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IT’S HUNTING AND COOKING SEASON!

“Halloween, a day when we get it right. Strangers come to us beautiful, ugly, odd, or scary, and we accept them without question, compliment them, treat them kindly, and give them good things. Why don’t we live like that?” –-Steve Garnass-Holmes This sentiment for Halloween is also shared by Public Education. Every child that lives in a school’s district is welcome to their school without question. By law, they are placed in the classroom and given tools to learn no matter what extra help they might need. That is the beauty of the Public Education system in America– every child who comes to the door gets a seat and an education.

“So, what I was saying was…” There was a crash in the background. Ten minutes later, I said, “So, anyway, I…” The person I am still trying to talk to is arguing with someone else. Five minutes pass and I say, “Back to that….” A child walked into the room with an urgent need for something that included tears, though the particulars are a little fuzzy today. This is my life. I am an easily interrupted person. It’s a multi-tiered problem. Firstly, it is very important to me that I paint a very clear and precise picture when I speak to someone, anyone. That translates into a few more adjectives than the average bear. I choose my words with the precision of a neurosurgeon, systematically analyzing and trying each one out in my head, making millisecond substitutions to maintain the utmost accuracy. Also, I am soft spoken. I was the only child at home for the entirety of my existence. It’s not that big of a deal. There was no one to talk to growing up. I entertained myself, often speaking out loud to a character in my head. I rehearsed the things I would need to say the next day in advance, trying out different pentameters, throwing in a few $20 words here and there. I learned quickly that rehearsed opportunities rarely pan out as you expect. People will still hear what they want to hear and interpret as they wish to interpret. Besides, I’m a mom. And, moms get interrupted.

Costumes and candy are synonymous with Halloween. Individuals may spend weeks or months trying to come up with the perfect costumes for their trick-ortreating excursions or Halloween parties. Many children and adults also enjoy costume themes, in which they dress up to coordinate with others in their group.

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1) No family should be without a potato sticks or “French fries” cutter– makes 25 at the same time with the right potato inserted. (also builds muscles!)

Colin A. Ballard, son of Donald and Jennifer Ballard of Forney, recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He is a freshman at Forney High School and a member of Troop

Nancy Townsend is a retired Forney ISD art teacher. This week we congratulate this long time Forney resident receiving an Honorable Mention in the State Fair of Texas Photo Competition. Nancy is the second photographer recognized from Forney who proves the best camera you have is the one you have with you at the time. Nancy took the picture with her iPhone. A grandmother knows to be prepared when a grandchild is near. You never know when an award winning photo will present itself. Her image placed in the Children/Preschool Color Category.

Corey Graves from Jackson Middle School was honored at the October Board of Trustees meeting. Last spring, Mr. Graves was selected as 1 of only 30 teachers to receive the Music Teacher of Excellence award from the Country Music Association Foundation. In September, he attended the official awards ceremony in Nashville. Congratulations, Mr. Graves!

Texas pumpkin producers experienced another season of yields well below average, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert.

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden Board of Directors voted today to approve San Antonio Botanical Garden CEO Sabina Carr as the organization’s incoming president and CEO. Carr will begin her role as Dallas Arboretum president and CEO at the end of November. “After an international search of exceptional nonprofit and public garden leaders, the Dallas Arboretum is thrilled to welcome Sabina Carr as our new president and CEO,” said Will Mc-Daniel, chair of the Dallas Arboretum Board of Directors. “Sabina has an incredible track record of growth and innovation – skills that will benefit the Dallas Arboretum as we build on our legacy of excellence.”

Meant for History Buffs and Other Inquisitive Readers!

The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) is excited to announce the 2024 Texas division of Wildlife Forever’s Fish Art Contest is open for submissions. The Fish Art Contest, which is accepting entries until Feb. 28, is part of an international conservation education program designed to foster youth interest in fisheries and fishing.