Animal ally - CONNECTIONJULY/AUGUST 2022 - Jan Youngblood creates a haven for horses - Hctc.net
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SM
CONNECTION
JULY/AUGUST 2022
AN RVers
Animal ally PARADISE
Jan Youngblood creates RURAL
a haven for horses RETREATS
INDUSTRY NEWS
America’s Rural
Rural Connections
By SHIRLEY BLOOMFIELD, CEO
NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association
Broadband
Any room can Providers
be a classroom
Broadband opens a world of
new educational opportunities
Soon, students will end summer break and
return to classrooms and, in communities
fortunate enough to be served by a member of
NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, they
will have advantages once thought impossible in
rural areas.
While fast, reliable broadband service creates
opportunity for everyone, our students benefit
significantly. Resources that were simply unavail-
able before are now only a few clicks away.
Once, learning about great art meant gazing at
photos in a book. Now, students can take virtual Educating
tomorrow’ s
tours through the greatest museums on Earth
and, hopefully, find inspiration in the masters of
the art world. Resources like Project Gutenberg
leaders
make classic books a click and download away.
Digital resources also go far beyond virtual
libraries and museums. Thanks to distance
learning — real-time sessions connected through
video — students in the most remote communi-
ties can tap into advanced or specialized classes
otherwise unavailable in their area.
One key focus, and an acronym, you may have
heard a lot about is STEM — science, technol-
ogy, engineering and math. The skills learned in
classes such as these are foundational. They can
open the door to a range of jobs, higher education
opportunities and more.
At the NTCA, we hear stories of these suc-
cesses daily, because our members, including
your communications provider, make a tangible
difference in the lives of those they serve. The
more tools we provide our students — the people
who will become our future leaders and innova-
tors — the richer our communities will become.
Every day, our NTCA members work to make
that future a reality.
2 | July/August 2022
Welcoming
clouds
Digital storage
brightens
the day
W
hether sharing work files, snapping photos with your your data, cloud services keep multiple copies on many machines
phone or dozens of other actions, your digital data to create as reliable a system as possible.
most likely doesn’t remain solely on your device. Many businesses use cloud storage to offload the responsibil-
Instead, those files were probably shared through a cloud-based ity of managing physical servers or running complex software.
service. Similarly, most phones default to backing up your pho- Another benefit of using the cloud is that you can increase or
tos to the cloud. decrease storage based on how much you need, matching the
In fact, the cloud is one critical presence in our digital lives, price of the service to your requirements.
an experience often so seamless you might not even realize it’s
there. EXAMPLES
But, exactly what is the cloud, and how does it work? Think of Apple’s iCloud, Microsoft’s OneDrive and Google Drive are
it as a collection of computers designed not only to store critical popular cloud storage options for individuals. Cloud storage
data, but also to back it up securely and deliver it on demand to is also used by social media and entertainment companies to
whatever device you choose. That’s how you‘re able to work on provide services to the public. For example, Facebook man-
the same file at home as you would at school, at an office or just ages its own private cloud services and data centers. Instagram
on the go with a mobile device. and Pinterest are also cloud-based. If you’ve ever used Netflix
to watch movies, then you were also using a cloud computing
HOW IT WORKS service.
When you subscribe to a cloud provider such as Apple, Popular personal use of cloud storage includes family photos
Dropbox, Google, Microsoft or many others, you can upload and important financial documents such as tax returns. Businesses
files to a data server managed by that company. In some cases, might use cloud storage for employee files, financial data such as
the files are both on your device and in the cloud. Or, they may payroll and to store customer data.
strictly be in the cloud, saving room on your device. These files
can be photos, videos, documents with text, emails or more. BACK UP THE CRITICAL FILES
As long as your device is connected to the internet and you are Cloud storage provides a range of benefits, but with vital
logged into the service, you can access this digital library. The information — anything from wills to family photos, digital art
cloud providers work hard to make it all as seamless as possible. and beyond — consider the cloud as just one part good digital
housekeeping. Consider creating three versions of these files: one
CLOUD ADVANTAGES in the cloud, a second on a computer hard drive and a third on
Cloud storage saves space on your devices. It’s also a good an external drive. Rely on the cloud for convenience, but keep
way to preserve files as a backup. Rather than keep one copy of backup for, well, a rainy day.
July/August 2022 | 3
FROM THE CEO
SM
CONNECTION
Balancing act JULY/AUGUST 2022
The HCTC Connection is a bimonthly
magazine published by Hill Country
VOL. 6, NO. 4
Virtual and real-world connections build communities Telephone Cooperative © 2022. It is
C
distributed without charge to all member/
owners of the cooperative.
onnections make our lives richer. Whether through a friend,
family member or just a person offering a helping hand or a SM
smile while you’re out running errands, positive interactions can
lift our spirits and enhance our sense of community. HCTC is more than a provider of state-
of-the-art telecommunications products
and services. We are a member-owned
But it’s also possible to build meaningful relationships virtually cooperative with an elected board of
— through social media, video calls or shared experiences like directors who govern our organization using
streaming the same music or movies as your friends and sharing our bylaws, member input and business and
your thoughts about it. For example, gamers build rich, interactive industry conditions to guide their decisions.
We are proud residents of the communities
communities. Online dating services are responsible for thousands we serve, and we’re dedicated to not only
of solid relationships. Career-focused sites promote networking providing the best services possible, but doing
among professionals. The potential can seem limitless. so in a way that is ethical, safe and productive
for our friends and neighbors. This institution
While there are many ways to make those critical human con- is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
nections online, balance is still important. After all, there really can
CRAIG COOK be too much of a good thing. Mission Statement: To be the premier
Chief Executive Officer Nielsen, a company that tracks how Americans watch TV and provider of modern telecommunications and
broadband services throughout our region.
consume other media, recently released a report with some striking
numbers. Between February 2021 and February 2022, the average Send address corrections to:
time spent streaming television in the U.S. increased by 18%. That HCTC
translates into an average of just less than 170 billion minutes of weekly video viewing. P.O. Box 768 • 220 Carolyn
Ingram, TX 78025
As a company that works hard to provide high-quality internet service to make that viewing
Telephone: 830-367-5333
experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible, those numbers reflect a clear success for
our industry. But there was an interesting twist — 46% of people responding to the survey BOARD OF DIRECTORS
found it hard to find the content they want. Have you ever had a friend raving about a show Robert (Bob) Trees – District 1A Ingram
you’ve never heard of because you don’t have access to that platform? You’re not alone. Kari Short – District 1B Ingram
What do streaming TV and personal connections have in common? To me, that study shows Willard R. (Randy) Bass – District 2 Hunt
that more is not always better, and there may well be a need to take a mindful approach in James E. (Jim) Haynie – District 3
Mountain Home/Garven Store
accessing all the online resources. In fact, consider how you strike a balance between the Vice President
virtual world and the physical world. Stephen (Steve) Stengel – District 4 Doss
Streaming movies and TV, particularly on a steamy summer day when it’s too hot outside, Dorrie Cooper – District 5 Fredonia, Katemcy,
Pontotoc and Streeter
can be a perfect pastime. But too many options can lead to decision paralysis. Boredom might
Kathleen (Kathy) Bohn – District 6A
not be too far behind. Comfort/Sisterdale
The same idea applies to many online destinations. At their best, social media sites can be Jane Perilloux – District 6B Comfort/Sisterdale
informative, engaging and create real ties to those who might otherwise be lost to the passing Kari Potter – District 7 Center Point
of time or long distances. But social media can also be a platform for people to simply draw President
Tracy Castillo – District 8 Medina/Tarpley
attention to themselves, and not always with the best motives or positive results. Also, thanks
Linda Reagor – District 9 Frio Canyon (includes
to digital tools, work can become ever-present, even during hours meant for rest or family. Concan, Leakey, Reagan Wells & Rio Frio)
The McClean Hospital, an expert mental health organization affiliated with Harvard Med- Secretary-Treasurer
ical School, addresses this digital burnout. They suggest occasionally taking time to power
down. Don’t respond immediately to all messages. Unplug completely from work during off- Produced for HCTC by:
hours. Cull your online accounts and keep the only ones that add true value. Most importantly,
when you can, opt for face-to-face interactions.
Our community is rich and vital, because of the people who live and work around us. If
we’re thoughtful, the wealth of digital tools that are only a click away will make us even On the Cover:
stronger and allow us to build and maintain the connections that matter. Kerrville resident
Jan Youngblood
dedicated years
of her life to Last
Dance Ranch,
the horse rescue
organization she
founded.
See story Page 12.
4 | July/August 2022
HCTC NEWS
YOUTH TOUR
Two area high school students —
Wesley Vinson, of Fredonia, and
Annslie Shoemaker, of Frio Canyon
— were selected to represent HCTC
during the Foundation for Rural
Service Youth Tour of Washington, D.C.,
in June.
2022 The tour brings students together
SCHOLARSHIP from across rural America to visit
the nation’s capital and offers
WINNERS! participants a chance to learn about
rural telecommunications and to
observe legislative and governmental
Every year, HCTC awards $1,500 scholarships to graduating seniors from processes.
local high schools. The long-running scholarship program is another
example of HCTC’s dedication to the towns it serves and its investment in
the future of those communities.
This year’s scholarship recipients are:
CENTER POINT Annabelle St. Clair MEDINA
Logan Burley Krisanne Perez Maci Morrison
Loren De La Garza
COMFORT HUNT Addison Derry
Nathan Wilson Riley Griffin
STREETER
FRIO CANYON INGRAM Blixen Hofmann
Sidney Hunter Schylar Smith
Caden Martinez Stefano Sirianni
Lauren Satterwhite Kindal Brown
DIRECTORS
SEEKING Wishing everyone a
REELECTION safe and happy HCTC offices will be
The following incumbents will be closed on Monday,
running for board of directors July 4, to allow our
positions: employees to spend
the holiday with
Bob Trees, District 1A — Ingram their families.
Dorrie Cooper, District 5 —
Fredonia, Katemcy, Pontotoc and
Streeter
Jane Perilloux, District 6B —
Comfort and Sisterdale
HCTC July/August 2022 | 5
TRAVEL
unwind
find time to
Recharging at Texas retreats
Story by ANNE BRALY
“From quiet, rural escapes to chic,
modern wellness retreats, Texas offers
a variety of options for those seeking to
refresh their physical and mental well-
being,” says Tim Fennell, director of Travel
Texas Tourism. “Relaxation getaways and
G
retreats in Texas have always been popular
etting away from it all in the wide- or internet can be liberating – or just types of leisure travel for travelers seeking
open expanse of the Lone Star anxiety-inducing. to recharge, reconnect and reset.”
State is a time-honored tradition A good retreat is often a well-marked Whether it’s waking up to the views
that Texans, long known for their sense of path. You should know where you’re going of the water or hearing the birds as they
adventure, hold dear. and what lies ahead. Prepare and take nec- begin their day, take a step outside the
Here are some tips from Mary Bemis, essary precautions. city and you’ll find retreats in the Lone
founder of American Spa magazine, on Busy amusement parks and crowded Star State that offer just what you may
making the most of your retreat. white sand beaches have their charms, need to get away from the busyness of life
Extreme experiences – Check your good but when you really want to relax and and the mental quagmire brought on by
sense at the door, and if it doesn’t feel recharge, nothing beats a rural getaway and fist-bumping, social distancing and other
right, speak up and don’t do it. relaxing retreat to secluded locales with pandemic protocols.
The setting – Think about what kind of attentive staff and a whole lot of pamper- Here are some excellent examples of
environment makes you feel safe. Going to ing. And in Texas, there’s a lot from which what’s in store as you step off of life’s
a place without cell service, phone service to choose. beaten path.
6 | July/August 2022
At Rancho Cortez, barrel racing brings excitement.
RANCHO CORTEZ
Bandera
If there’s one retreat that screams “TEXAS!” it’s Rancho
Cortex. Visitors can restore their wellness the Western way at
Rancho Cortez’s Cowboy Wellness Program.
Ready for the roundup? The retreat’s wellness program offers
guests traditional wellness retreat experiences like hiking,
outdoor workouts, nutrition classes and conditioned yoga and
Left: Enjoy a glass of wine at The Vineyard at Florence. strength training, along with opportunities to explore the ranch
Above and inset: Visitors can enjoy the views and relaxing
evenings by the fire at Lakeway Resort and Spa.
by horseback. You can also feed the longhorns, relax by the
campfire, soak in the hot tub or take a dip in the pool.
The dude ranch is open to day trips and also offers a two-
LAKEWAY RESORT AND SPA week fitness program with strength training, pilates, yoga and
Lakeway more. Or, if you can commit, there’s a 60-day program that will
As the only resort nestled on the banks of Lake totally change your life. However, if you simply need a night or
Travis in the Texas Hill Country, the 168-room Lakeway two to get away, the ranch offers a variety of overnight experi-
Resort and Spa offers a distinct getaway with a hint of ences, including a bunk house that sleeps up to 15 people.
the urban allure of nearby Austin. Whether it’s wrap- All activities and meals are part of an overnight stay, and
ping your body in nourishing oils or massaging that there’s no sleeping in, cowboy. Breakfast is served at 8 a.m.
tension in your back, a visit to the spa is a must. The To book, visit ranchocortez.com.
spa’s position on the shore of Lake Travis, as well as
its floor-to-ceiling windows, offer dramatic views that THE VINEYARD AT FLORENCE
tease the senses. Florence
Two pools offer a choice. Want a break from the It’s a pleasure to wake up to the view of vineyards and luxuri-
kids? They have their own pool where they can play on ate in comfortable linens. The Vineyard at Florence is like having
the waterslide and splash pad as you enjoy quiet moments of your own small piece of Tuscany in Texas Hill Country.
your own or a cooling drink at the swim-up bar. The Vineyard at Florence is a retreat for the senses with its
There are options for all ages in one of several restaurants, old-world Italian architecture and a spa offering facials and
from casual poolside dining to a more indulgent dinner at TR massages. Enjoy the farm-to-fork menu at its signature restau-
Restaurant Bar and Lounge serving comfort food and cocktails. rant, Farmer’s Commons, with its local honey, goat cheese from
Visit lakewayresortandspas.com for more information. a nearby farm, a menu driven by what’s in season and, naturally,
a lovely wine list.
HOTEL RITUAL AND WELLNESS CENTER Each of the rooms and suites has either a patio or balcony,
Jacksonville as well as a coffee bar, flat-screen television, refrigerator
RITUAL is a retreat that will become a habit if you’re in need and walk-in, tiled shower. Suites also have a fireplace. The
of a magical experience. Bring a book and escape to wherever Winemakers Villa sleeps up to 10 people and is the perfect
its pages take you. Soak in the heated pool and hot tub with a setting for a family retreat with its five bedrooms, three baths,
bartender at the ready. Then, go for some detox in the sauna, living room with fireplace and fully stocked kitchen. Best of all,
mineral water provided. it overlooks the vineyard and has the best view on the property.
Gourmet breakfast is available at RITUAL, and there’s a lively Florence is less than an hour from Austin, but there’s plenty
luncheonette where you can order salads, sandwiches or a to keep you busy on-site with great places for picnicking, a
beautiful bowl of warm peach pudding. swimming pool, biking and hiking. Or, arrange for a wine tasting.
For bookings and information, visit ritualonmain.com. At night, sit back, look up and enjoy the night sky deep in the
heart of Texas.
For bookings or information, visit thevineyardatflorence.com.
July/August 2022 | 7
TECH TIPS
Speedy Conveniently copy
any document
scanning
Hi! I’M KERRY SUTTON.
PHYSICAL SCANNER
Check out our If you have to scan
podcasts! multiple pages and images
or smaller text, even a
Want to hear more from
the folks you read about
high-quality app such
W
in Connection? Then as Adobe Scan can feel
head over to hctc.net/ ith all-in-one printers that come underpowered — and try holding a smartphone
resources/podcast for equipped with scanning capability steady for more than a few minutes. The best
“Inside the Connection” and the smartphone in your pocket way to choose what kind of physical scanner
and “10 Minute Tech Tips,”
getting better and better at capturing images you should buy is to consider your needs.
our podcasts hosted by
Kerry Sutton. and documents, fewer people need a dedicated Think of what kind of documents you’ll
scanner. Of course, there are tradeoffs with each be scanning and how many. Flatbed scanners
DEVICE OF THE MONTH
option and as with any device, it’s important to
choose what’s right for you.
are great for photos and unbound documents
— basically anything that can lay flat on the
Before you spend money on a scanner you scanner glass and should be handled with care.
don’t need or find out too late that an app on Some flatbed scanners even have a lid that
your phone isn’t enough, consider the following allows for easier scanning of bound books or
before deciding. magazines.
If you regularly scan multiple documents,
SMARTPHONE APPS you should opt for a scanner with a sheet feeder.
There are more than a dozen apps available Much like having to hold the phone steady,
The Fujitsu for your scanning needs, and the ever-improv- having to manually place page after page in a
ScanSnap iX1600 ing camera on most smartphones means that flatbed scanner can be difficult. For large jobs,
The Fujitsu ScanSnap results can rival a physical scanner. However, you will want a scanner equipped with an auto-
iX1600 is for those who if you need anything more than the occasional matic document feeder that can handle stacks of
are looking for a home copy of a document or photo, you should con- pages at a time.
office scanner with plenty sider looking beyond an app. One other consideration is whether you’ll be
of bells and whistles. If your scanning is of the once-in-a-while scanning double-sided documents. In that case,
The duplex scanner can
variety, then you can’t go wrong with a free look for a device that offers duplex scanning.
process up to 40 double-
sided sheets per minute app like Adobe Scan. The same folks behind The fastest options scan a document on both
and features automatic Photoshop made it, and the app offers a simple sides at the same time, but they are also usually
image rotation and color interface and produces high-quality scans of a more expensive choice.
cleanup. While it is Mac documents, images, business cards and forms. As for resolution, you don’t need to worry too
and PC compatible, it
It can export documents as PDFs and save them much. For most documents and photos, 300 dpi
can also scan directly
to any mobile device, a to the Adobe Document Cloud, or it can save — or dots per inch — is enough. You may want
printer or a variety of them as a JPEG image file on your phone. It to scan images at 600 dpi to capture smaller
cloud platforms, including also offers good optical character recognition, details but anything beyond that — unless it’s
Dropbox and Google Drive. or OCR, and allows you to copy and edit text for a very specific use — is overkill. Modern
MSRP $495, but available taken from an image. It’s available for iOS and scanners have no trouble with any of these
for a lower price at several
Android devices. levels of resolution.
retailers.
8 | July/August 2022 HCTC
One big, happy family
Thankfully, Jennifer says, since RVers
are the nicest group of people you could
hope to meet, they take disappointments
Buckhorn Lake Resort offers guests in stride. “If you’re going to work with
the public, you should be in a RV park,”
a warm and friendly oasis she says. “I think they’re just easier and
happier and not stressed.”
B
Story by LUIS CARRASCO Besides, family usually understands.
uckhorn Lake Resort is all about and they’re all concrete and level,” Jenni-
family. fer says. “It’s very easy to navigate here,
The Kerrville RV resort, which especially if you’re in a bigger rig.”
Jennifer Christiansen runs, along with her
parents, her son and daughter-in-law, has CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY
been welcoming travelers for more than Although there are some technical
20 years. In that time, it feels as if their challenges that come with being in the
family has grown. “We’ve been fortunate middle of large metal RVs and trees, the
enough to have some of the same people resort uses its HCTC high-speed internet
come back year after year after year,” Jen- service to offer free Wi-Fi to guests. It’s
nifer says. “We kind of now have a giant, a key amenity since “everybody lives on
Photos by Gabe Herrera.
extended family.” the internet now,” Jennifer says. DSL
Many returning guests have formed modems are available for rent for guests
friendships among themselves, too, build- who require a dedicated connection.
ing a real community at the resort. “It’s a As other businesses slowed down during
small-town feel, which I think people love. the pandemic, the number of visitors to
Then, we go out of our way to make them the resort increased. Early on, when store
feel like they’re at home,” Jennifer says. shelves were going bare, the resort stepped
up to take care of its visitors and long-
AMENITIES AND ACTIVITIES ABOUND term residents. “When supplies were hard
Fun activities are an important part of to get, we cooked meals in our kitchen
that community experience. A recent and delivered them to people’s homes,”
week included a Sunday potluck, Jennifer says. “When you couldn’t buy at
a trivia night and even goodbye the stores, we would go into the restau-
margaritas for departing “winter rant supply and package up potatoes and
Texans,” as seasonal visitors headed deliver them to people.”
back north to Wisconsin, Michigan The increase in visitors has not let up,
or Canada. and there’s little indication that it will. Colton Morris’ family owns
The resort hosts regular movie nights “We have people making reservations Buckhorn Lake Resort.
and special holiday events. Amenities at clear into 2025,” Jennifer says. More
Buckhorn Lake include basketball, pick- business is always welcome, but it means
Buckhorn Lake Resort
leball and tennis courts, a fitness center, that sometimes she must deliver bad
2885 Goat Creek Road, Kerrville
swimming pools and whirlpool spas, a news. “Somebody came in today and they
830-895-0007 • 800-568-6458
nine-hole putting green, an enclosed dog said, ‘We want to stay for a year.’ And I
buckhornlake.com
park and stocked ponds for catch-and-re- went, ‘Oh, gosh, well, we’re already sold
lease fishing. “Our spaces are also a little out for Fourth of July and New Year’s
farther apart than the traditional RV parks and Thanksgiving,’” she says. “It’s hard
have. They have a little bit more room, to say no.”
HCTC July/August 2022 | 9
Make sure you have adequate
internet speeds for students
studying at home
M
any schools now to keep download and upload
offer more options speeds close to the same, which
for virtual days and is important when it comes
online learning, whether it’s for to online meeting platforms,
Story by LISA SAVAGE
severe weather outbreaks, sick which require higher upload
days or a family that has discov- speeds. Some national providers
ered that online learning works offer deals to get new custom-
best for their child. ers, advertising high speeds. In
As a result, a reliable home reality, they may be referring
internet service is more import- only to download speed.
ant than ever, whether it’s for
students who need to access TROUBLESHOOTING
online assignments, parents In most homes, internet
working remotely or for stream- service comes to the house and
ing movies and shows. then operates through a wireless
The Federal Communications signal called Wi-Fi, which dis-
Commission offers some tips tributes the broadband through-
to optimize your home network out the home on a device called
performance: a router. Using multiple wireless
devices on the same Wi-Fi net-
CHECK YOUR INTERNET PLAN work can impact performance.
Check with your internet Sometimes, rebooting the
provider to find out the speed in router — turning it off and
your plan. Make sure it’s enough then turning it back on — can
to handle all the devices that resolve the problem.
might be connected at the same If your internet provider
time, as well as any additional doesn’t supply the router, make
devices that could be added, sure it isn’t outdated. Check the
such as televisions for stream- model number on the router to
ing, laptops and more. FCC con- see if it’s capable of providing
sumer guides provide informa- the speed you’re paying for.
tion about household broadband If your internet speed seems
use and broadband speeds. slower than it should be, contact
your provider for troubleshoot-
TEST YOUR SPEED ing tips, or ask if there are any
In many cases, your internet outages or disruptions that could
provider has a speed test on impact speed.
the company website, or you Whether they’re in the
can download broadband speed classroom or learning virtually,
test apps or visit speed test almost all students need access
websites, to check your current to the internet to reach their
broadband download and potential. Making sure your
upload speeds. Many providers, broadband network provides the
especially rural telecommu- speeds they need is a big step in
nications cooperatives, strive the right direction.
10 | July/August 2022Connected
classrooms
nna/oasis15
Teachers maximize
xel-Shot/ulza
communication with
students and parents
einDesign/Pi
Story by LISA SAVAGE
Kopylov/Amaz
H
ankstock/Ivan
ow many times has this happened, Apps like Remind
parents? allow teachers and
images by bl
You’re running late as you get coaches to send out
ready to leave home and drop the kids off information about
Adobe Stock
at school as you rush to work. class assignments
As you go through your mental check- or practice schedules.
list, you think you’re doing OK, and then Messages can be sent to a group or to
your child says, “I forgot to study for my individuals. About 80% of schools in the Talking Points also features translation
spelling test.” The teacher sent the list United States use Remind to connect stu- and options to communicate with families
of spelling words home on a note that’s dents, teachers and families. It’s designed in their home languages to build strong
shoved deep into your child’s backpack. for grades K-12 to communicate with partnerships during the school year.
Now, the educational world is chang- everyone at once, and it has 20 million Many school systems utilize platforms
ing, using apps for classroom reminders, monthly active users across the United like Google Classroom, which also has
school activities and even payment in States. access to such options as Google Voice
advance for athletic and other school Parents like the app because they for communication with students and their
events. receive early closing notifications instan- parents. For extracurricular activities like
While many teachers still send notes taneously. All parents don’t always see athletic events or stage performances,
and schedules home on paper, they also reminders that go out on social media. some school systems utilize GoFan, an
communicate the same information The app reminds parents of homework app that offers online ticket purchases.
through apps. assignments, dress up days and more. More and more schools are opting for
It can lead to more participation in the app purchase to avoid cash transac-
the classroom when parents get remind- tions. Some schools no longer even accept
ers because not all students show notes cash payments at the gate for events.
to their parents, and not all parents go Since 2001, GoFan and its parent
through their children’s backpacks to find company, Huddle Tickets, have worked
them. with over 10,000 schools selling over 20
ClassDojo has typically been used for million tickets — more digital high school
younger students and has group messaging tickets than any other company.
and individual options, so the group may Other companies offer similar purchase
not necessarily see responses. availabilities through an app.
The app has messaging for group story Parents, as another school year is about
posts, as well as individual student port- to begin, make sure you have the tools
folios where teachers can assign work and necessary to make meaningful connec-
From classroom students can turn in assignments. It also tions with your child’s teachers and school
reminders to athletic translates into over 35 languages. system.
tickets, apps are
increasingly essential.
July/August 2022 | 11A lifelong love
Kerrville’s Jan Youngblood is devoted
to finding safe homes for horses
Story by ANNE BRALY
Jan Youngblood’s
love of horses
dates back to her
childhood.
stalls at a stable. After a few days of three decades, including Windy, a feisty
shoveling, she was paid for her labor blue roan that was Jan’s first horse. She
T
with a one-hour ride. “It was a good bar- spent countless hours galloping around
here was a connection the first gain to me,” Jan, now 70, says. “I was the North Guilford countryside. After
time Jan Youngblood came eye able to ride, and I was in heaven again!” John’s death, Jan purchased a 150-acre
to eye with a horse when she was Those days spent in the saddle in the property in Mountain Home and left the
growing up in Arizona. “My best friend, shadow of Tuscon’s Catalina Mountains Northeast behind for a new life in Texas.
Christine, asked me if I wanted to go cemented Jan’s love for horses and laid One day, while scrolling through
with her to ride horses,” Jan recalls. “We the foundation for Last Dance Ranch, Facebook from her home in Kerr
went to a local stable, and I fell in love. I the horse rescue she started decades later County, Jan came across a post that
was in heaven then, and I’ve never been in Texas. spurred her into action. She read about
the same since.” kill pens — where large numbers of
As she rode, young Jan reveled in the A CHILDHOOD DREAM BECOMES horses stay in often inhumane conditions
freedom she experienced while racing REALITY until they can be sold for slaughter in
through pastures, untethered by the Jan and her husband, John, settled other countries. “Until that moment,
world around her. “There’s just nothing down in North Guilford, Connecticut, I had been unaware of that horrible
like it,” she says. where, by the time she was 30 years old, practice,” Jan says. “When I first saw
Although her parents wouldn’t allow she was finally able to have horses of the post, I was brokenhearted. Then,
her to have a horse of her own, Jan her own like she’d always wanted. The as I learned more about the situation, I
found a way to ride by mucking out couple kept two Appaloosas for nearly became furious.”
12 | July/August 2022 HCTCShe decided to do something terhouse in Canada before Jan Jennifer Rawls volunteers
productive with her anger. She intervened and purchased her. at Last Dance Ranch.
joined a group of women who After 15 years at Last Dance
posted photographs and descrip- Ranch, Mocha’s health is declin-
tions of endangered horses online ing. She has Cushing’s disease,
in hopes of finding buyers willing which causes weight loss and
to take the animals in and prop- abscesses in her front hooves.
erly care for them. For the time being, treatments
are keeping Mocha comfortable,
TO THE RESCUE but Jan knows those solutions are
But she didn’t stop there. Jan temporary, at best. Eventually,
established a nonprofit horse Mocha will have to be put down.
rescue she named the Last Dance “I will have no other choice,” Jan
Ranch, saving more than 100 says.
horses herself. She often bought Jan is proud to be a part of a
animals from “kill buyers,” large network of like-minded
people who purchase horses at people who use the internet as a
auction with the intention of powerful tool to spread the word.
reselling them for slaughter. “The internet provides us with
Sometimes owners who could no what we need to help place these
longer care for a horse surren- animals,” she says.
dered the animal to Jan, with the Since her own cancer diagno-
peace of mind of knowing the
animal will be allowed to live out
sis, Jan has had to stop taking
in horses herself and is working
How you can help - - - - - -
its days peacefully. harder than ever to find new The cost for rescuing horses has been a steep one
Last Dance Ranch began permanent homes for her remain- for Jan Youngblood, whose only source of income
at Jan’s property in Mountain ing animals. But her devotion to for the past five years has been her monthly Social
Home. When she was diagnosed equines is steadfast. Security check.
with cancer a year ago and She does much of the work
relocated to a smaller ranch in around her new Kerrville ranch To keep Last Dance Ranch running, Jan depends
Kerrville, her horses made the herself, welcoming a helping on charitable donations to cover expenses like
move with her. hand from a small team of friends food, farrier and veterinarian bills. If you’d like to
One of those horses is Mocha, and volunteers whenever they’re donate, checks may be sent to: Jan Youngblood, P.O.
a beautiful, 25-year-old Appa- available. “These wonderful Box 293220, Kerrville, TX 78029. Jan also accepts
loosa, chocolate with a striking creatures deserve to live out their donations by Paypal and Venmo. Or, contact her
white “blanket” across her back. lives in a safe, loving environ- directly at Jyoungbloodhall@msn.com. Jan will
Mocha was bound for a slaugh- ment,” Jan says. “We all do.” provide tax letters, if needed.
HCTC July/August 2022 | 13SOUTHWEST KITCHENS
Relishing PICKLED PEACHES
3
2
12
36
cups sugar
cups distilled white vinegar
cinnamon sticks, divided
whole cloves, divided
veggies?
18 soft peaches
something new for In a large stainless steel stockpot
over medium heat, bring 1 cup
water, sugar, vinegar, 6 cinnamon
sticks and 18 cloves to a boil,
stirring to dissolve sugar. Reduce
heat to medium-low and add
peaches. Gently simmer, without
boiling, until peaches are heated
through and a fork pierces the fruit
with no resistance, 10 to 15 minutes.
Extending shelf life may leave you in a pickle Using a slotted spoon, divide
peaches among six sterilized, 1-pint
For thousands of years, we’ve relied on pickling as a means of food preservation canning jars, placing peaches pit-
and storage. Since then, it’s evolved into a culinary trend that extends well beyond the side down. Add 1 of the remaining
cinnamon sticks and 3 of the
standard spears and slices that make up dill or bread-and-butter pickles. You can pickle
remaining cloves to each jar. Ladle
almost any fruit or veggie to create briny snacks, colorful relishes and tasty garnishes.
cooking liquid into jars, filling each
We all know cucumbers can become delicious pickles. But watermelon rind is won- to within 1/2 inch of rim. Wipe the
derfully sweet pickled. Turnips, asparagus, beets, bell peppers, parsnips, peaches and lip of each jar rim with a clean, wet
peppers can taste great after the process, too. cloth to remove any syrup or bits
Pickling extends the harvest season well into winter when we long for the flavors of of fruit. Then, top each jar with a
the summer garden. So, don’t throw away the watermelon rinds from your summer pic- flat lid and screw on a threaded
nic, and when you pick that peck of peppers, don’t forget to pickle a few. ring band without tightening
completely. Roll jars on their sides
to release any air bubbles that
might be trapped in the peach
cavities. Turn upright. Remove
ring bands and lids, and add more
cooking liquid, if needed because of
settling, to fill jars to within 1/2 inch
of rim. Replace lids and threaded
ring bands, tightening completely
to seal. Store pickled peaches in
refrigerator for up to eight weeks.
©ckellyphoto/Adobe Stock
14 | July/August 2022WATERMELON RIND PICKLES REFRIGERATOR PICKLES PICKLED BRUSSELS
2 pounds watermelon rind 5 1/2 cups, about 1 1/2 pounds, thinly SPROUTS
1/4 cup pickling salt sliced (about 1/2-1/4-inch) pickling 1 pound Brussels sprouts
4 cups water, divided, plus more for boiling cucumbers 1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
2 cups granulated sugar 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt 1 cup water
1 cup white vinegar 1 cup thinly sliced sweet onion 1 tablespoon pickling salt
1 tablespoon broken-up cinnamon stick 1 cup granulated sugar 20 peppercorns, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons whole cloves 1 cup white vinegar 1/4 teaspoon yellow mustard
1/2 lemon, thinly sliced 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar seeds, divided
5 maraschino cherries, halved — optional 1/4 cup light brown sugar 2 garlic cloves
1 1/2 teaspoons mustard seeds 2 bay leaves
Trim the dark green and pink parts from the 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds
watermelon rind and discard. Cut rind into 1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric Trim the sprouts and cut them
1-inch cubes and measure out 7 cups. in half. Set aside. Combine vinegar,
Combine cucumbers and salt in a
Put the watermelon rind in a large container water and salt in a stainless steel
large, shallow bowl. Cover and chill 1½
with the pickling salt and 3 cups of the pot and bring to a boil.
hours. Move cucumbers into a colander
water. Add more water to cover the rinds, if and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Divide the peppercorns, mustard
© kolesnikovserg/Adobe Stock
seeds, garlic cloves and bay leaves
necessary. Soak overnight. Drain well and return cucumbers to bowl.
between two prepared pint jars.
Drain and rinse watermelon rind. Add onion to bowl and toss with the
Pack sprouts into jars and pour
Cover the rind with cold water in a large cucumbers.
brine over the sprouts. Use a
saucepan. Simmer just until tender, about 10 Combine the granulated sugar, white
vinegar, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, wooden chopstick to remove air
minutes. bubbles from jars.
mustard seeds, celery seeds and ground
Meanwhile, in a nonreactive 6- to 8-quart Wipe rims, apply lids and rings
turmeric in a medium saucepan. Bring to
kettle, combine the sugar, vinegar, cinnamon, and process in a boiling water bath
a simmer over medium heat, stirring until
whole cloves and remaining 1 cup water. the sugar dissolves. for 10 minutes.
Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes. Strain and When time is up, remove jars from
Pour the hot vinegar mixture over
discard the solids. canner and let cool on a folded
cucumber mixture. Let stand at room
Pour the strained liquid back into the pan. towel. When jars are cool, test seals.
temperature 1 hour. Cover and refrigerate
Add the drained watermelon rind, lemon slices If seals are good, jars can be stored
24 hours. Store in an airtight container in
in the pantry (any unsealed jars
and maraschino cherries. Simmer the mixture refrigerator up to one month.
should be refrigerated). Give pickles
until the watermelon rind is translucent, about
at least 48 hours before you
30 minutes. eat them, so that the brine fully
Fill half-pint jars with the hot watermelon penetrates the sprouts. Sealed
rind and syrup mixture, leaving 1/2 inch of jars will keep up to one year on
headspace. Add the lids. Process in a boiling the pantry shelf.
water bath for 5 minutes, and remove jars.
Let the jars cool on a rack. Serve and enjoy.
Properly canned, watermelon pickles will keep FOOD EDITOR
ANNE P. BRALY
in a cool, dark, dry place for at least a year. IS A NATIVE OF
CHATTANOOGA,
Note: If your jars didn't seal properly or you don't TENNESSEE.
want to process them in boiling water, they will keep
for about a month in the refrigerator.
Photography by MARK GILLILAND | Food Styling by RHONDA GILLILAND
July/August 2022 | 15SM
P.O. Box 768
Ingram, TX 78025
SM
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