Refresh Your Nest on a Budget Megan Snow (left) and Leigh Ann Echols can put a fresh spin on a room by using items the client already owns. P. 12.
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PEDIATRICS 1315 Water’s Edge Dr. r 817-408-3600 Kelly O’Carroll, M.D. Shelly Sexton, M.D. 1308E Paluxy Rd. r 817-579-3996 Laura Power, M.D. 1305 Paluxy Rd. r 817-579-0084 Delia Wright, M.D. CARDIOLOGY 1310B Paluxy Rd. r 817-579-3970 Tyrus Frerking, D.O. Jennifer Naiser, D.O. Lon Walder, D.O. EAR, NOSE & THROAT 1308E Paluxy Rd. r 817-579-3908 Salim Bhaloo, D.O. GASTROENTEROLOGY 1308E Paluxy Rd. r 817-579-3902 Radha Narayanan, M.D.
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CONTENTS 18 Clint Bills
22 Character
26 Travel
His kids are grown, but he’s still coaching youngsters
Carl Ray serves with a smile
Discover Alaska!
15 Where in the Hood?
10 Calendar of Events
Realtor finds deals to decorate interiors
4 Food Trip
30 Storm Season
Take a bite out of San Antonio
8 Meet Your Neighbor
12 Refresh Your Nest
Decision may have saved family from deadly tornado
24 Garage Sales
Library Director Courtney Kincaid: ‘I’ve always loved to read’
On a budget? New looks for inside your home
28 Recipes Burgers, salads and lava cakes
Brightly colored table umbrellas add to the festive atmosphere of San Antonio’s River Walk, even when summer foliage is weeks away.
prime | travel
Foodie Heaven TEXT BY KATHY CRUZ
PHOTOS BY MARY VINSON
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he city of San Antonio is a feast when it comes to things to see and do – and eat. Those who are fond of food and fun weekend excursions will find that scenic San Antonio’s culinary offerings hit the spot. One particular special event, Culinaria – a culinary arts and wine festival – will take place next month, May 13-17. Culinaria is a series of culinary and wine events that feature internationally renowned wine makers, top Texas wine producers and some of San Antonio’s most talented chefs. From wine tasting events at nearby vineyards to events such as Best of Mexi-
co, Burgers & Beer and Barbacoa Brunch, Culinaria is an event made for those who love to eat, drink and be merry. Also on the horizon is a new hotel that will showcase the city’s culinary bounty. Hotel Emma at the Pearl Brewery will open to the public in the fall and will feature cooking demonstrations in its lobby. According to the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau: “Guests will find culinary touches elegantly incorporated into every facet of their experience.” The hotel is near the Culinary Institute of America’s San Antonio campus, where visitors to the city can sign up for “food enthusiast courses” and boot camps. (For information, visit www. ciachef.edu/texas/.) “The culinary scene in San Antonio has exploded over recent years – new chef-
For culinary events, restaurant tours, San Antonio hits the spot
4 | Prime | April 2015
Tourists can enjoy boat tours of the famous River Walk in San Antonio. driven fresh restaurants, the Culinary Institute of America, vibrant foodie events from farmers markets to food truck pop ups,” said Dee Dee Poteete, regional communications director for the San Antonio CVB. “What’s wonderful for visitors is that there are so many new choices, but all the longtime favorites are still here and reinventing themselves as well.”
| SEE SAN ANTONIO San Antonio has long been a favorite tourist destination, but there are now even more reasons to make the city a weekend getaway destination. Here are just some of them.
EXPANSION OF RIVER WALK San Antonio recently completed a $358 million project to lengthen the famous River Walk from three to 15 miles. The Museum Reach was added in 2009, connecting downtown with museums, cultural districts and the historic Pearl Brewery to the north. The Mission Reach (known as the largest ecosystem restoration in an urban area) joins the original River Walk to four of the city’s Spanish colonial missions in south San Antonio.
NEW MUSEUMS & EXHIBITS The 1836 Battle of the Alamo between defenders and General Santa Anna’s army symbolizes a heroic struggle against impossible odds. Jim Bowie, Davy Crockett and other defenders viewed the Alamo as key to the defense of Texas. The mission is a major tourist draw in San Antonio, one of the country’s top 10 largest cities. And here’s something else that’s sure to appeal to foodies: Several different tours are offered through the Culinary & Craft Brewery Tours website, www.tastethissanantonio.com or by phoning 210-538-4888. San Antonio Restaurant Week is coming up in August. Actually, it’s two weeks – from Aug. 15-29. It’s a great way to experience the best that San Antonio has to offer in dining experiences. Restaurant Week helps sponsor Culinaria programs and events. During Restaurant Week, participating restaurants offer fixed-price lunches and dinners encompassing three courses. There are two price tiers. Tier 1 includes a $15 lunch and a $35 dinner. Tier 2 is lunch for $10 and dinner for $25. For each lunch, participating restaurants donate a dollar to Culinaria. For each dinner, they donate $2. For more information on Culinaria, visit www.culinariasa. org. Q
Q The Briscoe Western Art Museum is in the heart of downtown on the River Walk. The museum celebrates the art, people and history of the Great American West, with an emphasis on the Western art of San Antonio and the South Texas region. The $18 million renovation of the former San Antonio Library includes an arts and education center, an artist in residence program and more than 40,000 square feet of gallery and exhibition areas. Q In June, the San Antonio Children’s Museum will become The DoSeum, and will move to a larger, 5.5-acre site on Broadway Street in the city’s Broadway Reach district, which features several cultural and educational attractions. The interactive museum, which will be housed in a 65,000-square-foot building, will focus on science, technology, literacy, art, creativity and imagination. It is for kids up to age 10.
NEW ATTRACTIONS Q San Fernando Cathedral, North America’s oldest cathedral sanctuary, is the site of “San Antonio – the Saga,” a monumental video art installation. The 7,000-square-foot projection with custom choreographed music in surround sound narrates the historical discovery, settlement and development of San Antonio. It is renowned French artist Xavier de Richemont’s first outdoor installation in the United States. Q BATMAN The Ride, a coaster featuring special effects and cutting edge construction, is coming this summer to Fiesta Texas. Magnetic fins cause riders to flip as they fly over the top of a 12-story hill.
While some take the boat tour of the River Walk, others enjoy a leisurely stroll. April 2015 | Prime | 5
The city of San Antonio has completed a $358 million project to lengthen its historic River Walk from three miles to 15. The River Walk extends to museums, cultural districts and the historic Pearl Brewery.
Enjoy your senior prom all over again! Join the LGMC Senior Circle Chapter for its 16th Anniversary Party.
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6 | Prime | April 2015
One of the Top in the Nation.
Right down the street
April 2015 | Prime | 7
prime | meet your neighbor
Courtney Kincaid Library Director TEXT AND PHOTO BY DEBBIE SCHNEIDER
W
hether hiking, camping or shooting bow, Courtney Kincaid enjoys time outdoors. And she likes to read, too. April Fool’s Day marked Kincaid’s fourth year as Hood County Library director. She’s actually been with the library for seven years, first serving as children’s librarian/assistant director. Away from the library, Kincaid likes to spend time with her husband, David, and daughter Emma, 12. Four-legged family members include two rescued boxers, Noel and Beau.
Reading habits start young Kincaid said her daughter loves to read. “I began reading to her while pregnant,” she said. “When she was born I was quick to establish a routine with her, and every night I read three books to her. Even as a baby.” Kincaid said her daughter is still an avid reader and is reading the Harry Potter series for the fourth time. “My husband reads as well,” she said. “He prefers non-fiction books typically about his hobbies. Here lately it’s archery-type books.”
General thirst for knowledge and studying led to career path “I became interested in becoming a librarian probably while getting my undergraduate degree from Tarleton State University,” Kincaid said. “I spent many days and nights at the library there while studying English literature and composition. No one in particular influenced my decision. I just have a general thirst for knowledge and studying.”
Can we assume that all librarians are bookworms? “I hope all librarians are somewhat of a bookworm!” Kincaid said with a smile. She doesn’t remember a time when she didn’t love to read. “I remember riding my bicycle to the Baylor County Free Library almost every day in the summers. Patrons were only allowed to check out so many books, so I’d get a stack of library books and find a cool corner. I’d sit and read all day and then take a few home when the library closed,” she recalled. Currently reading “Middlemarch” by George Eliot and “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand, Kincaid likes to read everything. “I like to read all types of books. I studied classic literature in college, which I enjoy. I also enjoy reading current bestsellers, non-fiction books and young adult fiction,” she said. Q
8 | Prime | April 2015
April 2015 | Prime | 9
prime | calendar of events
May
The annual Field of Flags display over Memorial Day weekend is moving to a new location. Last year, this horse brought tears to the eye when it bowed during the flag program. Sponsored by the U.S. Veterans Museum in Granbury, this year’s flag display will be in a field at the intersection of Highways 144 and 67 in Glen Rose.
2 Acton Nature Center Reptile Fest, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Lots of reptiles will be on exhibit, and many will be available to touch. This will be a great opportunity for the family to learn about native and exotic reptiles. Knowledgeable people will be available to answer questions. Acton Nature Center is at 6430 Smoky Hill Court. 5 Brazos Chamber Orchestra Spring Concert, 7:30 p.m. at Granbury First United Methodist Church, 301 Loop 567. 23–24 Memorial Day Weekend on the square – Vendor booths, parade, music and other activities all day. 22–25 Field of Flags – Huge display of American flags to honor past and present members of the military. Sponsored by U.S. Veterans Museum, moving to Glen Rose location this year. Flags will be in the open pasture at the red light intersection of Highway 144 and Highway 67.
June
September 5–7 Biker Bash Texas – Activities on the square, motorcycle runs, biker contests and motivational speakers. 24–Oct. 4 Granbury Carnival – Fun family and community event sponsored by the Historic Granbury Merchants Association. Carnival Americana returns with amusement rides, games, and food concessions. Granbury Reunion Grounds, 641 Reunion Court.
October 10 - United Way of Hood County fundraising gala. 16-18 BIG - Balloons in Granbury – Hot air balloons come to town. 17-18 Harvest Moon Festival of the Arts – Celebration of arts with vendors on the square, live entertainment.
12-14 Lone Star Street Rod Association presents the 41st annual State Run. Cars will be displayed at Hewlett Park, 634 E. Pearl St., and some on the square. Organizers anticipate 400 vehicles. Registration will be at the Granbury Resort Conference Center.
November
July
December
3-5 Old-Fashioned Fourth of July – Parade on square and fireworks over the lake Saturday, July 4. Variety of vendors and activities on the square. 10 | Prime | April 2015
27 Night of Lights – Country Christmas parade on the square.
4–5 Candlelight Tour – Homes and historic buildings are open for touring, musical events around the square. Q
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prime | community
Fresh Start
12 | Prime | April 2015
Refresh Your Nest partners Megan Snow (left) and Leigh Ann Echols touch up a fireplace mantle.
Spring brings out the nesting urge TEXT BY KATHY CRUZ PHOTOS BY MARY VINSON
N
ow that winter drab has given way to spring fab, the same can apply to your home. Hood County residents Leigh Ann LeBus Echols and Megan McGowan Snow can help make it happen. The women, who have been friends since they lived in the same residence hall at Abilene Christian University, are the founders of Refresh Your Nest, a decorating company. The two have a knack for transforming home and work spaces that are not aesthetically pleasing. They have both residential and commercial customers. The best part is that they rely largely on pieces the customer already owns. Echols and Snow know how to transform a room merely by rearranging furniture, artwork and knickknacks. They sometimes purchase an item or two to
complete the look, but the total price tag is much smaller than redecorating from scratch. “People come in and they’re just shocked,” Echols said of when clients first see the finished look. “They say, ‘I never would have thought to put that there,’ or ‘I was about to throw that away.’ They’re just amazed.” Said Snow: “I think what’s unique about Leigh Ann and I is that we do try to be budget minded because there are so many things you can do that give you the same look as higher end (items). “This gives us the ability to open the market to people who might never think that they could hire a designer.” Granbury school district employee Menielle Donahoo is one of those people. She currently works in the school district’s technology department, but has worked at Oak Woods, Acton Elementary and Acton Middle School. Snow was in her fifth-grade class.
“I’ve known her a long time. She’s a great, great girl,” Donahoo said. The busy school district employee hired the decorating duo to freshen up her family’s home while she was at work. “I said, ‘I don’t really want to buy anything new. It’s just that, everything I have, I see a certain way. I want you to come over when I’m not at home. Rearrange anything you want to rearrange.’” Donahoo said she laid out for the women things that she currently was not using, but wanted to place somewhere in the home. The first time Echols and Snow came to the house, they rearranged some things. “That was fun. I loved everything they did,” Donahoo said. Echols and Snow then made a list of small things they thought Donahoo should consider purchasing. Donahoo, who said she does not love to shop, gave the women money, and they did the shopping for her. April 2015 | Prime | 13
“They bought a couple of rugs and some lamps. Maybe a little lamp table,� she said. “Nothing major.� Later, the happy customer had the pair tackle the upstairs bedrooms. “It was like Christmas,� she recalls of the “big reveal� when the work was finished. “I trust them completely. It was so fun those days when I went to school and knew that when I came home, it would a whole new something.� Donahoo was so pleased with the Refresh Your Nest team that she gave them to her cousin as a housewarming gift. She hired them to hang things at the family member’s new house. Stacey Dolan hired Echols and Snow to create a comfortable environment for her clients at Healing Works on Fall Creek Highway. Dolan specializes in essential oil therapy and Quantum Neurological Reset Therapy (QNRT). As with Donahoo, the designers rearranged furniture and artwork, mostly using items Dolan already owned. “It made a huge difference in how comfortable people are. My clients are dealing with trauma and stress,� Dolan said. “They (Echols and Snow) did a wonderful job. They’re super sweet, too. I couldn’t be happier with what they did.� Photos of client’s homes are posted on the Refresh Your Nest website, www.rereshurnest.com. The website has phone numbers and email addresses for both Snow and Echols. Snow’s husband, Chad, is in the oil and gas business and has an office in Cresson. They have a 4-year-old son, Adler, and a baby daughter named Aubrey. Echols, who is originally from Alabama, moved to Hood County a couple of years ago because of her husband’s job. His name is Blair, and he’s a registered nurse. When Echols moved to town, Snow was working with another designer.
Megan Snow (left) and Leigh Ann Echols met when both attended Abilene Christian University. The friends are now the business partners behind Refresh Your Nest. They can put a fresh spin on a room simply by rearranging and mostly using items the client already owns. Snow is the daughter of the late Lori McGowen, who also was an interior designer. It was during a brainstorming lunch at Christina’s on the square that the two friends decided to go into business together, offering clients a fresh eye to an old look. Snow has a degree in interior design. Echols has a degree in marketing. It’s a perfect combination. “People just love what we’re doing,� Echols said. “Megan and I are just a good team. That friendship is there, and that
just makes the job that much more fun and enjoyable. It’s a dream job.� Snow stated: “I think it’s important for people to know that we just want to create a space that they are comfortable in and that they enjoy coming home to. “I think there are so many people who have a house that is just where they come and go. “We make it a complete space. We just bring it all together and bring life to it. You can enjoy your time at home so much more.� Q
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prime | fun and games
Where
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in the Hood
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Many longtime Hood County residents hold childhood memories here. Young elementary students attended classes in this building, built in 1935. The structure at 600 W. Pearl St. now serves as Granbury Independent School District administration offices.
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This 1939 building at 305 Oak Lane now serves as offices for the Tolar Independent School District administration. Until recently this was Tolar’s Elementary School building. At one time all of Tolar’s students were taught here or across the street where the Tolar Junior High building stands.
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Cresson started its school programs in a one-room schoolhouse just west of this site in 1890. A two-story frame structure replaced the original building and was used until 1918 when a larger red brick school was built. Fire destroyed the structure in 1930, and this schoolhouse was built in 1931. Students had to attend school in local churches until this yellow brick Mission-Style structure was completed. 16 | Prime | April 2015
Home to the Boys & Girls Club of Hood County, Decker Gym at 600 W. Bridge St. once was the epicenter of Granbury’s indoor athletic activities. Action-packed high school basketball games were played there from the 1950s to early 1970s.
Protect Seniors from Financial Abuse It’s unfortunate but true: The elderly population is targeted for financial abuse or exploitation. In fact, by some estimates, Tony Mobly, this type of targeted abuse AAMSÂŽ results in Edward Jones billions of dol- Financial Advisor lars in losses each year. If you have elderly parents, what signs should you watch for to determine their vulnerability? And what can you do to help protect your parents from being victimized? In regard to the first question — signs of vulnerability — the most important thing to watch for is your parents’ mental state. As you know, many people go through their entire lives with their faculties intact — but even if this is the case with your parents, you still may want to be on guard against them falling prey to unscrupulous operators. And if you have noticed your parents becoming forgetful, confused, overly agitated or showing any other signs of possibly diminished mental capacity, you may want to be particularly vigilant for the appearance of financial irregularities. If you don’t think your parents are, as yet, victims of fraud or abuse, you can take steps to help protect them. Most importantly, maintain constant communication with them and be aware of what’s going on in their lives. Also, consider the following actions: óóóoĂł!DVISEĂłPARENTSĂłONĂłPRECAUtionary measures. Suggest to your parents that they take several common-sense steps to avoid financial scams. For example, urge them to never give personal information over the phone or in response to emails. Since these types of requests are the most common methods used to perpetrate scams, encourage your parents to put all such solicitations — as well as requests for money — in the “trashâ€? folder. Also, ask your parents to remove paper mail promptly from their mailbox — resourceful identity
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thieves have been known to steal mail and extract key pieces of personal information from financial statements or correspondence from Social Security. And if your parents don’t already have a paper shredder, present one to them as a gift — and show them how to use it to delete old statements, credit card offers and similar documents. óóóoó#HECKóFORóLEGALóDOCUMENTS ó Your parents, like everyone, should have a will and a durable power of attorney. These documents will enable someone they trust implicitly to handle their finances if they can’t. Discussing these types of issues with your parents may not be easy — but it’s certainly important. óóóoó2EVIEWóPARENTSlóSITUATIONó regularly. Many parents are not comfortable sharing the specifics of their financial situation with their adult children. Yet, as much as you can, try to periodically review your parents’ insurance, banking and investment statements. These meetings give you good opportunities to look for irregularities or suspicious activities, such as significant changes in their spending patterns, unusual cash withdrawals or transfers from their bank accounts, or sudden transfers of assets to a relative or someone outside the family. óóóoó+NOWóTHEóPROFESSIONALS ó Your parents may not be totally at ease involving you with their financial and tax advisors. However, using your discretion, see if you can accompany your parents when they meet with their advisors. If these people are legitimate professionals, they will not object to your interest in your parents’ affairs — in fact, they should welcome it. Your parents have done a lot for you. You can help repay them by doing your part to help protect them from threats to their financial security. Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.
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Hospice Myths and Facts MYTH: Hospice means giving up hope. FACT: When faced with a terminal illness, many patients and family members tend to dwell on the imminent loss of life rather than on making the most of the life that remains. Hospice helps patients reclaim the spirit of life. It helps them understand that even though death can lead to sadness, anger and pain, it can also lead to opportunities for reminiscence, laughter, reunion and hope. MYTH: Hospice is just for the patient. FACT: Hospice focuses on comfort, dignity and emotional support. The quality of life for the patient, and also family members and other caregivers, is the highest priority.
MYTH: Hospice means that the patient will soon die. FACT: Receiving hospice care does not mean giving up hope, or that death is imminent. The earlier an individual receives hospice care, the more opportunity there is to stabilize a patient’s medical condition and support those who love and care for the patient. MYTH: You can’t keep your own doctor if you enter hospice. FACT: Hospice physicians work closely with your doctor of choice to develop a plan of care. If the patient does not have a primary care physician, hospice can provide medical services.
MYTH: A hospice patient can’t go to the hospital. FACT: A patient receiving hospice services may go to the hospital. MYTH: To be eligible for hospice Hospice should be notified prior to care, a patient must already transport so that we can notify the be bedridden. FACT: Hospice care is appropriate hospital billing office of the correct at the time of the terminal prognosis, way to submit the bill. This eliminates regardless of the patient’s physical the possibility of losing the hospice condition. Many of the patients benefit and allows hospice to served through hospice continue to determine if hospitalization is related lead productive and rewarding lives. to the terminal illness. However, Together, the patient, family and hospice care is directed toward physician determine when hospice maintaining the patient and keeping services should begin. them comfortable in his or her usual living arrangement.
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MARY VINSON | HOOD COUNTY NEWS
Youth softball, baseball and basketball players have been listening to Clint Bills for two decades, and one reason is he makes it clear that he cares about them more than he cares about the game itself. Bills said he knew when he was kid himself, coached by his father, that someday he’d be a longtime coach.
His kids are grown, but he’s still coaching youngsters. Why?
Because he loves it BY RICK MAUCH
A COURTESY
Clint Bills, shown coaching one of his players on base, loves coaching youths so much that after two decades he continues to do so even though his own children no longer play. 18 | Prime | April 2015
10-year-old girl at softball practice anxiously awaits for what will happen next. Still new at the game, she’s standing in right field, hoping a ball will get hit her way – and yet not so much. Then, suddenly, she sees the sphere flying through the air. “Oh, my gosh, it’s coming toward me,” the thought rushes to her mind. Did she catch it? Did she drop it? Does it matter? Not to her coach, Clint Bills. Either way, he’s glad she’s playing and even more happy that he’s getting to help her experience a new thrill in life. Bills has enjoyed success coaching youngsters in baseball, softball and basketball over two decades. But his definition of success isn’t championships – of which he has plenty.
TWICE AS MUCH BACK “I give a lot, but I get twice as much back, the personal reward you get from seeing these kids enjoy something and get better. There’s a lot of joy in that,” said Bills, who currently coaches the Diamondback Under-10 girls softball team in the Granbury Athletic Association (GAA). Over a couple of decades, Bills has coached plenty of young players. He recalls young girls frightened and thrilled at the same time, as they entered the world of competitive softball. “It was the third practice of their entire life, and yet on Saturday they’ve got to play a game for the first time,” said Bills. In fact, the 47-year-old Bills loves coaching and working with kids so much that though his children are no longer playing, he still looks forward to every practice and every game with his team. His son, Ben, is a junior at Granbury High and plays football. His daughters go to Baccus Elementary – fifth-grader Madison and
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MARY VINSON | HOOD COUNTY NEWS
Clint Bills give some advice to one of his players in a recent girls softball game for the Granbury Athletic Association. Bills, 47, has been coaching for two decades third-grader Peyton. They entered competitive cheer this year. And while he works tirelessly to be at every one of their events, he also works tirelessly as a coach and member of the GAA board of directors. Much like raising his own children, he’s helping youngsters grow in sports. Bills said his devotion to coaching goes back to his days as a youth when he was coached by his father. He realized the impact of his father’s words when he (Bills) started coaching his stepdaughter in Tball in Burleson in 1995. “I did know I’d keep doing it, and the reason why is my dad coached me. I grew up in Alvarado and he coached me in peewee football and baseball,” said Bills. “He always told me that was the funnest years of his life, and my experiences concur with that completely. “There is nothing better than being on a ballfield on a sunny spring day with a bunch of kids. And it’s rewarding when you’re out at a restaurant and some kid tugs your shirt tail and says, ‘Hey coach, I want to give you a big hug.’” Granted, there is some juggling that goes on in Bills’ life. One of the first things he did, for example, was check the game schedule to see if he can make his daughters’ cheer competition regularly. He can. 20| Prime | April 2015
and has no plans to quit anytime soon, even though all of his children no longer play.
| FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME -- AND KIDS WHO: Clint Bills. WHAT: The 47-year-old has been coaching youth baseball, softball and basketball for two decades.
Bills said his own experiences have now proven that to be true for him as well. He began by coaching his daughter in 1995, and even though his own kids don’t play anymore, he continues to coach.
WHY: When he was a youngster, his father was a coach and told him that it was the “funnest years of his life.”
REWARD: “It keeps me young,” he said.
“Fortunately, looking at my daughters’ schedules, there’s no overlap, so I can coach my team and get to their competition,” he said.
continue doing so for at least a few more years. “I get something back. I’m at a point that I have something to give, and I enjoy sharing it,” he said. “I can help these kids get better. I’ve got bonds with these kids and these parents. I don’t do it because I have an obligation. I do it because I get great joy. “It keeps me young. I just really love working with these kids.” How much longer does he see himself coaching? “I see myself doing this for at least four more years. That sees this group of girls through the system,” Bills said. “After that, maybe I’ll help some friends, maybe step down as a head coach and be an assistant coach.” In other words, he sees no end in sight. Q
NO. 1: HAVE FUN While Bills loves working with the kids, for him to stay around two decades, they must obviously love working with him as well. He credits much of that to his team goals, which are the same every year: 1. Have fun. 2. Each week get a little better. 3. Win some games along the way. “I promise you if you do number one and two really, number three will happen,” he tells each of his teams. Oh, and he’s also coached five softball teams and three baseball teams to city championships. But those are secondary to the real reason he coaches and plans to
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Carl Ray
Carl Ray is Johnny-on-the-spot with drink refills, extra napkins or a fork. He began working the lunch run at Chick-fil-A after he volunteered to clean tables more than two years ago.
Granbury
arl Ray and his bride of 60 years, Melba, visited the Granbury Chickfil-A a couple of years back on a busy day. “It was so busy, they couldn’t keep up with cleaning the tables,” Ray said. “I volunteered to help them out. I told them that I would help clean tables if they would give me a rag.” Management appreciated his effort. A short time later Ray was hired to clear tables during the busy lunch run.
C
As a people person, interaction with the customer comes naturally for the man known by many as Mr. Ray. He’s always on the lookout for new customers and often provides a little treat for newbies. “I try to treat people like they are somebody important,” Ray said. “I can usually read people, and can tell when they are troubled or not having a good day. If I can make you smile or laugh, it helps lighten things up.”
FAMILIAR FACE
MR. EVERYTHING
For a little more than two years, Ray has been a familiar face at Granbury’s Chickfil-A. Acting as a host/gopher, the friendly man brings drink refills, extra napkins, forks and condiments to customers.
Ray and Melba moved from Brady to the Lake Granbury neighborhood of Hideaway Bay in 2007. “I’ve never had a job I didn’t like,” a smiling Ray said.
22| Prime | April 2015
He’s been a farmer, worked for a company dealing with credit reports and did route sales for Rainbow Bread and Owens sausage. He’s been a Sheetrock contractor and was a handyman doing carpentry and repair work before he retired. Ray can be found at his part-time gig from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. - except on Tuesdays. “That’s my day to do yard work at home,” he said. The Rays have two daughters, one living here and the other in Austin. They have six grandsons and one granddaughter, eight great-grandchildren and two more on the way. Q -Text by Debbie Schneider -Photo by Mary Vinson
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Plans to Scan
Jane Adams shows her friend Ruth Bagby a horse figurine that she found at a recent estate sale.
TEXT BY MARK WILSON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY VINSON
F
or some people, there’s a lot more to garage sale browsing than searching for Beanie Babies or bar stools. Jane Adams only goes to garage sales on special occasions. “Whenever I see a sign,” the Granbury Realtor joked. But Adams isn’t a compulsive shopper. She has a plan in mind for what she finds. Adams often searches garage sales for artwork and other decorative items she 24| Prime | April 2015
uses to enhance homes for sale. “If I have time, I pull in (to garage sales),” said Adams, who often goes with her assistant, Ruth Bagby. “It doesn’t take me long to see if they have anything that might work.
homes) already have, or make it look more like a model home. “You would be surprised what you can get. Plus, I’m the world’s greatest negotiator. I never pay full price for anything. “It has to be really inexpensive and nice. You can’t spend a lot of money on things.” Adams said she just completed staging a plain home by bringing multiple items. When buying garage sale items for herself, Adams said she’s not a collector of anything in particular – although she is partial to original Western art. “But I look for valuable things that are way underpriced,” she said. She recently went to an estate sale and got a signed and numbered print that was done by the nation’s No. 1 Western
Garage sales spark interest “I’m a shopper. I was born to shop. Finding something of value that’s a bargain – I love it. It’s the thrill of the hunt.” She said it’s called “staging.” “I’m really big on lamps,” Adams said. “What I’m doing is enhancing what (the
art tinsel artist. “It’s probably worth $1,000,” Adams said. “I paid $250.” Among the established garage sale locations, Adams noted that she enjoys the ones in Pecan Plantation, deCordova and Laguna Tres.
RETIRED TEACHER Jane Graver, a retired preschool teacher, has been a garage sale shopper for many years. She often goes with her daughter, Shelly March. “I’m looking mainly for things we can do with arts and crafts,” Graver said. “You never know who’s going to buy what.” Graver said she will often look for jewelry – for some of the key “parts.” “I’m looking for costume jewelry, to break apart the necklaces to get the beads,” Graver said. Graver is an active collector. “I have a big collection of spoons. I have them from all over. My son (Lee Graver) also travels to different states and countries. He brings me back a spoon from different places. “I also collect Garfield things. I don’t sell those.” Graver said that her daughter shops at garage sales for material to make clothes for American Girl dolls. The clothing for those dolls can be expensive, according to Graver. Q
Jane Adams displays a bright smile despite rainy weather during one of her outings searching for hidden treasures at garage sales. This one was an estate sale at a residence in Laguna Tres, off Weatherford Highway north of Granbury.
Jane Adams examines a basket of artificial flowers as she sifts through items at a recent estate sale in the Laguna Tres subdivision. In her occupation as a Realtor, she searches for items to buy that can improve the overall look of some properties.
| THINGS TO AVOID BUYING
| FINDS TO SNAP UP
Q Helmets
Q Large furniture
Q Child car seats
Q Home office supplies
Q Tires
Q Art
Q Wetsuits, swimsuits
Q Brooches
Q Mattresses
Q Jewelry
Q Cribs
Q Kitchenware
Q Laptops or other devices
Q Ice cream makers
Q Televisions
Q Jackets
Q Shoes
Q Tools
Q Sheets, pillowcases
Q Silverware
Q Baby bottles
Q Frames
Q Worn plates, pots, other cookware
Q Bicycles, scooters
Q DVDs, CDs, VHS tapes
Q Bike accessories
Q Upholstered furniture
Q Children’s formal clothes
Q Clothes that require a tailored fit
Q Plastic, wooden toys
Q Video games
Q Baby gear
Q Fragrance or makeup
Q Exercise equipment
Q Stuffed animals
Q Fishing rods
Q Blenders, other kitchen electronics
Q Winter sports equipment
Q Running shoes
Q Books
Q Hats
Source: Readers Digest online (www.rd.com)
Source: Readers Digest online (www.rd.com)
April 2015 | Prime | 25
Alaska COURTESY
Alaska, also known as the Last Great Frontier, is a popular vacation spot for Texans. Rita Paul of Paul’s Cruises suggests taking in a land trip be-
fore embarking on a cruise. Alaska vacation season begins in late May and runs through the second week of September.
A popular frontier for adventurous Texans TEXT BY RICK MAUCH
T
exans, by nature, are always looking for a new adventure. And, as the famous slogan says, they do things in a big way. So when it comes to traveling outside this big, glorious state, what other place can provide the excitement and breathtaking beauty Texans are used to? Alaska, of course. “Texans love Alaska, especially the older group,” said Rita Paul, owner (with husband Tom) of Paul’s Cruises in Fort Worth. “It’s the last great frontier, and Texans are adventurous. Alaskans are a lot like, adventurous.” Alaska is a popular summer destination. “We’ve been selling Alaska for over a year now for people who are going to travel this summer.” Rita and Tom are perfect examples of the people to whom they sell these special journeys. They have been to Alaska 101 times over 35 years and can’t wait for trip No. 102 in the near future. “I could never tire of Alaska,” Rita said.
26| Prime | April 2015
And men, especially, love Alaska, she said. “I guess it goes back to that adventure thing, but men always just love going to Alaska.” While seeing Alaska from a cruise ship is in itself an extraordinary experience, to get the absolute most out of the trip – and your dollar – Rita recommends taking a land tour of Alaska as well. “We encourage people to take a land tour and then a seven-day cruise,” she said. “You can take in Denali (National Park), Mount McKinley, Fairbanks and then see the beauty of everything from the water.” The Alaska travel season begins in late May and goes strong through the second week of September, she said. During that time, her clientele includes a good contingent from Hood County. “Every year we do a show at the Hilton Conference Center,” she said. “We attract a lot of people from Hood County.” Going to Alaska is not cheap, but it is certainly worth every penny, Rita said. The cruise itself is typically in the neighborhood of $700 to $1,000 per person, she
said, but the airfare, that’s another matter. When all is tallied, an Alaskan cruise is usually in the price range of a couple thousand dollars per person. But remember, it IS a cruise, and with that comes food, entertainment and lots to see. “A cruise is a really good buy,” Rita said. However, for those who can’t yet afford to visit Alaska, or younger folks who simply want somewhere sunnier, Rita said the Caribbean is always a popular trip. She said driving to Houston or Galveston and taking a cruise ship has always been near the top of the list of getaway places. “Some people can’t afford Alaska, and some just want the fun and sun, so this is more for them,” she said. “A lot of honeymooners love to go on these because they’re much less expensive, usually about $500-$600 per person.” And, when she says cruises are for everyone, she means everyone. “A guy had just gotten a divorce, and he and his buddy went on a Carnival cruise,” Rita said. “He wasn’t sure about going, but his friend talked him into it. He came back after and said, ‘Book us again. That was great.’” Q
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3
Linda Kunzman loves to get together with her friends and make things for her home and garden. She is pictured with a menu board she made out of an old cabinet door. Kunzman
Simple recipes for a backyard evening
TEXT BY NANCY PRICER PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY VINSON
I
f you knock on the front door of the home of Linda and Ken Kunzman, you might not get an answer. Just go around to the back and you’ll likely find them laughing with good friends. You’ll enjoy a good view and good food off the grill. Friends entering the back patio are greeted by what Linda refers to as her “Garden Goddesses.” The “Garden Goddesses” are clay and rock busts of women with planters on tops of the heads. Linda selected plants that hang down, resembling hair. She donned them with necklaces and sunglasses just for fun. The retired couple live on a quiet cul-de-sac in Pecan Plantation and spend much of their time enjoying a
28| Prime | April 2015
and a group of friends met at a shop in Denton for a class on transforming a cabinet door into something fun and functional. They all went home with a menu board they created.
600-square-foot covered back patio. The patio is a perfect place to take in the Kunzman garden. A creative sort, Linda loves to garden and blend her whimsical taste with a wide array of plants thriving in her yard. The clever “Garden Goddesses” planters are a conversation starter, but for those visiting the Kunzmans, conversation starters are not necessary. The Kunzmans’ sincere love of sharing their back patio with family and friends is evident by their hospitality. On a recent spring evening, the Kunzmans invited their good friends and neighbors, Karolyn and David Morrow and Janie and David Narducci. Laughter and food flowed throughout the evening. The Kunzmans served their guests a simple, yet elegant, meal perfect for leaving plenty of time for relaxing and telling stories. Q
Ken and Linda Kunzman are both retired but busier than ever. They spend much of their time together on projects around their home such as remodeling and gardening. They also love to entertain.
good friends, good food, good times | DARK MOLTEN LAVA CAKES 4 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips ½ cup butter 1 cup powdered sugar 2 eggs 2 egg yolks 6 tablespoons flour Directions Q Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Q Spray four small (6- to 8-ounce) ramekin
dishes with cooking spray and place on a baking sheet. Set aside. Q In a small microwave safe bowl, combine butter and chocolate and melt in 30-second increments, stirring between each increment until chocolate and butter are combined and smooth. Q Add powdered sugar and stir in evenly. Q Add eggs and egg yolks and beat in until well combined. Q Stir in flour until thoroughly combined.
Q Pour and distribute batter evenly in the four prepared ramekin dishes. Q Bake at 425 degrees for 12 to 13 minutes until edges are firm and center is soft, but not super jiggly. Q Let cool for 2 minutes. Using a knife, gently pull cake away from the edges then invert onto plate or serving dish. Q Serve with dusted powdered sugar, ice cream, magic shell or however desired. No matter how you want to eat it, serve immediately.
| CONTINENTAL BURGERS Lean ground beef Sweet white onion Fresh button mushrooms Cheddar cheese, shredded Butter Directions Q Chop onions and mushrooms. Sauté in butter. Q Make a thin burger patty, pile on the mushrooms, onions and cheese, leaving an edge. Q Top with another thin burger patty and pinch the edges together. Q Grill to your liking.
| SPINACH SALAD Fresh baby spinach Strawberries, cut in quarters Almonds, slivered Red onion, chopped Crumbled feta cheese Crispy bacon pieces Poppyseed dressing Ken Kunzman has a grill with a view as he grills continental burgers while visiting with guests on his back patio. The burgers, served without a bun, are stuffed with onions, mushrooms and cheese.
Directions Q Toss all ingredients together just before serving.
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Turn For The Best MARTIN LISIUS / TEMPEST TOURS
A group of storm followers with Tempest Tours observes an impressive super cell in Oklahoma, which produced a tornado. Local volunteer storm spotters use
ham radios to communicate information that is relayed to the National Weather Service when tornadoes and other severe weather events threaten.
Father’s decision may have saved family from deadly tornado TEXT BY MARK WILSON
E
ight-year-old Clayton Dunnihoo and his family huddled in his grandmother’s storm cellar to escape the tornado. They survived, but the twister lifted his family’s home seven miles away. The unpainted wooden farm house where he lived with his parents, 7 miles southeast of Shattock, Oklahoma, was lifted off its foundation. It dropped back down – off kilter. The roof was torn off, and rain poured in. Half of their chickens were killed. The other half were staggering around, covered in mud and goofier than ever, after their coop slammed against the side of the house. Although he can’t remember the sound of the tornado or how the clouds appeared, Dunnihoo recalls many details of 30| Prime | April 2015
the awful aftermath on April 9, 1947 – two days before his birthday. “I remember my aunt saying, ‘What a birthday present,” he said. “It’s just like it happened yesterday.” While they were in the cellar, the tornado lifted a 20-by-30 wooden grainery and dropped it onto his father’s pickup. The grainery splintered into pieces, and the roof on the driver’s side of the pickup was smashed almost to the steering wheel. Flashes of the scene were visible with each lightning strike as Dunnihoo’s dad took a peek out of the cellar after the tornado passed through. “My dad looked out and said, ‘My truck looks funny,’” said Dunnihoo, who was in the second grade. That wasn’t the worst of it, though. Dunnihoo said that tornado “completely disintegrated” nearby Higgins, Oklahoma, a town of about 60 residents at that time.
The tornado then went on to cause multiple fatalities 30 miles away in Woodward, Oklahoma.
STORM COMING The family had been heading to midweek church service, but Dunnihoo’s father saw the coming storm and turned onto the road to his mother’s home. Thus, they were spared from the fate of their chickens. “I guess we were just lucky,” Dunnihoo said. “Who knows what was flying around in there.” The family dog, which had been put away in the house’s crawlspace before they left, apparently escaped just as the house was lifted by the tornado. He was found in the yard – uninjured. Dunnihoo’s father, being a resourceful farmer of the post-war era, put a new roof on the house.
‘I’ve always had a lot of interest in storms. I grew up in Kansas dead-center of Tornado Alley.’ Jeff Cashman
MARY VINSON | HOOD COUNTY NEWS
Clayton Dunnihoo, a longtime volunteer storm spotter who lives in Bentwater Estates, was 8 years old when a tornado struck his family’s home in Oklahoma Somehow, using his Caterpillar farm tractor, he managed to nudge the house back onto its foundation – one corner at a time. “That farm has been hit two more times,” said Dunnihoo, a Bentwater Estates resident who gives ham radio licensing tests to those interested in being storm spotters. “I know what weather can do,” Dunnihoo said. Dunnihoo, 75, has a great location to use while spotting at his home, northeast of Granbury. “I usually stay on the back porch,” he said. “I can see 270 degrees. It’s a pretty good observation spot.” Dunnihoo said he was unable to see the tornado that devastated Rancho Brazos near Granbury on May 15, 2013, killing six and injuring dozens. “I wasn’t in a good position to see that one that hit here,” Dunnihoo said. “It was probably shrouded in rain.”
THE ORGANIZER Storm chasers generally travel in a vehicle to get a better vantage point near the storm or tornado for scientific or photographic reasons. Many storm spotters stay in one spot so they can report sightings as soon as possible. Jeff Cashman is the point man for Hood County’s severe weather spotters. He took on the organizer role last year,but has no
and also damaged his father’s pickup truck. Fortunately, he and his family were in his grandmother’s storm cellar when the storm passed through.
official title. “I stepped up and said I’ll be in charge,” Cashman said. “It’s just making sure we’ve got spotters available.” “I’ve always had a lot of interest in storms,” the 49-year-old Cashman said. “I grew up in Kansas – dead-center of Tornado Alley.” Cashman collects information sent in via ham radio from storm spotters in the field. He relays the reports to the National Weather Service Office in Fort Worth. For the spotters who remain mobile during storms, he makes sure “somebody doesn’t end up on the wrong end of the storm.” Cashman said it’s “kind of like air traffic control.” While the National Weather Service’s
radar is useful, Cashman noted that the total picture provided by the spotters gives what’s called the “ground truth” – to compare against the radar. “That can speed up warnings,” Cashman said. At the start of the spring storm season, there were about a dozen active spotters in Hood County. Cashman said he would like to have at least 15. “The thing is, you’ll never have 100 percent,” Cashman said. “It’s always better to have more than less.” Anyone interested in becoming a storm spotter can email Cashman at wb5jc@yahoo.com. If you have studied and are ready to take a ham radio licensing test, call Dunnihoo at 817-573-2960, or email him (clayton.dunnihoo@pragmadesign.com). Q
SKYWARN Storm Spotter Program Q The National Weather Service (NWS) created the SKYWARN Storm Spotter Program to improve weather warning accuracy and efficiency. Q The NWS needs real-time reports about hail size, wind damage, flash flooding, heavy rain and tornadoes to warn the public of dangerous weather. Q Advancing technology allows the NWS to issue warnings with more lead time, but
spotters will always be needed as links between radar indications of severe weather and what is known as “ground truth.” Q Storm spotter volunteers serve the NWS and local emergency management programs and generally have two key characteristics – an interest in the weather and a desire to serve their community. Source: The National Weather Service
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