce, soup, and milk until smooth.

Spoon rice into a greased 8-inch square baking dish. Pour cheese mixture over rice; do not stir.

Bake, uncovered, until bubbly, 25-30 minutes.

Cornbread Dressing and Giblet Gravy

This old-fashioned cornbread dressing is flavorful, tender, and moist. Not fancy, its ingredients are simple. Grandma didn't hold with the notion that the more stuff you put in cornbread dressing, the better it is. ~TexasCooking.com

THE CORNBREAD

• 3 tbsp bacon drippings

• 2 large eggs

• 1-1/2 cups corn meal

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1-1/4 cups buttermilk

THE DRESSING

• 9"x13" pan of cornbread, crumbled

• 10 white or whole wheat bread heels (left out overnight)

• poultry seasoning*

• rubbed sage*

• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

• 3 large stalks celery, chopped

• 1 large onion, chopped (2-1/2 to 3 cups)

• 1 large green pepper, chopped

• 3/4 cup butter

• 4 cups chicken stock

• 1 cup turkey pan drippings

• 3 large eggs, slightly beaten

GIBLET GRAVY

• 3 tbsp butter

• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 cup drippings from roasting pan; skimmed of fat

• 1 cup chicken broth

• salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp dry Sherry

• 1 to 1-1/2 cups turkey giblets (chopped, cooked liver and neck) *ADD

MAKING THE CORNBREAD...

Preheat oven to 450°F.

Put bacon drippings in 9x13-inch baking dish and put in the oven while preheating. Drippings will melt.

Beat eggs in a medium bowl until frothy. Add corn meal, salt, baking soda and baking powder, and stir to combine. Add buttermilk and stir well. Re move the hot dish from the oven. Swirl to coat it with melted bacon drip pings, pour the bacon drippings into the batter and stir to combine. Pour batter into the pan, and bake 20 to 25 minutes. The cornbread will begin to pull away from the sides of the pan. Leave it out, uncovered, overnight.

MAKING THE DRESSING...

One hour prior to the meal... preheat oven to 375°F.

Crumble cornbread and white bread into very large baking dish or pan

In large skillet, sauté celery, onion, and green pepper in butter over me dium heat until onion is transparent. Combine sautéed vegetables with bread crumbs and mix well. When you are ready to bake, add beaten eggs, chicken stock and turkey pan drippings, and stir. (May add more chicken stock better too moist than too dry.) Add 2 tsp poultry seasoning, 1/2 tsp rubbed sage, black pepper, and mix thoroughly.

After baking approx. 15 minutes, stir dressing down from the sides of the pan so that it cooks uniformly.

Total cooking time should be about 30 minutes.

MAKING THE GRAVY...

May be made early and kept warm or re-heat before serving.

Over medium-low heat, melt butter in a large saucepan until bubbly, sprin kle in flour and stir quickly to cook the flour. Slowly stir in turkey drippings and chicken stock; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until gravy is smooth and thickened.

Reduce heat to low, and check seasonings. Add salt and pepper if neces sary. May add a tablespoon or two of sherry at this point. Add giblets and simmer for about 10 minutes.

For a more moist consistency, add more stock. Feel free to use as much or little want to make it the way you like it.

PARTING SHOT

Heroes Honor Their Own

The Liberty Hill Police Officers Association and the Texas Municipal Police Association held a plate sale last month to raise money for the family of fallen Austin Senior Police Officer Anthony “Tony” Martin of Liberty Hill. Martin served our country for 20 years in the United States Air Force, retired with honors as a master sergeant, then continued to serve the community honorably as an APD officer from 2006 until his End of Watch, September 23.

In a community like Liberty Hill, it was no surprise that the fundraiser enjoyed an incredible turnout. Officers from many regional departments lined up in their patrol cars, with lights and sirens, to render honors to their fallen comrade.

Liberty Hill Police Officer Joseph Chapa said, “It was great to see so many from the community and surround ing areas come together and support the fallen, even with the economic challenges we are facing today. It was a great example of why I couldn’t be more proud to be serving this community.”

We at the Liberty Hill Digest agree it was moving to see so many heroes show up for a hero. Thank you for your service, SPO Anthony Martin.

When we come together, we are more than humans, we are heroes.

ECRWSS POSTAL PATRON LIBERTY HILL, TX