Erath County Living Fall 2019

FAL L 2019

FIVE DECADES OF RODEO ACTION PHOTOS Armed with a camera, an escape route and a photographer’s eye for a story in the fast lane, Dudley Barker has spent the last five decades proving his presence and talent for knowing the sweet spot of rodeo photography.

COFFEE, CAMARADERIE, AND A COUNTRY STORE Blink and you’ll miss it. But look a little longer and you’ll be glad you did.

Walking into Lingleville Country Store is to walk into a blend of history, culture, and vision that just feels right.

THE ART OF A MODERN DAY SHEPHERDESS A childhood spent around the dairy and Cheese Shoppe, Rachael Gwassa brings a herd of sheep to Dublin and becomes Texas’s only commercial producer of sheep milk cheeses.

Hometown Li v ing At Its Best

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Hometown Living At Its Best

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Should you get one?

Yes, ma’ammogram.

Schedule yours today.

If you’re a woman 40+, Texas Health recommends getting a yearly screening mammogram, because early detection is our best weapon in the fight against breast cancer. And since we understand there can be some anxiety around the experience, we make it as comfortable and convenient as possible. With 18 locations across DFW, our facilities feel more like a spa than an imaging center, and we offer appointments that typically last only 30 minutes.

Book a mammogram today.

TexasHealth.org/Stephenville-Breast 1-877-THR-WELL

Doctors on the medical staffs practice independently and are not employees or agents of Texas Health hospitals or Texas Health Resources. © 2019

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Erath County Living

APOLLO COMPUTERS OF STEPHENVILLE (254) 918-3320 1745-B W. South Loop, Stephenville Apollocomputers.com

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Hometown Living At Its Best

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Contents

22 10

42

A childhood spent around the dairy and Cheese Shoppe, Rachael Gwassa brings a herd of sheep to Dublin and becomes Texas’s only commercial producer of sheep milk cheeses.

Starting with humble beginnings, the Upland Bird Extravaganza, hosted by Stephenville Evening Lions Club, now benefits the youth of Erath County annually and has raised more that $1.25 million to help kids in the area!

THE ART OF A MODERN DAY SHEPHERDESS

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COFFEE, CAMARADERIE, AND A COUNTRY STORE Blink and you’ll miss it. But look a little longer and you’ll be glad you did. Walking into Lingleville Country Store is to walk into a blend of history, culture, and vision that just feels right.

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FIVE DECADES OF RODEO ACTION PHOTOS Armed with a camera, an escape route and a photographer’s eye for a story in the fast lane, Dudley Barker has spent the last five decades proving his presence and talent for knowing the sweet spot of rodeo photography.

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Erath County Living

SHOOTING FOR DOLLARS

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GETTING TO KNOW THE PRESIDENT: DR. JAMES HURLEY Since becoming the 16th president of Tarleton State University, Dr. James Hurley says that he and his family are home.

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CATHEY SIMS HARTMANN, ERATH COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION CHAIR Affectionately known by fellow teachers as “Ms. Texas History,” Cathey Sims Hartmann made history come alive for her students.

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FULL-TIME IS ON THE HORIZON; WATERCOLOR ARTIST SHARES HIS PASSION For decades, Rick Kime has been pursuing painting part time, but he looks forward to a retirement in which he can finally spread his wings, stoke up his creativity and turn his hobby into a full-time adventure.

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KEEPING AN EYE ON THEM: HOW TO WATCH OUR KIDS IN A CYBER WORLD The days of Encyclopedia Brittanica on the bookshelves of our living room are gone, and now our kids have the most up to date information on any topic right at their fingerstips. But how do we KNOW what our kids are looking at? Check out a few apps that will help Mama and Papa keep an eye on Baby Bear’s media.

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254-968-8600 Hometown Living At Its Best

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Contents

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Not your typical, big-money investors, Bob and Darla Doty focus on beliefs and people, investing their time and energy in the students of Tarleton’s rodeo team, and reaping huge returns.

Like kindness, gratitude is a muscle, and it requires exercise to become stronger and grows the more you use it.

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FALL FOR ERATH EVENTS!

BUILDING A FOUNDATION OF WINNING WAYS

MORGAN MILL THANKSGIVING FEAST Over 20 years ago, an idea was born within the walls of the Morgan Mill school to serve a feast. Not just any feast, but one that would envelop the community in a spirit of giving and giving back to the community that supports them.

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TURNING HEADS Looking for that perfect cute and comfy outfit? Punchys offers options to pair with items in your own closet to complete the look you are after.

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GIVING YOUR ALL IN THE SEASON OF THANKS

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LESSONS THROUGH GRATITUDE

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Feeling cooped up? Check out some local events this fall to get your family off the couch and enjoy some time out in the community!

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HOW TO BE A VICTOR THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! From shopping to cooking to prepping to giving, this season is full of opportunities! With all the hustle and bustle you can still come out on top and enjoy the true meaning of the season.

About the Cover Cover photo is of a cowboy catching a horse, taken by Dudley Barker. Read more about Dudley’s career as a rodeo photographer on page 34 .

FALL 2019

As you prepare to host, or be a guest, this holiday season, there are several décor, etiquette and additional steps to consider as you prepare to gather around the table with your loved ones and give thanks this season.

FIVE DECADES OF RODEO ACTION PHOTOS

Armed with a camera, an escape route and a photographer’s eye for a story in the fast lane, Dudley Barker has spent the last five decades proving his presence and talent for knowing the sweet spot of rodeo photography.

COFFEE, CAMARADERIE, AND A COUNTRY STORE

Blink and you’ll miss it. But look a little longer and you’ll be glad you did.

Walking into Lingleville Country Store is to walk into a blend of history, culture, and vision that just feels right.

LESSONS THROUGH GRATITUDE Like kindness, gratitude is a muscle, and it requires exercise to become stronger and grows the more you use it.

Hometown Li v ing At Its Best

HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS 20Stephenville Trick ‘r

Treat

30 Stephenville

46 Dublin Airport Fly-In 78 Bosque Adventure 50 Dublin Chamber

Events Chamber Ribbon Cuttings 60 Sundown On the 41 Cross Timbers Fine Square Arts Council

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99 Stephenville Rodeo Clown Contest

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HOMETOWN HAPPINESS

56 HOMETOWN GRADUATES

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BUNDLES OF JOY

HOME • AUTO • BUSINESS • LIFE & HEALTH FARM & RANCH COVERAGE • ESTATE PLANNING SERVICES

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From the Publisher

PUBLISHER

RedFin Publishing Justin & Hayley Six Kyle & Halsey Clark

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Hayley Six

CREATIVE | DESIGN

GreenFox Marketing

ONTENT COORDINATOR Jennifer Cabbage C

Jennifer.RedFin@Gmail.com

E

very season change brings desire for something new and fall gears us into thinking about the upcoming holiday season! No part of the year is more exciting than planning for family gatherings, holiday parties with friends and co-workers, and

the joy on the faces of our children as we reach those special days. In this edition, we have included some ideas to make the season roll a little smoother, with ideas to plan ahead while there is still a little time to plan!

Our publication is based on bringing you all the best local, hometown living Erath County has to offer. Turn to those green edged pages in the middle and take the opportunity to honor our advertisers by shopping right here at home this year! These local businesses are owned and operated by your friends and neighbors, people just like you, living and working in the community, making our county the best in the state! Shop local and support small businesses this year. And while you’re there, say thank you from us for taking part in our publication.

Other locals featured in this edition include Dudley Barker, who has made an impact on rodeo photography for over 50 years….including some impressive evasion skills! Morgan Mill ISD prepares a Thanksgiving feast for members of the community who serve and protect us who may not have a home-cooked meal for the holiday. Check out Rachael Veldhuizen

Jordan Murdock Jordan.RedFin@Gmail.com SOCIAL MEDIA CHAIR Nikki Garrett

PROOF READER Jennifer Cabbage PHOTOGRAPHERS Ally Lynn Photography

Brazos Rose Photography

why you waited so long!

Does your teen or tween spend too much time staring at that little box that is never far from their reach? Whether is in their hands, backpacks or back pockets, those phones are here to stay! We have a few tips to help you be better able to monitor and control what is going on when you aren’t looking.

Lastly, we want to thank each and every one of our advertisers and contributors.

by Dudley Barker Photography

SALES Bruce Racioppa Kyle Clark Justin Six Nikki Garrett

and her herd of sheep and learn about the unique cheese they offer in the shop and satisfy your fancy coffee craving with a visit to Lingleville Country Store….you’ll be asking yourself

COVER PHOTO

Brooke Mendenhall Photography Double S Farm Fresh Photography Kim Leatherwood Photography

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lindsay Allen Peggy Purser Freeman Janette Halliday Martha Helton

Connie Lewis Leonard Rebecca Pavaresh

Heather Regula Allegra Schroeder

Brandynn Stanford

CONTRIBUTORS

Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council Dickerson Real Estate

Dublin Airport

Without local business to support our magazine and local writers and photographers willing to share their talents with us, this publication would not be in your hands at this moment.

Thank you to each and every one of you who have a part in making this dream come true!

Please know that every contribution is appreciated and you are part of the team, bringing joy to Parker County residents, one edition at a time.

Wishing you all many blessings,

Justin and Hayley Six

Kyle and Halsey Clark

And he said unto them, it is not for you to know the times of the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. Acts 1:7

Dublin Chamber of Commerce Punchy’s

Stephenville Chamber of Commerce Sundown On The Square Upland Bird Extravaganza

Erath County Living© is published semi-annually by RedFin Publishing.

www.ErathCountyLiving.com P.O. Box 1239 | Weatherford, TX 76086

Erath County Living Magazine | RedFin Publishing

www.ErathCountyLiving.com

(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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Erath County Living

Hometown Living At Its Best

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The Art of a Modern Day Shepherdess

By Brandynn Stanford Photos by Brooke Mendenhall Photography

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Erath County Living

A childhood spent around the dairy and Cheese Shoppe, Rachael Gwassa brings a herd of sheep to Dublin and becomes Texas’s only commercial producer of sheep milk cheeses.

T

he first mention of cheese in the Bible is from 1 Samuel when Jesse sends a young David to check on his brothers in what was originally their standoff against Goliath. David was simply to deliver a gift of ten cheeses to the unit commander and bring back a report, but his fateful errand turned into his defeat of a giant. “Since David was a shepherd, those would’ve been sheep cheeses,” notes Rachael Gwassa, who spends her days caring for her own flock of sheep, sixty strong, on her family’s farm just north of Dublin.

Dairying and cheesemaking are quite familiar to Rachael. As the oldest of Stuart and Connie Veldhuizen’s seven children, she grew up within their journey of opening the Veldhuizen Cheese Shoppe. Rachael was six years old and remembers when the family moved from Minnesota to Texas.

Today Rachael is the only commercial producer of sheep milk cheeses in Texas, and one of a handful in the nation. Her products are served in places such as Antonelli’s in Austin, Scardello in Dallas, Stanzeski’s in Georgetown, and The Gaylord in Grapevine. Along with, of course, the store on the farm.

Customers can sample and take home Gouda, FatTailed Tomme, and Wooly Texas Sheep Cheese (Gruyerestyle with a washed rind). She also makes two cheeses which use both cow and sheep milk--Mixed Milk Gouda and Shepherd’s Blend.

Sheep cheese is a niche market in the US, though commonplace in other countries. Shoppers with a discerning palate are rewarded with unique, rich, and buttery flavors.

“We got here and the house was full of spiders and scorpions. There were tall weeds everywhere. Dad and Grandpa worked day and night to get the dairy barn ready since 300 cows were being trucked down.”

Over time the Veldhuizen’s shifted their focus from being a commercial dairy to creating artisan, raw milk cheeses which are now found throughout the state and are much-respected for their quality and flavor.

As an adult, Rachael spent several years in Zanzibar with her husband and children. They returned to Dublin in 2015 where she decided to become a cheesemaker in her own right, focusing on an animal in which she’d long held an interest. She and her dad drove to South Carolina to bring home ten Awassi sheep, a fat-tailed breed common in the Middle East.

“They are very hardy and adaptable—being from the desert they do well in extreme environments. They also give more milk than other breeds.” The following summer Rachael added fifty East Friesian ewes to her flock, shipped in from California.

She spent another year continuing to experiment and learn and in 2017 there was enough milk to begin making cheese to sell. “Sheep will give about four pounds of milk per day, though that changes a lot with the season. And it takes about ten pounds of milk to make two pounds of cheese.” (Sixty sheep translates practically to about nine-thousand pounds of cheese.)

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Erath County Living

“It’s very new in this area but many people may be familiar with it unknowingly,” says Rachael. “Roquefort Blue Cheese is all sheep milk, and Manchego is traditionally made with it.

If it’s from Spain, it’s sheep. As well as many Italian cheeses— anything with pecorino as an ingredient. Sheep milk is more concentrated than cow’s milk and has more minerals, vitamins, fat, and protein per pound than any other milk. It makes a very nice cheese, a very healthy one.”

Rachael was able to travel to Italy with her dad several years back, to a Slow Food cheese conference where they met shepherds, shepherdesses, and cheesemakers from all over the world. She’s also attended the Dairy Sheep Association of North America’s conference three times, to learn from other producers.

“It’s the best resource in the country. People speak about their experiences and what’s worked for them.” Trial and error also come into play, as with any venture in life. “I've learned a lot. Every year you learn and every year there are new challenges. But it gets a little easier because every year you know better how to handle the problems.”

Rachael’s least favorite thing about her profession is, “Fixing fences. Building fences. Always the fences, that’s how it feels. Sheep aren’t as bad as goats, which jump and climb.

But if there’s a hole, or the electric fencing quits, they’ll find a way out.”

“Sheep will give about four pounds of milk per day, though that changes a lot with the season. And it takes about ten pounds of milk to make two pounds of cheese.”

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Erath County Living

Rachael has guard dogs (“Which are essential if you have sheep!” she points out) but they don’t herd the flock.

They follow the sheep and sometimes the sheep follow them—sometimes into unexpected escapades. “Once, right about milking time, the sheep had gotten out and the dogs were out with them. Then the dogs spotted a jackrabbit and took off into the back forty, with the whole herd of sheep running after them.”

Sheep are seasonal creatures, unlike cows, and are bred in August, September, and October as they need certain light patterns for breeding success. Lacaune rams are on hand for the task, the type is used in France for making Roquefort cheese, is high-producing, and has less wool which means less shearing. The sheep give birth in January and February and that’s when the milking starts. Their lactation lasts about two-hundred days, shorter than for cows, so milking generally wraps up in August.

During this first eight months of the year, Rachael wakes at 5 a.m. every day to carry out what has become a predictable rhythm. Sheep are creatures of habit and prefer the same routine and the same people caring for them. The lambs and sheep are fed while the Veldhuizen’s cows are being milked, then the sheep move into the barn for their turn. Cheese is made twice a week, using the raw milk collected. Cleaning, caring for lambs, checking on ewes, and seeing if more lambs have been born fill the day until 5:30 p.m. when it’s time to milk again, followed by the evening feeding. The last chore before bed is feeding lambs yet again. They are given colostrum for the first twenty-four hours, then trained to drink from their milk machine which the lambs use for several weeks before being switched to grazing and hay.

Sheep milk is more concentrated than cow’s milk and has more minerals, vitamins, fat, and protein per pound than any other milk. It makes a very nice cheese, a very healthy one.

Rachael’s husband, Bob, and children, Gilbert, Wilberforce, Elisha, and Lexi, all participate in the work.

Lexi, the youngest, says about the flock, “They’re my favorite animal. I like to help my mom get hay for the sheep and I like feeding the lambs. Chester likes to follow me.”

From mid-August through December, Rachael gets to sleep in a little later, but those months are filled with preparing the herd for breeding, tackling maintenance projects, and continuing the ever-present fence fixing.

The ewes are shorn in early summer, before the heat sets in. Then the lambs are shorn near the end of August, when they’re bigger and have more wool growth. A shearer travels from San Angelo to do the job, much like a farrier makes the rounds for horses.

Each year the cycle repeats anew with the steady pattern of herding, milking, making, and aging the cheeses—a rhythm that has played out around the world for centuries. “I like working with the sheep. I like the routine of it. I like being able to create an artisan product from them. It’s something new in America but it’s really a very ancient occupation. One of the first people, Abel, was a shepherd and it’s been fun to learn about sheep and to feel the continuity of history through them.”

To experience the variety of cheeses Rachael and her sheep are producing, visit the website and make plans to stop by the Veldhuizen Cheese Shoppe. (254) 9683098. www.veldhuizencheese.com ECL

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ke Me nd en ha ll Ph ot os co ur te sy of Br oo se Ph ot og ra ph y Ro Ph ot og ra ph y an d Br az os

Madison and Justin, June 2019

Shawn and Enjalae, July 2019

Christine & Rene, May 2019 16

Erath County Living

Kelsey and Tyler, May 2019

Matt and Annie, September 2019

Zach & Abby, June 2019 Hometown Living At Its Best

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Nurture n’ Nature staff is committed to providing a supportive environment where your child can thrive!

Celebrating 10 years!

Nurture n’ Nature was founded by two mothers, both Tarleton graduates who were working full-time jobs, raising children, and working on their MBAs at the University of North Texas. Together, they had experienced personal in-home care childcare, other stay at home moms offering childcare, as well as commercial care.

Their realization that there were amazing qualities about all those environments brought about their vision to take the best aspects from all of those and create a “home away from home” for their children that was safe, loving and dependable.

Roots were planted in 2007 when the owners participated in and won a competition for their business plan sponsored by the University of North Texas. In addition, they were supported by our amazing community and STEDO foundation. Nurture n’ Nature opened the doors in September 2009 with the mission of providing quality childcare that is not only focused on childrens’ but parents’ needs as well.

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Erath County Living

They offer childcare for 6 weeks to 12 years of age with extended hours of operation that are convenient for other hard-working parents from 6:30am -6:00 pm Monday through Friday. Nurture n’ Nature does not follow the regular school schedule for closures.

Recognizing that sometimes parents do not have a choice during inclement weather, Nature n’ Nurture does not close their doors when Texas decides to deliver a nice blanket of ice during the winter. Those parents who do not get to stay home snuggled in front of the fire retain their option of childcare during those weather events that may close other centers doors.

Nurture n’ Nature is fortunate to have an amazing director, Tate Vernon, who has been with the center since it opened 10 years ago. She joined at the ripe old age of 19 and has blossomed into an inspirational leader and backbone of Nurture n’ Nature. Her leadership, enthusiasm and passion for children is second to none and the children, parents and owners of Nurture n’ Nature are blessed to have her!

Tate is supported by Meggin Burt, the Facility Coordinator, who has been part of the adventure for 7 years. She, too, is a wonderful and essential part of the success of Nurture n’ Nature. Her love, compassion and dedication to the children is demonstrated day in and day out and it is safe to say that the center would not be the same without her. It also cannot go without being said how remarkable the staff is. These are women that genuinely love their jobs and their children. Yes, we said, “their”!

From our nursery room teacher, Adriana, who is bilingual and teaching EVERYBODY Spanish, to our wonderfully creative and crazy two-year-old class learning sign language to our terrific threeand four-year-olds learning writing, rhyming and oh so much more.

Nurture n’ Nature truly has something for every small child to learn.

Nurture n’ Nature also offers parents a piece of mind while away from their children by offering a live streaming video system. It allows parents and grandparents to watch their children grow remotely. It is an added benefit for family members that do not live close by but want to feel that way!

Nurture n’ Nature recognizes that their success is owed to the remarkable community in which they live and operate and the parents that support them. They pay it forward by participating in community fund raisers, sponsorships, events and is a loyal member of the chamber lead by the incredible servant leader, July Danley!

Open since September of 2009

6 weeks up to 12 years LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE

1225 W. South Loop, Stephenville | (254) 965-4849 | Here for you 6:30am-6:00pm

SAFE TRICK 'R TREAT Provided by Stephenville Chamber of Commerce

Hometown Living At Its Best

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Coffee, Camaraderie, and a Country Store

By Brandynn Stanford Photos by Brazos Rose Photography

Blink and you’ll miss it. But look a little longer and you’ll be glad you did. Walking into Lingleville Country Store is to walk into a blend of history, culture, and vision that just feels right.

H

alfway between Stephenville and Desdemona, out on Highway 8, sits an old, rock building called the Lingleville Country Store. Blink and you’ll miss it. But look a little longer and you’ll be glad you did.

“Every day we get people who’ve never been here; who heard about us from a friend. Or they’ll say, ‘I finally stopped in and oh-my-gosh I had no idea!’,” says Lance Battenfield, proprietor of the shop that opened in 1884 and has been in continuous operation ever since.

Hometown Living At Its Best

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Erath County Living

Walking into the store is to walk into a blend of history, culture, and vision that just feels right. Authenticity permeates every aspect. You find yourself wondering why you took so long to get here and simultaneously making plans to return.

The store has the basics you’d expect from a tiny-town grocery—milk, bread, snacks, Hunts Brothers Pizza, a few plumbing and auto supplies. It’s even home to a small post-office which allows zip code 76461—and Lingleville, by extension—to exist.

But it’s what you don’t expect that has people talking.

You’ll find a considerable assortment of vintage sodas, hand-chosen craft beers and good wines, breakfast burritos, brisket tacos, made-from-scratch pies and muffins, along with free wi-fi. And coffee. Oh, such coffee.

Lance, a longtime beverage aficionado, threw out the Keurig and replaced it with an espresso machine when he and wife, Chelsea, began running the store

two-and-a-half years ago. They’ve spent the time since sharing their love of great coffee, good food, and real community with Erath County and travelers from far and wide.

After trying several vendors, Lance settled on Oak Cliff Coffee Roasters, “…because it’s some of the best that I’ve come across in the U.S. They roast it and put it in the mail that same day, then we get it the next day.” All the coffee served at the store has been roasted within the prior two weeks, an accomplishment rarely found in the American realm of java.

Lance continues, “Oak Cliff also knows the farmer.

They can tell you their names, how many kids they have, all that stuff about them, as well as what kind of impacts they’re making on their community as a grower. Plus, the accuracy of their flavor notes is legit. If the side of the bag says passionfruit, that’s exactly what it’s going to taste like.”

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You find yourself wondering why you took so long to get here and simultaneously making plans to return.

The staff at Lingleville have become adept at crafting espresso, latte, frappe, and pour-overs (while also offering teas, home-brewed root beer and hand-mixed cream sodas!). “We have coffees that just blow people’s socks off,” says Lance. “They’re surprised that a black cup of coffee can taste so good. They’ll ask me, ‘Why doesn’t this taste bad?’ and I’ll say, ‘Coffee’s not supposed to taste bad!’”

Chelsea chimes in, “We want coffee to be everything it’s meant to be. All our syrups are made from scratch, with organic evaporated cane juice. The frappes are made from scratch also, and not from a mix or powder.”

“That’s one of things I love about this stage of serving the coffee and being the barista,” notes Lance. “The coffee has gone through so many processes, so many nuances— it can be messed up at any point and damaged beyond repair, just another face in the crowd as far as coffee goes.

The ones we deal with have been painstakingly cared for at every level. Somebody just had to love this coffee all the way through from when it was grown, to picked, to processed, to shipped, to roasted, to shipped to us after

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Erath County Living

roasting. And then it’s our turn to actually serve it and not mess that up. It’s really an honor for us, to get to do this last finishing process.”

A wide variety of people have woven the store into their routines. Men and women heading to work, moms dropping kids off at school and swinging in for coffee, weekly Bible studies gathering around a table, college students studying. Lunchtime brings dairymen, electricians, and schoolteachers. Plus, there is the everpresent “Grandpa’s Club”, a group of retired men who, “sit there and hoot and holler, tell all their fish stories, gossip.

I always know what’s going on in town,” Lance says with a smile.

“Our customer base is so diverse, but one commonality is they have a discerning palate. They understand that what we have tastes different and better. If it’s something we think is impressive, we’ll bring it in for others to enjoy also.” One offering is produced by the Bar Ditch Winery just down the road from the store. “Their Mustang wine is $30 a bottle and we can’t keep it on the shelves.”

Lance also makes sure to carry Sioux City Sarsaparilla because it reminds him of his own days at the Lingleville High School (where he met Chelsea) and his youthful afternoons at the store where he’d wash down a microwaved Hot Pocket with his then beverage of choice.

“Students still walk over from the school but nowadays,” Lance points out, “they’re ordering things like green tea latte, or a frappe, or a charro burrito.”

The store is a natural hub of community-in-action and continues to bring the town together through things like Jambalaya nights on certain Fridays, a farmer’s market every third Saturday, and free hot chocolate when Santa’s in town for Christmas.

“We’ve created a space that cares for our customers but also each other as a staff,” says Chelsea. “We try to outdo one another in serving and we all try to go above and beyond.” Her t-shirt carries a quote, which has become a sort of store mantra, from Mother Teresa: “Not all of us can do great things, but we can all do small things with great love.”

Lance agrees. “We love our employees; they’re like family. We could not have this success if it wasn’t for the people who helped us along the way and are helping us now. I trust them. They work harder than me and they really care about what we do here, instead of just caring about a paycheck.”

The Lingleville area, despite its seeming remoteness, is thriving and growing, with transplants arriving from the nearby Metroplex as well as distant California. Lance says, “It’s growing by leaps and bounds right now and it’s fun to meet people who are moving to the area. They buy their property and build on it, find us, and just become a regular customer. It’s a lot of fun to see that journey.”

He continues, “Saturday mornings are a lot of fun, too, with new people coming in, making the trek. But if it weren’t for the support of our local community, we would be closed. Throughout the week it’s the local people that completely support the store. They show up and we see the same faces every day. We know everybody by name. We know their coffee, or if they’re coming in for a sandwich.

We get to be a part of their lives.”

“If you’d have told us three years ago that we’d have the store I would’ve said you’re crazy. But it was God’s plan and He asked us to ask for it. And so we started asking Him. He knows the desires of our hearts; He knew what we would like. It can have its stressful moments, like anything, but it’s been really good and blessed. I love my job, I love my community, and at the end of the day it’s really just a lot of fun.”

You’ll find the Lingleville Country Store at 18999 FM 8 in Lingleville, on social media, and at www. linglevillecountrystore.com. (254) 968-7632. ECL

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FIND MENU AND PHOTOS AT RUBYSTEXASBISTRO.COM OR VISIT OUR FB PAGE

Best of Erath County Finalist - Best Steak (Steaks available Fri. & Sat. night)

Best of Erath County Winner Best Margarita

Full Bar and Outdoor Patio Seating

Kids Menu Available | Fresh Homemade Food 2018 Best of Erath County Finalist for : Place To Dine, Service, Bar & Bartender Steakhouse, Fries, Salad, Wings, Margarita

211 W. McNeill, Stephenville | One Block Off the Square | 254-918-5966 Tues. - Thurs. 11 am - 11 pm | Fri. - Sat. 11 am - Midnight | Sunday 11 am - 9 pm Kitchen closes at 10 pm Tues - Sat | 9 pm Sunday

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Accounting Made Easy!

1710 W South Loop, (254) 968-6112 sueannportercpa.com Hometown Living At Its Best

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RIBBON CUTTINGS The Stephenville Chamber of Commerce welcomed new businesses and celebrated new and renovated facilities for longtime members at various ribbon cutting ceremonies throughout 2019. For more information on services provided by the Stephenville Chamber of Commerce including business resources, community information, and a listing of upcoming

FIND US ON

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MPN

events, visit

www.StephenvilleTexas.org.

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DUBLIN I.S.D. EVERY CHILD. EVERY MINUTE. EVERY DAY. “ We believe a strong community builds a strong school. And, a strong school builds a strong community.”

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

2 0 1 9 Na t io n a l Blu e R ib b o n Sc h o o l

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H i gh es t A c a d em ic Sc o r es in E ra t h Count y

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C o m m u n it y Se rv ic e O ri en t ed

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D ed ic a t ed G T P ro g ra m /C la s s es

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Stat e & National Qua lifi fie e rs

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Int ernationa l FPS Qualifi fie e rs

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M u lt ic u lt u ra l L ea rn in g E n vi ro n m en t

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T u it io n A s s is t ed C o l le ge C r ed it & A s s o c ia t es D eg r ee P r o g ra m s

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St a t e o f t h e A rt A t h let ic F a c i lit i es

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M en t o r in g P ro g ra m s

Committed to Academic Excellence

Dublin Elementary is one of 27 schools in Texas, 362 in the nation and the only school in Erath County to be recognized as an exemplary high performance school receiving the prestigious U.S. Department of Education 2019 National Blue Ribbon.

"We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives,� said Nancy DeVos, United States Secretary of Education, in a video message to the honorees. “As a National Blue Ribbon School, your school demonstrates what is possible when committed educators hold all students and staff to high standards and create vibrant, innovative cultures of teaching and learning."

DUBLIN I.S.D. Administration 420 N. Post Oak, Dublin, Texas 76446 (254) 445-6009 DublinISD.us

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FIVE DECADES

OF RODEO ACTION PHOTOS

By Peggy Purser Freeman Photos provided by Dudley Doright Enterprises

D

udley Barker returned from Vietnam with a camera and a photographer’s eye for a story in the fast lane. I recently caught up with him between rodeo shoots and promoting his book, 5 Decades of Rodeo Action.

Dudley explained. “I moved to Stephenville in August of 1975, attended Tarleton State University. I was just hanging around the rodeo cowboys, had the camera I had used in my spare time in 'Nam, and the rest is history.”

To be exact, forty-three years of history as a Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) Photographer, receiving notoriety as a PRCA Gold Card.

I asked Dudley how he captured action-packed photos.

Armed with a camera, an escape route and a photographer’s eye for a story in the fast lane, Dudley Barker has spent the last five decades proving his presence and talent for knowing the sweet spot of rodeo photography Hometown Living At Its Best

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“In every event, there’s a sweet spot, what we call a classic photo. In every run, each cowboy or cowgirl is a client, so to speak. You have to capture their photo at their best moment—provided they create that moment.

They have to rope the calf, spur the bull, they have to make the ride. Out of every ride, the rodeo photographer has to recognize it for what’s about to happen and then capture that second. A good rodeo photographer has to be consistent at it. But you can’t capture the sweet spot in a bronc ride if he never goes to the front end, toes turned out and spurs up at the neck. It’s easy to get a highlight picture for the newspaper, but you need to have a picture of the winner. Essentially, you want the best shot of each person.”

Dudley understands rodeo. Born in 1944 in Taylor, Texas and ranch-raised in Central Texas, he shared his memories of growing up. “Mom was a teacher and we didn’t have a TV until I was a senior in high school. My younger brother and sister and I lived a simple life of school, sports, and the ranch. We ate what we grew.”

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“When all is said and done, all that will be left are friends, memories, and photos.”

Dudley graduated from Thrall High School and received his Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M. He volunteered for the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and served not only in Vietnam but also in Okinawa and California before he was honorably discharged as a Captain.

After his service years, Dudley earned his master’s degree in Animal Science at A&M and three teaching certificates. Soon after, he started Dudley Doright Enterprises, preserving rodeo memories as a professional photographer with the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) as a Gold Card member. In his travel for the PRCA, he finds the time to record in treasured photos the various ranch rodeos, roping events, and junior rodeos.

Dudley’s goal is to get that perfect shot, the one of the winners in the sweet spot. “My main thing is for no one to even know I was there,” he explained. “Like a wisp of smoke. You have to be in the right place at the right time without interfering with the rodeo and no one noticing you. You can’t be behind the horse; you have to be out front.”

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Dudley Barker may want rodeo fans to not even know he’s there, but moms, dads, cowboys and cowgirls are glad he is. Their action photos prove his presence and his talent for knowing the sweet spot. Honored with induction into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame, Dudley also received the 2009 PRCA Photographer of the Year Award and is in the All Cowboy & Arena Champions Hall of Fame. His images have appeared in all the major rodeo publications—Rodeo Sports News, Dally Times, Rodeo Times, Rodeo News, Roper Sports News, Spin-to-Win, Loops, Quarter Horse News, and Barrel Horse News, not to mention National Geographic and Western Horseman.

I asked Dudley how to find the best location for an action shot. He answered, “Well, mainly you have to be where you can get away from being hooked or kicked!

You can capture the action without being in the center of the arena. You don’t want to be there but be where you can get the best action. It’s all timing. It helped that I was used to being around livestock. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and the animals so you can move and, if you have to, run like hell. It took me thirty years to realize I couldn’t keep jumping fences like I did when I was young. I finally got a ladder to make a quick exit.”

“My main thing is for no one to even know I was there.

Like a wisp of smoke.”

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Cowboys and cowgirls from juniors to pro rodeos, the horses, the techniques and events—the art of Dudley Doright Enterprises preserves the moment, the sweet spot. I asked about the tools of the trade he uses. He suggested, “Nikon, period. I started with a Pentax and moved up to a Nikon. Every few years Nikon improves their product. Sometimes the big arena requires a different lens. In Texas, there’s a lot of nighttime rodeo and you have to set up flashes.” Dudley’s talent and his artist’s eye maximizes the use of those tools.

“I doubt if I'll ever stop rodeo photography. As long as they’re paying me to go, I’ll go. I do like to fish, and I love taking wildlife pictures. I have a camera blind set up in a golf cart and I like to go up into the wilds of Wisconsin, Montana, Yellowstone, South Texas and Mexico and capture a postcard moment. Of course, I will also fish. Each picture has an intent, a story. I share what I love on my Facebook page which has 5,000 followers.

Facebook also gives families a chance to find pictures of their loved ones in a rodeo.”

Dudley’s 5 Decades of Rodeo, a coffee table book with 254 pages of over 700 color and black and white photos from five decades of rodeo world champions, heroes, families, group stampedes, mug shots, wrecks, hookings, and classical rodeo action. A Lifetime of Rodeo showcases 1,000 images from four decades of Dudley’s work capturing champs, heroes, and families on a DVD with music.

I asked Dudley if he had a favorite photo. “The one that comes to mind is one I took early in my career, a black and white photo of Sleepy, the bull, in the air. That shot captured the bull at the peak of action. It helps that I got the cowboy in the air too.”

Dudley’s book, DVD, and photographs cajole rodeo fans back in time and bring to life faded memories.

Cowboys, cowgirls, bulls, and horses once forgotten live on in the photo art of Dudley Barker.

“I see my photography as capturing history.

Sometimes the picture is just for me. I take pride in getting the story, like the rodeo clown protecting the rider. In his words, “When all is said and done, all that will be left are friends, memories, and photos.”

For more information visit: www.dudleydoright. com. ECL

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CROSS TIMBERS FINE ARTS COUNCIL ART CAMP Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council hosts an Art Camp every summer for children five and up. The camp is held in two sessions over the course of a week with up to 50 students per session. Art camp is $100 per child, per session and includes a t-shirt and a different art project every day.

Teacher, Liz Me iro

n, explains an

art project to ca

mpers.

Campers are guided by volunteers to tie-dye their t-shirts.

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SHOOTING F R DOLLARS

By Janette Halliday Photos provided by Stephenville Evening Lions Club

Starting with humble beginnings, the Upland Bird Extravaganza, hosted by Stephenville Evening Lions Club, now benefits the youth of Erath County annually and has raised more that $1.25 million to help kids in the area!

W

ith humble beginnings twenty-five years ago, the Stephenville Lions Club made a decision that would impact the lives of Erath county youth in a large way.

The Erath County civic group has several members who share a common love of hunting, cooking and outdoors and made a decision to give back to the youth of Erath County. The Upland Bird Extravaganza was born as a fundraiser.

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In 1996 members organized the first event. “The event used to be bird dog trials, sporting clay and skeet shoots and a wild game dinner,” explained Gil Parks, long time member and past president of the organization. “We are all hunters and outdoorsmen. We thought a skeet shoot would draw some shooters before the start of dove season,” said Parks adding that now the shoot is a week before the wild game/steak dinner and auction, held in the spring.

The Upland Bird Extravaganza’s beginnings appear humble as compared to the level it has risen to now. Will Haggard, another long time Lions Club member added the first small dinner raised over $10,000 dollars and now the ‘most spectacular event in Erath County’ has raised over $200,000 for the past several years.

Haggard was enthusiastic to explain that the youth of our community benefit and in the past 25 years the Stephenville Lions club has raised $1.25 million to help kids in the area.

Parks explained, “Originally, the Boy Scouts were the ones who benefited. But as it’s grown, we’ve added other donations to other groups including the Girl Scouts, Stephenville ISD, the Education Foundation, 4-H Shooting Sports and the Angel Tree.”

Both Haggard and Parks are adamant about how the funds raised go to support Erath County youth. “All the money stays in Erath County and helps so many youths,” said Parks. Haggard added, “The youth are our future!

We aid and support getting them off their games, phones and computer screens and into the great outdoors. We help make the youth better, more diverse adults.”

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“It really took off in 2006 when we moved it all to Stephenville. I was the president that year and we had some really great member ideas and we’ve done it this way ever since,” explained Parks.

All the club members help in various ways. “The Kappa Delta Rho fraternity has helped for years and we couldn’t pull it off without them,” commented Parks.

The twenty-fifth anniversary speaks volumes for the organization and the event. “Twenty-five years is a milestone. We have some surprises in store,” stated Parks.

This year’s shoot will see a change in venue.

“Unfortunately, the range near Glen Rose will be shutting down in November of 2019 due to the death of the owner.

This is where our sporting clay shoot has been held in the past,” stated Parks.

Due to a change in the location, the Lions Club will host the shooting portion of the Upland Bird Extravaganza for the first year for at Rough Creek Lodge and Resort in Glen Rose on Saturday, March 28, 2020, beginning at 8 a.m.

One week later the second portion, the annual Wild Game Dinner and Auction will be at City Hall at City Limits in Stephenville on Friday, April 3, 2020 at 5 p.m.

Several levels of sponsorships are available and are based on availability, with a key feature to sponsoring is getting ribeye steaks on the menu, with wild game still being available.

Parks said a meal highlight is “River Fries” that accompany the steak meal consisting of French fries cooked with onion, jalapenos and garlic pepper—a recipe invented by his brother but introduced by himself to Erath County. “They are incredible,” commented Parks, adding he cooks about two hundred pounds each year for the meal.

Event tickets are available at the door; however, table sponsorships are only available in advance. The event will also include an auction and a raffle for large ticket items including a Kubota UTV and several guns.

The Upland Bird Extravaganza is like no other event in Erath county because the Lions Club has more fun than any other groups with the good food and fellowship.

They believe in the youth of Erath County and helping them become outstanding citizens.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, contact the Sponsor Chairman, Case Horton at 254-977-3762.

ECL

EAGLE SPONSORS $2,000 DONATION

We help make the youth better, more diverse adults.

Eagle sponsors will receive: • Identification in all print and radio advertising along with exclusive signage at the dinner and auction.

• Sponsors with reserved seating table for ten • Ten dinner tickets • Ten cups • Ten Eagle Sponsor passes • 40 Tickets for sponsor raffle • Ten Eagle Sponsor passes • Ten steak dinners with wine service • Two teams in the Five Stand Competition ($400 for each additional team) • Eagle Sponsor Signage at the shooting event • Recognition at the dinner and shooting event • Eagle Sponsor Signage at Saturday’s Shooting event • Recognition at dinner and shooting event

WEBELOS SPONSORS $1,500 DONATION

Webelos sponsors will receive: • Reserved Seating Table for ten • Ten Webelos Sponsor Passes • Twenty tickets for sponsor raffle • Ten dinner tickets • Ten cups • Ten Prime Rib steak dinners with wine service • One Team in Five Stand Competition ($400 for each additional team) • Webelo Sponsor Signage at Saturday’s Shooting event • Recognized at dinner and shooting event

CUB SPONSORS $1,000 DONATION

Cub Sponsors will receive: • Reserved Seating Table for six • Six Cub sponsor passes • Six tickets for sponsor raffle • Six cups • Six Prime Rib steak dinners with wine service • One team in the Five Stand Competition ($400 for each additional team) • Recognition at dinner

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2ND ANNUAL LIGHT SPORT FLY-IN AT DUBLIN MUNICIPAL AIRPORT Provided by The Dublin Municipal Airport

The Dublin Municipal Airport held its 2nd Annual Light Sport Fly-In on October 5th, 2019, welcoming over 30 planes and gyroplanes, as well as a paraglider. Crowds enjoyed seeing the variety of aircraft up close, watching them fly, and even taking rides in a few.

Light Sport aircraft are small, lightweight, and simple to operate and they enjoy visiting the Dublin Airport due to its availability of Swift Fuels UL94 unleaded aviation gasoline.

A gyroplane fly-in will take place on March 14, 2020.

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Stephenville

Family Dentistry

2541 Northwest Loop Stephenville, TX stephenvillefamilydentistry.com

254.968.4433

A Beautiful Practice F O R A L L Y O U R D E N TA L N E E D S Cleanings • Exams • Oral Cancer • Screenings • Crowns • Bridges • Cosmetic Dentistry Root Canals • Fillings Extractions • Partials Dentures • Teeth Whitening

DAV I D S TA N P H I L L , D D S | S T E P H A N I E C E R V E T TO, D D S

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www.stephenvillesecuritystorage.com Visa & Mastercard Accepted ~ Member ofBest BBB Hometown Living At Its

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S

DUBLIN, TEXAS THE IRISH CAPITAL OF TEXAS Provided by the Dublin Chamber of Commerce

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Getting to Know the President:

Dr. James Hurley By: Rebecca Parvaresh Photos provided by Tarleton State University

Since becoming the 16th president of Tarleton State University, Dr. James Hurley says that he and his family are home.

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S

peaking with Dr. James Hurley, you get the sense that he and his family are right where they’re supposed to be. Since accepting the position as the 16th president of Tarleton State University in August, Dr. Hurley, his wife, Kindall, and their four children — Drew, Carter, Blayklee and Brooklyn — wasted no time getting to Stephenville.

Seamlessly, they have integrated into the day-today lives of the Tarleton family through convocation, beginning the fall 2019 semester, and their first Homecoming.

Several factors drew the Hurleys to their new home, the most significant being prayer.

“We prayed about it a lot after we were contacted by Wheless Partners, the consulting firm in charge of listing potential candidates for the A&M System,” Dr. Hurley said. “We developed a relationship with Mike Wheless during that process and became confident in his ability to share information about the institution. He did a great job selling Tarleton to us.

“The other contributing factor was the region. We wanted to be part of Texas. It’s a growing state and financially it’s very healthy.”

Dr. Hurley and his wife began meeting with people in the community, notably then-President Dominic Dottavio.

“He’s really the only one who knew we were considering this position. We developed a great relationship with him, and he had nothing but nice things to say about Tarleton.

But really, it was that God led us here. When Kindall and I came to visit the community before we officially applied, we felt very comfortable here. We fell in love with the few people we met because Stephenville is just a great place.”

Once Dr. Hurley got to know Dr. Dottavio, he realized he had big shoes to fill. “You worry about coming into an institution when you follow someone like the Drs. Dottavio (Dominic and his wife, Lisette). Both of them are very focused on student success and initiatives. They engage in the community and with our students at all levels. So we’ve been really active in trying to get to know our students, the faculty and the staff. We could not have asked for a better transition. This is the best transition I’ve been a part of, and I’ve been through a few.”

Tarleton makes the third presidency for Dr. Hurley.

He effected positive change at his former universities that elevated those schools. Lessons learned prepared him for taking on new horizons at Tarleton.

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“I think some of my experiences centered upon always ensuring that no matter what decision we make as the leader of an institution we put the needs of our students above all others,” he said. “As long as student success is our mindset, then everything else takes care of itself.”

He talked about how even a pursuit that some deem a failure can still have a positive outcome. “Anyone in leadership who has really pushed the envelope has experienced failure. I’ve been coined as a leader who will push the envelope for our students. I’ve told our students, faculty and staff that I’m a big believer in failing forward.

As long as you use those failures as growing experiences, you’ll grow and someone will benefit from that growth.”

Dr. Hurley has a background in finance, an asset he believes clarifies and informs his view of higher education. “We must make sure every penny we have is aligned with enhancing the profile of the institution

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so our students graduate with a degree that increases their value in the workplace. My first initiatives are to look for ways to enhance our national profile; increase our student success initiative; strengthen retention and graduation rates; and become a regional institution of choice. A first-choice destination. We first must own our area in Erath and the surrounding counties. We want to be the institution that leads the way with college acumen and economic development opportunities.”

Dr. Hurley is determined to elevate Tarleton’s national brand, and shifting the athletic program from NCAA Division II to Division I is a step in that direction.

“That alone makes a huge difference because of the notoriety sports can bring to the institution to expand our brand regionally and nationally. Our transition from Division II to Division I wasn’t just about athletics.

It has everything to do with academics and raising our academic profile, which is very important to us.”

Dr. Hurley’s wanting Tarleton to become the premier regional comprehensive school in the nation just sharpens the focus. “With a $185 million budget and the largest employee base in this contiguous region, it’s our responsibility to be good stewards of the taxpayers’ investment. Additionally, we want to ensure that we’re meeting the workforce development needs of the region. We have campuses in Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian and Bryan, so we not only have to focus on the needs in Stephenville but also those communities we support with outreach campuses.

Each is unique. The economy in Waco is different than in Stephenville or in Fort Worth. We have to make sure we are focused on strengthening the entire Tarleton brand, because no matter where you’re at you’re still a Tarleton student. We operate under one mission of ‘one voice, one university.’ ” That mission of operating together as one has been on display since Dr. Hurley arrived. From the moment his presidency was official, his duties have kept him on the go. His calendar is brim full. Homecoming was particularly fun.

“Homecoming at Tarleton is over-the-top awesome,” he said. “It has so many wonderful traditions, and we met so many new people during the festivities. We had activity after activity each night, but the students had so much fun. We so enjoyed seeing all the students joining in to celebrate Tarleton’s history and traditions. That’s what the college experience is about.”

He says he loves all the traditions, but his top three are Yell Contest, purple pancakes and bonfire — especially the bonfire, for how big it is and how hot it is. “You don’t realize the magnitude of the bonfire itself until you see it in person. To see so many people from the community,

faculty and students come together for that tradition is really just neat. Then feeding and serving students purple pancakes at midnight was really fun for us. To get to see their faces and meet so many of them. Then with the Yell Contest to see how much work our young men and women put into that event is really special; it was one of Kindall’s favorites.”

Everything in Dr. Hurley’s first 90 days as president solidified the notion that Stephenville and Tarleton are the places he and his family should call home. As a family, they have “an open arms, open door” policy. As Dr. Hurley said, “We feel very blessed to be here. Kindall and I know that we have a unique opportunity to help guide, shape, mold and mentor students. We do not take that lightly, and we are fortunate to have the opportunity to not only serve Tarleton, as well as higher education in Texas. We’re a real down-to-earth, loving family. Kindall has been involved in getting to know students and faculty on campus and our children were quickly ‘adopted’ by students. We want to be able to connect, and we don’t want people to feel like they can’t walk up and have a conversation anytime.

“We want our students to know we do love them and care about them. Their success is our success. Above all things we want them to know that as the Hurley’s are part of the Tarleton Family, they are part of our family.” ECL

“I’m a big believer in failing forward.

As long as you use failures as growing experiences, you will grow and someone will benefit from that growth.”

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Hometown

Graduates Photos courtesy of Brazos Rose Photography, Brooke Mendenhall Photography and Double S Farm Fresh Photography

Cameron Davidson Dublin High School, Class of 2020 Photo by Double S Farm Fresh Photography

Camry Porter Dublin High School, Class of 2020 Photo by Double S Farm Fresh Photography

Bailey Noel Dublin High School, Class of 2020 Photo by Double S Farm Fresh Photography

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Taylor Clayton Tarleton State University, Class of 2019 Photo by Brooke Mendenhall Photography

Derek Gifford Stephenville High School, Class of 2020 Photo by Brazos Rose Photography

Maxell Class of 2020 Photo by Brazos Rose Photography

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Paula Donaho Realtor® 254-485-3621

Royce Carpenter Realtor® 254-485-1733

Shannon Prescott Realtor® 254-396-5732

Jake Garrett Realtor® 940-231-3191

Sherrie Barton Realtor® 254-592-3233

Danell Picha Office Manager

Joyce Holland Broker 254-396-1504 DICKERSONREALESTATEOFTEXAS@GMAIL.COM

Meet our team!

STEPHENVILLE, TX 254-595-0066

FARM/RANCH, COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES

www.Dickerson.Properties

A

In Memory Of

Dave Dickerson 58

Erath County Living

g graduate of Tarleton State

University and a Lt. Colonel in the US Army turned real estate broker, Dave was a true gentleman and called by some an out-of-the-box thinker.

He loved to hunt, spend time with his family and friends, and could talk to anyone. He was loved by all. Born and raised in Stephenville, Dave and his wife, Sherry, made quite an impact on the lives of many residents of Stephenville.

Dickerson Real Estate Realtor Paula Donaho says, “We were like Batman and Robin, and some days Laurel and Hardy. He made real estate fun, even on challenging transactions.”

Dave loved listing and selling all types of properties and getting his hands on tough projects. He was well respected in the real estate world; many agents learned from him and sought his real estate advice.

Dave will be truly missed by all who knew him. Dickerson Real Estate will continue with agents who will carry on Dave’s legacy of providing quality real estate services.

MORGAN MILL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT PRIVATE SCHOOL FEEL WITH A PUBLIC SCHOOL EDUCATION.

We are currently taking applications for transfer students for the 2019-2020 and the 2020-2021 school year! Â

We are switching to a four day school week next year!

295 E. FM 1188/PO Box 8, Morgan Mill, TX 76465 254-968-4921| wsanders@mmisd.us | www.mmisd.us

Stacie Wallis Stacie@catesrealty.com 682-465-4515

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SUNDOWN ON THE SQUARE Photos Provided by Cheryl Hatton and Dirty Cleats Photography

Stephenville celebrated another fantastic Sundown on the Square Festival on October 5, 2019. Headliner Gary P. Nunn was on stage for awesome entertainment in Stephenville.

We want to extend a special thank you to all of the committee members who worked so hard to make this year’s festival a success!

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CATHEY SIMS HARTMANN Erath County Historical Commission Chair

By Connie Lewis Leonard Photos provided by Erath County Historical Commission

A

ffectionately known by fellow teachers as “Ms. Texas History,” Cathey Sims Hartmann made history come alive for her students. Due to her love for preserving history, Cathey began serving on the Erath County Historical Commission in the 80’s. After retiring from teaching, she was appointed by Erath County Commissioners Court as chair because she was known as a go-getter who would get things done.

Cathey believes an interest in history is inborn, with that spark being ignited by visiting a particular historic site or being nurtured by a really good history teacher.

“I vividly remember my first visit to the Alamo. I couldn’t have been more than five years of age, yet I was awed just passing through those gigantic wooden doors. I don’t think my parents would have filled me in on much about that historic event, so how I knew I was on hallowed ground, I do not know. I don’t remember much about history classes in elementary school, but I fondly recall Miss Gail Williams’s history class at Stephenville High School. She was one of my favorite teachers. Then being in Dick Smith’s Government

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class at Tarleton was monumental since he actually wrote the textbook we were using!”

Cathey grew up on the farm her grandfather started in 1896, and she makes her home there on a hill overlooking the property.

“Each time I mend a barb wire fence that I’m sure he constructed, or ride a horse over fields that I know he would have planted and worked, I am constantly reminded of him, although he died when I was two. One of my favorite pictures shows me sitting in his lap in an old rocking chair outside in the yard. The first thing he would say when he walked in the house after a day in the fields was, ‘Where’s my baby?’ That may have happened many years ago, but to me it is a daily reminder of who I am and where I came from.”

“The past is never dead.

It’s not even past.”— William Faulkner

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Cathey majored in History and English, teaching both subjects, but she said, “It’s my sixteen years teaching Texas history in Granbury that brought out my passion for that subject. Sometimes dressing up in period costumes, giving first person accounts of actual characters from the pages of the textbook, and taking classes on field trips to various historic places gave me great satisfaction. It saddens me to hear students who don’t like history, or even worse a teacher who begrudges the fact that they have to teach it.”

Cathey carries her passion for history through her work on The Texas Historical Commission (THC). Her eyes light up when she speaks of the accomplishments of the THC throughout Erath County. Established in 1953, THC administers state preservation programs, coordinating with federal preservation activities. County Historical Commissions were started by the Texas Legislature to assist county commissioner’s courts and the THC to

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preserve the cultural and historic resources of our state.

Commission members are appointed by the County Judge and Commissioner’s Court. Chairmen of the Erath County Historical Commissions have included Betty Culpepper, Lillie Gibson, Nancy Allen and Cathey Hartmann, with thirteen current members on the County Commission. For the past eight years, Erath CHC has received a Distinguished Service Award for its active and well-balance preservation program.

Thetis Edwards has been an active member of THC for about eight years. She loves the involvement of the community in historical preservation and the interaction with other agencies, groups, and civic organizations that are involved in Erath County. This includes locating and recommending sites for Historical Markers, studies, records, documents, pictures and other related materials.

The most interesting facts are saved to tell the real stories of real places in our Community.

Oldest Historical Markers in Erath County: • • • • • Thetis loves history and loves hearing true Texas stories. She said, “The most rewarding effort was when I started doing research on the Colored School. I wanted to know who Cornelia Graves was and how the school received her name on the building. I continued my research for one year, found what I needed to write and later she received a dedicated marker of the location where she taught school on College Farm Road.

“Since then, I have continued to fulfill my research about the African American families in Erath County.

There have been stories about the Bentley Family and Mount Olive Cemetery. Mount Olive Cemetery received its Historical Marker two years ago. This marker was presented to Mr. Howard Phillips in honor of his greatgrandfather, who was the first African American laid to rest in this cemetery. There are many more stories about the African American families in Erath County that I am still researching. The people of this community have supported me through these findings and learning more about the History of Erath County.”

Through the diligent work of Erath County Historical Commission, ninety-seven markers recognizing historical and cultural sites have been dedicated throughout the county. Two more have been approved and are waiting for the text to be written. They should be in place sometime in 2020. The commissioner is working on a project to inspect all historical markers and to report if any are in need of repair or maintenance. Two markers that date back to the Texas Centennial in 1936 are the Erath Arches on Washington Street, and the grave of William Pate at Victor Cemetery. Pate was a veteran of the battle of San Jacinto.

The author David McCullough said, “History is who we are and why we are the way we are.” We are all looking for the answer to who we are, and in history, we can find that answer. Preservation efforts help us understand the cultural heritage of a community, where we came from,

• •

• • • • •

1936 Centennial Marker for William H. Pate, veteran of San Jacinto, in Victor Cemetary 1963 Oldest House in Stephenville, Berry Cottage, 525 E. Washington 1969 Thurber, off I-20 at the smokestack 1971 Public Well in Bluff Dale, by S. Greenwood Street railroad track 1972 Round Grove Baptist Church, From Dublin, FM 2156 to CR 508 SW to Cr 352, then CR354 Trinity Episcopal Church, Dublin, 433 Patrick 1972 Early Commercial Bldg., Dublin, Lyon Museum (now Ben Hogan), corner of Blackjack and Grafton 1975 Community of Huckabay, FM 219, across from cemetery 1977 Stephenville Church of 1900, Museum 1976 Daniel and Mary Anna Thornton, Hannibal, west on 111 1977 Crow Opera House, on square in Stephenville 1979 Duffau Baptist Church, Corner of FM2481 and 1824

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Full-Time is on the Horizon; Watercolor Artist Shares His Passion

By Martha Helton Photos by Kim Leatherwood Photography

For decades, Rick Kime has been pursuing painting part time, but he looks forward to a retirement in which he can finally spread his wings, stoke up his creativity and turn his hobby into a full-time adventure.

I

parked my car in front of a 90-year-old rock house tucked away a bit off FM 914 in Stephenville. Standing outside to greet me was Rick Kime, clothed in his go-to wardrobe of camouflage and jeans, sporting a mustache and goatee sprinkled with grey.

We introduced ourselves and I also met his sweet wife, Karen, before heading to his welcoming, covered patio, complete with a koi pond trickling in the background, a swing and a patio set‌a perfect setting to sit a spell with a cold drink in hand. We sat down so I could visit with him about his passion for watercolor painting.

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For decades he has pursued his painting part-time, working around his day job. But he looks forward to retirement in a few short years, when he can finally spread his wings, stoke up his creativity and turn his hobby into a full-time adventure.

Growing up, Rick was always interested in art. He started drawing at the age of five, inspired by his dad, a professional artist who taught private oil painting lessons. “I sat in on some of his courses,” explained Rick.

“But one day I just started using watercolors and I liked that…it was simpler and didn’t have that smell. Oil paints get on your clothes and get on your hands and it’s hard to get off. With water colors you just put a little water on it, paint, put the lid on and that’s it until the next time.”

Rick honed his painting skills on his own through trial and error, listening to and watching other artists, all while building on the lessons he gleaned from his dad.

“By the time I was in my mid-twenties I got pretty good at it. Then you also learn how to fix mistakes—which is kind of part of life!” laughed Rick. “If you make a mistake you either cover it up or blend it out, wash it out or paint something over it.”

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Rick uses both watercolor paper and ceramic board when he paints. Both serve different purposes.

“If you are doing a big sky, paper has kind of a texture on it, and it really lets you smooth the paint out real nice. Landscapes are good on the paper because the texture also works real nice with grass. The ceramic board is a little bit unforgiving. However, it’s real smooth so you can really give it detail.”

Some of the more detailed work he has done involves painting western gear, such as cowboy belts with ornate, silver buckles, cowboy hats and guns. “I’ve done some old guns…I don’t have any right now; I seem to sell them out quick. But I do the detail even down to the little serial numbers on them.”

To create his paintings, he uses brushes of all sizes, sponges and sometimes paper towels. “You can use paper towels because they have a texture on them and you can dab it in the paint and use them for brush and trees—like a tree line in the background. And it’s not cheating!” laughed Rick.

As a hunter and fisherman, Rick finds inspiration to paint landscapes and animals. “I mostly do wildlife, just about everything I paint has some kind of critter in it—quail, doves, deer, rabbits, foxes. I’ve done a couple of foxes with flowers. I like to paint an evil kind of critter with flowers around it…beauty and the beast is what I call it.”

One day I just started using watercolors and I liked that… it was simpler (than oil). With watercolors you just put a little water on it, paint, put the lid on and that’s it until the next time.”

What thrills him about painting, I ask? “Celebrating wildlife…just celebrating how pretty our wildlife is… quail and deer…all of it. Even armadillos. Even though I’m a hunter I still love and respect the animals. I don’t kill anything for the heck of it. When I hunt, I hardly ever shoot anything. I just love the animals—especially the deer. I like to watch them mostly. It’s just fun,” Rick shared. “I take pictures with my phone sometimes but they’re usually not good enough to paint by. I just never used a camera much.”

He does find inspiration through magazine pictures and through photos his dad, who is pretty good with a camera, takes and shares. “He’ll send me pictures and tell me, ‘Oh, you need to paint this!’ said Rick. “He’s 85 and he still paints. He’s pretty well-known in south Texas.

Some of the Texas rangers collect his art. One of them has one of mine.”

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After visiting a while, Rick showed me his art studio (he calls it his “man cave” or “painting cave”). Using his carpenter skills (his day job consists of 40 years of construction experience, owning a construction renovation company at one time; he currently is a home inspector), he enclosed a carport that used to house a boat. He used a door slanted at an angle for a desk and a rectangular block of wood with holes to hold different size brushes, handily available as he works. On his desk is a half-completed picture of a wren and butterfly looking at each other. Photos adorn the walls from hunting and fishing excursions with his son, Russell, who lives in Wiley, Texas.

“I usually paint one to two hours at a sitting. I have to be inspired, I guess, and relaxed. It’s not a job so I don’t have to do it—not yet anyway.” Rick laughed. “I don’t know if I could do it if I had to. I just like to take my time.

I’m not going to just pump out paintings. Quality instead of quantity.” He also likes to listen to country western music while he paints. “Country just kind of mellows me out,” he explained.

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Being an artist is kind of like being in the rodeo—they always say you don’t always make a lot of money at it but you have a whole lot of fun.

Although not into art, Russell did follow his father’s path into construction. He has four children. The grandkids might get into art as well? “Yeah, they’re drawing already. I bought them some pencil sets for Christmas and one of them was like five and boy he just sat down and starts drawing a deer. You could tell it was a deer and at five, that’s pretty good! So, there’s at least one that’s going to have some artistic ability. The rest of them are too young to tell.”

Currently, Rick has about 20 paintings in stock and plans on accumulating more so in three or four years when he retires, he can travel and display his creations at various art shows and festivals. His wife Karen accompanies Rick a lot to his art shows and looks forward to traveling more with him, seeing the sights and mingling more with the art community. Rick relishes the freedom he will experience when that time comes. He paused as we closed our conversation, smiled and shared his philosophy on being an artist: “Being an artist is kind of like being in the rodeo—they always say you don’t always make a lot of money at it but you have a whole lot of fun.” ECL

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BOSQUE ADVENTURE Photos provided by Metta Collier

Join a 4th grade class from Hook Elementary as they tour the Stephenville Historical House Museum on September 27, 2019 for an adventure along the Bosque River Trail. The Bosque Adventure is a partnership between the Stephenville ISD, Tarleton State University and the City of Stephenville

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Keeping an Eye on Them

By Allegra Schroeder

How to Watch Our Kids in a Cyber World

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The days of Encyclopedia Brittanica on the bookshelves of our living room are gone, and now our kids have the most up to date information on any topic right at their fingerstips. But how do we KNOW what our kids are looking at? Check out a few apps that will help Mama and Papa keep an eye on Baby Bear’s media.

Raising kids today in an internet savvy world presents challenges parents of bygone eras never had to deal with. The internet has allowed a world of knowledge at our fingertips and limitless learning potential for our children. Gone are the days of the Encyclopedia Brittanica and Webster’s Dictionary on the living room bookshelves, now are the days of the most up to date information on any subject one’s heart desires to research. The flip side of this is that in today’s world, instead of riding bikes all day and visiting one another’s homes, kids today spend quite a lot of time socializing in the cyber world and that leaves the door open for all sorts of dangers previous generations never experienced.

According to Tom’s Guide (www.tomsguide.com) there are a number of Parental Control Apps that can take some of the fear of the unknown away from parents and offer a measure of control and peace of mind. As parents we will never fully have peace of mind, but some of these apps go a long way towards easing some of the anxiety.

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Net Nanny

Net Nanny pairs with both Android and iOS and can track your child’s location, display their location history and set time allowances. The one thing Net Nanny cannot do is monitor your child’s calls and texts. The cost for Net Nanny is $54.99 per year.

Norton Family Premier

Ideal for Android, iOS and Windows users, and for households with many children. Some of the features include location tracking, time scheduling and web filtering. Although with iOS the app management and text monitoring at all. While Free with the Norton Security Premium Antivirus Software, it will cost other users $49.99 per year.

Kapersky Safe Kids

Allows monitoring on PCs, Macs and Smartphones.

This one cannot monitor calls or texts with the iOS app. It offers location tracking, web monitoring, device scheduling and geofencing. The cost for this one is $14.99.

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Qustudio

Offers software for Macs, PCs, iOS, Androids and Amazon Fire Tablets. Limited location tracking on iOS and Android with no geofencing option. Only manages a few dozen apps on iOS, but all apps on Androids. Powerful web filtering on iOS, but text and call monitoring only works with Androids. Qustudio ranges in price for $39.95-$96.95 per year.

OurPact

After being hobbled by an Apple rule in late 2018 and removed from the app store, Apple eased up on its restrictions and reinstated OurPact in the App store. It can block or manage any app on Android, but not on iOS. It also hs the ability to manage screen time and helps get kids involved in daily scheduling. This one does not monitor texts or calls on either iOS or Androids, though it is great for blocking pornography.

Screentime

Screentime does a great job of scheduling and monitoring of kids’ devices. However, there are upcharges for location filters and web filters. With this app, you can dole out additional screen time for good deeds and chores, but no call or text monitoring.

These are just a few of the parental controls available to help our children navigate life in a cyber world, but the most important parental control applications are personal vigilance and constant communication. Let your child know the rules, stick to them and make common sense decisions.

Communicate with your child and let them know there will be consequences for any infractions to the rules. Explain to them it’s for their safety and out in the cyber world, things are not always as they seem.

That fourteen-year-old girl or boy they think they are talking to may very well be a predator with the worst of intentions.

Parenting your child is obviously your choice, but I thought I would include some of the most dangerous apps for kids as well. Look on your child’s device, check for these following apps and monitor them closely. It’s always a good idea for you to have your child’s passcode.

A few of the apps are: • Twitter • Facebook • ASKfm • Tinder • Tumblr

• • • • • • • •

Snapchat Yik Yak BYF Comvo Social Media Freedom Look 9GAG TikTok

Look up these apps, research them. Remember most apps have a minimum user age and have it for a reason. It is so hard raising kids in the world today and the thought of the what they can be exposed to on these apps is even more terrifying. In my house we have a twelve-year-old with zero social media and we are fine and firm with it.

Don’t let other parents or peer pressure make you think you have to allow these apps in your kids’ lives.

Stand your ground, you know your children better than anyone else and remember, they need protection. I would say I’m sorry for this Mama Bear article, but I’m really not, our children’s safety is paramount and takes priority over anything else, even if we have to be the “bad guys”. ECL

As parents we will never fully have peace of mind, but some of these apps go a long way towards easing some of the anxiety.

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Building A Foundation of Winning Ways

By Janette Halliday Photos provided by the Doty Family

Photo by Amanda Meyers Photography

Not your typical, big-money investors, Bob and Darla Doty focus on beliefs and people, investing their time and energy in the students of Tarleton’s rodeo team, and reaping huge returns.

Investment

Investment is the act of contributing something of significance for a greater long-term gain.

Bob and Darla Doty are not typical, ‘Warren Buffet’ types of investors. They focus instead on beliefs and people.

Being west Texas natives, they have called the City of Champions home since 1994, making significant impacts on Tarleton State University and Erath county.

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Photo by Amanda Meyers Photography

In the beginning…

Bob was the Western Texas Community College rodeo coach in Snyder, where he built a successful collegiate rodeo program with an outstanding practice facility, envied by many other schools in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association southwestern region.

“When the Tarleton coaching position became available, he told me he thought he would like to be at a four-year school,” said Darla. Darla’s enthusiasm for the job, however, did not match Bob’s. She wasn’t excited to give up an environment where her boys were thriving, a good job and family in close proximity.

Bob made it through 88 job applicants and Darla vividly remembers, “I told him, ‘you are going to fool around and get the job’.” Bob chuckled recalling “Darla was mad, she didn’t want to leave.”

They agreed it was the best move for the family. Their boys, Sterling and Jay, were strong, tall boys. “We were known as the parents of the two six-foot-tall boys in grade school,” said Darla. People were looking at the boys as prospective Stephenville football players. And that

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they both did, playing under Coach Bryles and becoming all-state players. Sterling has returned to his roots as the current Stephenville ISD football coach and Jay is an attorney in Houston.

Investing in the future

Bob recalls humble beginnings with the lack of practice facilities for coordinated team practice stifling team success. The university leased the Erath County Livestock Association arena mostly for rough stock practice and timed event practice facilities were limited.

“Someone would build an arena. So kids would practice all over,” said Bob. “We had no practice facility of our own, we leased it.

No tractor. Not a very good practice facility or stock,” said Bob. “My goal was to have a facility for practice, so we could practice as a team. We couldn’t keep putting money into something that we didn’t own. Dr. Wanda Mercer was instrumental in helping me secure the funds to improve the facilities,” explained Doty, resulting in three arenas for the team to utilize.

Building a foundation of winning ways

The Doty’s investment in a 15-year coaching foundation garnered the Tarleton State University rodeo program two National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association national championships and ten individual championships. Together, they have attended 27 College National Finals Rodeos and Bob was the 2006 NIRA National Coach of the Year.

In 2005, Tarleton became only one of five schools to win both men’s and women’s championships in the same year. Bob cited that Tarleton as a minority. “Some schools will have either or place well, but not usually both. Tarleton does. At Tarleton, nearly every year, the men’s and women’s teams are competing annually for the championship,” explained Bob. “People don’t understand the complexity of coaching,” Bob said. “There is recruiting, you have to make sure they make the grades, you worry about their decision making, being sure they enter rodeos correctly, worry about their performance and making it to and from the rodeos safely,” said Bob. “You have to give them a place to get better academic support, do a good job of advising and watch out for their welfare. If you do that, students want to be here, and parents feel good about sending their students to Tarleton. Everyone wants to be in a winning program,” Bob said. “One of my students wrote in a scholarship essay that she had seen a sign outside of Stephenville stating it was the ‘City of Champions.’ She wanted to be a champion and felt like Tarleton was where she needed to be.”

Coaching is more than directing students. “You have to be the grounds keeper—watering and plowing the arena when you don’t have a water truck or tractor. You borrow or trade anything to get the job done.”

“Coaching also includes livestock care—feeding, watering and doctoring 100 head of calves, 15 head of bucking horses, five head of bulls, 23 head of Corriente steers and five to ten goats. all of it has to be done within budget,” he explained.

To gain community support through exposure, Bob spent considerable time interacting with local media outlets. “Tarleton exceeded my expectations in support,” Bob said. “We raised money for scholarships. You can recruit better because you have money. The number and quality of the students recruited makes a difference when you have money to recruit,” remarked Bob.

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Stayin’ Alive

Bob quickly points out Erath county is “a community that gives and gives and gives. People want to give to good causes that benefit the community.” And, their active church and civic organizations indicate the results. “Church is a big part of my life. It involves a lot of community,” said Bob. Participation in Erath county’s local Big Brothers/ Big Sisters largest fundraiser-“Dancing with the Stars” for the was a major feat for them. Bob recalls declining participation due to knee replacement surgery recovery, But, dance they did-entering the dance floor in robes, fuzzy slippers and walkers, with Bob in a white jumpsuit and Darla donning a red dress and wig and dazzling the crowd to the Bee Gee’s “Stayin’ Alive,” raising $8 thousand dollars.

“I couldn’t have lived in two better towns to receive the trade and financial support,” talking about Snyder and Stephenville. The community recognized their efforts with inductions to the Cowboy Capital Walk of Fame in 2000 and the Tarleton Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2014 along with Dr. Wanda Mercer and JJ Hampton.

Overcoming “college rodeo athlete” stereotypes was yet another focus for Bob. “We changed people’s attitudes and I am proud to show we could,” said Bob with a big smile. Approximately 91% of Bob’s students graduated, with several students being named outstanding graduates in their colleges. “I am proud to show we could have a good team with good GPA’s and good citizens,” he added. A scholarship program was started in their name, providing scholarships to TSU rodeo athletes in good NIRA standing with the NIRA, no strict GPA or major requirements.

While Bob recalls coaching memories, he quickly points out that he does not miss it. “I have served my time. Everyone thinks it’s a dream job. But I wouldn’t trade the 29 years of coaching. To see them improve and graduate and be competitive in rodeo is probably the most rewarding thing,” he said proudly.

Bob admits, “I always wanted to win more.” Darla added that he is extremely competitive. “But I left the program in good shape and carrying on traditions.”

Mark Eakin, current TSU rodeo coach has over 125 team members.

Although Bob no longer coaches, he continues with TSU as a professor, teaching over 500 students under between Principles of Animal Science, Feeds and Feeding and a freshman orientation class.

“After I retired, I didn’t have to answer to anyone but God and Darla. I knew I could please God most of the time,” laughed Bob.

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Photo by Kurt Mogonye

In a league of her own

Darla has a rich rodeo and agriculture heritage with her whole family rodeoing and showing registered Herefords as an active 4-Her. She considering herself a hippie—she didn’t date cowboys at all and certainly never viewed herself as a future rodeo coach’s wife. For six months, Bob wrote to her daily while she was an International Youth Exchange student in Poland. Their love affair has lasted for 42 years.

Darla’s TSU career started as the Cooperative Education coordinator then onto the interim vice president of Student Life. Retirement hasn’t deterred her community contributions. Darla serves on the board of directors for the Foster Home, volunteers for the Cross Timbers Family Services including taking calls on the crisis hotline and assists with TSU campus ministry serving student meals.

“I am someone who likes to get things done,” said Darla, echoed by Bob, “when she says she will do it; she will do it.” “There is so much need. You want to make the community better,” she said modestly.

“We have to pinch ourselves, we are blessed with so much,” said Darla. ECL

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DUBLIN REALTY

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Pat Gilbert, Melanie Eason and Darrell Laxson

RODEO CLOWN CONTEST Provided by Stephenville Chamber of Commerce

MORGAN MILL

Thanksgiving Feast

By Janette Halliday Photos provided by Morgan Mill ISD

C

onventional wisdom and practicality would tell you that a small school in a quiet, tiny community would not have the capacity to significantly impact a county, much less a state with a single annual event. Given the components, you would most likely disregard it as even a remote possibility.

Morgan Mill is no ordinary community. The school, only going through the 8th grade, has a total student population of 114. But don’t pay any attention to that statistic. Pay attention to what that population does that rivals what communities with larger resources accomplish.

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Over 20 years ago, an idea was born within the walls of the Morgan Mill school to serve a feast. Not just any feast, but one that would envelop the community in a spirit of giving and giving back to the community that supports them.

TRADITIONS START HERE

Over 20 years ago, an idea was born within the walls of the Morgan Mill school to serve a feast. Not just any feast, but one that would envelop the community in a spirit of giving and giving back to the community that supports them.

Affectionately known as the annual Morgan Mill Community Thanksgiving Dinner, the feast which serves from 800-1000 people is held every Friday before Thanksgiving at the Morgan Mill school from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A traditional Thanksgiving meal is prepared solely and completely by the Morgan Mill faculty and community members. All the remaining preparations-decorations, serving, publicity and cleanup--are done by the students.

Wendy Sanders, Superintendent of Morgan Mill ISD,

says the 7th and 8th grade students do the majority of the work, including making invitation phone calls as well as doing the serving. “This helps us to teach telephone skills,” said Sanders.

“All the meal planning is a good teaching tool for the students,” remarked Ms. Sanders. Each class has a hand in decorating the gym that is filled with tables, as every class creates a craft for table centerpieces.

Preparations for the meal begin in July with requests for donations from local vendors. The meal is funded completely by donations from Erath County businesses and individuals. There are no donations outside of the local area. Area businesses that contribute to the meal include Interbank, First Financial Bank, TexStar Ford, Bruners’ Motors, United Electric Coop, Walmart and State Farm, just to name a few of the major sponsors.

Food orders are placed by the beginning of November.

From there, about a week prior to the meal, approximately 45 turkeys are picked up. The week of the meal, staff members start up their slow cookers and the turkeys are prepared. Teachers and staff utilize their conference hours the week of the meal to cook and debone the turkeys. All desserts are provided by volunteers from the Morgan Mill community, making it truly a community event.

The meal gains new attendees annually. Local celebrities such as Ruth Busbee, a Stephenville resident, as well as government officials, including a few senators, have come to experience the feast. Recent meals have seen appearances from Tarleton State University’s Purple Poo. Sanders said publicity for the event has included coverage from metroplex television stations.

“The community expects it,” stated Wendy Sanders.

“This is an opportunity to give back. We teach the students citizenship, community service and service to others.” adding that “the community is the number one way to be involved with the school.”

SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE US

A major component of the meal is inviting military personnel to attend the meal. Soldiers stationed at Ft. Hood are invited to come to Morgan Mill to experience the meal. But not just every serviceman is involved. Soldiers whom are single and do not have the opportunity to be with family during the holiday are specifically invited through the “BOSS” program. This is an organization of single soldiers who have no leave or opportunity to be home for the holiday and soldiers must sign up for it. In recent years, taking it a step above and beyond, former Morgan Mill ISD superintendent Dean Edwards travels to Ft. Hood to pick up the soldiers.

Soldiers arrive for the meal, enter the gym to a standing audience with recognition for their service.

After they complete the meal, students turn to the playground to interact with the soldiers.

Sanders said once soldiers attend, they are hooked.

“They always want to come back. It’s so close to Veteran’s Day so it’s a good way to teach the students about “serving those who serve.” Sanders added that ROTC students from Tarleton are also invited.

Highlighting the military experiences, all students write a thank you letter to a soldier in advance of the meal. On meal day, each student selects a soldier to receive their letter.

Sanders recalled a story about some soldiers that were from New York City who had never seen a cow. Local Morgan Mill resident and contributor to the annual meal, David Kincannon, offered to take those soldiers to his ranch to see some “real cows”.

“It’s a good way to serve those who serve.”

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LET’S TALK TURKEY

A long-standing tradition for the meal is the Turkey Contest. The always popular contest requires that families participate in customizing a drawing of a turkey in various categories. Always popular and judged by a panel of Morgan Mill community members, the rules have changed for this year. Now the dressed-up turkeys will be judged by grade and not category.

Morgan Mill resident and many time turkey contest judge, Debbie Lincoln, described what the event means to her.

‘Traditions are important to many families and the Morgan Mill Community Dinner is a tradition that goes beyond the Thanksgiving standard that many of our families enjoy. This dinner is the epitome of sharing and welcoming where all are warmly embraced and sent away fulfilled,” stated Lincoln.

“No one else feeds that many. We are most likely unique to the state. Most people are unaware and in awe of that we do,” remarked Sanders.

GIVING TO AND GIVING BACK

Shannon Buchannan, Morgan Mill ISD Board of Trustees member, parent and volunteer explained what the meal means to her and the community.

“The Morgan Mill Thanksgiving dinner is a lot of emotions rolled into one, unique, heartwarming, amazing experience.”

“We are proud to see our small school open it’s doors for such a wonderful event. There is joy on all of the MMJH kids’ faces to be a part of such a beloved tradition.

There is excitement to be a part of this amazing small community, the deep sense of patriotism and pride, watching our military men and women file into our small gym to a ‘no-dry-eye’ standing ovation,” explained Buchannan.

“Until you experience it, you really cannot comprehend all that it is to so many. We are thankful for our incredible teachers and staff that are so dedicated to making it memorable year after year. Personally, I am beyond blessed and honored to be a member of this Morgan Mill community, for our girls to have experienced Morgan Mill ISD and to serve on our Morgan Mill ISD Board of Trustees.”

“No one else feeds that many. We are most likely unique to the state. Most people are unaware and in awe of that we do,” remarked Sanders. ECL

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Turning Heads

By Lindsay L. Allen Photos by Ally Hay Photography

A

s you make your Christmas wish list this season or look for that super cute and comfy outfit that is perfect for the season’s travel or catching up with old friends while visiting your hometown, consider the options below. Sure to offer you the perfectly stylish and effortless look, these options should be considered staples in your closet!

Jennifer Burnett at Punchys, a clothing, apparel and jewelry store in Stephenville, helps her clients look through the racks and “find clothes that actually fit the body and allow her to feel comfortable and confident no matter what type of event she is headed to.”

The store offers a number of items perfect for any female looking to pair trendy with comfort. “At Punchys we love bouncing ideas off of each other and creating looks together. Each member on our team has a different style and we all come together to create the perfect look for our customers,” Jennifer said.

Below are outfits her team put together with alternative options for dressing up or down the look, depending on your day! One constant amongst all the outfits is comfort-something important to Jennifer when she considers what to put on the racks.

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For a look perfect for any fall event, this olive colored waffle knit bodysuit with Bexley Flares jeans will make your outfit look effortless, yet timeless. “I prefer to pair a bodysuit with a belt to break up the pants from the top and add detail. To balance a basic top, the Native American Navajo pearl sets easily dresses up the look,” Jennifer said. The finishing touches? A pair of booties to add that perfect Texas feel to the outfit.

Need to change it up for the holidays? Jennifer suggests pairing a vest or blazer to dress up the look and make it more detailed. “If you wanted the look to be more casual, replace the Native American Navajo pearl sets with a wild rag and it will give it less detail,” she added.

Need to travel in style somewhere this season, yet also feel comfortable on the journey? Consider a shirt similar to this V-neck that comes with details on the arms. “Shirts with their own detail are easy to wear by themselves or can be paired with a wild rag for a little more detail,” Jennifer suggested, “Since this shirt is more flowy, we paired it with distressed skinny jeans to give the model a shape.” The trendy wild rag is competing with the trendy pair of rust mules, which Jennifer said are a must have for fall because they are perfect to wear with any cut of jeans or any length of dress.

Wanting a more detailed look? Tuck the front of the shirt in the jeans and add a Concho belt or leather belt and if you are wanting a more casual look, take the wild rag off and replace the mules with a pair of hidden wedge sneakers and a Punchys’ ball cap.

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For the days when you need multiple looks, the camo faux leather spandex leggings, pictured, will be the perfect constant in your day. Just change tops and your outfit can be glam or causal, but always comfortable with these leggings. “They are the perfect pair of leggings to dress up or dress down. This outfit gives you so many options. The oversized russet cable knit sweater is an oversized crop fit which is perfect for any high waisted pant. We paired an olive gambler wool hat and a statement necklace to give this look more detail. If your traveling for the holidays just pair the knit sweater with the camo spandex and you will be comfy and cute,” Jennifer continued, “To tie everything together we paired this look with our black hidden wedge sneakers. Believe me... you will want these shoes for all your holiday events.”

Don’t forget to pair your outfits with cuffs and rings for the final touch!

No matter your holiday event, holiday travel or holiday wish list, these outfits will hit the spot. Versatility is so important when it comes to your wardrobe and being able to bounce from day to night with the same outfit, minus the addition or subtraction of a few pieces, will go a long way. Make sure you are ready for any event or outing by heading to Punchys where Jennifer and her team are more than excited to help you pair the right pieces together. ECL

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Giving Your All in the Season of Thanks

By Lindsay Allen

As you prepare to host, or be a guest, this holiday season, there are several dĂŠcor, etiquette and additional steps to consider as you prepare to gather around the table with your loved ones and give thanks this season.

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Creating a Presence

A beautiful centerpiece at the Thanksgiving dinner table doesn’t have to cost a fortune or take hours to do.

Cut the top off a pumpkin and hollow it out and use it as a vase for a pretty fall floral arrangement! Pumpkins can also be filled with ice and serve as a wine bottle chiller as well.

Another idea is to stagger varying size pumpkins and candles across a beautiful table runner. Leaves, Indian corn and pinecones can also be added to the table to enhance the aesthetics.

Need another easy and quick idea? Fill clear vases with water and fresh cranberries and add a floating candle to the top for a beautiful maroon color at your table. For an added touch, search for free printable downloads that allow you to insert your guest’s names and have the seating area predetermined and every guest placed around the table.

Etiquette coach and event planner, Diane Johnson, reminds hosts and hostesses that they should sit at the

ends of the table. “If there are two hosts (spouses, etc.) they should sit at each end of the table and not together.

The person to the right of the host is considered the "guest of honor", but in family settings that may not be an issue,” she said, adding that if you are a guest but there are no name cards, the host may still have a seat designated for you, so wait for the cue of a host before sitting.

Expanding the Room It’s funny how your home suddenly feels like it shrinks in size once family and friends start pouring in. To help keep the space feeling open, space out the appetizers amongst coffee tables, the kitchen and the dining room. People congregate at the food tables, so spacing out the food stations will help space out your crowd as well.

On the same topic, grouping seating areas will also help traffic flow within your home and prevent one area from being the central location for everyone to gather.

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What and When to Clean Spend your energy cleaning on what will be seen and focus on the other rooms after the guests depart and you have rested from the holiday! As you host your guests, ensure the bathrooms are clean, candle lit and plenty of tissue paper is available.

If your dinner includes children, designate an area for them to have fun in and ensure the host child is aware of the “kid approved” space.

It is also wise to have the dishwasher empty before the day begins so that as you prepare and cook, you can hide all the dirty dishes in the washer!

Don’t Forget Your Manners As for the table setting, silverware is set with the forks on the left and the knife right next to the plate with the blade facing toward the plate, then the spoon(s).

“It's nice to have a salad fork, but it is also okay to have just one fork,” Diane stated, “A bread plate would be set on above the forks and the glasses go above the knife/ spoon. One way to remember is "B-M-W" which is for bread, meal, water looking at the place setting from left to right.”

She went on to acknowledge that there are some foods that we tend to only have at special holidays (i.e. cranberry sauce), but it is polite to sample the food none the less. “When you are passing food, be sure to pass it counterclockwise and make it go all the way around the table. This ensures everyone has had a chance to take it.

Also try and serve the items in order. For instance, don't send the gravy before the mashed potatoes. You may also want to have a separate plate for the salads, too, especially if you have sweet salads or salads that don't mesh well with the gravy,” she pointed out.

And if you or your children are really interested in making a splash with table manners this year, be sure and attend one of Diane’s etiquette classes, both for adults and children by visiting detailsbydesign.net.

The Small Things After working all week to prepare and decorate your home for company, the last thing you need is for your guest’s personal items to clutter the space. Designate an area for purses and coats to keep the seating area open and free. Don’t forget to hit play on some background music.

As for scented candles, Diane warns against them.

“You would hate for your guest to try to enjoy a delicious meal with vanilla and lavender wafting under their nose, it just isn’t a good combination,” she stated.

Additionally, with the oven on and guests flowing in, your home is sure to be warmer, which is why it is a good idea to turn the air down prior to everyone’s arrival.

Conversation Pieces

The table setting isn’t always the center of attention. By downloading and printing (or making your own) a variety of conversation questions to set at each plate, the attention will quickly turn to your guests!

The fun and memories begin when each person around the table has had the opportunity to answer the question on their plate.

Examples Conversation Questions: What was the best Christmas gift you ever received or gave?

What is your dream vacation?

What is your favorite childhood memory?

Do you have any habits you wish you could erase?

If you had an extra $100 to spend on yourself each week, how would you spend it?

If you could sit down with your 15-year-old self, what would you tell him or her?

Napkins A cloth napkin can add a whole new level to your table setting. A cloth napkin also gives you the opportunity to have some fun and add some decor to your table. By watching videos online, you can quickly train yourself into turning napkins into themed shapes- a Christmas tree, fall leaves, turkeys, poinsettias and more! If you have children who enjoy being creative, the learning and executing of napkin folding for holiday dinners quickly becomes a bonding experience too!

For the Young…and the Young at Heart

Hosting a large group during the holidays usually means food is the center of attention, but the experience of the family gathering can be heightened with a few fun games.

Fill a jar or clear vase with Indian corn or candy corn and ask guests to take a guess at how many there are. At another point pass a bag of M&Ms or skittles around to play the gratitude game. As each person takes turns grabbing one piece of candy from the bag, have them respond with what they are grateful for based on the color of the candy (yellow- a person, blue- a thing, green-an event, red- something about yourself, orange-a place).

While appetizers are exciting for the adults, kids need more than platters of food to keep them occupied as everyone awaits the beautiful turkey to emerge from the oven. A simple online search will result in free printable downloads for placemats, complete with holiday themed cross words, coloring and word searches. Another internet search can quickly lead you to holiday themed charades and mad lib games- sure to keep all ages entertained.

At the end of the day, it’s about giving thanks and not about being perfect. If the rolls burn or the wine spills it won’t be anything but a memory to look back on! Enjoy the day with family and don’t forget to take advantage of the opportunity of having everyone gathered for a family photo (which can be printed and given to Grandma at Christmas next month). ECL

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LESSONS THROUGH

Gratitude

By Heather Regula

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"Gratitude helps us see what's there, instead of what isn't."

I

was listening to "The Message" station on Sirius Radio last week, and during a 30-second break between songs, the DJ came on and said, "Gratitude helps us see what's there, instead of what isn't." I was only two blocks from my house, but I pulled over and wrote what he said down. Those words, which continue to echo in my head, have inspired me to document the lessons I've learned through my year-long gratitude practice.

Like kindness, gratitude is a muscle, and it requires exercise to become stronger and grows the more you use it. When I was a kid, I played several different sports because I was naturally athletic and learned them quickly.

That experience made me think that starting a gratitude practice would be just like learning a new game.

Well, I quickly learned that gratitude doesn't work like that—it is one hundred percent an inside job. The intrinsic nature of being grateful, of genuinely appreciating where you are in life and what you have, didn't come naturally to me at all. Still, the more I worked at it, the stronger my gratitude muscle became.

Focusing on all the good in my life has effectively lessened negative thought patterns. I changed jobs this

year, and while I wasn't looking for a new job when the opportunity appeared, I could feel God opening a door for me, and I walked through it. My new workplace has unique stressors, however professionally the workplace is much better than my old one.

My gratitude practice helps me maintain my thankfulness for a better work environment while overlooking and minimizing the stressors. I don't get stuck in the negative thought patterns like I used to, and I'm able to remain centered and focused on the positive aspects of the present.

Beginning and ending my day in gratitude has positively impacted many aspects of my life—my focus, outlook, sleep, and most importantly, my relationship with my family and the Lord. It keeps me in the present moment, engaged in the here and now and with the people around me. My life has changed, and my perspective has shifted. I'll be working on some inner gratitude as well over the next year. It's always so easy to overlook ourselves, isn't it? But we are pretty amazing creatures and worthy of appreciation as well.

Gratitude is contagious. My habits of expressing my appreciation are rubbing off on my husband, and in turn, our kids. My husband and I embrace the concepts of teamwork and hustle and now gratitude as well. He's still learning, as there is a science and process behind adopting a practice of gratitude, and I'm continually refining. I feel emotional at times— overwhelmed and unable to express how and what I think—but gosh y'all, all I can think is that my cup runneth over.

My wish for you this season is for you to find where you are in the gratitude practice. Slow down, look up and around, and practice gratitude. As my Grammie would say, count your blessings and name them one by one. ECL

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Fall for Erath Events

By Lindsay Allen

Feeling cooped up? Check out some local events this fall to get your family off the couch and enjoy some time out in the community!

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Parade begins at 6:00 PM from the parking lot of Dublin ISD Memorial Stadium Parking Lot, passing Dublin Bottling Works and returning to the stadium.

Santa will be coming to town in the parade and will meet and greet children ages 12 and under at the Corner Lot Gazebo. Bring the family out for entertainment, food and winter land fun under the Pavilion at Wright Park until 8:00 PM. In the event of inclement weather, Santa’s visit and other activities will move to the Dublin Senior Center at 102 E. Clinton Street.

Lone Star Family Farm

Location: 4199 Highway 67, Stephenville, Texas Fall Hours: Saturdays in November from 10:30 AM-6:00 PM Come on out with the entire family for the corn maze, mini corn maze, and a trip on the cow train. Enjoy hay rides to the Pumpkin Patch, meet all the animals on the farm and take a trip down the giant hay bale slides!

General Admission Pass is $12.50 per person (plus tax) with children 2 years and under free with a paying adult. Enjoy hours of fun in the cooler temperatures and concessions are also available.

Dublin “Christmas Under the Stars” Annual Lighted Christmas Parade Date: Thursday, December 5, 2019 Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Location: Downtown Dublin

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Stephenville Chamber of Commerce “Holly Jolly Christmas”

Date: Monday, December 10th Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Location: Downtown on the Square and Plaza Featuring the official lighting of the Christmas Tree followed by Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides, a Petting Zoo, and letter writing to Santa. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available to hear your Christmas wishes and for photo opportunities. The Grinch will also be on hand for pictures. There will also be lighted Hay Rides, Cookie Decorating, Christmas Crafts and several Holiday vendors! Come do a little shopping to Christmas shopping and let the kids decorate their own dessert!

Most activities are free with a few activities acting as fundraisers for local non-profit organizations. Cash only for those activities. Volunteers are always needed, for more information you can contact the Chamber of Commerce at (254) 965-5313.

Old Doc’s Soda Shop

Fall and Winter Hours: Thursday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. & Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Location: 105 E. Elm, Dublin, Texas Tours of the Dublin Bottling Works are available Thursday through Saturday begin at 10:15 a.m. and run every 45 minutes until final tour at 4:15 p.m. Prices are $5 for adults, $4 for kids and seniors. The tour takes you through the operating Dublin Bottling Works and ends in the Old Doc’s Soda Shop. You can see the profound memorabilia collection and then sample the products flowing straight from the soda fountain.

Veldhuizen Family Farm

Fall and Winter Hours: Monday – Friday 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM and Saturdays 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Location: 3364 County Road 299, Dublin, Texas Tours of the working family farm are available for the cost of $6 for adults, $4 for children age 6-12, and free for children under 6. Head out to see a working family farm, see the process of producing cheese and sampling the various cheeses made on the farm! Tours are subject to cancellation for adverse weather so please call before heading that way. Contact them directly at (254) 968-3098.

The dropping temperatures have many of us retreating indoors to the warmth of our couches and blankets, but the opportunities to explore the changing fall colors and the winter crisp in the air abound throughout Erath County.

Check out a few of these opportunities to get your families off the couch and out in the fresh air to make some amazing memories.

District 8 4-H Fusion

Date: December 14th, 2019 Times: Vary based on location; Beginning at 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM Location: Six Locations with a Parent Track and Student Track at each Location • Gatesville; Hay Valley Baptist Church at 3110 Hay Valley Rd, Gatesville, Texas • Waco; McLennan Co Office at 4224 Cobbs Dr. Waco, Texas • Stephenville; District 8 Extension Center at 1229 N. US Hwy 81, Stephenville, Texas • Georgetown; Williams Co Office at 100 Wilco Way, Georgetown, Texas • Corsicana; Navarro Co Expo Center at 4021 TX 22, Corsicana, Texas • Hearne; Robertson Co Fairgrounds at 12185 Fair Ground Rd, Hearne, Texas The District 8 4-H is sponsoring 6 locations with identical workshops throughout the day at various times based on location. These Free Workshops feature information about leadership, team building, public speaking and information about many 4-H opportunities along with games and fun events. All that is asked is that you register online by Friday, December 6th, 2019 to they know how many will be at each location.

No matter what activity you choose, these events hosted throughout Erath County will deliver plenty of family memories for years to come. Start a new family tradition today and don’t let the chilly temperatures keep you from all the excitement this Winter. ECL

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300 E. South Loop Stephenville, TX. 76401

NOW SERVING PIZZA!

www.alliedbodyandframe.com 120

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26512 US 377 N Bluff Dale, TX 76433 (254) 728-3281

25nual An

Stephenville Evening Lions Club

UBE

2020

th

Upland Bird Extravaganza

Shooting Events

Rough Creek Lodge and Resort, Glen Rose

Saturday, March 28 Registration at 8:00 am, Shooting Starts at 8:30 am

Wild Game Dinner and Auction City Hall at City Limits, Stephenville

Friday, April 3 Doors Open at 5:00 pm, Serving Line Opens at 6:00 pm

www.EveningLions.org STEPHENVILLE

Remy TRee SeRvice

Since 1973, in partnership with our auction donors and auction buyers, WE HAVE RAISED MORE THAN

$1,000,000

FOR PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS BENEFITTING CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN OUR COMMUNITY. Now, we are working on our second million!

COME OUT FOR OUR NEXT AUCTION!

May 1st, 2020 at City Hall (Agave Restaurant)—6 p.m 254.595.0611 www.RemyTreeService.com 25+ years experience Insured and bonded Member of Stephenville Chamber of Commerce

At our auction will be food and entertainment, along with door prizes and online bidding. We will be doing our live auction as well, with great items on which to bid - like trips, guns, sporting events, and more!

A big

Thank you

AND DON’T MISS OUR RAFFLE!

to our community for continuing to support our

annual Stephenville Optimist Club Auction.

For more information on donations or questions, call 817.637.7571 Hometown Living At Its Best

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How to Be a Victor this Holiday Season

By Lindsay Allen

F

rom shopping to cooking to prepping to giving, this season is full of opportunities!

With all the hustle and bustle you can still come out on top and enjoy the true meaning of the season.

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Making a List and Checking it Twice

Thanksgiving is the start of many family and friend gatherings this season. Take advantage of the opportunity of having everyone together and provide preprinted wish lists that everyone can fill in after the pumpkin pie has been finished.

With everyone writing down their gift desires and/or providing their wish lists already saved at their favorite stores (i.e. Amazon, Walmart, etc.), the guess work is taken out of shopping and your list is already made!

The next trick is to remember to actually pack these lists with you when you head out the next morning. Try setting an alarm on your phone to remind you to pack them the next morning or take pictures of each person’s list as they turn it in to you so that you can reference it from your phone as you hit store after store.

Scan the list as your loved one hands it back to you and ensure that if the item can come in different sizes, styles, colors or models, you know exactly what it is they are hoping to find under the tree.

Four Gift Rule

As you shop for your loved ones consider the “Four Gift Rule”—something they want, something they need, something they wear and something they need. These four simple questions can be asked of anyone on your list and help narrow down your shopping efforts.

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Black Friday, Oh My

You wouldn’t go on a road trip without a map and you certainly should not attempt a Black Friday outing without a plan. If you are brave enough to face the crowds on Friday, you should be kind enough to yourself to review the sales ahead of time and develop a game plan.

Stores like to advertise in advanced their specials, which gives you, Black Friday Victor, time to plan! Money saving/coupon sites will release comparison sheets that allow you to see the best deal and location of that must have electronic or item. But don’t forget to take advantage of price matching as you are out shopping, which can save you multiple trips, i.e. TIME in this busy season!

A plus one is always a good idea on Black Friday, this way you can utilize your friend and shopping partner when items you want are limited to “one per person.”

Part of your research should also involve narrowing down which stores have a reputation of providing the best sales on the items you are buying this season. Best Buy is known for electronics sales, CVS and Walgreens offer the best stocking stuffer prices, Target and Amazon know how to discount toys and so on. The bottom line is that no successful shopper heads out in the wee early hours on Friday without a plan in place. ECL

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM

Erath County Living Erath County Paranormal Society

www.erathcountyparanormalsociety.com | 254-434-1405 | PO Box 101 Lingleville, TX 76401

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Index of Advertisers Ag Texas Farm Credit Services..................................................121

First National Bank of Dublin................................................... 109

Allied Body & Frame Co............................................................. 120

Fraser Agency, Inc.............................................................................7

Ally Lynn Photography................................................................. 76

Fraser, Wilson & Bryan, P.C..............................................................1

Apollo Computers Incorporated of Stephenville...................3

Gifford TV Electronics.................................................................... 91

Associated Well Services, Inc.....................................................98

Jasper’s Café................................................................................... 120

Barefoot Campus Outfitter.........................................................86

Lawrence Hay & Feed.................................................................... 88

Beans and Franks............................................................................90

Members Trust Federal Credit Union......................................66

Bill Oxford, Attorney at Law..................................................... 108

Morgan Mill ISD................................................................................ 59

Blue Flamingo..................................................................................90

Nurture n’ Nature............................................................................. 18

BMY......................................................................Inside Front Cover

Peacock’s Restaurant.................................................................. 109

Bruner Motors.................................................................................. 76

Punchy’s.............................................................................................. 87

Brazos Rose Photography........................................................... 67

RedFin Pools......................................................Inside Back Cover

Chick Elms Grand Entry Western Store.................................. 91

Remy Tree Service..........................................................................121

CJ’S Spurs-N-Thangs..................................................................... 88

Ruby’s Texas Bistro......................................................................... 28

Cowboy Way Travel........................................................................98

Saddlerags......................................................................................... 88

Cross Timbers Family Services.................................................. 67

Security Storage..............................................................................49

Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council............................................... 77

Slim Pickins Outfitters.................................................................... 91

Cross Timbers Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine..............5

Stacie Wallis, The Cates Group Real Estate.......................... 59

Cross Timbers Imaging....................................................................5

Stephenville Family Dentistry....................................................48

Dickerson Real Estate................................................................... 58

Stephenville Optimist Club..........................................................121

Double S Farm Fresh Photography.......................................... 91

Sueann Porter, CPA, PLLC........................................................... 29

Dublin Chamber of Commerce.................................................... 9

Sundown On The Square............................................................128

Dublin EDC...................................................................... Back Cover

Swindles Jewelry.............................................................................89

Dublin Insurance Agency........................................................... 120

Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital.....................................2

Dublin ISD.......................................................................................... 32

The Hay & Feed Ranch.................................................................. 87

Dublin Realty....................................................................................98

The Salon............................................................................................66

Easter Heat & Air........................................................................... 120

Things Celtic.....................................................................................89

Edwards & Stokes...........................................................................98

Upland Bird Extravaganza...........................................................121

EGGS Dorpers................................................................................. 40

Veldhuizen Cheese Shoppe........................................................ 85

Erath County Living......................................................................126

Willow’s Scarlet Ribbon................................................................90

Erath County Paranormal Society...........................................126

Woods Furniture........................................................................... 108

Erath Plumbing................................................................................ 77

PLEASE THANK THESE ADVERTISERS FOR MAKING THIS PUBLICATION POSSIBLE! Hometown Living At Its Best

127

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS COMMUNITY PARTNERS City of Stephenville County of Erath Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council, Inc. Erath County Sheriff's Department Erath County Volunteer Fire Department Stephenville Chamber of Commerce Stephenville Economic Development Authority Stephenville Police Department Stephenville Tourism and Visitors Bureau

COWBOY CAPITAL LEVEL The Dowell Company-Ace Hardware The Homeplace Marion Cole Texstar Ford - Lincoln

ERATH LEVEL 92.1 Hank FM Neal Guthrie Companies, Inc. Sharon and Neal Guthrie H-E-B Ann Staude

JOHN TARLETON LEVEL Borges Media, LLC Cross Timbers Orthopaedics and Cross Timbers Imaging Erath County Living Magazine Flight Reach Productions KSTV Red Fences, LLC Tanglewood Pharmacy Tarleton State University Texas Bank Walmart

STEPHEN LEVEL

First Financial Bank Caryl and Brad Chilton Citizens Bank Metta and John Collier Debra and Jerry Gray Interbank Members Trust Federal Credit Union Prime Metal Buildings and Components Saint-Gobain Abrasives Scott’s Flowers on the Square Signs Express Plus Technip FMC

BOSQUE LEVEL

Bruner Auto Family – North Texas Chevy Dealers City Electric F & M Bank 128

Erath County Living

Rick Hale Construction Sunny and Harvey Harper Integrity Financial Services David Kincannon - State Farm Insurance Lone Star Ag Credit Mary Lilly Law Offices of Brady Pendleton Mangrum Air Conditioning Suzanne and Taber Meyers Parham's Garage and Wrecker Stephenville Evening Lions Club Sherilyn and Doug Svien Texas Life Magazine Cella The Cellar "Those Girls" Event Design Karla and James Young

STEPHEN LEVEL

Associated Well Services Boucher, Morgan and Young Danny's Flooring and Interiors Easter Heat and Air Cathy and Steve Erck Fibergrate Gifford TV & Electronics Lovell Lawn and Landscape Robin and Mark McClinton Mike's Westside Rental Nance Chiropractic Orkin Pest Control Christin and Shane Pack Squa One Machine Square Cindy and David Stafford Debbie and Tab Thompson Ricky Thurman - Texas Farm Bureau Insurance

CROSS TIMBERS LEVEL Ag Texas Alliance Auction & Realty Ann and John Calahan Dorothy Christian Helen Cleveland Cooper's Country Store Kelli and Larry Cotten Cowboy Way Travel Teresa and Gary Dempsey Stephany Elliott Dorothy Farrar Fraser Agency, Inc. Kay and Dwayne Fraser Frase Fraser, Wilson and Bryan Marilyn Hallford Tessa and Rhett Harrison

The Allen Firm, PC The Hay and Feed Ranch Donna and Ron Hendershot Jana and Wendell Hollingsworth Julie and Kent Howell Sylvia and Tommie Huckabee Nicki and Don Jones Anita and Joe Lane McCoy's Building Supply Jacqueline and Seth Moore Theresa and Jim Mulloy Merle Jo Parks Quality Printing Rosemary Nagle James Lehr and Robi Rhea Salon 656 Slawson Roofing Vickie and Duane Sparkman Alisa Terrell Starbird, P.C. Stephenville Cattle Co. Glenda and Ray Stone Barbara Terrell Kathy and Frank Terrell Texan Cleaners Rita and Tim Thompson Keri and Mark Wallace Dianne and JB Wilson Zonta Club

OTHER

Betty and Gary Key Pack & Mail Plus Stephenville Family Dentistry Diane and Kenneth Stokes

THANK YOU TO:

Community, SHS Students and TSU Volunteers Joe Brown Cross Timbers Business and Professional Women Delta Kappa Gamma Dirty Cleats Photography 40-Something Cowgirls Jennife Jennifer Jones and the Drink Shoppe in Hico KTRL - Janice Horak Mark McClinton Amber Parks McCoy's Building Supply Stephenville Dance Center Stephenville Lions Club Stephenville Study Club The Flash Today - Erath County The Water Shop

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