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Magazine

Winter 2012 Vol. 2 Issue 4

Living The High Life County couple’s passions on display in unique home

FINDING THEIR

GROOVE KAUFMAN COUNTY MUSICIANS FOLLOW THEIR DREAMS *****************ECRWSS****

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KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE

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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

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KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE WINTER 2012

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6 (Cover Story)

Finding Their Groove Kaufman County musicians follow their dreams to make it on the Texas music scene.

12 The Reel Life

Kaufman ISD program hooks young anglers’ interest.

14 Living the High Life

Airborne county couple combines comfort and pleasure in hangar home.

16 Character Counts

Terrell ISD’s Carnell Horn proves it’s never too late to achieve your goals.

17 Cook’s Corner

Margaret Davis has long been one of Terrell’s favorite caterers. Now she shares one of her favorite recipes.

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KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE

WINTER 2012

a slice of

Life

Sweet sounds of success playing in Kaufman County

Magazine

“I was born with music inside me.

Music was one of my parts. Like my ribs, my kidneys, my liver, my heart.

Like my blood. It was a force already within me when I arrived on the scene. It was a necessity for me — like food or water.”

— Ray Charles Some of my fondest childhood memories come from lazy, rainyday afternoons laying on the living room floor while listening to my father’s stash of cassette tapes. In those days, a heavy storm pretty much meant the rabbit ears on our little black-and-white television weren’t going to grace us with one of the three local television stations we received. Instead, we’d litter the floor with my father’s cassettes, listening to a heavy dose of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and yes, even, a little Jerry Jeff Walker, Leon Russell and Willie Nelson.

From a fairly early age, I dreamed of becoming a musician. On those rainy days, as my brothers and I did our best karaoke impressions of those beloved bands, I always insisted on being the lead singer — even though I rocked a pretty mean air guitar as well.

My dreams of fronting a band, though, were derailed as the reality of the situation became evident with age. I faced two major problems: I never learned to play an instrument (air guitar apparently doesn’t count) and I couldn’t carry a tune to save my life.

With those dreams of a rock-and-roll lifestyle dashed, I began my pursuit of Plan B: working for Rolling Stone magazine.

Well, as we all know, I haven’t quite achieved that goal either, but when the opportunity came up to do a story on local musicians for this edition of Kaufman County Life, I jumped at the chance to write it.

Like many, growing up, I romanticized the lifestyle of a musician. It would be glamorous: fame, money, fast cars and big houses.

What I found out from interviewing a group of Kaufman County musicians trying to make it on the scene, though, is that dream is not always the reality. In fact, that rock-and-roll lifestyle takes hard work, determination and lots of sacrifice.

Countless hours are spent rehearsing, promoting and looking for places to perform. It’s a lot of work and a fair share of heartache.

It’s also worth every minute of it, according to those musicians I interviewed.

From Chip Murrey and Texas Underground to the Acoustic Sound Hounds to Kimberly Torres, the sacrifices made are tolerable in exchange for the rush of being on stage and sharing their music with the world.

Each is balancing their lives, families and careers to chase their dreams, measuring their success not on how many records are sold, but on how much they still enjoy doing what they love.”

“We’re just going to keep plugging away, keep on having fun while we’re doing it and discover what comes from that,” summed up Murrey of his band’s philosophy for success. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Me neither, Chip.

Rock on.

— Michael Gresham

PUBLISHER & EDITOR Michael Gresham ART DIRECTOR Michael Gresham CONTRIBUTORS Paul Bottoni, Michael Gresham, Don Johnson, Todd Jorgenson, Gary E. Lindsley PHOTOGRAPHY Lead Photographer: Don Johnson Paul Bottoni, Michael Gresham, Gary E. Lindsley SALES Beth Brown, Chris Pickle LAYOUT Jan Temple GENERAL AND ADVERTISING INQUIRIES, 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.

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Finding Their Groove Romanticized by every child who plays the air guitar, the life of a musician has allure for many. For every time a star is born, however, thousands of others fade before ever hitting the limelight.

Here in Kaufman County, numerous talented singers and musicians are out there trying to make a name for themselves. We found a few who have done just that — recording CDs, building fan bases and following their dreams. From the classic rock roots of rising Texas country stars Chip Murrey and Texas Underground to the bluegrass inspired sounds of Acoustic Sound Hounds to the sultry singing of Kimberly Torres, Kaufman County has proven to be home to some wonderful talent.

CHIP MURREY AND TEXAS UNDERGROUND Chip Murrey fell in love with music at an early age.

| By Michael Gresham

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KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE

“Music has always been a part of my life,” Murrey said. “I began playing as a kid, joined up with my first band as a teen and have been writing my own music for a long time. I knew early on that I wanted to do something in my life that included my music. It was a passion. It was a dream.”

WINTER 2012

It took decades, though, for Murrey to see his childhood dream become a reality.

“Things happen. Life happens,” Murrey said. “I fell in love, started a family, had kids and got a job. I got so busy that I didn’t really focus on my music for years, but I never forgot it. I still had those beats playing in my head. I kept writing. I knew one day I’d find time to do it again.”

That time came in 2005 when a few jam sessions among friends resulted in the creation of Chip Murrey and Texas Underground.

“It was just one of those things that kind of happened. I started playing again. Hooked up with a few other people who liked to jam. One thing led to another and here we are,” Murrey said.

Murrey’s band is part of a growing movement of Kaufman County musicians attempting to make their mark on the Texas music scene. The band also arguably has been one of the most successful.

Chip Murrey and Texas Underground released Paydirt, its first CD, in 2009. A year later, the band was nominated for a Texas “Rising Star” Music Award by the Academy of Texas Music.

In 2011, Murrey and his bandmates recorded a second EP, Back Porch Music, featuring five new original songs. The band’s music has been featured on radio stations across the state, becoming a regular in the rotation on 106.9 The Ranch in Corsicana.

“Having a good relationship with the Corsicana radio station has helped a lot. We’ve benefited from that relationship with 106.9 The Ranch,” Murrey said. “Without them, we’d probably still be doing good, but we wouldn’t have the type of name recognition in the region we do have.”

All that success, though, didn’t come without a lot of blood, sweat and, yes, even a few tears.

“We’ve been fortunate. We’ve caught a few breaks, and we’ve made inroads into the music scene by proving we’re professional and talented musicians. Most of all, people like our music,” Murrey said. “For me, that’s all that matters. I want people to appreciate our music.”

In the dog-eat-dog world of the music industry, the average lifespan of a band is brief, making Texas Underground’s seven-year tenure a remarkable feat. Murrey credits that longevity to a shared passion and, well, maturity of the band members.

“We’re not your typical band out there trying to make it on the scene.

Making a name for yourself in the Texas music scene or just this industry in general … it’s really slim chances. It can be done, but it takes a lot of work and sacrifice. If you aren’t prepared to play in Paris today and Corpus Christi tomorrow and Abilene the next day, it’s tough to make it,” said Murrey, admit-

ting that he and his bandmates have families and jobs, limiting their ability to take to the road. “The art of what we do as people with full-time jobs trying to break into the Texas music scene is really a balancing act. We have to balance our family lives, our careers and our passion for music. It makes it hard, but I’m not going to live out of a van — I own a house. I’m happy with where we are and what we’ve achieved. For me, that makes this all worthwhile.”

While some may see a family life as a setback to burgeoning musical career, Murrey has only praise for it.

“You’ve got to have a very understanding spouse because you are gone a lot, you’re out late and you spend a lot of times in nightclubs and bars,” said Murrey, who has been married to his wife Cheryl for 25 years. “I’ve been fortunate in that aspect. I have someone who has supported me through all of this. I have someone who understands my passion and has been there for me.

I’m truly grateful for that.”

A native of Kaufman, Murrey fronts Texas Underground as the lead vocalist and is joined by drummer and vocalist Bill Whitton of Terrell, vocalist Jennifer Crooks of Mesquite, Paul Sisson of Kaufman plays lead steel guitar while Dan Feagans of Kaufman plays bass.

Growing up a fan of rock-and-roll, Murrey likens the sound of Texas Underground to the influences of “outlaw country” artists Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson as well as other Texas music artists such as Billy Joe Shaver, Ray Wylie Hubbard and Chris Knight.

The band continues to perform steadily, most recently playing at the Boo Benefit in Jefferson in October.

You can check out Chip Murrey and Texas Underground live Dec. 8 in Mabank as part of the 10th annual East Texas Toy Run, Kaufman County Children Shelter’s benefit at the Cusac’s Motorcycle Club.

“It’s a great charity. We’d rather play those kind of concerts than at a crowded club,” Murrey said. “To me, it’s not really about the money as much as it is about sharing my music. If we get to do that and make a difference at the same time, that’s the perfect situation.”

In an industry that boasts plenty of highs and lows, Murrey said he has no regrets.

“I’m very proud of what we’ve done and what we still do. I’ve very proud of the music we’ve made,” he explained.

“There is nothing | Continued on page 34

| Don C. Johnson Photography KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE WINTER 2012

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ACOUSTIC SOUND HOUNDS When it comes to the success of the Acoustic Sound Hounds, Pam Gray admits it’s definitely a family affair.

| By Michael Gresham

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KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE

The five-person Kaufman County group, which plays Texas bluegrass with a twist, includes Gray on lead vocals and mandolin, her husband Jeff on rhythm guitar, her father Phil Boyd on bass, her uncle Wallace Boyd on harmonica and guitar, and vocalist and banjo player Craig Dennie.

According to Gray, her burgeoning music career began after a trip to the home of Denny Mackey, pastor of Cottonwood Baptist Church.

WINTER 2012

“My husband and I went over to our preacher’s house one night so that Jeff and Denny could pick and jam. I was feeling really left out, so Denny grabbed a mandolin from his wall, dusted it off, and showed me two chords,” said Gray. “I ended up confiscating his mandolin that evening and kept it for about two months until I could buy my own mandolin along with a book and CDs that would teach you how to play. I played all day — every chance that I could get until my fingers were so sore that I couldn’t play anymore. Finally the callouses formed on my fingers and I was good to go.”

| Don C. Johnson Photography In 2008, those jam sessions began to morph into the makings of a bluegrass band, which led to some transformations of their own with the musicians.

“My husband had played guitar since he was in junior high school, but his rock-and-roll style didn’t mesh well with the bluegrass sound of the mandolin,” she recalled. “He completely had to reteach himself a different style of rhythm playing.”

As new people joined those sessions, they too adapted their styles to that of the music.

“My dad decided to teach himself to play bass, since our jam sessions already had a rhythm player and mandolin. It was incredible to hear how he progressed so quickly. He is an outstanding rhythm guitar player, but the bass guitar is totally different from rhythm. He has since switched from bass guitar to an upright bass to give us a richer sound,” Gray said. “My uncle began our jam sessions with a rhythm guitar, but quickly switched over to harmonica to add to our sound.”

Acoustic Sound Hounds’ first gig was the Crandall Cotton Festival in 2008.

“We were scared to death,” Gray recalled. “It wasn’t the best performance ever, but we got through it.”

That performance also netted the band another member.

“Craig [Dennie] was in the audience. He liked our sound and wanted to come over to jam with us,” Gray said. “He decided to learn to play the banjo so that we could add another instrument and complete our sound.”

That sound is one Gray believes is enjoyed by all ages.

“It is a blend of traditional bluegrass with country, gospel, swing, folk and a little bit of rock and roll. Although all of our instruments are amplified for big shows, we continue to retain the acoustic quality of our sound,” she said. “We call it ‘countrygrass.’

It is family-oriented music consisting of original compositions as well as popular cover songs.”

Acoustic Sound Hounds completed its first album in early 2011.

The self-titled album contains eight original songs including the aptly named “Headed for that Kaufman County Line” and two covers. The band plans to begin recording its second album at | Continued on page 34 Valve Studios in Dallas in January 2013.

KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE WINTER 2012

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KIMBERLY TORRES AND SWAMP LOVE | By Michael Gresham Singing is something Torres has always done.

Kimberly

Whether it was as a little girl mimicking the stars of her youth, singing in her church’s choir or karaoke at local venues, Torres has never been shy about sharing what she calls her God-given talent.

“I’ve spent my entire life around music.

I’ve been singing since I was about 8 years old,” Torres said. “It’s something I’ve always loved to do.”

A few years ago, though, Torres realized having a passion for singing wasn’t enough. She wanted more.

“Karoake wasn’t doing it for me anymore. I turned 30 and I realized I really wanted to make music my life. You’re only granted so many years in life, and I didn’t want to leave behind any regrets,” Torres said. “Some life changes occurred for me and everything fell right where I could do this.”

Torres took the first step, auditioning for a Top 40 variety band called On The Way. “I got lucky and got in,” she said.

“That just kind of catapulted my career. It was a starting point and it just grew from there.”

Not afraid of hard work, Torres threw herself into her newfound career, working gigs whenever and wherever she could.

In 2011, her efforts afforded her the opportunity to record her first EP, Everything You Ain’t. That opportunity opened yet another door for Torres — a chance to perform with Vince Vance and the Valiants.

“I recorded an EP last year in Tyler and one of his band members had heard my tracks because he also recorded in that studio with 10

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another artist,” she said. “They were looking for a Valianette who lived in the Dallas area because most lived in Mississippi or Houston. So I got an email and auditioned with him, went to a show with them and just kind of got thrown right in. I’ve been with them since about March.”

Torres tours with Vince Vance and the Valiants anywhere from two to 12 times a month. In addition, she performs gigs with her own band, Swamp Love, as well as a Seagoville-based band named BackTrak.

It all adds up to a very hectic schedule.

“It’s a sacrifice to be a part of a band or

a music project. You’re gone most nights.

You’re away from your family,” said Torres, who added that she always tries to make time to sing with the praise team at First Baptist Church of Kaufman as well. “I try to make that a priority when I’m home. It has allowed me to help teach children how to sing and worship so it’s something I really enjoy.”

Torres admits the life of a full-time musician isn’t as glamorous as it is sometimes thought to be.

“We tour on a bus. We sleep on a bus.

There’s nothing glamorous about that,” she said. “It’s also a lot more work than just hopping up on stage and performing.

I take pride in what I do. I prepare so that when I’m on stage it’s a quality performance. There are a lot of hours put into it before you see that three-minute

| Don C. Johnson Photography performance on stage.”

Of course, that doesn’t count the countless hours spent getting your name out there.

“It’s all self-promotion. I created my own Web page. I do all my own marketing. I do it all. Being with Vince has helped introduce me to a bit of a different audience and so has my time with BackTrak,” Torres said. “I sing anywhere and everywhere if I’m available as long as it allows me to make money.

A lot of people like to hear you sing, but not everybody wants to pay you for it.”

Torres has even taken a few free gigs in an attempt to help promote her career.

“There are times I will play for free and it’s worth every bit of my time and effort just to make connections with people,” she said. “Some shows are all about making a name for yourself or getting some radio play.”

Each band she performs with offers Torres an opportunity to connect with a different audience. Vince Vance and the Valiants is well-known for its song “All I Want For Christmas” as well as playing popular hits of the 60s, 70s and 80s

while BackTrak is a variety band. Meanwhile Swamp Love is a vehicle for Torres’ original works, featuring 12 songs she has written while also playing crowd-pleasing covers.

“My music borders that country and rock line. It’s basically Texas country. Some of the songs are really rock while others are more country,” Torres said. “Each of the bands are really worlds apart, which gives me a chance to expand my audience.”

As a full-time musician, Torres knows her career will have its ups and downs. That said, she wouldn’t trade it for the world.

“It’s definitely been worth it. It’s awesome when a 9-yearold girl comes up to me after a show at a festival and is just awestruck. She wants to know how she can do what I do,” Torres said. “To me, that’s very rewarding. To share that experience, it lets me know what I do is important because I’m empowering other women — no matter what age they are.

“I’m pursuing my dream. I’m doing what I want. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Fans can keep up with Kimberly Torres her website kimberlytorres.com. Her EP and original works can be purchased on iTunes.

KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE WINTER 2012

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THE REEL LIFE A DRIVE DOWN KAUFMAN COUNTY ROADS EARLY ON SATURDAY MORNINGS OR LATE ON SUNDAY AFTERNOONS WILL OFTEN PUT YOU IN A PARADE OF FISHING BOATS HEADED TO OR FROM AREA LAKES. FROM OLD ALUMINUM TUBS TO SLEEK SPONSORFESTOONED RIGS THAT LOOK MORE LIKE A NASCAR RACER THAN FISHING BOAT, THEY ALL SHARE A PART IN THE UNIQUE WORLD OF TOURNAMENT BASS FISHING.

BY DON JOHNSON

| Don C. Johnson Photography

W

ith top pros earning millions of dollars on sponsorship money and tournament winnings, it is no surprise that competitive fishing has become a fast-growing sport down to the high school level. Kaufman County schools are no exception, with participation by Kaufman High School, Crandall High School, and both Forney ISD high schools.

“Right now it is growing so fast … almost every week I have a school call me about how to get started,” said KHS teacher and team sponsor Steve

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Holland. “Our program started with our junior high bass club back in 2008, and we have grown it from there. I have about 30 kids on the team now.”

Holland, a competitive fisherman himself, is in a unique position to help guide the county’s high school fishing programs. Along with his full-time job teaching Texas history and outdoor education at KHS, Holland is a staff fishing pro for Bass Pro Shops.

That connection, along with the support of his friends in the tournament fishing community,

has put Kaufman County high school fishing on the map, starting with the inaugural Texas High School Bass Fishing Championship Open held last April 28 on Lake Ray Hubbard.

“Companies are jumping on board for high school fishing,” Holland said. “With that kind of support, it really becomes something substantial.

The kids had a $25 entry fee, but they all walked away with a $70-$90 rod from Bass Pro Shops, and tackle and other items from companies like Strike King, Rapala, Lake Fork Tackle and Plano.

That was all donated because companies know this is the future of fishing.”

The tournament drew 30 teams including par-

ticipants from as far away as Jefferson, Marble Falls, Carthage and Whitesboro.

KHS anglers Trevor Thompson and Shelton Vasquez each earned $1,000 scholarships for winning the tournament, while the Forney High School team of Colt Benedict and Zachary Laky took home $600 scholarships for second place.

•••• For the uninitiated, competitive bass fishing may seem to be more about luck than skill, but students who participate are quick to correct that notion.

“A lot of people think it is easy, but fishing in a tournament is actually | Continued on page 35

Shelton Vasquez and Blake Shaw work to bring in a bass caught during a Saturday morning practice outing on Lake Ray Hubbard.

Vasquez (far left) shows off a fish caught during an excursion on the lake.

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Bobby and AnnElise Bennett live in a 3,000 square-foot airplane hangar with 11 dogs, a professional-style trampoline and a Cessna 182 aircraft.

| Don C. Johnson Photography

LIVING THE HIGH LIFE

MOST PEOPLE DON’T GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO WATCH THEIR LIVING-ROOM TELEVISION FROM THE WING OF AN AIRPLANE. BOBBY AND ANNELISE BENNETT CAN DO IT EVERY DAY.

BY TODD JORGENSON

T

he Bennetts live on 80 acres in a rural unincorporated area northeast of Crandall, where the flying enthusiasts have their own private airstrip and their 11 dogs — including seven chihuahuas.

It's the same property where the couple got married 13 years ago after skydiving in tandem into the ceremony in full regalia.

And it's the same place where they currently live inside a 3,000-square-foot metal hangar, with the wing of AnnElise's Cessna 182 aircraft resting against the back of a soft living-room chair.

“It was never our intention to move in here,” Bobby said. “She just decided to do it one day. It's been wonderful.”

Whether abnormal or not, their house certainly defies convention and reflects the personality and imagination of two fun-loving people who enjoy being creative.

There are spaces inside for a bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen and a living room, but not in the conventional sense. With the exception of the bathroom, everything is more open, in some cases not divided by walls. Many of the walls they do have were added just recently, along with an upstairs storage area on one side.

“I really like the open feeling living in a place like this,” AnnElise said. “The thing that's hardest to get used to is no walls and no closets.”

With their children now grown and moved out, the sturdy house is a manifestation of a couple that is very

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active, including an indoor basketball goal, a rockclimbing wall and an air-hockey table. It's all fully functional.

Trophies from the couple's success in the sport of air racing are scattered throughout. The walls are dotted with antiques and family heirlooms, and the Bennetts recently installed an underground safe room that seats 6-8 people in case of a tornado.

AnnElise started taking gymnastics about 18 years ago, and still trains everyday at age 54 as a way of staying in shape. So the couple carved a large hole in the floor to install a professional-grade trampoline, and they have rings hanging from the 18-foot-high ceiling.

Then there's the airplane, which is parked only a few feet from the kitchen and can be towed in and out for a flight just about anytime AnnElise pleases, through a giant garage-style door that includes a sign reading, “If nuts could fly, this would be an airport.”

“When people tell you that you can't do something, it either lights your fire or puts your fire out,” AnnElise said. “Watch me die trying to prove you wrong.”

The idea to live in the hangar belonged to AnnElise, who made the suggestion shortly after the couple got married and the building was nothing more than a concrete slab.

“When I finally talked him into it, you'd have thought it was his idea,” AnnElise said. “We're pretty hardcore do-it-yourselfers.”

Indeed, the Bennetts have constructed just about everything inside the building themselves, with

AnnElise specializing in the woodwork and Bobby handling most of the electrical and plumbing jobs.

They have made energy efficiency a priority, installing eight skylights and six ceiling fans to help keep the house cool in the summer. AnnElise said they plan to install solar panels in the future, and begin harvesting rain for renewal.

“When we first put the hangar together, it was utilitarian,” AnnElise said. “All we had to work with was furniture and drop cloths to delineate space. It was frightening, but it was comfortable.”

They have a constant list of improvements and renovations on the docket, recently turning an office into a spare bedroom and adding a new shower. With virtually no limits on how the space can evolve, the work will probably never be finished.

WHEN PEOPLE “That will be the day we both keel over,” TELL YOU THAT said AnnElise, who is semi-retired and YOU CAN'T DO works in the medical transcription business.

SOMETHING, IT AnnElise has lived at the property since 1984, previously residing in a 2,500-square EITHER LIGHTS foot house that the couple now rents to othYOUR FIRE OR PUTS er people. She met Bobby, a longtime meYOUR FIRE OUT. chanic for Southwest Airlines, and got married in 1999.

WATCH ME DIE Also on the property is a gazebo and TRYING TO PROVE a second hangar — or “man cave” — that YOU WRONG. Bobby uses to store his versatile Beechcraft Bonanza aircraft, which he calls a “flying suburban,” and work on other projects.

Adjacent to the second hangar is a grass runway that has been used for flights to destinations as close as Terrell and Lancaster and as far away as Canada and the Bahamas.

Their private airstrip does not have regulations that require the Bennetts to communicate with air-traffic control or file a flight plan. That makes taking off almost as convenient as pulling the car out of the driveway.

“It's a mode of transportation,” said AnnElise, adding that flying always is the quickest way to reach an out-of-town destination.

Bobby has been flying since age 16, including his service as a military helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. When AnnElise expressed an interest in becoming a pilot, he agreed to buy her a plane after she completed all of her lessons.

AnnElise's plane was purchased in 2003 from one of Bobby's friends who had it sitting dormant at Terrell Municipal Airport. Bobby worked to renovate it both inside and out, making it both fun and functional, with plenty of personal touches.

“It's an eye-catcher everywhere it goes. Nobody tends to forget it,” Bobby said. “It all started from there.

That's the plane she wound up racing.”

She flies about twice a month, and Bobby flies more often. But soaring fuel prices in recent years have made

“ ”

leisure flights less practical.

AnnElise first found out about air racing at a pilots meeting and knew immediately, with her competitive nature, that she wanted to try the timed events that reach speeds up to 320 mph.

She has since become one of the top competitors in the Sport Air Racing League, and was the first female pilot to win a Bronze Factory national championship in 2010. She subsequently claimed a Silver Factory national title in 2011.

AnnElise and Bobby both race in the SARL, which is based in Texas but has about 20 events annually for propeller-driven, fixed-wing aircraft throughout the country. The couple tries to compete as often as possible, once flying to Canada for a race — a flight that took 10 hours and required three stops for fuel — but hasn't made as many events in 2012 as in past years “There's a lot of great people that you meet,” she said. “The racing itself is about adrenaline and having fun and is an excuse to fly your plane.”

Some of those air-racing competitors have become friends who have enjoyed visiting the couple's unique house. Earlier this year, the Bennetts hosted a dinner for fellow racers the night before the inaugural Memorial 150 Air Race in Terrell.

“They just love it. All of our friends have been coming here since we got married,” Bobby said. “It just gets better and better.”

AnnElise said her decision to not only fly airplanes, but race them competitively, is a product of her active lifestyle and her refusal to sit around and be dormant.

“Some people just fall out of bed and die or fall off the couch and die,” she said. “I'm not going to be one of those people. Maybe I will, but I'm going to have a lot of fun before that happens.”

Bobby shares her attitude with regard to enjoying life, and said the unique touches to their property reflect that.

“People our age I guess just sit on the porch and quit,” Bobby said. “I'm not normal, and I don't guess she is either.”

KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE

FALL 2012

15

CHARACTER COUNTS

BY PAUL BOTTONI

Terrell ISD custodian works to earn his degree

C

arnell Horn’s workday at Wood Elementary School begins at 5:45 a.m. He’s the school’s lead custodian, and the go-to guy for staff members. Whether it’s installing new light bulbs or helping monitor the cafeteria during lunch, Horn does it all.

He clocks out around 2:30 p.m. and heads home, where he transports his children to and from athletics or other after-school activities, and cooks dinner for his family while his wife, Shekitah, is at work.

But after the kids are settled and fed, Horn doesn’t kick back and relax – he hits the books.

After nine years of serving as a custodian and Terrell High School volunteer track coach, Horn is working toward completing his teaching degree via online classes offered by LeTourneau University in Longview, all while maintaining his full-time job and helping out at home.

“It’s a hard day,” Horn said. “When I get off from work, I go home and cook during the weekdays, then go to the practice during track season until about 5:30 or 6 p.m., and then go home and work on school work from about 6:30 to 11 at night.

“People ask me how I do it, and I tell them, 'It's will.’”

Horn returned to school last year, hoping to fulfill his dreams of becoming a teacher and full-time coach.

Throughout his time in TISD, Horn said teachers would encourage him to finish school, but he decided to give it the oldcollege try one more time for a different reason — his children: Carnell Jr., 18, who is a freshman member of the track team at the University of Texas at El Paso; Carvellion, 16; and Leearia, 14.

“My children really inspired me to go back,” he said.

Horn decided to pursue a career in teaching because he feels he can make a difference by serving as a role model and mentor for children.

Lolita Looney, principal at Wood Elementary, said Horn has a great rapport with the kids and serves as a role model.

“He’s rooted in the community,” Looney said. “His life could be a testimony for the kids.”

Getting back into the swing of going to school took some time, but Horn has overcome that obstacle.

“It was hard when I first started back because I hadn't been in school for a long time, but since I've been back in school I've been a straight-A student,” Horn said. “My kids told me, 'Daddy, you want us to make straight A's, you need to make straight A's too.’”

Horn was born and raised in Terrell. He graduated from Terrell High School in 1991, where he excelled on the track and in the classroom.

Horn said schools – including Texas A&M University – were looking at him as a football prospect, but a freak collision with a teammate during a game caused a deep thigh bruise and a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right leg, ending his chances of 16

KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE

WINTER 2012

playing football in college.

Instead, Horn turned to the track, running hurdles and serving as an alternate in the mile relay.

His talents earned him a scholarship to the University of Arkansas, but an incident during his freshman year put his collegiate goals on hold.

While at home on a school break, Horn’s grandmother, Silvia, died from a massive heart attack.

“When that all happened, I didn’t want to go back to school or do anything,” Horn said.

Horn’s mother, Barbara, died when he was a baby, leaving the job of raising him to his grandparents.

After his grandmother died, Horn’s grandfather — who had become depressed, according to Horn — moved away, leaving Horn and his 13-year-old nephew, Rainey, to fend for themselves.

“I had to grow up real fast,” Horn said. “I didn’t know how to pay bills — I knew how to cook because my grandmother taught me — but I really didn’t know anything. So I got a job at Dairy Queen, learned how to pay bills and turned into a man at 19 years old.”

He said the drive and responsibility he learned after the death of his grandmother helped him get back to school.

“I hate I didn't finish school when I should have finished it,” Horn said. “It took a long and hard road to figure that out, struggling and seeing some of my best friends who are teaching and coaching now have a better life than me. Because with my job, we don't make a lot of money. It's a struggle, and you just have to pray and know God is going to see you through.”

Horn said he would like to eventually teach science or history, and he dreams of one day being the head track coach at THS. Since he began working in TISD, he has been serving as a volunteer coach, helping out mainly with the hurdlers.

THS track coach Doc Ryan said Horn started out coaching summer track for little kids, and from there began helping out with the high school track team.

“When I was the cross country coach for a couple of years, he’d even go to the cross country meets with me,” Ryan said. “He’s a good guy and really wants to help the kids improve and do well.”

Horn said he is on track to graduate in December 2013, and looks forward to the day he earns his diploma.

“I'm going to get on my knees and say, ‘Lord, I finally did it,’” Horn said. “I'll be very happy because I finished something that I should have finished years ago. I think my whole family will be proud.”

COOK’S CORNER

BY PAUL BOTTONI

Margaret Davis, Terrell Margaret Davis has been serving up delicious food for the past three decades.

She has been in the catering business for the past 36 years, including 16 years at Terrell’s Community Junction, which hosted catering events and service club meetings.

For those looking for a quick-and-easy dish to serve as an appetizer or a main dish, Davis recommends antipasti squares, which she makes with three sliced meats — salami, pepperoni and ham — two cheeses — Swiss and Provolone — and banana peppers or sliced tomatoes placed between crescent rolls.

The banana peppers add a flare of flavor that complements the three types of deli meats and two different sliced cheeses.

“It can be made ahead of time and reheated,” Davis said. “I love the color of the dish with the meats, peppers and cheeses blended.”

Davis’s love for cooking began at a young age, when she would whip together sweets for her father.

“My mom would get mad because the kitchen would be so dirty, but my dad would tell her, ‘Just let her cook,’” she said. “My grandmother was a good cook, as was my mother, and I enjoy it as well.”

Davis, who is also president of the Kiwanis Club of Terrell, keeps busy with catering events throughout the week.

“It’s long hours,” Davis said. “A lot of people see the pretty part of it and think that’s all of it — but it’s not.

The preparation and clean-up take up some time.”

She said cooking provides her a creative avenue.

“I like the creativity of cooking,” Davis said. “I create a menu based on the client, so you are able to learn what their personalities are and learn what they like and don’t like.”

Margaret’s cooking tips Since the squares are easy to make, try preparing them ahead of time and reheating them when the food is served.

The squares can be served as appetizers or main dishes. Cut the squares into small portions if serving them as an appetizer.

Easy-to-make antipasti squares 2 cans crescent rolls 1/4 pound sliced salami 3 ounces pepperoni 1/4 pound thinly sliced ham 1 package Swiss cheese slices 1 package Provolone cheese slices 3 large eggs (1 with the egg white separated) 12 ounces banana pepper rings OR sun dried tomatoes Italian seasoning, garlic powder, ground red pepper, ground black pepper Unroll one can of crescent rolls and press it into the bottom of a lightly greased pan.

Bake the rolls at 350 degrees for 12 minutes or until they are lightly browned.

Layer the sliced meats and cheeses once the rolls have cooled.

Whisk two eggs and one egg white together. Pour the combination over the meats and cheeses.

Stir the banana peppers with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of ground red pepper and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper and spread over the meat and cheese.

Unroll the other can of crescent rolls and place it over the mixture in the pan.

Brush the top with beaten egg yolk.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes, then cover the pan and back for another 10 minutes. Cut the finished product into squares after allowing it to cool.

KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE WINTER 2012

17

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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 | Continued on page 35

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,” said Choi, who opened Miyako in April. “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.

“People often think that all sushi is raw, and that is what

they are scared of,” said Choi. “What we offer here is a fusion-style of sushi that is popular in America. It’s not old style sushi. While we do offer some raw sushi, most of what we offer is cooked.”

Another myth surrounding sushi and hibachi restaurants is price.

“We have lunch specials that start at $6, and nothing on the lunch menu is over $9,” said Choi, adding that the lunch service is one of the restaurants most popular. “At nighttime, we also have a great offer with our full course deal.”

For just $45, Miyako’s full course meal offer is for two people and includes, two drinks, | Continued on page 34

Bubble Bubble Tea House If you’ve never heard of “Bubble Tea” before, you are not alone. This concoction of fresh-brew tea and natural fruit flavors has only been introduced to the U.S. during the last decade and has been rapidly gaining popularity worldwide.

“The main item that makes bubble tea so unique and trendy is the presence of tapioca pearls at the bottom of the cup that you can sip up with a giant straw — we like to describe it as a snack inside your drink,” said Bubble Bubble owners Andy Nguyen and Tiffany Tran.

Bubble Tea originally got its name from the bubbles that form on top of the tea as a result of the shaking preparation. Later on, bubble tea lovers began to refer to these tapioca pearls as “Boba” (which sounds like “bub-

ble”). Of course, you can also add Boba to slushies, fruit blends, smoothies and even coffees.

For a quick lunch, Bubble Bubble offers reasonably priced Vietnamese sandwiches (banh mi) that are as flavorful as the shop’s drinks.

With free WiFi internet access and classic board games, Nguyen and Tran hope that Bubble Bubble Tea House will be a unique experience in Kaufman County and become a favorite hang-out spot for everyone.

Bubble Bubble Tea House is located in Terrell in the Brookshire’s shopping center at 1428 W. Moore Ave. For more information and full menu, find them on Facebook as Bubble Bubble Tea House.

sweetFrog Premium Frozen Yogurt It’s been a busy year for sweetFrog Premium Frozen Yogurt, which is in the midst of a nationwide expansion that includes the opening of more 10 locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since May. With stores in Forney and Rockwall, and upcoming locations in Terrell and Greenville, area frozen-yogurt connoisseurs won’t have to drive far to satisfy their sweet tooth.

“The Forney location is our most popular,” said Steve Kelsall, regional manager for the DFW area. “It’s fun. The kids from 2 to 82 light up when they come in.”

The reason for their enthusiasm stems from the variety of flavors on hand. sweetFrog features more than 60 flavors on its menu, with 14 flavors featured at any one time in each store.

20

KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE

WINTER 2012

Kelsall said that about 10 of those flavors are pretty consistent, with the other four rotated periodically depending on popularity.

The yogurt shops feature an array of more than 60 toppings, including fresh fruit, while still offering health benefits at about 100 calories per serving.

“It’s definitely a healthier alternative to ice cream,” Kelsall said. “Most of our flavors are either fat-free or low in fat.” sweetFrog opened its first location in the region in May in Burleson, and has since opened nine more stores, including those in Forney and Rockwall this summer.

Kelsall said the Greenville store likely will open in early December, followed by the Terrell location shortly afterward. | Continued on page 26

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KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE WINTER 2012

21

SCENE &

HEARD

Emerald Cruise and Travel It was Mary Fogel’s love of traveling that inspired her to take a new direction in creating her own vacation travel agency: Emerald Cruise and Travel, as a home agent, in Terrell.

In 2000, she and her husband took a cruise and loved it so much, she approached a leading cruise agency in North Dallas, and became an agent in arranging cruises before deciding to go independent.

“What I love is the relaxation, food, spa services, pampering, entertainment, destinations and people watching, all for one affordable price,” Mary said. “Also, you get to meet a lot of people and make great friends and memories.

I have met people from all over the world and got to hear

their stories about their lives and travel experiences.”

Galveston offers four, five and seven-day cruises. Emerald Cruise and Travel also offers all-inclusive packages to resorts around the world. She can arrange honeymoon packages, reunions, fundraising cruises for any non-profit organization, and land vacations such as Las Vegas, New York and even Disney World.

She also is planning a group fundraising cruise to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center in Van Zandt County for Jan. 26, 2014.

For more information about cruises and travel packages, call Mary at 903-873-8629 or 214-335-3192. Her email address is mary@emeraldcruiseandtravel.com.

Jake E’s Riding Round Up Jana Ewing has faced her share of life’s trials. Now, she’s working to help others overcome theirs.

Situated on 65 scenic acres about 15 miles east of Kaufman, Jake E’s Riding Round Up, a Christian non-profit therapeutic horse center, seeks to heal its clients through P.E.A.C.E. – “People thru Equines Achieving Courage and Empowerment.”

Ewing founded the center in 2010 following the death of her 3-year-old son, Jacob, in a tragic accident.

“We want this place to provide peace,” Ewing said. “This is a place where tragedy came to visit — but now, it is a place of healing.”

The center has five Professional Association of

Therapeutic Horsemanship-certified instructors that help a range of clients, including children to veterans, face an array of issues, from lack of self-confidence to physical disabilities.

Jake E’s has 19 horses – all donated – it uses for therapy sessions, and also has a petting farm, featuring chickens, rabbits, mini horses and a llama, among other animals.

Lisa Baccus, an instructor in training, said the center not only gives the clients a moment of peace, but their families as well.

“It gives people a chance to relax and unwind,” she said. “They can meet | Continued on page 35

Poetry United Methodist Church The mission of Poetry United Methodist Church is to make disciples through the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Through praise and worship, challenging Bible studies, thought-provoking sermons and supportive fellowship, the church strives to grow in faith.

Visitors often comment that Poetry UMC is the “church they remember,” recalling fond memories of their own experiences in country churches with their family. Yet they are surprised to learn how active the church is in the community and they ways it continues to be relevant.

The church is dedicated to making a difference in its community and sharing Christ’s love, such as during the upcoming Advent season.

Advent is a season of preparation. Its name comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “coming.”

“For our society, the weeks before Christmas focus on the coming of the

holiday and preparation for the upcoming celebration which in our society has become widely secularized,” said pastor Pam White. “This time before Christmas can leave us stressed out, worn out and burned out.”

One way to counter this is to reclaim the true meaning of the season, White said, allowing Advent to be a time of growth and renewal. In the church’s liturgical calendar, Advent is celebrated the four weeks before Christmas.

“This is a time in which we prepare for the coming of Christ,” White said.

“The season proclaims not only the coming of Christ as infant savior whose birth we celebrate at Christmas, but also Christ’s anticipated coming again in the fullness of time.”

Because the season emphasizes Christ’s comings and not merely his birth, it is not enough to use the season merely as a preparation for Christmas. Poetry UMC is dedicated to helping people on this journey through the season. Through weekly Bible study groups, as well as individual daily devotionals, the church seeks to prepare hearts to realize Christ in our midst.

“For most of us, life can get really busy with family commitments and work demands,” White said. “Despite our greatest intentions, we lose focus on the spiritual dimension of our lives. Advent gives us a chance to intentionally reconnect and | Continued on page 26 prepare to meet Christ in a new way every year.”

Small Business Saturday As holiday shoppers begin mapping out their strategy for Black Friday shopping, one group of merchants is encouraging them to check out the local deals that will be offered the following day.

Small Business Saturday will be held Nov. 24, and a group of Terrell shop owners is again sponsoring an event called “Shop Home for the Holidays.”

In 2011, the group of businesses offered a percentage discount to each person who visited each of the cooperating small businesses. This year each business is contributing items from their business to include in a gift basket with a total value of more than $500. At each store shoppers can complete one raffle ticket to put in the

22

KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE

WINTER 2012

drawing for the gift basket, meaning shoppers can earn up to 15 chances per person to win the gift basket. The drawing will be held at Vintage Moments Studio at 5 p.m.

In 2012, the “Shop Home for the Holidays” event has grown in size and now includes 15 small businesses as well as the Terrell Chamber of Commerce. Businesses involved include Nail Boutique, Serendipity, Books and Crannies, Silhouette, Mostly Quilts, Quilter’s Apprentice, Creative Picture Framing, Vintage Moments Studio, En Vogue, Morgan Miller Farmer’s Insurance, The Front Porch, Java Junkies, Terrell Office Products, Goodie 2 Shoes and Kotton Candy.

“Shop Home for the | Continued on page 26

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23

SCENE &

HEARD

The Mulberry Peddler Suzan Johnson is working to ensure that the first holiday shopping season at The Mulberry Peddler will be filled with good cheer and great bargains.

Johnson has a variety of items in her shop at 207 W. Mulberry St. on the historic Kaufman square ready to tempt shoppers looking for those unique gifts and stocking stuffers.

The shop, which opened in April, specializes in the eclectic and can best be described as a great “girlfriends’ afternoon out” shop where you will find new, vintage and antique inventory. You are just as likely to find a pair of traditional fireside chairs as a barn wood cabinet, a fine porcelain vase or a vintage copper fire extinguisher, a set of fine china or a vintage suitcase. Customers love the way the old mixes so well with the new. Whether your style is traditional, rustic, cottage or a combination, The Mulberry Peddler is worth a visit.

“During November and December,” says Johnson, “we are focusing on the holidays.” Customers will find wonderful Christmas gifts as well as fall and Christmas décor. A must see

are the designer stockings!

“Among my favorite items are the mason jar accessories.

We have mini-mason light ornaments, mason lanterns and lamps, and solar powered lid lights that fit mason jars which are perfect for exterior lighting. I also love the trendy metal cake / cupcake stands. For those who love to cook or entertain, there are aprons and cookbooks.

Johnson encourages area residents to save time and gas by shopping locally during the holidays and said her shop is the perfect place to start. By shopping at The Mulberry Peddler, you are supporting local artists and artisans whose fine art, handmade greeting cards, soaps, candles, pickles and jellies can be found in this Kaufman shop.

If you don’t want the typical tie or gift card, you can come here and get something unique. The Mulberry Peddler is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. The phone number is 972-932-4663.

Mag PowerSports Mag PowerSports 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 2011 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 PowerSports can be reached at 972-564-9000 or www.magpowersports.com.

Evergreen Funeral Home Edward C. Jones Jr. had a long journey and a couple of other careers before becoming a funeral director.

Sixteen years ago, Allen G. Madison II and Clifton W Maxfield and Jones joined together to form ACE Three Inc. After 34 years in the death care industry, Madison invited Maxfield and Jones to join him. Thus became ACE Three Inc. and they opened Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home Inc. in Dallas 16 years ago.

The trio opened the Terrell chapel and office in June.

Former Terrell resident Dawn Davis Jackson works in the office as an administrative assistant.

Jones spent four years in the U.S. Air Force before go-

ing to work for 19 with the U.S. Postal Service.

He went to Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science and became a funeral director in 1998.

Today, as part of Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home Inc. and Florist Shop, he believes he is where he belongs.

“It’s being able to guide people through the process of getting a loved one to their final resting place,” Jones said.

“That’s what I like. I have met a lot of people.”

Working with families is like being a counselor, he said.

All of us, at least one time in our lives, Jones said, is on the “front row” when a family member has passed.

Jones, who has been married | Continued on page 26

Terrell’s Best Bingo As it approaches 50 years in the community, Mesquite Social Services is growing both in terms of its clientele and the scope of services it provides.

One of the oldest nonprofit groups in Mesquite is one of four charities benefiting from funds generated at Terrell’s Best Bingo, located on State Highway 205.

The organization serves its clients with a food pantry, offers financial assistance with rent, mortgage and utilities, and has programs in place to help local residents with applications for Medicaid and the government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

The variety of services extends to a free adult GED preparation program, and MSS is in the process of signing an agreement to become a GED testing site. It also pro-

24

KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE

WINTER 2012

vides job training programs both online and with volunteer instructors.

During the recent economic downturn, Mesquite Social Services has become more valuable than ever to Mesquite residents. Last year, the organization assisted more than 19,000 people, up almost 3,000 from the year before.

MSS takes in and gives out more than 40,000 pounds of food each month.

The hunger and financial struggles aren’t limited to lowincome families. About 36 percent of those MSS helped this year were seeking assistance for the first time.

“We’re always in crisis mode, just like our clients,” said MSS executive director Alex Priakos. “It’s tough trying to keep up.” | Continued on page 35

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PUMC | Continued from page 22

SCENE &

HEARD

Oasis Beach & Tennis Club Oasis Beach and Tennis Club proves that it’s possible to have a country-club atmosphere without the golf.

The private club, which is located just south of Rockwall on State Highway 205, opened in May 2011 with eight lighted outdoor tennis courts, and has since expanded to include two additional hard courts, two outdoor clay tennis courts and four beach volleyball courts.

Another building on the 25-acre property, scheduled to be complete in October, will have six indoor climatecontrolled courts, a 3,000-square-foot fitness center, locker rooms, a pro shop, a six-lane swimming pool and children’s pool, and a poolside restaurant with a rooftop deck.

“A lot of people think that with a tennis club, all you can do is tennis,” said general manager Josh Mowell. “We’ve been careful about what sort of amenities we are adding.”

The club has begun hosting junior tennis camps (which have attracted at least 50 children a week) and other junior programs, as well as tournaments and private lessons from a team of five teaching professionals.

Oasis also has seen its beach vol-

In worship, Poetry UMC has special Advent liturgy focusing on a different theme each week, and will have a special Advent Bible study on Tuesday evenings, as well as weekly devotionals on its website.

“The season that often leaves us exhausted can hold the hope of offering the greatest gift through the miracle of Christ, not just as a baby in the manger centuries ago, but alive in our midst through the love we share with those around us,” White said.

Poetry UMC is located at 18734 Farm-to-Market Road 986 north of Terrell. For more information and devotional resources, visit www.poetryumc.com.

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY | Continued from page 22 Holidays” will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 24. Most participating businesses are planning to offer refreshments and other treats for shoppers.

sweetFROG | Continued from page 20

leyball courts become popular, including the introduction of a youth program this summer.

Mowell said the indoor tennis courts will allow the club to offer more yearround programs. He said feedback has been positive so far, and membership has been steadily increasing.

“People are looking for a truly exclusive high-end concept,” Mowell said.

“Our goal is to become one of the premier private clubs.”

The club currently has a limited number of memberships available for a reduced rate. For more information, call 972-772-7768 or visit www.oasistennis. com.

The nationwide chain, which was founded in 2009, has more than 100 locations in 15 states. Its name has added meaning, as the word Frog stands for Fully Rely on God. “We like to bring Christian beliefs into the workplace and provide an excellent customer service experience and get involved in the community as much as we can,” Kelsall said.

For more information on locations, hours and menus, visit the company website at www.sweetfrogyogurt.com.

Evergreen | Continued from page 24 for 28 years, also enjoys training the younger people in the organization to be more customer service oriented.

“We want to be an asset to the community and the surrounding area,” he said. “We are glad we are here.”

Jackson joined the Terrell office on Aug. 28. Although she now lives in Mesquite, she still knows a lot of people in Terrell.

“It’s been a new experience,” she said. “I was a familiar face for a family I knew. I believe it made it easier for them.”

Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home Inc. is located at 800 S. Virginia Ave. in Terrell. For more information, call 972-563-7300.

What we offer: • 2 red clay courts • 10 lighted outdoor hard courts • 4 beach volleyball/tennis courts

At Oasis Beach & Tennis Club, memership has it’s privileges and tennis is served everyday.

M-Th 8 a.m.-9 p.m. • F,S,Sun 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

26

KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE

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972-772-7768 5757 S. Hwy. 205, Rockwall oasistennis.com

Holiday Happenings The holidays are quickly approaching and we need to mark our calendars for the myriad of events our communities are having in Kaufman County. The following are some of the activities being planned for the holidays.

Santa, story time and craft time with Mrs. Claus, and a synchronized light show.

There also will be a lighted parade, tree lighting and more.

CRANDALL Crandall has scheduled its annual Christmas festival and parade from 11 am. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 15. For more information, contact Tamara Chappell at 972-427-3771, ext. 103.

TERRELL Terrell has a myriad of holiday activities scheduled from Dec. 1 through Dec. 16.

From 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Dec. 1, it is breakfast with Santa.

Also on Dec. 1, from 2-8 p.m., people will be able to take part in the Christmas in a Small Town Home Tour.

Five homes, including a 1950s traditional and a newly constructed residence will be on the tour.

The Christmas Shoppe, open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., will be in the Rockwall and Brin Church of Christ.

The Science Club of Terrell runs the tour and proceeds will benefit local charities and scholarships. For more information, contact Donna Riley at 972-551-2831.

From Dec. 8-9, the First Baptist Church will have “Merry Christmas Terrell.”

On Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 2, 7-9, “Walk With the Wise Men” will be at Cornerstone Baptist Church.

The annual Terrell Christmas parade, this year titled “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” is set for 10 a.m.

Dec. 8.

On Dec. 9, “Merry Christmas” will be performed at the First United Methodist Church.

The Christmas Cantata is set for Dec. 16.

FORNEY The ninth annual Forney Hometown Christmas is set for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 1 on Main Street.

The day will open with a Christmas parade at 9 a.m.

The sixth annual pie-eating contest will follow the opening ceremonies and will have junior divisions on up to adult competition.

During the day there will be a dozen vendors and restaurants providing food. And there will be about 80 retail and crafts booths as well as live music at the celebration.

There also will be a 32-foot wide by 65-foot long synthetic ice skating rink to enjoy behind the courthouse from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

KAUFMAN Kaufman is having Christmas on the Square from Dec. 7-8. Activities will include carriage rides, photos with

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• nov. 30, dec. 1, 2, 7, 8, 9: “Walk With the Wise Men”

7-9 p.m. Production every 20 minutes. Cornerstone Baptist Church, 113 Hwy 205. No admission charge. 972-563-1011

• december 1:

Breakfast & Pictures w/ Santa

8:30-11 a.m. First United Methodist Church Day School. Fellowship Hall (corner of Ann & High St.). Photos w/ Santa available for additional fee. 972-563-6274

Social Science Club “Christmas in a Small Town”

Lighted home tour. Tickets each: $15/Advance, $20/day of tour. Tickets available at Terrell Chamber of Commerce, Koffee Kake, American National Bank, Terrell Heritage. Museum and ReMax/Landmark. 972-322-1990

• december 8: “Twas the Night Before Christmas” Parade

10 a.m. Parade, Downtown Terrell. All entries must be approved. No four wheelers or go carts. 972-563-5703

Terrell Fire Department vs Forney Fire Department

Flag football game. Gates open at 2:30 p.m. Game will start at 3 p.m. City Bank Stadium at Forney High School. Admission: bring a new, unwrapped toy for K-Toys for Kids. 972-551-6652

• december 8 & 9: “Merry Christmas Terrell”

7 p.m. First Baptist Church Worship Center. No admission charge.

972-524-1800

972-563-1560

303 E. College Street Suite C, Terrell

• december 9: “Merry Christmas Joy, Peace, Light & Love”

10:50 a.m. Children’s Play, First United Methodist Church. No admission charge. 972-563-6274

• december 16: Christmas Cantata

10:50 a.m. First United Methodist Church. No admission charge. 972-563-6274

KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE WINTER 2012

27

Downtown Canton & roadhouse Wine down with Texas wines & Texas music live. Chef Kat is in the kitchen creating your delight!

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KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE

WINTER 2012

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happy holidays Upcoming Events: Lewis Auto Swap Meet: Nov. 9-11 Open House: Nov. 15 – Downtown Square, ALL DAY! Yesterland Farm: Pumpkin Patch & Tree Farm Open from Nov. 23 thru Dec. 16.

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29

HEALTH &

WELLNESS

Country View Nursing and 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 Country View’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 | Continued on page 32

Dr. David Liao Orthopaedic Center, LLC Those looking for a remedy to ailing or injured joints and bones can visit Dr. David Liao Orthopaedic Center, LLC. Located at 303 East College St., Suite C, the clinic offers a wide range of treatments, including total joint replacement, sports medicine, arthroscopic surgery and trauma and fracture care.

Liao studied at Western University of Health Sciences in California, where he received a doctorate in osteopathy.

He has been in private practice since 1998.

The clinic, which also has locations in Greenville and Rockwall, uses the latest techniques and technology to create an effective treatment plan.

Liao uses a combination of the latest medicine with a

personalized “whole person” approach to patient care.

Liao was trained to focus on the connections between the injured area and the other areas of the body. His goal is to restore function and movement to an affected area with the least risk possible.

While some injuries can be treated without surgery, others may require arthroscopy or other minimally invasive procedures that result in less pain and a quicker recovery.

When possible, Liao has patients try nonsurgical treatments, including physical therapy, medication and lifestyle changes, before recommending surgery.

Dr. David Liao Orthopaedic Center can be reached at 972-551-3800 or at www.dobones.com

Audibel Hearing Aid Center All-American made Audibel hearing aids are now available in Terrell at 617 W. Moore Ave., Suite C. Audibel hearing aids are digital, programmable, automatic and have active feedback management, according to Megan Howell, a hearing aid specialist in the Terrell office. Howell said the hearing aids are made in Eden Prairie, Minn.

Alan Durbin opened the Rockwall office in March 2010 and the one in Terrell in May of this year.

Howell said Durbin comes from a long line of hearing aid specialists. She said he is a third-generation audioprosthologist.

Before him, his grandfather, Chris Durbin, was the

first hearing aid dealer in 1948, according to Howell.

Alan’s father, Tom, brother, Kyle, and uncle, Dick, also are in the business.

Howell said Alan Durbin originally sold Beltone hearing aids until 2009. He then opened the Audibel hearing aid office in Rockwall in 2010. “[Audibel] is a better product,” Howell said. “They are American made.”

She also said the open-ear technology allows people to hear with natural acoustics.

“We offer today’s advanced technology, wireless technology, free cleanings, free programming and free testing,” she said. | Continued on page 34

Bright Smiles Dental Clinic Rushneet Kaur enjoys making people’s smiles the best they can be.

Kaur, who joined Bright Smiles Dental Clinic at 401 N. Ann St. in July, is a recent graduate of New York University’s College of Dentistry, earning her degree from the prestigious institution in May. She joined the dental clinic as a general dentist. Kaur, who is from Punjab, India, attended school to be a dentist for five years in India before moving to the U.S. to purse dentistry at NYU. “My father is a doctor, and seeing him, I always wanted to be one, or in this noble profession,” Kaur said. “But I thought being a dentist suited me better than being a doctor.”

Kaur moved to Texas following her graduation to join

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KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE

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her husband, Siddhar th, who has worked as an engineer for Cisco Systems for the past five years. She found the position at Bright Smiles through the grapevine, interviewed and was hired.

Kaur said the transition from New York to Texas has gone well, but she had to get used to driving greater distances instead of taking the subway or hailing a taxi.

What she loves most about Terrell is the small-town atmosphere.

“People know each other,” Kaur said. “My staff knows most of the patients, and the patients have been returning here for years.”

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, contact Bright Smiles Dental Clinic at 972-5241048.

FAMILY DENTISTRY ...Quality care for your smile at every age!

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107 Tejas Drive, Terrell • 972-551-3800 3900 Joe Ramsey Blvd., Building 1, Greenville • 903-454-9900 www.dobones.com all major insurances and workers compensation accepted

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KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE WINTER 2012

31

HEALTH &

WELLNESS

Windsor Care Center Windsor Care Center has been busy the past year.

In June, the center had a grand reopening after investing about $1 million on renovating the facility, including wood-like floors, facades covering the nurses station, new paint and a community environment for its residents.

The main lobby was transformed into a library while the common area was turned into a downtown square with storefronts such as an ice cream/candy shop, Iris Theatre, Fred’s General Store, Copper House Restaurant, city hall and coffee shop.

Now that the renovations have been completed, the center’s staff wants to highlight the rehabilitation services: occupational, physical and speech therapies.

David Booker, rehabilitation services director, said he has a five-member staff that works with people at Windsor Care Center.

Occupational therapy, Booker said, involves fine motor skills. Staff helps people how to dress, shower and comb their hair for instance.

Physical therapy, he said, involves moving such as walking and transferring to a chair.

And in speech therapy people work on cognition, swallowing and dementia training. They use puzzles to help, for instance. They also use flash cards for object identification.

A speech therapist also will assess a patient’s diet. For example, whether someone should be eating soft and pudding-type foods.

“All of us work on safety,” Booker said.

As part of rehabilitation, patients are able to use Nautilus equipment, including recumbent bikes and rowing machines, to help them recover.

Booker also said they have electro stimulation to help with joints and muscles.

“Also, if someone has a stroke and contraction problems, we can attach that and force contractions and speed up recovery,” he said.

Booker said Windsor Care Center has heat ultrasound for muscles and joints as well.

“We have several people with knee replacements,” Booker said. “We get

them back to the highest level possible. Same with strokes.”

He estimated his staff sees an average of 18 to 20 people a week.

They are available five to seven days a week.

Windsor Care Center is a 106-bed that provides skilled nursing care, post-hospital/surgical care.

For more information, visit www.windsorcarecenter.com or call 972-5510122.

Country View | Continued from page 30 therapy, and nutritional management. Short-term residents may also participate in a variety of 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.

visit our newly-remodeled facility

From our warm and inviting lobby to our friendly and professional staff, Windsor is sure to be your preferred skilled nursing facility.

Windsor Care Center is the premier rehabilitation and long-term care facility in Kaufman County.

At Windsor Care Center, we strive to help our residents achieve the highest of independence.

972.551.0122 | windsorcarecenter.com 32

KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE

WINTER 2012

SPOTLIGHT on Homes HUNTER CONSTRUCTION

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33

Acoustic Sound Hounds | Continued from page 9 Since 2008, Gray said the band has become overwhelmed with requests to perform. Early performances included regular shows at the Servant’s Book Store in Kaufman as well as festivals in Kaufman, Crandall, Combine and Ennis. Soon the band was performing live music on the radio for KNON’s Texas Renegade Radio Show in Dallas, and Mark Henderson’s Country Jamboree on KRDH radio in Canton. When possible, the band also performs for the Kaufman Senior Center.

Other benefit performances include shows at the Race for the Cure and the Veterans Traveling Tribute wall in Ennis.

“We stay booked most weekends playing festivals, benefits, private parties, etc. Some of our past bookings have included the Fort Worth Stock Yards, Fair Park, Sons of Hermann Hall, Poor David’s Pub, Bill’s Records, The Dallas Arboretum, live performances on radio, and local oprys,” she said. “Local festivals include the Seagofest, Bluebonnet Festival, Cotton Festival, Texas Masonic Family Day and the Scarecrow Festival. Many of the festivals have been return performances from the previous year.”

While their success continues to grow, the band members also balance their full-time careers and families. Gray and her husband are both residents of Cottonwood where she serves as a fourth-grade teacher for nearby Scurry-Rosser ISD and he serves as a captain with the Ennis Fire Department. Phil Boyd, a Combine resident, is a management consultant and Dennie, also a resident of Combine, owns his own pest control business in addition to working for Dallas ISD. Gray credits an emphasis on family with helping the band manage its hectic schedule.

“Our motto has always been ‘family first.’ Our 10-year-old daughter, Jacie, has always been included in the show and is a crowd favorite. She has been an important factor in keeping the band grounded,” Gray said. “There have been times when we would turn down gigs due to work, school or family vacations.

In fact, we recorded our first album in pieces at odd hours to fit everyone’s work and family schedules.”

That family feel is extended to the band’s supporters as well, Gray said.

“The audience is also an extended family when we play our shows,” she explained. “We make a connection with our audience Texas Underground | Continued from page 7 more rewarding than having someone tell us that they really enjoy our music or to find out that they keep our CD in their player at all times. It means they are appreciating all that we’ve done. That means a lot.”

As for the future, Murrey admits the band hasn’t set any grand goals, preferring to enjoy doing what they love instead.

“We’re just going to keep plugging away, keep on having fun while we’re doing it and discover what comes from that,” he said. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Fans of Chip Murrey and Texas Underground can follow the band on its Facebook page or visit www.texasundergound.net to find music samples. The CD Paydirt can be purchased via iTunes.

34

KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE

WINTER 2012

during our shows and often visit with our new friends for several hours afterward.”

Gray believes Acoustic Sound Hounds’ appeal can be summed up in three ways.

“Our blend of original music, our unique style of music and our showmanship that always includes the audience,” she said.

“Because of the various styles of our songs, we can target a wider audience. We have an original sound with roots of bluegrass and branches of country and swing. People enjoy our shows because they feel like we are sharing a part of our lives through our music.

Our fans can personally relate to many of the lyrics in our music.”

The group’s whirlwind rise in popularity from its humble roots as a living-room jam session has had its share of ups and downs, but Gray said every minute of it has been worth it.

“Practicing, creating and performing music is our passion,” she said. “There is nothing more exciting than bringing an original song to the band and building it from the ground up.”

Fans can keep up with Acoustic Sound Hounds via its Facebook page. Fans who are unable to attend the live shows can purchase music from iTunes or CD Baby or listen to samples at www. acousticsoundhounds.com.

Audibel | Continued from page 30 Audibel customers, according to Howell, also receive lifetime care from any of the 1,100 Audibel dealers throughout the country.

Customers also will receive a free video otoscopy and digital demonstration of hearing aids.

“They are the most natural sounding you can get on the market,” Howell said. “They are better than Beltones because [Audibels] are software driven and updatable, have aggressive and superior feedback technology and an award winning design.”

Howell graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2010. She Miyako | Continued from page 20 an appetizer, two soups and salads, two special rolls, two hibachi specials and two ice cream desserts.

In addition, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Miyako offers any special rolls for $8 during dinner service.

Miyako is open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Monday-Friday and on Sunday. Dinner service is

is married and has two children.

“We proudly support the Starkey Hearing Foundation which gives the life-changing gift of hearing to people around the globe,” Howell said.

She said anyone may contribute to the foundation by donating old hearing aids at the Rockwall, Terrell, Waxahachie or Corsicana locations.

Audibel was chosen by The Terrell Tribune readers as the best hearing aid center for 2012.

For more information, contact Howell at 972-961-7177. Or visit www.facebook.com/AudibelHearingAidCenter or www.AudibelHearingHealth.com. from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 5 to 10 p.m. on Saturday.

Miyako is located in the Terrell Brookshire’s shopping center at 1412 W. Moore Ave., next to Aaron’s, 972-563-3773.

Visit Miyako online at www.mymiyako.com or stop by the Miyako-Terrell facebook page.

The Reel LIfe | Continued from page 13 pretty tough,” Thompson said. “You have to know where the fish are, and what to throw at them.”

And learning that requires a lot of time on the water.

“I fish probably twice a week, mostly on tanks around my house and stuff,” said KHS team member Marshall White. “My mom helped me buy a boat too, so that will be good. You can’t just get a boat and start fishing tournaments, though. You have to go for miles and miles and figure out what you are doing, or you will be disappointed.”

•••• With practice being key to success, Holland noted that the time commitment of volunteers makes the Kaufman program a success.

“In some places, parents have just gone down and bought a boat so their kid can be on the team, but in places like Kaufman we have to work a little bit differently,” he said. “Without volunteers who give of their time and use their boats to help us, it wouldn’t have the same success.”

It isn’t just parents and friends with boats either. Holland has the support of some of the area’s best tournament fishermen.

“Some of the top anglers around here, the cream of the crop, I can call and they are just great with the kids,” Holland said.

“Guys like Scott Dean, who just missed out on qualifying for the Bassmaster Classic. They are so competitive, just great fishermen. But it is amazing how good they are with the kids. They go out, and they can’t fish, they can only coach. But they come back and say that is one of the most enjoyable things they’ve done other than fishing themselves.”

Steve Robertson, who by day is president of American National Bank in Kaufman, sees the fishing program as a way to pass along the joy of fishing to the next generation, and get himself on the water as well.

“I was a competitive fisherman at one time, but it is something that I just don’t really have the time for any more,” he said. “Some of my fondest memories from growing up is going fishing with my parents and grandparents, and I want to pass that on. It is also a good reason to get up and go fishing on a lot of days.”

Robertson also noted that fishing can be enjoyed by a more diverse group of students than other sports.

“In fishing, a lot of things just don’t matter as much like age, height, gender or physical ability,” he said. “It really puts everyone on a level playing field. Some kids who may not be athletes

can be great fishermen. It is also something that they can carry with them for their whole life, after football or baseball and those things are over, you can still go fishing.”

•••• While the adults are focused on the long-term benefits of fishing, the students have some shorter goals in mind as well. College fishing is also highly competitive, with many major universities offering scholarships to promising anglers.

KHS senior Blake Shaw is working toward earning some college benefits from his time on the lake.

“I play golf as well, so either fishing or golf, I want to earn a scholarship,” he said. “The University of Arkansas has one of the biggest programs, so I am looking there first.”

Tournament winnings can help pay for college as well, although some actually pay cash to winners.

“We set up our tournament with scholarships, because that helps add substance to the high school program,” Holland said.

“That also helps attract sponsors and tournament entries. We had 30 teams this year, but I expect 70-80 teams next year.”

•••• Area high school fishing teams will start their year Dec. 1 at Cedar Creek Lake.

“These kids will go fishing any time, anywhere,” Holland said.

“December will be good fishing, but it could be 80 degrees or it could be really cold. That is when you see their commitment to get up early and get out there on the water.”

Bingo | Continued from page 24

Boo’s | Continued from page 20

Those increased needs from the community have put a strain on the organization’s budget, and prompted it to get creative in an effort to seek funding. MSS opened an on-site thrift store in 2010, and began partnering with the Terrell bingo hall last year.

Priakos said the bingo partnership allows MSS to have a steady stream of funding throughout the year.

“We just hope more people will play bingo. They help individuals and they don’t even know it,” Priakos said. “We need those resources to help meet the demand.”

The bingo hall, which opened in 2011, pools its proceeds and donates evenly to four charities, in accordance with guidelines established by the Texas Lottery Commission. It also benefits Spectacular Senior Follies, Grand Prairie Police Association and Lone Star CASA.

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.”

Steve Holland demonstrates technique for the students.

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Jake E’s | Continued from page 22 other families, share experiences and fellowship.”

Ewing said being able to ride and connect with a horse gives clients confidence.

“When you leave here, you’re different,” Ewing said.

Jake E’s Riding Round Up is located at 10626 Farm-to-Market Road 429 in Kaufman. For more information, visit www.JakeEsRR.com.

KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE WINTER 2012

35

EXCELLENCE. It is the common thread that runs through everything we do.

It is the fabric that shapes what we believe into who we become.

It is the standard by which we choose to serve, both collectively and individually.

It is the bold symbol of our enterprising spirit, woven into a heritage of integrity and independence.

For more than half a century, we have held steadfast to its truth, knowing that, for us, success comes not in what we do, but how we do it.

Now, more than ever.

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