Here's a new feature I'm trying out: "Fresh Picks." Here you'll find some of the latest headlines and links to the top stories posted by contributors like you, covering the Rockwall, Rowlett, Heath and RoyseCity communities.

>> ROCKWALL/HEATH

Williams Wildcats volleyball girls win championshiphttp://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/24111

Pullen Elementary celebrates Red Ribbon Weekhttp://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/24088

Rockwall Noon Lions install officershttp://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/24080

Galveston/First Presbyterian after Ikehttp://www.neighborsgo.com/stories/24047

“The hardest (but best) job I have ever had is being a mom. No one ever tells you how hard it is, or how rewarding,” said Heath resident Mary Thacker.

After seeing this community volunteer and mother of two in action, she makes the job look easy.

Among the hats Mary wears: PTA secretary for CainMiddle School (where her son Zack is in eighth grade), and Officer of Ways and Means for AmyParks-HeathElementary School (where her daughter Anne-Marie is in fourth grade). She serves as Secretary of the Rockwall County Alliance for the Arts and publicity chairperson for Rockwall County Relay for Life. She is also a Girl Scout troop leader, a Meals on Wheels driver, and a member of the First United Presbyterian Church choir.

When I sat down to write this column, the first cool breeze of autumn blew through my window and I started to type, “This is my favorite time of year.”

But then I looked at the family photo on my desk – the one with the kids bundled up in their winter coats, making snow angels on the side of Colorado’s Buttermilk Mountain – and I realized that it’s the anticipation of winter that truly brings me joy.

Her friends describe her as “a shining star,” “a kind, thoughtful, smart woman in charge,” and “a mom who cares for every child.”

As a wife, mother of three and community volunteer, Kin Penney stays busy as a member of Garland Area Early Childhood PTA, Garland ISD Council of PTAs, Rowlett’s Community Emergency Response Team, and the children’s ministry at Still Water Community Church. You’ve probably read her stories or admired her award-winning photos in neighborsgo.

If you log on to neighborsgo.com regularly like I do (or even half as often as I do, because believe me, I live on the Web site) you’re sure to be amazed at the volume of stories and photos we receive daily – stories that are rich in character, depth and significance – because they are written for and about the very people, places and events that make up our hometown.

The Hawk football players weren't the only stars of the night during Rockwall-Heath's Oct. 10 game against Newman Smith. Members of the homecoming court, sweethearts and beaus and Student Council event organizers took the field before Chelsea Dwyer and Kendial Lawrence were crowned King and Queen. There were so many shining stars that we couldn't recognize them all by name in print, so here's a shout out to those who made the field even brighter:

I can't say I herded cattle or rode a steer in a race across the finish line like these cowgirls did this past weekend, but I was at the ranch in my cowboy hat and boots enjoying the annual Cowgirl Roundup at Bar S Arena in Royse City, where owners Jim and Zee Sykes provided a Texas-sized dose of hospitality, education and entertainment.

The new Rockwall County 4H Rockin' Riders Horse Club offered up homemade cookies, grilled burgers and chili dogs, moon pies and popsicles to the hungry cowgirls and all the spectators. It was the Rockin' Riders first fundraiser since the group formed at the start of the school year. Several supportive horse lovers gave the 4H-ers donations larger than their purchase, including one very generous concession stand visitor who offered up $100 for a hot dog. The young horse club members learned a lot about working together as they served up smiles and refreshments for the hardworking Roundup participants.

The Cowgirl Roundup included ranch sorting, pasture penning, barrel racing, a saddle your horse race, and a steer race. Thanks to the Sykes and all the amazing cowgirls whose horsemanship was so impressive - their strength of will and character is something to be admired, not to mention their physical fitness and mental prowess. Great teamwork, great action, great fun!

The awesome action photos are compliments of Letha Brooke Photography: lethabrooksphotography.com.

A multi-family garage sale benefiting Rowlett resident and business owner Dixis Rogers is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 10 through Sunday, Oct. 12 at 8710 Edgelake Trail in Rowlett. That's in the Lakeside Village neighborhood, on the west shore of Lake Ray Hubbard off Dalrock.

Dixie was recently diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. She and her family are facing the overwhelming costs associated with the treatment of breast cancer while running their family business in tough economic times. 

Dozens of families have come together to contribute to this garage sale. The entire community is encouraged to come help support the Rogers family.

“Ignite your senses” is the theme for this year’s State Fair of Texas, and that pretty much says it all for me.

My senses are on high alert, knowing I’ll be standing inside the show ring with llamas and zebus, opening gates and doing what I can to assist exhibitors with their livestock.

I suppose for most Texans that seems old hat, but it’s important to note that at the time I volunteered for this assignment, I had never even heard of a zebu. I thought they sounded cute, figured they must have stripes of some sort – and besides, I was assured they would be “miniatures.” Surely I’d never have to be face-to-face with a hump-backed bull, or anything close to something that could weigh a gazillion times more than I do.

Well, that’s a bunch of bull. Or Brahman cattle, I should say. I just googled “zebu” and believe me, my senses are definitely ignited.

By the time you read this, I will have stepped into my brand new cowboy boots and proudly donned my official State Fair of Texas pin and Pan American Committee bandana, and had the experience of a lifetime – acting as show steward for livestock exhibitors and greeting international guests in the Pan Am hospitality room. As honorary members of the 2008 Pan American Committee, my family and I are thrilled to be taking part in this new adventure. Even though I may not be able to identify the 75 known breeds of zebu or speak the language of international guests, I’m told all I really need to know is how to say, “Howdy, ya’ll.”

What an awesome opportunity to welcome visitors to our great state, and to learn more about what my daughter, Samantha, is so passionate about. Our involvement in the State Fair is a result of Sam’s involvement in a new club – the Rockwall County Rockin’ Riders 4H Horse Club, managed by Lori Rowe and Carol Boronkay. The club is for kids interested in horses, providing experiences that develop leadership, citizenship, self-esteem and social skills while becoming better horsemen. Members hold club offices, give public speeches and demonstrations, do special projects and spend time with their favorite friends, both human and equine.

Join us this weekend at Bar S Arena in Royse City for the annual Cowgirl Roundup, honoring the spirit of old-time cowgirls who could rope, ride and rodeo right alongside the men. Events include ranch sorting, pasture penning, barrel racing and more. Best of all, admission is free – except you may want to partake of the homemade cookies, hot dogs and chili pie that the Rockin’ Riders will be selling at the concession stand for their very first fundraiser.

Between the Cowgirl Roundup and the State Fair, there are plenty of Kodak moments in store. Be sure to enter your Fair photos in our neighborsgo.com photo contest. The winning image will appear in an upcoming print edition. Upload your photos - or stories, blogs and videos – and include the words “State Fair” in the photo cutline.