Moore about Bastrop: My jet-setting neighbor is one of a kind

On July 24 my neighbor, Geoff Connor, posted that the boat on which he was fishing in Guatemala caught seven sailfish and four dorado (or mahi mahi). 

In early June he arrived in London where he stayed at the venerable, 173-year-old East India Club on St. James Square. Then followed days of visiting ancient castles, including Windsor when the Queen was in residence, abbeys in England and Scotland, and was back in London for the celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s 75-year reign as monarch. 

Oh, and he arrived in London via crossing the Atlantic Ocean by means of the historic Queen Mary II.

It would take far too long to tell you about just his travels I know about. He is an avid hunter all over the world, but only on managed hunts. He was even asked one time to take down a rogue rhinoceros that had terrorized a village. He is an internationally respected attorney, honorary consul of Belgium, active member of the JAG division of the Texas State Guard, and a former Texas secretary of state. This is by no means an all-inclusive list of his honors and accomplishments.

Let me not forget to add that he is dad to Cap, the adorable roving Jack Russell Terrier who is well known in our area of town for his love of escaping and investigating the neighborhood.

Most importantly, he is a lovely, giving human being.

Every year to celebrate his late July birthday, he throws a party at his historic home in Bastrop. However, the presents partygoers are asked to bring are not for him. Each year Geoff asks invitees to contribute to a local nonprofit. This year, Bastrop County Cares was the recipient of more than $4,000 contributed by the partygoers.

Needless to say, Executive Director Debbie Bresette was most appreciative.

Geoff’s party is also a great way to get caught up with friends we may not have seen for a while, as well as a great way to meet new folks. I didn’t get a chance to say hello to everyone, but some of the attendees were Betty Dunkerly, Shara Johnson, Adena Lewis, Mayor Connie Schroeder, Judge Chris Duggan, Bernie Jackson, council members Cheryl Lee , Jimmy Crouch and Kevin Plunkett and Kevin’s wife Angela, Judge Benton Eskew, former council member Lyle Nelson, Commissioner Mel Hamner, Sheriff Maurice Cook, Joe Newman, Dani and Gary Moss, Commissioner Donna Snowden, and Gina Nesloney, just to name a few. 

Amy McCall, her son Collin, and his friend Rylee are new neighbors I met at the party. I look forward to getting to know them. Welcome to the McCall family.

It was a neat evening for a great cause with great food catered by Jean Lang.

It’s Homecoming 75 time

Not many annual events have the staying power to last 75 years, but Bastrop’s Homecoming and Rodeo sure have — and with no signs of slowing down.

It originated in 1947 as a way of welcoming back some 90,000 soldiers who had been stationed at Camp Swift during World War II. Now, it welcomes both locals and visitors to a three-day event featuring a rodeo, tournaments, live music, dances and class reunions.

One of the highlights is the grand parade into downtown Bastrop. This year the parade will be held Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. Many of the floats are composed of Bastrop High School graduating classes. It’s great fun!

This special four-day event kicked off on Wednesday with barrel racing at Mayfest Park.  A complete listing of events for the weekend and times can be found on the Visit Bastrop website.

Recreation center is growing

I took my first class with the new Bastrop Recreation Dept. in early April 2021. It was one of my better decisions. Since then, I have expanded my exercise regimen to include Bolly X two days a week taught by the amazing David Harwell, Gentle Yoga two days a week taught by the wonderful Kim White who instinctively seems to know which area of my ole body needs work the most, and last but not least Zumba following Yoga taught by the endless bundle of energy named Tracie Bartsch.

The variety of classes offers something for all ages and all levels of fitness. One even begins at 6:45 a.m. for morning people. Whether you want to join me in some of my classes or learn line dancing or strengthen your core or learn break dancing or the ancient Qi Gong or chair Yoga, there is a class for you. The instructors are first rate.

Monthly membership fees are very affordable, and that one fee includes all the classes you want to take. They welcome suggestions for new classes.

For additional information, give them a call at 512-332-8805 or go by the center at 1008 Water St. To see a list of classes and times, visit www.cityofbastrop.com/recreation.

By the way, one of the entries in the Homecoming Parade will be the Rec Center Bike Brigade. It is an intrepid group! Look for balloons and colored streamers. I will be cheering them on from the sidelines.

Until next time

That’s all for now. Until next time, be good to yourself. Let me hear from you by email at mooreaboutbastrop@yahoo.com so I can share the things that are going on in and around Bastrop and what matters to you.  

Remember: “Even though there are days I wish I could change some of the things that happened in the past, there’s a reason the rearview mirror is so small, and the windshield is so big. Where you’re headed is much more important than what you’ve left behind.” Author unknown

Moore is a columnist for the Bastrop Advertiser. She lives in Bastrop and serves on the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission.