The DAR Comancheria Chapter met in the beautifully decorated home of Marie Maupin on Thursday, Dec. 8, for their regular meeting.

Canadian and Baker Elementary UIL students placed first out of the six schools participating in Bushland’s meet on Friday, Dec. 2. Forty-nine students from both campuses comprised the A+ academic teams. “Thank you to all of our students who competed and shared their talents, giftings, and abilities with us throughout our UIL competition season!” said BES Principal Jeff Quisenberry. “It’s a wonderful day at Baker Elementary— the premier place to learn, work, grow, and thrive!”

The National 4-H Congress was held on Friday, Nov. 25, through Tuesday, Nov. 29, at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta, Georgia. National 4-H Congress is the flagship event of the national 4-H program. Each year, a national design team of Extension educators, 4-H youth, and 4-H adult volunteers analyze current youth issues and determine the most effective ways to address them. The program combines a variety of fun and exciting educational, recreational, and networking opportunities. The program combines sessions, seminars, discussion groups, and a service-learning experience. The nation’s most outstanding community leaders, speakers, and educators present the most current and timely information available. 4-H members improve their ability to express themselves in written and verbal forms of communication, which are necessary and important “life skills” for today and in the future. They also are able to increase the awareness of the importance of leadership, citizenship, and community service. “Atlanta was beautiful,” Perry said. “Seeing all that the city had to offer and meeting other 4-H members from across the state and country were highlights of the experience.” She was also a part of a community service project where they worked in a city park, putting mulch down as well as cleaning a greenhouse.

INGREDIENTS The Meatballs 1/2 pound ground pork 1/2 pound ground beef 1/4 cup rolled oats 1/4 cup milk 1 large egg, lightly beaten 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 small onion, diced The Sauce 2/3 cup pure maple syrup 1/4 cup prepared yellow mustard 2 tablespoons ketchup 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco) 1/4 teaspoon salt PREPARATION Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Combine ground pork, ground beef, oats, milk, egg, salt, garlic powder, and pepper in a large bowl and mix well.