The Art of Theater
Georgetown is fortunate to have a real gem in the form of the venerable Palace Theatre, providing classic productions for the Central Texas community for a number of years. But the Palace is also a place to learn, in the form of year-round workshops focusing on acting, dance, vocal performance and even the technical side of the theater arts. I was fortunate last weekend to watch twenty anxious teens show off what they learned in a 3-week summer teen workshop, culminating in their “Broadway Revue” before an audience of proud family and friends. The directors were Sara Burke and Adam Munoz, two Palace stage veterans, in addition to Nikki Bora, who also knows her way around a few stages. This summer teen workshop is the second of three summer sessions. Their final workshop is devoted to Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Workshops are there for the very young folks, too, and also for adults. By all means, enjoy the Palace productions, but if you’re interested in taking it to another level, check out the workshops.
Hook em’ Horns!
College football season is coming very soon and the excitement is building. No place was that more in evidence than on the University of Texas campus for Fan Appreciation Day, a day set aside for fans to get the chance to meet and greet some of their favorite players and get their picture taken with head coach Mack Brown. Several hundred people lined up for the event that began at noon on Saturday. Michael Malick and his sister Amy, true Longhorn fans, arrived from their home in Yoakum, Texas on the UT campus at 7:45p.m. Friday night and slept onsite. They were the first folks in a very long line. Michael and Amy, an incoming UT freshman, are pictured in this post. He’s the young man in burnt orange wearing glasses, she’s standing next to him. While all the players were kind and generous with their time, I was really impressed with starting quarterback David Ash, who truly made a lot of kids’ day, particularly 5-year-old Dylan Wells of Austin, shown in the opening photo and the two that follow. While I hope he has a good year on the field, it’s a sure bet he’ll do well in life. He’s the real deal. Here are a few photos I shot to accompany a story in Sunday’s Austin American-Statesman. Hook em’ Horns!
Pipes & Drums on the Georgetown Square
The Georgetown Fire Department’s Pipes & Drums Band provided some lively and uplifting music last Friday evening for the City of Georgetown’s Summer Music on the Square concert series. The group has been around since 2006 and comprised mainly of Georgetown firefighters who also happen to have some fine musical ability. Also on display at the concert was New York’s FDNY Engine 4, making its way around the United States as part of the Remembrance Rescue Project. Engine 4 was one of the responders during the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. All eight firefighters who responded on this engine died in the buildings’ collapse. For now, the engine is under the care of the Taylor Fire Department and will remain there (except for a brief stint in Plano) for their town’s 9/11 parade next month. Meanwhile, folks enjoying the concert included Fred Aiello (in cowboy hat), 9-year-old Shelby Gehrig (upside down girl!) and Brian Dunn, toting daughter Ellie, 4, on his capable shoulders.
Rodeo ……. A Taylor Tradition
Last weekend the folks at the Taylor Rodeo Association held their 64th Annual Taylor Rodeo in the home of Bill Pickett, born near Taylor in 1870 and the inventor of bulldogging, also known as steer wrestling (what that fellow is doing in the opening photo). For the second straight year, the rodeo association has also held its Cowboy BBQ Cook-Off, with plenty of grills firing up to create some great barbecue chicken, pork ribs, beans and beef brisket. I attended the event on Friday night and wrote a little story for the Williamson County Sun. Rodeo is much more than a sport in Texas. The atmosphere is beyond compare. The rodeo cowboys and cowgirls are extraordinary athletes. 4-year-old Cici Carter of Bartlett, Texas, wearing a fancy pink cowboy hat, was enjoying her first-ever rodeo with her mom, Shay Carter, and grandpa, Ira Carter. Much fun was had by everyone, yours truly included. I look forward to next year’s great event.
Celebrating Old Settlers in Williamson County
Plenty of historical fun and good food were available last Saturday during the 110th Annual Old Settlers Association Celebration at Old Settlers Park at Palm Valley in Round Rock. In the opening photo, Round Rock brothers Evan and Blake Yelverton check out a vintage cabin dating back to the 1850s, the cabin moved here several years ago from its original home just north of here in Georgetown. 4-year-old Evan Haley of Georgetown enjoy sitting in the seat of a Round Rock Fire Department fire engine, while Roy Krienke, Round Rock’s Fire Chief Emeritus, explained the nomenclature of an 1884 pump truck in the park’s fire museum. 7-year-old Adam Henderson of Austin was a patient young fellow as he made a candle using just wax, string and water, a process that took about two hours. This was part of hands-on learning provided by The Williamson Museum. Visitors also got to check out an old general store that once resided in the Rice’s Crossing community in Williamson County, now here at Old Settlers Park. And this year, chili experts, like Ron Baker of Ennis, Texas, competed in the first Old Settlers Chili Cook-off. The cabin pictured is just one of several original Williamson County cabins onsite. It’s nice to see history preserved for future generations to enjoy.
Sweet Rain
While my friends in Georgia have been overcome with rain, we in Central Texas cherish what comes our way. This week, we’re blessed. Heavenly drops of moisture began late Sunday night and well into Monday. As this is written on Tuesday afternoon, I’m at the library in Taylor, Texas, looking out a big window where we’re getting another sweet dousing. Drought has been a part of life in Texas for too long. You won’t hear many complaints here. Just ask the young fishermen that accompany this post. It’s all good.
“Will Rogers Follies” at the Palace
Gracing the Springer Memorial Stage through August 4 at Georgetown’s Palace Theatre is “Will Rogers Follies,” a lively musical directed by Mary Ellen Butler. One thing I’d have trouble doing with any of the Palace productions is having to write a critique of any of them. Live stage productions are truly wonderful in the way they come together, so much hard work, both onstage and behind the scenes. Lighting was a bit rough, but I’m guessing whatever the issue there, it was ironed out by opening night. There’s no better way to spend a weekend evening.
Fourth of July at San Gabriel Park!
It seems that the July 4th holiday is one that will engage me in lots of work for years to come. During my years in Atlanta, I was closely involved with the Atlanta Journal & Constitution coverage of the Peachtree Road Race, still (I think) the world’s largest 10K road race. Returning home to Texas, my 4th holiday switches gears to the quite wonderful celebration sponsored by the Sertoma Club in Georgetown. This year marked the 30th year the club has brought the festivities to San Gabriel Park. One thing really neat is their Hometown Parade, complete with down-home floats, rides and costumes created by kids, sometimes with a little help from moms and dads. 2-year-old Chase Anderson of Jarrell, wearing his cowboy hat and sitting on Bevo (the University of Texas mascot), was quite stressed at the start, but quickly got into the parade’s rhythm! 3-year-old Tye Glasscock of Georgetown had a well-decked float that won second place in best decoration. J.C. Hicks was a convincing replica of George Washington. And you can’t have a parade without royalty, right? Taylor Dieringer, Miss Georgetown 2013, filled the bill there. 5-year-old Maddie Padilla was quick to salute while “God Bless America” was sung. Isabel Sprabary and Tyler Esquivel, both 7, appreciated the cooling water mister as the day heated up. At 9:30p.m. the skies were alive with fireworks to top off a nice, long day. These photos were taken for the Williamson County Sun in the tradition of wonderful community journalism. The Peachtree Road Race speaks to community, but small-town happenings like Georgetown’s are no less relevant.
Another Fine Rodeo in Georgetown
The Williamson County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo celebrated its 70th year this past weekend in the venerable arena at San Gabriel Park in Georgetown, Texas. Even though it was a very warm weekend (104 degrees on Friday when I took these photos, even hotter the next day!), few people seemed to mind. The cowboys are tough folks, obviously used to it. Two of the younger cowpokes on board for Mutton Bustin’ were 6-year-old Hesston Cranor of Coupland, Texas, seen in the opening photo, and his sister Izabella, also pictured, who turns 7 on the 4th of July (what a fine day to celebrate your birth), also seen in this post. And let’s not forget King, a very loyal 8-month-old Pit Bull who sat patiently while his owner, bull rider Dwin Roland of Lockhart, Texas prepared for his ride. These are among the images I took for the Williamson County Sun
.
Helping Beat the Texas Heat
48-year-old Georgetown resident Sean Jump, who lives on disability, got a bit of help for his small apartment this week in the form of two fans to help keep the intense Texas heat at bay. Sean’s apartment is air-conditioned, but it just doesn’t quite do the job. Thanks to Family Eldercare’s Summer Fan Drive there’s help for Sean and plenty of other Central Texans who are seniors (55 and older), disabled, or families with children. In Georgetown, Family Eldercare, which serves a 10-county area of Central Texas, has teamed up with the Georgetown Fire Department and The Caring Place to get fans to those in need. Through the end of July in Georgetown, applicants who qualify can obtain fans at The Caring Place, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10a.m. -3p.m. Those wishing to donate fans can drop them off at any of the five Georgetown fire houses, the locations listed here. People wishing to make monetary donations can go to Family Eldercare’s site, www.SummerFanDrive.org. With temperatures well over 100 degrees already, this is a blessing.
Summer Begins
Even though it’s felt like summer for a while in Central Texas, it was official today. Daniel J. Torres of Round Rock, making his first visit to Blue Hole lagoon in Georgetown, find the setting and the water delightful and refreshing. As of this afternoon, we still haven’t reach a hundred degrees, but it’s getting close!
Celebrating Juneteenth
On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers landed in Galveston, Texas with the news that the Civil War was over and that slavery had ended in the United States, a full two and a half years after Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. This historic event is celebrated as Juneteenth around the United States each year. Last Saturday, the Georgetown Cultural Citizen Memorial Association held their Juneteenth event at the San Garbriel Community Center, complete with storytelling, singing, praying and plenty of good, fresh food. This is the 61st year for Georgetown’s Juneteenth observance. These are some photos I took for the Williamson County Sun.
A Very Special Fathers Day Gift
Fathers Day weekend for 91-year-old Arnold Cook of Killeen, Texas was even more special this year. Cook, a retired Air Force pilot who flew more than 10,000 missions during World War II and the Korean War, left home Saturday morning thinking everyone was heading to Fredericksburg. The real destination, however, was Burnet, Texas, home to the Commemorative Air Force Highland Lakes Squadron and Bluebonnet Belle, a 1944 C-47 Skytrain just like the ones he manned during his service years. Cook’s family completely surprised him with the gift of a ride on this vintage aircraft, still going strong (like Captain Cook!). The Austin American-Statesman’s Esther Robards-Forbes wrote a great story for their Sunday edition. Captain Cook was in heaven.
Fun & Free Friday Concerts on the Square
Summer’s not officially here for a couple of weeks, but it sure feels that way, doesn’t it? One fun thing that began its summer run last Friday evening at the historic Georgetown square is the city’s Music on the Square series of free summer concerts held each Friday beginning at 6:30p.m. on the lawn of the Williamson County Courthouse. The events, which continue through August, are sponsored by the Georgetown Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Williamson Museum, and the Downtown Georgetown Association. On a relatively-cool (for Texas) Friday night, I enjoyed the music of Ed Kliman’s Cajun Duo. Mr. Kliman was able to sing quite well, but left the picking to guitarist Jeffrey Glenn Tveraas since Ed was working with a fractured arm sustained in a ladder fall. The show must go on, but did so quite well. Bring your lawn chairs, dancing shoes and blankets and enjoy some summer fun that won’t cost a dime.
Festival of the Arts Fireworks!
Photographing fireworks is always tricky. Here’s my latest effort, this from the grand finale of a Festival of the Arts concert last weekend at San Gabriel Park in Georgetown. This photo made it to the Life front of the Williamson County Sun.
A Milestone Achieved for 2013 Graduates
The stadium at Georgetown High School was packed with family and friends of this year’s 2013 graduates last Friday as they gathered in their bright blue caps and gowns on a very warm early-June evening to receive their diplomas. Zoe Bradley, a big fan of all things Superman, came dressed in her custom-made Superman dress under her formal finery. She’s excited about the latest movie version of the Man of Steel coming to area theaters soon. Carlton Tucker, the longtime principal at Georgetown High, was there to hand out diplomas and give a commencement speech even though he officially retired this spring. And graduate Laura Guadalupe Lopez, 18, held her diploma high in the air for family to see, including little sister Biridiana Lopez, 16, one of several members of the Lopez family on hand for the big occasion. Best of luck to all the graduates!
Memorial Day ceremony in Sun City
The Georgetown-Williamson County Veterans Memorial Plaza in Sun City, Texas was host for Monday’s Memorial Day observance, marking its 10th year on this holiday. As usual, a huge crowd was there to mark the day we honor our military personnel. Guest speaker this year was Raymond F. Chandler III, Sergeant Major of the Army (there’s only one in the entire Army), an impressive man. No less impressive, carrying a feather-endowed walking stick, was retired Army Colonel Gerald Allen Wilcomb, a 5th Infantry veteran of both Korea and Vietnam. Colonel Wilcomb sat way in the back, obviously not wanting to draw attention to himself. Intriguing people, however, stand out, as he did. Here are some photos I shot for the Williamson County Sun.
A Thouroughly Fine Production
Georgetown’s Palace Theatre has another fine production for Central Texans, “Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Musical” playing weekends on the Springer Memorial Stage weekends through June 16. It’s a lively show, the lead role of Milllie Dillmount played quite well by Sara Burke. If you’re looking for something to pick up your spirits, this show may just do the trick. Here’s a few photos to accompany a Williamson County Sun review by Joyce May.
Hook Em!
Saturday was a milestone day in my life. It was on a Saturday, May 18, 1974 that I graduated with a degree in journalism from University of Texas at Austin. Perhaps I’ve come full circle. 39 years after graduating from this greatest of universities, I was in the shadow of the UT Tower for the 130th Spring Commencement of my alma mater, this time photographing for the Austin American-Statesman. Much has changed through the years, but much is (thankfully) the same, at least on this patch of land. 8,300 students became UT graduates on this special evening. Among them was Shelby DeMuth (she’s second from left in the group of four ladies), who hails from my hometown of Texarkana. Shelby, a Marketing graduate, has already landed a job in Manhattan! Another very young fellow I photographed, 5-year-old Sanders Thomas Wiggins, is also from Texarkana! He was there to watch his grandmother receive her PhD in Education. An interesting side note: Sander’s grandfather, Paul Wiggins, graduated with me from Texas High School! It was certainly hot, but Jeff Rasansky of Dallas came prepared with his nifty blue portable fan that mists water. I’ve gotta get one of those! Here’s a few photos from this happy occasion.
Celebrating Mother’s Day in Round Rock
I headed to the City of Round Rock’s new Centennial Plaza on Saturday morning to join families as they celebrated Mother’s Day weekend under sunny skies. The photos with this post were for the Austin American-Statesman, who rewarded me with a main metro cover photo and a nice gallery on their site. Among the attendees were Scarlett Tracy (opening photo) of Charlotte, North Carolina, having a grand time with daughter Carolina, 2 (the little lady at left), and her niece Elaiza Gutierrez, who turns 2 in July. Elaiza’s mom, Anne, is Scarlett’s sister and lives in Manor with her family, including newborn son Kimball, born just 9 days ago on May 3 (last photo in this group). Crossing generation lines were 3-year-old Evelyn Mani, her grandmother Susana Mani, 46, and her great-great grandmother Cesearea Mani, 84. There was plenty of entertainment, including mariachi bands. One of my favorites were members of the Round Rock Ballet Folklorico, always a colorful favorite with my cameras. Mom Christina Fite of Round Rock, danced along with daughter Lauren, 11 months old, accompanied by daughter Caitlynn, 3. 13-year-old Dede Wares was there to give a big hug to her grandmother, Shirley Hardin. Dede really towers over her elder! And Round Rock city councilman Carlos Salinas donned a sombrero to dance with members of the folkoric dance troupe. This is the fourth year for the celebration, hosted by the Williamson County Hispanic Heritage Committee.
Zest Fest fun in Taylor, Texas
The little town where we live, Taylor, Texas, is home to a little over 15,000 people, but they’re big enough to have a great annual celebration, Zest Fest. I joined in the fun last weekend for the event and recorded a few photos for the Williamson County Sun. It’s always fun to take in the colorful and educational dance rhythms of Taylor’s own Folkloric Dance Collaborative, ably directed by Alma Holiday. For those wanting some fine singing, there was The Golden Oldies Show, comprised of Larry Nichols and Johnny Youngblood. Enjoying a dance to their music were Willie Johnson and his wife, Jeanette, Austin residents who will soon become Taylor residents. Adding a bit of life to downtown sidewalks with some bright chalk art were members of the Taylor Artists Guild.
Pursuing Feral Hogs
On a recent evening, I joined Williamson County Sun columnist Bonnie Stump as we accompanied 37-year-old James “Bones” Henderson pursuing feral hogs across a scenic, grassy area in Milam County, Texas. He’s an imposing figure of a fellow, a full 6’5″ man who’s very fast on his feet and a good marksman as we chase the elusive creatures across this land filled with scrub brush and (I found out near the end of our session) rattlesnakes galore. Thankfully, I didn’t encounter any reptiles while trying to keep pace with Bones. These wild hogs are a menace in Texas, destroying acre upon acre of rich farmland and crops each year. They’re not your “Green Acres” version of Arnold the pig by any means. Bones knows firsthand, having been gored by one of these critters in February. A small part of me feels for these creatures, but coming from farm people, I know they must be contained. That’s where folks like Bones come in. While some are shot and killed, others are caught in traps, taken to his home, to later be shipped overseas, mostly China. Here are a few photos from our adventure. Read Bonnie’s story here.
Red Poppy Festival Fun
I spent a busy Saturday on the Georgetown square photographing the city’s annual Red Poppy Festival celebration, which included a parade, a vintage car show, music, vendors and plenty of food. Among the parade participants were the Sun City Georgettes dance team (the opening photo). Enjoying the action were Tye Glassscock and Kayley Fajkus, both 2. Jack, an 8-week-old Old English bulldog who belongs to Leslie Kruse of Coupland, had his very own stroller to take in the car show. Everyone was having a good time, but it was getting a bit warm by mid-afternoon. Hensley Anderson, 4, came prepared for that with his cool Mohawk haircut.
A Healthy Fundraiser for a Great Cause
Berry Springs Park & Preserve in Georgetown was the staging area for last weekend’s 6th Annual Austin Autism Bike Ride, a fundraiser that benefits autism research. The event is coordinated by the Autism Society of Greater Austin. Over 400 people signed up to enjoy the wonderful east Williamson County countryside for several rides, including distances of 62, 42, 24 and 9 miles, plus a 2-mile family ride. Among the participants were Eric Janssens of Leander, who had his son, Ivan, 5, securely on board for the 24-mile event. Dad said this was the furthest he’s ridden with Ivan, who is autistic. Ivan was certainly enjoying the wind in his face! They’re the final photo in this entry. Events like this ride help to pay for much-needed research.
