Issuu

MARCH 2022

SANGER EMPLOYEE SENTINEL

Our Fur Babies pg. 4

Cover Story On Page 3

Contents 3

Cover Story

Sanger Fur Babies

Welcome New Employees

Human Resources

Top 10 Lists

Your Feedback

Top 10 Books

Dr. Seuss Celebrates Birthday

Reminder

Upcoming Events

Anniversaries

Birthdays

Meet our Staff

Test Your Skills 2

PNEUMA

Meet Pneuma. She is an 18 month old boxer. Pneuma is in training to become a therapy dog. She already knows many commands and her owner says that she will sound the alarm for stranger danger if someone approaches the house. Clearly she loves being outside in the sunshine. She has a favorite toy cow that is lovingly named “Moo Moo.” - Owner wishes to remain anonymous.

OUR FUR BABIES City employee pets. Thanks to everyone who participated.

The saying goes that “dogs are man’s best friend.” Some would say that other pets are also up to the task. The companionship that animals offer is different from human interaction. As humans, we communicate through speech, touch, and body language. While these forms of communication are welcoming and easy to understand, in some instances, they may not be enough. Sometimes people struggle to say the right thing when what we really need is to be simply there for each other. Because animals cannot talk they are superior to humans in detecting the feelings of others. A pet may be able to offer a level of companionship that is deeper and more satisfying than human interaction.

Pet: Cookie Owner: Cara Fuller

Pet: Flube Owner: Donna Green

Pet: Shiner Owner: Sara Sexton

Pet: Jasper Owner: Chris Hiesler

Pet: Kyloe Owner: Jeriana Statton

Pet: Picasso, Molly, Kiki Owner: Shani Bradshaw 5

Pet: Rustie Owner: Jeriana Staton

Pet: Lou Lou Owner: Kay Prather

Pet: Scooter Owner: Don Oconnor

A poem about pets - Lesley M. Patterson Pets are people, too, just like me and you. They need food in their tummies and lots of beefy yummies. They are little, but their hearts are BIG. They like to go outside, get fresh air, and dig. From big to small, they give their all, And you can play with them with a toy or with a ball. To the special bond between human and pet, always by your side, forever, I’ll bet. Your faithful pet depends on you and all the special things for them that you do. Pets help teach us nature’s true compassion. They do not withhold love, nor with it do they ration. And with our pets, I have no doubt, that we are lucky not to have to live without. A furry friend that’s always happy to see you, from life’s ups and downs and all that people do. It’s quite a sight for sore eyes to behold, because that bond is as special as gold. Always show them love and good measure, and reap each day a true friend to treasure. Children, remember to be good to your pet Be loving to them, no matter how old they get. Never abandon them or leave them out in the cold or heat,and you’ll have a pet that’s super neat! Always treat them with kindness and love,for they are truly a gift from above! Be understanding and patient with them, because they will be for you. And never, ever forget this, my friend, for pets are people, too.

Pet: Stemmons Owner: Ryan McLearen

Pet: Edith Owner: Audrey Tolle

Pet: Foxy Marie Owner: Katie Harlan

Pet: Winston Owner: Alicia Metcalf

Pet: Archie Owner: Audrey Tolle

Pet: Peach Owner: Jeriana Staton

Pet: Sage Owner: Mike Prater

Pet: Leo Owner: Alina Ciocan

Pet: Jet Smashing Cash Owner: Mark Griffith

FARM LIFE Talk about living the life, you can see all of these fur and feather babies are living their best life! Stop by the Library and ask Madonna Wade, about the fun adventures she has with all these amazing friends. DOGS: Samson, Delilah, Buddy, and Ruffles GOATS: Romeo, Juliet, and Rocky CHICKENS: These are not named.

FUN FACTS Sherri is a veteran of the US Air Force,

WELCOME

She was stationed in England for four years, She grew up near St. Louis, Missouri

FUN FACTS I have a fondness for helping animals in need. I currently have four large dogs, three cats and two foster kittens. I enjoy baking all things for family, friends, holidays and celebrations. I have an affinity for helping others create effective living spaces through decluttering and organizing.

We’re glad you are here! 9

APPLIES TO FT EMPLOYEES ONLY

THIS IS A FREE SERVICE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT COVERED ON THE CITY’S MEDICAL PLANS. 10

APPLIES TO FT EMPLOYEES ONLY

EAD ME

Hidden Gems to Visit in the DFW Area 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

The Chairy Orchard in Denton - Whimsical Adventure - fun for the family and it’s free! Black Mustang Ranch - Pilot Point - Horseback riding at Lake Ray Roberts. TX Ture Farm - They offer Alpaca Experiences, Candle Making, and more. Fort Worth Water Gardens - Water Garden Oasis near the Convention Center. Gallery Rooftop Lounge in Dallas (Used to be SODA) - beautiful views and an infinity pool. Prairie Creek Waterfalls in Richardson Mineral Wells Fossil Park Athens Scuba Park - All-inclusive dive facility with 37 sunken wrecks and crystal blue water. Coyote Drive-In Theater - Ft. Worth Gas Monkey Garage

What hidden gems do you know of that we can share? Places to dine, date night, best experiences, and anything else. Share your ideas by emailing marketing@sangertexas.org.

DFW FUN FACTS • The frozen margarita machine was invented in Dallas. • With the roof enclosed, the entire Statue of Liberty could fit into Cowboys Stadium. • During the winter holiday season, the Galleria Dallas is home to the country’s tallest indoor Christmas tree. • The Dallas Arts District is the largest urban arts district in the United States. • The first convenience store, 7-eleven, got its start in Dallas and the corporation is headquartered there today. • The term Super Bowl was coined in Dallas by Lamar Hunt. • The first ever professional cheerleading squad came from Dallas (1972) • Barney, the purple dinosaur, was created in Dallas. • Dallas was home to Bonnie & Clyde. Both are buried in Western Heights Cemetery.

Feedback Time What would you like to see in our employee newsletter? A few thoughts: recipe exchange, great get-a-ways within 2 hours of North Texas, book/ movie/show recommendations, or maybe even a section called Thank My Coworker where we can thank those that go above and beyond to be a team player. Share your ideas by emailing marketing@sangertexas.org.

Courtesy of VisitDallas.com

Top 10 Books Below, find the top 10 most checked out books over the past year,by category.

FICTION 1. Win – Harlan Coben 2. Four Winds – Kristin Hannah 3. The Last Thing He Told Me: A Novel – Laura Dave 4. The Plot – Jean Hanff Korelitz 5. The Venice Sketchbook – Rhys Bowen 6. The Giver of Stars – Jojo Moyes 7. Forgotten in Death – JD Robb 8. Not a Happy Family – Shari Lapeña 9. The President’s Daughter – Bill Clinton & James Patterson 10. The Midnight Library – Matt Haig

NON-FICTION 1. The Pioneer Woman Cooks : Food From My Frontier – Ree Drummond 2. Keto slow cooker & one-pot meals : over 100 simple & delicious, low-carb, paleo and primal recipes for weight loss and better health –Martina Slajerova 3. Home Sweet Murder : True-crime Thrillers - James Patterson, with Andrew Bourelle 4. The plant paradox : the hidden dangers in “healthy” foods that cause disease and weight gain – Steven Gundry 5. The great divorce : a dream – C.S. Lewis 6. Rising strong : how the ability to reset transforms the way we live, love, parent, and lead – Brené Brown 7. Killers of the Flower Moon : The Osage murders and the birth of the FBI - David Grann 8. Tiny habits : + the small changes that change everything – BJ Fogg 9. A serial killer’s daughter : my story of faith, love, and overcoming – Kerri Rawson 10. Indoor edible garden : creative ways to grow herbs, fruit, and vegetables in your home Zia Allaway CHILDREN’S 1. Don’t wake the puppies! : a counting book – Norman Bridwell 2. Let’s go for a drive! – Mo Willems 3. Pete the cat and his four groovy buttons – Eric Litwell 4. Mother Bruce – Ryan T. Higgins 5. Time To Call 911 : What To Do In An Emergency 6. Moon! : Earth’s best friend – Stacy McAnulty 7. Rhinoceros vs. African elephant – Thomas Adamson 8. The Good Egg – Jory John 9. The Proper Way To Meet A Hedgehog : And Other How-To Poems 10. On Account Of The Gum – Adam Rex

JUVENILE FICTION 1. The adventures of Captain Underpants – Dave Pilkey 2. Dog Man – Dave Pilkey 3. Bad Kitty Vs. the Babysitter – Nick Bruel 4. Mercy Watson to the Rescue – Kate DiCamillo 5. Hilo. Book 6 All the Pieces Fit – Judd Winick 6. The Lightning Thief – Rick Riordan 7. Allergic – Megan Warner Lloyd 8. 365 Things to Do With LEGO Bricks 9. Two Dogs in a Trench Coat Go to School – Julie Falatko 10. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone – JK Rowling

YOUNG ADULT 1. Shadow and Bone – Leigh Bardugo 2. A Court of Thorns and Roses – Sarah J. Maas 3. Red Queen – Victoria Aveyard 4. The Cruel Prince – Holly Black 5. One of Us is Lying – Karen McManus 6. The Best of Spider Man – Volume four 7. Sad Animal Facts – Brooke Barker 8. Frankly in Love – David Yoon 9. If It Bleeds: New Fiction – Stephen King 10. They Called Us the Enemy – George Takei

Dr. Seuss Animals

CELEBRATING THE BIRTHDAY OF DR . SEUSS

On Friday, March 4th, all employees received an email from TML IRP, informing you that annual training is ready to complete. To access your training, click here. The username and password will be the same as it was last year. If you started after March 2021, we will need to get your login from Ana our TML Training Rep. She can be reached by email at awalls@lexipol.com. If you have forgotten your username and/or password, please contact Austin Lane by emailing them at support@austinlane.com. All training needs to be completed by April 1, 2022.

TIP: Send a copy of your course completion to HR so it can be placed in your employee file.

UPCOMING EVENTS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Red River Conference - March 30 - April 1 ICSC is a global trade association of the retail real estate and shopping center industry. Easter Egg Hunt - Porter Park - April 2 @ 9 AM Annual College-Trade School and Job Fair on the Square - April 28 Sanger Sounds - May 20 Freedom Fest - July 2

John says that he was blessed to be raised by his mother. As a single and only parent, she filled the roles of Mother, Father, Teacher, Advisor, and even Coach. It was a different time when John grew up, times were hard, and money was short. Being the oldest child, John, beginning when he was about 11 years of age, took on many jobs after school to help make ends meet. When he speaks of his childhood, you can feel his love for his mother and his extended family. John never felt like working to help his mom pay the bills or watching his brother and sister while his mom was at work, helping with their homework, and the household chores were a burden. He is proud of his mother, and he was honored to help give back to her all that she gave to him and his siblings. Henderson is the 5th generation of his family born and raised here in Sanger. His great, great, grandparents moved to Texas from Louisiana many years ago, seeking the opportunity for a better life and a safe, welcoming place to call home. They settled in Sanger, and generations later, the family is still here. John attended Sanger High School. While there, he played Football, Basketball, and ran track. He was able to qualify for the regionals each year in the 2 miles and 800 races. He graduated in 1994. After graduation, Henderson attempted to go to college while also working. He was able to attend for one semester when his vehicle broke down. Not having reliable transportation, Henderson decided he would forego college and find work that he could be proud of that would allow him the opportunity to learn and grow. From a long line of City employees, Henderson had always wanted to serve the City. He decided to approach John Coker III, the mayor of Sanger at the time, and ask him for a job. Having known John’s family history working with the City, Coker told him to apply. Thus began Henderson’s career working for the City of Sanger. Our longest-serving City employee, Henderson, has been with Sanger for 28 years. He has never regretted his decision, and he says the City has always been one of his biggest supporters. Over the last 28 years, he has worked hard, learned a lot, and 22 has advanced to his current position as Superintendent of

any publications, including the Webster Dictionary, The Bible, and endless religious sites, define Servant Heart as the following: A servant’s heart means to have a mindset or a desire to selflessly and sacrificially serve others, regardless of your feelings towards them or what it may cost you. John Henderson, Superintendent, Public Works – Streets Division, is the perfect example of someone who gives of himself with a servant heart mentality.

vant r e

MEET JOHN H

Public Works, Streets D

John was always seekin to the City of Sanger, w so much to him. So, wh years old, finally old en with the Fire Departme signed up to offer his s actively volunteers with giving heart doesn’t sto is passionate about hel volunteers with the pee provides coaching for y takes on private coachi

John Coker III, former Mayor

HENDERSON and drives transport for Denton County, Howard Mortuary Services.

He a r t

With the active life this man lives, one has to wonder if he made time for his own family. That answer is a resounding YES! Henderson has been married to his wife, Vanessa, for nearly 28 years. Vanessa was born in Nebraska, and shortly after, her parents relocated to Denton. John smiled when he recalled how they met. He remembers seeing this cute girl at a store and later meeting her at the park. From the moment he first met her, he fell in love. They have raised three boys and one girl. John is proud to say that they are all very successful, and they all live in Sanger.

Department.

ng ways to give back who he felt had given hen he turned 21 nough to volunteer ent, he went in and services. Today he still h the department. His op there. Henderson lping children. He ewee football team, youth sports, and ing for close friends and family kids. John keeps himself very busy. In addition to working for the City and volunteering to help the youth, he serves as the Regional Director for the 455 Baggers (Cornhole), works at the North Texas Basketball Officials Association,

In closing our conversation, John again said that he owed all of his success to his mother for her unwavering support and guidance and to the City of Sanger, who took a chance on him all those years ago. Additionally, he is thankful for the residents of Sanger. Living here his entire life affords him to know many of our residents. He noted that this community has always been there in support of its own over the years. He considers the residents of Sanger, an extension of his family. With having so many years with the City, I asked John if he had any thoughts on retirement. He told me that he still feels he has much to give back to the City. He joked that he was afraid to slow down; it might kill him. So, for the foreseeable future, John plans to remain a familiar face. He enjoys sharing his knowledge with our new employees, and he still loves the Fire Department.

Sanger Fire Department

Fire Marshal Casey Welborn

eet Casey Welborn. He was Lieutenant and was recently promoted to Fire Marshal. Casey was born in Colorado. When he was just three years old, his father, having been from Denton, decided to move his family back home. They settled in Sanger, and Casey has called Sanger home ever since.

He was home visiting and attending a football game where he found himself wrapped in conversation with his uncle, the Chief of the Volunteer FD in Sanger at the time, who sensed Casey might have been struggling with his future, and suggested that he should volunteer

Welborn graduated from Sanger High School in 1995. He married his wife, Tammy, in May of 1998. They have four boys Ryan (30), Dillon (25), Griffin (21), and Talyn (19). And two grandsons (age 5 and 2). The Welborns are a very close family. His three oldest children all reside in Sanger and Talyn, currently away at college, looks forward to graduation so he can move back home. I asked Casey if he always knew he wanted to be a fireman. Most people might find it a strange profession considering his father was a Police Officer in Denton County. Finding out that he was passionate about public service, firefighting, in particular, was a bit of an accident.

with the FD. From his first volunteer day, he fell in love with firefighting.

It would be 6 years before Welborn would join the Sanger Fire Department as paid staff. He served as a volunteer on his off days of working for a private ambulance company as a paramedic. Welborn was very passionate about playing baseball. While away at college, When the position opened for a fulltime firefighter/paramedic, he applied he got hurt and was unable to play. and got the job. Since then, Casey For him, the absence of baseball in his has obtained multiple certifications. life made college less than appealing. 24

Article by City staff - Donna Green

He started with Driver, Instructor, Fire Officer, Inspector, Command & Control, and Plans Examiner. It may seem like a natural progression for Casey to now be the City’s, Fire Marshal. However, it wasn’t a role that he actively sought out. Casey loves the operations side of the job. Being in the field and leading his team gives him the greatest pleasure. However, the most important thing for Welborn is the growth of the Sanger FD. The FD needed an onsite, 8 AM – 5 PM Fire Marshal. When Chief Pennington approached Casey about the position, his respect for Chief and his love for the Sanger FD, made the decision an easy one. He still gets to go out into the field for large events so, for him, he is living the best of both worlds. So, what is next for Fire Marshal Welborn? With the I35 expansion project, more growth is expected. He plans to continue his career through retirement serving the residents and visitors of Sanger. Additionally, he would like to see the addition of one, possibly two new fire stations down the line. What about his plans for ten years and beyond? For Casey, family is everything. He fully expects that he and his wife will stay right here in Sanger. Having the grandbabies close by is not something he is ever willing to give up.

Officer Jared Price

Meet Officer Jared Price. Price is a native Texan. The moment he speaks you hear his deep southern drawl. The accent is so thick that you will be shocked to learn he grew up in Pilot Point. I would have guessed he was from somewhere much more southwest in Texas. However, his roots run deep here. His parents and grandparents all hail from Sanger. Growing up, Jared was your stereotypical teenager. He described himself as being a bit hot-headed. He was never one to conform to what others wanted him to be. Rather, he marched to his own beat. He spoke of growing up and being more of a loner. His circle of friends was small but those he considered friends were the type you have for life. Being a typical teen, and perhaps even a bit of a rebel, it took Price a bit of time after graduating high school to find himself and his passion. He had a love for playing golf, and he loved working on cars. After realizing pretty quickly that he was not going to be the next Tiger Woods, he set his focus on cars. He jumped around a bit working at various places such as Just Brakes, Welding, Texas Instruments and even spent some time working for a Cast Stone business. It wasn’t until he met the love of his life and married her in 2002 that he began to settle down. Having grown up in a household that understood the life of a police officer – his dad served for 23 years with the Denton PD – he decided to explore the field himself. 26

Nearly twenty years have passed since that young boy began to grow up. His life of having a career vs. just a job, began in 2003 when he went to work at the Denton County Jail. Believing that he had finally found his mission in life and while continuing his career with the jail, he took the required courses and obtained his Peach Officer License in 2007. For the next 15 years, he spent the majority of his time on Patrol except for a couple of years where he served as both Patrol and Animal Control. Officer Price has what some would call the perfect life when he goes home. He and his wife live on a 10acre farm in Valley View where they run L&J Breeding, a local equine breeding service that provides foundation quarter horse bloodlines. Their primary breeds are Appaloosa, Appendix, Paint, and Quarter Horses. Their prize stallion, Highbrow Acres (AKA Dude), has qualified for the AQHA World Show 2022 in Guthrie, OK! When they are not breeding horses, they have a plethora of other animals to attend

to. They have been blessed to raise their two boys and one girl in a farm atmosphere. The ranch currently has your typical cats and dogs, however, in addition, they also have chickens, roosters, ducks, a white turkey, a red-eared slider (turtle), and even a boa constrictor! So, what is next for Officer Price? He plans to finish out his career and retire with the City of Sanger. Outside of law enforcement, he is focused on continuing to breed and raise horses. Short-term he hopes that Dude will win the AQHA World Show. Long-term, he hopes to continue to have winning show horses for him and the family to devote their lives to training and raising.

Article by City staff - Donna Green

TEST YOU

UR SKILLS