EDITOR'S NOTE | CAMY REYNOLDS

Dear Readers,

The holiday season tends to be more chaotic than my typical day-to-day life, but at the same time it seems to slow down and allows me to enjoy small things I tend to take for granted. I find myself making extra time to read a Christmas story to my kids by the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree, actually sitting down to drink my coffee (if you are a mom, you get it) while listening to the crackling fire and pausing more often to dance around the house with the kids while belting out Christmas songs.

While some aspects of the Christmas season are a cause for pause, other pieces continue moving ahead full force. Sonterra MUD Parks and Recreation wasted no time getting involved in the community since the department’s creation in August. Along with the several community events they have hosted, they recently launched their first youth basketball league. The affordable price to play in the league will allow all kids in Jarrell the opportunity to participate, made possible thanks to the wonderful relationship with our JISD.

Jarrell ISD’s police department is rapidly growing with the addition of three new deputies, plus the first-ever K-9 in Jarrell! You will meet Sergeant Wolf, Officers Champion and Adams, and K-9 Nosek in our story, “Beyond the Badge.”

The Jarrell Education Foundation continues to award more innovative and creative grants each year to teachers using funds raised solely by the foundation. This year 16 lucky teachers received a total of $35,000 in grants. You can read their story on page 10 to learn more about the different grants and how they will positively impact the students of Jarrell ISD.

If you are searching for activities to get you into the holiday spirit, look no further! The City of Jarrell is hosting its first annual Christmas festival complete with an ice skating rink and train rides for the kids. You can also visit the most festive town squares around or drive to see some of the best decorated homes in the area. The holidays are not complete without tasty foods so check out our international recipes to see what you might want to take to your next holiday party.

From all of us here at My Jarrell Monthly, we want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!