is a publication of The Kaufman Herald. All rightsStaffreserved. Melanie Mazur • Publisher Andrew Burnes • Managing Editor Amy Fowler • Ad Director Annette Wallace • Graphic Artist Wendy Perkins • Office Manager Contributing Writers Gay January,ConnectingHartmanKaufman,300HannahBaileyFowlerDanielsLoghryPOBox460N.WashingtonTX75142(972)932-2171AdivisionofNewspapers,LP.PublicationdatesforKaufmanareinApril,JulyandOctober. The Kaufman Herald Summer 2022 EFFIE’S COTTAGE sweetScrumptioustreatsfor all
855 E. Highway 80 Forney, TX 214-515-640075126 www.smurfitkappa.com/us The future of packaging shaped by experience OPEN THE FUTURE Solutions designed for your business PEOPLEPACKAGINGPLANETBETTER
This summer flew by so fast, I can’t believe it is already time to send my boys back to school! We had a great summer and made many memories visiting with family, going to the waterpark, roller skating, watching fireworks and so much more.
Saying so long to heat waves & hello to cooler days
Thanks for reading, Amy Fowler
Publisher The Kaufman Herald Welcome
Amy Fowler to Connecting Kaufman FRESH MARKET WELCOMES ALL!
Shopping local is something I love to do and I enjoy bringing my family and friends along with me. The best thing about shopping small is knowing where your product is coming from and who your business is benefitting rather than buying from bigger retailers that make mass amounts of money daily without having personal interaction and experience that small businesses have.
Though this summer was fun, I’m ready to say goodbye to the scorching temperatures and say hello to cool autumn breezes. I know when I feel the weather cooling that means the Fresh Market on Grove Street will be back in session. I can’t wait for the market to open back up so I can get my hands on some delicious pastries made by Effie’s Cottage and check out products by some homesteading businesses that grow and create their products here in Kaufman County.
While summer is wrapping up, fall is upon us and that means it is time for Fresh Market on Grove Street to open back up! Fresh Market on Grove Street is located just off the Kaufman downtown square at 113 E. Grove St. Opening day will be Sept. 4. The Fresh Market hours are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., except for special events. It operates every second and fourth Saturday each month, Sept. through Dec. The fall Fresh Market is full of vendors, all local to the Kaufman area, each providing a wide variety of merchandise to customers. You can find more info on Instagram @freshmarketongrovest or on Facebook @Kaufman’s Fresh Market on Grove Street.
4 /Connecting Kaufman // Summer 2022 Interested in Advertising in the Next Edition of Connecting Kaufman? Fall Deadline 10,000 Circulation Advertising Deadline: September 1, 2022 Story Ideas are Welcome! Call the Kaufman Herald at (972) 932-2171 is a publication of The Kaufman Herald Andrew Burnes • Managing Editor Amy Fowler • Ad Director Annette Wallace • Graphic Artist Wendy Perkins • Office Manager Contributing Writers Gay January,ConnectingHartmanKaufman,300HannahBaileyFowlerDanielsLoghryPOBox460N.WashingtonTX75142(972)932-2171AdivisionofNewspapers,LP.PublicationdatesforKaufmanareinApril,JulyandOctober. The Kaufman Herald is a publication of The Kaufman Herald. All rights reserved. Staff Amy Fowler • Publisher Michael Morrill • Sports Reporter Wendy Perkins • Office Manager Contributing Writers Mollie Kasper PO Box 460 • 300 N. Washington Kaufman, TX 75142 (972) 932-2171 A division of Hartman Newspapers, LP Connecting Kaufman is published four times a year. 12 6
NowoOpen w Open Mention Kaufman Herald for $2.00 Off Single Wash Unlimi ed Monthl Car Wash UMemberships nlimited Monthly Car Wash Memberships Star ing at S$19.99 tarting at $19.99 Mon-Sat 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. | Sun 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 710 U.S. 175 Frontage Road, Kaufman TX 75142 www.konnyscarwash.com
The couple began married life in Grand Prairie, where seven of their children were born. When their daughter with special needs became mobile, their two-story home became an unsafe place for her. In addition, the tiny, 1/7-acre lot provided very little room for the children to run around. In 2014, the family moved to Kaufman county. They found an almost 15-acre plot with room for a garden, a small orchard, and chickens. Of course, there was plenty of space for the children, who now number six girls and four boys, to play. “It’s a nice place to raise the children,” Giromini comments. As a full-time homemaker and homeschool teacher of all the children, Giromini stays very busy, but she still finds time to bake and to bless others with her talents.
Exposure to having their own business has geared all of them to see entrepreneurial opportunities. Giromini notes, “It’s given them a sense of confidence and the Elizabeth Giromini of Effie’s Cottage bakery wasn’t always a fantastic cook. Although as a girl she loved cooking and baking, her busy, medical-student mom didn’t have much time to help her improve her culinary skills. So when she married at nineteen, she had to learn to cook “from scratch.”Giromini’s early meal-preparing efforts didn’t always work out, but fortunately, her husband, Brandon, was supportive. “He ordered pizza with a smile,” Giromini laughs. She relied on her Aunt Sue and other family members in Kentucky for recipes and advice. She was a fast learner, and under their long-distance tutelage, soon became a topnotch cook and baker.
Effie’s Cottage: The Love Is Baked Right In
Starting the Business
Family Traditions Showing love with food is a family tradition. Visits to Kentucky were filled with food and family. “Food was the way we showed love and care for each other,” Giromini says. In fact, her grandmother still takes bread to shut-ins. Giromini has carried on this tradition here in Texas. “I’ve always shown love ... if anyone’s ever sick or had a baby or anything, I love to bring them something to eat.”
Many of the scrumptious recipes at those family gatherings in Kentucky came from Giromini’s great-great grandmother, known by the family as Mamaw Effie.
A Family Affair Giromini’s children are heavily involved in the business. They help with developing new recipes, building ingredient lists, pricing, packaging, marketing, and even taste-testing. They enjoy spending time together, both in the kitchen and at markets. It also teaches the children entrepreneurship and independence.
In the summer of 2021, Giromini noticed a local coffee shop had no baked goods and saw a perfect opportunity for her skills. Brandon was extremely supportive of her idea, telling her, “You have such a talent and such a gift. I just want to share it with the world.” She investigated the Texas cottage food laws, spoke with Glee Pugh, the manager of the Kaufman Fresh Market on Grove, and registered her business at the courthouse. Although Giromini is soft-spoken, she is a determined small business owner with high standards of excellence. She is meticulous about quality, taste, packaging and labeling. “One of the things my girls have learned is holding and maintaining a standard of excellence,” Giromini states. She is even careful to label some of her products “gluten-friendly” instead of “gluten-free,” since while they have no added gluten, the products are made on shared equipment.
Although Mamaw Effie passed away eleven days before Giromini was born, she grew up hearing about what a fine woman and fabulous cook Mamaw Effie was. “My whole life I heard amazing, wonderful things about Mamaw Effie,” Giromini states. Many times Giromini heard the words, “This was Mamaw Effie’s recipe.” That legacy made an impact, and when Brandon suggested that Giromini start a business to share her gift, she knew exactly what to name it.
“It takes a lot of prayer, a lot of discussion with my husband, and communicating with the family,” Giromini adds.
Delicious Treats
Effie’s Cottage’s lineup of delicious, made-from-scratch treats seems never-ending. The menu varies with the season, but often includes cinnamon rolls, chocolate chip cookies, and chocolate caramel bars, as well as carrot cake and strawberry shortcake trifles.
8 /Connecting Kaufman // Summer 2022 ability to know the steps they need to take to start a business. I feel that they will be successful in whatever way they choose to go.”
Although Brandon, a computer programmer, does not take an active role in the business, he is their biggest cheerleader. He helps out by washing dishes and serving as head cookie-dough taster.
Even with all the family time spent baking and selling, Giromini is careful to strike a balance between business and family down time. She carefully evaluates the needs of her family and adjusts her business so that she can meet those needs, asking herself, “How big does this need to be at this point? What are our goals? What are our focuses? What are our priorities, not just in the business, but in life, with our family?”
Even daughter Abigail admits the biggest challenge is, “Balancing family time and baking.”
When asked about a favorite recipe, Giromini is hard-pressed to name one, but the cinnamon rolls spark an emotional connection to her grandmother. “Whenever she came down from Kentucky or we went up there we would always have fresh cinnamon rolls,” sheGirominiexplains. speaks gently of the love and intention she brings to special orders, describing thinking about and praying over an older gentleman at church as she made a peach cobbler for him, as well as praying over a couple and their future marriage as she catered their wedding. “Really anytime that I’m making something special for someone that I love, that’s my favorite,” she says.
Where To Find Effie’s Cottage Giromini and her daughters are regular participants in Kaufman’s Fresh Market on Grove Street, which runs every 2nd and 4th Saturday, May – July, takes a break in August, and starts again in September. They can be spotted in their matching pink-withbrown-polka-dot aprons, hand-made by Abigail.
• Join for $100 initiation fee for Associate or Commuter Level Golf Membership or • Join for $500 initiation fee for Charter Membership • Non Resident Membership (Full Privileges) $170/Month • Pay $100/month dues for the first three months • Move to and pay appropriate membership level dues beginning the fourth month • Membership includes: Golf (Free cart & range use for the first three months only), Dining, Pool & Tennis use • Offer runs from August 1, 2022 through August 31, 2022 • Must sign a one year commitment • Members who refer a new member will receive two months dues For more information please contact Cedar Creek Country Club at 903-498-6761 2022 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE Kaufman County Title & Abstract Co. Established 1873 Locally Owned and Operated 972-932-2417 2309 S. Washington St. Kaufman Your trusting source for all your real estate needs for more than 145 years. Always choose the best title company to close your real estate transaction when you buy, sell or refinance your property.
In the fall, Effie plans individual and full-size pies: salted caramel pecan pie, and crisp Dutch apple pie. Giromini insists on high-quality ingredients; no corn syrup or artificial ingredients are allowed in her kitchen. All ingredients are fresh and whenever possible, locally sourced. Some, such as cilantro and blackberries, are grown on the property. When she learned that two of her children were allergic to eggs and dairy, Giromini searched for vegan items in local grocery stores. Finding the selection wanting, she learned to bake pies, cookies, cinnamon rolls, and cupcakes without those ingredients. She now offers products featuring the recipes she developed, and is developing a cobbler. Due to many customer requests for gluten-friendly products, she features a line of products without any added gluten as Lovewell.
In addition to princess cookies, cobblers, and strawberry pie, summertime brings items such as soft, flavorful rosemary focaccia bread, and garden focaccia displaying a floral scene made of herbs.
Is Baked In Perhaps the greatest joy the business brings Giromini is the opportunity to share her faith with others. The family places tracts on the table in their booth and in their bags. “It’s a good way for us as a family to share not only our Earthly love but where our love comes from and why we care. Jesus loved us so that we can show our love to others.”
For special orders and catering, they can also be contacted via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EffiesCottage/.
Summer 2022 // Connecting Kaufman / 9
10 /Connecting Kaufman // Summer 2022 Barry J. Pierce, CPA Certified Public Accountant Charted Global Management Accountant Accuracy ~ Integrity ~ Personal Service These are the principles, I’ve built my business on. 1004 S. Washington, Suite 100, Kaufman 972-932-9086 barry@bpiercecpa.com www.barryjpiercecpa.com Hours: Peak Tax season (Jan. - Mid April) Mon - Fri: 9AM - 5PM Hours: Non-Peak Tax season (Mid April - Dec.) Mon - Thu: 9AM - 5PM Closed on Fridays • Tax Preparation • Individual • Partnership • Corporate • Estates • Strategic Planning, Financial Forecasting & Budgeting • CFO Services • Payroll Services • General Accounting & Bookkeeping Services • Financial Planning • Financial & Management Consulting • Tax Planning Strategies • IRS Tax Resolution Services SALES V G&S LARGE INVENTORY OF DISCOUNT BUILDING MATERIALS Lumber, Roofing Materials, Hardware and more! 602 E. 903.763.2931QuitmanGoode 4304 W. Hwy. 80 972.563.7821Terrell 1119 E. Quinlan Pkwy. 903.356.4805Quinlan Serving North Texas for over 30 Years. Lumber Deck Blocks DoorsFlooringSinksCabinets
Homesteading is alive and Well in Kaufman County
Summer 2022 // Connecting Kaufman / 11
By Mollie Kasper For many people, the word homesteading conjures mental images of Little House on the Prairie, and a young Melissa Gilbert running through a field of flowers. Homesteading is seen as a relic of a bygone era, a way of life that disappeared with the frontier. But small, family farms are making a comeback, and a new generation is reviving the traditions of the past.
There are possibly as many definitions of modern homesteading as there are homesteaders, and each homesteader has their own reasons for choosing this lifestyle. Most descriptions, however, focus on a connection with the land, sustainable agriculture, food security and food purity. Small farmers want to know what is in and on their food, and to manage it for themselves.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigoakslittlefarmInstagram:bigoakslittlefarm
The whole family enjoys farming. “I like growing my own food and knowing where it comes from, and getting to be part of the whole process, from seed, to plant, to fruit. It’s a healthier lifestyle, and it gives you respect for where food comes from and the work that goes into it,” Jamie explains.
As opposed to large commercial farms, homesteaders utilize diverse farming practices, planting multiple smaller crops instead of one large crop. Think victory garden rather than cash crop. Many choose organic or semi-organic practices, attempting to control weeds and insects without herbicides and pesticides whenever possible. Some sell excess food to supplement their income, but in general, a homesteader’s focus is on providing for the family first. Most homesteaders agree that this lifestyle is a journey rather than a destination. It can start with something as simple as a few herbs or tomatoes in containers on the back porch. Below are profiles of five Kaufman County homesteading families at different stages along the path. Big oaKs, little farm Thomas and Jamie Cumming operate Big Oaks, Little Farm with their six children, ages seven to fifteen. In addition to the farm, Chris sells medical devices, so Jamie, a full-time homemaker, manages much of the day-to-day farm work. Their 10.26-acre farmstead began with chickens in early 2018 and now includes two dairy cows, two sheep, Kunekune pigs, Nigerian dwarf goats (a dairy breed), ducks, peafowl, turkeys, and five Great Pyrenes livestock guardian dogs. They also plant a large vegetable garden eachJamieyear.can be found every 2nd and 4th Saturday at the Fresh Market on Grove Street, usually accompanied by several of the children, selling goat milk soap and sugar scrubs, homemade breads, seasoning mixes and herbal teas featuring herbs grown on the farm, bone broth, jalapeño jelly, and pumpkin butter. They also provide pasture-raised chicken and pork. They held an open farm day last spring and are hoping to have pumpkin patch open to the public this fall.
A primary focus at Deeply Rooted Farm is regenerative agriculture: putting back into the land what is taken out by farming. “We want to help further and better our agricultural industry, particularly here in the community, and to provide more nutritious food for our family and other families. Our land has a 60-year history of non-pesticide use, so we know it’s good for the animals to consume,” Kyle notes.
Deeply Rooted Farm is the fulfillment of a dream for Kyle and Liz Jobson and their sons Caleb and Zach. Kyle is a Dallas police officer and Liz is a sexual assault nurse examiner, so the farm offers both of them a way to mitigate the stress of their careers. “I love being able to pet a pig or hug a chicken,” Liz enthuses. “Just being with the animals and working the land, it’s therapeutic.”
After being suburban homesteaders for several years, they moved to their 18.5 acre blackland plot four years ago and expanded their operation to include more animals. They now have cattle, pigs, turkeys, chickens, guineas, and ducks. Since the move, the vegetable garden has not been up to their previous standards, which is a source of frustration to them, but the property does have apple, pear, peach and plum trees, as well as blackberry and blueberry bushes. The Jobsons offer pasture-raised chicken and eggs for sale, and will have pasture-raised turkeys in time for Thanksgiving. They have had three litters of Kunekune pigs on the property, with more coming this fall. Future plans include Red Wattle hogs for sale as well. They process the chickens on the property, but do not currently process pork.
Facebook:
Deeply RooteD FaRm
https://www.facebook.com/Deeply-Rooted-Farm-168534331502294Instagram:deeplyrootedfarmtx
Shuaybi FaRm During the pandemic of 2020, Shoeb and Tasneem Bhinderwali became concerned about the food shortages they experienced in Boston. Wanting to have more control over both the quality and quantity of their food supply, they located 25 acres of sandy loam just outside of Kaufman, and moved their entire family here to beginCurrentlyhomesteading.livingon the farm with them are sons Zeeshan and Sajjad, and daughter Zainab. Shoeb is a computer programmer, and Tasneem a homemaker and homeschool teacher to Zainab. Work on the farm is divided among the family: Shoeb has learned how to milk goats, and Zeeshan and Tasneem take charge of the garden.Thefarm boasts chickens, sheep, goats, and cows. They tried using a donkey as a livestock guardian, but have had better luck with a llama. The Bhinderwalis’ large garden includes tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, squash, cucumber, corn, melons, peas, okra, potatoes, onions, blackberries and a variety of herbs. Zeeshan handles much of the gardening, but Tasneem is trying her hand at raising some traditional Indian vegetables such as ridge gourd, bottle gourd, ash gourd (winter melon), cluster beans and moringa. Tasneem makes goat milk soaps, tooth powder, moisturizers and salves using organic ingredients and essential oils. Her comfrey salve is useful to alleviate joint pain, and her calendula salve soothes skin conditions. Both are quickly snapped up by massage therapists, chiropractors, and midwives. In addition, she makes Indian fermented pickles and lime mango pickles. The entire family loves being away from the city and being around nature. In addition to the peace and quiet of country living, however, the family greatly enjoys the health benefits and personal satisfaction of growing their own food. Feeling a spiritual connection to the earth, they use organic practices whenever possible. “We believe that food is medicine,” Shoeb explains, “So we must be careful what we take into our bodies.”
12 /Connecting Kaufman // Summer 2022
Darci started raising chickens while still in high school. In addition to the chickens, the Steiner’s now have a large garden with tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, strawberries, beans, squash, corn and cucumbers. Their main energy, however, is focused on raising Texas A&M Kingsley (Tammuk) and Rex rabbits. Once they have their own property, they would like to add hogs, and “work up to a dairy cow,” Scott says. In addition to farm-raised rabbits, they have future plans to sell fresh produce.
Summer 2022 // Connecting Kaufman / 13 For Print Home Delivery and Unlimited eEdition Access –and to Support Local News –Subscribe by Phone Today! Your Community… Your Family…Your Interests… Your Home…Your World… It’s All a Part of Your Local Newspaper! The Kaufman Herald Local News In Print & www.kaufmanherald.com972.932.2171Online
Israel and Aydee Reyna live on 12.5 acres with their son Israel III and daughter Victoria. Israel works as a street striper, and Aydee is a bilingual teacher. They jumped at the opportunity to buy Reyna Ranch about four years ago. Their livestock includes chickens, cattle, and a guardian donkey. In their garden they plant peppers, tomatoes, squash, watermelon, cantaloupe, potatoes, corn and herbs.Atthis time, the Reynas have prioritized producing food for their family over producing an income with the farm, and do not offer products for sale. Aydee notes, “I want to be able to self-sustain, because I don’t trust that what’s being produced [at the stores] is healthy enough for my family. It’s a better quality of product, since we know what we’re putting into our food.”
tHe reyna rancH
The Reynas enjoy the connection with nature that homesteading brings. “I love being within a natural environment and how it coexists. It’s just so beautiful to me,” Aydee shares.
“During the pandemic, there were food shortages, prices were ramping up, and I had a lot of time on my hands to research reliable food sources,” Darci says. Homesteading is a way for them to increase their food security.
Steiner Family HomeStead Newlyweds Scott and Darci Steiner are teachers by day and homesteaders by night. They currently live on two acres with Darci’s parents, but are looking for five to ten acres of their own, where they can increase the size of their garden, add more animals and create a self-sustaining homestead.
The Steiners, who also enjoy hunting together, homestead for self-sufficiency.
14 /Connecting Kaufman // Summer 2022 As experts in medical and cosmetic dermatology, we are proud to be the BEST resource for every skin care need! GeneralBumpsSkinDermatologyCancerDrySkin&GrowthsPsoriasisEczemaRashesAcneRosacea CosmeticSkinCeuticals®ChemicalSkinPen®ServicesBotox®PeelsEltaMD®Kybella®Fillers...andmore! 763 E. U.S. HWY 80 Suite 125, Bldg. 1, 469-602-5737Forney Schedule online on our www.mdbarrows.comwebsite! Office Hours: Monday-Thursday: 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM Every other Friday: 8 AM - 12 PM Candi Carney, FNP-C
// Connecting Kaufman / 15 Serving Kaufman and the surrounding areas Your premier electric, heating and air company since 1992 972-962-7784 www.accurateairtx.com We targetrightWetargetrightareonareon $49.95 A/C preventative maintenance with a free indoor air quaility inspection. $50 OFF anyservice.electrical
Well Child Exams | Acute Illnesses School Physicals | Immunizations Separate Sick & Well Waiting Rooms Integrated Behavioral Health ELIZABETH WONG, CPNP-PC* Pediatrics Provider Now serving pediatric patients FIVE days a week! Chronic & Acute Illnesses Behavioral CarePharmacyHealthCoordinationWomen’sHealth pat Family2600MedicineCommerce Way, Kaufman 972-750-3177 | Carevide.org Translation services, in-house labs, and eligibility/enrollment assistance available. Accepting private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid & CHIP, with a sliding fee scale for uninsured. *Supervising Physician: David Fry, MD 2600 Commerce Way, Kaufman 972-750-3177 | Carevide.org Translation services, in-house labs, and eligibility/enrollment assistance available. Accepting private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid & CHIP, with a sliding fee scale for uninsured.
