Johnson County Living - Winter 2021

WINTER 2021

Continuing A

LEGACY

BY ESTABLISHING

Roots Here is a story of the Johnsons, a rodeo family spanning generations while making history in two counties as individuals and families and making generous contributions to each.

MEALS ON WHEELS What a major impact this nonprofit is to the senior community in Johnson County and beyond—even continuing service during the pandemic this past year!

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H O MET O W N L I VI NG A T I TS B EST

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JOHNSO N CO U NTY LI V I N G

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CONTENTS

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CONTINUING A LEGACY BY E S TA B L I S H I N G R O O T S Here is a story of the Johnsons, a rodeo family spanning generations while making history in two counties as individuals and families and making generous contributions to each.

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TRAINING TO PROTECT - S E RV I N G T O S AV E The Hill College Fire Academy offers several degree options and they strive to put on the best academy in the state.

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S WAU D I N O SAU R M U S E U M ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST C R E TAC E O U S C O L L E C T I O N S SWAU’s museum opened to the public in October 2016. Dr. Wood is a driving force in the focus and growth of this excellent program.

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S TA R S AC R O S S T E X A S The Lone Star State may have one big iconic Texas star on the flag that represents the almost 30 million citizens, but we all know everything is bigger in Texas and that includes the slew of talent too!

L O N E S TA R R O O F I N G Lone Star Roofing Co. was established in 2008 by owner, Derek Scheler. Since 2008, the company has been featured in several articles and has been involved in many charitable events within the local community.

MORE THAN SHOPPING While First Monday Trade Days may be the reason you pack up and head east – there are actually a lot of other fun reasons that could pull you in for a road trip to Canton.

YOUR ONE STOP BODY SHOP Have pain? Want to Feel Better? Want to figure out what is wrong with you and FIX it? Are you tired of seeing doctors who do not take the time to listen to you? Let us introduce to you Health by Hands Wellness Center.

JO HNSO N CO UNTY LI V I N G

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YOU CAN’T HELP BUT BRAG WHEN YOU GET IT FROM JAG!

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CONTENTS

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DREAMING BIG DREAMS Brody Self is a straightforward businessman. His company aids businesses in Johnson, Erath and Parker County. He has strong ties in Johnson County, where he grew up and has established relationships.

MEALS ON WHEELS: DESPITE C OV I D , S T I L L S E RV I N G WA R M T H A N D C O N C E R N W I T H A WA R M M E A L Meals on Wheels North Central Texas has been in operation since 1976 and has grown to serve daily meals to about 800 people resulting in more than 1,680 this past fiscal year. What a major impact this nonprofit is to the senior community in Johnson County and beyond—even continuing service during the pandemic this past year!

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H E L P F O R T O D AY, HOPE FOR TOMORROW Cleburne Pregnancy Center (CPC) is a Christ-centered, nonprofit medical clinic that provides help and hope to women facing unplanned pregnancy. They believe that every life matters.

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ALL ABOARD CLEBURNE: DINES H O P - W O R K - P L AY- S TAY L O C A L !

When COVID-19 turned the world upside down in the spring of 2020, the Cleburne Chamber of Commerce started the wheels of commerce turning with the “All Aboard Cleburne” campaign. To stimulate the economy, provide support for area businesses, and help keep people employed, the campaign encouraged the community to “DineShop-Work-Play-Stay!” local.

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CASA OF JOHNSON COUNTY CASA’s dedication is to help children find a chance at happiness and an escape from the horrors of abuse and neglect. In short, the life that all children deserve.

BERKAN DINCER The 12 Mighty Orphans movie is the true story about the football team at Masonic Home in the 1930s, the Mighty Mites. Dincer plays Daniel, his first film role, though he does have a couple of writing projects - another passion of his.

JO HNSO N CO U NTY LI V I N G

About the Cover Cover photo is of the Johnson family, a rodeo family that spans generations in Johnson County. To read more about them, turn to page 10.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

H

ey Johnson County friends, we are so glad to be back, and we hope everyone is well! As we are still facing a great deal of uncertainty, we face certainty that God is in control.

With the great health crisis our entire world is facing with caution, let our fears be placed in the hands of God, while we wash our hands and cover our cough. We thank you for your patience with us in getting going again!

We tell you with every issue how much the people of Johnson County inspire us. We pray that with their stories you are given joy, hope, encouragement, and rest—from the momentary busyness that is calling to you even at the very moment you finally sit down.

Take time to read about the world’s largest cretaceous collection at Southwestern Adventist University’s Dinosaur Museum. Bring your family! Consider a class, a visit or signing up for the dig at SWAU Dinosaur Science Museum. You will also read about Meals on Wheels - what a major impact this nonprofit is to the senior community in Johnson County and beyond—even continuing service during the pandemic this past year!

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

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

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

Until the next edition, wishing you many blessings-

Justin and Hayley Six Kyle and Halsey Clark Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

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JOHNSON COUNTY LIVING MAGAZINE RED FIN PUBLISHING JOHNSO N CO U NTY LI V I N G

PUBLISHER

Red Fin Publishing

Justin & Hayley Six Kyle & Halsey Clark

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Justin Six

CREATIVE | DESIGN

GreenFox Marketing

CONTENT COORDINATOR Marybelle Gomez Marybelle.RedFin@gmail.com

SOCIAL MEDIA CHAIR Johnna Thomasson

PROOF READER Jennifer Cabbage Hayley Six

PHOTOGRAPHERS Backroads Photography

Eric Priddy Photography

Sass & Soul Images

Provided by the Johnson Family

COVER PHOTO

SALES

Lori Stephenson Kyle Clark Justin Six

CONTRIBUTING Lindsay Allen WRITERS Peggy Purser Freeman

Janette Halliday Martha Helton

Connie Lewis Leonard Rick Mauch

CONTRIBUTORS

Health by Hands Wellness Center Lone Star Roofing

Real Performance Physical Therapy

Johnson County Living© is published biannually by Red Fin Publishing.

WWW.RE D FI NP U BL I S H I N G.CO M P.O. Box 1239 | Weatherford, TX 76086 (817) 618-9465 All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher.

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

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

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S A L E S • R E N TA L S • PA R T S • S E R V I C E 2825 N. Nolan River Rd Cleburne, TX 76033

817-645-9106 | 800-732-4702 ZimmererKubota.com H O MET O W N L I V I NG A T ITS B EST

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Continuing A

LEGACY

By Madison Simmons

Photos by Madison Simmons Photography

BY ESTABLISHING

Roots

By Janette Halliday Photos provided by the Johnson family

Generations of hard work and dedication to the love of what you do help establish roots both inside a family and a community.

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ere is a story of a rodeo family, spanning generations while making history in two counties as individuals and families and making generous contributions to each.

THE JOHNSON FAMILY - A LOVE FOR ALL THINGS RODEO BACK IN THE DAY Recognized as a mainstay in Johnson County, Bernis Johnson is for his rodeo business-as both a contestant and stock contractor. The 89-year-old grew up on the family farm in Goatneck, right outside of Cleburne. The Johnson family consisted of three boys -Kenneth, Bernis and Donnie and one girl, Colleen. Bernis’s dad, Preston, was a cotton farmer, working hard to make a good living, striving to maintain the family finances and would drive his buckboard into town and make sure his bills would be paid. He and his wife Ruby moved to town during the Great Depression. It was important to them to have a steady job and paycheck, so Preston took a job working at the Santa Fe railroad shops.

As kids, as Bernis had a reputation for being a fast runner and Donnie and Bernis used this to their advantage as a side hustle of racing other kids and betting on them, of which they never told Preston and Ruby.

Preston said in 1945, there was a tunnel that ran from underneath the Ft. Worth stockyards to Lake Worth and his grandfather would run pigs under the tunnel.

Kenneth, the oldest brother, did not rodeo, but instead, worked at the Santa Fe shops for a short time before moving to Beaumont and opening his muffler shop, eventually expanding to multiple locations in Houston and Dallas.

“There are three generations that do things to the best of their ability.”

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MAKING A NAME Bernis’s career in the rodeo industry began as a bareback and bull riding contestant, qualifying six times to the National Finals Rodeo. He earned the PRCA bull riding average title in 1961 gathering 1197 points by covering seven out of eight bulls.

At 16, Bernis won his first rodeo and buckle at a Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo in Texarkana, produced by Buck Steiner in 1948. According to his grandson, Preston Johnson, he still has the buckle, telling the story that his grandfather was so excited about the buckle, he left his prize money at the rodeo grounds and had to be flagged down to go back and claim his prize money.

Donnie, the youngest brother, made his own way as a steer wrestler and qualified for the National Finals Rodeo. He was killed in 1968 and at the Cleburne rodeo series Bernis gave the “Donnie Johnson Memorial award” saddle.

Fast forward to 1968 and Bernis was leading the standings in PRCA bull riding by a significant amount and was in position to go the NFR, which was only a nine-year-old event.

Bernis chose to quit traveling and gave up going to the NFR, deciding to put his money into producing rodeos.

It was that year that the weekly rodeo in Cleburne at the Sheriff’s Posse arena was started, putting Bernis in a position as a stock contractor. From 1968 through 1977, Bernis produced both amateur events along with ones sanctioned by the Cowboy Rodeo Association, while still competing on a limited basis. He paid David Merrill to build an arena to have buck outs and rodeos from time to time.

The start of B Bar J Rodeo Company began in 1976 when Bernis bought bucking stock and the PRCA Stock Contractor card from his friend Hoss Inman of the Flyin’ I Ranch in Lamar, Co.

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There was one bucking horse in the string that became a namesake for the B Bar J. Sippin’ Velvet, a bareback horse, was a direct descendant of Man O’ War, out of one of Inman’s mares named Sweet Thing. His original name was Abdullah, and he was part of the bucking string. He was so incredibly fast; he was entered in the wild horse race at Kansas City as a 3-year-old before Bernis bought out Inman.

Sippin’ Velvet became a popular horse for contestants to draw and he was the first horse to be inducted into the sponsorship program operated by Black Velvet Whiskey.

As part of the program, his name changed from Abdullah to Sippin’ Velvet. His name would change yet again when the Copenhagen Skoal Pro Rodeo program started the bucking stock of the year awards becoming Copenhagen Sippin’ Velvet, five-time PRCA Bareback Horse of the Year and the B Bar J Rodeo Company claim to fame.

He tied the horse of the year record with Khadafy Skoal but holds the record for 19 trips to the NFR, the most consecutive trips for any bucking horse. Sippin’ Velvet is buried at Bernis’ house.

“Little by little the look of the country changes because of the men we admire.”

REPUTATION IS EVERYTHING As a stock contractor, Bernis had a reputation for coming up with bucking horses that no one else could.

“He had the ability to take south Texas bulls and trade for horses in the north that started a phenomenal string of horses that no one in the south had,” commented Preston.

In the late ‘80’s, he had the most head of livestock at the National Finals Rodeo for two years. In the company’s history, B Bar J Rodeo has sent 175 head of stock to the NFR and had five stock of the year titles.

His reputation for knowing rodeo stock and how to produce a quality rodeo, put him on the map. He has had a long time, close relationship with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Posse.

Preston noted that everything Bernis did was done a certain way and everything was done well, to the best of his ability. On the edge of Cleburne is a billboard commemorating both Bernis as a six-time NFR qualifier and also home to the famed bucking horse Sippin’ Velvet.

Preston used a quote from the movie “HUD,” starring Paul Newman to compare his grandfather’s work philosophy and contributions to the rodeo industry.

“Little by little the look of the country changes because of the men we admire.”

Preston added that perhaps Bernis’s personal achievement of winning the Spencer Penrose award stands out the most in his mind. The award is given to the rodeo contestant that wins the average in two events on opposite ends of the arena, meaning they must win the average in both a rough stock and timed event. Bernis achieved that winning in bareback riding and steer

wrestling. He considers that to be the most prestigious award he ever won.

“It’s the buckle he wears when he gets dressed up,” stated Preston, adding however, his most exciting win was the first one he won in 1948. Preston added that buckle was the one Bernis wore the most until Preston built him a silver engraved set.

As the legacy changes but continues, here is the story of the grandson keeping it going and passing it on.

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PRESTON JOHNSON HANDCRAFTING TALENTS TO SHARE Preston Johnson is unassuming, but not in a typical fashion.

His skillset is varied, and he is a perfectionist of sorts. He does not assume anything will be given to him because of his talents both in and out of the arena.

His “day” job is that of a very busy silversmith.

His “side hustle,” is that of a very reputable horseman working as a professional rodeo pickup man.

CENTER OF IT ALL Preston, like his father and grandfather, lived in Johnson County before he moved to Parker County to attend Weatherford College.

Preston likes what Weatherford and Parker County has to offer.

“It (Weatherford) has that small town feel but still has all the conveniences and lots of amenities. It’s a cowboy town always and what’s it drawn to it,” commented Preston, “It has everything I need business wise- for horse and rodeo.”

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“My two hands are the only two that touch a piece from start to finish. I am a one-man operation.”

DESIGNED To SUIT Preston owns B Bar J Custom Designs, a silver company dedicated to handcrafted, custom silver jewelry.

He has built his silversmithing business from his passion.

“I always wanted to be a buckle maker. When I was a kid, I would stare at my grandad’s trophy buckles for hours admiring the craftsmanship in them. The simplistic “small old school” style Is reflected in my work and buckles these days, I would say,” explained Preston.

He currently specializes in engagement and wedding rings, but his product line includes spurs, buckles, pocketknives, or anything a person commissions him to make.

Preston is proud of the fact that each piece he creates is hand done. “Silversmith is creating something that has never been done, completely custom and handcrafted. My hands are the only two that touch a piece from start to finish. I’m a one- man operation.”

He notes that even if two designs are the same, “no two rings are the same, there will still be small differences.”

“Basically, I will do anything anyone wants. I will let my customers dictate what I do. They design 90% of it. My

goal is to create something completely custom, something that is special to them. When you look at it every day, I want you to be 110% content with it. I will do however you want.”

“The main thing is quality. The majority of my customers are western horse people. They are hard on jewelry. Everything I do is built to last,” Johnson explained.

“I do have a lot of local customers, a lot of people that like to shop local. Everyone in Parker County likes to shop local, they much rather spend money with someone who lives in Parker County,” stated Preston.

Preston credits his dad for success in both of his passions- the silver business and being a pickup man.

“Dad was the one who kept things running. Dad was very supportive, helped set it up and figure out how to market it. He has encouraged and helped me a lot. “My dad is a practical guy and asked me in college if there was a way to mass produce and market my jewelry in order to make a larger profit?”

But Preston refused to cut corners. He knows his integrity has fostered his continued business as a silversmith.

“I would rather be known for my individuality rather than sacrifice the quality of my work,” stated Preston.

“For sure, I will be a silversmith forever,” commented Preston.

TO THE RESCUE Preston’s first love is being in the arena as a pick-up man, working as one part of a rescue team in the arena when a bareback or saddle bronc rider completes his eight seconds and help him off the bucking horse. He also works to clear the arena during bull riding.

“When you are picking up there is a rhyme and a reason for everything you do. Every move is methodical.

Every step has to be in the proper place. I hope no one ever notices me in the arena. A good smooth, pick-up man goes unnoticed.” Preston knows that his job is not to be noticed, but to be efficient in aiding a contestant make a safe dismount from the bucking horse and usher the horse to the out gate.

He has always wanted to be a pickup man. “Pickingup is a passion. The picking-up is something that you can’t explain. There is something about it. You can’t understand it unless you do it.”

Preston attributed his success in the arena to his father, David. He was a well-known pickup man and worked the Texas Circuit Finals as well as a Texas Circuit Finals bull riding qualifier.

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“Humbly, I am the pickup man I am today is all owed to him. The first time I picked up was with my dad. Dad was and still is an exceptional bucking horse man,” said Preston. “He can see bad habits in bucking horses before they happen and knows how to fix them.”

“My dad comes to watch me pickup when it’s close to home. He always helps me switch pickup horses during the bronc riding and cool them out,” explained Preston.

He admits if given the choice between picking up and silversmithing, he immediately responded “Any given day, it’s picking up. If I weren’t doing silver, I would be a saddle maker.”

As a kid, Preston would practice his dream career. “I would go into the tack room and put on the Dodge chaps and pretend I was a pickup man.”

Preston’s pickup man dreams proved to be a little too big for his britches at a ripe old age, landing him in hot water with his father.

“I got into big trouble. I would get in the pens at the ranch at the age of seven or eight. I would saddle the horses and my brother would pretend to get off on him.

Preston recounted the event, riding a former flag horse, just 14 hands tall. They would saddle him with just a regular salle and flank strap. His brother got bucked off, started crying and headed to the house. Preston begged him not to tattle as they were just playing and having a good time. Preston’s dad didn’t see it that way.

Yet, the young cowboy would realize his dreams before he really knew it. His dad was producing an amateur rodeo and sent him in to pick up without a lot of fanfare, saying “just go do it.”

For Preston, as a kid, the hometown rodeo in Cleburne was his favorite. He always carried the B-J flag and ran out calves and steers. This year, he was able to pickup at Cleburne, which was a highlight.

ALL IN THE FAMILY Nowadays, Preston’s focus is on his silver business and raising his family. He acknowledged that he had to change his mind set about rodeo to that being more of a hobby, rather than a livelihood.

Preston met his bride, Shoney, a Johnson County native through his silversmith business.

“It was not all a rodeo romance; it was a jewelry romance. I had built jewelry for one of her best friends.”

They met while she was with her friends and introductions were made. They found out there was history with the families and their dads rodeoed together. That was the start of their romance that culminated in marriage that is celebrating seven years together.

They have two sons, Kalyn, 14 and Jett Greene, 4. Preston describes Kalyn as an avid fisherman and baseball player. “He eats, sleeps and breathes fishing. He will sit on a dock and fish 24-7.”

The complete opposite, as Preston explains, is fouryear old Jett, who dreams of being a pick-up man like his dad. He is the proud owner of Goliath, a 17.2 hand, 21+year old Percheron cross gelding that requires a ladder for Jett to get mounted. “We don’t leave home without Goliath. You can’t haul him in the stock trailer saddled,” explained Preston.

He is adamant about taking time for his kids and he makes opportunities to do just that. He values the work ethic he was taught and continues to teach, but also the importance of the family unit. The Johnson family will grow this fall with a baby due the day after Thanksgiving.

So, the Johnson family will continue their legacy of hard work, pride, and love of what they do.

And, Preston will continue to abide by his business moto, a well-known Bible verse from Colossians 3:23, “Do all things well as in working for the Lord.” JCL

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TRAINING TO PROTECT

Serving to Save

By Peggy Purser Freeman Photos provided by Hill College Fire Academy

The Hill College Fire Academy offers several degree options and they strive to put on the best academy in the state.

The Hill College Fire Protection Technology Program offers comprehensive training in a hot job market.

Coordinator of the Hill

College Fire Protection and Safety Technology (FPST), Robert

Matthews has served

as a firefighter for over thirty-five years.

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T

he fire academy at Hill College started in 1998, when the original coordinator, Don Green, set up classes in Cleburne at the Johnson County Fire Training Center. This training helps the volunteer fire departments in the area to have well-prepared, trained, and certified members in their department.

Coordinator of the Hill College Fire Protection and Safety Technology (FPST), Robert Matthews has served as a firefighter for over thirty-five years. “We strive to put on the best academy in the state. We also work very hard on helping the recruits be successful in not only completing the program but having a successful career in a fire department.”

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We offer the traditional face-to-face fire

academy Monday

through Friday 8 to 5.

The hybrid fire academy offers assignments

online throughout the

week and meets every Saturday 9 to 5.

THE DEGREES OPTIONS ARE: • Associate in Applied Science (64 credit hours) • Fire Protection and Safety Certificate of Completion (30 credit hours) • Basic firefighter Academy Certificate of Completion (24 credit hours) and does not include EMT Certificate Course .

“We offer the traditional face-to-face fire academy Monday through Friday 8 to 5. The hybrid fire academy offers assignments online throughout the week and meets every Saturday 9 to 5.” Matthews explained, “The Hybrid Fire Academy is a blend of online and part face-to-face

Matthews started in the Air Force as a Crash Rescue Specialist and has been teaching at Hill College for over twenty-two years. He began his career at Hill as an adjunct instructor in 1999 and became the program coordinator in 2009. He also serves as a firefighter paramedic in Needham Fire & Rescue/ Montgomery County ESD#4.

“We offer classes at the Hill and Jonson county campuses, teaching the curriculum set by the Texas Commissions on Fire Protection on Basic Structural Firefighting,” Matthew said. We also offer AAS classes in fire Science which are all online classes. In the last week of the program, we will do forty hours of live fire training at the Johnson County Fire Training Center.”

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course. This program provides the perfect schedule for students who want a career change, and dream of becoming a firefighter, but who work an 8-5 job. The program also helps fire departments that hire individuals and then send them to school. The students work on assignments online throughout the weekdays. Then they attend classes every Saturday for hands-on training. The last two weeks of the semester, hybrid classes join the tradition day classes for live-fire training, state skills, and then they take the state exam.”

“Once a student successfully completes the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) course they have earned 24 semester credited hours and will take the TCFP test for basic structural firefighting,” Matthew noted. “When they complete an EMT course and pass the national registry they can seek employment with a fire department.”

“FS Online” a fire science program, recently named Hill College FPTS a nationally ranked program. Hill College ranked 38th (eighth in the state) out of the top 90 programs across the nation. FS Online assembled the list to help students find a school that offers beyond basic training. FS states, “Students want to enroll in programs that will make them high-caliber firefighters, but they also want schools that lead to careers that pay well. “Each school on the list met the following criteria: Annual tuition less than $10,000, average annual salary greater than $50,000, must have at least 35 active students enrolled and fully-accredited schools only.

Hill College takes pride in students like Rhys Blackwell from Mansfield.

"If you’re going to Hill College to

do firefighting, it’s best to get in physical shape."

“I’m getting my certifications in firefighting,” Firefighter Blackwell said. “I chose this career because you work 24 hours on and 40 off. Sometimes two days on and four days off and it’s a great way to give back and help others. It’s really a rewarding career. The instructors here, every single one of them, they’re great. They’ve been in the service, so they know all the tricks of the trade and it’s been very educational. The book is important, and you need to study that to pass the test, but the instructors give you real-life situations with hands-on skills and teaching on what they’ve learned over the years. If you’re going to Hill College to do firefighting, it’s best to get in physical shape. You are gonna work!” Blackwell praised the Hill College schedule.

He owned a business and needed a flexible schedule, making it possible to train and work. “After taking care of my business each day, I would do the online classes in

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The program also

teaches job skills and good working habits that help them be a

productive member of

the fire protection field.

HILL COLLEGE FPST PROGRAM REQUIRES STUDENTS: • Students must have a valid driver’s license.

• Students must be able to perform physical fitness exercises.

• Students must have either a high school diploma or GED. • Students must be eligible to be a firefighter in Texas.

• Students must have a medical release from their physician prior to class.

• Students must have completed a drug screen.

• Students must have all required equipment and uniform items prior to class.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

THE NEXT ACADEMIES

WILL START IN JANUARY AND END IN MAY.

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JOHNSO N CO UNTY LI V I N G

the evening. Then train with my team. The team has to work together well on all the Saturday classes.”

Besides teaching the basic curriculum set forth by TCFP, the program also teaches job skills and good working habits that help them be a productive member of the fire protection field. Things like pride, honor, and integrity.

“The faculty wishes and strives for every student to be successful in achieving their career goals in Fire Protection Profession. We are always putting forth an ongoing effort of establishing and maintaining an outstanding program.” JCL

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: www.hillcollege.edu/Academics/ HealthPublicSvc/FireProgram.html

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SWAU DINOSAUR

MUSEUM One of the World's Largest Cretaceous Collections

Article and Photos by Peggy Purser Freeman

SWAU’s museum opened to the public in October 2016. Dr. Wood is a driving force in the focus and growth of this excellent program.

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magine 30,000 fossils representing approximately 15 different species of Cretaceous dinosaurs, including T-rex.

“Wow! Just wow!” I repeated as I toured Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU) Dinosaur Science Museum and Research Center in Keene. If you ask any kid from 4

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“Giving kids an opportunity to do something they never thought they would is the best part of my job. I had a first-grader give me a hug after I let him hold a real dinosaur bone.” to 94 (I’m somewhere in that age group) if they would like to see and touch real dinosaur bones, the answer is a big YES. Jared Wood, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology and Director of the Museum, says, “Giving kids an opportunity to do something they never thought they would is the best part of my job. I had a first-grader give me a hug after I let him hold a real dinosaur bone.”

SWAU’s museum opened to the public in October 2016. Dr. Wood is a driving force in the focus and growth of this excellent program. “Prior to our public opening, the museum collection was housed in a private room lo-

cated in the basement of our science building,” Dr. Wood explained. With our growing collection, it didn’t seem right to keep these fossils off limits to our community.

All of our fossils come from the Hanson Ranch in eastern Wyoming. We believe we have one of the largest collections of fossils excavated from one site in the country, and we probably have one of the largest (if not the largest) collections of Lance Formation fossils in the world.”

The mission for the SWAU Dinosaur Science Museum is to provide everyone in the community, no matter their age or income level, a chance to have a hands-on encounter in paleontology.

“We don’t want our visitors to just look at displays of fossils. We want them to be involved in the research.”

Dr. Wood added. “Hopefully, the experience they have at our museum will encourage them to join our annual dinosaur dig in Wyoming.”

SWAU collaborates with Earth History Research Center and the Hanson Research Station to conduct an on-going dinosaur excavation and taphonomic research project in the Lance Formation of eastern Wyoming. The dig not only provides the bones for the museum, but it also

“We don’t want our visitors to just look at displays of fossils.

We want them to be involved in the research.”

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Dr. Wood’s work may center on dinosaurs, but his focus is education and the hands-on approach for students at SWAU. helps evaluate the events that led to the deaths of these dinosaurs, as well as those responsible for their preservation and fossilization.

One unique display in the museum is a wall-size display showcasing GPS units used to map bonebeds.

This unique use of GPS technology was pioneered by the museum’s founder, Dr. Arthur Chadwick.

Dr. Wood’s work may center on dinosaurs, but his focus is education and the hands-on approach for students at SWAU. “This museum gives our students a chance to gain experience in paleontology, public relations, social media and marketing, business, and data management.

Very few universities in the United States have the ability to provide undergraduates with this type of work experience in the sciences. The museum is also a free resource for zoology and anatomy students.”

As director of the museum, Dr. Wood facilitates SWAU students’ work in the museum alongside a handful of local volunteers. Large glassed-in windows to watch the cleaning, repairing and reconstruction process is another feature that sets this museum apart from others.

As I watched one of those workers, Noah Obright, clean a huge bone, I realized this science demands patience.

Noah took me to a behind-the-scenes room where rows and rows of steel lockers house many of the 30,000 fossils. The other walls are covered in shelves full of large fossils. Then Noah let me hold a dinosaur tooth. Wow! 30,000 fossils. Wow!

“Actually,” Noah said. “There about 40,000 uncatalogued fossils.

Dr. Wood added, “Our collection includes various plant, invertebrate, and vertebrate fossils, but most of the fossils are dinosaur bones. Edmontosaurus and Triceratops fossils are the most common dinosaur bones we find. Almost all our fossils can be viewed on our online database (https://fossil.swau.edu), which is probably the best online database in the world for Lance Formation fossils with photographs and data. All of them were found on the Hanson Ranch, where we have been digging since 1996.”

The Journal of Paleontological Sciences recently recognized SWAU Dinosaur Museum for their work on fossils from the Hell Creek and Lance Formations, which are some of the most fossil-rich bonebeds in the United States. In the article, which involves approximately sixty-five universities and institutions with dinosaur bone databases, SWAU was named, along with the University of California Museum of Paleontology and Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, as providing “the most detail in the easiest and most aesthetic format.” SWAUs museum, in particular, was distinguished for providing “photographs, historical and geologic context for just about every specimen in the large and mostly complete database.”

The museum offers programs for schools to schedule a visit. Dr. Wood recommends teachers use the website to submit a request.

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The museum offers special preparatory courses for visitors who want to get more involved in the field of paleontology. It also hosts an annual dinosaur dig in Wyoming. The dig is fully open to the public. Registration will open in January 2022.

After taking the tour of the museum, I realized it has outgrown its current space. This work deserves a new museum. With an amazing collection like this one, and the incredible educational value it offers, Johnson County needs a science center.

“We definitely have enough material to fill a larger facility.” Dr. Wood said. “We just need to get the word out and garner more support.”

Imagine 30,000 bones representing approximately 15 different species of Cretaceous dinosaurs, including T-rex. No need to imagine. You can see and touch it— dino fingers, toes, teeth, and more.

Bring your family. Consider a class, a visit or signing up for the dig at SWAU Dinosaur Science Museum. It is to the east of the library on Magnolia Street in the lower level of the Science Building. Enter through the south, lower entrance by the T-rex structure. Currently the museum is open by appointment only, but they have daily availability. To schedule a tour for your class or to sign up for the dig, visit the SWAU Museum website. JCL

The Journal of Paleontological Sciences recently recognized SWAU Dinosaur Museum for their work on fossils from the Hell Creek and Lance Formations, which are some of the most fossil-rich bonebeds in the United States.

visit the SWAU Museum website

www.swau.edu/dinomuseum www.swau.edu/dinosaurs/classes dinosaur.swau.edu/project

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Stars

TEXAS

By Lindsay L. Allen

The Lone Star State may have one big iconic Texas star on the flag that represents the almost 30 million citizens, but we all know everything is bigger in Texas and that includes the slew of talent too!

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Carol can always be found giving her iconic tug on her left ear, as a way of saying “hello” to her grandmother.

Carol Burnett This San Antonio native, born in 1933, went on to become the television comedian we all loved to watch. Both of Carol’s parents were alcoholics, so her grandmother raised her and the two of them moved to Hollywood where she would later graduate from the University of California with a degree in theater.

he Lone Star State may have one big iconic Texas star on the flag that represents the almost 30 million citizens, but we all know everything is bigger is Texas and that includes the slew of talent too!

T

The list of famous Texans could go on and on and include names like Selena, Stephen F. Austin, Lady Bird Johnson, Earl Campbell and many more. The stars of Texas are as vast as the state and the following includes a closer look at a few of the iconic stars that were born in this great state.

A.J. Foyt In the field of motocross, A.J. is one of the most iconic names. Born in 1935 in Houston, A.J., also nicknamed, “Super Tex,” went on to become the first four-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 and holds 67 Indy Car wins and seven Indy championships as a driver. He is also the only driver to win the Indy 500, the Daytona 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Despite injuries on the track that ranged from a broken back to burns on his face, A.J. continued to compete and dominate for over six decades. In fact, he was named “Driver of the Century” by the Associated Press Panel and ESPN's RPM 2Night.

When he isn’t on a track, A.J. enjoys ranching and hunting and is the father to four grown children with his wife, Lucy.

Her career really began at age 22 and 23 as a foil to a ventriloquist's dummy on the already-established The Paul Winchell Show and as Buddy Hackett's gawky girlfriend on the short-lived sitcom Stanley. But in 1967, The Carol Burnett Show took to the air and became an instant sensation, earning 22 Emmy Awards during its 11-year run. No matter what show she is appearing on, Carol can always be found giving her iconic tug on her left ear, as a way of saying “hello” to her grandmother.

Buddy Holly Born in Lubbock in 1936, Buddy Holly has become a household name. Buddy, whose last name is spelled Holley, became Holly after a contract error that misspelled his last name, went on to become a singer, songwriter and the pioneer of Rock and Roll. With hits such as "Peggy Sue" and "That'll Be the Day," Holly was a rising star when a tragic plane crash struck him down in 1959 at age 22.

At a time when few women worked outside the home, and after being overlooked for promotions in favor of men she had trained, Mary Kay purchased the manufacturing rights to a skin cream and thus began her empire.

In his personal life, Holly proposed on his first date with Maria Elena Santiago, and married her less than two months later in 1958. In his short-lived career, Holly recorded music and paved the way for Rock and Roll, which led to his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Mary Kay Ash The Hot Wells native, born in 1916, used her training in direct sales to create a multi-million-dollar cosmetics firm. At a time when few women worked outside the home, and after being overlooked for promotions in favor of men she had trained, Mary Kay purchased the manufacturing rights to a skin cream and thus began her empire. Believing it was important to reward hard workers, Mary Kay gave away vacations, jewelry, and pink Cadillacs to her top performers. Because of these incentives for her female sales force, the company quickly became a huge success. In fact, every year since 1992, Mary Kay Cosmetics has made Fortune magazine's list of five hundred largest companies. In addition, the company was listed in the book The 100 Best Companies to Work for in America and now employs over 475 thousand people in over twenty-five countries.

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Kathy Baker In 1950 Kathy Baker entered the world in Midland and later went on to make an impact on stage, in films and in television! After graduating from the University of California at Berkeley, Kathy headed to Paris to study culinary arts before returning state side to work as a pastry chef.

While she enjoyed the kitchen, she still longed to perform and eventually joined San Francisco's Magic Theatre, where she gained attention and eventually led to her success on screen. Over the years, Kathy has earned numerous Emmys, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Awards and has been casted in too many shows and movies to name!

He is NFL's 2006 Most Valuable Player Award and he received the Associated Press' Offensive Player of the Year Award.

LaDainian Tomlinson The Rosebud native, born in 1979, is best known for his performance on the football field. After a stellar high school career at University High School in Waco, LaDainian went on to play for Texas Christian University where he set record after record, was a finalist for the Heismen Trophy and recognized as the best college running back.

In the 2001 NFL draft, LaDainian was drafted by the San Diego Chargers as the fifth overall pick. He would spend nine seasons with the Chargers before moving to the New York Jets as a free agent, where he played for two seasons before retiring after the 2011 season.

At the time of his retirement, he ranked fifth in career rushing yards (13,684), seventh in all-purpose yards (18,456), second in career rushing touchdowns (145), and third in total touchdowns (162) and was NFL's 2006 Most Valuable Player Award and the Associated Press' Offensive Player of the Year Award.

The Texas native now resides in California with his wife and enjoys playing golf and video games in his retirement.

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Provided by Lone Star Roofing

one Star Roofing Co. was established in 2008 by owner, Derek Scheler. Since 2008, the company has been featured in several articles and has been involved in many charitable events within the local community. The company has doubled its yearly revenue from 2019 to 2020 and has nearly quadrupled its yearly revenue from 2020 to 2021. We asked owner Derek Scheler what he has done differently, and his response was simply, “nothing.” When he was asked to elaborate, he said, “I knew in time, honesty and hard work and reputation and treating people right would cause us to lift off at some point! The good guys always end up winning in the end.”

Now the company that started in his garage and dining room in 2008 has grown to a multi-million dollar business in 2021. When interviewing the office and sales staff, we kept hearing the same answers, which included having fun, loyalty was a big deal to everyone, everyone wants to help one another out and push each other to do better.

When we visited their office, it had a family-like feel. The atmosphere was very friendly and welcoming.

There were multiple visitors who came in just to shoot

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the breeze - customers that have become friends, builders dropping off plans and everyone in between. Everyone seemed to be all smiles when they popped in during our visit.

When seeing all the accomplishments posted proudly around the office and asking the office staff what separates them from the other businesses in town? Office manager Stephanie Stanley said, “We aren’t in competition with anyone!” When asked to explain, she mentioned how important it is that they are here to help other reputable businesses in the community, not compete with them.

She mentioned their involvement in the community and their relationship with the city, and it was apparent that they truly want the best for everyone in their community!

We asked what the future goals were for Lone Star Roofing and its many sister companies, and the response was to sustain the level in which they are currently running and not to exceed a size in which it becomes more about the money and not about the customers and the team. The company’s most prideful accomplishment is that they are still using the same crews and some of the original sales team that the company started with 13 years ago!

Derek said, “When you get to a size where you don’t know the team of people doing work for you and your customers, how do you know what kind of quality you’re getting? The answer is you don’t! That’s why when asked future growth plans the response was to simply sustain this healthy size and now it makes all the sense as to why!”

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Canton

By Lindsay L. Allen

While First Monday Trade Days may be the reason you pack up and head east – there are actually a lot of other fun reasons that could pull you in for a road trip to Canton. ixty minutes east of Dallas is the small Texas town most of us have heard about.

Canton is known for being a shopping mecca…. well, at least one weekend each month it turns into a shopping mecca. While First Monday Trade Days may be the reason you pack up and head east – there are actually a lot of other fun reasons that could pull you in for a road trip to Canton.

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What started as a Christmas tree farm has grown into a family entertainment venue with preschool friendly rides and year-round fireworks and the farm offers something new each holiday. In the fall the farm turns into a pumpkin patch with a corn maze, trick or treating, fall foods, pig races and plenty of fall photo backdrops. But just because you have been once, doesn’t mean you should stop visiting. At Christmas the farm will have trees, hayrides, a carousel, rubber duck races, pony rides and more! Other events include Sunflower Days in September, Bunnypalooza in the month leading up to Easter and Spooktacular Nights in October (with zombie paintballing, glow in the dark fun and a funhouse).

Splash Kingdom Family Waterpark is the perfect way to cool off from the summer heat. The Canton location is the original – and biggest – waterpark in the Splash Kingdom family. With slides of all sizes and height requirements, everyone will have a blast! The park features the Royal Flush (a ride with steep drops and swirling water), White Lightening (an enclosed tube slide), Volcano Mountain (with open body slides that drop into ten feet of water), Flow Rider (an active boogie board and surfing experience) and much more!

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This award-winning RV park also features cottages, yurts and tiny home rentals and is a great place for meetings and events (like a family reunion) too! This upscale resort focuses on preserving the natural resources, offering serenity and is as close as it gets to the First Monday Trade Days grounds. Whether you visit during the trade days or not, you won’t lack options for fun. From catch and release fishing, live music, fire pits, two designer pools and a hot tub, movie selections, golf course, playground, horse shoes, sports courts, hiking, paddleboats, hayrides and much more, Mill Creek Ranch Resort is ready to entertain you and your family.

With over 5,000 vendors, First Monday Trade Days is the world’s largest flea market. Since the 1850s, vendors have been setting up in this small town and today they sell a variety of items; from handmade furniture, yard art, boutique clothes and décor, dried foods, holiday décor, purses, tools and everything in between; you can find what you are looking for! You can’t pass up the food at the trade days either. With a variety of food that parallels the shopping – everyone’s taste buds will be satisfied. The trade days are held every weekend before the first Monday of each month. You can visit firstmondaycanton.com to get the complete schedule, see a map for parking and shopping and read the history behind it all. Authors Tip: Shop The Arbors and surrounding area first.

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Don’t forget to check out the local favorites when you need to refuel!

Dairy Palace is open 24/7 and is conveniently located right off the interstate, serving up the delicious burgers and hand dipped ice cream!

Ochoa’s Café has the best chips and salsa around and is within walking distance from the First Monday Trade Days. Author Tip: The chicken quesadilla will hit the spot!

Bahama Mamas is a seasonal snow cone hut that has more flavors than you can imagine and is worth whatever the wait is! Author Tip: Order the frog-in-a-blender snow cone!

The Texas State Parks and Wildlife Department has nearby fun for those willing to make a short drive from Canton. About 30 minutes from Canton is the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens. Located on 107 acres with 300,000 gallons of indoor and outdoor aquariums displaying dozens of species of native fish, waterfowl, alligators and amphibians, the center has a number of educational opportunities. Take a tour of the state-of-the-art production hatchery, enjoy the wetlands trail and stop by the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame!

Purtis Creek State Park in Eustace has a 355-acre lake ideal for bass fishing and swimming, boating, camping and exploring. The park has a borrowing program for those who want to fish but don’t have the proper equipment and offers catch-and-release for largemouth bass and catfish and crappie that you can take home.

Four Winds Steakhouse is located a short distance from Canton and is located on a beautiful 1,100-acre East Texas ranch serving quality steaks and seafood.

Looking for more fun in and around Canton during your stay?

Check out the below!

• Blackwell House Museum, Canton • Canton Plaza Museum, Canton • Wired (ziplining), Canton • Twin Lakes Golf Course, Canton • Van Area Oil and Historical Museum, Van • East Texas Gators & Wildlife Park, Grand Saline • Blueberry Hill Farms, Edom • Edgewood Heritage Park, Edgewood

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Believe Boldly

y n o m i t s e T The Power of Your

BY ERICA WILLIS

|

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

Summertime fun can teach us more about our faith than we thought possible.

See how God can use your story to change the life of another.

T

he day was perfect for a lake getaway: a cool breeze, glassy water, and a pile of snacks in the boat. We loaded the family for a day-afterFourth-of-July excursion on Possum Kingdom Lake and discovered it was the best day for water shenanigans. We ate yummy sandwiches and sunned our skin under a slightly overcast sky. It was deliciously perfect for a Texas summer adventure.

As our boat cut through the water, my husband shared dramatic stories of climbing six stories high to the top of the rock cliffs surrounding our water oasis, how he jumped from the top in an adrenalinefed teenage act of bravery (or stupidity, whichever you prefer). As the stories grew in grandeur, so did my kids’ trash talk.

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These new kids were cliff-jumping professionals “Those cliffs aren’t that high!”

“I bet I could jump those, no problem.”

“It’s really no big deal, Dad.” We did what any good parent would do: we made them put their money where their mouth is.

We coasted to a rock wall that was scary enough but not dangerous. My son negotiated with me for an eternity from the edge of the boat, so I got the party started with a “encouraging push” into the water. As

“Mom, I wasn’t sure if I could do it -- those rocks were really tall!" my children swam with my husband to the cliffs, two other kids from a nearby boat joined them.

These new kids were cliff-jumping professionals! They scurried to the rock wall and immediately leapt from the top of the jagged rocks, splashing into the crisp water below. We were shocked at their confidence! My own kids’ eyes grew wide, but they soon felt a surge of bravery.

It was at this moment my daughter stopped listening to her dad’s very detailed safety instructions and instead ran off the ledge, screaming in delight and fear all the way down. My son, who is more calculated with risks, soon followed. Our whole boat cheered in victory as the kids went back for another round, eventually swimming back to safety.

As my daughter climbed up the ladder and cuddled in next to me, she made profound observation: “Mom, I wasn’t sure if I could do it-- those rocks were really tall! But the minute those kids jumped ahead of us, I knew I could. Seeing them do it first gave me courage to go next.”

Friends, isn’t our faith journey the same?

We tend to face hardships with fear and trembling, not sure if we will make it through. A financial tragedy, terminal sickness, wayward child, or even questioning our faith in God altogether—it can be terrifying, can’t it? We spin stories of defeat and anxiety in our minds, convincing ourselves that doom will meet us in the end. The light at the end of a very long tunnel can easily extinguish when we forget to keep our eyes on God. But what if we saw someone else who encountered the same difficulty come out the other end intact? What if our giant obstacles had been maneuvered by someone who went before us and was victorious? How would the

Your testimony of what God has brought you through matters! kingdom of God change the world if we faced every fear hand-in-hand with another believer who has the faith we struggle to find?

Your testimony of what God has brought you through matters! Do you share it? Do you tell how God provided when didn’t have the money for your bills? What about the time you fought cancer and won? Do you tell others about the hope Christ gave you when you were completely hopeless? Our testimony dismantles the devil and brings victory to others so we cannot stand by while others lose the battle! We go ahead of them, showing them each step we took so they can win, too.

It’s time to share your testimony with someone.

Anyone! It doesn’t have to be dramatic or fancy, just authentic. When you see someone walking through the same storm you weathered, tell them the hope of what is to come! We mustn’t be crush by the enemy. We stand together, ready to fight the good fight. Jesus is asking you to go first, jump that cliff, and lead the way.

You never know who is watching. JCL

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Johnson County, is one of the premier clinics in the United States. Health By Hands Wellness was started by Dr. Kathi Perry in 1996. The clinic was in Arlington, Texas for 25 years and moved to the Alvarado area in July 2019.

Patients come to Health By Hands from all over the US and other countries as well. The clinic tag line is "Your One Stop Body Shop.” Dr. Kathi, as her patients call her and her staff will help you and your family write “Your Body Manual.” As Dr. Kathi likes to tell her patients, “Your car came with more information about optimal maintenance than your body. So, we help write YOUR manual.” She helps to design that manual for each patient’s individual and specific needs, concerns, and health goals.

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Dr. Kathi is VERY excited to be able to announce the addition of another doctor to the Health By Hands team!!

In January 2022, DR. Luke Tate will be joining her practice to further serve patients who are seeking what they provide! Dr. Luke has been mentored by Dr. Kathi for the last 18 months while he has been in studies at Parker University working on his Chiropractic degree. He has become quite proficient in the basics of Sacro Occipital Technique and Applied Kinesiology and Nutrition. Dr. Luke will be studying Acupuncture, Total Body Modification and NeuroEmotional Technique in the future It has been noted in the recent months, since the pandemic and lockdowns that people are looking for better ways to improve their health and that of their families.

This awareness of optimal health is becoming one of the best defenses to stay well and also recover more quickly when illness does strike.

Dr. Kathi attributes the success of Health By Hands in the last 27 years to God. She had no plans at 33 years old to be managing what she now proclaims as her ministry. Events brought her to Texas and moved her from showing horses professionally to being mentored by some of the top healers in the world. She says, “It IS a God deal, and God brings those patients to our clinic that need what we do.”

Although Dr. Kathi has licenses in chiropractic and acupuncture, it is a very small part of the healing work that goes on at Health By Hands. The clinic provides services in Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT) and it is one of 5 or 6 clinics in a 5-state area that is proficient in this technique which affects Functional Neurology and getting down to “root cause and resolution.”

Another technique in which Dr. Kathi has recently become certified is Matrix Repatterning. This technique is VERY low force and has positive outcomes for patients with structural, chronic pain and neurological dysfunctions. Currently, Dr. Kathi is one of 16 doctors in the United States to hold this certification.

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Dr. Kathi has created a clinic environment that feels more like stepping into someone’s living room.

months to further round out his basics of what Dr. Kathi feels important to provide to their patients.

Dr. Kathi has created a clinic environment that feels more like stepping into someone’s living room. Cabo is Dr. Kathi’s Golden Doodle and is affectionately referred to as the Clinic Manager and greeter. Children and adults all take pictures of Cabo “on duty” and are disappointed on the rare day that Cabo is not at the clinic. He never takes sick leave, although he does occasionally stay at home for a play day with the other dogs or takes a day to go to the groomer’s for his own spa day! JCL For more information and to watch videos of Dr. Kathi and the clinic staff at work, you can go to www.healthbyhandswellness.com or visit their YouTube channel at Health By Hands Wellness. Call the clinic at 817-930-0600 for information on how you or a loved one can become part of the Health By Hands family.

ADDITIONAL WEBSITES FOR INFORMATION: www.sorsi.com www.sotousa.org www.matrixrepatterning.com

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DREAMING

BIG DREAMS B

Photos provided by Brody Self

rody Self is a straightforward businessman.

His company, Fore Payments, assists business owners in significantly reducing an expensive overhead cost - credit card processing fees. He has the knowledge and experience to explain and implement programs to help business owners.

His company aids businesses in Johnson, Erath and Parker County. He has strong ties all over the state and in Johnson County, where he grew up and has established business relationships.

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BRODY SELF IS A STRAIGHTFORWARD BUSINESSMAN. HIS COMPANY AIDS BUSINESSES IN JOHNSON, ERATH AND PARKER COUNTY. HE HAS STRONG TIES IN JOHNSON COUNTY, WHERE HE GREW UP AND HAS ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIPS. REDUCTION EQUALS HELP Brody cited that credit card processing is the second most expensive bill a business incurs and it is an extremely competitive business. Businesses are charged fees for giving customers the ability to use credit cards.

He added that many business owners face confusion on what their costs are for credit card processing.

PayProTech is one company that Brody represents, and he is confident he can find a way to help business owners reduce this overhead cost.

He explained that a majority of business owners are skeptical when you tell them you can help eliminate the credit card processing bill. They have the feeling that if it sounds too good to be true, it is. He cited that with the combination of competition and the pandemic, the market is beat down and business owners have been repeatedly burned by service providers.

For all the problems created by Covid-19 for many businesses, there were some bright spots in the credit card processing industry. New technology emerged aimed at customer service to the increase capacity for online ordering and recurring payments pay at the table, contactless payments. The changes allowed companies to stay in business and learn new ways to accept payments during the pandemic. Brody is hands on with his company and businesses he installs his systems in, believing in delivering outstanding service. He will not only educate the customer, but he will install the system and be there every step of the way.

“I want to bring value to the customer, business, and reader,” he said.

Brody explained the business wasn’t really profitable in the beginning because the cash discount program had just begun. “The way the law allowed it to be done, there

“IF SOMEONE TELLS YOU THAT YOUR DREAMS ARE TOO BIG, KEEP DREAMING.” was only a little amount of money on the agent’s end because of how the government made it be set up. In 2014, we made a few pennies per transaction on debit cards and the transactions really needed to average under $20 a transaction. So, there were only a very few select businesses it worked well in. But, in 2018, I received a random email after stepping away from doing it for a bit that cash discounting had been approved and could be done by a percent base on the transaction which that allowed the merchant to save the processing fee each and every time a card was ran in their business.”

His first customer for the processing company was a favorite hometown restaurant and they are still using his program today. He also believes that educating his potential clients is important in establishing a relationship that is beneficial to both parties. He knows that if he can help a business save some overhead costs, it’s a win-win for both.

He currently provides services for some major players in the industry like Equibrand, Western Legacy, Twisted

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He won the first high numbered World Series Roping in Salado, TX winning the #14 division, as well as several World Series Qualifier events and some United States Team Roping Championship regional finals events. His winnings include three regional qualifiers in Waco-one time in the #13 and two times in the #15.

Brody had skills and passion for the sport, acknowledging he really liked roping and went to a lot of jackpots. He liked being able to not travel far and pay less in entry fees. He credits success at winning jackpots to letting him rope more.

PLAY THE HAND THAT YOU ARE DEALT

J Live Music Venue, Horse Shoe Hill Café, West End Grill, and numerous other accounts across the country and local area.

“I think this business kind of showed me how you could not have to work for someone and build something yourself,” commented Brody.

The well-traveled entrepreneur, who now calls Stephenville home, has a varied skill set that has given him the keys to open many doors and worldwide experiences.

But don’t think for a moment he is a “homebody.”

“I’ve been very lucky where my life has taken me, from the people, places, and experiences it’s introduced me to,” said Brody.

Brody grew up as a rodeo competitor, competing in every event where he experienced early success with his focus on team roping that helped him win a brand new truck at the age of 15. As he continued to win, so did his competitive level.

“My number first went up as a heeler, winning the truck as a heeler. Then I realized there was more opportunity to get better partners with my heading number being lower at the time. But, within the next year, I was raised to a 7 header as well. I qualified for the state high school rodeo finals every year in the team roping and calf roping. My junior year, I placed second in the state as well as qualifying for the National High School Rodeo Association finals in Springfield, IL in the team roping, placing in the top ten.

In 2010, Brody qualified for his first National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association finals, placing in a round.

In 2011, he returned for a second trip to the college finals, placing in a few rounds, ending up 4th in the nation. He missed in the short round, which cost him the national title after missing in the short round to win the national title that Brody refers to as “till to this day that is the one that stings the most.”

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Following the completion of two college degrees from Tarleton State University, a Bachelor of Business Administration and Marketing/Management, Brody learned the construction business working for his family's company, Rambo Contracting as a project manager, primarily focusing on drainage projects for contracts between his family’s company and the Texas Department of Transportation.

Brody fulfilled many positions within the company - estimating, running jobs, running excavators, pouring concrete, ordering supplies, keeping up with job costs, turning in production to Texas Department of Transportation. Brody also worked to improve office operations with technology by making things easier and faster for practices they still did on paper.

Even as he was experiencing success with the company, he felt the urge for something that gave him the freedom he craved. Changes were on the horizon for Brody when his family sold the company in 2019. The new owners wanted to decrease his salary significantly, so Brody chose a different direction, returning to another one of his passions: poker.

BRODY IS GRATEFUL FOR BOTH THE OPPORTUNITIES AND THE CHALLENGES THAT HAVE COME HIS WAY.

Brody had a background in playing poker. He picked up playing again and his skill set made him money as a professional poker player.

Everything he is involved with wraps back around to whatever business he is involved in - poker, golf, team roping and credit card processing.

Brody was introduced to a gentleman who owned a credit card processing company that is dedicated to saving businesses significant amounts of money on their processing fees. Brody told him he had many connections in the rodeo and equine industry. It intrigued Brody and upon realizing what the potential this business had, he jumped in.

DEVELOPING RELATIONSHIPS He doesn’t let grass grow under his feet and this past year, he changed up some things to make the most of what he had. He started some investing - both financially and in traveling.

Golfing is another area of expertise for Brody, and he likes golfing with his friends and the opportunities it provides. He has been on a golf trip with 20 people that he met through an Instagram group. He has been able to travel to 15 states, all while keeping his business running smoothly from any location.

His skills on the golf course transcend to credit card processing. He is able to use his love for the sport while establishing new contacts for his business as he encounters all types of business owners who could benefit.

Brody is not a selfish business owner. He is actively seeking sales representatives to join him in his business.

He has tools in place to help agents succeed: “training, portal, marketing, everything set up to sign up new agents and the tools it takes to be successful in this industry,” explained Brody.

“I want all my friends around me to be successful. I want others to make money,” stated Brody, referring to a lyric from a J. Cole song talking about having his friends be with him for the ride.

And, he is confident that success comes from having large aspirations. “If someone tells you that your dreams are too big, keep dreaming.”

Brody is grateful for both the opportunities and the challenges that have come his way. “It’s been a crazy ride since 2019, one thing after another - it hasn’t stopped. But it’s been great.” JCL

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MEALS on

Wheels

By Martha Helton Photos by Sass & Soul Images and provided by Meals On Wheels

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DESPITE COVID, STILL SERVING WARMTH AND CONCERN WITH A WARM MEAL

F

ollowing a firm knock on the door, a hearty shout of “Meals on Wheels!” announces the delivery of a nutritious, hot meal served by a friendly volunteer to a grateful client. The Meals on Wheels Association of America (MOWAA), headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, is the largest

Meals on Wheels North Central Texas has been in operation since 1976 and has grown to serve daily meals to about 800 people resulting in more than 1,680 this past fiscal year. What a major impact this nonprofit is to the senior community in Johnson County and beyond - even continuing service during the pandemic this past year!

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This service to the elderly can help seniors continue to live independently in their own home instead of having an unwelcome move to a costly long-term care facility. and oldest organization in the United States representing those who provide meal services to seniors in need, specifically those at risk of or experiencing hunger. Locally, Meals on Wheels North Central Texas has been in operation since 1976 and has grown to serve daily meals to about 800 people resulting in more than 1,680 this past fiscal year. Meals are served Monday through Friday in Johnson, Ellis, and Navarro Counties. What a major impact this nonprofit is to the senior community in Johnson County and beyond—even continuing service during the pandemic this past year!

Meals on Wheels is more than just delivering a warm meal to a person in need. Executive Director Christine Hockin-Boyd elaborated: “You’ll hear our staff and volunteers say, ‘It’s more than a meal.’ It’s so true. Meals on Wheels provides nutritious meals, friendly visits, and wellness checks, ensuring the safety of our seniors.

Meals on Wheels helps seniors maintain health, independence, and dignity. Our mission is: ‘Ending hunger and isolation. Delivering dignity and independence.’”

This service to the elderly can help seniors continue to live independently in their own home instead of having an unwelcome move to a costly long-term care facility.

Each weekday starts at 6:30 a.m. with staff preparing meals at the Meals on Wheels distribution facility.

Meals are then delivered to thirteen pick up locations in Johnson County where the volunteers pick up the meals for their home-delivered meal routes. The nonprofit has more than 725 volunteers, utilizing 100+ volunteers Monday through Friday to staff each route. “There still are some routes that are not covered by volunteers. Our rural routes, for example, we have Navarro, Johnson and Ellis that have never been covered by volunteers due to the large territory of square miles. Presently, those are covered by paid staff as each route can take up to 3-4 hours of delivery time,” Natasha McCord, Volunteer Services Director, added.

Each route takes 45 minutes to an hour delivery time. It is never over an hour due to food safety. Volunteers follow a simple process when delivering meals:

• MAKE CONTACT • EVALUATE WELLBEING • ALERT US OF CHANGE OF CONDITION • LOVE SHARING A SMILE • SUBMIT COMPLETED ROUTE SHEET

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Meal menus are developed by an executive chef and registered dietitians to meet the unique nutrient requirements of senior adults. All the meals are suitable for individuals needing modified diets for diabetes and cardiac disease. Clients can select one of two daily hot meals; vegetarian meals are also offered. Therapeutic Diet Meals are available as prescribed by a physician—renal or pureed meals. Short term Post Discharge Meals are also offered to reduce hospital readmissions and keep patients healthier. MOW now offers frozen meals—five frozen meals delivered once a week, something that began during the pandemic, thus giving seniors another option for meal choice.

A favorite menu item is the Lasagna Alfredo Rollup that was being served the day of my interview. “They love that and they like the meatloaf too,” Natasha added.

“Meals on Wheels provides nutritious meals, friendly visits, and wellness checks, ensuring the safety of our seniors.” – Christine Hockin-Boyd Largely, clients have to be 60 years old or older, be within the service area, primarily home bound or have little or no help, and have to have a physical or mental impairment that makes the meal preparation difficult.

Income is not a criteria. Someone who is on disability but under 60 can receive meals if their spouse is over 60 and on meals.

To become a volunteer, you need a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, use of a personal vehicle, pass a background check, and complete volunteer orientation.

“More than half of our funding comes from local donors including individuals, civic groups, churches and businesses,” said Haley Seale, Communications Marketing Manager. “In addition, clients and participants contribute as they can. Fundraising efforts include our Annual Appeal, as well as the Annual Golf Benefit and March for Meals. Meals on Wheels contracts with the North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging, the Texas Health and Human Services, the Texas Department of Agriculture, and regional Health Maintenance Organizations to provide specific aging services in Johnson, Ellis, and Navarro counties. Other revenue sources include the United Way of Johnson County, United Way of West Ellis County, Greater Ennis United Way, and United Way

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Beloved pets can even get in on Meals on Wheels services through the Animeals program. Once a month volunteers will come in on the first Saturday and they’ll deliver the Animeals. “We get all our dry food from a place called Don’t Forget to Feed Me,” said Natasha. The wet food—a lot of it comes from donations. We have a wish list on Amazon and First Financial Bank in Ellis and Johnson County do one huge canned food drive on Columbus Day and that lasts us six to eight months.”

Both client and volunteer are meaningfully impacted through MOW. Involved for 20 years, volunteer Nancy Owen said, “Meals on Wheels is one of the most rewarding things a person can do,” adding that the nonprofit is “a wonderful bunch of caring people and a wonderful organization.”

When Covid hit, the delivery process changed. “Like other businesses when COVID-19 invaded our world we all began new processes and procedures in which to care for our clients. I’m proud to share that Meals on Wheels never shut our doors. We were and continue to be proud essential workers,” said Christine. During Covid meals were not delivered by volunteers but by office staff and employees. Christine found herself delivering meals to one memorable client, Miss Ozzie. “We laugh each time we’re together talking about life, her beautiful flower garden, grandchildren, and how blessed we both are.

She always greets with a smile that is so infectious. Here

The nonprofit has more than 725 volunteers, utilizing 100+ volunteers Monday through Friday to staff each route. of Navarro County; County Commissioners' Courts of Johnson, Ellis, and Navarro Counties; Combined Federal Campaign; Private Foundations; and Federal and State grants.” It takes about $80,000 a month to feed Johnson County clients only. Due to inflation, MOW recently raised the cost of each meal from $8.00 to $9.25 so the community is invited to contribute to offset this increase.

This price includes both preparation and delivery of meals.

If there is something unsafe happening at a client’s home, the volunteer will notify the office. “We have emergency contact information for every single one of our clients and we get a hold of the emergency contact for that client. In case of a health emergency, the volunteer will call the office and then call 911 and stay with the person until help arrives and as that is happening, we will notify emergency contacts,” shared Haley.

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I’m delivering meals to Miss Ozzie during the early days of COVID-19 and had fun greeting each other with the elbow bump. We smiled and encouraged each other with great delight.”

Even through Covid, Meals on Wheels’ mission was and is so much more than just a warm meal. JCL

FOR MORE INFORMATION, log onto www.mownct.org.

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HELP FOR TODAY

HOPE FOR TOMORROW

By Connie Lewis Leonard Photos provided by Cleburne Pregnancy Center

Cleburne Pregnancy Center (CPC) is a Christ-centered, nonprofit medical clinic that provides help and hope to women facing unplanned pregnancy. They believe that every life matters.

“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you . . .”

- Jeremiah 1:5

I

magine being a young girl, afraid to tell your family you’re pregnant, afraid of what your friends might say. What if they already know and are pressuring you to get rid of “it” through an abortion? What if you want your baby, but you don’t think you have any other options? How can you take care of “it”—feed it, clothe it, provide for it? Where will you live?

Cleburne Pregnancy Center (CPC) is a Christ-centered, nonprofit medical clinic that provides help and hope to women facing unplanned pregnancy.

They believe that every life matters.

Pre-born babies are human beings—not a blob or an “it.” They are committed to providing accessible and effective abortion alternatives in addition to education, material support and community

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referrals. Although CPC does not provide or refer for abortions, they are committed to providing honest information on the risks and outcomes of abortion.

Executive Director Meredith Bailey said, “We have employed a marketing campaign this year that is reaching more women in need of options counseling. No woman ever aspires to have an abortion. Most abortions happen because women feel they have no other choice. We exist to open up options that women can live with. We let her know she has real, workable options other than abortion.

We show her she has the support and resources to pursue her life goals if she carries her pregnancy to term. It’s our community coming alongside these women and saying, ‘We believe in you, and you deserve better options. You shouldn’t be made to feel you have to trade your child’s life for your future.’”

Operating since 1987, CPC primarily serves Johnson, Somervell, and Hill counties. They currently serve about 600 clients through 2400 appointments per year. The in-person and online classes equip expectant mothers and fathers for healthy pregnancies and positive parenting outcomes. Classes offered extend beyond just pre-natal and parenting topics—ranging from life skills, to healthy relationships to anger management and much more.

It is estimated that one in four pregnancies end in abortion. Research reveals the majority of women receiving abortions feel pressured or rushed into the decision. In retrospect, they were not well informed about their other options. Therefore, there is a great need for post-abortive women to have the opportunity to experience healing from the wounds of abortion.

Lifelong negative effects from abortion include depression, anxiety, anger, low self-esteem, and guilt. Many of these women suffer in silence. These women need to know Christ loves them and offers freedom and restoration. CPC helps women by offering small group or oneon-one, post-abortive healing classes. These confidential classes are compassionate and biblically based, offering women the opportunity to heal in a safe environment with a leader who has walked that journey of healing and freedom herself.

CPC is one hundred percent community funded.

Local churches and community members throughout the county and region support the mission and ministry.

Their generosity empowers women to choose life when they may have thought they had no other choice. People agreeing with the CPC mission may participate in one of the annual fundraisers. The Baby Bottle Boomerang campaign places baby bottles in churches and other locations during the month of May, so people can donate change or checks. The annual Spring Gala in 2021 took place March fifth, at Beaumont Ranch in Grandview, featuring Kirk Walden, international pro-life speaker and author, and Rebekah Hagan, sharing her testimony of a

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CPC is one hundred percent community funded. Local churches and community members throughout the county and region support the mission and ministry.

life rescued from abortion. Brent Graves served as auctioneer for the live auction. A record amount of money was raised to help the center expand its reach and add new services.

“Our Walk for Life is my favorite event because seeing the community turn out to support life is a tremendous encouragement for those of us who do this work day to day,” Meredith said. Three separate Walk for Life events are planned this year in three cities—Alvarado on 9/18, Cleburne on 9/25, and Glen Rose on 10/2—to promote the culture of life throughout the region. People, who are passionate about the CPC mission and want to engage their towns to empower the choice of life, may participate.

“With the Texas Heartbeat Act that went into effect September 1, we know that even more women will find themselves in need of the support and resources provided by organizations like CPC. We’re at a time where the whole country is watching to see whether or not those in the pro-life community are willing to step up to support women and children in meaningful ways. Pro-life cannot simply be an ideology. We must live it out like we mean it. It really goes back to the two greatest commandments: “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.”

“ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

Jeremiah 29:11

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We know the Heartbeat Act will spare thousands of lives each year, and we are joining hands with local churches, businesses and individuals to come alongside families for the sake of loving each of those lives.”

No heart is reached without God’s intervention, so it all begins with prayer. CPC utilizes volunteers from local churches to provide peer counseling to clients and other needs of the organization. You never know how God can use your story to encourage another. Many of us have stories and life experiences that provide perspective and encouragement to someone facing a pregnancy dilemma.

Individuals or organizations may become monthly donors. Anyone interested in joining our prayer team or volunteering can email Meredith at director@cleburnepc.com.

“I am honored to offer help and hope to those who come into the Cleburne Pregnancy Center. Some of my past choices have brought me to a place of complete surrender. I feel blessed to share my testimony and the love and grace that God has shown me throughout my life. A reward of serving in this ministry is seeing a young lady walk out our door with newfound hope and a smile.”-Pam “As a client who identified abortion-minded, I appreciate the way the advocate informed and educated me of all my choices, parenting, adoption, and abortion but also helped to process what those choices would be like in the future.”—Abortion Minded Client JCL

SERVICES OFFERED AT CLEBURNE PREGNANCY CENTER INCLUDE: • • • • •

• • •

• •

Pregnancy Tests Limited Ultrasound Pregnancy Options Counseling Spiritual Support Educational Classes (Pre-natal, Parenting, Life and Relationship Skills) Infant Care Supplies Post-Abortion Healing Support Referrals to Community Resources (Cleburne Pregnancy Center does not refer for abortion services.)

STI testing (coming this fall) Immediate referrals for abortion pill reversal

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DINE • SHOP • WORK • PLAY • STAY

LOCAL!

By Connie Lewis Leonard Photos provided by Cleburne Chamber of Commerce

Cleburne - A Great Place to Do Business!

When COVID-19 turned the world upside down in the spring of 2020, the Cleburne Chamber of Commerce started the wheels of commerce turning with the “All Aboard Cleburne” campaign. To stimulate the economy, provide support for area businesses, and help keep people employed, the campaign encouraged the community to “Dine-ShopWork-Play-Stay!” local.

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W

hen COVID-19 turned the world upside down in the spring of 2020, the Cleburne Chamber of Commerce started the wheels of commerce turning with the “All Aboard Cleburne” campaign. To stimulate the economy, provide support for area businesses, and help keep people employed, the campaign encouraged the community to “Dine-Shop-Work-PlayStay!” local.

Keeping businesses in Cleburne creates convenience for the consumer by meeting their shopping needs locally. For businesses, the campaign provided marketing/advertising tools to reach customers, and in some cases, additional funding was given by the City of Cleburne in the form of grants through the “All Aboard Cleburne” Small Business Grant Program. In the first round of grants, the City of Cleburne disbursed $300,000 to 60 businesses with funding coming from Type A Economic Development funds as a promotional program. Participating businesses each received $5,000 in exchange for promoting Cleburne

The Cleburne Chamber of Commerce annual Food Truck Festival & Business Expo is Cleburne’s premier community event showcasing products, services and food available in the area. as “a great place to do business” (while promoting themselves) through three selections of no-cost or lowcost advertising choices such as social media posts, ads in local print media, signs posted at the participating business, or advertising through the Cleburne Chamber of Commerce.

During this time, the Chamber gained six new members and brought in nearly $4,600 in combined advertising and membership investments as a direct result of the campaign. Before year-end, the City disbursed a second round of grants -- $85,000 to seventeen businesses that completed a short application to confirm that they had suffered economic hardship due to COVID-19. Funding this time came from CARES Act funds.

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The purpose of the event is to showcase what the Cleburne area has to offer and remind the community to “Shop-EatSpend-Enjoy LOCAL!” In all, Cleburne businesses received a total of $385,000 directly from the grant program, advertising tools for them to use, and overall support in the form of “shop local” messaging. President of Cleburne Chamber of Commerce-Convention and Visitors Bureau Tara Kiel Janszen said, “Promoting Cleburne’s local businesses within and outside of the community has been the mission of the Cleburne Chamber of Commerce since 1919. Our efforts to support business and help grow our local economy did not stop for one second during the 2020 pandemic, but only enhanced. We worked tirelessly alongside our city and county leadership to help our local businesses navigate the historic challenges of the coronavirus crisis. One the greatest positives that came out of this season for our community was the “All Aboard Cleburne” campaign. It helped so many businesses to recover and grow, all while reminding the community

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of the importance of keeping our hard-earned dollars in Cleburne! It was a great honor for the Cleburne Chamber to collaborate with the City of Cleburne on this program and witness first-hand the significant economic impact it had on our community.”

The Cleburne Chamber of Commerce annual Food Truck Festival & Business Expo is Cleburne’s premier community event showcasing products, services and food available in the area. It provides an opportunity to meet face-to-face with over sixty local businesses all in one day and one place! The purpose of the event is to showcase what the Cleburne area has to offer and remind the community to “Shop-Eat-Spend-Enjoy

Participating Exhibitors

The warmth and sunshine of the day matched the friendliness and smiles of everyone we met.

LOCAL!” Thanks to presenting sponsor SouthWest Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram for their support of this event, admission is free to the public and fun for the entire family.

Event highlights included Food Trucks and Local Food Vendors, Door Prize Extravaganza, RV’s and Autos, Farmers’ Market, Indoor/Outdoor Booths and displays, Keep it Local Jackpot (sponsored by P & P Plumbing), Live Music and Entertainment, and Kids’ Zone (sponsored by Carmen’s Creative Learning Center).

My husband and I drove to Cleburne to attend the Food Truck Festival & Business Expo. The warmth and sunshine of the day matched the friendliness and smiles of everyone we met. Vendors “talked up” their businesses and non-profit organizations sharing what they have to offer the residents in and around Cleburne. I filled up my “goodie bag” with free candy, pens, bookmarks, cups, chip clips, hand sanitizer, lip balm, travel case of band aids, free cookies, travel tissues, a pocket mirror and a letter opener. I signed up for every raffle, but unfortunately didn’t win anything.

1 Life Church Alazar Medical Group Alert 360 / Central Security Amani by G Angelia McDaniel Scentsy Independent Consultant Bennett's Printing & Office Supply Best Design Customizations Buena Vista Seniors Community Carmen's Creative Learning Center Children's Advocacy Center Clanton Senior Solutions Classic of Cleburne Cleburne Carnegie Players Cleburne Christian Academy Cleburne Farmer's Market Cleburne Ford Cleburne Public Library Cleburne Times Review Community Healthcare of Texas Crosier-Pearson Cleburne Funeral Home Danny Bogart Roofing & Construction Emerton Realty Group Express Employment Professionals Fox Heat and Air LLC Fun Town RV Heritage Trails Nursing & Rehabilitation Hill College Historic Downtown Cleburne Association Inflatable Party Magic James Lynn Design Johnson County Crime Stoppers Kindred at Home Cleburne McLennan Small Business Development Center Nethery Eye Associates NTAEL - North Texas Adult Education and Literacy Oncor ORS Educational Opportunity Center Prairielands Groundwater Conservation District Reach Across Johnson County Ridgeview Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Rock'n Rhythm Karaoke & Entertainment Service First Mortgage SouthWest Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Southwestern Adventist University State Farm Insurance - Crystal Plaster Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Texas Real Estate & Property Management Texas Tech University at Hill College Wilshire by Abby Senior Living T-Mobile Truly Title Viral Growth Marketing + Design Webb Kirkpatrick Real Estate, Inc. Woodmen Life Worthington Monuments Zachary Family Dog Training

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Food Trucks Del Norte Tacos DK Shrimp Truck Ice-N-Easy Shaved Ice K&S Bar-B-Q La Cima - (Beer & Wine Only) Loaf'n Dog Taqueria Rueda's

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As the clouds rolled in, not even the dark skies could dampen the spirits of people enjoying the freedom and friendliness of Cleburne, Texas, USA. Brochures and pamphlets described the services offered where people can “Shop-Eat-Spend-Enjoy Local!”

Several organizations piqued my interest—I want to know more about them and possibly write about them. I definitely want to go to the library to meet author John R. Erickson and take my granddaughter to see the King Tut Traveling Display.

And the Food Trucks—Oh, my! I ate Mexican Food, and my husband ate barbecue. Both were delicious. We bought samples of baked goods from different bakeries.

Not only were they pretty, but they all tasted good, also.

We left as the clouds rolled in, but not even the dark skies could dampen the spirits of people enjoying the freedom and friendliness of Cleburne, Texas, USA. JCL

Keep It Local Jackpot Donors A&A Iron ACE Physio & Performance Bennett's Printing Black Sheet Baa & Grill Bob's Auto Supply Carson Pest Control Castle Collection Central Station Toys Chicken Express Chili's Childress Engineers Christi's Classic of Cleburne Cleburne Floral Cleburne Times-Review Cleburne Wine Festival Cleburne Veterinary Hospital Community Healthcare of Texas Dairy Queens of Cleburne Dickie's BBQ Cleburne Edward Jones - John Hardin Family Nutrition Center First National Bank Fly By Night Cattle Company Gonzales Floral & Gifts Good2CUTexting Greater Cleburne Carnegie Players Grumps Cleburne Harris Oil Haute WEARhouse Here For You Automotive Hewlett Office Machines Home Depot Island Tans Jason Cech, Potts Jeans, Jewels, & Jesus L+L 1961 Home & Living La Cima Mexican Cuisine La Fiesta Lake Whitney Arts Mom's Kitchen Motor Tech Corp Oppel Tire & Service Pedigo Storage Pinnacle Bank R&K II Café Sachem Roe Realty Rosser Funeral Home Rick's Automotive Scentsy Still Magnolias Hance Hair Swanky Hanger Boutique TAG Custom Products Texas Tails Pet Ranch & Spaw The Break Room Brewing Co The Rugged Man The Strand Hair Studio The Wilshire by Abby Senior Living The Wright Grill Tina's Marketplace West End Grill Wintergrass Winery H O MET O W N L I V I NG A T ITS B EST

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of Johnson County

By Rick Mauch Photos by Sass & Soul Images and provided by CASA

CASA’S DEDICATION IS TO HELP CHILDREN FIND A CHANCE AT HAPPINESS AND AN ESCAPE FROM THE HORRORS OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT. IN SHORT, THE LIFE THAT ALL CHILDREN DESERVE.

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he mission of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is a simple but challenging one. You can find it on the CASA of Johnson County website: “We believe that all children have the right to a home with loving people to care for them. But each year in the United States, children are abused, neglected, or abandoned by their families. They are removed from their homes and placed in foster care or institutions. Eventually, they end up in court. Their only ‘crime’ is that they have been victims. It is up to the judge to decide their future,” it states clearly.

“WE BELIEVE THAT ALL CHILDREN HAVE THE RIGHT TO A HOME WITH LOVING PEOPLE TO CARE FOR THEM.” CASA’s dedication is to help children find a chance at happiness and escape from the horrors of abuse and neglect.

In short, the life that all children deserve.

“CASA of Johnson County’s greatest challenge is twofold: first our program cannot exist without community volunteers. They are at the core of our existence,” said Danielle Elliott, Executive Director of CASA of Johnson County, based in Cleburne.

“Recruiting community volunteers to advocate for our most vulnerable children, i.e. those in foster care, can be difficult as the prospective volunteer needs to understand the monthly time commitment, and the year-long, at minimum, commitment of advocacy for the children they are supporting.

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CASA OF JOHNSON COUNTY CURRENTLY HAS 93 TRAINED VOLUNTEERS AND OFFICE STAFF WORKING HARD TO HELP THE CHILDREN IN NEED HAVE A VOICE AND HOPE. “The second greatest challenge is uncovering new funding sources. CASA of Johnson County is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and therefore operates on the funding from private, public, state and federal funds.”

CASA of Johnson County began in November of 2002 when Judge John Neill saw the need for such an organization in the community. Volunteers took their first cases in July 2003 and have since been assigned to over 600 cases and have served more than 1,000 abused and neglected children in the county.

CASA of Johnson County currently has 93 trained volunteers and office staff working hard to help the children in need have a voice and hope.

CASA of Johnson County’s scope of collaboration as it relates to advocacy for children in care has grown tremendously over the years. CASA volunteers and staff work diligently to collaborate with all associated parties involved with the children.

They communicate regularly with the State’s Single Source Continuum Contractor (SSCC) for Johnson County, along with many others including, but not limited to, the children’s attorney ad-litem, attorneys assigned to the case, schoolteachers, family members, relatives, therapists, pastors, and doctors to name a few.

“It has been determined through years of advocacy that team collaboration assists with ensuring the children’s best interests are kept first and foremost during their time in foster care,” Elliot said.

CASA of Johnson County has been in the same building for more than 10 years, located behind the Johnson County Courthouse. Elliott said it is the perfect location for the work they do.

“We can walk to the courthouse when needing to attend court to advocate for the children we serve.

The building we are in also has lots of character inside as it originally was the home economics building for Cleburne High School,” she said.

Elliott said the number of cases CASA supports in Johnson County (and elsewhere) are actually decreasing, but added that folks should not be deceived by the numbers.

“That is largely due to a change in the Texas Administrative Code during the last legislative session.

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ELLIOTT SAID THE NUMBER OF CASES CASA SUPPORTS IN JOHNSON COUNTY (AND ELSEWHERE) ARE ACTUALLY DECREASING, BUT ADDED THAT FOLKS SHOULD NOT BE DECEIVED BY THE NUMBERS

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“IF SOMEONE IS QUESTIONING WHETHER THEY SHOULD REPORT A SUSPICION OF CHILD ABUSE AND/ OR NEGLECT, IT IS ALWAYS BEST TO ERR ON THE SIDE OF SAFETY AND REPORT, AS CHILDREN HAVE NO WAY TO PROTECT THEMSELVES.” The law granting permission for children to be removed from their caregivers due to abuse or neglect has become more stringent, hence reducing the number of children being removed from their families of origin,” she said.

Nonetheless, she encourages folks to be on the lookout should they suspect a child is being abused or neglected.

“If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected the first step is to report the suspicion to the Texas DFPS Hotline number (800-252-5400). DFPS has experts who will investigate the reported suspicion and then make a determination for the next step of action,” Elliott said. “Once the State determines that a child needs to be removed from their home of origin, then they present the evidence to a judge who determines whether to order the child into foster care.

A CASA volunteer is only assigned to the case after the child has been legally placed in foster care.”

And what should someone look for to report possible child abuse? If one is suspicious, is it better to err on the side of caution and report?

“As employees of CASA as well as our CASA volunteers, we are all mandated reporters, meaning we have an obligatory responsibility to report any suspicion of abuse and/or neglect,” Elliott said. “Our website includes how to report suspected abuse and/or neglect at https://www.casajohnsoncounty.org/report-child-abuse.

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“If someone is questioning whether they should report a suspicion of child abuse and/or neglect, it is always best to err on the side of safety and report, as children have no way to protect themselves.”

Like all nonprofit organizations, CASA of Johnson County needs help to continue its mission. Donations are welcome any time and can be made on their website. Their big annual fundraiser is the Aiming High for Kids Sporting Clay Shoot, which was held recently in mid-September, and Elliott said the 18th annual event was once again very successful.

“Our annual clay shoot can draw 500-plus shooters for the one-day event. This is our largest fundraiser of the year,” she said. “Pre-COVID we would plan two annual fundraisers, one of course, being our clay shoot. The past 18 months has been very difficult for us due to the pandemic as we have not been able to actively raise funds through fundraising events.”

Loving volunteers are something else that is always needed. If you are interested in becoming a court appointed special advocate, Elliott suggests starting by visiting the website to review and become familiar with the purpose as well as advocacy efforts.

“Our FAQs https://www.casajohnsoncounty. org/faqs can answer many questions to help you decide if our volunteer organization is a good fit for you. If you are interested in completing an application you can download it from our website under the volunteer tab or contact our office at 817-558-6995,” she said. “Yes, being a CASA is a volunteer position, and our organization cannot operate without you.

We absolutely need volunteers, they are a core part of our organization, without them, we cannot exist.

“Due to the many, many challenges we have all faced these last 18 months, CASA is needing many volunteers to assist with our advocacy efforts to ensure our children in foster care have their needs met and their voices heard, especially during court proceedings.”

Elliott said the next training class is scheduled to begin Oct. 12. If you are interested in applying, contact their office or download an application.

“We can’t protect our children in care without you!” she exclaimed. JCL

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THE 12 MIGHTY ORPHANS MOVIE IS THE TRUE STORY ABOUT THE FOOTBALL TEAM AT MASONIC HOME IN THE 1930S, THE MIGHTY MITES. DINCER PLAYS DANIEL, HIS FIRST FILM ROLE, THOUGH HE DOES HAVE A COUPLE OF WRITING PROJECTS ANOTHER PASSION OF HIS.

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Berkan

DINCER

L

By Rick Mauch Photos provided by Berkan Dincer

ike the youngsters in the movie he’s in, Berkan Dincer is working hard to be recognized by more folks in the entertainment industry.

And if he lands in more movies as successful as “12 Mighty Orphans,” he might just get his wish.

The movie is the true story about the football team at Masonic Home in the 1930s, the Mighty Mites. Dincer plays Daniel, his first film role, though he does have a couple of writing projects - another passion of his.

THAT WAS ALWAYS MY FAVORITE PART OF VISITING MY FAMILY, AND I ALWAYS WANTED TO REPLICATE THAT SHOW FOR MY FAMILY IN OUR HOTEL ROOMS.” The 23-year-old, whose family is originally from Turkey - though he was born and raised in the Metroplex - learned from an early age that he wanted to be a performer.

“Growing up, I would spend a lot of my summers in Turkey with my Grandparents. They would take me to resorts by the sea, where every night they would perform a different show,” he recalled. “That was always my favorite part of visiting my family, and I always wanted to replicate that show for my family in our hotel rooms.”

“That’s probably the foundation of where my passion came from. My desire to perform, though, never really developed until I joined choir in middle school, and then eventually, my freshman year at Hebron High School when I performed in my first stage production, ‘Sweeny Todd.’”

Berkan admits getting a bit lucky in his casting in “12 Mighty Orphans.” He actually missed auditions com-

pletely and had no idea the movie was even being made until a couple weeks before filming.

But fate played its own role in the project and helped him not only get onboard but expanded his participation.

“My first agent was telling me about it one day and said if I could figure out a way to get on set I should. It would be a great networking opportunity,” Berkan said.

“So, I did some research and signed up to be an extra for one day of filming. When I got approved for that, I was required to attend a fitting. That’s where they dropped a bomb on me and informed me that I would actually be needed for the entire month and will be playing Daniel.

“It truly came out of nowhere. I agreed to it without hesitation. I then had to go to my day job and the University of North Texas (where I was a marketing major at the time) and inform them that I would be out for a bit. Thankfully both my employer and UNT were very supportive of my opportunity and made sure to help me pick up where I left off once I was wrapped.”

The movie was also an educational experience for Berkan, who ironically had not heard of Masonic Home.

“I didn’t know anything about the orphanage or the story of the Mighty Mites. I couldn’t believe it never came up growing up in Texas,” he said.

He’d also never previously been to the Pythian Home, a famous children’s home in Weatherford, previously.

Much of the movie was filmed there.

“I DIDN’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE ORPHANAGE OR THE STORY OF THE MIGHTY MITES. I COULDN’T BELIEVE IT NEVER CAME UP GROWING UP IN TEXAS.”

“I NEVER GOT TO MEET ROBERT DUVALL, UNFORTUNATELY, BUT I HAD THE PLEASURE OF WORKING WITH LUKE WILSON AND MARTIN SHEEN EVERY DAY I WAS ON SET, AND OCCASIONALLY WAYNE KNIGHT.” “I’d never been to the home prior to filming. I thought it was incredible that we got to be there for an entire month,” he said. “I remember being shocked when I first saw the Pythian Home. It really does look like a castle.

“I think it was special that we got to film in a working orphanage. It just added to the authenticity of the film and really deepened its relationship with the community.”

He also got to rub elbows with some big names in Hollywood, including a legend.

“I never got to meet Robert Duvall, unfortunately, but I had the pleasure of working with Luke Wilson and

Martin Sheen every day I was on set, and occasionally Wayne Knight,” he said. “They are obviously incredible actors, so it was a huge deal for me to be able to spend time with them and see their process. It was a huge honor though to work with the entire cast and crew. I’ll always cherish those memories on set and the film.”

And while he wasn’t in any of the scenes that used historic old stadiums such as Farrington Field in Fort Worth or The Rock in Cleburne, he was happy to see their history brought back to life in the film.

“I didn’t get to film in the stadiums, but I will say I was very proud to see Cleburne included. I’ve gotten to know the Cleburne community over the past few years through the Plaza Theatre Company. Its special place filled with incredibly talented people,” he said.

Along with hoping for a future as an actor, Berkan aspires to be a screenplay writer as well. He has two projects he’s written, entitled “Falling Asleep” and “Evil Eye.” He’s been working on “Falling Asleep” for about five years. It’s a series filled with a lot of adventure and mystery.

“I’ve been working on pitching the show to different producers and studios, so hopefully it will be picked up soon enough,” he said.

“Evil Eye” is even more special to him. It’s an animated short film he wrote in 2020 shortly after he found out his grandma was diagnosed with cancer.

“That was pretty much how I dealt with the news. I poured everything I was feeling into that short story, and my goal was to hopefully share the completed project with my grandma,” he said. “As for its development, the script, to my surprise, has been pretty successful. It was considered one of the top 25% of all

“12 MIGHTY ORPHANS’ WAS AN INCREDIBLE PROJECT FILLED WITH INCREDIBLE PEOPLE. IT CAME AT A TIME FOR ME WHEN I WAS QUESTIONING WHETHER I COULD EVEN CRACK THE INDUSTRY.” projects on CoverFly, a platform filled with thousands of scripts every month. In the month of May, it was the second highest rated animated short film on the platform as well.

“The script is currently making its rounds with different production companies. If nothing develops, I plan

to self-produce the project myself in 2022 or 2023.”

Growing up, Berkan’s family was more sports centric.

And he was a pretty good basketball, but his dreams were elsewhere, and his parents offered their complete support, he said.

“We love our sports in the Dincer household. However, despite my parents never really performing, they always supported my dreams and helped me navigate those dreams the best they can,” he said.

“The desire to learn and grow was natural, but everything else came from being persistent with the craft. I was part of the varsity theater group at Hebron High School, and honestly, I’m really grateful for everyone who was in that program with me. They inspired me to be better and progress as an actor. They were all so talented. I wanted to be like all of them, so I worked hard and never stopped.”

After graduation, he trained at KD Studios with Deborah Stone. He credits her with helping him take the next step as a film actor.

“I owe a lot to her classes. I will always try to go back to them, regardless of what stage I am at in my career,” he said.

“I have my dream goals, of course - working with studios like Disney, being a part of the epic franchises like Marvel. I am competitive, so I hope one day I can be a part of an Academy Award-winning project. Mostly, my goal is to be able to support my family and be able to help create stories that resonate with people for as long as I can.

“12 Mighty Orphans’ was an incredible project filled with incredible people. It came at a time for me when I was questioning whether I could even crack the industry.

To have that be my first experience is special. I’ve had some great doors open since, so I hope I can continue to build off it.”

If you’d like to follow Berkan on social media, you can do so at @BerkanDOfficial.

“I am an open book, so I look forward to interacting with you all,” he exclaimed. JCL

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

Adams Tack.......................................................... Back Cover

Lone Star Ag Credit............................................................ 94

Benage Dental Care............................................................ 68

Lone Star Roofing...................................................................3

BMD CPA.................................................................................. 51

Nolan River Nursery............................................................ 83

Bloomfield Homes............................................................... 42

Peggy Purser Freeman...................................................... 94

CASA of Johnson County................................................. 82

Pinnacle Bank........................................................................ 68

Chisholm Trail Redi Mix....................... Inside Back Cover

Premier Homes..................................... Inside Front Cover

Chisholm Trail Orthopedics and Sports...................... 69

Real Performance-Physical & Training Center.......... 50

Cleburne Floral....................................................................... 18

Redfin Pools............................................................................................. 19

Cleburne Railroaders Baseball..................................26-27

Renew Medical Clinic &Spa / Urgent Care of Texas....... 35

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Roden Real Estate...................................................................1

Health By Hands Wellness Center................................. 43

Southwestern Adventist University..................................2

Hilltop Barn............................................................................. 94

S & S Furniture...................................................................... 96

JAG Metals.................................................................................5

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Johnson County Living...................................................... 94

United Way............................................................................. 83

Keene ISD................................................................................ 82

Zimmer Kubota & Equipment...........................................9

La Cima Mexican Cuisine...................................................... 7

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