By SHARRON HUDSON

MILLSAP – With the famous Pennsylvania groundhog predicting an early spring that’s also a sure sign that things are about to get busier for most folks.

As we busily run from one thing to the next a good meal always makes it easier to keep on going, and we have a new business in Millsap that can help out on that front. Devil Dog Bar-B-Q, located north of the Community Center, has come into town under the ownership of Westley Ruiz, who comes from a long line of meat chefs.

He has a recognized talent for his cooking methods and has experienced sell out days since he has been in our town. A real family man with three kids, including a set of twins, and another on the way he comes out from the family’s home in Hudson Oaks to run his business Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

With his own recipes cooked over mesquite there is brisket, sausage and ribs plus a variety of sides and drinks available at reasonable prices. With the business named in honor of the many Marines in Westley’s family this guy has dreams of expanding his business and currently is available for catering and special orders. For more info call 940-452-7222. Welcome to Millsap, Devil Dog Bar-B-Q and much success!

Our elementary school is popping with some events that are really great for the kids. The most recent happening was the “Bring Your Dad to School Day,” sponsored by the Millsap Afterschool Program.  The dads came in at 7:30 a.m. for breakfast, visited the classrooms and had a short program presented by Dene Herbel. With 156 men participating, pictures showed dads in their work clothes taking time to let the children know that they care about their daily lives at school and their education. These fathers are to be commended for showing the kids that they support their education, and all school personnel and volunteers are congratulated on a job well done!

In an overview of other events at the elementary the annual father/daughter dance was scheduled for Feb. 9 and spring pictures are Feb. 12.  Jump Rope for Heart is Feb. 15 and some of the grades are selling cookie dough and other foods for funding to Camp Grady Spruce. A very busy time before spring break.

Since it’s income tax filing time here are a couple of places to get expert help with free filing. Tax-Aid, which is a program sponsored by the IRS in cooperation with AARP, has trained volunteers who excelled in the business world until retirement, do the paperwork and filing at no cost.

The area (Mineral Wells, Weatherford, Azle) coordinator is Millsap area resident Linda Whitehouse.  This service is available Thursdays at the Mineral Wells Senior Center, and for more info call 940 -325-6470. In Weatherford you can receive the service at the Weatherford Library on Thursdays, 3-7 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 817-598-4150 to make an appointment, although walk-ins are also welcome. This is a great help and we hope many take advantage of the service.

Two ladies very dear to many hearts around the area have been ill of late. Our devoted librarian Billie Hook is back to work and getting stronger every day after not feeling well for quite sometime. She is such an integral part of the elementary school, plus the trailblazer for the formation of our public library, that her absence was greatly felt on many levels. Glad you are back, Mrs. Billie!

Mrs. June Campbell, of Cool, has had a turn in the hospital, and as she and her husband, Soup, are known far and wide for their many volunteer and supportive efforts, many have been very concerned for her. We wish you a speedy recovery, Mrs. Campbell!

I recently heard from author Joyce Bishop Morris, who has Millsap roots, and her autobiography has been published. As some may remember, her Annie series of books are based upon her Millsap grandmother’s life. Joyce’s autobiography, “Running on Empty,” is the final book in the Annie set.

As the book examines this overcomer’s abusive marriage, which began while she was a teen, and how she saved herself and her four small children, it was written with the hope that someone being abused might read it and come to the realization that there is hope and that they can also overcome. Mrs. Morris says that if it helps one person, then the goal will have been met.

In its first few days out, “Running On Empty” hit number one in “Hot New Releases,” which surprised and thrilled the writer. This ebook is available through Amazon for Kindle or PC. Joyce has several other books in the works she hopes to have out soon through Kindle.

This lady was so very gracious when she visited Millsap in 2011 for a meet the public and book signing event, and it’s great that we can now read the ending to the Annie series while looking forward to other books from her.

Reminder: Arnold Garrett’s retirement party from Millsap Water Supply is Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. at the Mesquite Pit. RSVP by Feb. 12 by calling the water office at 940-682-4416.

Happy Valentine’s Day and thanks for reading!