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A Man and His Dog

marshallhinsley — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:12:27 +0000

DESOTO, TX — One overcast day, not too many months ago, Lowe’s was the scene of an unusual field trip. Various autos disgorged their owners, along with several people in polo shirts and khakis and three dogs. One man in a wheelchair worked at backing down the ramp from his van, a woman settled onto a motorized cart, while the other man spoke quietly to his dog. Several dry runs in and out of vehicles attracted curious, yet hastily averted glances from onlookers. The group in polo shirts worked at handing out pamphlets, explaining their affiliation with Patriot Paws, a nonprofit, service dog training organization for military veterans. The whole event was filmed by Mark Birnbaum, who has spent the past two years chronicling an extraordinary story — the story of Marshall Allen, the one with the wheelchair. Marshall’s story will be a feature-length documentary.

Marshall has always liked dogs and has owned several. But he never dreamed he would one day be cared for by a dog. By mutual agreement, Marshall and his dog, Wilson, feel they have not only a workable plan, but an enjoyable one as well. Truth be told, Marshall never thought he would need anyone to care for him. He was a strapping Fort Worth firefighter of some renown, until a bicycle accident left him a quadriplegic. After a lot of work, Marshall has regained limited use of his arms and hands with the aid of braces. He continues to work for the Bureau of Fire Prevention Fort Worth Fire Department, where he is in charge of commercial inspections, driving to work in his specially equipped van seated in a motorized wheel chair. But there are some things he can’t quite manage. Enter Wilson, a beautiful, two-year-old white Labrador.

“Wilson can open and close doors, pick up things and even bring me drinks from the refrigerator,” Marshall explained in the van on the way to Lowe’s. “He can identify water, juice or sodas. And best of all, he can help me if I fall, by pressing a panic Duncanville NOW calling 9-1-1.” Once parked, Marshall

button, getting ‘his’ phone for me or even leaned down to pet Wilson, murmured words of encouragement and gave him treats. While service dogs are trained to certain commands, the owners also customize vocal and hand commands. “Wilson will relieve me of quite a few challenges. Isn’t that right, Boy?

“I thought I knew dogs, but the things Patriot Paws has taught Wilson are really quite impressive,” Marshall remarked. Wilson opens or closes doors that have a braided cord hung on them, while ignoring doors without the cord. Following an 18-month to two-year initial training period, four service dogs at a time meet with four potential owners. Within about three months, the dogs learn their owners and know what constitutes normal behavior for them, as well as their particular needs. Wilson received extra training to familiarize him with the braces Marshall wears. Other dogs may need to be familiarized with prosthetics.

Lori Stevens, who has trained service dogs for over 20 years, founded Patriot Paws specifically to work with veterans at the request of the VA hospital. Patriot Paws provides service dogs free of charge specifically for veterans. “This trip to Lowe’s was the first outing for the dogs and their owners. While the dogs already know what to do, the new owners need to be trained,” Lori explained. “We teach them all the hand signals and cues, along with nutrition and animal behavior.

“At Lowe’s, the owners learned how to indicate which direction they wanted to go. For Marshall, since he is in a wheelchair, this was even more crucial. Both he and Wilson needed to know on which side of the wheelchair Wilson needed to be.”

The outing went well. Even though service dogs are not trained to defend their owners, Wilson did find a cutout cardboard man unsettling. “It’s because he can’t read the eyes,” Lori explained. The store agreed to let the group take the cardboard man with them to use in further training.

The new owners learn to balance work and playtime for their dogs. The dogs know that when they are wearing the service vests, they are “on duty.” So during their downtime, the vests are removed. They also wear a Gentle Leader (a guide strap across their face), which affords the owner additional control. Because food is used as a reward for service, their “treats” are part of their daily healthy food intake. They are never allowed to eat food from the table. Each owner wears a fanny pack with treats. Verbal praise and play are also used to reinforce behavior.

When Marshall’s previous dog passed away in May, his friend, Alex Allred, contacted Lori about Marshall and presented his case. Lori was eager to meet Marshall and find a dog for him. The dogs come from various sources, but mostly from breeders. Labrador Retrievers, other Retriever breeds, Poodles and Labradoodles make great service dogs. Their initial training, begun when they are 9 weeks old, is done by women incarcerated in the Gatesville Christina Melton Crain and Dr. Lane Murray units, with whom Lori has been working since 2008. At the prison, dogs are trained to respond to up to 42 various hand and verbal cues. Then Lori takes them to Patriot Paws, located in Rockwall, for further specific training. All of the dogs learn to work with people

in wheelchairs. Once the dogs have “chosen” their new owner, several days are spent together in training, and then they begin training in public places, such as Lowe’s or Bass Pro Shop. “It’s always interesting to see how the dogs ‘pick’ the person they can best relate to,” Lori said with a smile.

“Patriot Paws, which has a paid staff of six and 40 volunteers, receives 100 percent of their support from the public. We don’t receive any financial aid from the government,” Lori informed. So far, Patriot Paws has placed 29 dogs with vets who have mobile disabilities and have about 44 on their waiting list. “We don’t provide seeing-eye dogs,” she said. “Our motto is ‘service for those who have served.’”

One of Patriot Paws’ most unique trainers is their cat, Eli. “It’s important for the dogs to know they can’t take off and chase a cat or squirrel, so Eli really
is a dog trainer,” Lori laughed. “We find that caring for a service dog that is also caring for them, gives the vets even more reason to relearn functions they may have lost through injury. Both the dog and their owner learn to read each other’s stress levels and alleviate them. It’s a win-win situation.”

Written by Beverly Shay.

Editor’s Note: For more information about Patriot Paws, visit http://www.patriotpaws.org.

Seek and Ye Shall Find

marshallhinsley — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 01:22:47 +0000

DESOTO, TX – When one door closes and another doesn’t open, Job Seekers Ministries will help you find a window. During a time when landing jobs is more competitive than ever, a group of volunteers from DeSoto’s First United Methodist Church is dedicated to helping locals find employment. “I had been laid off from two teaching jobs in two years when I heard of a job ministry in Spring, Texas, where my daughter lived. I visited, and what I saw was a positive, Christian setting touching on all the fundamentals of job hunting,” Job Seekers Ministries coordinator, Sharon Weyker, said.

Early in 2010, Sharon brought the idea back to her home church, where Reverend Kevin Strempke told her to hit it! “There was some discussion and approval procedures to go through, but once I got the volunteers together, things happened pretty quickly,” Sharon said.

By January 2011, the group was ready to begin. As a support ministry providing encouragement, information and job-search skills training in a Christian setting, meetings are open to job seekers of all backgrounds and religions.

“This is a nondenominational, nonpolitical thing. We are not left wing or right wing. We want the whole bird!” Reverend Strempke said.

One participant, Francine Holowak, is proof positive that Job Seekers works. The 85-year-old DeSoto resident had attended just a few meetings when Sharon referred her to a job. “I was at the dentist, and I overheard them talking about needing office help,” Sharon recalled. “I immediately thought of three ladies in the ministry and called Francine first.”

Francine made an appointment to drop off a résumé with the dentist the next morning, and by that afternoon had the job. “I had no experience in dental offices, but my background was sufficient for what they needed, and I convinced them I’m a fast learner.” Francine’s positive attitude may be one of the most important trait’s a job seeker can offer a potential employer. “I had been unemployed for two years when I saw information about Job Seekers and came to a meeting. I met people here and showed that I enjoyed everything. I really think that cheerfulness came across in my interview, and that’s what got me hired,” she said.

Volunteer Alina Esquivel explained putting one’s best foot forward can indeed make all the difference in job searching. “There will be days when you don’t feel optimistic, and that’s OK, but you cannot let yourself dwell on that. You have to practice positive self-talk and concentrate on what’s within your control,” she said.

Alina described some key areas job seekers should tend to, including health and relationships.

Guests at a recent ministry meeting
did just that when allowed to share what they felt would most help them in their job searches. From those suggestions, Job Seekers set agendas for meetings focusing on résumé production, job search skills, interview techniques and networking. “The concept is to set up the ministry in modules through which people can filter for the specific help they need. Each of our volunteers has an area of expertise that they present to the group,” Reverend Strempke noted.

Curtis Johnson, who first came as an attendee, is now a volunteer who focuses on interview skills. Linda Tate, who
has reviewed thousands of résumés in her career, brings that expertise to the ministry. Other volunteers are Linda Harris, who assists with cover letters and mock interviews, and William Weyker, who covers personal presentation.

“We had 16 people attend our first meeting; now 40 have gone through the program. About 17 of those have found jobs,” Sharon counted. “And we are all always listening for jobs to refer each of the program members to. Networking
is so important, and being part of Job Seekers is doing just that.

Ultimately, Sharon would like to
see the group expand beyond just its members. “I would also like to work with economic groups to try to get businesses to come to the DeSoto area,” Sharon said. “We had an angel tree at Christmas with names of the unemployed and what career they were interested in. Members of the congregation took a name with the promise of mentorship and assistance finding a job.”

Although Francine has already found a job, she continues to attend Job Seeker meetings. “You can always learn something new, and as we all know, jobs don’t last forever anymore,” she said. “I love what I’m doing now, but I figure it never hurts to keep on top of things by coming to these meetings.”

Current participants range in experience from janitorial to law. Other positions now sought include security, journalism, secretarial, teaching, yard work, truck driving, nursing, collection agents, dental assistants and administrative.

“No matter one’s professional experience, unemployment can be a challenging time for many as they question professional worth, job skills and even their faith,” Reverend Strempke said. “We are here to help. That’s all we’re here to do. There’s no commitment [required of attendees] other than what you’re willing to put in toward better preparing yourself to find a job.”

Meetings open and close in prayer as volunteers ask God’s favor over those in attendance. “If nothing else, the folks who attend our meetings can expect to leave feeling better about themselves. They find they are not alone and that someone cares,” Reverend Strempke said. “We’re here to offer help and hope. Plus, we have cookies.”

The snacks, like participation in the group, are free. If that’s not enough, Reverend Strempke encourages folks to attend just one meeting to decide if it’s for them. “Try us. You’ll like what you see. Besides,” he said, “if closed doors have been blocking your job search, opening a new window never hurts.”

Written by Angel Morris.

A Parade of Christmas Spirit

marshallhinsley — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:42:12 +0000

DUNCANVILLE, TX — The Masters Academy is located behind The Bread of Life Church, nestled in a residential neighborhood of Duncanville. The private school has a 23-year history of catering to the needs of children with ADD, ADHD, dyslexia and academic deficiencies. Each student lucky enough to attend school there

gets a personalized curriculum fitted to his or her exact needs. But with such a small student body (approximately 25-30 right now), sports and many other extracurricular activities enjoyed by other schools are just not feasible options.

“Without football or cheerleading or the normal things kids participate in, we needed something in which we could compete,” Kristi Morales, assistant administrator, explained. “We needed some way to sharpen our competitive edge, have fun as a group
and give our kids a chance to win at something.” Her perfect answer came in the form of making a float for the Annual Duncanville Christmas Parade. After winning the school’s first trophy in 2009, the students, teachers and parents were hooked.

Each year in October, students are told what the theme of the parade will be by the city planners. The themes can be anything from Santa’s Workshop to Candyland Christmas. They then have a little less than two months to develop an idea, sketch it out, build and decorate the float and make costumes. Kristi praised the students’ parents and grandparents. “We couldn’t do this without them.”

When Kristi first plans the idea, she sends a letter home to the parents with a list of supplies and jobs she needs done. This can be anything from painting, to sewing, to stringing lights. The parents, understanding the importance of the project to the school and their children, are usually more than happy to help and give anything they can.

Every day after school for those few months, the students saw, hammer, paint and nail the design that is sketched out and hung up all over the school. Thanks to the small student body, the teachers are familiar with each student’s special gifts and talents. All the students get to contribute to the project in the way only they can. “If there is a student who shows promise in engineering, for example,” Kristi explained, “he or she works on the measurements and blueprints.”

The teachers also use the project, along with their normal teaching, in a way that makes normally mundane or boring lessons come alive. When building a float, physics and geometry lessons can be taught using real-world applications. The Master’s Academy also focuses on preparing their students for life after high school. Some will go into the workforce and some into college. These students need the same social and organizational skills as all other students. “The Christmas float project really helps teach those fundamental skills like sharing, planning, teamwork and community,” Kristi added.

Every student enrolled at the school has a part in making the float, and every student also takes an active role in the parade. In the past, students have walked alongside the float dressed like candy bars throwing out candy. The students have ridden on a carousel dressed as toys themselves. “The float building, parade and contest really bond our students together,” Kristi shared. “Every student, no matter their ability or age, can work together. And more than that, they are having fun together. It is our football.

It is our volleyball. It is our chess club. This is what we do. And every student participates in our sport. It’s something they can be really proud of. Sometimes, when a student struggles academically, they need something outside of books to boost their self-esteem. For most of our kids, this is it.”

Because they only have the eight-by- eight trailer, on which the float is built, for one weekend, the entire float must be assembled in the cafeteria area of the school until the parade weekend, when they can attach it to the trailer. Their very first parade was in Duncanville, in 2009. The parade was on a Friday night, and the trailer, which belongs to a local rancher, was brought to them only a few hours before the parade. Kristi remembered that first year, with a laugh. “We were literally stapling lights to the plywood while driving down the road on our way to line up.”

With every student participating in the float and parade, bringing home a trophy means that every student has won. And trophies they have! In every parade they have entered since 2009, which includes Duncanville, Desoto and Cedar Hill’s annual Christmas parades, they’ve won. Each trophy is displayed in the main area of the school next to photos, so every student can see them every day.

When asked why she chose Christmas parades as the school’s biggest project, Kristi answered, “To begin with, we are a Christian private school so, of course, we celebrate Christmas in a huge way every year. Also, right now, community is becoming more and more important. We not only would like the community to know who we are, but we want to be more involved in the community, as well. Most of our students live close, and without the networking of a normal public school, our students and staff need another way to commune with our neighbors. With all three parades, thousands of people see our float, hear our name and see our amazing kids each year.”

Financially, building a float complete with costumes can be hard. A small group of students make up the student council. They spend all year raising money for the float. The rest of the material is either donated by parents or grandparents or is funded by teachers, at their own expense. They borrow the trailer and generator that power the thousands of Christmas lights, which light up the float itself, and James and Janet Harris from Justin Moving allow them to park the float in their building between parades. However, giving students the sense of pride and recognition they need, makes all the sacrifices and hard work worth it.

As for this year, Kristi hopes that whatever the theme, they can use some of the supplies she already has. She loves the middle of the parade, so she hopes their float is lined up somewhere near the middle. But perhaps more important than that would be for them to be placed “somewhere in front of the horses.”

Written by Cindy Malone.

Scene of Tragedy

marshallhinsley — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:03:44 +0000

DUNCANVILLE, TX — How many times have you heard the question, where were you on …? Mary Sue (Sue) Randall Bennett will never forget where she was on Friday, November 22, 1963. She was on the curb in front of the Texas School Book Depository in Dealey Plaza. She worked on the fifth floor for Allyn and Bacon Publishers, one of the many publishing firms in the building. “I was so excited to be on the street that day. And then,” Sue paused, “the motorcade drove right in front of me, well us,” she amended. “I was looking at the handsome, young president, admiring his lush hair, and he looked right at me! My heart fluttered, and I knew I was part of history in the making. I just didn’t know how intently a part of history.”

As she was making eye contact with the president of the United States, several things occurred at once. She heard what she thought were fire crackers, which initially seemed so celebratory, but then he slumped forward. Sue realized something was very, very wrong, but her mind refused to process it. “People screamed and ran, but it all seemed to be in slow motion. I remember turning and walking back toward the building, noticing one of my associates was still standing near the front door as he had been when I came out. I don’t know if it had even registered with me yet that the president had been shot,” Sue stated, as dazed now as she had been then.

Sue’s eyes teared even after all these years. “We didn’t know what to do. I called my brother, but really, what could you say? It just didn’t seem real. We weren’t allowed to leave the building until we were questioned. The police came office by office, floor by floor, wanting to know what we had seen and heard and where we had been,” Sue remembered. “Maybe that was when I realized I may have been the last person the president saw — he was looking right at me …” Sue faltered to a stop. “I remember it like it was yesterday. Later, my friend, Mary Lee, and I went to the office where the shot had been fired. We saw the lunch bag on the floor. When they did the reenactment, we looked through the scope. You could see exactly where the president’s car drove through. You could also see where I had been standing,” she remarked soberly.

Sue was born in Ferris in November 1931. Two brothers were older and a younger sister came along six years later. “When I was 7, our house burnt. My daddy was badly burned around his head. We rebuilt,” Sue stated simply.

“I grew up in Kaufman County, about four miles from Kemp. I graduated from high school when I was 16, and then, well then I eloped,” Sue said. Somehow it was no surprise she ended up working for the Book Depository, since she always loved books. “I got my love for reading from my father. Before I even went to school, he taught me math and reading and writing — printing and cursive!” she emphasized with a smile.

Sue enjoyed a successful career as a businesswoman. She remembers well the days of IBM Selectric typewriters. “When I was first hired at the Book Depository, I knew it would be a happy place to work because of all the books. The Depository was a warehouse for school textbooks and other related items. The schools would place their orders through us. We would receive all the books and distribute them to the schools. The other publishers had their books shipped there as well,” Sue explained, “and the Depository received a percentage of their sales.”

Sue knew most of the people who worked in the two buildings that housed offices and warehouse space. Twenty- four-year-old Lee Harvey Oswald had been hired as a temporary employee in the warehouse. Although Sue knew him, she hardly ever saw him. “We were questioned by the police, the FBI and, later, the Warren Commission. Initially, they suspected my associate, whom I had seen near the door. Thankfully, I was able to tell them it couldn’t have been him, because there wouldn’t have been time for him to be outside, go up and shoot the president and come back by the door,” Sue remarked with a sigh of relief. Undoubtedly, she has replayed that day and the days that followed over and over in her mind multiple times. “Because I had been right there in front of the president when he was shot, I was questioned countless times, not only about that day, but also about anything I had observed in regard to Lee Harvey Oswald,” she said, nearly out of breath.

“And then came the reporters and the book writers and, later, the film makers. Oh, the ideas they came up with and the theories! Even before the assassination, there was such a fear of communism — new authors of textbooks had to sign affidavits testifying they were not communists before we could use their textbooks in Texas. Not just anybody could even come into the Depository. Some people even thought everyone who worked for the Depository were communist. There was a lot of money involved in the bids. I guess that was considered suspicious,” Sue reflected.

Sue felt the Warren Commission conducted a very thorough investigation. “My goodness, they interviewed just everyone. We were given a copy of our testimony and asked to make any changes and then verify and sign it. They wanted to know where everyone had been, who was inside and who was outside.” She wanted to help, even though it was all very upsetting. “But not answering was considered suspicious, so I did my best. I just didn’t want to remember seeing him slump forward. It was such a sad, sad situation.”

When the Depository moved out of the building to Carrollton in 1970, Sue went with them and began working for D.C. Heath, another publisher. “I chose to work for them because they had newer equipment. I was even sent to school to learn how to use the computers — offices were just beginning to use them then, so I learned and then taught others in our office,” Sue recalled.

Just last year, Sue made her first visit back to the former Depository, since her company moved away. “I hardly recognized the building; they have made so many changes. I went to the sixth floor museum — I had been told I could go anytime for free, but I had never had any interest. I don’t need a museum to recall the events of that day. It’s something I will never forget.”

Written by Beverly Shay.

Town Clown

marshallhinsley — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 17:08:56 +0000

DUNCANVILLE, TX — In 1975, at age 49, the late-blooming creative soul finally put her talents to good use, first as an artist specializing in portraits of clowns, and then as an entertainer herself, appearing across North Texas as “Honey the Clown.” Eventually proclaimed Duncanville’s Town Clown, Lou enjoyed a long run as the city’s favorite performer. She turned up with her crazy wig and big red nose at civic events to make kids smile and cheer. “It was exciting to represent the city in a fun way like that,” she said. “I was also the official Easter Bunny for two years, which was another great opportunity to be incognito and put on an act for the kids.”

Lou was first drawn to painting clowns because of their bright costumes. “They were just so vibrant,” she recalled. “That must be what interested me
at first.” Lou admitted to having an interest in art when she was younger, but she never thought she had an aptitude for it.

Joined by her husband in her avocation (Robert preferred painting Indians), Lou traveled to circuses and fairs to capture performing clowns with her Instamatic camera, images that she then transferred to canvas. Husband and wife worked well as a team in their newfound craft. “We loved painting together,” she recalled. “Robert was better at sketching subjects, so he would usually draw them for me. I would then come in and paint them.” For her part, Lou helped Robert mix his colors. The couple regularly attended Metroplex clown shows, and at a stand-up act put on by a popular clown called “JoJo Jingles,” they met the star backstage where he consented to be painted by Lou. During the session, JoJo suggested the pair join Clowns of America. They did, and the decision opened up a whole new world for the Duncanville artists.

From painting clown faces, Lou graduated to applying her own by greasepaint, blossoming forth as “Honey the Clown.” In quick succession, adoring Robert transformed himself into zany “Boppo the Clown,” and the flamboyantly outfitted, balloon- dispensing couple was soon in demand, headlining seasonal events at the State Fair of Texas, Traders Village and Six Flags Over Texas. One of Lou’s first regular gigs was replacing JoJo Jingles in his traveling show. After that she and Robert joined other area clowns in forming a volunteer activities program called Clown Alley, the first Texas branch of Clowns of America, which presented free entertainment for charitable organizations, hospitals and orphanages. Chartered in 1978 as Texas Mid-Cities Clown Alley 85, the group networked with the Dr Pepper Circus and partnered with famous clown, Emmett Kelly Jr., with whom Lou and Robert became close friends. Lou served in an advisory capacity with the new group, while Robert took on public relations. Meanwhile, the Stoddards and their troupe performed all over North Texas, celebrating National Clown Week (August 1-7) at Lee Park in Dallas or at major shopping centers like Red Bird (now Southwest Center) and Valley View malls. In addition, Lou still enjoyed acclaim as an artist and was asked to showcase her paintings at the Women’s Building (now known as Grand Place) at Fair Park. “It was a great honor being invited to display there,” Lou remembered. She was in her element according to her niece, Jeanette Sanders, who followed Lou’s example by becoming a professional clown. In an article she wrote about Lou, Jeanette described the occasion as a high point in her aunt’s career, saying, “The public strolled by, stopping to admire her brush stroke technique.”

But it was Lou’s performance art as Honey and the camaraderie she shared with other Clown Alley members that brought her the greatest satisfaction. “The time I spent with my clown friends will always be a bright spot in my life,” she said. “I’m proud of the hard work, energy and heart Alley members contributed over the years.” Lou was also devoted to the Texas Clown Association, which she cofounded in 1982, serving variously as director, treasurer and editor of the group’s membership journal. Robert also came into his own during this time as a journalist, writing and editing for a series of magazines, from Circus Report and Carnival News to The Calliope.

For all her dedication to the business of clowning, Lou never lost her love for live entertainment, especially the intimate connection she forged with youngsters who attended her shows. The mother as well as artiste in Lou was always present in her Honey impersonations on stage, and she also exhibited her understanding of children during photo ops at other public events, never allowing a pushy parent to foist a screaming child off on her. “I would hand them right back, and say, ‘Maybe next year; they’re not ready for me yet.’” Her rapport with kids was something special. “I used to squat down near the child and hold my finger out and wiggle it,” Lou explained. “If the child took hold of my finger, we were friends.”

Lou got a chance to share her passion for clowning in a big way in 1990 when the Universal Pictures comedy, Problem Child, starring John Ritter and produced by Ron Howard, cast her and a number of other Clown Alley staples in a scene filmed at the State Fair. Lou found the eight days she spent filming both exhausting and exhilarating. “We all had fun in spite of the long hours,”
she admitted.

Appearing in a Hollywood movie was certainly a treat, Lou granted, but she insisted she’s more proud of the local tributes she has received, such as the 1991 plaque the mayor of Duncanville presented her for her years of community service and the memorial tablet that honors her at the Duncanville Public Library for the eight years she sat on the facility’s board of directors. “But the greatest reward,” Lou said, “was seeing the smiles of all the little children over the years. That’s what kept me going.”

Written by Randy Bigham.

Golden Oldies

marshallhinsley — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:01:44 +0000

CEDAR HILL, TX – While called the Silver Serenaders, many members of this senior adult choir are well into their golden years. A concert at Dallas’ Meyerson Symphony Center September 18, in fact, marks the 30th anniversary of performances by the group whose members’ average age is 74.

“We will perform a marvelous new work by composer Charles F. Brown entitled “I Shall See Thy Face,” written especially for our choir,” artistic director, Jim Palmer, said. “The second half of the concert will be lighter fare featuring all the styles of pop music the choir has sung during the last 30 years.”

The Silver Serenaders of Texas was established September 17, 1981, at Cliff Temple Baptist Church in Dallas, when only a few other senior adult choirs existed in
the U.S. Jim and his wife, Betty, approached their church with the idea of forming the group, after attending a Southern Baptist Convention conference where Jim heard his first senior choir perform.

“At that time, we called them the Sunset Serenaders because the church was on Sunset Street, Sunset High School was just up the street and because ‘sunset’ represented our senior years. We had 52 people come out for our first rehearsal,” Jim recalled.

In 1995, the group changed its name to Silver Serenaders, as it evolved from a church to a community choir, inviting members of all denominations, with Jim remaining at its helm. A singer since his days at Sunset High School, Jim had been in glee club at Baylor University, where he earned a master’s degree in history. He later earned a master’s of church music from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

“During this period, I became minister of music at a church in Richardson, where I remained for seven-and-a-half years,” Jim said. After a move to Oak Cliff brought him to Cliff Temple Baptist, Jim led the junior high choir, the college and career choir and then the Templos Junior Choir for a decade.

Joining the choir involves “showing up, filling out a card and being faithful to rehearsals,” Jim said. Rehearsals take place each Monday from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Cedar Hill. There is no audition involved. “Just give me a warm body and a willing, dedicated person, and I do the rest in teaching music,” Jim explained. “We invite those who have never sung in a choir and, of course, those with vast musical experience and all those in between.”

Even following this loose format, Jim said the group continues to improve. “When people realize we are a serious choir, not an ‘old folks’ choir,” he explained, “they want to be a member. We attract more and more seasoned musicians,” he continued. “Secondly, those who joined years ago have grown in confidence and become fine musicians.”

Perhaps it’s the three-fold mission that affords the group continued success: to witness for Christ through musical arts, to promote U.S. patriotism and to encourage community service. “We’re a nonprofit Christian choir and, on purpose, we sing all kinds of music. Our concerts consist of 50-percent sacred music and the other half is patriotic or jazz, country or pop, classic western or rock — whatever our mood is,” Jim said.

Notable performance sites include New York’s Carnegie Hall; the National Christian Church in Washington, D.C.; Carpenter Hall in Irving; and Hawaii’s largest Catholic senior center. The list also includes a number of hotels, more than 100 churches and at least 10 colleges and universities.

“But one of my favorite performances was at a small church in East Texas, with no choir loft and seating for 100 people. We decided to surround the audience by making a circle around the four sides of the little sanctuary,” Jim recalled. “I stood in the middle directing and our sound enveloped the audience. It was surreal.”

While their songs bring listeners to their feet, Jim notes that a number of choir members sit during every concert. “Some are on walkers or in wheelchairs and are unable to stand for any length
of time … so they sit,” Jim said. “This inspires me to give my all for these seniors who have overcome physical issues and continue to be faithful and make genuine contributions to our group.”

With the advanced age of many in

the choir, the group has shared some 100 members’ deaths. The deceased are

dubbed Golden Serenaders by remaining group members, who insist the departed now sing in “our Father’s heavenly choir.”

“More than one member has chosen to be buried in their choir uniform,” Jim noted. “I will never forget the first time this occurred, and it led me to believe the Silver Serenaders Choir was a most important part of their lives. I knew then that my work was not in vain … that we really made a difference.”

For his dedication to the group, Jim has never taken remuneration. “To be paid for my loving hobby,” he said, “would have spoiled everything.” October 1, he will retire as Serenaders’ artistic director but continue on as a choir member alongside his wife. He calls Betty “the real musician of the family” and notes she has performed on keyboard at every Serenaders’ concert. “She is the reason

I have been able to direct this choir all these years,” Jim said, encouraging others to be part of the group that has brought them both such joy.

“The Silver Serenaders of Texas Adult Choir is a wonderful, friendly, loving organization. If you have wanted to be
a part of a group like this, do not delay,” Jim said. “Join us, and before long a spark will ignite in you, making you a living flame of performance and a choir member of merit and joy. It will change your life!”

Written by Angel Morris.

Nature at Our Fingertips

marshallhinsley — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:23:57 +0000

CEDAR HILL, TX – Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center at Cedar Hill is pretty excited to be opening its 205-acre facility next month, and no one is more excited than center director, Dr. Patty McGill. “We now have the facilities to connect children and families with nature, providing an opportunity to appreciate animals and plants within their habitats. This area is unique for several reasons: Because of the pristine, intact ecosystem already in place, we won’t need to control many exotic plants. Really, this region is like no other in the United States,” Patty remarked. “Plant species from the North, South, East and West are mingled together here, attracting birds and animals to cohabit as they do nowhere else.”

Patty grew up in the Arlington Heights area of Chicago. Her father was a doctor, and Patty wanted to be a doctor also. A love for nature and the outdoors was instilled during her childhood, which was filled with camping and lots of physical activities. She received early acceptance to Newcomb College in Tulane, Louisiana, to study pre-medicine, but she had also applied elsewhere. When she was accepted at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, she decided to go there so she could experience four seasons, a decision that changed the course of her career. “I met so many field biologists and was exposed to a variety of ecological and outdoor sciences that changed my interests. We had one three- and-a-half-week block class at a time, with lots of outdoor study. I majored in biology and completed grad school at Cornell University, with a master’s degree in wildlife sciemce,” Patty explained. “I was looking for a project and ended up on an island marine biology station jointly owned by Cornell and the University of New Hampshire.

“Originally planning to study the muskrat population, I actually studied the competition between two species of gulls: great black-backed gulls and herring gulls. I did my thesis field work, taught lectures and worked in the kitchen,” Patty said. She then began doing biological surveys with Fish and Wildlife Ecological Services in Southeast Alaska, including a study of molybdenum mining — a mineral used in steel production. This, in turn, involved a short stint in Colorado and New Mexico for further mining education. Patty finished her Ph.D. at Cornell, which included more gull field study, with a slight diversion into hairy-nosed wombats. She spent summers in Maine and September to January in Tasmania, Australia, for three years.

“Although I enjoy teaching, I didn’t want to pursue traditional academia, so I leapt at the opportunity to be the curator for birds at the Chicago Zoological Society (Brookfield Zoo) once I finished my doctorate. I worked with the zoo for 22 years, participating in disease studies and learning of birds’ ability to see the ultraviolet spectrum humans cannot,” Patty related. Because of her work with seabirds, she was also asked to manage the program for Humboldt penguins in the Americas, focusing on Chile and Peru. She still coordinates the census for Humboldt penguins every January.

Actually, Patty’s work with the zoo indirectly led to her arrival in the Dallas area. “Zoo people meet other zoo people — which is how I met my husband, Lynn Kramer. Lynn was overseeing animal management at the Denver Zoo when we met. One of us needed to move, so I quit my job with Brookfield Zoo. Then we found out the Dallas Zoo was looking at privatization, and Lynn took a job with them as deputy director of animal conservation and science. So we were looking at a move,” Patty stated. Lynn’s job with the Dallas Zoo started in October 2009.

Finding the opening with the Audubon Society at Dogwood Canyon was perfect — not only because of the Dallas area location, but because it allowed Patty to combine all of her experience with what she loves most but had never been able to combine before: conservation administration, project coordination and education and birds. “This is the perfect opportunity for me to use my own personal passion to serve the community and the center, while promoting the Audubon philosophy,” Patty admitted. She began working at the center in March 2010.

“I came in on the ground floor, so to speak. The land, purchased 10-12 years ago by David and Kim Hurt, was originally intended for a personal home site, but as David explored the canyon and discovered the mix of bird and plant species, he wanted to see it conserved,” Patty said. The Dallas chapter of the Audubon Society was able to secure options on some of the land, which opened the door for the National Audubon Society to purchase additional land and manage the center. Of the 300-acre canyon, some eighty or so acres are still privately owned. Another great partner has been the city of Cedar Hill.

With no access roads into the property, the site for the center was up for debate. Creating this site, off FM 1382, seemed the most practical because the land had already been scarred by a satellite dish setup (no longer technically current) from the ’70s or ’80s. The cement depression, where the dish once was, is becoming a deck-lined area with various native trees, flowers and grasses where bird- watching will be taught. Behind it is the 6,000-square-foot center set on piers, so water can flow under it. The building was designed around a huge red oak, and the backside is mostly windows with views right up the canyon and overlooking a prime trout lily bed.

“I had no idea when I came on board I would be learning contracting and building specs and wearing a hard hat,” Patty grinned, eager to show off the center, and even during construction, the are was abundant with bird calls.

The center features two classrooms: the Cedar Elm Room and the Red Oak Room; a reception area; offices; a retail/ nature store and information area;
and an upstairs observation/canyon viewing room with slanted, floor-to- ceiling windows overlooking the creek. “Birdfeeders outside the window will bring the canyon almost right inside for those who are not able to hike it,” Patty remarked. A large reception/gathering room, the Trout Lily room, can be rented for corporate retreats, showers or any number of public events. Seating for 70-75 at tables or 100 in chairs affords a clear view of many fine Texas plants and trees, judiciously managed, as well as the rare mix of the canyon’s unique ecosystem.

“We will provide trails of various hiking levels and lengths, including a partial, handicap-accessible trail and children’s areas,” Patty said. “The front of the center will be restored to Blackland Prairie. Bird watchers and bird listeners (blind birders, who find bird species by ear) will all be delighted with the natural authenticity of the environment.”

Written by Beverly Shay.

A Vigilant Artist

marshallhinsley — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 18:20:56 +0000

CEDAR HILL, TX – An artist is defined as one who works in or is skilled in any of the fine arts: painting, drawing, sculpting, etc., or a person who does anything very well, with imagination and a feeling for form and effect. Art conveys, via an aesthetically satisfying rendition, something valuable — a thought or emotion, a scene, a message — something that moves the heart and soul of the artist. Traditionally, we think of artists working with paints, pencils, pen and ink, charcoal or clay or stone. Yet we speak of musicians, lyricists, dancers and even some authors as artists. Art just seems to pour out of the soul of some more so than others.

For Jacquelyn Moore, former Cedar Hill art teacher, the motivation behind her art has always been a search for eternal truth. “My pursuit of truth has been the single most humbling experience of my life,” Jacquelyn revealed. “I focused my initial artwork on this experience. I created a project to portray my pursuit of truth. Unfortunately, some of those pieces were stolen.” Her pursuit included searching through myths, many religions and their histories, traveling to many countries to do so. After some time, she found herself returning to her roots of faith in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit of Christianity.

Creating a multimedia work of three pieces, she made a lattice with prayer beads surrounding a circle of three colors — blue, red and yellow — which she saw as the Trinity spinning toward her. “I felt God wanted to reveal Himself to me, and I tried to capture the advent of God’s revelation.” Jacquelyn describes her periods of creativity as vigils — a watch, often kept with prayers.

Much of her artwork is born out of periods of deep concern and prayer. Her thesis project for the departments of Religious Studies and Art at University of Montana is called Goshen Revisited and contains eight watercolor paintings. She used only red and green, mixing these colors to create the other colors she needed, forming geometrical squares made up of eight triangles in a particular mathematical sequence. “Some of the pieces have bands and strips of brilliant color (still made of only red and green) to define abstract circles and triangles, some of which form a Star of David,” Jacquelyn explained.

The workings of her mind are as intricate as her designs, thoughts flashing with rapidity, clarity and creativity mimicked in her artwork. As she speaks, explaining her intention and pointing out its fulfillment, the pieces leap to life with a meaning mysteriously held in check until Jacquelyn weaves her tale.

Even though these particular works are rendered in watercolors, they manage to convey texture and depth through tiny, minutely shaded triangles and squares, which in turn shape a three-dimensional theme of astounding precision and vitality — a story come to life. “The final piece has a red background with ‘blue’ circles, like the parting of the Red Sea, with some ‘red tape’ being broken, one with a triangle and a tear drop painted with rich color that grows lighter as though fading,” Jacquelyn explained.

“Throughout the ages most beautiful architecture was created using the golden mean or the golden ratio — a divine proportion encountered when taking ratios of distance or measurement. It is most commonly recognized in a nautilus, a ram’s horn, DNA and the shape of the Milky Way. I have endeavored to follow this golden mean in my artwork,” Jacquelyn remarked. To do so, she meticulously plotted out her measurements using the mathematical formula, which Leonardo Da Vinci used in creating his Vitruvian Man. The formula is j/1=1/j-1, j (phi) equaling 1.618 … or in a more laymen-like formula: a + b is to a as a is to b. “A more modern example of the golden mean are Palladian windows and architecture created by Venetian Andrea Palladio, used by Thomas Jefferson in Monticello and the University of Virginia,” Jacquelyn said.

The result of her use of the golden mean is paintings and other art mediums

of varied rectangular pieces incorporating the perfect curl of a nautilus. This is especially evident in the quilts she has most recently created. “It’s been very arduous trying to achieve a state of perfect communion. These are panels with two sides of a heart overlapping

in the Fibonacci sequence,” explained Jacquelyn. The Fibonacci formula is F(n) = F(n-1) + F(n-2), recognizable to math aficionados.

Over Jacquelyn’s mantel hangs a piece called Hostage, begun when two American soldiers were taken hostage in Kuwait on January 26, 1992. “This piece was birthed from my prayer vigil for their safety and release,” Jacquelyn revealed. “Terry Anderson was released on the very day I took the completed work off my art board.” The painting is of her mother’s iron bedstead, seemingly lost in a garden of baby’s breath and lilies. Jacquelyn submitted one of her three pieces about the first Gulf war to the State Fair of Texas, where the painting, bedecked in yellow ribbons, won honorable mention. “As I worked, I prayed against ill treatment and humiliation. I asked that returning vets from the Gulf would not be subjected to the treatment and stigma Vietnam vets suffered,” she remarked.

Jacquelyn’s first foray into the world of art came when her fifth-grade teacher asked Jacquelyn to draw a child sitting under a tree reading. “I used charcoal, and the drawing became the cover of a magazine for teachers. I liked the quiet, right-brain buzz of the contemplative state I found when thinking and drawing.”

The summer before she began college in the late ’60s, Jacquelyn took a course on watercolors in Montanna from Robert Artwood of Tennessee. “I learned to create highlights by using mid-tones and shadowing, painting mostly landscapes.” Jacquelyn’s mind is finely tuned to the aesthetic world of beauty and the spiritual arena, something she believes began in the womb. She and her brother, John, are half-identical twins — a very rare thing indeed. “We are called half- identical, because we shared the same placenta. I think John and I are even more closely connected and aware of each other than other twins often are,” Jacquelyn remarked.

Her faith is anchored in her understanding of the Word of God and her vivid visceral experiences portrayed in her art/prayer vigils. Not only has she created paintings and quilts, she has drawn a storybook on black paper, using pastels, and designed stained-glass windows, some with the constellations. Inspired by her brother, recently retired from the Montana National Guard, her latest quilt incorporates the digital camouflage colors of his uniform and an actual uniform of a woman, for whom she has prayed, who serves with a medevac unit, soon to be deployed on her second tour with the Montana National Guard. Truly, her unique artwork captures her intensity of proportion, prayer and passion.

Written by Beverly Shay.

It’s a Beautiful Thing

marshallhinsley — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 20:53:00 +0000

GLENN HEIGHTS, TX – The little city of Glenn Heights is proving itself big when it comes to environmental and community improvement. Keep Texas Beautiful recently announced Glenn Heights as one of just 10 winners of the 2011 Governor’s Community Achievement Award (GCAA), a program created by the partnership of Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

Standing L to R: Angelia Garcia, Thomas Calhoun, Cyndy Smith. Sitting L to R: Connie Hearne and Dawn Freeman.

Connie Hearne, city staff support for Keep Glenn Heights Beautiful (KGHB) shared, “It’s one of the most celebrated annual environmental and community improvement awards in Texas! And it means our group has one of the best grassroots environmental programs in the state.”

Winners share $2 million in landscape funds from TxDOT, with Glenn Heights receiving $160,000 for a city landscaping project. “When I found out we’d won the GCAA, I was so excited I screamed like a teenager at a rock concert!” KGHB Vice Chairman Dawn Freeman said.

The award annually endows Texas communities with a share of landscaping prize money to be used in the construction of a beautification project within the winning community. Projects are completed on selected state rights-of-way and conform both to the winning city’s aesthetic expectations and stringent standards of safety, design and maintenance laid out by TxDOT.

“KGHB moved from a provisional affiliate to KTB affiliate in 2009, just a couple years ago. That’s a great indication of how dedicated the board members are, especially Connie Hearne, our city staff person,” Dawn said. “I’m thrilled beyond words that we won, and I can’t wait to see what wonderful things are going to happen in and for Glenn Heights because of it.”

Glenn Heights tackled many challenges during 2010, which resulted in residential recycling implementation, trash pickup reduced to one day per week, the first household hazardous waste event and a three-year code enforcement initiative being implemented and funded. Efforts were also made toward reducing illegal dumping, neighborhood cleanups and more education provided to the public and youth about the importance of their environment.

“Our greatest contribution to the city is the education of our young people at the schools and helping our seniors who are unable to help themselves,” KGHB Chairman Carl Whitehead said. Specifically, the group has done this through presentations on air quality, recycling, composting and water conservation. Other projects have included: rehabilitating the wetlands at Heritage Community Park, including the addition of new birdhouses provided by the Boy Scouts Troop 1880; and the Don’t Mess With Texas Trash-off, cleaning roadsides with help from volunteers, such as the Girl Scouts, Lions Club and local churches.

“I hope any Glenn Heights residents who read this will want to come out and help. I hope they’ll look at the improvements that have been and are happening in Glenn Heights and be willing to volunteer a few hours for the events we have,” Dawn said.

To that end, KGHB members agreed the group’s biggest need is increased volunteerism. “We try very hard to get everyone involved and caring about our city and future. We are always looking for opportunities to spread ‘green’ knowledge,” KGHB member Cynthia Smith, said.

Obviously, the more people get involved, the more KGHB can accomplish. “I think people would be surprised at how much fun it is to get out, meet new people and work with them toward a common goal,” Dawn said. “I also think some people just don’t know how to get involved or what they can do to help, or they think they will have to make monumental life changes to do any good. That’s not true! There are so many little things everyone can do that will add up to a big, positive benefit.” Just a few of the “little” efforts made by KGHB include: donation of trees for Arbor Day, flowers for flower beds in front of city hall and the city park and park benches that are ADA compliant for Heritage Community Park.

Young and old benefit from the group’s efforts, and KGHB Secretary Angelia Garcia noted that adults need to follow local children’s lead when it comes to improving the city. “The children we speak to are always happy to participate in our events. Now we need more participation from the adults in the community,” she said.

With a mission of educating and engaging its residents to take responsibility for their environment, KGHB continues to seek ways to spread its message. “That’s why we go to the schools to teach the students about air and water quality, conservation, recycling and other things. The kids really enjoy it, and so do we,” Dawn said. “We encourage the students to go home and teach their parents. As a parent, I can tell you that when your kids think something is important, they will drive you crazy with it — but that’s a good thing!”

On the group’s agenda are more presentations at local homeowner’s associations, churches and the like. KGHB is in the process of starting a Yard of the Month program to recognize those doing an exceptional job of beautifying their lawns. Evening workshops — following the success of a rainwater harvesting workshop this spring — may also be on the horizon.

“I’d like to have seminars on organic gardening, composting, using native plants in landscaping, raised-bed vegetable gardens … the list could go on and on! I’d also like Glenn Heights’ citizens to let us know what they are interested in learning about conservation and environmental issues,” Dawn said. “If you want to know more about something, there are probably a lot of other people who want to learn it, too, and we can find someone qualified to come teach us.”

Not surprisingly, many KGHB members enjoy working outdoors, and some also serve on the city’s parks and recreation committee. “My grandmother, who passed in 1997, inspires me when it comes to gardening. I became involved

with KGHB to fulfill that passion and give back to the community at the same time,” Cynthia said. “I love to see my children share this passion and for them to involve their friends, too.”

The other nine Texas cities earning the GCAA this year were Moulton, Whitesboro, Whitehouse, Dickinson, Cleburne, Temple, Pearland, Killeen and Plano. Glenn Heights officially received its award during the Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) annual conference in June in Austin. KGHB is an affiliate of KTB and came in second place last year for the GCAA.

“I’m very honored to be involved with this group of thoughtful, conscientious and civic-minded people whose mantra is ‘What else can we do?’” Dawn said. “I encourage others to help the group however they can. After all, everybody wants to live in a clean, beautiful city.”

Written by Angel Morris.

Those interested in learning more about KGHB can call (972) 223-1690 or write chearne@glennheights.com.

In the Swim of Things

Now_Staff — Tue, 31 May 2011 03:05:28 +0000

CEDAR HILL, TX — Amy Lamar has been coaching community members of all ages at local natatoriums for some time. When the opportunity to lead Cedar Hill High School’s swim teams presented itself, she seized it and began to build a program with strong roots. Amy has been involved with competitive swimming’s early morning practices, repetitive drills and the smell of chlorine since age 5, but coaching adds a new layer of responsibility to the sport she loves. “I’m not a morning person,” she laughed. “Sometimes with practices, meetings and work, I put in 12- to 14-hour days. But, I love it so much I’ve never had a problem being motivated to work with the kids as student athletes and just young adults.”

During the season, which runs from August to March, Amy wakes up at 3:45 a.m. to meet her team by 5:15 a.m. Practice, from 6:00 to 8:00 a.m., is at Duncanville High School — Cedar Hill does not have its own pool, despite having a swim program for 10 years. Amy ensures the students shower, change and get ready for school on time for their first classes.

As a girl, Amy began her swimming career in the well- established swimming community of San Antonio. “The aquatics program in San Antonio is pretty evolved. Neighborhoods have teams which compete against each other. Those teams feed into club teams, which in turn, support the high school teams,” she explained. She competed through her senior year in high school and considered continuing her career in college. Ultimately, she decided to pursue a different interest and enrolled at the University of North Texas, with a major in photography.

While at North Texas, Amy was hired as an assistant photographer where she met Jay Lamar, the communications and marketing art director, who later became her husband. When she got the job, she changed her major to art education. After graduation, Amy became an elementary art teacher in Grand Prairie. Wanting to pursue photography and help Jay build their photography business, she left the school and began looking for part-time work. The Duncanville Natatorium needed managers and swim instructors, so she applied and was hired as an assistant manager, water aerobics and swimming instructor. She also took a summer job at Kirby Creek in Grand Prairie, coaching the precompetitive team to gain experience.

Last summer, Amy applied to coach the swim teams at Cedar Hill and was hired almost immediately. She credits her familiarity with many of the swimmers, through her work in local swimming circles, for her quick hire. The first-year coach led her teams to a great season, with the girls placing third in the district and the boys, sixth. The girls finished 10th at regionals, and Amy is confident that both squads will continue to improve. To help that process, she started a challenging new sport — water polo — to help the swimmers with their off-season conditioning and build team unity.

“When I was younger and swam, I always played water polo. I told the kidsfrom the beginning of the swim season that I wanted them to play water polo this spring, but they didn’t believe me. It’s a great way to stay in shape. Because it’s a team sport and swimming is an individual sport, it’s an exciting way to get the
kids together as a team and keep them mentally engaged,” Amy said.

Water polo wasn’t entirely foreign to her swimmers because they’d played for fun during practices. However, playing the sport correctly required learning a lot of technique, as well as adjustments for the different conditioning necessary. Amy started by teaching the basics: the six field positions and goal keeping, ball handling, using an eggbeater technique to tread water and communication with each other. Once the students started mastering those skills, she began to introduce drills and scrimmages to reinforce them.

“Water polo takes a lot of endurance. It’s like swimming, but there are distinct differences. For instance, there are fast sprints, followed by treading water. In the beginning, I got in the pool with them, and they were very entertained,” Amy smiled. “This is all very new for the kids. They’re close as a team, and they did a lot of bonding stuff together during the swim season, but working together is new, and it has molded them in a very positive way.”

Amy also accepted an offer from local water polo coach, Joe Linehan, to conduct a free clinic for the Grand Prairie and Duncanville programs. He taught the swimmers the basics of the game, how it flows and the specifics of the rules. “Joe told me there were only a handful of teams in the region three to five years ago, and now there are over 30. Some are consolidated between school districts, and some are coed,” she said.

Initially, Amy got some resistance DeSoto NOW has worked with them to accommodate their pursuit of other interests. However, Duncanville NOW team in the future, she plans to eventually
in the interest of fielding a successful require her teams to compete in water polo. “This year we needed time to learn the game, and I’ve been patient with some of the kids wanting to do dry land conditioning or pursue other interests. Next year, though, I want everyone involved, so we can compete from the very first tournament,” Amy explained.

As if she wasn’t busy enough, Amy started Cedar Hill’s first middle school swim team this spring with 30 swimmers signing up — almost double the high school team. This now requires her to make the trip to Duncanville’s pool twice each day. She looks forward to the future, especially with some potential changes on the horizon.

“Both teams are young, so in the next few years, we will see some amazing stuff from them,” she said. “In the future, we are hoping for an athletic facility with a four-lane indoor pool. We rent space and have to travel all over to practice and compete, so having our own facility would be huge. We got our first official board this year, and the team is extremely excited about that. The support of the administration and the athletic director for me as a first-year coach, in my first [high school] coaching gig, has been so great. It helps me maintain my momentum.”

Written by Jeremy Agor.