Issuu

OCTOBER 2021

It's a Panther Nation and we love it!

IN THIS ISSUE Saddle Up! | Williamson County Fair & Rodeo Worth the Drive | One-of-a-Kind Pumpkin Patch Around Town | Pothole "Fairies" Out of the Closet

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INSIDE FEATURES 8 PANTHER PATRIOTS Panther Football Team Honors Their Heroes

14 POTHOLE FAIRIES Neighbors' Creativity Gets the Job Done!

FAVORITES 4

COMMUNITY SUPPORT Checking in with The Panther Pit Crew

WHAT MAKES TEXAS "TEXAS" Live Mascots

TOWNS AROUND Williamson County Fair & Rodeo

WORTH THE DRIVE Leander Pumpkin Pool Party

EXPERIENCE LIBERTY HILL Shooting Star Ranch Wraps Summer Dance Series

BELLE CHIMES IN Shower Thoughts

HOME & GARDEN Getting Boo'ed

FOOD Killer Halloween Recipes

PARTING SHOT Honoring America on the Playground

ON THE COVER Panther football players kneel on the 13 yard line to honor 13 Marines lost in Afghanistan.

8 PANTHER (AND PATRIOT) NATION A good community is filled with good people. William James is another great example of the energy and spirit of Panther sports. photo by Racheal James

10 WHAT MAKES TEXAS "TEXAS"? Mascots like Reveille and Bevo

photos by Racheal James

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Liberty Hill digest

Published by Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC

PUBLISHER

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Ann Marie Kennon

Cathy Payne

COMMUNITY EDITOR

Megan Diane Beatty

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. SENIOR WRITER Charlotte Kovalchuk CONTRIBUTING WRITER Greta Bauer GRAPHICS & DESIGN Sandra Evans • Ann Marie Kennon CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kendra Cofer • Charlotte Kovalchuk Megan Diane Beatty SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR • Jenny Campbell ACCOUNT SERVICES • Debbie Tolliver DISTRIBUTION • David Schumacher IT/WEBMASTER • Jesse Payne CONSULTANT • W. Ben Daniel

ADVERTISING Jenny Campbell 254-251-9167 (Cell) 512-598-6538 (Direct) jenny@lhtxdigest.com

Liberty Hill Digest is a Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC publication. Copyright © 2021 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

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EDITOR’S NOTE | MEGAN DIANE BEATTY I am glad we live in a world where October exists. It’s a month filled with family fun and Halloween became more exciting when I had kids. I love to dress up in costume for them and to be a part of happy memories they will look back on as adults. This year I will be Anna from "Frozen", a movie that never gets old to my girls. Each page of this month's Liberty Hill Digest has a tiny detail with a big meaning behind it. A purple and gold heart with Payton and Kimberly Schrock's initials wrap each page number to honor these very special members of our community who are gone too soon. Nothing can fill the hole these two have left behind, but I hope the tribute brings some comfort knowing that no soul is alone in our community. Thank you Leshelle Vallejo for designing the hearts. It’s no secret that Friday night lights are a big deal here and I love seeing all the purple and gold around the community. Seeing our boys kneeling at the 13th yard line for the 13 fallen Marines gave me such pride that I wanted to shout from rooftops how much I love Liberty Hill. This is precisely what makes our growing community keep that small town feel. Go Panthers! Also on their team, the Panther Pit Crew continues to impress with their involvement with our kids and our community. When a need pops up, you can bet they are there to answer it. Liberty Hill has its very own superheroes with these guys. I am excited to attend the October 22nd Dancing Under the Stars Spook-tacular at Shooting Star Ranch. Not only is it going to be loads of fun, but it’s also benefiting a cause that I benefited from when my daughter had cancer. Plus, I'm so excited the ever-so-popular and creative sinkhole fairies reveal themselves in this issue! This hilarious duo lives in my neighborhood and I personally enjoyed waking up to a new, creative scenery designed to bring awareness to our pothole problem—and it worked! Happy Halloween Liberty Hill!

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COMMUNITY SUPPORT

by Megan Diane Beatty • megan@lhtxdigest.com photos courtesy John Cearly

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS WITH THE

olks in Liberty Hill might be spread out but, as Clint Stephenson says, everyone comes together for Friday night football games. That’s how the Panther Pit Crew started its fundraising efforts for students—as a group of dudes who gathered simply to hold tailgate parties before games. Clint and fellow co-founder Scott Supak started tailgating and cooking at the old high school stadium behind the Liberty Hill Elementary School. “We’d give away food and stuff and tried to change the atmosphere and bring the community together,” Clint says. “We're just a group of really good guys who like doing stuff for the community.” After 15 friends jumped on board, the Panther Pit Crew was established as a nonprofit to raise money for students. The group has more than doubled since then, despite last year's "virtual-everything" challenges.

THE TAILGATES Throughout the year, the Crew holds tailgate parties pepped up by cheerleaders and the school band, and student

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groups can earn points by showing their school spirit through games like corn hole, ring toss, and pie-in-the-face. Crew members have their own fun by cooking all sorts of delicious dishes, from buffalo chicken wings, rib-eye steaks and jalapeno poppers to fajitas and deep-fried corn dogs. Tailgates take place before football games, but the Crew has reached out to all types of school clubs, from robotics and cross-country to cheerleaders and Project Graduation. In 2020, the Crew... Increased the number of teams participating in their annual golf tournament and raised $17,000. Held a Virtual Tailgate contest; student groups and organizations submitted videos to make their case for grant money. Members successfully recruited and doubled their membership. This is a sign, President John Cearly says, that there are always more individuals looking for ways to support the schools and the community.

THE MISSION John says the Crew is very excited to have tailgates in person this year. "Last year was tough for us because we were unable to get out face-toface to promote our brand and talk about all the great things we are planning and doing for the community. We are looking forward to having bigger and more resourceful tailgates this year."

Panther Pit Crew

The Panther Pit Crew hosts a tailgate at every home Varsity football game. Free food is served while it lasts. Festivities begin around 5pm until 30 minutes before kickoff.

During the year-end tailgate party, the Crew will again provide grant money to groups. “One case where everybody gets a trophy is a good thing,” Clint says. Last year, the Crew distributed nearly $20,000 they raised while staying safe during the pandemic. This year John estimates they will be able to give away $30,000 to teams and student groups.

Email lhpantherpitcrew@gmail.com for more information or to make a donation.

As such, the Panther Pit Crew mission is to support the whole community by supporting all the ISD organizations. "We continually strive to raise more money and partner for more resources so we can build awareness within the community. That said, our internal mission is to add more great individuals to our group to help us; those who are also looking to achieve the goals of Panther Pit Crew."

HOME GAMES

The group is open to new members year-round, and they provide updates on events and fundraisers on their Facebook page. All are welcome at their tailgate parties and members are happy to share information about membership as well. John adds, "We only ask that those interested in membership be sponsored by a current member who can share the mission and values of the Panther Pit Crew prior to applying."

Friday, October 15 vs. Marble Falls

Friday, November 5 vs. Austin Northeast

Scan the code above for more information. The Panther Pit Crew is a 501(c)3 and is an all-volunteer group that provides financial support to Liberty Hill school organizations.

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by Charlotte Kovalchuk • charlotte@lhtxdigest.com

PANTHER NATION

photos courtesy Racheal James and LHISD

Panther Football Honors America's Heroes

Taking a knee, they honored all the heroes in their lives with a moment of silence. “Every person on that team has a classmate going into the military, or a family member or neighbor in the military,” Superintendent Snell says. The tribute was as much for the players as it was for the military. “These young men have been through a lot, with the death of a coach, COVID—they have a lot on their minds. Getting beyond the negative is a difference maker for them,” Superintendent Snell says.

n Friday nights, the community unites at Panther stadium to cheer on its football team and celebrate all the students and organizations that make Liberty Hill ISD special. Last month, the team used the field as an opportunity to pay tribute to America’s heroes. Superintendent Steve Snell was inspired to make Liberty Hill ISD a light and he pitched the idea of a military tribute to the football team. “With all the negativity we’re seeing in our country, with COVID or politics or the world, what went on in Afghanistan, and what’s going on in our borders, there’s a lot of negative,” he says. “Liberty Hill ISD wants to be that light for the community and an example of the good things in our country and what’s great about America.”

TEAM PLAYERS The players were immediately on board with the tribute goal, especially since their “Senior Call to Leadership” retreat last Spring featured a brotherhood theme and military members who spoke to them about leadership. Superintendent Snell says, “I thought the tribute would be a good way to bring back the lessons of that night last year and demonstrate that our seniors are great examples of our vision." Before the second home game of the year against Del Valle, the players burst out of the locker room carrying a service or American flag, then made their way solemnly to the 13 yard line... one yard for every Marine lost in Afghanistan last month.

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For senior Andon Thomas, the tribute was about honoring his dad, who served 20 years in the Army; he plans to follow in his dad’s footsteps. His teammate, Chance Pogue, plans to follow his brother. “I just think so highly of service members,” says Chance, whose brother serves in the Navy. “They do so much for us. Often, we take that for granted. To be able to show appreciation in that way, for their sacrifice and what they do for us each and every day, that’s a really big thing for me. It’s something we need to do more often.” Carter Hudson, whose brother is also in the Navy, wholeheartedly agrees. “Anytime I see someone in a military uniform, I try to say, ‘Thank you for your service.’ The amount of things they do for us and other citizens in our country—I think it’s incredible.”

PANTHER NATION

W I L L I A M S O N CO U N T Y J U D G E B I L L G R AV E L L S H A R E D T H E ORIGINAL POST WITH HIS CO U N T Y - W I D E F O L LO W I N G , A L L B U T G UA R A N T E E I N G A V I R A L V I C TO R Y F O R T H E PA N T H E R N AT I O N .

TEAM ADMIN Several people came together to make the tribute happen, including Coach Kent Walker, who cleared some time in the team's schedule for Superintendent Snell to talk to the players. Marsha Hood, who works at the ISD administration office, and her husband ordered the flags; and Construction Manager Trent Shifflett procured a generous financial donation from McCoy’s Building Supply. Finally, Athletics Administrative Assistant Gina Ketchem organized the flags before the game.

“We’re a part of something much bigger than ourselves,” Superintendent Snell says about the tribute’s impact. “We live in the greatest country in the world, with the greatest military, and we want to pay our respects to the fallen Marines, the military as a whole, and our friends and family who serve. It was a good night for our community and it’s all about being that positive light for the community.”

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LIVE ANIMAL MASCOTS WHAT MAKES TEXAS “TEXAS”? by Ann Marie Kennon

T E X A S B O A S T S T H R E E O F F OX S P O R T S ' TO P 25 L I V E A N I M A L M A S COT S

DID YOU KNOW...? Before there was a Bevo, there was a feisty tan and white Pit Bull mix named Pig. From 1914 to 1923 Pig could be seen authoritatively walking around the UT-Austin campus daily. As the varsity mascot, he went to classes with students, attended athletic events and participated in morning "fall outs" with military cadets during World War I. It is rumored Pig would even growl whenever anyone mentioned the Aggies. Students at UT were very attached to Pig, despite the introduction of the first Bevo in 1916. Introducing a live longhorn as a mascot is attributed to alumnus Stephen Pinckney, who gathered $124 from other alumni to purchase a steer in the 10 10

WHAT MAKES TEXAS, TEXAS?

Panhandle; originally named "Bo" and shipped to Austin. Bevo the First didn't stay too long. He was taken out of town that year and didn't return to campus until 1920.

BEVO II THROUGH XV Bevo has officially been the live mascot of UT athletic programs since 1932. He is always a Texas Longhorn steer with burnt orange and white coloring. The current Bevo (XV) was introduced in 2016. He has a horn span of 58", weighs 1,800lbs and lives right here in Liberty Hill with Betty and John Baker on their Sunrise Ranch; which was also the home of Bevo XIII and Bevo XIV (photo above). Sports Illustrated says Bevo is one of the most recognized college mascots, and has even been called "the toughest-looking animal mascot in sports." Fox Sports ranked him #1 in the top 25 live animal sports mascots.

LADY AND JOY

Texas A&M has none but the First Lady of Aggieland on the sidelines. She is #11 on the Fox poll but is highest-ranking member of the Corps of Cadets who address her as 'Miss Rev, ma'am'. The first Reveille made her appearance in 1931. She is buried, along with all other Reveilles, at the north entrance facing the scoreboard so she can always watch the Aggies win. The first Reveille was a mutt and there are many legends about how she was discovered and came to live on campus. According to Reveille: First Lady of Texas A&M, Reveille made her official debut during a football game in 1932, and “it was the moment that officially earned her the designation as the school's mascot.” She always travels first class, or in private planes (below with cattleman Jim Schwertner), and among the many Reveille traditions is the rule that if she finds her way into a student’s bed, the cadet has to sleep elsewhere, even the floor.

photo courtesy Jim Schwertner

When your team name is the Bears, having a live mascot can be tricky. In true Texas fashion, Baylor University has had a bear habitat since 1917 and they have not one, but two live bears; ranked #10 in the Fox mascot poll. The first bear mascot was acquired after a military group left it in the care of the university during World War I. Mascots are all named Judge (after Baylor namesake Judge R.E.B. Baylor) and each is also given an individual name in honor of a figure in the university's history.

REVEILLE

The current bears (top right), Judge Joy Reynolds (Joy) and Judge Sue Sloan (Lady), are biological sisters. Joy arrived on campus as a cub in 2001; Lady arrived as a cub one year later and was named after the wife of the 12th President of Baylor. Both current ladies attended games on leashes until they got too big. They now weigh 270 to 280 pounds and have their own habitat on the university’s campus. O C TO B E R 2 0 2 1  L I B E R T Y H I L L D I G E ST

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ased in Liberty Hill and counting customers as neighbors and friends, Pruett Window Care is here to serve the community of Liberty Hill. Since launching his window cleaning business, it has been owner Shaun Pruett’s mission for customers to enjoy not only sparkling windows but a positive, trustworthy experience. Shaun, his wife, and three kids, are proud to call Liberty Hill home. All three kids attend Liberty Hill schools and love being part of Panther Nation. “I’ve put down roots as a person, as a family, and also as a business, and I’m here to truly serve

Realtors, some of his top clients, especially agree. “When they list a house, they’ll have me clean the inside and outside of the windows because ‘it makes the whole house pop and shine,’” he shares.

Pruett Window Care promises clear communication and a positive experience from the time the service inquiry is received to when Shaun sends a thank-you note in appreciation of their business. That relationship is important, he says, as he wants to make sure clients trust the window cleaner who is coming into their home. “I want every customer to have an amazing experience the whole way through,” he says.

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AROUND TOWN

by Ann Marie Kennon • annmarie@lhtxdigest.com photos courtesy Lori West

Hole Lotta Love for Pothole Fairies

Stonewall Ranch residents Brandon Goering and Lori West with some of their creative road warriors. 14

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AROUND TOWN

ince 2019, the Stonewall Ranch community has been driving over and around a sinkhole that recently became famous thanks to some anonymous and creative residents. The hole has been repaired four times, or, depending on your perspective, not at all—but the County reports the problem is due to groundwater and has committed to a permanent solution. None the less, the artists' daily scenes drew the necessary attention to the problem and also created a gathering place for neighbors to get to know each other and share a common problem-turned-amusement. Their art drew the attention of a viral audience on Facebook and was even featured on KVUE and KXAN news.

THE REVEAL Last week, the clever couple reached out to the Liberty Hill Digest and said the time had come to reveal their identity. "We are actually surprised our kiddos haven’t outed us yet," Lori West laughs, "especially considering they were interviewed by the television news." Lori explains they both tend to cope with difficult situations with comedy and dealing with the pothole mess was no different. "We had a lot of fun coming up with different ideas and bringing them to life. But most of all, we loved seeing the enjoyment it brought to people in the neighborhood." Lori and Brandon never thought their project would create the buzz that it did, and while they are delighted it brought attention to the recurring pothole issue, they do share a little ambivalence about the episode. "To be honest, we were a little sad to see them fill the hole because we had several more ideas lined up that we planned to do." Editor's Note: If you're really anxious to continue your creative journey, I know of a few potholes in Georgetown and Jarrell that could use your special help!

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by Charlotte Kovalchuk • charlotte@lhtxdigest.com photos courtesy Clint Chitsey & Williamson County Expo Center

WILCO

Saddle Up!

The Inaugural Williamson County Fair and Rodeo

ome to a rich agricultural heritage, Williamson County has enjoyed an annual livestock show and rodeos in Taylor and Jarrell, “But what we’ve never had is a true county fair,” County Treasurer and Williamson County Fair Association President Scott Heselmeyer says. Scott, former County Judge Dan Gattis, and the Expo Center’s Clint Chitsey put their heads together to plan a county fair combining a rodeo, carnival, live music, food, and other family fun. Unfortunately, their plan for the 2020 Williamson County Fair and Rodeo got derailed by the pandemic. “It’s been a really challenging year-and-a-half for everyone,” Scott says. “We’ve been looking forward to having [the fair and rodeo] for quite some time. It’s exciting to be able to finally have it.” Kicking off this month in Taylor, the fair and rodeo will feature a carnival and pig races for the kids, a special mustang event for veterans, concerts featuring Roger Kreger and Tracy Bird, and local live music throughout each day. “The goal is to celebrate

Williamson County’s agricultural heritage through education and entertainment, and to have an opportunity for the community to come together in a fun and family friendly environment,” Scott says. “We’re really hoping it can be a good countywide event and an event for families to come to, even just for part of the day and enjoy activities for some of the day, or to come for the day and the evening for the rodeo and concerts. There’s something for everyone.” To learn more, call 512-238-2101 or info@wilcofair. com. Scan the code for information and tickets.

OCTOBER 21-23 WILLIAMSON COUNTY EXPO CENTER 5350 BILL PICKETT TRAIL ∙ TAYLOR

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WILCO

County Fair Attractions MUSIC

ARTS AND CRAFTS

Friday headliner: Roger Creager Saturday headliner: Tracy Byrd Make your way over to The Corkyard, where you will find the Local Talent Stage featuring an assortment of musicians and performers from around the Austin area. This stage is the perfect, cozy scene to have a glass of wine or a cold beer and listen to up-and-coming entertainment.

PATRIOT PRO MUSTANG SHOWDOWN The Williamson County Fair Association is partnering with the Mustang Heritage Foundation to showcase local veterans, wild mustangs, and professional horse trainers in the Patriot Pro Mustang Showdown at 7 p.m. Thursday. Veterans and professionals will present their mustangs through a freestyle theatrical performance displaying maneuvers with music, costumes and props.

BEER AND WINE GARDEN Unwind at The Corkyard and check out a wide array of beer and wines at the Williamson County Expo's patio. Try a range of domestic, foreign, & craft beers or pair a charcuterie and cheese platter to a new wine. Stop by to relax under the patio lights and soak up the atmosphere while listening to local talented musicians.

CARNIVAL Join us at the carnival grounds to enjoy the thrills the rides have to offer! Kids and families of all ages will enjoy the games and attractions of the carnival.

PETTING ZOO Ever wandered what a goat felt like? Head to the petting zoo filled with friendly furry friends for the whole family to enjoy!

LIVESTOCK SHOW The Youth Sheep & Goat show will be open to all youth exhibitors.

FARMERS MARKET Come experience farm-totable shopping on the fairgrounds! The Farmers Market will feature local vendors and farmers looking to delight attendees with fresh produce and artisan foods. Discover all the great things grown and made in the area! The Farmers Market is located in the Covered Expo by the Main Covered Arena.

The Arts and Crafts Vendor Fair inside the main Expo Hall will include handcrafted jewelry, arts and crafts, holiday decorations, and home goods from more than 60 amazing craft artisans and vendors.

RODEO Hang onto your cowboy hats—you are invited to witness the inaugural Williamson County Rodeo! Grab a seat and watch cowboys and cowgirls race to beat the clock. Riders from far and wide will be competing for cash prizes and prestige! Kids will also be able to join in on the fun in the kids’ mutton bustin' and kids calf scramble events.

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WORTH THE DRIVE

Bobbing for Pumpkins

Scan the code to pre-register (recommended)

f you're looking for something different for your "pumpkin patch" experience this year, a short drive to Leander is the answer. The Leander City Parks and Recreate Department is sponsoring a one-of-a-kind activity at the Bledsoe Pool.

OH MY GOURDNESS If you are already missing summer, you can jump into the pool to choose your pumpkin, or stay dry and scoop one out with the nets provided by the event staff. Then the fun really starts; paint, sequins, glitter and other supplies will be provided to create a gourdgeous work of art.

$8.00 admission for 1 + a large pumpkin $5.00 admission for 1 + a medium pumpkin Mini pumpkins will be provided for children under 1 year old, while supplies last. For more information, contact the Leander Parks and Recreation Department at 512-528-9909 or email landerson@leandertx.gov.

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by Megan Diane Beatty • megan@lhtxdigest.com photos courtesy Kendra Cofer photography

EXPERIENCE LIBERTY HILL

A Successful First Season Wrapping the Season in Spooktacular Style

his month, Shooting Star Ranch is staged for a cause with an upcoming, family-friendly event. This is a fall ‘must do’ featuring live music by the popular Journey tribute band, Departure ATX. The event is the last of the Dancing Under the Stars concert series and will take place on the lawn under century-old oak trees on October 22. Shooting Star owner Shawn Oehrlein says, “Since we kicked off in July, people have shared that they absolutely loved the music concert series; some even described it as magical. Families return each month to hear different bands and support our cause; it has been an extremely successful season." Shawn's concerts and visitors have had a positive impact on the community. They raised money for L4 Cares, individually invited children with cancer and their families to come out and live a normal night, and even helped a military couple with wedding expenses.

EAT, DRINK, AND BE SCARY Lawn chairs are suggested, and costumes are optional but encouraged for participation in several

categories and all ages. There will be wagon rides courtesy of Circle G Ranch and Omo, the great Clydesdale; and food will be available for purchase. Coolers and adult beverages are allowed for a $10 fee. Scan the code for tickets.

HELP AND HOPE L4Cares Founder Kendra Cofer says she has great plans to continue this year and into 2022. “We will always support those going through a difficult time. We focus on families whose children are facing a terminal illness, uplifting seniors in nursing homes, supporting our vets and active military, and helping those who are impacted by a crisis. We encourage people to follow us on Facebook for current needs.”

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•Pies

Shower Thoughts S

ometimes I use my shower time to pray. I could go all English-major on it and say it's all about cleansing the soul and body together, but it's really because I have a short attention span and there's not much multitasking to be done in there anyway. Unless there's a hair stuck on the wall and I can spend five minutes trying to aim the shower head at it. Still, the lack of focus will kick in eventually and my holy intentions turn to ridiculous thoughts... like the fact that biscuits and gravy are just wet flour poured over dry flour. Other thoughts do sometimes include my English major. For example, next time you feel like you want to criticize someone who doesn’t speak English well, think about these sentences… Though rough, the dough-faced, thoughtful man, after falling into a slough, coughed. Later, he sloughed his skin with a bough while walking through the borough. He then slipped on a brooch on the floor, spilled his food, and bloodied his foot. Cooperative, isn't he? The Creator heard the heartbeats of sweaty creatures from above the Earth. When someone tells me to hold my horses, are they implying that I need to be more stable? In the ruining my childhood column… ever consider that The Wizard of Oz might simply be Nietzsche's “eternal recurrence” in which Dorothy will forever wake up from her dream, the tornado is always on the way, and she has to walk the yellow brick road until she reaches the right conclusion without murdering witches? Also, The Lion King is essentially the same plot as Hamlet, but it’s much more fun with cute animals. This didn’t actually ruin any part of my life but finding out stripper poles actually spin… it’s not the super athletic dancer making her body move around it… is kind of a disappointment.

If you replace the W with a T in What, Where, and When, you get the answer. Self driving cars will not need windshield wipers. I think lights might also be optional until everyone else is driving them too. Does anyone ever click on the 3,000 ads that pop up on the 42 one-sentence pages of every click-bait "You won't believe..." headline? How much are those people spending? Well, since the answer is probably a “butt-load”... I found out that is an actual measurement. Based on English wine units, a butt-load cask holds 126 gallons, nestled between the “Tun” and “Puncheon” sizes. You're welcome. Having robots do some of our jobs better than we do sounds like a great idea, until we no longer find extra fries at the bottom of the bag. When we started out, our belly buttons were our mouths. Since the day I began using my mouth and my mouth, I've woken up 19,345 times and I'm still not good at it. All my life I was told never to get in a car with a stranger. In my 20s they said don’t meet up with people from the Internet. Then someone invented Uber. They also told me not to believe everything I saw on TV. Now I have to tell my mom not to believe everything she sees on Facebook. My least favorite advice: Just don’t think about it. You’ll feel better in the morning. Don’t let it bother you. In my 20s, I partied to music on speakers large enough to be furniture that shook the house. Today, I listen to that same music silently through what are essentially hearing-aids, while I do housework. Finally, I realize I didn't say any prayers for people who need them and then I feel bad about wasting water so I pray for rain.

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FAMILY FUN

by Ann Marie Kennon

Getting in the Spirit-s

hile being "ghosted" by a sweetheart is a bad thing, and those playing a spectator sport or performing on a stage have always disliked being "boo'ed, " this Halloween tradition is actually a simple demonstration of friendship and neighborly good will.

BOO! Booing is a Halloween tradition of surprising neighbors with treats during the month leading up to the holiday. It usually begins in late September and ends Halloween night and it has been proliferating since the early 1980s in the United States. The game goes by many names, depending on location, including "Ghosting", "Spooking", and "Hobgobling."

Cut out the left flyer on the Facing page and include it in a bucket or box with a delicious treat. Leave it, surreptitiously, on a neighbor's door step and run away so they can enjoy the surprise.

Technology has made it much more simple to Boo someone, and social media sharing has helped to bring much more attention to the craze. The ease of printing signs and easy online sharing has helped the game become more popular and widespread in recent years. It has even grown to the point that stores like Target and Etsy sell ready-to-go and personalized "You've Been Boo'ed" gift boxes to make it even easier to play the game.

PLAYING THE GAME Families sneak special treats onto neighbors' or friends' porches after dark with a note attached saying "You've Been Booed". That family is asked to "boo" another family or two, spreading the fun. After being booed, the family is supposed to hang a ghost in their window to signify that they have already been "booed." Boo-ing is also another means of allowing children and families to celebrate Halloween together. Concerns about safety, too much sugar, and unfamiliarity in new neighborhoods has led many communities to favor chaperoned parties or Griswold-style haunted houses, and Trunk-or-Treat events over the traditional October 31 door knocking. EDITOR NOTE: Still, for some, if Boo-ing feels like another task to add to your already-busy list, we suggest putting up the right side flyer right away. 

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If you have been Boo'ed, cut out the right side image and hang it on or near your door so you will not be Boo'ed again. Or... don't, so you can enjoy and share the tradition again!

EDUCATION

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FOOD

KILLER HALLOWEEN RECIPES With so many creepy ways to re-imagine everyday ingredients, some of our traditional and favorite foods are just more fun to make at Halloween.

EYEBALL TACOS Food.com/ncmysteryshopper

• 1 lb ground beef • 1-1/4 ounce package taco seasoning mix • 12 taco shells • 3/4 cup salsa • 3/4 cup sour cream • 1 can tomatoes, small cubes • 1 small head lettuce, sliced into small confetti squares • (2-1/4 ounce can large black olives, sliced • 1 cup cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, shredded & long

DIRECTIONS Mix meat and seasoning mix. Shape half of the mixture into 24 one-inch balls. Place in 15x10x1-inch baking pan and bake at 350 F for 15 to 20 minutes or until cooked through. Brown remaining seasoned ground beef and add salsa. Fill each taco shell with a thin layer of ground beef, sour cream, lettuce, and tomatoes. Position 2 meatballs inside the taco shell and add a dollop of sour cream to each. Garnish with olives to make “eyeballs.” Spread the cheese out along to the top for stringy hair.

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FOOD

HALLOWEEN DEVILED EGGS INGREDIENTS

• 6 eggs, hard-boiled, peeled and sliced in half • 1/4 c. mayonnaise • 1 1/2 tsp. sweet pickle relish • 1 1/2 tsp. yellow mustard • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder • Pinch of salt • 1 six oz. can of whole pitted black olives

INSTRUCTIONS Separate egg yolks from whites in a medium bowl. Mash the egg yolks, mayonnaise, relish, mustard, garlic and salt. Scoop even amounts of filling into each egg half. For a cleaner look, use a piping bag to pipe dollops of filling into each egg. Cut black olives in half for the spider body. Place on egg yolk mixture, then slice half olives long-wise for 4 legs and arrange around olive halves to form a spider.

RED VELVET HOT CHOCOLATE DomesticGothess.com

This recipe is for one cup; multiply for your desired number of servings.

• 2 Tbsp cream cheese (regular or low fat is fine) • 240 ml (1 cup) milk • 1 tsp cornflour (cornstarch) • 40 g (1.5 oz) dark chocolate chopped • ½ tsp vanilla extract • ½ Tbsp granulated sugar • pinch salt • red gel food coloring Stir together the cornflour and a drop of milk to form a slurry. Place cream cheese in a saucepan and whisk in cornflour slurry until smooth. Gradually whisk remainder of milk. Add chocolate, vanilla extract, sugar and salt to the pan and place over a medium heat. Cook, stirring regularly, until chocolate has melted and mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and stir in red gel food coloring for desired shade. O C TO B E R 2 0 2 1  L I B E R T Y H I L L D I G E ST

PARTING SHOT

by Megan Diane Beatty photo by Leti Eguia

Honoring America at Every Age

perfect bookend to the cover photo of our high school boys kneeling to honor our Armed Forced, is this image of our elementary boys also honoring America.

Leti says, "It was a very proud moment. They showed so much respect, without a thought to having been interrupted in their play."

Leti Eguia, an instructional assistant at Liberty Hill Elementary couldn't help but capture this photo of Blake, Dusty, and Johnavon. The boys were playing on the swing when the National Anthem began to play. They stopped their play, got off the swings and stood with hands over hearts while the song played.

Moments like these continue to give us chills and make us proud to be a part of the community and values of Liberty Hill. As well, we are pleased to see the patriotism of the next generation in this single gesture.

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

ECRWSS POSTAL PATRON LIBERTY HILL, TX