art a hunter’s paradise - now...

January 2008

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE PAID

FT. WORTH, TXPERMIT NO. 711

At Home With

Alfred andJackie Mims

At Home With

Alfred andJackie Mims

Calling HisMemories ProfitCalling HisMemories Profit

An Age-old Art FormAn Age-old Art Form

Two Minutesto SparkleTwo Minutesto Sparkle

A Hunter’sParadiseA Hunter’sParadise

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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 . Faith BrowningAshley Carlino . Nancy Fenton . Melinda HinesJeff TrojacekPhotography, Dia Catalani . Rod Cordsen . IveyPhotography Sandra McIntosh . Terri OzymyContributing Editors/Proofreaders, Pamela ParisiJamie Ruark . Beverly Shay

Advertising Representatives, Carolyn Mixon

Will Epps . Lacy Hightower . Linda Moffett

Terri Ozymy . 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: An AfricanAmerican drum found inthe home of Alfred andJackie Mims.

Photo by Rod Cordsen.

ContentsJanuary 2008, Volume 5, Issue 1

36 Around TownNOW

38 Who’s CookingNOW

40 FinanceNOW

42 HealthNOW

44 OutdoorsNOW

45 Community Calendar

ArtsNOWAn Age-old Art Form

6

22SportsNOW Calling His Memories Profit

26BusinessNOWMore Than Lights Galore

30EducationNOW Two Minutes to Sparkle

32

14

A Hunter’s Paradise Life is What You Make ItAt Home With Alfred and Jackie Mims

www.waxahachienow.com 3 WaxahachieNOW January 2008


Dear Readers,

January has arrived and with it comes the start ofanother year filled with new beginnings. Resolutionswill be made, only to be broken, but I can promise youone thing. You will not be disappointed in the wonderfulstories we have included for your winter reading pleasurein this month’s edition of WaxahachieNOW.

Alfred and Jackie Mims spent the better part of one evening making me laughuntil my sides ached, while the McNellis family was honored to share “their tripof a lifetime.” The hustle and bustle of the holidays may be gone, but you canstill find excitement in Jerry Hammock’s healthy respect for fast cars or get creative with Marty Walker Willis, president of the Ellis County Quilt Guild.

My only suggestion would be: throw another log on the fire, curl up under anafghan and let your reading adventures begin. Go ahead, I dare you!

Sandra McIntoshWaxahachieNOW Editor

Editor’s Note


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TThere is a land, far from here, which holds the key to

fulfilling dreams — a place with snowcapped mountains, luscious plant life, exotic animals and modern civilizations allwrapped up into one. Such a place exists in Uitenhage, SouthAfrica, 18 hours across the Atlantic Ocean.

“We will always remember the special time we shared inSouth Africa,” said Sharon McNellis about her family safarito Uitenhage. Sharon, husband Tony, and their son, Matthew,saved for two years to make theirdreams come true. “Tony hasalways had a passion for hunting. Itwas his life dream to go to SouthAfrica,” Sharon recalled.

The McNellis family are onlythree of an estimated 34,000 visitors who are drawn to this greatland of adventure every year.Uitenhage is the largest attractionin South Africa’s Eastern Cape,with its rolling hills, rocky coves, majestic mountain rangesand bountiful forests. The malaria-free area is rapidly becomingone of the foremost game-viewing destinations in the country. Private game farms, like the onewhere the McNellis family stayed, have ensured that the landis well stocked with wildlife. The climate is diverse, allowingfor a wide variety of activities to enjoy. The Eastern Cape also

boasts over 300 days of sunshine every year.“Our trip was in July of 2007,” Matthew said. The

summers in Africa are reversed from those of America. Whenit is summer here, it is winter there. “Their summers are terrible, with average daily temperatures over 110 degrees,”Matthew added. “There are also a lot of cobras in the summer.”The weather was mild when the McNellis family visited. Withtemperatures ranging from 39 degrees at night to 55 degrees

during the day, they were able tofully enjoy their hunting experience.

Sharon, Tony and Matthew are avidhunters and have been members ofthe Texas Trophy Hunters Associationfor a long time. Sharon met Tonywhen she was just 16 years of age,and he taught her everything sheneeded to know about shooting guns.Tony began teaching Matthew asearly as 3 years of age. “Gun safety

was always very important,” Sharon explained, “and from anearly age.”

There are over 28 huntable trophy species on Blaauwkrantzand 44 species total to hunt in the Eastern Cape. An estimated2,000 kudu, 1,000 bushbuck, 700 impala, 500 blesbuck and1,500 duiker are available to hunt. Sharon took three animalsand Tony took four. Matthew, with his impeccable precision,

A Hunter’s

Paradise— By Ashley Carlino

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took seven. Each of them took a kudu.Matthew even shot a wildcat, one ofthe most dangerous animals in theland. He also shot the largest gameplains antelope, a wild cape eland, at1,900 pounds. It took 20 African trackersto load the animal onto the truck.

Combined, they took 13 animals,including zebra, kudu and impala. “Noanimal ever goes to waste,” Sharonexplained. “Each kill feeds the natives,every worker on the plantation and allof their families.”

The plantation on which theMcNellis family stayed belongs to theRudman family, who has hosted theBlaauwkrantz Safaris since 1978. Thehome has been in the Rudman familysince 1936. “Blaauwkrantz means‘blue cliff’ and refers to the mountainrange where we hunted,” Sharonrecalled. “The Rudmans welcomed usinto their home and made us feel likewe were a part of their family.” Eachsafari was a unique experience. Whenthey returned from a hunt, theyexchanged hunting stories and told oftheir wonderful experiences in the wild.

The Rudman Ranch sits on 60,000acres of South Africa’s most exquisitecountryside, and is the largest single


family-owned hunting concession inthe Eastern Cape. Mountains, jungleand wildlife join together to create atruly extraordinary terrain. “We wouldopen the French doors and enjoy thebeautiful, scenic view. Rhinos andother animals were right outside,”Sharon said. “The monkeys and baboonsreally reminded us that we were inAfrica. Ostriches were everywhere.”

The house offered plenty of space forthe McNellis family and seven otherguests. There were six women whoworked around the clock to providecontinuous hospitality to the guests.“If my cup of coffee was low, one of theladies would come and fill it right away,”Sharon noted. Three home-cooked mealswere served daily to ensure that eachguest had plenty of energy for the nextsafari. Cauliflower soufflé, blackberrycobbler and potatoes au gratin were afew of the delicious foods served. Freshbreads were also made every day.

With over 300 days of sunshine per year, one might expect an aridenvironment, void of foliage and forest.However, a nearby melting glacierprovides the Eastern Cape’s ecosystemwith all the nourishment it needs toproduce beautiful, healthy, lush plants.Aloe vera grows freely here and pansiesare a prominent flower. “Their whiteroses are called ‘white icebergs,’ andthey look like velvet,” Sharon described.She attended a flower show one of thedays she was visiting. Here, shelearned various techniques on how tosuccessfully grow plants. “I had to goall the way to South Africa to learnhow to keep bugs off my plants! Useparsley,” she said. The local women



taught Sharon to use banana peels tomake plants grow greener.

There is plenty more to do in thismagnificent land aside from hunting.Addo National Elephant Park is only40 minutes away. The park provides ahome for over 400 elephants, 185species of birds, black rhinos and severalspecies of buck. These amazing creaturescan be viewed from open vehicles.

Sharon was a passenger in a Jeep whenshe saw a giraffe. “I got out of the Jeepand started walking. I was looking upat him and he was looking down at me,”she said. Sharon was able to capturethe moment with a photograph, whichis now proudly displayed in her home.

In addition to the safaris and plantshow, Sharon also visited nearby PortElizabeth, to see how modern SouthAfrica can be. She visited antiqueshops and jewelry shops. “A lot ofnecklaces are made out of bone,” shesaid. Warthog tusks are used to createunusual jewelry, bottle openers andmore. Leopard and zebra prints werepainted on dishes and bowls that weresold. Wooden spoons and spoons madeof bones are commonly sold as well.Unusual accent pieces for the homecan also be found, including ostricheggs decorated with porcupine quills.

The McNellis family’s adventurebegan as merely a dream. “Never giveup on your dreams,” Sharon said. Theywill cherish their memories always,and plan on creating many more. “Iam quite sure that we will return toSouth Africa,” Matthew said. “It’s thelast good place. It’s a hunter’s paradise.”Tony is already planning for the family’snext journey in 2010.


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At Home in the Country


Dof courtship. In fact, it was far from it. “We knew each otherbecause we ran with the same group of people,” Jackieexplained. “It wasn’t until I asked Alfred to sing at my

brother’s wedding that thingsbegan to happen.” During thewedding, Alfred thought tohimself, “Maybe I should askher on a date.”

They both laugh as theyremember their first date. “Itreally wasn’t a date,” Jackiesaid, correcting Alfred forthinking it was. “I just neededsomeone to accompany me,that’s all.” Needless to say, the

“date that was not” turned into two years of old-fashionedhand holding, followed by a one-year engagement that ledto a wedding in 1980. “Her driven personality is what causedall this,” Alfred said, referring to their happy marriage. “Wegot our new home the same way Jackie got her engagement

Do you know Alfred and Jackie Mims? If not, let me tellyou how to spot them in a crowd. They will be the couplewalking hand-in-hand with ear-to-ear smiles across their faces.

Soon to be married 28 years inMay, they have taken each day asit comes and turned them into alifetime overflowing with laughter,as well as kind-hearted bantertoward one another. “Life is howyou see it,” Alfred said, as Jackiewholeheartedly agreed. “Life isexactly what you make of it.”

Living their entire lives inWaxahachie, Alfred and Jackiegrew up knowing one another.They would see each other at school and their familiesattended the same church — Greater New Mount ZionMissionary Baptist Church — the exact same church inwhich they are actively involved today. Knowing each otherearly on did not mean theirs was a “love at first sight” kind

What You Make It

At Home With

Alfred and Jackie Mims


— By Sandra McIntosh

Life is

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ring. She just said it was time.” For most of their married life they

lived in a home on Wyatt Street. A little over two years ago, however, they moved into the new home inIndian Hills Alfred referenced whenreminiscing about his wife’s strong,yet not overbearing, personality. Thethree-bedroom, two-bath, traditional-style home is truly a dream come truefor the couple. “This home is one ofour many blessings,” Jackie explained.“The neighborhood is peaceful andquiet. The serenity we have found hereis beyond measure.” In fact, Jackieremembers how hard it was to sleepthe first week they were in the home.“I had to get used to the quiet,” she




said, referring to living outside the city, as opposed to thecentral location of their old address. “It took about a weekbefore I was able to sleep through an entire night.”

One will meet the couple’s daughter, Melissa Mims,as they take a seat on the tapestry-upholstered couchand love seat in the living room. An 8x10 glossy photois displayed on a side table, strategically placed in onecorner for easy viewing. A cross Alfred handmade froma few crape myrtle branches and some string rests besidethe photograph. “She graduated from the University ofHouston. She liked it so much, she decided to remainthere,” Jackie said. “I keep the cross beside her pictureso she’ll have further protection.” When Alfred heard

this comment, he just had to laugh. “She was home for theholidays,” he said, “and she was a mess!” She may very well

be a mess, was Jackie’s retort, but she is also anotherblessing they count as “all good.”

Not long after getting settled, Alfred and Jackiebegan collecting African and African American art.One of their first pieces, a carved, intricately detailedwalking cane, was given to them after a familyfriend returned from a trip to Africa. It rests besidethe fireplace in the living area. Other one-of-a-kindpieces also found in the couple’s living room includea vase that resembles aged pottery, a hand drumthat Alfred calls a noise maker and a very special



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framed photograph of AfricanAmerican people picking cotton.

“That picture reminds me of happytimes,” Jackie said, remembering herdays in the fields. “We’d exchangerecipes and I’d hear women talkingabout their families two rows over.”Alfred sees this time in history a bitdifferently than his wife, who tends to always see her glass half full insteadof half empty. “It was a time of greatadversity,” he said, also rememberingthe hours he spent in the hot sun as ayoung boy. “It made me want somethingbetter for my family.” After a few

moments of innocent banter, theyonce again agreed to disagree. “Seeingthings a bit differently is OK,” Alfredsaid, quicklymentioning howmuch better astalk of cottonwould look inthe vase that sitson a table underthe print. “It’s alllabeled as good.”

When askedabout favorite places in the home, Jackiequickly answered the kitchen. “We love

to entertain and I love to cook anythingand everything,” she said. “I like theresults as I cook. It’s fun to see Alfred’s

face when he tastes a new recipe.” Asshe continued toshare some of themost priceless ofAlfred’s reactions,Alfred continued to look around theliving room for hisprecious beanbag.

“I love throwing my beanbag down in front of the fireplace,” he said.



“I like to sit in front of a warm fire andread or channel surf.” During thespring and summer months, the couplecan generally be found on the backpatio eating a light supper or sharing aglass of iced tea.

Alfred is still very much the fisherman who enjoys getting out tothe lake as often as he can. He has alsobeen blessed with a green thumb whenit comes to the care and upkeep of thelive plants found throughout thehome. Shopping with Jackie is anadventure he has learned to appreciateover the years. “We go to the mall,” hesaid. “We blow time and eat outwherever we go.” Laughing, Jackiecould not help herself as she added, “It’sthe eating out that he likes the most!”

While Jackie has taken a liking tothe finer things in life, such as mixingtheir wedding china with new napkinsand a matching tablecloth, Alfred ismore content to “dig in the dirt.”



“He’s a junk collector,” Jackie explained.“He’s collected old coins, bottles andguns.” Several drawers are filled withhis special finds. “I’m not allowed tolay the stuff out so people can reallyappreciate it,” he added, with a laugh.Being able to laugh at one another,while also laughing at themselvescould very well be the secret to theirlong, happy marriage. “It’s good tolaugh,” they both agreed. “Laughterreally is the best medicine.”

He has also beenblessed with a greenthumb when it comes

to the care and upkeepof the live plants foundthroughout the home.


MMarty Walker Willis is an extremely gifted artist in an

age-old art. “Quilting is definitely an art form,” she said. “It’sendless what you can do.” Her palette is an infinite variety ofcolors, prints, patterns and textures. “Fabric is a quilter’ssewing palette,” she explained. “A quilter has a lotof fabric because they don’t know what they aregoing to use when they are designing.”

The vast list of items, which can be created byquilting includes: purses, vests, shower curtains,coasters and jackets, to name only a few. “The fieldis open,” she said. “There are so many differentthings you can do.” Marty is a newlywed, andinstead of a wedding book, she had her guests signa heart quilt patch so she can create an autographwall hanging to proudly display in their home.

Creating her own unique designs is her artisticpassion. “I’m still a traditionalist,” she said, “but Ilike to throw my own twist into things.” Her creative mindhas resulted in the publication of two pattern books by FourCorners Publishing, as well as a write-up in Quiltworks Today

Magazine. Her stunning Mosaic Memory and her whimsicalLady Bug quilt designs are the headliners in her two books.

Marty describes the creation of a new pattern as a longprocess, but they all start with a single idea. She sketches her

ideas on grafting paper and she enters themin her computer, using a program designedto help quilters complete unique patterns.“When designing, you must consider thatothers will be making it,” she explained.

Inspiration for most of her quilts comesfrom nature’s colors. “I love colors,” sheexcitedly said. “My favorites are the mutedtones.” One idea she is working on wasinspired by Oriental fabric she acquiredwhile visiting her daughter in Japan.Pagodas, teapots, dragonflies and kimonosare just a few of the designs she plans to use

in this creation. A few other ideas she is working on aredesigns divinely motivated by Scriptures from her pastor’ssermons. Even though designing is a long process, Marty

Art Form


An Age-old

Members of the Creative Quilters Guild of Ellis County pose with a current project

Art Form— By Faith Browning

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finds quilting relaxing. “It’s my escapehatch,” she said.

The main attraction in her well-organized quilting room of worktablesand sewing machines is a wall-sizedframe covered in felt called a “designwall.” Quilt squares stick in place onthe felt and can be easily removed,allowing the quilter to rearrange herpieces until she is happy with thedesign. Once satisfied with the design,a picture is taken for future reference.Marty has a storage room with anoverwhelming collection of fabrics.This room of many shelves and cabinetsis filled to capacity with enough fabricto open a small store. To a non-quilter,it could seem extreme, but Marty confirmed this mass collection of fabricis normal for avid quilters.

Marty started quilting with herfriend, Ophelia Pool, in the late ’80s.Quilting was their way of coping withtheir grief over the loss of Ophelia’s son.Marty’s enthusiasm for quilting inspiredOphelia, and they began taking lessonsfrom Donna Poster, in Farmers Branch.

Marty is currently the president ofthe Creative Quilters Guild of EllisCounty, a nonprofit organization.Debbie Wolf, Vanna Worley andTrudy Coker founded the guild fiveyears ago. A questionnaire was sentout revealing that Ellis County hadenough quilters to start their ownguild. To their amazement, 63 quiltersattended the guild’s first meeting.Currently, membership is over 150strong; monthly meetings now have55 to 75 quilters in attendance. Theguild meets at the Waxahachie BibleChurch on the fourth Monday of eachmonth. Due to their large attendance,they must have an organized meeting.A program is presented on quiltingtopics and then a time of “Show &Tell” of selected finished works completesthe meetings.

A major event for the guild is a quiltshow held every July at the Midlothian



Convention Center. This event raisesfunds needed for the organization’sfinances, special projects and annualcharity project. This year, they presentedHope Clinic with $1,500 raised fromtheir silent auction of quilted tablerunners. A magnificent quilt created bythe guild’s caring hearts and skillful handsis raffled to raise funds for special projects.

Every year, the guild has severalworkshops, where special projects arecreated with love. Walker caddies andlap quilts are given to several nursinghomes every December. They make totebags filled with crayons and coloringbooks, which are donated to ChildProtective Services. “When they takethe children from the homes,” Martysaid, “they have only what few belongingsthey can put in a grocery sack. The totebag is something they can call their own.”

Are you interested in quilting? If so,Marty suggests getting to a quilt shop,and getting there quickly. “There’s alwaysa quilt a quilter wants to do,” she said.“Whether it’s her own design or someoneelse’s. I really encourage people to go toa big quilt show. They need to go seewhat quilters are doing. They’re not yourgrandmother’s quilts anymore.”


Ginger Smith and Marty Walker Willisenjoy quilting with fun and colorful fabrics.

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SSprint car racing is fast, competitive

and fun. It is difficult for JerryHammock, driver of the red, number4 car owned by Smiley Sitton, toremember a time when he was notclimbing into the driver’s seat. “Istarted racing midgets at the age of13,” Jerry said. “I’ve been competingnow for 29 years.”

When reminiscing, the first personwho comes to mind is Jerry’s father,Gary Hammock. “My dad got mestarted,” Jerry said. “He owned andbuilt those first cars I drove. Hiscraftsmanship was second-to-none.”Gary may not have been a competitivedriver himself, but Jerry remembershis cars being a hot commodity. “Peoplewanted a car my dad had built,” Jerrysaid, with pride in his voice. “He was,and still is, a perfectionist. He would

work all night on a car to make it perfect if he had to.”

During those early years, Jerry onlydrove for Hammock-sponsored cars,racing in several different classes. Hehas not forgotten the old days at Devil’sBowl, an oval dirt track located inMesquite, Texas, where the competitionwould be such that a driver wouldalmost turn cartwheels if a fellow driverwas unable to take to the track. “Itdidn’t matter what the reason for notbeing able to race was,” Jerry said. “Youonly looked out for one person —yourself.” It finally got to the pointwhere the engine and tire rules andregulations began changing every otheryear. When constant changes occur, theprice to race can quickly skyrocket outof control. “I had my own sprint car atthis time,” Jerry said. “I sold it in



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1992 and retired, or so I thought.” Jerry had not been to a track in over

two years when Rick Burdick phoned,with a proposition Jerry was unable atthat time to decline. “He wanted meto drive his car a couple times,” Jerrysaid. In fact, it only took one night forthe racing bug to bite. The secondnight he was scheduled to race sawJerry breaking a date with Mitsy, hiswife of eight years. “It was Halloween,”Jerry recalled. “I didn’t really break thedate. I asked her to come to the trackwith me.”

The key ingredient to Jerry’s comingout of retirement, so to speak, is thefriendship Rick had at the time withSmiley. Nowadays, Smiley, Jerry andRick, also the team’s crew chief, worktogether in the Sprint Series of Texas(SST), a relatively new sprint car groupthat is making a buzz across Texas, aswell as into Louisiana and Oklahoma.Jerry could not be happier with thechanges SST has brought to the sportthat he loves. “Now, it’s all abouthelping our fellow racers, so everyonecan have a good time,” Jerry said. “TheSST is not intended to be a springboardto NASCAR. It’s all about having funand calling your memories profit.”Showing his true love for the sport ofsprint car racing, Jerry also added it isnot about getting rich. “It’s about thepassion,” he said, “and the camaraderiefound in being a team.”

To get where he is now as a memberof the Smiley Sitton Outlaw DrivingSchool team, Jerry had to try his handat several types of racing. He may have



learned how to maneuver a track in amidget, but his experience in stock carsand modifieds surely prepared him forthe success he is enjoying today in hisChevy V-8, 400-plus-horse powered,fuel-injected sprint car. As a hands-onteam member, Jerry also helpsmechanically maintain the car. “WhenI only want to drive, I’ll be done,” hesaid. “The real fun is working on themand spending time off the track withthe guys.”

In those early days, Jerry and hisfather got to a point where they could read each other’s minds. Therelationship Jerry currently has withRick is much the same. “Dad and Ilearned the same things at the sametime,” Jerry explained. “Rick hasgiven me a different kind of education.He’s taught me how to fix things.”

SST racing has quickly become oneof the most prestigious wins in thestate because everyone is so evenlymatched. “When you win one of theseraces, you haven’t beaten a bunch of nonames,” Jerry said. “In fact, JohnnySuggs is in his 70s and still goingstrong, while the rookies are keepingthe sport alive.” The art of winningcomes with “good guessing” techniques.“You must be good at guessing,” hesaid. After the practice laps and theheat race, the car’s setup has to beadjusted, and the same goes for themain. “The track changes during a25-lap main,” Jerry said. “You have todecide if you want to be fast at thestart or at the finish.”

Mitsy and the Hammock’s twodaughters, Emily and Audrey, as wellas Bob Reeves, Gary and Rick, are someof Jerry’s biggest fans, cheerleading himon to several victories over the years.Every other weekend during racingseason will see Jerry at one of severaltracks in the area. When attending asprint car race, remember sitting tooclose to the fence almost guarantees alittle “mud in the eye.”



DDo not let the name fool you.

While Lights Galore is indeed a storewith every light fixture and designimaginable, it is so much more than alight store. The store, the concept andits owner are all unique.

When Kim Tucker openedLights Galore on Highway 77, shehad two goals. She wanted to offerquality lighting to local buildersand give her neighbors a placewhere they could shop. As both aninterior design expert and builder,she understands what both the professional and the consumer want.

The store itself is gorgeous,filled with lavish lamps, furniture andmirrors. Vanities, Bombay chests anddesigner cabinets are throughout theshop along with what Kim calls, “all

the pretties,” such as jewelry, purses,picture frames and even handcraftedfloral arrangements. “People are mostsurprised that my store is more thanjust lights,” Kim said. Indeed, it is aglorious floor show one might expect

to see in Dallas, and it is oneof the things Kim is mostproud of. She brought NorthDallas to Waxahachie.

Kim fought hard, however,to keep the prices low andcompetitive. “I’m not going tobuy a $300 lamp. I like tochange things up; I like toredecorate my home,” she said,

“and I can’t do that if I buy a $300lamp.” Always, she has the customer inmind. While Lights Galore has a fullstaff, including an interior design team,

Kim personally hand selects items atmarket. “I see the production market,”she said, noting this is her way of stayingon top of what is “in” and what is selling.“I talk to vendors, and I read a lot,”she commented. She is also careful onlyto order a select number of specificitems. “That way,” she said, “whensomeone buys something here, theyknow it is unique. It’s personalized.” Itis that personal touch that brings hercustomers back again and again.

As Kim discusses inventory, her passionis clear. Not only does she have a greateye for color, but she can visualize roomsand design in intricate detail. For her,it is a passion that was awakened whenshe began a family. Her husband, Keith,worked as an engineer, and she worked asa legal secretary. Suddenly, Kim realized


— By Alex AllredgMore Than

Lights Galore

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she no longer wanted to leave her toddler,Brooke, at day care, and she devised aplan. “It all started,” Kim explained,laughing at the memory, “when Ibought a lot out of bankruptcy.” WithKeith supporting her, she decided tobuild the family their own home. Once

the project began, a buyer gave an offershe could not refuse. So, she boughtanother lot and once again, another offercame that could not be refused. “I thinkI was doing all those little touches,” Kimoffered, “that made the difference.”

It is those little touches that allowedKim to create her own company. Whentheir second child, Brandi, was born, Kimasked Keith for help. Toting around twosmall children, Kim definitely stoodapart from the traditional image of ahomebuilder. While she has been calleda pioneer in construction and praisedfor her abilities to think outside theproverbial box, Kim is humbled. Forher, the reward is that her daughters,along with her son, Blake, see her hardwork pay off.

“This isn’t just a light store,” Kimsaid, sharing her concerns about thecommunity. “It’s time that we supportour own community, put our tax dollarsright back in.” It is a sentiment Kimfeels so strongly about, Lights Galorehas participated in numerous auctionsfor schools and churches, raising fundsand school supplies for children in need.“We have such a great communityright here,” she said. It is, as she hassaid, so much more than a light store.

Lights Galore is located at 1011Highway 77 N., Ste. 103. Hours areMonday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.


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SSparkle the Tooth Fairy arrived at St. Joseph Catholic

School with a giant-sized toothbrush in hand. After introducingherself, the first thing she asked her audience of kindergarten,first- and second-graders is, “Do you have teeth?” “Ofcourse!” they answered, loud and clear in the affirmative.“This happens everywhere I go,” said Jennifer Vespia, broadlysmiling to show her pearly whites. “Fun and laughter areoften the best teachers.”

Getting the children actively involved in the presentationon proper dental hygiene was the plan five years ago. “Istood in front of children for 10 years in scrubs. I’d turnthe VCR on and pop in a tape,” she explained. “I hate tosay it, but it became boring for everyone.” Always thinkingoutside the box, Jennifer did a bit of brainstorming. “Whycouldn’t I become the tooth fairy?” she asked herself.Immediately following this premonition of sorts, Jennifertraded her scrubs for a beautiful pink gown with matchingfairy wings, a diamond-like tiara and a pink purse filledwith “magic fairy dust.” “No longer are the programs boring,” she added. Wide-eyed children are now excited tohear what Sparkle, the name Jennifer prefers to go by, hasto say. They are also eager to raise their hands to answerher many questions.

Once Sparkle perfected her idea, she made a call to Dr.John Ousley, a local dentist who specializes in dentistry forinfants and children. After talking to her three times viathe telephone, she was hired to represent his office. Her jobwas to educate children in the Waxahachie area and beyondabout proper dental hygiene at a young age. “Sparkle isincredible and how she handles the children is just amazing,”Dr. Ousley said. “Good dental hygiene is so important.The kids absorb what she tells them like a sponge. Theycome in the office and tell me they need to floss. They allknow who Sparkle the Tooth Fairy is, and they remembereverything she tells them.”

Throughout the year, Sparkle stays very busy, but duringthe months of January and February, she barely has time tosleep. “For those who may not know, January is NationalDental Month and February is National Children’s Dental


Two Minutes

Sparkleto


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Health Month. When I’m not travelingaround looking under pillows,” shesaid, laughing, “I’m talking about myfavorite thing — teeth.”

The children learn everything theyneed to know about teeth duringSparkle’s hands-on, interactive presentation. She teaches them all aboutthe number two. “I teach them theimportance of brushing two times a dayfor two minutes,” she explained further.“I also explain why it’s important to flossand brush their tongues twice a day, too.It only takes two minutes to sparkle.”

There is never a dull moment as shecontinually shoots questions into theaudience, only to be answered by a sea ofraised hands. In the span of 45 minutes,children learn that teeth are not justused for eating. They are also of theutmost importance when it comes totalking and smiling. Students return toclass knowing they have 20 baby teeth,but as adults they will have 32 permanentteeth. The tongue, Sparkle said, is alsoused in talking, as well as tasting whatwe put in our mouths. “How many ofyou like the taste of broccoli?” she asked.“Yuck” was the unanimous answer.When asked about the taste of candy, the

“yummy” response was overwhelming. Interacting with the children, teachers,

administrators and parents is part ofwhat makes Jennifer’s job as Sparklethe Tooth Fairy so rewarding. She notonly asks questions, she also calls severalwilling participants forward to act as


Students, acting as teeth, arebrushed by their teacher.


incisors, canines, molars and even alarge, imaginary tongue. “Usually, theshiest teacher in the bunch gets calledup to brush the teeth,” Sparkle said. “Iinstruct her to brush the teeth in big,wide circles and make sure to brushthe front, the top and the back of eachtooth.” Another adult will floss, whilea fellow student brushes the tongue.Each task is followed by a boisterousround of laughter, not only from theaudience, but also from all those playingthe parts of teeth and tongue.

Unfortunately, all good things mustcome to an end, so Sparkle concludesthe presentation by explaining theimportance of proper diet. “Sugar Bugslike to eat teeth,” she said. “They[Sugar Bugs] make little black holesin your teeth called cavities.” Foodsthat are good for teeth include milk,fruit, vegetables, cheese and bread.Candy, sodas, popcorn and fruit drinksare foods high in sugar that causehyperactivity. “It’s also important to visitthe dentist twice a year for checkups,”Sparkle added. “X-rays let the dentistsee if your teeth are growing in properlyand also lets him know if you haveSugar Bugs.” Sparkle the Tooth Fairywas scheduled to marry the CrestKing this past November, but due toher hectic schedule they postponed thenuptials until March. “The King gotbumped for the greater good,” Sparklesaid, smiling. “He understands thatthe children come first.”



Helen Skoda, top left, of Whitney, Texas, took time to smell perfume handmade at Bethlehem Revisited. A gourd with several holes in key locations, top center, made a wonderful musical instrument. The Lord’s Last Supper quilt, top right, has become a mainstay during BethlehemRevisited performances. Jesus is born, bottom left, in a manger. John Richardson, age 5, bottom center, colors his menu while waiting for hisfood to arrive. Shepherds tended their goats, bottom right, on opening night at Bethlehem Revisited.


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Jill Odle & daughter Keira, top left,picked up toys from the NOW Magazinesoffice for delivery to Cooks Children’sHospital. Bible school, top center, atBethlehem Revisited. A ribbon cuttingwas held, top right, at Ark Country Store.A World War II re-enactment, left secondrow, was held in Waxahachie recently.Waxahachie firemen, directly above, collect money for Fill the Boot for Jerry’sKids. A groundbreaking ceremony washeld, left third row, for Buffalo CreekAssisted Living & Memory CareCommunity. Another ribbon cutting, bottom left, was held at Kufflynx. Actors,bottom right, re-enacted the job of making wine at Bethlehem Revisited.


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molasses and baking soda/coffee mixture.Add flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon,allspice and cloves. Mix in raisins andpecans. Bake at 350 F for 1 hour.

MOM’S APRICOT SALAD

2 eggs, beaten 2 Tbsp. flour 1/3 cup sugar 1/2 cup chopped pecans 3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese 1 can apricots, quartered

To the first three ingredients, add juicefrom apricots with enough water tomake one cup. Cook over medium heatuntil thick. Let cool. When cool, layer itwith pecans, cheese and apricots.

AUNT PAT’S BROCCOLI CASSEROLE

1 stick margarine1 small onion chopped 1 8-oz. pkg. chopped frozen broccoli 2 cups cooked rice 1 8-oz. jar Cheez Whiz 1 10.75-oz. can cream of chicken soup 1 10.75-oz. can cream of mushroom soup

In a large skillet melt margarine, addonions. Cook until tender. Stir in broccoliand heat through, add rice, almost allof the Cheez Whiz and soups; blendwell. Pour in a greased 9 x 13-inch

GRANDMOTHER’S CHOCOLATE CHIPS

1/2 cup butter 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 8 drops vanilla extract 4 Tbsp. cocoa 1 cup all-purpose flour

Heat oven to 350 F and grease cookiesheet. Cream together butter andsugar. Add eggs and mix well. Addvanilla. Sift cocoa with flour and add toegg mixture. Pour batter into cookiesheet, spread thin into one big cookie.Bake for 8 - 9 minutes for brownie-likecookies, bake longer for a crispy cookie.Cut into strips while hot.

GRANDMOTHER’S COFFEE CAKE

1/2 cup butter 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup molasses 1/2 tsp. baking soda dissolved in 1 cup

hot, strong coffee 3 cups flour 2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 2 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. allspice 1/2 tsp. cloves 1 cup raisins 1 cup pecans, chopped

Cream together the butter, sugar,

IN THE KITCHEN WITH CHEF THOMAS HUTCHINS

Look Who’s

Cooking

baking dish. Put some of the Cheez Whizon top. Bake at 350 F for 30 minutes.

TEA-TIME TASSIES

CRUST: 1 3-oz. pkg. cream cheese 1/2 cup butter or margarine 1 cup sifted flourPECAN FILLING:1 egg 3/4 cup brown sugar 1 Tbsp. soft butter or margarine 1 tsp. vanilla dash salt 2/3 cup coarsely chopped pecans

CRUST: Soften cream cheese and butterat room temperature; blend. Stir in flour.Chill at least 1 hour. Roll on lightly flouredboard to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cutwith a 3-inch cutter; place in tinyungreased 1 3/4-inch muffin tins. Pressdough on bottom and sides of cups. FILLING: Beat together egg, sugar, butter, vanilla and salt until just smooth;stir in pecans. Put 1 teaspoon in eachpastry cup. Bake at 325 F for 20 - 25minutes, until filling is set. Remove andplace on paper towels to cool.

MARTHA’S BEST EVER POTATO SOUP

6 bacon strips, diced 3 cups potatoes, peeled, cubed 1 14 1/2-oz. can chicken broth

— By Melinda Hines

C hef Thomas has loved food and cooking ever since he can remember. “My mother and I would watch

cooking programs, copy recipes and re-create them,”Thomas said. Eventually, he entered the banking field as ateller, but felt something was missing. “At bank dinners,people waited to see what I brought and asked when Iwould open a restaurant,” Thomas said.

For Christmas 1997, Thomas was given a culinary courseat El Centro College. His wonderful experience led him togo back to school in 2000; in 2004, Thomas quit his job asa bank teller, something he had been doing for 20 years, topursue his dream of becoming a personal chef. “It seemedlike a perfect match,” he said. “I loved helping people andthought I could meld the two together.”


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1 small carrot, grated 1/2 cup onion, chopped 1 Tbsp. dried parsley flakes 1/2 tsp. celery seed 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. pepper 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 3 cups milk 8 oz. processed American cheese,

cubed (I use Velveeta.) 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)

In a large saucepan, cook bacon untilcrisp; drain. Add potatoes, broth, carrot,onion, parsley, celery seed, salt andpepper. Cover; simmer until potatoesare tender, about 15 minutes. Combineflour and milk until smooth; add to soup.Bring to a boil; boil and stir for 2 minutes.Add cheese; stir until cheese is meltedand the soup is heated through. Garnishwith green onions, if desired.


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IIf you have even casually followed the

news over the past several months, youhave probably heard about “subprimeloans.” The issue can be confusing, andif you are like most people, you reallyjust want a couple of questions answered:How might these subprime loans affectthe economy? And will I need to adjustmy investment strategy?

To begin with, let us define subprimeloans. Generally speaking, a subprimeloan is a mortgage made to a borrowerwho might not otherwise qualify for aloan. Subprime lenders typicallycharged these borrowers higher interestrates, but some subprimes wereadjustable rate mortgages (ARMs),which meant they carried a lower ratefor the first few years of the loan. Manysubprime borrowers took out ARMs,hoping their credit would improveenough for them to qualify for a betterrate before the mortgage rate wasadjusted upward. When this did nothappen, they were hit with higherpayments and many faced foreclosure.Because many of these mortgages had


Will “Subprime” Loan Crunch Affect You?— By Jeff Trojacek

been resold and then packaged intoother financial vehicles, the bad loanshurt these investments.

Ultimately, the subprime loan problemmight jolt at least two sectors of thefinancial markets: housing and financialservices. So, housing-related investments,such as real estate companies, andfinancial services firms, such as mortgagelenders, might experience some roughroads. Also, the subprime situationcould lead to a potential slowdown inoverall consumer spending. Why?Because if lending standards tighten,people may find it more difficult to taphome equity loans and lines of credit.If consumer spending does slow, itcould affect corporate profits, a keydriver of stock prices.

As an individual investor, whatmoves, if any, should you make to prepare yourself for any potential subprime “aftershocks”? To begin with,do not get so caught up in a possiblesubprime-fueled downturn that youoverlook the many positive factorsabout the current investment outlook.

Although the real estate industry isslumping, the rest of the economyremains relatively strong. Furthermore,inflation and interest rates remain lowand stable, and corporate profits stillexceed expectations.

No matter what happens in theinvestment world, you can hardly gowrong by following these tried-and-truetechniques:

• Look for quality. Quality investments, such as the

stocks of strong, established companies,historically tend to fall less than otherinvestments in down markets, and theyhave frequently led the way in therecoveries that follow. Past performanceis not an indication of future results.

• Choose an appropriate mix ofinvestments.

Build a portfolio containing a varietyof investments that are suitable for yourgoals, risk tolerance and time horizon.While diversification, by itself, cannotguarantee a profit or protect against a

WNJan08p40-41Fian.qxd 12/18/07 10:42 AM Page 40

loss in declining markets, it can helpreduce the effects of market volatility.

• Hold investments for the longterm.

By following a “buy-and-hold”investment strategy, you can reduceyour commission costs and avoid someof the other problems that can result from frequent buying and selling.Once you buy an investment, consider holding it until either your needschange or the investment itself has evolved in an unexpected way.

By looking beyond the possible turmoiland sticking with good investmenthabits, you may well escape some ofthe problems caused by the subprimefallout — while you stay on track towardyour long-term investment goals.

Jeff Trojacek is an Edward Jones representative based in Waxahachie.


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Afurther, Wendy said a 140-pound person will burn about four more calories per minute by taking thestairs compared to standing or riding.Over the course of one year, the personmay only lose half a pound, butclimbing stairs will have challengedmore muscles than standing still orwalking on a level surface.1

Are you one of those night owlswho counts sheep instead of getting arestful night’s sleep? Well, guesswhat? Walking can turn a restlessnight into a night filled with restful,rejuvenating sleep. Millions ofAmericans, as stated on the iVillageTotal Health Web site, suffer frompoor sleep. Being active throughoutthe day is a key way to bring about asleep that makes walking worth theextra effort.2 The rewards which comefrom a good night’s sleep include:


clearer thoughts, more energy, a positivemindset, healthy weight maintenance,muscle strength, stress relief, the abilityto make better decisions and a muchstronger immune system.3

As defined in the Webster’s CollegiateDictionary, a resolution is a noun that simply means a firm decision.With a new year fully underway, manyindividuals will be making resolutionsthat pertain to more sound financialplanning, putting family first or gettingtheir lives organized from the home tothe office. Many others will be decidingthe most efficient way in which toshed those unwanted pounds they puton during the holidays. One sure wayto begin the journey to a healthier,happier and thinner you is by walking.

There are several levels of walkingthat range from a fast, regimentedschedule to just being conscious ofyour surroundings. “How much doesit help to take the stairs, rather thanride the escalator or elevator?” askedWendy Bumgardner, author of “YourGuide to Walking.” Explaining

Walking Into the New Year— By Sandra McIntosh

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Being active during the day helpsrelieve stress and tension, reducing thesymptoms of depression and anxiety.By walking, you not only help relieveinsomnia, but you improve your overallwell-being. Walking helps you sleep,so you do not feel as sluggish withexercise being the least of your concerns.4

With that in mind, why not break thecycle of negativity that would causeyou to break this year’s resolution?Keep the right balance between sleepand exercise, and walk your way intothe New Year!

Sources:1. Bumgardner, Wendy. “Your Guide to Walking.” www.walking.about.com.2. iVillage Total Health. www.yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com.3. “Forget Counting Sheep, Walk Your Way to Better Sleep.” AARP. aarp.org/health/fitness/walking.4. Ibid.


WNJan08p42-43health.qxd 12/21/07 2:28 PM Page 43

A


14 essential nutrients. When we paveor add soil, it really fouls up theabsorption. Protect the tree from thosebig machines by creating a barrierwith that ugly, but effective, orangefence as far out from the trunk as youcan. A four- to six-inch layer of mulchover the area will protect it from thecompacting of large machinery thatknocks down your fence. Avoid the filldirt around the tree as much as possiblesince it will slowly strangle the treeover a period of several years. Thosepavers with holes in them offer somehelp in getting the moisture and airdown to the roots if you must coverpart of the area.

If you are putting in irrigation orunderground lines, tunnel two to fourfeet below the surface rather thantrenching. It will avoid most of thefeeding roots. Root pruning is a last-gapmeasure, but necessary if you want a

level surface area. It will promote arush of new growth and reduce thechance of root rot.

The tree canopy of the earth isquickly diminishing. We can see it aswe drive down the highway and noticethe dozers knocking down second growthtrees in preparation for yet anothershopping mall or housing addition.When the rains have no place to beabsorbed, they tend to run into ourhomes, etc. Not a pretty thought! Lessnoticeable is the oxygen that thosedestroyed trees were producing andthe CO2 they were taking out of theatmosphere. Let us all do our share byplanting trees, taking care of the oneswe have, and encouraging the buildersto think before bulldozing buildingsites with trees.

Nancy Fenton is a Master Gardener inEllis County.

— By Nancy Fenton

Are you planning some remodelingor new construction for your home thisyear? Let us consider how to do itwhile protecting those big trees youlove. If you are thinking aboutexpanding your home or your drivewaythis year, consider looking at it fromthe tree’s point of view. Our gracious,old trees have had a lifetime to put outthose roots past the edges of their dripline using them to absorb water and

’08 Resolution —

Save a Tree!

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First Wednesday Red Moon Café, located at 3701 N. I-45 in Ennis, will hostan evening of karaoke from 8:30 p.m. – midnight.

Every Tuesday January 15 - February 5Edward Jones Financial Workshop for individual investors.Contact Jeff Trojacek, FA, for more information. Seating islimited. RSVP required. (972) 298-2586.

Every Friday and SaturdayLive bands at The Red Moon Café. Be sure to checktheir Web site at www.theredmooncafe.com for allupcoming events.

January 8 and 22The Waxahachie Business Interchange Networking group,7:30 - 8:30 a.m. at Hastings Entertainment located at 791Highway 77N, Suite 101. Entry fee is $1 and be sure tobring plenty of business cards. Coffee and pastries will beprovided. Nonmembers are welcome to attend a total oftwo times. For more information, call (972) 937-2390.

January 9Teens will meet at Sims Public Library from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

January 12Open House at Pettigrew Academy, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Cometour the school and find out about the Montessori philosophyof education for children. The school is located at 806 E.Marvin St. For more information, call (972) 923-1633.

After Hours Improv Comedy Show, 8:00 p.m. at The TexasTheater, 110 W. Main St. in downtown Waxahachie.Admission is $10 for adults and $6 for children 10 andunder. Tickets may be purchased online atwww.AfterHoursImprov.com, by phone at (972) 937-9839or at the box office. Only cash will be accepted at the boxoffice which opens at 7:00 p.m. Doors open for generaladmission seating at 7:30 p.m. Group discounts are available.

January 16Junior Teens, ages 11-12, will meet at Sims Library from4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

January 17Teen Book Club at Sims Library will meet from 6:00 – 7:00p.m. This event is for ages 11-18.

January 19Teen Movie Saturday at Sims Library from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.

January 23Teens, ages 13-18, will meet at Sims Library from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

January 2511th annual D.E.A.R. Day celebration will be held at campusesthroughout the Waxahachie Independent School District.Reading times will be at 8:45 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. CallMelissa Cobb at the Partners in Education office at (972)923-4631, ext. 142. In case of inclement weather, D.E.A.R.Day will be rescheduled for February 1.

Januray 2008Community Calendar

February 1 - 3CASI-sanctioned chili cook-off will be held at the EllisCounty Expo Center, located at Hwy. 287 North inWaxahachie, benefiting the Ellis County Children’sAdvocacy Center and Gingerbread House. For more information contact Kay Lefler at (972) 646-5159 orTheresa Haskovec at (972) 938-0075.

February 2The Ellis County Art Association will host an evening withElvis, as performed by 2005 National Champion DavidAllen, 7:00 p.m. at the Ellis County Fine Arts Museum, 501W. Main St. Advance tickets: $10. Tickets at the door: $12.To secure advance tickets or for more information, call (972) 937-3414 or e-mail [email protected].

February 18Waxahachie ISD Lighthouse for Learning — AdultCommunity Education classes begin for the spring semester.Classes are offered on Monday and Thursday evenings atWaxahachie High School. Please contact the communityeducation office at (972) 923-4631 or e-mail Melissa Cobbat [email protected] for further information.

March 29Meals On Wheels 3rd annual BBQ Benefit. Location TBA.The fundraising event will include dinner, entertainment andan auction with all proceeds going to benefit Meals OnWheels. For more information, please call (972) 351-9943.


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