georgetown view magazine/ february 2011

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 1

Bill Engvall

I T ’ L L CO M E B AC K A R O U N DFamous comedian performs in Georgetown, pays tribute to sister’s memory, raises funds

for United Way of Williamson County

Great Expectations

A L L T H I N G S P E R S O N A L I Z E DValentine’s gifts with an individual touch

Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center

B R E A K I N G T H E C YC L E O F A B U S E

One child at a time

Valentine’s Day Comfort FoodR E C I P E S F R O M A

R O M A N C E R E M E M B E R E DEat, Love, Remember with Laurie Holland

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 1 G E O R G E T O W N v i e w 1

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2 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 1 G E O R G E T O W N v i e w


c O N T E N T s

F E AT U R E sit’ll Come BaCk around | 22Famous comedian brings laughter and memories to Georgetown.

gEt ting to know gEoRgEtown

inseparaBle | 30Georgetown couple draws closer through the storm.

d E pA R T m E N T slivE And lEARn

Helping Hands and Heart | 9School nurses bring comfort, healing and love to students and faculty.

A giving viEw

Breaking tHe CyCle of aBuse | 12Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center works to protect children.

A FitnEss viEw

lunges, laps, and love | 14Couples stay in shape—together.

A cREAtivE viEw

a fragrant destiny | 19Texas soap maker stirs up a batch of fragrant bubbles.

PictURE this

faCes of georgetown | 28Candid shots of our community.

A BUsinEss viEw

Creating star smiles | 36Pediatric dentists bring a mother’s touch to the dentist’s chair.

walls, Beams, love and dreams | 38Transform your home decorating dreams into reality.

fitness any time, no exCuses | 40Local gym helps clients get healthier, any time of day.

gREAt ExPEctAtions

all tHings personalized | 42Personalized gift ideas for your special sweetheart.

whAt’s cookin’

reCipes from a romanCe rememBered | 45Laurie Holland remembers love and romantic recipes.

A tRAvElER’s viEw

a Honeymoon Beyond priCe and dreams | 48Newlyweds honeymoon on a budget and find surprising luxury in Mexico.

A nAtURAl viEw

a world down under | 50Explore the stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal formations at Inner Space Cavern.

An AnimAl’s viEw

good karma | 52Karma the service dog helps Southwestern University student navigate school and life.

E x T R A sgreetings | 6events | 54

45


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AlicEAJONEseditor’s note

Angular velocity? Negative potential energy? My daughter had her physics final recently and helping her prepare for it reminded me why I avoided calculus, trigonometry, physics and all other mind-altering prescriptions. I don’t really care what the mass of my car is or how many revolutions the wheels turn between Plaka and The Exchage. All I care about is whether it starts, runs and gets me where I need to go.

So the truth is out: I don’t know the difference between a cosine and a stop sign. But if you ask me how many people per square mile it takes to make a great town, I will answer you swiftly without scratching my head or looking at the tips of my

tennis shoes. The answer is: You asked the wrong question. The better question is not how many people you need to make a great town, but rather, “What kind of people do you need per square mile to make a great town?” The answer? People who give and give and give without expecting anything in return. Now that’s the kind of math I understand.

My personal experience is that there are many teachers in Georgetown, including professors at Southwestern University, who are dedicated to our children’s education. Some stay long after class is over to help students understand that last equation before the next day’s finals. Dr. Steven Alexander at Southwestern for example, didn’t hesitate to help my daughter on the eve of finals. And she’s not even in his class. Others give out their phone numbers in case some forlorn child needs help figuring out what equation to use to get the square root of a speeding train traveling backwards to Burnet. To those committed teachers I—along with many other parents— say a big THANK YOU. Not just for helping our kids, but also for helping all of us understand the world a little bit better.

Cosined,

[email protected]

managing [email protected]

Community editorJUdiThmANRiqUEzGxcreativecommunications

managing [email protected]

assistant editorsmEGmORiNG

[email protected]

produCtion [email protected]

Creative direCtorBENchOmiAkReddogcreative

ContriButing writers

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ANNEFEARY

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Georgetown ViewisaViewmagazine,inc.publication.copyright©2011.Allrightsreserved.Georgetown Viewispublishedmonthlyandindividuallymailedfreeofchargetoover31,000homesandbusinessesintheGeorgetownzipcodes.subscriptionsareavailableattherateof$38.00peryearor$3.50perissue.subscriptionsrequestsshouldbesenttoViewmagazine,p.O.Box2281,Georgetown,Tx78626.Foradvertisingratesoreditorialcorrespondence,callBillat512-775-6313orvisitwww.viewmagazineinc.com.

Correction: In last month’s issue, Ronald C. Only, D.O., of Georgetown Medical Clinic, was listed as Richard Only in error.


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Asmall child has told his teacher that he doesn’t feel well. When he en-ters the campus clinic, the nurse talks with

him, takes his temperature (no fever), lets him rest for about 15 minutes, and asks if he feels well enough to return to class. Soothed by the nurse’s calm attention, he says that he thinks he can. He returns to class and promptly throws up on his teacher’s shoes.

Despite such a scenario, a school nurse is often one of the most trusted members of a campus community. She must be skilled in crisis management, up-to-date in her professional knowl-edge, and confident in being the primary health resource on cam-pus. On any given day, she may serve as substitute mom, confi-dante, optometrist, or counselor,

along with being the primary care provider for the campus. She will use all aspects of nursing to sup-port students and encourage their overall health in a safe, structured atmosphere.

Each Georgetown school is staffed with a degree-prepared registered nurse (RN). According to Mary McKenna, GISD Director of Health and Safety, other dis-tricts around the state have varied staffing requirements. When she interviews nurses for the district, she looks for professionals who have “tried their wings” in a vari-ety of nursing situations and have developed a firm foundation in their profession. They must have skill and competence when faced with a sick child or co-worker. For example, on her first day as a school nurse, even before stu-dents had returned, Ms. McKenna

was called to help a staff mem-ber who had a seizure. Yet most of her patients are young, and she and the other nurses know that children are not simply little adults. Treating them requires special knowledge and rapport.

Ms. McKenna, a GISD nurse since 1998, has worked at

ByNANcYBAcchUs

Helping Handsand Hearts

l i V E A N d l E A R N

Carol Brooks & patient (Benold Middle School)

Marcy Schroeder with patient (Mitchell Elementary School)

1 0 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 1 G E O R G E T O W N v i e w

hElpiNGhANdsfrom page 9

Georgetown High School, Richarte High School, Eagle Wings, and GAP (George-town Alternative Program). Prior to her move to Georgetown, Ms. McKenna worked as a nurse in the Air Force, in M.D. Anderson Cancer Hospital man-aging pediatric/adolescent outpatient services, and in Fort Bend Independent School District, as well as other medical facilities.

In talking about the work that she and the other school nurses do, Ms. McKenna mentioned the need to mesh clinical versus educational issues, satisfying state licensing requirements for nurses while also following local administrative guidelines. During her years in school service, she has seen an increase in uninsured students and the need for more awareness of mental health concerns. Community support in Georgetown provides the nurses with assistance for referrals through pro-grams like the Lone Star Circle of Care, the Lions Club, Sertoma, and other entities, helping children receive quality care when problems surface. The nurs-es try to make wellness a reality that students and their families can attain. Several school nurses extend their con-cern for children beyond campus walls. They foster children awaiting adop-tion, participate in church missions, or work with older Scouts in programs like Venture Crew 911, again giving back to Georgetown.

A particularly memorable event during Ms. McKenna’s GISD years oc-curred when Hurricane Rita sent coastal residents scurrying inland. Georgetown

schools, as part of the Capital Area Shelter Hub, were designated shelter sites. Ms. McKenna, her teams and Superintendent Joe Dan Lee directed nearly 1400 evacuees as three different buildings quickly filled to capacity. The district effort, part of the Central Texas School Safety Consortium, received accolades, but she vividly recalled the stress.

With goals for the future, district nurses also work with nursing students from the University of Texas and Texas State University, just as a classroom teacher might have a student teacher. This connection provides trainees a “snapshot” of the community health outreach occurring in the schools.

One vital outreach of the state de-partment of health through the schools

is supplying vaccines for children. Five campuses in GISD can provide vaccina-tions through this collaboration. Work-ing together, the nurses streamline the process for families and keep students in school. The district has also partici-pated in mass vaccination drills, re-cently moving 800 vaccines out to staff members in three days. Lately, nurses have confronted an epidemic of pertus-sis (“whooping cough”) in Georgetown schools. A strong relationship with the health department and teamwork among the campuses allow the nurses to coordinate care and monitor issues involving communicable diseases.

The nurses utilize a computer software program called SNAP to coordinate all student health records. This system tracks all aspects of care received in the school setting, thus coordinating health care throughout a student’s GISD career. SNAP revealed over 30,000 visits to campus nurses last semester across the district. That’s a lot of kids needing attention.

Ms. McKenna commented that “anytime anyone walks into a campus clinic, an opportunity to teach health care and self-advocacy exists.” These are the school nurses for Georgetown’s children: Carol Brooks, Andyrea Vest, Rocio Cavazos, Lindsey Love, Elizabeth Jackson, Sarah Miller, Juliet O’Shoney, Shelley Spencer and her assistant Donna Lowry, Mary Shields, Marcy Schroeder, Marian Cockrum, Margaret Richardson, Wysonda Finch assisted by Leslie Ellsworth, Tiffany Turner, Sheryl Rennie, Mary Marcotte, and Christine Johns. Bouquets to all of them.

Christine Johns & Ethan (Williams Elementary) Mary McKenna (Ninth Grade Campus)

Lindsey Love & patient (Forbes Middle School)

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 1 G E O R G E T O W N v i e w 1 1


G i V i N G

v i e w

it is straight out of Little House on the Prairie: a yellow two-story farmhouse with a white railing. But the work that goes on inside the red

doors of the Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center (WC-CAC) is anything but quaint. The center assists abused children, non-offending family members, and the professionals dedicated

to the interven-tion, investigation, prosecution, and treatment options related to child abuse cases. Also behind the red doors is Brenda Staples, execu-tive director, who makes sure the center fulfills its motto: “Breaking the Cycle of Abuse One Child at a Time.”

Within the safe, unintimidating atmosphere of the CAC, a child can make a formal

statement in an interview room decorated with age-appropriate furnishings. A specially trained forensic interviewer talks with the child and records the child’s story.

Child and family therapists provide victim and parent counseling, while certified pediatric sexual assault nurse examiners can perform non-acute medical ex-ams. Over 30 dedi-cated volunteers provide admin-istrative support and hospitality to visiting children and their families. Upon leaving, each child receives a handmade blanket and a stuffed toy.

Brenda praises the dedicated staff, volunteers, board of direc-tors, and District Attorney John Bradley, all avid champions for children. Of John Bradley, she comments, “His perspective gives everyone the desire to dig deeper and work harder to take care of the children.” She notes that the tight collaboration among the child protection team (which in-cludes law enforcement, CPS, and prosecutors) makes the model work. “There is no turf or ego; all are working solely for the benefit of the children.”

The center operates on a $650,000 budget partially funded by state and federal grants. It serves Williamson County chil-

dren up to 17 years old for free. The 6 major cities in Williamson County voluntarily contribute and receive services based on need, not on contribution level. A November Movie Night, May golf tournament, a Christmas ap-peal, and individual contributions throughout the year round out the monetary resources.

ByANNEFEARY

Breaking the Cycle of Abuse

in 2010, tHe wCCaC:• Conducted 652 forensic interviews• Provided support services for 1250

family members• Provided 985 hours of individual

therapy for 68 children• Provided 55 specialized Sexual

Assault Nurse Examinations• Utilized 36 volunteers for a total

of 2760 hours of services to the Center

WCCAC is a private nonprofit 501©3 organization and provided all of these services at no cost to families or law enforcement agencies.

Brenda Staples, Executive Director; Ingelise Ezell, Project Director; Elizabeth Whitworth, Board President; Joy Rauls, State Executive Director – CAC

williamson County CHildren’s

advoCaCy Center1811 SE Inner Loop

Georgetown, TX 78626www.wilcoCAC.org

[email protected]


Brenda seeks long-term partners committed to CAC’s mission so that the passionate, professional personnel can work without concern over grant renewals. “This is a sound investment in the community,” she says. “Of course, children are always a good investment, but beyond that, the WCCAC is a solid business model with a high level of fiscal oversight. Donors are assured that every dollar is stretched to the maximum.”

About her work, Brenda says, “I am privileged to get up every day to take care of phenomenal people engaged

• There are 64 child advocacy centers across Texas and 700 in the nation.

• 98% of child victims are abused by someone they know; 88% of the time the abuser is a family member.

• 280 children died as a result of child abuse or neglect in Texas in 2009, an increase of 31% over 2008.

If one has cause to believe that a child’s welfare has been, or may be, adversely affected by abuse or neglect, call local law enforcement or 1-800-252-5400 or https://www.txabusehotline.org.

How you Can Help:• Volunteer

• Make financial contributions

• Donate gift cards, postage stamps, bottled water, individual snacks for children, copy paper, office and art supplies

in vital work. My job is to take care of the staff so they can take care of the

children.” Her family’s support and her deep faith also help. She believes, as a child victim poignantly told her, “Minuet by minuet [sic], hour by hour, day by day, week by week, month by month, it will all get better.”

williamson County CHildren’s advoCaCy Center1811 SE Inner Loop, Georgetown, TX [email protected]

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F i T N E s s

v i e w

here’s a Valentine’s Day quiz:

wHat makes a great marriage?

A) candlelight dinners B) movie date nights C) romantic vacations D) doing 100 ab crunches at the

gym The answer, according to mar-

ried couples Frank and Nancy Krenek and John and Diane Can-nan, just might be D. That’s right, crawling out of bed before the sun comes up, pulling on workout clothes, and hitting the gym to-gether. For these two Georgetown couples, exercising in tandem has not only improved their health,

but it has also strengthened their relationship—which resulted in those special dinners and relaxing vacations.

tHe kreneksFrank and Nancy, who married

in 2007, began exercising together for a good cause and haven’t stopped since. Last January, they began training to ride in the Rise Across Texas Challenge, a gruel-ing but scenic 850-mile bike trip to raise money for the Rise School

in Austin, a school for children with special needs. The two had never formally exercised together, but they bought bikes and enrolled in Marnie Marx’s spin

classes. That was all it took. Since then, they’ve become avid cyclists and still attend spin classes. Re-cently, they hired trainer Claudia Verde to whip them into even better shape with early-morning crunches, lunges, pull-ups, and more.

What keeps them going? “We motivate each other,” Frank says. “If I had to do this by myself, I wouldn’t be as diligent and disci-plined.” Nancy agrees: “I wouldn’t get up in the morning and do this without a partner. But with Frank jumping up and joining me, it’s fun.”

Working out together also means quality time for the busy couple. Frank is president of Embree Construction and travels all over the country for national clients and projects. Nancy, as di-rector of therapy and research at ROCK (Ride On Center for Kids), puts in physically and emotionally demanding days providing hip-potherapy for kids and adults with

BymEGm.

mORiNG

Lunges, Laps, and Love

“If I had to do this by myself, I wouldn’t be as diligent

and disciplined.”

Frank and Nancy KrenekJohn and Diane Cannan


physical challenges. “When we’re other-wise going off in all directions, exercise is one thing we can do together,” Nancy says. It’s one way they reconnect and rejuvenate as a couple.

“Exercising together is just an extension of our deep

love and friendship.”

tHe CannansFor John and Diane, exercise is as

natural as breathing. Their 48 years of marriage have been filled with physi-cal pursuits. “Walking, boating, skiing, snowmobiling—our kids always kept us busy,” Diane says. “Keeping ac-tive is our style. We’re not sit-at-home people.”

John and Diane are both in their mid-sixties, and being active is definitely their style. John is a general contractor, but he also refurbishes general aviation aircraft. “I knew that if I wanted to con-tinue being physical [in my businesses], I was going to need to keep my body in decent condition,” John says. Diane, a “nurse by trade,” owns two small-scale, private assisted living homes, which John customized for her. She learned about the importance of exercise from her father. “My dad was 90 and very active,” she remembers. “He’d bike, walk, play golf, and work around the house. He really kept himself fit, and I could see what it did for him.” And her mother, still active at 95, also inspires Diane.

To keep fit, the Cannans hit the Georgetown Rec Center three morn-ings a week, where they run through the weight room circuit together, then walk a mile around the track upstairs. The pair have known one another since they were 14 (he was her neighborhood paper boy), and they are “still good friends,” Diane says. Exercising together is just an extension of their deep love and friendship.

Will candles and chocolates be part of the Kreneks’ and Cannans’ Valentine’s Day? Maybe. But every day is filled with love—and lunges and laps—for these couples.

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housewives of old labored over huge cast iron kettles suspended over open fires—for hours—to

produce crude cakes of soap for their families. Today, Elin Criswell pulls on gloves in her sunny kitchen, and what comes out of her pots is anything but crude: bars of fragrant, luxurious soaps made with lavender, oatmeal, even dried peppermint.

As owner of The Country Soaper, Elin handcrafts and pur-veys soaps that are as beautiful as they are useful. Soap making is not just a business for Elin, however. You could say that it is her destiny.

from Heritage to passion“Fourth-generation Texas soap

maker of Swedish decent”—that’s Elin. “My family first came from Sweden to Williamson County, Texas, in 1870,” she says. “I am Swedish on both sides of my family and proud of it.” While Elin’s soap making is an art, she acknowledges that, for her ances-tors, soap making was “made out of necessity; you had to do it just to survive. There was nothing fancy to it; it was unscented and made from lard.” The soaps Elin’s own mother made for the family form some of Elin’s most cher-ished memories. She keeps her mother's washboard in her home as a way to remember how her own soap making connects to her practical heritage.

Today, thanks to a wide avail-ability of colorants, fragrances, and oils, soap making has moved

beyond its utilitarian roots to the specialized craft Elin practices today. “The possibilities are end-less as to what type of soap you can make,” she says. “It definitely scratches my creative itch.”

Despite her current passion for soap mak-ing, Elin was not always enraptured by the hobby. “I experimented with it in the early nineties after watching a televi-sion show about soap making,” she says. “I read a few library books about the process, made a few batches, and lost interest.” It was not until 2000, when Elin met a soap maker at a craft show, that her interest was again piqued.

BysARAhpAUlk

c R E A T i V E V i E W

a fragrant destiny

Elin Criswell


FRAGRANTdEsTiNYfrom page 19

“I attended a soap making class at her house, began looking up information on the Internet, and it went from there,” she says. “Now I’ve been making soap for ten years.”

Elin’s casual hobby soon evolved into a business, The Country Soaper, as lo-cal shops and museums began carrying her unique handcrafted soaps. Despite her success, Elin intentionally limits her company’s growth. “I keep my business small because I never want it to get so big that it becomes production-focused and I lose the fun of it,” she says. “I have maybe half a dozen wholesale accounts, and I attend arts and crafts shows as I get the notion, but I never let it get too busy.”

learning tHe BasiCsWhile many of her fanciest soaps—

such as those shaped like the state of Texas—require advanced skill and lots of practice, Elin assures aspiring soap makers that the basic process “is re-ally not that hard.” Elin uses the “cold process method,” which requires no heat. First, she prepares a water and lye solution that heats the water to 180 de-grees or higher. She then combines that solution with oils to produce “saponi-fication,” another chemical reaction. “Lard makes a hard bar of soap with a very creamy lather,” Elin explains. “Co-conut oil greatly increases lather, and olive oil is known for its moisturizing qualities.” Next, she adds fragrance or essential oils to scent the soap, and she stirs in ingredients such as dried herbs, oatmeal, and colorants. Elin has created recipes such as Oatmeal, Milk and Hon-ey, Lavender Oatmeal, Peppermint Tea Tree, Texas Bluebonnet, Texas Cowboy,

Spearmint Lavender, and Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Lye Soap.

sHaring Her passion

In January 2010, Elin and friend Star-lene Moore formed an online Yahoo! group, Lone Star Soap and Toiletries, to network with and encourage other soap makers. The online group soon evolved into an annual seminar that offers a variety of soap making courses, including how to felt soap, how to make lotion, and how to effectively use herbs in soaps. This year will mark the second annual Soapmaker’s Seminar, to be held June 10 and 11 at the Wing-ate Hotel in Round Rock.

In September 2010, Elin channeled her passion into a self-pub-lished book, Creative Soap Making. “I love the craft so much that I wanted to write a book about it,” she says. “I tried to write the book so that it appeals to both new and ex-perienced soap makers.” Elin’s

book offers a basic overview of soap making methods, as well as detailed instructions for making cold process soap. The book also includes recipes, a guide for creating recipes, and inter-views with six of the major players in the soap industry.

Does she plan anymore books? “Writ-ing my first book was a huge project, but it was also a labor of love because I am so into soap making,” Elin says, “but I might just have another one up my sleeve”—maybe a book of recipes. As the soap bubbles rise on her next endeavor, whatever it may be, she can be sure of one thing: soap making is her delightful—and rightful—destiny.

For more information about Elin’s soaps

and the classes she teaches, go to

www.TheCountrySoaper.com or

www.CreativeSoapMaking.com


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It’ll Come Back Around

Janet Engvall McTigue with daughter Annie and dog Gracie


Janet Engvall could always spot an injured animal blocks away.

That’s just the kind of person she was. Her mom and dad are

animal lovers, too, so the house and the yard were always

filled with feathered and furry things. Janet’s affection for creatures

didn’t stop with dogs and cats and turtles. Janet also helped mend

many broken people.

ByAlicEAJONEs

Janet Engvall McTigue

It’ll Come Back Around

Janet Engvall McTigue was Executive Director for Georgetown Area United Way from 2002 to2005. She was a leader and an administrator for sure. How-ever, her passion peaked when she could roll up her sleeves to fight for the neediest people in Georgetown and Williamson County.

According to her sister, Jennifer Jackson, Janet was a grass roots soldier. “She wanted to help the people who would never benefit from the funds donated to large, well-known agencies,” said Jennifer. She had great respect for the work of all non-profits, but Janet was most passionate about individuals who didn’t have the necessities most people took for granted—such as getting a glass of water from the tap.

She was concerned with the fact that there were people in this town who didn’t have basic neces-sities, according to Jennifer. “They don’t have hot water or their shower doesn’t work. (Janet) wanted to focus the dollars on getting everybody to a place

where they could have hot water. She really wanted to help people who abso-lutely needed (help) to survive.” Jennifer recently left her position as Nursing Divi-sion Director for Williamson County and Cities Health District to take care of her parents.

Jennifer laughs when she thinks about her sister’s penchant for helping people in need. When Janet retired from United Way, she started a law practice in Georgetown. “She would take anyone who walked through the door,” said Jen-nifer.

“There were times when I’d say, ‘you’ve got to charge somebody money, Janet. You have to make an income. You’ve got to be able to pay your bills.’”

According to Jennifer, Janet would


iT’llcOmEBAckAROUNdfrom page 23

say, “Oh, you know what, she’s going through a divorce and her husband is really a jerk and she really needs this help right now. It’ll all come back, it’ll come back around.”

“I bet she did a lot of divorce cases for free,” said Jennifer.

a family affairJanet and her three siblings, Bill, Jen-

nifer and Judy, each in their own way, came by this caring persona honestly. Their father, Dr. William Engvall, is a retired family physician and anesthesi-ologist and their mother, Jeanne McCor-mick, a retired histologist and realtor, instilled in them a love for people and animals. Maybe that’s what formed Ja-net’s caring nature. Maybe she was just born with a servant’s heart.

Only the good die young, as the old lyrics go. Prophetic. In November, 2007, Janet Engvall McTigue died from

“We loved to laugh. She loved playing tricks

on people, like the simulated dirty diapers she

and a college friend would leave at

the bottom of the escalator.”

Bill engvall: live in georgetown Honoring Janet Engvall McTigue and benefitting United Way of Williamson County

Thursday, February 17, 20118:00 PM (Doors open at 7:15 PM)Open seating at each ticket level.Klett Performing Arts Center2211 N. Austin Ave., Georgetown, TX

“It’s a great way to come out and support

United Way of Williamson County, especially

with the economy. All of these charities are

getting hit hard. It’s a great way to come out,

have a good laugh, and help raise some money

for a great cause. And I’m just proud… that

we’re doing this in Janet’s name.” –Bill Engvall

PRICES:VIP Admission: $75 SOLD OUT General Admission: $40/$25Purchase tickets on line at: www.inetrep.com/unitedway-wc/Or at United Way of Williamson County: 1111 North IH-35, Suite 220 Round Rock, Texas 78664512-255-6799

wounds she sustained in a tragic fire. And she is missed. “It’s really hard when you lose someone in your life, but it makes it so much easier when people come to you and say, ‘Oh, I really liked her because…she came to my aid,’” said Jennifer.

funny girlMissed? Yes. Forgotten? Never.

Besides her bent for helping broken ani-mals and broken people, Janet, like her siblings, was a comedian. “We loved to laugh,” said Bill Engvall, Janet’s big brother and famous comedian who will be performing at the Klett Center for the Arts in memory of his sister.

“She loved playing tricks on people,” said Jennifer, remembering Janet’s edgy humor like the simulated dirty diapers she and a college friend would leave at the bottom of the escalator. And according to Jennifer, the sisters came close to being kicked out of more than a few restaurants because they couldn’t stop laughing at Janet’s jokes or her contributions to the book they talked about writing on the perils of pregnancy and aging.

Although Bill and Janet had a very competitive relationship—he being the oldest and a boy and she being the older girl—they loved one another. “If I said I was going to ride my bike at 3 p.m., she’d ride her bike at 1 p.m.,” he said. Bill mourns her death in part be-cause they were all just getting to that age where siblings become very close friends.

Bill Engvall will pay tribute to his sister Janet Engvall McTigue while supporting United Way of Williamson County when he comes to Georgetown on February 17, 2011. “It’s a wonderful thing that the United Way is doing to keep Janet’s legacy alive. Janet helped a lot of people. A lot of her work was pro bono. She was always a champion of the underdog,” he said.

Janet engvall mctigue advancing excellence award

United Way of Williamson County

(UWWC) established the Janet Engvall

McTigue Advancing Excellence Award

to honor Janet Engvall McTigue, former

Executive Director of Georgetown Area

United Way, and her strong commitment

to strengthening nonprofit agencies

serving the people of Williamson County.

This annual award of $10,000 is intended

to offer the opportunity for the winning

nonprofit to advance excellence within

its organization. This year’s award

winner is The Samaritan Center for

Counseling and Pastoral Care. The award

will be presented by UWWC and the

Engvall family at the Bill Engvall: Live In

Georgetown show on February 17, 2011.


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Weir Firefighter Danny Guzman and Wesley Tredway make Christmas Cookies.

New Generation Voices of Praise at Southwestern University MLK celebration.

Beverly and Joel Russeau celebrate MLK Day at Southwestern University dinner.

The Grinch and The Spaniels share Christmas.

How Great Grandad Spent His Christmas Vacation. Carson, Macy and Parker Spaniel, new to Georgetown head off to school.


Heart ofGeorgetown

next month, The View Magazine will celebrate its

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They did everything they knew to do as parents. Shirley Barker had been a devoted mother, and Don Barker, a loving husband, father and good provider. So, when they got the news that their younger daughter Amy

was struggling with bulimia, they were stunned. This news could have driven a wedge between them or, worse, resulted in divorce, as often is the case in the aftermath of tragedy. Instead, Don and Shirley drew upon the foundation that has sustained their mar-riage for more than 48 years.

Don and Shirley’s two daughters were bright and active. Their older girl was extremely smart, and Amy, the younger, worked hard and was the athletic one. In junior high school, Amy ran track and com-peted in cross-country and swimming. “She was first-team All State in cross country and in swimming,” said Don. “She was in the newspaper every week.”

“In the spring,” said Shirley, “she began resist-ing going to practice and had put on a little weight, which wasn’t like her.” When Don asked her what was going on she said, “I want to see what it looks like to run at the back of the pack.” This was surpris-ing. “Just the year before,” said Don, “in the entire state of Kansas, she was ranked number five.” Amy was 15, had begun attending a new high school, and sometimes felt excluded by the other girls, a common complaint at this age. “She had many unhappy mo-ments,” said Shirley.

It wasn’t until a family vacation during Christmas break that Don and Shirley began to get suspicious and worried. Amy would ask for money to go buy laxatives and in less than 48 hours, would ask for money to buy more. “She always excused herself after every meal. Looking back, she was probably regurgitating,” said Don.

When Amy entered college things came to a head. Don and Shirley noticed that Amy had attached herself to a group of kids in the dorms. “They wore all black and burned incense and candles,” said Shir-ley. Amy even began to look different. “Her face was totally changed from that peaceful pretty face. It was

very strained,” said Shirley. In addition, they noticed that Amy’s knuckles had become raw and red.

Don and Shirley, anxious to put together the pieces of this bizarre puzzle, made an appointment with their family internist while Amy was at college. The internist told them to pull Amy out of school imme-diately and to bring her to his office. “The internist ex-amined her teeth and gums, and then he knew what was going on,” said Don. Stomach acid had damaged her teeth. And the raw knuckles? These were her instruments of purging after meals.

“I would say I still don’t understand—even Karen Carpenter,” Shirley interjected, remembering the well-loved singer from the seventies who suffered with bulimia and anorexia before her death.

Don and Shirley were relieved finally to know what was wrong with Amy. Now, they had to deal with it. “This could be a time when divorces jump,” said Don. “It becomes finger pointing time.” Instead, Don and Shirley hunkered down for what would become a two-year battle for their daughter. Months in the hospital, countless counseling sessions and a daugh-ter who wasn’t always cooperative, could have been stressful enough to jeopardize their marriage. But their union survived.

InseparableByAlicEAJONEs

G E T T i N G T O k N O W


iNsEpARABlEfrom page 31

Don and Shirley share with us why their marriage not only survived this trial, but also has thrived for almost half a century.

When you were dealing with your daughter’s eating disorder, did you ever feel like your marriage was pulling apart?

Don: No. I think for us, it’s because of the foundation of our marriage, based on our commitment to Jesus Christ. And you build on that.

When there is a major trial or trag-edy, couples sometimes blame one another for the problem. What kept you from pointing the finger at each other?

Don: Shirley had done an incredible job as a mother with my travel schedule —many times I wasn’t home. The burden was on her to take care of our two daughters. We knew in our hearts that each of us had done the very best we knew how. There’s no train-ing camp to learn how to be a good parent.

Since you traveled quite a bit, Don, what did you do to keep your relationship close?

Don: What I made every effort to do, when I was in town, (was to be) always at home. I didn’t have meetings at night. If I entertained a customer, Shirley was always a part of that. Shir-ley was always there with me as a vital part of my life, my career, my business.

You’ve talked about the importance of married couples having married friends. Do you both have friends outside of your marriage?

Shirley: Yes, a circle of caring, loving people who like us, believed in asking God to bring good health and fulfillment to our children. These friends shared our dedication to marriage with its joys as well as its sorrows.

How do you handle the disagreements and challenges of parenting?

Shirley: We listen to one another. Don always said, “We may not agree on everything, but I am willing to listen

to your views.” I said, “Don, I am the same. I don’t want just to hold my ground and say I’m right. I don’t like that idea.” We negotiate or we discuss.

But when the teenage years came, our girls were pulling away from us and that was hard. I felt like it was a sorrowful time. You long for them to be where you could pick them up and hold them close. You don’t want your children to be hurt.

How important is it for married couples to spend time together, separate from their children?

Don: What’s important is that your marriage doesn’t totally revolve around your children, their lives and their ac-tivities. I have married friends, who only got together when their child played baseball.

When we had children, we had a date night. I felt it was important that we both get out. Whether it was just to go get a hamburger or malt, a movie or take a walk.

Amy now has a family of her own and is in the process of getting her doctor’s degree.

“Teenage rebellion was a very difficult time. We had always

thought we had this wonderful loving family. And I think

it’s difficult seeing your children, when they depart from

the ideals that you have held. Ideals that you thought for

sure would be important to them.”


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“Georgetown’s Got Talent!”

The 2011 Miss Georgetown Scholarship Pageant

presents Georgetown’s Got Talent!

Featuring: Miss Georgetown 2010 Aubrey

Walling and the 2011 Miss Georgetown contestants.

Meet & Greet Info Meeting Saturday, February 5

2:00pmCarver Elementary

Open to all ladies in grades 9-12 who live in the Georgetown area. You do not have to attend Georgetown Public Schools.

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Tiffany Case [email protected]

2011


B U s i N E s s

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step into Star Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and enter a wizard’s world in which baby dragons toast marshmallows on

mama’s fiery breath, a courtly frog prince greets a fair damsel on a white steed, and knights joust with toothbrushes.

Also inhabiting this forest are two enchanting pediatric dentists, Dr. Kelly Gonzales and Dr. Alison Campbell, who guide us through the territory. They are committed to providing the highest quality dental care and customer service in a fun, inviting, and educa-tional environment. Their guiding principle is “A Mother’s Touch

to Children’s Dentistry” (both Dr. Kelly and Dr. Alison have two chil-dren each). They believe it is that mother’s intuition that enables them to appreciate a child’s per-spective and calm even the most apprehensive or anxious child.

How did you CHoose pediatriC dentistry?

Dr. Kelly: I was raised by two educators, which helped me to ap-preciate teaching and children. As a teen, I endured five years with braces and headgear, and this experience showed me the func-tional and aesthetic difference a dentist can make for a child. I love being a pediatric dentist because it

gives me the opportunity to relate to my young patients and teach them the importance of teeth care.

Dr. Campbell: In college, I pur-sued my interest in science and early child development. After interning for a pediatric dentist, I learned that pediatric dentistry was a natural choice to bring those two together. It is one of the best life choices I have ever made. Each day I am rewarded with ev-ery smile I help create.

wHo are your patients?Patients at Star Smiles are

treated from infancy through teenage years, and special needs patients of all ages are seen. The

ByANNEFEARY

Creating Star Smiles


star smiles pediatriC dentistry1103 Rivery Boulevard, Suite 140Georgetown, TX 78628512-864-9595

specialty of pediatric dentistry evolved from a need for children to maintain a healthy mouth while being treated in a setting that made dentistry fun and enjoyable. Parents often wish they had experienced a relaxed dental atmosphere when they were growing up so that they would be less fearful of the dental office as adults. This is verified by the countless number of parents who ask if we would be willing to treat them, too!

How would you desCriBe your praC-tiCe?

Our practice is designed to meet the dental needs of children while ensuring parents that their kids are getting the best care. Our talented staff was se-lected specifically because of their skills with parents and children. We have implemented the latest dental technol-ogy geared towards treating children,

For information about Star Smiles or its

“Meet the Doctors and Tour” go to

www.starsmilesofgeorgetown.com

February is National Children’s Dental

Health Month. For more information, visit

www.aap.org/oralhealth/ncdhm.cfm.

such as digital x-rays that parents can view on large screens. A mostly paper-less office has streamlined the process of managing patients. Prescriptions, x-rays, and treatment plans are easily accessible from any computer in the office.

aside from tHe murals, wHat do CHildren like aBout your offiCe?

We believe that children enjoy visit-ing our office because we work hard to make it not seem like a dental office. They can watch their favorite movies from flat screen TVs that are mounted above each dental chair, select from flavored toothpastes such as chocolate chip cookie dough and straw-berry vanilla, and play video games or read books in our playroom. Before leaving, they select their favorite character toothbrush, choose a bal-loon, and each child is given a golden star token to place in the toy vending machines. It looks like they just left a birthday party! We also have fun monthly contests with cool prizes like movie or bowling passes. We did overhear one child ask, “Mom, when do I get to come back again?” as he was leaving.”


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Author William A. Ward once said, “A house is built of walls and beams, but a home is built of love and

dreams.” Your home reflects you—your personality, tastes, hobbies, and lifestyle. It is your haven, and Gigi Kinsey, owner of Kinsey Interiors, can help you transform your design dreams into realities.

Gigi, who “has always had a passion for interior design,” began Kinsey Interiors ten years ago.

She especially loves designing custom window treatments, but her expertise encompasses all aspects of design. Do you need help with finish selections? Are you undecided whether to go with wood floors or carpeting, granite countertops or tile, neutral paint or a bolder statement?

Whether it is finishes, custom drapery treatments, new furnishings, furniture layouts, space planning—even a remodeling project—Gigi can help.

Have a new home, but don’t have a clue how to decorate it? Gigi, who also merchandises model homes, can make starting from scratch less overwhelming. She is experienced in taking a builder’s model home and turning it into a dream home. She selects all the furniture and accessories for the model, strategically placing them so that the buyers feel right at home. She often selects the finishes for these interiors as well. “We’ve done several homes for Jimmy Jacobs recently, and will start another home soon for Jeff Watson,” says Gigi.

At the other end of the spectrum, if you have a home to sell, Gigi can help with that, too. “By placing the client’s furnishings

and accessories in a certain way,” says Gigi, “it helps sell the home.” Proper staging can make a world of difference in the first impression left with prospective buyers.

About three years ago, Gigi and her husband Doug decided to merge Kinsey Interiors with his plumbing business to create a win-win situation. With their combined expertise they are able to provide a variety of solutions

BykAREN

pOllARd

Walls, Beams,Love and Dreams


for clients. Currently, a large part of their business is bath and kitchen remodels. Gigi says, “We do a lot of master bath remodels, giving the client big, beautiful showers and luxurious spa-like rooms.”

Past clients have said that everyone at Kinsey Interiors is so “friendly and down to earth”, which is very important to Gigi. She explains that “for a designer and client to work well with each other, it is vital that the client feel comfortable. One of our biggest problems is that people don’t want to give us a budget, and this leads to wasted time for everyone. Regardless of what the budget is,” Gigi says, “we can work with it”. She adds, “We will do everything in our power to give you the best bang for your buck.”

How Gigi charges for interior design

services depends on the project. For custom window treatments, she will come out and talk with you, take measurements, then later present you with computerized renderings to scale, fabrics options, and an estimated cost. Gigi structures other projects differently, but she gives a free 30-minute consultation to prospective clients. She says this helps “make sure we’re a good fit.” Also, showing Gigi magazine pictures of what you have in mind, helps her know what direction to take with the project. “Even if these pictures show spaces that seem out of your reach,” Gigi says “we know a lot of little tricks to get the look for a lot less money. Whatever your vision for your home or office, big or small, the people at Kinsey Interiors can help you bring it to fruition.

For more information see www.kinseyinteriors.com, or call 512-930-2677

Gigi Kinsey

“Regardless of what the budget is, we can work with it.

We will do everything in our power to give you

the best bang for your buck.”


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There are dozens of excuses for avoiding the gym, but none of them works when it comes to Anytime Fitness. “We

take away excuses,” says manager Jason Voges. The gym is open 24 hours, on weekends, and during holidays. Plus, it is open to all members in over 1300 locations

around the world. But Anytime Fitness is also excuse-proof because it focuses on personalizing fitness so that “people can accomplish their individual goals.”

“We’re a small gym,” Jason emphasizes, “and we make people feel at home. We want people to feel like ‘it’s my gym,’ like they’re connected to it.”

Members can do their own thing, or the staff can personalize a program for them. Trainers meet with new members to discuss their individual goals, and they do a body assessment—for free. “We can check body fat, muscle percentage, and weight to see what your starting point is,” says Jason. “We will touch base with members every five to six weeks and check where they’re

at and change their program if necessary,” Jason adds.

Trainers also take new members through a workout to make sure they understand how to use the top-of-the line Precor machines. Clients may hire personal trainers, but Jason and the four trainers on staff are always available for questions and advice—no strings attached. In a new group fitness room, the gym also offers fun, energizing group classes based on what clients request. “We have a dry erase ‘communications board’ so we can post what’s going on, and members can tell us what they want to do,” Jason says.

“We’re here to help people change their lives,” Jason declares, recalling a member who, when she first joined the gym over a year ago, could do only five pushups. Jason worked with her to design the perfect program, and “now she’s 51 and can do several sets of 30 pushups,” he says proudly. “Now she’s in great shape, running 5ks and 10ks.”

Member Vickie Jackimiec

BymEGm.

mORiNG

Fitness Anytime, No Excuses.“i don’t know how to use weight machines.”

“i feel lost in a big gym.”

“i can’t get to the gym before it closes.”


agrees. She once weighed 330 pounds, and Anytime Fitness helped her change her life after gastric bypass surgery. “The surgery is a great jumpstart,” she says, but she needed a gym to help her lose more weight. “I told the staff here about my medical conditions, and they got my workout to work for me. Now I weigh 135. I just turned 52.”

Besides the personal attention, members also feel at home because the gym is very secure. Instead of a locker room, members get private bathrooms with locking doors. The bathrooms are cleaned by a professional crew and include a shower, a commode, and a sink—just like at home. For people who can only work out at night, the gym makes sure

they are safe and comfortable when no staff are on duty. Security cameras monitor the parking lot and the inside of the gym. Members use a swipe card to open the door, which allows only one person to enter at a time. There are red emergency push buttons throughout the building, and

people may wear special necklaces connected directly to 911. Jason says many of the gym’s nighttime clients are parents who come after the kids are in bed, daytime workers, or people who

For upcoming classes and more information:

anytime fitness4112 Williams DriveGeorgetown, TX (512) 863-9990www.anytimefitness.com

need to start their days before most gyms open. The gym’s easy, secure access works great for these people.

Nope, all the old excuses just don’t work at Anytime Fitness. It’s a place where people put on their sneakers and change their lives—anytime, anywhere, any day.


BykARENlANGE

All ThingsPersonalized

G R E A T E x p E c T A T i O N s

it’s the time of year that thoughts turn to love, amore, liebe, el amor, aimer, aloha—whatever the language, the feeling is the same. Love

makes hearts flutter, palms sweat, and minds wander. What better way to show your affection than with a unique, one-of-a kind gift for your sweetheart? Personalized gifts are in, and we’ve searched Georgetown for gifts that will suite your loved one’s individual style. We hope you have just as much fun giving them as we did gathering them!

Flowers are love’s truest language. Red flowers such as roses represent passion, while blue flowers signify peace and serenity. Purple flowers convey dignity, pride, and success. Which color suites your beloved?

The Flower Box, located at Martin Luther King Boulevard in Georgetown, can set you up with the flowers that speak volumes to your loved one.

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but Quenan’s, on the Georgetown Square, can help you choose a gift that fits your beloved perfectly. Choose beautiful initial jewelry or ask Quenan’s to have a piece engraved with a special message for your beloved.

Delight the taste buds this Valentine’s Day with the gift of food. Two stores on the Square, Sweet Serendipity and the Georgetown Winery, have partnered to create a truly delicious gift. Choose your favorite wine, and Winery owner Dan Marek will hand deliver the bottle to Sweet Serendipity to have it dipped in chocolate, complete with a personalized label affixed to the front! Sweet Serendipity is also creating confectionary bouquets that can

also be personalized. These items, as well as Sweet Serendipity’s famous chocolate-covered strawberries, go fast. Order early!

Give Cupid’s wings to stress and let it fly away at Novitá Spa on The Square. The spa offers “A

Beautiful Day to Remember Couples Package” that includes a Swedish massage, spa lunch, Tuscan Retreat pedicure/manicure, Novitá Spa revitalizing facial, mineral makeup application, SPF consultation and application, and a Facial

Essentials bag to take home. Gift giving can’t get more

personalized than a hand-written love letter. Show your sweetheart that you can do more than text, email or call. A recent magazine article may have said it best: “The power of a handwritten letter is greater than ever. It’s personal and deliberate and means more than an e-mail or text ever will.” We couldn't have said it better.


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BykAThYBUcklEYl

aurie Holland’s recipes tell a love story. Mixed in with the ingredients are memories of her fairytale romance with her one

true love, her husband Bart.Laurie met Bart Holland in high

school. After graduation, Bart became a gourmet chef in Dallas, while Laurie lived in Houston. Twenty-four years later, a mutual friend gave him her phone num-ber, and Bart arranged to meet Laurie again. It was as if they had never been apart. Bart proposed at Love Field in Dallas, and a year later they married on Valentine’s Day. However, the fairytale ro-mance was cut short when Bart passed away sixteen days later.

Laurie still smiles when she thinks of Bart’s philosophy: “Ap-proach love and cooking with

reckless abandonment.” With Bart’s zest for food and life in mind, Laurie opened a kitchen shop dedicated to Bart’s memory and name: Hollandaze Gourmet.

Bart’s delectable piña Colada recipeIngredients:4oz.canunsweetenedpineapple

juice4oz.coconutrum(orjustplain

rum)½cancasacocoorcocolopez

coconutcrème1healthyscoopvanillaicecream

(Optional)

Instructions:Fillblenderwithice.Addallingredients.mix.YUm!

W h A T ’ s c O O k i N ’

Recipesfroma RomanceRemembered


parmesan potato sticksIngredients:½cupplainbreadcrumbs½cupgratedparmesancheese¹⁄₈tspgarlicpowder½tspsalt¹⁄₈tspblackpowder6mediumpotatoes(about2

pounds)Nonstickcookingspray

Instructions:preheatovento400degrees.coat9"x13"bakingdishwithnonstickcookingspray.inasmallbowl,combinebreadcrumbs,parmesancheese,garlicpowder,saltandpepper.mixwellandsetaside.peelpotatoesandcutlengthwiseintofourwedges.cuteachwedgelengthwiseintothreestrips.dipeachstripinmeltedbutter,theninparmesanmixture,coatingcompletely.placeinasinglelayerinbakingdish.pouranyremainingmeltedbutteroverpotatoes.Bakefor30to35minutes,oruntilpotatoesaretender.Turnpotatoesoveronceortwiceduringbaking.

Bart & laurie’s Chicken spaghetti Bartandicombinedourownversionsofthiscasseroleintoonewonderfulrecipe.Youcanprettymuchaddwhateversoundsgood.Thisishowwemadeitatchristmas.

Ingredients:1rotisseriechicken(fromgrocery

store),debonedandcutintobitesizedpieces

1cupeachchoppedonion,bellpepperandcelery

1canRotel®tomatoes,drained1cancreamofmushroomorcream

ofchickensoup1smallboxVelveeta©cheese,cut

intolargecubes1smallpackageofspaghetti

noodlesButter,totaste

Instructions:cookspaghettiaccordingtopackagedirections.inaskillet,sautévegetablesinasmallamountofbutter.inabowl,mixtomatoesandcannedsoup.Addsoupmixturetoskillet.AddVelveetacheesetoskillet.Allowcheesetomelt.Addchickenanddrainedspaghetti.(Forcreamiercasserole,uselessspaghetti.)mixwellandpourintogreasedcasserole.Bakeat350for30minutesoruntilslightlybrownontop.

Options:canaddfrozenpeasandcarrots,freshorcannedmushroomsandblackolives,oranythingyoulike.

Hot Crawfish dip Thisisgreatdip.ihavenevermetanyonewhodidn’tlikeit.Enjoy!

Ingredients:1poundfrozencrawfishtails1onion,chopped1greenbellpepper,chopped1stickmargarine(donotusereal

butter)8oz.pepperJackcheesewith

jalapenos,cubed8oz.creamcheese,cubed1cancreamofmushroomsoup

Tonychachere’scajunseasoning,totaste

Bagelcrispsortoastedrounds,forserving

Instructions:Thedaybefore,heavilymarinatedefrostedcrawfishtailswithTonychachere’scajunseasoning.keepinrefrigeratorandstiroccasionally.Addalittlemoreseasoningwitheachstirring.(Thetailscomealreadycookedbutareunseasonedandverybland.)inlargefrypan,sautéonionandbellpepperinbutter.Addcheese.Addsoupandcrawfishtailslast.heatuntilallingredientsaremelted,hot,andreadytoeat!servewithbagelcrispsortoastedrounds.

W h A T ’ s c O O k i N ’

almond roca Ingredients:1cupchoppedalmonds1cupgranulatedsugar¼tspsalt2sticksmargarine,less2Tbsp6smallhershey’s®candybars,

unwrappedAluminumfoil

Instructions:spreadalmondsonaluminumfoil(about18incheslong).inaheavyskillet,cookmargarine,saltandsugaruntilmixtureisthecolorofpeanutbutter.pourhotmixtureoveralmondsandimmediatelyplacecandybarsonhotmixture.chocolatebarswillcompletelymeltwithinafewminutes.meltedchocolatecanbesmoothedalittlewithaspoon.Afteraboutfifteenminutes,turnalmondchocolatemixtureoverontoaluminumfoil.placeinrefrigeratorforonehour.Breakintopieces.


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T R A V E l E R ’ s

v i e w

honeymoons can be traced as far back as Biblical times, but honeymoons as we recognize them today

originated in the upper class of nineteenth-century England. New-lyweds toured “the continent,” and a groom’s family paid for the trip. Today, modern couples like Lindsay and Brandon Currey pay for their honeymoon themselves. Only, the honeymoon they paid for turned out to be priceless.

In 2008, Lindsay and Brandon had saved money for their dream honeymoon on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia. However, gas prices skyrocketed, and their airline carrier dropped the flight to the island. To book a flight on another airline would have put them $1000 over budget. After much deliberation, Lindsay de-clared that St. Lucia was not the only place to have a honeymoon,

and Brandon called a travel agent, who recommended El Dorado Casitas Royale in Mexico.

Located between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, El Dorado Casitas Royale is an all-inclusive, adults-only resort. Listed as one of Conde Nast Traveler “Readers’ Top 100 Hotels in the World” and an AAA Four Diamond resort, El Dorado Casitas Royale is a leader in romantic luxury. Instead of a typical hotel room, Lindsay and Brandon had their own bungalow. “When I walked into the room I was crying,” Lindsay said. “It was so awesome.”

Having stayed at other resorts at some of Mexico’s favorite vacation destinations, Lindsay knew that the service would be outstanding, but the Casitas exceeded her wildest dreams. “It was more upscale,” she said. “The food was nicer than the standard breakfast, lunch, and dinner buf-

fet. The Casitas caters more gour-met food and wine.” If couples choose, the resort also provides candlelight picnics on the beach.

After a huge, stressful wedding all Brandon and Lindsay wanted to do was relax. “We read a lot and napped,” Lindsay says with a laugh. They also had a romantic, relaxing couples’ massage on the beach. “The resort has something for everyone. You don’t have to leave the property if you don’t want to,” she says. But Brandon braved driving in Mexico, and he and Lindsay visited the ruins of Tulum and the town of Playa del Carmen. Brandon also went fish-ing and caught a bonefish, while Lindsay stayed behind to read and drink lots of Bloody Marys!

Their honeymoon wasn’t what they had planned. “But it turned out so much better,” Lindsay said. “It was perfect.”

ByEmilY

TREAdWAY

A HoneymoonBeyond Price and Dreams


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N A T U R A l

v i e w

motorists speeding by the blinking Inner Space sign on I-35 south of Georgetown often

have no idea that the cavern, visited yearly by nearly 120,000 tourists, conceals surreal beauty below its concrete surface. This fanciful world developed over eons of time in the limestone along the Balcones Fault dividing east and west Georgetown, but it lay undiscovered by modern man until 1963.

A Texas Highway Department drilling crew found the cave unex-pectedly as they took core samples along the proposed I-35 route. Testing for ground stable enough to support a large over-pass, the drill bit suddenly dropped 26 feet. Other test holes repeat-edly broke

through limestone to subterranean… nothing-ness. Then, one brave workman was lowered into the black cavity, clinging to the drill bit. Over the next few months, excited yet methodical exploration continued on the property owned by Rev. W. W. Laubach; eventually, spelunkers identified four caves on the site. Commercial operations began in 1966 under a 99-year lease, and researchers from the University of Texas Department of Geological Sciences, Texas Parks and Wild-life, Texas Highway Department, and other groups still access the cave.

Now, visitors walking the three-quarter mile tour path marvel at formations with such picturesque names as Soda Straw Balcony, Outer Cathedral, Flowing Stone of Time, Castle Balcony, Inner Cathedral, Lunar Landscape, and Lake of the Moon. They learn that paleontologists have found evidence of jaguars, bison, and mammoths, and that climatolo-gists have charted 70,000 years of clues to earth’s climate. Research-ers and spelunkers have explored continually during the past 47 years, mapping over four miles of the cave and finding new areas named The Squid Room, Dragon’s Mouth, and The Chapel.

Inner Space Cavern is rich in decorative crystal forma-tions of calcite, varying in color from translucent white to yel-low, brown, and red. Over time, elements and water seepage have formed hollow tubes (soda straws) of an inch to nearly six feet, stalactites, stalagmites, columns, cave drapery (bacon), cave popcorn, and flowstone. Ad-ditionally, the cave has helictite, delicate rare formations that grow outward, curving back or zigzag-ging. Tony Bowerman, a longtime employee, noted that 95 percent of the formations are still “liv-ing,” safeguarded by visitors who respect the “hands-off” guidelines. Allowing visitors close to the formations makes Inner Space unique among commercial caves.

For curious visitors, excited schoolchildren, intrepid spelunk-ers, and dedicated research-ers alike, earth’s “inner space” awaits—ancient, interesting, and nearby.

ByNANcY

BAcchUs

A World Down Under

inner spaCe CavernLearn more about the cavern and its gift shop at

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Love is in the air!so we’ve added a valentine’s day twist to the contest this month.

Find the 10 differences in the pictures above. identify all 10 and submit your name, phone number and email address to [email protected]. we will draw a winner who will receive a $50 gift certificate to Adi’s Restaurant.


Amy Litzinger, a recent graduate of South-western University, has incredible karma. Literally. Karma the

yellow lab has been lending a paw or a nose to Amy for three years, helping her navigate, nudg-ing open doors, pressing buttons, and fetching items for her. Amy has just one word to describe her Karma: “awesome.”

Karma has to be awesome to keep up with Amy. Amy has been an advocate for people with dis-abilities since her first rally on the

steps of the Texas State Capitol when she was a freshman in high school. She is passionate in her goal to preserve state and fed-eral funding and services for the disabled. Amy presently serves on the Children’s Policy Council, and was on the National Council of Disability Youth Advisory Com-mittee. These organizations contact legisla-tures and pro-

mote the needs of the disabled, Amy explains.

Amy received Karma from Texas Hearing and Ser-vice Dogs (THSD), a nonprofit organiza-tion in Austin that trains dogs to assist those living with hearing and mobil-ity impairments. THSD rescues potential service dogs from animal shelters, choosing animals based on their disposition, friendliness, and willingness to work. Karma was discovered at an animal shel-ter in Mesquite, Texas.

Dogs entering the program receive extensive training at the THSD facility. They are matched with potential partners based on needs and personality. Training isn’t just for the dogs, Amy adds. THSD also teaches the new part-ners how to work with the dogs.

Once training at the facility is completed, the dogs spend time in the home of their foster trainer to adjust to living in a home environment. When Amy first started working with Karma, she was amazed how Karma already knew what she wanted her to do. It turns out that Karma’s foster trainer knew she was a perfect

match for her friend Amy and had an idea of the skills that would best meet Amy’s needs.

Service dogs work on a posi-tive reinforce-ment system, Amy explains. They work for food, praise, or toys, and are rewarded

for desired behaviors. In public, service dogs wear an orange vest when working. Anyone wanting to pet a service dog, or any dog, should always ask first. In THSD’s procedure, the dog must be sitting or lying down in order to be pet-ted. That way, the dog is rewarded for calm behavior.

Like many dogs from shelters, Karma has fears and “quirks” related to her life before enter-ing the program. Karma almost wasn’t placed because she had a fear of elevators, Amy says. How-ever, Amy unwittingly solved the problem when she spilled Karma’s treat bag in an elevator. Now Karma can’t wait to get into one!

Amy and Karma plan many visits to Southwestern University in the future. Amy will be attend-ing graduate school, and her good Karma will be right by her side.

BykAThY

BUcklEY

Good Karma

A N i m A l

v i e w

Amy Litzinger and Karma


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E V E N T s


FEBRUARY3 | georgetown newComer’s. St. John’s United

Methodist, 9:30am. georgetownnewcomers.org

4-6 | tHe sunsHine Boys. The Palace, Fri and Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2:00pm. georgetownpalace.com

4 | first friday. Shop, Eat, Music, on the Square, 6-8pm. thegeorgetownsquare.com

4 | pasta nigHt at tHe vineyard at florenCe. 5:30 – 7:00 (also on 2/11, 2/18, 2/25) thevineyardatflorence.com

5 | low Cost vaCCination CliniC for pets. Williamson County Shelter, 1855 SE Inner Loop, 11-2. wilcopets.org

5 | austin CiviC orCHestra/andrew sords. Violin, SU Fine Arts Center, 7-9pm Southwestern.edu/sarofin/calendar

6 | Bridal sHow at The Vineyard at Florence, win raffle for venue space, noon-3pm. thevineyardatflorence.com

11 | alzHeimer’s support group. The Lodge at Rocky Hollow, County Road 215, 1-2pm. Londa Hebert 512.887.3962

12 | gault site tours. 9:00am.williamsonmuseum.org

14 | valentine’s day dinner at The Vineyard at Florence, 6:30pm. Reservations 254.793.3363, thevineyardatflorence.com

If you have an event you would like to

include in next month’s issue, send

your information to [email protected] by the 15th of the

month and we’ll do our best to include you.

14 | reimer’s roCk ClimBing. Dripping Springs, 8-5.adventuregeorgtown.org

15 | star smiles dentistry Cupid’s CHase 5k run/

walk. 7th and Main, 8:30am. cupid.georgetown.org

15 | Books for texas. Book Club, 7:00pm at Georgetown Public Library. williamsonmuseum.org/bookclub

15 | adoption Classes at Williamson County Animal Shelter. 5:30-6:30pm. wilcopets.org

17 | Bill engvall from the Blue Collar Comedy Tour benefitting United Way, at The GHS Performing Arts Center, 8-10pm (doors open at 7:15pm). [email protected]

18-20 | evita at The Palace, Fri and Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2:00pm. georgetownpalace.org

23 | stravinsky’s Histoire du soldat. SU Fine Arts Center, 7-9pm. Inaugural Brown Symposium XXXIII Performance. southwestern.edu/sarofin/calendar

26-28 | auditions for CaBaret. The Palace.georgetownpalace.com

27 | Bridal sHowCase. at 9th Grade Cafeteria, 4490 E University, noon-5pm. georgtownchamber.org

Each month we hide an object somewhere in the magazine. if you can find it, you could win a prize! in this issue, the groundhog you see here is hidden somewhere in one of the ads! Find it and email the correct location to [email protected] or snail-mail the answer to Georgetown View Magazine, P.o. Box 2281, georgetown, tx 78627.

this month’s winning answer will be selected at random, and will win a $50 gift certificate to

Silver and Stone Restaurant!

congratulations to Betty Sappington for winning the January contest!Last month’s Champagne glassses were found on Page 47,

Innovative Pools and Spas.

Find the Groundhog!


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The brand new Country Inn & Suites Georgetown, TX hotel, where guests enjoy easy access to Southwestern University, Inner Space Cavern, Georgetown Historic District, and a number of other attractions in Georgetown.

Hotel amenities include an on-site Fitness Center, sparkling outdoor pool, Business Center, complimentary high-speed, wireless Internet access and a complimentary breakfast served every day.

The Country Inn & Suites features 76 hotel rooms equipped with cable TV, complimentary high-speed, wireless Internet access, coffee makers, work desks, microwaves and refrigerators. For guests seeking additional room, our hotel in Georgetown features Executive Suites, Studio Suites and Whirlpool Suites. Perfect place to book your wedding parties!

Perfect for meetings and social events of up to 20 people, the Country Inn & Suites Georgetown, TX hotel features 275 square feet of flexible meeting space. For added convenience, our Georgetown hotel offers audio/visual equipment, complimentary high-speed Internet and support from our professional staff.

To help guests start their day off right, the Country Inn & Suites serves a complimentary hot breakfast daily. Our Georgetown hotel’s breakfast features bagels, fresh fruit, hot and cold cereals, waffles and more.

Stroll through beautiful downtown Georgetown and appreciate some of the finest Victorian architecture in Texas. Unique shopping, delicious dining, restored historic buildings and local landmarks offer insight into Georgetown’s rich history. Enjoy a leisurely stroll or take advantage of a guided tour, offered by the Georgetown Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Choose the Country Inn & Suites and enjoy the amenities and friendly hospitality that set us apart from other hotels in Georgetown, TX.

Meet Our Veterinarians

Award-Winning Facilities

Dr. Wayne Zeh has been a practicing veterinarian in Central Texas for 17 years. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1993 from Texas A&M University. In addition to canine and feline pets, Dr. Zeh’s interests include exotic pets and geriatric pet medicine.

Dr. Jensen Young is a gradu-ate of Texas A&M University (B.S., Biomedical Science) and Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He also participated in the prestigious Veterinary Clinical Program at Texas A&M. At Zoot Pet Hospital, Dr. Young’s interests include internal medicine and orthopedic surgery.

Dr. A.J. Clemmons attended Texas A&M University where she received her Bachelor’s in Animal Science in and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Her professional inter-ests at Zoot include canine and feline internal medicine and reproduction. She is also an avid equestrian and is often compet-ing with her horses when she’s away from the hospital.

Zoot Pet Hospital has received a 2010 Hospital Design Merit Award for excellence in cutting-edge veterinary hospital design in the 45th annual Veterinary Economics Hospital Design Competition. Zoot was one of only ten similarly recognized pet hospitals nationally, and the sole award-winner in the state of Texas.

3981 Highway 29 West, Georgetown | (512) 864–ZOOT [9668] | ZOOTPETS.com

The Most Modern Medical, Surgical, And Dental Care For Your Pet Family

georgetown view magazine/ february 2011

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