Nthba december newsletter (3)

Volume 6, No. 12 • December 2013

4410 Fairway Boulevard • Wichita Falls, TX 76308 • P: 940.692.2211 • F: 940.692.2214 www.nthba.com

North Texas Home Builders Association

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY December 12, 2013 6:00 p.m. Social Hour

Shrimp Cocktail, Salsa & Chips (Cash Bar Available)

7:00 p.m. Dinner Elks Lodge #1105, 4205 Seymour Highway Rib-eye dinner with all the trimmings Everyone is encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift for the Wichita Falls Fire Department Operation Santa Door Prizes will be drawn frequently and we will have a scavenger hunt Please join us for a fun filled evening

Dates to Remember • The Christmas Party is scheduled for December 12, 2013 at the Elk’s Lodge off Seymour Hwy..

• January General Membership Meeting has been changed from the 1st Thursday of the month due to the New Year’s Holiday and rescheduled for the second Thursday of the month, January 9, 2014.

• NAHB International Builder Show will be February 4-6, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

• TAB Winter Board Meetings will be February 26-27, 2014 in Austin, TX • Parade of Homes Kick-Off Lunch will be Friday, June 6, 2014 at Sikes Lake Center. (Sponsored by Landmark Title) • 2014 Parade of Homes is scheduled for June 7-15, 2014. The deadline for Parade of Homes Entries is March 1, 2014.

•Sunbelt Builders Show will be July 23-24, 2014 in San Antonio, TX • TAB Summer Board Meetings will be July 23-25, 2014 in San Antonio, TX

New Members Jacksboro National Bank....................Jerry Phillips

Welcome!

Renewals Atmos Energy....................................Sharon Tucker Breegle Abbey Carpet & Floor............Bobby Diltz Ferguson Enterprise, Inc.................Frank Schmidt Lantern House........................................O.W. Ayers Oncor.................................................Gordon Drake Harmon & Holcomb Homes...........John Harmon Servicemaster of Wichita Falls................Don Irby Corlett Probst & Boyd....................Dennis Probst Fidelity Bank....................................Lance Cannedy Woodco Supply..........................Chuck Vergauwen Dutch Watson Cabinets..............Tommy Johnson

Thanks for Renewing!

DecemberBirthdays Luz Lerma.....................................................06 Ed Mawson....................................................15 Jim Henderson.............................................17 O.W. Ayers....................................................26

Happy Birthday!

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From the President Dear Members: As we all know, it’s been a very long drought for our area. The implications of such a prolonged drought as this, affects everyone in our city.

I have made it a goal, not to be one of those people who gripes about everything, and does nothing. With that being said.

Several members of our association that make of the Government Affairs Committee have met with both our State Senator, Craig Estes, and our local Congressman, James Frank., to voice how critical to the City , the Homebuilders are, the tax revenue we create, and the amount of economic boost we present.

Also, Bobby Rowland, Stan Mountain, and I attended the Town Hall Meeting on November 12th, that addressed many concerns of the citizens of Wichita Falls.

What I have learned and take away from all this has been a real eye opener.

I have always been skeptical at best of City government.

However, I believe the City leaders of Wichita Falls have been, and continue to fight the drought with the best and most economical solutions available to us.

We have to remember the summer of over 128 days over 100 degrees, were 28 is normal. The same summer rainfall was at least 15 inches below normal.

This type of weather pattern takes a heavy toll. Our leaders have implemented the reverse osmosis plant, a temporary reuse program, working on a permanent reuse program, restrictions for conservation. All these combined have made a huge positive impact on our water supply. Without these, and the foresight given to our City leaders, we would most likely be close to being out of water.

I will continue to study, be involved, and welcome any commits, proposals, that will further the voice of our association.

Barney Brock

Calendar of Events Membership Meetings &.............................December 10, 2013 Education Committee Meeting.....................................10:00AM Publications and Communications..........December 10, 2013 Committee Meeting........................................................11:00AM Government Affairs....................................December 12, 2013 Committee Meeting........................................................11:00AM Christmas Party...........................................December 12, 2013 Social Hour.........................................................................6:00 PM Dinner...................................................................................7:00 PM Budget & By-Laws Committee..................December 17, 2013 Meeting.................................................................................9:15AM Board of Directors Meeting ......................December 18, 2013 .............................................................................................11:00AM Christmas Eve...............................................December 24, 2014 Office Closed.....................................................................................

Merry Christmas..........................................December 25, 2014 Office Closed.....................................................................................

2013 /2014 Officers & Directors President - Barney Brock Vice President - John Harmon Associate Vice President - Johnny McClane Treasurer - Martin Litteken Secretary - Tim Sawyer Immediate Past President - Steven Hinson Builder Directors David Bedingfield - 1yr Steven Klasse - 1yr Bobby Rowland - 2yr Troy Thompson - 2yr

Assoicate Directors Lary Park - 1yr Sharon Tucker - 2yr

State Director - Jose Garcia Alternate State Director - Steven Hinson Life Director - Chuck Dennis Executive Vice President - Teri Gibson

Get in the Zone at IBS and Gain a Competitve Edge Builders looking to stay ahead of their competitors and learn about the latest energy-efficient innovations and technology that today’s discerning home buyers prefer will not want to miss the 2014 NAHB International Builders’ Show Growing consumer demand for more efficient homes means that high-performance building has already moved from its niche into the mainstream, is more affordable, and is fast becoming a necessity.

To help builders take advantage of this burgeoning demand, NAHB will hold a series of demonstrations at the High Performance Building Zone on the exhibit floor during the International Builders’ Show Feb. 4-6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

"It’s not just saying that you’ve added recycled-content floor coverings or geothermal to your option list," said NAHB Energy and Green Building Subcommittee co-chair Matt Belcher, a builder and green consultant based in St. Louis.

"Builders and remodelers need to understand energy efficiency, durability and building science if they want to stay competitive today."

IBS attendees can experience these concepts firsthand at

the show. The High Performance Building Zone will feature a series of live interactive demonstrations showcasing the latest methods, materials and techniques.

Nationally acclaimed instructor Gord Cooke will discuss the practical, real-world side of why building science and high performance building are important, while award-winning energy-efficient builder and instructor Rick Arnold will demonstrate the how.

Throughout the show, attendees will get a whole-house look at building. Each day will focus on a specific aspect of high-performance construction and feature three live demonstrations and a recap session offering an overview of all the concepts covered that day. All roughed-in and finished components, from wall assemblies to window installation and insulation, will be on display throughout the week.

By the end of the IBS, attendees will have seen best practices for improving efficiency in all areas of the home from basements to roofs and everything in between. ®.

Early Bird Registration ends December 20, 2014. For more information and to register go to www.nahb.org

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Meet Your Members OK CONCRETE OK Concrete Company has been a proud part of the Ready-Mix industry for forty-four years. With eight stationary plants and one portable plant located throughout North Texas, no job is too big or small.

We take a great deal of pride in a well-maintained, modern fleet of trucks and our operations are conducted with the absolute highest safety standards as well as the utmost in professionalism. All of our plants and trucks are certified to the standards of the National Ready-Mixed Concrete Association and we keep a team of experienced, ACI Certified personnel to make sure our customers get the highest quality concrete available.

OK Concrete Company is also proud to be a family-owned business and has been since the beginning.

Arthur Litteken started OK Concrete in 1970 and David Litteken owns and operates the company today.

Satisfied customers are a priority to us and we look forward to meeting all of your concrete and construction material needs. Come by OK Concrete at 2304 Sheppard Continues on page 6

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SANDY STROUD President

4301 Jacksboro Hwy. Wichita Falls, TX 76302 www.snbt.net

The Choice Is

Yours.

(940) 763-2265 Fax (940) 763-2200 sstroud@snbt.net

Serving Archer, Clay and Wichita Counties

1920 Elmwood North Ave • Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 (940) 720-5200 • (940) 691-3199 Fax

Jean Taylor, CESA

Vice President / Escrow Officer jeant@archertitle.com

Bobby Faulkner

Escrow Officer bobbyf@archertitle.com

Texas Legislative Session subject of talk to Home Builders

Commercial Services

3301 Kell Blvd., Wichita Falls, TX 76308

John Thompson Mike Sharp Mark Miller

Indicating that he was still new to the political process, State Representative James Frank gave his THE Wood Burning & Gas personal views concerning his first session in the state Wood & Cast Stone Mantels legislature to the November Membership Luncheon of Outdoor Kitchens the North Texas Home Builders Association, held Thursday, Nov. 7, at the Kemp Center for the Arts.

Fireplaces by JOHNNY McCLANE Xtrordinair Stone Age Vanguard 4101 McNiel Avenue He noted, “I enjoyed it.� He added that former Wichita Falls, TX 76308 Monessen Mendota Town & Country Wichita Falls Mayor and State Representative Lanham Isokern Majestic Golden Blount Serving Texas & Oklahoma Lyne had discussed what it was like to work in the Service and Installation since 1971 legislature, so he was prepared.

Since this was his first time in politics, he had much to www.TheEmberShop.com

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learn. “And I am still learning. Still, the most important thing to remember is that no one is anointed king. No one gets their way on everything.�

He added, “Knowledge is power. The more you know about the legislative process and the individual issues, the more effective you can be.�

American National Bank As a member of the Republican Policy Committee, he was part of a team that combed through all of the bills that made it to the floor. “There were 6,000 bills filed, Home Loans From Your Home Town Bank almost 1,000 that made it to the floor and 675 that actually passed. But we needed to know what was in all anbhomeloan.com (940)397-2333 of them.�

He stressed that it takes a lot of effort to stay up and stay involved during the January through May session. “We follow the state constitution closely. The only Always Remember to ado Business withtwoAssociation Members! requirement is that we pass budget for the next years and that it be balanced.� Frank said the main BRYAN WAGGONER source of income to the state government is the state sales tax. He said he voted against the budget bill 3907 Kell BoulevarG ‡ WLFKLWD )DOOV ‡ Texas 76308 because — in his opinion — there was too much bad (940) 691-3641 stuff added to the bill.

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He was proud that the legislature addressed the E-Mail bryanl@waggonercarpetone.com water issue. “We put aside $2 billion to fund the water infrastructure bank. This money came from the rainy day fund and will allow cities and counties to borrow Martin Litteken, Jr., P.E. funds for water projects. Hopefully, it will be well run. It should save money for the cities and make money for 2406 Kell Boulevard the state.�

Wichita Falls, Texas 76309-5326 Phone: (940) 322-6450 Fax: (940) 723-6006 As for education, Frank said there were 10 different bills making it easier to get tech training. They also greatly decreased required end-of-the-year tests.

BEST ELECTRIC COMPANY He noted that the health and human services part of &RPPHUFLDO ‡ ,QGXVWULDO DON WRIGHT - President 5HVLGHQWLDO ‡ %XFNHW 7UXFN Cell: (940) 636-5641 the budget will soon surpass education spending due to ³$IWHU +RXUV´ (PHUJHQF\ 6HUYLFHV 2606 GRANT STREET federal mandates. /LFHQVHG %RQGHG WICHITA FALLS, TX 76309

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Tel: (940) 696-2758 fax: (940) 691-3757

Let Us Check Your Shorts

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Access Rd, Wichita Falls, TX 76306 or call (940) 723-4324 and visit with David Litteken, Carl Lewis or Brandon Litteken who will be happy to assist you.

BEST ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC. Best Electric Co. Inc. is a locally owned and operated electric company in Wichita Falls, TX. We have been providing high quality electrical services since 1981. Our company’s president, Don Wright, and vice president, Matt Shoop, are ready to provide you with prompt and reliable services.

We offer: Commercial and residential remodeler Bucket truck Parking lot lighting maintenance We are a proud BBB member with an ‘A+‘rating since 1995. We are licensed and insured for your protection. Contact Don Wright of Best Electric Co. Inc. today at 940-280-3386 or 696-2758.

ALLRED-THOMPSON-MASON-DAUGHERTY INSURANCE When Allred-Thompson Insurance and Mason-Daugherty Insurance merged in 1988, the two well-established firms formed one full-service broker serving businesses and individuals in Wichita Falls, Texas. We have broad experience ranging up to 40 years in property, liability, life, health and employee benefits.

We also serve as a Managing General Agency (MGA) for farm and ranch exposures. As an MGA, other independent agents rely on us for access to insurance carriers specializing in agricultural risks. Our commitment to quality underwriting, agri expertise and outstanding policy service is a winning combination for agents and—of course—our own clients.

Allred-Thompson-Mason-Daugherty merged again in 2008, this time with Higginbotham & Associates to offer clients an expanded menu of insurance products and services. Higginbotham has been ranked as one of the nation’s largest independent insurance brokerage firms by revenue every year since 2001. By partnering with a leading broker that has offices across Texas, we can deliver the extensive resources of a national firm like Higginbotham, but maintain the personalized customer service of our local agency. Together, we have complete capabilities for business and personal insurance; risk management and employee benefit services. We at Allred- Thompson-Mason-Daugherty draw on Higginbotham’s strengths when appropriate to best serve you. Call 723-0771 Ext. 0450 or come by 1300 10th Street, Wichita Falls, TX., to visit with Shawn Blacklock about all your insurance needs.

Teri 6

Christmas History in America

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Finally, Frank challenged the audience to get involved in government. He offered advice “from the point of view of someone who knew very little and now knows a little.”

His advice was to know what level of government handles each issue. “I had people call me about federal issues that I have no input on.”

He also said to be a “subject matter expert” on a specific issue. “You can’t be an expert on everything. Be an expert on one thing. If you have the facts, you will be a valuable resource.”

He also said to read a bill before you call your state representative or state senator. “And call BEFORE the vote!”

Lastly, he said that one of the best ways to participate in government is through a special interest group such as the North Texas Home Builders Association.

Approximately 80 persons attended the luncheon that was catered by MSU Catering.

CHRI6 DOCKMA1 COMPANY 2071 FM 171 Wichita Falls, Texas 76305 Phone & Fax (940) 767-9710 Cell (940) 704-3471 Jerry Fillmon, Owner/Manager

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In the early 17th century, a wave of religious reform changed the way Christmas was celebrated in Europe. When Oliver Cromwell and his Puritan forces took over England in 1645, they vowed to rid England of decadence and, as part of their effort, cancelled Christmas. By popular demand, Charles II was restored to the throne and, with him, came the return of the popular holiday.

The pilgrims, English separatists that came to America in 1620, were even more orthodox in their Puritan beliefs than Cromwell. As a result, Christmas was not a holiday in early America. From 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was actually outlawed in Boston. Anyone exhibiting the Christmas spirit was fined five shillings. By contrast, in the Jamestown settlement, Captain John Smith reported that Christmas was enjoyed by all and passed without incident.

After the American Revolution, English customs fell out of favor, including Christmas. In fact, Congress was in session on December 25, 1789, the first Christmas under America’s new constitution. Christmas wasn’t declared a federal holiday until June 26, 1870.

Washington Irving reinvents Christmas It wasn’t until the 19th century that Americans began to embrace Christmas. Americans re-invented Christmas, and changed it from a raucous carnival holiday into a family-centered day of peace and nostalgia. But what about the 1800s peaked American interest in the holiday?

The early 19th century was a period of class conflict and turmoil. During this time, unemployment was high and gang rioting by the disenchanted classes often occurred during the Christmas season. In 1828, the New York city council instituted the city’s first police force in response to a Christmas riot. This catalyzed certain members of the upper classes to begin to change the way Christmas was celebrated in America.

In 1819, best-selling author Washington Irving wrote The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon, gent., a series of stories about the celebration of Christmas in an English manor house. The sketches feature a squire who invited the peasants into his home for the holiday. In contrast to the problems faced in American society, the two groups mingled effortlessly. In Irving’s mind, Christmas should be a peaceful, warm-hearted holiday bringing groups together across lines of wealth or social status.

Irving’s fictitious celebrants enjoyed “ancient customs,” including the crowning of a Lord of Misrule. Irving’s book, however, was not based on any holiday celebration he had attended—in fact, many historians say that Irving’s account actually “invented” tradition by implying that it described the true customs of the season.

Before the Civil War The North and South were divided on the issue of Christmas, Continues on page 8

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as well as on the question of slavery. Many Northerners saw sin in the celebration of Christmas; to these people the celebration of Thanksgiving was more appropriate. But in the South, Christmas was an important part of the social season. Not surprisingly, the first three states to make Christmas a legal holiday were in the South: Alabama in 1836, Louisiana and Arkansas in 1838.

In the years after the Civil War, Christmas traditions spread across the country. Children's books played an important role in spreading the customs of celebrating Christmas, especially the tradition of trimmed trees and gifts delivered by Santa Claus. Sunday school classes encouraged the celebration of Christmas. Women's magazines were also very important in suggesting ways to decorate for the holidays, as well as how to make these decorations.

By the last quarter of the nineteenth century, America eagerly decorated trees, caroled, baked, and shopped for the Christmas season. Since that time, materialism, media, advertising, and mass marketing has made Christmas what it is today. The traditions that we enjoy at Christmas today were invented by blending together customs from many different countries into what is considered by many to be our national holiday.

An overview: 1600's: The Puritans made it illegal to mention St. Nicolas' name.

People were not allowed to exchange gifts, light a candle, or sing Christmas carols.

17th century: Dutch immigrants brought with them the legend of Sinter Klaas.

1773: Santa first appeared in the media as St. A Claus.

1804: The New York Historical Society was founded with St. Nicolas as its patron saint. Its members engaged in the Dutch practice of gift-giving at Christmas.

1809: Washington Irving, writing under the pseudonym Diedrich Knickerbocker, included Saint Nicolas in his book "A History of New York." Nicolas is described as riding into town on a horse.

1812: Irving, revised his book to include Nicolas riding over the trees in a wagon.

1821: William Gilley printed a poem about "SantĂŠ Claus" who was dressed in fur and drove a sleigh drawn by a single reindeer.

1822: Dentist Clement Clarke Moore is believed by many to have written a poem "An Account of a Visit from Saint Nicolas," which became better known as "The Night before Christmas."

Santa is portrayed as an elf with a miniature sleigh equipped with eight reindeer which are named in the poem as Blitzem, Comet, Cupid, Dancer, Dasher, Donder, Prancer, and Vixen. Others attribute the poem to a contemporary, Henry Livingston, Jr. Two have since been renamed Donner and Blitzen.

1841: J.W. Parkinson, a Philadelphia merchant, hired a man to dress up in a "Criscringle" outfit and climb the chimney of his store.

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2801 Kell East

Phone (940) 692-5734

Wichita Falls

Fax (940) 692-0391

Texas 76308

Lane Landes, Owner

tco@wf.net

Commercial/Residential Sales, Service, Installation

The Original Since 1921

OVERHEAD DOOR COMPANY OF WICHITA FALLS 601 Central Freeway East Wichita Falls, Texas 76302

Phone (940) 767-7788 Fax (940) 687-3677

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1300 Hatton Road Wichita Falls, TX 76301 Phone: (940) 767-2506

Fax: (940) 761-5563 (888) 266-1387 www.ferguson.com

NTHBA REPORTER MONTHLY ADVERTISING RATES

What’s new in housing products? The bidet may finally be having its moment.

AD SIZE

A personal cleansing method that traditionally requires a stand-alone, toilet-like fixture, the bidet populates bathrooms all over Asia, parts of South America and Europe—but has mostly been a source of bad jokes in the U.S. In the 18th century, when the bidet was invented by the French, the British dismissed it as immoral and risqué.

Early settlers in America adopted that sentiment, and the practice never caught on.

Now there's increased demand spurred by foreigners planting roots here and Americans experiencing bidets when abroad. Plus new technologies are breaking down the bidet barrier, primarily by incorporating bidet functions into the primary toilet, thus doing away with the need for that unfamiliar second basin. Many of the new hybrids have built-in dryers, eliminating the need for toilet paper, and proponents say the result is more hygienic, effective and eco-friendly.

Last year 20% of new single-family luxury homes in the U.S. included bidets, up from 12% in 2009, according to a survey of builders conducted by Home Innovation Research Labs, a subsidiary of the National Association of Home Builders. Toto the world's largest toilet manufacturer with headquarters in Kitakyushu, Japan, reports that U.S. sales of their bidet seats—toilet-shaped seats with bidet plumbing lines and nozzles built into them—have quadrupled in the past 10 years.

Still, bidet sales in the U.S. are dwarfed in comparison to international markets. Duravit, an international maker of bathroom furnishings with headquarters in Hornberg, Germany, sells 60,000 bidet products per year in the U.S., compared with 3 million pieces sold in Japan alone.

Here is a look at some high-end bidet products. Costs don't include installation.

FULL PAGE AD...................................................$300.00 HALF PAGE AD..................................................$150.00 QUARTER PAGE AD...........................................$75.00 3 1/2 X 3..................................................................$50.00 3 1/2 X 2 1/2............................................................$45.00 3 1/2 X 2.....................................................................40.00 3 1/2 X 1 3/4.............................................................$30.00 3 1/2 X 1..................................................................$20.00 1 3/4 X 1..................................................................$15.00

Always Remember to do Business with Association Members!

We always have room for more ads!

Please contact NTHBA 692-2211 to set up your ad.

2525 Kell Blvd., Suite 100 Wichita Falls, TX 76308 940.763.2100 (main line) 940.763.2101 (fax) lcannedy@fidelitybankwf.com

Lance Cannedy

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Continue to pray for our members’ health, families, and businesses as well as the armed forces, our leaders, and our country.

We ask for special prayer for Doug McCulloch, Dorothy Rhone, and George Medlen,

By SANETTE TANAKA - Wall Street Journal November 14, 2013

The Numi Kohler The Numi Introduced in 2011, the Numi remains the only toilet with integrated bidet functionality that has been launched in the past two years in the U.S. by Kohler. This toilet/bidet combo has frosted glass side panels, a vitreous china elongated bowl and a rectangular seat. The toilet's auto flush adjusts depending on how long the user sits on the seat; it also senses the user's presence and opens and closes its lid automatically. "We like to think we're saving marriages with the seat coming back down," says Brian Hedlund, senior product manager for toilets and bidets at Wisconsin-based Kohler.

The seat is also heated, and a foot heater warms the floors within a few square feet. Bluetooth-delivered music Continues on page 11

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Continued from page 8

WINDOWS, DOORS AND MORE!

1863: Illustrator Thomas Nast created images of Santa for the 522 Beverly Drive 723-1436 Wichita Falls, Texas 76309 Christmas editions of Harper's Magazine. These continued through the 1890's.

1860s: President Abraham Lincoln asked Nast to create a drawing of Santa with some Union soldiers. This image of Santa supporting enemy had ato demoralizing influence on the Always the Remember do Business with Association Members!

Confederate army -- an early example of psychological warfare.

BRYAN WAGGONER 1897: Francis P Church, Editor of the New York Sun, wrote an editorial in response to a letter from an eight year-old girl, 3907 Kell BoulevarE t WJDIJUB 'BMMT t Texas 76308 Virginia O'Hanlon. She had written the paper asking whether there really was a Santa Claus. It has become known as the "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" letter. 4 1920's: The image of Santa had been standardized to portray a bearded, over-weight, jolly man dressed in a red suit with white trim. 5 1931: Haddon Sundblom, illustrator for The Coca-Cola ™ company drew a series of Santa images in their Christmas advertisements until 1964. The company holds the trademark 703 E. Scott for the Coca-Cola Santa design. Christmas ads including Santa Wichita Falls, TX 76308 continue to the present day.

1939: Copywriter Robert L. May of the Montgomery Ward Company created a poem about Rudolph, the ninth reindeer.

May had been "often taunted as a child for being shy, small and slight." He created an ostracized reindeer with a shiny red nose who became a hero one foggy Christmas eve. Santa was part-way through deliveries when the visibility started to degenerate. Santa added Rudolph to his team of reindeer to help illuminate the path. A copy of the poem was given free to Montgomery Ward customers. 6 1949: Johnny Marks wrote the song "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." Rudolph was relocated to the North Pole where he was initially rejected by the other reindeer who wouldn't let him play in their reindeer games because of his strange looking nose. The song was recorded by Gene Autry and became his all-time best seller. Next to "White Christmas" it is the most popular song of all time.

1993: An urban folk tale began to circulate about a Japanese department store displaying a life-sized Santa Claus being crucified on a cross. It never happened.

1997: Artist Robert Cenedella drew a painting of a crucified Santa Claus. It was displayed in the window of the New York's Art Students League and received intense criticism from some 1204 28th Street religious groups. His drawing was a protest. He attempted to Wichita Falls show how Santa Claus had replaced Jesus Christ as the most important personality at Christmas time. 7 References: Barbara G.Walker, "The Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets." Harper & Row, (1983) Pages 725 to 726.

"St. Nicholas of Myra," The Catholic Encyclopedia, at: www.newadvent.org/cathen/11063b.htm "Father Frost," at: www.bobandbabs.com/ "Yes,Virginia, there is a Santa Claus," at: www.stormfax.com/virginia.htm "The Claus that Refreshes," at: www.snopes.com/cokelore/santa.htm "Rudolph," at: www.snopes.com/holidays/xmas/ "R Cendella Gallery - Theme: Commentary," at www.rcenedellagallery.com "St. Nicholas of Bari (Fourth Century)," Catholic Information Network, at: www.cin.org/nichbari.html

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(940) 766-3291

ACME BRICK COMPANY (940) 691-9679 office (940) 691-2560 office (940) 691-9678 fax hnewton@acmebrick.com

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Continued from page 9

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can play through two rear speakers, and illuminated panels on the toilet's sides display eight colors, including white.

"You can have Numi randomly and slowly transition from one color to another; you can program a color for each day of the week or you can set it to a random color," Mr. Hedlund says. Users can control the position of the spray, water temperature and water flow, as well as dryer temperature and air pressure.

Cost: $6,653 Starck 2 Duravit Starck 2 Floorstanding Bidet Designed by French designer Philippe Starck, this traditional bidet has a faucet and handle so the user can adjust the water temperature. The bidet measures just over 15-inches tall. This product appeals to people who have grown up with similar cleansing methods, says Tim Schroeder, president of Duravit USA. "A traditional bidet is really for someone who was potty-trained with bidets," he adds. Duravit also offers several Philippe Starck-designed bidet/toilet combinations with heated seats, multiple wash options, dryers and self-cleaning functionalities. Duravit offers five bidet seats and 40 floor-mounted bidet products in total.

Cost: $1,400-$1,500, including faucet Bliss Premier Class Bidet Seat Bio Bidet Bliss Premier Class Bidet Seat Manufacturing company Bio Bidet's newest bidet seat has a three-in-one stainless steel nozzle with a vortex water stream, posterior wash and feminine wash. In all of the washes, air bubbles are injected into the water to make the flow gentler. A hybrid heating system allows for immediate warm water on demand, and the nozzle self-cleans by washing water over and through the nozzle to remove debris and mineral deposits. The bidet seat is heated and comes with a wireless remote, in case you don't want to touch the side of the bowl or want to flush it from across the room. There's also a side panel with touch-screen buttons. Bio Bidet, based in Algonquin, Ill., sells approximately 40,000 to 50,000 bidets in the U.S. per year.

Cost: $699 Toto Washlet S300e and S350e Toto Toto Washlet S300e and S350e To self-clean, the Washlet S300e and S350e use water that's been disinfected by passing a small amount of the home's incoming water supply over electrically charged plates.

After the user flushes, these Washlets—Toto's term for bidet seats—mist the bowl with electrolyzed water and continue to spray every eight hours to keep it clean. Flow options include a rear cleanse, front cleanse and rear soft Continues on page 12

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Continued from page 11

cleanse—and all can be set to either oscillate or pulsate.

There are five settings for water pressure and temperature.

The Washlet also boasts an automatic air deodorizer and heated seat. A touch-pad control allows users to program up to two personalized settings.

Cost: $1,590 for the S300e and $1,700 for the S350e

Long Name.

Big On Service.

1300 Tenth StrFFU t

Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas

Delinda Dodd Mortgage Team Member

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TAB Member Rebate Program www.HBArebates.com What would you think if you could get a rebate for your loyalty to many of the nation’s leading housing industry Manufacturers? Well, now you can regardless of your volume!

We’re happy to introduce the TAB Member Rebate Program, a free member beneďŹ t, aimed at increasing your bottom line. For the minimal eort of informing us about the products you use, and telling us when you close on a home or project, you’ll be putting money back in your pocket.

When you participate in the TAB Member Rebate Program, every home you build can earn you rebate checks! Remember, both Builders AND Remodelers qualify for the TAB Member Rebate Program. Over 70% of the Builders & Remodelers who participated last year received back in rebates more than they paid in annual dues to the Association!