LGL Summer 2016

COMPLIMENTA RY | sum mer 2016

Through various outreach services, the Lake Granbury Master Gardners seek to spread awareness of the importance of a sustainable environment.

Remembering

Occasionally, we have the opportunity to live the good ‘ol days again - like packing all the teenagers in the car and heading to the local drive-in theater.

Hometown Li v ing At Its Best

Every Child Deserves a Bright Beginning

Every year Operation School Supplies provides learning materials and health screenings for approximately 2,3002,500 GISD students.

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Peace of Mind.

Schedule at SolisMammo.com or call (866) 717.2551 Visit us in Granbury at 1310B Paluxy Road, Suite 1000

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

Habitat for Humanity of Hood County: 20 Years of Building Up Families Worldwide, Habitat for Humanity has made immeasurable differences in the lives of almost 7 million people and there is an unmistakable impact that giving back has on its volunteers.

Hood County HfH enters its 20th year this August and after building homes for over 80 families, there is no end in sight.

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Jazz on the Green Today, Jazz On The Green at the Langdon is alive and swinging more than ever. Student jazz singers now join the big band, filling the air with their

18

improvisations, while retired musicians from all over the country jam on the songs from their youth, and audiences still sit back to enjoy live jazz.

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Beauty With a Purpose Through various outreach services, the maintenance of demonstration gardens, and even the granting of agriculture or horticulture related scholarships, the Lake Granbury Master Gardners seek to spread awareness of the importance of a sustainable environment.

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Granbury Gone Fishin’ Lake Granbury provides our community with continuous beauty, as well as access to many recreational activities, a favorite among those is fishing. Our region is home to numerous species of fish. Largemouth Bass, Striped and White bass, as well as Channel and Flathead Catfish are all found in Lake Granbury and the Brazos River.

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Lake Granbury Living

22 About The Cover

Bride Ashton Trussell | Photography by Ellen Ashton Photography | Floral by Town and Country Floral Gallery | Granbury, Texas

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Thank You for Flying Civil Air Patrol Originally, CAP was founded by a group of citizens concerned about the nation’s borders and assigned to the jurisdiction of the Army Air Corp. Our local Civil Air Patrol has served Granbury for over 15 years, providing education to local youth and serving the community.

They successfully execute three missions: emergency services, cadet programs and aerospace education.

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Tumbling Toward Greatness We may be shaping miniature Olympians right here in Granbury, but most importantly we have a local place for our youth to exercise in a fun and safe environment.

A place like Gym Kat Sports Center is a pillar for a strong, healthy community. We should be proud of the adults this kind of environment has the potential to produce.

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Life Pieced and Stitched When you ask someone about their quilt, expect the answer to be in the form of a story. Quilts have a special way of forming unspoken bonds between makers and owners. For one Granbury quilter, Kathleen Little, quilting is the catalyst for this connection.

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Every Child Deserves a Bright Beginning Providing annually to approximately 2,300-2,500 students, Operation School Supplies makes available learning materials, free haircuts, free school immunizations, free vision screenings and free sports physicals during the yearly Resource Fair.

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Remembering Occasionally, we have the opportunity to live “the good old days” again - like hanging out at the Dairy Queen or packing all the teenagers that a car can hold and heading to the local drive-in theater. As one of only thirteen Texas drive-ins still standing, the Brazos Drive-In remains much like it was.

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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 Happiness

Wishing much love and happiness to Granbury’s newlyweds

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Hometown Bundles of Joy

Welcoming Granbury’s Newest Residents

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Hometown Living At Its Best

5

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

PUBLISHER

enVision Publishing, LLC

CEO Rachelle Pritchard MANAGING EDITOR

Melissa McGavock

“ONLY IN THE DARKNESS, CAN YOU SEE THE STARS.” This personal favorite and inspirational quote of mine seemed all too bittersweet when I witnessed it reign true in and out Granbury, May 2013. That evening quickly turned to darkness as the black clouds swept in and out as fast as they came in. Panic swept over families and friends all through the community as we learned of the tragedy to our loved ones within our town. After growing up in such a tight knit community, I know all too well how devastated the community was when the EF4 tornado hit. It was during one of the darkest hours in Granbury that emergency workers, volunteers and the community rallied together to shine for those who needed it most. In the midst of devastation, we were reminded of our strength and love for home. As the new CEO of LGL, is it this same dedication that I look to reflect in our magazine.

This summer’s issue thoughtfully explores our landscape – how we got here, what we stand for, and what pieces of our shared history are the most important now. The first article starts us off by remembering the tender time in our recent history when we faced such tragic devastation and the triumph of overcoming such tragedy. Further in, we visit the everyday life in Granbury – arts, crafts, sports, local charities and finish with a bit of nostalgia.

Words of thanks would be incomplete as they’d be a thousand lines long. First the publication team, who have put in long hours pouring through all the details to make this magazine what it is.

Melissa McGavock, our Managing Editor, has put her heart and soul into this issue. She has gone above and beyond to make my transition here smooth. Hats off my friend!

A giant thank you to all of our advertisers who make the magazine possible. And above all, thanks to our writers for growing with us – and to you, our readers, for making this a joy!

R achelle Pritchard, CEO (817) 330-9015 info@lglmagazine.com www.lglmagazine.com 8

Lake Granbury Living

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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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Lake Granbury Living

Habitat for Humanity

of Hood County:

20 YEARS OF

BUILDING UP

FAMILIES

By Andra Mayberry Photography by Landi Whitefield Photography and Š Habitat for Humanity International/Ezra Millstein

H

ood County’s Habitat for Humanity enters its 20th year in August and after building homes for more than 80 families, there is no end in sight for this dynamic, life-changing organization.

Worldwide, Habitat for Humanity has made immeasurable differences in the lives of almost 7 million people and there is an unmistakeable impact that giving back has on its volunteers. With the construction of new homes, renovation of existing homes and a whole-hearted investment in our communities, Habitat breathes new life into many families who simply need a leg up. This principle is practiced with every single build, and also right here in Hood County.

Hometown Living At Its Best

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We are all just one crisis away from needing help.

Thus, the global organization was founded in 1976 after Millard and Linda Fuller were inspired to put an idea they had seen in Sumter County, Georgia into practice in Zaire, where they entered the missionary field. The idea was simple: a community of individuals come together to help better the lives of their neighbors in need of better housing - not just by handing out money or tangible goods, but by working together to help build and then own their home. The recipient families then make payments on a no-interest loan and are offered opportunities to be mentored on the ideals of financial stability. In short, this is called partnership housing.

At the core of Habitat for Humanity are the volunteers. These individuals are made up of student

groups, church organizations, business employees, veteran associations and retirees. If you ask any volunteer what it is they find most fulfilling, they will tell you it’s about putting that hard helmet on and doing work that actually means something. Some volunteers would swear Dedication Day, the ceremony when the family receives their key and enters their own home for the first time, is a spiritual experience.

Just ask Hood County’s 19-year veteran volunteer, Ronald Barrett. After retiring from a 30-year career as a DPS Officer, Barrett and his wife moved to Granbury.

Following a conversation with an Acton Baptist Church friend about being a little bored in his retirement, she suggested he come out to a Habitat build where she provided lunches for the volunteers. He came on board with Habitat soon after, and has been a part of nearly every build since.

Barrett’s very first task was to dig a ditch for a foundation. “We don’t do it like that anymore, but it was just plain ol’ work. When we went out, they just needed bodies to work. After running a jackhammer, they wondered if I was gonna come back or not,” he chuckles.

But Barrett did show up for the next house and he hasn’t stopped yet. The kind of labor a typical Habitat volunteer performs can vary, from hauling drywall panels and lumber to picking up loose nails and painting walls. As well, newcomers seem to fall in line and grasp exactly what task they need to accomplish to further the mission.

VOLUNTEERS: THE FOUNDATION OF HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Barrett testifies that the benefits of volunteering for a build are not just in the brick and mortar, but in the human effect of reaching out to give someone a helping hand. “Those are my best days - the days I get up and go to Habitat,” he says.

According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, “volunteers are more likely than those who do not volunteer to experience positive health benefits. In fact, serving others may increase longevity, lead to greater functional ability later in life, and strengthen one’s resilience when dealing with health problems.” Just like Barrett, a substantial percentage of Hood County residents are retirees. The act of putting 12

Lake Granbury Living

years of wisdom and experience to work to create a positive experience for families in your community is awe-inspiring. Volunteers, especially retirees, come from all walks of life and have so much to offer with their varied knowledge. It seems giving back allows the human heart a chance to repay those divine favors we’ve all been blessed with and in the process, a healing of sorts takes place.

For those on the fence about whether Habitat is the cause they want to join, Barrett says, “I would just recommend they come out and work with the people out there - the Habitat volunteers. Plus, get to know the families. After you get to know the families, it changes

your whole attitude in what you’re doing [while] working beside them.”

Barrett says he’ll never forget one particular ceremony when, “the young son kept pushing the doorbell and I heard him tell somebody, ‘I’ve never had a doorbell before.

I’ve never lived in a house with a doorbell.’”

Volunteers who are present on Dedication Day often say there are no words to describe the joy and love felt when that key is handed over. Barrett says, “They’re just so excited at what they see and they’re so grateful. [When you get] the hugs from families at the end of it or a ‘thank you,’ you can see in their eyes how they appreciate what you’re doing. That’s all the pay you can ask for.”

Hometown Living At Its Best

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Š Habitat for Humanity International/Ezra Millstein 14

Lake Granbury Living

© Habitat for Humanity International/Ezra Millstein

THE DEVASTATING STORM SEEMED TO DIRECTLY TARGET ITSELF OVER THE COMMUNITY OF RANCHO BRAZOS, WHERE 60 HABITAT HOMES WERE DAMAGED OR DESTROYED AND AS MANY FAMILIES WERE DISPLACED. MAY 15, 2013 EF-4 TORNADO STRIKES The commitment to making lives better was no more evident than in the aftermath of the deadly May 15, 2013,

EF-4 tornado. The devastating storm seemed to directly target itself over the community of Rancho Brazos, where 60 Habitat homes were damaged or destroyed and as many families were displaced. “As soon as we were able to, we got out there and saw what was happening. When you see houses that you just got through building completely gone and knowing how the families have lost everything out there, it’s heartbreaking,” Barrett says. Just four hours before the tornado touched down in Rancho Brazos, Habitat volunteers had put the finishing touches on Olga Hernandez’ house and the dedication ceremony was scheduled to take place just three days later, on May 18.

Within hours of the reopening of the neighborhood, Habitat volunteers from Hood County and neighboring Trinity HfH of Fort Worth, poured into the area and rebuilt homes in record time during what is called a blitz build. “One thing that makes Habitat so good is the people in Hood County are so good to us. They take care of us. They do things for us and it’s really been so rewarding,” Barrett recalls. Not only the people of Hood County, but the entire nation focused its eyes on the urgent need in this Habitat neighborhood.

Shortly after the ravaged area was cleared for access, Hometown Living At Its Best

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Lake Granbury Living

the GM Foundation pledged $500,000 to Habitat for Humanity International to support the cleanup and rebuild efforts across Hood County. At the same time, Community Bank began working with Hood County Habitat to rebuild, raising local donations of more than $160,000 in six weeks. The desperately needed funds allowed Habitat to secure private contractors to come in and intensify the rebuild efforts.

In only six months, by November 2013, 46 of the 60 families were back in their homes. That fact alone demonstrates the passion and determination sincerely felt in the hearts of volunteers and Habitat families.

GROWING NEED There’s a growing segment in our population who are forced to work two to three jobs just to pay the rent for inadequate housing. Hood County is no different.

According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, “nowhere in the U.S. will a full-time minimum wage job pay for a median one-bedroom apartment and in 30 states, two minimum-wage jobs won’t cover the rent.”

The effects of this type of pressure can be disastrous for families. Children who grow up in inadequate housing are more likely to suffer in the long run. According to the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation as part of its How Housing Matters to Families and Communities Research Initiative, “poor housing quality was the most consistent and strongest predictor of emotional and behavioral problems in low-income children and youth.”

Furthermore, parental stress caused the inability to provide for their children adds to the breakdown of the family.

Habitat for Humanity’s core beliefs are about altering society to empower families, one build at a time. In fact, among Habitat’s guiding principles is the belief that, “No one lives in dignity until everyone can live in dignity. We believe that every person has something to contribute and something to gain from creating communities in which all people have decent, affordable places to live. We believe that dignity and hope are best achieved through equitable, accountable partnerships.”

The Partner Families who are carefully selected as Habitat homeowners, undergo a rigorous application process and must meet several qualifications to be

considered. These individuals must demonstrate the need for better housing, make a long-term commitment to partner with Habitat and put in a minimum of 300 sweat equity hours in building their house. The fact that the families make monthly mortgage payments to pay the home off, fosters a sense of ownership and demonstrates perseverance to children. Habitat also goes the distance by offering free financial counseling services to continue the work of altering the family home base.

There’s room for everyone at Hood County Habitat for Humanity and with continued community support for this worthy organization, our little corner of the world will keep flourishing. Perhaps founder Millard Fuller put it best when he said, “A house is to a family what soil is to a plant. A plant needs to be rooted. A family is like that.

If a family is not rooted, it will not flourish. But once a family is well-rooted, all kinds of wonderful things will begin to happen.”

Hometown Living At Its Best

17

Hometown Happenings

Hood County Library Summer reading program

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Children of all ages are invited to take part in the Hood County Library Summer Reading Program. Activities include reading, crafts, and games. The program runs Mondays through Wednesdays during the months of June and July.

Check the online library calendar for details: www.youseemore.com/hood/calendar.asp.

Photography courtesy of Dawn Skinner

Lake Granbury Living

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L

ike most creative endeavors, the annual Jazz On The Green event held each October at the Dora Lee Langdon Center had unusual beginnings. But Salzburg, Austria?

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Lake Granbury Living

The same birthplace of Mozart and the tourist capital of the Austrian Alps?

The same ancient city where you can’t throw a faux

heritage and local culture.

Shane Jonas, then a Tarleton music student (now a professional jazz musician living in Chicago) was

alphorn without hitting a kiosk selling replicas of the von

eating dinner with Janice Horak at a back street café in

Trapp kids singing in the Mirabell Garden?

Old Town. Horak is now an Associate vice-President at

Yes, THAT Salzburg. Not quite the birthplace of jazz, but it became the birthplace of the premier jazz event in Granbury, Jazz on the Green.

In the summer of 2001, just a few short weeks before September 11, the TSU Jazz band travelled to Europe to perform at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival. They stopped for two days in Salzburg to enjoy the musical

Tarleton, but at the time was the Director of the Langdon Center. The conversation went a little something like this: Jonas: “Janice, we need to do some sort of jazz concert at the Langdon Center.”

Horak: “Shane, you’re right. Let’s do it. You’re in charge.”

And so it began.

Hometown Living At Its Best

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Lake Granbury Living

For about two hours, on one Sunday afternoon in October, this downtown mini-festival showcases the best of what can happen when a city and university work together.

In 1997 Horak, along with Tarleton Director of Bands, Jonathan Hooper, started the annual Concert on the Lawn featuring the concert bands from Tarleton State University, but had been looking for a unique fall event.

This “some sort of jazz concert” idea from Shane

manager at Grump’s in Granbury, and Michael Crawford, percussionist and teacher in DFW and at Baylor.

The second half was all jazz led by students Jonas, John Benedict, associate with Stream Energy in Gainesville, Eric McNiel, band director in Decatur,

percolated for a few weeks, then it was time to work. Or

and Lemons. A few people showed up, mostly friends

time to play. No one knew exactly what to start, or how to

and family, the event barely registering with downtown

start it, or what to plan, so they just did it. They made it

visitors. But it was a beginning with integrity, purpose

up. Much like live jazz, total improvisation.

and great jazz.

In late October 2001, the inaugural “Poetry and Jazz

The following year, the Tarleton Jazz band directed

on the Green” took the stage on the concrete slab behind

by Greg Ball joined them, and a few more people showed

the Gordon House. This first event was the creative

up to listen. By 2003, special guest artists were invited,

collaboration of faculty and student, poet and musician,

such as the Pete Peterson Collection Jazz Orchestra

word and song.

from Dallas, trumpet player Shabda Noor from Illinois,

To start the concert, Tarleton English professor, Sam

saxophonist Brad Leali from the Harry Connick, Jr.

Dodson, had just published a book of poetry, “After All

and Count Basie bands, as well as first-call metroplex

Those Living Rooms” and his poems were accompanied

saxophonist, Tim Ishii. It all came full circle when Shane

by three Tarleton jazz students: Josh Bradford, currently

Jonas returned from Chicago a few years later to be the

a freelance pianist in DFW, Aaron Lemons, now a

guest artist with the TSU Jazz Band.

Hometown Living At Its Best

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“...it was a beginning with integrity, purpose and great jazz.”

Jazz on the Green concert often coincides with the

run more by the Langdon Center. Now that the City

annual Harvest Moon Festival of the Arts on the third

of Granbury owns the property, and the University

weekend of October. Hundreds of visitors from all over

performs on it, well, it all works out great. You can’t deny

Texas descend on downtown Granbury to enjoy the art,

that there is some magic going on in this block!”

the multiple attractions of the square, and of course, Jazz

If You Build It, They Will Swing

on the Green.

Local retired band director David Talmage and

People come from all over and sit. They dance. Or

retired music executive Ted Dolan had been trying to put

not. They come and go. Some come back. Tarleton alumni

together a big band in Granbury. Partially inspired by

meet and greet. University faculty and city administrators

Concert on the Lawn, they set out to form the Langdon

join retirees and young families to relax on the lawn with

Center Big Band with the hopes of being able to perform

sunglasses and blankets. It is, after all, autumn in Texas!

at the July 4th weekend the following year. With the help

But mostly, they listen to jazz. For about two hours, on

of Horak, and a wonderful partnership with the Langdon

one Sunday afternoon in October, this downtown mini-

Center, they put a band together just in time for the

festival showcases the best of what can happen when a

concert on July 4.

city and university work together. Horak explains: “It started as a collective effort, with Tarleton State

Mark Hettle, a jazz musician and educator from Dallas, became the first director. Three months later, they

University and the Langdon Center joining forces to

joined the second Jazz on the Green event, performing

create a special new event. Throughout the 15 years of

their second gig, and continue to open the event each

these jazz concerts, sometimes it leans more towards

year. Donations at their performances have funded

a Tarleton event. Then the next year, the it might be

numerous jazz scholarships for worthy high school music

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Lake Granbury Living

students who want to study jazz at one of the many jazz

Green is alive, and swinging more than ever. Student jazz

camps in Texas.

singers now join the big band, fi lling the air with their

In 2008, the Jazz Patio was built on the Langdon

improvisations, while retired musicians from all over

Center lawn. Several small “no-name” jazz trios and

the country jam on the songs from their youth, and the

quartets from Tarleton, along with just a few musicians

audiences still sit back to enjoy live jazz. They dance. Or

who simply wandered onto the patio and played.

not. It’s live jazz, it’s off the cuff and the only rule is to

Sometimes there was an audience, sometimes there was

enjoy the music.

an event attached, but mostly, it was a place to plug in, set up, and play for a few hours. Now in decline, the Jazz Patio and the summer events that were held there for a short time have mostly vanished.

In 2009, the popular Granbury Wine Walk began, and the area where Shane began his humble concert in 2001 is now one of the most popular musical venues of the Granbury Wine Walk, with more than 6,000 people enjoying this unique outdoor music venue throughout the weekend. The perfect bookend is that the final band to perform at the Langdon Center this year during the Wine Walk was a jazz trio.

Today, from those humble beginnings, Jazz On The

“People like to listen to music outdoors. Look at all the music festivals that take place outdoors--from Woodstock to Coachella, Montreux to Newport, people want to listen to music in a pastoral and relaxing setting.” - Janice Horak Hometown Living At Its Best

27

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Happiness Photography courtesy of

Wishing much Love & happiness to granbury's newlyweds

Twisted Roots Photography and Ellen Ashton Photography Kevin Byrne & Ashton Trussell Photo by Ellen Ashton Photography

Kelly & Michael Roell Photo by Twisted Roots Photography

Ashton Trussell Photo by Ellen Ashton Photography

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Lake Granbury Living

Kelly & Michael Roell Photo by Twisted Roots Photography

Kevin Byrne & Ashton Trussell Photo by Ellen Ashton Photography

Ashton Trussell Photo by Ellen Ashton Photography

Hometown Living At Its Best

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Lake Granbury Living

Beauty with a

PURPOSE

By Bra n dy H err Ph oto gra phy by Daw n S ki n n er

F

The Lake Granbury Master Gardeners make it easier to protect the environment while keeping our community beautiful.

For many people, green is much more than just a color. Green is an entire way of life. The trend of “going green” has been growing for many years and has worked its way into mainstream society. The concept centers on maintaining a sustainable environment, or using our environment in such a way that its resources will be available for future generations through efforts put forth in our everyday lives. Efforts can include recycling our plastic and glass goods, installing solar panels on our houses, shopping with reusable bags, or even planting a garden. That’s where the Lake Granbury Master Gardeners come in.

Hometown Living At Its Best

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The Lake Granbury Master Gardeners work with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to promote the education of gardening skills within the Granbury community. They are part of the state-wide Texas Master Gardeners program, which stems from the 1978 Extension horticulture training with Texas A&M University.

Master Gardeners earn their title by participating in fifty hours of instruction, followed by another fifty hours of volunteer work in their community within their first year of membership. Through various outreach services, the maintenance of demonstration gardens, and even the granting of agriculture or horticulture related scholarships, this organization seeks to spread awareness of the importance of a sustainable environment.

34

Lake Granbury Living

Granbury residents and visitors may already be aware of the presence of the Lake Granbury Master Gardeners.

They have aided in the beautification of the Historic Granbury Downtown Square by planting various flowers and shrubs in the pots along the sidewalks and parking lot. Through yearly plant sales, the organization spreads the beauty by selling the fruits of their labor directly to the public. Hood County knows that if we need help with the beautification of our property, we call on the Master Gardeners.

The service provided by the Lake Granbury Master Gardeners goes so much deeper than that. While beauty may be their specialty, they never forget to include plants that provide a direct benefit to humans. According to

"Many of the plants that are in our Demonstration Garden are native or well adapted plants that are very tolerant of diseases and insects.

This means we have beautiful plants that are low maintenance and require little additional fertilizer or pesticide applications."

Marty Vahlenkamp, County Agent for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and advisor to the Lake Granbury Master Gardeners, they provide information on how to grow fruits and vegetables in addition to landscape plants, and they recently hosted a community education class on growing tomatoes. They also include vegetables and fruit trees in their Demonstration Garden at 1410 West Pearl Street, where they demonstrate plant selection and sustainable growing techniques in Hood County.

The Lake Granbury Master Gardeners include the growing of food-bearing plants in their outreach programs as well. “Some of our members are working with the youth at the Rancho Brazos Community Center on a gardening project and are teaching them to grow vegetables,” Vahlenkamp said. “Working with these youth is a delight as we teach them to be future gardeners.”

Don’t be too quick to discount the purpose of the flowering or otherwise beautiful plants for which the Master Gardeners are known, however. Every plant in the environment, whether food-bearing or not, serves a vital

function in maintaining our ecosystem.

“Plants are an important part of the environment.

They help produce the air that we breathe and feed both us and other animals. We can do that and have beauty at the same time. Many of the plants that are in our Demonstration Garden are native or well adapted plants that are very tolerant of diseases and insects. This means we have beautiful plants that are low maintenance and require little additional fertilizer or pesticide applications,” Vahlenkamp said.

Trees, shrubs, and flowers contribute monumental benefits to the earth and the beings that live on it. Not only do trees provide oxygen while reducing the carbon dioxide levels, but did you know that trees can actually help you with your energy bill? According to the Arbor Day Foundation, the effect of the shade of a healthy tree is the same as ten room-size air conditioners running for twenty hours a day. Trees can also protect your home against the harsh winter wind, reducing your heating costs as much as twenty-five percent, as claimed by the Journal of Horticulture.

Flowering plants can provide food not only for animals, but for us as well. Flowers have gained a newfound popularity as a human food source, according to the North Carolina State University. Popular flowers Hometown Living At Its Best

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Lake Granbury Living

found in recipes can include lemon, coriander, gardenia, marjoram and garlic chives. Flowers can also be used as medicinal resources, both as herbs or in essential oils.

Are you ready to start planting your own garden and create your own personal green renaissance? The right time is always now! But don’t rush into it. Gardening can be tricky, and it’s easy to get discouraged when it doesn’t turn out right.

“First thing is to develop a plan before you buy a plant,” Vahlenkamp cautions new gardeners. “We are all guilty of buying that plant and then trying to decide where to put it. Research the types of plants you want and what will work well in the area and with your specific site requirements. Do you need small plants or large plants?

Plants that need sun versus those that work better in the shade? Are you trying to attract butterflies or other wildlife? Always look for native or well adapted plants that will be able to handle our environment.”

According to the North Texas Vegetable Gardeners blog, flowers are your best bet for planting in the Texas summer heat. The red flowering plant, Mexican firebrush, can perform well in a dry heat, with its colors growing more vibrant when exposed to the Texas sun. If your lawn provides enough shade, there are plenty of varieties of flowers that thrive in shaded areas, allowing them to survive the extreme highs in temperatures. Figs, chickpeas, and cherries are also possible to grow during the summertime in Texas if you are looking for plants with a food-bearing option.

Of course, if you want to make sure your garden survives and thrives in the sometimes nice and sometimes nasty Hood County climate, you will want to include the help of the Lake Granbury Master Gardeners or the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service of Hood County. They are there to help you with all of your gardening needs.

According to Vahlenkamp, “They can help with soil testing, plant selection, plant disease problems, or insect problems. The County also has the Highway 51 North property where residents can get mulch or have tree trimmings turned to mulch.”

To get help with your garden, ask for advice, support the Lake Granbury Master Gardeners, or become a Master Gardener yourself, call them at 817-579-3280 or visit their office in the Hood County Annex 1 at 1410 West Pearl Street. And don’t forget to admire their beautiful demonstration garden while you are there!

The Lake Granbury Master Gardeners provide a crucial resource in Hood County as they do their part to promote the protection of our environment and maintain a sustainable ecosystem. After all, it’s the only one we have.

Hometown Living At Its Best

37

Hometown Happenings

Acton Local Market

38

Acton Local Market (ALM) takes place the 2nd and 5th Saturday at 8am May - October. Visit www.actonlocalmarket. com for details. “ALM is a collaboration between local farmers, crafters, businesses and economic development professionals.�

Photography courtesy of Hood County Development

Lake Granbury Living

1507 N Plaza Dr | Granbury, TX 76048

800.800.2851

granburymotorsports.com

CERTIFIED MECHANICS FULL SERVICE REPAIRS PARTS • ACCESSORIES

SERVING GRANBURY FOR 24 YEARS

LOCALLY & FAMILY OWNED

Gr anburY

GoneFishin

By Ashlie Freeh

|

Photography by Stevo Torres

and provided by members of the Granbury Bass Club

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Lake Granbury Living

T

he Brazos River is the longest river in Texas. Its waters run through Hood county and it is the source for Lake Granbury. When Cordova Bend Dam

was constructed on December 15, 1966, water began to fill the proposed lake area years later on September 15, 1969. At maximum level the depth is 75 ft, as well, our lake covers 8,300 acres with over 103 miles of shoreline.

Lake Granbury provides our community with continuous beauty, as well as access to many recreational activities, a favorite among those is fishing.

Our region is home to numerous species of fish. Largemouth Bass, Striped and White bass, as well as Channel and Flathead Catfish are all found in Lake Granbury and the Brazos River.

Otherwise known as anglers, the story holds that the angle of the hook used to catch a fish resulted in the nickname, angler. This tidbit and more are some of the conversations held between an older generation and a younger generation of fishermen.

Hometown Living At Its Best

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For more than 30 years, the Granbury Bass Club has provided Hood County with a pastime designed to encourage sportsmanship and friendly competition.

The Club formed in 1984 with the mission to provide fishermen the means to come together and enjoy their love of fishing. Meetings are held each month at a local restaurant where members have the opportunity to get together, discuss strategies and previous tournaments,

The best part of belonging to the Granbury Bass Club is the camaraderie, friendly competition and fishing with people from your community.

while also being recognized for their accomplishments.

President Jeff Weatherly explains that, “The best part of

many anglers develop a relationship with their favorite

belonging to the Granbury Bass Club is the camaraderie,

lakes. They gather knowledge that may include favorite

friendly competition and fishing with people from your

fishing holes, best time of day to fish and favorite places

community.”

to launch.

Our Bass Club has a year-round season thanks to

Texas Parks and Wildlife says of the Brazos, “...

warm water lakes in the area. The current season begins

Largemouth Bass fishing can be excellent around any

in October and ends in September of each year. In

of the 1000-plus boat docks and piers. Crankbaits, jigs

addition, fish species spawn at various times of the year

and worms are top bets. Catfishing is good throughout

and make home in different plants and lake vegetation.

the reservoir… abundant timber along the Brazos River

Fishermen spend hours studying species’ habits and

channel makes for excellent trotlining.” Information like

contours, carefully learning each lake’s secrets. As such,

this can be helpful for those who are new to the area and

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Lake Granbury Living

is readily available via our Visitors Center or the Texas

members to trade goods and have fun, while raising

Parks and Wildlife’s website.

funds for the club. The winner of each tournament held

While the weather in Granbury is nice enough to

that year must supply an unopened bag of the bait they

fish the lake a large part of the year, monthly tournament

used to catch the winning fish. Also, the end of the year

locations are voted on and held at various lakes within a

brings the top anglers awards. The Club awards the

150 mile radius. Nearby Squaw Creek in Glen Rose, TX

following categories: Lady Angler, Big Bass, Member of

has a high surface temperature which makes for a great

the Year, Angler of the Year and Junior Angler. Longtime

spot to fish during colder months. The Club makes new

member and Club Secretary, William Roberts (One Fish

territories available and provides fishermen with the

Bill), remembers the biggest catch in his tenure was a

ability to gain knowledge of each lake by exploration with

10 lb 6 oz Bass hooked on Hubbard Creek Reservoir by

like-minded people.

former member, Brad Graves.

Winning a tournament is not the only way to

The Club’s top six anglers participate in the Fun-N-

encourage competitive sportsmanship. At the end of

Sun Bass Clubs of Texas Top 6 Tournament. This year’s

each year, the club holds a members-only championship

Texas Top 6 Tournament will be held right here on Lake

tournament known as the Gene Warford Memorial

Granbury on August 27th and 28th. The tournament

Tournament. Gene Warford was a founding member

sends each club’s top six anglers to compete against other

of the Granbury Bass Club making this tournament a

expert anglers from all over the state. The Bass Clubs

favorite among the members. As it is held at the end of

of Texas (BCT) group, “was formed in 2011 to promote

each season, this tournament affords the opportunity to

fellowship and competitiveness with other anglers and

see how they’ve improved as anglers during the year.

their clubs. By creating a championship for the top six

The annual Granbury Bass Club auction allows

Aaron Thomas, Largemouth Bass, 7.2 lbs

anglers, the BCT championship tournament will be the

Eric Underdown, Largemouth Bass, 6.9 lbs

Hometown Living At Its Best

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Lake Granbury Living

For decades, the Granbury Bass Club has been a wonderful way to meet new people who share a common hobby and the invitation is always open to fish as a guest. true top notch anglers in Texas.”

After moving here in 2010, member Aaron Thomas was looking to meet fellow fisherman and learn more about fishing Lake Granbury. He chanced upon the

with Doug Kissinger at the Granbury High School Outdoors studies program to help start a High School Fishing Team.”

However, members encourage continuing education

Granbury Bass Club and has enjoyed participating in the

for all ages and invite guest speakers to their meetings.

club meetings and tournaments. Aaron maintains that

One of these guest speakers was Fox Sports Outdoors

the club has been a great way to explore the surrounding

Anchor Barry Stokes. Updates from pros like Stokes

areas and lakes. As well, the club is family friendly - good

provides anglers with the latest in boating, gear and even

news for all the angler parents out there. When you

conservation. Fishing is a sport that is quickly appreciated

have a family, it can be hard to find an activity that may

by many, but mastered by few. Staying competitive and

work for everyone. The Granbury Bass Club encourages

furthering your education will improve any angler’s skill

members to bring their families to attend meetings which

on the water.

helps pass the sport to the next generation.

In keeping with encouraging the next generation to

For decades, the Granbury Bass Club has been a wonderful way to meet new people who share a common

get involved in the sport of fishing, youth can join an

hobby and the invitation is always open to fish as a guest.

adult and fish in the tournaments, as well as be a part

Opportunities are readily available to fish with other

of Club meetings. This involvement can boost a child’s

anglers and test your skills. So that settles it, grab your

love and understanding of the sport, as well as general

reels and tell your friends, ‘cause Granbury’s gone fishin’.

sportsmanship and competition. The youngest member of the bass club currently is 11 years old. The Club’s

Interested in joining? Contact President Jeff Weatherly at Jeff.Weatherly@hotmail.com.

Secretary, Mr. Roberts says “We are currently working Hometown Living At Its Best

45

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817.579.0952 • 133 East Pearl Street, Granbury, TX 76048 www.granburytheatrecompany.org

Thank You For Flying

Civil Air Patrol

By Matthew Deming | Photography by Reagan Deming and Stevo Torres

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Lake Granbury Living

A

s a Granbury native I grew up watching planes fly over my parents’ home on Comanche

Peak. As I grew older, I saw more and more small aircraft flying

through the skies above our small town. I always wondered where they were going and what they were doing. Now I know that at least a few of these aircraft are serving the community with Civil Air Patrol.

give them some peace of mind.

Do they still exist and where are they now? I would have told you that if they were still active, I suppose they would be a group of private pilots that follow their own agenda, assisting the city and county when needed; looking for missing persons and such, but mostly flying for leisure and hours.

I was so wrong.

My assumptions were correct in one way, the Civil Air Patrol (henceforth referred to as CAP) did start during WWII, beginning as part of the War Department a week before the attack on Pearl Harbor. It was founded by a group of citizens concerned about the nation’s borders and assigned to the jurisdiction of the Army Air Corp. They flew several million miles along our nation’s borders providing important services for the military, including anti-submarine patrol, finding some 170 enemy U-boats, attacking over 50 and sinking two.

If you had asked me a few months ago how much

Following the War, President Truman established

I knew regarding the Civil Air Patrol, about who they

CAP as a federally chartered non-profit organization

were or what the organization was, I wouldn’t have had

and a civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force in

much of an answer. I’d attempt to give some general

1948. Today, this is considered for CAP as part of their

assumptions about the group based on what little I had

“Total Force” and utilizes the organization to complete

read in books or heard second hand. My thoughts of the

thousands of missions each year. They execute three

group were limited: I believed the group formed around

primary missions: Emergency Services, Cadet Programs,

the WWII era to air patrol our country, look out for

and Aerospace Education.

invading troops, in turn helping the population relax and

My interview with Lt. Col. Floyd Whitehouse, Hometown Living At Its Best

51

Cadets line up for drill and uniform check.

Squadron Commander for Granbury CAP, took place on

it was tragically struck by an EF5 tornado.

a sunny Thursday afternoon, with big fluff y clouds in the

These disaster missions support several agencies,

sky. The smart red, white and blue Cessna was parked just

including the Texas Division of Emergency Management

outside of the Granbury Airport offices as I walked inside

and FEMA, where CAP’s surveys and photos can provide

I met Floyd, who had just finished a mission and was still

justification for government assistance and grants. CAP

dressed in his olive flight suit. After our introductions,

planes and pilots are tasked by Homeland Security

which included Toby Blair, Deputy Commander of

to fly along the border, providing surveillance and

Cadets, I sat down to learn all about CAP and have my

communication for ground teams. The Air Force provides

main question answered, “What, exactly, does CAP do”?

most missions for CAP, using squadrons to survey flight

As part of the Emergency Services mission, Civil

routes and add new structures that might impede flight

Air Patrol squadrons conduct 90 percent of all inland

paths, such as cell towers. CAP planes are far more cost

search and rescue missions tasked through the Air Force

effective than drones, helicopters or fighter jets, so they

and other agencies. They provide disaster relief support

are used for intercept training (intercept training is where

to local, state and national agencies, such as aerial

they mimic a threat to important areas or structures) by

photographs taken during floods in Houston or along

NAS Fort Worth JRB and other bases around the country.

the Trinity River. Our squadron was in Houston at the

They are also used for communication support,

end of April this year, surveying damage and guiding

as CAP has a nationwide network of VHF radios.

emergency personnel to areas that needed support. Also,

If anything goes wrong with traditional means of

they provided support to Moore Oklahoma in 2013 when

communication, this network can relay important

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Lake Granbury Living

Our local Civil Air Patrol has served Granbury for over 15 years, providing education to local youth and serving the community. They execute three missions: Emergency Services, Cadet Programs and Aerospace Education.

messages all across the country. The Granbury squadron

folding ceremonies for the families of local veterans.

plays a very important part with local communication,

Cadets also attend summer camp, summer flight

as they have a radio repeater that can be placed in their

academy, as well as national events. The opportunity to

plane so they can fly above a disaster area in a “high bird”

learn these skills and participate in the organization is

and provide better radio coverage for ground teams. This

only part of the reason to join CAP. Cadet Emily Pyle

tool was used by our squadron when they flew over the

joined to follow in her family’s footsteps and help protect

PK fires in 2011.

the community. Cadet Pyle and fellow Cadet Brodee

Cadet Programs are an important mission of CAP,

Pack received certificates for their first flight on May

and one that our local Squadron takes to heart. There are

16th. Cadet Payton Pruitt wanted to join ROTC, but is

11 cadets at Granbury Composite Squadron TX-441, The

homeschooled, so chose to participate in CAP instead.

Raptors, ranging in age from 12 to 20, although most of

The squadron gives the cadets not only a place to

the cadets are age 15 or under. They operate in ROTC

learn about the military and aeronautics, but is also a

fashion, with drills and PT, but this occurs outside of

sanctuary. Many of the cadets mentioned the friendship

school, on Monday evenings. Cadets become members

they had gained within the group. When asked about the

of a ground team, learn emergency response, search and

organization, each one mentioned the bond they have

rescue, communication skills and can be trained to pilot

with one another and their superiors, that they have

planes and gliders.

learned from one another and those above them, and also

The Granbury Squadron also has a Color Guard that is available for community events. They perform flag

how to be someone to look up to.

The leadership aspect of CAP is appealing to many of Hometown Living At Its Best

53

Squadron and Cadets stand at attention in front of the CAP Cessna at Granbury Airport Terminal.

the members. Cadet Bannon Stump appreciates how CAP

and leadership, as well as fitness (their physical training

is leadership driven:

sounds exhausting, with running, push-ups, sit ups and

“CAP teaches you to be a respectable leader. You can enter more air force schools and join the military

much more).

Part of CAP’s mission is executed through Aerospace

at a higher rank.” (A Cadet officer can enlist in the Air

Education. This mission peaked my interest because

Force as an E3 and in the Army as an E2.) Cadet William

I work fulltime for an aerospace company and find

Bledsoe mentioned that “[CAP] has leaders that are

all things aerospace interesting. CAP is dedicated to

people to look up to” and it is “a place to belong, to have

educating communities, cadets and students about

a bond... We’re kind of like a little family. The people you

aerospace. They teach the history of flight, principles of

meet, you really just hold on to those friendships.”

flight and the evolution of aerospace in America. CAP

In a world full of distractions, these young adults have been given something bigger than themselves to focus on. They’ve been shown what they are capable of,

also provides free education programs, products and services to local educators and communities.

A really neat education tool that CAP utilizes is

believe more in themselves and have a strong respect for

STEM kits. STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology,

the military and their families. CAP provides them with

Engineering and Math. These educational kits are offered

a stepping stone for a stable future.

to students of all ages, from kindergarten to college.

They have the opportunity to gain knowledge

STEM kits come with lesson plans, books and online

they never would have had without the group, such as

materials, as well as a vast support system and cover

engineering, aerospace systems, character development

a variety of aerospace topics including rocketry, UAV,

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Lake Granbury Living

weather stations and robotics. I wish some of this was

missions are all completed without traditional monetary

available when I was in school. I mean, rocketry? Really?

compensation. They operate primarily on donations from

What kid doesn’t want to learn about rockets? I was

local patrons, businesses and groups that wish to provide

disappointed to find that we currently do not have any

support. The local VFW chapter is one of the Granbury

STEM kits in use in Granbury, but I encourage our local

Composite Squadron’s main patrons, providing yearly

educators to contact CAP and see what can be done to

donations to support new cadets as well as donating their

have a kit for their class.

time, expertise and assistance throughout the year. Their

CAP even advises that the kits be used across grade levels and schools, so a single kit could circulate GISD to educate hundreds of students about aerospace. And,

support was mentioned several times by CAP members and it is obvious that is very appreciated.

I was impressed by the local Squadron leaderships’

for the teachers out there who might be interested in this

passion and desire for furthering aerospace education

program, if you join as an Aerospace Educator, you could

and providing development opportunities to Granbury

get an orientation flight over Granbury! When speaking

youth. CAP provides an opportunity to serve our

of STEM kits, Commander Floyd stated, “We have these

community with honor and integrity. They are in the

assets and we really want to help and assist the local

business of reaching new heights and flying with a greater

educators and community”. Local educators interested

purpose.

in STEM kits can find contact information at the end of this article. What an amazing opportunity we have as a community, to utilize this organization to better educate our youth.

An astounding fact about Civil Air Patrol is that it’s an all voluntary, non-profit organization. The services they provide: education, emergency services and air

For more information about the Granbury CAP Contact: Lt Col Floyd G Whitehouse, III at fgwhitehouse@yahoo.com or 817-999-4047.

You can also find the Granbury chapter on Facebook at Granbury Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol and can learn anything I may have left out at www.gocivilairpatrol.com.

If you are interested in making a donation Checks should be made out to Civil Air Patrol and mailed to: Civil Air Patrol Floyd Whitehouse Cadet Emily Pyle receives certificate for her first flight from Lt Col Floyd Whitehouse.

Granbury Regional Airport 400 Howard Clemmons Road Granbury TX 76048

Hometown Living At Its Best

55

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Tumbling TOWARD

GREATNESS

By Melissa McGavock | Photography by Shad Ramsey of Red Door Photography

DEDICATION TO WELLNESS, AS WELL AS A SOUND MIND AND BODY IS HAPPENING RIGHT HERE AT GYMKAT SPORTS CENTER IN GRANBURY. In the wake of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, gymnastics is on my mind as it’s the olympic event I always look forward to. Athletes train nearly their entire lives for this competition. At a tender age many leave traditional education, peers and even family to practice and push their bodies to the ultimate physical limits, in hopes they may have a chance to represent their country on the world stage. It’s truly amazing to witness pure dedication at this level.

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Lake Granbury Living

Hometown Living At Its Best

59

The awe-inspiring opening ceremonies of the games always moves me. Each year the show is more elaborate than the last, as the new host country gives their all to push for the very best in lights, sound and drama.

The world’s most influential people, families and fans speculate as each athlete in participation has a chance to make their entrance. This is the only time during the games that athletes of every sport and of every country are in one place, each very proudly representing their country and peers.

For gymnasts, this peak performance usually happens only once in their lifetime. It’s apparent that on the Olympian level, the window for the perfect symmetry of mind and body is a small one.

Dedication to wellness, as well as a sound mind and body is happening right here at GymKat Sports Center in Granbury. The Center started in 1979, they just celebrated 37 years on June 1. They are a tumbling and trampoline gym that serves Granbury and the greater community, from Aledo to Stephenville.

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Lake Granbury Living

GymKat has ancillary programs that make for a well-rounded recreational space. This includes their Starz Extreme program, a competitive cheerleading group, yoga and boxing, and they're always looking for new activities. Owner Kassie Hooser explains, “[For GymKat Sports Center] I want to be the house that everyone gets to come to and do their thing… be it martial arts, boxing, competitive dance… we’ve dabbled in yoga, zumba, and what have you.” Kassie likes to keep an open mind and provide a safe environment for Hood County’s youth.

Kassie grew up in a gymnastics environment and so did her mother, Kathie. Kathie Walley started training at the age of 8 and coaching at age 13 with the Country Day Private School in Fort Worth. “I’ve never wanted anything else,” says Kathie, “As far as Kassie… it’s all she knows and it’s all we’ve ever wanted to do.” Kassie nods in agreement.

Kassie is a devoted mother, daughter, businesswoman and athlete. She is committed to maintaining a recreational gym that is affordable for our community.

Creating a safe space where local children and teenagers can come to train, exercise and have fun is the goal.

I’ve considered the stigmas surrounding some of these competitive sports, specifically the time away it takes from regular life (at the elite level) and the cost. I’ve found myself speculative about what may be best for our family.

Sure, all of us parents consider our babies to be as talented as any Olympian when we burst with pride at every new skill they master. And competitive sports are great for teaching discipline, hard work, team work and how to be a winner, also maybe more importantly, how to handle defeat. All of these skills can be very useful when applied to various arenas of adulthood, be it our professional or family lives. However, losing out on precious moments in childhood can also be detrimental to development. As well, understanding ourselves and our boundaries with a healthy self image is equally important, in my opinion.

Yet another example of this is Friday Fun Nights at GymKat Sports Center. This open gym event is quickly gaining popularity in Granbury. Parents have the option to bring their children to play for a couple hours and have the night for themselves. Every step is taken to ensure the children’s safety, from attentive staff to a clean environment. Extra care is put toward security as well. Each child signs in and is assigned a number with a coordinating wrist band. The parent has the same number marked to their wrist with invisible ink. This way, at the end of the night, instructors can be sure that each child is leaving with the correct chaperone.

Creating a safe space where local children and teenagers can come to train, exercise and have fun is the goal. Growing up I had peers that were dedicated to gymnastics, dance and cheer. As a new mother myself, Hometown Living At Its Best

61

I was happy to learn that Kassie and Kathie take the safety of their athletes very seriously. Kassie said, “We train slowly and steady, instead of fast and furious… we’re training at proper progressions from our little babies all the way up.” Because of their attention to a natural pace, many of the GymKat athletes, even at Elite levels rarely suffer injuries. Also, they don’t require braces and ice packs constantly, something pretty commonplace in a competitive tumbling atmosphere. Even still, there are times coaches agree that the athlete is ready for the next level, however, if the student does not feel they’re ready, the coaches respect the wishes of the child. They aim to be mindful of preventing injury, mental block, or signs of burning out.

It’s about accountability, communicating with the parents and the athlete, hand in hand with teaching and upholding a healthy self image. As many instructors know all too well, communication with parents is key in any educational or extracurricular environment. To give you an idea of how each level progression works, each tumbler

It’s about accountability, communicating with the parents and the athlete, hand in hand with teaching and upholding a healthy self image. must master 39 skills to advance to the next level of which there are ten. Beyond that, the athlete reaches an Elite status for which there are greater, albeit more grueling competitions, but they may open doors to high school and college scholarships for the teen. There are currently three graduates of GymKat who are elite gymnasts and have realized their dreams on the college level.

Kassie has been building up a team since the late 90s.

She explains of her class of Level 9s, “We have a crop coming up now, ready for Level 10, which is the highest you go before you mobilize for Elite.” 19 of her tumblers qualified for Nationals this year, one injury (a broken finger) meant then 18 qualified, six (eight yrs old - Elite) went to Nationals in Rhode Island in June and ten of the 62

Lake Granbury Living

12 five - seven year olds are off to Nationals in Tulsa this July. Two of those twelve opted out.

Each year the Granbury Optimist Club raises a $500 Scholarship to be awarded to a GymKat athlete. As well, the GymKat administration is always offering fundraising ideas to parents, such as cookie dough sales (much like they do for schools). Money raised is applied to the child’s GymKat tuition. In addition, the staff along with Kassie and Kathie keep a close watch on their tumblers and have covered costs for children in the past who needed it most. For instance, family illness, depending on the severity can completely cripple a family, not only financially, but emotionally.

Their mission is to offer stability for kids when they may have to endure life’s trials at a young age.

We may be shaping miniature Olympians right here in Granbury, but most importantly we have a local place for our youth to tumble and exercise in a fun and safe environment. A place like Gym Kat Sports Center is a pillar for a strong, healthy community. Much like the pride felt for the Olympians that represent our country at the games, we should be proud of the adults this kind of environment has the potential to produce. It’s been said that a happy life is really a string of happy moments and maybe superstar athletes would agree.

However, it’s a real blessing that in our hometown, we have GymKat Sports Center for all that’s inbetween.

Checkout all the programs and hours of open gym made available on the website at gymkatsportscenter.com.

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Hometown Happenings

Granbury High School Graduation

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Congratulations to our 2016 graduates! This year’s ceremonies took place at the Fort Worth Convention Center on May 27th. We wish you all the very best in this great accomplishment and to the next chapters of your lives. “It takes great courage to grow up and become who you really are.” -E.E. Cummings Photography courtesy of Stevo Torres

Lake Granbury Living

upcoming events Labor day lakefest Sept. 3-5

Community Carnival Sept. 23 - Oct. 2

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Pieced &

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HEN YOU ASK SOMEONE ABOUT THEIR QUILT,

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EXPECT THE ANSWER TO BE IN THE FORM OF A STORY. YOU MAY HEAR ABOUT A PIECE

OF FAMILY HISTORY, A LIFE STORY IN T-SHIRTS QUILTED OR THE CRAFT PERSON THEY BOUGHT IT FROM. QUILTS HAVE A SPECIAL WAY OF FORMING UNSPOKEN BONDS BETWEEN MAKERS AND OWNERS. For one Granbury quilter, Kathleen Little, quilting is the catalyst for this connection. She is not a quilter by heritage, but rather by friendship. While she readily admits she is not among the most awarded quilters in the area, quilting has allowed her to enhance the lives of others and herself.

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Lake Granbury Living

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Much of her early adult life was spent overseas following her husband Lee’s engineering career, in the military and then civilian. Saudi Arabia was a recurring destination.

It was there that her neighbor, Cam, introduced her to quilting. It only took one meeting with the ladies and she was ready to dive in. This led to Kathleen’s first quilt project, ironically, a pair of lap quilts in the ‘Trip Around the World’ pattern.

Upon her travels, she learned many tips, tricks and techniques. Abroad, they not only piece and quilt fabrics, but apply pieces of themselves into every project.

The dearest of these being the signed quilt blocks each lady received from her friends when she was preparing to permanently leave camp. These were to be the foundational blocks for a quilt in her new home.

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Lake Granbury Living

When the Littles finally decided to retire and move back the U.S., they settled in Pecan Plantation. After all, it was only an hour from the Little family home in Fort Worth. Well, that was the plan anyway, until six months later a great job opportunity arose in Sumatra, Indonesia.

They closed up the house and off they went.

It only took as long as her “Welcome to Sumatra” coffee social to find a quilt guild that met weekly. It was in this guild she met her quilting mentor, Susie Parker. She tackled new quilting challenges. “I made a white fabric with ecru stitching quilt to showcase the quilting. While the finished product is beautiful, I will never do one again. You go crossed eyed,” Little explained. “We used it as the alter cloth for my daughter’s wedding.”

While she was learning about the native batik fabrics and meeting wonderful Indonesian friends, she found out many had not yet learned about the joys of quilting. She and Parker invited a few local women to their quilt guild meeting. Surprised at the raised eyebrows, the following week, they brought many more. That began a course in cultural appreciation over many hours of piecing and stitching across the guild. Additionally, it taught some of these women a marketable skill which they could use to earn money for their families. Little explained, “In Indonesia, education is not a right. It is a privilege for those who can pay for it. This allowed some enough money to send their children to school. It is big deal when your children attend school.”

After three and a half years, the Littles returned to Granbury to begin their “real” retirement. Only nine short months into it, Lee passed on to his eternal rest.

Kathleen was faced with building yet another life – this time one on her own. Quilting allowed her to meet people without being “the widow”. It provided support and gave her a way to work through the loss and face a life she was not relishing. At the time, she was working on her newly married daughter’s wedding quilt. It took two years of picking it up and putting it down, but she pushed through and finished it.

she planned to make. That day, a friend introduced her to another new technique, floating. It is similar to matte around a picture. This allowed her to add quilted blocks with patterns from her ecru on white quilt which made the border look intentional.

In 2001, she entered the quilt in Trinity Valley’s show and, much to her surprise, won the coveted Vivian Parker award. [To the non-quilting reader, this is akin to a “best of show” award.] In 2014, Little entered the quilt again for a featured exhibit spot at the Houston International Quilt Show, one of the largest and most prestigious quilt shows in the world, on a lark. More than 1,000 quilts were submitted for consideration to fill the 30 available spots. Little’s Lone Star was selected, again, much to her surprise.

While recognition for a job well done is always nice, quilting is not about accumulating accolades to Little.

“To me, quilting is terribly personal as well as creative. I

She joined the Granbury Quilters’ Guild and, a few years later, Trinity Valley Quilters’ Guild. She dove into both co-chairing, as well as, entering her work in the guild's quilt shows. After all, you cannot have a quilt show without quilts to show.

There is one quilt in her collection that seems to encapsulate her quilting journey — her Lone Star quilt.

Her fascination with star patterns began in Saudi Arabia, but it was in Indonesia when she decided to make a version with one huge star on it. She made a pattern, fabricated a huge star and began to make her quilt only to realize the star was not large enough for the size quilt Hometown Living At Its Best

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Lake Granbury Living

feel it is an art form and there are so many challenges in a quilt, that it is, I think, making the quilter, too, not only the beautiful finished product. I learn, grow and move on, dealing with the problems and challenges and how I solve them. I move on to yet another level of quilting.”

As she moves on, she enjoys helping others do the same by sharing some finished projects. For about four years, she made kid size quilts for the children at the Ada Carey Women and Children’s Center. She wanted each child to have something homemade that they could wrap themselves in to feel cared for, safe and loved, something that belonged just to them. Between her contributions, and those of a few friends, more than 400 quilts were given to children living at the Center.

Currently, she makes two special quilts each year to be given to someone participating in the “Starting a

New Life” grief support program. During each session one participant is selected who stands out as needing just a little extra. Their quilt, made with loving stitches, can wrap the support and care of many around their shoulders.

A catalyst seeded and nurtured in Saudi Arabia, employed to educate in Indonesia and share support and joy in the United States. Now think about if Little put a pin in a world map for every quilt she has made, helped make, taught someone how to make or encouraged someone to make revealing thousands of bonds connecting distance, time and people. With each quilt, a story comprised of one part owner, one part external influence and one part maker, all because one person reached out to another and said, “You will love quilting. I will to teach you.”

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Lake Granbury Living

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EVERY CHILD DESERVES A BRIGHT BEGINNING

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Lake Granbury Living

By Connie Lewis Leonard Photography Provided by Operation School Supplies

"ANNUALLY, OPERATION SCHOOL SUPPLIES PROVIDES SCHOOL SUPPLIES TO APPROXIMATELY 2,300-2,500 STUDENTS, SO THEY ARE SERVING 65 TO 70% OF THE STUDENTS IN GISD WHO QUALIFY FOR THE FREE AND REDUCED LUNCH PROGRAM." MICKY SHEARON, GISD SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT

A

s a retired teacher, I understand what it’s like to have a student walk through the door with nothing; no paper, pencil, folder or fancy backpack.

Starting the first week of school without supplies does not make for a bright beginning. Each year it seems the list of school supplies gets longer and more expensive. Some parents cannot provide everything their children need to achieve success; often times due to loss - loss of income, loss of health or even loss of a supporting spouse.

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The Granbury ISD’s Vision Statement explains: “We believe partnerships between parents, students, teachers and the community are vital to the success of our school system.”

Therefore, when parents can’t meet the needs of their children, teachers often step up to the plate. For example, when I taught elementary school, I would purchase at least two sets of school supplies at the beginning of the school year for “my kids” who didn’t have what they needed. When I began to teach middle school, I kept notebook paper, folders, spirals, markers, glue, scissors, pens and pencils in my room for my students. Even still, when the needs are too great for parents and teachers, the community is called upon to ensure the success of our students.

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Lake Granbury Living

Hood County is filled with generous people who care about kids. Operation School Supplies (OSS) was formed as a 501c3 nonprofit organization and began operating in 2001 in response to a growing number of requests for school supplies. The need was made aware through the Mission Granbury Emergency Assistance Network (EAN).

Micky Shearon, GISD School Board President, explains: “The Federal Free & Reduced Lunch (FRL) percentage for GISD hovers between 48-52%. While there are some areas of Hood County where there are concentrations of children living in poverty situations, pockets of poverty all around the county feed into all GISD campuses.

Annually, OSS provides school supplies to approximately

“WE BELIEVE PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN PARENTS, STUDENTS, TEACHERS, AND THE COMMUNITY ARE VITAL TO THE SUCCESS OF OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM.” - GRANBURY ISD’S VISION STATEMENT

2,300-2,500 students, so they are serving 65 to 70% of the students in GISD who qualify for the Free and Reduced Lunch program. It takes right at $33,000 to $36,000 to fully fund the OSS annual budget. Aside from the $12,000 United Way allocation we have coming this year, we will need to raise 100% of the remainder, or approximately $21,000 to $24,000 this spring and summer.”

Many organizations in Hood County work to meet increasing needs of our community, which translates into various fundraisers. “We know our local businesses are especially called upon repeatedly to support various worthy causes. OSS tries not to add to that burden, so we generally have one donor request letter that goes out to our list of individual donors each spring. To supplement what we raise from our donor letter, we also do some other very low-key fundraising efforts, such as our Pay Pal button on our social media pages,” Micky says.

Occasionally, individual campuses throughout GISD sponsor some sort of fundraising or school supply drive.

For instance, last year Brawner Intermediate held a coin drive and raised $303.36 to help with OSS.

Since its inception, OSS has worked to build a high level of trust with the clients. To qualify for OSS, parents or guardians have a simple, non-threatening, one-page form to fill out. Eligibility is based upon the student’s entitlement in FRL and other criteria such as WIC, Medicaid/Medicare, TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), etc.

In addition to school supplies, OSS helps kids have the opportunity for an appointment on site with hairstylists and barbers donating their time and talents. Micky said, “The OSS Resource Fair... allows our families to have easy access to essentially all of the programs and services offered to their children and/or families by just about every agency, organization and church in the county.

“Last year, we had nearly sixty vendors set up at our OSS Resource Fair including Mission Granbury, Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, CWJC, and Habitat for Humanity.

Most of the vendors have some free give-a-ways. They get people signed up for programs they offer and hand out information. Free school immunizations, free vision screenings, and free sports physicals were also provided Hometown Living At Its Best

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during the Resource Fair. Last year was our first year to have our school supply distribution and resource fair at the Lakeside Baptist Church facility, and we are scheduled to be there again this year on Thursday, August 11th.”

Micky went on to explain, “The value of our OSS Resource Fair cannot be overstated. By requiring that the parents/guardians come to pick up the school supplies on distribution day, we can be very intentional and deliberate about routing our families through the Resource Fair as part of the process. The information that they receive on programs and services that are available to their children and families is invaluable. On top of that, we always go to great lengths to make sure that it’s a fun and pleasant experience for both the parents and the kids! Last year was our first year to have our school supply distribution and resource fair at Lakeside Baptist Church. Prior to that, we were at the Granbury Resort Conference Center and were immediately too large for that facility. Prior to that, we were housed at various locations around the

IN ADDITION TO SCHOOL SUPPLIES, OSS MAKES AVAILABLE FREE HAIRCUTS, FREE SCHOOL IMMUNIZATIONS, FREE VISION SCREENINGS AND FREE SPORTS PHYSICALS DURING THE ANNUAL RESOURCE FAIR.

GISD Administrative complex from 2001-2013.”

OSS doesn’t just meet the needs of students at the beginning school. Each campus has a liaison, usually a school nurse or counselor, that helps set up a supply closet with items students may need throughout the year.

They can contact OSS when their supply closet needs replenished. Micky said, “This helps to prevent teachers from feeling like they need to go out and spend money out of their own pockets, which we all know they do, on school supplies their kids need.”

Financial donations are preferred to insure the supplies comply with the official lists issued by the district. Micky states, “Basically, $25.00 will completely outfit one child with a complete set of school supplies and a string pack. If we could get 1000 individuals to all send just $25.00 each, we would be able to fully fund our program for the year.”

Donations can be made by mailing a check made payable to “Operation School Supplies” to P.O. Box 2403, Granbury, TX 76048, or online through our Pay Pal account on our GISD webpage at www.granburyisd.org/ Page/726. All donations are tax deductible.

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HOMETOWN

Bundles Of Joy

Welcoming Granbury’s Newest Residents Photography courtesy of

Aila Balthrop Parents: Josh & Allison Balthrop

Misti White Photography

Morgan McNair Parents: Martin & Dawn McNair

Holland Hughlett Parents: Kennith and Chaney Hughlett Truett Clark Parents: Jeremy & Amy Clark

Alexayd Blevins Parents: Jeremy & Yeny Blevins

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Lake Granbury Living

Brylie Hill Parents: BJ & Mikka Hill

Reed Moody Parents: Bryan & Tori Moody

Willow Ingram Parents: Cole & Kiffany Ingram

Emily Wood Parent: Gregory & Tiffany Wood

Landri Willey Parents: Dustin & Nicci Willey

Eleanor Moore Parents: Justin & Jessica Moore

Ronin Williams Parents: Anthony & Angela Williams

Cassidy Merry Parents: Steven & Kelli Merry Ruby Walker Parents: Jace & Leah Walker Grayson Powell Parents: Jordan & Alisha Powell

Hometown Living At Its Best

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Lake Granbury Living

By Jan Brand | Photography by Stevo Torres

S

ometimes we don’t recognize the value of what we have until it is lost. Then we want to bring it back, at least in our memory. Occasionally, we have the opportunity to actually live “the good old days” again—like hanging out at the Dairy Queen or packing all the teenagers that a car can hold and heading to the local drive-in theater.

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Made popular with the baby boomers, the idea of a local drive-in seems to be an all, but lost past-time. After the Allied Forces won wars in Europe and the Pacific, the

of the United States. Also, the Brazos Drive-in Theater came to Granbury, Texas.

With the country’s new prosperity, families looked

Greatest Generation came home to build a burgeoning

for something to do outside the home. What could be

middle class like the world had never seen. They married

more fun than taking the whole family to the movies—

and had children. They bought homes, cars, refrigerators

including pajama-clad kids in the back of the newly-

and lawnmowers. They settled in, and they revered both

popular station wagon, with pillows and blankets for

home-making and long days at the office followed by

those who couldn’t stay awake to the last scene.

family togetherness.

Some call it the Fabulous 50s. Others consider it the

Local entrepreneur, Fort Keith, saw the potential and built the Brazos Drive-In theater by hiring local men for

Gold Standard Decade. Like those who went to war as

construction. Much of the material came from Norman

boys and came home as men, America had come of age.

Lumber Company. Keith’s instincts were right, and the

In January 1952, The Today Show on NBC became the

drive-in quickly became a popular part of Granbury’s

first morning television magazine show. Elizabeth II was

weekend activities. People came from miles around to

crowned Queen of England. Humphrey Bogart won an

enjoy this new family experience.

Oscar for his role in The African Queen. The New York

*Excitement spread throughout the Dallas-Fort

Yankees beat the Brooklyn Dodgers in the World Series.

Worth area. An ad, run in the local newspaper by The

The first nuclear test was made in the Nevada desert.

First National Bank of Granbury said, “Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Fort Keith upon the opening of the

General Dwight David Eisenhower was elected President 88

Lake Granbury Living

As one of only thirteen Texas drive-ins that have survived the cultural art changes of six decades, the property remains much like it was.

Brazos Drive-In, for their faith in Hood County in making this large investment here and for giving citizens the best motion pictures the industry has to offer.”

The Hardin Theatre Supply Company of Dallas wrote, “Congratulations to Granbury—When it comes to DriveIn Theatres, you’ve got the best. We know because we furnished all the very latest type sound and projection equipment for the Brazos.”

Over the next three decades, three owners kept the drive-in alive. By the 1970s, drive-ins were falling on

hard times because of the mega-theaters with a dozen big screens showing the latest movies. Nevertheless, continuing support from the local community kept the Brazos Drive-In going.

The popular Beach Boys song, “I Wish They All Could Be California Girls,” couldn’t keep current owner, Jennifer Miller, from leaving California and moving to Texas. She wanted more than to live in Granbury. She wanted to preserve as much of history as she could.

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Parents bring blankets and chairs, and the children run and play until the movie starts.

In 1986, Ms. Miller acquired the Brazos Drive-In Theater. Consistent with her love for western culture and wanting to preserve the authenticity of the past, she says, “I believe my purpose in life was to save the Brazos DriveIn.� Our drive-in is one of only four Granbury businesses that have survived over the last fift y years.

As one of only thirteen Texas drive-ins that have stayed the course and survived the cultural art changes of six decades, the property remains much like it was.

The small concession stand still has its original popcorn popper. The original checkerboard tile covers the floor.

Rows of vintage metal lawn chairs line up in front of the old 1950s building for those who want to enjoy the gentle breezes of a summer night while watching the movie.

Ms. Miller has done a remarkable job of marketing this local landmark. The drive-in has been used for weddings, family tailgate parties, birthday parties and more. With the Blu-ray advantage, people can put their Hometown Living At Its Best

91

pictures on the screen for special events. The drive-in has appeared in Southern Living magazine and was part of a national television documentary about drive-in theaters.

Each summer, Comanche Peak rents the theater for four events. When Relay for Life was held at the high school, the participants watched movies all night at the Brazos with their tents pitched in the center of the track field. It’s apparent, the contribution to the region has been a constant source of pleasure.

There’s nothing like sitting under the stars in your car and watching the moon rise over the big screen. A lot of marriage proposals took place by the light of that moon.

Couples young and old are sometimes seen walking handin-hand before the movie starts. While walking their dog, they may be listening to the 50s and 60s music playing from the car radios tuned into the drive-in’s FM radio station, which replaced the old in-car sound boxes that used to hang on car windows.

Churches sometimes rent the theater and bring 92

Lake Granbury Living

Occasionally, we have the opportunity to actually live “the good old days”...

busloads of children for special movies. Parents bring blankets and chairs, and the children run and play until the movie starts.

From June through September, premier movies are shown at the same time as when they hit the local indoor theaters. One evening, as Ms. Miller drove down Pearl Street, eager to get to work, drive-in traffic was backed up almost to the town square. She crawled with the traffic for a long time, wondering what the problem was. To her surprise, when the drive-in came into view, she realized that the traffic jam was caused by cars waiting to get into the Brazos to see Pirates of the Caribbean. The police took two hours to clear the traffic of those who were unable to get inside for the movie, since the Brazos holds only 250 cars.

Like many American icons over the past few decades, the drive-in almost disappeared. But in the last few years, they have made a modest comeback. On CBS Sunday Morning, April 9, 2006, brothers Chris and John Rumfolo

were interviewed about their newly opened drive-in at Hockley, Texas. When asked if building a drive-in theater wasn’t much like opening a typewriter store, the brothers reported that they had to turn cars away. They reminded the host that you can’t get a hamburger or a chili dog at a walk-in theater.

If Jennifer Miller has her way, the Brazos Drive-In will go on, and the people of Granbury will keep filling their cars with kids, happily revisiting the past. Under starry skies, they will keep making memories for a next generation.

*Author’s Note:

A special thank you to Mary G. Saltarelli for sharing some of the history of the Brazos Drive-In Theater from her thesis.

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Hometown Happenings

Grumps Annual Tip-A-Cop

94

Grumps Burgers has hosted the annual Tip-A-Cop event in Granbury since 2009. Grumps proudly supports veterans and law enforcement and is honored to give back to those brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day. This year’s event took place on June 14, 2016. Your donations (tips) benefit local veterans and first responders.

Photography courtesy of Stevo Torres

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222 N. Travis St. | Granbury, TX Hometown Living At Its Best

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Scenes of Granbury Fond memories last in the rearview as adventure awaits just around the Peak... a friendly reminder that these are the good ‘ol days.

That is why we love Granbury.

Photography By Stevo Torres and shad Ramsey of Red Door Photography

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Lake Granbury Living

The best therapy in the world is timeout with your friends.

Hometown Living At Its Best

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“We all have time machines. Some take us back, they’re called memories. Some take us forward, they’re called dreams.” - Jeremy Irons

Hometown Living At Its Best

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Meet Rachelle Pritchard

G

rowing up I was always a daydreamer. I

in digital technology within my own family’s business.

remember sitting in the classroom, my

I took on the role of management and successfully

teacher’s voice muffled to my ears, staring

advanced the established printing business to the digital

out the window imagining I was someplace

age.

else. My family assumed I’d outgrow it and learn to focus

Outside of following my dreams in the business

on the task at hand as I got older. I never did, which is a

world, you will find me with my family and friends. I’ve

good thing and I’ll tell you why. You see, had I outgrown

been married to my husband Brian for over 16 years now.

my wandering mind, closing off my imagination and

He and our daughter hold my heart and are my entire

curiosities to the world, I wouldn’t be sitting here today

world. I am driven in life by passion. My philosophy is

to introduce myself as the new CEO of Lake Granbury

that you are never too old to set new goals nor to dream

Living.

bigger. At age 38, I made a new goal to be physically fit,

My roots run deep in Granbury where I was raised by

which is something I had never done before. Sure in my

my two hardworking and amazing parents. They taught

teen years I was active, but I wouldn’t say I was fit. This

me to dream higher than the sky and to never give up.

new journey has taught me that I am competitive and

They encouraged my passions to burn brighter than my

relentless when I set a goal, and that I am passionate

fears.

about health and fitness.

Like most post college graduates, I spent my twenties

With all the wonderful changes these past few

working and trying new opportunities that would

months, I am delighted to have the opportunity and the

ultimately show what I was made of. I spent time in

tools to continue to publish this prestigious magazine

the workforce employed by a Fortune 500 company in

for our community. In our little corner of the earth, the

the DFW area that taught me the importance of digital

quality of this magazine echoes our town’s spirit, beauty

marketing. Eventually in my thirties, I made my way

and independence. Thank you, Granbury for all you have

back to my roots where I saw the need for advancement

given me!

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Lake Granbury Living

123 S Morgan St, Granbury, Texas 76048 | 817.573.2461 | www.townandcountryfloral.net Mon-Fri: 9:00am to 5:00pm Saturday: by appointment only