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February 2009

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE PAID

FT. WORTH, TXPERMIT NO. 1016

Fantasy of FlightFantasyof Flight

Dames of the DanceDames of the DanceBuilding

a PremierProgram

Buildinga PremierProgram

Devotedto DangerDevotedto Danger

At Home With

Tom and Stacey Jones

At Home With


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www.nowmagazines.com 1 Red OakNOW February 2009

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Publisher, Connie Poirier

General Manager, Rick Hensley

Managing Editor, Becky Walker

Editorial Coordinator, Sandra McIntosh

Creative Director, Jami Navarro

Art Director, Chris McCalla

Office Manager, Lauren Poirier

Red Oak Editor, Diana Merrill Claussen

Contributing Writers, Faith Browning . Amanda

Madden Pitt . Mary Pritchard . Nickie Weyrauch

Photography, Natalie Busch . Ivey Photography

Terri Ozymy

Contributing Editors/Proofreaders, Pat Anthony

Jaime Ruark . Beverly Shay

Advertising Representatives, Terri Yates

Rick Ausmus . Linda Dean . Will Epps . Carolyn

Mixon . Linda Moffett . Steve Randle . Eddie Yates

Graphic Designers/Production, Julie Carpenter

Allee Brand . Jana Jennings . Marshall Hinsley

Arlene Honza . Brande Morgan . Pamela Parisi

Jennifer Wylie

On the Cover:One of the small airplanes co-owned by Ray Brindle.

Photo by Natalie Busch.

ContentsFebruary 2009 Volume 4, Issue 2

ArtsNOWDames of the Dance

6

14SportsNOW Devoted to Danger

16BusinessNOWMusic in Their Hearts

18EducationNOW Building a Premier Program

20

10

Fantasy of Flight Thankful HeartsAt Home With Tom and Stacey Jones

Red OakNOW is a NOW Magazines, L.L.C. publication. Copyright © 2009. All rights reserved. Red OakNOWis published monthly and individually mailed free of charge to homes and businesses in the Red Oak, Ovilla,Glenn Heights and Oak Leaf zip codes.

Subscriptions are available at the rate of $35 per year or $3.50 per issue. Subscriptions should be sent to: NOW Magazines, P.O. Box 1071, Waxahachie, TX 75168. For advertising rates or editorial correspondence,call (972) 937-8447 or visit www.nowmagazines.com.

22 Around TownNOW

24 Who’s CookingNOW

26 FinanceNOW

28 Community Calendar


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Editor’s Note

Heartfelt Wishes, Red Oak!

Since February is always centered around love, wedecided to theme this issue around participating in thethings you love! Whether it be working at the best job,spending time helping others or being involved in your favorite hobby, there issurely something you are thankful for and enjoy doing! I really love animals andcelebrate being able to horseback ride. If you love them, too, I hear the EllisCounty SPCA is always in need of volunteers and adoptive loving families!

May this issue inspire you to get involved in something that you love!

Diana Merrill ClaussenRed OakNOW Editor

www.nowmagazines.com 4 RedOakNOW February 2009


Reliable Service Begins with

Reliable People

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Polaris RepairsRe-Plumbing

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Acid Wash

(214) 577-4843Bob Bauer

[email protected]



IImagine being a bird floating through the clouds in a

relaxing state of suspended animation. Close your eyes andfeel the peace of the clouds, and then open them and enjoythe calming of the blue sky as you glide along. All is quietas you float through your exhilarating flight.

Whether a bird or a pilot, both get to experience therelaxing and tranquil gift of flight. For local pilot, RayBrindle, nothing compares to being one with the sky. Hislove of flight started when he was a young boy. “My dad wasa pilot in the Air Force,” Ray said. When he was 8 years old,“I got to go in my first airplane and that was it for me,” hestated. Since that day, all Ray ever wanted to do is fly.

While he was in college, Ray flew for the Air ForceROTC program and later had his first solo flight onNovember 14, 1971, and received his pilot’s license in 1972.Now a co-owner of his own planes, Ray finds there are manyenjoyable and practical purposes to plane ownership. “Littleairplanes have a good financial benefit (for owners who travela lot); they also get you somewhere in a reasonable amountof time,” he said.

Flying, however, is much more gratifying than its practicalaspects for Ray. “You get a whole different perspective on lifeand the world,” he said of being in the air. “You also getaway from the maddening crowds. You can pretend you’re abird, and can even do rolls and loops. A vast majority ofpeople don’t care for that, but some of us just love it! It’s

just you up there flying along.”The thrill of steep climbs and aerobatics makes Ray’s

aeronautic experiences exhilarating. “When you’re flying,you don’t usually pull more than three gees; most of the time,your little airplanes average about one to one-and-a-half gees.If you do it right, though, you don’t notice the G-force.”

Ray has enjoyed the thrill of flight both personally andprofessionally. “For years, I only flew for fun because I loveit,” he said. When Ray retired in 2000, he received hisinstrument rating multiengine commercial license and wentto work for a unique and prestigious aviation business. “Iwork for a company that provides aerial surveillance andair-quality monitoring for Homeland Security,” Ray stated.This monitoring occurs during major crises or large federalor public events. From covering Super Bowls, presidentialinaugurations, hurricane struck areas or even train wrecks,Ray flies professionally to provide a patriotic service. “Weuse a one of-a-kind aircraft which evolved from the U.S.Army,” he explained. That plane is a customized AeroCommander equipped with a passive infrared system. “Thisallows us to fly over a site and sample the chemical compositionof what is in the air around the site,” he said. Whether thereis smoke, fire or even plume, the technology in the crew’splane also allows them to collect digital, video and infraredphotos which they are able to process on board the craft.“We also have bombay camera doors and a satellite antennae


Fantasyof

Flight— By Diana Merrill Claussen

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on the plane, too,” Ray added. Thisallows the crew to send their collecteddata to a national diagnostic lab in LosAlamos for air-quality results.

Being able to fly as a form ofincome is what Ray has always wantedto do. “It doesn’t get much better thanthat,” he said. “In addition to flyingall of the time, I get paid for it. We’rejust doing our job,” he added.Currently, Ray flies about twice aweek. When he is not in the air, hecan usually be found at Mid-Way

Regional Airport working on hisplanes or hanging out with the guys.

There are many planes available forRay to fly; it is up to his fancy whichone he wants to take up for the day.Besides the Commander, there is aCessna 210 that is used “for crew reliefto bring supplies and water to thesites,” Ray said. When pilots fly overhurricane areas, some of their missionscan last up to 40 days. The mission forHurricanes Gustav and Ike lasted 28days, while his Katrina mission wasfor 38 days.

There are also a few planes in thecrew’s collection that come with quitea story, such as the 1939 StaggerwingBeechcraft. “We found this plane in anold barn in Nebraska,” Ray said,explaining that back in the day, “theseairplanes were the fastest planes in theworld; they were even faster than themilitary planes of the time.” DuringWorld War II, the military confiscatedStaggerwings to use as military planes.“Howard Hughes even had one, and



they confiscated his, too,” Ray added.“His was used in the Air Force.” Ray’sgroup of aviation friends have almostfully restored the craft to its originalglory. They are currently working onthe plane’s interior and are changingthe inside trim from blue to red.

Besides flying and working on theaircraft, Ray also performs many aviation volunteer duties. He is thetenant liaison at Mid-Way and alsovolunteers to transport patients for awonderful organization called AngelFlight. Ray’s mission with Angel Flightdramatically impacts those who are inneed. He is able to use his gift of flight

to assist those who, “are undergoingsome type of medical treatment andneed transportation to receive it. Mostpeople [Angel Flight assists] cannotusually afford to pay someone totransport them to their treatment andalso cannot drive,” Ray said. “Weprovide a free service and donateeverything the patient might need.”

When he is not helping those whoare in serious need of assistance, Ray isfully gratified to be able to share hisplane and skills with others. Flightbrings happiness to the Brindle family.“My wife loves it,” he exclaimed. “Ifwe’re going somewhere to see family,we’ll take the plane and fly there.” ForRay, flying his plane for leisure trips isa very efficient way to travel. “Mywife’s parents live four hours away inOklahoma, but it only takes one hourto fly us there. It saves a lot of time,” hesaid. Ray also enjoys sharing his planewith his children and grandchildren.“The kids used to always fight overwho got to fly with me and thegrandkids love to taxi around the airport,” he laughed.

Being a pilot, Ray expressed, is“like a lifetime dream” because amideach flight “you have the realities oflife in between.”


“When I was 8 years old I got togo in my first airplane and thatwas it for me.” Since that day,

all Ray ever wanted to do is fly.


ThankfulHearts

At Home With



— Amanda Madden Pitt

IIt was early one November morning

in 2007 when the phone rang in theJoneses’ kitchen. Stacey joked to her in-laws from across the breakfast tableabout who could be calling so early,“It’s either Heather,” Stacey said, referring to her best friend and car poolbuddy, “saying she’s late, or it’s Tomand he’s got a heart.” Sure enough, itwas Heather.

For the record, Tom has a great bigheart. He is a loving father and husbandand a walking miracle. “I had my firstsurgery in 1977. I had another surgeryin 1993, and I’d been in heart failurefor 15 years. It had finally reached itspoint,” Tom recounted. “I was bornwith a condition called transposition,”he said. In non-medical terms, his condition can be described as a backwardsheart. “Most kids born with that onlylive to be about 12 years old. It can betreated in children today, but backthen, they just sent you home,” Tomsaid, ever thankful that his heart hadcarried him well into adulthood. “Thedoctors said that I needed a ‘big heart,’and for that, well, we’d just have to wait.”

Criteria for Tom’s donor were, “Hehad to be male, at least six feet fourinches tall and over 300 pounds,” hesaid. Tom spent a year in the hospital,in and out of intensive care waiting fora donor. According to Stacey, theiryoungest son, Tristin, thought the hospital was where his daddy lived.“Let’s go to Daddy’s home today,”Tristin would say. Although visitinghours were monitored closely because ofTom’s fragile condition, during goodmonths the family would get togetherin a conference area outside of the ICUroom for picnics, games and just to livelife. “We had every boy’s birthday therethat year,” Tom recalled of 2007. It wasthe only way they could see their dad andStacey could see her husband for whatshe thought might be his final days.

“I got to the point where I thought Iwasn’t going to live,” Tom said.“Because of the scar tissue from previous surgeries, the doctors wereconcerned about doing another surgery.”Technology was available for a rightheart pump that would operate outsideof Tom’s body, which would eliminatethe risks associated with open heartsurgery and the scar tissue aforementioned, but he would have tobe flown to Houston to undergo theinnovative procedure. “‘We are goingto make arrangements to fly you downto Houston this weekend, but we’regoing to continue to hope and praythat you get a heart,’” Tom said,repeating the doctor’s words.

That morning while Stacey sat atthe breakfast table with Tom’s parents,following Heather’s call saying theywould be late for their morning carpool, the phone rang again. “It wasTom, and he said he had a heart,”Stacey said, recalling how ironic it wasthat what she had casually stated onlymoments before, actually happened.“Don’t joke like that,” Stacey said.Tom continued, “A nurse came in crying and said, ‘Mr. Jones, we have aheart for you.’” The confirmationprompted screams of joy as generations

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of Joneses soaked in the miraculousnews they had been praying for. OnNovember 16, 2007, a solid year after hewas admitted to Saint Paul Hospital inDallas, Tom received a heart transplant.

Stacey is no stranger to loss. She lostboth her mother and her grandfather,who was like a father to her, in thesame year. Although Tom survived thesurgery, the Jones family was not outof the woods yet. “I was up on cloudnine, thinking he had the heart, he isgoing to be fine, and he would behome by Christmas,” Stacey said. “Butthey kept saying, ‘You really expectedtoo much; we tried to prepare you,’

which they did.” The doctors toldStacey, “This is going to be a really difficult case. Tom is dependent on ahigher blood flow to his lungs becauseof his weakened heart.” The majorrecovery process included 16 moredays in ICU as Tom’s lungs struggledto function on their own. OnThanksgiving Day, 2007, Tom cameoff of the ventilator.

Now that her husband is well,Stacey has more time to focus on beinga mom, serving on the EastridgeElementary PTA board and on herresponsibilities as director of the RedOak Education Foundation. In April

2008, the couple purchased On TimeDesigns in Red Oak, a custom T-shirtdesign company. Stacey is in charge ofthe Bling line which features customrhinestone lettering across a variety ofT-shirt styles. One shirt she gets frequent compliments on proudly glistens the word that has become thefamily’s mantra — Thankful.

The family looks back on 2006 and2007 as years of hardship with a silverlining of God’s grace and blessing.They are once again able to entertainfriends and finally enjoy their newhome built in 2006, which includesliving quarters for Stacey’s grandmother,



for a reason. It makes you appreciateeverything; every little moment in lifethat you have, because no one knowswhat tomorrow will bring,” Stacey said.

Tom’s health is improving every day.“My kidney function is normal, andusually after a transplant it drops. Mylung pressure is normal. Everything iswithin normal range for an averageperson,” he said. Tom can now push-mow his backyard, as well as runup and down the stairs. He goes towork every day. He put up Christmaslights on their house last year, andwent on a cruise last summer. He alsocoaches a basketball team, and though

his favorite pastime used to be golf, hewould much rather spend the timewith his family now. “I like to say myfirst life was all about me and my second life is all about others,” he said.What used to be a call to Tanner everynight before going to bed, has nowbecome 9:00 p.m. bedside conversations.With a new understanding, Tomcherishes every time he hears his son,Trevor’s, personalized expressions oflove, which prove that big hearts runin the Jones family. “I love you to Marsand back,” Trevor said. To that his littlebrother Tristin added, “Daddy, I loveyou to the moon and back.”

Mimi; a master bedroom suite; anupstairs game room loft with bedroomsfor each of their three boys; a pool andvolleyball net in the backyard;Stacey’s collection of Willow Treeangels and a wall hanging that reads“Miracles Happen.”

They are so very grateful for all thepeople who stood by them spiritually,emotionally, physically and financially;who visited Tom in the hospital withmovies, prayers and for football games.“They were faithful beyond measure,”he said. About their struggles, “It’s allin God’s hands. Whatever we face, Godhas a plan for us and we’re facing that


M— By Diana Merrill Claussen


Damesof the Dance

fantastic performance.First there is Ruby who, “Designs

our costumes,” Mary said. Ruby is alsocalled the “bling lady” and definitelylives up to her name, for she is alwaysdazzling with ruby stones on almostevery finger. “We make a lot of tripsto Sam Moon (a wholesale supplier ofcostume jewelry located in Dallas)whenever we need bling,” Mary said. Sheis the animal lover of the group, andenjoys horseback riding and gardening.

Next is Jalayn. “I like sewing andcrafts and have a wonderful sewingroom in my house,” she said. Hersewing room is where the “girls” maketheir costumes. Getting together witheach other to dance, play or even makecostumes is always a fun experience forthe ladies. “We even have workdays tomake them ourselves,” said formerbaton twirler, Ruby.

The ladies are so much fun to bearound and really believe in the powerof laughter and even occasional teasing.The day Lou met the ladies of the SassySeniors it was at a service league meeting.“We had just started talking about danceand that is when they invited me to join,”Lou said. “I guess you could say I’ve beenstuck with them ever since,” she laughed.

From tap, jazz, show tune and ‘VivaLas Vegas’ style routines (with the bigheaddresses) to country line dancingand belly dancing, these lovely ladiesenjoy step-ball-changing to just aboutany type of dance routine. “We’ve evendone the hula, but thank goodness itwasn’t in public,” Jalayn said. “Thatwould really cost someone some moneyto see us do the hula,” Mary laughed.

“We always get calls asking if we arethe dancing grannies,” Ruby said.They also get asked to perform all overD/FW for events and charity functions.It all started a few years ago when, “Wedecided we wanted to help support thepolice and fire departments,” Marysaid. So they began performing dancerecitals in an effort to raise money forthese public agencies. “Our first yearhelping the police department weraised $1,000,” Mary added.

Since then, the ladies have beenunstoppable. “We’ve danced at partiesfor garden clubs, churches, senior adultgroups and private parties,” Lou said.

Many people do not posses the skillor grace to dance — especially when itcomes to choreographed dances. Thelocal Sassy Seniors Dance Troupe notonly performs all types of dance sets,they have a ball doing it. Besidesbeing the best of friends, Ruby Murray,Mary Favaron, Jalayn Helm and LouJones get together two times a week tolearn new routines and practice forupcoming performances.

With an average age of 70, thesedancers definitely do perform, andhave been known to tango their wayacross the broad spectrum of dances.The Sassy Seniors group was foundedfour years ago, and each one of thesefabulous ladies brings their own talentsand pizzazz to the troupe. The ladiesnot only enjoy the routines, they lovedressing for them! They spare noexpense when it comes to putting on a

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“We are a real surprise as dancing girlsfor an ‘over 50’ birthday party,” Maryadded. They dance their way into thehearts of their audiences. When watchingthe ladies perform, one just cannothelp but be inspired by their spunk.

Their contemporary flair, however,is sometimes “spiced” with song anddance from more nostalgic eras as well.The ladies are not only loved by theircommunity, but by their spouses.“Our husbands think we are sassy,”Jalayn said. They also, “attend ourperformances and have been really supportive of us,” Mary said. “They haveeven sold raffle tickets,” Ruby added.

The men in their lives know thatthe Sassys highly benefit from thetroupe and each other. “Dancing keepsall of us healthier and it’s fun,” Rubysaid. “I know others who are as old as Iam and they don’t get around as muchas we do.” Jalayn nodded and addedthat she especially loves the closenessof the group. Indeed, being a part ofthe group has many benefits and theladies say it has been great withimproving their coordination and circulation. “Having to remember theseries of steps has even helped improvemy concentration,” Mary said.

One of the ladies has a pacemakerwhile another has been diagnosed withParkinson’s disease. Both vow not tolet anything get in their way, especiallywhen it comes to staying active. Theircontinual laughter is key to keepingthese ladies fit and fabulous! “They area lot of fun,” dance teacher Cathy Harrissaid. “They are so cute with eachother, and they really take care of eachother, too. The crowds love them!”

“Well,” Ruby interjected, “like mygrandma used to say, ‘I want to wearout, not rust out,’ so that’s what we’regoing to do!”

The ladies can be found practicingat Dance Expressions in Red Oak andare always accepting new members totheir dance troupe.

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WWhen it comes to aggression, there is always an appropriate

time and place. Whether in the boxing ring or on a basketballcourt, aggression is the edge needed when it comes to justabout any form of competition. When hockey players getraucous on the ice, everyone radically jumps up and cheers.Such forms of excitement can be found in many likely places,and even unlikely places, too.

One such location is Dad’s Broadway Skateland in Mesquite,where every third Saturday night, teams of champions usespeed, agility and plenty of aggression to compete and rulethe rink. This happens, of course, right after these viciousathletes put on their wrist and mouth guards and helmets.Then they add layers of makeup and tighten up their ponytails!

Once their skate gear is in place, laces are drawn tight andvengeance is on their mind, Brandi Danger and KellieEdwards (aka Olive Illegal) of the Assassination City RollerDerby hit the rink with theirteammates, the DeadlyKennedys (DKs). Their goal isto snuff out their competitionby any means possible. WithOlive as the team’s captain, it is easy to see, these derbyathletes are out to win. BothOlive and Brandi started withthe derby under different circumstances.

“My husband is who foundout about the roller derbyonline,” Olive said. Since she joined, her three children andhusband can be seen cheering Olive on against her opponents.Both Brandi and Olive are considered to be the team’s“jammers.” “We score the points and get through the pack,”Olive said. The pack is any group of opponents, which consists of 10 players per pack. For example, the derby packsare comparable to a pack of wolves. Each member of thederby pack, “has a specific job to do,” Olive said. The object

of roller derby is for the teams to pass the opposing packs onthe rink using any means necessary.

Besides jammers, there are also blockers in the pack. Theblockers, “are sturdier players and hit harder,” Olive informed.

“But, you don’t have to be big to be ablocker, you just have to know where tohit a person. If you hit them in theircenter of gravity, that usually knocksthem off balance. So, you can hit youropponents thigh, and that will usuallysend them down,” she smiled.

Knocking out the competition isessentially the objective of each derbypack. “You are racing the opposingteam, and you get points for each person you pass,” Brandi said. “We’renice, but when we get on the track, it’s

another story.” Working at a law firm in downtown Dallas isBrandi’s profession, skating for the DKs is her obsession.Brandi got started with the sport after she saw a sign at therink for a women’s roller derby team. So she decided, “tobuy a pair of skates and see what I could do.” As the team’sco-captain she appreciates the opportunity to be involved insuch an exciting activity. “It’s great exercise, especiallywhen you’re pushing 40,” she said. Her two children enjoy

— By Diana Merrill Claussen


Devoted to

Danger

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watching their mom compete, and her5-year-old son, Bobby, races on theXlr8 inline speed skating team. “I usedto speed skate when I was younger,too,” she said.

“There are girls on our team whowill literally break their legs in halfand come back to skate,” Olive said.They also get a form of rink rash fromwhen they get pushed down and slideagainst the slick floor. Needless to say,“We are required to have primaryhealth insurance and skating insurance,”Brandi said.

Although the derby season does notstart until March, Olive and Brandipractice with their team twice a weekall year-round. “We are currentlyranked 41st place in the country out ofapproximately 350 leagues,” Olivesaid. The ladies said working togetheras a team is what has lead to the team’ssuccess. “There is also a lot of strategyinvolved,” Olive added. Competitionhowever is definitely the name of theroller derby game.

The fights are no longer staged likethey used to be. “Back in the old days,it was all fake,” Brandi said. “Since it’sa competitive sport, fights do happen.”This can lead to a player being ejectedfrom the game. “The actual skatingand hitting is all real,” Olive said.Maybe that is why roller derby hasbecome one of the fastest growingsports in America.

Although roller derby has rulesabout where players can hit and eventeaches the skaters how to fall, if therules get broken, “You will get fouledand sent to the penalty box,” Brandiinformed. Both Olive and Brandi agreethat derby skating is one of the mostextreme and rewarding sports forwomen today. “Our leagues are certifiedby the Women’s Flat Track RollerDerby Association and a percentage ofour merchandise and ticket sales goesto support the Dallas Women’sFoundation,” Brandi said.


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WWhen you tell a child they need to

study or practice, most of the timethey do the exact opposite. However,when you encourage a gift in someone’sheart, the heart is what usually wins.This philosophy is what local musicteacher Patrick DeZeeuw strives toimpart to his students.

Patrick first became interested inmusic when he was 8 years old. “Mymom used to drag me to concerts inCalifornia in the ’70s,” Patrick shared.“During the ‘Jesus People Movement’ Igot dragged to church. That is when Isaw the power of music.”

Patrick first began taking piano lessons; he then became fascinated with guitar playing. “My mom thenencouraged me to play the acousticguitar,” he said. Patrick can now pickup and play just about any type ofinstrument — from drums to banjos— and he has become a singer andsongwriter as well.

When Patrick first decided to train


his students in the musical arts, hebegan with the personal belief thateveryone has a song in their heartyearning to be expressed. The key, hefelt, was to focus on expressing itthrough positive music as opposed tonegative. “Music can express the negative stuff within our society,”Patrick said. “There is a place withinyourself where you can positivelyexpress your anger.”

Building upon this theory, Patrickbegan encouraging musical expressionthrough his music venture calledHarps of God. “One day there was alady in our church who approached meto teach her son guitar,” he said. “Sincethen, I have gone from instructing onestudent to many.” His students alsoinclude his own children: Zack, 13;Ariel, 10; and Zeke, 5. Ariel is the

— By Diana Merrill Claussen

MusicTheirHearts

most intense musician of the three.“It’s her passion,” mother Melinda said.

Whether Patrick is teaching his ownkids or his students, “He tells themnot to practice, only to play,” Melinda,also a former educator, said. “My wifeis who taught me how to be a goodteacher,” Patrick smiled. “She helpedme realize that each student learns differently.” Patrick teaches tablature,music reading and writing, takingcare to ensure each student is taughtin a way that caters to them as anindividual. “We simplify music so it’snot complicated,” he added.

Patrick feels that the primary benefitof music should be for the individualplaying. This methodology encourageshis students. “Music can be transcendent;it can breakdown and by-pass people’sdefense mechanisms,” he said. “We

in

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want the students to play the musicthat is inside of them. Practicing istedious and playing an instrument issomething that should be fun.” Patricktells his students their goal is simply toenjoy their music.

There is something mighty about anindividual delving into the experienceof positive self-expression. That is whyHarps of God gives private music lessons

in the evenings, and offers performanceswith their students every first Friday at Bubba-Que. “We also play benefitconcerts, perform at churches and playat nursing homes,” Patrick said.Regardless of where they play, “They[the students] are not playing forthemselves, they are playing for anaudience of one — God,” Patrick added.

“We teach Christian music, but listen to everything,” Patrick continued.As a parent and musician, he encourageshis students and their parents toexplore all types of music, as long as ithas a positive message. The DeZeeuw’swill sit down with their own children,listen and then analyze songs withthem. “We talk about it and discusswhat that song means to them,” hesaid. He allows his students to maketheir own decisions about songs whileimparting the belief that what goesinto their ears will reach their hearts.

To learn more about Harps of God,please visit their Web site atwww.harpsofgod.com or contact themat (972) 571-0018.

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a one-week camp before school starts. The audition includessinging, dancing, grades, behavior and teacher recommendation.“We use the same policies and guidelines and have the same expectations as other groups, such as the drill team,” Mechelleemphasized. “Learning the spring program begins as soon asthe students return from their Christmas break,” she continued.“We will compete as a show choir in San Antonio in April.”While they are there, the students will also go to Sea World.The group is currently raising $15,000 for that particulartrip. “I will have 15 chaperones,” Mechelle laughed, “becausewe spend two nights in San Antonio.”

“What kids don’t understand, but are beginning to learn,is that the music comes first,” Mechelle noted. “They have tobe smart kids to do show choir.” The group has also beeninvited to perform at the annual W.A. Wooden Elementaryformal tea, a big tradition for them. The group considers thisinvitation to be a great honor.

“This is a grant choir this year, so it is not mandatory thatthey be in a UIL [University Interscholastic League] choir,”Mechelle explained, “but next year when this group is fundedby the choir department, they will be required to also be in aUIL choir.” When asked what it takes to teach choir, Mechellesaid, “You need a degree in music education; it’s very difficultto be a successful choir teacher without being familiar withhow Texas UIL works. Texas is a premier state when it comesto choral music, because we have higher expectations than


MMechelle Foster loves her job as choir teacher at Red Oak

Junior High School. An aura of enthusiasm and acceptancesurrounds her as she greets students in the hall. “I have 180students in my choir program every day,” Mechelle said.“I’m very excited about this. When I came here five yearsago, there were 64 choir students total. I had only 12 studentsin my men’s choir, and there were only 22 girls in the varsitytreble choir. Now I have 33; it’s an auditioned group. Gradesare very important, too.”

“Bel Canto,” she continued, “had 30 girls my first year.Now that choir has 50 girls.” In the men’s choir, they talkabout what it is to be men of honor and integrity. These youngmen rise to the very high expectations on every occasion. “Oneof the most rewarding things for me,” Mechelle smiled, “iswhen boys come to my class thinking it is a sissy thing andleave thinking, No, it’s not.”

“I’m very proud of my students; they are wonderful,”Mechelle added. “I have a student leader in every class whois capable of leading the class if I am not here. They take greatpride in presenting a polished piece of work.”

Besides regular classroom choirs that meet every day,Mechelle leads Maroon Karizma, a group of 28 singers anddancers who practice from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. twice a week.The group has a choreographer, Michelle Loera, who has ason in the Maroon Karizma choir. She volunteers her time,as does high school student Olivia Slaughter.

Maroon Karizma is also known as the Show Choir. Theyperform for community and district events. “These presentationsare a combination of music and dance,” Mechelle explained,“and they’re a lot of hard work. In late November of lastyear, they spent an entire day learning four new pieces forthe Christmas show they presented at the Festival of Trees.”They also performed at the Christmas show held at their ownschool, as well as at two other schools within the district.

Each spring, students audition to be in Maroon Karizmathe following school year. Then the fall program is learned at

Building a

PremierProgram

— By Mary Pritchard

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other states. You need to be an outstanding musician and understandchoral music in your own right. I’mstill learning about choral music. Aseducators, we are always being educated.”

Mechelle also emphasized administrative skills. “To be an effectivedirector,” she said, “I must be highlyorganized. I keep a rigorous scheduleand work hard to ensure my studentsand parents are well informed and thatmy program is kept moving. My studentsreceive a detailed calendar and handbookat the first of the year.”

Perhaps most importantly, Mechellenoted a choir director must have a lovefor music and for the students. “I haveno favorites,” she said, “not even whenmy own children were here. When it’stime to play, we play, and when it’stime to work, we work, and we doboth on a regular basis.”

Another priority with Mechelle iscooperation with other teachers who havetheir own programs. “I do everything Ican to work with other groups in theschool, such as athletics, to not scheduleour events to conflict with theirs.” Shehas found it is important for studentsnot to have to choose.

“We have an outstanding choirteacher at the Red Oak High Schooland also at the Intermediate school,”Mechelle said. “The three of us areworking to build a premier choir program in this district.”


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David Cates and his granddaughter, top left, enjoyed a stroll in the park.Michael McClain, top center, played a game of catch. Students from theROHS theater department, top right, recently performed in a play.Local children, second row left center, attended a fun-filled birthdayparty. Kim and Anthony Sykora, second row right center, posed for aquick photograph. Kindergarten classes at Eastridge Elementary, bottom left, recently held an end of the nine weeks AcademicChampions Contest using the “Eggs-pert” voting eggs to answer questions. Gary Hamel, bottom center, fished for bass in Red Oak.Elizabeth Sierra, bottom right, took her dog out to the lake for a walkin the afternoon sunshine.

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1 small bell pepper, diced1 Tbsp. butter1 lb. Velveeta, cubed1 12-oz. can Ro-Tel1 small can milk1 12-oz. can cream of chicken soup1 rotisserie chicken, boned or 4 chicken breasts

cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces10-12 flour tortillas, torn into large pieces1-2 cups shredded cheese (I like Monterey Jack.)

In a saucepan, sauté onion and bell pepper in butteruntil tender. Add Velveeta, Ro-Tel, canned milk andchicken soup; stir until cheese is melted. When smooth,add diced chicken; mix well. In a 9 x 13-inch casseroledish sprayed with cooking spray, add a layer of flourtortillas. Pour 1/2 of chicken/sauce mixture (do notscrape the bottom of the pan). Repeat layers. Top witha layer of shredded cheese. Bake in a 350 F oven untilhot and bubbly.

CHARRO BEANS

1 pkg. dried pinto beanscumin, to tastesalt, to tastepepper, to tastegarlic powder, to taste

GREEN CHILE CASSEROLE

1 small onion, diced small1 small green bell pepper, diced small1 Tbsp. butter1 lb. ground beefsalt and pepper, to taste1 12-oz. can cream of mushroom soup1 8-oz. can chopped green chilies10 corn tortillas (approximately), cut into bite-sized

pieces1 12-oz. can green enchilada sauce1-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

In skillet, sauté onion and bell pepper in butter. Whenveggies are soft, add the beef. Brown completely,adding salt and pepper to taste; drain grease. Addcream of mushroom soup and chopped chilies. Spraycasserole dish with cooking spray. Layer corn tortillasand half of beef mixture. Spoon a thin layer of enchiladasauce on meat. Add one layer of cheese; repeat layers.Bake for about 30 minutes at 350 F or until hot andbubbly. For an added kick, I like to add a small can ofdiced jalapeños when I add the green chilies.

CHICKEN ENCHILADAS

1 small onion, diced

IN THE KITCHEN WITH LORALEI HOGGARD

LookWho’s

Cooking— By Faith Browning

Loralei and her husband, David, have their hands full rearing their four boys: Harrison, Grant, Preston and Gabriel, but they take the time to

make each son feel exceptional. Each week they try to have“special time” with each child. “On that night, the otherkids go to bed early, and the one who is being honored getsto choose any activity and snack he wants,” she explained.“It’s during that time we remind him how special he is andhow perfect he is for our family.”

When Loralei lived in Florida, she did not find a Mexicanfood restaurant she liked. “I started studying cookbooksbecause I didn’t know how to cook, and Hamburger Helperwas getting really old,” she recalled. “I discovered cookingwas something I really loved doing!”

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

1 small onion, minced1 14-oz can chili-style tomatoes1 bunch cilantro, chopped

Sort through beans, getting rid of broken beans andany rocks; rinse well. Place beans in 8-quart pot; cover with at least 4 inches of water. Bring to boil.Simmer for at least 5 hours. Stir often (this is how you get a thick, brown juice) and make sure beans donot settle and scorch. Replace small amount of wateras needed. When soft and brown, add seasonings.Taste until you get the flavor you want. Once seasoned,add onion, tomatoes and cilantro. Simmer for about 1more hour.

GUACAMOLE

avocados (roughly 1/2 per person)1 onion, minced1 fresh tomato, seeded, chopped small1 bunch fresh cilantro, stems removed, chopped smalllime (1/2 to 1 per avocado)salt and pepper, to tastedash of garlic powderdash of hot pepper sauce (I like Cholula.)

Remove skin and pit from avocado. Roughly mash with afork. Add all other ingredients. Mix well. Serve with chips.

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T


Thirty-nine percent of Texans feelanxious and scared about recent economic conditions, according to arecent survey. A third of those surveyedalso feel they can never afford to completely stop working.

The survey, conducted nationallyand in Texas during Wall Street’s earlyturbulence, provides insight into theminds of middle-income Americansduring this uncertain time. With risingfood costs, rising unemployment rates

and the stock market crisis — somemight be tempted to dip into retirementsavings or stop saving altogether. Butaccording to the survey, Lone Star residents are riding out the economicstorm, staying the course when itcomes to retirement planning. Close to90 percent surveyed say they are stillnot changing the way they invest forretirement, despite their concerns.

It is encouraging that many Texansare not letting the downward economydivert them from sticking to soundlong-term plans about preparing andsaving for retirement. Part of this maybe attributed to Texans identifyingthemselves in the survey as planners intheir everyday lives whether they arejust taking a trip to the store or goingon vacation.

According to the survey, 72 percentof Texans shop for groceries with a list,compared to 62 percent nationally; 84 percent book hotels in advance,compared to 74 percent nationally, andonly five percent characterize themselvesas very spontaneous, compared to 11percent nationally.

However, while the survey foundTexans are typically ahead of thenation as far as retirement savings,there are still concerns. Forty-five

percent of surveyed Texans have notestablished a goal for when they wantto retire, compared to 35 percentnationally. More than 40 percent havenot tried to figure out how muchmoney they will need to achieveretirement goals, compared to 47 percent nationally.

Many are still struggling to covertheir daily expenses, so it may betough to think realistically about thefuture. It is important, however, forpeople to remain engaged in retirementplanning. People are now living 20,30, even 40 years without a paycheckduring retirement. While saving nowmay seem problematic with the current economic situation, there areproducts that allow customers to stayinvested while receiving a guaranteedstream of income.

For those who have saved a little, alot, or have not even started, there arevaluable tools and resources availablethat are easily accessible, includingtips on how to save for retirement.Your financial advisor can assist you indeveloping a retirement savings planthat is right for you.

Nickie Weyrauch is an Allstate exclusive agent based in Red Oak.

— By Nickie Weyrauch

Thirty-nine Percentof Texans Feel“Anxious or

Scared” AboutEconomic Issues

Thirty-three Percent Feel They Can Never Afford to

Completely Stop Working, New Survey Says

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


Every MondayCelebrate Recovery meeting, First Baptist Church,103 West Red Oak Rd. (972) 617-3591.www.redoakcelebraterecovery.com.

Second and Fourth MondaysTexas Ladies Networking meeting: 11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m.,Ryan’s Grill, Waxahachie. (214) 587-1221.

Tuesdays and ThursdaysAlcoholics Anonymous meeting: 7:00 p.m., First UnitedMethodist Church, 600 Red Oak Rd. Non-smoking.(972) 617-9100.

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

Every WednesdayFamily Story Time: 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Red Oak PublicLibrary, 200 Lakeview Pkwy. (469) 218-1230.www.redoakpubliclibrary.org.

Wednesdays and ThursdaysSenior Citizens Club meeting: 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., 207West Red Oak Rd. Games, exercise and activities.(972) 576-2777.

First and Third ThursdaySenior Citizens’ Lunch. Must pre-register no later thanthe Tuesday before luncheon. $5 for non-resident

seniors. Call Jennifer to register at (972) 576-3414.

Third ThursdayAmerican Business Women’s Association meeting.www.abwa-empoweringwomen.org.

Every ThursdayLadies Prayer meeting: Education Building Room E105,Oaks Fellowship Church, 777 S. I-35 E.

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

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

First FridayWorship Jam: 6:30 p.m., Bubba Que BBQ’s front porch.

February 1Family Dancing Center Grand Opening: 588 Bluebird Ln.(469) 230-2278.

DeSoto Art League honors Black History Month. For moreinformation regarding this exhibit, visit www.desotoartleague.com.

February 5Midlothian Classic Car Club meeting: 7:00 p.m., CNBBank 9th St., Midlothian. Contact Joe at (214) 587-1643.

www.midlothianclassicwheels.com.

February 6-8The Gingerbread Annual Chili Cook-off and Barn Dancewill be held at the Ellis County Expo Center. The eventfeatures three days of CASI-sanctioned chili cook-offs,celebrity mechanical bull riding, a dance and prime ribdinner Saturday evening. For sponsorship information,tickets, table reservations, donations and volunteeropportunities, call (972) 937-1870.

February 13 Parent’s Night Out: 6:00-10:00 p.m., First UnitedMethodist Church. Parents can have a relaxingValentine’s Dinner alone while we provide child care.Children ages 6 weeks and up are welcome. CallElizabeth at (214) 733-3009.

February 14Valentine’s Day.

February 21Mr. and Mrs. Red Oak pageant: 7:00-10:00 p.m., Red Oakhigh school cafeteria, 154 Louise Ritter Blvd.(972) 617-3535.

March 6World Day of Prayer: Sanctuary open 6:00-9:00 a.m., FirstUnited Methodist, 600 W. Red Oak Rd. (972) 617-9100.

February 2009 Community Calendar

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