Community Life, November/December 2014

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ommunity The magazine for Johnson County and surrounding areas November-December 2014 Vol. 9, No. 6

2014 Whistle Stop Christmas Also featured: Bradley Ford Jamie Calahan Ronny McBroom

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ommunity

Publisher

Kay Helms khelms@trcle.com

Managing editor Dale Gosser dgosser@trcle.com

Graphics Director Ashley Garey

Business Manager Lynn Coplin

Staff Writers John Austin A.J. Crisp Monica Faram Nicole Luna Matt Smith

Photography John Austin Monica Faram Matt Smith

Copy Editors John Austin Monica Faram Dale Gosser

Advertising executives

Eric Faught Tammie Kay Rebecca Lampman Barbara Smith

Classified executives April Bradshaw Teresa Slade

108 S. Anglin St. Cleburne, TX 76033 Phone: 817-558-2855 Fax: 817-645-4020 Community Life, the magazine for Johnson County Š 2014 by Cleburne Times-Review. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form without prior written permission is strictly prohibited. Community Life is inserted into the Times-Review and distributed around the county free of charge.

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cover story: TOM BURKETT

Cleburne's own music man

TABLE OF CONTENTS 44

also TECH COLLY what is Apple iCloud and iCloud Drive?

CHAMBER

2014 in review, banquet preview, 2015 schedule

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JAMIE CALAHAN

leading the rebuild of a championship team for the Lady Jackets

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45

SPECIAL

Whistle Stop Christmas 2014

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BRADLEY FORD

growing Burleson one business at a time

RONNY MCBROOM the people's court judge in Cleburne

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the people’s

Photo by Monica Faram

Johnson County Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Ronny McBroom.

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court judge Justice of the Peace Ronny McBroom a staple in the Cleburne community

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STORY BY Matt Smith PHOTOS BY Monica Faram

ny conversation with Johnson County Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Ronny McBroom lasting more than five minutes tends to circle back to mentions of community, service and especially family. “My family is my life,” McBroom, 67, said. “I’m a JP because of them.” Like many a transplanted Texan, McBroom jokes that while he wasn’t born here, he found his way to the Lone Star state as quickly as possible. “We’re a close knit family,” McBroom said. “My wife has told my daughters and grandsons, ‘Like Cleburne, 'cause this is where you’re going to live.’” Early days McBroom’s story actually starts in Alabama, though he barely lived there long enough to amass many memories. His father, a pipeline worker with Northern Natural Gas, moved the family to Hobbes, N.M., in 1954, where McBroom would remain through high school graduation. His older sister, Dorothy Martin, passed away several years ago from cancer. McBroom also has an identical twin brother, Donny McBroom. “I’m five minutes older and a lot better looking,” McBroom joked. Childhood was typical, McBroom said, filled with friends, baseball, basketball, drive-in movies and rock ‘n’ roll. McBroom credits Texas living for his appreciation of country music but adds that he prefers the Beatles, Beach Boys and Elvis music of his youth while tooling around in his classic ’68 Vette. A solid Republican, McBroom said he, like most kids, was somewhat aware of, albeit not overly interested in politics as a child. “Mom and dad were Republican and their philosophies agreed with mine so it just followed later in life,” McBroom said.

Serving in the Air Force after high school bolstered those convictions. “I even voted when I was overseas,” McBroom said. “I felt like that was my obligation and responsibility.” Political affiliation aside, McBroom said he remembers Nov. 22, 1963, the day President John F. Kennedy was shot, well. “I was a junior in high school,” McBroom said. “Oh yeah, it had an impact because he was the president of the United States. I thought, how could someone defame the office that way? I don’t care who’s in it. You may not respect the man, but you ought to respect the office. It was devastating. He had some potential.” Home life was loving, if strict “My dad had a philosophy that if you wanted something, you pay for it,” McBroom said. “My brother and I got paper routes to pay for our bicycles. We went to Western Auto, picked out two bicycles, they were $47 each. “My dad went to the counter and said, ‘How much can you pay a month boys?’ Then told the guy at the counter we wanted to open an account. Community Life

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“But I went on to buy and paid for three cars before I got out of high school. I think I grew up faster by having that responsibility. I didn’t appreciate it at the time. But I look back now and realize that it certainly didn’t hurt me.” McBroom dates his passion for classic cars, which continues today, to those days. “I had a 1961 Chevrolet hot rod painted Bonneville brown with gold flakes,” McBroom said. “The kind of car, you park it, go in the store and when you come out there’s people standing around looking at it. “My dad always told me, ‘When your car breaks down, you have to fix it.’ So I made sure to take care of my car. That was my freedom, how I was able to be independent.” Such independence required working 40 plus hours a week at Furr’s Supermarket — same bunch who owned Furr’s cafeterias — in addition to high school. Somehow McBroom still found time for fun, oft times Patty Duke style. “Donny and I had fun playing tricks on people,” McBroom said. “Sometimes it was a downfall because people would walk up to you in school and say, ‘Hey, I saw you in town yesterday and you didn’t even wave.’ I’d tell them they saw my brother not me. They’d say, ‘Oh yes you were. I can tell you all apart.’” Senior history class required memorizing and reciting the “Gettysburg Address,” which McBroom said he managed, most of it anyway. His twin brother, not so much. Much begging and $20 later, McBroom agreed to wear his brother’s ID card and sit in his chair the next day while Donny took McBroom’s usual seat. “I told him, ‘You’re not going to make as good a grade as I made,’” McBroom said. The teacher no doubt suspected for years after that the wool had been pulled over her eyes. The old switcheroo didn’t always work as McBroom’s then girlfriend and later wife, Christy McBroom, can attest. “I tried to find out what I was getting for Christmas one year and knew her and her mother were going shopping downtown,” McBroom said. “So I borrowed my brother’s car, drove downtown and saw them walking down the side of the street. I parked, walked halfway across the street and say, ‘Hey, have you all seen Ronny?’ And Christy said, ‘Get back in that car and take it back to your 8

Community Life

brother.’ So yeah, that didn’t work out all the time.” Christy McBroom laughed, recalling that day all these years later. “He thought he was being sneaky,” McBroom said. “But, soon as I saw him, I just said ‘uh-huh.’ They really don’t look that much alike. They do until you know them, but it doesn’t take long to figure out the difference.” McBroom jokes that his wife always was too smart for him. “Her daddy worked in the oil field and followed a rig around,” McBroom said.

mind. McBroom and his brother enrolled in a local junior college in Hobbes. A family friend, who also served on the local Selective Service board, threw a wrench in McBroom’s higher education plans by informing him and his brother they would be in the Army 21 days hence. “I said, ‘No, no, wait a minute. We’ve got a deferment because we’re in school.’” McBroom said. The family friend informed McBroom that, by law, a student has to have a C average to maintain a deferment and asked what

Courtesy photos

Ronny McBroom, left, served as a flight engineer in the U.S. Air Force after he graduated high school in Hobbes, N.M. Right: McBroom in uniform.

“From first to sixth grades she never went to one school the whole year and, when a kid travels around that much, they usually get behind in school. “She graduated sixth in her senior class. I always tell people, ‘She graduated with honors and it was an honor for me to graduate.’ Because, I guarantee you, I wasn’t anywhere near sixth in my class.” In country “I thought I, like everyone, graduate from high school, go to college,” Ronny McBroom said. “I had accounting in mind.” The U.S. Air Force had something else in

his average would be in 21 days. “We said, ‘Well, we just started school. We’re not going to have an average.’” McBroom said. “He told us, ‘If you boys don’t go join something, you’re going to be in the Army in 21 days.’” Thinking they’d get a better shot at an education, McBroom and his brother decided to join the Air Force instead, signing up in October 1966 and becoming active in January 1967. Their identical twin status once again proved an asset. “They used us as publicity,” McBroom said. “We went down to El Paso and they brought in news cameras and photographers

and a general swore us in. About 50 other guys rode down in a bus. We rode in a staff car. Later that bus got to the airport and those guys were asking who the heck we are. ‘We’re just two old boys from Hobbes, N.M., joining the Air Force,’ we said.” McBroom became a flight engineer on a C-130 stationed in the Philippines. He and his crew were charged with delivering supplies to ground troops. McBroom ranks his time in the service among the most rewarding in his life. “Because it opened my eyes,” McBroom said. “I saw how cultures I’d never been exposed to lived. “You know, there’s some poor countries in this world. They didn’t have doorbells over there. Most of them, they lived in grass huts with tin roofs. We in the United States do not understand the life we’ve been given by God. We ought to cherish that. And we’re losing that more and more each day I think.” It was also scary, and lonely, McBroom said. “I’m not going to say I wasn’t scared,” McBroom said. “When you’re sitting in a plane flying across country and you look and see bullets coming up at you and you’ve got 45,000 of high octane fuel all around you, go up like a Roman candle if you get struck right. There are places we had to fly into that common sense says you shouldn’t fly into. But you do it because that’s what your orders are. Word from home helped buoy his spirit,

Courtesy photo

Ronny McBroom, third from right, said his family and the community are the reasons he became a justice of the peace judge. From left are grandson Garrison Brady, daughter Amy Brady, son-in-law Tim Brady, grandson Jackson Brady, grandson Peyton Funderburk, wife Christy McBroom, grandson Gryffin Funderburk, McBroom, daughter Marcy Funderburk and son-in-law Greg Funderburk.

McBroom said. “Christy wrote a letter everyday I was overseas,” McBroom said. “We had these little tape recorders, you know, the reel-toreel tape recorders, and we’d record messages to each other about once a month. “I’d call her about once a month too, for three minutes ’cause it cost $12 a minute. I had to go stand in line to get an overseas operator and I had to do that at 4 a.m. Because of the time difference.”

Those days proved a challenge for Christy McBroom, still in high school at the time, as well. “You know, I wrote him everyday,” McBroom said. “But yes, I worried because on top of the war you heard about earthquakes and typhoons in the Philippines. I just had to put trust in God and pray everything would be OK, and it was.” Service also left McBroom 30 percent disabled.

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“We were trying to land in Laos and weren’t even supposed to be over in Laos and Cambodia,” McBroom said. “But, there’s no line that says this is the border between Vietnam and Laos or Cambodia. The Vietcong would go there, jump over and attack and the army and Marines would chase them back over there. Well, when they’d get so far, they’d run out of gas, ammunition and food so they’d bulldoze a little airstrip and have us fly in with supplies. “We tried to land and got 47 bullet holes in our plane’s left hand side. It knocked out our hydraulic system so we couldn’t stop and crashed, tore up my shoulder and both ankles.” Returning home, McBroom said he and his fellow airmen were instructed to wear civilian clothes. “When we got to San Francisco we had people yelling, screaming and spitting at us, yep,” McBroom said. It wasn’t like that everywhere though. Classified as special operations because he volunteered to fly into Laos and Cambodia, McBroom said he earlier received the perk of

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a month’s leave to return home. That time he traveled from Atlanta to Dallas to Hobbes. “I got off the plane, they let me get off first,” McBroom said. “They all clapped. That was an extremely good feeling. So, the people away from those coasts, the hippies and stuff, they weren’t that way. But yeah, we experienced it in San Francisco real bad. “That’s not the way it is now. Soldiers come off the plane and standing there clapping for them and everything. We were a bad word back then. But I’m happy for them now. Happy they get the recognition they deserve.” Cleburne bound McBroom returned home December 1968 and married Christy Jan. 25, 1969. The couple moved to Tyler where McBroom worked as a financial investigator and later relocated to Waco, McBroom planning to attend Baylor University. “I didn’t enroll in Baylor because I got transferred here and so I went to Hill College and UTA where I majored in financial management,” McBroom said. “The manager

of the financial investigative service came up and said he’d like to transfer me to Johnson County, this was 1972. We didn’t know where Johnson County, where Cleburne was. So, we came up on the weekends, fell in love and thought, well, if we’re going to start a family soon, this would be the ideal place to do it.” Heartbreak followed. “We had our first daughter, Misty.” McBroom said. “She lived three days, and the doctor told us there’s no reason she passed away other than her lungs had not developed. “It was devastating, one of the hardest things we’ve ever lived through. One, because we were here in a town where we had no close family at all. And, it’s still a memory. We still take flowers to the cemetery. She was our baby. “And, if it hadn’t been for our belief, faith that God knows best and everything happens for a reason, but it was a challenge that made life really hard.” On a more positive note, the McBrooms quickly realized Cleburne was home.

“We moved in that night on Euclid Street,� McBroom said. “Pulled up about 11 p.m. Saturday night in a U-Haul, dragged the mattress out and put it in the bedroom. The next morning a little lady by the name of Mrs. Brewer came over and said, ‘I’ve got breakfast ready and I’d like you all to come over and have breakfast.’� The McBrooms also befriended their neighbors on the other side, Melvin and Nancy Herrin. “Melvin’s passed away now,� McBroom said. “But we’ve gone to church with them since 1972, which is Westhill Church of Christ now. I’ve been an elder there, taught class there, the high school class and Christy and I and two other couples started the puppet program for the kids.� County Judge Roger Harmon, not yet in office at that time, also became an early friend of the family. “I’ve known Ronny since, oh, 1973 or so,� Harmon said. “He’s one of my best friends but I was also always impressed with his strong businesslike attitude. That really helped when he became JP because the

county was still struggling financially. By getting on top of doing magistrations, that helped bond a lot of people out of our jail quicker, which saved the taxpayers money because we didn’t have to house and feed a lot of those people longer than necessary. And, you know, you wouldn’t believe how many calls he gets each week to sign protective orders and things like that, and never complains. No, Ronny’s a tremendous asset to the county of Johnson and the people.� They had another daughter named Amy. Several years later the McBrooms adopted their second daughter, Marcy. In 1977, McBroom became a stockbroker specializing in bonds, a job he held for 30 years before retiring. Here comes the judge At least, McBroom considered retiring until he remembered a 1980 visit with a former Johnson County justice of the peace judge. That sounded like a neat job, McBroom thought at the time. “So, 16 years later, I was going to retire but thought instead I’d like to give back to

the community we’ve been so blessed in,� McBroom said. Which is par for the course, Christy McBroom said. “Life with Ronny has always been exciting because I never know what he’s going to come up with next,� McBroom said. “When he first brought up running for office I said, ‘Come again.’ “But he was determined. He looked over at Amy and said she’s going to be his campaign manager. We had no idea how to run for office. Then, Jan. 1, he fell off a ladder and hurt his leg and it became a family affair. Marcy’s very good at speaking so she gave some speeches. We put up 245 small signs and 75 large ones and told our friends who let us put signs in their yards that we’re forever in their debt. “It’s hard to explain for people who have never put themselves out there and run for office. It takes a lot of determination, being excited and scared at the same time.� Marcy Funderburk said her father’s decision to run in the 2006 election caught her by surprise, momentarily.

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“But then not really,” Funderburk said. until proven guilty and my job is not to “Because daddy’s always trying to help out prove him guilty, it’s to tell him what his and this fell right in line with his way of dorights are, what his charges are and what his ing things, an extension of his personality.” bond is set at. Amy Brady said nothing her dad does But the positives of the job usually outcatches her by surprise, from his decision weigh the negatives. several years ago to buy a fiberglass company, McBroom called truancy and working to his decision to run for JP judge. with children a passion. “I can’t imagine anyone wanting to do “I was ordering a hamburger one day that job,” Brady joked. “But he loves it, and and the lady running the register asked if I I know he makes a big difference there. That was Judge McBroom,” McBroom said. “You sounds cliche, but I can run down a list of hear that in certain places sometimes and times when he’s helped people out and made you kind of swallow real deep, but I said, a difference.” ‘Yes ma’am.’ She said, ‘If I could I’d come McBroom said he was surprised, delightaround and hug your neck.’” fully so, that neither of his daughters had any idea where the county jail was. “I didn’t even know we had one,” Funderburk said. McBroom defeated former Justice of the Peace Lynn Judd that year. “I didn’t know at the time it’s hard to beat an incumbent,” McBroom said. “They didn’t tell me that till after.” Now in his eighth year, McBroom has twice run for reelection since, both times unopposed. Formerly an avid golfer, serving as a judge has played havoc with his Ronny McBroom, left, with former President George W. game, McBroom joked. Cleburne during 2009’s Ride 2 Recovery event. “I’ll try to sneak off on Fridays after I do magistrations, because The woman’s son, who was living with sometimes we don’t have court on Fridays, her former husband, found himself before and play with a couple of my buddies,” McBroom several years earlier on truancy McBroom said. “But I’ll get three or four charges. The dad wasn’t making him go phone calls while I’m out there so I’ve almost to school. McBroom did. The cashier told given it up.” McBroom her son graduated high school McBroom said he’s been cussed more and attends college now. McBroom recalls than once by people he’s magistrated. The working with another boy who refused to responsibility of dealing with people acgo to school. After several talks with the cused of horrible crimes sometimes weighs boy to determine his hopes and plans Mcon him, McBroom said. Broom managed to convince him to finish “Yes, my wife says I don’t rest well at school and go on to welding school at Hill night like I used to,” McBroom said. “I College. toss and turn. Because you want to believe McBroom said he also enjoys his visits everything is good, but [people] are not all with school students, one of whom, upon good. Sometimes it’s hard to magistrate a learning McBroom served in the Air Force, man who’s done terrible things to people. asked if he could do a push-up. But I’m here to do my job. He’s innocent “So I got down on the floor in my robe 12

Community Life

and did a push-up for him,” McBroom said. It’s a lot of work. McBroom is out the door by 5:15 a.m. each morning, used to late night calls and trips to the jail and said he’s taken two five-day vacations in eight years to take his daughters and four grandsons to Disney World. Still he finds time for what’s important and jokes that he and Christy are those grandparents, the ones who go to all their grandson’s games. “So this is rewarding,” McBroom said. “I don’t call it a job. I call it a passion. The JP court, in my opinion, is the people’s court. This is the first, and hopefully last, experience most will have with the legal realm. If you get over to the Guinn Building, you’ve got other problems. “I tell my staff and clerks, they’re my right arm really, that we’re kind of like a doctor’s office. No one comes in here feeling good and we need to keep that in mind. I feel if we can get 50 percent of the people walking out of this courtroom happy, we’ve done well.” Funderburk said her dad has done Courtesy photo more than well and Bush. Bush visited recounted a story she said sums him up perfectly. A friend of hers in elementary school wanted a bicycle for Christmas but her parents couldn’t afford it, Funderburk said. McBroom bought a bicycle and clothes for the little girl, and a bicycle for her younger sister. Funderburk said she couldn’t wait to get to school Monday to talk to her friend about her new bicycle. “But my dad said, ‘Marcy, don’t tell her those things were from us because that’s what love is. Love is when you do good for others and don’t accept credit.’ “And he taught me that’s the way you want to do, make things about others and not you and love the way God loves, and that’s the way my daddy has lived his entire life.”

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Community Life

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Big strides

Bradley Ford making plans for Burleson

Photo by Sally Ellertson

Director of Economic Development Bradley Ford is tasked with many responsibilities to help bring new business to the city of Burleson while retaining current businesses.

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Courtesy photo

As Burleson’s economic development director, Bradley Ford works with fellow staff members in three departments to bring growth to Burleson’s HighPoint Business Park. Chicken E Food Service, Stuart Industries and Wagner-Smith Equipment are some of the businesses at the business park.

STORY BY Nicole Luna

At 32,

Bradley Ford has had a wealth of work and life experiences. The young professional is helping bring business to Burleson while also playing ice hockey and building wood furniture. Ford is the economic development director for the city of Burleson and works with three development departments. This year, Chicken E Food Service opened its 100,000-square-foot headquarters and distribution center in Burleson’s HighPoint Business Park. Stuart Industries and Wagner-Smith Equipment have also started construction for new facilities in the park. There are also plans for new housing developments near the business park and the Chisholm Trail Parkway. “It’s a fun time to be in Burleson,” Ford said. Before Ford came to Burleson he experienced independence from a young age, which he said helped him grow quickly.

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Married young and big city life Ford grew up in Odessa and attended Odessa Permian High School where he started dating his wife, Deanna. The pair met first when they were in seventh grade on the tennis team and from the first moment she saw him, Deanna Ford knew he was the one for her. “It sounds crazy but I wanted to marry him when I was 12 years old,” Deanna Ford said. “I felt like he was the one somehow.” They were in every class together until high school. She said she had to find him because she was going to marry him. Soon after they graduated from high school they married and moved to Dallas. “We both graduated and kind of ran away from home in some ways,” Ford said. “We grew up together and moved away.” Deanna Ford was pursuing a modeling career so after living in Dallas for a year the couple moved to New York shortly after Sept. 11 and lived in Brooklyn. At the time, Ford worked for Home Depot, which was the couple’s only income. “We basically ran out of money when we were living in New York. It’s very expensive obviously to live there and you know as a young married couple trying to make it on our own was really hard,” he said. “Our rent payment in Brooklyn was $1,100 and at 19 working at Home Depot, that math just didn’t work for very

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Courtesy photo

Bradley Ford and his wife, Deanna, have been married for about 14 years and the couple have three children: Madison, 6, Macie, 4 and Micah, 2.

long.� The couple stayed in New York for 13 months before moving back to Texas and while they weren’t able to make it work they said the experience gave them a new appreciation for big city life. “It’s a very resilient city and we still like to go back once a year to see plays or visit Central Park because when we were there we were working and we couldn’t afford to go to a Broadway show,� Ford said. “So we love to go and enjoy it from a tourist perspective.� He also said it’s a time to remember back when they were so happy with so little. “We had pretty much nothing but we were incredibly happy. There were times where the kitchen was very bare and it was difficult but I think it’s important to remember a time you were very happy with very little. It gives appreciation for what you have now,� he said. “It keeps us grounded and it’s where we come from in a lot of ways. It wasn’t a ton of time we spent there but we really grew up. After New York the couple moved to East Texas to be close to family and Ford started to go to school where they got their life back on track from an educational standpoint.

“We had pretty much nothing but we were incredibly happy. There were times where the kitchen was very bare and it was difficult but I think it’s important to remember a time you were very happy with very little. It gives appreciation for what you have now.� — Bradley Ford UT Tyler The couple lived in Marshall and Ford commuted to the University of Texas at Tyler where he majored in political science. After a year, they moved to Tyler and enjoyed the community there, Ford said. UT Tyler is where public service began to take a hold of Ford. “A political science professor got me an internship working at a nonprofit in Tyler and that led to a good number of opportunities to work in public service,� Ford said. The nonprofit was East Texas Center for Independent Living where people with disabilities could receive a variety of services. Ford’s job was to provide people with transportation because many were not able to drive and in rural East Texas there weren’t many buses available. “We did a big study on the needs of those people with disabilities and linked them to opportunities with transportation,� Ford said. “The reason I was part of that was that I had skills in GSI mapping — computerized mapping — and that’s what got me started.� After he received his bachelor’s degree in political science

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from UT Tyler, Ford’s first job was working for the city of Fort Worth, where he used his mapping skills. Starting a career and family Ford worked for the Fort Worth Police Department in their research and planning division. “We would allocate how many officers we would need in a certain area, what type of calls were they answering, what type of crimes they were dealing with, lots of statistical analysis and mapping,” he said. Shortly after the move to Fort Worth, the couple began to start a family. They have three young children Madison, 6, Macie, 4 and Micah, 2. While he worked for the city, he attended graduate school at the University of Texas at Arlington for city and region planning. During his studies Ford did a lot of projects in Dallas and Winona, near Tyler, which led to some progress for the city. “It was a really fun time at UTA. I met a lot of folks, just good friends today that are in public service either in city planning or city management,” Ford said. He went to school at night and worked during the day, which he said could be difficult. “When I talk about Deanna, we grew up together, we always did what we had to do to keep our family going,” Ford said. “We’ve always been independent people and so certainly going to classes at night and having a job during the day and eventually having our kiddos, it was pretty hard work for her as well.” Deanna Ford stays at home and takes care of the children while also running a photography business, Life in Low Aperture by Deanna Ford. “She’s got an artistic/creative 18

Community Life

Photo by Sally Ellertson

“It’s an exciting time to be in Burleson,” Bradley Ford said. Ford said that he and his family are fortunate to be in a city like Burleson. He is happy with his role with the city and is excited about upcoming projects.

side that keeps her active,� Ford said. She also continues to do modeling work, which she says has only gotten better with her experience of running her own photography business. Moving forward After five years, Ford became the senior planner and managed the research and planning division for FWPD. He was young. “That’s kind of been a theme, I’ve been really fortunate to have good circumstances and I think that’s mainly due to hard work and people investing in me,� he said. He said FWPD Chief Ralph Mendoza and Deputy Chief Pam Kneblick did a great job showing him the inner workings of a large organization which help lead to a job in Burleson. The city of Burleson hired Ford to be the city planner. As city planner one of the projects he started working on was the development of the business park. He took on more leadership roles in Burleson which led to him being named the director of economic development. Taking charge At the time there was no economic department in the city of Burleson. It was just Ford and that was it. “We didn’t have a budget and we didn’t have resources allocated but the city council and city manager really wanted to focus on bringing new businesses into town,� Ford said. “We wanted to focus on filling the business park, or to focus on some retail opportunities we had and so I made a transition into that role as director and we really created a department out of nothing thanks to the support of everybody.�

Now there are more people in the department, including Justin Bond, economic development manager. “One of the reasons we’re so successful is that we got great people,� Ford said. “We have people pulling in the same direction and since being director of economic development, I felt like we’ve been doing great and we had a lot of success. I think people can see that in the community.� Deputy City Manager Paul Cain has been with city of Burleson for as long as Ford’s been there and he said the city is fortunate to have someone like Ford working for it. “Bradley is very diligent, a hard worker and prepared,� Cain said. “He is smart beyond his years. He is a young man with a great deal of experience.� Ford is extremely personable, which is a good trait to have when bringing in new business to the city, Cain said. “He’s very welcoming and not abrasive which is important to have someone like that in a business,� Cain said. “Bradley has a great way with interacting with people. He’s definitely somebody

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you can trust and a guy who does what he says he’s going to do.” Cain also said that although bringing in new business is great, Ford always keeps in mind what is best for the city and the community. “We’re lucky to have someone in the city and community that can help guide us,” he said.

“Bradley is very diligent, a hard worker and prepared. He is smart beyond his years. He is a young man with a great deal of experience.” — Deputy City Manager Paul Cain Ministry, woodworking, hockey Ford and his family moved to Burleson after he accepted the director position, but they continue to attend Christ Chapel Bible Church in Fort Worth. About four years ago Ford was asked to join the board of deacons — a four-year commitment. At 29, Ford was the youngest to serve on the board of 50 deacons. “It’s just been a great four years of

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meeting people that want to be the hands and feet of Christ and work on behalf of the church,” Ford said. “It’s been a sizable commitment of time but it’s been an excellent adventure in leadership training.” This is his final year on the board and he was named chairman of the board. He and Deanna also provide marriage counseling to young couples in the church who want to be married. “I think our perspective of getting married at 18 is helpful in most conversations,” he said. “We didn’t know what we were doing at 18 but we were committed to one another and we understood that.” By providing counseling the couple said it’s like turning back the clock as they see themselves in the young couples they serve. “Obviously they’re a lot smarter than us because they’re actually going through premarital counseling which we didn’t so we have the benefit of doing that now,” Ford said. Deanna Ford said it’s been an interesting experience to counsel young couples because they’re witnessing the start of a new marriage and a new life. “Although we are mentoring other couples we are gaining just as much out of it,” she said. “It brings up topics that are good to talk about whether you’ve been married for two days or ten years. It’s just always good to have open communica-

When Bradley Ford isn’t at work with city of Burleson business he is either spending time at church, making farm tables or playing hockey. Ford started playing for the Arlington Nordiques about a year ago. The team won the regular season championship and Ford scored three goals this year. Courtesy photo

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tion.” Ford said his job at city hall can be mentally draining so he’s taken on some physical extracurricular activities to slow down his mind. About two years ago Ford became interested in woodworking which started with simple home repair and installing wood flooring. “I just did various projects then we got the wild idea that we would build a dining room table,” Ford said. From his garage he built farmhouse tables for his home, family and friends. He makes the table while Deanna helps do the finishing of the tables. What started out a chore became something he loves to do, Ford said. He’s built beds for his children and his next project will be designing an outdoor playground for their backyard. His most recent extracurricular activity is hockey. In Odessa, there was a minor league hockey team call the Jackalopes, so growing up, Ford said, it was the popular sport for kids. After he married he stopped playing, but about a year ago he picked up a hockey stick again and joined the Arlington Nordiques. The team won the regular season cham-

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“We didn’t know what we were doing at 18 but we were committed to one another and we understood that.” — Bradley Ford pionship and Ford scored three goals this year. “It’s fun and it’s physical, too, so it’s fun to get out there and rough it up a little bit,” he said. Ford said he likes to pursue his active hobbies and church because it allows him to be a normal person. “Sometimes I find that in the community you serve people only see you as that city guy,” he said. Although he wishes he could play more during the week he says it’s hard being away from the family. Blessed and future “I feel tremendously blessed honestly, I think that we wouldn’t be anywhere close to where we are if God isn’t in it,” Ford said. Ford grew up in situations where hard

work was important. He said his stepfather was an important role model for him because he started a business and worked hard to maintain it. “I think that showed me all a good model is that if you want something you have to work hard at it and God has to be in it and that’s where we are now,” he said. Those are attributes Ford said Burleson represents. “I feel very fortunate to be where we are and I’m really happy with my role in the city where I get to be involved in some really fun projects,” he said. Deanna Ford said she is thankful that she has been there from the very beginning, “because I’ve known the man that he is from day one to today and he is still the same man. He is full of integrity and honor and he does everything he does to glorify God and not himself so I couldn’t be more proud or thankful for the blessings and achievements that he’s gained.” While Ford knows he still young and other job offers may come his way, Burleson is the place where he and his family want to be. “I’m the kind of person who likes to see things through and there are great things happening in Burleson and I want to be part of that,” Ford said.

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Visit our NEW Website at www.burlesonchamber.com Advertise your business in our newsletter contact: Cleburne Times-Review 817-645-2441

DECEMBER EVENTS

SATURDAY 12/6 15TH ANNUAL BREAKFAST WITH At Burleson Recreation SANTA Center (7:00 – 11:00 a.m.) Tickets Required, The Big Guy from the North Pole and his elves will host a pancake breakfast kids’ craft workshop and photo opportunities with Santa himself in the BRiCk’s Winter Wonderland! Call the BRiCk at 817-426-9104 for more information.

SATURDAY 12/6 CITY OF BURLESON CHRISTMAS In Old Town Burleson TREE LIGHTING & FIREWORKS SHOW (5:00 – 7:00 p.m.) FREE The tree is outfitted with more than 10,000 lights, which will be turned on by Santa and his two helpers. After the tree lighting, Santa will head to his sleigh to listen to more Christmas wishes. For more information about the tree lighting and fireworks show, call the BRiCk at 817-426-9104 TUESDAY 12/9 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS At Sunset Winery NETWORKING 1535 S. Burleson Blvd. (5:30 – 7:00 p.m.) **Free to Burleson Chamber members SPONSORED BY SUNSET WINERY AND H-E-B THUR. 12/25 thru FRI. 12/26

a ce Arem er eson Burlr of Com be Cham hire Wil7s6028 . S.W X 104r4leson, T u B r.com1 e b m a 12 sonch817-2955--66192 e l r u : .b Phone 17-29 8 www Fax:

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JANUARY EVENTS THURSDAY 1/1

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TUESDAY 1/13 At Burleson Hot Tubs & More 333 SW Wilshire, Ste. D

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS NETWORKING (5:30 - 7:00 p.m.)

THURSDAY 1/15 At Victory Family Church 455 NW John Jones Dr.

WINTER QUARTERLY MEETING THE STATE OF THE CITY (11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.)

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FRIDAY 1/30 At TBA

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State of the City Address presented by the Honorable Mayor Ken Shetter

RSVP Online for these events at www.burlesonchamber.com/calendar or call the Burleson Chamber, (817) 295-6121 for more information.

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THE STATE OF THE CITY THURSDAY JANUARY 15, 2015 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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$20.00 Chamber Members (RSVP by 1/13/15) $25.00 Non-Members Join us for our first Quarterly Meeting of 2015 for the Chamber’s Annual STATE OF THE CITY Address, featuring The Honorable Ken Shetter, Mayor of City of Burleson.

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Open Tuesday - Sunday Closed Monday 817-426-9990 112 S. Main St. Old Town Burleson, TX

(817) 386-8170 1024 S.W. Alsbury, Burleson, TX 76028 (817) 558-0226 827 North Main, Cleburne, TX

STORY AND PHOTOS BY John Austin

Cleburne’s Tom Burkett calls the tune at Songbird Live!

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f love were money, Tom Burkett would be rich, but it’s not, which is why he’s re-finishing his own floor at the Songbird Live! “I always think I can do everything,” Burkett said. “And I do have a knack for putting stuff together that’s uncommon.” Now, after a year of running a livemusic venue in downtown Cleburne, all Burkett, 57, has to do is figure out is how to cultivate an audience that’s as crazy about paying to hear live music as he is about putting it on. But for the time being, his Action Signs shop, which is just opposite the Songbird Live! on Henderson Street subsidizes the venue. For most of his adult life, the Fort Worth native has focused on playing the trombone, not working as an impresario. The son of a Manor Bread delivery man, Burkett got his first school band-

Community Life

directing job in Comfort after graduating from Texas Christian University. It was a 2-A school in the Hill Country of Kendall County. “I had a 72-piece band,” said Burkett, 57. “For me music is a passion. It’s fun, so I sold fun.” His last public-school band job was at Joshua Intermediate School. “I was a Pied Piper,” Burkett said. “I had 192 sixth graders in beginner band, and I only wrote two infractions the whole year, and they were fighting coming in the room. I did all the beginners. Sixty five percent of the school was in the band. When I got it over 50 percent of the kids in the band, discipline changed radically.” The Paschal High School graduate, acknowledges that classroom management can make or break a public-school band leader. “There’s a lot of them,” he said of the young musicians, “and they’re all armed with noisemakers.” “I never yelled at the kids,” said Burkett, speaking in a quiet, low voice. “It’s all about leadership. If you’re a decent director, you learn to lead.” Burkett had to learn to follow when he joined the Navy. He enlisted after losing his shirt — around $60,000 — with a community concert band he tried to turn into a professional ensemble in Fort Worth. “I had my 30th birthday in boot camp,” he said. “I was willing to tell the Navy how to do everything. “They created a new phrase just for me: ‘Ride the damn bus.’”

Photo by John Austin

Songbird Live! is just the latest manifestation of Tom Burkett’s love affair with music. Only a year old, the downtown Cleburne listening room has been home to an eclectic mix of artists, all selected by the owner for their chops.

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As a Navy enlisted musician, Burkett played in a jazz band, then a rock outfit, the Seventh Fleet’s Orient Express. They toured more than 15 countries, including Japan and Australia. “We never had a bad gig,” he said. “Turned out to be a fabulous experience. “I saw time after time how to work a crowd. The success that I had with my band was directly related to that. “When you get out of the Navy you take your experience and learn from that. I immediately started a brass quintet.” That was 1990. “I got out July 13,” Burkett said. “August 15 we had our first gig.” The first year, Burkett’s Bluebonnet Brass did about 50 dates. The following year it was 109. “I put a drummer with it and it worked,” Burkett said. “We eventually did about 130 every year.” Among them: some $5,000 gigs, including five shows at Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth “A band doesn’t happen,” Burkett said. “A band has a personality that pushes it. “We only played music I liked. You play Bach; if you play Sousa, they love it. Dixieland, obviously they love that. “At one point I had four guys in my band who had doctorates in music from [the University of ] North Texas, but they all worked for me, because it’s not all just music. It’s understanding crowds, its under-

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Photo by John Austin

A hands-on impresario, Burkett’s involvement doesn’t stop with booking the talent. The Songbird Live! owner also refinished the floor, designed the logo and made the signs at his shop across the street. Seemingly the only thing Burkett has not yet done is perform at his nightspot, which he refuses to call a club. “We call it ‘the venue,’ ” he said.

standing tastes. “I had chops. I had chops for days,” Burkett said. “I loved playing. I never felt jaded. “It was the greatest job I ever had: greatest highs I ever had. Musically, I hit a ceiling.” “I was the face of the band. I was always excited to play. Those were great-paying gigs. But the business of music is really laborious and ugly. It lost steam.” Burkett was for a change of tempo. “I was looking at how I could control my own work,” Burkett said as he looked out the window of the Action Signs toward the Songbird Live. “I started out doing concerts in Burleson and Cleburne.” Like all musicians, he needed posters and signs to promote the shows he was putting together. “One day in Cleburne I came into this shop to get some signs,” Burkett said. “The guy said, ‘Man, I’m just shutting it down.’ ” When he got home to Fort Worth, had news for his wife, Marcia. “Honey, I bought a sign company today,” Burkett said. “I wanted a sign shop to help my music business. “We got to talking. Basically it was a handshake deal. “I knew how to use Adobe Illustrator. Eighty percent of what you do is based on Adobe Illustrator. So I had a good four-hour lecture on how to run a sign company. It was kind of an adventure but I have a long history of putting thing together. “We got a tiger by the tail. Within a week my playing days were over. If you don’t keep it up, you don’t play. After a while a I picked up my horn and went...’oooh.’ ” But seeing the Plaza Theatre Co.’s success in programming plays that bring in out-of-towners as well as local fans inspired Burkett try something. “First of all, they have branded their theater. You don’t go to the Plaza to see ‘The Sound of Music,’” Burkett said. “You go to the Plaza and they’re playing ‘The Sound of Music.’ That’s actually a huge distinction.” It’s the same distinction he wants his Songbird Live! patrons to

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embrace. “I jealously protect the brand. That’s why I don’t let musicians without skills be here,” Burkett said. “It’s always going to be accomplished artists with skills. One of the artists Burkett engaged was Sara Hickman. She recently played her first Songbird gigs on back-to-back weekend nights. In addition to booking her, Burkett also put Hickman up in the nearby Liberty Hotel and had a picture of her on the wall of the club for the gig. Himself a seasoned road dog, Burkett knows how to handle relationships with artists. “I have played thousands and thousands of gigs. I would have to say that performance there was in my top 25,” said Hickman, an Austin-based singer/songwriter. “That’s putting it up there with The Tonight Show and Carnegie Hall and the World Cup. It’s just left of a living room and just right of a tiny Carnegie Hall. “The way he introduced me, that’s also important. He explained to the audience what they were about to experience. He gets the whole essence. Because of who he is, it kind of drives the feeling in the place. Because he made it comfortable for me, it make the audience comfortable.” Burkett said Hickman was so comfortable by the second night that she took her shoes off during the show. “It’s like a mini love fest. Two thumbs up,” she said. “If I had more thumbs they’d all be up.” The room’s configuration is part of what makes for comfy concert experiences. Like many of Cleburne’s older downtown buildings, the room is deep and narrow, with the only light coming in through the front windows. Instead of putting the stage in back in front of a shorter wall, it’s set up alongside one side. That spreads the audience out in a shallow array, with everybody fairly close to the action on the small stage. Fighting through the polyurethane fumes, Burkett was working to redo the old wooden floor after a plumbing leak and remodel the place in time for its Nov. 8 one-year anniversary show. “We’ve had people come from Austin. Some have come from Temple,” Burkett 30

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said. “If we could ever work a deal with the train and the Liberty Hotel and Plaza Theatre it would be perfect.” Burkett again points to the Plaza as an example of how to make a small-town performing venue work: “They’re so good at every aspect of it,” Burkett said. “We think that’s where we’ll be someday.” By his calculation, the winning formula is 20 percent local audience members; 40 percent from around the county; and 40 percent from outside Johnson County.

A newly installed backdrop is just one of the improvements Burkett is making as the Songbird Live turns a year old. Fine tuning his East Henderson Street baby is a job that doesn’t stop, but Burkett said,“If I had to do the same thing every day I”d slit my wrists.” Photo by Monica Faram

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Tom Burkett claims his chops are gone, but there was a time when his band, the Bluebonnet Brass, was hot. Now he’s happy to be providing other musicians with the kind of atmosphere he liked. Courtesy photo

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He’s seen it work at the old Granbury Opera, which in its prime drew 80,000 visitors to Hood County each year. Burkett draws the line at hip hop, but he would like to bring young audiences to the alcoholfree night spot. And while she’s not a kid, patrons such as Sheryl Hudzietz are hoping the Burketts’ baby finds its wings. “It just blows my mind that we don’t have more people in Cleburne taking advantage of this,” the Cleburne bank manager said. “I just defy anybody to go and not have a great time. “We don’t have to go to Dallas or Fort Worth. I just love being able to leave my home and be there in five minutes. We make an evening of it.” Hudzietz is a country music fan, but in her case, Burkett has done what he set out to do: She

goes, whatever the lineup is because she trusts his taste. “I am not a classical-music lover but it was just awesome,” Hudzietz said of the classical pianist Burkett booked for last year’s Christmas show. “We really enjoy the variety. It’s a great family atmosphere. Our best friends go.” “You could get on the back row and still feel part of it. You can ask questions about how they got started.” The project is still a work in progress. Burkett plans to make it a Saturday-only venue starting around the new year instead of a Friday/Saturday spot; the two-night model is just dividing his audience at this point. But Burkett, who still commutes to work from the south side of Fort Worth, where his four kids and 12 grandchildren live, seems determined to stay the course, despite a recent stroke. “We are a bastion of real music,” he said, “and we are going to protect that.” Hickman appreciates working with people like Burkett and recommended half a dozen artists she thinks would be a good fit for the room. With any luck, Burkett will bring some of them to Cleburne, along with supportive audiences. “I’m not very smart. I have an entrepreneurial personality,” he said. “Every time I’ve gotten out of music I’ve gotten back into it even bigger.”

Courtesy photo

A man of many talents, Burkett sang and played trombone as a Navy musician. He looks for the same things in his acts that he saw work when he was gigging: “I look for people who are dynamic,” Burkett said. “You have to get people to accept you. If they accept you, they’ll accept what you do.”

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Cleburne Chamber of Commerce

New changes came forth in 2014 and are here to stay at Cleburne chamber STORY BY Nicole Luna

T

he Cleburne Chamber of Commerce is closing out another successful and busy year, chamber President Cathy Marchel said. This year, the chamber has gone through some changes to better enhance the service to their members and the Cleburne community, starting off with the 95th chamber banquet held at the end of January. In years past, the chamber has hired live entertainment, from an illusionist to a ventriloquist. But this year rather than hire entertainers, the chamber hosted an evening of networking. More than 400 attendees networked with one another while enjoying various food stations. The reason for this, Marchel said, was because they wanted the banquet to center around the award winners. Outgoing president June Bates introduced incoming President Kimberly Sikes, who said she wanted to work with the community to actively engage in conversation about the city’s goals of preserving the community’s history. The Citizen of the Year Award was given to Jason Cech. Other winner included Wilma Reed, ATHENA Award; King’s Daughters City Union, Community Service Award; and Jason Cech, Wall of Fame Award. “We just heard so many wonderful responses on the way we had done it and of course we always try to change things up and we were trying to do things that were 34

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Pat Cleburne Days 2014 unique and that were mindful of people’s time too,” Marchel said. The big news for this year was the opening of the Chisholm Trail Parkway, a tollway connecting downtown Fort Worth to Cleburne, in May. “[CTP] opens the door of our current businesses along with new businesses coming to town,” Marchel said. Marchel receives a number of calls of people coming from the Metroplex coming to Cleburne to see what the city has to offer their business. “I know that our sales tax revenue has increased and it’s been a great opportunity to showcase our community,” she said. Pat Cleburne Days was again held the second week of April and is scheduled for the same time in 2015. For the first time, the chamber held a car show during the event, with 75 cars to show. Marchel said because of the great response the car show is expected to return next year.

The 15th annual golf tournament was a huge success this year, the chamber having sold out two weeks before the event. The summer concert series returned again this summer featuring three artists Incognito, Craig Parker and Brandon Rhyder for each summer month. The annual Fourth of July drew thousands of people to Lake Pat Cleburne. H-E-B Grocery was again the presenting sponsor and provided all the fireworks. Also new this year was the Night Golf Tournament, which drew 30 people playing golf in the dark with glow sticks all around. In October, the Business Expo was the best one yet, one of the most widely attended expo held before. The expo drew well over 3,000 people. This year, the chamber took over the entire facility inside and out, chamber Executive Vice President Tara Janszen said. “We had outdoor vendors this year

Summer Concert Series 2014 which included cars, RVs and boats,” Janszen said. “We had great responses from the businesses involved as far as feeling like it was the best expo so far.” The chamber presented four Community Improvements this year. They were given to Landmark Baptist Church, Marshall Young Insurance, Gone with the Wind Remembered Museum and Gift Shop and Papa Murphy’s. New this year was the establishment of Young Professionals of Cleburne, a group geared towards young professionals between the ages of 21-40. The goal is for them to become involved and make a difference in the community. Leadership Cleburne, a nine-month class focused on learning about the ins and outs of Cleburne kicked off in September and is off to a great start, Marchel said. The class features weekly visits to different city locations where about a dozen

Leadership Cleburne 2013-14 participants annually learn more about the city, county, local and state government, education and public safety, among other topics. It has been a part of the chamber’s offerings since 1984. Whistle Stop Christmas is the next event, which is expected to bring in families from all over North Texas and beyond

through Dec. 31. The annual event, which features more than 3 million lights, brings thousands of guests to Cleburne and ignites Christmas spirit in all involved. The month-long event begins with the lighting ceremony on Nov. 24 at Hulen Park.

James Hardie. The Making of a Dream Home.

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Cleburne Chamber of Commerce

Annual banquet to be held Jan. 29 STORY BY Nicole Luna

B

ecause of the overwhelming positive response to the 95th annual Cleburne Chamber of Commerce Banquet, this year those who attend the 96th annual banquet can expect a similar atmosphere. The chamber is offering an opportunity for attendees to mingle and network while they await the annual chamber banquet awards at the Jan. 29 banquet. “With having entertainment people didn’t really have opportunity to visit with each other and we wanted to provide that opportunity for our members and all attendees,� chamber President Cathy Marchel said. The event draws 400-500 people, which Marchel said is a good number for people to get to know one another and network. The awards will be the same, including the Community Service Award, ATHENA Award and Wall of Fame Award. However, Marchel said she hopes for 2015 the chamber will be able to award a Lifetime Achievement Award and Young Business Professional Award — two awards with strict criteria. “We don’t give awards just to give awards,� Marchel said. “These are very special awards that this year nobody fulfilled the requirements.� To be nominated for the Lifetime Achievement Award, one has had to be

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Courtesy photo

Attendees network at last year’s chamber banquet. This year’s will be Jan. 29.

involved in the community for numerous years and really make a contribution with businesses. Only three Lifetime Achievement Awards have been given out. Recipients have been George Marti, Lowell “Stretch� Smith and Howard Dudley. The Young Business Professional has only been given out twice — to Jason Cech and Amber Witte. To be nominated for the Young Business Professional, one should be younger than 40 years old, a manager or owner of a business and involved in a community business for at least two years while showing leadership qualities and community commitment. Chamber officials are taking nomina-

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tions for the annual awards through Jan. 2. Ambassador award recipients are chosen based on a point system and the number of hours of volunteer work completed during the year with the chamber. An ambassador team and individual are chosen for this award. Other awards are chosen by a committee of five past winners. The ATHENA Award is chosen by a group of as many past recipients attending the award presentation meeting. The event is expected to end by 8:30 p.m. Individual banquet tickets are still $35 and corporate tables are $600. For more information on becoming a sponsor or for tickets, call the chamber at 817-645-2455.

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2015 CALENDAR OF EVENTS JANUARY 5-10 Johnson County Junior Livestock Show & Youth Fair 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Luncheon 29 Chamber annual banquet MARCH 25 Chamber quarterly luncheon 30-31 Community Holy Week services APRIL 1-3 Community Holy Week services 17-19 Antique Alley & Yard Sale 25 Cowboys for Kids PBR bull riding TBA Springfest 28 Brazos Chamber Orchestra spring concert MAY 29

Chamber golf tournament

JUNE 10-13 Johnson County Sheriff’s Posse PRCA Rodeo JULY 4 Fourth of July celebration/fireworks display 25 Goatneck Bike Ride AUGUST TBA Chamber Night Golf Tournament 26 Chamber quarterly luncheon

SEPTEMBER 18-20 Antique Alley & Yard Sale OCTOBER 3 Chamber Business Expo TBA Brazos Chamber Orchestra fall concert 28 Chamber quarterly luncheon NOVEMBER 20-21 Pioneer Days 23 Whistle Stop Christmas lighting DECEMBER 1-31 Whistle Stop Christmas lights in the park 4 Christmas parade 4 Whistle Stop Christmas in the Park TBA Brazos Chamber Orchestra Christmas concert

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a championship program Lady Jackets coach reflects on going from a 10-win team to regional finalist in 3-year span STORY BY A.J. Crisp PHOTOS BY David Beans

J

ust three years ago, the Cleburne Lady Jacket basketball program wrapped up a disappointing 10-win season. Fast forward to Feb. 21, 2014, and the Lady Jackets come up short by 3 points in the Class 4A Regional Tournament to the eventual state champion. It took those three years for Head Coach Jamie Calahan, in his first head coaching gig, to transform the Lady Jackets from a 10-win team to the brink of a state championship. Calahan, a 1995 graduate of Cleburne High School, knows what a Lady Jacket state title looks like. He witnessed the Lady Jackets’ march to a state championship under Judy Brown in 1995. Now, Calahan has come full circle. “I had aspirations of being a head basketball coach and I enjoy Cleburne, but I never really thought, ‘Hey, I’d love to be the Lady Jacket head basketball coach — a program

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that won a state title,’” Calahan said. “I never really thought that far ahead. Things just worked out. It’s pretty awesome — it’s amazing. I have a great time with it and I enjoy it. I love the kids. I love the game. I love being around our coaches. ... I walked through these halls as a student and now I walk through as a teacher and coach, so it is full circle.” Calahan, who played for Coach Jeff Cody, is now in his fourth year as the Lady Jackets head coach and 10th year overall after six years as an assistant in Cleburne. Prior to that, he spent two years as a student assistant at Hill College under Greg Young and then four more years at Texas State, where Young was a first assistant. When Calahan took over as the Lady Jackets’ head coach, he was in store for a long year as they won only 10 games, including only two in a tough district.

Photo by David Beans

Cleburne Head Girls Basketball Coach Jamie Calahan won 10 games in his first season as the Lady Jackets coach in the 2010-11 season. After the season finale that year, Calahan challenged his players to strive for more, and the improved dedication and work ethic led the Lady Jackets to the brink of a state championship in the 2013-14 season.

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The defining moment in what would be a remarkable turnaround came at the conclusion of that 10-win season. “After my first year when we won 10 games, I went to the kids who were coming back, and I asked them, ‘Do you like this feeling,’ and they said no,” Calahan said. “I told them it was going to take an effort from all of us to change it. And that meant starting to practice right then. “The last game of district was on a Tuesday, and that next Monday was offseason. I’ve seen in the past where coaches might let them just play games or do this or that until the playoffs are over, and then they pick up their offseason then. But I told our girls, every team that made the playoffs is practicing right now, so that’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to start our offseason right now. And they bought in and committed. They continued that by playing through the summer on select teams and with the school summer league team. They took the commitment to another level. The kids bought in to what I was saying. So a huge tribute to where I’m at right now goes to the Lady Jacket players.” The increased work ethic, dedication and commitment is what started to spur the change in the Cleburne girls basketball program. “Honestly, [rebuilding] was not as tough as you would think because when you only win 10 games, kids don’t like that,” Calahan said. “They want to win more. I had a group that was really bought in — they were sold on it. Once they got involved, they started coming to practices and open gyms. They put in more time than what we can Photo by David Beans Cleburne Coach Jamie Calahan has allow them at the school. gone full circle — he graduated Once they bought in to from Cleburne High School in 1995, that, it just took off. It’s a the same season the Lady Jackets won the state championship, and lot easier for a kid to come to an open gym if there’s 10 now Calahan looks to lead the Lady Jackets to a state title. or 15 girls. When I first was here, there would be 20 people in the gym and it would be all boys and maybe one or two girls. Now, we can have an open gym where we have enough to play with just girls. That’s the biggest key was getting the kids to work and want to put in the effort and to do the things it takes to be a good solid program.” Following the 10-win season and the subsequent increased commitment, the Lady Jackets turned things around in the 2012-13 season with a 21-win season that culminated with a playoff berth. This came despite being picked by everyone to finish last in district. Cleburne lost to perennial powerhouse Granbury in the first round of playoffs that season, but the Lady Jackets got their first taste of playoff action, and the seed was planted for the following season. As the work ethic and commitment improved, Calahan said it was

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time for an attitude adjustment and mental change. “Our player expectations that I put out are No. 1, think and act like a champion,” Calahan said. “That’s what we portray. We portray that we’re going to be good, we’re going to work hard, we’re going to do things the right way and let the chips fall where they may. I think that one of the biggest keys in high school sports is confidence. The kids have to be confident. If you don’t have confidence in them, it’s hard for them to have confidence in themselves.” After gaining some momentum and confidence with a 21-win season and a brief taste of the playoffs, the Lady Jackets went full steam ahead in the 2013-14 season. Cleburne jumped out of the gates with early success and won 27 games en route to a District 8-5A championship. In a season that will likely be remembered for win after win and great plays and perfor42

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mances that led to a district title, it was a loss to rival Burleson that Calahan pinpoints. “We had some ups and downs,” he said. “We went over to Burleson [late in the district schedule] and lost in overtime. I have to thank [former Burleson Coach] Rusty East for that because after that game, my kids got locked and loaded. They locked in and said we’re not going down that path. You never think a loss would be a memorable moment, but it was because that’s when the Centennial girls ran in the Burleson gym and they were excited because they were going to be tied with us for first in district and we were going to play them the next game. That game [against Centennial] was pretty memorable, too, because we played very well against Centennial in a situation with a championship on the line.” The overtime loss to Burleson and following 65-23 win over Centennial catapulted the Lady Jackets, not only to a district title,

but also on a lengthy playoff run, highlighted by a thrilling last-second win over Denton Guyer and an upset win over No. 3-ranked Aledo. Following the big win over Aledo, the Lady Jackets lost to Canyon, 55-52, in the regional semifinals. Canyon went on to dominate the rest of the competition en route to a state title. The 3-point difference against Cleburne was the closest game anyone gave Canyon in the postseason. Despite the loss to Canyon, Calahan — and many Jacket supporters — felt like Cleburne was the best team in the state in 2013-14. “I do believe so,” Calahan said. “Sometimes the results don’t show it. I thought we were right there and we did not have one of our better games. That was a game we weren’t our normal selves. When you play a good team like that, you have to give them credit for making you not be on your best game.

Photos by David Beans

Cleburne Coach Jamie Calahan and the Lady Jackets celebrate an upset win over No. 3-ranked Aledo in the Class 4A playoffs in 2014. Cleburne advanced to the regional tournament, where it lost to Canyon — the eventual state champion — by only 3 points.

“There were some things that went wrong in that game that were uncharacteristic of us. I thought we were better than Canyon. I would’ve loved to turn around and play them again because I think we would have beat them. We could have been state champions. But you’ve got to bring your A-game every time and you have to have some luck to get to that point. It just didn’t roll our way. But the kids and their effort was amazing.” Cleburne Athletic Director Pam Lea said the turnaround Calahan and the Lady Jackets had in just three short seasons is a tribute to both Calahan and his players’ work habits. “I think it’s a testimony to him and his work ethic, and also to the girls,” Lea said. “It’s also a testament to Cleburne because that’s Cleburne — success is synonymous with Cleburne.” Following the breakout season for Calahan and the Lady Jackets, he said his favorite memory from that magical run wasn’t a single game or any award — but the kids.

“My biggest memory from last year is the kids and the enjoyment they had in the season,” he said. “It’s an enjoyment that you feel inside just seeing the excitement in the kids and the memories that they made. Some of those seniors say they wish they could still be here playing for the Lady Jackets. That means a lot. That means they weren’t ready to leave. That means they enjoyed what they did here. “Just seeing the satisfaction of them understanding that all of that hard work they put in paid off to the point we reached.” Lea said Calahan’s ability to connect with his players, and the support he shows for them outside of the basketball program, is what makes him a great coach. “Coach Calahan has the ability to connect with kids and they play hard for him,” Lea said. “He motivates them to give their very best. He supports them in everything they do — not just basketball. And I think that’s part of that connection that he makes with them. That’s

how the connection occurs is he supports them in everything they do. I think that’s his biggest asset as a coach is his connection with the kids and the motivation he gives them. They always play hard for him.” Calahan went on to say despite last year’s success, they’re not satisfied and they’re aiming to make a run at San Antonio and a trip to the state tournament despite the loss of a solid senior class. The thing that sparked Cleburne’s turnaround — commitment — is the key in keeping the program at an elite level, he added. “You’ve got to keep them in the gym and keep them working and do things the right way,” Calahan said. “We’re a confident bunch. That’s what I try to tell them. We have to be confident. If we’re not confident in ourselves, nobody is going to give confidence to us. We’re a confident bunch and I like that we’re a confident bunch. I think that we have a chance to build on last year and have another exceptional year.” Community Life

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Apple iCloud and iCloud Drive explained

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ith the debut of iOS 8, you might be wondering what iCloud is. While the cloud has been around for a while on iPhones, the release of the newest operating system revealed the iCloud Drive. The iCloud allows users to sync mail, contacts, calender and other features between Apple devices. It also allows you to share family purchases, backs up your devices and helps find lost devices, according to Apple’s website. You can also store photos and videos, documents and music on the iCloud to share them among your devices. With the iCloud, you can automatically get purchases from the App Store and iBooks sent to all devices at once. You can also download past purchases for free on any of your devices using your Apple ID.

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By Monica Faram Technology

With the release of iOS 8 also came family sharing, which allows users with multiple Apple IDs to share purchased content. Pay for the apps, music and videos purchased on multiple devices with the same credit card. Plus, share photos, a family calender, reminders and locations.

iCloud Drive

You can think of iCloud Drive as an external hard drive. It is a place to save items that you don’t want to lose. You can then access those items from anywhere and any device. iCloud Drive is

a lot like Google Drive. While there are different levels of storage space available, the basic 5GB is free. Prices start at 99 cents a month for 20GB. iCloud Drive for Mac launched alongside OS X Yosemite. Just like Dropbox or Google Drive, iCloud Drive is added to your favorites sidebar. Click on it to open the folder and access files saved to the iCloud Drive. The Windows version of iCloud Drive lets you sync everything from mail and documents to contacts and calendars. To upload your files to iCloud, drag them into the iCloud Drive on your Mac running OS X Yosemite or PC running Windows 7 or later. Or start a new document using an iCloudenabled app on your iOS device. Then you’ll be able to access those documents from all your devices.

Whistle Stop Christmas

Christmas

Memories November 24th - December 31st

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nly one annual event has the power to draw thousands of people to Johnson County to view millions of lights in Hulen Park. Now in its 18th year, the Whistle Stop Christmas celebration continues to inspire everyone from city leaders to jail trustys to pitch in and create a winter wonderland in Cleburne. Dozens of volunteers including Cleburne ISD students and Johnson County Sheriff’s Office trustys work tirelessly to put up more than 3 million lights in Hulen Park. The Cleburne Chamber of Commerce began sponsoring Whistle Stop Christmas 18 years ago, and it has grown each year. The title sponsor since 2008 is Members Credit Union and the co-event sponsor is Heritage Trails Nursing and Rehab. Whistle Stop features live entertainment throughout the holiday season including train rides for children, singers serenading attendees at the annual lighting ceremony, holiday plays and a parade that goes through downtown Cleburne and back to Hulen Park where children can visit Mr. and Mrs. Claus and parents can shop for stocking stuffers and treats.

The event committee, which is open to anyone who wants to participate, meets all year long in preparation for the month-long light show. It is made up of 14 committee members and more than 100 volunteers. A 501(c)(3) organization, Whistle Stop Christmas is established under the Cleburne Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Over 3 Million Lights in Hulen Park

Whistle Stop 2014

Whistle Stop kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 24 and this year with the Texas Tradition Chorus which will perform before the lighting of the park will take place at 7 p.m. The park will remain lighted until the end of December. This year’s event theme is “Christmas Memories” once again. The chamber decided to revisit the theme again after last year’s ice storm resulted in the cancellation of the Christmas Parade. “We wanted to give an opportunity to those people who created a float based on last year’s event a chance to show it again this year,” said chamber President Cathy Marchel. Marchel said the theme is about letting people showcase what they remember most about their Christmases. The annual Christmas parade begins at 6:30 p.m.

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Whistle Stop Christmas New this year is Cleburne Bible Church’s Christmas Concert after the parade behind Splash Station. Throughout the holiday season, children will be able to take train rides around the park on Friday and Saturday evenings for $3 a rider. Supervising adults ride for free. The horse-drawn wagon rides return this year and are available on the weekends. The cost is $5 per rider. Marchel said Whistle Stop would not be possible without the dedicated volunteers that

come out each year to put the event together. For student volunteers there is also an opportunity for seniors to fill out an application for a scholarship. Marchel said all students, including home school and private school students, can apply. “We are very grateful for the community supporting this project that gets so many excited,” Marchel said. “To walk through the lights and enjoy the festivities, it makes you feel good. We hope people enjoy the holiday season.”

All are invited to visit Whistle Stop Christmas. There is no admission fee. There is ample parking for tour buses and vehicles of all sizes. This is a great place to bring your family for a memorable Christmas outing and to enjoy walking through Hulen Park throughout the evening. Come and celebrate the magic of Christmas in Cleburne. Visit the Whistle Stop website at www. whistlestopchristmas.org for the activity schedule or call 888-5CLEBURNE for information.

Christmas Parade

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his year’s annual Downtown Cleburne Association’s Festival of Lights Christmas parade begins at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5. Bad weather prompted Angela Reynolds, chairwoman of the parade, to cancel last year’s event. “That was the big snow,” Reynolds said. “We had some sad people. Hopefully, that’ll never happen again. I don’t have a backup date.” This year’s theme is “Christmas Memories.” Entries are $35 and deadline to enter is Dec. 1. Entries will be limited to 100 and will be accepted by decision of DCA. The parade will begin at South Main and First streets, proceed to Third and Caddo, then head north to North Caddo and Brown. It will turn left and travel behind Layland Museum, then head south on North Main to South Main and Westhill. Entries will then return to the start. Prizes will be presented for Creativity Award, Best Child’s Entry, Best Mounted Entry, Best Illuminated, Best Christmas Theme and Favorite Vehicle. Before and after the parade, Christmas in the Park is from 5-9 p.m. in Hulen Park. Food and Christmas vendors will be set up, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for pictures after the parade. Live entertainment is provided, as well as a chance to blow the train whistle on the historic 3417 steam engine. Both events are part of Whistle Stop Christmas. Lights in Hulen Park are turned on every night at dusk until New Year’s Eve. For information, visit www.whistlestopchristmas.org.

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Community Life

Christmas Shows P

laza Theatre Co. will showcase “A Christmas Carol” Nov. 21 through Dec. 23 at 111 S. Main St. in Cleburne. The show will be the 81st produced by Plaza Theatre Company since it’s inception in November 2006. Back for it’s every-other-year production at PlazaCo, “A Christmas Carol” once again tells the story of the miserly Ebeneezer Scrooge and his journey to redemption at Christmastime through the appearance of Ghosts of his Past, Present and Future. Adorned with classic carols of the season throughout, “A Christmas Carol” is a tradition unmatched for the joy and pleasure it brings to every holiday season. While many are familiar with the story and may have seen different productions of the show whether as a movie, on television or on stage. PlazaCo’s production is unique in it’s presentation of this annual holiday tradition. With an original adaptation by JaceSon P. Barrus & G. Aaron Siler, PlazaCo’s “A Christmas Carol” presents a most unusual take on this masterful tale by Charles Dickens. The production is under the direction of Siler with musical direction by Doug Henry, assistant direction by Steven Lindsay and stage management by Ellen Shelby. The show plays at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday through Dec. 23, with Saturday matinees at 3 p.m. Additional performances will be held during the week leading up to Christmas Day. Ticket prices are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and students and $13 for children. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 817-202-0600 or visiting the Plaza Box Office from 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Online reservations, as well as further information, is available by visiting www. plaza-theatre.com.

T

he Greater Cleburne Carnegie Players will present “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” on Dec. 5-14. The musical book and lyrics are by Jennifer Kirkeby, and music is by Shirley Mier. The play is based on the poem by Clement C. Moore. Andrew Guzman directs with the assistance of Kate Hicks. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with a 2:30 p.m. matinee Sunday at the Cleburne Conference Center. Tickets are $13 for adults and $9 for seniors and students and are available at the Cleburne Chamber of Commerce two weeks before the show and at the door. For information, visit www. carnegieplayers.org.

The Castle Collection

❚❘ Many wonderful Christmas lines including Christopher Radko, Mark Roberts, Patience Brewster, Raz, and Old St. Nick by Vietri ❚❘ We also have Kendra Scott, Andrea Barnett, Love Tokens, and Moon and Lola,The O-Venture key ring, Consuela, Jon Hart and Fabulous Furs ❚❘ Jan Barboglio, Vietri, and Beatriz Ball ❚❘ Johnny Was, Chalet, Comfy and many more... Visit us for a wonderful shopping experience. Great selection of apparel, home decor, jewelry , gifts and more.

Bridal Registry Service & Gifts also available 137 S. Ridgeway, Cleburne — 817-645-5415 Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. www.facebook.com/TheCastleCollection • www.castlecollection.net

Community Life

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Whistle Stop Christmas

Whistle Stop Sponsors

Members Credit Union is the title sponsor of Whistle Stop Christmas for the fifth year in a row. Paul Elkins, above, is president of Members Credit Union.

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Serving Johnson County since 1972.

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Community Life

Heritage Trails Nursing & Rehabilitation is the co-event sponsor of Whistle Stop Christmas.

Hearts of Gold Christmas House, hosted by the Hearts of Gold King’s Daughters Circle, is from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 6 at Wright Plaza. Items and activities include unique keepsakes, ornaments, homemade treats and crafts, face painting, pictures with Santa and a raffle for a purse. For information, visit hogschristmashouse.com.

Brazos Chamber Orchestra T he Brazos Chamber Orchestra Christmas Concert will feature the Healing Heart Chorus singing the Christmas Cantata “All is Well” by Michael Barrett and David Angerman. The Cantata is written for a narrator, soloist, choir and orchestra. Barrett and Angerman have combined to provide a Christmas Cantata seeking to blend traditional carols with some contemporary Christian seasonal selections. The cantata includes songs by Michael W. Smith, Keith Getty, Amy Grant and Point of Grace, to name a few. The narration reminds attendees of the comfort and joy we have in the miracle of grace. During the second half of the concert, the Brazos Chamber Orchestra will feature titles such as: “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” arranged by BCO violist Brett Hawkins. Songs from the movie “Frozen” by Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”; music from the Trans Siberian Orchestra, “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24,” by Paul O’Neill and Robert Kinkel; and to close the concert, “A Christmas Festival,” arranged by Leroy Anderson. The arrangement was written for the Boston Pops and it’s music director, Arthur Fiedler.

The concert will be presented three times. Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at First United Methodist Church Granbury, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at First Baptist Church Cleburne and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at First United Methodist Church Burleson.

Community Life

49

Whistle Stop Christmas

Camp Fire Tesuya

Courtesy photo

Camp Fire Tesuya elves, from left, Caylin Brown, Shiloh Rutkowski and Kamille Halkum, are ready with clipboards to assist children with their Christmas shopping at Santa House 2013.

C

amp Fire Tesuya boys and girls are shaking out their elf costumes and ramping up their holiday spirit in preparation for this year’s Santa

House. The annual event will be held from 8-11 a.m. Dec. 6 at St. Mark United Methodist Church in conjunction with the Kiwanis Club Breakfast with Santa. At the Santa House, older Camp Fire youths — dressed as elves — assist young children in shopping for their family members. Parents set a budget and help with a list of recipients for

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Community Life

the gifts, and the Camp Fire members guide the shoppers in selecting inexpensive and handmade items. The gifts range in price from $1 to $5 and are packaged so they can go directly under the Christmas tree. Camp Fire elves are assisted by Camp Fire alumni, board members and leaders. Proceeds benefit council programming. Camp Fire Tesuya serves youths from around Johnson County. For information about Santa House or Camp Fire, contact the office at 817-645-8274. Camp Fire Tesuya is a United Way agency.

Schedule of Events Nov. 24 Lighting Ceremony Over 3 ½ Million Lights lit at 7 p.m. at Hulen Park Performance by Texas Tradition Chorus at 6:30 p.m. Children Train Rides through Hulen Park Beginning at 6 p.m Dec. 5, 12, 19, 26 Friday evenings 5-8 p.m. December 6, 13, 20, 27 Saturday evenings 4-9 p.m. Dec. 5-27 Horse Drawn Wagon Rides around Hulen Park Saturday evenings 6-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday Nov. 21-29 Thursday, Saturday and Monday Dec. 4-22 Plaza Theatre “A Christmas Carol” 111 S. Main, Downtown Cleburne www.plaza-theatre.com Final performance on Dec. 23 Friday through Sunday Dec. 5-14 Carnegie Players “Twas The Night Before Christmas” Performing Arts Center-Cleburne Conference Center www.carnegieplayers.org

Dec. 5 Lighted Christmas Parade Downtown Cleburne begins at 6:30 p.m. Vendors at Hulen Park Hillsboro Street — 5-9 p.m. After parade until 9 p.m. Pictures with Santa & Mrs. Claus Park Gazebo (FREE) Christmas Concert “Alive” by Cleburne Bible Church Immediately after the parade — behind Splash Station 3417 Train Engine Whistle Blowing during Santa in the Park (FREE) Horse Drawn Carriage Rides $5 per person Children Train Rides through the Park $3 per child, 1 adult supervisor free Dec. 6 Breakfast with Santa hosted by Cleburne Kiwanis Club & Santa House hosted by Camp Fire Tesuya 8–11 a.m. at St. Mark United Methodist Church Dec. 16 Brazos Chamber Orchestra Christmas Concert 7: 30 p.m. at First Baptist Church

Photos by Bob Force

Community Life

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Whistle Stop Christmas

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Community Life

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