arranging the giftarranging the gift 6 14 sportsnow gently moving toward freedom 16 businessnow the...

February 2008

The WomenBehind the MasksThe WomenBehind the Masks

At Home With

Ron and Paula Harmon

At Home With

Ron and Paula Harmon

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE PAID

FT. WORTH, TXPERMIT NO. 711

Arrangingthe Gift Arrangingthe Gift

GentlyMovingTowardFreedom

GentlyMovingTowardFreedom

FeelingComfortable in Two Worlds

FeelingComfortable in Two Worlds

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www.nowmagazines.com 2 BurlesonNOW February 2008



BurlesonNOW is a NOW Magazines, L.L.C. publication. Copyright © 2008. All rights reserved. BurlesonNOW ispublished monthly and individually mailed free of charge to homes and businesses in the Burleson zip codes.

Subscriptions are available at the rate of $35 per year or $3.50 per issue. Subscription and editorial correspondenceshould be sent to: NOW Magazines, P.O. Box 1071, Waxahachie, TX 75168. For advertising rates and other information, call (817) 477-0990 or e-mail us at: [email protected].

Publisher, Connie Poirier

General Manager, Rick Hensley

Managing Editor, Becky Walker

Editorial Coordinator, Sandra McIntosh

Creative Director, Jami Navarro

Art Director, Chris McCalla

Sales Assistant, Jessica Vasquez

Burleson Editor, Melissa Rawlins

Contributing Writers, Lynn H. Bates Jr. . Stephanie

Brewer . Dia Catalani . Blythe Williamson

Photography, Dia Catalani . Rod Cordsen . Ivey

Photography . Sandra McIntosh . Terri Ozymy

Contributing Editors/Proofreaders, Pamela Parisi

Jaime Ruark . Beverly Shay

Advertising Representatives, Will Epps

Lacy Hightower . Carolyn Mixon

Linda Moffett . Jill Odle . Terri Ozymy

Steve Randle . Terri Yates

Graphic Designers, Julie Carpenter

Allee Brand . Dale Frie . Marshall Hinsley

Arlene Honza . Steve Koldjeski . Brande Morgan

On the Cover: The Athena womenwear their signature Mardi Grasmasks during their annual gala.

Photo by Rod Cordsen.

ContentsFebruary 2008, Volume 2, Issue 2

22 Around TownNOW

24 Who’s CookingNOW

26 FinanceNOW

28 HealthNOW

ArtsNOWArranging the Gift

6

14SportsNOW Gently Moving Toward Freedom

16BusinessNOWThe Spinal Stand

18EducationNOW Feeling Comfortablein Two Worlds

20

10

The Women Behind the Masks

Still Sweet on One AnotherAt Home With Ron and Paula Harmon


Dear Readers,

Just when experts on global change are predictingfuture winters to be warmer and warmer, our cold weatherhas hit. Comfort yourself with a cup of tea and our magazine,and read about your neighbors’ approach to February.

Sherry Jones and her students heat up their bodies inenergizing tai chi workouts. Ron and Paula Harmon arededicated to family and community year-round, but especially enjoy Valentine’sexcuse to spend time with each other in their lovely home. Paige Easterlingcheers up both old and new friends with warm and personal floral arrangements.Jenny Vandagriff trains her poodle, Leo, in preparation for teaching her dog obedience class. Meanwhile, the Athena Women who help Johnson County residents stricken with cancer, take a breather after their fourth annual MardiGras Gala to talk. Be sure to check out Carla Bozarth’s Crock-Pot recipes forsteaming hot food, always a treat after a long day’s work.

Enjoy your last official month of winter, Burleson!

Melissa RawlinsBurlesonNOW Editor

Editor’s Note



Obest of friends.” Newer Athena, RosiePerez, disagreed. “She’s being a littletoo humble. Patsy was always a moverand shaker in her own right,” she said.

The name “Athena” refers to amythological goddess of war and artwho protected her city. The award isbased on Plato’s theory that what ishonored in a country will be cultivatedthere. The winners join forces to assistwomen in: realizing their full leadershippotential; participating in the community by contributing time andenergy to improve the quality of lifefor others; and serving ethically, withdignity, grace and sensitivity.

“The award is presented to thewoman that advocates, supports andpromotes women in business and inthe community. Patsy was the first,”Rosie continued, “and she has beenquite a role model for me, since she’sinvolved with the city and the schoolsand promotes women in her bank.”

For Patsy and Sharon and the 13other Athenas, Rosie said, “It’s not somuch what they’re involved in that

earned their awards. It’s their characterthat makes them qualified to be anAthena Award winner.” Referring toAly Engstrom, who joined the leagueof Athenas in 2001, Rosie said, “Shefits the bill because she is such a promoter and organizer.”

“And a visionary,” Sharon chimedin. “Aly invited us all to lunch andoverwhelmed us with her suggestionto organize the award-winners.” Infact, Aly brainstormed the current faceof the Athenas immediately after herinduction. Patsy said, “Before Aly, weused to say, ‘Let’s get together forlunch. We’ll chip in $50 and present ascholarship.’ We never did it until Alygot selected. That’s the reason theAthena Society of Burleson exists.”

Aly remembered, “I told them, ‘You’vegot 11 dynamic women, and you’re notcoming together as the powerhouseyou are.’ I had the plan all together —even had the first gala planned.”

Their signature masks are worn during their annual Mardi Gras Gala,where the 16 women raise money to

Behind the Masks — By Melissa Rawlins

Once the birds started chirping onthe first Sunday of this month, theAthenas were able to take off their masksand relax. Unlike the rest of us, however,Athena women do not hibernate duringcold, dreary February. “Anyone can doone thing, but Athena women do a lotof things,” Sharon Wright, an Athenasince 1993, explained. “Normally theirspouse helps as the Athena stretchesherself in order to help others. Athenawomen have a servants’ heart.”

One-by-one, year-by-year, membershipis growing in this curiously namedgroup of Burleson women. Now 16strong, The Athenas each achievedtheir status individually, starting withPatsy Dumas. In 1992, Patsy receivedthe first Athena Award, presented atthe Chamber of Commerce by sponsorForrest Auto Park Group in Cleburne,to an outstanding female businessleader who faithfully contributes tothe civic life of Burleson. “I got theaward,” Patsy joked, “because O.C.Forrest, the owner of the award’s sponsor,and my boss, Mr. Smith, were the very


The Athenas: 1992-Patsy Dumas; 1993-Sharon Wright; 1994-Laurie Evans; 1995-Vera Calvin; 1996-Debbie Pesnell; 1997-Rosie Perez; 1998-Kay Godbey; 1999-Ella Dean; 2000-Terrie Lynn Harwell; 2001-Karan Wethington; 2002-Aly Engstrom; 2003-Betty Shelton; 2004-Peggy

Barnes; 2005-Jill Kunkel and 2006-Nelda Stucks. (The 2007 recipient will be named at the Gala and, therefore, is not pictured here.)

The Women

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help people in Johnson County fight theravages of cancer. For this month’s 5thannual fundraiser, they had set a goal ofbringing in $60,000, most of whichThe Athena Society will donate to makea difference in the lives of JohnsonCounty cancer patients this year.

In hindsight, Aly often realizes her

ideas are a bit overwhelming. “I get wayout of the box,” she admitted, creditingRosie and Sharon with reeling in thevision so that it is effective. “Rosiegives us cohesiveness. She’s like thatrich thick honey that pulls and binds.You ask her to do it; it gets done.”Patsy agreed, “Rosie never says, ‘No.’And Sharon can go after something andobtain that with ease. She has excellentfollow-up skills. Sharon asks, ‘Wouldyou consider…’ and we just say, ‘Yes,’before we look at the obstacles.”

One of the greatest assets of TheAthena Society is their team spirit.“You have 16 dynamic personalities. Wecheck our egos at the door, and we makethings happen. To date, we haven’timploded!” Aly reported. Interestingly,none of the Athenas were really friendsbefore their society began its work.“We were business associates,” Patsysaid. “Now we’re blood.”

“I always admired each of them,”Rosie added. “After four years of raisingmoney to help people with cancer,we’re like sisters.” This sisterhood canbe a little intimidating to each year’snew Athena woman. “They start outfeeling like they can’t fit in, askingthemselves how they can measure upon any level. I know, because I used towonder what talents I have that couldmatch theirs,” Aly explained. It onlytakes one lunch meeting at OutbackSteakhouse or Sammy’s to realizeeveryone has different talents, and theyall complement each other. “Forinstance,” bragged Aly, “Patsy said she


They do not stop working,

even when themasks are off.


would go after big business for this gala,and before December she got a reallybig check from this year’s presentingsponsor, Chesapeake Energy Corporation!”

All Athenas bring to the table passionmixed with experience in communitywork and fundraising. When theyorganized back in 2003, they decidedthey wanted to accept more responsibility.“They wanted to work to take care ofresidents of Johnson County,” Aly said.

Sharon remembered, “When wehad our first meeting — when Alywas overwhelming us — she askedwhat our passions were. Cancer wasmentioned most often. Cancer becameour mission.” The ladies partneredwith Careity, an organization started bytwo women who lost their parents tocancer. “Lynn and Beverly have the heartto help people who are underinsuredand uninsured,” Aly expressed.

The money they raise does morethan just pay for cancer treatments; italso funds seminars for caregivers.“Once,” Aly said, “I got a call from aman who cared for his wife, who’d hadmuscular sclerosis for 15 years. He toldme how great it was to get advice atthe seminar.”

“Right after the Athenas partneredwith Careity,” Aly added, “we got acall from a friend of a woman who hadno insurance and couldn’t get treatmentat the hospital where she was diagnosed.Laurie Evans, Athena Winner 1994,researched it, and found she made $20too much each month. We called Lynnand Beverly at Careity. They got her anappointment. Then that lady’s bosswouldn’t let her leave work! Finally,Dr. Young offered to see her for free. Shehad a barrage of tests, and it was foundthat she did not have cancer! We weptover it, and were thrilled over it.”

The Athena Society has even hadreason to help those in their midst. “Irecently had surgery,” Rosie revealed.“Patsy brought me a food basket.”

“Well, this is where our husbandscome in,” Patsy said. “I started talkingto Billy real nice, real sweet. He said,‘I know the deal. I’m going to be theone to take the soup!’”


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J


Still Sweet One Another

June marks two very special times for Ron and PaulaHarmon. On June 2, 1972, they exchanged their weddingvows, and in just a few short months, they will be celebratingtheir fifth anniversary in their new home located on MountainValley Lake. “We have one of the first homes built in this area,”Ron said, referring to the couple’s two-story, three-bedroom,three-bath abode. “I surprisedPaula with this house.”

To fully understand the deeplove Ron and Paula have for oneanother, going back in time towhen they both lived in Odessa,Texas, and worked at MedicalCity Hospital is a must. Paulawas an X-ray technician whenRon joined the group as thedirector of personnel. They mayhave met each other in theworkplace, but their courtshipbegan at the football field, so tospeak. “My oldest son played PopWarner Football where Ron was his coach,” Paula said,explaining further that Pop Warner Football was part of ayouth program sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club inthat area. “Activities just kept throwing us together.”

It did not take long for Ron to wise up. “I asked her

— By Sandra McIntosh

on

out,” he reminisced, still smiling at the memory of thoseearly times. The couple’s first date was spent riding aroundOdessa and led to many more that included attending severalOdessa-Permian football games. Ron and Paula dated fornearly a year before she sat down with her children to sharethe good news. “My daughter liked him immediately,” she

recalled. “It took my son alittle longer to adjust tothe fact that I was datinghis coach.”

Some of the fondestmemories the couple has oftheir blended family revolvearound going out to eat.“It was a mess going out toeat with five children,”Ron declared. “We’d let allthe kids order. The youngerones would keep changingtheir minds.” If the waitressbecame frustrated, Ron

would joke with her, claiming they had actually left twoeven younger children at home and that it could have beenworse. “Those were good times,” he said. Today, that blendedfamily has grown into a close-knit clan boasting ninegrandchildren ranging in age from 4 to 22.

At Home With

Ron and Paula

Harmon

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now semiretired. “All the awards areprestigious in their own right,” hesaid. When asked to pick a favorite,he said, “I’d have to say it’s the RoadHand Award.” This award was presentedto Ron in recognition of the work hedid with the Texas Department ofTransportation and his name will beforever enshrined in the department’soffices in Austin, Texas.

As life happened, Ron and Pauladecided it was time to completelyremodel their old home to bring itinto the 20th century. Not long afterthe renovations were complete, Ronattended a Chamber of Commerceluncheon and the topic of lakefront

property was broached. His interestpiqued, he and Paula took anotherdrive, and a few days later, they werein the contractor’s office. “Within sixmonths,” Paula interjected, “we werein our new home.”

Looking back, they both agree thatthe move was meant to be. The homehas two very distinct styles that represent the personalities of the twoadults sharing the house with Sport, aJack Russell terrier who is consideredthe “ruler of the roost.” The downstairsis traditional elegance, while the upstairsis a perfect representation of Ron’straditional, yet casual, country style.

Visitors will be pleasantly surprisedby the simple beauty Paula has achievedstarting with the guest bedroom inblack, beige and gold, with a guestbath in black and chocolate brown. Asecond guest bedroom is home tosome very special individuals. “Whenthe granddaughters come to visitNana and Granddaddy, this becomestheir room,” Paula shared. “They get

It did not take long to becomecomfortable in their new surroundingsafter relocating to Burleson in 1974.Ron soon found himself as the countycommissioner of Precinct No. 2, whilePaula threw herself, heart and soul,into her new profession with the TexasDepartment of Human Service(TDHS). She spent her first 12 yearswith TDHS as a social worker and thelast 13 before retirement as a socialworker supervisor.

Ron served 16 years as commissionerprior to his retirement, and the awardsdisplayed in his home office are a truetestament to the kind of man he waswhile in office, and still is, though


first tooth with a pair of pliers. Completing Paula’s downstairs

domain is the master suite in richshades of purple, accented withantique-muted gold. The rockingchair in the corner, dating back atleast 100 years, was a gift from a pastclient. The clear stained glass windowin the master bath is special becauseof the butterfly. “I’ve always lovedbutterflies,” she said. “Instead ofdownsizing the home, I downsizedmy collection of butterflies when wemoved, making this handcraftedwindow quite special.”

While most men boast of a room inthe garage or a shed out back, Ron isblessed to call the upstairs his. A displayshelf in the stairway is home to boots,bridles, a saddle and a mounted headof a Texas Longhorn, all serving asgentle reminders of the time Ron spentas the vice president of the AmericanCutting Horse Association. In hisroom at the top of the stairs, he enjoyswatching westerns and war movies

all the toys out and have a goodtime!” The bed in this room is thesame bed Paula slept on as a littlegirl. The rocker once belonged toRon’s mother, while the dresser was akeepsake from Paula’s mom.

Moving into the combination livingroom, dining room, kitchen area, visitors can easily see why the Harmonslove their new home. The view from thebank of back windows is magnificent.In fact, when weather permits, Ronand Paula can be found on the backpatio sharing a meal or a morning cupof coffee. A rocking chair in the diningroom brings to Ron’s mind recollectionsof the time he sat in his GrandmaHarmon’s lap while she pulled his

and listening to his totally refurbished1957 jukebox. Also worth mentioningare the bunk beds hidden within acloset, a game room specifically forcards and a modest collection of westernart, several numbered and signed byartist G. Harvey.

When asked about special plans forthe upcoming Valentine’s holiday,Ron once again looked lovingly at hisbride. He said his plans are to takeher out on a date that includes aromantic, extraordinary meal. “Paulais very special,” he smiled. “She’s mysweetheart every day!”



GGive Paige Easterling 20 minutes and a bunch

of dried flowers, and prepare to be amazed. Whenshe comes down from her expansive studio, carryinga wild fountain of flowing sagegrasses tucked around bunches ofpurple broom blooms or goldenyarrow, the smile on her face rivalsthe brightness of the arrangementin her hands. You would never knowwhat a mess she just left upstairs!

Her husband, Pat, calls herspace “the warehouse,” since ithouses a massive amount of driedand silk flowers, all spilling overeach other in one corner of thelight-filled room that used to be the family’s media room.“The family does not get to enjoy the skyline anymore,”Paige said, pointing out the dirty windows. She does noteven look at the view, because when she works on a creation,she focuses entirely on the arrangement. “You wouldn’tthink this would be the right place to do my art,” said Paigeof the room with no shelves, no cupboards, no counters andone card table. But it works. “I had no choice but to workhere,” Paige explained, “because my daughter came back fromcollege, and I had to move all my flowers out of her room.”

While the family of five may have lost the use of theirmedia room, they all agree her appropriation of the spacewas a good move, because Paige has finally found her niche.She dabbled in a number of creative activities — including apainting studio for children to decorate plaster craft molds— before teaching herself to arrange flowers. “I startedplaying at it. I learned where to buy things that helped mecreate. The more I have on hand, the more creative I’ll be,”she remarked.

Paige can be stingy, hoarding her stuff. “For instance, when


— By Melissa Rawlins

I have yarrow, which I love, I won’t use it,” she admitted. “Isave it for special projects.” Paige spends a lot of time figuringout how to give a room that beautiful, lived-in feel, butrarely focuses on her own rooms. More often, a friend of afriend will ask her advice about their living room or office.Paige always recommends a floral arrangement to soften themetal, wood and leather in the room.

She does not suggest live plants. “Florals are apples to theoranges that are live potted plants. If a room had real plants,it would feel bare to me because I know they’re temporary.”Still, she loves naturals more than ivies and leafy foliage.“Women feel the same way,” she said. “And if you’re doing aman’s office, they want the flower-free, natural look.” Thewildness, she said, is her signature. Paige has a reputation forarranging florals in cowboy boots. “It’s a neat way to honorthe person who used to wear those boots,” she said.

One glance in her studio, the floor strewn with cuttings,and Paige’s favorites became obvious: artichokes, yarrow,mahogany, dried mushroom sponge, lotus pods, pineapplebuttons, wheat, grasses, pomegranates, cattails, feathers, moss,and star of Bethlehem. “I have that one in three colors! I loveit, and never can find enough,” Paige enthused, always excitedwhen she uncovers some funky flowers she forgot she had.

“Maybe I haven’t organized my studio because I haven’t

Arranging

the GiftPaige Easterling usesher God-given talentto arrange flowersfrom a workshop inher home.

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known where this is going,” she mused,remembering that only a few yearsago she had no plans for a home studioin which to create her handcrafteddecorations. “I once prayed, ‘Lord, justgive me the desire of Your heart.’ I feellike He said, ‘Here you go,’ and handedme a gift with a big silver bow on top.That thrilled Him to give me the gift.”

Likewise, it thrills Paige to be ableto pass her gifts along to others. “I donot do my art with all my time. I’m

being pushed, challenged,stretched. I do alot of other work: I teach MicrosoftWord for theWomen’s JobCorps; I am veryinvolved with the

church,” she said. She has learned to say,“No.” “Still, consulting others on howto decorate their homes is simple, andsomething I’m asked to do frequentlybecause friends pass my name on toother people.”

“The best part of my art is deliveringthe arrangements to the people whoasked for them. That’s the high forme,” she commented. Between highs,Paige is energized by her encouragingnetwork of friends and family. Onesuch friend has built Petals by Paige, a Web site where she can share hercreations with others. “And I have ahusband who’s a great cheerleader. He’smy biggest supporter,” Paige said.“Early on, I’d bring something downand he’d say, ‘That’s nice.’ Now hesays, ‘Wow!’ I think he thought myfirst creations were another passinghobby. But when he saw the orderscoming in, he was as amazed as me.”

Eventually, Paige hopes to open herbusiness in a small Western town.“Maybe someday when we retire inHico, I’ll have a storefront there, wherethey’re trying to build it into anotherFredericksburg,” she said.

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IIt is just another morning in the

Circle C Dance Studio, and Ed Runner’slanky legs and long arms move smoothlyforward, sideways and backwards whilehis torso hardly shifts. The orientalmusic helps him keep time during hismorning Tai Chi workout, but hisnewfound freedom of movement iswhat keeps him in the sport.

At 69 years old, Ed credits Tai Chiwith helping him to move better. “Ihad been hit with rheumatoid arthritis,an autoimmune disease that attacksevery joint in the body, which thenturns on itself. My soft cushions in myjoints, which make movement easier,just started to disappear,” Ed explained.“I have only had this mess a little overtwo years. I’ve been doing Tai Chiabout 20 months. Tai Chi has had permanent effects because it’s buildingmuscles around your joints. When Istarted I was using a cane to walk.Then I went to water therapy, then TaiChi, and then I could add a treadmilland bicycle. Now, I do not use a cane.”

The secret to enjoying the benefits ofTai Chi, said Ed, is practice. “You can’tstart this sport and then quit. It has tobe a lifestyle, otherwise physically youwill regress,” he informed. Leah Leach

agreed. She is a potter, who relieves theshooting pain of rheumatoid arthritiswith regular Tai Chi exercise. “If I go aweek without it, I feel my pain,” shesaid. “I used to hurt in my hips somuch I was holding on to walls just toget out of my garden bathtub.” It isalso a stress-buster for Leah, who said,“I’m hyper. Tai Chi calmsme down.”

Leah drivesfrom Alvaradotwice a week topractice withinstructorSherry Jones,who teachesTai Chi becauseshe has proven its benefits. “Both Yangand Sun styles use slow, continuousmovements on bent knees, and you useyour waist to guide the movement andyour hands to express the movement.The Sun style starts with feet togetherand incorporates full steps and half steps,and is quite beneficial for managingyour health. With Yang, we start withour feet apart. Once you take a step,you do not follow with the other foot.You are stepping backwards, forwards


and sideways, so you are really stretchingand learning to balance all the wayaround. It is great to train the body forfall prevention,” Sherry explained,having first studied the Yang style in1991. “I took a Tai Chi Chuan Yang-styleclass from a master from the Republicof China, Mei Hsiu Chan, and through

her, I learnedto love Tai Chi.We becamegood friendsand wouldpractice together,whenever wecould, outsideof class,”Sherry said.

Her personalexperience with the healing benefits oflow-impact exercises led her to teachthe sport. After a terrible car accidentand resulting back injury, Sherry foundherself struggling to move aroundwithout pain. As she aged, other heathissues began to manifest themselves,including fibromyalgia. “Eight yearsago, I couldn’t walk! I longed for myTai Chi, but back then, if you said ‘TaiChi’ people thought that you hadsneezed!” she exclaimed.

Gently Moving Toward Freedom — By Melissa Rawlins

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Sherry discovered water aerobicswhich over the course of two yearshelped her walk again. A friendencouraged her to become certified toinstruct water arthritis classes. Soonafter, Sherry discovered Tai Chi forArthritis certification courses werebeing taught in Angleton, Texas. Sherecalled, “It was like a dream cometrue. A part of me was afraid I couldnot do it, but I went through threedays of intense training and was not inpain. I was sore and very tired, butafterwards, I could not have felt better.”

For the past two years, Sherry hastaught both water aerobics and Tai Chito people living in and aroundBurleson who want relief from highblood pressure, back pain, diabetes,osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgiaand even Attention Deficit Disorder.“I also teach Tai Chi for children. Itactually helps increase their ability toconcentrate. Teachers and parents havefound improvement in academics andsports after the child practices Tai Chi,”Sherry said.

No matter what age she is coachingthrough the Tai Chi movements,Sherry stays fit while she teaches others to keep themselves healthy. It is very hard, but rewarding, accordingto her student, Ed. “Warm up exercisesare key, just like any fitness program,”he explained. “They say that 15 or 20 minutes per day is all it takes.When we have progressed to the levelwe’re at now, it may take me up to 45minutes to go through my practice session to maintain my flexibility andrange of motion.”

Ed feels this investment of his timeis worth it. “Earlier this year, I hadsome blood tests done. I used to beover 200 on cholesterol. That day I was152, and everything — triglycerides,HDL, LDL — everything was withinnormal specs. My doctor said, ‘Whateveryou’re doing, keep it up.’ I am goingto do just that.”


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AAre you among the 31 million

Americans who work, play and evenrestlessly sleep through back pain? Toobtain relief for this lifestyle-changingailment, many people prefer to see achiropractor, a specialist who will usenon-surgical drug-free methods to helpthem feel better and live productive lives.Surgeons also recommend chiropracticcare, knowing the strengthening benefitsit can afford preoperative patientsand the gentle postoperative therapyit can provide afterward.

At The Spine Center, Dr. DougVaden provides gentle, yet effective,chiropractic treatment for men andwomen. Common problemsaddressed by Dr. Vaden are herniateddiscs or degenerative disc disease,described by a medical university asa normal part of aging. Facet syndrome, an arthritic condition ofthe spine, can also be helped by a chiropractor, as can treatment ofbulging or protruding discs. Dr.Vaden’s preferred program for thesetypes of conditions is the use of spinaldecompression, one of the most effective

ways to alleviate neck and back pain.The Food and Drug Administrationapproves the use of a spinal decompressionsystem for the treatment of these typesof conditions.

Chiropractic care extends beyond theupper extremities, as anyone who hasexperienced excruciating sciatic nervepain can tell you. The Spine Centerutilizes the Lordex spinal decompressionprogram to help sciatica, herniated

discs and an array of other debilitatingconditions. “I encourage anyone whohas never tried chiropractic treatmentto try it, at least give it a try and see ifit works,” Dr. Vaden said. “Unlikesurgery, which cannot be reversed, chiropractic care isn’t invasive. Youcan’t ‘undo’ surgery.”

Doctors of Chiropractic undergo atleast four years of professional study atan accredited chiropractic college.Doctors of Chiropractic must passnational board examinations andbecome state-licensed prior to practicing. As part of his preventivecare programs, Dr. Vaden also teacheshow to avoid injuries, whether you areperforming usual daily activities andchores or workplace duties. Some common tips Dr. Vaden offers areremembering to properly warm upbefore exercising, arranging an

SpinalStand


The

— By Dia Catalani

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ergonomically correct workspace andmaintaining a healthy weight.

Peggy White began chiropractic care after an accident left her with backpain. As part of Peggy’s treatmentplan, Dr. Vaden utilized spinal decompression therapy, followed by

exercises to help strengthen her backand shoulder muscles. After just threeweeks of Dr. Vaden’s treatment program, she felt better. “I felt positiveresults almost right away,” Peggy said.“It’s painless and sort of relaxing. I’drecommend chiropractic care to anyonewho has back pain.”

The Agency for Health Care Policyand Research, a federal organization,recommends the least invasive methodof care in the treatment of lower backpain. Dr. Vaden also offers acupuncture,one of the oldest and most commonlyutilized medical procedures. Acupunctureis used in a wide range of applicationsin addition to the alleviation of lowerback pain. It is practiced in some dentaloffices, and because many people feelenergized by acupuncture, it is oftenused as part of weight loss programs.

If you are being treated by a physicianor other healthcare professional, ask ifchiropractic care can complement yourcurrent treatment program. For moreinformation about how these alternativehealthcare regimens can help you, callThe Spine Center. Dr. Vaden cananswer your questions and provide aconsultation to determine if chiropracticcare will help your specific condition,or provide a referral to a physician ifneeded. The Spine Center is locatedjust west of Interstate 35 at 220Northeast Wilshire Boulevard. To set anappointment, call (817) 295-0337.


“You can’tundo surgery.”

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TThis March, Jennifer Vandagriff will hit the grass at the

Burleson Community Center to show humans how to behavebetter. “If they are disciplined, their dog will behave better,”Jennifer said. When she teaches her next six-week DogObedience class, Jennifer will focus on the owners, not the dogs.

“What the humans generally have trouble with is notputting dogs in their place,” she explained. “It’s too easy forus to think of dogs like humans, when they are their ownspecies.” Jennifer will therefore attempt to teach those humansbrave enough to sign up for her class to think like dogs.

If you own a dog, being able to think like one is worthwhile,according to Jennifer. “Having nine dogs and being able toobserve pack mentality in dogs, I am convinced they’re theirown species. When we try to humanize them, some stuffworks and some doesn’t, because the human is not a stableenough pack leader. You know,” Jennifer pointed out, “in areal dog pack the leader eats first. The others will watch theleader, waiting until he’s finished eating. Then they get thedrippings.” Jennifer believes most people are not willing tobe firm when their dog begs to be fed from the table beforethe owner is done eating.

Her job is to help humans feel comfortable being firmwith their dog. To do this, Jennifer has to teach her humanstudents patience as they train their animals. “The more you

teach, the easier it gets. The next time, you might only haveto ask 50 times… and so on until the dog gets it. And thedog will get it,” she continued. “If you are persistent, yourdog will get it in less than 15 minutes.”

Jennifer learned this same lesson of patience and persistenceherself. Several years ago, she began training her own dog, Leo,to be obedient, and found the process enjoyable. “I startedtotally understanding different ways to do things, and I tookit from there,” she shared, speaking of her decision to jointhe Dog Training Club of Dallas County. “They mold youinto being an instructor. It took six months, but Leo got aCompanion Dog Title certificate through the AKC. To dothat, Leo had to do on-leash heeling in a ring. He had towalk with me, do about-turns without pulling on the leash.He had to do a recall off-leash, and perform an entire patternin the ring off the leash. He had to sit still for one minute,and do a three-minute lie-down with me outside of the ringwhile he was in line with other dogs. All this he had to dothree times under three judges.”

Patience and practice made perfect, and Jennifer had somuch fun she decided to teach Leo all manner of complicatedtricks and patterns for him to perform in a ring while thousandsof strangers watched. Leo eventually earned his CompanionDog Excellence certificate. “It took Leo eight shows to get

Feeling Comfortable

in TwoWorlds


Jennifer Vandagriff trains her dog Leo with a hoop to build trust in their relationship.

— By Melissa Rawlins

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that title,” she smiled.Jennifer now uses her experience to

prepare other people to train their dogsfor a Canine Good Citizen certificate.“Every household dog should be ableto obtain the CGC,” Jennifer stated.“This is just a matter of laying down,settling down, being quiet and havingproper manners.”

Jennifer’s depth of understandinglikely comes from working with speciesother than just humans and canines.“Training horses is very similar totraining dogs,” she said. “They don’tthink the same, but you can use similartechniques. For instance, heeling; youdo not want your horse taking off withyou, so you teach it to go the directionyour body’s going. Likewise, the directionmy body’s going tells my dog whatdirection to go.”

If your dog is leaning on your leg,for example, that is a sign the dog ischallenging to take over the position asleader of the pack. The more training thedog has, the less it will challenge you.“A dog’s mind doesn’t work the sameas ours, but they can figure out thebehaviors we want. They are absolutelyincredible in being able to interweaveinto our lives and fit in,” she declared.

Jennifer knows how to treat hercanine students: “You ignore the badbehavior until your student does whatthey’re supposed to do. Then youpraise it.” This method has succeededso well with dogs, Jennifer may try itout on her human students nextmonth! She approaches humans a bitlike she approaches dogs. “I have tofeel ’em out. I try not to repel peoplewith the way I speak.” Having taughttwo classes, she still considers herself inthe learning stages of how to teachpeople. “I know the information. NowI’m learning how to turn it inside outand backwards to be able to explain itto a person,” Jennifer said. “It’s likewith dogs; if you have an aggressive dogand walk in with a dominant attitude,you might get bit!”

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chopped meat, cover with cheese; top withsecond crust. Crimp edges; bake at 350 F for30 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Bestwhen served with salad or vegetable of choice.

BACON JALAPEÑOS

6 - 8 jalapeños, split lengthwise and cleanedcheddar cheese, cubed6 - 8 pieces thick sliced bacon

Place cheese inside jalapeños and wrap withbacon. Place on cookie sheet and bake for 30 - 40 minutes in 350 F oven.

YUMMY YAMS

2 36-oz. cans yams1 20-oz. can crushed pineapple, drained1 stick butter, melted1⁄2 cup brown sugar

SANTE FE CHICKEN

1 15-oz. can corn, with juice1 15-oz. can black beans, with juice1 18-oz. jar salsa4 - 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts1 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese

Put all ingredients except cream cheese in aCrock-Pot and cook all day. Add cream cheese;continue to cook for another hour, stirringoccasionally to shred chicken and incorporatecream cheese. Serve over rice or tortilla chips.

MEAT PIE

2 piecrusts1 lb. leftover cooked meat, shredded or

cubed (ham, beef, turkey or chicken)8 oz. grated cheese of choicePlace 1 piecrust in pie pan; add shredded or

IN THE KITCHEN WITH CARLA BOZARTH

Look Who’s

Cooking

1⁄2 tsp. cinnamon1⁄4 tsp. Allspice1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)1⁄2 bag mini marshmallows

Mash yams in 13 x 9-inch pan; add drainedpineapple, melted butter, brown sugar, spicesand nuts. Mix well; bake for 30 - 35 minutes in350 F oven. Add marshmallows, return to oven;brown for about 5 minutes or until melted andgolden brown.

BEEFY MACARONI

2 lbs. lean ground beefgarlic salt, to tastepepper, to tastesteak seasoning, to taste2 boxes of Kraft macaroni and cheese

Brown beef and drain; season to taste with

— By Stephanie Brewer

C arla is a hardworking mother of four hungry boyswho enjoys fixing the main meal of the day the most.

Carla employs the “scratch cooking” method. Her family’sfavorite dish is her Sante Fe Chicken. “I’m always inspiredby the memory of my mom and the volume [of] cookingshe did while I was growing up,” she said. “I can remembercooking as early as 8 or 9 years old.”

One of her fondest memories is waking up on a Saturdaymorning to find her son, Bradley, 15 months old at thetime, clanging the pots, pans and lids. “He was cookingwith frozen vegetables from the freezer and eggs from therefrigerator,” Carla explained. “Oh what a mess, but he was‘cookin’ and so proud of himself!”

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garlic salt, pepper and steak seasoning. Addmacaroni to beef with enough water to cover.Cover; cook on medium high heat, stirringoccasionally until macaroni noodles arecooked. Add cheese packets, milk and butteraccording to package instructions and stir well.Serve with vegetables or salad.

TURTLE BROWNIES

1 1/4 cups butter3/4 cup cocoa powder2 cups sugar4 eggs2 tsp. vanilla1 1⁄2 cups flour1 cup nuts (optional)1 12-oz. jar caramel sauce

Melt butter in microwaveable mixing bowl; addcocoa, sugar, eggs, vanilla and flour. Mix well.Stir in nuts. Pour into 13 x 9-inch greased pan;drizzle with caramel sauce. Use a spoon to“marble” the caramel into the batter. Bake at350 F for 35 - 45 minutes or until toothpickinserted in middle comes out clean.


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thereby jeopardizing your income stream.By doing some research, you can find

many stocks that have actually increasedtheir dividends for 25 or more consecutiveyears. Although past performance is notan indication of future results, that is apretty good track record, and it is anindicator of strong, well-run companieswho seek to reward their investors.

Still, as a retiree, you do need to keeptwo points in mind about dividend-payingstocks. First, they are not obligated to paydividends. No matter how good theirhistory, they have the ability to increase,decrease or totally eliminate dividendpayments at any time without notice.Second, they are stocks, which meanstheir price can and will fluctuate; so it ispossible to lose some or all of your initialinvestment amount.

In short, dividend-paying stocks canbe a valuable part of your portfolio duringyour retirement years, but you shouldalso include bonds, CDs, governmentsecurities and other investments. Bymaking the right moves, you can workto stay ahead of inflation without takingon an excessive degree of risk. That is awinning combination.

Lynn H. Bates Jr. and BlytheWilliamson are Edward Jones representativesbased in Burleson.

IIn all likelihood, the prices of goods

and services will continue rising year byyear. This may not be too much of aproblem for you when you are working,because your salary is probably also goingup over time. But when you retire, youmay find that inflation becomes a biggerconcern; and that is why you need to takesteps to help provide some investmentsources that have the potential for risingincome during your retirement years.

Of course, as a retiree, you may feelthat you need to invest more conservativelythan you did when you were working.After all, you may think, you are nolonger drawing a paycheck, so you cannotreally afford to take chances on investmentsthat constantly fluctuate in value.Consequently, you may be inclined tostick with fixed-income vehicles, suchas investment-grade bonds and certificatesof deposit (CDs). When you purchasethese securities you typically have theexpectation that your principal will bepreserved and you will receive regularinterest payments. So, there is no riskinvolved, right?

Actually, that is not the case. Bonds,CDs and other fixed-income investmentscarry their own type of risk — purchasingpower risk. Suppose, for example, thatyour bonds and CDs provide you with

Retirees Need Regular — and The Potential For Rising — Income— By Lynn H. Bates Jr. and Blythe Williamson

interest income of $1,000 a year. Evenwith a relatively mild inflation rate of 3percent, your $1,000 will only be worth$863.00 in five years, and $744.00 in 10years. If inflation picks up to 5 percent,the purchasing power of your $1,000will drop to $774.00 in five years and tojust $614.00 in 10 years.

Those are big drops. If you spend twoor even three decades in retirement — adefinite possibility — you could loseeven more purchasing power if you investsolely in fixed-income vehicles. That iswhy you need to consider investmentsthat provide you with not just regularincome, but the potential for rising income.That is why you may want to considerdividend-paying stocks.

You can now find dividend-payingstocks in a wide variety of industries,including: financial services, food producers,consumer products, pharmaceuticals,technology, publishing and others. Butin searching for stocks that pay good dividends, it is important not to be“shortsighted” and just go after thosecompanies that seem to be paying thehighest dividends at the moment. Youneed to be sure that a company’s earningsare sufficiently strong to support its dividend payouts. If a firm’s earnings areweak, it may well cut its dividends,

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for healthy people over the age of two.In order to carry the heart-check mark,a single serving of a food product must:

• be low fat (less than or equal to 3 grams);

• have low saturated fat (less than or equal to 1 gram);

• have low cholesterol (less than or equal to 20 milligrams);

• have a sodium value of less than or equal to 480 milligrams for individual foods; and

• contain at least 10 percent of the Daily Value of one or more of these nutrients: protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron or dietary fiber.

Meats must meet the USDA’s standards for extra lean.

The heart-check mark is a convenient

grocery shopping tool because you cansee the information on food productswhen you’re making your purchasingdecision. Amid the dizzying array offood healthy claims, you can rely on theAmerican Heart Association’s heart-checkmark. Shoppers can be confidentbecause the information comes fromwhat many consider the public’s mostreliable source of nutrition information,the American Heart Association.

For more information on diet andnutrition, visit www.americanheart.orgor call toll free (800) AHA-USA1 andask for a free copy of the Shop SmartWith Heart brochure.

For a complete list of certified products, visit www.heartcheckmark.org.

Source: American Heart Association Food

Certification Program.

(NAPS) - If you’re like the averageshopper, you spend nearly three-quartersof an hour on each trip to the grocery.Many shoppers spend even more timescrutinizing food labels and packages,studying ingredient lists and labels forlow fat, low cholesterol items. In fact,eight out of ten Americans say theyare seeking out these types of foods inorder to reduce their risk of heartattack and stroke.

Fortunately, heart-healthy shoppingcan be simpler than many people realize.According to dieticians, it helps to lookfor foods carrying the American HeartAssociation Food Certification Program’sheart-check mark. The foods bearingthe Association’s red heart with thewhite check mark have been evaluatedto ensure they meet the AmericanHeart Association’s nutritional criteriaand can be part of a heart-healthy diet

Heart-Healthy Shopping Made Simpler


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CommunityCalendar

MondaysThe Table Tennis Club, free and open to all ages, BurlesonCommunity Center, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. (817) 295-8168.

TuesdaysYoung Professionals networking group meets for lunch at BlueMesa Grill on University in Fort Worth, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.(817) 295-6121.

WednesdaysMaking It Happen networking group meets for breakfast atCracker Barrel on Alsbury, 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. (817) 295-6121.

ThursdaysToastmasters meets at the Burleson Chamber of Commerce,1044 S.W. Wilshire Ave., 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. (817) 295-6121.

Making It Happen networking group meets for lunch at Ryan’sGrill on Hwy. 174, Wilshire Ave., 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (817)295-6121.

FridaysMaking It Happen networking group meets for lunch at Ryan’sGrill on Hwy. 174, Wilshire Ave., 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (817)295-6121.

SaturdaysPlanet Kidz/Fun Time Live Lock-in at the Burleson CommunityCenter, 7:00 - 11:00 p.m. Cost is $9 per child. Call (817) 295-8168 or visit www.funtimelive.com.

February 2First of four Beginner Archery classes at the BurlesonCommunity Center, 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (817) 295-8168.

The Athena Society hosts its Fifth Annual Mardi Gras Gala, 6:30 - midnight, Mountain Valley Country Club in Joshua. Eventbenefits Johnson County residents and essential clinical servicesfor cancer patients and educational seminars. (817) 295-1816 or(817) 447-9849.

February 6Friends of the Library meeting, 10:00 a.m., Burleson PublicLibrary, 248 S.W. Johnson Ave., (817) 295-6131.

February 8 and 9 Father/Daughter, Mother/Son Valentine’s Dance, 6:00 - 9:00p.m. either night, Burleson Community Center. Tickets are $15per couple in advance, or $25 per couple at the door. (817) 295-8168.

February 11Burleson ISD Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m.,1160 S.W. Wilshire Blvd.(817) 245-1000.

February 12Burleson Heritage Foundation meeting, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.,Heritage Visitors Center, 124 W. Ellison (the old InterurbanBuilding in Old Town). Call (817) 447-1575.

February 14 and 28 Burleson City Council Meeting, 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. (817) 447-5400.

February 14Valentine’s Day Party, 11:30 a.m., senior activity center. (817) 295-6611.

February 2008 Community CalendarFebruary 19TAKS Test Day at Burleson ISD. (817) 245-1000.

BACC Expo, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m., Wilshire Room at First NationalBank, 740 S.W. Wilshire Blvd. Realtors meet local firms whosupport their work, from title companies to financial servicescompanies. (817) 295-6121.

February 21Mystery Lovers Book Club, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m., Burleson Public Library. Sandwiches and refreshmentsprovided for readers who meet to discuss the book Evan’s Gateby Rhys Bowen. (817) 295-6131, ext. 265.

February 26Elder Care Seminar, dealing with depression, drugs, alcohol andaging, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Burleson Public Library, 248 S.W.Johnson Ave. Call the library reference desk at (817) 295-6131,ext. 264. Information is also available through Meals on Wheelsat (817) 558-2840.

February 28 Burleson Public Library – in collaboration with The ParentingCenter in Fort Worth – hosts a monthly parenting workshop,10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at S.W. Johnson Ave. Light refreshmentswill be provided. This month’s topic is “Magic Wands andEnchanted Forests: The Benefits of Role Play.” This workshop isfree, but does require preregistration. (817) 332-6348.

March 29Master Gardeners of Ellis County’s annual Ellis County Lawnand Garden Expo at the Waxahachie Civic Center, 1950 N. I-35E from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. For sponsorship and exhibitor information, please send an e-mail to [email protected] call James at (972) 814-0699.


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