Summer Issue

Special Edition

Summer Spotlight

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very month we showcase a different business around the comunity and we enjoy bringing it to you. However, in this, our Summer Issue, we wanted to spotlight something different.

We see summer as something special and enchanting for children and we would like to make some suggestions on how to make this Summer even more exciting them.

Children are a blessing, at least that’s what someone once told me. But I don’t think they had kids! Kids are loud, energetic, easily deterred, full of energy, and did I mention LOUD? I know as parents it can be hard to “entertain” your children all of the time. They are off for the summer but you still have work that needs to be done! So rather than repeat “go to your room” “go play outside” or “go watch TV” all summer, we have devised

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a plan to help arm you with weapons to attack! Yes, I said attack. A professor at my college told me that left on their own kids have the attention span equal to their age. (6 years old = 6 minutes attention) However, if given a project or challenge, it keeps their minds active much longer.

So here are a few projects to tackle this summer, • Grow a Garden • A Day at the Races • A Walk in the Past • Walk by the Lake • Read a Book • Go to a Rodeo • Knot Tying • Go Fishing • Fly a Kite • Go Camping • Go on a Picnic • Blow Bubbles • Tye Dye • Make a Paper Airplane • Go on a Thrill Ride • Go to a Zoo • Build a Sand castle • Color Summer • Learn to Play Guitar Some of these are something that could last an hour, a day or all weekend, the point is to keep their minds active and ready to explore this summer.

The Sun is out and in full power! School is over (until it starts again) and the kids are already bored. Summer is Great! Now is the time to get a swim suit and go to the park, pool or lake and allow the waters to refresh you. Listen, I know that you wanted to lose some weight before now so you could get a tan and bronze yourself, but be brave and take your overweight, pasty self outside and enjoy this summer! My point is, don’t let self esteem or what others might think of you, keep you from life!

Have a great Summer!

P.O. BOX 3382 Borger, Tx. editor@hutchcoliving.com

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Enjoying a Concert

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he concept that Borger could have professional talent perform on a Borger stage occurred in November, 1948, when local citizens sponsored the Amarillo Symphony in the Borger High School Auditorium.

Sixty enthusiastic people from various clubs and churches met on January 23, 1949, and organized TRI-CITY MUSIC CONCERT ASSOCIATION. People invited people from their neighborhoods, churches, schools, and businesses to attend local shows and membership grew.

The all-volunteer organization’s mission has been to bring live, professional concerts to Hutchinson County and the Panhandle of Texas. TCMCA has brought more than 200 shows to Borger. Reciprocity concerts in Pampa and Plainview have added another 500 concert choices for our subscribers.

Beginning in 2002, Tri-City Concerts has been affiliated with LIVE ON STAGE LLC, known in the entertainment industry for creating and providing the highest in quality entertainment. Each season, LIVE ON STAGE provides its network with a vibrant roster of available national and international attractions. Therefore, the local group is able to secure the absolute best.

Although the 2008-2009 Season has one more concert, contracts are already in place to present five shows in the next season. All performances take place at the Borger High School Auditorium.

The 2009-2010 Season opens with “Nearly Neil” & the Solitary Band on Thursday, September 24, 2009. Bobby Bruce, with his incomparable impersonation of Neil Diamond, performs all the classic Diamond hits backed up by his great traveling band.

Monday, October 19, 2009 is the date for the Hunt Family Fiddlers concert. This family (9 members) performs Celtic, bluegrass, inspirational and popular tunes with their amazing fiddle talents adding Irish step dancing and singing. They are sure to amaze you and capture your heart.

The Texas Stars Concert featuring performers who grew up in the Texas Panhandle returns to the stage this season. Past concerts have presented a wealth of talented individuals and the 2010 concert will be no exception.

This concert is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2010 Chapter 6, a male a Capella troupe, became the youngest group ever to qualify for the National Harmony Sweepstakes. Christianity Today Online describes their performance as “contagious joy.” Their award-winning 8-minute version of the “Wizard of Oz” will keep you laughing. Their concert will be Tuesday, April 13, 2010.

Daniel Rodriguez, former NYC police officer, has experienced a meteoric rise to fame after he became one of the Department’s designated anthem singers after the tragedy of September 11, 2001. His performance of “God Bless America” and the National Anthem stirred the hearts of the entire nation. He will be in Borger on Thursday, May 13, 2010 TCMCA is strong even though having to compete with television, cable, internet, electronics, sports activities, other performing-arts presenters, rapid transportation, changing life styles, etc. In times of economic difficulties, the beauty and meaning of live performance survives. Attending concerts is an inexpensive way to enjoy great entertainment with family and friends.

For more information, please see our web site at www.tricityconcerts.org

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Outdoor Camping

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amping can help create lifelong memories for adults and children alike, which is one of the reasons it is the No. 1 outdoor activity in America. But before you pack up the tent and start the long drive, remember that proper preparation for a camping trip is important, especially when kids are involved.

Research by Go Camping America found that one-third of U.S. adults have gone camping in the past five years and that camping vacationers tend to be married with children at home. Being prepared is an important part of ensuring you’ll have a great time -- and stay safe -- while camping.

There are several things you can do to make your camping trip run more smoothly: 1. Check the weather before you leave.

2. Call ahead -- a must on weekends, especially holiday weekends.

3. Start small and within your adventure limits.

4. Have a rain plan, even if it is a card game in the tent or a book.

Utilize your local library for trip bags and travel packs.

5. Pack a first-aid kit.

In case a camper has an accident or gets a cut or scrape on your trip, having a first-aid kit handy is a must because it is important to properly clean and care for the wound in order to prevent infection and possible scarring. But sometimes -- even with the best wound care -- scars do form, leaving visible reminders of your camping trip.

Fortunately, there is a solution to help kids reduce the appearance of scars. Mederma for Kids is the No. 1 pediatrician-recommended product for kids’ scars and helps reduce the appearance of old and new scars resulting from burns, injuries, cuts and scrapes that occur on playgrounds, during sporting activities or just while being a kid.

The topical gel is a kid-friendly scar therapy -- it goes on purple and rubs in clear, making scar treatment fun for kids and encouraging them to take part in caring for their scars. Reducing the appearance of kids’ scars can help parents feel better today, knowing they are improving the appearance of noticeable scars so their children won’t be self-conscious about them tomorrow.

Remember the motto: Be Prepaired. When going outdoors remember to take all essential tools to have a happy, safe, and exciting camping trip. Oh yeah, and don’t forget the camera!

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Saying Goodbye...

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Mona Fannon

just seems like yesterday that I was completing my student teaching in 1979 at Tascosa High School in Amarillo. I had already been on two interviews with Phillips Petroleum Company, and they wanted me to go to work for them in either Borger or Bartlesville in the IT Department. Suddenly, Jerry Bigham, the Vocational Director from Borger ISD, contacted me for an interview. Borger ISD currently had a Marketing (DECA) program, but he wanted me to implement a brand new cooperative program called Office Education. He indicated that there was a definite need for this in the Borger community. I thought this job would fit my personality better as I wanted to teach students business and office skills to prepare them for the world of work. I implemented the program in 1979 at South Campus with a large classroom filled with typewriters, calculating machines, telephones, fluid duplicator, and mimeograph machine. It wasn’t until the early 80’s that Borger ISD purchased two Apple II-E computers for the program.

Of course, the commands were quite different than now with no pull down menus. Then a few years later we progressed to two additional IBM computers and tackled the “DOS” commands. During this time the youth organization changed from Office Education Association to Business Professionals of America to allow for new business/computer technology and competitive events. In 1990, we moved from South Campus to the main campus while adding a complete new lab of microcomputers. Again, course names were changed to keep up with the new hardware and software applications.

The business education field allowed me to have a combined

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career of both education and the business world. Teaching business and computer skills while working with the business community to place students was of course an ideal career for me. It was important to me to be a teacher who made a difference and promoted student success. I will never forget the opportunities that Borger ISD offered by allowing students to participate in the youth organization, OEA and BPA. Through the years, we had 662 area winners, 128 state winners, and numerous national winners. Our travels in competition took us to Nashville, Chicago, Indianapolis, Columbus, Cincinnati, Des Moines, San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, Padre Island, Galveston, Austin, Corpus Christi, Arlington, San Francisco, Orlando, New Orleans, Lincoln, Anaheim, New York, and Reno. Lake Tahoe was one of the most beautiful sites I have ever seen. Students were able to compete with the “best of the best” from other states and come out on top from the small town of Borger, Texas.

What has been the most rewarding in my 30 year career at Borger ISD is receiving letters of thanks from former students (even my own children) stating what an impact I had made in their lives. I also value the many friendships of special educators here at Borger ISD. I was very fortunate to have had the privilege to teach and coach my own children and nephews. To see them achieve their goals was truly an amazing and memorable event. It was also so rewarding to serve as the advisor to many area and state presidents from my chapter. I was glad to assist these students in developing skills in leadership, organization, communication, and networking. These skills have allowed them to be successful in Fortune 500 companies in the business world.

I would like to thank the Board of Education, Mr. Stephens, the administration, and staff for allowing me to serve as the first

VOE Coordinator, OEA sponsor, Business/Technology Coordinator, BPA Advisor, UIL Computer Applications Coach, BCIS II Internship Coordinator, and finally Career and Technical Department Head. Thank you for supporting me as BPA Outstanding Advisor, BPA Honor Advisor, TBTEA State President, TBTEA State Secondary Teacher of the Year, and MPBEA Secondary Teacher of the Year. These honors were definitely highlights in my career, and I was glad to represent our district. I would also like to thank my Business Education Advisory Board for serving my program so well over the years. And to the business community, thanks for believing in my business training of students and opening your doors to hire my students and give them their first start for later business opportunities.

Through the years the changes came, and we adapted to each and every one. As we remember the famous quote by Robert Frost, “I shall be saying this with a sigh, ages and ages hence, two roads diverged into a wood, and I took the one less traveled, and that has made all the difference.” I hope I will be remembered as the teacher who made the difference in our students’ lives in the business department at Borger ISD. Again, thank you for the 30 years of service in a career I dearly loved.

Mona Fannon

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Been Here? editors note: One of our most recognized articles is our Been Here? column. In our very first issue, Dejah showcased the Lake and since then, we have increased our circulation by several thousand. I thought it would be fitting to reprint this, for our Summer Issue. Enjoy!

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hope you are enjoying our new venture, Hutch CO Living. We sure are! One of the many goals with the launch of the magazine is to spotlight and educate readers of all the little, delightful, jewels tucked away within Hutchinson County. It is our desire to highlight local, recreational areas, and to provide you with inexpensive outlets chocked full of family fun! Having grown up spending endless summers at Lake Meredith with my Grandparents (who live at Lake Meredith Harbor- Hi! Granny and Paw Paw!) and then marrying a loco…I mean local boy from Borger (summer love, swoon!), I have the advantage of seeing Hutchinson County from both vantage points…the outsider (me) and the local (my dreamy hubby). So whether you have lived here for decades, or you have just moved to the area, when the mailman drops Hutch Co Living in your mail slot, and you happen upon the “Been here?” column, maybe….just maybe, you’ll find inspiration within these few lines and will be prompted to get out and go enjoy HutchCo! Did I mention I have spent many a summers at Lake Meredith, a little shimmer of paradise, right here In Hutchinson county! (oops! I did didn’t I)!? Well this month I wanted to highlight Lake Meredith, but maybe not in the way you think. If you’ve been around these parts long you probably know that Lake Meredith is a splendid summer haven, with so many entertainment possibilities such as swimming, boating, waterskiing, tubing, sailing and so much more. And even though the Lake water level is low, all of these activities still provide hours upon hours of amusement during the long hot summer months. But, what about those fleeting days of fall? Autumn is such a divine time of year with its evanescent foliage of colors and textures.

Remember that local boy I was referring to earlier? Well…we grew up, were married and added two little ones to our family. You know the thing with little ones? Boy, do they like to be entertained!? I have fond memories of loading up our old Jeep Waggoner (well, maybe not the loading part..), and heading out to the lake and making a day of it! Some of those voyages included absolutely no sun block or floatie’s whatsoever! Of course, most of these occurrences in which we stayed dry, were during fall days. There is so much to explore around the lake area so if you’re hankering for a quick get away from the daily grind or just want to get away and play on a single tank of gas or less, I highly recommend Lake Meredith.

Because I am a mommy of two school aged children who have trained my subconscious to keep things fair (yes, while we like to think we are training them….I am often convinced it is the other way around)… I am going to include a little something for everyone no matter what walk of life you are embarking on. Oh, and also, this day and age, it’s always a great idea to include a disclosure….So while I may feature various parts of the Lake it’s always a good idea to stop by the Park Headquarters, located on Broadway in Fritch, for current visitor information and to find out which areas of the Lake, if any, are closed off.

So let’s get going, shall we? How about a picnic? Perhaps something on the grill? Mmmm I love the smell of charcoal on a brisk fall day!

Or……maybe you’d like to skip the hassle and instead brown bag something at home so you have more time to devote to exploration?

Some great picnic foods with simple preparation might include sandwiches, fresh fruit and chips. If you plan to grill how about hot dogs and hamburgers (if you have kids), or steak or kabobs (for a more grown up outing) If you’re like me and want to take full advantage of the outing, keeping the chill out with warm food, you may prefer a delicious seasonal soup or stew alongside some homemade cornbread (which is preprepared)…..Either way, there are several park areas that provide picnic

tables and grilling pits for you to use. Visit Fritch Fortress (even the name sounds enchanting). With sweeping views that overlook the lake, this can be a romantic prelude from the norm of today’s bland dates of dinner and a movie ( for you singles out there). Instead of swiping a picnic table, opt for a blanket, and while I know you’re going to put some effort into providing a delicious feast with enticing delicacies, bring along a thermos with hot cocoa for that extra touch….and don’t forget the little details like a simple bouquet of wildflowers, and maybe package it all up in a vintage picnic basket. While they may seem trivial these little elements, when done right ,add to the ambiance and could result in one really charming evening! (sigh! Oh the romance!)

Let’s see…first comes love…..then comes marriage…. Oh yeah…. if you are a married couple the above applies to you as well…in fact, if you are like most busy, married couples these days, you may REALLY need a date night. So…if you have kids, call a sitter…and why not take it up a notch and plan your outing just about the time the sun sets? The Texas panhandle has some of the most glorious sunsets so why not park your car and tailgate, and watch God paint the sky! Want more?

Alright then hang around long enough to enjoy some stargazing while nature sings you a lullaby.

What’s next…Awe yes…the baby carriage!

The weather in the fall is relatively mild and so it’s conducive for all sorts of family activities in the great outdoors. If you have younger children you may want to find an area with lots of landscape and probe for unique rocks, leaves, and sticks. However ordinary and mundane this may seem to us adults, it holds some mysterious magnetism within the childhood years…so just go with it…be young again and allow yourself to once again be fascinated with the wonders of nature. When finished, your children will greet you with extreme gratification (and maybe lots of smooches). When packing be sure to bring along sidewalk chalk, pails, shovels and other toys that will enhance the outing!

Older kids often like to pitch the new found rocks into the water. Make it a contest to see who can throw the farthest. ! Stop over at the Amphitheater and play a family game of charades or encourage the little ones to put on a show! Perhaps you can also arrange a scavenger hunt for the teenagers you brought along?

As for all you others, who maybe don’t fit into the afore mentioned list of things to do, how about a scenic drive around the lake with the windows down. Got a motorcycle? Even better! Be sure to drive out towards the Sanford Dam. Go on and feel the crisp wind flutter through your hair as you cross over the Dam Bridge. Driving around the lake is always a great alternative especially if it’s a particularly chilly day…and its wonderful fun for the disabled too! As a kid, I remember squealing and losing my tummy a bit as we cruised the hills by the lake in paw paws truck. Whatever you decide I’m sure you’ll enjoy Lake Meredith….just taking in all the views, sightseeing….and marveling in the beauty in which you live is liberating…so go live!

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More Ways to Annoy People 1.

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Light road flares on a birthday cake.

Wander around a restaurant, asking other diners for their parsley.

Leave tips in Bolivian currency.

Demand that everyone address you as “Conquistador.”

At the laundromat, use one dryer for each of your socks.

Wear a cape that says “Magnificent One.” As much as possible, skip rather than walk.

Stand over someone’s shoulder, mumbling, as they read.

Pretend your computer’s mouse is a CB radio, and talk to it.

Try playing the William Tell Overture by tapping on the bottom of your chin. When nearly done, announce “no, wait, I messed it up,” and repeat.

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Inform others that they exist only in your imagination.

Ask people what gender they are.

Lick the filling out of all the Oreos, and place the cookie parts back.

Routinely handcuff yourself to furniture, informing the curious that you don’t want to fall off “in case the big one comes” Deliberately hum songs that will remain lodged in co-workers brains, such as “Feliz Navidad”, the Archies “Sugar” or the Mr. Rogers theme song.

While making presentations, occasionally bob your head. like a parakeet.

Lie obviously about trivial things such as the time of day.

Leave your Christmas lights up and lit until September.

Sit in your front yard pointing a hair dryer at passing cars to see if they slow down.

Chew on pens that you’ve borrowed.

Wear a LOT of cologne.

Sing along at the opera.

Mow your lawn with scissors.

At a golf tournament, chant “swing-batabatabata-suhWING-batter!”

Ask the waitress for an extra seat for your “imaginary friend.”

Go to a poetry recital and ask why each poem doesn’t rhyme.

Ask your co-workers mysterious questions, and then scribble their answers in a notebook. Mutter something about “psychological profiles.”

Stare at static on the TV and claim you can see a “magic picture.”

Select the same song on the jukebox fifty times.

Never make eye contact.

Never break eye contact.

Construct elaborate “crop circles” in your front lawn.

Construct your own pretend “tricorder,” and “scan” people with it, announcing the results.

Make appointments for the 31st of September.

Invite lots of people to other people’s parties.

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F

GOT FIRE ANTS?

ire ants are very serious and territorial insects. They are not only a nuisance to your property; they can harm you, your children and your pets. Being able to identify fire ants, where they live, treatments for prevention, working with your neighbors for season-long control, and what to do if you are stung are all very important elements to educate yourself and family on in order to be fire ant-free.

Identifying fire ants and their mounds Fire ants are small insects. They range in size from 1/16 to 1/5 of an inch long and are dark red and brown. A fire ant mound can be identified by its dome-shaped, soil-based structure that forms the upper most part of a fire ant colony. Their mounds can reach up to 12 inches or more in diameter and height and are usually found where water is nearby and the soil is damp.

Fire ants are hard workers and compile loose soil and other contents in the surrounding area to build their mounds. Mounds are typically visible in yards as soil granules form a “mound” shape, but are small and often hidden in grasses, weeds, under rocks and other landscaping. Mounds can pop up almost anywhere, but common places to watch for them include: Lawns and ornamental planting areas, patios, sidewalks, curbs, flower beds, compost piles, under trees and around electrical equipment. Be sure to keep an eye for fire ant mounds when you are enjoying parks, on golf courses, sports fields and any other places you, your kids or pets may walk through or play in.

Two-Step Method There are two common approaches for effectively controlling fire ants -- broadcast treatments and mound treatments. For large yards and early season prevention, use a broadcast treatment, such as Over ‘n Out Fire Ant Killer or AMDRO FireStrike to treat the entire yard. For smaller areas when visible mounds are present, use a mound treatment such as AMDRO Fire Ant Bait directly around individual mounds.

For the most comprehensive control, especially in the case of severe infestation, experts recommend a Two-Step Method using both broadcast and mound treatment. First use a broadcast spreader to treat your entire lawn. Then, treat particularly stubborn mounds you see with AMDRO Fire Ant Bait to eliminate fire ant activity in as little as one week.

It is an ant’s nature to pick up food and bring it into the colony to feed to the queen and other ants. Ants believe that bait and AMDRO Fire Ant Bait are food. You feed the worker ants and they in turn, feed the queens.

As the bait works, it destroys the colony.

Quite the opposite, but with the same results, fire ants unknowingly pick up Over ‘n Out Fire Ant Killer on their bodies, carry it back to the mound, and distribute it to other colony members including the queen.

Fire ants ingest it or absorb it through the cuticle, killing them and destroying the colony.

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By using both a mound treatment and a broadcast treatment together, you achieve season-long control.

Neighborhood programs The best way for homeowners to prevent fire ant infestations is to coordinate treatment with neighbors. A coordinated effort among neighbors maximizes the treated area, making it harder for fire ants to find a place to re-colonize. A neighborhood Two-Step Method is the most effective way to control and prevent fire ants for seasonlong control.

Studies show that areas with diligent neighborhood fire ant control programs, where multiple homeowners treat their lawns at the same time with the same fire ant control product, can reduce the number of active mounds by as much as 96 percent.

Treating fire ant stings Fire ants bite and then inflict painful stings, which cause small blisters or pustules on the skin, typically up to 24 to 48 hours later.

If you, your child, or your pet is stung by fire ants, it is important to follow first aid guidelines and to seek medical attention immediately if there is any suspicion of an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions include severe swelling, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, headaches and sweating.

If blisters occur, make sure they are clean and avoid any action that might further irritate the area, such as scratching or rubbing. Rinse the sting area with cold water and gentle soap to avoid infection and elevate the affected area of the body. You can use a cool compress or ice to reduce swelling and alleviate pain and itching.

Spring and summer are seasons to enjoy the outdoors. Now is the time to educate yourself and family on fire ants. Being able to identify fire ants and their mounds, proper treatments and handling stings are all extremely important to avoid fire ant infestation. Take time to educate yourself and family and enjoy a fire ant-free season.

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Big Kitchen, Small Price After years of telling yourself you can live with the outdated hardware, the ugly orange laminate countertops and the daffodil-yellow wall paint, you’ve finally admitted to yourself that your love affair with your kitchen decor is over.

But leaving is simply out of the question and you don’t have the budget for a complete makeover. What can you do?

Fortunately it is possible to rekindle your love for your kitchen, improve your home’s value and accomplish it all on a modest budget.

Here are some common kitchen complaints and hints for how you can resolve them -- and learn to love your kitchen again -- for less than $500 per fix.

Cabinets Replacing outdated cabinets or even just refacing them can cost thousands of dollars. A more budget-friendly, simple solution is to repaint them and swap outdated hardware for a newer, more contemporary style. Even if you have 20 cabinet door handles to replace and you opt for pricey $5 knobs and pulls, you can still dramatically upgrade your cabinets’ appeal for around $100.

Painting is another, easier option that helps change the style and appeal of your cabinets. Virtually any kind of cabinet can be painted. Just go online or consult an expert at your local home improvement store to be sure you’re using the right kind of paint for your cabinet’s material.

Walls When it comes to budget redesign, paint and wallpaper can be your best friend. Pick a fresh, neutral color to paint the walls. Then spice things up with an easy-to-hang wallpaper mural that evokes your fantasy kitchen. You may never have the breezy, open kitchen in a villa in Tuscany that you dream of, but you can adorn a wall of your kitchen with a wallpaper mural that looks like an open window onto the Tuscan countryside. You’ll find plenty of kitchen-appropriate wallpaper murals for under $100 at www.DecorPlace.com.

Countertops Replacing laminate countertops with another material can be costly.

Few homeowners have the resources to install granite themselves.

While replacing laminate with ceramic tile may be more practical for some savvy do-it-yourselfers, an easier option for many people is to simply paint over the laminate they already have.

Even if your laminate is scratched, gouged or faded, it’s possible to paint it. Use a good quality spackle to fill in cracks, chips, scratches or gouges. Be sure the entire surface is clean and dry, and then apply a coat of bonding primer to help ensure the paint adheres to the laminate.

Next apply two or three coats of paint in your chosen color. Finally, seal the counters with polyurethane. You can get creative by stenciling designs on the surface or faux painting to make the laminate look like granite.

Fixtures Replacing outdated faucets and sinks is one of the easiest, most costeffective ways to update the look of your kitchen. You can find styles

and designs to match every décor and taste for less than $500. For timeless style and lasting durability, stainless steel sinks are a great choice and many models are available for a few hundred dollars or even less. Visit your local home improvement store to get some ideas for what style will suit your taste and needs. These stores are also great resources for advice on installing your new faucets or sinks -- or go online to find tips in DIY installation.

Appliances If your appliances look shabby but still work well, refinishing them can be a more cost-effective alternative to replacing them. A stainless steel refrigerator can costs thousands of dollars, but you can actually put a fresh coat of stainless steel paint on your old, scratched stainless steel, or even your black or white enamel refrigerator for far less. Or, if your enamel appliances better match your kitchen décor, consider repainting them in a designer color using products specially made to bond with the appliance’s metal or enamel finish.

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