Anna Living Magazine Issue 1

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1

YOUR SMILE IS

OUR PASSION

Anna Dental has a variety of services to offer and some of those are listed below: FOR CHILDREN

Here at Anna Dental we have the flexibility to make sure children are comfortable, happy and distracted during appointments. There are two TVs per operatory (one is mounted on the ceiling) which include custom TV channels and headphones to reduce background noise. We also have handheld xray machines to make taking xrays more comfortable and quick. And when that great appointment is finished, kids go to the treasure tower for prizes. All of our doctors and hygienists are trained to work with every kind of child, even those with special needs. We love kids! Between the entire staff, we have 37 kids and counting!

SEDATION

We value our patients’ experiences and understand that dental anxiety is a very real concern. It is estimated that more than 75% of adults in America have dental anxiety.

We offer various levels of sedation to help our patients be more comfortable. We have Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) available in every operatory that allows for a more relaxed visit and you can drive home afterwards. We also offer Oral Sedation which includes a prescribed sedative taken at home and coupled with Nitrous Oxide in the office. Our deepest level of sedation is IV Sedation in the office with an MD Anesthesiologist. Our patients appreciate all of these options to make their dental visits more comfortable.

IMPLANTS

We are proud to offer our patients various ways to replace missing teeth. The very best option is dental implants. Instead of referring our patients to a specialist, all three of our dentists are experienced in placing implants. We have our own CBCT scanner in the office to be able to place these implants without having to go to an imaging center. Implants are the most natural looking and feeling replacement for a tooth. We are proud to be able to offer this service in our office.

OUR HIGHLY-TRAINED

DENTISTS

CALL US FOR AN

Dr. Jeffrey Ludlow Dr. Ryan Sharp Dr. Rachel Anderson

WEBSITE: AnnaDental.com

APPOINTMENT ADDRESS: is 2101 W. White Street, Suite 100, Anna, TX 75409

CONTACT INFORMATION: 972-924-2452

CONTENTS 4 6 8 12

North Texas Gem with Rich History and Bright Future From sleepy small town on the way to something bigger

Anna — Fair Trade Town

AHS student works for activism and awareness of slavery circumstances in other countries

MLB Hall of Famer Pudge Rodriguez to visit Melissa The Pudge Rodriguez World Classic 16U tournament

Anna Rocks

Painted rocks showing up around the city of Anna for fun and encouragement

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Anna Strong in Midst of COVID-19 Pandemic

19

Fly-over to Honor Front Lines Against COVID-19

22

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1

How some Anna residents have been getting through the stay-at-home orders

Local photographer ventures out to photograph tribute

High School Students Helping Out Teenagers love to give back; helping others

IN EVERY ISSUE A BIT OF ANNA HISTORY

9

CHAMBER NEWS 20

LIBRARY JOURNEY 10

LIFE A LITTLE SIDEWAYS

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

11

MOVIE REVIEWS 25

PASTOR’S CORNER 18

JAMIE’S KITCHEN 26 Anna Living Magazine

24

1

from the

EDITOR I

t’s been a long time coming, and finally, our inaugural issue is here. To our advertisers, thank you so much for participating. To our readers, Anna neighbors, we hope you’ll be here for every issue as we plan to bring you interesting stories about the people in Anna.

PUBLISHER

Joyce Godwin EDITOR

Joyce Godwin AD SALES

Jamie Roubinek, Joyce Godwin PHOTOGRAPHERS

Griff Servati, Trey Belew, Joyce Godwin

My family and I have been in the area for 30 years and have watched Anna grow and grow until it became a boom. We love what’s going on here and are happy to be able to be involved.

DESIGNER

Open Look Business Solutions CONTRIBUTORS

In this issue we have stories about the people in Anna and strength displayed during the stay-at-home orders. There is a story about one brave high school senior who campaigns for Anna to be a Fair Trade Town. Also a fun story about Anna Rocks and high school students pitching in to help during the pandemic.

Former Texas Rangers catcher Pudge Rodriguez is coming to North Texas and he gave us an interview. We also have a story about Anna’s growth. We plan to keep up with projects as they come to Anna and bring the news to you.

We have regular features from talented writers such as the movie reviews.

The Anna Area Historical Preservation Society has given permission to publish stories from the book “The Spark that Ignited the Town of Anna.” You are going to love reading about the history of Anna.

More than that, we want our magazine to be for the residents of Anna. Submissions and advice are welcome.

Contact me at 903-815-0044, and if no answer, leave a message and I’ll get back to you quickly. I’m okay with texts as well. Email is joyce@annalivingmagazine.com.

Our next issue will be for the students in Anna ISD. We want to help bring a close to a school year that seems to have been stolen, at least altered drastically, by a pandemic. Let’s hear from parents who LOVE that special teacher. Or, take out a tribute page for your senior student and/or athletic and academic achievers.

Don Eldredge, Chris Jones, Lynette George, Kevin Hall, Alexia Swanepoel, Jamie Roubinek SPECIAL THANKS

Ivan Rodriguez, Doug Zadow, Joe Grisham, Lizz Cao-Ortiz, Betty Morriss, Linda O’Neal FOR ADVERTISING QUESTIONS

please email annalivingmagazine@gmail.com FOR EDITORIAL REQUESTS

please email Joyce Godwin at annalivingmagazine@gmail.com DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND SPECIAL EVENTS

Amy Jukes 469-532-5677, Amy@annalivingmagazine.com MANAGING OWNER

Joyce Godwin

Enjoy your spring.

P. O. Box 341, Anna TX 75409 JOYCE GODWIN

2

Anna Living Magazine

LEGAL TIPS

Estate Planning M

is for Everyone

any people think that estate planning is only important for the wealthy, sick, or elderly. In fact, estate planning is essential regardless of a person’s financial status, health, or age.

First, what would happen to your kids if something happened to you? Have you taken the time to have your estate planning documents properly prepared and executed?

Some of the most important documents to consider are: • Will • Durable Power of Attorney • Directive to Physicians • Medical Power of Attorney • HIPAA Release, and a • Declaration of Guardian.

Each document plays an important part in the overall plan.

The Will can dispose of your property upon your death. Within it, you can also establish trusts and appoint guardians for your kids. A Durable Power of Attorney will authorize someone to act on your behalf if you cannot do so. The Directive to Physicians is also known as a Living Will and is your opportunity to state in writing how you want to be treated in an end-of-life situation. The Medical Power of Attorney will allow someone to make most medical decisions for you if you can’t.

By Matt Sullivan, J.D., LL.M. Attorney & Counselor at Law

The HIPAA Release will allow designated people to obtain your medical information. In the Declaration of Guardian, you can nominate someone to serve as the guardian of your children. You can also use a Declaration of Guardian to nominate someone to serve as your guardian and you can exclude someone from being appointed as your guardian.

Second, when was the last time you reviewed the title to your assets or the beneficiary designations of assets you own?

These can be important issues if a person’s death occurs. Assets that have properly filled out beneficiary designations will be paid to the beneficiary regardless of what is in the owner’s Will. Such assets include life insurance, IRAs, and 401(k)s to name a few.

Third, what would happen to your pets if you died or became disabled and weren’t able to care for them? Pets are important to many people and should be considered when preparing an estate plan.

While estate planning may not be the most fun or exciting undertaking, it can be important and beneficial for your family.

Matt Sullivan, J.D., LL.M., Attorney & Counselor at Law, can be reached at 903-482-0099.

MATT SULLIVAN, J.D., LL.M.

Attorney & Counselor at Law Master of Laws (LL.M.) – Taxation Master of Laws (LL.M.) – Elder Law Master of Laws (LL.M.) – Estate Planning and Elder Law This article is not intended as specific legal advice and you should consult with your own attorney.

548 Hackberry Road Van Alstyne, Texas 75495 Tel. 903-482-0099 www.mattsullivanattorney.com

PHOTO BY JOYCE GODWIN

ANNA This is a view of Anna’s busiest intersection at U.S. Highway 75 and White Street.

North Texas gem with rich history and a bright future

By Joyce Godwin

T

hirty years ago, only one traffic light operated in what many called the sleepy little town of Anna where all the students of the school district attended school in one location. That has all changed.

It’s been said that Anna is the next big thing in the booming North Texas.

Joey Grisham, Anna’s Economic Development Director, is excited at Anna’s future. In his position for more than a year, he’s witnessed plenty of changes in Anna and has been instrumental in bringing a lot of them along.

In its transition from a small rural community to a fast-growing area north of Dallas, Anna continues to be one of the cities to watch for its up and coming tendencies. “DFW is one of the

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hottest markets in the country,” Grisham said.

“We are able to feed off that from affordability as far as housing.”

Grisham says his first year was fun with big challenges and he feels it was very productive.

“We just needed to be aggressive,” he said.

Grisham added that there were some gaps that needed to be filled so he worked on that.

“But we have a great team of people who understand how to take it to a different level,” Grisham said. One very important member of that team is Taylor Lough whom he was able to hire as EDC Manager. “In times of tribulation like now, having a good team is great.” He added that the economy is taking a hit right now because of the shut down for COVID-19, but “this will pass and Anna will be right back.”

Anna Living Magazine

Grisham talked about some of the projects that are in the works. “One project that’s been around for a while is the Mantua project owned by Risland,” he said. “It is 3,000 acres and falls on the Van Alstyne side as well as the Anna side.” Also, the Anna side will be mostly mixed-use commercial.

Close to the golf course (Hurricane Creek) is a 325-acre-tract that goes out to U.S. Highway 75 and is expected to host a hotel with water features and retail.

The EDC team is looking for sites for a 75-acre Collin College campus for Anna. The team is also working to find tenants for the EDC’s 85-acre business park at the northeast corner of State Highway 5 and the Collin County Outer Loop.

These are only a few of the projects on the

PHOTO BY JOYCE GODWIN

This is the water tower on U.S. Highway 75 just north of the business intersection at Hwy. 75 and White Street. To the left of the tower in the background, a residential area can be seen flowing north of White Street

books and in the works, according to Grisham.

There is a medical project on the west side of Hwy. 75 which is a 24-acre tract and will be a surgery center. It’s expected to bring in about 60 full-time jobs. On the east side of Hwy. 75 is another medical center under construction.

It will be an emergency services facility and may furnish about 25 full-time jobs.

Grisham says he hopes to see a hospital in the works in three to five years, but that will depend on growth patterns.

Several projects are on hold because of the COVID-19 so it’s hard to say when they will start up again, but Grisham is optimistic that things will start up again as soon as the COVID-19 regulations are finished.

“Our board is working in lock step to develop the community and be business friendly to

Taylor Lough, EDC Manager

Joey Grisham, EDC Director

attract the quality developers,” Grisham said.

He expects to see a rallying effect once the restrictions pass. “People will get out and shop locally and people will flood these businesses

and rally around the community. Shop local.”

Anna Living Magazine

One thing is for sure. Anna residents can trust in the leadership from the city offices to work on their behalf.

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ANNA Fair Trade Town

By Emily McDonald Anna High School senior 2020

M

y name is Emily McDonald and I am a senior at Anna High School. I have partnered with President/CEO of Greater Anna Chamber of Commerce, Kevin Hall, on a campaign for social justice. Our mission is to make the Anna community advocates for fair trade and ethically made products. There are more slaves in the world today than there have been at any other point in history, and we want to make a change. Ask yourself… How much do I value my freedom? What can I do about the millions of people who do not have the freedom that I have?

This campaign is a five-step journey.

Step 1: Build a team. Our committee currently consists of Mr. Hall, CTE Coordinator Ted Mackey, Anna High School campaign sponsor Mason Reeves, teacher Cindy Lewis, pastor Shawn Kemp and myself. The team then works together to complete the next four phases.

Step 2: Reach out to retailers. This is where we look for retail locations which either already have fair trade certified products or have the ability to stock them. Frazzy’s Gourmet Popcorn on White Street is already registered in the campaign with its fair-trade certified Craft Chocolate and Chocolate bars. Walmart is joining the cause and promoting its ethically sourced products such as Bark Thins, Rainforest Alliance bananas and various coffee brands.

Brookshire’s plans to join the cause with its Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, Born Sweet sweetener and various Kind Bark products.

Step 3: Enroll community organizations.

We will be reaching out to our local non-retail communities such as churches and regularly meeting groups like Anna Historical Preservation Society. One current congregation to be registered to the campaign is the Crossroads Community Church with its regular sourcing of fair-trade-certified coffee and frequent education on modern slavery.

Step 4: Commit to fair trade education and events. Throughout the year we will be promot-

ing this cause at community events and media coverage such as this.

Step 5: Pass a fair-trade resolution. We will work with the city council to pass a resolution in support of this global cause and to ensure our continued efforts.

The most important aspect of this campaign is education. If people do not know about the injustice occurring within world trade, we can’t do anything. Every little step matters. We need to raise our voices and let the world know what consumers want. Every purchase of an ethically sourced item is a vote for a better world. If you would like to get involved in this movement and become a founding member of Fair Trade Anna, please contact Kevin Hall at kevin@greaterannachamber.com or (972) 924-8533.

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Anna Living Magazine

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PHOTOS BY TREY BELEW

PUDGECOMES TO

This photo is an aerial view of the Z-Plex Texas Sports Village in Melissa where the Pudge Rodriguez World Classic for 16 and younger will be held in June.

NORTH TEXAS

By Joyce Godwin

T

his is baseball season and the Texas Rangers should be playing baseball.

But it’s no secret the COVID-19 pandemic has stolen “The Show” for 2020, at least for now. But that’s for the majors and time will tell how that schedule turns out. Now, for a good number of fans, a baseball fix is in the near future and MLB Hall of Famer Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez will be on hand to help usher in the action.

The tournament scheduled for June 16-21 is the Pudge Rodriguez World Classic for 16 and younger and will be held just a ways down State Highway 5 from Anna at the fabulous Z-Plex Texas Sports Village in Melissa.

Of course, this will depend upon COVID-19 restrictions that may still be in place this summer. But Melissa’s Doug Zadow says hopes are high and arrangements are proceeding as planned. The group is aware of concessions that will have to be made for social distancing and the like, and expectations are high the tournament will be allowed to go on.

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Widely regarded as one of the best defensive catchers of all time, Pudge Rodriguez is also optimistically looking forward to the event that bears his name. Two of the teams invited to compete are from his home country of Puerto Rico.

Rodriguez believes making an impact on young people is really important. “I make a priority to visit camps, tournaments and chat with younger people to let them know that if they set up goals and work with discipline towards them, they can achieve those goals,” Rodriguez said. “I feel sports, not only baseball, are a very important part of a kid’s childhood – teen years.

Being involved in sports brings discipline, work ethic, passion and character to a kid’s life. They need to have fun while playing any kind of sport and parents need to respect that as well.”

Rodriguez said he is very excited about the Melissa tournament. “I love giving back and helping the North Texas community,” he said.

“DFW holds a very special place in my heart.

I love everything about DFW, and Melissa is a city that keeps growing and making a difference on youth sports. Doug Zadow is a very good friend of mine, and he has gone above and

Anna Living Magazine

beyond to help the community and give back to the young people, so I want to work with him to do the same.”

Rodriguez added that he hopes to start seeing more teams from around the world come for the tournaments. He wants to see diversity and awareness become part of the programs.

“Let’s remember that we are ONE world,” he said. “It is nice when these young kids get to meet kids from different parts of the world to learn about different cultures.”

Lastly, Rodriguez said “I’m so ready to breathe baseball, to see the new ballpark, to see my fans, to see youth baseball games! We all are going to be fine. We need to stay positive and know that God always has a plan for us!“ Just days before the Rodriguez tournament, will be the Nolan Ryan 13U World Series June 11-14. Sources say, it’s not definite but a possibility, that Ryan could attend at least some of this tournament.

In July will be the Don Mattingly World Series - 17U. For more information on these three tournaments, visit the website at www.melissasports.com.

A BIT OF ANNA HISTORY

The

Malt Shop

By Judy Harlow and Becky Greer From “The Spark that Ignited the Town of Anna”

T

he Malt Shop was built in 1958 at the north end of Anna on Highway 75 (later changed to Highway 5 and now is Powell Parkway). It was built and operated by Bob and Patsy Rollins Dunlap.

Patsy the daughter of Eli and Lilath Rollins, was born and raised in Anna graduating from.

AHS in 1946. The shop was built with a fat roof and wide windows typical of the drive-in eateries of the 1950s. The parking awning was added later. A small juke box hung on the center pole under the awning. For a nickel you could be entertained by your favorite Rock ’n Roll song.

The Malt Shop had a large sign in the shape of a giant ice cream cone with neon lights but after they were broken they were not replaced due to the cost. The highlights were dairy treats.

Orhe favorites over the years past and today are burgers fries, milkshakes, malts, and fountain drinks.

The Dunlaps sold the business to M.T. Reaves, son of a life-long Anna famiy. He and his family operated the Malt Shop for 33 years. In February 1998, Joe and Beck Greer purchased the shop, added a barbecue pit and a screened dining area, opening it in August. Joe is also a descendent of an Anna pioneer family.

Since the Malt Shop was built by the Dunlaps, it has been a favorite hang-out for kids and teenagers. They would walk or ride bicycles and sometimes even horses to get ice cream and drinks.

One Anna school student told his parents he had the best bus driver, Coach Harlow, because he drove the bus fast and too them by The Malt Shop every Friday for a treat on Thursday nights during the 60s and 70s, community pep

rallies were held on the lot beside The Malt Shop. During the lunch break, high school students would pile into cars race to The Malt Shop and eat burgers and fries before returning back to school on time. Evenings would find teens sitting on cars, listening to the juke Vox and socializing with their friends. Many fun memories were made at The Malt Shop in Anna.

Over the years, improvements were made as required by changing city codes as well as other changes to provide a better working environment. Through it all, the focus was always on retaining the shop’s historical appeal.

Even today thee are special events held there such as the “old car rally.” Adults with antique cars, trucks, and bikes meet to show off their cars with the hoods open, visit and drink a coke. Many are the teens of days gone bye Some are new folks but ll have fun at The Malt Shop in Anna, Texas.

Joe and Becky Greer have now refurbished

Anna Living Magazine

the giant ice cream cone and replaced the neon lights. On Thursday night, April 17, 2014, the lights were again turned on returning our Malt Shop to the “glory days” of yesteryear.

This story is reprinted here with permission from the Anna Area Historical Preservation Society. “The Spark that Ignited the Town of Anna” is a wonderful effort on behalf of the historical society that includes the stories of Anna’s leading families through the years. Anyone who may have had a curiosity about how things have happened in Anna, will likely find answers in this book. Families and descendants have shared their stories and pictures of early Anna and the result is spellbinding. The book may be found online at www.amazon.com or by contacting the historical society whose website is http://aahps.org.

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WORKING ON A LIBRARY FOR ANNA

F

or about three years, a Library Committee was formed in hopes our special town would embrace the need for this amenity. Various members of our committee met with countless members of our community including city personnel, councilmen, AISD employees, local public librarians, and a couple historical society members. We have spoken at council meetings. We have received numerous phone calls from eager families with small children and seniors.

Eventually we developed a support page on Facebook. Our City Council deemed a Library a necessity for our growing community.

Our name Anna Community Library grew to include Education Resource Center. We knew we wanted to embrace the Anna of the past as well as celebrate the Anna of the present and plan for the Anna of the future.

So our Library Committee decided it was time to turn up the volume. Earlier this year, we announced that we were forming a Friends Of

Board for the Anna Community Library. We created a simple online application for those who were interested in applying to our Board and the response was fabulous. After carefully considering each applicant, I am incredibly proud to announce our Friends Of Board for the Anna Community Library and Education Resource Center. Many will be wearing multiple hats, but for now these are the main duties of each person. Thank you again for your service; we are incredibly lucky to have you.

• President - Alexia Dolton Swanepoel • Vice President - John Rico • Secretary - Annie James Chaddick • Treasurer - Lynn Bryan • Business Liaison - Alonzo Tutson • City Council Liaison* - Nathan Bryan • Membership - Tamara Daffer Constien • Fundraising - Marie Lebo • Building/Architecture - Rego Va • Anna ISD Liaison - Dana Walker • Research - Kelly Patterson-Herndon

• • • •

Historian - Marietta Schell Library Specialist - Lorelei Perkins Library Specialist - Greta Adams Staff Representative - Vacant

*To be replaced by Library Board liaison once this Board is appointed by City Council

In March, our Friends Of Board held its first meeting. We met with Ashley Stathatos, Managing Director of the City of Anna Community Services Department, as well as introduced ourselves to each other. I briefly brought everyone up-to-speed on how our Library Committee came together and eventually grew into the Friends Of Board. Immediate goals were discussed. We have a lot to do, but we are enthusiastic and eager.

Our primary goal is to seek a temporary location so we can offer at least the basic services of a library including Story Time and a Summer Reading Program. We realize that it may take a move or two before we find ourselves a permanent home which will allow us to expand our programs to reflect our in-town Anna population, our rural Anna population and the surrounding service population. We want to live up to the fullness of our name: Anna Community Library and Education Resource Center.

So how can you help? Join our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ groups/1949222625109713/. This is where you will hear all the latest information on what we are doing. For now, just knowing that we have the support of our local residents is so incredibly important. The biggest gift any of us can give to our community is literacy.

“To encourage literature and the arts is a duty which every good citizen owes to his country.”

- George Washington ALEXIA SWANEPOEL is the President of the Friends Of Board of the Anna Community Library and a published writer.

Join her writing page and learn more about her book Bohemian Swan by visiting bit.ly/2JwWHNO.

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Anna Living Magazine

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Your business card can be on this page in our next issue.

For more information, email Joyce Godwin at AnnaLivingMagazine@gmail.com. or call 903-815-0044.

Anna Rocks

These painted rocks are pictured on the Anna Rocks Facebook page with suggestions the rocks are placed around Anna for people to find.

I

f you pay much attention to Facebook and care to look, there is a page called Anna Rocks. A collection of painted rocks, some with inspirational messages, is displayed on the page and those same rocks are turning up around Anna.

Jennifer Watson had this to say after finding one of those rocks, “I just want to take the time to thank you, whoever has created this site and these rocks. It was my first day back to work and it was so breathtaking to stumble across something so sweet and unique. I am honored to place it for someone else to find !! God is Wonderful ....... live laugh and love.”

On the back of the rocks are instructions “If found post to Facebook @AnnaRocks. Then place for someone else to find.”

Five-year-old Harper holds a painted rock bearing the word "Faith" with puppy feet around it. One of the Anna Rocks recently found in the area where she lives.

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We know at least one rock has been found at least twice because Fredricka Baslov posted a photo of a rock with puppy feet and the word “Faith. ”Boys found this one on our street today.

Will rehide soon. Awesome!”

Then several days later Heather Whitcomb posted a sweet picture of the same rock held by her five-year-old daughter, Harper. “We found this lovely lil rock on our walk today. Such

a cute lil idea to spread some faith to those around us. God bless!” And two hearts followed her words.

From the Facebook page Anna Rocks @ AnnaRocksNo.1 it appears there are several more rocks out there to find. So, as long as Anna folks find the rocks and post the pictures, Anna Living Magazine will report on it. Fun for everyone.

Jennifer Watson holds up one of the painted rocks she found as she was entering her place of business.

Anna Living Magazine

SHOP LOCAL, su ort

local busine

STAY LOCAL.

LOCAL BUSINESSES NEED YOUR SUPPORT.

Kami is 7 and a second grader at Rattan Elementary School.

ANNA STRONG IN MIDST OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC photos and story by

JOYCE GODWIN

Elizabeth Cao-Ortiz family

I

n the midst of a viral pandemic, Anna folks have found a new meaning for the term “Anna Strong.” With a governor’s order in place for residents to stay home as much as possible, Anna residents seems to have found many ways to make it work.

At the time of this writing, Collin County has reported 901 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 287 active and 587 recovered.

Twenty-seven souls lost their battle with the disease and 21 are hospitalized. For Anna, the statistics are drastically different. One deceased, 12 recovered and five active cases. For the most current statistics in Collin County and in Anna visit the website at bit.ly/2Wi4OFq. Social media seems to have become even more important in the lives of people forced to stay home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With a governor’s order in place for residents to stay home as much as possible, connecting with the outside world through social media seems to have become a way of life even more than before.

Several families participated in front porch pictures taken by this photographer. Some of the families dressed up while others remained in their lounging clothes, and for some it was only the children. But all wore smiles and were happy to do something fun to show support for Anna.

That was the case for Kami who is 7 and a second grader at Rattan Elementary School. As you can see by her sign, she misses her friends

Amber Tankersley family

Ivy Hernandez

and that seems to be the sentiment of many other young people who can’t go to school because of COVID-19.

One Anna High School senior student Ivy Hernandez stepped outside the front door for a picture showing off some of her achievements on a letter jacket and cheerleader’s megaphone.

Her family is vey proud of her and she gave a “thumbs up” sign showing all is well.

Families across Anna stepped outside for pictures to show support for staying safe and staying home, together.

Messages seen on social media range from poking fun to serious advice. Why the sudden run on toilet paper in the stores has been the

subject of many a post. “What does toilet paper have to do with the virus pandemic?” one person mused. Another wrote, “Anna residents, you all are killing me. Stores are still empty!

Stop, just stop! Food will never run out if y’all would just chill.”

The city of Anna has done a great job keeping neighbors informed from the Collin County COVID-19 report to developments in the city government, i.e. park closings, city council meetings and more.

A window that can still be seen from Hackberry Road in Anna displays in large letters “Stay Strong.” On the Facebook page “Anna TX Community,” several people have compli-

Anna Living Magazine

15

mented that window expressing that it gives them comfort and encouragement.

That Facebook page was started about five years ago by Lizz Cao-Ortiz and now it has almost 4,000 members. “I started the page because I didn’t know there were any other pages (about Anna) and I wanted to bring people together,” Cao-Ortiz said. She added that it was important to her to keep the page neutral and to be welcoming of all Anna people. She wants to make sure the page is about the Anna community and not used to sell things. And recently, she added a rule to keep out politics and religion. She said people were arguing too much.

Cao-Ortiz said starting the page after moving to Anna helped her make friends and get to know people

Her children are 13 and 21 months, so her time is filled with the challenges of home schooling and taking care of a baby.

In another Anna household, Heather Whitcomb is also faced with the challenges of home schooling but it seems to be coming more easily to her. “I am a middle school teacher with an elementary education degree which has been very beneficial,” she said. “As we have been taking on the social distance learning at home.

Harper (who is pictured with the story about Anna rocks) has a lot of energy and keeping her on a schedule has been the key. We enjoy going on walks, jumping on the trampoline, playing soccer and spending time together!

What a blessing it is to just simply slow down and be together in these moments.”

Krista Cates family

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It hasn’t been quite as easy for Crystal Jacobs. She describes her day as “just getting through home schooling and virtual leaning, trying to stay sane and getting enough outside activity. We are staying home and spending more time as a family while doing a lot of cleaning.”

Jacobs says her husband is an essential worker and has to leave the house, so they take extra precautions before he comes back into the home. She has a daughter 7 and a son 10 and she says Anna ISD has been “super awesome.”

One thing that seems to run through the city of Anna, whether on the city’s social media, in the businesses with special challenges or in homes and families, Anna is strong and going to do what is needed to make it work.

Sarah Mowery family

Anna Living Magazine

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PASTOR'S CORNER

A LEGACY OF

FAITH T

oday we live in a time like no other.

We use phrases like stay at home order, restart our economy, and other things that were unheard of before now. It is easy to get caught up in all of the negative news, and fall into a place of fear. I use the term fall into a place of fear, because I believe fear has a place, and it is not a good place.

Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:5-7, “I am reminded of the faith which first lived in your grandmother Lois, and then your mother Eunice and I am convinced now lives in you.

For this reason I encourage you to fan into flame the gifts of God that are in you, which you received from the laying on of my hands.

For God did not give you a spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of a sound mind.”

Fear has a language. It has a voice and that voice is attempting to gain authority in your life. We overcome fear by faith. Faith is the foundation of hope that we stand upon when we enter a personal relationship with Christ.

Faith is defined as the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen.

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What that means is that Hope is the foundation.

We must understand that God is working in places we cannot see to align our life with His promises. Paul told Timothy to look back at his family and the faith they had in the midst of adversity. He did not say to go back, but to look back and recall that mountain moving faith that has been in your family for years.

Maybe your family does not have a foundation of faith. Let it start with you! Fear has a language and a voice, and that voice is trying to gain authority. After Jesus died on the cross, for our sins, He said He had all authority in heaven and on earth. When we put our trust in him, and allow Him into our heart, and surrender our life, we walk in that same authority. We may just need to be reminded, and stir it up.

He brings peace and hope even in times of question and concern. So do not allow fear to gain authority. Surrender to the Lord and allow Him to guide your life. His hope is like an anchor for our souls, and when the rain and storms and wind come we will stand strong.

Anna Living Magazine

Not in our own strength, but in the strength that we receive from Jesus.

Start a legacy today. Don’t allow fear to rule your life. Don’t allow fear to gain authority.

Allow Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit, to guide your life. Stand in faith and have hope even when things happen you do not understand. Walk in the authority of Christ, and stand on the firm foundation that He has established through His death and resurrection…. Always remember that God is Good!

CHRIS JONES, together with wife Amy, started CrossPoint Church in Anna three years ago. Currently the church meets for drive-in church at 601 S. Sherley, and streams its service online at 10:30 a.m.

Sundays. Pastor Chris, Amy and the CrossPoint Team are committed to helping people find life in Christ. Wherever people are in their journey with the Lord, they strive to help people take their next step toward Jesus. More information about Pastor Chris and CrossPoint Church may be found at www.ourcrosspoint.com.

PHOTO BY GRIFF SERVATI/GRIFF SERVATI PHOTOGRAPHY/ WWW.PHOTOGRIFFY.COM

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels flew over North Texas in a thunderous salute honoring health care workers and first responders on the front line of the fight against COVID-19 May 6. The six planes are seen here flying behind Fountain Place, the downtown Dallas building formerly knows as the Allied Bank Tower.

U.S. NAVY L BLUE ANGELS FLYOVER DFW AREA FOR OPERATION AMERICA STRONG

ocal photographer Griff Servati took one of his favorite vantage points May 6 to photograph the buildings, weather, skyline and reflections with his unique interpretation through his lens. But this time, his lens was pointed up to capture six McDonnell-Douglas F/A-18 Hornets in all their power and special significance.

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels’ flyover celebrated health care workers and first responders on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19.

The approximate 35-minute flyover around DFW started at Baylor/Scott White Hospital in McKinney and wound around through The Colony, Plano, Dallas, over several more communities, Fort Worth and ending over Benbrook.

“As a father of three young daughters I know how important, and at times daunting, it can be to communicate with our children about coronavirus,” stated Congressman Van

Anna Living Magazine

Taylor in a press release for his constituents.

“This flyover provides an engaging activity to breakup kitchen classroom learning while teaching our children the important lesson of supporting and honoring those who are risking their own health for our nation right now.”

Jamie Roubinek, mother of three Melissa elementary students agreed. The family took a break from school work and drove over to Baylor/Scott White Hospital in McKinney to watch the dramatic display and they said they were not disappointed.

Congressman Taylor has kept vigilant throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and has relevant information on his website compiled specifically for Collin County families including activities for children. Details about financial relief, and up-to-date health information from the CDC may be found on the Congressman’s website https://vantaylor. house.gov.

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The

Anna Chamber

advocates for its members

Members of the Greater Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors are from left: Pete Cain, Dr. Jan Wheat, Susan Jones, Lisa Biddle, Tiffany Terry, Ruth Akana, Jesse Villarreal, Kari Heatherly, President/CEO Kevin Hall and Michael Mixson.

T

he Greater Anna Chamber of Commerce has been putting its advocacy into action during the COVID-19 pandemic. While this is an ever-changing time for business and community, the Chamber has worked hard to cement the foundation the Anna Chamber's role in advocacy. We are advocating for our members in our city, county, state and federal government.

We work closely with our city to make sure our businesses understand the guidelines in regards to social distancing and consumer safety, as well as, by encouraging our city leadership to actively listen to our business owners’ needs.

Greater Anna Chamber President/CEO Kevin Hall helped produce and co-star in the City of Anna's first video on COVID-19. This included partnering with the city of Anna mayor and city emergency management coordinators, as well as, the Anna ISD superintendent and staff.

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To help our community, we developed safe and family-friendly activity and we spearheaded our Chalk the City initiative. This is where citizens were encouraged to create chalk drawings on their driveways and sidewalks with encouraging messages for those on the front lines of COVID-19 including first responders, nurses and the grocery store workforce.

We also created both a downloadable flyer and spreadsheet containing the restaurant, grocery store, churches and essential businesses of Anna. The spreadsheet is updated as needed and shows their hours, phone number, delivery and take out options, as well as, social media links. This helps our community to shop local and support our business owners who have been immediately affected by this pandemic.

For our current and future Chamber members we shifted from in-person networking to

Anna Living Magazine

online networking via webinars. This keeps our members informed About the resources available locally, as well as encourages them to stay connected to each other while maintaining social distancing guidelines. This has been a successful way for our members to continue spreading the word on their businesses. We average about 20 members and guests on each webinar. When social distancing regulations change, and we are allowed to go back to in-person networking, we plan to keep offering these online networking opportunities. That way our members can choose between the two activities or partake in both.

On a county and state level, our Chamber has been monitoring both videos from elected leaders and written Executive Orders. Then we break down this information into easier to understand messages which are shared with

Greater Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors are from left: back row, Kavanski Morrison, Charles Miller, Evelyn Miller; middle row, Jennifer Bone, Robert Franze, Andy Torres, Linda Ahl, Meca Hampton; front row, Susan Jones, Jenifer Florence, Amelia Keith, Hazel Attaway and President/CEO Kevin Hall.

our chamber members and community via email and social media.

We are in talks with staff from offices of U.S. Congressman Van Taylor, U.S. Congressman John Ratcliffe and U.S. Senator Ted Cruz almost daily. This includes our advocacy for financial help for business and nonprofit members including Economic Injury Disaster Loans and the Paycheck

Protection Program. We have helped our members file for these programs and to be connected with the Small Business Administration to receive direct answers for our members’ questions. In addition, we have helped community members follow up on unemployment benefits.

The Anna Chamber has been investing in President/CEO Kevin's chamber knowledge

ABOUT THE

ANNA CHAMBER The Greater Anna Chamber of Commerce is managed by a lead group of volunteers known as the Board of Directors. These individuals are members of the Anna Chamber through their businesses or employers.

They help guide the Chamber year-round and are crucial to successes in advocating for members.

In addition, another volunteer group serves as Ambassadors.

These are Chamber members like the Board of Directors who help the Chamber stay in contact with members year round. They are an integral part of conducting Chamber activities.

by helping him attend the Institute for Organizational Management (IOM) classes.

IOM is a degree initiated by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce which Greater Anna Chamber connects chamber President/CEO Kevin Hall leaders from around the country via educational classes directed for chambers of commerce. Kevin has completed three out of four years of his IOM degree and is the president of his class. As such, he has been keeping his classmates connected by conducting webinar meetings weekly. During these meetings, his classmates are able to check in with one another and share ideas, concerns and success stories in a confidential environment. Classmates include other chamber President/CEOs and lead staff from chambers of commerce in Alaska, South Dakota, Iowa, Montana, Colorado, California and, of course, Texas.

To learn more about the Greater Anna Chamber of Commerce and how we can support your business or organization visit our website www.GreaterAnnaChamber.com.

President/CEO Kevin Hall credits this group of leaders with the Chamber’s ability to have successful fundraising events such as the Annual Awards Banquet.

Hall is in his fourth year heading up the Anna Chamber and says he loves every minute of it. He’s from Anna and is related to a good number of Anna residents. He has a heart for helping people while improving on and growing with the Chamber. He is a perfect fit for the position he holds.

The Chamber office is at 312 North Powell Parkway in Anna and Hall may be reached at 972-924-8533 or by email at kevin@ greaterannachamber.com. Also the Chamber’s website is www.

GreaterAnnaChamber.com and more information may be found on the Chamber’s Facebook page @GreaterAnnaChamber.

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Anna students help in fight against COVID-19 Photo and Story by ANNA HIGH SCHOOL STAFF

E

arly in our at-home learning process, Anna ISD Makerspace Integration Technology Specialist Emily Burk posted the “Make a Mask” challenge to encourage Anna High School Makerspace Club students and staff to create masks as acts of kindness during the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic. Little did Mrs. Burk know that this challenge would not only be accepted but would take off into something much bigger for healthcare workers and first responders.

The Anna ISD connection really began when AHS Spanish teacher Martha Rodriguez saw and accepted the challenge of completing 50 fabric masks. She eventually donated the fabric masks to a local healthcare group with 20 employees.

Around the same time, Mrs. Burk noticed that three makerspaces around the world were posting pictures of 3D printed face shields.

Mrs. Burk reached out to three groups to see if they would be willing to share their designs: Inksmith, an educational technology company in Canada; TX/RX Labs, a nonprofit Makerspace in Houston; and Open Source Community Fight Against COVID-19 Malaysia, a Facebook group. Two of the three labs shared their source — Prusa, a 3D printing company in Czechoslovakia — and the other shared its newly added Instructable design.

Around the same time, three Makerspace Club students, Isabella Wassom, Victoria Aragon-Marcial, and Bianca Dickenson, volunteered to sew fabric masks. Mrs. Burk set up

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curbside pickup for these students to check out the Makerspace Club sewing machines, and she set up mask drop-off times.

On the day of curbside sewing machine pickup, while in the Makerspace lab, Mrs. Burk began thinking, “We have this fabrication equipment that could legitimately help our frontline workers, so we have to test these 3D printed face shields out.” With the Anna ISD Makerspace 3D printers, some donated materials, and some old overhead transparency sheets, she began testing. Once she got a couple of face shields made, she reached out to CTE Coordinator Theodore Mackey and Executive Director of Secondary Education Jennifer Kelley to present the idea.

They wanted a way to give back to the local healthcare businesses and organizations that do so much for Anna ISD CTE. Together the three devised a plan to offer personal protective equipment (PPE) kits consisting of 3D printed shields and fabric masks. They created a form to assess the needs of local healthcare workers and first responders. Mr. Ted Mackey, with the help of Anna Chamber of Commerce President Kevin Hall, was able to send the forms to local employers.

“

As requests came in, Mrs. Burk set up sanitary 3D printed face shield assembly stations, and production began. At the same time, students and Mrs. Rodriguez were making fabric masks at their homes.

Meanwhile, Health Science teacher Dr. Nicholas Mitchell began an inventory of the various CTE PPE that were in storage.

“During the process, it really became a collaborative effort,” says Mrs. Burk, “that included help from STEM Coordinator Brayden Bunting, Ag Mech teacher Jeff Morris, AHS IT Specialist Stephanie Underwood, and Administrative Assistant Heather Mackey to help troubleshoot and assemble the face shields to help community healthcare workers and first responders.”

Mrs. Burk shared updates via the Makerspace Facebook page, and community members and businesses started to reach out. “One of the most beautiful takeaways I will forever remember is that the community of Anna really showed that they can come together to partner with the school, staff, students, and city to help our heroes on the frontlines,” Mrs. Burk says.

“I am so very proud of the AHS students and staff that stepped up to help in ways they could.

I really hope that although students cannot be in the Makerspace, they see that they can still help from home and they see how beneficial the equipment in the Makerspace can be for industry and manufacturing.”

Only two weeks after the original idea, Mrs. Burk and Mr. Mackey began delivering the PPE kits around the community — Pate Rehabilitation, Anna Fire Department, Melissa Physical Therapy. There are more deliveries to come, including to Anna Family Healthcare and other businesses with essential employees.

Makerspace Club leader and senior Noah McElwey has joined in on the efforts by printing at his home on his own 3D printer. When deliveries are complete, the Makerspace Club and CTE hope that Anna students, staff, and local community members continue to help the essential workers who are keeping us safe, stocked with groceries, and healthy during the COVID-19 crisis.

One of the most beautiful takeaways I will forever remember is that the community of Anna really showed that they can come together to partner with the school, staff, students, and city to help our heroes on the frontlines,” Mrs. Burk says.

Anna Living Magazine

Anna Living Magazine

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Sideways LIFE A LITTLE

I

knew from birth that I wasn't quite right. I'd only lay on my left side, One foot always had to be uncovered and sticking out between the bars of my crib. I spent most of my time observing the world, trying to make sense of it. Maybe since I did most of those early observations laying on my side, I grew up seeing and doing things somewhat differently than lots of folks — a little sideways, if you will.

It stands to reason that I've always admired like-minded, "sideways" people who think outside that boring, proverbial box.

Such is the case with my best friend/adopted sister, Judy Curtis of Denison, Tx. The closest this creative woman gets to the box is when she uses them to ship things to the customers of her thriving, very unique business — sticks and rocks!

You read that right, friends. For the last few years Curtis has made a nice, extra income selling the very things I've spent years burning, tossing in the garbage or disposing of in sometimes questionably legal ways. Plain, old sticks - those things that fall from trees - are actually a best seller.

Someone please explain this to me. Rather than walking 10 feet outside their doors, bending down and picking up sticks they've been tripping over for weeks, people go online and buy those very same sticks plus pay shipping to have it mailed to them. In fact, the mail people probably have to step over aforementioned sticks just to deliver a box of sticks to their door!

And that's not all. Pine cones, pine needles, pretty or odd rocks, bamboo, acorn caps and

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ously haunted doll featured on many of those ghost hunting reality shows. Even Curtis' twin sister, Carol, runs the opposite direction from these particularly ghoulish finds, but not Curtis. She lovingly digs them out of creek banks and wood piles after they've been abandoned for unknown reasons by former owners and then promptly sells them. The fact that there are folks anxiously awaiting these dolls is even a bit disturbing for me, but I'm a little weird too, so who am I to judge?

In short, where many see garbage, junk, debris or just useless items, Curtis sees possibilities and dollar signs. All are free for her taking and with a little or sometimes no elbow grease, they are soon on their way to new homes across, not just the nation, but the world.

Even worse, my friend has now "assimilated" me into her world. I've nearly been run over more than once just walking through parking lots, my head down, searching for bottle caps and the Photo courtesy , Old e; org like. It has, however, opened my eyes to Ge e ett Lyn broken dolls found the many unexpected income possibilburied in creek banks are ps ities nature and the world in general hea e bag gar or always popular. provides us with every single day. Who knows? Maybe there's a market after all for the dog and cat fur that my seeds of all kinds are big sellers four-legged kids leave everywhere they go. too - all things that can be easily found for Wait. Curtis just informed me that there is free in nature. Don't even get me started on indeed a large market for certain dog and cat the popularity of rusted metal. Flattened, fur gleaned from daily grooming. Folks apparrusted bottle caps, cans, bed springs and just ently weave it into all types of furry creations. about anything else rusted are always popular In the only response I can think of to that items. In fact, my friend gets so many requests handy information, whodathunkit? for rusted stuff that she's learned all-natural techniques for speeding up the rusting process LYNETTE GEORGE is the so she can fill orders. I kid you not. She even former lifestyles editor uses left over pieces and parts to create her and some times reporter own, unique art pieces, wall hangings, dream for the Herald Democrat catchers and more. in Denison/Sherman for about 20 years. Her During her weekly foraging trips through sometimes zany outlook creeks, ravines, thick forests, roadsides and on life gives her an even her own yard, Curtis also often discovers enviable sense of humor unnatural oddities which have proven popular. like no other. She lives in Take, for instance, her scary doll and doll part Denison and her love of animals prevents her from collection she lovingly (and comically) refers to ever passing an animal in need. She may be reached at nettiegeorge79@gmail.com. as her "Annabelles," named after the notori-

Anna Living Magazine

LET’S TALK MOVIES D

igital streaming is gaining a stronger foothold daily on home entertainment and portable devices. In turn, DVDs, Blu-ray and 4K discs are struggling to hold on.

Whatever the choice, people are still craving access to movies new and old. The choice these days is wide, and in this space each issue, available films will be spotlighted and suggestions will be made to guide viewers in directions that, hopefully, will be pleasing to all. *** So, how can a musical stay 18 years on Broadway without a visual arts critic of any stripe not knowing at least the basic details of the show when it is finally transferred from stage to screen?

A mouthful, true, but it pretty well illustrates how "Cats" was shot down during it's opening week in movie theaters last December and became a punchline at award programs for 2019 films. The movie, not perfect, is actually pretty entertaining if one takes the time to learn the slim story line before diving in.

"Cats" is based on a book of poems written in the 1930s by T.S. Eliot. His words combined with some wonderful music by Andrew Lloyd Webber can leave viewers enchanted.

It was Eliot who, in his collection “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,” called the subjects Jellicle cats and set them up to attend the annual Jellicle Ball. In an unpublished poem reportedly lifted by the musical's authors, there was a verse about a competition for one of the Jellicles to be taken to the Heaviside Layer, a cat's version of heaven.

Admittedly it's a shallow premise, but the poems-turned-songs act as auditions for these night roamers and skaliwags to gain a chance at the Heaviside trip. The beautifully choreographed numbers were enough to keep Broadway audiences showing up in record crowds for almost two decades; not so the shallow-minded film critics.

Some just didn't get it. Others called it creepy.

The unfair criticism turned a $95 million songfest into kitty litter, and that's too bad.

The box office bomb recently became available for streaming and purchase on home video,

through Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, so there is the opportunity for a comeback.

Some complaints are understandable. One would be the reworking of an enjoyable song,"Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer." Such mishaps are common in stage-to-screen adaptations. Original songs are often omitted or changed, and many times there is a new tune or two added (it happens here also), probably to influence Motion Picture Academy voters to consider it for an Oscar nomination.

"Cats" didn't stand a chance for that kind of consideration, even with popular singer Taylor Swift making her movie debut and getting partial songwriting credit for the new tune. Other familiar faces -- Jennifer Hudson, Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, James Corden -- join her on the screen.

Unlike the stage version, there is spoken material on the screen, but it is minimal and apparently aimed toward those unfamiliar with the original. It didn't sway the doubters.

It doesn't distract the fans.

A number of critics blamed the source material. Many more chimed in with tales of nightmares because of the CGI-assisted makeup which, actually, for the true "Cats" lovers, looks great. These days opening weekend attendance tends to dictate the fate of big studio productions. Bad reviews can sink a picture.

Still, it's hard to understand. After a New York run from May 1981 to September 2000, "Cats" became the longest running show in Broadway history. It remains fourth in that line these 20 years later. But last December, the early negative reviews of the movie were mimicked by social media know-it-alls, and the picture's fate was determined within days.

Those who have never seen a production of "Cats" might be wise to stream it through their favorite service. Those familiar with and who favor the original should not be afraid to dive in, ignoring unwarranted blather.

Anna Living Magazine

*** NOTES: Viewers wishing to go straight to the original may easily do so with the 2000-released, filmed stage version featuring London cast member Elaine Page as Grizzabella and veteran actor John Mills as Gus, the Theatre Cat. It's available, too, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment and may be purchased through Amazon, among other sources.

Long-time stage fans may notice that neither video version includes the huge production number "Growltiger's Last Stand." It was omitted from both and reportedly is no longer included in stage versions being produced today.

DON ELDREDGE is the retired editor of the Herald Democrat newspaper (ShermanDenison, TX) and resides in Sherman. E-mail him at eldredgedon@gmail.com.

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JAMIE'S KITCHEN

Chicken Salad Bites W henever I'm looking for a bit of comfort food that reminds me of childhood, I always reach for my trusty chicken salad recipe. Actually, that's not true. I always call my mom because she has it memorized and I want her to tell me how to do it each time. Sure, I could write it down, but there's something special about hearing that same recipe come straight from her each time.

This chicken salad is easy to make, but knowing every member of my family gets excited about it is my favorite part! For this particular version, I wanted to make it snack size, so adding crackers to make a bite-size version was

no problem at all! It may have even made the chicken salad disappear more quickly!

Whether you're using it to make sandwiches for your family or setting it up on crackers to make a bite-sized snack, it's a crowd-pleaser!

Enjoy!

CHICKEN SALAD • • • • • •

1 can of chicken packed in water chopped pecans 1 white onion chopped Sweet pickle relish Miracle Whip green grapes halved

1. Spread pecan halves on a cookie sheet and bake in oven at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or so. Keep an eye on them and pull them out once color begins to darken. Don’t let them burn.

2. Open the can of chicken and drain it. Put the chicken in a bowl and stir with a fork so the chunks break up and it begins to smooth out.

3. Chop the pecans and mix in with the chicken until you’re happy with the ratio.

4. Chop onion and mix in with the chicken.

I use about one onion to a 13-ounce can of chicken. Note: I’ve heard if you put a closed safety pin in your mouth while chopping onions, no tears.

5. Add pickle relish until you like the mixture.

6. Add Miracle Whip to taste. Basically, just enough to help the mixture bond and stick together.

7. Add green grapes until you are happy with the mixture.

8. Serve with croissants, crackers and/or vegetables such as tomatoes, avocado, etc.

Options to add: • Chopped celery • Granny Smith apple chopped • Raisins I have never measured the ingredients.

I'm JAMIE ROUBINEK and I'm the girl behind this little corner of kitchen inspiration. I find great pleasure in always learning something new. I was never confident in the kitchen but I love learning new things and trying them out. Doing that experimenting has led to a lot of happiness around the kitchen table at my house.

Fortunately, the key to my husband of 13 year's heart is through his stomach and he is easy to please. With our five kids, on the other hand, that hasn't always been the case. I love fine-tuning recipes and making adjustments to make everyone smile. I hope that I can help you see how easy it can be to bring that same happiness to your kitchen table! Submissions and suggestions from readers are welcome. Send to jroubinek@yahoo.com.

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Anna Living Magazine

NOMINATIONS NEEDED! Do you know someone who lives in Anna that we should feature in an upcomig issue of Anna Living Magazine? Let us know!

We are looking for anyone who has something unique to share with your neighbors.

This is YOUR community magazine and we want to tell YOUR stories in Anna.

Send nominations to Joyce Godwin at Annalivingmagazine@gmail.com.

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To find regular updates about Anna’s government, visit the website at www.annatexas.gov.

Anna Mayor formally requests local elections in August Letter to Governor cites budget votes, potential second wave of Covid-19 in fall

A

nna Mayor Nate Pike has sent a letter to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott requesting a proclamation that would allow Anna and other public entities to conduct City Council elections in August. Abbott issued a proclamation in March postponing May 2, 2020 local elections due to concerns of spreading the Coronavirus.

“The City Council of the City of Anna took advantage of the relief you provided to postpone

its May 2, 2020 election,” wrote the Mayor. “In my view, the Covid-19 pandemic left little choice in the matter. However, I also believe that there are legitimate public health and safety and other important considerations for allowing local governments the flexibility to move the May 2020 election to a date earlier than November 3, 2020.”

Nine other cities and a water control and improvement district (WCID) have joined the City of Anna in requesting an August

election for local governments.

Choosing an election date in August would allow newly elected City Councilmembers to participate in votes on the budget and tax rates for fiscal year 2021, which begins Oct. 1.

“Members of the City council elected at a November election will have no say or input into these critical matters,” Pike continued.

“More importantly, the voters will not be able to choose who will represent them in these matters.

Calling the election for a date in August will give a voice to the voters and allow the newly elected officials to debate and vote on the annual budget and tax rate which will be adopted in September.”

With the possibility of a seasonality to the virus and a poten-

tial second wave of the outbreak, Pike added, “the safer option for the voters appears to be to conduct the election in August, rather than November.”

“In summary, please recognize that the voters and their elected representatives generally know what is in their own best interests.,” Pike concludes.

“Please allow the representatives of local governments to have the flexibility to choose to conduct their election before November 3, 2020.”

Joining the City of Anna making this request are the cities of Abilene, Addison, Allen, Big Spring, Cedar Park, Fairview, Haskell, Round Rock, the Town of Providence Village and Lytle Lake WCID.

Anna CDC establishes grant program for local companies

Program seeks to assist City’s ‘mom-and-pop’ operations

R

esponding to the extraordinary conditions faced by locally-owned and locally-operated businesses in Anna as a result of the pandemic, the city’s Community Development Corporation has initiated a program designed to provide temporary financial relief to qualified enterprises.

“The devastating effects of the pandemic’s consequences on the livelihoods of local entrepreneurs is heartbreaking,” says Joey Grisham, Executive Director of the Anna Economic Development Corporation. “The City of Anna CDC COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program seeks to mitigate some of these effects.

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Unfortunately, many of these small mom-and-pop businesses are ill-equipped to withstand that kind of devastation for very long.”

Grisham and Economic Development Manager Taylor Lough provide staff support to the Community Development Corporation Board of Directors, source of the new program’s funding.

The grant program will provide a one-time award of up to $5,000 to companies and businesses that meet certain criteria. Applications for the grants, scheduled for disbursement in June, must be submitted by Wednesday, May 27.

Generally, qualifying businesses include those with a storefront presence within the city limits

and which are in full compliance with local ordinances. Companies may not be in arrears in taxes and fees to the city, county or state, and have fewer than 20 employees. Only companies that remit sales taxes to the city of Anna are eligible.

A performance agreement with the Anna CDC is required along with a brief statement showing how the funds will be used. A copy of the company’s IRS W-9 form is also part of the application requirements.

Ineligible for the program are home-based businesses, non-profits, franchisees of regional or national chains, grocers, unprepared food or produce vendors, alcohol

Anna Living Magazine

or tobacco outlets, pawn shops, gas and convenience stores, health providers, financial lenders and certain service providers.

“We understand the critical nature of the loss of walk-in traffic to our city’s small businesses,” says Anthony Richardson, President of the CDC Board. “Shops and stores that depend on their customer base coming in and making purchases have been negatively impacted, and our grant program is our way of helping them through this difficult time.”

More information on this program and other resources for local businesses may be found on the CDC’s website https://opportunityannatx.com/covid-19/.

Visit the General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum Located in Historic Downtown Hobart, Oklahoma!

The Museum offers galleries with historical audio and unique artifacts not available in any military museum, memorabilia and objects from General Tommy Franks’ 38-year military career, a traveling exhibit space and Museum store. We also have leadership programs to grow our nation’s future leaders as well as events to involve the entire community!

Meeting facilities available upon reservation.

Follow us on social media for Museum highlights and programming updates! @GenTommyFranksMuseum @FourStarLeadership @GenFranksMuseum @FourStarLeader @FourStarLeader

507 S. Main Street Hobart, Oklahoma 73651 (580) 726-5900 TommyFranksMuseum.org FourStarLeader.com

PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID FULTON, MO PERMIT 38

20% DISCOUNT The 10% discount is only valid at the Anna store location and may not be used with any other discount.

Customer needs to bring the ad to receive the discount.

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CBD oil is not marijuana, it does not contain the part of cannabis plant that is responsible for causing a “high”. It is made from a cannabis compound called cannabidiol (CBD) that is found in all cannabis plants. This compound interacts with our body through the endocannabinoid system, which is the system that regulates the bodies normal homeostasis. As the environment around us affects our body’s normal state of balance, the endocannabinoid system keeps our bodies leveled.

BENEFITS OF CBD

Taking or using a CBD enriched product can enhance your body’s ability to maintain balance and manage occasional stress. It is also known to have many beneficial properties and is particularly effective for supporting focus and maintaining health and well-being.

IS CBD OIL SAFE?

CBD oil is completely safe for the large majority of people. The FDA allows CBD oil to be sold in every state, since it has been found to be a very safe plant oil. CBD oil usually causes no side effects, and no adverse long-term effects have been found. It is rare, but possible, to be allergic to cannabis compounds which can cause an adverse reaction to cannabinoids such as CBD. If you experience allergy symptoms after using CBD, stop use and talk to your doctor.

WHY AMERICAN SHAMAN?

American Shaman is 9x more bioavailable than anything else on the market, making their products faster and more efficiently absorbed by the body.