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From the Publishers...

Country Life in North Texas & Southern Oklahoma

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS PUBLISHERS Austin & Jennifer Lewter alewter@ntin.net EDITOR Jessica Edwards editor@ntin.net MARKETING DIRECTOR Sherrie Nelson sales@texomafarmandhome.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Mary Jane Farmer Fayette Jiang Yvon Guignard G. Paulson

We promise the Dog Days of summer will be over soon. It’s hard to believe that our next issue of Texoma Farm & Home will be our October/November edition for fall.

After that, it’ll be holiday time and, before we know it, 2024 will be in the rearview mirror.

It’s all so hard to believe because, right now, the heat has set in. Kids go back to school in August, but that doesn’t mean summer is over.

Not yet anyway, but the sky is blue and the grass is green and we live in a vibrant community where activities and events abound— so, get out there and enjoy yourselves!

This issue of TF&H highlights some incredible upcoming events that will help us segue way into autumn.

Whether it’s the Hwy. 82/297 Yard Sale Sept. 6-7 or the Dog Days of Denton that same weekend, the Texoma area calendar is jam packed for family fun.

The Collinsville Chamber of Commerce will celebrate its 50th Annual Pioneer Day on Sept. 21, Taste Bridgeport is set for Sept. 28 and Muenster will host Oktoberfest Oct. 4-6.

In fact, the first weekend of October will be especially busy with the Denison Fall Fest and Bowie’s Chicken and Bread Days both on Oct. 5 as well.

Then there is the Gainesville Depot Day on Oct. 12.

So, no matter where you live in North Texas and Southern Oklahoma, there is an event for you.

And you can learn more about them all in this edition of TF&H. We are glad you are here and look forward to seeing you out and about at one of the many upcoming events in the area.

Austin & Jennifer Lewter Publishers- Texoma Farm & Home

LEWTER PUBLISHING WHITESBORO, TEXAS

Publishers of the

Pg. 16 Texoma Farm & Home PO Box 68 - 130 East Main St. Whitesboro, Texas 76273

903.564.3565

texomafarmandhome.com 4 - texomafarmandhome.com

Pg. 20

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Texoma Farm & Home is a high quality bi-monthly magazine dedicated to country life in North Texas and Southern Oklahoma. We strive to give our readers and advertisers the best possible service. Our rate card is applied equally to all. This magazine reserves the right to reject any advertisement at the discretion of the publisher. The advertiser shall defend and indemnify and hold harmless Texoma Farm & Home against any claim of liability or loss asserted or established against it by reason. The company’s liability for major errors lessening the value of an advertisement shall be limited to any advertisement or any part thereof submitted by or published at discretion of the advertiser. The company’s liability for major errors lessening the value of an advertisement shall be limited to the advertisement as it shall elect.

Are you ready to enjoy more of life?

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HEALTH

The Ease of Hearing Well

Y

ou may not even be aware of how much work it takes to try to understand words when your hearing is diminished. Perhaps you have become so accustomed to lip reading, or turning up the volume on the TV, or even avoiding crowds and other noisy environments that accommodating your hearing loss is just a way of life.

Our brains were designed to hear. So much so that when our hearing deteriorates, our brains can go into overdrive, striving to “fill in the gaps” and help us fully engage. It leaves those with hearing loss scrambling to stay connected.

And it can be exhausting.

Imagine being able to hear without effort, like you did years ago. Relishing those gentle conversations with your grandchildren, hearing the sermon in church, or participating in enthusiastic exchanges around the family dinner table. Even talking on the phone could be a simple pleasure again.

Consider this: the astounding features of the new Widex SmartRIC™ will help you enjoy an active life, a life where you feel more connected and can focus on the sounds you want to hear.

The technology is amazing, as is the engineering (an innovative L-shaped design that fits higher up on the ear and is remarkably comfortable, even if you wear glasses). Microphone covers counter the wind and touch noise, so you enjoy natural sounds and conversations with ease. Convenience is a factor as well -- the new portability aspects and battery allows you to enjoy up to 37 hours of use on a single charge.

“Our patients are saying they have never heard a hearing aid that was so clear,” Licensed Fitter and Dispenser of Hearing Instruments (LFDHI) and co-owner of HearCare & Associates in Sherman and Gainesville Jill Sheppard,

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B.S., SLP/Audiology, said. “They can finally understand conversation – in both quiet and noisy environments. What’s really exciting is that we’ve put it on patients with the most difficulty hearing and sometimes they have been so emotional because they say it’s like hearing their life the way it used to be.”

A hearing evaluation begins with a conversation between you and your hearing professional. Your ears will be checked. Then you’ll have your hearing tested. Your results are immediately available. You’ll receive important information about any issues and be fully informed about options available to you.

“You want to work with a professional who will assess the ability you have to hear natural sounds and then leverage that with the finest technology available and the earnest desire to help you hear

well again,” HearCare & Associates co-owner Kenneth Sheppard, Jr., LFDHI, said.

Be an educated consumer. How you get your information, what you choose, and who you buy from can have enormous implications for how satisfied you are with your new hearing aids (and the price you paid for them).

“We understand that you want the best from your investment in hearing well,” Sheppard said. “You deserve personalized attention and a hearing aid customized to your needs. You want to ensure that your hearing aids are tailor-made to your specific hearing loss and that you have the information and the skill to wear them with confidence and ease.”

Find out more about the options available to you. Call 903-868-2650 today.

It’s worth your time. It’s about your life.

texomafarmandhome.com - 7

HEALTH

5 tips for staying cool during the dog days of summer

I

t is important to stay cool during the summer as extreme heat conditions can be harmful to the body and its vital organs.

The Office of the Texas State Climatologist predicted by 2036, there will be nearly 21 days of triple digit temperatures every year. The Texas heat is no joke as its extreme temperatures rise every year.

Texans need to be careful and know how to stay safe in this weather.

It is easy to get heat exhausted in this weather, so here are five tips to protect yourself in the heat:

1. Stay hydrated and take in electrolytes Roughly 60% of the body is made up of water. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats and loses the ability to

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by Fayette Jiang cool itself down. The reason this happens is because excessive sweating in extreme heat causes the body to lose water and salts that are vital for cooling, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

2. Stay in air-conditioned rooms when possible The best way to keep cool is to stay in air conditioned areas.

“I am part of a gardening club back home and we usually take breaks indoors in between taking care of the plants, that really helps us stay cool,” college student Betty Johnson said.

If you must be outside, try to limit your activities to during the coolest parts of the day, either earlier in the morning or later in the evening. When outdoors, re-

member to take frequent breaks and find shades to rest under.

3. Apply sunscreen While the sun provides good vitamin D for your body, overexposure to UV radiation will cause more harm than good to your skin, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Such damages include skin cancer, tumors, skin discoloration, wrinkles and more.

“Used regularly, sunscreen helps prevent sunburn, skin cancer and premature aging,” dermatologist Anna Chien said in an article from Johns Hopkins Medicine.

“For day-to-day use, pick a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. If you spend time outdoors, choose a product with SPF 60 or greater.”

HEALTH 4. Wear light clothing Choosing to wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing can help you stay cool under the sun. Loosely fitted clothing is more breathable and will provide more airflow to help you stay cool.

Additionally, light-colored fabrics are good reflectors of heat and light, which allows to absorb less heat.

5. Know what to do if you ever get overheated Knowing how to prevent heat exhaustion is important, but knowing what to do if you or someone next to you ever experiences heat exhaustion is also vital.

“Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are both types of hyperthermia. Heat exhaustion can develop into heatstroke

if left untreated,” according to the Cleveland Clinic. Heat stroke occurs when the body temperature is higher than 104 degrees and puts organs at risk of shutting down.

According to helpful tips from the Cleveland Clinic, if you or someone else experiences hyperthermia, try to cool the person down as much as possible by moving them to a cool, shady and ventilated environment. Remove extra outer layers of clothing, apply ice packs, give them cool water and electrolytes, such as sports drinks or salted water.

In cases of a heatstroke, one should dial 911 for an ambulance to receive immediate medical attention.

Knowing your risks are important to help you prevent being overheated. Being smart

Regular breaks in the air conditioning are key to avoiding the negative effects of summer heat. and knowing what to do in the heat will save you a trip to the emergency room.

(Courtesy photo)

Fayette Jiang is a junior nursing major at Tarleton State University.

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HEALTH

What young women should know about breast cancer

A

prevailing myth concerning breast cancer is that it only affects older women.

Various medical organizations and institutions recommend women begin receiving mammograms starting at age 40, which may compel women younger than 40 to think that they are immune to breast cancer. Yale Medicine notes breast cancer in younger individuals is rare, but the organization reports it is the most common cancer among women between the ages of 15 and 39. In addition, a body of evidence points to a growing rate of breast cancer diagnoses in younger women.

The Cleveland Clinic says breast cancer in young women and people assigned female at birth is known as early-onset breast cancer. Even adolescents and young adults can get breast cancer. Although young people can get any form of breast cancer, invasive ductal carcinoma and triple-negative breast cancer are the most common forms of the disease among young women.

Diagnoses of breast cancer have steadily risen in women under age 50 over the last 20 years, says the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Researchers believe the surge is largely driven by increases in the number of women diagnosed with estrogen-receptor positive tumors, which are cancerous tumors fueled by estrogen. The researchers also

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Texoma Farm & Home

A prevailing myth concerning breast cancer is that it only affects older women.

(Courtesy photo)

found higher rates of breast cancer among Black women, particularly those between the ages of 20 and 29. Black women in this age group were found to have a 53 percent increased risk of breast cancer.

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) says that breast cancers in women under age 40 are more likely to have features that contribute to poorer outcomes and prognoses. Larger tumor size, advanced tumor stage, negative hormone receptor status, and an over-expression of the HER2 protein are some such features. The BCRF also reports younger women are more likely to experience a recurrence at five and 10 years after therapy

compared to older women.

It is essential for younger women to be in tune with their bodies and learn to recognize any signs that may be indicative of breast cancer.

Since annual screenings are not often part of preventative health plans for women younger than 40, adolescents and young adults need to alert their doctors if they suspect anything is wrong. Unfortunately, by the time a tumor in the breast can be felt, it likely has been present for some time already. Symptoms of breast cancer may include: • Inverted nipple • Breast lump or a lump in armpit • Breast pain • Changes in the skin of the

breast • Nipple discharge with or without pain • Swollen lymph nodes Any of these signs should be discussed with a primary care physician or a gynecologist.

Younger patients also are more likely to have a genetic connection to breast cancer.

Individuals with one or more family members who were diagnosed with breast cancer are at higher risk and may want to consider screening at earlier ages.

Breast cancer is not a disease that only affects women 40 and older. Younger people can get breast cancer, and it’s often a surprise and sometimes more aggressive.

texomafarmandhome.com - 11

HOME

People can keep these tips in mind as they seek to plan a memorable Labor Day weekend this year.

(Courtesy photo)

Tips for a memorable Labor Day weekend

L

abor Day weekend is widely considered the unofficial swan song of summer.

Though millions of children return to school prior to Labor Day weekend, the final holiday of summer still marks an ending to the season of relaxation and a return to the hustle and bustle of life when the temperatures dip and schedules fill up.

Perhaps because Labor Day has become synonymous with the end of summer, many people look to make the weekend preceding the holiday as fun as possible. People with such intentions can keep these tips in mind as they seek to plan a memorable Labor

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Texoma Farm & Home

Day weekend this year.

• Wake up early if you intend to travel. Labor Day weekend should be memorable for all the right reasons and traffic is not one of them. A recent survey from the vacation planning experts at The Vacationer found that roughly 148 million people planned to travel over Labor Day weekend in 2024, which makes the three-day period a particularly busy time to be on the road or in the air. If you intend to fly this Labor Day weekend, try to book an early morning flight to reduce the risk of delays. If you’re driving, hitting the road before sunrise, particularly if you’re traveling a long dis-

tance, can help you avoid traffic jams.

• Plan the weekend. It can be tempting to fly by the seat of your pants come Labor Day weekend, but it’s still best to book excursions and even dinner reservations in advance.

The popularity of Labor Day weekend and its status as the unofficial end of summer compels many people to get up and go over the three-day period, so theme parks, water parks, restaurants, and other attractions may be all booked in advance. Purchase tickets and make reservations months in advance to ensure you aren’t left with little to do and/or nothing to eat come Labor Day weekend.

HOME • Create a backup plan. Ideally the weather will cooperate and Labor Day celebrants will be able to spend the entire weekend outdoors if they so desire. But weather is unpredictable, so it pays to create a backup plan in advance. If you’re traveling for the weekend, look around for indoor entertainment spaces to spend the weekend if the weather is uncooperative. If you’re planning a backyard barbecue at home, arrange for some indoor activities or pick a rain date and let guests know. If the party is scheduled for the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, a Sunday rain date might work.

• Go with a summer theme.

Even if the kids are already back in school and your sum-

mer family vacation is a distant memory, that’s all the more reason to revive the spirit of summer one last time.

If hosting at home, a Hawaiian luau theme complete with a pig roast or a final summer pool party is a great way to send summer off before welcoming fall into the fold. Encourage guests to don summer attire and revive your summer playlist to get guests in the mood. If you’re traveling for the weekend, pick a sunny, sandy destination so you can squeeze every last drop out of summer.

Labor Day weekend marks the perfect time to send summer off with a bang. Some pre-weekend planning can ensure everyone has a memorable final few days of summer.

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A F U N D R A I S E R F O R O U R L O C A L

DOG

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HOME

FAQs about garage remodels Texoma Farm & Home

Homeowners tend to want to maximize all of the space they have in their homes. For some this may involve turning a garage from a utilitarian space into one that serves multiple purposes.

According to The Mortgage Reports, a home-buying and improvement resource, garage renovations can increase the value of a home and add living space. Garage remodels can create additional storage space, provide an area for a home gym or even create room for a home office.

Prior to beginning a garage remodel, homeowners may have some common questions about the process.

How much does the renovation cost?

Several factors will ultimately determine the final price of a garage remodel, but HomeAdvisor says the national average for a garage remodel falls between $6,000 and $26,000. Most homeowners come in at around $15,000 for a total garage conversion.

Will I recoup the investment?

A garage conversion adds value to a home if it creates new and usable living space.

The firm Cottage, which pulled together a team of builders, architects and technologists, advises the average garage conversion provides an 80 percent return on investment. That ROI varies depending on location.

How can I upgrade the

Prior to beginning a garage remodel, homeowners may have some common questions about the process.

(Courtesy photo) flooring? works well for two- or three- other pests from entering?

Insects often want to hunGarages traditionally fea- car garages where there will ture concrete floors. Although be room to park a car and the ker down in garages, and they durable, concrete floors can remainder will serve another may find it easy to get inside a garage. Keeping the garage feel damp, hard and cold un- purpose. clean and organized is the best derfoot. Both vinyl plank and epoxy flooring options can elWhat are other ways to way to deter pests and to spot infestations before they beevate the design and function- improve the garage? ality of the garage.

Installing more windows or come problematic, indicates improving on the lighting in Mosquito Joe pest control Can I have the best of the garage can be important. company. Reducing water and both worlds?

The garage improvement ex- humidity in the space, weathSometimes a garage needs perts at Danley’s say window erproofing at the base of the to serve many purposes. Loft- installation enables people garage door and other entry ing the garage means a home- to circulate air in the garage spots and utilizing insect reowner can still park cars or without having to open the pellents to make the garage utilize the lower space as a garage door. Improving the less hospitable also can deliving area, all the while items lighting means the garage can crease the risk of insect infesare stored overhead. Some flip still be enjoyed or utilized af- tation.

Remodeling a garage can this design scenario and have ter dark. Spread out lighting the loft area as a bedroom or in the garage, and use a com- add value and plenty of usable finished living space, while bination of overhead and task space to a home. Whether a the lower portion remains a lighting just as one would in garage houses cars or hosts neighborhood game night, a traditional garage area. An- the home itself. garage renovation can be well other thought is to finish only a portion of the garage. This How do I deter bugs or worth the investment.

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EVENTS

Dog Days of Denton set for September

by Jessica Edwards

D

og Days of Denton is the place to be for dog lovers and their pets on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

The primary fundraiser for the Denton Parks Foundation, Dog Days of Denton is a community-wide event that has been going strong for 30 years. Held at Quakertown Park, people and their dogs can enjoy a variety of activities ranging from food trucks (mocktails, tacos, burgers and more), vendors selling their wares (including pet-friendly items like homemade treats and food), dog rescue and adoption agencies and (from 12:30-1:30 p.m.) live music

featuring George Dunham and The Bird Dogs (Texas country meets gritty rock).

There will also be several contests and competitions, including Doggie Band Stand (a 1950s-inspired dance contest with pets and their owners); Canine Couture Costume Contest (pure runway magic as dogs strut their stuff in elaborate outfits); Pet Tricks and more. Local celebrity Denton Spiderman will serve as a judge to determine contest winners.

For a truly memorable afternoon, attendees are welcome to purchase a V.I.Paw Tickets for access to even more premium fun. Tickets al-

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low people and dogs access to the Civic Center Pool for a dog pool party, as well as treats for dogs and their owners; commemorative V.I.Paw T-shirt; WAG bag full of goodies (for first 500 attendees); and access to the Triple Play Beer Garden (and one beer voucher for guests aged 21 and up).

Denton County Brewing Company partners with the Denton Parks Foundation and Denton Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) all year long. For every pint of Triple Play sold, $1 is donated back to the city’s parks. Enjoy this refreshing Heffevizen at Dog Days of Denton while helping local parks.

Formed in 1987, the Denton Parks Foundation aims to engage the Denton community to boost the mission of the Denton PARD to unite, grow and play. The Denton PARD seeks to unite everyone through advocacy, investments and volunteerism. After all, when a community unites, parks improve; when parks improve, residents enjoy a higher quality of life.

The foundation helps with grant applications and capital fundraising to bring in money for scholarships (so that people can attend Denton PARD summer programs) and park improvements. Through events like Dog Days of Denton, the Parks Foundation has been able to provide $300K for Denton’s Water Works Park and $1M for South Lakes Park and Eureka Playground.

Dog Days of Denton is not only a fun event for people

and their pets, but it’s a great way to help improve Denton’s parks.

“Every year, this event brings in around 4,000 people,” director Tim Smith said.

“We’re really excited about that. Come on out and have a good time!”

To ensure everyone’s safety, there are some basic rules attendees must follow, including dogs must be on a leash at all times; dogs must have proof of current vaccinations; and while kids are welcome, dog handlers must be 16 and older.

To learn more about the event and to purchase V.I.Paw Tickets, visit www.DentonParksFoundation.com/DogDays or scan the QR code below:

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EVENTS

Depot Days on tap in Gainesville

Gainesville’s Depot Day Festival is held annually on the second weekend in October in and around the downtown courthouse square. Varied in its attractions and appeal, Depot Day marks the importance of railroad history to Gainesville and celebrates fun for the family and enthusiasts of many walks.

The festival includes a full day of live music and entertainment, an antique and classic car show, a BMX stunt show by Lonestar Action Sports, food of every flavor, craft vendors, education & health screenings, and the Kids Zone.

(Courtesy photo)

texomafarmandhome.com - 19

EVENTS

Collinsville celebrates ‘50 Years of Pioneers’ Texoma Farm & Home

ANNUAL PIONEER DAY SET FOR SEPT. 21 A Collinsville tradition will celebrate half a century on Sept. 21.

As has become local custom, the Collinsville Pioneer Day will take to the streets the third weekend in September.

This year’s theme is “50 Years of Pioneers” as it will be the 50th edition of the annual street festival.

The event started as a multi-day event in 1975 sponsored by members of the

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Collinsville Parks’ Association.

“I was there for the first Pioneer Day,” said Collinsville Chamber of Commerce President Marva Worsham. “It looks a little bit different today, but the spirit is still the same— to bring our community together.”

Worsham said the event will kick off this year with the annual parade down Main Street at 5 p.m.

The Toad Suck Car Show will host classic rides up and down Hughes Street.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Southern Cross Car Club this year for our

car show,” event chairman Austin Lewter said. “They are a wonderful group of volunteer automobile enthusiasts who produce an awesome event. All the proceeds from this year’s car show will benefit the Grayson County Children’s Advocacy Center.”

For more information about the car show, contact Brandon White at 903-8159323.

Vendor booths will be open to the public and live entertainment will abound.

“We really want to make this one special,” Worsham said. “And we are thrilled

EVENTS to introduce some new attractions.”

According to Worsham, this year’s festival will include a kids’ zone with a petting zoo, entertainment stage and train rides.

The annual bake-off contest will be underway in the Community Building capped off by a live auction after the judging where spectators can purchase sweet treats.

All proceeds raised from the bake sale will benefit the Chamber’s scholarship fund.

The day will culminate with live music on the Main Stage.

“We are happy to bring the Tejas Brothers back to Collinsville,” Lewter said. “They put on a great show for us a few years ago. People have asked for them to come back and we cannot imagine a better group to celebrate our 50th anniversary.”

The Fort Worth-based TexMex Honky Tonk combo will take the stage at 9:30 p.m. following a set from Isaac Sloane and the Sound Brigade.

Sloane is a Tioga native and his band has been making splashes in the North Texas music scene over the past year.

“We are thrilled to host Isaac and his group,” Lewter said. “He is a local talent of the highest caliber. His soulful rendition of blues and rock combined with a horn section is truly unique.”

For more information about Pioneer Day, contact Lewter at 903-436-8807.

“We are still in the planning stages,” Worsham said. “We are excited about our 50th celebration and we’ll be making more announcements in the

Above, the Fort Worth-based Tejas Brothers will bring their high energy Tex-Mex Honky Tonk music to the Collinsville Pioneer Day Main Stage on Sept. 21. Below, also performing will be Tioga native Isaac Sloane.

(Courtesy Photos)

coming weeks. Stay tuned to the Collinsville Chamber Facebook page for updates.”

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EVENTS

Muenster celebrates 12th annual Oktoberfest

by Jessica Edwards

I

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n early October, around 10,000 people will descend upon the small town of Muenster, Texas for the city’s 12th annual Oktoberfest.

Hosted by the Muenster Chamber of Commerce, this three-day festival (held October 4-6) celebrates the town’s German culture with vendors, contests, live entertainment, food and – of course – beer.

“In early October, hopefully the weather is beautiful and people will come out to enjoy this fun Muenster tradition,” Muenster Chamber Director Lilly Palmer said.

The event is held at the Heritage Park Event Center at 301 N. Ash St. Attendees can register to participate in the Wurst Race 5K or half-marathon. Visitors can also enjoy shopping at the many booths selling arts and crafts and handmade goods. People can also participate in (or simply observe) a stein hoisting contest, wurst eating contest and lederhosen/dirndl contest, axe throwing, mechanical bull and face painting for children.

Live entertainment ranges from fun German dancers

(Texanischer Schuhplattler Verein d’Holzar) and German bands Moravians and Lederhosen Junkies to country music from Happy Hour Band and cover bands like Double Vision: the Foreigner Experience, Texan Fool: the John Mellencamp Experience and Journey of a Lifetime: the Music of Journey.

Children are sure to love the ventriloquist act of Captain and the Slurp.

Saturday will feature the tapping of the keg at noon and a drone show that kicks off at 7:30 p.m.

On-site parking is just $5 per car, and admission is $5 per ticket (children 12 and under get in free).

“This event is so affordable and offers so much fun and entertainment, it really makes for a great family trip,” Palmer said.

Oktoberfest takes place Friday, Oct. 4 from 4-10 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m10 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 6 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. To see the full schedule of events or to purchase tickets, visit www.

MuensterChamber.com

PETS

This Month’s Featured Pet: Texoma Farm & Home

Patriot the Miniature Stallion

T

ucked away on County Road 132 in Whitesboro is Equine Aqua Spa Center, a facility that offers chiropractic and massage services to equestrian clients.

There, owner Ramona Caldwell and her staff look after several horses – including Caldwell’s own spotted miniature stallion, Patriot, that once belonged to her mother.

Patriot passed away this summer at the age of 44 years old.

The typical life expectancy for a miniature horse is 25 to 30 years.

“My mother showed miniatures,” Caldwell said. “When she passed away in 2002, Patriot came to live with me. He was 22 years old then, and I figured he wouldn’t be around much longer. But here we are! I have his papers here somewhere showing he was born in 1980, because people don’t believe me. But it’s true. He’s 44 years old.”

Patriot has been a mascot for Equine Aqua Spa for years.

Although he was small, his absence will leave a great hole for those he left behind.

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COOKING

TREAT FELLOW FOOTBALL FANS TO SLOW-COOKED RIBS AND HOMEMADE SAUCE

F

ootball and food are a perfect and popular pairing. Though fans may not need to eat while watching their favorite team play, adding food to the football festivities certainly makes fall weekends more enjoyable.

Certain foods have become Saturday and Sunday afternoon staples once football season kicks off. Few fans will turn down a plate of wings or walk away from a tray of nachos during football season.

But fans hosting game watch parties at home can go beyond the norm and offer additional fare that’s sure to please a crowd. For instance, the following recipe for “Baby Back Ribs” with homemade “Kansas City-Style Barbecue Sauce” from Will Budiaman’s “The Essential Kamado Grill Cookbook” (Rockridge Press) will make sure fans go home with full bellies this football season.

Baby Back Ribs Serves 4 4 - 2- to 21⁄2-lb. racks baby back ribs 3 tablespoons kosher salt 3 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper 2⁄3 cup Kansas City-style Barbecue Sauce (see below)

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1. Trim any hanging fat off the ribs. Season with the salt and pepper on both sides. Let stand at room temperature for 1 hour.

2. Prepare the grill for smoking at 225 F to 275 F. 3. Place the ribs meat-side up on the grate over the drip pan. Close the lid. If desired, wrap the ribs in aluminum foil after 1 hour 30 minutes or once the bark (crust) is reddish brown.

4. Turn over the ribs, close the lid, and continue cooking for 1 hour 30 minutes more, or until the ribs pull apart with a gentle tug.

5. Remove the foil (if using), baste the ribs with the sauce, close the lid, and cook meat-side up for 10 more minutes or until the sauce is set. Serve immediately.

Cooking tip: The back of pork ribs is covered with a membrane that some pitmasters say prevents the meat from absorbing the smoke, but this is a myth. Many don’t bother removing it, and leaving it on helps keep the ribs from falling apart when you move them.

Kansas City-Style Barbecue Sauce Makes about 11⁄2 cups 1 cup ketchup 1⁄2 cup apple cider vinegar

COOKING 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons unsulfured blackstrap molasses 6 tablespoons packed light brown sugar 2 tablespoons canola oil 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2 teaspoons kosher salt 2 teaspoons sweet paprika 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, molasses and sugar until smooth.

2. In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat.

3. Add the garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds or until golden.

4. Add the salt, paprika, cinnamon, and cayenne. Cook for 10 seconds or until fragrant.

5. Stir in the ketchup mixture. Bring to a simmer and let simmer for about 1 minute or until the flavors meld.

6. Let cool and refrigerate overnight before using to let the flavors develop.

Cooking tip: When making barbecue sauce, it’s not necessary to boil the ingredients, only simmer them. Simmering them allows the flavors to meld; boiling them causes the ingredients to separate.

The following recipe for “Baby Back Ribs” with homemade “Kansas CityStyle Barbecue Sauce” from Will Budiaman’s “The Essential Kamado Grill Cookbook” (Rockridge Press) will make sure fans go home with full bellies this football season.

(Courtesy photo)

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COOKING

SOME SURPRISING BENEFITS OF BLUEBERRIES Texoma Farm & Home

Small, yet bursting with big flavor, blueberries are a favorite of so many people.

While blueberries may be coveted for their appeal in recipes that run the gamut from breakfast foods to desserts, the nutrients within them provide many benefits as well.

After all, blueberries are not called “superfoods” for nothing.

Here’s a deeper look at some of the health benefits of blueberries.

1. Blueberries are a low-calorie food.

Healthline notes that blueberries contain only 84 calories per cup. Plus they are 85 percent water. Blueberries can be a filling snack that doesn’t compromise low-calorie diets.

2. Blueberries may improve exercise recovery rates. Research published in the Iranian Journal of Public Health in 2018 has shown that eating blueberries can increase muscle strength recovery. That means that blueberries may help thwart a condition called exercise-induced muscle damage, which results in soreness, reduced muscle strength and impaired athletic performance.

3. Blueberries help fight urinary tract infections. Cranberries are often touted as the go-to for treating and preventing UTIs. According to a 1998 study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, specific compounds found in blueberries known as proanthocyanidins can prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract. Furthermore, the high amounts of vitamin C in blueberries also can inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause UTIs. 4. Blueberries may thwart cancer.

Phytochemicals in blueberries decrease the risk of several cancers by protecting cells from chronic inflammation, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research. In addition, the fiber in blueberries helps protect the intestinal lining from colorectal cancer.

5. Blueberries help build stronger bones.

Blueberries are rich in phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, calcium, iron, and vitamin K. These nutrients, together with strength-training exercise, can contribute to bone health.

6. Blueberries lower bad cholesterol.

The fiber in blueberries may help dissolve LDL cholesterol, also known as “bad” cholesterol, in the bloodstream. A study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics determined daily consumption of blueberries helped to improve blood pressure and arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women.

7. Blueberries improve immune function. The blue in blueberries comes from anthocyanin, an antioxidant that increases immune function. The Mayo Clinic also says research indicates compounds in blueberries may delay the effects of vascular dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

8. Blueberries may be an anti-aging treatment. Oxidative DNA damage occurs in every cell in the body each day, according to Healthline. DNA damage is one reason why people grow older. High antioxidants in blueberries can neutralize some free radicals that are implicated in DNA damage.

Blueberries get their superfood status from the number of health benefits they offer.

eat up everything, and still, they’re their lesson; sheep are somewhere in between.(Photos courtesy Noble Research Institute)

All three managers agree that the time invested in training animals at the start pays dividends, including allowing the use of fewer strands of wire for tempo“I had about 36 bulls and 63

used one wire about knee-high,” it even though they could, and the goats respect it most of the time. that’ll keep going through the fence no matter what,” he says.

“But they’re usually grazing right To see how Pokay and Pierce managed the large herd of goats introduced to Noble’s Oswalt Ranch in 2022, watch Episode 5 of the Noble “Regenerating the Ranch” docuseries on YouTube: Adding 500 Goats to Our Ranch. charged Polywire Paddock for Please contact Bonnie Kinder: 940-872-4861 or 940-841-1550 SecondMonday@cityofbowietx.com | CityofBowieTX.com

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DECEMBER 2023

| 43

PROFILE

Making the old, new:

Texoma woman passionate about repurposing

by Jessica Edwards

C

hristy Pentecost has always enjoyed thrifting, seeking out older items to reuse or repurpose. She started out collecting thrifted items to decorate her own home. “Junking,” as she calls it, was a fun way to pursue her passion for decorating and give new life to old things.

“Vintage is my passion,” she said.

Pentecost enjoys an older, primitive style for her home.

The more items she collected, the more she realized she could share her passion with

others.

Inspired to set up booths and sell to people who shared her desire to give new life to old things, she created Market Eleven 07 (named for her wedding anniversary). Four times a year she appears at vintage market shows in McKinney and (this year) Muenster. One of more than 100 vendors, Market Eleven 07 sells vintage items and offers styling and decorating services to people who collect such items but don’t quite know what to do with them.

Pentecost and her husband,

29th Annual

a history teacher in Denton, decided they wanted to escape from the hustle and bustle of a bigger city, so they moved to Valley View where they restored an old home. Wanting more space, they moved to the Hood community located between Muenster and Era. They own 30 acres of land and are building a house from scratch. If all goes according to plan, they’ll be moving in this fall.

This new home will emulate the vintage feel she’s come to love. Her kitchen has a 1925 commercial stove. The coffee bar in her kitchen is all vintage materials. The island is an early-1900’s workbench.

“I want our home to look like it’s been there as long as the land it’s sitting on,” Pentecost said.

More than that, she wants to help show other people how to collect vintage items

and bring them into their own homes.

“Our land had no heritage,” Pentecost said. “By bringing in these vintage items, we’re giving it a heritage that we can pass down to future generations. I want to show people that they can find someone else’s heritage and make it their own.”

As an example, Pentecost created a beautiful summertime brunch using items she collected from estate sales, thrift stores and junking trips.

Her brunch in the garden featured a vintage folding table, a beautiful vintage lace tablecloth and two metal chairs.

Her place settings included mixed old pieces, from pink Fiestaware plates and white stoneware saucers to a beautiful crystal vase and creamand-sugar set. Old pink coffee cups addzz the perfect touch.

Downtown Bowie, Texas

10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Heritage

Festival

Saturday

October 5, 2024

Piston Heads Auto Club Show Championship Fiddler Contest Games Puppet Shows Kids Coop Inflatables Horse-Carriage Rides Live Music Art Exhibit Downtown Heritage Market with Vendors Food Trucks

Friday October 4 at 5 p.m.

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940.872.6246

BCDB@CityofBowieTx.com

This outdoor brunch set is an example of Pentecost’s collaboratoin of old items being used again.

(Courtesy photo)