march 2008 becoming one with the fire fitfit for...

March 2008

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE PAID

FT. WORTH, TXPERMIT NO. 711

At Home With

John andArlene Hamilton

At Home With

John andArlene Hamilton

Fit for LifeFit for Life

BecomingOne Withthe Fire

BecomingOne Withthe Fire

Called toProtectand Serve

Called toProtectand Serve

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Publisher, Connie Poirier

General Manager, Rick Hensley

Managing Editor, Becky Walker

Creative Director, Jami Navarro

Art Director, Chris McCalla

Sales Assistant, Jessica Vasquez

Waxahachie Editor, Sandra McIntosh

Contributing Writers, Alex Allred . Stephanie Brewer

Nancy Fenton . Jaime Ruark . Jeff Trojacek

Photography, Rod Cordsen . Ivey Photography

Sandra McIntosh . Terri Ozymy

Contributing Editors/Proofreaders, Pamela Parisi

Jaime Ruark . Beverly Shay

Advertising Representatives, Carolyn Mixon

Will Epps . Linda Moffett . Jill Odle . Terri Ozymy

Kevin Poirier . Steve Randle . Terri Yates

Graphic Designers, Julie Carpenter

Allee Brand . Dale Frie . Marshall Hinsley

Arlene Honza . Steve Koldjeski . Brande Morgan

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

Subscriptions are available at the rate of $35 per year or $3.50 per issue. Subscription and editorial correspondenceshould be sent to: WaxahachieNOW, P.O. Box 1071, Waxahachie, TX 75168. For advertising rates and other information,call (972) 937-8447 or e-mail us at: [email protected]

On the Cover: AshleyDavidson makes the art of spinning fire seemeffortless.

Photo by Rod Cordsen.

ContentsMarch 2008, Volume 5, Issue 3

35 OutdoorsNOW

36 Around TownNOW

38 Who’s CookingNOW

40 FinanceNOW

42 HealthNOW

44 Community Calendar

ArtsNOWBecoming One With the Fire

6

22SportsNOW Fit for Life

26BusinessNOWScrub Worthy and Wise

30EducationNOW Be Kind to the Earth

32

14

Called to Protect and Serve

Taking Root in WaxahachieAt Home With John and Arlene Hamilton

www.nowmagazines.com 3 WaxahachieNOW March 2008


Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring!

The mornings may still be a bit chilly as you walkout the door for work, but I promise, the warmer daysare looming ahead. We here at WaxahachieNOW lookforward to the new life that spring brings as evidencedby the stories featured in this month’s edition.

Jeff Aycock, fire academy coordinator, teaches youngrecruits the ins and outs of becoming a firefighter; our featured artist, AshleyDavidson, masters the art of spinning fire. In the home feature, read how anunplanned trip to Waxahachie forever changed the lives of John and ArleneHamilton. The Millers are teaching others in the community the benefits of“getting fit,” while new life is taking root at Getzendaner Park thanks to passionate volunteers and the nationwide EarthKind project.

I challenge you to go ahead, pull up a lawn chair and get to reading. I knowyou will not be disappointed!

Sandra McIntoshWaxahachieNOW [email protected]

Editor’s Note


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FFirefighters put their lives on the line every day for individuals

they have never met. For Jeff Aycock, coordinator of the fireacademy offered at Navarro College’s Waxahachie campus,fighting fires and saving lives is a calling. “It’s not just a jobwhere we go to work day after day and year after year to drawa paycheck,” he said, with great conviction for his lifelongcareer. “Firefighters are the safety net of the community. Weare the ones that keep you safe while you sleep. It’s one fullcircle of giving back to the community.”

With 22 years of valuable firefighting experience listed onhis résumé, Jeff’s words come from a man whose heart forpeople far exceeds his position at Navarro College. “We passthings on to one another,” he explained, referring to the newrecruits, as well as all those that came before him. “It’s allabout giving back. Someone passed something down to meand now it’s my turn to give back what I’ve learned to those

with the same calling to be a firefighter.” The words quotedby the late New York Fire Chief Edward F. Croker are wordsby which Jeff has fashioned his career, as well as his teachingstyle. The quote simply states, “I have no ambition in thisworld but one, and that is to be a firefighter. The occupationthrills us and stimulates us to the deeds of daring, even at thesupreme sacrifice. Such considerations may not strike theaverage mind, but they are sufficient to fill to the limit ourambition in life and to make us serve the general purpose ofhuman society.”

Jeff’s first introduction to fighting fires began as a volunteerin 1977. Volunteering gave him the push he needed to attendfire school, becoming a full-time firefighter with the EnnisFire Department in 1982. Thinking he might enjoy a careerwith Southern Pacific Railroad, Jeff left his firefighting jobbehind in December of 1983, only to return three years later.

“I’ve been back 22 years now,” Jeffsaid. “I’ve seen a lot of people at theirvery worst. My job has always been tomake them feel better during toughtimes, while also fighting the fire.”

The growth of the fire academy haswarranted a new facility to supplyqualified, educated, caring firefightersto Ellis, Navarro and surroundingcounties. “What began on theWilemon [High School] campus, hasgrown into a new 12,000-square footbuilding with additional classrooms,

— By Sandra McIntosh


“Firefighters are the safety net of the

community. We are theones that keep you safewhile you sleep. It’s onefull circle of giving back

to the community.”

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a new computer lab, shower facilitiesand two drive-through bays,” Jeff said,proud of what Navarro has been able toaccomplish in such a short period of time.

In the competitive world of firefighting, it is no longer enough tobe “just a fireman.” Students today aregoing one, and sometimes two stepsfurther, to be the best they can be attheir chosen profession. Currently, students are opting to add emergencymedical technician (EMT), paramediccertifications and degrees to their educational résumés. “There is no specific order in which to master theclasses,” Jeff said. “Taking the three classesopens doors to better opportunities.” Infact, Jeff added that today’s firefightersmust have the basics in emergency medicalservices (EMS) to be a firefighter.

Students enrolled in the fire academyreceive 640 hours of training, even thoughthe state’s minimum is 468. Classroom,as well as hands-on instruction, isconducted in areas such as: commissionrules and regulations, hazardous materialsoperations and rescue and live firetraining, to name only a few. “Hazardousmaterials seem to be a major issue,” Jeffcited, “especially since 9/11. We go aboveand beyond what the state requires.”

An advisory board made up ofmembers from Ellis, Navarro, Limestone,Freestone and Leon counties keep representatives abreast of what isneeded in relation to firefighters. “Firedepartments in these five counties tellus what their needs are and our job is


to fulfill those needs to the best of ourability,” Jeff explained. “This newbuilding [Navarro College] will allowus to meet the needs much more efficiently, as will the classes currentlyfilled to capacity.” With so much extraclassroom space, Navarro not onlyoffers instruction in fire, EMS andparamedic training, they have alsoopened the doors to those who desireto serve the community as police officers.“The first police classes began here inJanuary,” Jeff added. “Our hope is thatonce the word gets out, that class willgrow to full capacity, too.”

Jeff finds great rewards from his jobin relation to the fire academy atNavarro College. Jeff is able to sharehis memories with each class, hopingeach student will glean somethingpositive in the retelling. “It’s the littlethings that we take for granted,” hesaid. “What we may consider little canbe huge to a homeowner. As aninstructor, I can pass on all the trainingI want, but it’s the small things likecovering the family photo album witha waterproof tarp, saving the familypet or changing batteries in a smokedetector at 2 o’clock in the morningthat can make all the difference.”

Thankfully, Navarro College’s visionfor both continuing education, and



protective services, line up with Jeff’sphilosophy on the fire academy. In asmall area such as Ellis County, it iseasy for Jeff, and others like him, to seethe results of their efforts as teachers,firefighters and mentors on a regularbasis. One such tale involves a highschool student who just happened toexperience some car trouble onInterstate 45, just within the citylimits of Rice, Texas. Lo and behold,the Rice police officer that came to herrescue that particular evening was aNavarro College graduate. Jeff saidother similar incidents take place allthe time. “It’s not at all uncommon torun into ambulance paramedics whohave been through the program,” Jeffsaid. “It just reinforces what I alreadyknew to be true — the education students are receiving here at Navarrocan be trusted.”

The fire academy opened its doors tothe first class of students in 1998,thanks to the foresight of Dr. LynnNolte. Jeff agreed Dr. Nolte’s visionprovided the firm foundation by whichthe fire academy continues to flourishtoday. “It’s not just about the classroomand hands-on instruction,” Jeff added.“It’s also about the camaraderie andsense of belonging each student feelslong after graduation. They are nolonger 24 kids graduating. They are 24in a multitude of graduates who arecalled to protect and serve.”



Together, they had compiled a list of“musts” for any town they would consider. “We knew we wanted a goodmedical center, lots of local activitiesand access to a big airport,” John said.

They also hadan agreementthat if eitherone of them didnot like a town,it would bescratched offthe list, noquestions asked.

From Abileneto Texarkana,they traveledthe state, but itwas on theirlast visit astourists thatthey discoveredBusinessHighway 287.

They looked at Weatherford, MineralWells and Glen Rose. John likedStephenville and Arlene liked

John and ArleneHamilton


AAn unplanned trip to Waxahachie

forever changed the lives of John andArlene Hamilton. For over 30 years,the couple had lived in, and reared theirtwo sons outside of a St. Louis, Missouri,suburb. However,John alwaysknew he wouldone day live inTexas. AlthoughJohn did notretire from hisposition as vicepresident withAnheuser Buschuntil 1999, theHamiltons begantheir search forthe perfect Texashome in the1980s.

With the aid ofa Texas travelbook, “We wouldpick a section,” explained Arlene, of howthey traveled to different parts of thestate. It was their annual vacation.

Taking Root in Waxahachie— By Alex Allred

At Home With

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Granbury. Still, nothing appealed tothem both. “We had an extra day,”Arlene recalled, “and I saw there wasthis town called Waxahachie.” Like somany first time visitors, the Hamiltons

were instantlycaptivated bythe gingerbreadhomes, but it wasthe renovation ofthe countycourthouse thatcaught theirattention. “Whenwe got to thecourthouse,” John

explained, “we said, ‘Well, this is acommunity that cares about its history.’That was on a Thursday.” By Friday,they had been in touch with a real


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estate agent and had begun drivingaround, looking at homes.

When they arrived at what wouldeventually become their own beautiful,historic homestead, John told Arlene,“Boy, I sure hope I like it as much on

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the inside as I do the outside.” Fromthe curb, the house appeared to be amajestic two-story home with a largewraparound porch, complete withporch swing, ceiling fans and large baywindows. Inside, he was not nearly asimpressed with the natural, Texas yellowpine floors currently covered withwall-to-wall carpeting. It was a homethat only came tolife once theHamiltons movedin. They closed onthe home inSeptember 1999,but remained inSt. Louis throughthe holidaysdetermined to celebrate one moreChristmas with friends and family. “Themovers came on January 4, 2000,”Arlene said, with a smile. “He [John]was moving to Texas. I could come ornot …”

As they settled into their newhome, John became intrigued with the

history of the house. It is registeredwith the U.S. Department of Interior,Waxahachie Heritage PreservationCommittee and Historic Waxahachie,Inc., but he was most interested whena former resident and neighbor presentedhim with a picture. It was a black andwhite photograph of a little girl standingin front of a home in the year 1912.

Specifically, it wasa picture of Johnand Arlene’s home.It was a picture oftheir house whenthere were no treesand no otherstructures nearby;back when Marvin

Street was little more than a dirt road.While John and Arlene are appreciative

of their home, it can be argued that thetrue benefactor of their move was thehouse. Almost immediately, John andArlene pulled up the wall-to-wall carpeting, refinished the originalwoodwork and soon began to display



their antique collection of turn-of-the-century coffee grinders, tool boxeswith hidden drawers and cupboards,Hamilton crocks (yes, it is a brandname) and even a 1937 pedal car Johnhad restored.

In the kitchen, they replaced thecabinets with open glass doors toshow off their Fiesta ware, blending acontemporary style with primitivekitchen tools, such as a cherry pitter,bean slicer and apple peeler, to nameonly a few. Hanging in the kitchenwindow is an impressive stained glasspicture John designed “as a tribute tomy backyard,” Arlene said proudly.

Every room, with 12-foot ceilings,

is beautifully decorated with treasuresJohn and Arlene have discovered fromtheir travels around the country, in andout of antique shops, but they are notsimply collectors of history. Theyembrace it, live it and teach it. Beyondhis extraordinary abilities to restore toycars, as well as vintage automobiles,John is a self-taught blacksmith andcraftsman. Arlene adopted the 2,000-year-old craft of spinning and goes toclassrooms to teach children how she, aspinner and dyer of cloth, can actuallycreate spools of wool and cotton tomake clothing and blankets.

In fact, it was her desire to be part ofthe community and embrace the roots



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At Home in the Country

of her ancestors, which spurred her notonly to create the perfect herb gardenfor medicinal and culinary purposes,but also to grow natural dyes for herwool and cotton fabrics. “When I sawthere was a Master Gardner class offeredin February,” she said, “I thought itwould be a great way to learn aboutthe community.” She was right. Through

the course, she met a new network offriends and learned about plants andTexas soil; she did not stop there. Shebecame Wildlife Habitat certified, amember of the Herb Society of Americaand a certified harvester of rainwater.

Truly, the Hamilton’s backyard is a reflection of Arlene’s passion, complimented by John’s artistic talents.Outside the kitchen is a butterfly host garden, providing nectar forhummingbirds and butterflies. Whenthe summer heat began baking thesmall garden, John created an iron fenceand gate to open into the small patioand walkway, allowing cooler air to



circulate through. Arlene’s herb garden,strategically placed in the center of theyard, is home to such culinary delightsas parsley, sage, thyme, tansy, borage,basil, marjoram, mint, lemon grass andoregano. “It’s one of the things I loveabout Texas weather,” she said. “I canbe out here year-round.”

Ironically, John and Arlene stillbelieve it is they who were so lucky tohave discovered Waxahachie. In reality,Waxahachie is the winner as John andArlene are fully committed to caringfor their community. It is the true gardener philosophy — water andnurture it to watch it grow. “It isimportant for us,” John added, “to bean asset to our community and to ourneighbors. We can’t just be in it; wehave to be a part of it.”

Beyond the flower beds, bird bath,potting shed and John’s handcraftedwrought-iron floral designs, there is asign that reads: Like life, few gardens haveonly flowers. For Waxahachie, John andArlene are that rare bloom aroundwhich a garden is centered.


AAs a child, Ashley Davidson had a conscious fear of fire. “I

was deathly afraid of it,” she explained. “At school bonfires,I’d stand as far back as I could, and I remember worrying allthe time that our house might catch on fire and burn down.”Just over a year ago, a neighborhood performance not onlycured her fear of fire, it intrigued her in such a manner thatshe now has a very close relationship with the flames. “Somepeople were spinning glow sticks,” she remembered, furtherexplaining that glow sticks are the simplest form of poi spinning.“They also said they spun fire. Of course, I said, ‘No way!’”That comment quickly turned into her first lesson in the artof poi, where she learned the six basic moves that most spinnersmaster before choosing to add fire to their performances.

To fully understand the danger that is found in whatAmericans consider an “ultimate” art form, you first mustunderstand what poi is and where it came from. Poi is a formof juggling that originated with the Maori people of NewZealand. During its early beginnings, the people used it notonly for entertainment, but to increase flexibility, strengthand coordination. In New Zealand, it soon grew into a performance art form, where more women took an active rolein spinning than men. “That’s not the case in the UnitedStates,” Ashley added. “Until recently, very few women have

spun fire. In fact, I’m the youngest spinner Iknow. All those I’ve met, learned from andtaught are in their mid-to-late 20s or older andthey’re mostly all male.”

Those early moves that include names such asthe weave, the butterfly, threading the needle,stalls, extensions and the buzz saw have sincebeen incorporated into moves, which Ashley hasperfected during her own practice times. She hassuccessfully added distinctive moves to the basicsas a representation of her own unique style,something she says all spinners have. “I’m stilltrying to decide what to name all my new moves,”she said, with an excited laugh. The one thing ofwhich she is most proud is her uncanny abilityand fearlessness when it comes to lying down withthe fire. “I will begin the fire spinning routine

standing up,” she explained, “and then I’ll lie down and allow


Becoming One With the Fire— By Sandra McIntosh

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the fire to spin above me. This particularmove is known as the buzz saw.”

Although Ashley makes the art ofspinning fire seem effortless, she willbe the first to say it takes hours ofpractice and requires a great respect forthe flames. “When you spin, you are inthe fire. All you can hear is the flames,”she said. “You think you have it allfigured out, until you combine the trick

with the fire. If you don’t respect thefire you will end up burning yourselfor someone else.” Whether practicingor performing in front of a live audience,Ashley has learned the importance ofwearing the proper attire. “Fromexperience, I’ve learned that flat shoesare the best,” she interjected, “and it’simportant to put my hair under a hator tie it up in a bandana.”

Ashley purchased the majority of


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her tools over the Internet from acompany located in Australia. Wicks,ranging in price from $100 to $300depending on size and burn time, canlast up to a year or more as long asproper care is taken with them duringpractice times, as well as before, duringand after a performance. Wicks for firepoi are constructed from a Kevlar blend.

Once thewicks aresoaked incamp fuel, aliquid similarto kerosene,the excess istapped off.Ashley is able

to choose from several different kindsof spinning tools which include a longstick, called a staff, with a wick oneach end; batons with wicks on bothends; or her favorite, tempered steelchains with a wick meticulously placedat the end of each chain. “You can makethem [the chains] stall; one can be upin the air while the other is close to theground and the shapes you can createare endless,” she said. “It’s gracefullydancing and becoming one with the fire.”

Just talking about fire poi, Ashley’seyes light up, her words come out hardand fast and the adrenaline begins topump through her veins. “Fire spinningis not only an awesome workout for theentire body,” she expressed, “it’s addictingto both the mind and soul.” To listento Ashley share her craft, it is readilyapparent that she plans to continuemastering the art of fire spinning for along time to come. Plans for the summerare to spin fire on top of a Plexiglastable located in the center of a pool.“I’m learning how to eat and spit fire,too,” she added. Ashley has hopes ofone day incorporating all forms of fireinto one act. No longer is she scared ofthe fire. Yes, she still treats it with theutmost respect, but she has learned tofind the beauty within the flames.


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FFor over a year now, Waxahachie has

been reaping the benefits of a dynamicsports and fitness duo. If you are workingtoward a fitness or rehabilitation goal,chances are you have seen the Millersat BaylorWorx, Snap Fitness or theLord’s Gym. If you use excuses to stayaway from the gym, exercise extremecaution around this passionate couple,because for Sean and Utahna Miller,health and fitness is not just a job, buta way of life. “I was in the militaryabout 20 years ago. It was the first timeI’d been part of a structured exerciseprogram. In 10 weeks of training, mywhole physique changed,” Sean said.His first experience with a fitnessregimen ignited a spark inside him,but like so many of us, that spark faltered a few times as life, with itsinevitable forks in the road, unfolded.

Sean and Utahna met in a calculusclass in northern Utah, where theyboth studied business. Realizing theyhad much more in common than justa shared school curriculum, the two fellin love, married and eventually movedto Texas to settle in Waxahachie. “We

both pretty much stayed in shape untilabout 10 years ago, following thepregnancies of both our children,” Seanadmitted, candidly sharing the couple’sgradual slide into complacency. “Weboth just got lazier. Life got busier andwe didn’t eat right. Then Utahna startedtaking aerobic classes.” Watching hiswife reap the positive benefits of wellnessin body, mind and spirit pushed Seanto exercise again.

“Fitness and health is 40 percent genesand 60 percent lifestyle. To be honest,we both come from poor genetics,”

Utahna shared. Sean never played highschool sports because his father suffereda massive heart attack at age 50; anddue to weight issues, Utahna’s motherwas the recipient of a heart transplant.This unhealthy predisposition only served,however, to motivate the couple. “In2000-2001, Utahna became certified asa trainer at the YMCA,” Sean said, withpride in his eyes. “I was still exercisingpretty regularly, but that changed


Fit for Lifewhen I took a calling to work withyouth. I spent about four years gettingback out of shape,” he chuckled. “In2001, I began a wholesale furniturebusiness with a partner, but about a yearago, I finally realized I just wasn’t doingwhat I enjoyed. So in December 2006, Itook the Cooper certification course, andin March and April of this year I startedat BaylorWorx.” Crunching on a healthysnack of nuts, Utahna interjected, “TheCooper Aerobic Center in Dallas is theHarvard of personal training programs— it’s one of the best.”

Utahna has been with BaylorWorx forfive years. “For me, it was like everydoor just opened. It was a true blessingto be able to work with people and areal joy to see them improve their lives.And working together, now, is fun. Ileave the house, wave and say, ‘See youat work in an hour!’”

The Millers work with a variety ofpeople, including rehabilitation patientsand injured athletes. “I worked with a

— By Jaime Ruark

“Fitness and health is 40 percent genes and 60 percent lifestyle.”

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20-year-old, ex-high school footballplayer. He was shocked at how out ofshape he was, but he had trained forshort bursts of speed. He had no cardiovascular and strength endurance,”Sean said. “Simple injuries due to stresscan come from over-development ofspecific muscle groups.” Utahna added,“Everyone has a tendency to focusmore on their strengths and not theirweaknesses, when in fact, they shouldbe working on the weaknesses, whilemaintaining the strengths.”

“We love it when people come to us before there is a need, before itbecomes a necessity. We love to focuson preventative fitness rather than justrecovery,” Sean enthused. With her passion beginning to bubble over, Utahnaexpressed, “Having children makes yourealize you have an important choice tomake: live healthy or die young. Youcan choose to live in a positive way.”

Motivation is both natural and realcoming from the Millers. “Fitness isnot all physical — a lot is mental.People respond to negative motivationbriefly, if that. Our job is to find what



will positively motivate each individual.For older people, that may meanhelping them become self-sufficientagain,” Utahna explained.

Utahna has a nutritional certification,as well as the certifications needed tobe a health and wellness coach, allfrom her studies at Cooper AerobicsInstitute. She whole-heartedly believesnutrition is an essential key to beinghealthy. “One of my training sessionsis a shopping trip. We look at whatthe person buys, we read labels. It’s areal eye opener,” she said. “So manymanufacturers advertise something ashealthy when it’s actually not, becausethey want to sell that product. I showpeople a cost-effective way to eat rightat home.”

Fitness is truly the Millers’ way oflife. Their children, eighth-gradedaughter, ShaunTelle, and fifth-gradeson, Spencer, have the benefit oflearning at an early age how beinghealthy impacts their whole life. Fortheir children, for themselves and fortheir clients, working out, in Utahna’swords, is “not just work — it’s ourpassion, our life.”




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SScrubs to You opened for business at its original location

on Sycamore Street in August 2004 after Tonia Smith, proprietor of the business outfitting those in the medicalfield, went through 18 months of intolerable pain and aninability to dress herself. “I was unable to button or zip myclothing,” Tonia explained, referring to the disability causedfrom a severe case of carpal tunnel syndrome. “Before electingto undergo surgery, I spent a year in therapy. I was able topull clothes on and off, so scrubs were all I was able to wearduring that time.” Almost immediately following her surgery,Tonia decided to give notice at her full-time job and go intobusiness for herself. “I quit my job in June and opened thedoors for business in August,” she remembered. “I don’t reallyknow how it happened so quickly; it just happened.”

When opening the business in Waxahachie, Tonia had onething in mind. She wanted to give back to the medical community she feels gave so much to her. “They have to lovetheir job of giving of themselves to people every day,” shesaid, once again referring to the nurses and medical staff that


Tonia Smith poses with her husband,

Randy, and sons Harlan and Haden.

took such good care of her during her time of therapy, surgeryand recuperation. “I wanted to be able to offer somethingthat was affordable, yet functional, comfortable and stylish tothose who work in the field of medicine.”

Just recently, Scrubs to You relocated to 1408 W.Jefferson. New business hours are Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m.– 7:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. “The newlocation is not only convenient,” she added, “it’s withinwalking distance from the hospital, and it offers so muchmore display space than I had at the old location.” Tonia isexcited about what the new year and the new locale have tooffer her customers, not only in convenience, but in selection,price and availability. The shop will continue to offer oldfavorites from Mad About Scrubs, Cherokee and Peaches andKlogs, while also offering full lines of the Grey’s Anatomyscrubs by Barco and selections from Katherine Heigl’s newline. “The selection for men has also grown since moving toJefferson Street,” Tonia said. “I’ve seen the demand grow, so Ithought it best to increase stock in that area, too.”

Scrub Worthy and Wise— By Sandra McIntosh

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Selections in both tops and bottomsinclude solids in every color imaginable,as well as holiday prints and fabricsthat many would consider “personalityprints” in whimsical patterns and florals,as well as the ever-popular camouflageand hot chili pepper prints that helpbrighten up an overnight stay at thehospital or a visit to the dentist or doctor’s office. Special orders are always

welcome and group discounts are alsoavailable. For more information on“scrub” parties and special orders, callTonia at (972) 937-9733 or [email protected].

Other items that are always availableinclude: stethoscopes, nursing clipboards,EMT pants, chef pants, lab coats andgloves in a bottle. “The gloves go onlike lotion,” Tonia explained further.“The germs are washed off, but theglove-like seal protects the skin, keepingit soft and undamaged.”

Tonia realizes that she would not beable to do what she does if not for thesupport of Randy, her husband of 18years, and their two sons, Harlan andHaden, ages 12 and 9 respectively, aswell as Tonia’s mother, VirginiaMeazell and father-in-law HermanSmith. “I guess you could say Randyand I were high school sweethearts,”she said. “With two boys, we’ve hadlots of experience with the local hospital.It’s nice to see items from Scrubs toYou when we are waiting our turn inthe emergency room.”


“I wanted to be able to offer somethingthat was affordable,

yet functional, comfortable and

stylish to those whowork in the field

of medicine.”

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AAs a longtime certified Master Gardener and president of

the Ellis County organization, Nancy Fenton, is passionateabout conserving the world around her for future generationsto come. Feeling this way about her surroundings made iteasy for her to get involved in EarthKind, a program createdby Texas A&M horticultural specialists who are seeking practicaland effective techniques for gardeners that are environmentallyresponsible. “These techniques yield healthy, hearty plantsworthy of EarthKind’s seal of approval,” Nancy said. “Theprogram combines the best of organic and inorganic growingmethods for various soils.”

Nancy’s involvement in the nationwide study includes apilot program at Getzendaner Park, as well as educationalspeaking engagements at the Parks Department, area nurseriesand civic organizations. The study at the park began withseven varieties of roses in test beds located in key locations.“This is the first year of a three-year testing process conducted


— By Sandra McIntosh

throughout the United States fordrought, pest and disease resistance,”Nancy said, “as well as vigorousgrowth and blooming patterns.”Nancy explained further that theoverall goals of the pilot program are to reduce the amount of water, fertilizers and pesticides used in landscaping, and to reducethe volume of yard waste that makes its way into landfillsacross the country. “As I see it, the whole thrust of the programin my mind,” Nancy stated, “is to make people aware of theexcessive amount of water spent on landscaping. Studiesshow that 80 percent of water consumption is used to keepour yards and landscaping alive.”

The general population is prone to take for granted thatthis large amount of water will be available for years to come.“When in reality it won’t,” Nancy said. “Without the lakes

built by the Corps of Engineers, we’d be justanother Dust Bowl.” When teaching adultsabout water conservation, Nancy does not mincewords. “With our ever-growing population, themanmade lakes are beginning to feel the stressof the excess water being used,” she said. “We’vegot to make some significant changes in the waywe do things if we expect to have enough waterfor the generations to come.”

The classes that Nancy teaches are her way ofeducating the masses on the best and most efficientways in which to conserve water and use lesspesticides, while also having landscaping ofwhich you can be proud. The basic class is acondensed, one-hour introduction to theEarthKind way of planting. “It’s a simple, basicoutline that people can apply in their own homegardens,” Nancy said, explaining that the shortversion is reserved for the nursery and civicorganization presentations due to the timerestraints that are in place.

The basic class teaches adult students that thefirst thing they need is a plan for what they aredoing. Once that has been decided, Nancyexplains the proper way to prepare soil. “They

Be Kind to the Earth

Nancy Fenton,Gay Doyle,Sandra Jones and Ruth Davis at Getzendaner Park, the site of a current EarthKind project.

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must use compost and expanded shell,”she said. “The next step is to select theright plant for the right soil.” Thissimply means that a plant that needsshade will not survive in full sun, andvice versa. For the soil in Texas, Nancyalso puts a great deal of emphasis onusing disease-resistant and drought-tolerant plants. She said those types ofplants have the most success when itcomes to growing in Texas soil andtemperatures. “And last but not least,”Nancy interjected, “is what to do after

planting. People must mulch withthree to four inches of organic mulch.It keeps the soil moist longer betweeneach watering cycle and moderates theextremes in Texas temperatures.”

The more intense seminar lasts threehours, and is much more detail-orientedthan the basic presentation. It includessoil analysis with an emphasis on pHbalance and soil type, as well as specificcompost and shell needs within particularsoils. “This class is taught at a deeper,more detailed level,” she said. “We


“The program [EarthKind]combines the best oforganic and inorganicgrowing methods for

various soils.”


discuss plant analysis and selectionsand I go over detailed plantinginstructions.” Nancy also includes anoverview of varying organic mulchesand the best way in which to use them.

“The intense class,” Nancy added,“takes gardeners to the next level.”

The principles that Nancy is teachingin key locations across town are thesame principles being followed withthe roses that have been planted at thepark. The roses used for the EllisCounty EarthKind project were chosenfrom a list that was nation-specific.“They are being tested from Maine toCalifornia,” Nancy said. “The varietiesplanted in Waxahachie are just a smallportion of the varieties being usedacross the United States.”

EarthKind techniques have beenproven to reduce the use of water by50 to 70 percent, while also reducingpesticide application by 100 percentthrough integrated pest control. Thesteps taught in class are the same stepsbeing demonstrated at GetzendanerPark. “The goal is to conserve water andreduce our landfills,” Nancy emphasized,“so we can enjoy the best of bothworlds.” By following the simpleguidelines that Nancy outlines in herclasses, even beginning gardeners canstart to grow the most delicate ofplants with better results than theyhave ever experienced before.


Nancy Fenton tends the roses in thetest beds at Getzendaner Park.

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O

weather in stride and do quite wellwith little water. Of course, a widechoice of colors does not hurt either!

The single lavender and singlewhite are the most common, but thedoubles are more than twice as pretty.As a relative of the hibiscus family, ithas large circular, ruffled blooms instriking colors, but with none of thetemperamental need for “hothousetreatment.” Rose of Sharon goes intothe ground and happily stays there tothrive through our hot summers andcold winters!

With a long European heritagestarting in the 16th century, Rose ofSharon was brought to American soilby the colonists as a favorite plant, andhas come into the national interestonce more. The originals probablywere “pass a long” plants given tofamily as they set out across the worldon their quest for new horizons.

Hybridization in the 1960s and ’70sexpanded the size and the color choices.Some of the newer varieties such asLavender Chiffon, Blue Satin andOlana, may be available in the nurseries.The standard double white and pinkas well as the single purple will beavailable at the coming Ellis CountyMaster Gardener Spring Expo scheduledfor Saturday, March 29 in theWaxahachie Civic Center.

All of these hardy plants tolerateour alkaline soils and prefer compostrather than heavy doses of fertilizer.They bloom on new wood so shouldbe pruned lightly in late winter, whilestill leafless, to stimulate that topknotof bright blooms. Find a place withfull to partial sun and give thesebeautiful, hardy “roses” a try!

Nancy Fenton is a Master Gardener inEllis County.

— By Nancy Fenton

One of the best long-bloomingplants for our area is a “rose” that isnot really a rose! The common name isRose of Sharon or Althea and itblooms continuously from springthrough fall. This six to 15 foot, smallshrub can be trimmed up into anattractive small tree with a festivetopknot of blooms or left to itsupright, but sprawling, natural shape.One of its best attributes is that it cantake the extremes of our finicky

When is aRose

Not aRose?



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2 tsp. Adams vanilla extract2 8-oz. pkgs. cream cheese (softened)3 cups fresh brewed espresso or strong coffee1/2 cup powdered sugar64 Nilla wafers1/4 cup espresso ground coffee beans

(for garnish)

Beat heavy whipping cream until slightly thick.Add granulated sugar and vanilla. Continuewhipping until sugar is dissolved and forms softto medium peaks. Refrigerate. Beat creamcheese in large bowl; gradually add one cup offresh brewed coffee. Add powdered sugar untilmixed well. Gently stir in whipping cream. Dipeach wafer for no more than 2 seconds intoremaining brewed coffee, and layer in the bottomof 9 x 13-inch baking dish until the dish is coveredwith a single layer of dipped wafers. Spreadabout 1/3 of the cream mixture on top of thelayer of wafers. Repeat dipping the wafers and

CRAB DIP

11 oz. cream cheese, softened1 small onion, finely chopped5 Tbsp. mayonnaise2 6-oz. cans crabmeat,

drained and flaked1/8 tsp. garlic powdercayenne pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 F. In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, onion, mayonnaise,crabmeat and garlic powder. Spread mixtureinto a 1-quart baking dish. Bake for 20 minutesuntil a light golden crust forms on top. Serve hot.

TIRAMISU

16 oz. heavy whipping cream1/2 cup granulated sugar

IN THE KITCHEN WITH SARAH FARMER

Look Who’s

Cooking

placing them into the dish on top of the creammix. Next, cover with remaining cream mix.Place espresso ground coffee beans in sifterand dust the top of the dessert. Chill for a fewhours or overnight for best results. Serve cold.

PENNE PASTA IN A GARLIC CREAM SAUCE

1 14.5-box penne pasta1 Tbsp. olive oil1/2 red onion (rainbow sliced)1 - 2 clove(s) garlic (minced or pushed through

garlic press)15 cherry tomatoes (cut in half)1 16-oz. jar Classico Garlic Alfredo Sauce1 Tbsp. Italian seasoningsalt and pepper to taste

Boil water for penne pasta following the cookinginstructions on the box. In a Dutch oven, heat oil

— By Stephanie Brewer

S arah Farmer is truly an artist. Her singing, painting and cooking are all conducted with passion,

excellence and enthusiasm. Inspiration and memories of sitting on the countertop “squishing” the corn breaddressing in her mom’s big silver bowl has brought Sarahinto her adult life with a love for cooking. “I like toexperiment and always try new things,” she said.

With a busy life as a young wife and student, Sarah findsthe time to prepare that special meal every week. “Bakingis therapy for me,” Sarah added.

Sarah remembers childhood sleepovers when she and herfriends would bake a cake together. Her excellence is creditedin part to her passion for presentation. “Presentation is everything,” she said. “It must taste good and look good.”

To view more of your neighbors’ recipes, visit our archives at www.nowmagazines.com.


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on medium heat. Add onion; cook for 5 minutes.Add garlic and tomatoes. Next add GarlicAlfredo Sauce, Italian seasoning and salt andpepper to taste. Cover; let simmer for about 10minutes. Add sauce to cooked and drainedpasta; stir. This can also be prepared withcanned crabmeat (cook the same time asonions) or grilled chicken. Yields: approximately8 servings.

GUACAMOLE

3 medium-sized, semi-soft avocados1 Roma tomato, diced1/4 red onion, diced1 jalapeño, diced1 lime (for juice)salt to taste

Cut avocados in half and remove the pit. Makeslices lengthwise in the meat of the avocadosand spoon the meat of the avocado into a bowl,scraping the inside wall of the skin. Add tomato,onion and jalapeño and mash with a spoon orfork until only a few large chunks remain. Mix inlime juice. Add salt if desired.

STUFFED POBLANOS

1 8-oz. package cream cheese, softened1 package Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix1 cup Mexican flavor shredded cheese1 8-oz. can chicken 1 stalk green onion, diced4 poblano peppers

(cut open and remove seeds)

In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, Ranchmix and shredded cheese. Add chicken andgreen onion. Stuff poblano peppers with mixture.Place peppers on cookie sheet or baking dish;broil on high. Let cook until tops of peppersform a black crust, approximately 15 min.

HOT SAUCE (SALSA)

2 14.5-oz. cans whole tomatoes1 or 2 fresh jalapeños, chopped

Pour juice from the tomatoes into a bowl. Chopup all the tomatoes either by hand or with achopper or food processor. Pour into the bowl.Add one jalapeño and taste. If not hot enough,add more until it is to your liking. Remember, itusually gets spicier after a few hours in thefridge. It is simple, but I think it is the best!


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AAs you are no doubt aware, 2008 is

a presidential election year. As a citizen,you may well have a great deal ofinterest in the election. But how aboutas an investor? How does an electionyear affect the investment climate?And — again from the perspective ofan investor — does it matter who wins?

To begin with, let us examine how thestock market reacted in the past to theselection of a president. The Dow Jonesindustrial average rose in nine of thepast 11 presidential election years, withan average gain of slightly more thannine percent. So it is clear that, for themost part, the market has done prettywell when America goes to the polls.

Will PresidentialElection Year

— By Jeff Trojacek

Does the election or re-election of apresident just make us more optimistic,leading us to invest more heavily andthereby drive up the markets? Probablynot. In reality, many factors — such ascorporate profits, geopolitical concerns,interest rates and inflation — drivestock prices. This is true in all years,whether an election is held or not.Consequently, stock returns from pastpresidential election years, whileimpressive, cannot serve as a reliablepredictor of what the market might doin 2008.

Now, let us turn to the next question:As an investor, how will the outcomeof the election affect you? There is notreally a simple answer. In the past, thestock market has performed well —and performed poorly — under bothDemocrats and Republicans. Of course,candidates of both parties will havedifferent priorities and try to enact different economic agendas, and thesepriorities may have some impact —although one that is notoriously hardto predict — on different market sectors. In short, no one can accuratelyforecast the effect of this November’selection on the financial markets, andthat will not change even after the

nominees are known.Instead of pondering the “what-ifs”

involved in a presidential election, youare much better off following sometried-and-true investment strategies.Here are a few to consider:

• Keep on investing.

World events may be good or bad,and the stock market may be up or down — but no matter what happens,the most successful investors stay in themarket. Look for quality investmentsand hold them until either your needschange, or the investments themselvesundergo some type of transformation.

• Know your risk tolerance.

If you are losing sleep at night overyour investments, you are probablytaking on more risk than the amountwith which you are comfortable. Atthe same time, if your investments areputting you to sleep, they may be tooconservative, which could mean theyare not providing the growth necessaryto help you meet your goals. Strive for a balance that fits your investmentpersonality.

Affect Investors?

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• Think long term.

If you are constantly adjusting yourinvestment mix in response to short-term events, you will probablyrack up big commissions and you almostcertainly will not make the necessaryprogress toward your importantobjectives, such as a comfortableretirement. So, train yourself toignore daily or weekly or monthlyprice fluctuations and keep your eyeson the far horizon. If you have chosenthe right investments, they should bedesigned to help you work toward yourgoals in exchange for your patience.

This November, do not forget to vote.But before and after Election Day,cast your ballot for solid investmenttechnique.

Jeff Trojacek is an Edward Jones representative based in Waxahachie.

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Alinked with a higher risk of colon cancer.

• Take an aspirin on a daily basis.Because of the potential side effectsassociated with aspirin, this daily doseis not recommended for everyone.Consulting yourphysician would bethe first plan of action.

• Take a safe dose (1mg.) of folic acid on adaily basis.

• Take part inphysical activity on adaily basis.

• Make fruits andvegetables a part ofyour daily food intake.

The United States Agency forHealth Care Policy and Research alsorecommends that people older than50 who have an average risk for colorectal cancers undergo screeningfor colon cancer. They also recommendthat individuals aged 40 and olderwho have a family history of colorectalcancer undergo screening.


Symptoms of cancer of the colon andrectum can be exhibited in severaldifferent ways. People somtimes overlooksome of the symptoms of colon cancer,attributing them to other causes.

Many attribute allrectal bleeding tohemorrhoids, but itcan be a symptomof cancer. Otheroverlooked sympotmsinclude: an irondeficiency that causesfatigue and pale skin;abdominal pain and distension;unexplained,

persistent nausea or vomiting; unexplained weight loss; change inbowel movements; and rectal pain.Recent studies show that the averagelength of symptoms, from beginningto end, is 14 weeks, but there is noassociation between the length ofsymptoms and the size of tumor.

Another way you can fight colorectal

A person’s best prevention for colorectal cancer is early detection andimmediate treatment. Individuals whoundergo regular screening for coloncancer greatly reduce the risk of havinga colorectal cancer. These availablescreenings include fecal occult bloodtests, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopyand polyp removal.

Fecal occult blood testing shouldbe done every year with a flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years.Double-contrast barium enemas arerecommended every five to 10 years. Acolonoscopy still remains the mostsensitive test for detecting colon polypsand tumors, and is recommendedevery 10 years. Once polyps have beenfound, they should be removed andfrom that point on, the patient shouldbegin to undergo colonoscopies on amore frequent basis. Other things aperson can do to prevent, as well aslower their risk, include the following:

• Quit smoking. Extensive researchhas proven that smoking is clearly

Early Detection is Best Prevention— By Sandra McIntosh

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cancer is by getting actively involvedin walking for a cure like Dr. GordyKlatt did in the mid-1980s. As a colorectal surgeon, Dr. Klatt had astrong desire to grow the income ofhis local American Cancer Societyoffice. He put his plan into action byholding the first American CancerRelay For Life event in Tacoma,Washington. The event has growninto an annual gathering of cancersurvivors, as well as family and friends,who have lit the fire for an entirenation. To find out more about theRelay For Life event in your immediatearea, please visit their Web site atwww.relayforlife.org.

Sources:1. Sanofi Aventis.

colorectalcancerinfo.com.2. eMedicineHealth. www.emedicine-

health.com/colon_cancer.



First WednesdayRed Moon Café, located at 3701 N. I-45 in Ennis, willhost an evening of karaoke from 8:30 p.m. – midnight.

Third WednesdayEllis County Christian Women’s Connection will hostits monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. atthe Waxahachie Country Club, 1920 W. Hwy. 287 at I-35 South. Cost is $13 inclusive and vouchers fornursery child care are available to mothers attending.To make reservations, please either call Kay at (972)937-2807 or Mary at (972) 937-9984 or e-mail [email protected], no later than the Sunday prior to the luncheon.

Every Friday and SaturdayThe Red Moon Café will host live bands. Be sure tocheck their Web site at www.theredmooncafe.com forall upcoming events.

Second and Fourth TuesdayWaxahachie Business Interchange Networking is heldfrom 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. Network with other professionalsand promote your business. Bring $1 entry fee andplenty of business cards. Coffee and pastries will befurnished. Call (972) 937-2390 for location.

March 8 and 9Waxahachie Trade Days open Saturday 9:00 a.m. -6:00 p.m. and Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Located

at the Ellis County Expo Center next door to theCowboy Church of Ellis County. For more information,contact Dean Worley at (903) 286-0183 or [email protected]

March 10Executive board meeting for the WaxahachieChamber will be held at noon.

March 12A meeting for the board of directors will be held at11:45 a.m. at the Chamber offices located at 102YMCA Dr. For more information, call (972) 937-2390.

March 29Meals on Wheels 3rd annual BBQ Benefit. LocationTBA. The fundraising event will include dinner, entertainment and an auction with all proceeds goingto benefit Meals on Wheels. For more information,please call (972) 351-9943.

Master Gardeners of Ellis County will host the annualEllis County Lawn and Garden Expo at the WaxahachieCivic Center located at 1950 N. I-35 E from 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. This comprehensive educational extravaganzawill include over 100 lawn and garden-related exhibitorbooths, keynote speakers, gardening workshops forchildren from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and a variety ofadult workshops. Gaye Hammond will introduce childrento the joys of growing roses at 1:00 p.m. At 2:00 p.m.,

March 2008 Community Calendar


Neil Sperry will speak on growing green, followed bythe art of landscape planting that will flower all summerby Dotty Woodson at 3:30 p.m. The Master Gardenerplant sale will feature butterfly-attracting plants,natives, heirloom tomatoes and hard to find plants.For sponsorship and exhibitor information, pleasesend an e-mail to [email protected] or callJames at (972) 814-0699.

For more community events, visit our online calendar at www.nowmagazines.com


march 2008 becoming one with the fire fitfit for...

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