CONFESSION TIME & A REQUEST

Everyone who knows me would describe me as an organized collector. I collect lots of stuff: dishes, linens, pottery, silver serving pieces and costume jewelry, to name a few. I feel great joy using, wearing and looking at it. However, I also have clutter.

A drawer here, a closet there. Not a lot, but I have room for improvement. I hope you feel inspired, as I did, by the story, When Excess Takes Over.

We would like to feature holiday images from your previous Christmas celebrations in an upcoming issue of the magazine. Please email me (by 6/22/26) festive photos such as your Christmas tree, stockings hung on the mantle, boots lined up on the hearth, front porch décor or the display on the outside of your home. Bonus points if you have a group photo of your family/friends in matching holiday pajamas or all wearing ugly Christmas sweaters. Please include your name, where you live, the people in the photo and your phone number.

When clutter takes over... call the pros 

Clutter—the Oxford Dictionary defines it as “ a collection of things lying around in an untidy mess.” But you already know what it is. It’s the chair that isn’t for sitting anymore, a kitchen counter that never clears, a closet packed with clothes that one day may fit you again. This spring-cleaning season, you may resolve to clear up your clutter.

That’s a good resolution – and a common one. But for some, it’s not so easy. There’s even a Clutterers Anonymous, a “twelve-step program for people who share a common problem with the accumulation of clutter.”

Almost everyone has a little clutter somewhere. Sometimes it’s out of sight; in the attic, the basement, a spare room or at a storage facility where you vow you’re going to get to it one day.

The cultural conversation around clutter has been shaped by professional organizers, most famously Marie Kondo, whose book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up asked people to keep only things that “spark joy.” But not all clutter lends itself to joy-based sorting. Sometimes you need a little help.

Bellville-born sisters Morgan Thomas and Cydney Pennison are clutter-busting pros. As the owners and crew of Spiffy Sisters Cleaning Service, they’ve seen it all. “We always enjoyed organizing and cleaning,” said Morgan, who is also an RN. “ It’s satisfying work.”

That satisfaction comes, in part, from making the task feel possible. One of the biggest mistakes people make, Morgan said, is trying to tackle everything at once. ”It’s overwhelming,” she said. Instead, start small — a single cabinet, a closet, even one drawer. Set a timer for 30 minutes and then stop for the day.

She recommends starting with trash and recycling. Old papers, packaging, and broken things can go without emotional debate. “Once you start throwing out or recycling, it gets a lot more manageable,” she said.” You’ve created breathing space, confidence – and momentum.”

Tougher decisions require self-honesty. If you haven’t used it in a year, you’re unlikely to need it. Favorite sweaters or sentimental items are fine, but a coat unworn for five years is more useful to a thrift store or a local shelter. And maybe you don’t need all 12 pairs of jeans.

“Home offices are the worst offenders,” Morgan added. “A lot of papers are unfinished decisions.” A small desktop file and labeled folders can make a big difference. “Once a month, mark your calendar to go through a box of papers you’ve had for a while,” she said. Some will be shredder- ready. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s relief, and a home that feels livable.

Some clutter-busters take a tougher approach. Books like Nobody Wants Your Sh*t: The Art of Decluttering by “Messie Condo” argue that leaving behind decades of accumulated belongings creates emotional and logistical burdens for family members. Condo’s approach to clutter, sometimes called “death cleaning,” emphasizes cleaning out clutter while you still can, rather than leaving it as your legacy.

That’s where estate-sale professionals come in. Michelle Moebus of Southern Ways Estate Sales & Liquidations often works with families who have taken what they want from the estate— the photos, the heirlooms, the few meaningful keepsakes — and are left staring at rooms still full of everything else. The items may have mattered deeply to the deceased, but now require decisions and action that the family isn’t prepared to make.

“People think putting things into storage buys them time,” Moebus says. “But a year later, they’re paying to store the same decisions they didn’t want to make in the first place.” Storage units can become costly emotional limbo — places where belongings wait, untouched, while families delay confronting them. By contrast, an estate sale forces resolution. The team sorts, prices, sells, donates, and disposes of remaining items, leaving behind an empty, broom-clean house.

The benefit isn’t just profit – it’s closure, allowing the living to go on with their lives without the burden of their loved one’s accumulated baggage.

The fact is, our clutter is rarely just ”stuff”. It represents the versions of ourselves we once were, or imagined — thinner, more organized, more industrious — and the objects we kept as proof that those futures might still arrive. It’s about what we hope will matter after we’re gone.

Seen that way, clutter becomes a kind of biography. What we keep — and where we keep it — tells the story of who we were, who we thought we’d be, and who we’re afraid to stop being. Whether it’s a crowded closet, a packed garage, or an entire house left behind, dealing with clutter is sometimes very hard. But freedom from clutter is worth it.

ABOUT THE WRITER

Susan Yerkes is an award-winning journalist and travel writer based in San Antonio. She has an intimate relationship with clutter. She looks forward to breaking up with it.

Imagine grilling ribeye steaks or baking a hot pizza for friends and family while enjoying conversation around a firepit.

For those considering an outdoor kitchen, options range from custom-designed spaces to modular components available for viewing and purchasing in Austin County. Like all home improvement projects, assessing your needs and prioritizing your desires is the first step. Allow me to walk you through where to start.

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR OUTDOOR KITCHENS

According to Judy Blundell, an award-winning architect with Living Line Design in Central Texas (JudyBlundell@msn.com), “clients often begin the process with a focus on the social aspect, imagining family gatherings or evening BBQs.

The entertaining aspect of such a space is important, but the oldest rule in architectural design is, form follows function”.

When designing an outdoor kitchen, look at the existing space and how it will flow with the rest of the home. This is especially true of the primary kitchen and gathering spaces guests will walk through, like the living room.

AN OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT AREA WITH A KITCHEN. PHOTO CREDIT: TODD PHARIS FOR PIXABAY “Consider the proximity to the existing indoor kitchen, because centralizing services such as water lines, drains, gas connections, electrical service and exhaust flues will prove financially beneficial,” said Blundell.

In addition to the nuts and bolts of design, consider the elements in an outdoor environment. From wind and sun to drainage, these factors affect outdoor space.

According to Blundell, identifying prevailing winds is important, whether from a storm or if the wind blows grill smoke back into the house.

Then consider “how many hours of sun or shade will the area receive at different times of the year,” advised Blundell.

Blundell also advised ensuring that adequate slope or drainage is built into the slab, particularly if the slab is adjacent to the house.

HOW DO YOU COOK?

From a low-and-slow brisket to a hot-and-quick pizza, how you cook is an important factor when designing an outdoor kitchen. Each method requires its own equipment.

“My ideal outdoor space would include a chargrill/ flatgrill combo, under-counter refrigerator with a stainless countertop, a single basin sink, and either a downdraft exhaust or overhead exhaust flue above the grill,” said Blundell.

According to Blundell, popular additions often include an ice well for drinks, an induction or gas burner for sides and maybe a warming drawer.

“Outdoor kitchens are not designed using the typical triangle of service configuration; they work just as well in a straight line,” advised Blundell.

For the flavorful and tender barbecue crowd, a wood smoker might be in order. However, a charcoal grill or komando (the egg-shaped grills) might be worth considering. A rotisserie kit is another option, rotating meats over indirect heat.

Pizza ovens cook more than pizza; bakers can use them to elevate their sourdough or roast in a cast-iron pan. Outdoor pizza ovens are available in wood-fired, gas and electric options.

A DIY OUTDOOR KITCHEN

Outdoor kitchens are more than a grill on a deck. However, modular components are available locally. From grill units to sinks to refrigerators, homeowners can purchase units based on their needs and assemble them on their property.

At Heinsohn’s Country Store, they sell a six-piece outdoor kitchen unit with black marble countertops, a two-door refrigerator, a countertop burner cabinet, a sink unit with a faucet and storage cabinet, all fabricated from stainless steel.

According to Shannon Didin, of Heinsohn’s Country Store, these units are well-made and can be configured to meet individual needs. The six-burner grill includes a rotisserie and puts out a total of 72,000 BTUs when using a 20-pound propane gas tank. Each component includes four casters for moving, leveling legs to lock it in place and locking plates to keep the entire unit together.

According to Didin, Heinsohn’s Country Store offers the largest selection of cast-iron cookware in Texas. It will carry a new polished cast-iron cookware by Smithey, sourced and poured in the U.S.

Heinsohn’s Country Store is located at 1560 FM 109, New Ulm.

Open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and closed on Sunday. It’s been family- owned and operated

since 1920.

BOTTOMLINE OF AN OUTDOOR KITCHEN

The sky’s the limit when it comes to options and additions. From a box-store outdoor grill unit to upmarket modular components to a custom-designed outdoor entertainment oasis, the investment should be enjoyed in the present.

“The return-on-interest definitely differs by neighborhood. Some see a full return, others see a partial return. It certainly helps expedite the sale and makes a property much more attractive than others to secure more showings,” said Jeremy Fain, Broker Associate with Greenwood King Properties in Houston.

“Outdoor kitchens are not designed using the typical triangle of service configuration; they work just as well in a straight line.”

— Judy Blundell

ABOUT THE WRITER Award-winning journalist Catherine Parker contributes to USA Today 10Best, Newsweek, U.S. News and World Report, Lonely Planet, and a host of regional magazines. Catherine publishes a travel website, CarfulOfKids.com, syndicated daily to MSN. As a native Texan, she traveled throughout the state after graduating from the University of Houston. She lives east of Austin in a 100-yearold house she renovated with a host of hand tools and a lot of grit.

Beginning in 1934, the Firemen’s Frolic was held annually at the Liedertafel Hall (built in 1914) in Sealy as a fundraiser for the Sealy Volunteer Fire Department. In 1944, the Liedertafel Hall and grounds were sold to the Fire Department. Over 5,000 people attended the event the following year. The venue was once known as “Fireman’s Hall”. Today, the hall is maintained by the City of Sealy and stands as a piece of local history.

THE TRADITION

The tradition of National Gardening Day on April 14 was sprouted in 2018 by Cool Springs Press, a publisher of DIY gardening and home improvement. The idea is to encourage people of all skill levels to grab a shovel, plant some seeds, and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits from gardening.

WHERE TO SHOP

If you’re looking for a local place to shop for all your gardening needs, look no further than Bellflower Garden Center, where owners Marian and Jimmy Cates have spent years in the nursery business and bring a practical approach to gardening backed by years of experience.

Marian’s inspiration came from watching her mother in the garden, whom she describes lovingly as an avid gardener

LEFT: HERBS FOR SALE AT BELLFLOWER GARDEN CENTER RIGHT: HOLIDAY CACTUS, BEST PLANTED IN THE SPRING OR EARLY SUMMER, A SEASONAL FAVORITE FROM BELLFLOWER GARDEN CENTER and plant snob. Her mother also maintained a close relationship with Lynn Lowery, a well-known Houston horticulturist and collector.

Wanting to follow in her mother’s footsteps on a professional level, Marian worked alongside Joe Tachnni, another well-known gardener who taught Marian everything she needed to know about the immersive, colorful world of gardening.

Marian and her husband Jimmy began planting away. “We started as growers first,” Marian said. “We had a farm that we kept for twenty years.” Retirement called, and the Cates found themselves enjoying quiet in Mexico. “But we got bored quickly,” Marian laughed. “My mother lives in Bellville, so we came here and purchased a home.” The selection of plants varies from Texas natives to South African imports that are adaptable to the Texas heat, according to Marian. But there is no need to be intimidated by the Cates’ experience; Marian loves to be accessible to both novice gardeners and expert growers. “People will text me photos and ask me questions,” Marian said. “I’m pretty accessible to them.” The Cates greatly enjoy inquisitive customers, often steering them to their favorite part of the nursery, a greenhouse filled with unusual plants. Among the assortments is one of Marian’s personal favorites, Blue plumbagoes.

“They behave well here, considering the hot climate,” Marian said of the brightly colored flower. “This used to be a wet area, but the climate has been changing, and we’ve been seeing drier weather. We are not dedicated to Texas native plants, but every plant we house, we consider the dry summers we have. We want to provide quality products.”

To ensure customers are equipped to care for their selected plant, the Cates provide a tag with instructions. But if you’re looking to keep things simple, Mariane suggests looking into succulents.

“Succulents give you so much and ask for so little,” Marian said. “And they have such quirky good looks!”

RESOURCES

TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE EXTENSION

BELLFLOWER GARDENING CENTER 812 E WENDT STREET, BELLVILLE BELLFLOWERGARDENCENTER.COM/ Equally low maintenance, but not a succulent, is the Peperomia plant, which Marian suggests, if you’re looking for a spot of color. Not to be forgotten are the Angel-wing begonias, which provide bamboo-like stems and spotted leaves. “These aren’t the sort you put in the ground,” Marian explained. “You keep them in a pot.”

But apart from the beauty of plants, Marian couldn’t express the amount of mental and physical health benefits gardening provides.

“There is something about caring for a plant, and getting outside and being physical,” Marian said. “Digging down in the dirt is a wonderful escape and an act of self-expression. I liken it to an artist with a blank canvas. You can tailor your garden to match your personality.”

THE BLUEBONNET MASTER GARDENER ASSOCIATION

Another resource for gardening questions is the Bluebonnet Master Gardener Association, offering courses in the Austin County area. The public is welcome to attend the monthly speakers’ events free of charge.

EDUCATIONAL CLASSES

A weekly meeting on Wednesdays at 8:00 a.m. at the Sens Activity Center on 200 Briar Ridge Drive in Bellville is led by instructor Garry Kroeger, who demonstrates various techniques for growing vegetables in all seasons. The vegetables grown at this center are often used for the local Farmer’s Market in Bellville.

On Tuesdays, master gardener Charlene Koehler invites the public to the San Felipe De Austin Historic Site Museum’s 1823 Museum Garden. From 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., where she discusses seasonal vegetables, herbs and dyestuffs.

Stacie Villarreal with the AgriLife organization says the benefits of the programs offered are endless. “It’s a great organization for people who have the same passion,” she said, adding that there are also courses for those wanting to become a master gardener in their own right.

The next fourteen-week course is available in 2027, as 2026 filled up quickly – to learn a variety of subjects, from earth-kind landscaping to plant development and pest management. The programs are available in Austin County, Colorado County, Fayette County, and Washington County.

ABOUT THE WRITER

Veronica Rector, a Texas native who lives with her husband, Justin, and two lovable fur babies, Ace and Hazel.

My introduction to responsible lighting practices came about three months after I’d closed on my first house. Perplexed by my too-high electric bill, I dug into the itemized charges and learned I was paying for a floodlight affixed to the telephone pole just beyond my fenceline. The former owner had asked the power company to install it for reasons I could only guess, but when I realized I was paying a small fortune to broadcast the bat signal from my backyard, I cancelled it. The light came down, and my budget (and my neighbors!) were much happier.

At the time, I didn’t realize that excessive lighting was more than merely annoying; it was bad. It would be another 10 years until I wandered into a lecture in a state park in the badlands of Montana and learned about light pollution. Here’s what light pollution is, how DarkSky Texas is helping to reduce it and how you can be part of the “one lightbulb at a time” solution.

DARKSKY TEXAS

I spoke with Soll Sussman, Board Member at DarkSky Texas, the Texas chapter of DarkSky International (formerly the International Dark-Sky Association), about responsible lighting practices and how small steps we take at home can significantly reduce light pollution. “We’re not trying to tell people not to use lighting, but to use it responsibly,” explained Sussman.

WHAT IS LIGHT POLLUTION?

Light pollution occurs when excessive artificial lighting disrupts natural darkness and alters ecosystems. When I was a little girl, I used to watch the stars from my backyard in suburban Texas. While traveling through Montana, I noticed that the stars in the night sky looked like those of my childhood, bright and sparkling. I realized that the stars hadn’t changed; the light creeping in from the growing city was hiding them.

You might think adjusting your porch light won’t make much difference, but what if everyone paid more attention to responsible lighting practices?

How much of a difference would that make in our view of the stars?

THE FIVE PRINCIPLES OF RESPONSIBLE OUTDOOR LIGHTING

My dazzling backyard orb of light is an extreme example of what not to do, but there are five simple principles for using outdoor lighting more responsibly, and no, it’s not about not using lights or trying to spread the message that lights are bad.

n Use light only if it is needed.

n All lights should have a clear purpose.

n Direct lighting to fall only where needed.

n Use shielding and careful aiming of the light beam so it points downward and doesn’t spill beyond where it is needed.

n Light should be no brighter than necessary.

n

Use the lowest light level required. Be mindful of surface conditions; some surfaces may reflect more light into the night sky than intended.

n Use light only when it is needed.

n Use controls such as timers or motion detectors to ensure light is available when needed, dimmed when possible, and turned off when not.

n

Use warmer color lights when possible.

n Limit shorter wavelength (blue-violet) light to the least amount needed.

Sussman adds that covered lighting and recessed lighting are less intrusive. “Ideally, you would never have a bare bulb.”

RESPONSIBLE OUTDOOR LIGHTING PRACTICES

There’s a myth that lighting equals security and that brighter lights mean more safety. Sussman points out that bright lights may light the way or illuminate something that might attract a burglar’s attention, such as a backyard spotlight shining on a garden shed. Something like this may spark unwanted attention, as in, “Ooh, this must be where the expensive tools are!” Bright light can also create contrasting shadows that make it easy to hide.

Responsible lighting practices include reducing the wattage of your light bulbs and using timers or sensors during the night. Do you really need your porch lights to shine constantly when you can set up a motion-activated sensor for your front door?

HOW LIGHTING CAN NEGATIVELY AFFECT NATURE

Bright lights can harm birds by causing collisions. The National Audubon Society has an initiative during the spring and fall migration season, encouraging people to turn off exterior lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. to help prevent birds from colliding with windows. Sussman adds that this is an easy initiative we can take year-round.

Bright artificial light can also hinder the growth of garden plants, affect mating practices, and disrupt predator-prey relationships. Too-bright exterior lights outside your bedroom can suppress melatonin production, disrupting sleep.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

DarkSky International offers both monthly and annual memberships. Texas members will be placed in the DarkSky Texas Chapter and receive info on local events. Individuals can also make direct donations. Information on membership and the handy ‘donate’ button are on the DarkSky International and DarkSky Texas websites.

DARKSKY CERTIFIED LOCATIONS IN TEXAS

One of the best ways to become motivated to adopt more responsible lighting practices is to appreciate the unpolluted night sky with your eyes. There are currently 24 officially designated dark sky places in Texas listed on DarkSky Texas’ website. There are many parks and natural areas, such as Big Bend National Park and Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, but some are cities, such as Bee Cave and Dripping Springs. Most Texas-certified dark sky locations are in Central and West Texas.

ABOUT THE WRITER Jill Robbins is an award-winning writer whose work has appeared in Fodor’s Travel, SUCCESS Magazine, Saturday Evening Post, and more. Jill served 26 years in the Air Force, which sparked her love of travel. She has visited 39 countries and 44 U.S. states and has lived in England, Germany, and the Azores. She is an active member of the Society of American Travel Writers, the North American Travel Journalists Association, and the Texas Auto Writers Association. Jill lives in the San Antonio area with her husband and two teenage sons, but she is usually somewhere else.

SOFTBALL

Athletes in the Bellville Independent School District also shone with outstanding performances this spring, as well as during fall sports. Bellville High School’s volleyball team reached the state semi-finals this year, continuing an impressive streak with five state appearances in six years. The football team claimed its fifth consecutive district championship, and in cross country, Payton Wolff, Ava Poenitzsch, and Case Eckermann qualified for the regional meet.

Bellville’s team tennis program, established just two years ago, has already won back-to-back district championships.

Some of the scholarship recipients in this district keep busy all year by participating in more than one sport. Adarius Hutchinson, who accepted a football scholarship to the University of Texas at El Paso, is also a basketball player and finished 2nd at the State Track Meet last year in triple jump. Chloe Brandt has committed to playing volleyball at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton next year, but she also competes in tennis. Jakorey Lewis and Bryson Stewart both received football scholarships to Kilgore College. Whether it’s a thrilling playoff run, a personal best in the pool, or the encouraging leadership of a dedicated coach, the success stories found in Austin County’s school district sports programs demonstrate grit, growth, and endless possibility.

Here’s to the seniors—may their journeys ahead be as rewarding as the time spent on their local fields and courts.

(Note: Scholarship recipients included in this article were those who had been confirmed by press time in February, but additional athletic scholarships are expected to be awarded to students in these school districts before the end of the school year.)

ABOUT THE WRITER

Rae Drady is a freelance journalist, editor, photographer, and business/event consultant with 30 years of professional experience.

As seniors, Shortstop/Pitcher Reese Cullen -who will play for LSU-A on a scholarship as a freshman next year- and 1st Team District Pitcher Jaden Bradley strove to push further into postseason play. The team’s strong junior class, led by 1st team all-district third baseman Luke Polasek, middle infielder Chase Kuhn, pitcher/outfielder Carter Baros, and center fielder Judson Zahradnik, also provided a solid foundation, built on years of dedication since their freshman year.

Early in the season, Coach Dougherty said he could see the team potentially controlling the district for the next two seasons, and adding this year’s date on the achievement banner.

Kudos were also earned early this season by Brazos High School swimmer Lizzie Wilson. Coached by her mother, Melissa Wilson, Lizzie made school history at the regional swim meet by becoming region III champion in the 500 freestyle, placing third in the 100 backstroke, and qualifying for the state swim meet. As Brazos’s first-ever state qualifier, she demonstrated Olympic-hopeful level skills in the water.

Brazos High School Athletic Director Patrick Oliver said, “Lizzie is an extremely hard worker. She has done a great job representing Brazos High School, both in and out of the pool. Her success is a reflection of her dedication and the standard she has helped set moving forward.”

TENNIS

The group’s scholarship recipients include: senior Avery Grigar, who will continue her career at UT Arlington; seniors Kara Kram and Karly Kram are both headed to Temple College; Nathaly Velazquez will join Alvin Junior College after graduation; Isabella Galvan will play for Oklahoma Wesleyan University as a college freshman; and junior Caylee Syzdek has already committed to UT Arlington, despite having another year to demonstrate her leadership through another stellar season.

WHAT ARE THE SECRETS TO THIS TEAM’S SUCCESS?

“Take it one game at a time, while striving to be mentally and physically tough in preparation for high pressure moments and high intensity games,” Coach Whitehead said, adding that during the season they worked on “getting faster, stronger and tougher every day, as well as fine tuning our skills… learning how to become one unit by building trust and team chemistry.”

Sealy High School Varsity Basketball Coach Greg Cranfill helped his boys to win the bi-district championship last year, with a 16-9 season. The coach said, “This year we are starting with a new group, and one of my goals for these athletes is for them to be the best version of themselves they can be. We want to develop young athletes into men who will be great husbands, great fathers, and great role models to younger generations.”

Varsity Baseball Coach Will Cerny for Sealy High School said his emphasis for this season involved incremental improvement: “We focus on getting 1% better every single day.” After a 14-16 finish and bi-district finalist status last year, his team worked hard this spring on fundamentals and mental preparation, in hopes of positioning themselves to make it to the next level.

For this year’s National Signing Day in February, Sealy High School celebrated scholarship awards for a handful of fall sports athletes as well. Erik Sanchez and Javien Grant will play football for Schreiner University, Case Lyons accepted an offer from Southwestern University for football, Kane Killough was awarded a spot on the U.S. Air Force Academy football team, and Ivan Cerda received a scholarship from Jacksonville College for track & field.

BRAZOS ISD ATHLETES SHOW UP TO WIN

While the Brazos Cougars Varsity Baseball team had not advanced past the first round of playoffs in the past two years, Coach Scotty Dougherty and his players were focused on changing that narrative this spring. With returning varsity players, including five seniors, on the roster, they were determined to compete for a District Championship and a healthy playoff run.

HELLO FRIENDS,

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

What makes it so special? People. Not gifts, decorations or costumes, but people. Friends, neighbors, family and family by choice who gather to celebrate all sorts of holidays from Diwali, Halloween, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Kwanzaa, Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s.

Let us create a safe place for our kids to trick-or-treat, shower respect on our veterans, give thanks for our nation, love for those who came before us and the freedom to celebrate all, or none, of these.

This issue features a fun day trip destination, places to celebrate Veterans’ Day in our community, holiday-worthy appetizer recipes from your neighbors, how to prepare your home for the cold winter weather forecasted in the Farmer’s Almanac and two profiles: one of Mr. Bellville himself and the other for the brave and giving volunteer firefighters who keep Austin County safe.

Happy Holiday Wishes! Paula Schechter

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE KENDRICK FAMILY

Loretta Lynn used to sing a song that said, “If you’re looking at me, you’re looking at country.” Well, if you’re looking at Arlie Dean Kendrick, you’re also looking at country.

He is the sort of person who knows his neighbors and their families by name. He embodies a genuine desire to look out for one another as a community. He has pride in where he comes from. These are rare qualities in a world that has become constantly fixated on self, but Kendrick keeps the caring alive as the new mayor and long-time resident of Bellville, a small city nestled between Houston and College Station, which is the seat of Austin County.

“I used to be able to tell you who lived on every street and in every house in Bellville, but I couldn’t tell you that anymore,” Kendrick said. “I still know all the old timers, and they still know me, but knowing everybody? Maybe half.”

That’s not a figure to smirk at, considering the population of Bellville is nearly 4,300 people.

Born and raised in Bellville, Kendrick has proudly lived all of his 69 years there. And although he and his wife, Terri, have vacationed in countries such as Greece and Turkey, they have always come back to their home in Bellville, where they have both worked, served the community and raised a family – three adult children and three grandchildren – during their 42 years of marriage.

“Growing up, I always saw my dad helping other people, having a passion for assisting others and making Bellville a better community,” Kendrick’s daughter, Karlie Beach, said. “And I think that rubbed off on all three of us kids. We all strive to do that in some capacity, and I think that came from both of our parents and how they raised us.”

Kendrick is certainly no stranger to public service. Over the years, he has been a dedicated civil servant, serving for six years as an alderman on Bellville’s City Council and for 27 years as First Assistant Chief within the Bellville Volunteer Fire Department. He also worked for the City of Bellville for a total of 36 years. But his most recent role has been stepping into that of the town’s mayor. It’s hard to find many people in any small town who know as much about that town and its people as Kendrick does about Bellville, and that’s not bragging. It’s just a plain fact. Although he retired from the city in 2018, his recent return to its familiar halls seemed destined, given his dedication to Bellville as a life-long resident, his extensive historical knowledge of and with the town, and his personal relationships with more than half its residents.

“It seemed like it was just inevitable that he would at some point become the mayor,” said Jason Smalley, Bellville’s Chief of Police. “He’s worked so long for the city and as a firefighter. He’s one of the few people around here who knows the layout of our city. He’s just Mr. Bellville.”

Now 51, Smalley was a teenager when he met Kendrick and credits him as one of the few people in Bellville with encyclopedic knowledge of the town’s infrastructure, as well as local history going back generations.

Kendrick ran for mayor and won without having to do more than throw his proverbial cowboy hat into the ring. No one ran against him. Kendrick was elected unopposed, which is no surprise to many town residents.

“I think that shows the confidence the people of Bellville have in him that he had no opponents,” fellow Bellville City Council member Betty Hollon said. “Arlie’s concern is for the town of Bellville and its future. He’s a very friendly, outgoing person, and I think everybody knows he is always willing to do what’s needed.” From the time he was a small child, Kendrick grew up living the life of the ‘small town southern man’ Alan Jackson sang about. A small-town cowboy, in this case, who had no desire to wander too far from Texas, let alone his beloved Bellville. His family all lived in Bellville. Riding horses, rodeo, raising cattle, roping and steering calves are in his blood, traits passed down to him by his father, John Arlie Kendrick, who died in a horseback riding accident when Kendrick was just 6 years old.

“He’s worked so long for the city and as a firefighter. He’s one of the few people around here who knows the layout of our city. He’s just Mr. Bellville.”

— Jason Smalley

“Because of my dad’s accident, it was always a struggle for me with Mama for her to let me ride horses,” Kendrick said. Yet he has kept that passion alive on the 66-acre farm he and Terri own just outside of Bellville, in addition to their in-town residence.

Today on the farm, the couple owns three horses and raises cattle. Terri Kendrick, a retired educator, remarked that the grandchildren especially enjoy visiting the farm. “To them, coming to Bellville is like going to Disney World. They love coming here,” she said.

When they aren’t on the farm or at city hall, the Kendricks might be found showing a home to a prospective buyer as realtors for Bill Johnson & Associates or out antiquing.

In his free time, Kendrick also enjoys refurbishing old air motor windmills, primarily for decorative use. He developed the passion as a youngster.

“There was an older gentleman who asked me to help him restore windmills, and I used to drive through the countryside and see old broken-down windmills lying there in the field, and I wanted to restore them.”

The windmill Kendrick’s grandfather owned was destroyed during Hurricane Carla in 1961, but Kendrick eventually salvaged the tower and other parts from the old windmill to restore it to its former glory. The windmill now stands tall and graceful in the Kendricks’ backyard.

But with his new position as mayor, there isn’t much time for windmill restoration anymore, and Kendrick said it is a hobby he will probably have to set aside.

Along with the city council, Kendrick’s current agenda is the implementation of several street repair projects the city is undertaking to improve the quality of life for its citizens.

Although Bellville owns its utilities, there are areas of town in need of maintenance. The city recently finished the re-routing of water mains under Main Street, also known as Highway 36.

In addition to its annual $14.5 million budget allotted to run its various departments, to reconduct worn electrical lines, resurface streets, and replace old water and sewer lines, the city was approved for a grant of nearly $1.2 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), a COVID-19 relief bill, to purchase a new water well.

The grant’s funds are distributed through the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund program, which allocates money to state and local governments to help communities recover from the effects of the pandemic by investing in various essential services, including infrastructure.

The improvement projects are slated for completion by the end of the city’s next fiscal year on September 30, 2026.

A family day trip destination now through December 28

ne of the best things about living in Austin County is its close proximity to so many amazing day-trip locations. Galveston and Matagorda are, of course, among the top choices for locals to visit during the summer, but a truly ideal family day-trip destination starting in the fall until just after Chrstmas is Dewberry Farm, located in Brookshire, less than an hour’s drive from Bellville, Sealy, or Wallis. For anyone looking for the “picture-perfect” pumpkin patch photos of the family, kids or grandkids – This is IT! Fall photo spaces, such as their famous life-sized pumpkin house, are thoughtfully installed throughout the grounds for unlimited seasonal selfie backgrounds and social media moments.

Not only do they have a Texas-sized pumpkin patch, rated as one of the best in the greater Houston area and beyond, but they also feature an eight-acre aMAZEing corn field maze.

Visitors may also purchase pumpkins to take home or to paint and transform into a colorful work of art in the farm’s kids’ craft area.

Nearly everything is included in the ticket price except for a few things like the Paintball Shooting Gallery, Gemstone Mining, face painting, and a few seasonal offerings. Even parking is free. Not all the rides are designed for both adults and small children, but among the variety offered, there are plenty to satisfy thrill seekers of all ages and sizes.

Guests will definitely want to spend a few extra dollars on traditional festival-type food options, such as funnel cakes covered in whipped cream and Peeps, Mac’n Cheese topped with brisket, tacos, fried Oreos, BBQ , burgers, or mouth-watering turkey legs.

Warren Lyng, the VP of Marketing and Creative for Peerless Production Group (PPG) - which operates Dewberry Farm and its sister property, Yesterland Farm, in Canton, Texas- shared, “Fall is my favorite season. The Fall Festival runs from Sept. 13 to Nov. 9, including the pumpkin patch, fall family photo ops (including the life-sized pumpkin house), and our Jumpin’ Jacks — which are like a mechanical bull except you ride on a spinning jack-o’-lantern.”

“The Gold Rush roller coaster and the DewVille Express train are two of the most popular,” he added, “but for fall, our eight-acre corn maze is definitely the number one [attraction.] Each fall, our corn maze has a different theme,” Lyng said. “This season will be a tribute to country artist Lainey Wilson, bringing her image to life in the acres of corn that we begin planting in July.”

“It’s fun to navigate during the day, but at night it turns spooky for our evening hours family Halloween event, BOOriffic Nights,” Lyng also said of the maze. It features giant lit characters, three haunted house-type scary venues, and hundreds of glowing jack-o-lanterns after the sun sets on the property every Friday through Sunday, Sept. 27 through Nov. 2. The majority of attractions for these special themed nights are also included in the fall festival admission.

CHRISTMAS THEMED WONDERLAND

Then, just when it seems this place couldn’t possibly create any more phenomenal family fun, the whole complex transforms into a Christmas-themed wonderland from Nov. 21 until Dec 28.

Lyng revealed, “This November and December, as part of our event ‘A BERRY Merry Christmas’ at Dewberry Farm, we are launching an all-new attraction, which is a train ride through two miles of programmed RGB lights dancing to everyone’s favorite holiday tunes. This, in addition to our Holiday Light Hay Ride and walk-through Merry And Bright light attractions, means we will have one of the country’s largest Christmas light experiences.”

“Additionally, our farm family of animals has gained a few new members,” he exclaimed with excitement. “We now have a llama called Tina and a micro-miniature Hereford heifer who is only 36” tall.” The staff was still working on choosing a name for her just before the start of the new season.

Your HAomGuei,dPeettso, PPrlaontetsct& inPgeople

he Farmers’ Almanac just sent shivers down the spines of Texans with its latest winter forecast. After a relatively easy summer, residents don’t want a repeat of Snowmageddon 2021.

According to the publication, the upcoming winter forecast calls for a season of dramatic swings and widespread wintry weather.

“Texas and the Southern Plains are on tap for a wetter-than-average winter with periodic cold snaps,” advised the Farmers’ Almanac 2025 – 2026.

STAY PROTECTED IN A PREPARED HOME

During a cold snap, stay indoors to protect people, pets, and sensitive plants. Fall is the best time to prepare for winter to prevent repairs during a winter storm or property damage.

Most Texas homes can handle hotter temperatures better than colder ones. Texas homes lack basements that hold the building systems. Plumbing is routinely exposed to the outdoors.

The Texas Department of Insurance offers a checklist to prepare residents for winter’s onset. Review your homeowner’s insurance policy to understand coverage in case of damage.

PREPARE THE INSIDE OF YOUR HOME IN THE FALL

• Get your chimney inspected and cleaned. Creosote buildup can start a fire.

• Get your heating system inspected to ensure its safety.

• Test your carbon monoxide and smoke alarms. Alarms older than 10 years should be replaced.

• Seal leaks or cracks around water supply lines.

• Check your attic insulation for areas that need repair.

• Prepare the Outside of Your Home in the Fall

• Trim trees hanging over your house and cars.

• Clean the gutters.

Winterize your pool. If the temperatures dip below freezing, run the pump to keep the pipes from freezing.

Find your water shutoff valve. It’s usually under a metal lid near the street between your house and the larger manhole cover with the city water shutoff valve. Test the valve to make sure it’s not stuck and that you can shut it off in an emergency. If you can’t, contact a plumber to replace it.

In the days before a winter storm with subfreezing temperatures, the Texas Department of Insurance advises protecting pipes. It is best to wrap or cover outdoor pipes and remember the unheated areas (like a washer in the garage). Irrigation systems also need to be drained and turned off.

During a freeze event, the Texas Department of Insurance advises people to open plumbing cabinets in bathrooms and kitchens to keep those spaces warm. Let the faucets drip from the cold and hot taps or run water through your indoor faucets during extended periods of freezing weather, like overnight.

If the pipes freeze, then turn off the water at the shutoff valve. This will prevent property damage when they thaw.

KEEPING THE LIGHTS ON THIS WINTER

Trees are an essential part of the landscape; however, during an ice storm, a falling limb can sever a power line. This is why tree trimming is a necessary activity.

According to San Bernard Electric Coop (SBEC), who serve the northern parts of Austin County, tree-trimming contractors rotate throughout its service area on a five-year clearing cycle. However, sometimes vegetation grows back sooner.

For those within the SBEC service area, customers can report vegetation issues to a dedicated department. It is reached at 979-865-3171 or 800-364-3171.

SBEC now offers a one-way text alert service to receive messages from SBEC during emergencies, including prolonged power interruptions and mandated rolling blackouts.

Customers can add their mobile phone number to Text Power by texting 85700 on their phone.

The San Bernard Electric Co-op also advises customers to have an emergency kit on hand.

• flashlights

• batteries

• bottled water

• nonperishable food

• blankets

• matches

• first-aid supplies

• medications (over-the-counter and prescription)

• pet supplies

• battery banks for charging devices

• all-weather radio

• multipurpose tool

• air-activated heat packs

• hand sanitizer

• a list of important numbers, including your SBEC account number, and SBEC’s outage reporting and emergency line, 800-364-3171. For CenterPoint customers, report outages to 713-207-2222 or visit https:// tracker.centerpointenergy.com/map/texas.

THEY’RE FAMILY TOO!

PROTECTING PETS THIS WINTER

People aren’t the only ones who need protection during cold snaps. Pets need help too.

“If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your dog. Shivering and trembling are signs that your dog is too cold,” said Judi Burttschell, of Burttschell Rescue Ranch, a local 501 (c)(3) animal nonprofit.

Burttschell also advised to keep walks short if the temperature is under 45°F. For outdoor animals, like feral cats, wooden dog houses with straw are warmer than blankets. She explained that blankets can get wet, and straw keeps the heat in.

“We blanket here under 40°F if a horse doesn’t grow a winter coat,” Burttschell said, an avid horse lover. She also advised providing additional hay to eat and shelter from the wind and rain.

Burttschell Rescue Ranch is an all-volunteer dog and horse rescue located in Sealy. It is always in need of volunteers, supplies and monetary donations. To learn more, visit its website at Burttschell-RescueRanch.com.

KEEP PLANTS PROTECTED FOR A BETTER SPRING

Many get great joy from their plants and gardens. However, a couple of degrees can be the difference between green and growing and brown and gone.

Tiger Eye Landscape Supply in Sealy recommends feeding the root system over the winter by fertilizing naturally with compost products in the fall.

It also recommends mulching twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. This protects the root system and offers additional nutrients.

Water is also another consideration for overwintering plants. Tiger Eye Landscape Supply recommends watering plants twice a week during dry spells.

For help with plant selection for the Texas landscape, visit its nursery. Its knowledgeable staff answers questions and provides suggestions to homeowners.

Tiger Eye Landscape Supply is located at 1210 US-90, Sealy, TX. Tiffany Jackson opened the storefront in March 2025, selling annual flowers, vegetables, perennials and bulk landscape supplies that can be delivered.

HOW WE HONOR VETERANS IN AUSTIN COUNTY

e should all take a moment to remember the reason behind Veterans Day sales. It can be easy to forget the sacrifices made for this country to enjoy the freedoms we have today.

Veterans have faced fears that ordinary citizens will never know. They have endured more pain and heartache than is often thought humanly possible. Their memories are often corrupted by the darkness and evil they witnessed in the world of war, in the eyes of their enemies and on the blood of their fallen comrades. Still, they endured these things for a sole purpose; to preserve the country they love and adore.

LOCAL CELEBRATIONS

Veterans Day is celebrated annually on November 11, and in Austin County, there is no shortage of events for veterans to attend and feel the community’s appreciation and respect.

Sealy High School will host a full campus assembly in the gym, followed by a meal and music from its choir and band. A guest speaker will be selected to give a speech and a patriotic presentation. The event is free for all local veterans and their families.

“We ask that veterans RSVP so we can have an accurate headcount for seating and the meal,” Leslie Pacher, Student Council Advisor of Sealy High School, said. “Our advanced culinary arts classes prepare the meal.” Bellville High School hosts a similar event, but in the morning. Breakfast is provided, including donuts and coffee, in the library. Afterwards, veterans proceed to the football field for a recognition ceremony. A student will read a patriotic poem and story, and the high school band will play each military branch song in addition to The Star-Spangled Banner.

“We typically involve the entire school district,” Bellville High School Principal James Dristas said. “At the ceremony, we read each veteran’s name aloud. It’s a pretty cool thing.” Dristas asks veterans who wish to be included in the school program to complete a form posted on the Bellville ISD Facebook page.

Beyond Veterans’ Day, other resources and events are available for veterans in the Austin County area. Wayne Cox, Veterans Service Officer of Austin County, has devoted most of his retirement to keeping veterans informed of legislation that impacts them, resources available, sharing stories of late veterans, and keeping them posted on upcoming events.

One popular event in the fall is the annual Pancake Supper hosted by VFW Post 442 in Sealy, Texas. The event is gearing up for its 17th annual event, where the all-you-can-eat pancake supper, accompanied by sausage and drinks, is offered to veterans in the area. Tickets are $10 for adults, and kids five and under are free. To attend, mark your calendars for Friday, October 4th, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

EACH VETERAN HAS A STORY

Just as important as these events are the stories behind the veterans, according to Cox. “When these veterans pass on, who is left to tell their stories?” Cox said. “It’s important that we learn about their service so that their legacy carries on.” One veteran in Bellville shared his story with Cox, motivating Cox to write his story and share it with other veterans in the Austin County area.

William S. “Billy” Jackson, a veteran of the Army Air Corps, celebrated his hundredth birthday last year and showed no signs of slowing down.

Billy had been flown out of the States on July 3rd, 1944, just one month after the D-Day Normandy invasion. He was assigned to the Fifteenth Air Force, 456th Bombardment Group, 745th Squadron, where they were stationed at Cerignola, Italy.

Part of their mission was to manage strategic bombing missions to airfields, factories, refineries, and railroads throughout France, Italy, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Hungary, Austria, and the Balkans. On his 36th flying mission, Billy served as a nose gunner when they were hit, and the eleven-man crew was forced to A crew member on his team was Jewish and was fearful of what would happen to him in the hands of the German military. He asked Billy to help him if he ever needed it. Billy kept that promise, ensuring his crewmate bailed out of the downed plane so he would survive.

The crew was captured as prisoners of war and taken to Berlin, Germany, for processing. On October 20th, 1944, Billy’s twentieth birthday, he was transferred to Stalag Luft IV, a POW camp in Gross Tychow, Pomerania – which is now known as Tychowo, Poland. Hope didn’t arrive until January, when distant flashes of artillery could be seen.

Evacuation orders came weeks later, on February 6th, and the POWs – approximately 6,000 of them – were sent out on foot in the freezing cold. Groups were divided into 250-300 prisoners and sent in different directions. Forced to walk all day, the prisoners would be herded into barns at night. For the lucky ones, the floor of the barns would be covered with straw. But German soldiers would often remove the straw, saying that it would be contaminated by the prisoners and become unfit for livestock.

The knee-deep snow weakened the prisoners; some died and were left behind. Other times, there would be the sound of a gunshot, and a German soldier would return to formation alone. The horrific march came to a stop in April along the banks of the Elbe River. The total endeavor consisted of 86 grueling days and 600 deadly miles. Many of the surviving prisoners started with a healthy weight of 150 pounds, and were reduced to near-skeletons at 90 pounds. Approximately 1,300 POWs died on the deadly march to nowhere.

Billy received his discharge papers on October 25th, 1945, and returned home to Bellville, where he married his wife Jeannette Mewis and enjoyed an amazing 64 years with her before her passing in 2011. Together, they share four children: Stanley, Sherrie, Steven, and Suzanne, all of whom live near Bellville. Billy also became a doting grandfather to 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. A proud member of the Greatest Generation, Billy will never forget the sacrifices made during World War II.

“The men and women who were killed in action and 16,000 who died in prison camps, along with the MIAs, are a very high price to pay for the freedoms we have today,” Bill said at a Veterans Address years ago. “Our Nation must never forget the great price these and other Americans paid so that we might live in peace and freedom.”

There are hundreds of thousands of stories like Billy’s that never get shared with the world. So, if you see a veteran, and it’s not Veterans Day, ask to hear their experience and thank them for their service, because their sacrifice should not be remembered on just one day of the year, but every day of every year.

Thank you, Veterans.

Neighbors on Fire Trucks Austin County’s fire departments run almost entirely on volunteers — neighbors balancing day jobs, families, and fire calls.

October is Fire Prevention Month, and across Austin County, firefighters carry the message of safety. In Bellville, fire engines pull up to schools with lights flashing and sirens wailing, to the delight of children and adults alike. Teachers try on bulky yellow bunker suits and children tour the big red engines. In Sealy, Shelby, Wallis, San Felipe, Frydek, Industry, Cat Spring, Bleiblerville and New Ulm, volunteers in turnout gear show kids that firefighters aren’t just heroic figures – they’re neighbors.

“We talk to the little ones about calling 911, and fire safety, and the difference between toys and tools, like matches,” says Jason Greene, a former industrial firefighter who started volunteering with Bellville’s fire department after moving to town 10 years ago.

In addition to responding to fire and emergency calls, Greene engages in community outreach through activities like Fire Prevention Month and presentations to Bellville High School’s law enforcement classes.

“We’ve got some guys with 30 years in Houston fire service and others just starting out,” Greene says.

“But everybody here is 100 percent volunteer.”

Volunteer firefighters balance family, work and service. Some work for themselves or in companies that let them drop tools and run when the pager goes off. Others are retirees who bring decades of wisdom to young recruits. They respond to EMS calls, grass fires, car wrecks and lightning strikes. They sell barbecue plates and raffle tickets to keep rigs rolling. They teach fire safety to children and CPR to adults.

Today, about 80 percent of firefighters in Texas are volunteers. Every fire department in Austin County is all-volunteer, except for Sealy, where a small crew of paid professionals is on duty around the clock in a largely volunteer department.

Robert Handly spends half the week at his manufacturing company in Houston. However, he has still found time to volunteer with both Cat Spring and Bellville fire departments since 2014.

“I had a couple of friends in Bellville who wore these pagers that would go off, and they would just look at each other and leave. I felt like I was missing out,” he said. Handly, an EMT, had to complete 40 hours of training before he could go into a burning building, but it was worth it. “Responding to fires and car wrecks is my cup of tea,” he said.

But recruiting volunteers is a challenge these days. “We’re losing guys to age,” he said. “All over the area, recruiting is down.” That’s a common problem for volunteer fire departments throughout Texas, as the population ages and volunteering in general is declining.

At the smaller Shelby Volunteer Fire Department, Assistant Fire Chief Berrie Epzel said his 15 fellow volunteers come from all walks of life. “One is a contractor, one owns a tractor company, some are employed, and some are retired like me. Sometimes when a call comes in, it’s just us senior citizens,” he said.

“We’re very rural. Our biggest fire calls are grassfires. Seventy-five percent of people don’t pay attention to the wind and weather conditions, and it’s very easy for a controlled burn to become an uncontrolled burn,” he said. Like other Austin County fire departments, Shelby’s volunteers face not only emergencies but also constant financial pressure. Remodeling their firehouse will cost a couple of hundred thousand, Epzel said -- a heavy lift in a town where every dollar comes from donations and grants.

For Bleiblerville’s Fire Chief Shane Siptak, Fire Prevention highlights the adaptability of volunteers who have learned that rural firefighting involves different tactics. Siptak said his 30 volunteers respond to lift assistance for EMS, grass fires, wrecks, the occasional house fire, downed power lines after a bad storm, and even evacuating people after pipeline leaks. “We have good equipment; we’ve gotten quite a few grants over the years,” he said, “and we have lots of support from the community.” Few people exemplify the spirit of volunteer service better than Austin County Judge Tim Lapham. As the county’s chief administrator, he wears a suit in the courthouse. As Chief of the Cat Spring Volunteer Fire Department and a volunteer for Bellville FD, he wears bunker gear.

“I’ve been a volunteer fireman since 1993,” Lapham said. The Cat Spring VFD counts about 30 to 35 members, with 20 to 24 active volunteers, he said. He has been a volunteer firefighter since 1993.

On Tuesday nights, Cat Spring VFD holds training sessions. “You show up, we’ll do something to get you involved,” Lapham said. “Smaller departments let you do more things. We put our people on the trucks and give them a good environment. We haven’t had recruitment issues. This really is a big brotherhood.”

Like most Austin County VFDs, Lapham said the most calls are for medical emergencies. “We don’t have an ambulance in our district, so we can usually get to them 15 minutes ahead of EMS. If it’s something drastic, we call for senior paramedics. The second most common calls are for grass fires.

Community support is strong here, too. Cat Spring VFD’s big barbecue and raffle fundraiser, held each April, is a major community event.

“We’re going to replace our rescue truck,” Lapham says. “The one we have is 30 years old. We bought it off eBay from a California fire department 15 years ago. If you’re in a car wreck or having a heart attack, that’s the truck that’s coming for you. I don’t know too many people who would drive a 30-year-old truck to an emergency.”

While a new truck would cost $250,000, they’ll cut the cost in half by mounting the functional part of the truck onto a new chassis, cab and driveline. “When we show people we’re using their money wisely, they back us,” he said. In a small community, oftentimes you know the people you’re going out to help. They’re your friends and neighbors.

In the end, it’s all about community and caring. That’s the bond that makes the work of Austin County’s volunteer fire departments something special.

Elsie Ripple and Presley Ward Hahn were lifelong friends, both graduating from Sealy High School in 1923. Both women died in 2005 at the age of 99 years.

Presley’s family home, built in 1893, is located at 613 Ward Street in Sealy. A couple of years after their deaths, Presley’s home was sold. The new owners later purchased and moved Elsie’s family home to a vacant lot next door to Presley’s home. Elsie’s home, built in 1914, was originally located on Meyer Street (State Hwy 36) where the Sealy Physical Rehab is currently located.

Throughout Elsie’s life, she was an artist and often shared her drawings and paintings with her friends, including Presley. Presley became a school teacher and later operated a private kindergarten in her home on Ward Street. Many who grew up in Sealy during the 1960s and 1970s attended Ms. Hahn’s kindergarten.

It seems quite fitting that the family homes of two lifelong friends are now standing side by side, hopefully for a very long time.

“I have served these at many family and business functions, and they are always a hit.” The recipe comes from Reichardt’s mother, Gwen Reichardt.

12 jalapeños 8 ounces of cream cheese 12 slices of bacon 1 cup of brown sugar 2 tablespoons of chili seasoning (or more to taste) Cut jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove seeds. Fill each half with cream cheese. Cut the bacon slices lengthwise in half and wrap pieces around stuffed peppers.

Mix brown sugar with chili seasoning mix.

Roll the bacon-wrapped peppers in the mixture.

Bake on a parchment-lined cookie sheet for approximately 30 minutes at 375 degrees, or until the bacon is crisp and the peppers are soft. Yields 24 poppers.