Lake Granbury Living - Winter 2015

COMPLIMENTA RY | W INTER 2015

Through the Looking Glass A little more than two decades ago, Ty and Tracie had a goal to build the kind of life they dreamed about in a small town, where an old house creaks a little, where friends can become family, a place where you always want to be.

Hometown Li v ing At Its Best

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2016 SEASON OF SHOWS Little Shop of Horrors Feb. 19 – March 20

The Marvelous Wonderettes April 1 – May 1

Hello Dolly May 13 – June 12

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Singin’ in the Rain

Friday at 7:30pm Saturday at 2:00pm / 7:30pm Sunday at 2:00pm

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June 24 – July 24 Sept. 30 – Oct. 30

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The Gospel Side of Elvis starring The Blackwoods Quartet

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Neil Diamond Tribute starring Conner Lorre

Happily Ever Laughter starring Carey & Dena Dyer

Johnny Cash Tribute starring Terry Lee Goffee

Gary Morris Live in Concert

May 6th & 7th - 7:30pm

July 29th & 30th - 7:30pm

Eagles Tribute starring The Long Run Band from Colorado September 16th - 7:30pm September 17th - 2:00pm & 7:30pm

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Signs of a heart attack are rarely this obvious.

During a heart attack, every minute matters.

So, know the warning signs. If you experience them, call 911. And count on the Nationally Accredited Chest Pain Center at Lake Granbury Medical Center for emergency heart care.

Nationally Accredited Chest Pain Center

contents 10

Jon Gilliam: A player on the field, a coach in life

In January 1967, as a captain of the Chiefs, he and his teammates lined up across from Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers before almost 62,000 spectators at Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles.

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Through the Looking Glass

A little more than two decades ago Ty and Tracie had a goal to build the kind of life they dreamed about in a small town, where an old house creaks a little, where friends can become family, a place where you always want to be.

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Would You Like to Reboot?

Not unlike your computer, your brain stores information and processes your memories.

And like your computer, if your brain shuts down, it can be difficult to recover your hard drive. QNRT may be the answer.

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True Grit

Granbury’s John Wayne exemplifies the “True Grit” of a self-made man like the legendary movie persona. The more I heard, the more I could envision the pioneering spirit that settled the West.

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Walls That Talk

In our instant, throw-it-away or bulldoze-it world, it seems that historical restoration is a lost art. This house in particular, known as the President’s House, yields secrets of the past—one board, nail, and layer at a time.

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About The Cover

Ty and Tracie Harper pictured at their eclectic Granbury home

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Derby Girls

In the early 2000s, in our state’s own capital, roller derby experienced a renaissance. It was during this time that the sport’s campy style and reputation to attract rad women was affirmed. As fate would have it, our little Granbury is a part of this global phenomenon.

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Drama Queen

The Opera House in Granbury still strives to have the best of everything, which made Shannah Rae’s pursuit of excellence a perfect fit to become an important part of Texas theater history.

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Inspiring Innovation and Excellence

While the classic box of eight crayons may be procured for $2 or less, the requirements to keep up in our rapidly changing and advancing technology age where even elementary students need to be technologically literate is a bit pricier.

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Paluxy River Children’s Advocacy Center: Putting the fun in fundraising

If you consider combatting child abuse you don’t normally think of 5K color runs filled with laughter, designer dream playhouses and dog house raffles, but the Paluxy River CAC is making a name for itself through these fun and innovative fundraisers.

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in every issue Hometown Happenings

Throughout this issue take a glimpse inside a few of the exciting events recently held in and around Granbury.

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Hometown Bundles of Joy

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Welcoming Hood County’s newest residents.

Green sauce, from curry to avocado to poblano to a sweet chili, Granbury is covered in some of the most delicious I’ve had.

Take a look at a few more of the reasons why we think Granbury is a beautiful place to live.

Diners, Driveby & Dives: Green sauce with envy!

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Scenes of Granbury

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Hometown Living At Its Best

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The field is ready! of Granbury

Play.

Volunteer.

Sponsor.

www.MiracleLeagueOfGranbury.com

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11/18/15 8:01 AM

FROM THE PUBLISHER

PUBLISHER

enVision Publishing

EXECUTIVE EDITOR |

ART DIRECTOR

MANAGING EDITOR

WINTER TRADITIONS. Winter in Granbury is magical. The weather can be unpredictable, but the promise of a few things always make it feel like winter. The lights strung from courthouse clocktower, the sparkle of lights through the park, the huge Christmas trees that adorn the corners of the square, the soft frosts in the mornings and the steam from the lake as it turns cold. All promises that winter has arrived. These thoughts make me think of traditions and family. Traditions that I once had, and some traditions that I still carry on. I love traditions.

I love the excitement of knowing what’s to come, the expectation of joy and sharing that joy with my family, friends, and community.

As I write this, I realize that even this letter has become a tradition for me, and Lake Granbury Living brings an expectation of joy.

Each issue lights up the community with its stories and I love to see it sparkle on the tables of homes and businesses around town.

Lake Granbury Living has graduated from an adventure in business to a tradition in my heart. Thank you for reaching out to us and letting us know the joy it brings, and thank you to our advertisers for seeing it’s magic.

Thank you as always to the team that makes this happen, and to my family who makes having traditions all worth it. I truly feel humbled to be a part of something so wonderful, and I don’t take for granted this beautiful joy in life as well as the ability to do it again and again.

As we close our pages on 2015, I hope you will join us in the celebration of 2016 with the events, stories, and traditions of Lake Granbury Living. We have so much in store for the future it fills my heart with excitement.

Check out our website or follow us on Facebook for the latest.

Wishing you many blessings,

Amy Wade Winters (817) 330-9015 info@lglmagazine.com www.lglmagazine.com

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DIRECTOR OF

ADS + MARKETING

Amy Wade Winters Melissa McGavock Kelly A. Lindner

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Dawn Skinner

Stevo Torres

COPY EDITORS

enVision Publishing

CREATIVE | DESIGN

enVision Creative Services

CONTRIBUTING

WRITERS

Andra Mayberry

Claire Wilkison

James Hamilton

Jan Brand

Jonathan Hooper

Julie A. Lyssy

Martha Helton

Melissa McGavock

Peggy Purser Freeman

JKR Hamilton

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Dawn Skinner

Fat Cow Studio

Jennifer Kochis

Landi Whitefield Photography

Misti White Photography

Shad Ramsey of Red Door Photography

Stevo Torres

Ty and Tracie Harper by Stevo Torres

COVER PHOTO

Lake Granbury Living© is published by enVision Publishing, LLC. www.lglmagazine.com 201 East Pearl Street, B-102 | Granbury, TX 76048 (817) 330-9015 All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher.

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: m a i l l i Jon G A player on the field, a coach in life.

By James Hamilton | Photography by Shad Ramsey of Red Door Photography

Jon Gilliam, who played in the first Super Bowl, is now scoring touchdowns in the game of life.

In late summer 2015, the Kansas City Chiefs hosted a reunion of their former players who had taken the team to the Super Bowl.

Granbury resident Jon Gilliam and his wife, Becki, attended as representatives of the Chiefs’ appearance in Super Bowl I in 1967.

“Of the guys I played with, a third were there. Another third was too sick or frail to attend. The other third was dead,” Gilliam said.

Jon Gilliam strikes a somber note, but moves along. “This is the season of my life. It’s fall. Colors are changing, but we’re walking along together,” he says and smiles at Becki.

The striking couple smile often over glasses of iced tea. Like most, they have seen life’s challenges, but have chosen to face them through faith and courage.

His old boss, Kansas City Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt, asked many things of his players and one of those things has stayed with Gilliam to this day: “We always want to win, but we will win with character.”

Google “Jon Ray Gilliam” and images of long ago football cards featuring a smiling young man with strong features will fill the screen. Today, at 77, Gilliam is no longer a young man, but he carries himself with the same pride that leaps from those football cards.

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He started with the Dallas Texans and Coach Hank Stram in 1961. He was an American Football League all-star during that first season and he moved with the Texans, Hunt, and Stram when the team became the Kansas City Chiefs in 1963. His best friend and roommate throughout this time was quarterback Len Dawson.

In January 1967, as a captain of the Chiefs, he and his teammates lined up across from Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers before almost 62,000 spectators at Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles. Tickets for the first championship game sold for $12.00.

The Sports Illustrated cover from February 2, 2004 features Gilliam and his co-captain, Jerry Mays, meeting Green Bay’s Willie Davis and Bob Skoronski at the fift y yard line for the coin toss for the very first Super Bowl in 1967.

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“Walking out onto the field that day was an amazing privilege.

I’ll never forget the sounds of the crowd and the referee, Norm Schachter, giving instructions about the coin toss. I played lots of games, but it was special to be at this one.”

“It was 37 years late, but I still made the cover,” Gilliam smiled.

“Walking out onto the field that day was an amazing privilege. I’ll never forget the sounds of the crowd and the referee, Norm Schachter, giving instructions about the coin toss. I played lots of games, but it was special to be at this one.”

The first Super Bowl really wasn’t “Super”. While it was officially the world championship game between the American Football League and National Football League champions, the “Super Bowl” name wasn’t used until Super Bowl III in 1969. Sports fans applied the “Super Bowl” name retroactively to the first two championship games.

Coming into the first championship, the NFL had forty years’ seniority on the relatively new AFL. The NFL’s Green Bay Packers were expected to clobber the Chiefs and Green Bay coach, Vince Lombardi, felt honor-bound to make the NFL proud.

He didn’t disappoint.

“Anywhere you went on the field, you could hear Lombardi,” Gilliam recalls. “He had quite a voice.”

The first half was a fairly even contest between the two teams. Kansas City scored ten points in the second quarter and held Green Bay to just 14 points. After the half, though, Lombardi’s Packers scored 21 points that went unanswered by the Chiefs. Final score: 35-10

As a boy, Jon Gilliam wanted to achieve two things: He wanted to be a cowboy with a ranch and some cattle.

He also wanted to play football.

He first fell in love with the game at Dallas’ Hillcrest High School in the early 1950s.

“I wanted to play football, but I had no training. I was a loner, too. I worked hard to build myself up so I could compete with the bigger guys,” he says. “All through high school, college, and even as a pro, I was just trying to get as good as the other guys.”

“I always wanted to get the best out of me that I could,” he says. His plan worked. Of the 76 professional games he played in his career, he started in 70.

Back in the 1950s, athletes didn’t lift weights to build muscle. “I did push-ups and I was also a boxer in high school,” Gilliam recalls. But between his junior and senior years in high school, he found the perfect way to put on muscle: he worked in the west Texas oil fields.

“During all my years in pro football, I only weighed 245. I was one of the lightest players on the team. Today, the guys are faster and larger,” he says.

Size may have been an issue, but there were other advantages to playing during the game’s golden days.

“As a team, we loved each other,” he says thoughtfully.

“And we loved the game.”

He pauses.

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He wanted to play longer, but injuries forced him to retire after seven seasons.

“I still love the game,” he says.

And in a quieter voice, he whispers, “Even today, I want to be called Coach Gilliam.”

After leaving the Chiefs, Gilliam worked with his father for a time before circumstances forced him to declare bankruptcy. Ever the hard worker, though, he delivered the Dallas Morning News, worked in a convenience store, and sold insurance before getting back on his feet financially. Today’s he’s retired from the financial services industry.

The turning point in Gilliam’s life, he says, came in 1987.

“I turned my life over to Christ,” he recalls.

He also met his wife, Becki, at church in Dallas.

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“She won’t let me get away with anything,” he grins.

After living in communities around north Texas, the two moved to Granbury a couple years ago to be closer to Becki’s family.

It was a necessary decision. Gilliam was diagnosed with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease a few years ago and the couple wanted to retire somewhere with family, good medical care, and a caring community. They found all of that in Granbury.

“I don’t really fear Alzheimer’s,” Gilliam says. “It’s another thing I’m trying to do well. It’s better to walk through it than to be afraid.”

The Gilliams have found a loving community at Stonewater Church. Together, Jon and Becki are working with other members on a program that will help the church prepare for its financial future.

“We love the people we’ve met here,” Becki says. “And Jon has found a place to coach.”

Gilliam looks a little shy.

“Getting involved in the church, these men have started looking up to me,” he says quietly. “I don’t want them to do that.”

As it happens, though, the men of Stonewater wouldn’t have it any other way. Gilliam coaches many of them and helps them with financial management issues.

“I’ve been mentoring a young man who moved to another state,” Gilliam smiles. “He came all the way back just to thank me.”

Perhaps the position he played on the football field has something to do with this, too. As an offensive lineman, Gilliam helped protect the quarterback, of course, but

he also worked to provide balance and focus to the other linemen. As the team’s center, Gilliam’s actions often determined the success of the Chief’s offense.

“I’m still friends with those guys,” Gilliam said. “At the reunion, they came up and hugged me around the neck.”

He made a difference in their lives.

“Those hugs made it all worth it,” he remembers.

We humans have a need, at times, to look back on our lives and find purpose and meaning in the things that we live through. As Jon Gilliam considers the life he’s lived and the life that’s still ahead.

“As long as I can keep telling my story about what the Lord is doing in my life, I will.”

Hometown Living At Its Best

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FIT FEST 2016

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Through the Looking Glass

by Jonathan Hooper | Photography by Stevo Torres

A little more than two decades ago Ty and Tracie had a goal to build the kind of life they dreamed about in a small town, where an old house creaks a little... where

friends

can

become

family‌

a place where you always want to be.

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From The Inside Out From the street it looks like a fledgling small business in a dubiously unfortunate side street location, complete with a haphazard parking lot disguised as a basketball court. Oddly enough, it is. Or at least once was. Now it is where she parks her car, provided she gets there first, and isn’t cruising Granbury in her 1973 Cadillac convertible, “Ruby Louise,” on date night.

If you think that paragraph was unorthodox, just step inside this house!

Built in 1947, this unassuming and former two bedroom, one bath frame house sits on what used to be the edge of town, but is now firmly in the downtown historic district. What began as a home, then became a real estate office, then rental property, since 1995 has been the home of Ty and Tracie Harper, and their whimsical collection of eclectic art, music, and unique Texas hospitality.

“These antiques and whimsical art pieces are things we really like,” says Tracie. “If there is a theme to all of this, it is that we just like it. We don’t care much where 20

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they come from, or what they cost, or even if they match the item next to them. But they all have a story, and we know the story behind all of them—except this little French clock. I need to get that on Antique Roadshow to see if it’s worth anything! But either way, I like it.”

Tempo Change The Harpers grew up in North Richland Hills, went to high school together at Richland High School, but as that community became more urban and less neighborhood-friendly, they wanted to raise their sons in the environment of a small town; where the boys could go to school with the same kids from kindergarten through high school. It had to be close enough to Fort Worth for Ty’s job with Minyard’s, and it had to be an old house. “No cookie-cutter tract housing for us.” They knew the historical Murphy home and Granbury was for the right fit for them the minute they walked inside. As often happens, they became involved in the community and schools through their sons’ activities, and believe the move to Granbury was the pivotal decision in their lives.

What began as a home, then became a real estate office, then rental property, since 1995 has been the home of Ty and Tracie Harper, and their whimsical collection of eclectic art, music, and unique Texas hospitality.

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Home Is Safe “This is our family motto. We try to create a place where people want to be and provide an atmosphere of laughter and music.” From the time the front door opens onto the mid-century entry way, this unassuming house turns into a living showcase that reveals the nature of the inhabitants and their lives. The original hardwood floors are still there and have never been refinished.

“We have two boys that grew up inside this house and on these floors. And so did most of their friends. We didn’t have time to sand them and all of that—we were too busy living on these floors.” Now that their two sons, Nic and Dillon, are grown and moved away pursuing careers in music and art, the Harpers still prefer the unrefurbished hardwood for the warm authentic look of the worn wood.

Ty and Tracie each took over the boys’ bedrooms to use as their own offices. These two rooms offer a view into who they are as individuals apart from their mutually collective union. A peek into Tracie’s office is like sticking your head inside a kaleidoscope—deep colors 22

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We have two boys that grew up inside this house and on these floors. And so did most of their friends. We didn’t have time to sand them and all of that-we were too busy living on these floors.

burst from all over the room. There is nothing subdued or subtle on these walls! Ty’s room is the prototype for a guitar lover—one wall is dedicated to dozens of guitars, while guitar necks, bodies, and hardware live in boxes—and out of boxes—on the floor. In his wry humor, Ty smiles and says, “Tracie says I have to clean this up before the photographer comes,” all the while slightly shaking his head.

The master bedroom suite was added in 1954, along with the second living area. It continues with the diverse decorating scheme: a vast collection of men’s hats on a 100-year old armoire next to mid-century modern lamps, and so on. Then, there are the doors.

“These doors came from the rest rooms in the courthouse when they did the renovation a few years ago. We left the MEN and WOMEN signs on them, which of course don’t actually mean anything here, but there they are!”

The hall bathroom has “new” tiles on the walls—a result of the 1954 remodel. “I will never remodel in here again and take these beautiful tiles down!” They also updated the tub area, discovering that much of the original wallpaper and tile were attached directly to the original wood walls. Tracie just laughed, “You can’t buy that kind of rotten mess just anywhere these days!”

Stepping into the kitchen is like travelling back in time to the 1950’s. Nearly everything is original, from the countertop tiles to the cabinets and the cabinet hardware. On the countertop is a black and white photo of long-time Granbury resident Mary Sue Bolton standing in that exact location while attending a party in 1955—same tile, same cabinets.

“It can be like stepping back into childhood for some people. These little knickknacks and cheap items catch somebody’s attention. ‘Oh, my grandmother had this on her table’ or ‘this is just like the one I had as a kid’ are phrases we hear all the time.”

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Pee-Wee’s Playhouse Meets Dr. Seuss To the left is the “big room” where countless parties and dozens of high school football players have slept between two-a-day practices. “We were close to the high school, so the players crashed at our house. Then they ate our food.” Ty opens a mysterious-looking door leading to nowhere, and says, “This used to be a big gas heater. I took it out, and put all the sound and video equipment in here.

We don’t like to look at all the wires and cables.” A dropdown theater screen is hidden, as is the projector attached to the ceiling.

But it is the diverse artwork adorning the walls that brings the capricious décor together. Interwoven throughout the room with unique clocks, a vintage bar, $2 thrift shop purchases, and family heirlooms, Ty’s own professional artwork hangs. Specializing in large acrylic paintings and cartoons, his style is unmistakable.

Also included are pieces from other local artists, gallery 24

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works from Austin, kitschy street art, flea market treasures, and the ubiquitous rock and roll concert posters mixed in with family photographs.

Texas Forever While they often travel with their camper to the Texas Hill Country to find collectibles and listen to live music in a hole-in-the-wall honkytonk, they have little need to venture out very far beyond their own back door for an outdoor Texas lifestyle. This ever-changing backyard is where the Harpers really step up their game: one swimming pool, two patios, three bars (including a beer garden), and certainly there must be four of something lurking about. Period chrome dinettes and two 50-gallon oil drums painted like Shiner beer cans complete the “Little Luckenbach” retreat.

There have been dozens of parties back here, ranging from small family gatherings to more than 100 people at a Halloween party. “That doesn’t happen often, but we can pull it off if we want.”

Want to play some darts, go swimming, sit at a vintage fiberglass bar, or imagine you are hanging out by the pool with the Rat Pack in Las Vegas? It can happen here. They have it all, from the official “dart line” painted on the patio floor to the new hot tub. Tracie laughs while she says, “I love to beat the boys in darts!” Ty has an extensive music collection, although he prefers classic blues.

If you’re lucky, he might even play for you, lefthanded and upside down. “I started on a right handed guitar, but I learned the chords and notes left-handed. That way, I can sit in anywhere and play on anyone’s guitar.”

A little more than two decades ago Ty and Tracie had a goal to build the kind of life they dreamed about in a small town, where an old house creaks a little, where a certain floorboard will open up a kitchen cabinet door if you step on it just the right way, where friends can become family, where time at home can be a vacation, where adult sons return for Christmas… a place where you always want to be.

Hometown Living At Its Best

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Hometown Happenings

Veterans day parade

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On November 11th, the Granbury community honored our veterans with a parade and keynote speaker, U.S. Air Force Major General Chris Adams. The annual parade kicked off near the Presbyterian church on Pearl Street and ended at Hewlett Park just across the street from the Granbury Resort Conference Center where ceremonies were held.

Photography courtesy of Shad Ramsey of Red Door Photography

Lake Granbury Living

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Would You Like to Reboot?

by Claire Wilkison | Photography by Landi Whitefield Photography

When your computer breaks down, you want to fi x it. It’s your life. It contains all your pictures, your information and other important files. One could say, your computer can be compared to your brain. Your brain stores information, processes your memories and controls your emotions. Much like your computer, if your brain breaks down, it can be difficult to recover.

For those who have faced a traumatic experience in their life or know anyone who has, this story is for you. We all face unique and difficult times in our lives. Maybe you’re having a financial crisis and are worried about supporting your children, or maybe you feel you’ve lost yourself. Perhaps you’re suffering the loss of a friend or even a family member. We all face life’s hardships, that’s evident.

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For the past nine years, Granbury’s own Stacey Dolan, has been helping hundreds of her clients overcome hardships such as these. She succeeds by examining parts of their mind through a process called Quantum Neuro Reset Therapy (QNRT).

By definition, QNRT is a proprietary protocol designed to initiate a quantum shift by resetting the brain from emotional shocks and trauma lodged in the nervous system. During the interview, Dolan explained that this was quite an in-depth process. She starts by creating diagrams and even running muscle tests, much like you would to determine a problem with a computer. Although it’s a complicated process, it seems to work. Clients have walked out the door as a better, happier version of themselves within just a few visits.

When a person has experienced some sort of trauma in their life, their brain is in the process of not wanting to function. In other words, it’s like your computer is losing its battery and your charger is nowhere to be found. As Dolan put it, “the brain is shutting down the body... so our job is to unburden the brain.” QNRT helps the body to recover from the stress that your brain has developed

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throughout the rest of your body. By using QNRT, Dolan is able to narrow down where the trauma is located and reset the neurological pathways of the body. Dolan explains, “I perform neurological examinations to see which part of the brain is not doing what it’s supposed to be doing.” By doing this, Dolan is able to draw a picture in her mind of what exactly her client is unable to process.

To compare, it’s as if she is charging their battery life on their computer.

As Dolan brilliantly put, “It’s not about changing the world. It’s about changing how you see the world. But your brain is the filter through which you perceive the world. So if you believe that you’re not good enough or people don’t like you, you will see that.”

Prior to opening Healing Works, Dolan spent 26 years working with chiropractors. She spent time buying, selling and managing multiple chiropractic clinics within the DFW area. After marrying her husband, she relocated to Granbury where her husband now owns and operates Dolan Wellness Chiropractic. Along their journey together, she raised children and became burnt out on managing chiropractic clinics. Fully knowing that his

wife wasn’t herself, Dolan’s husband took her to Atlanta where they participated in “Heal the Healer”. She would participate in the famous healing process and find her passion in Biofeedback. Several months later, it seemed she was back to her original self. She began to see personal results, even experienced weight loss. Following this education, she regained her sense of happiness.

Dolan eventually went back to school for Biofeedback and is now one of 21 licensed practitioners within the United States. She is the only licensed practitioner within Texas. Because of this, Dolan brings hundreds of clients from around the country to her small business called “Healing Works” located in Granbury, Texas. More than 50% of her client base are women between 35-55 years.

She sees around 25 people every week and welcomes new clients with a free consultation. Some clients spend years in counseling searching for a cure for the traumatic experience they’ve been placed in, but after five to ten visits most clients are usually leave healthy and happier.

Stacey Dolan is the definition of passionate, driven and optimistic. She’s passionate about her life and the

“It’s not about changing the world. It’s about changing how you see the world.

But your brain is the filter through which you perceive the world. ” -Stacey Dolan Hometown Living At Its Best

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work that she does for others every day. After interviewing her, it was clear that she wasn’t as nearly fascinated by the brain then seeing someone who has overcome their traumatic experience and able to live their life peacefully again. “I feel like my purpose is to be a catalyst for positive change and to also empower others to be who they are,” says Dolan.

Although her life is eventful, she is looking to find more ways to spread her knowledge about the brain as well as QNRT to the rest of the community.

As clients step into Healing Works, they immediately feel the weight slipping off their shoulders. Dolan provides a unique and safe place for those who are being assisted. When referring to her clients Dolan mentioned, “I want you to feel that this is a place of healing. This is a place for you to be who you are. There is no judgement.”

Reader, if you’ve ever had your computer die on you while you were in the middle of something important, you now know how it feels for your brain to shut off for just a second. If you ever want your computer to restart, it’s important to take care of it and keep it healthy. We do this by paying for the anti-virus soft ware, by making sure we charge our computers only when needed and by turning them off at night. The truth is, we need to take care of ourselves much like our computers. Our brain is a big part of who we are, it makes each and every one of us unique. As Dolan explained your brain saves everything, much like a hard drive, it’s all in our subconscious. Every moment you create it’s saved, it’s permanent and precious.

Much like a computer virus, horrible situations in life come at us unannounced and take us down with their impact. Keeping your brain ‘virus’ free is important for a healthy and happy life. Happiness in our brain allows us to live at a higher more functional rate. In this scenario, Dolan is the best IT person for the job. She has the ability to investigate where the problem is coming from and fi x it perpetually to keep you happy.

For more information, visit healingworkstx.com

“I feel like my purpose is to be a catalyst for positive change and to also empower others to be who they are,” -Stacey Dolan Hometown Living At Its Best

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e u r T rit G

By Martha Helton | Photography by Stevo Torres

He may not wear a 10 gallon hat, have his 6’4” frame or walk with the Duke’s trademark swagger, but Granbury’s John Wayne exemplifies the true grit of a self-made man like the legendary movie persona. With the shared, world-renowned name, people must always ask, “Were you named after the Duke?”

I arrived at John and Michelle Wayne’s townhome with that question number one on my list. John met me at the door and invited me into their cozy living room.

I met his attractive wife, Michelle, and three of their beautiful, respectful daughters. Michelle ushered them away so he could answer the question and visit with me.

“Actually, I was named after my grandfather. I’m the second,” shared Wayne. “Nobody even recognized the name until I started working in restaurants and one of the managers saw my name on a file. He told everybody and the recognition stuck. That was about 16 or 17 years ago.”

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Being a half century younger than the movie star, Granbury’s John Wayne grew up with MTV. I incredulously surmised that his generation may have grown up not knowing much about the actor. At any rate, Granbury’s John Wayne, similar to the silver screen John Wayne, lives by a code. He strives to be a self-made man who lives off the land. And in Granbury John Wayne’s case, his creative energy and sense of adventure drive him wherever Texas soil is rich. His fast draw lies in a quick mind that investigates, creates and produces a rapid fire of ideas.

It seems Wayne has been self sufficient since childhood, he explains, “My dad played music for a long time. He played guitar for B.B. King, Grand Funk Railroad and Foghat. So, he was gone a lot. My mom worked as a store manager for Walmart and was gone most of the time. I had to figure out something to do… kinda raised myself.”

One of Wayne’s life-defining pursuits surfaced as a teen. “I took a horticulture class as a blow-off class in high 40

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school. I thought it was neat to grow my own stuff. I stuck with it and became president of the horticulture club through high school and really dove in around college. I was able to go straight into my passion without wondering what I wanted to do.”

While at Tarleton State University, another interest blossomed. “When I was in the dorms my freshman year, I started cooking. The only kitchen we had at Tarleton was in the girl’s dorms and I thought that was awesome.”

The dark-haired Wayne paused for a grin and a chuckle.

“So a buddy of mine and I went over there to cook. I’ll never forget the first thing we ever cooked was chili and I thought, ‘Cool, I know how to cook chili now!’”

The survival theme of Y2K added yet another component for his life code arsenal. “I realized I didn’t

The more I heard, the more I could envision the pioneering spirit that settled the West. He eagerly talked more about his family’s pioneering ways.

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want to rely on as much stuff —I wanted to be more selfsufficient. I started saying, ‘Hey I can get this at the store, but what if I couldn’t get this at the store?’ That mentality has just stuck.”

Wayne received his horticulture and landscaping degree from Tarleton in 2004. “I worked for a landscape and design business for about a year. It wasn’t what I thought it was. I wanted to go more into greenhouse production for restaurants, so I’ve stuck with restaurants since.”

As a chef at Montana Restaurant he honed his cooking skills that led to catering jobs on the side. Another side gig he galloped off on --he teamed up with his buddy, The Voice star Luke Wade, and toured with him for seven years (before he was on The Voice). Wayne played hand

percussion--self-taught, of course and in keeping with his code, he investigated making the percussion instruments himself. “It was too involved, what with drying the animal hides and everything,” he said with a shrug.

Speaking of animals, curiosity took Wayne into practicing charcuterie for a while--drying and curing his own meats (pates, prosciutto, and salami). “I really, really dug that. I am always micro-categorizing everything I like about the restaurant business--kind of like an inner Pinterest account in my head.” He smiled.

While at Montana Restaurant, he met his lovely wife, Michelle, who is training as a dental hygienist. She shares his passion for conservation, self-sufficiency and is open to his creativity.

Laughing, Wayne recalled what fueled his imagination

next. “I first ventured into soap making when my wife and I watched the movie ‘Fight Club’ starring Brad Pitt.

One of their side businesses in the movie to fund their anarchist group was making soap out of people’s fat from their own liposuction and selling it back to them.”

I cringed. “I hope you didn’t do that!”

“No, no—mine was all vegetable-based,” he assured me with a smile.

A home business was born, Snappy Bike Soaps and Goods. It became a family affair, with Michelle and their four girls helping.

“We did body scrubs, face bars, body butters, lip balm, face masks and bath bombs out of our kitchen. We had fifteen different scents using essential oils. Vegetable fat is the main ingredient, with palm oil, coconut oil, shea butter and cocoa butter. Once you melt all those down, you make your lye solution. I often infused herbs in the products.”

Wayne sold his products in businesses around Fort Worth and Granbury. “We did that about four or five years ago, but quit because it was getting too big. We haven’t really dived back into it yet, although we still do it on a small scale if somebody wants something.”

As I listened to Wayne, I couldn’t help but ask: “How does your mindset impact your kids?”

“That resourceful spirit is just kind of picked up by the girls,” Wayne said. “Sometimes I think, ‘Oh I shouldn’t have done that because now they’re doing it.’” He smiled. “I’m passionate about having my kids… more self-sufficient verses having to go to the store to buy something. Between cooking and soap making, they know how to do a lot of stuff and they’re ages seventeen, seven, nine and one.

“At our other place, we had probably half a field of bamboo. We’d make all sorts of things, from bamboo wind chimes to fences out of them. With everything around us we would say, ‘Hey, there’s a free hobby for the kids.’ We were chopping down bamboo and making teepees out of it. My wife and I both paint, oil and acrylic, and we sold them on the side. We’d stretch our own canvas and used the canvas material to make the tents.

We made small pontoon boats out of the bamboo.”

The more I heard, the more I could envision the pioneering spirit that settled the West. He eagerly talked Hometown Living At Its Best

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He may not wear a 10 gallon hat, have his 6’4” frame or walk with the Duke’s trademark swagger, but Granbury’s John Wayne exemplifies the true grit of a self-made man like the legendary movie persona.

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more about his family’s pioneering ways.

“We also hunt a lot and the kids like shooting guns for target practice. When we were moving we found a purse of my seven-year-old’s with screws and nails in it. I asked, ‘Why do you have this?’ She responded, ‘In case someone tries to get me.’ Resourceful and scary at the same time.”

Wayne chuckled, fatherly pride spreading over his face.

“We want to get back into making soap and scrubs after my wife graduates. We also make candles and our own mixed vinegars and oils and can add that at checkout stands, boutique style. It would be cool if we could have a food truck where we could push all different avenues,” he shared, his mind peppered with possibilities.

“In between that, I’d like to work at another restaurant. At least one more—more to my liking, more high end. I like rustic, different Italian fusions... Spanish.”

And so John Wayne, the chef, the butcher, the soap maker, the artist, the musician, the candle maker, the meat dryer and curer, the marksman and bamboo boat maker, and…you name it, will soon gallop off into the sunset, in search of more fertile soil to plant his resourceful creativity.

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Hometown Happenings

Community Carnival with carnival americana

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The second annual Granbury Carnival took place this year during the first two weekends in October. Beautiful weather, fast and fun rides, as well as games welcomed families to experience this festival of lights and sound.

Photography courtesy of Shad Ramsey of Red Door Photography

Lake Granbury Living

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“Someone loved roses,” the walls of the house whisper as layer after layer of wallpaper echoes a rose motif.

In our instant, throw-it-away or bulldoze-it world, it seems that historical restoration is a lost art.

However, understanding our present and having a vision of the future is often found in the past. Upon my first visit to this home in Granbury, I wondered to myself, “If only these walls could talk….” This house in particular, known as the President’s House, yields secrets of the past—one board, nail, and layer at a time.

The City of Granbury declared the house at 801 Lipan Highway as a Historic Landmark in 2008.

Local oral history suggests the heads of Granbury High School and College once lived there. In 1875, a three-story limestone building, housing “College Hill” overlooked Granbury. Located five-and-a-half blocks southwest of the original site of the college, the President’s House remains the last piece of the first educational institution established in Granbury. It was sometimes used for classes and as a dormitory, in addition to being the president’s home.

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Preliminary research suggests the original dogtrot design was possibly built by D.C. Cogdell between 1873 and 1880. A ‘Hall and Parlor’ style architecture was popular with settlers who migrated from the Upland South area of the lower Appalachian Mountains and settled this area after the War Between the States. In several of his works, William Faulkner used the image of a dogtrot house to conjure up feelings of ‘good ole’ country life complete with a hound dog padding through an open breezeway between two separate wings.

Hood County Sheriff, Jim Sandlin and his family called it home during the early 20th century, as he served as sheriff from 1900 to 1906 and again from 1910 to 1912. Throughout the 20th century, the home’s diverse occupants add to its history mystery.

“It has been exciting finding all the treasures in the home,” explains Dee Gormley, Co-President of Preserve Granbury. “When we restored the three gables in the front of the house to their original form, we discovered a Buster Brown shoe box. The middle dormer was reworked... and the builder used the wooden Buster Brown shoe box on the side!”

Original builders used the box-and-strip method of construction which features vertical one-by-twelve inch boards; some run twenty feet in length. The front porch of the house was not the original porch when Preserve Granbury obtained it. In the 1940s, the owners 52

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covered the original box and strip siding with horizontal clapboards most likely to modernize the “old house” rather than for practical reasons, such as insulation.

In any event, the non-profit group had the porch reconstructed to be similar to the one pictured at the turn of the 20th century. As you can see in the old photo, at least three chimney smoke stacks stood for cooking, as well as to warm the house.

“Someone here bought or sold Buster Brown shoes,” exclaims a dormer over an upstairs window.

The single car garage may be the oldest garage in Hood County. To many of the men in town, this is a claim to fame for the President’s House. In the early 1900s, a garage was fairly uncommon and a sign of increased prosperity. Preserve Granbury plans to restore this building, as well. Perhaps the most historic feature on the property is the Live Oak tree. This tree, a Historic Landmark, in 2002 was estimated by arborists to be around 500 years old.

Shelbie Miller, the designer and contractor overseeing the preservation work, says her favorite discoveries at the President’s House include signatures on wood boards unearthed under layers of 1970’s paneling and Victorian wallpaper. “Finding their names is exciting because it gives life to the old house. Builders or residents left their signatures behind as clues for us to use to research the history of the house.” Miller adds, “Just for a bit, we can play history detectives who have fun finding clues that reflect the heritage of this house and our community. As we work and make discoveries, we become part of the special story...”

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Miller and rehabilitation specialists have discovered layers of wallpaper in each room that reflect design trends of historic eras. “My favorite is the shiny silver and gold Victorian rose wallpaper border we discovered that still has its reflective qualities intact. We plan to keep this particular piece of wallpaper on the wall and preserve it.

Roses are a common theme here. When we found rose wallpaper in almost every room, we realized this was a very feminine house.”

Shelbie Miller graduated from Granbury High School in 2002 and received her bachelors in Interior Design with a minor in Architecture from Texas Tech University. As a freelance designer and contractor, Miller specializes in historic homes. However, she is well known for drafting floor plans for new construction, as well. In 2012, Miller renovated her 1890’s cottage, Heavenhill Guesthouse, on Bridge Street.

Various treasures salvaged from the President’s House have been re-purposed. Dee Gormley explains, “Area artists used wallpaper, old wood boards, and other elements to create coasters, key chains, and note cards.

“A man with a long honey-do list took a short-cut,” admits an old door, hinges intact buried beneath four layers of wallpaper.

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Some of our volunteers framed pieces of wallpaper from different eras. These works of art are the latest trend in antique collecting. Five local artists created original paintings on sections of old wood boards that had to be removed because of their condition. We try to repurpose anything and everything that comes out of the house.”

Preserve Granbury is a 501(c)(3) organization.

Gormley adds, “The group’s other projects include developing a preservation revolving fund to save other endangered historic buildings and creating a partnership with the Board of Realtors to rehabilitate needy houses.

The group also delivers presentations about the history of Hood County and conduct historic tours of the community.”

Preserve Granbury’s office is currently housed in a separate building on the premises. The President’s House will be the permanent home of Preserve Granbury’s office.

Plans are under way to lease office space to other groups to help subsidize the property. For more information, visit www.PreserveGranbury.org or call 817-219-5051.

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y b r e D ls r i G

by Melissa McGavock | Photography by Stevo Torres

Many of my roller derby questions were answered upon my first

meeting with the Pirate City Sirens and the girls didn’t even lace up.

My previous impression of the sport was that it was played on old

school skates, that it was full contact and more often than not, the female participants exhibited fanciful dress coupled with a power chick attitude. But, this particular evening, I witnessed an unmistakable sisterhood and was able to connect the facts. As strategy and athleticism are pushed to the limit on the track, so is the nature of its players. And once they’ve endured the trenches together, it seems their bond only gets stronger.

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Roller derby invites all to be a part of something competitive and actively power ful.

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This is a club where women with little to no experience, women from all layers and stages of life, and women of all statures and personalities are invited to be a part of something competitive and actively powerful.

I would say that socially, this is a milestone. What other women’s group can you recall where women are encouraged to be their true selves, where they are told to be direct both physically and verbally, where feminism is applauded - all the while in an arena completely free 60

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of judgment. I can recall only a few small networking associations or maybe athletic groups such as Crossfit, but for me, this one is much more fascinating. Afterall, there’s cool code names and wild women on wheels.

The sport dominated by women, although it can be coed, is brought to life by alter egos complete with derby names, often times given to them by their teammates. The rules of the game are fairly simple, but there’s a good bit of sports vocabulary to familiarize yourself with. Here goes

the breakdown. During the bout made of two 30 minute halves, two teams of five members (allowed on the track at one time) both skate counter clockwise simultaneously. One member of each team, called the jammer, attempts to lap the other team’s blockers as many times as possible in a two minute session, called jams. Also, there are special team positions known as pivots, these can both block and jam depending on the team’s strategy.

Two minutes may not seem like a long time, but when you’re involved in a full contact sport, skating full speed on quads (old school skates), blocking and jamming (essentially playing both offense and defense simultaneously), a whole lot can happen in 120 seconds.

The Granbury team, the Pirate City Sirens, follows the USA Roller Sports (USARS) guidelines.

Accordingly, for every sanctioned bout, there will be three to eight referees including a head ref, an inside and outside ref, as well as as a handful of active scorer refs who all come together at the end of each jam. In addition, there are what’s called NSOs, or non-skating officials. They help to keep track of scores and penalties. It seems that during each jam, there are nearly as many refs and officials on the track as there are skaters. But, all this helps to keep the game fair and most importantly, to keep the players safe. In fact, during a USARS sanctioned bout, it is recommended that there be at least two medical professionals made available, an EMT, RN or doctor. Also, the coach will be prepared with every player’s emergency information, as well as knowledge of this nearest medical facility. It is evident that great care is taken to ensure the wellbeing of these players and that these measures are not compromised by our local team.

Known as the creator of roller derby, in 1939 Leo Seltzer pushed the fast paced sport to full contact and created the basic rules we know today.

Starting in the early twentieth century and on into the 50s, 60s and 80s, interested parties attempted to bring the sport to the world stage again and again by broadcasting and advertising derby bouts and even forming associations, leagues and teams.

Even with developed story lines and rules to increase appeal, these attempts didn’t work and interest in the sport kind of died out by the late 1980s.

Then, in the early 2000s, in our state’s own capital, roller derby experienced a renaissance. It was during this time that the sport’s campy style and reputation to attract rad women was affirmed. It’s quick popularity in the early 21st century may have had the advent of the internet and social media to thank. Now the sport, less than two decades later, is popular on an international level with leagues as far as Egypt, New Zealand and Brazil.

In addition, this globalization is in no doubt due to the evolution of women’s rights across the world, even since the 1980s. As the sport’s popularity rises in participation and the fan base continues to grow, USARS consistently pitches the Olympic games for roller sports events, which would include races and derby. We may very well see this become a reality in the next decade.

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Granbury is part of this global phenomenon. I first met the ladies of the Pirate City Sirens on a practice free night where they were enjoying a paint class together. The camaraderie between them was palpable. They were all having such a ball, laughing and talking as if they were close friends that hadn’t seen one another in a while.

As close as they seemed, I took notice that they were of all ages, ranging from teens to 40s, maybe 50s. Some were seemingly reserved and conservatively dressed, while others more extroverted and liberal with their appearance. A couple girls donned an easy ponytail, while others chose more wild hair-dos complete with clipped sections, and bright hues of blue and red. But as a unit, it worked. The big picture felt complete, everyone with their roles, strengths and weaknesses. Together they represented a sisterhood that created a cohesive team.

The derby season typically runs from January to late summer, but the Sirens practice year round. You’re

likely to find them on a weekend afternoon getting in some laps at the roller rink across from the high school. The players come from all over the area, some even from Fort Worth, but Granbury seems to be the most central meeting spot and a logical place to make homebase. This team is very new, they started skating together officially on January 1, 2015. Groups like our roller derby team create a space for participants to celebrate each other’s differences, as well as push one another to be better. Our local team is made up of small business owners, teachers, coaches, stay at home mothers, as well as healthcare and social workers, to name a few. Let’s support their efforts toward a fun and healthy lifestyle within our community.

For information on how to sponsor, join the team or attend bouts, please visit their facebook page at www.facebook.com/granburyrollerderby. For sponsorship opportunities, talk to Megan Burns at Pirate.City.Sirens@gmail.com

Pirate City Sirens Derby team Reckless Intimidator

Stay at home mom, Pinup Model, Photographer, Entrepreneur

Cosmo Trouble Floral Designer

Trixi Inferno

Small Business Owner, Mom of five

Locked & Loaded Stay at home mom

Sweet Tart

Medical Uniform Sales

Mortal Kombrat

Photographer, Zumba Instructor

Riot Regulator

CPS Caseworker, Mom of two

Rozie the Rioter High School Junior

Dawson’s Law

Massage Therapist, Mom of two

Pyxis BA Boom Operations Manager

Rhett the Hit Woman Hart Home Health Aide

Tweety Pi

High School Math Teacher, Golf Coach

Cattitude

Unemployed Computer Engineer

Raging Roar IT Systems Analyst

Embo Slice

Stay at home mom of two

Barista Beast Barista, Server

Hawt Box Receptionist

Cajun Cutthroat

Derby Coach, Medical Assistant, Mom of two Hometown Living At Its Best

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Hometown Happenings

LGL Living Her Best Life Awards Luncheon

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Lake Granbury Living magazine was proud to host the first annual women in business luncheon recognizing Hood County’s very talented and hard working female residents. The gourmet lunch was catered by Breakwater Grill, flowers donated by Kroger, and handbag shaped cookies from The Bake Shop. The event was sponsored by Durant Toyota of Granbury & Texas Oncology.

Guests enjoyed a silent auction of new and gently used handbags donated by individuals and local businesses.

Keynote speaker was Sarah Zink of Plaid for Women Fort Worth. Honored this year for LGL Volunteer of the Year was Kylee Peterson, LGL Businesswoman of the Year was Penny Jensen Snyder, and LGL Artist of the Year was Elise Techentine.

Photography courtesy of Stevo Torres and Dawn Skinner

Lake Granbury Living

THANK YOU GRANBURY All proceeds of the silent auction were donated to local charities; the Ada Carey Women & Children’s Center, the Miracle League of Granbury and Cancer Care Services of Hood County.

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Queen DRAMA

By Jan Brand Photography by Shad Ramsey of Red Door Photography

Confucius might have had an individual like Shannah Rae, Director of Education for the Granbury Theater Academy, in mind when he said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

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Behind the glitz and glamour of life on the stage, Shannah spends many long hours of hard work, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. She loves what she does.

From the moment her pastor father put her on stage to sing at the age of six, she knew what she wanted to do with her life—share the music inside her heart.

Years ago, when a singing group performed at their church, the leader heard Shannah plunk away on the piano and sing. “She has a unique talent,” he told her parents. “You should get her piano lessons.”

That started her journey toward a life-long dream.

Following the music that was playing inside her, she earned a BA in Vocal Performance and a Master’s Degree in Music for choral conducting.

Her teachers and mentors were the big influences in her life, but she was also inspired by the Golden Age of music and movies from the ’40s and ’50s. Artists like Rosemary Clooney singing “Hey There” inspired her to 68

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reach for the dream. Great musicals from that era stirred her deepest desires to imitate the world as it should be, full of hope and expectation, not one of joyless despair.

One of her favorite movies, Summer Stock, with Judy Garland, gave her a sense of what the theater was like.

Gene Kelly’s character said to Judy Garland’s character, “We’re trying to tell a story with music, and song, and dance. Well, not just with words. For instance, if the boy tells the girl that he loves her, he just doesn’t say it, he sings it.”

Shannah said to herself, “Why not?”

Her favorite song from the movie is Judy Garland singing “Friendly Stars” while standing behind the door.

For 8 years Shannah worked with the Faulkner Academy in Conroy, Arkansas and then simultaneously taught music at a community college there in Arkansas for five years.

...little feet shuffled by and upturned faces looked to her for an encouraging smile before they walked onstage.

After being cast in her first professional production, Oliver! for the role of the Widow Corney, she was smitten.

She liked directing, but she also found satisfaction in being part of the performance. Working with a director brought in from New York was a life-changing experience—one that gave her the push she needed to throw her belongings into her car and head to Texas, where she would live her dream.

As with many paths people follow before finding their place, she zigged and zagged through life’s obstacle course before finally reaching Granbury. When she walked into the newly-renovated historical Granbury Opera House with the same feel as some of the best little theaters in the country, she knew she had found her home.

In the 1800s, Granbury was a small frontier town that became known for its cultural excellence. The first live theater was located over a saloon, named Kerr Hall after Hometown Living At Its Best

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For Shannah, it’s all about listening to the music in her heart.

its owner, Henry Kerr—in the same location where it is today.

To compete with the successful Fort Worth theater that drew famous names like Sarah Bernhardt and Lillian Russell, Kerr put in gas lights and plush red seats. The house rule demanded that all men remove their spurs before entering.

The highest standards were the goal, and nothing has changed.

The Opera House in Granbury still strives to have the best of everything, which made Shannah’s pursuit of excellence a perfect fit to become an important part of Texas theater history.

Shannah says teaching children the creative process is the most gratifying, but she enjoys working with adults, too.

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Photo by Stevo Torres

Behind the glitz and glamour of life on the stage, Shannah spends many long hours of hard work, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. She loves what she does.

From the moment her pastor father put her on stage to sing at the age of six, she knew what she wanted to do with her life—share the music inside her heart.

Years ago, when a singing group performed at their church, the leader heard Shannah plunk away on the piano and sing. “She has a unique talent,” he told her parents. “You should get her piano lessons.”

That started her journey toward a life-long dream.

Following the music that was playing inside her, she earned a BA in Vocal Performance and a Master’s Degree in Music for choral conducting.

Her teachers and mentors were the big influences in her life, but she was also inspired by the Golden Age

and rehearsing for the performance is almost as exciting as the event.

American Playwright Arthur Miller (1915–2005) once said, “The theater is so endlessly fascinating because it’s so accidental. It’s so much like life.” Shannah Rae couldn’t agree more.

This summer, children went through a week of theater camp and then performed the Barnyard Musical. Can-can cows wore black-and-white cowhide-print shirts with pink tutus. The pigs who loved to clean got their feelings hurt when people suggested they were sloppy. Funky chickens did a ’70s disco dance.

After the children learned their lines and perfected their dance steps, it was time for the show. Shannah held her breath as little feet shuffled by and upturned faces looked to her for an encouraging smile before they walked onstage. House lights came on and the curtain went up.

The payoff came when the curtain went down, followed by a roaring applause, and the children, all with smiling faces filed off the stage. They had remembered their lines and overcame their fears. They had done much more than survive. They thrived—basking in the

adulation on the glowing faces of proud family members and friends. They were little stars, all because Shannah had helped them reach their dreams.

Phil Groeschel, the new Executive Artistic Director, says reaching out to the community’s children and families is one of the main objectives of the Granbury Theater Academy. They are fortunate to have found someone with Shannah Rae’s qualifications, one who grew up in a pastor’s home and naturally has a heart to help and encourage people. Groeschel says it’s unusual to find someone with the organizational skills, the educational background, and the heart and ability to put a structural system into place which is necessary for a new endeavor that calls for wearing every hat in a milliner’s collection.

Swirling in all that creative talent, Shannah also displays a unique entrepreneurial spirit that is often missing in artists. She looks for fund-raising opportunities for the theater, which is always in need of money, and often finds eager donors.

For Shannah, it’s all about listening to the music in her heart. Ask her how she does so well, and she will simply say, “God’s been good to me.”

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Hometown Happenings

Junkin’ in the hood

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Sunshine brought locals together to join in artful festivities with a stunning display of antiques and special treasures at the first annual Junkin’ in the Hood. Organized by local, Joni Berry, handmade and re-invented gifts were displayed at Warren’s Backyard. We’re already looking forward to next year!

Photography courtesy of Dawn Skinner

Lake Granbury Living

Happy Holidays from our family to yours

817-266-4686 bgaffin@gaffinarchitects.com Hometown Living At Its Best

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Photo by Stevo Torres

by Julie A. Lyssy Photography by Stevo Torres and provided by the Granbury Education Foundation Educating children who are capable of competing on the global scale is a challenge which greets teachers every time they walk in their classroom. In addition to the classic three “R’s”, teachers work to instill confidence, innovative thinking and collaborative work in a world which operates on “the next”, unwilling to settle for “the now.” This is a daunting task, but one they have chosen to dedicate their careers.

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While a box of eight crayons may cost $2 or less, the requirements to compete with the rapid pace of technology in a world where even elementary students need to keep up is proving to cost a bit more. Concurrently, students need to translate book learning into practical application which may be better experienced outside the classroom. As the school budget does not increase at the same rate as state-ofthe-art technology, this leaves teachers with a significant financial gap while gathering tools for teaching their students.

Fortunately, for our teachers looking for innovation beyond their means, they can turn to the Granbury ISD Education Foundation (GEF) to help fund some projects by applying for a grant. The GEF’s mission is to create opportunities to invest, encourage and support educational excellence in Granbury ISD. Since its inception in 2012, GEF has funded more than 75 projects on 11 campuses across the 76

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district impacting elementary, middle and high school students.

A quick tour of our schools will show these grants in action which enhance the learning environments our children have to thrive.

Entering an elementary school, we see students in some classes with headphones learning various activities with an interactive white board and soft ware. This encourages them to learn writing skills and embrace the beauty of expression through words.

Watch out! There are robots roaming in the hall. These are built, programmed, tested, adjusted and retested by students teaching math, science, reading and technology skills simultaneously.

Music fills the halls, guitar lessons to the right and singing along to “Sing with Dr. Mike” on the left. Research has shown that reading while listening to music stimulates learning. Also, singing is an easy way to reinforce phonetics. And

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if you dance while you do it, you’ll have more fun, as well as gain coordination and exercise as a bonus.

Wow! Second graders are going to be published authors? They are interviewing, writing and illustrating books about their classmates. What an interesting way to learn about cultural similarities and differences, organization, writing, editing and the re-write.

Let’s see what’s going on outside. See and hear the children learning in outdoor classroom settings. As I listen, “I found a circle and a square!... I am drawing and writing about the flower. It is very pretty!... Can we use these leaves to make a crown?... Why is the moon here?

It is morning. Shouldn’t it be sleeping now?... What is THAT? — their minds have been set free to experience.

These elementary students are getting some great additional experiences to build on in their primary developmental years.

Moving on to the intermediate schools, there are more amazing programs in play. A whole shelf of “Science in a box” experiment kits which allow life, earth and physical science experiments for students to do at school or at 78

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home certainly add to their text book learning.

Middle schoolers with pedometers oddly make sense.

This technological life has made all of us more sedentary.

It is great to see these kids gain a clear sense of how much physical activity is required after a day of sitting in school to keep themselves healthy. How to be and stay healthy is certainly a good skill set to learn early in life and incorporate as part of an active lifestyle.

Check that out. Those kids are certainly excited about their field trip today! Going to learn about aviation through hands on experiments, receiving flying and safety training and experiencing flight in a wind tunnel is certainly a dynamic and impact way to learn.

Since they are leaving, how about we move on to Crossland 9th Grade Center and the High School?

Porch swings in the parking lot. What is this all about? The students tell me they researched, designed, drew blueprints, compiled a materials list and are building these swings. This is math in action.

What are the engineering students up to? You designed then 3-D printed your vehicle? Now you are

testing it in the wind tunnel. No wonder the Affinity F1 team does so well in international competition.

Art students are combining art with technology by digitizing art show submissions via QR codes.

With today’s technology, they visit the world’s greatest museums through online virtual tours, all the while sitting right here in Granbury.

Band practice has some interesting sounds. Steel drums are not a traditional band instruments nor do I see any, but that sound certainly adds to the arrangement.

It must be from that synthesizer; more technology integration.

These visits certainly make clear the necessity, impact and impressive work GEF grants have been able to bring to our schools.

GEF does not stop at classroom grants. They spotlight students’ academic achievement, as well as teachers for teaching excellence. They accomplish this with the Academic Recognition Banquet where they recognize student’s academic achievements and the teachers who inspired each student. On average, 25 students are recognized at this event held annually in the spring.

Further, they sponsor the GISD Employee Recognition Banquet where employees’ contributions to the advancement of the district are recognized.

Naturally, they also support students as they start their next chapter via scholarships. They are awarded to students seeking education beyond high school whether that is career and technical education (CTE) like emergency medical technician (EMT) or veterinary technician or pursuing a four (or more) year college degree program.

GEF Scholar Athlete Scholarship awards $10,000 annually to students excelling in leadership and athletics pursuing college degrees. The Briggs Berry Scholarship, underwritten by Shiner Energy & Consulting Company, and Tom & Susan Durant scholarship put those students one step closer to their dreams.

The Career and Technical Education Certification Exam scholarship, underwritten by Cathey Briscoe Realty, awards $3,000 annually in support of students pursuing careers in allied health, technical and trade careers.

These grants would not be possible without community support. GEF’s primary fundraiser is the annual 50 Fellas Foodfest held this year on October 17th at the Reunion Grounds. Kelly Garner, board member and event coordinator, along with her dedicated committee gladly organized this amazing event and were highly successful. This year, GEF’s net gain from the Foodfest topped $80,000 with more than 40 sponsors and 700 people in attendance. All of that will be invested in fostering children’s imaginations, innovations, and practical application skills — those traits that give one an edge in life.

Stacy Mitchell, Board President, and her 19 board colleagues in this endeavor show their support for our teachers and youth by dedicating time, talents and resources to providing teachers the means to offer unique experiences and opportunities which impact students for a lifetime beyond the “R’s.”

While teachers are on the front line every day, our entire community is responsible for helping the next generation realize its potential. GEF affords an avenue for everyone to do just that. For more information, visit www. granburyisd.org/foundation.

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Kindergarten through 12th grades Early Education Programs (2-4 years) It is important to us that our children are raised not only in a Christian home and a Christ-centered church, but in a school where Truth is integrated into every aspect of their learning. Our children are not only receiving an advanced education, they are challenged daily to follow Christ and make a difference in the world. We live in a dangerous time, and as parents, we feel it is our responsibility to raise our children to be the light and leaders of the world. We are not raising our children in a “bubble” but instead equipping them to stand firm in their beliefs reaching the lost world.

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HOMETOWN

Bundles Of Joy

Welcoming Granbury’s Newest Residents Photography courtesy of

Misti White Photography

Austin Manoucheri Parents: Cyrus & Adriana Manoucheri

Jackson Golden Parents: Ryan & Molly Golden

Carter & Carson Ransleben Parents: Kurt & Debbie Ransleben

Sloane Mitchell Parents: Austin & Molly Mitchell 84

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Beckham Hasty Parent: Cody & Stephanie Hasty

Brock Crawford Parents: Brian & Jae Crawford

Heidi Dennis Parents: Jeremiah & Emily Dennis

Bravery Wilkins Parents: Eric & Ashley Wilkins Rowan Pinksa Parents: Steven & Chelsey Pinksa

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Hometown Happenings

Trick or Treat on the Square

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On Thursday, October 29th, participating merchants around our historic square handed out candy to children in costume. Every year this is an exciting event for children and families and this year was no exception. Thank you to our local businesses for making it possible.

Photography courtesy of Stevo Torres

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Paluxy River Children’s Advocacy Center:

Hood, Erath and Somervell Counties 90

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by Andra Mayberry Photography by Shad Ramsey of Red Door Photography

Kerrie and her staff aren’t afraid to try new things and keep it creative. Their number one goal is to bring awareness to the cause.

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When you think of combatting child abuse you don’t normally think of 5K color runs filled with laughter, designer dream playhouses and dog house raffles, but the Paluxy River Children’s Advocacy Center is making a name for itself through these fun, innovative fundraisers that bring awareness to the situation in our community and raise money to continue support. The PRCAC has developed a strong connection to the people of Hood County through its efforts to combat child abuse through advocacy for victims, education and awareness. This local nonprofit is doing hard work in the trenches and standing in the gap for abused children and their abusers.

Kerrie Stannell, executive director for the PRCAC, has been with the organization for the last three years and has lived in Granbury since 2006, when the PRCAC was founded. Running an agency with a talented, effective team can be costly. It is important to have the team and resources available to ensure all agencies, including local law enforcement and Child Protective Services, work together to ensure no child’s case falls through the cracks.

One solution for keeping up with costs is their creative approach to annual fundraisers. It may seem difficult to 92

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keep up with so many other local nonprofit events, but they definitely do. The PRCAC’s fundraising efforts are paying off. Each year community members and families look forward to their events. 2015 saw several fundraisers including a playhouse raffle, a dog house raffle and the increasingly popular fun run. “Everyone at the PRCAC loves what they do and the staff is very dedicated to the children and families. It is my job to honor their commitment by having events and fundraisers that they can be proud of and excited about,” Kerrie says.

2015 saw several fundraisers including a playhouse raffle, a dog house raffle and the increasingly popular fun run.

This year saw the first annual Playhouse Raffle and for this fundraiser, the PRCAC partnered with the Hood County Builders Association (HCBA). Eight children’s playhouses designed and constructed by area builders were displayed on the Hood County Courthouse Square for two weeks in June. Raffle tickets were sold for $5 each in several locations around town, as well as online, and on June 14th, eight lucky names were drawn. But these weren’t your run-of-the-mill playhouses. These were custom designed and builtt playhouses, constructed of the same quality materials seen in the builders’ homes.

Kerrie had heard of similar fundraisers, but wasn’t able to implement the effort until the time was right.

She fervently approached the HCBA to find a way to partner up with them and even crashed one of their monthly lunches. That’s when Barbara Hackett stepped in to act as liaison for the HCBA and the PRCAC. She had a familiarity with this type of fundraiser and an understanding of how the HCBA could help. Barbara got the builders on board and in a few months, eight area builders stepped up and constructed quality playhouses for children to play in. The playhouse designs ranged from Hometown Living At Its Best

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a rustic redwood cabin to a beach cabana to a Dr. Suess theme. The playhouses drew so much interest, Kerrie explains, “I loved how much families fell in love with individual houses and visited the houses numerous times.

I heard some people approached the builders to ask that they recreate the houses for them so they could purchase one!” She added, “our entire staff and board were so touched by the detail and work that went into the houses it really was such a feel-good event.”

As the Playhouse Raffle carried on, more and more people mentioned how much they’d like to have the same design for their family dog. So that’s just what the PRCAC did next - a dog house raffle. Kerrie had a feeling the playhouses would be popular but, “What I did not anticipate was just how attached some people would get or that pet owners would also fall in love with the houses and want them for their pet!” It seemed logical to start off another fun fundraiser. The center’s Dog Advocate Program is an effective way to help families open up. It helps to have Charlie nearby, the PRCAC’s dog advocate.

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Charlie is a specially-trained, friendly goldendoodle (a golden retriever and poodle mix) whose shaggy smile will melt anyone’s heart. The Doghouse Raffle was initiated to raise money to purchase an additional dog advocate.

The PRCAC has held a 5K/10K fun run every year for the past several years but this year, Kerrie explains, “we put on our annual Blue Bolt Fun Run which has morphed into a Color Run!” Color Runs have are becoming increasingly popular across the nation. Never heard of a color run? Imagine a regular 5K. Now imagine you’re wearing a stark white shirt and at various points through the race, volunteers on the side lines douse participants with safe, brightly colored corn starch. The PRCAC’s 5K Blue Bolt Fun Run uses the colors of the nonprofit’s logo - blue and yellow. By the end of the run, participants of all ages are covered from head to toe in blue and yellow powder. It’s quite a sight! The 10K is for the more serious runners who do not wish to end their run in a multicolored fashion. The Blue Bolt color run is the first of its kind in Granbury and is growing in popularity

PR CA C DAT A F OR 2015: • 274 forensic interviews • 144 counseling clients • 109 presentations reaching 7,563 people

ST AT EW I DE DAT A: • 40,000 Texas children are served by CAC’s across Texas each year • 26% of these children were not old enough to attend kindergarten • 95% of these children knew their perpetrator • Statistics show that 1 in 4 girls is sexually abused before her 18th birthday • Statistics show that 1 in 6 boys is sexually abused before his 18th birthday • In one year, more than 65,000 cases of child abuse were confirmed in Texas

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W H AT W I LL YOU R DON AT ION M E A N T O T H E C H I LDR EN’S A DVO CA C Y CEN T ER? • $1,000 – Covers the expenses of providing intervention & support services for 5 victims of child abuse from the time of initial investigation through resolution in the judicial system.

• $500 – Covers the expenses of six days rent & utilities.

• $100 – Covers the printing costs of literature to educate the community about child abuse prevention & intervention.

• $50 – Supplies 10 children with stuffed animals to comfort them during a time of crisis.

• $25 –Purchases blank DVDs to record a child’s description of abuse, so the details won’t have to be repeatedly told to investigators.

• $10 – Purchases snacks & juice boxes for children who come to the center to receive services related to their abuse.

WAY S T O DON AT E • Use our pay with PayPal option by clicking the Donate button on our website • Shop on Amazon using the Center’s Amazon Smile account - Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the Paluxy River Children’s Advocacy Center.

AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service.

• Phone in your debit/credit card donation • Mail or deliver your donation to: Paluxy River Children’s Advocacy Center 1540 Southtown Drive | Suite 102 & 103 Granbury, TX 76048

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PR CA C W ISH LIST Gift cards from Wal-Mart (in amounts from $10 to $25) Snack Foods (individually wrapped, please) Juice Boxes Small Toys (new, please)

every single year. What’s more, adults and children can participate together so it’s fun for the whole family.

Kerrie and her staff aren’t afraid to try new things and keep it creative and with each fundraiser, their number one goal is to bring awareness to the cause. All the fun fundraisers, while bringing a smile to all those involved, also serve as a reminder that there is still a cause to remember. To sum it up best, the PRCAC’s website sells $10 yard signs decorated with a child’s handprints and reads, “A hurt child is everyone’s business.” This is the crux of the mission of the PRCAC. For agencies similar to the CAC, there is sometimes a misunderstanding of what exactly they do and how they help.“Child abuse happens across all sectors of society including different socioeconomic and ethnic groups, and in both city and rural communities. We are here to serve families with any resources we can, and to educate and empower all families that walk through our door,” Kerrie explains.

Like most organizations, the PRCAC depends on the generosity of the community they serve - both in dollars and volunteers. Kerrie explains that when community

Paper Products (napkins, plates, towels) School Supplies For information on annual fundraisers, please visit paluxyrivercac.org

members take part in PRCAC events, “we hope our name [PRCAC] sticks with people and when they are ready to volunteer or donate, they do it with our organization or when they need education on the subject, they come to us.” The PRCAC has had a far-reaching and positive impact in our area and has made a difference in many families’ lives. Kerrie says it best when she says, “I have a challenging job, but an amazing one and I am excited each and and every day to meet those challenges and get started on the next fundraiser!” With the help of the community and an executive director like Kerrie Stannell, the Paluxy River Children’s Advocacy Center has the best chance to turn their fun fundraisers into lives changed.

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BY RJK HAMILTON PHOTOS BY DAWN SKINNER

I’m sure the idea of trying dishes, then writing about them in a gorgeous magazine seems like a glamorous job, but don’t be green with envy!

Speaking of green, for our second installment of DD&D, we were challenged by a reader to find the best green sauce in Granbury. Green sauce to most means a sauce made with chili’s and served alongside Mexican food. Once again, the sixth generation Texan, East Coaster and tween set out to experience local green sauce and we found so much more.

Breakwater Grill

Our first stop was at the Breakwater Grill, the latest incarnation of the restaurant on the water running parallel to Hwy 377 at the intersection of Hwy 144. Our tween felt like she was on vacation relaxing as the boats would pass by. The owners, Cherish and Mike, create a diverse menu with yummy dishes such as an ahi tuna sandwich with a lime aioli. The tuna taste as if it had been swimming earlier that day, so fresh. Also, the put out these amazing hotdog creations.. I know hot dogs (sigh), but you’ll never want to eat one with just mustard again after trying a Breakwater dog. Toppings include pickled red onion, pulled pork, and even one with avocado and jalapeno, all on homemade poppy seed buns.

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Cherish and Mike have a new dish we heard about, the Sweet Green Chili Pork Quesadilla. Wowza, it’s not too spicy and not too sweet, it is a savory and satisfying dish. I detected a lingering flavor after I swallowed the last bite that took the quesadilla from the southwest to maybe Asia. You tell me. It is served with a guacamole authentic to the Yucatan, similar to the guac we know but much creamier. In addition, while not green, they have amazing coconut ice cream that is so rich and full of coconut flavor that the vacation image our tween felt came into focus for us, too. Mike offered to put the ice cream in the blender with rum, whoa! All the portions and prices are

reasonable. Cherish and Mike have experience catering events of any size and specialize in homemade baked goods. At Breakwater, look forward to enjoying live music and a full bar. Just don’t forget your flip flops, sunscreen and your appetite!

Thorp Spring Cuisine

Head north, past the square toward Lipan and you come across what looks like a small abandoned strip mall in the “don’t blink or you’ll miss it” town of Thorp Springs. In that strip center next to a gas station is Thorp Springs Cuisine. Walking into this kitschy Thai restaurant, you may have doubts about the place as you pass the Koi pond filled with minnows, but we beg you to sit and wait for the magic of Woody & Tina to happen.

This is simply the best Thai food this side of Bangkok. We couldn’t believe the flavor they consistently put out. Order

the green chicken curry, not spicy like most believe,enjoy one of the most comforting meals you’ll ever have.

Woody & Tina have been in Thorp Springs for ten years, America for 20, but they cook Thai like we are in their home of Ayutthuya, Thailand. Rich and creamy with coconut milk, the Yum Kha Gai is a chicken soup worthy as the nectar of the Gods. I would walk barefoot on hot coals for a bowl of that soup. Since we found it, we invade it weekly. Per our recommendation, many of our friends new to Thai food now go regularly. From standard Pad Thai to a fantastic chicken and basil dish called Kra Prow, (pronounced Ka Pow), there isn’t a dish on the menu that won’t satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. The menu is based on intense flavors and everything is seasoned with fresh herbs, including a new one to us called galangal, reminiscent of fresh ginger, but milder. It is evident that the Kijnitchee family puts all they have into each dish.

We were honored to share this space with them, eating the flavors of their heritage in the humblest of settings.

Be forewarned that the food has come out slowly so bring a good book or friend to wait it out. And even if you love spicy, when they ask on a scale from 1-5 how you want your spice, stick with 1 or 2.

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Monte’s

We cruised down Hwy 377 and stopped at Monte’s which we’ve heard has the best green sauce in town.

After a long wait in a very full restaurant on a Saturday afternoon, we tried their green sauce. Smoke came out of my eyes, that first container was borderline lethal. I tried a second container and it wasn’t as fiery as the first, but quite hot nonetheless. We thought the chicken enchiladas were fine, the streets tacos, too. We like authentic food, but I’m afraid our palates may be too genteel for the flavors Monte’s puts out.

BBQ on the Brazos

We ventured further down Hwy 377 to Cresson, or East Granbury as we call it, to BBQ on the Brazos owned by John Sanford, the meat smoking master. Many Granburians and others from further away have asked if we’ve tried the BBQ from the Texaco Gas station. We finally stopped in and have yet to be disappointed. A terrific brisket sandwich, chopped meat with sausage on it or now, a new brisket burger, are made even better with their creamy green sauce. Made with avocados, sour cream and Sanford secrets, the sauce is terrific. The sauce has replaced ketchup on our fries. John and his wife Kathryn make everything homemade and you can tell.

John’s an expert on BBQ, he smokes with oak and puts out some of the best smoked turkey we’ve had, as well as

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fantastic ribs. He’s proud of his Q and he should be. BBQ on the Brazos was named one of the top five BBQ joints in Texas by Texas Monthly last year. Make sure whatever you get - you drizzle that terrific green sauce on it!

Green sauce, from curry to avocado to poblano to a sweet chili, Granbury is covered in some of the most delicious I’ve had.

We would be remiss not to mention that one of the restaurants from our last article, Max’s Kitchen, has seen record sales since the publication. With many new and satisfied customers, Max & Family deserve this huge recognition. I tried to convince him of that over a homemade chorizo, grilled onion, egg, bacon, and cheese filled burrito covered in his tomatillo green salsa just last weekend, but my mouth was too full for him to understand.

We don’t want to knock chain restaurants, but when you have food like John Sanford’s BBQ, or Woody’s Yum Kha Gai Soup, Cherish and Mike’s ahi tuna and homemade onion rings to Max’s everything; made with all that they are, all that they came from, it seems hard to walk into a chain restaurant and ask for anything other than directions to the places we listed above.

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y r u b n a r Scenes of G Her crown shines bright, a small beacon of comfort illuminating our path home... a friendly reminder that her light remains a part of us and grace is always near.

That is why we love Granbury.

Photo By Jennifer Kochis

Photo By Jennifer Kochis

Photo By Jennifer Kochis

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Lake Granbury Living

“Winter is a season of recovery and preparation.”

-Paul Theroux

Photo Fat Cow Studio - Cindy Cook Photo ByBy Jennifer Kochis

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One kind word can warm three winter months.

-Japanese proverb

All Photos By Fat Cow Studio - Cindy Cook

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Photo By Jennifer Kochis

Photo By Jennifer Kochis

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Lake Granbury Living

2014 2013

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Granbury Cuisine

BY CHEF MICHAEL WATKINS

CINNAMON PEAR BALSAMIC PORK TENDERLOIN WITH PORK JUS

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

1 pkg pork tenderloin (trim off any extra fat and silverskin) 8-10 garlic cloves, minced

• In a bowl combine pork and all other ingredients and half of the Arbequina olive oil.

3 tbsp rosemary, finely chopped

• Cover and marinate at least 6 hours.

2-3 fresh bay leaf, finely chopped (optional) 2oz brown sugar

• Brush tenderloin with remaining Arbequina olive oil, season with salt and pepper.

4oz cinnamon pear Infused balsamic vinegar (available at 1890 Marketplace)

• Cook until they have an internal temperature of 140-145 Degrees.

4oz arbequina olive 0il split in half (available at 1890 Marketplace)

• Allow to rest for 3 to 5 minutes and then slice at an angle.

salt and pepper to taste

PORK JUS INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

16oz pork stock (beef stock may be substituted)

• In a sauce pot add all ingredients, except for salt and pepper.

1 carrot, trimmed, peeled and chopped medium size dice 1/2 yellow onion, med dice 1 celery stem, med dice 2 garlic cloves, smashed salt and pepper, to taste

• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.

• When stock has reduced by half or can coat the back of a spoon remove from heat and strain, pushing down on the vegetables.

• Season strained jus with salt and pepper.

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Lake Granbury Living

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With mammograms, there is no magic age.

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Doctors on the medical staff practice independently and are not employees or agents of the hospital or Texas Health Resources. Š 2015