your parker county 2011

Pa r k e r C o u n t yPa r k e r C o u n t yyouryour

An Information Guide• Aledo • The Annettas • Brock • Hudson Oaks • Millsap • Peaster • Poolville • Springtown • Weatherford • Willow Park

FREEFREE2011-20122011-2012

T HE C OM MUNI TY N EW S Published by:

www.community-news.comCopyright 2011-2012 The Community News

P.O. Box 1031 • Aledo, TX 76008817-441-7661 • Toll-free 1-877-441-7661

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2 2011-2012 Your Parker County www.community-news.com

The Community News Your Parker County 2011-2012 3

About our CoverRailroads have played a major fac-tor in the historical development of Parker County. Photographer Christopher Amos found this junc-tion in Millsap.

A note from the Publisher

Randy [email protected]

Welcome to the fi fth annual edition of Your Parker County!

Sometimes publications of this type are called “Newcomers’ Guides” or “Visitors’ Guides.”

We call it an “Information Guide,” because our purpose from the fi rst issue we published in 2006 was to provide everyone a valuable resource to Parker County, whether you are a visitor, a newcomer, or a long-time resident.

Our county is fortunate to have a strong economy, great schools and abundant natural resources.

But above all else, Parker County is fortunate to have great people, and you will have a chance to meet some of them in these pages.

While I’m not exactly an old-timer, I have lived in Parker County almost 18 years, and have come to treasure the friendships that have developed in thoseyears.

I believe our community has some of the most hard-working, committed, fun-loving, dedicated people on the planet!

I invite you to get to know some of them in the pages of this guide.

I also invite you to check out our on-line resources, especially our communitycalendar. It can get you up-to-date in a hurry.

The calendar can be found at www.community-news.com/calendar.

An electronic version of this guide can be found at www.community-news.com/ypc.

Finally, a few words about The Community News.

We publish the weekly newspaper that provides information about Aledo, theAnnettas, Hudson Oaks, Willow Park and Parker County events.

Our goal has always been to provide our readers with the best newspaper possi-ble. In the process, we are happy to say The Community News has been recognizedwith numerous awards for excellence at the state and national level.

Whether you live in our coverage area or not, feel free to check us out. If youare not a subscriber or regular reader, you can get a sneak peek of the latest issueat – you guessed it – www.community-news.com.

We are proud to be Parker County’s only locally-owned newspaper. You cancall, e-mail, reach us through the Web site, fi nd us on Facebook or check us out onTwitter.

Our welcome mat is always out, and we enjoy hearing from you, so stop by somefor a visit. In the mean time, enjoy Your Parker County.

Your Parker County

www.community-news.com

P.O. Box 1031, Aledo, TX 76008

Physical Address: 203 Pecan Dr. Aledo, TX 76008

Office: 817-441-7661

Fax: 817-441-5419

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Table of Contents

City Glimpses: Aledo ........................................ 5 The Annettas ...........................6 Brock ......................................... 7 Hudson Oaks............................8 Millsap ......................................9 Peaster ..................................... 10 Poolville ....................................11 Springtown ............................. 12 Weatherford ........................... 13 Willow Park ............................ 15

County Government ................. 16Emergency Services ................. 19

Education Aledo ISD ...............................25 Brock ISD ...............................26 Millsap ISD ............................26 Peaster ISD .............................27 Poolville ISD ...........................27

Springtown ISD .....................28 Weatherford ISD ...................29 Private Schools ....................... 31 Child Care/Preschools .......... 31 Weatherford College .............33

High School Sports ...................37

Housing ........................................39

Churches ...................................... 41

Social Services ..........................44

Senior Services..........................50

Chambers of Commerce .........52

Quality of Life ............................53

Dining ........................................... 61

Traditions.....................................64

Festivals/Events ........................65

FEATURESSpring Creek Musical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Parker Paws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Hometown Hero Casey James . . . . . . . . .34

Careity Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Prioritizing Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Mary Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58


Aledo City Information

Population: 2,730

Phone Number: 817-441-7016

City Council: Mayor Kit Marshall, Mayor Pro Tem Bill McLeRoy, Council Members Kerby Smith, Jean Bailey, Randy Watkins, Matt Casey

City Administrator: Ken Pfeifer

City Secretary: Kathleen Wedell

Monthly Council Meeting: Fourth Thursday, 7 p.m. at the Aledo Community Center

City Web site: www.aledo-texas.com

IMPROVING INFRASTRUCTUREBy Christine A. HurdThe Community News

While other cities have been forced to reevaluate infrastructure development because of the recession, Aledo will be starting three major projects in accor-dance with their city plan: construct-ing a new wastewater treatment plant, building a pipeline to be connected to Fort Worth surface water, and widening FM 1187. Mayor Kit Marshall believes that infrastructure is one of the most important things the city can invest in at this point in its development.

“This past year has seen some great accomplishments. We’ve implemented our street rehab program which repairs the streets that need help the most in our city. It’s not only these new projects that we have to pay attention to, but also what we have,” Marshall said.

Even though the new infrastructure projects will each cost millions of dol-lars, the city of Aledo has managed to slash its budget for the third year in a row. However, the cost is felt else-where.

“It’s true, because of the economy, we can’t give everything that other [institutions] like the fi re department and the library request.” Marshall said, “…however, we have an amazing city staff. In our last audit, one thing that was mentioned was that we have great management of our fi nite resources. We have cut our budget, but we’re still able to do the larger infrastructure proj-ects.”

However, while Aledo has managed to budget these large-scale projects, Marshall highlighted some concerns over future growth.

“We’ve never had excessive funds, and we’re doing all we can with what resources we have, but we’re a grow-ing city and a growing city needs more people to help it run effi ciently.”

On attracting businesses to move to Aledo, the situation is a bit different from other cities in Parker County.

“The good news is that all of our space for businesses is fi lled at this moment. We’re a business-friendly city, and we hope that the infrastructure programs will allow more to come in, but that is in the hands of the develop-ers.” Marshall said. An emphasis on business was heavily mentioned in the city’s Strategic Plan, with an eventual goal of sales tax revenue equaling ad valorem tax revenue.

AledoAledoOn the expenses side, City

Administrator Ken Pfeifer stressed thatthe staff runs cost-effectively and attri-butes Aledo’s fi nancial stability to itsmanagerial ability.

“We could have a problem along our path to growth…but Aledo has accom-plished more in three years than otherneighboring cities could have accom-plished in ten. It’s because of effectivemanagement that we’re having successwith our Strategic Plan.”

In addition to infrastructure devel-opment, the city has also embarked upon its new branding and marketing campaign, designed in order to bringbusiness and community together.

“First Fridays were a success. We heard a lot of good things from thecommunity and from the businesses. Ofcourse, we would like the community tocome out even more, but it was a goodprogram on the whole,” Marshall said.Planned for the rest of 2011 were a fi re-works extravaganza that had to be post-poned when Independence Day camewith a burn ban, and the 12th annual Christmas Tyme in Aledo celebration.

“I’m pleased with what our staff has accomplished,” Marshall said. “We havea bright future, great opportunities, economic development, new subdivi-sions, and more on the horizon.”

TOP PHOTO: Jennie Suchocki sings during one of Aledo’s popular “FirstFriday events held during the summer. |BOTTOM: Workers lay asphalt in Aledo’sstreet rehab program.


NO HURRY

Annetta City InformationPopulation: 1,290


City Council: Mayor Bruce Pinckard, Mayor Pro Tem Bill Lunsford, Benny Evans, Chuck Sheridan, Jamie Harris, Farrar Patterson

City Secretary: Daina Lawler

Monthly Council Meeting: Third Thursday, 7 p.m. at Annetta City Hall, 1200 Old Annetta Road, Annetta, Texas 76008

City Web site: www.annetta.org

Annetta North City InformationPopulation: 467


City Council: Mayor Rob Watson, Mayor Pro Tem Len Callaway, Mike Brasovan, Kristin Jenkins, Stonie Hamilton, Ken Hall

City Secretary: Barb Wise

Monthly Council Meeting: Second Tuesday, 7 p.m. at Annetta United Methodist Church, 2836 West Farm Road 5, Aledo, Texas 76008

City Web site: www.annettanorth.com

Annetta South City InformationPopulation: 555


City Council: Mayor Gerhard Kleinschmidt, Mayor Pro Tem Bill Gordon, Council Members Jim Ablovich, Philip Kuntz, David Gooslby, Jimmy Harwell

Assistant to the Mayor: Daina Lawler

City Meeting Place: Annetta City Hall, 1200 Old Annetta Road, Aledo, Texas 76008

Monthly Council Meeting: Second Thursday, 7 p.m. at Annetta City Hall

By Lana KennedyThe Community News

Nestled between the ever-growing city of Aledo and the hustle and bustle of Willow Park is a small com-munity of three towns that are in no hurry to grow.

Annetta, Annetta North and Annetta South, also known simply as “the Annettas” were incorporated into three separate entities in 1979 in an effort to pro-tect the area from being swallowed up by Fort Worth. Although the area has grown signifi cantly since then, the three towns have strived to maintain a rural setting with large home sites and beautiful natural scenery.

With developers knocking on their doors, the Annettas have worked diligently the past year in pre-paring Comprehensive City Plans to control future growth with designated areas for special zoning and smaller home sites.

Annetta South headed up this venture by hiring an outside fi rm to compose their city plan, which was

fi nished this year, while Annetta North and Annetta continue to work independently.

Also notable this year is the role of the three Annettas in securing a joint contract for waste ser-vices in the area. The Annettas, along with Hudson Oaks, Willow Park and Aledo worked together and negotiated lower rates for most of their residents as well as the addition of an optional low-cost recy-cling program. The North Central Texas Council of Governments awarded the six cities with the 2011 Regional Cooperation Award for their demonstration of the concept of regionalism.

One thing that remains constant in the Annettas is the passion of residents and their councils to maintain the peaceful quality of life that so many move to the area in search of. If you are looking for the advantages of true country living with the convenience of a nearby city, the Annettas could be your perfect fi t.

ABOVE: Daina Lawler tends to business for Annettaand Annetta South from the Anneta City Hall building.| LEFT: A horse uses a low-hanging branch as a back scratcher at a local ranch.

- CHRISTOPHER AMOS/THE COMMUNITY NEWS

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By Katie MartinezThe Community News

Located in the rolling hills of Southwestern Parker County, Brock is an unincorporated community of mostly farms and ranches.

The area was named for John Henry Brock, who settled there in 1871. The area was most heavily populated around 1900, when some 200 residents called the area home. The popu-lation dropped after the 1940s down to a low of just 25 residents, and since the ‘80s and ‘90s it has hovered around 100.

Brock is well known for its school district, which has received an exemplary rating from the state for the last two years. The district has also been awarded the Texas Lone Star Cup for class 2A schools twice, an indicator of fl ourish-ing academic and extracurricular programs.

The new high school opened in the Fall of 2009, and construction of a new church and work on widening and resurfacing some of the main roads show investing in the community is a priority even as population remains level.

John Roth, County Commissioner for Precinct Three, said a lot of people move to Brock for the schools and the area is prime for a laid-back and simple life.

“It’s a nice place with an excellent school system,” he said. “Everybody I know out here is pretty happy to be living here.”

The school district has been rated superior for its fi nancial practices and strives to keep taxes low while providing the best quality edu-cation.

This year marks the fi rst year football will be played in Brock, the district has had a robust athletics program offering baseball, girls’ and boys’ basketball, track, volleyball, tennis, golf and cross country.

The athletics and extracurricular activities serve as a sense of pride for the community, where many students excel and are recognized state-wide.

Brock is not experiencing a fl ood of new residents like some other areas of Parker County. The landscape remains constant and the lifestyle, centered on hard work, education and family, continues from the community’s earliest traditions.

RIGHT: The First United Methodist Church of Brock was established in 1882.

-CHRISTOPHER AMOS/THE COMMUNITY NEWS

LAID BACK AND SIMPLE

BrockBrock


MAKING WAY FOR THE FUTURE

By Christine A. HurdThe Community News

The growth of business and popu-lation in Hudson Oaks has precipi-tated the need for a long-term plan for the future. The city is contracting with Freese-Nichols Incorporated to develop a 15-year plan.

“The plan will help us decide what the city wants to grow up to be,” said City Administrator Sheri Campbell-Husband. “We’ll decide what we want our residential areas to look like, what we want our businesses to look like,

what we want our parks to look like. It will truly be comprehensive.”

Campbell-Husband cited several issues she thinks will come to the fore in the next year.

“We’re going to have to reevalu-ate our water system and the regional wastewater system… the drought is kill-ing us, just killing us.”

There has also been a Metroplex-wide issue of census fi gures, which have understated the growth of Hudson Oaks.

“I don’t know a city in Fort Worth

Hudson Oaks City Information

Population: 1,900


City Council: Mayor Pat Deen, Tom Marquardt, Brian Lixey, Daniel David, Tom Fitzpatrick, and Paula Wigley

City Administrator: Sheri Campbell-Husband

City Secretary: Sheila Elmore

Monthly Council Meeting: Fourth Thursday, 7 p.m. at Hudson Oaks City Hall, 210 North Lakeshore Drive

City Web site: www.hudsonoaks.com

that’s not contesting their census fi g-ures. The fi gures said that we only grew by 35 in the past 10 years, when we know that we’ve had an increase of 35 households in the past year and a half.” Campbell-Husband said.

Campbell-Husband emphasized there will be many opportunities for the citizens of Hudson Oaks to make their opinions known and heard.

“There will be many opportunities for public involvement. We are plan-ning two to three town hall meetings and forming a steering committee that will have representatives from each res-idential area, businesses, the Chamber of Commerce so we have a variety of demographics,” Campbell-Husband said.

In the next year, several other infra-structure issues are anticipated as well, and the city will decide whether or not to embark on a branding campaign or to begin projects to make the city more aesthetically appealing.

“Along Highway 180, things can look pretty industrial. The council will decide whether or not to vote for medi-an landscaping.

ABOVE LEFT: Hudson Oaks is home tomost of the car dealerships in the area. The city is at the center of growth alongthe I-20 corridor. | ABOVE: The PublicSafety Building is housed in the formercity hall.

- CHRISTOPHER AMOS/THE COMMUNITY NEWS

Hudson Oaks


Growing off the beaten path

Millsap City InformationPopulation: 403


City Council: Mayor Jamie French, Mayor Pro Tem Linda Schulz, Mark Barnes, Sally Uribe, Michael Kinman,

Chrostopher Schofield

City Secretary: Roxanne Kennedy

Monthly Council Meeting: Last Tuesday, 7 p.m. at Millsap City Hall, 208 Fannin, Millsap, Texas 76066

Millsap has made its name recently as the place where American Idol star Casey James graduated from high school. The town, however, has been growing in its own right.

The town that was origi-nally a relay station on the stagecoach route that ran from Weatherford to Palo Pinto is now the city that is a business and educational hub for sur-rounding residents.

Millsap is on Farm Road 113 about 15 miles west of Weatherford in western Parker County. Known for its rich farming history, Millsap served area farmers as a shipping point in the late 1800s for their crops and cattle. Plus, the city offered retail opportunities for the farm families.

The Texas and Pacifi c Railway came into the area in 1880, about three years after the town’s post offi ce was established. With the railroad, two surrounding com-

munities moved to the Millsap relay (stagecoach) station area to take advantage of the trans-portation system: Mineral City and Peck City.

The transportation sys-tem boosted the town’s pop-ulation from 100 in 1890 to 800 in 1920, according to The Handbook of Texas. This growth also boosted commerce for the town. By 1900 Millsap had more than a dozen other businesses, three churches, a 10-grade educational facility

called Millsap College and aweekly newspaper.

Through the years, espe-cially with the decline in farm-ing, the town has seen a declinein population from the boom-ing days when it was 800. However, population is up to403 residents.

One of the largest entities inthe area is Millsap IndependentSchool District that covers 124square miles, the third largest inParker County. There are about775 students in the school.

CHRISTOPHER AMOS/THE COMMUNITY NEWS

Town founder Fuller Millsap’s 1852 log cabin stands in a park next to Millsap City Hall. It was donated to the city by Dr. A.T. Little and Criseyda Koonce.

Millsap

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Rich in farm history

Travelers leaving Weatherford, the seat of Parker County, will arrive at Peaster when traveling the scenic FM 920 for ninemiles.

Peaster began in the 1870s when Georgia native H.H. Peaster bought 150 acres of land and built a home, according to TheHandbook of Texas. Originally known as Freemont, the communi-ty’s name was changed in 1885 to Peasterville, and later shortenedto Peaster. Rich in farming history, the community grew, and by themid-1890s there were more than 100 residents. During the mid-1920s, the population was more than 300.

Originally children in the area were educated in one-room school houses. Today, Peaster Independent School District is an anchor for the small community whose population is nowestimated between 100 and 150. The school district has threecomprehensive campuses, numerous athletic fi elds and facilities, agricultural facilities, transportation center, maintenance andtechnology buildings, as well as a state-of-the-art administrationfacility, according to the PISD website. The schools and adminis-trative facilities have more than 1,200 students and employees.

The population of Peaster and its surrounding areas continueto grow, and road development in the area is benefi tted by the2008 Parker County Transportation Bond.

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Poolville, at the junction of Farm Roads 3107 and 920, is an old community that continues to have a great rural atmosphere, which attracts newcomers to the area.

Poolville was established in the 1880s and was named for a large pool of water just east of town. In 1883, the town gained postal service.

Prior to The Great Depression, the town’s population was just over 500. The economic downturn greatly affected the small farming community, and the population decreased. Records show in 1950 Poolville had 350 residents, and that declined to 230 in the 1980s and 1990. However, as the county’s population grows, so does Poolville’s. The population count in 2006 showed a recovery to pre-Depression times of just over 500.

Today the town, with a population of over 500, is anchored by several businesses, a post offi ce and Poolville Independent School District.

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Springtown City InformationPopulation: 2,658


City Council: Mayor Doug Hughes, Mayor Pro Tem Tony Smith, Annette Burk, Tom Clayton, Robert Wilson and Denise Taylor.

City Administrator: Mark Krey

City Secretary: Jhanna Bogan

Monthly Council Meeting: Fourth Thursday, 6:30 p.m. at Springtown City Hall, 102 East Second St., Springtown, Texas 76082

City Web site: www.cityofspringtown.com


Just nine years after Texas became the 28th state in the Union, Springtown was fi rst settled by Pioneer John Ward and his family.

Ward came to Texas from New Jersey where he worked repair-ing wagon wheels along the roadside before becoming a Captain in the Texas Rangers.

In the century-and-a-half since, the town has come a long way from its stagecoach days but the land hasn’t changed much.

And that is just the way they like it, City Administrator Mark Krey said.

“The people here have a strong tie to the land,” he said. “Many grow their own gardens and the area still has a really strong country feel even though we are close enough to a major Metropolitan area to enjoy all the conveniences.”

School and family continue to drive daily life in Springtown, Krey said, and a strong sense of faith and community.

Residents gather for communi-ty movie nights put on by Parks and Recreation and the annual Wild West Festival and Christmas on the Square event draw crowds from near and far.

An addition to Springtown Park in 2011 will add a place to honor the ser-vice and sacrifi ces made by members of their community.

Scheduled to be completed in November, the site is intended to be a place for peace and refl ection.

“It was important for us that it be a place for reverence,” Krey said. “Springtown has given two of its sons in this current confl ict.”

The town population has increased by 28 percent over the last decade and the completion of $80 million in road projects primed the area for commer-cial development along the main road, Krey said.

Three new restaurants opened in town in 2011 including one drastic improvement from the Pioneer days — Pizza Hut delivery.

Slow, sustained growth and strategic commercial development are expected, Krey said, but the best place to pass a Friday night in Springtown will still be at Porcupine Stadium, and it will never lose that small-town feel.

SCHOOL AND FAMILY

TOP: Goshen Creek is Springtown’s newest elementary School. | BOTTOM: An active Chamber of Commerce is housed in Springtown’s historic town square.

RANDY KECK/THE COMMUNITY NEWS

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LOOKING AHEAD◗ Weatherford is positioned for continued strong growthBy Randy KeckThe Community News

While the recession in recent years harmed everyone, the city of Weatherford is positioned to emerge with strong growth and continued eco-nomic development.

Dennis Clayton, Executive Director of the The Weatherford Economic Development Authority, said retail development and retail growth will continue on and take a new step up with the completion of frontage roads on Interstate 20.

“We continue to get a lot of interest from new retailers,” he said. “That will primarily start with some new shopping center sites, because our two new shop-ping centers are virtually leased out.”

Land availability for new sites would primarily from Main Street east to Santa Fe Drive. In addition, the completion of the Holland Lake bridge will provide new synergy to the JC Penney area.

It may seem that Weatherford has no shortage of retailers, offering every-thing from electronics to fast food, but Clayton said there is room for more.

The city conducted a retail trade area study in 2008 and updated it in early 2010.

“That identifi ed some gaps in our retail sales, and that’s primarily in the sporting goods, which is a big box oppor-tunity for us, and there’s still a gap in clothing, shoes, like Old Navy or Gap or T.J. Maxx,” Clayton said. “And there’s still, believe it or not, some gaps in appli-ances or electronics that Wal-Mart and Lowes and others don’t really fi ll.”

WeatherfordWeatherford

“And also with Kroger leaving and our growth, there will be some grocery development,” he added.

The key to this growth is the com-pletion of the new access roads from Santa Fe to South Main.

“It’s a major driver, because in 2008 right after JC Penney broke ground we had a lot of interest then, but then the developers discovered there were no

frontage roads,” Clayton said.“But now, with 90 percent com-

pletion on those major ones and the Holland Lake bridge, the major sites have frontage now, and it’s coming back and getting a lot of attention.”

Clayton said additional develop-ment will be seen in the near future as far west as Bowie Drive.

“As our retail land develops in the

current location it will grow to thewest – Tin Top Bethel Road, and SouthBowie, and then the west loop the coun-ty is putting in - as it comes around the west side of town and completes into the Interstate that will extend ourdevelopment to the west another .9 of amile,” he said.

Turn to GROWTH, page 14


Construction on the Fort Worth Highway bridge will continue through 2012, one of several projects that will keep future traffic moving into Watherford.


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Growth is headed west because Weatherford is virtually landlocked to the east. Clayton indicated that due to the railroad and steep terrain, building frontage roads east of Santa Fe would prove diffi cult.

“I think eventually you’ll see Hudson Oaks and Weatherford develop that – each its part – but it’s a little more dif-fi cult to go that way.”

The next phase of frontage road construction for Weatherford will be the segment from Bethel Road to South Bowie, which will be complete around the fi rst part of 2013.

Perhaps the most diffi cult project looking the city in the face is the widen-ing of South Main St. from Interstate 20 to College Park Drive, an 18-month project.

“That will be a bit painful,” Clayton said, “but we have lived through that congestion, now we have multiple alternate routes around South Main. When that gets completed in about two years the congestion will be cut in half because the volume is doubled - it will be great.”

GROWTHfrom page 13

The Holland Lake ridge and com-pletion of BB Fielder Road give people multiple access points to the main busi-ness district without having to go up South Main.

Intestate 20 is not the only major artery into and out of town. Construction is also under way on the bridge leading into town on the Fort Worth Hwy.

“That traffi c fl ows pretty well,” Clayton said. “The city and TxDOT coordinated several years ago and the city built Jack Borden Way, and fi nished it before they started that. That’s a great new traffi c access that gets you north, east, west and south.”

Beating the recessionClayton said a list of eight key indi-

cators were all positive at the beginning of the recession in 2008, but all turned negative. Those indicators include pros-pect activity, sales tax, permits, unem-ployment, and natural gas business.

“Weatherford and Fort Worth have done well,” Clayton said. “We are recover-ing – it’s a slow recovery. We continue to grow in virtually all those indicators, so we’re feeling really good about all that.”

“One of the key things I am excited about is Weatherford Regional Medical Center,” Clayton said. “Two years ago

they built a new ER for about $25 million. They are currently halfway through the $22 million expansion of new patient rooms. They are making all their patient rooms private. That’s almost a $50 million investment. The services at the hospital are vastly improving, the emergency room facili-ties and services are top quality. Private rooms will make that a medical care center of choice.”

Clayton added that in addition to facil-ities, the hospital has been actively recruit-ing physicians. Because the hospital is run by a private company, it pays property and sales taxes of about $1.6 million.

“If you read and talk to economists around the state and the nation, health care is one of the biggest opportunities for economic development, job creation and wealth creation there is in any community, so we’re very fortunate to be in a growth pattern in that sector,” Clayton said.

A good placeClayton attributed Weatherford’s

strong growth as being a direct compo-nent of the Metroplex.

“Quality of life, great schools, afford-able land, easy commute – this is the last frontier of the Metroplex where you still have those things. The rooftops are

Weatherford City InformationPopulation: 25,300


City Council: Mayor Dennis Hooks, Heidi Wilder, Jeff Robinson, Waymon Hamilton, Craig Swancy.

City Manager: Jerry Blaisdell

City Secretary: Malinda Nowell

Monthly Council Meeting: Second and fourth Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. at Weatherford City Hall, 303 Palo Pinto Street, Weatherford, TX 76086.

City Web site: www.weatherfordtx.gov

a direct result of the retail growth we have had. The city sales tax (revenues)from 2004 to 2009 just about doubledfrom about $4.5 to about $8.9 millionjust because of that growth.

“From my perspective, Weatherford is one of the top fi ve business growth areas in the Metroplex because of ouraccessibility, affordability, quality ofschools. This growth is going to con-tinue.

“We’re just in a good place.”


By Christine A. HurdThe Community News

Focus on business growth and quality of life

Willow Park City InformationPopulation: 4,400


City Council: Mayor Marvin Glasgow, Mayor Pro-Tem Gene Martin, Richard Neverdousky, Amy Padony, Mark Hickerson, Hale Alderman

City Administrator: Candy Scott

City Secretary: Yael Shushan-Hoffman

Monthly Council Meeting: Third Monday, 6:30 p.m. at Willow Park City Hall, 516 Ranch House Road, Willow Park, TX 76087

City Web site: www.willowpark.org

ABOVE: The Lehnert family – Chrissy, Mat, three-year-old Maddie and five-month-old Ethan – stroll across the bridge in the park next to the WillowPark Community Center. (ChristopherAmos)

LEFT: Willow Park’s popular Parkfest was pre-empted by road construction in2010, but continues as of 2011 in the fall.(File Photo)

Willow ParkWillow ParkFollowing a year of budget chal-lenges, the focus in Willow Park will be enticing business to move in and to raise the standard of living. Mayor Marvin Glasgow has several goals he would like to accomplish.

“There’ll be very little construction until we get the budget under control—at this point we just can’t afford it. We have to assess our income and then go from there,” Glasgow said.

Willow Park receives most of its income from sales tax and its ad valor-em tax. Glasgow believes that once a few more business set up shop, the city will be able to take care of delayed busi-ness.

“Construction on Brookshire’s will fi nish in a few months, and we’re cur-rently in negotiations for a few new businesses to come in. It’ll be good to use the space we have, and of course, business is always good for the city,” Glasgow said. Glasgow believes that, like all the cities of Parker County, there will be challenges regarding population growth, but he is especially concerned about water.

“Water is an incredibly serious issue, especially the level of the lakes. We have a few options. We can always pay for water from Weatherford, but they need it as well. We could get a pipeline from Fort Worth, but that would take a while before we’d start seeing results,” said Glasgow, “Although one good thing is that lake levels are only down 2-3 feet.”

Glasgow said that he wants to also try to improve the quality of living for residents and employees as well.

“One thing I’d really like to do is just have some sort of raise for the people that work for the city. It’s been years for them,” Glasgow said. Even though there is a general sense of belt-tighten-ing, Glasgow wants the city to be able to sponsor events that its citizens want.

“We’re going to have ParkFest in October—that’s all set, but we really just want to know what the people of Willow Park want. A Halloween party, a beginning of Spring fest, or maybe just a ‘I’m glad we’re all alive’ celebration,” Glasgow said, “It’s nice for one day to forget about worries and just relax and have fun.”


COUNTY GOVERNMENTParker County Web site: www.co.parker.tx.us

COUNTYWIDE OFFICIALS

Mark RileyCounty Judge817-598-6148Fax: [email protected] Courthouse Sq.Weatherford, Texas 76086

John ForrestCounty Attorney817-594-8409Fax: [email protected] West Columbia St.Weatherford, Texas 76086

Judge Jerry BucknerCounty Court at Law 1817-598-6179Fax: [email protected] Santa Fe DriveWeatherford, Texas 76086

Judge Ben AkersCounty Court at Law 2817-598-6195Fax: [email protected] Courthouse Sq.Weatherford, Texas 76086

Jeane BrunsonCounty Clerk(Deeds and Records) 817-594-7461Fax: 817-594-9540(Civil) 817-594-1632Fax: [email protected] Santa Fe DriveWeatherfod, Texas 76086

Larry FowlerSheriff817-594-8845Fax: [email protected] Hogle St.Weatherford, Texas 76086

Marjorie KingTax Assessor-CollectorPhone: 817-598-6139Fax: [email protected] Santa Fe DriveWeatherford, Texas 76086

Jim ThorpTreasurer 817-598-6150Fax: [email protected] Santa Fe DriveWeatherford, Texas 76086

Mike RhotenCounty Auditor 817-598-6104Fax: [email protected] Santa Fe DriveWeatherford, Texas 76086

Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District1250 E. Hwy 199817-523-5200Fax: 877-388-8423 (toll-free)www.uppertrinitygcd.comP.O. Box 1749Springtown Texas 76082

DISTRICT COURTS

Trey Loftin43rd District Court Judge817-598-6069Fax: 817-598-6108117 Fort Worth Hwy.Weatherford, Texas 76086

Judge Graham Quisenberry415th District Court Judge817-598-6162Fax: 817-598-6161117 Fort Worth Hwy.Weatherford, Texas 76086

Sharena GillilandDistrict Clerk(Civil) 817-598-6114(Felony) 817-598-6194Fax: 817-598-6131117 Fort Worth Hwy.Weatherford, Texas 76086

Don SchneblyDistrict Attorney817-598-6124Fax: 817-599-7628117 Fort Worth Hwy.Weatherford, Texas 76086

COUNTY COURTHOUSEOne Courthouse SquareWeatherford, Texas 76086

COURTHOUSE ANNEX1112 Santa Fe DriveWeatherfod, Texas 76086

DISTRICT COURTS BUILDING117 Fort Worth Hwy.Weatherford, Texas 76086


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PRECINCT 1

George ConleyPrecinct 1 Commissioner817-220-7218Fax: [email protected] Veal Station RoadP.O. Box 681Springtown, Texas 76082

Wayne HayesJustice of the Peace 817-220-5857 Fax: [email protected] East Hwy. 199Springtown, Texas 76082

Larry NixConstable817-523-0027Larry,[email protected] East Hwy. 199Springtown, Texas 76082

PRECINCT 2

Craig PeacockPrecinct 2 Commissioner817-594-4022Fax: [email protected] FM 1885Weatherford, Texas 76088

Kelly GreenJustice of the Peace817-598-0496207 Fort Worth Hwy.Weatherford, Texas 76086

Lowell [email protected] Fort Worth Hwy.Weatherford, Texas 76086

PRECINCT 3

John RothPrecinct 3 Commissioner 817-594-0371Fax: [email protected] FM 1189Brock, Texas 76087

Suzie MerkleyJustice of the Peace 817-598-6192Fax: [email protected] Santa Fe DriveWeatherford, Texas 76086

Glen PraytorConstable 817-598-6117 or [email protected] Santa Fe DriveWeatherford, Texas 76086

PRECINCT 4

Dusty RenfroPrecinct 4 Commissioner 817-596-0004 817-596-5016www.parker4.net1320 Airport RoadAledo, Texas 76008

Lynn JohnsonJustice of the Peace 817-441-1071Fax: [email protected] East I-20 Service Road North, Suite 109Willow Park, Texas 76087

Bob [email protected] East I-20 Service Road North, Suite 109Willow Park, Texas 76087

THE COMMUNITY NEWS Where the CommunityComes Together

w w w . c o m m u n i t y - n e w s . c o m


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◗ The musical has seen much rising talent through its generation-spanning lifetimeBy Nadeen MurphreeSpecial to The Community News

The Spring Creek Musical cel-ebrated 70 years of continuous old time music in May of 2011 under the more than 100-years-old Spring Creek Tabernacle.

The musical began in the home of the late Eddleman and Audrey Pickard. When the crowd out-grew their home it was moved to the tabernacle where it has been a gathering place for musicians, friends and visitors over these many years.

Gaston Floyd stepped in to help with the musical for many years along with his wife Estelle, who baked her famous cakes for the musicians. In later years their son Wendall (Frank) Floyd took over

the operation and later Pickard’s son-in-law Kenneth Murphree and Floyd’s daughter-in-law, the late Belba Floyd, along with their spouses, took over the bookings and sound for the musical.

Many people have volunteered over the years to keep this event open for the public to have a glimpse of the past when musi-cians would get together after a day’s work and hold jam sessions until the wee hours of the morning. Today it is run by third generation Floyd families including David Floyd who operates the sound, Lesa Floyd Walters who books the acts and Janice Floyd James who helps with the snack bar. It is an all-volunteer run musical with donations used to pay the utilities and upkeep of the old tab-ernacle. No one gets paid for play-ing, working in the concessions, cleaning the grounds, running the sound or booking the event.

Many young people have got-ten their start on that stage to go

on to stardom, including Katie Keenie, Van Darien, Josh Ward, and Mickey Parsley, just to name a few who are currently making it big in the music world.

Glen Tarver grew up in Spring Creek and moved to California where he won many fi ddle con-tests and made some recordings. Thanks to the generosity of Mary Kemp, one of his old long-playing recordings was given away to a lucky winner.

In the 50s one band went on to the Louisiana Hayride play-ing backup for Elvis Presley and another won Best Band in North Texas by the Texas County – Western Music Association.

The Tabernacle is located about seven miles south of Weatherford on Hwy. 51.

The musical is held the second Friday night of each month. For more information contact Lisa Walters at [email protected], or David Floyd at [email protected].

Spring Creek Musical celebrates 70th anniversary

SPECIAL TO THE COMMUNITY NEWS

Reminiscing about the good old days are internationalrecording artists Mac Curtis (left) and Kenneth Murphree. Mac played on the Spring Creek stage in the 1950s before going on to make it big in Rockabilly music. He is stillrecording and touring the world.


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EMERGENCY SERVICES◗ Emergency responders stand ready

Parker County is blessed to havecountless volunteers and paid person-nel ready to respond to any type ofemergency.

Wildfi res during the spring and summer of 2011 occupied much of thetime of emergency responders, both athome and in neighboring Palo PintoCounty.

The following pages will list who tocall, although in an emergency situationthe only numbers you need to remem-ber are 9-1-1.

LEFT: Lt. Michael Baldwin shows offone of the trucks from Hudson OaksFire Rescue, part of Emergency ServicesDistrict #3.



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LAW ENFORCEMENT

Aledo ISDPolice DepartmentChawn Gilliland (Chief)817-441-5147117 Vernon RoadAledo, Texas 76008

Parker CountySheriff’s DepartmentLarry Fowler (Sheriff)817-594-8845129 Hogle St.Weatherford, Texas 76086

Hudson OaksPolice DepartmentBrandon Mayberry (Chief)682-229-2400150 N. Oakridge Drive,Hudson Oaks, Texas 76087

Reno Police DepartmentJoe Poline (Interim Chief)817-221-2500195 W. Reno Rd.,Azle, TX

SpringtownPolice DepartmentEd Crowdis (Chief)817-220-0828220 Hilltop,Springtown, Texas 76082

WeatherfordPolice DepartmentMike Manning (Chief)817-598-4310801 Santa Fe Drive,Weatherford, Texas 76086

Willow ParkPolice DepartmentBrad Johnson (Chief)817-441-9747101 W. Stage Coach Trail,Willow Park, Texas 76087

YOU MAY NOT KNOW…While it is a common occurrence to be served by volunteer firefighters in Parker County, the Sheriff’s Department and local police depart-ments are also served by many unpaid reserve officers.


FIRE DEPARTMENTS

Adell-Whitt Fire DepartmentCurtis Goen (Chief)940-798-30554312 N. FM 52Whitt, TX 76490

Aledo VFDScott Mitchel (Chief)817-441-7284

Fire Station 1215 Mesquite,Aledo, Texas 76008

Fire Station 26085 White Settlement Rd.,Weatherford, TX 76087

Brock-Dennis VFDTravis Scrimshire (Chief)817-341-73681107 FM 1189,Weatherford, TX 76087-7463

Central Community Fire DepartmentDavid Chilcut (Chief)817-599-08184100 Old Agnes Road,Weatherford, Texas 76088

Cool-Garner Volunteer Fire DepartmentRodney Robertson (Chief)817-597-01202290 Garner School Rd.,Weatherford, Texas 76088

Cresson Volunteer Fire DepartmentJoe Huffman (Chief)817-396-4498105 Crook St.,Cresson, TX 76035

Hudson Oaks Fire-Rescue/ESD No. 3Pat English (Chief)817-599-0576150 N. Oak Ridge Drive,Hudson Oaks, Texas 76087

Millsap VFDNeal Doss (Chief)940-682-4390407 South Houston Street,Millsap, TX 76066

Mountain River Fire DepartmentBrett Wright (Chief)940-682-7739300 Redbluff Circle,Millsap, TX 76066


The summer 2011 Parker County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) graduates completed a free 20.5-hour course. Back row: Instructor Kit Marshall, Amber Gallegos, Wanda Gallegos, Ramiro Gallegos, Katie Catron, Eric Catron, Sandi Brooks, James Brooks, and Pat Talley. Kneeling: Instructor David Reeves and Kathy Meyer. Not shown are Lucy and Jerry Craighead. CERT is a grass-roots movement that actively involves everyone in making our communities safer, stronger, and better prepared for disasters. For more information or to sign up for the course, contact Kit Marshall at [email protected].

Peaster Fire DepartmentLeo Scott (Chief)817-594-4551221 Judd St.,Weatherford, TX 76088

Poolville Fire DepartmentLannie Fulton (Chief)817-523-205616401 FM 920,Poolville, TX 76487

Springtown VolunteerFire DepartmentEric Vinson (Chief)817-523-7598P.O. Box 282, 215 Goshen Road,Springtown, Texas 76082

Weatherford FireDepartmentPaul Rust (Chief)817-598-4282202 W. Oak St.,Weatherford, TX 76086

Fire Station 1817-598-4286122 S. Alamo St.,Weatherford, Texas 76086

Fire Station 2817-598-4014122 W. Lake Drive,Weatherford, Texas 76087

Fire Station 3817-598-4112122 Atwood Court,Weatherford, Texas 76086

Fire Station 4817-598-2217905 West Park Avenue,Weatherford, Texas 76086

Willow Park Fire-RescueJim Witherow (Chief)817-441-8020

Station #1101 Stagecoach Trail,Willow Park, TX 76087

Station #23508 Indian Camp Road,Willow Park, TX 76087

ANIMAL CONTROLWeatherford/Parker County Animal Shelter817-598-4111403 Hickory Lane, Weatherford, Texas 76086


Firefighter and EMT Cody Burge loads a Jaws-of-Life tool into a Willow Park FireDepartment vehicle.


Parker Paws assists with infl ux of unwanted animalsPublic Services

By Sandra RousseauThe Community News

It’s 11 a.m. on a Saturday when Barb Pursley arrives at the Weatherford/Parker County Animal Shelter. The shelter is just opening for the day, but already people are lined up to surrender armloads of puppies, boxes of kittens and older dogs on leashes. These folks get there early because they know that once the shelter’s kennels are full, animal control offi cials won’t accept any more. By 12:30, 20 animals have been taken in and only two have been adopted out. Sadly, the shelter will have more open-ings the next day, although not because of a run on adoptions. Unfortunately, adoption numbers are down.

Pursley is the president of Parker Paws, a nonprofi t, volunteer organiza-tion that provides much-needed sup-port to the Weatherford/Parker County Animal Shelter. Despite the infl ux of

unwanted animals and the shortage of people looking to adopt a pet, Pursley, energetic, outgoing and quick to smile, stays amazingly positive.

As sad as it is to see unwanted pets living in kennels, some who must be euthanized before they are adopted, Pursley remains upbeat and cheerful. Helping the shelter and its homeless occupants is her passion. She and a small army of animal-loving volunteers support the shelter, its workers and its animals in ways too numerous to count.

Parker Paws is not a rescue group; they do not take in unwanted animals from individuals. Instead, Parker Paws could be described as an auxiliary for the shelter. Parker Paws provides sup-port in the form of volunteers and donations, handling everything from bathing dogs to fostering animals who have run out of time, to holding low-cost spay and neuter clinics.

If you’re wondering what you can do to help alleviate crowded conditions at the shelter, Pursley, of course, has a few suggestions.

Adopt“This shelter is where I want you to

fi nd your next best friend,” said Pursley. She and the Parker Paws volunteers work hard to identify family-friendly dogs and cats that are healthy, well-adjusted and socialized. “I encourage anyone consid-ering a new pet to come to the shelter and see all the wonderful, adoptable dogs and cats we have here,” she said, referring to the many sweet, loving ani-mals that, through no fault of their own, have found themselves homeless.

Adoption fees vary but include spay-ing or neutering, a very important com-ponent in controlling the unwanted animal population. “I don’t want you to adopt a pet here because you want to

save a life. I want you to adopt your nextbest friend here simply because theseare some terrifi c, loving, family-friendlydogs and cats,” she said.

FosterParker Paws is always in need of

people willing to care for an animalin their own home until it is adopted into a forever home. Rather than sim-ply assigning a foster pet, Parker Paws allows foster volunteers to choose ananimal from the shelter’s kennels. “Somepeople prefer older dogs or smaller dogsor larger dogs. We let you choose whoyou bring into your home when youfoster,” she said.

“We pay for their medical care, but feeding them is the responsibility of thefoster family. We’re basically looking for responsible pet owners with fenced yards and the ability to sometimes sepa-rate the foster animal from their ownpets, if needed.” Foster families oftenfall in love with their charges and end upadopting them. And while that’s a goodthing, “it can mean we lose that personas a foster, and have to fi nd someone totake their place,” said Pursley.

VolunteerIn addition to foster families, Parker

Paws is always in need of general volun-teers. “It’s a great help to have volunteers come in and walk dogs or take them tothe play yard for exercise. Volunteers can also bathe dogs before surgery andhelp people who come to the shelter tochoose a pet,” Pursley said.

“There is always something thatneeds to be done. The shelter staff ’sfocus is animal control. They are incred-ibly busy with intake, paperwork andcalls. Parker Paws’ focus is adoptions. We work directly with the animals toget them adopted and give them theattention they need. The shelter staff does a great job but they just don’t havethe manpower to do the extra things wedo” said Pursley.

DonateThe angels of Parker Paws sup-

ply the shelter with many items theWPCAS budget simply cannot afford.For example, Parker Paws purchases leashes, cardboard cat carriers, litter


Up to 4 days/wk9am to 2pm

even wading pools for dogs to romp through during their time in the play yard. In some cases Parker Paws pays for medical care such as heartworm testing and spaying or neutering.

They also pay for all kinds of little items. “The shelter is a government offi ce and so they don’t keep petty cash. But Parker Paws does, so we can take care of little things for them quickly,” explained Pursley. This point was illus-trated when Pursley was shown a bro-ken piece of plumbing pipe and asked to run by Lowe’s to purchase a new one. “The shelter would have to put in a purchase order for this, but I can get it taken care of today,” she said.

The expenses that Parker Paws helps the shelter with require plenty of cold, hard cash, making monetary dona-tions a big need. Additionally, supplies themselves are always welcome. While some generous donors have given big-ger items such as fencing and large dog runs, there is no donation that is too small. The shelter can never have enough old towels, housetraining pads, bags of kitty litter or too much pet food, bleach and liquid soap.

“McDavid Estates had a pet food drive recently and brought us 1100 pounds of pet food. It was wonderful.”

PARKER PAWSwww.ParkerPaws.orgEmail [email protected]

Weatherford/Parker County Animal Shelter817-598-4111403 Hickory Lane, off of Bankhead Highway in WeatherfordOpen 11am to 4pm, Tuesday - Saturday.

Spay or Neuter Your PetsPet owners who allow dogs and cats to breed

unwanted offspring place a burden on the tax payersof Parker County. Parker Paws holds low-cost spay and neuter clinics once each month. These clinicsalso feature low-cost vaccinations, heartworm testingand other preventative care. Call 940-682-4970 for additional information or to schedule an appoint-ment.


Donna Smith817.917.1716

donnaLsmith.com

RE/MAX Trinity817-916-4792Your home town real estate specialist

EducationEducation


Aledo ISD

Coder Elementary School12 Vernon Road, Aledo, Texas, 76008817-441-6095Grades: Pre-K through 5Starting/Closing Times: 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.Pick up/drop off: In the front drive of the school;

buses pick up/drop off on the South side.Other information: Coder is home to the district’s only

pre-kindergarten program.

Stuard Elementary School200 Thunderhead Lane, Aledo, Texas 76008817-441-5103Grades: K through 5Starting/Closing Times: 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.Pick up/drop off: In back of the school. Buses will

pick up/drop off in the front.

Vandagriff Elementary School408 FM 1187 South, Aledo, Texas, 76008817-441-8771Grades: K through 5Starting/Closing Times: 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.Pick up/drop off: In front of the school. Buses will

pick up/drop off in the back.Other information: The school motto is “Join us in a

celebration of life and learning.”

McCall Elementary School400 Scenic Trail, Willow Park, Texas, 76087817-441-4500Grades: K through 5Starting/Closing Times: 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.Pick up/drop off: Grades K through 1 pick up in the back.

Grades 2 through 5 pick up in the front. All drop offs are in the front of the school. Buses will pick up and drop off on the east side of campus.

McAnally Intermediate School151 FM 5 South, Aledo, Texas, 76008817-441-8347Grade: 6Starting/Closing Times: 8:40 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.

Aledo Middle School416 FM 1187 South, Aledo, Texas, 76008817-441-5198Grades: 7 and 8Starting/Closing Times: 8:40 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.Other information: Programs such as Whiz Quiz, drama club

and band are offered here.

Don Daniel Ninth Grade Center990 Bailey Ranch Road, Aledo, Texas 76008817-441-4504Grade: 9Start/Closing Times: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Pick up/Drop off: At the front of the school.

QUICK LISTINGSALEDO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT1008 Bailey Ranch Road - Aledo817-441-8327aledo.schoolfusion.us

CODER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL817-441-6095

STUARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL817-441-5103

VANDAGRIFF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL817-441-8771

McCALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL817-441-4500

McANALLY INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL817-441-8347

ALEDO MIDDLE SCHOOL817-441-5198

DON DANIEL NINTH GRADE CENTER817-441-4504

ALEDO HIGH SCHOOL817-441-8711

THE LEARNING CENTER817-441-5176

Aledo High School1000 Bailey Ranch Road,

Aledo, Texas, 76008817-441-8711Grades: 10 through 12Starting/Closing Times: 8:40 a.m. to

3:50 p.m.Parking Permits: Parking permits on the

first day of school.Other information: Elective courses cur-

rently offered include music theory, art, theatre production, Cold War studies, anatomy and physiology and many others. Several Advanced Placement and Pre-Advanced place-ment classes are also available. Extracurricular activities include National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Latin/Spanish Club, Future Business Leaders of America, the Aledo Players Drama Club and athletics.


Brock Elementary School100 Grindstone Road, Brock, Texas 76087817-594-8017, Metro: 817-596-8372Grades: K-5Starting/Closing Times: 7:55 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.Other Information: Brock Elementary

School is a TEA Exemplary School.

Brock Junior High School300 Grindstone Road, Brock, Texas 76087817-594-3195, Metro: 817-596-2916 Grades: 6-8Starting/Closing Times: 8 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.

Brock High School410 Eagle Spirit Lane, Brock, Texas 76087817-596-8003Grades: 9-12Starting/Closing Times: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Other Information: Brock High School is a

TEA Recognized School. Students can earn up to 25 hours of college credit with dual enrollment courses before graduation.

Brock ISDBrock ISD


Paige Parliament poses with one of the three state champion trophies her name is on – 2009, 2010 and 2011. The BrockEagle and Lady Eagle basketball teams have eight combined state trophies at the entry of Brock High School. There are alsotwo Texas Cup Championship trophies and one Lady Eagle softball state championship trophy.

Millsap ISDMillsap Elementary School101 Wilson Bend Rd., Millsap, Texas 76066940-682-4994Grades: EC-5Starting/Closing Times: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Millsap Middle School301 East Brazos St., Millsap, Texas 76066940-682-4994Grades: 6-8Starting/Closing Times: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Millsap High School600 Bulldog Blvd., Millsap, Texas 76066940-682-4994Grades: 9-12Starting/Closing Times: 8 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.

Millsap Alternative Education Placement305 Pine St., Millsap, Texas 76066940-682-4994Starting/Closing Times: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.


Peaster ISDPeaster Elementary School3400 Harwell Lake Road,

Weatherford, Texas 76088817-594-1884Grades: Pre-K through 5Starting/Closing Times: 8:05 a.m.

to 3:15 p.m.Other information: The elementary

school has a pre-kindergarten program, an early childhood pro-gram for children with disabilities, and kindergarten through grade 5 programs. The average class size in grades kindergarten through grade 5 is 18 students. In addi-tion, the elementary school has a gifted and talented (GT) program, a special education program, a Title 1 program and English as a Second Language (ESL) program.

Peaster Middle School8512 FM 920, Peaster, Texas 76485817-341-5000Grades: 6 through 8Starting/Closing Times:

8 a.m. to 3:25 p.m.Other information: Extra-curricular

activities include: sports: volley-ball, basketball, track and tennis; fine arts: band, theater arts, art and choral music. Students par-ticipate in academic contests and are encouraged to be involved in community-sponsored activities to become well-rounded citizens.

Peaster High School3600 Harwell Lake Road

Peaster, Texas 76485817-341-5000Grades: 9 through 12Starting/Closing Times:

8 a.m. to 3:25 p.m.Other information: A number of

honors and Advanced Placement courses are available for college-bound students and additional programs are being added as needed. Extra-curricular activi-ties include: sports: volleyball, cross-country, basketball, track, tennis, golf, baseball, and softball; fine arts: band, theater arts, art and choral music; organizations: FCCLA, FFA, NHS, student coun-cil, computer club and others.

Poolville ISDPoolville Elementary School16025 FM 920, Poolville, Texas 76487817-599-3308Grades: Pre-K through 5Starting/Closing Times:

8:05 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.Other information: The elementary school

offers programs in math/science and accel-erated reader. It holds morning enrichment and tutoring before school at 7:30 to 8 a.m. and will host family reading nights.

School Motto: “Paw Power.”

Poolville Junior High16025 FM 920, Poolville, Texas 76487817-594-4539Grades: 6 through 8Starting/Closing Times: 8 a.m. to 3:25 p.m.

Poolville High School1001 Lone Star Road, Poolville, Texas 76487817-599-5134Grades: 9 through 12Starting/Closing Times:

8:05 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Other information: PHS offers a dual credit

program, an ag science program, and an athletic program that advanced to the play-offs in all sports.


Springtown ISD

Reno Elementary School172 W. Reno Road, Azle, Texas 76020817-221-5001Grades: Pre K through 4Starting/Closing Times: 7:50 a.m. – 3:05 p.m.

Goshen Creek Elementary School401 S. Pojo Drive, Springtown, Texas 76082817-220-0272Grades: Pre-K through 4Starting/Closing times: 7:50 a.m. – 3:05 p.m.

Springtown Elementary School416 E. Third St., Springtown, Texas 76082817-220-2498Grades: Pre-K through 4Starting/Closing Times: 7:50 a.m. – 3:05 p.m.

Watson Elementary School301 East 5th St., Springtown, Texas 76082817-220-2621Grades: Pre K through KStarting/Closing Times: 7:55 a.m. – 3:10 p.m.

Springtown Intermediate School300 Pojo Drive, Springtown, Texas 76082 817-220-1219Grades: 5 and 6Starting/Closing Times: 8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Springtown Middle School500 Pojo Drive, Springtown, Texas 76082817-220-7455Grades: 7 and 8Starting/Closing Times: 8:00 a.m. – 3:20 p.m.

Springtown High School915 W. Hwy 199, Springtown, Texas 76082817-220-3888Grades: 9 through 12Starting/Closing Times: 8:10 a.m. – 3:25 p.m.

QUICK LISTINGSAdministration301 East 5th St. – SpringtownPhone: 817-220-7243Fax: 817-523-5766www.springtownisd.net

Reno Elementary School817-221-5001

Goshen Creek Elementary School817-220-0272

Springtown Elementary School817-220-2498

Watson Elementary School817-220-2621

Springtown Intermediate School817-220-1219

Springtown Middle School817-220-7455

Springtown High School817-220-3888


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Austin Elementary School1776 Texas Drive

Weatherford, Texas 76086817-598-2848Grades: K through 6Starting/Closing Times:

8 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.Other information: Activities available

through this school include geogra-phy/spelling bees, student leadership team, UIL, Young Authors Expo, band and choir. In addition to these, there is a “Quest” gifted and talented program. The “Kids Unite” after-school program is also available here.

Crockett Elementary School1015 Jameson St.,

Weatherford, Texas 76086817-598-2811Grades: Pre-K through 6Starting/Closing Times: 7:50 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. Pre-K 3: 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. Pre-K 4: 12:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.Other information: The “Kids Unite”

after-school program is available here. Crockett school colors are green and white, and the school mascot is the lion cub.

Curtis Elementary School501 W. Russell

Weatherford, Texas, 76086817-598-2838Grades: K through 6Starting/Closing Times:

8 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.Other information: In addition to UIL,

band and choir, Curtis also offers an “exemplary” reading buddy pro-gram, a peer mediator group and a Succeeding at Reading program.

Weatherford ISD

Ikard Elementary School100 Ikard Lane, Weatherford, Texas, 76086817-598-2818Grades: Pre-K through 6Starting/Closing Times: 7:45 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Martin Elementary School719 N. Oakridge Drive, Weatherford, Texas, 76087817-598-2910Grades: K through 6Starting/Closing Times: 8 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.Other information: The “Quest” gifted and talented program

is offered at this campus as well as the “Kids Unite” after-

school program. Geography/spelling bees, Destination Imagination, UIL, Young Authors Expo and sixth grade band are also available.

Seguin Elementary School499 E. Eighth St., Weatherford, Texas, 76086817-598-2814Grades: Pre-K through 6Starting/Closing Times: 8 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.Pre-K 3: 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. Pre-K 4: 12:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.Other information: A bilingual Pre-K through sixth grade pro-

gram is also available at Seguin.

Turn to WISD, page 30


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WISDfrom page 29

Wright Elementary School1309 W. Charles St.

Weatherford, Texas 76086817-598-2828Grades: Pre-K through 6Starting/Closing Times: 8 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.Pre-K 3: 8:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.Pre-K 4: 12:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.Other information: The “Quest” and

“Kids Unite” programs are offered here as well as a bilingual Pre-K through sixth grade program.

Hall Middle School 902 Charles St.

Weatherford, Texas 76086817-598-2822Grades: 7 and 8Starting/Closing Times:

8:05 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.Other information: Activities/Programs

include student council, poetry, drama clubs, a teen leadership group and the Hall Highsteppers Dance Team. Pre-AP classes are also offered here.

Tison Middle School102 Meadowview Road

Weatherford, Texas 76087817-598-2960Grades: 7 and 8Starting/Closing Times:

8:05 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

WHS Ninth Grade Center1007 S. Main

Weatherford, Texas 76086817-598-2847Grade: 9Starting/Closing Times:

8:15 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.Other information: Students can partici-

pate in elective such as cosmetology, auto tech., tech systems, art, agricul-ture, speech, team leadership, year-book or “Blue Belles.”

Weatherford High School2121 Bethel Road

Weatherford, Texas 76087817-598-2858Grades: 10 through 12Starting/Closing Times:

8:15 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.Other information: Organizations

include FFA, FCA, Art Honor Society, the “Blue Belles,” the “Grass Burr” newspaper, the American Sign Language Club, Chamber of Commerce Junior Ambassadors and more.

QUICK LISTINGS

Administration1100 Longhorn Drive – Weatherfordwww.weatherfordisd.comPhone: 817-598-2800Fax: 817-598-2955

Stephen F. Austin Elementary School817-598-2848

David Crockett Elementary School817-598-2811

Raymond E. Curtis Elementary School817-598-2838

Bose Ikard Elementary School817-598-2818

Mary Martin Elementary School817-598-2910

Juan N. Seguin Elementary School817-598-2814

Bill W. Wright Elementary School817-598-2828

Hall Middle School817-598-2822

Tison Middle School817-598-2960

WHS Ninth Grade Center817-598-2847

Weatherford High School817-598-2858

P.A.S.S. Learning CenterPhone: 817-598-2858 ext. 3511Fax: 817-598-2881

Bridge AcademyPhone: 817-598-2800 ext. 3809(Located in Ninth Grade Center)


PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Aledo Christian School817-441-7357400 Queen St., P.O. Box 117

Aledo, Texas 76008Grades: K (for 4/5 year olds) through 12ACS, founded in 1981, offers a college

preparatory curriculum and a variety of extra-curricular activities utiliz-ing the framework of a biblical world view. The goal is to provide students with an academically sound educa-tion and to help them understand and apply biblical principles.

Anderson Private SchoolFor the gifted, talented and creative817-448-848414900 White Settlement Road

Fort Worth, Texas 76108www.andersonschool.netGrades: K through 12

Trinity Christian Academy817-441-79014954 E. I-20 Service Road South

Willow Park, Texas 76087www.tcaeagles.orgGrades: Pre-K through 12With a curriculum that works to balance

ministry, athleticism and academics, TCA has seen a boom in enrollment and currently serves students from western Fort Worth, Weatherford, Aledo and eastern Parker County.

Weatherford Christian School817-596-7807111 E. Columbia St.

Weatherford, Texas, 76086www.wcslions.orgGrades: Pre-K through 12WCS provides an accelerated education-

al curriculum, and all students at the school are required to attend Chapel. Teachers have requisite certification.

PRESCHOOLS/CHILD CAREAcorn Acres Childcare4895 East I-20,Willow Park, Texas 76087817-441-1875Fax: [email protected]

Aledo Country Day Academy117 Crockett St.Aledo, Texas 76008817-441-8935Fax: 817-441-8551

All About Kids1441 Fort Worth Hwy.Weatherford, Texas 76086817-594-1330Fax: [email protected]

Brock Country Day741 FM 1189Weatherford, Texas 76087817-613-8844

Children’s Academy936 East Hwy. 199Springtown, Texas 76082817-220-8030

Crutcher & Crutcher1 Springtown St.Springtown, Texas 76082817-523-0261

First Baptist Aledo Preschool128 Elm St.Aledo, Texas 76008817-441-8885Fax: 817-441-9007www.fbcaledo.com

Head Start/ Texas Neighborhood Services (Need-based childcare and educa-

tion for children whose parents are employed or in school)

602 West Water St.Weatherford, Texas 76086817-598-1289Fax: 817-598-0232

Heart 2 Heart Montessori Academy201 Canyon CourtWillow Park, Texas 76087817-441-7201

Hope Lutheran School4795 East Hwy. 199Springtown, Texas 76082817-221-4673

Kalyn’s Country Daycare2008 North Farm Road Hwy. 51Weatherford, Texas 76085817-596-9596131 West Church St.Weatherford, Texas 76086817-594-67111921 Fort Worth Hwy.Weatherford, Texas 76086817-594-9990

Little Miracles117 Ranch House RoadWillow Park, Texas 76087817-441-6285Fax: 817-441-1791

Little Tyke Creative Childcare1718 Santa Fe DriveWeatherford, Texas 76086817-596-7556

North Side Christian Preschool910 North Main St.Weatherford, Texas, 76086817-599-8612www.nsbcweatherford.com

Oakwood Academy101 Bluebonnet Dr.Weatherford, Texas 76087817-341-7200

Reading Friends10303 East Bankhead Hwy.Aledo, Texas 76008817-441-6060

South Bowie Daycare1718 South Bowie DriveWeatherford, Texas 76086817-596-0655

South Oak Learning Center113 West J.E. Woody RoadSpringtown, Texas 76082

Sprouts Learning Center5072 I-20 Service Road NorthWillow Park, Texas 76087817-441-1906

Stepping Stones213 Scenic TrailWillow Park, Texas 76087817-565-3069

Sylvan Learning Center220 Fort Worth Hwy. Suite 500Weatherford, Texas, 76086817-594-4461www.sylvanlearning.com/weatherford

The Schoolhouse, Inc.1116 Santa Fe Dr.Weatherford, Texas 76086817-594-8444www.weatherfordschoolhouse.com


INVESTING IN THE FUTURE◗ Weatherford College has record-breaking enrollmentBy Katie MartinezThe Community News

More than a century before Tarrant County College opened its doors in Fort Worth, Weatherford College was edu-cating students in Parker County.

As the oldest-running community college in the Southwest, the college has graduated and certifi ed thousands with an operational mission to enrich people’s lives.

Recent years have brought record-breaking enrollment and the college isn’t shying away from the growth despite diffi cult economic conditions; it’s investing in the future.

In addition to updates to the man-sards and roofs on several of the build-ings, the college is expanding its pres-ence beyond the city and building on-campus to accommodate a growing student population.

The new softball fi eld, scheduled for completion in December 2011, will bring the college into compliance with Title IX federal gender equity regula-tions.

A new 40,000-square-foot academ-ic building will house 10 classrooms, eight laboratories, two lecture halls and a number of faculty offi ces.

“I think within a year and a half, it’ll look like a brand new campus in

Weatherford,” Kevin Eaton, college president, said. “I’m excited because I think the students will appreciate that. They’ll feel like they’re learning in a modern facility instead of one thatlooks 42-years old.”

The Granbury campus welcomes itsfi rst students this year and construc-tion on a new Wise County campus isexpected to be completed by the Fallof 2012.

The growth potential was there, Eaton said, and the college had to expand to accommodate the demand.

“Over the last two years, I’ve seenhundreds of students turned away because they can’t get into core courses that already are fi lled to capacity,” he said. “These new classrooms and labswill allow us to schedule more sectionsof those core courses, and we won’tlose as many students that need those classes to graduate.”

The college offers certifi cation andtwo-year degrees in a wide variety of career paths and evening and distancelearning courses to accommodate work-ing schedules. A Tech Prep programallows high school students to beginearning credits before the graduate andcontinuing education programs are catered toward working professionals.A full student catalog is available onlineat www.wc.edu.

WEATHERFORD COLLEGEMain Campus225 College Park Dr.Weatherford, TX 76086817-594-5471www.wc.edu

Granbury Campus210 North Jones Granbury, Texas 76048(817) 598-6392

Wise County Campus307 South Cates Decatur, TX 76234(940) 627-2690

Mineral Wells Campus704 Hood rd.Mineral Wells, TX 76067 (940) 325-2591

ABOVE RIGHT: Weatherford

College in the pro-cess of receiving

a facelift with new roofs and man-

sards on several buildings in the

summer of 2011.

RIGHT: Raney Wilson, Rick

Mauch and John Johnson rehearse

for Weatherford College’s produc-

tion of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird” in

the spring of 2011.TOP: CHRISTOPHER AMOS

BOTTOM: RANDY KECK


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Weatherford, TX817.599.6066

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I-20 Service Rd SouthAnnetta Rd

Mikus Rd

E Bankhead Hwy E Bankhead Hwy

Ranch House Rd

414 Location Map20

415

418

Breaking ground in April 2011 on

the new $22.3 million expansion

at Weatherford Regional Medical

Center were (from left) Parker County

Hospital District CEO Randall Young,

Former Chief of Staff Jon Paul

Harmer, M.D., Chief Nursing Officer Donna Boone, Hospital CEO

Cory Countryman, Division II President

of Community Health Systems

Michael Portacci, Weatherford

Economic Development

Authority Executive Director Dennis

Clayton and County Judge Mark Riley.

RANDY KECK/THE COMMUNITY

NEWS


HOMETOWN HEROCasey James’ American Idol experience becomes a springboard to realizing his dreams

When Casey James performs, one thing, beyond a shadow of a doubt, is true.

He loves what he does.

For those of us who don’t know one end of a guitar from another, it is a wonder to watch what happens when the young star picks up one of several guitars and starts playing.

Lights aren’t really necessary.

Photos by Randy KeckThe Community News


FOR THE LOVE OF IT◗ Casey James loves the guitar – and it showsBy Katie Martinez and Randy KeckThe Community News

Casey James put Cool, Texas on the map in a big way, and what better hometown for a music star?

The singer/songwriter has come a long way from his garage band days after gain-ing national publicity fi nishing in the fi nal three on season nine of “American Idol,” which led to a Fort Worth parade in James’ honor sponsored.

He has spent the last year on tour, fi rst with “American Idol Live” and then a series of shows with Sugarland. He performed at the after-party of the Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas and the 2011 Country Music Awards Fest in Nashville.

In August of 2010, James signed a recording contract with Sony Music Nashville and his debut single, “Let’s Don’t Call it a Night” sold 5,000 copies in the fi rst week of its release in August of 2011.

His album, which James largely wrote himself, was sched-uled to be released in late 2011, and he describes it as blues/rock/country, true to his style.

It’s been a whirlwind of lights, tours, interviews and screaming fans, and the best part of it all, he said, is that he is living a dream come true.

Playing music is his passion, and always has been. Even before he could talk, James’ mother said he was humming tunes.

Now his hard work and dedication are paying off, but it almost didn’t happen.

In 2004, James was taking his new motorcycle out for a spin when he was hit by anoth-er vehicle driving in excess of 75 miles per hour.

The crash broke his thigh bone in four places and shat-tered his left wrist.

James was in a wheelchair for six months after doctors inserteda titanium rod in his leg. Heendured months of painful reha-bilitation therapy, but the biggest blow of all came when doctorstold the family that James’ inju-ries to his wrist were so severethat he would never be able to play the guitar again.

James never accepteddefeat, and he would not giveup on his passion.

“You just do it – you make a way”

- Casey JamesOver a long process of reha-

bilitation, James worked his hand and pushed himself to form chords. In the beginninghe could only endure a few minutes because the pain wasso excruciating.

His mother would massage the muscles in his hand and he would try again, and again andagain.

He performed in July, 2011at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth,and it was there he shed somelight on his music career to TheCommunity News.

To say he was born with a guitar in is hand may be stretching the truth, but he was at least familiar with theinstrument not long after.

“Looking back now I fi nd pictures of myself when I wasa baby holding a guitar, so Ididn’t realize I started at thatyoung an age. Me and my momused to sing Christmas tunes for the whole family for yearsand years. I guess about 13 or14, I picked up an acoustic andstarted learning chords and went from there,” James said.

Turn to JAMES, page 36


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While his mother is also an accomplished guitar player, Casey was not aware of that when he fi rst took up the instrument.

“Really we just sang at church. Mom played the piano and I didn’t really know she was such an amazing guitar player and musician until I started playing, and then everybody just restarted their stuff, and that was kind of cool to be a sort of catalyst in that. I won’t take credit for it, because who knows what would have hap-pened. It defi nitely got us all back going again.”

It is diffi cult to pin Casey James down to a given music genre, and that could be due to his inspirations, who come from a variety of places.

“You can’t not say Freddie King and Stevie Ray because they’re Texas guys, and there are so many local musicians that I really love to listen to. There’s a lot of guys I really look up to musically,” he said.

JAMESfrom page 35

Overcoming adversityWhen he was asked what inspired

or motivated him to continue playing the guitar when doctors told him he could not, Casey replied that “It was not an option.”

“Think about all the amazing peo-ple and all the crazy things like going to the moon. I guarantee you any-body who said ‘I’m going to go to the moon,’ everybody would have said, ‘you’re crazy.’”

“You just do it – you make a way. It was not an option. It was something I loved so much that if I had to I would have played with my feet.”

The answer reveals the difference between a performer and an artist, and the difference was evident when he was asked what advice he would give to a youngster starting out on the guitar.

“I can honestly say just to follow your heart, because I know a lot of people that have a lot of money, and money does not create happiness. It’s doing what you love that makes you happy,” James said.

“Even before now when I was down the street doing shows for 10 or 15 people – I was making 30 bucks a night and I was the happiest dude

that you’d meet – and that comesfrom doing what you love.”

Sitting in the dressing room atBilly Bob’s, waiting for show time, thequestion was asked.

Are you happy now?“Heck, yeah.”“I’m about to play at Billy Bob’s. To

think that many people paid money– didn’t just happen to be there, and I don’t even have an album out – wanted to come and see me play and listen to me sing – that kind ofthing just makes me so grateful foreverything.”

While Parker County is happy toshare Casey James with the rest of theworld, chances are that some day hemay return home to Cool.

“I don’t get back to Parker Countyas much as I would like to, but today’sbeen a great day. I think eventually I’ll be back in my house, or maybe geta bigger place.”

In the mean time, Casey Jameswill be taking Cool – the values helearned from his mother and his home, the talents he developed, andthe love he has for playing the guitar – to a bigger world that we can only hope is listening not just to the music,but to the man.


High School SportsAledo

Aledo continued a strong winning tradition in football, repeating as the 4-A Division II state champions in 2010. Running back Johnathan Gray scored eight touchdowns in the state champi-onship game against LaMarque, giving him the Texas all-time record for most touchdowns scored in a season with 59.

Gray is in striking distance his senior season to surpass other records, including career rushing touchdowns and career 100-plus yard games.

In volleyball, Aledo coach Kathy Goings’ team recorded its 400th win under her guidance, and advanced to the regional tournament, where they lost to eventual state champion Canyon Randall.

Aledo’s fall tennis team also advanced to the regional tournament.

The girls basketball team made it to the area championship before falling to Stephenville.

The Bearcat boys golf team fi nished fi fth at the state tournament, while the Ladycats softball team advanced to the regional quarterfi nal. Baseball advanced to the area championship game.

In spring tennis, the boys doubles team of Taylor Dedeke and Rob Raines fell just short of qualifying for the state tennis tournament.

In swimming, Kira Schlosberg advanced to the state meet in the 200 IM, and the 100-yard breaststroke and placed 5th at the state meet.

The Bearcat soccer team went two levels into the playoffs, and the Ladycat soccer team was bi-district champi-on. Both teams are coached by Derek Vierling.

Aledo sent fi ve qualifi ers to the state track tournament. Jonathan Gray placed 4th at the state meet in the 100m dash.

BrockThe Lady Eagles walked away with

the Division 2A state championship title in basketball, continuing an incredibly strong tradition. The Lady Eagles have appeared in the tournament game six times in the past 10 years.

The Eagles lost to Melissa High School in the Division 2A regional-quarterfi nal matchup. The basketball program on the whole passed a mile-stone as the boys basketball program celebrated its 100th anniversary.

After their state runner-up perfor-mance last year, softball made a good show, losing to City View in the region-al quarterfi nal. Linsey Hays, who will attend Baylor, was also selected to the UIL All-Star team in addition to rising senior Rylee White.

Baseball also advanced far into the playoffs, barely losing the regional fi nal to Palmer, and the team also produced two all-star awardees, Ryan Burden and Coleman Bowden.

In the state championship for track

and fi eld, Kamy Cole took away her third consecutive gold medal in the 1600 meter race. Cole, who has won seven UIL gold medals during her high school career, is now attending Oklahoma University.

At the regional competition for track and fi eld, Brock also gave a strong performance. Kelly Clark qualifi ed for the 1600 meter run, and Jaylan Neatherland qualifi ed for womens’ 200m dash. Kambrie Shoush qualifi ed in 800m.

In cross country, Brock had a strongperformance, and sent seven runners to the state meet. Kelly Clark led theteam, placing 43rd, with teammatesColtin Green (56), Conner Blanton (57), Lane Southern (75), Troy Faulkner (86),Keith Steel (94) and Devin Lowe (102)rounding out the run. At the regionalmeet, Clark placed 16th and Kamy Coleplaced 10th on the Girls’ side with Bailey Barksdale (18) and Kambrie Shoush (24) scoring high in the fi eld as well.

Turn to SPORTS, page 38


All eyes will be on Aledo running back Johnathan Gray in the 2011 football season. The Texas Longhorn recruit holds the state record for most touchdowns in a season, and is within striking distance of several others.


In tennis, Adam Lessner made it to the state quarterfi nals in boys sin-gles, and Ryan Burden and Devin Lowe advanced to the state semifi nals in boys doubles. Siera Potts and Amy Hernard also qualifi ed for state in girls doubles.

Millsap In football, Millsap had a middling

season with a 2-4 league record and 4-6 overall. Casey Aaron stood out as he qualifi ed for the all-state football team as a fi rst-team defensive back.

In cross country, the Millsap Bulldogs produced two regional quali-fi ers: rising juniors Bobby Nolen and Daulton Thomas.

Golf garnered second place as a team with 2011 graduate Zeb Littlefi eld placing third in district individually and also earning the title of regional qualifi er.

Track and fi eld produced four region-al qualifi ers, with rising juniors Bobby Nolen and Daulton Thomas qualifying for 3200m and 800m respectively. Rising senior Daymen Hinrichs was a regional qualifi er in shot put as well. However, the most accolades were given to 2011 gradu-ate Kyle Gooch who was a state qualifi er and won fourth place in discus and fi fth place in shot put. Gooch also was the district champion in both events and the regional champion in the discus.

Rising senior Daymen Hinrichs also placed second at the Powerlifting state meet in the Division III 275 lb weight class.

In tennis, rising seniors Gabe Knight and Josh Jones took home the title of district boys doubles champions and rising senior Pedro Ibarra and Sina Kielkopf earned the title of district mixed doubles champions.

The Millsap baseball team placed third in district and was a bi-district fi nalist.

The Lady Bulldogs had a good year for softball and individual track and fi eld placement.

The Millsap girls’ softball team made the playoffs but lost in the fi rst round to City View, fi nishing third in the dis-trict overall. Standout athletes included pitcher Jessi Andersen and freshman catcher Maddie Edwards catcher who also was awarded MVP with the highest batting average and most RBIs.

In cross country, Haley Younger qualifi ed for regionals, and in tennis, Nicole Lee qualifi ed for regionals as well.

SPORTSfrom page 37

In track and fi eld, Millsap made a good show with Shay Douglas and Stormy Howell placing fi rst and third in district shot put. Brittany Coman placed second in long jump and third in triple jump with teammate Heather Clark placing second in triple jump as well. Perla Orduna was a standout ath-lete, breaking the Millsap school record for the mile with a time of 5:43.07. which garnered her third place in dis-trict; Orduna also placed third in the 3200m. In addition to Haley Younger’s cross-country success, she also placed third in the 800m.

PeasterPeaster had a good show in vol-

leyball with the team advancing to the area level.

Basketball had a decent season as well especially with powerhouse Brock in the same division and region – the girls’ team had a positive W-L record and the boys team had a good year.

In track and fi eld, Peaster sent several athletes to regional competi-tion, but a competitive region forbade advancement to state. Individual stand-outs were Maxwell Dixon, who qualifi ed for the long jump; Mary Allen, who showed diversity as she qualifi ed for the long jump, triple jump and the 100 m dash; and Libby Lasley in 3200 meter run, and Audrey Dillard in discus.

In cross country, Libby Lasley placed 20th in the girls division. David Buchannan (44), Ivan Karabanoff (72), Jacob Taylor (119), Jon Wyatt (122), Nick Holloway (123), Micah Kirk (124) and Trace Gustafson (155) rounded out the boys’ performance at the regional meet.

PoolvilleThe Lady Monarchs earned the title

of area champions in volleyball before being defeated by Windthorst 3-0. In the all-district awards for the sport, Lauren Scott, Lauren Metts and Taylor Scroggins received honorable mentions, second team honors went to Bailey Duvall and fi rst team went to Lindsey Matthews and Hannah Rhine.

Alex Layton came away with Newcomer of the Year and Heather Henson walked away with Blocker of the Year.

Poolville basketball faced a challeng-ing season, but the Monarchs met with a measure of success in boys basketball, advancing to the area level before a loss against Hubbard. Rising senior Vince Rodriguez will be a player to watch out for in the coming year as he has led the team in scoring through the past season.


Weatherford’s baseball team was nationally-ranked in the spring of 2011.

In tennis, Vince Rodriguez and Ian Dobbs made it all the way to the fi nal match of the boys doubles event at the state championships and only were defeated by Andy Duarte and Trey Schwertner of Mason.

In cross country, Poolville continued its domination of the district meet, with Alex Rodriguez taking fi rst place and the whole team earning the top title as well. Alex Rodrieguez placed 37th at the regional meet, with Justin Wyman (56), Greg Goodwin (64), Austin Bridges (72), Tim Burd (82), Jonah Lackey (89), and Eugene Ellison (98) giving a con-sistent team performance

SpringtownIn football, Springtown made it to

the playoffs with a 5-2-league record before losing to Southwest. Star play-ers included Brandon Emmert, Billy Chappell, TJ Bradley, Bryson Burtnett, Jacob Whiteman, Trevor Winstead, and Bradley Boyette.

Brooklyn Horton made the all-state basketball team and helped lead the team past Arlington Heights into the area game. Soccer did not advance in the playoffs, although volleyball had a good performance, earning the bi-dis-trict champion title and advancing to area.

In track and fi eld, Kendal Davis qualifi ed for the state meet in high jump; Davis also holds the honor of being the fi rst district gold medal-ist in that event from Springtown. In the district meet, Kaitie Evans was a regional qualifi er in discus. Brandon Emmert, who also plays for the football team, won a gold medal in district as well for the high jump and advanced to regionals. Emmert also was a run-ner in the 4x400 relay along with Ian

Bickel, Billy Chappell, and Will Sutton.Wrapping up the district success wasBryson Burtnett, who qualifi ed in the 110m hurdles.

In swimming, Christen Johnson placed second in the regional competi-tion in the 50 yard freestyle and third inthe 100 yard freestyle.

WeatherfordThe Kangaroos faced a tough foot-

ball season, walking away with a 1-7league record and a 1-10 record overall.

The Kangaroos varsity softball teamcontinued a strong softball traditionby advancing to the regional semifi nal before losing the series to the PlanoWildcats.

Jordan Wallace, one of the team’sstrongest players and four-year start-er, is attending the University ofLouisiana—Lafayette to play softball there. Kangaroo baseball also had anall-star in Kevin Cornelius, who wasselected to play in the 5A state team;the team made it to the area gamebefore losing to Franklin.

In boys’ and girls’ basketball,Weatherford faced a tough district andfi nished up the season in the bottomhalf of the district.

In track and fi eld, the best perform-ers were Nick Farmer, who placed 10thin the long jump at the regional compe-tition, and the 4x800 relay team com-prised of Jake Bailey, Jordan Dimmons, Miller Jarrell and Nathan Collier who placed eighth.

In cross country, Weatherford metwith success as Nathan Collier placed 52nd at the regional track meet and the Girls’ team sent Rachel Park, MackinseyFlores, Skylar White, Scarlett Ferguson,Chandler Lacefi eld, and Alanah Meeks,the whole team placing 23rd overall.


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WEATHERFORD

College Park Apartments202 College Park DriveWeatherford, Texas 76086817-594-2759

Country Oaks Apartments1513 Santa Fe DriveWeatherford, Texas 76086817-613-1871

Jameson Street Apartments1121 Jameson St.Weatherford, Texas 76086817-613-1659

Oakwood Terrace Apartments202 Jackson St.Weatherford, Texas 76086817-594-6603

Residences at Holly Oaks2129 Holly Oaks LaneWeatherford, Texas 76087817-596-2958

Residences at Holland Lake1650 Holland Lake DriveWeatherford, Texas 76086817-341-9991

Santa Fe Apartments711 Santa Fe Drive, WeatherfordTexas 76086817-599-8361

Southgate Glen Apartments1712 Martin DriveWeatherford, Texas 76086817-341-8282

Town House Apartments202 E. Oak St.Weatherford, Texas 76086817-594-7609

Weatherford Town Center Apartments202 E. Oak St.Weatherford, Texas 76086817-594-9021

Woodhaven Villas309 Tyler CourtWeatherford, Texas 76086817-594-0744Fax: 817-764-5551www.woodhavenvillas.com

SPRINGTOWN

Springtown Apartments624 East Third St.Springtown, Texas 76082817-523-6860

Waterwood Apartments500 East Seventh St.Springtown, Texas 76082817-523-4308

WILLOW PARK

Willow Park Apartments104 Stagecoach Trail,Willow Park, Texas 76087817-975-8939

ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES

Brookdale Senior Living904 S. LamarWeatherford, Texas 76086817-341-4100

Arbor House/Retirement Village1101 JamesonWeatherford, Texas 76086817-599-5075www.arborhouse4u.com

Autumn Hill Manor202 W. RentzWeatherford, Texas 76086817-596-4159

Holland Lake Nursing Center1201 Holland Lake DriveWeatherford, Texas 76086817-598-0160

Martin Crest Assisted Living and Memory Care Community1818 Martin DriveWeatherford, Texas 76086817-341-1169

Sterling House904 South LamarWeatherford, Texas 76086817-341-4100www.brookdaleliving.com

Veranda Place1219 Holland Lake DriveWeatherford, Texas 76086817-599-0000

INDEPENDENT FACILITIES

Park View Terrace Apartments for Seniors1301 Holland Lake DriveWeatherford, Texas 76086817-596-3883


ChurchesChurches

Agnes Baptist Church350 Agnes NSpringtown, Texas 76082-5044817-523-7271www.agnesbaptist.com

Aledo Christian Center241 North Front St.Aledo, Texas 76008817-441-9062817-441-7357 (School)www.aledochristianschool.org

Aledo Church of Christ201 FM Road 1187 SouthAledo, Texas 76008817-441-8074www.aledochurchofchrist.com

Aledo United Methodist100 Pecan St.Aledo, Texas 76008817-441-8329www.aledoumc.org

All Saints Episcopal Church125 South Waco St.Weatherford, Texas 76086817-596-8734

Annetta United Methodist Church2836 West Farm Road 5Aledo, Texas 76008817-599-7950

Baker Baptist Church1912 Baker Cut Off RoadWeatherford, Texas 76087817-594-3490

Bethel Baptist Church201 Kathey St.Weatherford, Texas 76088817-594-3018

Bethel Baptist Church408 S Ash StSpringtown, Texas 76082817-220-4238

Bethesda United Methodist6657 FM 113 NorthWeatherford, Texas 76088940-682-7339

Better Life Community Church3607 E Hwy. 199Springtown, Texas 76082817-677-2300

Beulah Baptist Church350 Beulah RoadMillsap, Texas 76066817-341-2102

Brazos Trails Cowboy Church3400 Mineral Wells Hwy.Weatherford, Texas 76088817-996-0094817-594-9828 (Pastor David Wills)[email protected]

Brock Baptist Church2111 FM 1189Brock, Texas 76087817-596-7944

Brock United Methodist Church127 Lazy Bend RoadBrock, Texas 76087817-613-0332

Calvary United Methodist Church210 Garner RoadWeatherford, Texas 76086817-594-5215

Centerpoint Baptist Church1003 Center Point RoadWeatherford, Texas 76087817-596-3139www.centerpointbc.com


Centerpoint Church of God102 Center Point RoadWeatherford, Texas 76087817-594-5500

Central Baptist Church4260 Old Agnes RoadWeatherford, Texas 76088817-594-5918

Central Christian Church1602 South Main St.Weatherford, Texas 76086817-594-3053www.welcometothetable.net

Christ Church WestMeets at Clear Fork Station

Banquet Hall4971 E. I-20Willow Park, Texas 76087

Christ the King Covenant Church2800 Tin Top RoadWeatherford, Texas 760872316 Hwy. 180 WestMineral Wells, Texas 76087817-594-8720www.ckcchome.org

Church of Christ at Tin Top320 Old Tin Top RoadWeatherford, Texas 76087817-599-6382

Church of Christ Case and Spring201 Case St.Weatherford, Texas 76086817-599-7722

Community Christian Church2 Dean DriveAledo, Texas 76008817-441-7393www.cccaledo.org

Cool Assembly of God Church10499 Mineral Wells Hwy.Weatherford, Texas 76088940-682-4401www.coolassemblyofgod.com

Cornerstone Community Church2233 E Hwy. 199Springtown, Texas 76082817-677-3514

Couts United Methodist Church802 North Elm St.Weatherford, Texas817-599-860www.coutsmethodistchurch.com

Cross Timbers Baptist Church6505 Fm 920Weatherford, Texas 76088817-599-7759

Faith Presbyterian Church of East Parker County301 Bailey Ranch RoadAledo, Texas 76008817-441-6262www.faithaledo.com

First Baptist Church of Aledo128 Elm St.Aledo, Texas 76008817-441-8885www.fbcaledo.com

First Baptist Church of Springtown500 N Main StSpringtown, Texas 76082-2102817-220-5229www.firstbaptistspringtown.com

First Baptist Church of Weatherford306 Palo Pinto St.Weatherford, Texas 76086817-594-5457www.fbcweatherfoRoadorg

First Baptist Church of Willow Park601 Ranch House RoadWeatherford, Texas 76087817-441-7170www.fbcwillowpark.com

First United Methodist Church of Springtown109 West 3rd St.Springtown, Texas 76082817-523-7874

First United Methodist Church of Weatherford301 South Main St.Weatherford, Texas 76086817-599-4231www.fumcweatherfoRoadorg

Fundamental Baptist Church433 N Main St.Springtown, Texas 76082817-523-5477www.fbcspringtown.com

Grace Community Fellowship111 West Ranch LaneWeatherford, Texas 76088817-599-9173

Grace First Presbyterian Church606 Mockingbird LaneWeatherford, Texas 76086817-594-2744www.gracefirstpc.org

Grace House MinistriesP. O. Box 1416Weatherford, Texas 76086817-599-9080

Greenwood Baptist Church1504 Greenwood Cutoff RoadWeatherford, Texas 76088817-596-8302

Hilltop Family Church1227 Cottondale RoadSpringtown, Texas 76082817-220-7177

Holy Redeemer Catholic Church16250 Old Weatherford RoadAledo, Texas 76008817-441-3500

Hope Lutheran Church4795 E Hwy. 199Springtown, Texas 76082-7381817-221-4673

Lakeshore Drive Baptist Church200 South Lakeshore DriveWeatherford, Texas 76087817-596-0100www.lakeshorebaptist.com

Light of the World United Methodist Church102 Elm St.Hudson Oaks, Texas 76087817-832-6250www.lightoftheworldumc.com

Midway Baptist Church4110 E Hwy. 199Springtown, Texas 76082-7244817-221-5683

Midway Church Of Chirst6400 Midway RoadSpringtown, Texas 76082-7303817-221-2107


Oak Ridge Church of Christ in Willow Park expanded its facility in 2011.


Sunday Worship 10:30amSunday Evening 5:00pmWednesday 7:00pm

201 FM 1187Aledo, TX 76008817-441-8074

www.aledochurchofchrist.com

1713 Bethel Rd. Weatherford, TX

(next to Chicken Express)

817-598-0660All major credit cards &

debit cards accepted

Hours: M-F 10-6 Sat. 10-5

Mary Frances handbags • Jim Shore • Le Creuset cookware from France • Bath and Body from

Archipelago, Olivina (olive oil based from Napa Valley) and Niven Morgan • Candles, potpourri,

diffusers (Aromatique, Votivo, Aspen Bay, Trapp, Archipelago, Havelka

Shopping is a pleasure when you browseShopping is a pleasure when you browse among our delightful variety ofamong our delightful variety of

fragrances and one of a kind uniques.fragrances and one of a kind uniques.

We are the drop off/pick up station for Monograms R Us. Call Devonna Cowdrey

for your monogram needs at 817-319-2228.

New Hope Baptist Church107 S. Bowie DriveWeatherford, Texas 76086817-596-9801

New River Fellowship3252 East I-20,Hudson Oaks, Texas 76087817-341-7970www.NewRiver.tv

North Main Church of Christ1302 North Main St.Weatherford, Texas 76086817-594-6896

North Side Baptist Church910 North Main St.Weatherford, Texas 76086817-599-8612www.nsbcweatherfoRoadcom

Oak Ridge Baptist Church310 North Oak Ridge DriveHudson Oaks, Texas 76087817-613-1580www.oakridgebc.com

Oak Ridge Church of Christ4895 East I-20 Service Road NorthWillow Park, Texas 76087817-441-1875www.oakridgechurch.org

Outreach Of Love Assembly Of God3591 E Hwy. 199Springtown, Texas 76082-6834817-221-2983www.olcconnect.com

Parker County Cowboy Church5050 South Hwy. 5Aledo, Texas 76008817-925-0910

Primitive Baptist Church811 McClendon Walker RoadAledo, Texas 76008817-441-6306

Providence Reformed Episcopal Church405 South BowieWeatherford, Texas 76086817-594-1590www.providencerec.com

Saint Francis Episcopal Church117 Ranch House RoadWillow Park, Texas 76087817-441-9156www.stfranciswillowpark.org

South Main Church of Christ201 South Main St.Weatherford, Texas 76086817-594-3030

South Side Baptist Christ1115 S. Brazos St.Weatherford, Texas 76086817-594-0799www.ssbcweatherfoRoadcom

Spring Creek Baptist Church100 Spring Creek RoadWeatherford, Texas 76087817-594-3707

Springtown Church of Christ316 Church St.Springtown, Texas 76082817-523-4419

The Episcopal Church in Parker County2 Dean DriveAledo, Texas 76008817-637-0846www.episcopalchurchpc.org

The Fellowship at Weatherford2721 South Main St.Weatherford, Texas 76086817-599-5743www.thefellowshipaw.com


First United Methodist Church of Springtown.

The Living Way Ministries416 Hwy. 80 West,Willow Park, Texas 76087

The Summit (A Fellowship of St. Paul Lutheran Church)111 Maverick St.Aledo, Texas 76008817-441-8707www.the-summit.org

Trinity Bible Church4936 East I-20 Access Road SouthWillow Park, Texas 76087817-441-7477www.trinitybible.com

Trinity Lutheran Church1500 West Ball St.Weatherford, Texas 76086817-613-1939www.trinityweatherfoRoadorg

Victory Baptist Church1311 East Bankhead DriveWeatherford, Texas 76086817-594-7421www.victorybaptistchurch.net

Weatherford Church of Christ202 West Ranch CourtWeatherford, Texas 76088817-594-0910

Weatherford Presbyterian Church204 South Main St.Weatherford, Texas 76086817-598-1277

Wheatland Baptist Church15910 Hwy. 377 SouthFort Worth, Texas 76126817-443-6063

Willow Park Baptist Church129 South Ranch House RoadAledo, Texas 76008817-441-1596www.willowparkbaptist.org


AIDS Resources of Rural Texas250 Santa Fe Drive Suite 101Weatherford, Texas 76086817-596-3022Fax: 817-596-0900E-mail: [email protected]

Aledo Children’s Advocats817-341-0777

Aledo Children’s Advocats’ Clothes Closet9901 East Bankhead Hwy., Suite B,Aledo, Texas 76008817-441-2707Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,

and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

American Red Cross Parker County1740 Bethel RoadWeatherford, Texas 76086817-341-4516Chisholmtrail.redcross.org

Center of Hope (Aledo)9901 East Bankhead Hwy.,

Suites C and DAledo, Texas 76008817-441-2442Hours: Tuesday and Thursday,

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5-8 p.m.

Michelle Buchanan (director)

Center of Hope (Weatherford)629 Palo Pinto St. Suite DWeatherford, Texas 76086817-594-0266Hours: Monday through Thursday10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Parker County200 Palo Pinto St., Suite 107Weatherford, Texas 76086817-599-6224

Freedom House167 College DriveWeatherford, Texas 76086817-596-754324 Hour Hotline: 817-596-8922Fax: 817-596-4369Contact: Catherine [email protected]

Goodwill Store1801 South MainWeatherford, Texas 76086817-613-0825

Grace House Pregnancy Assistance Center112 West Russell St.Weatherford, Texas 76086817-599-4700

The HavenYouth counseling and mentoring318 West Spring St.Weatherford, Texas 76086817-304-7472Contact: Jeff Johnson

(Program Director)

Hemispherectomy FoundationP.O. Box 1239Aledo, Texas 76008hemifoundation.org

United Way106 Austin Ave., Suite 108Weatherford, Texas 76086817-596-5986

Weatherford Access Center220 Fort Worth Hwy., Suite 125Weatherford, Texas 76086817-374-7911Fax: [email protected]

Youth Emergency Shelter808 Santa Fe DriveWeatherford, Texas 76086817-596-7543

Social ServicesSocial ServicesRANDY KECK/THE COMMUNITY NEWS

The Hemispherectomy Foundation hosts a 5k run every year in Weatherford. The foundation provides services to families all over the United States whose children haveradical brain surgery.


CHAD BAGLEY Financial Advisor(817) 441-4108311 S FM Road 1187Suite 100 Aledo, TX 76008

Community Christian Church (Aledo) (Disciples of Christ)

“We are Disciples of Christ. As part of the one body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.”

2 Dean Dr. Aledo, TX 76008 817-441-7393 [email protected] www.cccaledo.org

Adrian’s Custom Cleaners

WILLOW PARK817-596-0106I-20 AT EXIT 415

ALEDO817-441-6377621 F.M. 1187 N.

FORT WORTH817-732-5171

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[email protected]

*Existing Pool or Spa Renovations or Remodels*Weekly & Bi-Weekly Services Available*Oranmental Iron and Wood Fences*New Pool & Spa Construction*Pool Chemicals Sold Here

817-366-9974 • Fax: 817-441-1975

FREE ESTIMATES & DESIGNS

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONSAledo Community Lions ClubP.O. Box 26Aledo, Texas 76008817-441-9053

Bush Legacy Republican WomenP.O. Box 2002Weatherford, Texas 76086817-694-2467www.blrww.com

Business Development Group of AledoP.O. Box 1565, Aledo, Texas 76008Steve Bartley - Aledo National Bank -

817-441-5200www.bdgofaledo.com

East Parker County Genealogy & Historical SocietyP.O. Box 223Aledo, Texas 76008Meets at 101 Stagecoach Trail,

Willow Park817-233-4322www.epcghs.org

MOM’s Club of Aledo and Willow [email protected]

ClubsClubs


Weatherford Rotary Club members (from left) Ben Sasin, Steve Roberson, Martin Talley, Larry Hammonds and Pat Hamilton flip pancakes for the Weatherford Rotary Club’s annual pancake supper, which is traditionally held in February.


Clear ForkMaterialsServing Parker & SurroundingCounties Since 1986

800 Old Annetta RoadAledo, Texas 76008(817) 441-7777

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Two locations to serve you:4375 S. Hulen St. • Fort Worth, TX 76109 • (817) 926-9777

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NAACP, Weatherford/Parker County BranchB. J. Thomas817-599-3528

Native Plant Society of TexasEileen Porter817-596-5567

Parker County 4-HKayle Neill604 N. Main St., Suite 200Weatherford, Texas 76086817-598-6172parker-tx.tamu.edu

Parker County A&M Clubhttp://parkercomoms.aggienetwork.com

Parker County Active Democrats113 Kingswood RoadWillow Park, Texas 76087817-694-2261Meets at 321 S Main, Weatherford

Parker County Amateur Radio ClubMeets at 701 Narrow St.Weatherford, Texaswww.w5pc.org

Parker County Christian Home Educatorswww.parkercountyhomeschool.org

Parker County Democratic Party107 N. Alamo St.Weatherford, Texas 76086817-594-8683www.parkercodemocrats.org

Parker County Heritage SocietyP.O. Box 97Weatherford, Texas 76086

Parker County Master Gardener Association604 North Main, Suite 200Weatherford, Texas 76086817-598-6168

Parker County Republican PartyOne Austin Ave.Weatherford, Texas 76086817-594-5029www.parkercotxgop.org

Parker County Republican Womenwww.parkercorepublicanwomen.org

Parker County Sheriff’s PosseBob Glenn2251 Mineral Wells Hwy.Weatherford, Texas 76088817-598-5402www.parkercountysheriffsposse.com

Parker County Texas Democratic WomenFreda Burks817-220-0191www.tdw.org/ParkerCountyTDW/

Pioneer Square Dance Club1602 S Main St.Weatherford, Texas 76008817-594-1258

Quilters Guild of Parker CountyPO Box 2022Weatherford, TX [email protected]/a/

Springtown Lions Club817-523-4129

The Gluten Intolerance Group of North Texaswww.northtexasgig.com

Weatherford Optimist Clubsites.google.com/site/

weatherfordoptimist

Weatherford Noon Lions Clubweatherfordnoontx.lionwap.org

Weatherford Rotary ClubMeets at Doss Heritage & Culture

Center1400 Texas DriveWeatherford, TX 76086www.weatherfordrotary.org

Weatherford Stage [email protected]

Weatherford ToastmastersMeets every Tuesday 7:30 p.m.Central Christian ChurchWeatherford, Texas 76086weatherford.freetoasthost.ws

Zonta Clubwww.zontaparkercounty.org


◗ At Careity Foundation, “groundbreaking” is simply business as usual.Thinking outside the box? There is no box.By Susan McKeague KarnesThe Community News

Careity Foundation, founded by Parker County residents and longtime friends, Lyn Walsh and Beverly Branch, is perhaps best known for Celebrity Cutting and Branded, events that have raised millions of dollars for Careity’s programs and services.

Yet as it generously funds pediatric palliative care and provides supportive clinical services for underserved can-cer patients, it’s Careity Foundation’s inventive approach and unique business model that increasingly set it apart from traditional nonprofi t organizations.

Soon after its inception in 2003, Careity Foundation shattered the status quo in the cancer community as the fi rst nonprofi t in the nation to pro-vide oncology massage in the chemo-

AN INVENTIVE APPROACH

therapy room. The practice, then con-sidered unconventional, is now widely embraced by oncologists and venerable clinics.

“Cancer patients lack touch,” says Walsh of her decision to integrate mas-sage into chemo appointments. “The power of touch is absolutely amazing. And importantly, oncology massage eases pain and nausea.”

That sort of independent thinking, says Branch, is what initiated a recent innovative project, one that elicited impressive kudos.

In 2009, Careity Day was born. Believed to be the fi rst private initiative of its kind in the U.S., Careity Day is a mammogram drive with an astounding twist: Any participant diagnosed with breast cancer during her screening is given a pledge of cost-free care, from biopsy to surgery and through treat-ment.

There’s no traffic jam on the extra mile.

- A plaque above Beverly Branch’s desk.

Hundreds of women who lacked adequate health insurance underwent Careity Day screenings. Governor Perry, U. S. Rep. Kay Granger and State Rep. Phil King sent warm congratulations or issued proclamations.

And under Walsh’s direction, with critical support from community part-ners – like Parker County’s The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Dr. Amy Gunter, Parker County Health Foundation, Solis Women’s Health of Weatherford, Moncrief Cancer Institute and Weatherford Regional Medical Center — the scope expanded from

one event in Parker County to include Careity Days in Tarrant and Johnsoncounties.

“Think about it,” Walsh told report-ers at the time. “If you can’t afford amammogram, what are you going todo if you’re diagnosed with cancer?Treatment’s out of reach.”

Branch cites Careity Day as a typicalexample of her business partner’s approach.“I tell people that Lyn doesn’t think outside the box – she doesn’t have a box.”

Besides that box, Walsh doesn’t haveanother traditional element of nonprof-it organizations: a cumbersome boardof directors. Instead, the foundation’s small board utilizes an active adviso-ry board of esteemed physicians whoshare Walsh and Branch’s passion for serving patients.

Turn to CAREITY, page 48


Parker County residents Lyn Walsh and Beverly Branch, founders of Careity Foundation, provide services for pediatric palliativepatients and underserved cancer patients. The pair is known for initiating several groundbreaking programs recognized as thefirst in the nation.

WHAT’S NEW: FASTER ANSWERS AND CARECareity Breast Care Centers, fea-turing an innovative, inter-disci-plinary approach to patient care, opened in 2011 in The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Huguley Medical Center in Fort Worth and adjoining Dr. Amy Gunter’s office at Solis Women’s Health in Weatherford.

“Careity Breast Care Centers employ a ‘Circle of Care” concept, in which the patient has a consul-tation with her specialists on the same day,” Walsh says. “She meets privately and individually with her surgeon, medical oncologist and radiation oncologist.”

Typically, a newly diagnosed patient is burdened with juggling lots of different office visits, Walsh says. “This improves the flow of communication and places the patient first.”

Patients also enjoy the individual-ized care of a cancer navigator who helps each patient through her diagnosis and treatment.


After many years of successful fundraising, Branch and Walsh cre-ated Careity Foundation in 2003 and aimed their formidable experience at patients with limited fi nancial or clini-cal resources. Every dollar raised is frugally expended – and every dollar stays in North Texas.

Today, Careity Foundation is dedi-cated to two initiatives: Funding pedi-atric palliative care, and providing individualized services (nutritional supplements and counseling, feed-ing tubes, mammograms and more) for economically-challenged cancer patients in North Texas through a holistic approach to care.

Signature events presented by Careity Foundation support the group’s efforts. Branded, a Western chic style show that kicks off the rodeo season in August, raises funds for the

CAREITYfrom page 47

WHAT’S NEXT FOR CAREITY FOUNDATION?In the spirit of promoting impactful voluntarism, Walsh and Branch plan to launch an annual celebration that will showcase the work of advocates, volunteers and leaders who contribute to the community’s quality of life. Committee co-chairs Evon Markum of First National Bank Weatherford and Donna Dickenson of Jerry’s Auto Group are organizing the event, which will encourage groups and companies in Parker County to nominate a colleague for special recogni-tion at the event.


Bev Branch, Vickie Vernon and Lyn Walsh of the Careity Foundation are shown at a mobile mammography truck sponsored by their organization. Careity Foundation, withadditional funding from a Parker County Health Foundation (PCHF) grant, provides more mammograms in Parker County than any other charitable group. “Parker County HealthFoundation is proud to provide a grant to support Careity Foundation in providing local residents with mammography screenings,” says Zan Prince, a PCHF board member. “Careity Foundation provides a myriad of critical services in the battle against cancer, has saved countless lives and improved our approach to cancer in Parker County.”

ABOUT CAREITY FOUNDATIONCareity Foundation is dedicated to providing effective, personalized and accessible services for economically-challenged cancer and pediatric pal-liative care patients in North Texas.

Signature events presented by Careity Foundation support the group’s two initiatives. Branded, a Western chic style show held in August, raises funds for the pediatric palliative care program at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth. The foundation was instrumental in the establishing the program, which serves children and families through-out North Texas. Celebrity Cutting, held during the fall NCHA Futurity, attracts stars like Tanya Tucker, Brad Paisley, Bob Kingsley, Joe Montana and Betty Buckley to support Careity Foundation’s services for economi-cally challenged cancer patients in the Tarrant, Parker and Johnson County areas.

pediatric palliative care program at Cook Children’s, which serves chil-dren and families throughout North Texas. Celebrity Cutting, held dur-ing the fall NCHA Futurity, attracts stars like Tanya Tucker, Billy Ray Cyrus, Brad Paisley, Bob Kingsley, Joe Montana and Betty Buckley to support Careity Foundation’s services for economically challenged cancer patients in the Tarrant, Parker and Johnson County areas.

Kay Granger has known the two women for years; Walsh serves on the congresswoman’s Hispanic Advisory Council. “Lyn Walsh and Beverly Branch are two of the most giving women I have ever known. Their response to ‘Can you do this?’ is always ‘yes,’” she said recently. “The Careity Foundation’s outreach to detect and care for women with breast cancer is really an unprecedented program. Talent, caring, ‘can do’ spirit. Lyn and Beverly have it all.”


Aledo Christian CenterAledo Christian Center241 N. Front St. 817-441-9062241 N. Front St. 817-441-9062

Spirit-Filled, Bible-BasedSpirit-Filled, Bible-BasedSunday Service 10:30Sunday Service 10:30

817-263-1971www.Chappell-Audiology.net

4736 Bryant Irvin #702 • Fort Worth, TX 76132

“It’s Time to Hear“It’s Time to Hearthe Difference.” the Difference.”

Locally Owned & OperatedOver 20 years experience

At Cook Children’s, the palliative care program treats children with life-threatening illnesses and is largely dependent on philanthropy. “Careity Foundation has consistently been the primary/largest philanthropic donor,” says Dr. Todd Pearson, medical director of the program that Careity was instru-mental in establishing. “Quite frankly, I’m not sure the program would exist if it were not for Careity.”

The legendary female vocalist Tanya Tucker is a close friend and frequent participant in Celebrity Cutting. “Lyn and Beverly are genuinely good people,” she says. “They do so much good that they make you want to be a part of it, that’s for sure.”

• • • • • • • • • •

Amid the demands of running Careity Foundation, Branch and Walsh also own and manage Dromeo, Inc., which produces a line of spa-quality nat-ural products. Actively involved in the community, both women are members of the United Way Women’s Leadership Council, NCHA, area chambers of com-merce, and more. In addition to her service on Granger’s Hispanic Advisory

LEFT: The annual Celebrity Cutting is one of Careity Foundation’s signature events. The other major annual event is Branded, a western chic fashion show held each August. For more information about the Careity Foundation, visit www.careity.org.RANDY KECK/THE COMMUNITY NEWS

Council, Walsh served two years as chairof the East Parker County Chamber ofCommerce. Branch is vice president of her family’s 102-year-old business,Branch-Smith Printing in Fort Worth.

The secret of their success, the twosay, is balancing the demands of busi-ness and community through mutualrespect, a resilient friendship, clear understanding of responsibilities—Walsh oversees most planning, Branchhandles most logistics—and a strongsense of humor.

“Lyn sees opportunities so far ahead,and she usually hits home runs. That’swhy we teamed up well—she’s free to think, and I’m free to fi gure out how tomake it happen,” Branch laughs.


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TEXASPEST CONTROLASSOCIATION

817-599-4200Parker CountyBuilders Association

A Chapter of the Greater Fort Worth Builders Association

Member of the Chamber of CommercePCEA

708 Palo Pinto St. | Weatherford

www.parkercounty ooring.com

Weatherford Senior Center(administered by the Parker County

Committee on Aging)”P.O. Box 8171225 Holland Lake Drive,Weatherford, Texas 76086Phone: 817-596-4640Personal Contact: Glenda Webb

Department of Family and Protective Services4113 Hwy. 180 East Suite B, Mineral

Wells, Texas 76067940-325-695924-Hour Hotline: 1-800-252-5400

Experience WorksWorkforce Solutions for North Central

Texas126 College Park DriveWeatherford, Texas 76008817-594-0049 x [email protected]

Legal Hotline for Older Texans800-622-2520

Texas Department of Aging & Disability ServicesSanta Fe Health & Rehab Center1205 Santa Fe DriveWeatherford, Texas 76086Director: Joleann Beene817-594-2786

Texas Department of Aging & Disability ServicesWeatherford College225 College Park DriveWeatherford, Texas 76086Director: Tammy Whittlesey817-598-6409


From left: 2011 Ms. Senior Parker County Carmen Ashby, Master of CeremoniesMark Riley, 1st Runner-up Carla Kerr, 2nd Runner-up Donna DeGrand, 3rd Runner-up Katherine Russ

Senior ServicesSenior Services


The Anderson

Private School

Gifted ÁTalented ÁCreative

“Where Precocious Children are Nurtured and Appreciated”

817-448-8484www.andersonschool.net

Yes, he’s one of our

own.

Visit us at 1911 S. Main Street(800) 817-8234

LoansWorthMore.org

Open to those who live, work, or attend school in Tarrant, Denton, Parker, and Johnson Counties.

FTWCCU

SERVICES FROM THE PARKER COUNTY COMMITTEE ON AGING

Call the PCCOA for information: 817-596-4640 – Opportunities provided to Parker County residents ages 60-plus from the Parker County Committee on Aging

• CASE MANAGEMENTAdministered from the Weatherford Senior Center to participants throughout Parker County, this service provides individual assessment, arranging of necessary care and services, ongoing monitoring of client’s status and periodic revision of the overall service plan.

• INFORMATION AND REFERRALAn ongoing program providing senior adults and their advocates or caregivers with concrete information about public and voluntary services and resources available to them.

• PREVENTATIVE HEALTHEmergency assistance to purchase prescription medications, pay utility bills and install mobility devices and wheelchair ramps.

• BOOST AND ENSURELiquid nutritional products available to clients at reduced prices

• TELEPHONE REASSURANCEDaily calls from the Senior Center to homebound individuals to assure their safety and wellbeing.

• SENIOR CENTEROpen five days a week, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Center provides recreation, physical fitness, personal improvement and positive thinking to help seniors remain active. It also provides periodic services such as immunizations, tax preparation, health screenings and educational speakers.

• MEALS ON WHEELSDelivered five days a week to homebound elderly who are unable to prepare their own meals or who lack family, friends or other community resources. These meals also meet 1/3 RDA requirements.

• TRANSPORTATIONAvailable Monday through Friday, this service offers reduced rates for trips to pharmacies, grocers, doctors’ offices and to the Senior Center.

• CONGREGATE MEALSServed five days a week in a congregate setting at the Weatherford Senior Center, these meals meet 1/3 of the RDA requirements for senior adults.


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WILLSOIL & GAS LITIGATION

East Parker County Chamber of Commerce“Old Traditions-New Opportunities”100 Chuck Wagon TrailWillow Park, Texas 76087817-441-7844www.eastparkerchamber.cominfo@eastparkerchamber.com

WeatherfordChamber of Commerce“We Mean Business”P.O. Box 310401 Fort Worth Hwy.Weatherford, Texas 76086817-594-3801or 888-594-3801www.weatherford-chamber.comwww.visitweatherford.cominfo@weatherford-chamber.com

Springtown AreaChamber of Commerce“Home of the Wild West Festival”P.O. Box 296,112 South MainSpringtown, Texas [email protected]

RIGHT: The annual Peach Festival, sponsored by the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce, draws thousands of visitors each year.

Chambers of Chambers of CommerceCommerce


Quality of LifeQuality of LifeSPORTS/PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Aledo AthleticsYouth baseball, softball, t-ball, honkball1100 Bankhead Hwy.Aledo, Texas 76008817-441-7279www.aledoathletics.com

Aledo Fitness204 S. Front St.Aledo, Texas 76008817-441-3488www.aledofitnessdreambig.com/

Aledo Lions ClubYouth basketballwww.aledolions.com

Aledo Yoga and Nia Studio203 East Oak St.Aledo, Texas 76008817-441-6206www.aledoyoga.com

Aledo Youth Footballwww.aledoyouthfootball.org

CrossFit Aledo118 Marble Court, Suite BAledo, Texas 76008817-204-9830www.crossfitaledo.com/

Body Exchange Fitness Center120 East Main St.Azle, Texas 76020817-444-4800www.BEFTX.com

Curves-Azle235 Northwest Pkwy.Azle, Texas 76020817-270-8627

Curves-Willow Park109 South Ranch House Road,

Suite 102Aledo, Texas 76008817-594-6006

Maverick All-Star Tumblers1821 South Main St.Weatherford, Texas 76086817-613-1189www.maverickallstars.com

The Rock1308 Santa Fe DriveWeatherford, Texas 76086817-596-9689

Parker County Tennis Associationwww.parkercountytennis.org

OTHER RECREATION

Cherry Park Pool302 West Lee Ave., Corner of Lee and

Alamo, Weatherford, Texas 76086817-598-4382 (summer only)817-598-4125 (off-season)www.weatherfordparks.com

City Lights Weatherford Theater1000 Cinema DriveHudson Oaks, Texas 76087817-341-3232

Summer Sports Campswww.community-news.com/camps

Powerhouse Gym148 College Park DriveWeatherford, Texas 76086817-596-9371

Springtown Lions ClubYouth football, basketball817-360-4630

Tate’s Total Training125 N. Elm St.Weatherford, Texas 76086817-341-6550www.tatestotaltraining.com

Ultimate Fitness3290 Fort Worth Hwy.,Hudson Oaks, Texas 76087817-594-8815

Weatherford ISD Community EducationYouth basketball602 W. Water St.Weatherford, Texas 76086817-598-2806http://comed.weatherfordisd.com

Weatherford Little Leagueweatherfordlittleleague.com

Weatherford Optimist ClubYouth footballRandall Grissom, 817-597-7307

Weatherford Parks & RecreationVarious youth and adult sports

and recreation activities119 Palo PintoWeatherford, Texas 76086817-598-4124www.ci.weatherford.tx.us/index.

aspx?NID=25

Weatherford Soccer AssociationYouth soccerwww.weatherford-soccer.com

Weatherford Youth AssociationYouth footballwww.weatherfordyouth.com


Coach Andy Edwards helps Carter Page with his stance at the plate in a fall league“Honk Ball” game at the Aledo Athletics fields. Honk Ball is for players 3-4 yearsold.


GOLFCanyon West160 Club House Weatherford, Texas 76087817-596-4653

Cross Timbers Golf Course1181 South Stewart St.Azle, Texas 76020817-444-4940

The Golf Club at Crown Valley29 Crown RoadWeatherford, Texas 76087817-596-7512

Horseshoe Bend Country Club305 Lipan Trail Weatherford, Texas 76087817-594-6454

Live Oak Country Club1734 Bethel RoadWeatherford, Texas 76086

Lost Creek Golf Club4101 Lost Creek Blvd.Aledo, Texas 76008817-244-3312

Squaw Creek Golf Course1605 Ranch House Road Willow Park, Texas 76087817-441-8185

Split Rail Links and Golf Club2151 Old Annetta RoadAledo, Texas 76008817-441-4653

Sugar Tree Golf Course7510 FM 1189Dennis, Texas 76087817-596-0020

PARKS

EAST PARKER COUNTY

Bearcat Park151 FM 5 SouthAledo, Texas 76008(Just East of McAnally Intermediate School)

Cross Timbers Park105 West Stagecoach Trail Willow Park, Texas 76087(Just past Willow Park City Hall)

WEATHERFORD

Cartwright Park100 Cartwright Park RoadWeatherford, Texas 76088

Chandor Gardens711 West Lee Ave. Weatherford, Texas 76086817-613-1700

Cherry Park313 Davis St. Weatherford, Texas 76086

Holland Lake Park1419 Holland Lake Drive Weatherford, Texas 76086

Marshall Park115 East Fifth St. Weatherford, Texas 76086

McGratton Park645 North Main St. Weatherford, Texas 76086

Miller Park1501 Ball St. Weatherford, Texas 76086

Love Street Park309 Love St. Weatherford, Texas 76086

Soldier Springs Park961 Charles St. Weatherford, Texas 76086200 Thrush St. Weatherford, Texas 76086

Vine Street Park700 West Vine St. Weatherford, Texas 76086

OTHER RECREATION

Aledo Community Center104 Robinson CourtAledo, TX 76008-4452(817) 441-9009

Clark Gardens567 Maddux Road Weatherford, Texas 76086940-682-4856www.clarkgardens.com

Harberger Hill Community Center701 Narrow St.Weatherford, Texas 76086817-598-4333

Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway100 Park Road 71Mineral Wells, Texas 76067940-328-1171www.tpwd.state.tx.us

Lake Weatherford Marina(Lake Weatherford)210 West Lake Drive Weatherford, Texas 76087817-597-0418

Outwest Campground and RV Park4003 West Hwy. 199 Springtown, Texas 76082817-220-0476

Willow Park Community Center101 Stagecoach TrailWillow Park, Texas 76087817-566-8840


Dan Bowen tees of at Split Rail Links and Golf Club in Annetta.

◗ Aledo school board member being heard in all 50 statesBy Christine A. HurdThe Community News

Make Education a Priority began with AISD School Board Vice-President Bobby Rigues standing outside his State Farm agency, soliciting signatures and letters from passersby on FM 1187. The mes-sage was simple: shift the paradigm from ignoring education into treating it as one of the state’s top priorities. From its humble beginning, the campaign has evolved to a statewide campaign with 618 school districts and over 30 elected offi cials committed to the endeavor.

In August of 2011 Make Education a Priority (MEaP) received its fi rst national exposure with a feature story on Rigues published in September’s issue of the American School Board Journal, a periodical published by the National School Boards Association.

Rigues explained the origins of MEaP as well as its impact and future.

“It initially started as a local awareness cam-paign with the intent of representing the public in Austin, because everyone can’t go to Austin with us to talk about the issue of school fi nance.

All other school districts were really saying the same thing and dealing with the same issues we were. But what was borne from that was this Resolution Adoption which said ‘We’re going to step with you, Aledo, and say that we are going to make education a priority too,” Rigues said. After submitting thousands of letters and signatures, Rigues realized that they had made an impact in Austin.

“We began to hear that legislators would end some of their speeches with ‘Yes, we are making education a priority.’ That’s how we knew we were being heard,” Rigues said.

In addition to the publicity centralized in Austin, MEaP has stayed true to its grassroots origins and has transformed into a union of schools, communities and individuals.

“One of the most important things is all of the individual [actors] that made a difference in MEaP from organizations to school boards to associations and even student groups. One particular student initiative in El Paso led a student advocacy press conference. There are countless and nameless individuals who all stand and speak the same words in unison,” Rigues said.

Turn to EDUCATION, page 57


See where Parker County’s history has come home

Photo courtesy of saltforkimages.com

Come to the Doss Heritage and Culture Center, a Texas history museum, in Weatherford and experience the rich history of Parker County and Texas. Parker County’s rich tapestry of cattle barons and cowboys, Broadway and television stars, chuck wagons & stagecoaches, American Indians and pioneers are showcased in galleries that refl ect our rich past.

Group tours are welcome. See our website, www.dosscenter.org, or follow us on Facebook for more information on exhibits and events.

Doss Heritage and Culture Center

A Texas History Museum1400 Texas Drive in • Weatherford

817-599-6168

Weddings, banquets and celebrations at the Doss Heritage and Culture Center

• Heritage Hall is 3,250 s.f. and seats up to 200 banquet-style

• Full catering kitchen

• Tables, chairs and banquet tables included as part of rental fee

• Full audio-visual capabilities

Open Tuesday - Saturday10 a.m. to 5 p.m.;Sunday 1 - 5 p.m.

Admission is $5 for adults$3 for kids & seniors

When you are looking for a location for your special day Consider a place with a sense of history

2317 FORT WORTH HIGHWAY • WEATHERFORD, TX 76087www.stuartnurseryinc.com

817-596-0003 • Fax 817-598-0628

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Perennials, Annuals, Shrubs & Trees

STUART NURSERYSTUART NURSERY & LANDSCAPING& LANDSCAPING

YOUR CODE OF CONDUCT | THE CHANGE AGENT | OUTSOURC ING SPEC IAL EDSEPTEMBER 2011

Volume 198, No. 9

Inside: Talking to lawmakersabout ESEA

Stand UpSpeak OutHow you, like Bobby Rigues,

can be a better advocate for your schools

and

Making Education a Priority – Nationally


Find more local news in our weekly newspaper

Cotillion Local youth learn social graces, 1B

A u g u s t 5 - 1 1 , 2 0 1 1 · w w w . c o m m u n i t y - n e w s . c o m · 7 5 c e n t s

TTHHEE CCOOMMMMUUNNIITTYY NNEEWWSSServing Eastern Parker County, Texas: Aledo · the Annettas · Hudson Oaks · Willow Park

Copyright 2010, The Community News

TO SUBSCRIBE CALL (817) 441-7661

Volume 22, Number 31

Published Weekly

Commentary

THISTLES&ROSES | PAGE 6A

Support your

local restaurantsRichard Henderson writes about the

importance of dining locally.

Life&Community

PAGE 11B

TravelogueA close look at Eagle Mountain Park.

PAGE 6A

Fleet of FootAledo youngster finishes eighth in

the US at Junior Olympics.

Sports

ON THE SIDESchedule Pickup

Schedules for students attend-

ing Aledo High School will be

available at the AHS cafeteria

on Aug. 12. Seniors should

pick up schedules from 9-10

a.m.; juniors from 10:30-11:30

a.m., and sophomores from

1:30-2:30 p.m.

Meet the Bearcats

The Aledo Athletic Booster

Club will host “Meet the

Bearcat Night” at 6 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 11 at the

Aledo High School Indoor

Practice Facility. People will

be able to meet the varsity

football, cheer, and volleyball

teams. The new Bearcat mas-

cot will; also be there, and

needs a name. All elementary

students can submit a name.

If that name is picked, that

child’s class will win a prize

or party.

Fall Ball Registration

Aledo Athletics will hold its

2011 Fall Ball Registrations

during the first weekend in

August. Registrations will be

held at Railhead in Willow

Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

on Saturday, Aug. 6 and from

2-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7.

Registration for honkball is

$80. T-ball, baseball and soft-

ball registration is $90. AAI’s

Fall Ball program is meant

to be an instructional and

fundamental development

program. There are no tryouts

for fall baseball and softball

- all teams are formed via a

blind draft. For more informa-

tion, visit www.aledoathletics.

com or send an e-mail to

[email protected].

Parker County Teen

Court begins

Parker County Teen Court

will begin its sixth session at

5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30.

The first training session will

be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6.

Teen Court meets at Justice of

the Peace Precinct 4, located

at 5189 East I-20 North in

Willow Park (in the shopping

strip on the north side of I-

20). For more information, call

Susann Eller at 817-929-8817

or 817-426-5346, or e-mail

[email protected].

Strike out Cancer

bowling tournament

Friends of Eric Willoughby are

hosting a fundraising bowl-

ing tournament at 4 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 6 at Cityview

Lanes, 6601 Oakmont in Fort

Worth. Registration fee is

$20 before Aug. 6, and $25

on the date of the event, and

includes two games of bowl-

ing per person. The top three

averages receive prizes. A

silent auction will also be

held at the event. Proceeds

will go to the Willoughby

family to assist with medical

expenses for cancer treat-

ment. To register, or for more

information, e-mail cthy-

[email protected]. Additional

help for Eric comes from

Knockouts haircuts for men in

Weatherford, who will donate

35 percent of all sales every

Sunday in August.

ALEDO ISD

District receives ‘Recognized’

rating◗ TEA releases

accountability ratings

for 2011By Randy Keck

The Community News

The Aledo Independent

School District was one of only

four school districts in Parker

County, and by far the largest,

to receive a “Recognized” rat-

ing under the Texas Education

Agency Accountability Ratings

released last week.

The other “Recognized” dis-

tricts were Brock, Garner and

Millsap. Poolville, Springtown,

Weatherford and Peaster were

rated “Academically Acceptable.”

Four campuses within the

AISD were rated “Exemplary:”

The Don Daniel Ninth Grade

Campus, Vandagriff Elementary

School, Coder Elementary School

and Stuard Elementary School.

McCall Elementary School and

McAnally Intermediate School

were rated “Recognized,” and the

secondary schools were rated

“Academically Acceptable.”

Statewide there were 61

Exemplary districts and 422

Recognized districts. 609 dis-

tricts were rated “Academically

Acceptable” and 76 districts

were rated “Academically

Unacceptable.”

Aledo Interim Superintendent

Dan Manning said changes to the

school accountability rating sys-

tem caused ratings to drop across

the state.The percentage of Exemplary

school districts dropped from 19.5

percent to just fi ve percent.

Likewise, the percentage of

Recognized districts dropped

from 49 percent to 34 percent.

The percentage of Academically

Acceptable districts rose from

27.6 percent to 53 percent, and

the number of Unacceptable dis-

tricts almost doubled.

“Obviously we’re pleased to

once again be a recognized dis-

trict - those changes caused many

district scores to drop,” Manning

said.Regarding the drop in rating

from Recognized to Academically

Acceptable for Aledo Middle

School and Aledo High School,

Manning said both campuses

actually had higher overall scores

than last year, but the more strin-

gent requirements pushed them

to a lower rating.

“They certainly showed gains -

we’re pleased but obviously there’s

room for improvement,” he said.

The 2011 ratings will be with

the districts for the next two years

as Texas phases out the TAKS

system and implements the new

STAAR rating system.

MEET THE BOSS

A public meeting is set for

Monday, Aug. 8 at 6:30 p.m.

at the Don Daniel Ninth

Grade Center to meet new

AISD Superintendent Dan

Manning.

ON THE MARCH


The Aledo Bearcat Regiment began drills this week for the 2011 marching season. Shown is Trey Gauwain during

drills on Wednesday at the ninth grade practice field.

PETS

Adopt, Foster, Volunteer, Donate

◗ Parker Paws helps deal with

infl ux of unwanted animals

Story and Photos by Sandra Rousseau

The Community News

It’s 11 a.m. on a Saturday when Barb Pursley

arrives at the Weatherford/Parker County Animal

Shelter. The shelter is just opening for the day,

but already people are lined up to surrender arm-

loads of puppies, boxes of kittens and older dogs

on leashes. These folks get there early because

they know that once the shelter’s kennels are full,

animal control offi cials won’t accept any more. By

12:30, 20 animals have been taken in and only

two have been adopted out. Sadly, the shelter will

have more openings the next day, although not

because of a run on adoptions. Unfortunately,

adoption numbers are down.

Pursley is the president of Parker Paws, a

nonprofi t, volunteer organization that provides

much-needed support to the Weatherford/Parker

County Animal Shelter. Despite the infl ux of

unwanted animals and the shortage of people

looking to adopt a pet, Pursley, energetic, outgo-

ing and quick to smile, stays amazingly positive.

Turn to PAWS, page 2A

The Community News is a weekly newspaper published each Friday. Our mission statement is simple: to produce the best newspaper possible for our readers.

HOW TO REACH USOur phone number is 817-441-7661 or toll-free 1-877-441-7661

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Classified line ads: Ext. 201e-mail [email protected], or see our Web site.

Weddings, birth announcements or other submissions: e-mail [email protected] or click on “Submissions” on our Web site.

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Pa r k e r C o u n t yPa r k e r C o u n t yyouryour

An Information Guide• Aledo • The Annettas • Brock • Hudson Oaks • Millsap • Peaster • Poolville • Springtown • Weatherford • Willow Park

FREEFREE2011-20122011-2012

THE COM MUNI TY NEWS

Published by:

www.community-news.comCopyright 2011-2012 The Community NewsP.O. Box 1031 • Aledo, TX 76008817-441-7661 • Toll-free 1-877-441-7661

Publisher ofYour Parker County

Visit us at www.community-news.com


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For bringing together these for-merly disparate groups, Rigues was recently awarded the Texas Schools Public Relation Association’s 2011 Key Communicator award. Rigues humbly maintained that he was only the spark, and that it was the kindling of thou-sands of involved parents, schools and communities that helped the campaign spread like wildfi re.

“It was really our simple message and the passion that people held in their hearts. It all revolves around the idea that a prosperous society is truly dependent on an educated public. It is the passion to protect the pursuit of quality education shared by thousands upon thousands of people [that made it grow.]” Rigues said.

AISD Superintendent Dan Manning emphasized the simple appeal of the MEaP message and the severity of the situation.

“Bobby Rigues is an outstanding leader, board member, and concerned citizen. I think the reason that his cam-paign has been so successful is the simplicity of his message—there’s no politics, so it’s something that every-one can understand and support, and that’s why I think it resonates so well,” Manning said.

Manning, who has served in public education for twenty-seven years said that he never thought the current situa-tion would come to pass.

“I think what’s happened recently in the legislature is a wake-up call,” Manning said, “People have to realize that you can’t cut your way towards excellence.”

Last March, MEaP held a rally in Austin that attracted over 12,000 par-ticipants, and while the campaign has utilized traditional political avenues such as a letter-writing campaign, MEaP is not a creature of party politics – representatives on both sides of the aisle have signed the MEaP promise.

EDUCATIONfrom page 55

“One of the unique things about school board members [like myself] is that we don’t hold a shingle saying we’re

a Republican or a Democrat. There were over 7,000 elected school board members and we sit out our board with

six fellow board members and neverask about [political affi liation.] It’s unfortunate that when we get to Austinand the topic of education comes up,there’s the aisle between Republican and Democrat and their philosophiesof education. It is unfortunate and sadwhen party politics takes precedence,”Rigues said.

“It all revolves around the idea that a pros-perous society is truly dependent on an edu-cated public.”

- Bobby Rigues

While MEaP has produced unity among school districts, the challenges are not over. Several items were passedin the 82nd Legislatiure, including fourbillion dollars in educational spending cuts that will make it diffi cult for someTexas schools to keep up with one ofthe highest student growth rates in thenation.

“When you compound being rankedin the bottom quartile in educationspending and then the four million dol-lars in cuts and no additional grants, itbecomes a tough pill to swallow,” Riguessaid. However, he clarifi ed that MEaPwas not necessarily all about procuringmore money, but rather fi guring outhow to solve a broken school fi nance system.

“I believe that an educated publicwould support education even to thepoint of additional dollars. The mediaoften ask me, ‘Is all you want additional dollars?’ and that’s not necessarily true.We want to fi gure out how to fi x thebroken system, fi gure out how muchthat’s going to cost and then take it backto the public, all under the premise that an prosperous society deserves andneeds an educated public,” Rigues said.

Turn to EDUCATION, page 60


Aledo ISD School Board member Bobby J. Rigues speaks to a legislative council in Austin in 2011. His Make Education a Priority initiative has garnered national attention.


Mary Martin and the artist who sculpted herBy Christine A. HurdThe Community News

The Mary Martin Statue outside of Weatherford Library is one of the icons of the town—Martin, dressed as Peter Pan stands outside of the children’s sec-tion with hands on hips and a confi dent smile on her face. The bronze statue was cast and sculpted more than 35 years ago in preparation for the library’s ope-ning on the bicentennial, July 4, 1976.

The artist and sculptor and long-time resident of Weatherford, Ronald Thomason, died Aug. 4, 2011. Rev. Fred Ryle served as the invocator during the ceremony and spoke about the artist and the story behind the statue.

“Ronald Thomason fl ew out to Palm Springs for her to model and then he came back and sculpted it in wax and then it was cast in Parker County. It is

almost exactly her size, just a bit smaller,”Ryle said. “We originally put it out in the middle of the driveway and later when we remodeled, we put it near the window of the children’s section so the children can look out and see the statue.”’

During the 1976 ceremony, Martinwas joined by Weatherford’s other well-known name, former Congressman andSpeaker of the House, Jim Wright.

“Mary Martin was here for the dedication and she and Jim Wrightwere together at the grand opening in1976, but they had never met before,Weatherford’s two most well-known individuals, so they met that afternoon when we were gathering. We had pul-led in a fl atbed trailer and that was thestage for the opening, and of course wehad a microphone and they introducedeach other,” Ryle said.

Native Sons and DaughtersNative Sons and Daughters

The Mary Martin statue wel-comes children and adults to the Weatherford Public Library. Artist Ronald Thomason (right) was the

original sculptor for the statue, which was dedicated July 4, 1976. Much of Martin’s memorabilia has

been donated to the Doss Heritage and Culture Center in Weatherford.


Martin, in addition to being known as a Tony-award winning Broadway star, gave a large amount of memora-bilia to the city after her death in 1990. Martin would have celebrated her 98th birthday this year.

“Mary was always a supporter to the library and gave a lot of memorabilia such as sheet music and pictures, and that was kind of [like] the Doss Heritage and Culture Center. She gave it to the library and then the city, as we moved towards constructing a museum, gave the collection to Civic Development and the Doss Center,” Ryle said.

Ronald Thomason will not only have the statue as his artistic legacy, but also his contributions to the community, teaching classes and bestowing secrets of his trade.

“When he was made the artist of the year, in 1973, we had several exhibits here. He taught classes here for the art association in Weatherford. My wife and others took a class, well, they were actually more like seminars where he would talk about his art techniques,” Ryle said.

“One of his secrets was when he would go out and paint a landscape, he got some of the soil and mixed it with the paintings so that he would get the perfect shade. He would sit on top of his car to paint landscapes cross-legged; he didn’t stand like most other painters, he sat on his car, and he started that prac-tice when he was in Japan. He would talk about all kinds of art: watercolors and other media as part of communi-ty education classes when community education was just getting started.”

LIBRARIESWeatherford Public Library1014 Charles St.Weatherford, Texas 76086817-598-4150www.wpltx.com

East Parker County Library201 FM 1187 N.Aledo, Texas 76008817-441-6545www.epclibrary.com

Springtown Public Library626 North Main St.Springtown, Texas 76082817-523-5862http://ntrls.tsl.state.tx.us/springtown

MUSEUMS

Doss Heritage and Culture Center1400 Texas DriveWeatherford, Texas 76086817-599-6168www.dosscenter.org

Museum of the Americas216 Fort Worth Hwy.Weatherford, Texas 76086817-341-8668

One item of Mary Martin memorabilia was found, not among the items at the Doss Heritage and Culture Center, but among the girlhood treasures of one of the staffmember’s mother at The Community News. The book of paper doll dresses andcostumes was published in 1942.


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The Texas school fi nance system for the pastfi ve years has been based off of a 2005 piece of legislation that designated “target revenues” forschool districts instead of a formula of per-stu-dent funding. The funding system worked as asnapshot in time, with each district receiving Xamount of dollars based on the needs the districtfaced in 2005 with a “hold-harmless” guaranteethat funding received would never go below thatnumber. However, with some districts rapidlygrowing, that old number no longer is appropri-ate for some districts and the calculated “worth”of each student can differ by nearly $1500 dol-lars across the state. Moreover, during the 82ndsession, legislators struck out the hold-harmless guarantee, which means that districts’ safety netsare now gone.

Rigues said that education as a top issuefor Texas is in the state’s history, for providing a quality education was one of the tenets of theTexas Declaration of Independence.

“If you look at the grievances against theMexican government – as an educator it makesthe hair stand up on back on your neck – one ofthem was not providing an acceptable education.It was on the same level as the right to bear arms,oppression and tyranny, the right of self-repre-sentation and here you have education thrown into the mix, sometimes before the others like itwas more important to them,” Rigues said.

Rigues hopes that MEaP will serve as a strong voice for education in next two years, andpointed toward the effects the campaign nowmight have for decades to come.

“In the perfect world, if we could take MEaPand consider it as an overriding theme to edu-cation so that’s it’s on the forefront of peoples’minds. MEaP: read a book. MEaP: get to knowyour teachers. The 83rd session doesn’t meetuntil 2013, so the intent is elevating the topicand getting schools to do that across Texas. It’s a passive way to get the community involved,increase public awareness, and create a taglineto elevate the thought of education,” Rigues said,“It’s highly probable that we’ll come out of thisrough period, but the education we provide nowwill affect the children for the rest of their lives.”

For more information visit schoolpriority.com

EDUCATIONfrom page 57

PlacesPlaces


Angel’s Nest Bed & Breakfast is located in the old C. D. Hartnett home, built in 1896. The 10,000 square foot home features a three-story turret, and is located on the tallest hill in Weatherford. The home has 29 rooms, stained-glass windows and balconies looking out on almost every side.


www.drakeelectricalservices.comwww.drakeelectricalservices.com

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Serving all of Parker County

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All Major Credit Cards Accepted

Fax: 817-596-7803Metro: 817-596-2802

Telephone: 817-594-2747Toll Free: 800-593-2747

Serving every family as if you are a part of our Own

913 N. Elm Street - Weatherford, TX 76086

DiningDining


Joe Lane, owner of Fish Creek Restaurant in Willow Park, displays some of hissignature dishes.

ALEDOAgape Coffee Haus Bookstore108 Jearl St.817-441-7770

Aledo Donuts701 North FM 1187817-441-0011

Aledo Taqueria100 FM 1187 South817-441-7940

Garden of Eat’n at Agape108 Jearl [email protected]

JK Donuts311 FM 1187 South817-441-6786

Joe’s Pizza & Pasta311 S. FM 1187817-441-2959


ALEDO UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Oak at Pecan Street www.aledoumc.org 817.441.8329

Family Friendly WorshipContemporary service 8:45

Traditional service 11:00Sunday school for all ages 10:00

CHILDREN’SENRICHMENTWEEKDAY PRESCHOOL

Your child is one of God’s childrenand can rely on his love,

strength and support.

[email protected]

[email protected]

Jorge’s Mexican Restaurant100 South Front St.817-441-8311

Sonic Drive-in300 North FM 1187817-441-6999

Subway311 North FM 1187817-441-1182

The Bearcat421 South FM 1187817-441-8981

BROCK

Brazos River Catfish Café10771 W. I-20817-596-2994

Brock Junction7458 West I-20817-594-6626

Mikey’sI-20 Service Road817-441-7177

HUDSON OAKS/FORT WORTH HWY

Big Burger3322 Fort Worth Hwy817-594-2785

Boo-Ray’s of New Orleans3039 Fort Worth Hwy.817-599-6266

Dairy Queen3205 Fort Worth Hwy.817-594-2479

Doughnut Hole, The102 Elm St.817-594-5055

Golden Chick2813 Fort Worth Hwy.817-599-6646

Joe’s Pizza & Pasta1115 Fort Worth Hwy.817-341-2200

Malt Shop2038 Fort Worth Hwy.817-594-2524

McDonald’s2980 Fort Worth Hwy.817-599-9099

Mesquite Pit1201 Fort Worth Hwy.817-596-7046

Pizza Hut710 Fort Worth Hwy.817-599-4134

R&K Café3311 Fort Worth Hwy.817-594-7701

R&K Café II1115 Fort Worth Hwy., Suite 200817-598-0066

Sonic3051 Fort Worth Hwy.817-613-0562

Subway2815 Fort Worth Hwy. Suite 100817-613-00602801 East I-20817-613-0785

Taco Bell2930 Fort Worth Hwy.817-599-9311

Ultimate Cupcake3316 Fort Worth Hwy.817-881-7444

Wanda’s Restaurant1503 Fort Worth Hwy.817-599-7421

SPRINGTOWN

Caffeine Fiend1292 JE Woody Road888-566-4491

Chicken Express502 E Hwy. 199817-523-0009

D-Bo’s Grill638 N. Main St.817-523-4545

Howell’s Western Café503 E Hwy. 199817-523-1018

Mr. Jim’s Pizza417 E Hwy. 199 Ste 7817-523-2255

Nanna’s Kountry Kitchen5200 E Hwy. 199817-677-3790

Pizza Hut450 E Hwy. 199817-523-4400

Subway493 E Hwy. 199817-220-0529

Woody Creek Barbeque205 N. Ave. A817-220-2008

WEATHERFORD

Alvin Ord’s Sandwich Shop914 South Main St.817-599-5211

Applebee’s208 West I-20817-599-3188

Arby’s801 South Main St.817-594-9561

Baker’s Ribs1921 South Main St.817-599-4229

Balentine’s Bakery408 South Main St.817-594-7132

Braum’s1505 South Main St.817-594-0811

Buffalo Wild Wings320 Adams Drive817-598-0432

Burger King107 West I-20817-594-7726


Chad’s Pizza & Burgers609 North Main St.817-594-5656

Chick-Fil-A2525 South Main St.817-594-3001

Chicken Express1711 Bethel Road817-598-1555

Chili’s Grill and Bar128 East I-20817-594-1661

Chuckwagon1102 West Park Ave.817-613-1303

Cici’s Pizza325 Adams Drive, Suite 355817-341-8300

Cotton Patch Café1964 South Main St.817-599-0706

Cracker Barrel132 East I-20817-598-9070

Cutting Horse Bar & Grill2132 Tin Top Road817-599-8667

Dairy Queen417 Palo Pinto St.817-594-3376

816 South Main St.817-594-5216

Denny’s235 E. I20817-594-5700

Domino’s Pizza1115 Fort Worth Hwy. Suite 100817-613-8585

Donna’s Donuts1221 S. Main St.817-599-3550

Downtown Café101 West Church St.817-594-8717

Fire Oak Grill114 Austin Ave.817-598-0400www.fireoakgrill.com

Golden Corral1810 South Main St.817-599-8202

Golden Fried Chicken1101 North Main St.817-594-4031

Golden Moon1410 South Main St.817-594-1692

Granny’s Kitchen1802 Santa Fe Drive817-598-9025

Hutch’s Pie Shop145 College Park Drive817-594-0751

IHOP2005 South Main St.817-598-1925

Iron Skillet Restaurant2001 Santa Fe Drive817-594-0245

Jack In The Box2002 Clear Lake Road817-594-3689804 South Main St.817-594-1246

KFC902 South Main St.817-594-1391

Kincaid’s Burgers220 Adams Drive817-594-7773

La Playa Maya1445 Fort Worth Hwy.817-613-8686

Little Caesar’s312 S. Main St.817-594-0056

Little Panda Chinese Restaurant1812 Santa Fe Drive817-594-8844

Logan’s Roadhouse325 West I-20817-594-5455

Long John Silver’s1701 South Main St.817-596-5575

Mary’s Brazos Café5090 Tin Top Road817-594-0203

McAlister’s Deli215 Adams Drive817-594-3314

McDonald’s2407 South Main St.817-594-6215

Montana Restaurant1910 South Main St.817-341-3444

Mr. Jim’s Pizza701 Palo Pinto St., Ste. J817-594-5800

Nizza Pizza Pasta & Subs1016 S. Main St.817-594-9090

Olive Garden315 East I-20817-599-4207

On the Border Mexican Grill114 East I-20817-594-2174

Outlaw BBQ3101 Ranger Hwy.817-599-3520

Papa Murphy’sTake N Bake Pizza2801 East I-20817-599-9990

Pasta Fina807 South Main St.817-599-5861

Pizza Hut710 Fort Worth Hwy.817-599-4134

Pizza Place1218 South Main St.817-594-0591

Pulido’s Mexican Restaurant1217 South Main St.817-594-0361

Rosa’s Café1920 Martin Drive817-599-5335

Schlotzsky’s Deli1831 South Main St.817-599-3900

Skinny’s Hamburgers504 Palo Pinto St.817-594-3101

Sonic1002 South Main St.817-594-57801201 North Main St.817-599-0670

Starbucks1952 South Main St.817-341-2547

Subway1836 South Main St.817-599-71002605 Bankhead Hwy.817-594-2755400 Santa Fe Drive817-594-1299Taco Bell1814 South Main St.817-594-4595

Taco Bueno1901 South Main St.817-594-2840

Taco Casa919 South Main St.817-598-0036

Taste Buffet106 College Park Drive817-599-5568

The Wild Mushroom Restaurant and Lounge1917 Martin Drive817-599-4935

Tokyo Japanese Steak House126 East I-20817-596-2871

Tom’s Donuts & Kolaches408 S. Main St.817-599-0404

Waffle House2521 South Main St.817-596-9701

Wendy’s2010 S. Main St.817-596-2950

Wendy’s1980 South Main St.817-596-2950

Whataburger110 E. I-20817-599-8321

Which Wich Superior Sandwiches220 Adams Drive817-598-0200

Whistle Hill Café104 South Walnut St.817-599-4311

Yesterday’s Sandwich Shop128 York Ave. Suite B817-599-3903

Yogurt Story325 Adams Drive817-594-7992

WILLOW PARK

Chicken Express5110 E. I-20 Service Road S.817-441-7177

Clear Fork Station4971 East I-20 Service Road817-441-1551

Domino’s Pizza109 S. Ranch House Road817-441-6888

Fish Creek4899 East I-20 Service Road N817-441-1746www.eatfishcreek.com

Los Vaqueros West29 Crown Road817-441-2300

McDonald’s5090 I-20 E. at Ranch House Road817-441-7454

Milano’s Pizza & Pasta119 South Ranch House Road817-441-6737

Mr. Jim’s Pizza108 South Ranch House Road817-596-0695

Pizza Hut5135 East I-20 Service Road N817-441-5600

Railhead BBQ120 South Ranch House Road817-441-2525

Ranch House Donut119 South Ranch House Road, Suite 1100817-441-6333

Sonic102 Ranch House Road817-441-9799

Subway5153 East I-20 Service Road North817-441-7373

Taco Casa101 Ranch House Road817-441-5701

Whataburger4915 East I-20 Service Road817-441-2301


Traditions


Honoring a Latin tradition more than 2500 years in the making, Jorge and Dulce Pinto celebrated their daughter’s 15th birthday with a celebration fi t for a prin-cess.

Elena Hernandez, Jorge’s daughter by marriage, cel-ebrated her quinceañera at Clear Fork Junction this year. The rite of passage, which can be traced back to ancient Aztec traditions, was a long time in the making and brought more than 200 friends and family from as far away as Mexico.

The Pintos, owners of Jorge’s Mexican Restaurant in Aledo, used local businesses for everything from the photographer to the DJ and there are a lot of details to consider when throwing a modern-day quinceañera.

“We were planning this for a couple of years,” Jorge said. “There are a lot of details to consider and we wanted everything to be perfect for Elena’s special day.”

As in ancient times, the young woman is dressed in fi ne clothing, but today’s preparations include spending all day getting ready with hair appointments, nail salons and makeup followed by a photo shoot before heading to the location.

Elena chose turquoise as her color and wore a fl owing white gown, similar to a wedding dress, with a turquoise bow that coordinated with the cake and the intricately decorated tabletops. Ladies in the party wore turquoise as well.

After dinner, a priest from the Pinto’s church per-formed a brief ceremony in which Elena was blessed, and then the dancing began and continued well into the night.

The traditional father daughter dance gave way to another tradition where a continual song allows for many of the guests, both male and female, to cut-in and dance for a moment with the young lady and wish her well.

After the ceremonial dances were fi nished, the lights went down and the DJ switched to Cumbia music, a form of dance where the dancers step in rhythm in a circular fl ow around the dance fl oor. The crowd was handed mas-querade masks and bandanas which they twirled around in the air under a black light while fog machines and a mini laser light show were directed to the dance fl oor.

After the event Elena said she was grateful to her parents and the party was everything she had dreamed it would be.

“Everyone had a great time and everything was beauti-ful, all my friends and my family were there,” she said. “I couldn’t have asked for more.”

RIGHT: Jorge Pinto and Elena Hernandez.KATIE MARTINEZ/THE COMMUNITY NEWS

QUINCEAÑERA


Anna O’Neil [email protected]

Jo-Alice Davis817-271-1847

[email protected]

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Festivals/EventsFestivals/EventsEAST PARKER COUNTY

East Parker County Chamber Annual Golf TournamentThursday, April 12, 2012.

Ride for HeroesAnnual bicycle ride benefiting East Parker County’s volunteer fire departments.April 21, 2012 tentativePhone: 817-599-3044www.rideforheroes.org

East Parker County Library Garden PartyAnnual fundraiser for the East Parker County Library.May 19, 2012Phone: 817-441-6564www.epclibrary.comHosted and sponsored by Friends of EPC Library

First Fridays in AledoTraditionally first Fridays in June, July and AugustCall the City of Aledo at 817-441-7016 or www.aledo-texas.com

ParkFestParkFest celebrates Willow Park’s Demonstration Garden at the Community Center. The event includes arts and crafts vendors, entertainment, children’s activities, food and a chili cook-off sponsored by the East Parker County Chamber of Commerce.October 22, 201210 a.m. to 4 p.m.For more information, call 817-205-8492

Christmas Tyme in AledoSaturday, December 3, 2011Growing annual event with carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, a visit from Santa Claus, craft show and lots of free refreshments.Call the City of Aledo at 817-441-7016 or www.aledo-texas.com

SPRINGTOWN

Miss Springtown PageantSaturday, February 25, 2012At the High School auditoriumBabies – teen pageantsPut on by the Springtown Chamber of Commerce Beautification CommitteeCall Judy Ray at 817-729-1967

Optimist Pancake BreakfastThursday, March 1, 2012At the High School CafeteriaCall Mike Gilley at 817-220-7243 ext. 1005

Springtown Music and Arts FestivalSaturday, May 5, 2012Call David Ward at 817-657-6584

Relay for LifeFriday, May 11, 2012At the Intermediate School Football FieldCall the School District at 817-220-1700

Eureka Masonic Lodge Car ShowSaturday, May 12, 2012At Tabernacle SquareCall 817-597-5864

Springtown Chamber All American Bicycle RallySaturday, June 9, 2012At the High School Multi-purpose buildingThe longest route is 74 miles.Call Oleta Parker at the Chamber: 817-220-7828

Wild West FestivalSaturday, September 3, 20118 a.m. to 4 p.m.Tabernacle Square and Arville Newby Pavillion10,000 attendees, 182 boothsBBQ cook off, children’s area, stage entertainment, puppet show.Parade at 10 a.m.Free shuttle and parkingwww.wildwestfestival.org


1-888-44JERRYwww.jerrytexas.com

Tour of HomesSaturday, December 3, 2011In the surrounding Springtown areaSponsored by Legends MuseumCall Amy Walker at 817-220-7828

Christmas on the SquareSaturday, December 10, 20111 to 6 p.m.At the Springtown SquareIncludes Santa Clause, booths, and con-cessions.Call the City at 817-220-4834

WEATHERFORD/COUNTY WIDE

Martin Luther King Jr. Day CelebrationAnnual Event at Shirley Hall Middle School in Weatherford features speak-ers, awards for the MLK essay and coloring contest, and a talent show. The event is sponsored by the Weatherford and Parker County Chapter of the NAACP. MLK Day is the third Monday in January.For more information, call Diane at 817-596-0163.

Books ‘n Authors ‘n All That JazzThe 10th annual event for Parker County residents to have the opportu-

nity to meet dozens of Texas authors face-to-face and to buy autographed copies of their books; attend writing workshops facilitated by authors, pub-lishers and agent. April 28, 2012Alkek Fine Arts Center, Texas Hall, Weatherford CollegePhone: 817-594-5471www.wc.edu

2012 Weatherford Chamber Spring Swing Golf TournamentTBA

Dreams on Wings 5KMay 12, 2012879 E. Eureka, Weatherford.Late registration is 6:30 to 7:45 a.m.1 Mile fun run starts at 8 am and the 5K starts at 8:30 a.m.

This is a Luke’s Locker sponsored race. Timing will be provided by RunFar Racing Services.

Parker County Frontier DaysCelebration, Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo and Livestock Show.Includes parade, trail ride and week-long festivities.Rodeo, June 13-16, 2012For more information, call Bob Glenn at 817-598-5402www.parkercountysheriffsposse.com

Parker County Peach FestivalParker County’s largest annual festival, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Featuring:200 booths, Children’s area, Food court, Non-stop entertainment, Parker County Peaches, Peachy treats, Peach ice cream, Peach juleps, Peach smoothies, Peach cobbler, Peach jamsAdmission is $5 for adults and free for children 12 and under. Free park-ing from the Ninth Grade Center (1007 South Main St.) Exit 408, Hall Middle School, Weatherford High School, Weatherford College (225 College Park Drive) Exit 409, and the First Monday Grounds (100 Block Santa Fe) Exit 409. Free shuttle services are available from these sites as well. Free handi-cap parking and handicap shuttle from Weatherford Ninth Grade Center and

City Hall.July 14, 20128 a.m. to 5 p.m.Address: Historic Downtown WeatherfordFor more information, call toll-free: 888-594-3801www.weatherford-chamber.com

Related Event:Peach Pedal Bike Ridewww.peachpedal.com

Talking Tombstone TourOctober 22, 2012www.parkercountyheritagesociety.com

Christmas on the SquareAnnual event on the historic down-town square in Weatherford features art contest, Christmas tree decoration, vendors, entertainment and the annual Christmas parade. The Christmas Parade will be held before Christmas on the Square on Saturday, December 3, 2012.For more information, call toll-free 888-594-3801www.weatherford-chamber.com

Christmas Candlelight Tour of HomesSaturday, December 10, 2012www.parkercountyheritagesociety.com

EVENT INFORMATIONFor up-to-date event information throughout the year, visit www.community-news.com/calendar.

To submit events for inclusion in the calendar, visit www.community-news.com/calendar_submit


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