July 2010 Ellis County Living Magazine

Living

LM I Ellis County Living Magazine

Shopping Music Home Travel Law Health Medical

Backyards

2010

September-October July - August 2010/living-magazine.com 2009/living-magazine.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 36

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SEE THE BEST BACKYARDS IN ELLIS COUNTY

2010

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Fashion

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Wedding

Trend Overload 10 Flirty Fashion Fits 12 Down to Earth 14

L+S 6

CHECK OUT THE LATEST IN LOCAL FASHION

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

Wedding Planning Checklist 17 DIY Wedding 20 Wedding Announcement 21

JULY AUGUST HG &

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Life & Style Champagne Cocktails 23 Books for the Beach 24 Planning a Bridal Shower Menu 26 Start Something...It Starts with Me 28 Backyard Party Music 30 Creating Your Own Backyard Haven 32

JULY-AUGUST 2010

GRAB YOUR BEACH READS

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Home & Garden Backyards of 2010 36 8 Steps to Great Outdoor Living 42 July & August Plants 44

Professional Paying It Forward 47 A Trust Designed with Special Needs in Mind 48 New Health Care Legislation and You 50 Attitude! Does It Make a Difference? 52 529 Lesson Plan 54

Medical Volunteering for Hospice 58 Time to Flip-Flop on Flip-Flops? 60 Get the Smile You’ve Always Wanted 62 Dealing with Addiction 64 The Dangers of Sleep Apnea 66

Living

ELLIS COUNTY

MAGAZINE Volume 6 Issue 4 Cindy Camp Publisher Jennifer Kemp Art Director Kate McClendon Executive Editor Lauren Borders Deborah Tilson Advertising Meagan Camp Online Editor

Contributing Writers Melinda Hines Diane Johnson Collard Melinda Kocian Jacob A. Hale Mark Singleton Dr. Katherine Donaldson, Psy. D. Cindy Burch Special Thanks to Marie Q Photography Cindy Burch Ellis County Living Magazine is published bi-monthly

by Ellis County Living Publications, Inc. using only environmentally friendly ink.

Copyright 2010, Ellis County Living Publications All rights reserved.

For advertising information, please contact Ellis County Living Magazine at 972.935.0938 or info@living-magazine.com.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! www.facebook.com/EllisCountyLiving twitter.com/ECLiving

We are proud members of the Waxahachie, Ennis, Midlothian, Red Oak, DeSoto and Cedar Hill Chambers of Commerce.

No portion of Ellis County Living Magazine shall be reprinted in any other publication without permission.

The views expressed herein should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult your physician.

Outdoor living can’t get much better that this! I love this time of the year. Each season does bring out the best in me but I like the summertime the most. The response from our readers about their backyards has been overwhelming. The home on the cover says it all. We want to be outside—but with amenities, please!

Our first newsletter went out in June. It’s intended to fill in the gap when news and events happen between the time Living Magazine is published. It will also help Ellis County residents stay in touch with their friends and keep readers informed. And it’s a place where everyone can submit drink recipes, party ideas and event news. If you aren’t receiving it in your e-mail inbox, visit living-magazine.com and sign up by clicking on the “newsletter” button.

-Cindy Camp, publisher

Jennifer is the art director for Ellis Co. Living Magazine. A graduate of the University of Texas, she has a love for all things Longhorn! She has a perfectionist work ethic and works around the clock to make sure the magazine maintains its high design standard. While ad design and page design are two very different worlds, her charming and positive nature keeps the two sides of magazine production working well together. You can send questions or comments to Jennifer@living-magazine.com.

Kate is the editor of Living Magazine. She grew up in Waxahachie and graduated from Baylor University in 2006 as a journalism major and studio art minor. Kate loves all aspects of the writing and editing process and also enjoys being with her friends and family. If you have any story ideas, comments, questions or concerns, send her an e-mail at Kate@ living-magazine.com.

Lauren serves as our advertising director. A go-getter, Lauren builds a rapport between our clients and readers. Lauren graduated from Texas A&M University in 2002. When not working hard on upcoming issues of Living, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and watching football. Lauren works with our customers to ensure that they receive the best marketing strategy in Ellis County. Contact her about advertising in upcoming issues: Lauren@living-magazine.com.

Deborah is working in advertising, focusing on Cedar Hill, Red Oak, Ovilla, Midlothian, Ennis and corporate accounts in the Metroplex. Her passion for relationship building and selling a quality product has led her to a career with Living Magazine. When not working at the magazine, Deborah works as a professional organizer. She loves football and is an avid Redskins fan. She enjoys spending time with her family and supporting her daughter, Kelsey, in her many activities. Contact her at Deborah@living-magazine.com.

Guarantee you’ll receive Ellis County Living Magazine by subscribing today!

Go to www.living-magazine.com and click on “subscriptions.”

Staff photos by Marie Q Photography Cover photo provided by Chris Smith at Ivey Photography • www.iveystudio.com JULY-AUGUST 2010

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Edit or’s Note: Here in Texas we have a good nine months out of the year where we can enjoy the comfort of our backyard. From the perfect springs to the hot summers and the temperate falls, we really can take full advantage of outdoor life. So this issue, our annual backyard issue, is all about the great outdoors. Just turn the pages to find out what you need to know about taking it outside. From great Champagne cocktail recipes to beach reads to creating a family friendly backyard haven, we have it all. And be sure to dive into the best backyards of 2010, starting on page 36.

We had so much fun going all around Ellis County (and slightly out of the county) to photograph some amazing backyards. The pools and lounges looked so inviting during the hot photo shoots and we’re sure you’ll feel the same way once you see the pictures. If you’re thinking about transforming your own backyard, we have the tips, tricks and people to help you do so.

Our next issue will be our big wedding issue leading up to the Waxahachie Bridal Extravaganza on Oct. 31. We’ve started to feature a little bit of wedding-related articles in this issue, but much more will be coming in September.

Happy reading!

AROUND TOWN WAXAHACHIE www.waxahachiechamber.com CRAPE MYRTLE FESTIVAL This year’s “Pink Petals and Patriotism” Crape Myrtle Festival will begin on Saturday, July 3, at 10 a.m. with a parade starting on College Street.

The gates at Lumpkins Stadium will open at 5 p.m. for tailgating and musical performances by the three Battle of the Bands finalists. At 9 p.m., the H-E-B fireworks display will begin.

DAIRY QUEEN OPENS On August 1, it’ll be time to get your Blizzard®! Dairy Queen will officially open at 1226 Hwy. 287 Bypass, just west of Logan’s Roadhouse on the 287 service road.

DANCE CLASS ENROLLMENT Tammy’s Dance Center just celebrated their 35th year. Be a part of their 36th by signing up for classes at their open houses on Aug. 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Aug. 15 from noon to 4 p.m. and Aug. 29 from noon to 4 p.m.

MIDLOTHIAN www.midlothianchamber.org FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES The Midlothian Parks & Recreation Department and Advisory Board are putting on the Annual Independence Day Parade on Saturday, July 3, beginning at 10 a.m. and starting at Ridgeview Park. Later that evening, Citizens National Bank of Texas is sponsoring the fireworks display at dusk (around 9:30 p.m.). The fireworks will be launched from the Midlothian ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium, located at 1800 S. 14th Street,

at the corner of Hwy. 287 Bypass. For more information on these events, visit the Midlothian Chamber Web site.

STITCHES AROUND THE WORLD Sponsored by the Creative Quilters Guild of Ellis County, the annual quilt show will take place July 16 and 17 at the Midlothian Conference Center.

Come out to see more than 100 handmade quilts and participate in a silent auction. For more information, visit www.elliscountyquilters.com.

BIKE AROUND MIDLOTHIAN Come out on July 24 and ride a 10-, 24-, 45- or 65-mile course around Midlothian and through newer and historic neighborhoods. For more information and to register or sign up to volunteer, visit www.bamride.com.

ENNIS www.visitennis.org CHAMBER AUCTION The Chamber of Commerce 27th Annual Dinner and Auction will take place on August 26 at the Knights of Columbus Hall. The silent auction will last from 5 to 9 p.m., and the live auction will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person. For more information, please contact the Ennis Chamber at 972.878.2626.

RED OAK wwwredoakareachamber.org BRIDAL SHOW Red Oak’s second annual bridal show will take place on August 22 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Red Oak Municipal Center. Come out to see the latest in bridal trends!

For all local events and updates on what is happening in our area, visit www.living-magazine.com/blog.

Do you have an event that you want everyone to know about? Send an e-mail to:

EVENTS@LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

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TREND OVERLOAD TOP ROW: Long multi-colored bead necklace by New Directions at Belk, $24 • Pearl, ribbon and chain necklace and earring set

by Rodeo Royalty Road Show at the Doves Nest, $25 • Red bead necklace and earrings by Fashion Jewelry at FloAnn’s, $8.75 • Brown and blue bead necklace by New Directions at Belk, $34 • Long green knot necklace by AMI at FloAnn’s, $7.50 • Silver necklace with side flower by Target at Target, $14.99 • Green bead necklace by Target at Target, $12.99; MIDDLE ROW: Turquoise tank top with flowers by MM Couture at Briarpatch, $62 • Purple button tank by Madison at Belk, $36 • Dandelion tank by Madison at Belk, $50 • Pink button-down shirt with belt by Maurice’s at Maurice’s, $26 • Green, black and yellow shirt by mac & jac at Briarpatch, $49 • Pink tank with knotted neckline by Buffalo David Bitton at Briarpatch, $58 • Pink floral button-down shirt with waist tie by Jones New York at Belk, $64 • Green ruffle shirt by A. Byer at Belk, $36 • Purple and green racerback tank by Jack at Briarpatch, $25.95; BOTTOM ROW: Khaki v-neck dress with pink band by Jessica Howard at Belk, $42.99 • Brown and red floral dress by Maurice’s at Maurice’s, $39 • Pink sweetheart dress by Maurice’s at Maurice’s, $39 • Colorful sleeveless dress by Ash & Sara at Buffalo Creek Cowgirls, $54.99 • Green and black dress by Mossimo at Target, $24.99 • Black dress with metallic accents by kische at Belk, $78 • Fuchsia ikat dress by Mossimo Supply Co. at Target, $19.99 • Purple and black diamond-back dress by MM Couture at Briarpatch, $61

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Flirty Fashion Fits

Silver leaf earrings at Merle Norman, $9.95 • Pink tank with ruffle neckline by ya at Briarpatch, $26 • Big cream-colored purse with studs by Big Buddha at Merle Norman, $85.95 • Jeans by Miss Me at Briarpatch, $88 • White and silver bead and link long necklace by Erica Lyons at Belk, $28

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Red ruffle tank by Mossimo at Target, $17.99 • Gold leaf chandelier earrings by Its Sense at FloAnn’s, $6.25 • Brown and white skirt with belt by Maurice’s at Maurice’s, $32 • Yellow purse by New Directions at Belk, $39.99 • Brown sandals with gold studs by New Directions at Belk, $45

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Down to Earth Gold bracelet set by Dorothy at FloAnn’s, $8.75 • Turquoise tank by Mossimo Supply Co. at Target, $12.99 • Gold triangles necklace by New Directions at Belk, $24 • Red purse by Miztique at FloAnn’s, $47.50 • Multi-colored bead necklace by New Directions at Belk, $28 • Yellow sleeveless dress with belt by Maurice’s at Maurice’s, $44 • Spaghetti-strap dress by fire at Belk, $50 • Cork sandals by Madison at Belk, $59 • Jeans by Miss Me at Briarpatch, $88 • Chain ring at Merle Norman, $15.95 • Black and white tiered skirt by …….trinity at Buffalo Creek Cowgirls, $55.99

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W WEDDING SECTION Welcome to the beginning of our wedding season! In this issue, Teresa Choaté gives us what all brides need—a complete checklist of everything that needs to be done leading up to the big day. If you’re looking to save a little bit of money, there are also many things you (and your bridesmaids) can do yourself to make your wedding extra special.

Our September/October issue will be the big wedding issue and we have so many things in the works. People always love to get a glimpse into another person’s wedding, so we’ll definitely have a few featured weddings, along with other articles all focused around the day you say your vows.

In This Section: Wedding Planning Checklist 17

Wedding Announcement 21

by Teresa Choaté

Matthew Quinn & Katie Hoffman

DIY Wedding 20

by Kate McClendon

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Wedding Planning Checklist

BY TERESA CHOATÉ, Certified Wedding Planner

In this issue we would like to ease the task of planning by providing a planning checklist. Each bride and groom’s timeline will be different depending on the length of your engagement. The timeline can be adjusted.

SIX TO NINE MONTHS PRIOR TO WEDDING 

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Remember, vendors book on a firstcome basis. If you have certain vendors in mind for your event, contact these vendors as soon as your date is confirmed.

ONCE YOU ARE ENGAGED/NINE MONTHS AND EARLIER 

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Announce your engagement to family and friends Purchase a wedding calendar Determine the type of wedding you will be planning, the location, the formality and the guest count Decide on your budget Choose a wedding date and an alternate date (dates can be determined by availability of venues and wedding party) Hire a professional wedding consultant/planner Combine guest lists from bride, groom, bride’s family and groom’s family Determine if children will be invited Start looking at venues that will accommodate your guest count Select your wedding party Start interviewing vendors Start looking for a wedding gown and bridesmaids’ dresses Order passport if you need it for the honeymoon Book engagement photo session

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Continue the booking process of vendor selections. Determine your vendor priority, floral designer, photographer, cake designer, etc.

Vendors needed: professional wedding consultant/planner, officiant, photographer, floral designer, cake designer, caterer, ceremony musicians, reception musicians/DJ, videographer, transportation, rentals, hairstylist, makeup artist Select ceremony music Finalize bride’s, bridesmaids’ and flower girl’s gown orders Select accessories: veil, jewelry and shoes Select groom’s, groomsmens’, usher’s, ring bearer’s and fathers’ attire Finalize rings for the bride and groom Finalize guest list Select save the dates and wedding invitations Have your engagement photo session

FOUR TO SIX MONTHS PRIOR TO WEDDING 

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Determine time for rehearsal dinner Determine rehearsal dinner guest list and rehearsal dinner venue Select invitations for rehearsal dinner Book accommodations for guests Complete planning for honeymoon Select calligrapher or address invitations Register for gifts Purchase accessories and shoes

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for wedding gown Book date with photographer for bridal shoot Book final alterations to wedding gown if necessary Determine hair and makeup for portrait shoot and wedding day Put engagement announcement in local paper Select registry attendants and cake cutters (if necessary)

TWO TO FOUR MONTHS PRIOR TO WEDDING 

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Select and book wedding day transportation Determine order of service and vows with officiant Select and order guest favors Purchase honeymoon luggage and attire Purchase gifts for wedding party Start pre-wedding counseling Do bridal portrait shoot Select reception music Plan bridesmaid luncheon or spa day

SIX TO EIGHT WEEKS PRIOR TO WEDDING    

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Mail Invitations Maintain record of RSVPs Make payments to vendors Schedule hair and makeup appointments for wedding party and mothers if necessary Purchase bridal essentials—registry book/pen, toasting flutes, garter, flower girl basket, ring bearer pillow, unity candle or sand, cake and knife server sets, tossing bouquet and garter JULY-AUGUST 2010

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Finalize honeymoon plans Get documentation ready to change name on driver’s license, Social Security card, insurance policies, subscriptions, bank accounts, memberships, etc.

Mail invitations for rehearsal dinner Select your “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” Finalize menu and beverage selections, including alcohol Determine final reception floor plan Purchase wedding party gifts Order printed napkins

TWO TO SIX WEEKS PRIOR TO WEDDING   

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Finalize details with officiant Print programs Confirm special photos you want with photographer/videographer Make any final alterations to bridesmaids’ gowns Contact guests that have not responded (four weeks prior to date) Finalize guest count with caterer, cake designer, floral designer and rental vendors

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Have rings completed Print reserved, escort and place cards Confirm timeline with wedding consultant Complete thank you notes for shower gifts Get your marriage license 30 days prior to date Confirm music for reception Start packing for honeymoon Complete addressing and stamping of wedding announcements Complete forms for wedding announcements Discuss appropriate toasting with best man and maid of honor Select final seating arrangements for rehearsal dinner and for wedding party and family at reception

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REHEARSAL DAY 

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THE WEEK PRIOR TO YOUR WEDDING DAY 

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Make any final changes to necessary vendors Gather and sort any items to take to the church or reception site Confirm all honeymoon arrangements Complete packing for honeymoon

Have post office and paper hold mail and stop delivery while on honeymoon Send wedding announcement to paper with print date Arrange for someone to return tuxedos Have gratuity envelopes prepared and sealed Make any final payments

Have all wedding day attire laid out and ready Make any possible deliveries to reception site Bring any items to church at rehearsal Arrange for someone to mail the announcements the day after the wedding Determine where luggage will need to be after the ceremony and reception

THE WEDDING DAY  

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Review items to bring to church Give rings to maid of honor and best man Relax, stay in the moment and have a fabulous time!

PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEON J. MICHAEL MORRISSEY, MD Certified By American Board Of Plastic Surgery

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For more information visit our website www.waxahachie.com or call 972.938.3434

JULY-AUGUST 2010

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DIY WEDDING (DO IT YOURSELF) We all know it—weddings are expensive.

But you can still have a beautiful day without breaking the bank by doing some things yourself. Here are a few projects you can tackle, whether you’re a DIY novice or an expert.

DIY NEWBIE Programs. These are easy to print on your home computer on nice paper that complements your décor. If you’re having an outdoor wedding, try printing the ceremony program on the back of thick patterned cardstock, cut it out in a rectangular shape and attach a popsicle stick to create an informative fan for guests.

Table Décor and Centerpieces. Get creative and use flowers, candles, branches, fabric, water in vases with floating flowers and much more to put together something easy in your color scheme.

Favors. Make your own simple favors to give out to your guests. Try something edible like monogrammed cookies or candy, or long lasting like plant seeds or buds in decorative bags. Or you can easily make a mix CD of songs you two love with personalized labels and sleeves.

Bridesmaid Cards. Ask your bridesmaids to join you in your special day with a one-of-a-kind hand-made card. Personalize it for each one with a sentimental note about why they are important to you.

Seating Cards and Table Numbers.

Using simple cardstock and a printer, create individual cards for each guest, directing them to their table while incorporating your theme and colors. Create a similar design for the table numbers that sit on each table.

Fans. For an outdoor ceremony or reception, create easy, colorful paper fans for each guest. Loop a piece of ribbon around the end and hang it on each chair. Your guests will appreciate the breeze!

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BY KATE MCCLENDON

Candy Bar. Find clear vases in multiple sizes and bulk order candy in your wedding colors. Fill the vases with different candies and label each vase with a ribbon and sticker or a stand with a piece of paper—be creative!

DIY DABBLER Decorations. Get creative with paper, flowers, fans, pennants, ribbon, streamers, etc. There are so many ideas online, you’re sure to find something easy and affordable that suits your theme.

Flowers. Pick up seasonal flowers from Sam’s or Costco (or have them order the flowers) and put your bouquet together yourself. Get your bridesmaids together for a flower party and have them create each of their bouquets and the boutonnieres for the groomsmen.

Makeup and Hair. Maybe you’re already a pro at doing your own hair and makeup, so why not do it for your big day? Add a little more makeup than normal so all the photos don’t wash you out, and be sure to have enough hairspray and bobby pins on hand to keep your ‘do in place.

and insert them into the photo album after the wedding. You can also make a simple wish tree with cheap (or free!) branches that welcomes guests as they enter into your reception site. Guests write well wishes on pieces of paper with ribbon attached and hang them on the branches.

Signs. Direct guests to different parts of the ceremony or reception—the guestbook, a bucket with complimentary umbrellas, food, drinks, etc.—with hand-painted signs. Add in a little personality with signs that don’t really serve a purpose but are there for fun, like “put on your dancin’ shoes” or “thanks for being a part of our big day!”

DIY PRO Invitations. Learn how to do easy letterpress techniques by watching videos online.

You can buy paper in so many different colors and styles at some of the bigger craft stores like Hobby Lobby or Michael’s.

Food. If you and your family members are especially gifted in the kitchen, why not try making food for your reception? This will take a lot of planning and time, but it could cut down one big cost from your budget.

Welcome Basket. Make your out-oftown guests feel at home by preparing a location-themed package to give them when they arrive. Include a map, a list of things to do, a postcard and a souvenir of some sort— all things you can create and find yourself!

Headpieces. Here’s another excuse to get your bridesmaids together before the big event. Pick up some supplies like headbands, clips, ribbon, feathers and fabric in your color scheme and create matching or similar headpieces.

Guestbook or Wish Tree. Buy a photo album you like and measure the page inserts. Pick out cardstock in a design that matches your theme or colors and add pictures of you and your fiancée to the pages.

Let guests write special notes on each page

Bridesmaids’ Dresses. Maybe you, or someone in your family, are really good with sewing machines and patterns? Try creating simple dresses for your bridesmaids. That way you can pick out exactly what you want and tailor the dresses to fit every different body type!

Ring Pillow. If you’re handy with a sewing machine or a pair of knitting needles, try making your own ring pillow. You can find lots of patterns and ideas on the Internet.

Cake Toppers. To make something very personal that you won’t find in stores, sew or carve out of Styrofoam little figurines to put atop your cake. These can be specially made to fit your theme—like birds or your initials.

Wedding Announcement

HOFFMAN-QUINN

BEFORE YOU SAY

“I do”...

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Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Hoffman of Ovilla, Texas announce the engagement of their daughter, Katie Michelle, to Matthew Joshua Quinn, son of Dr. and Mrs. Mark Quinn of Melissa, Texas. Katie is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Hoffman of Garland, Texas and the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Anderson of Duncanville, Texas. Matthew is the grandson of Mrs. Mary R. Kasmiersky and the late Mr. Robert L. Kasmiersky, Sr. of Fayetteville, Texas and the late Mr. and Mrs. John Quinn of LaGrange, Texas. The couple will exchange vows on September 18 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Dallas. Katie is a 2002 graduate of Red Oak High School and a 2006 graduate of Texas State University in San Marcos. She is a teacher with the Red Oak ISD. Matthew is a 2000 graduate of Waxahachie High School, 2004 graduate of Texas A&M University, received a master’s degree from Kansas State University in 2007 and will complete his doctorate studies at Texas Tech University in August 2010.

If you would like to announce your engagement or wedding in Living Magazine, please contact Kate at kate@living-magazine.com or 972.935.0938.

Loma Linda Events A Private Wedding Venue Tim Choaté 972-935-3479 to schedule your private tour

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L+S LIFE + STYLE Since this is our backyard issue, we tried to bring the outdoors to a few other parts of the magazine as well. You’ll find the best beach books based on what you want to read, music for your outdoor party and how to have a family friendly backyard. We’re also tying some things in to the wedding theme, too—you’ll find recipes for Champagne cocktails and finger foods for a bridal shower. Enjoy your time outside!

In This Section:

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Champagne Cocktails 23

Start Something...It Starts with Me 28

by Kate McClendon

by Kathryn Kemp

Books for the Beach 24

Backyard Party Music 30

by Kate McClendon

by Kate McClendon

Bridal Shower Menu 26

Creating Your Own Backyard Haven 32

by Beverly Hennessy

by Melinda Hines

JULY-AUGUST 2010

L+S

Champagne Cocktails

BY KATE MCCLENDON

EDITOR’S PICK

Sparkling wine is often used in summer drinks because of its light flavor and bubbly texture. If you’re planning a bridal shower, or just a girly gettogether, try some of these bubbly beverages.

When making these drinks, remember to always pour the Champagne last so it doesn’t overflow.

BLUSHING BRIDE 1 oz. peach schnapps 1 oz. grenadine 4 oz. Champagne Pour the peach schnapps and grenadine into a Champagne flute and top with Champagne.

Courtesy of www.cocktails.about.com.

HOTEL CALIFORNIA 4 oz. Champagne 1 oz. gold tequila 2 oz. mandarin juice 2 oz. pineapple juice

COSMOPOLITAN CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL This recipe makes about 10 glasses—perfect for your afternoon bridal shower!

1 1/4 cups Cointreau or Grand Marnier 1 1/4 cups cranberry juice cocktail 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 3 tablespoons superfine granulated sugar 4 cups chilled Champagne Stir together Cointreau, juices and sugar and chill, covered, for two to six hours. Just before serving, divide among 10 Champagne flutes and top off with Champagne.

Courtesy of www.epicurious.com.

FROZEN BIKINI

Shake and strain into an ice-filled piña colada glass.

Add champagne, straws and serve.

Courtesy of www.drinksmixer.com.

1 oz. Champagne 1 oz. peach schnapps 2 oz. vodka 1 splash lemon juice 2 oz. orange juice 3 oz. peach nectar 1 cup ice

FLIRTINI

Blend everything except Champagne until smooth.

Transfer to glass and top with Champagne.

Courtesy of www.drinksmixer.com.

2 pieces fresh pineapple 1/2 oz. Cointreau 1/2 oz. vodka 1 oz. pineapple juice 3 oz. Champagne Maraschino cherry for garnish Muddle the pineapple pieces and Cointreau in the bottom of a mixing glass. Add the vodka and pineapple juice and stir well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and top with Champagne. Garnish with the maraschino cherry.

Courtesy of www.cocktails.about.com.

MORNING GLORY 2 oz. orange juice 1/2 oz. triple sec Champagne Put the orange juice and triple sec into a Champagne flute. Add in Champagne to fill and garnish with an orange wheel. Enjoy!

Courtesy of www.wineintro.com.

JULY-AUGUST 2010

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L+S

BOOKS FOR THE BEACH

If you missed it…

BY KATE MCCLENDON, staff book-a-holic

If you’re wanting to laugh along with some chick lit…

Dune Road Jane Green Plume Green’s other books are huge hits in the female fiction world, and this one is no exception. It was released in paperback in May, so now you don’t have to try to squeeze a hardback into your beach bag. Set in seaside Connecticut, “Dune Road” tells the story of Kit Hargrove, a recent divorcee who is finding a new lifestyle of her own. She takes a job assisting a famous novelist and enjoys an ideal life until a few challenges, mysteries and setbacks arise.

If you’d like to brush up on some history…

Winston’s War: Churchill, 1940-1945 Max Hastings Knopf This book details Churchill’s experiences and the decisions he made during the crucial years of World War II. Winston’s War is also filled with maps and diagrams to explain battle and confrontation strategies and outcomes.

If you’re a World War II buff, this book is a must-have for your collection, even though it is 576 pages. Hastings is a British historian who has written several military histories, many of them centering around the Second World War, so he knows his stuff.

Water for Elephants Sara Gruen Algonquin Books

This book came out a few years ago and was an instant success.

It’s about to be made into a movie, so be sure to read it now if you missed it. The book starts out focusing on main character Jacob Jankowski in a nursing home in his nineties. He begins to backtrack through life, telling the dramatic story of his time as a veterinarian for the Benzini Brothers Circus, comprised of a sad group of performers and animals, and a psychotic animal trainer. The book will keep you hooked until the end as you watch Jacob mature in an unconventional environment.

If you’re looking for mystery, action and adventure…

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest

By Stieg Larsson Knopf “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest” is destined to live up to the high standards set by the two previous books in Larsson’s Millennium trilogy. This final book in the series continues the action-filled tale of Lisbeth Salander, a computer hacker with a photographic memory who has helped journalist Mikael Blomkvist solve mysteries in the past. “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest” provides a satisfying conclusion to a thrilling series.

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L+S

Planning a Bridal Shower Menu

BY BEVERLY HENNESSY A bridal shower is a lovely way for family members, friends and attendants to show the bride-to-be how much they love and support her. The bridal shower can be formal, informal, themed, fun or anything the bride will find enjoyable and memorable. For a daytime party, choose a few sandwiches, some other recipes and a couple of dessert options. For an evening bridal shower, offer a beautiful dessert table featuring several different kinds of creamy cheesecakes. Pair with a lovely dessert wine, sparkling juices or champagne.

Here are a few of my favorite recipes to whet your appetite and help you have the perfect party!

HAM AND CHEESE MINI TARTLETS 1 package (8 oz.) crescent rolls 3/4 cup chopped pre-cooked ham (finely chopped in food processor) 1 egg, whisked 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 1/2 teaspoons dijon mustard 1/8 teaspoon pepper Mix together the chopped ham, egg, shredded cheddar cheese, mustard and pepper. Roll out the sheet of crescent rolls, cut into 24 squares.

Lightly spray muffin cups with any kind of oil spray or use non-stick muffin pans. Press crescent roll squares into mini muffin cups (edges will hang over). Place ham and cheese mixture into each cup and fold over edges of dough to form a little package. Bake in a 350-degree oven for about 13 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

CUCUMBER MINT TEA SANDWICHES 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves, rinsed, dried and finely chopped 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 2 tablespoons cream cheese Seedless cucumber, thinly sliced 6 slices of Pepperidge Farm whole wheat bread Combine mint, butter and cream cheese and stir until well combined. Spread all bread slices with butter mixture, top three of them with cucumber slices, distributed evenly, and season with salt. Top the cucumbers with the three remaining buttered bread slices. Trim crust and cut each sandwich diagonally into quarters.

BANANA BREAD TEA SANDWICHES Small loaf banana bread (mini loaf size would be best) 1 package (3 oz.) cream cheese, softened 1 – 2 teaspoons milk 1/2 cup shaved pecans Slice banana bread very thinly. Have cream

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JULY-AUGUST 2010

cheese at room temperature until softened or place in microwave for a few seconds until workable.

Combine cream cheese, milk and pecans. Mix until well combined.

Spread the cream cheese mixture between two slices of banana bread. Cut into fingers, squares or leave if using the mini loaf size.

CHICKEN SALAD WITH CRANBERRIES AND NUTS 3 – 4 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped 1 cup lightly toasted walnuts or pecans, chopped (almost minced) 1 cup dried cranberries* 1 – 2 ribs celery, diced 2/3 cup mayonnaise (I always use Miracle Whip Salad Dressing—it makes a difference!)

Salt and pepper to taste Mix well, add or subtract the mayo to get just the right consistency. Serve on wheat, dark bread or fresh croissants. *I also make this same recipe using red, seedless grapes instead of the cranberries. When using the grapes, I also add 2 to 3 chopped, hard-boiled eggs to the mixture! Both recipes are equally tasty!

BEVERAGES While fresh, iced tea or lemonade is always welcome, don’t forget a sparkling punch and remember to always have plenty of iced water!

There are some lovely punch recipes out there but we find that the old tried and true Sherbet Punch has become very popular at both bridal showers and weddings. My favorite is Pineapple Sherbet with Ginger Ale. The fun thing about this punch is being able to color coordinate with the bride’s colors by using different flavors of sherbet!

CITRUS PUNCH 2 cans frozen orange juice 2 cans frozen lemonade 8 cups water 2 cups grenadine 3 quarts of ginger ale Mix ingredients thoroughly. Garnish with fresh lemon and orange slices.

CRAB SANDWICH SPREAD OR DIP

MOCK MIMOSAS

6 oz. canned crab meat 1 8-oz. package cream cheese 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice 1/4 cup sour cream 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) 1/4 cup scallion, minced 1/4 cup green pepper, minced 1 tablespoon cream Combine all ingredients and blend well in a food processor. Chill for at least two hours.

Serve as a dip for vegetables or crackers. Make tea sandwiches by spreading on bread rounds and garnishing with a bit of fresh dill.

1 tube Crystal Light Pineapple Orange Flavor Drink Mix 1 bottle (2 liter) club soda, chilled 2 cups cold orange juice 1 orange, cut into 10 slices Combine Crystal Light mix with the club soda in large pitcher. Stir in orange juice and pour evenly into 10 glasses. Garnish each glass with a fresh orange slice.

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27

start something Starts with Me

BY KATHRYN KEMP

Camodric loves to tell stories; Jim loves to listen. Camodric knows everything about computers; Jim needs to learn. Camodric loves to talk about history. So does Jim. Camodric met his friend, Jim Kauffman, two years ago, about halfway through his eighth grade year. At first, neither probably knew how much he could learn from the other.

Now, as Camodric prepares for his tenth grade year at Waxahachie High School, the two have found that this unlikely friendship has taught each of them much more than they could have imagined.

The pair was first introduced at Howard Eighth Grade Center by Big Brothers Big Sisters, a donor-supported volunteer organization that changes the lives of children through one-to-one mentoring relationships. Once they were enrolled, the Matching team at Big Brothers Big Sisters matched Camodric and Jim, and both agree that the team did a great job.

“I think we pretty much hit it off from the beginning, but it’s like any developing friendship,” said Jim. From the start, the two found that they had much to talk about. They became great friends as they learned about ocean liners, trains and various pieces of history during the 45 minutes a week they spent together at school.

“I was thinking my Big Brother was just going to be strict about my schoolwork, but he’s not,” Camodric said. Though Jim discussed his Little Brother’s grades, especially in math, the pair mostly focused on other things, giving Camodric an outlet to talk about the topics in which he’s most interested.

Camodric said Jim has helped him finish this school year

with passing grades, adding with a huge grin, “I am now a sophomore.”

When they weren’t talking about important events from the past, Camodric said Jim would bring up current events he’d seen or heard in the news. “Now I’m always watching or reading the news just so that I can beat him to it and know it first,” he said.

With his newfound desire to be “in-the-know,” and a passion for storytelling, Camodric tried out for the WHS newspaper staff and made it. The sophomore is excited to start school next year with more confidence and new ways to share what he knows.

In March of this year, Camodric was also excited to receive an e-mail from someone who works in London for the television series, “Thomas the Tank Engine.” A few months beforehand, the teen had found an interest in writing story lines for the show and, after much encouragement and help from his Big Brother, Camodric submitted them to the show’s producers, who responded saying they may want to use some of his work on the show.

While Jim and many other volunteers have helped to strengthen the youth, not only in Ellis County but the entire country, many Little Brothers and Little Sisters still anxiously await the day they, too, will have a mentor. As of May 31, 89 children are waiting for a mentor in Ellis County.

With just a few hours a month, volunteers for Big Brothers Big Sisters have managed to change so many lives for the better and continue to do so every day. But what makes a great volunteer? Simply being a consistent friend.

“My experience with BBBS has been extremely rewarding and fun. It has provided me with the opportunity to develop a long-term relationship with my little brother and I feel that it has been mutually beneficial for both of us.”

– Pat Merrill, Big Brother in Ellis County since 2006 28

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Volunteers, who span from 16 to 90-years-old, come from many different cultural, economic and educational backgrounds. They have different values, political views and ambitions. One thing they do have in common is that they want to help change a life.

Responses from many Little Brothers and Little Sisters show that the most important thing is having an adult who is willing to make time for them and show an interest in their lives. For these kids, what really matters is having a mentor there with an open heart and an open mind.

“The support and encouragement that the bigs give to our littles will affect them in a positive way for the rest of their lives.”

– Martha Cunningham, Counselor at Howard Eigth Grade Center

When a child or volunteer is enrolled, a group of matching specialists work to find the best possible combinations of children and mentors. Once a match is chosen, the two parties are introduced by a Match Support Specialist, who is there to help and support volunteers throughout the entire length of the match.

Most volunteers meet with their Littles at school during lunch or an elective period, but other programs are available outside of school for those with a schedule that does not allow for daytime meetings.

Anita Barnes has been a counselor at Northside Elementary in Waxahachie for 14 years and has witnessed the positive effects these mentor relationships have on the mentees.

“No money or material possession can replace the quality attention an adult can give a child,” Barnes said. She also notes that this one-on-one time has given way to, “more positive interaction from those students with their peers and teachers,” and has helped to improve grades by offering children an emotional outlet and allowing them to focus more on schoolwork in the classroom.

While volunteers are at the core of the program, matches would not be possible without the generous support from donors and grants. Many fundraisers take place throughout the year as well, like the upcoming Bowl For Kids Sake, which will be held on October 23 at Hilltop Lanes in Waxahachie. If time constraints prevent someone with a desire to help by becoming a Big, these fundraisers offer another great opportunity to make a change in the community.

In the words of the 2010 Teen Big of the Year, Angelica Ononobi, “you can’t change a bad past, but you can make a good future.” Start something…it starts with you.

If you are interested in becoming a Big, the time to act is now! Please contact Diana Phillips, at dphillips@bbbstx.org or (972) 765-4163 if you would like to volunteer as a Big Brother or Big Sister, participate in Bowl for Kids’ Sake or make a donation.

LITTLE BROTH ER CAM BIG BROTHER ODRIC EDWARDS & JIM KAUFFMA N

Coming soon to Ellis County: Bowl for Kids Sake!

WHEN: October 23rd, 2010 WHERE: Hilltop Lanes 2010 West Highway 287 Business Waxahachie, TX 75165 WHAT: A great time and a great way to help!

HOW: Gather a team of 5-6, raise $100 dollars each and come to Hilltop Lanes for bowling, food, drinks, prizes and fun!

For more information, contact Diana Phillips, at dphillips@bbbstx.org or (972) 765-4163, or Kathryn Kemp, at kkemp@bbbstx.org or (972) 572-2350 ext. 770.

You can also check us out online at www.bbbstx.org.

JULY-AUGUST 2010

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L+S

BACKYARD PARTY MUSIC

BY KATE MCCLENDON

MUSIC FOR A LAID-BAC

“Time of the Season”

by The Zombies “Dreamworld” by Rilo Kiley “Crystalised” by The xx “Playground Love” by Air “Where Are We Now ?” by The Burned “Wash Away” by Joe Purdy “Silver Soul” by Beac h House “New Theory” by W ashed Out “Is This Love?” by Bo b Marley and the Wail ers “Wooden Ships” by Crosby, Stills & Nash “One Evening” by Fe ist “Hotel” by Broken So cial Scene “It Beats 4 U” by My Morning Jacket “In the Colors” by Be n Harper and the Inno cent Criminals

So you’ve relaxed earlier in the day with your beach reads, prepared your Champagne cocktails and gotten your backyard ready, but you feel like you’re forgetting one thing. Music. Here are a few songs that will put your guests in the mood to relax around the pool or dance in the yard with their drinks and hors d’oeuvres at your summer party.

D MUSIC FOR A FUN-FILLE

BACKYARD PARTY

Broken Bells “The High Road” by e Bird and the Bee “Again & Again” by Th

by Jack Johnson “You and Your Heart” ach Boys “Kokomo” by The Be Black Keys “Tighten Up” by The The Flaming Lips “Do You Realize??” by Ray LaMontagne “Three More Days” by Adams “Firecracker” by Ryan , Wind & Fire “September” by Earth o “I’m a Wheel” by Wilc Club ack Rebel Motorcycle Bl by ” et Fe ur Yo e ffl “Shu Bob Marley “I Shot the Sheriff” by “Freetime” by Kenna rs cin’” by Scissor Siste “I Don’t Feel Like Dan n” by Spoon “I Turn My Camera O

“Jesus, Etc.” by Wilco

To purchase our playlists, visit our Web site:

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Gary P. Nunn & The Bunkhouse Band - July 9, 8 p.m., $20 Glass Apple—McCartney Tribute Band - July 10, 8 p.m., $10 Herd’N Cats - July 15, 7 p.m., $10 Soul Sacrifice—Santana Tribute Band - July 16, 8 p.m., $10 Walkin’ the Line—Johnny Cash Tribute Band - July 17, 8 p.m., $10 Susan Gibson - July 23, 8 p.m., $10 All Jacked Up - July 24, 8 pm., $10 Southern Rains - July 30, 8 p.m., $10 Tim’s Birthday Bash featuring Charla Corn, C.C. Cross, Rachel Stacy and Kimberly Kelly, July 31, 8 p.m., no cover For August shows and more information, visit www.texasmusictheater.com.

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L+S

Creating Your Own Backyard Haven

BY MELINDA HINES

There isn’t anything quite as relaxing as getting away from it all in the comfort of your very own backyard haven. So recently I asked a few friends, including interior designer and coowner of Clear Fork Designs, Sacha Whitehead, if she could tell me how to turn any backyard space into a retreat for one or the entire family. “It’s all about creating something warm and cozy,” Sacha said.

Whether your backyard is small and partially covered in concrete, like ours, or all grass, you can make it a haven from the rest of the world.

Sacha suggests that you start by dividing the space into sections and attacking it from there. “You want to think about the usage of the area and whether you intend it to be for lounging, eating or just play before you do anything else.” Sacha shared. Depending on the size of your back yard you may have two to 10 sections. Waxahachie resident, Brenda Hudson agrees, “Get graph paper and map it all out first, then conquer in sections! We did it ourselves at our house and loved the results!”

The possibilities are only limited by your imagination and, OK, maybe your wallet.

Perhaps you want to add a pond or flowers to attract birds. The soothing sounds of water or nature may be just what your family needs to escape from their fast-paced lives. Maybe a pool and deck or hot tub is just what the doctor ordered. Whether starting from scratch or working with an established yard, a theme is also helpful and it doesn’t have to be expensive either. Check Craigslist for bargains you might be able to barter for, construction sites for leftovers, like rocks, or local nurseries for

Melinda Hines is a wife, mom, author, speaker, teacher and proud Waxahachie resident. Her book, “Operation Mom: Winning the Mommy Wars,” is available on her Web site, www.melindahines.net, and at Hastings and Amazon.com. To get Melinda’s daily devotional, send her an e-mail at melindaahines@yahoo.com.

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clearance items and inspiration.

Another way to save money and make the actual task easier to manage is to simply do a section of the yard at a time, such as the flowers or hedges one year and the patio the next year. When choosing any plants or flowers be sure to read up or ask the experts so that you don’t waste money and time planting the wrong things in the wrong places.

Long-time Waxahachie resident, Sheila McGlothen, suggests using portable plants in different kinds of containers because it’s easy to change the look.

It’s all relative I guess. For our family, our backyard, much like our home, has to serve many purposes. My children, Mackenzie, 8, and Caleb, 5, insist the backyard is all about having a good time. They are satisfied with a tire swing on the tree, a soccer goal, a slide and, of course, a few toys. However, mom needs organization for all the balls, bats, sidewalk chalk and all the other paraphernalia that accumulate over time. I also like a chair to read in and a small table to set a cool drink on so I can keep a watchful eye on them while they play. My husband loves his grill and added a fun fire pit last year that we have used to grill s’mores on more times than I can count. I also love our large table that we have used for a big family dinner on Mother’s Day and for everyday dinners when the weather is just right outside. Of course there are always things we would love to change about our outdoor room, including adding a canopy and ledge of some sort to keep the leaves and heat out, but that’s a dream for another day.

Sacha also has some great suggestions when you have a limited budget and want to spruce up your backyard. Think more in the lines of ambiance and the steps below are both cost effective and easy and would apply when throwing any last-minute party or having an impromptu get together. Plus, a quick run to any grocery store can provide everything necessary to pull a makeover together. “There are three main steps to creating that outdoor haven that will leave you feeling great about your backyard space,” Sacha said.

SACHA’S AMBIANCE TIPS: THE TABLEWARE: Always consider the season or event you are hosting, whether it is an evening backyard barbecue or an afternoon shower. You can pick between paper and plastic; just remember the pattern and colors are going to be the jumping-off point to pulling it all together.

THE FLOWERS: Flowers always brighten up any space. When picking flowers, you should follow the same color palette set by the tableware. You may even want to invest in a book about flower arrangements. To add some texture, you can tie ribbon to the neck of a vase, or put some fruit in the water for a little touch of whimsy. Place the flower arrangements around the area, making sure that you have an odd number of them so as not to make the space look too cluttered.

THE LIGHTING: Candles are often the last thing people think of. When putting your candles together, you should keep all your candles the same color to keep it looking elegant and simple. However, you can choose to have all the same size candles and candle holders, or have all different sizes in all different casings. The main thing here is that you cluster the candles in groupings and in various places. A final great benefit of candles is the aroma—never a bad thing.

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HG &

HOME & GARDEN Get ready to go outside! We have scoured the county and found the best backyards, thanks to our loyal readers and their suggestions. There was actually so much that we couldn’t feature everything in this issue.

Keep reading to find the latest trends in outdoor living, five things you need to have the ultimate backyard and some easy things you can do for a quick yard update.

In Diane Johnson’s column, you’ll find even more ways to enjoy the great outdoors. From screened-in porches to grills, she’s covered all the details. Melinda Kocian touches on the plants that are perfect for the hot months of July and August. When it comes to outdoor living, we’ve got you covered!

In This Section: Backyards of 2010 36

July and August Plants 44

by Kate McClendon

by Melinda Kocian

8 Steps to Great Outdoor Living 42

Back-to-School Time 45

by Diane Johnson

by Deborah Tilson

JULY-AUGUST 2010

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BACKYARDS OF 2010 It’s time to get outside and enjoy the weather our Texas summers have to offer. In the next few pages, we’re featuring elements from some of the best backyards we’ve found in and around Ellis County. If you’re planning to update your backyard soon, this is the best place to get ideas and find sources.

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Since the summer temperature averages well above 100 degrees, the first thing people often think of putting in a backyard is a pool. But these large water features have come a long way since the days of plain white concrete forming an oval-shaped pit. Pools can be lined with stained concrete or dark pebbles, giving the water a deeper turquoise shade. We also see many different shapes of pools, complete with features like fountains, slides, tanning ledges and even an infinity, or negative, edge.

A backyard can’t be too enjoyable without a place to sit and relax. Try creating different outdoor “rooms” to bring the comfort of the inside to the outside. Separate seating areas with weatherproof rugs and furniture set in a way to influence conversation. Add even more comfort with outdoor throw pillows in complementary patterns and colors.

Outdoor kitchens are still very popular, but they’ve gone from just the basics to a full-blown area with all the amenities of an indoor kitchen. Consider what you would need to make an entire meal outside. If other people are helping you, you’ll need plenty of work space for chopping and prep work, a sink, refrigerator and, of course, the grill. You may even want to build cabinets to conveniently keep all of your outdoor dishes separate from the indoor dishes.

If you want to add a little shade to your yard, consider building an arbor or pergola. You can also place some crawling plants that will fill in the arbor or pergola. Once they’ve grown, you’ll have even more shade and a pretty place to enjoy.

Though the days are sweltering, some of our Texas nights can get a little chilly. Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits can help warm you and your guests

BACKYARD BLISS Close your eyes and imagine the perfect spot to relax and enjoy family, friends and nature. Now, how can you get that image in your own backyard?

Here are the five must-haves for a beautiful backyard retreat.

POOL No perfect spot would be complete without a pool. Consider different shapes—you could even create a lazyriver style and add bridges and walkways around and over the water. For a more ocean-like feel, use saltwater instead of the typical chlorinated water.

To create the ultimate in relaxation and convenience, add a swim-up bar with stools and a stone countertop.

FIREPLACE Add ambience and heat with an outdoor fireplace. Having an outdoor lighting and heat source will let your family and friends enjoy your backyard in the chilly spring and fall and at night. Also, if you’re using wood in the fireplace, you can use it as a great s’mores-making location.

SEATING AREAS Make sure you have ample places for guests to sit. From lounging by the pool to relaxing under a covered patio, you’ll need spots where people can gather to talk and enjoy your beautiful yard. Make sure you include side tables and throw pillows to bring all the comfort of the indoors out.

OUTDOOR KITCHENS Who wants to keep running back and forth between the indoor kitchen and your guests outside? Cut down on that running time by bringing everything you need to prepare a great summer meal out to your backyard. Also, if your guests are already outside, they’ll be more likely to help out as you cook their lunch or dinner in the backyard kitchen!

LANDSCAPING Add beauty and interest by bringing in different colors and shapes with plants.

Consider planting native plants in your flower beds and keep grass nice and healthy to bring more attention to your beautiful beds.

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QUICK & EASY UPDATES Touch up. If the trim on your house has seen better days, make sure you touch up worn spots with the same color paint. Fix any broken window panes or torn screens and repair anything else that may need attention.

Clean up. Get rid of the weeds in your yard and keep it maintained. Scott Melichar with Earth Tones Greenery suggests keeping a nice layer of mulch down to keep weeds out and water in your flower beds. Also, making sure your grass is healthy and maintained is an easy way to give your yard a perfect look.

Re-do. If you have a rusty, old piece of furniture sitting outside that you’ve been avoiding, why not give it a face lift? Remove all of the old paint from the piece, paint it a bright new color and treat it with a sealant to give it a longer life.

Plant. There are many easy-to-care-for plants to choose from, like begonias, moss roses, periwinkles, Dusty millers, snapdragons and many more. Ask someone at your local outdoor store for help in choosing easy plants.

Also, add some color by placing plants in brightly colored and complementary planters.

Light. Adding lighting is an inexpensive way to help spruce up a yard and extends the time you can spend outdoors. You can choose from a number of different types of lighting, from high or low voltage to solar options.

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up as you enjoy the ambience they provide. Many people are adding full-size fireplaces to their backyards, but a simple fire pit or chiminea can serve the same purpose.

One of the easier and cheaper ways to add life to your backyard is to add plants. But make sure you research your plants and your location first. “Use the right plants in the right places, like full-sun or partial-sun plants. Make sure they don’t get burned,” Scott Melichar, a landscape designer at Earth Tones Greenery in Midlothian, said. He also said that having both deciduous and evergreen plants gives a nice mix throughout the year in planting beds.

Once you add plants, you have to keep in mind watering and irrigation. Try to place plants with the same watering needs together so you don’t have to trek all over your yard when watering. Also, think about drainage. You can find drainage liners at any greenery store.

Elevation changes create interest, according to Melichar, so think about adding different-level terraces throughout your yard. If you have a sloped yard, adding terracing will be easier. Be sure to build stairs throughout so you can walk by all the different elevations. Landscaping stairs are usually around six inches tall whereas indoor stairs are more like seven or eight inches tall.

HOMESITES FOR SALE

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Everyone likes the relaxing sound that running water creates, so why not add that sound to your backyard?

You can go high-end with a custom fountain, or create your own water feature with some pottery and a fountain kit, available at most garden stores.

When thinking about flooring, you’ll find so many different options from which to choose. “Stained concrete is an inexpensive way to get a good look without spending the money on flagstone,” Melichar said. There are also many options when it comes to concrete now. You can have patterns created in the concrete to make it look like stone, or choose from different colored stains so you can match your house and landscaping.

Think about the different levels in your yard and decking. Get creative with the wood floor of the decks and use different types or stains of wood to create patterns and interest. Instead of the standard rail around the edge of the deck, try adding built-in benches framed with matching planters for flowers.

Before you do anything with your backyard, sketch out what you want on paper first. If you’re hiring a professional to do it, ask them to show you rendered plans of what it’s going to look like when it’s finished. Melichar has a degree in landscape architecture and shows all of his clients three different final-product plans: black and white plans, rendered plans and perspective plans.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you get outside and enjoy your backyard this summer!

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SOURCE LIST Page 36, 40 Earth Tones Greenery - 972.723.0702 www.earthtonesgreenery.com Page 39 1 - River Mist Pools & Spas, 972.723.1441 www.rivermistpools.com 2 - B.R. Ferguson Homes, 972.617.0003 www.brfhomestx.info 3 - The Backyard Store, 817.461.9273 www.thebackyardstore.cc 4 - Texsun Pools, 469.688.3465 www.texsunpoolandspa.com 5 - King Custom Pools, 972.723.2800 www.kingcustompools.com

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Steps to Great

8

OUTDOOR LIVING

Hot dogs, hamburgers and brisket on the grill—that is what summer is all about. There is no better way to spend time with your family and friends than outdoors on a summer night with the aroma of dinner filling the air. Here are some steps you can take to create the perfect outdoor space.

1.

The roof can be an awning or a structural shingled roof. Either will serve the purpose of protecting you from the sun and summer showers, which will allow you to use your patio more often.

2.

Bugs are always an issue when entertaining outdoors. Screening in your covered patio is another relatively inexpensive project. You can get a lot of bang for your buck with this addition. You are literally creating a finished outdoor room that is usable rain or shine.

3.

If you have an awning roof, roll-up screening is the perfect answer. It is lightweight and easy to install. It does not require any extra support or construction. It attaches to the metal frame of the awning and is installed by the awning manufacturer.

4.

A permanent structural roof allows you to install screen panels for walls. These panels become part of the structure as the woodframed screens are attached to the roof and support posts. Of course, you will need to include a screen door for access.

5.

We all can’t have gazebos and poolside kitchens, but we can find a spot to call our own when cooking outdoors. Something as simple as taking a small portion of the backyard to install paving stones can create the perfect spot for outdoor entertaining.

The easiest procedure is to scrape off the grass in your allotted spot, spray weed killer on the area and inset the paver blocks as closely as possible. Hose it all off and you are done.

If you want to go a step further, add landscape timbers or metal edging to create a border around the patio. Add some potted plants to the corners and you are ready to grill.

Now lets go just one step further. Put matching stone border about two feet out from the pavers and you have landscape beds to enhance your outdoor living area. Round the corners and give your beds some interesting shapes. Plant dwarf evergreens and flowering shrubs that bloom all summer long. Keep fresh mulch in the beds for a crisp, clean look.

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6.

7.

Adding a walkway from the back door or porch to the patio creates a direct connection from the house to the outdoor living space.

Brick-size pavers installed exactly like the patio floor is your best bet. No concrete, no professional labor to pay for, minimal expense and you are ready to go.

After a period of time, you might consider a serious addition to the stone paver patio that has evolved into an outdoor room. Adding a built-in grill with a counter or work area sounds expensive, but it doesn’t have to be.

Basically, the work island is a rectangular box made out of exterior plywood. Obviously, the plywood has to be covered with something to protect it from the elements and give it a finished look.

The top can be a granite slab or a plywood top with ceramic tile on it. Any waterproof product will work. Solid surface products are perfect for this application. If the budget is tight, use waterproof wood. If you stain and seal it well, you will get years of use out of it.

Laminate products will work well, too, but make sure you use an outdoor plywood for the base. Indoor products might buckle over time with the constant humidity issues.

8.

Installing the grill is probably the easiest part of the project. You can purchase a drop-in grill that sits into the countertop, like a stove in the kitchen. Instructions for cutting out the appropriate opening in the countertop will be

included with the grill.

If you have a grill unit with legs, you can cut out a section of the cabinet and countertop the size of the grill. Slide the grill into place and you are ready to cook.

Start with an idea, then take it to the next step. That is where we all have to start. Find the perfect spot and start scraping off that grass. Before you know it, doing one step at a time, you will have a perfect outdoor living area ready for summer parties and hamburgers galore.

DIANE JOHNSON COLLARD has been decorating Ellis County for more than 20 years.

Contact Diane Johnson Interiors at 972.935.8899 or djohnsoninteriors@hotmail.com.

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JULY

BY MELINDA KOCIAN of Ellis County Master Gardeners

Photo by Linda Moxley

AUGUST Monarch Butterfly The Monarch Butterfly became the Texas state insect by a 1995 resolution of the state legislature. The Monarch is unique among butterflies in that it is the only species of butterfly that does not hibernate, but migrates in changing seasons. It undergoes four changes in form (metamorphoses) during its lifetime: tiny egg, caterpillar/larva, chrysalis or pupa and in the final state, the monarch emerges!

Pomegranates (Punica granatum)

PLANTING AND SOWING

There’s nothing like harvesting fruit from your own trees. Research findings concerning the health-related benefits of pomegranates may prompt you to add them to your list. Pomegranates originated in southern Asia and were brought to America by Spanish missionaries in the 16th century. The red-orange flowers, attractive fruit and dense, bushy growth habit make this fruit tree desirable. They are well adapted to practically any soil with good drainage and require full sun.

•

TIPS FOR JULY “Wherever I go in America, I like it when the land speaks its own language in its own regional accent.” - Mrs. Lyndon Johnson, “Wildflowers across America,” 1993

•

•

FERTILIZING AND PRUNING •

PLANTING AND SOWING • • •

Set out fall tomatoes and peppers from four-inch pots or tomatoes planted from seed in June.

Plant crape myrtles while in bloom from nursery stock. They would rather be in the ground than in containers; keep them well watered.

Plant lawn grass sod. It should look fresh and recently dug. It will need water twice a day.

FERTILIZING AND PRUNING • • •

Deadhead all blooming plants and fertilize sparingly. Clean up container plantings by removing dead leaves and flowers.

Pinch off flowers, including herbs that are going to seed to encourage re-blooming and additional foliage.

Keep fall flowering plants compact by pinching tips of new growth.

For example: Mexican bush sage, Mexican mint marigold, asters and chrysanthemums.

•

Keep berried plants well hydrated.

On a hot afternoon, wilting is a sign of stress. It may be from lack of moisture or that a plant cannot take up available moisture in the soil through its roots. Wait until morning. If the plant is still wilting, it needs water.

GARDEN WATCH • •

•

44

Spot spray Bermuda lawns with the herbicide MSMA to kill grassy weeds such as dallisgrass and crabgrass.

Dead turf that does not respond to irrigation may have cinch bugs.

Check by parting the blades and look for small black bugs with white diamonds on their back. Check for grub worms by grasping a handful of turf and pulling. If grass easily comes up you may need to treat, especially if you had them last season.

Weed nut sedge by hand in mulched areas. It has underground rhizomes with nutlets. Get them all or it comes back. It can be controlled in lawn areas by applying Image or Manage. It will usually require two applications. Best to apply two to three days after mowing. FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS.

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Prune most roses by cutting out dead canes and weak spindly growth. Cut back, depending on the variety, to about 30 inches.

Fertilize and water well for beautiful fall blooms.

Salvia greggi (autumn sage) can be cut back at least by one third.

Do not flat top any blooming shrub; always leave the tops in a rounded, natural shape. If pruned now, it should display great fall and early winter color.

•

THIS AND THAT • • •

Select and order spring-flowering bulbs that will grow in our area.

By the end of the month you will know the winners and losers in the landscape.

Plan next year to plant Texas natives and adapted plants like salvias, turkscap, pink skullcap, lantana, Texas betony butterfly bush, flame acanthus, ornamental grasses and many others.

GARDEN WATCH •

THIS AND THAT • •

Sow seeds in flats of plants that may be hard to find later in the fall, such as calendulas. You can, if you like, sow seeds of fall and winter annuals like snapdragons, dianthus and pansies or purchase nursery stock when these become available.

Plant seeds of bluebonnets and other wildflowers directly in ground about 1/2 an inch deep. The soil should be free of weeds and grass and the surface should be lightly cultivated. Water well as these plants must germinate in the late summer or fall. Bluebonnet seeds have hard coats and should be acid treated to facilitate germination.

Fall-blooming perennials such as Salvia Leucantha, Mexican marigold, mums and asters if their buds have not already set. Fallflowering bulbs can also be planted (spider lilies and crocus).

•

Continue to follow the “Home Owners Fruit and Nut Spray Schedule” to protect pecan trees against pecan weevils and hickory shuck worms, which can destroy the crop.

The same schedule also applies to peach and plum trees to protect from peach tree borers.

TIPS FOR AUGUST Awareness of light pollution has increased recently. Some municipalities have introduced measures to reduce light trespass, reduce glare and promote energy efficiency. Solar lighting is typically dimmer and requires no consumable energy.

Photo by Linda Moxley and Nancy Prikryl

Back-to-School

Time

By Deborah Tilson, Professional Organizer It is that time of year again. . . back-to-school time. In order to help transition your kids from summer mayhem to organized school time, I have some helpful tips that can save you time and money.

First, clean out the closets. Go through any school clothes from last year that no longer fit or that are worn or otherwise damaged. If the items are still in good condition, I suggest getting them to a resale shop to offset the costs of the new school clothes.

Encore Resale in Waxahachie takes children’s clothes from newborn to size 14 in girls and boys. Plato’s Closet in Arlington can take both men’s and women’s clothes. They typically take more recent, name-brand items in the teen to mid-20s fashions. They do not take children’s clothing. Plato’s Closet also pays cash on the spot. It is also a great place to let your kids shop and get designer clothing at less than half of retail.

Second, get their workspace ready. When children have a designated space that is already prepared for them to do their homework, they tend to stay focused on their tasks until they are completed. Make sure that the workspace is stocked with all the supplies that they will need to work on homework and school projects throughout the school year. If you have more than one child sharing the same space, be sure and buy storage containers with lids for each child to store their own supplies. Let the child pick out their own container so that it is personal and meaningful to them. Put their names on each container so that there is no confusion.

Third, organize old school supplies. Go through your home and locate any and all unused items from previous years. Many times we ending buying things we already have simply because we did not take inventory before we went shopping. Stick to the lists of supplies provided on your school’s Web site. In order to avoid over-spending, don’t take your children with you, go alone and get only what is needed. I have learned over the years not to wait until a week or two before school starts to get all the great sales. In smaller communities there are fewer places to shop and the stores often sell out of items on school lists. Print off the list in early August and avoid the crowds and keep from wasting your time and fuel by having to drive to multiple locations to get all of the items on your list.

We still have a few weeks left, but summer will fly by and before you know it school will be in session.

Good luck and have a great summer!

Deborah Tilson is the newest member of the Living Magazine staff. She spends her time outside the magazine as a professional organizer. If you need help getting organized, contact her at deborah@living-magazine.com.

JULY-AUGUST 2010

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P PROFESSIONAL GUIDE Keep Your Backyard Pool Safe

BY TIM TOBEY, State Farm® agent Taking a dip in your backyard pool can be a great way to beat the heat during the dog days of summer.

It can be an excellent way to relax with family and friends or be a part of a regular exercise routine.

As much fun as a pool can be, it can also be a source of danger. Unsupervised or poorly protected swimming pools and hot tubs can be very inviting to young children. A curious child can enter a pool area before an adult realizes he or she is missing.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) reports an estimated 350 children under age five drown in swimming pools each year. Another 2,600 are treated in hospital emergency rooms.

Nationally, drowning is listed as the leading cause of death to children under five.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a pool in your backyard. There are a number of preventive measures you can take to ensure a safe and enjoyable backyard. With available self-latching gates, safety covers and underwater alarms, you can prevent young children from having access to the pool without appropriate supervision. Visit www.cpsc.gov for more information.

When the weather heats up, a backyard pool can be a great way to cool down. Make sure yours is safe as well as enjoyable.

In This Section:

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New Health Care Legislation and You 50

Paying It Forward 47

by Kevin McDonnell

by Mark Singleton

Attitude! Does It Make a Difference? 52

A Trust Designed with Special Needs in Mind 48

by Mary White

by Jacob A. Hale

by Michael Hill

JULY-AUGUST 2010

529 Lesson Plan 54

Paying It Forward For the past two years, this column has featured how current banking legislation and trends affect those of us living in Ellis County. In those articles I have differentiated between the huge, nationwide financial institutions and locally owned and operated independent banks.

The core of that difference is that local banks have the mandate of reinvesting their funds back into the communities they serve. That responsibility to return revenues through business and personal loans, and also the support of civic programs and charitable donations, establishes a cycle of reciprocations: businesses, families, schools and churches all benefit from an independent bank’s lending and benevolence.

When they prosper and grow, so does the bank who, in turn, makes more revenue to reinvest in the community. For Citizens National Bank of Texas, that commitment has worked well for 142 years.

I feel independent banks have a higher responsibility than making money and giving it back. Our imperative to reinvest in the communities we serve should not be defined only by bankrolling and benevolence. We need to not only set the example, but also establish a public attitude where everyone is dedicated to paying it forward.

Possibly it has been the recessionary times in the past 24

months, but people seem to be more willing these days to help their neighbors and community.

Whereas only a few people would run for public office in the past, there were recently eight candidates for the Waxahachie City Council, seven for the Waxahachie ISD trustee race and almost 2,000 people voted in the WISD bond proposition initiative.

But we can’t stop there.

There are more church, civic and social groups that desperately need volunteers than there are people to fill those appeals.

Now, more than ever, we need to empower people to contribute their time and efforts in helping others.

What bothers me is that we have to ask. All of us, even those that are less fortunate, are so blessed to live in a country and community that has such a wide safety net to keep us from a total economic and social catastrophe. All we need to do is look at the hunger and medical strife in Africa, the social upheaval in so many totalitarian countries, the lawlessness of drug trafficking nations, the repression of people’s rights or the religious upheaval experienced by so many in the world. The worst of conditions in Ellis County is diametrically better than the great majority of living conditions on our planet.

So, if we are so extraordinarily blessed, why do so many folks reject the commitment to pay

P

BY MARK SINGLETON - PRESIDENT & CEO CITIZENS NATIONAL BANK OF TEXAS

it forward? I think it is because the What About Me attitude is pervasive; a feeling that somehow, as Americans, we are entitled to have what we want, when we want it, with the least amount of effort.

The recession has changed that attitude with many people. With unemployment still hovering at 9+ percent, cutbacks being experienced from city government to the housing market, and the reality of having to save rather than spend affecting us all, the realization that we should count the blessings we have is becoming more prevalent.

It is when times get tough that the What About Me mindset often changes to understanding that others are also victims of hard times. History clearly shows that when times get tough, Americans tend to bond and work collectively for solutions.

If that is truly the case, that the Pay It Forward mentality becomes powerful as more people share in hardships, then I hope as times get better we do not forget the lessons we have learned.

I am blessed to be surrounded by friends who put others first.

If the Golden Rule is also part of your moral compass, your contributions are part of the mosaic of why many of us love to live in Ellis County. Thank you to all of you who see paying it forward not as an obligation, but simply the right thing to do.

JUUL ULY Y-A AUGU UGUST S 201 ST 2010 010 0

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BY JACOB A. HALE

A Trust Designed

with Special Needs in Mind

The word “trust,” when used in an estate planning context, typically conjures images of boarding schools, BMWs, expensive vacations and an extravagantly wealthy aunt somewhere upstream.

Somehow, a husband with early onset Alzheimer’s, a child with autism or a sister with Down syndrome isn’t the ordinary trust-fund beneficiary we envision. But these, and the approximately 50 million other Americans with some form of disability, are precisely the beneficiaries contemplated by a special kind of trust—the special needs trust.

Of course, there are hundreds of different kinds of trusts, all with different goals and with different beneficiaries in mind. A trust is simply an agreement under which money or other assets are held and managed by one person for the benefit of another. The goals of the special needs trust are simple: to improve the quality of life of a disabled individual, without disqualifying them from the public assistance programs they rely on for basic care.

Advances in modern medicine and rehabilitation techniques allow people with disabilities a higher standard of living and longer life expectancies than ever before. That means it is quite possible for these individuals to outlive the devoted parents, spouses and even children who care for them. Fortunately, the law has kept pace with medicine.

The special needs trust, long a creature of American case law, was recognized and approved by Congress in 1993.

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This trust enables a person with a disability to have an unlimited amount of assets held for his benefit. But public programs such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which are often necessary to meet daily needs, impose strict income and resource restrictions ($2,000 in assets in 2010). Because the funds held in a special needs trust are not considered to be owned by the beneficiary, as long as the trust includes certain important provisions and is managed according to those provisions, it will not disqualify the individual from public benefits, regardless of its size.

Special needs trusts are often called “supplemental needs trusts” because they are intended to provide funds to pay for certain expenses above and beyond what Medicaid or SSI cover— haircuts, vacations, movies, iPods, hobby supplies, daytime companionship, etc.

A special needs trust is often included within a will to take effect if the caregiver should pass away first. It is imperative that any gift of property made to a disabled beneficiary be made in trust because even a modest inheritance, if received outright, could exceed the tight financial boundaries public programs set for eligibility.

A practical example: Charlotte cares for her husband, Edgar, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease. She visits him every day in the nursing home across town and knows all his idiosyncrasies by heart. Meanwhile, Medicaid picks up the $4,000-per-month nursing home bill. After years of caring for Edgar, Charlotte passes away, first leaving all of her property—$50,000—to her husband. Unless left to a special needs trust for his benefit, the gift will disqualify Edgar from Medicaid, which only allows Edgar $2,000 to be held

in his name.

Leaving the gift in a special needs trust would ensure that Medicaid continues paying the nursing home bill, while the funds in trust are used to increase his quality of life. Further, Charlotte can leave behind detailed instructions in the trust explaining all of Edgar’s likes and dislikes and how these trust dollars should be spent.

It is also important for other friends and relatives to revisit their own estate plans to make sure any gifts left to the disabled beneficiary are left to the special needs trust as well. Beneficiary designations on life insurance policies and retirement accounts should also be directed to the trust.

Avoid the temptation to simply leave property to a non-disabled beneficiary in the hopes that person will provide for the disabled loved one. This can create extraordinary complications that are beyond the scope of this article. Using a special needs trust will ensure that property intended for a disabled beneficiary will be used for his or her benefit only and will be beyond the reach of creditors, divorcing spouses or other unforeseen catastrophes.

There may be no better insight into the heart of a family than the way they respond to an unexpected disability.

There is nothing more important, more spiritually rewarding or more challenging than caring for a son, daughter, husband, wife, mother or father with a disability. A special needs trust will allow the lifestyle you create for your loved one to carry forward even when you’re gone.

Jacob A. Hale is an elder law and estate planning attorney at The Hale Law Firm in Waxahachie.

Three Reasons for E-mail Marketing 54% of small businesses surveyed rated e-mail as the top online promotion to drive site visitors and customers to their Web sites and storefronts.

1) IT’S INEXPENSIVE

JENNIFER THORNHILL

ECL MEDIA

E-mail marketing is an affordable way to stretch a tight marketing budget. Unlike direct mail, printing and postage expense is nonexistent.

Not to mention that e-mail marketing is 20 times more cost effective than direct mail.

2) IT’S EFFECTIVE Unlike other marketing vehicles, email marketing generates an immedi-

ate response. People may not notice your ad in a cluttered publication and direct mail often finds its way to the trash bin. An e-mail, however, is quite noticeable in an inbox. Plus, it provides a way for consumers to click on links directed to your Web site and Facebook page and directly reply to the sender (that’s you!) with questions or comments.

3) IT’S MEASURABLE Unlike other marketing vehicles, results from e-mail campaigns are easily measured. Results are reported in terms of “opens,” which report how many people saw your e-mail, and

Click Through Rates, which measure how many people actually clicked on the links in your e-mail, who actually clicked on those links, and who forwarded your e-mail to a friend.

Get your message in the inbox of 5,000 Ellis County community and business leaders by being a part of Ellis County Living Magazine’s monthly e-mail newsletter, or let us design an e-mail for you.

Let’s get the conversation started!

IT IS TIME TO PUT E-MAIL MARKETING TO WORK FOR YOUR BUSINESS.

Contact Jennifer Thornhill at jennifer@eclmedia.com or 817.793.3996 for pricing information.

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On The Road • In Your Hands • On The Screen • On The Web

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New Health Care Legislation and YOU

BY KEVIN MCDONNELL President Barack Obama in March signed into law the largest piece of health care legislation since Medicare was implemented in the 1960s. With $400 billion of revenue raisers and new taxes, significant tax implications will affect you as early as this year.

Starting in 2010 From 2010 through 2013, eligible small business employers (with less than 25 employees and average annual wages of less than $50,000) will receive a 35% tax credit on the contribution to their employees' health insurance premiums.

cover who ends up on a government-subsidized plan.

Limits on tax-subsidized medical expenses will be imposed by raising the itemized medical expense deduction floor from 7.5% to 10%.

From 2014 to 2015, eligible small business employers will receive a 50% tax credit on the contribution on plans purchased through SHOP, the state-run insurance exchanges.

Parents can cover adult children up to age 26 under their tax-qualified employer-provided health plans.

An additional 0.9% tax will be imposed on earned income over $200,000 for individuals and $250,000 for families.

Starting in 2011

Individuals with AGI above $200,000 (or families with AGI over $250,000) will pay a 3.8% unearned income Medicare contribution tax on the lesser of: • Their net investment income* for the tax year or • Any excess of their AGI over $200,000 for individuals/$250,000 for families.

States will receive funding to establish the Web-based state insurance exchanges, which will be called Small Business Health Options Programs (SHOP). These exchanges will allow small businesses to form alliances and purchase insurance policies together at reduced rates.

Small business employers will be eligible to receive federal funding from 2011 to 2015 for providing their employees with wellness programs.

The definition of qualified medical expenses regarding distributions from Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Archer Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs) and reimbursements through Health Flexible Spending Arrangements (Health FSAs) and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) has been modified to exclude over-the-counter medicines.

A $2,500 annual cap on expenses will be applied to flexible spending accounts.

A simplified "cafeteria plan," where employees can choose specific benefits to suit their needs, will be tailored to small businesses starting in 2011. The cafeteria plan will also include those who are self-employed.

Starting in 2013 Estates and trusts will owe a 3.8% un-

50

earned income Medicare contribution tax (formerly called Medicare tax) on the lesser of their undistributed net investment income or any adjusted gross income over the highest tax bracket threshold (currently $11,200). So a trust with AGI of $20,000 would owe $334.40. ($20,000 minus $11,200 equals $8,800, which is then multiplied by .038.)

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Starting in 2014 Small business owners with more than 100 employees will be able to purchase employee health insurance through state-run insurance exchanges called SHOP. Taxpayers with household income between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL) can qualify for a refundable health insurance premium assistance credit. (The current FPL, which is based on family size, is $10,830 for one person; $3,740 for each additional person and $22,050 for a four-person family.)

Companies with at least 50 employees will have to pay a $2,000 penalty ($166.67 per month) for each employee they don't

Most individuals not eligible for Medicaid or Medicare or other government-sponsored coverage must maintain minimum essential coverage beginning in 2014 or pay a penalty. (Employer-provided insurance will satisfy this coverage requirement.)

The required estimated tax payments of corporations with assets of at least $1 billion for payments due in July, August and September of 2014 will be increased to 15.75 percentage points.

*Net investment income includes interest, dividend, royalties, rent, income earned from a trade or business, self-employment, estates, trusts and gain from disposing of property. Distributions from retirement plans, pensions and retirement accounts are exempt from the additional tax.

Kevin McDonnell is an attorney and Certified Public Accountant. To contact him, call McDonnell Legal at 972.923.2881 or visit www.thewaxahachielawyer.com.

Building a Trusting Relationship One Client at a Time

We’re here to answer your call personally and solve your legal, accounting and IRS needs.

Kevin McDonnell has his B.S. in accounting from the University of New Orleans. He received Juris Doctor from Tulane University School of Law. Kevin is an accomplished Attorney and Certified Public Accountant practicing in Ellis County. His goal is to provide efficient and effective management for all individuals at all stages of their lives. He provides reasonable rates for full accounting and legal services concentrating on asset protection, wealth preservation, all aspects of business, tax, and elder care law. Kevin will examine each individual’s needs regarding preserving wealth and assets for the future, financial security and wealth transfer. He is a founding board member of CASA helping abused and neglected children. Kevin is never to busy to take your call. *Not Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

Kevin McDonnell, JD, CPA Attorney at Law and Certified Public Accountant 714 Ferris Ave. • Waxahachie • 972.923.2881

We want to be your hometown realtor!

Micah Moore

Commercial/Residential Real Estate

Serving the Metroplex since 1980, Nickel Property has a proven track record for getting our clients results.

Cell (469) 877-2246 Office (972) 955-8822 Fax (972) 875-8686

307 N. Sherman I Ennis, TX 75119 realestate@micahmoore.com

W W W. M I C A H M O O R E . C O M JULY-AUGUST 2010

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ATTITUDE! Does It Make A Difference?

BY MARY WHITE Does a person’s attitude make a difference? Yes! Attitude makes a significant difference in so many facets of a person’s life. Zig Zigler’s quote, “It’s a person’s attitude not their aptitude that determines their altitude,” captures the importance of attitude. A person can have education and skills but if their attitude isn’t one of positivity, then it directly impacts the altitude–the successes in their life.

Worldwide, our clients talk about the importance of hiring people with a positive attitude. Clients say, “Give me someone with a positive attitude and I’ll teach ‘em the rest!”

What are the costs of allowing even one person with a negative attitude to continue being in your organization?

• • • •

Customer dissatisfaction Lower morale Employee turnover Decreased fundraising, productivity, safety and quality • Difficulty in recruiting others with a positive attitude • Lack of respect for an organization that “allows” this kind of behavior

“IT’S A PERSON’S ATTITUDE NOT THEIR APTITUDE THAT DETERMINES THEIR ALTITUDE” Unfortunately when we talk about “attitude” we’re frequently not referring to a person’s positive attitude but instead to a negative attitude. Attitude is really a set of behaviors. A good attitude is demonstrated by positive thinking, positive body language and thinking of the glass as being “half-full.” A negative attitude is just the opposite. The glass is “half-empty” and individuals bring others down with their overall negativity.

Too often we shy away from holding others accountable for their actions and attitudes. Why would we do this? Because typically we want to avoid conflict; we think, “why bother?” because that’s the way the person is and no matter what is said they won’t change. How do we know if we don’t try?

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What are the benefits of having an organization of positive thinkers?

Exactly the opposite of all those negatives.

How should we address the issue of negative attitudes?

First, we need to realize that an attitude is a set of behaviors. We need to be very specific with the behaviors that we expect to be demonstrated. Desired behaviors are documented in job descriptions, performance evaluations and performance management or coaching sessions. We can’t assume a person knows exactly what we expect unless we spell it out for them, and then hold them accountable for those behaviors. Once a person knows exactly what’s expected and the gap between that and what they’re demonstrating, then we can collaboratively work to eliminate that “gap.”

The graphic here shows the gap.

BEHAVIOR (ATTITUDE) Person is Demonstrating

COMMUNICATION/COACHING NEEDED

= DESIRED Expected Behavior (Attitude)

It’s essential to acknowledge and reward those employees who consistently demonstrate a positive, can-do attitude! Too often we spend too much of our organizational time focused on the negative instead of enhancing the positive.

Start today! Acknowledge those with positive attitudes and coach those with negative attitudes to meet your expectations. Your organization’s future depends on it!

Mary White is a partner, along with Jerry White, in WTC Performance Group.

WTC has focused on helping organizations worldwide reduce the gap between performance (what is happening) and expectation (what they wish was happening) since 1991. Learn more about us at www.wtcperformancegroup.com or by calling Mary at 972.291.1140.

Michael W. Hartley Attorney & Counselor at Law Michael W. Hartley has been practicing law for 30 years. He is proud to call himself a trial lawyer. He believes that power in America should remain with the people through the exercise of individual freedoms.

Trial lawyers give the voice with which to respond to big business, government and the judiciary.

AWARDS: The Brown and Judge award for Academic Achievement in the area of Products Liability. He was a member of the Board of Barristers and Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity while in law school.

Represents both Plaintiffs and Defendants: Family, Probate, Contract, Corporate, Real Estate, Product Liability, Commercial Collections, Appeals to the Court of Appeals & Supreme Court of Texas., Trial of civil cases including misdemeanor & felony charge, including Capital Murder and appeals to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.

• B.S. degree in 1975, Texas Tech University • J.D. degree in 1979, Texas Tech School of Law • Practiced in El Paso, Texas for 11 years • 1991, Practice relocated to Waxahachie

216 Franklin Street • Waxahachie

972.938.0088 www.elliscountylawyer.com

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“We’re not just selling real estate, we’re selling Ellis County!”

BETH BOLES-TERMINELLA GRI, REALTOR

214-801-9801

LESLIE ARMSTRONG REALTOR

817-980-4760 Check Out Our Website For All Of Our Current Property Listings

WWW.SELLINGELLISCOUNTY.COM ReMax Suburban South • 138 N 8th • Midlothian, TX

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529 LESSON PLAN: HIGH SCORES FOR 529 COLLEGE SAVINGS

PROGRAM

BY MICHAEL HILL

Looking for a tax-advantaged college savings plan that has no age restrictions, no income phaseout limits, no residency requirements—and one you can use to pay for more than just tuition?

Consider the 529 savings plan, an increasingly popular way to save for higher-education expenses, which have more than tripled over the past two decades—with annual costs of more than $30,000 per year for the average private four-year college.1 Named after the section of the tax code that authorized them, 529 plans (also known as qualified state tuition programs) are now offered in almost every state.

Most people have heard about the original form of 529, the state-operated prepaid tuition plan, which allows you to purchase units of future tuition at today’s rates, with the plan assuming the responsibility of investing the funds to keep pace with inflation. It’s practically guaranteed that the cost of an equal number of units of education in the sponsoring state will be covered, regardless of investment performance or the rate of tuition increase.

Of course, each state plan has a different mix of rules and restrictions. Pre-paid tuition programs typically will pay future college tuition at any of the sponsoring state’s eligible colleges and universities (and some will pay an equal amount to private and out-of-state institutions).

The newer variety of 529 is the savings plan.

It’s similar to an investment account, but the funds accumulate tax deferred. Withdrawals from state-sponsored 529 plans are free of federal income tax as long as they are used for qualified college expenses.

Unlike the case with pre-paid tuition plans, contributions can be used for all qualified higher-education expenses (tuition, fees, books, equipment and supplies, room and board), and the funds usually can be used at all accredited post-secondary schools in the United States. The risk with these plans is that investments may lose money or may not perform well enough to cover college costs as anticipated.

In most cases, 529 savings plans place investment dollars in a mix of funds based on the age of the beneficiary, with account allocations becoming more conservative as the time for college draws closer. But recently,

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more states have contracted professional money managers—many well-known investment firms—to actively manage and market their plans, so a growing number of investors can customize their asset allocations. Some states enable account owners to qualify for a deduction on their state tax returns or receive a small match on the money invested. In 48 states, earnings are exempt from taxes.2 And there are even new consumer-friendly reward programs popping up that allow people who purchase certain products and services to receive rebate dollars that go into state-sponsored college savings accounts.

Funds contributed to a 529 plan are considered to be gifts to the beneficiary, so anyone—even non-relatives—can contribute up to $13,000 per year (in 2009) per beneficiary without incurring gift tax consequences. Contributions can be made in one lump sum or in monthly installments. And assets contributed to a 529 plan are not considered part of the account owner’s estate, therefore avoiding estate taxes upon the owner’s death.

MAJOR BENEFITS These savings plans generally allow people of any income level to contribute, and there are no age limits for the student. The account owner can maintain control of the account until funds are withdrawn—and, if desired, can even change the beneficiary as long as he or she is within the immediate family of the original beneficiary. A 529 plan is also extremely simple when it comes to tax reporting—the sponsoring state, not you, is responsible for all income tax record keeping. At the end of the year when the withdrawal is made for college, you will receive Form 1099 from the state, and there is only one figure to enter on it: the amount of income to report on the student’s tax return.

BENEFITS

FOR GRANDPARENTS The 529 plan is a great way for grandparents to shelter inheritance money from estate taxes and contribute substantial amounts to a student’s college fund. At the same time, they also control the assets and can retain the power to control withdrawals from the account. By accelerating use of the annual gift tax exclusion, a grandparent—as well as anyone, for that matter—could elect to use five years’ worth of annual exclusions by making a single contribution of as much as $65,000 per beneficiary in 2009 (or a couple could contribute

$130,000 in 2009), as long as no other contributions are made for that beneficiary for five years.3 If the account owner dies, the 529 plan balance is not considered part of his or her estate for tax purposes.

As with other investments, there are generally fees and expenses associated with participation in a Section 529 savings plan. In addition, there are no guarantees regarding the performance of the underlying investments in Section 529 plans. The tax implications of a Section 529 savings plan should be discussed with your legal and/or tax advisors because they can vary significantly from state to state. Also note that most states offer their own Section 529 plans, which may provide advantages and benefits exclusively for their residents and taxpayers.

Before investing in a 529 savings plan, please consider the investment expenses, risks, charges and expenses carefully. The official disclosure statements and applicable prospectuses, which contain this and other information about the investment options and underlying investments, can be obtained by contacting your financial professional. You should read this material carefully before investing.

By comparing different plans, you can determine which might be available for your situation. You may find that 529 programs make saving for college easier than before.

The information in this article is not intended to be tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor.

Sources: 1. The College Board, 2008 2. SavingForCollege.com 3. If the donor makes the five-year election and dies during the five-year calendar period, part of the contribution could revert back to the donor’s estate.

Michael Hill is owner and Branch Manager of Hill & Associates, Wealth Advisory Group. Hill & Associates have offices in both Midlothian and Plano. They have been serving investors in the DFW area since 1982. He can be reached by calling 800.333.3030.

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PLEASANT MANOR

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M MEDICAL DIRECTORY August is back-to-school time! Whether your child is eight months old or 18 years old, they need to be caught up on the recommended vaccinations.

These vaccinations can prevent diseases like hepatitis B, tetanus, polio, rubella, chickenpox, measles, mumps, diphtheria and others. Your pediatrician will have a schedule of all the recommended vaccinations and when they are needed. If your child is going to college in the fall, make sure they have the meningitis vaccine, especially if they are planning to live in a dorm.

In This Section: Volunteering For Hospice 58

by Paul Colwell

Time to Flip-Flop on Flip-Flops? 60 Baylor Update

Get the Smile You’ve Always Wanted 62

by Dr. Davis W. Morgan

Dealing with Addiction 64

by Katherine Donaldson, Psy.D. The Dangers of Sleep Apnea 66

by Dr. Ed Charnock

JULY-AUGUST 2010

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM

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M VOLUNTEERING FOR HOSPICE:

MATCHING NEEDS WITH EXPERIENCES

BY PAUL COLWELL

For many, volunteering for a local hospice program would not sound like the sort of thing you would choose to spend your free time doing. But for some local Ellis County residents, they found it much different than what they expected.

Last year Sue Brown began volunteering to deliver care packages to caregivers, the spouse or family member who delivers direct care to the hospice patient. After Brown lost her husband while on hospice she realized how much stress taking care of a loved one can be. She was more than willing to help deliver the packages, containing items that help the loved one focus attention on themselves during a time when most of the attention is on the patient. “Helping to alleviate the stress of the primary caregivers, most typically the patient’s spouse, in turn directly helps the hospice patient,” states Jim Colwell, RN BSN CHPN and owner of Lighted Pathways Hospice. “Hospice care is just as focused on the family and primary caregivers as it is on the patients themselves.”

Sue Brown and co-volunteer Gayann Merchant visit new hospice caregivers each week to let them know that others have been through the same experiences they are going through now and to offer ongoing support. “The reward is just being there for them and to talk to the caregiver and to see their expression of relief when they realize someone else understands what they are going through.” Merchant said Josh McDonald, Volunteer Coordinator for Lighted Pathways Hospice, explains that it can be difficult to recruit the right individuals for a hospice volunteer program. “We try to first identify the need of the hospice patient and their family, then recruit the right individual who has the appropriate background and interests to fulfill that need.” It was exactly this kind of approach that brought about the current initiatives of the Lighted Pathways Hospice volunteer program. In addition to the caregiver program, volunteers also work with other family members to document a life review of the patient’s most memorable events.

The volunteer will visit with the patient and family members to gather information, collect facts, hear stories and copy pictures.

This information is then used to create a hardcover book that will help bring closure to the person’s life and remind them of the value and meaning that their life held. “Reviewing a patient’s life is just as vital to those left behind as it is to the patient,” says

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Hospice patient Norman Carter accepts a caregiver stress relief package from volunteers Sue Brown and Gayann Merchant.

McDonald. Recruiting volunteers that have computer skills in graphic design is not something most people would associate with a need in hospice.

Another initiative at Lighted Pathways focuses on those patients who have served in the armed forces. Volunteers identify patients who are U.S. military veterans and visit each to present a gift and to thank them for their service. “It’s about acknowledging what they did for our country, listening to their stories and just showing them some gratitude,” states Don Merchant, a Lighted Pathways volunteer and a U.S. Army veteran. While some of the patients are veterans of combat action, such as WWII, Korean or Vietnam wars, many have served during peace time, but all are honored by the volunteer program for their service. “Having volunteer veterans honor hospice patient veterans has been very rewarding for our program,” says McDonald.

According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, more than 550,000 volunteers provided more than 25 million hours of service to families and patients in 2009.

Paul Colwell is a volunteer at Lighted Pathways Hospice. If you would like more information about hospice care, or becoming a hospice volunteer, contact Lighted Pathways Hospice at 972.923.2436.

Dr. Paul Lansdowne, M.D. OBSTETRICS • GYNECOLOGY • WOMEN’S HEALTH “Providing comprehensive obstetric care and general gynecologic care to the women of Ellis County for 8 years and well into the future.”

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TIME TO FLIP-FLOP ON FLIP-FLOPS? THOSE COMFY SUMMER SANDALS MAY NOT BE SO COMFORTABLE AFTER ALL Once simple, cheap rubber thongs you bought at the drugstore, today’s flipflops have gone high-fashion and can be bought at most major department stores.

Frequently adorned with jewels and stones, they have made their way from practical poolside shoes to wardrobe staples.

heel and the bottom of your foot.

“If you wear flat shoes, such as flip-flops, consistently, you can irritate your plantar fascia, which can become a chronic problem,” said Deacon Staggs, M.D., physical medicine and rehabilitation physician on the medical staff at Baylor Medical Center at Waxahachie.

While they may seem cool, comfortable and stylish, keep in mind that wearing flipflops can come with a price. Those flat sandals can lead to a number of injuries and painful foot conditions, including: • Increased insect bites and exposure to poison ivy due to the sandal’s lack of coverage.

• Aggravation of knee, hip or back problems.

• Increased blunt trauma injuries from stepping on something sharp, which could go through the thin soles of flipflops, or knocking your foot and toes against hard objects.

• Sprained ankles and broken bones from tripping in flimsy flip-flops.

• Cuts and injuries from wearing them while doing yardwork.

• Arch and heel pain due to flip-flops’ lack of arch support.

In addition to wearing shoes without arch support, running, obesity, sudden weight gain and a tight Achilles tendon are risk factors for plantar fasciitis, according to the National Institutes of Health. Jobs that require long periods of standing or working on concrete surfaces can also lead to plantar fasciitis.

Some flip-flop injuries can be quite serious—a British study in 2002 found that 55,100 men and women went to hospitals with flip-flop related complaints.

FLAT-OUT PAIN Arch and heel pain experienced by flip-flop wearers may be a sign of an aggravating condition known as plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, from the heel to each of the bones that form the ball of your foot. When the plantar fascia gets inflamed, the result is often sharp, shooting pain at the base of your

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Treatment for plantar fasciitis may include shoe inserts, aggressive Achilles stretching, anti-inflammatory medications and, of course, no flip-flops or other unsupportive shoes.

“If you’re having any kind of foot pain, flipflops are not your best option,” said Dr. Staggs.

A GLITCH IN YOUR GAIT According to a 2008 study from the American College of Sports Medicine, flipflops may also be responsible for lower leg pain. Turns out that flip-flops not only don’t provide enough support, they also cause us to change the way we walk.

The study compared flip-flops to sneakers to assess the angles at which they impact the floor and the force at contact with the ground during walking. Researchers analyzed the gait of flip-flop wearers compared to their gait while wearing sneakers.

They discovered a statistically significant decrease in the vertical (straight-down) force in flip-flop wearers. This decreased force may explain why people who wear

flip-flops alter their normal gait and may shed light on why some experience lower leg pain.

WALK THIS WAY So what’s a hot-footed, fashion-forward person supposed to do? Wearing flip-flops in moderation is the key, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). Plus, you can look for flip-flops with the APMA’s “Seal of Acceptance” which signifies that the sandals have demonstrated proper support.

If you will be wearing flip-flops—in moderation!—this summer, keep the following tips from the APMA in mind: • Gently bend your flip-flops from end to end, ensuring they bend at the ball of the foot.

• Don’t wear flip-flops year after year.

Inspect older pairs for wear, and throw them out if they show severe signs of wear.

• Make sure your feet don’t hang off the edges of your flip-flops.

• Be sure to wear sunscreen on the tops of your feet.

Ultimately, Dr. Staggs recommends a sturdier shoe for keeping your feet healthy and safe.

“Your best option for shoes that will most likely keep your feet comfortable and painfree any time of year are running shoes with good arch support and a soft insole,” said

Dr. Staggs.

Physicians are members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Health Care System’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and are neither employees nor agents of those medical centers, Baylor Medical Center at Waxahachie or Baylor Health Care System.

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Get the Smile You’ve Always Wanted

BY DR. DAVIS W. MORGAN

Ellis County is no different than the rest of the Dallas area. People like to have their smiles look good, and in order to make this happen, you need a skilled dentist with a commitment to creating beautiful smiles. There are many topics that you have heard before and are familiar with, such as dentures, veneers, crowns and teeth whitening…the list goes on. All of these topics fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry.

have made dentures much more life-like and comfortable than ever before.

There are also options to consider if you would like the added benefit of an implant-retained denture. How many implants and where to place them can only be determined by a qualified dentist.

Can I have bright, white teeth? Yes. Whatever cosmetic option you choose, your teeth can be whiter. Bleaching will lighten your teeth several What is cosmetic dentistry? It is basically the practice of altering your teeth shades, but the degree of whitening is determined by several factors includor smile to enhance the way your mouth presents itself. Cosmetic dental ing age, eating habits, smoking and medications. Veneers, crowns and denrestorations are not only functional, but beautiful. A good cosmetic dentist tures can be designed to your specifications. While some patients request will create a smile that imitates what a natural smile looks like. This means “Hollywood white,” others opt for a more a more subtle change. An experithe teeth will be a mixture of shades with proper light reflection and each will enced cosmetic dentist will work closely with the patient and the laboratory have the right amount of translucency feathered into the edges. to achieve the desired result.

Dr. Davis W. Morgan of Aesthetic and Implant Dentistry answers some common questions concerning cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Morgan graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1989 and in most years he completes 50-100 hours of advanced dental training. The state requirement is only 12 hours per year. While traditional dentistry focuses on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease, cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry focuses on improving the beauty of your smile.

How much will this cost? There is no pat answer for this. Every patient is different. Bleaching is simple and affordable, however, full-mouth reconstruction can cost several thousand dollars. When looking for a cosmetic dentist, you don’t necessarily want the least expensive. Today, many dental laboratories are located outside of the U.S., in countries such as China and the Philippines. Much of this work is clinically acceptable, but not aesthetically pleasing. There is also little information relative to what metals and ceramics are used. By dentists using these laboratories, their fees may be lower; howWhat is a porcelain veneer? Dental veneers are custom-designed shells ever, the result is likely to be less than desirable. A good cosmetic dentist will of tooth-like ceramic material that, when applied over the surface of a tooth, have a lab that he works closely with. He will know the technician by name can cover worn tooth enamel, uneven tooth alignment or spacing and chips and speak to him directly about your care. or cracks.

How do I find a good cosmetic dentist? Legally, any general dentist can Is it different than a crown? The fundamental difference between porcelain announce him or herself as a cosmetic dentist. As a consumer it can be veneers and crowns is the amount of tooth structure that the restoration hard to tell who’s good and who is not until it’s too late. Search online, ask covers. Crowns generally cover the entire tooth, whereas veneers only your friends, call the dental office. You need to trust that your dentist knows cover the front and sides of a tooth. and understands what you want, and you need to believe that he or she can deliver that result. Ask to see photos. A good dentist that cares about the Can I choose which one I get? There are characteristics associated with aesthetic result will be happy, even excited, to show you his work. each that make one or the other more suitable for certain situations. Crowns are a good choice for teeth that are broken or decayed or for misaligned Visit Dr. Davis W. Morgan, DDS, at Aesteeth that require reshaping to appear in line. thetic and Implant Dentistry in Midlothian.

Dr. Morgan is a member of the American I am missing a front tooth. Can I still have cosmetic dentistry done to Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, the Academy of General Denimprove my smile? Absolutely! There are several options for tooth replacement, but if you are only missing one front tooth, placement of a single imtistry, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and is a fellow in the International plant is an excellent option. The implant can then be restored with a crown Congress of Oral Implantologists. To find and the adjacent teeth might have crowns or veneers. out more or to schedule an appointment, call 972.723.5544 or visit www.dfwsI hate my denture. It is ugly and doesn’t fit well. What can be done? miledesign.com.

Dentures today do not need to look like dentures! Advances in dentistry

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John Sullivan, M. D. General Surgery

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Dr. Sullivan arrived in Ennis in 2003 after completing his residency in General Surgery and Fellowship in Laparoscopic Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Since then he married Meg, who is a cardiologist, and had two boys John Michael and William Henry. Dr. Sullivan has kept at the forefront of medicine in Ennis and performs outpatient procedures now at both Southwest Surgery Center in Ennis and Waxahachie Surgery Center.

He routinely performs outpatient gallbladder, hernia, intestine and anti-reflux procedures laparoscopically, allowing patients to be at home the day of their operation. He also performs diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy and colonoscopy with minimally invasive techniques for treating hemorrhoids and ulcers. He continues to care for hospitalized patients, performing inpatient and higher risk outpatient surgeries at Ennis Regional Medical Center.

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Dealing with Addiction DEAR DR. DONALDSON, A couple years ago my husband hurt his back in an accident.

Even though he has recovered, he is still taking pain pills. I know he is addicted. He has lied to me about how many he takes. I know he has gotten pills from friends and more than one doctor. I am worried because he is not the same man anymore. He has missed our kids’ games and school activities. This is ruining our relationship. What can I do?

I have worked with many good people who have unintentionally become addicted to prescribed pain medication. These kinds of medication are excellent tools for managing pain but, as you know all too well, can become addictive.

The better they work, the more their potential for addiction.

Addiction to anything, whether it is alcohol, prescription medication or illicit drugs, is a chronic disease. His addiction did not happen overnight.

If your husband is drug dependent, he has lost all control over his use of the drug.

alcoholic traits of their parents. Women appear to be more affected by environmental stressors.

THE PHYSICAL SIDE OF ADDICTION Chronic abuse produces long-lasting damage in many areas of brain function. It can damage memory, problem-solving ability, the capacity for abstract thinking and even physical dexterity.

It may also impair verbal, visual and spatial ability.

The extent of damage to brain tissue depends on the extent of the abuse. When the abuse stops, some healing is possible.

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOR People who suffer from an addictive disease engage in compulsive behavior and gradually lose control of their lives. Even though your husband is experiencing negative consequences from using the drug, he feels he cannot stop. This is likely having a negative impact on his self-esteem, which further impairs his ability to quit. It is also possible that his addiction is causing him to feel anxious and depressed.

He has probably experienced some extremes in his behavior. You mentioned his dishonesty and the negative impact his use is having on your marriage and family life. He has frequently disappointed you and his children. These are hallmark behaviors of a person who suffers with an addiction.

Denial is a common component of addiction.

You may have heard him say that he can quit any time or deny that he has a problem.

WHO IS AFFECTED BY ADDICTIVE DISEASE We have all heard about celebrities with addiction problems, but addiction can affect anyone from any part of society, from stay-at-home moms to corporate executives.

Studies have shown that there is a genetic predisposition for addiction. For example, about half of all alcoholics had an alcoholic parent. Men seem to be more vulnerable than women to the

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You say that your husband is no longer the same.

This is because prescription (and illegal) drugs with psychoactive side effects target the brain and can change a person’s mood. This is part of what causes these drugs to be potentially addictive. Some people think that if a doctor has prescribed a drug, it is not addictive. This is not true.

It is important for your husband to talk with his doctor about his situation. Addictive disease is often progressive and in some instances can be fatal. Thankfully, with proper treatment, recovery is possible.

TREATMENT The first phase of treating addiction focuses on the physical effects of drug (or alcohol) use. This phase can include detoxification or treating lifethreatening disorders such as liver failure.

Since addiction is primarily a brain disease that results in behavioral symptoms, the main treatment is psychosocial therapy. Treatment usually focuses on the irrational feelings and distorted thinking that accompany chronic drug abuse.

Addiction is a chronic disease that requires a lifetime recovery plan. Many find success with a 12-step treatment program and/or participation in individual therapy. There are also therapy groups available to provide support for those in recovery. Some patients require hospitalization for treatment and seek group and individual psy-

chotherapy after they leave the hospital.

If your husband is still plagued with pain, a pain management program is also recommended.

TREATMENT OF THE FAMILY Addiction affects every member of the patient’s family. As the disease progresses and the patient continues to use, it causes a range of emotional, spiritual and financial problems for almost everyone involved, including family, friends and co-workers. When the family is ready to begin the recovery process, there are many resources available to them. Many find help through participation in Al-Anon and Alateen. Some families benefit from work with a qualified family therapist who understands addiction and recovery.

It is possible that your husband is in such denial about his problem that he will not want to stop using. If so, then you may want to consider an intervention. This involves having a professional interventionist organize a meeting of your husband’s family and friends. Each person involved would prepare a statement regarding how his drug use has impacted them. The interventionist would then meet with family, friends and your husband to facilitate a meeting during which each person shares their statements with him.

Hopefully after the intervention, your husband would be willing to enter a treatment facility.

These interventions are often successful.

Be prepared for your husband to be defensive and even angry when approached about his drug use. You probably already know that recovery is a difficult process, but with the resources provided there is an opportunity for healing.

For more information about addiction, visit: www.casacolumbia.org, www.health.org, www.niaaa.nih.gov

Dr. Donaldson is a clinical psychologist practicing in Waxahachie. She can be contacted at donaldsonpsyd@aol.com or visit her Web site at donaldsonwellnesscenter.com.

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BRAD SCHOONOVER D.D.S. P.A. Dr. Adam G. Arredondo, M.D. Pain Management

Dr. Adam G. Arredondo, M.D. 128 Hwy. 77 North Waxahachie, TX 75165 and 521 North Beaton St. Corsicana, TX 75110

Office: (972) 938-7319 or 1-866-280-PAIN(7246)

Dr. Adam G. Arredondo completed his medical degree from University Autonomous of Nuevo Leon, in Monterrey, Mexico. He performed his internship in internal Medicine at Methodist Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. He then went to finish his residency in Anesthesiology at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas. After his residency, he completed a Liver-Cardiac Transplant fellowship at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center/Baylor Medical Center and completed his training with a fellowship in Pain Management. Dr. Arredondo considers it a privilege that our patients have entrusted him with their care. We provide Diagnostic and Intervention Pain Management Services and demand the best care possible. His practice continues to grow as a result of his compassionate understanding and caring approach and his access to the most advanced diagnostic, sophisticated therapeutic technologies and his advanced experience with pain -focused medical care.

Dr. Schoonover graduated from The University of Texas in 1988, and has served Ellis and S.W. Dallas Counties for over 20 years. Convenient hours.

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THE DANGERS OF SLEEP APNEA

BY DR. ED CHARNOCK

Don’t you hate waking up in the morning just as tired as you were when you went to bed? If you’re trying to get along on five hours of sleep a night, feeling bad shouldn’t be a surprise. But if you are sleeping a reasonable number of hours and still feel tired, something definitely needs to change. The most common cause of daytime sleepiness in adults is sleep apnea, and if you snore and feel tired in the day, sleep apnea may well be the cause.

Sleep apnea means to quit breathing during sleep. It occurs when your tongue or the soft part of the back of the throat gradually collapses and narrows the airway, either reducing the amount of air going to the lungs or blocking it altogether. Your brain thinks you are suffocating and pours out adrenaline in an effort to get you breathing again. This interrupts your sleep, which can leave you feeling sleepy the next day, which hurts job performance and increases work and auto accident risk. The snoring doesn’t really make your spouse happy either—there’s nothing like cross looks from across the breakfast table to start your day. Worse, it increases your risk of high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke, but how much is the risk?

UNTREATED SLEEP APNEA: • Is the cause of 30% of the cases of high blood pressure • Doubles or triples the risk of a heart attack or a stroke • Doubles the risk of an auto accident If you think texting while driving is dangerous, imagine the risk of sleeping while driving. Driving while drowsy is a tremendous risk for accidents, even if you don’t fall asleep, because a little inattention goes a long way toward an accident. Drivers with untreated sleep apnea have at least twice the risk of an accident compared to those whose sleep apnea is successfully treated. This is such a risk that the Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration have rules that restrict those with a commercial driving license from driving with untreated moderate to severe sleep apnea.

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EVERY YEAR SLEEPINESS IN COMMERCIAL DRIVERS CAUSES: • 31 to 41% of crashes of commercial vehicles • 1,500 to 2,000 fatalities • For every fatality, there are about 25 injuries • For every injury accident, there are 3.7 crashes with property damage THIS COSTS: • $91,112 per crash • $3,450,000 per fatality crash • $12.5 billion in monetary loss per year If sleep apnea is treated, this risk goes away, as does the driving restriction.

You don’t have to suffer with sleep apnea because it is quite treatable but, like the solving of most problems, the key is asking the right questions. What questions? Do you snore louder than talking most nights? Do you gasp or choke in your sleep most nights? Do you quit breathing in your sleep most nights? If the answer to two of the three is “yes,” you most likely have sleep apnea.

What is the next step? See a sleep specialist.

Over the years our knowledge of sleep apnea and the numbers and types of treatments available have increased dramatically, such that it requires a team of dedicated sleep specialists to diagnose, treat and appropriately manage sleep apnea. Where there was once only one kind of positive airway pressure, or PAP, machine there are now at least half a dozen more. All are different and all must be appropriately matched to the patient. In addition, many patients with sleep apnea have other sleep disorders as well that must be addressed.

What is a sleep study? It is a way to examine your sleep and breathing pattern overnight to determine if you do quit breathing in your sleep, which is the hallmark of sleep apnea, how often you do so, and how low your oxygen falls. Typically this is done in a sleep center with a home-like setting.

If sleep apnea is mild, a dentist can make and

fit a mouthpiece to be worn at night to reduce sleep apnea, but there are some minor surgical procedures that are effective as well.

For moderate to severe apnea, PAP therapy is best. What kind of PAP depends on the characteristics of the sleep apnea, the pressure needed, what other diseases are present, etc., which is why a sleep specialist is best equipped to make this decision and provide follow-up care.

Of course sleep apnea is not the only sleep difficulty people have. Insomnia is probably the most common. It is normal to have the occasional difficult night but when that becomes the rule rather than the exception, something must be done. Many of us know that just before a big test, work presentation or even exciting vacation, we won’t sleep well but we will soon return to a normal sleep pattern. Longer-term stress like the loss of a job or difficulties in a relationship can be more of a problem and treatment should be considered. If you have had difficulty sleeping most nights for more than three months, it is time to see your doctor.

Go to www.sleepfoundation.org for more good sleep tips for improving insomnia and information on other sleep disorders.

Dr. Ed Charnock is the medical director at the Sleep Center at Baylor Waxahachie and is board certified in both neurology and sleep medicine. Contact the Sleep Center by calling 1.800.4BAYLOR.

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Restaurant Rant So you think you make an awesome risotto and all your friends say you should open a restaurant? My advice is usually run fast, run far. I think owning a restaurant is more of a calling rather than a job. Even those who think they are called to it are often completely unprepared for the amount of work and stress that comes with operating a restaurant.

I think my calling came in 1969 when I set up my first lemonade stand in our North Dallas neighborhood, selling out my homemade brew in just one hour.

If only it were that easy today. According to a study by Cornell University and Michigan State, a quarter of all new restaurants in the United States will flop in the first year. That rises to 50 percent after three years, and 70 percent after 10 years.

Almost two decades in the business has taught me many things about myself and people in general. My mother paved the way with Marilyn’s Art & Tearoom when she opened on Waxahachie’s town square in 1986 and I am proud of what my husband, Andrew, and I have built since that time. The Dove’s Nest is a social gathering spot, and that sense of community is very rewarding. As a local business owner, I get to meet a lot of people and my days are filled with customers who love our food and appreciate our presence in Waxahachie’s historic downtown.

Most days I love what I do. However, when a customer sends you a handwritten letter complaining that she only counted one apricot in her serving of Chicken Apricot Salad, you feel frustrated with your job. When you are trying to show a customer to their seat and a woman at table six stops you to say her daughter just peed in her chair, you think about other careers you could’ve chosen. And when you try to lend a sympathetic ear to a lady who

is complaining her tomato basil soup is too “tomato-y,” you begin to question your calling. When people tell me how fun they think owning a restaurant must be, I just smile thinking fun is obviously a relative term. It can be fun and having good food anytime you want is great, but long, hard hours, working weekends and juggling the stress of being in the service industry can take its toll on you. You must be fluent in the menu and the food, calm in the face of chaos, patient in the presence of rudeness, available when diners want you, invisible when they don't. Unless you have numerous resources and a lot of money, you will also need to be a chef, plumber, human resources manager, accountant, marketer, graphic designer, interior decorator, visionary, spokesperson and mentor, all rolled in to one.

I wish schools made it mandatory that all students wait tables for one semester. It would make people more aware of how a restaurant operates and how hard wait staff work for their tips. They would learn why two people can’t always sit at a table for four. If a restaurant isn’t really busy, it’s fine, but if the place fills up, it’s a mismanagement of resources to give a customer a larger table when a party of four may walk in. It is also frustrating when customers get angry that a restaurant won’t seat you until your party is complete. People who want to sit down before their group has all arrived are keeping others who are ready to order, eat their lunch and get back to work, from doing so in a timely manner. Juggling those scenarios in a tactful way is challenging. You want your customers to have a nice dining experience, but at the same time you need to seat people in a way that maximizes the largest amount of seating for your establishment.

Over the years it has been fun to watch

customers raise their kids and then see them graduate, cater their weddings and watch them bring their own kids in to eat with us. It has been rewarding to prepare food for so many Ellis County events, and cater for people like Mrs. Laura Bush, Governor Rick Perry, State Representative Jim Pitts, Brooks & Dunn and many others. I'll never forget the time we catered a wedding for a New York producer at ABC. When I arrived at the reception site, the tables were already set up so I didn’t think to make sure the legs were securely locked in position. We loaded the Champagne table with more than one hundred crystal flutes and right as the bride and groom were making their first toast, the table collapsed with glasses crashing to the ground. Fortunately, the quick-witted bride yelled “mazal tov!” and turned a disaster into a round of laughter amongst the guests. She even sent us a thank you note and two crystal goblets from Tiffany’s a few days later.

So there it is…the pros and cons of owning your own restaurant. Chef Thierry Rautureau of the famous Rover’s Restaurant in Seattle was asked his advice.

He replied in a heavy French accent: “Only if your compulsion is so great, so irresistible, so frankly neurotic that nothing else will satisfy, only then should you actually start a restaurant. That way you will either prevail, or the physical and economic punishment of the restaurant business will eventually eliminate the bug.” Thankfully, The Dove’s Nest has prevailed. If you think your calling is to open a restaurant it’s up to you to decide, but I won’t blame you if you choose to just have your friends over for dinner more often.

Cindy Burch

Cindy Burch and her husband, Andrew, own and operate The Dove’s Nest Restaurant and Gifts in historic downtown Waxahachie. Cindy’s own cookbook, “The Dove’s Nest Restaurant: New American Recipes From a Historic Texas Town,” has sold more than 20,000 copies.

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