My Jarrell Monthly Magazine • September 2023

EDITOR'S NOTE | CAMY REYNOLDS Dear Readers,

PUBLISHERS

Mike Payne

COMMUNITY EDITOR Camy Reynolds

Camy is a native Texan and mom of three who has lived in Jarrell since 2009. She serves her community as vice-president of the Jarrell Education Foundation, is on the District and Igo's Educational Improvement Committees, was a director on the Sonterra MUD Board for 5 years, and founded the local Facebook group Mom Tribe Jarrell that has just under 2,000 members.

COMMUNITY LIAISON Janet Hage

Janet Hage has been part of the Jarrell community for almost 30 years. She has been involved in community fundraisers, campaigns, and committees; volunteered with JISD, and worked for the City for more than seven years. She is a development partner of NW Wilco, LLC and serves on the Community Library Board of Directors. Janet focuses her energy on serving, giving back, and uniting the community in positive ways.

SENIOR WRITERS/COPY EDITORS

Ann Marie Kennon • Charlotte Kovalchuk

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Linda A. Thornton

Rachel Strickland

GRAPHICS & DESIGN

Sandra Evans • Zion Eaton

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Christianna Bettis

DIRECTOR OF SALES • Allison Smith

IT/WEBMASTER • Jesse Payne

CONSULTANT • W. Ben Daniel

ADVERTISING INFORMATION info@myjarrell.com

512-746-4545

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Copyright©2023

All rights reserved. MyJarrellMonthly is published monthly and mailed USPS, free of charge, to homes and businesses in the 76537 zip code. Mail may be sent to My Jarrell, P.O. Box 213, Jarrell, TX 76537. Email: info@myjarrell.com

As the heat of summer (hopefully) begins to wane, we are happy to share stories that celebrate new and old faces in Jarrell, our beloved pets, and the beginning of fall sports.

First, we congratulate Danielle Singh on her new role as city manager, as well as born-and-raised Jarrell native Tommy Sladecek on 50 years at Eagle Bank, a Branch of Round Top State Bank.

If you’re looking for brains and brawn, our feature on how service dogs play a crucial role in the lives of many individuals includes a need for public awareness regarding etiquette and best practices when encountering them. And our shelter feature shares information about the health of all our beloved pets and why vaccinations are a crucial part of responsible caregiving.

Our family's dog Winston is also excited for Sonterra MUD’s Park and Recreation Dog Days event that will make a splash at the Sonterra Pool on September 23.

Finally, to help you get back in the swing of the fall schedule, we've shared some easy skillet meals. My husband already has his cast iron seasoned and ready to go!

Hoping you all relish a fond farewell to the 2023 heat dome, the thrill of fall sports, and the fresh beginnings of a new school year. Embrace and enjoy!

COMING SOON!

INTRODUCING THE PRESERVE AT CALUMET

CALUMET SUBDIVISION

There will be 55 townhomes in the Subdivision with a variety of two and three bedroom units. They will be nicely appointed and will provide a more cost effective entry for the home buyer along with opportunities for the multi-family investor.

• Open Concept Floorplans & 2 Car Garage

• City of Jarrell Utilities

• Engineered Foundations

• R13 Walls with R37 Ceiling

Born and raised in Jarrell, Tommy Sladecek has had a front row seat to watch the town’s growth over the last 70 years. “I went to high school here—there were nine in my graduating class. It was a small, small town,” he says, adding that when he started working at First State Bank (now known as Round Top State Bank), he and his team knew every customer by name, “because we knew everyone in town. There were no strangers. I can’t say that anymore.”

But with that growth has come new businesses and job opportunities, he says. “I told everyone, when McDonald’s came, we’re in the big time now. You're going to see other businesses follow. Those businesses will create new jobs and be helpful for people in Jarrell. They’ll be able to work in Jarrell, not just live here.”

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

Jarrell Banker Tommy Sladecek Celebrates 50 Years in Finance

BANKING JOURNEY

In 1973, Tommy began his banking career as a bookkeeper at First State Bank where he was hired by Cora G. Sexton — the first woman president of a Texas state-chartered bank. He was promoted several times, serving as assistant cashier, cashier, vice president, president, and director. The bank changed its name to Eagle Bank in the 1980s and was then sold to Round Top State Bank in 2011. Tommy currently serves as the Jarrell branch’s senior vice president and advisory director.

Round Top State Bank President and CEO Dave Weishuhn, who has worked with Tommy for the last 12 years, says, “I have witnessed Tommy share his knowledge and experiences of the banking industry with his fellow employees as he manages his branch office in a fair and respectful manner. Not only is Tommy a great banker, but he truly is a pillar of his community. Tommy exemplifies ‘service to one’s neighbor’ as he is very active within the leadership of his church as well as he donates his time, talents, and knowledge to many other civic organizations within his community.”

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

An active member of the Jarrell and Williamson County communities, Tommy serves as vice president of the Williamson County Emergency Services District #5, secretary-treasurer of RVOS Farm Mutual Insurance Lodge #10, and finance council president for Holy Trinity Catholic Church. He has also served as a Jarrell ISD school board member, director of the Jarrell Chamber of Commerce, treasurer of the Jarrell Economic Development Corporation, director and chairman of the board for Catholic Life Insurance Company, and director of the Moravian Musical & Educational Association.

On what he has enjoyed most about living in Jarrell, Tommy simply says, “This is my hometown. I was fortunate enough to work in my hometown and didn’t have to travel to Austin or Round Rock to work. I was five minutes away from work. Being able to work in the community and know the people – I went to school with a lot of people who are still here. It’s always a pleasure to work with someone you know.”

When Danielle Singh graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in engineering, government work was not on her radar. But, after a layoff in 2008, she accepted a position in Bryan as a civil engineer, which opened her eyes to the possibilities. She realized serving the community meant something to her and never looked back.

She subsequently assumed the role of assistant city manager in Killeen before moving back to Jarrell, her hometown. In 2022, having watched the city struggle without a full-time city manager for an entire year while simultaneously experiencing a population surge of over 60 percent, she felt a familiar tug to serve. No longer content to remain a spectator, she took the initiative and sought the position.

There’s No Place Like Home for Jarrell’s New City Manager

by Linda A. Thornton

STEERING THE MUNICIPAL SHIP

City managers are responsible for the day-to-day management of a city and, unintimidated by the scope of her new responsibilities, Danielle has learned that all cities experience the same issues, just in different variations. Having guided Killeen’s 150,000 residents through COVID and Winter Storm Uri, she realized the secret to accomplishing goals was taking the job one day at a time.

As she settled into her mainstream duties in Jarrell, Danielle found the city’s foundation—its budget—was the perfect place to start. She is prioritizing maintaining water capacity and discontinuing the small-city practice of property taxes subsidizing utilities. Also prominent on her to-do list are hiring a police chief and more police officers, focusing on infrastructure, and replacing contract workers with in-house staff.

Danielle emphasizes that her ap proach isn't solely about her person al vision but revolves around aligning with the aspirations of the mayor, city council, and the broader community. With enthusiasm for enhancing the quality of life, she highlights future objectives like the expansion of park facilities. On the immediate horizon, she reveals plans to propose a July 4th fireworks event and a festive holi day tree lighting ceremony.

For more information, scan the QR Code to visit the City of Jarrell's website

THE WOMAN BEHIND THE DESK

Danielle laughs as she explains that each day seems to have its own plan. She credits her husband, Shailen, for being the backbone of their family and always helping with their three children. Their middle son, born with autism and cerebral palsy, has shaped their lives in a new way. The whole family has a profound appreciation for loving people as they are, and they are all proud to have become disability advocates.

While her five-minute commute from home to city hall may not be enough time to decompress, Danielle says her overuse of sticky notes, along with her photographic memory, keeps her organized. A city manager is never off duty, and neither is a parent, but Danielle is content to have found her spot in life in Jarrell.

“Watching Jarrell struggle, I felt a calling to return to my hometown and give back.”

As the relentless summer heat begins to give way to the crisp autumn breeze, it's time to revitalize your home and embrace the vibrant colors that autumn brings. Get ready to transform your home into a cozy haven, perfect for enjoying warm drinks, snuggling up in blankets, enjoying cooler days and nights. Here are the steps you can take to prepare your home effortlessly, ensuring a delightful transition into fall.

DECLUTTERING AND CLEARING OUT:

Before welcoming fall into your home, embark on a decluttering journey to create a refreshing and organized environment. Begin by removing summer-related items, stowing away swimming gear, packing up light weight summer clothing. This process will not only clear space but also allow you to mentally transition into the new season.

INFUSE AUTUMN COLORS:

Fall is synonymous with breathtaking colors, so incorporating seasonal hues into your home is essential. Experiment with warm earth tones such as deep oranges, rustic browns, and vibrant yellows. Add these colors through accent pieces like throw pillows, blankets, curtains, and art. Embracing the colors of fall will instantly create an inviting atmosphere in your living spaces.

EMBRACE NATURAL ELEMENTS:

Autumn's charm lies in its connection to nature, making it essential to bring natural elements indoors. Fill your home with branches adorned with colorful leaves,

miniature pumpkins, and gourds. Display a variety of fall flowers, such as sunflowers, mums, and daisies in vases throughout your home.

COZY TEXTURES AND LAYERS:

As temperatures cool, it's time to embrace warm and tactile textures. Swap out lightweight summer linens for plush and cozy fabrics. Layer your beds with soft blankets and thick comforters, to provide a cozy haven. Incorporate fluffy rugs, faux fur cushions, and velvety curtains to add warmth and depth to your living areas.

CREATE A RELAXATION NOOK:

Fall is the perfect time to create a cozy relaxation nook to escape the world and indulge in your favorite pastimes. Place a comfortable armchair near a window, accompanied by a small side table for your favorite books. Add a soft throw blanket and a floor lamp for warm lighting. This little corner will soon become your go-to spot for unwinding, whether it be reading, journaling, or simply watching as nature transforms outside.

By decluttering, infusing autumn colors, utilizing natural elements, embracing cozy textures, and creating a relaxation nook, you can transform your space into an inviting haven during this magical time of year. As you surround yourself with the sights, smells, and colors of fall, you can fully immerse yourself in the cozy embrace of the season, making cherished memories and enjoying your home to the fullest.

254-228-9870

lara.ingalsbe@outlook.com

LaraIngalsbe.com

PUPPER POOL PAW-TY

DOG DAYS AT SONTERRA POOL

SEPTEMBER 23 • 10AM-12PM

510 SONTERRA BLVD • $3 per dog

Remember that you know your pet best, so only dogs that are friendly to other dogs and humans may attend. All dogs must have current vaccination tag to enter

GAMES & CONTESTS

Enter to win door prizes and participate in a range of exciting contests. With some luck and canine charisma, your furry friend might just bag a prize.

EXCLUSIVE GOODIES

The first 50 dogs to make their grand entry will be treated to a tennis ball and other delightful toys. And don’t worry if you’re not among the earliest; every dog will go home with a treat-filled goody bag as a memento of their amazing day out.

For more info & questions email blake.reynolds@sonterramud.org.

As the hot, sunny days of summer slowly transform into the, well... hopefully, less hot... embrace of autumn, Sonterra MUD is rolling out a special invitation to everyone in 76537 and their furry friends to help bring the outdoor season to a close. Get ready to make a splash and indulge in a fun-filled morning at the inaugural Dog Days event hosted by the MUD's new Director of Parks & Recreation, Blake Reynolds.

COOL OFF IN STYLE

The Sonterra Pool is awaiting the playful dives and splashes of your four-legged pals. The pool will be closed to hoomans afterward so there is no need for concern about cleanliness for your next swim. All swim facilities begin a scheduled deep clean and off-season servicing after Labor Day.

by Ann Marie Kennon

PUPPER POOL PAW-TY

DOG DAYS AT SONTERRA POOL

510 SONTERRA BLVD.

SEPTEMBER 23 • 10AM-12PM

$3 per dog

GAMES AND CONTESTS

Enter to win door prizes and participate in a range of exciting contests. With some luck and canine charisma, your furry friend might just bag a prize.

EXCLUSIVE GOODIES

The first 50 dogs to make their grand entry will be treated to a tennis ball and other delightful toys. And don't worry if you're not among the earliest; every dog will go home with a treat-filled goody bag as a memento of their amazing day out.

Remember that you know your pet best, so only dogs that are friendly to other dogs and humans may attend. All dogs must have proof of current rabies vaccination to enter.

Rules for Hoomans*

Safety and harmony are our top priorities. Before you head out, be sure to take note of our guidelines and rules to ensure a joyful experience for everyone.

 Watch from the sidelines: Owners (and other hoomans) will not be allowed in the water.

 Be accountable: Owners are legally responsible for their dogs' actions and any injuries or damages caused by them.

 Clean up after your pet: All feces must be cleaned up by owners and disposed of properly.

 Dogs must be leashed until they are inside the pool area.

 Dog owners must carry a leash at all times, closely supervise their dogs, and at no time may the owner leave the fenced area without his/her dog(s).

 Ensure your dog has an up-to-date rabies vaccination tag.

 Voice control is essential: Ensure you can command your pet vocally.

 Owners must fill any holes their dogs dig.

 Owners must remove pinch, spike, and choke collars prior to entering the fenced area.

 Each dog must be accompanied by one adult, and children must be supervised at all times.

 Some exclusions apply inside the fenced area for the safety of all attendees:

» aggressive dogs

» ill or injured dogs

» puppies under 4 months

» animals that are not dogs

» alcoholic beverages, food, rawhides, glass

» bicycles, skateboards, roller skates or blades, any motorized devices (except wheelchairs)

If you have questions or need more information, email blake.reynolds@sonterramud.org.

NEXT MONTH!

Mark your calendars for 76537's unique Floating Pumpkin Patch at the Sonterra Pool. On October 14, pumpkins of all sizes will be bobbing about in the water, eagerly awaiting your family's pick.

Guests may wade in to pick their favorite, or scoop one up from poolside. Once you have chosen your favorite, Sonterra MUD Parks & Recreation will provide paint, stickers, and other decorative arts (no carving, though) to help you unleash your creativity.

Blake says, "I managed these unique community events when I worked for the City of Leander. The floating pumpkin patch was a big hit there and I am hoping it will be a new favorite tradition here, too. Plus, spoiler alert, residents can also look forward to Christmas and other seasonal community events for families throughout the year."

* The word "owner" applies to the adult accompanying the dog(s).

by Charlotte

September Spotlight: NationalServiceDogMonth

Starting this year, Governor Greg Abbott recognized September as National Service Dog Month, celebrating the daily and life-changing impact dogs have on people with disabilities. To help educate readers on the importance of service dogs, we asked service dog owner and Jarrell resident Amanda Richardson to share her experience as well as tips on how to interact appropriately with service dogs out in the community.

WHAT DO SERVICE DOGS DO?

Service dogs may be any breed and size, and are trained to perform tasks that make life easier for people with disabilities, such as picking up items for a person who uses a wheelchair, preventing an autistic child from wandering away, or calming a person with PTSD during an anxiety attack.

For Amanda, having Glamour as a service dog has been invaluable when it comes to helping with tasks like pulling the laundry basket, picking up her keys, phone, or other things she drops, opening doors if her hands are full, alerting her husband whenever she has breathing issues, and even accompanying on deliveries and serving as a mascot for her bakery business. “I never knew how much I really needed her until I brought her home almost two years ago,” Amanda says. “She has really completed our family in a way we can't begin to explain. I am grateful in so many ways to Canine Companions for helping give me some of my independence back by bringing Glamour into my life.”

SERVICE DOG ETIQUETTE

While it can be hard to pass by a dog on the street without giving it lots of love and attention, it is important

you don’t interrupt or distract ser vice dogs from the vital role they play in their handler’s wellbeing. “They are not just a pet, they become a team with their owner,” Amanda says. “And the two learn to rely on each other—not just verbally but with nonverbal communication as well. The service dog may be in the middle of performing task that is needed and it is important that it is not interrupted.

Scan the code to learn more about service dogs and the important roles they play in helping people with disabilities.

Here are four steps to take to behave properly around service dogs, according to nonprofit service dog provider Canine Companions: Ask the handler how the service dog helps them and get permission before interacting with the dog.

Speak directly to the handler, not the service dog

Be respectful of the service dog’s space.

Always assume the service dog is busy working, not off duty.

Kovalchuk | Photos courtesy Amanda Richardson

FOSTERINGA

HEALTHYPET

COMMUNITY Shelter Pushes for Pet Vaccines

BY APRIL B harlotte Kovalchuk

With several shelters in Williamson County experiencing a recent increase in distemper cases, the Wilco Regional Animal Shelter (WCRAS) is highlighting the importance of pet vaccines in the hopes of fostering a healthy pet community.

Canine distemper has a wide range of symptoms, including high fever, eye inflammation and eye/nose discharge, coughing, lethargy, reduced appetite, and more severe symptoms like seizures and paralysis. The virus is spread through the air and by direct or indirect (e.g., utensils, bedding) contact with an infected animal.

HEALTHYCOMMUNITY,HEALTHYSHELTER

Studies have shown that 60 percent of dogs that enter shelters are not vaccinated against distemper or parvovirus, which puts those dogs and others in shelters at a high risk of developing preventable diseases. “Vaccinations are the best way to prevent the spread of diseases and illnesses that are prevalent in nature and could harm our pets. It is considered the easiest way to help your pet live a long, healthy life,” WCRAS Community Programs Coordinator April Peiffer says, adding, “Vaccines not only protect that individual animal. Vaccines help keep the whole community protected from disease. A healthy community pet population leads to a healthy pet population in our shelters.”

Last year, WCRAS introduced a feline combo vaccine into their clinics for community cats and saw a significant decrease in panleukopenia in kittens that entered the shelter during kitten season last summer.

CORE VACCINES

Fully vaccinated pets may be safe from highly contagious viruses like parvovirus, distemper, and panleukopenia – all serious illnesses that require costly medical intervention to treat successfully and are fatal if left untreated.

Always check with your veterinarian for the type of vaccine and schedule of re-vaccinations that are best for the age and health of your pet. The core vaccines that all pet owners should provide their dogs are for parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, and rabies. Cat owners should provide their pets with panleukopenia (feline distemper), calicivirus, herpesvirus type I (rhinotracheitis), and rabies. For pets that will spend a lot of time with other pets in environments like boarding facilities or doggy day cares, Bordatella bronchiseptica, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Leptospira bacteria are recommended as well.

While WCRAS doesn’t provide vaccines at this time due to being understaffed and overpopulated, other shelters and businesses offer them regularly. However, April says, “if individuals in the shelter's jurisdiction are having difficulty with affording basic combo vaccines for their pets, they can call the shelter for resources.”

For assistance with vaccines and other resources, call WCRAS at 512-943-3322. The shelter is open from noon to 6pm every day.

Holy Trinity Catholic Church of Corn Hill

ANNUAL BAZAAR

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2023

Mass at 10:30am followed by a meal & festivities at the Parish Activity Center

COUNTRY DINNER 11AM - 1PM

BBQ & Corn Hill Fried Chicken, Dressing & All the Fixin’s! $15 Adults / $7 Children

Drive-Thru Available (11am-12:30pm)•BBQ by the Pound (8am-Noon)•Hamburgers at 2:30pm

AN AFTERNOON OF FAMILY FUN!

LIVE POLKA MUSIC!•Kolache Sale & Cake Walk•BINGO & Silent Auction•Children’s Games & Ice Cream

LIVE AUCTION 1:30pm - Inside PAC Building

Auctioneers:

Buddy Johnson (LIC# TXS-6520)

Harvey Johnson (LIC# AUCTNR-00012401)

RAFFLE Tickets only $3 / 6 for $15 Grand Prize: $1,000 Visa Cards

24 Great Prizes Valued at $6,500 Need not be present to win

8626 FM 1105, JARRELL•512-863-3020

Join us for Junior Kindergarten

$750/mo OR $170/wk

What is junior kindergarten?

Our junior kindergarten is an accelerated pre-k class that was developed for children who “just miss” the birthday cut-off (age 5 by Sept 1st) for kindergarten. During your child’s year in junior kindergarten they will build foundational phonics and math skills while developing a love for learning through student-led inquiry and hands-on activities!

*Phonics and STEAM based curriculums

*Academic instruction alighted

Does my child meet the criteria for junior kindergarten?

To qualify for junior kindergarten students must mee the following criteria:

*Will turn 5 between Sept. 2nd and Dec. 31st of the current school year.

*Has completed a pre-k program prior to enrollment OR been assessed by administration and granted admission

About our School

At the heart of Kids’ Zone Christian Academy is Christ! We strive to give our students a strong academic foundation while preparing them for life as a Christian leader with a heart for service!

Beginning in junior kindergarten, our students are exposed to a wide vartiety of educational experiences taught through a combination of traditional instruction, inquiry based learning, and hands-on activities.

Charter development and social-emotional education are also integral to our program. We integrate Conscious Discipline throughout our school and implement a Biblical character trait curriculum to encourage and promote the developtment of positive, Christ-like character.

Class sizes are kept at a 16:1 student to teacher ratio. Small classroom ratios are imperative to providing each of our learners with differetiated instruction through small groups and one-on-olne learning.

Along with academic studies, student life is enriched with Physical Education (P.E.), Music, Art, and Chapel.

Kids’ Zone Christian Academy currently serves students junior kindergarten through fourth grade.

us: admin@kidszonechristianacademy.com | 512•595•1080 www.kidszonechristianacademy.com

super skillets

SKILLET STEAK

Welcome to our collection of one-skillet meals, where convenience meets delectable. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, these recipes are tailored to bring warmth to your table with minimal fuss. Discover the magic that happens when simplicity, taste, and efficiency come together in perfect harmony.

• Use a “Cowboy Cut,” bone-in rib eye, aged, marbled, about 1-1/2” to 2-1/2” thick. If you do not see them in the meat case of your super market, ask the butcher to cut them for you.

• Place steaks onto a sheet pan, sprinkle Himalayan salt and ground peppercorn on both sides, making sure to pat it into the meat. Adam’s Reserve products, especially the All Purpose rub, are a good alternate option.

• Take meat out of the refrigerator at least one hour before placing in the skillet.

• Sprinkle the tops of each rib eye with chopped fresh rosemary.

• Turn flame/burner to medium. Give it about a minute; drop a dollop of virgin olive oil into the skillet, let sizzle for about 30 seconds. Add 1/2 stick butter. For most things, salted butter is the best, but for this recipe, I recommend unsalted, since you have already salted the steak.

• Tilt the pan, side-to-side, to make sure the skillet is well coated. Place steak in pan when the butter/olive oil starts turning brown, constantly baste with bubbly mixture.

• After 6 minutes, turn steak over and cook/baste 6 minutes more.

• Immediately remove the steak to a large enough plate to accommodate the juices that will leak, then place on cutting board. I like to collect the juices to make a delicious au jus. Pour three ounces of the steak’s juicesfat- in a skillet over medium-high heat. Whisk flour into beef fat; cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 3 minutes.

• Let steak rest 5-10 minutes. Slice across the grain. Bon appétit!

Veggies that Love the Skillet

TOMATOES

It is a myth that you can not cook acidic foods in cast iron. As long as your pan is well-seasoned, you can cook tomatoes over low heat for great flavor. Heat pan to about 385°, add tomatoes and cook 10-15 or until they begin to burst. Shake the pan, then allow them to cook 5 more minutes to sear the sides. Your finished product is a sweet and juicy addition to any summer salad.

SKILLET APPLE CRISP

• 6 apples peeled, cored and chopped into chunks

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 3/4 tsp cinnamon

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

STREUSEL TOPPING

• 1-1/2 c oats

• 1/4 c flour

• 1/4 tsp Kosher salt

INSTRUCTIONS

CORN

Perfect in mid to late summer, corn loves the high heat of cast iron to bring out even more sweetness in the kernels. Trim the kernels and toss them into a hot oiled pan. Season with salt and pepper; stir and allow to cook for a few minutes. Your preferred cooking time depends on the volume of corn in the pan, juiciness of the kernels, and your skillet temperature. Stir occasionally to sear the outsides evenly.

CARROTS

The high heat of an iron skillet creates greater sweetness in carrots, and caramelizes the tips. Use very little oil on a well-seasoned skillet. Cook on medium-high heat, uncrowded, and not stirred too often. Garnish and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.

• 1/2 c packed light brown sugar

• pinch of kosher salt

• 1 vanilla bean

• 1 c chopped pecans • 1/2 c packed light brown sugar

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon • 1/4 tsp nutmeg

• 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter

In medium bowl, mix oats, pecans, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Cut 6 tbsp butter into small pieces and, with fingers, massage butter into the mixture until incorporated fully. Set aside.

In large bowl, toss apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. Over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp butter in a 10-inch cast iron or oven-proof skillet. With sharp knife, on a cutting board, slice down the middle of the vanilla bean. Gently scrape small egg-looking vanilla bean specks. Add vanilla to melted butter and stir about a minute.

Increase heat for the skillet to medium-high and add coated apples. Cook 5 minutes, tossing apples gently in the vanilla butter. Remove from heat and evenly scatter the streusel topping over the apples. Bake for 30 minutes at 350°F.

I have tried many chiropractors and have had the good fortune to meet many good practitioners. Dr. Taryn stands out from most because of her intuitive and healing approach. Her adjustments are gentle and I always feel great afterwards. She has helped me develop better posture and body awareness with the exercises and stretching techniques she has shown me. She is the only one I use now and I highly recommend her!

My three siblings and I live in three states and, since we all have families, we are in that season of life when we can typically only prioritize our middle-class money for reunions at weddings and funerals. But a few weeks ago, Older Brother took his daughter on a college visit and Little Brother's house happened to be on the way. They posted a selfie on Facebook and my first thought was how nice it was for them to get together for the first time in 12 years.

My second (and mildly startling) thought was, "Who are those old guys?" I mean, yeah, Leigh has looked in the mirror lately, too. I have watched myself get just as old incrementally, and I see my siblings on FaceTime every now and then, doing whatever they are doing. But all of a sudden, as a group ... WE are the old people in the family. I had flashes of family gatherings 40 years ago (suddenly realizing how often I say “40 years ago” to describe the 1980s!) when my uncles and aunts seemed super old at my current age.

It's not as if we siblings haven't lamented the sad infrequency of family visits for the past 30 years already. That was about the time we all started getting married and moving to the places our spouses were from. (Why did it end up that way anyway?) And then we all had children, so we finally stopped fighting like children ourselves.

I have to say, that was the best thing that could have happened to our relationships. The brother that I fought with, literally, every day, because he

From Bicycles to Back Pain

THE BLISSFUL (LIFELONG) BONDS OF SIBLINGHOOD

spent most of his teen years trying to compete with and outshine me, is now the first person I call for everything from a silly dad joke to bad news from my doctor.

He's also the sounding board I spent the most time with into my adult years (because it took us forever to move out of Mom's house). Incidentally, now that we're old, he has outdone me in many ways, but Mom secretly told me he was always working so hard to make me proud of him. So, yes, Little Brother, I am. And sorry-not-sorry, you are the big one in the photo but in my neural network, you will forever be my little brother

Naturally, I had a third thought, and many more after. I spent a weird amount of time on it actually. Even though we are all in our 50s, and old enough to be grandparents, we are still and will always be the people we were in 1973. Big Brother is still the trailblazer, doing everything first and giving us younger sibs the idea to try something new. He's still a computer nerd, has a secret stash of comic books, and he still likes to do the things only he got to do with our dad because he was the first son. Plus, he

has almost always driven hotrod cars that made us wish we were as fearless as he.

Big Sister has always been in motion, obsessing about her latest car, doing everything from field hockey to windsurfing. She still has a passion for sports and fitness, particularly as a cancer survivor, and still tells me to eat more vegetables as if I hadn't yet heard the news about healthy food. She has always been consumed with her work but only because she finds genuine joy in being excellent and showing off the work ethic she got from our dad. Seriously she puts the same energy and enthusiasm into her current semi-retirement job at a grocery store deli as she did with million-dollar marketing accounts 10 years ago and managing at a public park as a teenager.

The thing is, there's nothing better than the people who know your entire history, share your values and memories, understand exactly which eye roll you're executing when your parents embarrass you, and allow you a place where you will always belong. And even in our 50s I’ll paraphrase that great essay from The Breakfast Club we continue moving through and between the lanes we carved as younger people: a nerd, a stress-eater, the oldest child / baby of the family, the middle children, over-achievers, athletes, singers, comedians, and prayer warriors.

I don't know exactly when we merged into the "old ones" lane, but it's been a good time getting here and it's nice to be here together.

decals with parents A Cougar Tradition Continues

by Ann Marie Kennon

Atradition as important as the first pep rally or kickoff, Jarrell's annual Decals With Parents brings together generations, weaving stories of past triumphs with bright hopes for future gridiron glory.

At its core, this tradition is not just about stickers and protective headgear. It's about bonding, remembrance, and anticipation. For players, each decal tells a story—representing a significant game, late coach or teammate, or just a team logo, and these symbols are affixed with care and respect.

For the young players, the ritual is a rite of passage. As they watch parents or veteran players, carefully placing these emblems, they learn about pride, dedication, and the weight of the legacy they carry. Each decal becomes a badge of honor, symbolizing their commitment to the game and their team.

I LOVE THIS NIGHT. OUR PLAYERS, PARENTS, AND COACHES GET TO FELLOWSHIP AND I LOVE WATCHING THE PRIDE THE PARENTS HAVE IN HELPING THEIR KIDS DRESS THAT HELMET UP WITH OUR DECALS. - COACH MURR

Photos courtesy Blue Zone Tailgate Facebook Page

ECRWSS POSTAL PATRON JARRELL, TX

furry members of your family. We believe in providing thorough and caring clinical services to every animal we meet and we are proud to enhance this care with upgraded, state-of-the-art equipment and diagnositcs at our new, larger facility. We hope to serve you and your pets soon, and help keep them healthy for years to come.