Classic Cars, Vintage Planes and a Happy Grandpa
Despite some confusing construction-related road closures, I managed to finally make to Georgetown Municipal Airport on Saturday for their annual Classic Car and Vintage Aircraft Show. Judging by the crowded parking area, others were successful as well. That’s a good thing because this event collected donations for a great charity, the Wounded Warriors Project
. Both the cars and the planes were a site to behold. I don’t know much about aircraft, but the World War II-era B-25, the centerpiece for the Commemorative Air Force Devil Dog Squadron, is a work of art that’s still going strong. The cars in the show were so well-preserved, I was in awe. Unfortunately, I didn’t see any 1969 Plymouth Road Runners! I had one, purchased brand-new by my parents when I was a senior in high school for the grand sum of $2,900. If only I’d known they’d be so valuable, it would still be with me. Alas, the choices we make. One person having a grand time, pictured in the opening shot, was 9-month-old Savannah Fuller, riding in the wagon specially made by her dad, Matt Fuller, who was one of the car show entrants, showing off his 1965 Mustang convertible. As I was leaving the show, I noticed a hammock spread between a couple of oaks. There I found two-and-a-half year old Baron Young sound asleep, resting peacefully in the loving arms of his grandpa, Chris Young. Little Baron was pooped, but Chris commented “He just loves cars, motorcycles and planes!” He’s obviously pretty fond of grandpa, too. These photos were taken for the Williamson County Sun.
“CATS” Prances Onto the Palace Theatre Stage
If you enjoy uplifting musical theater done well, don’t miss out on the Palace Theatre’s latest production, “CATS,” with wonderful music created by Andrew Lloyd Webber, is making its way to the Springer Memorial Stage, beginning tonight and continuing weekends through March 23. The play is based on “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T.S. Eliot. The Palace’s production is directed by Clifford Butler and includes a fine cast. I particularly liked Old Deuteronomy, portrayed by Palace veteran actor Curt Olson. He’s the gentle feline you see in the opening photo. Some of these photos are bound for my friends at the Williamson County Sun
. If you get a chance, try to put this fun, uplifting and lively Palace offering on your docket. You’ll be glad you did.
Celebrating the Middle Ages
On Saturday, I rambled through several areas of Georgetown in search of good feature photos for my friends at the Williamson County Sun. With three solid photos in hand, I was ready to call it day, but decided to make a swing through San Gabriel Park, a place I thoroughly love. Driving through, I spotted gentlemen in garb from the Middle Ages as they took part in a jousting match. Of course, it brought me to a stop! As I approached, I found more than 200 members of the Society for Creative Anachronism, an international group that celebrates the pre-17th century period focusing on the Middle Ages and Renaissance. As it turns out, this particular group at the park is comprised of members primarily from Texas and Oklahoma. They call it the Kingdom of Ansteorra. I’m told they meet here at San Gabriel Park every first Saturday in February for their Candlemas Celebration, harking the end of the winter season (we’re not done with it yet!). Members are quick to point out that what they do is PLAY, not re-enacting. Most make their own costumes, or have them made by fellow members. They also take on names more in line with the Middle Ages. Brandyn M. Butler, the young man in the opening photo, goes by Brian O’ hullian when he’s in play mode. He stresses the h in the play name is NOT capitalized, either. Meeting this very fun bunch marked an end to a good Saturday afternoon.
A Final Visit to the Livestock Show
The Williamson County Livestock Show, as I may have mentioned in my previous installment, is one of the very fun assignments I do each year for the Williamson County Sun. This year, I covered two days’ worth of activity, lamb and goat judging, followed by heifers and steers. For many of these young Texans, livestock shows are a special thing, as important in their lives as just about any extracurricular activity. Many of them will pursue careers in agriculture as they reach adulthood. Even though Texas is very urban, its rural roots are still strong. I loved watching 13-year-old Macy Burns, from Thrall (opening photo), as she wrestled in the arena with her heifer, Molly. Macy had things well in hand! And the determined look on the face of 10-year-old Gunner Clapper of Georgetown as he prepared to show his steer, Little Guy, was priceless. Some kids, like 12-year-old Kayden Tanner, were determined to compete, even with a broken collar bone. I love the passion, strength and can-do attitudes of these very bright youngsters.
Macey and Max at the Livestock Show
One of my favorite events to cover every year is the Williamson County Livestock Show. All week, the show barn at San Gabriel Park in Georgetown, Texas is filled with kids and the farm animals they’ve worked with throughout the year. For many of these youngsters, the livestock show is a huge happening, of Super Bowl importance in their lives. Livestock shows are of course not exclusive to Texas, but the Lone Star takes them to heart better than many. During my time in Atlanta, Georgia, I don’t recall ever covering one of these for the Atlanta Journal & Constitution. However, the Williamson County Sun puts it out there as a top contender for space. It’s significant community journalism, thank goodness. There will be another livestock show posting soon, but here I’m concentrating specifically on 9-year-old Macey Hilton of Florence, Texas. Macey was competing for her very first time, joined by her goat named Max. Macey and Max have plenty of family support in this venture, including her parents, Nicole and Shane, brother Shane Hilton II, 12, sister Kailee, 10, and the youngest, Danni, 7. Macey’s older siblings already show animals. Next year, says mom, Danni will join in the fun.
Honoring Dr. King
Georgetown resident Lettie Hines, in the opening photo, was one of approximately 200 people who gathered for a special service commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday. Ms. Hines was photographed at the conclusion of the program at Georgetown’s Macedonia Baptist Church as the crowd sang “Reach Out and Touch.” Congregants gathered here after marching together from the Georgetown square. I’ve photographed this national holiday event for the Williamson County Sun for three years now. One little guy, 6-year-old Aiden Bradshaw, is usually there with his grandma, Helen Jones. Since my camera has focused on him before, I tried to look elsewhere for my photos. Near the service’s end, however, there was Aiden, leaning on his grandma’s shoulders, looking angelic. Those eyes just draw me in.
Fun & Inspiring Road Races
During my many years in Atlanta, I photographed a lot of road races for the Atlanta Journal & Constitution. It came pretty naturally since I spent so many years plodding out the miles myself. Since returning to Texas, however, I’ve not had the opportunity to do much of that. That changed this weekend when the Austin American-Statesman asked me to cover the annual 3M Half Marathon in Austin. It was a perfect (but very early!) Sunday morning for the runners, with temperatures in the low 40s at the start. Some might think that chilly, but not so for most distance runners. This was just what the doctor ordered! While many athletes have a story in them, one that stood out this weekend was 88-year-old Joe Barger (opening photo), an Austin resident who is also an Iwo Jima combat veteran. I was just about finished, ready to pack it up and head to my laptop, but the announcer mentioned Mr. Barger. I couldn’t pass that up. What an inspiring gentleman he was! Here’s a few shots that also made it to the Statesman’s website. The winners are included here, but you win just by being there. Stay active.
Georgetown’s Fishing Derby
Georgetown Parks & Recreation held their annual Fishing Derby at Blue Hole Lagoon this past Saturday. Participants, kids and adults included, found the weather was just right for catching trout. Texas Parks & Wildlife pitched in and stocked the park with plenty of trout for excited anglers. 6-year-old Sullivan Meyers, pictured in the opening photo, went on his first fishing expedition, learning the fine art of casting from his grandmother, Pattie Meyers. Grandpa Terry Meyers was also there to lend a hand getting the bait ready to go. This is a very cool, family-friendly event that brings people together in a picturesque setting. Saturday’s derby was rescheduled after early-December temperatures were just plain unacceptable for Central Texans. These photos were taken for my friends at the Williamson County Sun.
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One Very Funny Production at the Palace Theatre!
As this post is written, a group of very fine actors/actresses are preparing to grace the Palace Theatre’s Springer Memorial Stage for “Lend Me A Tenor,” an absolutely hilarious and fast-moving production directed by Lannie Hilboldt. Don’t let the play’s name fool you, folks. If you’re expecting a musical, it’s not. Rather, it’s a screwball comedy set in 1934 Cleveland, Ohio. The small cast of eight, as with most Palace productions, was spot on. The biggest surprise, however, was finding out Marsha Sray (the lady screaming and bouncing on the bed) was a cast member. Since moving back to Texas a while back, Marsha, the Palace’s Operations Manager, has been my go-to person, helping me get the names right on my photos. I’ve photographed her husband, David Sray, several times at the Palace, but had no idea she was so talented onstage, too! Everyone was great, as I hope these photos from last night’s dress rehearsal demonstrate. Other cast members include Michael Dominguez as Max, Sarah May Jewell, playing Maggie, Rick Smith, as Saunders, Joseph Burg David, playing Tito Merelli, Wes Cheers, as a very funny bellhop, Annie Violette (Diana) and Nikki Bora (Julia). Don’t miss out on this fine work, playing through February 2 in beautiful downtown Georgetown, Texas. I’m no critic, but I know what I like. This was fun! Look for a formal review in an upcoming Williamson County Sun.
A Stop in Thorndale, Texas
Having some time to spare after an assignment for the Austin American-Statesman at Thorndale HIgh School, I decided to wander into downtown Thorndale for a peek. It’s an interesting little town, located about 40 northeast of Austin, in Milam County. The most recent census figures say its population is 1,336. It’s a quiet little town, except when the trains that parallel U.S. Highway 79 come roaring through. I love these small, picturesque little towns that are so much a part of Texas culture. Many have empty, hollowed shells for buildings, but their character remains. When the light finally faded, I reluctantly moseyed on home to Taylor.
Happy New Year!
2014 is here, friends. It seems only fitting I begin the new year with a few photos. These three photos are from a great, family-friendly park, San Gabriel Park in Georgetown, Texas. Visitors there were blessed with a warm afternoon. Temperatures in the mid-60s made it a good day for 10-year-old Kendall Nieburg of Round Rock, accompanied by her dog, Ruby, to take careful steps across a dam on the San Gabriel River. Cody Kimbro, who just turned 3, got a few pointers from his father, Nathan, in the fine art of fishing. Today was Cody’s first-ever fishing expedition. Cole Bengford of Georgetown enjoyed the cool water of the San Gabriel River in his kayak. Cole is a junior at Texas Tech and is having a great time at home during the holidays. Make 2014 a good year, be safe, be happy.
Christmas in a Tiny Texas Town
The community of Weir, Texas, just a few miles east of Georgetown, is very small, only a few hundred souls. That’s never stopped this spunky group of folks from celebrating with their own Christmas parade each year. And it was a cold, windy afternoon for this year’s celebration! Still, 3-year-old Nadia Rosas, joined by her cousin, 2-year-old Jayden Mireles (opening photo), enjoyed the action along Main Street. Emily West, astride a donkey named Martha Peanut Butter, did her best to stay warm in her role as Mary as they represented the Chisholm Trail Cowboy Church in the parade. Ken Teinert was joined by his granddaughter, 10-year-old Molly Wilson, as they rode in comfort on Ken’s 1951 John Deere tractor. 4-year-old Reese Jernigan managed to get his John Deere replica up the street without a hitch as well. The Santas were tiny at this year’s parade. They included 9-year-old Mason Davidson, riding in a float sponsored by the Weir Country Store. And 6-year-old Aidan Dooley was proud to don a beard made just for him by his grandma, Diane Dooley.
An Uplifting Nativity in Taylor
annual Live Nativity grows more popular each year. What began a few years ago as a lone undertaking at the historic 1888 church has grown to now include the help of 14 other area churches in both Williamson and Travis Counties. I always enjoy attending this outstanding labor of love that includes shepherds, donkeys, sheep, Roman soliders and plenty of angels! Here are a few offerings from this year’s undertaking at the Church on the Hill.
Blue Santa Makes Christmas Brighter in 2013
On a cold Saturday morning last week, families and children lined up at the old Georgetown Library location for the Georgetown Police Department’s annual Blue Santa distribution to Georgetown residents who make otherwise not have a very Merry Christmas. Among those in line (opening photo) were 13-month-old Jacob Rodriguez and his mom, Marilee. Once inside, families were treated to boxes of goodies free of charge. And plenty of volunteer helpers were on hand, including Faye Freeman, a great juggler when it comes to stacks of boxes. 7-year-old Mahlet Messay was in the holiday spirit with her reindeer antlers as she served as one of Santa’s elves. 9-month-old Audrey Hamby was a bit sleepy by the time she sat on Santa’s lap. By then, Audrey was ready for a nap, and perhaps time to not think about teething pains! This year, Blue Santa served 1,712 kids and 615 families in Georgetown. Good work!
A Cold Christmas Stroll!
Last weekend’s annual Christmas Stroll, in Georgetown, Texas, usually includes a parade. This year, it was so cold (for Central Texas, anyway) a number of parade entrants backed out. Alas, the parade was cancelled, but even though it was chilly, with temperatures never getting out of the low 30s, everyone who came still had a good time. Ase Touba, the very cold lady in the opening photo, is from Norway, but even she found it to be a frightful climate! It’s all about layering though, and she had that down pat. The absence of a parade didn’t deter Santa Claus, who was on hand to visit with children at All Things Kids, a great little shop on the Georgetown square. Inside the warm store, Santa delighted 3-year-old Naomi Kurtz and 6-year-old Nathan Keily. Emilie Schneider, also 6, couldn’t quite get over her shyness with the bearded fellow, playing a bit of peek-a-boo during her visit. NewChurch Georgetown was on hand again this year with their Whoo Village, where they were busy creating Whoo hairdos. A pleasant respite from the cold was inside Grace Heritage Center, where friends CJ Jamison and Beverly Russeau enjoyed hot apple cider, courtesy of the Georgetown Heritage Society. Cold weather can’t keep a good celebration down!
A Peaceful Respite at Southwestern University
The candlelight service of the Advent season at Southwestern University’s Lois Perkins Chapel is a always beautiful and well-attended. Recent cold temperatures and moist roads could’ve kept worshipers away, but that was not the case as the chapel filled with people and light, including 4-year-old Beatrix Chigoy, who came with her parents, Byron and Nichole Chigoy of Georgetown. As the candles were lit, people sang “Silent Night” and slowly filed out of the chapel. Most deposited their candles at the exit, but Southwestern University junior Emily Wick managed to keep hers going outside despite a persistent Central Texas wind. All in all, a very peaceful service.
Little Horses With Big Hearts
During the holidays, I enjoy many of the places I photograph and people I meet, but Thursday afternoon was as uplifting as anything I’ve encountered in a while. Wendi Threlkeld, who works at Georgetown’s Visiting Angels Homecare, owns two miniature horses, Goodness and Mercy. Goodness is 2 and Mercy is a spunky 7-month-old. Goodness tops out at 200 pounds while Mercy barely registers on the scales at around 45 pounds. Wendi and her friends added a bit of Christmas cheer to the residents of The Wesleyan at Scenic. Amazingly, these equine beauties do quite well indoors! Everyone loved them, but Beth Demaris, giving Goodness a smooch in the opening photo, was particularly enamored with these sweet babies. This was a whole lot of fun. I’ve seen much in my career, but horses in hallways is pretty unique! These are a few images taken for my friends at the Williamson County Sun
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The Square All Aglow
The Georgetown square is beautiful anytime of the year, but in the month of December it truly sparkles. On Friday evening, I attended the annual Lighting of the Square. It generally brings out a huge crowd of people, from the very young to the very young at heart. Once again this year, the Austin Carolers were on hand to sing and entertain everyone. As the skies darkened, Santa Claus, a Texas Santa complete with cowboy hat, came bounding down the steps of the Williamson County Courthouse, eliciting the aid of a bunch of kids as they threw the big red switch to light up the square. As a bonus in this year’s post, I include the last photo in this grouping, which shows the just-dedicated statue of Robert McAlpin Williamson, our county namesake. The statue, the work of Georgetown scupltor Lucas Adams, was unveiled just before the lighting ceremony across the street. The beautiful work of art has a special spot at the entrance to the Williamson Museum. It seemed appropriate to end this post with that, throwing in a little Christmas cheer at the courthouse behind him.
A New Thanksgiving Tradition Begins
For the many years I worked at the Atlanta Journal & Constitution, Thanksgiving was always a big work day, covering the Atlanta Marathon & Half-Marathon on Thanksgiving morning. Being back in Texas has been wonderful, but since coming home, I’ve been like a fish out of water on this day. A road race was certainly needed to fill that gap! Ask and ye shall receive, right? The Georgetown Running Club has teamed with the Georgetown Sertoma Club
to bring us a new Central Texas tradition, their Turkey Trot, a 5-mile event that starts at the picturesque Blue Hole lagoon. These folks did great for a first-time event, registering 600 participants. How great is that? It was a very cold morning, too. At the 8a.m. race start, it was right at a freezing 32 degrees. Thankfully, most runners love a cold race day. What’s best about this race is its mission as a fundraiser, for Meals on Wheels and Georgetown Park Pals. Participants were also asked to bring non-perishable goods to donate to The Caring Place’s food bank. They delivered, toting 250 pounds of goods. I’m glad this race was a success from the very start. And happy to have another Thanksgiving labor of love. These few photos were taken for the Williamson County Sun.
A Final Bit of Autumn
The weather forecasters called for wintry weather a few days ago in South Central Texas. Since the area was awash with Autumn’s glow, I figured it was time to record a few images before the color disappeared for another season. When we lived in Atlanta, Autumn was more prominent. The sheer number of trees in North Georgia was certainly a factor there. But what we have in our tiny little spot of Texas is nice, too. It’s a pretty and peaceful time of year. These photos were taken at San Gabriel Park in Georgetown, Our Lady of the Rosary Cemetery and Prayer Gardens, also in Georgetown, and a final one at Bull Branch Park in my little town of Taylor.
“Peter Pan” Flies at the Palace
Georgetown’s Palace Theatre is finishing up 2013 in high style as they present “Peter Pan, The Musical” on their Springer Memorial Stage through December 30. The play is directed by the Palace’s Ron Watson, who has put together a fine cast, including Rose Yurcina in the title role of Peter Pan, and Scott Shipman as the evil Captain Hook. What’s really neat about this production is Peter Pan actually gets to fly! This is a production that obviously has taken a lot of work. As someone fearful of high places, I have to applaud Ms. Yurcina for settling so well into this role. Cast members playing the Darling family children, including Jayda Cournoyer as Wendy, Bryce Keesee as John, and Ella Rutman as Michael, also get an opportunity for flight, too. The music is good, the dancing is great, and the theatrics are outstanding! Give this family-friendly production a nod this holiday season. These photos accompanied a review in the Williamson County Sun
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Honoring Dr. James Lee Dickey
My little town of Taylor celebrated its first Dr. James Lee Dickey Day on Saturday. Events included a parade through downtown, followed by a get-together at Fannie Robinson Park. Dr. Dickey was an African American physician who lived with his family in Taylor until his death in 1959. He contributed much to the community and was rewarded with the Taylor Chamber’s “Man of the Year” in 1952, an unheard-of thing in the segregated South for person of color. When I hear people criticize Taylor for being a “redneck” area, I’ll remind them of Dr. Dickey. On Saturday, people turned out in good numbers to honor this man, including his 76-year-old son, James Lee Dickey, Jr. (the dapper-looking fellow in the cap), now an Austin resident, and his wife, Mae Etta. Both were raised right here in Taylor. Among the public attendees were Williamson County Commissioner Ron Morrison and Taylor Mayor Jesse Ancira, Jr. The celebration was spearheaded by Taylor resident Jennifer Harris. If the money can be raised, Dr. Dickey’s family home, on Burkett Street, will someday be a museum and community center. It’s good to see folks come together in unity. These are photos I took for the Williamson County Sun.
Sun City’s Veterans Day Salute
The Georgetown-Williamson County Veterans Memorial Plaza at Sun City, Texas was the setting for another respectful Veterans Day tribute to our nation’s veterans on Monday. A huge crowd filled the space to hear speeches, patriotic music and perhaps just to visit. Among the group: 100-year-old Howard Franks, a World War II army veteran. Retired U.S. Army Colonel Richard Gilbert, 96, shared space with Renie Gormley and her husband, Kenneth. Renie was one of the Navy’s WAVES during World War II while Kenneth proudly served in the Navy as well. WAVES, for those too young to recall, stood for Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Services. Providing the musical selections were members of Georgetown’s East View High School band, orchestra and choir. As the ceremony ended, retired Army Lieutenant General Chuck Graham, the Master of Ceremony, gave a stern salute as TAPs was played near the program’s end. These were taken for the Williamson County Sun
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A High School’s Tribute to Veterans
The Austin American Statesman’s
Claire Osborn had a Veterans Day story I was honored to photograph last Friday at Hutto High School. On this day, the school was all about honoring our nation’s veterans, complete with four separate assemblies and a dramatic flyover of vintage military aircraft at the end of the day. Claire’s story focused on two veterans, Jim Farmer of Lake Travis, who served in World War II and won a Purple Heart at Iwo Jima. He’s in the opening photo. The other gentleman was Korean War veteran Bud Farrell of Georgetown, who was aboard B-29 bombers as a waist gunner. He’s in the second photo. The day honored numerous other veterans, too, including Korean War veteran James Jenney (in the shirt with the flag) and Navy World War II veteran Wilburn Krusz, shown in the closing photo as he is assisted by Hutto High freshman Ryan Perry, a member of the school’s Air Force Junior ROTC cadet corps. Throughout the day, every veteran and their family members were provided with a cadet to help make their day at the school go well. They were an incredibly-disciplined group of cadets, no more so than cadet Imani Christopher, standing at full attention while she helped oversee the veteran exhibit area. I’ll post another set of photos from an actual Veterans Day observance, but wanted this one out there first.