Southwestern University’s Powwow
Keeping Native American heritage alive and well is important for all of us. I recently attended the 9th Annual Powwow hosted by Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. One of people who keeps in touch with these traditions is Benjamin Nava (opening photo), a Lipan Apache and a longtime staffer at the school. It’s always a colorful and moving day for me even though I sometimes slip up and make an error. While photographing a young lady practicing her dance moves, a 60ish gentleman approached, tactfully but forcefully advising me to NOT photograph the Gourd Dance. I wasn’t, but it may have appeared so to him. Live and learn. Presented here are a few photos taken for a recent story in the Williamson County Sun.
The Joy of Alpacas
Keiko and Matt Makarczyk and their 9-year-old son, Kenji, are living a peaceful life on a few acres south of Taylor, Texas. They’ve got a few dogs, chickens, a feline friend or two and a nice horse. But the glue that binds them together are a herd of beautiful, fluffy Suri alpacas they raise on their place, Wisteria Suri Ranch. These lovely animals are native to Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and Chile, but these guys seem to be faring quite well in Central Texas. What helps, of course, is the once-a-year shearing of their fleece, which not only makes them more comfortable during our Texas summers, but also provides a marketable product for the Makarczyk family. Shearing is an art best left to the pros like Biosecure Alpaca Shearing, a group of folks based in Nashville, Ohio who travel the country each Spring to do the job right. Four strong young fellows showed up at the ranch early on a recent Friday morning. The haircuts were performed on 17 alpacas in less than two hours.
The newly-shorn alpacas are ready for summer. A couple of mamas are expecting babies soon. I hope to post that blessed event in the near future!
Support This Inspiring League
7-year-old Hunter Williams loves baseball. A bright-eyed young man, he doesn’t let the walker he uses for mobility deter him from having fun. Thanks to Central Texas Ability Sports, he and a lot of kids with disabilities don’t have to. Last week, I attended the opening day of their baseball season at Memorial Park in Round Rock. 55 athletes, accompanied by their family, friends and supporters were on hand to lend a hand when needed, or just cheer them on. Central Texas Ability Sports was founded in 2010 by friends John Lorek, Felix Madrid and Travis Duncan. The league (so far) now has 72 participants. In addition to baseball, they also enjoy golf, kickball and basketball. The activity is free and open to anyone. Right now, however, the focus for April and May is baseball. The group also wants to build their own special needs adaptive baseball field, but that costs big bucks, about $350,000. So far, they’ve raised around $132,000. If you’re looking to give to a really inspirational and deserving bunch, check them out at www.huttochallenger.webs.com
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Budding Future Chefs
A fun event I recently photographed and wrote about for the Williamson County Sun was the 3rd Annual Future Chef’s Healthy Salad Challenge, bringing together 13 elementary school kids from the Georgetown Independent School District in the spacious kitchen at East View High School. The contestants, from 3rd through 5th grade, spent an hour in the kitchen creating their masterpieces. The finished products were then critiqued by a panel of six judges. At the end of the day, Williams Elementary School 4th grader Sierra Williams (she’s the final photo) came away the top chef for her mango ground beef wedge. Everything was nifty though. I particularly liked the looks of the Southwest Salad in a Jar concocted by McCoy Elementary School 5th grader Callie Guess. Sierra came away with about $400 in culinary utensils. She’s an avid Food Network regular. Here’s hoping there’s some nifty stuff in her culinary future!
The Palace Theatre’s Current Fine Work
Recently, I got visit the historic Palace Theatre to photograph their latest production, “Same Time, Next Year,” playing weekends on the Springer Memorial Stage through April 28. The storyline follows Doris, played by Virginia Keeley, and George, acted by Bill Berry, as they conduct a once-a-year love affair over 25 years. The play is filled with plenty of drama, but also some lively comedy interspersed to lighten the mood. The actors, I’m told, are real-life husband and wife. Their onstage chemistry works nicely. I particularly like the segway between scenes, a sort of ticker tape of headlines above the stage that places the audience in the play’s time frame. It’s a poignant bit of work, worth a visit, but leave the youngsters at home on this adult-themed play. These are some photos eventually making their way to the Williamson County Sun.
Dr. Jane Goodall’s Visit to Southwestern University
Southwestern University was fortunate this week to welcome Dr. Jane Goodall to their campus in Georgetown, Texas. Dr. Goodall was principal speaker for this year’s Shilling Lecture Series. During her visit on a very rainy Tuesday afternoon and evening, she was accompanied by Mr. H, a stuffed monkey (she was quick to point out it was a monkey, NOT a chimp) given to her by Gary Horne, a blind U.S. Marine Corps veteran. Mr. H was a constant companion. My visual treatment of Dr. Goodall was cumbersome, however. Covering her was harder than most U.S. presidents I’ve photographed through the years. Just moments after her speech began, I was advised I had to move completely away from the speaking area. I got off about five frames before this happened, the opening shot one of those. One wonders if Dr. Goodall requested this level of security, or Southwestern decided for her. I’ve said it often, but photographers can’t do our jobs very well with this type of limitation. Good images take work. So much for my venting. It was still good to see this great lady.
Eggstravaganza!
Both children and adults seemed to be having a good time at Eggstravaganza, a series of Easter weekend-related activities held on Saturday. I covered two of the events for the Williamson County Sun, multiple Easter egg hunts on the lawn of the Williamson County courthouse, sponsored by the Downtown Georgetown Association, and several events at Kelley Park, coordinated by Georgetown’s First United Methodist Church. At the courthouse, 4-year-old Colton Still was quick to grab his share of eggs. Patiently waiting for the hunt to begin at the square were 3-year-old Kaya Hughes and her grandfather, Randall Hughes, who occupied Kaya with a bit of bubble-blowing. The Kelley Park egg hunt was literally over in seconds, but not before 3-year-old Kennedy Shepherd and 5-year-old Blaize Staab got their fair share of the goodies. Kids also enjoyed a colorful parachute helped along by strong Texas wind. 7-year-old Annissa Sedwick won her sack race, while Yadira Arizmendis, also 7, gave the Easter Bunny a run for his money in the same event.
Archaeology Day fun
On a recent Saturday, I visited Berry Springs Park & Preserve for their annual Archaeology Day activities, a free event jointly sponsored by The Williamson Museum and the Williamson County Parks & Recreation Department. Park visitors, almost 500 on this cool day, got to take in examples of Native American traditional dances, among the dancers an adorable Miles Mouse, only 17-months-old, but already learning some things from his father, Anthony Mouse. Folks enjoyed using an atlatl, a spear-like weapon that’s been around for 40,000 years. The Native Plant Society of Texas demonstrated how you could make your own wildflower seed starters by using recycled paper mixed with water, molding it into a cookie cutter and sprinkling seeds on the top, letting it dry, then planting it face down in the ground. 5-year-old Aria Schreier enjoyed a visit with Amigo and Poco, the resident donkeys at the park. Some of these shots accompanied a story I wrote for the Williamson County Sun
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Special Olympians in Georgetown
The San Gabriel Kiwanis Club in Georgetown hosted their 27th Annual Special Olympics on a chilly Saturday morning on the track and field at Forbes Middle School. Despite dropping temperatures and the threat of rain, these 54 outstanding, inspiring athletes bundled up and gave it their all. Travis Jasek, in the opening photo, is a perfect example as he blasts forward to win a 200 meter race. Travis is part of a team from Down Home Ranch, near Elgin. The Special Olympics first came to Texas in 1969, at summer games in Waco. They (and the competitors) have been going strong ever since. These are a few images I shot for the Williamson County Sun
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A Texas Tea Party
Okay, maybe I’m posting too many Texas-themed items, but there’s been a lot of Texas-themed things going on recently. A fun event I photographed for a Joyce May story in the Williamson County Sun was the annual tea party at the Georgetown Public Library. This year organizers decided the tea party should be Texas-themed, complete with not only tea cups and treats, but boots and cowboy hats. Providing some entertainment were members of Shirts n’ Skirts, a fancy-stepping square dance group. Here’s a few photos from the event. I’ll try really hard to stay away from my Texas postings (maybe).
Stomp Day
Mitchell Elementary School in Georgetown has a tradition called Stomp Day, held each year on the last day of school prior to Spring Break week. This is a late posting from the event, something I shot for the Williamson County Sun. The event is geared toward kids from kindergarten through second grade. The children have fun, do lively dances like the Chicken Dance, but it’s also a way to engage them in a fun activity that also gets their little hearts pumping in a good, healthy way.
Day’s End Reflections
At the end of warm, sunny day in Georgetown, I was headed home when I noticed the windows on the historic Masonic Lodge building on the Georgetown square, reflecting a bit of sun, a bit of trees on the grounds of the Williamson County Courthouse. God paints some beautiful canvasses for us.
Texas Day!
How many states are so proud of their heritage that they celebrate it so fully? I’m guessing not too many, right? Is there a Maine Day, a Wisconsin Day, an Oklahoma Day? I sure never covered a Georgia Day while in Atlanta. Well, folks, kids growing up in Texas celebrate Texas Day all over this great state. I visited Georgetown’s McCoy Elementary School last week for their Texas Day celebration, a day-long event. What great fun it was, too! Even McCoy’s principal, Alma Guzman, really got gussied up. She’s in this gallery, too.
A Chance to Discover the Wonders of Music
The Georgetown Independent School District’s orchestra departments recently held their Orchestra Instrument Fair for kids in the 5th grade considering playing in orchestra when they enter middle school next year. The event, held at Georgetown High School, gave the youngsters the chance to touch and actually play some great instruments, including the viola, violin, cello and bass. One of the most excited young ladies was 11-year-old Regan Daly, a student at Village Elementary School. She’s the first four photos in this post. In the featured photo, Regan learns about a cello from Mary Powers, Georgetown High School’s orchestra director. Regan was loving all the instruments, but was partial to the cello and viola. The photos right after Regan are of Oscar Garcia, who loved the bass, but found it a bit large! His favorite was the cello. Let’s hope the school systems continue to offer these wonderful programs.
Cool Cars and Nifty Planes
I love antique cars and trucks, making it a pleasure to photograph the Second Annual Georgetown Airport Classic Car and Vintage Plane Show held at Georgetown Municipal Airport last weekend. The event is a fundraiser for www.helpourwounded.org and www.flyingvikings.org. The opening photo shows a 1936 Auburn Speedster, a really cool automobile. I never heard of one, but since my son got his MBA from Auburn University, it seemed fitting to photograph it! After his son, Hunter, won a raffle ticket for a flight in a 1964 Chinese fighter trainer piloted by Barrington Miles, dad Paul Meding actually took the the ride and had a grand time. Check out the sites on the links for more information about these good causes.
A Lively “South Pacific” at the Palace Theatre
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “South Pacific” recently began its run on the Springer Memorial Stage at Georgetown’s Palace Theatre. The play, adapted from Jame Michener’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “Tales of the South Pacific,” will be entertaining audiences every weekend through March 24. Playing a leading role as Ensign Nellie Forbush is Christine Jean-Jacques (opening photo), recently coming to the Austin area from Orlando, Florida. She’s joined in many scenes by Bob Beare, cast as Emile de Becque. Both actors do a great job. Another standout, playing Bloody Mary, is Julliard School graduate Michelle Hache’. And you can’t get more adorable than 8-year-old Madeline Rodriguez and 7-year-old Diego Rodriguez, real-life siblings who play Emile de Becque’s children in the production. It’s a long production, but moves well and keeps the audience engaged. These are photos accompanying a Williamson County Sun review being published later this week.
Gallons of Chili for a Good Cause
I had the pleasure again this year to attend the 9th Annual Jonah Chili Supper, a fundraiser aimed at keeping the Jonah Community Center going strong. In a previous life, the community center served as the Jonah Community School, built in 1922 in this idyllic farming community between Georgetown and Taylor. 45 gallons of chili and all the fixins’ were served up. While enjoying their chili, diners savored the music of the Taylor Czech Chorus Band. As I was getting ready to call it a night, my best image literally danced into my camera lens as Carl Lidell and his wife Grace(opening photo) waltzed to the band’s rendition of “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.” It was magic, particularly considering that Mr. Lidell, a former Williamson County Commissioner and Jonah farmer, will celebrate his 90th birthday February 23. Mr. Lidell attended school here in 1929 and was certainly in his element. Posted here are photos I shot to accompany a short story I wrote for the Williamson County Sun.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Southwestern University freshmen buddies Jade Garza and Lauren Childers enjoyed Valentine’s Day relaxing on the soft grass at the academic mall. Temperatures rose to 70 degrees this afternoon, warm even for Central Texas. Joining the friends was a gigantic teddy bear Jade’s boyfriend sent her all the way from Happy, Texas! I never knew there was actually a “Happy” Texas, but apparently it’s near Amarillo and boasts about 650 residents.
A Good Week to Make New Friends
The Georgetown Animal Shelter is offering their Valentine’s Special through February 17 (Sunday). Instead of the usual $75 adoption fees for pets, this week, in honor of Valentine’s Day, it’s only $14 for adult dogs or cats, including spaying and neutering, microchipping and all the appropriate vaccinations. In hopes of giving them some publicity, I stopped by Sunday afternoon and found volunteer Joan Shaffer hard at work with the cats and dogs (Joan’s the opening shot). Joan also played fetch with Princess, a two-year-old Pit Bull. Eight-year-old twin sisters Brianna and Jacqui Spencer got to romp around a play yard with Dusty, a lively two-year-old pooch. I’m hoping mom and dad follow through and make Dusty a part of their home. As of Sunday, the shelter housed 27 cats, 23 dogs and one bunny rabbit named Thumper. These babies need good homes, folks. Give the Pit Bulls a chance, too. They get a horrible rap. Visit their site at the link above for more information.
Slices of Life
Throughout a long career in photojournalism, various terms have been used to describe the kind of photos I find so very fulfilling. Some of the most common ones: enterprise photos, standalone photos, feature photos and wild art. The phrase I’ve always used to describe them, however, are slices of life. For the most part, that’s what they are, little tidbits that don’t necessarily have “news value.” To my way of thinking, the bad news has always been out there to report. Case in point: local television news. If some of my slices of life are considered fluff by the cynics, so be it. I truly believe many people like to have something to make them happy. These four photos, recent offerings to the Williamson County Sun, are what I’m talking about: Ralph Culler enjoying a bike ride at Berry Springs Park & Preserve, Tom Walker on a fishing trip to Granger Lake, Barry Kennon paddle-boarding on the San Gabriel River and a lightning storm near Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Look for the good things out there. Bad things will find us if we let them.
A Peaceful Respite
When the stresses of life get to be overwhelming, it’s good to have a special place to go. For me, it’s usually someplace outdoors, away from the hustle and bustle. A place I find restful and life-affirming is, of all things, a cemetery: Our Lady of the Rosary Cemetery and Prayer Gardens. This beautiful twenty acres in the San Gabriel River Valley, is just east of Georgetown, a stone’s throw from Texas Toll Road 130. Even though you can hear cars in the distance, it’s like they’re not there. At least for me, that is. There are, of course, final resting places (even an area set aside for children who have died), but also walking paths in the woods nearby, complete with a natural spring-fed pond that’s so restful. When I’m here, I feel closer to the Creator. The photos from this recent visit weren’t meant to be for publication, but some of them made their way to this weekend’s Williamson County Sun. Find peace, wherever you are.
It’s Cookie Time!
In case you haven’t noticed, Girl Scouts around the country (or their parents!) are making the rounds and taking orders for their delicious cookie treats. I recently spent a Saturday morning with 10-year-old Alley Luna of Georgetown as she worked her neighborhood door-to-door with the help of her mom, Connie, and Emily, 20, her older sister, also a former Girl Scout herself. Alley’s a member of Girl Scout Troop 455, based at St. Helen Catholic Church. Alley had to deal with a number of folks who didn’t bother to come to the door, but it was still a good morning: Alley sold 45 boxes in three hours! These are some photos I shot for the Williamson County Sun. Cookies are available through February 22 so don’t miss out.
Celebrating MLK in Central Texas
The towns of Taylor and Georgetown both commemorated the birth and life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday. Taylor, a town of 15,000 where I live, had a low-key event that included a 20-minute march. The first two photos in this post are from Taylor. Georgetown, half an hour to the west and about three times Taylor’s size, had a bit larger event that also began with a march and concluded at Macedonia Baptist Church. I covered both celebrations for the Williamson County Sun. After so many years covering MLK events in Atlanta, Dr. King’s hometown, these are very scaled down events, but no less important.
A Stellar High School Symphony
The Austin American-Statesman’s Claire Osborn had a story in today’s edition about the 52 amazing, talented members of the Westwood High School Symphony Orchestra in Round Rock. In October, the musicians competed against 29 other high school symphonies around the state and won the top prize. They’ll be showing off their skills next month at the annual convention of the Texas Music Educators Association being held February 14 in San Antonio. In high school, I was a band and orchestra kid (clarinet), but never this good. This group is under the able direction of Susan Williams (opening photo). Let’s hope we keep funding programs like this in our schools. It’s important.
