2022 APRIL TCP Flipbook PDF - PDF Free Download (2024)

2204_local covers custom.qxp 3/14/22 11:46 AM Page 9

Texas CiTy disasTer’s

SCARS ENDURE

Two-fisTed wesT Texas

LAW AND ORDER

weeds geT The

LAST LAUGH

FOR SAN BERNARD EC MEMBERS

APRIL 2022

Wheel Deal Food Truck Championship challengers draw big crowds to a small town

SAN BERNARD EC NEWS S E E PA G E 1 8

contents

April 2022 04 06 18

29 30 34 10 08 Heroes

Next Door

Seventy-five years after the Texas City disaster, those who rushed in haven’t been forgotten. By Bill Minutaglio

Best in Tow Chefs bring big-time flavor to small-town Graham for the Food Truck Championship of Texas. By Amanda Ogle Photos by Tom Hussey

37 38

Currents The latest buzz TCp Talk Readers respond Co-op news Information plus energy and safety tips from your cooperative Footnotes in Texas history Two-Fisted Law and Order By W.F. Strong TCp Kitchen Brunch By Megan Myers hit the road Swinging Through Time By Chet Garner Focus on Texas Photo Contest: All Wet observations No Hedging By Sheryl Smith-Rodgers

On The COver

Lyn Sharp awaits the next order in Danibelle’s Lebanese Cuisine food truck. AbOve

The crew from rack Attack barbecue celebrates winning the grand champion belt. Photos by Tom Hussey T e x ASC O OppOwer .COm

A p r i L 2 0 2 2 T E X AS C O - O P POW E R 3

Currents

“Genius is 1%

Count on Lineworkers

inspiration, 99% perspiration.” — Thomas edison

e l e CT r i C C o - o p s

Finish This senTenCe I RememBeR WHeN A DOLLAR COuLD Buy ... Tell us how you would finish that

sentence. email your short responses to [emailprotected] or

comment on our Facebook post. include your co-op and town.

below are some of the responses to

our February prompt: The baby of the family always …

remembers things differently.

STe ve AnD LiSA bOSTOn v i A FAC e b O O k

Gets his way and mom’s attention. SAnDrA GOnzALez S A n pAT r i C i O e C b Ay S i D e

had a stomachache when it was time to help with dishes and cleanup after dinner. mAry Ann CLuLey T r i n i T y vA L L e y e C Fr AnkSTOn

Gets the hand-me-downs. LO r A G r A h A m COLemAn COunTy eC GOLDbuSk

Stays the baby even when he’s 6 feet, 2 inches tall; 31 years old; and has his own baby. Sherri LenOir n AvA S O TA vA L L e y e C GrOeSbeCk

To see more responses, read Currents online.

Line wOrke r & be e r GL AS S: DAve S hAFe r . bAT Te rie S: mAri vA2017 | S huT Te rSTO Ck .CO m

proudly celebrate their lineworkers, even proclaiming the second Monday in April—April 11 this year— as National Lineworker Appreciation Day. Co-op members, too, are quick to look up to lineworkers. When we asked readers to ﬁnish this sentence—“The hardest job in the world has to be …”—Pablo Sanchez, a Magic Valley Electric Cooperative member, was the ﬁrst to respond: “Being a lineman during cold weather. Knowing someone is counting on Magic Valley to keep us warm.”

have You heard? Contests and More enTer ConTesTs aT TexasCooppower.CoM $500 reCipe ConTesT pizza night

Before the Industrial Revolution, roughly 1760–1840, the principal sources of loud noise were thunder, church bells and cannon ﬁre.

FoCus on Texas phoTos motorsports

reCoMMended reading Lineworker Appreciation Day is April 11. Line of Duty from October 2016 tells about the challenges and rewards for these co-op first responders.

April 7 national beer day

Celebrating is easy: Texas Feels a Draft from January 2020 includes a map of 96 craft breweries in mostly rural and suburban Texas.

guard againsT surges

your electric cooperative reminds you of two ways you can protect electronics in your home from power surges:

Emergency Tax Break T e x a s M e r C h a n T s will participate in a sales tax holiday for emergency preparation supplies this month, allowing tax-free purchases of items that can alleviate hardships after natural disasters like hurricanes, ﬂash ﬂoods and wildﬁres. More than a dozen products, such as portable generators, hurricane shutters, batteries and ﬁre extinguishers, can be purchased without incurring sales tax April 23–25. Details are available at comptroller.texas.gov.

using power strips that include surge protection and installing a wholehome surge protector.

A p r i L 2 0 2 2 T E X AS C O - O P POW E R 5

TCP Talk aggie standouts

CuShinG memOriAL LibrAry | COurTeSy TAmu preSS

“The lore of the 12th Man is always inspirational. Big kudos to the editors who made sure the story started on Page 12. How perfect.” J u l i a T r i g g C r aw f o r d lamar eleCTriC direCT

not Fade away

I grew up on an Iowa farm about 20 miles south of where Buddy Holly and the others met their end [A Glimpse of Buddy Holly, February 2022]. I was 11 then. We didn’t learn of the crash until we got to school. All the girls were crying, dashing in and out of the restroom to wash their tears away, only to cry even more as others came through the doors and were told of the crash. Some were so upset they even went home.

That’s when they made barbed comments [Joined by a Fence, January 2022]. ChuCk burGeSS v i A FA C e b O O k

Doug Siskow pedernales eC new braunfels

royal recollection

Our Stephenville neighbor June Shannon was personally invited by Queen Elizabeth II to visit her in Austin in 1991 [Her Majesty’s Visit, February 2022]. What do you take the queen to welcome her to Texas? A pecan pie, of course. June baked a pie and enjoyed it with her majesty over tea. June, our Stephenville High School English teacher, was selected to read her poem Happiness Is at the queen’s silver jubilee in London in 1977. There they became friends, sharing a love for country life.

COurTeSy CheT GArner

Suzan Garner CeCA mullin

Texas eleCTriC CooperaTives board oF direCTors Chair Gary raybon, el Campo • vice Chair kelly Lankford, San Angelo secretary-Treasurer neil hesse, muenster • board Members Greg henley, Tahoka Julie parsley, Johnson City • Doug Turk, Livingston • brandon young, mcGregor presidenT/Ceo mike williams, Austin CoMMuniCaTions & MeMber serviCes CoMMiTTee matt bentke, bastrop • marty haught, burleson • ron hughes, Sinton Gary miller, bryan • zac perkins, hooker, Oklahoma • John ed Shinpaugh, bonham rob walker, Gilmer • buff whitten, eldorado Magazine sTaFF vice president, Communications & Member services martin bevins editor Chris burrows • associate editor Tom widlowski production Manager karen nejtek • Creative Manager Andy Doughty advertising Manager elaine Sproull Communications specialist Alex Dal Santo • print production specialist Grace Fultz Communications specialist Travis hill • Food editor megan myers • Communications specialist Jessica ridge • digital Content producer Chris Salazar • senior designer Jane Sharpe • proofreader Shannon Oelrich 6 T E X AS CO-OP POWER A priL 2022

Telling good stories

We subscribe to several state and national, globally recognized magazines, many of which get quickly scanned and recycled. Texas Co-op Power is one that I read cover to cover and look forward to. Thank you, Texas Electric Cooperatives, for your support of journalism and for understanding the importance of a good story. Abbie and Charles Cotrell bandera eC waring

wriTe To u s

[emailprotected] editor, Texas Co-op power 1122 Colorado St., 24th Floor Austin, Tx 78701 please include your electric co-op and town. Letters may be edited for clarity and length. Texas Co-op power

texas co-op power volume 78, number 10 (uSpS 540-560). Texas Co-op Power is published monthly by Texas electric Cooperatives (TeC). periodical postage paid at Austin, Tx, and at additional offices. TeC is the statewide association representing 75 electric cooperatives. Texas Co-op Power’s website is TexasCooppower.com. Call (512) 454-0311 or email [emailprotected]. subsCripTions Subscription price is $4.44 per year for individual members of subscribing cooperatives and is paid from equity accruing to the member. if you are not a member of a subscribing cooperative, you can purchase an annual subscription at the nonmember rate of $7.50. individual copies and back issues for the previous 12 months are available for $3 each. posTMasTer Send address changes to Texas Co-op Power (uSpS 540-560), 1122 Colorado St., 24th Floor, Austin, Tx 78701. please enclose label from this copy of Texas Co-op Power showing old address and key numbers. adverTising Advertisers interested in buying display ad space in Texas Co-op Power and/or in our 30 sister publications in other states, contact elaine Sproull at (512) 486-6251. Advertisem*nts in Texas Co-op Power are paid solicitations. The publisher neither endorses nor guarantees in any manner any product or company included in this publication. product satisfaction and delivery responsibility lie solely with the advertiser. © Copyright 2022 Texas electric Cooperatives inc. reproduction of this issue or any portion of it is expressly prohibited without written permission. willie wiredhand © Copyright 2022 national rural electric Cooperative Association.

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A p r i L 2 0 2 2 T E X AS C O - O P POW E R 7

Seventy-five years after the Texas City disaster, those who rushed in haven’t been forgotten B y B i l l m i n u Ta g l i o

8 T E X AS CO-OP POWER A priL 2022

s e v e r a l Y e a r s ag o, I received a message that just didn’t seem right: An indomitable and indestructible Texan, someone so brave it felt like he could live forever, had passed away. He was a former soldier who had fought in some of the deadliest moments of World War II. And then, after surviving the ravages of battle, he and others had stared down what some have called the greatest human-made tragedy of 20th-century America—an event that came to be called the Texas City disaster. T e x ASC O O p pOw e r .C O m

CO urTeSy wO O DSO n reSe ArCh Cen Te r , FO nDr en Libr Ary, ri Ce u niv erSi T y

Heroes Next Door

Curtis Trahan had lived through so many things that it wasn’t all that unusual to assume he could march on and on. But his family let me know that he had indeed succumbed. They wondered if I would speak at his memorial service. Of course, I agreed—while knowing it would be virtually impossible to give proper tribute to him and all the other ordinary folks in Texas City who displayed unyielding courage, empathy and humanity during the most profound tragedy imaginable. Tall and soft-spoken, Trahan was mayor of the small port town near Houston on April 16, 1947. That morning, as kids and families gathered to watch ﬁreﬁghters tackle what seemed like a small ﬁre on a dock, there was suddenly a massive explosion. It was what some imagined an atomic bomb blast to be like. Others simply thought that Judgment Day had abruptly arrived. The earth rumbled and shuddered, oceangoing ships were heaved out of the water, buildings collapsed, airplanes were sucked from the sky—and hundreds of men, women and children instantly perished. Almost every member of the Texas City Fire Department was killed in the blink of an eye. Dozens and dozens of people were never seen again. The ﬁnal numbers were debated, but it appears that the Texas City disaster killed as many as 500. It’s possible that more died but were never accounted for, and another 5,000 were injured. Dozens of human remains went unidentiﬁed. Despite unrelenting ﬁres, carnage and chaos, hundreds of people, including Trahan, raced to the scene. They organized rescue eﬀorts, comforted the wounded and asked for help from lawmakers in Austin and Washington. They refused to sleep, marshaled volunteers and demanded answers for the pained community. So many Texans and more than a few souls from out of state stayed for weeks and months on end to treat the victims, donate blood, clear the rubble and help families search for loved ones. The FBI arrived to investigate whether it had been some sort of attack. Soldiers were sent to restore order. Frank Sinatra agreed to do a fundraiser. Hundreds of cars, homes and buildings needed repairs. The ﬁnancial toll, in today’s dollars, would reach into the billions. Scientists were in awe at how the detonations were felt dozens of miles away

The Texas City explosion, so powerful it blew two planes out of the sky, killed as many as 500 people in April 1947. T e x ASC O OppOwer .COm

It was what some imagined an atomic bomb blast to be like. Others simply thought that Judgment Day had abruptly arrived.

in Houston and even registered on measuring devices in other states. The blast was ultimately deemed an accident. One theory held that a carelessly tossed cigarette had set ﬁre to tons of ammonium nitrate fertilizer sitting in the hold of a ship. It was, ironically, fertilizer that the United States was sending to Europe to nourish war-ravaged farms and speed the healing of a decimated continent. Investigations and court cases would stretch on for years, circling around whether or not more could have been done to warn the good people in Texas City that the bags and bags of fertilizer were not just lifesaving—they were also deadly. Ammonium nitrate was already well-recognized by then to be both a powerful fertilizer and explosive. Bombmakers used it in World War I, and later, terrorists also sought it out. The compound was used by Timothy McVeigh to blow up a federal building in Oklahoma, and in 2013, there was an explosion at a fertilizer facility in West, Texas, that led to 15 deaths. Now, as another aching anniversary for the Texas City disaster approaches, I think of the last conversation I had with Trahan. For many long years, he had watched as the stricken city rebuilt bit by bit. Businesses eventually reopened, the freighters came back, and school classes and church services resumed. But for Trahan and others, the wounds from the Texas City disaster never went entirely away. He and many more had seen too much, endured so much, for the mental and even physical scars to truly vanish. We sat in his little home, and he talked about how he had ﬁrst moved to Texas City because he thought it would be a quiet place to raise a family. That he had run for mayor so that anyone from any race or background would be treated the same. He said that when hell on earth came to his little town, he simply did what he had to do. What he believed most people would do: You race to rescue your neighbors. You pull them from the rubble. You give them balm, hope and resolve. And then Trahan waved his hand and suggested quietly that he hadn’t done anything that merited remembering. Later, when I spoke at his memorial service, I tried to convey the essence of that ﬁnal visit with Trahan. How a disaster can reveal both courage and humility—and how you often don’t have to look very far to ﬁnd everyday angels. Some reside right next door. D A p r i L 2 0 2 2 T E X AS C O - O P POW E R 9

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By amanda ogle • phoTos By Tom hu s se y

BEST IN TOW Chefs bring big-time avor to smalltown Graham for the Food Truck

Championship of Texas

fter parking my car across from a feed store, I make my way up Fourth Street in Graham toward the downtown square. It’s a little after noon, and the area is buzzing with activity. Live music rattles through the streets up ahead, and I pass a group of people heading back to their vehicles, toothpicks in hand. “Scrumdiddlyumptious!” one of them says, patting his stomach in satisfaction. I get excited. Forty-two food trucks are competing today in the Food Truck Championship of Texas, an annual contest that has been held in Graham since 2015. Admission is free for all guests, who can also enjoy live music, an artisan showcase, children’s activities and a late-night concert at the Young County Arena after the food. Up for grabs are numerous awards, bragging rights and the coveted $10,000 grand championship prize for the best food truck—crowned by a panel of expert judges. The stakes are high for competitors who arrive from hundreds of miles away—rigs in tow—in a test to be the best. This year’s event is June 4. For folks like me, choosing what to eat is the real food truck challenge. And we can’t lose. As I approach the competition, my mouth waters and my nostrils are ﬁlled with the scent of fried seafood—no doubt coming from the combination of Mac’s Cajun Shack, Catch Me If You Can Southern Creole and Blazin Cajun—all positioned near Fourth and Oak streets and serving dishes such as seafood pot pie, gumbo, shrimp and grits, boudin egg rolls, crawﬁsh, and smoked alligator. In a nearby building, judges Debbie Workman, a chef and restaurateur; Ched Pagtakhan, a chef, culinary arts teacher and food truck owner; and Dante Ramirez, a restaurateur and catering consultant, sample fare from all 42 trucks.

CLOCk wiSe , FrOm TOp LeF T Folks in line ponder the menu at one of the 42 food trucks. brandon Anderson of rack Attack barbecue displays his team’s grand champion prize. Attendees dig in. An entry labeled with a number for anonymous judging.

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merle takes in the sights and scents. Corn dogs proved hard to pass up. OppOSiTe , FrOm TOp Shaved ice makes a hot ride nice. event volunteer Jayne beale shows off the grand champion belt.

FrOm LeF T

Picked-at plates litter tables across the Up for grabs are numerous awards, bragging rights and room, each dish assigned a number to the coveted $10,000 grand championship prize for the make the entries anonymous. best food truck—crowned by a panel of expert judges. “I really like that egg roll,” Pagtakhan says. Workman agrees. “The texture was mends Bada Bing Wood Fired Pizza, and several people good and ﬂaky. And that pizza, No. 37, was so delicious are buzzing about the fried alligator from Crawldaddys and unique.” Cajun Kitchen. “To be able to have pad thai and a Maine lobster roll at No Small Wonder the same time here in Graham, America, is incredible,” says Grant Ingram, executive director of economic development ne mile around, it’s no wonder that Graham calls with the city of Graham. “It’s so hard to pinpoint a favorite its business district “America’s largest downtown because the variety of trucks we’re able to attract in north square.” About an hour south of Wichita Falls and home to the Young County Courthouse and about 9,000 central Hill Country is amazing.” residents, Graham comes alive each June, when the chefs I decide the best approach here is sampling smaller items pull into town. from multiple trucks, and I hop in line at Treviños Craft The smell of beef cooking on a ﬂattop makes my stomach Smokehouse truck and wait. rumble as I approach Big Kat Burgers, but I press on, wanting “That Dr Pepper pulled pork taco from the Gypsy Kit to see all my options before diving in. A long line for Happy truck is oh-em-gee,” says Jenny French, who’s behind me in Dogs Corn Dogs tempts me, as does the mega line for Cousins line at Treviño’s. She and her husband, Ken, came to supMaine Lobster’s fresh lobster rolls. port their neighbors, the Treviños, at the championship Maya Justice, who is at the event with friends, recomand are getting their ﬁll like everyone else. “I wanted that

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The big kat burgers crew.

The Trucks in This Story

Maine lobster, but the line is so long,” Ken says. “I’ll never know how it tastes.” I grab a pulled pork taco on a homemade tortilla and head for a table on the courthouse lawn for my ﬁrst bite of the day. The tender pulled pork and soft tortilla hit the spot on this hot day, and after perusing a few craft booths, I hit the streets again to walk it oﬀ and make room for more samples. The growing line at Addie Cakes & Lily Pies gets my attention, and dessert sounds like just the thing after walking three laps around the square. Toe-tappin’ tunes ﬁll the air, making my wait for a white chocolate Key lime cheesecake more enjoyable. The tart yet sweet treat is perfect for summertime and makes waiting in line feel like a no-brainer. While visiting with more foodies, I hear lots of chatter about a chicken sandwich on a biscuit. I have to have it, so I make my way to the Bite My Biscuit truck—the 2016 grand champion—for the Nashville hot fried chicken sandwich on a buttermilk biscuit with honey coleslaw and pickles. The $5 dish is the perfect size (and price) for an event like this, and upon trying the spicy, buttery, delicious concoction, I see why everyone is talking about it. T e x ASC O OppOwer .COm

Addie Cakes & Lily pies, paradise bada bing wood Fired pizza, San Angelo big kat burgers, Fort worth bite my biscuit, Fort worth blazin Cajun, Graham Catch me if you Can, Tyler Cousins maine Lobster, houston Crawldaddys Cajun kitchen, bridgeport Gypsy kit, wichita Falls happy Dogs Corn Dogs, Gainesville mac’s Cajun Shack, Fort worth rack Attack barbecue, burleson Sakura Southern Seoul, wichita Falls Treviños Craft Smokehouse, Jacksboro yatai Food kart, Fort worth

2021 Winners grand Champion rack Attack barbecue best signature dish pokey O’s people’s Choice Daddy bob’s Smokewagon best Food Truck spirit blake’s Snow Shack best Food Truck design Sakura Southern Seoul best Menu Cousins maine Lobster best dessert dish Addie Cakes & Lily pies best barbecue dish Smokin 3 C’s best international dish yatai Food kart best american dish bite my biscuit

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Judges, from left, Ched pagtakhan, Debbie workman and Dante ramirez experienced a day of tasting and hearty discussions.

There’s the Beef

“To be able to have pad thai and a Maine lobster roll at the same time here in Graham, America, is incredible.”

ull and satisfied, I grab a chair and wait for the awards ceremony. “To go through 40-plus plates and taste them all and go through each one on uniqueness, presentation and ﬂavors, it’s tough,” Ramirez announces. “This was diﬃcult for us.” The audience cheers and whoops for each winner, including Bite My Biscuit for that tasty Nashville hot fried chicken biscuit, Yatai Food Kart for their signature ramen dish, Addie Cakes & Lily Pies for their pecan praline cheesecake, Cousins Maine Lobster for the best menu award, and Sakura Southern Seoul for best food truck design. As the emcee inches closer to announcing the grand champion, the crowd grows quiet. “The 2021 Food Truck Championship grand champion: Rack Attack Barbecue with their dino beef rib and taking home a check for $10,000.” The crowd erupts in applause as the Rack Attack team roars with excitement, hugging each other as they claim their prize and a professional wrestling-style belt emblazoned with “2021 Grand Champion.” It was Rack Attack Barbecue’s ﬁrst time competing in the event, so a championship win makes owner Brandon Anderson, who opened the business in March 2018, ecstatic. “This is the ﬁrst time I’ve ever presented food that I’ve made to real chefs and real food critics, so it’s a big deal for us,” he says. “I’m really happy.” Anderson knew they’d won something when they were dispatched to the awards ceremony, and as the ceremony progressed, they knew through the process of elimination that grand champion was a possibility—as astonishing

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as that seemed. “I still can’t believe it,” he says after the ceremony. “We’ve worked so hard.” Anderson says he thought the winning dish might relate to Texas, which inspired him to serve a beef rib—what he calls “king in Texas.” “I ﬁgured everyone would want to try it, so we smoked them, pulled the meat oﬀ the bones and served it on top of smoked mashed potatoes,” he says. It worked. “Their dish was very unique,” Pagtakhan says. “The doneness on the smoked beef rib was perfect, the ﬂavor was balanced, and the smoked mashed potatoes was a perfect pairing.” Unfortunately, Rack Attack Barbecue ceased operations a few months after the 2021 Food Truck Championship, so this year’s showdown will have a new grand champion in addition to plenty of friendly competition and delectable grub up for grabs. Gina LeGrand, owner of Addie Cakes & Lily Pies, which won the best dessert category last year, will be ready. “I hope we continue our winning streak—or maybe win overall,” she says. “Winning the grand prize with a dessert is challenging, but how incredible would that be?” D

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San Bernard EC News

Lineworkers Light Our Lives MES SAGE FROM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER mike abLes

i f e e L t h a n k f u L , honored and blessed as I reﬂect on the opportunity I’ve been given to lead San Bernard Electric Cooperative into the future. I believe the mutual relationship between the cooperative and its members means they work in unison with each other—because the cooperative is a part of the community, and the community is a part of the cooperative. It’s important for those of us who work at SBEC to understand that the co-op is owned by those we serve and that we must represent our membership responsibly and eﬀectively. We are therefore motivated by a sense of duty to be exceptional brand ambassadors for San Bernard EC. My journey at SBEC began some 34 years ago in the operations department and continued with special projects, energy services and business administration. This organization raised and cultivated me for a time such as this, and I aim to serve and pass on the knowledge that others have imparted to me.

I will continue to strive for the excellent reliability and customer service that SBEC is known for and will focus on solutions to reduce our rates. This eﬀort will take all of us, but I believe together we can accomplish our goals. I pray that God will give me the wisdom and discernment to lead this organization according to his will. (As the Bible reads in Proverbs 3:5–6, “Trust in 18 tex aS co-op power APRIL 2022

the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”) Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have many devoted cooperative employees dedicate their time and talents to help me grow not only professionally but also personally, and for that I am grateful. This co-op has been—and continues to be—like family to me. And while I appreciate all of our dedicated employees, I would like to take a moment to honor our lineworkers in particular, as this month we recognize Lineworker Appreciation Day. If you were asked to associate an image or a person with San Bernard EC, I bet you would picture a lineworker. Among the most visible employees of the co-op, lineworkers work tirelessly to ensure our community receives uninterrupted power 24/7. Line work is one of the most dangerous professions in the U.S., requiring detailed tasks while in close contact with high-voltage power lines. Regardless of the time of day, in stormy weather or other challenging conditions, lineworkers must climb 40 feet in the air, often carrying heavy equipment to get the job done. And yet line work isn’t glamorous. The job requires years of specialized training, ongoing education and dedication. Equally important for lineworkers at co-ops—and what sets them apart—is a deeply held sense of service and commitment to the community. That’s why co-ops set aside the second Monday in April each year to celebrate and recognize the men and women who work around the clock to keep the lights on. Our dedicated and beloved lineworkers are proud to represent San Bernard EC, and they deserve all the appreciation and accolades that come their way on Lineworker Appreciation Day. On April 11, and any time you see a lineworker, I hope you’ll join me in thanking them for their exceptional service. I also hope you’ll remember that you have a dedicated team of professionals working at the co-op whose commitment to service runs just as deep. On another note, I am happy to announce that San Bernard EC will return to a regular format for the annual meeting Saturday, May 21. So save the date, and I look forward to meeting you at the SBEC Annual Membership Meeting. God bless. D Sa n B e r n a r d e l e ctr i c c o o p e r at i v e

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San Bernard Electric Cooperative ConTaCT u S 309 W. Main St., Bellville, TX 77418 P.O. Box 1208, Bellville, TX 77418 Local (979) 865-3171 Toll-free 1-800-364-3171 Web sbec.org Chief executive officer Mike Ables board of directors Sammy Condra, Chairman, District 5 Norman Kiecke, First Vice Chairman, District 4 Colt Haack, Second Vice Chairman, District 8 Lori Walker, Third Vice Chairman, District 1 Charles Matula, Secretary-Treasurer, District 7 Vance Elliott, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer, District 6 Karl N. Micklitz, District 2 Larry Chaney, District 3 John Allen, District 9

24/7

Chaney Joins SBEC Board L a r ry C h a n e y j o i n e d

the San Bernard Electric Cooperative Board of Directors in February. He replaces retired board Chairman Bruce Pilcik as the District 3 director. Chaney was born and raised in Waller County. He is a certiﬁed public accountant in Hempstead and purchased his parents’ practice after working several years at Arthur Andersen. “One of my proudest professional accomplishments is retaining most of my dad’s clients throughout the past 33 years, including a woman who was my second grade teacher at Waller Elementary,” said Chaney, who has lived in Bellville since 1991. “I have close personal ties to the San Bernard Electric Cooperative service area with family, friends and clients in Waller, Hempstead, Bellville, Hallettsville and Columbus,” he said. These ties also include his siblings. His brother, Gary, is a district court judge for Waller and Grimes counties, and his sister, Carol, is the Waller County court at law judge. His children, Clayton and Lauren, were raised in Bellville and graduated from Bellville High School. Clayton was a state champion in the 300-meter hurdles and a two-time NCAA All-American in track and ﬁeld. Lauren was a cheerleader and volleyball player and qualiﬁed for state in tennis. Clayton went on to graduate from Rice University with a civil engineering degree, and Lauren is ﬁnishing her doctorate in literacy at Texas State University. Chaney has volunteered with and coached Bellville youth baseball, softball and soccer oﬀ and on for the past 28 years. Chaney’s wife, Marian, recently retired as associate vice chancellor of analytics and institutional reporting from Lone Star College. Between the two, they have six adult children and four grandchildren. “I am honored to be chosen for this position and welcome the opportunity to give back to my community,” Chaney said. D SBEC.OrG

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1-800-364-3171

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(979) 865-3171

outage hotline numbers

For information and to report outages, please call us. LoCa L (979) 865-3171 ToL L- f r e e 1-800-364-3171

abouT San be rnard eC SBEC owns and maintains more than 3,900 miles of line to provide electric service to more than 19,000 members in Austin, Colorado, Grimes, Harris, Lavaca, Montgomery and Waller counties. offiCe LoCaTionS bellville headquarters (979) 865-3171 309 W. Main St.

Columbus Service Center (979) 732-8346 4285 Highway 71 S.

field Store Service Center (936) 372-9176 or 372-9177 29244 FM 1488, Magnolia hallettsville Service Center (361) 798-4493 1686 U.S. Highway 90A E.

biLL Payme nT by Phone 1-844-201-7199 ViSiT u S onLine sbec.org

Check us out at TexasCoopPower.com/sbec

SanBernardEC2204_ 3/14/22 10:00 AM Page 20

Janicek Named CFO and Business Group Manager

Bruce Pilcik Retires From SBEC Board of Directors

JARED JANICEK HAS

been named San Bernard Electric Cooperative’s business group manager and chief ﬁnancial oﬃcer. In his new role, he will oversee the co-op’s billing, accounting, materials management and energy services departments. Janicek began his career at SBEC in 2003 as a general helper in the right-of-way department. He worked his way up to energy services analyst and business group analyst, where he helped manage the cooperative’s wholesale power portfolio and oversaw all functions related to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. During that time, he also assisted the business group manager with ﬁnancial models and budgeting. His new position still has him performing these tasks and adds to his daily duties. “I really look forward to continuing to grow into my new role here at SBEC and discovering new ways to provide our members with the highestquality electric service at the lowest cost possible,” Janicek said. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family and good friends and woodworking when he has the opportunity. He and his wife, Cortney, live in Sealy. They have four children: Jillian, 21, who is completing her ﬁrst year of nursing school; Campbell, 12; Jack, 11; and Anna, 7. D

Back row, from left: Vance Elliot, Norman Kiecke, Colt Haack, Charles Matula and John Allen. Front row, from left: Lori Walker, Bruce Pilcik, John Spiess and Sammy Condra. B R U C E P I LC I K R E T I R E D from the San Bernard Electric Cooperative Board of Directors in January. He was presented with a plaque in recognition of his service by his fellow board members and John Spiess, member service manager. D

did you know? Mark your Calendar National Library Workers Day Tuesday, April 12 Good Friday Passover Begins Friday, April 15 Easter Sunday, April 17

WAV E B R E A K M E D I A | I STO C K .C O M

20 tex aS Co-op power APRIL 2022

Animals can cause power outages. The most frequent culprits are squirrels, birds, raccoons and snakes that interfere with electrical distribution equipment.

GIORGIO FOCHESATO | ISTOCK .COM

Sa n B e r n a r d e l e Ctr i C C o o p e r at i v e

SanBernardEC2204_ 3/14/22 10:00 AM Page 21

Handle Easter Eggs Safely

21 SATURDAY

MAy

E G G S H AV E C O M E to symbolize Easter, as a pagan representation of new life and a religious reminder of resurrection. Whatever your beliefs, if you’re using fresh eggs this holiday, keep in mind these safety tips from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.

Before buying eggs, open the carton and check them for cracks. Select eggs without cracks to avoid exposure to harmful bacteria. Store eggs in the refrigerator in their original carton. Wash hands thoroughly before cooking, cooling, dyeing or hiding eggs. If hiding hard-boiled eggs for an Easter egg hunt, choose hiding places away from pets, wild animals, insects or yard chemicals. Be sure to find all the eggs you’ve hidden, and discard any damaged eggs. Do not eat hard-boiled eggs that have been out of refrigeration for more than two hours. Use refrigerated hard-boiled eggs within a week.

LyS E n koA L E x A n D E r | I STo c k .c o M

N OT I C E OF ANNUAL ME E TING

San Bernard Electric Cooperative Annual Meeting

Do not eat eggs that have been dyed with coloring that isn’t safe for food. D

May 21, 10 a.m. Austin County Expo Center e registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

Each year, San Bernard Electric cooperative looks forward to getting together with our community to hear what you have to say, enjoying fellowship among friends and giving everyone the chance to win prizes. GMVozD | ISTock .coM

The co-op’s annual meeting is not only a chance to visit with friends, though. It’s also a great opportunity to learn about programs offered by the cooperative and to get to know our staff. For us, the annual meeting provides an important forum for gathering feedback about how we can better serve you. So circle Saturday, May 21, on your calendar and make sure to join us at the annual meeting. We’ll save you a seat!

SBEc.orG

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1-800-364-3171

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(979) 865-3171

A p r I L 2 0 2 2 T E X AS C O - O P POW E R 2 1

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SanBernardEC2204_ 3/14/22 10:00 AM Page 22

Conserve With Your Co-op on Earth Day

E A R T H DAY I S C O N S I D E R E D

one of the world’s largest civic events, and on April 22 we can all be part of this global movement to help the environment. A portion of the energy that San Bernard Electric Cooperative distributes to our members comes from renewable energy sources, and conservation is important to us. There are many ways we as individuals can help the environment, and some are easier than you’d think. Here are a few simple actions you can take now to reduce your energy use. Audit your lightbulbs. Swapping out any remaining incandescent bulbs with LEDs can make a big diﬀerence in a home’s eﬃciency, and it’s one of the easiest ways to reduce your energy bill. Maintain your heating and air conditioning system. Regularly replace your air ﬁlters to allow your system to run more eﬃciently. Air ﬁlters prevent dust and allergens from clogging the system, and changing the ﬁlters makes the unit run more eﬃciently—keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Examine your smart or programmable thermostat. Make 22 tex aS co-op power APRIL 2022

sure it’s programmed for the current season and family schedule. This is one of the best tools at your ﬁngertips, but it can only do its job correctly if it’s programmed properly and adjusted periodically to keep pace with changes in household routines. Seal window and door seals. Seal leaks with weatherstripping and caulk to keep cool air indoors during warm months and prevent cold air from penetrating the indoors during colder months. Sealing gaps around piping, dryer vents, fans and outlets also helps to seal the building’s envelope and increase energy eﬃciency. Although these suggestions may not be glamorous or worthy of a news story, they do make a diﬀerence. And San Bernard EC is always here to help if you want more information on how you can save energy. Stop by our oﬃce or give us a call. As we celebrate Earth Day this April, let’s continue to work together and make a positive impact on our local community— and our beautiful planet. D

Sa n B e r n a r d e l e ctr i c c o o p e r at i v e

SanBernardEC2204_ 3/14/22 10:00 AM Page 23

Pickup—lS engine 5.3 or 5.7 pickup truck, 1996–2004, long block, low mileage. call (281) 216-9249.

Trading Post For Sale Tractor—ford 1720 three-cylinder diesel, needs battery, owner ill and retired. call (979) 877-7257 to make offer. Various—truck equipment: lund 73099 95-gallon diesel transfer tank coated with rhino bed liner; gPi 12-volt fuel transfer pump, 15 gPm, automatic nozzle, hose, model m-150S-AU; gPi fuel filter kit, 10 micron; gPi 113255-1, 01A31gm aluminum turbine fuel flow meter with digital lcD display, approximately 1 year old, $1,000. ingersoll rand air compressor, gas powered. model 2475f13gH, 13-hp Honda engine with alternator, 30-gallon horizontal tank, 24 cfm at 175 PSi, approximately 1 year old with very little use, $3,000. call or text (979) 253-8131. 2000 Ford Excursion Limited—gas, V10, 181,059 miles, looks good and drives well. one owner, garage kept, $5,900. call (817) 999-3831. Bulls and buggy—2-year-old Brahman bull and 2-year-old Hereford bull. Also, horsedrawn buggy. call (979) 992-3860 for more information. Boats—2003 marshall 28’6” t; 2007 Evinrude 250 E-tEc; marshall marine aluminum trailer with two new axles. comes with two 150-quart igloo coolers with cushion seat plus other extras. Asking $26,000 oBo. call (979) 277-2810. RV—coachman freedom Express 192rBS, 19 ft. long, purchased new in 2019, used less than 10,000 miles and stored in covered area. Heavy-duty hitch included with some additional upgrades; fantastic fan, 17-lb. lithium battery and charger, surge protector with lifetime warranty, axle locks, clear title. Asking $18,000, which is below kelley Blue Book value for this condition. call (361) 798-9538 for more information. Classic pickup—1951 ford f-100, flat head, V-8, good restoration project, $4,500. call (979) 733-7301.

Various—14’ flat-bottom boat with trailer. 1986 Honda rebel motorcycle, 15 hp. Johnson saltwater long-shaft outboard motor. 14’ cargo trailer converted to a camper trailer; has fridge, microwave, sink, couches that convert to a bed, restroom, shower, ondemand hot water heater; rear is converted to a covered outside cooking area with a sink and additional cabinets, roof-mounted Ac, new tires. call (979) 732-1910. Various—medical items: Xl wheelchair, 30”, like new, with detachable arm- and footrest, $250; folding walker with wheels, nice, $30; trapeze bar, $75; with stand, $125; potty chair, $30; oxygen tank holder with wheels, $10; wheelchair cushions, $10. Household items: 10-gal. fish tank with accessories, $25; Stihl chain saw bar, new, $30; lateral file cabinet, five drawers, $99; Danielle Steel hardback book collection, 66 novels, $120; mobile file rack, $70; misc. chairs, $10–$50; wooden bookcase, $30; golf clubs, $10–$50; magazine or file bins, $25 each. Vehicle: 1984 chevy pickup, 4x4 drive (engine 350, carb, transmission less than 3,000 miles) in very good condition, $12,995. car parts: ford fuel injection and distribution for 302 Efi, $125 for both. columbus area. call (979) 733-9816.

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1-800-364-3171

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(979) 865-3171

Mobile home—Single-wide mobile home. call (361) 401-2216.

Services Cleaning services—House and office cleaning. Will work weekends. call (979) 732-6948 before 9 p.m. Free wild hog removal—Will travel, experienced dogs. call (832) 715-1130.

Quail, chicken, duck, goose equipment— Heat lamps; range feeders (35-50 lbs. feed) and waterer; nest box; large waterer. All in good condition. Best offer will be considered. (979) 865-8820. 2007 New Holland 660 round baler—Has rubber belts, always stored in barn, needs some repair, make offer, (979) 732-0566.

Wanted Portable metal carport—Any size, will take down. call (979) 732-1910. Vehicles—1966–79 ford Bronco or 1964–70 mustang fastback. can be running or not and condition doesn’t matter. call or text (713) 205-7848.

ADVERTISE IN THE TRADING POST. SBEc members are invited to submit ads for the trading Post to P.o. Box 1208, Bellville, tX 77418 or [emailprotected]. However, no commercial business ads will be accepted. Ads are placed on a first-come, firstserved basis, and we reserve the right to refuse any ad. Please submit your ad by the 20th of each month. (if you submit an ad by April 20, it will appear in the June issue.) Your ad will be published in two consecutive issues, then deleted. if you want the ad to run another two months, you must resubmit the ad. The ad will not exceed four consecutive months. SBEc.org

Ford Bronco—1966–77, running or not, parts too. call or text (979) 221-4200.

POWER TIP Use a rain barrel to save energy. The barrels capture rainwater that can be used for watering your lawn, garden or indoor plants.

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A P r i l 2 0 2 2 T E X AS C O - O P POW E R 2 3

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Footnotes in Texas History

Listen as w.F. Strong narrates this story on our website.

Two-Fisted Law and Order Judge roy bean made the rules and found fame in his remote corner of west Texas

COu rT eSy u T SA Spe CiAL CO LLe CT iO nS

B y w. f. s T r o n g

i n T h e b i g b e n d Tow n of Langtry, Judge Roy Bean opened a saloon on the railroad right-of-way. It was 1882, and even though he was squatting, the railroad allowed him to stay. Bean named his bar the Jersey Lilly after actress Lillie Langtry. When trains stopped for water, the passengers could order a drink at the Jersey Lilly. But Bean never had change, so if a customer paid a dollar for a 25-cent beer, he wouldn’t get the other 75 cents. If he complained, Bean ﬁned him 75 cents for disturbing the peace. Bean had proclaimed himself the “law west of the Pecos” and preferred his own interpretation of the law. When he reT e x ASC O OppOwer .COm

ceived new state statutes every two years, he burned them. Once he sentenced a young man to hang but left the jail unlocked the night before the hanging so the condemned could escape. In Bean’s early years, he lived in San Antonio, where he found success with a saloon but sold the business to pursue opportunities in the railroad camps of West Texas. He gained notoriety when he took the law into his own hands. When Bean held court in the Jersey Lilly, he would assemble a jury and swear the members in. The case would be presented, the verdict determined and sentencing pronounced quickly. Often the

sentence for misdemeanors was a round of drinks for the jury. He was very patriotic about Texas, too. He often preceded sentencing with words like: “You have oﬀended the great state of Texas by committing this crime on her sacred soil.” One of his most famous cases had to do with a man who fell to his death oﬀ a bridge in Langtry. Bean found $40 and a pistol on the man’s body and ﬁned him $40 for carrying a concealed weapon. That was enough to get him buried. Bean rose to international prominence when he organized a world heavyweight boxing championship between Bob Fitzsimmons and Peter Maher in 1896. Prizeﬁghting was then illegal in Texas. At ﬁrst, the ﬁght looked like it might be held on the sly in El Paso, but the governor sent 25 Texas Rangers over there to make sure it didn’t happen. Then it seemed like it might be held in Juarez, but the governor of Chihuahua sent troops to prevent a ﬁght there. Finally Bean sent a telegram to the promoter saying they could have it in Langtry—actually, right across the river on a Rio Grande sandbar, miles from any authority that would stop it. So a menagerie of unlikely associates, boxers, gamblers, Texas Rangers, high rollers and spectators of all stripes boarded a train bound for parts unknown. The destination was kept a secret. Bean met them at his railside saloon, sold them beer at the exorbitant price of a dollar apiece and then escorted them across a pontoon bridge to the Mexican side of the river. Fitzsimmons knocked out Maher after 95 seconds, so the ﬁght was over before the spectators could settle in. But the big winner—as ever—was Bean. He became known worldwide as the man who made the ﬁght possible. D

A p r i L 2 0 2 2 T E X AS C O - O P POW E R 2 9

TCP Kitchen

Brunch Crowd-pleasing additions for this much-anticipated meal By megan mye rs, food e diTor

hosting brunch is one of my favorite things to do for friends. whether for a group of four or 30, embracing the sweet and savory sides of brunch always gets my creativity in the kitchen going. This month i’ve taken a spin on the classic bagel breakfast and turned it into a scrumptious smoked salmon turnover. pre-made puff pastry keeps it incredibly easy so you can put the dish together in a snap.

Smoked Salmon Turnovers

1 sheet prepared puff pastry, thawed if frozen 3 ounces smoked salmon 4 ounces cream cheese, softened 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives 1 egg 1 tablespoon water 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning C o o K ’ s T i p everything bagel seasoning can be found in most grocery stores, or make your own blend with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, salt, dried minced garlic and dried onion flakes.

1. preheat oven to 425 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment. place puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and gently roll out to a rectangle, approximately 9 by 14 inches. 2. roughly chop salmon and place in a bowl. Add cream cheese and chives and stir until evenly mixed, breaking up the salmon more as you stir.

3. Cut the puff pastry into 8 equal pieces. Add about 2 tablespoons filling to each piece, then fold pastry over to form a triangle. press edges to seal and crimp with the tines of a fork. repeat with remaining pastry and filling. place filled turnovers on prepared baking sheet. 4. in a small bowl, whisk together egg and water, then brush over the tops of the turnovers. Sprinkle bagel seasoning evenly over the turnovers. bake 15–18 minutes, until puffed and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving. serves 8

Follow along with megan myers and her adventures in the kitchen at stetted.com, where she features a recipe for blueberry Coffee Cake.

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Whole-Grain Cinnamon Rolls m O L Ly b r e T L COServ

Overnight cinnamon rolls are perfect for a make-ahead brunch, and this recipe uses wheat flour to help balance the sweetness. Don’t worry if any filling falls out as you shape the rolls; you can sprinkle it on top in the pan. rolls

1 cup milk, warmed to about 100 degrees 1 packet instant yeast ⅔ cup sugar or honey 2 cups whole-wheat flour 2–2½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed, divided use 2 eggs ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened and cut into chunks ½ teaspoon salt 1–2 cups prepared cream cheese frosting

reCipe phOTOS : me GAn mye rS. wi nn er phOTO : CO u rTe Sy bArbAr A re iS S

filling

6 tablespoons (¾ stick) butter, softened ½ cup sugar 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

1. r o l l s in a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warmed milk, yeast and sugar. Let rest 5 minutes, then gradually mix in wheat flour, 2 cups all-purpose flour, eggs (one at a time) and butter. if using a stand mixer, start speed at low and then turn to medium, mixing until a soft dough is formed. Add additional flour as needed to prevent sticking. Sprinkle in salt and

COnTinueD > T e x ASC O OppOwer .COm

perfect for using up leftover bread, this strata has all the flavors of a classic bLT sandwich. make sure to chill it for at least an hour, or overnight, to ensure the bread soaks up the custard. serves 6

6 ounces thick-cut bacon, cut into small pieces ½ cup chopped onion 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes 2 cups baby spinach or arugula 6 ounces day-old bread, such as sourdough or challah, cut into cubes 6 eggs ¾ cup milk ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper ½ cup packed shredded gruyère or white cheddar

1. Grease a 2-quart baking dish and set aside. 2. in a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Drain bacon on a paper towel-lined plate and pour off all but 1 tablespoon of fat.

3. Sauté onions in the same skillet over medium heat until they begin to soften and become translucent, 3–5 minutes. Add halved tomatoes and increase heat to medium-high. Cook, scraping up any browned bits in the pan, until onions have started to caramelize and tomatoes have softened. Stir in the spinach until wilted, then remove the pan from heat. Stir the bacon into the onion mixture. 4. Add half the bread cubes to prepared baking dish, then top with half of the onion mixture. repeat with remaining bread and onion mixture.

5. in a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt and pepper, then pour evenly into the baking dish. Sprinkle cheese over the top, then cover with foil and refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to overnight. 6. when ready to bake, remove strata from the refrigerator and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. bake uncovered 40–45 minutes, until lightly browned on top.

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6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and cut into bite-size pieces 6 eggs dash of hot sauce salt and pepper

reCipeS COnTinueD

mix a few minutes more. Gently knead dough into a ball and place in a large greased bowl. Cover and let rise 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.

2. Once dough has risen, place it on a lightly floured surface. roll dough into a 12-by-18-inch rectangle.

1. preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Arrange chiles evenly in the dish, then sprinkle on cheese and bacon.

3. f i l l i n g Spread softened butter over the surface of the dough. in a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the dough evenly. 4. roll up dough on the long end, then cut into 12 rolls. Lightly grease a 9-by-13inch baking dish and place rolls cut-side up in the pan. Sprinkle any excess filling over rolls, then cover dish tightly and chill overnight. 5. when ready to bake, remove rolls and let rise 1–2 hours or until puffy. preheat oven to 375 degrees and bake rolls 20–25 minutes. Let cool slightly and then top with prepared frosting.

serves 12

2. in a bowl, beat together eggs, hot sauce, and salt and pepper, then pour evenly into the dish. bake until eggs are firm and cheese has melted, 25–30 minutes. Cool 5 minutes, then cut into squares to serve.

Tex-mex Bacon and egg Squares m A r i Ly n b u r G e S S T r i n i T y vA L L e y e C

easy to make and crowd-pleasers, these squares are ideal for those who love the combination of chiles and cheese. Serve as is or with guacamole, sour cream or additional hot sauce.

serves 9

Find more recipes to punch up your brunch at TexasCooppower.com/food, where you can search through nearly 1,000 recipes.

2 cans (10 ounces) whole green chiles, drained 8 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese

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Hit the Road

Know Before You Go

C OurTeSy C he T G A r ner

Call ahead or check an event’s website for scheduling details.

APRIL 08

brenham The isaacs, (979) 337-7240, thebarnhillcenter.com Kerrville Montopolis: the Living coast, (830) 315-5483, thearcadialive.org

swinging Through Time

Canton [8–9] antique Tractor/ Truck show and swap Meet, (214) 837-8861

The regency bridge is the state’s last drivable suspension bridge By Che T garne r i C o u l d F e e l M Y e n T i r e vehicle swaying as I cruised, ever so carefully, across the last drivable suspension bridge in Texas. I felt like a squirrel on a power line, but instead of being 30 feet above the ground, I was 75 feet above the Colorado River. To make matters even more tense, I could hear the wooden boards ﬂexing and creaking beneath my tires. I was deep in the northern Hill Country for this adventure of driving across the Regency Bridge, part road and part roller coaster. The bridge is truly the last of its kind and may only still exist because it connects two quiet gravel roads with very little traﬃc. The Regency Bridge was built in 1939 to link the rural communities of San Saba and Mills counties and spans more than 400 feet from bank to bank. The drivable surface consists of planks suspended by metal cables, earning it the nickname Swinging Bridge. Yes, it really swings. And in its 83 years of existence, it’s seen everything from buggies to cattle drives to electric cars. I was about halfway across when I realized the bridge is so narrow that I could only see the road in front of me and the metal cables out each of my side windows. It left me with a really beautiful view of the expansive Colorado River basin marked by high limestone bluﬀs. I had to constantly remind myself to keep my eyes on the road or else my trip was going to meet a very abrupt end. Those who might be nervous to cross should know that the Texas Department of Transportation has done multiple inspections and overhauls—the most recent in 2021. I survived my trip and had so much fun, I immediately turned around and did it all over again. D

Chet braves the regency bridge high above the Colorado river.

AbOve

See Chet’s crossing of the regency on our website. watch all his Texplorations on The Daytripper on pbS.

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Corsicana [8–9] Texas state Camping squares, (832) 877-6534, texasstatecampingsquares.com Kerrville [8–10, 15–16, 22–24] For such a time as this, (830) 896-9393, caillouxperformingarts.com

grand saline Main street Festival, (903) 962-3122, grandsalinemainstreet.com newcastle Crawfish and Cannons, (940) 549-0401, goodnightlovingrun.com new braunfels [9–10] Folkfest, (830) 629-6504, texashandmadefurniture.com stanton [9–10] old sorehead Trade days, (432) 756-2006, stantontex.com Quintana [9–May 8] spring Fling, (979) 480-0999, gcbo.org

12 15

paris [12–14] lamar County Junior livestock show & sale, (903) 784-7984 alpine [15–17] big bend gem and Mineral show, (432) 244-9503

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grandview [15–17] antique alley Texas, (817) 666-5024, facebook.com/ antiquealleytexas

lufkin The Queen’s Cartoonists, (936) 633-5454, angelinaarts.org san Marcos easter egg hunt & Festival, (214) 641-5841, heritagesanmarcos.org

20 21 22

Corpus Christi [20–24] The birdiest Festival in america, (361) 852-2100, birdiestfestival.org

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lake Jackson [21–24] [title of show], (979) 230-3000, [emailprotected] brenham billy Joel Tribute by brett Cline, (979) 337-7240, thebarnhillcenter.com

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Coleman [22–24] great western Trail days, (325) 669-2292, greatwesterntraildays.com

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new braunfels [22–24] Car Club swap Meet, (830) 708-1372, newbraunfelsareacarclub.com

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burton Cotton gin Festival, (979) 289-3378, texascottonginmuseum.org Fredericksburg luckenbach bluegrass Festival, (830) 997-3224, luckenbachtexas.com mOre evenTS >

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Submit Your Event we pick events for the magazine directly from TexasCooppower.com. Submit your July event by may 1, and it just might be featured in this calendar. T e x ASC O OppOwer .COm

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henderson [22–23] east Texas antique Tractor & engine Club show and pull, (903) 646-3769, north-texasantique-tractor-and-engineclub.org

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Turkey [28–30] bob wills day, (806) 336-1471, bobwillsday.com

29 Pick of the Month

Fort davis [29–30] dark skies Festival, (512) 475-6763, mcdonaldobservatory.org

an evening with renée elise goldsberry Lufkin, April 30 (936) 633-5454 angelinaarts.org

gun barrel City [29–30] gun barrel Quilters guild annual Quilt show, (903) 391-3241, gunbarrelquiltersguild.org

Goldsberry, who won Tony and Grammy awards for her inspired performance in Hamilton, brings a four-piece band and a complement of backup singers to the Temple Theater.

Karnack earth day paddling Flotilla, (903) 736-3063, tinyurl.com/2022flotilla

bryan [23–24] bryanCollege station Friends of the library spring book sale, (979) 209-5600, friendsbcs.org granbury [23–24] wine walk, (817) 573-5548, granburywinewalk.com

1-800-323-3220

surfside beach old guys surf reunion, (979) 233-1531, surfsidetx.org waxahachie bling bang bash designer bag bingo & gun raffle, (972) 937-1455, casaofelliscounty.org

lake Jackson Kids reel big Fish event, (979) 297-4533, visitbrazosport.com

wimberley pie social, (512) 965-2662, wimwic.org/pie-social

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Fredericksburg [29–May 1, 6–8, 13–15] Lend Me a tenor, (830) 997-3588, fredericksburgtheater.org

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la porte san Jacinto Celebration, (281) 479-2431, thc.texas.gov

Texas Agency Lic. 13686, Agent 738393

Kerrville symphony of the hills: primitive echoes, (830) 792-7469, symphonyofthehills.org Freeport [28–30] riverfest, (979) 233-6061, brazosport.org

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nacogdoches [30–May 1] Multicultural Festival, (936) 564-7807, sacredheartnac.org/mcf

MAY 01

surfside beach Market in the park, (979) 233-1531, visitbrazosport.com

Fredericksburg [5–8] 175th anniversary grand Finale weekend, (830) 997-6523, 175th.org

Marble Falls [24–30] paint the Town, (830) 693-4449, hlcarts.com/ptt-2022-event T e x ASC O O p pOw e r .C O m

Focus on Texas

All Wet

Splish, splash, Texans love a good rain. And come hell or high water, someone’s sure to take a dip. Take the plunge and see for yourself if these hold water. C u r a T e d B y g r a C e f u lT z

1 k yLe hArGrOve FA r m e r S e C

“kicking up some waves on a fun summer day.” 2 m A r k h O L Ly bAnDerA eC

horses enjoy a pond in a field of bluebonnets. 3 pA u L L A u D e r FA r m e r S e C

“Cruising in a vintage 1960s automobile-boat.”

4 erikA OrDOG b r yA n T e x A S u T i L i T i e S

raindrops.

Upcoming Contests Due Apr 10 Due mAy 10 Due J un 10

Motorsports Light and Shadow Hometown Pride

enter online at TexasCooppower.com/contests. See Focus on Texas on our website for more All wet photos from readers.

T e x ASC O OppOwer .COm

A p r i L 2 0 2 2 T E X AS C O - O P POW E R 3 7

Observations

no hedging

waging a battle—but losing the war— against vengeful hedge parsley By she ryl smiTh-rodge rs i l l u s T r aT i o n B y a n d r e a C o B B

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i n e v e r s u s p e CT e d

a thing. As I pulled and yanked, I had no clue that the weeds I sought to eliminate planned a revenge I’d never forget. “You better stop,” my husband warned as I worked that spring evening in what we call the meadow, our adjoining lot turned nature preserve. “You’re going to overdo it.” “I’ll be ﬁne,” I retorted, bending down to pull another and another and another. James rolled his eyes and left me kneehigh in ﬁrewheel, prairie verbena, Engelmann’s daisies, Texas stars and—horror! —common hedge parsley. The introduced species did not belong among our native beauties. So I was determined to get rid of them. Honeybees ﬂitted among the wildﬂowers as I used my right arm to tug out

another slim stem of hedge parsley. Their tiny ﬂowers and fernlike leaves reminded me of their carrot cousin, Queen Anne’s lace. Their bright white umbels also made them easy to target in my execution march across the meadow. Occasionally I surveyed my progress, which was not impressive. I sighed. Hundreds more of the intruders swayed in the breeze, taunting my eﬀorts. I knew it would take hours more to pull them all. But I kept going. At least I’m making a dent, I convinced myself. There won’t be as many next year. But I knew the truth. Next year, beaucoup of their sticky seeds (that latch onto fur and socks) would germinate by the thousands. No matter what, hedge parsleys would ﬂourish as they always have. The only diﬀerence, I would soon learn, was I’d never declare war against them again. Just a few days later, on the road for a trip, my right shoulder began to ache. Gingerly, I rotated my upper arm and brushed oﬀ the pain. Yeah, it’d go away. I’d be OK. But I wasn’t. The week after we got home, James drove me to our medical clinic. “I did the same thing,” said the nurse practitioner as she checked my shoulder and arm. “I scrubbed ﬂoors by hand one afternoon. Then I stirred hot chocolate at the football stadium’s concession stand. Took six months for my shoulder to heal.” “Six months,” I echoed. “Sure did,” she said. “Don’t worry.” She patted my shoulder. “You’ll get better. Just give it some time.” I did. Six months later, though, my right shoulder still reminded me of how I sinned in the meadow. Would it ever truly heal? In the meantime, I dreaded the next spring. I could already envision the hedge parsleys waving their leaves in victory, sense their roots snaking deep into the soil. Somehow I had to ignore them. Because, trust me, revenge of the hedge parsleys is for real. Just ask me and my right shoulder. D

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References