708redoak.pdf - Now Magazines

July 2008

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE PAID

FT. WORTH, TXPERMIT NO. 711

AchievingHer

Dreams

AchievingHer

Dreams

More ThanBandages

More ThanBandages

CatchingShining

Stars

CatchingShining

Stars

Staying the CourseStaying

the Course

At Home With

Rob and Misty Carrell

At Home With


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www.nowmagazines.com 3 RedOakNOW July 2008

Publisher, Connie Poirier

General Manager, Rick Hensley

Managing Editor, Becky Walker

Editorial Coordinator, Sandra McIntosh

Creative Director, Jami Navarro

Art Director, Chris McCalla

Office Manager, Lauren Poirier

Red Oak Editor, Diana Merrill Claussen

Contributing Writers, Renee Chase

Faith Browning . Michelle Powe . Betty Tryon

Photography, Natalie Busch . Ivey Photography

Sandra McIntosh . Terri Ozymy . Monica J. Pechal

Contributing Editors/Proofreaders, Pat Anthony

Pamela Parisi . Jaime Ruark . Beverly Shay

Advertising Representatives, Terri Yates

Rick Ausmus . Jennifer Burleson . Linda Dean

Will Epps . Carolyn Mixon . Linda Moffett

Jill Odle . Kevin Poirier . Steve Randle

Graphic Designers, Julie Carpenter

Allee Brand . Marshall Hinsley . Arlene Honza

Steve Koldjeski . Brande Morgan

On the Cover:Samson, a beautiful Arabian horse,peers over a fence at the Double RRanch where Erin Blake works.

Photo by Terri Ozymy.

ContentsJuly 2008, Volume 3, Issue 7

ArtsNOWCatching Shining Stars

6

14SportsNOW Staying the Course

16BusinessNOWTop of Their Tier

18EducationNOW More Than Bandagesand Thermometers

20

10

Achieving Her Dreams Always and Forever At Home With Rob and Misty Carrell

Red OakNOW is a NOW Magazines, L.L.C. publication. Copyright © 2008. All rights reserved. Red OakNOWis published monthly and individually mailed free of charge to homes and businesses in the Red Oak, Ovilla,Glenn Heights and Oak Leaf zip codes.

Subscriptions are available at the rate of $35 per year or $3.50 per issue. Subscription and editorial correspondence should be sent to: NOW Magazines, P.O. Box 1071, Waxahachie, TX 75168. For advertisingrates and other information, call (972) 978-5151 or e-mail us at: [email protected].

22 Around TownNOW

24 Who’s CookingNOW

26 FinanceNOW

28 HealthNOW

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Editor’s Note

Hello, Neighbors!

While we salute our independence, please join us aswe tip our hats to a few of the amazing women who liveand work right here in our community. First, we willmeet Lieutenant Mollie Dox, who exemplifies theimportance of following your heart and always doingthe right thing. Local nurse, Sue Brown, and theaterinstructor, Charla Little, encourage and inspire many local children. Next, meetan amazing mother of triplets, Misty Carrell, and then catch some meaningful lifeand horseback lessons from riding instructor, Erin Blake.

Here is to all of the amazing women in our lives!

Diana Merrill ClaussenRed OakNOW [email protected]





Cedar Hill and then worked for the District Attorney’s officein Dallas. “I worked crime cases,” Mollie shared. “Most ofthose cases were crimes against persons. Many of them

involved children. Through the years, though, Ihave done a little bit of everything.” She

has served in dispatch, school resources, community officer positions and hasbeen a member of a SWAT team. Molliehas learned many lessons throughout hercareer and has met very memorable people

along the way.One of those special people became

her husband of 13 years, Will. “I met Will when I worked at the police department in

Cedar Hill,” Mollie shared. “He is still a ‘motorjock’ for the city, and we both love motorcycling, campingand are really big animal lovers.” Mollie loves caring for animals, but her true passion lies in helping people. “ThePD receives many calls where we can help people with theirpersonal situations,” she said.

Working with crime victims has allowed Mollie to impactthe lives of those she serves. “When working with crimevictims, you have to make sure you do everything to the bestof your abilities,” she said. “Sometimes, there is only somuch you can do. You give it your true best so that you canhelp those in need as much as possible.” Mollie shared that


TThroughout life, there are pivotal moments that shape

and mold us. Those are the moments that have the potentialto help us determine our paths. Such a moment happened toTexas native, Mollie Dox.

During Mollie’s teen years in Nacogdoches,Texas, she worked at a clothing store in herlocal mall. “Most of the time, I ended upchasing shoplifters out of the store,” sheshared. It was the officers who respondedto the shoplifting calls who started encouraging Mollie to get into the field oflaw enforcement. “In Nacogdoches, my dadwas pretty involved within our community,”Mollie shared. “I also grew up with many of hisfriends who happened to be police officers. Many ofthe officers who came to the store knew my dad. They alsoknew I was the kind of person who would always stand upand do what was right.”

It was the officers and her high sense of justice whichshowed Mollie a career change to law enforcement would bea perfect fit. “I first started as a police dispatcher and thenput myself through the police academy,” she said. Now with20 years of law enforcement experience, this admirable ladyis known to her peers as Lieutenant Mollie Dox and is thelead detective for Ovilla Police Department.

After starting in Nacogdoches, Mollie later moved to

Achieving Her Dreams— By Diana Merrill Claussen

“When working withcrime victims, you have

to make sure you doeverything to the best

of your abilities.”

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it is vital to treat each case like it is themost significant. “If the investigationisn’t thoroughly conducted, you riskthe case getting thrown out,” she said.

There have been numerous life-changing moments during her time inlaw enforcement, as well as occasionalchallenges along the way — especiallybeing a female working in a predominantly male vocation. Molliecredits many encouraging mentorswho have helped her in life and in hercareer, especially her father, who was

her biggest role model and inspiration.Her upbringing helped her throughtough times and enabled her to reachmany of her goals.

“My dad taught me to not be aquitter,” Mollie shared. “He alsoencouraged us to follow our hearts and always do what was right. Plus,I’m the type of person that if you tell me I’m not going to accomplish something, I will try even harder toachieve it.” Mollie’s father recentlypassed away; she misses not only himbut his constant love and support.

Another mentor who has shownunconditional support to Mollie isMike Moon, Ovilla’s chief of police. “I have known Chief Moon for over 16 years,” Mollie said. “He has notonly given me guidance, he has alsobeen a friend. I love his wife, too.”Chief Moon shared his personalinsights about Mollie. “Mollie has a


“Sometimes, thereis only so much

you can do. You give it your

true bestso that you can help

those in need asmuch as possible.”


real passion, especially when it comesto victim assistance and crimes againstwomen and children,” he expressed.“She helps to take a huge weight offmy shoulders while being second incommand at the police departmentwhen I am not available. We are reallylucky to have her.”

The support of her co-workers and the Ovilla community have helped makeMollie’s job a career she dearly loves.“We have a really good department,”she enthused. “All of the guys here aregood to work with and the citizens arehappy with us, too. That is a verygood feeling.”

With a fulfilling job comes personaland professional achievements. In1999, Mollie was awarded Officer ofthe Year in Cedar Hill and in 2000and 2006 she achieved that awardagain while working for Ovilla PD.Her modest demeanor makes light ofher achievements, but those who knowher say she has more than earned everysingle one of them.

Mollie’s modesty adds to her characterand makes her an inspirational rolemodel. Her attitude, work and experience is well-admired throughoutthe department and the community.When asked to share words andthoughts of encouragement, shehumbly offered these invaluable andcompelling insights on life: “Whenlooking at a potentially new career orlife change, take some time to reallylook into the situation, get to knowpeople who have made that decisionand make sure it is a decision or choiceyou truly want to follow.” For timeswhen it feels like the world is tellingyou that you cannot, but your hearttells you differently, “Make sure youalways do what is right. Don’t letyourself be overcome by bad treatment,and have the mind-set that you have ajob to do. Prove those who discourageyour abilities wrong,” she advised.

For Mollie, following her dreamswas imperative to being true to herself. It was the primary ingredientto finding her purpose and achievingher dreams.



RRob and Misty Carrell moved into their new three-bedroom,

two-bath home located on a spacious corner lot in June 2005.The traditional style home is a reflection of what means themost to the couple. “Family is extremely important,” Mistysaid, as she pointed to the most recent family photographsdisplayed along one wall in the living room. The close tiesto family began when Rob and Misty were just children inCedar Hill and Lancaster, respectively, and have only grownthroughout their 11-year marriage.

The first homethey shared as husband and wife was located in Midlothian. As they would ride around on weekends, theykept coming backto the Red Oakarea. “We knew wewanted to remainin Ellis County,”Rob said, “so when we decidedto move, we knewthis was the placefor us.” While thehome was being

built, Rob and Misty lived with her parents in a homedirectly behind the famous Rockett Café. Once they agreedon a floor plan, the changes during the construction processwere minimal. In fact, they recall only being able to make afew modifications to the original plans. “It’s not a customhome, so we had to go easy on upgrades,” Rob explainedfurther. “We started the process in January, and it took a fullsix months before it was complete.”

The walls throughout the home are a light shade of ecru;almost like the color found in a natural eggshell. The whitetrim adds an elegance that makes for simplistic and cleanlines from the entryway all the way to the back door andincludes every room in-between. The most marked changecame almost one year ago when one of the two guest bedroomswas converted for some long-awaited and very special familymembers. “The triplets were born on August 27,” Mistyproudly stated. “Rob said no to pink since it wasn’t hisfavorite color.” The girls’ room is now a pale shade of greenwith pink, lavender and white accents.

After years of trying to get pregnant without success, Roband Misty decided to take a step forward into modern medicine.“We underwent a procedure called intra-uterine insemination(IUI),” Misty said. “The first sonogram confirmed I waspregnant.” This confirmation was the first of so many blessings.“We learned Misty was carrying triplets during the secondsonogram,” Rob interjected. It seemed as if the blessings just kept coming. “I never had to be put on bed rest,” Mistysaid, elaborating on the problem-free pregnancy. “The entire


Always and Forever— By Sandra McIntosh

At Home With


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ver


“I look at our three girls every day, andI am utterly amazed at the blessingthey are to us.” Rob just grinned as hethought about all the things they arelearning together. “The way they lookat you,” Rob said, “just melts yousometimes. The love they show istruly unconditional.”

Since the girls’ arrival, thingsaround the Carrell household havechanged. “We are no longer able tojust get up and go,” Misty said, asRob nodded his head in agreement.“Every trip we take has to be planned.”

time I was pregnant was perfect, otherthan the overall exhaustion that’s anatural part of any pregnancy. Theywere all born healthy and happy. Infact, we all got to come home togethera week after their birth.”

Thanks to the beauty of modernmedicine and the strong desire thecouple had for children, Rob andMisty now have the family they hadonly dreamed of. “After trying to getpregnant for five years without anyluck, I wasn’t sure we’d ever have children of our own,” Misty reflected.


Everything they do as a family mustbe scheduled down to the minute.“We take preparations and multiplythem by three,” Rob added. Theyboth admitted that the responsibilitieshave also tripled. “I was the big kid;now I’m the responsible father,” Robexplained. His three daughters havehelped him grow up in a way he saidwas needed. “Everything we do now iscentered around the girls,” Mistycommented. “We are always wonderinghow they can be included and how theyfit into everything we plan to do.”

The home’s decor is also a reflectionof the triplets. What was once the formal dining room has become theplayroom with a great view of thefront yard. Both parents agree that thisis the girls’ favorite room. The colorsare bright and the innovative, learningtoys are plentiful. Maggie, the family’scocker spaniel, has taken to the newestmembers with zeal, and a somewhatprotective nature. “Maggie tries toshare her toys with them,” Rob said,


“but she doesn’t really bother theirtoys.” There is also evidence of tripletsin the living room as a trio of automaticswings is lined up along one wall. Casesof baby food and formula line one longcountertop in the kitchen, too.

The home’s decor is simple, yetfilled with a great deal of sentiment.Misty enjoys decorating with wall artthat she has found at area shops andduring shopping trips to First Mondayin Canton. The sign, “God Bless OurHome,” was handcrafted from barnwood. It hangs above the mantle in

the living room. Another sign is foundon the entry hall table. It is engravedwith a statement made by GeorgeHerbert reminding the family to “givethanks with a grateful heart.”

Misty’s wedding bouquet hangs onone wall of the master bedroom in aglass-encased frame along with thegarter Misty’s mother made for her.The words “Faith, Hope and Love”hang over the large windows that lookout to the backyard, while the simple,yet meaningful, words “Always andForever” are placed above the door to

be seen, read and remembered everyday as they exit their bedroom. “Thesame words are engraved on the insideof our wedding bands,” Misty beamed.

Family really is the most importantthing to Rob and Misty. So much sothat a great deal of thought was putinto the middle names they chose fortheir daughters. “Macie Jane is namedafter Rob’s grandmother. Sadie Jo isnamed after my grandmother,” Mistysaid. “Avery Leigh was named aftermy stepdad, Lee.” With triplets, acesarean section was imminent, soRob and Misty were able to pick thetriplets’ birthday. “We made a conscious choice when we pickedAugust 27,” Misty said, furtherexplaining it was the same day Rob’sfather had passed away a year earlier.“We wanted to turn a sad day intoone of great happiness,” she said. “We wanted to be able to include asmany family members as we could in an extra-special way on a veryextra-special day.”




stated. “Once I received my degree,my parents begged me to get myteacher’s certificate. They helped merealize I needed to make a living.” Theyalso changed Charla’s mind aboutbecoming a teacher.

She is thankful to do the two thingsshe most enjoys, teaching and acting.“It’s fun. I get to come to school andplay all day,” she chuckled, flashingan exuberant smile. It is more thanevident that Charla not only loves whatshe does, she lives for it.

“I pray every morning that Godwould help me do a good job. I alsopray that I don’t put my foot in mymouth,” she gleefully added. It is herimperative mission to truly make a difference in the lives of her studentsand others. She first starts with a good attitude. “It is so important to be positive,” Charla said. “Kids have

Shining Stars

With hats, shoes and accessories datingback to the 1800s, the cedar closet was neatly filled to the brim. Beingresponsible to take care of their propsand costumes and returning them totheir rightful place is obviously something Charla has worked hard toinstill in her students. They learnedthe lesson because they enjoy workingwith someone like Charla who bothencourages and inspires them.

“You can’t have this much stuff and not be fanatical,” Charla grinned.“When I was little, I realized as agrown-up I would have to do somethingprofessionally. So, when I was 4 yearsold I became an actress and would perform for our family’s herd of cows!”

Charla later went on to college. “Mymom, sister and aunt were teachers,and I had decided I wasn’t going to bea teacher; I was going to act,” Charla

— By Diana Merrill Claussen

Catching

WWalk into the drama department at

Red Oak High School and you mightfeel as if you have entered a prestigiousperforming arts center. As you walkfurther, a left turn leads you to a proproom. Turn right and you are greetedwith a hug from the school’s theaterteacher and all-around amazing lady,Charla Little.

After brief introductions, Charla gotright to business. “I do not teach actingor drama,” she informed. “I instructtheater.” With over 29 years ofinstructing at Red Oak, this vivaciousactress and educator embraces her tradeand encourages those whom she instructs.

“I originally taught English reinforcement and then started thetheater program at Red Oak JuniorHigh,” Charla said. From there, theprogram has not only flourished, buther students and their massive array ofprops and costumes have grown as well.

“We have hundreds and thousandsof costumes and props,” Charla sharedas she ventured into the massive forest-like prop room. Seeminglyendless rows of vintage costumes,accessories and props of all kinds juttedout of the walls and draped the closets.It was like stepping back in time.

“We also have a cedar closet to keepour vintage costumes in,” Charla said.

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so much they have to deal with in thisworld, and they remember all of theexperiences they have had — bothgood and bad. I can remember myfirst teachers who were encouraging tome. I can also remember the teacherswho humiliated me. Both of thesetypes of experiences are something akid will remember for the rest of theirlives.” Charla’s mission is to create alasting and positive impression, not ahurtful memory. “And it’s a bigresponsibility,” she shared.

One of the main ways Charla goesabout reaching the students whileeducating them is by teaching theateras a performing art. “I first tell them,‘If you are going to be an actor, thenyou have to be a student of the oldcinema,’” she stated. “At times, itbreaks my heart that kids don’t knowwho Spencer Tracy or Katherine

Hepburn are. If you are going to be anactor, you must learn and study themasters; that’s how I learned to act. Itry to impress on them the importanceof watching old movies. That helpsthem to open their eyes and reallyappreciate the real actors.”

Charla shared why acting and all artforms are so important to children.“All forms of art open up whole newworlds to children — worlds theywould have never known existed,” shesaid. “Art also makes them realize theyhave talent. Some of the children havenever been told they have talent.”Charla adores all of her student stars,and her love and encouragement helpsthem to shine even brighter.

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IIn the world of horses, you can meet many different

kinds of people. Some are involved in the equestrianworld for the ranch and work aspect, while others areinvolved with horses for leisure or sporting reasons.Just ask local riding instructor Erin Blake how andwhy she is involved with these majestic creatures, andbrace yourself for an enlightening and exciting answer.

Erin’s passion revolves around the high-caliber sport ofdressage. Her involvement in this highly prestigious formof riding is one of her most heartfelt accomplishments.The story of how she became involved in the sport isfascinating and inspiring.

“I grew up in Indiana, and my neighbors had horses,”Erin shared. “That’s how I first started to becomeinvolved with them.” This was also when her adorationof horses started to develop. “No one in my family was everinto horses except for me,” she commented. “I grew up in amiddle class, biracial family,” she added. During her preteenyears, Erin and her family moved to Maryland, and Erin gother first job. “It was at a racehorse breeding farm, and Icleaned and filled water buckets,” she remembered.

While working at the farm, Erin decided she wanted tolearn as much as she could about the animals and eventuallygot her first horse when she was 15 years old. “My parentsgave me a choice,” she said. “I could either become a foreignexchange student in Argentina or get a horse.” Later, whenErin got her second steed, she found herself enchanted byequestrian competition and entered “eventing” classes suchas cross country and arena jumping along with dressagetechnique and style.

“Dressage is a French word which means “training of thehorse,” Erin explained. “It’s style and technique, and is a slowand methodical way of teaching which benefits both horseand the rider. It is a way of training a horse in a non-limitedway.” This style of riding began during the time of the ancientGreeks and was later used during Medieval and Europeanbattles. “The movements in dressage actually mimic battlemovements,” Erin informed.

Dressage requires moves that are not only fluid and beautiful,but, during the olden days of battle, were also highly functional,


StayingCourse

skillful and at times, deadly. One such movement is thepirouette, (yes, just like human ballet) where the horsequickly turns into, or away from, an enemy. Another specificdressage movement is called a capriole, which requires thehorse to make high leaps over the heads of the enemy.Dressage is not only beautiful, it is a quiet, different and moreeffective way to work with these large, amazing creatures.

When you ask people familiar with horses what they thinkof dressage, the sport’s reputation is surprising, especiallyonce you find out what the sport really involves. “Dressagehas the connotation of being snooty, but I am working onchanging that reputation,” Erin said. “Being ethnic has neveraffected my work or clientele, so my involvement in dressagehas actually been really refreshing. I feel like the TigerWoods of the horse world,” she added.

Erin is also one of the most certified minority members inour area. She earned her certification from the British HorseSociety. “I originally received a Bachelor of Science in EquineManagement in the U.S.,” Erin shared. “Later, my schoolsent me to Brinsbury College in West Sussex, England,where I received my BHS instructor certification. Whileattending, I apprenticed under renowned instructor JennieLoriston Clarke. The BHS exams usually require many yearsto obtain; however, my training with Clarke was so intense Iwas ready for my exams within a year.”

The BHS exam is so demanding that during the students’

the

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teaching assignments, only two of the25 students passed. Erin was one ofthose students. “The judges said I wasthe only student who smiled,” sheshared. After receiving her BHS certification and training withnumerous other dressage greats, Erinproudly shares her qualifications. “Ihave competed up through Pre-St.George level dressage and intermediateeventing,” she beamed. She has alsoassisted in training horses in all levelsup through Grand Prix.

Erin is also a member of the U.S.Eventing Association and the U.S.Dressage Federation. When asked whatshe loves about the sport, Erin is quickto first share what sets it apart fromregular horsemanship. “Dressage wasdeveloped for the comfort of the horse,not the rider,” she shared. “It involvescreating a pure balance, per se, withthe horse. The less the horse can feel arider on their back, the more naturalthe animal’s movement will be.”

She then shared some insightsregarding riding. “Pretty much ourbiggest fault in riding is us getting inthe horse’s way,” Erin said. “We eitherhold the reigns or squeeze our legs tootightly. All riders, not just dressageriders, should learn the correct way toride because horses are hypersensitivecreatures. If they can feel when a flylands on their back, they can feel if you are tense and holding your breath.”

Erin’s philosophy echoes the dressagephilosophy: get the riders to quiet theirstate of mind. With this quietness, bothhorse and rider can communicate witheach other. “Dressage is a body language,not a verbal language,” Erin added. “Tobecome fluent in riding, you have tounderstand their language. Eventually,the rider will become constantly fluidand synchronized with their horse.”

Dressage is, in Erin’s words, “a sport forall people of all backgrounds,” she said.“It’s also one of the few sports where menand women can compete equally.”


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Fask if we have started service within their area,” Ron said.“They tell us they really need our services. As of now,because we primarily use radio signals, we cover 100 percentof northern Ellis County and many areas within Denton,Collin, Kaufman and Rockwall counties.”

Tier One’s mission statement is to provide reasonablypriced broadband Internet access to rural areas. Ron elaboratedon why they are glad to be a part of our area. “Although wehave expanded, Red Oak is still our home,” Ron said. “Weare thankful that this community has helped us to build ourbusiness and increase our service.”

Tier One’s service and quality is the company’s greatestpriority. The way Tier One’s services work is by placingtower sites (usually located on top of water towers) throughoutthe areas in which they service. “Currently, we have 11 towersites within the Glenn Heights, Ovilla and Red Oak areas,”Ron shared. At these sites, Tier One places and positions the

For many within our area, finding high quality and reliableInternet service was not only hard, but in some cases nearlyimpossible. That was until Tier One Networks set up shopin Ellis County last year. “Our original location started inRed Oak in May 2007,” Tier One C.F.O. and Co-ownerRon Celmer said. “Our company’s founder, Kevin Weaver,brought our main office here because he saw a primary needfor our services.”

Those services range from Internet communication via terrestrial radio towers, which can provide wireless Internet,to voice-over IP services. VOIP is essentially phone servicewhich runs over an Internet line. “As of the beginning of lastyear, cable and DSL services were only available in about 10percent of our DSL area,” Ron shared.

Now that Tier One is available, they have not only grownthroughout Ellis County, their services are quickly becomingpopular within the DFW region. “We have people call and



Ron Celmer, Tier One C.F.O.and co-owner, and RexDelgado work hard to providehigh quality and reliable Internetaccess to their customers.

Top of Their

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radio towers. “We then go to our customer’s site and install a little blackbox which has both an antenna and aradio,” Ron said. “This whole piece isabout the size of a small outdoor speaker.”

Next, Tier One provides a wirelessnetwork card which is plugged intothe client’s computer. “If the customerhas a wireless router we can then provideservices to all of their computers withintheir home or business for no extracharge,” Ron informed. By using thelatest technology, Tier One promises todo more than just deliver service.

“We hold several FCC licenses inorder to provide highly reliable serviceon regulated bandwidth frequencies,”Ron said. “This not only eliminatesinterference, it allows us to provideInternet services which are more thanthree times faster than our competitors.We also have the newest equipment,so we are not only better, we are fasterand cheaper.”

Quality is not the only priority onwhich this local company focuses. “Weprovide 24/7 technical support whileoffering personal service,” Ron said.“Our technicians are local and show upwhen you ask them to. The techs alsogive customers their cell phone numbers.”

Tier One is very involved in givingback to both its customers and thecommunity. “We offer free installationfor teachers, fire and police officers wholive in Red Oak,” Ron shared. “Wealso provide free service to the city ofRed Oak’s public library and the city’snew fire station.”

During the month of July, TierOne will be offering free installationwith their Platinum Service plan whenyou switch from another wirelessInternet service provider. They may bereached at (866) 551-1367 or you canlearn more about them by visitingwww.tocn.com.


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and

SSchool nursing is not for wimps.

Today’s school nurse wears many hats:nurse, counselor, advocate, teacher,friend. The successful school nursemust be able to juggle all of thoseroles gracefully. Fortunately for students at Red Oak High School, Sue Brown is just such a nurse.“School nursing is more than putting on Band-Aids® and takingtemperatures,” Sue said. “It’s abouttreating the whole child.”

That kind of treatment means caring for students with chronic illnesses like diabetes or asthma,screening not just for vision and hearingproblems, but also for diabetes andother serious illnesses. It involvesteaching prevention — of illness, aswell as high-risk behaviors, andwatching for physical or behavioralwarning signs. It involves educatingthe community about resources available for physical and mentalhealth, diagnosing mystery illnessesthat pop up around test time andlending a sympathetic ear. “A lot ofthese kids need someone to talk to,” Sue said. “We deal with physicaland emotional issues. There’s a lot ofemotional issues for kids to deal with

at this age, so this is a multifacetedposition, dealing with everything fromfeeding students to helping them withwhatever they need.”

Sometimes, that help can be providedin-office, and sometimes Sue turns to one of the many resources she hasdeveloped in the district in the fiveyears she has been here. She refers students, when necessary, to the counselor’s office next door or to a doctorif she suspects a medical condition.She helps homeless students, securingmeals, a place to stay and transportationto and from school for each child.Students who do not have healthinsurance or the resources to get medicalattention can also come to Sue forassistance. “Hope Clinic in Waxahachieis a good resource. A lot of peoplearen’t aware of it,” Sue explained.“They provide medical care and canprescribe medications.”

When hungry children come to Suefor help, she gives them something toeat and puts them in touch withappropriate outreach programs. Shehelps people who may qualify forMedicaid but have not followedthrough with the paperwork, and students with disabilities who may


qualify for scholarships of which theyare unaware. “There are so many wayswe can help,” Sue said. “There are somany resources in Ellis County. It’s just a matter of making people awareof them.”

Advocacy, after all, is just one part of Sue’s multifaceted job. Add to that emergency care, chronic illnessmanagement, epidemiology, prevention,safety, screening, counseling, healthpromotion, social work, employeehealth, community health, pharmacology,computer documentation, residentBand-Aid® giver and temperaturetaker, and you have one busy schoolnurse! Let us not forget crisis management,in all of its various forms.

Take, for example, the afternoon astudent came into Sue’s office afterschool looking for a half podium. “Ahalf podium?” Sue asked. Yes, did shehave one? “Well, no,” Sue began, eyeingthe student with concern. “How muchsleep have you had?” she asked him.He had been up until nearly 4:00 a.m.writing a paper. “When was the lasttime you checked your blood sugar?”she questioned, adding, “What wasyour last count?” Despite the student’sassurances that he was fine, Sue

More Than

BandagesThermometers

— By Michelle Powe

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continued, “Did you check it atnoon?” The student paused, thensaid, “No, at midnight. Do youthink I should check it now?” Suewas already nodding to a lockerwhere his glucose meter was. Afterhe had checked his blood sugar and gotten the okay from Sue, shegave him some suggestions aboutwhere he might find a half podiumand sent him on his way. All in aday’s work!

Of course, Sue’s backgroundhelped prepare her for this job. She isan RN with a bachelor’s degree innursing, and worked for several years in hospitals in nursing andteaching capacities, first in Bostonand then in Dallas. She then workedas a nurse for doctors in private practicebefore becoming a stay-at-homemom for her son, Jordan. WhenJordan was in the fifth grade, Suewent back to work as Red Oak HighSchool’s nurse.

Jordan is now a freshman, and Suehas found that her work is neverdull. “Every day is a new day, andthere is always something new,” shesaid. She has also learned that anurse’s workday is never officiallyover. Her services may be required atany time, whether it means stoppingto assist victims of a car accident,giving the Heimlich maneuver to achoking child at a tee ball game orapplying compresses to Jordan’s brokenwrist. “We have crutches at ourhouse. People call and say, ‘Sue, comecheck on so-and-so.’” Sue is therewith crutches, bandages and her calmsmile, putting everyone at ease.

That is what makes her a goodschool nurse — being able to workwith grace in an unpredictable environment, putting her “patients”at ease. She wears multiple hats —those of nurse, teacher, counselor,advocate, mom, podium finder —and she wears them all well.


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A ribbon cutting, top left, was held at Red Oak Coin Laundry.Aimee Boone and Melissa Gonzalez, top center, assisted with the North Ellis County Outreach’s move to their new location. Emilio Gonzalez, top right, brought his dog, Corky,to the park. Local cheer director Kimberly Washington, second row left, posed for the camera during a local event.Red Oak Peewee Football Association coaches SusieRagsdale, Craig Thomas and Jeremy Bates, second row center, prepared to meet with local families. Melanie Peterson,in center of photo at second row right, pulled the communitytogether for the annual Canine Carnival at the Red Oak Park.Friends, family and supporters, bottom left, celebrated theopening of North Ellis County Outreach’s new facility. Aribbon cutting, bottom right, was held at Stanley Restoration.

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sugar; peel off paper. Trim 1/4 inch from all sides with asharp knife for easier rolling. Roll cake and towel uptogether, starting with one of the long sides. Cool completely on wire rack. Put cherry pie filling in sieveand let most of the liquid run off. Beat cream in mediummixing bowl until stiff. Beat in confectioner’s sugar andalmond extract. Unroll cake; spread with half the cream.Spoon 3/4 of the cherries over the cream. Roll up cakeand filling, using towel to aide rolling. Place roll, seamside down, on serving plate. Spread with remainingcream; garnish with remaining cherries.

EVERYTHING COOKIESMakes about 5 dozen cookies.

1 cup (2 sticks) butter1/3 cup white sugar1/3 cup brown sugar2 eggs2 tsp. vanilla extract1 tsp. almond extract1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour1 tsp. baking powder1 tsp. cinnamon1/2 tsp. gingerpinch of salt

CHERRIES AND CREAM ROLL

1 cup sifted cake flour1 tsp. baking powder1/4 tsp. salt3 eggs3/4 cup sugar1 Tbsp. frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed2 Tbsp. water1 21-oz. can red cherry pie filling2 cups (1 pint) heavy cream1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar1/2 tsp. almond extractGrease a 15 x 10 x 1-inch jelly roll pan. Line bottom withwax paper; grease paper. Preheat oven to 375 F. Siftflour, baking powder and salt onto a fresh piece of waxpaper. Beat eggs in a medium size bowl with an electricmixer at high speed until thick. Beat in sugar, 1 Tbsp. ata time. Continue to beat at high speed until mixture isthick and creamy. Turn mixer to a low speed; beat inorange juice and water. Sift flour mixture in little by little;beat until smooth. Pour into prepared pan, spreadinggently to corners. Bake in preheated oven for 12 minutesor until center springs back when lightly touched. Loosencake around edges with a paring knife. Invert onto aclean towel that has been dusted with confectioner’s

IN THE KITCHEN WITH KATY MARCHANT

Look Who’s Cooking

2 1/2 cups oatmeal 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped1/2 cup dried cherries, cut into smaller pieces1/2 cup mini chocolate chips1/2 cup butterscotch chips1/2 cup toffee bits Preheat oven to 350 F. Cream butter with sugars. Addeggs, vanilla and almond extracts; beat well. Combinetogether flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger and salt.Add dry mixture to sugar mixture. Fold in oatmeal; beatwell. Fold in nuts, cherries, chips and bits; mix well.Place teaspoon sized rounds of dough on foil-lined cookiesheets. Bake 7 - 8 minutes.

EGG ROLLS

3 or 4 dry shitake mushrooms1 lb. ground chuck 1 lb. pork breakfast sausage1 large onion, chopped1/2 can water chestnuts, drained and chopped3/4 pkg. broccoli sprouts pickled ginger to taste1/2 cup water2/3 Tbsp. cornstarchsalt, pepper, soy sauce to taste

— By Faith Browning

“C reative cooking” describes Katy’s particular cooking style. “I love mastering a recipe,” she said.

“I love adjusting recipes to my own taste and the tastes ofmy family.” Katy enjoys searching the Internet for severalversions of the same recipes. “Most will have similaringredients, but they are never exact,” Katy said. “I likefiguring out how to make a recipe in a way that will beclosest to what I want.”

Having a Japanese heritage has put a unique twist on Katy’sfamily gatherings. “New Year’s Day is always a good timefor everyone to get together and make enough egg rolls forthe first half of the year,” Katy said. “I felt very good last yearwhen I mastered my grandmother’s egg roll recipe!”


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

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2-3 packages of egg roll skinsAbout half an hour before cooking, place dried mushroomsin a bowl of water. Brown ground beef, pork sausageand onion together in a large pot. Chop mushrooms,water chestnuts, sprouts and ginger to a smaller sizeand mix them into the meat mixture. Add water andcornstarch. Season with salt, pepper and soy sauce totaste; simmer until thickened. Let cool and then dip 1spoonful onto egg roll skin and use a cornstarch or flourpaste to seal edges. Egg roll skins have instructions onthe best way to roll the egg rolls. Deep fat fry in vegetableoil at 375 F until crisp. Drain on paper towels.

FRIED RICEThis is the recipe my mom learned from my granny.

2 cups ham, sliced into thin strips or sausage, crumbled and browned

4 green onions, chopped2 cups rice, cooked and cooled1 eggsoy sauce, to taste2 carrots, shreddedFry chopped ham or sausage and green onions together.Stir in cooled rice. When rice has started to warm up,scoot it to the sides to make an empty center in the frying pan. Scramble egg with soy sauce; pour into thecenter of the pan. Begin to let it cook. Be patient. If youstir the egg into the rice too soon, it makes all the ricemushy. After the egg has cooked about halfway, stir it upoff the bottom of the pan; stir it into the rice. After rice ishot, stir in shredded carrots; let cook until carrots justbegin to go limp. Do not overcook; carrots should stillhave a crisp texture.

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loans and credit. But the more moneyyou owe, the harder it is to achievefinancial independence, so try toreduce, consolidate or eliminate asmany debts as possible. You may haveto drive that old car one year longer orpostpone that vacation until you can payfor it up front, but these and similarmoves may pay off down the road.

• Emancipateyour investments.

To achieve yourlong-term financialgoals, you need yourinvestments to provide you withthe combination ofgrowth potentialand income that’sappropriate for yourindividual needs. Toaccomplish this, though, these investments need to be “free” frombeing raided constantly to pay for thecosts of everyday life. That’s why youshould establish an emergency fundcontaining six to 12 months’ worth ofliving expenses. By keeping this fundin a liquid account, you won’t have totap into your investments the next

time you have a major car repair, needa new appliance or face an unexpectedmedical bill.

• Unchain the potential of yourretirement accounts.

Every time you get a raise, boostyour contributions to your retirementplan at work — i.e., your 401(k), 403(b)

or 457(b). Your money hasthe potential to grow on atax-deferred basis, and youtypically contribute pre-taxdollars, so the more you putin, the lower your annualadjusted gross income will be. But if you’re notcontributing the maximumallowed, or at least as muchas you can afford, you’reputting “shackles” on theability of these plans to helpyou attain the retirement

lifestyle you’ve envisioned.

• Free your family from threats toyour income.

Without your income, would yourfamily be able to pay off the mortgage,send your children to college or meetany of the financial goals you’ve set?

As we get close to the Fourth of July,you may be thinking of where you’ll begoing to attend a picnic, watch fireworksor engage in any of the other activitiesthat accompany the holiday. And whileit’s always meaningful to commemorateour nation’s many freedoms, you maywant to take this opportunity to thinkabout another celebration of liberty —your own “Financial Independence Day.”

However, unlike the Fourth of July,Financial Independence Day won’t justshow up on the calendar; you have towork to make it happen. Here are afew suggestions for doing just that:

• Liberate yourself from debt.

You don’t have to be a free spender torack up a lot of debt. The cost of livingis high, and sometimes you need to use

DeclareYourFinancialIndependence Day

— By Renee Chase

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Financial independence will always beelusive unless you protect your familyfrom the potential loss of your income,and that’s why you need adequate lifeinsurance, especially in the years whenyour children are young and you’restill paying on your house. At thesame time, you may need disabilityinsurance to replace your income if youcan’t work due to illness or injury.Your employer may offer a disabilitypolicy, but it might be insufficient tomeet your needs, so you may need toadd extra coverage.

By taking these and other steps,you can go a long way toward turningFinancial Independence Day from a goalinto a reality — so take action soon.

Renee Chase is an Edward Jones representative based in Red Oak.

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Do you have joint pain, stiffness and swelling for noapparent reason? You may have arthritis. An estimated onein three adults in America suffers from this affliction. Thecrowded field of sufferers lets you know you are not alonewith this painful condition. Because so many people sufferfrom chronic joint pain of some type, much attention in thearea of research focuses on treating this ailment.

Many think of arthritis (joint inflammation) as one disorder;however, the term covers over 100 medical conditions withsymptoms including swelling, inflammation and joint pain.The spectrum for this disorder can include mild discomfortto irreversible physical damage to any organ or system in thebody. There are two common forms of arthritis: osteoarthritisand rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease,results in the breakdown and loss of cartilage in the affectedarea. The symptoms are related to the degenerative effects ofthe cartilage tissue loss: decreased function of the affectedjoint, swelling, tenderness to touch, pain and sometimes agrating sensation caused by bone rubbing against bone.Osteoarthritis is more likely to occur as we age; the repetitiveuse of our joints causes the cartilage to deteriorate. Obesityincreases the risk factor of developing the disease and canworsen the symptoms. Heredity can be a factor in its development. Joint injury can also cause the beginning ofosteoarthritis.

The second most common form of arthritis is rheumatoid

arthritis. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis presentsitself as an autoimmune disease that attacks healthy joints,instigating the development of inflammation and resultantjoint damage. Rheumatoid arthritis will usually exhibititself bilaterally. The symmetrical pattern of the afflictionhelps to distinguish this disease from other types of arthritis.This disease possesses the potential to limit everyday activitiessuch as buttoning a shirt or holding objects. The encouragingnews is that not everyone responds the same way with thesame degree of severity. In addition, there can be periodswhere the symptoms may diminish or disappear.

At this time, the cause of rheumatoid arthritis isunknown. Something triggers the immune system to attackthe body’s organs or joints. There are many theories as towhat precipitates the attack, including: the role of genetics,the environment, hormones and possibly an attack by a virusor bacteria.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis. Treatmentconsists of a combination of drugs and physical therapy.Some have found relief with holistic methods. Your physiciancan assist you in tailoring a treatment plan that is best foryour needs. If you have joint pain, swelling or stiffness formore than two weeks, consult your doctor.

This article is for general information only and does not constitutemedical advice. Consult your physician for questions regarding this topic.

Suffering ArthritisWith— By Betty Tryon

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286-0183, e-mail [email protected] or visitwww.waxtradedays.com.

July 18 - 20Heart of Texas Arts and Crafts Show, Waxahachie CivicCenter, 2000 Civic Center Lane. Friday: 3:00 - 8:00 p.m.Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 11:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m. $3 admission for adults. Children under 12 arefree. (903) 217- 8081.

July 26Downtown Ovilla Days: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at HeritagePark at the intersection of Main St. and Ovilla Rd. / FM664. Arts, crafts, antiques, refreshment vendors and freeentertainment. (972) 515-8550.

July 28R.O. Pee Wee Football Association will distribute equipmentto teams for full practices to begin. (972) 576-2211.

August 3NBBC “Run Toward the Son” Motorcycle Rally: 10:15a.m., New Beginnings Bible Church, 1970 FM 983, Ferris.Motorcycle games, contests and door prizes. Enjoy freehot dogs and bottled water. Register online at www.new-beginningsbiblechurch.com or call (972) 842-2800.

Every Monday Summer Reading Club, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m., Red Oak PublicLibrary. Register at library. Performances by a magicianand yo-yo champion and live animals. Weekly prizes.www.redoakpubliclibrary.org.

First and Third TuesdaysRed Oak Lions Club meeting: 7:00 p.m. at 207 West RedOak Rd. (972) 617-3577.

Second Tuesday Wagon Wheel Saddle Club meeting: 7:30 p.m. (972) 223-8118. www.wagonwheelsaddleclub.com.

Third WednesdayEllis County Christian Women's Connection luncheon:11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Waxahachie Country Club, 1920W. Hwy. 287. $13.00. Vouchers for child care available.(972) 937-2807 or (972) [email protected].

Third ThursdayAmerican Business Women's Association meeting: 5:45p.m., Waxahachie Civic Center. (972) 938-0703 [email protected].

Last ThursdayDeSoto Art League meeting. www.desotoartleague.com.

First SaturdayRed Oak Fire Rescue CPR classes: 9:00 a.m. Register inadvance. (469) 218-7713. www.redoaktx.org.

First and Third SaturdayFamily Story Time: 3:30 - 4:30 p.m., Red Oak PublicLibrary, 200 Lakeview Pkwy. (469) 218-1230.www.redoakpubliclibrary.org.

Every Saturday in JulyWaxahachie Downtown Farmers Market, 8:00 a.m. - 1:00p.m., Franklin Street between Rogers and College. Call(972) 938-2101, ext. 198.

July 5Waxahachie Songwriters Saturday in the Park: 7:00 -10:00 p.m. at Chautauqua Auditorium by GetzendanerPark. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. (972) 938-9990.

July 11Waxahachie Summer Moonlight Movies Under the Stars:9:00 p.m., downtown at East Franklin St. betweenJackson and College St. Bring your blanket or lawn chair.(972) 937-7330, ext. 198.

July 12SETTLES Nature and Science center: 9:00 a.m. - noon atPettigrew Academy, 806 East Marvin Ave., Waxahachie.Featuring the Dallas Zoo Nature Exchange. Free children'sevent. (972) 923-1633.

July 12 - 13Waxahachie Trade Days, located at the Ellis County ExpoCenter, will be open Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. andSunday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Call Dean Worley at (903)

July 2008 Community Calendar

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


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CatchingShining

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