FREE ISSUE
A wellness resource guide for the Kaufman County region.
Forging Forward In a shop in College Mound, Odie Dean makes sought-after knives by hand.
Church plants a seed Community garden harkens to the days of World War Two Victory Gardens.
Numbers to
Names
Long forgotten patients of the Terrell State Hospital have been brought back to life thanks to the exhaustive research of a group of caring individuals.
Spring 2016/Vol. 6 Issue 1 www.kaufmancountylife.com
From the Publisher
Life
a slice of
The world just seems to come back to life in the spring
Spring is a time of renewal, and nowhere could that be more evident than the new community garden planted by the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Terrell. Join Gary Lindsley in a walk through the garden and the ways it is benefitting our community. Renewal is also the theme for Gary’s piece on the new Serenity Church that is forming in Terrell. Read the story of one man’s journey toward renewal and how it is transforming a community.
works at a bank by day but in the kitchen by night. What’s therapy for Jennifer Looney can be pretty therapeutic for those lucky enough to taste her wares as well.
Character Counts Kiwanis Club of Terrell has long been involved with youth. But with the K Kids, it’s the elementary-age kids who have
taken the lead in raising funds for the worldwide project to eliminate neonatal tetanus. They are saving thousands of lives, as you’ll learn in our Character Counts feature. Folks in the College Mound area likely know of the talents of Odie Dean. His handmade knives, from forging the steel to carving the handles, are sought after collectibles. See Travis Detherage’s look inside the craftsman’s shop. Be sure to check out the Shopping Around items for unique shopping experiences in Kaufman County, and take a look at medical providers that have included their information in this month’s Kaufman County Life. It’s springtime in Texas. Enjoy. — Phil Major, Publisher
Cover Feature For everything there is a season, including a time to die. For those interred at Wildwood Cemetery, in a remote location behind the Terrell State Hospital, for many years they were all but forgotten, the 3,500 graves marked only by numbers. By a group of dedicated volunteers is nearing completion of a near 20-year project that will mark all the graves with a name, year or date of birth and date of death. Their research has already paid dividends for some families and will remain a genealogy treasure trove for years to come. They hope to get the remaining grave markers ordered and placed this year.
Cook’s Corner Our cooking feature takes a look at a lady from Forney who
4954 Space Center Dr. | San Antonio, TX 78218 210.804.0390 | www.shweiki.com
www.kaufmancountylife.com
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Table of Contents Volume 6 Issue 1 | Spring 2016
Numbers
Publisher & Editor Phil Major
Contributing Writers Travis Detherage Gary E. Lindsley Phil Major
Photography Travis Detherage Gary E. Lindsley Phil Major
Creative Editor & Layout Erika Dorsey
Ad Design Patrick Brown
Advertising Sales Patty Barringer Monica Lewis Phil Major
Contact publisher@terrelltribune.com 150 Ninth Street, Terrell, TX 75160 972-563-6476
Cook’s Corner What some consider work in the kitchen, Jennifer Looney finds a great way to wind down from her busy day.
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Kaufman County Life assumes no responsibility for the content of articles or advertisements, in that the views expressed therein may not reflect the views of the publisher, employees or contributors. This publication and all of its contents are copyrighted.
Cover photo by Phil Major 4
KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE | SPRING 2016
6.
14.
Forging Forward
Plant a Seed and They Will Come
Beautiful forged steel and handcarved handles make Odie Dean’s knives much sought after.
A community gardens blooms at the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church.
to
Names Once known only by a number, former residents of the Terrell State Hospital buried in Wildwood Cemetery now have their graves marked with their name and dates.
10. Shopping A ROUND T OWN
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Wellness Guide and Medical Directory
Character Counts
Kaufman County Life is proud to present the annual wellness guide for the Kaufman County region. Be sure to keep this guide as a year long reference.
The children of the K Kids Clubs sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Terrell are saving lives around the world.
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Take a look at some of the unique shopping experiences offered in the area.
35. Scene & Heard The Terrell Chamber of Commerce is gearing for the community’s big event, Heritage Jubilee. And find out about important transportation services offered by Star Transit. www.kaufmancountylife.com
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Forging
forward
Odie Dean with some of the knives that he made in his workshop in College Mound.
Story and Photos by
Travis Detherage
For 35 years, Odie Dean has been making knives by hand in College Mound.
N
Dean has collected pictures of some of the construction projects he worked on as a construction superintendent including helping construct the Ballpark in Arlington.
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KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE | SPRING 2016
estled deep in the small community of College Mound is a workshop that is home to one of the area’s best knife makers, Odie Dean. Dean is 81-years-old and has a workshop the size of house that is filled with several tools that he has had since 1979. Dean makes and sells his knives from that workshop located just outside his home. For 35 years, Dean has been making knives from scratch and said he has made nearly 1,500 knives — small, medium and large. Dean said a man talked him in to making knives in the late 1970s, and he started reading books about how to make knives. Dean retired as a construc-
tion superintendent after 40 years working for Manhattan Construction. He helped construct the Ballpark in Arlington where the Texas Rangers play. Dean, some of his family members and everyone who constructed the stadium have their named engraved at the Ballpark. Dean was also wanted to help construct AT&T Stadium in Arlington where the Dallas Cowboys play, but he was in retirement. Whenever Dean had time off from being a construction worker, he would try different methods of forging from the books he read. Dean made his first forge out of an old truck wheel, and
Kaufman County Life | Feature Volume 6 Issue 1 | Spring 2016
his first blower was from a hair-dryer. “I was telling my wife that half of these authors don’t know what they’re talking about because the steel wasn’t acting the way they said it would. That’s when I decided to start buying tool steel so I would know the exact chemical content,” Dean said. “Everything started working and I just took it from there and went on in to making the handles.” The knife making process takes about 40 hours. Dean starts with a piece of steel, then he puts it through a propane forge or a cold forge to make the knife. He mainly uses the propane forge because it’s a lot quicker and a lot cleaner to use. Dean buys tool steel from a steel supply store in Arlington that he uses to make knives. “That way I know what the exact chemical content of that steel is. When I started 30 to 35 years ago, I made knives from whatever kinds of steel I could find like from old car spring steel. They make good steel but it wasn’t constant and it wouldn’t come out the same. I wanted to have a baseline and a benchmark to go by so I started buying the tool steel,” Dean said. Dean said he forges the knife until it’s 90 percent completed, then he polishes and cleans the knife. Then he heat-treats the knife in an oven. “I’ll take the knives up to critical temperature which is between 1,300 to 1,500 degrees and let it hold for 20 minutes, then I take it out of the heat and put it right in the oil and that hardens it,” Dean said. Then Dean cleans the knife after it’s been hardened, and he takes a file knife to check to see if the knife he made is hard and isn’t brittle.
“The church gets some good out of it and we get a little satisfaction knowing that people like the knives.” — Odie Dean After Dean heat-treats the knife, he grinds the knives into shape with a belt grinder. Then he fits the knife and puts it on a handle. Dean has many types of designs for a knife handle like axis deer, water buffalo, African blackwood, olive, bocote, macassar ebony, bois d ‘arc, rosewood, padauk and desert ironwood.
These are some of the knives that Dean has made.
Dean also makes the knife handles and knife sheaths.
Dean handcrafts the handles and the knife sheath as well. Dean said that when he makes knives, he wants the buyers to be as proud of the knife as he is. “I don’t like to have my feelings hurt so I try to make it as good a product as I can. I enjoy it when people tell me that they like my knife,” Dean said. Dean said he tries to make a different style of knife every time he makes one. Dean also has people come by his house with a picture or a drawing of how they want their knives to look. Dean has a neighbor that has bought 70 to 80 of his knives. Dean also donates his knives to the College Mound Methodist Church for their annual fall www.kaufmancountylife.com
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Kaufman County Life | Feature Volume 6 Issue 1 | Spring 2016
fundraiser. “The church gets some good out of it and we get a little satisfaction knowing that people like the knives,” Dean said. When the College Mound Methodist Church was having an auction for Dean’s knives, two men were having a bidding war for one, and one of the men gave a top bid of $4,100. One year, Dean didn’t have any knives made for the College Mound Methodist Church auction after a man bought all of them. Most of his knife buyers live in the area, but Dean has sold quite a few in Oklahoma due to him having family living there who tell people about Dean’s knives. The President and the Governor of the Chickasaw Native American tribe are each owners of a Dean knife. Dean also made a knife for Allie Reynolds who was a pitcher for the New York Yankees and is inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. The knife is placed in Reynolds’ display at the hall of fame in Oklahoma City.
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KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE | SPRING 2016
www.kaufmancountylife.com
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Kaufman County Life | Feature Volume 6 Issue 1 | Spring 2016
Numbers to
Names
A piece of long-lost history has been revived thanks to the painstaking efforts of a group of local volunteers.
An old hand-numbered map was the first clue to helping identify the graves of persons buried in Wildwood Cemetery at Terrell State Hospital. 10
KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE | SPRING 2016
Story and Photos by
Phil Major
Kaufman County Life | Feature Volume 6 Issue 1 | Spring 2016
A
lthough more than 3,500 people are buried in Terrell State Hospital’s Wildwood Cemetery, their graves — dating to 1885 — were marked only by a number until the last two decades. Almost 20 years ago an exhaustive research project began to match the numbers with names kept in handwritten death logs. A committee of volunteers had to comb through the records and try to match names to the numbered plots. Some of those records were brittle and required great care. The hospital’s first burial occurred in 1885, shortly after the hospital opened.’ Though the cemetery is rarely used now, burials were regular in the early days. Most of those interred were patients at the hospital, which attracted not only those suffering from what would be classified today as mental illnesses, but other maladies as well that were linked with behaviors now known to have other causes, such as epilepsy. It also treated tuberculosis patients for a time. Several former employees are also interred there. The cemetery sits on a peaceful hillside northeast of the main grounds of the hospital. Thanks to the project, known as “Restoring Dignity From Numbers to Names,” Wildwood is surrounded by a decorative wrought iron fence, which replaced barbed wire. And there are only about 130 graves that still need markers to complete the project. Those gravestones are purchased through the efforts of the hospital’s Volunteer Services Council.
The gate at Wildwood Cemetery and iron fence welcome visitors where barbed wire once stood.
Community Relations Representative Sheila Kunick said upcoming fundraising efforts will put completion of the massive project in sight — hopefully by the fall. A drawing for an afghan May 27 will benefit the project.
The markers cost $70 apiece, so the council is within about $9,000 of its goal. An old handmade map of the cemetery gave the volunteers their start. Each burial plot is marked by its number on the map. Early on the graves were
“I want to honor all of these people. We care enough now to know that they were a person and we love them.” — Janie Bishop www.kaufmancountylife.com
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Kaufman County Life | Feature Volume 6 Issue 1 | Spring 2016
On the hospital’s 100th anniversary, a state historical marker was erected at Wildwood.
laid out in rows of 50. The volunteers had to gain state permission to delve into the death logs and try to match each numbered stone with a record. From that, each grave was identified by name, birth year and date of death. Birth dates were also noted when available, though with many of the early records, only the birth year is known. Scattered across the cemetery are a few dozen actual headstones, placed there by family members — some at the time of burial, and others by relatives who discovered their family connection later on. As Kunick explained, the stigma of mental illness in the hospital’s early days (it was 12
KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE | SPRING 2016
actually called an insane or lunatic asylum) was such that family members might have been told that their loved one had died, when in fact they lived at the hospital for years, even decades, before their death on site. If no family was known, or did not claim the deceased, a burial was held at Wildwood. Kunick noted that, at least for modern day burials, a full funeral service is held. And every other year the hospital hosts a memorial
service at the cemetery. The next one will be later this year. In addition to the patients, some longtime hospital employees have chosen to be buried at Wildwood. Among the more unusual burials are two Confederate veterans of the Civil War and a set of twins — born to a patient — who died within days of their birth. A special set of markers was put on their graves, and they are also memorialized on one of the panels of the wrought iron
“To the best of our knowledge we have them all matched up.”
— Janie Bishop
fence. That fence project was begun in 2008. There is also a separately fenced area within Wildwood set aside for those of the Jewish faith, in keeping with Jewish custom. It holds about 10 graves. As with all cemeteries in Texas, Wildwood is open to the public. But due to its remote location behind a state hospital, visits outside regular business hours should be coordinated with hospital staff. The area between the hospital and the cemetery was once a working farm, as the facility was self-sufficient. Patients and staff worked the fields, and staff members would live on site. The hospital also retains a data base of Wildwood’s burials for those wanting to do family research. The hospital’s grounds crew maintains the cemetery. The markers are ground-level to facilitate mowing, although the shifting soil requires constant resetting of stones. Those old numbered stones, roughly the shape a brick, were made on site and stamped with the number.
Janie Bishop, Anne Davidson and Peggy Nadolski have been instrumental in getting the Numbers to Names project completed.
To mark the hospital’s 100th anniversary, an historical marker was erected just outside the Wildwood gate in 1985.
Tucked in a corner of Wildwood is a separate Jewish Cemetery with about 10 graves.
Among the volunteers who have made this project possible are Janie Bishop, Anne Davidson and Peggy Nadolski, and in earlier years, Sarah Kegerreis. Bishop became involved after moving to Terrell from South Texas and hearing Davidson give a program on the project. She volunteered and began helping with the sometimes laborious research, which was completed around 2008. “To the best of our knowledge we have them all matched up,” Bishop said. Though the cemetery plots are numbered, marker number one was not the first burial, adding another twist to the research. See NAMES, Continued on pg. 28 www.kaufmancountylife.com
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Candice Boswell, and her children, Elini and Fender, work together in planting vegetables in the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church community garden.
Plant a seed and they will come Giving the community a means and opportunity to grow.
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hat began as a seed in one’s mind has germinated into a garden surrounded by a white picket fence on College Street. Like in the movie, “Field of Dreams,” build it and they will come truly does work — just ask Diana Freeman, who is pastor at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church. Freeman said when the congregation agreed to buy a lot for future use a couple of properties away from the church, it decided to use the
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KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE | SPRING 2016
Story and Photos by
lot right away. Church leaders decided to create a garden that would be open to the community, especially for those without land for planting vegetables. It would also benefit people for whom it is difficult to build a garden. “While Terrell has its share of stately historical homes, it is also a community whose demographics include a disproportionate share of citizens who fall in lower income brackets, and in many cases,
Gary E. Lindsley
extreme poverty,” Freeman said. The church’s leadership believed a community garden would give people the means and opportunity to grow their own fruits and vegetables to put on their families’ tables.
“ There is so much positive that will come from something so simple.” — Candice Boswell
Kaufman County Life | KCL Charm Volume 6 Issue 1 | Spring 2016
Church officials applied for and the church was awarded a $5,000 grant in April 2015 to help pay a portion of the start-up costs. The lack of money hampered construction while the church raised more for completing the garden. The garden was ready by mid-September, a little late for fall planting. “We did have a church member plant one bed with fall cabbages and we planted a neighborhood herb garden in another bed,” Freeman said. And a couple was so excited by the project that it donated a “Little Free Library.” Freeman said people may take books from inside the box and replace them with ones they have read. To get the project “off” the ground, permits had to be obtained for the fence and a sign; and a hose and water tap were installed in the garden. Part of the inspiration for the community garden was
Fender Boswell waters cabbages.
Freeman’s own childhood. Her mother fed her four children year round from the fruits and labors of planting, working and harvesting a garden. Another influence was World War II, specifically the Victory Gardens that included vegetables, fruit and herbs. People were urged to plant gardens at their homes and public parks not only in the United States but in the Allied countries as well. The Victory Gardens were used — coupled with rationing stamps and cards — to reduce pressure on each country’s food supply, according to Freeman. While that may have been the intent of the gardens, there also was another benefit. People felt empowered and their morale subsequently was boosted as they joined as friends and made gardening a part of their daily lives during the war. Freeman said the church’s community garden is like a victory garden.
“We at Good Shepherd envision it as a way for you to be able to grow your own food when faced with the pressures of limited space, income or a variety of personal needs,” she said. “It is good for kids because they can see things growing,” Freeman said. “It also brings different people together,” Freeman said. “We are small, but we are just starting out. “We are so excited about this opportunity to open this garden as a gift to our community,” she said. Freeman said beds are free but may be rented by donations. And a family recently took time out to work the garden. Elini Boswell, 6, and Fender Boswell, 9, joined their mother, Candice, to water the cabbages, as well as to plant herbs, tomatoes and peppers. Elini and Fender dug holes in potting containers and Elini dropped the plants inside before Fender covered them. Of course, mom Candice also was helping. “We are thrilled to help get the community garden started,” Candice Boswell said. “There is so much positive that will come from something so simple. “I am excited about how it will help teach the kids patience in waiting for the plants to grow; knowledge about where some of their food comes from; and how much effort it takes to produce,” she said. “I am excited that it gives us a chance to be outside together, give back a little bit to nature, and hopefully, eat a little bit more healthy too.” For more information about the garden, call 972-563-2412.” www.kaufmancountylife.com
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Kaufman County Life | KCL Charm
Shopping nd Arou
Volume 6 Issue 1 | Spring 2016
Spring has sprung at The Front Porch!
Te r r e l l
Warmer weather signals a new beginning. Flowers are beginning to bloom and trees are putting out leaves. Shop with us for the new looks of Spring! We also are an important for the Easter Bunny. We carry South Bend Chocolate caramel corn, chocolate turtles, fudge eggs, Cotton Tails and almond chocolate covered Easter eggs.
CIT Y LIM IT POP 163 47
The Front Porch 304 N. Catherine St. | Terrell, Texas 469-474-7888 | Like us on Facebook!
Find something old, something new Beautiful Antiques from Charleston, SC. These Antiques are over the top, full of elegance and charm. Hours are Tue. – Fri. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., closed Sun. and Mon. Offering Funky Junk Painting Classes once a month, Sat. at 12 p.m. Bring a piece of furniture and the staff will help you bring it to life. We sell Junk Gypsy Chalk and Clay Paint. Private Parties are available at your location with a minimum of 5 guests.
Antiques & Collectibles 1739 N. Frances St. | Terrell, Texas | 843-460-0420 Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest!
ShoppingAround Your favorite Country Store Located in Southeastern Kaufman County near Cedar Creek Lake, come by and pick up a sandwich, snack, or sweet treat! Then look around at the variety of goods we have! Including: Deli Meats ~ Breads ~ Muffins ~ Cookies ~ Pies ~ Baking Supplies ~ Sandwiches ~ Jams ~ Fruit Butter ~ Pickles ~ Cheeses ~ No-Sugar Added Items We also have a Variety Corner that includes: Christian Literature & Music ~ Leanin’ Tree Greeting Cards ~ Fabric & Notions ~ Texas Souvenirs ~ Cookbooks ~ Hand made soaps and lotions
Heritage Market & Bakery 109A State Hwy 274 | Kemp, Texas | 903-498-3366 16
KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE | SPRING 2016
Shopping Relax • Savor • Connect Around
CIT Y LIM IT
K AUFMA N POP 692 2
• Open at night for special meetings by reservation. • Open Mike night on Thurs. by appointment. • Half-price for Senior Citizens • We now serve homemade bakery items. • We are here to serve you: Brianna Smith, Linda Rankin, Lori Cox, Carol Hughes, Elizabeth Nelson, Dick Murphy and Matt Pugh
Side Street Coffee Mon. – Fri., 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sat., 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Closed Sun. 209 N. Washington Street Kaufman, Texas | 972-957-7033
Spring into style at Daisy's!
Spring gifts and more, just for you!
Fresh feminine colors and soft white naturals will have you ready for the season!
Daisy’s 105 W. Mulberry St. Kaufman, Texas 972-962-3810 daisysdressshoppe.com
Ke m p
Located on the square in downtown Kaufman in the Historic First National Bank Building. Offering an array of soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts. The Tea Room serves lunch from 11 am - 2 pm Monday through Saturday and is perfect for special events. The gift shop offers candles, baby items, jewelry, home decor and now Tea Forte´ is available. Gift shop hours are 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Especially for You Gift Shop & Tea Room 100 West Grove | Kaufman, Texas 972-932-4274 | www.especiallyforyoutearoom.com
CITY LIMIT POP 1199
The hottest tan in town! Hotties Tan & More supplies the Cedar Creek Lake and surrounding areas with the most technologically advanced, state of the art equipment available. We have 6 different levels of tanning and a knowledgeable staff that understands that everyone has unique qualities in their skin. Our offers include spray tanning with top-of-the line sunless airbrush solutions from Norvell. Including the new Venetian spray to give you that just off the beach tan every time! We also have a new line of candles and car air fresheners, spirit mums and much more! Business hours are Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. – 10 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Hotties Tanning Salon & More 101 State Hwy 274 Ste. 1 | Kemp, Texas | 903-498-8990 www.kaufmancountylife.com
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From left to right, Don Ledbetter and Julio Torres stand in front of their new church, Serenity Church of Terrell at the intersection of Grove and Rockwall streets.
d o G g n i d n i F k c o r r e aft ttom bo Story and Photos by
J
ulio Torres had been thrown out of his home — and to top it off, his son was afraid of him. Torres had finally found his rock bottom. He was living behind a gas station in the Mesquite area and was desperately trying to find a way to turn his life around. “I told God, ‘This can’t be what you want for me,’” Torres said. Torres, you see, spent some time in California where he was a well-known drug dealer before moving to Terrell four years ago. He also was known to the Terrell Police Department as being a drug dealer, and eventually, a user.
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KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE | SPRING 2016
Torres believed being a drug dealer was turning his life upside down so he eventually segued to being a drug user. That led to more problems because he lost his income as a drug dealer. “I got tired of it,” he said. So as the despair was mounting, Torres was praying to God, seeking his help while sitting under a bridge near Bob Town Boulevard. That was when he found a book. “I asked God to show me a sign,” he said. “I looked at the book and it was embossed with Julio Torres. I came back to Terrell and told the devil, ‘I’m done with you.’”
Gary E. Lindsley
The book? It is called, “The Resolution for Men,” written by Alex Kendrick, Randy Alcorn and Stephen Kendrick. It is a small-group study for men containing 12 commitments related to characteristics for men of God to pursue. They include responsibility, faithfulness, honor, justice, forgiveness, integrity and courage.
“I asked God to show me a sign. I looked at the book and it was embossed with Julio Torres.” — Julio Torres
Kaufman County Life | KCL Charm Volume 6 Issue 1 | Spring 2016
members. Torres began to understand after learning of Ledbetter’s pain of having an addicted family member. “Don understands a father’s pain,” Torres said. “I realized my son’s pain in having a drug dealer for a father. He can see what drugs do to people. “My son and I now have the best relationship,” he said. “My son said he wants to get baptized like me. “How many children on the south side [of Terrell] want a father to follow?” Torres asked, knowing the answer is too many. “Right now, I can be a father to my son.” Julio Torres holds a copy of the book, “Resolution for Men,” that started him on his path to recovery.
The Resolution Bible study walks people through 12 challenges, identifying their Biblical roots and outlining how to live out each godly principle in real life. Torres believes it was God showing him the book — with his name already embossed on the front cover —helping him after he had finally reached his rock bottom. People with addictions usually hit rock bottom, and Torres knew he had reached his and he needed a way to save himself and find his way back to his family, including his son. “Then I met Don [Ledbetter],” Torres said. “That day I wanted to quit and I went to three churches. I wanted to go to recovery.” He said he was shown the door at each one. “They don’t understand the addict,” Torres said. Ledbetter said addicts usually do not understand the pain they are causing family
Serenity Church in Dallas about 10 years ago. There now are locations on a Navajo reservation, in Longview, The Colony and even in Seoul, South Korea. One is also being created in Nashville, Tenn. Serenity Church is a mission church designed to reach the 12-step community. That is why Ledbetter and Torres chose the Grove and Rockwall streets location — to reach out to a population that otherwise may not go to a typical house of worship. Featherston said AA and NA do not identify a higher power.
“The day I told the devil to leave, God save me, there was no searching for Christ. He was already there. The only thing that exited my body was the devil, the addictions.” — Julio Torres While searching for a church to accept him, Torres ventured into the First Assembly of God. At the end of a Sunday service, he went up to the altar and said he wanted to join. Greeting him was Jeremy Cox, the youth and associate pastor. That was the beginning of Torres turning his life around. And Torres and Ledbetter have teamed up to start the Serenity Church of Terrell at the corner of Grove and Rockwall streets. On one exterior wall is the Serenity Prayer while Bible verses such as Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel and John 8:12 straight out of darkness are on the main wall. John Featherston started the
“But recovery does not happen without a higher power,” he said. “So Serenity Church was created to bring the sweet parts of church to the recovery programs. “We understand their struggle,” Featherston said. “We
The “Serenity Prayer” is one of the passages painted on the outside of the new church facility.
See SERENITY, Continued on pg. 33 www.kaufmancountylife.com
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Kaufman County Life
Wellness Guide and Medical Directory
V l me 6 Issue Volu Volume Issue 1 | Spring Spriing Spr g 201 2016 6
Charting Wellness for Kaufman County and Abroad
Keep you and your loved ones healthy this year with the help of our annual wellness guide. Local resources are listed by category and are available for most
MEDICAL DOCTORS
MOBILITY
of the medical needs in Kaufman County and Rockwall.
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KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE | SPRING 2016
Wellness Guide and Medical Directory
CHIROPRACTIC
Johnson Chiropractic Dr. E. Darlene “Doc” Johnson has been serving folks around the Terrell area since 1987 at Johnson Chiropractic and Health Center. They are located at 1409 W. Moore Ave. Johnson Chiropractic has a fully-equipped Health Center and is ready to accept both appointment and walk-in patients. Doc enjoys meeting all her current and new patients on a weekly basis, Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. and Friday from 8-1. Phone number is (972) 563-1557. Doc has been in practice in Terrell for almost 30 years and has won Terrell’s Best Chiropractor for 20 of those years. Doc and her staff look forward to serving you and hope you are in good health. Doc can certainly help you stay in good health with
many avenues for treating what might ail you.
• Relief from acute and chronic pain or injuries
Chiropractic Health is described as a drug-free wellness routine that can greatly benefit you and your family from the very young to the older seniors. Chiropractic care is constantly evolving and has these benefits:
A chiropractic doctor can and will promote ongoing wellness by improving overall spine and joint function which results in a more active lifestyle. With regular appointments for adjustments, Doctor Johnson offers a measure of preventative health benefits that keeps a body balanced. Everyone in your family and your friends from growing children to active seniors can benefit from regular chiropractic care from Doc.
• Improved nerve communication in the body as a whole • Improved joint motion and coordination, • Improved physical function and performance • Improved posture and balance • Relief from back and neck pain • Relief from leg, knee, foot, arm, wrist and other aches and pains • Relief from stress, anxiety and tension disorders • Relief from joint discomfort and other joint diseases such as arthritis
Hope to see you soon and re-visit or meet Doctor ‘Doc’ Johnson as soon as you are ready for a great experience in natural healthcare for your mind and body with the various tools at her disposal. Call today and make an appointment, and walk-ins are welcome as well. Here is to your great health…. www.kaufmancountylife.com
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DENTISTRY
Wellness Guide and Medical Directory
Bright Smiles Dental Clinic Terrell’s Bright Smiles Dental Clinic has announced the addition of Dr. Bethany Joseph, D.D.S., to the staff. She is a recent graduate of the school of dentistry at Louisiana State University New Orleans. Dr. Joseph says becoming a dentist fulfills her desire to both help people and to build upon her love and passion for science. She grew up in New Iberia, La., and did her undergraduate studies at Centenary College in Shreveport, where she majored in biology and minored in business. “One of the things I want to do is help educate people on oral health and help them prevent problems down the road,” Joseph said. At Bright Smiles she is an associate of Dr. Gwendolyn Kines McLeod. The Bright Smiles offices are located at 401 N. Ann Street, in Terrell. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays. For more information or to make an appointment, call 972-524-1048.
Dr. Alan Nix, D.D.S The dental offices of Dr. Alan L. Nix are ready to put years of experience and the latest in techniques to work for residents of Kaufman County and the surrounding area. Dr. Nix strongly believes in giving back to the community and one way he has done that is by becoming a dentist. He grew up in Dallas and graduated from the University of Texas Dental School in San Antonio in 1979. Dr. Nix continues to give back to his community and is actively involved with Boy Scouts of America. Being an Eagle Scout himself, he knows the value of Scouting, which teaches youngsters how to survive, be leaders and stresses the importance of honesty. Honesty is very much a part of Nix’s dental practice. He treats every patient as if he or she were a member of his family. “I always address the three things that keep people from coming to the dentist,” Nix said. They are money, fear, and time. The office has flexible hours, offers sedation dentistry, and provides simple, affordable financing. For more information visit: dralannix.com; or call 972-563-7633. 22
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Wellness Guide and Medical Directory
DENTISTRY
Dr. Gwendolyn Kines-McLeod, D.D.S. Dr. Kines-McLeod opened her own dental practice in July 2005. She is a graduate of Terrell High School who attended Trinity Valley Community College before earning her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University Commerce. She graduated from Baylor University College of Dentistry and returned to her hometown to open her practice.
doctor, employer and friend. “She does not do these things for recognition, she simply does them to make this town a better place,” Amber says. “I am proud to work for her and help promote her and her business.”
Another associate and sister in law, Amber Kines, cited Gwendolyn’s numerous community activities and her caring attitude. “Gwendolyn KinesMcLeod is a very special person,” Amber says. “She has a genuine heart and her passion for her community and the people in it is exceptional.”
“Dr. Kines-McLeod is known for her involvement with the community,” hygienist Jamie Donaldson said. “Her parents are wonderful, giving people and taught her to give freely. She sets a wonderful example for us.”
Amber said says Gwendolyn goes above the norm as a
Dr. Kines-McLeod says having fun with the team at the practice helps her and those she works with enjoy what they do.
One of the many things the office does is every second Saturday of the month (except June and December) is host an extraction clinic where they pull
teeth for only $10. Everyone working in the office that day is volunteering time and skills. The money collected goes to people in need at the end of the year. The staff stands ready to help provide patients with a “New Smile, New You” with a full range of general and cosmetic dentistry needs. Check with Dr. Kines-McLeod’s office for information on implants, snoring (TAP) appliances, Fastbraces, Clear Correct, mouth guards, bleaching, Juve'Derm and therapeutic Botox. The office is located at 401 N. Ann St., Suite B, Terrell. For more information call 972-524-5347 or visit www.gwendolynkinesmcleoddds.com.
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HOSPICE AND PRIVATE CARE
Wellness Guide and Medical Directory
VNA Hospice Care
VNA — Simply the Best Hospice Provider Established in 1934, VNA is a nonprofit organization that helps our elderly neighbors and loved ones maintain their independence by providing the services that allow them to age where they are happiest and most comfortable — at home. VNA Hospice Care focuses on living life to its fullest and treating patients with the dignity and respect they deserve. Our staff is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help guide patients and their loved ones through every question and concern. VNA Hospice Care is the oldest, most experienced and 24
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trusted hospice provider in Texas. Our highly qualified and experienced doctors, nurses, hospice aides, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers work as a team with your current doctor to provide care that meets the medical, psychological, social, spiritual, and practical needs of patients and families. We develop a comprehensive care plan uniquely designed to meet each individual person’s culture, values, and beliefs. VNA Hospice Care helps reduce anxiety by enhancing the patient’s quality of life and enabling them and their loved ones to make the most of the time they have together.
As an affordable alternative to nursing homes and extended hospital stays, VNA Private Care empowers individuals to age, or recover from an injury or illness, where they are most comfortable — at home. As a nonprofit organization, VNA’s bottom line is patient care and VNA Private Care services are personalized to meet your individual needs and preferences. You'll have peace of mind knowing that you are receiving the care you require in the comfort and familiarity of your own home. Our rates are reasonable, scheduling is flexible, and as always VNA caregivers are held to the highest standards.
Wellness Guide and Medical Directory
HOSPITAL www.kaufmancountylife.com
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URGENT CARE
Wellness Guide and Medical Directory
Terrell Urgent Care Terrell Urgent Care recently opened its doors at 104 Lee Street, just off West Moore Ave., to fill a void in the area’s medical care community for Kaufman County families. The Urgent Care Clinic is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. six days a week, Monday through Saturday, and no appointment is necessary. As the name implies, the clinic has medical professionals on staff to deal with most medical situations and emergencies. And they feature some of the latest in medical technology to help speed your diagnosis. And with extended evening and weekend hours they are available when you need them. Medical services include treatment for all acute illnesses 26
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and injuries, workers comp and on-the-job injuries, well woman/ man checkups, school physicals, DOT physicals, pre-employment physicals, testing for flu, strep, and mono, laceration repairs, treatment for broken bones and tuberculosis skin testing. In addition, Terrell Urgent Care has an on-site lab and on-site X-ray to cut down on wait times for results, as well as EKG (electrocardiogram) service so that it’s not necessary to get a referral elsewhere. Occupational health services include complete DOT services, physicals, BAT testing, drug screens and post-accident drug screens. Terrell Urgent Care honors most insurance and Medicare, and they feature discounted cash
prices for private pay. Visit their new facility at 104 Lee Street, and give them a call at (972) 563-2911. And learn more about “Timely treatment you can trust” at terrellurgent. com, where the goal is to ensure quality service in a timely manner.
Wellness Guide and Medical Directory
PEDIATRICS
Pediatric & Adolescent Specialists of Rockwall Conveniently located on the campus of Presbyterian Hospital of Rockwall, our doctors have years of experience treating infants, children, teens and young adults in the North Texas area. We care for children from birth through their college years. We strongly believe in providing personal care. Our ill patients are seen on a same-day basis. We enjoy and value the personal relationships we have with our patients and their families. In addition to providing acute sick visits and doing routine well check-ups, we also provide: • • • •
• • • • • •
Adolescent gynecology & contraception Acne management Asthma & Allergy management A.D.D. & A.D.H.D. evaluation and management (Currently NOT accepting New Patients for Evaluation/Diagnosis over Age 14+ years) Obesity Evaluation Evaluation & care of international adoptees Post-hospital care of premature infants Sports & Camp physicals Developmental assessments Evaluation of learning problems
• Free Pre-Natal consults
RECOVERY
Lakes Regional Community Center The staff of Lakes Regional Community Center stands ready to help serve the needs of the Kaufman County and surrounding areas for mental health, substance abuse and intellectual developmentally disability services. Under the direction of Executive Director John Delaney, Lakes Regional Community Center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Terrell offices are located at 400 Airport Road (at the intersection with State Highway 34). Lakes Regional MHMR Center proudly serving the communities of 15 counties in Northeast Texas with Mental Health, Mental Disability and Recovery Services. Our Vision and Our Mission: Lakes Regional MHMR Center will ensure access to services and support that enriches the lives of the individuals and families we serve, and we will be the first choice of citizens for mental health and mental retardation services. For more information call 972-388-2000 or visit www.lrmhmrc.org. www.kaufmancountylife.com
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PHARMACY
Wellness Guide and Medical Directory
Bass-Rutledge Drug Store Bass Rutledge Drug Store of Terrell has moved to it's new location of 601 W Moore Ave In Terrell. The new location along with drive thru will allow the team to continue to provide the personalized service that has kept customers coming back for more than 130 years.
The store, owned by Raja and Jessica Salfiti, offers prescription medication, immunizations, B-12 shots, compounding drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins and health care related items — with free delivery. Special services include personalized counseling, compounding,
diabetes, expired medication disposal. Bass Rutledge Drug Store is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday thru Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m Saturday. The store is closed on Sundays. For more information please call the Bass-Rutledge Drug Store at 972-563-3311.
put into the project. In addition to the hours poring through records, Bishop said she would sometimes lie awake at night trying to figure out clues to certain identities. Eventually information from other sources would allow the researchers to match the graves with identities. Sometimes the stories were heart-breaking. Like the woman who was a patient at the state
hospital in Mexia who was brought to Dallas for medical treatment and lost a baby. The baby was interred in Terrell rather than taken back to Mexia. The orders for the final markers are ready to send once the money is available. “I want to honor all of these people,” Bishop said. “We care enough now to know that they were a person and we love them.”
NAMES, Continued from pg. 13 The few graves with personal markers helped the researchers match up the map with the numbers in the four original sections. Why the layout was adjusted through the years is a mystery that will never be known, Bishop said. She said she spent 3 to 4 mornings a week working on the project and wouldn’t begin to guess the number of hours Davidson, Nadolski and others 28
KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE | SPRING 2016
Story by
Phil Major
Character Counts
K Kids in Terrell celebrate their first milestone on the way to raising $16,000 for the Kiwanis International Eliminate Project.
Local kids help raise funds for a global cause: eliminating maternal/neonatal tetanus.
T
errell kids are making a difference around the world. Specifically the K Kids, elementary school clubs sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Terrell, have helped raise $16,000 for the Kiwanis International Eliminate Project. Kiwanis has sponsored K Kids at the three Terrell elementary schools for 17 years, along with a Builders Club at the middle school, a Key Club at the high school and a K Kids at the Raynes Academy, as well as Circle K at Southwestern Christian College. The money goes toward the local club’s commitment to raise $37,500 over a five-year period to donate to the project, with a goal to eliminate neonatal tetanus — a deadly disease in developing countries. The club is about $7,000 short of its goal, and the children are trying to make up the difference. In the next few weeks the kids will be selling packets of greeting
cards that feature their own artwork. Margaret Davis, who serves as the Kiwanis district administrator for K Kids and is also representing Terrell as the Kiwanis district lieutenant governor, said the kids at Kennedy Elementary began raising money even before the project
International when they reached $10,000, and their efforts became part of Kiwanis campaign videos. Davis said the K Kids clubs are a success because they have terrific teacher advisors. She said that through the money they have raised so far, an estimated 10,000 lives have been
“When the Eliminate Project reached its target date in August 2015, Kiwanis International extended it, so fundraising activities — Kiwanis International website are ongoing.” had officially kicked off worldwide in 2010. Events such as a teacher tug-of-war over a mud pit, penny wars and jeans Fridays have helped to raise the funds. The kids from Raynes held a bake sale recently. Terrell children even earned recognition from Kiwanis
saved around the world. According to the Kiwanis website: “Kiwanis’ current global campaign for children, The Eliminate Project: Kiwanis eliminating maternal/neonatal tetanus, aims to raise $110 million and save the lives of a 129 million mothers and their future babies. In partnership www.kaufmancountylife.com
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Kaufman County Life | Character Counts Volume 6 Issue 1 | Spring 2016
with UNICEF, Kiwanis is committing by 2015 to eliminating maternal/neonatal tetanus, a disease that kills one baby every nine minutes. By targeting this disease, Kiwanis will not only save lives but also pave the way for other interventions that will boost maternal health and child survival among the poorest, most underserved women and children in the world. Announced at the 95th Annual Kiwanis International Convention in June 2010, this project will tap into Kiwanis' global volunteer network and strength in reaching communities and leaders, along with UNICEF’s field staff, technical expertise and unbeatable supply chain to wipe out this cruel, centuries-old disease.” When the Eliminate Project reached its target date in August 2015, Kiwanis International extended it, so fundraising activities are ongoing.”
K Kids from Terrell ISD Wood, Long and Kennedy Elementary Schools.
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KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE | SPRING 2016
Sweet Tooth Rescue’s owner uses creative baking as stress relief.
Cook’s
Corner
Jennifer Looney decorates her homemade cake pops, and taste-tester, son Trey, seems to enjoy it.
Story by
T
he owner of Sweet Tooth Rescue actually doesn’t have a sweet tooth. But Jennifer Looney’s customers sure do. By day she works at the American National Bank operations center in Terrell. But for the past year, her nights and weekends have been spent building a custom home-based bakery business. And the reviews have been great. Looney describes herself as self-taught in the kitchen, adding that it is her passion. It is also her stress relief. “After a long day of job and kids,” she likes to get into the kitchen and create. And she admits she wasn’t
always creative with her baking. It tasted good, she said, but the appearance was almost embarrassing.
Phil Major
“You Tube saved me,” she said. The videos helped her to tap into creative decorating, and now her work shines.
Looney made cake balls, cupcakes and a rosette chocolate buttercream cake for Cindy Wilson’s 60th birthday celebration. www.kaufmancountylife.com
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Fresh baked baby shower and wedding cookies await icing and Looney’s creative touch.
Awhile back she decided to bake a coffee cake, something she hadn’t made before. Her three kids are her taste testers, and she said her middle daughter devoured the cake. That’s when she decided she might put her skills to work to make a little money on the side. A friend who is an emergency medical technician took some of her cookies to the station for the emergency responders, and it took off from there. That also helped with the “rescue” part of the bakery’s name. She has a heart for police, firemen and other emergency responders and offers them a discount for her wares. Soon after taking the sample to the station, word spread, and friends started calling with orders. Looney said she has been pleased with the response and loves doing it. Most evenings find her in the kitchen, and most weekends making deliveries. “I stay incredibly busy,” she said. “I’m on the road a lot.” She utilizes lots of different recipes, finding many through Pinterest. But her favorites are the ones passed down from her grandmother. “Those are the best kind,” she said. You can see a sample of her creations on the Sweet Tooth Rescue Facebook page, where you can also place an order.
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Above, below: Personalized cookies and cupcakes are just a couple of Looney’s customer favorites.
Recipe
Kaufman County Life | KCL Charm Volume 6 Issue 1 | Spring 2016
SERENITY, Continued from pg. 19
Top: Julio Torres stand with First Assembly of God Church’s youth and associate pastor Jeremy Cox in front of a dove painting inside the church. Bottom: Julio Torres reads from “Resolution for Men.”
understand the language they use.” “My son served a tour in Iraq,” Ledbetter said. “He had a substance abuse problem. I began seeing more and more of a need [for the Serenity Church in Terrell]. I said, ‘If we don’t do this, what will happen?’” Ledbetter and Torres began gathering at the corner of Grove and Rockwall streets a little more than a month ago to hand out clothing and snacks. They had their first service in the middle of March on a Friday night. Torres said he still has people come up to him, asking him for drugs. They find it hard to believe that he now knows Christ and is a changed man — nearly nine months sober. “The reason we are on the south side is to reach people who normally don’t come to church,” Torres said. “You would not see them sitting here listening to a pastor.” He recently had a drug dealer call him, seeking drugs. “He called me and said, ‘I want what you got?’” Tores said. “He wanted to know Christ.” Unfortunately, he died a couple of weeks ago, found in the trunk of a car. “He accepted the Lord, but he knew he was in a battle,” Torres said. “The day I told the devil to leave, God save me, there was no searching for Christ. He was already there. The only thing that exited my body was the devil, the addictions. I was not an empty vessel anymore,” he said. “I was already full of God.” For more information about the Serenity Church of Terrell, check it out at the corner of Grove and Rockwall streets Friday nights. Service is at 7:00 p.m. www.kaufmancountylife.com
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Terrell filmmaker seeking distributor for latest film By Gary E. Lindsley
M
ichael Brown, better known as M. Legend Brown in the independent film industry, is a strong man of faith. He shows it in his community, at his church and especially in his films. His roots and strong sense of being come from Terrell, especially as a member of the Bethlehem Baptist Church. He also shows his support for Terrell by having Terrell feature strongly, if not solely, in his films. It is his faith in God, though, that shines brilliantly in his three independent films, “Hiding in Plain Sight,” “Steps of Faith,” and his latest, “A Man Called Jon,” that was filmed in 2015. “Hiding in Plain Sight” is a film about what happens to a couple when resources, including savings accounts, are depleted and unemployment is denied. Darius and Josephine Blackmon find themselves living in their car with two young children. Then there is Kevin Allen, a schoolteacher who believes he is making a difference by helping parents keep their children in school via government vouchers. Then the Blackmons and Allens paths cross. In “Steps of Faith,” accountant Faith Houston decides she needs a change in her life and travels to Terrell to obtain a job working on a hippotherapy farm after God told her to do so. Her parents, both very religious, cannot believe that God has spoken to Faith and try to persuade her not to go. But Faith’s faith drives her to prove to everyone, including herself, she can do it. Brown and company returned to Terrell in April 2015 for King and
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KAUFMAN COUNTY LIFE | SPRING 2016
Scene from A Man Called Jon, the M. Legend Brown film.
Brown Enterprises’ third film, “A Man Called Jon.” “A Man Called Jon” is a lighthearted comedy about Pastor Jon Terrell Carson’s unusual style of worship. Jon’s church is very traditional and is not accustomed to outbursts during service. One day, after Jon embarrasses the church along with his family, Senior Pastor Stannum decides to reach out to the bishop and ask that Jon be assigned to a church more suited to his style of praise. Jon and his family find themselves at an African American church in Terrell, where he is confronted by Associate Pastor Gerald Dickens, who later informs him that he was sent to the wrong church due to a mix-up in paperwork. Jon and his family are moved to their third church where they struggle to fit in. Will Jon be able to control his celebration or will he be moved for a fourth time? Meanwhile, you have the late pastor’s daughter at the African American church trying to have Jon be the preacher. But Dickens is not having anything to do with it and questions his niece’s loyalty. Dickens believes it is his right to be the pastor. Watching Brown on the set, which included homes in Terrell as well as the Bethlehem Baptist Church and First Presbyterian
Church, you could see him working his faith and magic through his actors and actresses as well as through his producers and crew members. And Brown’s devotion to Terrell has not gone unnoticed. He has the support of the city’s fathers as well as local actors Ron and Gayle Harris of The Vagabond Players and the Books and Crannies bookstore in the former Iris Theater. He also received a proclamation from Mayor Hal Richards declaring April 7, 2015, as Michael Brown Day. Let’s take a cue from the mayor and Harrises and throw our support behind Brown. Now, nearly a year after filming was completed, Brown needs the support of movie aficionados. He needs the public to help drive a Hollywood distributor to take the film nationally, if not worldwide. “We have several major distribution companies interested,” Brown said. “So, we have to sell between 7,000 and 10,000 thousand DVDs to make the distributor give the film a hard look and give it a worldwide release or have 20,000 rental purchases from our website. We will have until April 30, 2016, to reach our goal.” People living in the Terrell area may pick the film up at Books and Crannies. People may see the movie’s trailer and learn about the film on their website.
Scene & Heard The Terrell Chamber of Commerce
Star Transit, Public Transportation Provider
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