Issuu

Thankful! I N S P I R E D BY

GRATEFU L FO R THOSE WH O TE ACH

N OV E M B E R 2 02 6

Luke Brown Luke@bgrea.com

Teague Griffin Teague@bgrea.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

A Season to Be Thankful As we enter the season of Thanksgiving, I find myself thinking about how often the simplest things are the ones we have the hardest time noticing. Life moves quickly. Between work, family, commitments, and the everyday schedules that fill our calendars, it can be easy to focus on what still needs to be done rather than pausing to appreciate all that is already around us. This month, we are taking a closer look at what it means to be thankful and how appreciation can look different throughout the seasons of our lives. One of our feature stories explores how what we value changes from childhood to our later years, while the desire to feel loved, connected, and supported remains a constant thread. We also look at the importance of slowing down long enough to recognize the everyday moments that deserve our appreciation. A conversation with someone we love, a family meal, a quiet morning, or even a few minutes of laughter can easily become the moments we remember most. Another special feature allows us to celebrate the teachers in our community. These individuals do far more than teach lessons from a textbook. They encourage, challenge, guide, and inspire the next generation, often leaving an impact that lasts long after a school year ends. As you read this issue, I hope it encourages you to pause and consider what you are thankful for. Maybe it is a person, a place, a memory, an opportunity, or simply the everyday moments that make life meaningful. From our family to yours, thank you for allowing us to be part of your community. We are grateful for your continued support and for the opportunity to share the people and stories that make our community special. Happy Thanksgiving!

November 2026 PUBLISHER

Angie Terry | angie.terry@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Shannon Roberts | shannon.roberts@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Allison Housley

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman LAYOUT DESIGNER Liz Nixon QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

A N G I E T E R R Y, P U B L I S H E R @ A N N AC I T Y L I F E S T Y L E Learn how to start your own publication at CityLifestyle.com//Franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Anna City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Anna area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

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No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Anna City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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Departments

Gratitude Across Generations From Childhood Joys to Lifelong Memories

The Gift of Now

Giving thanks brings us back to the present

Thankful For Those Who Teach

Celebrating the Teachers Who Shape Our Community’s Future

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Must See LOCAL SERVICES

Mental Wellbeing LOCAL SERVICES

Chef ’s Selection FOOD + BEVERAGE

Hosting Tips ENTERTAINMENT

Giving Back LIFE + CULTURE

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Where Game Day Comes Alive Touchdown Tap House in Anna is more than a place to grab wings and a cold drink. With a massive video wall and screens throughout the restaurant, every seat feels like game-day central. The lively atmosphere, cheering fans, and shared excitement make Touchdown the perfect spot to gather with friends and watch the action.

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GR ATITUDE ACROSS GENER ATIONS

ARTICLE BY ALLISON HOUSLEY

M UST SE E | LO CAL S ERVICE S

FROM CHILDHOOD JOYS TO LIFELONG MEMORIES

Perspective changes as we move through life. The worries of a teenager rarely resemble the concerns of a grandparent, while the simple joys that delight a child can easily be overcome by adults caught up in busy schedules. Yet gratitude has a way of connecting every generation. What we appreciate may change with age, but the desire to feel loved, supported, safe, and connected remains remarkably consistent. From childhood through the senior years, gratitude reflects not only what we have but also what we have learned to value along the way.

CHILDHOOD: FINDING JOY IN THE LITTLE THINGS

For children, gratitude is often simple. Their appreciation is rooted in the present moment, where a favorite meal, a beloved pet, a trip to the playground, or extra time with family can feel like the best part of the day. Children are not necessarily thinking about gratitude as a practice. They simply recognize what makes them happy. A Saturday morning spent making pancakes can be just as meaningful as a special outing. A bedtime story can become a cherished ritual. Even something as ordinary as playing outside with friends can feel memorable. That natural ability to find excitement in small things is a reminder for adults, too. Gratitude does not have to be reserved for major milestones or life-changing events. Sometimes, the smallest moments are the ones worth noticing.

ADOLESCENCE: APPRECIATING CONNECTION AND INDEPENDENCE

As children grow into teenagers, their world expands. Friendships become increasingly important, independence begins to take shape, and young people start discovering who they are and where they fit in. During these years, gratitude often centers on the people and places that make them feel accepted. Close friends, encouraging CONTINUED >

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teachers, coaches, creative outlets, and supportive family members can provide stability during a period filled with change. Teenagers may also appreciate something adults sometimes take for granted: the freedom to make choices. Choosing a hobby, discovering a favorite type of music, learning a new skill, or simply having a space to express themselves can become an important part of growing up.

ADULTHOOD: VALUING STABILITY AND SUPPORT

By adulthood, gratitude often takes on a more practical meaning. Work, relationships, finances, family responsibilities, and busy schedules can make life feel like a constant balancing act. As responsibilities increase, so does appreciation for the people and circumstances that make life manageable. A dependable partner, a close friend who always answers the phone, helpful neighbors, healthy family relationships, or simply having a home that feels like a refuge can take on greater significance. Adults may also become more appreciative of time. A quiet morning, an uninterrupted conversation, a family dinner, or an afternoon without a packed schedule can feel surprisingly valuable. Gratitude during this stage is often less about having everything figured out and more about recognizing the people and moments that make the busy seasons of life worthwhile. It is easy to overlook these everyday gifts when life becomes crowded with obligations. Taking a moment to name them can change the way an ordinary day feels. Whether gratitude is expressed with a child’s enthusiasm, a teenager’s awareness, an adult’s appreciation for support, or a senior’s reflection, it makes what matters most visible.

THE SENIOR YEARS: TREASURING TIME AND MEMORIES

With age comes perspective. Experiences that once seemed urgent may lose their importance, while relationships and memories often become more meaningful. For many older adults, gratitude centers on the people who have shared their journey. Family traditions, lifelong friendships, grandchildren, photographs, familiar places, and stories passed from one generation to the next can carry tremendous emotional value today. There is also a greater appreciation for time itself. An afternoon spent visiting with family, tending a garden, sharing a meal, or reminiscing about earlier years can become something to treasure. The senior years can offer an important reminder that life is not measured only by accomplishments. The relationships we build and the memories we create often become the pieces we value most.

THE THREAD THAT BINDS US

A child’s gratitude may be expressed through excitement over pancakes, and a teenager’s through appreciation for a trusted friend. An adult may be thankful for a supportive family, while an older person may treasure decades of shared memories. The details change, but the underlying message remains remarkably similar. At every age, gratitude draws our attention to what gives life meaning. It reminds us to appreciate the people beside us, recognize the moments that might otherwise pass unnoticed, and pause long enough to realize how much there is to value. Perhaps that is the greatest connection between generations. We may experience life differently as we grow older, but the things that matter most are love, belonging, connection, and time together.

M UST SE E | LO CAL S ERVICE S

“ W E M AY E X PE R I E NC E L I F E DI F F E R E N T LY, BU T L OV E , C ON N EC T ION , A N D T I M E TO GE T H E R R E M A I N T I M E L E S S T R E A S U R E S .” NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / A N N A

THE GIFT of Now

GIVING THANKS BRINGS US BACK TO THE PRESENT ARTICLE BY ALLISON HOUSLEY

M EN TA L WE LLBE IN G | LOCAL SE RVICE S

Our days can move at a remarkable pace. Between work schedules, household responsibilities, errands, appointments, messages, and the constant pull of our phones, it can be easy to move from one task to the next without truly experiencing the moments in between. We often tell ourselves things will slow down after the next deadline, project, or busy season. But there is always something waiting around the corner. Instead of waiting for life to become less hectic, perhaps the better choice is to pause, look around, and recognize what is already here. Being thankful is often associated with major moments. We celebrate a new job, a milestone birthday, a long-awaited vacation, or an exciting accomplishment. Those occasions deserve to be celebrated, but they are only part of the picture. Some of life’s most meaningful moments are much less dramatic. It can be the first sip of coffee in the morning, sunlight coming through the kitchen window, a favorite song playing in the car, or an unexpected phone call from someone you love. These simple moments may not make it onto a calendar, but they can still make an ordinary day feel special. Taking notice of these small pleasures does not mean ignoring life’s challenges. It simply creates space to recognize that difficult days can still contain moments of comfort, beauty, humor, or connection. A warm shower after a long day, laughter coming from another room, a CONTINUED >

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comfortable chair, or a familiar neighborhood view can remind us that even busy or difficult days have something worth appreciating. Being thankful also does not require adding another complicated routine to an already full schedule. Sometimes, the simplest pauses are the most meaningful. Before reaching for your phone in the morning, take a moment to think about something you are looking forward to. During a hectic afternoon, step outside and notice the weather, listen to the sounds around you, or simply enjoy a few deep breaths of fresh air. Ordinary transitions can become opportunities to slow down. Waiting for dinner to finish cooking, sitting at a stoplight, walking from the parking lot, or folding laundry can offer a few quiet seconds to remember something that went well or someone who made your day a little brighter. The goal is not to feel thankful every minute or pretend that everything is perfect. It is to become more aware of the good that exists alongside the difficult. Constant busyness can make time feel strangely limited. When we are always thinking about what comes next, even enjoyable experiences can pass without receiving our full attention. A family meal becomes more meaningful when phones are set aside, and conversation takes

center stage. A walk becomes more than exercise when you notice the changing sky or the sound of leaves beneath your feet. A visit with a friend becomes more memorable when you are truly listening rather than mentally preparing for the next thing on your schedule. Being present also allows us to notice people more fully. We may remember a story someone told, the expression on a loved one’s face, or the way a simple conversation made us laugh. These moments may seem insignificant while they are happening, yet they often become the memories we carry with us. Thankfulness does not require a perfect day, an empty calendar, or a major reason to celebrate. It asks us to recognize what is good while life is happening. The next time the day feels like it is moving too quickly, resist the urge to push through. Pause for a moment. Look around. Listen. Take in the people, places, sounds, and small comforts that might otherwise disappear into the rush. Life will always have another appointment, responsibility, or task waiting. But the ordinary moments happening between them deserve our attention, too. Sometimes being thankful begins with nothing more complicated than slowing down long enough to notice how much there is to appreciate.

“The moments we rush past today may become the memories we treasure most tomorrow.”

M EN TA L WE LLBE IN G | LOCAL SE RVICE S

Cranberry Chambord Chutney

There always seems to be a debate of some kind or another on whether homemade cranberry sauce or canned is best for your holiday table. Whether you are in the homemade camp or the canned camp, this recipe is a must-try for everyone. It’s easy and packed with yummy goodness! And if you’re in the canned camp, you may surprise yourself that you ever thought canned was the easiest route to your table! This sauce is a great addition to your poultry or pork when fresh cranberries are in season, but frozen cranberries can certainly be used in a pinch.

Ingredients • 1-pound fresh cranberries • 2 cups sugar • 2 tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves • 1/8 teaspoon allspice • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon • zest of 1 lemon, cut into julienne strips • zest of 1 orange, cut into julienne strips • 1/3 cup Chambord liqueur

Cooking Instructions 1. Rinse and pick over cranberries. Discard any that are green or mushy and remove stems. 2. In a 2-quart saucepan, place cranberries, sugar, and diced apples. Cover the pot and cook over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil. (No need to add liquid.) 3. Uncover and stir in spices. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Uncover and add lemon and orange zest. Cover the pot and cook for another 5 minutes or until the mixture has thickened and the berries have popped. 4. Cool for 5 minutes, then stir in the Chambord and refrigerate until serving time.

WANT TO BREAK FREE FROM THE CAN? THIS HOMEMADE SAUCE WILL WOW YOUR THANKSGIVING GUESTS! ARTICLE BY PAULI REEP

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / A N N A

get ready for

Your ultimate guide to the perfect game gathering this holiday season ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE

H OST IN G T IP S | ENTERTA IN ME N T

’Tis the season for get-togethers with family and friends. Kids are home from school, friends and family are visiting for the holidays, and neighbors are especially, well, neighborly! In the whirlwind of holiday to-dos and festive planning, it’s easy to get lost in the chaos. This year, take a moment to carve out some time for a little fun! With screens and social media dominating our attention, a nostalgic, simple and joyful game night sets the scene for laughter, friendly competition and making memories with those you love. Check out our guide to creating the best game night ever.

The Guest List: Game nights might just be the perfect party; they’re great for everyone from toddlers to grandparents. And games can be the great equalizer while bringing everyone together. The sweet spot for your game night’s guest size should be manageable but large enough to be lively (somewhere between 6 to 10 people).

Setting the Scene: Clear away the clutter to make space for games and guests. Assemble a comfortable seating area with cozy blankets, cushy poufs and floor pillows to encourage everyone to relax and stay a while. Curate a fun and upbeat playlist to have in the background - just loud enough to create the perfect party ambiance. Indie folk or smooth jazz can keep the energy up without distracting from gameplay. Set up a variety of lighting from string lights to candles to craft a magical mood, ensuring the space feels inviting.

Snack Attack

: Keep the rivalry friendly by ensuring your guests are satiated. Set up a popcorn bar, a low-effort but high-impact snack station! Stock up on individual popcorn boxes so your guests can create their own snack sensations. You can rent an old-fashioned popcorn machine for a fun, nostalgic touch or simply provide a large bowl of freshly popped corn. Then, arrange your toppings. Think butter or olive oil, a variety of seasonings from traditional salt to nutritional yeast, sweet candies for that salty-sweet combination, melted chocolate and caramel sauce, and more.

The Games: The best strategy for selecting games is to have a variety at the ready. For large, loud and energetic play, think group party games like Codenames and Wavelength. For smaller, more thoughtful groups, Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne and other strategy games may be the way to go. You can’t go wrong with timeless staples such as Pictionary, Scrabble or a deck of cards. Or take game night outdoors and prepare for a spirited contest with classic outdoor games like ladder toss and cornhole.

No matter who wins the game, we all know the real win is spending time with your loved ones.

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / A N N A

C I T Y L I FEST Y L E G I V ES BAC K

GIVING TOGETHER A Community That Shows Up

Every year, City Lifestyle sends checks to hundreds of families in need across the country through our annual Giving Campaign and our nonprofit arm, Kingdom Building Foundation. But none of it would be possible without you. We can only help the people we know about, and

G IV IN G BAC K | L I FE + C ULT U RE

that’s where our readers come in. If you know someone quietly struggling, whether it’s a single parent, a senior citizen, or a family facing something they never saw coming, we want to hear their story. Nominations are what make this whole campaign possible.

We provided a chair lift for a teenager paralyzed in a gymnastics accident so she could move freely through her own home again. We helped a child who lost an eye to cancer get the prosthetic because insurance wouldn’t cover it. We covered dental work for a man who needed his smile back just to walk into a job interview. We got heat turned back on for a family who had spent part of the winter without it. We helped a family keep up with bills while a husband and father fought pancreatic cancer, and we helped another family cover medical expenses after the unimaginable loss of a child. These are just a few examples of some of the hundreds of individuals that have been helped through nominations from readers like you. None of it happens without someone noticing first and speaking up. "We don't just send checks," says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle.

“We send a message: You are seen, you are loved, and you are not forgotten.” Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond the holiday season. "This is about community," Matthew says. "We believe we've been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing." Often, the person making the nomination gets just as much out of the experience as the recipient. There's something powerful about being part of the reason someone else's burden got lighter, especially when that need might have otherwise gone unnoticed. The campaign is completely confidential. No names are ever shared or publicized, and nominating someone is as simple as telling us their story. We are looking for those in our communities who fall between the cracks of getting help, and together as a community, we can meet those needs.

Nominations open November 1st and close December 3rd. To nominate someone in your community, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and find the form in our bio, or visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.org.

This season, giving starts with you. Let's do it together. Nominate someone in need today.

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A N N A

THOSE WHO TEACH

THANKFUL FOR

C E L E B R AT I N G T H E T E A C H E R S W H O SHAPE OUR COMMUNITY’S FUTURE

ARTICLE BY ALLISON HOUSLEY

I NSP IR E D BY | LO CAL S ERVICE S

Kristi Vest

“A TEACHER’S INFLUENCE CAN REMAIN WITH A STUDENT LONG AFTER THE SCHOOL YEAR ENDS.”

Every school day begins with a familiar rhythm. Hallways fill with conversation, classroom doors open, and teachers prepare to welcome another group of students. Behind that routine are educators who have spent years learning not only how to teach, but how to encourage, listen, adapt, and make a difference in young lives. Grades, test scores, and academic milestones may measure part of a teacher’s work, but accomplishments are harder to quantify. They happen when a student understands a difficult concept, finds confidence in a new ability, feels seen during a difficult day, or discovers an interest that could shape the future. This month, we are thankful for educators in our community who show up each day ready to make those moments possible. We are especially grateful for four local teachers who remind us that teaching is much more than a lesson plan.

MORE THAN A LESSON

A teacher’s influence reaches beyond the subject written on the classroom schedule. The classroom can become a place where students CONTINUED >

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / A N N A

Penny Barnes

“TO EVERY TEACHER WHO GIVES THEIR TIME, PATIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, CREATIVITY, AND HEART: THANK YOU FOR TEACHING THE LESSONS WE CAN SEE AND FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN WAYS WE SOMETIMES CANNOT!” learn to ask questions, solve problems, communicate, collaborate, and believe in their abilities. For Kristi Vest, a Pre-K teacher at Harlow Elementary, one former student provided a powerful reminder of how far that influence can reach. Six years after Vest had helped the student and her family through a difficult season during pre-K, the family returned to tell her how much her support had meant to them. “The mom gave me a gift and said she never forgot what I did for them during the child’s pre-K year and how much I helped their family! It just blew me away that she still thought of me 6 years later!” It captures something teachers may not always see: the impact of a caring relationship can remain with a student and family long after the school year ends.

CREATING CONNECTIONS

Every classroom has its own personality. Building relationships creates an environment where students feel comfortable learning, asking questions, and making mistakes. Penny Barnes, an ESL teacher at Clemons Middle School, understands the importance of those connections. During COVID, when students were struggling, Barnes visited them at home. Sometimes they completed lessons together; other times, they sat on a porch or steps and talked.

“I think they really missed school and life in general,” Barnes recalls. “It was good for both of us.” Her experience reflects the personal side of education. Teachers often become familiar faces students can count on, offering encouragement and understanding when they need it most.

MAKING EVERY STUDENT COUNT

Education requires understanding that every student learns differently. What works for one child may not work for another, so teachers constantly adapt and meet students where they are. Mindy Powell, a kindergarten teacher at Joe K. Bryant Elementary, has learned from her young students. When asked what her students have taught her, her answer was simple and memorable: “Fresh air and a snack can solve most problems!” The lighthearted response captures something meaningful about working with children. Teachers learn to embrace the unexpected, find humor in everyday moments, and remember that sometimes the simplest things can have an influence. Behind every successful classroom is a teacher paying attention, recognizing who is struggling, who is gaining confidence, who needs encouragement, and who needs someone to believe in them. CONTINUED >

I NSP IR E D BY | LO CAL S ERVICE S

Mindy Powell

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A N N A

LESSONS THAT LAST

The lessons educators leave behind are not always written on a worksheet or displayed on a classroom board. Students may remember the teacher who encouraged them to try something they thought was out of reach, listened when they needed someone, or made them excited to come to class. For Sarah Hightower, a first-grade teacher at Harlow Elementary, the most important lesson she hopes her students carry with them extends beyond academics. “I hope my students always know how much they are loved and valued. Most importantly, I hope they remember to always do the right thing, even when no one is watching.” That message speaks to the lasting influence educators can have. Academic knowledge provides a foundation for the future, but confidence, kindness, perseverance, and character can follow students wherever life takes them.

THANK YOU, TEACHERS

A teacher’s work rarely ends when the final bell rings. There are lessons to prepare, papers to review, emails to answer, and activities to organize. But beyond those responsibilities is something more personal: a commitment to helping young people grow. This month, we celebrate Kristi Vest, Mindy Powell, Penny Barnes, and Sarah Hightower, along with educators throughout our community who dedicate themselves to the next generation. Their stories remind us that teaching is measured not only by what students learn, but by how they feel, how they grow, and what they carry with them.

Sarah Hightower

I NSP IR E D BY | LO CAL S ERVICE S

“TEACHERS DO MORE THAN TEACH LESSONS; THEY BUILD CONFIDENCE, NURTURE CHARACTER, AND CREATE CONNECTIONS THAT CAN STAY WITH STUDENTS FOR YEARS TO COME.”

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Classic

Pumpkin Pie This classic recipe makes a creamy, warmly spiced pie with a flaky crust and a rich pumpkin filling. It is simple enough for a beginner and makes a wonderful dessert for Thanksgiving, family dinners, or any cozy autumn gathering. Prep Time: 15 minutes Bake Time: 50–60 minutes Cooling Time: 2 hours Servings: 8

INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • • •

1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin purée 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk 2 large eggs ¾ cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground ginger ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the oven and crust. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and gently press it into the bottom and sides. Crimp the edges for a finished appearance. 2. Prepare the filling. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla. Gradually add the evaporated milk, whisking until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined. 3. Fill the pie. Pour the pumpkin mixture carefully into the prepared pie crust. Avoid filling it all the way to the very top to prevent spills. 4. Bake. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes. Then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and bake for another 35–45 minutes. The pie is ready when the edges are set and a knife inserted near the center comes out mostly clean. 5. Cool and serve. Remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Let it cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. Serve with a generous spoonful of whipped cream if desired.

STORAGE

Cover leftover pie and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For the best texture, serve chilled or allow individual slices to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Nothing says fall quite like a homemade pumpkin pie! ARTICLE BY SHANNON ROBERTS

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

City Manager’s Monthly Update November brings a season of gratitude, giving, and connection to Anna as we spend time with loved ones, recognize those who have served, and begin looking ahead to the holidays. On Veterans Day, we take time to recognize and thank the veterans in our community and across the country who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Their service and sacrifice are an important part of our nation’s story, and we are grateful to the veterans who call Anna home. The Anna Police Department’s annual Holiday Toy Drive begins accepting donations on Nov. 2. Neighbors are encouraged to help bring a little extra joy to local children and families this holiday season by donating new, unwrapped toys. Every donation helps make the holidays brighter for families right here in our community. We’re also gearing up for the 12 Days of Anna! This annual holiday celebration brings festive activities and events to the

214-387-1552 | twilson.com

community throughout December. From opportunities to gather with neighbors to family-friendly holiday fun, there will be plenty of ways to celebrate the season. Keep an eye out for the full 12 Days of Anna schedule and start making your holiday plans. As Thanksgiving approaches, City offices will be closed in observance of the holiday. We hope our neighbors enjoy the opportunity to spend time with family and friends, share a meal, and celebrate the people and traditions that make this time of year special. November is a time to reflect on what we’re thankful for while looking forward to the celebrations ahead. We’re grateful to the neighbors who make Anna a welcoming community and look forward to celebrating the holiday season together.

ARTICLE BY SHANNON ROBERTS

Editor's Corner 5 THINGS TO DO TO MAKE THANKSGIVING DINNER A SUCCESS

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o n Ro b rt s | E d it o e

1 . Pl an Yo u r Men u E a rly Choose your recipes several days ahead and create a detailed shopping list. Consider guests’ dietary preferences and make sure your menu includes a variety of flavors and textures.

2. Pre p Ahe ad Save yourself stress on Thanksgiving Day by preparing what you can in advance. Chop vegetables, make desserts, prepare casseroles and organize ingredients the day before.

3. Don’t Forget the Turkey Know your turkey’s size and cooking time before the big day. Allow plenty of time for thawing, roasting and resting so the centerpiece is juicy and ready when guests are seated.

4. S e t t he Tab l e E a rly

5. Enjoy the Mome n t

Get dishes, glasses, silverware, napkins and serving pieces ready before guests arrive. A beautifully arranged table creates a welcoming atmosphere.

Remember that Thanksgiving isn’t about perfection. Relax, enjoy your guests and savor the meal. The best celebrations are filled with laughter, gratitude and togetherness.

T R E N D SE T T E R | L I FE + CU LT U RE

NOVEMBER 2026

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S NOVE M BE R 7 T H

Cars and Coffee Van Alstyne Myth & Ember Coffee House | Van Alstyne, TX 75495 | 8:00 AM Monthly Cars & Coffee meet in historic downtown Van Alstyne. First Saturday of each month. Open to all cool cars, trucks, and bikes, old or new, domestic or import, classic or exotic, come on down and hang out, shoot the breeze, and check out the others. NOVE M BE R 9 T H

Chair Volleyball at Van Alstyne's Senior Center 148 S Main Dr | Van Alstyne Texas 75495 | 12:15 PM Join us for fun and friendly chair volleyball at the Senior Center every Monday at 12:15 PM! NOVE M BE R 1 0 T H

After Hours at Texas Republic Bank by Greater Anna Chamber 2220 Sam Rayburn Hwy Suite 100 | Melissa, TX 75474 | 5:30 PM Come and enjoy refreshments and networking with your local business community! Texas Republic Bank | 2220 Sam Rayburn Hwy | Suite 100, Melissa, TX 75474 Fees/Admission

EVE N TS

OUTSTANDING STUDENT ATHLETE OF THE MONTH