August 2008 It’s All About All Odds Toes the WordWord Outnowmagazines.com/onlineeditions/editions/808midlothian.pdf · and a beginning. The leisurely days of summer and vacation

August 2008

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE PAID

FT. WORTH, TXPERMIT NO. 711

SteppingFrom theShadow

SteppingFrom theShadow

Getting theWord Out

Getting theWord Out

AgainstAll OddsAgainst

All Odds

It’s AllAboutToes

It’s AllAboutToes

At Home With

Michael and Carrie Newman

At Home With


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www.nowmagazines.com 2 MidlothianNOW August 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

Midlothian Editor, Betty Tryon Contributing Writers, Alex Allred . Faith BrowningDr. Brad Collins . Clay MoneyPhotography, Natalie Busch . Ivey PhotographyDiana Merrill Claussen . Terri OzymyMonica J. PechalContributing Editors/Proofreaders, Pat AnthonyPamela Parisi . Jaime Ruark . Beverly Shay

Advertising Representatives, Rick Ausmus

Linda Dean . Will Epps . Carolyn Mixon

Linda Moffett . Steve Randle

Eddie Yates . Terri Yates

Graphic Designers, Julie Carpenter

Allee Brand . Marshall Hinsley . Arlene Honza

Steve Koldjeski . Brande Morgan

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

Subscriptions are available at the rate of $35 per year or $3.50 per issue. Subscription and editorial correspondence shouldbe sent to: MidlothianNOW, 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:There is nothing like a slice ofwatermelon to help you cool off on a hot, August day.

Photo by Terri Ozymy.

ContentsAugust 2008, Volume 4, Issue 8

42 Around TownNOW

44 Who’s CookingNOW

46 FinanceNOW

48 HealthNOW

ArtsNOWIt’s All About Toes

6

22SportsNOW Stepping From the Shadow

28BusinessNOWOnly the Best Will Do

34EducationNOW Getting the Word Out

36

14

Against All Odds:A Story of Survival

Dreaming, Believing and AchievingAt Home With Michael and Carrie Newman




Editor’s Note

Hello, Midlothian!

August is one of the months that represent an endingand a beginning. The leisurely days of summer andvacation fun are coming to a close and many are on theprecipice of facing another year of education.

Congratulations to the Panther Pride Newspaper as theyprepare for another award-winning year after receivingthe Texas Silver Star and many other awards in April. Speaking of education, JanaHathorne, Public Relations Coordinator for MISD, keeps us informed about allthe important matters of our school district in EducationNOW. Other stories forleisurely August reading include: Jana Watts, who leaves an incredible history ofencouragement in sports from her 17-year tenure as head coach for the girls at FrankSeale Middle School. Marianne Waite recounts her story of living across the streetfrom the Gestapo as a youth and her family’s flight from Czechoslovakia duringWWII. Enjoy these and many other stories about your neighbors in this issue.

Betty TryonMidlothianNOW Editor




FFreezing temperatures caused the

occupants in the cattle car to shiveruncontrollably. The cold wasinescapable as everyone huddledtogether for warmth. On the long tripfrom Sudetenland, Germany, toHeidelberg, Germany, 14-year-oldMarianne Waite traveled with a growingsense of trepidation at what might lieahead. Recounting her trip, she said,“We were transported in endless cattlecars to the west. We didn’t knowwhere we were going, just knew we

— By Betty Tryon


A Story of Survival

“This is a storyof survival

when you havenowhere to go

but up.”

Against All Odds:

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had to go. It was a trail of tears for myparents. All we had to eat on that longtrip was cabbage soup.”

Marianne, born in what is nowcalled the Czech Republic, is German.Her family lived in Sudetenland, whichwas an enclave of German people. AllGermans living in Czechoslovakialived in that region. “The Czech’s

tolerated us but did not accept us,” shestated. “My oldest brother was draftedinto the war [WWII] at the age of 16in 1943. He was lucky enough tocome home before the Russians came.We learned from him that the war wasgoing badly for the Germans. In 1945with the retreating German army, thestreet was flooded with refugees. Wefed as many as we could on our farm.The Czech Commissar (Gestapo) livedacross the street from us in a stolenhome. He was the top boss, the rulerof the militia and very mean. Heallowed us to keep two horses for hispurposes because he enjoyed daily rides.There were many people jailed duringthat time, but not my father becauseof the rides the Commissar took.”

“In 1946, our luck ran out. Wewere driven off our ancestral land. TheCzechs told us we had 24 hours to getoff and could only take 20 kilograms— that was about 44 pounds. We hadheard the horror stories of childrenfreezing to death in the cattle cars andbeing thrown off the train, so mothertook our feather beds to keep us warmon the trip,” Marianne recalled.

Subsequently, Marianne’s family andother refugees arrived at a refugeecamp. “We were there for eight days.The camp was in deplorable condition.




We had to line up and be deloused[process of removing lice]. You don’tknow what you are capable of doinguntil you have to. After traveling onthe train, we got to a place where wesaw American allied trains. I hadlearned English in school and couldread the signs; I told my parents thisis where the Americans are.”

Their trek west ended in a communityoutside of Heidelberg, Germany. Thecity was destroyed, having been bombedmethodically during WWII. Placed ina wooden barracks shelter, the refugeesfound that in spite of it being draftyand cold, for them it was luxurious.Marianne said, “It had wall-to-wallmattresses and plenty of water, a luxurywe had not had in a long time. Wewere grateful for someplace to sleep.

“We weretransported in endless cattle cars

to the west.”


Many of the people we traveled withhad sponsors, who came to help them.We were so many, 10 children andparents, that no one wanted to sponsorus. The mayor, desperate to help us,found a youth hostel we could stay in.It was bombed out, all the windowswere gone, but the mayor was able tofind enough cardboard to cover thewindows. We lived there for two years.”

The spirit of survival remained inher family despite such trying times.All of the children found jobs. Mariannestated, “I had just turned 15 andworked in a bakery. I did everything,even cleaned toilets. I had learned howto work hard on the farm. I rememberonce collapsing in my room, and thelady who owned the bakery found me.She said to me that from now on I hadto go to bed at 10 o’clock; it was stillnot enough rest.”

Even with the children working,they still had difficulty meeting theirdietary needs. Rations were the orderof the day. “We had ration cards forfood, for our flour, sugar, a small pat of butter. We had very little meat andour rations were so meager, so frugal.My mother was wonderful. She couldmake something out of nothing. Iremember my 3-year-old brother usedto say to my mother that she had foodand just did not want to give him any.




There was no food, and that devastatedmy mother.” Marianne passionatelydeclared, “We used to have a farm; we had everything! There was food inabundance. Mother used to make 12loaves of rye bread a week. We fed ourfarm hands, but now through no faultof our own, we had nothing and weretreated like unwanted refugees.”

During the train ride to their presenthome, Marianne’s father had noticedall the bombed-out buildings with thecrumbled marble littering the ground.Trained as a stonemason as a boy, heand his son traveled by train to all thespots where they saw the marble andwere able to gather the stones to make

marble desk sets. The desks were a bighit, giving him a new way to supporthis family. His business of stonemasonry is still active today in makingdecorative headstones, as well as otheritems. Marianne remarked proudlythat the business flourished and stillcarries her dad’s name, Rolke.

Marianne, in time, went to Bavaria,Germany, to live with her aunt andbecame a dressmaker. Returning toHeidelberg, she met her husband, anAmerican soldier. They moved toAmerica in 1957. They had one sonnamed Steven and two daughters:Linda Rose, who lives in Midlothian,and Diana Provins, who lives inPhoenix, Arizona. Sadly, Marianne isnow a widow and also lost her son whenhe was 29 years old. Clearly haunted

“We didn’t know where

we were going, justknew we

had to go.”

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by the loss, she stated painfully, “Outof all the stuff I have been through,that was the hardest. Afterward, Icame to Midlothian to live with Linda.”

Even though Marianne lived throughsome harsh times that many of us

could not even imagine, her spirit isstill strong and gracious. “This is a story of survival when you havenowhere to go but up,” she said. “Dadalways told us, ‘You are down now, butyou have brains and you will make it.’”

With those words of wisdom, shepursued something she always wantedto do — art. She graduated from theUniversity of Texas in El Paso, whereshe studied art history and painting. Ittook her 10 years to accomplish her goal.“You can do whatever you want to do.There is no limit, just go do it.”


“With thosewords of wisdom,

she pursued something shealways wantedto do — art.”



At Home With


MMichael and Carrie Newman moved

to the four-bedroom, three-and-one-half-bath home in 2004. Sadly, theranch style house, built in 1979, wasnot the main reason for relocating fromDuncanville. “I transferred to theMidlothian school district,” Carrie said,explaining her career as an educator.“The schools here are great.” As a self-employed entrepreneur, Michael isable to live just about anywhere, butwhat first drew him to this spot wasthe land and all it offered his family.“There’s nearly four acres,” he beamed.“There’s also a stocked pond nearby thatwe utilize. We bought the land andhave made the house work.”

Moving in for the young family, withtwo children at the time, really meantliving in one small wing of the abode whilemajor renovations began immediately.The home’s interior was stripped downto the bare walls and outdated shag carpet was pulled up and replaced withbamboo floors. “Michael and his brother,


— By Sandra McIntosh

Dreaming,Believing andAchieving

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Bruce, did more than half of the workthemselves,” Carrie said. “The onlywork we contracted out was thepainting, plumbing and electrical,”Michael interjected.

Several large projects totally changedthe overall look, layout and feel of thehome. A jackhammer was used in themaster bathroom to create a modernwalk-in shower/Jacuzzi tub combinationbehind a wall of glass doors. The softgreen shower tiles blend beautifullywith the dark wood flooring. Thepatio off the master suite allows thecouple to escape into another world asthey venture out to what they lovinglycall “Faith Harbor,” a covered patio,overlooking the swimming pool andbeyond. The mural on the wall, aswell as personalized paintings foundthroughout the home, were done bythe talented hands of Jamie Kelley,decorator, muralist, organizer and nowa bona fide member of the Newmanfamily. “Look closely at the clouds,”




Carrie said. “Each child’s name is foundwithin a cloud. That was all Jamie’sidea, and we just love it.”

Other additions and structuralchanges included the island in thekitchen, the half-bath created from acedar closet in the game room, archesand a barreled ceiling in the entryway,the multipurpose sports court locatedon the far side of the two-car garageand Flamingo Field, a homemadewhiffleball court, out front. “Every

door and window was replaced,” Michaelsaid, re-emphasizing the magnitude ofthe remodel. “We also added four Frenchdoors.” Their goal was to modernize ahome, which had been “top-of-the-line”back in the ’70s. They wanted it to beopen, airy, comfortable and inviting.

“Coexisting was the most difficulttime,” Carrie said, as Michael shook hishead in agreement. “At one time, wedidn’t have any appliances, so eatingfast food was the norm.” During the

final stages of the overall facelift, Carrielearned she was pregnant with theirthird child, Lilly, now a toddling 2-year-old. “Thankfully,” she added, “themaster bedroom was near completion.”

When asked how long the renovationprocess took, Carrie looked at Michaelwith a smile, because she already knewhis answer. “It’s still a work-in-progress,”he laughed. “Maybe when the youngestgraduates from high school, we’ll bethrough.” He also stated that the



Sometime in the future, Michael plans to construct a parkwith its very own cottage and pond, as well as purchase a

horse for Lilly. “All this fun stuff is what Iwanted to experience as a kid,” Michaelexplained. “I love being able to experience itall with my own children.”

Since Lilly joined this fun-loving family,the home office was converted into a bedroomfit for the princess she is, while the formaldining room has since become a playroom.

“We’re not formal people,” Carrie said, “so letting go of thedining room was easy.” Jamie’s handiwork is prevalent in

upstairs media room, with bar area, theater seating and anarea for karaoke, had just recently been completed.

With two teenagers, Presley, 17, and Trent, 15, theNewman home is the place where neighborhoodchildren come to have a great time. Not only do theyswim, fish and use the sports court, Michael has alsoadded horseshoes, a putting green and four amazingplaces in the backyard to congregate year-round. “Welove to entertain,” Carrie said. “Our adult friends actlike kids, so I guess you could say we entertain lots ofkids.” Michael’s youngest brother, Brandon, was alsomarried in the couple’s backyard last summer.

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Lilly’s room with a whimsical castle onone wall and the words of Isaiah 46:3-4 completing the room’s hand-paintedborder. “You can’t walk through thishouse without seeing Jamie,” they bothagreed, referring to the scriptures foundin each bedroom, as well as sentimentsfound on walls and doorways. “She hasher signature everywhere.”

The home’s interior is eclectic, aswell as quite unique. Carrie has beencollecting crosses for no less than 10

years, but visitors would guess muchlonger based on the number, with notwo matching. “I think I have about100,” Carrie said. Her collectionstarted with a cross from Guatemala,Mexico, and has grown with eachvacation, birthday and holiday.“There’s at least one cross in everyroom,” she said, adding that themajority are displayed in her kitchen.She also mentioned the crowns intermingled with the crosses, the



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family photographs and the overalldecor. “My love for the crowns hasevolved from that of princess to something much more spiritual.”

What makes the home one-of-a-kindis the large collection of family

photographs and memorabilia found onthe walls in the living room and gameroom, respectively. Where most homesboast of a famous NFL quarterback oran MLB pitcher, the Newman homeproudly displays the trophies, ribbonsand awards of their own stars — theirchildren. It is a room filled with affirmation for the youngest membersof the household. “Presley has beencheering since she was 6,” Michaelsaid, pointing at the shadow box thatholds her first cheerleading outfit.



Trent’s wall represents his travelsaround the world playing ice hockey, aswell as his years as a baseball fanatic andyoung fisherman. The tennis racket anddated megaphone that once belongedto Michael’s parents will have to be

moved to make room for Lilly’saccomplishments in the days to come.

The Newman home is a reflectionof what happens when two people fallin love. The home radiates family,and for Michael and Carrie, that is avery good thing. The bench out backsays it best, “Dream It, Believe It,Achieve It.” Eighteen years ago thispast June, Michael and Carrie chose tobelieve their dream, and now they areachieving what they envisioned and somuch more.


L— By Betty Tryon

It’s All About

ToesLeopards, zebras and tigers! No, we

are not talking about a new zoo intown, just the latest in artwork on amost unusual canvas. Cathy Curry,pedicurist and occasional manicurist,carved a niche for herself that earns herthe spot of being one of the very best.“I don’t really call myself a pedicurist,but am a self-proclaimed digitologist!That is a name I made up for myself,”she informed. “I can paint anything.


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After the Cowboys won the Super Bowlin 1993, I think I painted Cowboyhelmets on every girl’s toes in school!”That was at Hill College in Cleburne.

Cathy’s personal photos on thechanging display of her screen saver,illustrates her level of expertise indesigns such as abstract art with boldbright colors, plaid designs and theobligatory collection of beautiful flowers.Expanding on her collection of artpainted on toes, she stated, “Theyoung girls like the Juicy Coutureemblem. I do a lot of Grinches atChristmas. I can do sports emblemsand once did The Red Sox [logo],against my better judgment,” shelaughed. “The Mavericks are my teamand their emblem is probably the mostelaborate one I paint. When I paintthe Mavericks on my own toes I haveto do it upside down and backwards!”She stated referring to the fact of notbeing able to face her own toes fromthe front.

“My most fun design was one I didof Hooters,” displaying a photo of herdesign with an owl on the big toe andthe word spelled out on the rest of thetoes. Brimming with enthusiasm Cathy



said, “I am so blessed to be doing this.I don’t ever take it for granted. I’vebeen doing this for 15 years and havedone literally thousands of toes.”

Before Cathy painted toes, shepainted toys. “My husband used tomake wooden toys like gum ballmachines. He made them and I paintedthem. One day I painted a design onmy toes and I liked it,” she stated. Shecredits her success to her friend, AndreaBentley.“Wewereworkingtogetherone dayand shesaid,‘Cathy,let’spaint leopard spots on our toes!’ Well,after we did that, everyone who cameinto the shop wanted those toes. Afterthe leopard toes, people started asking,‘What do you have besides this?’”

With her creativity and skill, shebegan to expand her portfolio of artwork.People, mostly females, brought pictures,swatches of material and even clothingfor Cathy to duplicate. Her only limitwas the size of the area in which shehad to work.

“In painting the Texas Longhorns,it’s hard to get the whole thing inwith the horns because the toe is notwide enough.” Cathy prefers toenailsto fingernails for the durability of herartwork. “My designs on toenails willlast four to six weeks or even longer.They don’t chip or wear off. Thedesigns on fingernails will only lasttwo weeks. I use acrylic paint with atop coat to seal it. I don’t skimp onquality. When you do skimp on qualityit shows.”

Cathy grew up thinking she wouldbe a hairdresser someday, but her lovefor art overrode the original plan. “Ilove art. It was always my favorite




subject in school. I thought it waseveryone’s favorite subject. I rememberthat my grandfather thought I wasawesome. Art was fun. ... I am somuch happier this way, working formyself instead of for someone else.

“I only have an eighth-grade education and my GED, which I callmy good enough diploma,” she saidsmiling. “I want others to know thatjust because you had a hard start doesn’t

mean you have a bad finish.” Cathywent to school at Hill College inCleburne to become a hairdresser. Hersojourn into education persuaded herthat she preferred doing nails to hair.

Joining her soon will be daughter,Jessi, who recently gave birth to herfirst baby, Ruby Catherine, who has bigdimples. Cathy and her husband alsohave another daughter, Ashley. “Jessihas been an artist ever since she couldhold a crayon. I taught her how to paintdesigns on toes,” she said smiling.

Cathy’s eye for artistic endeavorsreaches beyond painting designs ontoes. An extension of her creative spiritdecorates her shop. Artfully displayedis her collection of vintage hats andantiques, including a 1950s pink hairdryer and an elaborate birdcage. Shesaid, “I didn’t know how to decoratemy shop and I had all these hats athome, so I thought to bring them uphere and display them.” Browsingthrough her collections is almost asmuch fun as having your toes paintedwith just about any design or color youwish. She is more than a “digitologist”;she is a true artist.

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IIf Peter Pan had a sister, she would live here in Midlothian.

Also a child at heart, Coach Jana Watts has that rare abilityto understand and decipher the high-pitched, excited tonesof pixies and princesses, also known as the girls of Frank SealeMiddle School.

After 17 years of coaching, Jana has not lost her passion forsports or coaching children. “This is what I’ve always wantedto do,” she said. Just as Peter Pan thinks “happy thoughts”in order to fly, “I come here happy every day. As soon as Iwake up, I’m looking forward to coming to work.” For Jana,every day in the gym is her day to fly.

As a graduate of Duncanville Independent School District,Jana received a dual athletic scholarship in basketball and

softball, earning her degree in physical education at SamHouston State University. Jana made the difficult decision to drop basketball and finish out her athletic career playingsoftball, earning the NAIA National Championship in 1982 and NCAA Division 2 National Championship the following year.

Her career began rather tumultuously when she and hersister, Pam, opened the Cedar Mountain Ski Shop, a unique,winter sports equipment store. Although the business onlylasted two years, its concept fit nicely with who Jana is:fearless, risk-taker, fun.

As the chapter of the winter sports equipment store cameto a close, she began a new one as a coach, taking her firstcoaching job in Cedar Hill as the varsity assistant coach forgirl’s basketball and head coach for track. From there, shecoached in Irving, then back at Cedar Hill until the familymoved to Midlothian in the late ’90s. During that time, Jana

— By Alex Allred


Stepping

ShadowFrom

the

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relied heavily on the support of herfamily. When she and her husband,Bob, celebrated the birth of their firstchild, Chase, in 1990, Jana’s close-knitfamily rallied.

“I was very blessed that my momand sister were able to watch him duringthe day,” Jana said of Chase. With thehelp of family, Jana continued to coachfull time, but it is her husband that Janamost credits. “Bob basically raised Chase.He was my most devoted fan!” Whenher daughter, Chelsie, was born, Janastayed home briefly with the children.

Just like Peter Pan, her energy couldnot be contained. The little girl whonever grew up turned her attentionback to the children of Midlothian.She loved teaching the fundamentalsof teamwork and good health, but shealso loved playing games. While her ownchildren attended T.E. Baxter ElementarySchool, Jana served as the school’s gymcoach. Then, in 2004, she moved toFrank Seale and found her true calling.

Just talk to the middle school students about Coach Watts and storiesabound. “She is funny.” “She cares.”“She loves us.” “She is tough, but fair.”“She laughs a lot.”


“You know, peoplealways talk about how

a good teacher canchange lives at thisage, but let me tell

you something,we [teachers]learn so much

from the students

every day.”

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“You know, people always talkabout how a good teacher can changelives at this age, but let me tell yousomething, we [teachers] learn somuch from the students every day.Every day they teach me somethingnew,” Jana said with a smile. Whateverher students may have to say about her,she said, “the feeling is mutual.”

Despite serious knee surgeries,including a probable knee replacementin her future, Jana cannot stop herselffrom running with her students. Armedwith her favorite, Peter Pan-esque saying,“I am me, and I want to be the bestme I can be,” this energetic and competitive coach lives not for thewin, but for those teachable momentsin which she can create life lessons forher young charges.

Ironically, Coach Watts offered onelast teachable moment to her studentsbefore she left her post as head coachat Frank Seale this summer. For morethan a decade, she has pounded homethe finer points of camaraderie, devotion,integrity and teamwork to her athletes.Throughout her own athletic andcoaching career, her family followedher faithfully. So when her father’shealth grew progressively worse, Janaplayed the ultimate move. “They’vealways been there for me, so it’s time togive back.” With tears in her eyes, she





said leaving Frank Seale was difficult.Her students, her coaching staff andthe parents of Frank Seale have meantmore to her than anyone could fullyknow, but “time is precious.”

In turn, Jana may never fully appreciate the impact that she has had on the growing community ofMidlothian. Through her own coaching

abilities and relentless enthusiasm, shehas helped create and mold athletesand young scholars. The devotion herstudents feel for her cannot be measured.

On one particularly warm schoolday, two sixth-grade girls followedCoach Watts at every step, gigglingbehind her, asking endless questionsand basking in the adoration of theirfavorite coach. At last, Jana sighedand said, “Geez, I can’t get rid of youtwo. You’re like my shadows!”

One of the little girls smiled andsaid, “You can’t get rid of your shadow,Peter Pan!” This is her legacy.


“She is funny. She

cares. She loves us.

She is tough, but fair.

She laughs a lot.”




Although Elite Realty Group ofTexas was formed only recently, Janet’sbackground in real estate goes back manyyears. She attended the University ofTexas in Austin and received a bachelor’sdegree in business administration. Sheearned a double major from UT in realestate and finance. In 1975, shereceived her salesman license, and in

1981, started arealty businesswith her mother.Bert moved toMidlothian in1983 and hasbeen building,both residentiallyand commerciallyin the Ellis Countyarea since themid-’80s. To hiscredit as a builder,

he has a number of residential subdivisionsaround the Midlothian School Districtand The Town Center at the Meadows


that will ultimately contain a total of25,000 square feet of office space.

Today, Janet and her husband worktogether at the company they built —Elite Reality. Clearly, the partnershipworks well as they share ideas andmake plans. “Just talking about itmakes me excited,” Janet shared. Theywant to give their clients a broad rangeof services. “The services we providecover all aspects of the real estateindustry, including residential sales,property management, commercial andindustrial site selection, lots, smallacreage and farm or ranch land.”

Part of the business plan is to offer acomfortable, relaxed atmosphere andconference areas in which to conductbusiness. Their new office, tastefullydesigned and beautifully decorated,makes it a lot easier. Built in 2008,their office building is the first one onthe property of Lagniappe DevelopmentCorporation, a development companywhich they started. Janet stated, “We

J— By Betty TryonOnly the Best Will Do

Janet and Bert Calvert are committedto bringing the best to their clients,hence the name of their business, TheElite Realty Group of Texas. TheAmerican Heritage Dictionary definesthe word ‘elite’ as “The best or mostskilled members of a group.” TheCalverts incorporate this philosophy forexcellence into their business. Theirreal estate business,established in 2007, will“provide the southerncounties of the Metroplexthe finest group of realestate professionals available,” Janet stated.“Here we have puttogether an elite group of Realtors to service thisarea and we offer excellentservice. Our goal of treatingour customers the waywe want to be treated is evident fromthe first moment contact is made withour associates and office staff.”

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have owned this land a long time andenvision building an upscale officecomplex on it. It is an ideal locationwith the Hwy. 287 bypass. Our businessis the first of five buildings.”

Acknowledging the other Realtoroffices in the area, Janet said, “In thisbusiness, all of the Realtor offices provide the same service. It is just themanner in which it is given. We wantto be a step ahead. We want to be thebest Realtor for our customers by givingthem the service they need. OurRealtors have the best knowledge andthe most experience.”

Janet and Bert place a lot of value onthe Realtors who work with them.They are under the umbrella of theElite family. According to Bert, they“want to provide an atmosphere and aplace where they enjoy coming to work.We provide them with everything theyneed to be successful in business withstate-of-the-art technology.” Smiling,Janet agreed and said, “Yes, we coddlethem. They receive a lot of support here.”

Bert and Janet enjoy working withpeople and the freedom the businessallows them. As Bert said, “This is achallenge to us. We did what we did.We want to do it better.”

For all of your realty needs, EliteRealty can be reached at (972) 723-5483,or visit them at 110 Roundabout Dr.in Midlothian.


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created the office Jana runs. “Therewas a need to channel informationthrough one department,” she explained.“Taxpayers and parents need to knowwhat’s going on in the schools.”

As in any school district, the information circulating in the communitynever lacks for opinions. Jana tries tobring truth and clarity to the discussion.She explained, “I try to be proactiveinstead of reactive, before the news getsout. I want to get in front of it. Whenthere is internal information that needsto be communicated, I share it withthe staff so the right information getsout. I try to engage what people want.We have open records so everything is out there for those interested. It isimportant to follow policy and werespond within guidelines. We havelocal (MISD) and legal policy; the statesets the legal policy.”

Getting the

Word Out— By Betty Tryon


HHave you ever wondered what exactly

is going on in the administrationbuilding for the school district? Well,wonder no more. Jana Hathorne, PublicRelations Coordinator for MidlothianIndependent School District (MISD)can help you get to the facts. It is her job. Jana said, “An important part of my job is to share our students’achievements. Our students succeed ona district, regional, state and nationallevel. Their stories need to be celebratedwith everyone. I manage a consistentmessage for the district.”

Managing a communication messagein a district the size of Midlothian, nowstretching at the seams with growth,can be a daunting task. Six years ago,the information highway in the schooldistrict was somewhat fragmented.The administration saw the need foreveryone to be on the same page and

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Jana considers every employee of the school district to be an ambassador.“We are all in public relations. Wehave a common goal. The secretaries ofeach school are on the front lines. Theyare well in-tune with what is going onin their schools. The challenging partis targeting the right group. With eachgroup, the message has to be delivereddifferently. For example, the senior citizens don’t use the Internet as frequently as other groups so I have touse another form of communication. Thecommunication is a constant challenge.

Our number one communication toolis the Internet.” Dennis King, the districtwebmaster, “knows how to organizeand design the site for viewers to easily navigate to find district info.”The different campuses and the public relations office furnish the informationfor their respective Web sites.

Another part of Jana’s job is beingthe coordinator for the Midlothian ISDEducation Foundation. This foundationobtains funds from the generosity ofdonors and distributes it directly backinto the school system, to teachers andstudents for programs that will enrichthe learning process. “We have 27board members.” She continued, “It ischallenging to coordinate the efforts ofthe foundation which benefits the

“An important part of my job is to

share our students’achievements.

Our students succeed on a

district, regional,state and

national level.”



students and teachers. We started inApril 2004, and have given out over$100,000 to students. Our biggestfundraiser, a golf tournament is inSeptember. We also have donationsmade, staff contributions to the program, and some businesses in townearmark donations to us. When we goon Star Patrol, (name designated fordelivery of funds to a school), it is soexciting to see the joy on the teachers’

and students’ faces when they receivetheir grant.”

Since the beginning of the publicrelations office in the school district,Jana has managed to cut through the clutter to deliver a concise andinformative message. Clearly enjoyingher job she stated, “What I like aboutmy job is that each day brings a different challenge, and sometimeschallenge brings change. For example,there is the issue of rezoning due togrowth.” Jana makes an effort to keepthe district visible in the public’s eye.One of the ways she accomplishes thatis to organize the Realtor’s breakfasttwice a year. Dr. Kennedy delivers the message. She said, “I take theopportunity to provide them with thelatest in rezoning information andmaps. Many times, they see new peoplewho come into the district before wedo. They are partners in education.


Jana Hathorne pictured with DukeBurge, Cindy Williams and

Dr. Kennedy at the National SchoolBoard Association Conference.

MISD was invited to display its annualEducational Showcase event with

other top districts in the U.S.

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Schools sell, and we want the Realtorsto put out current information.”

Jana’s background is rooted in education. She majored in English andreceived a minor in education from theUniversity of Texas in Arlington. Aftermarrying her high school sweetheart,the couple moved to Virginia, whereshe taught school before returning to

Midlothian. She wanted her children,Courtney, now a freshman and Jake, asecond-grader, to go to school here.While working as an instructional technologist in the school, she transitioned into the position of public relations coordinator in the new communications department. “I am a behind-the-scenes person. It is definitely not all about me. I work inan environment that is filled withenergy. I want taxpayers to know weare not just sitting behind desks twiddling our thumbs. I know I’mmaking a difference because I am inthe school system, and I know it’s benefiting kids.”


“We started in April 2004,and have given out

over $100,000 to students. ... I knowI’m making a difference

because I am in theschool system, and I

know it’s benefiting kids.”

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A groundbreaking ceremony, top left, was held for the new Vintage Bank. Ribbon cuttingswere held at the following: Lisa Wyatt, PLLC, Attorney at Law, top right; Holiday InnExpress - Mansfield, second row left; Mr. D’s Tire Shop, second row center; Bois D’ArcGardens, second row right; Memory Creations, bottom left; and Document Solutions, bottomright. TXI Midlothian Cement plant manager Randy Walser, bottom center, received the PCASafety Award for the company.


The Summer Balloon Classic was held recently at Midway Airport. Photos of theevent include: evening glow, top left; up, upand away, top center; crews working hard, topright, to prepare the balloons for flight; a pilotfrom Louisiana, second row left, started theprocess of filling his balloon with hot air; curious and excited drivers, second row center, pulled off the road to get a better look;crowds gathered outside the corporate officesof Ennis Business Forms, second row right, towatch the balloons land; children, bottom left,were amazed at the size of the balloons; andHunter and Preston Colburn, bottom right,had a fun time getting the remaining air out ofone of 50 balloons at the Summer BalloonClassic event.



12 eggs1 1/2 cup milk1/2 tsp. garlic powder (not salt; sausage has

enough salt)1/2 tsp. pepper1 lb. sausage (browned and drained on a paper

towel)1 16-oz. bag frozen hashbrown potatoes2 cups shredded cheese1 cup onion, chopped (optional)1 cup bell pepper, chopped (optional)Spray 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking oil;place bread in the bottom. Beat eggs and milktogether; pour 1/2 mixture over bread. Sprinklegarlic powder and pepper over mixture. Sprinklesausage, potatoes, cheese, onions and bellpeppers over the eggs; pour on the remainingeggs. Refrigerate overnight. Bake at 350 F forapproximately 45 minutes. Can add salsa overthe top after it has baked.

APPLE DUMPLINGS2 Granny Smith apples2 8-ct. cans of crescent rolls

GREEN CHILI CHICKEN ENCHILADAS2 cups cooked chicken or turkey1 cup chopped green chilies1/2 cup onion, chopped1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped1 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese1 8-oz. jar salsa8 6-inch flour tortillas3/4 lb. Velveeta cheese, cubed1/4 cup milkHeat chicken, green chilies, onion, bell pepper,cream cheese and 1/2 cup salsa on low heatuntil cream cheese is melted. Spoon 1/3 cupmixture on each flour tortilla, rolling up and placing in a lightly greased 8 x 12-inch bakingdish. In a saucepan, heat Velveeta and milk; stiruntil smooth. Pour sauce over tortillas; coverwith foil. Bake at 350 F for 20 minutes, until hotthroughout. Pour remaining salsa over the top.Serve with rice and beans. Lemon pudding isgreat for dessert!

BREAKFAST CASSEROLE6 slices bread, cubed

IN THE KITCHEN WITH SEAN KELLY

Look Who’s Cooking

cinnamon, to taste2 sticks butter1 1/2 cups sugar1/4 tsp. vanillapinch of salt1 12-oz. can 7-UpPreheat oven to 350 F. Spray bottom of 9 x 13-inch baking pan with cooking oil. Core andpeel apples; slice into 8 pieces each. Roll eachapple piece in a crescent; place seam down inpan. Sprinkle with cinnamon. In a saucepan,melt butter and sugar; add vanilla and salt. Pourover cinnamon-topped rolls. Pour 7-Up over all.Bake 30 minutes. Let sit 45 to 60 minutesallowing liquid to absorb.

DEATH BY CHOCOLATE1 3-oz. box chocolate pudding1 16-oz. box chocolate cake mix1 16-oz. tub Cool Whip1 1-lb. bag Heath bars, crushedFirst, prepare pudding according to directions onbox; refrigerate. Prepare cake according todirections on box; let cool. Break cake up into

— By Faith Browning

I t is all about serving others in Fireman Sean Kelly’s book. Enjoying time at home with his wife, Laura, and

daughter, Makyla, preparing meals at the fire station forfellow firefighters or helping put out fires for distressedsouls is a great part of what brings joy to Sean’s life. “Mydaughter is my biggest fan,” Sean said. “The guys at the firestation are my biggest critics on my meals, good and bad.”

Sean spends most of his spare time enjoying the outdoors.Playing baseball, camping, hunting, fishing and operatinghis own business, Watson Lawn & Landscape, are severalways Sean relishes life. You can also find Sean outdoorscooking. “I enjoy grilling, because it’s easy,” he said. “Youcan throw anything on a grill!”


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

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small chunks. In a large bowl or a trifle dish,layer 1/4 of cake, pudding, Cool Whip andHeath bars. Continue layering, finishing with thecrushed Heath Bars on top. Great for a largeparty or an office dessert.

CHRISTMAS CUTOUTS1/2 cup shortening1 cup sugar1 egg2 tsp. baking powder2 1/2 cup flour1/2 tsp. salt1/2 cups milk1 tsp. vanillaCream shortening, sugar and egg. In separatebowl, mix together baking powder, flour and salt;add to creamed mixture alternating with milk.Stir in vanilla. Chill dough in refrigerator. Onfloured board, roll dough 1/16-inch thick. Cut outcookies with Christmas cookie cutters. Bake at350 F for 10 - 12 minutes. Do not brown.Cookies should be slightly soft. Do not re-rollthe pieces of dough left over from each cuttinguntil all the dough has been used. Then, ifneeded, add a few drops of water to re-roll andcontinue cutouts. Can be used for any holidayby changing the cookie cutters. Decorate withcookie frosting recipe.


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Auto InsuranceS H O P P I N G F O R

— By Clay Money, CLU

WWhether you’re a first time buyer of auto insurance or

already have it but are looking for a better deal, you should beasking several questions. First, is the person from whom you’rebuying (your agent) a visible, established member of yourcommunity — someone you know and trust? Second, is thecompany from whom you’re buying well known? What is itsreputation? What about price? Because there are hundreds ofcompanies competing for your business, prices vary — sometimesa lot. It may pay for you to shop around. Be sure the premiumsyou’re quoted are for equal amounts of coverage.

How about service? Price is important, but saving moneywon’t mean much unless you get the service you need — whenyou need it. If possible, ask other clients of your prospectiveagent how they’ve been treated, especially when they’ve had aclaim. Find out how the company handles claims. Is the methodconvenient for you, no matter where you have an accident?

How about solvency? Is the company you’re considering stillgoing to be in business when you file your claim? Your statedepartment of insurance has financial rating information on allof the companies that do business in its state.

Once you’ve decided on a company and an agent, there aremore questions to ask: How much coverage do you need?The required minimum amounts of liability coverage may notbe enough for you. Consider your needs in light of your assetsand income. How much can you afford to pay if there’s a bigjudgment against you because of an accident? What aboutdeductibles? Deductibles lower your premiums — most

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commonly for collision and comprehensive coverage — butincrease the amount of loss that comesout of your pocket. How much additionalrisk are you willing to take in order tosave? Should you carry collision andcomprehensive coverage? As your car’svalue decreases, you might considerdropping these coverages and pocketingthe savings on premiums. But considerif the savings are enough to offset the riskof footing the entire cost of repairingor replacing your car.

Auto insurance is not a genericcommodity. It is a product thatshould be tailored to each individual.Your agent can help you answer thesequestions and help you tailor yourauto insurance to your specific andunique needs.

Clay Money is a State Farm agentbased in Midlothian.


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I


It is no fish story that those who includeseafood as a staple in their diet benefit fromthe ingestion of high levels ofomega-3 fatty acids —known to reduce therisks for heart-relateddiseases, age-relatedcognitive decline,abnormal braindevelopment andfunctioning, even obesity and mood disorders. Now, new studieshave shown oil from fatty fish(salmon, herring, sardines and mackerel)may offer the most health benefits.

Even lean fish — although to a lesserextent — provide similar health benefits.Consuming fish oil or eating raw, baked or broiled

Holy Mackerel!— By Dr. Brad Collins

fish — not fried — can also protect your heart’s electricalsystem by decreasing the risk of fatal heart-rhythm disorders.Omega-3 fats have been found to benefit a healthy heart rhythm.

This study also found a diet including fish at least once aweek has other significant health benefits for the elderly.These finds included a 60 percent lower risk of Alzheimer’sdisease, as well as a 10 percent slower rate of annual age-related cognitive decline (and a 13 percent slower ratedecline when fish was consumed more than once a week).In addition, seafood and by products decreased incidencesof strokes, because high levels of omega-3 fatty acids (especially DHA or docosahexaenoic acid) are crucial fornormal brain functioning.

There’s even more to this school of thought. Severalepidemiological studies find a correlation between

omega-3 fatty acids intake and mood disorders likedepression, which are affected by an omega-3fatty acids deficit. In addition, people suffering

from coronary artery disease may benefitfrom omega-3 fatty acids, as well, since

there is anestablishedlink between

the diseaseand depression.An increased

omega-3 intake,even through

supplementation, may have therapeuticbenefits. Fishing for

compliments about a

Research identifies fatty fishoil’s many health benefits.

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reduced waistline? A study conductedby the University of South Australianoted that daily omega-3 fatty acidsintake, when combined with exercise,can aid in weight loss because fattyacids increase blood flow to the muscles during exercise and therebyassist in fat burning.

Sources:Journal of the American College of Cardiology: July

12, 2006.“Fish Oil Prevents Potentially Deadly Heart Rate

Variability,” Science Daily: December 2005.“Fish Consumption May Be Linked to Reduced

Cognitive Decline,” Medscape: Oct. 11, 2005. Gordon Parker; Gibson, Neville A.; Brotchie,

Heather; Heruc, Gabriella; Rees, Anne-Marie andHadzi-Pavlovic, Dusan. “Omega-3-Fatty Acids andMood Disorders,” The American Journal of Psychiatry:June 2006.

“Australian Study Finds Fish Oil Helps Weight

Loss,” Reuters: July 28, 2006.

Dr. Brad CollinsMidlothian Chiropractic

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Every TuesdayMidlothian Rotary Club meeting, noon, MidlothianCivic Center, 224 South 11th St. (972) 775-7118.

Second and Fourth TuesdaysMidlothian City Council meeting, 6:00 p.m., City Hall,104 West Avenue E.

Third ThursdayABWA – Empowering Women Express Networkmonthly meeting, 5:45 p.m., Midlothian ConferenceCenter, 1 Community Circle. Please RSVP to DaphneBrewer at (972) 723-6551. Visit their Web sitewww.abwa-empoweringwomen.org.

First and Third ThursdayMidlothian Lions Club meeting, 7:00 p.m., MidlothianCivic Center, 224 S. 11th St. (972) 775-7118.

Every Saturday in AugustWaxahachie Downtown Farmer’s Market, 8:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m., Franklin Street between Rogers andCollege. Produce, plants, jams, jellies and other goods available. Call Anita Williamson at (972) 938-2101, ext. 198.

August 6Business Over Breakfast, 7:30 a.m., MidlothianConference Center, 1 Community Circle.

August 7Small Business Committee meeting, 9:00 a.m. atChamber offices.

August 9SETTLES Nature and Science Center’s Dallas ZooNature Exchange, 9:00 a.m. - noon, PettigrewAcademy, 806 East Martin Ave. in Waxahachie. Thisfree children’s event is open to the public andincludes, games, crafts and snacks. (972) 923-1633.

August 11, 12, 16The King and I, produced by Waxahachie CommunityTheatre, will conduct adult auditions at 7:00 p.m., FirstUnited Methodist Church, 600 West Red Oak Rd.Children ages 8 -14 will audition August 16 at 10:00a.m. Call PJ at (972) 723-6976 or visit their Web sitewww.waxahachiecommunitytheatre.com.

August 16Community Computer Classes: 10:00 a.m. - noon.Contact Susie Yarbro at [email protected] (972) 775-3417, ext. 1061 or 1057.

August 18Community Computer Classes: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.Contact Susie Yarbro at [email protected] (972) 775-3417, ext. 1061 or 1057.

August 2008 Community Calendar

August 20Business Luncheon featuring Congressman JoeBarton, 11:30 a.m., Midlothian Conference Center, 1Community Circle. Please RSVP to (972) 723-8600 [email protected].

Ellis County Christian Women’s Connection monthlyluncheon, Waxahachie Country Club, 1920 W. Hwy.287. $13 inclusive. Nursery vouchers available. Makereservations by August 17. (972) 937-2807, (972) 937-9984or [email protected].

August 25MISD First Day of School (2008-2009)

Tears & Cheers, 7:45 - 9:30 a.m. (Come & Go), TheLoft, FBC Midlothian. Calling all moms. Drop off your kids for the first day of school, then come enjoybreakfast on us.

September 27Texana: Sights and Sounds of the Lone Star State,12:30 p.m. at the Chautauqua Auditorium,Waxahachie. Chuck wagon dinner and Dallas WindSymphony, 7:00 p.m. www.waxahachiechautauqua.org.

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

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Documents

August 2008 It’s All About All Odds Toes the WordWord Outnowmagazines.com/onlineeditions/editions/808midlothian.pdf · and a beginning. The leisurely days of summer and vacation