__________Taylor ___________

76574 WINTER s 2021

GARDEN
CLUB RUNS
FOR THE
ROSES

GIFT
LIGHTS
TAYLOR

PARADING
THROUGH

GUIDE
HISTORY

TOY
These gifts are truly “Taylor Made.” DRIVES
Get a hint on good gift giving inside.
RIDE FOR
SANTA
 • Graduation rates consistently
surpass regional and state
averages.
• Early College High School
provides the opportunity to earn a
college associates degree while in
high school at no cost to students. • 1:1 Electronic Device, PK - 12
• Nationally Ranked Academic
Decathlon
• National Grand Champion Color
Guard
• State Band Qualifiers
• New Athletic Complex
• Athletic State Qualifiers
• Free and Tuition Based 4 year old pre-k
• NEW: 3 year old pre-k
•
• Parent and Community Involvement
• Partnership with Boys and Girls
Club
• Career preparations with
certifications in numerous areas
including welding, culinary arts,
automotive and diesel technology,
health sciences and floral design.

TAYLOR INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

3101 N. Main St. • Taylor, TX 76574
Phone: (512) 365-1391 • Fax: (512) 365-3800 • taylorisd.org

INTENTIONALLY EMPOWERING THE WHOLE CHILD

_________Taylor _________

76574
Facebook@Taylor76574

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER

Jason Hennington

BUSINESS MANAGER
Carolyn Hill

ADVERTISING SALES
Regina Taylor

PRODUCTION EDITOR
Victoria Parker

ADVERTISING DESIGN
Patti Slavych
Minerva Kutch
Stephanie Schwan IT'S LIT!
The annual Parade of Lights is a unique event that has evolved
OUR THANKS TO over the years and made downtown Taylor a holiday destination.
Catherine Parker PAGE 22

ON THE COVER
D E PA R T M E N T S
10 YEARS OF BLOOMING SUCCESS........................................................................................PAGE 5
The annual Run for Roses approaches 10 years.

WINTER CALENDAR............................................................................................................PAGE 7
Find out about all the events and activities going on this winter that you don’t want to miss.

BY THE NUMBERS......................................................................................................PAGES 12-13

Shepherd’s Heart helps the community, but how much does it take?

WALK WITH FAITH............................................................................................................PAGE 14

After a year hiatus, Immanuel Luther Church will Pilgrimage to Bethlehem again this year.

These gifts are truly “Taylor 10 QUESTIONS..................................................................................................................PAGE 19

Made.” Melanie Shaw creates
home goods, like pitchers,
plates and bowls at Taylor’s
Art Off Center Ceramic Studio.
— Photo by Catherine Parker
You’ve seen him, but do you really know him? Pastor George Qualley opens up in 10 questions.
TOYS! TOYS! TOYS! ............................................................................................................PAGE 20
The Taylor Fire Department and the Bill Pickett Educational Foundation collect toys for the
holiday season.

Published by WHAT’S COOKING THIS SEASON?........................................................................................PAGE 24

PRESS
Check out some local recipes to tickle your taste buds this winter.
TAYLOR
THE DABBLING DUCK........................................................................................................PAGE 34
What’s a good gift and why? DD enlightens us on the history and suggestions of gift giving.

WINTER 2021 3
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Run for the Roses
Taylor Garden Club to host its 10th annual race
JASON HENNINGTON
publisher@taylorpress.net
I
n January, runners can tour the
parks system as they run for the
roses.
On Saturday, Jan. 15, the Taylor
Garden Club will host its 10th annual
Run for the Roses 5K and 10K in
Taylor. The event is unique because
in addition to medals, winners receive
roses as a grand prize.
“One of the goals of the Taylor
Garden Club is to beautify our parks.
We thought sending the top finishers
home with something to beautify their
own yards would be nice,” said Penny
Rychetsky, Garden Club president. “It
makes our run just a bit more special.”
She explained the idea came from a
past president as a way to reduce
work and bring in more profits.
“Doing this race requires less
volunteerism for manual labor,”
WINTER 2021 winners received rose plants. Photo by Joe Burgess
she said. “The day of the race, there
are a lot of people helping set up and
get people registered.”
She said the event is finished by
noon, even with the addition of the
10K race, and more money was raised.
Rychetsky said the interest from
runners was a deciding factor in
adding the 10K race.
“It’s a big time of year for races.
If (runners) are going to be running
some of the marathons, they may want
to get in some extra miles,” she said.
“The 10K was an opportunity for those
people who want to do marathons.”
The 5K race goes through a large
portion of the parks system in Taylor.
It begins in Murphy Park then goes
over passed Bull Branch Park and
comes back. The 10K has the same
route of the 5K, but then goes
over to Fannie Robinson Park
and comes back and finishes
at Murphy Park.
Runners will trek through Murphy Park as part of
the course during Run for the Roses 5K. First place
“It gives people an opportunity to see
our parks system,” Rychetsky said.
According to Rychetsky, the race
usually attracts about 125 runners,
except for last year’s race, which was
moved to Sweet Eats Farm due to
restrictions caused by the coronavirus
pandemic.
“We’re hoping for at least 100,” she
said about the upcoming race.
The entry fee for the 5K is $25 for
participants ages 19 and over and $15
for 18 and younger. The 1K Fun Run
and Sleepwalker division is $15 each.
The 10K is $30 for participants 19
and over and $20 for those 18 and
younger. Student athlete participants
will receive a discount for participation
by simply signing up online and
entering a special discount code.
“The money we raise is for local
seniors who are going into agricultural
or horticultural type degrees,”
Rychetsky said. “The other money is
5
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More than 125 runners of all ages are expected to
participate in the upcoming Run for the Roses 5K/10K in
January hosted by the Taylor Garden Club. Courtesy photo

used for beautification projects around
ROBIN ARIOLA, town.”
Over the 10 years of existence, the
TX Lic Realtor® race has raised several thousand dollars
540-878-3033 to help with scholarships and projects.
robin.ariola@exprealty.com The Garden Club is responsible for the
"Client Care Beyond Compare" memorial flower bed in Bull Branch
Park and the large beds at the entrance
to Murphy Park. In 2010, the club
donated and has maintained the Lou
Bell Harris Pavilion in Murphy Park.
“The main goal is to give out
scholarships,” she said. “We try to give
out $500 to $1,000 a year.”
To register for the race, visit https://
www.Roses5k10k.com. Packet pick
up is Friday, Jan. 15, from 4 to 6 p.m.
at 1705 Lake Drive in Taylor and
Saturday, Jan. 16 from 7 to 7:45 a.m.
in Murphy Park. The race begins at 8
a.m.
“This is a really good race to promote
Taylor’s park system,” Rychetsky said,
“and promote the Garden Club of
Taylor knowing that we do things for
the city and the students to improve
their lives and city parks.”
The Taylor Garden Club meets the
second Tuesday of the month from
September to May. Anyone who is
interested in attending a meeting can
contact Rychetsky at 512-924-3276.

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 Due to the coronavirus
pandemic, many events may
either be canceled or postponed.
Here we list the ties activities
typically happen. To find out
more information, contact
the organizer of each event.

Monthly Events
G21 CAR SHOW
G21 Car Show is on the fourth Sunday of every month If you would like to see your non-profit
beginning at about 9 a.m. It is held on Second Street between community event or regular meeting listed in
Main and Porter streets. Several different charities benefit from this calendar, please send it to Taylor76574
it throughout the year. Calendar, 211 W. Third St., Taylor, TX 76574
or email to news@taylorpress.net and put
SECOND SATURDAY
“Taylor 76574” in the subject line. Our next
Join us on the second Saturday of the month for events in
edition will be published mid-to late October.
our parks and all over town. Specials and bargains in our
downtown shops and cool drinks at our “rest stops.”

THIRD MONDAY
The Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce hosts a luncheon at
Sirloin Stockade the third Monday of each month. The topics
vary but usually focus on Taylor issues. Open members and
non-members.
are posted to the city’s website Tuesday prior. Meetings
are streamed live from the city’s website. You may sign up
for notifications about this and other Taylor boards and
commissions on the homepage of the city’s website, ci.taylor.
tx.us.

THIRD THURSDAY: TAYLOR SCHOOL BOARD

The Third Thursday of every month, our downtown shops stay
open until 8 p.m. 120 Art Gallery opens a new exhibit and
music fills Texas Beer Company, Taylor Station and other venues
around the area.
Around the Watercooler
Interested in local and college sports? Check out “Around the
Water Cooler,” a lively and opinionated show produced by
the Taylor Press. New shows every Thursday at about 11 a.m.
Streamed live on Facebook @GoTaylorTx.
YOUR GOVERNMENT
Taylor City Council
The Taylor City Council meets the second and fourth Thursdays
of the month, 6 p.m. at City Hall, 400 Porter St. Agendas
Taylor school trustees meet 7 p.m. the third Monday of the
month, in the board room at the central administration office,
3101 N. Main Street. Agendas are posted to the school’s
website the Friday prior to the meeting. Taylor ISD board
meetings are streamed on the Taylor Press Facebook page.
WEEKLY CIVIC CLUB MEETINGS
Taylor Lions Club
Every Friday at Noon at Sirloin Stockade
Taylor Rotary Club
Every Thursdays at noon at Sirloin Stockade
Taylor Kiwanis Club
Every Wednesday noon at Sirloin Stockade

WINTER 2021 7
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Winter Calendar
PICKLEBALL CLINIC
Every first Monday of the month at 7 p.m.
at Murphy Park, IPTPA Certified Teaching
Instructor Larry “Hat” Cmerek will lead
the clinics. Equipment provided and
bring a friend.
November
NOV. 9 — ARBOR DAY
This year’s Arbor Day tree planting will be
held at 9 a.m. at Taylor Regional Park and
Sports Complex.
NOV. 2 — ELECTION DAY
NOV. 11— VETERAN’S DAY
NOV. 13 — DR. JAMES LEE
DICKEY DAY
Come out to Fannie Robinson Park for Dr.
Dickey Day along with the annual health
fair and Thanksgiving Feast of Sharing
from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Food, fun and
festivities for all.
NOV. 13 — TAYLOR VETERANS
BEER RUN 5K
Come out and enjoy the fourth annual
Taylor Veterans 5K Beer Run! Enjoy
zipping through Murphy Park and our
beautiful hike and bike trails while
sampling beer made right here in Taylor.
Lots of music, food, and Taylor made
beer. Bring your family and friends and
help support The American Legion and
American Legion Charities.
NOV. 25 — THANKSGIVING
DAY
NOV. 27 — SHOP SMALL
SATURDAY
December
DEC. 4 — CHRISTMAS FAIR AND
PARADE
A day to get some Christmas shopping
done in downtown Taylor followed by a
Christmas Parade of Lights. The events
WINTER 2021 9
are held every year on the first Saturday
in December.
DEC. 11-12 — PILGRIMAGE TO
BETHLEHEM
Immanuel Lutheran Church, located
at 411 CR 401 in Taylor, will have their
annual Pilgrimage to Bethlehem and
live nativity. The event is a chance to
walk through and watch the Christmas
story play out before your eyes. Follow
the journey of Mary and Joseph from
Nazareth to Bethlehem’s stable. Mingle
with people in biblical era costumes and
feel the stern looks of the Roman guards.
Share the joy of shepherds hearing
angels proclaim the good news of the
Messiah’s birth, and join the wise men in
paying homage to the newborn King.
Free tours are every 20 minutes between
5:30 and 8:30 p.m.
DEC. 25 — CHRISTMAS DAY
January
CHAMBER & COMMUNITY
AWARDS BANQUET
At 6 p.m. the chair’s reception begins
this evening that includes dinner, an
introduction of Chamber leadership and
presentation of awards for Business of
the Year, Ambassador of the Year, Woman
of the Year, Customer Service of the Year
and Citizen of the Year.
JAN. 15 — RUN FOR THE ROSES 5K
Each year on the Third Saturday in January
the Taylor Garden Club sponsors the Run for
the Roses 5K race along the hike and bike
trails throughout our parks system. This is
one of the organizations major fundraisers
which helps with our many projects toward
beautifying the City of Taylor.
JAN. 17 — MARTIN LUTHER KING
JR. MARCH AND PROGRAM
Begins in Robinson Park at 9 a.m. and
ends at City Hall. Following the march is a
program that begins at 10 a.m.
February
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Special programs sponsored by the O.L.
Price Ex-Student’s Association at various
Taylor schools.
VICTORIAN VALENTINE GALA
The Moody Museum located at the corner
of Ninth and Talbot Streets, Taylor Moody
Museum will host the annual Valentine’s
Gala. The event kicks off the membership
drive for the Friends of the Moody Museum.
Those who attend will be treated to
music played on the Moody family piano
(circa1901). There will also be food and drink
for guests to enjoy. Tickets will be available
at the door for $25 per person or at Taylor
Chamber of Commerce. To learn more, call
512-365-7396 or visit moodymuseum.com.
 Raising the
the STANDARDS
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in Healthcare Yo nt to
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Of People We W
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or selling, we want to
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 Nobody Beats a
2021-2022 TAYLOR DUCK
BASKETBALL SCHEDULE Covert Deal.
TAYLOR BOYS
DATE TIME
Not Now, Not Ever!
OPPONENT LOCATION
Nov 6 1:30 PM vs Killeen Taylor HS Gym
Nov 12 7:30 PM vs Elgin Taylor HS Gym
Nov 16 8:00 PM @ Northeast Early College at Northeast
Nov 20 7:30 PM vs Lampasas Taylor HS Gym
Nov 22 7:30 PM vs East View Taylor HS Gym
Nov 30 7:00 PM @ Manor New Tech TBA
Dec 2 TBA @ Cedar Creek Tournament Cedar Creek High School GRAND SPORT CORVETTE
Dec 3 TBA @ Cedar Creek Tournament Cedar Creek High School
Dec 4 TBA @ Cedar Creek Tournament Cedar Creek High School
Dec 7 7:30 PM @ Gatesville Gatesville High School
Dec 9 TBA vs Taylor Tournament Taylor HS Gym
Dec 10 TBA vs Taylor Tournament Taylor HS Gym
Dec 11 TBA vs Taylor Tournament Taylor HS Gym
Dec 14 7:30 PM vs Caldwell Taylor HS Gym
Dec 17 7:30 PM @ Lago Vista Lago Vista High School
Dec 28 TBA @ Buda Hays Tournament Hays High School FORD F-250 SUPER DUTY
Dec 29 TBA @ Buda Hays Tournament Hays High School
Jan 4 6:30 PM @ Waco Connally at Waco Connally
Jan 11 7:30 PM @ Waco La Vega at Waco La Vega
Jan 14 7:30 PM @ Lake Belton Lake Belton High School
Jan 18 7:30 PM vs Burnet Taylor HS Gym
Jan 21 7:30 PM vs Gateway College Prep Taylor HS Gym

REALTREE EDITION SILVERADO

TAYLOR GIRLS
DATE TIME OPPONENT LOCATION
Oct 30 10:00 AM @ Rouse/Hays Rouse/Hays
Nov 2 TBA @ La Vernia La Vernia
Nov 5 6:15 PM vs Dripping Springs Taylor HS Gym
Nov 9 6:30 PM @ Manor Manor
Nov 12 6:30 PM vs Manor New Tech Taylor HS Gym
Nov 16 6:15 PM vs Austin McNeil Taylor HS Gym
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Nov 22 12:30 PM @ McGregor McGregor
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Nov 30
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Dec 3 TBA @ Killeen Shoemaker Tournament
Dec 4 TBA @ Killeen Shoemaker Tournament
Dec 7 6:15 PM vs Rogers Taylor HS Gym
Dec 10 6:15 PM vs Cameron Taylor HS Gym
Dec 14 6:15 PM vs Bastrop Cedar Creek Taylor HS Gym
Dec 20
Dec 27
Dec 28
12:00 PM
TBA
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@ Austin LBJ
@ Hays Tournament
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Jan 7
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Jan 14 6:15 PM @ Lake Belton Lake Belton
Jan 18 6:15 PM vs Burnet Taylor HS Gym

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BY THE NUMBERS:
SHEPHERD’S HEART
How many hours does it
take to prepare bags?
15 hours

How many volunteers?

Board Members, 56 volunteers in the
food pantry, 12 thrift shop volunteers.

How many people a week

does the pantry feed/help?
On average, 857 people, 288 families

How much food is

brought in a week?
23,660 pounds

12 TAYLOR 76574
 How many hours does
it take to distribute?
7.5 hours

How many years of existence?

Shepherd’s Heart was founded in the mid
1990s, named an organization in 2001,
however, the 501c3 was established in
January 2011 as a public charity status.

Open how many days a week?

Food pantry – 6 days, 32 hours
of preparation work, 7.5 hours
food distribution.
How much food is
distributed a week?
23,660 pounds
How many pounds of
food (so far) this year?
567,842 pounds (year to date)

How many shelves

at the pantry?
4 large racks, 8 large shelves

How many freezers

at the pantry?
1 – 8 ft X 20 ft Walk in Freezer, 3
Double Wide Commercial refrigerators,
1 – 8ft x 12 ft walk in refrigerator

How many rolls of toilet

paper at the pantry?
23.5 rolls

WINTER 2021 13
 JASON HENNINGTON
Visitors traveled with Mary and Joseph for the birth of publisher@taylorpress.net
Jesus during the 12th annual Pilgrimage to Bethlehem

O
Saturday and Sunday at Immanuel Lutheran Church. n Dec. 11-12,
Photo by Jason Hennington
Immanuel
Lutheran Church,
411 CR 401, will
host its Pilgrimage
to Bethlehem.
“A lot of people are looking
forward to it. We really missed it,”
said Bonnie Gordon, coordinator.
“We’re excited about it.”
In its 13th year, the event allows
visitors to walk with Mary and Joseph

Christmas story
as they prepare for the birth of Jesus
Christ.
“It feels great. There has been a real
desire to do this again,” Pastor Caleb
Bahr said. “It’s something we have
always enjoyed doing and it was a great
thing for the community.”

WALKS AGAIN Bahr said this year will be special

because the community has gone so long
not being able to have similar events.
After a year hiatus, people will be able to walk “The story of Jesus changes lives, and
the story of the birth of Jesus again this year. just the mindful effect of that story in
general, is a wonderful thing,” he said.
“For a bunch of different churches to get

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512-309-4045
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14 TAYLOR 76574
together around the story that means
so much to so many of us and to tell it
together, it’s a great thing.”
In continuous 20-minute rotations,
guests will be guided through
Nazareth, the marketplace and to the
stable where Jesus was born. Each
group has a guide who acts as the
narrator, and there are actors with
speaking roles in each scene. 
There are normally more than 130
cast members who portray shoppers,
guards, carpenters, pottery makers,
angels, shepherds and more. 
Volunteers come together and
construct the sets, sew costumes
and learn lines from the script. Cast
members range from kindergarteners
to people in their 80s. Each year brings
about 1,000 people to the live nativity,
according to Gordon.  on.”
Although the church was not sure
if the event would happen this year,
Gordon made plans just in case. In
June, she sent an email to previous
cast members to get them involved.
“I had an overwhelming response.
People were so excited,” she said.
WINTER 2021 15
An inn keeper tells Joseph
to try across the street
to find a place to stay
during the Pilgrimage to
Bethlehem at Immanuel
Lutheran Church.
Photo by Jason
Hennington
“I’ve known since June it was going in the planning stages, so there are no
to happen if we didn’t have any other details available for how it will differ
major COVID (related) things going due to COVID-19 precautions.
The program is also a food drive
As of the beginning of October, for Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry.
Gordan said she almost had a full cast The church accepts canned food or
ready. monetary donations that goes to the
“We were very surprised by the food pantry.
number of people ready to help again,” The event is one weekend only,
Bahr said. Saturday, Dec. 11, and Sunday, Dec.
The Pilgrimage to Bethlehem is still 12, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
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Your SANTA’S
MAILBOX

holiday stops
Santa Claus has
started making his
list as Christmas
fast approaches. As
always, the Taylor
Press has agreed to
help the Jolly Ol’ Gent
with his mail needs.
Santa’s mailbox
will be open for
the holiday season
beginning shortly

T
after Thanksgiving.
he holiday season is almost here, and Taylor We will be collecting
will once again be a destination for shoppers children’s letters
and visiting. to Santa in the
The Main Street committee will host the annual decorated box inside
Christmas Fair Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at our office during
city hall and Heritage Square in downtown Taylor. normal business
The Parade of Lights is also planned for Dec. hours, 211 W. Third
4 with its normal route along Main Street and St. until Monday, Dec.
ending in Heritage Square. Santa is expected to 13. They will be in the
flip the switch and light the 30-foot Christmas Christmas edition of
tree. the paper, but will
The annual Wine Swirl, normally held the be delivered to the
Friday before the parade, will not happen this North Pole.
year.

Happy Holidays from all of us!

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Taylor Pawn & Jewelry Florals • Jewelry • Candles • Gifts
901 North Main (Corner of 9th Street & Hwy.95) 407 N. Main Street Suite A
Taylor, Texas 76574 • 512-352-1112 Taylor, Texas 76574 Owners:
We Buy Jewelry & Scrap Gold 512-352-9188 Alice & Emil Kasper

Homestyle Cooking Turkey & Dressin

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Family Atmosphere 11am - 2pm

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Tues. thru Fri. 11am - 8pm
Closed Saturday, Sunday and Monday

18 TAYLOR 76574
10 QUESTIONS WI T H PASTOR QUALLEY

1 What is your superpower?

Calming troubled and anxious individuals.
Pastor George Qualley (right)
dances with Janell Rohlack
at the polka service.

2
Courtesy photo
Tell us something most people
don’t know about you?
I enjoy reading pulp mystery novels.

3 Why do you do what you do?

I enjoy helping people discover God at work in
their lives and sharing God’s love with them.

4 What makes you good at your job?

Patience and perseverance.

5
Who or what is your
biggest inspiration?
Winston Churchill.

6 What’s the most useless

talent you have?
Flying aircraft with my home computer flight simulator.

7
What’s best and worst piece
of advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I received is to never give up on your dreams.
The worst advice I received was to only invest in the bond market.

8
What is the funniest thing
you have seen or heard from a
church or community member?
Watching a church member ring the church bell and
the rope broke falling in a heap on top of the bell ringer.

9 What song is your guilty pleasure?

Singing along with Frank Sinatra to Stranger’s in the Night.

BONUS QUESTION:
10
If you could witness any
event of the past, present Most memorable birthday?
or future, what would it be? My Davy Crockett themed 10th birthday party in 1957
The resurrection of Jesus the Christ from the dead. with everyone dressed in frontier American costumes.

WINTER 2021 19
Toy driving
for the season
BY JA SO N H EN N IN GT O N
 A
s the holiday season approaches,
local organizations want to make
sure every child has a Merry
Christmas morning with gifts
under the tree.
The Bill Pickett Educational Foundation
and the Taylor Fire Department Red Santa
program are each set to host their annual
toy drives again this year.
“When my daughter was younger, I didn’t have
money to have a good Christmas, and people
helped me have a good Christmas for my daugh-
ter,” said Gerald Anderson, founder of the Bill
Pickett Educational Foundation. “I made a deci-
sion that when I was in a position to help people,
I didn’t ever want a kid to go through Christmas
without having a toy to open.”
This year will be the seventh year for the
Bill Pickett Educational Foundation’s toy drive.
According to Anderson, the drive will start the
first Saturday in December – Dec. 4 – which is a
little earlier than previous years. One reason is
because the program continues to grow.
“The first year we gave out toys was probably
to about 30 families, so maybe 150 children,” he
said. “Last year, we helped 65 families and 350
children.”
The Foundation has partnered with the Texas
Beer Company (TBC) even before it opened to the
public. TBC is the home base for donations, but
other locations have been added over the years.
“Last year, we had toys dropped off at the
Taylor Press and Vintique Mall,” Anderson
explained. “This year, we are trying to expand
that to a few more places.”
In previous years, before the coronavirus pan-
demic hit, the toy drive ended with a wrapping
party, where volunteers would come help wrap
gifts to be delivered. Although there will not
be a wrapping party this year, the Foundation
is always in need of wrapping paper, tape, gift
wrapping and toy delivery. However, parents are
asked to pick up the toys instead of having them
delivered to the home.
“We don’t want the kids to ever see the parents
on
not buying the toys,” Anderson explained.
He said the excitement of Christmas is Santa
visiting or the joy of wrapping toys the night
before.
“If we show up at your house with toys, it
destroys the magic of Christmas,” he said. “I think
everyday you should try to be a blessing to some-
body.”
Anderson said his favorite part of the toy drive
is the part that volunteers don’t get to see – chil-
dren opening gifts.
“Just knowing that somebody is opening gifts
and they are having a good Christmas,” he said.
“They don’t have to remember me or remember
the foundation, but we do want you to remember
the experience.”
Anyone needing assistance can contact Gerald
Anderson or Program Coordinator Amber Macias
via The Bill Pickett Educational Foundation
Facebook page.
In addition to the Bill Pickett Educational
Foundation toy drive, the Taylor Fire Department
also hosts its annual Red Santa program to help
provide toys to families in need.
Anderson explained that it is not a competi-
tion. The goal is to make sure nobody is missed.
The Red Santa program has been in Taylor for
about 35 years, and is still going strong.
“The numbers have been going down, which in
our eyes is good because that means less need,”
said Michele Vrabel, Taylor Fire Department
administrative assistant.
Last year, Red Santa helped about 50 families.
“We don’t have a set number. It just depends
on the turnout with the sign-up,” Vrabel said.
One of the traditions for the Red Santa pro-
gram is the assembly line assistance with St.
Mary’s Catholic School in Taylor. The line is
a group of students, and the toys start at the
beginning of the line and is passed through each
student to be loaded onto a fire truck.
“They’re a normal donator, just like other
people, but they prefer to have the kids involved
so they can see what they’re giving to,” Vrabel
said. “It brings it home to them. (Students) each
touch one of those, pass it down and put it on
the truck. I think it is to show them the giving of
it.”
Prior to COVID-19 precautions, people would
drop off donations at the fire station until it was
time to wrap and deliver.
“This year, we will be doing that again as
opposed to last year when we didn’t take any-
thing but money,” she said.
Donations can be dropped off at 304 E. Third
Street or the station on the Carlos G. Parker NW
loop.
Instead of the traditional wrapping party, the
fire department had a drive-thru delivery system.
“Just to keep everybody safe, we’ll skip the
wrapping again,” Vrabel said. “We’re just giving
the parents the bag of toys and clothes, and it’s
up to them.”
Donations in the past have come from res-
idents but also businesses and organizations.
Salvation Army typically donates bikes, while
some local businesses make monetary donations.
“We get all of the stuff donated to us, but it’s
not always the exact things that the kids are ask-
ing for,” she explained. “We still need that money
to go and buy those specific items requested.”
During the application process, parents are
asked to include what their children’s likes and
sizes are along with favorite colors or characters.
“We do try to cater to each child as best we can
based on what the parents give us,” Vrabel said.
The Red Santa program also works with the
Williamson County Brown Santa program to help
as many people as possible.
Sign up days for the Red Santa program were
Oct. 20-21 at city hall in Taylor.
 It's lit!
Parade of Lights marches through history
JASON HENNINGTON
publisher@taylorpress.net
F
or years, downtown Taylor is
“lit” to start the holiday season.
The annual Parade of Lights is
a unique event that has evolved over
the years and made downtown Taylor
a holiday destination.
Normally held the first Saturday
of December, the parade is the sign
that the holiday season is officially
underway in Taylor.
In the early years of the parade,
it was held Saturday morning and
began at the National Guard Armory
on Main Street. It followed a path
similar to the current path and ended
in downtown Taylor.
In the 1960s, the week
leading up to the parade
included the opening of
Santa Clause Lane, which
set the stage for the
Yuletide shopping season
in the East Williamson
County area. This also
included a contest where
In 2003, Santa’s sleigh
was stolen just days after
the parade. Someone
took Santa’s handmade
sleigh while it was parked
behind the chamber office.
22 TAYLOR 76574
people guessed the retail value
of items in different stores for an
opportunity to win prizes.
Many years later, the parade
evolved into a nighttime parade and
floats were encouraged to use lights to
enhance their appearance. In addition,
categories were added for prizes.
Categories include walking/marching,
individual youth group/religious
float, decorated vehicles, out-of-town
entries, floats – business/commercial,
and floats – business/individual.
Whether night or day, the parade
always ends with a visit from Santa.
His sleigh is the last float in the
parade, and he arrives downtown to
greet children and talk to them about
their Christmas wishes.
Originally, the Greater Taylor
Chamber of Commerce hosted and
coordinated the parade. In 2015, the
Taylor Area Ministerial Alliance took
the reigns and continued the tradition.
Minor changes were made in recent
years for safety precautions, such as
no candy throwing from floats and
minimal stopping for performances.
Since 2019, Santa has one new duty
at the end of the parade. After he
gets off his sleigh in Heritage Square,
Santa flips the switch to light the
30-foot Christmas tree in Heritage
Square.
Rain on the parade
Every year the Parade of Lights is
a highly anticipated event. However,
there have been years when the
parade was canceled due to rain.
Typically, if the parade is canceled,
the other holiday events will continue.
Fists fly before parade
The Parade of Lights is a sign of
holiday cheer, however in 2015, a
unique event tried to damper the
spirit.
Two men got into an argument
that led to a fight while streets were
blocked off. A citizen tried to break up the fight The Parade of Lights is all about community and
and was injured in the struggle. unity. Churches, organizations, businesses and
“Our citizens were quick to respond, and we more are encouraged to sign up. The floats and
had officers in the area,” Taylor Police Commander entries vary with design and riders.
Joseph Branson said at the time of residents
contacting the police.
Both men were arrested and charged with
disorderly conduct – fighting in public.
“We want people to feel safe at our local events,
especially an event that is done so well,” Branson
said. “I hope it didn’t dampen the holiday spirit.”

COVID leads to car cruise

Last year, the coronavirus pandemic was
successful in getting the parade canceled. However,
Santa put his reindeer under the hood and came to
town during the Santa Car Cruise.
“Santa asked if some decorated cars, jeeps and
trucks would take him for a cruise through Taylor
to let us all know Christmas and Santa will both be
coming to Taylor this year,” laughed Robert Garcia.
Everyone was asked to practice social distancing
and wear masks while spread out on the sidewalks
as decorated cars cruised the city. Normal traffic
was not disrupted, and all vehicles followed all
traffic laws.

Parade plans to return The Parade of Lights is all about community and unity.
At press time, the Parade of Lights is planned for Churches, organizations, businesses and more are encouraged to sign up.
the first Saturday of December, Dec. 4.

JOIN US IN WELCOMING

Dr. Jason Stone

Dr. Jason Stone graduated from the University of The Incarnate Word
Rosenberg School of Optometry in 2018 with Cum Laude honors. Dr. Stone’s
areas of interests include primary care, pre/post-operative care for refractive
and cataract surgery, and the diagnosis and medical management of ocular
disease. He is licensed in Texas as a Therapeutic Optometrist and he is a
member of the Texas Optometric Association.
Dr. Stone grew up in Georgetown, Texas. He attended Texas State University
and The University of The Incarnate Word, where he played collegiate baseball
at both schools. Dr. Stone enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids,
playing golf, and going to the lake with friends.
For more information, visit eyeassociatestexas.com
Dr. Jason Stone sees patients at our TaylorRIÀFHORFDWHGDW6
603 Mallard Lane,
Taylor, TX 76574. Have a question or need an appointment? Call: 512.244.1991

Lane
M a i n St N

Mallard Baylor
Carlos G. Park

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Scott &
Don

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Medical
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95
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603 Mallard Lane, Taylor, TX 76574 Lake Dr
NW

512-244-1991

eyeassociatestexas.com
WINTER 2021 23
What's cooking?
Local recipes to tickle your taste buds this winter
Christmas Eve Delight Grandma Moore’s Pecan Pie
INGREDIENTS INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup of pecans • 1 ¾ cup sugar • 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup of flour • ¼ cup butter • *Heidi adds 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 stick of • ¼ cup dark Karo syrup to the batter for a little extra

Home loans that

margarine • 3 eggs yumminess!
• Few grains of salt • 1 cup pecans
INSTRUCTIONS
INSTRUCTIONS
• Spread this into
bottom of baking pan. Bake
at 350 degrees until light brown.
stay home.
Heat first 3 ingredients in sauce pan.  Beat eggs then add slowly to heated ingredients
while stirring.  Add rest of ingredients & pour into unbaked 9” pie shell.  Bake at 350
degrees for 10 minutes, and then at 300 degrees for 1 hour, 10 minutes “plus”.
• In another bowl, place 2 boxes of
vanilla pudding and make according — Submitted by St. Mary’s Catholic School principal, Heidi Altman
to package.
• In another bowl, place 2 boxes
of chocolate pudding and make
according to package.
Sausage Balls
• Soften 2 boxes of cream cheese and INGREDIENTS • 1 pound Hot Owens pork
add Cool Whip. • 6 cups of Bisquick sausage, at room temperature
• After crust has cooled, place a layer • 2 pounds shredded extra- • 1 pound Regular Owens pork
of vanilla pudding, then a layer of sharp Cheddar cheese sausage, at room temperature
Home loans that
cream cheese mixture, then a layer of
chocolate pudding, a layer of cream
cheese mixture and then repeat with
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Grease a baking sheet. Mix baking mix, Cheddar

stay home.
layer of vanilla or chocolate.
• Cover with remaining cream cheese
and Cool Whip.
cheese, pork sausage, and hot pork sausage together in a bowl. Roll mixture
into golf ball-sized balls; arrange balls on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the
preheated oven until meatballs are no longer pink in the middle and browned
• Top off with pecans. on the outside, 25 to 30 minutes. We love these as appetizers for football games!
— Submitted by Irene Michna — Submitted by St. Mary’s Catholic School Librarian, Kim Bohac

Home loans that

stay home.

Serving Central Texans for over 100 Years

(512) 352-8523 | www.cnbt.bank

24 TAYLOR 76574
 PRESS Condra Funeral Home
TAYLOR
serving the Taylor Community since 1921
Members of the Dignity Memorial Network
your community. your newspaper.
FUNERALS - CREMATIONS - PRENEEDS - AFTERCARE
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@GoTaylorTX • @TDPsports Taylor, TX 76574
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St. Paul Lutheran Church

Everyone Is Welcome
Rev. Dr. George R. Qualley, Ph.D., Pastor
512-352-2327 "Traditional Barber Services
stpaultaylor.com for The Modern World"
Child Development Center Coming Holiday 2021
512-352-2773
Old Taylor High
stpaulcdc@austin.rr.com 410 W. 7th Street, Room 210 | Taylor, Texas

WINTER 2021 25
 gift TAYLOR

guide
I
CATHERINE PARKER
f you’ve lived in Taylor for more than a spell, chances
are you know the Blackland Prairie is force all of its own.
It’s some of the most fertile ground you can step on in
Texas, teeming with productive gardens. Though it’s also
a draw for creatives and entrepreneurs, each finding fertile soil
to plant the seeds of their business. In a region that thrives on
the industrious spirit, entrepreneurs find customers that become
friends. Sometimes those friends even become collaborators,
each working together to promote small business in Taylor.
Though at the root of a thriving small business is the connection
to its customers. In the season of giving, support small business
in Taylor and the neighbors who created them by shopping local.

HACIENDO COFFEE
A micro-coffee roaster has landed in Taylor to roost. With
single-origin varietals along with house blends, get the best
cup of local coffee in your kitchen every morning. Roaster and
green coffee buyer Billy Wigington, purchases Haciendo’s beans
through direct trade relationships. He uses a hot air roaster that
releases the chaff earlier than traditional gas roasted beans. The
result is a cleaner cup of coffee versus that burnt flavor of some
coffee.
For the Holiday season, Haciendo Coffee will release a winter
blend along with a blend celebrating the flavors Latin America, a
large coffee growing region. Buy the only Made in Taylor coffee
at haciendotx.com along with the Heritage Square Farmers
Market on Saturdays.

TERRA NOIRE APOTHECARY

In a backyard garden in Taylor, Laurène Elliott-Deyris tends
to a thriving medicinal garden. Her hand-harvested herbs make
the base of Terra Noire Apothecary’s line of serums, salves and
tisanes. For the tea drinkers on your list, its tisanes, or herbal
teas, are rich in antioxidants and minerals. Since gardeners
 Fun and colorful yard art
made in Taylor by Raymond
Salazar might be the perfect
gift for your loved one. Photo
by Catherine Parker

have a lull in the weeding during the
holiday break, it’s an optimal time to
nourish their hands with the Green
Garden Salve. Another gift item, Terra
Noire Apothecary’s Clay Mask Set is
available for different skin types and
comes a ceramic mixing bowl and
hydrosol. Find its products at Hayley’s
Grains at 120 W. 2nd St. Suite G and
the Heritage Square Farmers Market.
28 TAYLOR 76574
SRSLY CHOCOLATE
Taylor’s own chocolate factory
and store is open, just in time for
the holiday season. Celebrating its
fourth year creating confections
in Taylor, SRLSY Chocolate can
be found in 38 states. New for
the holidays, Bob Williamson is
showcasing the favorite flavors
of the season. The Sugar Cookie
Hayley’s Grains features Terra Noire Apothecary’s
bulk tea bar. Photo by Catherine Parker
bar is vanilla white chocolate with
naturally colored sprinkles, great for
the young-at-heart. The Fruit and
Nut bar features brandied pecans
from Elgin along with pistachios,
cranberries, candied ginger and
raisins in a 70% dark chocolate.
Another traditional combination for
winter, the Cranberry-Orange bar
combines dried cranberries in a silky

The holidays scream for SRSLY Chocolate, made in
downtown Taylor. Photo by Catherine Parker
57% dark milk chocolate. The
Caramel Hazelnut bar is 30% milk
chocolate with caramelized sugar
and Oregon hazelnuts. SRSLY
Chocolate will also have gift boxes
of 12 house-made bonbons, perfect
for holiday gifting. Located at 117
E. 3rd St. Open Friday from 11
a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 11
a.m. to 3 p.m.
c e U p
Sp i Your Holiday
WINTER 2021 29
The Texas Beer Company is a place to
gather and have drink while catching
up with friends and meeting other
community members. Photo by
Jason Hennington
TEXAS BEER COMPANY
Always a crowd pleaser in Taylor,
and beyond, celebrate the season
with a Texas Beer Company brew.
Don’t be that empty-handed guest
when you arrive at the party, pick up
a six-pack from TBC. The Bill Pickett
Porter marries well with the festive
season and drinkers will enjoy notes
of chocolate and barley. The King
Grackle Stout takes it a step further
with chocolate and coffee notes with a
bit of malt. Find Texas Beer Company
beer at most retailers in Taylor and its
taproom at 201 N. Main St.
ANCIRA SALSA
The nearly world famous salsa has
been a Taylor Made staple for years.
Back in 90s the Ancira’s, Josie and
Jesse Sr., created their namesake
salsas. Marketing the line at festivals
and farmers markets, Jesse Ancira Jr.
joined the family business and it grew
over the years, shipping salsa all over
the continent and beyond. Ancira Salsa
comes in several flavors, like mild, hot,
habanero, green and six-pack. Find
Ancira Salsa online at AnciraSalsa.
com and local retailers like Moss True
Value.
HAYLEY’S GRAINS
The best made in Taylor gifts are
crafted in your own home for your
loved ones. Starting with bulk grains
at the Farmers Market, Hayley’s
Grains expanded into a storefront this
summer in downtown Taylor. From its
original rice blends, lentils and beans,
owner Hayley Blundell has expanded
into spices, like cumin and oregano
recently. Partnering with Terre Noire
Apothecary, customers can blend a
custom tea at the bulk tea bar. With
an eye towards reducing plastics in
packaging, Blundell promotes recycled
glass containers so find dairy products
for Volleman’s Family Farm in stock,
like heavy cream, flavored milks along
with homogenized milk with several
sizes. On the weekends, Hayley’s
carries fresh local produce.
Coming soon, just in time for the
holiday season, purchase locally
sourced meats like chicken, lamb and
beef. For the avid bakers, Hayley’s
grains will stock flours from Barton
Springs Mills, local pecans and cocoa
nibs from SRSLY chocolate. Located
at 120 W. 2nd St. Suite G and its
entrance is on Talbot Street. Open
ancirasalsa.com

Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to
5 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. to 7:30
p.m., Saturday 2:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and
Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Inquire
about the SNAP food benefits in the
coming weeks.
120 ART GALLERY
As the home for the fine arts in
Taylor, 120 Art Gallery hosts frequent
juried shows throughout the year.
The 120 Art Gallery also carries gift
items from area artists, like greeting
cards, jewelry, small metal sculptures
and ceramics. Made in Taylor
artists include Karen Burges, Adam
Davenport, Keti Gates, John McRae,
Dixie Rhoades, Jo Snyder, Miguel
Verastique and Judy Blundell. Located
at 120 W. 2nd St. Unit A. Open
Wednesday to Saturday from 11 a.m.
to 6 p.m.
MELANIE
SHAW CERAMICS
In the basement of the McCrory-
Timmerman Building, Melanie Shaw
30 TAYLOR 76574
Taylor’s plastic-free grocer, Hayley’s Grains, stocks stables, spices, a DIY tea bar along
with local diary in glass containers along with vegetables. Photo by Catherine Parker
creates one-of-a-kind dinnerware and
home goods at Art Off Center. From
mugs to platters to garlic keepers,
she takes design cues from nature to
create useful works of art. Head to the
annual Mistletoe Market for her latest
creations along with her Etsy shop at
Melanie Shaw Ceramics.
MISTLETOE MARKET
Find artisan-made gifts for everyone
on your list this year, created by the
artists at Art Off Center Ceramic Studio
among other local artists. The annual
event will be on Saturday, December
4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the lobby
of the McCrory Timmerman building,
located at 201 N. Main St.
WAXPLANT
Grab a WaxPlant T-shirt, all their
shirts are screen-printed in Taylor.
WaxPlant also features a section of
local music from Taylor musicians
along with the Austin area. Located
in the back of Black Sparrow Music
Parlor, at 113 W 2nd St. Open
Wednesday to Saturday from 11 a.m.
to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to
3 p.m.
PAPER WEAPONS
RECORDS
Grab some music grown in Taylor
from Paper Weapons Records, a
recording studio that produces the
music from Le Gargoyle. Its newest
album dropped with a 80s new wave
feel, drawing on a heritage of sci-fi
soundtracks. It’s available online from
PaperWeaponsRecords.bandcamp.com
and WaxPlant.
KELLEY MCRAE
Taylor-based singer/songwriter
Kelley McRae draws upon her
personal experiences to create
meaningful music for herself and
her audience. Her 2020 album, This
Side of the Night, is available online
at KelleyMcRae.com and the local
bookseller, Curio Mrvosa, located at
302 N. Main St.
 Find traditional European pastries, like croissants and Danish pastries at
the La Princiera Bakery on Main St. Photo by Catherine Parker
Gift a piece of wearable art this
year from 120 Art Gallery. Photo
by Catherine Parker
UPCYCLED TIRE
SCULPTURES
If your loved one loves upcycled
everything, then the tire sculptures
from Raymond Salazar will be a hit
WINTER 2021 31
BAKERIES
ACROSS TAYLOR
The best gift might be the gift of not
cooking. Support a local baker this
year and grab a desert or artisan loaf
of bread for your family get-togethers.
LA PRINCIERA BAKERY
Your source for baked-in-house
croissants along with European pastries
and coffee. Located at 1426 N. Main St.
Open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
PLOWMAN’S KITCHEN
Grab a dessert from its bake shop.
Located at 305 W 9th St. Open
Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to
8 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
GREAT CAUSE
BAKERY AND CAFE
Located at 304 Potomac St. Open
Tuesday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to
3 p.m.
COOKIES, CUPCAKES
AND MORE
Located at 211 N. Main St. Open
Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 6
p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to
2 p.m.
this holiday season. With discarded
tires from local shops, Salazar creates WHERE TO FIND
unique yard art. With a range of
creations, one never knows what you’ll MORE MADE IN
find, favorites include blue jays and TAYLOR PRODUCTS
Taylor Ducks. Located at 404 Lizzie St. Entrepreneurs hone their products
 For the coffee drinker on your list, buy a bag of Haceindo
Coffee, roasted in Taylor. Photo by Haciendo Coffee

Crafted from fallen limbs, TreeMagination blocks are perfect for
the young and the young-at-heart. Photo by Catherine Parker
and cultivate a following at farmers
markets, like Taylor’s own Heritage
Square. Located at 400 Main St., it is
held every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2
p.m. year-round.
GURMO44 THE
FERMENTING SPECIALIST
Milan Antal’s Gurmo44 is a fixture
at the Taylor Farmers Market with
a big smile, a joke and maybe a life
hack. With 50 years experience,
he’s affectionately known as the
krautfather to his loyal customers.
Originally from Slovakia, he sells a
range of salsas, pickled vegetables and
fermented specialities from the mild
to the potent. Find Gurmo44 weekly
at Heritage Square Farmers Market.
KM BREADS
Sourdough bakers cultivate the flavor
profile of their sourdough over time as
it takes on the unique terroir of an area,
or subtle notes from the air, water and
soil. KM Breads bakes with a Made in
Taylor sourdough to produce several
sourdough breads. With a sourdough
rustic loaf, a sourdough multigrain
loaf, a sourdough pumpkin loaf and
even a sourdough chocolate loaf, find a
sourdough loaf for nearly every day of
the week. Find KM Breads at Heritage
Square Farmers Market.
TREEMAGINATION
With fallen branches found around
Taylor, TreeMagination crafts Tumi Ishi
stacking blocks. A popular pastime in
Japan, the object of the game is to have
the tallest stack of irregularly shaped
blocks. Nicole Oaks of TreeMagination
also created whimsical fairy stools
and several make believe block sets.
Treemagination is at Heritage Square
Farmers Market and Etsy. Shop for its line
of herbal tea blends from locally grown
ingredients at the farmers market as well.

Since 1912 Growing to Serve You Better

106 NW Carlos G Parker Blvd
Since 1912 Growing to Serve
Taylor, Texas 76574 You Better
512-309-6070

106 NW Carlos G Parker Blvd

Since 1912 Growing to Serve You Better
Taylor, Texas 76574
Since 1912 Growing to Serve You Better
106 NW Carlos G Parker Blvd
512-309-6070
Taylor,
106 NW Texas 76574
Carlos
512-309-6070
G Parker Blvd
Taylor, Texas 76574
512-309-6070

32 TAYLOR 76574
l v
continued
from page 34from page 34
continued

posthumously to honor Wenceslas in his

martyrdom, having been stabbed to death
and run through with a lance by his younger
brother. Merry Christmas, indeed.
Predating the Christian tradition is
that of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights
commemorating the recovery of Jerusalem
and rededication of the Second Temple, after
Judah “The Hammer” Maccabee removed
all the statues of Greek gods (take that,
Saturn… er… Cronus!) and goddesses. Gifting
around Hannukah typically involves books
and games. Of course, there’s also Kwanzaa,
first celebrated in 1966 but having its roots
in African harvest festivals. The last day of
the seven day festival is Imani, which honors
the creative spirit and reaffirms self worth.
Therefore, in the spirit of Imani, it would be
best to present something thoughtful and
handmade. But, if you’re a regular reader of
the Dabbling Duck, I reckon you’re neither
thoughtful nor handy.
All that is to say: Get them a vacuum
cleaner. They’ll appreciate the practicality and
the encouragement to keep a cleaner house.

WINTER 2021 33
 The Dabbling Duck
BEWARE OF DUCKS BEARING GIFTS
Q: Dear Dabbling Duck:
My partner and I are recently
married, and this will be our
first holiday season together. Do you
have any recommendations for an
ideal present I should give them…
something that speaks to our new life
together as a couple?
Respectfully Yours,
Gifting on Gano
A:
Dear Gifting on Gano:
Ah… young love. You’ve
come to the right place,
consulting a thrice-divorced
waterfowl with a dubious record of
expressing sentiments of affection.
But nothing gets this old duck’s
juices flowing like the Hanukkah/
Christmas/Kwanzaa/New Year’s
quadrophenic explosion of all things
festivus-ish. Gift giving around this
Layaway for the Holidays
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34 TAYLOR 76574
time of year has a long history.
Back in the times of ancient Rome,
folks threw a Saturnalia, an annual
festival honoring the god Saturn.
A Saturnalia involved a whole lot
of partying and throwing off of
social norms… otherwise known
as another weekend in Taylor. But
it also included gift giving. Your
typical Saturnalia could involve the
gifting of tablets (of citron wood,
ivory, leaves, parchment, etc.), dice
boxes, tooth and ear picks, balls
stuffed with feathers, or a Gallic
hood suitable for clothing monkeys.
Ancient Romans knew how to party.
Now, as for Christendom, we have
the story of the biblical Magi, or the
Three Wise Men, with their gifts
of gold, frankincense, and myrrh,
to thank for our tradition of gift
giving during the holiday season. An
304 N Main Street | Taylor, TX 76574
512-352-5097
Tuesday-Friday 9am -5pm
interesting note is that some early
Christian rulers interpreted this story
as a one-way street. Subjects were
expected to give tributes and tithes
to their superiors and not the other
way around (or even horizontally
across class). Old school Taylorites
can rightfully take pride that it was
a Czech named Venceslav (better
known as “Good King Wenceslas”)
who helped flip the script, braving a
harsh winter storm to deliver alms to
the poor during the Feast of Stephen.
While Wenceslas was a Bohemian
and not Moravian (as most Taylor
immigrants were), we still claim him.
And Wenceslas was actually a duke,
later conferred the elevated title of
king by Holy Roman Emperor Otto I
v
continued on page 33
i
Shop Local.
Spend Local.
Enjoy Local.
CALL(512)352-5577
 Mark Thomas Regina Jo Carlson
President/CEO Business Development Assistant
mark.thomas@tayloredc.org regina.carlson@tayloredc.org

Kelly Cmerek Betty Day Joe Burgess

Chair 1st Vice Chair 2nd Vice Chair

Sam Dowdy, Sr. Dwayne Ariola

Secretary Treasurer

THINK BIG | THINK TAYLOR

Taylor Economic Development Corporation
PO Box 975 / 112 West 2nd St., Suite 203
Taylor, Texas 76574
p. (512) 352-4321