Glad TIDINGS - Now Magazinesseea poster in the office that is a day-by-day calendar of what they...

November 2009

New Coach

IN TOWNThanking

ThoseWho Serve

At Home With

Brian andSylvia Fry

Glad

TIDINGS

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CORNov09p1-5contents:Finalized p6-11 10/23/09 2:22 PM Page 1

CorsicanaNow is a NOWMagazines, L.L.C. publication. Copyright © 2009. All rights reserved. CorsicanaNow is publishedmonthly and individually mailed free of charge to residents in Navarro County. Our office is located at 200 N. 13th St., Suite107 in downtown Corsicana.

Subscriptions are available at the rate of $35 per year or $3.50 per issue. Subscriptions should be sent to: NOW Magazines,P.O. Box 1071, Waxahachie, TX 75168. For advertising rates or editorial correspondence, call (903) 875-0187 or visitwww.nowmagazines.com.

Publisher, Connie Poirier

General Manager, Rick Hensley

Managing Editor, Becky Walker

Editorial Coordinator,Sandra Skoda

Creative Director, Jami Navarro

Art Director, Chris McCalla

Billing Manager, Lauren De Los Santos

Office Manager, Angela Mixon

Corsicana Editor, Joan Kilbourne

Contributing Writers, F.L. Brewer

Faith Browning . Nancy Fenton

Betty Tryon

Contributing Editors/Proofreaders,

Pat Anthony . Angel Jenkins Morris

Jaime Ruark . Beverly Shay

Advertising Manager, Linda Moffett

Advertising Representatives,

Linda Roberson . Rick Ausmus

Linda Dean . Will Epps

Steve Hansen . Carolyn Mixon

Steve Randle . Shane Smith

Terri Yates

Graphic Designers/Production,

Julie Carpenter . Allee Brand

Cherie Chapman . April Gann

Marshall Hinsley . Arlene Honza

Brande Morgan . Pamela Parisi

Jennifer Wylie

Photography, Terri Ozymy

Natalie Busch . Ivey Photography

On the Cover:

Remember to thank a

veteran on Veteran’s Day,

November 11, for their

service to our country.

Photo by Terri Ozymy

ContentsNovember 2009, Volume 6, Issue 11

8 14

Thanking ThoseWho Serve

Well Worth the WaitAt Home With Brian and Sylvia Fry

44 Around TownNOW

48 Who’s CookingNOW

50 Dining Guide

54 FinanceNOW

56 HealthNOW

60 Community Calendar

ArtsNOWThe Man in Black

24SportsNOW New Coach in Town

34BusinessNOWBreaking the Cycle

40EducationNOW Leader of the Pack

42

www.nowmagazines.com 3 CorsicanaNOW November 2009


Dear Readers,

It is time to make travel plans, if you are going toThanksgiving dinner with your family. Or maybe youwill be pulling out the big roasting pan for the turkeyyou will share at home. An interview with the inspiringyoung recruiters who represent the Army, Navy andMarine Corps at the local Armed Forces Career Centerreminded me of the men and women who will not be with their families thisyear. Maybe we can each do something special for someone who is away from hisor her family at holiday time. Do you need music at your gathering? Meet the Man in Black. Stop by and

welcome the new principal at Rice High School. Try a new recipe from thecooking section, and check the calendar for the downtown lighting ceremony.Where else can you sing carols under a lighted oil-derrick Christmas tree? Onlyin Corsicana!

Happy Holidays,Joan Kilbourne

CorsicanaNOW Editor

Editor’s Note


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TThanksgiving is a season when

families gather to give thanks for thegood things in their lives. It is appropriate at this time to expressgratitude for the selfless service andsacrifices made by the men and womenin the Armed Services. They are notalways able to sit around the familytable on the holidays, but theircourage and generous spirits give othersthe freedom and security to enjoy holiday events.

Sergeant Clifford Wiley is the localUnited States Marine Corps stationcommander. He grew up in Fort Worth,and after college, he took a job withJeep driving on the off-road team. “Iwent on competition tours where I wasevery two weeks in a different city,” hesaid. “After a while, I thought that this

was not what I was meant to do. I wasmissing something in my life.”Clifford heard on the news about theneed for increased numbers of men inIraq, “And,” he said, “I saw Marinesdoing the job.” He talked to arecruiter, and in two weeks, he foundhimself in boot camp. “It was the

greatest decision I ever made,” he said.“I was first in my family to be in theMarine Corps. I chose the MarineCorps because I saw how they weredifferent from the other services …they stood taller.”

Sergeant Wiley has been in theMarine Corps for five years. After his

ThankingThose Who serve

— By Joan Kilbourne

Those Who serve

“Many service people comefrom towns

and cities likeCorsicana.”


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first assignment in Iraq, he volunteeredfor two more deployments. “That’swhy I joined,” he said, “to do what theMarines do there. The best time waswhen we got to know the locals inIraq. We would go into their homes anddrink tea with them and get acquainted.”After the third tour, Sergeant Wileyrequested a new assignment as arecruiter. “My wife is happy to be inCorsicana,” he said. “She is working in day care now and she will use my education benefit [provided by the GIBill of Rights].” “The Marine Corps is the best and

hardest, the most challenging service,”Sergeant Wiley said. “A new recruitwill do a sample Armed ServicesVocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)test and a pull up test. If they don’tpass the first time, I help them getwhere they need to be to meet thequalifications.” Potential recruits can see a poster in the office that is a day-by-day calendar of what they willlearn in boot camp training. They canalso look at a poster showing the manykinds of careers they can choose. “It’snot all infantry with a helmet andrifle,” Sergeant Wiley said. “Peoplethink Marines only serve in combatunits, but many careers are available;they can fly, be a welder, machinist,military police — even play in thePresident’s own Marine Corps band inWashington, D.C.” New recruits trainfor 12 weeks in San Diego. “If youreally want to be a Marine, I’ll help



you get there,” he promised.Chief Boatswain’s Mate, Michael

Mierzwik, is the recruiter-in-charge ofthe local U.S. Navy Recruiting Station.BMC Mierzwik has served in the Navyfor 12 years. “I went to college, and atthe end, reality hit me,” he said. “Ijoined the Navy and I’ll retire at age43, with pay and benefits. You sacrificesomething no matter what work youdo. In the service, you are away fromhome sometimes. But you have pridebeing in the world’s finest navy.” Hisjob was operating a crane on his ship’sflight deck, and he was a trainer andmentor to younger sailors. On theoffice wall, BMC Mierzwik has a mapthat contains dozens of pins to showwhere he has served on both oceans — in Europe, North and South Americaand Africa. His ship also participatedin rescue missions after earthquakes. BMC Mierzwik has been a recruiter

for 14 months. He said, “I like givingyoung people the opportunities I had.”His home was in Baton Rouge, and heis also glad to be “back home in theSouth.” He does presentations to 18high schools, and has a table at NavarroCollege twice a month to talk to students about service in the regularNavy and in the Naval Reserve. TheArmed Services once had a reputationfor being a place to go when youcouldn’t make it in college or you hadlegal issues. “It is very different now,”BMC Mierzwik said. “The Navy sentpeople to the moon; we defend people




all over the world. Today the Navy islooking for the ‘best and the brightest’to enlist.” A recruit must pass theASVAB test, meet physicalheight/weight requirements and haveno criminal record,” he added. “Therecruits who are accepted for enlistmentwill spend eight weeks and three days[in] boot camp at Great Lakes, Illinois.They will do eight weeks of physicaltraining and classes, then ‘three days ofhell’ on a mock ship built by Disneyto replicate onboard experiences. Recruitswill face 14 scenarios including fire,flood, rescue, man overboard and otherrealistic events that they read aboutand now have to deal with live.”

Army Sergeant First Class KennethL. Marion is a 17-year career Armyman. His first career was in dieselmechanics. When he returned from Iraq,he elected to train as a recruiter, andhe is now in his eighth year as stationcommander. He likes helping youngmen and women discover a career pathin the military service. He emphasizesthat it is not the Army that choosesthe individual’s career field; that recruitscan choose from 150 job classifications.“I make presentations to all of thehigh schools and colleges in the area,”Sgt. Marion said. He is often invitedto address the staff and faculty of the

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schools. Sgt. Marion understands educators, and he arranges to feed themwhile he talks about the advantages ofan Army career.

Educators are impressed to learn thatthe recently amended GI Bill providesveterans with education benefits thatinclude tuition, books and housingexpenses for any public college or university the veteran may choose. Asix-year veteran may choose to pass hisor her eligibility for this educationbenefit to their children, and after 10years of service, eligibility may pass tothe wife or husband of the veteran.During enlistment, service men andwomen have extensive opportunitiesfor education and training that carriescollege credit.

There are more than 100 photographsof area servicemen and women on thelocal Walmart Wall of Honor. “Manyservice people come from towns andcities like Corsicana,” Sgt. Marion said.“Texas is one of the most patriotic statesin the nation.”

There are more than100 photographs ofarea servicemen

and women on thelocal Walmart Wall

of Honor.



WorththeWait

Well E

At Home With

Brian and Sylvia Fry

Even after 21 years of marriage, conversation and a lightbanter come easy for Brian and Sylvia Fry. They cannot helpbut laugh, as they remember the first time they met. “It was ablind date that neither one of us wanted to go on,” she said,as Brian nodded his head in agreement. They recalled meetingfor dinner at the Locust Street Grill, a restaurant that waslocated, at that time, on the square in Denton. “The attractionwas immediate,” Brian admitted. After a three-year courtshipand engagement, the couple married in 1988 followingSylvia’s college graduation. “When we married, Brian stillhad one more year left to complete his degree,” she added.Moving back to the area, as husband and wife, did not

come until the spring of 1998 when the couple relocatedfrom Garland to Ellis County. It was also the same year theiroldest child, Austin, now 17, entered kindergarten. “I grewup in Ellis County, so coming home was suggested by mymom,” Sylvia explained. “My family, the Comiskeys, havebeen in the area since the late 1800s.” It was not long beforeBrian began to diligently look for a lake lot. “I’d been lookingfor this lot for five years,” he said referring to the acre of landthe couple purchased in Sandy Cove, a new addition in Navarro

— By Sandra Skoda

CORNov09p16-25home:Finalized p6-11 10/21/09 9:17 AM

County that allows for a magnificentview of Richland Chambers Lake.

Actually, the plans for the homewere found on December 31, 2007,and the lot purchase did not take placeuntil the later part of January. “We hadto make the house plans fit the lot,”Sylvia stated. “The process was lengthy,but well worth the wait.” Builders

broke ground in September 2008, andby April, the home was complete and the family was able to move in. “Weonly lost two days, during the buildingprocess, due to weather,” Brian mentioned.

With Thanksgiving just around thecorner, the Frys are looking forward tohosting their first holiday dinner intheir new home. Sylvia lovingly referredto this year’s festivities as the “Fry


Thanksgiving weekend.” “We will be havingturducken for no less than 20 people,” shesaid. “It’s a Cajun dish that consists ofturkey, duck and chicken.” The meat choicethat the family of five, now including the13-year-old twins, Alex and Evan, hascome to enjoy is a bit difficult todescribe. Each type of meat is de-bonedbefore the “building” process begins. Thechicken is stuffed inside the duck, and theduck stuffed inside the turkey. Dressing is layered between the chicken and duck,and again between the duck and turkey.“When carved, each slice will have allthree meats in it,” Sylvia added. Ofcourse, they will also serve sweet potatocasserole, green bean bundles wrapped in

bacon, gelatin salad and many pies, including Kentucky Derbyand Vanilla Chess.

As for Thanksgiving traditions, both Brian and Sylviaagree that the prayer before the meal and the meal itself arethe only constants from year-to-year. “Alex always does theprayer,” Sylvia said. After eating, Brian will take the boysout for a time of hunting before returning to the screened-inback porch for some football. “We do switch our locations,”Sylvia added. “Nothing has ever been carved in stone.



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There’s variety every year.” Oneother family tradition that has notchanged over the years is decoratingfor Christmas. “I don’t decorate untilafter Thanksgiving,” she shared. “Iagree with my friend. I thinkThanksgiving needs to stand on itsown; there are no expectations, nogifts, no real pressures.”

Even though the temperatureshave dropped, the Frys still find alot to do outdoors. Scout, the family’spound dog, is usually not too farbehind. The fire pit, fishing fromthe dock and nature alone will, nodoubt, keep them entertained. Brianand Sylvia both love the outdoors,but for different reasons. “Thewildlife is amazing,” Brian said.

“There’s lots of deer, coyotes, raccoons, frogs and birds.” Briansmiled as he recalled the hummingbird he found in the garage.“I had to shoo him out with a broom,” he added. Sylvia’s voicebecame quite passionate as she described the sunrises andsunsets. “They’re spectacular,” she said. “We watched a meteorshower over a period of an hour-and-a-half. There must havebeen 15 shooting stars. Living in the country is incredible.”



The comfort they have successfully established within thewalls of their two-story home offers a peaceful coziness onthose days the weather keeps them indoors. The boys canspend time upstairs in their bedrooms, if they choose, orthey can camp out in the media room with popcorn and amovie. Brian and Sylvia can relax downstairs in the livingroom or share a glass of wine in the home’s wine room. “Thewine room was a late change we made in the plans,” Brianexplained, adding that they stocked the built-in racks duringtheir trip to Napa Valley in October. Brian’s mother crafted asign out of wine corks that simply reads ‘Frys Wine Room.’ Itwelcomes friends and family members alike. Other itemsSylvia collects are quilts and the detailed ceramic villages


that have become so popular during theholidays. The built-in shelves that flankthe fireplace in the living room wereincorporated in the plans to allow for thevillage collection to remain on displayyear-round, if so desired.

Since this home will be their retirement home, they added a fewfrivolous items. The most conversation-provoking amenities are the Romanshades found in the master bedroom



and the rain showerhead in the mas-ter bathroom. “We built the homewith ‘last home mentality,’” Briansaid, as Sylvia pushed a remote controlbutton and watched with a smile,while the Roman blinds quietly raisedto show the view to the backyard,complete with dock and lake beyond.“We open the window blinds to see ifthe fish are jumping,” she laughed.

The kitchen is oversized, with built-inappliance garages and light shadesmade from crushed seashells over thebar. The twins’ bedroom, also referredto as the bunk room, has the extraspace needed for weekend guests, whilethe upstairs game room, still an activework in progress, will one day offerthe shuffle board the boys are hopingfor. Sylvia put the home-buildingexperience in a nutshell as she said, “It’sso beautiful. It turned out perfect. Iwouldn’t change a thing.”



IIf you think you hear the ghost of Johnny

Cash singing in the next room, walk on in andsay hello to Martin Jenkins. He is the man inblack who is playing the guitar and singing inhis rich bass voice. He will be glad to see you.Martin loves to entertain. He was in highschool in Clovis, New Mexico, when he taughthimself to play guitar, and he started a bandwith his friends. His home in Clovis was locatednear a recording studio run by Norman Petty,who was Buddy Holly’s manager. Martin metBuddy Holly and his group there. He alsoheard Johnny Cash perform in two concerts. “Did you know,”Martin asked, “that Johnny Cash was one of only five singers


theManin

who had more than 90 songs in the top 40 charts?”Like many young men, Martin set out to build a career in

the Navy. He trained as a boiler engineer and served on theU.S.S. Caliente, an oiler ship that refuels other ships in thefleet. The Navy tours took him to Europe, North Africa andIceland. What did he see in Iceland? “Ice,” Martin said. It

was on board this ship that Martinsang for the first time at a “smoker”in front of 300 sailors. “Smokers arewhat we called the time when wewere off duty and could get together,”he said. “We played rhythm andblues and some rock ’n’ roll. I sangsome Johnny Cash songs, too.”Martin was impressed when one ofthe sailors wanted to join the band,even though he could not readmusic and had never played aninstrument. “He just picked up theguitar and learned to play it so hecould play with us. When we gotshore leave, the band would play inbars in places like Hong Kong,Japan and the Philippine Islands.There was competition among thebars and they wanted the sailor

bands to play.” After the first enlistment, Martin signed upfor two more years and then mustered out of the Navy. “I

Black— By Joan Kilbourne

Johnny Quarles and Martin Jenkins prepare

to bring music to a group of senior citizens.

Arts

CORNov09p28-33Arts:CNJan06p20-22Arts 10/22/09 7:16 PM Page 28

Arts

needed something different to do,” hesaid, “and I never played in a bar againsince then.”

Martin returned to Texas andworked in Dallas for six months andthen moved to Eureka. He met his

wife, Marsylene, when a friend fixedhim up on a blind date. They havebeen married now for 44 years. Theyhave two boys, Marty and Matt, andfive grandchildren. The boys’ familieslive on each side of Martin andMarsylene’s home. When he moved toCorsicana, just on the border of Eureka,Martin worked for a while with abuilding contractor. Later, he startedhis own painting contracting business,working on houses in the Cedar Creekarea and Corsicana. He worked for afew years in hospital maintenance andthen in a lumberyard. “I never consideredmusic for a career,” Martin said. “I justplayed on and off.”

While Martin often changed careers,he has been faithfully committed for30 years to his position as song leader inhis church, the Providence MissionaryBaptist Church in Mildred. Martin ismodest about his accomplishments. “Iguess they picked me because I sangthe loudest,” he said. He is alwaysready to learn something new. “I tookpiano lessons for six months to learn toread enough music to read the hymnbook,” he said. Then in the summerof 2000, Martin attended the SouthernGospel Music School. “I met peoplethere who sang in the Glory BoundGospel group, and I sang bass with themfor a while.”




For many years, Martin played regularly with a band at the TwilightNursing Home. “Sometimes just meshows up,” he grinned. When theband dispersed, Martin continued tosing and play there by himself everysecond Wednesday and Saturday. “Ilike to play there,” he said. “The people there are like family to menow.” Martin also plays and sings atJimmy Coker’s in Navarro onThursday night and at Jenny’s Café inPalmer on Friday night. When Martinmet singer Gail Abby they found their

voices blended and, together, theyhave made a CD called Singing in theOld Country Church. Included on theCD is an original song that Martinwrote called “Stairway of Tears.”“There is a guitar and bass guitar andyou can understand all the words,”Martin pointed out, “not like some ofthe music you hear today.” He has noagent to promote the sale of his CD,but hopes word of mouth will spread.Not busy enough playing and

singing his music, for many years Martinalso has pitched in fast-pitch softballgames all over Texas. Martin hasretired more than once but, like manyseniors today, he continues to work 40hours a week. “I’ve always had a job,”Martin said. He likes his job deliveringmedicine for the P & S Pharmacy.

Arts

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J

Special Advertising Section CorsicanaNOW November 2009

John 3:16 Food Pantry in Mexia, aministry of Glad Tidings Assembly ofGod Church, began three-and-a-half yearsago. “We wanted to help out senior citizensand single mothers,” Pastor David Boldenexplained. “There are a lot of people out ofwork, a lot of grandparents raising kids,and senior citizens on a fixed income whowould be doing without if it weren’t forthe food pantry.

“We opened it with the idea of expandingto the community. We have grown toserving over 200 families a month.” Witha congregation that often runs less than 20in attendance, David, and his wife, Pat,who directs the food pantry, would agreethat volunteers are always needed. Many oftheir clients speak Spanish, so bilingualvolunteers are especially helpful. “God hasreally supplied our needs in order for us tobe able to do this,” David said. “We drawsupport from friends and family of the church

Mexia

— By Kelly Kovar

body, some who are from outside of town.”Many who help in the food pantry on

its two days a month, the first Tuesday andthe third Monday, are senior citizensthemselves. “On pantry days, volunteersbegin their day at 8:30 a.m. as an 18-wheeler

arrives in town, delivering supplies fromthe Capital Area Food Bank out of Austinto the old Safeway/HEB location,” Davidsaid. Supplies are picked up and shelvesstocked. Then the pantry is open from2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Shoppers can makechoices among groceries, household andpaper goods, as well as hygiene and beautyitems. Between 35 and 40 pounds of foodare supplied to each family.

“At thanksgiving … we order extra

food from Austin and during the holidaysthey include frozen turkeys and hams onthe truck.” In November, the John 3:16Food Pantry receives a big hand from alocal food drive. “HEB and Channel 10out of Waco provide the advertising,”

David said. “The Boy Scouts and theNational Guard collect food.” Onthe Friday before Thanksgivingeverybody brings canned goods, staples and non-perishable fooditems to the Guaranty Bank parkinglot in Mexia. “Last year, we collectedover 10,000 pounds of food. Thefood collected is split between us and

Caritas, another Mexia food pantry.”The bounty from the local food drive

supplements what is purchased with grantsand what is received from the nonprofitnationwide food bank organization. “Weget a big increase of people coming inover the holidays. The food we get on thedrive will last us four months.” For more

information visit Gladtidingsmexia.org or call

Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church at

(254) -562-6125.

Glad Tidings

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CORNov09p29-32Fairfield:Finalized 24-26 10/23/09 11:56 AM Page 33

E


Everyone who encounters Coach ArtPrevost would agree Corsicana HighSchool’s new Lady Tiger Basketballcoach is one of a kind. He may be newto Corsicana, but his winning history islong and diverse. With his skills anddetermination, Art (known as Coach“Pre” by his students) is hoping tomake the Lady Tigers a winning team.

Art’s high energy level is his trademark. Not noted for standing still,he awakens early in the morning and isalways in action, pursuing his goal.“The ladies basketball team has beensluggish in the past and Art was broughtin specifically for ladies basketball,”Coach Andy Dotson said, as he fondlyreferred to his fellow coach as the“Energizer Bunny times 10.”

“I’m a little guy with a big heartand a big passion,” Art said. “I don’twant to be anybody else.” Tona, hiswife of 17 years, was quick to mentionthat what you see in Art is who he is.“There is nothing fake about him andthe kids identify with that,” she added.

When Art was growing up inDevers, Texas (near Beaumont), thefourth child of seven in a single-parentfamily, he had big dreams. His onlywealth lay in the choices he could maketo achieve those dreams. Although hecame from a family strong in faith —

— By F.L. Brewer

New Coachin Town

“I’m a little guy witha big heart and a

big passion.”

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CORNov09p34-39Sports:CNJan06p23-25Sports 10/21/09 9:42 AM Page 35


born the son of Darlene Prevost, a motherwho firmly believed in him — temptations to do wrong and get offtrack were ever present. In that way,he was no different from his peers. Thedifference is in the choices he made,and his choice-making began early. “Iremember when I was 10 or 11, agroup of kids were doing wrong, and Iknew if I did it, I was going to bepunished by my mom because my dadwas absent,” he explained. “I had tomake a decision. Also, living in a smalltown, everyone knows everyone else,and I knew my mom would find out.”Although he had no father present,

his days at Hull-Daisetta High School

were made better when a mentor camealong. Coach Charles Walker was theman who recognized his potentialearly on and took a personal interest in him. The coach even went the extramile, picking him up when his carbroke down and teaching him how toovercome various challenges.Art’s eyes tear up when he speaks of

the profound effect his mentor had onhis life. “Coach Walker believed in me.He gave me the type of love a man canonly give his son. He encouraged me,”Art recalled. “He never told me Icouldn’t have the things I wanted andhe took me through real life situations.”In the beginning, Art wanted to be

a sports broadcaster. He graduated in1990 with a Bachelor of Science degreefrom Lamar University. During thistime, he worked at both the No. 1 andNo. 2 radio stations in the Beaumontarea, first as an intern and then as an

CORNov09p34-39Sports:CNJan06p23-25Sports 10/21/09 9:03 PM Page 36


employee. However, he was more drawnto coaching.His coaching career includes both

university- and high school-level positions. He began coaching at LamarUniversity. His time there was followedby coaching at The University of Texasat El Paso, the University of Californiaat Irvine, Texas Christian University,the University of Minnesota, theUniversity of Ohio at Akron, Georgia

Tech and his last position was atSchulenburg High School, Schulenburg,Texas. He cannot thank the CorsicanaISD administration enough for bringinghim to Navarro County.After exploring various opportunities,

Art has discovered his best fit is as ahigh school coach. “I am now CoachWalker 30 years later. I’m a high schoolcoach. I see myself in the students Isee in the halls and who come throughmy door.”Art may have no hidden agendas,

but he is always in action putting shoeleather to his rock-solid beliefs. Thenumber to remember, he reminds hisstudents, is 17. Though there is a season for learning defeat, his aim is totake the Lady Tigers to the playoffs byseason’s end. It would be the first timein 17 years and the end of a long losing streak.

“I see myselfin the students I see in

the halls and who comethrough my door.”


likely still be the shy woman in the background. Recently, Mary received her master’s degree in counseling

from Texas A&M - Commerce. Mary is proud to say she is ableto offer training in so many areas: truancy, DWI, parenting,domestic violence, anger management, tobacco cessation, andyouth tobacco awareness program and alcohol education forminors, with a truancy boot camp in the future. She is alsoqualified to administer the SASSI (Substance Abuse SubtleScreening Inventory), an assessment for adults and adolescentsto basically see if they have substance abuse disorders or substance abuse dependence disorders. The majority of

M

— By Sandra Skoda

www.nowmagazines.com 40 CoriscanaNOW November 2009

Mary Parks used to be shy, standoffish and quiet. That isno longer the case. These days, she is allowing herself to beheard at Full Circle Alcohol & Drug Education Program,located at 512 N. Main St., Suite A. “I originally thought I’dbe counseling adults, but events that changed my family’slives forever changed my mission and made me realize thereare adolescents and teens that really need someone to listenand facilitate an atmosphere for change in the unacceptablelife patterns they are learning and developing.” Most days, Mary spends a great deal of time listening and

educating. “I’m so passionate about helping those in need, Iwill draw my last breath doing just that,” she stated. Today,Mary has reached a part of her goal by opening Full CircleAlcohol & Drug Education Program. Mary’s mission beganin her home several years ago. In fact, if not for the supportof her mother, Tommie Keaton, and her daughter, BreannaParks, who is her inspiration and heart, Mary would most

Breaking

the Cycle

CORNov09p40-41Bus:Ennis Feb 28-32 Bus 10/21/09 9:46 AM Page 40

clients are court referrals, but walk-insare always welcomed.

Mary’s long-term goal is openingEagle Cross Ranch, a nonprofit organization designed for boys at highrisk of antisocial behaviors that canpotentially lead to a life of crime.“What we offer at Full Circle and, ultimately, [at] Eagle Cross Ranch isthe opportunity to learn how to makedifferent choices,” she said. “I wantthem to realize that the decisions andchoices they make today will impacttheir lives, as well as others.”

The idea for Eagle Cross Ranch cameshortly after Mary met five young boys,who once lived down the road fromher. Long story short, one of the youngfellows, after being told a litter of kittens was still too young for any ofthem to be taken away from theirmother, decided to return a couple ofdays later and take one of the kittenswhen Mary and her daughter were notlooking. “I decided to go down to theboys’ house,” Mary remembered. “Ablanket was draped up and served asthe front door. When I saw the boyswith that kitten, I was no longerupset.” After the boys were “foundout,” they began to cry, which in turnspurred Mary to help. “I experiencedmany firsts with them,” Mary said withemotion in her voice, “such as sitting at atable eating a meal and praying, doinghomework, reading bedtime stories, andjust laughing; not having to worry whenor if you would eat.”

Many have commented on Mary’s bigheart. Her heart’s desire is to take theboys back to a simpler time. “I want togive them a Gunsmoke, Little House on thePrairieor Bonanza experience,” shesmiled. “I want to teach them how towork the land, the love of animals, andmaybe grow their own gardens. Mymain goal is to break the cycle.”

Mary noted that prospective clientsare encouraged to stop by the office orcall (903) 872-6727 or (903) 641-2075for more information.


CORNov09p40-41Bus:Ennis Feb 28-32 Bus 10/21/09 2:31 PM Page 41

D responsibility to evaluate teachers, review their lesson plansand observe their classes. “I used my 26 years of experienceto be a mentor, a resource to teachers on ways of meetingcurriculum standards.”

When Principal Tom Herrin moved to a position in thedistrict to help design a new vocational education program,he recommended Dan to serve as principal of RHS. Tom had been principal of the school since it was built, and hisstewardship extended to the first day of classes when hecame to school to help the new administration team. “It wasgreat to have him here with us. Everything went well thatfirst day, but he had to show us how to set the bell system.We have good support everywhere,” Dan added. “We have agreat school board and administrative staff.”

Dan took on the new responsibilities with enthusiasm;ready to apply his own hands-on, personal approach to education. “If I see a puddle on the floor, I know where themop is,” he said. “We walk the halls so they [the students]know we are watching, taking care that everyone is doingwell.” Pride in his school is evident. “Before they move to anew location, parents go to the Texas Education AgencyWeb site to check out district statistics. It is important tothem to know their kids will have a good school before theymove in. Rice rates well. We have below 20 kids in most

Dan Taylor, the new principal of Rice High School, comesfrom a family of educators. His father was principal of alarge high school in El Paso. Both of his grandparents wereeducators for 35 years. His sister is a teacher, as is his sister-in-law and his niece and her daughter. Like many children whose parents are educators, Dan learned to read atan early age and he saw his parents treat education as important. As a young man, however, Dan saw himself on adifferent path. He attended Sam Houston State Universityand became a licensed athletic trainer. He could see himselfbeing an athletic trainer for the Dallas Cowboys.

While Dan worked as a teacher and coach in Ennis, hepursued a master’s degree in education administration atTexas A&M University - Commerce. The path to his futuretook a turn when he became assistant principal at ScurryRosser High School. When the principal left the school, Danserved as principal for five years. “I saw my father’s school inEl Paso that had three or four thousand students attending.Then he became principal in Ennis for 16 years, and Ilearned that small is better. In a small school you get toknow the students. When you can call them by name theyknow they are respected. You can have rapport with theirparents,” Dan shared.

Dan moved to Rice High School (RHS) to teach biology, coach football, lifting and track. He also became the curriculum guide in math and science. He had the


Leader of the Pack — By Joan Kilbourne

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classes.” RHS serves grades 6 to 12.“We offer certification programs forstudents who graduate and enter theworkforce. We have certification ininformation technology and welding.”Dan is looking forward to the programsfor vocational training that will comefrom the district planning group thatthe former principal, Tom Herring,joined this year. “We hope to add certification in auto, nursing, cosmetology and criminal justice,which is training for the police force.We want our students to be able to makea good living when they leave here, so weneed to give them training at the levelthey need to do that,” Dan explained.“College education is a goal for

many of our students, so we offer dualcredit courses in biology, literature,English and history,” Dan said. “Wetry to push students to exceed theminimum.” Some of the teachers arealso involved in class sponsorship.They mentor the students who electtheir class officers, raise funds for theirprom and for charities. The studentsalso plan their class field trip. “Theyare learning to be leaders,” Dan said.A principal always has a wish list ofthings he would like to offer his students, and Dan would like to beable to offer debate, drama, literarycriticism and music programs toround out the students’ experience.A program in character education is

part of the effort teachers make toassist students. The school counselorguides the teachers to find ways tointegrate such topics as respect andhonesty into their particular subject.Like most educators, Dan believes thatparent involvement in their student’sstudies is a key to student success. “Isend out letters to the parents to invitethem to meetings to talk about theirconcerns,” Dan said, noting many parents worry about peer pressure influencing their children to be part ofthe wrong crowd. “Our approach tokids ... is to tell them, you can join ateam or be part of a [positive] grouphere in school. We tell them, ‘Be aBulldog. Be proud of that.’”


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3. Bake at 350 F for 50 to 60 minutes or until

a toothpick inserted near the center comes out

clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing

from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. In a small bowl, combine glaze ingredients

until smooth. Drizzle over top and sides of cake.

Note: As a substitute for each cup of self-risingflour, place 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder and 1/2tsp. salt in a measuring cup and finish fillingwith all-purpose flour to make 1 cup. Yields 16-20 servings.

MOIST ROAST TURKEY

1 18-20 lb. whole turkey (giblets and neck removed)2 cups kosher salt1/2 cup butter, melted2 large onions, peeled and chopped.4 carrots, peeled and chopped4 stalks chopped celery

SUGAR PLUM CAKE

2 cups self-rising flour2 cups sugar1 tsp. ground cinnamon1 tsp. ground cloves 3/4 cup vegetable oil2 6-oz. jars plum baby food3 eggs, beaten1 cup pecans, chopped

GLAZE:1 cup plus 2 Tbsp. confectioners’ sugar1 4-oz. jar strained plum-apple baby food2 Tbsp. milk

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar,

cinnamon and cloves. Stir in oil, baby food and

eggs; fold in pecans.

2. Pour batter into a greased and floured

10-inch tube pan.

Look Who’s Cooking

2 sprigs fresh thyme1 bay leaf1 cup dry white wine (can substitute chicken broth)

1. Rub the turkey inside and out with kosher salt.

2. Place the bird in a large stockpot and cover

with cold water. Place in refrigerator and allow

the turkey to soak in the salt water mixture for

12 hours or overnight.

3. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Thoroughly rinse

the turkey and discard the brine mixture.

4. Brush the turkey with 1/2 of the melted

butter. Place it breast side down on a roasting

rack in a shallow roasting pan.

5. Stuff the turkey cavity with 1 onion, 1/2 the

carrots, 1/2 the celery, 1 sprig of thyme and

the bay leaf. Spread the remaining vegetables

and thyme around the bottom of the roasting

pan, and cover with the white wine or chicken

broth.

6. Roast uncovered 3 1/2 to 4 hours in the

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

IN THE KITCHEN WITH LINDA MOFFETT

When Corsicana Now Advertising ManagerLinda Moffett reflects on what inspired her loveof cooking, she can recall many happy memories. “I had four brothers, and we grewup on a farm working in the cotton field,” sheremembered. “When we got in from workingin the fields, mother would cook up a meal thatwe thought was ‘fit for a king’ (as Dad put it).We would all sit around the family table andlaugh, eat and talk about the events of the day.”

— By Faith Browning

Today, Linda still enjoys getting togetherwith her three children, her brothers andtheir families and friends. “I saw how much enjoyment my mother received frompleasing her family with her cooking,” shesaid. “Now, nothing pleases me more thanto put a feast on the table and see the smilesit brings.”

CORNov09p44-45Cook:Finalized p6-11 10/22/09 9:06 PM Page 44

preheated oven, until the internal temperature

of the thigh reaches 180 F. Carefully turn the

turkey breast side up about 2/3 through the

roasting time and brush with the remaining

butter. Allow the turkey to stand about 30

minutes before carving.

Note: You can microwave the vegetables orboil them a little first to make them tender.

DRESSING

1 large hen1 onion, chopped4 stalks celery, chopped2/3 stick margarine3 recipes/packages prepared corn bread made the

day before (use an extra egg/ per recipe or pkg.)6 biscuits (you can use light bread, but biscuits are

better)chicken brothsaltpoultry seasoningsagepepper5-6 eggs, beaten

1. Bake a large hen in about 2 cups of water or

cover it with water and boil in a large (6 qt.) pot

to get broth for the dressing. Reserve a cup or

so of the broth for gravy; remove the hen from

the broth. Turn heat off.

2. Add onion and celery to broth; add margarine.

3. Begin adding crumbled corn bread and

biscuits until the mixture is the consistency of

loose mashed potatoes. Reserve a cup of this

mixture for gravy. You can add canned chicken

broth if you do not have enough cooked broth.

4. Salt and pepper to taste (starting with about

1/2 tsp. of salt).

5. Begin adding poultry seasoning, sage and

pepper to taste. Start with two Tbsp. poultry

seasoning and 1 Tbsp. sage (too much sage

will make your dressing green). When you get

the desired taste and the correct thickness,

add the beaten eggs.

6. Pour into a greased roasting pan. Bake

uncovered in 400 F oven until the dressing is

set, browned and not jiggly! For the gravy, put

the reserved broth and cup of unseasoned

dressing into a saucepan, thicken with flour or

thin with water or broth.

7. Add chopped boiled eggs and some

chopped chicken meat. If you prefer, boil the

giblets and cut them into the gravy. Season

with salt and pepper to taste.

This will serve about 15 to 20 people.


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— By Lynda Housley

IIf you are investing money or planning

on doing so, there is one very importantquestion you should ask yourself —What kind of investor am I? Knowing ifyou are an aggressive or conservativeinvestor is the first step to knowinghow you should invest your money.

Determine your risk tolerance.First you need to determine your

risk tolerance level. Risk is the amountof volatility and uncertainty you’rewilling to accept from an investmentin seeking your financial goals, likeplanning for retirement or a collegeeducation.

Some investments carry a higherlevel of risk than others. Generally, thehigher the risk of an investment, thegreater its potential returns. However,there is also a greater potential to loseyour initial investment.

The lower the risk, the less likely itis for that investment to generate ahigher rate of return. When you investyour assets in financial products thatassume little or no risk, your moneymay not have the opportunity to growas fast as you would like.

To help determine your risk level,ask yourself, How comfortable will I be

watching my investment go up and down in

value? The more comfortable you arewith price volatility, the greater the riskyou are probably willing to assume.

Consider time.The next step in the process of

determining your profile as an investoris to identify your time horizon, theamount of time between now andwhen you hope to reach your statedgoal. Generally, the more time youhave, the more risk you can afford toassume. The reasoning is: the longeryour time horizon, the more time youhave to ride out the market’s ups anddowns in pursuit of your financial goals.

Knowing what level of risk you arecomfortable with can help you determinewhether you are a conservative investor,an aggressive investor or somewherein-between. This is an important firststep because then you can focus oninvestments that provide you with thelevels of risks and potential returnswith which you are comfortable.

To find out more about the type ofinvestor you are or the different typesof investments that are available, contact a financial services professional.There is no assurance that any investmentwill achieve its investment objectives.Investment return and principal value

will fluctuate and the investment,when redeemed, may be worth moreor less than its original cost.

Lynda Housley is a State Farm agent

based in Corsicana.

What Kind of an Investor Are You?

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Insurance Analysis • Employee Benefits*

Investment Services

Gary Hayden is a Registered Representative of and offers securities, investment advisory and financial planning servicesthrough MML Investors Services, Inc. Member SIPC. Supervisory Office: 777 Main Street, Suite 2260, Fort Worth, Texas

� � � � 1 1� � � � � � � � � � � 11� � % ( 1% $ $ . 3. / 1( � 3% " ) � 1� 4+ + 4# � " + . ( ( + 1� " ( " 4� 1� ,$ . 1� - + " 34- # . 1� % ' 4- 21% 31� � � � - & . + ( % 3+ 1� . 3& ,# . + ! 1� - # �

114 W. 5th Ave. in Corsicana(903) 874-3417

900 W. Ennis Ave. in Ennis(972) 875-3652

Hayden Financial Partners� . 3& ,- ) 1� . - ( 34� 1 . � 4+ 1+ ,- # . 1 � � � �

Gary Hayden

CORNov09p56-57fin:EnnisFeb38-41.qxd 10/21/09 3:12 PM

Hope for a Better Future— By Betty Tryon, R.N.

RRonald Reagan, 40th president of the United States,

Charlton Heston, movie star and Norman Rockwell, artist,are just a few of the famous people who have hadAlzheimer’s disease. They put a face on a devastating illness.Facing the possibility of losing a little bit of oneself everyday is a dismal prospect. The fear is real, and the disease isirreversible. Is there any hope?Alzheimer’s disease (AD) holds the dubious distinction of

being the most common cause of dementia. We still do notknow what causes this disease, but evidence points to braindamage occurring over a long period of time before any sign offorgetfulness becomes worrisome. How much forgetfulness isenough to warrant further examination? Obviously, if youare very concerned about this, a trip to your physician mayallay your fears. We all have those minor “senior moments” of forgetfulness.

However, if memory challenges disrupt your daily routine insome manner, that may be cause for concern. Being unableto balance the checkbook when you have done it previouslywith little effort may be worrisome. An inability to follow aplan or understand a favorite recipe is another sign. Confusionis very typical with AD, such as not being able to travel to aknown place or to find your way home. Anyone can forgetabout those very important dates, but we have the ability to

recall them later. A warning sign in AD is when importantdates or even their purpose can no longer be remembered.Needing to retrieve the instructions to reset the clocks orother electronics is common. Not remembering how tobrush your teeth or dress yourself needs evaluation. Thosewith AD may find it difficult to express themselves usingthe correct words or to understand others.Although there is no cure yet, early detection is still useful

and important. Early diagnosis allows one to be an activeparticipant in planning for future care. It permits you tohave a say in legal matters regarding your estate while youcan still do so. Becoming involved in support groups willhelp to enhance the quality of your life. Your family canbenefit from these services also. Yes, there is always hope, and it may be in early diagnosis.

Research continues to advance in this area and early treatmentmay become crucial. Early detection can give you anopportunity to receive treatment or participate in clinicaltrials that can slow down the progression of the disease.Knowing what is ahead may give you a better future.

This article is for general information only and does not

constitute medical advice. Consult with your physician for questions

regarding this topic.


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— By Nancy Fenton

IOutdoors

If you have not planted your bulbs yet for spring, there isstill time. Buy them and get them in for splashes of yellowand white in February, March and April. Just be a bit carefulabout which varieties of narcissus, daffodils, jonquils andcyclamineus you choose. There are hundreds of varieties, butonly a few do well enough in our heavy, alkaline, southernsoil to come back in profusion year after year!

After a few false starts over the years, I have come torealize the beautiful King Alfreds are not right for ourarea. Most of the bulbs that will naturalize and bloomyear after year are smaller and advertised as appropriatefor USDA hardiness zones 8 or 9. The zones are based onthe average minimum temperature ranges and theblooming history of the bulbs including the needed“cold time” for best blooms. Zone 8A shows our lowest temperatures to be 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bulbs are actually “underground storage structures.” Theyshoot up foliage and a bloom, then go on to store food for a

“long summer’s nap” to bloom again next year. This is wheretemperature zones come in. Planted at a depth of two to threetimes the height of the bulb, the bulb will be protectedfrom the heat, cold and water rot if it is suitable for our area.

Look on the packages you buy for the zone listings. Donot buy unless you see zones 8 or 9. The best bet for greatbulbs is sharing with a neighbor who has a blooming abundance. My Internet search led me to the Southern BulbCompany at www.southernbulb.com and White FlowerFarm at www.whiteflowerfarm.com. Both sites have lots ofgood information and pretty pictures. Nurseries operated by

locals are also good sources for bulbs that willbe successful in our area.

Some gardening friends, my husband and Iare planning an 11-day trip to Holland inApril 2010 to check out the homeland of allthe great bulbs. It involves a small ship on thecanals (unpacking only once), guided tours ofAmsterdam, flower markets and flower farms.If this interests you, go to www.gct.com (Grand

Circle Travel) and check it out. Use the member number000809058; code VAPT008 for a special Fenton discount.

Nancy Fenton is a Master Gardener.

Plant Now forSpring Blooms


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All MonthDisplay of Margie Taylor’s work, sponsored bythe Navarro Council of the Arts: WarehouseGallery, 119 W. 6th St.

November 3 and 17Safe Riders, a child safety seat distributionand education class: 5:00 p.m. Childbirthpreparation class: 6:00 p.m. (Participation recommended during the fifth and seventhmonth of pregnancy.) Location: NavarroRegional Hospital. Contact Lindsey Barack at (903) 654-6885 for either of these two events.

November 3 and 12Navarro College SBDC’s Write a WinningBusiness Plan workshop: 10:00 a.m., CountyChamber of Commerce, 120 W. 12th St.Speaker: Robin Lasher, experienced entrepreneur and director of Navarro CollegeSBDC, will explore the reasons a businessplan is critical to the success of any business,especially if the business owners are looking

for a loan or an investor. (903) 875-7667.

November 5“Advance Directives and End of LifeDecisions,” sponsored by the Senior Circle ofNavarro Regional Hospital: 5:30 p.m. at thehospital. Speaker: Amy Wheeler, LBSW, LNFA,Family First Hospice representative. Localhospice organizations will provide educationalopportunities and materials, such as standardforms for Medical Power of Attorney, to assistfamilies with end-of-life decision making. Formore information, call Family First Hospice at(866) 834-3700, Caring Connections help lineat (800) 658-8898 or the multi-lingual line at(877) 658-8896.

November 12Healthy Woman Annual Celebration: 6:30 p.m.,Cook Center. For more information, call (903) 654-6948.

November 12 - 15Oliver, the Christmas musical, at the Palace.

CommunityNovember 2009 Calendar

For tickets, call (903) 654-4947.

November 12 - 21The Big Black Dog will be on stage at NavarroCollege’s Black Box Theater. November 12-14th and 19th show times: 7:00 p.m.November 15th matinee: 2:00 p.m. November21st matinee: 2:00 p.m. Evening performance:7:00 p.m.

November 14Day in November Arts and Crafts show: 9:00a.m.-6:00 p.m., College Park Mall.

November 19Downtown lighting ceremony: 5:00-7:00 p.m.,downtown Corsicana.

For more community events, visit our online calendar at www.now-

magazines.com.

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