Mexia Chamber Guide Fall 2021

Mexia Area Chamber of Commerce

A Publication of The Mexia News

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Heart of the Texas Triangle

Merry Christmas Market December 2-4 See back cover for schedule

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Fall 2021 Volume 8 No. 4

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ClosER for your heart.

Limestone County’s only accredited Chest Pain Center

ParkviewRegional.com

READY FOR YOU

Don’t delay your care

ParkviewRegional.com

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‘TIS THE SEASON

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The Mexia Area Chamber of Commerce businesses are praying that you all will be able to enjoy the upcoming fall and winter celebrations with family and friends. We would like to say “Thank You” to you all for “Shopping Locally”. Please check out the helpful Chamber Business Directory on pages 14-16. Another way of “Shopping Locally” in Mexia is to visit the 20th Annual Merry Christmas Market in Downtown Mexia December 2-4, 2021. Please see the back of the Mexia Magazine for the complete schedule of Events.

We hope to see you there!

Sharing special recipes is a Mexia Magazine tradition, along with our quarterly devotionals.

Tonie Contreras is happy to share one of her family favorite recipe on page 4. This could become one of your family favorites for the holiday season. Please see this season’s inspiring devotional from Nic Collins on page 4 as well.

Wishing you all a very happy holiday season.

Linda Chamber Archibald President linda@mexiachamber.com

Area Chamber of Commerce

Convention and Visitors Bureau

Learn more about the Heart of Texas at our website: www.mexiachamber.com & on our Facebook page!

214 North Sherman Mexia, Texas 76667 254-562-5569

The Mexia News This Magazine is a publication of the The Mexia News in conjunction with the Mexia Area Chamber of Commerce.

For advertising information, call 254-562-2868 PUBLISHER: Richard Nelson ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Jennifer Bynum GRAPHIC DESIGN: Jennifer Paul FRONT COVER PHOTO: a arr

e e - 75 Years

All content for this magazine is provided by the Mexia Area Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Mexia News.

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Cooking Corner Lord of your life?

Chicken Avocado Lime Soup 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 cup chopped green onions, (mince the whites) 2 jalapenos, seeded and minced 2 cloves garlic, minced 4 14.5 oz. cans low-sodium chicken broth

1 can Rotel of choice 2 Roma tomatoes, seeded & diced 1/2 tsp. ground cumin Salt & freshly ground pepper 1/3 cup chopped cilantro 3 Tbsp fresh lime juice 3 medium avocados, peeled, cored & diced

In a large pot heat olive oil on medium heat. Add onions and jalapenos and sauté for 2 minutes. Add garlic, chicken broth, Rotel, garlic, cumin, salt & pepper, cooked chicken and boil for 15 - 20 minutes. Add cilantro and avocado and cook 5 more minutes. Add more lime to taste and enjoy.

Tonie Contreras has worked for the City of Mexia for over 14 years. She and her husband Saul are experienced landscapers.

Together they enjoy cultivating beautiful landscapes for home owners throughout Mexia and the area. Tonie says “It gives us great pleasure in making people happy with the work we love doing”. Tonie also enjoys cooking for her family and is always searching for new and easy recipes. One of her family’s favorites is Chicken Avocado Lime Soup. Tonie and her family would like to share their recipe with you and hope that it becomes one of your family favorites as well.

www.fbcmexia.com

Thinking back on some of my earlier ministry days I often wish I had known then what I know now! It’s the age old adage that many of us are familiar with. How many of the hardships we’ve endured may have been avoided had we simply known better or known differently? I, for one, can say that I’m so very happy, even through the hardships and learning curves, that the Lord has placed me where He has. My beautiful wife, kids, family, and ministry calling bless me to overflowing every day! But there are still times where even I let fear or worry enter into my life. In this, I am reminded of Moses’ words to Joshua as Nic Collins, Minister of Youth FBC Mexia Joshua was preparing to enter the Promised Land. Moses says, in Deuteronomy 31:8, “And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” When we have a relationship with the Lord through repentance of our sins and a decision to follow Jesus Christ, who died for us so that we could have eternal life, we find that same blessing and reminder every day - The LORD, He is the One who goes before us. Have you made the decision to make Jesus Christ the Lord of your life? If you haven’t, then today’s the perfect day. He will be with you. He will not leave you. Do not fear. Just ask Him - He is waiting for you.

For Jesus, Bro. Nic

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THANK YOU! Mexia Area Chamber of Commerce makes “Thank You” Basket deliveries to local businesses.

The card in each says, “Thank you for making Mexia a great place. We appreciate your membership.”

Jim’s Krispy - Thank you Basket

Left to right : Linda Archibald, Dameisha Songgs, ShienDee and Liz Chavez Pullman

Jo Bennett, Broker/Owner

254.625.2592 (cell) • www.hometownrealtymexia.com

811 E. Milam, Mexia • 254-562-3893 Home • Life • Business Auto • Health • Bonds Medicare Supplements

We will keep you covered!

Marty Cargile

254.562.3894 254.562.9225 (Fax) marty@mexia1.com

Mexia Insurance Services

Coffee Cabaret - Thank you Basket

Left to right: Susan Montgomery, Linda Archibald and Lauri Chaney (owner).

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BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

Business of the Month - Verabank

Mexia’s Verabank was named Business of the Month for August by the Mexia Area Chamber of Commerce. Shown here to acknowledge the award, from left, are Shien Dee Pullman, Keath Huff, branch manager and vice president Rick Sanders, Cheryl Hancock, Michele Zavala, Debbie Barkouskie, Maria Perez, Shelby Duarte and Ariel Minchew. Photo by Roxanne Thompson

Business of the Month - Reed & Reed LLP

Reed & Reed LLP was named business of the month for September by the Mexia Area Chamber of Commerce. From left to Right front row: Alejandra Dockery, Beverly Vega, Becky Toscano, Marilyn Shamblin, Benjie Reed, Justin Reed, Traci LaFoy, Christina Mims From left to right back row: Keath Huff, Brittany Telford, Michael Jones, ShienDee Pullman, Ariel Minchew

Interested in learning more on the Mexia Chamber, contact us!

Call 254-562-5569 or visit our website: mexiachamber.com

Brown Oil & Gas 901 S. Belknap • Mexia, Texas 76667 254-562-2818 • 254-562-3654 ( Fax)

FINANCING AVAILABLE Installation – Sales – Service Residential and Commercial Units Preventative Maintenance Programs Accept Major Credit/Debit Cards

LOW MONTHLY PAYMENTS FOR 12 MONTHS NO INTEREST

254-765-3203

SERVING THE SURROUNDING AREAS FOR 64 YEARS License # TACLB016973E www.worthamac.com

622 South 3rd Street Wortham, TX 76693

Jennifer Clendening Franchisee

916 E. Milam • Mexia, TX 76667 254-562-3828 • 254-562-2385 (Fax)

joliver@hrblock.com

AVAILABLE YEAR ROUND • HRBLOCK.COM

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Your Chamber Ambassadors at Work

Mexia Foundation Repair Ribbon Cutting Shabby Bling Ribbon Cutting

Shabby Bling - 108 North Sherman in Downtown Mexia.

Left to right: Ariel Minchew, Elizabeth Luna, Barbara DeBerry & Linda Measles, owners, and Linda Archibald, Karen Bayless and Keath Huff are shown welcoming them as new Chamber members.

Mexia Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed new member Mexia Foundation Repair & House Leveling with an official Ribbon Cutting.

Left to right: JoAnna Shivers. Ariel Minchew, owner, Raquel and Otilio Mejia and Employees, Linda Archibald , Keath Huff and Sonia Garay help with the Ribbon Cutting. The Mexia Foundation and Repair may be reached at 254-981-3742 or 254-715-8583 if you need additional information.

Story in a Stocking

Friends of the Library

Contact Gibbs Memorial Library at 254-562-3231 or stop by 305 E. Rusk St., Mexia for more information or to a make a donation.

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& Gibbs Memorial Library

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sponsored by

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Hwy. 84

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STONE COUNTIES

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Stone Counties - Limestone & Freestone Counties

Vintage/Antique Trail

Vintage/Antique Trail

Limestone & Freestone Counties

Come shop with us...

For more info. call 254-562-5569 or visit mexiachamber.com www.visitlimestonecountytx.com

Mexia, Texas OLD TIN BARN 1339 East Milam Mexia, Texas 903-390-0608

Teague, Texas JUNKIN JO’S ANTIQUES & BOUTIQUES 325 E. Loop 255, Teague, Texas 903 - 644-8686

Wortham, Texas ANTIQUE MALL 211 W. Main St. Wortham, Texas 254-765-3773

Fairfield, Texas THE WAREHOUSE Hwy. 75 & Reunion St. Fairfield, Texas • 75840 903-390-7486

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Inside Junkin Jo’s

Junkin Jo’s Antiques and Boutiques is located 325 East loop 255 in Teague, Texas, and right on the Stone Counties Antique/Vintage Trail. Junkin Jo’s motto is “Many Hearts, One Community” and located inside you will find 39 different vendors. Yes that’s right a complete Shopping Mall of individual businesses. Junkin Jo’s is ready for Holiday Shoppers. You will be able to find the decorative pieces you have been looking for or gifts for the entire family. See you on the “Stone Counties Vintage/Antique Trail” in Limestone and Freestone Counties - Mexia, Teague, Wortham & Fairfield.

Mexia Area Chamber of Commerce/ Navarro College Scholarship

Family Dentistry Tom W. Fox Jr. D.D.S.

Orthodontic • Cosmetic • Restorative Dentistry • Implants Monday - Thursday 8am - 5pm

Linda Archibald (left) presents Alexis Burns (right) with the Mexia Area Chamber of Commerce/Navarro College Scholarship. Alexis is the daughter of Bonnie and Nathaniel Burns of Mexia. She is a 2021 Mexia High School graduate and plans to study Nursing.

110 N. Bonham • Mexia, TX 76667 (254) 562-2881

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LINDA IS RETIRING

Mexia Area Chamber of Commerce Director Linda Archibald is retiring after serving 17 years and 10 months as the President.

Linda is thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of an extraordinary team of Mexia business men and women working together, making Mexia a great place to live. Lots of planning meetings with lots of committees have produced lots of events that has brought lots of outside money to Mexia’s economy during those years and for that Linda

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is also thankful. Serving as the Information Center for Mexia and the area has been a very interesting and worthwhile part of the Mexia Area Chamber of Commerce for her because of all of the interesting people she has met and helped. As for her time in retirement, Linda plans to enjoy her family more. She and her husband Billy have special trips planned. They also enjoy cooking together for their family and friends.

But traveling to watch their granddaughters Traci LaFoy is working with retiring Chamber President Linda Archibald to cheer and play volleyball learn her new duties. Archibald’s last day on the job is Sept. 30, and LaFoy and visiting their grandsons begins her position Oct. 1.

Photo by Roxanne Thompson at college will always be first on their list.

You can now enjoy all the benefits and security of your Incommons Bank debit card with your digital wallet.

254-562-3821 www.incommonsbank.com

301 East Commerce St. Mexia, Tx 76667

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New Chamber President LaFoy ready to dive into duties

By Roxanne Thompson

Traci LaFoy is already on the job as Mexia Area Chamber of Commerce executive director, working with outgoing president Linda Archibald during the month of September.

“I started in September, but it becomes official Oct. 1,” she said. “I’m working with Linda in September, just learning some things from her.”

Archibald is retiring Sept. 30, her last day on the job.

The reason LaFoy’s title will be different is the chamber is changing the entity’s structure, so LaFoy will be executive director, and a board member will be named president.

LaFoy is no stranger to Mexia, having grown up here when her parents moved to Mexia when she was 4 years old.

She graduated from Mexia High School in 1988.

She moved to Waco after high school.

LaFoy worked for the Health and Human Services Commission for 28 years, where she held a multitude of positions; but the last 10 of those years, she held various management positions.

“I’ve had a lot of leadership training and projectmanagement training and different things like that,” she said.

Traci and her husband, Mikal, moved back to Mexia 10 years ago.

Although she was not on the chamber board, she worked with the chamber through the Rodeo Committee this past year.

LaFoy retired from Health and Human Services in February of this year.

“I was getting a little bored,” she said, “so I’m ready to go back to work and dive into the chamber. Being retired is hard to get used to, that’s for sure.

“I look forward to being involved with the chamber, the Mexia businesses and different aspects of helping Mexia develop and grow,” she said.

LaFoy wants people to know that she is eager to be involved in the community.

“I just love helping people,” she said, “so I look forward to meeting with the people of Mexia and hearing new ideas and feedback – and just working with everyone to help Mexia be an even better place than it already is.”

Between Traci and husband Mikal, they have three adult sons, a daughter-in-law, a soon-to-be daughter-inlaw; and one grandson.

“Story in a Stocking” program at Gibbs The “Story in a Stocking” program began in Mexia in 1994 by the Gibbs Memorial Library Board. The Library Board members were Caroline Forsythe, Betty Reese, Albert Nabors and Mary Shelby. The “Story in a Stocking” books were originally given to underprivoleged children thru the school district through the “Toy for Tots” program. In 1996, the books were given to every student in PreK - 1st grade, now books are given to all students at McBay Elementary. Donations continued to come in for this worthy program.

Marking the 4th year of the project, donations had been so generous that Coolidge ISD was included in the program for Pk-3rd grade, in 2020 4th & 5th grade were

added. The newly organized Friends of the Library group took over the project in 1999.

The Friends began taking the books to the schools themselves and going to the classrooms to distribute the books. This was a huge success with the students.

Current Friends of the Library Board are: Jean Vincent, President; Betty Hawkins, Treasurer; ShienDee Pullman, Library Director & Secretary, members Ann Waldrum, Gayle Beene and Claude Monk.

The Project has grown each year in donations. Your donations to the project may be mailed to : Gibbs memorial Library, 305 E. Rusk St., Mexia, TX 76667.

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MEXIA BLACKCATS TRUE DEFENDERS OF THE CRIMSON AND THE BLACK

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Chamber Directory AGRICULTURE Circle H Ag Services LLC P. O. Box 152 Tehuacana • 254-747-0894 Diamond K Contractors Wortham, 979-393-8325

Golden Roots Trees LLC Dollar in the Hole Ranch Mexia • 254-472-9877 Lightsey Farms 2033 FM 1365 Mexia • 254-562-6913 AUTOMOTIVE Alan’s Tire & Service 819 Hwy 84 West Mexia • 254-562-9399 Cain’s Car Wash 511 North Bailey Mexia • 254-562-9533 Classic Paint & Body 802 S. McKinney Mexia • 254-562-9360 Day Boys Shop 1402 Hwy 84 West Mexia • 254-472-0000

CIVIC GROUPS Boy Scouts of America 254-562-3877 Girl Scouts of America 254-756-4497, ext. 20 Lancaster Post 4694 Mexia • 254-562-9270 Mexia Baseball Association 254-717-1191 Mexia Garden Club 254-747-2745

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UTILIZE IT 1220 Hinchliffe Road Mexia 254-218-5408

Farmers State Bank 604 West Milam Mexia • 254-562-9494

DISTRIBUTORS Flatt Stationers, Inc. 206 West Commerce Mexia • 254-562-3877

INCOMMONS Bank 301 East Commerce Mexia • 254-562-3821

Halo Branded Solutions 103 East Commerce Mexia • 254-562-6950 Talley Chemical & Supply 818 Hwy 171 Mexia • 254-562-5583

Mexia Lions Club PO Box 94 Mexia • 254-562-3843

EDUCATION Mexia ISD 616 North Red River Mexia • 254-562-4042

Rotary Club of Mexia PO Box 225 Mexia • 254-562-2884

Massey Foundation 199 Park Road 39 Groesbeck • 254-255-4693

Professional Women in Action 254-562-3821 Parkview Regional Hospital Auxiliary 254-562-7789 Springfield Masonic Lodge #74 254-562-5734

Melinda Gentry Mexia State Supported Living Center 540 Chapel Drive Mexia • 254-562-1201 Navarro College 901 North MLK/Hwy 14 Mexia • 254-562-3848 Trinity Institute P. O. Box 100 • Tehuacana

Dick Scott Ford 401 North Sherman Mexia • 254-562-9313

Woman’s Friday Club 254-472-9174

Mike Terry Auto Group 1100 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-2846

COMMUNICATIONS Gibbs Memorial Library 305 East Rusk Mexia • 254-562-3231

ENERGY Atmos Energy 297 N Earl Rudder Frwy Bryan • 888-286-6700

Greer Time Media 409 E. Houston Mexia • 254-224-2815

Brown Oil & Gas Co. 901 South Belknap Mexia • 254-562-2818

CHURCHES Calvary Baptist Church 519 S. McKinney Mexia • 254-562-2269

KNES Radio – Texas 99 627 West Commerce Fairfield • 903-389-5637

Oncor Electric Delivery 220 W. Walnut Hillsboro, TX 76645

First Baptist Church 500 East Carthage Mexia • 254-562-5576

The Mexia News 214 North Railroad Street Mexia • 254-562-2868

Propane Energy 1442 North MLK/Hwy 14 Mexia • 254-562-3825

First United Methodist 203 North Canton Mexia • 254-562-5567

Vyve Broadband 514 West Tyler Mexia • 254-562-2872

Tellurian 1201 Louisana St. 3100 Houston 77002

Iglesia Pentecostal Camino de Salvacion Church 111 E. Commerce Mexia • 254-424-7191

Spring Mobile, AT &T 1324 East Milam Mexia 254-562-6850

FINANCIAL Centex Citizens Credit Union 1104 Hwy 84E Mexia • 254-562-9296

Triple L Tire 900 S. Hwy 14, Mexia 254-640-2481

Mexia First Assembly 1100 N. Ross Mexia • 254-562-9216

COMPUTER SERVICES McKeand Consulting LLC 6565 FM 39 South Mexia • 254-472-9997

Edward Jones Investments 505 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-5323

Sadler, Richard L., CPA 400 North McKinney Mexia • 254-562-3460 Security Finance 203 E Milam Mexia • 254-562-3933 VeraBank 405 E. Milam Mexia • 254-562-5396 GOVERNMENT Voices for Children/CASA 115 N Main Bryan, TX 77803 979-822-9700 City of Mexia 101 North McKinney Mexia 254-562-4122 Limestone County Annex 205 South McKinney Mexia • 254-562-2244 Limestone County Sheriff Murray Agnew Groesbeck • 254-729-3278 Mexia Senior Citizens Center 111 N. Sherman Mexia • 254-562-5831 HEALTH A Healthier You 210 E. Commerce Mexia 254-625-3196 Crossfit Mexia 1004 E. Commerce Mexia • 254-424-6063 Just Relax Wellness Center 202 E. Commerce Mexia • 254-301-4426 Sassy Sisters Boutique Salon & Spa 107 North Sherman Mexia • 254-562-2222 INSURANCE Barbara Kent Insurance PO Box 5038 Waco, TX 76678 254-715-2106 Beene Wealth Management Group chana@beenewmg.com www.beenewmg.com 400 Austin Ave. Ste. 200 Waco • 254-755-6575

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Mexia Insurance 811 E Milam Street Mexia • 254-562-3894

Interim Healthcare 2420 Wycon Dr. Waco, 76712 • 254-741-6570

Law Office of Daniel Burkeen 304 E. Commerce, St. 600 Mexia • 254-472-5002

Coffee Cabaret 602 North Paris Mexia • 254-562-5655

Womack Insurance Service 205 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-2884

Manor Health Care Residence 831 Tehuacana Road/Hwy 171 Mexia • 254-562-3867

Mexia Economic Development 214 North Sherman Mexia • 254-562-7900

Countryside Café 500 E. Milam Mexia • 254-472-5070

LODGING & TRAVEL Best Western Limestone Inn 1314 East Milam Street Mexia • 254-562-0200

Mexia Chiropractic Clinic 722 East Commerce Mexia • 254-562-2112

Reed & Reed, LLP 201 North McKinney Mexia • 254-562-5547

Farm House Restaurant 1401 East Milam Mexia • 254-472-0512

Comfort Inn & Suites 820 West Milam/US 84 Mexia • 254-562-0005

Mexia LTC Nursing & Rehab 601 North Terrace Mexia • 254-562-5400

Sadler, Richard L., CPA 400 North McKinney Mexia • 254-562-3460

Joe Friday’s 601 N. Hwy 14 Mexia • 254-472-5105

Forrest Place 500 E. Palestine Mexia • 254-640-0055

Mexia Vision Services 501 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-3883

Karsen’s KONA ICE P. O. Box 215 Buffalo • 903-388-6649

Fort Parker State Park 3147 North Hwy 14 Mexia • 254-562-5751

Parkview Regional Hospital 600 South Bonham Mexia • 254-562-5332

REAL ESTATE Heritage Real Estate 205 North McKinney Mexia • 254-562-7899

The Garden House 300 N. Ross. Ave. Mexia • 254-562-6039

Skilled Care of Mexia 501 East Sumpter Mexia • 254-472-0630

Old Fort Parker Historical Site 866 Park Road 35 Groesbeck • 254-729-5253

Reliant At Home 309 Main Street Teague • 254-739-5011

MANUFACTURERS Carry-On Trailer, Inc. 931 Industrial Blvd Mexia • 254-562-9024

Tejas Urgent Care 311 E. Milam Mexia • 254-562-2500

Rogers Manufacturing 911 Industrial Blvd Mexia, 254-255-0696

Texas Home Health Group 8300 Central Park Dr. Ste A Waco, Texas • 254-755-6179

SWARCO Reflex LLC 900 N. Denton Mexia, 254-562-9879

PET SERVICES Bennett Veterinary Hospital 1338 Hwy. 171 Mexia • 254-562-6533

MEDICAL SERVICES Air Evac Lifeteam Base 53 160 I-45 S Fairfield • 903-907-0309 Angela Torp, MA 202 N. Paris – Mexia 254-715-5352 Center of Hope 260 LCR 235 Mexia, Texas • 254-747-0972 Gonzalez General Dentistry 300 North Sherman Mexia • 254-562-5347

Pawz & Clawz Pet Boarding 1111 Highway 171 254-472-5122 Shaggy Chic Pet Boutique & Grooming 103 E. Main Mexia • 254-722-7465 PHOTOGRAPHY Photo Trappings 115 E. Commerce Mexia • 254-562-7427

Community Healthcare of Texas 107 East Commerce Mexia • 254-472-0779

PROFESSIONAL Amy Ward, Attorney 209 East Palestine Mexia • 254-562-0700

Fox, Tom W. Jr, DDS 110 North Bonham Mexia • 254-562-2881

Dillard, Hughes 100 East Commerce Mexia • 254-562-6950

Hometown Realty 811 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-3893 Keller Williams - Amanda Beagles 423 N. Main Corsicana • 682-999-2885 Rachel Anderson Real Estate 415 Main Street • Teague 254-739-2942 Realty Plus 1006 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-2121 ReMax/Premier Properties 205 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-2884 Story Real Estate 714 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-6617 RECREATIONAL Fort Parker State Park 3147 North Hwy 14 Mexia • 254-562-5751 Freestone Raceway Park 147 PR 994 Wortham • 713-962-3386 Freestoneracewaypark.com Hughes City Park Bonham at Tyler Streets Mexia • 254-562-4110 Old Fort Parker Historic Site 866 Park Road 35 Groesbeck • 254-729-5253 RESTAURANTS Baby Clay’s BBQ 4592 Hwy. 14 N Mexia • 254-355-3009

Jim’s Krispy Fried Chicken 312 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-5035 McDonald’s of Mexia 903 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-7006 Patty’s Way 3070 Hwy 14 North Mexia • 254-227-8642 Pizza Hut 822 West Milam Mexia • 254-562-5565 RETAIL/SHOPPING Bi-Stone Building Supply George Fitch Signs 910 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-9341 Blackcat Couture/Mexia Florist 200 E. Commerce Mexia • 254-562-5555 Blossoms Florist & Garden Center 706 W. Palestine St. Mexia 469-435-1549 Clancy & Co. 1346 E. Palestine Mexia • 254-562-0667 Flatt Stationers, Inc. 205 North McKinney Mexia • 254-562-3843 H-E-B 701 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-5123 Jackson’s True Value 407 East Commerce Mexia • 254-562-7117 Junkin Jo’s Antiques & Boutiques 325 E. Loop 255 Teague • 903-644-8686

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Kera’s Korner 101 East Main Mexia • 903-388-3992

Southern Grace 501 S. Ellis Groesbeck 76642 254-729-2703

Bonham Street Car Wash LLC 506 N. Bonham Mexia • 254-747-0913

Mexia Pest Control 608 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-6565

Merle Norman 309 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-2582

The General Store 200 E. Rusk Mexia • 254-472-0893

Boyd’s 254 Transportation 1230 N. MLK Highway Mexia, Tx 254-275-9244

Corley-Porter Funeral Home 208 North Canton Mexia • 254-562-2887

Cain’s Car Wash 511 North Bailey Mexia • 254-562-9533

STORAGE Ideal Self Storage 246 N. MLK Hwy Mexia • 254-315-3565

Old Tin Barn 1339 E. Milam Mexia, 903-390-0608

Woodson Lumber & Hardware 1127 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-9351

Rusty’s Boots & Jeans 1349 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-7767 Sassy Sisters Boutique & Salon 107 North Sherman Mexia • 254-562-2222 Sears Retail Dealer Store 909 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-9555 Serenity Spa 508 E. Milam Mexia • 254-562-0820 Shabby Bling 108 N. Sherman Mexia • 254-747-1372 Small Town Tees 207 East Main Mexia • 254-562-6966

Wal-Mart Supercenter 1406 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-3831 Wortham Antique Mall P. O. Box 141 Wortham 76693 SAND & GRAVEL Aggregate Haulers, LP 1217 North MLK/Hwy 14 Mexia • 254-562-9558

Complete Neat Solutions Commercial House Cleaning 903 602-6744 www.compleateneatsolutions.com D’s Twisted Roots 313A East Commerce Mexia • 254-562-6220 George Fitch Signs 910 E. Milam Mexia • 254-562-9341

Allen & Shivers Excavation, Inc. Jones Funeral Services 4546 North Hwy 14 931 S. Hwy. 171 Mexia • 254-562-6252 Mexia • 254-562-6422 SERVICES Mexia Foundation Repair Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home 605 South McKinney 672 FM 1633 Mexia • 254-562-2131 Mexia • 254-981-3742

Family Owned.

Texas Based.

Desktop delivery from people you know

Since 1938

Office Supplies • Office Equipment Office Furniture • School Supplies “Home of the Flatt Pack”

Copy Services • Fax Services UPS Drop-Off

Buy online - shop.flattstationers.com Daily delivery to Tri-County Area shop.flattstationers.com

205. N. McKinney, Mexia •254-562-3843

Sumpter Street Storage 1008 Sumpter Street Mexia • 254-625-3364 UTILITIES Bi-Stone Municipal Water Supply FM 2705/Whiterock Road Mexia • 254-562-5922 City of Mexia Water Dept.

101 South McKinney Mexia • 254-562-4131

Interested in learning more about the Mexia Chamber of Commerce? Contact us!

Call 254-562-5569 or visit our website www.mexiachamber.com

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RADIOLOGY

SPECIALTY CLINICS Ext. 2320, 5034 - Diagnostic X-Ray and Cat Scan LABRATORY - Wound Care Ext, 2848 - Bone Density Testing Ext. 2240, 5006 - CHF Clinic Ext. 5034, 2320 - General and Vascular Ultrasounds - Gastroenterology PHYSICAL THERAPY - Echocardiogram - Cardiology Ext.PROGRAM 2300, 5035 GASTROENTEROLOGY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH - Mobile MRI - Occupational Therapy - Dermatology UrologyMonday, Wednesday, Friday CHIROPRACTOR (254) 729-2014 Hanu Ancha, M.D. (254) 729-3281 ext. 5034 - Speech/Language Therapy -RADIOLOGY Nuclear Medicine - Scopes Steven Huffman, DC,(254) 729-4322 BEHAVORIAL Greg Blaisdell, MD P.E.T.S. Psychiatrist HEALTH PROGRAM - LMC 625 McClintic Drive, Groesbeck (254) 729-4330 -SPECIALTY IV Therapy CLINICS JoshuaOutpatient Warren, MD, Adult Ext. and Child2200 Psychiatrist CARDIOLOGIST (254) 399-5400 Ex. 2251, 5008 SLEEP2320, MEDICINE Chris Matlock, MD, Ext. 5034 - Waco Surgical Group THERAPY -Tuesday Diagnostic X-Ray and Cat Scan SLEEP MEDICINE Sherwin Attai, MD, SecondRESPIRATORY ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON ThursdaysExt, (254)2848 537-6160 LABRATORY - Wound Care Ext. 2232, DIETITIAN 729-3281 ext. 2148 2220 Veronica Rosalez, NP, fourth- Tuesday Ext. 2220, 5004 Bone Density Testing Jeffrey Blasick, D.O., (254) 224-8062 Ext.(254) 2240, 5006 CHF Clinic Ext. 5034, 2320 - Inpatient Rehab Meradith- Sleep Stein, RD Studies EveryRehab FridayUltrasounds except the fourth Friday -SWINGBED -Cardiopulmanary - General and Vascular CARDIOLOGIST J. Phillip Myatt, M.D., (254) 235-9355 RADIOLOGY - Home Sleep Studies (Watch Pat) BEHAVORIAL HEALTH PROGRAM Gastroenterology Ext. 2320, 5034 PHYSICAL THERAPY PODIATRIST Tyler Kearney,-Stress DPM, (979)Tests 776-6060 Third Thursday, Fourth Wednesday - Echocardiogram CLINICS (800) 793-9106 SPECIALTY Outpatient Ext. 2200 - Cardiology Ex. 2251,NEUROSURGEON 5008 Ext. 2300, 5035 SPECIALTY CLINIC (254) 728-3281 Ext. 2320 - Mobile MRI Jonathan Friedman, M.D. - Occupational Therapy - Dermatology Urology Ext. 2320, 5034 DERMATOLOGIST (254) 537-1265 PODIATRIST Eduardo Orihuela, DPM, (979) 776-6060 - Diagnostic X-Ray and Cat Scan - Speech/Language Therapy Nuclear Medicine Scopes LABRATORY First, Third and LMC CHF CLINIC (254) 729-3281 Ext. 2316 James Mason, MD, Second Monday Care Ext, 2848 Fifth Wednesdays NEUROSURGEON Steven Zielinski, MD,- Wound (254) 732-3987 - LMC P.E.T.S. - Bone Density Testing - IV Therapy Ext. 2240, 5006 - CHF Clinic Ext.ENT5034, 2320Thomas A. Salzer, M.D., (979) 764-3090 & ALLERGY - Waco Surgical Group ONCOLOGIST/HEMATOLOGIST LMC WOUND CAREMEDICINE CLINIC (254) 729-4329 UROLOGIST (254) 741-6113 RESPIRATORY THERAPY SLEEP - General and Vascular Ultrasounds Gastroenterology Second and Fourth Mondays First5004 Wednesday Tom Harris, MD, (254) -399-0741 PHYSICAL THERAPY Chelsea Yerger, FNP-CExt. - (254)2232, 729-32812220 ext. 2381 Stephen Stimson, MD, Third Tuesday Ext. 2220, Echocardiogram - Sleep Studies Ext. 2300, 5035 SWINGBED - Inpatient Rehab - Cardiology -Cardiopulmanary Rehab - Home Sleep Studies (Watch Pat) Mobile MRI 2320, 5034 - Occupational Therapy - DermatologyExt. Urology -Stress Tests Ex. 2251, 5008

SERVICES OFFERED:

MEDICAL ARTS BUILDING

SERVICES OFFERED:

- Speech/Language Therapy - LMC P.E.T.S.

- Nuclear Medicine

SLEEP MEDICINE Ext. 2232, 2220 - Sleep Studies - Home Sleep Studies (Watch Pat)

RESPIRATORY THERAPY Ext. 2220, 5004 -Cardiopulmanary Rehab -Stress Tests

- Scopes - IV Therapy - Waco Surgical Group SWINGBED - Inpatient Rehab Ext. 2320, 5034

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URGENT CARE WITH YOU IN MIND!

We are here for you and your family!

NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY! (254) 562-2500

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About 9 months ago Covid-19 deaths were approaching 600,000. Today we are at 714,503, we still have probably a year and a half of Pandemic left. Some folks think it will be around forever as an occasional illness.

Vaccines are helping a great deal. Moderna, the best in efficiency, holds down the spread 95%, Pfizer is at 80% and J & J 60%.

Moderna produces 2.5 times the antibodies as other vaccines. That is why the delay in boosters that were supposed to be given 8 months from the last of your 2 shots. Pfizer will be giving boosters at 6 months. J & J which was supposed to be one and done will give a booster which will bring protection to 93%. We are awaiting a time frame of the CDC and FDA still talking.

How long is natural immunity from having Covid? It looks like a year thus far. The CoronaVirus SARS 2003 gave a 2 year immunity.

90% of deaths recently have been the people unvaccinated. You can still have breakthroughs with the vaccines but it will hopefully keep you out of ICU, the hospital and cemetery.

If you do become ill and fit a certain prototype of it, pre existing problems, time frame there is an Antibody Infusion called Regeneron. A one time infusion you have to go to Waco to the center with your doctor’s orders. It will take a couple of hours. The people in Waco are really nice.

Jerry W. Simmons, MD

Big Smiles All Around

Gentle and friendly dental care for the whole family.

MON - FRI 8AM - 7PM SATURDAY 8AM - 6PM SUNDAY 12PM - 6PM

311 E. MILAM ST. MEXIA, TX. 76667 We accept most Commercial Insurance/Medicaid/ Medicare/Tricare

Gonzalez Family Dentistry Nathan T. Gonzalez, DDS • Robin L. Cholopisa, DDS

300 N. Sherman, Mexia

254-562-5347

Our patients’ smiles say it all!

Friendly & Welcoming Staff

Mexia Area Chamber of Commerce H

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2021 Wild Cow Milking eart of tHe Winners exas Russell Hughes Roper & Tristan McGowan Mugger

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2021 Youth Barrel Winner - Haisley Layne

2021 Breakaway Winner - Sydney Yates

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Mexia Rodeo Diamond Sponsor

2021 Mutton Bustin Winner Mayes Mizell

HEB

Calf Roping Winners are Montana Champion & Drew Ellen Stewart

DIAMOND SPONSOR

TURQUOISE SPONSOR

HEB

INCOMMONS BANK, TAQUERIA MEXICANO GRILL, MEXIA CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC, CROWELL FARM & LAND

VIDEO BOARD SPONSOR

SERVICES, CEN-TEX CITIZENS CREDIT UNION,

SKILLED CARE OF MEXIA

PARKVIEW REGIONAL HOSPITAL, CHARLIE’S EXXON FOOD MART, MEXIA PUMP & MOTOR,

GOLD SPONSOR

STORY REAL ESTATE, JONES FUNERAL SERVICES,

KIOTI TRACTOR, UNITED RENTAL

NAVARRO COLLEGE, THE MEXIA NEWS, KYLE SESSIONS DOZER & AG, BWS SERVICES, CITIZENS STATE BANK,

INSTANT REPLAY SPONSOR

STATE REPRESENTATIVE – KYLE KACAL, BI-STONE

FLEMING LAND SERVICES

BUILDING SUPPLY

LEADER BOARD SPONSOR

WILD COW SPONSORS

VERABANK

BUFFALO LIVESTOCK MATKETING, INC,

VOLUNTEERS FROM THE MEXIA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERS THAT MADE THE RODEO CONCESSIONS AND TICKET BOOTH OPERATE SMOOTHLY: VERABANK, CITIZENS STATE BANK, JONES FUNERAL SERVICES, INCOMMONS BANK, CEN-TEX CITIZENS CREDIT UNION, MEXIA CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC, GIBBS MEMORIAL LIBRARY, SKILLED CARE OF MEXIA, PAWS & CLAWZ

THE MEXIA RODEO COMMITTEE WOULD LIKE

LONG INDUSTRIES, MEXIA INSURANCE SERVICES SILVER SPONSOR

BONHAM STREET CAR WASH, FALCON CLUB

GLAZERS, KNIFE RIVER

R & M FEED SUPPLY, COUNTRYSIDE CAFE, GROESBECK AUCTION & LIVESTOCK,

CHUTE SPONSORS

BATES H/H LIVESTOCK, JIM’S KRISPY CHICKEN,

FARMERS STATE BANK, KIOTI TRACTOR,

BLACKCAT COUTURE/ THE MEXIA FLORIST

TEXAS FARM BUREAU, SWARCO REFLEX MEXIA EDC

CALF SCRAMBLE SPONSOR FARM HOUSE RESTURANT

BRONZE SPONSORS FARM HOUSE, MIKE TERRY AUTO GROUP LONE STAR COWBOY CHURCH BULL FIGHTER JERSEY PARKVIEW REGIONAL HOSPITAL

YOUTH EVENTS SPONSORS MUTTON BUSTIN, YOUTH BREAKAWAY ROPING, YOUTH RIBBON ROPING AND YOUTH BARREL RACING: LAW OFFICES OF AMY WARD, SMALL TOWN TEES, RUSTY’S WESTERN WEAR, CLASSIC CLEANERS

EVENT SPONSORS:

YOUTH EVENT BUCKLE SPONSORS MEXIA

BULL RIDING – CITIZENS STATE BANK

PEST CONTROL, LIMESTONE PAWN, SOUTHERN GRACE

STEER WRESTLING – NELSON PROPANE

BY JOYOUS DESIGN

SAY “THANK YOU” TO THE MAYOR OF MEXIA AND MEXIA CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF MEXIA PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT, MEXIA POLICE DEPARTMENT, MEXIA FIRE DEPARTMENT AND EMS FOR THEIR HELP IN SECURITY AND SAFETY FOR OUR FANS AND PARTICIPANTS. THE MEXIA RODEO COMMITTEE WOULD LIKE TO SAY “THANK YOU” TO THE COWBOYS AND COWGIRLS WHO HAVE COMPETED THIS WEEK IN THE MEXIA RODEO. WE WISH THEM MUCH SUCCESS AND SAFE TRAVELS. MEXIA RODEO COMMITTEE MEMBERS: CHUNKY & MICHELE BUSBY, KYLE & CHERYL HANCOCK, MICHAEL & BRANDI JONES, RYAN & KALYN FLEMING, MIKAL & TRACI LAFOY, KELLY & RHONDA CRAIG, CATHY & JIMMY OWEN, ROB LAFOY, JAMES WILEY, REVENDY RHODES, DR. STAN SEWELL, SCOTT WILKINS, TRACY WADLE, LEONARD SMITH, FRANK PRUITT.

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MERRY CHRISTMAS MARKET CELEBRATING 20 YEARS Mexia’s Merry Christmas Market is celebrating 20 years! The Merry Christmas Market will be held at the Mexia Civic Center - December 2-4, 2021. It’s the most wonderful time of the year and Mexia begins the celebration each year by hosting the Christmas Parade of Light on the first Thursday of December in Downtown Mexia.

The Christmas Parade of Lights will be begin at 6PM sharp and progress down Commerce Street to Railroad and back up Main Street lead by the Mexia police Department and Grand Marshalls, Mr. & Mrs. Mistletoe. Mr. and Mrs. Mistletoe are chosen as a local couple who have been an instrumental part of Mexia ‘s economic growth and leaders of the community and have been married to each other for 50 years or more. The Mexia High School Blackcat Band will be seen and heard making the parade merry and bright.

The Rotary Club of Mexia will be serving up steaming bowls of chili as a community fundraiser.

Please see the Merry Christmas Market 3-Day Schedule on the back cover of the Mexia Magazine.

Linda and Billy Archibald - Mr. & Mrs. Mistletoe 2020

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Christmas at the Fort Looking for an exciting and even educational outside holiday fun event for your family? Christmas at the Fort is the perfect annual event, which will be held December 11-12, 2021 at Old Fort Parker Historic Site, 866 Park Road, Groesbeck, Texas 76642.

Introduce your family and friends to early Texas history and purchase historic era reproductions for Christmas gifts. Visit with re-enactors and view artisans demonstrate glass blowing, blacksmithing, knife making, woodcarving, beading, weaving, and pioneer cooking. Food booths will be serving their traditional foods. There are a limited number of RV spaces for people wishing to spend the weekend and enjoy Christmas at the Fort. Thank you for your support of this very historic location and the history of our Texas land. For more information you make contact Old Fort Parker at 254-729-5253.

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75 Years of Serving Students of Navarro County and Surrounding Areas

by Tom Lucas

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flight training school located at the Corsicana airport, Navarro County School Administrators Association members again posed the question of creating a junior college. Then CISD Superintendent, W.H. Norwood, created a fivemember committee comprised of himself, County School Superintendent J.C. Watson, Ray Waller of Dawson, W.B. Harrison of Frost and G.H. Wilemon of Kerens. The committee was charged with making their respective communities aware of the proposed junior college and to ascertain the level of support for such an institution. The level of support was great and with the support of local businesses and professionals, the former flight training school was transferred to the Navarro Junior College Board of Trustees. In 1946, eighteen years after A.A. Allison committed to make higher education accessible to more students, his dream became a reality. Navarro Junior College was born!

The original campus consisted of seven buildings, one hangar and two barracks.

This begins the extraordinary journey of an institution that has provided education, support and nurturing to literally thousands of students.

Many of those students have gone on to hold places of responsibility in the corporate arena, medicine, and other positions which are a part of this thing referred to as life. How fortunate to have had people such as A.A. Allison and the others whose forethought included benefitting not only themselves, but their communities as a whole.

Acknowledgement and special thanks is given to Dr. Tommy Stringer whose book, WE ARE NAVARRO! A history of Navarro College (1) was used in the preparation of this article.

The Navarro College “family” is excitedly anticipating the celebration of the college’s 75th anniversary celebration. A celebration that will include special events and activities beginning on September 16, 2021 with the Bulldogs Unite Ceremony and culminating with The 75th Anniversary Gala on May 21, 2022. This year of celebration will be retrospective, permitting a look to the past and a tip-of-the hat to those who were instrumental in bringing Navarro College to its present position and, in addition, looking forward to its future.

When one looks at the campus of Navarro College today, it is difficult to imagine the planning and effort that went into taking A.A. Allison’s idea of a “first class junior college” for Navarro County from an idea to fruition.

Allison, a self-described farmer and layman in education, was also a successful businessman, cotton buyer and leader in his community. He had the resources to send his children to college.

However, Allison realized that post-high school educational opportunities were not available to many Texas students, particularly those in rural communities. This realization caused Mr. Allison to commit, via the July 1928 issue of the TEXAS OUTLOOK, to making higher education available to as many students as possible through a two-year college. He saw this as the most efficient and least expensive way to achieve his goal.

1 Stringer, Tommy WE ARE NAVARRO! A history of Navarro On the heels of the federal government’s November 1944 announcement to close the College The Donning Company, 2016

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SESQUICENTENNIAL MEDALLION FOR SALE

This is the Sesquicentennial Medallion. They are $20 each and may be purchased at the Mexia Economic Development Corporation office located at 214 North Sherman Street. Please call ahead at 254-562-7900 to make a reservation to purchase the Medallion. All proceeds from the sale of the 2021 Sesquicentennial Medallions go to support the planning and hosting of the 2021 150th celebration. A date has not been set as of yet for the celebration because of COVID-19 restrictions. This is a beautiful medallion designed by Bob Crider after the 1871 Silver Dollar. There is a serial number for each medallion in the little rectangle box north of the Red River.

CELEBRATING

80 YEARS VISIT FORT PARKER STATE PARK 194 Park Road 28 Mexia, Texas 76667 For Camping, Fishing, Hiking and more information call: 254-562-5751

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Area Chamber of Commerce Presents the 20th Annual

Merry Christmas Market December 2 – December 4, 2021 Mexia Civic Center ‐ Downtown Mexia

Come shop & enjoy holiday magic!

COVID-19 Guidelines & Health Protocols will be practiced.

December 2 3-7 pm Sassy Sister’s “Tis the Season” Celebration - 107 N. Sherman - Downtown Shabby Bling’s “Jingle and Mingle” - 108 N. Sherman - Downtown 4-8 p.m. Merry Christmas Market & Holiday Food Court - Downtown - Mexia Civic Center 5-8 p.m. Rotary Christmas Chili Supper - Hosted by Rotary Club of Mexia - Rotary Hall - Downtown 6 p.m. Annual Christmas Parade of Lights - (Downtown Mexia) 6:30-8 p.m. On Stage Entertainment - Downtown - Mexia Civic Center 6:45-8 p.m. “Christmas Piñatas Party - Corner of Palestine & McKinney - Downtown December 3 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Merry Christmas Market & Holiday Food Court - Downtown - Mexia Civic Center 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Annual Brighton Christmas Party Merle Norman Boutique - 309 E. Milam December 4 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Merry Christmas Market & Holiday Food Court- Downtown - Mexia Civic Center 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Photos with Santa by Photo Trappings on Stage Downtown - Mexia Civic Center Area Chamber of Commerce