Johnson County Living - Spring 2022 by RedFin

JOHNSON CO. Living SPRING 2022

Dustin O’Bannon Dustin started out making buckles and pendants with fairly basic designs. He now makes rings, earrings, wedding bands, wedding sets and wedding flutes, money clips and pocket knives.

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CHISHOLM TRAIL OUTDOOR MUSEUM From gunfights to Native American arts, cowboy shootouts to Texas History heroes, the adventures await to entertain the entire family at the Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum (CTOM).

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At Cleburne Floral we not only provide flowers, we share sentiments with our local community. Flowers speak volumes! Whether we deliver happiness to brides on their wedding day, excitement in congratulating a new life venture or showing gratitude in times of sorrow at a funeral, Cleburne Floral will be the one to help convey that emotion.

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CONTENTS 10 18 26 32 36

F I G HT I N G FO R E Q UALIT Y Texas cowgirls find new ways to overcome an 85-year struggle.

KE E N E I S D : ARTS S P OTLI G HT For lack of a better term, it has been nothing short of a banner year for the band, drama, and choir programs at the small school district between Cleburne and Alvarado with just under 1,100 students.

ADVAN C E C A M P Chad Wallen invented Advance Camp, a camp for young men in the 6th through 12th grade. The camp has the mission of helping fatherless young men learn practical skills that an involved dad would have taught him.

TE AC H I N G KI DS ABO UT KI N D N E SS With our busy lives, it's easy to lose sight of the little things we can do to make the world a kinder, gentler place. So, why not set a goal with your kids, and see how many acts of kindness your family can rack up in a single day or week?

BU R LE SO N I S D C H O I C E SC H OO L S Burleson ISD has a strong history of schools of choice, beginning with the Academy at Nola Dunn, which started twenty-two years ago. The goal is to provide students with options to become more engaged in their learning because relevance makes rigor possible.

TR AV E L TE X A S : WAC O A decade ago you might have only thought of Waco, Texas as a “pass through” town, but today a dozen associations are made when you hear of this city.

B E LI E V E BO LD LY: S TAY I N G C O N N E C TE D W ITH GO D God reminded me of the importance of maintaining my spiritual health with diligent care. If I let my faith practices fall to the wayside, I could find myself looking at an equally neglected spiritual walk.

ABOUT THE COVER Cover photo is of a pocketknife made by silversmith Dustin O’Bannon. To read more about Dustin’s craft, turn to page 88. Cover photo is of Bob Tallman, the voice of professional rodeo. To read more about the acclaimed announcer, turn to page 36.

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C LE BU R N E R AI LROAD MUS E UM On Oct. 21, 1881, the first train pulled into Cleburne to be greeted by 1,000 cheering spectators, one-quarter of the town's population. Those bystanders could not have imagined that they were witnessing history that would continue to impact the city nearly a century and a half later.

ART BATH : C R E ATO R TU R N S Y E AR S O F E X P E R I E N C E I NTO D R E A M SC E NAR I OS Reuben Bejjani and his brother Leo turned years of working in the plumbing and remodeling business into some of the most beautiful bathroom designs and products to be found.

CONTENTS

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TAKI N G A LOO K AT BAR N D OM I N I UMS Barndos are nothing new. In rural Texas it was common for farmers to convert the upper level of a barn into a living space. The actual term “barndominium” first came about in the 1980s. Barndos have since come a long way.

C H I S H O L M TR AI L O UTD OO R MUS E UM From gunfights to Native American arts, cowboy shootouts to Texas History heroes, the adventures await to entertain the entire family at the Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum (CTOM).

M E TAL FAB R I C AT I O N , B E LT BUC KLE S, AN D S PU R S : LI F E E X P E R I E N C E LE ADS TO LI F E PA SS I O N Dustin started out making buckles and pendants with fairly basic designs. He now makes rings, earrings, wedding bands, wedding sets and wedding flutes, money clips and pocket knives.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

t’s finally springtime in Johnson County and although they came late, it’s great to see the wildflowers in bloom. And as we prepare for another hot summer, it’s great to see folks out and about enjoying the wonderful spring weather. There is a lot to do and see this time of year, and we hope you all enjoy everything Johnson County has to offer. With Memorial Day and July 4th right around the corner, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate with friends and family. We tell you with every issue how much the people of Johnson County inspire us. In this edition you’ll read about silversmith Dustin O’Bannon. Dustin started out making buckles and pendants with fairly basic designs. He now makes rings, earrings, wedding bands, wedding sets and wedding flutes, money clips and pocketknives. You’ll also read about Patti and Deahl Rooks of Godley Grind Coffee Company and Bakery fame. They have one biological child, nineteen adopted children, and have fostered one hundred in twenty-one years of marriage. Godley Grind opened in September 2019 with a mission of inspiring and empowering young people from the foster care system through mentorship, spiritual guidance, work, and community collaborations. We want to thank our advertisers for making this publication possible and free to the community! Help us express our gratitude by shopping local and visiting their establishments to pick up your complimentary copy.   This publication is about you! Please feel free to email us photos of your events to add to our Hometown Happenings or any stories you would like to read in the next issue. We would love to hear from you! We give thanks to God for our many blessings and look forward to a great year to come! Until the next edition, wishing you many blessings -

Justin and Hayley Six

Kyle and Halsey Clark

“Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!” Psalm 31:24

JOHNSON COUNTY LIVING MAGAZINE REDFIN PUBLISHING

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WRITERS

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Julie Mankin

Rick Mauch

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Fi ghting for Equality Texas Cowgirls Find New Ways to Overcome 85-year Struggle Hall-of-Fame roper Lari Dee Guy of Abilene, noticed the advertised purse for women’s roping at an upcoming PRCA rodeo was just 17 percent of what the other events would pay. ”We were in a huff,” admitted Hope Thompson, another world champion cowgirl raised in Atlanta, Texas. ”It was like, let’s just raise the money ourselves!” By Julie Mankin Photos by RC Photography

arly-day rodeos evolved on the heels of wild-west shows as a mix of entertainment and competition. Since event producers and elite ropers were both out to make money, the only way cowboys could force producers to offer bigger purses was to walk out – over and over – for decades. It was an infamous 1936 strike by rodeo contestants in Boston that finally boosted payoffs for good and led to the organization of rodeo as a professional sport. Fast-forward to December 2021, when Hall-ofFame roper Lari Dee Guy of Abilene, noticed the advertised purse for women’s roping at an upcoming PRCA rodeo was just 17 percent of what the other events would pay. “We were in a huff,” admitted Hope Thompson, another world champion cowgirl raised in Atlanta, Texas. “It was like, let’s just raise the money ourselves!” And they did what’s never been done in professional rodeo.

Novel but nothing new Few people realize that, back in ’36 when the cowboys walked out on Colonel W.T. Johnson at Boston

Garden, his crowd favorites were actually Hall-of-Fame cowgirls like Tad Lucas and Alice Greenough. “He liked having lady bronc riders and trick riders in his show and they were definitely favored at a Johnson rodeo,” recalled Tad Lucas’ daughter Mitzi Lucas Riley, according to Gail Hughbanks Woerner in The Cowboys’ Turtle Association: The Birth of Professional Rodeo. In order to compete, the world’s best cowgirls had to pay membership dues like the men to join the newfound Cowboys’ Turtle Association (named for how slow they were to stick their necks out). However, the girls were labeled “honorary” members and not given a vote like the men. Then, as soon as they demanded their mount money from a Cleveland producer, not only were they not given it, but the Turtles wouldn’t help them get it. According to Turtles leader and Hall-of-Fame cowboy Everett Bowman, cowgirls would just “have to stand on their own feet and sit in their own saddles” (Woerner 2011). So, in 1948, they did. Disgruntled with the way

”It was like, let’s just raise the money ourselves!” And they did what’s never been done in professional rodeo.

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they were being treated in the male-dominated sport; they formed their own Girls’ Rodeo Association (GRA). Meanwhile, at Turtle rodeos (now PRCA rodeos), committees were given the option of choosing which girls’ event they would include. Most opted for barrel racing. The GRA became today’s Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA), and its barrel racing became a standard event at PRCA rodeos. When the PRCA hosted the first National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Dallas in 1959, it didn’t include the barrel racing championships. Those were held elsewhere – for the next eight years. In 1967, a committeeman in Oklahoma City agreed to include the WPRA barrel racing with the NFR, for just $1,000 prize money. Finally in 1998 – literally another 20 years later – women’s barrel racing paid the same amount as the men’s events at the NFR in Las Vegas. “From the very beginning, women have stuck their necks out for equality with varying degrees of success,” according to the website of the WPRA. “Those women’s refusal to take ‘no’ for an answer serves to inspire future generations to recognize and harness the potential of women in rodeo.”

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According to Turtles leader and Hall-of-Fame cowboy Everett Bowman, cowgirls would just ”have to stand on their own feet and sit in their own saddles.”

Cowgirl movement Remarkably in just the past couple of years, the WPRA has seen breakaway – featured for more than 40 years in up to 20 other rodeo associations – included at PRCA rodeos. The past two NFRs, however, have not included the breakaway championships, which have been held elsewhere for a purse of $200,000. Standard events at the NFR, held in Las Vegas’ Thomas & Mack Center, each boast a purse of $1.2 million. Last season marked the second year that the PRCA’s Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo in Waco, also in December, included women’s breakaway. That’s the rodeo that would offer the girls a purse of $3,000, compared to $17,500 in other events. When administrators had divvied up dol-

Last season marked the second year that the PRCA’s Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo in Waco, also in December, included women’s breakaway.

lars from national rodeo sponsors as added money in each event, they’d left breakaway out. Instead of staging a strike like her forebears, Guy immediately circulated a group text message about the deficit to the other Texas breakaway ropers. They rolled their sleeves up. Each of their personal sponsors got on board. And 17-time world champion JJ Hampton of Stephenville started sharing Facebook posts, hoping business owners might need some end-of-year write-offs. Bill Fick, who owns Bill Fick Ford in Huntsville, doubled what Hampton asked for, while owners of horse farms, horse trading websites and even horse feed and apparel stepped right up. Elite Texas cowgirls like Weatherford’s Martha Angelone and Dublin’s Kelsie Domer joined Hampton, Guy, and Thompson in the effort to raise enough to also cover the 6% by-laws dictated be given to the sanctioning association. “They were texting me, asking how much they’d need for their purse to be equal, and I told them,” said longtime PRCA rodeo secretary Mikey Duggan. “And then it just starts pouring in. It blew my mind. Five gals did all this within 24 hours.” For Cinch Jeans’ Director of Marketing Jessica Wahlert, the choice to add the money was simply about doing what’s right. “We’re excited that breakaway ropers are seeing new opportunities, but the opportunities are with contingencies right now,” Wahlert said. “We want be a part of making sure the athletes who are competing now are able to rope for the same big money provided in the other events.”

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One cowgirl got animal feed giant Purina to donate a ton of feed that she raffled, while the practice device Nothin’ But Neck, which supports Guy’s “Rope Like A Girl” movement, made a considerable donation. Another cowgirl enticed her home-state dealership, Croft Country Chevrolet in Alva, Oklahoma, to add to the cause. “I don’t like asking people for money, but at the end of the day, if somebody doesn’t step up and be a leader and help us get this done, nobody will,” said Hampton. “It’s amazing how many people were behind us. We came up with this money our own, from people who believe in the future of women in rodeo. We shouldn’t have to do it—we’ve got jobs and horses to train and calves to rope.” At the end of just one day, the cowgirls had accidentally raised more than the amount needed for equity – they received around $23,000.

”And then it just starts pouring in. It blew my mind. Five gals did all this within 24 hours.” “Then when we showed up at the rodeo, they told us we can’t rope for more than the other contestants,” Thompson said. “We thought, ‘Well, y’all were sure going to let us rope for less.’”

Hustlin’ Duggan used the extra donations to buy a trophy saddle and arena banners promoting the last-minute sponsors, while $2,500 still sits in a bank account awaiting the 2022 event. Last season, lady ropers in the Pacific northwest and Montana also raised extra funds to offset missing national sponsor money at their PRCA circuit finals. But none were able to raise as much as did the Texans. Those ladies’ unprecedented effort caught the entire rodeo off-guard, and the Waco committee has expressed a desire to divvy things up differently next time. “These girls made it clear they’re here to take care of business,” Duggan said. “They generally do their work in the arena. But they turned that hustle toward having equal money.”

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”These girls made it clear they’re here to take care of business.” Being paid equally at PRCA rodeos has been on Guy and Hampton’s agenda for a few years. Guy hopes that their raising some $20,000 on a Sunday will show PRCA leadership, and the sport as a whole, what can be done. “If we could raise that much in one day, what if it happened for 364 more days?” she asked. “And that was just a few of us. If everyone got on board, how much more money could we put into our National Finals? Would they really be able to keep us out of the Thomas & Mack with that kind of sponsor support and added money?” The potential payoff for sponsors is great. Businesses are approaching female ropers to wrap their tour buses, while internet and TV coverage of their events has soared. A CBS broadcast last fall of the Women’s Rodeo World Championships, produced by the World Champions Rodeo Alliance (WCRA), drew a staggering 2.3 million viewers. Thompson said it’s not fame they’re after. It’s equal money in Las Vegas – a $1.2 million NFR purse that will grow the event and increase the fan base. Hampton’s well-known zeal for winning has already breathed new life into pro rodeo, while audience polls cite breakaway as a fan favorite.

Thompson said it’s not fame they’re after. It’s equal money in Las Vegas a $1.2 million NFR purse that will grow the event and increase the fan base.

It seems the lure of the world’s best cowgirls is just as strong as it was in ’36. Today, “sitting in their own saddles” means cowgirls have sponsors rallying around them – especially female entrepreneurs in male-dominated industries who have also grown tired of hearing “no.” “When the event is this popular and it’s so exciting to be involved, you can’t help but want to help them,” admitted Duggan. “They’re a good bunch of ladies.” For more details or to join the movement, you can email thejjhampton@yahoo.com or larideeguy@aol.com. JCL

COMING

FALL 2022 T E C H T E AC H T E AC H E R P R E PA R AT I O N PROGRAM

Arts

Spotlight By Rick Mauch Photos Provided by Keene ISD

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For lack of a better term, it has been nothing short of a banner year for the band, drama, and choir programs at the small school district between Cleburne and Alvarado with just under 1,100 students.

egend has it that Winston Churchill was once asked if funding should be cut for the arts to continue funding Great Britain’s efforts in World War II. His alleged response was, “Then what would we be fighting for?” Whether he did or did not actually say those words, one would have to surmise that the late British prime minister would be proud of the Keene School District’s fine arts program. For lack of a better term, it has been nothing short of a banner year for the band, drama, and choir programs at the small school district between Cleburne and Alvarado with just under 1,100 students. “Working with Carissa Emery (band director) and Megan Stubblefield (choir director) has been so much fun this year,” said Drama Director Sarah Keene. “We’re always helping each other out and cheering each other on - and it’s just a great working environment to be a part of.”

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"The KISD bands made history, participating in their very first marching season, along with performing at pep rallies, home football games, and local parades."

Band The KISD bands made history, participating in their very first marching season, along with performing at pep rallies, home football games, and local parades. High school band students Annalese Mora, Kylie Freeze and Julia Salazar qualified for the Association of Texas Small School Bands Region 5/30 competition. Mora and Freeze, along with Reese Osborn also qualified for the ATSSB Area Band competition. The high school band competed in University Interscholastic League Solo and Small Ensemble competition for the first time, with the woodwind trio of Mora, Freeze and James Almeida Güms advancing to UIL state competition. Also, high school students Mora and Jorge Calderon Lozada qualified for and performed in the Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU) Music Festival. The high school and junior high varsity bands competed at regional UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest.

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In only its second year of competing, the high school band brought home a first division rating in sight-reading this year, a first. The jazz band performed at the Tarleton State University Jazz Festival, the first competition for the young band. “The jazz band was also incredibly involved in our community this year, performing at local nursing homes, the Keene Business Expo, and the KHS Culture Fest,” said director Carissa Cromer Emery. In addition, at the locally hosted Solo and Small Ensemble competitions, 11 students earned first-division ratings on their solos, and five small ensembles earned first-division ratings in junior high and high school combined. “This is my third year at KISD, and every year I have strived to increase the number of activities available to our band students,” Emery said. “This has been our busiest year by far, and also our most successful.” “Aside from official recognition, however, I also feel

that this year has been our best year yet for band morale and culture, as I see the band students grow closer together and support each other as friends and as musicians.” There aren’t many traditions in place for the young program. “Right now, we are in the phase of building traditions,” she said.

Drama Keene (yes, that is her real name) said the high school theatre program made a goal of putting on as many performances as they could for the community this school

year. She also wanted to combine with younger campuses as much as possible. The year started with an improv night, then they put on a production for the community about the men who wrote the hymn “It Is Well.” The play, titled “Ville Du Havre” by Amanda Guthrie, was such a hit that they were asked to perform again at SWAU - their second sold-out performance. The department also performed the school’s first musical, “Moana Jr.” featuring students from grades 3-12. “In one school year, we performed five plays, one dinner theatre event, and one improv night for the public. We were more involved in student affairs on campus, engaging several students in pep rally flash mob performances and dressing students up in character to visit the elementary school,” Keene said. Another first was committing to attend the Thespian State Festival in Grapevine. “We received grants through the International Thespian Society to both boost our student membership and attend

“This has been our busiest year by far, and also our most successful.”

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the festival,” Keene said. “We took 10 students, several of whom competed in individual and duet categories for the first time in school history.” “In addition to contests, we attended workshops and performances that made all of us a little better at what we do.” Two students, Cheyenne Manuel and Janet Kerr, won at the TxETA state playwriting contest. They each received a check for their plays, as well as the opportunity to coach college level actors on Zoom, who then performed a reading of their plays for the educators’ convention. “During my first year (2020-21), the students really pushed to re-activate our Thespian Club, and create traditions that could help grow the program in future years. Those graduating seniors of 2021 set the tone for this year’s success and passed the ball on to this year’s leaders, who really ran with it,” Keene said. “The two directors before me did a fantastic job of giving the students a great foundation and fostering a passion for the performing arts that made my transition into the position very comfortable and enjoyable. “One of the most important things to me when I got the

job was asking the students what traditions they had from years past and finding ways to include them in our practices. We started several new traditions this year that we are excited to see continue in future years.” Two students, Ahmir Reyes, and Dylan Campbell, have accepted scholarships to be in the drama department at the College of the Mainland in Texas City this fall. Also, the 2020-21 valedictorian, Robert Wood, who was active in all fine arts at Keene ISD, is currently involved in both the English and Theatre departments at the University of Texas at Austin.

Choir Stubblefield, in her first year, noted that there are three different junior high classes, sixth-grade choir, a seventh/eighth-grade treble choir, and a seventh/eighthgrade tenor bass choir. “This is the first year that we've had a separate seventh/eighth-grade choir class for low and high voices. Having the class split into voice parts helped the students grow more as musicians,” she said. “I was able to refine

“We took 10 students, several of whom competed in individual and duet categories for the first time in school history.”

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music reading skills with both groups while addressing vocal range specific challenges.” The treble choir had its first-ever student, Tori Ball, compete at the regional choir contest. The treble choir participated in UIL Choir Concert and Sightreading Evaluation, receiving superior and excellent ratings, their first ever UIL awards. “The students grew so much in just a short time,” Stubblefield said. “When I first arrived, they had limited music reading skills.” The high school choir class features mixed voices. “When I first arrived, they were one of the most eager group of chorale students I had ever worked with,” Stubblefield said. “They absorbed everything I told them and really grew to become a great team.” Fifteen students auditioned and were accepted to

"The treble choir participated in UIL Choir Concert and Sightreading Evaluation, receiving superior and excellent ratings, their first ever UIL awards." participate in the SWAU Music Festival. Ten students competed in the UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest. Five advanced to the state contest (Lily Moore, Zachary Rogers, Lucia González, Sarah Cooper, Arianna Eclar), and the choir attended UIL Choir Concert and Sightreading Evaluation winning sweepstakes after receiving superior ratings. “These students had some music reading skills, with a few who were very good at it. However, 85 percent of the choir was new members,” Stubblefield said. “These students definitely had a good understanding of music and were exposed to it at a young age. I think having a teacher who really just lets them enjoy singing and making music really sets the vibe for the program.” Scottie Ritok will be attending SWAU in the fall to major in choral music education. JCL

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ADVANCE INTO ADULTHOOD By Rick Mauch Photos provided by Advance Camp

Chad Wallen invented Advance Camp, a camp for young men in the 6th through 12th grade. The camp has the mission of helping fatherless young men learn practical skills that an involved dad would have taught him.

dvancing to adulthood can be hard, especially if one parent is missing from the journey. That is why Chad Wallen invented Advance Camp, a camp for young men in the 6th through 12th grade that meets one Saturday a month with the mission of helping fatherless young men learn practical skills that an involved dad would have taught him.

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“We never refer to them as boys or kids. They are young men, because that’s what they are on their way to becoming.”

In addition, dedicated mentors help the young men become established in a relationship with Jesus Christ. “We never refer to them as boys or kids. They are young men, because that’s what they are on their way to becoming,” Wallen said. “It’s tough when a young man hears others say things like, ‘This weekend I helped my dad change the oil in his car’ or ‘I went fishing with my dad’ and that young man thinks this sucks. I don’t even have a dad around.” There are Advance Camps in three locations, Granbury, Oregon, and Florida. Wallen and his wife Kelsey started the first camp when they lived in Oregon in 2015. Then, after moving to Granbury in 2018 they launched the first camp here on Jan. 26, 2019, and it is now the national headquarters.

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Offices are provided by First Baptist Church and campers gather at Stonewater Church. From there, they are taken to wherever the trade lessons are being held that week. For example, they recently learned about auto repair at Christian Brothers Automotive, Wallen said. “We teach onsite so they can see up close and get the best perspective,” he said. Wallen originally started Advance Camp with another man who was running a single mom’s ministry in Oregon. There were all kinds of services for the moms and daughters at the ministry, but he wondered what could be done to help their sons. “We thought what can we do to teach these young men something they can take with them as they go through life?” Wallen said. “We want to give them a

Among the trades Advance Camp has focused on are general contracting, automotive repair and maintenance, leather work, blacksmithing and more.

career path as opposed to being subject to someday being incarcerated, doing drugs or something bad like that.” Among the trades Advance Camp has focused on are general contracting, automotive repair and maintenance, leather work, blacksmithing and more. “We show them so many things throughout the year. It’s great to see a young man get passionate about something that he knew nothing about before,” Wallen said. Wallen referenced a letter he received from a mother about her son falling in love with blacksmithing after a camp. She described him as having gone from no ambition to now being passionate.

There’s a lot of effort and logistics, but that’s the fun part for sure, seeing these young men come in and their lives light up, leaving with an excitement they didn’t have before.

“Moms go from a place of no hope to their sons having a direction,” Wallen said. “We are set up for being a place for prevention.” Wallen cited statistics that show 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes, 90% of all inmates are men and 75% of those grew up without a dad, and 71% of dropouts and teen pregnancies involves a fatherless youth. Also, in 1950 there were less than 5% of children born out of wedlock compared to that number being 51% in 2017. Recently, Wallen said an organization reached out that had received a grant to help with suicide prevention training offered that training to all the Advance Camp mentors. “She reached out and she wants to use their grant money to help us because of our demographics,” he said. “What a blessing.” Ironically, when the Wallens first moved to Texas the plan was to start a lavender farm and a longhorn ranch. While those plans have yet to see life, Advance Camp is flourishing, he said. “That must have been his (God’s) plan because all kinds of obstacles have gotten in the way of the farm and ranch, but all kinds of doors have opened for Advance Camp,” he said. “This is my full-time job, but it’s very rare that I feel like I have a job.

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Advance Camp draws participants from all over, including Hood County, Parker County, Somervell County, Johnson County, Tarrant County and more.

ated, or worse, just don’t want to be a part of their son’s life. “To the point they literally live in the same town and haven’t seen each other in seven or eight years,” Wallen said. “It’s so sad.” Advance Camp draws participants from all over, including Hood County, Parker County, Somervell County, Johnson County, Tarrant County and more. Some participants even come from as far away as Garland and Greenville. “Some are here every single camp, even if they’ve done the activity before,” he said. “And we encourage that.” And no qualified camper ever gets turned away. Also, there is no cost to the mother, except getting her son there. Advance Camp even provides things such as a hunting license and duck stamp, fishing license, and even equipment. “We don’t want any mom to have a financial burden,” Wallen said. Oh, and they ask that the young man be dropped off having had breakfast. They will feed them lunch and snacks. “I always say you will never leave Advance Camp hungry,” Wallen chuckled. Advance Camp relies on donations, mainly from private donors and churches, but they also have supplemental help coming from such places as Cabela’s, Carey & Sons Marine, HEB and Walmart. Wallen said three major needs for Advance Camp are financial partners, donated land for a permanent location, and awareness to reach more fatherless and potential mentors. They will also have local celebrities participate sometimes. Former pro baseball player Beau Mills took some campers out “There’s a lot of effort and logistics, but that’s the fun part for sure, seeing these young men come in and their lives light up, leaving with an excitement they didn’t have before. They get to use their artistic side, their communications side and more, it’s so wonderful to see.” Wallen said most campers show up with a preconceived thought that they will stand out because they are fatherless. Then, upon realizing the rest of the campers are as well, they understand they are part of a kinship. Wallen recalled a story where one camper was talking about his mother being a single mom, and another said his mother is also a single mom, to which another chimed in, “Dude, we all have single moms.” Advance Camp defines fatherless as the father not living in the same house. So, in some cases the dads are involved in their lives, but in many cases the dads are deceased, incarcer-

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They will also have local celebrities participate sometimes

on his bass boat, and former NFL quarterback Kevin Kolb was a motivational speaker at an Identity Walk in Walnut Springs. “These young men come to camp with the thought ‘My dad was, so I’ll become,’” Wallen said. “We break that cycle. We are literally changing a generation. “The first time I remember my dad telling me he was proud of me I was 39 years old, and I just started Advance Camp here in Texas. I was 19 when I first remember him telling me he loved me. “One camper told me his dad has never told him he loves him or is proud of him. Now, every camp, I re-affirm how proud I am of him.” To become an Advance Camp volunteer, a person must pass a national background check, be Ministry Safe certified, sign a year of commitment letter, and read and sign the policy and procedures manual. After doing all this, to be a mentor, just show up, Wallen said. Wallen said he is considering expanding Advance Camp if an opportunity he’s looking into near Nashville, Tenn. comes through. Ironically, it would also be branching out from a single mom’s ministry, just like the original. And, if that partnership works out, Wallen said there are already talks about possibly including Las Vegas. “Lord, if you say go, I’ll go,” Wallen said. “I’m not going to go without you.” JCL

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Waco By Lindsay L. Allen

In a state filled with beautiful landscapes, people of all backgrounds, festivals to celebrate every occasion and unique sunsets painting every evening skyline, one never has to leave the state of Texas to create memories that last forever. Join us as we explore Texas towns and what makes them so special.

Deep in the Heart of Texas A decade ago you might have only thought of Waco, Texas as a “pass through” town, but today a dozen associations are made when you hear of this city.

ver the last few years, the city of Waco has become not just a charming tourist town, but a wildly popular and mildly famous one too. A decade ago you might have only thought of Waco, Texas as a “pass through” town, but today a dozen associations are made when you hear of this city. While most of today’s tourist are trying to run into Chip and Joanna Gaines, there are a number of other fun ways to spend your day in this town situated between Dallas and Austin.

ATTRACTIONS The Cameron Park Zoo is adjacent to the Brazos River and sits on 52 acres of lush native vegetation with surrounding waterfalls, a lake, and ponds. More than 1,730 animals reside amongst the natural habitats and close-up encounters at the zoo and represent 300 species!

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The BSR Cable Park & Surf Resort features four extreme water slides, the world’s longest lazy river, championship cable wake boarding and a world class surf pool If you didn’t get your “animal” fix at the zoo, the National Park Service operates the Waco Mammoth National Monument. With a dig shelter, tours about the Ice Age, fossil discovery and information about important paleontological sites in North America, the museum offers a wide variety of ways to learn and experience more about 20,000-pound mammoths that used to roam in present-day Texas. Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum is the official historical center of the Texas Rangers and seeks to educate and preserve the legendary symbol of Texas and the American West. The museum documents the service of the Texas Rangers, past and present, and has over two centuries worth of artifacts on exhibit. Need a place to cool off and enjoy the Texas heat? The BSR Cable Park & Surf Resort features four extreme water slides, the world’s longest lazy river, championship cable wake boarding and a world class surf pool! Plus, the property has hotel rooms and cabins and cabanas all waiting for you to book your stay! In 1989 the Artesian Manufacturing and Bottling Company, which was the first building dedicated to the manufacturing of Dr Pepper and built in 1906, became the Dr Pepper Museum and eventually the Dr Pepper Museum and Free Enterprise Institute. The Museum’s mission

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is to educate and entertain the general public through the collection, preservation, interpretation, and exhibition of objects relevant to the history of the soft drink industry, and through that example, the free enterprise economic system. From making a soda, to tasting sodas, VIP experiences, a liquid lab and more, soda lovers of all ages will enjoy their visit (and the complimentary soda included with admission). The Texas Sports Hall of Fame & Museum is home of more than 300 Texas legends. The museum opened its doors in 1993 and features over 6,000 pieces of sports memorabilia to honor and preserve the legacies of Texas sports heroes. From high school football to the Southwest conference to the Tom Landy Theater, Earl Campbell Library every sports lover will find something they can connect with as the exhibits highlight all sports, dating back to the inaugural induction class of 1951.

If you are still looking for a way to spend the day in the outdoors, consider a stop at Lake Waco Wetlands.

Of course, no stop in Waco is complete without visiting the Magnolia Silos, made famous by Chip and Joanna.

FAMILY FUN For a relaxing outdoor experience, stop by Cameron Park, one of the largest municipal parks in Texas. The park is covered in trees, situated along two rivers, features cliffs and a National Recreation Trail system. Be it hiking, biking, fishing, disc golf, picnicking or just a stroll along the river, the park is the best spot to visit when in Waco! If you are still looking for a way to spend the day in the outdoors, consider a stop at Lake Waco Wetlands. The wetlands were created to mitigate the habitat loss when Lake Waco was raised by seven feet in the year 2000 and now offer 3.5 miles of nature trails for hiking, bird watching and photography. Another popular spot is the Waco Riverwalk, which features almost seven miles of lighted trails along both banks of the Brazos River, stretching from Baylor University to Cameron Park and underneath Suspension Bridge. The historic Suspension Bridge was completed in 1870 and is an icon of downtown Waco. For years, the bridge served as a Chisholm Trail crossing, and at the time of its completion, it was the longest single-span suspension bridge west of the Mississippi.

The Bill & Eva Williams Bear Habitat is located on Baylor University’s campus and dates back to the first bear’s arrival in 1917. Representing the spirit of the university, the bear den is home to two black bears and is free to view! Of course, no stop in Waco is complete without visiting the Magnolia Silos, made famous by Chip and Joanna. From shopping to eating, family fun and special events, the Silos have it all! The lawn of the Magnolia Market offers spacious seating, lawn sized games and special events with food trucks, live music, and artisan markets. Centrally located and beaming with endless opportunities for fun and memories, the city of Waco is worth adding to your bucket list. JCL

WHEN IN WACO For a quick, but absolutely divine, bite to eat, add Fuego Tortilla Grill to the itinerary. With fresh ingredients, amazing queso, and 24-hour service your taste buds will be on over drive. All menu items are worth trying, but consider starting with the I-CheeWa-Wa, The King, Fuego Steak or El Presidente and don’t forget to try the homemade pickles from the salsa bar.

WHERE TO STAY If you are a fan of the popular Fixer Upper show, you can find several homes featured on the show that are available for rent on sites like Vrbo and Airbnb. But don’t think you can book any of these homes at last minute; as you can imagine they are in high demand by tourist.

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Believe

Boldly Staying

Connected with God

B Y E R I C A W I L L I S | B E L I E V E B O L D LY. C O M

God reminded me of the importance of maintaining my spiritual health with diligent care. If I let my faith practices fall to the wayside, I could find myself looking at an equally neglected spiritual walk.

arly morning runs on the trails of Parker County are my jam. I take time to pray and process as I run, God often speaking to me through my surroundings, natural and otherwise. I see friends walking, taking a break from the indoor pressures of computer screens and phone calls. I see families having fun, traveling park to park on bikes and skateboards and roller skates. We all come to experience fresh air and friendship. Our trail system is the best!

Be still my heart! I was all smiles and celebration on the inside, relishing living in a community that cares about the little things.

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Being the trail lover I am, I rejoiced when as I saw the trail come to life with an intentional landscaping-blooming crepe myrtles, waving ornamental grasses, and other fabulous plants to line the Parker County path and bring beauty to our community. Be still my heart! I was all smiles and celebration on the inside, relishing living in a community that cares about the little things. Typically, the city maintains the trail and be removing fallen branches from the path, trimming the low-hanging vines, and cleaning the occasional teen spray paint remnants from the night before. But this morning my attention was caught by an unkempt tree. And then another. I noticed every plant was overgrown, branches shooting every which way and grasses remaining untrimmed from past seasons. What was once beautiful was now neglected and forgotten, another causality of too much to maintain with not enough time to maintain it.

It’s not praying for salvation and waiting for the “glory days” of heaven. Salvation was purposed for the here-and-now as well as heaven. Now listen-- I’m not one to judge. Don’t dare look at my backyard landscaping and mistakenly think I have the perfect green thumb! But I couldn’t help but see the connection between the overgrown trail and my own spiritual walk. As I ran the rest of the path, God reminded me of the importance of maintaining my spiritual health with diligent care. If I let my faith practices fall to the wayside, I could find myself looking at an equally neglected spiritual walk. The physical path and my spiritual path both require intentional care and time. Both will eventually lose the beauty of their original design if not properly cared for. Colossians 1:23 says, “But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News.” Did you catch that? We must CONTINUE. It’s not one and done. It’s not praying for salvation and waiting for the “glory days” of heaven. Salvation was purposed for the here-and-now as well as heaven. It is in the promise of the Holy Spirit living in us that we find power and peace every day! We must persist through hardship and cultivate the groundwork of the gospel daily. We stay strong in our relationship with God by making space for Him to challenge and celebrate us. Think of it this way: We would never buy a car and refuse to change the oil. We would never purchase a home and never clean it. We would never get married and not talk to our spouse each day. Yet our salvation is our most valuable possession and many of us fail to care for it as such! Our salvation may be secure, but what if our relationship with God is overgrown and neglected? It’s time to take inventory of our own faith and take intentional steps to maintain our passion, hope and connection with God.

Yet our salvation is our most valuable possession and many of us fail to care for it as such! First, pray and read your Bible daily. Not only when you feel like it or when it is convenient, but every single day. Second, invite accountability from a wise friend or pastor. They are there to encourage you to keep going when you want to quit! Third, humbly ask God to keep bringing new spiritual gifts and experiences with Him. When we see God’s power in action it is hard to find it boring. It may feel you don’t have the time, but I know we can do this if we ask God to help us. That’s why He is there, to make us strong when we are weak. I can’t wait to see how great your heart looks this coming spring, when we (and the trail) begin to bloom new and fresh again! JCL

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s s e n d in K t u o b A s id K g in Teach S m all G estu res That M ak e O the rs by Kimberly Blaker

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ith our busy lives, it's easy to lose sight of the little things we can do to make the world a kinder, gentler place. As a result, kids miss out on golden opportunities to emulate kindness and experience its rewards. So, why not set a goal with your kids, and see how many acts of kindness your family can rack up in a single day or week? Here are some ideas to get your kids started.

Call grandparents or great-grandparents.

This is a big one because often, grandparents are the ones to initiate calls. So, make your grandparents' day by giving them a call.

Visit an elderly neighbor.

Many seniors are shut in because they can no longer drive. Often, even those who do drive don't get the social interaction they need. Likely, someone in your neighborhood could use some company.

Offer a compliment.

It doesn't get any easier than this. But don't offer praise you don't mean. Otherwise, it'll come off as disingenuous. Notice what someone is wearing or doing, or think about the person's personality or something they've done. Then offer a compliment that you really mean.

"With our busy lives, it's easy to lose sight of the little things we can do to make the world a kinder, gentler place. So, why not set a goal with your kids, and see how many acts of kindness your family can rack up in a single day or week?"

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Make a donation.

It can be a small monetary donation to a good cause. Or you can donate items you no longer need to a homeless shelter, animal rescue, or toys for tots collection.

Help someone with their homework.

Do you know a classmate who struggles in a particular subject? Offer to help them study for a test or to understand a concept for a homework assignment.

Take an extra lunch to school for someone who forgets.

When you get to school, ask your teacher to help you find a student who needs it.

Stand up for someone.

Do you know a student who's bullied or always left out? Look for an opportunity to tell those who are being judgmental to be a little kinder or that they're being unfair.

Offer your support.

Do you know someone going through a hard time, such as a serious illness or whose parents are going through a divorce? Lend them your shoulder, and offer to listen.

Make friends with someone who's left out.

Is there a classmate who's always standing alone on the playground or who sits alone at lunch? Offer to join that person.

Offer to help out a mom.

Do you know someone with young children? Offer to spend a couple of hours watching and entertaining them while the mom catches up on chores.

Bake cookies for your teacher or boss.

Show your appreciation by baking their favorite goodies.

Buy a homeless person a meal.

If you see someone wandering who clearly looks homeless or is standing on a street corner with a sign, pick up a meal and take it over to them.

Hold the door for someone.

This is another super easy gesture that's sure to be appreciated by someone who's elderly, disabled, or really anyone.

Write an apology to someone you've hurt.

We've all said and done things on occasion that hurts someone's feelings. So, take ownership of it, and write a heartfelt apology.

Help someone carry something.

When you see someone struggling to carry multiple items or something heavy, offer your assistance.

Post something nice on the social media page of someone who needs a friend. Do you know someone who no one ever pays attention to? Make that person's day with a positive comment on their page.

Take a neighbors dog for a walk.

Is there a dog in your neighborhood that never gets to go for walks? Be sure to ask about the dog's energy level, so you're able to handle it. Also, find out how far it can walk and run to ensure you don't overexercise the dog, which can be dangerous to dogs' health.

Do a chore for your brother or sister

What a great way to get back in your sibling's good graces. And although you shouldn't expect it, who knows, maybe they'll return the favor sometime.

Buy a friend a candy bar.

This is a simple way to show your friend you're thinking of them.

Volunteer for a good cause.

There are many opportunities right in your community. You could volunteer at a soup kitchen, pick up trash at a park, or help with a canned food drive.

Help someone with yard work.

Do you know a handicapped or elderly person? Offer to mow, rake, pull weeds, or shovel their snow. JCL

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BURLESON ISD Choice Schools By Connie Lewis Leonard Photos Provided By Burleson ISD

Burleson ISD has a strong history of schools of choice, beginning with the Academy at Nola Dunn, which started twenty-two years ago. The goal is to provide students with options to become more engaged in their learning because relevance makes rigor possible.

urleson ISD has a strong history of schools of choice, beginning with the Academy at Nola Dunn, which started twenty-two years ago. The goal is to provide students with options to become more engaged in their learning because relevance makes rigor possible. From hi-tech coding and production to entrepreneurial ingenuity, the newly named Game Development Design School at Burleson ISD (GDDS) is educating the next generation of video game creators and technology giants. The choice school, previously known as the REALM (Rigorous Educational Arcade Learning Model), begins a new chapter at its fresh, state-of-the-art campus under a new name

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"We serve students with a passion for coding, game design, computer science, and programming and are continuing our transformation on pace with the technology industry for which we're preparing our students."

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"BISD established a lottery system to ensure that every student has a chance to get into their school of choice. The main priority is trying to keep families together." to match its growing multi-billion dollar industry. “We serve students with a passion for coding, game design, computer science, and programming and are continuing our transformation on pace with the technology industry for which we’re preparing our students,” said Crystal Deaver, principal at GDDS. “We’re thrilled about our new name as it puts what we do front and center for colleges our students are pursuing, for businesses seeking interns, and for future students who may be interested in attending our school.” The Burleson ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously Monday, December 13, 2021, after reviewing input from parents, students, and staff, to update the school name. “The curriculum is more evolving than different. For example, the curriculum is the same as BISD in the core subject areas. What changes is the approach. We offer a unique blended learning approach that allows students to self-pace. We also have adjusted our coding curriculum over the years to better align with the certifications students are applying for. Our current curriculum is preparing students for a Python Coding Certification,” said April Chiarelli, Ed. D., BISD Chief Academic Officer. “As a growing number of industries apply gaming technology to their design and engineering processes, teachers and staff at the Game Development Design School are using the latest technology to captivate and challenge students to help prepare them for careers in 46

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a booming industry and those our students will invent in the years to come,” said Burleson ISD Superintendent Dr. Bret Jimerson. In addition to rigorous core subjects, sixth through twelfth-grade students at GDDS learn to code for gaming, digital arts and animation, storytelling, emergent media, and much more. Norwood Environmental Science Academy (NESA) is a newly established school of choice within BISD. With access to the City of Burleson’s Bailey Lake and a sustainable 800 square foot greenhouse, NESA offers opportunities for hands-on learning using the Project Learning Tree curriculum. NESA will continue reaching environmental goals while maintaining high levels of academic growth, incorporating science and ecological influences through applications to real-world settings. Another school of choice is The Academy at Nola Dunn, which offers a brain-based environment and instruction including experiential field trips, vertical and horizontal schedules, character focus and instruction, hands-on learning, vertical teams, and buddy classes, after school clubs, an Extended Day Program, and narrative report card. The Academy Olympian Torch symbolizes that the spirit of the Academy at Nola Dunn is constantly striving for excellence and the best personal achievement. The Academy of Leadership and Technology at Mound Elementary strives to develop leaders and high-achieving learners who consistently strive for academic and social

excellence—working together, empowering students every day to lead and succeed. The Academy of the Arts at Bransom offers academic classes and specialized training within the Visual and Performing Arts field, which may include: strings/ orchestra, choir/voice, piano/keyboard, ceramics, sculpture, drawing, theatre, dance, graphic design, and radio/ TV/film. The STEAM Academy at Stribling Elementary is a hands-on, collaborative, inquiry-based learning community that nurtures students’ natural inquisitiveness and willingness to explore, create and share to learn. Stribling students master the state standards through the lens of Design Thinking: Imagine, Plan, Design, Improve, and Share. STEAM Academy at Stribling Elementary integrates science, technology, engineering, art, and math curriculum while helping students master Design Thinking. STEAM Middle School provides students with courses and electives that integrate science, technology, engineering, and math content with art elements that focus on visual and graphic design. The curriculum takes a project-based approach, using advanced technology in an alternative learning environment. Burleson Collegiate High School is a partnership between BISD, the City of Burleson, and Hill College. Rigorous high school and college courses will be taught by high school teachers and Hill College instructors. Students will tackle college-level coursework through

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high levels of support, encouragement, and their own self-determination. Burleson and Centennial High Schools offer Career Technology Education programs. CORE National Center for Construction Education and Research Certification are now offered. Next year, Carpentry will be added to prepare students for the highly technological and competitive workplace of the 21st century and for life-long success in high-wage, high-skill, and high-demand occupations and career fields. Other CTEs include Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources; Business, Marketing, and Finance; Education and Training; Health Science; Hospitality and Tourism; Human Services; Information Technology; Law and Public Service; Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics; Welding. The mission of Burleson ISD Career and Technical Education is to provide a solid academic foundation that enables students to explore post-secondary career and educational options, create individual programs of study aligned with their goals, pursue their ambitions through rigorous and relevant courses, and prepare for their future roles as citizens, leaders, and contributors within the global community.

BISD established a lottery system to ensure that every student has a chance to get into their school of choice. The main priority is trying to keep families together. For high schools such as Game Development Design School and Burleson Collegiate High School, students must participate in an interview. This is less of a prerequisite and more of an opportunity for the parents and students to understand the school and the faculty before making that decision.

"Burleson Collegiate is a great example of a campus where over eighty percent of BCHS students now leave BISD with an associate degree." Since implementing Choice Schools, Chiarelli said, “The gains we see are in the students who take on new skills and find their passions. Not only do we see students who now play piano because of the Academy of Fine Arts at Bransom Elementary, but we see students who can code and develop their own video games at the Game Design and Development School. Burleson Collegiate is a great example of a campus where over eighty percent of BCHS students now leave BISD with an associate degree. We didn’t see those successes before putting in place Schools of Choice. We also track measures of success in these campuses by the number of students who stay in these programs from year to year. Overwhelmingly, our students attend these programs and stay in these programs.” JCL

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By Peggy Purser Freeman Photos by Rachel Crawley

hen you have one hundred children, it's best to own a coffee shop. Patti and Deahl Rooks, of Godley Grind Coffee Company and Bakery fame, have one biological child, nineteen adopted children, and have fostered one hundred in twenty-one years of marriage. “My husband and I married in 2000 in Colorado,” Patti Rooks explained in a phone interview. In 2001 I told him that I felt called to do foster care. He was not keen on the idea and thought I had lost my mind. We talked to our pastor, and he told me that if God had indeed called me to foster that he would change Deahl's mind.” That’s precisely what happened. As Deahl’s life goals

caught up with Patti’s heart, the mission to foster took shape. “An eight-year-old boy named Charlie came into our lives. At the time, he and his five siblings were split up,” Patti said. “Everyone except Charlie was in placements. We adopted him. Then one of Charlie’s siblings’ placements fell through, and we got his eleven-year-old sister, Hallie.” While living in Colorado, Pattie and Deahl decided to move to Patti's hometown in Johnson County, Texas, and became a therapeutic foster group home. Most people want babies or children under the age of two. The Rooks began with teens, sibling groups, and special needs. Over the next fourteen years, the Rooks continued

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to foster, taking the kids that no one else wanted to adopt. “We proceeded to give these kids a forever home. We fostered over one hundred kids, and in that time, we adopted nineteen kids. We have one biological daughter, and so, yes—we have a total of twenty children.” With a full house, the Rooks could no longer foster. Therefore, this mother of twenty - half-Wonder Woman and half-angel - went back to college. “I knew I wanted to continue working in that same field, so I went back to college and received my bachelor's degree at 50 years old.” No easy part-time desk job for Patti. She began working as a case manager, parent trainer, and recruiter for several foster agencies. “I love helping to support families that struggle with parenting kids from hard places. I taught first aid/CPR,

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restraint training, Trust-Based Relational Intervention, and Parenting with Love and Logic. I became a certified parenting coach and worked with families that have adopted but struggle with behaviors.” Anyone with teenagers knows they all struggle with finding jobs and keeping jobs, but it is especially difficult for teenagers coming from difficult circumstances. Most of the Rooks children were adopted as teens or pre-teens. Skills in making friends and long-term relationships, completing applications, counting money all needed improving. “One day, while sitting in my office looking over case files, I called my husband and told him we needed to open a coffee shop and hire kids from the foster care system. Once again, he told me I had lost my mind. But once again, God worked on him, and that same day, by the time we got home from work, he asked me if I had found a location for the coffee shop.” Godley Grind opened in September 2019 with a mis-

sion of inspiring and empowering young people from the foster care system through mentorship, spiritual guidance, work, and community collaborations. It’s a family business with the family dinner table sitting on the patio outside the coffee shop. On the bottom of the tabletop are the names of every child who’s been a part of the Rooks family. Like the family, the menu is diverse, serving pastries baked fresh daily, soup, salads, sandwiches, baked po-

tatoes, omelets, hot and cold teas, lattes, boba tea, and, of course, coffee served hot or cold. Patti’s sister, Pam Spence, a former foster and adoptive mom is the cake artist and pastries chef. Together, the two sisters have thirty-two children. The Godley Grind serves as a ministry, as it supports a staff of fourteen, primarily former foster kids, and it helps fill the needs of others. “Most of our kids are grown; however, four are still at home, and some work at the coffee shop,” Patti explained. “When Covid hit, we had to let everyone go and barely stayed open by the grace of God. Having a drive-thru helped. I won't lie; it’s been hard over the last two years. But we have added longer hours delivery with Grub Hub and Uber Eats. We host paint-and-sip classes, birthday

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party rentals, and offer party planning. All of this, along with UPS shipping and drop-off, notary service, and some great loyal customers, has allowed us to continue the fight and keep our doors open at the Godley Grind.” When you meet people like Patti and Deahl, the first response is a desire to bless them and help. A great way to help support kids from foster care is with something you are spending money on anyway. Godley Grind also sells its coffee to churches and organizations for their congregations, customers, and staff. Plus, they offer monthly subscriptions delivered to your door. If you don’t drink coffee, you can help in other ways. Jobs and careers for young adults from foster care are always a need. The Godley Grind partners with a non-profit ministry from Burleson, Forever Loved, to support families with adopted children, like Jim and Lori Word, who have adopted eight children, all second-chance adoptions. Patti gives praise to a Higher Power. “God has placed some extraordinary people in our path. We look forward to what God has in store for Godley Grind and pray that we stay focused on His calling." Steve Stone, with Milestone Ranch in Rio Vista, has partnered with the Godley Grind to help young adults from foster care with transitional housing and jobs. Matt Shelton, with Answer International, started a fundraiser to purchase a coffee roaster so the Godley Grind can roast coffee in-house and create custom flavors and blends. “The thing I tell people that want to foster is that it is the most selfless thing you will ever do. It's not for the faint at

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heart, but it's well worth it. People ask why do you adopt teens when they are almost grown? Because you never get too old for a family. We adopted two of our children as adults, one was eighteen, and one was twenty-six. They had no other family.” The Rooks and other foster parents who lovingly raise and nurture children have indeed served others. One hundred lives, changed by two amazing people-and Patti and Deahl aren’t slowing down. They are helping make more forever families. As the writer of this article, I must tell you that the Rooks family has touched my heart. I'm donating my check from this article to the Godley Grind fundraiser. How about you? JCL

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Railroad &

Layland Museums

Spotlight

Cleburne's Growth By: Rick Mauch Photos by Rachel Crawley

On Oct. 21, 1881, the first train pulled into Cleburne to be greeted by 1,000 cheering spectators, onequarter of the town's population. Those bystanders could not have imagined that they were witnessing history that would continue to impact the city nearly a century and a half later.

s Cleburne Mayor Scott Cain has said, “You can trace Cleburne’s growth along the railroad tracks that cross the city.” And that growth is on display in the Cleburne Railroad Museum at 206 N. Main St., just down from the Layland Museum of History and part of the same complex. And now it's renovated and more prominent than ever.

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“We all must understand our history, and the railroad played such an important part in the development – even the survival – of Cleburne" lieve me, they are already getting a workout,” Montero “We all must understand our history, and the railroad said. played such an important part in the development – even *An entire room dedicated to a large HO scale model the survival – of Cleburne," Museum Director Stephanie train layout that will ultimately boast six trains running Montero said. "Plus, our local story parallels the greater concurrently. story of the rise and fall of the railroads." *A multi-purpose studio with audio/visual capability, Construction began in August of 2020. Since it realready hosting programs for both the Railroad and Layopened in February, Museum Assistant Nick Hefner, land Museums. who handles most evIn 1897, Santa Fe erything connected to "In 1897, Santa Fe announced announced that Cleburne the Railroad Museum, that Cleburne would house would house the principal said visitors have been the principal machine shops machine shops designating pleased with the new Cleburne as the repair and look. designating Cleburne as maintenance headquarters "Those that knew the the repair and maintenance along 1,400 miles of rail temporary museum are headquarters along 1,400 from Galveston to Chicago. floored at the changes miles of rail from Galveston This cemented the Santa that have taken place, to Chicago." Fe Railroad's century-long while those that never position as the town's largvisited before are surest employer. While the prised and happy to see Cleburne Santa Fe Shops closed on Sept. 29, 1989, the such a high-quality museum with such a rich history," he said. citizens of Cleburne continue to recognize the immense role of the railroads in the city's prosperity and growth. The renovation included: The Santa Fe Railroad and Amtrak still serve Cle*Tripling of space and a complete redesign, with lots burne today. To show how proud the city is of its railroad of light. history, the minor league baseball team is named the *New custom exhibit cases with many more objects Railroaders, and many other places and events in town on display. have a railroad theme. *Activity stations for all ages throughout - “And be-

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"To show how proud the city is of its railroad history, the minor league baseball team is named the Railroaders, and many other places and events in town have a railroad theme." And, of course, there's the famous museum, which opened in 2016. Hefner said the most popular part is the HO scale model train layout. “Although it isn’t quite complete, kids giggle, and adults smile to see the trains running down the track," he said. "Also, sometimes younger kids spend an hour or more playing with the wooden train layout and making up their own railroad stories." Visitors can leave between the Railroad Museum and the Layland Museum with an elaborate education of Cleburne and its history. The Layland, which opened in 1963, is housed in the former Carnegie Library, a historic building completed in 1905. “There are only a few Carnegie libraries left in Texas, and ours is extremely well preserved – I tend to think of it as the museum’s largest historical object," Montero said. The building was the public library for 74 years and

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"Visitors can leave between the Railroad Museum and the Layland Museum with an elaborate education of Cleburne and its history."

chapter. What’s great is that the museums share the same has been a museum of local and regional history for ancity block and the same hours, so it’s easy to visit both in other 43, so it has been a part of Cleburne life for almost a day and get a great picture of Cleburne’s past." 125 years and still going strong. Speaking of education, the museums have a busy The Layland Museum came into existence in its schedule of programs coming this spring and summer. original location on the library's second floor through To name a few coming up: a gift in 1963. William J. Layland, a local businessman, May 20 - "Baking in the Great Depression," 1-2:30 p.m. had collected some 500 ethnographic items in the early Join in to help make and taste two quirky recipes from 1900s. His heirs offered the items to the City of Cleburne. almost 100 years ago ($5). In 1978 the museum To register, call 817-645gained full access to the 0940 or email museum@ entire building when "The Layland Museum came cleburne.net. the library moved to a into existence in its original June 20-24, the Railnew location. Like the location on the library's road Museum will host the Railroad Museum, it second floor through a gift Boxcar Children Summer immediately benefited in 1963." Camp ($30 supply fee infrom more room. cludes a Boxcar Children Montero said the book). Step into the lives most recognizable items of the Boxcar Children with fun games, activities, and in the Layland Museum are a cavalry saddle and Colt snacks. Registration is required, and space is limited. To revolver that belonged to General Patrick Cleburne, for register, email museum@cleburne.net. whom the town is named. Also, Story Train, storytime, and craft for young “Children especially love our fossils, including a children each month from 10-11 a.m. April 25 reading is mammoth tusk and teeth found in Cleburne," she said. "Locomotive," and May 24 is "Stormy's Hat." Youngsters “The Layland Museum tells the whole history of also create crafts at each session. Cleburne, while the Railroad Museum focuses on one There is also a free virtual tour app of the Railspecific chapter – although it is a major, century-long

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“The Layland Museum tells the whole history of Cleburne, while the Railroad Museum focuses on one specific chapter – although it is a major, century-long chapter." road Museum, and Montero said they have begun adding railroad history locations around the city. The beloved Steam Engine No. 3417 in Hulen Park is locally known as “The Spirit of Cleburne.” Both museums are open five days a week and are free to visit. JCL

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Art Bath c r e at o r turns years of experience into dre am scenarios By Rick Mauch

Reuben Bejjani is president of Open Box to Go, doing business as Art Bath. Along with his brother Leo, they turned years of working in the plumbing and remodeling business into some of the most beautiful bathroom designs and products to be found.

euben Bejjani knows a thing or two about how beautiful and wonderful something new can be. Reuben is president of Open Box to Go, doing business as Art Bath. Along with his brother Leo, who also owns 50% of the company, they turned years of working in the plumbing and remodeling business into some of the most beautiful bathroom designs and products to be found.

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The brothers were born in Kahale in Lebanon, where the family managed to survive through a civil war. “Since we were in the plumbing and remodeling businesses for a long time, we faced many challenges having to install plumbing furniture and fixtures that were manufactured without keeping in mind that it might be too difficult for the installer to do,” Reuben said. “In 2004 we decided to bring the world to our clients, and started visiting manufacturers and importing our own products after passing our ideas to the manufacturers overseas, which implemented the ideas into the designs because we wanted the installer not to suffer much during the install.” The brothers were born in Kahale in Lebanon, where the family managed to survive through a civil war. In 1987 the family moved to the United States - Virginia - where the brothers expanded their connection to the plumbing industry, which started in Lebanon. They owned several plumbing and electrical businesses, along with remodeling and even retail, importing and selling plumbing and lighting fixtures, etc.

In the early 1990s Reuben and Leo became American citizens. They began to live the American dream of being successful in business, but there was more to come. They closed the retail shop in Virginia in 2017 when they moved to Weatherford, though Leo still owns and runs a plumbing business in Virginia. Reuben is now firmly planted in Weatherford, with his wife Ghada and their five children Roy, Hope, Joy, Katia and Perla Bejjani. Reuben and Leo’s mother Amale Bejjani, and their sister, Danielle Bejjani (owner of a food truck called Danibelle, which is Lebanese food) also moved to Weatherford 18 months ago. “I moved here with my family in May 2017 for a better life and a better place to raise the children in a more Christian environment,” he said. “We purchased the commercial property in November 2016, added 8,500 square feet to the space, and opened up the store in February of 2020, in order to bring to Parker County a large selection of products that are quality and unique.” At the store, located at 3879 Fort Worth Hwy. in Weatherford, their top sellers include many freestanding bathtubs, bathroom vanities and shower enclosures. All are quality made and unique.

If you want advice on installing products yourself, they will gladly provide for free.

And if you want advice on installing products yourself, they will gladly provide for free. Remember, you’re getting almost four decades of experience. They will tell you about layout possibilities, installation and why to purchase one kind versus another, for example. “Even when we don’t have what the customer desires, we think outside the box and try to meet their expectations or refer them elsewhere,” Reuben said. Why offer the free advice and help? Reuben said because they’ve been in that same situation. “When we first moved to the USA and made it home, it was very difficult as we didn’t speak the language, didn’t know anything about the culture,” he said. “We didn’t have a penny to our name, and the church and its members were there for us and helped us get on our feet. We will never forget that. Therefore we want to help and share our knowledge with anyone who needs it - even if they don’t make a purchase. “I have learned in this life that sharing knowledge saves others the headaches. In addition, when you help or give, it is very much satisfying.” The most rewarding part of the entire business? Well, Reuben said there are several, starting with one most important part: “The Lord Jesus Christ, as I have been much closer to him since our move. Also, spending time with my family and children and training them at work - warehousing and display installation - in addition to helping clients,” he said. Reuben and Leo come from a long line of a plumbing and remodeling family. Their father and grandfather were in the building, plumbing, electrical and road construction businesses. Today, Reuben and Leo, Reuben’s son Roy (17), his daughters Hope (15) and Joy (12) are also involved. Katia (10 ) and Perla (5) also visit the business in order to get them used to the idea that if they want something they shall work for it. “I always explain to my children that unlike other countries, in the USA the sky is the limit. Aim high, put your mind to it, study hard, work honest and hard and you will see the fruit,” Reuben said. “A year ago, I had to go to Virginia for a week, and I left the store management responsibilities all together (dealing with clients, installing displays, selling, loading etc.) to my oldest children Roy and Hope, and the customers loved them.”

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“I always explain to my children that unlike other countries, in the USA the sky is the limit.”

And they love their customers, Reuben stressed. That’s a reason they get folks from all over coming to see their immaculate showroom. “Clients drive from Waco and other cities to check our store out. They constantly tell us that they have never seen so many unique items under one roof,” Reuben said. “They also say, ‘We never knew such things exist.’ They also thank us a lot for being open in Weatherford, where they can’t find anything except the box stores. “They love the idea to be able to see, feel and touch and also take home the items they love on the same visit.” And whether the customer is repairing, remodeling or building, they can help them find the parts and fixtures they need in most cases, Reuben added. “By the way, we also sell plumbing, lighting and remodeling parts and plumbing tools as we no longer need them,” he said. Like many businesses, they were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. They even closed for a while, but Reuben said by the grace of God they are bouncing back. And who knows? In the future other locations might even be part of the plan, he said. “I continue praying for our Lord’s will for our country (USA), and for our health and businesses and jobs. If the Lord permits us, why not?” he said. “We are very fortunate and blessed to have been able to call the USA our home. America is the most beautiful and best country on earth. I have traveled the world and I can attest.” JCL To see more of the beautiful and state-of-the-art products they offer, visit their website at https://artbath.us/.

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TAKING A LOOK AT BARNDOMINIUMS BARNDOS ARE NOTHING NEW. IN RURAL TEXAS IT WAS COMMON FOR FARMERS TO CONVERT THE UPPER LEVEL OF A BARN INTO A LIVING SPACE. THE ACTUAL TERM “BARNDOMINIUM” FIRST CAME ABOUT IN THE 1980S. BARNDOS HAVE SINCE COME A LONG WAY.

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BY MARTHA HELTON PHOTOS PROVIDED BY JAG METAL S

barndominium, or a barndo, is a mix between a barn and a modern family house. The buildings are often constructed using steel framing and corrugated metal siding and roofing. They are found often on large lots of land in the country. Not always used for agriculture, barndos are now commonly used as living/working spaces.

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Barndos are nothing new. In rural Texas it was common for farmers to convert the upper level of a barn into a living space. The actual term “barndominium” first came about in the 1980s when realtor Karl Nilsen coined the term. The barndo then referred to a community that was focused on equestrian activities in Connecticut.

LET US LOOK AT THE PROS AND CONS OF BARNDOMINIUMS:

Barndos have since come a long way. “When it all hit the craze, maybe 15 to 20 years ago, people would build a metal shop; and when you pulled up to it it just looked like a metal shop or a box. But you would go inside, and it looked like a house,” Dustin O’Bannon, territory manager of the south division with JAG Metals (which sells components for any steel building), said. Now people are adding porches, windows, and rock or brick wainscoting. They are commonly used for living/office environments. But like traditional stick homes they have modern features like vaulted ceilings, exposed beams and sliding barn doors. The barndo really became popular when in 2016 an episode of HGTV’s show Fixer Upper, Chip and Joanna Gaines renovated a barn into a home.

• Durability. It’s structurally more integral as opposed to a wood house. It’s stronger, resistant to rotting or termites. There is little chance of any home outlasting a steel barndo. Also, when spray foam insulation is used between the exterior and interior walls, it makes that building airtight, bug tight, wind tight, said O’Bannon.

THE BARNDO REALLY BECAME POPULAR WHEN IN 2016 AN EPISODE OF HGTV’S SHOW FIXER UPPER, CHIP AND JOANNA GAINES RENOVATED A BARN INTO A HOME.

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PROS

• Low maintenance. There is no need to re-paint the outside as there can be a 40-year warranty on the panels, protecting against fading, chalking or peeling. A regular home you have to re-caulk and repaint every seven years or so.

• Cheaper cost. According to data from HomeAdvisor, a barndominium costs, on average, $30-$40 per square foot to build. This figure assumes that the barndominium is basic (nothing custom) just a shell with exterior walls as a metal building. A wood house costs $100 to $200 per square foot. Lumber prices are rising so steel building kits are becoming more attractive. • Lower insurance costs and associated taxes. The overall value is often not as high as conventional homes.

BARNDO KITS MAKE THE BUILDING PROCESS MOVE QUICKLY. FOR A BARNDOMINIUM, EXPECT A FOUR-TO-SIX-MONTH TIME FRAME TO FINISH IT.

• Faster construction. Barndo kits make the building process move quickly. A lot of the components are made off-site and pre-drilled so the contractor can put up the frame of the home much faster, spending the majority of time working on the interior. For a barndominium, expect a four-to-six-month time frame to finish it. Traditional wood-framed homes can take nine to twelve months until completion. • Adaptable design. Because steel buildings are structurally sound, you don’t need load bearing walls inside. You can knock out walls without worrying about encountering a load bearing wall. You can maximize the space by having a wide-open floor plan. • Eco-friendly design. Steel buildings are more eco-friendly than wood structures. A barndominium kit as a lower carbon footprint and reduces material waste and can offer long-term energy savings--specially when using the spray foam in the walls, energy costs go way down. Tim Thomas, a barndo owner in Texas said that his electric bill “…is 30 percent to 50 percent less than a conventional house, and I think that’s a conservative estimate. • Fire-resistant design. Metal building structures are fire resistant, with steel having a melting point of 2,500 degrees fahrenheit.

• Short commute times. When you combine your living and workspace, there will be no commute times and more time for you. Save on gas, lessen stress on you and your vehicles by driving less. • No limit for customization. Depending on the tastes and vision of the owner, there is no limit on what can be done on the interior. There can be workspaces, gyms, swimming pools, entire equestrian riding arenas and airplanes, with enough room to part a class A motorhome.

CONS • Corrosion. Metal will not rot but there’s always the risk of corrosion that can happen in a humid climate. • Permitting. Permitting steel buildings can change drastically from one location to another. Certain areas can require barn homes to be made entirely from wood. Others restrict the type of floor plan you choose. Some neighborhoods that have small deed restrictions, said O’Bannon, may require 75% metal and 25% masonry or rock. • Exterior limitations. The exterior of Barndos may not appeal to everyone. With that in mind, contractors are now offering more exterior options. • Financing. Financing can be tricky to obtain, although more lenders are starting to fill the void with loan products designed for steel buildings. • Selling. You may love your living quarters and the metal building kit plan that you chose for your home. But the trend is still picking up steam. Some people love the metal building process and the final look of these buildings, but there are still people who prefer a traditional home. Simply put, there is a smaller pool of buyers to choose from.

TIM THOMAS, A BARNDO OWNER IN TEXAS SAID THAT HIS ELECTRIC BILL “...IS 30 PERCENT TO 50 PERCENT LESS THAN A CONVENTIONAL HOUSE, AND I THINK THAT’S A CONSERVATIVE ESTIMATE.

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DEPENDING ON THE TASTES AND VISION OF THE OWNER, THERE IS NO LIMIT ON WHAT CAN BE DONE ON THE INTERIOR.

CONCLUSION After looking at the pros and cons of barndominions, it looks like there are way more pros than cons. There’s something to be said about waking up in the countryside, away from the big city, being able to breathe fresh air without having your neighbor living on top of you like life in suburbia. JCL

SOURCES: Barndominiumlife.com metalbuildinghomes.org/barndominium/ gensteel.com/resources/expert-insights/barndominiums-in-texas/

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CHISHOLM

TRAI L OUTDOOR MUSUEM

By Peggy Purser Freeman Photos provided by Gary Barger Outdoor Photography

From gunfights to Native American arts, cowboy shootouts to Texas History heroes, the adventures await to entertain the entire family at the Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum (CTOM). 82

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est of Cleburne on the south side of Highway 67, a herd of metal cattle meanders down to the water. You’ll find a stagecoach, horses, and teepees, plus the sound of cannon fire as it echoes across the rolling hills of Johnson County. The sights and sounds lure visitors to the edge of Patrick Cleburne Lake and the historic Chisholm Trail. Bring your family and friends. Tap your toes to the music and snuggle next to a campfire with your favorite sweetheart or your best horse. From gunfights to Native American arts, cowboy shootouts to Texas History Heroes, the adventures await to entertain the entire family at the Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum (CTOM). Johnson County Heritage Foundation Chairman, David Murdoch, personally greets most visitors. “It’s amazing how many people come out here not only from Texas, but people traveling from all over the world,” Murdoch says. “We register people from all over the world— Singapore, Egypt, Japan, and more. Since Museum Director Carrie Reynolds joined our team as Director of CTOM, we have hosted between 37,500 to 40,000 visitors a year.” There’s always something planned for each weekend. Reynolds’ dedication and creativity have taken an excellent outdoor museum and transformed it into an entertainment venue for family fun. CTOM is the number one “Open Air Outdoor Muse-

um” in Texas. In the highly competitive tourism business, Reynolds worked non-stop to be the number one tourist attraction in this area. CTOM has been designated a historic landmark by the Texas Historical Commission. “I had planned on just retiring on my ranch in Bosque County. I didn’t know there were more chapters in my book. Four years ago, after seeing what David Murdoch and the foundation had planned here, I envisioned more. Entertainment, education, and family fun with not only horseback rides, but concerts, water fun, and hands-on history formed in my mind and heart. I did what I’ve always done; I went to work.” Carrie Reynolds knows a lot about demanding work, dedication, and everything Texas. Following a long career as an all-around champion barrel racer, she holds several titles and was inducted into the Cowgirl Hall of Fame; Carrie has a new passion. After catching David Murdoch’s vision, she applied the same mentality in her rodeo career to the museum, and in just four short years, it has become number one. “The difference is,” Carrie added, “it’s not just my horses and me. It takes many volunteers to get and keep a multiple-purpose entertainment venue going. Four years now, and we have people coming from all over the world for the Texas experience.” You can usually find David Murdoch telling wonderful stories at the museum in the east end of the dog-trot

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"CTOM is the number one Open Air Outdoor Museum in Texas."

log cabin dedicated to Texas Rangers and longtime Johnson County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Bill Hardin. “The Terry House, constructed in 1876, originally stood in Johnson County near the Hood County line,” Murdoch said. “This collection highlights the 72-year law enforcement career of Deputy Bill Hardin, believed to be the oldest law enforcement officer in the world. He’s 96-years-old and still comes in from time to time, dressed in his uniform. We have his uniforms, badges, and other personal effects throughout his career and biographic information on him.” The artifacts are unique, but David Murdoch’s stories about the collections of thirty-eight retired or deceased Texas Rangers make them priceless. SCV Terry’s Texas Rangers provides an array of information about General Patrick Cleburne on the west side of that building. CTOM makes an ideal setting for family gatherings, birthdays, weddings, or corporate outings. The large pavilion and locomotive-engine BBQ smoker make this location unique for special events like weddings, board meetings, and reunions. Over seven thousand school kids come each year on field trips. Ms. Carrie, David Murdoch, and other volunteers host large groups and bus tours, including senior groups, scouts, motorcycle groups, church groups, to name a few. “We have over twenty-seven exhibits, like Big Bear Native American Museum, a working blacksmith shop, the oldest log courthouse in Texas, and the largest metal silhouettes of a life-size cattle drive in the nation. The CTOM represents the Chisholm Trail Drive during its busiest time in history when millions of heads of cattle were driven up the Chisholm Trail. “We are home to the Legends of Texas Re-enactors. CTOM offers horseback riding and carriage rides on the historic Chisholm Trail every weekend. In summer, there are water activities - kayak and paddleboard rentals.”

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Birdwatching on the ninety-foot Birdwatching Deck is a hotspot for birders as different migratory birds pass through. Professional watchers say it’s the perfect combination of wooded areas, wetlands, and lakeside views with comfortable seating. CTOM is the perfect venue for weddings, reunions, corporate retreats, and steak dinners around the chuckwagons. Monthly blacksmith classes and workshops are firing up. Spring and fall are the best to practice this unique craft. Check www.chisholmtrailoutdoormuseum.com for the dates each month. The ever-popular Bluegrass concerts, scheduled for the third Saturday of every month, host great old-time sounds. Each year, during the first weekend in March, CTOM celebrates Texas Independence Day. The celebration begins with cannon fire from Terry’s Texas Rangers and re-enactors from “Yellowstone” and “1883” perform the “Remember the Alamo.” In past years, there have been World-renowned historians and authors and music by bands like Stevie Rose & the Rio Grande Band performing on the Rowlett’s Hardware Star Stage, along with regulars like Miss Devon & the Outlaw and John Clayton Read. The first weekend of April, Santa Fe Days on the Trail, the most significant event to ever hit North Texas, brings a Native American Pow Wow, arts, musicians, competitions along with Native American storytelling, drums, activities, and more. During the last weekend in April, the Second Annual Bluegrass on the Trail Spring Festival brought the stars out. Straight from Nashville, Tennessee, comes a Grammy Award winner, Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the year, and the most decorated bluegrass musicians. Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out will headline the CTOM event. Joining Moore on the star-studded stage is sixteen other bands from three states, picking and jamming. Vendors, food trucks, and more will be available. On the last Saturday of October, Classic Car Show on the Trail and Ghost Hunt brings excellent cars and good times to CTOM. The 19th Annual Pioneer Days Celebration happens the second weekend of November with Wild West re-enactments, Civil War re-enactments, musicians, histori-

"The Outdoor Museum is a Johnson County Heritage Foundation project endorsed by Johnson County Historical Commission."

"The CTOM represents the Chisholm Trail Drive during its busiest time in history when millions of cattle were driven up the Chisholm Trail." ans, portrayals of John Wayne and Festus, the haunting notes of a bagpiper, the Legends of Texas, knife-making classes, Native American crafts, carriage rides, children’s activities, and more. The second weekend in December, the Cowboy Christmas on the Trail reminds us of the simple Christmas treasures. Ride a covered wagon to six different scenes where actors tell what Christmas was like on the Historic Chisholm Trail. Enjoy a stroll through the winter wonderland and visit Cowboy Claus. The Outdoor Museum is a Johnson County Heritage Foundation project endorsed by Johnson County Historical Commission. JCHF is an all-volunteer 501(c) (3) foundation, except for the Big Bear Native American Museum. Hours of operation are Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 1-5 (unless major events start on Friday). Admission fees are $8.00 for adults, $5.00 for kids, military, and seniors, and stroller age children are free. Prices are subject to change during major events or concerts. JCL

FOR WEDDINGS, REUNIONS, RETREATS, HOLIDAY PARTIES, OR FIELD TRIPS, PLEASE CALL 254-998-0261.

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METAL FABRICATION,

and Spurs By Martha Helton Photos Provided By Dustin O’Bannon

ig Zagging through countyroads lined by miles of barbed wire fencing, I surmised that my interviewee definitely lived in the country. Dustin O’Bannon can then house his livestock on his own property. He is all about everything western and when I met him in his home, he heartily introduced himself with a firm handshake, sporting a cowboy hat, even at 9:00 a.m. on a Saturday morning. (I also met his lovely wife of three years, Alisha.) His booming voice exuded confidence. As I came to find out, that western influence and that upbeat attitude guide his life journey and led him to a heart-felt passion. Born in Stephenville, Dustin was the oldest of three

H O MET O W N L I V I NG A T I TS B EST

boys. He competed in rodeo competitions in high school—and beyond--riding bulls and roping cattle. “I’ve always been in rodeo or the western lifestyle in some form or fashion,” shared Dustin. After graduation, hewent to a farrier school and shod horses for a while. Then he went to work for his uncle at his welding business. “Being a young man, I jumped here and I jumped there but it always has something to do with construction and some kind of metal fabrication work.” Then, at age 23 he had a daughter, Shiloh. He quit all the calf roping and bull riding, turning instead to focus his attention on raising one-year-old Shiloh as a single dad. (Shiloh is about to graduate with a nursing degree. Dustin also has a son, Preston, who is a junior in high school.) Dustin went on to start his own construction business putting up metal buildings, worked for others in the construction industry and even managed a few ranches. With his cowboy lifestyle and metal fabrication background, he always noticed and admired silverbuckles,

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spurs, and jewelry. The intricacy and artistry involved captivated him. He knew at the right time he was going to find out more about it. Financially things turned around in 2018, so he finally stepped out to explore his interest. He went to a threeday class with a more experienced artisan, Wes Griffin. “I thought I could sit with him before I spent a whole lot of money on equipment and tools,” he explained. “I really enjoyed it. So, I came back, and I dove in.”To fit into his budget, he spent $10,000 to $15,000 on equipment. Dustin said his work “sucked.” But he was determined to keep going and plunge in. “That’s the way I’ve always done everything in life. If I have an interest and I want to learn it, I’m not going to be told ‘No I can’t do it,’; I’m going to find the person who knows how to do it and how to do it good. I’m going to get around them and I’m going to place myself around those people and I’m going to learn from them.” Along with his “real” job as territory manager of the south division of JAG Metals, he has honed his skills. “The fabrication of the precious metals (he uses copper, brass and sterling silver) came easy, but the hard part is

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hand engraving everything, I hand cut everything. Lettering is all hand cut and I have a lot of people who order things with their brand on it. I cut that all by hand with a jeweler saw.” He also has a hand engraver that has a sharpened piece of metal that cuts at different depths and widths to do all the scrollwork. “However, the trickiest part of it is you have to find your inner artist.” There are no patterns that you can find on a computer, according to Dustin, although he does have a few books that give him inspiration. But mainly he sits and thinks and doodles. “You have to learn to draw it,” he said.

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To grow and learn, Dustin periodically collaborates with and solicits critiques from other silversmiths and takes lessons. “I’ve set with many people in the last four years or so. Wes and I have become good friends and I’ve been back down there several times, just me and him. Every now and then he’ll bring a bigger guy in for a class.” The artisans he learns from do not try to change his style but some new-to-him equipment attachment or one skill he observes can refine his artistry. Dustin’s side business is pricey, so mistakes are expensive. His unwavering commitment to his business led to an upgrade on his equipment to somewhere between $75,000 to $100,000. Precious metals are expensive too. Buying a sterling silver 6”x12”sheet costs $500. Recentlyhe bought a foot of 24K gauge wire (used to smash down to do inlay work). It cost $250. Dustin charges anywhere from $150--$4,000 for his work; on average he charges $150--$500 per piece. The prices will increase with his skill level. Dustin started out making buckles and pendants with fairly basic designs. He now makes rings, earrings, wedding bands, wedding sets and wedding flutes, money clips and pocket knives. Many silversmiths specialize in spurs and buckles. And they get recognized for their exquisite work. However, he does not want to be pigeonholed into one type of product. He enjoys the challenge of trying different things. “My interest is not to be in this to do monotonous stuff. I want to build nice pieces. I have a lot of customers who have bought from me before and they’ll just give me the basis of what they want and they say, ‘Just do your thing’and they just kick me loose. I might sit there a day, a half day, drawing on it, erasing, drawing on it. Then one day finally it just snaps and I think, ‘This is what I’m going to do.’ And nine times of out ten I get it built and they’re happy with the end result.” Through posts on Facebook and Instagram, Dustin is able to drum up business. He posted some wedding sets with flutes on his Facebook page that resulted in being featured in Western Wedding magazine. Readers were captivated and brought in orders left and right. He builds up a basic supply to sell because right now that is the bulk of his business. But his passion is to find out what people want and custom build it. Most of his orders, he said, are

from states outside of Texas. Dustin’s wife, Alisha helps out with the business, overseeing the finances and mailing out orders. Hazardous to this business is the inevitable injuries. Dustin has caught his hand in his grinder. A jeweler saw has a fine blade that has teeth like a knife and it has gone right though the hand. Also, he uses a blow torch to sauder everything together. “I’ve burned the fire out of myself.” He’s hasn’t ever had to go the hospital but there have been times where he just sticks a blue towel and some electrical tape over the injury and keeps going. In the future, Dustin hopes to retire and keep getting more and more accomplished, pursuing his business full-time. His motto, “Where handmade meets the west,” combined with his intense drive, “to build individual unique pieces that, when you see them, they scream ‘Dustin O’Bannon!” will continue to propel this cowboy to even greater skill and success. JCL

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INDEX of Advertisers Adams Tack................................................................BACK COVER

Keene ISD...........................................................................................86

Art Bath............................................................................................... 81

La Cima Mexican Cuisine.............................................................. 39

Benage Dental Care....................................................................... 87

Lone Star Ag Credit....................................................................... 87

Bloomfield Homes..........................................................................50

Nolan River Nursery Garden Center........................................86

BMD CPA............................................................................................ 24

Pinnacle Bank...................................................................................80

Burleson ISD.................................................................................16-17

Premier Homes.......................................INSIDE FRONT COVER

CASA of Johnson County............................................................. 81

Real Performance Physical Therapy.......................................... 9

Chisholm Trail Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.................2

RedFin Pools..................................................................................... 38

Chisholm Trail Redi Mix...........................INSIDE BACK COVER

Renew Medical Clinic & Spa / Urgent Care of Texas......... 25

Cleburne Floral....................................................................................3

Roden Real Estate..............................................................................1

Cleburne Railroaders Baseball.............................................52-53

S & S Furniture.................................................................................96

Fore Consulting..................................................................................7

Texas Center for Oral and Facial Surgery................................66-67

Health By Hands Wellness Center............................................. 51

Your Harvest House United Way...............................................80

Hilltop Barn........................................................................................94 JAG Metals ...........................................................................................5 Johnson County Living ................................................................ 87

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