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Piney Woods Life & HoLLy Lake area neWsJune 2025 Priceless! Message
June 2025Dear Reader,June always had such great childhood memories! School was out, the pools were open, the ice cream man was ringing his bell during the evenings and dad would nd a dime (yes - it was a dime!) so we could buy a popsicle. Then of course we were sticky and needed to be hosed down before coming back in the house. Time passes and now we look forward to the sound of the cicadas, frogs, crickets and whipporwill’s - the summer night quartet!In time for those summer nights we are debuting a book by Laurie Zieber called The Metanoia Forest Chronicles. Each month we will publish the next chapter as she develops each story based upon the forest we call home.In this month’s feature articles you’ll read about a renowned local artist, life in a hanger house, and a neighborhood historic tavern.You may have noticed that the name of this magazine now includes “Piney Woods Life.” This name is more inclusive of our readership as we continue to grow and tell the stories about life in our Piney Woods.While holding a physical magazine in your hand has it’s benets, the digital version now incorporates audio from the various writers, authors and sponsors. You’ll always be able to nd the digital version on our website at HollyLake Ar-eaNews.com if you miss it on the various social sites. If you would like to have a physical magazine delivered by mail with a monthly paid subscription, please sign up on our website or send me an email at Editor@HollyLakeAreaNews.com.Time to listen for the whipporwills,Linda Gasaway
June Table of Contents2 Important Numbers3 Events for June and July4 Emergency Preparedness: Part 4 - Communication6 AMBUCS ETX Awards and Installation9 June Gardening with Nate Holden11 The Golf Mathematician by Je Wilson13 Medical Power of Attorney: A Crucial Step in Family Preparedness14 Debra Atherton: An Artist’s Journey17 Duct Tape, Cardboard and a Race to the Finish! 18 Tops Tun Tavern20 An Introduction to “The Metanoia Forest Chronicles” - Laurie Zieber24 Helping Because We Care Spring Tea 25 Roadside Royalty26 Church Political Myths27 When One Man Got MADD and Made a Dierence - By Dave Evans 28 The Final Chapter is Read for the Holly Book Club29 The Ultimate Pilot’s Retreat: A Home with a Hanger32 Wood County Dignataries Attend Local Forum 34 Itty Bitty Libraries35 A Fork in the Pines Restaurant Review37 Sponsors Advertising Directory Now Taking Subscriptions!Have a copy of the physical magazine delivered to your home for $10 each. Orders must be made by the 15th to receive the current month’s edition.Subscribe to the digital version delivered by email for freeby going to www.HollyLakeAreaNews.com or contact us about print magazine subscriptions.1
2Important NumbersEmergency 911Wood County Sheri’s Department 903-763-2201Hawkins Police Department 903-769-3628Holly Lake Ranch Security 903-769-2164Hawkins Volunteer Fire Department 903-769-2444Holly Lake Volunteer Fire Department 903-769-4341Poison Control Center 800-222-1222UTILITIESUpshur Electric 800-259-2536 Liberty Utilities 903-769-2095ETEX (Phone, Cable Internet) 903-797-2711Optimum (Fiber Internet, Cable) 877-794-2724SCHOOLSHarmony ISD 903-725-5492Hawkins ISD 903-769-2181 Jarvis Christian College 903-730-4890 About UsOur mission is to promote our communi-ty and the small businesses who serve us. Please note that to the best of our knowl-edge, the content of this publication is intended for entertainment purposes only. Content should not be taken as legal ad-vise and we will not be held accountable for any legal action the reader may take. While we love our sponsors, we make no promises abou the results of products or services advertized.When no author name is credited, the article is written by the editor.Holly Lake Area News972-740-7070Editor@HollyLakeAreaNews.comFacebook: Holly Lake Area NewsNow Taking Subscriptions!Front Cover: Kayak Klub Kayak Clinic on Holly Lake.Leadership team shown above: Ileana Suchta, Tom Hunse, Lisa and Randy BrockFind them on Facebook at Holly Lake Ranch Kayak KlubCorrection: Last month in the article “A Fork in the Pines,” the owners names should have read Richard and Amanda Welch.
3June 2025 Events June is National Iced Tea, Soul Food, Cucumber and Candy Month! 2-6 VBS Holly Brook Baptist 3 Complementary Veterans Breakfast, 8-9:30 am, JOY Hall, 207 N. Goldsmith St., Quitman 3 AMBUCS Golf Tournament - Holly Lake Ranch Golf Course 5-7 Woodcarver Show and Sale, 10 am - 4, Mineola League of the Arts, 200 W. Blair 5 Summer Downtown Longview Artwalk, 5-8 pm 6 First Friday Comedy Night at The Udder One - Holly Cow, Hawkins, 5pm live music, 6 pm Worlds Funniest Cop, outside, BYO chair 6-7 Wood Workers Show, Mineola League of Arts, free, 200 W. Blair St. www.mlota.org 6-7 Junebug Summer Fair, Ben Wheeler, 1610 FM 279 (backyard of the Forge Bar and Grill) 7 National Chocolate Ice Cream Day! 7 Free Pancake Breakfast, 7-10 First Assembly of God, Hawkins 7 Earth Music Festival, 3-9 pm at Music Springs, Hawkins 13 Full Moon Paddle, Tyler State Park, 8 9:30 pm, Reservations Required 13-14 Great Texas Balloon Race, Longview Convention Complex, 4 pm - midnight, Fri $20, Sat $25 14 Flag Day 14 Tomato Fest, Jacksonville 14 Blueberry Festival, Nacogdoches 14 National Strawberry Shortcake Day! 15 Father’s Day 16-20 VBS Holly Tree Bible Church, 9-12, call 903-769-3501 to register 18 Crowley Funeral Home Preplanning Dinner at Moe’s Pizza, Register at 903-843-2555 19 Juneteenth 20 First Day of Summer 21 A Midsummer Night’s Ball, 1-5 and 7-12, Historic Select Theater & Lake Country Playhouse 21 Hawkins Volunteer Fire Dept. Fish Fy, 389 E. Blackburn, 5 pm till sold out, $12 plate 25 Family Fireworks Celebration, South Spring Baptist, 17002 US 69, Tyler 27 Piney Woods Evening Dinner Train, 5 PM, https://Texasstaterailroad.net 28 Trinity Lutheran, Hawkins, 11-1 Dedication and Party for the community July 2025 EventsJuly is National Watermelon, Hot Dog, Ice Cream and Blueberry Month! 1 Complementary Veterans Breakfast, 8-9:30 am, JOY Hall, 207 N. Goldsmith St., Quitman 4 HLR Firewords, 9:15 pm Greenbriar Deck 6 National Fried Chicken Day! 7 World Chocolate Day! 7 - 11 Kids Camp Week, 9-12 Mineola League of the Arts, www.mlota.org 8 National Ice Cream Sundae Day! 14-17 Summit Heights Fellowship, Kid Venture, 5:30-8 pm 19 National Hot Dog Day! 7/21-25 Teens Art Camp, Mineola League of Arts, www.mlota.org 23 National Vanilla Ice Cream Day! 30 National Cheesecake Day!
4Emergency PreparednessIf you have kept up with your emergency preparedness assignments since March you will have:• Prepared a “go bag” for each vehicle.• Taken photos of your property and belongings.• Started accoumulating shelf stable food items• Prepared an alternative source of water If you would like to review the information, go to our website on HollyLakeAreaNews.com and check out the past issues regarding Emergency Preparedness.Part 4: Communication In times of crisis, communication can mean the dierence between safety and uncertainty. Whether facing extreme weather, a solar are, an electromagnetic pulse (EMP), or widespread infrastructure fail-ures such as downed power lines or internet outages as we’ve recently and frequently experienced, a well-thought-out communication plan ensures that you stay connected with family, emergency responders, and vital resources.Emergency Communication Plans MatterWe rely almost exclusively on dig-ital communication, but what hap-pens when your phone, internet, or power grid is compromised? We get our feathers rued when we can’t access the WiFi owhen we drive into certain dead zones, as in some streets and dams. Often I’ll say, “I’m heading into a dead zone, so if I lose you just stay on the line and it should come back.” So it’s important to think about how you would com-municate with your family or with rst responders if you have no cell phone access.Key Elements of an Emergency Communication Plan1. Backup Communication DevicesWhen cell service is unreliable or completely down, alternative devices become essential:- Two-way radios (walkie-talkies): Useful for short-range communica-tion, especially when coordinating with nearby family or neighbors. These are helpful in “line of sight” situations, but not in hilly terrain. The basic walkie talkies below were listed at $20 for a 2-pack on Amazon. Very aordable. - CB radios: These were popular in the 70’s. Common among truck driv-ers and emergency responders, these are useful when providing medi-um-range communication without re-liance on cellular networks. The one below was listed at $49.- Ham radios: A highly eective tool for long-range emergency commu-nication, allowing users to connect locally and globally when all other systems fail.Texas has the 2nd high-est number (53,243) of Ham Radio operators in the US. These are the people we will want as friends if we ever have a meltdown in communica-tion. Missionaries living in sparsely populated jungles have used this re-source for decades to communicate to the outside world. The long-range hand held Ham Radio below was un-der $50 for a 2-pack. Ham radio op-erators have to have a special license so be sure to do your research if you go that direction.
52. Low-Tech AlternativesIf getting one of the backup devic-es is not an option for you, consider non-digital solutions:- Whistles or air horns: Simple tools that can signal for help or alert others to danger.- Old fashioned cowbell or dinner bell to get peoples attention. There was on attached to our house, which I assumed was used to call in the hunters pre-cell phone era.- Pre-designated meeting points: If something happens, establish where your family will meet. Trying to “nd” a family member will be dicult and you may end up as a casualty when they are perfectly safe. That’s where “go bags” are important. Keep them in your vehicle, and show family mem-bers how to use the contents in case of an emergency.- Paper maps and written contact lists: If digital access is unavailable, a print-ed directory of emergency contacts and locations can be invaluable.3. Power SolutionsWithout electricity, most communica-tion methods become useless. Plan for extended outages by securing:- Solar chargers or battery backups: Keep essential devices powered. These have come down in price and are easy to order - just don’t wait till there is a crisis.- Hand-crank radios: Provide emer-gency updates without relying on ex-ternal electricity sources. Most of these have built in ashlights and cell phone charging capabilities.4. Emergency Protocols & Prepared-ness- Train family members: Ensure every-one understands emergency protocols and how to use backup communication tools.- Establish a communication chain: Create a system for checking in with relatives and neighbors to ensure safe-ty.- Know emergency frequencies: Learn local emergency broadcasting stations on AM/FM and ham radio networks.ConclusionA disaster can strike at any time, as the recent tornados have demonstrated and our reliance on modern technol-ogy makes us particularly vulnerable when systems fail. Having an emer-gency communication plan—whether through radios, meeting points, or al-ternative power sources—can prevent chaos and ensure safety. Banking TEXAS since 1889CNB Hawkins205 Beaulah St 903-769-3171 CNB Holly Lake Ranch2454 S FM 2869903-769-4596 www.bankatcnb.bankPrepare now, because when a crisis hits, clear communication can be your lifeline.5
6AMBUCS ETX Installation and Awards DinnerThe evening couldn’t have been more perfect for the AMBUCS ETX Installation and Awards Banquet held May 20th at A Taste of Italy overlooking Lake Hawkins.Local Scholarship Winner of $500 – Brandy McKelvyTherapist of the Year – Lauren LuttrellProject Manager of the Year – Andy SpringerAMBUC of the Year – Larry ReederCongratulations to the following Ocers installed for 2025/2026:President – Cli BauerlePresident Elect – Larry ReederVice President – Pepper AasgaardTreasurer – Stacy BauerleSecretary – Trish SimpsonBig Hats – Ronnie McCoy
7Key Termite& Pest ControlResidential - CommercialSince 1998TPCL 11233Free Estimates903-738-4324Call or TextOwner - Greg Key
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9June Gardening with Nate HoldenWoodfCounty Master GardenerAs the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, June is the perfect time to embrace the vibrant possibilities of gardening. Whether you’re tending to fruit-laden vines, nurturing delicate blooms, or cultivating robust vegeta-bles, this month oers an opportunity to rene techniques and experiment with resilient plants that thrive under the summer sun.To complement your eorts in maintaining lush greenery and thriving blooms, it’s essential to adopt sustainable practices that optimize water and soil management while respecting the environment. As summer temperatures continue to soar, focusing on ecient irrigation tech-niques not only ensures the survival of your plants but also minimizes water waste. Incorporating organic materials like mulch and compost into your garden beds can enhance soil structure and fertility, cre-ating a nurturing base for a wide variety of resilient plants that ourish in even the most challenging conditions.With strategic planning and the right tools, gardening in the summer heat can evolve into a rewarding endeavor. Pairing thoughtful irrigation methods with soil conditioning tech-niques elevates the health of your plants and the eciency of your eorts. Whether it’s through the use of drip irrigation to conserve water or the implementation of moisture-retaining practices such as mulching and composting, these steps oer practical solutions to the challenges posed by rising tempera-tures. By embracing the resilience of nature and selecting heat-tolerant plants, gardeners can transform their outdoor spaces into thriving ecosystems that withstand even the most demanding conditions.Remember: Compost, Compost, Compost! Mulch, Mulch, Mulch!
10Call Rick Smith for any size load oflandscaping materials!To truly thrive amidst the heat, culti-vating plants well-suited to the local climate is paramount, and this begins with understanding the unique needs of each species. Heat-tolerant vegeta-bles and herbs, along with sturdy perennials and resilient trees, create a dynamic garden that endures the scorching summer while providing rich rewards for your eorts. Choose varieties that complement your soil conditions and invest time in fostering a harmonious ecosystem by layering mulch generously and replenishing nutrients with compost. These practices not only optimize water retention but also encourage ro-bust plant health, reducing the strain on irrigation systems. The resilience of your garden depends on thoughtful care and a willingness to experiment with plants that em-brace the challenges of the season, creating vibrant spaces that reect the beauty and adaptability of nature.Texas Superstars are plants that are recognized by Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service for superior per-formance in Texas. You can nd these plants at texassuperstar.com.Additionally, consider incorporating cover crops into your garden plans to maximize soil health and productiv-ity throughout the hot season. Cover crops, such as sweet potatoes and pea-nuts, shield the soil from the scorching sun while enriching it with nitrogen, minimizing erosion, and fostering the growth of benecial microorgan-isms. These crops not only prepare your garden beds for the next plant-ing cycle but also create a sustainable system where soil and plants work in harmony. Both have long growing pe-riods, three to ve months, and you’ll have sweet potatoes and peanuts by the time the fall garden is ready to be planted. You can overcome the challenges of summer gardening and enjoy the re-wards of a vibrant, thriving outdoor haven. A few more veggies and herbs that can thrive in the summer heat are:• Cherry Tomatoes, • Tomatillos• Southern Peas• Long Squash• Okra (not a favorite of mine)• Mexican Oregano• Basil• ThymeHappy Gardening!
11Today we are going to hold math class on the putting green. Why, you ask? Because it is easier than holding a putting lesson in a math class. So, let us get to solving this equation.One of the common mistakes I encounter in people’s put-ting strokes is the inappropriate use of multiple levers or hinges. In any kind of full swing, multiple hinges are re-quired because we require power through clubhead speed. A putting stroke, though, is not a full swing. It is a stroke. What is paramount in a putting stroke is accuracy and consistency. The implementation of multiple hinges runs contrary to this.An ideal stroke is similar to a pendulum. Think grandfather clock. As the clock ticks, the pendulum moves back and through the same distance and speed, providing great ac-curacy of time through consistency. Ding, ding ding! That is what we want in our putting stroke. How do we accomplish it, through the use of a single hinge, the shoul-ders. A great putter stays completely still over the ball and moves the putter back and through the same distance and speed using the chest and shoulders only. The hands and wrists do not hinge. This keeps the whole putter in the same position relative to the ball throughout the stroke. By doing this, great accuracy is developed through the consistency of the stroke. When we introduce the wrists and hands into the stroke, we insert another variable into the equation of getting the ball into the hole, greatly in-creasing the diculty.Let us examine our old friend, Algebra. An equation with a single variable, such as 2 + X = 5, is easy to solve. When we introduce a second variable, however, it gets much more dicult to solve the equation; 2X + 3Y = 10. The putting stroke is the same. Using the shoulders as a single hinge in the stroke keeps the solution of getting the ball in the hole easier to derive. When we add a second hinge, like the wrists, into the stroke, the solution becomes chal-lenging. The speed of the putter through the ball can now increase or decrease, while the face of the blade can also open or close. This produces inaccuracy though inconsis-tency. The next time you are out putting, remember your Algebra equations. We want to solve for X, not X, Y and Z. Rock the putter from the shoulders and keep the hands and body quiet. Oh, and as always, make sure to show your work! e Golf MathematicianBy Je Wilson, PGASALE! Now through Father’s Day!Select Callaway and New Balance Golf ShoesHolly Lake Ranch Pro Shop25% O!
12O’Connor Gordon Law is a family-owned Estate Planning and Elder Law boutique located in Rockwall and serving clients throughout North East Texas. The rm is led by Margret Lovell O’Connor, Board certied in Estate Planning and Probate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and a Fellow of the College of the State Bar of Texas. Hallie O’Connor Gordon received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University in 2016, her JD from Texas A&M School of Law in 2019 and has focused her practice on estate planning and elder law.OGLawTx.comMargaret O’Connor Hallie Gordon Call 214-695-2488 to schedule your consultation.Protect Your LegacyO’Connor Gordon LawEstatePlanningElder LawSpecial Needs PlanningGuardianshipEstatePlanningWills TrustsProbatePet Trusts
13A Medical Power of Attorney (MPOA) is a fundamental compo-nent of every estate plan and execut-ing one is a simple, proactive step to ensure your preferences are honored and your interests protected. Having an MPOA in place provides peace of mind to you and your loved ones, knowing that someone you trust will be able to act quickly and decisively in a medical emergency.What is a Medical Power of At-torney?It is a legal document that allowing you to designate a trusted person to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.Why is a Medical Power of At-torney Important?1. Ensures Your Wishes Are Fol-lowed:Without an MPOA, healthcare pro-viders and family members may be left guessing about your preferences. An MPOA allows you to select some-one who understands your values and wishes to make decisions consistent with your beliefs.2. Avoids Family Disputes:In the absence of an MPOA, Texas law provides a default order of deci-sion-makers (spouse, adult children, parents, etc.), which can lead to dis-agreements in care. Appointing an agent in advance avoids conict and confusion among family members, especially in families with second marriages and adult children.3. Prevents the Need for Guardian-ship:If you become incapacitated and you do not have a MPOA in place, your loved ones could be forced to seek a court-appointed guardianship to make medical decisions, which is time-con-suming, costly, and public.Why Do High School Gradu-ates Need a Medical Power of Attorney?1. Parents Lose Automatic Authori-ty at Age 18:Once a child turns 18, parents no lon-ger have the legal right to make med-ical decisions or access their child’s health information—even in emer-gencies. Healthcare providers are bound by HIPAA and cannot share information or accept consent from anyone other than the adult patient, unless a valid MPOA is in place.2. Emergencies Can Happen at Any Age:Accidents, sudden illnesses, or mental health crises can occur unexpectedly. If an 18-year-old is incapacitated and unable to communicate, no one—in-cluding parents—can make medical decisions on their behalf without a Medical Power of Attorney.3. Avoids Costly and Time-Con-suming Guardianship Proceedings:Without an MPOA, families may be forced to seek a court-appointed guardianship to make urgent medical decisions. This process is expensive, public, and can take valuable time during a crisis.Why Review a Medical Power of Attorney During the Sum-mer?1. Life Transitions and Family Gatherings:Summer often coincides with signif-icant life events—graduations, wed-dings, family reunions, and students preparing to leave for college. These transitions are natural prompts to en-sure that estate planning documents reect current wishes and relation-ships. Family gatherings also provide a convenient time to discuss health-care preferences and agent designa-tions with loved ones.2. Pre-College and Travel Season:Many young adults turn 18 and pre-pare to leave for college or travel during the summer. Reviewing and updating the MPOA ensures that, if a medical emergency arises a trusted agent is authorized to make health-care decisions. This is especially im-portant for recent high school gradu-ates who are now legal adults.The information provided in this ar-ticle is intended for general infor-mational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The author and publisher of this article disclaim any liability for any actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this article. The information contained herein is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. For spe-cic legal advice regarding medical powers of attorney, please contact a licensed attorney who is knowledge-able in this area of law.Medical Power of Aorney: A Crucial Step in Family Preparedness Plan ahead to provide clarity, comfort and legal certainty for your loved ones.By Margaret O’Connor and Hallie Gordon
14You just never know who might be living next door to you! It just might be an artist so talented that her art is prominently displayed in a capitol building, mayors of-ces, a library, as a museum mural and even as the front cover for four dierent telephone books. That would be a short list of the accomplishments of Holly Lake Ranch resident Debra Atherton. She and her husband, Dennis, moved to the Piney Woods from New Mexico upon retir-ing to be closer to their children and grandchildren. New Mexico’s loss is Texas’ gain as we adopt this soft-spoken artist, whose paintings speak loudly on her behalf!When you step inside their home, you walk into a gallery of vibrant and colorful paintings which accentuate her love for Southwestern and American West culture. The unique landscapes and traditions provided her with an endless supply of inspiration and that’s where her art ourished.In New Mexico, Debra became an integral part of the lo-cal art community and was acclaimed as one of the most highly touted artists in southeastern New Mexico. She has exhibited her pieces in dozens of galleries and exhibitions and participated in various art festivals, earning recogni-tion for her distinctive style and powerful imagery. Her contributions to the region’s artistic heritage are numer-ous, and she continues to be celebrated for her ability to encapsulate the essence of New Mexico and the American West in her work.While art is her passion, she also loves dancing of any kind, but her favorite is country dancing with Dennis. When asked why they chose Holly Lake Ranch instead of other options closer to the Metroplex, she said Dennis was an avid golfer, so when they found a ranch home over-looking the golf course – it was an easy decision!Da Atherton:An Arti’ Journey e Dsert N Mexic e Pney Wd Texa
15Debra may have retired from teaching but a visit to her studio will show you she has not retired from painting! When asked how she decides on a new subject for painting, she stated, “I paint until something comes up!” Sometimes a neighbor with a quiet disposition surprises you with accom-plishments that humility keeps from rising to the surface. Although orig-inally from New Mexico, Debra Atherton is now a Piney Woods artist in residence, and we are excited to have her and Dennis call our “neck of the woods” home! Visit her online gallery at: https://DebraWadlingtonArt.blogspot.com or https://www.turningart.com/artist/debra-wadlington. She’d love to hear from other southwestern artists and enthusiasts by email-ing her at DebraWadlingtonArt@gmail.com.
16Garrett WilsonLawn Care Services Mowing Edging Mulching Leaf Pickup Weeding903-720-3390Would you like to nd out more about Jesus?A small group meets on Tuesday evenings from5:30-6:30 pm to discuss the life of Jesus from theGospel of John. We Meet at Richie’s Grill.3842 FM 2869, Hawkins, TX 75765For more information call 903-245-7851 and ask for Mark.
17We have a lot of options when it comes to boating in the Piney Woods. There are fast boats, shing boats and party boats, but the Cardboard and Duct Tape Boats are the only ones that draw a crowd!Mrs. Audra Edwards gave her 9th grade Biology class from Hawkins ISD the challenge of engineering a boat made solely out of cardboard and duct tape. If that wasn’t enough, the boat also had to seat one or two people and paddle it successfully across Holly Lake!This event is truly a community event involving not only the students, school sta and parents, but other groups as well. The Holly Lake Area Volunteer Fire Department and their spouses were on hand to keep the kids safe and also grilled hot dogs for the picnic lunch. Members of the Ki-wanis Club of Holly Lake Ranch, Big Sandy helped with the picnic lunch and donated funds for the prizes. The Kayak Klub provided extra paddles and life jackets.Jason Tanti, the captain of the pontoon boat, along with other key safety personnel provided assistance to the sink-ing contestants.Jim Hanson kayaked back and forth for miles assisting the students, teaching them how to use their paddles, and en-couraging them as they paddled across, so they were never in the water by themselves.Although the water temperature was a bit chilly, the weather couldn’t have been more perfect. The community showed up with row upon row of golf carts and folding chairs, cheering on those that rowed across as well as those that sunk immediately upon entering the water! The event was emceed by Isaac Edwards who did a great job of cueing up music appropriate for each boater. The crowd participated by suggesting songs with sailing/boat-ing lyrics, but the theme from Titanic came in handy mul-tiple times!Kudos to all the contestants and especially to Kaitlyn Shel-ton and Jersie Pruitt who paddled their sturdy boat with he fastest time across the lake and then won the nal ve heat.Thank you to all the community members who made this event possible. These are memories the students will carry with them for a long time, along with a better appreciation for duct tape!Karen Dixon representing Kiwanis and Biology teacher Audra Edwards Duct Tape, Cardboard and a Race to the Finish!Winners!Kaitlyn Shelton and Jersie Pruitt17
18The Tun Tavern was a brew house built in 1685 at the cor-ner of Water Street and Tun Alley in Philadelphia. “Tun” is derived from the old English word for a cask, barrel or keg of beer. The Tavern was used as a gathering place to recruit soldiers for the Pennsylvania Militia. On November 10, 1775, the Tavern was commissioned by an act of Congress to raise two battalions of Marines, making it the birthplace of the US Marine Corp.Fast-forward over 300 years to Lake Hawkins and you could run across a local “Tun Tavern” of our own called “Top’s Tun Tavern.” The term “Top” is the nickname for a Marine Corps Master Seargeant. When Dennis, a real-life Marine Master Sergeant, and his wife Cheryl built this mu-seum from a lifetime of memories - the name t perfectly!Dennis had wanted to be a Marine since the time he was a teenager. He realized his goal, and now his backyard tavern proudly displays a collection of portraits signed during his career by Medal of Honor recipients, Aces and Comman-dants.He also displays an impressive collection of Challenge Coins. During World War II special coins were used to iden-tify spies. These Challenge Coins have saved the lives of pilots shot down behind enemy lines. If an inltrator didn’t have the coin when challenged, he was assumed to be a spy. The tradition continues today with soldiers, police ocers, reghters, and paramedics all having their unique version of the coin – making them quite the collector’s items.
19 While this building serves as a museum for staging a lifetime of awards and memorabilia, it also serves as the neighborhood watering hole. The beautiful rustic bar turns what might have been an amaz-ing personal museum on its own merit into a true tavern that has occasionally hosted the long standing tradition in the neihborhood of “Thursday Night Boys” and Cheryl has plans to host there as well. It is also available for future neighborhood and family gatherings.Cheryl and Dennis have been married for 31 years, and although retired, they continue to serve the military community. Active mem-bers of the Wood County Marine Corps League, they are in planning the 250th birthday celebration for the Marines to be held on Novem-ber 10, in Quitman this fall. They lived a life of service during their professional careers prior to retirement. Now although they continue serving others, they also serve up a a lot of neighborhood fun at Top’s Tun Tavern!Dennis met Cheryl as an “Operation Dear Abby” pen pals when she was a teacher and he was on an aircraft carrier. Hundreds of love letters later, they married and lived in Los An-geles. He worked as a Military Liaison Ocer for the LAPD, and she eventually became prin-cipal for her district.Although Cheryl was a rst year “Laker Girl,” her passion in life is baseball – more specical-ly, Dodger Baseball! She tells the touching sto-ry of her dad, who had held season tickets all his life, and on the last game he ever attended, he caught a foul ball, and he and Cheryl were featured on the Jumbotron during the seventh inning stretch!That passion for baseball has translated into the bucket-list item of visiting all 30 MLB base-ball stadiums. Prior to settling in Wood County, they traveled in their motor home for 15 years and visited all forty-eight contiguous states. They’ve also been to Hawaii and Alaska, but obviously not in their RV! They have visited 26 out of 30 baseball stadiums and have plans to visit the nal four so they can nally check that item o their bucket list!One noticeable feature of their tavern is a white jail cell door from Van Zandt County from the 1800’s. Cheryl bought it for Dennis for his 60th birthday as the focal point for the police depart-ment/military décor.
20An Introduction to “The Metanoia Forest Chronicles”Dear Reader,While this publication focuses on real life stories, activities and news, we are excited to bring you a ctional tale from Laurie Zieber, which takes place in our piney woods. Each month another chapter of the story will be published from “Prequal” to “The End.” We hope you will enjoy the characters as they weave a tale through the piney woods of Metanoia.An Introduction to the Author…Laurie Zieber is a mother of two, mother-in-law of one, and “Gigi” to three of the most extraordinary humans on the planet. She is also unapologetically in love with her ve dogs, who have been a great source of comfort through life’s quiet hours. Until August of 2022, October of 2023, and April of 2024 she was also a daughter, a wife, a caregiver, and a longtime resident of Holly Lake Ranch.And then she wasn’t. In the wake of that unraveling Laurie began to write again—not to nd answers but to follow the thread of healing. The Metanoia stories emerged from that sacred wandering: a ctional forest lled with real emotion, where sorrow is met with kindness, change is not feared, and every creature has something to teach us about being remade.
21Author’s NoteThis book was not written alone.The stories of the Metanoia Forest grew slowly—like a path shaped by many footsteps, softened by moss, lit by scattered light. These stories found their roots in grief, their shape in stillness, and their fruit in every conversation I’ve had with wonder while I’ve wandered.To those who walked beside me—thank you.To those who made space for quiet truths—thank you.To those whose listening hearts helped me hear these stories more clearly—thank you.To the readers who nd themselves somewhere beneath these trees—this was written for you.And most of all, to the One who made the forest.The One who waits in the stillness.The First Storyteller.The Breath behind every root and river.You are the beginning and the beyond.May these stories point back to You. With wonder and gratitude, and a deep, abiding love for the forest of Holly Lake Ranch, Texas. — Laurie ZieberBefore the rst path. Before the rst question. Long before the stories were told, the forest was already speaking. It spoke in the hush of trees swaying with secrets.It spoke in the curl of fern and root.In the rhythm of water.In the scatter of light. But most of all, it spoke to those who wandered and won-dered. Not to those who rushed.Not to those who knew too much.But to the ones who slowed their steps.Who asked, What might I not know?Who listened long enough to hear what wasn’t said. This is a book of such wanderers. Some were children.Some were creatures.All were learners.All were changed. And all, in their own time, discovered that the forest was never just forest.It was story.It was invitation.It was grace. And just beyond its last clearing—something more.A whisper.A welcome.A waiting voice.Prologue
22GARLAND’S Chapter OneWhere the Forest BreathesIf you stood very still at the edge of Metanoia Forest—just before dawn, when the air held its breath—you might hear it. The hush between the bird calls. The shimmer of leaves not rustling but listening. The steady heartbeat of the earth underneath your feet. The forest was never loud about its wonders. But it was always speaking.Few people remembered how to listen.Those who did were often the quiet ones, or the ones whose hearts had been broken wide open—people who walked slower than they used to, who noticed the way light spilled through branches, who found themselves drawn to beauty they could not explain. They didn’t know it yet, but they were the ones the Forest had been waiting for.You see, Metanoia Forest was not like other forests. It had been planted by a Creator who carved wisdom into its roots, wove healing into its wildow-ers, and scattered grace like dew across its moss-covered stones. Every creature, every trail, every storm that rolled across the canopy was part of a much older story—one still unfolding.Some came to Metanoia after losing something. Others came chasing something they couldn’t quite name. And some had always lived there, nestled in its corners, unaware that the whole forest was alive with a sacred kind of remembering.There were legends, of course. Whispers of a hidden glade where forgotten things found their purpose again. Tales of animals who spoke in dreams, and vines that bloomed only when you told the truth. Elders spoke of a time when all things in the forest—wind, word, and wing—would rise together to reveal what had been long concealed.But not everyone believed those stories anymore.Still, on this morning, as a hush fell like a velvet curtain across the grove, something stirred. A story began to unfurl—not loudly, not with thunder, but like a leaf catching sunlight for the very rst time.It began with one step.And it is waiting for yours.Next month - Camellia and the Secret Thread
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24Helping Because We Care Spring Teaere is one event held annually when the volunteers of “Helping Because We Care” shed their hot pink or lime green t-shirts and work jeans for hats and coordinating spring outts. is year the annual Membership Appreci-ation High Tea was held May 16th at Holly Hall. is hard-working group organizes and prices items one day and then coordinates the estate sale the following Friday and Saturday. Since their rst estate sale in 2011 when they were known as “Helping Hands,” this organization has netted over $295,000 which they have donat-ed to the volunteer re department, emergency projects and other orga-nizations in the greater community. ey also coordinate special events and meals for the residents of “e Gardens” in Hawkins. is group is very familiar with getting their hands dirty, so the Spring Tea is always a treat. ey also appreciate the help of members of the Men Making a Dierence (MADD) group served the ladies. If you’d like information about HBWC or about estate sales, contact hbwccommunications@gmail.com.
25Roadside RoyaltyTraveling down the two-lane FM roads this time of year you’ll nd them lined with tall white owers on spindly stalks. The deli-cate wildowers which grow closely to-gether resembling lace are aectionately referred to as “Queen Anne’s Lace.” It wasn’t the Queen Anne who had her head chopped o, but the Queen Anne of Den-mark or Anne, wife of James I. According to legend, she was challenged to create lace as beautiful as a ower. (They didn’t have television series to binge watch, so apparently crocheting hand-made lace was a “thing.”) So having been challenged, she unfortunately pricked her nger and a drop of blood landed in the center of the lace. This is symbolized by the tiny purple o-ret in the middle of the ower. So the name “Queen Anne’s Lace” has been around for centuries.There is a always one problem child in every family. In this case it’s another plant in the same plant family which closely resembles Queen Anne’s Lace but is actually a poison hemlock. So, before you pick a bouquet and add them to your stir fry, make sure you’ve got the right one!I’ve always admired these wildowers and marvel at the Creator and how He blesses us with owers year-round. So it was worth every chigger I received taking these photos standing o the road, but that’s life in the Piney Woods of East Texas!
26We often hear that churches should stay out of politics because of the “separation of church and state.” I’ve even heard it from a pulpet not far from our home in east Texas. Some pastors and Christian leaders are afraid of losing their con-gregants if they begin challenging social issues or promoting the values of one party’s platform over another.However, if the church had remained silent slavery would have lasted longer. The civil rights movement would have taken longer. Laws and policies on issues such as alcohol, marriage, abortion, women’s right to vote, education and sexuality would have been shaped by enlightened liberalism.Christians have started colleges, schools, hospitals, homeless shelters, food banks and disaster relief organizations. Without that inuence, private secular institutions would have had to ll that vaccum leading to slower or less localized social welfare programs. “e rst amendment states there is to be a separation of church and state.”“Actually, that’s’ a myth. It doesn’t say that at all.”The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an es-tablishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” This means the government cannot establish an ocial religion or favor one religion over another, but it also guarantees the right of individuals and insti-tutions to freely practice their faith—even in public and political life.The phrase “separation of church and state” comes not from the Constitution, but from an 1802 letter written by Thomas Jeerson to the Danbury Baptist Asso-ciation. In this letter, Jeerson used the metaphor to explain that the First Amendment creates a “wall of separation” to prevent government interference with religious expression. Over time, this metaphor has been reinterpreted to imply that religion should remain pri-vate and disengaged from politics—a view that departs from both the historical context and the original intent of the Founders.The U.S. Supreme Court has armed that religious or-ganizations and individuals are free to engage in public and political discourse. In Everson v. Board of Educa-tion (1947), the Court stated, “Neither a state nor the Federal Government can… force nor inuence a person to go to or to remain away from church against his will or force him to profess a belief or disbelief in any religion.” Yet this does not preclude religious inuence in public aairs.So the next time someone tell you the church should stay out of politics, ask them to read the Constitution.Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen as His heritagePsalm 33:12Church Political Myths
27Richard Herod retired to Holly Lake Ranch with wife Laura in June 2021. He looked around at the various activities available, and kept thinking, “But so what? Will this make any dierence?” That recurred in his mind over and over: “What dierence will it make?” At 2:00 a.m. one night he woke and the thought hit him: “I’m a man and men can make a dierence.” He decided he would nd others to join in that goal.He approached a half-dozen friends with the idea and each said “I’m in!” Their goal would be to help homeowners with small chores they can no longer do for themselves, and Men Making a Dierence (MMAD) was formed. From that rst meeting to bring like-minded men together, there are presently 60 on the roster. Their Mission Statement: “To model the love of Christ by serving our community, addressing residents’ household needs, thereby making a dierence in their lives and glorifying God.”Our Motto: Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.Richard’s group knows a person will sometimes need a little help, but don’t know whom to call. They want the com-munity to know a group of Christian men is willing to serve others. While they are centered on Holly Lake Ranch, they go beyond if there’s a need. They feel they’ve been blessed and want to be a blessing to others. Below are some ways they help:• Yard cleanup (leaf and limb cleanup and removal)• Light repairs (door locks, window shades, • Change detector batteries, light bulbs, AC lters• Other, specialty projects (carpentry, electric, plumbing – some tasks will be referred to those more capable. If there’s a need, please complete on-line form* or contact Den-nis Dossey at djdossey@gmail.com. If you live on Holly Lake Ranch and wish to join us, please sign-up via on-line link* or contact Richard Herod at richardherod54@yahoo.com. *Help Request and Membership via www.hollylakeranch.com/MMADMonthly MMAD meet-ings are for socialization, project status review, and introduction of speakers with topics of general in-terest. Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1735394026955183"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.” 1 Peter 4:10 WHen One Man Made a difference By Dave Evans
28The Final Chapter is Read for the Holly Book ClubThe Holly Book Club and Storytellers originated in 1997 as the Holly Book Club, and held monthly meetings at what was then known as Holly Tree Chapel (currently Holly Tree Bible Church.) Later, the club meetings moved to Holly Hall. So it was tting that the nal chapter of the book club be held at what is now known as the Holly Community Library. The club membership decided to disperse the remaining club funds to the Holly Lake Dog Shelter, the Holly Area Volunteer Fire Department and to the Holly Community Library at the site where their story began!Representing organizations recieving $1,175 donations: Joe Taylor - Holly Lake Area Fire Department, Pat Gallagher - Hol-ly Lake Dog Shelter, Dawn Haley - Holly Community Library, and John White - Holly Lake Dog Shelter.Book Club Ocers: Cindi Wolcott - VP Programs, Debra Higdon - Membership, Steve Higdon - President, Gale Tuck-er - Secretary, and Cindy Wilks - Presentation Coordinator. (Treasurer John Horn not unable to attend.)
They chose to live in a home on Lake Greenbriar when they rst moved back to Hawkins. Then spurred by a desire to pass on his love for ying to his ve children, now ages 10-18, they moved to the airpark. His dad joined him with a hanger set up eight years later. Jason’s son achieved his pilot’s license at age 17, establishing three generations of avia-tors at the airpark.Designed to cater to small aircraft, this airpark provides convenient living for pilots to land and pull their planes right into the hanger garage along with their cars, and even RV’s. There’s still plenty of space for a pool table, large screen TV and even a trampoline! Hanger home living allows for freedom of travel, along with reduced time on the highways with all the comforts of home.Holly Lake Ranch has many distinctive features, not the least of which is a community airport coupled with hanger homes. This unique blend of aviation and res-idential living creates a haven for those who hold a passion for ying, seek the tranquility of rural life and a way to beat the highway trac in Dallas!Most of us are aware of the life ight helicopter pad located on the east side of FM 2869 at CR 3540 along with the airstrip now owned by Holly Lake Ranch Asso-ciation. We’ve seen the huge hanger homes from a dis-tance but didn’t have an opportunity to peek inside until Jason Kelley oered to share this extraordinary lifestyle with Holly Lake Area News.Jason is a Hawkins, Texas native who used his Aero-space Engineering degree to work for Lockheed Martin before joining his father at Texas Wood Mill Cabinets. (See https://www.woodmillcabinets.com/.) A pilot for over 25 years, he moved to Holly Lake Ranch with his family in 2010.The Ultimate Pilot’s Retreat:A Home with a Hangar
30When McKinsey and Wilson developed this beautiful area over fty years ago, they needed a way to y in and out so they could reduce their commute time to the Metroplex. Bill McKinsey was a pilot, so he had a landing strip built and the problem was solved. The airpark was built prior to the ranch being developed and has been an “amenity” for the area ever since.Gene and Jeannie Humphrey, (pictured on the previous page with Jason), moved into their hanger home in 2006 but later decided to build a ranch style home and attach it to a hanger two lots down. Jason’s excellent carpentry skills are on display throughout their beautiful home. Al-though no longer ying, the Humphrey’s love the Airpark community and wouldn’t think of moving.The hanger homes are a mix of traditional homes with detached hanger garages, and barndominium style liv-ing quarters. While Jason lives in a hanger home with a three-bedroom two-story living space, most of the home-owners, like the Humphreys, own traditional brick and mortar style homes which opens into their hanger. Both hanger homeowners expressed the close bonds held by those living in the airpark.There is a paved parking area for relatives and guests who literally “y in” to visit this premiere aviator community.They regularly invite other homeowners over for dinners and hanger parties (which are epic), provide occasional maintenance to the airpark and help each other out when there is a need. They’ve become an extended family and have developed their own special “community” within a community. Owning your own plane is not as expensive as you might think. A used plane might go for around $40,000. A trip to the Grand Prairie Airport under an hour using only seven gallons of gas, arriving without sitting in trac and ying through the serenity above the clouds – priceless!Regular events, from y-ins to social gatherings, ensure that the community remains vibrant and connected. Whether you’re an experienced pilot or a budding aviation enthusi-ast, Holly Lake Ranch Airpark oers an unparalleled living experience that encourages you to follow your ying dreams while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of a close-knit community.(Photo of Jason Kelley Airborn, Taken by Cara Shea)
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32e Holly Lake - Hawkins Republican Club recently held a forum with ve Wood County Digni-taries: County Judge Kevin White, District Attorney Angela Albers, Sheri Kelly Cole, Mike Coun-ty Commissioner Mike Simmons and Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace Jerry Parker. Kim McGarity, President of the organization was the moderator. e event was held at Holly Tree Bible Church. eir next meeting will be at 7 pm on June 9th. All are welcome.Wood County Dignitaries Attend Local Forum
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34If you look closely, you’ll nd tiny Community Libraries available and you won’t need a Li-brary card . They began in 2009 by Todd Bol of Hudson Wisconsin when he placed the rst book-sharing box in his front yard as a tribute to his late mother. You’ll now nd them in all 50 states, 128 countries, and all seven continents.The concept is to read a book, deposit a book and then take a book.Summertime is a great time to catch up on a “little” free reading! Pictured above top left: Lake Hawkins RV Park. Top Right - Greenbriar Trail, HLR. Bottom Right - near the Dog Park, HLR. Bottom Left - Holly Cow The Udder one. Itty Bitty Libraries
35A Fork in the PinesRestaurant ReviewWhen you hear the name “Mario’s” you immediately think of Italian foods. That’s why the Mario’s on HWY 2869 near Hol-ly Lake Ranch as well as the Lindale and Gilmer locations are changing their name to “Asian Grill.” The new name sets the customer’s expectation that they will nd more rice than pasta on the menu. While the owner, Mario Borja now has a restaurant in Lindale and Gilmer, his nephew, Pablo Morales is the new Gen-eral Manager of the Holly Lake location. Pablo has added his own personality including fresh owers and individual lamp lighting on the tables. His modern touches, in-cluding new ceiling lights, are his way of inviting all age groups to dine in and enjoy the ambiance as well as the food.Guests are provided with a complementary bowl of sweet and sour soup prior to their entree along with fortune cookies for a sweet ending.Almost the entire back of their menu describes the dozens of su-shi options. Beautifully presented, and large enough to share, he oers sushi specials daily from 2pm -5 pm. If you are missing a favorite menu item from the chalkboard, just ask! And if there is something you’d like to see in the future, just let him know. Pablo assured us “Everything is the same, just the name has changed.” As our recent visit attested, it’s the same great food, but in a new and inviting atmosphere.The Asian Grill is open six days a week, Monday through Satur-day from 11 - 8, and stays open until 9 pm on Friday and Satur-day. Patrons are welcome to BYOB and Pablo will provide the wine glasses!Introducing “Asian Grill”
Happy 90th Birthday!Celia Green36
37Use This Local Directory of June Sponsors Please let them know you saw their ad in Piney Woods Life &Holly Lake Area NewsSponsor Directory
Located in the blue building between Dollar General and Lone Star Realty