22 minute read
WORDS OF INSPIRATION
Our family moved here, January of 2021. School had already started, and the pandemic still had most activities on lock down. And then the “big freeze” happened. Oh, it was a lovely time to be settling into a new house and a new town. But alas, out of the bumps of the first month or so, we began to see a real engagement with community. One of our prayers entering this new season of life, was that we would meet lifelong friends, all of us! Of course, we didn’t expect this to happen overnight, but it did happen rather quickly. The first place we began to see relationships form, was out at the baseball fields. My son was ready to play spring ball and I “encouraged” my husband to help coach. At first, he argued against this volunteer opportunity. He was too busy with work and home life. He had no extra time. This should sound familiar to many of you! But eventually he decided he would assist where he could. That ended up being at almost all practices and games. His passion for helping coach and building relationships with other coaches began to take higher priority over all the reasons he was “too busy” in the beginning. I myself found ways to slowly connect. And although it was an unconventional avenue, I decided to sign up as a substitute for Anna ISD part time. I already worked as a pastor, but I thought this would be a great way to meet new people. When I began I was incredibly nervous, wondering would I fit into the culture of teachers and education. Now, I feel like part of the school, getting to know students and staff.
All of us, our children included, have, in a short period of time, come to know so many of our neighbors and create deep friendships.
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So why is this important? Community is what allows us to experience joy and happiness. It allows us to look beyond ourselves and feel connected for a higher purpose. Community also is our support when things get hard.
Think about how many people over the last two years have felt isolated and alone. Even with social media being a moderately new avenue for community to form, nothing can replace in-person experience.
My favorite scripture from the New Testament is from Matthew 22:37-39. “37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Jesus was tried to be backed into a corner, having to choose between what law was more important to follow. Instead of playing the game, Jesus made it abundantly clear, Loving God and Neighbor, is what we are all called to do.
In order to love our neighbor, we have to get to know them. How can you love someone you never talk to or engage with? Sure, we can be strangers, who in times of need show up with support. But what about the art of forming friendships; showing up with things are good and celebrating life together?
Holistic spirituality does not mean focusing on your relationship with God in isolation. Instead, it means living out that relationship among community. Community is essential to our spirituality, not an afterthought or add on. Even Jesus lived among community, engaging in dinners and travel.
We have a great opportunity, right here in Anna, to be real neighbors for each other. Check in, see what people are going through. Maybe even bake them some cookies, just because you can. With so many new people moving here, it is important that each of us takes up the responsibility to connect and love each other.
So how do you do that? For starters, if you are able, enjoy being outside, either in your front yard or in our community parks. My family loves going to the Paw Park. I can vouch they are a very fun community! Put yourself in situations where you can talk to people. Second, check the city website. They always have great activities to be apart of for all age ranges. The local churches also have different ministries that fit various needs. Consider trying something new. Take a dance class or volunteer for the local food pantry.
Find ways to engage with people that are safe, but maybe a little out of your comfort zone. Who knows, you might make a lifelong friend!
I am excited for the growth and diversity of Anna and look forward to meeting new people in our community!
Blessings, Reverend Dallen Morgan
REV. DALLEN MORGAN moved to Anna in 2021 based on a calling to be a part of the community. Her family includes husband Matt, and children Kaylee, Easton and PollyNell. She graduated with her Masters from SMU Perkins in 2017, MA in Divinity. She currently serves Anna United Methodist Church and hopes to broaden the doors of church for all people to feel welcomed!
COME AS YOU ARE
Really! Just as you are!
Anna United Methodist Church
Currently meeting @ 332 Miller Lane, Van Alstyne
Worship - 10:30 am, blended service Youth Group - Wednesday at 6pm, dinner included
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Loving God, Loving our Community
After a hard fought 14-5 win over Melissa, Anna Coyotes are District Champs. Pictured are front row: Silvia Singhal, Maura Ballard, Payton Wickliffe, Ella Sharp, Molli Woodbury, Julia Katke, Morgan Sharp and Kate Adcox; Back row: Vince Sharp-Head Coach, P.K. Kagore, Joe Ballard, Bryceton Evans, Matt Moyer-Asst. Coach, R.J. Frazier, Joseph Rule, Jackson Benavidez, Billy Barrera, Kenny Bibb and Logan Daniell-Asst. Coach.
Coyotes Enter Playoffs for 2021 Team Tennis Title
By Joyce Godwin
The Anna Coyotes Tennis Team has taken the district title this year with a recent 14-5 win over Melissa. Watch the team’s progress through the UIL playoffs headed for a Region 2 win at https://www.uiltexas.org/files/athletics/4A_Brackets.pdf.
Coyotes are working had to get a place in the state tournament this year.
Head Coach Vince Sharp, now in his seventh year at Anna High School, said he wants people to understand this team is really special. “We have eight seniors that have given so much to make this program better, and it shows in their results!” Sharp said. “I couldn’t be more proud of them! They deserve the success they have earned!”
He does it because it's right; not for recognition
By Joyce Godwin
Jarod Rupe was pretty shocked when he saw something on Instagram this fall. A friend of his mentioned on Instagram that Jarod had been named to the Dave Campbell Impactful Leadership Award. His friend posted the news and tagged Jarod. That’s how he learned he was selected as the first recipient of the Dave Campbell Impactful Leadership Award.
Since the 1950s, Dave Campbell has been the go-to authority on Texas high school, college and professional football. To be recognized by this organization is a very big deal. Rudy Klancnik, vice president of the organization, said there will be 10 awards made each year and Jarod is the first to receive the Impactful Leadership Award sponsored by First National Bank of Omaha. The bank has recently launched branches in Texas and see this as a way to connect with the communities, grass roots and Texas, Klancnik said.
Other awardees to join Jarod so far are Cole Hutson of Frisco, Jake Hermes of Whitesboro High School, Tanner Call of McKinney High School, Jadarian Price of Denison High School and Will Hutton of Lake Highlands High School.
Klancnik says it is not based on performances on the football field, but rather on best practices —best players but also the best people —the kids who are the leaders in the weight room, classroom, and the ones other kids look up to. “Friday night is about winning for sure, but it’s also important to connect with the community,” Klancnik said. “We want to amplify those guys and highlight what they do.”
Anna’s Head Coach and Athletic Director Seth Parr said he nominated Jarod because he noticed Jarod always bringing a friend with him and Jarod is quick to ask what he can do to help. “He is someone who gives up his time and loves what he does,” Parr said.
Jarod says he likes to take friends out to eat and give them rides when they need it. “It’s important to bond with your team,” he said. “I always thought it was just the right thing to do. God blessed me with all these friends.”
When Jarod’s mom Shonda Rupe proudly posted the news on Facebook, responses poured in from other parents and fellow students alike. Statements like, outstanding, proud of you and this is amazing can be seen under the announcement of his award. Trent Hudson said “Congratulations bud! Glad that my son is around great kids like Jarod. Greatly appreciate the leadership.” Carolyn Gridges said “Great kid. Great parents and great coach.” Jennifer Ashley said “Jarod is truly deserving of this honor. This is exactly who Jarod is and has been for years.”
Jarod is a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. During his free time last summer, he worked at the camp for the Anna Middle School football players. Jarod also he has also volunteered with youth football practice and he helped Coach Pfifer last year by filming basketball games. During his free time, he enjoys working out, playing basketball with friends, swimming and spending time with his girlfriend, Autumn.
SCENES FROM FRIDAY NIGHTS
Photos by Joyce Godwin
Friday Night Lights in Anna draws a large crowd. We love having the opportunity to capture special sights of high school football and all that goes with it. From the talents of young musicians who make up the band to the student athletic trainers, to the young boys who handle the balls from the sidelines, to the cheerleaders, flag runners, school sponsors and coaches who put in countless hours to help students make a great performance, there is a lot that goes into the production of a high school football game. Here are some of the scenes we’ve been able to capture over the past several weeks of football players in action including the 2021 Homecoming Queen and King Jordan Davis and Bono Chinanga Jr. Both are senior students. Other members of the royal court with the king and queen are for queen: Taylor Bigony, Kendall Torres, Payton Wickliffe; and for King: Kory Wilson, Greg Cade and Milton Ayala. Queen and king are pictured with their parents. From left are Ignatius Ngwaabanjong and Marie Ngwaabanjong with son Bonaventure Chinanga (king) and Jordan Davis (queen) with parents Jami Rouse and Virgil Davis.
A note about the band: Anna High School Marching Band swept the Aubrey Classic! 1st Place in Music, Marching, Percussion, Auxillary, and Overall! Way to go, Coyotes!
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Anna - 813 W. White Street, Suite 100 | Anna, TX 75409 Allen - 981 SH 121 Suite 410 | Allen TX 75013 McKinney - 6210 Virginia Parkway | McKinney, TX 75071
That was certainly the case for every freshman who stepped on the Austin College campus in the fall of 1973. It was during orientation I found myself and three other freshmen sitting together at lunch.
We became inseparable. Don, Mark, and Greg and I ate together, hung out, partied and played pickup basketball. Most saw us as a nameless clump of freshmen, except one upperclassman, a friendly cheerleader, who always took time to talk to us. One day he approached with a proposition.
“You guys know anything about explosives?”
The next thing we knew, we were in a storage closet, and came upon an interesting sight: an old cannon, once fired at AC football games.
Our collective knowledge of explosives? July 4th. But what self-respecting teenage boy could resist the prospect of firing a cannon?
We took it to a local gun shop. The owner said, “I don’t see any cracks in the barrel. Try pouring a cap full of gunpowder down the barrel, stuff in some tissue and light the fuse.” He sold us a can of gunpowder, a plunger, and some fuses, then added, “Be careful.”
We immediately tested it, doing exactly as we were told. The blast was deafening as flames flew out of the end of the barrel. We then put it back in the storage room and didn’t tell a soul.
On Saturday we wheeled the cannon to the stadium, near the flagpole by the endzone. Our bright yellow t-shirts grabbed the attention of fans walking by. Printed on the back: IT TAKES IRON BALLS TO SHOOT CANNONS
We were four totally insignificant freshmen boys at a football game. That was about to change.
The first quarter was uneventful – no scoring. We were anxious to fire the cannon and agreed we should fire it to end the quarter. The clock ticked down to zero, we lit the fuse. The roar from the cannon caught the attention of everyone in the stadium as we danced around, congratulating one another.
Gaining our composure, we realized that the teams had switched ends of the field. Standing with his back to us on the ten-yard line was fellow freshman, Willie Williams, a sensational player. Southwestern of Memphis lined up at midfield, facing us, preparing to punt the ball to Willie.
Mark, remembering that Willie was the nation’s leading punt returner, asked, “What if Willie runs this punt back for a touchdown?” It was a reasonable question, and we realized we weren’t prepared if he did. Mark quickly grabbed the cannon, straddling and lifting it to reload. Greg, in front of the cannon, carefully poured gunpowder into the cap. Don stood to one side with matches. I stood on the other with the plunger.
We were staring down the barrel as Greg started to pour in the gunpowder. Don stopped Greg, asking “Aren’t we supposed to let the barrel cool down?” Looking at one another, hoping someone might know the answer, I blurted out:
“In those pirate movies, they just reload the cannons right after they fire them.”
The power of persuasion? Possibly just anxious? Freshman stupidity?
Greg poured the gunpowder down the hot barrel and, yes, there was an explosion. Flames streamed out of the end of the barrel. But that wasn’t all. Greg was holding the can, full of gunpowder, and it exploded too. The blast blew us into the end zone, right as Southwestern punted.
I came to my senses quickly, realized my shirt was on fire, and rolled around. Obviously, Greg must have been absent in the second grade when they showed the stop, drop and roll film. He jumped up and started running madly around the end zone. Don and I chased him.
Willie fielded the punt, heading upfield. Southwestern’s punt coverage team, sprinting toward us, came to a stop. They couldn’t decide whether they should tackle Willie or watch the guys on fire running around the end zone. We wrestled Greg to the ground, rolled him over a few times, and then jumped to our feet. The crowd thought the cannon crew had pulled off the greatest prank in AC history, and over the loudspeaker you hear … TOUCHDOWN ROOOOOOOS!
Our cheerleading friend realized it wasn’t a joke. By the time he reached us, the crowd also realized something might be wrong. The EMTs arrived, and with charred arms and singed hair, we were whisked away.
Though extremely painful, our injuries were no more serious than second and third degree burns, and our hair and eyebrows would grow back. Back at campus, our hands, arms, and foreheads covered in white gauze, we looked like Wile E. Coyote after a failed attempt to catch the Roadrunner. We headed to the cafeteria. Steaks were served on Saturday nights, so we knew it would be packed.
Afraid that we would be the laughing stock of the campus, we tried to slip in, but were surprised to receive a standing ovation! We were now heroes, having contributed to AC’s 14-14 tie. Students cheered us, football players thanked us, and sorority girls were offering to help us – after all, our hands were bandaged. Being helpless wasn’t going to be so bad after all.
Our injuries lasted only a short while, but the friendships forged because of the cannon incident lasted a lifetime. The four of us graduated together and have remained friends. Mark Freeman became a computer programmer, Greg Packwood, a successful business owner, and Don Adams an attorney. I became an educator, helping kids to learn from my mistakes, rather than make them. Oh, and that cheerleader that talked us into this? He served as Texas’ Secretary of State and Mayor of Dallas: Ron Kirk.
Looking back, I guess you could say our first impression was a “bang!”
Submitted photo from Claude Webb collection Pictured here is the Austin College cannon crew for 1973 wearing bandages covering burns sustained from a cannon accident during a football game against Southwestern University of Memphis, Tenn. From left are Greg Packwood, Claude Webb, Don Adams, Marilyn Pool (an Austin College cheerleader, not a member of the cannon crew), and Mark Freeman.
UNCLE SPIDER calls North Texas home, but has traveled all over the world, seeking adventures that might make for a good story. He’s also one of the owner/ operators of the GARHOLE in Westminster. Stop by and see him there, or email him at spider@garhole.net.
Defensive Driving Tips
Defensive driving tips can help drivers take on the road safely.
What are some defensive driving techniques to help you stay safe on the road? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 36,096 vehicle fatalities in 2019. Speeding and offensive driving are major problems which contribute to fatal car crashes throughout the United States. These defensive driving tips can help you or a loved one take on the road safely.
Before you drive • Get periodic vision and hearing tests, especially if you drive at night. When you consider that 90% of a driver’s reaction depends on vision, and vision is limited at night, it is no surprise that the night driving crash rate is roughly three times that of daylight driving. • Keep your windshield, headlights, and mirror clean to improve visibility. • Keep windshield wiper blades in proper working condition. • Take a defensive driving course. Some insurance policies may offer price discounts when individuals take these courses. • Carefully read medication labels to see if they may impair driving skills. • Don’t drive if you’re feeling tired, lightheaded or stressed.
Behind the wheel • Always wear your seat belt. • Set rear view and side mirrors appropriately, to eliminate blind spots around your vehicle. • Raise your seat high enough so you have a clear view of the road. Sit on a small pillow if necessary. • Limit distractions inside the vehicle.
This includes the radio and conversations with passengers and use of cell phones.
Driving in adverse conditions • Avoid driving during periods of high traffic, typically during morning, lunch and evening commute times. • Slow down after the sun goes down.
Close to two-thirds of fatal crashes that happen at night are speed related. • Avoid driving during inclement weather. • Be aware of road warning signs for hills, curves, animals and other obstacles. • Be especially alert at intersections, for proper signage/signals, and crossing traffic.
Drive smart • Watch for flashing lights and listen for emergency vehicles. • Keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead so you have ample time to brake safely if necessary. In normal driving conditions, the general rule is “three seconds plus.” When the vehicle in front of you passes a stationary object, begin
counting. You should reach that same object no sooner than three seconds, four seconds ideally. Increase following distance when visibility is poor or you’re in traffic. • Use other transportation services such as taxis, rideshare services, and buses if you’re unsure of your ability to drive safely. • Obey the posted speed limit. Speeding puts lives and licenses on the line. It may also be expensive, and pricey tickets could increase insurance rates. • Share the road. Bicyclists must adhere to the same rules of the roads as motorists yet are more vulnerable to injury. Always give ample space to other vehicles to maneuver safely, from bikes and motorcycles to large trucks. • Check mirrors frequently while driving, including lane changes, to be more aware of your surroundings.
This article was provided by State Farm and local agent Rod Walnofer.
ROD WALNOFER has been serving Anna for over 22 years helping our community with their insurance needs. He may be contacted at rod@ walnofer.com
Anna Public Servants Remember September 11
Story and photos by Joyce Godwin
As the sun rose showing off a beautiful orange glow for the start of a beautiful blue-skied day, Anna folks gathered at the Slayter Park flagpole while the Anna Fire Department and members of the Anna Police Department prepared to memorialize the September 11, 2001 attack on America for its 20th anniversary. It was not lost on the people in attendance that the day in 2001 was much like the day of the 20th anniversary.
Anna’s Fire Chief Ray Isom began the ceremony explaining it is a somber occasion. “Our mission today is to send a very simple message – Never forget the sacrifices of those who are called to lay down their lives in service to others,” he said. “Today, we remember the fallen firefighters, paramedics, police officers and soldiers who perished in the line of duty
20 years ago. Many of their lives were lost in an instant, but their friends and loved ones continue to be affected by the sacrifices made on this day.”
Isom explained that on this day the dedication of volunteer and career firefighters across the country are honored. “We thank their families for their faithful support. For those of us in public safety, it is our privilege, it is our duty, and it is our calling.” Isom added, “We often forget that the attacks took the lives of victims in three different states: New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Two thousand five hundred seven civilians, 343 firefighters, 71 law enforcement officers and 55 military personnel died on that day. Those numbers continue to increase due to ongoing illness.”
Isom also explained to the group that the “Ringing of the Bell” ceremony would be held. It is a fire department tradition going back more than 200 years. “The bell is our symbol used to announce that a fallen comrade has come home for the final time,” he said.
Isom also thanked members of the American Legion along with the Anna Fire Department Honor Guard, led by Battalion Chief Chuy Eaton for helping with the ceremony.
It was a short ceremony including remarks from Anna Police Chief Dean Habel, Assistant Fire Chief Dan Wood, Anna City Manager Jim Proce and Mayor Nate Pike among others.
The fire department honor guard followed up the ceremony by keeping a vigil at the location from then until 5 p.m. The honor guard consisted of Battalion Chief Eaton, Firefighter Mike Hundley, Battalion Chief Bryan Thomas, Capt. Jake Metdker and Firefighter Brandon Beren.
Facts to remember about September 11, 2001
A total of 2,996 people were killed in the 9/11 attacks, including the 19 terrorist hijackers aboard the four airplanes. Citizens of 78 countries died in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. At the World Trade Center, 2,763 died after the two planes slammed into the twin towers. That figure includes 343 firefighters and paramedics, 23 New York City police officers and 37 Port Authority police officers who were struggling to complete an evacuation of the buildings and save the office workers trapped on higher floors. At the Pentagon, 189 people were killed, including 64 on American Airlines Flight 77, the airliner that struck the building. On Flight 93, 44 people died when the plane crash-landed in Pennsylvania.
