Welcome to the fourth issue of GeorgeTown & Country Magazine, a resource for residents and newcomers alike. The magazine’s primary focus is on Georgetown and secondarily, the beautiful Hill Country area.

In this issue, we're proud to feature the Up the Chisholm Trail Cattle Drive and Chuckwagon Cookoff, to be held in San Gabriel Park this year. There’s also information about the Citywide Garage Sale, the new winery in Florence and an article on Market Days. And, no Fall-Winter issue would be complete without coverage of the Taste of Georgetown, the Heritage Society's Holiday Home Tour and the 28th Annual Christmas Stroll events. Local B&Bs are featured along with articles on day spas and facials. Our featured artist in this issue is a painter whose distinctive work reflects on mythology, James Gordy. For our veterans, we have information on little-known VA benefits from a local attorney, Charles E. Lance.

I would like to say thanks to our advertisers and contributors for their support with the magazine. It’s been fun and challenging to bring this publication to our community. If you would like to be an advertiser or would like to contribute an article for the magazine, please contact me at 512-863-3263.

I hope you enjoy the magazine and find it useful!

Lucas Adams, Publisher

Fall - Winter 2008

Your Guide to Georgetown & the Hill Country

2 Up the Chisholm Trail Cattle DriveHeld in San Gabriel Park this year

10 Artist Paints MythologyJames Gordy shows style

12 Photography Contest Got a good photo?

14 New Vineyard & Winery Florence, Texas is home

17 Spa Getaways Pamper yourself

19 A Taste of Georgetown Food event in the Courthouse

22 28th Annual Christmas Stroll A holiday treat

24 Historic Home Tour A Heritage Society event

25 Local Bed & Breakfast Accommodations Unique overnight lodgings

© 2008 Lucas Adams. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without express written permission from Lucas Adams, of any portion of this publication is prohibited. Reasonable efforts have been taken to prepare this publication for accuracy, however the publisher assumes no liability for errors. Content in GeorgeTown & Country Magazine may include paid advertisements. Booklet designed, photographed and published by Lucas Adams.

8th Street StudiosChurch Street Day Spa & SalonCianfrani Coffee CompanyDuke's BBQ SmokehouseD’Vine Wine of GeorgetownFlipSide CycleMartFramer’s GalleryFranklin & Company JewelersGatheringsGeorgetown Antique MallGeorgeTown & Country MagazineGeorgetown Heritage SocietyHarper-Chesser Historic InnHollandaze GourmetJust Kidds & MoreKeller-Williams RealtyKeva JuiceLaurie’s TooLone Star PropertiesMonument CafeNovita SpaPlaka Greek CafeQuenan’s JewelersSan Gabriel House B&BSellstate Summit RealtySweet SerendipityThe CollectorThe EscapeTreasuresWildfireWindberg GalleryWonderful ThingsZoe’s Gifts & Accessories

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El Patron Restaurant & CantinaGeorgetown’s newest Mexican restaurant is now open at 603 University Avenue, Suite 110, near the Dollar General store. They serve good size portions at an affordable price and the food is authentic and muy bueno. For more information, call 512-868-1313.

Kēva JuiceLocated at the intersection of Austin Avenue and Williams Drive (behind Starbucks), Kēva Juice whips up your favorite delicious smoothies in a variety of flavors. They also have fresh carrot juice, gourmet stuffed pretzels and vegan cookies. Go by and visit with owners Bob, Colin and Linda Huntley! For more information, call 512-863-7707.900 N. Austin Avenue, Suite 410.

FlipSide CycleMart Located at 40109 Industrial Park Circle, FlipSide carries an assortment of fuel-efficient motorcycles, accessories and more. In addition, they can custom build a motorcycle from scratch for you or modify an existing one. For more information, call 512-863-0707 or visit www.flipsidecyclemart.com.

Mel’s Lonestar LanesGeorgetown’s newest recreational facility has now opened just across the street from the Rec Center on Austin Avenue. Mel’s offers 40 lanes of bowling, billiards, an arcade, party rooms, a cafe and more. They’re near the Rec Center, at 1010 North Austin Avenue. Phone 512-930-2200 for more information or visit online at www.melslonestarlanes.com.

Smokey Mo’s BBQA new barbecue restaurant has opened in Wolf Ranch, at 1013 West University, Suite 310, which is located behind the Village Restaurant. For more information, call 512-930-1212 or visit www.smokeymosbbq.com.

Tamiro PlazaTamiro Plaza – Phase One is a health-focused mixed-use destination featuring a 20’ x 10’ indoor waterfall, a roof-top restaurant and professional offices including a geriatric clinic, medical imaging, physical therapy and other businesses serving senior health. The building also features financial and investment advisors, architects and a real estate developer.

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The Monument CafeOne of Georgetown’s signature restaurants will be moving and open this fall in its new location at the corner of 6th Street and Austin Avenue! The eagerly awaited new restaurant will also include a market as their expansion plans come to fruition. The new restaurant is a great example of adaptive re-use of a building.

Business Happenings

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The 3rd annual Up the Chisholm Trail Cattle Drive and Chuckwagon Cook-off event will be held in San Gabriel Park this year, near the beautiful San Gabriel River.

Presented by the newly renamed Williamson Museum, the event kicks off in the park with a chuckwagon dessert cook-off and live western music on Friday evening. The hospitality dessert preparation will take place from 4 to 6 p.m., music from 6 p.m. to dark, and dessert for the public at 6 p.m. ($3/sample, limited quantities). Several events are planned for the following day starting at 9 a.m. and continuing until midnight.

There will be a variety of entertainment for visitors of all ages on Saturday, including chuckwagon displays and a cook-off, a trick roping show, western craft demonstrations, children’s activities, a ranch rodeo, live music and, of course, the cattle drive along the San Gabriel River. This promises to be a fun event, nestled under the huge trees in the park.

The event is a celebration of the tradition of the early Trail drivers in the 1860s, men who drove cattle to market along the Chisholm Trail. These trails were marked by historic plaques in the early 1930s, and one still stands today at the intersection of Austin Avenue and 8th Street.

Williamson County was the start of many a trail drive, and the tradition continues today with many cattle raisers following in the footsteps of the early pioneers. The only difference is that the I-35 corridor replaces the original route of the Chisholm Trail and the cattle don’t walk to market.

For more information on the event, visitwww.upthechisholmtrail.org or phone the Williamson Museum at 512-943-1670.

Schedule of events on following page

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Cook at work

Period clothes

Trick Ropers.

Samplin’the vittles

Schedule of EventsFRIDAYHospitality Dessert Preparation ~ 4 pm to 6 pmLive Cowboy Music by Grady Lee ~ 6 pm to darkDessert for Public ~ 6 pm(Tickets sold at event; $3/sample, limited quantities)

SATURDAYChuckwagon Viewing ~ 9 am to 3 pmWestern Demonstrators & Live Music ~ 9 am to darkGrady Lee ~ 9 amBuckaroo Band~ 9:30 amGrady Lee ~ 10:30 amEvelyn, The Yodeling Cowgirl ~ 11 amCowboy Poetry Contest Awards ~ 11:45 amChildren's Western Costume Contest ~ 12 pmEvelyn, The Yodeling Cowgirl ~ 1 pmChuckwagon Food for Public ~ 1:15 pm(Tickets go on sale at 9 am; $5/sample, limited quantities)

Evelyn, The Yodeling Cowgirl ~ 2:30 pmChuckwagon Awards Ceremony ~ 3 pmCharlie Bishop ~ 4 pmJim Gough & the Cosmopolitan Cowboys ~ 4:30 pmTrick Roping Show ~ 5 pmCattle Drive through San Gabriel Park ~ 5:30 pmRanch Rodeo at Rodeo Arena ~ 7 pm to 10 pmRick Trevino Concert ~ 10:30 pm

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Cotton Patch CafeA new restaurant has opened in the Wolf Ranch Shopping Center. The Cotton Patch Cafe is located in the Wind Plaza at 1021 W. University Avenue, Suite 101. Phone 512-869-3400.

City Center BeveragesWines, craft beers, spirits and cheeses and fine cigars are their specialty, with chocolates, gourmet foods, and artisan breads coming soon. They are located at 1530 Sun City Blvd. Phone 512-240-5401.

Franklin & CompanyFine Jewelers has created an original unique silver pendant and matching earrings for Georgetown’s Red Poppy Capital fame. They’re available by special order in gold. For more information, phone 512-869-2300.

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Montana Mike's SteakhouseGeorgetown’s newest steakhouse, serving steaks and seafood, is now open at 708 South IH 35 in the Rivery Shopping Center. For more information, call 512-869-5912.

Business Happenings

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Fall Art HopGeorgetown Art Works, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the arts in Georgetown, will be hosting the Fall Art Hop, a juried art show and stroll to the different art show locations. It will be held October 3rd through the 31st in the historic district of Georgetown.

The show will consist of original works in painting, collage and photography, and will be juried by two artists, Jerry Seagle and Susan Kirchman.

The exhibition will begin October 3rd with a reception for artists and a hop from venue to venue, with tours beginning at the Georgetown Public Library. The Fall Art Hop will be held at numerous locations around Georgetown, including The Georgetown Public Library, The Framers Gallery, Annarella and 8th Street Studios. Artwork may be for sale during the event, depending on the artist’s preference, and for work sold during the event, a 30 percent commission will be assessed and donated to the Georgetown Art Works. For more information visit www.georgetownartworks.org.

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Finding the rare item!

The City-wide Garage& Sidewalk Sale will be held in the parking lots from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. behind Council Chambers and also at Grace Heritage on October 25th. The second city-wide garage sale held this year will benefit the Red Poppy Festival. The first garage sale was a huge success, with over 60 vendors and a lot of cool stuff including antiques, collectables of all kinds, quilts, lamps and everything else you could imagine. If you are interested in setting up a booth, call 512-931-7651 to sign up.

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The Downtown Georgetown Association’s Market Days event is held on the second Saturday of each month in downtown Georgetown. It is another one of those nice hometown events that encourage people to gather on the Square and visit with their friends and neighbors while browsing through assorted booths filled with handmade arts and crafts, festive foods, antiques, collectibles, plants and more. In addition, there is usually live entertainment ranging from clowns to musical performers, face painters and the occasional high school student performers.

Another worthwhile function of the Market Days event is the participation of the animal shelter, with their happy little creatures looking for new homes.

For more information, contact the Downtown Georgetown Association at 868-8675, or visit them online atwww.downtowngeorgetownassociation.com.

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James Gordy - A Painter of Mythology

& Abstractionist

Mythology is at the heart of James Gordy’s highly stylized artwork - meticulous strokes on canvas that are prized by serious collectors and others who just like the visual aesthetics of his illustrative style. As with a few other artists, James has also developed an abstract style that is very highly defined and distinctly different from his illustrative style.

You may have seen some of his numerous works at the former Golden Bough Tea Room & Gallery on the west side of the Square. You may have also seen him at the Artwalk as a participant in the quick-draw event, a fund-raiser for the Williamson County Art Guild scholarship fund. The artwork at the top of the page was the piece that he worked on for the event.

James, now 38, has been painting for more than half of his life, acquiring a feel for his art that has allowed him to hone his style and create his artistic identity.

The medium he favors is oil on canvas, but he also uses graphite, charcoal, ink, and acrylic. His unique lacquer-painted furniture is the focal point of any room, again prized by serious collectors.

James’ influences on his artwork came from such notable artists as Ferring, Goya, Mucha, Picasso, Tamayo and Gonzalez.

“Georgetown is a great area to work, close to Austin and the Hill Country,” says James, “and there are a lot of really good artists in our area.”

To see more of his work, contact James at 554-7516.

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The Georgetown Farmer’s Market Association produces nice little hometown events in three different locations: Georgetown Farmer’s Market - Thursday afternoons from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., April through November.Sun City Farmer’s Market - Tuesday morning from 9 a.m. to noon, April through November.Round Rock Farmer’s Market - Saturday 8 a.m. to noon, April through July.

Farmer’s Market

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Photography ContestGeorgeTown & Country Magazine would like to see your photography! The best photo will win some local photographer a $50 gift card to Wildfire Restaurant, and the image will be published in the magazine.

Rules:There is no entry fee.1. Only one submission per person.2. Must be a Williamson County resident.3. Contest is open to amateur and professional 4. photographers over the age of 18.GeorgeTown & Country Magazine will have the right 5. to print the image in a future issue of the magazine.Photo must have been taken by the entrant within the 6. last year and not published in any other publications.The theme of the photography must be related to 7. Georgetown or Williamson County. (If a photo of a person is submitted, it must have a model’s release as part of the submission.)All photography must be submitted as a print only, 8. (no digital submissions) as an 8x10 with this form attached to the back of the print.Prints will not be returned.9. All photography may be used in a public display.10. Deadline for entry is December 1, 2008.11. Mail your submissions to:12.

GeorgeTown & Country Magazine 1900 East 19th St. Georgetown, TX, 78626

Name:

Address:

Phone Number:

Title of Photo:

Age:

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At Lance ElderLaw, attorney Charles E. Lance is prepared to counsel clients in the area of elder law services for senior citizens, including estate planning, disability, Medicaid planning, and veterans’ benefits related to long-term care needs.“As an elder law attorney, I have only recently learned

how to help clients who may need an important Veterans Administration benefit, available to wartime veterans who may be facing substantial medical and care expenses,” Mr. Lance said.A veteran who is confined to their home or needs an assisted

living facility care may qualify for benefits. Secretary Nicholson of the Department of Veterans Affairs recently reported that the VA is reaching out to veterans and spouses to alert them to an under-used benefit called Aid and Attendance (A and A). It has been reported by the VA that thousands of Texas veterans may not be receiving the VA disability benefits they are entitled to.“One of the VA’s best-kept secrets, which is an excellent

potential source of funds for long-term care (either at home or in an assisted living facility) are veteran’s benefits for a non-service connected disability.”Most VA benefits and pensions are based on a disability

which was incurred during a veteran’s wartime service. This particular benefit, A and A, is available for individuals who are disabled due to the issues of old age, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis and other physical disabilities. For those veterans and widows (and widowers) who are eligible, these benefits can be a blessing for the disabled individual who is not yet ready for a nursing home.“This benefit can be as high as $1,801 per month for a

married veteran,” Mr. Lance said. “This money can potentially be used for home health-care or assisted living facilities. We were shocked to learn that thousands of Texas veterans may be missing out on this valuable benefit which they have a legal right to receive. The benefit is not generally used for the cost of nursing home benefits.”The pension benefits provided by the Veterans Administration

generally fall into two categories: service connected and non-service connected. This article focuses on non-service connected benefits which are available to certain wartime veterans (or their dependents) who are disabled because of a non-service connected condition and who are in financial need due to their unreimbursed medical expenses. Once the veteran’s eligibility requirements are met, a family member may be able to obtain benefits based on his or her status as the veteran’s dependent.“Aid and Attendance is available to a veteran who is not only

disabled, but has the additional requirement of needing the aid and attendance of another person in order to avoid the hazards of his or her daily environment,” Mr. Lance said. “What that means in English is someone needs to help you to prepare meals, to bathe, to dress and otherwise take care of yourself.

Taking Advantage of Little-known VA Benefits

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There’s a new vineyard and winery in Florence... not Florence, Italy, but our own Florence, Texas! Located just 22.5 miles from the downtown Square in Georgetown, the winery looks like it could have been imported from Italy, with the style of the buildings matching those from the Old World. The winery sits in a slight valley on 600 acres in the gently rolling Hill Country, perfect for grapes, weekend getaways or weddings.

The vineyard itself currently has 42 acres planted, which will begin to produce in three years.

The planned subdivision surrounding the vineyard includes small casitas which can be rented for a night or two, each of which has its own Italian look and style. The most intriguing of these was a single room perched atop another room, with an outside staircase. There are plans to have 16 of the casitas for overnight guests.

The main winery building, which was still under construction when we visited in June, will host a spa, hair salon and chocolate cafe along with the tasting room. It also includes a reception room, a large outside deck for weddings and parties, and meeting rooms. There’s also a large wooden barn for parties and get-togethers, and a small amphitheater is planned. For the food enthusiasts there will be culinary classes held in their spacious kitchen. More planned amenities include a pool and clubhouse, tennis courts, a polo field (it's the new home of the Austin Polo Club) and a riding arena.

For more information, phone 254-793-3363 or visit www.thevineyardatflorence.com.

The Vineyardat Florence

Casita with a viewD a y T r i p

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When you think of wineries, images of fields of grapes ripening in the sun and tasting rooms filled with vintage bottles of the harvest spring to mind. But did you know that Georgetown has a winery in its midst?

D’Vine Wine is Georgetown’s first true winery, located in the historic downtown area across from the Palace Theatre! Owners Dan and Becca Marek create their own harvest of fine wine in their winery, ranging from Cabernets, Sirahs, Zinfandels, Merlots and many others, including various fruit wines. While D’Vine has daily wine tastings for the public as well as specialty gift items, the really unique part of the business is that individuals can make their own wine from scratch, bottle it and finish it off with their own unique custom label!

Just how good is the wine? D’Vine Wine of Georgetown recently took a Silver Medal for their Sangiovese and a Bronze Medal for their Super Texan in the 2008 Lone Star International Wine Competition!

Koulourakia(Greek Cookies)

This is from a family recipe and makes a not-too sweet cookie that is perfect with coffee or a glass of milk.

2/3 cup butter2/3 cup sugar4 eggs1/3 cup lukewarm milk1/8 tsp. allspice1/8 tsp. cinnamon1/8 tsp. salt4 ½ cups pastry flour2 tsp. baking powderSesame seeds1 slightly beaten egg mixed with 1 tsp. milk and sesame seeds

Cream together the butter and sugar thoroughly. Add the eggs one by one, beating well. Gradually add lukewarm milk. Add spices and salt. Gradually add the flour, sifted with baking powder, and mix until dough is the right consistency, soft and smooth. Knead for ten minutes and shape into small rolls or wreaths. Brush the top with beaten egg mixture and sprinkle with sesame the seeds. Bake at 400° for fifteen to twenty minutes or until golden brown.

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Spa Getaways in GeorgetownGeorgetown is becoming a popular day trip destination, and one reason for this is the presence of several top-quality spas in town. Local residents can enjoy them too, whether it be for relaxation or to get ready for a special occasion.

The downtown area boasts five spas, some located in meticulously restored old buildings. The first spa to open downtown was She Etc. International Day Spa, which is located in a two-story house that was built in 1868. Owner Sandy Dronet bought the house in 2005 to move her small business from Round Rock to Georgetown.

She Etc. has a beautiful courtyard in the backyard that it makes it hard to believe you’re just block away from the main street in Georgetown. The private cottage in the courtyard is a great place to enjoy a couples massage, while the spacious main house is the setting for all of the other spa services and perfect location to get ready for a wedding. When asked why she moved to Georgetown, Dronet replied, “A small town with great values and a beautiful historic home is what brought me to Georgetown and allowed She Etc. to become what it is today... a special haven for men and women.” She Etc. offers a full spa experience with specialized pampering, such as complimentary wine and fruit and cheese trays.

On the historic downtown Square is Novita Spa, which is located in one of the buildings formally owned by Georgetown icon Harry Gold. Owner Megan DiMartino recently celebrated her third anniversary in Georgetown as well. When asked why she chose Georgetown, DiMartino said, “I liked what I saw of the community and the beautiful downtown area and a little research convinced me to start my business here.”

Novita Spa on the Square offers a variety of special events such as makeover parties and men’s night on Tuesdays. On First Fridays, residents are invited to come in for tours, refreshments and complementary gifts. For visitors who want to spend the night in Georgetown, the spa offers packages with the San Gabriel House Bed and Breakfast. In addition to a full range of spa services, Novita manufactures and distributes its own line of skin care products.

Located just south of the Square on Church Street is the Church Street Salon and Spa. This spa was recently purchased by owners Kelly Church and Rena Fry. “We bought it on the spot,” Fry said. “It was exactly what we were looking for.” Church and Fry have redecorated the spa and are offering a wider range of services than the previous owner, such as facials, massage therapy, hair care, make-up, waxing and more. They also carry a variety of popular skin and hair products.

A fourth spa downtown, the West End Salon and Spa, opened Aug. 15. That spa is located in a restored old house at 206 W. 10th St. They are a hair salon, also doing facials and massage therapy.

Another spa in the downtown area is the Beauty Escape (not pictured), located at 114 East 7th St. in the building that was formerly The Gardens. Offering manicures, hair care, facials and integrated therapy, the spa has been in business since 2005. ~ Ellen Davis

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Selecting the Right Facial for You

What’s the difference between a Swedish massage and a deep tissue massage? Do you go for the deep cleansing facial or the anti-aging facial?

First-time spa visitors can easily be intimidated by the list of services offered.

During a recent visit to Church Street Day Spa in Georgetown, I asked Debra Carter, the esthetician who did my facial, to help explain the different types of facials to me.

Carter says the facial you select should be based on your skin type. A skin analysis can determine this. The type of facial you pick also depends on whether you want to be pampered, or whether you want to reduce lines, wrinkles and premature aging. I picked the anti-aging facial, which Carter says is their most popular offering.

The facial began with two separate cleansings. “The first cleansing takes debris off the surface and the second gets into the pores and cleanses,” Carter explains. She says she can already see the difference in my skin after the second cleansing, which is done using a clay cleanser that soaks up oil and debris.

The next step is exfoliation, which Carter says is the most important step in a facial because it opens up the pores and follicles, and prevents dirt, debris and oil from building up. “If you can keep your skin exfoliated, your pores will look smaller and your skin will look smoother and cleaner,” she says.

After the exfoliation, Carter applies a skin revitalizing mixture, which she says will help my skin look more radiant. Next, it’s time for a multivitamin power recovery mask, which has antioxidants to repair skin damage. While the mask is on my face (about 10 minutes), Carter gives me a gentle hand massage and does some acupressure on my forehead to relieve stress.

After she takes the mask off using a hot towel, Carter sprays a toner over my face that is designed to bring my skin back to its normal PH balance. Then she sprays on another product that moisturizes, protects the skin from free radical damage, and flash firms. Carter finishes my facial by applying several other products to moisturize and firm my skin.

The anti-aging facial is one of five facials available at the Church Street Day Spa. Other offerings include a deep cleansing facial, a facial with microdermabrasion, a facial just for men, and a combination facial and massage.

Deep cleansing facials, Carter explains, are for people who have trouble with acne and breakouts. These facials include extractions

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Tasting Event at the Courthouse

On Saturday evening, October 4th, the 5th annual Taste of Georgetown will be held in a new venue – the newly remodeled Williamson County Courthouse! This promises to be a special event, amidst the backdrop of nearly a hundred years of history (The courthouse was built in 1911).

For those unfamiliar with the Taste, the event is organized by the Downtown Georgetown Association and is sponsored by First Texas Bank. It is an opportunity to sample cuisine and wines from Georgetown and the Hill Country and includes a “Best of...” contest.

Held in the past in different venues such as Grace Heritage’s parking lot and the Wolf Ranch Water Plaza, the event has grown each year to become one of the local favorites. In fact, it has become so popular that this year it will be held in a slightly different manner than in the past, with two different sessions. The plan is designed to help with overly large crowds and reduce waiting in line, making for a more pleasurable experience.

The new feel of the event is planned as an “upscale cocktail party, with a string quartet and wine education sessions,” according to DGA’s Director, Trisha Tallman. These wine sessions will be taught by Randy McCrea and promise to be most informative.

Tickets are available for $25 at the Visitors Center on the corner of 7th and Main on the downtown Square.For more information, phone 512-863-8675 or visitwww.downtowngeorgetownassociation.org.

The Williamson County Courthouse is this year’s venueEnjoy local wines

Fine foods from local restaurant favorites

A variety of samplings

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Under this program, a veteran can receive a maximum of $1,801 per month in benefits and a widow or widower can receive up to $976 as a maximum benefit for A and A for the year 2007. The applicant must be determined to be “permanently and totally disabled”The applicant does not need to be helpless. He or she

need only show a need for aid and attendance on a regular basis. Someone who is housebound or in an assisted living facility and over the age of 65 is presumed by the Veterans Administration to be in need of aid and attendance.“It is very important to meet with a knowledgeable

veteran’s service officer or an experienced elder law attorney for a pre-filing consultation to determine whether or not you may qualify for this benefit and to review the estate planning work that may be done to assist you in qualifying for this particular benefit,” Mr. Lance said. “It is very confusing to many individuals in determining what is the countable, income that is measured by the Veterans Administration. It may appear on first blush that anyone who has a countable income in excess of $18,000 per year is not eligible for this benefit. However, the countable income for veterans’ benefits is determined by taking an individual’s gross income and subtracting from that all of their un-reimbursed medical expenses to determine a lower income, which is their income for VA purposes. Income for VA purposes is the countable income which is used to determine whether or not a person qualifies.”Home attendants or aides are an allowable medical expense

deduction, as long as that attendant is providing some medical or nursing services for the disabled person.The cost of an assisted living facility, and even part or all of the cost of an independent living facility, can also be an allowable medical deduction to reduce a veteran’s gross income to a much lower net countable income that might meet the standard to qualify for veteran’s benefits.“To file a claim for this benefit, it is wise to seek the

involvement of a trained veteran’s service officer,” Mr. Lance said. “A veteran’s service officer is critical to the filing of an application with the local VA regional office. It is also important to seek the guidance of an experienced elder law attorney who is familiar with estate planning, disability, Medicaid and veterans’ benefits. An attorney skilled in elder law can provide a veteran and the veteran’s family with appropriate pre-filing consultations to determine the appropriate steps that must be taken to be able to determine if it would be right to apply for this VA benefit.”

For a free information packet, contact Lance ElderLaw at(512) 868-2224.

VA Benefits Continued from page 13

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Newcomers to Georgetown are in for a treat during the Christmas season with a couple of hometown events, the Lighting of the Square on the Friday after Thanksgiving and the 28th Annual Christmas Stroll on Saturday, December 6th.

Enjoy carolers, cookies and hot apple cider with your friends on the courthouse lawn as night falls, awaiting the magic of the Lighting of the Square. Every year offers something different in the way of entertainment, ranging from school children singing carols to musicians in Victorian costumes.

The 28th Annual Christmas Stroll is sponsored by the Downtown Georgetown Association, featuring over 100 fine arts and crafts vendors from all around, a food court and lots of fun children’s activities, including a parade hosted by Santa himself!

For more information, phone 512-863-8675 or visitwww.downtowngeorgetownassociation.org.

Christmas spirit awakens at the Lighting of the Square

28th Annual Christmas Stroll

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Tomato Basil Soup

3 (15 1/2 ounce) cans tomatoes, crushed3 cups tomato juice1 1/2 tablespoons dried basil1 cup heavy cream1 stick butter1/8 cups sugar1/4 teaspoon cracked pepperSalt to taste

Purée tomatoes with basil and put in saucepan. Add remaining ingredients and simmer 30 minutes. Serve hot.Serves four to six.

Recipe courtesy of Laurie's Too, from their cookbook, Treasures from Laurie's Tea Room.

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Heritage Society Home TourDec. 13 & 14

G e o r g e t o w n E v e n t

There’s something to sing about …The Holiday Home Tour in historic Georgetown is going green!

The 2008 Holiday Home Tour in historic Georgetown will focus on the ultimate recycling project: preservation. Five homes will be featured on the Tour – all adorned for the season – and include examples of classic restoration, modernizing an historic home, and crafting a new home from reclaimed materials. Join the Georgetown Heritage Society to support historic preservation, the original way to recycle.

Holiday Home Tour in historic GeorgetownDecember 13 & 14, 200812 noon until 5 pmTickets available at: Grace Heritage Center, Georgetown Visitor Center, Hill Country Bookstore and the Sun City Community Association Office.

For more information, please visitwww.georgetownheritagesociety.com or call the office at 512.869.8597. Grace Heritage Center, home to the Georgetown Heritage Society, is located at 811 South Main Street in downtown Georgetown, and is open every Thursday, from 9 am until 5 pm.

GHS also is pleased to offer the first of a new ornament series, “Old Grace Church,”available at Grace Heritage Center, the Georgetown Visitor Center and The Escape. ~ Susan Firth

Local B&BsWith the holiday season coming up, you may be asking yourself, “What do I do with the overflow of relatives and friends who are planning to visit?”

You could put them up at one of the local hotels, or for a more personal touch, at one of the local B&Bs.

The hospitality and friendships that are kindled are unsurpassed here in Georgetown – many visitors to our local accommodations have kept in touch with their hosts for years following their stays. Unlike many B&Bs where you simply pick up a key in the mailbox and never meet your hosts, our local establishments pride themselves on the personal aspect of accommodating guests. That’s what sets them apart, making for the best experience possible and reflecting the community in the most positive light.

Take the Ranch House B&B for example, located near the retirement community of Sun City. Ed Pastor and

his wife, Millie, have a ranch-style home that feels just like you are going to visit with your family. If your family is large they have 4 bedrooms to fit

’em all in. They take great care with their guests and always welcome children... The kids love being out on the ranch and seeing the cows, goats and deer that abound.

If being out in the country is not what you had in mind, there are three B&Bs in town just a few blocks from the downtown Square; the Harper-Chesser Historic Inn, Claibourne House, and the San Gabriel House Bed & Breakfast.

The Harper-Chesser Inn was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1986, and owners Ruth and RC Lumpkin have meticulously renovated this landmark 1890 home to a level that is sure to be appreciated by devotees of older buildings. With 4 bedrooms furnished with antiques, a large formal

dining room and a cozy front parlor, you’ll feel like you have plenty of elbow-room. For special events, there’s a large porch and garden area. RC, a classically trained chef, also offers cooking classes, wine pairings, and special menu demonstrations.

The San Gabriel House B&B, located directly across the street from Southwestern University, was built at the turn of the century

and also underwent major renovations in the 1990s. With 6 bedrooms furnished with antiques, a library, a large formal dining room and a comfortable front parlor, this mansion-style lodging is sure to please the most discriminating traveler. There’s also a large backyard and deck for special occasions. Owners Dee and Neil Rapp will take great care to ensure that your guest’s visit will be a most pleasant one.

Claibourne House, located just 2 blocks from downtown, is another Victorian-style house from the turn of the century that has been remodeled by owner Clare Easley. The house has a lot of ornamental detail, hardwood floors, antiques, art and a baby grand piano. There are 4 bedrooms to choose from, and a large wrap-around porch

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with rocking chairs.

The Glass Chapel, owned by Gary and Judith Carver, is one of Georgetown’s newest B&Bs. They are located west of the Interstate in the Serenada neighborhood. They have 3 distinctly different rooms to chose from in their contemporary style home. Amenities include Internet access, TV, a reading room and garden area...just like being home!

Georgetown’s newest B&B is Crafter’s Cottage, best described as a place where “women escape with their friends and hobbies.” As its name implies, this B&B caters to artisans in a new 4-bedroom home with 3 craft rooms. It is located west of Georgetown past Sun City, off RR 3405 and Russell Park Road.

Whichever one you chose, your guests are sure to enjoy the ambiance and Georgetown experience!

www.visitgeorgetown.com

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that go deeper to remove dirt and debris from the pores. “Deep cleansing facials can be uncomfortable, but this is necessary to get debris out of the pores,” Carter says.

Microdermabrasion and chemical peels can be used to get rid of brown spots and other signs of aging. Microdermabrasion takes off the dead outermost layer of skin, and chemical peels go deeper. Carter says chemical peels are not recommended in the summer, however.

The combination facial and massage is for customers looking for some extra pampering and relaxation. While each facial has its own unique features, Carter says most still stay with the same steps: cleanse, cleanse again, exfoliate, mask, tone and moisturize. She says some clients with badly damaged skin come as frequently as once a week for facials, but once a month is recommended as part of a good skin care regimen. She notes that a good skin care regimen at home also is important, as is drinking plenty of water to help reduce dark circles under the eyes. – Ellen Davis

the Right FacialB&Bs

Georgetown AccommodationsClaibourne House B&B 912 Forest.........................................................(512) 930-3934

Comfort Suites 11 Waters Edge Circle.......................................(512) 863-7544

Crafter's Cottage 109 Spray Lane.................................................(512) 819-9259

Days Inn 209 North IH-35.................................................(512) 863-5572

Glass Chapel B&B 309 Las Plumas Drive.......................................(512) 863-7667

Harper-Chesser Historic Inn B&B 1309 College Street...........................................(512) 864-1887

Holiday Inn Express 600 San Gabriel Village Blvd.............................(512) 868-8555

La Quinta Inn 333 North IH-35.................................................(512) 869-2541

Budget Inn 1908 South Austin Avenue................................(512) 869-0709

Quality Inn 1005 Leander Road...........................................(512) 863-7504

San Gabriel House B&B 1008 East University..........................................(512) 930-0070

The Ranch House B&B 95 Redbird Trail.................................................(512) 863-2331

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