PRICELE$$
February 2013
Inspiring Parents, Motivating Kids, Celebrating Life
www.WiseFamilyMagazine.com
Tips From a Tutor 30 Great Romance Films Health Wise
Joy: Tool For Success
Family Album
“HAPPINESS!” By Aspen Photography
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(BPT) - Whether snuggling in for the night or just trying to catch a quick few winks, your environment plays an important role in determining if you’re counting sheep or counting Zzzs. From noise reduction to lighting, there are a few easy ways you can turn your bedroom into a tranquil oasis. “A third of the adult population suffers from insomnia from time to time, but only about 6 percent meet the criteria for an actual sleep disorder,” says Dr. Christina Brown from the Florida School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, Tampa. “In a good number of cases, getting to sleep and staying asleep is a matter of your surroundings.” Kristina Held, assistant professor of Interior Design at The Art Institute of Charlotte, a campus of South University, focuses on areas of the bedroom that you may want to re-evaluate in order to create the sleep haven you’ve been craving. “Creating a bedroom that is conducive to your most restful sleep might require a bit of homework, but I think you’ll find it won’t take you long,” Held says. “As an interior designer, I like to focus on lighting, bedding, furniture and decor.” Lighting: Humans were created to be in-synch with the sun cycle. For this reason, Held recommends positioning your bed to the east so that you will be able to wake up seeing the sun rays peeking in around your curtains. “Try several layers of curtains to block out light at night,” Held says. “Sheers and heavy protective curtains can help soften the room visually, help with sound absorption, help insulate the window, and are a great opportunity to bring in some color and pattern.” You can leave the sheers drawn during the day to diffuse daylight while protecting against views from the outside. Both Brown and Held warn about electronics that provide artificial light in the bedroom. “Get rid of your phones, TVs and iPads while in bed. The artificial light will interrupt your sleep cycle and keep your brain activated, making it harder to get to sleep and keep you off the more natural sleep patterns,” Brown says. Bedding: “A comfortable mattress enclosed in a hypoallergenic cover protects from dust mites and allergens such as animal dandruff and pollen,” recommends Held. Try to use only natural fiber content for your bedding such as cotton, organic cotton, silk, or linen blend. Also try using hypoallergenic pillows to prevent allergies. Held also recommends placing a humidifier in your room during the winter months, and changing your air filters at least once in three months.
Health Wise
Your bedroom: the key to a restful night’s sleep
Furniture and decor: “Don’t use reds, it makes you awake and some say aggressive. Neutral colors, along with blues and greens, evoke calming feelings that we get when we are surrounded by nature,” Held says. Place a neutral area rug for noise reduction and decoration. If you live in a busy area, Brown recommends a white noise machine or ceiling fan to drown out the background noise. Don’t forget to include some inspiring artwork that is meaningful and brings you feelings of calm. Horizontal lines inspire calmness and are well-suited for a bedroom. Natural materials bring in a relaxing factor as well. Lastly, unclutter your bedroom as much as possible - it will clear your mind. Some horizontal book shelves may just be the trick to de-cluttering and adding the horizontal line accents. Both Held and Brown agree that keeping your home cooler during the night will help you sleep better. Keep your thermostat at the most comfortable cool setting, as changes in your body’s thermal regulation will wake you. “In the short-term, just one sleep-deprived night can interfere with your ability to concentrate, affect your mood and even make you drowsy during the day,” explains Brown. If getting healthier is part of your new year’s resolution this year, make getting adequate sleep part of your goal. ■
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Chef Sandy Hall
T
ypically January is not thought of a month where we feel joyous. But, this year is special – the world did not end! Yea, take THAT ancient Mayans! So, given the reprieve from world annihilation have you decided to turn over a new leaf by following through on all those good intentions, such as eating more real food and less “faux” food? Good for you! (Literally) I’m frequently asked what the “healthiest” method of eating, and after a decade + of helping clients follow this diet and that diet, I can honestly say that incorporating a wide variety of foods into your meals – and all things in moderation – is the most effective, not to mention the most enjoyable, approach. We would all love to take a pill or drink a shake and not only say buh-bye to our love handles, but feel as energetic with the glowing skin as when we were children. Pills, shakes, miracle creams, etc., can’t give us these results long term – but whole foods can. Food is an amazing and effective force for change! Eating less pre-packaged foods doesn’t mean you need to chain yourself to the stove or change where you currently do your grocery shopping. It simply means that you need to read a few labels, maybe experiment with an unfamiliar vegetable once a week and switch simple carbs for whole grains. Each meal should contain at least three distinct colors when you look
at your plate, vibrancy is your friend! When buying bread go for options labeled “whole wheat” vs. “wheat” or “whole grain”, as the last two descriptions are more often than not simply another way of saying “white bread”. When buying salad in a bag try a blend that contains darker greens, such as baby spinach or even baby kale (super easy, super yummy). Think a higher fiber grain is too time-consuming for your busy schedule? Quinoa cooks in roughly the same amount of time as white rice, and brown rice can be found in the frozen food section of most grocery stores and only takes around four minutes to heat – now that’s fast food! ■ Chef Sandy Hall
Chef Sandy Hall, owner of Dinners on Demand Personal Chef Service, has been creating custom-designed meals for health-conscious clients since 2000. Chef Sandy is an industry award winning chef and culinary instructor whose articles and time-saving tips have been published in a variety of statewide and national publications. Chef Sandy resides in the rolling countryside of Wise County, Texas with her husband, Neal, their two Golden retrievers and three disobedient cats. You can learn more about Chef Sandy and the services offered by Dinners on Demand Personal Chef Service by visiting www.dinnersondemand.biz.
Parsnip “Fries” Serves 4
2 packages parsnips or approximately 6-8 parsnips 2 Tablespoons peanut or olive oil 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
Tip Parsnips are a very good source of fiber and vitamin C and in this recipe they taste like a slightly sweeter russet potato. Enjoy these “fries” as a yummy side dish to everything from burgers and steaks to baked fish!
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Directions Preheat oven to 400 (375 convection). Cover a large rimmed baking sheet in foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Peel parsnips as you would carrots, remove “ugly ends” and cut the parsnips into three rounds (two for smaller parsnips, use your best judgment). Cut each section in half and then half again. Toss with the oil, S&P and thyme in a large bowl until all segments are fully coated. Spread in an even layer on your prepared baking sheet
and bake on the center rack for approximately 30-40 minutes. Carefully toss the segments midway through cooking to help ensure browning on all sides. The parsnips are done when the thickest segment can be easily pierced with a sharp knife. Taste for seasoning and add additional salt, pepper or your spice of choice while the parsnips are still hot and serve immediately.
30 Great Romance Films This Valentines Day curl up with popcorn and a movie. We’ve compiled a list of some great romantic films to enjoy. Is your favorite on the list?
It’s the growing season… and planted
inside every Woodhaven branch are people who make your banking experience a pleasure, whether you’re growing a business or a family. We’ve never had to work very hard at treating you like an individual — it just comes naturally. Visit one of our branches today.
Member FDIC Independent Locally Owned
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Woodhaven National Bank 800 Hwy 287, Suite A Rhome • 817.638.5111 Woodhaven National Bank 6750 Bridge Street Fort Worth • 817.496.6700 Mansfield Community Bank 1700 E. Broad Street Mansfield • 817.473.5979 Ridglea Bank 3325 Fairfield Ave at Camp Bowie Fort Worth • 817.731.3361 Woodhaven Bank Northeast 4607 Colleyville Blvd. Colleyville • 817.656.7755 Mercantile Bank 2229 A Park Row Arlington • 817.277.2225 Woodhaven Bank 6301 N. Beach Street Fort Worth • 817.489.6500
DECATUR TIRE STORE & SERVICE CENTER B.W. Stone, owner
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1. The Notebook 2. An Affair to Remember 3. Pretty Woman 4. Sleepless in Seattle 5. Amelie 6. An Officer and a Gentleman 7. Chocolat 8. Harold and Maude 9. Pride and Prejudice 10. When Harry Met Sally 11. The Princess Bride 12. West Side Story 13. Shakespeare in Love 14. Love Actually 15. Casablanca 16. Gone With the Wind 17. The English Patient 18. A Very Long Engagement 19. Dirty Dancing 20. Roman Holiday 21. Notting Hill 22. Jerry Maguire 23. The Philadelphia Story 24. Say Anything 25. The Artist 26. Titanic 27. Ghost 28. Working Girl 29. Singin’ In the Rain 30. Persuasion 940.210.1769 • WISE
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On The Cover: February, 2012 In our 8th year of ‘Making A Difference’
Spring is right around the corner!
P.O. Box 521 • Boyd, Texas 76023
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Founder: Kim Tinkham 1957 - 2010
Publisher & Parent Company . . . . . . . . . . . TinkInkPublications.com Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scott@tinkinkpublications.com Graphic Artist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sara Sparrowgrove Email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sara@tinkinkpublications.com Distribution Guys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scott and Don Tinkham Office Dogs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Max and Buddy Our Reason For Doing This . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YOU! Advertising Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ads@wisefamilymagazine.com To submit: Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@wisefamilymagazine.com Photographs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pics@wisefamilymagazine.com Wise Family Magazine is published monthly by Tink Ink LLC and distributed free of charge through local merchants. Wise Family Magazine reserves the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. Opinions expressed by the contributors are not necessarily the opinions of the publication. Tink Ink LLC assumes no liability or responsibility for any claims made by advertisers in the magazine. Reproduction in whole or part without express written consent of the Publisher is prohibited.
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In This Issue: Health Wise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Chef Sandy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Dave Says . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Women’s Occupational Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Wise County Wonderings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 4-H News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 5 Romantic Getaways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Like Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Tips From a Tutor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Fun & Games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Wise County Animal Shelter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
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Better Student – Better Future
@ Your Library
Area Libraries
Alvord Public Library 940-427-2842 • W,TH, F . . . . . . . . . 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. • SA . . . . . . . . . . . 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon Boyd Public Library 940-433-5580 • M, W, F . . . . . . . . 10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. • TU . . . . . . . . . . . 10:00 a.m. -7:00 p.m. • TH . . . . . . . . . . . 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Bridgeport Public Library 940-683-3450 • M,W,F . . . . . . . . . 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. • T,TH . . . . . . . . . . 10:00 a.m - 7:00 p.m. • SA . . . . . . . . . . . . 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. Chico Public Library 940-644-2330 • M,F . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. • T,W,TH . . . . . . . . . . 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. • SA . . . . . . . . . . . 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon Decatur Public Library 940-627-5512 • M,T,TH . . . . . . . . . 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m • W,F . . . . . . . . . . . 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. • SA . . . . . . . . . . . 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m Newark Public Library 817-489-2224 • M,T,Th,F . . . . . . . . . 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. • Sat . . . . . . . . . . . 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. • Sun & Wed closed Rhome Public Library 817-636-2767 • T-F . . . . . . . . . . . 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. • Sat . . . . . . . . . . . 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
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Dave Says
Get your affairs in order Dear Dave, One of my relatives just discovered she has cancer. She’s a single mom with two young kids, and I’m not sure if she’s prepared to face something like this. What are the best steps she can take financially at this point? - Shannon Dear Shannon, I’m really sorry to hear about this. I know cancer is a scary thing to hear, but please remember to pray and be there for her all you can. God willing, things can still turn out okay. When people ask if a person has their affairs in order, they’re usually asking a couple of different questions. Are you right with God? Do you have life insurance and a will? Another important thing is to have all the paperwork of your life organized and in a safe place, so someone you trust can handle the details if things don’t turn out well. Everyone should have a good term life insurance policy in place. My advice is to have a policy worth 10 times your annual income. When it comes to a will, make sure it’s state specific. Probate and estate regulations are not federal laws, they’re state laws. So any will should be drawn up according to guidelines for the state in which you live. Make sure, too, that she has made arrangements for any minor children. It might be a good idea to sit down and talk with two or three trusted family members or close friends and decide who will take them if the worst should happen. Whoever this is should be incredibly responsible and caring, and willing to love and raise these kids as if they were their very own. Good luck, Shannon. And God bless you and your family. - Dave Going into emergency mode Dear Dave, My wife just received news that her company will experience significant layoffs in the next two months. On top of all this, she’s one of the newest workers there. We’ve been trying to follow your plan, but what should we do with the possibility of unemployment on the horizon? - Tyler Dear Tyler, It’s a pretty safe bet that your wife will lose her job, especially if she’s new to the company. If what she makes right now is a significant portion of your overall income, my advice would be to press pause on your Total Money Makeover and build up your savings as much as possible. I love that you guys are trying to take control of your
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money, but right now there are storm clouds brewing in your financial lives. Sit down together and come up with a seriously belt-tightening budget. Scrape together every nickel you can from every area of your lives and put it into savings. Things like going to the movies or eating out are going to be a big no-no for a while. And you may have to look at the possibility of cutting some other non-essentials, like television. There’s nothing good on these days anyway! If they do lay her off, she might be looking at a severance package, but at this point you can’t really count on that happening. So batten down the hatches and prepare for the worst while hoping for the best. The best way to do that right now is save, save, save! - Dave Don’t pay it! Dear Dave, My brother was killed earlier this year, and my mom is finalizing his estate. He had a couple of federally insured student loans through Sallie Mae totaling $8,000 at the time of his death, and the attorney probating the estate says mom now has to pay off those loans. Is that correct? - Callie Dear Callie, I’m so sorry to hear about your brother. But no, your lawyer is not correct. Payment for federally insured student loans is not due upon the borrower’s death. They are waived. I’m going to give you two pieces of advice. The first is to fire your attorney. We’re talking about basic knowledge when it comes to probating an estate here. If he got that wrong there’s no telling what else he’s told you that’s off the mark. Second, you can take care of this by sending a copy of the death certificate to Sallie Mae. I’ll warn you ahead of time that it may take a while to jump through all their hoops. I mean, you’re dealing with the federal government. They’re not exactly known for getting things right the first time. But once you’re declared permanently disabled or you pass away, federally insured student loans are discharged and not held against the estate. Don’t pay it! - Dave Is accountability the key? Dear Dave, I’ve been working the Baby Steps and doing a budget most months. But how does someone who is single stay motivated and focused with something like this? It feels sometimes like it would be easier if I had someone holding me accountable. - Rick
Buy it or turn it in? Dear Dave, I made the mistake of leasing a car a while back, and the lease is up in about nine months. Should I save up the money between now and then to buy it, or save as much as I can to pay down my student loans? - Aaron Dear Aaron, At the end of a lease the price for which you can purchase the car is called the residual value. This amount is preset when you lease the vehicle. So the big question right now is, what’s the car actually worth? If the company thought it would be worth $12,000 and it’s actually worth $14,000, that would be a good deal, and you’d want to buy it instead of turning in the car. Even if you were going to turn around and resell it, you’d still want to go ahead and buy. Another big thing is that I’d never tell you to finance a car after the lease term. There’s no difference between that and walking onto a car lot and financing any other $12,000 car. Look at it this way. You basically have a $12,000 car loan right now, and you’d only be changing the format from leasing to payments if you financed the thing. Should you keep this vehicle? Only if it’s a small percentage of your
income. If you make $60,000 or more, I’d probably say save up, pay cash, and keep the car. But if you’re making closer to $30,000 the answer is no. - Dave Fun to date, but not to marry Dear Dave, I’m dating a man who is really exciting and fun, but he has well over $100,000 in debt. He has nice cars, a boat and he travels a lot, and he does it all on credit. He wants us to get married, but his view of money worries me. What should I do? - Vickie
Dave Says
Dear Rick, The first thing is to make sure you do a written budget each month. Not once in a while, not most months—every single month. If you don’t draw the out-of-bounds markers, there’s no way to know when you’ve stepped over the line, right? A monthly, written budget becomes your self-accountability tool, especially when you’re single. Still, there’s nothing wrong with introducing a little accountability into your life. You don’t have to be married to be accountable to someone other than yourself. Ask a good friend or maybe even your pastor to have a look at your plan and see what they think. Just make sure this person is someone who knows a little something about money and finances. Honestly though, Rick. I think doing the Baby Steps and following my plan can be easier for single people. Think about it this way: You don’t have to talk someone else into coming along for the ride. You also don’t have to come to an agreement with someone else on everything financial. All you have to do is get serious, look in the mirror, and say, “Quit being stupid with money!” In other words, you just have to do it. Admittedly, you don’t have the built-in accountability in a singles situation. But on the other hand, you don’t have someone calling you a doofus when you mess up! - Dave
Dear Vickie, The fact that you’re worried about this situation means you realize that fun and exciting don’t necessarily translate into being wise. I’m sure he’s a nice guy, but your concern tells me that you two are from completely different planets when it comes to handling money. And that can be a death knell to a marriage. Disagreements over money and finances are the number-one cause of marital strife and divorce in North America today. Fighting over debt and the stress brought on by financial problems will take a heavy toll on any relationship. When you’re not on the same page with how to handle your money, you’re not on the same page of life. How you spend your money says volumes about who you are, where your values lie, and what’s important to you. This guy is fun because he’s impulsive and has a lot of toys. But the fact that he’s gone into debt for this lifestyle also means he’s a little boy and not a responsible man. And unless you guys can get on the same page with how money is handled, I would strongly advise not going forward with a wedding. For this to get serious and turn into marriage material, one of you will have to change. Either he’ll have to straighten up and start behaving wisely with money, or you’ll have to agree to enjoy living deeply in debt. - Dave ■
Dave Ramsey For more financial help, please visit daveramsey.com
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Family Album
Ryland from Alvord, TX Harrison and Henry Oberg with their “White Christmas” snowman.
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Women’s Occupational Workshop
Joy: Tool for Success in Life “We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.” - Buddha
W
e rarely ponder business growth and joy in the same thought. On the surface they seem opposed, depending on the pressures of your day. I have discovered the reality of the union of these ideas and values that result in successes in both your personal and business life. In your desire to increase the joy around you, you must first learn to give thanks and express gratitude. Too often we are so focused on the opportunities and fears around us that we fail to be grateful for our everyday blessings and gifts. That gratitude is hard to realize if one finds it hard to accept themselves and those they work with on a daily basis. To achieve joy, one must strive to develop self-worth by accepting themselves as they are in the present moment. Having a goal for growth is always a motivation to move forward but for daily joy we must learn to love ourselves as we are in the present moment. This helps by acting as the first step to removing limiting beliefs that have often been carried since childhood. Accept the idea that you deserve to flourish in joy. Two additional areas that need development are the ideas of relearning to laugh and enjoy life and the joy of serving others. Laughter is the key needed to open the door of reason and trust. Trust and insight into one’s own abilities is necessary to relax and enjoy life and work again. Service
is the vehicle that turns joy outward, into the lives of others. One must look for opportunities to improve, through their service, the daily life of others. Joy can be sustained in personal and work life by learning to look through difficulties to see the ultimate conclusion. Nothing is as bad as it first appears. Do not let circumstances rob you of your joy. Never be afraid of asking for assistance. Others want to give. Let them know the joy of service. Remember to keep thought processes positive by expecting good results. Imagine how one’s joy would be affected if good was expected and bad results were shocking? Joy is the emotional tool that balances man’s world. Strive to become a master of joy. Acceptance - of self and others, self worth, respect of family and co-workers – will cause joy to reign in your life. Shine on. ■ Keitha Story-Stephenson, Ph.D.
Keitha Story-Stephenson, PhD, director of BlueSky Wellness Center, provides private consultation for individuals and corporations in Nutritional Wellness, Weight Management, ADD/ADHD Nutritional Management and other Alternative Health Care. Available by appointment in Decatur, Texas ay 506 West Walnut. You may phone 817-239-9525 or visit ainformation. Follow us on our blog, www. DrKeitha.com or www.MerchantsCircle.com Keitha also serves as CEO of SkyBlue Family Ministries. You may reach the ministry by email at DrKeitha@me.com. Tune in to Christian Radio, KDKR 91.3fm, on Saturdays at 1:30pm, for “Feeding the Family-Mind, Body and Spirit”. Or tune in through live streaming at KDKR.org for our broadcast.
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Wise County Wonderings
O
ne of the projects of the Wise County Historical Commission is applying for historical markers. We will be receiving one in the near future for the little rock church on Highway 51 South out of Decatur. It will read as follows: “New Salem Freewill Baptist Church In April 1893 Josephus Wesley Ford and wife, James Alexander Ford and wife, Richard S. Ford and wife Jessie Garrison and wife and sister Jessie L. Phillips organized the New Salem Freewill Baptist Church southwest of Decatur. Reverend Josephus W. Ford previously passtored a congregation in McDonald County, Missouri before traveling to Texas where he served as Pastor of the New Salem Freewill Baptist Church until his death in Huly 1898. In the early years, the church congregation met only once a month, but as membership grew, services were held more often. Church services were held at the place of organization until around 1907 when a new structure was built. The building was condemned a few years later. At that time, The Perrin
Wise Pediatrics
940-626-4400 A Specialist for your children as they grow!
School occupied the present location of the church but was later relocated when the school was consolidated into the Decatur Independent School District. The building became available and the church moved in. Several modifications have been made over the years to accomodate the growing congregation including Sunday school rooms. A nursery, parking lot, fellowship hall, restrooms, and a kitchen. The New Salem Freewill Baptist Church extended opportunites to young and inexperienced pastors to gain knowledge and familiarize themselves with the activities of the church. In addition the church and denomination has served the community through local and foreign missions. For over a century, The New Salem Freewill Baptist Church has been a spiritual and charitable sanctuary for the community. (2012) Marker is Property of the State of Texas.” ■
Rosalie Gregg Rosalie Gregg was born near Hayden, New Mexico. Ms. Gregg graduated from Paradise High School and from Decatur Baptist College. She married Robert Nolen Gregg, Jr., who had been a Prisoner of War for 3-1/2 year during which time he helped build the railroad that led to the Bridge over the River Kwai in Thailand. Ms. Gregg has been involved with the Wise County Heritage Museum since its inception in 1967. www.wisehistory.com
Leslie Hollis, MD
Board Certified in Pediatrics since 1999 Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics
Accepting Most Insurances Call if you have any questions
609 Medical Center Dr., #2300 Decatur, Texas 76234 Attached to Wise Regional Hospital www.WisePediatrics.com
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Readers…
Send your stories or photos of friends, family and events to pics@ wisefamilymagazine.com!
Family Album
Blase Gaona at Perot Museum During Christmas break
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4-H News
T
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he Wise County Youth Fair is a weeklong competition filled with something for everyone in the family. Monday, March 18 through Saturday, March 23, 2013, we invite you to come enjoy the excitement with Wise county youth from 3rd grade through high school. From a dog show, to a horse show, with arts and crafts and everything in between, there is something for everyone. For 61 years, 4-H’ers have brought their best to the Wise County Youth Fair at the Wise County Sheriff ’s Posse Grounds. The week kicks off with the annual Wise County Queens Contest. Young ladies represent their respective 4-H club, FCCLA club or FFA chapter from each community in the county to be named queen of their organization. The queen of each group and or runner ups hand out awards at all competitions for the entire week. Youth Fair activities run throughout the week in various locations around the fairgrounds and the NRS arena. The horse show takes place at NRS arena. The two day event is a must see for the horse lover. Western and English events take over the arena on Monday, while timed events happen on Tuesday. The swine, goats, sheep, steers and heifers move in and out of the barns throughout the week. Animals of some kind can be seen in the barns Monday -Saturday. Chickens and rabbits are a fun contest which any child can participate in, even if they live in town. Chickens are shown upside down and rabbits are set up in a little ball. Both projects are teaching kids life lessons. Clothing, foods, arts and crafts, and photography can be viewed in the women’s building Thursday after 5pm through Friday at 5pm. Come out and see the talents of Wise County
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youth. The annual youth fair auction is the grand finale on Saturday afternoon. Wise County Youth Fair scholarships are also awarded at that time. Several new contests have been added over the last few years. New to the fair in the last few years is the Ag Mechanics contest. Participants build trailers, tractors, tables, swings and much more. The ability of our youth in Wise County is amazing. A walk through this display is very impressive. The newest contest is a horticulture contest. Kids have various categories to show off their skills in flower arrangements all the way to growing plants. This should also be a growing area for youth who live inside the city limits. Youth of Wise County spend months preparing for the fair. The get up early and stay up late working on projects and taking care of animals. So we invite you to come out to the fairgrounds and see the leaders of tomorrow in action. For more information call the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office at 940-627-3341 or www.wcyouthfair.org. ■ Lauryn Luttrull
Lauryn Luttrull is 12 years old and a member of the Decatur 4-H Club. She is starting her 5th year in 4-H. Lauryn is the Wise County 4-H Council Reporter/ Media Relations officer. She is the County Council Delegate for the Wise County Rabbit Club and Junior Vice President for the Decatur 4-H Club. Her projects include rabbits, foods, clothing, swine, consumer decision making and photography.
A Quick Test… What is your best source for community interactive motivational information and family resources here in Wise County, Texas?
Family Album
This is a quick test to find out what the best source for family friendly information and resources is for you. Just do the simple math below.
1) Pick your favorite number between 1 and 9 2) Multiply by 3, then 3) Add 3 4) Then again multiply by 3 (I’ll wait while you get the calculator...) 5) You’ll get a 2- or 3-digit number 6) Add the digits together 7) Remember what number you have and turn to page 21.
Grandparents are Glenda & Rodney Terrell of Decatur grandchildren Reid, Allie, Zane & Gage By Portraits by Renitta
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The heat is on: Five getaways to kindle the romance
(ARA) - Romance is in the air. Whether you are celebrating Valentine’s Day, planning a honeymoon, or just looking for a fun getaway with your better half, these trip ideas are guaranteed to ignite a spark. Escape on a cruise Put away your smartphone, shun the hassle of cooking and don’t even think about making the bed. A cruise ship is the perfect place for couples to skirt reality for a while. Pretty much anything you could want is at your disposal and you hardly have to lift a finger. The top cruise lines have really upped their game in the culinary realm, so try a few different entrees and a few different desserts, and splurge for a drink package. For uber-relaxation, book a couples’ massage. Celebrity Cruise’s AquaSpa, for example, pampers its guests as they literally watch the ocean float by. Splurge for a dream vacation Hawaii embodies the words dreamy, romantic and sensual like almost nowhere else. The Big Island of Hawaii was named by Away.com as a top-10 destination for a honeymoon vacation on a budget. “Hawaii is a great choice for a honeymoon, but many people think they can’t afford it. The trick is to look beyond the name-brand places on the Big Island, like Kona, in favor of
a hidden-gem like Kealakekua Bay,” says Away.com’s senior editor Kate Chandler. Hawaii is known for its sandy beaches, but it has so much to offer, such as snorkeling expeditions, rolling golf courses, interesting cultural and natural history and plenty of yummy food choices. You can also choose to do nothing at all besides just basking in your love somewhere indescribable. Take a hot air balloon ride What better way to experience the beauty of Napa and Sonoma wine country than with a birds-eye view? Book a sunrise or sunset tour, complete with a mini-picnic and local sparkling wine to set the mood as your drift above the vines and wineries. Very few things can match the serene energy you feel as you watch the first rays of sun begin to paint the morning sky. Hear a gig The saying goes that it takes two to tango. But in Austin, Texas, you might well swap in the two-step instead. Orbitz.com named Austin one of its 2012 Hotspots, and for good reason. Austin is the self-proclaimed “Live Music Capital of the World,” and this music mecca is living up to its reputation. It’s home to more live-music venues per capita than anywhere else in the United States, so any time, day or night, just follow the sounds to find something playing. While you listen, loosen your belt and enjoy the good eats that Austin has to offer. The city is well known for its barbecue and Tex-Mex dishes. Watch the stars For those who prefer to experience the outdoors with a touch of luxury, head somewhere like Amangiri in Canyon Point, Utah. This resort rests on 600 acres and was consciously designed to blend into its surroundings; every window has a sweeping view toward Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. One of the best aspects of the American Southwest, whether you’re staying at a ranch or roughing it in a tent, is that you’re never too far from an unobstructed view of the night sky. Grab a blanket or two and snuggle up for some truly romantic stargazing. ■
Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad times. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weaknesses.
Ann Landers
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Life Skills
21 Ways to Cultivate Character and Integrity
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ach year, people resolve to make changes in their life with the hope that this year will be better than last year. Although most of these goals are noble, few individuals stick with them long enough to realize the benefits, so they repeat the process year after year. How to Make Resolutions That Stick Simply thinking about losing weight, reducing debt, or improving your skills is not enough. You must learn to set goals that are believable, achievable and realistic. Discover how to position yourself for success with these Goal Setting Tips That Work. Resolve to Develop Character I believe most resolutions fade away because they are not rooted deeply in a life purpose. The greatest goals we can set are those that focus on developing our character and integrity because, meaningful goals spring from this foundation. Here is a list focused on character and integrity for you to consider as you set, review, or rewrite your resolutions. I resolve to do the following… Forgive everyone. Give more than I take. Write a weekly thank-you note. Respond with a soft answer. Encourage others. Conduct business with honesty and integrity. Keep my word.
Examine my demands on others. Be thankful. Laugh. Defend the defenseless. Honor my body. It is the only one I have. Treasure the simplicity of everyday moments. Be inclusive. Listen more fully. Be content. Sing and dance daily. Practice daily random acts of kindness. Pray without ceasing. Spend more time improving my character than I do improving my appearance. Celebrate and communicate my love for others. Although a resolve to achieve a healthy weight or manage personal resources is important, the foundation of a healthy life entails developing character and integrity. ■
Deborah King, AICI CIP Deborah King is President of Final Touch Finishing School, Inc. which she founded in 1989 in Seattle. As a certified image professional, with over 30 years of experience, she presents her programs nationally and internationally for youth and corporate clients. She is co-author of “Image Power” and “Executive Etiquette Power” and developer of several education tools. www.finaltouchschool.com.
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TIPS FROM A TUTOR TO KEEP KIDS READING 12 Ways to Improve Reading Skills Today.
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s a tutor, I am often asked by parents how to keep kids reading when they are away from the classroom so their skills remain fresh and even to stay ahead so they are prepared for the next school year. Tutoring is always an excellent option, but there are plenty of ways to promote reading skills at home without this expense. The most important thing you can do is consistently provide exposure to reading and language every single day. Integrating more reading into children’s daily lives will expand their vocabularies, help them develop a sense of sequence and patterns, and increase their attention spans. Keep the following tips in mind: Think variety. Instead of staying limited to chapter books within their reading level or the same fiction they typically gravitate toward, encourage them to consider the myriad of choices. Together, explore the diverse variety of books and magazines at the bookstore, online, and at the library. The exposure to multiple types of print and genres stretches readers and will offer options they may not have considered otherwise. For example, if your student loves the science fiction genre, introduce her to astronomy books and sites like NASA’s (http://nasa.gov). Is it spaceships that fascinate? Perhaps they will enjoy reading about aeronautical engineering topics. Make reading inviting. Do they prefer e-tablets? Then by all means, encourage this! You can also set up cozy reading areas in different parts of your home (every room if possible!) so that kids are drawn to read books without being asked to do so. Let them build forts equipped with books, flashlights and pillows for hours of escape. A teepee or a huge pile of pillows makes the perfect nest to get lost in a story. If you are really desperate for a dreamy tent of all reading tents, watch The Holiday and take mental notes of that incredible one Jude Law’s daughters in the film play inside. Be a matchmaker. Be sensitive to kids’ interests to match them up with books. If they are passionate about playing baseball, visit the library and seek titles about the subject. If there is a television show or movie they are especially moved by, find related books so they can explore further. Bestselling author Jim Patterson offers this advice (2011) to parents for resources to find books: “ReadKiddoRead.com, GuysRead.com, and Oprah. com’s Kids Reading List are excellent resources, and they’re simpler to use than an iPhone. The American Library Association and the Young Adult Library Services Association have recommendations for terrific books, easily found by searching “ALA reading lists.” DropEverythingandRead. com has a “Favorite D.E.A.R. Books” tab on its home page.” Bend the rules. It’s okay to occasionally bend the rules at bedtime (maybe an extra 20 minutes) to encourage reading in bed. Make sure their reading material at night is not scary or apt to give them bad dreams. Think back to your own childhood and special late nights when you may have not been able to put down a life changing book. As a 7-year-old, I personally loved to read and reread Andrew Henry’s Meadow as I was in love with the idea of having a special little house of my own away from my family’s busy and over-stimulating household. Extra help for boys. Since current research suggest boys may be getting worse at reading, it is more important than ever that they find reading which is of special interest to them. Guys Read (http://www.guysread.com/) is a website devoted to a collection of book titles that many guys have reported they like. “Outer Space Except With Aliens,” “At Least One Explosion,” or “Mysterious Occurrences” are just a few categories dudes will discover on this awesome site. Bag the books. Have a tote full of books in the car or near the door so
that there are always books on hand to read for errands, appointments and moments when kids may be waiting. E-tablets may be replacing a bag of books, but do not underestimate the power of engaging illustrations and the joy of turning pages. Don’t sweat reading levels. Do not be overly concerned with the reading level of the material your child chooses. You want kids to fall in love with reading and not be turned off by limits. So don’t worry if your child turns to some selections you consider too juvenile or advanced. Do they want to read it? Let them read it! Read aloud. Be willing to read aloud to your children even if a part of you feels they are way too old for it because they are not. When reading aloud to older children you can stop and ask questions and check for understanding. Hearing language and new vocabulary and forming images as they listen counts and matters. Don’t limit reading aloud to bedtime either. You could make it an after-dinner or breakfast ritual. One of my favorite read alouds with my tutoring students over the years is Granny Torrelli Makes Soup by Sharon Creech (2005). A charming Italian grandmother imparts cooking and life advice to her angsty tween, and if you can pull off an Italian accent, you will enrich the storytelling even more and have your kids entranced! Don’t be a hypocrite. You already know this, but I am going to nag further. Get caught reading. Practice what you preach to reinforce the habit. Let your children witness you reading your Nook, novels, the paper, magazines, recipes, and mail. Point out street signs and billboards when you’re in the car and ask questions to check for understanding. It is always curious to me when parents who enroll their student in tutoring for reading fail to see a connection between their own reticence to read and their child’s. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it’s okay to take baby steps, but make sure they see those baby steps. Celebrate. Use your judgment as your kids may not need any reward program in place to motivate them. If they do, instead of setting a huge goal (100 books read by end of summer!), think more realistically and shorter term. Set an achievable weekly goal and a reasonable weekly reward. Pay attention to current research. Sometimes it is simply one click away. Visit Reading Rockets (http://www.readingrockets.org/) for a wealth of reading strategies, lessons, and activities to help kids read better. You will find awesome ideas to build fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Be prepared for occasional whining. There are bound to be moments when kids are simply not in the mood to read. Have alternative languagebuilding activities in mind for such times. Let them dictate a story and then read it back to them. Or ask them to write 50 words that begin with “B.” Work on a crossword puzzle together. The idea is to stay immersed in words, letters and language every day. All of these tips will help your child feel more confident and lend themselves to opportunities for high-quality connection with your child — which is always time well spent.■
Michele Ranard, M.Ed. Michele Ranard is a freelance writer who has worked as an academic tutor for a decade. She has a husband, two sons and a master’s degree in counseling.
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Family Album
DECATUR HIGH SCHOOL RODEO TEAM - (pictured from Left to Right) - Tara Wilson, Cody Reed, Cody Kral, Jake Cobb, Chase Wilson, Reid Metcalf, Jacob McLeod, and Parker Slate. (not pictured: Carolyn Spear & Cameron Tucker....Jr Members: Hunter Boaz & Michala Wilson)
DECATUR HIGH SCHOOL RODEO TEAM is Hosting a High School Rodeo at WCSP
March 1st - 3rd
-Decatur Rodeo Team Cowboys and Cowgirls making a difference “Its not what you put on your head and feet that make you a cowboy or cowgirl...its whats in your heart.” www.DECATURRODEOTEAM.com
Decatur Women’s Health Center Who do you TRUST
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Your health and well-being as a woman are our concern. We offer a full range of obstetrical and gynecological care. Our emphasis is on making You feel comfortable, confident and reassured.
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940.210.1769 Douglas Kyle, M.D.
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940-627-4216
1713 S. FM 51, Suite 101 • Decatur, Texas 76234
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Fun & Games
Your Answer from page 15:
Match the number you found on page 15 with one of the resources below to see which is best for your family. 1. Woman’s Day 2. Family Circle 3. Exceptional Parent 4. Parents Talk 5. National Geographic
6. Parenting Magazine 7. Readers Digest 8. Home Shopping Network 9. Wise Family Magazine 10. O Magazine
Isn’t that amazing! Obviously, you already knew the answer since you are holding Wise Family in your hands! Thanks for reading us! Editor’s Note: Thanks to the other resources listed for being such good sports! 940.210.1769 • WISE
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Wise County Animal Shelter Wisecounty Animalshelter on Facebook Or look for the volunteer ran FB page Urgent Animals at the Wise Co Texas animal shelter
Ways you can help the shelter.
Donate suppliesCanned and dry dog/cat food Dog/cat treats (No rawhide bones) Kitty Litter Dawn dish soap Bleach Laundry detergent Batteries (9v and AAA) for scale and chip scanner Volunteer your timeCome walk dogs, bathe and groom, interact with cats Donate to sponsor adoptionsEach adoption Is $25.00 you can sponsor adoptions by making a check payable to the Wise County Animal Shelter and mailing it to Brenda Argraves, 425 Hilltop Drive, Decatur, TX 76234. Brenda will post on
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Facebook when your sponsor fee has been used. She will mail you a receipt from the shelter once your funds have been used. Donate to sponsor spay/neuter couponsMail a check made payable to shelter volunteer Brenda Argraves to 425 Hilltop Drive, Decatur, TX 76234. She will pass out coupons to new pet owners who adopt from the Wise County shelter for spay/ neuter discount. Make sure you write in the memo section on the check what the donation is for. Foster for rescue groupssometimes when rescue groups are willing to pull a dog or cat from the shelter they need someone to foster the animal until they can have it transported to it’s new home or until it can be adopted. If you would like to find out more about becoming a foster please Contact Shelly Sessums on FB or go to her website at www. safeandsoundanimalrescue.com and fill out the foster application. Donate directlyDonate directly to the shelter for general needs- drop by or mail a check to 200 Rook Ramsey Decatur Texas 76234
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