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2015 2015 HOMETOWN LIVING - 3 Welcome to Hometown HolidayTobacco Preve. Control Coalition inside cvr J.E. Keever Mortuary page 4 John Sullivan MD page 5 Meg Sullivan MD page 5 Mike Williamson CPA CFE page 5 Jeff Irish page 5 Baylor Surgicare at Ennis page 8 Jenny Vidrine State Farm page 8 Stephen Durbin DDS page 10 Golden Chick page 10 DRP Auto Body Towing page 11 Czech Heritage Shoppe page 11 Comptons Cleaning Restoration page 11 Baylor Baptist Church page 11 Vintage Cross page 11 Quality Care Pharmacy page 11 Papa Johns page 12 Guild Mortgage page 12 Twisted Metal Rods Collision page 12 Walmart page 12 Pawn Store More page 12 Texas Vets Roong Remodeling page 12 JJ Lawn Services page 13 Claxtons Used Cars page 13 Meier Recycle Center page 13 Fundamental Baptist Church page 13 Breckenridge Village page 13 Wester Insurance Agency page 13 Legend Healthcare page 17 Ennis Public Theatre page 17 Tyner Electric page 19 Century 21 page 19 Lights of Ennis page 27 Impact Ennis inside back cvr Kevin A. Williams M.D. back cvr Hometown Living is a Ennis Daily News publication. Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Hometown Living is published every other month and distributed throughout Ennis. To advertise or if you have any story ideas call 972-875-3801 today or email bradennisdailynews.com The historic Juenemann home page 14 When you think of the word holiday does it remind you of a fond memory going to see your parents or the joy of the season Lets discuss this years Hometown Holiday Magazine for a moment. This magazine is a way for the Ennis Daily News to kick off the holiday season a collection of Thanksgiv- ing and Christmas holiday treats and stories combined into one edition. We have collected festive content to entertain and inform and so have your advertisers. Now that I have introduced our magazine I would like to give you a small im- age of what holiday means to me. This season is about seeing loved ones you rarely see. It is about mending hurts. It is about bringing joy to one another and sharing a warm meal. This is my favorite time of year and there is so much I enjoy about the season the smell of cookies the Christmas music wrapped in the arms of loved ones and hugged by them and my favorite the excitement in childrens eyes because they believe in Santa This is a time of year all of us should embrace and many share the Christmas spirit in their own way. We have people who help feed and cloth the homeless people who raise money to help pay electric bills and other people who help make kids Christmas wishes come true. It is all simply amazing. I see many people who dread the holidays and it makes me sad because I know some are lonely and do not have much. So with that in mind this holiday if you see someone in need be kind and know that you are truly the holiday. People make the holidays and in Ennis we have people who help every day and in every way. ADVERTISER INDEX ly y anddddddddddddddddd in Ennis elppppppppp every day and in every way. Josie Prachyl 4 - HOMETOWN LIVING SEE CHRISTMAS 9 Randy Bryan Bigham Contributor Ennis Theatre Rocks has a Yuletide hit on its hands with A Christmas holiday favorite for families everywhere. Humor writer Jean Shepherds essays and anecdotes inspired the movie which the author also narrates and through his words and vision the misadventures of Ralphie have captivated two generations of fans. Theatre Rocks director Bill Rhoten who has long excelled at Christmas plays that appeal not only to kids but to the kid in every adult decided nothing funnier or more touching would suit this holiday season. Audiences will approve of Rhotens choice made in concert with Theatre Rocks managing director and wife Suzanne. that has become a modern classic. Set in the late 1930s nine-year-old Ralphie and his quest for the ultimate Christmas gift weave between hilarious obstacles from a grumpy dad and assorted school bullies to AChristmasStory TheatreRockstoproduce classicholidayplay BILL RHOTEN Director 2015 HOMETOWN LIVING - 5 6 - 2015 HOMETOWN LIVING Recipes Snickers Dessert Ingredients 1st layer 1 cup milk chocolate chips 14 cup butterscotch chips 2nd layer 1 cup sugar 14 cup milk 14 cup margarine 14 cup peanut butter 1 cup marshmallow cream 1 tsp. vanilla 2 cup peanuts 3rd layer 40 caramels 2 T water 4th layer 1 c milk chocolate chips 14 cup butterscotch chips 14 cup peanut butter Directions layer and spread in a 13 x 9 sugar milk and margarine for 5 minutes. Add the peanut butter marshmallow cream and vanilla. with peanuts. Cool. Melt the caramels with the water and pour over the peanuts as the third layer. Melt the chips and peanut butter. Pour over the third layer. Keep refrigerated. Cut into squares. Lemon Cream Salad Ingredients 1 cup mini marshmallows 1 10 oz. 7-up soda 6 oz. lemon Jell-O 20 oz. crushed pineapple not drained 34 cup chopped pecans 1 cup whipping cream whipped Directions Combine in saucepan. Cook and stir constantly until marshmallows are melted. Remove from heat. Add the lemon Jell-O while still hot and stir. Chill immediately until the consistency is like that off egg whites. After chilled add the pineapple pecans and whipping cream. Allow to set over night in You may use a long bowl and cut it into squares. Gerald Ford Strawberry Pie Ingredients 2 pints stawberries 23 cup sugar 14 cup cornstarch Red food coloring 1 baked pie shell Directions Crush 1 cup strawberries. Simmer with 1 cup of water for a minute and put through sieve. Slice the rest of the strawberries. Combine sugar with cornstarch in a saucepan. Gradually stir in sieved strawberries mixing until blended. thickened stirring constantly. coloring. Allow to cool. Spoon in half of the berries into the baked shell and then pour half of the sauce over the berries. Repeat layers. Chill for overnight and serve with ice cream. 8 - 2015 HOMETOWN LIVING 2015 HOMETOWN LIVING - 9 an equally harassing pack of neighborhooddogs.Butnothing crushes Ralphies hopes that Old Saint Nick will remember Bill Rhoten spoke recently with the Ennis Daily News about A Christmas Story Theatre Rocks the community he loves and his own familys expectations for the holidays. Have you directed this play before and what is it about the movie thats made it such a classic Bill Rhoten directed A Christmas Story was loved the movie and they were like the movie has too many scene changes has constant had ever directed at one time before very hard to pull off especially since seven of the cast are kids Yikes But it was wonderful and the kids did much better than the movie. A Christmas Story attracts a wide range of audiences young and old. And those who grew up in that era or even a decade or relate to it and kids love the antics. And who cant relate to wanting that special something at Christmas All those elements make it a classic the movie and the play. How is the stage version there new characters or other adaptations that make it special Rhoten additions its just like the movie. Philip Grecian who did the adaptation really is a specialist with the original. He was smart in that regard. Because people know this story you cant mess with it too much. But since its onstage some things play differently especially in our intimate setting but it works because youre so close to the action. The hounds for example are almost lost in the movie. Theyre just this black mass going through the house but on stage theyre right costume play the hounds and its always a favorite scene. The play really is the movie done on stage and it works What do you want readers to know most about Theatre Rocks its actors and programs Rhoten Our passion is theater. Excellent high quality productions are what were known for and what we excel at. Also we are passionate about actors their experience and their growth as artists. We want them as well as the audience to gain something that will be lasting. As Christians we also strive to give honor to our Lord the playwrights actors designers our audience and community. Since youve commercials do you approach plays from a cinematic perspective Rhoten No. drawn back to the purest form of acting and theres the live audience with that great immediate feedback and response. From the directing standpoint youre far less bogged down with the technical demands. Yet on stage you have to be even more aware of control that. But on stage in a every seat and what everyone can see. Thats a lot of pictures This play which is constantly moving has multiplications of that. Apart from entertaining Ennis how will you and Suzanne spend your Christmas this year Rhoten Well entertaining Ennis is always the biggest part of our Christmas We just embrace it and savor every moment. We love knowing memories are being made for many families. Last year we lost Suzannes mom just a week before Christmas so it was tough. This year as the cycle of life goes we will be welcoming after Christmas. So it will be a with expectation CHRISTMAS cont. from pg 4 Theatre Rocks director Bill Rhoten and his wife and managing director Suzanne specialize in family-oriented comedies and dramas. 10 - 2015 HOMETOWN LIVING Leaving cookies and milk for Santa Claus is a Christmas Eve tradi- tion. Children regularly place a dish of cookies and a glass of milk by the tree on Christmas Eve so that Santa has enough energy to complete all of his gift-giving before kids wake up on Christmas morning. The tradition of leaving cookies out on Christmas Eve may trace its origins to Saint Nich- olas. On the feast of St. Nicholas on December 6 children would leave food and drink for the saint and any attendants. The treats would be ex- changed for gifts. While thats one theory behind the tradition others think it is linked to the history of the Christmas tree and the edible decorations that adorn it. Santa would snack on the ornaments. Even after edible decora- tions gave way to inedible ornaments the tradition of leaving a snack for Santa remained. Whatev- er the origins behind the tradition m i l l i o n s of chil- dren duti- fully leave milk and cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve. Did you know 2015 HOMETOWN LIVING- 11 12 - 2015 HOMETOWN LIVING 2015 HOMETOWN LIVING - 13 Randy Bryan Bigham Contributor Angie Wingo Juenemann grew up with six brothers and a sister in the sprawling early 20th century house that graces a shady section of North Preston Street. But it wasnt until 1988 just when she was starting out life as a young wife and mother that it became her own. Due to health concerns her parents Emil and Angie Slovacek had moved to Dallas that year and the house went up for sale. Angie decided to buy her girlhood home and has never regretted it. The day after I signed the contract I was offered a significant profit to sell it she recalls. I declined because I had always seen the potential the house had and I wanted to bring it back to life for my own family. By that time sentimentality had taken hold of me and I was on a mission The renovation went well and so has her life. In the 27 years since shes raised two daughters Dawn and Jenna and a son Josh and become a successful businesswoman and community leader. An- gie now delights in five grandsons and a granddaughter but the inde- pendent spirit that led her to resurrect the home of her dreams still finds expression in an active social life and through exciting world travel with husband Dennis she just returned from Japan. At Home with the Juenemanns Take Heritage to Heart 14 - 2015 HOMETOWN LIVING Holiday decorating is a passion Angie Juenemann has passed down to her daughters and their families. 2015 HOMETOWN LIVING - 15 Dennis loves the house Angie spent her childhood in as much as she does. When Den- nis and I married Angie relates we chose to continue to live here because he knew how much it meant to me. As opposed to my liv- ing in one house for 39 years hes moved many times throughout his life. This is the longest hes lived anywhere. As the holiday season approaches Dennis and Angie look forward to welcoming family and friends for the parties that have always characterized life in the beautiful home that fronts one of the most romantic streets in the Templeton-McCanless Historic District. Christmas is especially festive for the cou- ple. I have been known to go all out for Christ- mas Angie confesses. There have been times when there were three or four different trees in the house.The girls used to get so excited about decorating with me and I think they have carried that on with their own families. Holiday entertaining is more of an event than a family get-together with the Juen- The Juenemann home and snowfall conspire for a wintry Christmas in this shot taken a few years ago. Dennis and Angie Juenemanns love for their Ennis home doesnt prevent this exuberant pair from traveling the world. Here they are on a recent trip to Kyoto Japan. 16 - 2015 HOMETOWN LIVING emanns. We have 48 immediate family members between my mom my brothers and sister my nieces and nephews and their families Angie laughs. Its a huge celebration. As a grandmother she enjoys reliving the scenes of her own days in the house as a wide-eyed girl at Christmas Kids are running up and down staircases hopped up on Christmas goodies asking over and over When do we open presents Revelries start early on Christmas Eve for Dennis Angie and their fami- lies. There are tons of food and laugh- ter a Chinese gift exchange music and all-around shenanigans Angie outlines. We always say a prayer and remember the birth of Jesus with a birthday cake for him. This tradition began when her eldest grandson Aidan then age 4 sug- gested that since it was Jesus birthday he should have his own cake on Christmas. For the past 30 years Santa has made a special early appearance at the Juen- emann house He comes jingling in with a merry ho ho ho his pack slung over his shoulder and the kids light up as brightly as the tree. Dinner is special too. On Christmas Eve in honor of his familys German heritage Dennis prepares an incredible meal of tenderloin braised buttered on- ions mushrooms and asparagus. Colorful holiday decorations differ from year to year but the Juenemann home is always vibrant. We love color and texture whether in pillows throws or drapes Angie explains. The main thing youll see when you enter our home is our love of color. Regarding design she describes the furnishings and accessories as an eclectic blend of traditional contemporary and antique. It doesnt follow a rule book Angie says. I mix and match old and new East and West luxe with humble showy and simple. We just have objects we love and things that have caught our eye. Living in Ennis for Angie and Den- nis is a privilege. What we enjoy most about Ennis is the sense of love com- munity and all the possibilities for the future. For me personally my history is here. This house built me. Theres a peace I feel by being here. I call it my metamorphosis and I feel the same way about Ennis. I do have a huge amount of wanderlust I love seeing the world and experiencing new things but theres tru- ly no place like home. Let photo even the pet gets into the Christmas spirit at the Juenemanns. RightDennisJuenemannaddsalittledittytothefamilysChristmascelebrations. Angie Juenemann enjoys Christmas decorating. This brightly decorated tree is one of four that grace the home during the Yuletide season. 2015 HOMETOWN LIVING - 17 18 - 2015 HOMETOWN LIVING ThehistorybehindsomebelovedChristmassongs Holiday traditions vary from family to family but one component of the holidays that seems to be universally enjoyed is a good Christmas song. Music is piped throughout malls and stores to entertain shoppers and favorite tunes may be on the radio or streamed through a digital music service as families decorate their homes. Many people may love Christmas songs and carols but not everyone shares the same favorites. Thankfully theres no shortage of material when it comes to Christmas songs ensuring theres something for everyone. In 2014 Time magazine researched determine the most popular and most recorded Christmas songs since 1978. when copyright registrations were digitized. The following are some of the more beloved holiday tunes and a bit of history about each song. rerecorded songs in history 733 was composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber and put to lyrics by Joseph in Austria. Todays version is a slow lullaby but its believed the original was a dance-like tune in 68 time. really was written for Thanksgiving. Its also one of the oldest holiday songs of American origin. Massachusetts. and reminiscing about his childhood with his brother. It became a hit after being performed at HappyappyHappyH Holidays FromFrom 20 - 2015 HOMETOWN LIVING Calendar Thursday Nov. 19 -EHS Girls Varsity BB at Carrollton Ranchview Tournament. TBA. -Lummus Intermediate chocolate fundraiser through Nov. 19. -Miller Center Stage Choir performs for retired teacher luncheon. -Carver ECC Third Thursday 3-4 p.m. -Lummus Intermediate FOR Club meeting 315-4 p.m. -EHS National Honor Society meeting 7-8 p.m. Friday Nov. 20 -EHS Girls Varsity BB at Carrollton Ranchview Tournament. TBA. -EHS Band All-Region Orchestra Rehearsals and Concert at Irving TBA. -Miller Intermediate Aim for Success student presentation by 6th grade. -Houston Elementary Coffee Club 830-930 a.m. Saturday Nov. 21 -EHS Girls Varsity BB at Carrollton Ranchview Tournament. TBA. Domestic. Gates open 6 p.m. Open time trials 7 p.m.-Midnight. -EHS Band All-Region Orchestra Rehearsals and Concert Irving. Sunday Nov. 22 -Lummus Intermediate Encore Choir performs at Ministries Ennis. Wednesday Nov. 25 -Ennis Public Library Preschool Storytime 10 and 1045 a.m. Saturday Nov. 28 -EHS Girls BB hosts Palestine. JV-Noon. Varsity-130 p.m. -Bristol Opry 7 p.m. Union Hill Road at Church Street Bristol. Tuesday Dec. 1 -Lights of Ennis -EHS Girls BB hosts Seguin. 9thJV-530 p.m. Var-7 p.m. -Paw Paw Booster Club meeting 7-8 p.m. at EHS Ensign Cafeteria. Wednesday Dec. 2 -Ennis Public Library Preschool Storytime 10 and 1045 a.m. -Lights of Ennis. Thursday Dec. 3 7-930 p.m. -EHS Band performs in Christmas Parade 7-9 p.m. -Lights of Ennis. Friday Dec. 4 -Ennis Public Theatre presents 730 p.m. -Lights of Ennis. -Lummus Intermediate PE chocolate fundraiser ends. -Celebrate Carver ECC 8-820 a.m. -New Hope Church Christmas Celebration in downtown 7-9 p.m. Saturday Dec. 5 -Lights of Ennis. -Ennis Public Theatre presents 730 p.m. -New Hope Church Christmas Celebration in downtown 7-9 p.m. Sunday Dec. 6 -Ennis Public Theatre presents -Lights of Ennis. -New Hope Church Christmas Celebration in downtown 7-9 p.m. Monday Dec. 7 -Ennis City Commission 6 p.m. -Lights of Ennis. -EHS Band Holiday Concert 7-830 p.m. EHS Auditorium. Tuesday Dec. 8 -Lights of Ennis. 9thJV-5 p.m. Var-630 p.m. -EISD Board of Directors meeting 6 p.m. 2015 HOMETOWN LIVING - 21 Calendar Wednesday Dec. 9 -Ennis Public Library Preschool Storytime 10 and 1045 a.m. -Lights of Ennis. -Travis Elementary book fair. Thursday Dec. 10 -Lights of Ennis. -Travis Elementary book fair.-Miller Intermediate Center Stage Choir Christmas Program.-EJHS Girls BB at Corsicana 530 p.m. Friday Dec. 11 -Ennis Public Theatre presents Shrek The Musical 7 p.m. -Theatre Rocks presents A Christmas Story 730 p.m. -Lights of Ennis. -Travis Elementary book fair. -EHS Band at All-Region Band Auditions Duncanville. -Celebrate Carver ECC 8-820 a.m. -Ennis Academic UIL Christmas Tournament at EHS 315-745 p.m. -EHS Girls BB at Lake Ridge. 9th-5 p.m. Var-630 p.m. JV-8 p.m. -EHS Student Counncil Homeless for a Night overnight event Lion Memorial Stadium 1030 p.m.- 6 a.m. Saturday. Saturday Dec. 12 -Ennis Public Theatre presents Shrek The Musical 230 p.m. and 7 p.m. -Theatre Rocks presents A Christmas Story 730 p.m. -EHS Band at All-Region Band Auditions at Duncanville. -Ennis Academic UIL Christmas Tournament. -Lights of Ennis. -Lady of Guadalupe Celebration downtown Ennis TBA. Sunday Dec. 13 -Ennis Public Theatre presents Shrek The Musical 230 p.m. -Lights of Ennis. Monday Dec. 14 -Lights of Ennis. -Carver ECC Polar Express train 8-10 a.m. -EHS Band UIL Pre-Area Band Auditions 4-9 p.m. Duncanville. Tuesday Dec. 15 -Houston Elementary Christmas Concert. -EHS Girls BB hosts Legacy. 9th-5 p.m. Var-630 p.m. JV-8 p.m. -Lights of Ennis. Wednesday Dec. 16 -Ennis Public Library Preschool Storytime 10 and 1045 a.m. -Travis Elementary Toy Run 930-10 a.m. -Lights of Ennis. Thursday Dec. 17 -Lights of Ennis. -Carver ECC Third Thursday 3-4 p.m. 530 p.m. Friday Dec. 18 -Theatre Rocks presents A Christmas Story 730 p.m. -Houston Elementary Christmas parties 830-930 a.m. -Lights of Ennis. Saturday Dec. 19 -Theatre Rocks presents A Christmas Story 730 p.m. -Lights of Ennis. Sunday Dec. 20 -Theatre Rocks presents A Christmas Story 230 p.m. -Lights of Ennis. Monday Dec. 21 -Ennis City Commission 6 p.m. -EHS Girls BB at Red Oak. 9th-1 p.m. Var-230 p.m. JV-4 p.m. -Lights of Ennis. Tuesday Dec. 22 -Lights of Ennis. Wednesday Dec. 23 -Lights of Ennis. Thursday Dec. 24 -Lights of Ennis. Friday Dec. 25 -Lights of Ennis. Saturday Dec. 26 -Lights of Ennis. Sunday Dec. 27 -Lights of Ennis. Monday Dec. 28 -Lights of Ennis. Tuesday Dec. 29 -Lights of Ennis. -EHS Girls BB at MT Rice Tournament TBA. Wednesday Dec. 30 -Lights of Ennis. -EHS Girls BB at MT Rice Tournament TBA. Thursday Dec. 31 -Lights of Ennis. 22 - 2015 HOMETOWN LIVING Randy Bryan Bigham Contributor With the popularity of the CrossFit Ellis workout program a community of athletes thrives in this city sharing the organizations exercise philosophy and devotion to an intense regi- men of gymnastics Olympic weightlifting calisthenics and other strength and con- ditioning disciplines. Co-owners of the Ennis Mireles have witnessed many success stories since opening CrossFit Ellis two and a half years ago. Our athletes are better versions of themselves phys- some complete body trans- formations. One of the most uplift- own mother-in-law Felicia Garcia Martinez. In her mid- 40s Martinez says shes at the top of her game in body and soul. The CrossFit program has been a revelation for me she shared. I have lost 50 pounds and have gained more lean body mass than Felicia Martinez shares her inspiring workout journey I had in my high school days. Im stronger and can do so many things I once thought were un- reachable goals. The will-power to persevere came as a surprise to Martinez who had never participated in such strenuous workout sessions. But support from other members of the box as the gym is called enabled her to overcome self- doubt. observes I would never have imagined running in an obstacle course 5k runs and entering com- petitions. But CrossFit has given of my comfort zone and push my- self beyond my own limits. For all the improvement shes physical makeover pales before the emotional progress Martinez has made. Seeing results feels awesome but the spiritual part is the best re- at peace with myself and my life. I try to focus on being positive and sharing that attitude with ev- eryone around me. I am so much closer to God and I thank him ev- ery day for allowing me not to give up when I wanted to. I work out now because I love my body not with everyone else is very impor- tant to me. Her journey has been an in- spiring one. Having struggled with her weight for years reaching 180 pounds and a size 18 at her heaviest Martinez knew she had to make better food choices and escape from the sed- entary lifestyle shed fallen into. I was depressed and had ab- - soever she recalls. Rock bottom would be a good way to describe where I was at the time. The CrossFit regimen incor- - naled a way out for Martinez. I had no idea what I was get- ting into and I remember feeling confesses. But I survived that day and every day since. It was the change Id been waiting for and I feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. - and the thrill that an active life gives her keeps Martinez moti- vated. Im sure if you ask people who know me no one would say they expected me to stick with it this long Martinez laughs. There will be a day when I can no longer do this but that day isnt today She says the holidays with their parties and dinners dont distract her from her routine. CrossFit training is a way of life for Felicia Martinez and she looks forward to her 3 times a week worksouts at CrossFit Ellis. Felicia Martinez has given her all to the CrossFit workout regimen losing 50 lbs and gaining peace of mind and soul. FITISAS FITDOES 2015 HOMETOWN LIVING - 23 Cold weather might affect how often she works out but she tries to exer- cise at least three times a week at the box. If for some reason I cant make all three Ill do something else like go for a run or a walk or even just workout at home she says. But I feel guilty when I miss a workout so I try to be productive in some way. As to dieting Martinez insists she doesnt deprive herself at meals not even during the holiday season. I still eat all the good stuff she admits. But the key for me is small- er portions. The more you tell yourself you cant have that youre more likely to overindulge. So I just portion my servings. Fruits and veggies are my favorite and Ive found that having no soda helps. Instead I drink lots of water and unsweet tea. To others considering the Cross- Fit program she recommends trying for them. For herself Martinez be- lieves it saved her from depression I knew I couldnt give up on life be- cause my family means more to me than anything. I just prayed change would come and it did Felicia Martinez participated last month in the Out of the Darkness 5k run at Reverchon Park in Dallas raising awareness for suicide and depression prevention. Felicia Martinez right receives a medal from daughter Lacey Mireles for her performance at CrossFit Ellis recent Rookie Rumble contest. 24 - 2015 HOMETOWN LIVING Holiday Fun Wesley Studt shows off the nose he uses to save Christmas in the Ennis Public Theatres production of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Parker Reese performs in The Grinch performed downtown by Go Dance Gymnastics Studio. Santa rides into Ennis making his appearance during the Lighted Christmas Parade. 2015 HOMETOWN LIVING - 25 Piper Blankenship checks out the lights and featured in the Lights of Ennis parade. Give-A-Kid-A-Chance had gifts galore and Santa Claus for families at the holidays last year. 26 - 2015 HOMETOWN LIVING Randy Bryan Bigham Contributor The holidays mean more to Suzanne Wilson than receiv- ing presents. She enjoys giv- ing them especially the deli- cious edibles she specializes in. From cakes and cookies to candies and pies the baked delights she presents to fam- ily and friends at Thanksgiv- ing or Christmas or indeed any time of year are always appreciatively devoured. I started cooking at the age of 14 but realized later that baking was what I liked best she acknowledges. Many of my recipes are my grandmothers while others I get from friends magazines or the internet. I like using new recipes or just trying something different on my own. Daughter of Bobby and Martha Wilson Suzanne works as an emergency room admitting clerk at Ennis Re- gional Medical Center where her smile and compassionate spirit are welcomed by the public in moments of worry and grief. But she extends her benevolence beyond her profession touching the lives of old school mates neigh- bors and fellow members of Friendship Baptist Church where she volunteers with her father and mother. I believe in helping peo- ple out in times of need Wilson said. And baking is my favorite way to do it. The more sweets the better Her scrumptious ministry is actually one shes inher- ited from her mother equally noted for her warm heart and culinary talent. Through tasty Yummy holiday memories Local cook Suzanne Wilson shares family fun and recipes Suzanne Wilson and her mother Martha enjoy cooking for the those in need. Suzannes specialty is baking desserts. homemade treats the pair have made an art of helping cheer those who are ill or who have suffered a loss. When the two tie on their kitchen aprons delectable dishes on Suzannes cooking skills was her late grandmother Odress Wil- son whose downhome meals and desserts were as well-known in the community in her day as her granddaughters is now. When we opened the door of my grandparents home we were always greeted with the delight- ful smell of all kinds of food made from scratch by Mama Wilson as we called her Suzanne recounts. She always made sure each one of us had our favorite dish. Today Suzanne lives in her grandparents home and nothing gives her greater pleasure than cooking in the kitchen that holds such sweet memories of family get- togethers. Choosing holiday decorations for kitchen tables and countertops momentarily distract these talented cooks from baking goodies for family and friends. SEE MEMORIES p.30 Sunday lunch at their home after church was always an event she points out. And I remember all the holiday and birthday celebrations with my parents siblings aunts uncles and cousins. There was lots of love laughter and fun with the whole family and we kids used to play hide and seek or kickball in the street. Wilson recalls her grand- mothers favorite dishes to cook for the family were dumplings dressing deviled eggs English pea salad greens and potato salad. Dessert she adds was a feast in itself Italian crme cake chocolate sheath cake fruit cake egg custard pie cherry and choc- olate pie fruit salad and peach cobbler. For all that bounty she admits to urging her grand- mother to serve a few homemade Mexican items every now and then. 2015 HOMETOWN LIVING - 27 28 - 2015 HOMETOWN LIVING An evergreen tree decked out in lights and ornaments is one of the universal sym- bols of the holiday season. The Christmas tree tradition is believed to have originated in Germany in the 15th or 16th centuries when trees were decorated with edibles such as nuts and fruits. They were later decorated with candles and eventually lights. Through the centuries people have trekked to forests Christmas tree farms and commercial lots to pick the perfect trees for their holiday displays. The Na- tional Christmas Tree Association says more than 33 million real trees are pur- chased each year making the tree business a billion-dollar industry. While there are scores of evergreen varieties certain tree types are more popular than others and thus more available for purchase. The fol- lowing are some of the more popular trees come Christmastime. tree are compact and form a pyramid- shaped crown. The trees should be a dark shiny green color. The eastern redcedar is not a true cedar tree but a member of the juniper family. This tree can make a great cut tree with a homespun look and a pun- gent fragrance. of the more popular Christmas trees in the southeastern United States. The tree will be very dark green to almost gray in color. It has little aroma. Some people choose the which is great for those with sap allergies. blue-green foliage and a good symmetrical form is what attracts many people to the has an excellent natural shape and requires little pruning to look like the perfect Christ- mas tree. Its not very fragrant but the tree needles may give off an unpleasant odor when crushed. and very good needle retention help make the Scotch pine a popular tree to cut for the holidays. Scotch pines also are quite preva- lent thanks to the trees adaptability to a wide range of climates. color and long needles are found on this tree. Another popular pine the rich fra- grance of the white pine may make it pref- erable to those who like their homes to smell of evergreen. of the foremost Christmas tree species in the United States. It has soft needles that are dark green in color. Those needles ra- diate in all directions from the branches to give the tree a full look. The needles when bicolored with dark green on top and sil- ver on the bottom. More fragrant than its for smaller rooms. Christmas tree maintenance Nothing can guarantee the health and appearance of a tree after it is brought into that has good needle retention can help. Here are other tips for a long-lasting tree. of the trunk base to remove the sappy covering that forms from cutting. This will improve water intake. the beginning. and check to see how much water the tree is using. Christmas tree varieties and care Randy Bryan Bigham Contributor Gangsters Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker immor- talized in books and movies since their sensational demise in a 1934 shootout cut a ma- rauding swath across Arkan- sas Oklahoma New Mexico and Louisiana. But the pair couldnt help returning to their home state of Texas where their path of crime often led them through Ellis County and a few times at least into Ennis. Some locals still recall sto- ries of the thieving duos stops in town. My dad and a friend saw Clyde getting into a car and driving off from a gas sta- tion near the old Rose Mo- tel recounts local historian Jim Templin. His father Lee Railroad engineer recogniz- ing the infamous hoodlum at once turned to his pal and said Did you see that That was Clyde Barrow Robert T. Sanders a re- tired diagnostician with En- nis ISDs Early Childhood Center also has family stories to relate about the legendary Bonnie and Clyde. Roberts mother the former Bobbie Champion told him of the harrowing day the Ennis Police Department learned the Barrow-Parker gang was planning to rob the Citizens National Bank where she worked as a teller. The police hid out under desks and behind doors wait- ing for the hit Sanders says and they told all the bank employees to just act natural- ly. Mother said that was very hard to do. It was the scariest day of her life but fortunate- ly Bonnie and Clyde never struck. Sanders remembers another story that claimed the modern day bandits often retreated to a hideout on the outskirts of town. The relative of another En- nis resident had an even clos- er call. Betty Dillards father Leland Pringle lived next door to friends of Bonnie and Clyde in the Irving broke out there one night. It was quite a scene Dillard recalls. One of the bullets came through a win- dow and struck my dads bed- stead Others who have passed on have left memories of the legendary rob- bers swings through Ennis. The late Mary Cath- Local residents recall Bonnie and Clydes forays to Ennis Hit and miss erine Webster an EISD science teacher for over 40 years recalled that Bonnie Parker elegantly ar- rayed in a fur stole walked into a dress shop on Ennis Avenue and sat down to watch a fashion show. Webster said the sales women crook only smiled made small talk and bought a bunch of expen- sive hats. Sightings of Barrow in stores and cafs in town were frequent. He in fact was born not far from Ennis in the town of Telico in 1909. He moved with his family to Dal- las in the 1920s. There he met Parker and started his bloody spree of bank grocery store and gas sta- tion robberies. Jailed in Waco at one point Barrow relied on Parker to smuggle a gun into his cell before escaping with her to Ohio. He was re- captured and extradited to serve his sentence at a prison farm in Crockett. Bonnie became more than an accomplice in time she was soon an active participant in their thefts and killings. Among the couples local crimes were rob- beries in Kaufman and murders in Hillsboro Sherman Temple and Dallas. Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow allegedly planned to rob Citizens National Bank of Ennis but police were SEE BONNIE CLYDE 30 2015 HOMETOWN LIVING - 29 After law enforcement agencies in Texas and surrounding states in- stituted a manhunt Barrow Parker and their gang were on the lam. Despite periodic face-offs which sometimes ended fatally for police capture. The worst of the lovers se- ries of clashes with the law in Texas occurred on Easter Sunday 1934 in Grapevine where Parker shot and killed two highway patrolmen. - homa where they murdered a con- stable and were heading home to Texas through Louisiana when FBI agents and state troopers ambushed the pair on a road near their hide- away at Black Lake. to Texas that day but were gunned down in a barrage of 167 bullets that riddle their car. Today there isnt much to remind North Texas residents of the Bar- row-Parker gang. Theres a small BONNIE CLYDE cont. from page 29 The 1967 movie Bonnie and Clyde starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dun- - tery in that city. There are a few houses in the area that people claim were once hideouts for the thieves and there will probably always be lore of the couples Ennis and Telico connec- tions. But little else. The 1967 motion picture Bonnie and - MEMORIES cont. from page 26 My cousins and I love Mexican food she says. son looks forward to making more family memories. Since my grandparents passed away we but we enjoy the time we have with each other just as much. Peanut Butter Bon Bons 1 large jar of creamy peanut butter 1 large powdered sugar 1 semi-sweet chocolate morsels Melt peanut butter in large pot slowly add powdered sugar until all blended together. Let cool until it is easy to make smooth balls. Double boil wax until completely melted add morsels and stir until completely melted. Then dip peanut butter balls into chocolate. Let cool and then they are ready to eat. Buttermilk Pie 1 stick melted margarine 2 cups sugar 3 eggs 1 cup buttermilk 1 tsp. vanilla Mix and pour into unbaked pie shell and bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes. Light brown on top. Chocolate Pie 1 tsp vanilla 2 egg yolks 1 tsp. butter 2 Tbsp. corn starch 1 13 cups sugar 2 Tbsp. cocoa 2 cups milk Mix dry ingredients. Then add liquids cook until thick. Pour into cooked pie shell and put beaten egg whites on top. DPRI-Impact Ennis