Parker County LifeStyle Spring 2020

B E WE LL PAR KE R COU NT Y From dental to chiropractic to elderly care, residents of Parker County have a multitude of options for ensuring their wellness is covered. A few local providers tell us about their services and options for care in our area.

A CUT ABOVE For horse owners, there is a passion for the equine industry. For every discipline, there is a fan– from horse racing to rodeo, from dressage to cutting. In Parker County, that passion is cutting.

Silence is not Always Golden: BRAZOS RIVER REGIONAL DAY SCHOOL PROGRAM FOR THE DEAF At Brazos River Regional Day School Program for the Deaf, deaf and hard of hearing students get the same opportunities for success as hearing students, providing educational services to meet the individual need of each student.

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HO M E TOW N L I V I N G AT ITS B ES T

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PA RKER COUNTY LIFE S TYLE

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Contents Home & Garden

10 18 26

A MOVE M E NT WORTH S IT TI NG FOR

Painting a picnic table turquoise? Putting it in your FRONT yard? Open your eyes to the phenomena that embraces community, friendship and conversation.

SU M M E RTI M E PE STS Tips & tricks to help us tackle those true Texan Summer Pests, and I’m not talking about your nosey neighbor.

AN OASIS FOR EVERY BUDGET RedFin Pools is here to assure you that there is a pool for almost every budget and that having an ideal backyard gathering spot is possible.

26

Faith & Community

32

A DIVI N E M ISS ION

38

TH E CU R E OF TH E CROSS

40 48 58

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A Divine Mission to bring clean water to as much of the world as possible, Jim and Kathy Mynaugh’s non-profit organization funds water wells to people who wouldn’t otherwise have access to clean drinking water.

Our Christian faith requires fixing our eyes on the unseen. When your eyes are playing tricks on you and telling you God doesn’t care, there is always hope to be found in Jesus.

TH E N EW AG E COWG I R L

No longer your typical cowgirl, Bree Worthington Clay has moved her saddle from her trick horse to a different kind of four-legged animal, the buffalo.

U NTI L TH E Y ALL HAVE HOM E S

Simple but powerful, Weatherford Whiskers’ motto is “Until they all have homes.” More than just a shelter, they are seeking for find the best fit for each and every cat that crosses their threshold.

MOR E THAN E IG HT S ECON DS

A quiet man of few words, Scott Pickens manages the Diamond S Bucking Bulls Ranch in Weatherford, and speaks with knowledge, experience, and passion about the bulls, bull riding and the sport of rodeo.

PARKER COUNTY LIFE S TYLE

About the Cover Cover photo is Devin Elliston, son of Jack and Josie Elliston of Brock, Texas.

He is a student at Brazos River Regional Day School Program for the Deaf. Read more about the program on page 74.

B E WE LL PAR KE R COU NT Y

From dental to chiropractic to elderly care, residents of Parker County have a multitude of options for their wellness is covered. ensuring A few local providers tell us about their services and options for care in our area.

A CUT ABOVE

For horse owners, there is a passion for the equine industry.

For every discipline, there is a fan– from horse racing to rodeo, from dressage to cutting. In Parker County, that passion is cutting.

Silence is not Always Golden:

BRAZOS RIVER REGIONA L DAY SCHOOL PROGRAM FOR THE DEAF At Brazos River Regional Day School Program for the Deaf, deaf and hard of hearing students get the same opportunities for success as hearing students, providing educational services to meet the individual need of each student.

In Every Issue 56

WHAT’S U P, PARKE R COU NT Y? Calendar of Local Events

HOMETOWN HAPPE NINGS

The Cover a local on South Bowie Street, staged with a fall 22 isNIGHT TOhome SHINE setting using items available for purchase at the Weatherford Farmer’s 66 TRINITY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Market.

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Contents Health & Wellness

70 74 81 82 85 89 91 93

M E DICAL CIT Y WE ATH E R FOR D Providing high-quality and compassionate care to Parker County, Medical City Weatherford dedicates themselves to specialized treatments to meet the needs of each patient.

S I LE NCE IS NOT ALWAYS GOLDE N : B R A ZOS R IVE R R EG IONAL DAY SCHOOL PROG R AM FOR TH E DE AF At Brazos River Regional Day School Program for the Deaf, deaf and hard of hearing students get the same opportunities for success as hearing students, providing educational services to meet the individual need of each student.

In a world run by modern medicine, we often overlook all the natural ways we have been gifted to radically treat and maintain a healthy mind, body, and soul.

H E ALTHY R ECI PE S Transition to a healthier lifestyle with these lightened up versions of old favorites.

S PORTS M E DICI N E : S PECI F IC CAR E FOR S PORTS R E L ATE D I NJ U R I E S With the amount of extra stress an athlete places on the body, the world of Sports Medicine specializes in caring for specific injuries related to the impact of sports and all forms of fitness.

SU R E POI NT Q& A

Medical Director, Dr. Roger Leaton, has lived in Texas for over 40 years. Through his medical career, he has more than 23 years of varying emergency department experience.

AWE SOM E N E SS , JOY, COM M U N IT Y – MYS E R ORTHODONTIC S

Orthodontists aren’t supposed to be fun – are they?

Yet the offices of Dr.’s Scott Myser and Elisabeth Barnhart certainly seem to be an exception.

ALPHA CAR E WE LLN E SS CE NTE R

Bringing a Fresh, Holistic Perspective to Healthcare in Parker County.

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H E ALTH B E N E F ITS OF YOGA

PARKER COUNTY LIFE S TYLE

Travel & Outdoors

104 110

116 122

SU M M E RTI M E F U N : TI PS FOR KE E PI NG YOU R DOG SAF E AN D HAPPY AT OUTDOOR E VE NTS

Summer is on the way and that means time for fun outdoor events…make sure you and your pet are prepared for a day of festivities with these tips from Riverstone Veterinary Hospital.

A CUT ABOVE

For horse owners, there is a passion for the equine industry. For every discipline, there is a fan– from horse racing to rodeo, from dressage to cutting. In Parker County, that passion is cutting.

PAR KE R COU NT Y B UCKET LIST

We’ve all seen a Texas Bucket List that includes places to see and be seen across the state….here is our own local version! How many can YOU mark off your list.

I NTO TH E WOODS , I GO. . .

Camping builds and strengthens relationships; allowing people to connect without the distractions of daily life. Stress reduces as overbooked schedules are left at home. Find a local spot and relax with a campfire in Parker County.

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trinitybible.com HO M E TOW N L I V I N G AT I TS B ES T

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Hello!

RedFin Publishing Justin & Hayley Six

Kyle & Halsey Clark

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Hayley Six

CREATIVE | DESIGN

GreenFox Marketing & Design

CONTENT COORDINATOR Jennifer Cabbage

H

appy Spring, Parker County! As we face a great deal of uncertainty in the future weeks, we face certainty that God has chosen our path to continue in faith and prayer. We look forward to busyness of spring with baseball practices, Easter, and spending more time outside as the weather becomes more pleasant.

With the great health crisis our entire world is facing with caution, let our fears be placed in the hands of God, while we wash our hands and cover our cough. We have our annual Health and Wellness Guide already inspired to help you find your place to inspire peace through yoga and wellness, get treatment for your sports related injuries and your everyday illnesses, as well as get your smile straightened out! See our friends at our local hospital and emergency centers for our everyday and ongoing illnesses.

Our four-legged friends get some attention in this edition as well, as we visit some bucking stock on the Diamond S Ranch and learn about how the bulls live their life, and former trick rider Bree Worthington Clay tells us about how her new friends, a herd of buffalo, have warmed her heart and changed her idea of what a cowgirl is. We didn’t forget about cats and dogs, Weatherford Whiskers is here until they all have homes, and Riverstone gives us some tips for taking out pets out in the summer heat.

We want to thank our advertisers for making this publication possible and free to the community! Help us express our gratitude by shopping local and visiting their establishments to pick up your complimentary copy.

This publication is about you! Please feel free to email us photos of your events to add to our Hometown Happenings or any stories you would like to read in the next issue. We would love to hear from you!

We give thanks to God for our many blessings and look forward to a great year to come!

Until the next edition, wishing you many blessings-

Justin and Hayley Six

PUBLISHER

Kyle and Halsey Clark

Jennifer.RedFin@gmail.com

Jordan Murdock

Jordan.RedFin@gmail.com

PROOF READER

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jennifer Cabbage Lindsey Sullivan Photography Eric Priddy Photography

HLanoue Photography

Jami Scull Photography

Nature Views by Thad Brown

Thad Brown Photography

COVER PHOTO

SALES

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lindsey Sullivan Photography Nikki Garrett Kinzie VanHoutan Lindsay L. Allen

Thad Brown

Jannette Halliday

Connie Lewis Leonard

Rick Mauch

Heather Rothrock

Johnna Thomasson

Erica Willis

CONTRIBUTORS

Medical City Weatherford

Surepoint Emergency Center

Trinity Christian Academy

Greenwood Baptist Church

Riverstone Animal Hospital

“Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’.” John 20:19

PARKER COUNTY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE PCLIFESTYLE

#parkercountylifestyle

www.ParkerCountyLifestyle.com

Parker County LifeStyle© is published quarterly by RedFin Publishing.

www.redfinpublishing.com P.O. Box 1239 | Weatherford, TX 76086 817-618-9465 All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher.

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein.

Advertising is subject to omission, errors, and other changes without notice.

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PA R KER COUNTY LIFE S TYLE

D

EBORAH HULC E, A REAL ESTAT E PROFESSIO N A L WITH MAGN OLIA REALTY, DOESN’T MEASU RE SU CCESS THROUGH THE NUMB E R OF TRANSACTIONS OR AWARDS, BUT THROU GH THE J OY AND SATISFACTIO N O F HER CLIEN TS.

Her commitment to guide them through the buying and selling process from beginning to end has brought her great success here in Parker County. Deborah, a ranch owner herself, knows the importance of finding your dream home and values the work that it takes to see this process run smoothly.

“My clients are the most important part of my business and I love to welcome them into the Magnolia family. Many of my clients are referrals and I am truly honored by that. My pledge is to be in constant communication, keeping clients fully informed and updated every step of the way. My goal is to provide exceptional service with honesty, professionalism, and integrity.”

Magnolia Realty, headquartered in Waco, TX (founded by Chip and Joanna Gaines) has been a phenomenal partner for Deborah.

Let Deborah Hulce welcome you home!

They are truly a company “calling people home”. The team is a partnership and family of dedicated agents who work together and are ready to go the extra mile to help you and to be there for you to make this the best buying or selling experience of your life.

They believe that home is a place for family to unplug, connect, dream and spend time together. Their main goal is to make you feel “at home” with them. Deborah and Magnolia Realty look forward to being with you on the exciting journey of buying or selling, and to see every client through their next chapter in life.

It is Deborah’s job and pleasure to make any process hassle free. She can relate to the pressures of moving as she spent many years shifting around from city to city or state to state. With a father in the military this happens a lot.

Deborah is immersed in the community of Parker county. She is active in the Parker and Hood County Chambers, local Bible Studies and constantly gaining new knowledge in the Real Estate world. She has earned her SRS, Seller Representative Specialist and MRP, Military Relocation Professional designations. She realizes this decision is the most important financial investment in someone’s life and is determined to make herself the best she can be for her clients. She is truly living out her dream career helping people find happiness in any real estate goal.

( 8 1 7 ) 2 4 3 - 9 2 1 6 | d e b o r a h h u l c e @ m a g n o l i a r e a l t y. c o m

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A M ove m e nt Worth Sitting For

By Lindsay L Allen Photos by HLanoue Photography

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PAR KER COUNTY LIFE S TYLE

I

n Texas, a picnic table is a common household item; a necessity for backyard barbeques, summer afternoons enjoying the sun and for hosting large gatherings.

While the picnic table that Kristin Schell purchased was to be initially used for all the above purposes, she had something totally different in mind when the delivery truck unloaded the picnic table.

Having already sensed the longing for slower paced moments that were welcoming to those around her, Kristin, an Austin, Texas resident, knew that she was to place her picnic table, which she painted turquoise, in the front yard and wait for neighbors to walk by so that

conversations and friendships could form. She ended up spending her free moments and mornings at the table with her coffee and something to keep her busy, like her laptop, a book or the Bible, as she waited for neighbors to pass by.

What followed was community.

Neighbors started joining her and bringing their friends and relationships took root, neighborhood children used the table to complete their homework and many cups of lemonade have been sold by her children and the neighbors from the same picnic table that was originally meant to live in the backyard.

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Now, turquoise tables are in all fifty states and 14 countries, encouraging neighborhood relationships and providing an opportunity to step away from busy schedules and enjoy the sweet moments of life.

Not all tables will be a picnic table, but the heart behind each remains-a table conveniently located for gathering neighbors and allowing relationships to form.

Parker County is proud to be a place where The Turquoise Table® is embraced and implemented.

Kathryn Ellis took the first steps in this area, having read about the movement in an Austin magazine. After moving to Parker County, Kathryn and her husband, Dick, decided the table would be a perfect opportunity to meet neighbors. “This is a way to show our neighbors that we are welcoming and that we enjoy when people stop by,” she said. “Our street is so busy and I am just so excited about all the possibilities of our table. We are just now in the beginning stages!”

For Kathryn and Dick, the neighborhood relationships are something to look forward to, but what made it extra special was the time spent prepping the table. “Our grandkids came over and helped us paint the table and it was such a special time explaining the purpose of it all to them and spending time together as we painted,” Kathryn said.

The Turquoise Table doesn’t stop at the Ellis home. Courtney McKeown, director of missions and advancement at Weatherford Christian School (WCS), came across the movement by happenchance as well, just like Kathryn.

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“I was heading out to the pool for Labor Day weekend and grabbed a book off the shelves I had just filled for my high school girls’ Bible study,” Courtney recalled. “I had no idea what The Turquoise Table book was about, but once I started reading, I couldn’t stop! Next thing I knew I had finished the book after staying up to read it and was ordering a picnic table. My husband rolled over at 2:00 a.m. and wanted to know why I was ordering a picnic table. I told him I would explain it all the next morning!”

Courtney is focused on bringing a picnic table to her home and also to WCS. “I live in a 120-year-old Queen Anne Victorian home and I started thinking about the family who lived in our home many years ago and what they had intended the large wrap around porch of our home to be used for. It was meant for community and fellowship! The problem is that in this day and age, if I am sitting on my porch, no one is going to just walk up and join me. However, if I have a table in my yard that is closer to the street, it will be more inviting!” she stated.

After reading the book she decided to drive back by a home that had a turquoise table in the yard that she had noticed just one week prior. When Courtney knocked on the door, she ended up knowing the lady who answered (a former art teacher at WCS)! Turns out the home belonged to her parents, Kathryn and Dick Ellis.

“The table is not meant to be a perfectly curated moment.

It is a place to gather and

fellowship-plain and simple.”

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Painting a picnic table

turquoise? Putting it in your FRONT yard? Open your eyes to the phenomena

that embraces community,

friendship and conversation.

Courtney ended up bringing her Bible study girls over to the Ellis home to enjoy time together at the table. The thing that stuck with Courtney the most from reading the book and learning more about the movement is that the table is not a “Pinterest opportunity”.

“The table is not meant to be a perfectly curated moment. It is a place to gather and fellowship-plain and simple. This resonated with me because I know I have missed opportunities to minister to others because my house wasn’t clean and perfectly set,” Courtney stated.

The author, Kristin, said, “I could write another book on all the lessons I’ve learned from The Turquoise Table! My life has changed in two powerful ways: first, the relationships I have now with my neighbors are deep and abiding. I cannot imagine life without them. Second, the table has taught me the importance of showing up and being present. Showing up, over and over again, for planned gatherings or spontaneous one-on-one cups of coffee with a friend matter. Even on the days I was tired, or it was 100 degrees outside, or no one came, showing up matters.”

There are not set rules to The Turquoise Table other than to be present. At WCS, the picnic table is meant to be a gathering place for students of all ages on the playground. “Our first gathering at the table included lemonade and cookies between the older students and kindergartners. We are making an effort to build community between our older students and the younger students,” Courtney said.

Someone Courtney knows wasn’t able to put a table in her yard per the Home Owner’s Association rules, so she has a turquoise cart in her workplace, a hospital, to signal to visitors and employees that this is a welcoming spot.

After learning about this turquoise cart (that happened to be local) through Kristin’s podcast, Courtney reached out to see how she and her Bible study girls could help.

They are now providing crackers that can be passed out on the cart for the parents not wanting to leave their child’s bedside, since soup is the meal offered to them at the hospital.

With such a beautiful purpose, it is only a matter of time before Turquoise Tables are spotted all over the county and neighbors come together to share life when they gather to share a seat at the table.

If you would like to know more about The Turquoise Table and follow creator, Kristin Schell’s story, visit theturquoisetable.com and register your own table while you are there or check out her book, The Turquoise Table: Finding Community and Connection in Your Own Front Yard.

The book is filled with practical and stress-free ideas for kick-starting your own Turquoise Table. Kristin share recipes, hospitality tips, stories from people using Turquoise Tables in their own neighborhoods, and encouragement to overcome barriers that keep us from connecting.

Special thanks to the Weatherford Lowes for donating the picnic table and paint to Weatherford Christian School for their very own Turquoise Table. PCLS

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Stacie Wallis STACIE@CATESREALTY.COM

682-465-4515

> RESIDENTIAL > COMMERICAL > FARM & RANCH

GUIDING YOU TO SOLD #SOLDBYWALLIS

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PARKER COUNTY LIFE S TYLE

Wedding • Family • Newborn • Senior

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HO M E TOW N L I V I N G AT I TS B ES T

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Summer Pests

By Johnna Thomasson

Tips & tricks to help us tackle those true Texan Summer Pests, and I’m not talking about your nosey neighbor.

W

ithout fail, every year we find ourselves mid-March, bundled up in our warmest attire, dreaming about sweet, sweet summertime. In our fantasy, we are on the lake, laid back, catching a tan, listening to the drip of our child’s ice cream cone melting faster than they can manage to lick it, when halfway through our daydream, BUZZZZ! And as soon as we recognize what that sound means, the bloodsucker has already managed to sink its disgusting snout into our neck and fly off before our hand even lands, leaving us the crazy lady who just smacked herself--mosquitos, the true sign of sweet, sweet summertime!

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PAR KER COUNTY LIFE S TYLE

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Unfortunately, mosquitos, along with a variety of other pests, are an unavoidable part of Mother Nature.

Here are a few tips and tricks to help us tackle those true Texan summer pests, and I’m not talking about your nosey neighbor.

MOSQUITOS

What you need to know: Mosquitos are most commonly attracted to sitting water, sweat, and breath.

They are commonly known to be disease carriers. They are least active in the afternoon.

How to avoid them: Aside from staying indoors, the best course of action to prevent mosquito bites requires the proper coverage. This includes Oil of Lemon and Eucalyptus, products containing DEET, Picaridin.

How to treat: First and foremost, don’t scratch. Instead try applying calamine lotion or a hydro-cortisone cream.

If you have neither, a few natural remedies include oatmeal, honey, aloe vera or baking soda. Ideally any of these treatments should assist with both itching and inflammation. However, if skin irritation occurs from any particular treatment, stop immediately and pursue a different route.

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PAR KER COUNTY LIFE S TYLE

WASPS

What you need to know: Unlike a bee, they can sting more than once. In late summer, once their nests begin to fall apart, they tend to become more aggressive and are more likely to gravitate towards food looking for a “sugar fix”, which is why we tend to find them hanging around our outdoor picnics and parties.

How to avoid: If you will be eating outdoors, try to keep all areas clean and tidy, never leaving food or sugary drinks unattended. Dispose of food and drinks properly.

If you find yourself near a wasp, do not swat as you will only make it more aggressive. Remain still or leave the area by just walking in a straight line. Avoid brightly colored clothing and strong perfumes. If attacked, cover head and face as they are more likely to strike there.

How to Treat: Wash area with soap and water. This will assist in removing as much venom as possible. If you choose, you can apply a cold pack to help with pain and swelling. From there, simply keep clean and dry until healed. Severe reactions may require epinephrine.

BEES

What you need to know: Bees are a very important part of our agriculture and environment. Once they sting, their stinger detaches and they are unable to sting again.

How to avoid: A lot like the wasps, wear lightcolored clothing, no strongly scented perfumes, keep surrounding areas clean and remain calm if insect is flying around.

How to treat: Treated a lot like a wasp sting. Remove stinger if needed, wash thoroughly, apply cold compress, and keep clean and dry. Severe reactions may require epinephrine.

FIRE ANTS

these characteristics include pupil shape, head shape, tails, etc. They can easily blend into the environment and can easily find home in wooded areas or in dark cool areas under everyday objects outdoors. Snakes are more active at night and in warm weather.

How to avoid: Avoiding trying to handle the snake.

Avoid areas where a snake may be hidden (tall grass, pile of leaves, rocks, pile of wood, etc). Wear the proper attire if working outdoors (long pants, boots, leather gloves).

How to treat: If bitten, most importantly, remain calm.

Remain as still as possible, lie down if able to help prevent the spread of the venom. Remove any tight clothing or jewelry near infected area and if able, cover with sterile, loose bandage. Seek medical attention immediately if you are unsure if they snake was venomous. PCLS

What you need to know: Fire ants can be identified primarily by their mound. The mound will have no center opening as usual for most ant beds. They tend to enter and exit mounds though underground tunnels.

These ants gravitate towards cooler temperatures and water sources so their mounds tend to pop up usually after a heavy rain.

How to avoid: Common to the mosquito, to prevent fire ant bites, insect repellents containing DEET or Picaridin is recommended.

How to treat: In a cycle of 20 minutes on, and 20 minutes off, apply cold compresses for swelling. A hydrocortisone cream is recommended to relieve any itching, or perhaps taking an antihistamine to manage minor allergic reactions.

SNAKES

What you need to know: Not all snakes are venomous.

It is important to properly educate yourself on the characteristics that separate the two types as to more easily identify the threat if ever faced with it. Some of

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NIGHT TO SHINE

HOMETOWN

HAPPENINGS

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PARKER COUNTY LIFE S TYLE

On February 7, 2020, Greenwood Baptist Church hosted Tim Tebow’s Night to Shine, crowning 200 attendants as Kings and Queens of the Night at The Springs Event Center. God’s love was shown through the volunteers as they escorted the attendees through hair and makeup, dinner and dancing, ending with being honored in God’s name and showered in His love.

Photos provided by Greenwood Baptist Church and Lindsey Sullivan Photography

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PARKER COUNTY LIFE S TYLE

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HO M E TOW N L I V I N G AT I TS B ES T

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An Oasis for Every Budget

By Lindsay L Allen Photos by Lindsey Sullivan Photography

I

f asked, everyone, especially in Texas, would admit to wanting a pool.

Perfect for lazy days, enjoying the outdoors and hosting friends and family, a pool is the perfect answer for any sunny day and a site to behold when considering your backyard landscaping and views. More often than not, the logistics of installing a pool and the falsely perceived costs prevent too many from pursuing their want.

Kyle Clark with RedFin Pools is here to assure all that there is

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PARKER COUNTY LIFE S TYLE

a pool for almost every budget and that having an ideal backyard gathering spot is possible!

While there is a pool for almost every budget, Kyle points out that the biggest myth he faces is the many who believe that a pool install still costs the same amount as it did 15 years ago. “Just like everything in this world, the labor and materials have gone up in price and thus, you can’t install the same pool for the same price from two decades ago,” he said.

However, for those seeking to install a pool but want to reduce the overall costs, Kyle recommends the following considerations:

1. SIZE OF THE POOL: Kyle said the largest cost associated with a pool comes from the amount of gunite used. “It’s based on the surface area of the pool, so the larger and deeper the pool, the more gunite will be used and the result is a larger price tag,” Kyle said.

2. FEATURES OF THE POOL: A slide is an awesome touch; a waterfall treatment is picture perfect and many other features like a low water tanning area are great additions but can add up. Selecting a smaller number of pool features will help meet budget restrictions.

3. DECKING SIZE: The amount of decking and the type of decking around the pool determines if the price tag goes up or down according to Kyle. By scaling back in this area, and avoiding travertine, pavers or stamped concrete as the decking selection, your dream of installing a pool within a tight budget can be a reality.

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If you are interested in setting up your backyard to be the desired location for all pool parties, Kyle recommends the following features that can add that perfect “wow” factor and create an inviting atmosphere.

“Landscaping, automation (using a control panel to control certain pool functions remotely, i.e. pump, heater, lights, water features, spa, etc.), lighting, grade changes/ multi-level pools, swim up bars and entertainment areas really can set your pool apart and provide the oasis that many are seeking when installing a pool,” Kyle continued. “We always incorporate landscaping with a pool because it completely changes the look and adds so much spark to the overall look. This is the first thing I always recommend to clients.”

Kyle went on to say, “One of our favorite parts of the process is the design stage. We use a lot of creativity which separates us from other companies. We don’t build the same pool twice and we love thinking outside of the box to give our customers the ‘wow’ factor.”

Another decision factor when installing a pool is whether or not it will be a salt or chlorine water. The price difference between two is that the salt system costs roughly $1,200 more, initially. The differences between salt or chlorine water boils down to user preference and should be researched based on these preferences as differences exist between the two as far as their effect on swimsuit material, skin sensitivities, chemical usage and costs, yearly maintenance fees and electricity required to keep the pool going.

At the end of the day, no pool is a bad pool on a summer day! Kyle pointed out that some clients have an idea of what they want, and others have a general idea/ direction and some have done their homework and researched and found the exact final product they want.

But regardless of what stage you are at, a pool is possible and the lack of ideas or overwhelming amount of ideas combined with a limited budget or more flexible spending, can all lead to one road—a pool in your very own backyard!

If you are considering a pool, map out your budget, non-negotiable features, any ideas and desires for landscaping and give RedFin pools a call. PCLS

START TO FINISH: INSTALLING YOUR DREAM POOL Once the design is established, it is time to start building your dream pool.

While there are a lot of factors play into the time it takes to install one, based on the selections by the client, the average pool takes 6-9 weeks from excavation to landscaping. Additionally, there is no “bad” time of the year to install a pool, but rain delays can add to the overall amount of time required.

STEPS TO BUILDING A POOL • Excavation • Rebar • Plumbing • Electrical • Gunite • Coping • Tile • Decks • Plaster • Cleanup • Mastic • Final Grade • Landscaping

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31

A Divine

Mission

J

IM MYNAUGH AND HIS WIFE KATHY ARE ON A DIVINE MISSION TO BRING CLEAN WATER TO AS MUCH OF THE WORLD AS POSSIBLE. 32

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by Rick Mauch

So, they started Divine Water. The non-profit organization funds water wells in parts of the world where people don't have access to clean, safe drinking water.

The group has two chapters, one in Pennsylvania, where they started it, the other in Texas, where they now live just outside of Weatherford. It is all volunteer, no salaries, no travel costs, and every penny donated goes directly to fund water projects.

Jim said he first got the idea to help others with their water needs while teaching a Bible class on Sunday mornings. They were studying a book entitled "The Hole In Our Gospel", which includes better ways to help each other.

Then came a trip on which Jim had his eyes opened even more.

"At the time I was working in India (as a chemical engineer), and we were going down the road about 15 miles per hour, so it was easy to see everything around me," he recalled. "There were boys wearing shorts, and they were bathing, and every little bit they'd shout at each other."

Jim soon learned that they were yelling at each other in intervals, warning each other to get out of the way of sewage that was coming out of the pipe that was also supplying the water in which they were bathing.

"I went back to my five-star hotel. I couldn't sleep.

It wasn't right what I saw," Jim said. "I went back to my church, met with the elders, and that's when we founded Divine Waters."

That was in 2011. Now, eight years later they are helping people in five countries improve their lives with better water.

They started in Haiti, and are now helping in Uganda, Mozambique, New Guinea, and Costa Rica. They partner with organizations such as the Texas Baptist Men's Group, Kibo Group International, Water Underground, and Healing Hands.

"We do it the right way. We don't just stick a well in the ground," Jim said. "There's about 50,000 wells in Africa that have been abandoned. People come in great intentions and then leave. That's not us."

Essentially, Divine Waters is a fundraising group. Their efforts help provide funds for partners to go in and do their jobs, which includes such projects as wells, troughs, outhouses, sanitation, sinks, pipelines, hand drills, well repairs, and even dish racks to keep dishes off the ground.

Jim said. That is, before they are introduced to clean water.

"You can't concentrate in school, you can't work, not when you're dealing with that all the time," he said. "Now, their dysentery rate is about the same as the United States."

Jim's "right way" is more than bringing water to the villages. The villagers are also taught to maintain a fund to maintain their water supply, in case repairs are ever needed for the well, etc. They typically pay about five or 10 cents monthly. They are educated mostly by Kibo officials, many of who grew up in villages, Jim said.

The villagers will also often help with the installation. Jim told the story of a villager in a wheelchair who dug a 40-foot deep latrine by himself.

"He's actually a huge person in the village now.

That raised his stature," Jim said.

There is, however, a lot more to be done, Jim said.

And yet, somehow, more continues to be done, even when Jim wonders where it is coming from.

"Once the board said, 'We're going to double donations.' I said how are we going to do that?" Jim said. "Then, I checked my mail and had two $1,000 checks from people I'd never met."

Then, he recalled having breakfast with a man in a restaurant and leaving with a $10,000 check. "He funded a well," Jim said.

Kathy said another person called asking if he might donate some money he inherited. "We didn't know him, but he wanted to help. That just happens," she said.

"You go to the tap here, turn it on, you expect water to come out. But there's about 750 million people in the world who can't do that," Jim said. "And we don't partner with any group that doesn't include sanitation."

Kathy added, "Some of them, until someone teaches them you need a latrine, for example, they're defecating all over their village. They don't know any better, and of course that's the most unhealthy situation you can imagine."

Jim recalled the time a chief in a village told him the rate of child molestation had gone down as a result of having a well in their village. Women and children were having to walk two hours to get water previously, putting them in danger on the road, along with the dangers of facing such animals as crocodiles and hippopotamus once they reached a place with water.

"We have heard several stories of people being attacked by crocs," he said. "It's just the opposite of here, where if you live on the water it's a prestigious thing. There, if you live on the water, you're poor as dirt, and it's a lot more dangerous."

Dysentery is also a problem in many of the villages,

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Divine Water is having a fundraising appreciation dinner at Weatherford Christian School on Nov. 9. Entertainment will be by master guitarist Jack Simmons, with a fiesta stack dinner. Tickets are $50 per person. For more, visit www.divine-water.org.

Jim said one of their hopes is to start another chapter of Divine Water. In the meantime, they stay busy with the two they have. For example, he and Kathy were recently joined by 10 others on a trip to Uganda to educate and help spread and raise funds upon their return.

Jim said visiting a village is a learning experience for everyone. He said one such time was a couple years when he gave some Tootsie Roll Pops to some children in the village.

"They put them in their mouths, and they didn't like them. But they didn't take the wrappers off," he said. "Then I showed them that you take the wrappers off first, and they all took their wrappers off and gave them to me. They thought I wanted the wrappers.

"Each of our projects changes people's lives 500 times over. If you track how many people in the world still need water, it's still going to be another 40-50 years to reach them all.We can't fix it all, but we can fix a little bit, and then a little bit more." PCLS

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Grace & Glory Women’s Conference 2020 Saturday, May 2, 9a - 3p

Cost - $35 (includes box lunch) for more information and to register visit wiiowparkbaptist.org 36

PARKER COUNTY LIFE S TYLE

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Believe Boldly

The Cure of the Cross

BY ERICA WILLIS

I

|

leaned forward to take it all in. The dark room was lit by the large television hanging on the wall, illuminating the outline of little hands and a button nose. I sat wideeyed, staring at the sonogram with watery eyes.

This baby—MY baby— was moving about the screen, making the most of her temporary home in her mother’s belly. I sat nearby the two of them, in awe of this mother’s strength to place her baby for adoption. The weight of motherhood settled further into the crevices of my heart and deep in my gut that day.

We waited four years for God to bring this baby into our family. It was four years until we would cradle her in our arms. Four years imagining a promise we couldn’t yet see with our eyes but felt in our hearts.

Isn’t that what faith is, after all? Believing in the

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B E L I E V E B O L D LY. C O M

things we cannot see; no matter what. We trusted the small voice of God until what we felt became what we saw.

Though I couldn’t see her, I knew she was there.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, must have felt this same anticipation of her baby boy. God spoke over her the promise of the child she would mother, telling of a future that set captives free and radically changed the entire world. As he grew in size and wisdom, she must have questioned if he would become the man she believed he was destined to be. Would His future greatness ever exist?

Would this baby really be hers?

Though she couldn’t see it, she knew He was there.

It’s human nature to look for a move of God before we trust God. And in the minutes and days and years it appears He isn’t working on our behalf, we grow in

When you feel He is failing you, He is always fighting for you!

our distrust of Him. When we distrust, we become discouraged. This is why God gave us these words from the Bible-“Therefore, we do not lose heart… We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16, 18 Did you know God can do some of His greatest work when you cannot see Him working? When you wonder if He is near? When you question whether He hears or cares for you? When you feel He is failing you, He is always fighting for you! It is His plan that holds it all together, and when we cannot trust our eyes, we must trust His voice.

The disciples learned this lesson through the agonizing death of Jesus on the cross, during the very first Easter weekend. The man they saw perform miracles for three years was wrongfully arrested and sentenced to death by crucifixion. They followed Jesus to the cross, where they saw Him die a horrible criminal’s death. It was then the disciples witnessed Jesus’s power as the ground shook, the sky turned black, and the veil in the temple was torn in half.

But even with that display of power, they could still see with their own eyes His lifeless body hanging on the cross. His human form showed no signs of power, hope, or resurrection. They began to lose heart as they wrapped his body and placed him in a tomb, what they believed would be his final resting place.

What they should have known was Jesus wasn’t done just yet. When all hope was lost and the disciples believed death had defeated Christ, Christ was actually defeating death!

During the three days Jesus’s physical body was lying in a tomb, He was spiritually doing the most powerful work He had ever done! Jesus defeated the devil by taking the keys to hell in an act of authority and victory. Death no longer held power over any Christian, ever.

Our Christian faith requires fixing our eyes on the unseen. What do you need today from God? Where do you feel Jesus is failing you? Where are your eyes playing tricks on you, telling you God doesn’t care? No matter what you face or endure, there is always hope to be found in Jesus.

Easter isn’t just a cross, it’s a cure.

It heals our wounds and brings us hope. It satisfies our wandering heart and anchors us to the Truth. It reminds us of the unseen battle God is always fighting on our behalf. Easter is love and sacrifice and salvation.

Even when we cannot see, feel, or hear Him, He is always on our side.

This Easter, let God become real for you. Trust Jesus, the only one who saves, even when you cannot see Him. Who knows?

Maybe He is doing a great work on your behalf.

Though you may not see Him today, know He is there.

- Erica

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THE

New Age

Cowgirl

By Lindsay L Allen Photos by Eric Priddy Photography

No longer your typical cowgirl, Bree Worthington Clay has moved her saddle from her trick horse to a different kind of four-legged animal, the buffalo.

W

hen you think of a Texas cowgirl, you probably think about a graceful female loping on her beautiful horse as they cover open pastures. While there is nothing wrong with that image, it doesn’t fit Bree Worthington Clay’s life as a cowgirl.

Bree grew up in a rodeo family. The heritage goes so far back she doesn’t even know how everyone in her family got into the sport, but she does know she wouldn’t have asked for any other life. “My dad rodeoed and had bucking stock. My grandad was a pro rodeo rider and my great, great aunt, Jackie Worthington, was all around cowgirl and is in the Cowgirl Hall of Fame,” she said.

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“I was always at a rodeo and saw someone trick riding and began taking lessons at age five and by age 10 I had my PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboy Associations) Pro card and was ready to perform.” A Pro card is a permit earned by cowboys and cowgirls that allows them to compete at the PRCA level and she went on to obtain her PRCA Gold card, meaning she had over two decades of experience in the field.

After she spent decades in (and out) of her saddle as she went all over the country trick riding, Bree had an opportunity to move her saddle to a different kind of four-legged animal.

Eighteen years ago, a family friend surprised Bree with a three-day old buffalo, weighing roughly 40 pounds. Knowing how much she loved animals, he saw this an opportunity for Bree to train something besides a horse--and she did just that.

“I had just got back from performing at a wild west show and was given this tiny thing to care for,” Bree recalled. “It was such a shock. It wasn’t something I had hinted at or knew I wanted at the time.”

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Miko is trained to ride, stand on a pedestal and jump through a ring of fire. His skills even landed him a job!

He is now the mascot for Plains Capital Bank and is often seen at bank grand openings, on bank billboards and calendars and attends the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo weekly during its annual run in conjunction with the bank’s sponsorship at the rodeo. Miko was hired for the job after the president of the bank came out to Bree’s ranch to see Miko and realized throughout the “interview” process with Miko that he would be a great addition to the bank and Bree saw it as a great partnership for educating the public about the species.

Along the way she acquired two more for her herd.

Tuffy was a rescue operation 11 years ago from South Texas. After his mother was killed by a bull in the herd, Tuffy was left an orphan at just a week old and the owners didn’t know how to care for him. Bree was connected to Tuffy through the Texas Bison Association and brought him home in a dog crate and has been caring for him ever since. While he never fully recovered in his size and strength and will always be smaller than most buffalo, Bree was able to nurse him back to health and give him life.

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And just what does a buffalo eat? Miko, Tuffy and HOPE enjoy grazing coastal pastures in the day along with a scoop of grain daily.

While she was able to connect with other buffalo owners and breeders and veterinarians, she had to learn by trial and error when it came to training Miko.

“I have never met another buffalo that can do what Miko can do,” she says. “I just had to figure it out on my own and apply a lot of lessons I learned from training my trick riding horses.”

She is a member of the Texas Bison Association and through her participation with this group, even took Miko to the steps of the capital to help push a bill through, which now declares November 7 to be Bison Day in the state of Texas!

HOPE was third to join the family eight years ago.

An acquaintance of hers worked closely with the Lakota Indians and helps them with their bison conversation efforts. When HOPE, whose name means healer of people enchanted, was newly born he made his way to Bree’s property and hasn’t left since. What makes HOPE even more special is that he is white in color, but not an albino, which makes him extremely rare and to top it off, he is halter broke.

While all three were “surprises”, Bree has been intentional about learning to care for them and advocate for the species as a whole. She has listened to veterinarians and industry specialists offer advice and watches her buffalos bodies to see what is and is not working in their diet.

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“The day is meant to focus on conservation efforts,” Bree continued. “We have brought the numbers of bison up and have worked to keep herds pure bison (verses breeding with cattle).”

Bree’s herd of three are all steers and while she admits there is a pecking order amongst them, the need for any type of speciality fence isn’t needed. “They are all comfortable in the pasture, since it is all they have known and so I am able to keep them together and in a pasture with the same type of fencing that would keep in livestock,” Bree said. “But I realize that isn’t always the case. When you bring adult buffalo into a new territory you might need better reinforcements and taller fencing.”

In fact, Bree’s buffalo can manage to get along with each other well enough that they can even share a trailer ride together if they all three need to go somewhere. “It’s like children, you need a bit of a divider between them, but so long as the partitions are up, they all three can fit and ride together!” said the mother of two, Dillon and Millie. In fact, Bree said caring for her herd parallels motherhood quite frequently.

Buffalos have a life expectancy of about 30 years, so Bree still has many wonderful years ahead of her with Miko, Tuffy and HOPE. For a cowgirl that rode all over the United States for nearly 40 years performing for crowds and doing stunts on top of her horse that was running full speed around the rodeo arena, caring for these three steers will just be one more story in her back pocket.

“I was never scared of trick riding. I have always been a thrill seeker and wasn’t afraid to try new stunts with my horse,” Bree said. It’s that same search for the next thrill that most likely led her to take on this adventure 18 years ago when Miko was given to her and what helped her say “yes” so quickly when Tuffy and HOPE needed a place to call home. PCLS

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Until They All Have Homes

by Rick Mauch Photos by Eric Priddy Photography

Simple but powerful, Weatherford Whiskers’ motto is “Until they all have homes.” More than just a shelter, they are seeking for find the best fit for each and every cat that crosses their threshold.

T

he message at Weatherford Whiskers is simple but powerful.

"Until they all have homes."

Whiskers specializes in helping cats find a home, particularly those that are at high risk from local shelters.

They also help feral cats through a Trap/Neuter/Release Program, assist in the local Barn Cat Program, and more.

In short, if a cat is in need of help, Whiskers is there to lend a hand.

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Carole Malugani, founder and president of Weatherford Whiskers, started the all-volunteer program in May of 2017. A year later they signed the lease on their facility at 807 E. Park Ave. in Weatherford.

Carole started Whiskers after she volunteered at the Weatherford Animal Shelter and realized cats weren't getting adopted as often as dogs.

"It was very hard to see the cats in the cages and get them adopted. People want to see whatever animal they are thinking of adopting," she said. "The cats would turn away because they were scared. There would be large dogs barking in the other cages, and the cats were trying to hide.

"Here, they are free roaming. A lot of kids come in and play with them. The kids have fun, the cats and kittens enjoy it. They can get to know each other a little bit."

While at the animal shelter, Carole won three awards, including Volunteer of the Year and for Dedication to the Barn Cat Program. The one of which she is most proud, however, is Special Appreciation for Giving Cats a Voice.

And that is what she and her many volunteers continue

to do. From "bottle baby" volunteers to laundering blankets, there's a job for everybody in the Whiskers group.

"We do a lot of different things. Everybody has their niche," Carole said. "But we all have the same common goal."

Foster families/parents often help prepare cats for adoption. They help them get three sets of shots, a rabies vaccination, get spayed or neutered, tested for feline AIDS or leukemia (they can't come to Whiskers if they test positive), and micro-chipped.

They are then brought to Whiskers to await adoption.

That is, unless a foster decides to keep the cat themselves which does happen often.

"I called Carole for another reason, and she told me about these two bottle babies," said Sandra Campbell, a volunteer from Mineral Wells. "Travis and Molly now live with me. They will be 3 in August."

A bottle baby is a kitten without a mother. The kitten needs nursing, hence the bottle.

Carol said perhaps Whiskers' greatest accomplishment to date was the rescue of a kitten that weighed 1.8 ounces upon arrival. It was recently adopted, weighing 4 pounds.

"We honestly did not expect it to survive. It shocked us.

Jamie (the volunteer who nursed it with a bottle) did such a marvelous job," Carole said.

Whiskers is 100 percent financed through donations with a few small grants, Carole said. Also, folks can donate or bring items such as food and litter to their annual event Cupcakes and Kittens, set for April 18 from noon-4 p.m. at the center this year.

"I pay the lease and utilities. The people's donations should go directly to help the animals," Carole said.

Whiskers also works with PetSmart on adoption events.

Also, local high school students come serve as volunteers to get service hours. Groups such as Girl Scouts will help as well.

The building in which Whiskers resides was formerly a veterinarian's office, so it was almost a perfect fit for the project. With just a little renovation - all from volunteer labor - Whiskers had a stationary home.

Not to say they don't go out into the community as they do have a 17-foot trailer, complete with the same mural that is on the side of their building. They use it to take cats to events such as the Peach Festival, Christmas on the Square, etc.

Once a cat comes to Whiskers, they remain there until a home is found.

Some weeks Whiskers will have three or four cats adopted, others as many as 10. The most they've had in one week is around 15, during a national adoption event, Carole said. Last year they saved over 500 cats.

Whiskers works with not only the Weatherford Parker County Animal Shelter, but also the shelter in Mineral Wells on a regular basis. They've also received animals from as far as away as Paris - Texas, that is, but of course they'd also gladly help a kitty in need in Paris, France just as well.

"To us it's a cat in need, it doesn't matter where it's from," Carole said. "If we can help it, we do."

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The Barn Cat Program is one in which wild cats are moved to help control the rat and mouse population in barns. Carole calls them the "Rat Patrol Gang."

Once a cat comes to Whiskers, they remain there until a home is found. And rest assured, if there is a home out there, Carole and her gang will find it. They recently took in four 9-year-old cats, and in no time at all found a home for two, with the other two comfortably waiting.

"A lot of seniors want older cats," Carole said. "They don't want to have to take care of a kitten at their age. A 9-year-old cat with maybe 10 years to live is perfect for them."

"We do a lot of different things.

Everybody has their niche," Carole said.

"But we all have the same common goal."

Even wild, or feral, cats can count on help from Whiskers. Working with the Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP), the TNR Program sterilizes feral cats and returns them to their colony, thus controlling the population.

So why not put them up for adoption? “Feral cats are born in the wild and like living that way,� Carole said.

"If you took all the feral cats out of circulation, you'd have a real rat and mouse problem," she said. "Also, you'd have more snakes because they are there for the rats and mice."

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And if, for whatever reason, a cat has to be returned to Whiskers - even a year or so later, they will take it back and keep it until they can find it a new home.

"Every once in a while we'll have a situation where it's not a good fit. For example, a family had children and some dogs and it turned out to not be a good setting for the cat," Carole said. "The family did the right thing and brought it back. We will always take our cats back. We don't want them to end up in a shelter."

Among the volunteers who help Whiskers on a regular basis is Dr. Ami Traver at Elite Equine and Small Animal Clinic in Springtown.

"They do a wonderful job of helping us. We can call her anytime," Carole said.

At Whiskers, there's also the popular pet food pantry that serves not only cats but other animals as well. If someone is in need of food or some supplies for their animal but is struggling with finances, for example, they can receive help from Whiskers. In fact, one volunteer

spends his spare time traveling to pet stores gathering overstocked and torn bags of food to bring to Whiskers.

"Weatherford Whiskers saves the cats that aren't going to be around tomorrow because they'd be put to sleep in a shelter," volunteer, Joann Prestridge, said.

"We all go in knowing goodbye is the goal," Carole said. "When we say goodbye, they go into a good home, and it opens up space for us to save another cat." PCLS

Weatherford Whiskers 807 E. Park Ave. Weatherford, TX 76086 817-694-4106 www.weatherfordwhiskers.org

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Future Site of Family Care Center

Do you know a single mother who could use some help?

The Texas Pythian Home Family Care Center will offer mothers and their children a safe and nurturing environment to live and grow in. While living in the Family Care Center, the mother will complete a program to equip her with the life skills and parenting skills to be successful in life.

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What’s

Par ke r Up, County?

Calendar of Events

MARCH 17TH Spring Break Cookie Camp @ Clark Gardens 10am

20TH Spring Break Open Swim @ The Swim Lesson People 10am

21ST Painting with a Twist in the Gardens @ Clark Gardens 11am Water Babies Orientation @ The Swim Lesson People 10:15am Retro Rockhopper’s Car Show @ Heritage Park Amphitheater 10am

22ND Gift of Adoption Fair @ Doss Heritage and Culture Center 2pm

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24TH Lamar and Houston Grade School Art Show Reception @ Clark Gardens 6:30pm

28TH 2020 Lions Gala @ Weatherford Christian School 6:30pm

28/29TH Weatherford Music Festival @ Heritage Park

29TH The Local Review @ Downtown Cantina 10am

APRIL 4TH Keep Weatherford Beautiful Trash-Off 2020 9am Easter Egg Hunt @ Central Baptist Church of Weatherford 10am

PARKER COUNTY LIFE S TYLE

4TH

7TH

4th Annual Bunny Bonanza @ Weatherford Downtown District 11am

Food Truck Lounge Night @ Heritage Park 6pm

5TH

Goat Yoga @ Pav Yoga 11am

Trade Days @Southern Sunflowers Vinyl Creations

11TH

17/18TH Spring Fling Chili Cookoff & BBQ @ VFQ Post 4746

18TH Jerry’s Car Show @ Jerry’s Chevrolet 11am

19TH Yoga in the Garden @ Clark Gardens 2pm

18TH Parker County SuperHeroes 5K Run/Walk @ First Monday Trade Days 9:30am

18TH Capturing Legacy @Doss Heritage and Culture Center 6:30pm

19TH

MAY 2ND 2nd Annual Mother’s Day Tea @ Martin Crest Assisted Living and Memory 2pm 3rd Annual PCPA Pitchin’ for Pets Softball Tournament @ Holland Lake Softball Fields 9:30am

12TH PCNA Battle of the Axes @ Parker Co Axe Company 5pm

17TH Yoga in the Gardens @ Clark Gardens 2pm

CampCareul @ Grace First Presbyterian 2pm

JUNE

21ST

6TH

Needlework Group @ Weatherford Public Library 6pm

Parker County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo Parade @ PSCP Rodeo Grounds 6:30pm

22ND Earth Day and Founder’s Day @ Clark Gardens 8am

25TH 2020 International Piano Competition @ Weatherford College 7pm

25TH April Pool’s Day @ The Swim Lesson People 10am

30TH May 2020 Scrapbook Retreat @ Covered Bridge Inn 10am

6TH Junk in the Trunk @ Peacock’s Feed and Boutique 10am

7TH Sunday Song Swap @ Antebellum Ale House 1pm

9TH PRCA Extreme Bullriding @ PSCP Rodeo Grounds 7:30pm

11TH

14TH

Wildlife on the Move @ Weatherford Public Library 10am

Yoga in the Gardens @ Clark Gardens 2pm

Center of Hope Serve Day @ Center of Hope 8:45am

Homeschool Curriculum Display @ Weatherford Public Library 10am

16TH

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more upcoming events!

Parker County LifeStyle Magazine

pclifestyle

A QUIET MAN OF FEW WORDS, SCOTT PICKENS MANAGES THE DIAMOND S BUCKING BULLS RANCH IN WEATHERFORD, AND SPEAKS WITH KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, AND PASSION ABOUT THE BULLS, BULL RIDING AND THE SPORT OF RODEO.

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MORE THAN EIGHT SECONDS

By Connie Lewis Leonard Photos by Eric Priddy Photography

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ull riders put their life on the line to hear the eight second buzzer. Staying on a churning, turning, twisting, shifting 2,000-pound bucking bull provides an adrenaline rush for both athletes— man and animal. Spectators ooh and aww, squirm and scream, feeling the excitement for eight seconds, or more if the bull puts on a wild after-the-ride show. However, being successful in the world of rodeo takes much more than an eight-second ride in the arena.

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Scott Pickens manages the Diamond S Bucking Bulls Ranch in Weatherford. A quiet man of few words, Scott spoke with knowledge, experience and passion about his bulls, bull riding and the sport of rodeo. Wrestling was his sport in high school. He was a champion, but he wanted to ride bulls.

Bob Tallman, a Hall of Fame rodeo announcer, had a ranch in Baker City, OR. Scott called and asked if he could come work on his ranch. Bob said, “If you work as hard as you wrestle, I’ll hire you.” The ranch manager rode bulls, so Scott tried it. He rode bulls for fifteen years, which he loved but “wasn’t very good at it.”

Back in the day, rodeos used swamp bulls and bulls from sale barns. Brahma bulls have great athletic ability and are rangy animals. Bodacious, one of the greatest bucking bulls of all time, opened the door for breeding

and developing bucking bulls as its own unique breed.

When the Rodeo Stock Registry began, they hired Scott to run the registry, which sold to the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) and became ABBI (American Bucking Bull, Inc).

Twenty-five to thirty years of specific breeding have produced eight to ten generations of pure bucking bulls, both the mamas and the papas. Bucking is in their genes— they know what’s going on, and they enjoy doing it.

Even with selective genetic breeding, not all bulls are equal. They either have the kick, or they don’t. Scott handles his bulls as yearlings getting them used to the bucking chute. At fourteen months, he straps a small dummy on their back and lets them buck a couple of times. He waits a year to try them again, and he only keeps the best performers.

BUCKING IS IN THEIR GENES—THEY KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON, AND THEY ENJOY DOING IT.

Two-year-olds can compete, and there’s a lot of money if they do well. However, that cuts down on their longevity. Scott likes big bulls that are stout enough not to hurt themselves. By three years, his bulls are being ridden. Their longevity is usually four to five years, and he doesn’t want to wear them out before their time.

The bulls are numbered at birth. When they make the team cuts, they receive a name. The registry maintains a data base, and Scott works hard not to duplicate names.

He has used names from Louis L’Amour novels and rock songs. His ten-year-old daughter Lela named Floating Fury, Bucket Head and Ferdinand. Some names can be combined for offspring like Cat Ballou, Cat Daddy and Cyber Cat; Rustler’s Paradise and Rustler’s Roost; Paradise City and Paradise Lost; Foolish Pride, Foolish and Cruel, Foolish Crimes and Foolish Dreams. By the time he names them, Scott knows his bulls and tries to find a name that fits.

Much of Scott’s work could be compared to a baseball manager. He rotates his bulls, like a baseball manager rotates his pitchers, protecting them and ensuring they are in their peak bucking performance. When he showed me his hand-written schedules with the bull’s numbers, I asked how he converts the numbers to names. He said, “I know my bulls. I know their names, their numbers, their markings, and their horns.” That’s remarkable to me because he keeps around 150 bulls. While he’s at one rodeo, he’s setting up schedules for three-four rodeos months out. He knows which rodeos he’ll be at in 2020 and 2021.

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To make the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, the bulls have to compete and do well in the major rodeos.

He may compete with eight or nine other subcontractors.

If he takes twenty to thirty head, each bull may buck two times. The finals only take the top 10 bulls out of perhaps 600 bulls that are good enough. Each of the 7580 contractors nominate bulls, and the top bull riders look at them and decide which bulls get to go. Since fifty points are based on the bull, the cowboys want the best bucking bulls, the athletes with the testosterone, size, muscle, and drive to work to get the rider off their back.

They’re not mean, but the adrenaline doesn’t stop with the buzzer.

Scott is proud that in eleven years, he has built one of the most premiere bull organizations in the world. Bulls born and raised on the Diamond S have won Bull of the Year: Palm Springs in 2011 and Cat Ballou in 2012. Big Iron has won runner up twice. Sharp Shooter has been to the finals twice, and is still bucking at ten years old.

Scott has been keeping records on cows since 2001. He plans the breeding about five years ahead. The six-seven year process has paid off, and Diamond S Bucking Bulls won the Breeder of the Year Award with the bull “Wicked Stick” in 2016.

Kelly, his wife, grew up riding horses and competing in rodeos. A mutual friend introduced them at the Fort Worth Stock Show where she was performing as a trick rider. Now she helps him gather livestock, feed (the bulls get grain every day), doctor bulls, as well as general ranch and office work, especially while he’s on the road.

SCOTT IS PROUD THAT IN ELEVEN YEARS, HE HAS BUILT ONE OF THE MOST PREMIERE BULL ORGANIZATIONS IN THE WORLD. 62

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Scott handles his bulls all the time so he can get to know them and spot a train wreck before it happens. He separates his bulls into several different pastures. They have to learn to get along within the pecking order they establish. They must be used to loading and unloading and sharing a pen with other bulls in their herd.

His most harrowing experience happened when he was hauling bulls to Las Vegas. He unloaded in a pen in New Mexico at 1:00 am. Two bulls got into a fight, and one bull knocked the other against the gate, trapping Scott. He iced his knee and drove on to the rodeo the next day. The rodeo’s sports medicine doctor told him he had torn his ACL and needed surgery. Scott said, “I don’t have time for this.” The doctor fitted him with a brace that he wore for two months. He had surgery, rested on the couch for two weeks, and went to the next rodeo wearing a brace so he could keep working.

Not only does Scott want the Diamond S bulls to do well, but he wants to make rodeo better for future generations. Rodeo is the greatest American sport because they still pray and sing the National Anthem before every performance, and it is family friendly. It is like a Wild West Show with professional-level athletes.

By improving the Bucking Bull breed, Scott will leave rodeo in a better place than he found it. PCLS

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WEALTH

MANAGEMENT

888-340-8200 | 208 North Main Street, Suite 200, Weatherford, Texas 76086 | www.HuttonFinancial.com Paul Hutton offers securities and investment advisory services through Woodbury Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Fixed and traditional insurance offered through Hutton Wealth Management Advisors, which is not affiliated with Woodbury Financial Services, Inc.

DFW Frenchies We a t h e r f o rd , T X

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Gorgeous French Bulldogs from My Arms to Yours 64

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913 N. Elm St., Weatherford, TX 76086

817-594-2747 | 800-593-2747 Fax: 817-596-7806 | www.galbreaithpickard.com

Serving every family as if you are a part of our own Also serving families at our East Parker County location Norma Plowman • James R. Plowman Misty Plowman Engel • Angie Plowman Hernandez

Galbreaith Pickard Hilltop Chapel & Event Center 4941 I-20 Frontage Road | Willow Park, TX 76087

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TRINITY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY HOMETOWN

HAPPENINGS

Some awesome stuff going on at Trinity Christian Academy this Spring!

Photos provided by Trinity Christian Academy

ALADDIN JR

8TH GRADE TRIP TO DC

ALADDIN JR

1ST GRADE CONT RACTIONS

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ALADDIN JR

PAYTON ALBERTS STATE CHAMPION SWIMMER 50M FREESTYLE

E 5TH _ 6TH GRAD AM TE LL BA VOLLEY FINISHED 2ND ALADDIN JR 8TH GRADE TRIP TO DC

MS. PRE-CAL WON 1ST PLACE PRE-CAL AND CALCULUS TEA OTE MATH COMPETITION COY E LEG COL IN WEATHERFORD

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Be Well, PA R K E R CO U NT Y! From dental to chiropractic to elderly care, residents of Parker County have a multitude of options for ensuring their wellness is covered. A few local providers tell us about their services and options for care in our area.

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> BOTOX COSMETIC > DYSPORT > FACIAL FILLERS > MICRONEEDLING WITH PRP > SILKPEEL DERMALINFUSION > NON SURGICAL HAIR RESTORATION

(PRP)

> MEDICAL WEIGHT-LOSS > SKINCARE PRODUC TS > CHEMICAL PEELS > BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONES

> COMING SOON: COOL TONE

1020 Ft. Worth Hwy., Ste 800 | Weatherford, TX 76086

817-596-7666

fcscweatherford.com

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM.

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more game. less pain.

When you have serious symptoms, don’t wait to get the help you need. The physicians and emergency care team at Medical City Weatherford are dedicated to getting you from assessment to treatment and back to life faster.

(R00) Weatherford ER Local Publication Print Ad.indd 1

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1/29/2020 3:59:53 PM

Provided by Medical City Weatherford

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roviding high-quality and compassionate care to Parker County, Medical City Weatherford dedicates themselves to specialized treatments to meet the needs of each patient.

With services ranging from women’s services, heart and vascular, and emergency care, Medical City Weatherford’s collaborative team works to ensure successful outcomes for our community.

Understanding every minute counts in a health-related emergency, preparation is key. As a Level IV Trauma Center, Medical City Weatherford’s experienced team of physicians and nurses are ready to lend a healing hand when you most need it most. In addition to advanced, comprehensive emergency care for adults, Medical City Weatherford offers emergency services for infants and children of all ages. The staff and specially trained physicians provide the highest quality healthcare according to guidelines for care set by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Emergency Physicians and the Emergency Nurses Association.

Medical City Weatherford is Parker County’s only Chest Pain

Accredited facility and is staffed with a highly skilled cardiovascular team 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.

The hospital has been recognized by The American College of Cardiology for its expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. The facility was awarded the Chest Pain Center Accreditation based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack. In addition to emergent cardiovascular care, the team can provide scheduled cardiac interventions in their two Catheterization Laboratories which allows residents to remain close to home surrounded by their support systems.

Weatherford’s labor and delivery department is fully equipped to make every woman’s delivery experience a happy, healthy one. From their highly trained obstetrics team to their comfortable environment and caring staff, Medical City Weatherford is there to help each woman prepare for labor, delivery, and their postpartum experience, all close to home.

Inclusive of 103 allprivate rooms, the healthcare system also includes a network of medical clinics in Parker County. For further information on services provided or to find a local physician, please visit MedicalCityWeatherford.com.

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FAMILY, COSMETIC & IMPLANT DENTISTRY

DR. GOODWIN IS AN ADVANCED GENERAL DENTIST SPECIALLY TRAINED IN COSMETIC AND IMPLANT DENTISTRY. HE IS ALSO TRAINED IN PEDIATRIC, ADOLESCENT AND ADULT ORTHODONTICS FROM THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF ORTHODONTICS.

“Dentistry is an amazing platform where I have the daily opportunity to impact someone’s life by improving their health, reducing their risks of oral disease, or enhancing their smile.

- DR. WILLIAM GOODWIN

BEFORE

AFTER

Before and After photos from a patient smile makeover.

aledodentistry.com FOLLOW US ON

B

682-312-5260 • 709 N FM 1187, Ste. 600

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One-stop fitness emporium • premier fitness, training, and yoga club • largest facility in Weatherford, Texas • serving Weatherford for over 20 years

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wners Kelley and edwin Martinez have always had a passiOn fOr health and fitness.

That passion has led them to be the proud new owners of the long time successful gym, FitUSA Family Fitness in Weatherford, TX. The Martinez’s have a simple plan to build on and continue to create a positive environment ensuring “family” is at the center of their gym.

Martinez claims, “We want people to feel like they are part of a something when they walk through the doors, we want them to feel appreciated and know we value each and every member with us. We are like a family.”

Kelley is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Fitness Nutrition Specialist, Group Personal Training Specialist and Weight Loss Specialist. She has also been a very successful bodybuilding competitor.

Health has always been top of mind for Kelley and her family, however her interest for a career utilizing her knowledge skyrocketed after losing her father to heart disease in 2013.

She has adopted a purpose and mindset that no matter what your genetics are, we all have the ability to improve our lives and our health.

“I am driven by the desire to help others feel empowered to acknowledge their obstacles and take action to be a better version of themselves. My goal is to always guide people to stop cycles of guilt and shame and reframe a mindset of ability and control over their health,” Martinez says.

Fit USA Family Fitness has been a staple in Weatherford for over 15 years. The Martinez family is 100% committed to the long-term growth of the gym. Fit USA is also dedicated to ensure their facility is filled with variety that suits the needs for everyone here in Parker County. They are one of the few gyms that offer a large facility, group fitness, childcare, Silver Sneakers program, and personal or group training. In addition, Fit USA is located in the same building as Karate University, so parents can workout while their child takes karate classes.

If you are looking for a place to call home to attain your fitness goals with help creating a healthier “You”; Fit USA Family Fitness is the place to visit. You will be welcomed by Kelley, Edwin, and their staff with open arms. You will instantly be a part of their family. Their depth of knowledge in health and fitness, along with their appreciation and love for each individual is truly unsurpassed. Fit USA Family Fitness lives by their philosophy: “A gym is not a gym without its members, and a trainer isn’t a trainer without people to train. Our members are family, and we are invested to seeing them succeed and feel proud!”

www.facebook.com/fitusafamilyfitness

www.fitusaweatherford.com 817.598.9100 | 301 I-20 Frontage Rd. | Weatherford, TX 76087 HO M E TOW N L I V I N G AT I TS B ES T

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Brazos River Regional Day School Program

for the Deaf

By Connie Lewis Leonard Photos by Lindsey Sullivan Photography

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ilence is not golden when you can’t hear birds chirping or music or the laughter and soft voices of little children. Hearing loss and deafness can create feelings of isolation when surrounded by people you can’t understand. Hearing loss produces frustration when you have to ask people to repeat what they said. For many people, like me, hearing declines with age. Other people are born deaf or with a significant hearing loss.

S

Brazos River Regional Day School Program for the Deaf (RDSPD) is an amazing program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students (DHH). Teachers, interpreters, communication assistants, speech pathologists, an audiologist, a program assistant and a board of directors are all creative, dedicated, caring, smart, innovative lifelong learners who work tirelessly to support the needs of all the DHH students and families they serve. They do great things for kids every day.

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Christy Fugitt became the Program Coordinator in September of 2019. “My main responsibility is to manage the DHH programs in order to provide services and meet individual educational needs of the students. In addition to providing academic instruction, we provide listening technologies, communication access, assessment, family coaching, transition services, opportunities for interaction with other DHH students, community connections and advocacy training across 31 districts and 5,000 square miles. The individual school districts where the students live are each responsible to transport students from their district to the cluster site. The bus ride can add up to three hours to some of our students’ school day.”

“The two most significant predictors of success in children who are deaf or hard of hearing are Age of Identification and Parental Involvement.” (YoshinagaItano, Sedy, Moller) The Texas Newborn Hearing Screening Program (NBHS) was established in 1999 through the passage of House Bill 714 and is currently being implemented in Texas hospitals offering obstetrical services. It is crucial to identify DHH as soon as possible, preferably by one month of age, and confirmed by an audiologist before three months of age.

Fugitt said, “As far as amplification goes, our students and their families make this decision with their medical doctor and/or audiologist, and we provide the needed supports to maximize access to classroom instruction and transition opportunities. There are students utilizing traditional hearing aids, cochlear implants, bone anchored hearing aids as well as some who are using no amplification at all.

“We have an educational audiologist on staff to assist in determining how a student is using and benefiting from their amplification. Aided hearing tests are an important part of the assessments collected in determining need for services. This goes back to the individuality of each student as we consider not only what the student is able to access with their amplification devices, but also what they are doing with that information. We look at mode of communication, language development, auditory processing, academic performance, social/emotional, self-advocacy and so many other skills needed for educational success to determine the students’ individual needs and associated services and supports. Placement is the last piece of the puzzle. It’s the least restrictive environment in which the services and supports can best be implemented for that student. Placement is not determined by aided hearing results only.”

Infants (birth to three years old) and their families are provided services through Early Childhood Intervention in their home. A Deaf Ed teacher provides family coaching addressing the individual needs of the family with regard to early language learning, amplification, auditory training, mode of communication, coordination of medical services, working with caregivers, transition to the school setting at three years old, and any other auditory supports the family may need. RDSPD also offers sign language classes for families and specific opportunities for families to meet each other.

The cluster site uses Total Communication in the classrooms, meaning staff incorporates all means of communication into the classroom including conceptual sign language, speech, gestures, body language, listening, speech reading, and fingerspelling. The students are exposed to conceptual sign language daily. For some, it is their primary mode of communication while others use sign to communicate with their peers or for clarification of spoken language.

“The reward, when the students are successful in communicating, learning and showing growth is the best part!”

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Student services are determined by the ARD (Assessment Review Determination) committee which in turn produces their IEP (Individual Educational Plan). Assessments are completed, data is collected and all of it is presented in an ARD committee meeting.

Using all of the collected information, services and supports are recommended for the student. Then, the committee, including school staff and parents of the student, create a unique IEP for the student. The student is placed in the least restrictive environment in which their IEP can be implemented. Deaf Education staff are available to provide services on a daily basis at the cluster site. Weekly or itinerant services can be provided at the student’s home campus in some cases.

Fugitt gave me a tour of the Bill Wright Elementary School beginning with the pre-K classroom. I was amazed to see little three- and four-year-olds using sign language, even though they had hearing aids or cochlear implants. They were well-behaved, happy, engaged learners. One little girl, Cali Estrada (age 3), invited me to join her at center time. We moved on to observe Kindergarten through fifth grade, then to middle school and high school where I was able to speak with a pleasant, confident young man, David Lopez (age 15). The interpreters sat near the front of the room in the regular education classes without distracting other students. Everything I saw impressed me.

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WHO WE ARE: 11 AI Certified Teachers 7 Communication Assistants 3 Certified interpreters 1 Program Coordinator 1 Program Assistant 1 Licensed Audiologist

WHAT WE PROVIDE: Christy said, “The most rewarding and challenging part of the job is somewhat the same. Every student in our program is different and has individual needs. Creating the plan to address those unique needs requires a lot of assessment and data collection. The process is always a challenge as we strive to give each student exactly what they need. The process is never the same. There is no pattern to follow. But, the reward, when the students are successful in communicating, learning and showing growth is the best part! Seeing our staff implementing the plans, working with the kids, doing what they love is the best part!

“Our students are successful in many different areas.

We have had students in band, Blue Belles, play sports, in AP classes, attending college, gainfully employed and continue to impress us with the great things they are accomplishing! The communities and schools we represent are supportive and embrace the opportunity to engage with DHH students.”

Whether students are serviced in their home district or at the cluster site, opportunities exist for them to come together to communicate and support each other. These include: Deaf Deaf World at TCC, Signing Santa, Battle of the Books, Secondary Social Field Trips, Optimist Communication Contest for DHH (students have the opportunity to compete for scholarships-which students in RDSPD have claimed for the past three consecutive years!), Deaf Ed Family Picnic, Imagination Texas, Summer Language Enrichment programs and Family Meetings.

Many businesses and government facilities hire Spanish-speaking employees to meet the needs of people who do not speak English. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we made those same accommodations for DHH? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if schools taught sign language to all students? It’s something to consider. PCLS

• ​Parent-Infant Services • Itinerant Services • Cluster sites providing specialized instruction for school age 3-21 • PK, Elementary, Junior High, High School • Audiological Services

Districts We Serve: Bluff Dale ISD, Brock ISD, Dublin ISD, Evant ISD, Garner ISD, Glen Rose ISD, Goldthwaite ISD, Gordon ISD, Graford ISD, Granbury ISD, Hamilton ISD, Hico ISD, Huckabay ISD, Jonesboro ISD, Lingleville ISD, Lipan ISD, Lometa ISD, Millsap ISD, Mineral Wells ISD, Morgan Mill ISD, Palo Pinto ISD, Peaster ISD, Poolville ISD, Priddy ISD, Santo ISD, Springtown ISD, Stephenville ISD, Strawn ISD, Three Way ISD, Tolar ISD, and Weatherford ISD

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JOIN US FOR GOAT YOGA ON APRIL 11

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PRIVATE SESSIONS AVAILABLE // 678.232.4576 // 124 YORK AVE, WEATHERFORD, TX 76086

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HEALTH BENEFITS of Yoga

By Johnna Thomasson Photos by Thomasson Photography

I

n a world run by modern medicine, we often overlook all the natural ways we have been gifted to radically treat and maintain a healthy mind, body, and soul. One might be surprised to learn that the health benefits yoga has on the body, both physically and mentally.

Although most popularly known to improve symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression by directly influencing the production of stress hormones in the body, yoga also has a very real physical affect as well.

Everything from inflammation, heart health, chronic pain, and migraines have been scientifically proven to have benefited from the practice of yoga. “There is power in this practice to help calm, heal, and enable us to move past what is holding us back,� explains Pav Yoga owner and instructor, Ally McCrory. Through regular practice, yoga is known to also promote better sleep, healthier eating habits, all while strengthening the body.

Pav Yoga is a locally owned and operated hot power Yoga studio allowing the public a peaceful environment to accelerate further mental and physical growth.

With a total of 5 instructors and a full class schedule, Pav Yoga offers the perfect environment through a variety of specialized yYoga classes. A few of these include Flow Down, a slower variation of class, Flow Jams, the regular sequence set to a playlist, and then Flow & Rest, a nonheated slow sequence infused with restorative poses to help relax the mind and muscles.

Located at 124 York Ave. in Weatherford, Tx, classes run 7 days a week, while offering a number of classes each day.

For more information, or to book your spot in a class today please visit their facebook page @PavYoga, or give them a call at 678-232-4576. PCLS

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IN THE KITCHEN WITH

Dietitian Vanessa Abbood VANESSA ABBOOD, MS, RD, LD

Butternut Squash Mac n’ Cheese Ingredients:

Set aside to cool for about 7-10 minutes. Remove herb springs from squash mixture and discard.

• 1-10oz package of frozen, cubed butternut squash (not thawed)

In a 2 qt non-stick saucepan, fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Remove from heat, drain, and set aside.

• 1 lb elbow macaroni *whole wheat if available*

• 1 1/2 cup vegetable stock + splash of broth *low sodium if available* • 1 1/2 cup of skim milk • 1 cup shredded, extra sharp cheddar cheese • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 tbsp minced garlic • 1/2 cup diced onions • Fresh sage and thyme springs • Salt/pepper to taste

Directions: Begin by sautéing the onions, garlic, and cubed butternut squash with olive oil in a medium pan. Once the butternut squash begins to soften and the onions are translucent, add the vegetable stock and springs of herbs. Allow to simmer for about 5 minutes then turn off.

In a blender, add the 1 1/2 cups of skim milk, splash of vegetable stock. Add the butternut squash mixture from the sauté pan. Blend on “liquify” or “smoothie” mode until mixture is smooth and there are no lumps or bumps.

Pour over the cooked pasta in the saucepan and return to heat. Add the cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.

Cook on low until the cheese is melted and the mixture is slightly bubbling. Remove from heat and serve. *If using whole wheat pasta, increase milk to 2 cups*

Nutrition: Makes 8 heaping ½ cup servings.

Nutrition: 230 calories, 9 grams of fat, 9 grams of protein.

Hearty & Healthy Meatloaf Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef • 1 lb lean ground pork or turkey • 2 large eggs • 1/2 cup skim milk • 1 cup quick cooking oats • 1 tsp garlic powder • 1 tsp onion powder • 1/2 tsp paprika • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp black pepper • 1 tsp stone ground mustard • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 1/2 cup chopped onion • 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (any color) • 1/4 cup of chopped parsley • 8” x 8” (2 quart) glass baking dish or 9" x 5" x 3" (2 quart) loaf pan • Canola oil cooking spray

Optional Sauce: • 1 cup Simply Heinz ketchup • 1/2 cup Splenda brown sugar blend • 1 tsp stone ground mustard

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the ground pork and ground beef. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper and mix well. Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and parsley and mix. In a 2-cup measuring cup, combine milk, eggs, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the quick oats to the meat mixture. Pour liquid over the meat/oats and mix until evenly distributed. Place mixture in a loaf pan or glass baking dish that has been sprayed well with canola oil cooking spray. Cook for 55-60 minutes. Allow meatloaf to rest for 10-15 minutes prior to serving. Cut into 8 even slices or squares if using glass baking dish.

Optional Sauce: Spray a small non-stick sauce pan with canola oil cooking spray. Add the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Cook on low/ medium heat and stir frequently.

Allow mixture to bubble and thicken. Pour over meatloaf when served or pour in a bowl for optional dipping.

215 calories (with sauce 293 calories), 9 grams of fat, 25 grams of protein

Lightened Up Shepherd’s Pie Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil • 1 cup finely chopped onion • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1-1.25 pounds lean ground turkey • 3 large sweet potatoespeeled, cubed and boiled • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt • 1/4 cup reduced fat shredded cheese of choice, I recommend cheddar • 2 tablespoon shredded asiago cheese • 2 tablespoons reducedsodium tomato paste • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme • 1/4 teaspoon paprika • 1 cup unsalted beef broth • Kosher salt and ground black pepper • Canola oil spray

Nutrition: 430 kcals and 42 grams of protein

Directions: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat a 6- to 8-cup ceramic or glass gratin dish with canola oil spray.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until slightly browned and translucent.

Add the turkey and cook until browned, break apart/ crumble the meat while cooking.

In a 2-cup measuring cup, add the broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, thyme, and paprika and stir together. Pour over the turkey meat and cook until the meat is cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

In a large bowl, mash the sweet potatoes with the plain Greek yogurt until smooth.

Season to taste with salt and pepper. Spread the meat mixture into the prepared casserole dish, and top with the sweet potato mixture.

Sprinkle with the Cheddar and asiago cheese. Bake, uncovered, until the potato topping is browned around the edges, 30 to 35 minutes.

Healthful, Veggie-full, Lasagna Ingredients:

• 12 oven-ready lasagna noodles *whole wheat if available* • 1-24 oz can of pasta/tomato sauce *look for one that is lowest in sodium* • 12 oz part skim milk ricotta cheese • 1 egg • 1 cup park skim milk shredded mozzarella cheese • 1 cup diced onion • 4 cups shredded zucchini, yellow squash, and carrots • 2-3 large handfuls of fresh spinach • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2-3 tbsp of dried Italian herbs • Canola oil cooking spray • 9x13 inch glass dish

Directions:

In a large sauté pan, add the olive oil and onions, cook lightly, then add the shredded zucchini,

yellow squash, and carrots. Sauté until tender. Strain off any access water from the veggies and set aside. In a medium bowl, take the ricotta cheese and combine with the egg. Add the dried Italian herbs and set aside.

Spray the 9x13 inch baking dish with canola cooking spray. Add a light coating of the pasta sauce to the bottom of the dish and place 4 noodles on top of the sauce layer to cover the bottom of the dish. Spread about a third of the ricotta mixture on top of the noodles. Take the handfuls of spinach and place on top of the ricotta. Pour some of the pasta sauce on top of the spinach leaves and place 4 more noodles on top. Spread more of the ricotta mixture on the noodles.

Layer the sautéed veggies on top of the ricotta mixture. Add the last 4 noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, and remaining sauce.

Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for one hour.

Makes 12 square servings. Nutrition: 214 calories, 7 grams of fat, 10 grams of protein.

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VISIT LEIGH ANNE RUSSELL, PA-C AT OUR BROCK LOCATION!

NOW OPEN AT OUR NEW LOCATION IN WEATHERFORD! 817-341-1300 2 LOCATIONS 1711 Martin Drive Suite 100 Weatherford, TX 76086

GREG BRATTON, MD

BOARD CERTIFIED FAMILY MEDICINE & SPORTS MEDICINE

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1110 FM 1189 Ste 101 Brock, TX 76066

SPORTS MEDICINE:

SPECIFIC CARE FOR SPORTS RELATED INJURIES

By Johnna Thomasson Photos by Thomasson Photography

With the amount of extra stress an athlete places on the body, the world of Sports Medicine specializes in caring for specific injuries related to the impact of sports and all forms of fitness.

W

ith the amount of extra stress an athlete places on the body, the world of Sports Medicine specializes in caring for specific injuries related to the impact of sports and all forms of fitness.

Healthcare professionals like Sports Medicine Specialist, Dr. Bratton, understand the importance of properly treating and preventing sport related injuries, especially in today’s day and age.

“Sports today are different than when I was playing.

Nowadays, there are young kids, 10-12 years old playing year-round sports. There are kids playing 80+ baseball games in the Spring/Summer. And there are kids that have already ‘specialized’.

“As a result, I am seeing more overuse injuries and surgeries than ever before. I know this is the current sport climate, but it is detrimental to our kids,” explains Dr. Bratton. “The recommendation is to take 3 months off every year--NO SPORT FOR THE TOTAL OF 3 MONTHS--but getting parents and athletes to slow down is impossible. Primarily because the driving forces of coaches, the cost to play, and their competitiveness. So I try to help teach my patients how to prepare for long seasons and training their body to combat breaking down. Prevention is always the best medicine!”

Many sports related injuries vary from sprains and strains, tendinitis, ACL tears, fractures, dislocations and many, many more, leaving a need for rest, medications, physical therapy/rehabilitation, and sometimes even surgery.

The love of sports is nothing new, as the human race has been playing many variations for centuries, but because the love of sports will not slow anytime soon, it is important to understand the dire need for physical activity along with equal need to properly care for the body as it becomes more active. PCLS

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LOCATED IN SILVER STAR VILLAGE 1130 FM 1189, SUITE 109 | BROCK, TX 76066

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Softening/Conditioning Rotten egg smell • Storage solutions • Reverse osmosis Michelle Costello

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A peaceful place to be in this chaotic world we live in with organic teas naturally sourced from farms in Colorado and across the United States.

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817.594.0911 * 730 Adams Drive Register for our FREE CPR and First Aid classes!

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SUREPOINT ER

Get To Know DR. ROGER LEATON

Medical Director

M

edical Director, Dr. Roger Leaton, has lived in Texas for over 40 years. Through his medical career, he has more than 23 years of varying emergency department experience.

Parker County LifeStyle takes a few minutes of his time to answer your most pressing questions!

Q: What do you feel like is the most important service that is offered at your location?

A: I like that we are able to provide 24/7, rapid treatment with little to no wait time, along with some of the most advanced technology in the area. We pride ourselves on being able to provide efficient and effective emergency care with a personal touch.

Q: What is the number one thing that Surepoint ER provides that you won’t find with your primary care provider or an UrgentCare type facility?

A: Unlike a PCP or Urgent Care facility, we are a full-service Emergency Center/ER. Our doctors are nurses are trained in emergency medicine. We are open 24/7/365 to serve the community whenever they need us.

No appointment is necessary.

Q: What equipment or services will I find at Surepoint ER?

normally at a hospital ER, gives us an edge. We have the ability to spend more time with our patients and develop long lasting relationships. I enjoy talking with the patients and their families.

Having the ability to not only diagnose and therefore treat illnesses earlier with our advanced imaging, but also using new DNA technology to diagnose sickness such as flu, is key….being able to utilize state-of-the-art equipment andhaving the bet team in Weather, we can offer life-saving emergency meical services at affordable rates, to both adults and children. Keeping you and your family healthy is our number one priority.

Q: When you aren’t busy saving lives in the ER, what are some of the things you enjoy doing with your free time or with your family?

A: I love working on cars and racing them on road coarses, doing DIY projects around the house….I love learning to do new things! I enjoy horse racing and adventure motorcycle riding. Some of my favorite places in Texas are Austin, Barton Springs and Hamilton Pool, any of the awesome watering holes sprinkled all over Texas. Oh, and I love country music!

Q: What are your favorite pets…and why?

A: We offer general medical, cardiac care, trauma and neurological injury care, in-house lab, CT and x-ray services. We have minimal wait times and we are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

A: We have 6 dogs, Shar-Peis. We just love everything about them!

Q: Why do you choose to work in a private setting rather than a hospital setting?

A: The friendly people and the country-living setting.

Q: What is your favorite thing about Parker County?

A: The fact that we are a smaller, free-standing ER, without ambulance interruption like you would have

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OFFICE HOURS:

Schedule a FREE Consultation Today!

817-441-8700 WWW.MYSERORTHO.COM

Monday-Thursday 7:30-5:00 Friday 7:30-12:30

ALEDO 311 S. FM 1187 Suite D

WILLOW PARK 134 El Chico Train, Suite 102

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AWESOMENESS. JOY. COMMUNITY. Myser Orthodontics

By Thad Brown Photos by Thad Brown Photography

Orthodontists aren’t supposed to be fun – are they?

Yet the offices of Dr.’s Scott Myser and Elisabeth Barnhart certainly seem to be an exception.

L

ocated both in Aledo and Willow Park, Myser Orthodontics and their staff of over 15 Clinical Assistants, Treatment Coordinators, Patient Concierges and Directors have proven the exception to the rule.

These two clinics rock and exude awesomeness, joy and community.

Want proof? How many businesses today do you know that only sport 5-star reviews? Currently 45 of them. These aren’t ordinary reviews – these are rave reviews.

Jennifer W writes “The first time that we walked in we were blown away. They have gone out of the way to make the experience of braces one to not dread.

My kids WISH they had longer waits in the waiting room because there are x box and toys and contests.

The longest wait has been two minutes though. The staff is just amazing! So friendly and amazing with kids. One of our kids has some pretty major issues and Dr. Myser does a really great job of explaining everything.”

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And Cynthia L writes “I can't say enough good things about Dr. Myser and his staff. Both our boys went through full treatment with beautiful results. Dr. Myser is incredibly knowledgeable and caring, and the office is beautiful. The staff is so friendly, and they treated us like family. I was sad to be finished because we always looked forward to our visits.”

Finally, Sham P writes “Great experience, every time!

We've just finished 2+ years of braces with Dr. Myser. He is a fantastic orthodontist. His staff is ALWAYS friendly and attentive. His office was full of smiles and positive energy. My son's teeth are sparkling white and photo ready. Seriously, Hollywood-straight perfection. He feels so good about himself. We have so much gratitude for Dr. Myser and all of his INCREDIBLE staff. Thank you!!!”

These reviews may make you want to have braces.

Oh, and these are two smart doctors. Suma cum Laude, tops in their class, honors plus all the advanced education and certifications one could imagine. Quality orthodontics is one of those medical skills that you can’t afford to have just anyone do. You need the best; you need a specialist. Fortunately, in Aledo, Willow Park, Weatherford, Brock, Hudson Oaks, Fort Worth, Annetta North, Annetta South, Benbrook, Cresson, Azle, Granbury and the surrounding area, you have just such a exceptional team ready, willing and joyfully able to help you and your children – Myser Orthodontics.

WHO SHOULD SEE MYSER ORTHODONICS AND WHEN?

According to Dr Myser, “there are a lot of advantages to starting your kids on the path to a healthy bite and perfect smile early on.” He recommends that “a child has their first orthodontic exam around the age of seven.”

Why? “This is a crucial time in your child’s dental and facial development and by scheduling this appointment, we can better head off any problems before they arise.

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WHAT DOES EARLY TREATMENT ALLOW YOUR ORTHODONTIST TO DO?

Early treatment will address much more than you might imagine, and includes: • Correct and guide the growth of your child's jaw • Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches to help the permanent teeth erupt into healthy tissues • Reduce the probability of permanent tooth extractions as part of the comprehensive plan • Address impacted teeth and other eruptive issues • Correct thumb sucking and help improve minor speech problems If your child has any of the following problems, it’s super important that you make an appointment with Myser Orthodontics. Here are a few things to look for: • Early or late loss of baby teeth • A hard time chewing or biting food • Mouth breathing • Finger or thumb sucking • Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth • Jaws that pop or make sounds when opening and closing • Teeth that come together abnormally, or do not come together at all • Crowded front teeth around age 7 or 8 • Psychosocial concerns such as not wanting to smile in photographs or getting teased by peers

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WHO CAN BE TREATED AND WHAT KIND OF BRACES ARE AVAILABLE?

It’s not just young children that are candidates for Myser Orthodontics’ superb treatment plans. Teens, more commonly, 11 to 15, and even adults can all benefit.

In fact, although traditional state-of-the-art metal braces are commonly used, and are even more comfortable today than ever before, ceramic braces, known as Platinum Invisalign, are made of clear materials that are less visible, are used mainly for older teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns and would rather be a little more discrete.

With Invisalign, you wear each set of aligners for about a week, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move, little by little, week by week, until they have straightened to the final position Dr. Myser or Dr. Barnhart prescribe.

Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30. Both, however, will vary from case to case.

SO WHAT ABOUT COMMUNITY?

It’s easy to see the awesomeness of this great practice.

That and joy are all over – just read their reviews. But what about community. This is the part where Myser Orthodontics gives back. That says a lot about a business.

Myser is involved in community activities from the Aledo Education Foundation to Medical Mission Trips.

In fact, they have continued to support their communities from sports, band, FFA, academics, the schools, little league, non-profit organizations and police and fire.

Giving back is a part of the Myser culture.

​WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Check out their website at www.myserortho.com.

Better yet, download and submit their “New Patient Form” available under the web’s “New Patients” menu option, or call them for a complimentary consultation at (817) 441 8700.

I have feeling, you’ll also be posting a positive review soon because of the Awesomeness, Joy, and Community of Myser Orthodontics. PCLS

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ALPHA CARE WELLNESS CENTER: BRINGING A FRESH, HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE TO HEALTHCARE IN PARKER COUNTY.

A

s a Clinical Integrative Pharmacist, board certified and fellowship trained in Integrative and Functional Medicine, Dr. Catherine Oseni has built her medical career on a deep-rooted foundation of expertise in both traditional and alternative medicines.

Dr. Catherine Oseni’s extensive experience as a Director of Integrative and Functional Medicine in addition to her highly regarded unique skill set lends her thorough insight into effectively and safely integrating traditional medicine into alternative, evidence-based therapies.

These integrative therapies can be especially beneficial to prevent any drug interactions and combat drug-nutrient depletion in patients with conditions requiring traditional medications such as patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment, patients being treated with specific heart conditions or other conditions requiring immediate prescription drug intervention.

Dr. Catherine Oseni partners with patients’ primary physician to develop an individualized plan of action with the intent to ultimately remove unnecessary medications and procedures by taking a natural, holistic approach and solving the root of the health concern. The outcome of this integration results in a more natural, whole person approach to current health care.

Time and again Dr. Catherine hears success stories from her patients such as these: “Just one month ago I was told I would have to take blood transfusions for life, but now thanks to implementing the personalized lifestyle plan Dr. Catherine has given me, my Doctor has said the transfusions will no longer be needed!”

- B.M. “She (Dr. Catherine Oseni) is amazing and very knowledgeable. Within a week of starting on the regimen she gave me I was starting to feel better and drop weight!” - J.H.

“I have never, in more than a decade of working with sports medicine, gastroenterologists, and other medical specialists, met a doctor as dedicated as Dr. Catherine Oseni.

In just three weeks she had so greatly improved my quality of life from energy level, pain relief, and overall mental health that I cried and hugged her at my second appointment!” - J.W. The list goes on and on of overwhelming gratitude from patients who have struggled with health issues but finally have found the light at the end of the tunnel through Dr. Catherine Oseni’s guidance.

Dr. Catherine Oseni sees patients in person at Alpha Care Wellness Center located at 1200 Clear Lake Dr. in Weatherford. Appointments can be made by calling (817) 550-6332.

For individuals on the go, do not live locally to the Parker county area or perhaps do not feel well enough to appear in person for an appointment, Dr. Catherine Oseni also offers convenient, flexible virtual consultations which can be scheduled at www.DrCatherineOseni.com.

If you’re ready to achieve your optimal health, schedule your consult with Dr. Catherine Oseni today to begin your wellness journey and never look back! PCLS

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Feel Better. Live Well.

Locally Owned and Operated

1715 MARTIN DRIVE | WEATHERFORD, TX 76086 OFFICE 817.458.3100 | FAX 817.599.3101 CollegeParkRehab.com

970 HILLTOP DRIVE | WEATHERFORD, TX 76086 OFFICE 817.599.0000 | FAX 817.599.6657 HilltopParkRehab.com

300 CROWN POINTE BLVD. | WILLOW PARK, TX 76087 OFFICE 817.757.1200 | FAX 817.887.4008

WillowParkCare.com

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Private suites available | Newest building in Weatherford Rehab-to-home programs | Orthopedic consulting doctor Advanced wound care | IV antibiotics Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy Accepting Medicare and most insurance plans

Private Rooms available | Newly remodeled | Assisted living Secured unit | Long-term Medicaid beds available 24-hour skilled nursing care Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy Accepting Medicare Humana and Aetna

Optimum recovery | Newest building in Parker County Post fracture or joint replacement | Stroke recovery & cardiac rehab Skilled medical care following hospitalization Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy Long-term care beds available Accepting Medicare, some managed Care plans,Medicaid & Private Pay | Diabetic rehab Private Suites available with in-room oxygen

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CALL US TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR NEXT EVENT!

877-536-2626

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Full Service Funeral Home Cremation Services Pre-Need Plans

130 Houston Ave | Weatherford, TX | 817.596.4811 | www.whitesfuneral.com 100

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Developing websites for businesses and professionals who want to make a great first impression or at least get a second look.

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1ST ANNUAL BROCK HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS

HOMETOWN

HAPPENINGS

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On December 8, 2019, the town of Brock hosted its first annual Brock Hometown Christmas. Featuring live local musicians, face painting, food trucks, bounce house and kid’s play area and retail vendors, the evening ended with the announcement of the local baking championship and tree lighting.

Photos provided by the Brock Hometown Christmas Committee

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Vet Spotlight

Summertime Fun:

Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe and Happy at Outdoor Events

S

ummer is on the way and that means time for fun outdoor events!

From July 4th parades and fireworks to street fairs, farmer’s markets, and art and music festivals, there is a plethora of activities for the whole family to attend.

For pet owners, that can include bringing their dog along. While these events can be a great way to spend time with your pet, there are some issues to keep in mind to make sure your dog has a good time and a safe experience.

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Here are some tips on how you can make sure you enjoy these outdoor community events while keeping your pet happy and healthy.

Loud Noise Fireworks are fun for the kiddos, but usually not so much for dogs. While some dogs tolerate the sound of fireworks, many get very anxious and distressed. If you know your dog dislikes fireworks and other loud noises, you should either have a plan in place so you can go with them to a comfortable location before the noise starts or consider leaving them home to avoid the situation.

The same goes if your dog is new to you and you’re unsure how they will react. Be sure to “test the water” in a situation where you can get your dog away from

the noise quickly.

In addition to July 4th fireworks, take the noise volume into consideration for whatever event you’re bringing your dog to. Music, large crowds, loud trucks, or motorcycles can all create anxiety for your dog.

Heat High temperatures affect all dogs, and certain breeds are particularly susceptible to heat exhaustion.

Before bringing your dog to an event when the weather is hot, make sure you take into consideration the ability to keep them cool and comfortable.

This means making sure ahead of time that you’ll have access to shade and water. If the event is in an urban location on hot pavement, you’ll have to provide protection for your dog’s paws or be able to avoid it.

Consider the time of day the event is taking place.

If it’s an all-day event, go early in the morning before the heat sets in or after dusk when it’s cooling off. If the event is in the hot afternoon sun, it may be best to leave your dog home.

The Elements In addition to the heat, dog owners need to take into consideration other weather conditions, such

as thunderstorms, wind, and rain. If your dog gets anxiety from the sound of thunder, you’ll need to be able to get them to a comfortable location should a storm occur.

Summer storms can be unpredictable and isolated thunderstorms can pop up out of nowhere, so it’s important to be able to seek shelter immediately. If you do get caught out in the elements, it’s important to have supplies to clean mud off and dry your dog.

Food Ah, the smell of onion rings and fried dough! These tasty human treats are delicious to us and although tasty to dogs as well, they are very bad for them.

Summer is the season of food trucks and fair food.

Dog owners need to be very prepared to make sure their pet does not eat any of this human food while out at crowded events. You will either need to train your dog to understand a command such as “leave it” or have them on leash to prevent them from eating anything they shouldn’t. A short leash or one that has a second handle for a short lead is best.

Many strangers in the crowd will think it’s okay to give your dog a little treat, so a short leash will help by keeping your dog closer to you, as well as providing

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Summer is on the way and that means time for fun outdoor events…make sure you and your pet are prepared for a day of festivities with these tips from Riverstone Veterinary Hospital.

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you the opportunity to have a quicker response.

If your dog has any food sensitivities that you are already aware of, it’s a good idea to be extra cautious when around that food. Also take extra care around chocolate, onions, alcohol, and coffee. These foods are very toxic to dogs.

Crowds Before bringing your dog to a crowded event, it’s important to make sure they have socialization skills and be aware of the level of those skills. Is your dog socialized with both people and other dogs? Is your dog leash-aggressive? If you are unable to prevent your dog from pulling you on-leash to chase after another dog, then it may not be time yet to take them to crowded events.

Often in crowds, you will have people pet your dog before asking or overzealous children that are very excitable with your dog. You should have a plan in place for getting between your dog and these people if necessary. Do not use a retractable lead. As mentioned with the food issue, a short leash is the best option.

Another consideration before taking your dog into a crowded event is their size. Small dogs run the risk of getting trampled in a crowd, and large dogs take up a lot of space, making it difficult to get around. You will need to be aware of just how crowded an event will be.

Preventive Veterinary Services In addition to preparedness specifically for these outdoor events, you also want to make sure you have taken care of general health matters for your pet, such as keeping them up to date on their vaccines and preventive medicines.

Unfortunately, with the onset of the warmer weather come the fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. If you need preventive refills, or if it’s time for your dog’s annual heartworm test, please contact us or schedule an appointment!

If your dog will likely encounter standing water and other dogs during the summer, vaccines for leptospirosis, influenza, and Bordetella may be recommended.

Identification Make sure your pet’s identification tags are up to date and legible. This should include a name tag, rabies tag, and any other local licensing needed. It’s also a good idea to make sure the rings used to attach the tags are in good working order. Occasionally the thinner, weaker rings get pulled and separate, causing them to fall off.

Is your dog microchipped? If not, you may want to consider having it done. It’s a beneficial tool in locating your dog should they get lost. It’s also a good idea to have a recent photo of your dog on your phone (or the old school printed method) should your dog get loose and run off at an event.

Make sure you have all of the proper restraints (collar, harness, leash) and that they are in good condition. As previously mentioned, do not use retractable leashes.

We hope these tips help you prepare for having some summertime fun with your pet. If you have any questions, be sure to ask your veterinary team.

Is your dog microchipped?

If not, you may want to consider having it done.

It’s a beneficial tool in locating your dog should they get lost.

GROTE VETERINARY CLINIC 819 Santa Fe Dr., Weatherford, TX 76086 Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:30pm Saturday 8:00am - 2:00pm

RIVERSTONE VETERINARY HOSPITAL 1421 FM 1189 Ste 4, Brock, TX 76087 Monday - Thursday 7:30am - 5:30pm Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm

Check out our Facebook pages for updates:

B RiverstoneVetHospital B Grotevetclinic

SERVICES: PHONES ANSWERED 24/7 Wellness Routine and Advanced Surgeries

Emergency Laser Therapy Dental Orthopedic

Boarding Grooming

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Garner ISD A Small School Preparing Youth for a Big Future

#GARNERGREATNESS

EXCELLENCE…GO FOR IT!

CHARACTER MATTERS

We have high expectations and work hard to help our students set and achieve lofty goals. Our community has a rich tradition of excellence which we are committed to continuing for future generations.

Our most important lessons aren’t found in textbooks or computers. Leadership skills and personal integrity are intentionally modeled, discussed and nurtured campus wide.

BACK TO THE BASICS

EXPERIENCE THE GOLDILOCKS PRINCIPLE

We use engaging, creative methods to teach classical skills in all our core courses: • Math—Fact fluency, computational accuracy, real world problem solving • Reading for a variety of purposes with fluency, accuracy & comprehension • Writing with appropriate spelling, grammar & handwriting • Scientific inquiry and depth of knowledge • Historical appreciation & analysis

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We’re NOT TOO BIG Everyone knows everyone in our Garner family, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

We’re NOT TOO SMALL Students have multiple options and opportunities to discover and develop their interests.

Garner is JUST RIGHT We are committed to maintaining this balance as we grow into our exciting future.

CLOSE WITH CONFIDENCE! #CLOSEWITHLEGACY

REALTORS

You need a trustworthy partner who understands your needs

CONSUMERS

Buying or selling a home? Legacy Land & Title is here for you

LENDERS

Legacy Land & Title will work with you to satisfy any liens

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5189 Interstate 20, Suite 101A 817-441-1000

WEATHERFORD 1419 S. Main 817-550-6885

CONSUELA

SUMMER!

BUDHAGIRL BANGLES

JUDY BLUE JEANS REGULAR & PLUS SIZES

CORCICKLE

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A CUT ABOVE

By Janette Halliday Photos Provided by NCHA

F

OR HORSE OWNERS, THERE IS A PASSION FOR THE EQUINE INDUSTRY. FOR EVERY DISCIPLINE, THERE IS A FAN– FROM HORSE RACING TO RODEO, FROM RESSAGE TO CUTTING.

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In Parker County, that passion is cutting.

For the untrained eye, cutting can be complex and perplexing, exhilarating and calculating at the same time.

Cutting evolved from the practicality of ranches where specific horses were used to keep an individual cow separated from the herd on open ranges. This was beneficial for cattle management practices such as branding, vaccinating and deworming.

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What started as riders competing to see who had the best “cutting” horse has now evolved into one of the most exciting sports in the equine industry. The first recorded competition for cutting was held in Haskell, Texas in 1898. The North Side Coliseum in Fort Worth was the site of the first indoor competition in March of 1908. As organized competitions grew, a group of horse owners came together and formed the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) in 1946.

A SPECTACULAR SPECTATOR SPORT

Cutting sets itself apart as one of the most exciting sports in the equine industry. Inside the arena, trust between the rider and horse is paramount. In a two and half minute time frame, riders move into the herd to select and cut a cow from the herd. The rider then places their hands on the horse’s neck while the horse reads the cow’s movement in order to stop the cow from returning to the herd. The rider will then try to work their horse on three different cows during the run.

According to Jay Winborn, NCHA Executive Director, “Keeping the cow away from the herd requires the horse to perform fast-paced, highly athletic maneuvers on its own, with little to no guidance from the rider. The unpredictability of the cattle ensure that no two runs are alike, providing endless entertainment for both riders and spectators.”

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“KEEPING THE COW AWAY FROM THE HERD REQUIRES THE HORSE TO PERFORM FASTPACED, HIGHLY ATHLETIC MANEUVERS ON ITS OWN, WITH LITTLE TO NO GUIDANCE FROM THE RIDER.” ~JAY WINBORN, NCHA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

“Cutting stands apart from other equine disciplines because of its appeal to all ages of people in my mind. It’s exciting enough for youth kids to want to get involved in and it’s really an event that you can compete in your entire life,” stated Kylie Rice, Parker County resident and co-owner of T/K Cutting Horses, alongside her husband, Tatum Rice.

Rice explains the reason for the passion for cutting is based on a relationship.

“For me, the most appealing part of cutting is simply the relationship that it creates with my horse that I’m showing. When you have a run that just clicks, it creates this really deep connection with your horse and that’s really why we have all gotten into cutting in the first place is because of the horse. It’s also so appealing to me that it’s basically a team sport with horses. It takes an entire team for big runs and famous horses to happen,” Rice explained.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Regarded as the “Cutting Horse Capital of the World,” over 100 active NCHA professionals and over 1,000 members are located in and around Parker County. Over the years, some of the world’s best cutting horses and riders have called, and continue to call, Parker County their home.

“You can’t go anywhere in Parker County without being reminded of its deep-rooted history with cutting horses.

The convenience of being so close to our three triple crown events is the best part of living here,” explained Rice.

“You can drop your kids off at school, go show at a cutting and be back in time to take them to sports of whatever activities they might have. It really allows us to still live a semi normal life with the crazy hectic schedules we keep,” stated Rice.

ELITE MAKES THREE…

No different from other sports, there is a championship event. However, in cutting, there is more than just one.

The NCHA produces the three most elite shows in the industry to create their own Triple Crown, comprised of the World Championship Futurity, the Super Stakes and the Summer Cutting Spectacular.

In order to win the NCHA Triple Crown, a horse must first win the World Championship Futurity as a three-year-old in November. The following March and July of their four-year-old year, the horse must win the Super Stakes and the Summer Cutting Spectacular, respectively. If a horse is to win each of these shows in the same division, they will be awarded the NCHA Triple Crown Champion title. There has only been a handful of horses to achieve this prestigious award.

The Futurity is the first leg and the highlight of the NCHA Triple Crown with highly sought after bragging rights to the winners. At this year’s Futurity, Parker County was represented by over 200 NCHA members who either rode a horse in competition or owned one.

Parker County resident, Traci Shehady, rode her horse Once In Love, to claim the Unlimited Amateur Champion title at the 2019 NCHA World Championship Futurity.

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The second leg of the NCHA Triple Crown, is the Super Stakes held annually in March and April. This event is comprised of two shows; the NCHA Super Stakes for 4-year-olds and the NCHA Super Stakes Classic for 5/6-year-olds. This event is designed to showcase the breeders of the cutting industry. Each of the horses that compete at the event are offspring of subscribed stallions and were nominated as weanlings to the NCHA Stallion Foal Program.

Over the years, the NCHA Stallion Foal Program has added over $700,000 annually in prize money to this show. Competitors and horses travel from all over the world to compete for over $3.4 million in prize money.

The NCHA Triple Crown concludes in July and August with its final leg, the Summer Cutting Spectacular. This is event mirrors the competition structure of the Super Stakes with shows for both four-year-old and five and sixyear-old horses.

REGARDED AS THE “CUTTING HORSE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD,” OVER 100 ACTIVE NCHA PROFESSIONALS AND OVER 1,000 MEMBERS ARE LOCATED IN AND AROUND PARKER COUNTY.

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A BILLION AND COUNTING

The equine industry as whole is a $122 billion industry that employs 1.74 million people, according to a 2017 Economic Impact Study of the U.S. Horse Industry, conducted by the American Horse Council (AHC) Federation in conjunction with The Innovation Group.

The study found that the care, business and recreation surrounding the 7.2 million horses in the country generates $79 billion in total salaries nationwide. Texas ranks first in the number of horses in the U.S. The cutting horse industry holds its own with prize money and revenue generated. Since its inception, the NCHA has paid out over $1 billion to its members in prize money at NCHA-sanctioned or NCHA-produced shows. Since 1946, over 81,000 members have taken home a portion of the $1 billion. Cutting is the first western discipline to surpass the billion-dollar milestone.

Winborn says cutting stands apart from other disciplines in the horse industry. “The cutting horse industry is more than just a sport.

It is a passion, a lifestyle and a family. Whether you grew up on a riding horse or you simply have an interest in the cowboy way of life, cutting will provide you with a unique experience and the rush of a lifetime,� Winborn stated.

In order to encourage those interested in cutting, the NCHA has a program designed specifically for new members. This program includes a free membership, allowing new members to ride into the herd and try out cutting without the membership fee. Classes are available at NCHA shows for all experience levels, including a few classes where the rider does not have to be a horse owner to compete. Find all the details on joining this innovative program at www.nchacutting.com.

Parker county can safely say its contribution to the cutting industry is alive and well, with opportunities available for every level of interest in cutting. PCLS

PARKER COUNTY BUCKET LIST

by Rick Mauch

We’ve all seen a Texas Bucket List that includes places to see and be seen across the state‌.here is our own local version! How many can YOU mark off your list:

T

here's a simple reason why Weatherford and Parker County is one of the fastest growing areas to be found. Folks come here for a visit, they love it, and they stay.

And the reasons they come to visit are plenty. Sure, it's a nice, peaceful commuwnity, despite the progress that brings in a new business almost daily it seems, with schools that offer some of the best education in the state.

But there is also a lot to simply enjoy in Weatherford

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and Parker County. From one of the best high school football teams in the nation at Aledo High School to top-notch community performances at Weatherford's Theatre Off The Square (TOTS) to numerous places to step back in time to staying in a haunted bed-andbreakfast, there's a little something for everyone.

So, whether it's a day, a week, or longer, there's plenty to do here. No need to be in a hurry. Come stay a bit - or permanently, if the mood strikes.

PARKER COUNTY SHERIFF'S POSSE FRONTIER DAYS AND RODEO

For five days each June Parker County comes alive with one of the most renowned local rodeos in the country. Not only does it feature competitors on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association circuit, but the fun surrounding the rodeo is second to none.

Among the highlights are a street dance in the Weatherford Square the Saturday before and the annual rodeo parade. Those who want to rise early can join members of the Sheriff's posse for a chuckwagon breakfast, followed by a trail ride from Mineral Wells to Weatherford.

June 6 Trail ride, parade, street dance June 9-13 Rodeo and nightly concerts 2251 Mineral Wells Hwy., Weatherford 817-565-3950 www.pcsp.net

PARKER COUNTY PEACH FESTIVAL

Parker County is known for its peaches, and each July they are celebrated on a particular Saturday with a festival in their honor on and around the Weatherford Square. Vendors of all sorts will be on hand with their wares, and come hungry because there is more food - all peach-flavored in some variety - than you can throw a peach at. The weekend also includes the Peach Pedal bike ride and a 42 dominoes tournament.

July 11 Weatherford Square 817-596-3801, Weatherford Chamber of Commerce www.parkercountypeachfestival.org

FIRST MONDAY TRADE DAYS

Love looking for a bargain and wanting to spend some quality walking time? Weatherford has just what you are looking for with one of oldest open-air markets in the state.

The weekend before the first Monday of each month, vendors fill the area on Santa Fe Drive with all sorts of items ranging from clothing to food and a plethora in between. Need a lawnmower or a refrigerator? You can find those and a lot more.

317 Santa Fe Dr., Weatherford 817-598-4359 www.ci.weatherford.tx.us/883/First-Monday-Trade-Days Free admission

VINTAGE CAR MUSEUM/MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAS/DOSS HERITAGE AND CULTURAL CENTER

One can take in an entire day - or more - of culture, history, and see some cool classic vehicles in Weatherford.

The Vintage Car Museum offers visitors exactly what the name says. Many of the vehicles in the collection have a unique story behind them, including a 1964 Lincoln Continental convertible owned by President Lyndon B. Johnson.

The Museum of the Americas presents the colorful and diverse heritage of native Americans through a collection of artifacts, crafts, and folk art from the late 19th and 20th centuries.

The Doss Center is a Texas and Parker County history museum, featuring exhibits of early settlements in Texas, cattle drives, and native American life in Parker County.

They also feature highlights of legends from the area, such as Mary Martin, the original Peter Pan, and her son Larry Hagman, who played the iconic character J.R. on the TV show "Dallas."

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Vintage Car Museum 100 Fort Worth Hwy., Weatherford 817-550-6550 www.vintageweatherford.com Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Free admission Museum of the Americas 216 Fort Worth Hwy., Weatherford 817-341-8668 www.museumoftheamericas.com/ Hours: Tuesday–Friday 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Saturday: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Free admission Doss Heritage and Cultural Center 1400 Texas Dr., Weatherford 817-599-6168 www.dosscenter.org Hours: Tuesday–Wednesday/Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Free admission, but a guided tour is $3 and must be scheduled in advance.

CLARK GARDENS

Clark Gardens offers a variety of beauty highlighting horticulture and nature. From botanic gardens to white swans and blue herons, the beauty of nature takes the spotlight. Also, be sure and check out the g-scale model trains that run Labor Day through Thanksgiving weekend and the first weekend in March through July 4 weekend.

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Clark Gardens 567 Maddux Rd., Weatherford 940-682-4856 www.clarkgardens.org Hours: Open season March 1-July 5 and Sept. 4-Nov. 29, Monday-Saturday 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 6-Sept. 3 by appointment only.

GREENWOOD CEMETERY

One of the oldest cemeteries in Parker County and the state, it was once known as "The Burial Grounds" and has been around for about a century and a half, with the oldest grave dated 1859. The cemetery also has soldiers buried from the War for Texas Independence, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, both World Wars, Korea and Vietnam.

Famous people buried there include Oliver Loving and Bose Ikard of the Goodnight-Loving Trail, Douglas Chandor, Mary Martin, and Governor Samuel T. Lanham, the last Civil War veteran elected as a Texas Governor.

400 E. Water St., Weatherford www.ci.weatherford.tx.us/471/City-Greenwood-Cemetery

CAPERNAUM STUDIOS

For a unique religious experience, take a drive north of Weatherford to the small town of Poolville. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities and experiences at various times of the year, including the Passover, Crimson, Apocolypse, and the Star of Bethlehem.

Capernaum has also been the site of several movie location filmings. And who knows, perhaps you'll find yourself cast in one of the experiences if you want to audition.

10700 FM 920, Poolville 800-489-1950 www.capernaumvillage.com Passover Experience, April 3-4, 10-11

grilled shrimp, grilled pork chops, chicken fried steak, gator tail - and of course, their famous catfish. For desert, try one of their delicious pies, with proceeds going to a memorial for their late son, Austin.

The inside of the restaurant features lots of nostalgic memorabilia. Outside, the atmosphere includes an oldfashioned metal bridge. There's also a campground for those who want to stay and come back a second day.

10771 Interstate 20, Millsap 817-596-2994 www.brazosrivercatfishcafetx.com Hours: Thursday-Saturday 5-9 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Since opening in June of 1958, the pink building on Fort Worth Highway has become iconic and historic along with being known as a place to get some delicious food - but not fast food.

Food preparation begins when an order is taken and never before. Sure, cars line up at the drive-thru sometimes, but it's always worth the wait.

Of course, they are best known for their malts and shakes. And when it's Peach Festival time, a peachflavored shake is a must.

2028 Fort Worth Highway 817-594-2524 Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

The famous restaurant started in Stephenville in 1968 and was the birthplace of Mr. Gatti's. It became legendary in Weatherford, however, where it opened in 1975. Late owner Roger Grizzard (who passed away last year in automobile accident) was often seen back in the kitchen, ready to make any specialty pizza a customer wanted, and that tradition continues today.

All hamburger meat and sausage is cooked at the restaurant and everything is made from scratch, including crust, sauces and toppings.

Along with the great food, the Pizza Place is one of the community's most popular hangouts for youths and adults alike. From an after-game celebration to an informal business meeting, folks often find themselves there.

They also deliver, but then you'd miss the special atmosphere.

1218 S. Main St., Weatherford 817-594-0591 www.rogerspizzaplace.com Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., `Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

THE MALT SHOP

BRAZOS RIVER CATFISH CAFE

The restaurant on the banks of the Brazos River has a long history. It was open from the 1940s through the mid1960s, and then reopened in 1999 by James and Sandra Griffin. Now, folks come from all over for delicious food such as Cajun crawdads, fried frog legs, fried oysters,

PIZZA PLACE

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Into the woods, I go...

By Heather Rothrock

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M

igrating families worldwide have engaged in various forms of camping for centuries; however, the recreational concept of camping— an overnight outdoor stay away from home that involves shelter—is enjoyed by millions of Americans each year. The broad term "camping" encompasses many different forms of the activity—backpack camping, car camping, primitive (tent) camping, backpacking, RV or van camping and more.

Camping builds and strengthens relationships; allowing people to connect without the distractions of daily life. Stress reduces as overbooked schedules are left at home. Time away from the hustle and bustle of routines, jobs, alarm clocks and technology has a positive impact on our minds, bodies and spirits. Camping instills a sense of wonder and independence in children while strengthening bonds between family members.

Confidence soars and experiences stamp lasting memories in our minds.

Real freedom lies in wildness, not civilization.

- Charles Lindbergh HO M E TOW N L I V I N G AT I T S B ES T

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The benefits of spending time outside are proven— lower heart rate, reduced blood pressure, released muscle tension, fewer stress hormones—all contributing to our overall physical wellbeing. The best thing about being away from home and being outside is the mental and emotional effects that connecting with nature has on us—my oldest daughter says that being in nature is good for her soul. Maybe that's it—time outside cleanses our soul and opens up our minds.

Start planning for your camping trip early! Decide whether you will sleep in a tent, RV, cabin or other shelter and start narrowing down the location. Do your research and consider areas carefully. Check campsite availability in advance and find the right campsite for your needs. Places fill up quickly, so make a reservation when you can! Be mindful of campsite amenities. Pack appropriately and consider everything from clothes to shoes to hygiene items and entertainment. Plan your meals and keep in mind how rugged your campsite might

be. Helpful information about meal planning is available online at https://koa.com/blog/best-camping-menus/.

Parker County is the 145th (out of 254) Texas counties in terms of size, and the approximately 910 square miles offers several prime camping locations.

Oak Creek RV Park

Featuring 120 sites, a pool, hot tub and reception hall, this place caters to many! The amenities include wifi, water, cable, showers and more. Prices and availability vary, so be sure to check out https://oakcreekrvpark. com for more information.

Weatherford/Fort Worth West KOA

Both the RV and tent camper can find a place to stay at this KOA as it features both pull-through RV sites and a shaded tent area. Campers can enjoy the pool and the attractions of Weatherford and nearby Fort Worth.

I go to nature to have my spirit soothed and healed and to have my senses put in order.

- John Burroughs

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My wish is to stay always like this living quietly in a corner of nature.

- Claude Monet-

Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway

Once a world-famous health resort, this area now boasts a beautiful state park that offers hiking, rock climbing and loads of history and scenery! Outdoor enthusiasts can swim, fish or boat on the lake. In addition to riding your own horses, you can hike, bike and camp.

The park rents out flat bottom boats, kayaks, paddleboards and rowboats. For more information and availability, be sure to check out their website at https://tpwd.texas.gov/ state-parks/lake-mineral-wells.

Some of my fondest memories are from a camping trip I went on when I was a sophomore in high school. My dad worked for the State Department, and we were living overseas on a breathtakingly beautiful Mediterranean island called Cyprus.

My friend's parents were archeologists there and they took our friend group on a camping trip to help out on their dig. We tent camped, made coffee and all of our meals over a fire and laid on our backs to take in the millions of stars that filled the night sky. Our "work" while we were there involved snorkeling and bringing up pieces of pottery from remains of an old village that was now underwater.

The trip itself was something I'll never forget.

When I graduated high school, I went to college for a semester in Arizona before enlisting in the Army. Uncle Sam afforded me several opportunities to camp during my enlistment, and my favorite Army camping took place while deployed to Bosnia. The amenities available at my Army "campsites" were primitive, if any, but the overall experience created memories I carry with me to this day.

Understandably, my camping experiences are pretty different from what many people around here might experience; however, the common bonds of memorable experience and meaningful connections connect campers everywhere. My husband and I look forward to the day that we sell our house and take off in a truck pulling a fifth wheel. The RV will be our home, and we will go wherever the winds take us. In the meantime, we are still bound to work, and we will continue to adventure and explore when we can.

One of the resources I use often is the Texas Parks and Wildlife website, as it is home to lots of useful information.

Be sure to check out https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/ parks/things-to-do/camping before your next big adventure! PCLS

HO M E TOW N L I V I N G AT I T S B ES T

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GET TO KNOW PARKER COUNTY

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Index

OF ADVERTISERS

AJR Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Inc...... 47

Meld...................................................................................................... 55

Alpha Care Wellness Center.......................................................96

Myser Orthodontics.......................................................................90

Beefmaster Steakhouse....................................................................1

National Cutting Horse Association........Inside Front Cover

BellStone Masonry Supply...........................................................121

Northside Baptist Church............................................................ 37

Bratton Sports Medicine..............................................................84

October Hill Farm..........................................................................128

Bronzed Belles....................................................................................5

Optimum Healthcare Management..........................................98

Byrd Mill.............................................................................................. 55

Parker County LifeStyle Magazine..........................................126

Clark Garden..................................................................................... 65

Pav Yoga.............................................................................................80

Clear Fork Assisted Living...........................................................86

Peacock’s Feed & Supply........................................................... 109

Clearfork Pharmacy....................................................................... 87

PlainsCapital Bank.........................................................................128

Comfort Kitchen To Go................................................................126

RedFin Pools........................................................................................2

Creation Coffeehouse...................................................................128

Rio Mambo......................................................................................100

DFW Frenchies................................................................................64

Riverstone Veterinary Hospital................................................ 104

Edward Jones—Brent Gough................................................... 120

RocK’n F Freight............................................................................ 101

Eric Priddy Photography............................................................... 31

Stacie Wallis, The Cates Realty Group..................................... 16

Ernie’s Tire & Automotive.............................Inside Back Cover

Surepoint Emergency Center..................................................... 88

Facial Cosmetic and Surgical Center......................................69

Texas Pythian Home.......................................................................54

Farm Bureau—Sonny Black Agency.......................................126

Thad Brown Photography........................................................... 101

First National Bank....................................................... Back Cover

The Market at 76067......................................................................46

FitUSA................................................................................................. 73

The Play Space.................................................................................121

Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Home............................................. 65

The Resurge Clinic..........................................................................86

Garner ISD....................................................................................... 108

The Schoolhouse............................................................................. 24

Goodwin Dental............................................................................... 72

Thomasson Photography.............................................................99

Goosehead Insurance—Molley Michel........................................3

Trinity Bible Church...........................................................................7

Grote Veterinary Clinic................................................................ 104

Trinity Christian Academy........................................................... 37

HLanoue Photography................................................................ 120

Two Sisters Tea House.................................................................. 88

Hutton Financial..............................................................................64

Vintage Car Museum & Event Center...................................... 25

Jami Scull Photography.............................................................. 108

Weatherford Christian School....................................................30

Legacy Land& Title....................................................................... 109

Weatherford OB/Gyn.................................................................... 87

Lindsey Sullivan Photography..................................................... 17

Weatherford Truck Equipment.................................................128

Magnolia Realty—Deborah Hulce................................................ 9

White’s Funeral Home.................................................................100

M&B Water Treatment................................................................... 87

Willow Park Baptist Church........................................................ 36

Medical City Weatherford............................................................70

PLEASE THANK THESE ADVERTISERS FOR MAKING THIS PUBLICATION POSSIBLE! HO M E TOW N L I V I N G AT I T S B ES T

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Photos: ©Jami Scull Photography 2018

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