Parker County LifeStyle Spring 2019

O ctober Hill FARM BRINGING JUMPERS BACK October Hill Farms breeds, raises, trains, shows, and sells warmblood horses for equestrian show jumping.

FULFILLING A DREAM AND SERVING A GREATER PURPOSE Dr. Cynthia Robbins finds herself stealing moments to write and has been able to combine her love of babies and children and reading into a lifelong dream.

WEATHERFORD COLLEGE: A CENTURY AND A HALF STRONG AND GETTING STRONGER One of the state’s most recognized institutions of community college education earned it’s humble beginnings 150 years ago.

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PA RKER COUNTY LIFE S TYLE

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Contents

10 Faith & Community

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F U LFI LLI NG A DR E AM AN D S E RVI NG A G R E ATE R PU R POS E In those brief periods of time when work and pleasure are able to overlap, Dr. Cynthia Robbins finds herself stealing moments to write, and has been able to combine her loves of babies and children and of reading into a lifelong dream of publishing children’s books.

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I NTE NTIONALLY KI N D

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42 48

POSTU R E Stand up straight, don’t slouch. Your mother was wiser than she knew. Not only is poor posture aesthetically displeasing, it can have many detrimental effects to your health.

WE LLNESS GUIDE From dental to chiropractic to elderly care, residents of Parker County have a multitude of options for ensuring their wellness is covered.

Understanding how Jesus loves, one local church is spreading that love within the community through practical, unique, intentional acts of kindness.

BELIEVE BOLDY--PEACE FOR THE PERFECTIONIST: FINDING CONTENTMENT When was the last time you felt content? When did you look around and feel truly grateful for the life you have been given?

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Health & Wellness

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE The library is truly both a living room and a university for all ages in Parker County.

PARKER COUNTY LIFE S TYLE

About the Cover The cover is a picture of one of the horses at October Hill Farm. Read more about the farm and their quest to bring jumpers back to Northern Texas on page 66.

O cto ber Hil l FAR M

BRINGI NG JUMPER S BACK October Hill Farms breeds, raises, trains, shows, and sells warmblood horses for equestrian show jumping.

FULFILLIN G A DREAM AND SERVING A GREATER PURPOSE

Dr. Cynthia Robbins finds herself stealing moments to write and has been able to combine her love of babies and children and reading into a lifelong dream.

WEATHER FORD COLLEGE : A CENTURY AND A HALF STRONG AND GETTING STRONGE R

One of the state’s most recognized institutions of community college education earned it’s humble beginnings 150 years ago.

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

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Contents Travel & Outdoors

66 74

OCTOBER HILL: BRINGING JUMPERS BACK Sitting on over 200 acres of rolling pasture in Hudson Oaks, October Hill farms breeds, raises, trains, shows, and sells warmblood horses for equestrian show jumping, which is an Olympic sport with a world-wide following.

HIKE AND BIKE FOR HEALTHY HEART AND HOME Parker County provides excellent opportunities to hike, bike and thrive.

Education

80 90 102 110

WE ATH E R FOR D COLLEG E : A CE NTU RY AN D A HALF STRONG AN D G ET TI NG STRONG E R Just four years after the Civil War ended, and seven years BEFORE the telephone was invented, one of the state’s most recognized institutions of community college education earned its humble beginnings.

For many people, both young and old, little compares to the sound of a fishing lure splashing into calm waters. For high school students in Texas, there is a growing opportunity to take this pastime to a competitive level.

TH E WHOLE CH I LD By adding a focused curriculum on social and emotional development, Weatherford ISD has been able to reach outside the box and teach the “whole” child, and is noticing big differences in positive behaving and pride-filled students.

B R I NG I NG BACK ‘ WE TH E PEOPLE ’ Tom Yeats and his fellow leaders of Patriotic Restoration teach local students what it means to be an American, and to honor the men and women of the Armed Forces.

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ANG LI N ’ FOR A WI N

PARKER COUNTY LIFE S TYLE

In Every Issue 38 62 96

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

HOMETOWN HAPPE NINGS Night to Shine, Greenwood Baptist Church

VET SPOTLIG HT

Keeping Them Pearly White

FARM & RANCH …

IT’S WHAT WE DO!

NAMED TOP REALTOR 2016, 2017, 2018 AND 2019.

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obby Norris Farm & Ranch Realty LLC, has the most experienced agents in the industry. We are committed to assisting our clients in the most professional way, with open lines of communication, aggressive marketing strategies, strong negotiating skills, and a strong understanding of market conditions.

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

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Hello!

RedFin Publishing Justin & Hayley Six

Kyle & Halsey Clark

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Hayley Six

CREATIVE | DESIGN

GreenFox Marketing & Design

CONTENT COORDINATOR Jennifer Cabbage

H

Jennifer.RedFin@gmail.com

appy Spring Parker County! If anyone knows anything about how busy this time of year is, it’s us! As much time as you’re making for spring cleaning, tax planning, and baseball practices, don’t forget to also make time for…absolutely nothing! Build margin in your lives, time to catch up with friends, make dinner with family, or learn something new.

Schedule a night to gaze at the stars, catch the sunset, and take a walk. We ask you to sit and read a magazine, preferably this one, and be inspired by someone who is doing something great for others. Better yet, do something great for others!

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.

Take time to read about how Weatherford ISD has taken a district wide effort to make kids more aware of their character traits and how those words impact their daily lives…. just one moment to consider contentedness can change your concept of your day. Looking for a new spring sport to consider for your high schooler?

High school fishing teams are taking Northern Texas by storm, with thousands of scholarship dollars available for successful tournaments. Sisters Wendy and Erin are working hard to bring back the sport of horse jumping and teaching these skills to another generation of kids at October Hill Farm.

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

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

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

Until the next edition, wishing you many blessings-

Justin and Hayley Six

PUBLISHER

Kyle and Halsey Clark

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

Jordan Murdock

Jordan.RedFin@gmail.com

SOCIAL MEDIA CHAIR Garilea Thrash

PROOF READER

INTERN

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jennifer Cabbage Bethany Ross Lindsey Sullivan Photography Eric Priddy Photography

Karma Fly Design

Jami Scull Photography

Nature Views by Thad Brown

COVER PHOTO

SALES

by Jami Scull Photography Kyle Clark

Nikki Garrett

Garilea Thrash

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lindsay L. Allen

Charles Franklin

Peggy Purser Freeman

Connie Leonard

Allen Snagg

Johnna Thomasson

Erica Willis

Parker County LifeStyle© is published quarterly by RedFin Publishing.

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

PARKER COUNTY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

(817) 301-3828 All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part

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#parkercountylifestyle

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.

www.ParkerCountyLifestyle.com 8

PA R KER COUNTY LIFE S TYLE

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Fulfilling a Dream

&

SERVING A GREATER PURPOSE

By Lindsay L Allen Photos by Jami Scull Photography

T

here are times when work and pleasure combine and for one Aledo resident, this is one of those times. Dr. Cynthia Robbins has delivered babies and been around children for over 30 years in the medical field. When she isn’t working, she is writing. She has always spent her breaks at the hospital writing notes and stories and loves to read, so when she wanted to combine these two interests and publish children’s book, it was a natural fit for her. It was also natural for her husband, Bobby, who serves as her illustrator for each book as he is a graphic designer and an artist.

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“My husband encouraged me to write children’s books and so in February of 2018 we self-published our first book and ten months later our second book was released, and we have more in the pipe line,” Dr. Robbins said. “I talk about subjects that are important to parents and interesting to kids. My stories have value in them as they focus on life choices and lessons for kids and then Bobby makes them so cute with his illustrations.”

Bobby has been in the advertising and marketing industry and was no stranger to many of the skills required to help his wife with this endeavor. “Of course, when she asked me to illustrate her books I said ‘yes’,” Bobby recalled. “I have done art my whole life and worked in corporate art departments as well.” Five years ago, Bobby began painting and has had his art in galleries, and now children’s books.

Sometimes Dr. Robbins doesn’t have to go too far to find a story. The Perfect One is a story about a mother who searched many countries for the perfect daughter before adopting her. Having adopted three times from China herself, she was sensitive to the mother in the story who was searching high and low for her daughter.

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I WAS WRITING ABOUT MYSELF IN THAT BOOK AND ABOUT WHAT WE HAVE LIVED THROUGH. IT WAS SO FUN TO MAKE IT WHIMSICAL WITH THE VARIOUS COUNTRIES SHE VISITS AND THE ANIMALS SHE FINDS.

“I was writing about myself in that book and about what we have lived through. It was so fun to make it whimsical with the various countries she visits and the animals she finds. It still gives me goosebumps at the end when she finds her,” Dr. Robbins continued. “It’s a story about how love is what forms families and it makes adoption more main stream.”

The great thing about that particular story, she added, is the educational piece as each country that is visited in an opportunity to educate the reader about something they may not be familiar with and open their eyes to other cultures, animals and landscapes.

“I learned to love children’s books when my kids were younger, and I think it is so important to read to our children,” Dr. Robbins said. “Books are a great way to help children learn something outside of their circle.

I often find myself gravitating toward the children’s section at the bookstores.” She added that her children have developed her love for reading, which will come in handy as they now have several books written by mom to read!

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For Bobby, A Different Daisy, their first book together, is special because of the dog in the story. “Daisy dog in the book is modeled after our own golden retriever, Daisy, who is such a good dog and for book signings we actually take our Daisy dog with us, complete with a tutu, just like in the book,” he said.

Writing these books fulfils Dr. Robbins’s lifelong goal, but it also serves an even bigger purpose, with proceeds going back to her daughter’s memorial scholarship, the Mia Rose Memorial Scholarship Fund through Trinity Christian Academy (TCA). Mia was in preschool at TCA when she passed away eleven years ago and this scholarship is given each year to a graduating senior at TCA in Mia’s honor.

While the end product always looks so well put together, it doesn’t come without a cost. Between the two of them working on the project, there are hundreds of hours of work. Dr. Robbins writes some, then set its down and comes back to write more till she is happy with the story and then Bobby works to create the characters and draw the scenes.

“After I create the characters, I have to create the final version of each page’s art in water colors. From there, I will take professional photographs of the art to load to

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PARKER COUNT Y LIFE S TYLE

the computer and build out the layouts and ensure there is proper spacing with the sentences on the page and then finally, I’m able to design the jacket cover for the book!”

Bobby said.

Illustrating for his wife’s books have opened the doors for Bobby to illustrate other books as well. “I now have to wait in line to have my books illustrated,” Dr. Robbins laughed. “But I’m so proud of what we can achieve together and do together, plus this is a great hobby for us both!”

The two love to go to schools, books fairs and other events and read their books with children and always bring Daisy dog to those events as well!

Dr. Robbins doesn’t sit still for too long and is, in fact, in the middle of two more books. One is another children’s book, titled, Book of Odd, about a little girl who goes around thinking, “Wouldn’t it be odd if…” This book is set to release this year.

The second book, Irreverent OB GYN, with an estimated release date at the end of the year, is a book about the many stories she has lived through over the last three plus decades as a medical doctor. Some are sad and some are happy, but the majority of the stories are funny she said.

“The hardest part of it all is the self-publication aspect and all the moving parts when trying to finish the book.

They say the devil is in the details and it’s so true; all the pages have to be perfect and the right size. We do a mock up version before the big print and have several folks review it for us,” she said. “The fun part is creating and coming up with the characters and having them match the story.”

To get your copy of these books and help contribute to Mia’s scholarship fund, visit the Byrd Mill Gift Shop in Willow Park, visit cindybobbychildrensbooks.com or Dr. Robbin’s office in Fort Worth to make your purchase.

PCLS

BOOKS ARE A GREAT WAY TO HELP CHILDREN LEARN SOMETHING OUTSIDE OF THEIR CIRCLE. I OFTEN FIND MYSELF GRAVITATING TOWARD THE CHILDREN’S SECTION AT THE BOOKSTORES.

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Castle 5k Run/Walk Benefiting Texas Pythian Home, Inc.

APRIL 27TH | HUDSON OAKS-GLEN B. PARK Photo by Jaremiah Gullick

This 5k event is for our new Family Care Program. The program will house single mothers and their children. Our main goal is to provide a safe and stable environment for mothers to raise their children in while getting back on their feet. They will have access to: counseling, therapy, life skill training, job skill training, resume writing assistance and more.

Vendor fair after event until 1 pm | Dogs welcome Must register by April 12th to receive a shirt

GOLD SPONSORS 16

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Over 100 vendors under one roof, providing a one of a kind shopping experience.

Tuesday – Saturday 10am-6pm | 100 South Oak Ave., Mineral Wells, TX 76067 | 940-226-8701 HO M E TOW N L I V I N G AT I TS B ES T

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Intentionally Kind

By Johnna Thomasson Photos by Lindsey Sullivan Photography and provided by Greenwood Baptist Church

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UNDERSTANDING HOW JESUS LOVES, ONE LOCAL CHURCH IS SPREADING THAT LOVE WITHIN THE COMMUNITY THROUGH PRACTICAL, UNIQUE, INTENTIONAL ACTS OF KINDNESS.

I

n a society where the idea of self is now more glorified than ever, individuals find themselves more concerned with the idea of take vs. give. It is due to this newly accustomed self-obsessed nature that an element of surprise is attached to each “random act of kindness.”

However, the thing about random acts of kindness is that they are in no way “random” at all.

Kindness is intentional, unbiased, unexpecting of a response, completely pure of motive—just like the kindness displayed throughout the New Testament, that Jesus kind of love.

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With an understanding that we are all called to love as we have been loved, Greenwood Baptist Church has dedicated themselves to ensuring that love is displayed not only within the church but throughout the community, sometimes using out of the box methods.

“We ask the question, ‘If Jesus was here today serving, what would that look like?’” explains GBC Outreach Pastor Austin Cooper. “He served people by washing feet, we serve people by washing toilets.”

Although having been a member of Greenwood Baptist Church since the year 2000, Austin Cooper was halfway through his college career before he first felt God’s call for outreach. “I just felt like God clearly called me and said, ‘I want you to be in ministry’,” explains Austin. “‘I want you to devote your life to leading churches out in the community to show my love.’”

With the idea of ‘outreach’ being fairly new for most churches, Austin, who was unsure how to pursue this new calling, was introduced to the book Conspiracy of Kindness by Steve Sjogren. In the summer of 2010, Austin was actually mentored by Sjogren himself prior to being hired on at Greenwood as their first ever outreach pastor in 2011.

Originating with one outreach a month and only 5 volunteers (2 of them being Austin and his wife Ashley), the program proved itself, like every job God ever assigned in the Bible, to be a true test of faith and commitment.

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AUSTIN COOPER, OUTREACH PASTOR, GREENWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH

Despite a slow beginning, at every outreach, they were there—reaching out. After approximately 6 months of unchanging results, choosing to honor the calling both Austin and Greenwood had been given, they stepped out even further in faith and committed to every second and fourth Saturday per month, while also appointing 3 team leaders per outreach with the hope that each team would consist of at least 10 volunteers ready to spread kindness.

This blind step of faith was steadfastly rewarded as the very next outreach had just that, 30 volunteers.

Throughout the years this outreach team has continued to grow. Although the number of volunteers can range anywhere from 12 to 100 any given Saturday, the quantity of volunteers never changes the job set out ahead.

“We are called to do this, so we ARE going to do this, no matter how many people are showing up,” explains Cooper. “We would rather have a handful of people serving the community on a consistent basis rather than have 200 show up once a year,” he continues.

John 6:44 states “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent Me draws him.”

It is with the belief that God uses practical acts of kindness done in his name to draw people closer to him, that has determined some of the unique methods that Greenwood uses for their outreaches. A few of these outreaches include everything from passing out quarters

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THERE IS NO RANDOMNESS ABOUT GOD. THERE IS NO RANDOMNESS ABOUT WHAT WE DO HERE.

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at the laundromat, raking leaves in the fall, taking out trash and washing windows to smaller acts of giving out water bottles on a hot summer day, or 1000 Dr Peppers the day before the Superbowl. Kindness is not particular.

Not everyone will feel God’s love through a washed car or a free popsicle, but someONE will.

“If you’re going to do this, the goal can’t be ‘I passed out 100 pizzas, I expect 10 people to come [to church]’.

Then it loses the heart behind it,” reminds Austin.

Understanding that we are all called to serve, yet not all in identical manners, Greenwood designs their outreaches where even the most introverted are given the chance to serve within their comfort level. Believing that God will use these outreaches to grow individuals within their personal evangelism, any volunteer hoping to help spread God’s love is given the opportunity to do so in a manner that fits the season God has them currently thriving in.

“I think people see Jesus clearer whenever we serve.

They see him in a picture that may be truer to his nature,” states Austin, explaining how it is through service rather than power that Jesus presented his kingdom. This is best explained through an example from a previous outreach. While washing toilets at a local business, the outreach team had been asked, “Why do you do this?”

After having explaining that is through practicality and pure, unexpectant, selfless kindness that Jesus loves, the individual responded, “Now that is a Jesus I can believe in.” It is the goal of Greenwood Baptist, not specified to the outreach team alone, to present Jesus to a lost and dying community in a way that the general public can relate to better.

Kindness, best personified by Jesus, is not random.

It is intentional, shown in a thousand different ways every day, but never by chance alone. “Throughout the scriptures, God is not random. The way that he reaches out to us as simple people is very meticulous,” states Austin. “There is no randomness about God. There is no randomness about what we do here.”

If you are interested getting an outreach program started at your church, contact Austin at acooper@ greenwoodbc.com. PCLS

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Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography

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PARKER COUNTY LIFE S TYLE

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

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Believe Boldly

PEACE

FOR THE PERFECTIONIST: FINDING CONTENTMENT

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU FELT CONTENT? WHEN DID YOU LOOK AROUND AND FEEL TRULY GRATEFUL FOR THE LIFE YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN?

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"I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."

P H I L I P P I A N S 4 :1 2

BY ERICA WILLIS

I

|

am a perfectionist.

A go-getter. A goal-setter.

Even, dare I say, a dreamdemander.

It is my nature to constantly scan the horizon. The next accomplishment or area of growth always captures my attention and makes me excited! It’s not that I don’t like what I have or who I am, I simply believe I can always work harder, become better, and win more. Cue God’s voice echoing in my ears, “Let’s talk about contentment, Erica.” What He showed me in my prayer time was this: If I never fully accept who He made me to be, just as I am, without any accomplishments or achievements, my drive for more is actually just disguised discontentment.

As I reflect on my need to achieve, I am reminded of what Paul wrote to the Philippians in chapter 4, verses 11- 13: “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Contentment is a satisfied soul possessed only through the strength that God gives. That means contentment is received, not earned. Contentment is realizing that, no

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

matter the season of life, we will find our satisfaction in Him and nothing else. We are not satiated by the plaque on the wall, the accomplishments of our kids, or even the health of our marriage. Because God never changes, neither does our contentment! We can feel it always, no matter what comes our way.

When was the last time you felt content? When did you look around and feel truly grateful for the life you have been given? When life hands you lemons, do you enjoy the lemonade? Or do you loudly secretly complain it should be an ice-cold Dr. Pepper? Once you put your mind on Christ and what He has done for you rather than what He hasn’t, you will feel a new emotion: Peace.

Not looking to the next trophy or reaching for the next rung on the corporate ladder will make space for the peace of God to invade all the holes you feel need patched, primed, and painted. I’m honestly not sure what sitting in content moment looks like just yet, but I am willing to learn.

I am excited to approach Jesus every day, just as I am, and feel peace without the pressure, aren’t you?

- Erica

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EASTER A P R I L 21S T, 2019

“That He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the scriptures” 1 C OR I N T HI AN S 1 5:4

A CHURCH ON AN ETERNAL MISSION

Easter Services

Pastor, Clark Bosher

Saturday, April 20- 5:00pm Sunday, April 21- 7:00, 8:30, 10:00, 11:30am

129 S. RANCH HOUSE RD WILLOW PARK, TX 76008 | WILLOWPARKBAPTIST.ORG

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RAISED TO LIVE A

NEW LIFE C E L E B R AT E W I T H U S AT E A S T E R GOOD FRIDAY SERVICES | APRIL 19 | 4 & 5:30 PM

SATURDAY EASTER SERVICES | APRIL 20 | 4 & 5:30 PM SUNDAY EASTER SERVICES | APRIL 21 | 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 AM

TRINITYBIBLE.com ∙ 4936 E I-20 Service Rd South | Willow Park, TX 76087 ∙ 817.441.7477 HO M E TOW N L I V I N G AT I T S B ES T

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SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

By Peggy Purser Freeman Photos by Lindsey Sullivan Photography and Provided by Weatherford Public Library

THE LIBRARY IS TRULY BOTH A LIVING ROOM AND A UNIVERSITY FOR ALL AGES IN PARKER COUNTY.

he public library is one of the few places that’s free, open to everyone and provides access to information. The Weatherford Public Library (WPL) adds extreme fun for all, from early childhood to late adulthood. Weatherford Public Library also provides excellent librarians to help you.

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Chris Accardo, Director of Library Services since 2014 and Assistant Director for nine years prior, developed a love for the library at an early age.

“In high school, our nearest library branch was about three miles away. I frequently biked to check out books and cassette tapes. Yes, cassette tapes—and I thought that was amazingly progressive at the time. As I became involved in public service, library work was a natural fit for me.”

WPL is more than just a place for physical books. From Toddler Time, to the inevitable Zombie Apocalypse and an Adult Spelling Bee, WPL is rewriting the book on good times. The events are life-changing and fun.

Rachel Reeves, WPL’s Community and Events librarian, joined the team in 2016. Rachel’s background is in political science and government.

“In addition to providing fun events and activities and a great selection of materials for our reading, viewing and listening pleasure, the library aids in lifelong learning.

To reap the maximum benefit of using libraries, a library should be a part of your life again and again. It can be a challenge to get that information out to people,” Rachel said. “Some shutdown when they hear the word ‘library.’

They think, ‘Oh, that’s not for me.’ They would have a great time at one of our events.”

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With a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Gwendolyn Dowds-Nash has been Manager of Youth Services since 2009. “As a librarian, I draw from every aspect of myself–science nerd, history buff, book geek, movie geek, gamer, artist, activist, deep thinker, and sword fighter.

Yes, really—sword fighter! Teens need everything that a library can provide. I talk about the things they want to talk about. I give them a chance to be heard. Being a public librarian is about making life better for others.”

Children’s Librarian Melissa Smith believes children who participate in literacy activities not only achieve more academically, but also lead a more well-rounded life of discovery. “Some youngsters may be shy,” Melissa said.

“Very similar to the first day of school, I greet shy little ones with a smile and give them their space. Most find a way to participate at their own pace. It may start with just singing along with one of the songs in story time, and before you know it, they are dancing during bubble time and doing crafts with others. The highlight of any day for me is when I help a young person find just the right book.”

The library is truly both a living room and a university for all ages in Parker County. Find your community.

OUR LOCAL LIBRARY IS MORE THAN JUST A PLACE FOR PHYSICAL BOOKS. FROM TODDLER TIME, TO THE INEVITABLE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE AND AN ADULT SPELLING BEE, WPL IS REWRITING THE BOOK ON GOOD TIMES.

First Thursday for Kids • Wayfarers gives kids ages nine to thirteen a thirst for discovery with fantastic topics and hands-on activities with others. 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

• Fly Me to the Moon gives students an opportunity to learn more about the best friend Planet Earth has in the whole solar system on March 7th • Beyond Board Games shows kids what makes games fun and offers and opportunity to create your own board games for family night on April 4th.

• Much Ado About Shakespeare explores the Bard’s famous plays to learn about the man, his times and his works on May 2nd

Spring Break 2019 On Tuesday, March 12th, there are two special events that explore natural and man-made disasters.

• What a Disaster!, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. gives children age 7-11 a chance to learn about disasters both shocking and bemusing through readings and hands-on activities.

• Disaster Survival 101! is an introduction to the tools and skills needed to survive any disaster, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for teens 14 years and up.

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After School for Teens • Teen Writers’ Group gives teens ages 14-18 a chance to discuss stories in books, films or video games, earn new skills, share ideas and perfect their talents. First and third Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. through May. • Gamers' Circle tests teens skills against fellow gamers on board and video console games from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. March 18th, April 8th, April 30th and May 20th.

• The Geekdom invites teens to share their love of film, TV, books, video games, and more through fan-art and other geek-tastic activities from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., on Mondays, March 4th, April 1st, April 23rd, and May 13th.

• WPL Anime and Manga allows teens to discover fantastic stories told in amazing ways on Mondays, March 25th, April 15th and May 6th from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• Teen Film Fest brings good friends, a great film and popcorn together on Mondays, March 15th and May 6th from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Events for the Very Young • Books and Babies is a five-session story-time for babies from birth to 11 months on select Tuesdays in April (16th, 23rd and 30th) and May (14th and 21st) from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

• Toddler Time is a five-session story-time for children age 12-36 months from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on select Tuesdays: March 5th, March 12th, March 26th, April 2nd, and April 9th.

• Music and Movement Group is an opportunity for parents and children birth to age five to learn in a fun, magical way on Tuesdays from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30

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THE HIGHLIGHT OF ANY DAY FOR ME IS WHEN I HELP A YOUNG PERSON FIND JUST THE RIGHT BOOK.

Year-Round Activities for Adults • Movie Monday – Enjoy a movie the second Monday of the month, except March and April, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Beyond Board Games – Gather with friends to play card and board games on the b. Third Tuesday of the month, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Please bring your own game of choice • Needlework Group – Enhance your handwork skills each third Tuesday of the month from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

• Book Club – Join with friends to read and discuss books while making friends on the third Thursday of the month from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

(Complimentary copies of the books are available, while supplies last.) March 21st: The Sound of Gravel: A Memoir by Ruth Wariner, April 18th: Dragon Teeth by Michael Crichton, May 16th: Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline.

• Books and Breakfast - On the 4th Tuesday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., this group meets at Senior Care at Holland Lake, 1201 Holland Lake Dr. to discuss a book of choice that fits a theme.

March 26th theme: a book set in Texas, April 23rd theme: a book with a beautiful cover, May 28th theme: a book written for children or teens.

Events to Interest Adults and Families • Adult Spelling Bee - Monday, March 18th, register by 7 p.m. Location: Antebellum Ale House, 321 E. Oak St., Compete as a team of 2 - 6 players.

• Beyond Homeschool - Thursday, May 2nd from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This presentation includes information on college admissions for the homeschooler.

• “Discover Weatherford” Activities Fair Thursday, May 30th, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Discover all that Weatherford and Parker County have to offer adults. This is an opportunity to find out how to connect with others who share your passion for athletic, creative, and civic activities.

• Stamped Air-Dry Clay Bowls – Work with air dry clay to create beautiful stamped bowls. The class, supplies and instructions are free. Monday, April 22nd from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Tuesday, May 7th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Space is limited.

Register at rreeves@weatherfordtx.gov or 817598-4207.

Visit WPL - 1014 Charles Street - Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., or online at www.wpltx.com. Phone: 817-598-4150. PCLS

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Diamond H3 Ranch offers an elegant, rustic setting in a beautiful, climate controlled Cedar Barn with an amazing hilltop overlook, perfect for all seasons. The outdoor ceremony area sits just below the barn and looks out over an expansive 100acre ranch for an amazing view of the beautiful Texas sunset. Back inside the barn, dine and dance the night away under the glow of exquisite chandeliers as guests toast to your celebration and new life together. Give us a call today to schedule a tour of this beautiful venue for your special day.

Like us on our Facebook and Instagram Page | 817-597-9235 diamondh3ranch.com | diamondh3ranch@outlook.com 36

PARKER COUNTY LIFE S TYLE

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Whitney Chilton 817.456.4610 | Lindsey Sullivan 817.995.7674

Couples • Weddings • Events HO M E TOW N L I V I N G AT I TS B ES T

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What’s

Par ke r Up, County?

Calendar of Events

MARCH 1ST Pythian Home Week in Weatherford | 9 a.m Interdisciplinary Academic Conference @ Weatherford College | 9 a.m.

1ST - 3RD Weatherford’s First Monday Trade Days @ Heritage Park

2ND Dr. Suess on the Loose! @ Weatherford Public Library | 3 p.m.

6TH Homeschooler’s Day Out @ Film Alley in Weatherford |11:10 a.m.

Military Appreciation Lunch @ Joe’s Pasta and Pizza | 1 p.m.

7TH

15TH

East Parker County Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet and Auction @ The Springs Event Venue | 7 p.m.

Movies in the Park @ Heritage Park | 7 p.m.

Governor’s Small Business Workshop @ Vintage Car Museum and Event Center | 8 a.m

8TH

Spring Launch Party @ TruFit | 8:30 a.m.

3RD

Storytime @ Weatherford Public Library | 10:30 a.m.

5TH Roo Fest Give Back Night @ Shep’s Place | 5 p.m.

Music & Movement @ Weatherford Public Library | 2:30 p.m.

Open House @ The Springs Event Venue | 6 p.m.

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14TH

Teen Writers’ Group @ Weatherford Public Library | 4 p.m.

Young Business Leaders March Luncheon @ Mader Bagley State Farm | 11:30 a.m.

Weatherford’s First Monday Trade Days

Disaster Survival 101 @ Weatherford Public Library | 3 p.m

9TH Food Park Lounge Night @ Heritage Park | 6 p.m.

11TH Basics of Shotgun Shooting @ Bronze Star Shooting | 8 a.m.

12TH What a Disaster! @ Weatherford Public Library | 1 p.m

PAR KER COUNTY LIFE S TYLE

Storytime @ Weatherford Public Library | 10:30- 11:15 a.m

16TH Honey Seminar and Wine Tasting @ Walden Farm and Ranch | 10:30 a.m.

American Red Cross Blood Drive @ Weatherford Public Library | 12 p.m.

Needlework Group @ Weatherford Public Library | 6 p.m

21ST Book Club @ Weatherford Public Library | 6 p.m.

Ladies Night Out @ Weatherford Downtown Historic District | 5 p.m.

22ND Coyote Jazz Fest 2019 @ Weatherford College | 9 a.m.

23RD

5th Annual St. Paddy’s Day Social @ Weatherford Downtown Historic District | 2 p.m.

The Barnyard Cornhole and Cookoff Competition @ Heritage Park | 11 a.m.

Parker Paws Adoption Event @ Orscheln Farm and Home | 11 a.m.

2019 Women’s Legacy Conference in Willow Park | 9 a.m.

18TH

Coyote Baseball Family Picnic and Reunion @ Weatherford College | 12 p.m.

Gamers’ Circle @ Weatherford Public Library | 4:00- 5:00 p.m.

Adult Spelling Bee @ Antebellum Ale House | 7 p.m.

March for Meals Community Event and 5K Walk @ Weatherford Senior Center | 9 a.m.

19TH

25TH

HSP/SAC Reunion @ Weatherford College Doss Center | 5 p.m.

WPL Anime & Manga @ Weatherford Public Library | 4 p.m.

26TH

6TH

13TH

22ND

Books & Breakfast @ Senior Care at Holland Lake | 10:30 a.m.

Uke Crazy Easter Music Fest @ Weatherford Downtown Historic District | 12 p.m.

Earth Day @ Weatherford College | 10:45 a.m.

27TH

2nd Annual PCPA “Pitchin’ for Pets” Softball Tournament @ Holland Lake Softball Fields | 9 a.m.

Project Prom Give Back Night @ Saltwater | 5 p.m.

Spring Fling @ Chandor Gardens | 10 a.m.

28TH

Kid’s Fishin’ Derby @ Heritage Park

Sanctified Hope’s Old West Round Up @ Parker County Sherriff’s Posse | 6:30 p.m.

Blooms Home & Garden Festival @ Heritage Park | 10 a.m.

Weatherford Concert Series @ Heritage Park

Rock Climbing Day Trip @ Lake Mineral Wells State Park | 8 a.m.

Pursuit of Purple Steer Prospect Show @ Parker County Sherriff ’s Posse | 8 a.m.

Storytime @ Weatherford Public Library | 10:30- 11:15 a.m.

Keep Weatherford Beautiful Trash-off @ Heritage Park | 9 a.m.

Leonard Hays Concert @ Weatherford College | 7:30 p.m.

Chick- fil- A Community Easter egg Hunt @ Hudson Oaks | 10 a.m.

8TH - 9TH

29TH - 31ST

Winning Mind Conference 2019 @ NorthSide Baptist Church

3rd Annual Bunny Bonanza @ Historic Downtown Weatherford | 12 p.m.

29TH

Weatherford’s First Monday Trade Days @ Heritage Park

30TH Nerf Wars Fundraiser for Parker Paws @ Parker County Baseball Academy | 4 p.m.

31ST Craft Day @ The Pythian Home | 1 p.m.

8TH Student Art Reception @ Weatherford College | 6 a.m.

Gamers’ Circle @ Weatherford Public Library | 4:00

9TH Toddler Time @ Weatherford Public Library | 10:30

APRIL

Diamond H3 Ranch Open House @ Diamond H3 Ranch | 6 p.m

3RD

11TH

Teen Writers’ Group @ Weatherford Public Library | 4 p.m.

4TH WPL Wayfarers @ Weatherford Public Library | 2-4 p.m.

Your Money, Your Goals @ Weatherford Public Library | 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

5TH 33rd Annual Spring Luncheon @ Northside Baptist Church | 11:30 a.m.

Spring Mixer and Ribbon Cutting @ Paralegal Services of North Texas, LLC | 4 p.m.

Food Park Lounge Night @ Heritage Park | 6 p.m.

CASA Fore the Kids @ Canyon West Golf Course | 11:30 a.m.

12TH Alumni Awards Luncheon @ Weatherford College | 11:30 a.m.

15TH

Stamped Air Dry Clay Bowls @ Weatherford Public Library | 6 p.m

23RD Books & Breakfast @ Senior Care at Holland Lake | 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Food Park Lounge Nights Music & Movement @ Weatherford Public Library | 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

24TH Power: A Night of Worship for Women @ Northside Baptist Church | 6:30 p.m.

WPL Anime & Manga @ Weatherford Public Library | 4:00- 5:00 p.m.

25TH

16TH

26TH

Books & Babies @ Weatherford Public Library | 10:30- 11:00 a.m.

Beyond Board Games @ Weatherford Public Library | 6:00- 8:00 p.m.

Needlework Group @ Weatherford Public Library | 6:00- 7:30 p.m.

Book Sale @ Weatherford Public Library | 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Roo Fest @ Kangaroo Stadium | 9 a.m.

Spring Jazz Concert @ Weatherford College | 7:30 p.m.

Color Me Muddy Mud Run & Obstacle Courses @ Austin Elementary School | 5 p.m.

26TH - 27TH

18TH Book Club @ Weatherford Public Library | 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Girls Night Out @ The Junktion | 5 p.m

Book Sale @ Weatherford Public Library | 10:00 - 6:00 p.m.

27TH

19TH

April Pool’s Day @ Splash Kingdom Wild West | 12 p.m.

Movies in the Park @ Heritage Park

Castle 5K @ Hudson Oaks | 6 a.m.

District 21 2019 Chili/BBQ Cookoff @ Weatherford VFW | 5 p.m.

International Piano Competition @ Weatherford College | 8:30 a.m.

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Coyote Baseball and Firework Show @ Weatherford College | 2:00 p.m.

11TH

24TH

Weatherford Concert Series @ Heritage Park

30TH

Walsh Companies Ride for Heroes for Parker County Children’s Advocacy Center | 8 a.m.

Teen Film Fest @ Weatherford Public Library | 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Music in the Mansion @ Chandor Gardens | 6 p.m.

MAY 2ND Beyond Homeschool @ Weatherford Public Library | 6 - 8 p.m

3RD Storytime @ Weatherford Public Library | 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

4TH

13TH

Books & Breakfast @ Senior Care at Holland Lake | 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Movie Monday @ Weatherford Public Library | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Food Park Lounge Night @ Heritage Park

14TH

30TH

Books and Babies @ Weatherford Public Library | 10:30 - 11 a.m.

Discover Weatherford Activities Fair @ Weatherford Public Library | 6- 8 :00 p.m.

16TH Taste of Parker County @ Heritage Park 5:00 p.m.

Garage Sale @ Texas Pythian Home | 8 a.m.

Book Club @ Weatherford Public Library | 6 - 7:30 p.m.

3RD - 5TH

17TH

Weatherford’s First Monday Trade Days

Parker County LifeStyle Magazine

31ST Weatherford’s First Monday Trade Days

pclifestyle

Snow Cone Social @ Myser Orthodontics | 10:30

Movies in the Park @ Heritage Park

18TH

6TH 2018 Fort Worth Still Water Gold Scramble @ Canyon West Golf Club | 12 p.m.

WPL Anime & Manga @ Weatherford Public Library | 4 p.m.

7TH Stamped Air Dry Clay Bowls @ Weatherford Public Library | 11 p.m.

9TH Food Park Lounge Night @ Heritage Park | 6 p.m.

10TH Storytime @ Weatherford Public Library | 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

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28TH

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more upcoming events!

Color Downtown @ Weatherford Downtown Historic District | 12 p.m.

19TH

Staging Services, Estate Sales, Clean Outs, Commercial Liquidations

Shine Retreat 2019 @ Covered Bridge Inn | 3 p.m.

20TH Trivia Night @ Antebellum Ale House Teams (must register by 7 p.m.)

21ST Beyond Board Games @ Weatherford Public Library | 6 - 8 p.m.

Needlework Group @ Weatherford Public Library | 6 7:30 p.m.

PAR KER COUNTY LIFE S TYLE

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Benefits of Proper Posture

By Dr. Jeremy Taylor of Taylor Made Sports Therapy Photos by Eric Priddy Photography

Stand up straight, don’t slouch. Your mother was wiser than she knew. Not only is poor posture aesthetically displeasing, it can have many detrimental effects to your health.

Y

our mother was right! Stand up straight, don’t slouch.

Your mother was wiser than she knew. Not only is poor posture aesthetically displeasing, it can have many detrimental effects to your health such as cognitive dysfunction, mood changes, degenerative arthritis, respiratory problems, cardiovascular problems, chronic pain syndromes, fatigue, and internal organ dysfunction.

COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION

According to Nobel Prize recipient Dr. Roger Sperry, “90% of the stimulation and nutrition to the brain is generated by the movement of the spine.” Upright posture and spinal mobility are associated with better brain function.

Older adults with good posture showed better memory and cognitive function than those with Forward Head Posture. Another study in Japan showed that correcting elementary students’ posture improved not only 90% of their posture but improved classroom performance as well.

MOOD

People who are confident and happy tend to stand up straight, shoulders back and with a proud chest. When we are sad, depressed, stressed or frustrated, we tend to draw our bodies in and round our shoulders, round our backs, and our head tilts forward. Mood has a significant impact on our posture, but did you know that your posture can change your mood? It has been shown that changing your posture can also positively change your mood.

“These studies suggest that, compared to sitting in a slumped position, sitting upright can make you feel even more proud after a success, increase your persistence at an unsolvable task, and make you feel more confident in your thoughts,” Elizabeth Broadbent, Ph.D. says. “Research also suggests that sitting upright can make you feel more alert and enthusiastic, feel less fearful, and have higher selfesteem after a stressful task.”

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because the pressure on your legs will restrict blood flow.

The muscles in your legs and thighs help pump blood back up to your heart when they are contracting. So if you are not moving your legs, the blood can become trapped leading to swollen feet and ankles and varicose veins.

CHRONIC PAIN

Pain in your body, especially chronic pain can be a result of bad posture. When your spine is not aligned properly, your muscles, tendons and fascia must work harder. Continuous strain on a muscle causes them to maintain a constant contraction leading to decreased blood flow and increased metabolic waste from that contraction which sensitizes the pain receptors in that muscle. These are called trigger points and are not just tender locally but can refer pain to seemingly unrelated areas in the body. Develop enough of them and you have fibromyalgia.

FATIGUE DEGENERATIVE ARTHRITIS

Poor posture causes joints in the body to be misaligned, putting undue stress and compression on them. Over time, repetitive motion of these joints in an unnatural position will cause degenerative changes like bone spurs, decreased joint space, and accelerated wear and tear internally.

RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS

Breathing is the most common movement disorder.

As babies, we breathe with our diaphragm which descends into the abdominal cavity forcing our bellies out and pulling air into the lungs. Most people are “chest breathers”, where we pull the rib cage up with our neck and chest muscles. Sometimes it’s for aesthetic reasons to suck our stomachs in because we are overweight. But I have seen it with young children who are not yet aware of their body and also who are not overweight.

What I realized is when we have poor posture, the diaphragm doesn’t have room to contract and draw air into our lungs. Poor posture can decrease lung capacity up to 30% causing us to use our accessory breathing muscles in our chest and neck which are designed mainly for neck and shoulder motion. They should only help with breathing when you are engaged in exerting physical activity. The average human breathes about 20,000 times a day and when you use your chest and neck muscles for every one of those breaths, they develop trigger points and become overly tight.

CARDIOVASCULAR PROBLEMS

On top of the lack of oxygenation in your bloodstream, sitting in a chair all day can cause circulatory issues

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Poor posture causes lack of circulation, poor oxygenation from improper breathing, densification of fascial tissue restricting movement and trigger points in muscles causing chronic pain…wears me out just thinking about it!

INTERNAL ORGAN AND ENDOCRINE DYSFUNCTION

Your central nervous system is the master control system of the body and regulates all functions. Most of the nerves that innervate your body are not for pain, they carry information from your body to the brain and back to maintain homeostasis. Poor posture and spinal mobility can put tension on the nerves that innervate your organs and just like when your leg or arm falls asleep and you can’t move it, this same tension can affect your organs. The problem is most of the time you don’t feel it. Imagine your heart, liver, or gall bladder was only working at 60% efficiency. It wouldn’t function properly or repair itself properly. It could take a long time but eventually you would feel the effects of the decreased function and have to have it removed like a gall bladder or undergo surgery.

How do you combat poor posture?

Chiropractors are the only doctors in the world trained to detect, analyze, and correct spinal subluxations. By correcting the spinal subluxations (or spinal misalignments), the spine can maintain a straight and balanced position, relieving paraspinal musculature of compensatory stress. Stretches and exercises will be assigned based on your spinal blueprint. Ergonomics at work and proper standing and sitting posture should be practiced by the patient. Place sticky notes or mirrors where you spend most of your time to remind you to maintain good posture.

Ergonomics and Posture

(from the American Posture Institute) • Work in Neutral Postures: Maintain a neutral position of your body throughout the day by maintaining the natural “S curve” of your spine, keeping the neck properly aligned over the shoulders, elbows at your sides and at a 90-degree angle, and the wrists in a neutral position. When the head and shoulders round forward, it creates a “C curve” of the spine. Be sure to pull your shoulders and head back to keep a nice “S curve”.

• Keep Everything in Easy Reach: The items that you use most often, particularly at work, should be within an arm’s reach away. Avoid reaching forward. Simply rearrange your workspace so that the items most commonly used are easily reachable.

• Work at Proper heights: Working at elbow height is a good way to reduce strain to the arms and shoulders. A good rule to follow is that most work should be done at about elbow height, whether sitting or standing. A good example of this is typing on a computer.

Good Sitting Posture

Choose a chair that allows you to rest both feet flat on the floor while keeping your knees level with your hips.

If necessary, prop up your feet with a footstool or other support.

• Sit back in your chair. If the chair doesn’t support your lower back’s curve, place a rolled towel or small pillow behind your lower back.

• Stretch the top of your head toward the ceiling and tuck your chin in slightly.

• Keep your upper back and neck comfortably straight.

• Keep your shoulders relaxed — not elevated, rounded or pulled backward.

Good Standing Posture

• Keep your shoulders back and relaxed.

• Pull in your abdomen.

• Keep your feet about hip distance apart.

• Balance your weight evenly on both feet.

• Let your hands hang naturally at your sides.

• Try not to tilt your head forward, backward or sideways, and make sure your knees are relaxed — not locked. PCLS

References: Cohen, R. et al. (2016) Mobility and Upright Posture Are Associated with Different Aspects of Cognition in Older Adults. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 8(257).

Behav Modif. 2009 Mar;33(2):263-73. doi: 10.1177/0145445508321324.

Epub 2008 Jul 9.

Nair S et al. Do Slumped and Upright Postures Affect Stress Responses? A Randomized Trial. Health Psychol. 2015 Jun;34(6):632-41.

Wilkes C et al. Upright Posture Improves Affect and Fatigue in People with Depressive Symptoms. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry. 2017 Mar;54:143-149.

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PAR KER COUNTY LIFE S TYLE

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

HELLO BABY WHOLISTIC BODY SOLUTIONS INDRA'S GRACE WEATHERFORD OB/GYN ASSOCIATES MEDICAL CITY WEATHERFORD CLEAR FORK ASSISTED LIVING AND MEMORY CARE

MAIN STREET DENTAL

THE RESURGE CLINIC

MYSER ORTHODONTICS

GOODWIN DENTAL

THE CHIROPRACTIC PLACE FOR MOMMY & ME

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PAR KER COUNTY LIFE S TYLE

THE RESURGE CLINIC After noticing his own health failing, owner Dr. Kris Wusterhausen, began exploring preventative medicine.

Cenegenics was the leader in the industry and where he did his initial training. The more he learned he knew it was his mission to share this knowledge with his patients.

In 2016 Dr. Kris made the decision to relocate and rebrand what is now known as The Resurge Clinic, formally Envy Medical Day Spa. Dr. Kris has been a practicing physician twenty years, he believes taking medication is reactionary and the real focus should be on lifestyle changes.

The Resurge Clinic provides wellness treatments for an optimized life. Whether customers want to enhance their libido, get clear and supple skin, or simply feel comfortable in their own body, The Resurge Clinic provides proven treatments to help customers regain their confidence.

As a physician in the age management industry, Dr. Kris strives to provide customers with the most up to date treatments available. Always looking to improve, learn and apply new skills, The Resurge Clinic ensures they are providing the best possible service at all times.

This is achieved with: • Honesty—The Resurge Clinic is always upfront about what customers can expect from treatment.

By never setting false expectations, they strive to help customers get as close to their goal as possible.

• Dependability—If a customer finds themselves unsatisfied, The Resurge Clinic will provide an alternative treatment option to further help the customer achieve their goal.

• Expertise—The staff at The Resurge Clinic receives quarterly, advanced training in order to stay current on industry trends, providing the best service possible.

• Partners—As the preferred provider office in Parker County by an abundance of vendors, The Resurge Clinic is the only office in the area to receive full training from top of the line vendors, such as Cynosure, Allergan, and Merx.

They are open Monday- Thursday from 8AM-5PM and Fridays from 8AM-1PM. Customers can drop in or find further information at www.theresurgeclinic.com.

BALANCE YOUR HEALTH. BALANCE YOUR LIFE. Do what you love and love how you look with proven, cost-effective treatments at

AGE MANAGEMENT THERAPIES

ENHANCED SEXUAL PERFORMANCE

HYDRAFACIALS

PERSONAL TRAINING

theresurgeclinic.com | 817.599.9902 | info@theresurgeclinic.com

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GOODWIN DENTAL Applying compassion, trust and understanding, Dr. Goodwin and his hand-picked staff at Goodwin Dental are positively impacting families all over Parker County one smile at a time.

Goodwin Dental was founded with a commitment to excellence in gentle dental care, extraordinary customer experience, community engagement and professional development.

Dr. Goodwin and his wife opened Goodwin Dental in 2014 with Christ at the forefront of their vision and mission for the practice. It is a result of the Gospel that Dr. Goodwin and family were able to breath life into their vision. Prioritizing sincere relationships, the Goodwin Dental team treat each-other and their patients with the golden rule mentality providing each patient with compassion, honesty and genuine care.

Dr. Goodwin believes dentistry can still be convenient, comfortable and affordable. To achieve this Goodwin Dental offers: • Early and late appointments twice a week • Flexible financial arrangements and an in-house • Preferred Dental Plan for individuals without insurance • Spa-like comforts: warm neck pillows, blankets and overhead TV’s • Conservative Philosophy, meaning customers will not be persuaded towards any unnecessary work • IV Sedation and pill sedation • Implants in one day • Generational care, serving patients of all ages • Orthodontics for adult and children • Good jokes told by Dr. Goodwin daily

Dr. Goodwin is specially trained in cosmetics, implants and adult and pediatric orthodontics.

Nominated as New Dentist of the year in 2012 by the Academy of General Dentistry San Antonio Chapter, Dr. Goodwin feels, “Dentistry is an amazing platform where I have the daily opportunity to impact someone’s life by improving their health, reducing their risks of oral disease, or enhancing their smile. I care about our patients with compassion, trust and understanding because I serve a loving Heavenly Father that first loved us, and it glorifies Him. So, while we would like to take full credit for the smiles we’ve created or diseases reversed, we remember the greater artist and physician, the ultimate creator and healer, God.” Dr. Goodwin, his wife Cristina, and new baby Lola, love the Parker County community and feel fortunate to serve the great residents. They invite you to stop by, say hello and meet the wonderful team they call the Goodwin Dental Family.

For further information or the check out their office hours, visit aledodentistry.com or book an appointment at 682-312-5260.

FAMILY, COSMETIC & IMPLANT DENTISTRY

“Dentistry is an amazing platform where I have the daily opportunity to impact someone’s life by improving their health, reducing their risks of oral disease, or enhancing their smile. I care about our patients with compassion, trust and understanding because I serve a loving Heavenly Father that first loved us, and it glorifies Him. So, while we would like to take full credit for the smiles we’ve created or diseases reversed, we remember the greater artist and physician, the ultimate creator and healer, God.”

Aledo High School students shadow Dr. Goodwin and team.

aledodentistry.com FOLLOW US ON

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

Family, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry

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In 1972, a community hospital, nestled in a former pecan grove, opened its doors to continue an already rich history of caring for the people of Parker County.

As the community grew, so did the medical needs. The hospital collaborated with physicians, nurses, volunteers and local partners to expand service offerings to address those needs.

Driven by a commitment to keep quality care close to home, many milestones were achieved, such as, the construction of a Women’s Services unit, the expansion of the Emergency Room and, most recently, the addition of two catherization laboratories.

Nearly 50 years later, Medical City Weatherford takes pride in offering the same patient-centered, compassionate healthcare to the patients and families served. As an entity of Medical City Healthcare, one of the largest network of hospitals and specialists in North Texas, the facility’s reach and scale will continue to expand the standard of care for Parker County.

Visit MedicalCityWeatherford.com or call 682-582-1000 713 East Anderson Street • Weatherford, TX 76086

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MEDICAL CITY WEATHERFORD Providing high-quality and compassionate care to Parker County, Medical City Weatherford dedicates themselves to specialized treatments to meet the needs of each patient. With services ranging from women’s services, heart and vascular, and emergency care, Medical City Weatherford’s collaborative team works to ensure successful outcomes for our community.

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

Medical City Weatherford is Parker County’s only Chest Pain Accredited facility and is staffed with a highlyskilled cardiovascular team 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-

week. The hospital has been recognized by The American College of Cardiology for its expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. The facility was awarded the Chest Pain Center Accreditation based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff ’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.

In addition to emergent cardiovascular care, the team can provide scheduled cardiac interventions in their two Catheterization Laboratories which allows residents to remain close to home surrounded by their support systems.

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

Inclusive of 103 all-private rooms, the healthcare system also includes a network of medical clinics in Parker County.

For further information on services provided or to find a local physician, please visit MedicalCityWeatherford.com

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MAIN STREET DENTAL Main Street Dental has been providing exceptional dental care and fair pricing since 2016.

Serving not only Weatherford but the surrounding areas of Brock, Mineral Wells, Hudson Oaks, Willow Park, and Springtown. Services include preventative care, restorative, cosmetic dentistry, and dental emergency services. At Main Street Dental their goal to make their patients feel comfortable and at ease. Their focus is on you – the patient. They are dedicated to giving you the best dental treatment in a caring and relaxing atmosphere.

The office is always accepting new patients and is in network with most PPO dental plans. The office is currently running specials for patients without dental insurance, including exam, x-rays, and simple cleaning for $99.00. Main Street dental invites you and your family to experience a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere with their great amenities, dependable service, and customized dental care from Dr. Souvik Sarkar and Associates. If you would like more information, please visit their website at www.mainstdental.us or just call the office.

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Patient care is our top priority!

Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for all ages Dr. Souvik Sarkar MPH, DDS & Associates We Accept most PPO Insurances & Medicaid

We are in network with Metlife, Delta Dental, Cigna, BCBS, Dental Select, and Humana Dental

Our modern office is equipped with the latest technology.

Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for all ages Dr. Souvik Sarkar MPH, DDS & Associates We Accept most PPO Insurances & Medicaid We are in network with Metlife, Delta Dental, Cigna, BCBS, Dental Select, and Humana Dental

SAME DAY EMERGENCIES WALK INS WELCOME AND COMPLEMENTARY SECOND OPINION

1302 S. Main St. #120, Weatherford, TX 76086 | 817-458-9900 HO M E TOW N L I V I N G AT I T S B ES T

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CMYK / .eps

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CLEAR FORK ASSISTED LIVING AND MEMORY CARE Research shows that you extend your life, both in quality and longevity, by living an independent and enriching lifestyle where all your social and physical needs are provided for you, but only as needed. We encourage independence through emotional, social, spiritual, mental and physical wellness.

Established in January 2017, Clear Fork Assisted Living and Memory Care offers passionate senior care in a locally owned and operated community.

Nestled in Willow Park, Clear Fork has close access to shopping and hospitals, as well as local amenities available in both Weatherford and Fort Worth.

Restaurant-style dining, housekeeping, laundry, and scheduled transportation, along with exciting scheduled activities, round out the upscale offerings Clear Fork offers to its residents.

For medical needs, residents also have included medication management services, nightly checkins, 24-hour on-site staff and visiting physicians available as necessary.

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Join us on March 30 to experience a Miracle Moment as we partner with Parker Paws to adopt a new pet or love on a new puppy! Find out more about Clear Fork Assisted Living and Memory Care at clearfork-al.com.

THE CHIROPRACTIC PLACE The Chiropractic Place for Mommy and Me, P.A. located in Aledo, Texas offers unparalleled chiropractic services for the whole family in Parker County. Their comprehensive staff have one common goal and that is for helping growing families achieve optimal health and wellness. The Chiropractic Place for Mommy and Me was established in 2010 and is capable of catering to the whole family (mom, dad, infants, children, and grandparents) with superior results by integrating chiropractic care, myofascial release, kinesiotaping, craniosacral therapy, active stretching, body unwinding, prenatal massage and medical massage.

Dr. Michelle Parker is the founder of The Chiropractic Place and has an overwhelming passion for helping women and babies on their wholesome wellness journey. Inspired by her patients and local lactation consultants, she completed the extensive training to become an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in January 2018.

Dr. Parker is the only chiropractor in the State of Texas that is dually credentialed as an IBCLC and a Diplomate in the Academy Council of Chiropractic Pediatrics, or DACCP, as well as the only true board certified pediatric chiropractor in Parker County.

With joined efforts in the Parker County community, The Chiropractic Place and Mom Support have been hosting a free motherhood breastfeeding support group for the last 4 years which meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 12:30-1:30. In addition, The Chiropractic Place has partnered with Doulas of North Texas to offer Parker County’s only Breastfeeding Latch Clinic each month. This is a place where all women feeding their babies breastmilk, in whatever form, can come and have their questions answered. Latch assistance, breast pumping help, and all things breastfeeding related can be covered within this group of professionals.

Join their inspiration towards wholesome wellness and for further information by visiting their website at TheChiroPlaceforMommyandMe.com or on social media.

301 Elm St. | Aledo 76008 682-214-0408 thechiropracticplaceformommyandme.com V thechiroplaceformommyandme

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WEATHERFORD OB/GYN ASSOCIATES, P.A.

Specializing in Women’s Healthcare and Quality of Life Need an appointment soon?

Call to schedule with Dr. Mikes

All Major Insurance Accepted

Dr. April Mikes, Dr. Lindsay McBride, Dr. Krista Lemley, Dr. Stephen Stamatis 817.599.7373 • 706 & 710 E. Eureka Street • Weatherford www.weatherfordobgyn.com

Established in 2007, Weatherford Ob/Gyn Associates specializes in women’s healthcare and overall quality of life, with services including prenatal care, obstetrical and gynecologic ultrasounds, preventive health maintenance, contraceptive counseling, cancer screening and prevention, and gynecological surgery.

From what began as a basic business structure and facility layout on a napkin, partners Dr. Stephen Stamatis and Dr. Lindsay McBride have built a business that provides excellent care for all women, ranging from adolescents to centenarians.

Weatherford Ob/Gyn has since expanded their care by making Dr. Krista Lemley a partner in July 2017, and bringing Dr. April Mikes to the Practice in August 2017.

Every Fall, Weatherford Ob/Gyn Associates hold an annual “Baby Birthday Party” a celebration of that years’ deliveries by the physicians.

Located at 706 & 710 E. Eureka Street, offices are open Monday-Friday from 8:00 A.M.-4:30 P.M. For further information visit WeatherfordObGyn.com or call 817-599-7373 to schedule an appointment.

HELLO BABY Enjoying hearing the flutter of each of their own children during each pregnancy, husband and wife duo Vicki and Brandon decided to combine their talents of sonography and photography with Hello Baby. By doing so, Hello Baby, established April 6, 2018, sets out to offer lasting memories for families to enjoy for a lifetime.

As an elective service capable of 3D/4D ultrasound, Hello Baby provides images of babies through sound waves as well as portraits ranging from maternity, newborn, family and milestone sessions. A $100 credit is added toward a photography package once you book your ultrasound with Hello Baby.

Located at 1011 N. Main St. in Weatherford, Hello Baby is open Friday through Sunday from 12 P.M. to 6 P.M. For further information or to keep up with upcoming events and promotions, follow Hello Baby on Instagram and Facebook at “HelloBabyTx”.

Maternity, Newborn, and Family Photography 3D/4D Ultrasound hellobabytx hellobabytx hellobabytx

1011 N. Main St | Weatherford 76086 817-668-0644 | helloimaging.com

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MYSER ORTHODONTICS Awesomeness. Joy. Community. Myser Orthodontics incorporates these words into everything they do. Dr. Myser and his team take pride in providing beautiful, healthy smiles to children, teens and adults while giving back to the community he and his family love.

Dr. Myser graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas A&M University with a degree in Biomedical Science.

He then attended Baylor College of Dentistry (BCD), where he graduated as the salutatorian and received a Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree. He also received a Master of Science degree and Certificate in Orthodontics from BCD. Following his education, he completed the voluntary examination process and became a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Myser was invited and currently serves as a Clinical Faculty member at the orthodontic program of BCD. Myser Orthodontics has two state-of-the-art offices conveniently located in Aledo and Willow Park. Dr. Myser is a Platinum Invisalign provider and offers traditional and ceramic braces. Whether you or your family need comprehensive treatment or a slight adjustment, consultations with Dr. Myser are always free and there are multiple treatment levels and payment options available.

eness.

Awesom Joy. nity.

Commu

MyserOrthodontics.com

311 S. FM 1187, Ste D Aledo, TX 76008

817-441-8700

DEMENTIA IN PERSPECTIVE DEMENTIA IN PERSPECTIVE Janet Standifer M Ed. CCC/SLP, CDP, CADDCT Certified Dementia Trainer & Consultant

“Increased Knowledge is Improved Care”

As the 5th leading cause of death, dementia affects approximately 13.5 million people in the United States.

Through the course of her career, Speech-Language Pathologist, Janet Standifer observed a great need for continued support and dementia education with the staff and family within health care facilities including hospitals, outpatient, assisted living facilities and rehabilitation facilities.

Obtaining multiple certifications as a Dementia Trainer and Consultant, Janet established J. Standifer Consulting, LLCDementia in Perspective in April 2018. Dementia in Perspective provides indepth education and hands-on training that increases awareness, knowledge, and ability to provide better care for those living with dementia. As a facility consultant, Janet meets with healthcare teams to assist with program development for individual residents. Workshops are customized per participants needs:

Training topics include, but are not limited to: • Normal vs. abnormal aging • Specific techniques for care partnering • Phases of dementia as the disease progresses • Discussion of various types of dementia • Maintaining a positive relationship with those living with dementia

817-901-4658 | janet@jstandiferconsulting.com www.jstandiferconsulting.com

As a Certified Virtual Dementia Tour Comprehensive Program Trainer, Janet, through the VDT program, allows participants to understand the physical, emotional and cognitive challenges those living with dementia experience. Janet also offers the 8 hour CDP seminar which is the pre-requisite for the Certified Dementia Practitioner certification.

The ultimate goal is for Weatherford to become a dementia friendly community. Janet encourages members of the community to be part developing a dementia-friendly community by raising awareness and knowledge about Dementia.

For further information on upcoming workshops, please visit JStandiferConsulting.com.

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WHOLISTIC BODY SOLUTIONS Created by owner, Jennifer Rydlinski, Wholistic Body Solutions helps restore balance, range of motion, pain elimination, and establish a peace of mind through sense of touch and utilization of advanced bodywork techniques.

Understanding that the body works as a whole and that if one part is out of alignment then an imbalance is created, Wholistic provides: • CranioSacral • Therapy • • Therapeutic Swedish Massage • Trigger Point • Therapy • • Manual Lymphatic • Drainage •

Prenatal Message Prenatal CranioSacral Therapy Raindrop Therapy Aromatherapy Cupping Acutonics

• Reiki Healing • Ashiatsu Thai Bodywork • Four Hands Healing • Reflexology • Hot Stone Therapy • Couples Treatment • Chair Message

Pediatric and Animal Therapies are also available. Open Monday thru Saturday from 10 until 6, with appointments available Monday thru Saturday from 8 am until 8 pm, Wholistic Body Solutions consists of 8 treatment rooms, including two couples therapy rooms, a classroom and a storefront.

Teaching classes ranging from meditation workshops, essential oil informationals and everything in between. Wholistic offers the perfect practice to fit your needs. For further information regarding scheduling, specials, or upcoming events follow WholisticBodySolutions on Facebook and Instagram.

INDRA'S GRACE Since 2010, Indra's Grace has committed to offering yoga to support all students--meeting them where they are.

Committed to sharing the teachings of Yoga by sharing tools and techniques, Indra’s Grace focuses on stress reduction, ease of mobility, strength, balance, flexibility, emotional liberation, and awakening.

Each highly educated Instructor is certified with over 500 hours of teaching, offering many styles of yoga ranging from Hatha Yoga, Hatha Flow, Vinyasa, Restorative, Kundalini, Yin, Senior, Chair Yoga as well as meditation.

Serving Weatherford and Parker County with over 200 students weekly, the mission of Indra’s Grace is to offer integrative, well-rounded and expanded practices from many Yogic traditions. Indra’s Grace strives to honor the message that Yoga is for everybody, and every BODY, by providing a space for anyone regardless of age and level of practice, with an inviting atmosphere inclusive of all students.

To inquire about class schedules and/or any upcoming events, please visit www.IndrasGrace.com.

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131 W. Church St, Weatherford 76086 682-803-0727 Indrasgrace.com

Feel Better. Live Well.

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

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

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

1715 Martin Drive Weatherford, TX 76086 Office 817.458.3100 | Fax 817.599.3101 Collegeparkrehab.com

970 Hilltop Dr. Weatherford, TX 76086 Office 817.599.0000 | Fax 817.599.9336 Hilltopparkrehab.com

300 Crown Pointe Blvd.

Willow Park, TX 76087 Office 817.757.1200 | Fax 817.887.4008 Willowparkcare.com

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HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS

NIGHT TO SHINE

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osting Night to Shine is an honor that Greenwood Baptist does not take lightly. Sponsored by The Tim Tebow Foundation, this event on February 8th allowed more than 100 special needs youth and adults an opportunity to experience a Prom night they will never forget! Each attendant got the opportunity to shine, dance, and be a King or Queen.

Photos provided by Lindsey Sullivan Photography

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Wedding • Family • Newborn • Senior

lindsey-sullivan.blogspot.com 817-995-7674

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thirsty for

MORE

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October Hill farm: Bringing Jumpers Back Sitting on over 200 acres of rolling pasture in Hudson Oaks, October Hill Farm breeds, raises, trains, shows, and sells warmblood horses for equestrian show jumping, which is an Olympic sport with a world-wide following.

By Connie Lewis Leonard Photos by Jami Scull Photography

D

riving on a winding road through a rural neighborhood, a bend in the road reveals a stately white barn set in a peaceful, pastoral setting. October Hill Farm, every horse lover’s dream, is a reality for sisters Wendy Gerrish and Erin Davis Heineking, a reality achieved by hard work, determination and dedication.

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Growing up in Fort Worth, the girls share many happy memories spending weekends and summers riding horses on their family’s home place. They participated in the Old Chisholm Trail Days, the Texas Sesquicentennial, the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo Parades, Grand Entries and various other western cultural events.

While attending pony camps during summers spent in New England, the sisters learned to ride English style. When Wendy started high school, she and Erin, who is seven years younger, moved from eventing into the hunter/jumper world. Erin accelerated quickly in the sport and by 18 was doing Young Riders, which is an upper level rider development series for riders under 21 years old. Wendy stayed in the hunter ring, where she was ranked in the top ten nationally for two years.

By the end of the 1990’s, they were looking for Grand Prix horses for Erin and breeding stock for Wendy, who had become interested in breeding jumpers. Finding a place in Hudson Oaks suitable for a breeding farm, they bought and imported a Holsteiner stallion and several mares and started producing foals.

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“We compete locally and nationally at shows sanctioned by the United States Equestrian Federation, our sports’ governing body, and some of our horses are at the international level of the sport, showing in FEI-level events,” Wendy said “Though our main focus has shifted into the training side of the business, we still produce a few foals each year using some of most accomplished sport mares and stallions. A branch of our company is breeding and developing show jumping horses in Germany as well. We have a great network over there and good resources for making it successful. We are in a very exciting time!”

The fully-equipped facility, sitting on over 200 acres of rolling pasture, includes custom-built stalls for fifty horses, a 27,000 square foot arena, space for safe and ample daily turnout, an accomplished team of trainers and 24/7 on-site staff.

October Hill breeds, raises, trains, shows, and sells warmblood horses for equestrian show jumping, which is an Olympic sport with a world-wide following. Warmbloods are a group of middle-weight

The real measure of success in the breeding world is the World Breeding Federation of Sport Horses annual rankings list. Our goal is to provide clients with horses that can successfully compete.

horses originating in Europe and bred specifically for equestrian sport. They differ from draft horses, which are called cold bloods, and refined, light saddle horses such as Thoroughbred and Arabian, which are classified as hot bloods. All of the horses at October Hill are some variety of warmblood: Holsteiner, Oldenburg, Westfalen, Danish, and Dutch, among others.

The farm also has a small group of breeding horses in the Schleswig-Holstein region of Germany, where the genetics of some of the top show jumping horses in the world have been developed. Holsteiners have been bred for over 400 years. They are known for their elevated knee and hock action, rhythmic and powerful gaits, high set neck, expressive faces with large eyes, and impressive jumping ability. Holsteiners are magnificent horses between 16-17 hands (64-68 inches), some a full foot taller at the withers than most quarter horses. “We have offered many stallions for breeding over the past twenty years. We have produced about 150 foals, both here and in Germany,� offered Wendy. “All mares and stallions go through an evaluation or inspection by sanctioned breeding authorities prior to being allowed to produce registerable offspring. This process helps to ensure the efforts to breed forward for the future, further refining and bettering the breed for their intended use and longevity.

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“Breeding has changed in the past two decades, with many potential buyers in our industry paying greater attention to commercially valuable pedigrees. This means they want the ‘who’s who’ on the papers. This has required breeders to pursue using accomplished sport mares, those with records or a close female relative with a good show record, since it is well-known that the mare’s line is the strongest progenitor of jumping ability.

All the warmblood registries allow the use of artificial insemination to produce foals from a stallion that is not local to the mare. Our industry has seen an increasing frequency in the use of frozen semen, as breeding technologies have improved. To preserve the accuracy of pedigree, DNA testing is required of the foals to prove parentage.

“While we are breeding foals in Germany, we do import mares and stallions, but mostly for sport.

Potential buyers want offspring of successful parents, so the stallions must perform and they must also be of type, presence, conformation and character that make him appealing to the mare owner. Mares, likewise, must show us their abilities, and must also not have significant flaws that cannot be overcome through appropriate stallion selection. The real measure of success in the breeding world is the World Breeding Federation of Sport Horses annual rankings list. Our goal is to provide clients with horses that can successfully compete.”

October Hill Farm is unique in Parker County due to its unmatched facility, highly qualified staff, and notable record of success in the sport of showjumping. Interest from the local community prompted them to begin a lesson program for non-boarders age seven and up.

Many of the clients are beginning riders, both youth and adult, but they also have intermediate riders including university students. Wendy said, “Last year, we hired Trista Adkins to head up our beginner kids’ lesson program. The kids love her and always have a great time.

We also had three week-long pony camps last summer that garnered significant interest, and were fully booked, and I expect we will expand on those offerings this summer.”

Christian Heineking, the operations director and head trainer at October Hill Farm, has represented Germany in both World Cup and Nations Cup events.

Erin competes in both the amateur and open divisions up to the international levels as well. Wendy stays at home to oversee activity while the team is on the road.

Anywhere from 8-18 horses and a team of people to support them travel to shows in Texas and other states including Florida, California, Illinois and South Carolina. With all their success, they still haven’t set up an official trophy room.

“Frankly, we’ve got plenty of those trophies spread around here, but we are focused on the next success, not the last one.”

As part of this approach, Erin started efforts ten years ago to bring show jumping events back to Will Rogers Coliseum. Wendy says, “The last year the show happened was that big hail storm that destroyed Mayfest.

I remember it well, as I was at the showgrounds when the storm rolled in. Last year, Erin and a long-time friend and show manager, Patrick Rodes, were at last able to secure available dates at the WRMC and teamed up to bring the shows back to Fort Worth. The Saving Hope Foundation is a local animal rescue organization founded by the Moncrief family, and through our family friendships with the Moncriefs as well as many of the wonderful Saving Hope volunteers, Erin arranged for about $60,000 in proceeds of several of the show’s feature classes to be directed to them and the Fort Worth Zoo. This year the show is set for the weekend of May 17-19, and we are looking forward to a great turn out from participants and spectators alike.” PCLS

We are focused on the next success, not the last one.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Limited Spots Available “Will your child be prepared for kindergarten?” www.weatherfordschoolhouse.com | 1116 Santa Fe Dr.

The Schoolhouse

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Pre-School • Pre-Kindergarten • Kindergarten

EXTENDED CARE

NOW ENROLLING FOR FALL

Amy Saunders Haydon

• 1/2 Day and Full Day Classes • Enrichment Opportunities • Music • Computer • Funtastic Fitness

Denice Cunningham

Refer a Friend & Save

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DIRECTOR / OWNER

817.594.8444

OWNER

817.613.1697

BECAUSE THERE’S AN ENTIRE FUTURE’S WORTH OF MOMENTS TO PROTECT. This is protection that moves with you through life. Call today to get a FREE review of your current auto, home and life coverage.

Sonny Black, Agency Manager Eric Farrell Travis Kness Brad Booth Jeff O’Neal Mitch Widler Chris Schofield Julie Benton Justin Krantz 1515 Fort Worth Hwy. Weatherford, TX 76086

817.594.2111 Coverage and discounts are subject to qualifications and policy terms, and may vary by situation. ©2019 Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Companies. PAR0119

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Hike & Bike for Healthy

Heart & Home

by Peggy Purser Freeman

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Parker County provides excellent opportunities to hike, bike and thrive.

iking and biking enhance mental, emotional and spiritual health. Aerobic exercise, such as walking or biking, increases brain function, improves your emotional well-being, boosts your spiritual walk and promotes family unity.

Parker County offers excellent mountain trails for both the mild hike and bike fans and for the extreme partisans.

Choose the Workout Walking improves your health, relationships and quality of life. A three-to-five-days-a-week regimen establishes a life-long program with hidden benefits.

At a fast pace, you can accelerate your heart rate,

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clear the cobwebs from your brain and be inspired.

Hand-in-hand with someone you love or on a safe trail with the aid of music or recorded memory verses, you can pump up your spiritual muscles.

Choose the place that matches your ability, family needs and provides quick access.

Biking provides a low-impact cardio fitness plan.

Biking three to five days a week for 30-60 minutes burns about 400 calories an hour. If your back, hips, knees, and feet give you pain, biking provides the perfect exercise to strengthen your core and lower body. A trail that fits your ability and is close to your home increases your chances of success.

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Parks of Aledo Trails (POA)

Main Trailhead off Bailey Ranch Road at Point Vista The POA Trails features six points of entry to allow easy access, a large parking lot and a trailhead offering water and a place to sit in the shade. This multi-use looping trail features 6.12 miles wandering through 67 acres and allows any level of activity from a tranquil walk to a jog or a bike ride. POA trails deliver a good flow, a few climbs, and a couple of downhill sections for speed.

According to the Weatherford Mountain Bike Club, this trail is not technical, however, it rates a high fun factor.

It offers an excellent single-track experience for exercise in north Parker County and each 5.3 mile lap can be biked in about half an hour. POA Trails is perfect for any user with 40 signs along the trail providing notices and reminders, color-coded signage to direct you to each loop, 16 EMT points, and GPS for emergencies.

Town Creek Hike and Bike Trail (TCHBT)

Parker County's largest trail opened to the public in the summer of 2011. The trail stretches for 3.15 miles.

Meandering through the tree line and flood plain of Town Creek, this trail features an inspiring view of mother nature and yet furnishes easy access from almost anywhere in Weatherford.

Trailhead Locations • Weatherford Police Department - 801 Santa Fe Drive.

• Weatherford Chamber of Commerce - 401 Fort Worth Highway • Holland Lake Park - 1419 Holland Lake Road • Bose Ikard Elementary - 100 Ikard Lane

Holland Lake Park

1419 Holland Lake Road Park Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m.

Holland Lake Park offers walkers, joggers or those out to enjoy a beautiful day over one mile of nature trails and concrete trails. Holland Lake also houses one of the four trailheads for The Town Creek Hike and Bike Trail. This 40-acre park's central location also has a historic marker of Parker County's rough and tumble past. Two double log cabins built in the mid-1800s and relocated to their current site are on display.

Cherry Park

Location: 300 S. Alamo Park Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m.

One of the most popular parks in the City of Weatherford, partially because of its location in the heart of the city, Cherry Park takes advantage of a quartermile walking trail, and in the summer you can end your workout in Weatherford's municipal swimming pool.

Love Street Park

Location: 309 Love Street Park Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m.

Love Street Park offers a quarter-mile walking trail with restroom facilities. Summer walking time can be celebrated with time at Love Street Park's Splash Pad. In case grandpa doesn't want to walk, Texas Parks and Wildlife stocks Love Street Park’s pond with new fish each year.

McGratton Park

Location: 645 North Main Street Park Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m.

One of the busiest parks in the community, McGratton Park has a one-sixth mile walking trail and one of the best playgrounds, complete with age-appropriate structures.

The featured skate park is equipped with overhead lights which allow nighttime walks in and around the park and a great place for the family to exercise at the same time.

Miller Park

Location: 1501 Ball Street Park Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m.

Miller Park features a one-seventh mile walking trail around the property. With one of the most up-to-date playgrounds in the city, this short trail helps moms of younger children who want to walk and keep an eye on the children on the playground.

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Cartwright Park

Location: 204 Cartwright Park Road Park Hours: 6 a.m.-12 a.m.

The largest park in acreage, Cartwright Park features Sunshine Lake and embraces 150 acres. A fantastic location to enjoy local wildlife such as turkey, whitetail deer, fox, armadillos, and coyotes, Cartwright Park also features many open spaces and an all-purpose area for walking.

Soldier Spring Park (SSP)

Location: 961 Charles Street and 200 Thrush Street Park Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m.

Soldier Spring Park offers an excellent trail system with over one mile of inter-connecting asphalt and natural trails. SSP’s two sections provide a diversity of hiking and biking trails. The upper section can be accessed at Charles Street and the lower section on Thrush Street.

Beginners in the biking sport will enjoy some of the flat bike paths or roads, however, the upper trails at SSP also provide terrains for mountain biking. Remember, it can be dangerous and children need supervision. This park offers several locations for a picnic.

Extreme Hike and Bike Trails Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway

100 Park Road 71 Mineral Wells, TX 7606 All ages and abilities enjoy hiking and biking the Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway. This trail may be accessed from several points, including Weatherford, Garner and Mineral Wells. Because it is a reclaimed railroad bed, it renders flat grades and gentle curves.

About 20 miles long and 10 feet wide, it has two miles of asphalt from the downtown Mineral Wells trailhead while finely crushed and screened limestone tops the remaining 18 miles. Mineral Wells State Park can also be accessed from this trail. The trailway provides several restroom areas, in addition to resting benches conveniently placed. Sixteen bridges with decks and safety rails grace the trail and the 500-foot signature bridge provides safety crossing over U.S. Highway 180.

This bridge, decorated with 104 Lone Stars, meets the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

Possum Kingdom Hike and Bike Trail (PKHBT)

Located near Graford, Texas at Park Road 36 and 2951 Possum Kingdom Hike and Bike Trail features a lake with an 8.4-mile loop trail. Accessible year-round, the majority of PKBHT provides shade and is normally not crowded. If you need to stop your ride for any reason, it has many trailheads and road crossings. Beautiful vistas overlooking the lake dot the trail and most offer a bench to take a break. Some narrow, rocky sections fall under the difficult rating, however, the rest of the trail at PKHBT falls between easy and intermediate. A few climbs and descents require supervision for those new to off-road biking.

Parker County provides excellent opportunities to hike, bike and thrive. Each park has online information and most offer an online map. Happy Bike and Hike. PCLS

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1870S-OLD MAIN BUILDING

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WEATHERFORD COLLEGE A Century and a Half Strong and Getting Stronger

1880S-STUDENTS

By Richard Allen Photos provided by Weatherford College

A

century and a half ago one of the state's most recognized institutions of community college education got its humble beginnings.

The Civil War had ended just four years earlier. It would be another decade and a year before the railroad would find its way to Weatherford.

And Alexander Graham Bell wouldn't invent the telephone for another seven years.

This year, Weatherford College is celebrating 150 years of existence. What began as a small Masons building is

now a college with over 6,400 students.

Among those who have earned an education at the school are the likes of former U.S. Speaker of the House Jim Wright, former NBA player Harvey Catchings, Cy Young Award-winning pitcher and 2016 world series champion pitcher Jake Arrieta, 2018 world series champion pitcher Ryan Brasier, alltime winningest high school basketball coach Leta Andrews, American Idol third-place finisher Casey James, and longtime Oprah Winfrey boyfriend Stedman Graham.

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"Weatherford College means the world to me. My personal experience as a student was transformational," said Dr. Tod Allen Farmer, the first president in school history to also be a former student. "WC set me on a path of life-long learning that led me to where I am today.

"Through the years, I have witnessed so many lives that have been forever changed for the better as a result of their WC education. Weatherford College is a crown jewel to our society. Simply put, Weatherford College changes lives."

Farmer went back in his mind to his days as a student, taking his first campus orientation tour.

"I was just an average Parker County boy who knew little more than that I wanted to get an education and make a better life for myself and my descendants," he said. "The lady leading the campus tour told those of us on the tour to deposit our waste in the 'waste receptacles.'

I had never heard anyone refer to a trash can as a 'waste receptacle.' It was at that very moment that I knew that I was on my pathway to a new life.

1928 STUDENTS

1942 YEARBOOK

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1970S ARTHUR STOCKSTILL, DUANE DURRETT, RALPH WILLINGHAM

1975-DORMROOM

"Another great memory occurred during my first presidential address. I had the privilege to honor WC custodian Debbie Lipok with the inaugural Weatherford College Presidential Service Award. When Debbie came to the stage to receive her award, the crowd went wild.

I knew then that it was one of the moments in life that neither one of us would ever forget."

Myrlan Coleman, director of the art department, has been instructing at the school for over over a half century.

She is the longest-tenured professor at the college, and has seen a lot of changes over her time, with the most challenging being the technological advancements.

"For the past 50 years we have been at the forefront in this area. We were among the first to offer an audio/ visual program to be able to record and show television and computerized technology for instructors," she said.

"Most importantly, the faculty cares and does everything to help students succeed. Students know they can get a quality education at an economical cost."

That combination of education and financial relief has prompted the school's slogan, "Stay close and go far."

Ralph Willingham, director of admissions and veterans coordinator, also has a long tenure at the school (45 years). He said the relationship with the community is a major reason the college has been able to steadily grow.

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2014 RIBBON CUTTING DON ALLEN BLDG

'Hey, what about Weatherford College?'"

"I feel the community is very proud of the college and And the growth is far from over, Willingham said. the vocational programs to help place a large number of "WC has applied for approval to offer a bachelor of grained and educated students into the community," he said. science in nursing, and maybe more four-year degrees "One of the things in the future," he said.

I think that's really "We have land to build "I feel the community is very proud of the impressive is we've on here, and we have grown pretty much a president willing to college and the vocational programs to every year since I've expand in every way help place a large number of grained and possible." been here," said Lady educated students into the community."

Farmer said Coyotes basketball coming home to his coach Bob McKinley, - Ralph Willingham alma mater is a dream who has been at the come true. school more than four "All of my career and life experiences have led and decades and let the team to four national tournaments. prepared me for this moment. My contributions to this "When I got here I think we had around 1,100 students. great institution will by my career legacy, and I intend to "Recognition, not specifically to athletics, but as give every ounce of my energy to further her interests," a school in general, it gets your name out. People read he said. "There is absolutely nowhere else on earth that about Weatherford College over and over, and when kids I would rather spend myself in a worthy cause." PCLS get ready to go to a junior college, they naturally think,

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A HISTORICAL SYNOPSIS OF WEATHERFORD COLLEGE 1869: The groundwork is laid

for the original Weatherford College. The Phoenix Masonic Lodge holds a cornerstone laying ceremony for the original Weatherford Masonic Institute building, which would later become the first site of the college.

1875: The newly created

yearbook, "The Oak Leaf," is published; The first baseball team is fielded that spring, but it would only last a short time, returning 80 years later to great success.

1925: The newly-completed gymnasium opens.

Weatherford High School Association holds a dedication ceremony.

1926: The first student

1885: M.C. Brown purchases the school building from the Masons and then leases it to the Methodist church. T ​ he school is renamed Cleveland College, in honor of President Grover Cleveland.

1927: The Coyote track and

1886: A tornado destroys the building, and Mr. Brown tells the Masons he is unable to continue note payments.

1889: The Masons sell the

building again, this time to the Weatherford District of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. The name is changed to Weatherford College.

1894: WC's main building, later known as "Old Main," is completed.

1902: The institution temporarily ceases offering college courses and the name is changed to Weatherford College Training School for Boys.

1903: The school fields its first

football team.

1905: ​The school's first

orchestra is established.

1913: The City of Weatherford

purchases the school's property for the benefit of the Methodist Church, allowing the college to keep its doors open.

1921: The school is reorganized

as a junior college and begins offering associate of arts degrees.

1922: A Thailian Club is formed

with 22 members for the study of the opera and present-day literature.

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1923: The school's first

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newspaper, "The Coyote," is published.

basketball teams win the state junior college championship.

1929: The local chapter of

Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society for two-year colleges, begins; WC student Morene Pritchard wins the state oratorical contest.​

1931: The Coyote football team wins its first state championship and the third state sports title in school history.

1938: A new school policy is

passed requiring instructors to have a master's degree or at least five years of teaching experience.

1939: The three branches

of the Methodists unite and Weatherford College becomes property of the United Methodist Church.

1941: The school suspends its football team because of World War II. 1943: Weatherford College

1949: The Weatherford College board of directors votes to allow African-American students to attend night classes only; The Parker County Junior College District is created through a county-wide election, making the school a public institution.

1950: The college's first ExStudents Association is formed; The Coyotes play their final season of football.

1957: Weatherford College

is accepted as a member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

1965: A county-wide election

to build a new campus passes by a margin of 926-170.

1967: The first Alumnus of the Year Award is given to Zoe Switzer McCrary; A groundbreaking ceremony is held for the new campus.

1968: Classes are held on the

new campus for the first time; a bid of $165,000 from W.M. West III, of Dallas, to purchase the original campus on South Main Street.

1998: The new Fine Arts Center opens, which would later be named the Marjorie Black Alkek Fine Arts Center.

1999: T ​ he Coyotes basketball

team advances to the NJCAA Final Four, finishing third in the country, the highest national finish ever by a WC sports team.

2003: Baseball returns, with

the first game at Roger Williams Ballpark; The student housing complex, Coyote Village, opens.

2007: ​Weatherford College's Cody Tew teams with Tarleton State's Matt Robertson to win the team roping title at the College National Finals Rodeo.

opens.

2008: Wise County voters approve funding a new WC campus between Bridgeport and Decatur.

1975: ​The federal government

2009: ​The cheerleading squad

1970: The Doss Student Center

offers property from Fort Wolters in Mineral Wells to the college.

1980: The board votes to build a 96-bed dormitory.

merges with Southwestern University.

1987: Doss Student Center Book Store opens.

1947: With World War II over,

1994: The 125th anniversary of the college is celebrated with the opening of the Memorial Plaza Amphitheater.

football makes its return.

first NJCAA Tournament appearance, finishing fourth, the highest finish in team history.

They would return in 2002, 2004 and 2013.

1996: T ​ he first Jack Harvey

Academy of Exemplary Teachers event is held; ​Parker County voters approve a $9 million bond project to build a fine arts center and technology building, and to fund other improvements.

1997: The Lady Coyotes basketball team makes its

wins the Co-Ed Intermediate category at the National Cheerleading Association/ National Dance Association Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championships.

2011: WC Education Center opens in Granbury.

2012: ​The first intercollegiate softball game in WC history is played at the new Stuart Field; The new Academic Building opens; The WC Foundation celebrates the success of the "The Time is Now for Your College" campaign, which raises $2.4 million; ​​The Don Allen Health Science Building opens.​ 2013: The Coyotes softball team advances to the NJCAA Tournament.

2019: The school celebrates 150 years of its history.

1890S-VINTAGE FACULTY

WEATHERFORD COLLEGE PRESIDENTS 1873-75: 1875-80: 1880-1902: 1902-03: 1903-09: 1909-11: 1911-12: 1912-15: 1915-21: 1921-23: 1923-36: 1936-41: 1941: 1941-45: 1945-49: 1949-50: 1950-68: 1968-70: 1971-92: 1993-98: 1998-2004: 2005-09: 2009-17: 2018-present:

Rev. W.P. Wilson Rev. J.J. Shirley Dr. D.S. Switzer Dr. S.W. Stanfield No record Bishop Hiram Abiff Boaz Rev. L.G. White No classes Dr. James Evans Bickley Fred Griffith Rand R.G. Boger Grover Cleveland Boswell William Bryan McDaniel Dr. Clarence A. Sutton Dr. J.N.R. Score Dr. L.B. Plummer Dr. Vernon D. Parrott Dr. J.C. Nichols Dr. E.W. Mince Dr. James T. Boyd Dr. Don L. Huff Dr. Joseph C. Birmingham Dr. Kevin J. Eaton Dr. Tod Allen Farmer

For a list of upcoming events to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Weatherford College, visit https://www.wc150.com/

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By Charles Franklin

or many people, both young and old, little compares to the sound of a fishing lure splashing into calm waters. Fishing is a sport that has remained popular through the ages, and is, in fact, one of the oldest pastimes around. For generations, anglers have counted the seconds until they clock out, or the final school bell rings, so they can head out to their favorite fishing hole and wet their hook. Sometimes, the most avid of them might even ditch school or work in order to spend the day in a boat or under a shade tree waiting for a bite.

The best anglers can turn professional and earn a living doing this sport they love.

And these days, it is becoming more and more common to see high school fishing teams across the state of Texas. There are

so many things for students to do that a search of any high school’s website will yield a wide variety of activities to get involved in. Among them are academic clubs, special interests, band, choir, drama, student government, and athletics. And now, several schools in the area—including Aledo, Brock, Millsap, Peaster, Poolville, Springtown, Weatherford Christian, and Weatherford High Schools—have added fishing to the list.

Anglers from these schools may participate in other clubs or sports, but they also appreciate a sport far from the noise and fast pace of those other activities. There is no other sport where they can step into a boat, push off, and enjoy the sound of lapping water, a nice breeze, and hopefully a tug on their line.

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These anglers compete as members of the Texas High School Bass Association (THSBA), whose mission statement is: To provide a venue where high school students have the opportunity to compete in organized tournaments while establishing strict guide lines and academic standards that will allow our student anglers to excel in the class room and on the lake.

All Parker County schools fall under the THSBA’s West Division along with Keller, Eastland County, Coppell, Azle, Granbury, Chisholm Trail, Stephenville, Tarrant County, Burleson, Fellowship Academy, Grandview, Graham, Kennedale, Nazarene Christian, Covenant Classical, Seminole, Glen Rose, Brewer, Northside, Cleburne, Joshua, Abbott, Western Hills, Lubbock Cooper, Fort Worth Christian, and Vernon.

In order to compete in one of the many fishing tournaments across the state, anglers must be a member of the THSBA. Participation in the THSBA is open to students in the 9th-12th grades, as long as the student does not turn 19 before September 1st of their senior year.

Student anglers must have parental consent and possess a valid fishing license for the area they will be fishing in.

As with all extracurricular activities, students must have passing grades in all subjects in which they are enrolled.

Parker County teams can compete in six division tournaments beginning in November, when they fish at De Cordova Bend Park in Granbury. From there, they move on to Bug Beach in Possum Kingdom, then Little Elm Park in Lewisville in December. After winter break, teams travel to Highport Marina on Lake Texoma in February, then State Park on Lake Whitney in March.

The regional fishing tournament this year will be held in April when teams will return to Little Elm Park in Lewisville.

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Each team consists of one or two eligible anglers and a boat captain. Boat captains are the only members allowed to drive boats for their teams and must have a Boaters Safety Certification. These teams may fish in any of the open tournaments outside of their divisions during the year, but in order to qualify for regional and THSBA championship consideration, they must compete in at least three tournaments within their division.

Tournaments are normally held on Saturdays, and anglers usually start fishing around 7:00 a.m. Anglers must rely on their knowledge, instinct, and sometimes a little luck as they search within the tournament boundaries for where the fish are biting. The only help they are allowed may come from their boat captain, who can provide guidance based off their own knowledge, without the help of electronic devices. Tournament rules dictate when fishing must stop—normally around 3 p.m.—and then anglers are to be lined up for weigh-in by a certain time. Each team is scored according to the combined weight of live bass that they weigh at the end of their event.

Recently, on February 2nd, teams traveled northeast to cast their hooks into Lake Texoma. Several Parker County teams represented the area well, including Drake and Blake Heid of Weatherford Christian who caught five fish for a combined weight of 12.39 lbs. and a firstplace finish. Caiden Coufal and Callie Cartwright of Aledo High School finished second, catching two fish for a combined weight of 8.67 lbs. Brock, Millsap, and Springtown also had strong showings. Placing first and second was an excellent performance by Weatherford Christian and Aledo, though, considering there were 180 other teams on the water.

As with any other sport, these strong performances must be strung together if they hope to advance later in the year. Teams that qualify in the top 50% of their division will move on to the Regional Tournament in Lewisville, and the top 40% who enter regionals will advance to the THSBA Championship on Cedar Creek Lake on May 11-12, 2019.

The Regional and THSBA Championship tournaments are important for student anglers, not only to be recognized among the best in the state, but because strong performances result in scholarships.

That’s right, fishing can help pay their way through college. According to the THSBA website, over $33,000 in scholarships were awarded at each regional event during the 2017-2018 season with $1,000 each being awarded to 1st and 2nd place.

As for the state championship tournament, the top 20 teams will earn scholarships, with first place earning $20,000 ($10,000 per teammate). The 2nd place team will earn $15,000, and 3rd place will earn $10,000 on down to 20th place, which will earn $1000.

That makes for a total of $100,000 in scholarships given away at the THSBA Championship, which is why it is common to see close to 200 teams at any given tournament in the state. Not only are the anglers enjoying one of the oldest pastimes known to man, they also hope their instinct, knowledge, and maybe a whole lot of luck will bring home the grand prize.

As the sport grows in popularity—and awareness— at the high school level, participation and sponsorship are bound to increase. This should also lead to increased opportunities and scholarships for anglers, which any parent or educator would appreciate. But, for most of these anglers, escaping from the noise of the world and finally getting that big catch might be the biggest prize of all. PCLS

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Where custom meets home building Phone: 817-913-0239 • mkhomes.com 134 El Chico Trail, Suite 105 • Willow Park, TX 76087 94

PAR KER COUNTY LIFE S TYLE

Join us at one of our 6 DFW locations!

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Vet Spotlight

Keeping Them Pearly White Photos by Lindsey Sullivan Photography

What really happens after your veterinarian says your pet needs their teeth cleaned? \ Let’s talk dental care—what does it mean for your pet to have a “dental cleaning?” What services are done to your pet while they are at the vet clinic for the day? We want to walk you through step-by-step what Lily had done while she was at our clinic for her dental cleaning.

Pre- An esth eti c La b work

Let’s start when you hand the leash off to the vet tech.

Your technician will start Lily’s dental cleaning off by collecting a blood sample for pre-anesthetic testing. Once the sample is acquired, we will then run the blood sample through our in-house laboratory equipment that will let us know how Lily’s overall health is.

There are 2 portions to the pre-anesthetic lab work, the first portion is called the “CBC” short for, complete blood count. This lets us know what Lily’s red and white blood cell counts are. The second portion of our lab work is a heartworm test. This is a very important pre-anesthetic procedure, as it lets us know if Lily is positive for heartworms, and if she has potential damage done to her heart and lungs from it.

These pre-screening lab tests paired with a physical exam prior to an anesthetic procedure are crucial to complete Lily’s health-check. All of these are pieces to a puzzle to let us know if Lily is a good candidate for anesthesia, and how to properly adjust Lily’s individualized care while with us for the day.

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Denta l Clea ni n g Pro cedure

After Lily gets two thumbs up from her doctor regarding her lab work, she will then be prepped for her dental cleaning.

Lily will then receive an IV catheter in her foreleg so that she can painlessly receive the medications necessary for sedation and IV fluids to keep her hydrated while under anesthesia.

Lily will then be sedated and hooked up to several different types of monitoring equipment so that we may watch her vitals throughout her procedure. We will monitor her heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, gas levels, and reflexes during the entire procedure, and even after she wakes up.

Before we start to clean Lily’s teeth, we will take digital radiographs of her teeth, just like you have done when you get your teeth cleaned. Lily’s teeth are like a glacier, where only a small portion is above the surface. In fact, 60% of the tooth is under the gums, so it’s extremely beneficial to take dental radiographs to see the overall health of each tooth.

In the radiographs we can see the tooth ’s root health, surrounding bone and sinus health, and any periodontal pockets present.

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Every February and March Riverstone Veterinary Hospital and Grote Veterinary Clinic partake in what we call “ dental month.” This means, we offer up to a 40% discount on all dental procedures scheduled within those months to help promote the importance of annual dental care for your pets.

In the radiographs we can see the tooth’s root health, surrounding bone and sinus health, and any periodontal pockets present. This is how your veterinarian will decide whether it is necessary to pull any teeth during the procedure.

It’s also why on your quote there may be a range for how many teeth the veterinarian may need to pull. They want to see the “big picture” before deciding how many teeth need to be removed.

After the veterinarian has determined which teeth (if any) need to be removed, Lily will receive a pain block for each tooth that needs to be removed and the veterinarian will carefully extract the teeth that are dead, dying, or diseased.

Lily’s teeth will then be “scaled and polished.” This means we will use our specialized dental equipment to remove the tartar and clean each tooth individually. Once each tooth is cleaned and checked for any excessive gum recession, a special polish is applied to help seal each tooth to resist tartar and bacteria build up.

Recovery

Once all of Lily’s teeth are back to being “pearly white” and your veterinarian gives the final approval, we then will begin to wake Lily up. The best part is, Lily will wake to the sight of nurses watching over her and loving on her as they are checking her vitals while she gently wakes. Once awake and doing well, your veterinarian will give you a call with his findings and letting you know what time Lily can go home.

Febru ary i s “Denta l M o nth”

Every February and March Riverstone Veterinary Hospital and Grote Veterinary Clinic partake in what we call “dental month.” This means, we offer up to a 40% discount on all dental procedures scheduled within those months to help promote the importance of annual dental care for your pets. Call us today to schedule your pets discounted dental cleaning!

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

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The Whole Child

By Lindsay L Allen Photos provided by Weatherford ISD

By adding a focused curriculum on social and emotional development, Weatherford ISD has been able to reach outside the box and teach the “whole” child, and is noticing big differences in positive behaving and pride-filled students.

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cross Weatherford ISD, the faculty and staff are focused on and dedicated to teaching the “whole” child and not just narrowing in on academics only during the school days. The results? Positive behavior, students filled with pride and parents noticing a difference.

“This year we have made an investment into the social and emotional learning of our students and in doing so, it was very important to have a curriculum that could be easily implemented throughout the district and at all grade levels,” Trisha Perkins, Elementary Intervention Counselor at Weatherford ISD, said. “If we aren’t helping our students to develop their social and emotional understanding and skills, then it makes it really hard for them to be able to focus on and understand academics.

We realized that if we can help their social and emotional development, then the academics can more easily come into play. It allows us to address the whole child and not just part of the child (the academics).”

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This year we have made an investment into the social and emotional learning of our students and in doing so, it was very important to have a curriculum that could be easily implemented throughout the district and at all grade levels.

–Trisha Perkins

At the beginning of the 2018-2019 school year, Weatherford ISD began implementing the Core Essentials monthly values across the district. The Weatherford ISD School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) recommended the curriculum as part of the district character education plan. “Core Essentials is a Pre-K-12th grade curriculum based on a monthly value that teaches kids, families and staff how to treat others right, make smart decisions and maximize potential. It is a character education program in partnership with Chick-Fil-A® and introduces values like compassion, hope, service, contentment, initiative and more with age appropriate activities. The word of the month is integrated into campus announcements, weekly guidance lessons, school board presentations and shared with several local businesses,” Racheal Rife, Executive Director of Instructional Support, said.

How the value is integrated into each campus and classroom looks different. At all grade levels though,

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“circles” are formed amongst a group of students to discuss the value, the definition and examples of the value, along with questions and a discussion based around this value. Breaking out into small circles is a method already used in Weatherford ISD to promote social interaction and build respect amongst peers, and Core Essentials fits in well with this practice.

At Mary Martin Elementary, the staff decorated canvases with each of the values that will be studied for the year (items were donated by the Hudson Oaks Walmart for this effort). At the end of each month, each teacher selects a student in their class that models that value well and during the Roo Rally each student is recognized, then gets to call home afterwards with a teacher to tell their parents the good news. In addition, each student honored receives a Roo Pride yard sign and their picture is hung below the canvas decorated with the word they represent well.

Mary Martin Elementary principle, Amy Crippen, said, “The Core Essentials program in Weatherford ISD allows our students to intentionally focus on how to build good character and become a contributing member of society. As educators, our primary focus tends to be academics, but our jobs in educating students really focuses on the whole child and to support their growth academically, socially, emotionally, etc. Our district and campus focus on one core value each month by reading quotes or facts about the core value on the campus-wide morning announcements. The value for the month is an intentional word we use daily to positively reinforce student behavior and model for students what it looks like in our daily lives.”

Trisha recalled reading a note from a grandmother in the district that said she found her grandson cleaning out the pool basket one day after school and when she praised him for the help, he just replied, “I was just taking initiative!”, which was the word for that month!

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The value for the month is an intentional word we use daily to positively reinforce student behavior and model for students what it looks like in our daily lives.

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Not wanting to miss any opportunities to teach students these values, the district has implemented a similar program called Seedlings for the Pre-K students that mirrors Core Essentials. Looking for opportunities to implement social behaviors doesn’t stop there either, many of the campuses prepare a newsletter for parents so they are aware of the core value and able to discuss it at home and around the dinner table with thought questions and scenarios provided in the newsletter.

During one campuses family night, an evening dedicated to bringing families to the school for dinner and activities, the parents broke out into circles, led by a student, to discuss a core value and what it means to them.

As a second-year plan, Weatherford ISD would like to involve businesses around town to participate, as well. The plan would include using their marquee signs, social media and other tools to reinforce the core value.

“The program unites us as a district. Your Pre-K child will be learning the same thing as your sixth-grade student and so the whole family can be involved!” Trisha exclaimed.

The results from implementing this program have been remarkable in just the few short months it has been in place. One counselor recalled a fifth-grade boy, in the

middle of putting together boxes for the homeless to reflect the core value, service, said, “Giving is an amazing feeling!”

Amy said, “Honoring and recognizing our Core Value Character Kids each month is one of the biggest highlights in my role as the principal of Mary Martin Elementary. When I have the student in my office with me and we make the positive phone call home to the parent, my heart is filled with so much joy listening to the parents’ voices during the phone call and watching the student’s face light up when we brag about them to their parent. We have definitely seen an increase in positive student behavior and a decrease in misbehaviors at Mary Martin Elementary. It has positively impacted our campus climate and culture, created a positive school environment and decreased student misbehaviors, which in turn decreases our office referrals for student discipline incidents.”

The Core Essentials program is certainly felt by all in the district and gives teachers an opportunity to teach and reflect character traits that are important to the development of the child, but not always found in a text book. Each month there is an opportunity for the students, and also the classroom as a whole, to tangibly reflect the value they are learning about and witness that value in action. PCLS

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BRINGING BACK

‘We the People’

By Richard Allen Photos by Thad Brown

TOM YEATS AND HIS FELLOW LEADERS OF PATRIOTIC RESTORATION TEACH LOCAL STUDENTS WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AN AMERICAN, AND TO HONOR THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE ARMED FORCES.

D

on't tell Tom Yeats of Millsap that patriotism is dead. While he admits it might be on life support in some circumstances, he believes he and his friends have the remedy to make patriotism thrive again. They call it Patriotic Restoration.

"It's going to take we the people to bring back 'We the people'," Tom said. "Our whole thing is to educate students, because young people are the backbone of our patriotic future."

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Like the name says, the program is designed to restoring pride and respect for the country, starting within the hearts of youth. Therefore, the plan is to take Patriotic Restoration into classrooms through recordings and biographies of fellow Americans who have dedicated their lives for America.

Tom said he and his fellow leaders of the program want students to understand what it means to be an American, and to honor the men and women of the Armed Forces.

In fact, a portion of the proceeds from the efforts goes directly to aiding military nonprofit organizations.

The idea came to Tom when he was a coach at a local ninth grade center. "Kids wouldn't stand for the Pledge (of Allegiance)," he said. "This was very troubling to me, and to teachers who didn't know what to do."

Tom said that while they couldn't force the students to stand, and he never would, they could encourage them to do so. Then, he got some help in his cause as retired Marine Eric Blaylock, a 22-year veteran, was hired to teach technology.

"Tom and I have a very similar vision even though we came from very different backgrounds. Tom is a lifelong educator and I am a career Marine, and yet we both recognized a serious concern for our country, the erosion of patriotism," Eric said. "It was evident to us that a significant source to this concern was the lack of patriotic education in our classrooms.

OUR WHOLE THING IS TO EDUCATE STUDENTS, BECAUSE YOUNG PEOPLE ARE THE BACKBONE OF OUR PATRIOTIC FUTURE. "It was only a few years ago that our country was attacked, an event that caused a nationwide display of unity for the United States. I believe that display is evidence of the loyalty and love that still resides within each of us, and my hope is that we will be able to reignite that same loyalty and love, through our children, for future generations.�

The nonprofit program is now focusing on a project called Freedom Fridays. This is a free program available for schools in America that would allow them to do something each Friday about patriotism. Like everything else about Patriotic Restoration, it was designed to educate and encourage patriotism and citizenship, and, perhaps, more importantly, to encourage gratitude and empathy for patriots.

Individual schools or an entire district may choose to participate in this movement. Student videography, media technology, or journalism classes can use this as a project, and instructors may choose to use the rubric on the Patriotic Restoration website under Video Project, or design one of their own to evaluate student work.

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FREEDOM FRIDAYS IS A FREE PROGRAM AVAILABLE FOR SCHOOLS IN AMERICA THAT WOULD ALLOW THEM TO DO SOMETHING EACH FRIDAY ABOUT PATRIOTISM.

Students can recruit patriots from their local community to interview. Each video interview is to conclude with the subject asking students to stand and say the Pledge of Allegiance with him/her.

The project, the brainchild of Lubbock Cooper High School teacher Candace Cross, also offers students a chance for scholarships. After students complete the interviews and edit the videos, they can find sponsors for their videos (a dedicated cost will be set for each video sponsor}. Each video can be tagged with the sponsor’s name. These funds will provide scholarships for participating students and to help grow Patriotic Restoration’s outreach to schools across the country.

"Having the Pledge of Allegiance led by someone who has served our country and the flag is an experience that cannot be replicated over a loudspeaker in a classroom setting. We are fortunate to have this resource for our students," Lubbock ISD Superintendent, Keith Bryant said.

Keith is a former student of Tom's during the nearly two decades Tom spent as a youth minister. Tom's former

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career included spending a year ministering in Australia before coming back home to start a youth church in Irving for three years.

"When I was growing up everybody was proud of this country. I came up in a time when they explained what the Pledge meant," fellow teacher and retired Air Force veteran John Hicks said. "I think every school system should bring that back. It takes two minutes at most. This is something that will help these kids love this country again."

Ironically, Tom never served in the military, though he wanted to. "I got high numbers in the Vietnam draft. I didn't go, but I think God did that because he knew what I'd be doing later in life," he said.

And Tom supports controversial former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick's right to take a knee during the National Anthem. He believes the Super Bowl signal caller is still loyal to his country as he protests his cause. "I think Mr. Kaepernick would have stood for the Pledge had they recited it before taking a knee for the Anthem," Tom said. "People have a right to protest."

Tom said the challenge going forward is to get schools to accept the program on a permanent basis. Some of them have tried it for a couple of weeks, which often includes playing sample videos. Nonetheless, Tom said results are noticeable, as he noted with a reference to a group of boys in a locker room who could hear the program over a loudspeaker.

"They were playing some of our testimonials, and even though they didn't have to, kids were saying to others, 'Ya'll be quiet. I want to hear this guy's story,'" Tom said. "Kids are always watching reality videos. Well, this is reality."

Anyone interested in learning more is encouraged to visit the web site http://patrioticrestoration.org/. There, they can learn about the program, Freedom Fridays and more. They can also find out to participate or help by playing in an upcoming golf tournament (which includes purchasing signs to commemorate someone, and you can keep the sign after the tournament), or simply make a donation. PCLS

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Index

OF ADVERTISERS

Aim Mail Centers.................................................................................. 108

MK Homes.................................................................................................96

AK Custom Homes................................................................................ 25

Myser Orthodontics..............................................................................59

American Concrete...............................................................................79

North Side Baptist Church..................................................................29

AMS Storage........................................................................................... 101

October Hill Farm..................................................................................117

BellStone Masonry Supplies .............................................................. 3

Olive Jane Photography...................................................................... 37

Big Box Waste........................................................................................... 5

Optimum Healthcare............................................................................ 61

Bobby Norris Farm and Ranch Realty..............................................7

Peacock’s Feed and Supply…............................................................ 78

Byrd Mill.....................................................................................................88

Plains Capital Bank..............................................................................109

Cantrell’s Corner...................................................................................109

Professional Firehouse Roofing...................................................... 108

Carly Klassen, DDS................................................................................89

Prosperity Bank......................................................................................94

Clark Real Estate Group......................................................................... 1

RedFin Pools............................................................Inside Front Cover

Clear Fork Assisted Living and Memory Care.............................56

RedFin Outdoor Living...........................................................................2

Comfort Kitchen To Go........................................................................117

Rio Mambo...............................................................................................95

Couts Christian Academy...................................................................79

Riverstone Veterinary Hospital.........................................................99

Dale’s Ridglea Pest Control..............................................................100

Teskey’s........................................................................................................ 9

Diamond H3 Ranch...............................................................................36

Texas Health Willow Park....................................................................47

Edward Jones--Brent Gough............................................................. 78

Texas Pythian Home, Inc......................................................................16

Eric Priddy Photography..................................................................... 73

Thadbrown.co..........................................................................................116

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

The Chiropractic Place for Mommy & Me..................................... 57

Facial Cosmetic and Surgical Center.....................................46, 118

The Grand Prix of Fort Worth...........................................................24

Farm Bureau............................................................................................ 73

The Market at 76067.............................................................................. 17

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

The Nest Estate Sale Services.......................................................... 40

Galbreaith-Pickard Funeral Home................................................... 97

The Play Space........................................................................................88

Goodwin Dental...................................................................................... .51

The Resurge Clinic.................................................................................49

Grote Veterinary Clinic.........................................................................98

The Schoolhouse.................................................................................... 72

Hello Baby.................................................................................................58

The Swim Lesson People.................................................................. 108

Hutton Financial.....................................................................................117

Thompson Custom Homes................................................................ 101

Indra’s Grace........................................................................................... 60

Trinity Bible Church.........................................................................29, 41

Integrity Travel Planners.................................................................... 108

Trinity Christian Academy..................................................................95

Jami Scull Photography.......................................................................94

Weatherford Christian School......................................................... 120

J Standifer Consulting/Dementia In Perspective..................... 59

Weatherford OB/Gyn...........................................................................58

Karma Fly Design.................................................................................109

West Texas Landscape........................................................................ 101

Lindsey Sullivan Photography...........................................................64

White’s Funeral Home......................................................................... 116

M&B Water Treatment........................................................................109

Wholistic Body Solutions, LLC........................................................ .60

Main Street Dental................................................................................. 55

Willow Park Baptist Church........................................................28, 65

Medical City Weatherford................................................................... 52

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

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