Kaufman County Life Magazine - Spring 2012 by Publication Printer

Magazine

Spring 2012 Vol. 2 Issue 2

Independent coffee shops perk up business in Kaufman County Page 6 INSIDE:

Wine & Dine Page 18 Health & Wellness Page 22

Surprisingly affordable.

Please check your PROOF CAREFULLY for accuracy (address, phone, website, coupons, expiration dates, etc.) as Ad Pages cannot be held responsible for any error not marked. Indicate any changes and return this proof AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Approved, no changes www.adpages.com Austin | Dallas | St. Louis

Approved, with noted changes

7/11-SF 1ST PROOF _________

2ND PROOF _________

Authorizing Signature ________________________________________

FAX: 972-509-1603 Main Ofc. 972-424-1980

Date: _________ HALF PAGE

This ad is the property of Ad Pages Magazine. Colors displayed on your proof will not match the final printed ad exactly, color variations WILL OCCUR.

ZERO down • No payments for 6 months Visit us in Terrell, I-20 Exit #503 866.583.2299 ubh.com

CHI0811DP12D

* With approved credit for qualified land owners. Lic Res Mort Lender AR,LA,MS,MO,OK,TX NMLS#39943

WE DO CATERING!

R KCL

20 TENDERS , 2 FAMILY SM

SIDES, 6 ROLLS & GRAVY, FREE GALLON OF TEA

Withcoupon coupononly. only. Valid Valid at at Kaufman Terrell With Rowlett, &Rockwall, locations.locations. Expires 7/31/12 Kaufman &Terrell Expires 9/5/11 R KCL

8 PC. CHICKEN, 3 FAMILY SIDES, 6 ROLLS TEA TUESDAYS!!! Gallon Tea....$2.00 32oz. Tea.....50¢

VALUE MENU Chicken only, no rolls

2PC DARK ............ $1.99 3PC DARK ............ $2.89 8PC DARK ............ $6.99

HOURS: Open 7 Days 10:30am-10:00pm Drive Thru Open til 11pm Friday & Saturday Cards ds

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED KAUFMAN LOCATION ROCKWALL LOCATION KAUFMAN LOCATION 2223 S. Washington St. 1810 S. Goliad 2223 S. Washington St.

Kaufman, TX 75142 Kaufman, TX Corner 75142 of Yellow Jacket & Goliad (Next to Braum’s) 972-932-1400

972-932-1400 972-722-4794

KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE

2 GALLONS OF TEA (Sweet or Unsweetened)

SPRING 2012

R KCL

Rockwall, Rowlett, Terrell & Kaufman locations only

Withcoupon coupon only. only. Valid Terrell With Valid atatKaufman Rowlett,&Rockwall, Expires 7/31/12 Expires 9/5/11 Kaufman locations. &Terrell locations.

Withcoupon coupononly. only. Valid Terrell With Valid at at Kaufman Rowlett,&Rockwall, locations.locations. Expires 7/31/12 Kaufman &Terrell Expires 9/5/11 R KCL

DAILY SPECIALS

MONDAY........... 4 TENDER COMBO.......................$5.00 TUESDAY........... 2 PC COMBO...............................$5.00 32oz. Tea........50¢ Gallon Tea.........$5.00 WEDNESDAY..... 6 LIVER OR 9 GIZZARD COMBO..$4.00 THURSDAY........ 3 PC COMBO...............................$6.00 FRIDAY.............. 7 TENDER COMBO......................$7.00 SATURDAY........ HOT WING COMBO......................$5.50

TERRELL LOCATION ROWLETT LOCATION TERRELL LOCATION 5501 Rowlett RdMoore 1014 1014 W. Ave.W Moore Ave Corner of Big A Terrell, TX 75160Terrell, TX 75160 & Rowlett Rd. 972-551-CHIX

972-551-CHIX (2449) 972-463-4646

15 TENDERS ,1 FAMILY

(2449)

SIDE, GRAVY & ROLLS

1800

Withcoupon coupon only. only. Valid Terrell With Valid atatKaufman Rowlett,&Rockwall, Expires 7/31/12 Kaufman locations. &Terrell locations. Expires 9/5/11

4 TENDER

R KCL

COMBO

Withcoupon coupon only. only. Valid Terrell With Valid at at Kaufman Rowlett,&Rockwall, Expires 7/31/12 Kaufman locations. &Terrell locations. Expires 9/5/11

CHI0811DP12D

Rockwall

Terrell &atKaufman now open 9:30am to better serve locations only you!

2099

THE WORLD’S OLDEST & LARGEST FLEA MARKET

CANTON’S May 3-6; May 31-J une 3rd

eat food g, r G • s r ppin endo 7,000 v legendary sho ques, , anti es of 450 acr ome décor, art ts and gh craf includin bles, jewelry, collecti ecialty items sp

FIRST MONDAY

TRADE DAYS

First Mo Thursday nday Trade Days a re held throu ﬁrst Mon gh Sunday before day of th t e month he

LD FAMO OR US W

ADE FIRST MONDAY TR DAYS

on,

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE CANTON FIRST MONDAY TRADE DAYS IPHONE & ANDROID APPS!

Phone: 877-462-7467 • www.visitcantontx.com KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE SPRING 2012

contents 6 (Cover Story)

Daily Grind Kaufman County entrepreneurs brew up business with coffee shops.

Heart of the Matter

Finding His Way

Character Counts

A grassroots effort looks to breathe new life into Kaufmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic downtown.

With help from the Celebrate Recovery program, Terrellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jeff Allen has a new outlook on life.

Danielle Dawn Smalley Foundation carries on a legacy.

Whether you want a quick pick-me-up in the morning or a place to enjoy time with friends, independent coffee shops are becoming a mainstay in the local restaurant scene. 4

KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE

SPRING 2012

a slice of

Life

That’s the smell of success brewing

Magazine PUBLISHER & EDITOR Michael Gresham

When I first started telling people that the cover story for our next edition of Kaufman County Life would feature area coffee shops, I got a few chuckles. What’s that got to do with Kaufman County? Well, the answer is simple: everything. There is something brewing in Kaufman County and area coffee shops are a good example of it. Kaufman County is growing. It’s diversifying. The landscape of this once rural county is becoming a little more metropolitan. Or, to carry our theme just a bit further, that delicious aroma that wafts up to your nostrils when you enter one of our local coffee shops is not only the sweet fragrance of caffeinated goodness — it’s also the smell of success brewing. With our cover story, we take a look at a few Kaufman County coffee shops. We talked to their owners to hear what inspired them to open for business in Kaufman County. From those who have been in business for years to those who are just now opening their doors, these coffee shop owners all are perfect examples of local people following their dreams with enough passion to turn those aspirations into a reality. Let’s be real: Along with the rest of the nation, Kaufman County business owners have had to grind (pun intended) their way through some pretty tough economic years of late. The fruits of those labors are beginning to show again as business appears to be perking up around Kaufman County. In addition to coffee shops, in this edition of Kaufman County Life, we also highlight a few other organizations that have something brewing, including a grassroots effort to revitalize the Kaufman’s historic downtown and the impact Celebrate Recovery is making on those in need. So come on folks, pull up a chair, grab a cup of Joe and enjoy a few stories about Kaufman County Life. — Michael Gresham

ART DIRECTOR Michael Gresham CONTRIBUTORS Michael Gresham, Don Johnson, Todd Jorgenson, Alison Walker PHOTOGRAPHY Lead Photographer: Don Johnson Michael Gresham, Alison Walker SALES Beth Brown, Chris Pickle LAYOUT Jan Temple GENERAL INQUIRIES info@kaufmancountylife.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES info@kaufmancountylife.com STORY IDEAS info@kaufmancountylife.com EVENT LISTINGS events@kaufmancountylife.com 150 Ninth Street Terrell, TX 75160 972-563-6476 Kaufman County Life assumes no responsibility for the content of articles or advertisements, in that the views expressed therein may not reflect the views of the publisher, employees or contributors. This publication and all of its contents are copyrighted.

ING

SPR

201

COMMUNITY CALENDAR May 12 — FORNEY: Master portrait artist Michael Gillespie will share his drawing techniques to a limited group of eager art students at the Crumbzz/Gallery of the Arts. Supplies and class are free, but you must sign up in advance. Contact Cindy Fritz at 214-957-3620 or artistcindyfritz@yahoo.com. May 19 — TERRELL: Armed Forces Day BBQ hosted by the American Legion Post No. 162, Marine Corps League No. 1338, Trinity Valley Young Marines and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 3905. The event will feature guest speakers and will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the National Guard Armory.

May 19 — KAUFMAN: The "Lost Treasures/Found Art" recycled sculpture exhibit and art show sponsored by the Kaufman Heritage Society will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the historic Kaufman courthouse square. Sculptures, fine art show, children's art show, sidewalk art, art auction, hands-on art activities, musicians and more. www.kaufmanheritagesociety.org June 2 — KAUFMAN: The ""Lost in the 50s" Summer Extravaganza sponsored by the Kaufman Heritage Society will be held from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the historic Kaufman courthouse square. www.kaufmanheritagesociety.org KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE SPRING 2012

Daily Grind It took a while for coffee to gain popularity in the United States after its introduction by the Dutch around 1670. As legend has it, Americans turned to coffee as a way to protest the taxes and governmental oversight that were represented by tea, the beverage so popular in England. The real rise of coffee consumption on this side of the Atlan-

tic coincided with the Civil War, and now, the United States imports more coffee than any other country. Taken as a whole, coffee trade ranks second only to oil as a world commodity, creating a multi-billiondollar market linking farmers in coffee producing regions to consumers everywhere. As Kaufman County has grown, the number of places to get a cup of coffee has grown, too. With urban growth around Forney, Terrell and Kaufman, local entrepreneurs have stepped up to the challenge of opening businesses based on coffee. In Terrell, Billy Langwell and the folks at Koffee Kake have built a solid reputation and faithful following over the course of five years in business. Just down the street, John and Lanna Patterson are trying to renovate one of Terrellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic downtown buildings into the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own living room. And in Forney, Donna and William Grice saw a need for a gathering place on the south side of town, opening Lazy J Coffee in a residential area near Forney High School rather than a typical hightraffic highway location. In all three cases, business success is never guaranteed. Paying

KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE

SPRING 2012

Daily Grind | By Don Johnson Billy Langwell prepares salad bar items for the lunch crowd at Koffee Kake in Terrell. Langwell credits the shop’s homemade food with creating a loyal customer base.

the rent means selling a lot of coffee, and each shop has taken steps to draw as many customers as possible while creating a customer experience that has the small-town feel that separates them from the national chain coffee shops. While the stores have come to reﬂect the personalities of the proprietors, a short conversation with the people in each shop is enough to reveal that they are all making it work with the help, support and hard work of family and friends.

Koffee Kake

Langwell worked for a previous Terrell coffee shop when it closed more than ﬁve years ago. With the support of his sister Debbie Weiss and his mother, Glenda Langwell, the ﬁrst location of Koffee Kake came together on Rockwall Avenue.

“I think the majority of what brings people back is the food. People come here because it is just like their grandmother’s or the quality of food is just so different from what they can find at fast-food restaurants.” — Billy Langwell

Weiss, an experienced businesswoman, also lent her creative talents to the operation. Mother and son managed the day-to-day operations, and over the ﬁrst several years, the business grew. In 2010, Koffee Kake moved to its current spot, a historic home on the north side of downtown Terrell. “My mother and I have literally worked on these buildings from the ground up, on our hands and knees scraping paint,” Billy Langwell said. “We have shared in everything from the cooking to the cleaning, and it has literally been the hardest work I have ever done in my life.” All of the attention to detail has paid off in many ways, though, with customers appreciating every change and improvement that comes to the store. “Customers become like family, and they come to see the decorations we bring in or new things on the menu,” Langwell said. “Just a subtle change in the interior, like when we added a huge rug, and we had people coming in for a week just to see it.” While coffee is central to the business model,

the baked goods, sandwiches, salads and other dishes that are made from scratch daily may be what cements Koffee Kake into the minds of customers for repeat visits. “I think the majority of what brings people back is the food,” Langwell said. “I wasn’t originally going to open a lunch place. It just kind of morphed into that on its own. Now people come here because it is just like their grandmother’s or the quality of food is just so different from what they can find at fast-food restaurants. Everything is from family recipes; you can come in and eat healthy if you want to, and everything starts fresh every day.” Economic pressures have put the squeeze on many independently owned shops, but expanding product offerings and catering outside events has helped Koffee Kake grow through the adversity. “We haven’t really seen the down economy,” Langwell said. “Terrell has been very good to us. We have such a loyal clientele, and we truly care about our customers. You think of having a little sandwich shop, and how much fun that would be, and it is true, but it is also very, very hard work.” Not that he is complaining. The Langwells are in the kitchen before sunup, getting the day’s products into the oven. After the ebb and flow of the day’s customer traffic, Billy Langwell said a little bit of reflection is order before starting the cycle all over. “I am in here at 4:45 every morning, with 14- or 15-hour days, but every day is different because you don’t know exactly who will walk in the door,” he said. “The last thing I do at the end of the day is pour myself the last cup of coffee and go out onto the porch, and that is my time. It is hard work, but it is my niche, and I love it.”

Lazy J Coffee

As a successful corporate accountant with 20 years of experience, Grice could have stayed in the business world, but she was miserable. At a personal turning point in her own life, and with the support of her husband, William, she risked her savings and retirement money to open Lazy J Coffee in November 2011. “I did not research all of the details, but I saw the place, I knew where we wanted to be and just jumped in,” Grice said. “I won’t lie, it has been a struggle. Between three times the building ﬂooded and road construction, there were times that I just cried and prayed, hoping that I could meet payroll and not bounce any checks.”

KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE SPRING 2012

Joy Smith takes care of a customer at one of Kaufman County’s newest coffee shops, Lazy J Coffee in Forney. Owners Donna and William Grice have made Lazy J a gathering place for students, Bible studies, music performances and jewelry vendors. Soon, it will also be the home of Yum-Yum Bakery.

growth for both businesses — growth that several months ago was only a dream for the Grices. “It has had its ups and downs, but it has definitely brought us closer together,” Grice said. “I would do it all again, because the people I’ve met and the relationships I’ve been able to have are worth the risks.”

Java Junkies Now halfway into the first year of operation, Lazy J is building a customer base and business model that can make it sustainable for the long-term. For Grice, being strong and finding solutions is a testament to the store’s namesake, her father, Jimmy Smith. “My dad could walk into anything, any situation, and make something out of it,” she said. “If there was anything he couldn’t do, I never knew it.” Jimmy Smith, nicknamed “Lazy J,” also drank coffee all day, so naming the shop in his honor was a natural fit, even if that was not the first choice. “We thought up a lot of names, but everything was taken,” Grice said. “My husband said we should name it after dad, and I just about cried. Of course if it didn’t work out I would have to live with that, the feeling that I had let him down. My dad is my hero.” While Grice was spending her time, money and energy to get the shop up and running, she credits her employees with making it a place that customers want to visit. “The early customers want their morning Joy (referring to employee Joy Smith) and during the day people look for Ashley and they like the way she serves coffee,” she said. “It isn’t just them, but everyone tries to get to know the customers’ personalities and makes sure that everyone leaves in a better mood than when they came in.” To add to the store’s customer attractions, and to its bottom line, Grice is working to add food to her menu in the form of a collaboration with Yum-Yum Bakery’s Jaime Zapata. If all goes as planned, having Zapata in the store will create opportunities and 8

KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE

SPRING 2012

The Pattersons are the most recent adventurers into the world of independent coffee shops in the area. In fact, as of May 1, Java Junkies in downtown Terrell was still in the middle of interior finish-out. “We just loved this building and wanted an outlet to do what we wanted to do,” John Patterson said. “We closed a barbecue business and have consolidated our efforts into this bakery and coffee shop. We like to make people happy, so we are making a place that people will want to come to, watch a movie, hang out with their family and friends and we will have a lot of fun.” While the 115-year-old building has plenty of built-in charm, turning it into a modern dining facility has proven to be a formidable task. Roofing, an entirely new kitchen and upgrades throughout the building were necessary to bring the building into compliance with codes and ordinances. “The city has to try to refer back to 1897 when there were no building codes, then determine what things are grandfathered in and what is not,” said Janna, who is heading up the construction and remodeling. “Replacing the roof and the electrical system were just things we had to do. It is part of having the building.” To make Java Junkies a welcoming hangout spot, the Pattersons have planned for two giant-screen televisions, comfortable seating and enough treats and drinks to keep people in their seats. “Being different will be the key to success,” John said. “We want to offer things you can’t find in other places, and we will also host events, movie nights, parties and receptions. I have high expectations.”

•

MODEL TEA Especially For You marks 25 years of business In Kaufman, the rise and fall of The Servant’s Bookstore and Coffee Shop was a live demonstration of how even a successful business venture can quickly become an empty building. Once a going concern on the city square, owner Shelley Allen was unable to duplicate the success after moving the store to a new and much larger building further from the town center. In contrast, Especially for You Tea Room is marking 25 years of back on the square. For the last two years, Lori McWha and many of her family members have worked to continue the traditions started by the shop’s founder, Nancy Murphy. “Every recipe is Nancy’s original, the tried and true things that our

customers love,” McWha said. “The key is consistency. If someone visits us and tries something that they love, we need to make sure that when they come back, it is the same.” As with the newer coffee shops, Especially For You has additional items for sale including cards, gifts and decor. “In our dream world, customers come in to eat, have dessert, then buy a gift on the way out,” McWha said. “We also prepare a lot of to-go orders for teachers and others around town.” Finding a niche, filling a need and creating a place for people to gather is a business model that seems easy to grasp. Turning that into a profitable business, however, is quite complicated. Especially For You is a reminder to the newer startups that the longterm future is still bright.

SERVICE DIRECTORY

adrienne’s hair studio

20% off

(new clients & referrals – must mention ad)

Competitive Price & Quality Customer Service

Thompson sTone marT

Variety of Stone, Sand & Gravel Tractor & Driveway work (Road Base) Mulch, Pavers Volume Discounts Available

502 e. hwy. 80, forney 214-620-8912 Blinds, shades, draperies, shutters and more

•••

14800 E. I-20, Wills Point 972-524-5588

APEX, REALTORS® Vanessa Hunter REALTOR®

www.heatherlaneapt.com www.tiffanysquaretownhomes.com

vanessa.hunter@coldwellbanker.com vhunter.cbapex.com

Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

H A S S L E F..R.E E PR IN TI NG SCmUE REI.co E EIK THHW TO w.S

972-563-3111

30% OFF

972-551-2110

214.908.9984 CELL 972.772.9300 OFFICE

Save on energy costs www.budgetblinds.com/terrell Sunni Craig, Owner

101 Tiffany Circle, Terrell

shweiki ww

SUPER SHWEIKI SPECIAL!

50 FREE POSTCARDS

(Please don’t stretch ad)

Scan Here To Get Our Crystal Clear Guarantees

www.SHWEIKI.com 4” X 6” Full Color 2 sided 10pt Gloss w/UV

Energy Efficient Window Coverings and More

FREE

QUOTE & SAMPLES

www.SHWEIKI.com

KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE SPRING 2012

The renovation of several buildings combined with the opening of a handful of new businesses has sparked a grassroots effort to revitalize Kaufmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic downtown square.

Heart of the Matter | By Michael Gresham

HEART OF THE MATTER Long a hallmark of small-town living, a group of Kaufman residents and business owners have come together in hopes of reviving the town’s historic downtown. Nestled among other historic buildings on the southwest corner of Kaufman’s courthouse square, a crowd has gathered inside a local eatery for a night of good music and downhome Texas barbecue. They’ve all come for the monthly Kaufman JamFest, featuring live acoustic music and showcasing local talent. While the musicians on stage at Jackson Street BBQ may be the focus of the crowd, the recently renovated, historic building could easily steal the show. “What they’ve done to that building to make it look like it does now, that’s exactly what this town needed,” said Carolyn Long, a longtime Kaufman resident and active member of a grassroots effort to revitalize the town’s historic downtown area. “We want to bring life back to Kaufman’s downtown. It’s the heart of our town, and we want to get it beating again.” The grassroots effort is being spearheaded by a composite group of the Kaufman Heritage Society and Kaufman Downtown Association. “Over the years, we’ve tried a few different times to start a revitalization project in the downtown area. Nothing has ever come of it, though,” said Debra Lalumia, who along with her husband Sam restored one of the historic buildings on the town’s square and reopened it as Maples Hall in 2008. “When it came time for planning a celebration for the 160th anniversary of the town square, we all came together. It was then we realized that we all had common goals.” Since partnering for that celebration, the two groups have merged as the Kaufman Heritage Society and refocused their efforts on revitalizing the downtown area. “To be honest, we’ve just grown tired of waiting for something to happen so we decided we’d just do it,” Long said. “This group has a lot of energy. We’ve already been very active in getting things done, and we really think we can build upon the success that we saw with the 160th birthday celebration.” Something that has worked in the group’s favor has been the renovation of several buildings on the square. “It started with Sam and Debra. They got the ball the rolling with what they did to restore Maples Hall. They really are our anchor on the east end of the square,” Long said. “On the west side of the square, the renovation projects by the Johnsons have just taken that effort even further.” Leon and Suzan Johnson began their efforts with the renovation of a long abandoned building that now is home to Jackson Street BBQ. The project has grown to include several adjacent buildings, which have become home to shops such as Yogurt In Motion and the Mulberry Peddler. “Ever since we’ve opened, all we hear is, ‘We are so glad y’all

The community of Kaufman celebrated the 160th anniversary of its downtown square in the fall of 2011. That celebration sparked a grassroots effort to breathe new life into the town’s center.

are here. Kaufman really needed this,’” said Suzan Johnson, who owns and operates Mulberry Peddler. “What we’ve learned is that people really want Kaufman’s historic downtown square to thrive. They want us to succeed because they love the idea of a vibrant downtown.” Long believes that, as a society, many Americans want to return to something that more resembles the Norman Rockwell era. “You’re seeing more and more people who find that smalltown charm appealing. They want that vibrant downtown. They want that neighborly, community feel. They want to recapture that culture,” Long said. “In some communities — like Southlake — they’ve even gone as far as to build a historic downtown look. We don’t have to build it. We have it right here. We just need to breathe new life into it.” According to Long, the group knows its efforts have been aided by the recent renovations of local buildings, but that also more has to be done. “Of course, we’d love to see every building on the square renovated and open for business, but we’re about more than that,” she KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE SPRING 2012

explained. “We’re also about making sure people have a reason to come downtown to shop and eat. We want to make Kaufman’s historic downtown square a destination.” To achieve that goal, the group has set an aggressive schedule of events that includes at least one activity a month. “Ultimately, we’d love for the downtown area to become more like an arts district with shops, restaurants and activities that draw crowds to Kaufman,” Long said. “It’s the chicken and the egg issue, though. The shops won’t come until they see people coming downtown. The people won’t come downtown unless there are shops and restaurants. What we want to do is give people a reason to come downtown.” On May 19, the Heritage Society will kick off a five-month schedule of activities with the “Lost Treasures/Found Art” recycled sculpture exhibit and art show. “It’s a cooperative effort between the Heritage Society and the Kaufman County Environmental Co-op,” said Lalumia. “It will include displays of local fine art and sculptures made of recycled materials.” In addition, the event, which will be held from 10 am. to 4 p.m. on the square, will feature a children’s art show, sidewalk art, a “Plein Air” art show, hands on art activities and projects, and an art auction. The highlight of the day will be a free concert at 1 p.m. by Vocal Trash, a creative musical group that creates an unusual sound with its

fusion of a cappella harmonies, industrial “Stomp”-style drumming and breakdancers. The group also plans a “Lost in the 50s” summer extravaganza in June, a “Market on Wheels” open trunk show in August, a historical celebration in October and the annual “Christmas on the Square” in December. “We know this is just a start,” Lalumia said. “We’re looking at doing more in the future, including plans for outdoor movie nights and possibly concerts on the stage in the new Heritage Park downtown.” The Kaufman Heritage Society boasts about 40 members, but Long admits of that number there is a core group of about 10 who are the most active. Long also is quick to acknowledge the past history of failed attempts revitalize downtown. “We know we face an uphill battle. We know we’re just a grassroots effort right now, and we’re trying to work the city and other organizations to help our cause,” said Long, who has hopes city staff can help obtain a Main Street USA program for Kaufman, which could lead to much-needed grant funding. “I see a lot of potential in our downtown and in our group. We’re organized, we’re energized and we share a common passion: bringing Kaufman’s historic downtown square to life.” To find out more about the Kaufman Heritage Society, its activities and its efforts to revitalize the downtown square, visit www. kaufmanheritagesociety.org.

•

Top left: David Bockes plays along on a ukulele at one of the first Kaufman Jamfest events in 2011. Held at Jackson Street Barbecue, the acoustic music gatherings are held monthly during the summer months. Left: Yogurt in Motion moved into a historic space on the Kaufman square in 2011. Along with their dessert offerings, the shop has expanded to serve light lunch items, baked potatoes and chili. Bottom left: The just-opened Mulberry Peddler store offers a variety of vintage decor items as well as upholstery fabrics and gifts. Bottom right: Maples Hall serves as an event space for weddings, parties and meetings on the Kaufman town square.

KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE

SPRING 2012

Celebrating Life | By Michael Gresham

CELEBRATING LIFE It was in his darkest hour that Jeff Allen found his way. A series of mishaps in life, love and business had set the Terrell man on a destructive path — one that led him in October 2009 to placing a gun in his mouth and pulling the trigger. “I had fallen deeper into a depression that would bring me to the edge. I decided that I would end it all,” Allen said. “I took my pistol and cleaned it. I probably emptied and loaded it 20 times. I got angry with God for letting me get to that point. I cursed him, said screw it, put the gun in my mouth and pulled the trigger.” But nothing happened.

“I heard a click and checked the chamber. Yes, a round was chambered,” he said. “I pulled the magazine out and emptied the gun. I picked up the round and checked it. Yes, the firing pin had hit the round.” Confused, frustrated and somewhat dumbfounded, Allen reloaded the gun, walked outside, pointed the gun at the ground and fired. It worked. “I cried for a good three hours sitting on the back porch,” Allen said. “Then I got angry with everything again.” The following Sunday, Allen went to his church, Rafter J Cowboy Church in Terrell, with a chip on his shoulder. “I wasn’t happy about what the pastor had preached about,” he explained. “After the sermon, in front of everyone, I lit into him.” A few of the congregation members pulled Allen away and began questioning him. “I broke down and told them everything,” Allen said. “At the time, I didn’t know any better, but that was the first step toward me getting my life back together.” Andy Goldring, one of the lay pastors at Rafter J Cowboy Church, encouraged Allen to attend a Celebrate Recovery meeting with him at Victory Church in Scurry. “I was working my way through my own issues and Celebrate Recovery was really helping me,” said Goldring, who now serves as the coordinator for Rafter J Cowboy Church’s Celebrate Recovery program. “It made me a better father, husband and friend — and I wasn’t a bad guy to start with. It just helps. It has some healing part to it that is hard to put into words.” Allen, however, was hesitant to take part. “At the time, I blew him off. I didn’t think it was for me. What? Talk about your feelings? Not me. I was programmed not to do that,” Allen said. Goldring, though, wouldn’t take no for an answer, and Allen promised to attend three meetings with the lay pastor. “The first meeting, I was scared that people would laugh me

A series of heartbreaks and mishaps sent Jeff Allen’s life in a downward spiral that culminated in 2009 with a suicide attempt. Through a renewed faith in God and with help from Ed McDonald and the Celebrate Recovery program, Allen (right) has found his way. out of there. ‘You lost your business? So what, this is a place for people with real problems,’” Allen said. “Little did I know. They were friendly and didn’t ask me to reveal anything that I wasn’t comfortable revealing.” Allen admitted he didn’t say much that first meeting, but he grew more comfortable with each visit and soon began opening up. “I started feeling better,” Allen said. According to Goldring, Allen’s reactions are pretty common. “It’s tough to open up and be honest — especially for men. We’re not used to telling people about our problems. For Jeff, an ex-Marine who was full of pride and shame, it almost intimidated him,” Goldring said. “Every time someone comes to this program, though, they leave walking faster with their heads held higher. You can come in hopeless and leave with hope after just one visit.” Of course, for the program to truly work, participants have to be willing to go all the way. Allen soon found he wasn’t sure he could. “I joined a step-study, but when it came time for the fourth step, I froze, fell out and slipped away. There were some things that I just wasn’t comfortable with revealing to another person,” Allen said. Despite the setback, Allen continued to attend the meetings. “My sponsor told me that I had to give everything to the Lord,” he said. “After some time, I joined a second | Continued on page 25 KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE SPRING 2012

ONE OF THE

BEST

Texas Health Rockwall is honored to be named 35th on Mod

As home to some of the nation’s finest physicians and health

claim Rockwall’s most advanced health care facility as their

40087-10THR_KCL_BPTW.indd 1

on Modern Healthcareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Places to Work in Healthcare. d health care professionals, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no wonder so many patients as their own. Find out more at www.texashealthrockwall.com.

2/8/12 10:41 AM

Character Counts | By Todd Jorgenson

Danielle Dawn Smalley Foundation, Crandall Carrying on the legacy

Perhaps the best way to measure the success of the Danielle Dawn Smalley Foundation during the past decade is not in the way its message is delivered, but in the way it is received. Ten years ago, some within the oil and gas industry might have regarded the foundation’s programs emphasizing pipeline safety and awareness as trivial. Now, those within the industry find such information vital. The Crandall-based foundation marks its 10th anniversary in 2012 not knowing how many tragedies have been prevented through its efforts. But the difference it has made is validated almost daily in ways that are less tangible. The nonprofit foundation was started by Kaufman County resident Danny Smalley in 2002, six years after the death of his teenage daughter, Danielle, a student at Scurry-Rosser High School. She was killed along with a friend in August 1996 while driving to report a leaking 8-inch liquid butane pipeline. The truck she was driving stalled, and upon restart, ignited a massive explosion near the community of Lively. “The original vision of the foundation was to make a difference for safety and awareness about pipelines,” said Michelle Joseph, executive director of the Smalley Foundation. “Not only did we have to develop training programs, but we also had to go out and get the interest in the first place.” That effort began with teaching first responders in rural areas that such knowledge-based training was necessary, as well as convincing pipeline operators that safety education would be mutually beneficial. “We have created a very specific niche in the oil and gas industry of safety and awareness,” Joseph said. “No one else does what we do like we do it.” Joseph said the foundation acts as an educational liaison of sorts between operators within the oil and gas industry, and stakeholders such as first responders and school systems. Its core programs include several for first responders focusing on pipeline safety, oil and gas drilling terminology and procedures, and scenario-based training inspired by true-life accounts. The foundation also has had a school education program for

KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE

SPRING 2012

the past six years, reaching as many as 45 states. In the past two years, those efforts have broadened to include awareness of oil and gas drilling sites to educators and students alike. The idea, Joseph said, is to give students and administrators the knowledge they need to be safe around drilling sites, so that curious children aren’t tempted to play around potentially dangerous above-ground sites such as pump jacks, storage tanks, wellhead valves and frac ponds. “We go in and show them photos of storage tanks, and tell them about the potential dangers and hazards and why they’re not safe to hang around, even though they are inviting because they’re secluded,” Joseph said. “A lot of kids out in the country like to ride on the pump jacks, and they don’t realize the operation of those is automatic. They can get caught up or crushed in the heavy equipment, and if there are any leaking fumes, there’s the potential for combustibility.” The risk-analysis programs in schools extend beyond student assemblies, however, and are also targeted at school officials who need knowledge of where pipelines are located around their campuses, how to spot leaks or other potential problems, and what to do if an evacuation becomes necessary. Such efforts are included on the schoolpipelinesafety.org website started by the foundation. Joseph said a “cultural change” is required in some areas with regard to safety and awareness around equipment that has been around for so long that it blends in with the landscape. “Pipelines and above-ground equipment are very different yet similar,” she said. “Pipelines are out of sight and somewhat out of mind. This above-ground equipment, especially in Texas, is so entrenched in our heritage. They’ve become part of the scenery, and there’s a real false sense of comfort there. You don’t really realize the magnitude of potential harm.” In recent years, the Smalley Foundation has continued to expand its mission from pipelines exclusively into all aspects of the oil and gas industry. “Operators are now coming to us to spread this word of safety on their behalf because they’ve recognized the need for it,” Joseph said. “We’re more recognized for our resources on a national level. What we’re doing is actually changing the culture of safety and awareness in the oil and gas and pipeline industries. We’re encouraging these operators to be transparent like never before.” A primary reason for the effectiveness of the foundation’s message, Joseph said, is its neutrality in a climate that can become politically charged. “We present a fair and neutral and balanced message of education and safety,” Joseph said. “We believe pipelines are a necessity. We advocate pipelines and believe that they are the safest method of transporting energy in our nation. We advocate drilling for our energy resources in order to be more self-sufficient for our nation’s demands. “We’re really a fine-tuned balance where both the stakeholder audience and the industry trusts us because we’re a source of a factual message. We really are that bridge of communication between the two. Operators know that when we’re up saying these things, it’s a lot more credible than for them to stand up there and say them.” The foundation’s value and | Continued on page 25

Cook’s Corner | By Alison Walker

Barbie Kraig, Forney

Tasty Tex-Mex done right Barbie Kraig is known for her cooking skills, which enable her to serve up a variety of homemade dishes like her signature enchiladas. “I raised two big boys, both football players. When you have boys you have to learn to cook because you can’t afford to take them out,” she said. Kraig, who has built a reputation as a cook, said the enchiladas are really easy. “What makes these even better is that you can easily change the recipe by adding ingredients,” she said. Although cooking is something that now comes natural to her, she admits that it is something she did not learn to do until after she got married. “My mother always had me cleaning up in the kitchen, so I never really learned how to cook. When I did, it was out of necessity,” she said. Now a grandmother to two granddaughters, Kraig’s cooking expertise has expanded beyond the walls of her kitchen and she shares her talents with others, particularly those at her congregation, Fellowship Church of Forney. “Last year the youth had a dinner theater and I cooked everything. They’ve already called me to see if I can do it again this year,” Kraig said. Although cooking is a passion, Kraig’s weekdays are spent running the family business, Sunbeam Foods, a second-generation food service distributing company in Dallas. She also heads up a women’s singing group, Undivided Hearts. Kraig stays busy, working for the betterment of her community. She is serving as director of operations for IMPACT My Community, a partnership between churches that serve the Forney, Mesquite, Sunnyvale and Terrell areas, which seeks to meet the physical and practical needs of community members through projects and services one weekend each May.

Barbie’s Enchiladas

Barbie’s cooking tips

1 lb. mild cheddar 1 yellow onion 1 pkg. Mission yellow corn tortillas (super size) 1 can Wolf Brand chili (no beans) 1 10 oz. can Old El Paso enchilada sauce (red) 1 10 oz. can Old El Paso enchilada sauce (green) Grate cheese. Grate onion. Combine with cheese to your taste preference. Spray a 9 x 12 baking pan with canned cooking spray. Add a little bit of the sauce to the bottom of the pan. Mix together in a small pan the chili, red sauce and green sauce. Heat on the stove on low until warm. Add a little bit of sauce to the baking pan. Heat a little oil on a flat skillet. Place corn tortilla on skillet and warm. Turn to other side. Don’t overcook, just warm it to get it flexible. Stuff the corn tortilla with a couple of tablespoons of the cheese and onion mixture (you can also add a little beef if you prefer) Roll the tortilla and place in the baking dish. Continue until the pan is full. Cover with sauce and grated cheese. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly. Let stand for about five minutes before serving.

#1 Don’t cook your meat in the oven until it looks perfect. When meat is removed it needs time to “sit to set” and finish cooking. Allow 10 minutes for the set process. Your meat will always be juicier and tender if you follow this simple rule. #2 You can cook pasta in the oven. Just make sure that you put a lot of water or liquid in your casserole to help it cook through.

KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE SPRING 2012

WINE & DINE

Boo’s Beverage Center Boo’s Beverage Center truly is a family business, even if no one in that family is named Boo. Rather, the liquor store on the frontage road of Interstate 20 at State Highway 34 is owned by brothers Rickey and Eddie Dodson. Eddie’s son is the only other employee. They purchased the business three years ago. The previous owners, who ran the store for more than two decades, had a son nicknamed Boo, and renamed it after him about 23 years ago. When the Dodson brothers stepped in, the store was so popular that the name wasn’t going anywhere. “It’s so unique that we didn’t even think about changing it,” Rickey Dodson said. The 1,800-square foot store has a variety of beer, wine and spirits. It has been around for almost 50 years under three owners, making it the second oldest building at an intersection that has since grown to include Tanger Outlet

Center and numerous other retail establishments. Neither of the Dodson brothers are drinkers, but said the timing was right for the Forney natives to start a business venture with a liquor establishment. “We do a lot of things together. We’re a very close-knit family,” Rickey said. “This one just happened to be for sale at the time we were looking.” Boo’s Beverage Center has an extensive wine list, and Rickey said he conducts research to keep the inventory updated with the newest and most popular products. He said the location along a busy stretch of the freeway has led the business to become a popular destination for travelers over the years. It also has allowed the owners the chance to know many of their customers personally. “Both of us love people, and this is a very people-oriented business. The customers we get here are great,” Rickey said. “We’ve got several generations that have come here.”

Miyako Japanese Restaurant After more than a decade of helping other restaurateurs create successful businesses, Hyung Choi decided to open a place of his own. Now Terrell boasts Miyako, the only sushi and hibachi grill restaurant in the area. “So far, people have really liked it, and we have even had some customers drive out from Dallas to try our sushi,” Choi said. “Of course, we also have a hibachi menu so that there is something for everyone.” To help new customers find something they are sure to like, Choi created an easy guide to ingredients, flavors and even which pieces are served uncooked. “There is a barrier with the idea people have about sushi being raw, but many are surprised how much is cooked,” said chef Jin Seo. “Everything here is my own recipes. If

you look at our menu, you will find that things are unique, even compared to restaurants in Dallas.” In sushi restaurants, the chef’s skill at blending flavors with an artistic touch can make a meal memorable. “I am only 29 years old, but I started working in sushi kitchens when I was 14,” said Seo, who trained in Hawaii and California. “The sushi is good, but I make a mean steak too.” Lunch specials, including sushi, start at under $8, and sushi happy hour features 20 percent off sushi dishes 7-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Wednesday is “ladies night” at Miyako, with free appetizers for female guests. Miyako is located in the Terrell Brookshire’s shopping center at 1420 W. Moore Ave., next to Aaron Rents, 972563-3773.

Terrell Steak and Grill Jaime Chavez has held so many jobs in the restaurant industry that it made sense for him to become an owner one day. That’s exactly the path he chose in February 2011, when the previous owners of Double T Steak and Grill in Terrell decided to retire. Rather than see the business close down, Chavez stepped in to operate it himself. The renamed Terrell Steak and Grill, at 307 E. Interstate 20, has made a few changes since while trying to expand the loyal customer base it has enjoyed since it opened in 2001. Chavez has held just about every position in the restaurant business during the past 25-plus years, from dishwasher to manager. He was a server at his current location

for 10 years prior to becoming the owner. “Jaime has always liked the restaurant business,” said general manager Vicky Bunch. “He’s good with people.” Among the changes introduced by Chavez is a banquet room that can be reserved by large groups, and some changes in the menu to generate more lunch business. He said the staff prides itself on quality food and friendly service. “We want our customers to come back,” Chavez said. “They like the way the restaurant looks now and they like the food and the service.” The restaurant, which has eight full-time employees, is open for lunch and dinner every day except Monday. It also has a catering operation. For more information, call 972-524-9998.

Dippin’ Dave’s Ice Cream Shoppe It may be a bit of nostalgia or a simple respite from the busy-ness of life, but no matter how you see it, Dippin’ Dave’s Ice Cream Shoppe is certainly the place to make fun family memories and enjoy some sweet treats. While the shop has only been in place a few months, it has quickly become a popular hangout. “Our prices are lower than most, but our primary goal was to create a family atmosphere where people can come it, sit and enjoy time together,” said owner Dave Drennon. “We have been working on this for three years, and things finally fell in place to follow our dreams to make it happen.” With 36 flavors of ice cream, a variety of baked treats and pies, shakes and malts, Dippin’ Dave’s has something

KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE

SPRING 2012

for every sweet tooth. Hot dogs and nachos are also available for a more substantial meal. A friendly decor inside and patio dining outside give plenty of options, but the Dippin’ Dave’s experience is not limited to in-store enjoyment. Drennon offers catering options to fill the needs of events large and small. “Ice cream socials, birthday parties, sundae bars or whatever people may want, we can come up with something,” Drennon said. Find up-to-date information on Dippin’ Dave’s happenings, visit them on Facebook. Dippin’ Dave’s is located in the Kickapoo Trace shopping center at 571 S. FM 548, #112 in Forney. 972-552-1331.

“Oh taste and see that the Lord is good: Blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” (Psalms 34:8)

Scooping out smiles one dip at a time.

BEVERAGE CENTER 305 I-20 E. Terrell, TX 75160

972-552-1331 Mon-Thurs 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Closed Sunday

Offering 36 Flavors of Blue Bell Ice Cream ... & More!

972-524-0233 Owners: Eddie & Rickey Dodson

homestyle cooking

EVERY TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY: ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI ROLLS $19.95 per person Fresh & cooked to order. ••• Try our nightly specials.

972-524-9998 I-20 & Hwy. 34, Terrell

972-563-3773 •1412 W. Moore Ave. (next to Aaron’s)

Formerly Double T Steakhouse

www.terrellsteak&grill.com Hours Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Monday

Hours: Lunch 11AM-2PM (SUN-FRI), Dinner 5-9PM (MON-THURS), Dinner 5-10PM (FRI-SAT) • BYOB!

KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE SPRING 2012

SCENE & HEARD

Quilter’s Apprentice Wendy Stevens’ inspiration for opening Quilter’s Apprentice came from visiting quilt stores all over the country and a passion for fabric and quilting passed to her from her mother, Judy Bonville. Wendy’s husband, Joe, suggested she open the store in Terrell. “I think we’ve visited at least one per state with the exception of the northwest,” Wendy said, to which her husband quickly asks, “one?,” with a laugh. Delighted at her husband’s suggestion, Wendy incorporated the best of everything they had seen on their travels and opened their Moore Avenue shop, Quilter’s Apprentice. Originally from Maine, the Stevens moved to Texas 20 years ago, when Joe took a job as a project manager with the state of Texas. After the birth of their son, Mike, the couple moved from their lakeside house in Rockwall to six acres in Poetry.

The shop is a quilter’s dream with more than 500 bolts of fabrics in a wide selection of solids, prints and batiks. “Our intent is to provide a wide variety of fabrics for every type of quilter instead of specializing in just one area,” Wendy said. The owners take pride in being a one-stop quilt shop with a notions wall featuring virtually any tool a quilter would need, a collection of books and patterns, a rainbow assortment of threads, and a wall that features a collection of patterns for purses and iPad covers as well as materials needed to make them. Wendy also carries a small selection of gift items pertaining to quilting such as notepads, calendars, and car decals. Gift Certificates are always available. A long-arm quilting machine is available for quilters to earn their certification as well as for rental. They also have an embroidery machine for customers who want to purchase embroidered panels to | Continued on page 25

Mag Power Sports Mag Power Sports is a one-stop shop for riders of allterrain vehicles and off-road enthusiasts in Kaufman County and beyond. The company has grown steadily since opening a retail location in November on U.S. Highway 80 in Forney, following about two years of selling products online. “We’ve been growing nonstop,” said sales manager Adam Allgood. “The word is getting out a little bit.” The growth has included the recent opening of a 7,500-square-foot service center that employs three fulltime technicians. The center offers everything from tire and oil changes to customization and complete engine rebuilds.

“We have the space to keep everyone’s bikes inside for security purposes,” Allgood said. The store sells parts and accessories for a variety of vehicles, including dirt bikes, ATVs, sport bikes, UTVs and cruisers. The retail side of the business features a wide selection of merchandise, including an expanding line of tires, helmets, jackets and gloves, as well as items aimed at increasing safety for riders. “Safety is becoming a bigger concern,” said general manager Jeffrey Johnston. “We’re not going to sell anything that we don’t have confidence in or that we haven’t used.” Mag Power Sports can be reached at 972-564-9000 or www.magpowersports.com.

Terrell’s Best Bingo The audience might enjoy a sense of nostalgia when it watches the Spectacular Senior Follies. It turns out the cast members feel the same way. The nonprofit group performs an annual variety show with comedy and musical numbers for one weekend each September at the Eisemann Center in Richardson. The performers are all ages 55 and up. “The audience comes alive when they hear those songs. But the unintended consequence is how it brings the cast to life,” said co-vice chairman Pete Snider. “It gives them a vitality that they wouldn’t have if it weren’t for this show.” Take Ned Startzel, for example. He participated in the first Senior Follies show on his 90th birthday. Five years later, he’s still singing in a chorus and performing as part of

a two-person Vaudeville-style routine in the show. “He’s a very special man,” Snider said. “I hope he lives to be 120.” Spectacular Senior Follies is one of four rotating charities benefiting from funds raised at Terrell’s Best Bingo, who opened last summer just north of Terrell on State Hwy. 205. “They’re really special people and they’re a lot of fun to be around,” said Marla Gatlin, owner of Terrell’s Best Bingo. The Senior Follies is a professional show with lavish costumes and a cast of about 100, Snider said. The show is developed year-round, with auditions in the spring and rehearsals during the summer leading up to the four days | Continued on page 25 of performances.

Lazy J Coffee Located at the convenient crossroads of Farm-to-Market roads 548 and 741 on the south side of Forney, Lazy J Coffee has put together an atmosphere, attitude and coffee selection for any taste and any time of day. It is a place where regulars are known by their names and favorite drinks, and new customers are quickly made to feel at home. Freshly brewed coffees and an ever growing list of custom espresso drinks form a menu unique to Lazy J Coffee. Soon, Lazy J will debut the baking talents of Jaime Zapata’s Yum-Yum Bakery to add tasty treats to go with customers’ favorite drinks. Not content simply to create a place to get good coffee, Lazy J owner Donna Grice has made her shop a place

KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE

SPRING 2012

to meet, work, read or enjoy time with friends. “We love to host musicians, as well as vendor days, Bible studies, parties and get-togethers of all kinds,” she said. The shop takes the nickname of Grice’s father, Jimmy Smith, who loved coffee. “The coffee pot in our home was never empty throughout the day,” Grice said. “Dad simply loved his coffee strong and very sweet. Like his coffee, he too was very strong and sweet.” Smith’s memory lives on through the store’s signature coffee, a flavor custom-made for the shop. Lazy J Coffee is located near Forney High School at 571 South FM 548, No. 120. Visit them on the web at www. lazyjcoffee.com or call 972-552-3737.

Fabrics Notions Books Patterns Longarm Quilting Classes

et G s ’ t Le ive! Creat

— Terrell’s Best —

B I N G O Feeling Lucky? Come in to sign up for our may & june

$2,000 drawings! Birthday Special: Get a 1¢ set on your birthday! (with valid ID) Bring in this ad for a FREE dauber!

Tues.-Fri. 10a.m.-5p.m. Sat. 10a.m.-3p.m. Closed Sun. & Mon.

118 E. Moore Ave., Terrell 972-563-3830 (Store) 855-563-3830 (Toll Free)

Wednesday-Sunday at 7:15 p.m. Friday starting at 12:15 p.m. Saturday & Sunday starting at 3:15 p.m.

14701 Hwy. 205, Terrell SECURITY & LIGHTED PARKING. TOTALLY SEPARATE SMOKING & NON-SMOKING AREAS! Visit Angela’s Snack Bar!

Terrell Charity Bingo benefits these local charities: Grand Prairie Police Association, Lone Star CASA, Inc., Mesquite Social Services, Inc. & Spectacular Senior Follies

“Have a cup to remember at your neighborhood gathering spot” Live music Fri. & Sat. nights Happy hour 2-4 p.m. daily Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, InForney.com & Four Square

KAUFMAN COUNTY’S BIGGEST POWER SPORTS SHOP

Free Wi-Fi

Accessories • Parts • Tires Full Service Department - All Makes & Models Pre-Owned & Consignment Sales

972.564.9000

10524 W. Hwy. 80, Forney (take the CR 212/217 exit on Hwy. 80) magpowersports.com • facebook.com/magpowersports Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

571 South FM 548, Forney  972-552-3737 Mon-Thurs 5 a.m.-8 p.m.  Fri 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat 6 a.m.-9 p.m.  Closed Sunday

KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE SPRING 2012

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Windsor Care Center Home is where the heart is. At Windsor Care Center in Terrell, a lot of heart is being put into renovating the facility into a perfect home away from home for its clients. “By the time all this is said and done, we’ll be putting about a $1 million into this facility,” said Windsor Care Center administrator Paul Barnes. “It was just time to upgrade our facility and offer more for the people who are here.” Windsor Care Center is a 108-bed facility in Terrell, located off Farm-toMarket Road 2578. It is the premiere rehabilitation and long-term care facility in Kaufman County, offering a range of services including skilled nursing care, post hospital and surgical care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, IV therapy and respite care. Barnes said that the goal of the renovation project, which began in November 2011 and is expected to be completed in May, is simple. “We wanted to offer all the amenities you would love to have at home,” said Barnes, who added that the renovations include new flooring, new paint, upgraded technologies and equipment and a complete makeover of the general areas to give the facility a hometown feel. “Once the work is completed, much of the facility including the nurses station and front-end operations will include false facades depicting a store front scene that includes a city hall, hair salon, coffee shop, a movie theater, candy shop and more.” In fact one of the store fronts pay tribute to a former patient. Fred’s General Store is named after longtime Terrell resident and shop owner Fred Bridges. According to Kim Rockwell, who oversees admissions and marketing for Windsor Care Center, the renovations and upgrades aim to cater to an aging Baby Boomer demographic. “You have to be able to offer all the amenities that this generation is accustomed to having at their own homes,” Rockwell said. “We have flat screen televisions, WiFi internet and several other amenities that will make people’s stay here at Windsor Care Center more comfortable.” Opened in 1994, Rockwell said the renovation is the first extensive upgrade of the facility.

“Its original décor held up very well, but it was just time to improve our overall aesthetics,” Rockwell said. “The changes make it more appealing to both our long-term and rehabilitative clients.” The changes, however, don’t stop with a few facades and upgraded lighting fixtures. According to Rockwell, staff at Windsor Care Center are taking the customer service aspect of the job to the next level as well. “For instance, we’ve hired a concierge who greets new clients as they first enter the facility, shows them to their rooms, gets them situated and does follow-ups to make sure everything is going well,” Rockwell said. “Also, we’ve changed the way our dining services work. We’re making it more like a fine dining experience than what people have come to expect from care centers.” Moving away from an institutional-style setting in the dining room, clients at Windsor Care Center receive individualized attention. “At breakfast, we’re going to a more continental-style meal, where people can come and go as they please to eat,” Barnes said. “In the old days, everybody had breakfast at the same time. Everyone got the same thing. We’re trying to make it more personal.” Rockwell added that meals no longer will come on large carts with dozens of trays. “Each diner will get their own meal delivered to their table, ensuring that it is warm and made the way they want it,” she explained. “We want to make everyone as comfortable as possible while they are here.” In addition, Windsor Care Center has doubled | Continued on page 25

Open House in June Items included in the re-model: ● Main Lobby has been transformed

into a downtown square with store fronts that include: ●

Ice Cream/Candy Shoppe (The Peppermint Twist)

●

Movie Room (Iris Theatre)

●

Fred’s General Store

●

Hair Salon

●

Diner (Main Dining Room)

●

City Hall (Windsor City Hall)

●

Coffee Shop (The Beanery)

● Library with stone fireplace and

cozy reading area ● New flooring, paint, fixtures,

furniture, and artwork in core areas

972.551.0122 22

KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE

SPRING 2012

windsorcarecenter.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS

American Home Care Lecia Pritchett started working at a nursing home as a teenager. The daily social visits to an extended care facility in Muenster, Texas sparked a passion for helping others that years later has become the foundation for one of Texas most celebrated home health care companies. “It’s not just about providing quality health care, which we certainly do, but it’s also about making a difference,” said Pritchett, an RN and BSN who is the owner and operator of American Home Care in Terrell. “We want to make a difference in the lives of the people we care for.” Through work as a teenager, Pritchett knew she had found her true calling. After earning a bachelor of science degree in nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington, she embarked on a nursing career in 1982, moving into the specialized field of home health care in 1985 and starting her American Home Care in 1996. A small organization at first, a combination of word of mouth advertising and community support helped American Home Care quickly grow. Now, offering services to a 17-county area, American Home Care has become a leader in providing quality healthcare services in north and east Texas. Adhering to examples set by her parents and grandparents that everyone deserves equal treatment, Pritchett has ensured that American Home Care adheres to those same standards. “We accept most diagnoses,” said Pritchett. “We also do a lot of charity care for those in need.” American Home Care sets itself apart by offering a continuum of care, including home health care, Primary Home Care (PHC), Community Based Alternatives (CBA), and home medical equipment, as well as accepting a broad range of payer sources. American Home Care offers medical services that help patients rehabilitate or maintain independence in the comfort of their own home. Home care offers nursing, psychiatric nursing, rehabilitative therapies, aides and social services. Nursing services may include assessments, injections, wound care, IV therapy, medication management and education about medical conditions.

Physical and occupational therapies help clients regain strength and resume activities of daily living. Speech therapy assists patients with speaking, swallowing and cognitive skills. Social workers are available for long-term care planning, emotional support and referrals to local community resources. Home health aides offer personal care and help with light housekeeping. “What we do is different from what you may find in a traditional hospital setting,” Pritchett said. “We’re in people’s homes. We’re interacting with their families. It’s much more personal.” As American Home Care took time to honor and celebrate its staff of nurses during National Nursing Week (May 6-12), Pritchett said she recognizes theirs is a job that can be very demanding. “My staff gives so much. This is a 24-hour-a-day job, and they have to make sacrifices in their own lives to make sure our patients are getting the best possible care,” she explained. “We have a professional and compassionate staff, and we take great pride in helping folks stay at home.” It’s a staff that reflects the same passion of their administrator — a passion to help those in need. “There is always another face that needs a smile,” Pritchett said. “There’s always another patient that needs to be taken care of, to be given good quality care and that’s what we offer at American Home Care.” To find out more about American Home Care and its services offered, call 866-290-4USA.

onoring Nurses During National Nurses Week and Throughout the Year!

Nurses Inspire ...

We honor you for your caring spirit, your compassion and professionalism and for the fortitude it takes to do what you do every day. 972-524-5800

1-866-290-4USA

www.americanhomecare.us

“Helping folks stay at home” KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE SPRING 2012

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Country View Nursing & Rehabilitation Center For the staff at Country View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Terrell, the goal for their patients is simple: “Get Well and Go Home.” The 115-bed facility located at 1900 N. Frances Street offers short-term rehabilitation services, making use of an experienced and caring staff. “With the ‘Get Well and Go Home’ program Countryside’s care team is focused on short-term rehabilitation for people who have had hospital stays, so that they can get back home as quick as possible and back to living their day-to-day lives in the community,” shares Markay Welsh, new administrator for Country View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. According to Welsh, “Country View’s ‘Get Well and

Go Home’ program not only places an emphasis on returning patients to the comfort of their own homes as quickly as possible”, she adds, “we provide quality nursing and rehabilitative care while concentrating on each person’s individuality and dignity during the process.” Country View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center offers three kinds of services, including transitional care, long-term care and respite care. The facility features private rooms and suites, rehabilitation services, orthopedic recovery, cardiac and pulmonary management, stroke recovery, vascular and wound management, pain management, IV therapy, physical, occupational, and speech therapy, and nutritional management. Short-term residents may also participate in a variety of | Continued on page 25

Bright Smiles Dental Clinic When it comes to healthy teeth, the youngest dental patients are Bright Smiles’ speciality. According to the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. National Library of Medicine, healthy teeth are important to a child’s overall health and at Bright Smiles, dental care professionals tend to agree. Dr. Cine Paul guides the growing practice. A native of Dallas and a 2009 graduate of Boston University School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Paul, a general dentist, shares the same values as other members of the staff. “As an associate dentist at Bright Smiles, there are many rewarding aspects to my career and the team I work with,” Paul said. “My philosophy as a dentist is to work

Give Kids Something To

together with our staff to educate and treat patients with quality care. Educating patients on oral health allows us to help promote prevention of tooth decay and encourages healthy living. It is imperative that patients understand what steps they can take to not only improve their oral health but their overall health as well.” Bright Smiles has been open four years and though it primarily sees patients less than 21 years of age, emergency services are rendered to adults when needed. The office accepts Medicaid, CHIPS, private pay and Care Credit as well as any private insurance. Full orthodontic services are available twice a month by appointment. There are three dental | Continued on page 25

Recently Hospitalized? Want to Get Well and Go Home? The Transitional Care Team at Country View will help you get there!

About!

tal Clinic

Den

401 N. Ann St., Suite A, Terrell 972-524-1048 Se Habla Español Orthodontics and Special Needs Available Medicaid & CHIP Accepted • All PPO Insurance Accepted 24

KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE

SPRING 2012

Country View

Nursing and Rehabilitation Center 1900 N. Frances Terrell, Texas 75160 972.524.2503 | F 972.524.4479

Windsor | Continued from page 22

Bingo | Continued from page 20

the size of its rehabilitation room, adding nautilus and other workout equipment specially designed for senior citizens. “It’s not just getting people to come here, but it’s also about making them happy when they are here. That way when they go home, they will have a good word to say about you in the community.” Ultimately, Rockwell said with the combination of the renovations and staff commitment, Windsor Care Center has created a happy home atmosphere

that clients can appreciate while staying at the facility. “We truly care about these people, and we want to do everything we can to make their stay at Windsor Care Center the best it can be,” she said. Windsor Care Center is planning an open house in June to show off its new look. For more information about the open house or services offered by Windsor Care Center, visit www.windsorcarecenter.com or call 972-551-0122 to set up a free tour.

Bright Smiles | Continued from page 24 assistants and Bright Smiles offers fully bilingual services. Hygienist Mechelle Dyess is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and the office is equipped to perform x-rays, root canals, dentures, plates and partials for patients. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research offer the following tips to ensure your child’s dental health: brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste, providing low-fat milk and dairy products high in calcium and healthy foods while limiting sweet snacks and drinks as well as scheduling regular

dental-check-ups. Experts also urge parents to clean babies’ teeth with a soft, clean cloth or baby’s toothbrush and avoid putting them to bed with a bottle. Bright Smiles’ office hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The office is located at 401 N. Ann, Suite A. Patients also may contact the office by phone, 972-524-1048, or e-mail, brightsmilesdentalcenter@yahoo.com. Also, you can visit www. brightsmilesdentalclinic.com.

Smalley Foundation | Continued from page 16 reputation with the industry has eased the burden on funding, Joseph said, leading to frequent sponsorships for programs around the country. It also is funded through donations and grants, among other sources. “It’s something extraordinary and special that really started as one man’s vision for the legacy of his daughter, that was an idea to make a difference and have her life still have a purpose,” she said. “That idea has turned into something that is getting national attention from the top oil and gas operators in the nation.” The Smalley Foundation has a full-time staff of seven, along with a gradually increasing network of contracted trainers

who offer programs around the country. Their mission might have expanded since the foundation’s inception, but the goal hasn’t changed. Neither has their inspiration, more than 15 years after the tragic accident, whose photo adorns the wall of almost every room in the building that bears Danielle Smalley’s name. “We’re here because we’re making a difference. The power of the legacy of Danielle Smalley is extraordinary,” Joseph said. “Everyone here knows that we have an extraordinary opportunity to be a part of something really special. We’ve continued and enhanced and enriched the purpose of her life. That’s what drives us. It’s a heartfelt, true purpose.”

Celebrate Recovery | Continued from page 13 step-study and with help from my sponsor and some accountability partners, I finished.” Now more than two years later, Allen said he feels like his old self again. “My confidence is back,” he said. “But with that comes humility.” According to Goldring, humility is a big aspect of what the program teaches. “Humility is definitely something you have at the end of the program. It’s not something that comes to us natural. We live in a world of competitiveness, where we are envious of what others have,” Goldring said. “This program really teaches you to understand that we can’t always have what others have and that we have to appreciate what we do have. What we end up finding out is that it is friendships that fulfill us.” Goldring added that those who participate in Celebrate Recovery are like a family.

“It’s really better than a family. There is so much love. Over time, through hearing all the stories of others’ weaknesses, you come to love them for the right reasons,” he explained. “There is something about that brutal honesty that makes a difference.” Allen knows that maintaining balance in his life will likely be a constant battle. He believes, though, that this time his faith has prepared him to have a better fighting chance. “As I look back at my darkest hour, when I was angry with the Lord and blamed him for everything, I believe that he let me go through all that to show me humility and give me understanding that I have to give my whole being to him in order for his plan to work in my life,” Allen said. “Every day, I thank God for bringing me to Celebrate Recovery. “Today, my outlook on life is filled with love, hope and joy,” Allen said.

•

Snider said attendance has increased in each of the last five years, something he credits in large part to the cast, many of who have extensive experience on stage. “It’s truly a Broadway-quality show,” Snider said. “It’s good, clean, fun entertainment that’s done very professionally.” The bingo hall pools its proceeds and donates evenly to four charities, in accordance with guidelines established by the Texas Lottery Commission. It also benefits the Grand Prairie Police Association, Mesquite Social Services and Lone Star CASA. For more information about Spectacular Senior Follies, visit www.seniorfollies.com.

Country View | Continued from page 24 activities and programs while receiving their care. “With our strong management team, our CNA team and crew of caring, experience nurses, we are able to help patients make the transition from care to home as fast and safe as possible,” Welsh said. “As a recently hospitalized patient, you want to get well and go home. Our transitional care team will help you get there.” To schedule a tour or learn more about Country View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, call 972-524-2503. To learn more about the “Get Well and Go Home” program, stop by Country View to visit Markay Welsh or one of her management team members, which include Danita McFall, director of nursing; and Shelly Worsham, manager of the therapy team.

Quilts | Continued from page 20 incorporate into their quilts. Wendy plans to offer classes where customers can come in and learn from quilters offering unique techniques. Several completed quilts and other fabric items are on display throughout the store to allow customers to have a visual representation of completed projects. The store, located at 118 E. Moore Ave., is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. It can be reached at 972-563-3830. For more information, visit www. quiltersapprentice.com.

Celebrate Recovery was founded in 1991 by John Baker, who had a goal of overcoming life’s issues with a 12-step program based on Christian principles. Today, there are more than 19,000 Celebrate Recovery meeting locations globally. In Kaufman County, Celebrate Recovery meetings are held at 7 p.m. Mondays at Fellowship Baptist Church, 417 Pinson Road in Forney; at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at Rafter J Cowboy Church, 10701 County Road 305 in Terrell; and at 7 p.m. Fridays at Victory Church, 7325 S. State Hwy. 34 in Scurry. --Editor’s Note: Celebrate Recovery is a program that allows its members to remain anonymous. Jeff Allen volunteered to share his story with Kaufman County Life to get the message out about the benefits of the Celebrate Recovery program. KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE SPRING 2012

•

RANDALL NOE Pre-Owned Supercenter

is proud to offer you a wide selection of quality pre-owned vehicles.

Hyundai Veracruz*

Ford Mustang*

Ford F-150*

We have a Guaranteed Approval Program. No one will be turned away. If you have a phone, we will give you a loan!

RANDALLNOE.COM

PRE-OWNED SUPER CENTER ACROSS FROM WALMART 1608 W. Moore, Hwy. 80 @ 205 Terrell â&#x20AC;˘ 1-888-235-8662 * Artwork for illustration purposes only.

KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE

SPRING 2012

You’re in good hands, at Texas Health Kaufman.

High-quality care close to home.

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Kaufman has been serving Kaufman and Henderson counties since 1979. We are a full-service, 91-bed hospital whose employees and medical staff physicians serve their neighbors in the community with compassion and commitment. Texas Health Kaufman provides a broad array of health care services locally including: Digestive Health Emergency Services Heart and Vascular Pain Management

Physical Therapy Podiatry Orthopedics

Surgical Services Women’s and Infants’ Wound Care

To find a physician on the Texas Health Kaufman medical staff, visit TexasHealth.org/FindAPhysician or call 1-877-THR-WELL.

PHK1202-GenSrvs8.5x11.indd 1

3/27/12 10:57 AM

Catering to your lifestyle with

Invisalign (Clear Braces) or Traditional Braces!

Making your whole family smile Forney Family Dentistry is not your "typical" dental office. WHY? Dr. Cozby is a dental chicken herself. Therefore, she goes the extra mile to make your dental visit as comfortable as possible from the moment you walk in the door. Imagine yourself having a cup of coffee before your visit, then having your teeth cleaned in massaging chairs while watching your favorite movie or television show on our flat screen monitors. With our state-of-the-art facility and technology, you receive the highest standard of care. Why would you settle for anything less than the best? Don't take our word for it. Listen to what ACTUAL patients have told us:

have been simple (getting my teeth cleaned). Every fear I had was lifted. The wonderful staff made sure my experience was as painless as possible. I highly recommend Forney Family Dentistry!” - Barbara

“As a child I have had such unpleasant experiences with several dentists that as an adult I refrained from visiting a dentist even for a procedure that should

Free exam, X-Ray, consult & digital smile makeover (must present/mention ad)

“I absolutely love this dentist. My 6 year old had fillings done, and it was not a traumatic experience. She has asked when she gets to see her dental hygienist again because they made her feel so comfortable with the whole process. Every experience I have had there has been positive, and after not going to the dentist for almost 10 years, they have restored my ability to not dread the dentist. You must try them out. You will love them!” - Anna

Forney Family Dentistry will cater to every dental need your family has — from infants to grandparents. Our services include: Cosmetic Smile Makeovers Invisalign (Clear Braces) Traditional Braces Lumineers® Snap On Smile Sleep Dentistry “Laughing Gas” Dental Implants Removal of Wisdom Teeth Root Canals Extractions Dentures Teeth Whitening Tooth Colored Fillings (No Mercury)

108 E. Hwy. 80, Ste. 190, Forney 972-564-7575 www.forneyfamilydentistry.com

Se habla español