WHERE LEGACIES GATHER
Dog Days of Summer
August is the season of wagging tails, muddy sneakers, and making memories with the ones we love most, our kids and our pets.
This month, we are celebrating both in our Kids & Pets issue, and I could not be more excited to introduce this year's Dog Cover Contest winner! Our winning pup, Berkeley Jacobs, captured hearts across Texoma and earned a pup prize package, a professional cover photo shoot, and, of course, plenty of bragging rights. Inside, you will also meet our adorable runners up, whose sweet faces and personalities made this year's competition one to remember.
Beyond the cuteness, this issue highlights the incredible work of Denison Animal Welfare Group, better known as DAWG. This volunteer driven organization is dedicated to improving the lives of homeless and abandoned animals in our community through rescue efforts, fostering, adoption support, and education. Their story is a beautiful reminder that compassion can change lives, one paw at a time.
Looking for family adventures before summer slips away? We have you covered. Discover the magic of the Denison Story Walk, where books and the outdoors come together to inspire young readers. Then head to Sherman to explore Binkley Bike Park, an exciting destination that encourages kids and families to get outside, get moving, and enjoy a little adventure on two wheels.
And because August is also a season of new beginnings, we are spotlighting Texoma Thunder Volleyball Club, where young athletes are learning teamwork, building confidence, and chasing big dreams one serve at a time.
I hope this issue inspires you to unplug, explore, and soak in these final weeks of summer. Whether you are curled up with your favorite pup, cheering from the sidelines, or discovering a new family adventure, there is something special waiting in these pages.
Thank you for reading and we'll see you around town!
BARBARA
IRELAND, PUBLISHER
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Barbara Ireland | Barbara.Ireland@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Danielle Poche | Danielle.Poche@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Lucas Ridley | Lucas.Ridley@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITER
Jennifer Haveman
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Christine Clark, Sharla Davenport, Lucas Ridley, Mike Zapata
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Courtney Mitchell, Mike Zapata, Sydney Young, Alex Jacobs
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
3:5-6
FIND ROOM TO PUT DOWN ROOTS.
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Michelle Castle and Barbara Ireland discuss Castle’s book: Rethink Everything You Know About Business Planning 2: Hot Summer Nights with Sharla Davenport and friends 3: Preston Trail NSDAR bench dedication 4: Chamber Bowling Bash at HeyDay Denison 5: Melida Ailshire has dinner at La Piazza in downtown Sherman 6: Lindsey Manley with Roger Creager at Sherman’s Hot Summer Nights 7: Denison & Sherman Chamber of Commerce
DENISON CHAMBER DENISON CHAMBER
MANLEY
8-14:
and
To Every Teacher... Thank You.
As another school year begins, I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible teachers who pour their hearts into our children every single day.
Thank you for the early mornings, the late afternoons, the extra patience, the encouragement, and the countless moments that often go unseen. You don't just teach lessons—you build confidence, inspire dreams, and help shape the future of our community.
BACK TO SCHOOL! Listing Spotlights
STUFF THE BUS POTTSBORO
Pottsboro ISD is once again calling on the community to help ensure every child begins the school year with the tools they need to succeed. The annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive on August 11, 2026, collects backpacks, notebooks, and other essential classroom items for local students and teachers. Residents are encouraged to donate new school supplies during the drive to help ease the financial burden on families. Facebook@StuffTheBusPottsboro
AUSTIN COLLEGE HONORS RETIRING PRESIDENT O'DAY
Austin College recently honored retiring President Steven P. O'Day by dedicating the newly named O'Day Honors Court in recognition of his
years of visionary leadership and lasting contributions to the Sherman campus. The dedication recognizes President O'Day's commitment to academic excellence, student success, and Austin College's continued growth throughout his tenure. Faculty, alumni, students, trustees, and community leaders gathered to celebrate his legacy and the significant impact he has made on the institution.
WELCOME NEW PARTNER, DENISON CHIROPRACTIC
We are proud to welcome Denison Chiropractic as a new partner! Known for its personalized chiropractic care, the practice has earned a reputation for compassionate service and a commitment to helping individuals and families throughout the Texoma region achieve better health. Serving patients in Denison, Sherman, Pottsboro, Durant, Grayson County, and surrounding communities, Denison Chiropractic is dedicated to helping people move better, feel better, and get back to doing the things they love. DenisonChiropractic.com
www.roberthjordan.com218-214-3435residentialdesigns@roberthjordan.com
Photography by Austin College
Photography by Denison Chiropractic
CATCH ME IF YOU CANINE
Dogs Of All Breeds Race, Chase, And Compete At Annual AKC FAST CAT Event
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE ZAPATA
Does your dog have endless energy and love to run?
Dog owners from across Texoma are invited to participate in the upcoming Bluebonnet Norfolk Terrier Club (TBNTC)
FAST CAT event, sanctioned by the American Kennel Club (AKC), taking place November 6–8, 2026, at Forest Park in Denison.
The Bluebonnet Norfolk Terrier Club is a regional organization dedicated to promoting responsible ownership of Norfolk Terriers, supporting dog enthusiasts, and mentoring newcomers to the breed. The club serves as a valuable resource for owners seeking education, community, and connections with experienced breeders and exhibitors.
FAST CAT, which stands for Fast Coursing Ability Test, is a timed 100-yard dash in which dogs chase a lure while running individually. The lure is attached to a cable system powered by a motor that rapidly pulls it along the course. Once released, most dogs instinctively pursue the lure, racing to the finish line while their speed is electronically recorded.
FAST CAT has become one of the AKC's most popular performance events, introducing countless pet owners to the world of canine sports. It provides a safe and exciting way for dogs to
compete without direct interaction with other dogs. Unlike traditional coursing events, dogs run one at a time and chase an artificial lure rather than live animals.
Dogs can earn AKC titles based on their performance. Three qualifying runs earn a Coursing Ability (CA) title, 10 qualifying runs earn a Coursing Ability Advanced (CAA) title, and 25 qualifying runs earn a Coursing Ability Excellent (CAX) title. The top five ranked dogs in each breed category are invited to compete in the following year's FAST CAT Invitational. Annual breed rankings are available through the AKC.
After recognizing the lack of AKC-sanctioned events in North Texas, the Bluebonnet Norfolk Terrier Club decided to bring more opportunities to local dog owners. Shelley Minnis, TBNTC board member and FAST CAT event chair, believes the event fills an important need in the region.
“When you are breeding and raising dogs, AKC conformation and performance events are important for the canine community,” says Minnis. “It's a fun way for dogs and their owners to participate in an AKC-sanctioned event. What makes it even better is that it is a blended event, meaning non-AKC registered dogs can participate alongside registered dogs. It really is a fun event.”
For Minnis, the biggest draw is the bond between owners and their pets.
“The best part is that dog owners get to do something with their pets that the dogs genuinely love,” she says. “We want to encourage responsible dog ownership, provide opportunities to socialize with other dog owners, and create a fun, family-oriented atmosphere. We've enjoyed watching this event grow and hope it continues to do so.”
That growth has already become evident.
“This is our third year hosting the event, and it gets bigger every year,” Minnis says. “We're even starting to see participants traveling from out of state to compete. We love being part of the community, so it's wonderful to have visitors experience Denison because of our event.”
To participate, dogs must be at least 12 months old. AKCregistered purebred dogs from recognized breeds are eligible,
“WE LOVE BEING PART OF THE COMMUNITY, SO IT’S WONDERFUL TO HAVE VISITORS EXPERIENCE DENISON BECAUSE OF OUR EVENT.”
as are mixed-breed dogs and dogs ineligible for AKC registration through the AKC Canine Partners program. Dogs enrolled in the Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) program and Foundation Stock Service (FSS) breeds are also eligible. Spayed and neutered dogs may compete, as may dogs with limited or conditional registration.
Female dogs in season are not eligible to participate and should not be brought to the event. All dogs will be inspected for soundness, fitness, and overall condition by the event's inspection committee before competing.
For more information, visit TBNTC.org or email TBNTC@gmail.com Forest Park is located at 300 W. Crawford Street in Denison, adjacent to Munson Stadium.
BEST IN SHOW
From beloved family pets to loyal lifelong companions, readers shared the dogs that brighten their lives every day. This year’s cover belongs to Berkeley Jacobs, a sweet, goofy pup and familiar Texoma face who often models for local businesses alongside her owner, videographer Alex. Meet this year’s Top Dogs finalists!
2026 Top Dog Is Berkeley Jacobs
Photo by Alex Jacobs
1. Cheyenne Hobbs | 2. Bonnie Lennig | 3. Gertie Crites | 4. Lila Harder | 5. Kevin Baxtor | 6. Penny Snellings | 7. Luna Mackey | 8. Cinch Winkelman | 9. Bella Bergeron
A STORY AROUND EVERY BEND
Denison’s Storywalk Turns A Park Stroll Into An Outdoor Reading Adventure For The Whole Family
Looking for a fun way to get your children outdoors while encouraging a love of reading? The Denison Public Library and the Denison Parks and Recreation Department have partnered to create a unique program that does both.
StoryWalk at THF Park combines outdoor exercise with literacy by transforming a walk along the park's trail into an interactive reading experience. Deborah Wise, Youth Services Librarian for the Denison Public Library, believes it is one of the most creative partnerships between a library and parks department you'll find.
“We take a 32-page children's picture book and spread it out across 16 kiosks along the walking trail at THF Park,” explains Wise. “At each station, young readers find two pages from the story. They read those pages and then walk to the next kiosk to continue the book. Before they know it, they've completed the trail while reading an entire story. It's a great way to get kids outside, exercising, and enjoying a book. It's also a wonderful family activity, especially on pleasant mornings.”
The program began during the COVID-19 pandemic when library staff searched for ways to engage children safely while encouraging physical activity and literacy.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY MIKE ZAPATA
“We wanted to create an activity that got kids outside and moving while still practicing their reading skills,” says Wise. “The response from parents and children has been overwhelmingly positive. It's common to see families walking the trail together, with parents pushing strollers and helping children read along the way.”
While the library's primary goal is to promote literacy and lifelong reading habits, the partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department has made the program even more successful.
“We did experience some setbacks early on when our first stations were vandalized,” Wise says. “Fortunately, local high school shop classes stepped in and built permanent, weather-resistant metal kiosks that have worked beautifully. We've received tremendous support from our Parks and Recreation Department, and we look forward to continuing that partnership.”
To keep families coming back, the featured book changes each month. This year's selections have included Superworm by Julia Donaldson and Walter Finds His Voice by Ann Kim Ha. Upcoming books include Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall, The Secret Life of Squirrels by Nancy Rose, Picture Book by Dog by Michael Relth, and Squash and Pumpkin by G.G. McQueen.
In addition to the StoryWalk experience, the library hosts a monthly Saturday event tied to the
featured book. These family-friendly gatherings include activities and treats inspired by the story. Past events have featured worm pudding, crocodile cookies, and popsicle parties. The programs are held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and provide another opportunity for families to connect through reading and play.
Wise is particularly excited about the future of the program.
“We love seeing families read together and become part of a vibrant community,” she says. “We're also hoping to include a bilingual book this year so even more children can participate and learn. It's truly a win-win for everyone.”
For more information about the StoryWalk program, contact Deborah Wise at the Denison Public Library at (903) 465-2720, ext. 2059, or email DWise@DenisonTX.gov
ADVENTURE AWAITS AT BINKLEY PARK
Scenic Trails To Adrenaline Filled Rides, This Sherman Favorite Is Redefining Outdoor Recreation In Texoma
Outdoor adventure takes center stage at Binkley Park. Tucked into the heart of Sherman, this community favorite has become one of Texoma’s most popular destinations for hikers, mountain bikers, runners, and families looking to spend more time outdoors. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful walk beneath the trees or an afternoon packed with adrenaline, Binkley Park offers something for every pace.
The park’s biggest draw is its extensive trail system. Featuring approximately 10 miles of mountain biking trails built through a partnership between dedicated volunteers and Sherman Parks & Recreation, the network offers routes for beginners, intermediate riders, and experienced cyclists alike. Winding through wooded terrain, riders will find flowing singletrack, climbs, berms, jumps, and optional technical features. The trail system attracts riders from across North Texas while remaining approachable for those discovering the sport for the first time.
For visitors looking for a slower pace, Binkley Park also features a paved walking trail perfect for morning strolls, afternoon exercise, or simply enjoying the natural surroundings. A covered pavilion with electricity and a grill provides an ideal setting for birthday parties and family gatherings after exploring the park. Conveniently located adjacent to the Center Street Sports Complex and within walking distance of Herman Baker Park, the area offers even more opportunities to enjoy Sherman’s growing parks system.
One of the park’s newest additions has brought even more excitement to the community. The asphalt pump track gives riders of all ages the opportunity to build confidence and improve bike handling skills on a flowing course designed for bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and other wheeled sports. The family
Sherman Parks & Rec
friendly feature adds another layer of recreation while reflecting Sherman’s continued investment in active outdoor spaces. Whether you’re chasing your next trail ride, introducing the kids to cycling, or simply looking for a place to reconnect with nature, Binkley Park proves you don’t have to travel far for adventure. Some of Texoma’s best outdoor experiences are waiting right here at home. 101 Binkley Park Dr, Sherman, TX
Unearthed Trails
Texoma Thunder Volleyball Club Is Developing Confident Athletes Through Skill, Teamwork, And A Love For The Game
ARTICLE
SERVING UP SUCCESS
BY SHARLA DAVENPORT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SYDNEY YOUNG
Texoma Thunder Volleyball Club is building more than volleyball players. Under the leadership of founder Anton Bucher, the club is creating an environment where athletes can develop their skills, build confidence, and enjoy the game in a positive, team-focused atmosphere.
A teacher for more than 25 years, Bucher founded Texoma Thunder with a vision of providing high-quality volleyball instruction while emphasizing character, sportsmanship, and fun. The club's approach focuses on helping players grow both on and off the court, creating opportunities for athletes of all skill levels to learn, compete, and thrive.
Texoma Thunder is a new club serving the Texoma region and is the area's only girls volleyball club. What sets Texoma Thunder apart is its focus on athlete development through structured training. Rather than relying solely on traditional tryouts, the club spends months evaluating athletes through progressive clinics designed to build skills, confidence, and game readiness. Bucher explains, “I want to remove the stress of getting coaches’ attention on tryout day. Come in, play, and we’ll do the rest.”
This past spring, Texoma Thunder hosted clinics every other Saturday. Participants received jerseys so coaches could track their progress from session to session. “By focusing on skill level instead of grouping players strictly by age, we develop better athletes,” says Bucher. “Girls are moved up based on their abilities, which benefits everyone.”
This approach helps eliminate politics and pressure while creating opportunities for growth. Bucher is also committed to making club volleyball more accessible by offering scholarships through private sponsorships.
Last month, Texoma Thunder concluded its clinic series and invited selected players to join the club. Athletes and their families gathered for a club-wide celebration to mark team acceptance and kick off the inaugural season.
A Denison resident, Bucher believes the Texoma area is ready for a club volleyball program that prioritizes development, structure, and opportunity. Due to the school volleyball season, Texoma Thunder’s inaugural club season will begin around the first weekend of November, with tournaments starting in January 2027.
PAWS WITH A PURPOSE
Driven By Volunteers And Powered By Compassion, DAWG Is Making A Lasting Impact In Texoma
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE ZAPATA
Denison Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) is a Denisonbased 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of pets in need. Established in 2014, DAWG has worked tirelessly to help lost, abused, neglected, and abandoned animals within the City of Denison find loving forever homes. The organization's mission has always been to eliminate the euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals while developing partnerships with businesses and community supporters to help fund veterinary care and other expenses associated with animal rescue.
Currently housed in a decommissioned fire station owned by the City of Denison, DAWG is committed to saving the homeless animals of Denison, Texas. According to DAWG President Stephanie Phillips, one of the organization's greatest achievements was attaining a 99 percent live-release rate during its first three years of operation. This success is largely due to the strong partnerships DAWG has developed with the City of Denison, local businesses, volunteers, foster families, and community members.
Maintaining these efforts requires ongoing support and funding to provide food, veterinary care, shelter operations, and other essential services. DAWG recently contracted with Denison Animal Services to provide shelter care and administrative services for stray animals brought in by city staff. Under the agreement, DAWG covers utilities, security, and insurance costs, while the City of Denison funds shelter staff payroll.
When asked why the work is so important to her, Phillips explains, “It is up to us as a society to speak for those that can’t speak for themselves. We are blessed to have a community that cares so much for animals.”
Fundraising remains a vital and ongoing part of DAWG's mission. “Without the generous donations from our community, we would not be able to do what we do,” says Phillips. Throughout the year, DAWG volunteers organize events to raise funds, including annual favorites such as the Christmas Auction and Drinks for DAWGS. The organization also welcomes individual donations of any amount, as well as trained foster volunteers and community members willing to donate their time.
Looking ahead, DAWG hopes to open a dedicated, modern animal shelter within the next two to three years. A task force is currently exploring options to help make that vision a reality. When asked why the work is so important to her, Phillips explains, “It is up to us as a society to speak for those that can’t
speak for themselves. We are blessed to have a community that cares so much for animals.”
One recent volunteer-led project highlights the community's commitment to animal welfare. In April, Benson Hunter, a local Boy Scout, selected the installation of a public microchip scanner as his Eagle Scout project. Hunter provided the plans, labor, and materials for the project, while the Denison Police Department supplied the scanner. A solar panel keeps both the scanner and camera charged and operational.
The scanner is available 24 hours a day and can be used by anyone who finds a stray pet and wishes to reunite it with its owner. If a pet has a microchip, the scanner will detect it and provide information to help locate the owner using materials available at the station. The scanner is located at the front of the DAWG facility and is one of only a few publicly accessible microchip scanners in the country. Since its installation, other animal welfare organizations have contacted DAWG to learn how they can implement similar programs in their communities.
To learn more about volunteering or donating, contact DAWG at (903) 361-4211 or visit denisonanimalwelfaregroup.org. The DAWG shelter is located at 3307 S. Eisenhower Parkway in Denison, Texas.
Since its installation, other animal welfare organizations have contacted DAWG to learn how they can implement similar programs in their communities.
TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
WHERE PASSIONS BECOME PROFESSIONS
STUDENTS DISCOVER THEIR PASSIONS THROUGH SHERMAN ISD’S GROWING CTE PROGRAM
ARTICLE BY CHRISTINE CLARK PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
BY SHERMAN
ISD
As workforce demands evolve, Sherman ISD’s career training programs have continued to expand and adapt, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and industry credentials needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. Today’s career and technical education (CTE) courses provide students with relevant, work-based experiences that inspire, guide, and empower them to become college- and career-ready. Whether pursuing higher education or entering the workforce, students have opportunities to prepare for future success. Today, Sherman ISD offers more than 25 programs of study and over 30 industry-based
certifications. These pathways span a wide range of fields, including Accounting and Finance, Animal Sciences, Culinary Arts, Electronics, Engineering and Cyber Science, Health Sciences, and Teaching and Training.
Students begin exploring college and career opportunities as early as sixth or seventh grade. By eighth grade, each student meets one-on-one with a counselor to develop a personalized four-year high school plan. During this year, students also participate in the annual Bearcat Showcase, where Student Ambassadors introduce them to various CTE programs, labs, and hands-on learning experiences. Parents are invited to attend an open house to tour the facilities and meet with counselors to learn more about available programs and graduation pathways.
Once enrolled in high school, students continue taking core academic courses while selecting electives in CTE, athletics, or fine arts. According to Elizabeth Clayton, Coordinator of the Sherman ISD CTE Program, “Students are given time to explore and try things out while still in high school. They get to see real life and experience their field of interest before entering college.”
Students who discover a new passion along the way are encouraged to work with a CTE counselor to create a revised plan.
Sherman ISD partners closely with Grayson College to offer dual-credit opportunities where students can earn a Level I or II industry-recognized credential. In addition, CTE students can also take Advanced Placement courses in Computer Science and Business Finance. These boards meet biannually to ensure coursework remains aligned with current industry needs and that students are developing relevant, in-demand skills.
Clayton shared that 90 percent of the Class of 2026 completed at least one CTE course during their time at Sherman High School. Additionally, 589 students
completed a program and earned an industry-based certification. Students are encouraged to participate in organizations such as FFA, HOSA–Future Health Professionals, and FCCLA. Many students advanced from district competitions to compete at the state level, earning a varsity letter in their CTE program of study. Sherman High School students can also earn varsity letters in academics, athletics, and fine arts.
The facilities available to CTE students help set Sherman ISD apart. The program occupies its own two-story wing attached to Sherman High School and features commercial-grade kitchens, a professional automotive garage, advanced construction tools and workshops, a welding shop, health science simulation labs, and a fully equipped studio with a green screen used to produce Cats News. A new Cosmetology program will launch during the 2026–27 school year, allowing students to graduate with a cosmetology license and enter the workforce immediately.
At its core, the Sherman ISD CTE program is dedicated to equipping students with the skills, experiences, and credentials needed to thrive in today's rapidly evolving workforce. Through the collaborative efforts of educators, community leaders, and industry partners, students are empowered to confidently take their next steps toward college, careers, and lifelong success.
ARTICLE BY PAULI REEP
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
There is little more satisfying to your sweet tooth than ooey-gooey cinnamon rolls. Here is an easy and fun way to make this tearable, shareable treat!
CINNAMON MONKEY BREAD IS A FUN DESSERT FOR CHILDREN TO MAKE AND SHARE!
AROUND
INGREDIENTS
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 3 (12 oz.) cans of buttermilk biscuits
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Generously coat the inside of a bundt pan with cooking spray or butter. Melt the butter in a pot or bowl. Mix the sugars and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
Open one can of biscuits, separate, and cut each into four sections. Next, roll each quarter into a ball and then put each one into the sugar mixture to coat. Place the balls in the bundt pan in a single layer and drizzle a little melted butter evenly over the top. Repeat with the other two cans of biscuits. Sprinkle the remaining sugar mixture over the top and bake for 30-35 minutes.
Be sure to let cool for a minute or two before turning the bread onto a plate and carefully remov ing the pan. If you leave the monkey bread in the pan much longer, it will stick and be hard to remove.
I sometimes make icing, a few tablespoons of milk, to about 1/2 cup of powdered sugar with a splash of vanilla.
Drizzle over the top while warm and enjoy!
PUP -SICLE
As we all try to stay cool during the scorching dog days of summer, our furry friends need a break from the heat too. Pamper your pup with a refreshing “pup-sicle.” These dog-friendly frozen treats are sure to make your canine companion’s tail wag!
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 cup of plain, unsweetened yogurt (or dog-safe yogurt alternative)
• 1/2 cup of unsweetened, plain applesauce
• 1/4 cup of water or low-sodium chicken broth
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Mix the yogurt, applesauce, and water or chicken broth in a bowl until well combined.
2. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds.
3. Freeze for several hours or until solid.
4. Serve the frozen treats to your dog to help them cool off!
ARTICLE BY KRISTEN HAFNER
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Beating the Dog Days of Summer with a Canine Treat
AUGUST 1ST
Sherman Community Players Presents Boeing Boeing
HONEY MCGEE THEATER, SHERMAN | 7:00 PM
Get ready for an evening of laughter as Sherman Community Players presents Boeing Boeing by Marc Camoletti at their annual benefit dinner. Featuring talented local performers and plenty of witty humor, this fast-paced farce promises a fun night out! Gather family and friends, enjoy a delicious meal, and support community theater. SCPTheater.org
AUGUST 1ST
Watermelon Jamboree
HISTORIC MARKET SQUARE, DURANT | 8:00 AM
Celebrate one of summer's sweetest traditions at Durant's annual Watermelon Jamboree. This family-friendly festival features fresh watermelon, live entertainment, local vendors, contests, delicious food, and activities for all ages. It's a fun-filled celebration of community and summertime that has become a favorite tradition for residents and visitors throughout the Texoma region. DurantMainStreet.org
CONTINUED
AUGUST 1ST
Ray’s Mercantile Third Anniversary Celebration
RAY’S MERCANTILE | 12:00 PM-8:00 PM
Celebrate three years of Ray’s Mercantile with festivities happening throughout the day, including shopping, signature cocktails, anniversary exclusives, giveaways and special promotions. Join us as we celebrate another year in Downtown Denision with great style, community, and plenty of surprises.
AUGUST 8TH
Sounds of the Summer Concert
CENTRAL SOCIAL DISTRICT, VAN ALSTYNE | 7:30 PM
Celebrate the season at Van Alstyne’s Sounds of Summer, featuring The Bellamy Brothers. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy performances from talented musicians while spending time with neighbors and friends. With great entertainment and a welcoming smalltown atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to make the most of a warm summer evening. CityofVanAlstyne.us/Events
AUGUST 21ST
Eric Church Concert
CHOCTAW GRAND THEATER | 8:00 PM
Country music superstar Eric Church brings his signature sound and high-energy performance to Choctaw Casino & Resort this August. Fans can expect an unforgettable evening filled with chart-topping hits, powerful vocals, and an electric atmosphere. Whether you're a longtime fan or seeing him for the first time, this concert is sure to be one of the season's hottest entertainment events. ChoctawCasinos.com events
