Yearly Archives: 2013


Prayerfully Stitched

RED OAK, TX — When Robyn Jefferson learned to crochet as a young girl, it was just one of many things in which she had an interest. As a result, crocheting was replaced by other endeavors, and the young woman eventually found herself in the family business as a pharmacy technician. It would be many […]


Big Surprise, Tiny Package

MIDLOTHIAN, TX — This tale begins as all forms of human life begin — with the birth of a baby. Emergency lights and sirens punctured the stillness of the sleeping neighborhood and startled the neighbors awake on April 29, 2013, at 5:00 a.m. They must have wondered what calamity had befallen one of their […]


Sisters in Service

MANSFIELD, TX — Kay Ray and Susanne Engelbert have been friends for a little over seven years. They first met when Susanne moved in two houses down from Kay. As the ladies got to know one another better, they soon realized they had much more in common than a neighborhood street. Both women have overcome […]


Full Circle Service

CORSICANA, TX — The Navarro College Leo Club, aided by its sponsor, the Corsicana Sunset Lions Club, provides many services to the citizens of Navarro County. However, Lions Club International stretches its services around the world, and so does the Leo Club. Meeting the needs of Navarro County area military personnel who are stationed […]


Future of Learning

GRANBURY, TX — With the start of the new school year, Acton Middle School embraced the old ways, which work well. Under the leadership of Principal Jimmy Dawson, they are also preparing for life-altering changes. “The face of education is changing,” he said. Before the 2012-2013 year ended, he and his staff began looking […]


Staying the Course

ENNIS, TX — In the 2009 movie The Blind Side, for which Sandra Bullock won the Academy Award for best actress, a young man in need of direction is taken in by a caring family, and with their support achieves academic and athletic victory. A local, real life version of the Hollywood hit took place […]


Happiness by Choice

BURLESON, TX — A little boy approached the school bus, head down with a deep frown on his face. It can’t be that bad, Cynthia Hall thought. As he stepped onto the bus, her smile broadened. “Good morning. Rise and shine,” she said. A tiny smirk crossed his lips. For weeks, they continued the morning […]


Neighbors Joining Neighbors

DUNCANVILLE, TX — The New Testament parable of the Good Samaritan addresses the question: “Who is my neighbor?” The parable followed a summation of the Old Testament law as loving God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind and loving your neighbor as yourself. The question was most likely directed at narrowing the […]


Downhome Civics 101

RED OAK, TX — When Sandy Galletta lived in DeSoto, she was an active member of her community. To say she was burning the candle at both ends was probably an understatement. When she moved to Red Oak, she was determined to scale back her civic responsibilities. But one too many coincidental conversations with […]