2012
*
48 PAGES OF WHAT YOU WANT TO KNOW, WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ROCKDALE AND MILAM COUNTY
For Your Information INSIDE 7 WONDERS Reporter Editor Mike Brown takes a whimsical look at Milam County’s own version of the 7 wonders of the world. ALSO... Where to go, what to do for fun, who to call, what’s essential, who’s in charge, where to eat, where to join and so much more.
. Plus..ho ol
Info on city, sc ices, and county serv sses, churches, busine d organizations an ! much more
A publication of
� CITIZENS NATIONAL BANK
�
2
2012
F Y I
We all like doing business with people we know. As a community bank we know this is important. When you walk in our doors you’ll see the familiar faces of people you know. That’s community banking.
� Complete Eye Exams and Contact Lens Fittings � Diabetic Eye Exams � Urgent Care for Infections, Eye Injuries & Corneal Abrasions � Treatment of Eye Diseases including Allergies, Dry Eye & Glaucoma � Wide Selection of Designer, Sports, Safety and Sunglass Eyewear � Glasses Adjustments & Repair � Disposable, Astigmatism & Bifocal Contact Lenses � Laser Vision Correction Consultation & Co-Management � Most Insurance Plans Accepted � Early Morning, Lunch Hour, and Evening Appointments Available Complete, Quality Eye Care for All Ages
202 E. Hwy 79 • Hutto
(512) 846-1004
www.huttofamilyeyecare.com
RATED ONE OF THE NATION’S STRONGEST BANKS. ~ Serving Central Texas Since1900 ~ www.cnbanktexas.com 140 East Cameron • Rockdale (512) 446-5700
�
Download our app!
�
COMFORT A/C SERVICES, LLC 734 W. Cameron ~ Rockdale
512-446-0302 • 1-800-775-6577 al i t n e ~ Servicing all ELECTRICAL needs ~ Resid and ial rc e m Com
Updating Light Fixtures Ceiling Fans Hot Tubs Landscape Lighting Data and Phone Drops Wall Mounted TV Installation and Much MORE!
Service Most Brands Rewires Remodels FREE Estimates Financing Available Cody Caldwell, Owner ~ comfortacservice.com License # TACLB024027E License # TECL23870
6,000 sq. ft. Antique & Gift Mall
106 W. Cameron • Rockdale • Shabby Chic Furniture • Antiques • Bags • Candles • Jewelry • Bags and more!
(512) 446-4655 Tues-Fri 10-5:30 • Sat 10-5
F Y I
2012
24-HOUR ON-CALL ELECTRICAL AND AC SERVICE — 512-446-0302
3
2012
e, est ~ Thorndal 600 Hwy. 79 W
www.millerstarnes.com •
xas
E-Statements! Debit Cards! Home Banking! Electronic Bill Pay! Loans!
Texas
Excellent CD’s and Savings, NCUA Federally Insured Vehicle Loans MasterCard & MasterCard Gold 62 & over Gold Club MasterCard Debit Cards A.T.M. at Main Office and Thorndale Signature Loans Mortgage Loans Home Equity Loans Home Banking E-Statements Electronic Bill Pay *All loans and services are subject to RFCU loan and services qualification guidelines
AND...ALWAYS THE FRIENDLIEST STAFF AROUND!
ROCKDALE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION MEMBER OWNED ~ MEMBER DRIVEN • MAKE US YOUR FINANCIAL CHOICE!
1821 W. Cameron — Rockdale, Texas 1-800-264-5569 • 512-446-2583 • Fax 512-446-4117 600 W. Hwy. 79 — Thorndale, Texas 512-898-5200 www.rockdalefcu.org
www.millerstarnes.com
F Y I
~ Rockdale, Te
www.millerstarnes.com
•
S
www.millerstarnes.com
CHEVROLET – BUICK
•
Serving you the right way since 1963 476 West Cameron ★ Rockdale www.millerstarnes.com 512/446-5841 Toll-Free 1-877-493-3325 (4WE DEAL)
•
www.millerstarnes.com
•
www.millerstarnes.com
•
www.millerstarnes.com
•
Family Owned and Operated Since 1936—
Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home WALLACE JONES • STEPHEN JONES Highway 79 West • P.O. Drawer 1417 • Rockdale, TX 76567 512/446-5454 • Fax 512/446-5816
BLAND Construction
Ltd.
Commercial & Residential
963 N. FM 908 • Rockdale, TX 76567 charles@blandcc.com
Serving Central Texas since 1979 CustomHome HomeBuilding Building • Custom Remodeling • Remodeling • Pools/Spas Granite, Tile & Marble Installation • Custom CustomCabinetry Cabinetry •• Interior/Exterior Interior/ExteriorPainting Painting
• References Furnished • Professional • Dependable
512/446-2693 www.blandcc.com
Charles & Gaye Bland, Owners Fax 512-446-7425 • Toll-Free 1-800-300-2693
Styles For Every Occasion! We can accommodate entire wedding parties or we can come to your location! Also Portrait Styling and Consultation. Women, Men & Children
DAZZLING DIVA by Christina
Jewelry, flip-flops, sunglasses, totes, rhinestone tanks & tees, Sublimation tops & dresses, wedge sandals & more! The perfect WEDDING BLING and Bridesmaid Gifts!
Shawnee’s (512) 446-7217
709 W. Cameron ~ Rockdale Tuesday-Friday Saturday by appointment Shawnee • Traci • Melissa • Jena’e
www.millerstarnes.com
4
1821 W. Camer on
M
•
•
If You Have Not Joined RFCU, *Come Join Us, We’re Here For You!
ILLER-STARNE
www.millerstarnes.com
www.millerstarnes.com
COME JOIN ROCKDALE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, SERVING ALL OF MILAM COUNTY!
•
2012
FYI
TABLE OF CONTENTS
For Your Information is a publication of
Essential Info ................... 6-7 Calendar .......................... 8-9
(U.S.P.S. No. 468-320) 221-225 E. Cameron Ave. P.O. Box 552 Rockdale, TX 76567 • 512-446-5838 Email: staff@rockdalereporter.com www.rockdalereporter.com The Rockdale Reporter, Inc. 2011
7 Wonders of Milam .....10-16
Developement Director .....17
Recreation ....................18-19 Library ......................... 20-21
Publisher Kathy Cooke Martin
Genealogoly .......................21
FYI Editor Bill Martin
Chamber of Commerce.24-25
What to do.................. 28-30 Daycares.............................30
Advertising Kathy Cooke Martin
Organizations ...............31-32
Faith..............................35-37
Classifieds & Circulation Linda Whorton Kelley Zapata Marie Bakken
Healthcare .........................38
Milam county gov’t. ..... 39-44
Production Shannon Whorton
City government ............... 40 Agriculture.........................41
Photography Mike Brown Marie Bakken Cliff Dungan Bill Martin Shannon Whorton
Advertising Index...............44
Subscription rates: By mail in Milam County: 1 year $30.00; elsewhere in Texas: 1 year $35.00; outside of Texas: 1 year $40.00. Digital subscriptions are also now available for $30 per year, to anywhere in the U.S.
The Rockdale Fair is the biggest event of the year and the carnival brings out the kid in all of us and fun for the whole family.
*
See The Unseen ................. 46
All photos in F.Y.I. are copyrighted by The Rockdale Reporter, unless otherwise noted. For re-print or re-use information, email staff @rockdalereporter.com
F.Y.I. ALSO AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD ON-LINE AT ROCKDALEREPORTER.COM
Bland’s Jewelers
SPECIALIST IN THE ART OF JEWELRY REPAIR
BEST PRICES FOR GOLD! Open Tuesday- Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 302 N. Main • Taylor, Texas 76574
512-352-5097
Robert and Sharon Bland, Owners
PRUETT INSURANCE An Independent Insurance Agency
Located in Texas Plaza • Rockdale
512-446-9600
Auto ~ Home ~ Life ~ Business and Health
Quality Coverage Reliable Service Competitive Rates Call or come by to see how we can help with your insurance needs.
F Y I
2012
Schools .............................. 27
News Staff Mike Brown Marie Bakken Bill Martin
5
New resident Quick Start guide New to town? Here is some basic local service information for getting started at your new residence: Water Connect water services at City Hall, 505 W. Cameron, in the Water Department, phone 446-2511.
6
2012
F Y I
Garbage This can be done at the same time you turn on your water. Eagle Disposal (IESI) is our garbage contractor. Set up service by calling 1-800-772-1877. Electricity Connect electricity by calling TXU Energy at 1-800-242-9113. Other electricity retailers also provide service in our area. Gas Atmos Energy (formerly TXU) at 1-800460-3030. Phone AT&T, 1-800-464-7928. Real Estate Local real estate brokers include: Pud Owens Realty, 446-4243, texasproper-
ties.com/pudowens/; Carol Worley-Jim Currey Realty, 446-3706, jimcurreyrealty.com; Integrity Real Estate, 446-9333, myintegrityrealestate.com; Kenneth Thweatt Real Estate, 254-697-6572, thweattrealestate.com; Brasfield Real Estate, 512-898-0203, brasfieldrealestate.com; Terra Properties, 512365-5555, terraproperties.biz; Richard Thrasher, 446-6165, 512-595-2893; O’Barr Rost Realtors, Dave Phillips, 512-944-6071.
Ambulance American Medical Response (AMR) handles emergency calls in Rockdale and the surrounding areas. The building is located on Childress Street. Phone number is 91-1 for emergencies and 1-800-966-5652 for non-emergency calls.
Life’s Little Problems • Power outage (24 hours), call TXU 1-800-233-2133 • Natural gas leak, call Atmos Energy 1-800-817-8090 • Noise complaints, call Rockdale PD, 446-3436 • Dead, dangerous or loose animals (not cats), call Animal Control, 4463436 • Pothole repairs, call City Hall, 4462511 • Water leaks, call City Hall, 4462511 • Feeling uninspired? Visit the church of your choice, pages 33-37.
Building Permits Building permits within the city limits are required for construction not considered routine (such as painting or redecorating). Permits are required for foundation and structural modifications, electrical or plumbing work and storage buildings larger than 144 square feet. Contact City Hall at 446-2511 for information on what work requires a permit and the associated fees. Code Inspector is Lon Williams.
Premier Irrigation and Landscaping Commercial • Residential
• Sprinkler Systems Service & Installation • Backflow Testing
Essential info for newcomers
Jackson Lee Huff
512-760-6425 L.I. # 15539
B.P.A.T. # 10299
First Baptist Church
PRESCHOOL DISCOVERY DAYS
Animal Welfare City of Rockdale’s animal control officer is Fred Lankford, 446-3436. The local State of Texas Animal Health Commission office, 446-2507.
Cable Television Suddenlink is the local cable franchise. Contact them at 1-866-269-2052. There is also a retailer for Dish Network, Call Communications, 446-2413. Direct TV also offers cable services. Their number is 1-800-531-5000. Cemeteries Rockdale has three cemeteries: I.O.O.F. Cemetery, located on FM 908 North just outside the city limits; New Oak Lawn Cemetery, located off East Milam Street; and St. Joseph’s Cemetery, located off US 79 east of town. The old city cemetery is located just south of the railroad tracks off of FM 908 South. There are also several historical church and family cemeteries. Computer Access Free public computer and Internet access is available at several locations around town, funded by the grants obtained by the Greater Rockdale E-Access Team (G.R.E.A.T.). Call 446-2030 for locations. Chamber of Commerce Rockdale Chamber of Commerce is an
active community-service and business organization. Offices are located at 1203 W. Cameron (US 79). It is funded through membership dues and a hotel/motel tax. The Chamber works to improve conditions for businesses and citizens alike by sponsoring many community events, including quarterly Market Days, city-wide clean-up days, business mixers, Tejas Art & Book Fair, city-wide garage sale and Christmas celebration which includes a parade and the annual Christmas Ball. Contact the Chamber at 446-2030. Hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit them online at www.rockdalechamber. com. City of Rockdale City Hall, located at 505 W. Cameron (corner of US 79 and Wilcox), houses offices for the city manager, utility department, building and code inspectors, municipal judge and the city secretary. Utilities provided by the city include water, sewer and trash pickup. Deposits are required for new accounts and the city bills monthly. Contact City Hall, 446-2511, for rates. Visit them online at www.rockdalecityhall.com. City Court City court is held by Municipal Judge Jerry Waggoner, whose office is located at City Hall. Payment of fines may be made at City Hall during regular business hours, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m, Monday through Friday. Contact Judge Waggoner at 446-0812 or visit them online at www.rockdalecityhall.com. Driver’s License State driver’s licenses may be renewed in Cameron at Milam County Law Enforcement Center, 512 N. Jefferson, Suite E (north side of building, park in back). Call 254-697-2956 for more information. Fire Department Rockdale Volunteer Fire Depar tment handles fire calls and emergencies for Rockdale and southern Milam County. Continued on next page
Program is on Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. for ages 2-5
• Unique Clothing • Accessories • Gifts • Art
To enroll, call First Baptist Church, 512/446-5375 or Janet Vaughn, director, 512/446-6770.
219 North Main Street • Rockdale
www.rockdalereporter.com
email: Elements@atMainShop.com
512•446•6500
Essential info for newcomers The RVFD Building is located at the corner of Wilcox and Bell. The department also has a very active Ladies Auxiliary. Contact the Rockdale Police Department at 446-3436. Groundwater District Post Oak Savannah Ground Water District office is responsible for the rules and regulations of water development. Contact Manager Gary Westbrook at 512-455-9900 or P.O. Box 92, Milano, Texas 76556. Visit them online at: www. posgcd.org.
7
Hospital See health care information and local offerings available, page 38.
Rockdale Police Department, led by Chief Thomas Harris and staff, serves the Rockdale area for all law-related matters along with the Milam County Sheriff and the DPS.
Law Enforcement Rockdale Police Department, led by Chief Thomas Harris and staff, serves the Rockdale area for all law-related matters. Contact RPD at 446-3436. Services outside the city are provided by the Milam County Sheriff’s Office. Contact the Sheriff’s Office at 254-697-7033. Library Lucy Hill Patterson Memorial Library is located at 201 Ackerman, downtown Rockdale. Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 446-3410 for more information. Newspaper The Rockdale Reporter is an award-winning weekly newspaper which covers Rockdale and Milam County. Subscriptions are $30 per year in Milam County and digital subscriptions are also now available for out-of-county readers. Call 446-5838 or visit rockdalereporter.com. Parks and Recreation City of Rockdale has its Veteran’s Memorial Park at Brazos and Murray Streets. The facility contains the city pool, four tennis courts and a large playground. • Rockdale Girls Softball Complex, located on Old Bushdale Road has four fields and draws district and state tournaments each summer. • Rockdale Youth Baseball Complex on North Wilcox Avenue has five fields and hosts competitive league action. • Rockdale Fair Park hosts many civic events, including the annual Rockdale Fair, the largest event in the county, held each October. Fair Park contains a rodeo arena, livestock exhibition area and the New Salem HD Clubhouse, available for rent. Near Fair Park is the Patterson Civic Center, also available for rent. Call 446-2511 for information on any of the
The annual Race for the Cure motocycle ride raises thousands of dollars for cancer research. above facilities. Post Office Rockdale Post Office is located at 234 Ackerman. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, 8:30-10:30 a.m. For information, call 446-2071. Postmaster is Betty Malish. Radio KRXT 98.5 FM is Rockdale’s local radio station and listeners can also hear KMIL The Ranch 105.1 FM hear a variety of country music, from old-time favorites to new hits. These stations are also local news sources with morning news shows and hourly updates. For KRXT, call 4466985 or visit www.krxt985.com for more information. KMIL is available at 254-6976633 or www.kmil.com. Taxes Pay your city, school and Milam County property taxes at the Milam County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office, P.O. Box 551, Cameron, TX 76520 or in the Rockdale substation at 313 N. Main in the One Stop Center. Office hours in Rockdale are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-noon and 1-4:45 p.m., and phone is 446-5103. Workforce Texas Workforce Commission’s Rural Business Center is located at 313 N. Main. Contact Cynthia Jerman or James Powell at 446-6440 to ask about job information. The center also helps clients with resumes and updating job skills. They are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - noon and 1-5 p.m. Information is also available at www.workintexas.com.
The Rockdale Youth Softball League holds court at the softball complex which houses four fields and hosts district and state tournaments each summer.
Catfish, Shrimp, Seafood Platters, Rib-Eye Steak, Salmon, Chicken Fried Steak, BBQ, Delicious side dishes & MORE! Orders To-Go! (512) 446-6177 Convenient Drive-Thru window
Celebration? We can cater to your needs! Will even deliver locally.
CUSTOM CATERING 7-DAYS-A-WEEK!
You will be HOOKED, LINED & SUNK. 512-446-6177 313 W. Cameron Ave Rockdale
Monday-Sunday 5 AM - 9 PM Lee Parsley, owner
2012
Internet access To get your home or business connected to the World Wide Web, contact any of several local Internet Service Providers. FTM Broadband (wireless), Suddenlink (cable), SBC (modem, DSL), Texas-One Internet (modem, wireless).
F Y I
A big calendar of events for a small town
I
f you think there’s nothing to do here, you’re not trying very hard! Take part and experience Rockdale and the surrounding areas. Here is a list of just some of the events that take place each year:
8
2012
F Y I
January First Baby Contest, sponsored by The Rockdale Reporter. Over $1,000 in prizes from more than 50 area businesses awarded to Rockdale’s first arrival of the new year. Annual Cow Calf Clinic at the Milano Livestock Exchange, sponsored by the Milam County Extension Service. All-day event features speakers covering a range of topics relevant to today’s agricultural producer. February Black History Month, features articles in The Reporter by local writer Susie Sansom Piper and others, about local African-Americans making their mark on the world. Rockdale Chamber of Commerce also hosts a community celebration with music and a message. March Annual Tejas Art & Book Festival, downtown Rockdale. Features live entertainment, concessions, panel discussions, readings and sales of works by local and
Let us r be you own homet y! ac phar m
In February, a benefit for the Kay Theater saw “A Night in New Orleans”, which featured costumes and a Dixieland band. statewide artisans and authors, call 4462030. Rockdale Downtown Association’s annual auto and cycle show. Includes 26 categories. Held downtown behind Citizens National Bank.
Fast, reliable service Friendly staff Convenient drive-thru FREE Delivery in Rockdale and Lexington!
Thank you for your patronage!
We Care, From Your Hometown Pharmacy Andy Bowen, Pharmacist 512/446-3220 • FAX 512/446-3926 1525 W. Cameron • Rockdale
Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Rockdale Chamber of Commerce Banquet. A year-in-review, plus awards for Citizen of the Year, Organization of the Year, and Outstanding Citizen.
games of cards and dominoes. Dewberry Jam 5K Run/Walk, co-sponsored by Alpha Tau Delta and Alcoa. A fun run through west Rockdale which benefits our local parks.
Chamber of Commerce’s quarterly Market Day held the first Saturday of March, June, Sept. and Dec. Booths featuring arts and crafts, food, retail items, fresh produce and much more. Call 446-2030 for more information.
Silver Spurs, alumni association at The University of Texas, annual Spring Jam, held at Apache Pass. Live music and barbecue cookoff.
Out of the Darkness Community Walk held at Rockdale ISD’s Tiger Field. Raises funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
Nocturnal Fest, an electronic musical festival put on by Insomniac Productions, draws over 40,000 people to Apache Pass during its two day event. The festival includes four different stages with more than 50 musical acts.
Rockdale ISD Science Fairs, Art Shows and UIL contests. Youth excel with projects and art work and earn recognition for UIL awards. Also, catch RHS spring sports Tiger and Lady Tiger action. The MARC Run at The Ranch is a biker’s “play day,” last year’s event drew riders from all over Central Texas and raised money for the MARC Center and Milam County’s adult residents with physical and learning disabilities. The event is organized by the Bad to the Bone Riders motorcycle club. April City-sponsored “Clean Up Day.” Volunteers fan out across town to put a shine on area buildings, clear weeds and pick up trash.
May Mayfest Celebration. Rockdale Nights of Columbus hosts this event each year and features crafts, games and lots of good food. Mother’s Day Homecoming in Gause, folks come from near and far. Church service alternates between the Baptist and Methodist churches in Gause. “Relay For Life of Milam County,” benefiting the American Cancer Society. An all-night walk-a-thon which raises funds and salutes cancer survivors, sponsored by American Cancer Society. Email milamcountyrelay@gmail.com.
Longhorn Breeders Show. See the best of this iconic Texas breed of cattle at Fair Park.
Mike McFalls Memorial Golf Scramble Tournament sponsored by Rotary Club. Annual fund-raiser takes place at Rockdale Country Club. Call Homer Mowdy at 5480.
Spring Happening, sponsored by the Linwood Acres Garden Club. The event brings together ladies for lunch and
June Rockdale Homecoming. Brings together RHS graduates and families, from kids
Calendar of Events There is a plethora of unique events in Rockdale that can fill up your calender fairly quickly. From a visit by the 76th edition of the Carson-Barnes Circus in April (left), to the Rockdale Youth baseball league that sports 28 teams with 245 players with a flurry of first pitches in April. to seasoned citizens, for visiting and reminiscing.
Juneteenth Celebration, features history and refreshments, sponsored by the Original 12 Social & Civic Club. Thorndale VFD BBQ Cook-Off, Thorndale Revue, BBQ, a softball tournament, dances, arts & crafts and a turkey & dressing lunch. July July 4th Fireworks celebration, sponsored by Citizen’s National Bank. Enjoy a spectacular show. This event alternates between Rockdale and Cameron each year. Milano 4th of July parade, this annual event is the only Independence Day parade in Milam County. Rockdale Open Tennis Tournament. “Tennis at its Hottest” is the motto for this event, sponsored by the Rockdale Tennis Association. August School begins. Football two-a-days, volleyball drills, band practice and drill team practices all begin before the first days of class. September Community-wide Garage Sale, sponsored by the Chamber, first Saturday in September. Last year, sales were held at over 70 sites. Central Texas Hunting & Outdoor Expo, Apache Pass near Rockdale, featuring outdoor demonstrations and lessons, horseshoe/washer tournaments, vendors and exhibits, barbecue cookoff, Civil War re-enactment, children’s activities. Call
Gause Founder’s Day, Labor Day weekend, downtown Gause complete with parade, food, homemade baked goods contests and auctions. Milam County Area Go Texas Scholarship Fund-raiser at the KC Hall in Rockdale. Live musical entertainment and dinner to raise funds for scholarship fund. “Rally for the Walk...Walk MS 2012”, hosted by Kristi’s Krusaders, a local team raising money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Event includes motorcycle ride, barbecue, auctions and live entertainment. Held at Nat’s near Milano.
Community-wide Thanksgiving Service. An ecumenical service sponsored by the Rockdale Ministerial Alliance. December “All Aboard the Christmas Express” Yuletime celebration, sponsored by the Chamber. Features a night parade, tour of homes and entertainment in downtown Rockdale. Milano and Thorndale also hold Christmas parades.
Buddy Oney Toy Run, sponsored by the Bad to the Bone Riders motorcycle club, benefits the need children of Milam county through toys and/or donations. All the proceeds are split between the Milam County Child Protective Services and the Rockdale Christmas Roundup. New Year’s Eve Dance, sponsored by the Chamber, at Rockdale KC Hall. A fun time to ring in the New Year.
classic opportunities
October 6th Annual 5-Kay Run, Walk & Un-Run. Funds raised go toward restoration of the Kay Theater, with plans for a multi-purpose arts center. Download your entry form at rockdalereporter.com. Rockdale Fair, Rodeo & Livestock Show, sponsored by the Rockdale Fair Association. Biggest event of the year, located at Fair Park on the third full weekend of October. Features nightly rodeos and dances, arts and crafts, a livestock show and auction, a pet show, parade, queen and children’s pageants, food and more. Rockdale VFW Post 6525 fall chili cookoff and motorcycle run. Contact VFW Hall, 446-2708. November Veterans’ Day Parade, sponsored by the Chamber, honors our local heroes for their service to our country. Rockdale Downtown Association’s annual Membership Mixer, held at Patterson Civic Center on Mill Street, hear Rockdale Fair Park.
At Classic Bank, your opportunities are endless! Enjoy convenient services— from e-Statements to mobile banking—plus service that’s second to none. Convenience plus service. That’s Classic Banking— authentic, friendly, and always putting you first. 1707 West Cameron, Rockdale 512-446-9444 www.classicbank.com 7/11
F Y I
2012
Annual Red Hogan Classic Golf Tournament, Rockdale Country Club. Call 4462030 for more information.
Chamber, 446-2030.
9
The 7 Wonders of the World... 10
2012
F Y I
Okay, the Seven Wonders of Milam County, but you’ll be surprised! Stories and photography by Mike Brown, Reporter Editor The 7 Wonders of Milam County
Y
ou’ve probably heard the famous phrase for years—The Seven Wonders of the World. But what are they? Or, what were they? More importantly, don’t we have our own wonders closer to home? This issue of FYI hopes to answer some of those questions with a camera, some research and a huge dose of “let’s just have a little fun” whimsy. We’ve attempted to recreate the original Seven Wonders of the World in Milam County. You’ll find them scattered through these pages. First, what are the Seven Wonders of the World? That depends on which era you live in. There are many lists of different kinds of “wonders” in different eras.
There are lists of natural wonders, manmade wonders, technological wonders, sports wonders, and so on. But the original Seven Wonders referred to seven specific structures created by stunning human endeavors in the first century B.C. The list was compiled by Antipater of Sidon and Philon of Byzantium, who were sort of the Google Maps of their day. It actually served as a “bucket list” of sorts. Don’t die until you’ve seen these. (At least one of the “wonders”—The Temple of Diana at Ephesus—was actually marketed as a tourist attraction and a substantial industry grew up around it.)
Antipater and Philon’s list consisted of two tombs, two statues, a lighthouse, a garden and a temple. Ours is a church, a tomb, a house, a statue, a garden, a railroad viaduct and a grain storage business. Shamefully, we had to resort to the most base of puns to make one local wonder fit with its ancient counterpart. But that kind of exemplifies the spirit of this series. In each case we’ve provided our Milam County wonder and matched it up with one of the ancient wonders. So, don’t laugh. Well, actually, go ahead and laugh. We think you’ll enjoy this tour.
The statue of Ben
And what’s the point? Nothing really profound. Except, if you didn’t already know this, it doesn’t hurt to think about it every once in a while. There’s some really neat stuff in Milam County, Texas!
(The statue of Zeus)
“
Who will go with old Ben Milam into Bexar?” The date was Dec. 5, 1835, and Benjamin Rush Milam was headed toward his own death—and a kind of immortality—in what is now San Antonio. One hundred and three years later the iconic statue, depicting the Milam County namesake at the moment of that famous plea, was unveiled at the courthouse in Cameron. BEN—Milam, a native of Kentucky, served in the War of 1812 and came to Texas to trade with the Comanches. But he became a colonel in the Mexican Army, then got involved with what would turn into a war of independence and the Texas Revolution. The Texian Army had not planned to take Bexar (San Antonio) in December, 1835, but after Milam made his famous “who will go?” plea, 300 men volunteered and the Texians overran the city.
1. The Statue of Ben 2. The ‘Temple’ of St. Joseph’s 3. The Tomb of ‘Queen Ludee’ 4. The ‘Lighthouse at San Gabriel 5. The Colossus of ‘Roads’ 6. The Great Pyramids of Thorndale 7. The Hanging Garden of Camer-on
1
Milam was killed during the battle, shot in the head by a sniper on Dec. 7. As part of the Texas Centennial celebration in 1836, sculptor Bryant Baker
created the famous Milam statue in his New York City studio. It was unveiled in a ceremony July 17, 1938, by Lieutenant Governor Walter Woodul and Milam County Judge Jeff Kemp before a crowd estimated at 4,000, which included Milam’s grandniece Mary Frances White. A second Ben Milam statue was unveiled a month later at the downtown San Antonio park which bears his name. ZEUS—In the fifth century B.C, the famed Greek sculptor Phidias unveiled his 43-foot tall ivory and gold-plated bronze statue of Zeus (the Roman Jupiter), which became known as one of the “Seven Wonders of the World.” The statue was in a temple at Olympia, at the base of the mountain said to be the home of the gods. Phidias’s statue lasted about 800 years. It was either destroyed when the temple burned in 425 A.D. or moved to Constantinople and destroyed in the fire of 475 A.D. Both Zeus and Ben are holding something in their left hands, Zeus a gold scepter, Ben a Texian Army musket. The symbolism is clear. Take your chances with Zeus. But don’t mess with Ben.
C HEC K OUT ON FAC E BOO K.
The 7 Wonders
of Milam County
The ‘temple’ of St. Joseph’s at Crockett and Belton (The Temple of Diana at Ephesus)
T
2
By 1995, the former St. Joseph’s sanctuary was recognized for its historic importance by the Texas Legislature. That year the church building, and the lot on which it rests, was sold to another historic Rockdale entity, Rainbow Courts. It continues to be a part of the Rainbow Courts grounds today. Ironically, in another eight years, the church will have been at the Crockett Street location for 54 years, the same amount of time it stood at the original location, San Gabriel and Bell. ARSON—“Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” With those words, residents of the ancient city of Ephesus shouted down St. Paul and started a riot which ended with the apostle and his companions fleeing for their lives. (Acts 19:28) The citizens of Ephesus were serious about their cult devotion to a local form of the Greek goddess Artemis (whom the Romans called “Diana.”) There were at least three magnificent temples in Ephesus dedicated to Diana. The first stood from about 770 B.C. until it was destroyed by a flood about 550 B. C. It was replaced by the “Seven Wonders” temple, made of pure marble and taking over 200 years to construct. Which was then the scene of one of the great crimes of antiquity. On July 21, 356 B.C., a man named Herostratus set fire to the temple, burning up or charring and damaging virtually all of it beyond repair. Herostratus said he committed the act of arson because he wanted to become famous. It worked. He was executed, of course, but his name entered the Greek language in the phrase herostratic fame, which means an act committed solely from a desire for fame. For a time the Ephesians forbade anyone in the city to even mention the name “Herostratus,” sort of a 4th Century B. C. foreshadowing of Harry Potter’s Voldemort. A third temple, even larger than the second, was then constructed. It was destroyed by the Goths—the German tribe, not sullen kids wearing black lipstick—in 286 A.D. Meanwhile, millions of places of worship both grand and humble, dedicated
to the religion preached by St. Paul continue to flourish in places all over the world. Including Rockdale.
11
F Y I
2012
here are a lot of old churches in Milam County. And there are a lot of old church buildings, especially in its towns, that have been torn down. One very picturesque sancutary which has survived, and is even celebrating its 100th birthday this year, is the former St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, which has rested ont the corner of Belton and Crockett since 1966. It’s historical in a lot of ways. By 1912, Rockdale’s Catholic community was growing and ready for a new sanctuary at the corner of San Gabriel and Bell. Rockdale’s Catholic school, which taught students of all denominations, closed and money raised by selling the school building was put into a fund for a new church. That fund grew to $2,000. HISTORIC—Famed San Antonio architect Leo Dielmann was retained to design the church. Dielmann was architect for numerous chapels and churches in San Antonio including Fort Sam Houston and the city’s Catholic colleges. Dielmann also designed the Fairmount Hotel and the iconic Joske’s department store across the street from the Alamo. The Rockdale church’s cornerstone was set March 4, 1912, and the church was blessed, and dedicated to its patron, St. Joseph, on March 19. Notable for its era, at the June dedication ceremonies, the St. Joseph’s congregation recognized the contributions of two of Rockdale’s African-American citizens, Eli Floyd and Demphey Humford, who put in many hours working on the building. St. Joseph’s Altar Society held numerous “basket dinner” sales at the home of Agnes Cooke, wife of Reporter Publisher John Esten Cooke, to raise money for sanctuary items. PRESERVATION—By 1952, St. Joseph’s—which had been a mission church, first of Cameron, then of Taylor—became a self-sustaining parish. The church grew so much in the next decade that a new sanctuary was needed, and in the mid-1960s one was built. The usual practice would have been to tear down the old church. But, instead, in July, 1966, it was moved to the corner of Crockett and Belton. The new St. Joseph’s was dedicated on March 19, 1967. ‘NEW’ LIFE—The now 55-year-old sanctuary, began serving other Rockdale congregations, a role it would continue through the next three decades.
The 7 Wonders
of Milam County
12
2012
F Y I
I
The tomb of ‘Queen Ludee’ in Rockdale
t’s not the oldest tomb in Rockdale’s Old City Cemetery. It might be the largest, but that’s not really the point. “The Redding Crypt” is probably Rockdale’s most mysterious tomb and it’s certainly the most eye-catching. When you enter the venerable old burial ground, just across the railroad tracks on Main Street, your eyes are naturally drawn to a large granite block that’s unlike any other on the historysoaked premises. It bears the name “Redding,” and it’s the only aboveground tomb in the place, and maybe in Milam County. A couple of minutes poking around the plot reveals the crypt—there’s really no other word—is the final resting place of Alpha Louise (Ludee) Kidd Redding, who lived from 1854 to 1928. But questions come to mind: • Why is it only Mrs. Redding who is buried above ground? Her husband, John Nicholas Redding, is in a conventional below-ground grave just to the south. • Why does Mrs. Redding’s crypt contain an iron-and-glass door, leading to nothing but an inscribed granite wall? • The door has a latch and something made to look like a keyhole. Why? Is there actually a key and, if so, who has it? What purpose could there be in unlocking a door to nowhere? DETECTIVE—Ace genealogist Linda Whorton, an employee of The Reporter, turned detective and tracked down about as much as we’re likely to ever know of the Redding family. In addition to Mrs. Redding’s crypt there are two other family members buried inside an ancient, but still stately, rusting iron fence surrounding the plot. One is her husband, John Nicholas Redding (1850-1887) and the other is John’s brother Lafayette Redding (18561889). John Redding’s grave is crowned by a 12-foot obelisk which would look much grander if it weren’t next to his wife’s crypt. The tandem graves are oddly reminiscent of the king and queen on a chess board. SADDLERS—John and Ludee are listed as Rockdale residents in the 1880 census, taken six years after Rockdale was founded. He and brother Lemuel L. (Lafayette) Redding listed their occupations as saddlers, crafting saddles and harnesses. John first shows up in the 1860 census, at age 10, living in Florence with parents T. P. and Sarah Redding. By the 1870 census he’s in Bryan with his mother, brother Lafayette and an older sister, Mattie. Sarah, Lafayette and Mattie were list-
(The tomb of King Mausolus in Halicarnassus)
3
ed as members of a separate Rockdale household in 1880. Whorton’s research found that Ludee Kidd (later Redding) was born in Louisiana. Louisiana, where New Orleans graves are above ground because the water table is so close to the surface. Part of the city is below sea level. Does that heritage explain why Ludee Redding has an above-ground crypt in Rockdale? That answer is lost in the mists, currents and eddies of history. Rest quietly, Ludee Redding, It’s been so many years. Widowed at thirty-three, Would have been a time for tears. Your resting place is peaceful, It’s stately, granite, grand. It draws the eye, beguiles the mind. Unique in all our land. Eighty-four years departed, Of life you had your fill. In heat and cold and endless time, Your crypt stands on our hill.—M.B.
KINGLY—The most spectacular tomb of the ancient western world, and the one which became part of the Seven Wonders, was that of King Mausolus in Halicarnassus, what was then called Asia Minor. In fact, Mausolus’s very name survived as the modern word “mausoleum,” which means any grand, ornate tomb, or any place the Chicago Cubs attempt to play baseball. No wonder. His tomb stood 150 feet high, with a commanding view of the harbor. Each of its four sides was decorated with ornate reliefs by four different renowned Greek sculptors. The tomb was built as a tribute by his wife, Artemesia, who survived him by only two years. She was also buried in the as yet unfinished tomb.
It was completed about 350 B.C. and lasted a very long time. It was probably toppled by an earthquake between 1100 and 1400 A. D. In 1402 the Crusader Knights of St. John of Jerusalem used stones from the broken mausoleum to fortify their castle at Bodrum. Some ruins survive even today.
The 7 Wonders
of Milam County
13
(The lighthouse at Alexandria)
Y
ou can see it forever from the south across the rolling prairie that is Milam County. From the intersection of FM 908 and FM 486 (photo above) you’re still many miles from Zane and Eunice Stigall’s unique home just out of San Gabriel but you’ve been watching it for many miles along 908, peeping in and out of the oaks and cornfields. Like a lighthouse on land. It’s one of the more unique homes in Milam County or anywhere else. When the Stigalls retired from Houston to build their dream house on FM 486 near San Gabriel in 2007-08, it started out to be a one-story structure. Then Zane picked up a catalog for metal buildings, saw one with a tower, liked it and asked master builder Charles Bland of Rockdale about the possibility of incorporating one into the home. Bland did exactly that, figuring out a way to add a tower of wood, instead of metal. The tower stands 50 feet high, offers a commanding view of the San Gabriel River Valley and western Milam County and became an instant landmark. People didn’t even wait for the house to be finished to make it a celebrity. During construction, motorists on the farm-market road would pull in and ask the builders if it was a church and many other type structures. SHINING BRIGHT—The lighthouse at Alexandria was constructed on the island of Pharos just off the coast of
4
‘It’s one of the most unique homes in Milam County— or anywhere else.’ Alexandria, Egypt, the most “Greek” enclave outside Greece in the ancient world. Named for Alexander the Great—who famously sat down and wept because there were no countries left for him to conquer—the city boasted the ancient world’s finest library and was a hub of commerce, education and culture. It was decided Alexandria would have the world’s finest lighthouse to guide sailors from the Mediterranean Sea to its harbor. The lighthouse was built between 280 and 247 B.C. and stood a staggering (for its day) 450 feet high. That would have been second in height only to the Great Pyramid. At the top, a mammoth mirror reflected the light of the sun during the day and a huge fire was built at night. It’s not true that three ancient Texans arrived one night thinking it was a barbecue. The light could be seen by ships far out at sea. Since it was on a small island, a causeway was built linking it to the mainland. Also, since the lighthouse was vulnerable to continual pounding of the waves,
its masonry blocks were interlocked and sealed with molten lead. But it was damaged by three earthquakes and disappeared entirely in 1480 when the city’s ruler built a fortress on the site. In 1994, archeologists discovered ruins of the famous lighthouse in the harbor and satellite imagery has revealed additional ruins, also under water.
2012
The ‘lighthouse’ at San Gabriel
F Y I
The 7 Wonders
of Milam County
The Colossus of ‘Roads’ 14
(The Colossus of Rhodes)
2012
FO Y I
kay, so this one’s a stretch. But just ask the residents of Milano about their “colossus,” because they live with it. The massive, half-mile-long, railroad viaduct which carries US 79, US 190 and Texas 36 across the Burlington Northern Santa Fe tracks is certainly an engineering marvel. It replaced an older, narrower, infamous, viaduct in 1989. Why infamous? The older viaduct was the site of the Nov. 5, 1960, crash which killed budding country music superstar Johnny Horton (“The Battle of New Orleans”, “North to Alaska.”) The Colussus was the subject of more than a little controversy when it was constructed in 1988-89. Residents feared the structure would “cut Milano in half.” It was termed “The Great Wall” and at least one resident in a public hearing referred to it as “The Berlin Wall.” It certainly is impressive. The actual railroad crossing boasts more columns than an issue of The Rockdale Reporter. It could easily pass for a Greek or Roman temple of another era. The colussus is constructed from 1,800-pound hexagonal blocks, has a 26-foot clearance at the tracks and an elaborate zigzag road underpass. “I suppose we’ll get used to it,” a Milano resident said, after construction started in 1988. And, indeed, everyone has. SUN GOD—The real Colussus of Rhodes had the shortest “life,” and the biggest myth, of any of the original Seven Wonders. It was a titanic bronze statue of Helios, the sun god, standing in the harbor of the Aegean Sea island of Rhodes. It took 12 years to build (292 to 280 B.C), by the famed sculptor Chares of Lindos, frustrating centuries of history students who wanted to spell his name “Charles.” It stood for only 54 years before and earthquake knocked it down in 226 B.C. The ruins remained for almost 1,000 years. They were hauled off n 654 A. D. But a myth endures. You can find dozens of illustrations—like the one shown here—depicting the Colossus as straddling the harbor with ships sailing in and out under its legs. Scholars believe this is a misrepresentation of its dedication text line “over
5
“The Colussus was the subject of more than a little controversy when it was constructed in 1988-89. Residents feared the structure would “cut Milano in half.” land and sea.” It’s fairly certain the Colossus stood on one pedestal. It was impressive enough without any embellishment.
The Colussus was 108 feet high and was placed on a 60-foot pedestal, by far the highest statue in the ancient Greek world. Its distant cousin survives. She’s a lady in New York harbor. No kidding, the Statue of Liberty purposely evokes the scale and grandeur of the old Colossus. (She also holds a torch,) In fact, Emma Lazarus’s famous “give me your tired, your poor...poem” inscribed into Miss Liberty is titled “The New Colossus” and begins: “Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land..”
Anderle Lumber Company
• Home Building Materials • Farm & Ranch Supplies • Gift Items • Lawn & Garden • Plumbing • Electrical
st “Weʼre more than ju a lumber yard!” (254) 697-2251 Family Owned & Operated Since 1947 (254) 697-6449 1300 W. Fourth St. • Cameron, Texas
The 7 Wonders
of Milam County
The Great Pyramids of Thorndale 15
2012
F Y I
L
ongtime Milam County residents, just think back to when you were kids. Didn’t Thorndale’s former cottonseed complex remind you of the pyramids? The 90-foot tall Milam County landmarks are still in use but now they store grains. They’ve been a part of Thorndale Co-Op Gin Grain since 1997. Thorndale’s “pyramids” aren’t really pyramid-shaped, of course. Their true oblong configurations are evident in views from downtown Thorndale and across US 79 to the north. But from the east and west, especially the west, their distinctive triangular appearance has prompted more than one “daddy, look at the pyramids!” squeal from the back seat during the past seven decades. The complex dates back to at least the 1920s, but it was renovated after a tornado caused serious damage in the early 1940s. Thorndale’s former cotton seed mill used to be the source of memories in other sensory areas too. Many longtime Milam residents can remember the savory aromas wafting through the air when the mill was in operation. Cottonseed oil is a cooking oil, often compared to peanut oil, and it was once extracted—steamed out of the seed—on
6
(The Great Pyramids of Egypt) a massive scale in Thorndale, leaving an aroma similar to a giant deep fryer. Among those who can recall the pleasant, stomach-grumbling scent is Jerry Biar, manager of Thorndale Co-Op Gin Grain. Some thought it reminiscent of baking ham. The “pyramids” are an integral part of Thorndale life, giving the town of 1,300 a “skyline” markedly different from others of its size. They have been the site of giant lighted stars during the Christmas season. They make it almost impossible to lose your bearings anywhere in Thorndale. Just glance over your shoulder.
The pyramids once provided the footing for a spectacular news photo in The Reporter several decades ago when Publisher Bill Cooke scaled one of the structures to take a train derailment photo. You might say Thorndale is truly “on point.” Three of them. OLD ‘GIZAS’—While the other six Wonders of the World might need some explanation, this one needs none. The Great Pyramids of Giza. just north of Cairo, are the First Wonder of the World and by far the most famous. Tombs for Egyptian rulers, the pyramids were considered ancient when the first lists of the Seven Wonders were
compiled in the second century B. C. And they’re still here, the only one of the Seven Wonders to survive into modern times. It’s staggering to recall that the Great Pyramid of Cheops was believed to be the tallest building in the world until eclipsed by the cathedral in Lincoln, England, 1311. That means the Great Pyramid was the world’s tallest structure for 4,000 years The pyramids are believed to be over 5,000 years old. How old is that? Geologists say it takes more than a thousand years to weather down rocks, minerals and other materials into an inch of topsoil. So, in a very real way, the Great Pyramids of Egypt are “older than dirt.”
221-225 E. Cameron Ave. • Rockdale 512/446-5838 • Fax 512/446-5317
The 7 Wonders
of Milam County
The Hanging Gardens of Camer-on 16
2012
F Y I
(The Hanging Gardens of Babylon)
F
rom a dream by a longtime Milam County resident to a county landmark and point of pride. That’s the story of Cameron’s Triangle Community Garden, a lush, colorful and peaceful oasis in the midst of three busy streets on the county seat’s north side. Cameron resident Connie Anderle often drove by the site, what was once a debris-strewn triangle of land cut off by Washington, 21st and 22nd Streets. But, at Anderle’s urging, the new Little River Basin Master Gardeners, orga-
7
nized in 2005, took on the task of transforming the triangle. And what a transformation it became. The “green spot” now boasts a rose garden, butterfly garden, gazebo, short trails, arches with hanging vines and all kinds of blooming flowers. It’s a peaceful place to pause and reflect in the midst of a busy day, or just to smile and admire in passing. The garden is adjacent to two Cameron schools and it’s brightened many a “pick up the kids” trip for moms and others. In 2007 the Triangle Garden won the Texas Municipal League’s Municipal Excellence Award in City Spirit. It’s also one of the state’s few Wildscape Demonstration Sites, so designated by the Texas Parks & Wildlife
www.rockdalereporter.com
Department. IN THE SKY—The famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon were attributed to Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar II, and yes he’s the one in the Bible. While they’re always listed as one of the “Seven Wonders of the World,” they are the only one for which no indisputable substantial evidence exists. The story goes that in the 6th Century B.C. Nebuchadnezzar’s wife Amytis despaired of living in the desert land of Texas—uh, Babylon—and grieved for the lush green plants of her native Media. So the king built her a magnificent garden in the sky, a terraced stone structure with many “hanging” plants, irrigated with water from the Euphrates River. The gardens were supposedly destroyed by a series of earthquakes in the 2nd Century B.C. Ironically, the Euphrates changed course over time and some archeologists believe if any ruins of the Hanging Gardens still exist they are under the river.
High Fashions at Competitive Prices Right Here in Your Hometown! For the Do-It-Yourselfer to an Array of New Window and Floor Coverings
Brands You Can Trust!
Competitive Pricing!
Guaranteed Installation !
Quality is our #1 Goal!
Rockdale Floor Covering 512-446-2421
Gary Darby • www.rockdalefloorcoveringco.com 1804 W. Cameron ~ Rockdale
Subscribe Today! Tom Manskey (center) congratulated by Collier Perry (R) as City Manager Kelvin Knauf looks on.
Reporter Editor
“I believe Rockdale and Milam County have a lot going for them. We’re close to a lot of urban growing areas.”—Tom Manskey
om Manskey, the first-ever executive director of Rockdale’s Municipal Development District (MDD), wasn’t fazed by coming to a small Texas town which has lost its main industry. He’s been there and done that. Manskey has a quarter century experience in economic development in both large and small venues. He was executive director of the Daingerfield Main Street Program from 1987 to 1989, just after Lone Star Steel shut down its long-time plant there. Most recently (2009-2010) he was director of the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce, dealing with economic issues in one of the fastest growing areas of the nation. “I believe Rockdale and Milam County have a lot going for them,” he said. “We’re close to a lot of growing urban areas.” ORIENTATION—Manskey’s first day on the job was March 19. “The executive director’s office will be in the Bit of History building, 114 East Cameron, for at least a year,” Gary Griesbach, MDD president said. Manskey was offered the position after a lengthy interview process. Griesbach said 12 candidates applied. That number was reduced to three finalists and Manskey was selected. “We feel fortunate to get him,” Griesbach said. “We are preparing an orientation period.”
RESUME—Manskey has been in the private insurance business in Pflugerville since January, 2011. He had previously been involved with economic development with several municipalities. After Daingerfield he went on to Port Arthur, serving as economic development director. For six years he was president of the Rockwall Chamber of Commerce on the edge of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Manskey was then president of the Lufkin-Angelina County Chamber of Commerce. From 2003-2009 he was president of the Fort Smith, Arkansas, Chamber of Commerce, one of that state’s major metropolitan areas. He coordinated and led regional recruitment and retention efforts which resulted in over 4,000 new jobs within the Fort Smith city limits, and 6,000 in a six-county region, within a five-year period. Manskey returned to Texas in 2009 and became president of the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce. There, he was responsible for planning, coordination and execution of long-term and short term programs to achieve economic development, community and organizational goals. Manskey is a native of the Dallas area and is a graduate of (Southwest) Texas State University.
Former Round Rock Chamber president eyes new businesses, jobs for Rockdale
T
By MIKE BROWN
Subscribe to $26.00 for print subscription in Milam County $30.00 for print subscription elsewhere in Texas $37.00 for print subscription outside of Texas For an online subscription or online-print combination, go to www.rockdalereporter.com to subscribe. Name
____________________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________________ City _________________________ State E-mail
___________ Zip __________
_____________________________ Phone No. _______________
Card # _______________________________ Expires _______________ Mail coupon with payment to: The Rockdale Reporter, Box 552, Rockdale, TX 76567
221-225 E. Cameron • Rockdale, Texas 512/446-5838 • www.rockdalereporter.com
F Y I
2012
First MDD director on the job already
The Rockdale Reporter is your source for news in and around Milam County!
17
Looking for something to do? Check here Whether you’re still a kid or just a kid at heart, there are lots of outdoor recreation opportunities in the area. Take time to enjoy some of what the area has to offer.
SWIMMING HOLES
18
2012
F Y I
While some of the most popular outdoor locations in the Rockdale area are for fishing, they also double as some of the top recreational facilities as well. If you’re looking for swimming, camping and boating, some of the same places you can throw a line, you can throw a family get together as well. Granger, Somerville, Bryan, Bastrop and Belton all have an abundance of recreational facilities available. Granger Lake has swimming beaches, three campgrounds, screened shelters, sewer hookups, group shelters and horse trails. The cost to enter the park is $4 per car load. Lake Somerville offers camping, picnicking and swimming and there is ample room on its 11,456 acre surface area for sailboating, windsurfing and jet skiing. It costs $3 to get in the park. Lake Bryan offers camping and plenty of space for water sports with 829 acres of surface area. There is also lots of room for picnicking. It costs $5 per vehicle for day pass. Lake Bastrop offers 900 surface acres of water suitable for boating, fishing, swimming and water skiing. The park also offers lots of room for camping and hiking, including 10.5 miles of trails to explore. It costs $4 per person 13 and older and $2 per person 13 and older. Belton Lake also has plenty of room for all types of family activities. There are a total of 48 camp sites surrounding the lake and including hot showers. There are 100 picnic sites, 11 boat ramps, seven pavilions and two marinas to serve your every need. The cost to enter the park is $1 per person, with a maximum charge of $4 per vehicle. Man Made If man-made swimming holes are what you’re looking for, Rockdale and neighboring Taylor can provide an inexpensive and refreshing dip for you and your family. The Rockdale City Pool located in Veterans Memorial Park is open from Tuesday through Sunday during the summer months. It’s open from 1-6 p.m. each day and cost is $3 for all ages. The city of Taylor can claim a top-notch swimming facility in the Murphy Aquatic Center, built in the year 2000 with a $1.2 million grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife. Located at Lake Drive and Main Street, its hours are noon to 7 p.m. Tues. through Sat. and from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. There is no charge for kids up to three years old. It’s $2 for kids ages 4-12 and $3 for 12-59. Seniors 60 and older are
When Pearce Loth of Rockdale joined Dean and Bradley Betak of Thorndale on a fishing trip in Brushy Creek near Thorndale recently, he was not expecting to land this critter. It’s a five-pound eel, and it not only had teeth but put off an electric shock to the touch. $2. Pool passes are also available ranging from $45 to $90. Swimming lessons are available through the YMCA. The City of Thorndale also has a swimming pool located in the city park. Pool hours are 1:30-5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and 2-6 p.m. Sunday. Admissions are $3 for adults an $2 for kids. Cameron has also opened up a new city pool at Cameron Park, located at 3900 N. Fannin. Cost is $3 for those ages 3 and up with pool hours noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday.
FISHING HOLES Little River
Location: Little River flows generally southeast for 75 miles to join the Brazos River in Milam County and the 33 mile section that is contained entirely in Milam County is best accessed in Cameron. There are five entry ways in Cameron, the closest off of FM 1600, which is eight miles south of Cameron. Distance from Rockdale: 20 to 40 miles, depending on where you throw your line. Stocked with: White bass, crappie, channel cat, blue cat, yellow cat and eels. Catch of the day: Channel cat. Fishing cover: The river along the Milam County stretch flows through relatively flat farm land and no rapids are encountered. The river is slow moving and contains heavy vegetation along its banks. The banks are steep and muddy, which makes access to the river at road crossings rather difficult. Water quality is fair although it usually has a murky appearance. There is normally adequate water for recreational use.
Granger Lake
Location: On the San Gabriel River near the towns of Granger and Taylor on County Road 971. Distance from Rockdale: 30 miles. Stocked with: White bass, crappie, catfish.
Catch of the day: Crappie is the most popular sportfish in this reservoir. Large numbers of legal-size crappie are present. Channel, flathead and blue catfish are present in good numbers. White bass are also present and provide a consistent fishery. Largemouth bass are present in small numbers and provide a marginal fishery.
R
Fishing cover: Granger Lake is dominated by flooded willows, stumps and laydowns. L Generally speaking, it is a very shallow t reservoir with turbid water. The best cover/ o structure can be found in the old creek D channels, main-lake humps and ridges and S up the San Gabriel River. In the main lake m submerged man-made brush piles consis- w tently attract crappie. C l b Lake Somerville Location: On Yegua Creek in Washington t F County off Highway 36. s Distance from Rockdale: 45 miles. Stocked with: Largemouth bass, white and a hybrid striped bass, bluegill, channel, blue a and flathead catfish, white and black crap- u T pie. Catch of the day: Bass anglers know this T lake well as a high quality fishery, especially during the spring spawning run. However, the lake offers very good fishing for hybrid L bass, channel cat and crappie as well. F Largemouth bass are not quite as abunS dant, but good catches are reported with D fish up to 10 pounds being occasionally S caught. c Fishing cover: This lake offers very little C shoreline cover or structure. During high a water periods, flooded terrestrial vegetation f is the predominant cover available for fish. b d c F continued on next page e c t o i l
L o D S c C q s e s 2 F h A t a a t
B D H P D D G & C H a P
Recreation
continued from previous page
Belton Lake
Location: Five miles northwest of Belton, on the Leon River in Bell and Coryell counties off FM 317. Distance from Rockdale: 60 miles Stocked with: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel and flathead catfish, white and hybrid striped bass and sunfish. Catch of the day: Belton Lake is a popular lake for hybrid striped bass and can also be a good largemouth bass lake at certain times of the year. Fishing cover: Most of the shoreline is very steep, rocky habitat. Majestic tall bluffs and long rocky points are most common, although sand and mud flats can be found up the Leon River and Cowhouse arms. The lake has little or no aquatic vegetation. Timber is also limited.
19
Lake Bryan
Location: Five miles northwest of Bryan, off FM 1687 (Sandy Point Road) from OSR (Old San Antonio Road) in Brazos County. Distance from Rockdale: 47 miles Stocked with: Largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and sunfish. Catch of the day: Largemouth bass anglers are most successful during early spring and fall. Most successful anglers fish from a boat around the abundant rip rap along the dam as well at the end of the discharge canal. Fishing cover: Very little natural cover exists in Lake Bryan. The most common cover is the abundant rip rap rock around the extensive dam structure on both sides of the lake. There are a few old tire reefs in deep water that were installed when the lake was built.
Lake Bastrop
Location: Two miles northeast of Bastrop, off TX 21-E in Bastrop County. Distance from Rockdale: 53 miles Stocked with: Largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and sunfish. Catch of the day: Lake Bastrop is a highquality bass lake. It has been heavily stocked with Florida largemouth bass. However, it is not noted for producing trophysize bass; most of those caught range from 2 to 5 pounds. Fishing cover: Well-defined creek channels, humps and drop offs provide structure. Anglers should use electronics to locate these features. Large stands of submerged aquatic vegetation provide cover. Limited amount of standing timber is available in the back of some coves.
GOLF COURSES
Rockdale Country Club
Built: 1962 Designer: Leon Howard Holes: 9 Par: 36 Distance: 3,318 yards Driving range/putting: Yes Green fees: $13 (Tues.-Fri.); $18 (Sat.-Sun. & holidays). Cart rental: $17 Hours: Tues-Fri. 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Phone: (512) 446-4013
The Rockdale city swimming pool, located at Veteran’s Park, is open from 1-6 p.m. and admission is $3 for all ages.
Cameron Country Club Built: 1917 Holes: 9 Par: 35 Distance: 2,781 Driving range: Yes Green Fees: $10 (9 holes); $18.48 (18) Cart rental: $10 Hours: Tues.-Sun. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Phone: (254) 697-2371
Copperas Hollow Country Club in Caldwell Built: 1963 Designer: Buster and Jackie Cupit Holes: 9 Par: 36 Distance: 3,190 Driving range/putting: Yes Green fees: Tues. & Thurs $21 (All Day Play Green fee and cart rental); Wed. & Fri. $11.50; Sat.-Sun $15 Cart rental: $14 Hours: Tues.-Sun. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Phone: (979) 567-4422
Taylor Mustang Creek Country Club Built: 1924 Holes: 9 Par: 34 Distance: 2,523 Driving range/putting: Yes Green fees: Mon.-Thurs. $20 (Srs-Jrs $15); Fri.-Sun $25 Cart rental: Mon.-Thurs. $21.65; Fri-Sun $27.06 Hours: 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Phone: (512) 365-1332
PARKS
Wolf Park Located in the heart of downtown Rockdale, Wolf Park has been adopted by the Rockdale Rotary Club and the club donated funds to construct the pavillion that now sits at the park. The park’s proximity to the historic Rockdale I&GN Railroad Depot puts it in a prime spot to be used for civic activities. The park is named after the former Wolf Hotel, where train travelers would spend the night between stops. “We want lots of green space so people can picnic,” Denice Doss said. “We’d also like to see concerts and maybe a community band formed. Just lots of community events.” Sumuel, Moultrie Parks Located on the east side of town, there is a movement afoot to begin positive renovations on Moultrie Park and to establish a new area, Sumuel Park.
A committe has also been formed to try and define issues for the entire east side of Rockdale and work on a timetable for improvements. Moultrie Park sits behind the Aycock High School building which has been in decline for years. The Sumuel family donated a new tract of land at Martin Luther King and 5th street for a proposed park. The parks committe has applied for a small community grant for Sumuel Park which would mean matching funds would have to be secured by the city. “It’s a great place to have a park,” said Doss. “It’s right in the center of the community and would be great for families and children.” It is the same kind of grant the city used to spruce up Veteran’s Park near the swimming pool. A grant has been requested for Moultrie Park that would allow the city to build a softball field there.
OVERWORKED & UNAPPRECIATED?? Kat’s Muscle Mystique Massage Therapy
Kathy Gunn, LMT., CCMP State Licensed Massage Therapist
1-877-400-2408 By appointment only
2012
F Y I
Library is more than book shelves Computer room, research facilities are available
20
2012
F Y I
I
By LINDA WHORTON
n 1953-54 the library was actually started with 2,300 books donated by the citizens and the Texas State Library. October 17, 1954, the public was invited to an open house. In 1957, a lot donated by the heirs of E.M. Scarbrough to the city was offered as the site for a proposed George Sessions Perry Memorial Library. Perry was an author and native son of Rockdale. Hope for a Perry Library faded, however, due to funds being unavailable at that time. In 1961, Dr. George Hill Patterson made a $12,500 donation in memory of his mother who was born in Rockdale. The city provided matching funds and on May 25, 1963 the dedication of the new Lucy Hill Patterson Library was held. Dr. Patterson was pleased with the acceptance and operation of the library and provided a generous gift in his will for library expansion. In 1980 the library was completely remodeled, tripling in size with a second story. Over the years Dr. Patterson has given the library some real treasures. Several of the art works are valued over $6,000 each, an early Paradise Lost was valued at $10,000 several years ago (we have some history on previous owners of the book). There is a first edition Gone with the Wind and two letters from Margaret Mitchell politely refusing to autograph his copy, a letter documented by the Smithsonian in the ‘60s from George Washinton, dated August 18, 1873, proclaiming Timothy Brinleymount an American spy who helped in the Revolution. There are many, many valuable first-edition books and a Louis the XIV writing desk along with other 19th century antiques. The library has many of the Post magazines containing George Sessions Perry articles along with many of his published works. There is a GSP collection of photos and memorabilia. In June 1998 the city purchased the Vogel Building, built in 1936 as a variety store. Traces of its high art deco style can still be seen in the Carrara glass tiles on the façade and the terrazzo floor at the West Cameron street entrance. The library board of directors, supported by the city council, purchased the Vogel building in June 1998, with a vision to expand the library area to 9,350 square feet. Community volunteers began work on the Vogel building March 23, 2002. Generous donations from Tocker and Alcoa Foundations, the City of Rockdale and community members made possible the renovation of the Vogel building and refurbishment of the existing library. Architect—David Voelter, Voelter Associates, Inc., Georgetown, Texas Contractor—Alpha Constructors, Temple,
LOCATION 201 Ackerman Street Rockdale, TX 76567 512-446-3410 STAFF Melanie Todd, Library Director mtodd@rockdalecityhall.com Staff: Karen Newton, Sue Brown HOURS Tues-Wed: 10am-6pm Thurs: 10am-8pm Fri: 10am-6pm Sat: 10am-2pm Sun-Mon: Closed Website: www.rockdalelibrarytx.org pattersonlib@rockdalecityhall.com DID YOU KNOW? Currently the library contains 32,782 books, plus books on CD, 504 audio books, and 138 DVD movies available to check out. There are 13,505 patrons, and state-assigned population is 12,588 (percentage of Milam County population served by our library).
Texas Roofing Contractor—Bland Construction, Rockdale Community volunteers raised funds and performed demolition work before contractors completed construction in April 2003. The neighboring Vogel Building was purchased by the library board 1998. Library renovation and Vogel expansion project began in 2002. A re-dedication reception held April 29, 2003, celebrated the completion of the project. With a staff of three and an active volunteer program, a variety of programs and services are offered to patrons of all ages. The library currently works closely with the Literacy Volunteers of Milam County and the Milam County Genealogical Society and is a member of the Central Texas Library System. Library History Inception to 1993 By BARBARA THOMPSON
January 1954 – 1st meeting by citizens hoping to establish a town library. Basic problems discussed; decided to call an oldfashioned “town hall” community-wide meeting. Some top library officials in the state met with the group. Of 254 counties in Texas only 65 were without public library service. Milam County was one of the have-nots. Adult citizens were permitted to check out books from the high school library at that time.
Rockdale’s Lucy Hill-Patterson Library is open Tuesday through Saturday. Rockdale Public Library officially opened in part of one room on second floor at City Hall. One thousand books on loan from the Texas State Library. Volunteer librarians trained by Eleanor Warren. Money and books collected door to door. (Rockdale’s population was 2,321). In June 1954 the city wide survey was made by 100 volunteer workers. The response was enthusiastic with offers of
books, money and time in helping to start and maintain a library. In July 1954, there was an all city push for money and books while members of the Rockdale Library Association installed bookshelves. October 17, 1954, the public was invited to attend open house for the debut of RockContinued on next page
Woelfel Automotive ~ Brian Woelfel ~ 512-898-5383 Thorndale
Milam Genealogical Society hunts family histories
CITY LIBRARY
By LINDA WHORTON
Librarians Melanie Todd, Karen Newton and Sue Brown oversee 32,000 books. Rockdale. That bequest was also sufficient to fund expansion of the library. In January 1980 expansion plans were awarded for construction. Remodeling tripled floor space and added the upstairs area. The rededication and open house were scheduled for Oct. 19, 1980. (Rockdale’s population was 5,500.) Rockdale’s library is a member of Central Texas Library System (CTLS) which donated hardware and software. The library offers these services: • Computer catalog search in 24 other Central Texas libraries • Books are available from other libraries for cost of postage • Milam County genealogical group meets in library. • Apple computers are available for library patrons • Rockdale Reporter files from 1902 forward on microfilm • Volunteers and library staff team up to provide a book truck to Manor Oaks Nursing home residents. • During the school year the library conducts weekly story time sessions for children and sponsors a Summer Reading Program for children. Rockdale is blessed with a super genealogy section in Lucy Hill Patterson Memorial Library, that is maintained and sponsored by the Milam County Genealogical Society. In addition to the multitudes of books on Milam and surrounding counties, biographies of noteable locals and Texans, there is a comprehensive newspaper microfilm collection of The Reporter (early 1900’s to present), The Thorndale Thorn and The Cameron Herald. Organized in 1956-57, The Friends of the Library has been a strong supporter of library programs and has supplied funds for books and equipment through the years. Among other fundraisers, Friends of the Library sponsor twice a year used book sales at the library.
WEB SITE The official Milam County Genealogical Society website: http://www.lksfriday.com/MILAM/. All material from the old address has been moved to this site as is, with updating and revising of pages still underway, so please be patient until changes can be made. Lynna Kay Shuffield is still managing this site for the MCGS.
• BREAKFAST ALL DAY!
• FRESHEST SALAD BAR IN TOWN! • DAILY SPECIALS - All Day! Fresh Baked Rolls, Pies, Buns, Cookies & more!
HAMBURGER HAPPY HOUR! THURSDAY 5-8 PM
Regular, Jalapeno or Whole Wheat Homemade Buns Monday-Saturday 6am-8pm • Sunday 6am-2pm
I
HOMEMADE!
Busy Bea Cafe & BAKERY
1200 W. Cameron • Rockdale • 512-446-7774
21
F Y I
2012
dale’s “grass roots” public library. Just 9 months since the special meeting with state library officials to discuss the preliminaries. Three hundred fifty attended. It was a big success financially and socially. The first paid librarian was hired in May 1955. (Lee Ida Hairston, who was just out of high school.) At this time the library was expanded to two rooms in City Hall. The city paid the librarian ($50 a month), the utilities, and allowed free rent for the library. The anniversary ball in Nov. 1955 revealed 400 members and almost 3,000 catalogued volumes. Another fund-raising ball was held in Feb. 1957. In April 1957 the city offered a downtown lot (the Scarbrough lot) owned by the city as site for proposed George Sessions Perry Memorial Library. Perry, native son of Rockdale, gained nationwide fame as a writer. The lot was deeded to the city in 1939 by heirs of E.M. Scarbrough to be used for a public library or other civic building. In 1961, the new library seemed virtually assured with the announcement (a letter to then Mayor, Linwood Mehaffey) that a California neurosurgeon, Dr. George Patterson, wished to make a $12,500 donation in memory of his mother who was born in Rockdale. Dr. Patterson made arrangements for his personal library, first-edition books, antique furniture and art to be donated to the library. The start of the financial drive coincided with the arrival in Rockdale of Dr. Patterson. He got his first look at Rockdale, his first meeting with the board and his first visit with Rockdale people. Arrangements for his donations were made. The Lucy Hill Patterson Memorial Library was dedicated May 25, 1963 and featured Supreme Court Justice Tom C. Clark as principal speaker. (Rockdale’s population was 4,655.) Prior to Dr. Patterson’s death in 1976, his fiscal agent confirmed the surgeon’s will contained funds to insure construction of the G.H. Patterson Community Center in
The Milam County Genealogical Society was organized February 2, 1992, with 24 organizing members. Organizing officers were: President Eugenia Newton, Vice-President Rusty Thomas, Secretary Barbara Valek, Treasurer Francie Herring and Newsletter Editor Sybil Chapman. Currently there are 50 members. Officers for 2011 are President—Patricia McKee; Vice President—Sterlin Barton; Secretary—Judy Matherne; Treasurer—Florene McDaniel; Newsletter Editor—Linda Whorton. Originally the Society met at Lucy Hill Patterson Memorial Library on Thursday nights once a month, but as membership grew, the meeting place was moved to Citizens National Bank’s conference room at the rear entrance. Presently MCGS meets each fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. An upcoming genealogy workshop with Lynna Kay Shuffield, hosted by the Milam County Genealogical Society, is scheduled for Saturday, August 20, in the Milam County Genealogy Research Center at Lucy Hill Patterson Memorial
Library. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and classes are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with breaks for relaxation and lunch. Subjects covered by Shuffield include genealogy research techniques, the American Revolution and the Civil War. Cost will be $5 per person. If you wish to attend, please notify Marie Hubert, 512-446-3937, e-mail: mhubert@swbell.net so that enough food can be prepared. Shuffield is an honorary member of Milam County Genealogical Society and web master for the Milam County Genealogical Society website. She lives and works in Houston.
50.00 OFF
$
Any Major Dental Procedures! Crowns • Veneers • Bridges • Dentures • Lumineers To be used at time of service only. No cash value. One coupon per person per visit. Not valid with any other discounts. All Patients.
25.00 OFF
22
2012
F Y I
$
mes o C e uy! e s da to
Any Minor Dental Procedures! Cleaning • Exams • X-Rays • Fillings • Teeth Whitening *Any Dental Procedure except Major Dental Procedure. *To be used at time of service only. No cash value. One coupon per person per visit. Not valid wih any other discounts. All Patients.
89.
$
00
($189.00 Value)
David K. Pendleton, DDS Healthy Smiles Start Here
Cleaning • 7 BWX • Exam Dental Health Conditions may alter offer. One coupon per person. Not valid with any other discounts or insurance. New Patients only.
Limited Time Offer
307 Childress Drive
512-446-5886
www.RockdaleSmileCenter.com
NEW! Full Color Graphic Printed Signs & Banners! Now able to make larger sizes!
Full Service Professional
Photography Studio
NEW! Color Window Decals Vinyl Signs & Banners still available!
Full Service Sign Shop
• Spirit Yard Signs— all teams, sports and activities • Trophies & Plaques • Signs • Banners Need to ship a package? • Magnets • Decals • Engraving Boxes Available • Personalized items & more!
• Seniors • Special Events • Families • Weddings • Sports Leagues • Children • Schools
Rockdale Signs & Photography Rockdale’s UPS & FedEx Shipping Center!
Rodney & Jocelyn Lewis, Owners • rockdalephotography.com 139 W. Cameron Ave. • Rockdale • (512) 446-3346 • rockdalephoto@att.net
OPHTHALMOLOGY
A
Rockdale Street Index
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Welcome to Rockdale! 1
24
2011
Lodging Accommodations
2
~ Sponsored by the Rockdale Chamber of Commerce ~
BEST WESTERN ROCKDALE INN Phone: 512/446-6163 • Toll Free 1-800-WESTERN • Hwy 77 • Rockdale, Texas
3
BUDGET INN Phone: 512/446-2705 • 716 W. Cameron • Rockdale, Texas
COMFORT INN Phone: 512/446-3600 • 702 W. Hwy 79 • Rockdale, Texas
DAYS INN Phone: 512/446-5800 • 221 N. US Hwy 77 • Rockdale, Texas
KOUNTRY INN MOTEL
4
Phone: 512/446-2575 • 1200 W. Cameron • Rockdale, Texas
RAINBOW COURTS Phone: 512/446-2361 • 915 E. Cameron • Rockdale, Texas
REGENCY INN Phone: 512/446-7555 • Hwy 79 & Hwy 77 • Rockdale, Texas
APACHE PASS RIVER THEATRE
5
Phone: 512/446-3211 • 1097 CR 428 • Rockdale, Texas
HAM BRANCH RV PARK Phone: 512/446-5019 • 103 Scarbrough • Rockdale, Texas
Map compliments of Morning Star Publishing House, 159 Dickerson Lane, Elgin, TX 78621, Rockdale Map Provided By 1-800-369-9377
6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
Post Office Richards Memorial Hospital Rockdale Medical Clinic Rockdale High School Athletic Fields Rockdale Junior High School Rockdale Elementary School
13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19.
Veteran’s Memorial Park (City Park) Fair Park Patterson Civic Center Aycock Center Rockdale Housing Authority Senior Citizens Center I.O.O.F. Cemetery
20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26.
Old City Cemetery Coffield Regional Airport Kountry Inn Motel & Restaurant Rainbow Courts & Apartments Budget Inn Regency Inn Rockdale Chamber of Commerce
Phone: 512/446-0605 • 3392 N. Hwy. 77 • Rockdale, Texas
PECAN GROVE RV PARK Phone: 512/446-5019 • 1400 E. Cameron • Rockdale, Texas
ROCKDALE RV PARK Phone: 512/446-9955 • 711 E. Cameron • Rockdale, Texas
CITY OF ROCKDALE POINTS OF INTEREST 1. City Hall 2. Police Station 3. Rockdale Volunteer Fire Deptartment 4. EMS Building 5. Lucy Hill Patterson Memorial Library
HIDDEN VALLEY OAKS RV PARK & RESORT
ROCKHOUSE RV PARK 27. Best Western Rockdale Inn & Cross Elgin, Texas • 1-800-369-9377 Roads Cafe 28. Train Depot Museum 29. One Stop Center 30. Rockdale Regional Juvenile Justice Center 31. Oaklawn Cemetery
Phone: 512/446-5383 • 2.5 mi. east of Rockdale on Hwy 79 • Rockdale, Texas
SHADY GROVE RV PARK Phone: 512/446-4225 • 987 W. Hwy 79 • Rockdale, Texas
SHADY OAKS RV PARK Phone: 512/446-3600 • 702 W. Hwy 79 • Rockdale, Texas
CAMERON BUDGET HOST INN & SUITES Phone: 254/605-0610 • 102 Lafferty Ave. • Cameron, Texas
F Y I
2011
F Y I
25
Are You Hungry For the Finest Mexican Food in Town? Look No Further! 26
2012
F Y I
Julio’s
FULL BAR AVAILAB LE!
We offer over 130 items to order from our menu!
• Appetizers • Quesos & Quesadillas • Soups & Salads • Traditional Fajitas • Enchiladas • Mexican Platters • Family Favorites • Combination Platters • El Torito Specials • Seafood & Steaks
Mexican Restaurant
We appreciate all our loyal customers from all of Milam County and surrounding areas! We invite you to try our
LUNCH SPECIALS “Famous” Margaritas! Beer, Wine & Mixed drinks! $ Starting at— 4.99 Call Us For CATERING!
~ Served Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. ~
No Job Too Small – Your Party Will Love It!
512/446-0276
1533 W. Cameron Ave. • Rockdale Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. • Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Major Credit Cards Accepted • Orders-to-go welcome
RISD continues to improve facilities WHO LEADS OUR SCHOOLS? Schools (Class 3A) Rockdale ISD, 512-430-6000 Dr. Howell Wright Jr., Supt.; Board: Lee Jenkins, Michelle Lehmkuhl, Mike Pruett, Troy Zinn, Wenda Dyer, Kent Bowermon and Lin Perry.
T
here is a palpable sense of pride to walk down the corridors at RHS, one that administrators even hope will extend to test scores when accountability ratings are released later this month (see next page for story). The improvements alleviate over-crowding at Rockdale Elementary, where reading study was being held in converted closets. Rockdale Junior High also had additions which provide more space on its north classroom wings. The improvements are as nice as one would see in any larger district around the state. Administrators will not rest on the new buildings, however. Extensive improvements in technology offerings are also being planned for coming years by RISD Superintendent Dr. Howell Wright. Profiled extensively in The Reporter, here is a look back at what students and the public got with the completion of the massive projects, the first in over a quarter-century for RISD. At Rockdale Intermediate: • A 73,645-square-foot building off west US 79 at County Road 308. • Three nine-classroom wings, one each for third, fourth and fifth grades. • An 8,300-square-foot cafetorium, complete with stage and a kitchen-serving area. • A 4,400-square-foot gym. • A 3,264-square-foot special education • All intermediate students are offered busing to the new campus to avoid having any student walk on or beside busy US 79. Most students are also eligible to be bused
to other campuses. At Rockdale High School: • A new 12,561-square-foot gym in a new gym-athletics wing that measures over 18,000 square feet. (The old gym remains as a practice facility). • New 8,000-square foot kitchen and cafeteria area, adjacent to a 2,900-squarefoot commons area. • An 8,698-square-foot science wing with two classrooms, two classroom/labs, a full lab and four prep rooms. • New 5,968-square-foot six-classroom math wing. • New 3,964-square-foot library. • A 4,649-square-foot band complex that includes a 2,502-square-foot main rehearsal hall, a second rehearsal, two storage-practice rooms, library, director’s office, girls dressing room, girls restroom and boys dressing room/restroom. • A 3,922-square-foot administration area with a reception/waiting room, seven offices, conference room, career center, copy/workroom and file/bookroom. • The totals: A 77,589 square-foot brandnew addition to the main building, new 8,777-square foot Career Tech Building, 18,000 square feet in extensive renovations to the old building and the remainder of the existing, unrenovated (except for outside windows) 45,076-square-foot building, for a total campus of about 149,600 square feet. That means 70 percent (104,366 square feet of 149,600) of Rockdale High School was new when students headed through the doors, under the four-story-high cupola, at the end of August, 2009.
St. Paul Lutheran School, Thorndale, 512-898-2711
Schools (Class A) Milano ISD, 512-455-2533 Robbie Westbrook, Supt.; Board: Dewey Steinbecker, Carl Blake, John A. Yakesch, Jay Willingham, Lynette Taylor, Gary Steinbecker and Edward Westbrook. Schools (Class A) Buckholts ISD, 254-593-3011 Dirk Dystra, Supt.; Board: Edwin L. Peeler, Pam Crowe, Charles Conklin, Cindy Talafuse, Denise Cowan, Avery Meinardus and Isabel Cazares. Schools (Class A, currently only goes through 8th grade) Gause ISD, 979-279-5891 Perry Bell, Supt.; Board: Bill Jones, Chris Cooper, Henry Bonorden, James Todd, Melanie Rasco, Judy Roper, Kathy Turner.
Larry Don Jones, D.D.S. General Dentistry Caring . . . Honesty . . . Trust . . .For a lifetime of oral health
C H EC K OUT
ON FAC E BOO K.
Family Dentistry
302 Meadow Dr. Rockdale
512/446-2535
27
F Y I
2012
The RISD spruced up Tigerland Field with a state-of-the-art track which hosts the Rockdale Relays, one of the longest running track meets in the nation.
Schools (Class 2A) Cameron ISD, 254-697-3512 Collin Clark, Supt.; Board: Jay Beckhusen, Phil Tucker, Jason Dohnalik, Carl Bradley, Allen Patterson, James Thompson, Franci Denio, Robert Conoley and Randy Miller. Schools (Class A) Thorndale ISD, 512-898-2538 Dr. Craig Spinn, Supt.; Board: David Hall, Dean Betak, Brian Fisher, Dave Denny, Ann Glenn, Debra Stolte and Trey Felton.
(County’s only private school) Cindy Melcher, principal
New in town? Here’s what to do There is lots to do in the county to keep your family busy
W 28
2012
F Y I
ant to get out and about and involved in our area? Then here’s the story for you. The following is a list of local parks, clubs, organizations—so much for all members of the family to get involved with. Take a look and find something that sparks your interest.
Parks For family time outside, try many of the parks offered around the county. Most offer playground equipment for the kids and picnic tables for outdoor dining. Parks are great places to meet other families in the area. Rockdale–With places to swim, skate and play, this city offers three parks. Veterans Park, located at the corner of Brazos & Mistletoe, houses the city pool, a pavilion, walking trail, picnic tables and many playscapes and playground equipment. The Rockdale Skate Park is still a work in progress but is available to roller bladers and skateboarders alike. Wolf Park, located downtown Rockdale off
The Rockdale Fair and Rodeo draws hundreds of cowboys including professionals who drop in from the PRCA circuit to take part.
of Main Street has a large pavilion and open grass area, that houses arts and crafts fairs and the annual downtown Christmas program. Located on the east side of town, Moultrie Park sits behind the Aycock High School building in southeastern Rockdale on Maloy Street. The park includes a baseball field, basketball court and playscape. Sumuel Park has been transformed, with a paved walking track, playground equipment and basketball court. A creek bed also runs through the park. It is located at Martin Luther King and 5th Street on a tract of land donated by the Sumuel family. Cameron–The county seat features seven city parks: the Cameron City Park, Wilson-Ledbetter Park, Airport Park Complex, OJ Thomas Park, West 12th Street Park, Orchard Park and a City Pool Park that opened in July 2008. Thorndale–The City Park in Thorndale boasts the city pool, softball and baseball fields, covered pavilion and
horseshoe pits. It is also the site of the annual barbecue cookoff events and is located off North FM 486. Gause–This community gathering place, named Gause Community Park, offers a pavilion, softball field, soccer fields, tennis courts and playground
equipment, and is located next to the Gause ISD campus. Organizations There are plenty of organizations and community service groups for children Continued on next page
227 N. Milam Ave. • Cameron, TX 254-697-6701 Try our convenient DRIVE-THRU!
FULL LINE OF SPIRITS, WINE, BEER AND TOBACCO Ice 8-lb. bags.........ONLY 99¢ CHECK CASHING PLAY LOTTO HERE!
William H. Marr, M.D., P.A. 2801 E. 29th St. Suite 101, Bryan 776-7564 • 1-800-338-7864
What to do Continued from previous page
The Arts & Education Youth in Milam County have many opportunities to be involved in the fine arts and give back on the education spectrum.
29
F Y I
Fire-eater Gene ‘Bubba’ Wright performs at Wolf park Pavilion at the annual Christmas parade downtown. If they have the acting bug, the Milam Community Theatre is the group for you. The troupe puts on three shows a year, including a summer musical, and has parts for the young and old. Whether you can act, sing or just want to volunteer building the set, you are more than welcome. For more information go to www.milamcommunitytheater. com or email MilamTheaterInfo@gmail. com. For those who love to dance, there is Nmotion Dance in Rockdale with Desiree Marshall (512-769-9800, nmotiondance@gmail.com). The group offers different genres for boys and girls ages 2 1/2 through 18 years, including tap, ballet, jazz, hip hop, gymnastics and cheer. For those with musical talents, or ones who want to get some, lessons are offered on different instruments in the area. Long time teacher Dixie Whitmore offers piano lessons in their homes for the young and young at heart. Whitmore offers weekly lessons for first graders through adults. She can be reached at 512-446-2983 or msmusic71@hotmail.com. The Rockdale husband and wife team of Lee “Sparky” and Leah Thomason offer lessons on trumpet and flute, respectively. They offer lessons to any age students, but specialize in sixth grade and up band students. Contact them at 512-446-3884 or leahspark@sbcglobal.net. For those who are more hands on artists, there are opportunities to learn how to paint and sew. Rockdale resident Gloria Biehle offers painting lessons five days a week from her home at 436 South FM 487 for all ages. Biehle, who furnishes brushes and paints for her students, can be reached at 512-446-3579 or gjbiehle@gmail.com. Art and sewing instructor Cindy Whitmore offers a variety of lessons to all ages at her studio near Milano. Whitcontinued on next page
2012
of all ages. This is a great way to meet youth and parents who have the same interests as you and your family and a great way to give back to the community. Those hours of community service also look really good on college and scholarship applications. From livestock projects to cooking to sewing to computers, the Milam County 4-H Clubs have something for everyone. The 4-H program offers leadership, communication, citizenship, community service and much more An exciting note is that part of the now internationally reaching club started right here in Milam County. In 1912, Edna Trigg, the newly appointed Milam County home demonstration agent (the first such in Texas), organized the Girls Tomato Club. That was after Jack County extension agent Tom Marks organized the first Boys Corn Club in 1908. And so started the expansion of educational programs directed toward youth in rural areas around the country. What started with 25 corn club boys a century ago, has grown to more than one million involved in this leadership, community service and educational organization. For more information on the opportunities offered through the 4-H program or to find out when and where local clubs meet, contact agents Cheryl Walker or Jon Gersbach at the Milam County AgriLife Extension Office, 100 East First St. in Cameron, 254-697-7045 or milam. agrilife.org, milam@ag.tamu.edu. Both Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts are offered in the county. In Rockdale, Les Davenport is the scoutmaster for both groups and can be contacted at 512-446-5030. Cub Scouts is a program of the Boy Scouts and both are designed to promote citizenship, character development and personal fitness, both are divided to target the needs to different age groups. Young boys ages 7 to 10 (first through fifth grades) typically participate in the family-oriented Cub Scouts. Boys Scouts is garnered more for older boys, sixth grade and up. For the adventurous girls in Milam County, there is the Girl Scouts, young ladies enjoy fun, friendship and the power of girls working together, through field trips, character building, community service projects and more. Rockdale Girl Scouts have regular weekly meetings beginning in the fall. For more information, contact Susan Youngblood, Service Unit Director for Milam County, 512-636-6830, or pathway coordinator Sarah Thomas, sarahth@gsctx.org.
A lot has changed in the last 100 years. The one thing that hasn’t changed at RVOS is our desire to bring peace of mind to rural Texans. For over a century, RVOS has been insuring farms, homes and ranches throughout Texas. We are ready at a moment’s notice to assist when you need us most. If you would like to learn more about what makes us different from other insurance companies, give us a call or visit us online at rvos.com.
Cooker Johnny Winkler of the BW Burners team decided to take a brief snooze at the Thorndale VFD Barbecue Cookoff. It looked like such a good idea that “Minnie,” the family pooch, decided to join in. Winkler (and Minnie) were among the 71 teams participating in the 22nd annual cookoff, which drew its usual large crowd to the Thorndale City Park.
30
2012
F Y I
What to do Continued from previous page
more gives lessons in sewing, drawing and water colors. She can be reached at 512-446-4917 or cwhitmore101@yahoo. com. On the educational front, reading programs and tutoring are available in the Rockdale area. During the school year, the Lucy Hill Patterson Memorial Library, located at 201 Ackerman in Rockdale, offers a special “Story Time” for pre-school children every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. During the month of June, the library sponsors a Summer Reading Program. The library plays an important role by making access to information and technology easier, and by also promoting creative experiences through educational and recreational materials for all children and their caregivers. Library hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 10-6; Thursday 10-8; and Saturday 10-2. The library is closed Sunday and Monday. For more information on the Lucy Hill Patterson Memorial Library, call 512-446-3410. Every Monday from August through April at 6 p.m., Eastside Tutoring volunteers help out students needing extra time with school work. Tutoring sessions are held at New Hope Baptist Church in Rockdale, located at 327 E. Third St. Contact Pearlie Mack, 4466626, for more information. Sports & Outdoors Sports are huge in Texas and Milam County does it big. There are leagues for just about every sport, along with swim-
ming lessons and karate classes offered. Both Rockdale and Cameron have country clubs available for membership. Each has a full golf course and swimming pool. For more information on the Rockdale Country Club, call 512-446-4013. The number for Cameron Country Club is 254-697-2371. Summer baseball and softball leagues get started in the spring in Rockdale, Cameron and Thorndale. For more information on the Rockdale Girls Softball Association, contact president Karen Wrinkle, 512-446-3840. Jeff Birkhead is the president for the Rockdale Youth Baseball League and can be reached at 979-492-4973. There is also a popular high school and junior high volleyball league offered through Cameron ISD. The Rockdale City Pool offers family fun, adult swims and parties during the summer months. For more information, contact Rockdale city hall at 512-446-2511. Both Cameron and Thorndale have city pools available for swimming and parties. Contact those city halls for information. Et cetera Of course, there are tons of youth groups in local churches and a large array of school organizations too. But the places, organizations and people listed in this story provide ways for kids to meet other kids in a safe and supervised environment.
Daycares for pee wees ROCKDALE DAYCARES Discovery Days: First Baptist Church, 240 Green St., 512-446-5375, Director–Janet Vaughan. In business since 1985. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ages 2-5, enrollement required. Head Start: 237 Mill St., 512-446-5000, Director–Pam King. In Business since 1979. Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ages 3-4, enrollment required. Loving & Learning Center: 1699 Hillcrest Dr., Rockdale TX 76567, 512-446-2578, Director–Rebecca Vest. In Business since 1975. Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Ages–6 weeks to 12 years. Drop-ins welcome.
Rockin’ “B” Learning Tree: 633 Ackerman St., 512-446-5883, Owner – JoAnn Barcak, Director – Melanie Barcak. In Business since 1980. Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Ages–6 weeks to 12 years. Drop-ins welcome. Summertime after-schoolers go on field trips twice a week. AREA DAYCARES The Apple Tree Pre-School & Day Care: 1106 West 22nd St., Cameron TX 76520, 254-697-2141, info@theappletreeschool. com, Director–Pamela Neeley. Full-Time Licensed Child Care For Children 6 Weeks to 12 Years. Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Pam’s
Rockdale Beauty Shoppe One stop shoppe— • Hair • Wax • Manicures • Pedicures Laysha & Pam 1100 W. Cameron • Rockdale • 512-446-5111
ORGANIZATIONS
Getting involved A
rea residents can always be counted on to aid those in need or contribute to a good cause. Here is a list of the organizations and groups that make Milam County a better place. Alcoholics Anonymous A support group for recovering alcoholics, St. John’s United Methodist Church kitchen, Art Thomas Sr., 446-3150. Tuesdays, 8 p.m. and Sundays 8 p.m. Alpha Tau Delta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority A service and social sorority, Lindsey Lillard, president, 512-541-9398; Sharon McDaniel, vice-president, 512-760-7048.
Diabetes Support Group of Milam County Cheryl Walker, Milam County Extension Office, 254-697-7045, July 13 & 20, Aug. 3 & 10 classes at Milano Methodist Church fellowship hall. $10 fee for all classes, preregistration required.
American Heart Association P.O. Box 841125, Dallas, TX 75284, 800242-8721, www.americanheart.org.
Eastside Tutoring Pearlie Mack, 446-6626 and Willie Phillips 446-5250. Mondays (Aug. through Apr.), 6 p.m., New Hope Baptist Church.
American Legion No. 358 Local chapter of the national veteran’s community service organization, Joe Twohig, post commander. Fourth Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Legion home, N. FM 487.
Golden Ladies Carolyn Gibson, president, 446-2666. Second Tuesdays, 1 p.m., Rockdale Senior Citizens Center.
Aycock Ex-Student Association Organization for alums of Rockdale’s African-American school before integration. PO Box 1160, Rockdale TX 76567, Lon Williams, 512-446-2195.
Kay Theatre Foundation Dedicated to the restoration of one of Rockdale’s historical landmarks. Third Mondays, 5 p.m. at The Kay. Les Davenport, 446-5030, Collier & Peggy Perry, 446-2525.
Bad to the Bone Motorcycle Club Group of motorcycle enthusiasts. They organize several fund-raiser motorcycle rides for local non-profit organizations, including the springtime MARC Run, along with the Buddy Oney Toy run each Christmas. Charles Starr, 512-540-2561.
Knights of Columbus A Catholic fraternity that promotes charity, unity, and patriotism, Nick Guzman, 4463285.
Beta Nu of Delta Kappa Gamma International Professional Teachers’ Organization, Dr. Ann Dyer, contact person, 512-446-0819, drdyerea@sbcglobal.net. Chamber Ambassadors Last Wednesday of month, noon, HoganHall Building at Chamber of Commerce, 446-2030, www.rockdalechamber.com. No meetings June–August. Chapter 893 of the Christian Motorcycle Association Road captain Walter Ray Ditto of Heaven’s Highway Riders, 512-760-8323, rayditto05@yahoo.com; 2nd Tuesday, 6 p.m. meal, 7 pm. meeting at Busy Bea Restaurant, Rockdale. Communities In Concert Band Plays everything from marches to patriotic and show tunes. Bob Burnett, president, 446-5087. Contact president for information. Crown Garden Club Promotes gardening and members trade plants and gardening secrets. Nancy Marburger, 446-5151; Barbara Valek, 446-5915.
31
Daughters of the American Revolution, 3 Missions Chapter A community organization that promotes historic preservation, patriotism, and education of the founders of American Independence, Marcy Heathman, (979) 822-3695, marcy@usa.net, Peggy Coffield, 446-6436.
La Esquelita/St. Joseph’s Cemetery Association A Hispanic community service organization dedicated to helping Hispanic youth and community, Robert Zapata, president 4463876. Linwood Acres Garden Club Margo Gilless, 446-4757. Second Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., Sept. through May. Matinee Musical Club Music enthusiasts get together to sing and explore the world of music. Lisa Loewe, spokesperson, 446-2096. Milano Masonic Lodge 605 AF&AM Darrel Morgan, worshipful master, Mark Morgan, secretary. Third Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m., Lodge Hall across from post office in downtown Milano. Milam Association of Retarded Citizens (MARC) Ann King, president, 446-2190, 1705 Pecos St., Rockdale, TX 76567, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Milam County 4-H Club Cheryl Walker, FCS & 4-H agent, Jon Gersbach, Ag agent, Texas AgriLife Extension
Towns people get involved in Rockdale’s annual Tejas Fest, which includes performing plays by area writers and reading passages of their literature works. Office - Milam County, 254-697-7045, 100 E. First, Cameron, TX 76520. milam.agrilife.org, milam@ag.tamu.edu
Milam County Genealogical Society Linda Whorton, publicity, 446-3874. Fourth Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Citizens National Bank meeting room, www.lksfriday.com/MILAM.
Milam County Child Protective Services Board Meetings are last Monday of every month. Sondra Andrews, president; Lisa Loewe, 4462096.
Milam County Historical Commission Did much work to raise funds for the recently renovated Milam County Courthouse. Geri Burnett, 446-5087.
Milam County CrimeStoppers Deputy John Mendoza, coordinator; 1888-697-TIPS, P.O. Box 1122, Cameron, TX 76520, www.milamcountycrimestoppers.com.
continued on next page
Choose a Cut Above the Rest! See Tammy, Norma or Olivia
Call for your appointment today!
Jelly Beans Hair Salon WALK-INS WELCOME! Tammy Bean, Norma Dawson & Olivia Castaneda
137 Burleson • Rockdale
512/446-3858
Tues.-Fri. 8-5 ~ Sat. 8-1:30
Rockin “B” Learning Tree Now Enrolling 6 weeks - 12 years
Daily Curriculum 6:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday Summer after-school program features 1 field trip per week. Call today, limited space available!
512-446-5883
Owner-JoAnn Barcak • Director-Melanie Barcak 633 Ackerman • Rockdale
F Y I
2012
American Cancer Society Gaye Bland, memorial chair, 446-2693, P.O. Box 1630, Rockdale, TX 76567, gaye@blandcc.com, milamcountyrelay@gmail. com, www.cancer.org.
Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, Omega Lambda Psi Chapter A group of women educators, who meet five times a year. Cheryln Ellis, contact person, 446-5614.
Organizations continued from previous page Milam County Museum Charles King, director, 254-697-4770, 254-697-8963, Tuesday - Saturday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Jail open Tuesday & Thursday, 1–4 p.m., P.O. Box 966, Cameron, TX 76520.
32
2012
F Y I
Milam County Retired Teachers Jamie Larson, president, 455-9591, Jamlar50@yahoo.com. Milam County Triad An organization formed to help protect senior citizens from crime, Ted Hubert, chairman, 512-455-3635, tedh@alpha1.net. S.A.L.T. Committee meets on first Thursdays, 9 a.m., Milano Community Center (across street from Post Office and Bailey Bank Building). General membership meeting dates for the year are set at January meeting. Milano Evening Lions Club First Thursdays, 7 p.m., Milano Civic Center, Bill McMinn, contact, 446-6861. Modernistic Social Club Lynda Ford, president, 512-760-6461. Meet 2nd and 4th Saturdays at 7 p.m.
Church. Round-up for new registrants Aug. 31 at 6 p.m., Rockdale Elementary and Intermediate cafeterias. Rockdale Downtown Association Dedicated to promoting downtown Rockdale. Chris Dyess, president, 446-6680, www.rockdaledowntownassociation.com. First Mondays, 5:30 p.m., Dyess Ins. Agency, 134 N. Main, Rockdale. Rockdale Fair Association Puts on Rockdale’s biggest event of the year, the annual Rockdale Fair & Livestock Show. Contact, Barbara Walko, 446-6035. Rockdale 4-H Club Yvette McCoy, club manager. Second Mondays, 6 p.m., New Salem Clubhouse. Rockdale Friends of the Library Annette Stone, president, 446-3963. Rockdale Girl Scouts Meetings during school year (Aug.-May) at Girl Scout House, 412 Murray. Open to girls ages Kindergarten through 12th grade. Susan Youngblood, Milam County Service Unit Director, 512-636-6830; Sarah Thomas, pathway coordinator, sarahth@gsctx.org.
New Salem Extension Education Association (EEA) Susie Hicks, president; Marilyn Hicks, secretary/bookings, 446-2704. First Thursdays, 2 p.m., Clubhouse at Fair Park in Rockdale. Public welcome at meetings.
Rockdale Girls Softball Association Karen Wrinkle, president, 446-3840.
Order of the Eastern Star Rockdale Chapter No. 23, Ann Sonntag, worthy matron, 446-5353, Betty Alford, secretary, 446-5450. First Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. at Rockdale Masonic Lodge, 789 N. Hwy 77.
Rockdale Homecoming Association Judy Slusher, president, 446-5061.
Original 12 Social & Civic Club Willie Phillips, 446-5250. Second and fourth Saturdays, 5:30 p.m., Senior Citizens Center. Richards Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Hosts fund-raisers and does volunteer work for Rockdale’s hospital system. Jodi Manning, president, 446-4500. First Thursdays, noon, at hospital. Rockdale Aglow Community Lighthouse An international organization of Christians desiring to “...be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord.” (Romans 12:11). Diane Jaecks, 446-0001; Sabrina Thompson, 446-7517. Second Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., Rockdale General Store. Rockdale Athletic Booster Club Promotes Rockdale ISD athletes. Russell Fischer, president, 760-0494. First Mondays, 7 p.m., RHS athletic office. Rockdale Boy Scouts of America, Troop 790 Les Davenport, scoutmaster, 446-5030, Second and third Mondays, 6 p.m., Murray Street Church of Christ. Rockdale Christian Services A multi-church-supported organization.Food Pantry, 446-5710, M-F, 10 a.m.-noon. Heavenly Treasures, 446-6455, T-F, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Rockdale Cub Scouts of America, Pack 789 Les Davenport, 446-5030. Fourth Mondays, 6 p.m., St. John United Methodist
Rockdale Historical Society Bert Dockall, president, 446-6023. Second Tuesdays, 7 p.m., I&GN Depot Museum.
Rockdale Masonic Lodge 414 Less Davenport, worshipful master, Jim Maines, secretary, 446-5264. First Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. 789 N. Hwy 77, Rockdale, TX 76567.
Vaughn, chief, 446-6770. RVFD Ladies Auxiliary Toni Crane, 429-0621 or Pam Wages, 429-0715. First Tuesdays, 6 p.m. RVFD Station. No summer meetings. Rockdale Youth Baseball League Jimmy Birkhead, president, 979-492-4973. Rotary Club Denice Doss, president, 512-760-5623. Tuesdays at noon, New Salem Clubhouse. South Milam County United Way Oversees distribution of funds raised for over 20 charitable causes and organizations. Raymon Puente, 446-7064; Tom Puccio, 446-8115. Special Needs Support Group Open to all parents, family members and teachers of those with special needs. Denitra Lewis, contact person, 446-4910. Third Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m., New Jerusalem Christian Church, Mulberry & 4th. Sunshine N’ Shadows Quilt Guild Quilting enthusiasts, fourth Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., Meadowbrook Baptist Church in Rockdale (Nov. & Dec., 3rd Thursdays). Eddie Davidson, 446-6316. Thursday Reading Club Joan Ratliff, president, 446-2361. Meets on second Thursday of month at homes of club members. Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 6525 Local chapter of the national veterans organization. Richard Henderson, Com-
The Miss Rockdale pageant is held every year in conjunction with the annual Rockdale Fair and Rodeo. mander, 446-2708. First Tuesdays at 7 p.m., post hall. VistaCare Hospice Volunteers Volunteers offer various means of support to families needing hospice care. For more information, call 1-800-643-3139. Young at Heart Club Anyone who has lost their husband to death or divorce invited to join, Grace Overpeck, 446-2709. 1st Mondays, 5 p.m., community room of McCawley Oaks Apartments.
Area Wide Pro Plumbing LLC
Rockdale Ministerial Alliance Oversees several charitable pursuits locally, including a food pantry and thrift store. Meets at 10:30 a.m. on first Thursday of the month at First Baptist Church through fall. Jack Chelf, 760-6949. Rockdale Noon Lions Club Gloria Thrasher, president, 446-6165. First and third Wednesdays, noon, Rockdale VFD Fire Station.
Lee, Milam and Surrounding Counties
Rockdale Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) Cheryl Blackstock, president, 512-7600613. First Tuesdays, Sept. thru May. Rockdale Roping & Cutting Club Helps put on rodeos and barrel racing events for area competitors. Barrel racing events held every third Thursday of month at Fair Park. Leroy Stephens, 446-3693. Rockdale Skate Park Association Lin Perry at Perry & Perry, 446-2752. Rockdale Shriners Club For information, Jim Maines, 446-5264. Rockdale Tennis Association Shelley Sanders, 446-3351 or Sparky Thomason, 254-541-3623. Rockdale Volunteer Fire Dept. Hardest working men in Rockdale. Herbie
St. Paul Lutheran School
121 years of providing Christian Education to the families in the Thorndale and surrounding communities th PK3 - 8 grade—Registration info at 512-898-2711 Come by for a visit and see what we have to offer your family After school care available for enrolled Pre-K. We offer a Christian based education including opportunities for Band, Athletics and PSIA Competitions Cindy Melcher, Principal
The G.O.S.P.E.L
“Gives Our Students Purpose in Every Life Action!”
COMMUNITY OF FAITH
Local, area churches are town foundation ROCKDALE CHURCHES Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church: 216 E. Third Ave., 512-446-4124, Rev. George Morgan, pastor; Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship service, 10:30 a.m.; Wednesday noon service, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.; Wednesday Bible Study, 6:30 p.m. Apostolic Faith (Believes in the Trinity): 400 W. Davilla, Rev. Barry Methvin, pastor; Sunday school, 10 a.m.; services, 11 a.m.: evangelistic service, 7 p.m.; Wednesday prayer service and Bible study, 7 p.m. Assembly of God (Latin American): 210 Houston St., 512-429-0852, Max A. Rosas, pastor; Sunday school, 10 a.m.; worship, services, 11 a.m.; Wednesday services, 7 p.m.
praise service, 7:30 p.m. Church of Christ: 345 W. Bell, 512-446-7327; Sunday Bible study, 9:30 a.m.; Sunday worship services, 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
33
Church of New Begnning in Christ: 881 Hwy 79, past KC Hall; Joshua Rodriguez, pastor, 512-568-0356.
First Assembly of God Church: 310 Childress, 512-446-2875; Jason & Tiffany Armstrong, pastors; Sunday services, 10:30 a.m.; Wednesday services, 6 p.m.
Calvary Baptist Church: Praesel Addition, 512-446-0752; Leslie Adams, pastor; Sunday school, 9:45 a.m.; Sunday services, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Sunday radio program on KRXT, 7:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Country Preacher Fishin’ Hole, Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m., offering clothing, furniture, etc. at reasonable rates for those in need.
First Baptist Church: 240 Green St., 512446-5375; fbcrockdaletexas.com; Jack Chelf Jr., pastor; Sunday school, 9:45 a.m.; worship, 11 a.m., Adult Bible study, 6 p.m.; youth activities, 5:30 p.m. Sunday; youth and adult Bible study, 6 p.m. Wednesday; Manor Oaks Nursing Center service, 10 a.m. Monday.
Christ Holy Sanctified: 322 Fourth St., Rev. Sister G.T. Lucas, pastor; Sunday school, 9:45 a.m.; Wednesday Bible study, 7:30 p.m.; Friday
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ): 231 Burleson, 512- 446 - 5090, fccrockdale@sbcglobal.net; Rev. Jimmy Phil-
ST. JOHN’S HONOREES—Women’s Recognition was held at St. John’s United Methodist Church. Honored were (L-R) Mary Lou Evans, Senior Youth Leadership Service Award; Mary Brannam, the Martha Parsley Lifetime Achievement Award (named in honor of the award’s first recipient); and Peggy Cooke, Woman of the Year. lips, pastor; Sunday fellowship and education, 9:30 a.m.; worship and communion, 10:50 a.m.; Children’s church, 10:50 a.m. First Presbyterian Church: 1600 Alcoa, 512-
446-5987, adult Bible study, 9:15 a.m. Sunday and Tuesday; worship service, 10:30 a.m. continued on next page
“We Make a Difference” Quality Healthcare and Rehabilitative Services in a Comfortable, Home-like Environment
• 24 Hour Nursing Care • Occupational, physical and speech therapies • Short and long term stays, including day respite care • Secured unit for people with behavioral needs • Certified music therapy through Music1stTM • Specialized activity programming For additional information or to schedule a tour, please call 512.446.5893
Manor Oaks Nursing Center & Rehab 222 South FM 487
•
•
•
Rockdale •
•
•
(512) 446-5893
2012
F Y I
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints: 310 Calhoun, 512-446-6371; sacrament meeting, 10-11:10 a.m.; Sunday school 11:20 a.m.-noon; Priesthood, Relief Society, YW, Primary, 12:10-1 p.m.
COMMUNITY OF FAITH continued from previous page Sunday; youth group, noon–2 p.m. Sunday; women’s circle, 9:30 a.m. third Tuesday. First United Pentecostal Church: 1306 W. Cameron, 512-446-3121, 979-567-9553; rockdaleupc.org; Rev. Dennis Maddox, pastor; 2 p.m. Sunday service; 7 :30 p.m. Wednesday service.
34
2012
F Y I
Full Gospel Holiness Church: 315 Ackerman; Martin Mendoza, pastor; Sunday services, 10 a.m.; Wednesday services, 7 p.m. Grace Lutheran Church: corner of Wilcox and Bell; Sunday school and Bible classes, 9 a.m.; Sunday worship, 10 a.m. “This is the Church of the Lutheran Hour,” heard 8:15 a.m. Sundays on 98.5 FM. Harvest Bible Church (Non-denominational): 701 E. US Hwy 79, 254-605-0154, Brad Dusenberry, pastor; Sunday services, 9:30 a.m., Wednesday services, 7 p.m. Iglesia Eben-Ezer: Esquina Cameron y Ackerman, 512-446-5872 or 512-446-6975; Fernando Romero, pastor; Servicios: Miercoles 7:30 p.m.; Domingos 11 a.m. Esquela Dominical, 12:30 p.m., servicio de adoracion. Servicios en espanol. Landmark Baptist Church: South Wilcox (FM 487, next to Manor Oaks Nursing Home), 512-446-5812, David E. Gonnella, pastor; Sunday school, 10 a.m., morning worship/ children’s church, 11 a.m., evening service, 6 p.m.; Wednesday service, 7 p.m.; KRXT radio broadcast, 12:15 p.m. Sundays; www. landmarkbaptistch.com. Meadowbrook Baptist Church: 1401 Colorado, 512-446-3367; Rev. Russ Willis; Sunday school, 9:45 a.m., Sunday worship services 10:50 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Sunday youth worship, 6 p.m.; adult prayer meeting, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Milam County Cowboy Church: 2100 US 77 N, Rockdale TX 76567, 512-760-6282; www. milamcountycc.com; Greg Spears, pastor; meet for Sunday services, 10 a.m.. Murray Street Church of Christ: 1301 Murray, PO Box 227, Rockdale TX 76567, 512-4462179; www.murraystreetcoc.org, Ray Don McIntosh, pulpit minister; Sunday Bible class, 9:30 a.m.; Sunday worship, 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday Bible study, 6:30 p.m. New Hope Missionary Baptist Church: 327 E. Third, 512-446-5244; Rev. Roderick D. Jackson Sr., pastor; Sunday school, 9:30 a.m., B.T.U, 10:30 a.m., worship 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Mission I, 2:30 p.m. Monday; Mission II, 6:30 p.m., Tuesday; Wednesday prayer meeting, Bible study & junior church, 6:30 p.m.; junior choir rehearsal, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday; senior choir rehearsal, 8:15 p.m. New Jerusalem Christian Center: Mulberry & 4th, Dennis Brooks Sr., pastor; Sunday Bible study, 9:45 a.m., worship & praise 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday Bible study, noon and 6:30 p.m.; Saturday men’s fellowship, 6:30 p.m.; Saturday women’s fellowship, 6:30 p.m.
Orthodox Chapel of St. John Baptist: 9005 N. FM 487, 512-446-5870, orthodoxchurchofcandada.org; Lyle Kleinjan, rector; Western Rite Divine Liturgy each Sunday morning. Peace Lutheran Church: Meadow Drive, 512446-2834, Rev. Jan Campbell, pastor; Sunday school & adult Bible class, 9:15 a.m.; worship service, 10:30 a.m.; weekly communion. Pecan Street Church of Christ: 406 Pecan, 512-446-3736, Bro. John A. Mitchell, minister; Sunday school, 10 a.m.; Sunday worship services, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Wednesday Bible study, 7 p.m. Primera Iglesia Bautista: 665 N. Main, 512446-3981, Rev. Edgardo Mitchell Martinez, pastor; Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; bilingual worship blending contemporary and traditional songs of praise, 10:45 a.m.; Wednesday prayer service, 6 p.m.; Saturday youth activities, 6 p.m. Rising Star Baptist Church: 1022 Texas St., Royal Johnson, pastor; Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; Sunday worship service, 11 a.m.; Tuesday Mission and Brotherhood, 6 p.m.; Tuesday choir rehearsal, 7 p.m.; Wednesday services, 7 p.m. Rockdale Christian Church: Corner Sager & Rockdale Road, 512-446-2568; Sunday Bible study, 9:30 a.m.; worship & communion, 10:45 a.m.; evening services, 7 p.m.; Wednesday family Bible study/prayer group, 7 p.m. Rockdale Christian Fellowship: 811 Burleson, 512-446-5929; Sunday service, 10 a.m.; Wednesday service, 7 p.m. Rockdale Church of Christ: Way-Mar Plaza, 979-743-1066, Charles Gant, preacher; Sunday Bible study, 9:30 a.m.; Sunday worship services, 10:30 a.m.; Wednesday Bible study, 7 p.m. Rockdale Full Gospel Chapel: US Hwy 77 North; Sunday school, 10 a.m.; worship service, 11 a.m.; preaching service, 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday Bible study and prayer service, 7 p.m. Springfield Baptist Church: Third Street, Rev. S.L. Ross Sr., pastor; Sunday school 9:30 a.m.; Sunday worship service, 11 a.m.; Wednesday service, 6 p.m.; Mission I, 7 p.m. on Wednesday; prayer meeting and B.T.U., 8 p.m. on Wednesday; Bible study; senior choir rehearsal, 6 p.m., 2nd & 4th Friday; junior choir rehearsal, 6 p.m., 1st & 3rd Saturday.
Led by L.C. Richards (left), the Rising Star Baptist Church chorus (here during the national day of prayer) performs at many churches and venues all over town. Wednesday services, 6 p.m. AREA CHURCHES Adina Christian Church: 5892 County Road 309, Lexington; Sunday Bible school, 9:45 a.m.; Sunday worship, 10:30 a.m. Barn Church of Milano: 733 Holdiness Lane,
512-455-2431, Chad & Sherry Lagrone, pastors; “No Barriers”, Sunday services 11 a.m. Black Jack Baptist Church: 11 miles south of Rockdale on FM 908; Bro. Jimmy Haile, pastor; Sunday school, 10 a.m.; Sunday worship, 11 continued on next page
STEEL BUILDING THE SOUTH
• Metal Buildings
• Steel Products
• Barns • Roofing
• Welding Supplies
St. John’s United Methodist Church: Summit at Hillcrest, 512-446-5853; Rev. Rita Sims, pastor; Sunday church school, 9:45 a.m., worship, 11 a.m.; Chancel choir, 7 p.m., Wednesday. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church: 234 San Gabriel, 512-446-2049, stjosephroc@yahoo. com; Father Ramon Frayna, pastor; Saturday mass, 5 p.m.; Sunday masses, 9 a.m., 11 a.m. (Spanish); Monday, Wednesday, Thursday masses, 8 a.m., Friday mass, 5:30 p.m.; confessions, 4:15 p.m. Saturday; Rosary prior to weekend masses. St. Thomas Episcopal Church: 302 East Davilla at Green, Rev. Pam Graham, pastorial leader; Sunday Holy Eucharist, 11 a.m.,
• Beams • Pipes • Angles • Squares • Plates • Rebar • Culverts • Solid Lock • High Tensil • Class 3 Wires • Welding Supplies • Bryant Grain Feeds
512-455-6789 • 800-603-4084 Hwy. 79 E. • Milano, TX
COMMUNITY OF FAITH continued from previous page a.m. and 6 p.m. Conoley Community Church: CR 455 at FM 486, south of Thorndale; Sunday worship service, 11 a.m. Cross Walk Church: 11196 N. Hwy. 77, Tanglewood; Rev. Jim Troxel, pastor; Sunday services, 10:45 a.m. Davilla Assembly of God Church: Rev. Randy Holtzclaw, pastor; Sunday Bible school, 10 a.m.; Sunday services, 11 a.m.; Sunday young people’s service, 6 p.m.; evangelistic service, 7 p.m.; Wednesday service, 7:30 p.m. Davilla Baptist Church: E. FM 487; David Cox, pastor; Sunday school, 10 a.m.; Sunday worship services, 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.; Wednesday prayer meeting, 7 p.m.
First Baptist Church, Milano: Church Street; 512-455-2281, Dave Lucas, pastor; Sunday school, 9:45 a.m., Sunday worship, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. First Baptist Church, Thorndale: Highway 79 West, 512-898-2529. www.fbcthorndale.com; Jeremy Shepard, pastor; Sunday school 9:45
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Lexington: Hwy. 77 N, 979-773-4416; “A Positive Fellowship of Growing Christians”; Gregory Nichols, pastor; Sunday coffee fellowship, 9:30 a.m.; Sunday school, 9:50 a.m.; Sunday worship service, 11 a.m.; caring nursery always provided. Forest Grove Christian Church: 9 mi. south of Hwy. 77 & Hwy. 79 intersection overpass; “The Bible-Our Only Book; Christ-Our Only Creed”; www.forestgrovechristianchurch.com; Lance Walch, pastor; Sunday school, 10 a.m.; Sunday worship and communion, 11 a.m.; Sunday evening worship, 6 p.m.
Gause Methodist Church: Rev. Kenneth Byrd, pastor; Sunday worship service, 10 a.m.; Sunday school, 11 a.m.
David White, pastor; Sunday church school, 9:45 a.m.; Sunday worship services, 11 a.m.; Bible study, 6 p.m.
Goodwill Baptist Church, Milano: Rev. Otis Ray, pastor; Sunday school, 10 a.m.; Sunday worship service, 11 a.m.; Wednesday prayer meeting, 7 p.m.
Liberty Community Church: Sunday worship, 9 a.m.; Sunday school, 10 a.m.; Wednesday Bible fellowship (at the Gilliland’s home), 5:30 p.m.
Griffin Chapel A.M.E. Church: County Road 336; Rev. Elmer Snell; Sunday school, 10 a.m.; 2nd & 4th Sunday worship service, 11 a.m.; 4th Wednesday mid-week prayer service, 7:30 p.m.
Light of Christ Ministries: non-denominational Christian retreat, 2976 CR 343 located west of Gause approximately 5 miles off US 79. Melvin and Loretta Wall, 979-3795100, 979-279-6112; www.lightofchristministries.com.
Hoyte Church of Christ: FM 2095 south of Cameron; Sunday services, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Friendship Baptist Church: 6 mi. south of Milano on Hwy. 36; Delmar McCracken, pastor; Sunday school, 9:45 a.m.; Sunday worship, 11 a.m.; Wednesday prayer meeting, 7 p.m.
Lexington Church of Christ: Sunday Bible study, 9:45 a.m.; Sunday worship services, 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Wednesday service, 7 p.m.
Friendship Methodist Church: FM 1915, south of Buckholts; worship services each 1st and 3rd Sunday, 9 a.m.
Lexington Faith Temple: 1005 County Road 317 West, PO Box 356, Lexington TX 78947, 979-773-4558, Rev. Jim D. Monroe, pastor; Sunday school, 9:45 a.m.; Sunday worship service, 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Wednesday Bible study, 6:30 p.m.; other meetings by special announcements.
Gause Baptist Church: Dr. Lester Curtis, pastor; Sunday school, 9:45 a.m.; Sunday worship services, 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Wednesday services, 6:30 p.m. Gause Full Gospel Church: 2 mi. east of Gause on US Hwy 79; Rev. Jerry & Linda Burns, pastors; Sunday worship, 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Wednesdays 7 p.m.
Live Oak Church of Christ: Sunday Bible study, song service and communion, 10:30 a.m.; evening service, 7:30 p.m. Milam County Church of Christ: Hwy. 77 at CR 232, 2 mi south of Minerva; O.E. Davidson, evangelist; Sunday Bible study, 10 a.m.; Sunday services, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Wednesday Bible study, 7 p.m. Milano Church of Christ: Hwy. 79 in Milano; Sunday services, 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Wednesday services, 7:30 p.m.
Lexington Holy Family Catholic Mission: Corner of Hwy. 77 & FM 696 East; Sunday mass, 10 a.m.
Milano United Methodist Church: Rev. Roy Dilliard, pastor; Sunday school, 10 a.m.; Sunday fellowship and worship, 11 a.m.; Wednesday Bible fellowship (at the Gilliland’s home), 5:30 p.m.
Lexington United Methodist Church: Rev.
continued on page 37
Rockdale Historical Society presents the
Rockdale I&GN Railroad Passenger Depot Museum
Now open and fully staffed — Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m. Caboose is available to rent for parties and unique celebrations. Call 446-6023 or 446-2956 for more information. New exhibit of historic Milam County photos coming soon!
35
F Y I
2012
First Baptist Church, Lexington: Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; Sunday worship, 10:45 a.m.; AWANA, 5:30 p.m. and prayer fellowship, 6:30 p.m. on Sunday; Wednesday services, 6:30 p.m.
a.m.; Sunday worship, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Wednesday services, 6:30 p.m.
Taqueria Banda’s 36
480 W. Hwy. 79 in Rockdale • (512) 446-7906
Hours: Mon-Wed 5
-9
a.m.
p.m.
• Thurs-Fri 5
-10
a.m.
p.m.
• Sat 6
-10
a.m.
p.m.
• Sun 7
-9
a.m.
2012
F Y I
Mexican Restaurant
Homemade Tortillas • Friendly Atmosphere • Serving MENUDO All Day! All Week!
Come try our
FAMOUS
Breakfast tacos! Best in town!
Lunch Special
Dinner Specials
10:30 a.m to 2:00 p.m.
CHECK OUT OUR PART Y ROOM ! Call for your reservations today including Rehearsal Dinners, Bridal Showers & more!
Serving
COLD BEER
Imported & Domestic
&
MARGARITAS
We would like to THANK all our customers for their support. We look forward to serving you! — Jacob & Luz Banda
p.m.
COMMUNITY OF FAITH continued from page 35 Mt. Tabor Baptist Church: 1353 CR 355 Loop, Gause; 1st & 3rd Sundays; Sunday school, 10 a.m.; worship, 11 a.m.; Thursday Bible study, 6 p.m. Mt. Zion Baptist Church: FM 1712, 1 mi. south of Minerva, Luther Shelander, pastor; Sunday school, 9:45 a.m.; Sunday worship services, 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Wednesday prayer meeting, 7 p.m. Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Thorndale: 104 E. Church Street; Larry Caldwell, pastor; Sunday worship services 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. New Providence Primitive Baptist: Maysfield, at corner of FM 485 and FM 979; Elder Louis Holder, 2nd Sunday pastor; Elder Ethridge, 4th Sunday pastor; hymn singing, 10 a.m.; preaching, 11 a.m.
9 a.m.
George Kaufmann, a member of the First Baptist Church of Rockdale, took a mission trip to Uganda, teaching baseball to the local children.
San Gabriel Baptist Church: 5 miles north of Thorndale off FM 486, 512-862-3305, www. sangabrielbaptistchurch.org; Tim Cheatham, pastor; Sunday school, 10 a.m.; Sunday worship, 11 a.m. and Bible study, 6 p.m.; Wednesday prayer and Bible study for adults and youth, 7 p.m. San Gabriel Christian Church: Billy Bob Cox, minister; Sunday breakfast, 9:15 a.m., Bible school, 9:45 a.m.; Sunday worship and praise, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Christian youth fellowship, 6 p.m. Wednesday. Sand Grove Church of Christ: Sunday Bible study, song service and communion, 10 a.m. Sunday.
Pleasant Retreat United Methodist Church: 5 mi. south of Thorndale; Sunday school 9:45 a.m.; Sunday worship service, 11 a.m.
Sharp Presbyterian Church: Student pastor each 1st Sunday, 10:30 a.m.; hobby club, 2nd Thursday, 10 a.m.
Psalms 23 Ministries Limited: An interdenominational ministry; CR 145, near North Elm Cemetery in Cameron; Steven Anderson, pastor, 254-605-0327; open air services third Saturday of each month starting at 9 a.m.
St. James Lutheran, Lexington: Leif Hasskarl, pastor; Sunday school, 9:45 a.m.; Sunday adult Bible class, 10 a.m.; Sunday worship service, 10:45 a.m.; Holy Communion, 1st & 3rd Sunday.
Salty Community Church: Sunday worship,
St. John Lutheran Church, Thorndale: 6th
St. & Sandoval, 512-898-5152; Mel Swayer, pastor; adult Sunday school, 9 a.m.; Sunday worship service 10:15 a.m.; heard on KRXT 98.5 FM on Sunday 7:45 a.m. St. Paul Lutheran Church, Thorndale: corner of Hwy. 79 & 3rd St., 512-898-5455, Rev. James Mann, pastor, Cindy Melcher, school principal; Sunday services at 8 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.; Bible class and Sunday school, 9:15 a.m. Stephen Chapel A.M.E. Church: 422 E. Highway 79, PO Box 142, Gause TX 77847, Rev.
Linda M. Wallace, pastor; Church services, first & third Sundays, 11 a.m. Tanglewood Baptist Church: Sunday school, 10 a.m.; Sunday worship services, 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday service, 6:30 p.m. The Master’s Gateway Church, Milano: Hwy. 79 East on top of the hill; PO Box 34, Milano TX 76556, 979-280-5817, gateway@txcyber. com; Ross Cunningham, pastor; Sunday school, 9 a.m.; Sunday worship service, 10 a.m.; Wednesday Bible study, 7 p.m.
COUNTERTOPS:
• Granite • Silestone • Viatera • Legacy • Quartz • Meganite • Marble • Formica • Wilson Art • Caesarstone • And More!
FLOORING:
• Carpet • Tile • Laminate • Hardwood • Vinyl • Custom Mosaic Borders
WALLS:
• Custom Back Splash • Wallpaper • Painting • Staining • Texturing & More
Hours: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Evening and Saurdays appointments available by request
F Y I
2012
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church: Sunday school, 10 a.m.
Sandy Creek Church of Christ: Hwy. 79 between Milano and Rockdale, Sunday Bible study, 10 a.m.; Sunday worship services, 10:50 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Wednesday Bible study, 7 p.m.
37
YOUR FAMILY’S WELL BEING
Local health care in stable condition
T
38
2012
F Y I
he Rockdale health care community, is heading strong towards the future, aiming to provide area residents with the best of services. Richards Memorial is two years shy of being a 40-year-old facility. It opened in 1974 and is now the second largest critical access-designated hospital in Texas. ‘Patient encounters’ Richards Medical Clinic-Rockdale is located at 602 North Main, site of the former Richards Clinic & Hospital. The old hospital, which opened in the 1940s, was incorporated into the clinic building. Richards Memorial officials noted more than half the patient encounters in their Rockdale health care system take place in the clinics. Richards Memorial Health Care also operates the Pecos Street Clinic and Family Care Center, on the Richards Memorial campus, Richards Medical Clinic (downtown) and Richards Medical Clinic in Cameron. Phone numbers are: • Richards Memorial Hospital, 4464500. • Family Care Center (clinic on hospital grounds), 446-4545. • Family Care Center (Ste. B), (clinic on Pecos Street side of hospital grounds), 446-6486. • Richards Medical Clinic-Rockdale (602 North Main), 446-4555. • Richards Medical Clinic-Cameron, 254-697-6554. Services Richards Memorial Healthcare’s hospital and clinics offer state-of-the-art medical care in the following specialties: Allergy/immunology, cardiology, dermatology, diagnostic imaging, earnose-throat, electrophysiology, emergency care. Family medicine, gastroenterology, general surgery, gynecology/OBGYN, house calls, internal medicine, laboratory, nephrology. Nuclear medicine, nutritional counseling, occupational therapy, oncology, ophthalmology, orthopedics. Physical medicine, physical and occupational rehabilitation and therapy, podiatry, pulmonology, rheumatology, social services and counseling, sports medicine, Texas Health Steps, urology and ultrasound, Dialysis Rockdale Kidney Center, a 7,000square-foot complex at the corner of Josie and Hillcrest one block from the hospital.
It’s a Fresenius Medical Care Dialysis Center and is the only facility of its type within a 45-mile radius of Rockdale, providing easier access to dialysis procedures for area residents. Rockdale Kidney Center may be reached at 446-5400. Milam Medical/CTH Milam Medical, a branch of Cameron’s Central Texas Hospital, operates a Rockdale clinic at 707 West Cameron (US 79) in the Texas Star Plaza. Staffers include a physician and a physician’s assistant. Family practice medicine is offered 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For information call 446-0800. CTH’s main facilities in Cameron are located at 806 North Crockett, one block west of US 77. It is a full-service hospital with an emergency room and many specialists. Phone number is 254-697-6591. The Medical Service Center, 908 North Crockett, is also part of CTH. It offers family medicine and prenatal care 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Phone number is 254-605-0373. Scott & White-Cameron Milam County’s Scott & White’s Cameron Clinic opened in July, 2010. It’s located at 101 Lafferty in the Cameron Business Park, off Texas 36US 77/190 at Cameron’s eastern edge. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Scott & White’s Cameron clinic offers pediatrics, women’s healthcare, cancer screening, podiatry, preventative health services, office surgery, minor orthopedics, routine physicals and on-site lab and pharmacy. Phone number is 254-605-1100. Chiropractors For a different type of health care, people may choose to receive chiropractic services. Dr. Gregory Garlett will soon celebrate five years of Garlett Chiropractic in Rockdale. He is located at 1512 West Cameron Avenue (WayMar Plaza). Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Phone number is 512-446-5844. Dr. Steven Howeth has two office in Milam County where he offers chiropractic services. Rockdale Chiropractic is located at 705 W. Cameron (Texas Plaza). Contact him at 512-446-9595 or www.rockdale-chiro.com. Cameron Chiropractic is at 805 N. Travis (US 77) in Cameron. Contact that office at 254-697-4931 or cameron-chiro.com.
Richards Memorial Hospital has served Rockdale for the past 38 years, offering emergency treatment, clinic and dozens of specialists.
GARDEN TREASURES
& LANDSCAPING MATERIALS 1207 W. Cameron • Rockdale • 512-446-2300 (Next door to Bob’s Speedy Lube) Monday - Friday 10 am - 5:30 pm • Saturday 10 am - 4 pm
Full Nursery–Specializing in TEXAS NATIVES and ADAPTED PLANTS! Gift Certificates Available – • Unique Garden & Yard Art • Custom Raised Beds • Planters • Cedar and Rock Benches • Cacti & Agave • Texas Palms • Organic Fertilizer
• Fountains • Pottery
• MULCHES GRAVEL • SOIL Bag & Bulk
Delivery Available!
• Bird Baths
• Bird Feeders • Stained Glass
Milam County government contacts
Contact information for all county offices, from commissioners to administrative offices, is listed below.
MILAM COUNTY GOVERNMENT
County Judge Dave Barkemeyer 102 South Fannin, Suite 1 Cameron, Texas 76520 Phone: 254-697-7000 Fax: 254-697-7002 dbarkemeyer@milamcounty.net
39
Precinct 2 Commissioner, Kenneth Hollas 883 FM 485 (Mailing) 3106 N Travis (Physical) Cameron, Texas 76520 Phone: 254-697-7054 Fax: 254-697-7061 Mobile: 254-482-0266 Precinct 3 Commissioner, Dale Jaecks 107 N FM 487 Rockdale, Texas 76567 Phone: 512-446-2580 Fax: 512-446-6293, 512-446-0007 Mobile: 512-429-1410 Precinct 4 Commissioner, Jeff Muegge PO Box 395 (Mailing) 501 E US 79 (Physical) Thorndale, Texas 76577 Phone: 512-898-2115 Fax: 512-898-2115 20th District Judge John Youngblood 102 South Fannin, Suite 4 Cameron, Texas 76520 Phone: 254-697-7010 Fax: 254-697-7012 County/District Attorney, Kerry Spears 204 N Central Cameron, Texas 76520 Phone: 254-697-7013 Fax: 254-697-7016 Staff—Dan Cervenka, Assistant District
The Milam County Commissioners Court “burns the candle at Tomek, Precinct 1; Kenneth Hollas, Precinct 3; Barkemeyer; Dale both ends” hosting hearings on the 2011-12 county budget Jaecks, Precinct 3; Jeff Muegge, Precinct 4. as County Judge Dave Barkemeyer presides. From left: George Attorney/County Attorney; Josh Borderud, Assistant District Attorney/County Attorney; Danice Steinbecker, Investigator; Kathy Skubal, Administrative Assistant; Joleen Cahill, Felony Assistant; Susann Knapp, Misdemeanor Assistant; Kim Fitzgerald, Hot Check Assistant; Carol Sparks, Victims Assistance Coordinator; Linda Hauk, Misdemeanor Intake Assistant District Clerk, Cindy Fechner 102 S. Fannin Cameron, Texas 76520 Phone: 254-697-7052 Fax: 254-697-7056 Staff—Misty Kirk, Deputy II Trisha Villarreal, Deputy II Margot Contreras, Deputy II Cindy Hubnik, Deputy I Michelle Hubnick, Deputy I Suzy Shelton, Deputy I continued on page 40
For the best, friendliest service in town come by and see us at
MIDWAY GROCERY
Jim & Shelley Eanes la ab 446-5462 • 446 Murray, Rockdale e H ol!
¡S pañ Es
Sausage Wraps • Hot Tamales • Snacks
GATTI WAGON!
You can get delicious Gatti’s Pizza in THORNDALE 5–8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays
Taylor 603 Mallard Lane 512-352-7664
Round Rock 2120 Round Rock Ave. 512-244-1991
CALL-IN ORDERS: 512-365-4644 www.rockdalereporter.com
2012
F Y I
COMMISSIONERS COURT Precinct 1 Commissioner George Tomek PO Box 25 (Mailing) 600 East Main (Physical) Buckholts, Texas 76518 Phone: 254-593-3171 Fax: 254-593-9265
City governments here to serve 40
2012
F Y I
ROCKDALE Population—5,595 Latitude—30.655N. Longitude—97.001W. Elevation—466 feet.
MILAM TOWN GOVERNMENTS
City of Rockdale, 512-446-2511 Dr. Larry D. Jones, Mayor Council members: Willie Phillips, Sr., Doug Calame, Joyce Dalley, Colby Fisher, Toby Johnson, Melody Dawson City Manager Kelvin Knauf, 446-2511 kknauf@rockdalecityhall.com
THORNDALE Population 1,336 Latitude 30.613N. Longitude -97.205W. Elevation‹453 feet.
City of Cameron, 254-697-6646 Connie Anderle, Mayor Council members: Cliff Cryer, Joe White, Roselee Mondrik, Bill Harris, Bobby Schiller, Virgie Hardeman City Manager, Ricky Tow
City of Thorndale, 512-898-2523 Billy Ed Simank, Mayor Council members: Sam Pickett, Jack Willis, Gerald Niemtschk, Don Culp, Stephanie Churchman
MILANO Population 428 Latitude 30.710N. Longitude -96.863W. Elevation‹522 feet.
Code Enforcement Officer Lon Williams, 446-2511 lwilliams@rockdalecityhall.com Public Works David Akin, director, 446-5620 dakin@rockdalecityhall.com Municipal Court Jerry Waggoner, Judge
CAMERON Population 5,552 Latitude 30.853N. Longitude -96.976W. Elevation 400 feet.
Clockwise from the top, Mayor Dr. Larry Jones, city judge Jerry Waggoner, City Manager Kelvin Knauf and council woman Melody Dawson.
City of Milano Billy Barnett, Mayor Council members: Carol Newman, Henry Dykes, David Gunnels Jr.
BUCKHOLTS Population 515 Latitude 30.872N. Longitude -97.124W. Elevation‹522 feet. Town of Buckholts Hal Senkel, Mayor Council members: Kathy Mayes, Doug Williams.
COUNTY GOVERNMENT continued from previous page County Clerk, Barbara Vansa 107 West Main Street Cameron, Texas 76520 Toll Free: 1-800-216-0490 Phone: 254-697-7049 Fax: 254-697-7055 bvansa@milamcounty.net Staff—Susanne Gelner, Chief Deputy Jodi Morgan, Deputy II Linda Hall, Deputy I Esther Vargas, Deputy I Sherry Mueck, Elections Clerk County Auditor, Danica Lara 103 W Main, Ste. A Cameron, TX 76520 Phone: 254-697-7026 Fax: 254-697-7028 Tax Assessor/Collector, Kolette Morgan 101 S Fannin Street (Physical address) PO Box 551 (Mailing address) Cameron, Texas 76520 Phone: 254-697-7017 Fax: 254-697-7020 Staff—Connie Morrow, Lydia Cervantes, Nancy Tucker, Melanie Crook, Marcy Kenney Rockdale Branch Office 313 N. Main (One Stop Center) Rockdale, TX 76567 Phone: 512-446-5103 Staff—Connie Banks, Mickie Musgrave Thorndale Branch Office located inside Rodenbeck Farm & Ranch US Highway 79 Thorndale, TX 76577 Phone: 512-898-2514
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat., 8a.m. 2 p.m. County Treasurer, Linda Acosta 103 W Main, Ste. B Cameron, Texas 76520 Phone: 254-697-7032 Fax: 254-697-7028 LAW ENFORCEMENT County Sheriff, David Greene 512 N. Jefferson Cameron, Texas 76520 Toll Free: 877-697-7887 Phone: 254-697-7033 Fax: 254-697-7037 JUSTICES OF THE PEACE Precinct 1, Rcik Gommert 512 N Jefferson Ste. C, Cameron, TX 76520 Phone: 254-697-7004 Fax: 254-697-7005 Precinct 2, Sam Berry 512 N Jefferson Ste. D, Cameron, TX 76520 Phone: 254-697-7008 Fax: 254-697-7009 Precinct 3, Andy Isaacs One Stop Center PO Box 101, Rockdale, TX 76567 Phone: 512-446-5214 Fax: 512-446-3098 Precinct 4, Gary Northcott US Highway 79 W PO Box 337, Thorndale, TX 76577 Phone: 512-898-5252 Fax: 512-898-5424
We appreciate your business more than we can “EXPRESS”!!
1301 W. Cameron Ave. Rockdale, Texas
512-446-5900 Open 7 Days a week! Normal Hours: 10:30 a.m. til 9:00 p.m. Summer Hours: 10:30 a.m. til 10:00 p.m.
—We Do Catering—
One-Stop Center M
ilam County’s One Stop Center is home to several state, county and local government offices and is located at 313 N. Main in downtown Rockdale.
Central Texas Workforce Center M-F, 8 a.m.-noon & 1-5 p.m., phone: 1800-487-7520 or 512-446-6440. Cindy Jerman, Business Services Coordinator, ext. 7012; Julia Cordona, Workforce Development Specialist, ext. 7011; James Powell, Workforce Development Specialist, ext. 7017; Mela Culp, Workforce Specialist, ext. 7021; Debra Jackson, Workforce Specialist, ext. 7016. Services include resume support, labor market information, interactive workshops for job searches, interviews and applications. Also offer GED traning and computer classes. Call for details.
Texas Department of Health Monday, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. & 1 p.m.-6 p.m., Wednesday, 8 a.m.-noon & 1 p.m.5:30 p.m., Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. & 1 p.m.-5:30 p.m., ; phone, 512-446-6245
Milam County Health Department Tues. & Thurs., 9 a.m.-noon & 1-4:30 p.m., phone: 512-446-4026, Patsy Gaines, director of programs (Health Department); Olivia Llanas Bolivar, secretary; Sara Sweeney, RN; RaeBeth Summers, RN; Brian Wendland, health inspector. Provides immunizations, TB tests, a wellchild clinic, septic inspections, vision and hearing screenings, blood pressure checks, diabetes screening, STD tests and daycare inspections. Milam County Tax Office substation M-F, 8 a.m.-noon & 1-4:45 p.m., phone: 512-446-5103, Connie Banks and Mickie Musgrave, vehicle title, registration and property taxes clerks. Andy Isaacs, Justice of the Peace, Milam County Precinct 3 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., phone: 512-446-5214.
Staffers Connie Banks and Mickie Musgrave will be gald to take care of you. State Parole (Ste. E) Each first Monday and Thursday of the month. Milam County Veterans Service Officer Cameron office: Mon. & Thurs., 8 a.m.– noon & 1–5 p.m.; Fri., 8 a.m.–noon & 1-4 p.m. Rockdale office: Tues. & Wed., 8:30 a.m.-noon & 1 p.m.-4:45 p.m.; phone: 512446-6616 or 254-697-7031 Ken Janicek,
www.wmcoequip.com 512-352-6381
Texas Department of Public Safety (Driver’s License office) Cameron office hours only. Mon., Thurs., Fri. 8:30 a.m.-noon & 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. (driving test done 1-3:30 p.m.); phone: 254-697-2956; located inside the Milam County Law Enforcement Center at 512 N. Jefferson Ste. E (northside of building, parking in the back) in Cameron.
Need a place to celebrate? • Weddings (large • Receptions • Parties • Quinceñeras • Anniversaries • Reunions
1006 Carlos G Parker Blvd SW Off Loop 397 Taylor, TX
service officer.
or small)
~ Largest facility in Milam area ~
Rockdale KC Hall For booking or information call—
Nick Guzman at (512) 446-3285
F.Y.I. ALSO AVAILABLE ON-LINE AT ROCKDALEREPORTER.COM
41
F Y I
2012
Texas Department of Human Services M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., phone: 512-4462543, Gloria Pedroza, Texas Works advisor (case worker). Provides AFDC, food stamps, Medicaid and medical eligibility.
(WIC) Patsy Gaines, director of programs (Health Department); Deborah Olbrich, RN, WIC director; Lindsey Summers, CA; Maria Ruelas, breast feeding peer counselor; Marie Reyes, administrative clerk. Provides nutritional programs and information on the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program.
Got a comment? Call us at 512-446-5838 or email staff@rockdalereporter.com
Agriculture
2012 big question mark for Milam ag
S 42
2012
F Y I
By MIKE BROWN Reporter Editor
pring is just around the corner and Milam County’s substantial agriculture community has its collective fingers crossed as it hopes to recover from a disastrous 2011. Jon Gersbach, Milam County Agrilife Extension Agent, predicts less corn, more milo and wheat and “about the same” cotton acreage in 2012. As for cattle, Texas is facing the lowest cow herd in 50 years after a year in which there were massive selloffs during the worst drought since the 1950s. COTTON FEED—How bad was 2011, with its 94 days of 100-degree heat and less than 10 inches of rain until November? “Farmers used every play in the playbook and then threw the playbook away and made up a new one,” Gersbach said. “We all saw some things we’d never seen before,” he said. “As close as Thrall they rolled up cotton, stem and all, and processed it for cattle feed.” Corn yield in an average Milam County year is around 88 bushels an acre, Gersbach said. “The absolute best I saw in 2011 was 56 and that was in a bottom land where they got some of those small rains just right,” he said. “County average was probably 20 bushels an acre, one-fourth to one-fifth normal,” Gersbach said. “This time around I think we’re going to lose quite a few corn acres,” he said. OPTIONS—“Some winter crops are already up, especially wheat, which is a good alternative crop coming off a year like we had,” Gersbach said. “It gives you the option to go in lot of different directions.” Cattle is another story. The scarcity of water and good pasture will continue to plague Milam ranchers this year, he said. “The moisture profile of the soil, after what happened last year, is just not something you can recover from in one season,” he said. “I don’t think this spring we can make up the ground we lost in these pastures the last few years.” “This ground has just been pounded, that’s the only word for it,” Gersbach said. “Last year, just as soon as a green shoot popped up, it was eaten.” ‘HANGING ON’—Even though Milam County has received more rainfall in the last two months than in the prevous 14, no one is proclaiming an end to the drought. “It’s re-assuring to get those rains,” he said. “I’m not pessimistic by nature. I know there’s some green out there right now but it’s not going to take us past April.” “There’s a lot of ‘hanging on’ going on in Milam County right now and will be through this year,” he said.
This stock tank north of Thorndale on FM 486 was The Report- rain in 2012 brought some relief to area pastures. It has now er’s “poster boy” for the record-setting drought of 2011. It ran officially rained just over 25 inches in Rockdale since Dec. 1, Aug. 11 of last year. Above is the same tank after a 4.5-inch 2011. That’s more than in the previous 14 months combined.
Let your customers know where to find you!
The Rockdale Reporter
Business Card Directory Only $12 per week (Four-week minimum)
Call 512-446-5838
Whiteley Farm Supply ������������������������������������� �������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������
—Propane for all Needs—
TEXAS PROPANE 512/446-4949
Toll Free 1-800-646-4949 P.O. Box 429 • Highway 77 North Rockdale, Texas 76567
GORDON TODD (Shown 64% of actual size.)
������������������
������������ ���������
������� ������������������� �������������������� 2
������������
Main Events
Tejas Fest just getting bigger and better
T
Tejas Art & Book Festival Clubs. Spy talk No Tejas Fest headliner has ever cautioned his listeners in Rockdale against entering his line of business before. But then Tejas Fest has never had a speaker like Fred Burton, who delivered an alternately riveting and chilling address at the city library. Burton, a former counterterrorism agent, is author of the best-selling “Chasing Shadows,” which deals with a 37-year quest to bring justice in a 1973 assassination linked to a terror group. He played a big role in bringing Ramzi Yousef, mastermind behind the first World Trade Center bombing in 1993, to justice. Burton helped to free several hos-
Mercantile Bistro Fast Casual Restaurant
Specialty Soups & Salads, Quiche, Hot & Cold Sandwiches, Lunch Specials, In House Homemade Desserts, Dressings & Vinigarettes, Wine & Beer
Available Weekends for Special Events! Call for reservations!
254-697-2666 Hours: Tuesday-Friday 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 106 S. Houston • Cameron, Texas www.mercantilebistro.com
Professional Chef • Catering Available
Try our International Cuisines paired with Wine
B&M
Tractor Parts Inc. 101 SLOAN
• • •
TAYLOR, TX 76574
800-356-7155 512-352-8515
tages during his long career, including Father Lawrence Jenko, the Roman Catholic priest who was held captive for over a year in Beiruit in 1985-86. No wonder one of the first questions he was asked in Rockdale was “are you concerned about your personal safety?” Burton said at one time he was listed on an Al Queda hit list but that he’s more concerned about drug gangs he’s encountered in the thankless, and nearly impossible, quest to secure America’s southern borders. Listeners got a primer on terrorism from a man whose business was once to get inside the minds of people obsessed with bringing this nation to its knees. Burton said terrorists aren’t necessarily focused on killing great amounts of Americans, although they’d consider that something like a side benefit. “They would like to do something which would do actual harm to our economy and, at the same time, resonate throughout the Middle East,” he said. Obviously a place like Rockdale is at low risk for such attacks but Burton thinks even major cities like Austin are also unlikely targets.
43
F Y I
2012
o use a baseball spring training analogy, Rockdale’s Tejas Fest 2012 was a grand slam. The sixth annual celebration of literature, art and life at several downtown venues brought the largest crowds, and the best participation, yet. Ninety-five vehicles turned out for the Rockdale Downtown Association’s auto-motorcycle show, which enjoyed blue skies and temperatures in the 60s. That’s believed to be a record in the auto division. Sixteen authors were on hand at the city library and the I&GN Historical Depot with presentations by three, headliner Fred Burton, journalist Bill Harper and train photographer Dr. J. Parker Lamb. Authors visited Rockdale school campuses Friday and the First Baptist Church fellowship hall hosted a twoday art workshop by Austin artist Rita Kirkman. There were tours of the “under restoration” Kay Theatre, lots of kids activities and music at Wolf Park and a giant plant exchange and sale sponsored by the Linwood Acres and Crown Garden
Tejas Fest headliner, former counterrorism agent Fred Burton, gave a chilling talk during the morning-afternoon book fair at the city library.
TEEA Emblem – Explanation of Symbols • The outer circle represents the world we live in. • Inside the circle proudly displays the name of the organization. • Centered is the outline of our unique and beautiful State of Texas. • In the center, an open book, denoting education. One cannot learn from a closed book. • The house in the panhandle represents the home and family life. • In the west, an open heart. We open our hearts to all. • In the east, an oak leaf representing strength. We gain strength through our partnership with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. • In the lower portion, two reaching hands, reaching out to those who need us.
New Salem Extension Education Association
(Part of the Milam County District 8 TEEA) 308 Walnut St.- New Salem Building (Fair Park) Rockdale, Texas
Meets first Thursdays at 2 p.m. ~ Come join us!
NEED A PLACE TO CELEBRATE?
Book the New Salem Building at Fair Park! Call Marilyn Hicks, 512-446-2704
INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL SERVICE
Licensed Bonded Insured
JEFFREY R. ZAPATA
44
2012
F Y I
QUALITY FIRST
CELL 512-760-6187 584 Bush Road • Rockdale, TX 76567
KRXT
FYI ADVERTISER INDEX
Support these local advertisers as they support our community! ACCOMMODATIONS
INSURANCE
Rockdale Chamber ............... 24-25
Pruett Insurance ..........................5 RVOS ..............................................29
AGRICULTURE
—FM 98.5
24 HOURS A DAY . . . 7 DAYS A WEEK Your local source for traditional country, latest hits and news!
512-446-6985 • 1-866-446-6985 Rockdale, Texas
Anderle Lumber Company ........41
MEDICAL / HEALTH
Crowe Company .........................34
Eye Associates .............................39
Whiteley Farm Supply ...............42
Hutto Family Eyecare ..................2
Williamson Co. Equipment ........41
ATTORNEYS Cappolino, Dodd, Krebbs.......... 48 AUTO SALES/SERVICE Miller-Starnes Chevrolet Buick ...4
APPAREL/BEAUTY /FITNESS Bland’s Jewelers............................5 Images ............................................7 Jelly Beans Hair Salon ................31
Benjamin S. Sanley, D.D.S.
Pam’s Rockdale Beauty Shoppe ...30 Shawnee’s ......................................4
CHURCH/SCHOOL/ DAYCARE Discovery Days ............................25 Katrina’s Childcare......................44
Dental Care For Life! 116 E. 1st St. • Cameron, Texas
Rockin ‘B’ Learning Tree ............31 St. Paul Lutheran School ...........32
ENTERTAINMENT
Gunn, Kathy .................................19 Jones, Larry D.D.S........................27 Marr Eye .......................................28 Manor Oaks Nursing Center......33 Medicine Chest Pharmacy ..........8 Litle River Healthcare.................23 Rockdale Smile Center ...............22 Sanley, Benjamin D.D.S...............44 S.P.J.S.T. .........................................47 RESTAURANTS/FOOD Barron’s Hamburger Haven ......20 Busy Bea Cafe & Catering ..........21 Chicken Express ..........................40 Gatti Wagon .................................39 Julio’s.............................................26 Lee’s Landing .................................7 Mercantile Bistro ........................43 Midway Grocery ..........................39 Taqueria Bandas .........................36
SERVICES & MORE All-Area Plumbing .......................32
Follow us on Facebook: Cameron Dental
KC Hall ...........................................41
B&M Tractor .................................43
KRXT 98.5 FM ................................44
Bland Construction ......................4
(254) 697-3118
Rockdale Historical Society ......35
Brady’s Pest Control...................10
Stoney’s Liquor............................28
Call Comm/Radio Shack ............30
Monday - Thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Climate Control .............................6
FINANCIAL / LOAN
Comfort AC.....................................3
(Closed for lunch 12-NOON - 1 PM)
Citizen’s National Bank ................2
Luminant ......................................45
New Patients Always Welcome!
Classic Bank ...................................9
Paul’s Pool Service......................18
Rockdale Federal Credit Union ..4
Phillips & Luckey Funeral ............4
We accept most insurance plans on assignment! Also accepting the new Medicaid and Chip programs for children ages 12 months to 20 years old.
Premier Irrigation .......................19
HOME DECOR/GIFTS
Rockdale Floor Covering. ..........10
Antique Queens.............................3
Rockdale Signs/Photography ..22
Eulenfeld Interiors......................37
Woelfel Automotive ...................20
Garden Treasures ........................38
Zapata Electric ............................44
Cleaner. EfďŹ cient. Dependable.
Texas has been a good neighbor to Luminant employees and its power plants and mines for decades. We are committed to being a good neighbor, too, by providing cleaner, dependable power for the future of Texas.
www.Luminant.com
The beauty of nature 46
We rarely take the time to get up close and personal with nature’s offerings. But photographer Shannon Whorton has captured plenty of it in these seldom-seen pictures that would be easy to overlook.
2012
F Y I
Shannon Whorton is production manager at The Reporter. Nature photography is one of his many hobbies. Photo by T.J. Sorenson
Come see what the talk is all about!
QR Code Reader
S.P.J.S.T
SENIOR LIVING Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing/Rehabilitation
Taylor, Texas www.spjstresthomes.com 512-352-6940
The attorneys with Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP, are never willing to settle for anything less than what their clients deserve. Whether a case goes to trial or is settled, our clients can trust that everything is done to maximize the value of their claim.
Preparation, tenacity and a willingness to fight in court has help our firm win millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for those seriously hurt or killed by the recklessness of others. Nowhere is this more evident than in our successful experience helping Texas workers find justice from the biggest companies in the world, or in our success helping people get what they deserve
from insurance companies.
Serious Injury • Death Cases • Mesothelioma Product Cases • Truck & Auto Wrecks • Birth Injury Insurance & Fraud • Oil & Gas Royalty Cases Business Litigation
Injury Lawyers
L.L.P.
778-HELP.com • YourCarWreck.com • MesoFirm.com • DefectiveDrugsLaw.com 254-778-HELP • 888-MESO-FIRM • 800-460-0606 • 254-697-4965 312 S. Houston Ave. • Cameron | 3401 SW HK Dodgen Loop Ste 4 • Temple