OurGunter - December 2019 by 4CMEDIAGROUP

Ourgunter December 2019 | OurG unter.com

OurGunter.com | December 2019

Table of CONTENTS 4 7 8 10 11 12-13 14 15

FEATURED Gunter Spotlight: Elizabeth Kulbeth

Letter from Publishers GISD Honors Veterans Gunter Elementary - November Gunter FFA Leadership Contest Jacob Seiberling - Eagle Scout Rotary & RYLA/Student Council Leadership School Zone: Choir, State Cross Country Volleyball Achievements, Gunter G.I.F.T. School Zone: December 2019 Calendar Gunter Spotlight: Elizabeth Kulbeth Gunter Library: History of the GL&M Gunter Library Calendar

On The Cover:

Santa and his baby reindeer share a sweet moment. Thank you, Jesse Latham and Finley

Letter From The Publishers Merry Christmas from our family to yours! We wish you a season of love and happiness. WEAREGUNTER.COM is our website. OurGunter is YOUR Gunter....

OURGUNTER H ISTORY | V ALUES | F UTURE

December 2019 VOL 1, Issue 10 Published By 4CMEDIAGROUP, LLC Editorial & Design Renee Marler Renee@4cMediaGroup.com Production Jimmy Marler James@4cMediaGroup.com Contributing Writers Juanita Hazelton | Jackie Kruzie | Jill Siler | Hailey Wilde Contributing Art & Photography 4CMEDIAGROUP Marion Cole | Juanita Hazelton | Hailey Wilde | Jill Siler | GISD Editorial Submissions Please send editorial considerations to Renee@4CMEDIAGROUP.com Advertising Information Contact us at

214.592.7512

or email us at Renee@4CMEDIAGROUP.com Visit our website at www.4CMEDIAGROUP.com OurGunter 114 N. Ohio, Suite 100, Celina, TX 75009 214.592.7512 | www.OurGunter.com A 4CMEDIAGROUP, LLC Publication

If you are interested in writing for OurGunter, we encourage you to reach out to us! We are always open to contributions from students, teachers, parents and community members!

From our Family to Yours, Jimmy, Renee, Chase, Colby & Camden Marler You don’t have to wait all month to see what’s going on! Make sure to folllow us on social media to stay up-to-date on all the happenings in Gunter, Texas! www.facebook.com/ourgunter

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GISD Honors Our Veterans

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GUNTER Independent School District

SCHOOL ZONE

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GUNTER HIGH SCHOOL

Schedules subject to change, please check website and/or social media for updates www.gunterisd.org/calendars

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by: Hailey Wilde “Music speaks when words fail.” Elizabeth Kulbeth, also known as Gunter ISD’s choral director extraordinaire and a mother to all, plays an important role in this small town, Gunter Tiger community. With her loving heart and warm soul, she touches the heart of every person she meets. Elizabeth Kulbeth was born in, and grew up in, White Hall, Arkansas. She attended Arkansas schools K-12 and even attended college in Arkansas! Growing up, she knew that she wanted to be a teacher but had no idea that she would later become a choral teacher. Her mother could not sing at all, and she did not grow up in a music loving family, but all she knew was that she loved kids. Elizabeth’s parents started a daycare center in her home after her dad lost his job, so she and her siblings had to help with the kids before and after school. Throughout middle and high school, she was involved in sports including basketball, track, and softball. “I loved it so much,” remarked Elizabeth, “so much in fact, I thought I was going to become a coach!” During her sophomore year of high school, Elizabeth was faced with an ultimatum given by her school choir director. He told her to either quit sports or leave choir, so she decided to leave the choir. She was involved in a youth choir on the side and it’s a good thing, because as one of her students, I don’t know where I would be if she wasn’t with us today! “It wasn’t until my senior year of high school when I was a leader of my youth choir that I just fell passionately in love with music. I still went to college with an undecided major, but I eventually majored in music,” explained Elizabeth. Elizabeth attended the University of Central Arkansas and majored in music education along with a vocal emphasis piano minor. After graduating, she obtained her first teaching job at Green Forest Public Schools and built the program from the ground up to a total of 77 students in three years. After her second year in Green Forest, she married her high school sweetheart! She then transferred to a private school and taught there for one year before moving to Gunter, Texas in 1992. Elizabeth has been teaching in Gunter for a whopping 27 years! She has been a one act play director, cheer sponsor, dance team assistant, and a choral director for a total of 250 kids grades K-12. “I tell my students that while I may not be able to teach them a thing about music, I will teach them how to serve and care for one another,” stated Elizabeth. When asked what her favorite part is about being a choir teacher, Mrs. Kulbeth explained that she “loves the journey that she travels year after year, being able to see the growth of her students from raw to amazing.” A typical day for Mrs. Kulbeth involves going back and forth between the campuses and teaching nine classes in an eight period day! Not only does Elizabeth teach, she also volunteers throughout the rest of the school. For example, if you show up to Gunter High School on a Tuesday or Thursday night, you will see her working the clock and cheering on the students. If you come to a softball game, you will hear her energetic voice announcing the teams and supporting the players both home and opposing. In summary, when Elizabeth is asked to do something, she does it. Mrs. Kulbeth always gives it her all. There is never a moment when you don’t see her helping a student, preparing for UIL competitions, or even volunteering somewhere in our Gunter community. Here are a few of her achievements that she has been able to gain the title of through her love and dedication for her students, and her choir. For 17 years straight, she has sent 17 TMEA All Region Choir members from both middle and high school. Her choir has taken sweepstakes 4 out of the last 6 years at UIL Concert and Sight Reading. For 15 consecutive years, she has had UIL Solo and Ensemble state qualifiers and most recently, she has sent 6 TMEA All State Small School Mixed Choir members in the last 4 years. Along with her seasonal choir concerts for each campus, Elizabeth also hosts Dining with Disney, Hard Luck Choir Cafe, and takes her students on amazing trips where memories made will never be forgotten. It is amazing what can be accomplished through hard work and dedication that strictly comes from the love she has in her heart for her kids and for her choir. “It is an honor to be the choral director of Gunter ISD,” Elizabeth Kulbeth.

“I love Mrs. Kulbeth because…”

Very rarely do we ever see Mrs. Kulbeth take responsibility for her student’s success and the choir’s achievements, but the reality is she plays a major part in everything she engages in. She serves, teaches, believes in her students, and loves unconditionally. In order to help Mrs. Kulbeth really see the difference she makes, I decided to get a few quotes from her Chamber Choir students. Kara Curtis (12)- “I love Mrs. Kulbeth because she lives a life of service and advocacy. Her students love her because of her kindness and heart that shines through in all that she

OurGunter.com | December 2019

does. She sets a great example for us and when I walk through her classroom doors, I truly feel like I am coming home to family.” Keely Ward (12)- “I love Mrs. Kulbeth because she is always there to be your number one supporter. She has total faith in her student’s abilities, and does everything she can to help them succeed above and beyond anyone’s expectations.” Ainslee Stovall (12)- “I love Mrs. Kulbeth because of her kind heart and the amazing role model she is. I look forward to her class everyday and have many amazing memories from the choir program. “ Ashley Bruner (12) - “I love Mrs. Kulbeth because she is so much more than a choir director. She supports her ‘kids’ in everything we do. She cares about our lives outside of school and we know that we can go to her for anything.” Laurel Mulkey (12)- “I love Mrs. Kulbeth because she is the heart of the choir. Though she often refuses to accept responsibility for the choir’s accomplishments, everything we have achieved is because of her. She has never turned away someone who needed help, and she strives to not only better her student’s music skills, but the confidence they have within themselves.” Zoe Carlile (12)- “I love Mrs. Kulbeth because she goes above and beyond for all of her students inside and outside of the classroom. She pushes all of us to not only become better singers, but to also become better people.” Hailey Wilde (11)- “I love Mrs. Kulbeth because she’s Mrs Kulbeth! She has the biggest heart and is the hardest working choral teacher I know and have ever had. She puts so much time and effort into everything involving her choir, her community, and her students or as she likes to call them, her ‘kids’ and I can’t thank her enough.” Ryan Morrison (12)- “I love Mrs. Kulbeth because she has always been so supportive towards her kids. When I was completely new to choir she helped me with so much and it has made a huge difference in my life.” Sam Erwin (11)- “I love Mrs. Kulbeth because she believes in me and is always encouraging me to do my best. She is the hardest working teacher I know and she always makes sure that we have a great time.” Adelie Brackeen (10)- “I love Mrs. Kulbeth because she does so much for every student in a unique way and personally, I don’t know where I would be without her constant motivation and drive to help her students improve.” Mathew Avendano (11)- “I love Mrs. Kulbeth because she is an amazing choir teacher.” It is very obvious that the Gunter community would not be the same without Elizabeth. We love you Mrs. Kulbeth!

Building For The Future In Prestigious School Districts

•GUNTER ISD

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The Gunter Library and Museum has been a part of the Gunter community for sixteen years. We are a 501 c3 non profit Library with volunteers who give their time and talents to serve our area’s business, academic, imagination, and reading needs. Visit us 110 S. Hwy 289 (next to the donut shop) and take advantage of our services • Books in print/audio/e-books/DVDs • Storytime, STEAM, and kids Summer Reading programs • Book Club • Free wifi and computer access with printer and fax services • Visit our museum and featuring artifacts, picture, and stories about the history of Gunter

A Short History of the Gunter Library & Museum

By: Juanita Hazelton

In the beginning, 2003: An undated clipping from the Herald Democrat has the headline “Gunter’s first library swings open its doors.” The clipping goes on to say “The building and supplies have all been donated by individuals and others including other libraries that want to help. The building, which has housed restaurants and doctors’ offices, was donated by Dee Smith early this year. Volunteers have performed all of the work inside. Eagle scouts, including Dallin Smith and Jarom Smith worked hard to replace flooring and build shelves as well as other projects. Gunter Mayor at the time was Mark Millar, whose support and labor helped the scouts with the work. At the Gunter Ranch Round-up the Friends of the Library raised $200.” Leilani Holloway, a member of the City Council and head of the Friends of the Library spearheaded the project. The article reported her as saying “I will feel like I gave birth because I have carried this for a year and a half. It has really been heartwarming how many people spent time working on this and were so generous with donations.” Grants were sought and awarded. A donation paid for the heating and air conditioning. A donation from the Tocker Foundation purchased computers, software, and books. The Van Alstyne Library donated about four trucks of books to Gunter. The layout of the library included a children’s room/museum, a room for adult fiction and non-fiction, a workroom, and a storage room. The museum contained many objects donated by individuals. Leaks and other structural conditions forced a move from the original building to Gunter Center in 2012. The collection was weeded down to about 1/4 of its holdings. Museum items were either stored or returned to donors. It is the dream of the Friends of the Library to eventually be able to expand into larger facilities in a few years. The Gunter Library and Museum is not supported by city funding at this time although Internet connections are provided through the City of Gunter. The Friends of the Gunter Library & Museum is a 501c3 nonprofit corporation, with a contract with Grayson County to provide library services. Donations from the County, the Community Club and other community organizations, individuals, and from 14

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area businesses support the library. In 2013, there were donations of $500 from the Gunter Area Chamber of Commerce, $2500 from the Battle of the Bridges Golf Tournament, $4000 from the Preston Trails Rotary Club. In 2014, the Landmark Bank donated $1368. Redbox donated the funding and equipment needed to provide the library’s Movie-in-the-Park. The girl scouts donated books from their book drive. In 2016, the Book Festival Grant for $2500, and the Christina B. Woll grant for $600, enabled the library to increase its children’s collection. In 2018, the EDC donated $1500 to allow the library to subscribe to Overdrive, a consortium that allows patrons to download e-books. In 2019, The Tocker Foundation $5000 grant enabled the library to add new software, new books, and new equipment for patron use. Individuals have donated smaller sums and many books over the years. Gunter Library & Museum belongs to a consortium of small north Texas libraries which provides a rotating collection of audiobooks on CDs. The rotating collection changes four times a year, helping small libraries in the area to provide a fresh collection of audiobooks to their patrons. The library joins with NETLibs which provides a rotating collection of large print books which changes three times a year, enabling patrons with visual problems to read library books. The library also applied in 2014 to become a demo library for the Texas Talking Books program. This program provides down loadable e-books and audio books to the blind, or to people with visual problems and other disabilities. The entire Gunter library staff is made up of volunteers. President of the Friends 2019 was Don Anderson. Juanita Hazelton who has served as Library Director for several years will resign in January 2020. Our wonderful volunteers at this time are Jackie Kruzie, Melba Hammock, Jennifer Woodwell, Susie Stratton, Nancy DeChaud, Diane Bick, Rosey Ruiz, Stephanie Kimball, Wanda Robertson, and Darlene Smith. The library continues to provide pre-school and kindergarten story times, STEM classes, a book discussion group, and other programing. Visit us every day except Sunday, from 10-2, and on Thursdays until 6:00.

December 2019 Gunter Library Calendar of Events

Stay current on all library events and activities by visiting us at gunterlibrary.com Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Thank You To Our Sponsors Gunter Library & Museum 110 S. Hwy 289 (next to the donut shop)

Jackie Kruzie Library Director Phone: 903-771-3066 Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Tuesday, Thursday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Sunday: CLOSED

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Local Postal Customer

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