LOCAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE EDITION JANUARY 2011 ALLALL EYESEYES ONON POTATOESPOTATOES HALLS OF FAME

EMERGENCYEMERGENCY CALLCALL Texas’Texas’ Rural Rural VetVet Shortage Shortage FROM THE PLAINS TO THE PINEY WOODS...

From the solitude of the rolling prairie to the grandeur MUELLER of the pine forest, a Mueller metal roof is at home anywhere. And with 28 locations across the Southwest, Mueller is always ready to deliver friendly, personal service. Drop by soon, and make a Mueller roof part IS RIGHT of your natural scenery. 877-2-MUELLER (877-268-3553) AT HOME www.MuellerInc.com January 2011 VOLUME 68 NUMBER 7

FEATURES

8 Emergency Call By Wes Ferguson and Camille Wheeler Photos by Woody Welch There are multiple reasons for a critical shortage of rural veterinari- ans in Texas. It’s a problem leaving farmers and ranchers in some remote areas with no licensed veterinarian to call for help.

14 Lone Stars? Hardly By Mark Miller and Charles Boisseau From bowlers to fiddlers to cow- girls, there’s room for Texans of all 8 talents in eclectic halls of fame.

FAVORITES

Footnotes by Clay Coppedge Black-eyed Peas 25 Recipe Roundup All Eyes on Potatoes 26 Focus on Texas Man’s Best Friend 35 Around Texas Local Events Listings 36 Hit the Road by Jan Adamson Winnsboro 38

25 26 38 14

TEXAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Kendall Montgomery, Chair, Olney; Rick Haile, Vice Chair, McGregor; Ron Hughes, Secretary-Treasurer, Sinton; Randy Mahannah, Perryton; Billy Marricle, Bellville; Mark Stubbs, Greenville; Larry Warren, San Augustine

PRESIDENT/CEO: Mike Williams, Austin Texas Co-op Power is published by your STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE: William (Buff) Whitten, Chair, Eldorado; Melody Pinnell, Vice Chair, Crockett; Roy Griffin, Edna; Bryan Lightfoot, Bartlett; Stan McClendon, Wellington; Gary Nietsche, La Grange; electric cooperative to enhance the qual- Anne Vaden, Corinth ity of life of its member-customers in an COMMUNICATIONS STAFF: Martin Bevins, Sales Director; Carol Moczygemba, Executive Editor; Camille Wheeler, Associate Editor; Suzi Sands, Art Director; Karen Nejtek, Production Manager; Ashley Clary, Field Editor; Andy Doughty, Production educational and entertaining format. Designer; Sandra Forston, Communications Assistant; Kevin Hargis, Food Editor; Rachel Frey, Intern

COVER PHOTO Dr. Lisa Willis by Woody Welch January 2011 TEXAS CO-OP POWER 3 to Alpine as a student at Sul Ross State University. Riding letters the rails is a superb substitute for the stress and discomfort of flying and is often less JOYS OF SERVICE expensive. I am a former flight I enjoyed reading Kaye attendant, but given the pres- Northcott’s “Feeding the POWERTALK ent state of air travel, I now Hungry in Texas” feature in the hate flying! November 2010 issue. In the If Amtrak would only rein- fight to end hunger, a lesson in ence and set a great example Angeles on the Southwest state its former segment from humility teaches us many for your kids, your neighbors Chief, and on to Seattle, New Orleans to Jacksonville, things, including that we are all and your friends. Washington. After spending a Florida, I would be as happy as part of a larger community and JEFF MURSKI few days with a friend in a lark. The eastbound section need to work together for the Immediate past president Washington, we returned to was “temporarily put on hold” good of the whole. Humility Brazos Valley Food Bank Los Angeles and finished our in August 2005 after Hurricane tells us to look outward rather Bryan Texas Utilities journey back to San Antonio Katrina. Prior to 2005, Amtrak than just inward at ourselves once again on the Sunset was the only true transconti- as it reminds us that we are not Limited. We both enjoyed our nental passenger train in the only ones who count. READ MORE LETTERS trip but, unlike the descrip- American history. My son When we all go one step See “Letters to the Editor” in tion in Eileen Mattei’s story, and grandchildren live in further in helping provide a January’s Table of Contents at we didn’t think to get a Jacksonville, and I would love hand up instead of just a hand- www.TexasCoopPower.com sleeper. We were stiff and to travel there on Amtrak to out, we can find ourselves sore from so much riding in visit. I know my grandchildren happy and experiencing real the coach seats, but we really would be delighted also to come joy in our service to commu- RAIL REVERIES had fun. We are planning and visit Grandma by train. nity. Whether it’s through the In October 2009, my hus- another train trip, but this MARIQUITA HOLLIDAY collection plate on Sunday, band and I also rode the time we will get a sleeper! Pedernales Electric Cooperative rounding up your electric bill Amtrak rails (“Still Riding the NELDA HOTCHKISS with a few pennies for Rails,” October 2010). Our Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative BAND BENEFITS LINGER Operation Roundup (a commu- trip consisted of six seg- The article on high school nity service program through ments over a course of two I truly enjoyed your wonderful bands (“Marching to Different which electric cooperatives weeks. We started our jour- feature article on the leg- Drummers,” October 2010) give money to local charities), ney on the Sunset Limited endary Sunset Limited. I am a reminded me of the fun and or delivering a few groceries at from San Antonio to Los lifelong rail fan and was a camaraderie I had in band for a local food drive this holiday Angeles, then to Flagstaff, frequent passenger on the five years. When I was a senior season, you can make a differ- Arizona, and back to Los Sunset Limited from Houston in 1960, the multiple-award- winning Lufkin High School band was invited to perform at halftime in the annual Cotton Bowl football classic. We were COW-TOWING in Dallas for four days continu- ing our practice of a walking It was fun to see my family name in the stick figure and performing “Texas Tongue Twisters” story (November with several other Texas bands. 2010). My father’s family is from Tow, Also, we marched every year in Texas, and yes, it rhymes with cow, not the Houston livestock rodeo crow. I spent a lot of frustrating years as a parade, sometimes in frigid child being teased about my name being weather. Discipline, teamwork Tow, as in toe, and I’d always defend it as and love of music are still use- Tow, as in now or cow. The small community was named after my ancestors who ful to me today. helped settle the area many years before Lake Buchanan made the area a hot fishing DONNA LEMKE BENNETT Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative and vacation spot. There were Indians and wild animals back in those days, but my family of pioneers, along with others, made it their home, and it still bears the name in We want to hear from our readers. the Texas Hill Country: TOW, and that rhymes with COW. Thanks for getting it right. Submit letters online at www.TexasCoop Power.com, e-mail us at letters@Texas Nancy Tow Falster, Wood County Electric Cooperative CoopPower.com, or mail to Editor, Texas Co-op Power, 1122 Colorado St., 24th Floor, Austin, TX 78701. Please include Editor’s note: “Texas Tongue Twisters” did not appear in all editions of Texas Co-op the name of your town and electric co-op. Letters may be edited for clarity and Power. To read the story and see a related video, go to www.TexasCoopPower.com. length and are printed as space allows.

4 TEXAS CO-OP POWER January 2011 HAPPENINGS Cowtown. Yeah, it’s a big town. But there’s something about the FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW AND RODEO— WHO KNEW? scheduled for January 14-February 5—that makes us Among the firearms on display want to pull on our boots and connect with our rural at the Texas Ranger Hall of roots. Fame and Museum in Waco is The refrain “My grandparents brought my mom the “gun that won the West”: and dad, and years later my parents brought me …” several versions of the Colt is a common thread knitting the experiences of city revolver. Patented by and country folk as they make the annual pilgrimage Connecticut inventor Samuel to the nation’s oldest stock show, which dates to 1896. Colt in 1836, the five-shooter While some kids are busy learning the difference was the first practical revolving- between a lamb and a goat, other nervous youngsters cylinder handgun, but Colt’s are making their first appearance in the show ring, business failed until he made wielding show sticks as they correct their calves’ improvements suggested by stances for the judge. Samuel H. Walker, a former But the educational opportunities extend outside the show barn: A new art contest for Texas Ranger. youth offers $20,000 in cash prizes and scholarships. And elsewhere in the Fort Worth Cultural District, your stock show grounds admission ticket earns free entrance to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, the Cattle Raisers Museum and the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. For more information, visit www.fwssr.com or call (817) 877-2400.

Bellville Man King CO-OP PEOPLE of Own Castle (Literally) trailer house out here. The idea of the castle came up one after- noon when I was talking with a friend. That afternoon I drew some designs on a napkin. I played with that idea for several years (before the first concrete slab was poured in 1998). It’s Texas Co-op Power (USPS 540-560) is pub- worked out well. It’s a way for me lished monthly by Texas Electric Cooperatives to promote my bakery and the (TEC). Periodical Postage Paid at Austin, TX and at additional offices. TEC is the statewide Bellville area. association representing 74 electric coopera- tives. Texas Co-op Power’s website is www Q. Can people come and visit? .TexasCoopPower.com. Call (512) 454-0311 or Bellville’s Mike Newman stands in front of his castle. BILLY MOORE A. The castle is open for tours e-mail [email protected]. Subscription price is $3.84 per year for individ- of groups of 10 or more. The typi- ual members of subscribing cooperatives. If you Years ago, Mike Newman, owner of a bakery in cal cost is $12.50 per person, which includes are not a member of a subscribing cooperative, you can purchase an annual subscription at the downtown Bellville, bought some land just out- lunch and a tour. nonmember rate of $7.50. Individual copies and side of town (where he is a member of San Q. What kind of groups visit? back issues are available for $3 each. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Texas Bernard Electric Cooperative). Then he did A. People come in by the busload. It’s popular Co-op Power (USPS 540-560), 1122 Colorado St., 24th Floor, Austin, TX 78701. Please something that made his parents think he was for weddings. And, this summer I started work- enclose label from this copy of Texas Co-op crazy: He spent eight years erecting a 3,400- ing with Murder by Chocolate, a Houston group Power showing old address and key numbers. ADVERTISING: Advertisers interested in buying square-foot castle—and then he moved in. He that stages [dinner theater] murder mysteries display ad space in Texas Co-op Power and/or in our 30 sister publications in other states, surrounded the turreted structure with a moat on weekends. There’s a mock siege of the castle, contact Martin Bevins at (512) 486-6249. and installed a working drawbridge and a cata- and someone is kidnapped and murdered. Advertisements in Texas Co-op Power are paid solicitations. The publisher neither endorses pult that can shoot big rocks about 100 yards. People can participate and get into costumes nor guarantees in any manner any product or Naturally, we had a few questions. Here are and follow scripts. And I serve a medieval feast company included in this publication. Product satisfaction and delivery responsibility lie solely excerpts from our interview. with a whole roasted pig and all the fixings. with the advertiser. Direct questions or com- ments about advertising to Martin Q. What possessed you to build a castle? Bevins, Sales Director. A. I bought 20 acres of land in the country For more information, go to http://newmans © Copyright 2011 Texas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. Reproduction of this issue or any portion of and was going to put a house on it. But nothing castle.com or call (979) 865-9804. it is expressly prohibited without written per- really struck my fancy. There’s nothing wrong Have a suggestion for a future Co-op People? mission. Willie Wiredhand © Copyright 2011 National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. with a trailer house, but I didn’t want to put a Contact [email protected].

ILLUSTRATIONS BY JOHN MARGESON January 2011 TEXAS CO-OP POWER 5 POWER CONNECTIONS THE DONALDSON FAMILY Home Energy Makeover Winners See Big Savings It worked! The results are in for the five families who won energy-efficiency upgrades in the 2010 Texas Co-op Power Home Energy Makeover contest. Heart of Texas Electric Cooperative members e compared each family’s electricity Richard and Nancie Jimenez, members of B.J. and Linda Donaldson saw their electric costs for July 2009 and July 2010 Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative, and bills decrease by $306. Wand for August 2009 and August their family saved a total of $139—even 2010, before and after the makeovers. In though August 2010 was exceptionally hot each case, there were significant savings. and dry.

THE RANDOLPH FAMILY

Donaldson House July 2009 $417 August 2009 $398 July 2010 $263 August 2010 $246 Jimenez House Total combined savings $306 July 2009 $285 August 2009 $259 July 2010 $162 August 2010 $243 THE ZUNIGA FAMILY Total combined savings $139 John and Cindy Randolph, members of Wood County Electric Cooperative, and their family THE STARK FAMILY saw a total cost reduction of $163 for the combined periods.

Our August magazine cover family—Brandon and Dawn Zuniga and their children, mem- bers of Grayson-Collin Electric Cooperative— Randolph House Jacque and Aubrey Stark, members of South saw savings of $253, with temperatures July 2009 $345 August 2009 $272 Plains Electric Cooperative, saved $153. relatively constant for the compared periods. July 2010 $251 August 2010 $203 Total combined savings $163

THE JIMENEZ FAMILY

Stark House Zuniga House July 2009 $306 August 2009 $292 July 2009 $481 August 2009 $384 July 2010 $199 August 2010 $246 July 2010 $320 August 2010 $292 Total combined savings $153 Total combined savings $253

6 TEXAS CO-OP POWER January 2011 HDđFREE for Life! (with agreement)

Networ ® ish k D Happy N wis a ew he Yea s r! yo regular price u $39.99$ .99 $ a month 24 for 12 mo.

over 120 ch. locals free included! (where available)

2 Room HD DVR Upgrade free 1 HD DVR + 1 SD DVR ($6/mo DVR service fee applies) free free &

18 channels for 3 mo. (with agreement) Up to 6 Room Activation Installation ($99 Value) Speed igh- H ow available et n ern Call now int Scan this QR Barcode with your phone 1đ877đ494đ4460 and learn more WWW.INFINITYDISH.COM about our promos! WE ARE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEKŏĉŏ
ŏĢŏ  ŏŏđŏ
ŏĊŏ
ŏĢŏ  ŏŏ ŏ ŏŏŏŏ ŏ ŏđŏSE HABLA ESPAÑOL Get FREE barcode scanning software at: www.i-nigma.mobi

Digital Home Advantage plan requires 24-month agreement and credit qualification. If service is terminated before the end of agreement, a cancellation fee of $17.50/month remaining applies. Programming credits apply during first 12 months. Free HD for life of current account; requires Agreement, AutoPay with Paperless Billing. HBO/Showtime offer requires AutoPay with Paperless Billing; credits apply during first 3 months ($72 value); customer must downgrade or then-current price applies. Requires continuous enrollment in AutoPay and Paperless Billing. Free Standard Professional Installation only. All equipment is leased and must be returned to DISH Network upon cancellation or unreturned equipment fees apply. Limit 6 leased tuners per account; lease upgrade fees apply for select receivers; monthly fees may apply based on type and number of receivers. HD programming requires HD television. HD channel availability will vary based on package. 200 HD channels require subscription to additional packages and ViP® 922 receiver. All prices, packages and programming subject to change without notice. Local channels may not be available in all areas. Offer is subject to the terms of applicable Promotional and Residential Customer Agreements. Additional restrictions may apply. First-time DISH Network customers only. Offer ends 01/31/11. HBO® and related channels and service marks are the property of Home Box Office, Inc. SHOWTIME and related marks are registered trademarks of Showtime Networks Inc., a CBS Company. InfinityDISH charges a one-time $49.95 non-refundable processing fee. Indiana C.P.D. Reg. No. T.S. 10-1006. EMERGENCY CALL Texas Grappling with Critical Shortage of Rural Veterinarians

BY WES FERGUSON AND CAMILLE WHEELER TPHOTOS BY WOODY WELCH exas’ rural veterinarians wear their work. In Pecos, fresh green cow manure, a souvenir from a local dairy farm, clumps on Dr. Ronald Box’s baseball cap above his ear. In Gustine, Dr. Lisa Willis is elbow deep inside a heifer’s rump, probing the animal’s uterus to find out if she’s preg- nant. Willis’ arm-length latex glove catches most of the heifer’s digested waste. The rest, as Willis slowly extracts her arm, goes on the clinic’s floor. In Junction, Dr. Larry Brooks is docking the tails of two lambs. Blood pools on Brooks’ cowboy boots, spatters the stripes of his dress shirt and smears with the mud on his jeans. He doesn’t notice his soiled clothes until an assis- tant points out his appearance. Brooks shrugs. “This is pretty com- There’s no such thing as a uniform (clean or not) day for rural veterinarians such as Dr. Ronald mon,” he says. “It’s what you get.” Box, left, who discusses cow pregnancy tests with rancher Andy Stubbs near Alpine. Make no mistake: The life of a rural veterinarian is romantic in notion only. from predominately rural to mostly University’s College of Veterinary For the men and women providing urban, so does its veterinarian work Medicine in 2005 with about medical care for our state’s large ani- force. The result is what some are call- $130,000 debt ($123,000 of that mals and livestock, there’s no such ing a misallocation of country doctors amount remains). thing as a uniform (clean or not) day. that’s leaving farmers and ranchers in Judging by their thinning ranks, the remote parts of the Panhandle, South The sorrel filly hit the dirt with a thud. mental, emotional, physical and finan- Texas and West Texas with no licensed As sedatives raced through the cial toll of their jobs is wearing them veterinarian to call for help. horse’s body, Willis ran her hand over out—and scaring off many younger vet- For those Texans who have no idea the animal’s right hind leg. There was no erinarians who prefer the more com- what rural veterinarians do, here’s a doubt it was injured. The quarter horse, fortable and predictable lifestyle of the look at three who do it all. They deal a 2-year-old named Tonto, had probably city. Typically saddled with enormous with death, disease, injury and emer- gotten tangled up kicking in her pen. debt upon college graduation, often gencies every day. But trade careers? The real question was whether more than $100,000, they’re heading No way, they say. Tonto could be saved. to urban areas for higher salaries and Digital X-rays revealed a fractured better hours. ‘It’s me by myself. Like, completely hock and, worse, a dislocated patella. But debt is just one culprit for a crit- by myself.’ Willis kneeled beside the unconscious ical shortage of rural veterinarians Veterinarian: Dr. Lisa Willis, 39 horse in owner David Pattillo’s indoor nationwide that’s being acutely felt in Location: Gustine corral, near Hamilton, and tried to coax Texas. As the state’s population shifts College: Graduated from Auburn the injured bone into place. She mas-

8 TEXAS CO-OP POWER January 2011 saged the thigh, then mashed it. Nothing. She shoved with all her weight as her intern, Stetson Posas, a senior at Tarleton State University who’s inter- ested in pursuing a veterinary pharma- ceutical sales career, held Tonto’s leg by the hoof and tugged. Nothing. She tried again with the leg bent at differ- ent angles. Still nothing. Willis and Posas traded places, but the patella wouldn’t budge. Willis informed Tonto’s owner of his options: costly, invasive surgery that might leave the horse crippled, or euthanasia. “It’s up to you,” she told him. It was a Monday in August. At the time, Willis had been in business for about a year and a half. Before opening her own practice in Gustine, near Comanche and northwest of Killeen— and buying on credit a $32,000 hydraulic chute, a $50,000 portable X- ray device and other equipment—she had worked in an Austin-area animal hospital. In Gustine, she’s found a niche treating buckin’ bulls and regu- larly does equine work. Someday, Willis said, she hopes to bring a partner onboard to open the first state-of-the-art referral hospital in her area. When she does, neighboring ranchers and horse owners will no longer have to drive an hour and a half for major surgeries on their livestock. “Right now,” though, she said, “it's me by myself. Like, completely by myself. I’m the receptionist and the technician and all that.” As Tonto lay in the dirt, Willis waited for Pattillo’s answer. He sighed and smiled ruefully. Of the 40 or so horses in his herd, Tonto wasn’t one of the gentle ones. “Well,” he said, “just put her to sleep.” Willis retrieved a large, pink syringe containing a lethal dose of barbiturates from her pickup. The procedure was over in minutes. “Did she go?” Pattillo asked. “Yeah,” Willis whispered. “Yeah, she died.” The veterinarian caressed Tonto’s sleek, golden-brown neck. “Sorry, mama.”

‘I do everything except snakes.’ TOP: A rural veterinarian’s day is never done: As sunlight fades, a rancher hauls livestock to Dr. Veterinarian: Dr. Larry Brooks, 60 Lisa Willis’ clinic in Gustine. BOTTOM: Willis routinely subdues sullen bulls who’d rather kick her Location: Junction than receive medical treatment. This one, however, seems to be taking eye surgery, and the follow- College: Graduated from the Texas up care, in stride.

January 2011 TEXAS CO-OP POWER 9 Ear tagging. Autopsies. Dr. Larry Brooks does it all. How long can the 60-year-old keep this up? ‘Till I fall over dead,’ he says. ‘I love it.’

A&M College of Veterinary Medicine him from behind. He’s 60 years old. of sheep feces was hanging from the & Biomedical Sciences in 1975 with How long can he keep this up? doorknob. No note. No label. In his lab, about $4,000 debt (college debt has “Till I fall over dead,” he says. “I love he diluted the dung with water to check been erased). it.” for parasites, which resembled tiny Brooks has silver-gray hair, and footballs under his microscope. One time, Brooks was trying to castrate tobacco flecks his teeth. He’s the sole “I do everything except snakes,” he an unbroken stud horse when it kicked veterinarian in Junction and Kimble says. “Worked on giraffes last week. If you his thumb right off. “Got that put back counties, on the western edge of the Hill drag it in here or call me, I’ll come try.” on,” he says. Country. Money’s been tight, and the Now he’s fielding a call from a Another time, an angry bull knocked past 3 1/2 decades haven’t been kind to rancher. “So you’ve got a dead calf,” him over, crushing two vertebrae in his his body. But Brooks isn’t complaining. Brooks barks into the phone. neck. And he suffered a herniated back Other vets have had it tougher. A steer has died mysteriously in the disk when a 350-pound buck sheep hit “Most of us have been beat up one night, and the rancher wants to know if way or the other—run over, kicked, Brooks should perform an autopsy. stomped, drug—if we do it long “It’s up to you,” the vet says. “Not Brooks wants his clients to be rattled about the realities of rural life. enough,” he says. gonna bring your calf back.” It’s a Wednesday in August at An hour later, Brooks is standing Brooks’ clinic. It’s not even lunch time, inside a little corral made of hewn and already he’s frozen a cancerous cedar posts. His afternoon autopsy is skin tumor on a cow’s eyelid with liquid lying in the hot summer sun. Brooks nitrogen; prescribed medicine and and the rancher chain the carcass to a advice when a deer breeder burst tractor and drag it to a patch of shade. through the door and hollered, “I got a Brooks slices open the calf and digs out pen full of yearlings sick”; shown a the heart. He examines it and turns to woman how to set a trap for feral cats; the rancher: “You’re vaccinating.” and docked the tails of two lambs being “When?” the rancher asks. groomed for livestock shows. When he “As soon as you can.” showed up to work this morning, a bag The heart is covered in speckles of

10 TEXAS CO-OP POWER January 2011 Aff ordable, Simple Plans Rates as low as $10 per month

With Consumer Cellular you get a choice of simple, affordable cellular plans starting from just $10 with no contracts on a nationwide network. We offer a complete line of phones from Nokia and Motorola with features like texting, cameras and wireless web access. All this and a risk free money-back guarantee.

< BOOMER FRIENDLY Doro PhoneEasy AARP® members ask for your special Large, bright screens discount when and text starting new service! Big, raised buttons Doro PhoneEasy Emergency call feature 410GSM $25 Phone*and FREE Shipping NO CONTRACTS FREE Phone* No contracts on any and FREE Consumer Cellular plans! Shipping Motorola w259 GUARANTEED 30 days or 30 minutes, † money-back guarantee . Samsung 177 $40 Phone*and FREE Shipping Call 1.888.344.7817 Online www.ConsumerCellular.com/817

*Requires new service activation on approved credit and $35 activation fee. Retail buyers pay $35 activation fee upon purchase of phone. Phone price after instant rebate applied at time of purchase. Certain models are free beyond activation fee. Cellular service is not available in all areas and is subject to system limitations. Phones are limited to stock on hand. Terms and Conditions subject to change. †If you’re not satisfi ed within 30 days or 30 minutes of usage, whichever comes fi rst, cancel and pay nothing, no questions asked. blood, indicating the calf died from He only schedules one ranch call a that. Too many people—and their ani- blackleg. The disease spreads through day: “A veterinarian never knows mals—rely on him. feed or forage that has been tainted by where he’s going or what he has to do.” Box started an intravenous drip in a bacterium called Clostridium chau- Half of his job is the treatment of the mare’s neck. He took a quick look at voei. Without vaccinations, more calves beef and dairy cattle. One early morn- the stillborn calf, its hair wet and mat- could be dead within days. ing in August, he tested more than 200 ted, and gave the same diagnosis he'd “Let’s do it quick,” the rancher tells head of dairy cattle for bovine tubercu- given over the phone: It was the Brooks. losis. He was back at his clinic by 8 a.m. mother’s first pregnancy, and the calf “Yeah, let’s do it tomorrow,” the vet- Later that morning, Box was spaying got stuck in the birth canal. It happens. erinarian replies. “We’ll run ’em a dog when a young cowboy in a ten- When the cowboy came back, Box through as fast as we can shoot ’em.” gallon hat walked in unannounced determined the horse wasn’t snakebit- through the back door. The cowboy said ten. It was a puncture wound on the ‘A veterinarian never knows where his horse had been snakebitten, but horse’s knee. The prescription: peni- he’s going or what he has to do.’ another couple was already waiting for cillin and frequent flushing. Veterinarian: Dr. Ronald Box, 57 Box to finish the spay so he could exam- Box works 60 to 70 hours a week, Location: Pecos ine their dehydrated mare. The cowboy but today was extra busy because one of College: Graduated from Texas A&M said he’d come back in a little while. his assistants was on vacation, and he in 1985 with $5,000 debt (college debt Then a different client, from Fort lost his son to high school football prac- has been erased). Stockton, 50 miles to the southeast, tice. Nathan, a junior at Pecos High rolled in with a dead calf in the back of School, hopes to attend veterinary From his clinic in this dusty West Texas his pickup. school at Texas A&M and follow his town, Box roams a stretch of desert as “We told him to be here after lunch,” father into the practice. vast as some states. He leaves for work said Box, exasperated, as he stitched up “He could possibly be through in 10 most mornings when the stars are the dog’s belly. years,” Box said. “I’d be 68 years old. If shining. “Well,” his assistant replied, “he’s I can last that long, I can give it to him.” He might drive 70 miles south to the early.” Davis Mountains, 100 miles northeast Box figures he could earn the same Wes Ferguson is a freelance writer to Midland, 150 miles west to Fort pay if he shuttered his clinic to elimi- based in Northeast Texas. Camille Hancock, or 140 miles north to nate overhead costs and just worked at Wheeler is associate editor for Texas Lovington, New Mexico. dairies and ranches. But he can’t do Co-op Power magazine.

BY THE NUMBERS

Statistics help tell the story of a national about three-quarters of Texas A&M’s gradu- sizes by more than 13 percent, potentially shortage of rural veterinarians: ating veterinarian class. Some studies indi- sending more veterinarians into rural areas. cate that female veterinarians, for many The request includes money for a small- • Debt: According to the American Veterinary reasons, might not be as inclined to enter animal teaching hospital expansion. Medical Association (AVMA), veterinary col- large-animal practice. • Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment lege graduates nationwide left school in • Tuition: A report from the Texas Higher Program: This federal program will pay up to 2009 carrying an average of almost Education Coordinating Board states that $25,000 per year toward educational debt $130,000 in debt; 89 percent of all gradu- Texas A&M University “has kept its tuition as relief for eligible veterinarians who agree to ates that year left veterinary school with affordable as possible, over $7,000 less than serve in designated shortage areas for at debt. In spring 2010, almost 37 percent of the the average veterinary school tuition in the least three years (Texas has eight designated 125-member graduating class at the Texas 10 most populous states.” Indeed, tuition for areas). Two U.S. senators, from South Dakota A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Texas A&M veterinary students has not and Idaho, have introduced legislation seek- Biomedical Sciences left school more than increased over the past 10 years, although ing tax-exempt status for the program. $100,000 in debt. fees have increased dramatically during that Currently, 39 percent of the funding is • Texas’ veterinarian distribution: According to same time frame. Generally speaking, it’s returned to the U.S. Treasury as a federal tax. the AVMA (see map at www.avma.org/ expensive to attend any veterinary college Removing the tax, legislators say, would pro- fsvm/maps/tx.asp), remote areas in the because schools must stay on the cutting- vide more money for rural veterinarians and Panhandle, South Texas and West Texas edge of technology and healthcare by provid- allow for awarded funding to one additional show the most severe shortages of veterinar- ing the best possible faculty members and veterinarian per every three now eligible. ians. Statistics indicate that almost one- medical equipment. quarter of Texas’ counties, 62, have no On TexasCoopPower.com food-animal veterinarians. And 63 Texas Potential Help on the Way • A Texas Veterinary Medical counties have just one veterinarian available • Texas A&M University request: Texas A&M is Association task force tackles the rural veterinarian shortage to treat farm and ranch animals. requesting $115 million in tuition revenue from all angles. • Gender about-face: In 2010, in a statistic bonds from the Texas Legislature for a new • Slideshow and video: rural reflecting a national trend, women composed classroom facility that would increase class veterinarians in action Dr. Brooks

12 TEXAS CO-OP POWER January 2011 Anywhere In 3"/$)
)0.&4

t

$055"(&4

t

1"3,
.0%&-4

t

.0%6-"3 TEXAS TexasBuilding dream homes AS SHOWN Price includes normal delivery and setup $49,999 within 50 miles of model center.

The La Linda The Heritage Home I  
4R
'U
t

#FESPPNT
t

#BUIT  
4R
'U
t

#FESPPNT
t

#BUIT AS SEENSEEN ONON WEWE BUILDBUILD FORFOR ( 8F
#VJME
PO
:PVS
-BOE
PS
0VST TVTV "#$T
i"#$TT
iExtremeEExxttrreme MMakeover:akkeeovveerr:: Home Edition”EEdddiittiion” ;FSP
%PXO
JG
:PV
0XO
:PVS
0XO
-BOE ( More Details: XXXFYUSFNFQIODPN ( &OFSHZ
4BWJOH
(SFFO
$POTUSVDUJPO ( )PNFT
GSPN
Sq. Ft. * See model center for details. MAIL TO: FREE Palm Harbor Homes How We Attn: TEXAS Build DVD 15303 Dallas Pkwy, Suite 800 Addison, TX 75001 O Send Free DVD O Send Info Package Name ...... TOLL FREE Address ...... 866-660-3696 City ...... State ...... Zip ...... Email...... Phone ...... ON THE WEB: 5FYBT1BMN)BSCPSDPN Vacation Retirement Investment& www.sandhillcoastalhomes.comsandhillcoastalhomes.com Homes

CALLCALL NNOWOW foforfor ourour FREEFREE SiteSite EvaluationEEvvaluation & TurnTTuurn KeyKey PreliminaryPreliminary PricePrice QuoteQQuuote 1-877-800-3696 forffoor qualifiedqualified land/siteland//ssite owners.owners. SPECIALIZINGSPECIALIZING IINN 1373 - The Acadia 947 Sq. Ft., 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths ELEVATEDELEVATED MMODULARODULAR HHOMESOMES IHB - 1373 From bowlers to fiddlers, there’s room for Texans of all talents in eclectic halls of fame.

BY MARK MILLER AND CHARLES BOISSEAU

Perhaps you dominate at dominoes. highlight inductees to the Texas Film ers, breeders and owners), to Waco Maybe you bowl over the competition, Hall of Fame, the Texas Soccer Hall of (Texas Rangers and sports stars). or you’re a hotshot skeet shooter, a Fame, the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, While some halls include impressive cowgirl extraordinaire, a marvelous the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame, the museums, engaging interactive displays musician or a heavily decorated Texas Texas Track & Field Coaches and extensive archives that will keep Ranger. Association Hall of Fame, the history and nostalgia buffs happily That’s all good, but these days, American Combat Airman Hall of occupied for hours, others are thinly there’s only one way to know if you’ve Fame at the CAF Airpower Museum on supported and may occupy just a small truly climbed to the top of your field, the Midland International Airport room—or less. For example, just about just one sure way to know if you have grounds, and the Bay City/Hilliard everything in the Texas State Domino really made it: You’re enshrined in a Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. Championship Hall of Fame, which hall of fame. All the halls can trace their roots to honors some 20 inductees, fits into a The term “hall of fame” once only the nation’s first hall of fame, fittingly single display case at the Knights of conjured images of famous sports stars, called the Hall of Fame for Great Columbus Hall in Hallettsville. (It such as baseball great Ted Williams at Americans, which was founded in 1900 shares the space with the Fiddlers’ Cooperstown, or music legend Hank in Bronx, New York. It showcases busts Frolics Hall of Fame, which honors Williams in Nashville’s Country Music of 98 statesmen, artists and inventors, almost 50 fantastic fiddlers.) Hall of Fame and Museum. such as Thomas Jefferson, Walt Alas, we didn’t have the time to visit But the phrase “hall of famer” these Whitman and Thomas Edison. But the all of the halls of fame, so we settled for days could just as likely refer to a mas- trend didn’t really take off until 1939 dropping by a few notable ones. Here’s sage therapist in Austin or the owner of with the opening of the National a sampling of what we found. a fence company in Plano. Didn’t get Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, the news? Sean Eubanks, owner of New York, which has become the Bowled Over in Arlington Texas State Fence Co. and a karate model and remains one of the nation’s Arlington became the kingpin of bowling in fighter and teacher, was inducted into most visited halls of fame. January 2010 when the International Bowling the Irvine, California-based Martial Erecting halls of fame seems our Museum and Hall of Fame was relocated here Arts Hall of Fame in 2008. Oh, and this newest pastime, America’s way to from St. Louis, Missouri. The facility, recogniz- just in: David Lauterstein, co-founder honor our most distinguished. “British able by a nearly 23-foot-high white metal pin of Austin’s Lauterstein-Conway monarchs bestow knighthoods. France sculpture, is part of the International Bowling Massage Therapy School, will be immortalizes its most illustrious citi- Campus across from Six Flags Over Texas. enshrined into the Massage Therapy zens in the Panthéon,” wrote the Visitors learn about more than 500 of the Hall of Fame (a “virtual” hall with no authors of The Volvo Guide to Halls of sport’s biggest names, as well as some odd- permanent home) at an induction cere- Fame (Living Planet Press, 1995). “We ball facts. For example, did you know that mony in North Carolina in July. North Americans honor our heroes in before ancient Egyptians began writing in Suffice to say: There are now halls Halls of Fame.” hieroglyphics or building pyramids they went for the famous—and not so famous— An Internet search turns up dozens bowling? Yep. A strangely lifelike mummy in just about every field you can imag- of halls of fame in every corner of Texas: explains how bowling dates back to ancient ine. Recent issues of The University of from Alice (Tejano music), to Amarillo Egypt where players used rocks and stones to Texas at Austin’s alumni magazine (quarter horses and their jockeys, train- represent balls and pins.

14 TEXAS CO-OP POWER January 2011 Texas is no underachiever when it comes to establishing shrines to its stars, mostly from sports, entertainment and the American West. Most have regular hours and exhibits; check www.TexasCoopPower.com for an expanded list and websites.

American Quarter Horse National Cowgirl Museum National Multicultural Texas Cowboy Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame & Museum and Hall of Fame Western Heritage Museum Hall of Fame Hall of Fame and Hall of Fame AMARILLO FORT WORTH FORT WORTH FORT WORTH FORT WORTH

National College Baseball Texas Hall of Fame and Museum Trail of Fame LUBBOCK FORT WORTH

Petroleum International Bowling Hall of Fame Museum and Hall of Fame MIDLAND ARLINGTON

National Skeet Shooting Cockroach Museum & Hall of Fame Hall of Fame Museum SAN ANTONIO PLANO

Texas Ranger Texas Sports Fiddlers’ Frolics Hall of Fame Texas Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Hall of Fame* and Texas State Domino Hall of Fame WACO WACO Championship Hall of Fame CARTHAGE HALLETTSVILLE

Tejano Roots Texas Business Texas Baseball Hospitality Industry Texas Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum Hall of Fame Hall of Fame Hall of Honor Hall of Fame ALICE HOUSTON HOUSTON HOUSTON GALVESTON * The Texas High School Football Hall of Fame and the Texas Tennis Museum and Hall of Fame are both located inside the Texas Sports Hall.

January 2011 TEXAS CO-OP POWER 15 You might be bowled over by a diorama Some of the prominent names include coun- about pin boys, youths who manually set pins try singer Charley Pride; one-time Texas Poet before automatic pinsetters took over in the Laureate and multicultural advocate Red early 1950s. Walk up to one pin boy, named Steagall; Herb “The Bronze Buckaroo” Jeffries, Ronnie, and he magically comes to life to tell a singer in the Duke Ellington Band; and Bill you his story. There’s also an interactive Pickett, known as the father of bulldogging. coaching exhibit where people can view and You could spend hours viewing the dis- answer quizzes on computer terminals. plays, which show how the inductees lived (or live), what they wore (impressive belt buck- Cowtown Cowgirls les) and sat on (check out the saddles of The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame world calf roping champion Fred Whitfield and has come a long way since it was founded in the rodeo legend Charles Sampson). basement of a library in Hereford in 1975. Today, the shrine occupies a sparkling facility in Fort Fort Worth Stockyards Worth’s cultural district. If you haven’t had your fill of Western shrines, Honorees are selected in five categories: mosey over to the Fort Worth Stockyards artists-writers, rodeo performers-champions, National Historic District where you will find ranchers (stewards of the land and livestock), more: the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, the pioneers-trailblazers and entertainers. Alter- Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame and what nating exhibits give visitors peeks at the fasci- local boosters have named the Texas Trail of nating lives of the nearly 200 honorees. One of Fame, which is Texas’ country cousin to the last year’s biggest draws was an exhibit about Hollywood Walk of Fame. Georgia O’Keeffe, whose art was inspired by But instead of Barbra Streisand and Cary Western landscapes. Grant, you’ll find sidewalks paying tribute Among other inductees: Country Music Hall (with bronze stars set in concrete) to Western of Famer Patsy Cline, Little House on the Prairie greats such as Clayton Moore (The Lone author Laura Ingalls Wilder, former Supreme Ranger), Jay Silverheels (Tonto), and enter- Court justice Sandra Day O’Connor (who grew tainers Ernest Tubb and Will Rogers. up on an Arizona cattle ranch), and Phoebe Ann Moses Butler, better known as sharp- Keep Plano Weird: the shooter Annie Oakley, the only female per- Cockroach Hall of Fame former in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. You’ll find what is arguably Texas’ weirdest hall of fame in a suburban strip mall between Forgotten Cowboys a computer repair shop and a women’s lingerie In a working-class Fort Worth neighborhood is store. Right here, at 2231-B W. 15th St. west of the National Multicultural Western Heritage downtown Plano, is the Cockroach Hall of Museum and Hall of Fame, which tells the Fame Museum, home of such stars as Elvis story of the forgotten cowboys of Hispanic, Roachly, Liberoachi, Ross Peroach and ERNATIONAL BOWLING CAMPUS Native American, African American and Marilyn Monroach. European American descent. Until October Michael Bohdan, a pest control expert and 2009, it was known as the National Cowboys business promoter, founded his roach gallery of Color Museum and Hall of Fame. in 1988 after traveling the country to locate contestants for Combat Roach Control’s TOP TO BOTTOM: Visitors are sure to find ”best-dressed” cockroach contest. something to strike their fancy at the “Once the promotion was done, they were International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame going to throw them away,” Bohdan says. “I said in Arlington. Ride ’em, cowgirl! The bucking-bronc simula- ‘you can’t do that’ so I created the museum.” tor provides perhaps the best seat in the house The cockroach shrine is housed in seven at the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of glass display cases in the front of Bohdan’s Fame in Fort Worth. pest control business, The Pest Shop. “I’m a African-American cowboy Bill Pickett, a pest control specialist in the morning, and in rodeo star who invented the technique of bull- dogging, was inducted into Fort Worth’s National the afternoon I’m the curator of the museum Multicultural Western Heritage Museum and and hall of fame,” says Bohdan, who esti- Hall of Fame in 2003. mates his museum gets 7,000 visitors a year. Fort Worth’s Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame honors men and women who have excelled in Mark Miller is a freelance writer in rodeo and the Western lifestyle. Inductees include cattleman and baseball strikeout king Flower Mound and a member of CoServ Nolan Ryan, rancher and actor Tommy Lee Electric. Charles Boisseau is a writer

Jones, and rodeo legend Ty Murray. living in Austin. TEXAS COWBOY HALL OF FAME © 2010, BILL PICKETT CORBIS, COWGIRL HALL OF FAME © JEROD FOSTER, BOWLING RON DEROXTRA THE INT

16 TEXAS CO-OP POWER January 2011 Millions still court this 89-year-old lady. The 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar is Purchase yours today. Risk-free! the last of its kind. Get one today You get the 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar — the most before they’re only a memory. sought-after coin in America — for as little as You don’t have to be a collector to love this $29.50 each (plus s&h). coin. First, it’s big. At over 38 mm in diameter, Best of all, own it risk-free. If you aren’t satisfied, it commands your attention by its heft. return your coins within 30-days for a full refund Second, size means high silver content, which is (less s&h). why they’re in demand for melting. Buy More and Save Your chance to own this legend 1921 Last Morgan Silver Dollar $39 each plus S&H Five for $170.00 plus S&H Save $25! won’t last long. Ten for $315.00 plus S&H Save $75! We were recently contacted by one of America’s 20-Coin Roll for $590.00 plus S&H Save $190! largest silver buyers with the opportunity to purchase several bags of 1921 Morgans, all in Toll-Free 24 hours a day Virtually Uncirculated condition. 1-888-870-8531 Offer Code MDS144 We didn’t hesitate. Please mention this code when you call. With rising silver prices, collectors on the lookout for these unique beauties, and scarce quantities, we But we’re able to offer knew demand would be high. 14101 Southcross Drive W., Dept. MDS144 you a fantastic value! Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 Prices and availability subject to change without notice. Past performance is not a www.GovMint.com/1921morgan predictor of future performance. Actual coin size is 38.1 mm. Note: GovMint.com is a private distributor of worldwide government coin issues and is not affiliated with the United States government. Facts and figures were deemed accurate as of April 2010. ©GovMint.com, 2011 ® Electric Notes Rolling Shutters Improve Windows’ Efficiency

BY JAMES DULLEY the shutter. If your house has double- separate slightly, exposing the inter- pane windows, adding the shutters locking flanges between them. Many DEAR JIM: My windows are not the will about double the insulation value of the shutters are designed with nar- most efficient, but they are still in of the windows. With single-pane win- row slots in the flanges, which allow good condition. To improve efficiency dows, the efficiency increase will be some light and fresh air to filter in. and provide more security and safety even greater. Roll-formed metal, plastic or from storms, I’m considering in- You can get additional energy sav- extruded aluminum are used to make stalling rolling shutters. What features ings during summer because the the slats. All are suitable for most should I look for? —Jerri H. rolling shutters also block the direct areas. The extruded aluminum slats heat from the sun’s rays through the are the strongest and most expensive DEAR JERRI: Having windows that are windows. The shutters can be lowered and are often used on shutters for still in good condition but are not the to any position to allow in only as large windows. The roll-formed metal most energy efficient is common. If much light (and heat) as you desire. slats can be filled with foam insulation good-quality windows were installed When completely lowered, they block for higher efficiency and rigidity. within the past decade, they should nearly all of the light. Check your local building codes for last a very long time with lit- required materials and tle maintenance. This is par- strength. ticularly true for windows An important feature to with vinyl or thermally ROLLAC SHUTTERS consider is how the rolling broken aluminum frames. shutter is opened and Windows with pultruded closed—usually with a pull fiberglass may well last a strap, a crank handle or an lifetime. electric motor. Keep in mind, Although rolling window if your shutters are inconven- shutters offer many advan- ient to use, you will not close tages in addition to energy them as often as you should. efficiency, there are other For most small- to average- lower-cost options to con- sized windows, a pull strap is sider. Installing magnetically easy to use and inexpensive. attached acrylic interior Large shutters or ones made storm windows is a relatively from heavy-gauge aluminum low-cost option to improve may be easier to operate with efficiency. Rolling shutters provide increased security and energy savings. a hand crank. Electric motor Some of the new low- operators are most conven- emissivity permanent window films Rolling shutters are extremely ient, but also are more expensive. save energy year-round. They are strong and secure because they oper- If the pull strap, or crank, is indoors, nearly clear, and you can install them ate similarly to a rolltop desk. Narrow there will have to be a hole in the wall yourself. Both of these options also slats roll up into a box housing above connecting it to the outdoor housing. block much of the sun’s fading UV the window. The ends of each slat slide This will allow a slight amount of air (ultraviolet) rays. Installing insulating in vertical tracks on each side of the leakage. An electric motor operator will window shades or curtains is also window, making them very secure and eliminate the need for a hole. effective. relatively airtight when fully closed. The following companies offer Adding rolling shutters on the exte- The slat itself provides insulation, as rolling window shutters: AC Shutters, rior of your windows improves effi- does the dead air space created 1-800-745-5261, www.acshutters.com; ciency and also offers security and between the shutter and the window Roll-A-Way, 1-866-749-5424, storm protection. These shutters are glass. In cold climates, this also www.roll-a-way.com; Rollac Shutters, commonly used in coastal hurricane reduces indoor window condensation 1-888-276-5522, www.rollac.com; zones. problems. Titan Security, 1-866-691-3667, The actual energy savings from If you want security and privacy but www.titansecurity.com; and installing rolling shutters depends on also light and ventilation, slightly raise Wheatbelt, 1-800-264-5171, the type of window glass you have and, the rolling shutter. The bottom of the www.rollupshutter.com. to a lesser extent, the types of slat in shutter will not rise, but the slats will © James Dulley

18 TEXAS CO-OP POWER January 2011 ELECTRIC NOTES

Businesses Can Pad Bottom Line with Energy Efficiency RESOLVE TO STAY SAFE n all the talk about ways to save ment, look for Energy Star labels— Ienergy, sometimes we forget that it’s only purchase energy-efficient just as important to conserve at work equipment. Most of our lists of New Year’s resolu- as it is at home. By instituting some ≠ Buying recycled products and tions include some common elements: energy-saving practices in the work- instituting recycling programs at your place, you can help reduce expenses. business decreases energy use on the Spend less, save more, eat less, exer- Encourage co-workers to: large scale, so it is the right thing to do cise more, work less and spend more ≠ Turn off lights when not in the even if it doesn’t result in direct energy time with family. office/restroom/breakroom. Or, with a savings for your business. It is an This year, consider adding a few small investment, install motion- example of “Think globally, act locally.” things to the list to help keep your sensitive switches that automatically Maintenance/Building family safe. turn out lights when no one has been 1. Practice “out with the old, in in those rooms for a while. ≠ Caulk windows and doors where with the new” with appliances. If an ≠ Enable energy-saver settings on fittings are not snug. computer monitors, or if not available, ≠ Install UV protective film on win- appliance snaps, crackles or pops and turn off monitors when no one is in dows where none exists. This film shouldn’t, toss it out and replace it the office (even for an hour or two). reduces heat gain through the glass. with a safer, energy-efficient model. There is software available that can be ≠ Perform routine maintenance of Check cords carefully for cracks and air-conditioning, heating and ventila- nicks. If you find any, it’s time to tion systems. When replacing, go with replace that appliance. high-efficiency systems. 2. If you have switchplates or out- ≠ Keep temperatures at comfortable, lets that get warm to the touch with yet reasonable, levels for the season— 76 to 78 degrees in summer, and 68 to use, or your lights dim when certain 70 degrees in winter. appliances come on, it’s time to call an © GEORGIOS ALEXANDRIS | DREAMSTIME.COM ≠ When possible, allow more day- electrician. The electrical load of most light into rooms to reduce the need for homes has increased substantially in artificial lighting. Studies have found the past 10 years, but your home’s that workers are more productive with wiring may not be up to the challenge. natural lighting. To keep your loved ones safe, have it ≠ When building new facilities, use checked out and make the necessary green design. Consider solar panels and other renewable technologies. Use improvements and repairs. The power button is the key to saving energy. the new International Energy 3. If you regularly find yourself put on a network to put monitors “to Conservation Code. headed to the breaker box with flash- sleep” when not in use. light in hand to restore power, it’s ≠ Turn off computers, printers, Other probably time for repairs or an copiers and lights when leaving for the ≠ Plant trees and lighten pavements upgrade. Have an electrician do an day. Make that task simple by plugging and roofs to reduce the urban “heat inspection and make repairs. all devices into a power strip and island” effect. Lots of paved, dark, 4. Smoke detectors and fire extin- switching it off when work is done. impermeable surfaces raise tempera- ≠ Put signs by elevators asking peo- tures and create the need for more guishers only help if they work prop- ple to walk up one flight or down two. artificial cooling. erly. Regularly test and replace the ≠ Include water conservation in batteries on smoke detectors. Replace Purchasing your efforts. Repair leaky sinks, toilets or recharge fire extinguishers so ≠ When replacing lights, use com- and water fountains. Replace old toi- they’ll be ready in the event of an pact fluorescent bulbs or other high- lets with the low-flow variety. This emergency. efficiency models. saves energy because water pumping is ≠ When buying new office equip- a huge energy drain.

January 2011 TEXAS CO-OP POWER 19 CLEBURNE All Shook Up TEXAS USA

Elvis sure had us Texas teenagers were among the first to recognize the supercolossality that was, and is, Elvis Presley. He knew and appreciated it. “Texas put North Texas boys me over the top,” he told a reporter once. But what Elvis didn’t know, which was the real beauty of him, was rattled, but a fence that he was over the top from the first time he dressed the way he wanted, wore his hair the way he wanted, spoke, sang and moved the way he wanted. When his kept him away from first record producer, Sam Phillips, asked him whom he sounded like, Elvis said, “I just sound like myself.” When we, the teenage boys of Johnson County, saw him our screaming, for the first time, the way he looked and dressed, we realized we had been dress- ing like Mickey Rooney in the Andy Hardy movies. blushing girls. Mothers, though, must have seen Elvis as a threat. Reporters called him “Elvis the Pelvis” and so on. Teachers warned us about him, and after the preachers got a load of Elvis, they gave Satan a break for a while. But Elvis was immune to their By Tom Dodge rejection because his mama loved him. He simply went on being himself until he found regular work at the Louisiana Hayride in Shreveport and began playing small East Texas sites on his nights off. In Cleburne, Floyd “Buddy” Halyard was the first Elvis imitator I knew, at least one of the first to wear white buck shoes and comb his hair in ducktails. He was the first kid I knew who bought an obscure 45 record on the Sun label called “That’s All Right (Mama)” with “Blue Moon of Kentucky” on the flip side. As soon as we heard that sound we knew instantly that, for us, then, all other music was obsolete. Elvis-itis was epidemic with kids everywhere by then, and when news spread that he would be playing at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas on October 11, 1956, Cleburne girls mailed in their $1.25 money order for a ticket posthaste. One caller to the Cleburne office of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation program wanted tickets to Elvis’ Cotton Bowl show, saying there must be tickets for sale there because “cotton was part of its business.” They were open with their Elvis adoration. Boys also loved him but never admitted it to the girls. Like the adults, we ridiculed the “oily haired truck driver.” But secretly, we wanted to look like him and have what he had. Which might include our girls for an evening, maybe forever. We had read those newspaper accounts of his shows: “Lewd and dangerous,” one report said. So we knew the looming danger as our girlfriends prepared to join the motorcade that would depart on the afternoon of October 11 for the Elvis hys- teria at the Cotton Bowl. In those days, Cleburne’s Chaf-In diner had booths along the north side with windows facing West Henderson Street, which becomes U.S. 67 leading to Dallas. We gathered there to watch, maybe get a last look, at our lovelies in hoopskirts, sweaters and bobby sox, radiant with Revlon, passing by in cars driven by desper- ate mothers bound for “Love Me Tender” land.

20 TEXAS CO-OP POWER January 2011 We fed our sorrow with cheeseburg- ers and fed our fears that our girl- friends would be among the ones rumored to follow him after the show. Sometimes, it was wildly speculated, they were never seen or heard from again. “There’s 5,000 girls in his fan club already,” somebody said. “Maybe that’s the way he gets them, just collects them after the shows.” “He probably keeps them in his hundreds of mansions that he has around the country,” someone else said. Will we ever see them again? This was the unspoken but understood fear. But they came back, all right, unharmed by the spectacle of rolling hips and quivering lips. “There was a high fence around the stage,” one told us, cementing then and there our life- long affection for fences. Not long after that, Elvis became a soldier at Fort Hood in Killeen. When he was discharged, he went to Hollywood, got married—became a father like the rest of us. In later years, he came back to Texas, where he had first gone over the top, but it wasn’t the same. The Elvis girls were wives and mothers by then with grown-up obligations. The boy that had been lewd, crude and danger- ous to know had become respectable. His once raw, simmering wail with its otherworldly echo was now a cool and earthly baritone, crooning out gospel songs. He even wore a girdle so his glittering Liberace-like outfit wouldn’t rend asunder. Today, the Elvis girls have grown grandchildren. But somewhere in their safe suburban houses, there may be a little Elvis shrine, the centerpiece a photo of the young Elvis with the petulant, heartbreaking eyes follow- © CORBIS ing them wherever they go in the room. As for their husbands, Buddy Halyard and the rest of us, we also have a shrine. In a secret corner of our mem- ory, there is a distant image of a cool-cat, ducktailed daddy-o that we probably never were—and couldn’t have even dreamed of being had Elvis never ELVIS!!!!! Teenage girls scream their adoration existed. of the emerging superstar at a 1956 show in Memphis, Tennessee. That same year, Elvis Tom Dodge is an author and frequent performed at Dallas’ Cotton Bowl—how about contributor to Texas Co-op Power. that $1.25 ticket?

January 2011 TEXAS CO-OP POWER 21 Mom’s Last Lesson OBSERVATIONS

Just knowing he first time Mom let us know she had planned her own funeral was in the early 1990s. One afternoon in a hasty conversation about the folder about some vague future when she might perhaps die, she showed my sister and Tme the top drawer of a low file cabinet where a folder was stored. The manila file sustained us occupied one of the front slots among the records of my parents’ 50-plus years of marriage and family: insurance policies for houses and lives, 25 years of tax through waves returns, warranties for appliances replaced decades ago, accounts of paid-up loans to needy grandkids, and, more recently, receipts for Medicare, hospital stays, of grief. Daddy’s hearing aids, Mom’s walker. Occasionally, she would remind us of the folder, usually after another bout with the congestive heart failure that was beginning to debilitate her. “I’ve written out BY REBA every detail,” she would say. “You don’t have to worry about a single thing. When the time comes, just go to the folder. The power of attorney is there and everything KOCHERSPERGER else you’ll need—even some programs from friends’ services.” My sister and I would nod, glance away and change the subject. No one ever dared to hold or even look at the infamous folder. As long as we didn’t touch it, it wasn’t real; if it wasn’t real, we would surely never need it. That system saw us through 15 years of hospitals, Mom’s increasingly sedentary existence, and her dependence on the pacemaker that would keep her alive until it simply couldn’t. Then in 2007, when her surgeon declared her valve repair opera- tion successful and sent us home to rest, we believed him, never expecting his 1:30 a.m. call saying that, indeed, her heart had stopped and couldn’t be revived. I called my sister, who with her husband raced across Houston to my house; together we woke Daddy and let him know his wife of 63 years was gone. Still in complete shock but dressed and packed for a week, we left Houston and drove half an hour before anyone spoke. We stopped for breakfast then headed toward home two hours farther south. In between sobs and questions about how to even start thinking about making arrangements, I remembered the folder. “What folder?” my brother-in-law asked, and we explained what we would find safely at home. For the rest of the journey, our mantra was, “When we get there, everything will be in the folder.” This promise sustained us—it was incredibly calming to know that Mom had already made all the decisions for us, so we were free to deal with

22 TEXAS CO-OP POWER January 2011 the grief that alternately numbed and over- whelmed us. Every 10 minutes, one of us would for- get and ask, “What hymns should we include?” The strongest of us would repeat, “It’s in the folder.” We must have said it 40 times. When we got to the file cabinet, I opened the thin file and found a page from a pocket-sized note- book listing who got what jewelry and two photo- copied programs from her friends’ recent services. NOTHING ELSE! This had to be the wrong folder. I found another with notes for Daddy’s service and other records—but nothing else for Mom. And she was no longer available to take a phone call and clear up the mystery. The miracle was that by the time we actually located her meager notes, we were five hours into life without Mom and were composed enough to call the church and funeral home and start the process of burying someone who was still alive in our minds. With no information from her for reference, we gave ourselves over to her longtime minister and the professionals at the funeral home. It was their job to know what to ask, but they also answered our blank stares with kindness and got us through that very long day. For answers, somehow we pieced together old conversations and spied her favorite hymn hanging in the kitchen. We never found what we had waited for, but just the promise that such a plan existed had helped us face all the decisions. The importance of that manila folder made me realize that we could all remove some of our families’ strain if we record a few of the choices they’ll have to make when we die: Formal funeral service/cel- ebration of life? Burial/cremation? Open/closed? Endless details. I don’t really have strong feelings about my funeral service, but I’m writing things down anyway. No matter how far I get on the list, at least my family will have somewhere to start. I’ve tossed everything into a folder and told them where to look. After all, this record isn’t for me; it’s Mom’s last lesson and a little comfort I can give my sons at a time they’ll need it most.

Freelance writer Reba Kochersperger lives in Houston.

ILLUSTRATION BY FRANK CURRY January 2011 TEXAS CO-OP POWER 23 Order today and Save $100s! Rare Hoard of 100-Year-Old U.S. Gold Coins Released to Public HISTORIC U.S. GOLD ON SALE Just discovered hoard of U.S. $10 Gold Liberty Coins Now Available

Our buyers just discovered one of the most significant As low as Don’t Miss European Bank hoards of U.S. gold in years. They $ This Opportunity: secured 1,769 magnificent U.S. gold coins 850 ea. Order Now! guaranteed to be over 100 years old. The vintage coins in this hoard represent Consider that the number dates ranging from 1866 through of U.S. coin collectors has 1907 that uniquely represent the sharply risen to over 50 history of our nation in fine gold. million today, you may never get a second chance to take Uncirculated Gold Coins advantage of this opportu- from the Past are nity. Order now while our Timeless Treasures limited supplies last. Buy more and save! Due Each of these $10 Gold Liberty to our limited supply of coins is guaranteed to be in these coins, we must issue Uncirculated Condition. As gold a strict limit of 5 coins per values have soared with unpredictable customer. Why pay $997 or more oil prices and the falling dollar, you may for similar coins? Prices and avail- never again have the opportunity to own these ability subject to change, so call today. gold coins at this price. With the falling Your satisfaction is assured by our 30-day dollar, demand for these coins continues to Shown larger than actual size money-back guarantee. of 27 mm in diameter escalate as collectors and investors scramble to scoop up U.S. gold coins for their Order More & Save pure gold content and scarcity. Guaranteed genuine uncirculated U.S. $ per coin shipping total gold coins have historical and numismatic 1 Liberty Coin $895 $15 S&H $910 value that bullion gold cannot match, making 3 Liberty Coins $875 FREE! $2,625 5 Liberty Coins (max) $850 FREE! $4,250 these coins even more attractive.

Call Toll-Free:

1-800-642-9160 ext. 2422 New York Mint, 5577 W 78th St., Edina, MN 55439 Not affiliated with the U.S. Government © 2010 New York Mint FOOTNOTES IN TEXAS HISTORY Pass the Black-eyed

BY CLAY COPPEDGE Peas, Please

If you’re superstitious or Texan (or Southern), the odds are good that black-eyed peas serve as part of your New Year’s Day menu every year. If you possess both traits, it’s a given that you are among the true believers who eat black-eyed peas on January 1, because doing so is supposed to bring good luck and prosperity the rest of the year. Popular U.S. folk wisdom holds that the tradition started during the Civil War when Union troops burned Confederate farm fields but considered cowpeas, as they were called, to be © JOSÉ ELIAS. IMAGE FROM BIGSTOCK.COM livestock feed and left them alone. People in the war-torn South might have starved without the black-eyed peas to This wasn’t exactly a new idea. Another chemurgist, sustain them. Ever since, they have been part of the New George Washington Carver, touted the black-eyed pea (along Year’s Day meal for Southern folks as a symbol of gratitude with peanuts and sweet potatoes) not only for their soil- and hope for a happier new year. amending qualities, but also for their nutritional wallop. The Depending on how you feel about black-eyed peas, we peas are a good source of protein and provide beneficial have primarily two people to either thank or blame for the amounts of calcium, folate, iron, potassium and fiber. popularity they enjoy in Texas and beyond. One is J.B. Henry, It’s been suggested that Tiger Torn created the American an Athens businessman who first decided to grow black-eyed “tradition” as a paid public relations man for the Henderson peas on a commercial scale around 1909. In trying to figure County Chamber of Commerce, suggesting that he had an out a way to combat the weevils that bedeviled his plants, he ulterior motive for his enthusiasm for black-eyed peas. At any dried them in an oven on East Tyler Street in Athens and rate, Torn was for many years the black-eyed pea’s biggest found that dried peas were easier to ship, which transformed booster and ambassador. He even attempted (unsuccessfully) the black-eyed pea into a viable agricultural product. to expand the black-eyed pea into Vietnam in the 1960s, dur- Athens was soon billed as the Black-Eyed Pea Capital of ing the height of the war as part of an agricultural project, and the World and functioned as such for several decades; peas also offered to supply U.S. troops with black-eyed peas for were grown there, canned there and shipped from there. their New Year’s Day meals. (The Army politely declined Even after the commercial production of black-eyed peas in because, as U.S. Gen. William Westmoreland said, there was the area declined, the city paid homage to their historical no significant troop demand for that particular food.) importance with a Black-Eyed Pea Jamboree. Today, Torn’s Black-Eyed Pea Association and the Black- Elmore “Tiger” Torn, the father of actor Rip Torn and Eyed Pea Jamboree in Athens are gone but not forgotten. A founder of the International Black-Eyed Pea Appreciation black-eyed pea cook-off is part of the annual Fall Festival at Society, entered the black-eyed pea picture some time after the East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society, which has World War II. He was what was then called a chemurgist, or revealed the black-eyed pea’s versatility in ways that might one who researched industrial applications for organic, raw have perplexed even J.B. Henry and Tiger Torn. There have materials, especially farm products; today he would be called been black-eyed pea enchiladas, cowpea quiche, and black- a biochemical engineer. His work took him all over the eyed pea cheesecake along with Jell-O and adult beverages world, and he said he discovered that serving one kind of such as a “peatini” and black-eyed pea wine. A marinated black-eyed lentil or another was a good-luck tradition in version of the peas is called Texas Caviar. India and also in Egypt and France. The Babylonian Talmud, That kind of culinary creativity on the part of people doesn’t written in about the year 500, also instructs Hebrews to eat leave a lot of black-eyed peas for the cows and hogs, not that certain foods for good luck, including the black-eyed pea. they get black-eyed peas anymore, but it makes for a fine tra- “One explanation is that these lentils are great soil dition. It really doesn’t matter if the tradition is 60 years old builders,” he theorized. “Ask any farmer. You plant black-eyed or a thousand, as long as it’s tasty. for a few years, and they restore soil worn out, for instance, by long cotton cultivation. So this business of the legume restor- Clay Coppedge is a regular contributor to Footnotes in Texas ing the soil may have something to do with the superstition History. His book, Hill Country Chronicles, recently was that the black-eyes bring good luck for all the year.” published by The History Press.

January 2011 TEXAS CO-OP POWER 25 RECIPE ROUNDUP

bottom and up sides of tart pan to form All Eyes on Potatoes shell. Bake 20 minutes. As tart shell bakes, heat oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Add onion and carrot and BY KEVIN HARGIS Meat and potatoes: The phrase brings to mind food that is sauté until onion is limp and well colored, simple and hearty and perhaps somewhat boring. about 10 minutes. When tart shell comes But the starchy tubers, which originated in South America, are anything but out of oven, top with onion mixture, boring. There are many varieties of potatoes from which to choose, each with its spreading evenly. Sprinkle with cheese. own texture and flavor. And preparing a potato dish doesn’t mean just boiling and Return to oven and bake until cheese mashing them up (although that can be delicious). melts and turns golden, about 10 to 15 A couple of recent cookbooks feature recipes in which potatoes provide the minutes. Allow to cool at least 5 minutes foundation for tasty and interesting dishes. before slicing into wedges and serving. One, Recipes from the Root Cellar (Storey Publishing, 2010) devotes many Can also be served at room temperature. pages to recipes starring spuds. It also delivers this interesting fact: The typical Servings: 4. Serving size: 1 wedge. Per serving: 247 American consumes more than 140 pounds of potatoes a year. That’s a lot of taters. calories, 6 g protein, 15.6 g fat, 20.5 g carbohydrates, And those spuds are nutritious. A potato with the skin is rich in vitamin C, 2.2 g dietary fiber, 339 mg sodium, 2.6 g sugars, 27 potassium and fiber. mg cholesterol Here is a Root Cellar recipe that uses three kinds of root vegetables to create an appetizing, simple-to-prepare dish that could serve as an entrée or vegetable course. COOK’S TIP: Slice potatoes thinly and evenly for best results. POTATO-CARROT TART 1 large russet potato (about 12 ounces), sliced very thinly, and peeled if desired Another recently published cookbook 2 tablespoons butter, melted features more than 900 pages of 1 teaspoon thyme recipes that will appeal to scores of dif- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard ferent tastes, all of them with a decid- 1/2 teaspoon salt edly Southern drawl. Southern Living’s 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1001 Ways To Cook Southern (Oxmoor 2 tablespoons olive oil House, 2010) isn’t cornpone and crack- 1 onion, halved then sliced thinly lins, but features a sophisticated 1 carrot, peeled and shredded Southern fare. Nevertheless, there are a 1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded Swiss, Gruyère or Cheddar cheese few twists on old favorites, including Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease 10-inch tart pan or pie pan. Combine this cornbread recipe that adds in the potato, butter, thyme, mustard, salt and pepper in bowl. Toss gently to coat. Press into flavor of sweet potatoes. SWEET POTATO CORNBREAD Potato-Carrot Tart 2 cups self-rising cornmeal mix 1/4 cup sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 1/2 cups milk 1 cup mashed, cooked sweet potato 1/4 cup butter, melted 1 large egg, beaten Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Combine all ingredients, whisking together just until dry ingredients are moistened. Spoon batter into greased 8-inch cast- iron skillet or baking pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Servings: 8. Serving size: 1 piece. Per serving: 244 calories, 5.4 g protein, 8.1 g fat, 37.3 g carbohydrates, 3.2 g dietary fiber, 419 mg sodium, 11.1 g sugars, 46 mg cholesterol

COOK’S TIP: Be sure to use self-rising cornmeal mix or your bread will be flat and hard.

26 TEXAS CO-OP POWER January 2011 PHOTO BY RICK PATRICK RECIPE ROUNDUP

st JOANNE KNIGHT, Karnes and Medina electric cooperatives 1 Prize-winning recipe: Loaded Baked Sweet Mashed Potatoes We call them spuds and taters. The French (la pomme de terre), Dutch (aardap- pel) and Swiss-German (erdapfel) words translate to “apples of the earth.” Whatever they’re termed, potatoes are a universal and standard part of many diets. They can be baked, boiled, fried and made into soup. There are hundreds of varieties (although we see only a handful of those in our supermarkets). And potatoes appear in hundreds of dishes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Scrub The potato chefs among you sent in many fine examples of your favorites. The potatoes, but don’t peel. Cut into quar- combination of sweet and white potatoes in our winning dish couldn’t be beat. ter-inch-thick slices. Heat oil in medium-size nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place half of the LOADED BAKED SWEET MASHED POTATOES then cut potatoes in half lengthwise, potato slices into the hot oil and fry until 1 3/4 pounds russet potatoes carefully scoop out insides and mash golden brown on one side, then flip and 1 clove garlic, minced pulp in small bowl. Combine pulp with brown on other side. Remove with a 1 1/2 teaspoons salt butter, cream cheese, soup and desired slotted spoon onto paper towels to drain. 1 can (14.5 ounces) sweet potatoes in seafood—shrimp, scallops and/or crab— Add the rest of potatoes and repeat syrup, drained, crushed, and mashed salt and pepper. Stuff shells with this process. In small skillet over medium 1 package (4 ounces) low-fat cream mixture. Top with cheese. Place on a heat, sauté the sausage until no longer cheese, softened cookie sheet and bake 8 to 10 minutes or pink. Crumble it as it cooks. Drain on 3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled until cheese is melted. paper towels. Break eggs into a medium- 1 /2 cup light sour cream 1 size bowl. Whisk until well blended; add Servings: 8. Serving size: /2 potato. Per serving (made 1/3 cup chicken broth with shrimp only): 245 calories, 9.3 g protein, 13.7 g green onions, tomatoes, half a cup of 1/4 teaspoon black pepper fat, 18.4 g carbohydrates, 1.4 g dietary fiber, 574 mg cheese, salt, pepper and cooked sausage. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Boil russet sodium, 1.6 g sugars, 82 mg cholesterol Stir well and pour into a buttered 8-inch potatoes with garlic until tender; drain. TERRY WEAVER square glass baking dish. Bake for about Add remaining ingredients. Beat with Southwest Texas Electric Cooperative 10 minutes or until the eggs are loosely mixer until blended. Pour into greased set. Remove from oven and place the 9-inch square baking dish. Bake, uncov- POTATO NACHO FRITATA potato slices, one at a time, over the top ered, for 20 minutes. 2 large Yukon Gold potatoes of egg mixture. Top with remaining 1/2 Servings: 10. Serving size: 1 cup. Per serving: 168 calo- cup canola oil cheese and sprinkle with jalapeños. ries, 5.1 g protein, 4 g fat, 28.1 g carbohydrates, 2.8 g 1/2 pound pork breakfast sausage Return to oven and cook for 5 to 7 min- dietary fiber, 458 mg sodium, 0.8 g sugars, 12 mg cho- 8 large eggs, beaten utes or until cheese is bubbly and eggs lesterol 2 green onions, thinly sliced have set. Serve immediately. 1/2 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies Servings: 4. Serving size: 1/4 of dish. Per serving: 602 SEAFOOD TWICE-BAKED POTATOES 1 1/4 cups shredded sharp Cheddar calories, 34.1 g protein, 33.3 g fat, 34.3 g carbohy- 4 large baking potatoes cheese, divided drates, 3.1 g dietary fiber, 1,296 mg sodium, 3.1 g sug- Vegetable oil 1/2 teaspoon salt ars, 500 mg cholesterol Coarse sea salt 1/4 teaspoon course ground black pepper ANN BAKER 1/4 cup butter, softened 3 pickled jalapeño peppers, chopped Bowie-Cass Electric Cooperative 1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened 1 can (12.5 ounces) cream of $100 RECIPE CONTEST mushroom or cream of shrimp soup, undiluted May’s recipe contest topic is Spring Fruit. When 1 can (4.5 ounces) cocktail shrimp or spring is fully mature, so are luscious seasonal thawed package (5 ounces) small, fruits like peaches and berries. How do you like frozen shrimp them? The deadline is January 10. 1 package frozen scallops and/or crabmeat (optional) Submit recipes online at www.TexasCoopPower.com under the Submit and Share tab. Or mail them to Home Cooking, 1122 Colorado, 24th Floor, Austin, 1/4 teaspoon salt TX 78701. You may also e-mail them to [email protected] or fax them to (512) 763-3408. Please include your name, address and phone num- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ber, as well as the name of your electric co-op. Also, let us know where you Shredded Cheddar cheese to taste found the recipe or whether it’s one you developed yourself. The top winner Wash potatoes, rub skins with oil, roll in will receive $100, a copy of 60 Years of Home Cooking and a Texas-shaped trivet. Runners-up will also receive a prize. coarse sea salt, wrap in foil and bake at 2010 © TODD ARENA. IMAGE FROM BIGSTOCK.COM

2010 © DRAGANA DJOROVIC. IMAGE FROM BIGSTOCK.COM 425 degrees for 1 hour. Allow to cool,

January 2011 TEXAS CO-OP POWER 27 L O N E S MARKET T v TOWN&COUNTRY A LONESTAR R $56 %$51 &203$1 v 63( IIHU 'LIIHUHQW 6L]HV 'HV <   M :H 2 LJQV ҋ[ҋ[ҋ A 2QHҋVOLGLQJGRRU &RORUHG0HWDO   2QHZDONWKURXJKGRRU $VN$ERXW 7(5(4( R +H`(SS0UJS\ZP]L;V\Y 0DWHULDOVGHOLYHU\WD[ ODERU 2XU6SHFLDO + tax & fees K ZZZZZVSHDUVEDUQFRFRPZVSHDUVEDUQFRFRP     ^P[O*HUHS*Y\PZL 6KLSSLQJSULFHVPD\EHKLJKHUVRXWKRI E &ROOHJH6WDWLRQRUZHVWRI$ELOHQH Available at Caravan.com. T Vacations of USA, Canada, Guatemala and Costa Rica. Priced $995 - $1,295. America’s Oldest & Largest Rare Breed Hatchery. FLOATING FISHING PIER Free Color Catalog. Over 140 varieties of Baby Chicks, On your pond or lake, with or without roof. #1 in Value. Since 1952 Bantams, Turkeys, Guineas, Peafowl, Game Birds, Waterfowl. Also Eggs, Incubators, Books, Equipment and Medications. All sizes—installation available. Call 1-800-456-3280 (24 Hours A Day) 45 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE Murray McMurray Hatchery C 122, Webster City, Iowa 50595-0458 Call for Free Information • 1-800-310-1425 Free 28 Page Brochure Website: http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com www.ellisonmarine.com • Ellison Marine, Franklin, TX. *HSS *(9(=(5 com

W.D. Metal Buildings

SKID STEER MOUNTED SHEAR • 1/2" to 6" diameter trees and brush. • Perfect for cedar, shin oak, persimmon, mesquite. Instant Quotes Online www.wdmb.com (512) 263-6830 • www.brushshark.com

FUTURE STEEL BUILDINGS "%7"/5"(& Do-It-Yourself Steel Buildings /2:(67&267 45&&-
#6*-%*/(4 Ideal For: • Recreational Use 7UHHP/LIH,QVXUDQF • Boat Storage • Bunkie ,VVXHDJHVWKURXJK • Equipment Storage 2VBMJUZ
#VJMEJOHT
BU
"ąPSEBCMF
1SJDFT • Garage/Shop • PWC/Snowmobile
 ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊf£ää]äääÊÊÊÊÊfÓxä]äää ҋ [ҋ[ҋ  {x £Ó°Çn ÓÓ°Çx ҋ [ҋ [ҋ  • 30-year perforation warranty ҋ [ҋ [ҋ  • Full technical support from start to finish xx £È°£™ Σ°Ón ҋ [ҋ [ 0  • Fully customized to meet your needs • Factory-direct savings Èx Σ°äÈ Èn°{Ç 0LQLVҋ [ҋ ZLWKҋ [ҋ XQLWV 5DWHVILJXUHGRQPRQWKO\FRVWIRUIHPDOHQRQWREDFFRXVHUV Our building consultants are ready to take your call Call Toll Free Ask %5$1'215$0/(7  Today for a for XXXBEWBOUBHFTUFFMCVJMEJOHTDPN FREE! 1-800-668-5111 ext.   INFORMATION PACKAGE 91 4!,)#&/2-./  

$17,48(+,6725,&$/ WATER 67((/75866%5,'*(6 PROBLEMS ?? 2ZQD3LHFHRI&HQWUDO 7H[DV+LJKZD\+LVWRU\ ²&RPSOHWH,QVWDOODWLRQ² NO MORE NO MORE IRON! SULFUR!   40 x 50 x 10 = $8,437.00 NO MORE NO MORE COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL 40 x 60 x 12 = $9,362.00 SHOP • FARM HARDNESS! BACTERIA! 50 x 75 x 12 = $14,350.00 PROBLEMS SOLVED WITH 60 x 80 x 14 = $16,953.00 CALL TODAY FOR 100 x 150 x 14 (M-1) = $45,824.00 BUILDING QUOTE! NO SALT & NO CHEMICALS ALL SIZES MINI-STORAGE! 

28 TEXAS CO-OP POWER January 2011 MANUFACTURED HOME OR PIER & BEAM HOME MID – AMERICA L INSULATED CEMENT SKIRTING POLE BARN COMPANY O 3 designs & 11 colors to choose from! 30X50X10 SPECIAL N Galvalume. Material, Delivery, and const. Replace your vinyl skirting with STONECOTE. E Factory trusses and screws. 1-830-833-2547 S www.stonecote.com TOLL FREE 1-866-456-0959 T A R Bathe Safely & v Independently! M • Family-Owned, Texas-Built A • Lifetime guarantee against leaks* R • Fits any standard bathtub or shower space K • Full installation available E • Great for circulation, arthritis, stiff joints and relaxation T • Call for pricing and other details • We do not believe in high-pressure sales tactics 888-825-2362 Showroom located at A tradition of values. Now VA Approved 4053 Acton Hwy in Granbury, TX Standing by our customers for over three decades. member Better Business Bureau ... or we will come to you! www.bestbuywalkintubs.com/tx Finalizing agreements with a handshake is a tradition here and has been for generations. TSCRA Insurance Services is a tradition around here too. When you have a problem, or a question about coverage, you call a small team of professionals in Texas that know you and your family, not a huge call center far away. Continue the tradition and call TSCRA Insurance Services today. INSURANCE For more information call 1-800-252-2849 SERVICES, Inc. or visit our website at www.texascattleraisers.org. Common values. Uncommon service.

150 varieties of fruits and pecans for the Southwest. Family-owned and grown. Individual or family medical and dental • Medicare • Small business group medical 250 employees • Dental indemnity • Supplements For our 2010–11 Season Catalog, that pay money directly to you • Farm & ranch coverage • Property and equipment loss or damage • General liability • Identity theft call or visit us on the web. Business automobiles • Workers’ compensation • Umbrella/excess liability • Professional liability • Homeowners and renters (254) 893-6497 Automobile • Recreational vehicle • Animal mortality • Long-term care • Estate planning • Life and disability • Recreational coverage

Farm•Industrial•Commercial Prices F.O.B. Mfg. Plants; KeepKeep it Simple.Simple. Seal Stamped Blue Prints; Easy Bolt Together Design. KeKeepep it Heritage.Herrittaage. 25 YEAR COLOR WARRANTY PRICES INCLUDE COLOR SIDES & GALVALUME ROOF 30’ x 50’ x 10’...... $7,617 40’ x 60’ x 12’...... $10,696 60’ x 100’ x 12’...... $21,164 80’ x 100’ x 14’...... $27,660 AtAt HeHeritage,ritage, wwe’ree’re constanconstantlytly eevolvingvolving ttoo 100’ x 150’ x 14’...... $53,164 meet farmer’sfarmer’s needs head-on.headd-on. WhetherWhether Arena Special (roof & frame) 100’ x 100’ x 14’...$30,715 you’reyou’re iinn the marketmarket forffoor a buildingbuilding toto Based In protectprotect youryour tractors,tractors, or somethingsomething toto Texas keepkeep youryour livestocklivestock sheltered,sheltereed, wewe can help.help. (Local codes may affect prices) Today’sTToodad y’s ffarfarmermer hhas neneverver hadhd so manymany VISIT VISIT options.options. CallCall us todaytoday fforor sosolutionslutions OUR OUR thatthat bbestest suit youryour farm.farmm. WEBSITE WEBSITE

F a x : 9 4 0 - 4 8 4 - 6 7 4 6 e m a i l : [email protected] Website: www.RHINOBLDG.COM 1.800.643.5555 Toll Free 1-888-320-7466 HHeritageBuildings.comeritageBuildings.com

January 2011 TEXAS CO-OP POWER 29 L O N E S Wrinkles, Under-eye Dark Circles and Bags –Does Any CreamWork? T DEAR DORRIS: I am a It has the ingredient, Haloxyl, which penetrates the skin A R Dear vibrant woman of 55 years and breaks up the blood particles that cause those dark old. I feel 25 years old still, circles. Another ingredient, Eyeliss works to release the v Dorris: but I have lately developed M fat pockets that develop under the eye that appear as these wrinkles and dark A bags. circles under my eyes along with puffy bags, that make me R look older than I am. K The Dermagist Eye Revolution Gel® also works on E T I have tried many products that the Celebrities endorse, but wrinkles by using Stem Cells to regenerate healthy skin they didn’t work. Is there any product out there that can really cells, and reduce wrinkles. As an overall treatment for get rid of these wrinkles, bags and dark circles? the skin around the eye area, this product is a serious choice that the other creams only aspire to compete Dark and Baggy, Tyler,TX with. Since it’s priced affordably, it will not be long until the whole world is talking about it. The DEAR DARKNESS : There is definitely a product Dermagist Eye Revolution Gel® is available online at that really works on your three big problems of Dermagist.com or you can order or learn more by wrinkles, dark circles, and bags. The product is the calling toll-free, 888-771-5355. Oh, I almost forgot… I industry’s best kept secret, and it’s called the Dermagist was given a promo code when I placed my order that Eye Revolution Gel® It is a light gel that you apply around the eye area, that has some serious scientific gave me 10% off. The code was “TXEYE3u. It’s worth ingredients that do exactly what you’re looking for. a try to see if it still works.

“Building“BBuiuilddini g Solutions”Soolulutit onns”s ...with...wwiti h integrity!ini tetegrg ity!y!

ull Service Post-Frame F Design & ing 27 States an Constru e 1992 Serv d Over 10 ction Sinc ,000 Cus 0- tomers 1-80 582-BA oney Do RN(2276) No M wn t Licen t ajor Cre sed, Bon d Serious quality. All M dit Cards A ded & Fully Insure t ccepted FAX: 1-866-582-1400 E-mail: sales@nationalb TEXAS SALES REP arn.com Now Available

United-BiltUnited-Bilt HomesHomes areare “stick-built”“stick-built” fromffrrom thethe onon toto you.you. United-BiltUnited-Bilt hashas pputut moremore thanthan 30,00030,000 HIGH RATES grgroundound up,up, and qualityquality isis thethe watchwordwatchword forffoor familiesfamilies inintoto ttheirheir drdreameam hhomes.omes. NNoo ototherher llocalocal everyevery phase of the buildinbuildingg pprocess.rocess. WWeeo ownwn and builder can claim that kindkind of expeexperience.rience. When on Bank CDs operateoperate ourour ownown lumberyard,lumberyard, soso wwee ggetet tthehe bbestest youyou getget seriousserious aboutaabbout bbuildinguilding youryour ownown customcustom TEXAS TOLL-FREE materialsmaterials atat thethe bbestest pprice,rice, ffoforor savingssaavvings wwee passpass built home, home, givegive us a call.. 1-800-359-4940 In-houseIInn-house financing wiwithith ZERO downdown & no paymentspayments forfor 6 mos! BLAKE MATTSON, CFP™ AustinAAuustin FFortort WWoWorthorth TTeTerrellerrell BBeaumonteaumont HHoustonouston TTeTexarkanaexarrkkana Signal Securities, Inc. CClevelandleveland RRosenbergosenberg TTyTyleryler 5400 Bosque, 4th Floor, Waco, TX 76710 CCorpusorpus ChristiChristi SSanan Antonio “Serving Customers All Over Texas” DDallasallas SShermanherman All CDs are insured to $250,000 per institution by the FDIC. All CDs are subject to availability. Securities offered through Signal 800.756.2506800.756.2506 ubh.comm Securities, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. 700 Throckmorton, * With aapprovedpproved credit fforor qqualifiedualified land ownowners.ers. Lic Res Mort Lender ARAR,LA,MS,MO,OK,TX,LA,MS,MO,OK,TX NMLNMLS#39943S#39943 Ft. Worth, TX 76102 (817)877-4256.

30 TEXAS CO-OP POWER January 2011 L MAKE YOUR KNEES FEEL 20 YEARS YOUNGER O N RECEIVE A E Thermal Knee S SAVE $797 T Warmers A Off Catalog Price R BUY 1 Pair WITH EVERY ORDER v $ 97 M @ 7 A

R T

T K Get 2nd Pair R

R E

O O

F

F T

M

FREE M

O O

C Instant C

Therapeutic Relief! &&

HH TT MM RR AA WW IINN SS EE Perfect EE NN For Arthritis KK Relieve Aching Sufferers SS SS Knee Joints with EE RR AA Therapeutic Warmth CC Dept. 64085 © 2010 Dream Products, Inc. Products, Dream 64085 © 2010 Dept.

Order Toll Free 1-800-530-2689

www.DreamProductsCatalog.com (web offers may vary) INSTANT THERAPY Thermal Knee Warmers Dept 64085 FOR ACHING KNEES! (96870) JCheck or money order payable to: Dream Products, Inc. Experience quick pain relief from stiff, Charge my: K VISA K MasterCard K Discover®/NOVUSSMCards achy, arthritic knee joints. Cozy soft ____Thermal Knee Warmers(s) therapeutic knee warmers caress your @ $7.97 pr. Card# Expiration Date / legs in warmth & comfort at home or Buy 1 Pair, Get 2nd Pair FREE $ away. Gently elasticized for a snug non- binding comfortable fit perfect under CA residents must add 8.25% sales tax $ slacks or over hosiery. Import made of Name soft, washable 100% acrylic knit. One Add $4.95 Shipping & Handling Address size fits most. Buy one pair, get second (no matter how many you order!) $ 4.95 pair Free! Order today and receive a City ST Zip

FREE SURPRISE GIFT! PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY TOTAL SEND Dream Products, Inc. $ ORDER Satisfaction Guaranteed or Return For Your Money Back TO: 412 DREAM LANE, VAN NUYS, CA 91496

January 2011 TEXAS CO-OP POWER 31 L O N E S If you suffer from… T     A Q Lack of Energy Q Back Pain Q Poor Q Insomnia R Q Fibromyalgia Q High Blood Circulation Q Neuropathy v Q Joint Pain Pressure Q Obesity Q Diabetes M     A Q Constipation Q Restless Legs Q Edema Q Arthritis R 3YNDROME Q Multiple K E 3CLEROSIS T Q +NEE0AIN Q 3PINAL3TENOSIS Q Lymphedema 81 year old with pacemaker using the Exerciser 2000 Elite® Q 3TRESS

You owe it to yourself ® to own the Exerciser 2000 %LITE Receive some of the benefits of aerobic exercise without stress or impact on the joints! Tone muscles Increase mobility The Exerciser 2000 Elite® is a passive exercise machine CAPABLEOFPROVIDINGPOSITIVERESULTS3TUDIESINDICATEPASSIVE exercise can be extremely beneficial, especially to those who Relieve stiffness from head to toe are unable to do aerobic type exercise. Exercising on a regular basis is essential to our overall well-being. The Exerciser 2000 Elite® is superior to similar models on the market and will easily accommodate individuals Increase circulation throughout the body weighing up to 425 pounds. It does not take up a great deal of space and is low maintenance. Operating the machine is simple…just lie down and relax. The machine Energize the body creates a gentle, right to left movement, which cycles up through the whole body. People of all ages, with a wide variety of Features health issues, are using the Exerciser s"UILTINAN)3/  2000 Elite® on a daily basis and CERTIFIED facility s&$!#LASS2EGISTERED receiving wonderful results. s%4,!PPROVAL The Exerciser 2000 Elite® comes s7EIGHSONLY with a standard 2 year parts 15 pounds and labor warranty! It is built sWIDEX for long term use and will provide DEEPXHIGH many years of in-home therapy, as well as peace of mind knowing 90 day no risk you own the highest quality money back machine available. A+ Rating guarantee

32 TEXAS CO-OP POWER January 2011 L O N Customer I am 76 years old, heavy, stiff with E arthritis and a leukemic for the past S I am an 88 year old woman with nine years. Using your machine T Feedback multiple health problems. After twice a day has made me feel ten A seeing the ad for the Exerciser 2000 R I have had such lower back pain years younger. I also have a great Elite® I ordered it and use it daily. that I could hardly stand it. I saw deal more energy. When you say that I can tell it has improved circula- v M your ad two years ago and thought your company is in the business of tion in my legs and by doing that it A it wouldn’t help me. But, I ordered “helping people feel better”, it is has helped my balance and walking no fib! —Kate B. R one anyway. I have used it for four problems. To those of you that think K months now. I have very little back that you can’t do regular exercise E pain, am more regular, and I sleep anymore, try this piece of equipment T much better thanks to the I am 97 years old and have edema in and you will be amazed how much Exerciser 2000. —C. Cordes my left foot and leg. My daughter better you will feel.—Mildred F. saw the Exerciser 2000 in an ad and encouraged me to try it. It is helping a lot and I feel alive again. As a Chiropractor, I would say the Little did I know when I ordered the Thank you!—Grace R. Exerciser 2000 enables people to Exercise 2000 Elite® that it would benefit themselves at home. It is prove valuable to my wife of 62 a valuable asset in moving lymph years. I got it for the stiffness in my After using the Exerciser 2000 fluid, oxygenating the blood, legs and it works perfectly to get me ® Elite twice a day for one week the increasing immune system function, loosened up after playing tennis in swelling in my ankles went away. It maintaining mobility in the spine, the morning. When I come home has also helped my breathing, as I and freeing up a spine that had I immediately get on the Exerciser can get out and walk without having ® become stiff and arthritic. 2000 Elite for ten minutes and to stop and catch my breath! —Garry G., D.C. I feel great! My wife suffers from Thank you. —Shirley H., Florida restless leg syndrome at night. Instead of walking the floor for a long period of time, she just gets on the Exerciser for ten minutes and the symptoms subside. —Dick P.

Do you have trouble ® Experience the Exerciser 2000 Elite getting down on the floor? Order Today The Clark Exerciser Elite Table is specially designed to use with the Exerciser 2000 Elite® and is sold separately. To view product video and customer feedback, visit FACTORY DIRECT PRICE www.clarkenterprises2000.com $349.95 and FREE shipping 1-800-748-7172 in the lower contiguous 48 states. Clark ENTERPRISES 2000 INC Use code C500 when ordering. T he helping people feel better company Family owned since 1959 240 Berg 2OADs3ALINA +3 Save on reconditioned units when available. Price, terms and conditions subject to change without notice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. 220/230 volt model available for International use Not intended to treat, cure or prevent any diseases.

January 2011 TEXAS CO-OP POWER 33 L O Brazil Expedition Uncovers Special Offer N Receive a $100 Stauer E Thousands of Carats of Gift Coupon wit S purchase of this necklace.h the T Exquisite Natural Emeralds A Yes, you read that right R Brandish a whopping 50 carats of genuine . v South American emeralds in a handcrafted M A new necklace design for less than $200... “You will rarely find R an emerald necklace with K and get a $100 Stauer Gift Coupon! 50 carats and certainly not at this price!” E T alfway into our ambitious trek through the rain — JAMES T. F ENT, Stauer forest I had to remind myself that “Nothing good GIA Graduate Gemologist H comes easy.” These days it seems that every business trip to Brazil includes a sweltering hike through overgrown jungles, around cascading waterfalls and down steep rock cliffs. But our gem broker insisted it was worth the trouble. To tell you the truth, for the dazzling emeralds he delivered, I’d gladly go back to stomping through jaguar country. Now our good fortune is your great reward. Don’t miss this rare If for any reason opportunity to own an impressive 50 carat strand of genuine you are not dancing South American emeralds for under $200. And for a limited the Samba with pure time, we’ll sweeten every necklace order with a $100 Stauer satisfaction after receiving Gift Coupon! your faceted emerald neck- Faced with this embarrassment of riches, our designer trans- lace, simply return it to us for formed this spectacular cache of large stones (each is over 8 a full refund of the purchase carats average weight) into a stunning 50 ctw necklace of faceted price. But we’re confident that emeralds set into .925 sterling silver. Each emerald is surrounded when you examine this stunning A. by delicate sterling silver rope work and filigree in the Bali-style. jewelry, you’ll be reminded of the 50 ctw of The 18" necklace dangles from a sterling silver chain that fastens raw beauty of the Amazon rain genuine emeralds. Enlarged to with a secure double-sided shepherd’s hook clasp. forests mixed with the flash and show details. dazzle of the exotic Carnaval in What is the source of our Rio de Janeiro. Call Today. emerald’s timeless appeal? This cache of genuine emer- alds is extremely limited. The enchanting color of the Stauer Carnaval Faceted Emerald Necklace comes from nature’s chemistry. Our polished and faceted, well-formed natural emeralds are immediately recognized as something special. Indeed, when we evaluated A. Carnaval Necklace (50 ctw) $195 +S&P these emeralds, color was the most important quality factor. B. Carnaval Ring (13 ctw) $125 +S&P Today, scientists tell us that the human eye is more sensitive C. Carnaval Earrings (20 ctw) $125 +S&P B. to the color green than to any other. Perhaps that is why D. Carnaval Bracelet (50 ctw) $175 +S&P green is so soothing to the eye, and why the color green Carnaval Collection (83 ctw) $445 complements every other color in your wardrobe. Includes necklace, ring and earrings. Now only $295 +S&P Save $150! Emeralds are, by weight, the most *Special Offer—Receive a $100 Stauer valuable gemstone in the world. Gift Coupon with the purchase of each individual Carnaval. C. Now you can wear genuine emeralds and feel great about knowing that you were able to treat yourself to precious gems 1-888-306-7179 without paying a precious price. A 100+ carat emerald necklace Promotional Code FEN361-02 Please mention this code when you call. found on Rodeo Drive or 5th Avenue could cost well over 14101 Southcross Drive W., $250,000…but not from Stauer. Wear and admire the exquisite Stauer® Dept. FEN361-02 D. Carnaval Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 Stauer Faceted Emerald Necklace for 30 days. www.stauer.com Smart Luxuries—Surprising Prices FOCUS ON TEXAS

MAN’S BEST FRIEND Scratch a dog’s back, and you’ll have yourself a full- time job. No matter what cloud darkens your day, your dog is always there to warm your heart and cheer your soul. He practices what humanity should strive for: Love unconditionally. Forgive and forget. Play often. This month, we salute the most loyal of companions. —ashley clary

We received far too many wonderful photos to print. Go to www.TexasCoopPower.com to see more.

Squeals is the best friend that 2-year-old Wyatt could possibly have. Wyatt is the son of Hamilton County Electric Cooperative members Rebecca and Cody Alderson. 5

1 Lady and Banx, decked out in their life jackets aboard a pontoon boat, keep an eye on the family during a swim. The two are the grand- dogs of Central Texas Electric Cooperative member Judy Bettison.

7 Even though Fayette Electric Cooperative member Julius Bartek was dead set against hav- ing pets, a certain little puppy that his wife, Clara, brought 1 Farrah is always happy to ride shotgun with Central Texas Electric home one day won him over. Cooperative member Donnie Hopson. Julius named him Butch before that night was over, and they’ve Comanche Electric Cooperative member Meridith Martin sent us this been inseparable ever since. inspiring picture of her sister Jennifer Martin and her dog Bailey. “That photo truly tells the story of their relationship,” Meridith says. 3

Upcoming in Focus on Texas SPRINGTIME IN TEXAS is the topic for our MARCH 2011 issue. Send your photo—along with your name, ISSUE SUBJECT DEADLINE address, daytime phone, co-op affiliation and a brief description—to Springtime, Focus on Texas, 1122 Mar Springtime in Texas Jan 10 Colorado St., 24th Floor, Austin, TX 78701, before JAN- UARY 10. A stamped, self-addressed envelope must Apr Catch of the Day Feb 10 be included if you want your entry returned (approx- imately six weeks). Please do not submit irreplace- May Unlikely Duos Mar 10 able photographs—send a copy or duplicate. If you use a digital camera, submit your highest resolution June Murals Apr 10 images on our website at www.TexasCoopPower.com. July Those Were the Days May 10 We regret that Texas Co-op Power cannot be responsi- ble for photos that are lost in the mail or not received Aug Milestones Jun 10 by the deadline. Please note that we cannot provide individual critiques of submitted photos.

January 2011 TEXAS CO-OP POWER 35 AROUNDTEXASAROUNDTEXAS

This is just a sampling of the events ROUND TOP and festivals around and about Texas. 22 International Festival For the complete listing, please visit JANUARY Institute Music Series– www.TexasCoopPower.com. James Dick Piano Recital, STEPHENVILLE [7–9, 21– (979) 249-3129, 22] Chicken House Flea PICK OF THE MONTH 07 www.festivalhill.org Market, (254) 592-6674 PORT ARANSAS CORPUS CHRISTI [7–15] Tour of Homes, JANUARY 15 Nueces County Junior LAKE JACKSON (361) 834-4130, www.port Livestock Show & Sale, aransasgardenclub.org Bird Banding (979) 480-0999, (361) 387-5395, 7 www.gcbo.org www.ncjls.com CORPUS CHRISTI LAKE JACKSON Yvonne Nueces County Junior Livestock Washington Concert with BRENHAM [8–9] Show & Sale Brazosport Jazz, Winter Antiques Show, 08 (979) 230-3156, 1-888-273-6426, www SAN ANGELO www.clarion.brazosport .ruraltexasantiques.com 13 Live Music in the .edu TYLER Courtyard, 09 East Texas Wedding (325) 653-4936 Extravaganza, SURFSIDE BEACH (903) 484-4309, 22 15 Surfside Shuffle 5K/10K, ROUND TOP www.easttexaswedding (979) 233-1531, events.com International Festival Institute www.surfsideshuffle.com Music Series-James Dick Piano Recital AUSTIN [13–16] FREDERICKSBURG Travis County Youth Show, 13 [15–16] Hill Country Gem (512) 278-8498, & Mineral Show, www.traviscounty (830) 895-9630, youthshow.org www.fredericksburgrock hounds.org

BIRD: 2010 © MICHAEL SKELTON. IMAGE FROM BIGSTOCK.COM. CALF: 2010 © PJMORLEY. IMAGE FROM BIGSTOCK.COM. PIANO: 2010 © ANTHONY ELSETINOW. IMAGE FROM BIGSTOCK.COM. 7XIIP1SFMPI ,SQI6SS½RK VSSJSZIVGSQ 

%'823;XSUYEPMJ]JSVEXE\GVIHMX SJYTXS )\TMVIW -RGVIEWIXLIZEPYISJ ]SYVLSQI )RIVK]7XEV'IVXM½IH 'YX]SYVIPIGXVMGFMPP 7XSTPIEOW 0-*)8-1);%66%28=

7MRGI 

36 TEXAS CO-OP POWER January 2011 AROUNDTEXASAROUNDTEXAS

KILLEEN 22 KNCT Wine Classic, (254) READY TO GO? 526-1442, www.knct.org FEBRUARY GO ONLINE FIRST. CLIFTON STONEWALL Before you hit the road, stop 29 BARK Hearts & BARKs 05 Old Time German at the new and improved Gala, (254) 675-0089, Smokehouse Secrets, www.TexasCoopPower.com www.barkrescue.org (830) 644-2252 to search for events by date, 29 region, type and keyword. FREDERICKSBURG LOCKHART You can also find the easy-to- Hill Country Indian Lodge Wild & Not So navigate Travel section with Artifact Show Wild Game Dinner, all our popular Hit the Road (512) 764-2585 and travel features. MIDLAND So no matter if you're 29 West Texas Winds Spring fixin' to get away to the Piney Concert, (432) 563-0921, Woods or the Panhandle www.visitmidlandtexas Plains (and all points .com between), your getaway just got easier. FREDERICKSBURG Get a move on at Hill Country Indian www.TexasCoopPower.com. Artifact Show, (830) 626-5561 Event information can be submitted on our website at ATHENS [29–30] www.TexasCoopPower.com, Jack Russell Dog Show, mailed to Around Texas, (903) 670-3324 1122 Colorado St., 24th Floor, ATHENS Austin, TX 78701, or faxed to PORT ARANSAS (512) 763-3407. Please Note: All Things Bridal Show, 31 Port A Merchant’s Dine We are no longer accepting (903) 677-2001, www Around, 1-800-452-6278, e-mailed submissions. Please .athenscaincenter.com www.portaransas.org submit events for March by January 10.

DOG: 2010 © ERIC ISSELÉE. IMAGE FROM BIGSTOCK.COM. ARROWHEADS: 2010 © MICHELE BAGDON. IMAGE FROM BIGSTOCK.COM. GAME DINNER: 2010 © PHILLIP MINNIS. IMAGE FROM BIGSTOCK.COM. LOW COST Mobile Home Insurance

Complete coverage Superior service Easy payment plans (Including credit cards) Low deductibles Free & easy online quotes

Serving Texas Mobile Homeowners since 1961 www.stdins.com Start Saving OR CALL BECKY AT 8005220146

January 2011 TEXAS CO-OP POWER 37 HIT THE ROAD

It’s not on the road to anywhere big. It’s feel special, and the food doesn’t considered part of East Texas’ Piney change one’s opinion. Extremely well- Woods belt but also is a showcase for EAST TEXAS prepared Italian entrées and wood- dogwoods in spring and spectacular fired pizzas are served along with leaves in the fall. And because it’s a bit off steaks and lamb. the beaten path, Winnsboro has devel- GEM When it’s time to settle down for the oped as a destination in its own right. Winnsboro couples small-town charm night, there are plenty of choices. AUNT Winnsboro, southeast of Sulphur ANN’S COTTAGE is a three-bedroom cot- with the sights and sounds of the big city. Springs in the northeastern corner of tage on a working cattle ranch. You’ll the state, was one of the first East Texas BY JAN ADAMSON have your own kitchen and lots of pri- towns to bring music downtown vacy for relaxing. THE FARMHOUSE in a big way. THE CROSSROADS at Hunter’s Moon Farm is a MUSIC COMPANY was started in 1930s farmhouse that has been 2005 by singer/songwriters updated for the comfort of Lynn Adler and Lindy Hearne, today’s traveler. The cottage has honoring Winnsboro’s 1854 two bedrooms, two porches and name—Crossroads. The venue’s a kitchen for the use of overnight owner, Gus Gustafson, is craft- guests. And THEE HUBBELL HOUSE ing a new home for the music is a southern plantation estate hall with concerts being held in nestled among gardens and 400- the city’s downtown arts district. year-old oak trees. In addition to “We want to be the venue that a separate cottage, there are five supplies Winnsboro with some rooms in the mansion and six in fantastic entertainment oppor- the carriage house. Both houses tunities,” Gustafson says. “We’ll are wrapped with porches just keep the big names coming and, right for enjoying the setting. partnered with the Center for After all that music, big the Arts, we’ll expand what we’re plates of great food and a good offering.” night’s sleep, a little shopping is Crossroads isn’t a restaurant, definitely in order. and it’s not a bar—it’s a music BEAUWEEVIL’S is an antiques venue. You can usually get a cup mall with vendors all showing of coffee, a bottle of water or a the best of their wares. Soy can- soft drink, but any other bever- dles and goat’s milk soap and ages you’ll have to bring yourself. Most desserts—such as apple, peach, apricot lotions are specialties of the house. of all, patrons are asked to bring a and cherry fried pies and coconut- To deck out your home and kitchen, healthy love for and respect of music. cream pie—polish off the experience. LADLES TO LINENS can equip the most Once Crossroads found success in The steakhouse also hosts concert demanding gourmet. There’s also a Winnsboro, other music venues sprang nights featuring live music. wine-tasting bar, and you can get a bot- up. BREWBAKER’S RESTAURANT & PUB is tle of wine with a personalized label to ART & ESPRESSO features music most one of the newer music venues, offering make any occasion special. Friday nights, serving assorted coffee a wide assortment of musical styles, Winnsboro has worked hard at dis- drinks, pastries and ice cream. And both indoors and outdoors in its brew tinguishing itself as a go-to place for there’s the occasional poetry reading. garden. The restaurant serves food all food and music, but it’s also a haven for “We’ve got great coffee, great pastries, day, and my favorite lunch here is the the arts. The 3RD FRIDAY ARTS FEST CRAZY great lunches,” says owner Marilyn sizzling goat cheese salad—mixed DAZE is a monthly arts festival featuring Arnaud. “And we have a diverse talent greens with roasted red peppers, kala- downtown vendors, art classes and selection here on Fridays.” mata olives and sautéed rounds of exhibits, and the Winnsboro Center for Although the DOUBLE C STEAKHOUSE breaded goat cheese dressed with a bal- the Arts sponsors an art gallery with AND SALOON makes its home in what samic vinaigrette. original works for sale. may have been a stand-alone saloon or For a really special dinner before Winnsboro may be off the beaten gambling hall long ago, it has found one of the concerts in town, CIBOVINO is path, but you’ve definitely arrived at other ways nowadays to entertain its a great choice. You’ll feel like you’ve someplace special when you get here. clientele. Huge flat-iron steaks, just arrived in Tuscany when you open chicken-fried steaks and catfish start the restaurant’s doors. Dark woods and Jan Adamson is a freelance writer diners on their way while homemade Italian-style murals just make ciboVino based in Grand Saline.

38 TEXAS CO-OP POWER January 2011 ILLUSTRATION BY GIL ADAMS    

                       !"  #  $     %  &  ' '  (     )        ( *     + ,   (        $#   !-"./0#    $# ($  1  ++  $   ## +  2  3    (       $ +    $ #      $

Own Gov’t Issued Gold Coins      DUE TO STRICT LIMITED AVAILABILITY, TELEPHONE ORDERS $ 27 WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVE BASIS ACCORDING TO THE TIME AND DATE OF THE ORDER. 154 

       ED STA IT T E        N S

U

•      

•

G

O S          V’ N I T O          G C OLD                             !"#       $"         %&' ()%)* +,!""-                -     . / 0   1 2   3    4$!567                 4!""""&  8

-4     !-"./0 "4     !    00-5" -64      !  -,"./06

                     7789 % 8' :87-6 ;

    1-800-916-4685 MASTERCARD • VISA • AMEX • DISCOVER • CHECK

%     ( <        -           

(        9  -  :  9        -      ;6"$"    9  -  :  9   Born with farming in your blood?

Rural Land Loans Country Home Loans Farm & Ranch Loans Livestock & Equipment Loans Operating Capital RRealeal EEstatestate AAppraisalppraisal SServiceservices We’reWWee’rree tththehhee answanswer.weeerrr.. AAgribusinessgribusiness FinaFinancingncing CapitalCapital FarFarmm CreCreditdit ̶ TTexas’exas’ llargestargest rruralural llenderender ̶ hhasas bbeeneen LLeasingeasing mamakingking lloansoans fforor aagriculturegriculture anandd rurarurall reareall estate since 1917. TheThe source of our strenstrengthgth is our coocooperativeperative structure: WWee shareshare oourur eearningsarnings wwithith oourur bborrowersorrowers aandnd ooperateperate iinn ttheirheir bbestest interests.interests. IInn fact,act, we havhave ave rreturnedetu rned mmoreo re tha tthan an $300 mimillionllio n to our customers.customers.

CapitalFarmCredit.comCapitalFarmCredit.com 877.944.55008777..944.5500

TEXAS’T E X A S ’ LLARGESTA R G E S T RRURALU R A L LLENDERE N D E R