TABLE OF CONTENTS Volume 3 | Issue 3 The advertisements in this publication are only the opinion of the advertiser and not that of Our Hometowns nor the printer. Our Hometowns takes the utmost care in preparing ads for publication. However, Our Hometowns is not responsible for errors in ads as our proofing process bestows responsibility upon the advertiser. Our Hometowns limits its liability resulting from any and all errors, misprints and/or other inaccuracies in the advertisements and editorial content. If justified, its liability is limited to refund the customer his payment for the said advertisement, the printing of a corrected advertisement or editorial correction notice in the issue which follows notice from the customer. Reproduction or other use in whole or part of the contents without written permission of the editor is prohibited. All materials printed in this issue are considered property of Our Hometowns and may not be reprinted without written permission from Our Hometowns. Publishing of ads or articles do not imply sponsorhip or endorsement. Ads designd by Our Hometowns are available for use outside of this publication but with permission and remittance of a design fee. 4 Dream Big, Trust God & Don't Give Up 14 The Loaded Pig Time to Eat Y'all 16 Remodeling Tips & Tricks By Bryna Dixon 18 John Hall Memorial Corn Hole Tournament & Jennifer Hall Memorial Scholarship Fund Dance 22 The benefits of investing with intention By Melanie J. Housden 27 A Rite of Passage R.M.S. Titanic A Learning Experience By Dewayne Clover 28 Grow Your HelpingScholarshipOwnFundtoGrowa Future 36 AroundLandscapingaTree 38 Sleep? What's That? Donald Humphrey, APRN, PMHNP-BC Solutions Behavioral Health Inside Every Issue: 22 Financial Fitness 24 Out & About 32 Hometown Musings 36 Seeds of Success 38 Self Care 40 Ad Index
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12 Our Hometowns | Volume 3 Issue 4
Seeing such a name as The Loaded Pig while driving through Gates ville is enough to make anyone stop to take notice. Once you've sam pled their menu, it's enough to make anyone search where the food truck is parked and open! Serving slow cooked pulled pork, in a variety of menu items from sandwiches to tacos to nachos, there is sure to be an option for your entire crew. When we stopped we knew we want ed to try a variety, but with the portion sizes being huge, we could have easily chowed on one menu item between us! The nachos were spectacular, with just the right amount of cheese and pulled pork, coupled with the crunch of the tortilla chip! The bacon ranch tacos were a new level of savory. The pulled pork was a the standout of this partic ular dish, with the simplicity of a taco, the pork became its own star and was mouth watering. Truly slow cooked to perfection!Takingsouthern hospitality to the next level, this couple extends the ut most customer service to their patrons. Making sure to think of the customers, and going so far as to hand deliver our food to the vehicle during the heat. With a menu that is forever changing, there is always something new to try. Hopefully, the next time the Asian tacos are available because just the description of fluffy tortillas filled with pulled pork, with Asian seasoning, topped with pick led slaw and creamy Sriracha and Hoi sin sauces had my mouth watering. Be sure to check out this family run food truck. Find them on Facebook or give them a call.
ESTATE AND GIVING Align your values with specialized investment and philanthropic vehicles.
Sources: Morningstar, “2019 Morningstar Sustainable Funds U.S. Landscape Report.” 2019; Eccles, Robert G. and Ioannou, Ioannis and Serafeim, George, “The Impact of Corporate Sustainability on Organizational Processes and Performance.” (November 23, 2011). Management Science, Forthcoming; Global Sustainable Investment Alliance, “2018 Global Sustainable Investment Review.” 2018; nytimes.com; pbs.org; U.S. SIF Foundation, Report on U.S. Sustainable, Responsible and Impact Investing Trends, 2018 Biennial Report; 2018 Global Sustainable Investment Review; CNBC; MSCI; Global Impact Investing Network; worth.com; nerdwallet.comInvestinginvolves risk and investors may incur a profit or a loss. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Withdrawals from tax-deferred accounts may be subject to income taxes, and prior to age 59 ½ a 10% federal penalty tax may apply. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Holding investments for the long term does not ensure a profitable outcome. The foregoing is not a recommendation to buy or sell any individual security or any combination of securities. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Melanie J Financial, LLC. is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of the strategy selected. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Melanie Housden and not necessarily those of Raymond James.
About the author: Over the course of her professional career as a financial advisor, Melanie J. Housden, AAMS®, has been on a continual journey to provide better opportunities with lower cost to clients. The ability to finally do business as Melanie J Financial, LLC, has been a long-time dream. Melanie learned the secret to success working alongside her grandfather at his hardware store in McLean, a small town in the Texas Panhandle where she grew up. “My success in developing lifelong relationships with my clients comes from the skills my grandfather taught me,” she said. Melanie holds a business degree from Wayland Baptist University, her Series 7, 63, 66, Insurance License and the AAMS® – Accredited Asset Management Specialist designation and has two decades of experience in the financial industry.“Learning what is important to my clients enables me to devise a plan that will help them pursue financial freedom through all aspects of their lives and will allow their legacy to continue on in their families lives,” Melanie says. “I keep their goals and needs at the forefront of every decision. My clients are successful people – from all walks of life. But they worry that they might not be making the very best decisions when it comes to living a rich and full life. If I can take the financial worries away from my clients, then I am successful. My clients are like a part of my family and I treasure each and every one of them. Truly, we are stronger together.”
Melanie currently resides in Hamilton with her husband Rick. They have two daughters: Alexandria (and husband Reagan), and Abbie. Outside of work, Melanie loves spending time with her family including their three dogs Dixie, Lily, and Dude. She loves to travel and shop. An advocate for her community, Melanie is currently a Board of Director for the Hamilton Economic Development Corporation.
Other approaches to sustainable investing focus on achieving a net-positive global impact alongside a financial return. To achieve change, many foundations and family offices are establishing funds that support local economic development and social impact missions across the globe, like a 2016 impact investment in Civic Builders that built a new school to serve a city in financial ruin with a 29% poverty rate. Or an investment in funds that build affordable housing for people with disabilities. Impact investing ranges from grant support to private equity, with liquidity risk and return potential varying dramatically. From exclusionary screening to impact investing, and many other strategies, sustainable investing can take on a form that fits your financial and sustainability goals. Some look at integrating ESG factor analysis into the investment selection process as an additional layer of due diligence to vet how sustainable the company will be in the future, and therefore how well it will perform in a changing world. As the sustainable investing space evolves, investors of just about any net worth have more opportunities to create positive social or environmental impact and achieve long-term financial goals. Some of these opportunities have arisen in the alternative investment space, where debt and equity investments can be used to create positive impact. Many alternative investments, including venture capital, private equity, real estate and lesser-known assets such as farmland, were formerly out of reach for many individual investors, due to high minimum investments. However, technology has made alternative investments more accessible. Of course, you’ll want to weigh the risk/reward tradeoffs with your advisor before diving in.
Melanie J. Housden, AAMS® Wealth Management Advisor, RJFS 110 North Bell Hamilton,TX 76531 (254) 386-4500
$111 million and counting. That’s how much tennis superstar Serena Williams’ venture capital fund raised to invest specifically in founders with diverse points of view. Serena Ventures actively invests in a growing portfolio of more than 60 companies that align with the angel investor’s broader goals, including elevating women-owned businesses. Williams has been interested in investing and tech, in particular, for a while but was blown away when she learned that less than 2% of venture capital went to women. Of course, you do not have to be a mega-celebrity to effect change on a broader scale. Specialized strategies, many firmly rooted in what’s known as sustainable investing, can elevate any portfolio. Ultimately, investing and philanthropy are calculated exercises of hope that tomorrow will be brighter than today. Sustainable investing takes that idea even further, using vehicles designed to purposefully and intentionally make a positive impact in the world. Often referred to as ESG investing for the criteria on which companies are evaluated – environmental, social and governance – sustainable investing considers that progress toward solving global challenges such as climate change, social inequality and unethical business practices can be made by investing in companies and enterprises that promote sustainability. It’s a conscious approach to align your personal values with your portfolio. In short, it’s putting your money where your mouth is. A spectrum of strategies Each sustainable investing approach aligns with different motivators and comes with its own set of options on how to implement it in your portfolio. The exclusionary approach, for example, helps you avoid investments that don’t align with your values or standards. Options include funds and ETFs available that seek to adhere to religious values, or avoid tobacco producers and weapons manufacturers, or classify their holdings as “fossil fuel free.”
10 - Chicken House Flea Market 2022 at Chicken House Flea Market, 8AM5PM. Visit the Chicken House Flea Market, located between Stephenville & Dublin!
September 10 - Bart Crow and Jennifer Hall Scholarship Dance and John Hall Memorial Conrhole Tournament at 1007 Park Rd, Ham ilton, 5:30PM. Come listen to Country Music Singer/Songwriter Bart Crow.
September 16 - Olivia Harms at The Grain Drafthouse and Eatery, 6PM-9PM. Come lis ten to good old country music at the Grain.
September 24-25 - Comanche County Pow wow Festival at Comanche City Park, 10AM6PM. Come have fun with music, games for the kids, a car show, tractor show, motorcycle show, and state sanctioned BBQ cook off. Ad mission is September$5.24 - Wynn Williams at Coman che Roping Club Arena, 5PM. Come listen to Country Music Singer/Songwriter Wynn Wil liams. Cranfills Gap October 15 - Bacon Bash near Horney Toad Bar and Grill 11PM. Get your tickets to the biggest bacon fest in the nation, benefiting children with Type One Diabetes and Niki Warms the Cold. Tickets include trying out bacon-themed dishes from a number of booths competing for who has the best dish, free beer, free Bloody Marys, music from plen ty of talented bands, wine, live auctions, and the chance to meet celebrity judges who will also be taste testing bacon-themed dishes and deciding who’s the best!
Comanche
Dublin August 27-28 - Brody Caster Music at The Deer Lease Bar & Grill, 8PM-12AM. Up-andcoming Texas/Red Dirt artist Brody Caster will be bringing his high energy show to The Deer SeptemberLease.
3 - Jake Hooker & The Outsiders at The Grain Drafthouse & Eatery, 8PM. Jake Hooker makes his debut at The Grain on Labor Day Weekend!!! A few things to know…Seat ing is only guaranteed to those who purchase a table to sit at. Lawn chairs will be allowed with a $5 up charge at the gate. They will ONLY BE ALLOWED in the designated area. This is non negotiable. General admission is just that. It allows entry for the show and does not guar antee seating of any kind. A $5 dollar cash up charge will be charged at the gate for anyone under the age of 21 entering the gate. We look forward to hosting you and hope to provide a great experience for you and your guests!!
Each of these events is of course subject to cancelation by their own organizer. Look for a few familiar faces from some of the events that have happened over the course of the past few months. Thank you Cheri Shepherd, the City of Gatesville for sharing the many photos with us. If you feel so inclined send a few photos of your own to production.hometowns@gmail.com to be included.
September 30-October 2 - Hispanic Heritage Festival 2022 by Dublin Texas Chamber of Commerce, 12PM-10AM. Come celebrate and enjoy Hispanic Heritage. October 21-23 - Central Texas GTT Ride at Dublin Bottling Works Co, 8AM-2PM. The tour will stop at: San Saba Courthouse, Covered Bridge, Dublin Bottling Works, North Forty Feedlot, Buffalo Status and Mural in Brady. One of the GTT stops is Harbord Kourt in Coleman. Cabin bookings first come, first serve. Gatesville
September 17 - Run with Your Spurs On. Come run the Run With Your Spurs On 5K race in Gatesville this September October 1 - The Great Divide Original at Bare Bones BBQ, 7PM-11PM. The Great Divide has long been considered pioneers of the Red Dirt music movement, and in the early 90’s brought their own special brand of Red Dirt to a national audience when they inked a deal with Atlantic Records. Come listen to great Red Dirt style music and enjoy delicious BBQ at Bare Bones! Hamilton August 17-21 - X-Treme Team Roping Finals at Circle T Arena, 12:30PM. Cash or Credit Card only - NO CHECKS. Regular Barrier will be used in Open - #12.5 ropings. May draw in. X-Treme Memberships are required and can be purchased online or on-site for $40. X-Treme Gold Memberships are avail able for $100. Global Classifications only. US and WSTR Rules. Also must have a current US, WSTR, or Key Card. US and WSTR Mem berships are available for purchase on-site. XTreme Shoot-Outs awarded in all divisions. The producer has the right to make any and all necessary Septemberchanges.2-Dove Run at Red Wing Dove Vineyard & Winery, 12PM. Come run the Dove Run race in Hamilton this September Septembertember.
- Yoga Classes for the Public at Ste phenville Senior Citizens, 164 E College St,
27 - Yoga Classes for the Public at Stephenville Senior Citizens, 164 E College St, Stephenville, 10AM-11AM. Gentle Yoga for Mind, Body and Spirit.
August 13 - Toast to Tiny Town at GSD Ranch and Emerald City Band Concert at Grand Oaks Ranches 1603 CR 3206, Hico, 7PM11:30PM. The amazing Emerald City Band is coming to Hico, TX - to celebrate our Toast to Tiny Town at GSD Ranch and raise money for a local program. A portion of each ticket will go towards raising money for the Volunteer Hico Fire SeptemberDepartment.7-HicoBluebonnet
September 23-24 - PRCA Rodeo at Lone Star Arena, 7PM-12AM. Events include Bull Rid ing, Cowgirl’s Barrel Racing, Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, and Team Roping. General admission is $12, children 12 and un der is $8, adults is $10 at the door, kids is $10 at the door, admission is free for kids 5 and Septemberunder.
Hico
September 24 - Open Training Saturday at Sheepdog Marksmanship Training, 3501 CR 213, Jonesboro, 8AM-5PM. Open training days are available for anyone who has previ ously taken a course with Sheepdog Marks manship Training. This is intended for hand gun training only. I will be available to help refine techniques and build on the fundamen tals, but this is not a formal course. Cost is $25 and no time limit on the range. You must register in advance to attend.
17 - TAP Tailgate - Tarleton vs. Eastern New Mexico (Family Weekend) at Tarleton Memorial Stadium Lonn Reisman Athletic Center, 11AM-6PM. TAP Tailgate at Texan Alley ALL DAY before we watch Tar leton Texans take on Eastern New Mexico. Family friendly atmosphere - good food and cold drinks! Come see us!
September 1 - Book Club at Senior Citi zens Center, 164 E College St, Stephenville, 1:30PM- 2:30PM. Join us for a monthly book club at the Stephenville Senior Citizens Cen Septemberter! 5 - Painting Class at Stephenville Senior Citizens Center, 2PM-4PM. Upcoming projects: Landscapes, farmscapes, and animal Septemberportraits.
October 3 - Painting Class at Stephenville Se nior Citizens Center, 2PM-4PM. Upcoming projects: Landscapes, farmscapes, and animal Octoberportraits.4
October 15 - Basic Pistol & License to Carry (Combined Class) at Sheepdog Marksman ship Training, 8AM-5PM. This is a combined dual course and full day of training. Perfect for the new handgun owner looking to get their LTC and basic training on the proper use of a handgun. The course begins with safety, a basic overview of handguns, stance, grip, and the fundamentals of shooting. Ba sic Pistol concludes with live fire training on the range. Next, we immediately transition to the License to Carry qualification. The course concludes with the State’s required classroom training and written test for your LTC. Class is limited to 6 people and cost is discounted to $175. Sign up early! Course requires 150 rounds of ammunition. Stephenville August 15 - Painting Class at Stephenville Se nior Citizens Center, 2PM-4PM. Upcoming projects: Landscapes, farmscapes, and animal Augustportraits.22 - Cooking Well for a Healthy Blood Pressure at Stephenville Senior Citizens, 10:30AM. A cooking school designed to help those concerned about blood pressure and anyone who prepares meals for them.
Invitational 2022 at the Bluebonnet Country Club. Hico High School invites you to attend the Blue bonnet Invitational Cross Country Meet on Wednesday Septembertember 7th, 2022. The junior high girls and boys will run the 1.5 mile course. Varsity and JV Girls will complete the 2 mile course. Varsity and JV boys will com plete the 3 mile course. $80 PER TEAM (up to 8 members), $10 PER INDIVIDUAL, $450 MAXIMUM PER SCHOOL (check payable to: Hico Athletics). 9:00 am Varsity Girls, 9:20 am JV Girls, 9:40 am Varsity Boys, 10:05 am JV Boys, 4:00 p.m. 7th Girls, 4:15 p.m. 7th Boys, 4:30 p.m. 8th Girls, 4:45 p.m. 8th Boys. Jonesboro
September 16 - I Love The 90’s at The Backyard Bar Stage and Grill, 6PM-11PM. Come listen to songs from the 90’s, like songs from artists like Vanilla Ice, Rob Base, Color Me Badd & Young SeptemberMC.24
October 6-16 - Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo, at 4601 Bosque Blvd. See everything from pro fessional bull riders to mutton bustin’ bucka roos. Enjoy live music nightly, calf scrambles, and livestock shows. Heart O’ Texas has been held for more than 65 years, with attendance swelling each year. In 2018, more than 193,000 people Octoberattended.21-30 - The Hunchback of Notre Dame at Waco Civic Theatre. You may know the story, but you don’t want to miss our comic adaptation of this classic Victor Hugo tale. Fol lowed by one of our original revues.
Stephenville, 10AM-11AM. Gentle Yoga for Mind, Body and Spirit.
October 22 - The Damn Quails at The Backyard Bar Stage and Grill, 6PM. The Damn Quails began as a weekly show at The Deli in Nor man, Oklahoma and have gone on to become a phenomenon in the Americana and Red Dirt music scenes. After the release and success of their first single “Fool’s Gold” they began tour ing the country heavily and never looked back. They have endured hardships, contractual is sues and even a stabbing but have come out the other side a little bit wiser and with a few more cool scars to show for their efforts.
- Cody Johnson LIVE at Extraco Events Center, 7PM-10PM. Come listen to Cody Johnson & Friends with Special Guest Randy SeptemberHouser.30-October 2 - Waco Cultural Arts Fest at the Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, 9PM-4AM. An event to sup port the arts and art education.
August 13 - Scavenger Hunt: Elephant Day at the Cameron Park Zoo, 9AM-2PM. Tembo has been such a great animal ambassador for her species in the wild and today is our day to cele brate and learn more about African elephants. Cameron Park Zoo will be selling the scaven ger hunt until 2pm but you can enjoy the scav enger hunt until the zoo is closed. It is $20 per team to play. This includes the scavenger hunt and one stuffed animal.
August 27 - Retro Revolution 2.0 at BASE at Extraco Events Center, 6:30PM-10PM. Join us for Retro Revolution 2.0 - the Biggest Disco Party in the World! Featuring musical guest, Le Freak. Tickets start at $150.
October 17 - Painting Class at Stephenville Senior Citizens Center, 2PM-4PM. Upcoming projects: Landscapes, farmscapes, and animal Octoberportraits.29 - Stephenville Lions Club Spook tacular at Stephenville City Park, 8AM. The Stephenville Lions Club is proud to announce our 13th annual Spooktacular, a multi race event including a Fun Run, 5K, 10K and a half marathon - appropriately named, given the date, the Halloween Half. Proceeds will ben efit local youth & vision projects, scholarships and the Texas Lions Camp. Half Marathon is $60, 10K is $35, 5K is $30, 1M Fun Run is $15. Prices increase after Septembertember 30, reg istration ends Octoberober 29.
August 17-21 - “Godspell” Silent House The atre at the Waco Civic Theatre, 17th 7:30, 21st 4:30. Day by day, a show viewers love more dearly.
September 10 - Fabulous Blackwood Quartet at the First Ba[tist Church of Gholson, 6PM. Come listen to the Fabulous Blackwood Quar tet as they sing gospel music.
October 27 - Night of 100 Casseroles at Gra ham Street Church of Christ, 5PM-6PM. Don?t miss Night of 100 Casseroles! Thursday night from 5PM until we run out, Graham Street Church of Christ will be giving away free casseroles (1 per vehicle). Waco August 12 - Crystal Gayle Live at Waco Hip podrome Theatre, 7:30PM-10:30PM. Crystal who has been a favorite of audiences of coun try and popular music since attaining national prominence with her first chart records in the mid-seventies. Crystal has released more than 20 number one hits and has been awarded rec ognition by the Grammy Awards, the Country Music Association, the Academy of Country Music, the American Music Awards, and the American Music Operators Association.
A Rite of AR.M.S.PassageTitanicLearningExperienceArticlebyDewayneClover
Fifteen years ago, Barbara Johnson, a teacher in Hamilton’s Ann Whitney Ele mentary School, began reading, “S.O.S. Titanic”, a fictional novel by Eve Bunting, to her fifth grade students. As the tale evolved, a current story was born. The students became engrossed in the dramatic tale, and new av enues of learning and teaching unfold. Other individuals began to suggest new concepts that evolved from the project. Years later, the initial concept has become a com munity tradition, and a rite of passage for the students completing their final eyar of elementary school. The young learners were assigned projects to illustrate their vision of the legendary story. Models of the ocean liner, images of the China place settings, and dis plays of the perceived cabins unfolded. Lit erature, research, art, history, and etiquette inspired their inspirations. The finale of the experience developed into a formal luncheon for the students and their educators. First United Methodist Church graciously offered to convert their fellowship hall to a “ballroom”. A collection of Vintage China, once rescued from boxes of oatmeal and laundry detergent were loaned. Linen ta blecloths, glassware, and silverware appeared.
Just before midnight on April 14, 1912, the “unsinkable” R.M.S. Titanic, on her maiden voyage from Southampton, England to New York City struck an iceberg off the coast of Newfoundland. The luxurious vessel shuddered briefly, and in the early hours of April 15, ripped apart and sank beneath the waves. The mari time disaster claimed the lives of 1517 passengers and crewmen.
Decorations were borrowed, and caterers offered their help. Finally the young ladies, attired in period dress, and their youthful escorts, in formal dress, were escorted into a six-course candlelit meal. Mothers in clas sic black and white served, and fathers and other volunteers prepared the food. A string orchestra, this year from Baylor University, performed background music, with the final piece being “Nearer, My God to Thee”, tradi tionally believed to have been the last piece played on the failing Titanic as it broke apart and sank. School staff researched the actual passenger list on the doomed ship. Prior to the meal, individual letters were secured be neath the students’ seats. As the luncheon ended, those letters were presented, each child being advised regarding whether the guest they represented survived of perished. As the students excited the church, they were escorted by chaperone sponsors on the one block walk to the County Courthouse, where they greeted the public, and displayed their finery to parents and photographers. This wonderful tradition is the result of a dedicated community and imaginative educa tion.
Rural schools account for 37 percent of school districts in Texas and the state has more rural schools than any other state in Amer ica. Not only is the state as a whole experiencing a teacher short age, along with the rest of the nation, but those rural schools are typically less attractive to the mainstream, and therefore have a more difficult time attracting the masses making the chore a little more difficult for the recruitment of new teachers.
“Grow Your Own” is an approach that focuses on the recruitment and preparation of local students and adults who are likely to stay in or return to their local community to teach. This type of ap proach can help drum up interest in teaching among students be fore they graduate from high school, and it can support adults from the community that may be interested in teaching but do not currently have the credentials to enter the Gatesvilleclassroom.ISDpartners with the Central Texas College Foundation, Temple College Foundation, and Texas A&M University-Central Texas (TAMUCT) to assist aspiring teachers by awarding scholarships to help cov er the cost of tuition, fees, and textbooks. Candidates accepted into the program at the junior college level would receive a $500 loan per semester from GISD and an additional $500 scholarship from the junior college each semester for a total of $2,000 per year. Participants at the university level would receive a $1,000 loan per semester from GISD and an additional $1,000 scholar
Gatesville ISD has made a commitment to attract highquality candidates from within our school community to serve our students. Their new program, Grow Your Own, is a scholarship fund geared toward not only helping to attract up and coming teachers to the district, but also giving back to the community and helping their own home grown students return to their alma maters in a teaching capacity.
ship from the university each semester for a total of $4,000 per year. The district typically accepts two to three applicants a year depending on which college/university the recipient is applying for.
This mutually beneficial program not only helps the candidate but the district as well. The program participants will sign a contract for the loan committing to teach no less than five years for GISD upon receiving teacher certification. The awardee will be forgiven 20% of the loan for each year of service to the district. Those eli gible to apply for the scholarship-loan program include GHS se niors, former GHS graduates, and current GISD employees such as paraprofessionals and substitutes. Battling the current teacher shortage, many districts are looking for incentives to attract quality teachers to their districts. The dis trict was noticing that hiring teachers was becoming more diffi cult each year. They had heard of other districts offering similar opportunities and patterned the Grow Your Own program after some of those others. The district also recognized the importance of recognizing outstanding students and staff that wanted to be Shaneeducators.Webb,
Assistant Superintendent of Academics, believes that this goes beyond simply attracting new quality teachers to the district. “This most definitely serves as a model for helping with teacher shortages, but most importantly it serves as a model to help aspiring teachers earn a college degree and follow their dreams of teaching while also easing the financial burden,” he stated. One of the first recipients of this new program will begin in her classroom in August. Kayleigh Tennison graduated in May from Texas A&M – Central Texas. Kayleigh was an outstanding GHS graduate (ranked high in the 2018 grad uating class). She kept an amazing GPA during her two years at Temple College and her two years at Texas A&M Central Texas. Because GISD assisted with her tuition, she has agreed to come back and teach high school math for the next five years. During the most recent spring semester, Kayleigh was a long term substitute for a teacher on maternity leave. Before that she was a paraprofessional at the elementary school. Because of the program, Kayleigh will officially be the teacher of record in her own high school math class room beginning this new school year. If you would like more information about this program please contact Shane Webb, Assistant Superintendent, at Gatesville Independent School District at 254-865-7251.
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Nature often holds up a mirror so we can see more clearly the ongoing processes of growth, renewal, and transformation in our lives.
5INSTRUCTIONSINGREDIENTSouncesdarkchocolate, finely chopped 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 quart (4 cups) whole milk Pinch of salt 1 1/2 cups fruity red wine, such as Merlot, Shiraz, or CinnamonZinfandelsticks and additional cocoa powder, for serving (optional) Whisk the chocolate, cocoa powder, sugar, and cinnamon together in a large saucepan. Add the milk and bring to a simmer over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until hot and smooth, about 5 minutes. Stir in the salt. Remove from the heat and add the wine. Divide among 8 small glasses or mugs garnish with a cinnamon stick and a dusting of cocoa powder if desired and serve.
-Anonymous Red Wine Hot Chocolate
34 Our Hometowns | Volume 3 Issue 4
Volume 3 Issue 4 | Our Hometowns 35
When we moved into our little house, the yard was void. I don’t mean void of any cool landscaping details, I mean VOID of a yard! Yes, there were some dead shrubbery and such and luckily 2 great old trees somehow managed to survive. The grass however, didn’t. Therefore, we went to work in that first year. We completely re-sodded the entire yard ourselves, planted shrubs, elephant ears, (our favs!) added monkey grass down the sidewalk, put in crape myrtle trees and a red oak. We found a bargain on Lueders Stone (similar to Austin Stone) landscaping stones at a local store and went hog-wild in placing the stone in every place possible in our yard. We created flower beds, lined the sidewalk, stacked, un-stacked and stacked stone again, literally everywhere. We stepped back and thought we had really done something. Actually, we loved it! Over-kill for some, but just the right cohesive look we wanted. Then, about 5 years later we realized there was a neglected little corner of the yard. Yes, an area which had not been subjected to the Lueders Stone Landscaping Monsters that we had became. This must be fixed! And so, we went to work adding a flower bed around the forgotten tree. Here is how it went down. Our supplies consisted of a few shovels (thank you estate sales!), large nails (I don’t know what you are suppose to use these for or why we even own them, but they are huge!), string, a hammer, a level, a tape measure, a tarp, gloves and of course knee pads. Using a tape measure we measured 2 feet from the base of the trunk and placed a stake. Took a step back and decided that it needed to be further, and eventually decided on 2.5 feet. Again, measuring from the base of the trunk 2.5 feet out, we went around the tree, placing stakes. Just to give us a visual of what the circle would look like, using string, we strung it around the outside of the staking nails. This allowed us to make sure this circle would be the right diameter for the flower bed. Satisfied with our “grand” string circle, we went to remove the grass. It just so happens, that we needed grass sod for a project in our back yard, so I wanted the grass removed in squares so it could be reused, not just simply dug out and tossed out. Using the sharpshooter shovel and the string as a guideline, Shane cut into the ground all the way around the circle. This made for an easier entry point for the nextNextstep.step is lifting the grass out. Again with the shovel, using the entry points created above, Shane slide the shovel between the dirt and the grass and lifted it out in squares. Little at a time, he went around the entire circle, until it was cleaned out. We always use a tarp when we are landscaping. It is just so handy and makes clean up a breeze, especially when digging dirt or hauling away weeds or shrubbery. It was a perfect place for the grass squares until we were finished with the project. Now comes the stacking, unshackling and re-stacking part as mentioned above. Using the stone, we placed them at the edge of our circle, removing stones, replacing stones, until we got it just right. Using a level, we added or took out a little dirt beneath the stones until we had the first layer of stones in place. After stacking the second layer, we filled in the stone circle with dirt. We are lucky to have an organic dirt provider nearby. A great business that sells organic dirt and compost by the scoop. We love it for all of our flower beds and plantings.
Shane and Liz live in the tiny community of Oglesby, (somewhat near Waco, Texas) population 452! And, they wouldn’t have it any other way. Liz has always had a need to express her creativity and through the years has done so in a wide range of ways. From throwing parties, decorating, cooking and crafting, she has been able to fulfill all her wildest creative ideas. Shane has farming in his blood, literally! He grew up on a 200 acre farm, growing tomatoes, melons and squash. In Oglesby, they do not live on near that many acres, but Shane still stays busy keeping the vegetable garden going, in addition to raising ornamental pumpkins and succulents, they sell at area Farmers’ Markets and Festivals. (254) pippahillfarms@gmail.com424-4067www.pippahillfarms.com
Several years ago, Shane brought home a huge planter of succulent from an estate sale. I have no idea the name of the variety, but it is awesome. We have planted it everywhere. It is so easy to propagate by taking cuttings from the mama plant and just sticking them in the dirt. (I know that explanation is making a horticulturist roll their eyes, but hey….it works for us!) A little water everyday and a month later it looks awesome! It amazes me how well it grows and it definitely finished off our front yard landscaping. And the extra grass squares we dug up? Yep, they were easily dragged to the back yard thanks to the handy tarp.
About the author: Donald Humphrey, APRN, PMHNP-BC Donald Humphrey is an advanced practice registered nurse, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. He received his Master's of Science in Nursing from Frontier Nursing University, (4.0 GPA) and Associate’s degrees in Nursing from Lower Columbia College, (Summa Cum Laude). He has 22 years’ nursing experience, is a distinguished honor graduate of my Army LVN class, is a certified Spanish interpreter, and a US Army NCO veteran. His approach involves shared decision-making where you are the “quarterback.” Mental health medications, supplements, nutrition, & talk therapy are his specialties. He is looking forward to meeting you, listening to you, taking what you say seriously, not being in a hurry, & getting to the root of the problem to help you achieve the life you “LifeHablodesire.Españolisajourney, not a destination.”Ralph Waldo Emerson Editor’s Note: In the last issue it was inadver tantly stated Dr. Juracek is a medical doctor. This was a misprint. Our apologies for any confusion this may have caused.
Thankfully, I only dozed off briefly and avoided a wreck. Family, work, social, recreational, educational, health, and other endeavors and necessities infringe upon our sleep. Philosophies about sleep abound, but few would claim that it is unimportant or unnecessary. Sleep rejuvenates, heals, and regenerates. Sleep deprivation impedes your brain's ability to get rid of misfolded proteins and could lead to brain inflammation. This could contribute to the development of neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer's Disease. Lack of sleep can lead to an irritable disposition, accidents, and other undesirable outcomes.
3. Keep the room you sleep in dark, cool, quiet, and free of things that remind you of work or cause you stress. And, in the chronological category are: 1. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
8. If you are ruminating at bedtime, then write out your to-do list or worries. In the environmental category are:
2. Avoid alcoholic beverages and nicotine.
5. Avoid screens that give off light near bedtime (cell phones, computers, 6.e-readers).Minimize saturated fats and maximize fiber at dinner.
1. Only use the bed for sleep and intimacy.
3. Sleep only long enough to feel rested and then get out of bed. These sleeping tips are based on scientific evidence, but that doesn’t mean they are guaranteed or one-size-fits-all. Nevertheless, adding these suggestions to our routine may very well improve our sleep and therefore our quality of life. Falling asleep and staying asleep requires an individualized plan like other health needs. I have found that watching old television programs such as “Sherlock Holmes,” the original “Star Trek,” or “Perry Mason” does the trick for me. That being said, I wouldn’t doubt if watching those types of shows could have the opposite effect on someone else. There have been times when I drank coffee and promptly began to doze off and also when coffee seemed to make it difficult for me to sleep at night. Even so, I try to incorporate the above-listed items into my routine. Trouble sleeping often becomes more difficult to manage than using the tips in this article can remedy. At that point, one may choose to seek help from a healthcare provider. Don’t lose hope. There are many varied treatments for insomnia. A sleep study can help determine what is at the root of our sleep problems. Cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia is a type of psychotherapy used to treat sleeping problems and is considered the first type of treatment to try. A number of different medications and supplements are also commonly prescribed or recommended to promote healthy sleep.
2. If you can’t fall asleep within 15 minutes, then get up and leave the room. Return only when you are falling asleep.
Some general categories of things that can affect our sleep are: personal, environmental, and chronological. Adjusting certain factors in these areas of our life just might help us sleep better, which would bring incalculable benefits such as in the ambits of physical and mental health, family, work, recreation, spirit, finances, ad infinitum.Severalstrategies I would categorize as personal are: 1. If you use caffeine, do so only in the morning.
2. Get lots of natural sunlight.
4. Exercise as appropriate for your state of health, but avoid exercise near bedtime.
If you are asked how you slept and you reply “Sleep? What’s that?” or feel that your sleep could be improved upon then I encourage you to consider the information in this article, if it is appropriate for your health condition and approved by your primary care provider, a great person to see for an initial visit for sleep problems. Sometimes a simple thing such as getting sufficient, quality sleep can be more beneficial than expected. Maybe it can even help to restore tranquility, happiness, and vigor.
3. Solve any problems before going to bed.
Ayoung man had a fatal auto accident yesterday after falling asleep and veering into oncoming traffic.” That was the radio announcement I heard seconds after I fell asleep at the wheel and veered off of the road while driving home early in the morning several years ago after a night shift at a hospital in the Pacific Northwest.
7. Minimize daytime naps. Instead, take a walk or play a game.
Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with insomnia. Treating sleep apnea could alleviate one’s sleep problems if it is found to be the cause of them. If someone at home notices that you stop breathing for brief periods while sleeping, if you gasp while asleep, feel tired in the daytime, or have mental slowing for no known reason these could be signs or symptoms of sleep apnea.
Arecontent.you trying to cut back on your caffeine intake? Don’t do it cold turkey. Try incor porating different beverages like lemon water, chai tea, or kombucha for a few days. In addition, fuel your body well with healthy meals and snacks for some natural energy. Take a walk for exercise, connect with nature, and stay hydrated – never let your water intake suffer.
• Worsening symptoms of anxiety and •depressionMixingalcohol with energy drinks in creases impairedness
• Negative impacts on pregnancy and •fertilityGlucose control
• Jitteryness
Caffeine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant naturally occurring in some foods. It blocks your adenosine recep tors, making your body feel more awake and alert. That’s why more than 50% of U.S. adults consume at least 300 mg of caf feine per day. For context, the FDA recom mends no more than 400 mg per day, the typical content of 2-3 cups of coffee. Re gardless of your vice, whether coffee, tea or soda, there are pros and cons to your favorite caffeinated drink. Let’s start with the pros. Caffeine can: • Increase wakefulness and cognitive •functionAlleviate fatigue • Improve concentra tion, focus and alertness
How much caffeine do you consume in a day? Studies show that 85% of the U.S. popula tion consumes at least one caffeinated bev erage per day. With that in mind, it’s no wonder that caffeine carries the nickname of “America’s most popular drug.”
AtCTACoryell Health, we want to make sure you are the healthiest version of yourself, mind and body. If you have any concerns about the amount of caffeine you have to consume to function properly, talk to your primary care physi cian today.
• Caffeine is not a sufficient replace ment for sleep
• The sneaky addition of caffeine to foods, especially those targeted at chil •drenCaffeine powder could be fatal There are plenty of myths about caffeine, and Coryell Health has heard them all. Have you been told that caffeine is addic tive? That’s not exactly true. While caf feine consumption can create dependence in adults, the side effects and potential withdrawals don’t compare to addictive substances like drugs and alcohol. What about caffeine being a diuretic? Thank fully, that’s not true either – there’s no evi dence to suggest that caffeine will increase your risk of dehydration. Have you heard that caffeine can sober you up? We don’t recommend trying this because caffeine will not reduce blood or breath alcohol
• Positively affect your •memoryIncrease weight loss in moderation We know that sometimes, you just need a quick and easy boost of energy to get you through the day. There’s nothing wrong with a caffeinated drink every so often, but it’s important to be aware of caffeine’s full range of effects – not just the pros. Here are some potential concerns:
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