Texas Co-Op Power • December 2020

2012_local covers custom.qxp 11/11/20 2:11 PM Page 7

GERMANS TRANSFORM GIVING TEXANS HOLIDAY MEAL HiLL COUNtry tHE HEAvENS MAiN EvENt

FOr PEDErNALES EC MEMbErS DECEMbEr 2020 Sweet Life

Panaderías serve up pan dulce and traditions held dear in Mexican American culture

ENROLL IN PEC’S POWER OF CHANGE PROGRAM

SEE PAgE 18

PLUS 20 Create a Safe and Efficient Holiday Lights Display 21 Enter PEC’s Home Holiday Lights Contest 22 Access PEC’s New EmpowerU Education Program Online

contents December 2020

04 currents The latest buzz

06 tcP talk Readers respond

18 co-op news Information plus energy and safety tips from your cooperative

29 Footnotes in texas History He Gave Us the Stars By W.F. Strong

30 tcP Kitchen The Main Event By Megan Myers

34 Hit the road Ghost Town Hangout 12 By Chet Garner

08 37 Focus on texas Sweet Burgs in a Photo Contest: Memories New Land On Wheels visits to panaderías for pan A wave of German immigrants dulce create cherished family 175 years ago transformed 38 observations bonds for mexican Americans. the texas hill Country. Hooked on Worms By Tom Widlowski By Vianney Rodriguez By Dan Oko Photos by Eric W. Pohl Illustration by David Vogin Illustration by Tim Carroll

On the COver vianney rodriguez with her favorite pan dulce selections. Photo by Jason David Page AbOve traces of German culture in the hill Country. Illustration by David Vogin

texAsCOOppOwer.COm deCember 2020 TEXAS COOP POWER 3

Currents

“Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.”

—CHarles m. sCHUlz

Park Pride texas has two of the best state parks in the country. Palo duro Canyon state Park, in the panhandle, and Brazos Bend state Park, about 45 miles southwest of downtown houston, rank second and third according to a national rating by hometoGo. Looking Brighter

as the Northern sure, nigHts Are getting longer Hemisphere approaches the winter solstice, December 21 —but there’s a bright side. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, holiday lighting makes American suburbs up to 50% brighter than usual, even after midnight, The New York Times reports. Those PAlo duro cAnyon stAte PArK strings of lights and blinking reindeer, which use enough electricity to power 800,000 homes for a year, can be observed from space. the vacation rental website ranked parks based on soli- start counting tude, activities, wildlife and you’d need 2,683 led lights on your roof for nearby accommodations. them to be seen from letchworth state Park in space, say researchers new York took the top spot. at england's University of leicester. spACe: serG-dAv | shutterstOCk.COm. stAte pArk: ChAse A. FOuntAIn | tpwd

4 TEXAS COOP POWER deCember 2020 texAsCOOppOwer.COm FinisH tHis sentence I WISH That Frozen I COULd ... tell us how you would finish Concoction that sentence. email your short responses to letters@texas , Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville peaked at No. 8 Cooppower.com or comment on during tHe suMMer oF 1977 on the music charts. The defining song of his career has a place in the Grammy our Facebook post. Include your Hall of Fame for its cultural and historic significance. It tells of the first huge co-op and town. here are some wave of tourists to hit Key West, Florida, decades earlier and the laid-back of the responses to our October lifestyle they discovered. prompt: the best christmas gift And it was written in Austin. Buffett enjoyed the titular refreshing beverage i ever got was … in 1976 at Lung’s Cocina del Sur on Anderson Lane, which inspired him to wax lyrical at a friend’s house about “that frozen concoction that helps me hang on.” A majorette record player that my dad bought for me three days before he died. beCkY hOlzhAus m e d I n A e C CAstrOvIlle

when the neurologist removed a tumor from my son’s pituitary gland in his brain and found no cancer. F r A n b A C A C O s e r v CrOss rOAds

my brothers coming home from world war II and the korean war. d O n m A s O n heArt OF texAs eC G At e s v I l l e

my adopted son, born dec. 22 and received in our arms dec. 26. dee susAn mAGellA AzeredO vIA FACebOOk

my brother, who was born on Christmas eve 1957. w. GrAnt brAlY GuAdAlupe vAlleY eC C u e r O

A texas-shaped waffle maker. I was so happy I cried. susAn prOkOsCh vIA FACebOOk z did you Know? to see more responses, read oh, and Buffett turns Currents online. 74 on Christmas day. Contests and More let’s all send him shakers of salt.

on texAscooPPower.coM $500 reciPe contest potluck dishes Focus on texAs PHotos storms web extrA how ut’s mcdonald Observatory mArGArItA: edFOtO | dreAmstIme.COm. buFFett: AmAndA edwArds | GettY ImAGes. stOrm: vAldezrl | dOllAr phOtO Club grants visitors access to the cosmos.

texAsCOOppOwer.COm deCember 2020 TEXAS COOP POWER 5 TCP Talk

why Horses wear shoes “I was reminded of my great- grandfather Smith. He was the town’s blacksmith and farrier back in Pennsylvania. His forge was ﬁred with Pennsylvania coal. ”

f r a n k o T T ConCHo valley eC e o l a krIstIn tYler

co-ops count encountering srv bittersweet Keepsake Who knew our electric employees “are I was a limo driver in the The best Christmas gift I ever

so much more than power providers”? they wear shoes so 1970s, ’80s and ’90s. One got was a cassette player with How can so few get so much done in all they don’t hurt their of the approximately 100 a cassette still in it, which my types of weather year after year, often feet when kicking celebrities I met was Stevie parents had used Christmas under treacherous conditions [By the their owners [Why Ray Vaughan [Letters, Eve while setting out presents Horses Wear Shoes, Numbers, October 2020]? [Finish This Sentence, Octo- October 2020]. October 2020]. I picked him and his mother up in Oak ber 2020]. On the cassette they bObbY bArrOn Jane patterson vIA FACebOOk Cliﬀ. This was the same were laughing, joking and bowie-Cass eC month that he died in the talking about us three girls. I texarkana helicopter crash. never told them about the cassette, nor did I tell my younger vance k. Apple sisters. I am the oldest of three Coserv girls and was 10 then. Frisco The reason this is so very special is that on March 30, 1975, just three months later, Daddy was murdered, and those were the only words write to us I could hold and continue [email protected] to have of him. My youngest sister was only 2, and for her editor, texas Co-op power 1122 Colorado st., 24th Floor these were the only words Austin, tx 78701 she would ever hear from her father. Please include your electric co-op and town. letters may be edited for clarity and length. dedria tanton sam houston eC shAw nIelsen texas Co-op power rye

texAs electric cooPerAtives boArd oF directors texas co-op power volume 77, number 6 (usps 540-560). Texas Co-op Power is published chair robert loth III, Fredericksburg • vice chair Gary raybon, el Campo monthly by texas electric Cooperatives (teC). periodical postage paid at Austin, tx, and at additional secretary-treasurer kelly lankford, san Angelo • board Members Greg henley, tahoka offices. teC is the statewide association representing 75 electric cooperatives.Texas Co-op Power’s website is texasCooppower.com. Call (512) 454-0311 or email [email protected]. billy Jones, Corsicana • david mcGinnis, van Alstyne • doug turk, livingston subscriPtions subscription price is $4.20 per year for individual members of subscribing coop- President/ceo mike williams, Austin eratives and is paid from equity accruing to the member. If you are not a member of a subscribing coMMunicAtions & MeMber services coMMittee cooperative, you can purchase an annual subscription at the nonmember rate of $7.50. Individual marty haught, burleson • bill hetherington, bandera • ron hughes, sinton copies and back issues are available for $3 each. boyd mcCamish, littlefield • John ed shinpaugh, bonham • robert walker, Gilmer PostMAster send address changes to Texas Co-op Power (usps 540-560), 1122 Colorado st., buff whitten, eldorado • brandon Young, mcGregor 24th Floor, Austin, tx 78701. please enclose label from this copy of Texas Co-op Power showing old address and key numbers. MAgAzine stAFF Advertising Advertisers interested in buying display ad space in Texas Co-op Power and/or in vice President, communications & Member services martin bevins our 30 sister publications in other states, contact elaine sproull at (512) 486-6251. Advertisements editor Charles J. lohrmann • Associate editor tom widlowski in Texas Co-op Power are paid solicitations. the publisher neither endorses nor guarantees in any Production Manager karen nejtek • creative Manager Andy doughty manner any product or company included in this publication. product satisfaction and delivery re- Advertising Manager elaine sproull • senior communications specialist Chris burrows sponsibility lie solely with the advertiser. © Copyright 2020 texas electric Cooperatives Inc. repro- Print Production specialist Grace Fultz • communications specialist travis hill duction of this issue or any portion of it is expressly prohibited without written permission. willie Food editor megan myers • communications specialist Jessica ridge wiredhand © Copyright 2020 national rural electric Cooperative Association. digital content Producer Chris salazar • senior designer Jane sharpe Proofreader shannon Oelrich

6 TEXAS COOP POWER deCember 2020 texAsCOOppOwer.COm Bad to the Bone Full tang stainless steel blade with natural bone handle —now ONLY $79! he very best hunting knives possess a perfect balance of form and Tfunction. They’re carefully constructed from fine materials, but EXCLUSIVE also have that little something extra to connect the owner with nature. FREE If you’re on the hunt for a knife that combines impeccable craftsmanship Stauer® 8x21 with a sense of wonder, the $79 Huntsman Blade is the trophy you’re Compact looking for. Binoculars The blade is full tang, meaning it doesn’t stop at the handle but -a $99 value- extends to the length of the grip for the ultimate in strength. The with purchase of blade is made from 420 surgical steel, famed for its sharpness and its Huntsman Blade resistance to corrosion. The handle is made from genuine natural bone, and features decorative wood spacers and a hand-carved motif of two overlapping feathers— a reminder for you to respect and connect with the natural world. This fusion of substance and style can garner a high price tag out in the marketplace. In fact, we found full tang, stainless steel blades with bone handles in excess of $2,000. Well, that won’t cut it around here. We have mastered the hunt for the best deal, and in turn pass the spoils on to our customers. But we don’t stop there. While supplies last, we’ll include a pair of $99, 8x21 power compact, binoculars and a genuine leather sheath FREE when you purchase the Huntsman Blade. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price. Limited Reserves. A deal like this won’t last long. We have only 1120 Huntsman Blades for this ad only. Don’t let this beauty slip through your fingers. Call today!

Huntsman Blade $249* Offer Code Price Only $79 + S&P Save $170 BONUS! Call today and you’ll also receive this 1-800-333-2045 genuine leather sheath! Your Insider Offer Code: HUK353-01 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price. Rating of A+

® 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. HUK-01 Stauer Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com *Discount is only for customers who use the offer code versus the What Stauer Clients listed original Stauer.com price. Are Saying About Our Knives California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product. “The feel of this knife Not shown is unbelievable...this • 12" overall length; 6 ¹⁄2" stainlessactual steel size. full tang blade • Genuine bone handle with brass hand guard & bolsters is an incredibly fine • Includes genuine leather sheath instrument.” — H., Arvada, CO Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

texAsCOOppOwer.COm deCember 2020 TEXAS COOP POWER 7 8 TEXAS COOP POWER deCember 2020 texAsCOOppOwer.COm By vianney rodriGUez • PHoTos By eriC w. PoHl illUsTraTion By Tim Carroll

Visits to panaderías for pan dulce create cherished family bonds in Mexican American culture

rowing up I spent summers with my abuelitos in Brownsville, and our Sunday morning visits to the panadería are a cherished memory. My Gsisters and I would quickly put on our shoes, tighten our ponytails and run to Abuelito Angel’s car. At the end of the five-minute drive, my grandfather would park and walk us into the bakery. The aroma was intoxicating. Like most panaderías, this one was self-serve, so my abuelo would grab a pair of tongs and a silver charola (tray) before he set us free. My sister would slowly pace the aisle, studying the colorful displays on each shelf. I, on the other hand, knew exactly what I wanted: two cereal-crusted galletas with the jelly center. They were my favorite then, and they still are. I would point to the galletas, and my abuelito would smile because he knew they were my favorite. To this day visiting a panadería reminds me of my late grandfather. Visiting a local panadería to buy pan dulce is a tradition we deeply love in our Mexican American culture. We enjoy pan dulce throughout the week with our morning café or for merienda (afternoon snack), and these special pastries are a major part of our holiday celebrations. Because panaderías are part of our daily lives, the folks at our local bakeries are part of our familia. We know them all, and when we stop in, we chat about our day, our children and life in general. Because we are a family, the pan dulce tastes that much sweeter. Every panadería has its regulars who want to keep the tradition of enjoying pan dulce alive for their children and grandchildren. They have their favorite pan dulce selections and arrive early to fill their bags. Pan dulce translates literally as sweet bread and includes a vast array of pastries that vary dramatically in size, shape, texture and flavor. My experience suggests there are several hundred varieties. Canda LePage of Brownsville says pan dulce conjures up fond memories about family time and being a carefree kid for her, too. “It’s also a very intergenerational thing,” she says, describing her grandmother, who was born in Mexico

texAsCOOppOwer.COm deCember 2020 TEXAS COOP POWER 9 and does not speak English. “I have very few things in common with her,” LePage says, “but when I bring out the pan dulce and coffee, she’ll start sharing stories of her youth. It’s my favorite time with her.” Pan dulce was originally heavily influenced by French baking Vianney’s techniques that Mexican bakers began to experiment with after May 1862, when the French were defeated at the Battle of Puebla. Pan Dulce Favorites Bakers began incorporating indigenous ingredients such as canela (cinnamon), fresh-ground corn flour, Mexican vanilla, piloncillo Bisquette this savory and (unrefined brown sugar), chocolate, nuts and native fruits. With sweet treat is more dense shapes like marranitos (piggies), bigotes (mustaches) and ojo de than the typical biscuit—often buey (ox eyes), each baker gives a nod to his or her culture. These enjoyed with butter or jam. shapes became the beloved names of the pan dulce we love today. And while that traditional character will always remain, the Churros dough squeezed bakers of today are continuing to put their own mark on pan into star-shaped sticks and dulce culture. fried; crisp churros are rolled Amanda Nolan, owner of Sweet Craft Vegan in Brownsville, in sugar. some are filled with scheduled the opening of her new storefront in early 2020. dulce de leche or cajeta Though she, too, describes childhood visits to the panadería as an (caramelized sugar) and are awesome experience and a special memory, her mother was very best dipped in steaming mugs health-conscious, so she decided to learn how to make a healthier of mexican hot chocolate. version of her favorite pastries. Vegan pan dulce was not readily available in South Texas, so she decided to teach herself. Concha this sweet bread, Baking became an obsession for Nolan. She honed her baking named for seashells, is a skills at Linda’s Cakes & Desserts, a Brownsville bakery, and sugar crust pastry that varies pitched owner Andrea Bernes on the idea of selling vegan in color and flavor at each pan dulce at the shop. The owner gave her the OK. So Nolan panadería. began sharing her creations on social media, and soon her vegan conchas (seashells) were scooped up by the dozen. Because they Cortadillo Also known as do not use any preservatives, her pastries must be sold each day, pastel de niños, this popular so calculating exact ingredients is essential to meeting demand. yellow cake is topped with pink Just as enjoying pan dulce is multigenerational, baking the icing and sprinkles, then sliced special pastries also is often shared among family. I interviewed into triangles. one Brownsville baker who worked in his family’s panadería for more than 25 years, learning the skill from his father and uncle. Cuernito the flaky “little Another Brownsville baker whose entire family works in the horn” is brushed with egg and panadería tells me that one of his primary goals for this year has dusted with sugar and some- been not just to stay in business but to protect his family and times filled with chocolate. employees during the COVID-19 pandemic—and to protect his customers, too. “We want them to bring their grandchildren into Elote Anise- or cinnamon- the panadería,” he says. scented dough filled with or- Throughout my travels in South Texas, I have visited many ange cinnamon cream, baked, panaderías that have become near and dear to my heart and have then rolled in sugar while warm helped me keep my abuelito’s memory alive. I encourage every- from the oven. one to visit a neighborhood panadería and meet the talented bakers carrying on this beloved tradition. Visit, Empanada Always quick enjoy the aromas and fill up your tray with these to sell out, an empanada is a irresistible special pastries. I promise you will crescent-shaped turnover of not be disappointed. flaky dough filled with pineap- Les mando amor y pan dulce. (I send them ple, pumpkin, cajeta or apples. love and pan dulce.) D Mantecado this is the muffin version of a pound cake and most often found in red wrappers. Maranito A pig-shaped cookie made from a cakelike dough similar to gingerbread vIAnneY rOdrIGuez: JAsOn dAvId pAGe

10 TEXAS COOP POWER deCember 2020 texAsCOOppOwer.COm Churros Maranito

Polvorone Cortadillo

Concha

Cuernito

Oreja Empanada

Oreja but actually flavored withpilon- An “ear” made from colors and flavors. variations cillo (unrefined brown sugar). flaky dough that is brushed include tricolores (three colors), Niño Envuelto with butter and sprinkled with sandía (watermelon), grageas this sugar to look like a French (with sprinkles), rosas (pink) “wrapped child” is similar to palmier. most often enjoyed and—my favorite—cereal- a jelly roll made from cake with afternoon café. crusted galleta with jelly. topped with a layer of straw- Polvorone or Galleta berry jelly, rolled and then topped with more jelly and this firm, crumbly cookie can shredded coconut. be found in an assortment of

texAsCOOppOwer.COm deCember 2020 TEXAS COOP POWER 11 12 TEXAS COOP POWER deCember 2020 texAsCOOppOwer.COm By dan oko • illUsTraTion By david voGin

BURGS IN a NEW LaNd 175 years ago, a wave of gerMAn iMMigrAnts transformed the texas Hill country

ach fall Wurstfest in New Braunfels and Oktoberfest on family and the team makes the game uniquely German in Fredericksburg celebrate German culture with and attracts children to the game. festive costumes, blaring polka music, and plenty of The locals know that youth involvement is essential to sausage and beer. With creative exploring, you can find a keeping cultural traditions alive. That’s why New Braunfels Equieter, family-oriented expression of German culture that traditions, such as the annual Kindermasken parade, a cos- endures in out-of-the-way corners of the Hill Country. tume ball for children usually held in May, have survived The Blanco Bowling Club, just east of the town’s court- since 1856. New Braunfels and Fredericksburg are this year house square, is one of fewer than a dozen nine-pin bowl- and next marking 175 years of keeping alive the German ing clubs in the German communities of Comal, Gillespie, culture brought here by immigrants, with various celebra- Bexar and Guadalupe counties. Nine-pin bowling harks tions planned for the coming months. back to the game played by German immigrants in the mid- New Braunfels was founded in 1845 by Prince Carl of 19th century and bears little resemblance to the 10-pin ver- Solms-Braunfels, who purchased land on the banks of the sion played in most bowling alleys. Comal River to establish a German colony. A year later a Nine-pin bowling is just one lasting cultural import that group of settlers from New Braunfels headed 60 miles German immigrants brought with them when they settled northwest and established Fredericksburg. The earliest in Central Texas towns and villages 175 years ago. Texas settlement formed by Germans was Industry, “Think of it as a team sport,” says Julie West, who has founded in 1831, and a glance at a Texas atlas shows many lived in Blanco all her life and bowls at the Blanco Bowling other communities that can trace their origins to Ger- Club with friends and family. Her roots in the community many: Weimar, Boerne, Schulenburg, Luckenbach and are deep. “My grandma managed the cafe,” she says, “and Muenster. my aunts all worked there.” West, a member of Pedernales Ernie Loeffler was raised in New Braunfels and is now Electric Cooperative, was a pinsetter at the bowling club the president of the Fredericksburg Convention & Visitor when she was a teenager. Bureau. “The original Germans wanted to create a cultural The pinsetters are one reason this game is so distinctive. enclave in Texas,” says Loeffler. “They wrote many letters “As a pinsetter you’re on your hands and knees, and you home describing it as a land of milk and honey.” have to be athletic,” West explains. That athleticism helps Evelyn Weinheimer, an archivist at Fredericksburg’s each pinsetter replace the pins bowlers knock down. “You Pioneer Museum, which documents the German roots of have to pay attention,” she says, “because the pins are fly- Gillespie County, says that as early as 1842, the Society for ing around.” the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas, also known Nine-pin team bowling requires each bowler in a team of as Adelsverein, advertised to attract settlers to establish six to bowl in succession. “Knocking down nine pins means enclaves across the Hill Country and the south-central nine points,” West says. “And the score is calculated cumu- plains. New Braunfels and Fredericksburg were the first latively, not individually. A 12-ringer is when you leave the two settlements of the Adelsverein. center pin.” “Land was the biggest draw,” says Weinheimer, whose Nine-pin bowling has remained popular over generations ancestors arrived in that first wave. “Coming from those in Central Texas—for more than 150 years—because of the little German kingdoms, those settlers surely thought they sOurCe phOtOs COurtesY FrederICksburGarea’s COnventIOn & vIsItOr bureAu, plAY In new brAunFels, sOphIenburGdeep museum And ArChIves, GIllespIe COuntY hIstOrICAlGerman sOCIetY And pIOneer museum roots. West explains that the emphasis would find a better way of life to raise their families.”

texAsCOOppOwer.COm deCember 2020 TEXAS COOP POWER 13 “tHe originAl gerMAns wanted to create a cultural enclave in texas. they wrote many letters home describing it as a land of milk and honey.”

Other enduring German influences, such as education, are more civic-minded. “You had this 3,000-year-old soci- hose day-to-day concerns about family life deter- ety that came and formed a community on the frontier,” mined the enduring aspects of culture. Among the says Judy Young of the New Braunfels Chamber of Com- visible reminders of German culture in Fredericksburg merce. “But they were not your average frontiersmen.” The are the Sunday houses and their distinctive architecture. settlers laid out the New Braunfels street grid their first T“Coming to church on Sunday wasn’t going to happen in month on the ground, she says, and the town created a tax the days of wagons and old dirt roads,” Weinheimer says. in 1847 to fund the community’s first public schools. Families loaded up the wagon on Saturday morning and The German culture in Texas that’s still thriving today is made the trip into town, where they would barter at the more clearly expressed in nine-pin bowling than in jubilant general store and enjoy a social activity or family gathering beer festivals. on Saturday night. Sunday morning they went to one of the New Braunfels is home to the oldest bakery in Texas, five churches in Fredericksburg. Naegelin’s Bakery, which opened its doors in 1868. The Weinheimer says the typical weekend house was a one- Naegelin family sold the business, but new owners kept the bedroom frame building with a kitchen and living room name and the Old World recipes. Manager Frankie Alvarado and a sleeping loft. One of these “tiny houses,” the Fassel- explains, “It’s these traditions that have allowed us to stay Roeder House, awaits visitors on the grounds of the Pioneer in business this long.” D Museum. William Roeder, a former Gillespie County com- missioner, told Weinheimer stories of his family’s trips from the White Oak community, 22 miles west, to stay in the house. w e b e x t r A Even though the 20 or so Sunday houses that remain in read about how John O. meusebach, Fredericksburg are similar, Weinheimer says they do not founder of Fredericksburg, signed what follow an architectural style but reflect the pragmatism of is believed to be the only unbroken peace treaty between native Americans German farmers and how they organized their lives. and u.s. settlers.

14 TEXAS COOP POWER deCember 2020 texAsCOOppOwer.COm Patio Door Window SSpSpeSpSpSpecial!ececieciaecialecial! SSpSpeSpSpSpecial!ececieciaecialecial!

Special ends on December 31st on SSASSAVEAVEAV 20%220 patio doors1 on SSASSAVEAVEAV 20%220 windows1 on SSASSAVEAVEAV 20%220 installation1 WITH NNO NNO NNO Money Down Payments Interest FOR 1 YEAR1

· Our patio doors will continue to · We handle the entire process —from selling to slide smoothly for years using installation to the warranty—on our windows and Andersen’s dual ball-bearing patio doors, so if you ever have an issue, you’re engineering covered

® · Our composite Fibrex material · For peace of mind, know that Now offering is twice as strong as vinyl, so we’ve adjusted our operations virtual appointments, our weather-tight seals stay to serve you in the safest too! weather-tight way possible

Call for your FREE Window and Patio Door Diagnosis

Austin: San Antonio: 512-298-1858 210-961-9990 Dallas/Fort Worth: 469-606-5229 TopWindowSolution.com

1Offer not available in all areas. Discount applied by retailer representative at time of contract execution and applies to purchase of 3 or more windows and/or patio doors. Cannot be combined with other offers. Initial contact for a free Window and Patio Door Diagnosis must be made and documented on or before 12/31/20, with the appointment then occurring no more than 10 days after the initial contact. No payments and deferred interest for 12 months available to well qualified buyers on approved credit only. Not all customers may qualify. No Finance Charges will be assessed if promo balance is paid in full in 12 months. Renewal by Andersen retailers are independently owned and operated retailers, and are neither brokers nor lenders. Any finance terms advertised are estimates only, and all financing is provided by third-party lenders unaffiliated with Renewal by Andersen retailers, under terms and conditions arranged directly between the customer and such lender. Central Texas Windows & Doors LLC, d/b/a Renewal by Andersen of Austin and San Antonio. North Texas Windows & Doors LLC, d/b/a Renewal by Andersen of Dallas/Fort Worth and West Texas. “Renewal by Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are marks of Andersen Corporation. ©2020 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. ©2020 Lead Surge LLC. All rights reserved. *Using U.S. and imported parts. All sales, marketing and installation of windows is conducted by Renewal by Andersen of Austin and San Antonio, and by Renewal by Andersen of Dallas/Fort Worth and West Texas. All are independently owned and operated affiliates operating in TX. Special Offer for New Customers Only Ì Please send me the complete 3-coin set 25 YES! of reprocessed 1943 Steel Cents for ONLY Limited ice Only $1 $1.25 – regularly $4.95, plus FREE Sales Tax & FREE 1950s Pr . shipping (limit 5 sets). Also send my FREE Uncirculated Time! 4-coin set of 2009 Lincoln Anniversary Cents (one per customer, please). Add Custom Display Folders for 1930-1958 Lincoln Cents and SAVE 25% at $2.95 each (regularly $3.95). ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED WITHIN 30 DAYS

QTY DESCRIPTION PRICE TOTAL 3-coin set of 1943 $1.25 Steel Cents (limit 5 sets) Display Folders – SAVE 25% $2.95 *Sales Tax FREE! FREE Shipping! TOTAL $ NO SALES TAX! o Check payable to Littleton Coin Co. Charge my: o VISA o MC o AMEX o DISC Card #: Exp. Date Complete Set of America’s

Name ______Please print clearly only Steel Cents! et a prized complete set of one-year-only Lincoln Anniversary cents! Plus, with this special offer, Address______Apt # ______G Steel cents, struck only in 1943 to save copper for we’ll pay your state’s sales tax on this order! military materials during World War II. These unique, You’ll also receive our fully illustrated catalog, plus City ______State _____ Zip ______historic coins issued over 70 years ago are now in great other fascinating selections from our Free Examination demand among collectors! Your complete 3-coin set will Coins-on-Approval Service, from which you may E-Mail ______contain one Steel cent from each U.S. Mint that struck purchase any or none of the coins – return balance in 15 Please send coupon to: them – Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco. Plus, days – with option to cancel at any time. Order today! each coin has been expertly reprocessed to restore its 45-Day Money Back Dept. 5HL406 original brilliance. Guarantee of Satisfaction 1309 Mt. Eustis Road ¡ Complete Set ONLY $1.25 Littleton NH 03561-3737 plus FREE Shipping! 1943 ALL- Order your complete 3-coin set of MINT SET historic 1943 Steel cents today for Philadelphia Denver San Francisco (no mint mark) (D mint mark) (S mint mark) FREE GIFT ONLY $1.25 and SAVE! when you order within 30 days Historic Wheat Ears You’ll enjoy Free Shipping to your Complete Uncirculated reverse of 1909-1958 home. Order within 30 days and get a PDS All Mint Set – order by mail or at Four-Coin Set of 2009 FREE Uncirculated 4-coin set of 2009 www.LittletonCoin.com/Specials today! Lincoln Anniversary Cents! ©2020 LCC, Inc. LCC, Inc.

JERRY REICHERT HOBBY CRAFTERS makes wooden toys as charity donations for children. POWER OF OUR PEOPLE | DECEMBER 2019 POWER OF OUR PEOPLE

$100 WINNER Nominate someone today!

Tell us about somebody who improves the quality of life in your community. Email your nomination to [email protected]. Include the person’s name, co-op a!liation and a short description of his or her work in the community. Featured nominees will receive a $100 donation for their cause.

16 TEXAS COOP POWER deCember 2020 texAsCOOppOwer.COm Tears From Limited to the first a Volcano 1600 orders Uniquely American stone ignites romance from this n May 18, 1980, the once-slumbering Mount St. Helens ad only Oerupted in the Paci c Northwest. It was the most impressive display of nature’s power in North America’s recorded history. But even more impressive is what emerged from the chaos... 4 carats of a spectacular new creation born of ancient minerals named Helenite. Its lush, vivid color and amazing story instantly captured shimmering the attention of jewelry connoisseurs worldwide. You can now have four carats of the world’s newest stone for an absolutely Helenite unbelievable price. Known as America’s emerald, Helenite makes it possible to give her a stone that’s brighter and has more re than any emerald without paying the exorbitant price. In fact, this many carats of an emerald that looks this perfect and glows this green would cost you upwards of $80,000. Your more beautiful and much more aordable option features a perfect teardrop of Helenite set in gold-covered sterling silver suspended from a chain accented with even more verdant Helenite. Limited Reserves. As one of the EXCLUSIVE largest gemstone dealers in the world, we buy more carats of Helenite than anyone, which lets us give you a great FREE price. However, this much gorgeous Helenite Earrings green for this price won’t last long. -a $129 value- Don’t miss out. Helenite is only  with purchase of found in one section of Washington State, so call today! “I love these pieces... Helenite Necklace it just glowed... Romance guaranteed or your money so beautiful!” back. Experience the scintillating — S.S., Salem, OR beauty of the Helenite Teardrop Necklace for 30 days and if she isn’t completely in love with it send it back for a full refund of the item price. You can even keep the stud earrings as our thank you for giving us a try. Helenite Teardrop Necklace (4 ¼ ctw) $299* ..... Only $129 +S&P Helenite Stud Earrings (1 ctw) ...... $129 +S&P Helenite Set (5 ¼ ctw) $428* ...... Call-in price only $129 +S&P (Set includes necklace and stud earrings) Call now and mention the offer code to receive FREE earrings. 1-800-333-2045 Offer Code HEN341-01 You must use the offer code to get our special price. ® 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. HEN341-01, Stauer Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com Necklace * Special price only for customers using the enlarged offer code versus the price on Stauer.com to show without your offer code. Rating of A+ luxurious color • 4 ¼ ctw of American Helenite and the Ultimate Diamond Alternative®, DiamondAura® • Gold-finished .925 sterling silver settings • 16" chain with 2" extender and lobster clasp Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.® PEDERNALES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE NEWS

Give a gift that keeps on giving

SPARE A LITTLE CHANGE AND BRIGHTEN YOUR COMMUNITY

18 TEXAS CO-OP POWER DECEMBER 2020 PEDERNALES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

PEC TCP 2020 12.indd 1 11/5/20 4:41 PM You don’t have to move mountains to a membership willing to support the make a positive impact — it only takes a important work these nonprofits do.” little to help. And we know there is no one more willing to help their communities Enroll in PEC’s Power of Change than our members. With the average program to help support local nonprofits monthly contribution of just $0.49 (or less that help brighten your community. Make than $6 a year), members enrolled in the a one-time donation of any amount, or Power of Change program have donated simply opt to round up your monthly more than $130,000 since 2019! electric bill to the nearest dollar. Enroll by checking the box on your electric bill “We are thankful to have hardworking return slip, by using the PEC SmartHub nonprofits committed to making our app, or by going to our website at communities better places to live for pec.coop/power-of-change. You can also all of us,” PEC Community Relations call 888-554-4732, Monday through Friday, Coordinator Caroline Tinsley Porter from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. said. “PEC is proud and grateful to have

RECIPIENTS SINCE SPRING OF 2019 Bergheim Volunteer Fire Friends of Blanco CASA of Central Texas Department State Park Blanco Good Samaritan Wimberley Senior Center Friends of Blue Hole Center

Wimberley Valley Radio Marble Falls Area Hill Country Children’s Emergency Medical Advocacy Center FIRST in Texas Services (EMS) Kempner Volunteer Fire Onion Creek Senior Wild Things Rescue Ranch Department Center Austin Steam Train Blanco County Emergency Open Door Recovery Association Services Auxiliary House

PEC.COOP • 888-554-4732 DECEMBER 2020 TEXAS CO-OP POWER 19

PEC TCP 2020 12.indd 2 11/5/20 4:41 PM Make your home sparkle this

holidayPEC’S HOME and HOLIDAY save LIGHTS CONTEST

TIPS FOR CREATING A SAFE AND ENERGY-EFFICIENT LIGHTS DISPLAY

Creating a gorgeous and energy-efficient CHECK CORDS. Before plugging anything lights display is not only possible, it’s easy! in, inspect extension cords, lights, and Follow these tips to make your home dazzle decorations. Be sure to check their rating safely and efficiently all season long. as well — some extension cords are made for indoor use, while others are made for USE LED LIGHTS. These lights are more outdoor use. Discard any items with frayed or energy-efficient and safer than traditional damaged cords. bulbs. They consume 70% less electricity than incandescent lights and last longer. AVOID OVERLOADING EXTENSION CORDS AND OUTLETS. Power strips

SET TIMERS. It’s a good practice to turn and surge protectors can help prevent wasted oﬀ all your holiday lights before leaving your energy. But remember, they only give you home or going to bed. Installing timers can additional outlets, they do not increase the make this process easy and prevent wasted amount of energy an outlet can handle. energy. Set timers to turn on when it gets dark and to turn oﬀ before midnight for savings. For more energy tips, visit pec.coop.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy

20 TEXAS CO-OP POWER DECEMBER 2020 PEDERNALES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

PEC TCP 2020 12.indd 3 11/5/20 4:41 PM VISIT PEC’S MAGICAL IS YOUR HOME EXTRA HOLIDAY LIGHTS FESTIVE THIS YEAR?

Now through Jan. 3, our Johnson City Enter the PEC Home Holiday Lights headquarters will be illuminated with Contest by Dec. 7! PEC employees will 1.3 million sparkling lights! vote for their favorite member displays and winners will be announced Dec. 21. Members and guests are encouraged to enjoy the beautiful display from the Submit your home display and safety of their vehicle. Learn more at check back to see the winners at pec.coop/holiday-lights. pec.coop/home-contest.

PEC.COOP • 888-554-4732 DECEMBER 2020 TEXAS CO-OP POWER 21

PEC TCP 2020 12.indd 4 11/5/20 4:41 PM ENERGY ADVENTURE PART 1: Color this page and take our safety pledge. Move in and out of your home to complete this energy scavenger hunt! SERIES CIRCUIT DIRECTIONS: Identify five things in your home that use electricity. 1. DrawDraw a aseries series circuit circuit and and label label the the parts. parts. Parts Parts include: include: power power source, source, pathway, pathway, and and load. load. To To help help you you identify these parts, definitions of each have been listed below.identify Did you know? Electricity is all around us. It’s always important to be safe around electricity. these parts, definitions

Power source : A : A power source provides power.power source Pathway: A A pathway allows electricity to travel.pathway allows electricity Count the number of light bulbs used in your home. Ask your parents Load: if A load is a user of electricity. they are incandescent, CFL, or LED. Did you know? By changing all light bulbs in your home to energy-efficient lightbulbs you could help save your parents up to $75 dollars a year on energy costs.

Go outside and identify the source of solar energy. Did you know? Solar energy is a form of renewable energy. It can be been used to grow food or plants, keep warm, and dry clothes. Solar energy can also be used to make electricity. Remmber: Go through each room inside your home. Turn off any fans in rooms Don't ﬂy kites where they aren’t being used. Did you know? Fans cool people, not spaces. And by using a fan in an occupied room you near power lines! can turn up your thermostat 4 degrees and not feel a difference in comfort.

With the help of an adult, turn off and unplug electronics that are not in use. Did you know? When electronics or small appliances are plugged in, but not in use, they still use electricity. We call these energy vampires because they create a phantom load. pledge to: I, (name) ,

Fly kites far awy from power lines Nevr touch elctric wires Larry Always be safe around elctricity

PEC introduces EmpowerU education program

FREE LESSON PLANS, VIDEOS, ACTIVITIES, AND MORE

22 TEXAS CO-OP POWER DECEMBER 2020 PEDERNALES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

PEC TCP 2020 12.indd 5 11/5/20 4:41 PM PEC is proud to oﬀer EmpowerU, a series Engagement Representative Celeste Mikeska of electricity-focused lesson plans free to said. “With all the new safety measures in students, teachers, and parents. EmpowerU place, we are asking more of teachers and was created to support learning for our young parents than ever, so we wanted to make members at a time when in-person activities things just a little bit easier on them.” are limited. Mikeska urges educators to stay tuned for Resources include an in-depth circuit additional content, including an online builder lesson plan — complete with videos, version of PEC’s Safe City demonstration, worksheets, and a PowerPoint — for third which uses a 3D model to teach kids about through sixth grade students, as well an electrical hazards that exist outdoors and electric safety activity booklet and coloring around the home. sheets for younger learners. Parents and teachers can download these free “Supporting our communities means materials at pec.coop/empoweru. supporting our educators,” PEC Youth

PEC.COOP • 888-554-4732 DECEMBER 2020 TEXAS CO-OP POWER 23

PEC TCP 2020 12.indd 6 11/5/20 4:41 PM Texas USA Shh!

A mysterious musical presence sometimes intrudes upon a houston library’s stillness

By marTHa deerinGer • illUsTraTion By eva vázqUez

places, which allows visitors floating through the empty hallways, the 40 windows librAries Are quiet to the Julia Ideson Building of the Houston Public of the jewel-box ceiling high above glowing in the Library to occasionally hear the distant strains of a moonlight as Cramer played. violin playing a romantic Strauss waltz. The pur- Some don’t have to imagine it. ported violinist, Jacob Frank Cramer, the library’s Staff members were surprised when they arrived former caretaker, died in the library’s basement one morning in 1936 to find the building still apartment in 1936. locked. One intrepid employee discovered the 79- Little is known about Cramer’s early years. Born year-old handyman’s body in his apartment. There in Baltimore in 1857 to German immigrants, he was no sign of Petey, who was never located. Not moved around the Midwest as a railroad laborer, and long after, patrons began to report strange occur- the 1911 Houston City Directory lists him as a resi- rences in the building—the distant sound of violin dent. He found work at Houston’s Carnegie Library music (frequently The Blue Danube) and the rhyth- in 1913, and when the ornate Spanish Renaissance- mic tick, tick, tick of a dog’s claws on the tile floors. style Julia Ideson Building—named after the city’s Douglas Weiskopf, a former senior library services first librarian—opened in 1926 as the city’s central specialist, sensed a presence in the second-floor library, Cramer moved into the basement apartment Texas Room and in the stacks when he worked there and dedicated his last 10 years to caring for the build- 20 years ago. Lights had been known to blink on ing as a security guard, gardener and handyman. and off, and the room’s ancient elevator sometimes The Ideson was planned as the centerpiece of a arrived at the floor empty even though operating it five-building civic center, but the other four build- required a key. “I still remember the auras, or senses ings were put on hold during the Great Depression. of his presence,” Weiskopf says, “and I thought I The Ideson’s exterior features cream-colored brick, heard Pete’s footsteps a couple of times. I only wish arched windows and a red tile roof, and the interior I could have heard him playing his violin, like some is characterized by intricate woodwork, marble have when working late on stormy evenings.” columns and murals. Designed by architect Ralph During the decades since Cramer’s death, reports Adams Cram of Boston, the building underwent of ghostly floating orbs and of books and sheet an extensive restoration in 2010, when a wing music scattered on the floor feed the legend that was added to house the Houston Metropolitan Cramer and Petey still inhabit the library. Cramer is Research Center. apparently as cultured and friendly in the afterlife Cramer lived quietly with his faithful German as he was when he walked the library’s halls as shepherd, Petey. The caretaker was remembered by night watchman. Perhaps he loved the beautiful one staff member as “having one of the sweetest building, now a historical landmark that houses smiles I have ever seen.” Library employees respect- special collections and archives, too much to leave. fully called him Mr. Cramer, and he was more than Or perhaps he simply hasn’t had time to finish read- a janitor. Two magnificent bur oak trees flank the ing all the books. main entrance to the Ideson building on McKinney Laney Chavez, manager of the Houston Metropol- Street; legend suggests that Cramer grew the itan Research Center, suggests that it is important to slightly smaller tree from an acorn when one of the consider that Cramer passed away a very long time original trees died, nurturing the seedling until it ago, so the facts of his tale can be hard to confirm. reached the stately proportions of its older sister. “I think this only adds to the mystery and in- At night, after closing hours, Cramer walked the trigue,” Chavez says. “It allows us to use our imagi- halls of the three-story building with a violin in nations and to picture for ourselves what might hand and Petey at his heels. The third-floor gallery have happened. And who knows, maybe one day near the balustrade of the library’s inner court was you’ll have your own experience here with the his preferred spot to perform. One can imagine the supernatural.” D elegant and lilting waltzes of Austrian composer Johann Strauss II echoing off the tile floors and

24 TEXAS COOP POWER deCember 2020 texAsCOOppOwer.COm

Therapeutic Diabetic Comfort Slippers Help Make Sore, Swollen, Sensitive Feet Feel Great!

Cloud-Soft Fleece Lining

FRIENDLY Source Code. 79296 © Dream Products (Prices valid for 1yr.) for valid (Prices Products Dream © 79296 Code. Source Non-Skid Safety Soles For

Indoors Or Outdoors

Choose Black Or Tan Great For Men & Women

Was $19.99 Therapeutic Comfort Slippers are a blessing for SAVE $7 diabetic foot problems, swelling and bunions – but off original price • Cushiony they help make all feet feel great the instant you slip Memory Foam them on! Cloud-soft plush fleece lining and cushiony Now $ • One Touch Closure memory foam cradle feet in comfort and provide shock Only 99 absorption. Hook ’n loop strap closure makes them easy 12 • High Ankle Support to put on or take off and adjust fit. High ankle cut gives FREE SHIPPING & HANDLING you great support. Plus, non-skid safety soles let you WHEN BUYING 2+ PAIRS wear them indoors or outdoors. Imported.

Diabetic Comfort Slippers ❑ ❑ VISA American Express Exp. Date Order Now Toll-Free Indicate Qty Under Size and Color ❑ MasterCard ❑ Discover®/NOVUS SMCards #369905 S 5-6 M 6½-7½ L 8-9 XL 9½-10½ Ladies’ (212) (213) (214) (215) Card# 1-800-530-2689 Tan 247 M-F 6am-1am CST Black 101 S-S 6am-9pm CST #369906 S 6-7 M 7½-8½ L 9-10 XL 11-12 Men’s (212) (213) (214) (215) Name ______Tan 247 Connect With Black 101 Address ______DreamProducts.com ____ Pr(s) Diabetic Comfort Slippers @ $12.99 pr. $ website offers may vary *Add applicable State & Local SALES TAX on the Subtotal $ City ______ST ______Zip ______Shipping & Handling Add $5.95 1st pair $ Daytime Phone # ______FREE Shipping & Handling when buying 2 or more *We may be required to collect sales tax. Please visit DreamProducts.com Please Print Clearly Total $ Email ______FAQ page if you need more Source To receive this offer on the web, you information. Send order to Dream Products 412 Dream Lane, 79296 Satisfaction Guaranteed or P.O. Box 3690, Oshkosh, WI 54903-3690 Code MUST input the source code when ordering Return For Your Money Back marketplace

TIRED OF SPRAYING?

GIFT GUIDE GIFT GUIDE QUALITY CONSTRUCTION Bonus Bonus 100% SATISFACTION • Kills tree by cutting roots GUARANTEED! 6" to 8" underground • Effective on mesquite, juniper, cedar, huisach and other brush problems • 3-point reversible blade for clearing fence rows Blade Delivered Width Cat HP WT Price Prevent Bruises 18" I 20-40 230 lb. $1,065 27" II 40-80 285 lb. $1,285 30" II or III 80-110 380 lb. $1,685 36" II or III 110-180 390 lb. $1,750

Blade Width Lightweight Easy 16" Skid-Steer Stop Arm Bruises Cat Universal Flux Welder HP 50–140 and Protect Thin Skin WT 380 lb. This 125-amp welder features advanced Delivered Price Soft leather protective sleeves contour DC based technology, safety features, $1,880 to hands and arms. Comfortable and variable control for -ne-tuned welding, eective with adjustable airow, making and weighs 50% less than conventional JONES MACHINE them cooler than long sleeves. transformer models. (800) 919-4949 • Fax: (940) 552-6362 651-492-4830 | www.armchaps.com 800-423-2567 | harborfreight.com [email protected] P.O. Box 1577, Vernon, Texas 76385

Hit the Road Event Calendar

Plan now

TexasCoopPower.com/events 25 Year Warranty Easy Bolt-Together Design Engineered• Stamp Blueprints

WE PAY TOP PRICES FOR COLLECTIBLES Gift Shop Coins • Banknotes • Gold & Silver Jewelry & Scrap Vintage Costume Jewelry • Watches • Stamps Tokens • Historical Documents • Other Collectibles Farm Industrial Commercial TEXAS BUYERS GROUP • FREDERICKSBURG, TX • • All transactions private, confidential & secure. Shop now 940-304-8068 RHINO.BUILDERS/TX INFO@RHINOBLDG. COM 830-997-6339 • [email protected] TexasCoopPower.com/shop

Marketplace Advertise in Texas Co-op Power marketplace elaine sproull (512) 486-6251 Across town | Across texas [email protected]

texAsCOOppOwer.COm deCember 2020 TEXAS COOP POWER 27 ON FOURFREE SHIPPINGOR MORE

Actual size is 38.1 mm Why Are Dealers Hoarding These 100-Year-Old U.S. Silver Dollars? hen it comes to collecting, few Dealers Begin Stockpiling Don’t Wait—Secure Your 1921 coins are as coveted as the fi rst and last of a series. And when big Last-Year Morgans Morgan Silver Dollars NOW! W Knowing what we’ve told you about special With this special offer, you can secure a last- anniversaries for those “fi rsts” and “lasts” come around, these coins become even anniversaries, dealers around the country year 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar ahead of the more coveted. are preparing for a surge in demand. 2021 rush in About Uncirculated (AU) condition will mark the 100th anniversary of the for just $39.95! Mint marks vary. Take, for example, the 1921 Morgan Silver 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar—the last-year- Dollars. These 90% pure silver coins were of-issue for the most popular vintage U.S. These vintage U.S. Silver Dollars allow you the last of their kind, a special one-year-only Silver Dollar ever minted. But slow-moving to hold 100 years of American history in the resurrection of the classic Wild West Silver collectors may be disappointed in what they palm of your hand. But only if you secure Dollar. Three years prior, the Pittman Act fi nd when they seek out these coins. yours before our limited supply of 1921 authorized the melting of more than 270 Morgan Silver Dollars lasts in our vault. million Morgan Silver Dollars so their silver Since the days of the Pittman Act, millions more U.S. Silver Dollars have been Don’t wait—call could be sold to our allies in the United Weight: 26.73 grams Kingdom. Facing our own Silver Dollar melted or worn down in commerce. It’s 1-800-973-9208 and been estimated that as few as 15% of all Purity: 90% silver shortage, the world’s favorite vintage U.S. use the offer code Diameter: 38.1 mm the Morgan Dollars ever minted have Silver Dollar was brought back for one year below to secure your Condition: AU survived to the present day. That number only while the U.S. Mint worked on its 100-year-old Morgan Mint Mark: varies successor, the Peace Silver Dollar. grows smaller each year, with private Silver Dollars NOW! hoards now accounting for virtually all the surviving Morgan Silver Dollars. And that 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar AU - $39.95 ea. + s/h was before silver values started to rise... FREE SHIPPING on Four or More! Limited time only. Product total over $149 before Interest in Silver taxes (if any). Standard domestic shipping only. Not Is on the Rise valid on previous purchases. As you can see from the chart on the left, in 2020, we’ve seen daily silver prices close Call today toll-free for fastest service as low as $12.01 per ounce and as high as $28.33 per ounce. That rise in value has 1-800-973-9208 led to a sharp increase in buyers’ interest Offer Code MCD218-01 Please mention this code when you call 2019 Y 2019 T 2019 2019 2020 2020R 2020R 2020Y 2020E 2020Y 2020 2020 in silver. We’re already seeing a surge of UG OV 2019 AN A P A UG JUL A SEP OCT 2019N DEC J FEB M A M JUN JUL A interest from collectors wanting to add Silver Trend Chart: Prices based on monthly averages. ©2020, AMS vintage Morgan Silver Dollars to their collections. But at what price?

GovMint.com • 14101 Southcross Dr. W., Suite 175, Dept. MCD218-01, Burnsville, MN 55337

GovMint.com® is a retail distributor of coin and currency issues and is not affi liated with the U.S. government. The collectible coin market is unregulated, highly speculative and involves risk. GovMint.com reserves the right to decline to consummate any sale, within its discretion, including due to pricing errors. Prices, facts, fi gures and populations deemed accurate as of the date of publication but may change signifi cantly over time. All purchases are expressly conditioned upon your acceptance of GovMint.com’s Terms and Conditions (www.govmint.com/terms-conditions or call 1-800-721-0320); to decline, return your purchase pursuant to GovMint.com’s Return Policy. © 2020 GovMint.com. All rights reserved. 28 TEXAS COOP POWER deCember 2020 texAsCOOppOwer.COm Footnotes in Texas History

w e b e x t r A listen to w.F. strong read this story, then watch our video about the mcdonald Observatory.

had to go shopping for a mountain on which to build an observatory. That must have been fun. Mountain shopping has got to be something you get to do only once or twice in a lifetime. Luckily the university’s representatives were able to shop in the Davis Mountains, which harbored some of the ﬁnest stargazing potential in North America. After driving several thousand miles around the region, inspecting numerous sites for altitude, dark skies, cloudless nights and poor prospects for rain, they found what they were looking for. It had no oﬃcial name, but the locals called it Flat Top Mountain. It was part of a ranch perfectly named for West Texas: The U Up and U Down Ranch. University of Texas President Harry Benedict wrote a letter to Violet Locke McIvor, owner of that mountain. He told her of McDonald’s gift and of the university’s great need for a mountain to put an observatory on. Benedict informed McIvor He Gave that her mountain was ideally suited for such a facility and that “optical tests already made showed that the Davis Moun- Us the Stars tains region was the best in Texas, perhaps the best in the United States, for astronomical purposes.” He asked her if she might An eccentric banker funded the mcdonald Observatory against family wishes consider giving her mountain to science.

By w.f. sTronG McIvor might have surprised Benedict when she agreed. She wrote back almost banker died in Fortunately for UT, McDonald had immediately and gave UT 200 acres, the in 1926 A bAcHelor Paris, Texas—a rich bachelor banker, shared his telescope dream with his bar- entire top of the mountain, which was that is. His estate was worth $1.2 million. ber, telling him that astronomy was a renamed Mount Locke in honor of Today that would be about $17.6 million. young science. He told the barber he McIvor’s grandfather, G.S. Locke, who In his will the banker left 90% of his hoped that “one day a telescope would be founded the ranch. She also gave the money to the University of Texas to buy built that would allow astronomers to see university enough land to build a road to a telescope and build an observatory. the gold-plated streets of heaven.” the summit. The resulting highway, Spur The banker’s name was William John- McDonald was also known to be an 78, is still the highest highway in Texas. son McDonald (no connection to the amateur scientist. Consequently, a jury Today UT’s McDonald Observatory famous hamburger chain). had little trouble believing that his be- sits majestically atop Mount Locke. It is McDonald’s relatives didn’t like him quest was the product of a sane mind. one of the world’s leading centers for leaving all that money for a telescope. Upon appeal, his relatives received more astronomical research. As William They believed that anyone who would do than they were given originally, but UT McDonald predicted, his gift has given such a thing must not have all the pick- still ended up with about $800,000— us the heavens themselves. D ets in his fence, so they sued to keep the $11.8 million today.

COllAGe sOurCe phOtOs: COurtesYmoney mCdOnAld ObservAtOrY in the family. Once the university had the money, it

texAsCOOppOwer.COm deCember 2020 TEXAS COOP POWER 29 TCP Kitchen

Red Wine-Braised Short Ribs 3 pounds short ribs 1½ teaspoons salt 1½ teaspoons pepper The Main Event 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed special touches and flavors make for exceptional holiday meals 1 cup chopped onion ½ cup chopped carrot By meGan myers, food ediTor 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 bottle (750 milliliters) cabernet because my family lives so far away, we’re not always able to get together sauvignon at the holidays. even though we might not be gathering around a table 1 cup beef stock laden with turkey and plenty of potatoes, our smaller family holiday meal 2 bay leaves is no less festive. One dish I love to make that feels fancy but is mostly 4 3-inch sprigs fresh thyme or hands-off is short ribs. they only need a few minutes of browning time 1 teaspoon dried thyme before braising in the oven. we like ours with mashed potatoes, but you can also serve them with cheesy polenta, risotto or even pasta. 1. preheat oven to 325 degrees. season short ribs with salt and pepper and heat oil in a dutch oven over medium-high heat. working in batches, sear short ribs on all sides and remove to a plate. 2. reduce heat to medium and stir in garlic and onion, scraping the bottom of the pot. Cook 2 minutes, then add carrot and continue to cook 5 minutes, until carrot is softened. stir in tomato paste until well mixed. 3. Add wine, beef stock, bay leaves and thyme and stir well. Arrange short ribs in the pot, making sure as much of the meat is submerged as possible. Cover, place in the oven and cook 3 hours. 4. Carefully remove short ribs from the pot (if you want to serve with the bone intact), place them on a platter and tent with foil. 5. strain the liquid in the pot to remove solids and simmer until reduced by half, adding salt or pepper if needed. serve short ribs over mashed potatoes with sauce spooned on top.

s e r v e s 4

w e b e x t r A Follow along with megan myers and her adventures in the kitchen at stetted.com, where she features a recipe for easy steak roulade. $500 wInner B r i n e 1 gallon water Citrus-Brined 1 cup salt Smoked Turkey With 1¾ cups orange juice Brown Sugar Rub 1¾ cups cranberry juice JIleen plAtt ½ cup brown sugar bOwIe-CAss eC 2 cinnamon sticks 1 lemon, sliced 1 orange, sliced 2 tablespoons dried minced onion 4 bay leaves Prime Rib au Jus 1 tablespoon pepper With Yorkshire Pudding T U r k e y JACquelIne bOYd nueCes eC 12- to 13-pound turkey, neck and giblets Is there anything more texan removed A meat thermometer is essential when than smoking a turkey during Apple or pecan wood chips, for smoking roasting large cuts like this garlicky prime the holidays? platt’s recipe r U B rib. “my family loves this prime rib for features a fruity brine that ½ cup brown sugar Christmas or new Year’s,” boyd says. ensures the bird stays moist ¼ cup smoked paprika the accompanying Yorkshire pudding is and tender during the smok- 2 tablespoons onion powder perfect for soaking up the delicious au ing process. If you don’t have 1 tablespoon pepper jus. If you can't find a bone-in cut, bone- a smoker, you can roast the 1 tablespoon salt less will work just as well. turkey in the oven at 350 1 tablespoon chili powder degrees for about 3 hours. P r i m e r i B 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 5-pound bone-in beef rib roast s e r v e s 8 Brine and TUrkey 5 large cloves garlic, minced 1. In a pot large 1 tablespoon olive oil enough to fit the turkey, mix together the 1 teaspoon salt brine ingredients, stirring well. place whole 1 teaspoon pepper turkey into the brine, breast-side down. Cover 1 teaspoon dried thyme and refrigerate overnight, 12–18 hours. 2. r U B mix together all ingredients in a y o r k s H i r e P U d d i n G (optional) medium-sized bowl. transfer the rub to an air- 6 eggs tight container until ready to cook the turkey. 2 cups milk 3. the next morning, set smoker to 250 de- Pinch salt grees and soak apple or pecan wood chips. 2 cups flour 4. pour ¼ cup of rub into a small bowl. the ½ cup pan drippings from roast rest can be stored in a cool, dry place to be a U J U s used later. remove turkey from brine, drain ½ cup white wine excess liquid from cavity, and set on a shal- 2 cups beef stock low pan or cookie sheet. discard the re- maining brine. massage the rub all over the 1. P r i m e r i B the night before cooking, outside of the turkey. unwrap the roast and set it in a casserole 5. when the smoker temperature has dish to dry in a refrigerator. this helps to reached 250 degrees, place turkey directly brown the roast. on rack with breast side up. Add wood chips 2. An hour before cooking, set the roast on to smoker, replacing again after 1 hour. let a rack, fat side up. In a small bowl, combine turkey cook until internal temperature garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper and thyme, then reaches 165 degrees, maintaining a smoker apply rub to roast, making sure to cover all temperature of 225–250. A 12-pound turkey sides. Insert meat thermometer and pre- will take approximately 6 hours. remove heat oven to 450 degrees. turkey from smoker and let rest 30 minutes before carving. $500 Recipe Contest COntInued >

PotlucK disHes due deC 10 share your favorite dish to grace the buffet or pass around at family reCIpe phOtOs: meGAn mYers. wInner: COurtesY JIleen plAtt gatherings. enter at texasCooppower.com/Contests by december 10.

texAsCOOppOwer.COm deCember 2020 TEXAS COOP POWER 31 reCIpes COntInued CHai sPiCe aPPle ComPoTe 1 tablespoon butter 3. roast 20 minutes at 450, then lower 1 shallot, peeled and chopped temperature to 325 and cook until roast is ½ teaspoon cinnamon 120 degrees (130 degrees for medium ¼ teaspoon ground allspice doneness). ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg 4. yorksHire PUddinG beat the ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves eggs, milk and salt, then stir in the flour ⅛ teaspoon ground cardamom until smooth. Cover and place in the re- ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger frigerator while the roast cooks. ⅛ teaspoon salt 2 large granny smith apples, peeled, 5. when the roast is done, remove from cored and coarsely chopped pan, cover with foil and let rest while you 2 tablespoons light brown sugar finish the Yorkshire pudding. measure zest and juice of 1 large lemon ½ cup of drippings from the roast and

divide among a 12-cup muffin tin. pour off P o r k C H o P s the rest of the fat, but keep the roasting 1½ teaspoons salt pan for the au jus. ¼ teaspoon pepper 6. place the muffin tin in the oven and ¼ teaspoon sugar turn up the heat to 450 degrees. let the ¼ teaspoon celery seed muffin tin preheat for 10 minutes, then re- 1 teaspoon onion powder move and quickly fill each cup ¾ full with 1 teaspoon dried parsley the refrigerated batter. bake 20–25 min- 3 pounds (about 4) pork center rib utes until golden brown and very puffy. chops, bone in, 1¼–1½ inches thick 7. a U J U s place the roasting pan on the 2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided use stove over medium-high heat. stir in wine and bring to a simmer while scraping pan 1. C o m P o T e Combine butter and shallot to dissolve drippings. pour in beef stock, in a 10-inch skillet and cook, covered, return to a simmer and cook 10 minutes. over medium-low heat until shallot is ten- Carve prime rib and serve with au jus and der. Add the spices and salt and stir about Yorkshire pudding. 30 seconds. Add the apples, brown sugar, lemon zest and juice, and cover, cooking s e r v e s 6 over medium heat until apples are crisp- tender, about 7–10 minutes. remove skillet from heat, transfer compote to a medium glass serving bowl and set aside. 2. Pork CHoPs prepare outdoor grill for indirect heat. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, sugar, celery seed, onion powder and parsley. place Enews pork chops onto a large platter. sprinkle each side of the chops with ½ teaspoon Fast and Direct of the seasoning and ¼ teaspoon of the garlic powder. Get our best content 3. place a 12-by-24-inch sheet of non- delivered to your inbox Grilled Pork Chops With every month! stick foil onto the grill grate, nonstick side Chai Spice apple Compote up. Arrange pork chops on top. Grill pork mArIAn evOnIuk We bring you everything chops 10 minutes on one side, then flip pedernAles eC Texas: its culture, people, and grill 10 minutes on the other side. Flip food, history and travel, pork chops again, grill 5 minutes, then flip pork and apples are a perfect pairing, and plus our monthly contest and grill 5 minutes on the other side. Cook the spices in evoniuk’s compote make winners and more. pork chops to 160 degrees, continuing to this a cozy, comforting dish that’s ideal in flip every 5 minutes as needed. remove winter, even while we fire up the grill. Any chops onto a clean platter, tent with foil extra compote is delicious served warm and let rest 5 minutes. serve with chai Sign up now with whipped cream. spice apple compote. TexasCoopPower.com/join s e r v e s 4

32 TEXAS COOP POWER deCember 2020 texAsCOOppOwer.COm H H holiday H GIFTH GUIDE in the magazine and on TexasCoopPower.com, we make it easy to shop for friends and family.

Coﬀee Makes a Fresh “New Crop” Wonderful Gift! Pecans

Check our website to $nd New crop pecans, chocolate- something you'll be proud to covered nuts, specialty gift give and serve. Home of Texas baskets, fudge, pecan pies. Pecan and other favorites. Our very own specialty Flavored and non-%avored roasted and salted pecans co#ees, whole bean or and gifts galore! ground, with several organic options. Be a gift-giving hero! 713-222-9800 325-356-3616 lolacc.com sorrellsfarms.com

2021 Best of Texas Red Texas Calendar Grapefruit and Avocados Celebrating 35 years of publication. Large 15” x 20” Always a gift in good taste! calendar with 12 watercolors Orchard-fresh grapefruit and by Texas State Artist George other Texas products are all Boutwell. $12.50 plus sales hand-selected, carefully tax and $3.50 shipping. packed and shipped to be Quantity price on website. delivered just in time for the holidays. 800-243-4316 1-800-580-1900 gboutwell.com crockettfarms.com

It’s Time To Bake Holiday Gifting Pecan Treats for Solved! the Holidays! Gifting is easy with our coee Berdoll’s has been family- and decadent gluten-free, owned for 40 years. We paleo-friendly gift box. Delight provide delicious chocolate your special person and pecans, honey glazed pecans, support a local Texas business. pecan pies and more! Visit our Preorder Christmas boxes squirrel, Ms. Pearl, at our retail now, plus get 15% o with store or order online. coupon code TEXASCOOP. 512-321-6157 512-646-1146 berdoll.com treasuredearthfoods.com

texAsCOOppOwer.COm deCember 2020 TEXAS COOP POWER 33 Hit the Road

Know Before You Go

some events may have been affected by COvId-19. Call or check an event’s website for scheduling details.

DECEMBER

04 granbury [4–13] Away in a Manger nativity display, (817) 360-6228, visitgranbury.com/away-in- a-manger-nativity-display COurtesY Chet GArner la grange [4–6, 10–13, 17– 23] trail of lights at Kreische brewery and Monument Hill state Historic site, ghost town Hangout (979) 968-5658, friendsof terlingua’s starlight theatre draws a crowd kreischebrewery.org/ trailoflights By CHeT Garner

the desert at the edge of Texas, enjoying grilled quail amid 08 nederland lighted christ- i’M sitting in an assembly that includes artists, dropouts, backpackers and notable mas Parade, (409) 985-7822, visitportarthurtx.com ranchers. Over my right shoulder I can see a stuffed goat that once served as the mayor of nearby Lajitas, and in front of me a troubadour sings a lament to the moon. It’s Friday night at the Starlight Theatre in the 11 clute christmas in the Park, Terlingua ghost town. (979) 265-8392 This rocky village sits about 10 miles from the Mexico border, but it Fredericksburg [11–12] seems more like another universe, one defined by incongruous elements the christmas Journey, such as a pirate ship and rough metal folk art. When it was founded more (830) 997-2069, than a century ago, Terlingua was defined by a quicksilver mine, but the bethanyfredericksburg.com village faded after the mine went bust. By the 1960s artists and freethinkers levelland [11–12] south found they could thrive there without society’s constraints. Plains showdown Jackpot Like many of those gathered here, I’m fresh off the trails of Big Bend Pig show, (806) 894-4161, National Park. In pursuit of a good meal, I stop at the Starlight for dinner malleteventcenter.com before heading home. The building served as the town’s theater into the Fredericksburg [11–20] 1930s but was abandoned. After 30 years its four walls remained, but the Nuncrackers, (830) 997-3588, roof was gone. The adobe shell became an open-air music venue. With the fredericksburgtheater.org West Texas stars for a ceiling, the Starlight earned its new name. After a few more decades, the owner decided to add a roof and create a 12 proper restaurant. Now the Starlight is possibly the best place west of the Hondo tour of vacant buildings, (830) 426-3037, Pecos for distinctive dining, boasting creative dishes like chicken-fried wild hondochamber.org/ boar, axis burgers and bowls of classic Texas chili. tour-of-vacant-buildings After dinner I grab a cold beer from the Terlingua Trading Company next door and join the characters on the expansive porch to enjoy the West Texas Jacksonville cherokee craft & trade Fair, (903) 268-1598, breeze and listen to yarns that stretch across the Rio Grande. D jacksonvilletexas.com

Palestine old town vintage christmas open AbOve starlight signage on the facade above the front entry. House, (903) 221-6233, otvandmore.com w e b e x t r A see Chet’s video from terlingua’s starlight theatre and check out his texplorations on The Daytripper on pbs. Palestine wine swirl, (903) 723-3014, visitpalestine.com

34 TEXAS COOP POWER deCember 2020 texAsCOOppOwer.COm WALK+IN TUBS FROM $7,995 INSTALLED!

Port Arthur drive thru christmas, (409) 983-8105, visitportarthurtx.com

reno christmas in the Park, (903) 785-6581, renotexas.us

17 Palestine christmas carol sing Along, (903) 723-3014, visitpalestine.com/christmas

18 Fredericksburg [18–20] trade days, (210) 846-4094, fbgtradedays.com ONYX SHOWERS levelland [18–20] christmas FROM $8,995 INSTALLED cash classic show Pig Jackpot, (806) 894-4161, malleteventcenter.com CALL US, DON’T WAIT ANOTHER DAY. Enhance your quality of life with a Best Buy Walk-in Tub. As the oldest manufacturer of walk-in tubs in 19 Fort McKavett victorian America, we’ve been setting the industry standard christmas Fair, for more than 15 years. Call us today to %nd the (325) 396-2358, perfect custom solution for you. facebook.com/ visitfortmckavett # CELEBRATING 15 YEARS # Visit our showroom at 311 Kings Plaza in Granbury. 888-825-2362 www.bestbuywalkintubs.com vIkI2wIn | dreAmstIme.COm Pick of the Month

Main street christmas darrouzett, december 12 (806) 624-2441 facebook.com/dzttx this town of 300 mostly farmers and ranchers about as close as you can get to the north pole and still be in texas promises two blocks

packed with a variety of activities. TRISH RAWLS Children can decorate t-shirts and cookies. Adults can enjoy bingo. All can partake in chili and soup Fredericksburg and a Christmas dance. A parade of hay-hauler trucks decorated Getaway Contest with antlers is followed by a special guest who rides in a firetruck. Enter online for a chance to win a two-night getaway in picturesque Fredericksburg, including a half-day wine tour, museum passes and gift certificates for great local restaurants. Submit Your Event Enter Today we pick events for the magazine directly from texasCooppower.com. submit your TexasCoopPower.com/Contests event online for February by december 10, and it just might be featured in this calendar.

texAsCOOppOwer.COm deCember 2020 TEXAS COOP POWER 35 RECHARGEABLE DIGITAL HEARING AID

Introducing the VOLT from MDHearingAid... Lightweight & Virtually invisible, A digital, rechargeable hearing aid that’s every ﬁ ts discreetly clear, thin tubing bit as good as the ones you’ll ﬁ nd at expensive behind ear clinics but at a fraction of the price. Volume Dial gives you full Reg: $599.98 control ComfortTIP BUY 1 for all-day FREE $ 99 comfort GET 1 Only 299 4 Program Each When You Buy a Pair – LIMITED TIME ONLY! settings Rechargeable, How can a rechargeable hearing aid that costs only $29999 long-lasting battery be every bit as good as one that sells for $2,400 or more? The answer: We include the same high-quality digital processors but eliminate the complex components not needed by 95% of the people with hearing loss. PLUS... we cut out the middleman. This allowed us to create an FDA-Registered, Medical-Grade hearing aid for only $29999 each when you buy a pair. VOLT Features The fact is ... you don’t need to spend thousands for a hearing aid. VOLT is a rechargeable hearing aid offering • Advanced Digital Technology sophistication and high performance, and works right out of • Feedback Cancellation - NO Whistling the box with no time-consuming “adjustment” appointments. • Dual Directional Microphones You can contact a licensed hearing specialist conveniently • Medical Grade Quality online or by phone – even after your purchase at no cost. No other company provides such extensive support. • No Prescription Needed Now that you know...why pay more? • Unparalleled 24/7 Support Did you know most people who use one hearing aid really need two? Nearly The brain processes signals from invisible... both ears for clarity & balanced No one will sound so if you have hearing loss know you’re in both ears, your brain has to wearing it process two different sound and clarity levels. MD VOLT Doctors Are Tired of Patients Wasting Never Change a Battery Again! Money at Over-Priced Clinics Best Value ★★★★★ RISK-FREE MONEY BACK GUARANTEE “...this product is just as effective (if not more) than Hear Better Or Your Money Back! traditional overly-priced hearing aids. I will be Try MDHearingAids risk-free with a recommending MDHearingAid to my hearing-impaired 100% money-back guarantee for 45 days. patients.” – Dr. Chang Call 1-800-478-7065 Today! Excellent Quality-to-Price Ratio ★★★★★ “Quite impressive in its performance... an excellent or visit www.MDVolt.com quality-to-price ratio, and I would highly recommend Be sure to enter offer code KI84 to receive it to my patients with hearing loss.” – J. May, MD FREE SHIPPING!

SHOP AT HOME! Skip the Clinic with Remote Care Proudly assembled DOCTOR DESIGNED | AUDIOLOGIST TESTED | FDA REGISTERED In America!

36 TEXAS COOP POWER deCember 2020 texAsCOOppOwer.COm Focus on Texas

“there are many spokes on the wheel On Wheels of life. First, we’re here to explore new possibilities.” —ray Charles

GraCe fUlTz

ClOCkwIse FrOm leFt

rICk kIeFFer bluebOnnet eC “my friend bill stephens showing his skills at palo duro Canyon state park.”

phOebe lAke bluebOnnet eC “we moved a 100-year-old farmhouse from somerville to brenham. this is half of it on its way.”

GArY CArpenter FAY e t t e e C “this bus was used by the texas swing band that rep- resented lone star beer in the 1950s and 1960s.”

nAnCY burrer sAn bernArd eC bagwell is a certified ther- apy dog with special needs that brings joy to people with special needs.

Upcoming Contests

Storms due deC 10 Historic Texas due JAn 10 Manmade vs. Nature due Feb 10

enter online and review submission rules at texasCooppower.com/Contests.

w e b e x t r A see Focus on texas on our website for more photos from readers.

texAsCOOppOwer.COm deCember 2020 TEXAS COOP POWER 37 Observations

going someplace with lots of grass—a park or a schoolyard. The worms come out of the ground after a good rain, especially at night. My dad, God bless him, and I and sometimes my younger brother and sister would traipse through the grass in the dark, bent at the waist with a flash- light and old milk jug in one hand. We’d pluck the worms off the ground and drop them into our gallons, which had been cut open at the top to create a larger opening. We’d be out there for an hour, maybe more—how does a kid measure time hunched over in the total darkness, sometimes in the rain? When we thought we had enough, either worms or of the experience, we’d head home. There, we dumped them onto newspa- pers on our basement floor—a writhing mound of slimy, yucky... things. Earth- worms produce mucus that keeps their bodies moist to help breathe in oxygen through their skin. In those milk jugs, they seemed to need a lot of mucus. On good nights there’d be more than a thousand of them squirming on the sports section. My bread and butter. I counted them out by the dozen and put them, with a bit of peat moss, into old have worms. oleo, sour cream and similar containers i u se d to Even at 13 I knew that wasn’t very that friends and relatives saved for me. Hooked funny, but it seems to be a crack common Then into our basement fridge. Chilled, on worms to the night crawler business, and I they went dormant but stayed alive. used to be in the night crawler business. And so the anglers came to our door, Growing up with an unabated work ethic while stooping low in the rain It was 1974 in Joliet, Illinois, and sometimes in the middle of the night, I wanted cash. and bought my worms. Fifty cents a We stuck a shingle on the utility dozen. We’d open the container and stir By Tom widlowski pole—shame on us—at the end of our the peat moss a bit with a finger to show illUsTraTion By JoHn kaCHik block, where it crossed a busier street. the customer they were getting lively “Worms & Nite-Crawlers, 917.” Our bait that couldn’t fail. Then we’d wish address on Sheila Drive. them luck. It worked. Folks heading out to fish Barely more than a decade later, stopped by and rapped on our door to I was a newspaper designer and editor— buy their bait. Today it would probably still working at night, hovering over be mistaken for drug deals. Strange cars sports pages, but no longer knuckle- pulling into the driveway, a dollar deep in slime. D handed over in exchange for the goods. It’s not a job for the squeamish. First you must collect the worms. That means

38 TEXAS COOP POWER deCember 2020 texAsCOOppOwer.COm SAVE 89% SUPER COUPON OWCOUPON Shop When You Need To Online & In-Store WWOWOWW (7293) SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON SUPER 4" Magnetic Parts Holder 3-Ply Disposable (3105) 8 Gallon, 150 PSI 220% Face Masks Oil-Free Air Compressor Pack of 10 (673) YOUR CHOICE $ 99 OF COLOR 119 ANY $ 99 $ 99 SINGLE $ 99 3. 139 ITEM* 2 Less Than OOFOFF 30¢ per WWOWOWWOW!WOW! Use Online & In-Store Mask LIMIT 3 ¢ *37943598* Save Save Hardware sold separately. Non-medical. $ $ 99 3 7 9 4 3 5 9 8 WHILE 39 663 Compare to 66% SUPPLIES Black Blue 2 Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be ITEM 58065 ITEM 57593 Titan used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track LAST Compare to Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot 11194 Use Online & In-Store Sale item, compressors, ﬂ oor jacks, power stations, safes, storage cabinets, chests or Compare to In-Store Only Husky Use Online & In-Store $5.99 carts, trailers, welders, Admiral, Ames, Atlas, Avanti, Bauer, Central Machinery, Cobra, Fecedy 300816 *37949520* CoverPro, Daytona, Diamondback, Drummond, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, Icon, ITEM 62535 Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior B01711ZXI4 *38086937* $159 *37948400* 90566 shown 3 7 9 4 9 5 2 0 Exp. 1/15/21* purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 1/15/21. $8.99 3 8 0 8 6 9 3 7 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 1/15/21* ITEM 56269/64294 shown 3 7 9 4 8 4 0 0 LIMIT 1 - Exp. 1/15/21* SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON (1365) (9445) (5430) (923) #1 SELLING JACKS IN AMERICA 301 Piece Master Mechanic's ® 5505500000000 Lumen 40" x 72" Rapid Pump 3 Ton Steel Tool Kit Moving Heavy Duty Floor Jack 4 ft. LED Hanging Blanket $ 99 Shop Light 169 $ 99 $8999 $ 99 3 199 $10499 Save Save $ 99 33% Save Save $170 29 $ 79 60% $45 $ 99 Compare to Pratt Retail Specialties 4 Compare to Compare to Use Online & In-Store 19 Use Online & In-Store HDMOVBLAN Use Online & In-Store Powerbuilt 647593 Use Online & In-Store Klutch 43994 $9.98 $135.27 $339.99 *37951240* *37951918* ITEM 69504/62336 *37953246* ITEM 56621/56622 *37953589* ITEM 63457/63464 shown 3 7 9 5 1 2 4 0 LIMIT 1 - Exp. 1/15/21* ITEM 64410 3 7 9 5 1 9 1 8 LIMIT 3 - Exp. 1/15/21* 47262 shown 3 7 9 5 3 2 4 6 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 1/15/21* 56623/56624 shown 3 7 9 5 3 5 8 9 LIMIT 2 - Exp. 1/15/21* SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON (808) (7028) (3978) (5248) ® YOUR CHOICE OF 6 COLORS 44" x 22" Double Bank 18" x 12", 1000 lb. Capacity 2/10/50 AMP, 12v Battery Charger 18" Working Platform Step Stool Extra Deep Cabinet Hardwood Mover’s Dolly and Engine Starter $ 99 $ 99 $ 99 $ 99 19 449 34 $ 99 $ 99 7 $ 99 29 499 $ 99 54

10. Save Save $2,285 Save Save 50% 62% 38% CCompaomparere to ITEM 93888/61899/63095/63096/63097/6309893888/61899/63095/63096/63097/63098 shown ITEM 60581/60653 shown Compare to Snap-on KRA4813FPBO CompaComparere to Compare to Neocraft $2,735 Use Online & In-Store Use Online & In-Store Schumacher Electric Use Online & In-Store Use Online & In-Store Buffalo Tools 60635 ITEM 64446, 64955, SE-1250 $39.99 64443, 64954, 64281, *37953887* HDFDOLLY *37956600* $56.93 *37957605* *37958291* 64956 3 7 9 5 3 8 8 7 LIMIT 1 - Exp. 1/15/21* $21.29 3 7 9 5 6 6 0 0 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 1/15/21* 3 7 9 5 7 6 0 5 LIMIT 2 - Exp. 1/15/21* ITEM 62515/66911 shown 3 7 9 5 8 2 9 1 LIMIT 3 - Exp. 1/15/21* SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON (5303) (2041) (6777) (3949) 29 Piece 4-1/2" Angle Grinder 3500w Super Quiet Titanium 10 ft. x 17 ft. $ 99 Inverter Generator Drill Bit Set Portable Garage 169 $ 99 $ 99 $19999 769 10 $79999 $1899 Save $ 99 $135 Save 9 Save Save $ 99 $ Compare to 56% 1,329 14. Dewalt 81% Compare to DW1369 Use Online & In-Store Shelter Logic 76377 Use Online & In-Store CompareCompare to Use Online & In-Store Compare to Use Online & In-Store $60.09 $305.29 Ironton 61451 Honda EU3000iS1A ITEM 5889/62281 *37959251* ITEM 62859/63055 *37959402* $22.99 *37959492* $2,099 *37960396* 61637 shown 3 7 9 5 9 2 5 1 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 1/15/21* 62860 shown 3 7 9 5 9 4 0 2 LIMIT 1 - Exp. 1/15/21* ITEM 69645/60625 shown 3 7 9 5 9 4 9 2 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 1/15/21* ITEM 56720/63584 shown 3 7 9 6 0 3 9 6 LIMIT 1 - Exp. 1/15/21* SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON (3849) (3990) (1767) (2062) 6.5 HP (212 cc) OHV Alkaline Batteries 3/8" x 50 ft. 4" Ratcheting Bar Clamp/Spreader Horizontal Shaft Gas Engine AA, AAA - 24 PACK Retractable $ 99 YOUR CHOICE Air Hose Reel 99 $499 $ 99 $12499 59 Save $ 99 $ 99 Save Save 6 79 Save 84% $ 99 Compare to $ 69% $ ¢ • Also available in C - 6 pack, 46 1 Honda 230 Compare to GX200UT2QX2 D - 6 pack, and 9v - 4 pack sizes Compare to 99 Compare to Irwin Kobalt $329.99 Energizer 1964747 Use Online & In-Store Use Online & In-Store SGY-AIR184 Use Online & In-Store Use Online & In-Store ITEM 60363/69730 shown 551413526 $6.49 $106 ITEM 69727/68121 *37961438* $16.24 *38087653* *37963205* ITEM 46805/62242 *37963224* CALIFORNIA ONLY 3 7 9 6 1 4 3 8 LIMIT 2 - Exp. 1/15/21* ITEM 92404 shown 3 8 0 8 7 6 5 3 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 1/15/21* ITEM 64685/93897 shown 3 7 9 6 3 2 0 5 LIMIT 2 - Exp. 1/15/21* 68974 shown 3 7 9 6 3 2 2 4 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 1/15/21*

Pricing, promotions, and availability may vary by location and at www.harborfreight.com and are subject to change without notice. We reserve the right to limit quantities. “Compare 1,100+ Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com to” advertised price means that the speciﬁ ed comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another *Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 1/15/21. national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. Although we make texAsCOOppOwer.COm every effort to assure that our prices and products are advertiseddeCember as accurately as possible, 2020 we are only TEXAS human and in the COOP event an error isPOWER made, we reserve the39 right to correct it.