Roger Grizzard Innovative Educator Award
Weatherford High Schoolers know Roger Grizzard as Mr . Grizzard , the economics teacher at WHS , and owner of the Pizza Place , a South Main eatery serving and employing students for decades . He is a gifted educator who has been known to wear several hats at once and to wear them all with a certain grace and flare .
For decades he devoted his days to working as a WHS teacher . But , once the school bell tolled , he rushed to Pizza Place , which he has operated since coming to town 40 years ago . What better lesson in economics than a family-owned restaurant like Pizza Place ?
Dr . Noel Bryan Veterinary Medicine Award
Dr . Noel Bryan bought an existing veterinary practice in Parker County 66 years ago , and for the first 15 years was the only vet in the county . His first office consisted of half of a battery shop behind city hall . In 1958 , Doc Bryan built his office on Mineral Wells Highway , where he still practices .
In his early days as a vet he treated all species , large and small , and worked eight counties due to a lack of vets . He once boarded a kinkajou , a South American honey bear , until the family who owned him and were expecting a baby arranged for him to have a new home at the Fort Worth Zoo . Dr . Bryan retired in 2009 , but continues to work part-time . He recently celebrated his 90th birthday .
Mary Kemp Historical Preservation Award
Miss Mary knows where all the bodies are buried — no , really , she does . She spent years cataloguing abandoned cemeteries in Parker County and restoring them . Anyone with a question about genealogy or the history of Parker County need only call Mary , who more than likely has the answer .
Mary , the author of several books on local history and characters , is also the founder of the Abandoned Cemetery Association , a former member of the Parker County Historical Commission , and organizer and hostess of the annual Parker County rite of spring , the Shaw- Kemp Open House .
Blaisdell took the reins as interim city manager in September 2008 and became the official holder of that title on Jan . 6 , 2009 , a title he held for seven and a half years . Then on April 30 , 2015 , he retired from the City of Weatherford . We will never forget Jerry ’ s loyal dedication and service .
V . A . Littleton Art Award
A little more than half a century ago , V . A . Littleton picked up a paintbrush and hasn ’ t put it down since . The Weatherford native has lived on Davis Street her entire life , and while her children attended high school she picked up a new hobby . She has enjoyed drawing all her life and finds painting satisfying .
Over the years Littleton has completed several hundred pieces and has had her work on display at the Doss Heritage and Culture Center , in local banks and is a former member of the Weatherford Art Association .
Jim Duncan Regal Realtor Award
Jim Duncan ’ s name is well known to Parker County residents who have seen it on real estate signs in front of commercial and residential properties throughout the county . His illustrious career began in 1968 when he joined forces with his father C . T . Duncan .
Today , Jim is with CENTURY 21 Judge Fite and was recently recognized for being the number three producer in his company in the world .
The Jim Duncan real estate award celebrates a young realtor who helps companies and individuals make their property dreams come true .
Ric Williamson Empowering Parker County Award
As chairman of the Texas Transportation Committee , Ric Williamson helped all of Texas get to where they were going more efficiently .
He was a creative , successful businessman in the energy industry — at the same time he was a visionary public servant who won awards for his legislative prowess while serving in the Texas House for five sessions and creating successful partnerships and raising funds for local candidates and causes . The Ric Williamson Charitable Innovator Award recognizes someone who helps to extend his legacy of public service and paying it forward by making our community a better place .
Jerry Blaisdell City Management Award
Jerry Blaisdell has become a fixture in Weatherford ’ s municipal administration and has proven he is not afraid to take on a challenge . After a 23-year career in law enforcement , he retired from the Fort Worth Police Department in 1989 . He was called back to duty as Weatherford PD ’ s Chief of Police in July of that same year . He held that job until 2007 when he was named assistant city manager .
During a particularly difficult period at City Hall ,
Shelly Mowery Courageous Cowgirl Award
A cowgirl never quits , as Shelly Mowery knows firsthand . She and her husband Rick train and raise cutting horses . She has been one of the top equine broadcasters for the past quarter century and is a member of the Cowgirl Hall of Fame in Fort Worth . Each year ’ s recipient shares the never-quit attitude of Shelly Mowery .
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JULY 2018 PARKER COUNTY TODAY
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