Big Blue by lindaray38

BIG BLUE August 2009 Free

Last minute Summer Fun

On pages 8-11

Sixty Trips Sixty Miles

Robinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Community Magazine

BIG BLUE

A Publication of the Robinson Chamber of Commerce

Robinson’s Community Magazine Vol. 4, Issue 8

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Sixty Trips Within Sixty Miles of Robinson

12 Business Spotlight

Bailey Air Conditioning

Robinson Chamber of Commerce

Editor

Robinson High School’s Desktop Publishing Classes

Writers

Linda Ray

LegendsÊCrossing,ÊWaco 5400ÊCrosslakeÊPkwy.,ÊSuiteÊ100 ph:Ê254-420-1007

Photography

Cover photography composite by Linda Ray

Design

Brittany Lowry

Mexia 301ÊE.ÊCommerceÊSt. ph:Ê254-562-3821

Advertising and Web Design

Elke Fehler

Circulation

Robinson Chamber of Commerce

254-662-6434

Fairfield 415ÊW.ÊCommerceÊSt. ph:Ê903-389-8686

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Robinson News and City Calendar

Publisher

SeeÊwhatÊweÊareÊallÊaboutÊat incommonsbank.com/waco4

INCOMMONS BANK

News Briefs

Coolidge 123ÊBellÊSt. ph:Ê254-786-2297

*AnnualÊPercentageÊYieldÊ(APY)ÊRewardÊRatesÊ5.01%ÊpaidÊonÊbalancesÊbetweenÊoneÊpennyÊ andÊ$25,000,ÊandÊ1.01%ÊAPYÊpaidÊonÊallÊamountsÊaboveÊ$25,000ÊeachÊcycleÊtheÊminimumÊ qualificationsÊareÊmet.ÊIfÊyouÊdoÊnotÊmeetÊtheÊqualificationsÊperÊcycle,ÊyourÊaccountÊwillÊstillÊ functionÊasÊaÊfreeÊcheckingÊaccountÊearningÊBaseÊRateÊ0.10%ÊAPY;Êhowever,ÊitÊwillÊnotÊreceiveÊ ATMÊfeeÊrefundsÊforÊthatÊtimeÊperiod.ÊRatesÊasÊofÊSeptemberÊ15,Ê2008.ÊInterestÊrateÊandÊAPYÊ mayÊ changeÊ atÊ anyÊ timeÊ afterÊ theÊ accountÊ isÊ opened.Ê NoÊ minimumÊ balanceÊ required.Ê AÊ minimumÊofÊ$100ÊisÊrequiredÊtoÊopenÊthisÊaccount.ÊAvailableÊtoÊpersonalÊaccountsÊonly.ÊNoÊ monthlyÊ serviceÊ charge.Ê **ATMÊ feeÊ refundsÊ perÊ cycleÊ whenÊ qualificationsÊ areÊ met.Ê PatentÊ Pending,ÊBancVue,ÊLtd.

email: information@Robinsontexaschamber.org Robinsoncoc@gmail.com BIG BLUE P.O. Box 23962 Waco, Texas 76702 Cover photographs: Cocklebur Saloon in The Grove, Lake Waxahachie, Rose from Pape Gardens, Fort Parker, Cameron Park Zoo

News Briefs U.S. CENSUS ESTIMATES RELEASED The annual population estimates from the US Census again confirm that Robinson has been the fastest growing city in McLennan County in the new millennium. Robinson’s estimated population as of July, 2008 is 10,327, a 31.6% increase over the 2000 count of 7,845. Hewitt grew 22% from 11,085 to 13,561. Other communities in the double-digit category included Lorena (16.5%) and Crawford (12.1%). Waco advanced 9% to 124,009. Collectively, the population living within the twenty McLennan County cities grew 9.3%. Communities losing population included Golinda (-5.7%), Hallsburg (-5%) and Beverly Hills (-3.1%). Woodway (0.9%) and West (-0.1%) were flat with less than one percent change either way. Also virtually unchanged was the population living in the unincorporated portions of McLennan County, advancing just 0.5% from 36,920 to 37,120. As a percent of the total county population, 84% live in an incorporated city and 16% live in the unincorporated area. WMARSS CONSTRUCTION BEGINNING Construction is finally underway on the new Waco Metropolitan Area Regional Sewerage System (WMARSS) Flat Creek Interceptor. After several days of rain delay, pipe is being laid as part of the big job that will stretch from a point near the Tractor Supply Warehouse on the west side of Interstate 35 to the Regional Treatment Plant on the Brazos River east of Robinson. Starting from just west of Highway 77, the first crew is laying the 36” diameter gravity sewer pipeline westbound toward I-35. The project actually includes two parallel pipelines - the large diameter gravity sewer line and the smaller 20” “purple pipe” that will return treated water to the communities for secondary 4

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Robinson City News is written by Dick (R.C.) Fletcher, City Manager, 662-1415 or visit www.robinsontexas.org

use. The prime contractor, S. J. Louis Construction of Texas LTD. will have a second crew working westbound from the Regional Treatment Plant laying the 42” diameter segment of the line. The project is part of a capacity improvement project to benefit all of the WMARSS cities. Waco, Bellmead, Lacy Lakeview, Woodway, Hewitt, and Robinson have all reached at least 85% of capacity and are mandated to begin improvements. Lorena has exceeded its capacity and is under an agreed order with the state placing a moratorium on any new construction. Additional treatment capacity at the Regional Plant and the satellite treatment works on Bullhide Creek are also part of the improvement package. HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY REPORT Six hundred forty seven (647) households from the participating cities took advantage of the Household Hazardous Waste Day this year. A total of 45,100 pounds of hazardous waste was handled including: 30,383 lbs of oil-based paint, 40 lead acid batteries, 4,468 lbs of pesticides, 2,787 lbs of flammable liquids. Seventy Robinson households were listed as participants. Other cities involved were Waco (330 households), Woodway (130), Hewitt (93), Lorena (15) and Lacy Lakeview (9). A grant administered by the Heart of Texas Council of Governments (HOTCOG) helps minimize the costs to the participating cities. ATMOS ENERGY GRANTED SMALL INCREASE Atmos Energy Mid-Tex Division, the natural gas company serving Robinson and other central Texas cities, has been granted a small rate adjustment by the Robinson City Council. The original filing requested a $20.2 million

increase division-wide. After review by the coalition of Texas cities, an agreed settlement of $2.6 million was reached. The average residential bill will increase by about fifteen cents per month, less than one-fourth of one percent. Robinson belongs to a coalition of 151 Texas cities that jointly engage professionals to review the rate filings. Have information on criminal activity or a tip for police? Crimestoppers Tip Line 753-HELP (753-4357) You do not have to identify yourself PUBLIC HEARING ON CORRIDOR OVERLAY REVISIONS In an attempt to get the hotly debated Corridor Overlay Zoning Ordinance revisions off high center, the City Council has reached a consensus to propose several major modifications. The first proposal is to remove all sign regulations from the Overlay Regulations and consider amendments to the existing sign ordinance at a later date. As presently written, commercial buildings in the corridor would have to have a masonry finish on 75% of the exterior surface visible to the public right-of-way. The proposal is to modify that specification to only require 75% on the side facing the corridor and reduce the amount of required masonry to 25% on the other visible sides. The third major proposal is to exempt all residential buildings from the requirements. A public hearing on the revised regulations will be held at the next monthly Council meeting on Aug. 11th at 7 p.m. The increased restrictions contained in the Corridor Overlay are intended to enhance the appearance of the city’s main thoroughfares. SHOP ROBINSON FIRST! Visit the City of Robinson website: www.robinsontexas.org

BUDGET PREPARATION UNDERWAY Budget preparation for the 20092010 fiscal year is in full swing at the City of Robinson. The various department supervisors have submitted their requests, which are now being compiled by the City Manager. The City Charter provides that a balanced budget be prepared and filed with the City Secretary’s office by August 1st of each year. The document will then be available for public inspection while the budget adoption process runs its course. The new fiscal year begins on Oct. 1st.; between now and then, the budget will be completed and filed, a tax rate will be set and public hearings held before the financial arrangements are completed for the next year of operation. Pothole, high weeds, dilapidated building? Send report to: actioncenter@robinsontexas.org STREET LIGHT OUT? Report online

www.oncor.com PAVING PROJECT The City’s latest paving project has been declared substantially complete. H & B Contractors has finished placing the new hot mix asphalt surfacing on East Lyndale and the remaining portions of Andrews. Karnes Street between Old Robinson Road and Robinson Drive, Old Robinson Road from Moonlight to Highway 77 and the northern end of Andrews were completed earlier. CALENDAR July 21- Council Meeting/Budget Workshop 6 PM July 25 - Movies in the Park Aug. 1 - Chipper-Shredder Day Bulky trash accepted for disposal 8:30 AM -1 PM -$10 fee per trip Aug. 4 - Planning and Zoning 6:15 P Aug. 7 - Siren Test 10 AM Aug. 11 - City Council 7 PM Sept. 12 - Chipper-Shredder Day -8:30 AM - 1 PM

You see a goal

RHS Cheerleader Clinic August 22 RHS Gym 8 - 11:30 a.m. Cost: $25 Ages 5+ For more information, contact Tammy Steensen at 662-3840 or email tsteensen@robinson.k12.tx.us. Information is also on the RISD website.

We see a goal in the park, near a house that passed inspection, has running water, garbage pickup, a sidewalk to stroll on, a street light for safety, not to mention the park nearby where kids can play soccer.

The things you don’t think about, cities provide. It’s a thankless job. (And we’re proud of it.) Sponsored by the Texas Municipal League • www.tml.org

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Robinson

People

Happy Birthday Tommy

Tommy Hlavenka celebrated his 10th birthday on July 2nd with a deep sea fishing trip to Galveston, where he caught three King Mackerels.

Congratulatinos Fire Marshall Billy Hlavenka

Congratulations to Billy Hlavenka. Billy graduated from MCC Police Academy June 11. Hlavenka (an â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;83 RHS graduate) is currently Fire Marshall for the City of Bellmead, where he is serving as interim Fire Chief. Fire Marshall Hlavenka was honored to have his son, Tommy, pin on his badge during graduation ceremonies. 6

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BY Warren Johnson OfďŹ ce: 254-722-9213 Fax: 254-662-4540 www.wacosnewhomes.com BIG BLUE

Sixty Trips Within Sixty Miles Vacation time is rapidly coming to a close. With triple digit heat occurring in double digit days, cabin fever is likely to be setting in. Maybe it’s time to plan a few last minute get-a-ways that will reunite the family, cool off the spirits and add a few more memories to the summer of 2009. Each of the destinations listed are within 60 miles of Robinson. Pick one for a fun day trip or combine a few for a fabulous weekend.

Cameron Milam County Historical Museum - Housed in restored county jail, c. 1895, complete with cells, shackles, and gallows tower. Exhibits of pioneer farm and ranch equipment, rustic household furnishings, and Spartan “fashions” of the frontier. Also Indian artifacts, ranch and trail-driving tack, cowboy gear, and weapons.

Carl’s Corner Willie Nelson Theater at Carl’s Corner Truckstop - In the back of Carl’s Corner Truck Stop in Carl’s Corner, Texas, sits a 1,000 seat theater where there used to be an indoor swimming pool. The pool is now covered over with the theater floor and the seating is banked to make viewing the stage much easier. Willie Nelson opened the music hall with a big party on July 3, 2005. For information on the theater, contact the truckstop at 254-582-8433 or stop by at I-35N, exit 374.

Clifton Bosque Museum - A history museum of Bosque County Life and culture. The museum highlights the county’s unique ethnic groups and early pioneer life. The museum

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contains the largest collection of Norwegian artifacts in the South and Southwest, a significant collection of Indian artifacts, and an important collection of early Texas furniture and textiles. The museum was founded in 1924 and is the recipient of numerous awards. It is one of the oldest museums in the State of Texas.

Corsicana Pioneer Village – reconstructed and restored log buildings from typical mid-1800’s village. Homes, blacksmith shop, trading post, and Doctor’s office. Authentic furniture and artifacts.

Hillsboro Harold B. Simpson History Center - Texas Heritage Museum - One of the best museums of its kind in the nation, the Texas Heritage Museum, located on the campus of Hill College in Hillsboro, commemorates the experiences of Texans during war times. The museum features Civil War, World War II & Audie Murphy (right), and Vietnam exhibits and includes a Weapons Gallery. The newly remodeled museum offers a

Glen Rose Dinosaur Valley State Park – fossil footprints of Sauropod (four-legged vegetarian) and Carnosaur (two-legged meat eater) preserved in bed of Paluxey river. Tracks deeply impressed over 100 million years ago in limey mud. Depressions preserved when sediment filled tracks and hardened to rock.

Groesbeck Old Fort Parker Historical Preservation is a 37.5-acre park between Groesbeck and Mexia in Limestone County, was deeded by private owners in 1936 and was rebuilt again in 1967. The original construction of the park was by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). It is now managed by the City of Groesbeck. It was the site of the abduction of Cynthia Ann Parker (mother of Quanah Parker) on May 19, 1836, by Comanche Indians. Activities: Activities include historical study and picnicking. Visitors can explore cabins, climb the blockhouse, and recapture the atmosphere of that fateful spring day in 1836.

state-of-the-art theatre featuring films highlighting the contents of the museum. Hill County Cell Block Museum - Built in 1893 by architect W. C. Dodson, the museum served as the county jail until 1983. Awarded a Texas Historical Marker in 1981, the building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Exhibits include a tribute to Hill County native Willie Nelson, a Native American Artifact Room, Vintage Clothing Exhibit, and an actual Cell Block that was used until the 80’s. Admission to the museum is free, with a suggested donation of $2 for adults. The hours of operation are Saturdays, from April thru October from 10am to 4pm. For more information, call us at 254-582-8912 or e-mail us.

Marlin Highland’s Mansion – restored late 19th century mansion noted for stained glass dome and windows and built in glass china cabinet. Typifies elegant homes built during prosperous period in late 1800’s. Some original furnishings. Guided tours.

Meridian Meridian State Park – Bosque trail, two mile route. Mostly shady, following shore line of

lake Meridian through stands of Oak, Pecan and Cottonwood.

Mexia Confederate Reunion Grounds State Historic Site – Reunion site for Confederate States of America veterans until late 1940’s. Features 1870 Heritage House, 1893 Dance Pavilion and two story log cabin built by popular Methodist Circuit preacher Mordecai Yell.

Salado 43rd Annual Art Fair – August 1st and 2nd on the beautiful Salado Creek. Tablerock Festival of Salado is named for a large limestone monolith by Salado Creek. Tablerock, once level, was first a meeting place for Native Americans. In the 1800’s it attracted young Salado College students. Today Tablerock Amphitheater serves as a Salado meeting place and an outdoor venue for beautiful original plays and musical presentations.

The Grove Country Life Museum and Cocklebur Saloon – This unique museum includes the entire downtown business district (minus one building) of the Grove, a turn-ofthe-nineteenth-century agricultural town, complete with an authentically furnished bank, post office, general store, saloon, blacksmith’s shop, doctor’s office and more. Area musicians gather to play country music at the Cocklebur Saloon on the third Saturday of the month.

Waco

Cameron Park Zoo – A great place for the entire family. If you haven’t been lately, you haven’t seen the new Brazos River Country Exhibit. Visitors enter the hull of a sunken Spanish galleon, which rests, submerged in a 50,000-gallon saltwater coral reef aquarium stocked with fish native to the Flower Garden Reef in the Gulf of Mexico. A boardwalk extends from the ship to a sandy beach, home to pelicans, gulls, and other coastal birds. From the Brazos River Exhibit, guests meander through swamplands, the East Texas Forest, Blackland Prairie/Post Oak Savannah, cross timbers, Edwards Plateau, and the High Plains Caprock. A great way to visit the entire state on a 52-acre recreation, complete with native wildlife. The Earle-Harrison House and Pape Gardens – Experience mannerly life on the Waco frontier at the elegantly restored southern home and grounds. 1901 N. 5th, Waco. Governor Bill and Vara Daniel Historic Village – Tour a turn of the century western village replication located at the University Parks Drive off of Interstate 35 behind the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. Hippodrome Theatre – restored to capture the aura of a 1914 classic downtown theatre. The Hippodrome is showing movies on Friday nights, a great way to escape the Texas heat. Movies are at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Babe is playing August 7, The Secret of Nimh August 14, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory August 21, and the Princess Bride on August 28. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for

children, students, seniors and military. Enjoy two free movie tickets on Thursday by presenting a receipt from any Waco restaurant from that date. The East Terrace Historic Home – A classic example of Italian villa architecture. Built in 1872, it is located on MLK and Lake Brazos Drive at Mill Street. Tours are Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults, $2.50 for seniors and $2 for students. Children under 6 are admitted free of charge. The McCulloch House – a Greek Revival structure completed in 1872. It is located at 407 Columbus Avenue. Tours are Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults, $2.50 for seniors and $2 for students. Children under 6 are admitted free of charge. The Fort House – a Greek Revival home built during the reconstruction after the Civil War in 1868. It is located at 503 South 4th. Tours are Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults, $2.50 for seniors and $2 for students. Children under 6 are admitted free of charge. Lake Waco – a man-made lake completed in 1964. It covers 7,240 acres with 60 miles of shoreline and has six lake parks. Camp, fish, golf, row, sail or swim at the lake. Lions Park – enjoy miniature golf, bumper boats, kiddie land and a miniature train. Located at 1716 N. 42nd Street in Waco. Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas – modeled after the character of King Solomon’s Temple, the Masonic Grand Lodge displays artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Freemasonry in Texas under leaders such as Sam Houston. It is located at 715 Columbus Avenue. The Dr. Pepper Museum and Free Enterprise Institute – The museum building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is an example of a unique style of turn-of-the-century architecture. Visitors can see the effects of the 1953 Waco tornado in a specially produced video, explore the depths of an abandoned will, and investigate other secret places in the Museum. It is open Monday through BIG BLUE

Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults, $3.50 for seniors and $2 for students. Ollie Mae Moen Discovery Center – curious minds can explore everything from tee-pees to electricity. It is located at 220 South 4th with the entrance on 3rd Street. Red Men Museum and Library – view artifacts of historical significance from a water color by Adolf Hitler to a Colt 45 belonging to the notorious Bonnie and Clyde. It is located at 4521 Speight Avenue. Spirit of the Rivers – an authentic sternwheeler that provides cruises daily through downtown Waco, Baylor University, Cameron Park and more of the scenic parts of Waco. Narrated daily excursions usually last about two hours. They also offer weekend brunch cruises and sunset dinner cruises.

sports legendary greats. Waco Civic Theatre – a community theatre featuring seven shows per season. It is located at 1517 Lake Air Drive. Waco Symphony Orchestra – features world renowned classical artists, chamber music and ballet. The orchestra performs at Waco Hall located at 624 Speight Avenue. Waco Water Park – a state-of-the-art water center with two pools, water-shooting playscapes, a 22 foot slide, zero depth pool and more. The park offers water aerobics for adults and other fitness activities. It also includes lounge areas, locker rooms, showers, restrooms and a concession stand.

Waxahachie

listed in the top 100 most photographed structures in the State of Texas, featuring Richardson Romanesque architectural style. The Courthouse is also celebrating its recent $15 million restoration. Visit the Courthouse downtown on the square. Ellis County Museum includes the Heritage Visitor Center of Waxahachie. The museum rekindles the past as it highlights the rich history of Ellis County. Located at 201 S. College, 972-937-0681. Museum hours are: Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm, and Sunday 12 pm – 4 pm. Getzendaner Memorial Park is a peaceful place for your next family picnic. The Chautauqua Auditorium is also part of the grounds. Located 2 blocks south of Business 287 (W. Main Street) and Grand Avenue.

Strecker Museum – located on the Baylor University campus in the Sid Richardson Building, it is the oldest, continuously operated natural history and cultural museum in Texas. Suspension Bridge and Riverwalk – Now for foot traffic only, this historic suspension bridge spans the Brazos River. The bridge was the first to cross the river, making the wagon and rail travel across the river possible. It was built beginning in 1866. Visitors can taking a walking tour of the bridge and enjoy the views, or take advantage of the Riverwalk below, a network of walking and jogging trails that meander along the banks of the Brazos River. Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum – has an exceptional collection of guns, Indian artifacts and early Texas memorabilia. It is located on I 35 and University Parks Drive and is dedicated to preserving the history of the legendary Texas law enforcement group. Texas Scottish Rite Library and Museum – built in 1967 to commemorate the centennial of Scottish Rite Masonry in Texas. Visitors will find artifacts relating to Texas, the United States and freemasonry. It is located at 2801 West Waco Drive. Texas Sports Hall of Fame – located at 1108 University Parks Drive, is a tribute to the pursuit of excellence and showcases 10

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The Breeze Waterpark and Paintball at Lakeview offers water slides, boating and paintball course. Located at 5128 FM 66, 972-923-3812.

Historic Rogers Street Bridge is perhaps the most unique engineering feature in the historic district. Manufactured by the Wrought Iron Bridge Company in Canton, Ohio, it was shipped by rail to Waxahachie and assembled on the site. Today, it is a connected piece of the Waxahachie Creek Bike and Hike Trail.

Chautauqua Auditoriam, located in Getzendaner Park, is one of the few octagonal auditoriums in America. The Chautauqua is open during special events and during the Gingerbread Trail.

Joshua Chapel AME Church, located at 110 Aiken, is a prominent architectural, social and religious landmark. This building was designed in 1917 by noted black architect William Sidney Pittman.

Ellis Country Art Museum showcases art from area residents. Located at 501 W. Main Street, (972) 937-3414.

Lake Waxahachie is located 2 miles south of Waxahachie off FM 877. Bring your family, boat and jet skis. Excellent source of fishing for crappie, white bass, largemouth bass and channel catfish.

After Hours Improv performs hilarious, family-friendly improvisational comedy shows.

Ellis County Courthouse, built in 1895, is

Movies at Buffalo Creek offers fun for the whole family. Located in the Northgate Plaza at 507 North Highway 77, 972-938-5463. Munster Mansion, private residence located at 3636 FM 813, is a recreation of the 60’s TV sitcom The Munsters. The Victorian Style Mansion is complete with the ascending signature staircase, coffin phone, suit of armor, and Grandpa’s electric chair. Scarborough Renaissance Festival, a recreated 16th century English Village in the time of King Henry VIII. Thrill to the thunder of hooves and the crash of lance on shield at the joust. Watch in amazement as birds of prey swoop and dive to the command of the Royal Falconer only inches above your head. 20 stages of entertainment, 200 shops featuring handcrafted, one-of-a-kind merchandise, games of skill and human powered rides, and a wide variety of food and beverage. Open Saturdays and Sundays starting the second Saturday of April through Memorial Day, 10 am-7pm. Located at I-35E South, exit 399A, 972-938-3247. Sims Library is an excellent example of Neoclassical Building and is a popular stop on the Waxahachie driving tour. Located at

515 W. Main, 972-937-2671.33 Southwestern Assemblies of God University is located in historic buildings once occupied by Trinity University, and an example of the Jacobean Revival architectural style. Located at 1200 Sycamore, 972-937-4010. Texas Motorplex is a world renowned NHRA Drag Racing facility and multi-purpose venue hosting racing events, concerts, and more. Located on U.S. 287 between Waxahachie and Ennis, 972-878-2641. Texas Theatre is located on the town square, celebrating 115 years of entertainment. From vaudeville and burlesques in 1895 to the singing cowboy movies of the 40’s to today, where musical theater, live bands, movies and more are on the menu. For more information, call 972-937-1993. Waxahachie Creek Bike and Hike Trail, Walk or ride along the beautiful, curvy path of the Waxahachie Creek and scenic woods. The linear trail stretches from Getzendaner Park, through the city’s historic cemetery to Lions Park for 4 miles.

Fresh produce available on the historic courthouse square every Saturday starting May - October. Waxahachie Historic Cemeteries, Many with Historic Markers, are located throughout the area. Waxahachie Symphony Association brings high caliber classical and jazz performances to Waxahachie throughout the year, 972923-9766. Webb Gallery is located at 209-211 W. Franklin. The gallery houses a huge collection of self-taught art, old fraternal lodge objects, and vintage-anonymous art. Events are also hosted, including films, special exhibits, musical performances, speakers, and socials. Open Saturday-Sunday from 1 pm - 5pm. 972-938-8085. Wyatt Street Shotgun House Historic District, located on the east side of the 300 block of Wyatt Street, this district contains a row of small, single-family shotgun dwellings built around 1918

Waxahachie Downtown Farmers Market,

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Bailey Air Conditioning If the 100+ heat has left you wilted and cranky and you haven’t even left your living room, then it might be time to call Bailey Heat and Air for a check-up… on your air conditioning system. Bill Bailey has more than 15 years of heating and air conditioning experience. He works on many different brands and has worked with various manufacturers and companies designing specialty units, both large and small. Bailey specializes in Carrier, Bryant and Payne units. He is so confident in his company’s work ethic, that he guaranties the service with a two year labor warranty. Bailey worked in the air conditioning field for several years before he decided to start his own company in February 2000. He wanted a company that carried his Christian values and had a business philosophy of being honest and dependable. That is what he has created with Bailey AC. He and his men will do whatever it takes to make their customers happy. “I feel I am extremely blessed to have a group of guys that I can depend on,” Bailey said. Justin Lawson has been with Bailey from the beginning, “and he has just as much 12

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knowledge as I do. When it comes to work, Justin is my other half.” In January, Bill took on John Kennen. “The three of us work in sync so well, Kennen has become like the third Musketeer,” Bailey said. All of the employees at Bailey AC carry the same philosophy; do the job right the first time. Be honest, dependable, knowledgeable and caring. That’s what sets them apart from the other guy. Bill and his wife Nikki are longtime Robinson residents. Nikki grew up in Robinson and attended school here. She graduated from Robinson High School in 2002. They have been married for three years and have a one-year-old son, Zane. “Zane

loves to follow his daddy around,” Nikki said. “He is certainly his daddy’s helper.” Bailey Air Conditioning does offer service agreements. They will come out twice a year to check your unit before winter sets in and before summer heats up. “Keeping your unit running at its best can save a lot of money and discomfort in the long run,” Bailey said. Keep reading for more tips on keeping cool and saving money. For more information on Bailey Air Conditioning, see their web page at www.bailey-ac.com. To make an appointment call 254-772-1192 or email Bill at bbailey777@gmail.com. Pictured below: Andy Lucas, John Kennen, Justin Lawson, Bill Bailey

Cool, Money Saving Tips August in Texas is never cool, but it has been hotter than usual these last few weeks. When the heat rises, so do the electric bills. Living without air conditioning is not an option in Central Texas, so how can one stay cool without rocketing the electric bill into orbit. Bill Bailey has some sound advice for saving money and staying comfortable in the dangerous Texas heat. First, today’s best air conditioners use 30% to 50% less energy to produce the same amount of cooling as air conditioners made in the mid 1970’s. Even if your air conditioner is only 10 years old, you may save 20% to 40% of your cooling energy costs by replacing it with a newer, more efficient model. However, replacing the air conditioning unit may not be a viable option. In that case, there are still things you can do to lower the cost of operation. First, perform preventative maintenance to keep your air conditioner running at its best. Just like your car, a unit that is maintained properly will use less energy. • Make sure your filters stay clean. A dirty filter leads to a dirty evaporator coil. A dirty coil might lead to future problems with your outside unit. This can be costly. • Always check the coils on the outside unit as well and make sure they stay clean.

• If possible, pour one cup of bleach in your unit’s drain to prevent a clogged drain and then water damage. • Try not to block the return air grills with furniture or other obstacles. It’s important to keep your outside air conditioner unit in the shade whenever possible. Planting fast-growing shrubs around the unit will help the unit work more efficiently. However, be sure to plant the shrubs far enough away from the air conditioner to prevent leaves from clogging it. In the meantime, putting an outdoor umbrella over the unit will shade it until the shrubs grow in. There are also other, simple steps that can be taken to lower your electric bill. First, unplug your cell phone charger when you’re not using it, the same goes for your laptop cable. Turn off the television and power off the computer when they are not in use. Make sure that all small kitchen appliances are unplugged when idle. In fact, buy an inexpensive power strip and just flip the switch when you are not using the appliances that are plugged into it. Appliances still pull electricity, even when they are not powered on. Replace your traditional light bulbs with high-efficiency florescent bulbs. Not only will they last longer, they’ll save you electricity every time you flip the switch. What your grandmother told you still applies…

turn off the lights when you are not in a room. Don’t forget to turn the fans off in empty rooms too. Many people leave the ceiling fans running all day, which is a waste of energy because no one is there to be cooled off by the moving air and the fan does not help your air conditioner run less. Many power companies offer a free home inspection to professionally evaluate your insulation, wiring, appliances and other common energy drags. If your utility company does not offer this service, you can do much of the same thing yourself. Examine your windows and doors carefully for air flow leaks. If you can see light around a door, it means that your are losing cool air through the gap. You can purchase foam tape at any hardware store to seal them up. If you can’t tell whether you are losing air through a door or window, try holding an incense stick up to the window’s edges while someone on the outside looks for smoke coming through. Caulk up any leaks you find. And finally, check the insulation in your ceiling. A house absorbs the most heat through the roof. Putting an extra layer of insulation in the attic costs a bit of money up front, but the savings will offset the cost over time, and you’ll feel cooler while you’re paying yourself back for that insulation. Keeping cool this summer is more than just a matter of comfort; in many cases, it’s a matter of health and safety. And don’t forget that Bailey Air Conditioning offers service agreements to help keep that air conditioner running at its best in this tough Texas August heat. BIG BLUE

School News

Robinson

RHS Reunion Plans have been finalized for the RHS reunion. All alumni from any graduating class are included. When: October 9-10 Where: Oct. 9 - Game time Oct. 10 - Hog Creek Icehouse at 6:30 p.m. RSVP: mmorgan73@cox. net

Meet The Band The Robinson High School “Pride of the Blue” band will be hosting a Meet the Band night on Monday, August 17, 2009 at the Robinson Cafetorium. Tickets for the evening will be on sale for $5 in advance at the Administration Office or that night at the door. A hamburger meal will be served from 5 to 6:30 pm with the band performing afterwards. Come join the band for an evening of food, fun and music! 14

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Robinson High School Varsity and Junior Varsity cheerleaders attended UCA camp July 7-10 at Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine. Both squads earned Superior ribbons for their cheers and extreme routines all four days they attended. Varsity cheerleaders Kayla Smith, Megan Hector and Alex Hansen and Junior Varsity cheerleaders Reece Timmons, Livi Schulz and Tiffany Hlavenka were named All American cheerleaders. On the final day of camp the Junior Varsity squad earned a Superior trophy for all of their hard work during their four days of camp. On the last day of camp, the Varsity squad earned

a Superior trophy for all of their hard work at camp. They also earned a second place trophy for their performance of the Extreme Routine learned during camp. The beginning of the routine was taught by the UCA instructors and the ending of the routine was made up by the Varsity squad. It consisted of dance steps, tumbling and stunting. “The girls did an amazing job at camp this year. There were several very talented squads attending the camp and the Rocket cheerleaders were very dedicated and determined. I am very proud of them and what they accomplished at camp. Alex Hansen was recruited by UCA to try out for the UCA cheerleading squad. “I

was not at all surprised. From day one when we arrived, the UCA instructors were drawn to Alex. She is a natural born cheerleader. She has a passion for cheerleading and it definitely shows. I am extremely proud of her,” Steensen said. Pictured below: Varsity Cheerleader squad, front row: Megan Hector, Kayla Urbanek, Alex Hansen, Kendra Mueck. Back row: Megan May (head cheerleader), Barbara Garcia, Sydney McAdams, Kelsey Pharr, Ally Wood, Kayla Smith Junior Varsity Squad: front row: Livi Schulz, Sarah Epperson (head cheerleader), Cassy Thompson. Back row: Morgan Stewart, Callie Bailey, Lacey McFatridge, Reece Timmons, Haley Wolske, Lauren Hill, Tiffany Hlavenka.

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