Bosque River Run Summer 2022

SUMMER 2022

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CLIFTON RECORD & MERIDIAN TRIBUNE

All in the

Family

Johnny’s Place Good Ol’ Country Cookin’

BOSQUE RIVER RUN MAGAZINE

“Helping our clents retire comfortably since 1965” Our services include: • Life Insurance

• Estate & Legacy Planning

• Retirement Planning

• Medicare Supplements/ Advantage

• Retirement Rollovers & Transfers

• Investment Advisory

Ronnie Rawls Owner/President

Casey Rawls Moore Vice President/Licensed Agent

Perla Perea McMullen Licensed Agent

603 S Ave G • Clifton, TX 76634 • 254-206-3100

www.rawlsfinancial.com SE HABLA ESPANOL 2

SUMMER 2022 ISSUE

Hamilton General Hospital FIVE Star OVERALL Rating by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

R S I LV E

Critical Access Hospital • Surgery, Swing Bed and Acute Care • 3 Rural Health Clinics (Primary Care) • Surgical, Behavioral, Eye Care and Wound Clinics • Regional EMS Coverage Areas: Hamilton, Mills, San Saba, Llano • Wellness Center • Level 4 Trauma ER • Sleep Center • Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation • 24 Hour Laboratory and Radiology • Diabetic Education • Nuclear Medicine

HICO

•

HAMILTON

MILLS

SAN SABA

Regional EMS Coverage Areas

Hospital Clinics LLANO

Call to Learn More or Schedule an Appointment

(254) 386-1600 400 North Brown Hamilton, TX 76531 •

www.hamiltonhospital.org

3

BOSQUE RIVER RUN MAGAZINE

About the Cover SUMMER 2022

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CLIFTON RECORD & MERIDIAN TRIBUNE

28 Johnny’s Place starts the next chapter.

Table of

Contents 8

Bark provides dog-gone good service

12

Johnny’s Place serves up new plans

16

Astronaut Ken Cameron is out-of-this-world

20

Short Snippets on Life

22

Robbins Nest dreams big in Bosque County

28

Meridian State Park – An adventure in your own backyard

All in the

Family

Johnny’s Place Good Ol’ Country Cookin’

Bosque River Run Magazine Summer 2022 PUBLISHER Rita Hamilton EDITOR Ashley Barner PRODUCTION Melanie Rhyne PHOTOGRAPHY Ashley Barner Rita Hamilton MARKETING Alex Balch OFFICE MANAGER Katharine Brooks BOSQUE COUNTY PUBLISHING

4

The Clifton Record & Meridian Tribune 310 West 5th Street • P.O. Box 531 Clifton, TX 76634 254-675-3336 BosqueCountyToday.com

SUMMER 2022 ISSUE

Letter from the

Editor

Hello again, Bosque County! It’s summer and it’s HOT! But I’m sure you already knew that. But guess what? There are plenty of ways for you to beat the heat without having to stray too far from home.

There are plenty of fantastic places to grab a bite, including Johnny’s in Clifton with their all-new buffet lineup, as well as several food trucks, like Robbins Nest, that offers down home cooking with a personal experience. Or take the day off with your family and head out to Meridian State Park to cool off in the lake and experience the great outdoors.

No matter what you choose, stay here to do it. Both city parks in Clifton and Meridian offer activities like disc golf courses, basketball and more, and there are plenty of retail shops, boutiques to keep you busy indoors, as well as museums and the movie theater in Clifton.

And with activities happening all throughout the summer, why would you want to go anywhere else? Just make sure you take your latest copy of Bosque River Run with you, sit back, relax and have a great time.

We hope you learn a little more about Bosque County with us!

Ashley Barner 5

BOSQUE RIVER RUN MAGAZINE

E V E N T S

BIG JACKPOT BINGO

BOSQUE ART CLASSIC

Image: Creaking Along #3

by Lloyd Voges

Opening Night: September 10 Free Exhibition: September 11 – 24

Don’t miss Adam Willmann as our BINGO

Tuesday, October 11 Bingo at 6:30 p.m.

Doors open at 5:45

DON’T MISS THE $500 JACKPOT!

BOOKS ON THE BOSQUE

Writing Contest Deadline: September 19 $1,200 in Cash Prizes Entry Fee $10 Details/Guidelines: BosqueArtsCenter.org

Song Entry Deadline: August 8, 2022 $3,000 in Cash Prizes Concert October 29, 2022

Festival Weekend: November 11-12

215 S College Hill Dr. Clifton, Texas 254-675-3724 Bosqueartscenter.com

Special Guests Radney Foster & Anne Hillerman

Judging & Performing:

TG Sheppard and Kelly Lang

For more information visit bosqueartscenter.org or call 254-675-3724

PHILLIPS MORTGAGE

Your Trusted Mortgage Professional in Bosque County Kevin King

Residential Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS #195846 - Company NMLS #225604

Cell (214) 549-8839 Kevin@myjpmortgage.com www.myjpmortgage.com

6

3020 Corporate Court, Suite 500 • Flower Mound, TX 75028 2577 FM 219 • Clifton, TX • 254-675-6308

SUMMER 2022 ISSUE

Community Calendar Weekly Entertainment Cliftex Theatre – thecliftex.com Horny Toad Bar & Grill – Facebook @Hornytoadbar Olaf’s Restaurant – Facebook@olafsrestaurant Rattlesnake Ballroom – rattlesnakeballroom.com

Community Meetings Bosque County Commissioners Court – Mondays weekly. bosquecounty.us Bosque County Rotary Club – Thursday weekly. Facebook @BosqueRotary Celebrate Recovery – Sundays weekly. fumcclifton.com City of Clifton Main Street Board – 3rd Wednesday monthly. Facebook @cliftonmainstreet City of Clifton Parks Board – 4th Thursday monthly. cityofclifton.org City of Clifton Planning and Zoning Commission – 2nd Tuesday monthly. cityofclifton.org Clifton Chamber of Commerce Board – 1st Tuesday monthly. cliftontexas.org Clifton City Council – 2nd Tuesday monthly. cityofclifton.org Clifton Civic Improvement Society – 1st Wednesday monthly.

Clifton EDC – 3rd Monday monthly. cliftonedc.org Clifton Lions Club – 2nd Thursday monthly. Facebook @cliftonlionsclub Cranfills Gap Chamber of Commerce – 2nd Wednesday monthly. gapchamber.org Cranfills Gap City Council – 2nd Monday monthly. cranfillsgaptexas.com Golden Gatherers - Tuesdays weekly.

Iredell City Council – 254-364-2436 Meridian City Council – 2nd Monday monthly. meridiantexas.us Meridian Chamber of Commerce – 2nd Thursday monthly. meridian-chamber.com Meridian EDC – 3rd Thursday monthly. meridiantexas.us Meridian Grassroots - 1st Monday monthly.

Meridian Lions Club – 1st and 2nd Tuesdays monthly. meridian-chamber.com Meridian Parks and Recreation – 3rd Monday Monthly. meridiantexas.us Meridian Planning and Zoning – meridiantexas.us Valley Mills Chamber of Commerce – Facebook @valleymillschamber Valley Mills City Council – 2nd Tuesday monthly. vmtx.us Walnut Springs City Council – 3rd Thursday monthly. cityofwalnutsprings.org Add your event to our weekly Community Calendar as seen in The Clifton Record and Meridian Tribune.

Call 254-675-3336 or email editor@cliftonrecord.com for more information.

Brought to you by

The Clifton Record

&

Meridian Tribune

7

BARK BOSQUE RIVER RUN MAGAZINE

Bosque County Rescue Kennels Rita Hamilton u Publisher In today’s world, finding great employees cannot be taken for granted. However, BARK has walked away with a big prize with Kennel Director Jenny Luper and Kennel Coordinator Aryn Norris. These two women not only have a passion for what they do, but they have the drive and work ethic behind them along with a genuine commitment to the animals that are entrusted to their care.

Under the leadership of Board Director Laura Bush, there are some changes that have been made to this haven for dogs who find themselves in precarious situations. According to both women the process for the dogs they take in has a smoother flow to it. There is definitely a bigger focus on the health and wellbeing of the dogs themselves. For example, previously the canine residents did not receive heartworm medicine, but they do now. Dogs are not only tested but put on preventative meds. To make matters even better, BARK found a donor to support making this a standard procedure.

Aryn works directly with the dogs. She calls herself the dog manager and gives Jenny the title of people manager. She coordinates where each dog is placed in the kennels. She is involved with grooming and keeping them up to date on their shots. Each day Aryn verifies that the current system is working, and she also matches the dogs up with each other, like a buddy system. When a dog is accepted, BARK doesn’t have a clue if the dog is dog friendly or not. Once determined, Aryn works to find each one a buddy since dogs thrive better when they are in a partnership.

They may not be together in a kennel, but the dogs come to know that they will get to see their friend when they go outside.

They had one new resident that they discovered prefers to not be around people. She’s not mean about it, but Jenny indicates that she had been broken. However, when she is with her “partner” she is a totally different dog in that she is playful and is obviously enjoying herself.

Aryn determines if a dog is broken and works to find ways to make it easier for the dog, fix the problem and ultimately adapt to the new surroundings.

Jenny tends to much of the paperwork that goes hand-in-hand with running any organization. She takes care of scheduling staff, payroll and other office matters. She does light up when she speaks of how she gets to help Aryn with the dogs. It is also Jenny’s responsibility to make sure that the community at large can reach the facility if they are in need of things like kennels or food. If someone finds a dog, BARK can help them find the dog’s owner. They also help with individuals who find themselves in the situation where they need to re-home their pet for an assortment of reasons. They assist in finding a new home instead of them having them come to the kennel.

There is not a typical timeframe that BARK keeps a dog. They are a non-euthanasia facility, so it stays at BARK until the dog finds a forever home. They have one puppy

8

SUMMER 2022 ISSUE

9

BOSQUE RIVER RUN MAGAZINE

who has been with them since 2018. Jenny shares that she is an amazing dog, but she has a thyroid problem. Asking someone to take on a vet bill that will be there for the rest of the dog’s life is not any easy thing for anyone. On the other side of that they have dogs who come in and are only there for a matter of days; others are there for a much longer time. It just depends on how long it takes to find a placement but there is no set duration of time that they will keep a dog.

Jenny believes there is a misconception out there that BARK is the pound and that will take in all animals. They are not city-owned or city-run so they actually can limit who or how many they pull into their kennels. If they do find themselves full, they do offer other outlets for people to explore for placement of their dog.

Right now, with the economy and the decline in donations, BARK is able to facilitate about 25 dogs. With more donations they could accommodate more. They are a little over 25 right now as they had some medical admissions where they couldn’t or wouldn’t turn them away.

Donations and sponsors are essential for the smooth operation of the canine facility. Currently, donations are down about 30% and Jenny attributes this to the current economy. Jenny says it’s so difficult for someone to put $100 in their gas tank and then turn around and donate $100 to BARK. In addition to monetary donations, BARK also accepts other types of donations such as food. While there, a generous woman stopped by and dropped off quite a few large dog bowls. Tractor Supply just provided a large donation of dog food, but they are always looking for specialty dog foods, such as those developed for senior dogs.

Treats are always welcome as is peanut butter and cheese that they fill the kongs with.

Jenny indicated that the community has been amazing.

“We have barely needed to buy any supplies. When we put something out on our social media asking for specific items, people are quick to respond and help out,” Jenny said.

Donations include food, vinegar for which they use to clean the kennels, treats, pill pockets for those dogs who are on medication, slow-feeder bowls, toys and blankets, dog beds, kuranda beds (sits up off the ground) and blankets.

Kuranda beds are better for the dogs, but they also make an easier job out of cleaning up. Not only do they make use of these items in the shelter, but they are also provided to foster families who agree to house the residents until a

10

placement can be made.

The majority of the dogs at BARK have been admitted because of medical or abuse reasons. There is a set system of standards of urgency. Each dog is accepted or rejected based on these standards. Other situations that would get a dog admitted would be an owner having to move into a long-term care facility or a situation where a dog has been abused either by their owner or by other dogs. Owner surrenders, where someone just doesn’t want the dog anymore, is low on the list of acceptance standards. As mentioned previously, BARK is not the city pound. It should be noted that to place a dog at BARK one must be a Bosque County resident.

BARK does get inundated with people coming to the shelter to just drop off their dogs for a number of reasons that don’t fall within BARK’s standards. This is definitely not the purpose of BARK and unfortunately these animals are more often than not turned away. A severe medical situation would be the exception. Mistakenly, people think that threatening a dog’s safety when a dog is not accepted will gain the dog’s admission. But Jenny makes it clear that when incidents of this nature occur, and a dog is harmed, she is bound to report them to the authorities for abuse and this usually turns the situation around quickly. At this juncture only Clifton and Valley Mills have pound facilities to take these types of dogs.

It is worth noting that if BARK cannot take a dog for reasons stated above, they will help with food and actively help search for a possible placement for the animal.

Bark partners with the Clifton Veterinary Clinic as well as Mark Jackson in Meridian.

Some of their services are donated and others are provided at a discounted rate.

BARK is always looking for volunteers to help run the shelter, but they are also in need of foster families to house them temporarily. Volunteers make up almost half of the staff and they do everything you can think of. They help with kennel duty, feed dogs, laundry, and bathe and walk dogs.

Volunteers also help with events where BARK is showcasing dogs that are available. There are many events scheduled for this summer and the majority of them are being held indoors due to the heat. You can volunteer at BARK and never touch a dog if that is more appealing. From laundry to lawn care to maintenance, there is always a plethora of things that need to be done at the facility.

Aryn and Jenny established a new program called Doggie Day Out whereby a volunteer with at least ten hours of service can take a dog out for the day. They’ve seen when

SUMMER 2022 ISSUE

a dog comes back after a day outside the kennel, they are so much happier.

The opportunities to volunteer at BARK are endless and if interested either Jenny or Aryn would be happy to discuss the many options available.

Sadly, foster families are few and far between and both Jenny and Aryn are fostering dogs in their own homes. Volunteers also have the opportunity to foster as do those who are required to do community service. Many jobs and schools have community service requirements as do the courts. However, it should come as no surprise that if someone has been convicted of anything that is in anyway related to violence or abuse, they are not permitted to foster. Foster care does not come with any type of compensation, but BARK will definitely help with food, kennels, medication and any other thing that a foster family may need to establish a healthy and safe environment for the fostered pet. The history of each dog, both medically and behavior wise, is always shared with potential foster families. This veil of transparency eliminates surprises. It is amazing how much the staff of BARK can determine about a dog simply by spending time with them.

About every two weeks or so BARK checks in with their foster families. Any sign of abuse would cause BARK to remove the animal immediately. Should the need arise, the Bosque County Sheriff’s Department is always happy to help them out. Situations of this nature have not occurred in recent history, but it is worth noting that BARK does keep a close eye on the care that is being given to those dogs in their foster care program.

Despite the stigma of certain dogs, there are all kinds of dogs being housed at BARK. The staff are happy to meet with people anytime to introduce them to the dogs and talk about the potential for adoption. Aryn adds that the dogs at BARK are spoiled in addition to being well taken care of. She jokes that some of them think that this is where they live and appear quite content. However, the end game is to find each dog a home where they will be loved and cared for.

“Every one of these dogs belongs somewhere and they don’t

belong here” says Jenny.

BARK partners with Bosque Spay & Neuter on a variety of different projects. Bosque Spay and Neuter has taken about five or six dogs and transported them out of state for adoption. BARK calls them whenever they find a litter of puppies so that they also can be readied for transport. These dogs are either adopted or go to a foster home before they ever leave the BARK facility. For some reason, kennels and rescues up north are far less crowded than in the south, which makes the odds for adoption that much greater. BARK immediately directs any community members with feline issues to Bosque Spay & Neuter as BARK only handles dogs. Volunteers and donations are at the heart of both BARK and Bosque Spay & Neuter but both organizations support each other. This definitely allows for a great collaboration between the two entities with more animals served being the end result.

Currently McLennan County residents are required to get their pets microchipped, which definitely helps out when a dog is lost. Both Aryn and Jenny are pushing that this becomes law in Bosque County. It would be a huge advantage when people find dogs wandering and owners need to be located. Jenny added that microchipping, along with spay and neutering, would probably fix the overbreeding problem.

Microchipping has become the standard and BARK continues to suggest ways of decreasing the number of animals that come through their doors as well as the two pounds in Bosque County.

One of the things that is very noticeable was the cleanliness of the kennels both inside and out. On their bucket list, is the enclosure of one of their two outside kennels. Despite the water mist sprayers in each outside kennel, the recent soaring temperatures have not made it comfortable for BARK’s special residents.

BARK is a unique facility here in Bosque County that depends upon the donations of the community in order to continue their important work. In speaking to and watching both Jenny and Aryn interact with the dogs, both demonstrated their care and concern for each dog and strong belief in the mission of BARK.

11

BOSQUE RIVER RUN MAGAZINE

Johnny’s Place It’s All in the Family Rita Hamilton u Publisher itting down with restaurant manager Laura Morales provided great insight into what it takes when you bring a host of family members together to run a business and run it successfully.

Johnny’s Place has been a staple in this community since 2002.

For the past twenty years Jose Luis Sanchez, known as Luis, has worked there as the chef. He worked for the first “Johnny” in McGregor until that establishment burned down in 2000 and they decided to reopen in Clifton.

Luis’s dream has always been to own a restaurant. Scott Cleveland had owned Johnny’s place for the last seven years and the two of them began talking about Luis buying the business. On June 3rd of this year that dream became a reality when Luis became the official owner of Johnny’s Place. From 2002 to 2015 Luis commuted to Clifton every day from Gatesville, however, in 2015 he purchased a home here and is a part of the Clifton community. From the beginning, Luis has been an integral part of this restaurant and continues to work hard to continue the successful trend that makes Johnny’s Place a family favorite when it comes to down home cooking.

Since becoming the owner, both the food and the service has remained true to the original Johnny’s. Luis began serving a Friday night buffet, which in addition to their regular dishes, includes shrimp on the buffet bar. Live music is also an added attraction on Friday night and that has also drawn people in. Their first Friday night with music went exceptionally well and was well attended. This is a family establishment, so they are not looking to obtain a license to serve alcohol.

Luis is also looking to extend their evening hours on another evening but that night has yet to be determined.

Most of the staff is comprised of family. There are Luis’s two daughters, a sister-in-law, Luis’s wife is in the kitchen with Luis, father-in-law is an assistant cook. Luis’s son-in-law works as a cashier and another daughter-in-law is a waitress.

The staff is friendly and outgoing and went out of their way to make my visit a most enjoyable experience. Laura, who is Luis’s daughter-in-law, exemplified the strong family culture that exists within this establishment and was quick to share that even non-family members, who are part of the staff,

12

SUMMER 2022 ISSUE

Staff winding down after a busy lunch shift.

Staff of Johnny’s Place Jorge Morales, Mila Morales, Xayanna Nunez, Cody Carrier, Leigh Ann Isbell, Karol Morales, Damara Sanchez, Jose Quintero, Laura Morales, Jose Luis Sanchez

13

BOSQUE RIVER RUN MAGAZINE

that working there has been an extremely positive experience. Cody Carrier is one of those non-family members who is part of the waitstaff team. Prior to starting her employment with Luis, she was a waitress at Foothills Bar & Grill. She shared “I’m a single mom and honestly, I needed help and Luis hired me on. It’s the best thing that ever happened to me. I’m so thankful that Luis gave me a chance. The customers here are amazing and the staff is also amazing. The people here at Johnny’s are very family friendly and that is important to me as a single mom.”

When asked what sets Johnny’s Place apart from other eateries, Laura indicated she believed it was their food. Favorites among the customers include their chicken fried steak and fried catfish.

Patrons can’t seem to get enough of their homemade ranch dressing with people waiting in the drive-thru just to purchase 16 ounces of their dressing. Their homemade tartar sauce has also become a fan favorite. Laura was sure to mention that their ribeye steaks, chopped sirloin and hamburger steaks are also big sellers from the menu.

The staff appreciates their “regulars” and love the camaraderie that goes along with customers hanging out with a good cup of coffee. At the same time they are welcoming to new customers.

Johnny’s Place is open for reservations for parties and special events. They are also open to holding fundraisers and will do everything they can to make it successful. It’s their way of making a contribution and being involved in the Clifton community.

Regular hours are 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. except for Friday’s which is 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. One thing of note is that Johnny’s serves breakfast all day, which has come to be their specialty and customers are always raving about their coffee. Sunday morning there is always a line for breakfast and both rooms fill quickly. Their lunch buffet begins at 11:00 a.m. and their Friday evening buffet runs from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Other options are always available from the menu.

Spending time with Laura and the team at Johnny’s Place was delightful. They are a very down home, family centric establishment who believes great food and exceptional customer service make for a successful restaurant. If you’ve not been there lately, stop by. You won’t be disappointed by what they have to offer.

14

SUMMER 2022 ISSUE

v Carpet & Vinyl v Hardwood & Vinyl Plank v Ceramic Tile & Stone v Custom Shower Installs v Stone & Laminate Counter Tops

Texas-New Mexico Power is an electricity transmission and distribution service provider, providing electricity to about 245,000 accounts throughout Texas. We have about 350 employees in more than 20 communities throughout Texas.

Mike & Kim Prescher

leonsfloorsclifton.com Leons1948@gmail.com

Oldest liquor store in town!

Loyal Service

JIM’S

Best Value and Variety of spirits in town.

Best of Bosque County Liquor Store awarded in 2020, 2021!

Jim’s

Package Store 2577 FM 219 • Clifton, TX • 254-675-6308 15

BOSQUE RIVER RUN MAGAZINE

Retired astronaut Ken Cameron 16

SUMMER 2022 ISSUE

Teamwork & Ice Cream Retired NASA Astronaut Ken Cameron shares his out-of-this-world experience Ashley Barner u Editor Colonel U.S. Marine Corps (retired) Ken Cameron made a special trip to the Clifton Municipal Airport in July looking to purchase a Cessna, and because interesting people have a way of seeking out Bosque County, airport manager Tim Talley arranged for Ken to speak to the Bosque County Rotary Club about his mission, his work with NASA and the mission as commander of Atlantis to the Russian space station Mir in 1995.

Ken studied engineering in college but took a leave of absence and was commissioned in the USMC in 1970 where he was an infantry platoon commander in Vietnam for a one-year tour of duty. When he returned, he realized he liked the Marine Corps and enjoyed being part of a team.

“But I wanted to get out of the walking business,” Ken said. “Infantry does a lot of walking and carrying stuff and that’s not what I wanted to do.”

He bounced around the east coast for a bit before landing in Florida. Flight school was Ken’s opportunity to get to Texas and was sent to Beeville.

“It’s not the middle of nowhere, but I’m pretty sure you can see it from there,” Ken said.

Between Houston, San Antonio and Corpus Christi, Bee County, however, was

17

BOSQUE RIVER RUN MAGAZINE

18

SUMMER 2022 ISSUE

close enough to Refugio so that Ken could take glider pilot lessons on the weekends.

After completing his training, Ken was assigned as project officer and test pilot with they Systems Engineering Test Directorate at the Naval Air Test Center. Ken says although he already had his dream job, this job would be one of his biggest dreams. A harrowing interview process left Ken wondering, but after receiving the call that the program wanted him, he was ecstatic.

Ken was selected by NASA in 1984 and became and astronaut in 1985. Work assignments included working on the Tethered Satellite payload, flight software testing in SAIL, launch support activities at Kennedy Space Center and as spacecraft communicator in Mission Control for several missions.

Ken also flew on three missions into space, piloting the Atlantis in 1991 for the purpose of exploring gamma ray sources, and commanding a nine-day mission in 1993 where the Space Shuttle Discovery conducted atmospheric and solar studies to better understand the effect of solar activity on Earth’s climate and environment.

On his third mission in 1995, Ken again commanded Atlantis on NASA’s second mission to rendezvous and dock with Mir. This was also the first mission to use the shuttle to assemble a module and attach it to a space station.

Ken said docking had to be precise as the slightest wrong move could severely damage the space station and put everyone at risk.

With all eyes on him and with Ken trusting his team to help guide the craft into place, the crew docked without consequence and the mission was able to proceed. The station was part of the Soviet Union’s crewed spaceflight program effort to maintain a long-term research outpost in space.

The crew delivered hundreds of gallons of water, hardware, food and other materials to the Mir, and were tasked with bringing experimental samples and other equipment back to Earth.

Ken said though shuttles often took supplies up to the station, there was no way to return broken equipment or to send research samples back to the ground, as most things they needed to dispose of were sent off and burned up in the Earth’s atmosphere. This mission was to be the first time samples would return for study.

Ken said he knew they would need a way to refrigerate those samples, and he needed a way to ensure they returned intact. He said the best way to do that was to build the box on Earth, fill it full, then seal it to only be opened once upon the Mir. But what to fill such a large freezer with? Ken said a soft, creamy paste would do nicely.

It’s common in the Navy for crews of different ships to dine together in port, so Ken said it would be nice to do the same with those living on the station. An elaborate meal was prepared at NASA and sent along with the crew, and Ken was able to fill his freezer with a sweet, creamy paste made in Brenham, Texas.

Teambuilding was important, Ken said, and while preparing for the mission in Russia, he noticed people would be lined up in the snow to buy ice cream. Though Americans typically enjoy ice cream in hot weather, this stuck with Ken and it made Blue Bell ice cream the perfect treat to share with his fellow astronauts.

“When we brought the ice cream to them, they were so happy I think they would have given us anything we asked for to keep what was left,” Ken said. “We were invited for dinner the next day and we were asked to bring the desert!”

The mission was considered a success and was thought to be a stepping stone between US and Soviet relations.

Ken officially retired from NASA in 2008 and lives in Houston.

Ken says he has been a very lucky guy with a serious problem. “I’ve been really lucky to have been involved in all these programs, and I’ve worked with so many teams of people who are dedicated, capable and knowledgeable, far smarter than I to do so many things,” Ken said. “My problem is that all my spaceships are in museums and I’m marooned here!”

19

BOSQUE RIVER RUN MAGAZINE

Short Snippets on Life

It’s mine again Rita Hamilton u Publisher I have been riding on the back of a Harley since 1989. It has always been as a passenger, it is here I have done my best thinking, planning and praying. It was a place where I wasn’t a wife, mother, or a business woman. It was my place of escape from the day-to-day grind of life and all the pressures that went along with it. In 2016, I lost this refuge from my reality when my husband of 32 years suddenly passed and hopefully began his own ride of a lifetime.

After a year of great mourning and at the tender age of 59, I decided that I really missed this activity that for so long was a great passion of mine, let alone one of my biggest stress relievers. My choices at that juncture were twofold: I could either find me some big, burly guy to ride me around; or, I could do what I had always wanted to do and get my own motorcycle endorsement. I chose the latter. After some scary endeavors on two wheels, I bought myself a Harley Freewheeler, which is a trike. There was no disputing the fact that I loved it but there was also some apprehension after riding as a passenger for so long.

After remarrying in 2020 to another amazing man, I found myself in the passenger seat again. I can’t negate that there is something great about riding together. However, a part of me yearned for riding by myself again.

Especially since I had waited so long to get my license.

Well, after almost two years of marriage, Steven bought a Harley Ultra Classic and the trike was once again mine and only mine. When I first got the bike back in 2017 it took me well over a year to put on 1,000 miles. In the last couple months, I’ve more than doubled that. I’m enjoying riding by myself more than I did when I first got my license. There is an exhilaration and a freedom that can’t be explained unless you ride. I have great respect for the power of my bike and am all too aware of the risk associated with riding. As with most riders, I take great care to ride safely. I’ve got to believe I have a guardian angel riding with me.

I’m sure people get plenty of laughs when this now 65-year-old, white haired lady goes heading down the highway, looking for adventure on her Harley Freewheeler. But the bottom line is I love it and I’m thankful to be living my best life as I discover all the beauty found here in Bosque County.

20

SUMMER 2022 ISSUE

Heading down the highway, looking for adventure...

21

BOSQUE RIVER RUN MAGAZINE

Robbins Nest Cafe Rita Hamilton u Publisher If you’ve not had a chance to sample the down home cooking from Robbins Nest Cafe, don’t wait any longer as you are missing out on something very special here in Bosque County.

Mike and Sandy Robbins, along with their son Jacob, run this newly established food truck that prides themselves on serving first class, down home cooking. Their mobile restaurant sits outside of the Red Caboose Winery and diners are welcome to eat their meals inside Red Caboose or take them home to share with other family members. They are also at Meridian City Park on Mondays and Tuesdays each week.

One needs to look closely at their logo and you will quickly notice they are not referring to little Robin Red Breast of biblical lore, but rather, it is their family name flanked by two cardinals. As most are familiar, cardinals can symbolize the presence of a loved one who has passed.

In this case, the two cardinals are their “angel birds” for those who they believe are always watching over them.

Mike and Sandy met in San Diego, California. Both having experienced divorces, they basically came to the relationship having nothing. However, in finding each other they discovered they had everything and count themselves very blessed by the relationship they share.

In their home state of California, they found that it was virtually impossible for Mike to retire with the cost of living and the obvious decline most people see in their finances once they do retire. They talked about moving. Mike knew that he didn’t want to deal with tornados and hurricanes nor did he want to shovel snow. This

22

SUMMER 2022 ISSUE

23

BOSQUE RIVER RUN MAGAZINE

24

SUMMER 2022 ISSUE

led them to central Texas. They flew into Waco to see if central Texas would be feasible for them to establish their new home.

Their visit lasted ten days where they looked at what seemed like hundreds of houses. The day before they were scheduled to leave, Mike found a house in China Spring. The house was government-owned and the realtor they had been working with discouraged them because the home had fell out of escrow seven or eight times. But Mike and Sandy were persistent and put in an offer, which was accepted. They flew back home, put their California house on the market and flew back to Waco with their son Jacob to look for jobs. The Robbins have two other sons that have remained in San Diego to finish their education.

On their initial visit here, they discovered that central Texas did not offer the foods that they were accustomed to in southern California. This thought process led them to start thinking about the food business as it was a lot easier on the body of a 60 year old man who had made a career in HVAC. In the meantime, Mike got a job in air conditioning as did Jacob, and Sandy found a job in the lighting industry. This would position them for Mike to retire and together they would break into the world of serving great food to local, rural residents.

The Robbins family have been looking for a brick and mortar establishment. They have not completely narrowed it down to either Clifton or Meridian. They definitely want to stay on Highway 6 as they believe it gives them the best opportunity to be successful. In addition to his HVAC skills, Mike is also a builder so those skills will definitely come in handy once they find exactly what they are looking for. In the meantime, their mobile restaurant is serving them well and the Bosque County community at large. It’s already been established that customers in Clifton want them to build or open their cafe in Clifton and patrons who live in Meridian want them there.

Once they establish a brick and mortar cafe, one of their dreams is to offer fine dining on Friday and Saturday nights that will be by reservation only. It would provide local residents with the ability to sit down and order steak and lobster without having to drive into one of the larger cities to enjoy this kind of experience. The cafe itself would continue to serve their down home dishes every other day as they do now. Another dream they share with having a brick and mortar space is having the ability to sit down with their customers and get to know them, enjoy them and just be able to give back.

The discussion led to Mike saying “This is one way we can give back to the community. There are a lot of retired people in this county that really would like to add some extra income but are not looking to punch a timeclock.” Mike says he would be able to provide them opportunities to work as little or as much as they’d like and on their schedule. It would give people the ability to pull in some extra money without the constraints of a fixed schedule.

Mike shared that his meatloaf is a prime example of their home style dishes. He says “my meatloaf is made with a lot of love and a lot of protein. I don’t have a need to add all the other stuff that you find in restaurants to dress up the dish. Mine may not look as nice but it tastes good and, I think, it’s better for you than going to

25

BOSQUE RIVER RUN MAGAZINE

McDonald’s.”

The Robbins go the extra mile to keep their costs down by doing things such as grinding their own meat, and just doing a lot of their own prep work. He goes on to say that today the restaurant industry has so much of what they serve premade. That’s not what you find at the Robbins Nest Cafe. They work hard to use the freshest ingredients in everything they prepare and are not hesitant to go the extra mile in using things that are fresh and with less preservatives.

Mike is a veteran of the US Army and upon his return home discovered the world of fast food. He finally came to the realization that his recent weight gain was not an issue for him when his mama was cooking meals every night. It’s probably here that their slogan, developed by Jacob, is “Home Style Feel . . . with your Mama’s style cooking.!” Their pride in their son Jacob is quite evident. They are proud of the work ethic he has developed and has been instrumental in their success with Robbins Nest.

Mike, Sandy and Jacob are always trying to implement new dishes. They already know that people truly enjoy their meatloaf. But to keep the menu fresh they keep adding new things, taking others items off the menu and adding them back at a later time. It keeps people trying new things. Their Hot Mess Bowl went crazy (meatloaf, corn and mashed potatoes and gravy) and people raved about it. But right now it’s off the menu (sigh!). But they’ve added spaghetti and that is the current rave. Now that is coming off the menu and they are adding baby back ribs. That may come off in a month or so and then they will add a stroganoff dish. It should be noted that their Hot Mess Bowl (my personal favorite) will at some point return to the menu.

Jacob added “when people eat our food we want them to think of things that their mom made for them while growing up.” His plan for the near future is to complete culinary school at TSTC and continue on in the food industry. Jacob shares that the one thing that you will find with their dishes is consistency in how it’s prepared, which is difficult to find when dining at establishments with multiple cooks.

Sandy currently works full time but is looking forward to retiring in the next three to five years. But for now, in addition to her job, she does all the books and paperwork for the business and helps out in the food truck.

Another “seal the deal” idea they want to share after Sandy retires is to be able to serve Thanksgiving Dinner for all their local regulars. Mike knows it won’t be this Thanksgiving but he looks forward to the day when he can do something like this in another effort to give back to the community that supports him.

When asked about the Texas billboards telling Californians to go home, both Mike and Sandy seemed to get it. Sandy initially took offense, but since that first ten day stint here in central Texas they have felt at home here with the people.

This couple definitely does not fit the bill of the stereotypical Californian but rather are warm, welcoming and quick to extend their hand in friendship. Mike shares “we are not the typical Californian in that we are not all about us.” “I will never see eye to eye with many people in California or accept the way they often treat people, but I love them anyway.” It’s just different here in Texas. The people are friendly, hardworking and down to earth.”

On the third Thursday of the month you can find Robbins Nest Cafe at Pot o’ Gold in Clifton to help out their ministry and serve the volunteers there. They also were hired by Goodall-Witcher during Nurses Week and served about 280 plates. These are just two examples of how they try to give back to the community.

I took home dinner after the interview. I watched as Jacob prepared my meal with care and precision in their immaculate kitchen set up with all restaurant grade equipment. I purchased their Pulled Brisket Melt. It was a grilled sandwich on Texas Toast. The barbecue sauce was light and did not disguise the taste of the tender brisket and the coleslaw was made fresh with the sandwich. Add a slice of pepper jack cheese and you have one awesome sandwich.

They added french fries to my order and they too were excellent.

Both Mike and Sandy, along with their son Jacob, are quick to share how very blessed they have been and look forward to those blessings continuing and paying it forward with their customers. The time I spent with them was delightful and I look forward to watching their business grow right here in Bosque County.

Hours in Clifton at the Red Caboose Winery are Thursday, 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm; Friday 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm; and Saturday 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. For Meridian, Robbins Nest Cafe will be at Meridian City Park on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

26

LOCALLY GROWN

Come see us for all your trees, shrubs, flowers, local honey, jellies, jams, pickles, salsas, variety of nuts & more!

Local meat from Pederson’s and vegetables & gifts.

Fresh Produce from Gustine

SUMMER 2022 ISSUE

On-site bakery, we have salads, wraps, sandwiches, dips, fruit cups, cookies, bread, etc made fresh daily.

Volleman Milk from local Volleman Dairy Follow us on FACEBOOK to keep up with all the happenings.

822 E Main St Hamilton, TX M-F 9-5:30 Sat 9-3

254-386-5004

The leader in lime-based products and services.

2861 FM 2602 Clifton, TX 76634 254-675-8668

www.Lhoist.com

27

BOSQUE RIVER RUN MAGAZINE

In your own back yard Meridian State Park provides family-friendly fun for over 85 years Ashley Barner u Editor Just a few miles outside of town, Meridian State Park sits cradled among limestone bluffs at the top of the Hill Country. In operation for over 85 years, the small park continues to offer Bosque County big-time fun.

With 72-acre Lake Meridian at its heart, the park offers a place to swim, fish, hike and explore, all with the convenience of being close to home.

Built by World War I veterans from the Civilian Conservation Corps, the park was developed using local limestone and timber. A major part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, the CCC was a voluntary government work relief program that supplied manual labor jobs related to the conservation and development of natural resources. The program ended in 1942 in the throes of World War II and the decline in need for work relief.

Work from the CCC included the historic stone refectory, which features ashlar-cut stone, arched entryways, a stone chimney and an open-sided pavilion.

The entire structure serves as a transition from the park to the lake and is a key landscape feature tied into the hillside above the lake.

The earthen dam stretched across Bee Creek that impounded the lake was also constructed by the CCC. The day use area down the hill from the stone refectory has picnic tables with outdoor grills and a dedicated swim area.

The park offers a diverse camping experience depending on what you’re looking for. Cabins and full-hookup campsites are available for rent, as well as campgrounds for pitching your own tent and roughing it.

The lakeside screened shelters were recently remodeled.

Old and rotting batten board siding was removed and replaced and everything received a fresh coat of paint.

Along with camping out, fishing is one of the most popular activities at Meridian State Park. Anglers of any age can fish from the shorelines or from a kayak or paddle

28

SUMMER 2022 ISSUE

Lake Meridian sits at the heart of the state park, providing over 72 acres of swimming, boating and fishing activities for guests.

A look from the top of the dam across Bee Creek shows a deep gully on the other side of the lake, perfect nesting grounds for birds and other wildlife in the park.

29

BOSQUE RIVER RUN MAGAZINE

boat on the lake without the requirement of a Texas fishing license. Motorboats are allowed on the water, though the entire lake is a no-wake zone. Fishing is also allowed off the ADA-accessible fishing pier.

Even though the lake only has a maximum depth of about 45 feet depending on rainfall, guests bring their rods and reels to the park to try their luck on the best of days.

Lake Meridian is stocked primarily with largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie and sunfishes. Texas Parks and Wildlife stocks the lake with rainbow trout each winter.

The biggest largemouth bass on record to come out of the lake was caught in February 1992, weighing just over 12 pounds and measuring 26 inches in length.

Similarly, junior angler Analisa Zamora pulled out a largemouth bass that measured 24.75 inches in length in July 2020.

Meridian State Park does have special regulations on some of the fish species in the lake. Largemouth black bass must have a minimum length of 18 inches while smallmouth black bass must be at least 14 inches long, while Guadalupe and Alabama bass have no minimum length requirement. They do, however, have a daily bag limit of five in any combination of black bass.

Boating, kayaking and canoeing are also popular activities on the water. Kayaks, two-seater kayaks and canoes are available for rent, and a vending machine by the pier offers convenient single kayak rentals with

30

State Park

No bikes permitted on park trails.

on

-0

.3

Though every angler has their own methods, largemouth bass are typically caught using spinner baits, buzz baits and plastic worms near vegetation at a depth of one to four feet. Some have also employed the use of shallow-diving crank baits to get the job done. Crappie can also be caught on shallow brush piles using live minnows or jigs. Sunfish typically hang out near shallow brush as well and are best caught using live worms and crickets.

Meridian

ti

Fishing conditions and opportunities for largemouth bass, catfish and sunfish are good while crappie is only fair. The lake offers plenty of cover for fish with aquatic vegetation and isolated laydowns. The structure along the dam is home to a variety of fish species as well as artificial brush piles that have been placed in the water.

The golden-cheeked warbler only nests in Central Texas and makes its home among the cedars and oaks in the park.

They typically arrive in March for the mating season and stay several months through the summer. Excellent trails for sightings include the Shinnery Ridge and Little Springs Trails,

PLEASE NOTE

Shinn ery

Ri d

• CHECK OUT time is 12 p.m. for campsites, 11 a.m. for cabin and shelters.

Renew permit by 9 a.m. subject to availability.

e

g

Crappie, another commonly fished species have a minimum length requirement of ten inches and a daily bag limit of 25 in any combination of subspecies, while one of the most common fish to come out of the lake, the sunfish, has no restrictions at all.

Birding is another common activity in Meridian State Park and birders have identified over 175 different bird species within its boundaries. With soggy bottomlands, stream corridors, high ridges and plenty of trees, it’s no surprise it would be an ideal home.

ed S e c Pav

Blue and channel catfish have no minimum length requirement but have a combined daily bag limit of five.

Flathead catfish must be at least 18 inches long and also have a daily limit of five.

the use of a credit card.

Tra il -

1.

5

mi

• Public consumption or display of an alcoholic beverage is prohibited.

• Numbered sites are for overnight camping only.

NO PICNICKING

le s

Shinnery Ridge West (24-31)

• Park and drive on paved surfaces only.

• Quiet hours are enforced from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

27

• Excess parking fee is required at campsites with more than two vehicles including trailers.

All excess vehicles will be relocated to the overflow parking area.

25

26 24

28 29

30

Lake M

• A maximum of eight people at any numbered campsite or shelter. Maximum of six people at cabins.

• All day-use visitors MUST leave the park prior to 10 p.m.

• No person shall use electrical speakers or radios at a volume which emits beyond their immediate campsite.

• No pets allowed in park facilities. Pets must remain on a leash. Pets must not be left unattended or cause a disturbance.

• Gathering firewood prohibited.

• Swim at your own risk. NO LIFEGUARD on duty.

• Stop the spread of invasive species.

CLEAN, DRAIN and DRY your boat.

TPWD receives funds from the USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, a information in an alternative format, please contact TPWD on a Text Telephone (TTY) at (512) 389-8915 or by Relay Texas at 7-1-1 or (800 discriminated against by TPWD, please contact TPWD, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Offic

© 2022 TPWD PWD MP P4503-021B (2/22)

This publication can

SUMMER 2022 ISSUE

as well as the Little Forest Junior Trail, which has a bird blind for stakeouts and photo opportunities for birders of all levels.

the Inca dove, which has been spotted in all seasons; and the black-capped vireo, which was seen in the spring and summer months.

A field checklist of all recorded bird sightings in the park is available for download on the park’s website. The 16page booklet includes birds from the easiest to find, like the mourning dove or turkey vultures, to accidental finds (sightings of birds not usually present, birds that are lost, or present as part of an event), like the greater scaup and even a long-eared owl.

With so much to do in the park and with visitors coming in from across the country, Meridian State Park stays busy, especially during the summer months.

Some rare bird sightings in the park include the Canada goose, which was spotted in the spring, fall and winter;

The family environment combined with the multitude of experiences offered at Meridian State Park make this an excellent location for your next family getaway, reunion or party. The park is located at 173 Park Road #7 outside of Meridian. Call 254-435-2536 to make reservations or for more information.

/meridianstateparktx

TexasStateParks.org/App

TexasStateParks.org/SocialMedia

#TxStateParks

#meridianstatepark

#BetterOutside

LEGEND

Tackle Loaner Site

T gs

W ay

le

O

30

ake Meridian

Cottonwood Cove Campground group primitive 6 5

Lakeside Campground premium shelters (1-6)

15

Dump Station Screened Shelters

To 17

4 8

10

7

9

2 1

M

er

an

idi

9

Limited Use Cabin Hiking Trail Picnic Area Dining Hall

22 TEXAS

Parking Recommended Swimming Area Boat Ramp

7

5 2 Crosstimbers Campground

3 11

6

Sites #1-8

ay One W

4 3

15 14 12 Sites #9-15 10 11 8 9

32 Star t

Group Camp

On

18 14

31

Water and Electric Sites

ay eW

12 16

Primitive Sites

miles

n pr i

Lit t

Juniper Ridge Campground 13

Showers

Full Hookup Sites rail

- 0.7

ne

Cedar Ridge Campground sponsored youth camping area

S

ay eW

les mi

On

iles 2m

6 .3

NO WAKE LAKE

Restrooms

iles 0.8 m il ra ni o r T le F o rest Ju

. il - 2

-0

State Parks Store

Litt

ra ng T H iki sque Bo

ct i

on

Headquarters

N

ADA Accessible Fishing Pier Scenic Overlook

1

Bird Blind Wheelchair Accessible Residence

n

ilto

Maintenance

m

n

s fill

To

a Cr

lity, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal law. To request an accommodation or obtain 1 or (800) 735-2989 or by email at accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. If you believe you have been vice, Office for Diversity and Workforce Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041.

ion can be found at tpwd.texas.gov/spdest/parkinfo/maps/park_maps/

ap

G

&

Ha

Texas State Parks Store Ice, firewood and one-of-a-kind gift items are available at the Texas State Parks Store in our park headquarters building.

PARK RESERVATIONS TexasStateParks.org ParquesDeTexas.org (512) 389-8900

173 Park Road 7 Meridian, TX 76665 (254) 435-2536

Proud Sponsor of Texas State Parks

31

BOSQUE RIVER RUN MAGAZINE

505 W 5th Street Clifton, TX 254-675-2211

Proudly Welcomes

Hours of Operation: Drive Thru - Mon. through Friday - 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Lobby - 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM Saturday Drive Thru - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Serving Bosque County and beyond.

H H H CLIFTON - TEXAS H H H

LA

THOMPSON Gallery of Fine Arts 32 YEARS DEALING IN ORIGINAL ARTWORK

OCT 15, 2022 COME OUT TO CLIFTON FOR THE 21ST ANNUAL FALLFEST HOSTED BY THE CITY OF CLIFTON MAIN STREET featuring Escape “The Essential Journey Experience” FallFest celebrates Clifton’s Cornucopia of Heritages in Historic Downtown!

Texas Culture H Texas Style

FallFest offers a fun-filled day for the entire family!

Great Live Music H Arts & Crafts Demonstrations H 3-on-3 Basketball Heritage Exhibits & Performances H Car Show H Fantastic Food Cornhole Tournament H Kids Zone Fun H Shopping in Clifton’s charming Downtown Markets, Boutiques, Antique Shops, and Galleries... & Vendors from across Texas!

“I am not interested in art as a means of making a living, but I am interested in art as a means of living a life. It is the most important of all studies, and all studies are tributary to it.” Robert Henri The Art Spirit Artists: Nancy Boren, Lloyd Voges, Judy Parton, Charles Field, Mike Windsor, Bobbe Gentry 254-675-2787 114 North Avenue D • Clifton, TX 76634

32

Facebook @CliftonMainStreet H cityofclifton.org/fallfest H 254.675.8337

SUMMER 2022 ISSUE

list of advertisers Bosque Arts Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

J Phillips Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Bosque Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Jim’s Package Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Burger King . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Ken’s Auto Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Carlisle Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

LA Thompson Gallery of Fine Arts . . . . . . . 22

CBS Royal Pizza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Lawson Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Citizens State Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Leon’s Floor Covering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Clifton Chamber of Commerce . . . . . 32, 33

Lhoist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Clifton Main Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Lutheran Sunset Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Cobb Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Myatt Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

First Presbyterian Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Rawls Financial Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

First Security State Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

River Bend Doggie Drop Inn . . . . . . . . . . . 12

First United Methodist Church, Clifton . . . . 21

Sauer & Associates Real Estate . . . . . . . . . 30

Hamilton Healthcare System . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Texas New Mexico Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Heart of Texas Electric Coop . . . . . . . . . . . 13

33

BOSQUE RIVER RUN MAGAZINE

business directory ADVERTISING

First Security State Bank

310 W 5th St • Clifton, TX 254-675-3336 • bosquecountytoday.com

J Phillips Mortgage Inc.

ANTIQUES

Mattson Financial Services

The Clifton Record & The Meridian Tribune

Bosque County Emporium

121 N Ave D • Clifton, TX 76634 254-675-8133 • bosquecountyemporium@gmail.com

ARTISTS/ART GALLERIES Bosque Arts Center

215 S College Hill Dr • Clifton, TX 76634 254-675-3724 • Bosqueartscenter.org

Bosque Museum

301 S. Avenue Q • Clifton, TX 76634 254-675-3845

George Boutwell

3083 Hwy 6 • Clifton, TX 76634 254-675-6676 • Gboutwell.com

L.A. Thompson Gallery of Fine Arts An Thompson 114 N Ave D • Clifton, TX 76634 254-675-2787 • FB@lathomsonart

AUTOMOTIVE

Briley Auto Supply

Greg & Marie Garland 121 Main St • Meridian, TX 76665 254-435-2212

Douglass Ford

1206 N Ave G • Clifton, TX 76634 254-675-8315 • douglassford.shop

1115 W 5th St • Clifton, TX 76634 254-675-2265 • fssbtexas.com

Kevin King • 214-549-8839 • www.myjpmortgage.com 5400 Bosque Blvd 4th Floor • Waco, TX 76710 254-772-6383 • Mattsonfinancialservices.com

CONSTRUCTION & HOME REPAIR Billman’s Painting

160 County Road 4151 • Clifton, TX 76634 • 254-675-2493

Black Oak Plumbing

174 County Road 1723 • Clifton, TX 76634 • 254-622-2075

Heartland Softwash 254-709-2642

JBS Heating & Air Conditioning

911 W.5th Street • Clifton, TX 76634 • 254-978-2510

Keith’s Ace Hardware

927 N. Avenue G • Clifton, TX • 254-675-6513

B&C Exteriors

101 Scurlock St • Grandview, TX 76050 817-866-4897 • Bandcexteriors.com

Loftin Dirt Works

307 N Ave C • Clifton, TX 76634 254-640-1104 • jldirtworks18@gmail.com

Leon’s Floor Covering

302 W 5th St • Clifton, TX 76634 254-675-8686 • Leonsfloorsclifton.com

R&M Fencing

Ken’s Auto Supply

920 N Ave G • Clifton, TX 76634 • 254-675-8100

1885 Co Rd 182 • Purmela, TX 76566 254-248-2205 • Randmfencing.com

Myatt Fuels

Tri County Guttering Co Inc

202 N Ave B • Clifton, TX 76634 254-675-8107 • Myattfuels.net

286 Lady Bird Rd • Waco, TX 76712 254-848-7246 Tricountyguttering.com

BANKING & FINANCE

Vortex Welding Solutions LLC

603 S. Avenue G • Clifton, TX 76634 • 254-206-3100

215 CR 1813 • Clifton, TX 76634 405-830-4458 • 254-709-4132 Vortexweldingsolutions.com

Citizens State Bank

Williams Construction Co

Rawl’s Financial

505 W 5th St • Clifton, TX 76634 254-675-2211 • citizensstatebanktx.com

First National Bank of Bosque County 1203 N Ave G • Clifton, TX 76634 254-675-6570 • fnbbosque.com

34

9149 Hwy 6 • Meridian, TX 76665 254-435-9011 • williamsconstruction.com

Wright Construction

601 W Wall St • Grapevine, TX 76051 817-481-2594 • Wrightconst.com

SUMMER 2022 ISSUE

business directory EDUCATION Clifton ISD

1102 Key Ave • Clifton, TX 76634 • 254-675-2827 • cliftonisd.org

Cranfills Gap ISD

505 S 2nd St • Cranfills Gap, TX 76637 254-263-3388 • cranfillsgapisd.net

Meridian ISD

Hamilton Healthcare System

400 N Brown St • Hamilton, TX 76531 254-386-1600 • hamiltonhospital.org

Lutheran Sunset Ministries

413 Sunset Ave • P.O. Box 71 • Clifton, TX 76634 254-675-8637 • Lutheransunset.org

Waco Cardiology Associates

310 D St • Meridian, TX 76665 • 254-435-2326 • Meridianisd.org

7125 New Sanger Rd A • Waco, TX 76712 254-399-5400 • Wacocardiology.com

FARM & RANCH

LODGING

2316 Marlin Hwy • Waco, TX 76704 254-753-3191 • Wacolivestock.com

1215 N. Avenue G • Clifton, TX 76634 • 254-675-8999

Waco Livestock Auction

GOVERNMENT

Bosque County Central Appraisal District 9293 Hwy 6 • Meridian, TX 76665 254-435-2304 • Bosquecad.com

Bosque County Judge’s Office

110 S Main, Room 100 • P.O. Box 647 Meridian, TX 76665 • 254-435-2382 ext 6

Velkommen Inn

Texas Safari Ranch

192 Private Road 4293 • Clifton, TX 76634 • 214-384-3000

Screen Door Inn

110 N Ave D • Clifton, TX 76634 254-675-7829 • Screendoorinn.com

PET SERVICES

City of Iredell

BARK Bosque Animal Rescue Kennels

225 Eastland St • Iredell, TX • 254-364-2436

4340 Highway 6 • Clifton, TX 76634 • 254-675-1954

City of Meridian

The River’s Bend Doggie Drop Inn

Clifton Chamber of Commerce

PRAISE & WORSHIP

111 Main St • Meridian TX 76665 • 254-435-2381 • meridiantexas.us Paige Key 115 N Ave D • Clifton, TX 76634 • 254-675-3720 • cliftontexas.org

Clifton Main Street

403 W 3rd St • P.O. Box 231 • Clifton, TX 76634 254-675-8337 • FB@CliftonMainStreet

HEALTH & WELLNESS Albrecht’s Pharmacy

506 W 5th St • Clifton, TX 76634 254-675-8398 • Albrechtspharmacy.com

Brookhaven Youth Ranch

5467 Rogers Hill Rd • West, TX 76691 254-829-1893 • brookhavenyouthranch.org

Careflite

4458 FM Rd 933 • Whitney, TX 76692 • 800-442-6260 • careflite.org

Dynamic Family Dentistry

302 S Ave Q • Clifton, TX 76634 254-675-3518 • bosquecountydentist.com

Goodall-Witcher Healthcare/ Bosque County Health District

P.O. Box 228 • Clifton, TX 76634 254-675-4936 • Doggiedropinn.com

Bosque County Cowboy Church

7023 Hwy 6 • Meridian, TX 76665 254-396-1032 • bosquecountycowboychurch.com

Clifton Bible Church

414 W 5th St • Clifton, TX 76634 254-707-1076 • cliftonbiblechurch.org

First Baptist Church Meridian

207 N Hill St • Meridian, TX 76665 • 254-435-6007 • fbcmeridiantx.org

First Presbyterian Church

211 S Ave G • Clifton, TX 76634 • 254-675-8105 • Fpcclifton.com

First United Methodist Church

303 S Ave E • Clifton, TX 76634 • 254-675-3984 • Fumcclifton.com

Peace Lutheran Church

330 W 5th St• P.O. Box 112 • Clifton, TX 76634 214-213-3838• Peacelutheranclifton.org

Zion United Church of Womack

1411 FM 219 • Clifton, TX 76634 254-675-3599 • zionunitedchurchwomack.com

101 Posey Ave • Clifton, TX 76634 • 254-675-8322 • gwhealthcare.org

35

BOSQUE RIVER RUN MAGAZINE

business directory PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

RETAIL & GROCERY

2861 FM 2602 • Clifton, TX 76634 254-675-8668 • Lhoist.com

810 N. Avenue G • Clifton, TX 76634 • 469-328-0201

Lhoist

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Bosque Real Estate, Inc.

100 N Ave G • Clifton, TX 76634 800-344-8092 • bosquerealestate.com

Carlisle Real Estate

305 E Morgan St • Meridian, TX 76665 254-435-3001 • carlisletexas.com

Clayton Waggoner Properties

325 North St. Paul Street • Dallas, TX 75201 972-897-9000 • claytonwaggoner.com

Cobb Properties

300 3rd St • Cranfills Gap, TX 76637 254-253-0157 • Cobbranchproperties.com

Sauer & Associates Real Estate 600 S Bosque St • Whitney, TX 76692 254-694-0123 • Sauerrealestate.com

RESTAURANTS & DINING Rattlesnake Ballroom

4173 3rd Street • Walnut Springs, TX 76690 817-269-0554

Burger King/Clifton Fast Stop 102 S Ave G • Clifton, TX 76634 254-675-6111

Corner Drug Cafe

102 N Ave D • Clifton, TX 76634 254-265-7737• cornerdrugcafe.com

Dairy Queen

311 N Ave G • Clifton, TX 76634 254-675-3003 • dairyqueen.com

Foothills Restaurant and Bar 702 S Ave G • Clifton, TX 76634 254-675-2573

Horny Toad Bar & Grill

319 3rd St • Cranfills Gap, TX 76637 254-597-1100 • Hornytoadbar.com

Olaf’s Restaurant and Bar

121 N Ave D • Clifton, TX 76634 254-268-8880 • olafs-olafstoo.com

Royal Pizza

602 S Ave G • Clifton, TX 76634 254-675-4500 • Royalpizzatx.com

36

C-Town Liquor

Valley Mills Sawmill

108 S. 4th Street • Valley Mills, TX 76689 254-722-4881

Brookshire’s Food & Pharmacy 900 FM 3220 • Clifton, TX 76634 254-675-3111 • brookshires.com

Buckshot Rustic Furniture & Gifts 1432 E State Hwy 22 • Whitney, TX 76692 254-694-4100

Cheerful Heart Gifts & Boutique 9311 Hwy 6 • Meridian, TX 76665 254-314-8999 • cheerfulheartgifts.com

David’s/Brookshire Brothers

614 S Ave G • Clifton, TX 76634 254-675-6345 • Brookshirebrothers.com

Double B Foods, Inc.

113 Morgan St • Meridian, TX 76665 254-435-6187 • doubleb.com

Hamilton Farmers Market

822 E Main St • Hamilton, TX 76531 254-386-5004 • FB@farmersmarkethamilton

Lawson Implement Co.

1130 S Hwy 281 • Hamilton, TX 76531 800-658-6807 • Lawson-implement.com

Meridian Frozen Food & Locker LLC

106 Morgan St • Meridian, TX 76665 • 254-435-2803

Stitchin’ Shack

4355 FM 933 • Whitney, TX 76692 • 254-824-1234 Stitchinshackwhitney.com

UTILITIES

Heart of Texas Electric Cooperative

1111 Johnson Dr • P.O. Box 357 • McGregor, TX 76657 800-840-2957 • Hotec.coop

Hilco United Services

4581 FM Rd 933 • Whitney, TX 76692 254-694-5237 • Hilcounitedservices.com

Texas New Mexico Power

1304 N Ave G • Clifton, TX 76634 • 888-866-7456 • Tnmp.com

SUMMER 2022 ISSUE

M-F 7:30-5:30

Meridian Location 305 E Morgan Meridian, TX 76665 254-435-3001

Saturdays 8:00-12:00

Clifton Location 603 N Ave G Clifton, TX 76634 254-675-2505

Sundays -Closed

We’ve Got The Property You’ve Been Looking For Or We Will Find It For You! FARM & RANCH H RECREATIONAL COMMERCIAL H RESIDENTIAL

37

BOSQUE RIVER RUN MAGAZINE

Say Yes to the Dress: A Community Exhibit

September 17

Runs through October

We sell Lake Whitney properties because we know & love this area!

Lomax Gathering John A. Lomax Musical Amphitheater, Meridian

For questions about these events and others, visit BosqueMuseum.org or call (254) 675-3820

Gretchen Sauer | Robert Hook | Kelli Lawson Jones | Sean Boiles

FFitit For For

a a

King ing K

(254) 675-4500

(254) 675-4500

602 S Ave G • HWY 6 • Clifton, TX 76634 HOURS: M-TH 11AM-9PM; &11 SAAM 11AM-10PM 602 S Ave G• HWY 6 •FRClifton, HOURS: MON-THUR -9TX PM 76634 FRI & SAT 11AM•-10 PM • Desserts Pizza • Calzones • Pasta Subs HOURS: MON-THUR 11AM-9PM HHH NOW DELIVERING ALL DAY HHH

SAT$511 -10 PizzaFRI •in&Calzones •PM Pasta ($2 Town, VMAM & Meridian) Ask Subs • Desserts Us About

Pizza Catering! • Calzones • Pasta *** NOW DELIVERING ALL DAY *** Subs Desserts $2 In Town• • $5 VM & Meridian Ask Us About Catering *** NOW DELIVERING ALL DAY *** $2 In Town • $5 VM & Meridian

Ask Us About Catering 38

SUMMER 2022 ISSUE

If it’s your dream, it’s ours too.

Purchase • Refinance • Construction

For over 110 years, FSSB has been financing dreams of homeownership.

Contact one our experienced lenders today to get the process started.

Sandie Nowlain

VP - Mortgage Lending NMLS# 1758790 snowlain@fssbtexas.com

Tom Henderson

Senior Vice President NMLS# 770840 thenderson@fssbtexas.com

Wm. Drew Leigh, Jr. EVP, COO & CFO NMLS# 770839 dleigh@fssbtexas.com

Randall L. (RL) Pilcher, II AVP - Loan Officer NMLS# 2045070 rpilcher@fssbtexas.com

Duane Thomas

Senior Vice President NMLS# 993977 dthomas@fssbtexas.com

Robert C. Phillips

President & CEO NMLS# 770838 rphillips@fssbtexas.com

Clifton • Cranfills Gap • Meridian • Whitney 1115 W. 5th, Clifton, 76634 • (254) 675-2265

39

Scan the code to learn more about us.

WE'RE HERE BECAUSE

YOU'RE HERE 101 Posey Ave. Clifton, TX 76634 . 254.675.8322