MAY 2015
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
Ladonia resident Aurora Marquez
Hernandez is not just a hair stylist, she’s
an instructor too.
Aurora moved to Ladonia in 2001 and
commuted to Dallas for many years.
A 1983 graduate from Arlington’s Aladdin Beauty College, Aurora went on to
earn an advanced degree, and was
awarded an Instructor’s license from
Aurora Marquez
Neilson Beauty College in Dallas.
Hernandez
Aurora began styling hair at age thirteen.
“I used to corner my brother in the bathroom and cut
his hair,” she remembers joyfully.
Chamber of Commerce of Ladonia
P.O. Box 44
Ladonia, TX 75449
www.ladoniachamber.com
[email protected]
(972) 757-8920
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A Funny Thing Happened
Pg.10
Aurora was able to perfect her technique and master
the “art” of customer communication by working in
area salons and cutting hair at Mexican bazaars in the
Dallas area.
Boyd Music Festival
Pg.11
Congratulations
Pg. 10
Expert Advice
Pg. 6,7
“What makes you a good stylist,” I asked? Aside from
having years of experience, Aurora believes that her
talent begins by really listening to each client and taking into consideration a persons personality, face
shape, and hair texture to know what type of cut will
look best. “It is important to look from the customer’s
perspective, she states, to create that perfect style.”
Garage Sale, 20 Mile
Pg. 5
Getting to Know You
Pg. 1
Good Works
Pg. 4
Historically Speaking
Pg. 8
Join the Chamber
Pg.12
Open for Business
Pg. 2,3
Top Five
Pg. 7
Touch of Humor
Pg. 12
When do hair types come in to play? Apparently
scissor cutting is very precise and great for blunt cuts,
bobs or layering to create volume for people with thinner hair. Razor cuts, on the other hand, look the most
natural. You can walk out of a salon looking like
you’ve had a weeks worth of growth; no new-cut awkwardness when a razor, not scissor, is used.
Continued on pg. 6
Join us at the next Chamber Meeting!
Meetings are held on the first Saturday
of each month at the “This and That
Retail Shop” on the square.
Meeting starts at 9:00 a.m.
1
Brookshire’s of Commerce
1603 Culver St.
Commerce, TX 75428
(903) 886-3252
HOURS: 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Is it possible to save big AND buy superb quality groceries? It is if you
shop at Brookshire’s. The minute you walk in the door at Brookshire’s
in Commerce on 1603 Culver street the experience begins. Gone are
the motion detector talking screens that force product information on
walkers-by. Isles are roomy, brightly lit, and super clean. The store is
stocked with first-class produce—fresh from the fields of our own local
growers. Brookshire’s CEO believes that purchasing locally grown produce positively impacts each community’s economy and ensures the
customers get the freshest seasonal produce available. The truth is in
the tasting.
Brookshire’s opened it’s doors in 1928 in Tyler, TX. The Commerce location opened in 1977.
Brookshire Grocery Company (BGC), owns and operates 151 stores in Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas. They also own three distribution centers and five manufacturing plants. This enables BGC
to deliver products fast and stock stores affordably. What does this mean to Brookshire customers?
Lower Prices. Not only do they compete with large mega grocery stores, Brookshire’s often beats
their prices too.
Choosing from fresh, locally grown produce is a pleasure. BGC also hand-cuts and packages much
of their our own beef, pork, and poultry products. Brookshire’s Meat Market
offerings are exceptional.
So what could be better than great tasting food and affordable pricing? How
about service? Brookshire’s philosophy is “people first, profits will follow.” It’s no
more apparent than in the ready smiles and greatly appreciated offers of assistance with carry out items. Brookshire’s “people first” philosophy doesn’t stop
there.
Men and woman who work for Brookshire’s aren’t called employees, they’re
called Partners. The company is adamant about this distinction. “Brookshire’s is
a great place to work,” stated Broc Hohenberger, Commerce Store Director.
Broc is a hands-on Director, never hesitating to help the staff wherever he’s
needed. This conciliatory and supportive environment fosters long-term working
relationships.
Broc Hohenberger
Commerce
Store Director
Brookshire’s strives to help communities flourish with more than just groceries. They sponsor a multitude of drives, fundraisers and events with proceeds going to charity. In 2014, they donated
$111,000 to Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas. A Christmas drive provided 16,000 Meals on
Wheels to families in Tyler. $170,00 was awarded to 124 high schools throughout Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas. Just last March, more than
$100,000 was raised in Brookshire’s second annual FRESH 15 road race. One of the charities
on the receiving end is the Tyler-based Bethesda Health Clinic.
There’s never been a better time to save on
groceries.
Visit Brookshire’s in Commerce,
Greenville, Paris or Sulphur Springs.
2
George Skellham, owner of MLS Drywall &
Paint, is a man of his word. Specializing in
interior and exterior painting, Mr. Skellham has
a seven year
track record of
fair pricing,
good customer
service, and
on-time
completions.
The entire
crew is friendly
and courteous, with a no-nonsense work ethic
that delivers quality work and gets the job done.
Whether painting, repairing drywall or finishing
every homeowner’s handyman to-do list,
MLS Drywall & Paint is ready to surpass
expectations and restore your home to its
previous glory.
There’s never been a better time to beautify
your home! Call for a free estimate today.
Owner of Liberty Farm Landscaping,
Robby Cox, is ready to help
area residents spruce up for
spring.
Robby opened his landscaping
business in 2001. He is an
experienced landscaper who
is also licensed through the
Texas Department of Agriculture to provide pesticide application.
Born in College Station, Mr. Cox moved to
Wolfe City in 1977 to be closer to family.
He and his wife, Amy, have two children; a
girl 11, and a boy 4.
“I love the outdoors,” Robby replied when
asked why he chose this profession.
Landscaping is his passion—it shows in
his quality of work.
With a crew of three and multiple tractors,
Liberty Farm Landscaping provides tree
trimming, pasture maintenance, lawn mowing, tree and shrub planting and yearround expert, lawn care.
Many of his commercial and residential
customers have been with him his entire
working life; 14 years. “Why is your business so successful?” I ask. “I’m reliable,”
he replied confidently.
New customers signing up for Liberty
Farm’s Full Package Lawn
Care Service will receive
10% off.
It’s time to….
MLS DRYWALL & PAINT
(214) 690-9822
(903) 450-5996
If you’re doing business in our area we’d like to share your story too. Email [email protected]
3
Good Men Doing God’s Work in Ladonia.
Assistant Pastor Ray Godfrey and Men’s Ministry member Johnny Crosby,
are blessed to be a part of the mentoring program at the Mt. Pisgah Baptist
Church.
They’ll tell you that mentoring is all about the children. “We need to give
the youth the tools to succeed in life,” stated Ray Godfrey, Assistant Pastor.
Children need to experience what’s beyond they’re limited vision and see
Assistant Pastor
what the world can really offer them. It’s hard for a child raised in rural
Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church
poverty to imagine the possibility that through perseverance and God’s
Ray Godfrey
direction, ALL things are possible.
These talented male mentors are dedicated to making a difference in the
lives of Ladonia youths. They’re living proof that through biblical devotion
and hard work, anyone can realize success and live a fruitful life.
Johnny Crosby, a professional truck driver, is also a landlord and owns
multiple rental properties. He knew as kid that he wanted to be a truck
driver. He’s living that dream.
Assistant Pastor Ray Godfrey graduated from Ladonia High School and
served for thirty years in the Texas Army National Guard becoming a
Command Sergeant Major.
Ray got a job sweeping floors at Frito Lay. Thirty two years later he held
the Plant Manager position, after working his way up through the ranks.
It is possible to achieve success with determination and effort. Now the
owner of a day care business in Commerce, Assistant Pastor Ray
Godfrey has returned to the area in hope of helping others.
Men's Ministry Outreach
Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church
Johnny Crosby
Mt. Pisgah’s Mentoring Program plans day trips in the future, beginning with a trip to Fair Park
Museum in Dallas. The African American Museum at Fair Park is the only museum in the
southwestern US devoted to the preservation and display of
African American artistic, cultural, and historical materials. It has
one of the largest African-American folk art collections in the US.
Youths in the program range in age from seven to seventeen.
Direction is provided by professional educators and teachers with
an added biblical focus. Kids are taught life and career development skills, and benefit academically as well as spiritually.
If you or your child would like to know more about Mt. Pisgah’s Mentoring
Program call (903) 367-7009 or attend Youth Sunday School at 10:00 a.m.
every Sunday. You’ll be welcomed with open arms and a loving heart.
What an excellent job these talented mentors are doing! To help with day
trips, workshops or mentoring opportunities contact Mt. Pisgah Baptist
Church today.
Mt. Pisgah
Baptist Church
C.W. Pruitt, Pastor
301 TX-34
Ladonia, TX 75449
(903) 367-7009
4
20 Mile
SATURDAY, MAY 2
8a.m - 4 p.m.
Sale locations include Ladonia,
Pecan Gap and Ben Franklin.
For more information contact
Debby Frey at (972) 757-8920 or
Peggy Durham at (903) 359-6544.
Maps will be available at the
This And That Resale Shop ,
Granny’s Place and various
shops along the way.
5
Stylist Aurora Continued
If you’ve lived in Fannin County perhaps you’ve
had the opportunity to meet an Oncor professional. Oncor is a regulated electric distribution company which provides electric to our
area. “It’s the largest in Texas,“ David Collier,
Oncor’s Area Manager stated proudly. David
has worked with Oncor for 43 years and truly
enjoys visiting this area and meeting his
customer base.
With seven million consumers and over
100,000 miles of distribution and transmission
lines, it’s no wonder Oncor is a household
name.
“What advice can you give Ladonia residents,”
I asked Mr. Collier. He replied, “ Know your
premise number.” I then asked, “What’s a
Premise number?” I didn’t know.
Apparently, it’s like a customer number and
allows Oncor to find your location or service. If
you’re calling from a phone to report a problem
that is not listed on your account alternative
verification is needed. That is what a premise
number is for.
With razor cuts the ends are tapered, which
allows the hair to lay naturally. If you want a
casual hair style that looks effortless, a razor
cut is the style to choose. Aurora is extremely
good at either technique.
The good news is that
Aurora makes house
calls and also appoints
out of her home. The
cost is $15 for haircuts
at her home, and $20
if Aurora drives to you.
Taking care of your
hair has never been
easier.
Aurora recommends shampoos containing
coconut oil, as its a great moisturizer and not
too heavy. Creamy shampoos are better for
most hair types. Remember to always rinse
with cool water, not hot.
Don’t use conditioners with balsam if you have
thin hair. If you have brittle, dry, hair try egg or
mayonnaise treatments. Aurora believes that
natural conditioning products are better.
Why do people call Oncor? Outage problems,
streetlight malfunctions, downed power lines,
and even meter tampering are a few of the reasons a resident would pick up the phone.
Properties undergoing electrical upgrades will
also require Oncor’s involvement.
For people of color who need additional moisture, Aurora does recommend products with
balsam and cholesterol, as they condition
more deeply and deliver much needed moisture to the hair follicle.
Here are two numbers you need to know:
What new styling trends are popular today, I
ask? “Perms are BACK, she replies. Thank
goodness, now maybe we can throw out our
curling irons!
To Report an Outage: (888) 313-4747.
Service Requests (tree limb removal or
electrical upgrades) (888) 313-6862.
For more information about energy efficiency
and
upcoming
job
openings go
to
www.oncor.com.
Aurora has just a few openings to fill, so call
today to schedule an awesome cut and scalp
massage. You won’t regret it.
To make a styling appointment
call
(903) 458-5194
6
Brenda Stewart
Real Estate Professional
40 East Side Square
Cooper, TX 75432
phone: 903.395.0210
mobile: 903.243.0379
BEST
PARENTS IN
LITERATURE
By Linda Rodriquez McRobbie / Mental
Floss

ATTICUS FINCH // TO KILL A
MOCKINGBIRD BY HARPER
LEE

ALEX AND KATE MURRY // A
WRINKLE IN TIME BY MADELEINE L’ENGLE

THE WEASLEYS // HARRY
POTTER SERIES BY JK
ROWLING

MA AND PA
INGALLS // LITTLE HOUSE
ON THE PRAIRIE BY LAURA
INGALLS WILDER.

MR. AND MRS.
QUIMBY // RAMONA SERIES
7
By Doug Franklin
Lake Ralph Hall Idea Originated at Ladonia Town Hall Meeting
Part THREE
At its next meeting, the Ladonia Lake Team scrapped the plans for previously proposed 600 acre
lake on Caddo National Grasslands. Mayor Hurse provided a USGS elevation map of the area,
and Bob Bledsoe overlaid it with mylar. The team began work to lay out a much larger lake, this
one on the North Sulphur River. The dam on the new Lake Ralph Hall proposal was to be located
west of the Highway 34 bridge north of Ladonia.
The consulting engineer for Upper Trinity Regional Water District made a trip to Ladonia, viewed
the map and went to the Highway 34 location of the proposed dam. The new location was still too
small. The dam needed to be further east. Together, Ladonia and Upper Trinity Regional Water
District set out to establish a new site that would be further downstream on North Sulphur River.
A new site was agreed upon. lt was eastward on a hill overlooking but not including Baker Creek.
The new proposal optimized the lake size by adding the Merrill Creek arm of water that extended
north and westward from the North Sulphur River.
In 2002, more than ten years after starting the initial project, the Ladonia team reached a milestone as Thomas Taylor, Executive Director of Upper Trinity Regional Water District, and other
District officials met in Ladonia to tour the proposed dam site and discuss the long term prospects
for a partnership on Lake Ralph Hall. Subsequently, there were several meetings with the City of
Ladonia and with Fannin County officials to develop a cooperative Memorandum of Understanding
for proposed Lake Ralph Hall.
When it appeared that a Memorandum of Understanding would not be executed by all parties, it
was decided to enter into separate contract agreements. An agreement was negotiated with the
City of Ladonia and approved December 12, 2004, signed by Mayor Leon Hurse. The separate
agreement with Fannin County is dated March 24, 2008, and signed by County Judge Butch Henderson. The agreements provide that 5% of the water from Lake Ralph Hall be made available to
local customers, with no up-front costs. An additional 5% could be provided at cost. Once construction commences for the Lake, nominal fees for water users will be applicable, to help support
the Lake. The water left for local customers is to be managed by City of Ladonia for use within the
North Sulphur River Basin.
Based on engineering studies, Lake Ralph Hall is expected to produce (yield) approximately 30
million gallons of water per day. The City of Ladonia calculated the 5% of water for local use to be
1,500,000 gallons a day and a potential total of 3,000,000 gallons per day untreated water in the
lake. The local water users would need to provide for treatment and distribution of the water. The
amount of water to be available for local use was estimated to be enough to serve a population of
20,000 people; most people who live in Ladonia now probably would not want to grow nearly this
much.
Continued pg. 9
8
By Doug Franklin
In March 2015, with the project about half way through the process of lake completion for UTRWD
and about two-thirds complete for Ladonia, who marks its beginning for the lake project as 1991, a
milestone was celebrated. Upper Trinity RWD officially opened its LRH Land Office.
Representatives from the City of Ladonia, the Ladonia Chamber of Commerce, the Fannindel
School District, Fannin County, and Upper Trinity Regional Water District gathered for a ribboncutting to mark the official opening of Lake Ralph Hall Land Office.
Cutting the ribbon from left to right are Ladonia Chamber of Commerce President
Debby Frey, Ladonia Mayor Chris Burch,
Fannindel School Superintendent H. L. Milton, Fannin County Judge Spanky Carter,
and Vice President of Upper Trinity Regional Water District Board of Directors
Lance VanZant.
Ladonia awaits the next major milestone
as UTRWD obtains the 404 Permit from U.
S. Army Corps of Engineers, expected
within the next two years. Anticipated
completion of Lake Ralph Hall is in the
2025 to 2030 time frame.
9
A FUNNY THING HAPPENED
By Janice Sterling
“I never promised you a rose garden,” Lynn Anderson sang in the 70’s. I know the feeling.
When it comes to gardens, I don’t make promises
either.
Ladonia’s Doug Franklin,
winner of the
Citizen of the Year Award!
Ronnie and Virginia Russell
celebrated their
50th Wedding Anniversary
on March 19th!
I make no apologies for my brown thumb and
lack of gardening expertise. When you grow up
in the city you learn about buses, trains, and subways– not compost and potting mix.
Apparently, I’m not a total failure; my onions are
still alive. I’m told they can withstand freezing
temperatures, massive flooding and fire ant infestation. God saw fit to send all three to Ladonia
this spring.
I’m not saying God singled me out or anything.
My neighbors are just as challenged by their soggy, slippery, muddy yards and flooded driveways.
We’re in good company though; residents of Vermont actually replaced the word “spring” with
“mud hole.” Summer doesn’t start until the day
the mud hole cakes over. Not so in Texas.
Our mud holes cake over a little faster. It only
takes a day or two of temps in the high 90’s, to
dry out the ground and move the house foundation.
Where there
is no vision,
the people
perish.
—Proverbs
29:18
Neither a lofty degree of
intelligence nor imagination
nor both together go to the
making of genius.
Love, love, love, that is
the soul of genius.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
That may not save my garden, but the bathroom
door could start closing again.
The Chamber is looking for a
GREAT deal on Ten (10), Direct
Burial RV 50 amp Pedestal Electrical
Boxes for the Boyd Music Festival.
If you’ve got power, please email
[email protected]
with contact information,
product information
and price. Sponsorship
opportunity for
discount is possible.
Thanks.
10
Willie Collins Band
LIVE 6-8 p.m.
Bonham Community Band
Bonham Big Band Express
Dan Grobe
Shoot Low Sheriff
LIVE 8-10
p.m.
Show the LOVE
Become a Boyd Music
Festival Sponsor today.
For more information
contact Gail Levey at
(903)486-8912. Please
join us on Facebook www.facebook.com/
BoydMusicFestival,
for more information
visit our website
http://
www.boydmusicfestiv
al.com
11
By Janice Sterling
Puppies are gifts, at least that’s what the breeder
said when he handed me the 8 wk. old adorable,
furry ball. This renown German Shepherd breeder
wiped tears from his eyes and pretended that giving up this puppy was the most excruciatingly
painful thing that he’d ever had to endure. Stuffing the wad of cash I just paid him into his jeans,
he catapulted off my porch and ran to his car as
fast as his arthritic legs would take him.
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP
Today Ladonia is a small, peaceful town.
Its friendly Residents take pride in the
past, and while we embrace progress and
growth, area citizens want to ensure that
the history, quality of life, and devotion to
cultural, educational, and economic advances benefit ALL.
Join the Ladonia Chamber of Commerce
today. An Individual Membership is $10.
BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP
The Ladonia Chamber of Commerce is
looking for area Entrepreneurs who wish to
build long-term relationships, increase visibility in the Ladonia marketplace, and grow
their businesses now.
Let the Chamber’s dedication to serving
the community and promoting local businesses, education, and entertainment benefit you and your company today.
Business Basic Membership
VIP Business Membership
$25
$150
www.ladoniachamber.com/membership
The puppy watched as the only constant she’d
ever known disappeared down the driveway. With
a pitiful cry the little, furry ball snuggled close in
my arms and fell fast asleep. Awww.
While she slept, I daydreamed, imagining many
perfect, possible scenarios. My little puppy will
one day grow up to be healthy, happy and above
all else—obedient. She’ll be the perfect dog; no
chewing, barking or peeing in the house. She’ll sit
attentively by my side; the perfect watchdog and
ideal companion, and wait for me to utter a command. I’ll teach her to fetch the ball, bring in the
newspaper, attack the intruder, and guard my
house .
She’ll wag her tail like mad every time I walk in the
door. She’ll sing for treats, and never, ever, dig in
the trash or steal food off the counters. She’ll love
children and be as gentle as a lamb with elderly
neighbors and adoring friends.
My little puppy will love me whether my hair is
combed, my clothes are changed or my house is
clean. She’ll romp in the yard, not the house, and
never, ever, jump on the furniture.
I must have dozed off for a moment. I awoke to
the sound of shattering glass. While I slept my
little, furry ball ventured down the back of the sofa
and jumped on to the window sill. She gleefully
preceded to push my entire crystal goblet collection crashing to the wood floor below.
I took a step forward to rescue my pup and
stepped in a pile of poop. I should have seen it,
as it was right next to the pond of urine she left by
my chair. My daydream was over.
12