More than 300 community members gathered Thursday, June 25, to celebrate the official grand opening of Jericho Village, a milestone years in the making that city leaders and organizers say will provide not only affordable housing for the resident but also hope and long-term support.

Located at 511 W. Brown St., Jericho Village is Wylie’s first income-based urban housing village. The 38-unit development is a project of Plano-based Agape Resource & Assistance Center, founded by CEO Janet Collinsworth to help women and families transition from homelessness, domestic violence and human trafficking. The community offers studio to three-bedroom apartments, including ADA-accessible units, along with on-site education, counseling and other wraparound services that promote long-term stability.

The celebration featured food trucks, face painting, a Wylie Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony and remarks from civic and community leaders marking the project’s significance.

Serving as master of ceremonies, Hope for the Cities Executive Director Jon Bailey praised the perseverance of Agape founder and CEO Janet Collinsworth, noting that many people in attendance had watched the vision evolve from an idea into reality.

“It has been such a privilege to have walked alongside her, to have prayed with her, to encourage, to be challenged and to be inspired,” Bailey said. “So many of you today are inspired by who she is and what she has been able to accomplish.”

Wylie Mayor Matthew Porter recalled one of his first meetings after taking office, when he was introduced to the Jericho Village concept.

Porter said the name of Agape immediately resonated with him because of a family heirloom bearing the same Greek word, which represents unconditional love.

“That is exactly what we are called to do as a community,” Porter said. “To take care of everyone, not just one specific type of person, not just one group of people that vote for you. You’re supposed to care for everyone within that community.”

He said Jericho Village represents more than affordable apartments because residents will receive services designed to help them build lasting stability.

“It means it’s not a Band-Aid solution of just a roof over the head for today with no thoughts for tomorrow,” Porter said. “Instead, those services provide a new opportunity for generational uplifting.”

A congressional recognition from Keith Self was presented during the ceremony, commending Collinsworth, along with those of Agape Resources, and the many community partners who helped bring the vision to life.

“Jericho Village stands as a powerful example of what can be accomplished when compassion is spirited action,” the inscription read. “The opportunities created through this community will strengthen families, foster independence and provide hope to those who need it.”

Taking the podium, Collinsworth thanked the hundreds of volunteers, donors, churches, board members and community partners who supported the project, but first directed the crowd’s attention elsewhere.

“Without God, we would not be here,” she said. “It was a calling for each and every one of us to serve our neighbors and to love our neighbors as ourselves.”

Collinsworth reminded attendees that they are part of the change, referring to Ghandi’s “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

“We collectively — all of us, each one of us here — we’re in the hope business,” she said. “We do that by standing in the gap for our friends and our neighbors that struggle each and every day just to have a roof.”

Agape Chief of Staff Christin Mixon reflected on watching the property transform from “a flat piece of ground” into a community made possible by volunteers, churches, businesses and civic organizations.

“What you see around you today is the result of prayer, generosity and partnerships,” Mixon said. “But today is not the finish line. In a lot of ways, today is the starting line. The opening of Jericho Village represents the beginning of a new chapter and a larger vision.”

Collinsworth emphasized that the housing itself is only one part of the organization’s mission.

“The secret to transforming lives is not a roof,” she said …“The secret sauce is really the wraparound services. It’s the love, it’s the prayer and hope. We are in the hope business.”

The same educational, counseling and empowerment services already offered through Agape will now be available on-site to Jericho Village residents, she said.

“It’s not just a roof, and it’s not just a key that we hand you to get into your door,” Collinsworth said. “We are your family. We are your village.”

Perhaps the day’s most emotional moment came when Collinsworth invited Jericho Village’s first resident, Keoni Hudson, to speak.

Hudson’s story reflects the vision behind Jericho Village. After escaping a domestic violence situation, she moved from Agape’s transitional housing into the village with her two children. Organizers said other women will follow the same path, creating space for new families entering Agape’s program while former residents continue building independent lives.

“I love Jericho,” Hudson said. “It’s more than just the roof. It’s the community. It’s the help that you get. It’s the services that you receive. It’s everything.”

She said paying an income-based rent has allowed her to support her children, pay for childcare and return to school without relying on government assistance.

“I’m able to enroll myself back in school,” Hudson said. “This has helped my family in so many ways.”

Asked why communities need places like Jericho Village, Hudson fought back tears.

“Nobody understands how hard it is for people to just be able to afford the basic things of life,” she said. “Just to be able to have someone that looks out for you and leaves you something left over so you can provide clothes and shoes for your kids — every community needs this. This is such a blessing.”

After the program, guests toured the apartments, playground, community center and garden, getting a firsthand look at what organizers hope will serve as a model for supportive housing across North Texas.

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What began as an effort to tell a story about one cadet’s struggle to find his place has evolved into a student-produced short film that is drawing praise from educators, military instructors and viewers across the region.

Recent Wylie High School graduate Tuan Nguyen and fellow student filmmaker Phaolo Le teamed up to create “New Beginnings,” a short film highlighting opportunities for students to experience growth, leadership and success through the school’s Air Force Junior ROTC program.

The project was entirely student-led and produced with limited resources, relying on school equipment, faculty guidance and the dedication of students balancing filming schedules with academic and extracurricular commitments.

Nguyen, who served on the AFJROTC Public Affairs team throughout high school, said the idea grew from a desire to help others better understand the program.

“Recognizing this and remembering that I did not fully understand what JROTC was when I first signed up, I dedicated myself to this project in hopes of helping others succeed as I did and understand that JROTC is more than a class,” Nguyen said.

The film follows cadets as they navigate uncertainty, pressure and personal obstacles, emphasizing the mentorship and support available within the program. While many people associate JROTC primarily with military preparation, Nguyen said the film was designed to showcase its broader impact.

“There are many misconceptions about JROTC, so one of our goals was to show what the program truly represents and its positive impact,” he said. “JROTC is meant to help students develop leadership skills, confidence, character and a sense of purpose within a supportive environment that encourages growth.”

The film’s lead role is played by Wylie High graduate Miles Whitmire, whose own experience in AFJROTC inspired much of the story.

According to Nguyen, Whitmire considered leaving the program during his freshman year because he did not see its value. Instead of accepting his decision, an instructor encouraged him to stay and become more involved.

The conversation changed the course of Whitmire’s high school experience. He remained in the program for four years, eventually serving in two of its highest leadership positions. He also enlisted in the Army National Guard, attending basic training in his junior year and is currently completing Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia, as part of his training as an indirect fire infantryman.

“If it wasn’t for the instructor to recognize his potential, he wouldn’t likely be where he is today,” Nguyen said. Le, an Audio Visual student at Wylie High, helped bring the story to life through film. Nguyen said he was impressed after seeing one of Le’s earlier projects and invited him to join the production.

Together, they worked to create a film that would resonate with both cadets and those unfamiliar with the program.

Producing the film presented several challenges.

Most filming took place within a single week as cadets prepared for the year’s final drill competition. Weather also created obstacles, with strong winds affecting audio quality and changing lighting conditions forcing the crew to work quickly.

“We used our bodies to shield the microphones from the wind and attempted to get all of the shots before sunset,” Nguyen said.

To create authentic scenes, the filmmakers coordinated with drill team leaders and filmed portions of practices while minimizing disruptions.

The finished product debuted May 1 during the AFJROTC annual awards banquet, where it was viewed by more than 200 cadets, family members and guests.

Nguyen said the reaction exceeded expectations.

“The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” he said. “Many teachers approached our actors, director and instructor to tell them how much they loved the short film. Some even shared that they became emotional while watching it.”

Senior Aerospace Science Instructor Lt. Col. Darren James praised both the film and the students who created it.

“The cadets that created this video have taken our PA program to new heights, and the thought-provoking concepts of those in the short film emulate what we hope any cadet can realize about the confidence they need to go out into this world,” James said. “Reflection is a powerful tool for success, and the family atmosphere that our corps continues to maintain each year is emulated within this story.”

The film’s reach has since extended beyond Wylie.

After being shared with an AFJROTC regional director, “New Beginnings” was distributed to instructors across the region. Nguyen said several instructors have expressed interest in showing the film to incoming cadets as an example of how the program can influence students’ lives.

For Nguyen, that impact is exactly what he hoped the project would achieve.

“Some characters are portrayed as pursuing the military path, while others pursue a more normal [traditional] career path,” he said. “No matter their desired destination, they can all benefit from the mentorship, friendships and leadership opportunities the program provides.”

Editor’s note: Nguyen will be attending Texas A&M this fall as a communications major and joining the Corps of Cadets in August.

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Community members will be invited to take part in the Path of Remembrance: A White Carnation Tribute, a new feature created in recognition of America 250 and those who have served the nation. A limited number of 250 white carnations will be available for participants to place at Freedom Plaza on Saturday, creating a collective memorial honoring veterans and fallen service members.

Audie Murphy Day commemorates the legacy of Farmersville native and World War II hero Audie Murphy while recognizing veterans from all branches of the military. The annual event traces its roots to Murphy’s hometown homecoming celebration in June 1945.

The weekend begins Friday, June 19, with special exhibits at the Farmersville Heritage Museum, where visitors can view a newly unveiled display featuring a custom-made suit Audie Murphy wore in the 1958 film “The Quiet American.” The suit was recently donated by the Murphy family, according to Audie Murphy Day co-chair Misty Wiebold. Additional Audie Murphy artifacts and memorabilia will be on display. A World War II living history encampment also will be open to visitors across from the museum.

Saturday’s activities begin with a veteran’s breakfast from 7:30 to 9 a.m., followed by a 9:30 a.m. ceremony in downtown Farmersville. Boy Scout Troop 310 will raise the flag, continuing a connection to Murphy’s original homecoming celebration when local Scouts participated in the festivities. Members of First Baptist Church’s choir will provide patriotic music.

Following the carnation tribute, members of the Fort Hood Sergeant Audie Murphy Club will present a ceremonial wreath at Freedom Plaza in honor of Murphy and local men and women who gave their lives in military service. Retired Army First Sergeant Hud Roberts will also present the Riderless Horse, a military tradition honoring fallen service members, before the parade begins.

After the parade, veterans and guests are invited to the Veterans Ceremony at the Historic Onion Shed. Tommy Moore, mayor of Gainesville and president of the Medal of Honor Host City Program, will present a program titled “The Meaning of the Medal of Honor.”

The ceremony will also include a Quilts of Valor presentation, during which three veterans will receive handmade quilts as a symbol of comfort, healing and appreciation for their service.

Additional exhibits will be available Saturday at the museum and the Bain-Honaker House.

“Audie Murphy Day is a time for our community to come together in remembrance, gratitude and pride as we honor the enduring legacy of hometown hero Audie Murphy and all who have served,” Audie Murphy Day co-chairs Bryon and Misty Wiebold said in a statement. “We hope families, friends and veterans will join us for this meaningful tradition that began in 1945 and experience the new Path of Remembrance: A White Carnation Tribute, a special moment of reflection that reminds us how important it is to honor sacrifice and keep these stories alive for future generations.”

Registered veterans will receive complimentary breakfast and lunch during the event. More information, including veteran registration, is available at audiemurphyday.org.

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After helping guide Collin College from a fledgling institution offering classes in area high schools to a system serving more than 60,000 students annually, founding trustee Robert “Bob” Collins is stepping away after 41 years on the board.

Collins, a Farmersville resident, officially retired following the college’s May commencement ceremonies, ending one of the longest tenures by a community college trustee in Texas.

His final commencement carried special significance. Among the graduates crossing the stage was his grandson.

“We always believed Collin County deserved a college that could grow with the community and provide opportunities for generations of students,” Collins said in a statement released by the college. “Watching my grandson graduate from Collin College during my final commencement ceremony made this moment especially meaningful for my family and for me.”

Looking back, Collins said one accomplishment stands above the rest.

“I guess the thing I’m most proud of is that we’re able to pretty well cover the whole county with campuses,” he said. “That’s been a goal of mine since the very beginning. We did not want to become a Plano College or a McKinney College. We wanted to be Collin County College.”

That vision helped shape the college’s growth over four decades. Today, Collin College operates 10 campuses and centers across seven cities, along with its iCollin Virtual Campus and more than 200 degree and certificate programs.

While Collins said he could not have predicted exactly how large the college would become, he always expected Collin County’s population boom would drive demand for higher education.

“As a matter of fact, I had anticipated that,” Collins said of the county’s rapid growth. He added that East Collin County is poised for significant expansion in coming years as transportation projects improve access to the area.

Affordability remained a central focus throughout his tenure. Collins said the college has worked to maintain a low tax rate while continuing to expand educational opportunities.

“We’ve been able to hold the tax rate pretty well constant for the entire time,” he said. “You’ve got to be able to pay for what you’re going to provide. What I’ve tried to emphasize is, don’t spend money on stuff you don’t need.”

At the same time, Collins said quality has never been sacrificed.

“Let’s emphasize quality — quality in our education, quality in our facilities as we develop them,” he said.

Before joining the Collin College Board of Trustees, Collins spent more than 30 years with a Fortune 500 defense electronics company, eventually serving as a corporate vice president. He later taught and served as an administrator at Texas A&M University-Commerce for nearly two decades.

His public service also included time on the Plano City Council, where he served as mayor pro tem. Collins said those experiences proved valuable during his years as a trustee.

“I have a pretty fair understanding of the relationship in the community, and what’s needed and what’s not needed,” he said.

Collins has also been a strong supporter of workforce training and dual-credit programs, noting that students who earn college credits while in high school can provide significant savings for their families.

“A kid who does a dual credit program can save his family anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000,” he said.

Collin College President Neil Matkin credited Collins with helping build the institution’s foundation and expand opportunities for generations of students.

“Since its inception, Dr. Collins has helped shape the college into the institution it is today, creating a foundation for student success,” Matkin said in a statement.

Though retiring from the board, Collins said he has no plans to slow down completely. He remains active in his church and community and plans to continue supporting causes important to him.

Reflecting on more than four decades of service, Collins said he leaves with gratitude.

“It’s really been a pleasure,” he said. “I enjoyed being on the board. I’ve enjoyed the people we serve with, enjoyed having a great presence for the college. So, I suppose it’s been a good deal.”

The state’s natural beauty and its history are a treasure waiting to be discovered in any of the 52 parks and museums in the Arkansas State Parks system, with seven National Park Service sites and three national forests covering more than 2.9 million acres of Arkansas, plus more than 200 campsites and recreational areas.

Crater of Diamonds State Park

Who doesn’t love diamonds and digging in the dirt? This park is an exercise in fun, being in the outdoors, and a good way to bond as a couple or as a family. At the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, visitors can dig for diamonds in a 37.5-acre plowed field, which in reality is the eroded surface of an ancient volcanic crater. The park is the eighth largest, diamond-bearing deposit in surface area in the world.

When you enter through the park’s Diamond Discovery Center on your way to the diamond search area, you’ll want to take a while to listen and read about the area. The interpretive center is engaging and serves as the gateway to the search area by offering an in-depth introduction to the unique adventure of searching for diamonds. Tour the exhibits and visit with the park staff. In the Center you will learn to recognize diamonds in the rough and the three different search methods used at the Crater of Diamonds. You will also have the opportunity to view the diamond hunters’ Hall of Fame, featuring photographs of the faces of successful diamond prospectors at the Crater of Diamonds.

After you’re finished digging, the kids will love the park’s mining-themed aquatic playground. Relax in the cool waters of the 4,166-square-foot wading pool featuring spray geysers, sprayers, water jets, animated waterspouts, cascades, two water slides, and waterfall hideaways. There’s plenty of room to relax on the deck that surrounds the pool.

The Crater of Diamonds State Park includes a tree-shaded campground featuring 47 Class AAA campsites (with water/electric/sewer hookups) The site states that most of the sites have tent pads. There are also five walk-in tent sites. The campground includes two modern bathhouses with hot showers; one bathhouse includes a laundry.

To learn more, visit craterofdiamondsstatepark.com

Queen Wilhelmina State Park 

With panoramic vistas, this beautiful park located in the Ouachita Mountains is a must-see destination in Eastern Arkansas. While the park offers all types of activities, it is well-known for its beautiful lodge known as Queen Wilhelmina State Park Lodge. The original lodge was known as the “Castle in the Sky” resort over 100 years ago. The new lodge today is a 40-room establishment with a restaurant and a gift shop, known for its treasure trove of trinkets.

If you don’t want to stay in the lodge, relaxing in a campsite on Arkansas’s second highest mountain is truly unique. The campground at Queen Wilhelmina State Park offers home-away-from-home amenities where you’ll find peace and quiet, fresh mountain air, and unforgettable natural beauty on the 2,681-foot Rich Mountain. In the summer, cool mountain breezes keep the heat at bay. In autumn, it is ablaze with fall colors and in the winter the snowfall transforms the mountain to a winter wonderland. Visitors can go swimming, picnicking, canoeing, hiking, fishing, bicycling, museums, and art galleries all within a two-hour drive from the park. There are no rivers or streams in the park, but a short distance away there are opportunities at Cossatot River State Park.

A few upcoming activities include the Queen Wilhelmina Rod Run held at the Queen Wilhelmina State Park. It is an antique car show held the third weekend of August. An event called Hamfest is held the weekend following Labor Day Weekend and the Polk County Fair is the last week of August. For a full list of activities, information is available at visitmena.com or queenwilhelmina.com.

Cossatot River State Park Natural Area

Not far away from Queen Wilhelmina State Park is the Cossatot River State Park Natural Area. This scenic State Park and river is located in Wickes, AR. The park-natural area stretches for 12 miles along the Cossatot River. The river is a great place to experience Arkansas’s premier whitewater and it is renowned as the best whitewater float stream in mid-America. Located in southwest Arkansas south of Mena, the Cossatot River forms Cossatot Falls, a rugged and rocky canyon that challenges the most experienced canoeists and kayakers with its Class IV and V rapids. The river is a watershed basin with flow levels dependent on rainfall. When the water is high, it is a premium place for paddlers, however, much of the river’s whitewater is not recommended for casual canoeists.

The park’s information site states that the Brushy Creek Recreation Area at the Highway 246 bridge offers day-use facilities including picnic sites, a nature trail, restrooms, and river access. A walkway high above the river provides barrier-free access on the west side.

For those who want to camp, there are tent sites at the Cossatot Falls area, the Sandbar Area, and the Ed Banks Area (one site). All of the sites are self-pay and first come, first serve. Undeveloped camping space is available at the U.S. 278 Area. Primitive group camping (tents only) is available at the park’s River Ridge Group Camp. Call ahead to make a reservation. 

For hiking enthusiasts, the park features the 14-mile River Corridor Trail and the 3.5-mile Harris Creek Trail.

The park includes a 15,000-square-foot $2.7 million facility visitor information/education center on U.S. 278 east of Wickes where the highway crosses the Cossatot. There is a large exhibit gallery, two classroom/lab rooms, a wildlife viewing area, gift shop, and park administrative offices. Make sure you take the opportunity to explore the interpretive exhibits of the story of “The Cossatot: A River for All Seasons.” Want more information about the area? There are three information kiosks that provide information about the Cossatot River, the park-natural area, and other parks and museums in Arkansas’s state park system.
Interpretive programs and workshops are offered in the park, teaching visitors about geology, flora, and fauna in the remote and protected river corridor. Special interpretive programs include guided kayak tours and snorkeling tours. 

Want more recreation camping opportunities in the “Natural State?” Visit arkansasstateparks.com.

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From longtime preservation advocates to emerging historians, those dedicated to protecting Collin County’s past gathered last week for the annual Preservation Celebration and awards ceremony hosted by the Collin County Historical Commission.

The event, held at Farmersville High School Saturday, April 25, was hosted by the Farmersville Heritage Museum and the Farmersville Historical Society.

Wylie’s former mayor Eric Hogue, chair of the Collin County Historical Commission, delivered opening remarks and introduced Collin County Tax Assessor-Collector Scott Grigg, a Sachse resident, who offered the county welcome. The invocation was led by Richard Holbrook of Farmersville, and pledges were presented by Farmersville Boy Scout Troop 310.

Guests enjoyed breakfast appetizers and brunch inspired by historic Farmersville cookbooks prior to the program, which opened with a welcome from event chair Misty Wiebold. As chair of the Farmersville Heritage Museum, Misty Wiebold carried the event’s preservation theme throughout, from table runners featuring historic photographs to stems of liatris, a perennial wildflower, native to the Texas Blackland Prairie.

Several awards were presented recognizing contributions to preservation and historical education. Katie Dunham, a Plano parks and recreation member, received the Collin McKinney Achievement Award. Lacinda Russell of the Weston Heritage Guild earned the Excellence in Historical Education Award, while Tyler Hoskins of HOS Scans LLC received the Leadership in Preservation Award.

Farmersville resident Linda Hess, a member of the Farmersville Historical Society, was honored with the Living Legacy of Collin County Award. Reed Foley of the Collin County History Museum received the Young Visionaries Award. Paula Ross of the Allen Heritage Guild was recognized for her continued contributions and also highlighted for receiving the Texas Historical Commission’s John Ben Shepperd County Historical Commission Leadership Award.

“I appreciate so much being honored with the Living Legacy Award of Collin County. When I became a member of the 

Collin County Historical Commission 24 years ago, Inever dreamed of this day,” Hess said. “It has been an honor researching the history of sites and people in Collin County. I am so thankful that I was able to preserve a little history! It has truly been my joy.”

Keynote speaker Bryon Wiebold, former mayor of Farmersville, delivered remarks highlighting the people, places and institutions that have shaped the city’s legacy since its incorporation in 1873.

“In a small place, truly big things can happen,” Wiebold said, pointing to notable figures with local ties, including world champion bronc rider Monty “Hawkeye” Henson, jazz guitarist Herb Ellis and drill team pioneer Gussie Nell Davis.

He also reflected on the legacy of Audie Murphy, the most decorated American soldier of World War II, noting the impact of his roots in the community. “Audie Murphy carried Farmersville with him across the world,” Wiebold said.

Wiebold emphasized the role of downtown Farmersville and its longstanding businesses in shaping the town’s identity, along with the importance of preserving everyday stories. He specifically recognized The Farmersville Times as the oldest continuously operating newspaper in Collin County, noting its role in documenting generations of local history.

“The Farmersville Times didn’t just report history — it lived it,” he said, adding that the publication has ensured the community’s stories are preserved for future generations.

He closed by encouraging attendees to remain invested in their own communities, stressing that preservation is a shared responsibility.

“When small towns decide that their story matters … they don’t just survive. They lead. They inspire. And they endure,” Wiebold said.

The Collin County Historical Commission serves as the county’s official representative of the Texas Historical Commission. The 20-member body, appointed by the Collin County Commissioners Court, supports preservation and education efforts across the county.

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That recurring theme of isolation — both in others and in his own life — became the foundation for his debut book, “Unknown.”

Spurgin, a communicator, leadership coach and founder of New Hope Church in Wylie, said he wrote the book for people who have tried to find community but never quite get there.

“One of the things I hear from them over and over again is how isolated they feel,” Spurgin said. “They have people but very little connection.”

The message also reflected his own experience.

Spurgin shares in the book a pivotal moment in his own life when his wife told him she felt as though he had “a mistress” — not in a literal sense, but in how his work and responsibilities had taken priority over their relationship.

“It rocked my world,” he said. “She didn’t mean it literally, but she did feel like my work, my people, my reputation and my calling had become more important than she was.”

The experience, he said, forced him to reevaluate and ultimately rebuild that connection.

“It took us several years to rediscover our footing, but I’m happy to report that we’ve been married 38 years and we are happier than ever,” Spurgin said. “It’s not perfect, but it is really good.”

The book, his first completed manuscript after starting several others, reflects what he calls the “heartbeat” of his life’s work — helping people build authentic relationships and healthy cultures.

Released earlier this year, “Unknown” quickly gained traction and landed on the USA Today Bestseller list in February.

Spurgin said he wrote the book for three primary audiences: individuals struggling to find genuine community, those who feel there is more but are still searching, and leaders seeking to build healthy teams and culture but struggling to get there.

“They start a relationship and feel like it is going well, but soon discover the other person isn’t as interested as they thought,” Spurgin said. “Broken relationships are painful because God designed us for something better.”

Balancing the writing process with leading both a church and a leadership organization proved challenging.

“Leading two organizations while writing a book is not something I would suggest to anyone,” Spurgin said.

Even so, revisiting difficult personal experiences — including strained relationships and friendships that ended without clear resolution — made the process especially emotional.

Reader response, he said, has been overwhelming.

Many have reached out to say the book reflects their own stories, while others have described it as life changing. In one instance, a radio host who interviewed Spurgin later confided in him about struggles in her marriage. After discussing principles from the book, he said she told him, “this is going to change my life.”

Looking ahead, Spurgin said he is considering future writing projects, potentially focused on leadership topics such as founder transitions — an area he notes often presents challenges for organizations. He is also planning to launch a podcast.

“Unknown” is published by Morgan James and is available through major retailers and online platforms. Spurgin is also offering a free digital copy through his website keithspurgin.net.

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For nearly a century, George Topper has built a life rooted in faith, family and service — a legacy celebrated recently with an early 100th birthday party at Ariel Point of Sachse.

Topper, who will turn 100 on April 27, was surrounded by fellow residents, family members and staff during the gathering organized by Independent Living Activities Director Tammy Hoye. Among those attending were his daughter and son-in-law, Jodie and John Ellzey, and granddaughter Stacy Clark, who joined in honoring his century-long life

Born in 1926, Topper’s legacy is reflected in a growing family. He is the father of one, grandfather of two, great-grandfather of five and great-great-grandfather of two — a family tree that continues to grow.

“He’s one of the most wonderful people,” Jodie Ellzey said. “Everybody says how wonderful he is, how sweet and how caring. He’s been a fantastic father and grandfather.”

Topper spent decades in ministry, serving as a United Methodist minister at multiple churches for more than 30 years before continuing his work visiting homebound members for nearly three decades after retirement. Even now, he remains active in his faith, leading prayers for fellow residents and driving to church every Sunday, where he teaches a Sunday school class made up mostly of senior citizens.

“He always leads our veteran’s prayer and does our National Day of Prayer at the flagpole,” Hoye added. 

That commitment to staying active extends beyond his spiritual life. Hoye said Topper participates in daily exercise classes, walks the community regularly and plays cornhole twice a week.

“He’s one heck of a cornhole player,” she said.

Topper moved to Ariel Point in 2021 after living independently for years following the death of his wife in 2008. The couple had been married 62 years.

“Clara and I had such a great life together,” Topper told attendees during the celebration.

The party itself reflected both his personality and life story. Guests enjoyed small cans of A&W root beer — now his celebratory drink of choice on rare occasions — despite an earlier career delivering Dr Pepper and later working for Coca-Cola, along with candy and cupcakes. A display table featured photos capturing decades of memories.

Hoye also distributed small bottles of mustard seeds as “George’s Gift,” referencing the Bible verse Matthew 17:20, “Faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains,” which was printed on his special birthday bulletin.

After guests sang “Happy Birthday,” Topper offered a simple but heartfelt response.

“I’m almost speechless,” he joked.

Reflecting on his life, Topper said it has been shaped by both challenges and blessings.

“I was raised in a pretty good home, and my mother and father took good care of us,” he said. “There have been some rough spots, but it’s been a good life.”

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The Wylie-based nonprofit transported four lions — Kumba, Eli, Sabba and Sky — three tigers — Bunny, Raja and Shilo — and 10 lemurs to its sanctuary at 3430 Skyview Drive in a three-day effort involving staff and volunteers.

The transfer comes after more than a decade of communication between In-Sync and the Amarillo facility, including a previous rescue of a tiger about seven years ago. A volunteer who frequently traveled to Amarillo to visit family helped maintain that connection, regularly visiting one of the lions, Kumba, and staying in contact with the facility. In recent months, discussions between founder Vicky Keahey and the owner continued by phone and email, ultimately leading to the transfer.

Despite the passage of the federal Big Cat Public Safety Act in 2022, staff said the original owner was “grandfathered in” because the facility had been in operation for many years.

“The current owner took over the facility when his grandparents (the previous owners) were killed in a private aircraft accident,” said In-Sync. “To honor his grandfather, he took over the facility for seven years but recently decided In-Sync would be able to better provide for them.”

A team of seven made the trip to Amarillo with a transport trailer and two vans Saturday, March 28, spent Sunday loading the animals and drove back that night, arriving about 1:30 a.m. Monday. Four of the seven big cats required sedation before they could be safely loaded into transport cages.

Later Monday, the animals were placed in their new enclosures, where staff are now focused on a smooth transition.

“We have to be very respectful of their space,” staff said. “Let them hide if they want to hide and get used to their surroundings on their own time.”

While the lions and tigers were generally well-fed, staff noted some medical concerns that are now being addressed. The lemurs arrived with more significant health issues and are currently being treated in the organization’s veterinary clinic.

The sanctuary said it had adequate space to accommodate the new arrivals, including keeping three sibling lions together. Staff also plan to gradually reintroduce two tigers that had previously lived together.

The addition of seven large cats is expected to increase food costs by about $2,000 per month, along with additional expenses for medications, vaccinations and diagnostic testing.

Founded in 2000 by Vicky Keahey, a former veterinary technician, In-Sync relies entirely on donations, grants and sponsorships to fund its operations. The sanctuary is home to more than 90 animals, including both exotic and domestic species, and has handled multiple large-scale rescues in recent years.

Keahey said this effort carried special significance due to the long-standing connection with the Amarillo facility.

“This one is especially meaningful—watching Kumba grow from afar and now finally having him here is something we’ll never take for granted,” she said.

To donate, visit insyncexotics.org

What began in 2006 as a small community service effort has grown into a lifeline for thousands across Collin and Rockwall counties. 

Amazing Grace Food Pantry marked its 20th anniversary Friday, Feb. 27, celebrating two decades of service and a record-breaking year in which more than 3.3 million pounds of food — nearly 2.9 million meals — were distributed. 

The milestone was shared with volunteers, community leaders and supporters who have helped the north Wylie nonprofit grow from a small outreach effort into one of Collin County’s largest volunteer-run food distribution programs.

About 145 people attended the catered anniversary celebration held at the Commons at The Cross Church in Wylie. Among those present were founder Mike Ellis and his wife Karen, AGFP pantry director, along with Wylie Mayor Matthew Porter, Tracy Cline, executive director of the CUTX Charitable Foundation, board members, volunteers and community supporters.

Originally serving just eight families, the effort has grown dramatically over the past 20 years. In 2025 alone, Amazing Grace Food Pantry recorded 33,569 client visits, serving 4,273 families and providing food to more than 19,000 individuals. 

Karen Ellis said the pantry’s growth has been remarkable — something she never imagined when the pantry began.

“Honestly, it feels like three years, not twenty,” said Ellis. “Time moves quickly when you’re answering a calling. I’ve seen God work in ways I never could have planned or accomplished on my own. I stand amazed at the miracles we’ve witnessed over these two decades.”

The pantry’s main biweekly food distribution program now provides more than 700 families with over 100 pounds of food per visit. About 30% of the pantry’s distribution consists of fresh produce.

According to the North Texas Food Bank, AGFP is the second-largest food distributor among the 38 pantries operating in Collin County and the largest organization run entirely by volunteers. 

“I’m most proud of our volunteers,” Ellis said. “Their dedication never wavers, even on our busiest days. They care deeply about the people we serve and about one another. Over time those relationships have created something special.”

Additional programs extend the pantry’s reach throughout the community.

The Food 4 Kids program, led by Kim Johnson, packs and delivers 250 weekend backpacks of food to students across 21 Wylie schools each week, distributing about 25,000 bags annually.

The pantry also operates a People and Nutrition (PAN) program that provides supplemental food to qualified seniors monthly, the only program of its kind among Collin County pantries.

Through its Retail Rescue program, a team of eight drivers and helpers collect food from 12 grocery stores, recovering an average of 30,000 pounds of food each week that might otherwise go to waste. 

Home delivery services, in partnership with St. Vincent de Paul volunteers, also ensure that homebound residents receive needed food assistance.

Beyond its core programs, the pantry partners with local organizations to distribute produce, hygiene items and infant supplies, including diapers and formula for Hope Bridge Pregnancy Center and food support for other ministries and outreach groups.

Over the years, the organization has faced challenges along the way.

Ellis recalled one of the most difficult periods, between 2015 and 2018, when a church on the pantry property that served as its primary funding source burned down.

“Our pantry building survived, but the cleanup costs were quoted at $60,000 to $80,000, far beyond our reach,” she said. “My husband Mike, our founder, said, ‘Let’s keep giving out food until we run out.’ Within a year our community stepped in, and by 2018 we had built a new facility. What felt like the end became a new beginning.”

Today the pantry continues to expand its operations and modernize its facilities. Recent improvements include a new volunteer parking lot, upgraded technology systems for client tracking and staging, and monitoring systems for refrigeration and freezer units.

Looking ahead, pantry leaders are planning a new produce pavilion designed to double the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables distributed each month, increasing capacity from about 9,000 pounds to 18,000 pounds.

Ellis said the pantry’s future mission will continue to depend on volunteers and community support, especially as demand continues to grow.

“I’m concerned that more families will need assistance due to stagnant wages, job loss and the rising cost of living,” she said. “At the same time, donation levels have softened as many households feel financial pressure themselves.”

Even small contributions — $10 per month — can help feed a family, said Ellis.

“If every household in Collin and Rockwall counties gave just $1 a month, the impact would be transformational.”

“Amazing Grace isn’t just a distribution site. It’s a pantry family, built on relationships between volunteers and neighbors.”

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