COUPLAND NEWS | Susan Garry
COUPLAND — The first month of the new Coupland Junior High and High School has been a success, thanks to a lot of hard work, school officials said.
“In Coupland, we follow The Cowboy Way with the acronym RIDE, which stands for respect, integrity, dedication to learning and exceeding expectations,” said Coupland Elementary School Principal Kate Knapek. “We take pride that our students and staff follow The Cowboy Way in everything that they do.”
The Coupland Independent School District has formed what it calls “a game-changing partnership” with Granger and Thorndale independent school districts, as teachers from all three systems come together to plan and prepare for student learning.
“It is a great collaboration,” Knapek said.
Coupland’s last high school closed in the 1940s.
Meanwhile, Coupland’s new Spirit Squad held its first practice, learning cheers and making signs. The Spirit Squad’s inaugural event was to cheer for the CJHHS volleyball team.
Students will hold Dress Up Days to support the Cowboys.
The district’s first home football game is Thursday, Sept. 10, at Memorial Field in Taylor and the homecoming game is Sept. 17.
In addition. Suzie Dunlop stepped up last month to fill a vacancy on the school board.
“Students, staff and the community are important to me,” Dunlop said.
Blue Cat Businesses The Blue Cat, at 206 N. Austin St. behind the Coupland Veterinary Hospital, is a vintage home being converted into a business that features rentable spaces, including a commercial kitchen, three private rooms for small businesses and a shared area.
Owned by Martha Poldrack, the renovation is being managed by her sister, Prissy Rumel. The Blue Cat will be managed by Rumel’s daughter, Tessa Strider.
The Blue Cat is filling up, the managers said.
“We are excited to announce the small businesses that are calling The Blue Cat home,” Rummel said. “Please welcome Case by Case Studio that will be offering manicures, haircuts, hairstyling, blowouts, ear piercing and facial waxing.”
A second business called Double Take is offering curated vintage nostalgic treasures and handcrafted pieces.
“We’re thrilled to have a fun mix of businesses under one roof and there’s one room left,” Rummel said. “Come take a look.”
St. Peter’s Church of Coupland While St. Peter’s Church of Coupland, 108 Wathen St., searches for a permanent minister, the Rev. Nikki Stahl will serve as the bridge pastor, church leaders said.
She earned a Master of Divinity degree from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and Master of Science in social work from the University of Texas at Austin.
“While my time with you will be temporary, I look forward to walking alongside you as we worship, grow in faith, care for one another and prepare for the call of your next settled pastor,” Stahl said.
Worshippers are also rallying to assist neighbors hit hard by a recent disaster, officials said.
The Singleton/ Cavanaugh house burned recently, and St. Peter’s August Mission Offering is dedicated to helping the family replace their possessions and rent a house.
The church is also helping Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry and Thrift Store, founded in 1993 by a ministry in Taylor, which now partners with 20 churches in the area, including St. Peter’s, to provide food, clothing and shelter.
St. Peter’s will be assisting with food distribution on Oct. 3, and volunteers are needed. The pantry is at 121 E. Second St. in Taylor.
Each week Shepherd’s Heart distributes groceries to about 400 households.
The next Senior Lunch is 11:30 a.m. Sept. 15, with chef Peter Wabbel providing a meal.
The Ladies’ Circle hosted the Community Senior Lunch a few weeks ago for 44 attendees who enjoyed bingo and dominoes after the meal.
“The Ladies’ Circle gives a shout-out to all who helped serve, especially our youngest helpers, Soren and Simon Strider,” President Cindy Alexander said.
St. Peter’s regular schedule includes Adult Sunday School at 9 a.m. Sunday followed by worship at 10:15 a.m.
New Sweden Lutheran Church Celebrating its 150th anniversary, New Sweden Lutheran Church –– said to be the most photographed sanctuary in Texas –– offers tours of for groups of four and more at 12809 New Sweden Church Road in Manor.
To arrange a visit, call the office at 512281-0056.
For church news and events, visit the website www.newswedenchurch. org.
The free homesteading/ everyday living classes continue, open to worshippers and visitors. Go to the website to learn more.
Adult Sunday School is 9:30 a.m. Sunday, followed by a worship service at 10:30 a.m. Bible studies include Ladies Bible Study with a light dinner 6:30 p.m. Thursdays. Biweekly Bible study with the Rev. Hans Lillejord is 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Game Days are 12:30 p.m. Thursdays with a light lunch, fellowship and favorite games. Every Thursday at 7 p.m. is “Ping-Pong with the Pastor.”
Type Church
Type Church is east of Coupland at 1200 CR 466. Services are 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Sundays. On Wednesday, Bible study is at 6 p.m. The Men’s Prayer Breakfast is every second Saturday at 9 a.m.
