Heart of Texas Today

Heart Of Texas Today July-August 2015

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The Heart Of Texas Sweethearts Are Celebrating Our 3rd Anniversary

Showcasing & Restoring Your Family Treasures to Last a Lifetime!

Custom Framing Fine Art Needlework Shadowboxes Readymades Conservation Framing Art Reproduction Photo Restoration Large Format Printing

830-792-3006 841 Junction Hwy. (Inside Hometown Crafts) Kerrville, TX 78028

Email your photos to

photo@Riveroaksframing.com

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Custom Picture Framing Must present coupon at time of 4-30-2015 6-30-2 6-3 6-30-2015 0 order.

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Heart of Texas Today | July - August 2015

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Heart Of Texas Today July-August Wishing ng your p pets ts could co ld talk is fun f n until you 2015 remember everything you’ve ever done

Publisher Alice Sadler Graphics & Production Golden Monkey Productions

in front of your pets.

7 More Changes…

9 Automotive Service Excellence 10 Quick Trip: Museum of Western Art 11 Crider’s Rodeo 12 New BCFS, Texas Hill Country Resource Center a Hub of Activity 14 A Texas State of Mind…

A Short Story from a Tall Texan: Power to the People

Head Writer David Blackburn Contributing Writers Kelly Dooley David LeMeilleur Denise LeMeilleur Lainie Johnson R. D. Shade TD Cooper Lenard Favela Nancy Foster

16 Car Seat Safety 18 “Skunk, ”The Skunk, Me-Ma and Me 20 Hill Country Camera Club PhotoQuest 2015 21 Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund 22 Crime Dogs

Illustrator Crime Dogs Layne Roach Cover Photography Courtesy of Sarah Roach

26 Summertime Recipes 28 Empathy and Judgment

To Advertise Call 830-370-9257 www.heartof texastoday.com

The Opinions expressed in Heart Of Texas Today are those of the advertisers and writers.

And not necessarily those of this magazine.

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%86,1(66 )25 6$/( ,1 %$1'(5$ 7; Products of Texas, Mexico & the Southwest! %XVLQHVV LQYHQWRU\ %XLOGLQJ PD\ EH VROG VHSDUDWHO\ &DOO .HOO\

Joann Faust, Agent (830)-329-2902 Joann@ShermanCo.com

Ed Hamilton, Broker Assoc.

Kelly Dooley, Agent (830) 459-0452 Kelly@ShermanCo.com

(830) 739-0056 Ed@ShermanCo.com

SHERMAN & CO., REALTORS ®

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819 WATER STREET ONE SCHREINER CENTER 68,7( Â&#x2021; .(559,//( 7; OFFICE: 830-257-7588

www.ShermanCo.com

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Lots & Land

+,*+ 9,6,%,/,7< &200(5&,$/ $&5( property in Kerrville. City utilities available.

0/6 2U FDQ VHOO DV WZR VHSDUDWH DFUH ORWV DW HDFK &DOO (G RU .HOO\ $ /27 2) +20( )25 7+( 021(< 2 Master Suites -- Total 5 bedrooms/3 baths!

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Heart of Texas Today | July - August 2015

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www.ShermanCo.com

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GENTLEMANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S RANCH CLOSE TO TOWN!!!

Gorgeous Tuscan home on 79+ rolling ag exempt acres located just outside Kerrville city limits. Wonderful views from the large covered back patio.

Fenced & cross-fenced property great for horses or cattle. 1600-sq. ft. storage barn or workshop.

Now offered at $1,750,000. MLS #87754 Call Joann Faust or Kelly Dooley to schedule your private tour!

More Changes...

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Heart of Texas Today | July - August 2015 7

LeMeilleur's and NAPA have teamed up for the month of July to give back to our Fallen Heroes Fund. This is in conjunction with a National Fundraising Campaign.

Throughout the busy travel month of July, NAPA customers will receive up to a $25

mail-in rebate for every battery, alternator, and starter they purchase, which they can donate all or a portion of to the IFHF. Additionally, NAPA will donate $1 to the

th IFHF for each redeemed rebate. IFHF Event July 18 , 10-2 at the Kerr County Courthouse

Get Familiar with LeMeilleurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home of the ASE World Class Technician!

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AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE EXCELLENCE Of the more than 840,000 automotive technicians working in the United States, 17 outstanding individuals have qualified for the prestigious 2015 World Class Technician Award. The Auto Care Association and National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) work together to recognize these professional technicians who have tested and obtained ASE certification in 22 specialty areas during the 2014 test administrated by ASE. David LeMeilleur, owner of LeMeilleur’s RV Truck and Equipment Repair Co., Inc., has been recognized as a 2015 World Class Technician “Recipients of the World Class Technician Award are truly the BEST of the BEST and the Auto Care Association proudly recognizes these professionals with ASE, “ said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “ Passing at least 22 ASE tests is a monumental achievement requiring exceptional knowledge and skills.” LeMeilleur has actually completed and passed 33 tests. This recognition partnership between the Auto Care Association and ASE represents one of the most significant achievement awards available to our ASE Certified Professionals, “ said Tim Zilke, president and CEO, ASE. “ASE is grateful for the support the Auto Care Association provides to our service professionals in recognizing these outstanding individuals each year and we celebrate over a quarter century of this commitment to excellence with the Auto Care Association. Since the World Class Technician recognition was established 29 years ago, only 1902 technicians have been honored. Recipients receive a special certificate signed by the presidents of ASE and the Auto Care Association, a logo medallion and embroidered shoulder insignia. Additionally, their name is perpetually inscribed in an honor book located in the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Mich. Incorporated in 1972, the National institute for Automotive Service Excellence was established as a nonprofit organization to help improve the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. Today, there are more than 300,000 ASE certified professionals working in dealerships, independent shops, service stations, auto parts stores, fleets, schools and colleges throughout the country. When you are looking for a repair shop, look for the Blue Seal of Excellence, a standard in the Automotive Industry, these service professionals have the skills, knowledge and training to repair and service the vehicle of the 2st Century!

Heart of Texas Today | July - August 2015

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Quick trip: Museum of Western Art By Nancy Foster

Summertime is always busy at Kerrville’s Museum of Western Art. Locals bring visiting friends and relatives, tourists to the Hill Country come for a taste of the old west, and youngsters attend the popular summer education programs. There’s definitely something for all ages at this popular world-class facility.

Innovative changes have been taking place since new Executive Director Stephanie Turnham took the helm in May. Ms. Turnham, who joined the museum after a long stint at the Bell County Museum in Belton, hit the deck running with a new program encouraging Kerr County residents to visit on the last Saturday of each month for “Family Free Day”. This “staycation” opportunity encourages the community to enjoy and understand the museum’s purpose, which is to preserve western heritage through art.

Now in its second year, The Blue Star Museum program provides a way for active military and up to five family members to visit for free by presenting proper military id. This opportunity to thank U.S. service men and women, part of the nationwide Blue Star Families initiative, is in effect until Labor Day. In addition to the museum’s permanent collection of 150 sculptures, 250 paintings and numerous western artifacts, two special exhibitions are on display this summer. “Barbed Wire and Cowbells” features an exhibit of numerous types of barbed wire used during frontier days. Fred Egloff, area author and historian who has done extensive research and writings on the subject, explains the significance of barbed wire by quoting an article in the February 27, 1910 issue of the San Antonio Express which noted, “Barbed wire fences have done more to civilize and develop the Southwest and West than any other influences”.

The second exhibit showcases select works done by Nick Eggenhofer, CA (1897-1985). This German-born artist rose from a starryeyed fan of the Old West to become one of the most prolific illustrators of Western pulp magazines. During a forty-year career, he produced 20,000 drawings, specializing in early modes of transport in the old west. Thirty of his detailed pieces, his studio chair, work area and numerous publications are on display.

The museum’s gala event and major fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, September 19. Dubbed “The Party”, the day’s activities kick off with a cowboy breakfast at the museum pavilion, lecture by known historian Dr. Bill Rector on The Great Western Trail and Kerrville’s Rich History, and a tour of the private L.D. Brinkman Art Collection. Evening events will include an artists’ reception, silent auction, catered dinner and live music for dancing by the Almost Patsy Cline Band. This juried show of today’s renowned contemporary western artists provides a superb opportunity for western art aficionados to add to their collections. All art works will remain on display at the museum through November. Call 830.896.2553 for ticket information.

The Museum of Western Art is located at 1550 Bandera Highway, Kerrville 78028. Phone 830.896.2553 Museumofwesternart.com Hours are Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

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Heart of Texas Today | July - August 2015

What could be more fun than a good old fashioned Texas Rodeo? How about a Rodeo every Saturday Night? Since 1925 the Crider family KDV ZHOFRPHG WKRXVDQGV RI SHRSOH HDFK summer to their weekly URGHR DQG GDQFH <HS HYHU\ 6DWXUGD\ IURP late May through /DERU 'D\ SHRSOH JDWKHU DORQJ WKH EDQNV RI WKH *XDGDOXSH XQGHU a giant live oak tree for an evening of bucking broncos and WZR VWHS GDQFLQJ &ULGHU V 5RGHR LV SXUH 7H[DQ DQG KDV V S SXUH 7H[DQ DQG KDV been a boot-scootingâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC; legend for almost 90 years.

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CafĂŠ Opens @ 6pm Friday & Saturday Friday Catfish Dinner

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BCFS is a global system of health and human service non-profit organizations with locations and programs throughout the United States as well as Eastern Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa. The organization is a national leader in medical sheltering and emergency management and response, providing critical emergency support services to federal, state and local governments. BCFS also provides residential services and emergency shelters for children who are abused or neglected; assisted living services and vocational training for adults with intellectual disabilities; mental health services for children and families, foster care and adoption services; medical services; early education; transitional living services for youth who are at-risk and those in the juvenile justice system; residential camping and retreats for children and families; and international humanitarian aid for children living in impoverished conditions in developing countries.

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Heart of Texas Today | July - August 2015

Heart of Texas Today | July - August 2015

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Heart of Texas Today | July - August 2015

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It is hard to visualize the effect that this fundamental change KDG RQ P\ JUDQGSDUHQWV (OHFWULFLW\ SURSHOOHG them into the twentieth century and made their declining years much more comfortable. Before long they had a television set in the living room---it was a small black and white model (this was still long before color TV) and WKH UHFHSWLRQ ZDV WHUULEOH WKH RQH FKDQQHO WKH\ FRXOG SLFN XS IURP WKH URRI DQWHQQD ZDV XVXDOO\ VR IX]]\ WKDW LW ORRNHG OLNH D VQRZVWRUP UDWKHU WKDQ WKH FULVS LPDJHV ZH VHH RQ FDEOH WHOHYLVLRQ WRGD\ 6Will, both my grandfather aQG JUDQGPRWKHU ZHUH YHU\ KDSS\ ZLWK WKHVH QHZ LQQRYDWLRQV DQG WKH PDQ\ SRVVLELOLWLHV WKDW ZHUH suddenly available to them through a tool we all take for granted ---- WKH VLPSOH PDJLF RI HOHFWULFLW\

Heart of Texas Today | July - August 2015

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Car Seat Safety :KHQ \RXU FDU LV LQYROYHG LQ DQ DFFLGHQW LW FRPHV WR DQ DEUXSW VWRS $Q\RQH LQVLGH WKH FDU ZLOO FRQWLQXH WR PRYH DW WKH UDWH RI VSHHG \RXU FDU ZDV WUDYHOLQJ²SUREDEO\ PSK RQ , <RXU child inside that car and not fastened into a seat belt (because children are too small for the seat EHOW WR ¿W DQG QRW ¿WWHG LQWR D FDU VHDW ZLOO FRQWLQXH WR PRYH DW PSK XQWLO KH LV VWRSSHG E\ VRPHWKLQJ ,W FRXOG EH WKH VHDWEDFN RU WKH ZLQGVKLHOG RU LI WKH GRRU FDPH RSHQ GXULQJ WKH DFFLGHQW \RXU FKLOG FRXOG KLW WKH SDYHPHQW DW PSK 7KLV DQG WKH IDFW WKDW WKH ODZ UHTXLUHV LW DUH the reasons your child needs a car seat.

'R QRW (9(5 XVH D VHFRQG KDQG FDU VHDW XQOHVV \RX DUH FRPSOHWHO\ IDPLOLDU ZLWK WKH KLVWRU\ of that car seat. It may have been in an accident with no visible damage and could be ineffective LQ SURWHFWLQJ \RXU FKLOG LQ D IXWXUH DFFLGHQW HYHQ VRPHWKLQJ DV VPDOO DV D IHQGHU EHQGHU $OZD\V EH DZDUH RI WKH FDU VHDW¶V H[SLUDWLRQ GDWH ,W¶V XVXDOO\ LPSULQWHG RQ WKH ERWWRP RI WKH FDU seat and it indicates the date at which the manufacturer no longer considers the seat to be safe to use. Plastics that car seats are made of deteriorate with time. &KHFN UHJXODUO\ IRU DQ\ UHFDOOV IRU \RXU EDE\¶V FDU VHDW $QG DOZD\V UHJLVWHU WKH FDU VHDW ZKHQ \RX SXUFKDVH LW VR WKDW WKH PDQXIDFWXUHU FDQ QRWLI\ \RX GLUHFWO\ LI LW LV HYHU UHFDOOHG LQ WKH future. )UHTXHQWO\ WKH KDUQHVV RI WKH VHDW LV QRW FLQFKHG VHFXUHO\ %H VXUH WKH VWUDSV DUH WLJKW 6WUDSV that are too loose can actually cause injury and may not hold him into the seat in an accident. It is EHWWHU WR DOORZ \RXU FKLOG WR VFUHDP DQG FU\ ZH WDON DERXW GLVFLSOLQH LQ D GLIIHUHQW DUWLFOH ZULWWHQ IRU WKLV PDJD]LQH WKDQ LW LV WR QRW KDYH WKH VWUDSV WLJKW HQRXJK 7KLV LV \RXU FKLOG¶V OLIH \RX DUH UHVSRQVLEOH IRU 0RVW NLGV JR WKURXJK D VWDJH ZKHUH WKH\ GR QRW OLNH WKHLU FDU VHDW 7KH\ GR JHW over it if you are consistent.

0RVW FDU VHDWV LQ WKH 86 DUH QRW SURSHUO\ LQVWDOOHG²VRPH H[SHUWV VD\ DV PDQ\ DV DQG it is the leading cause of death among children. Always be sure the car seat you are considering EX\LQJ LV FRPSDWLEOH ZLWK WKH FDU \RX RZQ RU YLFH YHUVD 1RW DOO FDU VHDWV ¿W DOO YHKLFOHV There will be a label on the seat that will give you the height and weight limits. Always follow those limits, as each manufacturer knows what the limits of their car seat are. <RX FDQ JR WR ZZZ VDIHUFDU JRY SDUHQWV KRPH KWP IRU D FRPSOHWH JXLGH WR FDU VHDW LQIRUPDWLRQ ,W ZLOO HYHQ VKRZ \RX YLGHRV RQ KRZ WR SURSHUO\ LQVWDOO \RXU FDU VHDW DQG JLYH \RX QDPHV RI ORFDO WHFKQLFLDQV ZKR FDQ EH VXUH \RX KDYH LQVWDOOHG WKH VHDW SURSHUO\ www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recall will be able to tell you if your car seat has been recalled To learn more, please contact us at www.thepregnancyresourcecenter.org We offer FREE SDUHQWLQJ FODVVHV RQ DQ LQGLYLGXDO EDVLV WR DGGUHVV ZKDWHYHU FRQFHUQV \RX PD\ KDYH DERXW \RXU FKLOG ± IURP FRQFHSWLRQ WR WHHQV

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Heart of Texas Today | July - August 2015

Kierce Photography Award Winning Photography

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Heart of Texas Today | July - August 2015

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Heart of Texas Today | July - August 2015

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The Hill Country Camera Club was started sometime around 1980.

The Club is a charter affiliate member of the Kerr Arts & Cultural Center (KACC). The clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first judged show was held at a rented storefront gallery in Winwood Shopping Center in 1999, by what is now the Kerr Arts & Cultural Center. PhotoQuest is the annual judged display of photographs by the members of the Hill Country Camera Club. Kerr Arts & Cultural Center in Kerrville, Texas, purchased the old post office building at 228 Earl Garrett St. in 2000, (across from the county court house) and the show has been held there in the fall every year since. For a number of years, photographers took photographs for a Kerrville Daily Times special edition called A Day in the Life of Kerr County. The photos were all taken on a certain day, and photos were then selected to give a snapshot of daily life in Kerr County.

Museum quality walls and gallery lighting provide a professional looking exhibit for Photoquest. All works are framed and are for sale at very reasonable prices. Ribbons are awarded for Best of Show, First, Second and Third Place awards, and Honorable Mentions. A Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice ribbon is awarded by popular vote from visitors who view the exhibition. The exhibit is judged by a prominent photographer in the area.

Hill Country Camera Club membership is made up of photographers of all skill levels from beginner to professional. The club is offering a basic photography class through Club Ed this fall. Dates are: September 10th and September 17th.

Monthly meetings are held at KAAC on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 7pm to 9pm and visitors are always welcome.

The club offers field trips during the year, and in the last few years they have been to the painted churches in Schulenberg, the YO Ranch, Johnson City for the Christmas lights, the Neunhoffer Ranch, and Lost Maples State Park (for Fall foliage).

Coming soon will be excursions to Criderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rodeo in Hunt and west of Kerrville to photograph the Milky Way. Meet the photographers and enjoy wine and refreshments at the PhotoQuest reception on Saturday, August 29, 2015 from 1 to 3 pm.

Admission is free. More information at: KLOOFRXQWU\FDPHUDFOXE FRP or the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Facebook page 5RJHU *RUGHQ SKRWRJUDSKHU 'HOO *RUGHQ SXEOLFLW\ FKDLUPDQ ²

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Heart of Texas Today | July - August 2015

Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund

The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund is a leader in supporting the men and women of the Armed Forces and their families. Begun in 2000, the Fund has provided over $150 million in support for the families of military personnel lost in service to our nation, and for severely wounded military personnel, veterans and their families. These efforts are funded entirely with donations from the public. Hundreds of thousands of individuals have generously contributed to our projects.

The Hill Country NAPA AutoCare Business Development Group is a partnership of reputable, independently owned, auto and truck service centers in Kerrville that are apart of the NAPA AutoCare Center organization. The service centers that make up the BDG are; A-1 Transmission, Balser’s Northside Automotive, Kerrville Automatics, LeMeilleur’s RV Truck and Equipment, Moss Motors and National Car Sales.

Together these shops are joining NAPA Auto Parts and the local NAPA Kerrville Automotive to raise funds during the month of July for the “Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund*, the wounded Veterans of our great country. This is the third year NAPA Auto Parts is partnering with the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and July is the perfect month to celebrate our independence and give back to our veterans. The promotion is very simple; NAPA pledges to “give back” to The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund* through consumer rebates, fundraisers, the sale of T-shirts and Wristbands. The goal for 2014 is to raise more than a million dollars to support this worthy cause.

The BDG is using this opportunity to launch our first fundraiser. We are planning a Saturday, July 18th celebration as our local “give back” with an array of activities, promotions, food and fun. We will be holding our event at the Kerr County Court House parking lot on Saturday, July 18, 2014 from 10-2:00.

REV FM – KRVL will be giving away Schlitterbaun Water Park passes, South Texas Blood Bank will be holding a blood drive, Car Show, Bouncy House for the kids and a dunking booth. Food, Drink and TShirts will be available for a donation at the event. *The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, fallenheroesfund.org is a national leader in supporting the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and their families since 2000.

Make Plans to Attend July 18th from 10-2 at the

Kerr County Courthouse ϱϬϭ;ĐͿ;ϯͿ /ŶƚƌĞƉŝĚ &ĂůůĞŶ ,ĞƌŽĞƐ ŝƐ Ă ŶŽƚ ĨŽƌ ƉƌŽĨŝƚ ŽƌŐĂŶŝnjĂƚŝŽŶ͘

It was a clear and cool October evening and most of the people living around Crawford, Texas were already at the high school football field on the outskirts of town. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor pulled their pickup truck into one of the few remaining parking places and hopped out. Bobby, Becky, and Bingo, the Taylor’s three border collies, seemed just as excited as their owners to be at the biggest game of the year. They knew they were not to leave the truck.

Crawford High School was in the midst of a very successful football season, and tonight they were playing their cross-county rival, Buffalo Grove. The Taylors walked the short distance to the football field just as the band was finishing up their pre-game routine.

“We’re lucky to get a seat tonight,” said Mr. Taylor, as he helped his new bride to a seat high in the bleachers.

The game opened with an exciting kickoff return and the crowd came to its feet. For most of the first half the fans remained standing as one exciting play followed another. By halftime the game was tied and very few people had left their seats.

Back in the parking lot, the three dogs settled down after they had sniffed, watched, and listened to everything going on around them. Bobby and Becky were resting while Bingo kept watch with his front paws resting on the side rails of the truck.

Sometime around the end of the third quarter of the game, the dogs heard a nearby car door close and poked their heads up over the side in time to see a person in dark clothing run off.

As the game finished a large roar went up and the Crawford Cowboys threw their helmets in the air. The final score was Crawford 28 and Buffalo Grove 24. The crowd filtered out amidst the honking of horns and the shouts of the Crawford fans.

When the Taylors reached their truck, the owner of the car parked next to them was petting the dogs.

“Hey Jerome,” said Mr. Taylor, as he reached to shake hands with Jerome Johnson, principal of Crawford High. Mr. Johnson looked a little upset.

“Hey Mr. T,” replied Jerome, “You didn’t happen to see anyone messing around with my car during the game did you?”

“No I didn’t. What’s up?” said Mr. Taylor.

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Heart of Texas Today | July - August 2015

“Well, someone stole my watch, my billfold, and my cell phone. They were all in the glove box, and I thought the car was locked. Guess I’d better get the sheriff,” said the sad looking principal.

“I’ll call him on my cell phone,” offered Mr. Taylor.

In a matter of minutes the sheriff had arrived. Mike Foster, or “Big Hat” as the folks in Crawford called him, had been the sheriff for twenty-five years and knew everyone in town and almost everyone in the county.

Jerome explained the problem and Big Hat went to work searching for clues on the ground and inside the car. He also asked people in the area some questions.

“Well Jerome, about all I can come up with is a handkerchief I found on the ground underneath your car,” said Big Hat. “I don’t know if it is connected to the robbery or not.”

Mr. Taylor listened as the sheriff and the principal talked about their options. Mr. Taylor knew that if someone had broken into the car parked next to his truck the dogs would have seen and heard everything that took place.

“I have an idea,” Mr. Taylor announced. “Why don’t we let the dogs sniff the handkerchief and see if they can lead us to the thief? I know they are not bloodhounds, and this handkerchief may not be connected to the robbery, but what do we have to lose?”

Big Hat carefully took the handkerchief out of the plastic bag he had placed it in and walked to the back of the pickup truck. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor both watched with wide eyes and Jerome stepped closer.

“Well, here goes,” said the sheriff, as he held the handkerchief out so the three dogs could put their noses to it. Bobby, Becky, and Bingo sniffed and sniffed and then started to bark. “Turn ‘em loose and let’s follow!” cried Big Hat. Mr. Taylor dropped the back gate and out flew the three border collies. Big Hat adjusted his gun belt and hitched up his trousers. Bobby, Becky, and Bingo put their noses to the ground and off they went in the same direction. As they trotted away, the Taylors, Big Hat, and Jerome all did their best to keep up. The dogs followed their noses for quite a while but when they came to an intersection of streets they suddenly stopped and looked confused.

“This may be where the thief got into a car and took off,” said Big Hat. “The dogs look like they may have lost the scent.”

“Well, I sure appreciate their efforts,” said Jerome. “I guess we are back to square one now.”

“I reckon you’re right,” replied Big Hat. “I’ll take the handkerchief to the county crime center and see if they can pick anything else up from it. Jerome, I am sorry, but I guess that’s all we can do for now.”

“I appreciate all of your help,” said Jerome, as he started walking back to the cars with the others.

Heart of Texas Today | July - August 2015 23

“What do you say we stop at the Dairy Queen before we go home?” asked Mr. Taylor.

“I’m all for that,” said Mrs. Taylor nodding her head.

In a few moments the Taylors and their dogs arrived at the ice cream shop.

The Dairy Queen was a busy place with fans from both teams filling the seats. Mr. Taylor went inside and returned with some water for the dogs as Mrs. Taylor got in line for the ice cream.

“Seems like everyone wants ice cream tonight,’ Mrs. Taylor said to a young lady standing next to her wearing a Buffalo Grove jacket.

“Yes, and small cones are free! One of the fans is buying,” the young person replied.

“Oh,” replied Mrs. Taylor. “Do you know who?”

“I think it is the guy over there,” said the young lady as she pointed.

Mrs. Taylor’s eyes fell upon a young man seated near the counter. He was laughing and joking and giving “high fives” to five or six other guys his age. In one hand he held a cell phone and spoke in it every so often. He couldn’t have been more than sixteen years old, thought Mrs. Taylor.

“Well, he certainly is a generous person,” continued Mrs. Taylor.

The line dwindled and Mrs. Taylor received her ice cream cones and returned to the truck.

“These cones were free of charge tonight,” said Mrs. Taylor as she handed one to her husband.

“Oh, yeah,” replied Mr. Taylor. “Who is buying them?”

“A young man sitting inside. Looks like a high school student,” Mrs. Taylor responded.

As they ate their ice cream, the young man who had been buying for everyone came out of the restaurant with his pals. They walked past the truck and Bobby, Becky, and Bingo stood up and started barking loudly. The young man quickly passed by without acknowledging the dogs.

Just then, Mrs. Taylor turned to her husband and almost shouted, “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?

“Call Big Hat while I follow him,” said Mr. Taylor as he backed up the pickup truck.

The young man and his friends left the parking lot and were cruising the main street of Crawford. The stereo in their car was blaring away and all the young people were shouting the words to the song. The driver was talking on a cell phone and driving recklessly with one hand on the wheel.

Mrs. Taylor had Big Hat on the phone and was sharing with him what the Taylors were thinking and their location. Big Hat assured her that he was on his way.

In less than five minutes Big Hat had pulled over the car of young people on a “public disturbance” charge. When he asked to see the driver’s license he noticed that the young man pulled two wallets from his pocket and immediately tried to hide one of them hoping Big hat had not noticed.

“May I see the ID’s in both wallets?” asked Big Hat. “Well, ah, ah, I only keep my license in this one,” replied the young man as he fumbled with the one wallet in plain view.

“Please hand me both,” replied Big Hat. Reluctantly, the young man reached between the seats, grabbed the wallet and passed both through the window to the officer.

“I think you will need to come with me,” said Big Hat as he took the keys from the young man.

The young man walked over to the sheriff’s car as the Taylors and Bobby, Becky, and Bingo watched. Big Hat made a phone call. Within ten minutes Jerome Johnson had arrived. Big Hat showed Mr. Johnson the wallet and the cell phone and the Taylors could see that the school principal’s head nodding.

After putting the young man in the squad car, Mr. Johnson and the sheriff walked over to the Taylor’s truck.

“Well,” said the sheriff, “I think we caught the thief! Or, I guess you could say your dogs caught the thief. I may have to give Bobby, Becky, and Bingo badges and put them to work for me. These dogs are tough on crime,” said Big Hat as he reached in the back of the truck to pet them.

“It’s been a long night,” said Mr. Taylor. “I better get these crime dogs home or they won’t be worth anything as cattle dogs tomorrow.”

“Thanks for all of your help,” said Principal Johnson, as he stuck his head in the truck.

“Those dogs of yours sure are something.”

“We know,” said Mrs. Taylor, as the Taylor pickup pulled away.

Heart of Texas Today | July - August 2015

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Slow-Cooker Sweet & Sour Chicken 1 onion, sliced 1 carrot, sliced 1 stalk celery, sliced 1-1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-size pieces 1/3 cup packed brown sugar 1/3 cup KRAFT Classic CATALINA Dressing 1/4 cup lite soy sauce 1 tsp. grated gingerroot 1 can (8 oz.) pineapple chunks in juice, undrained 1 Tbsp. cornstarch 1 each green and red pepper, cut into strips 3 cups hot cooked long-grain white rice Place onions, carrots and celery in slow cooker; top with chicken.

Mix sugar, dressing, soy sauce and ginger until blended; pour over chicken. Cover with lid.

Cook on LOW 4 to 5 hours, increasing heat to HIGH for the last 30 min. Drain pineapple, reserving juice. Mix reserved juice with cornstarch. Add to slow cooker with the pineapple and peppers; stir. Cook, covered, 30 min. or until sauce is thickened. Serve over rice. 6 servings

Strawberry-Swirl Cheesecake Smoothie 6 oz. (3/4 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened 1-1/2 cups milk 1/3 cup sugar, divided 1-1/2 tsp. vanilla 7 graham crackers, divided 2 cups frozen whole strawberries, slightly thawed Blend cream cheese, milk, 3 Tbsp. sugar, vanilla and 6 crackers in blender until smooth. Pour all but about 1/2 cup of the cream cheese mixture into liquid measuring cup. Reserve for later use.

Add strawberries and remaining sugar to remaining cream cheese mixture in blender; blend until smooth. Pour into 4 glasses. Pour reserved cream cheese mixture gently over strawberry mixture in glasses. Crumble remaining cracker; sprinkle over smoothies. 4 servings, 1 cup each. Serve immediately.

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Heart of Texas Today | July - August 2015

Zucchini and Potato Bake 2 medium zucchini, quartered and cut into large pieces 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks 1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and chopped 1 clove garlic, sliced 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs 1/4 cup olive oil paprika to taste salt to taste ground black pepper to taste Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).In a medium baking pan, toss together the zucchini, potatoes, red bell pepper, garlic, bread crumbs, and olive oil. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Bake 1 hour in the preheated oven, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender and lightly brown.

6 servings Peaches 'N Cream No-Bake Cheesecake 2 cups graham cracker crumbs 6 Tbsp. margarine, melted 1 cup sugar, divided 4 pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Neufchatel Cheese, softened 1 pkg. (3 oz.) JELL-O Peach Flavor Gelatin 2 fresh peaches, chopped 1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP LITE Whipped Topping, thawed Mix graham crumbs, margarine and 1/4 cup sugar; press onto bottom of 13x9-inch pan. Refrigerate until ready to use. Beat Neufchatel and remaining sugar with mixer until blended. Add dry gelatin mix; mix well. Stir in peaches and COOL WHIP. Pour over crust. Refrigerate 4 hours or until firm. 16 servings

Cheese Garlic Bread Spread 1/2-1 cup margarine 3 teaspoons chopped garlic 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/8 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 cup parmesan cheese 1 cup grated cheddar cheese Microwave margarine in medium glass bowl for about 40 seconds or until about halfway melted. Mix in all ingredients, using a fork. Spread mixture over bread (I use a one of those long sourdough French loaves split in half lengthwise but I've also used plain thick cut bread or split dinner rolls). Place on baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes at 450, until top is golden brown. Yield: 1.5 cups

Heart of Texas Today | July - August 2015

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(PSDWK\ DQG -XGJPHQW %\ 'DYLG %ODFNEXUQ “Judge Not, Lest Ye Be Judged”……

We all remember that phrase and thought from Sunday school. It is a concept worth considering and a good path to follow as we live our lives and interact with the multitudes of people whom we encounter. However, in the case of a liver patient, the temptation to judge and affix blame to the individual for the dilemma he is facing can be great---from family members, friends, and, most importantly, the medical community.

It is not difficult to understand that mindset. After all, how do most people get liver disease? Sure, the disease can come from a variety of sources and causes, such as tainted blood transfusions, cancer, genetic abnormalities, and the like, but most liver problems have their origins in alcohol and/or drug abuse. In these cases, the patient did not just wake up one day with End Stage Liver Disease---they have probably been treated by many physicians over a period of years who have told them repeatedly to curtail or cease their abusive habits or face the consequences. Many of these patients have also been in and out of rehab centers multiple times and have gone back to their old ways in spite of what they have been told.

So when the shoe finally drops and the diagnosis is given, it is easy to see the situation from the physicians’ point of view----you are in a very bad spot, but you have done this to yourself and have refused to follow my advice when there was still time for your liver to recover and repair itself, so now that you are facing death, why do you come crying to me?

There are varying degrees of patient judgment from nearly everyone. Some of those judgmental opinions are based in frustration and anger; some, especially those from medical professionals, are based in experience and the medical history of the patient. Family members usually do not start out rendering a negative judgment about an alcoholic spouse or relative; what they experience is a gradual loss of empathy. They do not understand the actions of the individual and have virtually no experience in dealing with such issues; as time goes by and they see that their efforts to remedy the alcohol and/or substance abuse goes unheeded, they get tired of beating their heads against the brick wall. Their level of frustration increases and they begin to realize that they are making a lot of sacrifices in their own life that they had not planned on. For example, how many vacation days can someone be expected to devote to doctor’s appointments for someone who refuses to follow the doctor’s advice? How much money can someone be expected to spend----over and over again---on rehab centers and therapists that are not fully covered by insurance? How many company functions can you skip because you cannot run the risk of taking an inebriated spouse with you to those events? How much of your career can you be expected to endanger due to the judgmental reactions of those who are aware of your problem and who view that as a negative factor when it comes to promotions, raises, or transfers? What is your reaction after a long and stress filled day at work when you know that going home is not an opportunity to relax and recharge your batteries, rather it will be reporting for your second job—as a caregiver and arm chair psychiatrist? How do you deal with the ever increasing sense of isolation experienced by the both of you when you are slowly excluded from family gatherings, such as weddings, dinners, and holidays because everyone else is uncomfortable with your problem? After all, it is not their problem---they have tried to help to the extent they know how and have seen no positive effect, so why should they have to make allowances for the Elephant In The Room? What do you do when you slowly realize that the future no longer holds any brightness or promise; that all the options available seem to be filled with darkness and foreboding?

You can see similar thought patterns with physicians. Some will be kind and understanding, others will not. We visited a young gastroenterologist several years ago who told us flatly that he would not treat Mary and refused to examine her. He said is a gruff and calloused manner, that if she could stay sober for at least three months, he would consider another appointment. As he escorted us out of his office, I wondered if he skipped

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Heart of Texas Today | July - August 2015

school the day they discussed the Hippocratic Oath. That was my first experience with a medical professional who had no tolerance for people with “no self-restraint”. And yes, in case you are wondering, he charged us for the office call.

I remember one doctor in particular who treated Mary over a two year period. She was having liver related health problems and I sought out a gentleman who had the reputation as being one of the best liver specialists in the southeast. On our first visit to Michael Galambos’ office, he reviewed her medical records that we had brought from other doctors and previous hospitalizations as well as her most recent bloodwork. He radiated confidence and knowledge; his expertise and experience in treating people with liver disease was very evident. He was both authoritative and kind as he explained the realities to us both.

“Mary, your liver has been severely damaged and you must put down the alcohol right now---today---and commit to never drinking another drop. If you do that, we can treat you with medications and your liver can recover. You can get past this and live a long and normal life, but you are at the edge of the envelope. You have to stop drinking now; if you do, I can help you. If you don’t, no one will be able to. Do you understand?”

She nodded and said she did. She promised to follow his advice and drink no more because she was tired of feeling sick and was afraid of what would happen if her disease progressed. I was confused about the potential for recovery and asked him for clarification; I did not know that the liver had the ability to regenerate its’ damaged cells.

“Yes, it can heal itself up to a point. That point is exactly where Mary is now. Her liver can get better, but if it suffers too much more damage, she will not have the capacity to recover. That is why it is imperative that she stop drinking immediately and follow my instructions to the letter.”

I was relieved and encouraged by the assessment of this physician and I trusted him completely. I could see Mary was scared, but what we were hearing meant that she had a chance to regain her health and live. She was only 42 years old; there was a difficult road ahead, but it appeared to be navigable.

Sadly, it was not. Mary was unable to stop drinking and her condition continued to deteriorate, slowly at first then with increasing rapidity as time went by. We continued to see Dr. Galambos on a regular basis and he treated her to the best of his ability, but she resisted his efforts in two crucial ways---she did not take all the medications he prescribed for her and she continued to drink every day. We were preparing to relocate from Atlanta back to Texas when I took her to his office for one last visit before we departed for Austin. She was not doing well and he did not hide his feelings when he examined her.

“Mary, I cannot tell you how disappointed I am in you. I can see that you don’t feel well and the reasons why are very clear to me. If you had done what I asked of you when we first met, you would not be sitting in this office today. You would be healthy and well. If you don’t stop drinking---NOW--very soon it will be too late for you. It may be too late already. If you think you are sick now, young lady….believe me, this is the tip of the iceberg for you.”

Time would show the truth and wisdom of his words. Within a year Mary’s health was declining at an exponential rate. Within two years, she was gone.

Dr. Galambos’ frustration with Mary and her inability to stop drinking was much different than my own. He had seen numerous patients over his career who succumbed to liver disease when they could have averted that outcome. His final evaluation of her condition was hard hitting and chilling. Nonetheless, he had tried his best to treat her illness and save her life---even when he knew the odds were not favorable. My own feelings of frustration were far more emotional in nature. How could anyone, I asked myself, continue to propel themselves to destruction when they did not have to? How could someone that I loved with all my heart be so inconsiderate of how the health problems she was creating and exacerbating were impacting my life as well as her own? These thoughts came to me in the time period when I still thought will power was the key to everything. I had not yet accepted the fact that brain chemistry and the inability of the liver to filter toxins from the blood were as important as they actually are.

Will power---the ability to make a rational decision and see it through---is something that fades very early for someone who is on the path to liver disease. As time passes, that ability decreases slowly but steadily. Unfortunately, most of us who are not wearing the shoes of the individual (who will later become the patient) think that a detox session and a stint in rehab should be all that is necessary to snap that person back to reality and “straighten them out”. As a result, many of us render harsh judgments and become angry when the alcoholic or drug addict will not respond as we wish they would.

I spoke with an attorney once who was convinced that the best thing to do for an alcoholic was to have them involuntarily committed to a court ordered rehab program by a judge. The more I spoke to this lawyer, the more evident it became that he felt alcoholic behavior was something that needed to be punished, not treated. He had no tolerance for anyone who “refused” to confront and conquer their own demons. I saw similar thoughts emanating from a variety of people who, in my current view, had no real understanding of what drives substance abuse or how to deal with

Heart of Texas Today | July - August 2015 29

it. They were simply frustrated with having to endure it and resented the family member who was forcing that heavy burden upon them. Their empathy was gone; their judgment had had been rendered.

The transplant centers are also capable of making subjective judgments about those who are seeking a new liver. They deal with people every day who have come to them for help because they have no other options left. By the time a patient is referred to a transplant center, it is far too late for any treatments other than surgery. No more trips to detox, no more rehab, no more milk thistle…..that is all over with. Qualification for listing is a long and complicated process, involving numerous tests and evaluations. Most of these areas of scrutiny are designed to see if the patient is a good candidate for surgery, but one of the unspoken aspects is to give the medical staff a chance to determine whether attempting to save a particular patient is worthwhile or whether it is a wasted effort. They may appear to be warm and fuzzy in your initial meeting, and you may think your prayers have been answered, but make no mistake about it-- if they form the opinion that the patient will not or is unable to commit to doing what is necessary post–op, such as lifetime abstinence from booze or dope, they will not list you. If they do not see evidence of strong family support, they will not list you. If you do not satisfy every requirement they have, keep every appointment and attend every meeting they schedule, they will not list you.

One of the transplant centers we dealt with was located in another city and required an overnight stay in order to complete their evaluation. There were meetings scheduled with the nurse coordinators, the surgeon, a social worker, an “informational meeting” that included other patients, bloodwork, x-rays, CAT scans, and so on. The schedule was so tight that it took two full days to get everything done and we ran into what I thought would be a minor snag. We were awaiting our meeting with the social worker, whose function was to verify our insurance benefits and discuss plans for home health care after the surgery. After waiting over forty minutes for her, we were informed that she had gotten tied up and could not make the meeting. I did not think too much of it at the time; after all, we had done everything else and our insurance had approved the procedure. Post– operative home health care seemed a long way down the road and I was sure we could address that at a later time. The nurse coordinator told us to go on home; Mary was completely exhausted and the social worker was unavailable anyway. A few days later I got a call from the social worker wanting to know when we could come back to meet with her. I told her that I had already taken two days off work and had to endure the cost of a hotel and transportation; was it possible to handle her issues over the phone? She quickly replied “NO”---she had to meet with us in person to discuss her short list of issues. I reminded her that we had met her briefly on our first day there and that I had documentation from the insurance company approving our coverage. In addition, I had contacted a home health care agency and preliminary arrangements had been made for them to provide the care Mary would need after her operation. The social worker was inflexible; if we did not return to meet with her, we would not have satisfied the center’s requirements and therefore Mary would not be eligible to be placed on the transplant list. I reminded her that we had been there for the appointment and that she was the one who did not attend, but my efforts were wasted. Rules are rules, and no exceptions would be made.

What I read into her statements was that the most important thing was for us to be willing to jump through every hoop they threw before us, otherwise we would not be demonstrating the proper level of commitment and would be excluded. We were expected to work with them, but they were less than willing to meet us halfway. The physical and emotional toll that Mary, who was in constant pain as well as bedridden most of the time and restricted to a wheelchair for limited mobility, would have to endure by an additional trip to the center was not relevant to the social worker at all.

I was surprised at the attitude of the social worker, but I soon began to realize that the transplant centers are very competitive with one another for funding and status. Each one is an entity unto itself with its own set of requirements and rules. In most cases they do not appear to work together as a network for the benefit of the patient; they choose the patients that they think will accentuate their success ratio and their national standing in order to attract more patients. And the more patients that come to them for help, the more selective they become. If they decide that their statistical ranking amongst other centers will be negatively affected by accepting you as a patient, they will not list you. If they decide you pose more of a risk to their reputation for success than they deem acceptable, they can string the evaluation process out for so long that the patients’ health will deteriorate to a point where they cannot survive the surgery, then the decision is made by default. Not getting placed on the transplant list is tantamount to a death sentence. Therefore, it is very, very important to know what the transplant staff wants to see when they conduct their patient evaluation and to make sure that is exactly what they do see.

Keep in mind that these judgmental issues and their consequences are pretty far down the road for a liver patient. Early on, before the liver disease becomes too pronounced and the most visible issue is alcohol or drug abuse (an emotional problem that evolves into a physical disease), it is difficult for most of us to understand why someone continues a behavioral pattern that is so destructive, especially when the likely results of that behavior are well known. Learning to fully comprehend the underlying causes and reasons for that pattern of behavior is essential to the caregivers and family members of the patient---for their own understanding, and in order for them to make the best decisions possible about how to help the person they love come to grips with this horrible disease.

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Heart of Texas Today | July - August 2015

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