2026 March CE TCP

MASON RESTORES HISTORICAL GEMS

40 YEARS OF NOT MESSING WITH TEXAS

FOR NEC CO-OP ENERGY MEMBERS

Scratching the Surface

Explore 700 miles of paddling trails winding through Texas

BARBECUE SIDES THAT DAZZLE MARCH

By Pam LeBlanc

By Sheryl Smith-Rodgers

That First Light

COOPERATIVE ELECTRICITY, which today serves more than 3 million Texans, got its start 90 years ago this month at a farmhouse outside Bartlett.

After paying a $5 deposit for an electric meter, Charles Saage yanked a string and turned on a light bulb March 7, 1936. That made Bartlett Electric Cooperative in Central Texas the first to bring Rural Electrification Administration-funded power to rural America.

Today, 77 electric co-ops serve Texans, and nationwide, nearly 900 serve 42 million Americans.

Strokes of Genius

Painting cows with zebra-like stripes reduces biting fly attacks by about 50%—regardless of what it might do to the cattle’s self-esteem. Japanese scientists proved this in 2019, and for their discovery, they won a 2025 Ig Nobel Prize, which honors “research that makes people laugh … then think.” Go ahead. Joke. Zebra cows get the last laugh.

Contests and More

$500 RECIPE CONTEST

After-School Snacks

FOCUS ON TEXAS PHOTOS

Seasoned Snaps: What well-trained eyes see

RECOMMENDED READING

ENTER ONLINE

Pam LeBlanc, author of this month’s story about paddling trails, tells of her worst paddling experience: “I laid down my paddle, sobbed a bit and barfed.” Read Ending on a Sour Note from June 2023.

FINISH THIS SENTENCE

My favorite Texas saying is ...

Tell us how you would finish that sentence. Email your short responses to letters@TexasCoopPower.com or comment on our Facebook post. Include your co-op and town. Here are some of the responses to our January prompt: I would love to have dinner with …

My dad one more time. So many questions to ask that I never thought of while he was still with us.

LORI DURANT UNITED COOPERATIVE SERVICES GRANBURY

My metabolism from 1992.

MARY CARUTH PEDERNALES EC FISCHER

Dolly Parton. Incomparable talent, beauty and just a darn good person. It would be my dream.

DAVID AUTREY WISE EC PARADISE

My four grandparents, three of whom were deceased before I was born.

SUSAN Z. MARBURGER BLUEBONNET EC BRENHAM

Myself at age 25, so I could advise me on what mistakes I should have avoided and what opportunities I should have taken.

MARSHALL COLLINS FARMERS EC POINT

Visit our website to see more responses.

At least a dozen bat-viewing sites in Texas allow for watching the mammals emerge for a night of dining on insects.

But some bats eat so much more than bugs. Bat Conservation International, based in Austin, notes their diets can include birds, fish, frogs, leaves, nectar, scorpions, sea lion blood and even other bats.

Courting Marine Life

The 1954 Queen Isabella Causeway, which connected Port Isabel to South Padre Island, is being demolished, and the resulting waste will create an artificial reef 10 miles offshore of the Brownsville Ship Channel entrance jetties at SPI.

The original roadway was replaced in 1974, and a new causeway will go up soon to replace that one.

125 Years Ago

On March 7, 1901, the Texas Legislature adopted the bluebonnet as the state flower.

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH Rodeo’s First Lady

Tad Lucas, below, made a name for herself performing acrobatics and death-defying tricks on the back of a horse. After making her pro rodeo debut at age 14 in 1917, she went on to win just about every major rodeo prize available to women at the time.

The stories of Lucas and other women who left their mark in the arena are told at Fort Worth’s National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. The museum is currently undergoing a $19 million 16,000-square-foot expansion slated to open November 4.

Pulling His Leg?

RARE IS THE DAY without a hitch for Tyler Schlickeisen.

And rare is the day he’ll catch you having a good day. Schlickeisen drives a tow truck for Lee’s Wrecker Service out of the Central Texas town of Florence. “Nobody likes to see a tow truck driver,” he said.

But in between naps, Schlickeisen, 29, shows up at all hours for breakdowns, wrecks and other roadside emergencies. For his diligence, he was one of 32 wrecker operators inducted into the Order of Towman in November 2025 at a national ceremony in Baltimore.

The honor surprised Schlickeisen, a Pedernales Electric Cooperative member, and at first he thought it was scam. Then he was humbled to realize “my work’s being valued.”

Doting on Our Dots

I am proud to have direct connections to three of the tiny towns [Tiny Dots on a Big Map, January 2026]. My mother attended Sul Ross State College with Dan Blocker, who she said was a funny and popular classmate. My wife and I had a vacation home on the Brazos River, with a patio made of Thurber bricks. Last but not least, I played football for Crystal City, which lost to Asherton. It truly is a small world.

Bob Kingsbery PenTex Energy Tioga

As a recent transplant, I am a big fan of history, but the history in your stories would not have been a Google experience. I need to add these places to my exploring of my new home. Shoutout to Elly Walton for illustrations catching a bit of each town.

Cathy Copeland

Sam Houston EC Livingston

JANUARY 2026 Tiny Dots on a Big Map

“I understand that Dan Blocker was associated with O’Donnell, but he was in fact born in De Kalb and is buried there.”

SID UNDERWOOD LAMAR EC PARIS

Three of the Deike brothers married three sisters.

At the last Deike-Hartmann wedding, the brothers’ father, Fritz Deike, told the sisters’ father, Emil Hartmann, that the remaining Hartmann daughters would need to look elsewhere for husbands because his family had run out of sons.

David Hartmann (nephew) Central Texas EC Fredericksburg

Signature Moment

My dad, Earl Forsythe, was a corporate lawyer and friends with Dallas Cowboys General Manager Tex Schramm [A Dandy Debut, January 2026]. I was about 8 years old and football crazy when Don Meredith appeared in our living room in Dallas to sign his contract.

He gladly autographed my football and couldn’t have been nicer. Wish I’d kept that football.

Andrew Forsythe Pedernales EC Spicewood

Editor, Texas Co-op Power

1122 Colorado St., 24th Floor Austin, TX 78701

Please include your electric co-op and town. Letters may be edited for

TEXAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair Bryan Wood, San Augustine

Vice Chair Cameron Smallwood, Burleson

Secretary-Treasurer Jim Coleman, Edna

Board Members Matt Bentke, Bastrop Kerry Kelton, Navasota • Mark McClain, Roby • Zac Perkins, Hooker, Oklahoma

PRESIDENT/CEO Mike Williams, Austin

COMMUNICATIONS & MEMBER

SERVICES COMMITTEE

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Gary Miller, Bryan • Bryan Story, Blossom Grace Subealdea, Dalhart Buff Whitten, Eldorado

MAGAZINE STAFF

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Editor Chris Burrows

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TEXAS CO-OP POWER Volume 82, Number 9 (USPS 540-560). Texas Co-op Power is published monthly by Texas Electric Cooperatives. Periodical postage paid at Austin, TX, and at additional offices. TEC is the statewide association representing 77 electric cooperatives. Texas Co-op Power’s website is TexasCoopPower.com. Call (512) 4540311 or email editor@TexasCoopPower.com.

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ADVERTISING Contact Elaine Sproull at (512) 486-6251 or esproull@texas-ec.org for information about purchasing display ad space in Texas Co-op Power and/or in our 26 sister publications in other states. Advertisements in Texas Co-op Power are paid solicitations. The publisher neither endorses nor guarantees in any manner any product or company included in this publication.

COPYRIGHT All content © 2026 Texas Electric Cooperatives Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this issue or any portion of it is expressly prohibited without written permission. Willie Wiredhand © 2026 National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

BY PAM LEBLANC • PHOTOS BY ERICH SCHLEGEL

CHARTED WATERS

Dozens of invisible trails lead kayakers and canoers through scenic waterways

I’VE PADDLED my yellow plastic kayak deep into a maze of lime-colored reeds along the edge of Powderhorn Lake, a shallow estuary off Matagorda Bay on the Texas coast. Around me, marble-sized snails shimmy up slender blades of seagrass. Somewhere out of sight, a great blue heron squawks like a kid in a playground squabble. Pelicans flap overhead, and mullet splash at the water’s surface.

I’ve come here to explore a new paddling trail that opened in 2025—one of 90 waterway trails totaling more than 700 miles that now wind through rivers, lakes and shorelines across the state.

Unlike terrestrial trails, which unfurl along visible dirt or gravel paths, these trails are harder to see. But the watery routes offer a new perspective on some of the state’s most beautiful places.

Texas State Parks officials designated a few paddling trails along the coast as one-off projects starting in 1999, hoping to help anglers find their way around marshy bays and lagoons. Soon, other communities near waterways started calling to see if they could get a trail, too.

In 2006, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department teamed up with the city of Luling to open its first inland paddling trail—a 6-mile stretch of the San Marcos River between U.S. Highway 90 and State Highway 80. That marked the official launch of the state’s paddling trail program, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

“We really wanted to take some of the mystery out of paddling and partner with communities to improve access,” says Shelly Plante, nature tourism manager for TPWD. It doesn’t cost much to get into paddling. Outdoors stores sell basic kayaks for less than $200, but if you don’t want to buy a boat, small businesses around the state rent them by the hour or day.

Paddlers can check the TPWD website for maps and descriptions of trails. The site includes information on how long it’ll take to paddle each route, plus details about where to put in and take out. An information kiosk is posted at each trailhead, and some of the trickier-to-navigate routes are marked with signs or buoys.

The trails themselves are as varied as the state’s landscape.

“You have the trails in the Mission Reach in San Antonio that have chutes, then you have the Upper Guadalupe River, with its stone river bottom, riffles and rapids,” Plante says. “That’s totally different than the slow-moving Lower Guadalupe. Then there’s Caddo Lake—a mysterious, Spanish-mossy, swampy area that looks otherworldly.”

SIT THE TRAILS

Texas Parks and Wildlife’s paddling trails program includes 90 routes across the state’s 3,700 named streams, 15 major rivers and 3,300 miles of tidal shoreline. Here are a few of Pam’s favorites.

Caddo Lake: Ten separate paddling trails covering a total of 50 miles twist through primordial-feeling swamps, sloughs and bayous where bullfrogs croak and bald cypress wear beards of Spanish moss. Watch for beavers, owls, turtles and the occasional alligator as you follow color-coded signs that mark the trails.

Guadalupe/San Marcos rivers: The Guadalupe runs cool and clear through Central Texas on its way to the coast. Choose between trails above Canyon Lake, where the river cuts beneath

The Powderhorn Paddling Trails were officially unveiled in April 2025. The trails’ collective 32 miles are split into four routes—Boggy Bayou Trail, Matagorda Bay Shoreline Trail, Coloma Creek Trail and Powderhorn Lake Loop Trail.

My friends and I opted for the lake loop. We started by slathering on sunscreen and topping off our water containers, then shoved off from Powderhorn RV Park, one of four designated put-in points.

We glided past a row of seagulls perched on wooden posts, then paddled into the lake, which measures just 2–5 feet deep in most places. The lake is popular with anglers who come to catch redfish and trout, and minutes after my friend Jimmy Harvey cast his rod, he reeled in a speckled trout.

We meandered along the shoreline for a while, then crossed to the opposite side of the lake, near the future site of Powderhorn State Park. From there we skipped down the shoreline, passing a few old earthen jetties left over from when this land was an operating ranch, then scudded along a muddy shoreline.

When we turned into a lush, grassy inlet, we found the real magic: narrow channels and reeds over our heads. Four and a half hours after we started, we turned back to the RV park, working hard against the wind.

If you’re looking for a more protected route, consider the 5.4-mile Boggy Bayou option, where you might see roseate spoonbills and ospreys, or the Coloma Creek Trail, which starts at the west end of the lake.

The next day, we came back for more.

remote limestone cliffs, or sections farther downstream, like the familyfriendly Luling Zedler Mill Trail, the Come and Take It Trail near Gonzales or the Guadalupe Valley Trail through Cuero.

Inks Lake Paddling Trails: At Inks Lake in Central Texas, paddle among granite outcroppings on a constantlevel lake. Three trails, including one that takes you to the Devil’s Waterhole at Inks Lake State Park, vary in length from 1 to 3.4 miles. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at the state park headquarters.

Lady Bird Lake Paddling Trail: Kayak or canoe up to 11 miles on this urban paddling trail, which delivers views of Austin’s ever-growing skyline. As a bonus on summer nights, watch the

city’s population of Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from beneath the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge.

Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail: This was the state’s first official paddling trail, mapped in 1999 near Port Aransas. Four loops—nearly 20 miles in all—weave through black mangroves and seagrass flats around Lydia Ann Lighthouse on North Harbor Island. State parks officials say the lighthouse’s old Fresnel lens is still submerged somewhere in the muck.

Toledo Bend Reservoir: Four new trails, for a collective 30 miles, opened in late August 2025 at the reservoir, which is on the Texas-Louisiana border and is the official bass fishing capital of Texas.

OPPOSITE Powderhorn Lake sits along Matagorda Bay on the Texas coast.

ABOVE Harvey, left, and Chris LeBlanc get set to put in at the Powderhorn RV Park.

Unlike our first outing, when the wind had ruffled the water like batter in a mixing bowl on high speed, the lake looked like glass. A dolphin breached the silvery surface as we headed to the same thicket of seagrasses we’d found earlier.

This time we ducked even farther into the maze, until grasses brushed against both sides of my kayak, and I wondered if I would come face to face with a toothy alligator around a bend. (I didn’t, thankfully.)

I’ve paddled rivers around the state—including the Devils, Pecos, Guadalupe and San Marcos—but this salty oasis looks and feels entirely different. And now that I’ve explored Powderhorn Lake, I’m eager to check out more trails, including the new route that opened recently on Greens Bayou in northeast Houston.

Besides making it easier for paddlers to discover natural areas in a state that’s largely privately owned, the paddling trails have shown communities that the water in their backyards can bring in tourism dollars.

“What the paddling trails do is give people access or ideas of places to go,” Harvey said. “And for me, a day on the water with my friends is better than a day anywhere else.” D

DON’T FIND YOURSELF UP A CREEK

Stay safe with these tips.

• Always pack a personal flotation device, as required by Texas law.

• Check the weather forecast and river flow rates before you go.

• Don’t paddle alone, and tell someone where you’re going.

• Watch for logjams and debris, especially after storms. You may need to portage around obstacles.

• Drink plenty of water.

• Wear sunscreen and bring insect repellent.

• Leave no trace.

• Carry a whistle for emergencies.

• Use a light af ter dark or in reduced visibility conditions, like fog.

• Carry a map and cellphone in a dry bag.

• Give anglers a wide berth.

• Wear bright colors during hunting season.

• Watch for powerboats, and don’t stop in high-traffic areas.

• Don’t trespass on private property.

• Don’t harass the wildlife.

BY SHERYL SMITH-RODGERS • PHOTOS BY TIFFANY HOFELDT

IN ALL THEIR

Glory

Mason rallies to preserve and restore ornate historical gems of the Hill Country

It’s the first Saturday of the month, and visitors have arrived to tour the three-story Seaquist House in Mason. Adorned with pillars, gables, balconies, a tower and turret, and four chimneys, the sandstone mansion graces Broad Street.

Three blocks south, on the town square, stands the Mason County Courthouse, also built of sandstone. With massive white columns on all four sides, it’s crowned with a domed clock tower.

Both historical landmarks were nearly lost, one to neglect and the other to fire. But with small-town resiliency, Mason residents pulled together to save their architectural heritage through two projects that required enormous helpings of time and funding.

On the Seaquist’s front porch this morning, a docent welcomes everyone with a brief history of the 1887 Victorian Italianate home. Another volunteer on hand is Jan Appleby, a retired teacher who spearheaded efforts to rescue the Seaquist.

“It was up to us to save this house,” she says. “Nobody had lived in it for seven years. You couldn’t see the front of the house because of all the ligustrums. There were broken windows and screens. The inside was in bad shape with no electricity or running water. Plaster was falling from the walls, and the smell was horrific.”

In Good Hands

For a time, the future appeared bleak for the abandoned house, a social hot spot in its heyday. Historical records show that master stonemason and minister Thomas Broad bought the land in June 1886 and soon thereafter started building a two-story stone residence with a massive basement. In 1891, banker Edward Reynolds bought the unfinished house and hired German architect Richard Grosse to add a third floor with a ballroom as well as wraparound porches and balconies.

In 1899, Reynolds went to prison for embezzlement and never returned to Mason. His wife, Jennie, and their children lived in the house until 1919 when she sold it to bootmaker Oscar Seaquist. The home remained in his family for two more generations. In 1974, it was awarded a Texas Historical Marker and placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Unable to maintain the house, the family moved out in 2005. Seven years later, the property went up for sale.

Soon, Appleby—chair of the Mason County Historical Commission at the time—started a campaign to save it.

Rescue efforts gained traction when Preservation Texas, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting historic landmarks from demolition, placed the Seaquist on its Most Endangered Places List in 2014. The publicity spurred formation of the nonprofit Seaquist House Foundation, which purchased the home in January 2015

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT

A hand-carved wooden finial on the stairs is original to the Seaquist House. Jan Appleby at the front of the house. Floral motifs embellish limestone blocks on exterior walls. Stained glass adorns a door in the 1887 mansion. Appleby is a retired teacher who spearheaded efforts to rescue the Seaquist.

for $400,000. Enough was raised to pay off the note by October 2017.

Since then, countless supporters have donated labor and thousands of dollars to restore the Seaquist’s interior, richly accented in walnut: doors, staircases, window frames and shutters, beadboard walls and ceilings, and railings and newel posts. Volunteers pulled down wallpaper, pulled up carpeting, scraped away plaster, replaced electrical wiring and plumbing, painted walls, and refinished long-leaf pine floors and other woodwork, to name only a fraction of the fixes.

When built 139 years ago, immigrant masons using primitive tools crafted ornate details throughout the Seaquist, which boasts 22 rooms and 15 fireplaces. On exterior walls, hand-carved floral motifs and other patterns embellish limestone blocks. A bathroom wall features a panel of S-curved wainscoting fashioned from walnut.

The spacious third-floor ballroom draws the most gasps. Dark walnut panels stretch across towering walls and vaulted ceilings hung with chandeliers. Behind a paneled door, narrow stairs lead to a small balcony, which overlooks the dance floor and once held musicians who performed

TAKE A GANDER

Public tours of the Seaquist House are led the first Saturday of each month, 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults. Mail donations to Seaquist House Foundation, P.O. Box 1496, Mason, TX 76856.

The Mason County Courthouse is open 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday–Friday.

Jerry Bearden, with Appleby, points out details in the grand ballroom of the Seaquist.

for social gatherings. In other panel-encased rooms, guests played cards and billiards while waiters served libations from the bar.

Festive occasions have since returned to the Seaquist, which can be rented for weddings, receptions and other events. In the meantime, renovations continue. One last major project will focus on repairing and repainting the home’s exterior.

From the Ashes

For his part, volunteer Jerry Bearden, a Central Texas Electric Cooperative member, serves as president of the Seaquist House Foundation. He was also heavily involved in restoring the 1910 Classical Revival courthouse. The Mason County judge for 20 years before he retired in 2022, Bearden was there the awful night of February 4, 2021, soon after an arsonist torched the building.

Within minutes, the roof and clock tower collapsed. On the lawn, Bearden dropped to his knees as the ceiling above his first-floor office caved in and engulfed his desk.

“The heat was so intense that it cracked sandstone blocks made by the original artisans,” Bearden says. “A piece of metal bent by the heat is displayed at our city library.”

Law officials apprehended Nicholas Miller of Mason the next day and charged him with two felony counts of arson. In February 2024, he was found guilty and given two 75year prison sentences for burning the courthouse and a family home.

Amid the ashes, some good news bolstered spirits. For one thing, county records had been moved out in preparation for interior renovations funded by the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program. Then engineers who examined the building’s four exterior sandstone walls and 16 columns declared them structurally sound for use in rebuilding the courthouse. After crews worked a month to

remove truckloads of charred debris, recovery began.

But to rebuild, Mason County faced a price tag of nearly $20 million. Toward that goal, $3.6 million still remained from the original state grant. Friends of the Mason County Courthouse raised $5.5 million. The Texas Association of Counties awarded $7 million in insurance money, and the Legislature approved $6 million toward the project.

“We came up with enough money to rebuild this courthouse,” Bearden says. “It didn’t cost taxpayers a dime.” Remaining funds were placed in a foundation to fund future courthouse maintenance.

As project manager, CPM Texas of Austin drew from historical records and paint scrapings taken prior to the fire to restore the courthouse to its 1910 appearance.

Corridors display floors of redstained cement and original square white tiles, many of which bear singe marks from the blaze. Eight metal fireplaces, once used to heat rooms, are painted in original colors, such as golden yellow, emerald green and burgundy red. Seven heavy vault doors gleam with black paint and gold etchings of filigrees and maker name Diebold Safe & Locks Co.

Throughout the courthouse, destroyed furnishings, such as the original district judge’s bench, courtroom pews, jury box and witness stand, were replaced with historical replicas. So, too, was the domed clock tower. The new cupola—made of sheet metal that took thousands of hours to fabricate—houses an electronic clock and chimes, modern versions of the old iron bell and clock mechanism that were gutted by the fire.

CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT

Original floor tiles bear singe marks from the 2021 fire at the Mason County Courthouse. Jerry Bearden, a former Mason County judge, shows photos from the night the courthouse burned. Bearden in front of the rebuilt courthouse.

Within minutes, the roof and clock tower collapsed. On the lawn, Bearden dropped to his knees as the ceiling above his first-floor office caved in and engulfed his desk.

had publicly vowed, their courthouse phoenix had risen from ashes.

Three blocks away, the Seaquist House had survived near ruin too.

Three years after that fire, the Mason County Courthouse reopened for business. On July 13, 2024, more than 750 people applauded and cheered when Bearden, standing on the courthouse steps with other dignitaries, cut a red ribbon during a rededication ceremony. Just as Bearden

“Politics and religion can divide people,” Appleby says. “But they’ll come together for something important like the Seaquist House and the courthouse. And that’s amazing.” D

message

Why We Champion Conservation

Conserving energy today helps preserve resources for future generations and supports a more sustainable energy future.

It might seem counterintuitive: why would we encourage you to use less of what we sell? But NEC Co-op Energy isn’t a typical utility. We’re a member-owned cooperative, and our mission isn’t to maximize profits, it’s to serve you with transparency, affordability, and excellent care.

We promote energy conservation because it’s the smart, responsible thing to do. While fossil fuels remain available, they are finite. Conserving energy today helps preserve resources for future generations and supports a more sustainable energy future.

It also benefits your wallet. Using less electricity lowers your monthly bill. And when many members reduce usage, it helps the co-op avoid costly energy peaks—saving money across the board and postponing the need for new power sources or infrastructure.

To help you get started, here are a few simple steps you can take today: switch off lights when leaving a room, unplug devices that aren’t in use, adjust your thermostat a few degrees, and run major appliances like dishwashers or washing machines during off peak hours (periods of low

demand, often late at night or early in the morning). Small changes add up quickly, and together they make a real difference.

We’re committed to keeping electricity affordable by streamlining operations and setting practical budgets that never compromise service. While we can’t control the market price of fuels used to generate electricity, we can help you make informed choices that reduce your costs.

That’s why we’ll continue sharing energy-saving tips and tools—even if it means selling less electricity. Because our goal isn’t just to power homes—it’s to empower members.

And remember, conservation goes beyond electricity. Whether it’s gasoline, propane, or natural gas, every effort to conserve helps protect your budget and our shared energy future.

Chief Executive Officer

Celebrate the National Day of Unplugging — a movement that encourages stepping away from digital devices to focus on personal well-being. While it’s traditionally observed from sunset on March 6 to sunset on March 7, you can choose any 24-hour period that works best for you. Taking time to disconnect from technology can reduce stress, improve physical health, and strengthen relationships.

NEC Co-op Energy Recognized for High Member Satisfaction

Robstown, Texas, January 21, 2026 – NEC Co-op Energy was recently recognized by Touchstone Energy® as a member cooperative that received one of the top 5 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI®) scores for energy utility services among all cooperatives participating in measurement for Touchstone Energy in the fourth quarter of 2025. In Q4 (2025), NEC Co-op Energy received an ACSI score of “95” on a 100-point scale.1 NEC Co-op Energy score is higher when compared to publicly measured cooperative utility scores reported in the syndicated 2025 ACSI Energy Utility Study and places NEC Co-op Energy 21 points higher than the average investorowned utility score of 74, 20 points higher than the average municipal utility score of 75, as well as 19 points higher than the average cooperative utility score of 76.

Touchstone Energy® helps its member cooperatives strengthen their relationships with their members. It is a national network of electric cooperatives across 46 states that provides research, communications resources, and employee training programs to help its member cooperatives better engage and serve their members. Cooperatives interested in getting an ACSI score or participating in other member satisfaction research should visit www.touchstoneenergy.com/acsiresearch.]

* 1 Compared to publicly measured energy utilities in the ACSI® survey of customers rating their own energy utility. Results based on data collected between October 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025. ACSI and its logo are registered trademarks of the American Customer Satisfaction Index LLC. For more about the ACSI, visit www.theacsi.org.

Stay Prepared with Critical Care Enrollment

Your power line provider maintains a Critical Care & Critical Load list for locations approved as meeting the state of Texas criteria. For those reliant on electric-powered life-support equipment, we encourage you to register with your power line provider. If you are unsure who your provider is, you can find their name on the middle left side of your bill, labeled ‘For Outages / Emergencies Call: NAME OF YOUR POWER LINE PROVIDER.’

Tree Trimming for Protection and Prevention

Tree trimming is a vital safety practice that goes far beyond aesthetics. Overgrown or weakened branches can pose serious hazards, from falling on homes, vehicles, or pedestrians to interfering with power lines and causing dangerous outages. Regular trimming helps prevent these risks by removing dead or unstable limbs before they become a threat, while also promoting healthier tree growth. In communities, proactive trimming reduces the chance of stormrelated damage and keeps public spaces safer for everyone.

Equally important is how trimming is performed. Using proper equipment, protective gear, and trained crews ensures that the process itself doesn’t create new dangers. Falls from height, chainsaw injuries, and electrical contact are among the most common risks in tree care. And if your project involves digging, even something as simple as planting a shrub or installing a mailbox, always call 811 first. Utility lines are often buried just inches below the surface, and striking one can cause outages, costly damage, or serious injury. By treating tree trimming and digging with the same level of caution, homeowners and organizations protect property, safeguard lives, and preserve the longterm health of their trees and communities.

Get Your House Ready for Spring

IT WON’T BE too long until you can open the windows and start enjoying fresh air and warm weather. Is your house ready? Here are five items to add to your springtime to-do list that might help your home feel more comfortable and cared for before it gets hot.

Schedule AC maintenance: A small investment now can prevent costly breakdowns and extend equipment life.

Clear around the condenser: Trim bushes, pull weeds, and remove debris so air can circulate freely.

Plant shade trees: They’ll block harsh sun, reduce cooling costs, and add curb appeal. (Remember to call 811 before you dig.)

Upgrade windows: Replace single-pane glass with double-pane models to save on energy bills.

Wash windows inside and out: Clean glass lets in more sunlight, reducing the need for artificial light.

Women Lead the Charge

FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S Day on March 8, we at NEC Co-op Energy would like to take a moment to recognize the female force that helps our cooperative operate efficiently and serve you, our member-owners. Women are at the center of your co-op’s success.

The theme of International Women’s Day 2026 is Give to Gain, which “emphasizes the power of reciprocity and support,” according to the IWD campaign. “When people, organizations and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase.”

The women of NEC Co-op Energy work in management, member services, engineering, technical support, human resources, accounting and many other essential roles that keep the power on. Their dedication is critical to the cooperative’s smooth operation.

On this day, we also acknowledge the many women who make up the membership of the cooperative. We’re proud to power their homes and businesses.

We’re lucky to have a capable team and to be part of an organization that has endured since its founding by honoring values that focus on inclusion and supporting our community.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Day Light Saving Time Begins Sunday, March 8 Set clocks forward 1 hr.

St. Patrick's Day Tuesday, March 17

First Day of Spring Friday, March 20

National Ag Day Tuesday, March 24

National Vietnam War Veterans Day Sunday, March 29

DIYing? Know Your Limits and Your Tools

EVERY YEAR, THOUSANDS of people in the U.S. are critically injured or electrocuted as a result of electrical fires or accidents in their own homes.

Faced with declining home values and aging properties, more homeowners are tackling do-it-yourself projects than ever before. However, many lack the training or experience needed to safely perform home electrical work. This increases the risk of injuries and electrocutions and potentially introduces new dangers into the home.

Nearly 300 electrocutions occur in the U.S. every year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

If you decide to undertake a home improvement project yourself, your electric cooperative strongly recommends that you do not attempt work beyond your skill level. Knowing when to call a professional can help prevent electrical fires, injuries and fatalities.

If you do take on a DIY project, make sure you plan it first and understand the electrical system, equipment and materials required. Use adequate personal protective equipment and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your tools.

Power Tools

Many DIY projects involve using power tools. Working with power tools requires skilled instruction and training because the tools can be deadly if not properly used or maintained.

A common scenario for power tool-related electrocutions is when the equipment comes into contact with live electrical wires while it’s being used.

Personal Protective Equipment

Safeguards on outdoor electric tools are there for a reason. Always make sure that they’re in place before operating. Invest in safety goggles, hearing protection, dust masks, gloves and other safety gear recommended for each tool. Wear the appropriate clothes for the job—boots, gloves, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Tie back long hair as well as hoodie strings, scarves and other items that could get caught.

Tool Safety

Use ground-fault circuit interrupters with every power tool to protect against electric shocks.

Don’t use power tools with an extension cord that exceeds 100 feet, and never use power tools near live electrical wires or water pipes.

Use extreme caution when cutting or drilling into walls where electrical wires or water pipes could be accidentally touched or penetrated.

If a power tool trips an electrical safety device while in use, stop using it. Take the tool to a manufacturer-authorized repair center for service.

When working with electricity, use tools with insulated grips. Don’t use power tools without the proper guards.

When using a shop vac or a pressure washer, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid electric shock. Mixing water and electricity can be dangerous. D

Get Your House Ready for Spring

IT WON’T BE too long until you can open the windows and start enjoying fresh air and warmer weather. Is your house ready?

Here are five items to add to your springtime to-do list that might help your home feel more comfortable and cared for before it gets hot.

Call a qualified service technician to inspect and maintain your air conditioning system. Paying $100 or so now could prevent a huge expense this summer if your system breaks down on a hot day and you have to have it repaired or replaced in a hurry. Maintenance goes a long way toward preventing emergencies and can prolong the life of your equipment.

While you’re outdoors planting and pruning, trim all of the bushes and pull all of the weeds near your air conditioner’s outside condenser unit. Remove any fallen tree limbs that landed on it, brush off leaves that have collected on or around it, and pick up trash that found its way there as it sat unused all winter. Anything that touches the unit and prevents air from circulating around it will make it perform less efficiently.

While you’ve got your shovel and spade out, consider planting some shade trees on the sunny side of your house. As they grow, they will filter the sunrays that can beat so fiercely on your windows in the summer and make your AC work harder. Always call 811 before you dig.

Speaking of windows, if your house still has single-pane glass, this is a good time to replace it with double-pane models. Single-pane windows are inefficient and can drive your air conditioning bills through the roof. You could save several hundred dollars on cooling and heating bills every year if you replace your drafty, old windows.

Clean your windows, inside and out. Newer models are simple to clean because you can tilt them toward the inside of the house so you can reach both sides. Clean windows let more sunlight into your house, which means you won’t have to turn on as many lights. D

Electrical Outlets Should Feel Cool

A POWER OUTLET that’s slightly warm to the touch is not uncommon during heavy use, but it can also be a sign of danger. If you suspect a problem, run a quick check.

e Start by unplugging any devices that are using the outlet, and then feel it again. If the warmth disappears, the problem may be the appliance or a loose plug. Test the device on another outlet.

e If the outlet remains warm with nothing plugged in, do not use it. That suggests loose wiring, a failing receptacle or an overloaded circuit. Call an electrician to diagnose the trouble.

e Never use extension cords or ungrounded adapters as a long-term fix. Limit high-draw appliances, such as space heaters, hair dryers, microwaves and portable air conditioners, to dedicated circuits, and never run space heaters from a power strip.

e If you see discoloration, smell burning or notice sparks, shut off power to the circuit and call a licensed electrician.

e Once the outlet is fixed, avoid overloading circuits and consider a professional inspection of your entire electrical system. D

Texas Co-op Power presents an illustrated Seashells of Texas poster by artist Aletha St. Romain, 20x16inches, suitable for framing.

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Capital Improvements

The Brazos River birthplace of Texas has never beckoned more in its 190 years

BY SAMANTHA BRYANT • PHOTOS BY TIFFANY HOFELDT

IT’S NOT EVERY DAY that a ghost town comes back to life. But that’s what’s happening in Washington, a town along the Brazos River resurrected so visitors can experience a linchpin in Texas’ history.

Touted as the birthplace of Texas, it was here that delegates signed the declaration of independence, 190 years ago March 2, that created the Republic of Texas. It was also here, in one of the short-lived nation’s interim capitals, that the Texas Congress voted for annexation by the U.S. in 1845.

“We are the place where Texas became Texas,” said Jonathan Failor, director of the Washington-onthe-Brazos State Historic Site, “where people came together and stood against a tyrannical dictator and set their sights on something greater, something better, and eventually joined the United States 10 years later.”

Those two historic decisions took place in buildings that sat roughly 300 feet apart, but over the course of decades, those buildings—along with the rest of the original town—south of College Station, disappeared into farmland after locals bet on steamboat trade and let the railroad bypass them.

“The affluence went to the railroad towns like Brenham and Navasota,” said Michael Moore, project manager for the historic townsite. “The brick buildings here were sometimes dismantled and the bricks moved to Navasota to build a new building. Washington was left forgotten and kind of vanished into the landscape.”

It became a park and historic site in 1916, and a replica building of Independence Hall, where the 59 delegates met, was constructed in the 1920s and rebuilt in 1969.

“That for the longest time was the only thing out here,” Failor said. “This was one building that told the story of Texas independence in a town of which there was at one time 1,000 people.”

But now people are once again strolling down Main, Austin and Ferry streets beneath the shade of pecan and live oak trees, meandering in and out of a drugstore, an apothecary shop, Sam Houston’s presidential office and a blacksmith shop thanks to a $57 million renovation project, mostly funded by the state. Ten replica structures dot the original townsite, which reopened in November after two years of extensive archaeological exploration,

construction and renovations.

Moore and his team researched and re-created buildings as near to their original locations as possible while balancing the preservation of ruins.

Inside Hatfield’s Exchange, visitors can walk past a bar and upstairs to where the Texas Congress met while Washington was the capital, 1842–45. They can stop at a carpentry shop, watch demonstrations and hear the stories of the delegates who lodged there during the 1836 convention. For children, the townsite offers an immersive experience.

“They come and have fun, but also they can connect something visual, something tangible, to what they’re learning in school,” Moore said.

The visitors center and Star of the Republic Museum located on the same nearly 300-acre property managed by the Texas Historical Commission were also updated. The star-shaped museum, originally opened in 1970, underwent upgrades in technology and accessibility. Its six galleries contain artifacts, films and exhibits that walk visitors through the story of Texas, from its pre-Republic era through annexation and beyond.

The complex includes Barrington Living History Farm, which was the homestead of Dr. Anson Jones, who was the last president of Texas. Hall and Lott Tavern, the newest replica building, opens this spring. Davy Crockett spent the night here on his way to the Alamo, a place that every Texas schoolchild is admonished to remember.

Improvements to Washington are meant to leave a lasting impression as well.

“We know Texas existed as its own country,” Failor said. “It’s a point of pride, it’s something that Texans know and non-Texans know. But where can Texans who’ve been here for seven, eight, nine generations and folks who have just got here, where can they go get that story? We want that to be here.” D

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Historical reenactors at Independence Hall and the 1899 marker at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, where the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed March 2, 1836. A reenactor tends a garden. A visitor approaches a reconstructed cabin. A reenactor deposits freshly picked cotton into a wagon.

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But When Driving, These Sunglasses May Save Your Life!

The sun rises and sets at peak travel periods, during the early morning and afternoon rush hours and many drivers find themselves temporarily blinded while driving directly into the glare of the sun. Deadly accidents are regularly caused by such blinding glare with danger arising from reflected light off another vehicle, the pavement, or even from waxed and oily windshields that can make matters worse. Early morning dew can exacerbate this situation. Yet, motorists struggle on despite being blinded by the sun’s glare that can cause countless accidents every year. Not all sunglasses are created equal. Protecting your eyes is serious business. With all the fancy fashion frames out there it can be easy to overlook what really matters––the lenses. So we did our research and looked to the very best in optic innovation and technology.

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A Tidy Revolution

Litterbugs were put on notice 40 years ago with four iconic words BY BOB MCCULLOUGH • ILLUSTRATION BY RYAN OLBRYSH

LIKE A LOT of kids, Tim McClure received regular reminders from his mom to clean his bedroom. The advertising executive, who grew up in Corsicana and now lives in Austin, vividly recalled those admonitions in 1985 when he developed one of the most memorable taglines of all time: “Don’t mess with Texas.”

The award-winning ad campaign urging careless folks to stop littering on Texas highways just marked its 40th anniversary. Its iconic slogan dawned on McClure during an early-morning stroll when he observed roadside refuse in his neighborhood that made him think of his messy room.

“ ‘Don’t mess with Texas’ was a battle cry that reached into the DNA of all Tex-

ans,” McClure says, “reminding them that they take great pride in their state. Litter is the antithesis of that sense of pride. Once reminded, Texans did what Texans do—we changed our behavior to reflect our commitment.”

“Don’t mess” enjoyed overnight success thanks to bumper stickers followed by a slew of TV spots starring Texan celebrities eager to enlist in the battle against litter.

In December 1985, stickers with just those four iconic words and a small Texas flag mysteriously appeared on pickup trucks across the Lone Star State. The stickers targeted a key demographic: young Texan men accustomed to jettisoning trash out of their pickups instead

of stashing it in proper receptacles.

Then on New Year’s Day 1986, in a TV spot that resembled a music video that aired during the Cotton Bowl, blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan played a rousing rendition of The Eyes of Texas, then punctuated it with those simple but powerful words: “Don’t mess with Texas.”

Almost immediately, viewers called their local stations wanting more.

That was the beginning of dozens of “Don’t mess” messages. “I’m very proud of them all, but the first, featuring Stevie Ray Vaughan, is my sentimental favorite,” says McClure, the M in GSD&M, the Austin powerhouse ad agency that led the campaign.

Other notable Texans who appeared in “Don’t mess” commercials included Johnny Dee and the Rocket 88’s, Dallas Cowboys Randy White and Ed “Too Tall” Jones, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Little Joe y La Familia, Willie Nelson, and the Texas Tornados. An animated spot starring SeaWorld orca Shamu and three penguin sidekicks—the Texas Tuxedos— urged kids not to litter.

Today, the Texas Department of Transportation carries on “Don’t mess,” with downloadable activity books for kids at dontmesswithtexas.org, lesson plans for teachers and scholarships for students who take on environmental projects.

“Litter on Texas roads was reduced by 63% from 2013 to 2023,” says Marc D. Williams, TxDOT executive director.

“This shows our messaging is working, especially as the population grows. But we still have work to do. More than 360 million pieces of litter accumulate on Texas roads every year, with cigarette butts and beverage containers among the most common items.”

McClure believes Texas pride continues to be at the heart of the four-decade success of “Don’t mess.”

“We Texans are a proud bunch,” he says. “Proud of our state. Proud of our colorful past. Excited about the future ahead of us. Some things you simply don’t mess with!” D

Barbecue Sides

Meet the dishes that dazzle when the smoke clears

BY VIANNEY RODRIGUEZ, FOOD EDITOR

As a newlywed I brought a version of this recipe to my in-laws’ barbecue. My mother-in-law instantly fell in love with it. She asked for the recipe and proceeded to tweak, tweak and tweak until it became her recipe, a tradition at every barbecue. We still make it in her honor. We miss you, Grandma.

Grandma’s Creamy Cucumber Salad

1/4 cup lemon juice

2 teaspoons sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup sour cream

1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped, divided use

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1. In a large bowl, stir together lemon juice and sugar until sugar dissolves.

2. Add salt, sour cream and all but 1 teaspoon dill. Stir to combine.

3. Gently stir in cucumbers and red onion. Refrigerate at least 1 hour.

4. Stir before serving and top with remaining dill.

SERVES 8

Follow Vianney Rodriguez as she cooks in Cocina Gris at sweetlifebake.com, where she features a recipe for Pan de Elote.

Pickled Coleslaw

EVA WARD

TRI-COUNTY EC

Coleslaw is the ultimate barbecue side dish that just keeps giving. Its tang cuts through the richness of the meat, and it’s even better the next day piled high on a sandwich. I appreciated the ease of this recipe, which delivered crunch and bold flavor.

1 medium head cabbage, shredded

1 small red onion, thinly sliced

2 medium carrots, shredded

1 tablespoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

1/2 teaspoon celery seed

1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1. In a large bowl, combine cabbage, red onion and carrots.

2. In a saucepan, bring sugar, salt, dry mustard, celery seed, oil and vinegar to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar.

3. Pour vinegar mixture over cabbage mixture and combine well. Allow to cool.

4. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.

SERVES 8

$500 WINNER

C’s Macaroni Salad

CAROLYN USSERY HOUSTON COUNTY EC

If there’s pasta salad at the barbecue, find me there. I love a great pasta salad loaded with crunch, bite, saltiness and cheese. Ussery’s salad has a bit of tang to it, which I really enjoyed, and it’s loaded with color and flavor.

16 ounces veggie rotini

6 ounces colby jack cheese, cubed

1/2 cup diced red onion

3/4 cup diced celery

1/2 cup diced red bell pepper

1 cup frozen peas

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped, or 2 tablespoons dried dill weed

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, drain well and place in a large bowl to cool.

2. Once pasta has cooled, stir in cheese, onion, celery, bell pepper and peas.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, dill, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper

4. Add mayonnaise mixture to pasta and stir to coat. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

SERVES 6–10

$500 Recipe Contest

AFTER-SCHOOL SNACKS DUE MAR 10

How do you answer the bell when school’s out? We want to know what your kids love. Best recipe gets an A-plus, $500 and a spot in the August issue.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28 >

UPCOMING: PANCAKES AND WAFFLES DUE APR 10

Cauliflower and Green Beans

SOUAD EL ALAMI FARMERS EC

On a table full of barbecue, potato salad, and mac and cheese, a simple vegetable dish shouldn’t be an afterthought. El Alami’s dish is a delight. The pop of freshness from the parsley, cilantro and lemon juice makes a truly spectacular side dish for chicken or beef.

1 large head cauliflower

1 pound green beans

4 cups water

11/4 tablespoons salt, divided use

6 cloves garlic, not peeled

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

1/2 tablespoon lemon juice

1. Slice cauliflower into quarters. Use your hands or a knife to remove florets from core. Cut florets as needed to create uniform pieces.

2. Trim the ends of green beans and discard. Slice beans in half.

3. In a large pot, bring water and 1 table-

spoon salt to a boil. Add green beans, reduce heat to medium, and cook 5–8 minutes or until tender. Remove green beans from pot and place into an ice bath for 20 minutes. Drain.

4. Steam cauliflower and garlic cloves in a steamer until tender, about 8–10 minutes. Allow to cool.

5. Heat butter and oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Squeeze garlic out of peel into skillet and cook 40 seconds, stirring. Stir in green beans and cook an additional minute.

6. Add cauliflower and stir to incorporate. Stir in remaining 1/4 tablespoon salt, pepper, parsley and cilantro. Cook an additional minute. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.

SERVES 4–6

Remember that you can find hundreds of recipes on our website. Use the search function with keywords and specific ingredients to discover ideas for your next meal.

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Grand Canyon, Bryce & Zion

Mt. Rushmore & Yellowstone

New England & Fall Colors

Nova Scotia & Maritimes

Canadian Rockies & Glacier

Long Drives in Big Bend

Live the luxe life in a surprising locale: Lajitas

BY CHET GARNER

THERE’S OFF THE BEATEN PATH and then there’s Lajitas—a spot so remote that it feels like you’ve driven off the edge of the map. But just when you’re sure you’ve missed civilization completely, the desert opens up to reveal a high-end resort with golf carts, spa robes and a goat that drinks beer. Welcome to the most luxurious ghost town in Texas.

The legend of Lajitas begins with the land itself—a sunbaked stretch of the Chihuahuan Desert along the Rio Grande sandwiched between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park.

The town was once known for bandits, miners and cattle drives, but today it’s most famous for its unusual mayor. His name’s Clay Henry IV, and he’s a goat whose claim to fame is guzzling beer straight from the bottle like his father and his father and his father before that. He’s the world’s most carefree politician, doing his civic duty one gulp at a time.

The only thing more unexpected than the goat in charge is the Lajitas Golf Resort, a desert oasis that feels wildly out of place and yet somehow perfect. Its crown jewel is Black Jack’s Crossing, a golf course named for U.S. Army Gen. John J. “Black Jack” Pershing, who pursued Pancho Villa across the Rio Grande in 1916. There’s even a hole where players can see how far they can smack a ball across the river into Mexico.

As the day faded away, I settled into my dinner on the resort’s terrace. The mesquite-grilled rib eye and the smell of creosote in the air were only upstaged by the sun setting behind distant mountains like a slow-burning ember. Out here, fine dining and frontier grit somehow share the same table, and I was happy to be their dinner guest. D

ABOVE Chet finds that golf is just part of the Chihuahuan Desert oasis experience that is the town of Lajitas.

Watch the video on our website and see all of Chet’s Texplorations on The Daytripper on PBS.

Know Before You Go

Call ahead or check an event’s website for scheduling details, and check our website for many more upcoming events.

7

10

Kerrville Classical Music Festival, (830) 321-0303, hillcountrychorale.org

Salado Texas Pizza Festival, (254) 947-3544, barrowbrewing.com

Lufkin Swan Lake, (936) 633-5454, angelinaarts.org

12

Dublin [12–14] St. Patrick’s Day Festival, (254) 445-3422, dublintxchamber.com

13

14

Round Top [13–14] Plant Sale, (713) 503-9981, herbsocietypioneer.org

Granbury [13–15] Founders’ Day Jubilee & Cook-Off, (682) 936-4550, facebook.com/ hgmagranburysquare

Willis Arbor Day Tree Giveaway, (936) 539-7824, mcmga.com

15

16

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Fredericksburg Seraph Brass Quintet, fredericksburgmusic club.com

Grapevine [16–22] Picnic on the Prairie, (817) 410-3185, grapevinetexasusa.com

Kerrville Concerts by the River & Family Game Night, (830) 257-7300, kerrvilletx.gov

Grapevine Sweet Baby James: James Taylor Tribute, (817) 410-3100, grapevinetexasusa.com

Lufkin Wizard of Oz on Ice, (936) 633-5454, angelinaarts.org

Fort Worth [24–29] Back to the Future: The Musical, (817) 212-4280, basshall.com 27

Georgetown [27–28] Quilt Show, (512) 869-1812, handcraftsunlimited.com

Rockport [27–28] Crawfish Festival, (361) 205-9595, rockportcrawfishfest.com

Burnet Hill Country Lawn & Garden Show, (512) 7563059, burnetcountyhighland lakesmastergardener.org

Sabinal [28–29] Wild Hog Festival & Craft Fair, (830) 486-8549, sabinalwildhogfestival.com APRIL

2

Levelland [2–4] ABC Pro Rodeo, (806) 777-1510, abcrodeo.com

4

Fairfield Easter Eggstravaganza, (903) 389-5792, fairfieldtexaschamber.com

Waxahachie [4–May 25] Scarborough Renaissance Festival, (972) 938-3247, srfestival.com

also receive a handpicked trial selection of fascinating coins from our No-Obligation Coins-on-Approval Service, from which you may purchase any or none of the coins – return balance within 15 days – with option to cancel at any time.

Still Life

1 RAYMOND TESTA FARMERS EC

“A homegrown daylily in a simple vase.”

2 FAITH CAUGHRON TRINITY VALLEY EC

Caughron used this photo on social media to announce the upcoming event America Reads the Bible.

3 CARA STIMSON COSERV

“Still life (or death) in an Alpine graveyard. My son took this photo on a family trip to Big Bend.”

4 JOEY CARGILL FORT BELKNAP EC

“My daughter Riley took a photo that represents her hobbies of reading and dancing.”

When the light hits something just right, time stands still. These readers capture that moment for us spectacularly. See what happens when we slow down and let life filter in.

CURATED

BY

GRACE FULTZ

Upcoming Contests

DUE MAR 10 Seasoned Snaps

DUE APR 10 Underwater Life

DUE MAY 10 Rodeo

Enter online at TexasCoopPower.com/contests.

See Focus on Texas on our website for many more Still Life photos from readers.

Nature Nurtures— And It Buzzes

Embrace the bugs in your yard and watch them work their magic

BY JENNIFER DANNY ILLUSTRATION BY HEIDI SCHMIDT

THE FIRST TIME I learned about cicadas, I was visiting family in North Texas. As I was getting my luggage out of the car, I heard rustling and buzzing in the trees. I asked my daughter what that noise was.

Somewhat concerned, I said, “Do they sting?”

“I’m not sure,” she said. “You probably won’t even get to see them, but you’ll hear them.”

And hear them I did. I was fascinated by these creatures, and I started to research everything I could about them.

You see, I have a history with life’s littlest creatures. For the past few years, I’ve planted milkweed for monarch butterflies, and each summer, I had the pleasure of watching them lay their eggs that then turned into caterpillars, which built cocoons and eventually

emerged as butterflies.

There is something so beautiful about monarchs, the way they flap their wings as if to thank you for providing a home and milkweed before they begin their migration.

I also would buy praying mantis eggs from the local gardening store. When they hatched, I would disperse them throughout my yard. They’re very tiny when they first come out of the egg, and often I would see a few grow to maturity. I find their praying hands to be a symbol of hope and happiness.

Ah, but it doesn’t stop there. One day I saw a carpenter bee near a little wood sculpture in my yard. I watched it go inside through a tiny hole. And it turns out for many years, the carpenter bees and their next generation lived inside the sculpture. They had quite a distinctive buzz, much louder than the honeybees that would visit and pollinate my flowers.

One day, after my husband and I moved to Texas from Southern California in August 2023, a beautiful yellow butterfly was in my daughter’s yard, just sitting on her window screen, its wings opening and closing almost as if it were welcoming me to Texas.

Finally, I was able to sit outside every evening and watch the trees and the leaves bustle with the cicadas’ buzzing.

I’ve always appreciated nature, and to have it right in my own backyard is so comforting.

I believe that nature nurtures. If we slow down and really take a look, there is so much beauty to behold.

Just last week, I saw a monarch butterfly hanging out in our new yard. I went outside and took a photo and welcomed it. The following day, I went to the local nursery and bought a milkweed plant in the hopes that the monarch would lay its eggs.

Summer will be here soon, and I’m excited to hear the cicadas once again. D

Only Stauer can give

You may think you understood the concept of “priceless” jewelry. For years, “priceless” meant “astronomically expensive.” That is, until now ...

Stauer smashes the luxury status quo with the release of our FREE* 200-Carat Lusso Amethyst Necklace. That’s right, we said FREE ... as in “priceless.” No charge.* ZERO dollars.* Call now and we’ll send you this impressive helping of genuine amethyst (independently appraised at $295) for FREE We cut the price 100%. You only pay $24.95, our regular charge for shipping and processing. We’ll even pay you back with a $30 discount certificate –– that’s our Better Than Free Shipping!

A collection of purple perfection. Your Lusso Amethyst Necklace is a 200-carat symphony of smooth purple genuine gemstones. Each gemstone’s shape and translucence ignites the velvety, violet hues. The polished amethysts are hand-strung on double-knotted jeweler’s thread, and the stunning 18" necklace (with 2" extender) secures with a goldfinished lobster clasp.

Too good to pass up. Too good to last long. Amethyst is one of the world’s most coveted gemstones and our supply is extremely limited. We can only offer such an outrageous deal for a short time every few years. Over 30,000 thrilled customers were lucky enough to get this promotion last time

We only have about 2,500 left in stock. Act now!

Necklace Specifications:

• 200 ctw of genuine amethyst

• Gold-finished spacers

• 18" + 2" length necklace

Lusso Amethyst Necklace:

Lusso Amethyst Necklace (200 ctw) $249** FREE*

*Pay only shipping & processing of $24.95. Special price only for customers using the offer code.

“This necklace is beautiful. I could not believe my eyes ... GREAT!” — Bonnie from Longs, SC

amethyst necklace limited to just the first 2,500 responders to this ad!