From the Editor | December 2023 & January 2024
The Christmas season is a time of joy, generosity and togetherness. When you start hearing those famous bells jingling in front of stores, you know it’s that time of year to open your hearts to those in need. It is because of the generosity around Christmas that inspired us to have a special issue dedicated to nonprofits in Central Texas.
Unfortunately, one of the most generous people in the community passed away on Oct. 18. Local attorney and philanthropist Allison Dickson embodied generosity and poured so much of her love, compassion and kindness into this community. We were blessed to have her as a new contributing writer for Tex Appeal. For her final message to the community, she felt it was important to address mental health awareness during the holidays. She shares how her eyes were opened about mental health during the holidays after the passing of her own father. Please take a moment to read Allison’s Angle. Continue living her legacy, “Don’t need easy. Just need possible.”
Stephanie O’Banion, president and CEO of the United Way of Central Texas, has contributed an article about nonprofits, with information about how people can figure out a nonprofit’s impact on the community. Before giving your time, money or donations to an organization, you want to make sure it will benefit those in which you want. You can read the special nonprofit story here.
Our cover story is on the Green Trees Farm Grace Trail. The nonprofit organization provides a therapeutic trail, with a goal of helping those suffering from traumatic brain injury or suffering from other traumatic events. Combined with equine experiential education, the trail has been beneficial to a host of people who have already walked the trail. Read all about the Grace Trail here.
After losing her infant son, a Fort Cavazos spouse decided to pour herself into the business she always wanted to open. Through her grief, she created Gannon Ryder Boutique, an online clothing boutique named in honor of her baby boy, Gannon Ryder. Read all about Brooke Niemi’s touching story here.
After retiring from the military, James and Amy Morter decided to settle in Bell County and open their own shop in downtown Belton. Crow & Cactus is uniquely styled with Texas-themed decorative items. They also have a wide range of sauces and syrups to sample and purchase, which you can read about here.
Unique to Central Texas, Salado Glassworks allows its visitors to create their own glass keepsakes. You can make a variety of things, including bowls, vases, lighting fixtures and even ornaments. The team at Salado Glassworks is on standby to assist customers and help them create exactly what they envision. Read about it here.
The 20th annual Day for Women will be held Saturday, Jan. 27, at the Frank W. Mayborn Civic & Convention Center in Temple. The event will include some guest panelists who will share their vision for the future of Bell County. Meet the panelists in a special feature here.
This is our final issue of 2023. We continually look forward to sharing your stories in 2024. We have big plans for the year and we’re all excited about the future of Tex Appeal. As we look ahead, we want to hear from you! What are your favorite sections of Tex Appeal? What are your least favorite sections? Share your thoughts with us by completing this survey or send me an email with your feedback.
Brandy Cruz
Tex Appeal editor
editor@texappealmag.com
254-774-5266
facebook.com/texappealmagazine
