Parker County Family Sep09

INSPIRING PARENTS • MOTIVATING KIDS • CELEBRATING LIFE September 2009 / parkercountyfamily.com / PRICELESS

INSIDE Wise Words / Parenting Tomorrow’s Leaders / Life Skills / Laying Down the Law / Dave Says page 23

NSPIRING PARENTS • MOTIVATING KIDS • CELEBRATING LIFE September 2009 / parkercountyfamily.com / PRICELESS

A Lifetime of Learning

2 Inspiring Parents! Motivating Kids! Celebrating Life! Follow us at twitter.com/parkercounty 888-878-8465

The Burch School of MusicNow offering

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Haley Hewitt receiving a game ball from one of the players during a Fort Worth Cats game.

Weatherford White All-Stars Coach Pitch team got to go to see the Ft. Worth Cats play against the Wichita Wingnuts. The boys were introduced on the fi eld during the

opening ceremony. They had a blast!

www.parkercountyfamily.com Follow us at twitter.com/parkercounty Inspiring Parents! Motivating Kids! Celebrating Life! 3

Parker County 4-H would like to thank Jerry Durant Auto Group for sponsoring our 5K run / 5K walk on October 10th, that will benefi t the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Parker County 4 H would like to thank Jerry Durant Auto Group for sponsoring our 5K run / 5K walk on October 10th

Looks like football is back! Jacob King, Millsap High School varsity player, holds his own against Wichita Falls City View offense. Millsap high school varsity players, Casey Eller and Jacob King, take a break

during the scrimmage against Wichita Falls City View on August 15th.school varsity players Casey Eller and Jacob King tak

Parker County Aggie Moms Club Ice Cream Social, July 25th. Jackson McGlasson class of 2029 with three Aggie Yell Leaders.


Now enrolling for Voice, Piano and Beginning Flute

Lakeshore DriveAcademy of the Arts

All teachers have a degree in music education.Limited openings available. To register please call 817-596-0100, ext. 105 or for more informationvisit www.lakeshorebaptist.com

Lakeshore Drive Baptist Church • 200 S Lakeshore Dr. • Hudson Oaks, TX 76087

Seguin Elementary kindergartners Blake Jeter, Tara Bayless, Eliseo Padillo, and Paizley Wallace take a break from the 100-degree weather during

recess on the fi rst day of school.

Curtis Elementary kindergartner Johnny Cruz Salinas in the cafeteria.

It is a jungle out there. Brandi Erwin, Jodi Erwin and Sam (the bearded dragon) swing into action as the new school year starts at Millsap Elementary.


To Go and Call Ahead Waiting

817-594-1661

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Family Res urce Guide

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School Zones When you approach a school, be

mindful of your speed in that school

zone. Each school zone might have

different times and speeds. This

can also include some private

schools, too. Most of the school

zones are marked with the new

fl ashing warning signs. We

need to thank the folks

with the city’s Traffi c

Division for getting

those installed–great

job, crew. Th ese signs

have the posted

maximum speed

limit when the yellow

light is fl ashing. Th e

fi nes for speeding in

these school zones can be very high

so please slow down.

Driving through a school zone is

only half the story…what about the

kids? You guessed it; there are kids in

the school zones too. Some parents rely

on their children to get themselves to

school. Th ey might walk, ride a bike or

skateboard. Keep your eyes peeled for

young children that might be crossing

the street or in the parking lots at the

schools. If you see a young child that

looks lost or scared, call the school or

the police. I do not recommend that you

try to pick up the child unless you both

know each other.

If your child has to walk to school,

remind them of “stranger danger.” Tell

them not to take rides from people they

don’t know and try to avoid walking in

the street as much as possible. Have

you walked that route with your child?

You probably need to. Look for hazards

such as road construction, mean dogs

or a house and/or people that give you

the “creeps.” Your gut feeling could be

correct. How long does it take? Does

your child know where to go if they

need help? Can they call 9-1-1 and do

they know the street names? ■

Back To School Safety

Did you know the State of Texas has passed a new law making it a crime to use your cell phone while driving in a school zone? It’s true! As of September 1, 2009, you can receive a citation if caught talking or texting on your cell phone while you are driving in a school zone. The only exception is to call 911 in case of an emergency. http://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/pe.toc.htm

IMPORTANT. . .


September 2009In our 3rd year of “Making A Difference”

Keep up with the latest events of interest to your family!Follow us at twitter.com/parkercounty

On The Cover: Lindsay and Kaylie Taylor with Mrs.Caroline Borkey.

Mrs. Borkey was Lindsay’s teacher in the 3rd grade and

now is teaching Kaylie. Mrs. Borkey teaches 3rd grade

at Garner ISD.

Photo sent in by Lindsay and Kaylie’s mom.

Editor’s note: Mrs. Borkey, you should hear all the nice things that Mrs. Taylor had to say about you as a teacher. You have made quite an impression on this family.

Want to be our next cover model? Visit our website at www.parkercountyfamily.com and click on “send pics.”

In Each Issue:Wise Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Parenting Tomorrow’s Leaders . . . . . 11Happenings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Life Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Laying Down The Law . . . . . . . . . . . 20Associations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Dave Says . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Get our reminders of happenings and events by following us at Twitter.com/parkercounty. Sign up today!

Pick up a copy of Parker County Familyat heavy foot-traffi c businesses

who support the youth and families of our community.

You can also fi nd a copy of Parker County Family to read while you are waiting in many of the

lobbies in our area or read us on-line atwww.parkercountyfamily.com, click on “current issue.”

Thank you advertisers for making Parker County Family possible!

Win A Prize:Find Doright in the magazine (it’s not easy) and email us at [email protected] will be entered in a drawing for a prize.

Our AUGUST winner is: SAMANTHA SWIFT Thank you for playing! Please contact us for your prize.

Proudly sponsored by

In a time when many people

exist never knowing their

passion or purpose, Parker

County Family would consider

our “mission accomplished” to

have caused the spark that lit

the fi re of purpose of just one

child.

— Scott Tinkham

Our Next Issue:OCTOBER is our “Being Brave” issue.What do you do when you need to be brave? Send us pictures of you in your Halloween costumes and you being brave to [email protected] is our “Ready for the Holidays” issue. Wow! The year is really fl ying by us fast. Send us your pictures and quotes on what makes you thankful and why you love the holidays to [email protected].

“Do Right and Fear No Man”

P.O. Box 96 • Weatherford, TX 76086 or toll free 888-878-8465

Publisher & Parent Company TinkInkPublications.comEditor & Sales, Kim Tinkham [email protected] Artist, Donnelle CooperDistribution Guys, Scott Tinkham and Don Tinkham Offi ce Dogs, Max and BuddyOur Reason For Doing This, YOU!Advertising Sales [email protected] submit . . . . . . www.parkercountyfamily.com Information . . . . . . . . . . . click on “send info” Photographs . . . . . . . . . . click on “send pics“

Parker County Family is published monthly by Tink Ink Publications, LLC and distributed free of charge through merchants who support our mission of “Inspiring Parents, Motivating Kids, Celebrating Life.” Copy and photographs are welcome and must be submitted by the 20th of the month prior to publication. PCK reserves the right edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. Reproduction in whole or part without express written consent of the Publisher is prohibited.

If you educate

a man you

educate a

person, but if

you educate a

woman, you

educate

a family.

– Ruby Manikan

In a time when many peo


Hello Parker County! It’s that time of year again here at all Chili’s Grill and Bar.

September is our Nationwide Fundraising Campaign for St Jude

Children’s Research Center. Our Company goal is to donate $50

Million in 10 Years!

When you visit our restaurants this month, you’ll have the

opportunity to donate in several ways. You can color a Chili

Pepper that we hang in the restaurant, or get a Cool St Jude

T-shirt that you can customize with permanent markers. We

especially look forward to seeing you on Monday, September 28th!

Th is is “Donate our Profi ts Day,” where All Chili’s restaurants, will

donate 100% of profi ts to St Jude.

Together, we can save children’s lives. Austin Elementary kindergartner Haylie Barnes

enjoys her fi rst day of school on Monday.Jaylee Hindman says goodbye

to another summer.Jaylee Hindman says goodbye

Moms: cut out the Create-a-Pepper and have your child color it. Then drop it off on your next visit to Chili’s with your donation of $1 or more.

100% of the purchase price of this coloring sheet will go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital ®. Thank you for giving.


Wise WordsBy Kim Tinkham, Editor

My mother says that I

started reading when I

was three years old. I can still

remember the feeling when

I figured out the words by

sounding out the letters. It was

a feeling of immense pride. I

knew that other people could

read but for some reason I

always felt that my ability to

read was even more special.

Reading came easily to me;

due in part to how I felt when

I held a book in my hands and

turned the pages. It was as if

the book had a message for me

and only me. Learning how

to read allowed me to create.

In sounding out the letters I

created syllables, then words,

then sentences and finally

paragraphs. As I became older

I turned those paragraphs into

pages, then stories and then

Lifetime of Learning

Th e important thing is not so much that every child

should be taught, as that every child should be given

the wish to learn.

John Lubbock

books. Reading opened up my

mind and in turn opened up

the world to me.

I remember thinking

that because I could read I

could teach myself anything.

Obviously, it takes much more

than reading about something

to become an expert at it but

reading about it will get you

started down the right path.

Reading started me down

my path towards a lifetime of

learning. Just as other interests

do for other people.

For instance, a young boy

takes apart his fi rst toy truck

and studies the bits and pieces

and eventually puts it back

together. In doing so he begins

down the path of a lifetime of

learning how things work and

fi nds that he has an aptitude

that not everyone has. Others

soon ask him to fi x things for

them and he gains a sense of

pride and accomplishment to

be able to do this for others.

A young girl watches as

her mother and grandmother

knead the dough for an apple

pie that has become a family

trademark. She watches as

they peel the apples, measure

out the sugar and is delighted

when they allow her for the

fi rst time to crimp the edges of

the doughy crust with a fork.

She will remember the aroma

of the kitchen and the oohs and aahs of family members

when the freshly baked pie is

ceremoniously pulled f rom

the oven and placed on the

table fi rst to be admired and

then to be shared. She takes

those memories, makes them

her own and soon is proud

to produce her own delicious

baked delicacies.

We all learn from watching

and then doing. We want to

learn more about a subject

because of the way it makes us

feel. Th at sense of comfort in

our ability. We are relaxed when

we are doing what we love and

often we love sharing that

ability with others. We thrive

off that nervous energy we feel

just before we are able to share

our talent with someone else.

As parents it is our

responsibility to share our

passion for our abilities with

our children and to allow them

to develop their own special

talents. We must share our

stories of accomplishments,

big and not so big, with the

children in our lives. We must

tell them the story of how

we practiced, how we made

mistakes and finally how we

came out victorious on the

Now EnrollingPRE-SCHOOL

Cutting Edge Curriculum

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Kim Tinkham (and some very close friends) celebrate the name change from Parker County Kids to Parker County Family Magazine and the beginning of the magazine’s third year in Parker County at a Weatherford Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting.

other side.

Let us commit our lives

to learning how to be better

at what we are good at now.

Let us make time in our day, if

only fi ve minutes, to do what

we love. Let us share our talent

and passion with those around

us and allow them to share

theirs with us. Th at, my friend,

is what a lifetime of learning is

all about.

Enjoy the issue! ■

www.parkercountyfamily.com Follow us at twitter.com/parkercounty Inspiring Parents! Motivating Kids! Celebrating Life! 9www.parkercountyfamily.com Follow us at twitter.com/parkercounty Inspiring Parents! Motivating Kids! Celebrating Life! 9

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL IN PARKER COUNTY


Today, the college admissions process is becoming more competitive than

ever, and understanding what is needed for college admissions and prep success is sometimes the toughest part of the preparation. Th ere are simple steps you can take that will help you prepare for college. Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of in-center and live, online tutoring at home to students of all ages and skill levels, is off ering a three-tiered approach to help students ace their college entrance exams and develop the skills needed for lifelong success. Plan For College: Your starting point for a successful academic life is to understand the process and lay the groundwork for college in junior high and high school. And, getting ready for college isn’t just a job for students - it also requires parents to be prepared.FREE “Test Stress: A Parent’s Real Guide to College Test Prep” Seminars Obtaining a college education requires time, eff ort and careful planning by students and parents working together.

A Th ree-Tiered Approach for College Admission: Plan, Prepare, Practice

By John Lee, Director Sylvan Learning Center

To help navigate the college prep process, the Sylvan Learning of Weatherford is off ering free workshops for parents, “Test Stress: A Parent’s Real Guide to College Test Prep,” dedicated to helping families navigate through the SAT/ACT and the complex college admissions process. Th e fun, interactive seminar features advice from Sylvan educators and leading college admission experts, college coaches and guidance counselors to help parents understand how to create a successful plan for the college application season. Families can then use Sylvan’s f ree, customized College Planner, Parent Resource Guide and High School Tracking Program to ensure their teenagers are college admission ready. Prepare For College: Equipped with the knowledge of what college entails, the next critical step is to assess your strengths and areas that need improvement and then map your plan to prepare for admission tests.“Reduce the Stress: Ace the Test” School Fundraisers

Th e Sylvan Learning of Weatherford is teaming up with area high school guidance counselors and principals to implement “Reduce the Stress: Ace the Test” SAT/ACT practice test events that serve as fundraisers for participating schools. Schools provide SAT/ACT practice exams (for a nominal fee), with proceeds going to the schools’ designated improvement funds to help pay for extracurricular programs, fi eld trips and other school or classroom activities. Sylvan Learning with its College Prep professionals will then review and score the results and provide students with in-person improvement sessions to pinpoint areas of success in order to guide them as they prepare for the actual SAT or ACT. Improve Your Test Scores During this time of the year, families are looking for ways to increase their children’s chances for college acceptance and increase their SAT/ACT scores. Th is will help increase their chances for college scholarship opportunities. To aid students in their preparation for these high-stakes tests, Sylvan Learning of Weatherford off ers targeted, individualized SAT/ACT programs that help students improve their test scores. A majority of students in the Sylvan College Prep program increase their scores which helps them improve their chances to earn scholarships. Off ered in one-on-one, small group and larger seminar settings, these classes are fi ve to eight weeks in length. A student takes a practice exam before the classes begin, at the halfway point and at the end of the series of classes. Th e program focuses on the exact skills needed to successfully answer test questions and off ers specialized instruction in specifi c subject areas such as advanced mathematics, college prep writing and advanced reading. Practice For College: Practice helps a student become college ready. The key to realizing your college potential lies in understanding that academic prowess is cumulative. Academically, high placement in math courses and mastery of mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills are critical to lifelong success. To help students succeed under pressure, the Sylvan Learning of Weatherford off ers a variety of tools to improve mathematical fl uency.SchoolMathPrep.com Recognizing the need for supplemental math resources, the Sylvan Learning of Weatherford is off ering SchoolMathPrep.com, a free, online math resource, to our

neighborhood middle and high schools. Grade 7-12 teachers and students can use SchoolMathPrep.com at school during school hours - for remediation, enrichment or test preparation. Th e educator-created site delivers more than 2,000 instructor-led videos covering 750 lessons in pre-algebra, algebra and geometry. Each lesson includes sample problems, summary notes, a quiz, a worksheet and a deep thought question. Additionally, SchoolMathPrep.com off ers specifi c lessons designed to address the math concepts assessed on the SAT/ACT exams. Educators interested in learning more about this free math resource from the Sylvan Learning of Weatherford are encouraged to visit www.SchoolMathPrep.com.SylvanMathPrep.comSylvanMathPrep.com complements Sylvan’s superior in-center math programs and supplements SchoolMathPrep.com. SylvanMathPrep.com is an online math resource for families and students in grades seven through twelve that utilizes the same instructor-led video format and the same educational features as the free school product - including powerful search functions by concept, keyword and textbook (for a majority of U.S. middle and high school math textbooks). Parents and students can search for topics or select a teen’s textbook and enter the page number of the homework problem. Th en, a one to three minute, “how-to” video corresponding to the specifi c homework assignment is available for viewing. Most importantly, parents can utilize the video math lessons to work with their teenagers to recall “forgotten” math concepts so students are ready to tackle math throughout the school year. Families can access lessons in a variety of topics including pre-algebra, algebra, geometry and math test preparation programs for the SAT and ACT. With SylvanMathPrep.com, students can experience on-the-spot and around-the-clock math homework support from the comfort of home. Parents and students interested in a f ree trial of this cost-eff ective, “just in time” math homework help resource are encouraged to visit www.SylvanMathPrep.com. Using this three-pronged approach while preparing for college will ensure students have years of fun and discovery ahead of them as they enter into college life and, eventually, successful careers in the fi elds of their choosing. ■


Parenting Tomorrow’s LeadersBy Keitha Story-Stephenson, DS

The idea of lifetime learning as a goal for all people –

young, old, man, women or child – speaks to the uniqueness of the human experience. Everyday new experiences present themselves to us. New challenges, new opportunities loom in the shadows of possibility. Teaching your children to approach learning as a lifetime joy often will mean a mind changing challenge for you, the parent fi rst. Somewhere in history, children began to dread the idea of study and learning. But by my defi nition, children are learning machines. They can quote countless lyrics to songs; recite sports stats with unbelievable skill, construct complex structures from sand or Legos® or clay; regal their friends with histories of their favorite television programs and characters; amaze parents with

Lifetime Learning Improves Daily Life

A mind that is

stretched by education

can never go back to its

old dimensions.

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

new and often shocking food combinations like a chemist or chef. Th ey – we - were born to learn. I have always believed that children should never be punished with learning or study. They should be encouraged to seek new answers and try new adventures. They should be challenged to learn new tasks daily. As a retired school administrator, I watched children bloom under the simple directive to learn three new things each day. To change this negative mindset in parent and child, you must begin to see the possibilities that lay before you. Can something be accomplished more effi ciently? Is there an easier way to improve expected results? Most importantly, can you make the task of learning as rewarding as the end result?

It has been said that man learns until the day he dies. If you stop learning, does that not mean you have begun the process of dying? Change you mind. Change your mindset. Begin by looking at learning as a growth process. Reward yourself and your child as you increase your learning. Discover new things together. Share the growth. Read with your child. Read more than storybooks. Share the newspaper. Use the paper as a tool to increase interest in the world around them. Turn off the television and let your child teach you what they learned today. Nothing is too small. Use the information passed on to learn more about your child. Challenge your child with thoughts more mature than their years; for example, ask for a way to end hunger, poverty, or war. Ask for their

insight into household tasks. Most importantly, listen. Learning should have a personal reward and purpose. School often teaches learning for the sole sake of learning. Teach yourself and your child, math improves logical thinking skills and problem solving. You may never use algebra in your life but you will need logic and problem solving. History teaches us what not to repeat in our behavior and what is good and purposeful about man. Science teaches orderly thinking – putting things in progressive order like planning for the future step by step. Music and art teach the beauty of life and production value. Holmes was correct in his understanding that a mind expanded by education will never return to its original shape. Learn for a lifetime for a lifetime of joy and pleasure.■

Keitha Story-Stephenson, DS, owner of BlueSky Wellness Center, provides private consultation in Nutritional Wellness, Weight M a n a g e m e n t , A D D / A D H D Nutritional Management, and other Alternative Health Care, including private, alternative individual behavior counseling. Services are available by appointment in Decatur at 506 West Walnut, . Call 817-239-9525 or 940-626-9898 for appointment or visit us www.blueskywellnesscenter.com for more information.

Helping kids grow mentally, spiritually, physically,and socially through learning stations that instruct in:

WRITING READING PHONICS PRE-MATH COMPUTERS BIBLE MUSIC DANCE GYMNASTICS ART SOCIAL PLAY and MORE!

Call or stop by today to check out all of our exciting programs!

1308 Santa Fe Dr. Weatherford, TX 76086

(817) 596-9689visit us online at www.therockinfo.org


Managing your administrativetasks from MY office!

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Deborah Reynolds, Owner and Virtual Assistant817-501-6019

[email protected]

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next meeting or event with us!

817.599.4040175 Alford Drive

Weatherford, Texas 76086www.marriott.com/DFWWS

For scheduled events and reminders of happenings, go to our website:www.parkercountyfamily.com or get reminders by following us at Twitter.com/parkercounty.Sign up today!


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Lifelong learning – “the lifelong, life-

wide, voluntary and self-motivated

pursuit of knowledge for personal or

professional reasons” – is not just an

adult concern. Th ose seeking to gather

new skills, to expand their knowledge

in any number of fi elds, to meet others

interested in similar pursuit – or all

of the above – have most likely been

curious for that which was known

for many years simply as “continuing

education.”

But a love for lifelong learning

need not be for adults alone. It can and

should also be encouraged among all

family members. Children are especially

capable of fostering a love for learning.

Th eir young, eager minds are specifi cally

adapted from birth to be in a constant

search for new information.

Th e complex organ we call the brain

continues to reveal its mysteries through

numerous scientifi c studies. Among the

knowledge that has been gleaned in

recent studies are the following:

♫ At birth a baby has 100 billion

unconnected neurons in their

brains, all of which are looking for

networks.

♫ As a child grows, thousands of

networks are formed through

junctions called synapses.

Music From The Heart By Holly Hughes

After spending twenty years as a university professor of music, Dr. Holly Hughes moved to Weatherford and founded The Burch School of Music with her husband, Fred Burch. For more information about them and about the Burch School, log onto www.burchshool.com.

♫ By age 10 a child has developed

trillions of complex synapses within

their brains.

Dr. Don Campbell, in his book Th e Mozart Eff ect for Children, writes that

those things which children see, hear,

touch, and experience during their fi rst

10 years infl uences not just their general

development, but it actually aff ects, on

a moment-to-moment basis, how their

brains are wired.

Music plays a critical role in this

process of wiring the brain.

Dr. Campbell further reveals that:

♫ Young children who receive regular

music training demonstrate better

motor skills, math ability, and

reading performance.

♫ High school students who sing or

play an instrument score up to 52

points higher on SAT tests than.

♫ College students who listen to ten

minutes of Mozart’s Sonata for Two

Pianos in D Major, (K. 448) tend to

score higher on the spatial-temporal

portion of IQ tests immediately

afterward.

♫ Adult musicians’ brains exhibit more

EEG (brainwave) coherence than

non-musicians – and even differ

anatomically in musicians who began

their training before age seven.

Music develops the area of

the brain that controls math,

language, and abstract thinking.

By fostering a love for music,

we can also foster a thirst for

continued learning. As music

teachers we see first-hand

the benefi ts of music study in

developing habits needed for

lifelong learning.

The wide-eyed look of

amazement and the beaming

smile of a child who has

mastered a diffi cult passage of

music are sure signs that they

are developing a thirst for

more. Th is same satisfaction –

sometimes expressed through

tears – of an adult who has

realized their dream of “making

music” means that in achieving

that goal, they will be eager to

press forward.

Why not make music a

part of your daily routine, no

matter what your age? You may

be surprised at all the benefi ts

and joys you will fi nd in this

engaging – and lifelong –

activity! ■

I really enjoy your publication and my family and I look forward to reading it every month. The “Doright Guy” as we call him is always a lot of fun to fi nd. It is wonderful to have something my whole family can enjoy together. — Stephany Ashcraft

Why I readTh e advice I am giving always to all my students is

above all to study the music profoundly... music is like

the ocean, and the instruments are little or bigger

islands, very beautiful for the fl owers and trees.

Andres Segovia


Did you know…Chiropractic is safe for kids and expecting moms?

Want to learn more? Call us at 817-594-5944 or visit our website www.drwright.topchiro.com

Wright Chiropractic Health Center, PA, Dr. Heather Wright, BS, DC, CCEP

702B Eureka St., Weatherford

Enjoying New River Kids Camp 2009.Pearce Lancarte and his teacher,

Mrs Leeper.

Wright Elementary kindergartner Zoe Boles enjoys her fi rst day of schoolwith a nutritious meal in the cafeteria.

Curtis Elementary kindergartner Rachel Tesi enjoys her sandwich in the cafeteria during Monday’s fi rst day of school.


Sharing the roads and supporting the families and youth of Parker County since 1985.

Samantha and Caitlin Ainsworth give mom a smile before heading off back

to school.

A Lifetime of Learning in Parker County. Deborah Cron, Superintendent of Weatherford ISD is the mother of Jessica Robert who is the Assistant

Principal at Aledo Middle School and mother of Dylan Robert, 5 years old, kindergartener at Austin Elementary.

Kara Norman looks forward to another exciting school year.

Enjoying summer music camp with friends.

Samantha and Caitlin Ainsworth give Lifetime of Learning in Parker County. Deborah Cron, Superintendent

Seguin Elementary School kindergart-ner Hannah Keahy receives a comfort-ing hug from Tabitha Psencik during Monday’s fi rst day of school at Weatherford ISD for the 2009-10 school year. WISD welcomed 498 new kindergartners to the District.


Students “took a trip” to

the rainforest this summer

during Rainforest Camp at Th e

Burch School of Music. Students

learned about the value of our

rainforests and the price we pay

when we lose these wonderful

ecosystems. Th ey learned about

the fl ora and fauna of the various

forests across the globe, while

singing, reading, moving and

listening. Here Jasmin Patterson

is being swallowed by a boa

constrictor while classmates

Mason Shaw, Leah Tell and July

Patterson are helping. Although

the humorous song by Shel

Silverstein ends with “and I don’t

like it one bit!” you can see from

their faces that this was one of

their favorite activities. Dr. Holly

Hughes was the instructor, and

Hannah Penny (background) was

teacher’s aide during this week of

educational fun. (Not pictured

was camper Mathias Harmer.) ■


Attorneys & Counselors at LawTim Mendolia and Tim McWilliams

Willow Park, Texas 76087

www.mayofirm.com

MECHANICAL, INC.

Com

mitted to Excellence Brendon Barker, Comfort Consultant

[email protected] County 817/596-0309Hood County 817/573-8555

24 hour service • www.lightfootmechanical.comTACLA001791C

FreeComfort & Healthy Air Home Inspection$79 Value

Members of the WHS Ninth Grade Center JV Jazz dance team recently took home a platinum trophy while attending their Extreme Dance

Camp over the summer.

A performance of “The Noize,” a new music and dance ministryof New River Fellowship.

The WHS Ninth Grade Center cheerleaders would like to thank Roger Grizzard, owner of The Pizza Place, for his continued support in

helping the girls throughout their recent fundraiser.

About a dozen students enrolled in a summer camp at The Burch School of Music called “I Write the Songs.” Over the course of several weeks they had private instruction on their skills as young composers. Eleven of the twelve chose piano solo as their medium, while the twelfth, Angie McCullough, tried her hand at a song for voice and piano. Many of these students will continue to fi ne-tune their works for competitions throughout the year. At the end of the camp, a recital was held for students to perform their pieces for parents and friends at Bethel United Methodist Church, and they were very well received. Shown here are students who performed their own solos at Bethel UMC: Seated Emily Pruitt and Jessica Peterson; Standing: Noah Patty, Brayton Mitchell, Abby Patty, Matthew Thomas and Matthew Mize.


Deborah King is President of Final Touch Finishing School, Inc. which she founded in 1989 in Seattle. As a certifi ed image professional, with over 30 years of experience, she presents her programs nationally and internationally for youth and corporate clients. She is co-author of “Image Power” and developer of several educational tools. www.fi naltouchschool.com

Life Skills By Deborah King, AICI CIP

The role of women in society

cannot be filled by any

other. Women uniquely impact

the family and the community.

Typically, they manage the

home, provide the meals, select

the clothing, chauffer the

children, volunteer at school,

church and other clubs. Over

ninety percent of women also

work a part of full time job.

Balancing all the roles a

woman embraces is not easy.

Th e Power of Clothing and Behavior

John Adams, the second president of the United States said: “From all that I had read of history and government of human life and manners, I had drawn this conclusion, that the manners of women were the most infallible barometer to ascertain the degree of morality and virtue of a nation.” (Dee Jepsen, Women Beyond Equal Rights (Waco: Word, 1984), quoted in James Robinson, Attack on the Family (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1981), 33.

Learning how to set priorities

and how to say ‘no’ is essential.

Women simply cannot, nor

should not, do everything that

comes their way.

One area women have a

unique opportunity to infl uence

others in is through their

clothing choices. Unfortunately,

many have followed the

trends set by the media.

Fashion continually pushes

the boundaries of what is

acceptable with little regard for

the impact on women. Super

thin models, scantily dressed

and airbrushed to appear

flawless create an unrealistic

ideal of what it means to be

beautiful. These images fill

the fashion magazines and the

minds of our girls resulting in

a loss of self-esteem and the

belief that they must dress and

look the same if they are to be

‘pretty’ and acceptable in our

society.

Unfor tunate l y, many

mothers have also yielded to

the media pressure. Th ey shop

where their daughter shops

and wear what their teenage

daughter wears affirming

that being young and sexy is

the goal. Modesty has all but

evaporated from most closets.

A woman who knows

how to use fashion to dress

appropriately for her age, to

enhance her body type and

coloring, to be fashionable and

yet modest, is a joy to all who

meet her. Th e truth is, one is

always more interesting when

they leave some things to the

imagination. A beautifully

groomed and dressed woman

is a gift to all who meet her

and provides an excellent role

model for others.

Another area women

have opportunity to infl uence

others in is by the practice and

use of good manners. A child

learns what they live. A child

who is raised in a home where

good manners are modeled and

valued will always benefi t.

Unfortunately, the media has

also set the tone for much of

today’s behavior. Television and

movies portray children and

teens mocking adults and being

disrespectful while viewers

laugh and enjoy popcorn. Th e

family dinner table has been

replaced with drive through

menus and playgrounds. Gifts

are expected and thank you

cards are neglected.

Mastering the skills for

appropriate dress and behavior

is a must for every woman. If

you have not learned these

skills, make time to do so now

and watch the power of your

infl uence soar!

Civility Tip #8Body ManagementYou demonstrate kindness and

respect for yourself and others

through how you manage your

body, appearance and behavior.

1. Maintain a healthy weight.

2. Exercise regularly.

3. Be well groomed.

4. Dress appropriately for the

situation you are in.

5. Practice good manners.

Now enrolling for the Fall Semester!

Happy Day Christian Learning Center

Tuesday and Thursday

from 8:30 to 2:30

beginning September 1, 2009

There are a few spaces available,

please call 817-596-0100, ext 108 –

for more information visit:

www.lakeshorebaptist.com

Carey Hix, an adjunct instructor for Weatherford College has just been promoted to a full time position teaching in the English department. Carey attended Aledo High School, and is a TCU Journalism Graduate and has her Masters degree of Humanities from the University of Dallas. Congratulations!


Parker County Church Directory

Attention Churches: Would you like to be listed in our church directory?Contact us today for special pricing and availability.

[email protected] 888-878-8465

Can summer camp really be this much fun?Learning and playing at Music camp.

Can summer camp really be this much fun?

Recognizinga Stroke…

REMEMBER THE STEPS

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the syptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:1. S* Ask the individual to SMILE2. T* Ask the person to TALK, SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (coherently) (i.e. … It is sunny out today)3. R* Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH

ARMS. Note: Another sign of a stroke is this: Ask the person to “stick” out their tongue. If the tongue is “crooked,” if it goes to one side or the other, that is also an indication of a stroke.

If he or she has trouble with any one of these tasks, call 911 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

Mary Martin Elementary kindergartner Austin Garretson places a sticker on a graph to show whether or not he was nervous on the fi rst day

of school. Garretson is in Mrs. Willoughby’s kindergarten class.

All the world is a laboratory

to the inquiring mind.

Martin H. Fischer


Laying Down The Law By Timothy J. Mendolia

Ask us about solutions that meet your financial needs.

817-598-2241 • bbvacompass.com

BBVA Compass is a trade name ofCompass Bank, Member FDIC.

Security SystemsCustom Pre-Wires24 Hour MonitoringSecurity Cameras

920 S. MainWeatherford, Texs 76086

[email protected]

Everyone of us have been

told at one time or

another that we should plan for

the future, save money, have a

will, have a plan for future care

whether it was by a friend who

is now caring for a parent ’s

needs, or who just lost a family

member, or someone that heard

a horror story about someone

dying without a will. It is true.

We all should have a plan and

at the very least a simple will to

express your wishes upon your

death, whether it be who may

get a certain special personal

item or who you wish to care

for your children if you were

to pass, or who you wish to

take care of the estate to make

sure your wishes are followed.

But, for a family with a child,

or children, with special

needs, this is a must, not just

something to think about.

Consider all the paperwork

and bureaucracy that you had

to go through to qualify your

child for government assistance

and/or social security benefi ts.

Then consider, a member of

your family having to take on

this same task for your child

while dealing with the loss of

you and their normal, everyday

tasks of life. Th is is a very likely

scenario in the case of your

early death. While no one

wishes to consider their death

and how it may aff ect others,

if you wish for your child with

special needs to continue the

care and assistance that you

worked so hard to attain, you

must plan accordingly. As you

know, the receipt of government

assistance is predicated upon

your child’s income and value

of property owned, therefore,

if you or a relative, passes and

leaves assets to this child, which

could occur through a will or

through passing without a will,

very likely such inheritance

could cause the loss of the

benefits you have worked so

hard to acquire for your child.

So, how do you prevent

this type of tragedy created by

inheritance? Th ere are simple

wills and trusts (a special

needs trust) that can be set up

to avoid these types of issues,

as well as, other documents

(declaration of guardianship

and letter of intent) which

should be created to assist

and guide whomever you have

chosen to care for your child

after your death. A special

needs trust is a document that

can be created which safeguards

assets for the child to be used

for the child’s needs, but is not

considered part of the child’s

assets, most specifi cally, so as

not to lose government benefi ts

due to value of the assets held

by the trust. A declaration of

guardianship is a document

to be considered by a court in

determining who shall be your

child’s guardian upon your

death. It is your wishes set out

for the court to consider, and

generally, barring any issues

with the person chosen by

you, is followed by the court in

determining a legal guardian.

A letter of intent, is extremely

important for the person

you have chosen to care for

your children. The document

outlines the care and benefi ts

your child is receiving. It

outlines your plan for the such

care and benefits. It outlines

the costs and how those costs

will be funded (usually by a life

insurance policy on your life

paid to the special needs trust.)

It is basically a road map for

this caretaker, who most likely

does not have experience

dealing with children with

special needs issues, to follow.

After you have set up

the correct documents for

yourself, you must then look

to other family members, like

grandparents, that may have

your children as benefi ciaries

of inheritance. Again, a

grandparent’s will, or lack of

will, may not be something that

you directly think as aff ecting

your chi ld ’s government

benefits, but remember, any

assets owned by the child, or

even in trust for a child if not

properly drafted to consider

special needs, may cause the

child to lose such benefi ts due

to value owned by that child. A

simple addition, called a codicil,

to a will changing any proceeds

from going to your child with

special needs to the special

needs trust corrects this issue.

Yes, everyone should plan

ahead, but for a family with

special needs it is imperative

for your child and for the

person you choose to care for

your child upon your death.

Obviously, there are many

other issues to consider in

this planning that should be

discussed with a financial

planner and lawyer who

understand families with

children with special needs.

You can learn a great deal more

about these topics and others

concerning children with

special needs at the Planning

for the Future, Post School

Connections seminar presented

by Weatherford ISD, which

be held at the Weatherford

College, Doss Student Center,

225 College Park Drive,

Weatherford, Texas, f rom 9

a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday,

September 19, 2009. ■

Timothy J. Mendolia, a Weatherford native, graduated from Baylor Law School in 1994 and soon after founded, along with partner, Keith Mayo, another Weatherford native, what has become Mayo Mendolia & Starr, LLP, a law fi rm of 15 attorneys and offi ces in Willow Park, Southlake, Dallas, Royse City, and Tyler, Texas. Willow Park offi ce located at 5189 E. I-20, N. Service Rd., Suite 104, Willow Park, Texas 76087, 817.546.4100.

Families with Children with Special Needs need Special Planning

Timothy J Mendolia a Weatherford


Shop LocallyInvest in YOUR CommunityLocal Sales Tax Supports YOUR City and County Services

Healthy Sales Tax Receipts Keep YOUR Property Taxes low!

Kalyn’s Country Day 817.596.9596 817.594.9990

Reading Friends Academic Preschool 817.441.6060 Sprouts Learning Center 817.441.1906sproutslearningcenter.net

Childcare

Parker County Committee on Aging 817.596.4640 -Senior Center-Meals on Wheels-Transportation- Residential Repair and moreAdult Protective Services Hotline 800.252.5400 940.325.6959AARP 888.687.2277 Local 817.599.8601The Weatherford Senior Center 817.596.4640Legal Hotline for Older Texans 800.622.2520

Senior Citizens

Disabled American VeteransTransportation Network817.347.7352Veterans Services of Parker County 817.598.6152

Veteran Services

Burch School of Music817-341-2345

Reading Friends Academic Preschool 817.441.6060 Sylvan Learning Center 817.594.4461

Weatherford College 817.594.5471

Education - Private THE ROCK 817-596-9689 Weatherford Little League 817.599.0456

Sports/Recreation

East Parker County Library201 FM 1187 NorthAledo, TX 76008www.epclibrary.com817.441.6545Tues-Fri 10am-6pmSa 11am-3pmStory Time Fridays 10:30am

Springtown Public Library626 N. Main StrettSpringtown, TX 76082(817) 523-5862Sun-Mon ClosedTues 10am-8pmWed - Thus 12-6pmFri 9am-5pmSat 9am-12noon

Weatherford Public Library1014 Charles StWeatherford TX, 76086817.598.4150www.wpltx.comMon–Thu 10am– 8pmFri–Sa 10am–6pmSu 2pm– 6pmStory Time Wednesdays 10:30am

LibrariesParker County Animal Shelter 817.598.4111

Animal Control

Aledo Children’s AdvoCats 817.31.0777

A Place for Grace 817.613.9947

CASA of Parker County 817.599.6224

Center of Hope (Aledo) 817.441.2442

Center of Hope (Weatherford) 817.594.0266

Crossroads Youth Ministries of Parker County, IncJeff Johnson817-304-7472

Freedom House 817.596.7543

Goodwill Store 817.613.0825

Grace House Pregnancy Assistance Center 817.599.4700

Manna Storehouse, Inc. 817.599.6569

United Way 817.596.5986

on-Pro ts

Aledo Community Lions Club 817.441.9053

East Parker County Genealogy and Historical Society 817.441.7517

Parker County 4-H 817.598.6172Parker County Heritage Society 817.596.8108

Parker County Master Gardener Association 817.598.6168

Parker County Sheriff’s Posse 817.599.9076

Parker County Extension Education Clubs call 817-598-6168

Weatherford Optimist Clubwww.weatherfordoptimist.org

Weatherford Toastmasters 817.598.1577

Miscellaneous


Texas Drinking Water Systemsof Weatherford

817-598-0626www.txdrinkingwater.comServing Parker, Palo Pinto,Wise and Jack Counties

We Fix Water!

WIN-GEN POWERA subsidiary of Loree Long, Inc.

3249 FM 51 NorthWeatherford, Tx 76085-8216

817-599-4528817-304-2418 817-304-3042

Learn To Love The

Wind

Wright Chiropractic Health Center thanks the following sponsors for their contribution in making the

Inaugural Hot Dog Trot benefi ting Parker Paws a

dog gone success!

PLATINUM SPONSORSThe Weatherford Democrat

Parker County Family MagazineThe Community News

GOLD SPONSORSFirst Financial BankDillard Feed & SeedPower House GymIESI Corporation

SILVER SPONSORSAledo Vet Clinic

Jeannie Wood RealtySouthwest Ford

New River FellowshipPlains Capitol BankStovall Corporation

C.J. Services

Presented by Wright Chiropractic Health Center

817-594-5944www.drwright.topchiro.com

TAKE A RIDE TO AND FROM TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY AND TAKE A SPIN ON THE TRACK

BENEFITING SPRINGTOWN HIGH SCHOOL 2010 PROJECT CELEBRATIONSeptember 19, 2009

We have a great evening planned for all ages! We will start out at Ft. Worth Harley Davidson where registration will begin at 3pm. Enjoy the Springtown High School Jazz Band play some great music during registration. The cost will be $20.00 per bike for the ride; cars are also welcome and will be behind the bikes. (This will be an escorted ride) At about 5pm we will fi re them up and head out to Lake Worth to Boat Club Rd. to HWY 114, then to Texas Motor Speedway. We will have a staging area set up and the bikes will go onto the Speedway as groups of 50 at a time. The fee to ride the track will be $5.00 per person for 3 laps. If you would like to take addition laps there will be another fee of $5 per person and you must go to the end of the line. (This is only if time allows) After your ride around the track, you may proceed to Victory Lane for your photo of you and your bike. If you don’t have a camera we will have one ready and will send your photo to you by email for $5.00. At 9pm we will take off back to Ft. Worth and go through North Side’s Old Stock Yard and then head to Sundance Square to see all the lights of Downtown Ft. Worth( not escorted). Our fi nal destination will be the Brand new OMNI Hotel! The hotel has great food and drinks, and a great band, “Three Fools on Stools”, will be awaiting our arrival. If you would like to stay the night, we will have blocked off rooms for you at a great rate. We hope you will enjoy this event and know that some great kids are very thankful for your help in sending them off from High School. For more info, about sponsorship or ride info email Larry at [email protected]. NOTE: Helmet required on track.

Sponsors: Texas motor speedway, Omni Hotel Ft. Worth, Fort Worth Harley, Elegant Waters Pool & Spa 817-371-2866, www.lets-ride.com, Ride Safe Roadside Rescue For sponsors info call Larry Dorman.

Fiction is not my forte, but I’m

always in the middle of two or

three books. All my reading

is in an eff ort to obtain

knowledge on one

subject or another,

f rom gardening

to f rugality and

health concerns to

Christian living.

M y a b s o l u t e

favorite Christian author

is Elizabeth George. Growing

up without a female role model, I

absorbed everything she wrote. She

became my “Titus 2” woman. One thing

she taught that I never forgot is called

“Th e Five Fat Files.” You select fi ve areas

that you’d like to become

an expert in and label a

fi le for each of them.

To determine your

topics, ask yourself what

you want to be known for

and what interests you?

Some of your fi les may

be on child-raising,

organization, gardening

or prayer.

Once you have your topics,

start fi lling the fi les. Anytime you fi nd

an article, book, specialized magazine,

news clippings, or attend seminars, place

the information in your fat fi le. You are

not limited to those fi ve. Once you have

learned what you want to know or your

Five Fat FilesBy Rose Jordan

interest in the topic is on a temporary

respite, you can start a new fi le.

One of my fi les is on genealogy.

I visit it in spurts. I’ ll work at it

passionately for a time and then get

bored with it. Th en, I’m off on another

pursuit. Since I’m often involved in

many projects simultaneously and there

is always something more I want to

learn, this advice has helped give focus

to my learning endeavors.

Tell me about your fat fi les. Find me

on Facebook. Maybe we can compare

notes!! ■

Facebook: Rose McCombs Jordan


For more fi nancial advice, plus special offers to our readers, please visit www.davesays.org

Dear Dave, My boyfriend was supposed to

help me pay for my car, but he moved

out and left me. Now, I can’t aff ord the

$500 monthly payment. I work 35 hours

a week, but I only make minimum wage.

Th e car is still worth about $19,000, but

I owe $20,000 on the loan. What can I

do?

— Rachel

Dear Rachel, You went car crazy, and bought a

vehicle that was way out of your league.

Th ere’s only one thing you can do – sell

the car!

Right now, your entire financial

world is wrapped up in paying for

this thing. Having a live-in boyfriend,

and relying on him to help make the

payment, was a big mistake, too. When

he left, the fi nancial support went with

him.

At this point, all you need is

enough credit to cover the hole that

you dug. Go to your local bank or credit

union, and try to get a very small loan

for about $3,000. If the car will sell for

$19,000, then sell it, and use $1,000

to cover the diff erence. Th en, take the

remaining $2,000, and buy yourself a

little junker. I’m talking about basic,

ugly transportation. Next, pick up a

part-time job on the side, and work like

crazy for a few months to get that loan

paid back as fast as possible.

Th is is a painful process, but there’s

a good side. When it’s all said and done,

you will have learned a lesson that will

last you the rest of your life. You won’t

make this mistake again!

— Dave

Dear Dave, Does it matter who keeps the

checkbook when you’re married? I’m

not good with numbers, but I feel

strange because my wife handles these

things. Is there anything wrong with

this situation?

— Daniel

Dear Daniel, Th ere’s nothing at all wrong with

your situation. We all have different

gifts, so it just makes sense that whoever

is better organized, or better with

numbers, should handle this kind of

thing.

In each marriage there’s a nerd and

a free spirit. Th e nerd is the one that’s

organized, and very good at keeping

everything in place. Th e free spirit is not

a detail-oriented person. Th is doesn’t

mean they’re not concerned, or that

they’re irresponsible, but they just aren’t

as administratively-gifted. Th ey don’t

get a rush when the checkbook balances

out.

However, that doesn’t mean that

whoever keeps the checkbook should

make all the fi nancial decisions, either.

Those decisions, like all others in a

marriage, should be made together with

input from both the husband and the

wife. When you do a budget, you should

both sit down together, and come to an

agreement on where the money’s going

each month.

Trust me, if you follow these

guidelines the checkbook will be

accurate, plus you’ll experience increased

unity in your daily lives and better

communication in your marriage!

— Dave

AISD Reports Single Case of H1N1 Virus(Swine Flu)

Aledo ISD has issued an

important health report: Aledo

Middle School has reported a

confi rmed case of the H1N1 virus,

commonly known as the Swine Flu.

The District sanitizes common

areas such as water fountains and

door handles between each class,

but according to the Texas Health

Department, the BEST prevention

for the spread of the H1N1 virus

is to wash hands often and seek

medical attention at the fi rst sign

of any flulike symptoms. Please

urge your child/children to wash

their hands often and keep them at

home if symptoms appear.

Email us your digital pictures with captions to [email protected].

How do I get my kid’s picture in to the magazine? It’s Easy!

It’s Free!


Two Years ofParker County Kids

has grown tohas grown to

New name with the same great content and more –

www.ParkerCountyFamily.com

Inspiring Parents, Motivating Kids andCelebrating Life in Parker County, Texas

Parker County Family Sep09

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