2020 Vol. II

Vol. II 2020

CHISHOLM TRAIL TAXIDERMY It took him approximately three months of pondering a job change, and one morning he woke up to tell his wife he was going to be a taxidermist, and Chisholm Trail Taxidermy was born.

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PA RKER COUNTY LIFE S TYLE

America’s Leader in Livestock Marketing WE BRING THE MARKET TO YOU In 1987, Superior Livestock Auction introduced satellite video marketing to the nation’s livestock industry and forever changed the way load-lots of cattle are marketed. Now, Superior is the largest cattle marketing network in North America; marketing nearly two million head of cattle annually. Superior is well respected as a leader in industry innovation and the use of state-of-the-art technologies. With over 400 representatives across the United States, Superior provides a full-service, nationally positioned cattle marketing solution that serves both buyers and sellers.

Sellers have the opportunity to market cattle to a nationwide base of over 8,000 active buyers. Each lot is filmed in its current domestic location and uploaded to Superior’s website. Unlike conventional livestock marketing methods, buyers then have the opportunity to visually assess and select lots individually--with access to current EPDs and other data--by means of the Internet.

Load lots of country-fresh cattle are sold on contract for immediate-to-future delivery using the most accurate form of price discovery available: competitive bidding from multiple buyers around the nation.

The strength of Superior’s national presence exposes prices without regard to local climate conditions or demand.

Superior conducts bi-weekly satellite video auctions broadcast on Dish Network channel 997, weekly video auctions each Thursday morning, and our 24/7 internet auction listing, “The Country Page.”

These options provide an opportunity for both buyers and sellers to take advantage of current market conditions.

The success and growth of Superior Livestock Auction is the result of its reputation for honesty and integrity, its qualified and professional staff and representatives, thousands of satisfied customers, its leadership role in industry innovations and its goal to be the best, most complete livestock marketing service in the industry.

800-422-2117 3320 IH E 20 | Hudson Oaks, TX 76087 Follow Us On:

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For A List of Our Upcoming Auctions And More Information Please Visit:

www.superiorlivestock.com

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Contents 10 20

MOVI N ’ ON U P Coleman Berry is not your typical third grader.

He is a successful mutton buster turned calf rider from Poolville with his eyes set on his future.

B R I NG I NG TH E MAR KET TO YOU In 1987, Superior Livestock Auction introduced satellite video marketing to the nation's livestock industry and forever changed the way loadlots of cattle are marketed. Now, Superior is the largest cattle marketing network in North America; marketing nearly two million head of cattle annually.

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WH ISTLE STOP CAF É – ALL AM E R ICAN F UTU R IT Y WI N N E R On August 21, 2020, Whistle Stop Cafe won her All American Futurity trial (32 trials split between two days), qualified and won the richest race in all of Quarter Horse racing, the three million dollar All American Futurity.

CH IS HOLM TR AI L TA XI DE R MY It took him approximately three months of pondering a job change, and one morning he woke up to tell his wife he was going to be a taxidermist, and Chisholm Trail Taxidermy was born.

DOE S MY PET N E E D YE AR - ROU N D F LE A AN D TICK PR E VE NTION? YE S , AN D H E R E 'S WHY !

Riverstone Veterinary Hospital has taken the time to explain this concept and why yearround flea and tick prevention are crucial for your pet and your family.

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HOLLY JOLLY TI M E OF YE AR

Doing “all the things” leading up to Christmas day doesn’t always make you feel the holiday season. You and your loved ones can use this guide to find your “holly, jolly” spirit and really embrace the days leading up to December 25th.

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WORTH TH E R E AD

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ROMANTIC SCAM S

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Often times we set goals at the new year that include the desire to read a new book, or for some, to read a new book each month! Regardless if it’s a goal you are striving to achieve or a habit you already have developed, there are a number of great books to add to your pile this year!

The average individual working and living in today’s society may feel that they could easily see a fraudster from a mile away.

HOLI DAY R ECI PE S WITH A KICK Are you tired of the same old turkey and dressing?

Add a little kick to your holiday get together with these spicy recipes!

About the Cover A lot of people might think taxidermy is just stuffing dead animals, but the process is part art and part science. To read more about Chisholm Trail Taxidermy, turn to page 34.

Contents

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WOM E N E M POWE R I NG WOM E N

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NOT J UST PR I NCE SS DR E AM S

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B E I NG N E IG H BOR LY

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When was the last time we, as women, made it clear to the world that we will stand together no matter the obstacle? When another woman wins, we all win.

Every little girl dreams of being a princess, but Haylee Wilke of Brock, Texas wanted to be more than that. With a strong drive for helping others and achieving her goals she is set on changing the world. Now with the title of Young Miss of America 2021, Wilke has big goals and a new way to achieve them, all while looking stunning in her sash and crown.

Sadly, we live in a day and age where it’s common for many people to not know the names of their neighbors. But what if we shut off the electronics, walked out the front door and made it a goal to love our neighbors?

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HOU N DS FOR HOPE In a day where social distancing has become the “new normal”, Peaster students have brought their community together and have made bonds that refuse to be separated by creating the Hound Food Pound.

DUT Y TO FAM I LY AN D COU NTRY While Commander Jim Carroll cannot recall a time when he didn’t have a desire to be in the military, he didn’t enlist until he was 28 years old. But in the last 20 years of his Navy Reserves career, eight years have been in active duty.

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Hello!

H

ey Parker 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. We know this is a busy time of year, and we hope you take time off to enjoy the people you love. Pray. Breathe. Love. Repeat.

We tell you with every issue how much the people of Parker 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.

In this edition, you will read about Coleman Berry, an 8-year-old from Poolville who is already making a name for himself in calf riding.

Most third graders have not thought a great deal about their future, nor already have worked to achieve those dreams. Coleman Berry is not a typical third grader. He is a successful mutton buster turned calf rider from Poolville with his eyes set on his future.

You will also read about how to love your neighbor during these times. Isn’t that what we all need more of ? Getting to know our neighbors and being neighborly doesn’t have to be a chore or difficult. Extending kindness to those around you can be done in a number of ways and lead to wonderful friendships.

We want to thank our advertisers for making this publication possible and free to the community! We would also like to thank you all for your patience during a difficult year. 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 better year to come!

Until the next edition, wishing you many blessings-

Justin and Hayley Six

Kyle and Halsey Clark

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8

PARKER COUNTY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE PCLIFESTYLE

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www.ParkerCountyLifestyle.com 8

PA R KER COUNTY LIFE S TYLE

PUBLISHER

RedFin Publishing

Justin & Hayley Six

Kyle & Halsey Clark

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Hayley Six

CREATIVE | DESIGN

GreenFox Marketing

CONTENT COORDINATOR Hayley Six

Hayley.RedFin@gmail.com

Marybelle Gomez

Marybelle.RedFin@gmail.com

PROOF READER

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jennifer Cabbage Eric Priddy Photography

RiverGirl Photography

Sass & Soul Images

COVER PHOTO

SALES

Photo by Sass & Soul Images Lori Stephens

Kyle Clark

Justin Six

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lindsay L. Allen

Connie Lewis Leonard

Jannette Halliday

Rick Mauch

Rebecca Parvaresh

Cassidy Robinson

Haven Watts

Erica Willis

American Pageants

CONTRIBUTORS

Riverstone Veterinary Clinic

Surepoint Emergency Center

Parker County LifeStyle© is published semi-annually by RedFin Publishing.

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

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

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

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MOVIN’ ON UP

By Janette Halliday Photos by Sass & Soul Images and provided by the Berry Family

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OLEMAN BERRY IS NOT YOUR TYPICAL THIRD GRADER. HE IS A SUCCESSFUL MUTTON BUSTER TURNED CALF RIDER FROM POOLVILLE WITH HIS EYES SET ON HIS FUTURE. Most third graders have not thought a great deal about their future, nor already have worked to achieve those dreams. Coleman Berry is not a ty pical third grader. He is a successful mutton buster turned calf rider from Poolville with his eyes set on his future.

Coleman entered his first mutton bustin’ at the Parker County Sheriff 's Posse rodeo when he was only three and he didn’t make the whistle. But that didn’t deter him, he got up, dusted himself off and prepared for the next one. Now, at the old age of eight, the third grader has made a name for himself in mutton busting as well as calf riding. In 2018, Coleman ranked in the top five of mutton busting in the Texas Youth Bull Riders Association. Just one year later, he was the reser ve champion mutton buster for 2019 in the same organization.

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Inevitably, as an individual achieves success, grow th and progression comes with it. Coleman has gone from mutton busting to calf riding, moving from riding sheep to riding calves. Coleman, along with parents, Kellie and David, brother Truett and sister Annslee, make competition a family affair, going to about two events a month. The boys both compete in mutton busting and calf riding. This year was first year of calf riding.

Don’t think for a moment Coleman isn’t serious about his transition into calf riding, although his mother admits there was some awkwardness. To date, Coleman has added the following to his list of accomplishments: •T hird in Texas Youth Bull Riders Association - 2020 • S ixth overall in the Texas Christian Bull Riders Association - 2020 • W inner of the Cleburne Cowboy Legendary Bull Riders -2020 • C urrently sitting second in the Cowboy Youth Bull Riders • P laced eighth in Youth Bull Rider World Finals in Abilene

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HE IS THERE TO CONQUER HIS RIDE. HE IS CONFIDENT AND KNOWS WHAT TO DO. HE DOESN’T WASTE TIME,” SAID HIS MOM, KELLIE.

Look to the stars If you are going to have someone to admire, why not have it be a world champion-as in Cooper Davis, PBR World Champion. Coleman’s mom has been friends of the Davis family for years and Coleman is an avid fan. Following his moves, Coleman attended the PBR World Finals in Arlington in November, informing his mother that he would miss school if necessary, to watch Davis compete at the AT&T stadium. - who he admires and follows.

Looking toward bigger goals, Coleman sees some ty pe of service career in his future, most likely that of military ser vice. “He has always had interest in the military, especially the Army.

Coleman sees a future in the military, something ser vice oriented. That’s something we love about rodeo. They always honor the military,” said Kellie, talking about the strong connection between rodeo and military and how many rodeo performances honor military ser vicemen and women.

Kellie says Coleman’s faith in God is strong and he knows who he has to be, “Coleman is a very thankful, kind-hearted and will do any thing for anyone.” Coleman is all business when he gets to an arena and knows exactly what he has to do to compete, regardless of who is helping him get out of the chute.“ At an event, he gets all his gear out, gets it ready and is very studious. He doesn’t

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let outside events affect him. He gets mentally prepared and gets serious. I have had other parents tell me they like to watch him prepare. So cool to watch him because it doesn’t matter who is there, he is there to do his job,” said Kellie.

Kellie has been asked about Coleman’s choices of riding rough stock. “That’s what he wants to do. Any thing can happen to you. He may never get hurt or he may buck off, but we are supporting him because that’s what he wants to do.” Coleman’s focus in on rodeo- “if it has any thing to do with rodeo, he is all about it. He’s not really into other sports. He says playing football would interfere with rodeo,” joked Kellie.

“He is there to conquer his ride. He is confident and knows what to do. He doesn’t waste time. If he doesn’t do good, he gets mad at himself, he doesn’t get mad in front of people. He knows what he did wrong and works on correcting it,” said Kellie.

He is also right there to help a tight group of boys who all cheer for each other, offering fellow competitors with congratulations to other riders when they have performed well.

Coleman’s kind-hearted nature goes beyond cheering for his companions. Coleman pays his fees and puts any winnings into a savings account, but he shares those hard-earned winnings. Last year, he donated a percentage of his winnings to Bob Tallman and the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund,

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who just happens to be a neighbor in Poolville. His generous contribution helped him being named a winner of the Parker County Youth Horizon Award for 2019, which recognizes young people under 20 for their contributions and for what they have done for their community.

They call her the “Chicken Queen” While the Berry household may be filled with boys that are into all things calf riding, don’t for a minute discount their entrepreneurial four-yearold sister, Annslee. The youngest of the three Berry children, Annslee has an extreme fascination for chickens with a f lock of 14 hens and five guineas.

Most have names, although not all look alike.

She inherited her love of chickens from her grandfather and wanted some of her own. So her father fulfilled her request and got chickens for her birthday. She loves to gather eggs and then sell them and uses the proceeds to buy more feed.

She wants to grow her f lock as she has already explored other breeds and tells her mom that she wants some “teeny weany chickens.”

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Following Suit The middle child of the Berry family is six-yearold Truett, a first grader. He is another rough stock rider in the family, currently a mutton busting contestant. Truett goes with the f low of any thing.

Kellie says his concentration is more aligned with exploring and riding four-wheelers.

The family travels together to junior events so both boys can compete. Kellie is a former contestant, working both barrel racing and goat tying events.

Her husband, David, is a native of Parker County and is a construction superintendent and member of the Parker County Sheriff ’s Posse.

The World Around Him Coleman pays attention to what is happening in the world. In a recent school project, Coleman was asked to pick a character and put in on a pumpkin.

His choice was Martin Luther King. When asked about his choice, he explained that “color is just a color. God doesn’t care what color you are. Just because I am white, doesn’t mean I don’t have friend of other colors.”

The Berry children have already made a name for themselves in all their individual endeavors as well as a family. Likely, they will continue to make an impact on Parker county with their dedication and love of all they do. PCLS

“ WE ENJOY SEEING HIM ACCOMPLISH HIS GOALS AND WE ARE HAPPY THEY ARE DOING SOMETHING THEY ENJOY IN LIFE.”

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WHAT COVID IS AND WHAT COVID ISN’T Right now, at this very moment, we are in one of the greatest pandemics to ever sweep not only the United States, but the whole world. With hospitals in major cities being overrun with alleged cases and those suffering from this not so new virus. Some of us are fortunate enough to have brushed elbows with this very culprit without consequence, while hundreds of thousands have succumbed to it.

But a new season is dawning. It’s a familiar one, but this year and the next will be met with new scrutiny and unfortunately misinformation. Misinformation is a sign of the times we live in, unfortunately. Everybody has the capability of saying what they think something is without knowing the actual truth of it. Educated facts are in short supply, so we’re here to offer up our contribution.

COVID-19. The Flu (Type A or B), a common cold, or just plain old allergies. It’s the season for these guys just like it is for Thanksgiving and Christmas. So, how do we know the difference? How do we stay safe? We’re here to offer some clarity on the issue.

Seasonal Allergies Pesky, aren’t they? Whether you’re allergic to different types of grass, foods, or a certain kind of animal(s), allergies are always there, and they present in the same way. You know these ones: itchy, watery eyes, a scratchy throat, sometimes a rash, and for those with severe symptoms they may include difficulty breathing and wheezing.

Some simple OTC allergy meds help clear these right up, but we encourage a talk with your primary doctor before taking any medication you’re not familiar with.

Common Cold We’ve all at least had a cold once in our life. Right when the seasons change over. Some of us are even unfortunate enough to catch these suckers in the summer. You can always feel it coming on with that tickle in the back of your throat, congestion, and a lowgrade fever. Not much you can do for colds (it being a virus), except for some fluids and rest. Your primary doctor should always be informed, so it doesn’t get out of control. But you should be right as rain after a few days.

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The Flu (Type A and B) Now, we’re on to the heavyweights. The flu is a beast.

It never comes and goes the way we’d all like it to. It’ll make your head spin like you went a few rounds with Mike Tyson back in his heyday. You know when it’s there, whether you’ve bumped into someone that had it or it’s just that time of year. In this situation, not only is seeing your PCP encouraged, it’s necessary in most cases. The flu is a serious deal, so don’t treat it like it’s not. Getting tested and finding out which type you’ve contracted is important for you and your doctor to make informed decisions regarding your care.

Know your symptoms though, it’s a lot like the common cold. Except it feels like someone dropped a bag of bricks on you. You’re going to see a high-grade fever, body aches, and chills. And probably a nasty headache to top it all off.

But, thank goodness for Tamiflu.

COVID-19 The Coronavirus is the new guy on the block with tons of attitude and the means to prove he’s not kidding around.

We know its reputation and we’ve seen the damage it can cause, not only to people but entire ways of living too. Retelling the number of total cases would only serve to make things more frightening than they already are.

Most of us are scared, others are cautious, and some think it’s a hoax. Wherever your opinion lies, it doesn’t change the fact that we need to be smarter than what we’re dealing with.

And knowing what we’re dealing with is part of winning any battle.

COVID-19 is a social butterfly - much like any virus it spreads through contact with someone exposed to it already and it grows en masse from there. Most people that have come into contact with it won’t even know they have it and much less that they’re exposing others too.

Some aren’t as fortunate, in particular those with preexisting conditions.

They feel the full brunt of what COVID-19 is capable of. Some of the following symptoms you’d see in other situations like the ones above: cough, shortness of breath, fever or chills, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, loss of taste/smell, and fatigue.

Talking to your PCP and getting tested to confirm your symptoms is a must to track and limit exposure. Wearing a mask and following sanitation guidelines isn’t only what’s best for you, but it’s best for everyone around you as well.

In Conclusion Regardless of your condition, symptoms, or frame of mind at what our current situation is, giving yourself the ability to make informed decisions is paramount as we move from into 2021. Our greatest enemy isn’t COVID-19, our greatest enemy is our reaction to it. If we do nothing to prevent our fellow neighbors from falling ill and turn our heads to the reality of our situation, we together will continue to live in fear of something that can be beaten.

Stay safe. Mask up.

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BRINGING THE MARKET TO YOU

By Rick Mauch Photography by Eric Priddy Photography

In 1987, Superior Livestock Auction introduced satellite video marketing to the nation's livestock industry and forever changed the way load-lots of cattle are marketed. Now, Superior is the largest cattle marketing network in North America; marketing nearly two million head of cattle annually.

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here are auctions - and then there are superior auctions.

As in Superior Livestock Auction, which is now based in Hudson Oaks.

Superior Livestock was founded in 1987 by two innovative cattlemen, Buddy Jeffers and Jim Odle.

There were many in the industry who doubted if this process of selling cattle via a video would be successful, but all told after the first sale in 1987 during the National Western Stockshow, Superior sold 21,000 head.

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Superior Livestock sells cattle all over the United States, along with some from Mexico that have come across the border.

Their first year of marketing cattle Superior sold 282,000 head and today sells 1.4 million head of cattle annually.

The growth and success of Superior Livestock is very much attached to their reputation for honesty and integrity and their leadership role in the industry, said Beth Brian, Director of Sales and Marketing for Superior.

"An auction held on Superior Livestock looks and smells very different from most auction barns," Brian said with a chuckle.

Superior Livestock sells cattle all over the United States, along with some from Mexico that have come across the border.

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One of Superior Livestock’s 400 representatives views the load lots of cattle in their natural surroundings and completes a consignment contract that describes the cattle and videotapes the cattle (which will be shown on sale day). Unlike conventional livestock marketing methods, buyers then have the opportunity to visually assess and select lots individually with access to current expected progeny differences (EPD) and other data through an online video catalog. All the videos of the cattle are submitted to Superior’s Hudson Oaks office, where the videos are edited and the broadcast on sale is distributed from.

On auction day, buyers and sellers can either be present at the auction site (most auctions are from the studio in the Hudson Oaks office) or via the auction on television, website or YouTube. All auctions are conducted live with a auctioneer, and cattle are sold to buyers who are bidding over Superior Click-To-Bid, an internet bidding platform, in person or over the phone with a Superior Livestock representative.

After the cattle are sold, the Superior Livestock representative arranges shipping with the buyer. Cattle are sold for immediate delivery or future delivery dates.

On the day of delivery, the Superior Livestock representative is on hand to oversee sorting and loading of cattle.

The cattle are shipped directly from the seller’s ranch to the buyer’s destination, which reduces stress and potential health problems to the cattle.

Danny Jones is president of Superior Livestock. He joined the company in 2013 from National Livestock Credit Corporation, as a result of National’s purchase of Superior Livestock Auction and Superior Productions.

Jones grew up in rural southwestern Oklahoma on

a farm purchased by his great-grandfather in the late 1920s. At a young age he took an interest and became involved in his father’s cattle business, and began a small operation of his own while still in high school. He attended Oklahoma State University from 1983 to 1987, where he earned degrees in agricultural economics and accounting. He has been actively involved in the beef industry for over 30 years.

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“Danny was instrumental to not only selecting the location in Hudson Oaks for the new office, but was also very involved in the building process itself,” Brian said.

"From the control room to auction room, Danny had a vision for this office and had his hand in every aspect of the build and design process," she said.

Today, Superior Livestock is the largest cattle marketing network in North America, Brian noted. The company is represented as an industry leader and uses state-of-the-art technologies. One of the many examples of Superior’s leadership role in the industry was in 1994 when the company introduced the beef industry’s first national vaccination program, which today is nationally recognized and adopted.

Up until this year Superior's offices were based out of the Fort Worth Stockyards.

"When Superior was purchased by National Credit Corp, one of their many goals for Superior was to have them operational in their own building," Brian said. Superior had outgrown their offices within the Livestock Exchange Building, and although the walls had lots of history to share, the age of the building inhibited Superior’s ability to upgrade their technology.

A new facility would help support future growth and provide greater capacity for customer service. The search for a new location to build took several months, and there were many things that Parker County offered that Superior was interested in, including excellent exposure, strong internet capacity, convenient access and a business friendly community.

"This is a very new relationship for Superior, but it is one we hope to grow and continues to be mutually beneficial."

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Superior currently has an auction every Thursday. The every other Thursday auctions are their larger offerings, and have a 30-minute live television show called Superior Sunrise that airs prior.

"We typically have about 40-50 people that come for these auctions and visit Hudson Oaks/Parker County," Brian said.

Superior Productions is a company operating under the umbrella of Superior Livestock. It has two different operations; the first is television production, producing two different television shows. One is a live 30-minute show that airs prior to all commercial sales, introduced in 2011. Host, Kennady Johnson, brings the latest news in the livestock industry, discusses the cattle market and previews what will be offered in that day’s auction.

In addition there are interviews with Superior Livestock customers, industry partners and representatives. "Superior Sunrise" airs on SLA-TV Dish Channel 997, YouTube and www.superiorlivestock.com.

The second show that Superior Productions produces is called "The American Rancher," a half-hour television series broadcast on RFD-TV. It is hosted by Pam Minick and began in the fall of 2004 to bring audiences in touch with the people and places that make ranching an American lifestyle.

The second operation of Superior Productions is to act as a marketing tool for seedstock producers that have their own production sale. Superior Productions will video each lot and create a video catalog, broadcast the auction on the internet or television, SLA-TV Dish Channel 997, and provide producers with the opportunity to

"With the restrictions that 2020 has presented many producers, Superior Productions provided a platform for them to continue with their sale as scheduled, even with no one in their auction ring." – Beth Brian

that were put into place by local and state governments, Superior was still able to operate thanks to our technology.

"Although the online auction method isn’t new to the beef industry, this last year has been the push some producers needed to try it for the first time. There are many benefits to video marketing, including increased buyer base, price discovery and competition for cattle." PCLS

reach a nationwide audience where customers can bid via phone or Superior’s Click-To-Bid system.

"With the restrictions that 2020 has presented many producers, Superior Productions provided a platform for them to continue with their sale as scheduled, even with no one in their auction ring," Brian said.

The restrictions, of course, are largely the result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Having already been a virtual activity, Superior is seeing an increase in comfort with customers (consignors and buyers) through the use of their technology in these times.

"Video auctions are beneficial in the commercial industry because cattle are able to stay on the ranch until time of delivery, and it reduces stress and shrink on the livestock," Brian said. "Likewise, with 2020 and restrictions

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WHISTLE STOP CAFE: ALL AMERICAN FUTURITY

Winner

By Connie Lewis Leonard Photos provided by the Woods Family

On August 21, 2020, Whistle Stop Cafe won her All American Futurity trial (32 trials split between two days), qualified and won the richest race in all of Quarter Horse racing, the three million dollar All American Futurity.

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histle Stop Café is a horse lover’s dream come true. With her impressive pedigree out of Freighttrain B and Sinuos, a daughter of Mr. Jess Perry, she had the potential of being a great racehorse or barrel horse. When the Whitmires saw Whistle Stop Café at the 2019 Heritage Place Yearling Sale in Oklahoma, they thought she was even more phenomenal than her pedigree. Lainie Whitmire said, “Pretty gray mare, really pretty hip, real nice head and a good eye, and looked like she was going to be real intelligent.” They got her for the winning bid of $42,000.

Photo by Jake Rogers at Ruidoso Downs HO M E TOW N L I V I N G AT I TS B ES T

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Whitmire Ranch sent Whistle Stop Café to Wood Racing Stables in Lubbock. Blane Wood spends months getting a yearling to the racing scene. First, the “breaking out” process involves introducing a saddle and a bridle and teaching the yearling how to move both directions.

Next, a rider is introduced to get a handle on them in a round pen. Then, the horse goes to the track to start the race training process. Blane teaches the young horses how to stand in the starting gates and how to run.

From there, the horses go to Trey and Alyssa Wood in Brock for further training, including galloping to keep them fit, healthy, happy and ready to run. Alyssa said, “Whistle Stop was very easy to break out, always willing and wanted to please. We never really knew how talented she was when we would breeze (run) her at the farm. She would win against some of our other horses but never looked like the fastest. We never really knew how much talent she had until her first race at Remington Park.

That’s when we realized this filly can really run, and then she took us on a trip of a lifetime.”

Whistle Stop’s first race was at Remington Park in Oklahoma City, OK, May 8, 2020, a trial race for the Heritage Place Futurity. The top ten fastest horses end up in finals. The second top ten fastest get to run in the Heritage Place Juvenile Stakes, which Whistle Stop qualified for and won on May 30, 2020.

Whistle Stop then went on to Ruidoso Downs. Her next race was July 7, 2020, in the Rainbow Futurity Trials.

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Whistle Stop won her trial and qualified for the finals.

On July 19, 2020, she won the one million dollar Rainbow Futurity. On August 21, 2020, she won her All American Futurity trial (32 trials split between two days), qualified and won the richest race in all of Quarter Horse racing, the three million dollar All American Futurity.

Alyssa said, “This little filly puts her heart on the line every time and leaves everything she has out on the track.

She is one of the easiest horses we have had the pleasure of training. Whistle Stop is a happy horse, very laid back, likes to eat and takes frequent naps. I believe she takes care of herself and gets all the beauty rest she needs. After Whistle Stop won the AAF, we decided that we would give her a much deserved rest, eating all the green grass she can.”

Wood Racing Stables has a great team. Trey Wood is a three generation Quarter Horse race trainer, following his grandpa and Hall of Fame inductee Leo Wood and also his father and co-partner in Wood Racing, twotime All American Futurity winner, Blane Wood. Alyssa Gillis-Wood has been around racing since she was three years old. Her mother was a trainer, and Alyssa grew up helping her. This year, Alyssa was an assistant trainer and cared for the barn and horses. The Whitmires, owners of Whistle Stop Café, have their hands in many horse disciplines, including reining, cutting and barrel racing.

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They truly care about their horses and want the very best care and training for them.

The next important part of this team is the jockey.

Ricky Ramirez lives in Brock and has been the first-call rider for Wood Racing Stables for about twelve years.

Blane said, “Ricky deserves this. He’s a great person, a great rider; he’s like family to me.”

Ricky grew up in Odessa, Texas. His dad, a big horse racing fanatic, took the family to Ruidoso every year for the “ultimate vacation” to watch the richest Quarter Horse Race, the All American. Now his parents get to go to Ruidoso Downs to watch Ricky ride and win.

Ricky’s family owned horses, and his dad would run horses at the match track in Odessa. He said, “My family jokes that my dad ordered a jockey when my mom was expecting me, and I wouldn’t be surprised that he did pray for one. As I grew up, I was definitely attracted to the horses. I rode my first match race when I was 13 and won...I was hooked!”

The All American is not only the richest race for quarter horses, but winning it is a dream for all jockeys.

Ricky qualified for the first time in 2009, on a filly named Love Samba with the fastest time. The track was sloppy on race day, and they didn’t get the win. Wood Racing Stables and Ricky continued to qualify for the race every year after, except 2015 and 2016.

Ricky said, “We had several good shots, but in a Quarter Horse Racing like this one where all ten horses are extremely talented, anything can happen. We ran two second placing in 2011 and 2019, and third placing in 2013 and 2014. Those were the years I got the closest.

In 2018, I actually qualified more than one horse to the All American and opted to ride MM Fourinthemorning

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(we had won the Rainbow Futurity with him). My other qualifier, Apocalyptical Jess, ended up winning the race with another jockey, giving the Woods their first All American Win. So I can say I’ve done it all now when it comes to the All American!”

“In 2009, the first year I qualified, I had the fastest time going into the final. There was a lot of pressure, and I guess even my wife felt it. Sometime before the race, she dreamed that I won the race with a gray horse in the seven hole, which was not the case that year. In 2014, I qualified a gray horse, but we were in the six hole. In 2020, everything lined up and a dream came true!”

Whistle Stop Café had an undefeated record going into the All American, which tells how special she is.

Ricky said, “I expected her to give me 100% as she always

They are expecting great things from Whistle Stop as she competes in 2021. does, she’s a fighter and loves her job, but the All American Futurity is a tough race and anything can happen.”

The Whitmires, Woods and Ramirez team is looking to set Whistle Stop up to be ready for all the big threeyear-old Derbies—Ruidoso Derby, Rainbow Derby, All American Derby in Ruidoso, NM. They are expecting great things from Whistle Stop as she competes in 2021.

She has a huge heart, grit, and try, loves to win and loves to race—the epitome of a racehorse. She is an owner’s, trainer’s, jockey’s and racing fan’s dream come true! PCLS

Photo by Jake Rogers at Ruidoso Downs

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CHISHOLM TRAIL TAXIDERMY

by Rick Mauch Photos by Sass & Soul Images

It took him approximately three months of pondering a job change, and one morning he woke up to tell his wife he was going to be a taxidermist, and Chisholm Trail Taxidermy was born.

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hile the world didn't end in 2012 as some said the Mayans predicted, it did change for Eugene Pridgen.

After working in the telecom industry for almost three decades - including nine in the Air Force - he was asked by his wife, Brandan, asked him a question, phrased in a funny way, but nonetheless taken serious by Eugene.

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"Brandan could tell I was uncertain about my next career move, so in 2012 she asked me 'The Question,' 'What do you want to be when you grow up?’" Eugene recalled.

He thought about it a while - quite a while, in fact before giving her his answer.

"It took me approximately three months of pondering, and one morning I woke up to tell her I was going to be a taxidermist. Without hesitation she responded, 'And you will be the best there is,'" he said.

So Chisholm Trail Taxidermy was born. It started out as a hobby in 2013 in Keller, where he was still working in the telecom industry. Having watched his team in the Metroplex slowly dissolve over a six-year span, knowing he did not want to join them in moving to the northeast

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part of the United States, he realized his time in that industry was coming to an end.

"After I made this declaration, I realized I needed professional training and signed up for a week-long taxidermy class taught not far from where we lived, to see if I had the aptitude and enjoyed this type of work," Eugene said.

"During that week I learned enough about the taxidermy process to realize I had an eye, and I enjoyed it. I began to tinker around with some shoulder mounts, not quite happy with the results, and came upon the next realization that at some point, I must attend the best taxidermy school in Texas – Central Texas School of Taxidermy, located in Snyder."

In late 2013, they found a unique piece of property in Cool, Texas, right off of Highway 180, and decided it would be the perfect location for themselves and the business. Eugene attended the six week-long taxidermy program, and the full-time business was officially underway.

"I like to think we’re officially in our fifth year of business. Jokingly, my wife reminds me it’s been eight years," Eugene said.

Now, the business has expanded to add another family member, their niece, Ashley Mueller.

"She was laid off, due to COVID, from a large hotel chain where she was the assistant to the GM. As she searched for other jobs, she started spending time with me in the shop, and we’ve learned she has a knack for this work as well," Eugene said. "So much so, she’s decided to purchase a dermestid beetle colony and begin working on beetle cleaning our euro mounts. Plus, she’s showing great promise with life-sized bobcat mounts."

"A lot goes into a hunt, and although pictures go a long way, what better tribute to the beauty of an animal and the memory of the hunt than to have the animal on display in your home?"

– Eugene Pridgen

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Brandan takes care of the company website, social media, and watches over the finances - and Eugene, he said with a smile.

The busiest season is between the start and end of gun season (November to January), but Eugene said the business has grown so much, they’re busy year-round.

The history of taxidermy goes back to the Egyptians.

They not only mummified kings and queens, they also preserved the pharaohs' pets and buried them in tombs.

"Taxidermy has come a long way since then," Eugene said. "Now, the inside of the mount is a dense foam form with all traces of tissue removed to leave a clean and lasting preservation. Even as early as back in the 60s the inside of the mount would be chicken wire, paper mâché, rope, and newspaper. Tanning was done by the taxidermist. It’s amazing how creative a taxidermist had to be, to get the job done."

A lot of people might think taxidermy is just stuffing dead animals, but the process is part art and part science, Eugene detailed. Each taxidermy procedure is unique in its own way. Fur bearing animals are different than waterfowl, for example. Even when the animal has fur, there's a difference, such as long hair hiding the repair work better than short fur.

Fresh euro mounts are beetle cleaned as the best way to preserve the integrity of the bone and clean it up, Eugene said.

"From there we de-grease and whiten or leave natural, and then place it on a plaque, if that’s what the customer wants. For what we call ‘dead heads’, when customers don’t bring them in for a while, we have to boil them and pick off what’s left. It’s a pretty dirty process," he said.

"For the end result to look realistic, there is a great deal of time spent on each animal. Two things I wish my customers knew is that from the time the animal is harvested how important it is to take care of the animal.

Keeping it cool and dry is vital. Also, we work on each mount as if it would be on display in our own home. This takes time."

As for what animals they work with, Eugene said it's probably easier to list the ones they DON'T work with, including pets, reptiles and skunks.

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"If we ever get a freeze drier, that may change. Except for skunks," he said, chuckling.

And the most difficult animal they've worked with?

"That would be an animal that wasn’t properly taken care of prior to bringing into my shop," he said.

The most popular animals are whitetails and bobcats, because they’re plentiful and largely sought after in Texas.

The strangest job they have received?

I’ve been asked to work on a caiman and a parrot. And lots of pets. I’ve not taken those animals in," he said. "The most unique pieces I’ve worked on are a Blue Wildebeest and a ring-tailed cat. I’ve also repaired the skull of several Watusi euros."

Eugene said the main reason people come to a taxidermist is to preserve the memory of a hunt.

"A lot goes into a hunt, and although pictures go a long way, what better tribute to the beauty of an animal and the memory of the hunt than to have the animal on display in your home?" he said.

Chisholm Trail Taxidermy also has a second drop off location at Fort Grard Guns and Archery on the Mineral Wells Highway in Weatherford. They also have a partnership with J&J Wild Game Processing in Graford, which includes a drop off cooler for hunters.

“We wouldn’t be where we are today without this welcoming community."

Starting in 2015, they began participating in the Annual Big Buck Contest held by 99.5 The Ranch and 92.1 Hank FM, which is now held at Teskey’s in Weatherford.

"It’s a great event for the family, held on opening day of gun season. Prizes are given for adult and youth division," Eugene said, adding, "Orschelns in Weatherford has graciously allowed us to display animals in their hunting and gun department."

They've also been voted as a Readers' Choice favorite by the Weatherford Democrat two consecutive years.

"Looking back, I’m amazed at how fast we’ve grown since moving here in 2014. We have great neighbors, friends, and customers that we want to thank," Eugene said. "We wouldn’t be where we are today without this welcoming community." PCLS

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A visit to Chisholm Trail Taxidermy will also introduce you the Cotton Patch Geese on their property. There's an interesting story behind their coming to be there.

"During our first summer living in Cool I ended up killing over 13 copperheads, and one day, out of frustration, I told my wife we need geese to help control our snake situation," Eugene recalled.

"She began her online search about the perfect goose. From her search she learned about an organization named The Livestock Conservancy, which is a nonprofit organization focused on preserving and promoting rare breeds, also known as 'heritage breeds' of livestock."

As Brandan dug deeper, she found a couple of breeds from the Conservancy that would suit their needs due to the geese's temperament, size and usefulness. She also found out that she could sell goslings and have a little farm business.

"Little did we know what a great find we came across. There are several Cotton Patch bloodlines, but ours are pure Tom Walker Cotton Patch," Eugene said. "Recently my wife sold several of her 2020 goslings to P. Allen Smith for his heritage poultry farm up in Roland, Arkansas. He has many types of geese and other poultry, but not any Cotton Patch. She enjoyed meeting and assisting him with his initial line of these rare geese.

"And if anyone is curious – they are definitely yummy."

Chisholm Trail Taxidermy also has a second drop off location at Fort Grard Guns and Archery on the Mineral Wells Highway in Weatherford. They also have a partnership with J&J Wild Game Processing in Graford, which includes a drop off cooler for hunters.

Starting in 2015, they began participating in the Annual Big Buck Contest held by 99.5 The Ranch and 92.1 Hank FM, which is now held at Teskey’s in Weatherford.

"It’s a great event for the family, held on opening day of gun season. Prizes are given for adult and youth division," Eugene said, adding, "Orschelns in Weatherford has graciously allowed us to display animals in their hunting and gun department."

They've also been voted as a Readers' Choice favorite by the Weatherford Democrat two consecutive years.

"Looking back, I’m amazed at how fast we’ve grown since moving here in 2014. We have great neighbors, friends, and customers that we want to thank," Eugene said. "We wouldn’t be where we are today without this welcoming community."

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Vet Spotlight Does My Pet Need Year-Round Flea and Tick Prevention?

Yes, and Here's Why!

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he sun is starting to set earlier and earlier and the temperature is getting cooler. Some parts of the U.S. have begun to see blankets of snow that seemingly showed up overnight. Our minds have turned to thoughts of fireplaces and mugs of hot cocoa. We see our sleeping pets curled up and content on their bed when, all a sudden, their head pops up and they start to chew on their hip. “It can’t be a flea!” You think, noting the time of year and the chill in the air.

Alas, it is a flea! We’ve taken the time to explain this concept and why year-round flea and tick prevention are crucial for your pet and your family in the blog post below.

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Flea Life Cycle To understand the importance of flea and tick prevention at all times of the year, we need to cover the life cycles.

The 4 stages of the flea life cycle are as follows: • Egg • Larva • Pupa • Adult

Depending on the environment, the development from egg to adult can take as little as about two weeks to a few months. The ideal temperature for a flea is between 70 to 85 degrees—the temperature of most of our homes. Eggs can survive at lower temperatures but need to be at about 70 degrees for at least 3 days to hatch.

One adult flea can lay hundreds of eggs in its lifetime. Those eggs can lay dormant for months until the temperature is ideal and then the cycle starts all over again.

The flea larva love your home in the winter because it’s nice and warm and dark! They are a little more sensitive to the elements than the eggs, but they can move. They burrow themselves in the carpet and bedding to protect themselves, and this is also where they find their food.

The larva will then turn into the pupa stage, which is the stage right before the adult flea stage. Like a caterpillar that turns into a butterfly, this pupa will be protected by a cocoon. It will have a glue-like substance that will adhere to carpet and bedding. Vacuuming will not remove these buggers either. In fact, many have made the mistake of shampooing their carpets thinking this will do the trick, not realizing they’ve just created a perfect environment for them to hatch.

As soon as they hatch they become hungry adult fleas that need to take any meal they can. Once they get a meal, they can immediately lay approximately 40 eggs per day, which is thousands in its life!

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Tick Life Cycle Ticks have a longer lifespan than fleas.

Where a flea can live up to 6 months, a tick can live up to 2-3 years.

A tick also has four life stages, which are as follows: • Egg • Larva (6 legs) • Nymph (8 legs) • Adult

A tick will need to take a blood meal from a host at every stage, and they won’t always use the same host or species for this meal. Unlike the flea that prefers dogs and cats, the tick can find other animals, birds, or humans for its meal. A tick can also survive in colder and less ideal temperatures as long as they are on a host. Once a female is engorged, it can lay between 2,000-4,000 eggs. They can have their final feed and mate in the winter, so the female can be dormant in

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the cold months before laying and hatching the eggs in the spring—right in time for their first feeding.

Because their temperature is lower than the flea, they will have a shorter dormancy period. This is why it is so important to catch the tick before it has the chance to lay eggs.

How Can Your-Round Flea and Tick Prevention Help?

Now that you understand these cycles, we can talk about how annual prevention can keep you from having to deal with this disastrous situation. The easiest way to prevent an infestation is to stop the one flea that comes in and take a blood meal and lays those 40 eggs or that adult tick that takes the last meal and lays those thousands of eggs in your carpet.

Sometimes we miss a dose or are told by a friend or family member that we don’t need flea or tick control during the winter. Now the likelihood that you find that one flea is like finding a needle in a haystack and

Other Myths About Flea and Tick Prevention

that you catch it before it lays those eggs, the eggs turn into larva, then pupa, and they become adult fleas.

It can take 3-6 months to eradicate a flea infestation because of their lifecycle. You don’t want all those thousands of ticks that hatch into larva to come for your pets. These can be prevented by keeping your pets on year-round prevention.

Before you stop any medication, always talk to your veterinarian first, as we can discuss the risks to your pet by stopping flea and tick prevention. If for some reason you are not happy with your current prevention method, we can also tell you what other options of preventatives are available. There are a lot of options that are available and we will help you choose the right one for you and your pet(s). Be cautious about the pesticides that you use, as some can be extremely toxic to other pets and people.

• T he idea that fleas and ticks go away in the winter isn’t the only misguided notion about fleas and ticks.

•O ther myths about flea and tick prevention are: • A few flea bites aren’t that big of a deal - these can lead to skin infections and, of course, a full-blown infestation • Fleas and ticks don’t bite people - yes, they do!

• Pets in urban areas don’t need flea prevention fleas affect people in every type of environment • A pet that doesn’t scratch assuredly doesn’t have fleas - while scratching is a tell-tale sign, some pets won't scratch but will have flea dirt, bites, and other symptoms • C ats don’t get ticks or tick bites because of their fastidious grooming - ticks burrow deeply so even diligent cat grooming doesn't often help We hope that we’ve imparted just how important year-round flea and tick prevention are for having a happy and healthy pet and home environment. If you’ve got any further questions or need to get your pet on preventatives, please give us a call!

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Your yearly mammogram can't wait.

Keeping your routine is still essential.

For women over 40, your annual screening mammogram is your best defense against breast cancer.

Even if the experience is a little different this year. For your convenience, we have 17 locations across DFW. And, as always, we have protocols in place designed around your safety.

Texas Health is right there with you. Whatever comes.

Schedule your mammogram today.

817-330-6939 TexasHealth.org/MammoWillowPark Doctors on the medical staffs practice independently and are not employees or agents of Texas Health hospitals or Texas Health Resources. © 2020

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Time of Year

By Lindsay L. Allen

Doing “all the things” leading up to Christmas day doesn’t always make you feel the holiday season. You and your loved ones can use this guide to find your “holly, jolly” spirit and really embrace the days leading up to December 25th.

A

ddressing your Christmas cards, shopping the store sales, attending the work parties and staying up late to wrap gifts let you know it’s the holiday season, but they don’t always make you feel the holiday season. In the hustle and bustle and the busy calendar that comes with the season, it’s often easy to find yourself lost in getting it all done and never really stopping to enjoy and reflect. This Christmas year can be different. You and your loved ones can use the guide that follows to find your “holly, jolly” spirit and really embrace the days leading up to December 25.

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1. Movie Night

Start the season by gift wrapping all your holiday themed DVDs and randomly picking one to watch as a family or a group. Take it up a notch by making the official dress code pjs and offering warm and yummy snacks.

2. Cookie Exchange

Look online for the rules and guidelines for hosting a cookie exchange, where friends and family come over with a couple dozen homemade cookies and spend the evening eating half of the offerings. Then at the end of the night, everyone goes around the table and takes cookies home from the remaining half. It’s a great way to have fun and enjoy a variety of Christmas cookies!

3. Holiday Scent

6. Give

The season is all about giving. Selecting and shopping for an Angel from the trees is one way to find an attitude of thankfulness and extend the Christmas spirit to another family. Another idea is to decorate the outdoor seating areas of nursing homes with tinsel, garland and ornaments for the residents to enjoy from their windows or when they go outside.

7. Christmas Themed Charades

A quick Internet search will lead you to many Christmas themed charade options you can print and add to a bowl. Take turns drawing from the bowl and acting out the phrase or item (i.e. singing carols, coming down a chimney and decorating cookies).

This season keep a pot on the stove with apple juice and cinnamon or cinnamon sticks and orange peels. Keeping it low and letting it simmer each day will bring the comfort and peace you need to feel that holiday spirit!

8. Read

4. Christmas Lights

9. Craft

5. Homemade Hot Chocolate

10. Goals

Is it even the holidays if you don’t go see lights? This year, load up in your pjs with a thermos of hot chocolate and invite the neighbors to drive around with you as you go from neighborhood to neighborhood to take them all in.

It doesn’t take much (including labor) to make the creamiest and tastiest hot chocolate this season. Using your crockpot, mix heavy whipping cream (1.5 cups), sweetened condensed milk (14 oz.), milk (6 cups), vanilla (1 tsp.), and milk chocolate chips (2 cups) and let it warm up for two hours before serving. Don’t forget to top with marshmallows!

There are a number of children’s books that all ages can enjoy about the Christmas season, check out your local bookstore or library and cozy up with a good book.

A beautiful wreath hanging on the door is a wonderful way to feel the spirit this season. Look on DIY sites and visit the crafting store to gather your materials and begin making your piece of art!

Use this time to pause and thoughtfully write down your goals for 2021. Waiting till the new year can lead to rushed decisions and failed attempts. Setting the goals ahead of time will allow you to mentally prepare too for the year ahead.

11. Christmas Carols

Spend the evening playing carols verses current Christmas songs or find a local church or theater that is offering a Christmas show to help you and your family find the spirit through song.

12. Decorate

You can’t let this season pass you by without decorating the house. Maybe this year you decide on a new area or décor theme for the season. Is it an extra Christmas tree in kitchen, an angel collection or the start of a nutcracker display?

13. Accessorize

Paint your nails or get them done with a holiday theme— look online for ideas like Elf, winter wonderland, gingerbread and more themed nails!

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20. Scents and Flavors

It’s too fun to skip the pine tree scented candles, the peppermint flavored chocolates and ice creams and candy cane scented chapsticks this time of year. Stock up on these seasonal items so you can enjoy them long after the season has ended.

21. Care Packages

Your delivery men are working long hours this season to help Santa deliver all his gifts. Leave a box near your mailbox or door with bottled water and snacks that the delivery men can enjoy.

22. Table Conversations

Print out questions to leave at each table setting on Christmas morning to help spark conversation. Example questions include: what is the best/worst gift you ever received, favorite holiday tradition or food, do you prefer a sandy Christmas or white Christmas, etc.

23. Fireplace

14. Christmas Around the World

Take the time to select a country and study how they celebrate this season and what traditions or food they have in place.

Even if you don’t have a fireplace, the internet allows you to stream the image of a burning fire that crackles and pops.

Enjoy a night cuddled up by the fire and looking at your Christmas tree.

15. Cookie Decorating

24. Reindeer Food

A can of frosting, food coloring and a tube of sugar cookies can bring a night of fun for all. Enhance the night by having a contest with the best-decorated cookie taking home a prize!

16. History

The legends and story behind the candy cane are worth reading about. Check it out and grab a candy cane to enjoy while you do!

A mix of cheerios, pretzels and graham crackers is a delicious snack for Santa’s reindeers! Even if your children are too old for this tradition, you can still make the mix together and gift to the neighborhood children on Christmas Eve.

25. Navity Story

As a family, gather around the Bible with candles and take turns reading portions of the Christmas story (Luke 1-2).

17. Carriage Rides

This time of year brings town activities that you might not otherwise have. Many nearby towns will offer horse drawn carriage rides around the town square. Pack a blanket and get ready to enjoy a brisk night under the stars.

18. Breakfast for Dinner

Take advantage of the cold nights and serve breakfast for dinner. As with most things this holiday season, it will taste better in your pjs!

19. Family Photos

With everyone gathering for family events it is the prime time to take family photos, especially with extended family.

Tip: At family gatherings the thought of taking a group photo is easy to forget. Set a reminder on your phone ahead of time so you don’t leave without a special memory.

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the Re ad B Y L I N D S AY L A L L E N

O

ften times we set goals at the new year that include the desire to read a new book, or for some, to read a new book each month! Regardless if it’s a goal you are striving to achieve or a habit you already have developed, there are a number of great books to add to your pile this year!

The books below are just a few suggestions to search for at your local library and to get your nose in a book.

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Forgiving What You Can't Forget: Discover How to Move On, Make Peace with Painful Memories, and Create a Life That's Beautiful Again by Lysa Terkeurst This fabulous author has given us yet another gift through her words and wisdom. Already a New York Times Bestselling Author, Terkeurst offers a biblical view on forgiveness. If you are familiar with Terkeurst, then you have followed her very public and heartbreaking story that required her to apply the same advice and principals she outlines in this book. For those who are not familiar with her story, I’ll let you pick up a copy of her newest book and discover for yourself the magnitude of forgiveness one woman had to extend to the person closest to her.

Point Man by Steve Farrar For husbands and fathers seeking a challenging book this year, pick up a copy of Farrar’s book, which will walk through the important role men play in our family. Farrar doesn’t shy away from the issues our society faces and the impact a husband and father can have on his family when it comes to these topics and so many more.

Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover Westover tells her story filled surprises and success, despite the circumstances, through her beautiful writing and captures the reader as she details her troubled survivalist family. Having never attended school till her late teens, Westover pursues higher education and eventually receives a PhD from Cambridge University and has become a bestselling author. The audio version of this book is just as powerful and highly recommended.

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Hope Heals: A True Story of Overwhelming Loss and an Overcoming Love by Jay and Katherine Wolf They had it all. Jay was in law school and Katherine had just given birth to their first son. This young couple were more than pleased with the way life was going. But in this true story, Katherine suffered a massive brain stem stroke when the baby was just six months old. While she wasn’t expected to live, her and Jay fought for Katherine’s progress and leaned on their faith and friends during the excruciating time. She has spent the last 12 years relearning many life skills and spends her time encouraging others from a stage, platform or through her books (Hope Heals and Suffer Strong). This encouraging story of grit, love and defying odds will challenge you.

The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile You may have heard of the enneagram, but may not even know how to pronounce it or what it is all about!

This ancient personality test is nothing like you are imagining and can open your eyes to your own experiences and motivations, as well as those you love the most. The popular enneagram is being widely embraced today because of the wisdom it shares and the fears and motivations of each of us it reveals.

You're Not Enough (And That's Okay): Escaping the Toxic Culture of Self-Love by Allie Beth Stuckey In a world that says we have to have it all together, Stuckey offers a refreshing reminder that we actually do not. Stuckey, a popular podcast host, speaker, author and conservative commentator, wants her readers to step away from the idea that loving ourselves is the key to happiness, rather security is found in Jesus Christ.

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Romantic SCAMS

By Rebecca Parvaresh

The average individual working and living in today’s society may feel that they could easily see a fraudster from a mile away.

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he average individual working and living in today’s society may feel that they could easily see a fraudster or scammer from a mile away. This, according to experts, is exactly the attitude financial fraudsters and social media scammers hope for in the individuals they contact. Just as we all learned to pivot our lives, social engagements, and working lives this year, so have those who are working hard to defraud you of the money you work so hard to keep.

“Fraudsters are very good at using current circumstances to their advantage,” explains Denise Owens, Senior Vice President and Fraud Manager for PlainsCapital Bank. “The pandemic created an opportunity for them to target people who are isolated away from family and friends, reaching out for some sort of contact from others. The thing is, these fraudsters are very good at what they do. This is their job, to defraud you of your money.”

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Fraudsters are very good at using current circumstances to their advantage.

With the rise in individuals of all ages being sequestered in their homes or unable to be out in their normal social circles, PlainsCapital Bank and other banks are seeing a rise in romance related scams, lottery scams, and work from home opportunity scams. The scene of this year is set for people to have their guards down as they reach out on new social platforms seeking connection with others.

“I think unfortunately with the circumstances we have in 2020, people need to be more on guard than ever,” Owens says. “Really look into any request or offer before you act. Fraudsters look for people who are desperate-people who don’t think but just react. Always take a step back and look into any situation and do your due diligence.”

Owens and others in the banking community have seen a rise of 30-40% in the category of romance scams.

Individuals are being contacted through any platform that has a messaging function. Romance related scams are not unique to dating websites but have now made their way into online gaming communities, professional websites for job seekers, and all popular social media platforms. If there is an opportunity to send a private message through the application, then there is an open opportunity for a scammer to make their plea.

“If you are in contact with someone who wants your relationship to move along very quickly—like getting engaged within a matter of weeks—that is a big red flag,”

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Owens cautions. “Additionally, a fraudster will ask their target to keep their relationship confidential, often away from family and friends. I’m always amazed at how patient fraudsters are as they groom their targets for weeks and months before ever asking for any money. The victim really believes they know this person before the initial request for funds is ever made.”

The rise in romance scams adds a new challenge for banks across the country. Many individuals who find themselves in the middle of a romance scam don’t want to believe that the relationship was fraudulent. The emotions attached to this particular type of scam makes them harder to investigate if they are reported at all.

“Previously, a fraudster would send a check to their target asking them to deposit and forward the funds to them,” Owens says. “Now, during the pandemic, it could be a check, a fraudulent wire transfer, or unemployment benefits from another state obtained through fraud. The victim doesn’t understand that the money they obtained was part of fraudulent activity and that they can be liable for any consequences. They may be prosecuted or sued for the loss of funds. People need to remember that they are responsible for any transactions within their account. If they make a fraudulent deposit for a third party and that charges back, they will be responsible for those funds.”

As we all know, a bank, federal office, law enforcement agency, or financial institution will never contact you and ask for your online banking credentials or passwords.

They will not ask for personal credentials like your social security number or pin numbers. Owens cautions everyone, “You shouldn’t rely on caller ID alone to know who you are speaking to. Fraudsters can spoof a number and make the caller ID appear to be from the bank. The bank will never call you asking for your online account login information or your pin number. If you are asked any of those questions, you need to hang up and call your local branch to verify the request. If it was a bank representative, you can always get that person back on the line.”

Fraudsters who impersonate a third party like law enforcement are also on the rise. Owens explains, “People could receive a spoofed phone call from a fraudster claiming to be with the police, a court official, or a utility company. The fraudster will ask their target to purchase gift cards as a form of payment. These payments could be used to avoid being arrested or having a warrant issued for their arrest. Once the information on the back of

With the circumstances we have in 2020, people need to be more on guard than ever. the gift card is provided, the money is gone. You should never buy gift cards to provide funds to an unknown individual.”

As people continue to remain isolated or search for new employment this year, many experts in the field like Owens, advise that everyone need to continue to stay vigilant in protecting their assets. “I think during the pandemic, people have just let their guard down.

Nearly everyone is isolated and many people are working remotely, so it’s just a different environment. They aren’t taking the same precautions they would have six months ago. While we’ve seen these scams for years, there’s always a new twist.”

If you feel that you have been subjected to a fraudulent financial endeavor, contact your local bank immediately.

PlainsCapital has a wealth of information concerning common fraud scams and ways to contact their fraud department on their website at https://www.plainscapital. com/fraud-resource-center/. PCLS

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HOLIDAY RECIPES WITH A

kick Are you tired of the same old turkey and dressing? Add a little kick to your holiday get together with these spicy recipes!

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Cheesy Corn Dip PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES COOK TIME: 20 MINUTES TOTAL TIME: 30 MINS Servings: 6 Ingredients • 1/2 cup sour cream • 1/2 cup mayonnaise • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper • 1/4 cup chopped pickled Jalapeño peppers • 4 ounce can diced green chiles • 11 ounce can sweet corn and diced peppers , drained • 8 ounces shredded Mexican blend cheese • tortilla chips , for serving Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat an 8x8 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray; set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and black pepper until combined. Add in the Jalapeño peppers, diced chiles, sweet corn, and cheese; stir to combine until incorporated. Transfer to the prepared dish.

3. Place in the oven and cook for 20-25 minutes until warm throughout and cheese is nice and bubbly.

4. Serve right away with tortilla chips and enjoy.

Fresh Cheese and Jalapeño Tamales PREP TIME: 30 MINUTES COOK TIME: 45 MINUTES TOTAL TIME: 1 hr 15 MINUTES Servings: 18 tamales Equipment • Pressure Cooker Ingredients For the Masa: • 3 C Maseca (corn meal mix) • 1 C vegetable oil or, lard if that is your preference • 2.5 C chicken stock warm • 1 tsp baking powder • 1 tsp salt or more, to taste For the Tamales & Sauce • 1.5 C salsa • 1 queso fresco • 28 oz jalapeños sliced • 1 pack corn husks cleaned

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Instructions 1. R inse the husks and put them in a dish where they can soak - put something of weight down on them so they stay submerged. We use our clean sink. Once softened, drain, and set aside.

2. In a separate bowl, mix the Maseca, oil, chicken stock, salt, and baking powder. You don't want it to be doughy, but you don't want it to be runny - after all, you will be spreading it loosely in the husks. If you are using oil instead of lard, ensure you are generous with your salt because lard gives so much flavor that you will need to replace if you are using oil instead. Set that masa aside.

carefully use a thong to remove the tamales and put in a baking pan.

11. Enjoy with additional salsa. Refrigerate leftover tamales and reheat leftover tamales for 20-30 seconds in the microwave with the husk on; then remove the husk prior to enjoying.

3. Cut your cheese into 1/2-inch strips, and place in a bowl.

4. Open the can of peppers and dump into a large bowl and set aside (or, if roasting peppers, roast, cut into strips and set aside).

5. Place the husks, salsa, peppers, and cheese together so you can get started. Have a large pan next to you to hold the tamales until they are ready to go in the Instant Pot. 6. Take a tamale husk and spread 3-4 Tbsp of dough out with the back of a spoon. Place a strip of cheese in the center, followed by a strip or two of peppers, and 2 spoons of salsa. Fold the left side of the husk over the center. Then the right over the center, and then fold the bottom flap up, and set on the tray next to your work area. Repeat with the remainder of the masa.

7. Once you have used all your masa/husks, rinse your hands, and place the steamer rack in the bottom of your Instant Pot. Fill the pot with 1 1/2 C. water and place a piece of foil on the top of the steamer rack and mold up the excess to the side of the pot.

8. Carefully place your tamales in the Instant Pot, the neater and tighter you place them, the more you will be able to cook at once. I am able to fit 18 very carefully with a little room around the edge of the pot. Place the lid on the pot and close the valve.

9. Set the pot for 27 minutes on manual (high) pressure.

It will take some time to come to pressure, once it does, it will count down the minutes that are remaining on the front of the Instant Pot. 10. Once the pot beeps done, allow to rest for 5 minutes, then do a quick release and carefully open the lid.

Allow the steam to dissipate for a few minutes, then

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Spicy Margarita Serving Size: 1 Cocktail ***recipe can be doubled or multiplied to serve in a pitcher*** Ingredients: Kosher salt (fine) Ice cubes 2 oz (good quality) Tequila 1 oz Triple sec 1/2 Lime, seeded and juiced 1/2 Tablespoon agave nectar 1/4 to 1/2 Jalapeño pepper, cut into thin, round slices (use more for additional kick and spice) Splash of OJ, freshly squeezed 1 lime, cut into wedges (garnish) Cilantro (garnish)

Directions: Rim the glass: Pour a thin layer of salt onto a small plate.

Take a lime wedge and coat the rim of a rocks glass to moisten it. Then dip the rim of the glass in the salt, rotating until coated. Fill the glass with ice and set aside.

Make the spicy margarita with jalapeño: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes. Add tequila, triple sec, lime juice, agave nectar, jalapeño slices and a splash of orange juice. Close tightly and shake vigorously until the outside of the metal shaker becomes foggy or frosty.

Strain into the iced salt rimmed glass. Garnish with lime wedges, jalapeño slices and cilantro (optional) and serve.

Best Chicken Enchiladas Salsa Verde Recipe PREP: 15 MINUTES COOK TIME: 40 MINUTES TOTAL TIME: 55 MINUTES SERVINGS: 10 enchiladas Ingredients • 1 1/4 pounds tomatillos husked and halved • 1 white onion peeled and quartered • 4-5 cloves garlic • 1-2 jalapeños stems removed • 2 teaspoon ground cumin • 1 teaspoon salt • 1/2 cup cilantro • 6 cups shredded cooked chicken equal to 1 deli rotisserie chicken boned and shredded, or 4 large leftover grilled chicken breasts • 1 cup sour cream + extra for serving • 3 cups shredded Monterey jack cheese or Mexican blend cheese • 10 large corn tortillas • salt and pepper

and juicy. Transfer the roasted vegetables and any juices on the bottom of the tray to a food processor. Add the cumin, salt, and cilantro and pulse mixture until well combined but still chunky.

2. In a large bowl combine and shredded chicken with 1/3 of the fresh salsa verde, 1 cup sour cream, and 2 cups of the cheese. Mix well, then salt and pepper to taste.

3. Change the temperature of the oven to 350 degrees F and begin assembling the dish. Take a large 9x13-inch baking dish and smear the bottom with some of the reserved salsa verde. Put a scoop of the shredded chicken mixture on top of each tortilla. Fold the tortillas over the filling and roll like cigars to close. Place the tortillas in the baking dish; you may have to squeeze them in.

4. Pour the rest of the salsa verde over the enchiladas and top with the remaining shredded cheese. Bake uncovered for 20-30 minutes until bubbly. Garnish with cilantro, avocado and tomato. Top with a scoop of sour cream!

Notes * You can make the salsa verde several days in advance of preparing the chicken enchiladas and keep in an airtight container in the fridge.

Toppings • chopped tomatoes • cilantro • avocados Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. On a rimmed baking sheet, roast the tomatillos, onion, garlic, and jalapeños for 15-20 minutes, until the tomatillos are bubbling

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WOMEN Empowering WOMEN

By Erica Willis

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She ran back to the friend who had passed her the ball, jumped into her arms, and exclaimed, "I couldn't have done it without you!”

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t was a typical hot Texas day as I sat on the sideline, my feet dodging the fire ants working nearby. I watched my daughter’s golden ponytail bounce and her cheeks blaze pink as she sprinted, leading the pack of blue soccer uniforms. It was her first time to play an official game and her intensity while on the field surprised us. Our sweet princess, typically all cuddles and snuggles, was a competitive beast.

I watched enthusiastically as the ball drove toward our end of the field. With a swift kick from a teammate, the ball was in perfect scoring position. My daughter took the opportunity and with power and focus she scored a goal. We screamed! We celebrated! We jumped out of our seats with excitement! As we turned to congratulate her, we noticed she had something else in mind. Rather than celebrating her own accomplishment, a greater choice was taking place: She ran back to the friend who had passed her the ball, jumped into her arms, and exclaimed, “I couldn’t have done it without you!”

The two girls embraced and laughed, jumping up and down, oblivious to the world around them. They were a team that wouldn’t be broken by ego or pressure or accomplishments. They believed each girl on the field mattered, and it showed. We celebrated my daughter and she celebrated another girl, a perfect picture of “women empowering women”, in tiny eight-year-old bodies.

When was the last time we, as women, made it clear to the world that we will stand together no matter the obstacle?

While I was incredibly proud of her, their celebration made me ache a little inside. How often have I seen other women refuse to celebrate each other in this way? When was the last time we, as women, made it clear to the world that we will stand together no matter the obstacle?

What if pettiness, fear, and envy were removed from our relational equations entirely? Unfortunately, what was evident in our little girls’ celebration is often missing in the relationships of grown women because we have been raised to compete rather than compliment.

When another woman wins, we all win.

When another woman wins, we all win. When she gets that promotion, finally gets pregnant after years of trying, or is recognized for her hard work and contribution to society—we all win too! Because one woman rising means we all rise. We celebrate with her, hold her up, declare that we can’t win without her! We compliment and shower her with delightful encouragement because that is what women do best.

Ladies, it is time to value and celebrate each other in a way that declares to the world, “We are here for each other! We are equal, we are valuable, and we are on the same team!” There is so much attempting to divide us—pandemics, school choices, racism, vaccines, child trafficking—there has never been a better time to link arms in unity. Let’s work as a team, keeping our eyes on the goal, and score the winning point for women everywhere. PCLS

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More Than

Princess

Dreams

By Haven Watts Photos by American Pageants

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very little girl dreams of being a princess, but Haylee Wilke of Brock, Texas wanted to be more than that. With a strong drive for helping others and achieving her goals she is set on changing the world. Now with the title of Young Miss of America 2021, Wilke has big goals and a new way to achieve them, all while looking stunning in her sash and crown.

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Every little girl dreams of being a princess, but Haylee Wilke of Brock, Texas wanted to be more than that. With a strong drive for helping others and achieving her goals she is set on changing the world.

At the age of 12, Wilke was determined to gain a bigger audience for her cause, the No Kid Hungry project - a project she started after noticing some of the kids at her school were unable to have food for lunch. This tenderhearted preteen wanted to change that problem not only for the kids at her school, but also for kids everywhere.

Wilke set off on her mission starting fundraisers, getting more people involved and speaking publicly to help others become aware of the harsh reality that was happening around them. After pondering on the thought of pageants, Wilke came to a realization that she didn't think beauty pageants were what she was looking for.

On the last night of researching, she stumbled across a pageant that is based on who she is and what she stands for as a young lady, rather than outer beauty.

American Pageants - Texas is a scholastic rooted pageant, scoring candidates on school achievements, public speaking, community service and resumes. Wilke instantly knew this pageant was what she was looking for to grow her platform as well as herself. After talking it over Wilke's mom, Ruby, stated, "I had no idea that these pageants existed, but with Haylee it felt like fate."

The next day an application was sent to American Pageants - Texas and within a blink of an eye the offer was made and Wilke now held the title of Young Miss

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she had. Haylee said, "I was so happy to be around other girls that are like me and able to share our platforms and make lifelong friends."

After a week of interviews, onstage questions, photo shoots and getting to know her sister queens, it was time for finals. "I knew that whatever happened would be amazing because all of these girls are deserving of a national title," Wilke said ecstatically.

It came down to top two and she was still in the running for Young Miss of America. Eagerly awaiting the results on stage the emcee happily announced that the new Young miss of America was Haylee Wilke. "For a second I thought I had imagined the whole thing, but it in fact it was real, and so were my happy tears!" Wilke said with a smile. Now with the title of Young Miss of America 2021, Haylee Wilke has big goals and a new way to achieve them, all while looking stunning in her sash and crown.

of Parker County. Come January, Wilke was standing nervously on stage for finals when she heard her name announced as the new Young Miss of the Lone Star State.

Haylee stated, "I was so surprised to hear my name, but excited to see that all my hard work was paying off!" Still involved in FFA, choir, cheer, basketball, student council and student leadership at Brock Junior High, she was now also a role model for younger girl since taking on her title.

Fast forward to November 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia and she was doing it all over again. Competing against girls from all over the US with just as many aspirations as

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“I would define beauty as something not found on the outside but within.

It doesn't matter how you look but how you treat others.” – Haylee Wilke Here are a few questions we asked Haylee: Q: How would you define beauty?

A: I would define beauty as something not found on the outside but within. It doesn't matter how you look but how you treat others.

Q: Who is the greatest influence in your life?

A: A great influence in my life would be Mrs. Sandi Watts, my Texas State director. She is a great role model and teacher.

Q: What has American Pageants taught you?

A: American Pageants has taught me to be confident in my public speaking, as well as how to react without reaction and push myself in all aspects of life.

Q: What did you expect to learn from being a titleholder?

A: Coming into this organization I was hoping to meet girls with similar interests. I have gained so much more than I could have ever imagined. Not only have I gained long term relationships, I have learned so much about myself and personal growth. This experience has exceeded any expectations I even ever imagined.

Q: What kind of volunteer work have you done?

A: I have volunteered in several different ways. I love my community, and I love helping others. I have worked with Weatherford Whiskers, Texas Pythian Home Inc, Children's Advocacy Center, Make-A-Wish North Texas, and Doss Heritage and Culture Center are just a few on my favorites. During lockdown I launched Loaves of Love. I worked with my sister queen, Junior Miss of Texas, Allyson Burns, to bake and feed over 100 loaves of fresh homemade bread to those in need around Parker County.

ing that time for what you intended. I defined success as hard work and dedication. Time management is a very big part of working hard.

Q: What is your favorite subject in school: A: My favorite subject is history. I love getting to learn about the past. My personal favorite era is the 1500s.

Q: What makes you different from your peers?

A: I believe that what makes me different from my peers is my drive and work ethic. An example would be, in my spare time I love to work with my mom at her store Bailey Farms and Bakery. It is so fun baking and getting to know the customers that come in. It gives me some quality time with my mom, which is hard to find since my schedule is so packed.

Q: How would your friends describe you?

A: Smart, energetic and a little bit goofy!

Q: What is your first job as Young Miss of America?

A: I will be emceeing the Brock Home Town Christmas, and then I’m headed to Atlanta for an event.

Congratulations to Haylee Wilke on winning her title!

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?

A: I would go to Germany to learn about all the beautiful castles and historical landmarks.

Q: How do you manage your time being so active and still maintain honor roll?

A: I have a very busy schedule managing multiple activities with school. Just yesterday I went straight from school into a basketball game, changed and cheered, changed again and worked concession for student council. When I returned home I did homework for an hour.

It's all about time management. Having a plan and utiliz-

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Neighborly

by Lindsay L Allen

Sadly, we live in a day and age where it’s common for many people to not know the names of their neighbors. But what if we shut off the electronics, walked out the front door and made it a goal to love our neighbors?

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But what if we shut off the electronics, walked out the front door and made it a goal to love our neighbors?

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adly, we live in a day in age where it’s common for many people to not know the names of their neighbors. At most, we can all name one or two homes, but to name more than that becomes uncommon and not even expected.

But what if we shut off the electronics, walked out the front door and made it a goal to love our neighbors?

If that is a daunting idea, start with just one home on your street and focus on that relationship. We can all do our part to be neighborly and really get to know those who are physically closest to us. Before we can be neighborly, we must know who our neighbors are though!

Start with a diagram, similar to the one below, and try to name in each of the boxes, the family that lives in each direction of you. This is a great starting point for knowing who to reach out to and get to know. Set a goal as a family to be able to fill in each square on the diagram by a certain point. Hang the diagram on your fridge so that you and your family can see it often and pray for each of your neighbors, by name, on a regular basis!

Find simple ways to engage in conversation.

Our Home

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You are probably wondering just how you are going to build these relationships with those around you. Find simple ways to engage in conversation.

Hang fliers in the neighborhood promoting a drive by popsicle or hot chocolate party. Set up your station at the end of your driveway for neighbors to come out, grab a sweet treat and visit for a bit! Flag down the cars that drive by and introduce yourself and offer them a treat as well!

Another idea is to load up the wagon and kids and go from home to home and spread some cheer by using sidewalk chalk to draw sweet pictures and messages in each neighbors’ driveway.

Utilize the holidays as a reason to spread some cheer. Maybe it’s as simple as dropping off Valentines cookies, having a hot dog cook out at the start of summer, or leaving a bag of Halloween candy on someone’s front door with a note saying they have been “boo-ed” from your family!

As you progress in your quest to be a better neighbor this year, look for opportunities to assist one another.

When you are out mowing, take the extra time to mow a neighbor’s front lawn too, return their garbage can after trash has been picked up, offer to take their kids to school or swap babysitting nights to allow each of you a stress-free date night!

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Extending kindness to those around you can be done in a number of ways and can lead to wonderful friendships.

Choosing to put down our phones and walk outside and visit with neighbors is a huge way to interact and build a relationship. All too often we quickly rush inside after parking the car or put in our ear buds when doing yard work, but what would happen if we did more than wave to those around us? What would happen if we said hi, asked about their day and found out more about our neighbors?

Getting to know our neighbors and being neighborly doesn’t have to be a chore or difficult.

Extending kindness to those around you can be done in a number of ways and can lead to wonderful friendships. Living so close to someone, yet knowing so little about them, is no way to live at all. Let’s take this new year to extend a hello and kind gesture and build meaningful relationships with those we share a street address with. PCLS

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Hounds for

Cassidy L. Robinson Photos by Rivergirl Photography

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I

n a day where social distancing has become the “new normal”, Peaster students have brought their community together and have made bonds that refuse to be separated by creating the Hound Food Pound.

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Students said that they wanted to come up with a project for the holidays that would enable them to give back to the community.

Peaster, Texas is located just around 20 minutes from the county courthouse at the heart of Weatherford. This little town is growing and it only takes a short while to realize why. This small town has got a heart of gold and it is taking great strides this holiday season to include everyone so that this holiday season can be an amazing one.

In October 2020, five seniors, four juniors, and four 8th grade middle school students set out on a mission to create the Hound Food Pound. Lance Johnson, the new superintendent since January of 2019, Sherri Payne of Peaster ISD, and students have overseen the project that was conceived in October. The students said that they wanted to come up with a project for the holidays that would enable them to “give back to the community”. They

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At every turn there is evidence of the students' passion and giving spirit for their community. said that they really didn’t have a goal in mind, but just wanted to connect with and help those who really needed goods and foods for this holiday season. November 7th was the official kickoff date, and ever since then Carver Rodenburg of the advisory council says that there has been an “overwhelming support from the community”.

Ky Nichols of NoTex Construction donated funds and materials for shelving for the food items. He also provided paint to refinish the room in the old rock gym on the Peaster campus. The Greyhounds wasted no time and painted the Hound Food Pound in a matter of days.

Furthermore, they started stocking the shelves after a joint effort from the elementary school food drive a week before Thanksgiving.

The Ag department has created a wonderfully finished bright Peaster blue metal sign that hangs on the door of the old rock gym that says, “Hound Food Pound 2020”.

At every turn there is evidence of the students’ passion and giving spirit for their community. Together they have come together to make something truly wonderful for the people of Peaster and the students of Peaster ISD.

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Lance says, "our community does an amazing job at coming together and it's a characteristic that makes Peaster so unique."

When I asked Superintendent Johnson who came up with this idea, I expected him to say that it was a project that the school had been thinking of for the holidays; however, he wholeheartedly bragged on his students, saying it was all them and that he couldn’t be more proud of their work. Lance says, “our community does an amazing job at coming together and it’s a characteristic that makes Peaster so unique.”

The Hound Food Pound operates on an honor system, Lance explained. “The door is never locked and there are no cameras.” By doing so, families and donors, that are in need of food or who are able to give, can come in and “take what they need and leave what they can” without any stigma or shame. When I asked Lance why they decided to do the food pantry like this, he said, “it’s all about loving and helping thy neighbor and in Peaster, we help our neighbors.” He adds, “We encourage people to take advantage of what we have created.”

It couldn’t be more obvious that Peaster’s number one priority is to help their community wherever they can.

This mindset is reflected in the ideas of the young minds that go to Peaster. These Greyhounds are so dedicated and have worked so hard to give back to their community in such a special and touching way. When I asked Ethan Smith of the Student Advisory council what his favorite part of this project was, he smiled and said he couldn’t decide on his favorite part, but said that he knew one thing, that “the bonds that were made during the project will last a lifetime.” Indeed, the bonds are not the only thing that will last a lifetime but also the lives that the students have impacted. They will also be grateful for seasons to come.

The Hound Food Pound is continually growing and Sherri Payne says that they plan on making a closet to go into the Hound Food Pound for clothing donations. This will be used for clothing donations and anyone in need is welcome to it. With no end in sight, the Hound Food Pound has become a permanent facet to the Peaster community. This holiday season has been a strange one for all of us; however, Peaster, Texas and the students of Peaster ISD have become a beacon of light. In a day where social distancing has become the “new normal”, these students have brought their community together and have made bonds that refuse to be separated. PCLS

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WE STRIVE TO BE THE BEST. • Barndominiums • Steel Buildings • Pipe Fence • Full Turn Key • 10 Year Warranty • Insured/Bonded 86

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Duty to Family and Country

By Lindsay L. Allen Photos by Sass & Soul Images and provided by the Carroll Family

In the last 20 years of his Navy Reserves career, eight years have been in active duty.

W marriage.”

hen we met, he told me he was in the Navy Reserves, which correlated to being gone one weekend a month and two weeks a year,” Shannon Carroll recalls, “We laugh, because that has been the biggest joke in our

While Commander Jim Carroll cannot recall a time when he didn’t have a desire to be in the military, he didn’t enlist until he was 28 years old. But in the last 20 years of his Navy Reserves career, eight years have been in active duty. Shannon said in their

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“I love serving my country and answering to a higher calling,” Carroll, a Brock resident since 2009, shared.

15 years of marriage they have only celebrated 6-7 anniversaries together due to Commander Carroll’s service to the country.

“I love serving my country and answering to a higher calling,” Carroll, a Brock resident since 2009, shared.

While he has a mission to serve and protect, he has a heart for his family and says that leaving them behind with each deployment is the hardest part of it all. “My instinct is to protect my family, but when I’m half way around the country I have to trust that they are going to protect themselves,” he shared.

His daughter Jewel said that while her dad’s military career is the only life she knows, it’s always shocking to

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her friends when she mentions her dad won’t be home from work at 5 o’clock, but rather in another eight or nine months. Having been to 30 plus countries, Commander Carroll has seen it all and, thankfully, describes himself as a traveler and someone who loves to “go and see.”

While each new place he has been to with the military has its own unique characteristics, he said Iraq tops the list. “The work there was fast pace and I am one who wants to be in the thick of it, but I can also tell you that Germany is hard to beat. The country itself is beautiful, it’s an easy place to travel and the food is phenomenal,” he recalled.

While Commander Carroll enjoys seeing the world, he acknowledges that each trip is time away from his wife and four children. “When I get my notice for deployment, I usually have six months to prepare, but it all depends as I have received as little as eight days’ notice too,” he continued, “Once I know I am deploying, I go into business mode and work on the checklist of items that the military provides.” Shannon on the other hand

Thankfully, technology has vastly improved over the years and creates a way for the Carroll family to stay connected.

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creates her own list of items she needs help with at the house before he ships out and also works to squeeze in as many dates as possible leading up to the deployment date.

Thankfully, technology has vastly improved over the years and creates a way for the Carroll family to stay connected. While FaceTime is the family’s favorite way of communicating, the different time zones can create limitations. Shannon never pictured herself as a military wife and acknowledges that when Commander Carroll is gone and she is left to be the only parent, it is tough.

“You have no one at home to back you up when raising the kids and you have no idea how much you miss laying

“I have been blessed to have made some of the greatest friends through the military. We share so many experiences together, like knowing what it’s like to be away from your family,” down each night next to each other until he isn’t there for you to reach over and touch,” she said. But the hardest part of all is moments throughout his deployment that she wishes he was home to experience and the hugs she wished she could receive.

“I have been blessed to have made some of the greatest friends through the military. We share so many experiences together, like knowing what it’s like to be away from your family,” Commander Carroll said, “The experiences we have shared have built the bonds we now share.”

Being away makes the reunion that much sweeter though. In November, Commander Carroll returned home after being away in Germany for a year. While his wife knew about his return approximately 24 hours before he landed, they kept it a secret from their children.

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“My friends kept saying I would burst in tears when I saw him, but I had a mission to surprise the children,” Shannon said, “I was focused on the surprises and held everything together until the surprises were complete.”

Cole, their adult son, was the first they surprised.

Conned into thinking a family friend needed help fixing something, Cole showed up, only to hear Commander Carroll’s voice seconds later. “I was in shock, but then a wave of emotion that is indescribable came over me and also a feeling of relief knowing that he is back and here for my mom now,” Cole shared, “I look up to him so much.

He has taught me so many values and I can’t respect him anymore than I already do. He is a big part of our lives and when he is gone, we all feel it.”

The next morning, the girls were tricked into going to breakfast with Shannon. “We had been talking a lot about Dad’s return, but we didn’t know when it would happen,” Sadee recalled, “But as soon as I pulled up to the restaurant and saw so many cars, I knew Dad was home! Every time I see him after a deployment I have the same tear-filled face, but I’m so glad he is here and can hug me now and we don’t have to rely on FaceTime to communicate.”

The love and respect his family has for him is obvious. In fact, Jewel wants to be like her dad and go into the military in hopes that she can “live up to his reputation.”

And Commander Carroll? He knows the price of serving our country and said he is always waiting on the call for his next deployment. PCLS

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Index

OF ADVERTISERS

Bell Natural Stone........................................................................... 67

Optimum Healthcare..................................................................... 56

BLT & Sons, LLC...............................................................................86

Parker County LifeStyle Magazine.................................... 57, 94

Brock Lawncare............................................................................... 87

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Clark Gardens................................................................................... 75

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

Clearfork Pharmacy....................................................................... 33

Rio Mambo........................................................................................66

College Park Rehab and Care Center...................................... 56

RiverGirl Photography................................................................... 75

Edward Jones Brent Gough........................................................ 87

Riverstone Veterinary Clinic........................................................42

Eric Priddy Photography.............................................................. 47

Sass and Soul Images..................................................................... 41

Facial Cosmetic and Surgical Center...................................... 32

Superior Livestock Auction............................................................3

Farm Bureau.....................................................................................94

Surepoint Emergency Center................................................ 18-19

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

Texas Health Hospital Willow Park...........................................46

Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Home.............................................86

Texas Lighting..................................................................................96

Grote Veterinary Clinic..................................................................42

The Duggar Group..........................................................................94

H&S Septic Services...........................................................................1

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

Hilltop Park Rehab and Care Center........................................ 56

Trinity Christian Academy........................................................... 74

Honor Insurance.............................................................................. 33

Two Sisters Tea House..................................................................66

Legacy Land and Title...................................................................96

Weatherford Christian School.......................................................5

Magnolia Realty – Deborah Hulce............................................. 57

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

Magnolia Realty – Wendy Rape................................................... 9

Weatherford Truck Equipment..................................................94

NCHA......................................................................................................2

White’s Funeral Home................................................................... 67

Northside Baptist Church............................................................ 74

Willow Park Rehab and Care Center....................................... 56

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

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