The Cross Timbers Gazette December 2015 by The Cross Timbers Gazette

Serving Argyle, Bartonville, Copper Canyon, Corral City, Double Oak, Flower Mound, Highland Village, Lantana and Robson Ranch

December 2015

Pigeon Racing: Not Just for the Birds By Dru Murray, Contributing Writer

Pigeon trainer Bob Stubbs cradles a pretty hen in his hands.

The eight-month-old came racing into her home near Krum, in west-central Denton County, after beating her wings on a 300-mile, seven-hour homeward journey that began in West Texas. The homing pigeon was trained by Bob Stubbs, a pigeon trainer and aficionado who lives with his wife, Karen. Their property has a sophisticated, two-story loft where their pigeons live in comfort. The racers may be either females, called hens, or males, called cocks. The baby birds hatch from their eggs at the end of December and are banded within five-to-six days. Stubbs, formerly of Argyle, is a member of a 17-member club named the Denton Invitational Racing Club. The members race their pigeons in races run by the North Texas Futurity. Before the members race their birds, they begin training them when they

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Whatever the Game, Lauren Cox Is Here to Win By Walter Villa, Contributing Writer

If anyone wants to know about Lauren Cox’s competitive nature -- one of the big reasons she’s the nation’s No. 1 women’s basketball recruiting prospect -- might we suggest an analysis of her performance at Target? Every year in early November, the Flower Mound girls’ basketball team holds a scavenger hunt at the retail store. No one inside the store is notified about the hunt, which is merely for fun and team bonding. The players are broken up into five teams of three or four girls each. Once the bus pulls into the parking lot, assistant coach Danny Gillham gives the contestants a list of six things to accomplish inside the store. Examples include filming a quick video of a customer saying, “Go, Lady Jags!” or taking a photo with someone who has facial hair. Cox, according to teammate Marin Mills, aced the quiz, allowing her team to get a head start into the store. “We’re not allowed to run into or in the store -- everyone speed-walks,” Mills said. “As we walk in, Lauren’s not yelling, but she is stern. She’s very competitive, and we’re See COX on Page A23

Photo by Joe Lorenzini

Lauren Cox, the top-ranked high school basketball recruit in the nation, has big expectations for her senior year at Flower Mound High School.

Patriotism Lives Here By Noelle M. Hood, Contributing Writer

See PIGEON on Page A22

Inside This Section

Photo by Helen’s Photography

Promoting patriotism and education are Flower Mound Daughters of The American Revolution members Linda Johnson (Historian), Joan Lundholm McHenry (Registrar), Paulette Lollar (Regent), and Mary Brownmiller (Vice Regent).

Before she retired from teaching English literature, writing and history in a British school in Mexico City, cosmopolitan Paulette Lollar spent downtime in Flower Mound with her two children and their families. “I grew up, married and lived in Arizona,” said Paulette. “I’ve been in the DFW area on and off since about 1980.” Over 35 busy years, she has concluded that being a Texan is the one experience nobody should ever miss. When she discovered she was smitten with the Lone Star State’s charm, she installed a big American flag on a new house seven years ago, and settled in to let the grass grow under her feet a couple of blocks from Flower Mound High School. Around 10 a.m. every school morning, the institution’s public address system shares the Pledge of Allegiance with the surrounding neighborhood. This is a perfect fit for the Regent of the area’s newest chapter of the Daughters of The American See DAR on Page A14

December 2015

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December 2015

Weir: Are You Drug Testing Your Kids?

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ner cities; it has infected upper-income suburbs and rural areas that many people once believed immunized them from such despicable behavior. According to Chief Kancel, By Bob Weir, Contributing Writer the Flower Mound PD makes about 100 arrests annually involving marijuana. In response to a question about the gender of users, the chief said it was about equal for males and females. Judge McCary, who has been part of the criminal justice system for 22 years, said, “Marijuana scares me to death!” She said it makes kids lazy, tired, lacking in drive, and it hampers their future success. “Marijuana is definitely a gateway drug,” she stated unequivocally. Moreover, the judge made it clear that marijuana usage brings criminals (drug Photo by Netsky Rodriguez dealers) into our communities. It should Sheriff Will Travis, Juvenile Court Judge Kimberly go without saying that drug pushers are in McCary, Kathy O’Keefe and Flower Mound Police it for the money; hence, they will do what it takes to sell their deadly products in a Chief Andy Kancel. competitive market. The Flower Mound Area Republican Judge McCary offered an example of Club (FMARC) organizes many important drug dealer “A” on one corner and drug events to help educate and inform the sur- dealer “B” on another. “A” wants to outrounding communities on the issues that sell “B,” so he’ll lace his marijuana with resonate close to home. The monthly meet- other chemicals, making it more addictive, ings at 9 Social in Highland Village might which makes his “customers” choose him feature a guest from the political field to over his competitor. When “B” discovers talk about local and state government, or, he’s losing money, he’ll add even more leit might welcome a representative of aca- thal substances in order to get his revenuedemia, commerce, or any other field of en- producers to fall back in line. While these deavor that impacts our lives. sinister sewer-dwellers are competing for At its November 17th meeting FMARC cash, they have absolutely no compunction sponsored a panel discussion billed as about the number of deaths they cause, or “Marijuana – Meltdown of America.” Pan- the misery suffered by the families of their elists included Denton County Sheriff Will victims. Travis, Flower Mound Police Chief Andy Kathy O’Keefe can personally attest to Kancel, Juvenile Court Judge Kimberly that, and she wants to save other parents McCary, and Winning the Fight founder from the heartache she endured when her Kathy O’Keefe. The focus of the program 18 year-old son Brett died from a heroin was to illustrate that marijuana use is an en- overdose in 2010. In an attempt to prevent try to harder drugs. the same tragedy from happening to others, Sheriff Travis opened up the symposium Ms. O’Keefe started “Winning the Fight” with a PowerPoint demonstration indicat- (WTF), a 501c3 organization www.wtfing various methods used to inhale or ingest winningthefight.org dedicated to educating the cannabis plant, and the level of toxicity parents and children about the insidious epin the current strain of Tetrahydrocannabi- idemic of dangerous drugs that has invaded nol (THC), the chemical that causes most every city and town in the country. of marijuana’s psychological effects. Recently, Ms. O’Keefe became an exChief Kancel talked about the fact that ecutive producer of a documentary entitled drug use is no longer exclusive to large inSee DRUGS on Page A11

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December 2015

From the Desk of Andy Eads Denton County Commissioner, Pct. 4

It’s hard to believe the holiday season is here and in full swing. We are so blessed here in North Texas but let’s always remember those less fortunate. There are many organizations in our area that serve those in need, and this is a great time to get connected to one or more of them. You will brighten the holidays for someone else and your holiday will be a little bit brighter for it! As always there is a great deal of activity in Precinct 4, and I’m happy to share just a few of these with you in this column each month. Chisholm Trail Route In the Commissioners Court meeting on November 17, court members approved a resolution honoring Alan Schiegg and Lloyd

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Webb who served on the Denton County Trail Marking Committee and spent the past year and a half gathering material and data concerning the route of the Chisholm Trail through Denton County. In 2009, Congress directed the Secretary of the Interior to evaluate the Chisholm Trail and the Great Western Trails to determine if they meet requirements to be included under the national Trails System Act. A National Historic Trail (NHT) is an extended trail that follows as closely as possible the original routes of travel associated with important historic events. The National Park Service held numerous public meetings in communities along the proposed routes in 2010 and then began a four-year research project. In support of the National Park Service efforts to designate both the Chisholm Trail and the Great Western Trail as National Cattle Drive Trails, a Denton County Trail Marking Committee was formed in April of 2014. The mission of the Chisholm Trail Marking Committee was to research, identify, and document as conclusively as possible any portion of the Chisholm Trail that passed through

Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

Denton County. Their research showed the trail entering Denton County in the far southwest corner of the county, near the location of Elizabethtown and on through Bolivar. Some 10 million cattle moved north from Texas to the central plains states on these trails. After the Civil War, Texas was cashpoor but cattle-rich, and there was no easy or cheap way to bring longhorns from Texas to markets in the Midwestern and eastern states. But trader Jesse Chisholm had pioneered a route that spanned much of that gap, and a visionary cattle buyer named Joseph G. McCoy transformed the region’s postwar economy in 1867 when he built stockyards in Abilene, Kansas, and coaxed Texas drovers to head north. By 1870 a new market had emerged along the so-called Chisholm Trail. The designation of the Chisholm and Great Western Trails as part of the National Trails System could have significant economic impact along the route and help spur preservation efforts. Alan Schiegg and Lloyd Webb received sincere and grateful appreciation in court that day for their dedication to bring recognition to the heritage of cattle trails in Denton County. Alliance Opportunity Center I recently had the privilege of being a part of the grand opening of the new location of a wonderful resource for those looking for work in the North Texas area - the Alliance Opportunity Center. A nonprofit organization, the Alliance Opportunity Center was established in 1998 as a satellite workforce center through the collaboration of five local organizations, including Hillwood, developer of AllianceTexas; Tarrant County College; Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce; Tarrant County Workforce Solutions and Texas Workforce Commission. The Alliance Opportunity Center serves as a satellite workforce center for companies located within the AllianceTexas development, matching strong job candidates with current job openings at AllianceTexas-based companies. Employment services are complimentary to AllianceTexas-based companies and include the following: Matching job applicants

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with AllianceTexas employers’ workforce needs; Hosting an annual AllianceTexas Hiring Fair; Maintaining a current job applicant database; Advertising AllianceTexas job listings statewide; Providing applicant screening for qualified referrals to employers; Delivering resumes of selected candidates to employers; Conducting company-specific job fairs on-site or at the Alliance Opportunity Center; Providing applicant interviewing facilities; Conducting job analysis for better interviewing; Providing outplacement services. The efforts of placing qualified job candidates and enhancing job skills from the Alliance Opportunity Center have been very successful. As a result, the center has earned prestigious workforce awards, including the State of Texas Business Results Award and the National Workforce Development Award for Excellence. For more information about the Alliance Opportunity Center, check out their web site at www.alliancetexas.com/OverviewMaps/ JobsTraining/AllianceOpportunityCenter. aspx. United Way in Denton County As we have wrapped up the 2015 United Way of Denton County campaign, we want to recognize the efforts of our county employees who gave above and beyond this year through a workplace campaign to help those in need in their communities. The majority of United Way of Denton County’s support comes from workplace campaigns. A business-to-business model that has a long legacy of impactful results over the agency’s 60-year history, workplace campaigns enable employees to give easily through payroll deduction, donating as little or as much as they want from each paycheck. United Way of Denton County also offers DINE UNITED cards for $20 that provides discounts in various City of Denton restaurants. These cards are a simple way to give back to your community while at the same time satisfying your appetite. DINE UNITED cardholders who present the card at a participating restaurant while dining receive See EADS on Page A17

December 2015

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December 2015

Around Argyle By Argyle Mayor Peggy Krueger

We are now entering the holidays and I don’t know where the time has gone. As we joined our families and friends recently for Thanksgiving, I think we all are aware of how thankful we are that we live in this great community. Our hearts go out to France and the families that have lost loved ones in this violent world we live in. These tragedies have made me stop and think of how blessed we really are. I hope that all of you take a little time to enjoy our freedom and safety that we have taken for granted. With this being said, I would like to thank Chief Tackett and our police force, along with the fire department, for their work on a very informative presentation on

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the steps Argyle is taking towards disaster preparedness. They have spent a tremendous amount of time to train and implement a plan for any disaster that could occur. With this in place, the first responder team will introduce the plan to our neighboring towns to make sure we all continue to enjoy our safety. Another topic of safety on the November 17th agenda was the implementation of our hands-free regulations while driving in Argyle. The Council unanimously voted on an ordinance that will prohibit the use of hand held electronic devices while driving. In the coming weeks, the Police Department will begin an educational campaign to provide information and address any questions that citizens may have. Earlier this month, Argyle staff and I met with TxDOT and Denton County to review the beginning stages of the Highway 377 improvement design and discussed how it will impact the citizens of Argyle. We have waited for years to widen Hwy 377 See AROUND ARGYLE on Page A21

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Bartonville Town Update

By Bartonville Mayor Bill Scherer

Greetings from Bartonville. I am so proud to be able to call Bartonville my home. We have our beautiful open spaces and picturesque views and a generous supportive community. Recently, tragedy struck one of our residents as a fire destroyed their home. Our community rallied a quick response, and was able to aid the homeowners during their time of need. Donations of clothing, blankets, toys, gift cards and cash flooded town hall. While this fire claimed memories that can’t be replaced, what a good feeling to be embraced so whole-heartedly

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by your neighbors. I would like to personally thank each and every one of you for your tremendous outpouring of support for this family. With Christmas fast approaching, now is the time of the year to open our hearts to help the children of our community that are in need. Giving to others is the true spirit of the season. The Bartonville Police Department is gearing up for its 4th annual Blue Santa Program. The “Blue Santa” giving tree is located inside Bartonville Town Hall with wish tags for each child through December 15th. You may stop by anytime during business hours (8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) to pick up a gift tag for a child. Additional suggested items: Warm blankets, gloves, hats, and grocery cards. Monetary donations and grocery store gift cards are now being accepted, and may be taken to the Bartonville Police Department/Town See BARTONVILLE on Page A24

December 2015

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December 2015

What’s Happening in Copper Canyon

December 2015... from the desk of Mayor Sue Tejml

Saturday Dec. 5th 3-5 p.m. Santa Party for Copper Canyon Kids at Town Hall Organizing the Town’s annual “Santa Party for Copper Canyon Kids” is a pet project of Town Administrator Donna Welsh! Her 8-year-old grandson Alex Hunnicutt will be Donna’s enthusiastic “Elf Helper” this year! Alex is the son of Donna’s daughter Jennifer Hunnicutt and husband Mike Hunnicutt. (The Hunnicutt’s built a new home across from Donna’s home in nearby Saddlebrook in Bartonville.) Many thanks to our Staff for preparing Town Hall for the Holidays! Building Inspector Steve Koehler and crew always go up the steep stairs to our Town Hall attic and retrieve our stored Christmas decorations. (The decorations were orga-

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nized, boxed, and labeled thanks to Town resident Kaye Hill!) And Steve and helpers erected the beautiful lighted 10-foottall Christmas tree in our Council Chambers! The tree was donated to Copper Canyon by Ned and Linda Wilmarth, former residents of nearby Canyon Oaks Subdivision and members of the Canyon Oaks Garden Club. (Canyon Oaks is not within our Town boundaries but is in Copper Canyon’s ETJ - Extra Territorial Jurisdiction.) Members of Copper Canyon Women’s Club traditionally help decorate Town Hall and provide “Santa Helpers” and “goodies” for the children’s party! Traditional Highlight of Santa Party is Kids’ Ride atop Fire Engine! Thanks to Mac Hohenberger, longtime resident of Copper Canyon and Argyle Fire District Fire Chief, the big red fire engine from Station 513 on Copper Canyon Road will arrive at Town Hall at 3:30 p.m. with Santa onboard!

Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

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News From Town Hall By Mike Donnelly, Double Oak Mayor www.double-oak.com - 972-539-9464 @DoubleOakTx

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from The Town of Double Oak

See MAYOR SUE on Page A16

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December 2015

Flower Mound Mayor’s Message By Flower Mound Mayor Tom Hayden

December is a great time of year to be a Flower Mound resident. We have so many fun holiday events for the whole family. If I had to pick my favorite, it would be our annual Christmas Parade on December 5, from 5:45 to 9 p.m. We have received a lot of positive feedback with moving the parade to the evening, which provides the community an opportunity to enjoy all the lighted floats and decorations. We’re also bringing back the tree-lighting ceremony at the Community Activity Center in addition to hay rides, a snow hill, pictures with Santa Claus, a petting zoo, pony rides, food trucks, and kids’ activities. You don’t want to miss performances

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by the Shadow Ridge Middle School Jazz Band, Lamar Middle School Longhorn Choir, or the Forestwood Middle School Falcon Voices Choir. Be sure to bring a couple of canned goods for the Summit Club members collecting them for Christian Community Action, who are always the first group in the parade. For complete parade information and other activities, please visit www.flower-mound.com/parade. November was a busy month for Flower Mound. On November 2, we welcomed back former council member Mark Wise to fill the Place 1 vacancy. Mark’s knowledge of many of the current town projects will provide a virtually seamless transition and his passion for Flower Mound has always been an invaluable asset. Voters overwhelmingly approved the four-year reauthorization of the street maintenance sales tax on November 5. Over the next four years, the town will use these dedicated sales tax funds to See FM COUNCIL on Page A26

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Highland Village Update By Highland Village City Manager Michael Leavitt

‘Tis the Season… to Shop Local The holiday season is upon us and, along with parties, food and family gatherings, it is shopping time. Whether you are a last minute shopper or a get-it-all-done-early shopper, our Highland Village businesses would like you to shop their stores. Recently there were rumors flying that the Highland Village Kroger was closing. A lot of folks were upset by this and rallied the community to shop exclusively at the store in hopes the sales boost would convince corporate to keep the store open. Fortunately the store is not closing; however every business in Highland Village would gain from this type of loyalty. What if we all decided to only shop

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and dine locally, particularly in Highland Village? I guarantee you our local businesses would feel the love and benefit from it! You may be thinking you can’t do that, you’re too busy, or maybe you shop online in the evening after the kids are in bed, maybe it is your habit to travel to another city for your shopping experience. I don’t need to go through the list of why shopping locally is a good idea, suffice it to say keeping our dollars local benefits us all. Here are a few ideas to help you shop local: • Think local stores when you make your shopping list. It may be your habit to travel to another city for your specialty grocery items or Christmas shopping. Keep your shopping dollars local by intentionally looking local first. Instead of heading elsewhere for your special grocery items, plan to shop the Highland Village grocery stores first. • Prefer to browse online? Look for the “store availability” or “pick up in See HV UPDATE on Page A24

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December 2015

News From Your Neighborhood

Foundation Gives Closer to Home A change in the law is keeping donations from the Lantana Education/Charitable Foundation closer to home. The new law that went into effect in 2013 restricts giving to only schools and charities located in or adjacent to areas where fees from home sales are collected that fund the foundation. Previously, there were no geographical boundaries to where the foundation could give. One-half of one percent of the sale price of all real estate within Lantana goes to the foundation. The fee is tax-deductible when you sell your home. The law change limited the foundation’s giving to the three elementary schools and one middle school inside Lantana, but excluded Guyer High School and southern Denton County charities outside of Lantana that benefit Lantana residents. “Basically Guyer High School is too far for us to legally give them money. It has to be spent in Lantana or adjacent property no more than a thousand yards away,” said Tara Boswell, Lantana Sales Manager. “The way the law read previously, we could give money to all kinds of places as long as they were 501c3’s (nonprofit organizations). Now, it has to be a qualified charity on Lantana property.” The Lantana Education/Charitable Foundation was created in 2001 to fund projects such as advanced educational programs, scholarships for Lantana students and other charitable endeavors. As of September, the foundation had donated over $8 million, with $5.1 million going to schools in the Denton ISD,

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$1.8 million to medical non-profits, $522,500 to educational organizations, and $739,029 to other charities. The foundation reported a balance of $1,384,091. In 2001, the foundation committed $1 million to the Denton ISD, enabling E.P. Rayzor, Lantana’s first elementary school, to open in 2002. Subsequent similar donations helped the school district build Blanton and Adkins elementary schools, as well as Harpool Middle School, in Lantana. Past recipients of grants included Borman Elementary School in Denton, Communities In Schools of North Texas, Irving Cares, the American Diabetes Association, The Arts of Collin County, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, the Jewish Community Center of Dallas and Cross Timbers Family YMCA in Flower Mound. The foundation was founded in 2001 by Republic Property Group, the original lead developer for the community. Austin-based Forestar Group Inc. acquired the remaining partnership interest in Lantana from Republic in 2014 and now oversees the foundation. “Once Forestar took on the property we started digging into it and figured out what we can and cannot do,” said Boswell. The foundation’s board of directors includes Boswell, a 12-year Lantana resident, and fellow Forestar employees Tom Burleson and Darrel Amen. With limitations on giving, Lantana’s on-site schools stand to gain a much larger piece of the pie. “I would love to figure out a way to give it to Guyer and believe me we met See LANTANALINKS on Page A12

Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

Robson Ranch: 2016 Elections By Kathleen Wazny, Denton City Council, District 3

Be sure and mark your calendars for the Christmas Concerts at Robson Ranch! Saturday, Dec 19th at 7 p.m. AND Sunday, Dec 20th at 4 p.m. The choir, made up of Robson Ranch residents, is almost 90 members strong. Come for a heart- warming Christmas concert. Tickets will be available at the door, and the event will be held at the Robson Ranch Main Clubhouse Auditorium. As we look toward 2016, one word stands out: ELECTIONS! We will elect a new President of the United States, a new area representative in the Texas House of Representatives (District 64) and three seats will be in play on the Denton City Council. There will be other important elections as well. It’s a big year! March 1st is the first big Election Day.

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Watch for Early Voting dates and locations in February. Denton City Council elections are in May, with Early Voting beginning in April. My seat on the City Council is not up for re-election. The May election is for Mayor and two “at large” seats. Robson Ranch can vote for all three seats. Two Candidate Forums will take place at Robson Ranch, so mark your calendars: Wednesday, February 3rd and Wednesday, April 6th. Meet the candidates and bring your questions. Watch for more information as the dates get closer. A big decision on the table for the Denton City Council is a $225 million+ plan to build two new power plants. A decision has not been made, and I am standing strong to ask Council to take it to a vote of the people. The utility is a cityowned electric company. A vote by the people on this much money, on this big of an investment, is important. It’s December, and that means it’s Christmas, my favorite time of the year. May the blessings of family and friends bring you much happiness as we close out 2015. It’s an honor to serve.

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December 2015

Drugs

Continued from Page A3

“Not Me,” which premiered at the Flower Mound Moviehouse & Eatery on November 1st. As one of the speakers at the FMARC meeting, she spoke with authority and passion about how important it is for parents to know what their kids are involved in. She spoke tearfully about underestimating her son’s moods and his lack of self-esteem. In addition, she talked about the potential for fatality in the marijuana of today.

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“The pot that Brett started his journey with was nowhere near the pot that I grew up with in the 70’s. We underestimated that Brett would just never think twice about doing drugs. We underestimated that antidrug education was taught to our kids in school,” she said, as her voice quivered. “We underestimated that our boundaries were not enough for Brett, and that what little enabling we may have done, we did not empower him with his own consequences when he stumbled,” she added. Ms. O’Keefe also stressed the need for parents to drug test their children. Her

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message was to set a family drug policy in place so that everyone knows the consequences. Most importantly, parents must follow through and drug test their kids, because when they feel the peer pressure to try drugs, it gives them an excuse if they can say their parents are testing them. Ms. O’Keefe wants parents to be educated about the substances (which can often change) that are being introduced to our communities. Families should know how to deal with it and should also know they are not alone. “We must not judge; we must eliminate the stigma so that others who are

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battling this disease have a better chance than Brett did,” she said. Participants at the packed-house symposium were provided with a packet of information and a urine drug test cup. Perhaps the question is; how many parents will actually get involved in what their kids are doing? One thing’s certain; drug dealers will continue to be involved in selling drugs to our kids, so we can’t say we weren’t warned. Bob Weir is a long-time Flower Mound resident and former local newspaper editor.

Rules for Tax Free Gains on Personal Home Sales If you are an owner occupant of your home at the time you sell and meet IRS requirements you maybe tax exempt on any profits you made on the sale. In past years the rules changed how gains were handled and eased as far as restriction on homes used partially for business, the separate sale of land near the home and homes sold due to unforeseen circumstances. However, no changes have been made to the maximum dollar amount of tax-free gain on the sale of a principal residence. The maximum amount of tax free gain for joint filers is $500,000 and $250,000 for single filers. Some taxpayers use a room in their homes for business or rental purposes. When the home is sold, the $500,000/$250,000 gain exclusion doesn’t apply to the portion of gain that represents any depreciation or tax deduction that was taken on the business/rental portion of the house. The $500,000/$250,000 gain exemption applies to a home that has been owned & used by the taxpayer as a principal residence for at least 2 years for a 5-year period ending on the date of the sale. Several exceptions now apply: • Residences lost through a catastrophic event, such as tornado, fire or earthquake. • Those who are forced to live in a facility for health reasons. • Those involved in a divorce.

91 8 12 $841,567 $201,600 $398,692 $409,194 $139.52 47 98%

• Those whose spouses have recently died. Also, under certain conditions taxpayers that don’t qualify for the full $500,000/$250,000 exclusion may qualify for a partial exclusion. Homeowners living on a large lot or acreage may sell part of the land separately from the rest of the land and residence. The gain on the land sale is eligible for the $500,000/$250,0000 exclusion if the residence is sold within 2 years before or after the land sale. If the land is sold before the home then capital gains tax must be paid, then once the home is sold you can amend your previous return and receive a refund on the land gain. This exclusion applies to the total gain from the land and residence sale as long as the land was owned and used as a primary residence for at least 2 of the 5 years preceding the sale. As you can see, the tax rules applying to primary residences can be quite complex. For full disclosure I am not a tax attorney or CPA, therefore it is always best to consult with a tax attorney or tax accountant when considering the sale of your property. Gary Kuhatschek is a broker/associates at RE/MAX Cross Country REALTORS located in the Victorian building at 1990 Justin Road in Highland Village. He can be reached by phone at 972-317-9401 or by e-mail at garyk@rmccdfw.com

22 2 1 $1,458,000 $452,000 N/A $955,000 $224.40 11

2 1 0 $475,000 N/A N/A N/A $150.08 106

5 3 1 $998,900 $328,000 $421,000 $582,633 $221.70 22

7 1 2 $280,000 N/A N/A N/A $106.22 9

289 91 61 $1,450,000 $58,000 $330,000 $374,258 $131.57 40

61 22 9 $662,000 $214,000 $328,750 $345,343 $115.90 45

76 22 12 $599,000 $224,900 $330,500 $372,143 $115.29 58

99%

95%

98%

99%

97%

96%

Statistics for the Month of Oct 15, 2015 - Nov 15, 2015 Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed

LANTANA

LEWISVILLE

BARTONVILLE

SOLD

PENDING

ACTIVE

Outstanding home on an over sized corner lot! Dramatic two story ceiling in Family Room gives an open & bright feel. Large Gourmet Kitchen with granite, SS appliances, 5-burner gas cooktop & Double ovens. Wood floors throughout first floor with carpet in master. Upstairs includes 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths & both a game and media room. Covered patio outback faces east perfect size for a pool. Located in Walking Distance to Adkins Elementary School.

Perfect Sized One Story Home!! Three Bedrooms Two Full Baths. Master Bedroom has French door entry along with A Master Bath that has a Garden Tub and Dual Sinks. The Kitchen has updated glass tile back splash. Two Back bedrooms share a full bath, both have nice sized closets. Utility Closet has room for full size washer and dryer. The Carport has a garage door which offers a private backyard and a carport to park two cars. $141,900

Country Estate Home on 3+ Acres!! Home features 4 bedrooms plus study and 3.5 baths. Hardwood Floors in main living areas through to study. Kitchen has granite counter tops, built in fridge and freezer, plenty of counter space and large breakfast area looking out to tranquil backyard. Master down, 3 bedrooms, full bath and game room are upstairs. Backyard has a heated therapeutic plunge pool and plenty of room to build an outdoor kitchen. $600,000

BARTONVILLE

ACTIVE

Exquisite gated gentlemans ranch on over 13 beautiful acres w luxurious finish outs. Mediterranean stucco & stone exterior w enchanting landscaping,one of a kind pool & outdoor living. Stunning entry w Italian marble flr. Grand formals. Main LV w hardwoods flrs & see thru FP. HUGE gourmet kitchen. Opulent Master BR & Bath fit for a king! 4 stall barn w tack & feed rms. 2 ponds. Cattle chutes. Deep well irrigated! $1,500,000

Great Property on 10+ acres with plenty of trees in sought after Bartonville. Two ponds on the property along with a small guest house and 30x60 motor Coach building. Access to the property is off a private road which allows for a quiet and tranquil setting. Looking to build your dream home and have a piece of the country life with all the amenities of a city life 15 minutes away. Call your architect and builder, start planning. Can either be split into 2-5 Acre lots for $350k each or one 10 acre lot for $700k.

Beautiful 6.992 acres in sought after Bartonville. Perfect location for building a barn and dream home. The lot is heavily wooded, great for trail riding. Also has a creek bed running through the middle of the property. Ag. Exemption Natural Gas, Water, and Electric all available on the street buyer will need to verify actual location and costs. $504,000

December 2015

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

LantanaLinks Continued from Page A10

with attorneys all summer long trying to figure out ways to give it to Guyer but legally we cannot,” said Boswell. Recent Police Calls Nov. 2 - Animal Bite - 8300 block of Buffalo Dr. (Bellaire) – Victim stated he was bitten by a known canine. Nov. 5 - Theft - 8700 block of Dayton Dr. (Heritage) - Someone stole a package from the front porch of a residence. Nov. 16 - Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying Information - 1400 block of Foster St. (Fairlin) - Unknown person used victim’s personal information to open an account in her name.

Volunteers of all ages gathered the Lantana North Pavilion on Nov. 18 to bestow blessings on 400 area families by donating food and putting together holiday meals. The event was organized by the Lantana-based Mission Moms charity organization.

Nov. 19 – Fraud Attempt - 1900 block of Meadows Ave. (Heritage) - Unknown person attempted to pass a fake check to buy furniture from victim. Development Watch Lantana had 3,228 occupied homes as of Nov. 20 with an estimated population of 10,491. There were 161 new home sales recorded year-to-date as of Oct. 31, with the average new home selling for $424,108 or $132.68 per square foot. Grading operations are underway for Barrington Addition, Phase A. The neighborhood will be located at the north end of Lantana Trail adjacent to the roundabout and will connect to Copper Canyon Rd. The first phase will consist of 119 lots and is scheduled to be completed in April. Highland Homes will be one of the homebuilders in Barrington. There will be a combination of 50-foot and 60-foot lots similar to the Bandera and Kendall

Primrose School of Lantana on FM 407 held a grand opening event on Nov. 14. The school is owned by Lantana residents Frank and Erin Lundie. Call 940-455-2550 or visit www.PrimroseLantana.com.

subdivisions. Construction is currently scheduled to be completed next May on the 90 lot

Reata subdivision north of Tanner Parkway adjacent to golf hole 16. Highland Homes and Standard Pacific will be

Page A12

building in Reata. Newport Homes is building in the final phase of Bellaire, a 32 lot subdivision that connects the Bellaire and Azalea additions. LionsGate Homes is the builder in the 52 lot Garner West subdivision adjacent to Fairlin. Tokyo Samurai Restaurant, Marble Slab Creamery, Lantana Spa and Nails, Terry Donuts, SuperCuts, Nathan Romney DDS and The Tutoring Center are open for business and plans have been reviewed and approved for Lantana Eyecare and Hollywood Feed in the strip center next to Kroger at Lantana Town Center. Two additional strip center buildings north of Kroger are under construction. One building consists of five lease spaces and is approximately 9,800 square-feet. Three lease spaces are designated as food establishments, which will be Dickey’s BBQ. Dominos and Subway. Another tenant will be Oak Creek Family Dentist. A second adjacent building consists of two lease spaces and is approximately 4,200 square-feet. One of the spaces will be a Starbucks with a drive through. Construction is nearing completion on a 10,474 square-foot, three tenant retail strip center at the northeast corner of Simmons and FM 407 adjacent to the dry cleaners. Plans have been submitted, reviewed and approved for Anytime Fitness a 6,100 square-foot fitness facility located at the south end of the building. The building will also have two additional lease spaces. TxDOT has approved a stoplight at the intersection of Branch Crossing and FM 407. The signal is expected to be installed by March.

December 2015

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

Throwing His Weights Around

the Scottish Games League (SGL) overall. “This increased my lead in the SGL Regional Competition by another point, and I now lead the next closest competitor by eight By John English, Contributing Writer points with two events remaining,” Kneip said. “I just need The Scottish to stay healthy, Highland Games show up and have become throw decent[ly] popular here in to wrap this up.” the states with Kneip commore powerliftpeted in the two ers, strongman, events which ex-track and field, took place on and strength athNov. 7 in Austin, letes flocking to where he took it. First Place MasThe Games are ters Division steeped in the rich 40+. cultural history Bob Kneip of Argyle competes in the Scottish Highland Games At the 54th of Scotland. The regularly and with good results. Salado Gatherfestival showcases ing of the Clans on Nov. 14, he claimed First athletic events, playing of bagpipes and ScotPlace in the Masters Division 40+ and Athlete tish dancing. The popularity of the TV series, “Outlander,” has helped increase the popular- of the Day. His name plaque will be placed on the base of the trophy at the Scot Shop in the ity of anything Scottish. The Games also feature some of the most Central Texas Museum in Salado. His picture strenuous tests of strength and endurance. will be alongside it until next year’s award is Scottish Heavy Athletics is the world’s sec- given. He was awarded the Scottish Games ond oldest, purely-unchanged sport, pre-dat- League Regional (TACS) Masters Champied only by Sumo wrestling. Roughly 1500 onship Trophy and will compete in Albuqueryears ago, Scots began gathering at harvest que at the National Championships in 2016. Kneip’s son, EJ, who has Downs Synfairs and began competing in various sporting drome, competed with his father at the Celtoevents. The fastest men became messengers bar Throwdown prior to the events in Austin for the local clan chief, while the strongest and Salado. He finished third in his division entered the Chief’s guard. and received the Spirit of the Celtic Warrior One Argyle businessman, Bob Kneip, comAward as voted by his peers and fellow competes in the games regularly and with good petitors. results. Kneip said that family involvement and “There is something raw and real about it support has proved to be very important to and at full festivals when the bagpipes start to him when it comes to the Highland games. play, and your standing on the field of com“Family is so important in our house,” petition with 40 to 60 other ‘men’s men’ in Kneip said. “We are a big family and we exist kilts, it’s like you are taken back a few censuccessfully in our community, because we turies to a time long ago in a land far away,” are cohesive and tight in our home.” said Kneip. “Makes you get goose bumps and He said without the support of his wife and your hair stand up.” kids, he wouldn’t be able to find the time to He recently competed in the Texas Celttrain, go to the competitions, or take-off the ic Athletic Association (TCAA) Celtobar time he needs to focus on his competitions. Throwdown where he won all eight of his “They put up with my training schedevents and finished first overall in the Masule and cover the business when I’m on the ters Division 50+ up, helping his standing in

Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

road,” said Kneip. “My wife supports my every move, as well as put her nursing skills to good use very often to help me through the aches, pains and injuries associated with this sport.” Events in the Highland Games include such things as Open Stone (16 lb), Braemar Stone (22 lb), Weight Throw (42 lb), Weight Throw (28 lb), Heavy Hammer (22 lb), Light Hammer (16 lb), Caber Toss and Sheaf Toss

Page A13

(16 lb). Kneip’s personal records are: Bench Press, 350-lbs; Deadlift, 550 lbs.; Overhead Press, 300 lbs.; and Box Squat, 500 lbs. “I love the competition and to be able to do as well as I do at my age,” Kneip said. “However it’s the fact that my family proudly stands alongside me on this journey that drives me and makes it so satisfying.”

Thinking of Buying or Selling? Call Cammy. Recognized “Top Producer” for D Magazine.

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340 Catlin Circle, Highland Village This is it! Nice updated 2 story situated on greenbelt lot with sparkling gunite pool and attached spa. 4/3/2, 3 living areas, wood floors, complete interior paint just completed, neutral carpet just installed, lovely kitchen with granite and recent appliances, great large study with fireplace, spacious master down, wrought iron staircase, roof just replaced, pool just resurfaced, second living area opens to back yard pool and arbor covered patio area. Shows great! $339,900 Call Cammy 214-724-0331

Lovely soaring 2 story on wood lot adjoining greenbelt. 4/3/3, two living areas plus a study, lots of rich wood floors, gracious entry, large island kitchen that opens to family room has lots of cabinets, granite countertops, gas cooktop and stainless appliances, spacious master down with luxurious bath, recent paint, neutral carpet just installed throughout, game room up, secondary bedroom down and so much more! Enjoy the wonderful back yard with large deck and towering tree. Lovely private setting! Don’t miss this wonderful house! $439,900 Call Cammy 214-724-0331

3608 Tinsdale Drive, Flower Mound

410 Country Court, Bartonville Lovely sprawling hard to find one story situated on 8.5 beautiful acres perfect for enjoying country living and your horses. 4/4.5/5 car garage, 2 living areas + a study, gated entry, home is light and bright throughout, wood floors, plantation shutters, chef’s delight island kitchen with top of the line appliances, incredibly spacious split master suite with sitting area, fireplace and luxurious bath and more! Bring horses to the lush green pastures irrigated by a deep well. Ag exemption. Argyle Schools. $959,900 Call Cammy 214-724-0331

Great 11 Acre Horse Property!

Trees! Trees! Trees

Luxurious Country Estate!

920 Frenchtown, Argyle Wind up the drive to this charming updated country home nestled in the trees and situated on 11 beautiful acres. 5/4.5/3, 2 living areas, windows galore to enjoy the lovely views, recent carpet, paint and slate floors, cheerful island kitchen with granite and lots of cabinets, spacious master with fireplace, outdoor deck, sparkling diving pool, 5 stall barn with apartment above, workshop, lots of towering trees, lush green pastures, gated entry and so much more! Argyle Schools. Ag Exemption. Shows Great! $1,299,900 Call Cammy 214-724-0331

Beautifully decorated and updated custom home situated on 1.8 wooded acres with sparkling pool. This lovely home features 5/4/2, 3 living areas, wonderful master suite with fireplace and luxurious bath, lots of wood floors, designer colors throughout, a spectacular island kitchen with granite, custom cabinets and stainless appliances, a large game room/media room up with balcony and much more! Enjoy the backyard oasis with pool and spa, wood deck and outdoor kitchen. Gated side entry with circular drive. RV parking with 50 amp plug at storage building. Great property! $649,900. Call Cammy 214-724-0331

3003 Canyon Bluff Court, Copper Canyon

400 Porter Road, Bartonville Wind up the lane to a gated entry to this wonderful soaring two story situated on 8+ beautiful acres with breathtaking views, towering trees, pond, 4 stall barn with tack room, lush green pastures, a 50x40 workshop with electricity and water and an exceptional pool with water features and spa. This lovely home features 4/4.5/3 plus a study, separate exercise room, three living areas including a large game room and fully equip media room. The spacious master has a fireplace, sitting area, adjoining desk area and luxurious bath. Additional features include Plantation shutters, wood floors, chef’s delight island kitchen open to the large family room, ourdoor kitchen, well for irrigation and so much more! $1,399,900 Call Cammy 214-724-0331

214-724-0331

cammyt@rmccdfw.com

CammyTurgon.FeaturedWebsite.com

December 2015

DAR

Continued from Page A1

Revolution (DAR). Instead of fairy tales, Paulette said: “My grandmother [from Georgia] told war stories-- about our ancestors who participated in the fight for American independence and, later, the Civil War.” Laughing, she turned on her best southern belle pronunciation, and said: “Of course, being a good southern lady, Grandma called the latter conflict ‘The War of Northern Aggression.’” This gave the elderly lady’s daughters and granddaughters a taste for family history. Paulette’s mother and Aunt Sissy went on to become DAR members. “Our first patriot is Richard Bush, a South Carolina planter, who was too old to fight for independence, but supported the cause by supplying food and forage to the Continental Army,” she explained. “Another ancestor, William Abney, was present at the battle of Yorktown in

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

1781. That’s where His Majesty and the Redcoats gave up the fight.” The surrendering general is buried in a Napoleon-worthy tomb in London’s Saint Paul’s church. Paulette noted, with a twinkle in her eye, that the “problem” at Yorktown is notably missing from the impressive list of international military adventures inscribed on the monument. As they say: “You can’t win ‘em all.” A patriot spy inhabits Paulette’s family woodpile, one John Bruton. Over time other patriots have emerged from the family’s historical fog: soldiers Jacob Fulmer, Jonas Griffin, Sampson Powell, Henry Winkler (no, not The Fonz, but maybe a relation?), James Coleman, and John Stuck. At DAR meetings, she wears a pair of blue and white grosgrain ribbons displaying gold pins engraved with the names of her patriot forbears. How does a woman develop a taste for this kind of sleuthing? “Aunt Sissy was the first researcher in my family,” said Paulette. “She jumped

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in the water after hearing Grandma’s tales, and from those details was able to document her way back to our first four names.” DAR membership requires a documented genealogy that shows direct lineal descent from a patriot. “About 10 years ago the lineage bug bit me,” she said. “I used the internet to create a family ‘roadmap,’ then I started to search libraries for supporting documents.” As these things sometimes do, the project got out of hand. “The Abneys came to America from Europe,” explained Paulette. “They descended from Crusader knights, who claimed descent from the Frankish kings-- the tribal lords who created Gaul-so Julius Caesar could later write for posterity: ‘I came, I saw, I conquered.’” If you’ve heard the names Clovis or Pepin the Short or Charles Martel or Charlemagne, or dames named Fredegund or Brunhilda, you’ve heard of Paulette’s

Page A14

ancestry. Here’s a connection to current events. Charlemagne’s grandfather, Charles Martel, is famous for pushing Arab invaders, then called Moors, out of what today we call France. “So, thanks to William Abney, in addition to the DAR, I can belong to several other interesting lineage societies.” Paulette pointed to a wall of framed membership certificates. “The DAR came into existence on Oct. 11, 1890, and its goal was-- and still is-to keep alive pride in our ancestors who loved independence.” The women’s patriotic society, with membership around 200,000 is national with a three-fold program. First, is to promote the study of our nation’s history and the preservation of Americana,” she said. To that end, the DAR owns, restored and maintains Constitution Hall in Washington, D. C. These women don’t See DAR on Page A19

December 2015

Company Founded on Cool Idea

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

The device Quisenberry invented, which circulated cold water through pads electronically, was a hit with both his neighbor and her doctors. It was the forerunner of the By Stephen English, Contributing Writer VascuTherm line of devices that are among ThermoTek’s top products today. “Everybody said, ‘Hey, this ought to be a product,’” Quisenberry said. He built more to make sure a market really existed for them, and after selling all of them, founded the company that would become ThermoTek in 1989. Quisenberry is a biomedical engineer who has worked on medical products since leaving graduate school, and today ThermoTek sells a dizzying array of medical devices across the United States and internationally, for uses ranging from therapy and wound care to plastic surgery and sports medicine. The company also makes products for companies such as General Electric and Texas Instruments. “The name implies that all we do is temperature, but that’s really only Tony Quisenberry of Highland Village started his company the tip of the iceberg,” Quisenberry from an invention he built in his garage. continued. “That is key to many of A multi-million dollar medical technolour products, but some of the greatogy company in Flower Mound got its start est things are in debate with the FDA right with a man trying to help out a neighbor now that will involve some truly revoluand his wife. tionary products for wound care and par“About 25 years ago, I had a neighbor ticularly for diabetics.” whose wife had had knee surgery and was Other products made and sold by Therhaving a lot of pain,” said Tony Quisen- moTek include power supply and temperberry, a Highland Village resident and the ature-control technology, thermoelectric founder of ThermoTek. “They were putting heat pumps, heat pipes used in cars, combags of frozen peas on the site during re- puters and X-ray machines and liquid coolcovery and trading those out of the freezer ers used in a broad range of applications. several times a day to relieve the pain. He It’s a lot of work that has created oppor[the neighbor] said, ‘There’s got to be a tunities outside of Flower Mound as well, better way to do this,’ and I thought, ‘I’m he said. sure there is.’” “We only do final assembly and tests” in Quisenberry started tinkering in his ga- Flower Mound’s Lakeside Business Disrage. The therapy device he invented was trict, where the company has been located the first step in founding ThermoTek, that since 2008, Quisenberry said. “We farm employs 60 people and contracts work out out the sub-assemblies, the labor-intense to many more. items, all around the Dallas area; although

Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

we do our disposables at two contract plants in Tennessee.” Quisenberry said the company’s growth and success have fulfilled a lifelong dream. “I’m a serial entrepreneur -- this is the seventh thing that started in my garage,” he

Page A15

said, laughing. Other endeavors have ranged from medical technology ventures, to computer parts, to automated astronomy, to art restoration and more.

December 2015

Mayor Sue

Continued from Page A8

Peter Vickery has again kindly volunteered to be our Santa. Peter is wonderful at putting small children at ease and finding out what they “really want for Christmas!” And, nearby parents and grandparents, with attentive ears, welcome the softly spoken information from

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

their precious little one. Once again volunteer professional photographer Bill Castleman, also our Town Council Member, will be capturing these special moments in photos given gratis to the child’s adult family members attending the event! Riding Atop the Big Red Fire Engine

Assisted Living for Alzheimer’s/Dementia Then: Jane was a devoted mom! Now: She’s still caring for others! Autumn Leaves’ award-winning memory care builds upon your loved one’s life portrait. So whether Mom was a homemaker, teacher, or nurse, every aspect of her care and routine is personalized to her wants and needs – to promote cognition, calm, and moments of joy. Call today and learn why there’s So Much More™…at Autumn Leaves.

AUTUMN LEAVES OF FLOWER MOUND 3201 Karnes Road | Flower Mound, TX 75022 | ID#103044 AutumnLeaves.com | 972-355-5432

Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

is the Most Exciting Event for Kids! Copper Canyon kids need to “take a number” and be ready to be hoisted atop the big red fire engine for a trip around the Woodlands Subdivision! Parents are also welcome to ride atop with their child! (If your child wants to ride on the fire engine, be sure they have a jacket to wear. It can be breezy or downright frigid on top, depending on the weather that afternoon!) And many thanks to longtime Copper Canyon residents Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Mangum and Denton County Sheriff Will Travis for their years of service, not only as active Argyle Fire District volunteer firefighters, but for the years they have been willing to physically hoist Town residents and their children up the steep rear ladder to the top of the huge AFD fire engines for Christmas and July 4th rides! NOTE: All children attending the Santa Party must be accompanied by an adult who is a resident of Copper Canyon, and all children must wear nametags provided at Town Hall. December 6th Briarwood Retreat Offers Sunday Brunch to the Public! Three times a year Briarwood Retreat in Copper Canyon offers Sunday Brunch to the public from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. - On the first Sunday in March, August, and December. For $13.50 per adult, omelets are cooked to order and bacon and sausage is offered with biscuits and gravy. Briarwood’s two chefs are Carlos Carrasquillo, former Chef at Canyon Creek Country Club in Richardson, and Hilario Morales, former Chef at El Dorado Country Club in McKinney. Attendance has ranged from 75 to 200 people at each brunch. Reservations are not required, so feel free to come spontaneously! From FM 407 drive north

Page A16

on Copper Canyon Road one mile, and past three entrances on the west side to Canyon Oaks Subdivision, to the Briarwood Entrance on the east side of Copper Canyon Road. From the north, Hickory Hill Road or Old Alton Bridge, drive south on Copper Canyon Road approximately 2 long blocks past the Argyle Fire Station. Lantana is on the west side of the road. Briarwood is on the east side of the road. Charter Kick-off Event at Briarwood for new Greater FM 407 Lions Club! Bartonville resident Harry Otto and Mayor Bill Scherer have organized a new Lions Club to include men and women from several towns and unincorporated county areas along FM 407. Welcome are residents of Argyle, Bartonville, Copper Canyon, Double Oak, and unincorporated county areas like Canyon Oaks and Lantana, and any other resident in the general area who would like to participate. Banding together allows the small towns and residential areas along FM 407 to have a more dynamic organization. Harry Otto is the new President of the Greater FM 407 Lions Club and Copper Canyon longtime resident Jim Coleman is an Advisor. As a Lions Club District Governor, Coleman was responsible for 70 local area Lions Clubs in 2000-2001. Town Residents Vote to Approve 1 cent sales tax to fund Additional Deputy Copper Canyon is fortunate to remain an almost “crime free” town! And this was a determining factor in the Dallas Morning News naming our Town last spring as Number Six in the Ten Best Neighborhoods in North Texas for 2015! But, being almost “crime free” doesn’t “just happen.” We contract with Sheriff Will Travis’ Office for two Deputies who are dedicated to Copper CanSee MAYOR SUE on Page A18

December 2015

Eads

Continued from Page A4

a special treat or discount. Check out the list of participating restaurants here: www.unitedwaydenton.org/DineUnited The Denton County Juvenile Probation Department kicked off the county’s campaign with a Pacesetter campaign in August that raised $5,800 in payroll deductions and one time donations. The Health Department held a luncheon and raised additional funds, including $246 in cash. At the time of this printing, 77 county employees and elected officials have pledged and given cash totaling more than $12,000. In addition to the money raised from those who purchased the

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

Dine United discount cards, the grand total had reached $13,060 raised this year at the time of this printing. Veterans Memorial In another recent court meeting, Denton County was presented with the Fallen Soldiers Memorial, created by Vietnam veteran Monty Slough to honor the Denton County heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. After years of caring for the “traveling” memorial and setting it up in numerous veteran’s event around the county, Slough, who put his heart and soul into its creation, decided it was time to turn the Fallen Soldiers Memorial over to the county’s care. Slough originally created the monument in 2007 to show the names, faces and stories

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of the service members from the county who died in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. There are 23 men honored on the memorial, all who died in combat or as a result of effects of combat. Each has a plaque on the wall with a picture and details about their service. The Vietnam veteran says he’s happy this monument, truly a labor of love, was finally home, and he’s glad that it can now stand for everyone to remember the county’s heroes. The memorial is displayed on the third floor of the Denton County Courthouse on the Square, but after the first of the year will be moved throughout the year to be displayed in other county buildings. Please stop by the courthouse anytime and see this moving trib-

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ute. 35Express Update The closure at the intersection of the southbound frontage road at Highland Village Road is expected to begin in the spring of 2016 and will last approximately eight months. While crews work to rebuild Highland Village Road, motorists will use the newly created park access road to access Highland Village Road. Work on the new park road is expected to begin in early 2016. Traffic is expected to be placed onto the new portion of Garden Ridge Boulevard bridge this month. After traffic has been shifted, the northern portion of the Garden See EADS on Page A26

December 2015

Mayor Sue

Continued from Page A16

yon. Each Deputy patrols our perimeter commuter roads during morning and late afternoon rush hours for safe traffic control. (The Town means it when the signs say “Speed Limits Strictly Enforced.”) And, each Deputy replies to “Calls for Service” from Town residents during his time on duty. But each Deputy is also responsible for driving each and every street in town at least once, and often twice, during their 8 hour shift. Denton County Sheriff Will Travis, also a long time Copper Canyon resident, has been diligent in providing

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our small Town with quality Deputies! Our current Sheriff’s Deputies are David Berry and Jess Moran! If you see them patrolling our Town, please give a friendly wave! In addition, our dedicated Neighborhood Watch Block Captains (at least one per street in Town) also are alert to note anything unusual in their immediate neighborhood and in the Town in general. Career thieves and criminals are not dumb. They prefer “easy targets” with absent law enforcement. That is NOT Copper Canyon! But our Council Members felt that the Town needed more law enforcement coverage on weekends and

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“deep night” shifts. Thus Council Members encouraged Town residents to pass a Crime Control Prevention District, funded by a one cent sales tax, which would allow contracting for a third Deputy dedicated to Copper Canyon. The Council’s goal was to have immediate quick response, preferably by a Deputy dedicated to Copper Canyon, to any Town resident’s 911 call for law enforcement help. Town residents voted to approve this measure in the November 3rd election. Our sincere thanks to Town residents who agreed to serve on the temporary Crime Control Prevention District Board of Directors: Janet Aune, Annell Bradford, Michael Cannaday, Cesar Castaneda, Andre Nicholas, Dale Svatik, and Louise Williams. Additional one cent Sales Tax usually paid by Non-Residents of Copper Canyon The Town’s home-based businesses do not usually sell to Town residents. This is a unique instance when the additional one cent sales tax revenue comes from individuals who do NOT live in Copper Canyon! Before the November 3rd election, Copper Canyon had only a one cent sales tax on home businesses resulting in a recent annual revenue of $108,000. Most local area towns charge the maximum two cent sales tax allowed by the State. The second one cent sales tax, recently approved by Town voters, will provide an additional estimated $108,000 in

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revenue. This would easily fund the approximately $92,000 contract for a third Sheriff’s Deputy and patrol car dedicated to Copper Canyon. Boy Scout Clay Robertson’s Eagle Project – A Lending Library at Town Hall! 14 year old Clay Robertson has lived in Copper Canyon since he was 4-yearsold. Clay is the son of Scott and Wendy Robertson. Clay was excited over his choice for his Boy Scout Eagle Project – a Lending Library located at Copper Canyon’s Town Hall! Clay and Town Administrator Donna Welsh decided that the best location would be outside Town Hall, but easily accessible from the circle driveway. Clay and fellow Scouts sunk their support posts in concrete across from the Town’s outside mailbox. Then they reseeded the grass that was removed in erecting the posts. Clay’s mother Wendy said the Lending Library resembles a “giant birdhouse.” The Library is 4-feet off the ground, a square box with peaked roof and a Plexiglas front door that seals out the weather. Clay made sure the paint and trim and roof shingles match our Town Hall’s exterior. Clay also caulked the library’s seams and double-checked that the roof did not leak. (As is well known, moisture of any kind is anathema to the paper in books!) The Little Lending Library: The Little Library has two shelves, which will accommodate 20-30 books. Suggested book donations are classic children’s books (Dr. Seuss, etc.), North Texas gardening manuals, biographies and histories, recent health updates (heart and blood pressure issues, cancer, weight loss, knee & hip replacements, Alzheimer’s and dementia, arthritis, etc.), physical fitness routines, How-To manuals (photography, plumbing repairs, irrigation systems, vehicles, etc.) At present, our Staff will keep an eye on the books, so that nothing too crazy or controversial is donated. (Please, nothing championing a specific religious or political point of view or presidential or other elected official candidate.) Clay has registered Copper Canyon with www.LittleFreeLibrary. org. The website illustrates where free small lending libraries are located all over the United States. In our area the surrounding towns of Argyle, Bartonville, and Double Oak also have free Lending Libraries at their Town Halls. Dedication and Reception Monday, Dec. 14th at 6:30 p.m.: Clay and his Scout Troop 282 will dedicate the completed Lending Library to the Town with a bronze plaque. BSA Troop 282 is sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, located on Chinn Chapel Road in Copper Canyon. Clay is the first Boy Scout from his age group in this troop to aspire to be an Eagle Scout; however ten other scouts in his troop are dedicated to achieving the same admirable goal. Copper Canyon always appreciates being the beneficiary of any of these thoughtful, and well executed, Eagle projects. After the dedication of the Lending Library, the Town will have a See MAYOR SUE on Page A20

December 2015

DAR

Continued from Page A14

think small. The group contributed more than one-million dollars to that restoration, to the Statue of Liberty in New York maintenance and the creation of the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. The DAR Museum contains 30,000 preindustrial revolution American objects, as well as its archives contain close to 5,000 original early American manuscripts and imprints. The second goal is to promote education. To that end, the DAR awards $150,000 each year in scholarships and other financial aid for aspiring students. DAR’s members volunteer in literacy programs at many levels and help immigrants prepping for the citizenship exam. To date the group has given away more than 10 million copies of the DAR Manual for Citizenship. The DAR Library is the second biggest genealogical records repository in the world, so if you can’t make it to the Mormon library in Salt Lake City, try the DAR national headquarters only two blocks from The White House. The DAR’s third, but not lesser aim, is to promote patriotism and pride in America. It publishes the DAR Magazine and The National Defense News. What does the DAR do in the Flower Mound area? “First off, we are a brand new chapter,” said Paulette. “Every year, on Oct. 11, we will do a community service project. This year we helped identify native plants on The Mound. In connection with Veteran’s Day ceremonies we handed out flags, flag codes, pocket size reference booklets of the U.S. Constitution and The Declaration of Independence; and our membership helped at a military veterans’ luncheon in Highland Village.” Not bad for only 30 women. But that’s not all. The Flower Mound Chapter sponsors a history essay contest for fourth- through ninth-grade students in local schools. The topic will be The Stamp Act. We all recall the details of that parliamentary goof; an official stamp was required on every item of paper used by the colonists to prove they paid taxes on, well … everything. Oops! The response was something about “no taxation without representation.” The Stamp Act ignited a revolution that changed history. Every year the DAR chapter gives its Good Citizen Award to a local student and they also give a local ROTC Award. DAR Project Patriot publicly recognizes

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local men and women who served in the military. The group will be in the Flower Mound Christmas parade this month. “Public schools are very receptive to our projects and awards which often allow students without Type-A personalities to have time in the spotlight.” What’s not to like about that? “The Flower Mound Chapter meets at 10 a.m. on the second Saturday every month from May through September,” said Paulette. “It’s a breakfast meeting at the Bridlewood Golf Club. The cost is $12 per person and includes the meal. Meetings last about two hours.” New DAR chapters are born from large older chapters. “We use zip code boundaries, since people like to live in the same general area as the projects,” said Paulette. The organization is not married to the zip code rule, but it’s easier for members to participate a reasonable distance from home. “We are the 200th chapter in Texas,” Paulette said. “The Texas organization is more than 18,000 members strong.” The Flower Mound Chapter started with 30 members, though only 12 are required. The DAR is very different from, say, The League of Women Voters. “Though they are not partisan, the League is definitely political,” said Paulette. “Their work is to inform voters. The DAR is not politically involved. Its members may be, but that is a private choice not connected with the society. We do not express political leanings or opinions at meetings.” Membership is open to any woman 18-years or older who can prove lineal descent from an American Revolution patriot. “We don’t consider race, religion, or ethnicity [as] impediments to membership,” explained Paulette. “In the early years of the 20th century, the nation divided itself those ways, but times have changed for the better, and today our members are a diverse group. We welcome everyone whose ancestor(s) gave to the cause of liberty.” If all this sounds good, it’s easy to become a member. Contact Paulette for more information at: mplollar@verizon. net, or go to www.texasdar.org. “There is no better country in the world,” Paulette said. “And, whatever we can do to promote patriotism and education should be a goal for every American.” Contact Noelle Hood at noellemhood@ gmail.com.

972-434-1656

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Page A19

December 2015

Mayor Sue

Continued from Page A16

reception for the Scouts and their parents and families in our Council Chambers. Naturally, “goodies” will be served! Hot cocoa and hot mulled apple cider – and –

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an assortment of cookies, cakes and pies that any fourteen year old Scout might enjoy! Clay and Troop 282 will be recognized and thanked for their community contribution by the Town Council at the 7

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p.m. Council Meeting. And, if any Scout needs to stay for a while for any governmental merit badge, he is certainly welcome to do so. And, the Council will post an appropriate Agenda item, so that any Scout can ask questions about Town government, and any Council Member can respond to the question. Any Copper Canyon resident who is a current or former Boy Scout or Scout leader is welcome to attend the Dedication and the Reception! Copper Canyon has specifically invited as guests current BSA Longhorn Council Chairman Jim Hamilton of Colleyville and former Longhorn Council Chairman Jim Carter of Bartonville. SAD FACT: Argyle Fire District responding to huge increase in Suicide Calls December and January traditionally see a spike in suicide calls to Emergency Services. But AFD Fire Chief Mac Hohenberger sadly informed his Board that there was a huge spike in suicide calls in October of this year. Eleven calls – with fortunately only one “successful” call – one individual “dead on arrival”. Chief Mac said Flower Mound’s emergency services did not see a similar spike. And, in response to Board members questions, the calls were not primarily age delineated – primarily students, seniors, etc. Chief Mac said the suicide calls were usually “calls for help” in relation to two primary issues: (1) Financial – the individual or family were broke and could not pay their bills; and (2) Relationship – the individual was stressed over a failed or failing relationship with spouse, significant other, child, parent, or sibling. In Denton County, Emergency personnel must call Mental Health Officials, who upon arrival have an hour to evalu-

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ate the suicidal person. Denton County has no facilities for suicidal persons; so they are sent to Parkland Hospital in Dallas or to a facility in Wichita Falls. Suicide has often been called a “permanent” solution to a “temporary” problem. This is our traditional season of “Happy Times” – Thanksgiving and Christmas! If you see a person down and unable to cope – please reach out and help! Disturbing Analysis: “What Does ISIS Really Want” in Atlantic Monthly My daughter Tamara Tejml Cuthrell alerted me to this extensive article. It gives insight to the 7th Century dictates of the Koran, in a time then of critical battle for the survival of the Muslim religion. The same medieval commandments that ISIS followers are honoring today: annihilation of crops and water sources, severing of hands of thieves, stoning deaths of adulterers, sexual slavery of captured women, slavery of captured adults and children, crucifixions, burning alive of perceived apostates, etc. And, all of this is in a perceived fairly immediate total end of our world! Thus, suicide by bombing vests is justified, regardless of how many innocent victims are also killed or mutilated. But, the proclaimed ISIS caliphate’s legitimacy is based on territorial control of land! If the caliphate loses control of its land, it has no legitimacy! And, ISIS troops are now sending their family members out of their designated capital with few possessions to avoid suspicion. Interesting. See: www.theatlantic.com/magazine/ archive/2015/03/what-isis-reallywants/384980/

December 2015

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Page A21

Around Argyle Continued from Page A6

and now I can honestly say that it is really going to happen. I can’t thank Argyle and Denton County staff enough for the efforts to get the planning stage started. With the improvement of Highway 377, the Council is working hard on improving our thoroughfare plan to make our traffic problems a little less painful. During this holiday season, please start thinking about the ways that we can all give back to the people that are less fortunate than us and let’s come together to make Argyle the most generous and safe place in Texas! As always, please let us know your ideas and concerns. We are growing and want our Town to remain the great community that we are. Don’t forget about the Christmas Tree lighting that Keep Argyle Beautiful will host on Saturday, December 5th from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at Argyle Town Hall and watch for details on Play It Forward that the Youth Advisory Board will sponsoring. Happy Thanksgiving and have a very safe and enjoyable time! Stella’s Corner: Seniors Honor Veterans The Argyle Seniors honored our veterans at their Thanksgiving Luncheon with trophies that had their names and the branches of service they served in. Those honored were: Steve C. Hibdon, Army; Harry Lloyd Fogle, Army; Kurt Elliott DeKuehn, Navy; Cecil Wayne Robinson, Navy; John Gaynard Kiel, Air Force; Dwight Vincent Moore, Air Force; and Jack Carlyle Beddingfield, Army & Air Force. The wives of the deceased husbands were also given trophies in their memories: Martha Beavers, in memory of Thomas Eugen Beavers, Jr.; Myra Gohl, in memory of Adrian Joe Gohl; Maxine Evans, in memory of Billy Gene Evans. Our thanks to the Argyle Police Depart-

Photo by Helen’s Photography

Photo by Caleb Miles

The Argyle Lady Eagles won their first ever state volleyball championship on Nov. 21, defeating Bushland 3-0. Senior Eighmy Dobbins was named MVP.

The CoServ Charitable Foundation presented $10,175 to the Argyle Economic Development Corporation at the Argyle Town Council meeting on Nov. 17. The grant money will go towards marketing materials such as a booth backdrop and town-branded flash drives.

Argyle High School head football coach Todd Rodgers (left) and Liberty Christian head football coach Barton Hundley inspired local business owners to be champions in their fields at the Argyle Chamber of Commerce Monthly Breakfast on November 17 at Lantana Golf Club.

ment for furnishing the turkey, ham and sausage. Sonic on Ft. Worth Dr. in Denton for the tea and ice, and side dishes by all attendees. The next luncheon will be on Friday, December 18, 2015. This will be our Christmas party so dress in something Christmas-y or wear a Christmas bow or tie. We will be play several games, one of which requires for you to bring a $10 Christmas tree Ornament. We have gifts for the other games that we will be playing. The seniors meet every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to exercise at 10 a.m. followed by games at 11 a.m. Every Thursday, some of the seniors meet at the home of Stella McDaniel to play hand & foot. Once a month they eat out at different restaurants. If you are 50 years of age or older you are welcome to join us. There is no fee. For more information you may contact Stella McDaniel at 940-464-7438 or Karen Kiel at 940-4640506. -Submitted by Stella McDaniel

December 2015

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Pigeon

Continued from Page A1

are only about four-to-five-weeks-old. “First, I take them out of the loft and put them on the landing boards,” he explained. “Then, they learn how to use the trap-door for going in and out of the loft. By June or July [at six-to-seven-months-old], I release them at the end of the road and they begin routing or cruising the countryside for 20- to 30-minutes.” Next, he increases the distances. First, he takes them away from the loft at a distance of from 5- to 10-miles away; then, from 15- to 20-miles away. “I like teaching them,” said Stubbs. “The more confident they are, the more likely they are to win the races. Most pigeon trainers train their birds in the light of the flight direction they are going to come in the race. I don’t just take them to release points that are eastward or westward from the loft, I also take them a little north and south of the loft in case they must fight wind.” In August, the training slows due to the hot weather. “They can handle cold a lot better than heat,” said Stubbs. In September’s cooler weather, pigeon trainers pick up the pace of training; they take the birds 25- to 70-miles from the

Bob and Karen Stubbs and their dog, Foxy, alongside the pigeon loft.

loft “so they get used to it.” Then, they are released from a training trailer 100-miles away from home. The pigeons don’t always return home immediately; indeed, they may be missing in action for four or five days. Before a race, Stubbs attaches special tags on the birds. The tags contain a computer chip with an electronic timer that is activated when the pigeons are released. When the racing pigeons re-enter their loft, electronic readers below the landing

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boards at the entrance record the exact times of their arrivals. The electronic time readers are accurate to 1/100th-of –a-second. The pigeons’ speeds are recorded in yards-per-minute and are compared to the speeds of the other racing club members’ pigeons. Then winners are declared. On Saturday, Nov. 14, the couple entered 32 pigeons in three different races. The pigeons were passengers in a special trailer that picked up the Stubbs’ pigeons, along with others in the Krum area, and drove them to their release point in Seminole, Texas. The driver released the pigeons from the trailer’s rear by pulling a lever. The first set of 16 pigeons was released around 7:30 a.m. and the first three of those 16 arrived in Krum around 2 p.m. This particular race was a young-bird race in which eight-month-old pigeons participated. Certainly, the weather and wind are factors that affect racing pigeons’ times. At race time, the birds encountered cloudy weather, southwest winds at 5–10 mph and the temperature was 41°F. The pigeons returned at the race’s end to their loft under cloudy conditions, SSW winds moving at 5–8 mph, and a temperature of 62°F. “If the wind speed is less than 15-mph, it is not much of a factor in a race’s out-

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come,” said Stubbs. “However, if the wind speed is 15- to 20-mph, then it is a huge factor. Then they have to push south and fly in an arc to arrive home.” Capturing first, second and third places in the Nov. 14 race were pigeons of Rick Mardis from Ponder. His loft is 294.040miles from the starting point; the winning time was 1302.073 yards/minute. Pigeons trained by Stubbs placed sixth, seventh and eighth. “If you race pigeons, you should strive to improve your times from season to season,” said Stubbs. “Every fall, the release points where the pigeons fly from changes. The release points [move] clockwise, so everyone stands on equal footing.” Another way pigeon racers gain an equal footing is to participate in bond races. “A bond race is one in which you choose your very best five racers,” explained Stubbs. “That way, no one can ‘stack the deck.’” On the exterior of Stubbs’ two-story loft, lights are mounted above the landing boards, so if the birds arrive at night they can see their home. Inside, the birds bask in light from a 30foot skylight across the loft’s roofline and each bird has a little pen with access to an outdoor aviary. They also receive light from “blue moon” lights that encourage the birds to molt more and produce new feathers that enable the pigeons to race better. Air temperature inside the loft is also important. Stubbs controls the ambient air temperature of the loft’s interior by opening and closing the holes of the entrances, the vents running along the loft’s bottom, as well as those running the length of its roof. When he opens the roof vent by pulling on a louver chain, air is drawn through the bottom vents. Additionally, the loft contains six heat lamps. In the loft’s kitchen area, Stubbs prepares and stores two types of feed. The regular feed is loaded with safflower, corn and rice to provide the high-energy necessary for racing pigeons. The feed used for breeding birds also contains grains, but also includes peas to provide protein. Stubbs promotes breeding between his highest-scoring males and his pedigreed females. He knows which birds are the best, because Karen maintains performance records on all their birds. Mating between a cock and hen does not occur immediately. He places a cock in a box separated from a hen by dowels, so they can look at each other for 72-hours. Stubbs then removes the dowels so the birds can mate; then he moves the female and her eggs to a nesting box. The eggs hatch about 18to- 19-days later. The “old” birds race in a 10-week series that begins in March. The old-bird races are much longer than the young-bird races. During the old-bird races, the birds fly a whooping 500-miles before landing on their boards at Stubbs’ loft. Sometimes, the old-bird races span two days as the birds stop to rest during the night on their way home. As the racing pigeons approach their loft home, Stubbs releases special birds called Chicos. These birds are called droppers, because they guide the racing pigeons to the loft. The Chicos are a cross between Casanovas and Cassinettes. The couple both hail from Cottage Grove, Ore., where Bob first became enamored of pigeons as a boy. “Because my father had kept some [pigeons] before, he had no objection to me doing so and he helped me,” said Stubbs. “We had fun.” Anyone who is interested in racing pigeons may call Stubbs at 940-600-2958 to receive information.

December 2015

Cox

Continued from Page A1

Flower Mound High School girls basketball standout Lauren Cox commits to Baylor University. Five of six family members in the Cox household played or play basketball.

deciding strategy on the fly.” Cox remembers her team winning -accounts on that vary a bit depending on who you ask -- but there is no doubt that the Flower Mound star is a leader. “I take control of my group and try to get everything done,” Cox said. “I hate losing.” Flower Mound coach Sherika Nelson can vouch for that. “If Lauren’s not first,” Nelson said, “she’s upset.” Cox, a 6-foot-4 senior forward and the No. 1 player in the espnW HoopGurlz Top 100 for the 2016 class, doesn’t lose often. Last year, she led Flower Mound to a 28-8 record and a berth in the Class 6A state semifinals. And although the Jaguars came up two wins short of a state title, it was the best showing in school history. Cox, 17, averaged 21.7 points, 15.3 rebounds and 5.4 blocks per game last season and was named the Gatorade Texas Girls Basketball Player of the Year. She also has represented the United States on three occasions over the years,

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Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

winning three gold medals in tournaments in Mexico (U16), Czech Republic (U17) and Russia (U19). Cox, who has a 3.8 GPA and is interested in studying sports broadcasting, chose Baylor University in Waco over finalists Notre Dame, Tennessee, Louisville and Connecticut. She said she had a great time on her college visits. At a Notre Dame football game, a 38-3 win over Texas, the players threw her up in the air each time the Irish scored. At Tennessee, she took part in a video scavenger hunt.

Diabetes diagnosis When she was 7, Cox was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Untreated, the disease can be fatal, but it can be controlled by supplemental insulin, which is administered by injection or pump. Cox changes the infusion set for the insulin pump every other day, and that’s something she’s done since the early stages of her diagnosis. “She’s very responsible,” said her father, Dennis. “I don’t remember having to give her the shots past the first week. But dealing with diabetes is a 24/7 thing -- she never gets a break.” Cox controls her diet, which helps normalize her blood-sugar levels. “It’s tough,” she said. “You see all your friends eating whatever they want, and you can’t really do that. You have more responsibility than a normal teenage kid.” There are pro athletes who have had outstanding careers while battling diabetes -- 1940s-era baseball pioneer Jackie Robinson and current NFL See COX on Page A25

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December 2015

HV Update

Continued from Page A9

store” option. You can browse online and select your item then have instant gratification of picking up the item locally instead of waiting for a delivery. And, even though Highland Village is a safe community, by picking up in the store you remove the potential of having your delivered items stolen from your front porch. • Plan your shopping day and include breakfast, lunch or dinner at a Highland Village restaurant. Shopping works up quite the appetite, or so I’m told. Plan to fuel up at a local coffee shop or juice spot. Take a break at lunch or finish the day at a Highland Village restaurant. • Not sure what retail and dining options are offered in Highland Village? Check out the Highland Village Business Association online directory. Every brick and mortar business is listed there. Just go to www.thehvba.com and search for the category or store.

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• Consider a unique or homemade gift for that special someone. We have many home-based businesses in Highland Village that offer one-of-a-kind jewelry, artwork, blankets or quilts. Again, check out the Highland Village Business Association website for a listing or ask around. These are little things, but they make a big difference to our local business owners and managers. They’ve chosen Highland Village as their home and we should support them. When we contacted Kroger’s corporate office about the rumors of our Kroger closing, the director said, “Kroger is committed to Highland Village, there is no truth to the rumors Kroger is closing.” Kroger like all our other local businesses have made a commitment to Highland Village. Let’s reciprocate that commitment and shop local. I challenge you to give it a try this holiday season.

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Bartonville

Continued from Page A6

Hall. For more details please call 817693-5280. Once again, this drive could not be a great success without the generous support of our caring community. We look forward to receiving your contributions that will assist the Blue Santa’s goal in making this a successful and joyful Holiday for the Bartonville families in need this Holiday Season. Our local Lions club (Greater FM 407 Lions Club) held its charter kickoff event on Friday, November 13th at the Briarwood Retreat Center in Copper Canyon. This special event hosted over 180 guests and raised approximately $10,000 towards the charity efforts of the club.

Page A24

Special thanks to the sponsors, Copper Canyon Mayor Sue Tejml, Denton County Sheriff Will Travis and Denton County Emergency Services District #1, Chief Mac Hohenberger. Lastly, the West Jeter Road Reconstruction Project is coming to an end. The overlay has been completed with only a few minor details remaining before the project is complete. Thank you for your patience during construction and we hope you enjoy the new road. I would like to take the opportunity to thank Denton County Commissioner Andy Eads for his help in making this project a success. Winter is quickly coming, be mindful of your neighbors and your pets. I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and many blessings for 2016! Have a blessed Holiday!

The Greater FM 407 Lions Club held its charter kickoff event on Nov. 13th at Briarwood Retreat Center in Copper Canyon.

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December 2015

Cox

Continued from Page A23

quarterback Jay Cutler are examples. Cox doesn’t plan on letting diabetes get the better of her. “It’s a big obstacle,” she said. “But I think it would be cool if I could talk to kids to show them what they can accomplish.” A family full of talent “She’s a drama queen and a social butterfly,” Lauren, the eldest of the four daughters, said of Kaylee. “I hardly ever see her because she’s always out with her friends.” Dennis, who is 6-foot-4, played basketball at Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri. He was a post player on a team that led the NAIA in scoring at 106 points per game. He said he “married up” when he connected with Brenda, who was a twoyear Division I starter as a 6-2 post at SMU. Whitney, 14, made the varsity basketball team this year as a 6-foot freshman wing. “She’s kind of the clumsy, awkward one of the family,” Lauren said. “But I’m really excited she’s on varsity this year.” Madison, who already is 5-foot-5, is the family’s showstopping 10-year-old. She admires Michael Jordan and wants to be just like Lauren, right down to the fact that she wants her sister’s room when she goes off to college next year. Madison’s Twitter handle is @ TheFuture2023. Justin Higginbotham, who coaches Lauren in AAU ball for Texas United, said Madison is “uber” talented. “She handles the ball really well, and her confidence is off the charts,” he said. “She’s been on just about every college campus -- the coaches love her. She

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knows she’s good. She’s a ball of fun. “Maddie should probably have her own reality show.” Special talent Nelson, who is about to start her ninth season as Flower Mound’s coach but has been around the program since it began in 1999, said the school has never had another player as good as Lauren Cox. “She controls both ends of the court,” Nelson said. “She changes the way the game is played at the high school level.” Cox, who also plays volleyball at Flower Mound and was named preseason All-American in that sport by MaxPreps, will devote herself to basketball in college, which is a scary thought for teams that will oppose her. Nelson said she used Cox to bring the ball up against pressure last season. If she faces man defense, Cox will dribble past her defender. If a trap arrives, she is so tall that she can simply see over the top and find the open teammate. Nelson, who believes Cox will be a combo forward in college, said her star player has faced junk defenses in nearly every game she’s played. “I’ve seen teams run a triangle and two,” Nelson said, “with the triangle on Lauren, and the other two players guarding four girls. I’ve seen little guards face-guarding her, bugging the heck out of her. “She gets a lot of physicality thrown at her, but she doesn’t fall for it because she knows that in order for us to win she has to stay in the game.” Higginbotham, her club coach, said he admires how she has stayed loyal to her teams. “She’s been a great ambassador for us on the court but an amazing ambassador off the court,” he said.

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December 2015

FM Council

Continued from Page A9

complete nine street reconstruction projects and 16 street rehabilitation projects. As noted, the sales tax will remain 8.25 percent in Flower Mound. If you’d like more information about the 2015 dedicated sales tax election, please visit www.flower-mound.com/dste2015. Also in November, the council approved the site plan for a new temporary Fire Station No. 6, and future western operations and maintenance facility, for an area south of Sunrise Circle and east of Stonecrest Road. This fire station will service the western portions of town, such as the Canyon Falls residential development and the future Argyle ISD middle school, which will open in time for the 2016-2017 school year. Having the new Fire Station No. 6 will support the town’s Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating, and is scheduled to come onboard in July with nine firefight-

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ers. Once a permanent Fire Station No. 6 is constructed, the temporary fire station will be utilized by Public Works staff as the western maintenance and operations facility. In park news, council approved the next steps for Phase II of Heritage Park, which will include 88 lighted-parking spaces, a half-mile trail, 11 picnic stations, a sculpture, and a half-acre fishable pond, complete with a waterfall and aerator. Phase II is expected to be complete in approximately seven months. The following are a few more improvements that were approved by council, coming to a park near you: • Shadow Ridge Park will receive a large picnic pavilion with four picnic tables, barbecue grill and trash receptacle, two combination picnic shade structures, a full basketball court, and trail connections providing an accessible path of travel from the parking lot to all the new amenities. The current picnic tables, benches and

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concrete pads will be removed. • Bluebonnet Park will receive a small picnic pavilion with one picnic table, barbecue grill and trash receptacle, trail connections, and a half basketball court. • Westchester Park will receive a large picnic pavilion with four picnic tables, barbecue grill and trash receptacle, and a trail connection. • Northshore Park will receive a small picnic pavilion with two picnic tables, barbecue grill, trash receptacle, and a trail connection. • Glenwick Park will receive a small picnic pavilion with two picnic tables, barbecue grill and trash receptacle, and a trail connection. I hope to see you and your family at the Christmas Parade or one of our many other holiday events. For all the latest news and information, be sure to visit www. flower-mound.com.

Eads

Continued from Page A17

Ridge Boulevard bridge will be demolished, with overnight mainlane closures to accommodate this work. Beam placement over the water for the new southbound I-35 E bridge over Lewisville Lake is underway. Construction on the new park access road is expected to begin early 2016. North and southbound traffic has been placed on the bridge over FM 407 as the remaining portion of the FM 407 bridge over I-35E was demolished. The northbound frontage road will be shifted onto the old northbound mainlanes, and crews will begin removing the final pieces of the bridge. Work is now focused on the FM 407 intersection and the northbound mainlane bridges. Planting and clean-up work is ongoing at Copperas Branch Park East. AGL expects to turn the park over to the City of Lewisville by the end of the year. Check out the project website at www.35express.org for more detailed information and detour routes, as well as regular updates on additional lane and road closures and upcoming construction. Be sure and sign up for the alerts to receive up-to-the-minute information to ease your commute. In addition, access to traffic cameras along I-35E is available. If you have any questions or comments, please let me hear from you. My email is andy.eads@dentoncounty.com and my office number is 940-349-2801.

FIT-N-WISE PHYSICAL THERAPY

Your Way to Wellness Fit-N-Wise at Argyle is a 3,000 square foot facility conveniently located just minutes south of Denton. Our staff includes physical therapists, athletic trainers and physical therapy assistants. Our therapists provide preventative and rehabilitative care for general orthopedic and sports related patients. Services include: • Manual therapy • Electrotherapy • Neuromuscular re-education • Ultrasound

• • • •

Cold laser Balance training Therapeutic exercise Corrective taping

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Page A26

Argyle • 940-464-0055 100 Country Club Rd., Ste. 120

December 2015

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LOCAL EXPERTS Jesse James Fit Profiles Clients Rick and Renee Moore By Jesse James Leyva

When and why did you two start working out at JJF? I (Rick) found myself facing a total knee replacement at the age of 57, and I knew I would recover faster if I intensified workouts prior to surgery. A friend directed me to JJF where I began training with Jesse. The procedure was a success and my surgeon attributed my full recovery to the pre-surgical conditioning. Since the surgery 3 ½ years ago, Jesse has capitalized on my full recovery and helped me achieve an ever greater level of intensity in all workouts. Renee saw my transformation, higher energy levels and overall results from JJF, so she joined me at the studio. Within a few weeks of training with Nikki Knope, Renee experienced the changes she wanted, too.

A Beautiful and Healthy Balance Between Life & Work Rick and Renee Moore are the quintessential busy professionals with hectic travel schedules. Rick works for Oracle providing IT solutions for the healthcare industry, Renee works for American Airlines as a flight attendant, and between them they have six children and three grandchildren. Both Rick and Renee grew up in DFW, and How do you balance both attended UNT. professional travel They were single parand personal responents with 2 daughters sibilities with workand 1 son each when ing out regularly? mutual friends introWe’re no different duced them to each than many other dual other 12 years ago. working households They had their first with all the family dydate at Anamia’s in namics. At 61 and 53 Flower Mound, and Renee and Rick Moore years of age, we could Rick shares: “After never do it well without a commitment two years of dating we married and officially became the ‘Brady Bunch’, set- to regular, well-designed, focused worktling together in Flower Mound and join- outs as an integral part of our lives. JJF is ing The Village Church.” just as committed to these health and viBut despite the demands of their cho- tality goals as we are, providing us with sen professions, both maintain a healthy focused, customized, intense exercise life-work balance for their family and sessions in a sincere, welcoming envito maintain their fitness and vitality for ronment. years to come.

Getting Remarried in Retirement? Financial Advice for a Happier Merger By Jeffery Price

Consider these issues and insights from Merrill Lynch Wealth Management before walking down the aisle again. They say love is sweeter the second time around. What they don’t tell you is that it can also be a lot more complicated financially—especially for people who find one another later in life. The vow “for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health” takes on new meaning when the newlyweds are retired. When romance blossoms later in life, couples typically come together with two sets of assets, separate homes and family commitments—and, often, very different financial priorities. Melding all these can be a challenge. So much so, in fact, that a growing number of couples age 50 and older simply live together without marriage and keep their financial lives separate. Still, “putting a ring on it” remains the popular choice, with half of previously married older Americans remarrying in 2013, according to the Pew Research Center. There are financial pluses and minuses either way, says Debra Greenberg, a director in the Personal Retirement Solutions Group at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. “The key is to be sure you have familiarized yourself with the rules governing Social Security, estate planning and health insurance.”

Here are several issues to consider. “Talking them over before you walk down the aisle can help make the journey ahead much smoother,” says Greenberg. For richer, for poorer The first and most basic question is whether to combine your financial assets and estate plans. For older couples, a prenuptial agreement can be a particularly useful tool that spells out what belongs to whom and how those assets will pass to heirs and beneficiaries. “A prenup can help ensure that both parties keep control of the assets they brought to the marriage,” says Greenberg. Deciding what to do with assets accumulated during the marriage is another issue a prenup can help you control. Some states treat everything acquired by a married couple as community property, so your prenup should include a plan for dividing jointly held assets in the event of a death or a divorce, she adds. Work with a lawyer and a financial advisor to draft a prenup that addresses all your needs and concerns. For couples who choose not to marry, a cohabitation agreement can provide some of the same protections. Another confusing financial aspect of remarriage involves Social Security. As just one example, if your first marriage lasted 10 years or longer, you are allowed to collect benefits based on your former spouse’s work record once you turn 62. That benefit ends if you remarry. If your new spouse’s earnings are less than your ex’s, your spousal benefit would be lower. Widows or widowers who remarry before age 60 should keep in mind that they stand to lose Social Security survivor benefits from their first marriage. “Because there are so many factors to be weighed, you should check with the Social Security Administration to ensure you are receiving the highest benefit possible,” Greenberg says. See MONEY SENSE on Page A30

Experience Counts When Buying Shoes No two feet are the same—not even your left one and your right one! So properly caring for you feet begins with getting to know them and you. At Foot Solutions Flower Mound, our experienced staff of Foot Care Specialists measure and evaluate every aspect of your feet, from length and width and how they distribute your weight when you walk to how they affect your posture and balance. But we don’t stop there. We also take the time to get to know you and your goals—whether it’s getting in better shape, having fun with your kids or simply not being dog tired at the end of the work day. Once we know this, we can help you choose from a wide selection of stylish, quality shoes, accessories, custom inserts and other accommodative arch supports that are just right for you. We even modify them right in the store to make sure the fit is perfect. It’s that kind of personal attention that sets Foot Solutions apart from other shoe stores. Our goal is to send you home looking good and feeling better. So instead of a closet full of misfit shoes collecting dust, you end up with a solution that rejuvenates your body and sole! Sponsored content

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LOCAL EXPERTS Is Your Home Holiday Ready? By Leo Lankford IV Southern Painting Coppell/Flower Mound Exterior Territory Manager

The holidays are upon us. As we get ready to open up our homes for family and friends to join us for this joyous time of year, it’s a great time to ask yourself, “How will the people I care for most view my home?” What I mean by that is, when guests arrive at your home, are they seeing rotten boards, peeling/chipping paint, or a faded exterior color on the outside of your home? Maybe the exterior is in great shape but how about the inside of the home? Do you get that welcome home or warm, inviting feeling when you enter the home? If these questions made you stop and realize that one or both areas need to be addressed, why not go ahead and add the character you have always desired before your

house guests arrive? Consider these key points when deciding to work with Southern Painting: · We have been in business for over 25 years. · We have painted over 75,000 homes. · We continue to improve our knowledge of superior products to help give you the best outcome and help add value to your home. · We are sincere about diagnosing issues and guiding you to the solutions that are best for your home. We follow the guidelines for these solutions in the professional estimate that we present. And lastly, our painting teams carry out the scope of work from A-Z agreed upon in the estimate which provides you with a wonderful painting experience. Let us help you get your home ready to impress your visitors for the holidays and start the New Year off right. Southern Painting estimates are complimentary so why wait?

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About to Retire? What If You Lost 25% of Your Retirement Account? By Ken Kendall, CFP, CLU, Kendall Financial LLC. Member, Wealth and Wisdom Institute

December is tax planning awareness month, not officially, but as the year ends, it does seem bring a focus to taxes that doesn’t appear again until April. In this article we want to take a look at an area that often times gets overlooked, taxes in retirement. If you are standing on the precipice, gazing across the void into that great unknown called retirement, I’m willing to bet that you are full of mixed emotions. This is something that you have looked forward to for a good part of your working life and at long last it is here. A lot of dreams of travel, free time, and hobbies are about to be fulfilled. But … most folks have that uneasy feeling in the pit of their stomach, caused by the question, “Is my money going to last for the rest of my life?” Whether your money will last you till you cease to need money is too personal a question to be answered here. It certainly depends on how much you have, where it is invested, and how much you spend. In addition to the risks that most folks are aware of: market risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, long term care risk, health risk, sequencing risk and others, there is one more worry that may not have occurred to you. That pile of money, sitting in your 401k or other retirement account, has not yet been noticed by the tax man. Let’s assume, for ease of calculation, that

you are in a 25% tax bracket, which, by the way is historically a very low tax rate in this country. The $600,000 or $400,000 or $1,000,000 that is setting in your retirement account is in reality $450,000, or $300,000 or $750,000 after the taxes come out. Granted it won’t all be taxed at one time, but if you are making calculations on how long your money will last, you’ve got to take the taxes into consideration. A mistake in retirement planning is one of the gravest financial errors that can be made, because there is no time to make up for the shortfall. If you realize at 75 that you will outlive your money, your only choice is to spend less. The odds against reentering the workplace at 75 or later are staggering. Unfortunately the mistake may be realized at a time when your expenses are actually increasing due to healthcare or general maintenance costs (who’s going to cut your lawn, roof your house, or do the other hundreds of things that always seem to need doing). To add to the uncertainty, how long can we keep income taxes from rising? State and local governments are already squeezing services beyond most folk’s tolerance (been to the DMV or the social security office lately?) and the failing national infrastructure will have to be addressed at some point. These things point to higher future taxes and less retirement money for you. The good news?? There are strategies available that can help you. Call our office at 972-874-8757 for an appointment and let us help with your retirement planning, there are strategies for lowering taxes and increasing income that you may not be aware of. Your financial security is not a “do it yourself- weekend project.” Have a very happy holiday season!

December 2015

Keeping Track By Shirley Johnson, Realtor

Ever pay a bill twice because you forgot to record the payment? Or come to tax time and couldn’t find that donation receipt from last summer? There is no substitute for good documentation and accurate recordkeeping. Tracking monthly rent payments is just part of property management. At renewal time, you will want to know if your tenant has always paid rent on time. Did a rent payment ever return for insufficient funds? It has been said the faintest ink is better than the strongest memory. Let’s take that a step further - if you can photograph it, do so. There are apps for your phone that will date stamp a photo. Why? Date stamped photos make great evidence when it comes to tenant damage. Document condition of your property prior to your tenant’s move in. Is the mailbox rusty? Refrigerator clean? All lightbulbs

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LOCAL EXPERTS working? Take photos of what’s good and what’s not. A good property manager will take 200+ photos of your property to document move in condition. This level of detail is key if your tenant damages the property and you expect to use their security deposit to make repairs. At move out, you’ll want to document condition again. Photograph and write down your observations. What has changed? Other things to document - Does your lease list all the occupants of the house? How many pets there are? How many vehicles should be on site? Checking the property against your records can reveal lease violations such as “guests” that have moved in, unauthorized pets, or extra vehicles. You’ll want to agree with your tenant what is allowed and document violations. Your professional property manager should use good documentation and accurate recordkeeping to protect you and your asset. 3G Properties has the systems in place to do this. Call us today. 3G Properties specializes in home sales, buying, and property management. Call 940-262-0091or visit www.3ghomessite. com

Legal Talk Texas

health care professionals acting outside the hospital not to initiate life-sustaining treatment on you (example: performing defibrillation when you have advanced dementia). A Medical Power of Attorney is your written designation of an agent to make your health care decisions when you are incompetent (example: your son authorizes the use of a stroke-buster drug immediately after you suffer a stroke). A lawyer can draw up a Health Care Directive and a Medical Power of Attorney. The Out-of-Hospital DNR is supplied by your attending physician. If there is a conflict among the three documents, then the most recent document controls. An out of state document will be valid, but only to the extent that the terms aren’t prohibited by Texas law. Hint: if you are in Texas, it is much better to have Texas documents. If a document has to be witnessed, then at least one of the witnesses cannot be: related to you by blood or marriage, your agent under your medical power of attorney, a beneficiary under your Will or your heir if you don’t have a Will, your attending physician or his/her employee, an employee at a health care facility where you are a patient, or one of your creditors. Hammerle Finley Law Firm. Give us a call. We can help.

Texas Advance Directives By Virginia N. Hammerle

“Anyone who isn’t confused doesn’t really understand the situation.” - Edward R. Murrow, American Journalist. In Texas, the term “Advance Directive” encompasses three separate documents that address your health care decisions: A Health Care Directive, An Out-of-Hospital Do Not Resuscitate Order, and a Medical Power of Attorney. The three documents are grouped together because there are several technical and interpretive statutes that apply to all of them. The Health Care Directive is also known as a Living Will, and contains your instructions to administer, withhold or withdraw certain treatments if you have a terminal or irreversible condition (example: inserting a feeding tube when you have advanced dementia). An Out of Hospital DNR is signed by your attending physician and documents your instructions (or those of your representative) to

VIRGINIA HAMMERLE

Probate * Guardianship

BOARD CERTIFIED Texas Board of Legal Specialization Civil Trial Law

Estate Planning * Wills

Accredited Estate Planner by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils SUPER LAWYER Business Litigation 2012 2013 2014 & 2015

Fiduciary Litigation Will Contests * Trusts Marital Agreements

ROBERT MORRIS

Elder Law * Medicaid

WEALTH COUNSEL-Member NAELA-Member SUPER LAWYER Estate Planning and Probate 2014 & 2015

Super Lawyer ® is a registered trademark of Thompson Reuter

TAYLOR MOHR

2871 Lake Vista Drive Suite 100 Lewisville, TX 75067

J.D., BAYLOR UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW MEMBERSHIPSNAELA Dallas Trial Lawyers Association Dallas Association of Young Lawyers Dallas Bar Association Texas Trial Lawyers Association

For more information about Elder Law and Estate Planning issues please see LEGAL TALK TEXAS by Virginia Hammerle in the Senior Section of the Tuesday Dallas Morning News.

hammerle.com 972-436-9300

2015

Money Sense

Continued from Page A28

In sickness and in health If one partner lacks good health insurance, getting married can provide the opportunity to sign up for spousal coverage, Greenberg notes. And even if both of you have insurance, it may be possible for married couples to get a better rate. Family plans tend to be cheaper than the combined cost of individual coverage for two people. The key health issue that every older couple should consider, though, is the impact that a prolonged illness or injury could have on their savings, Greenberg says. According

to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services , almost 70% of Americans turning 65 will eventually require some form of long-term care, and many insurance plans, including Medicare, provide little coverage for such things as residence in a nursing home. “At this age, it is more important than ever to have a plan to prepare for a health crisis,” Greenberg says. Till death do us part Later marriages do not involve just the two spouses. Often, they merge families, complete with grown children from previous marriages, and maybe even grandchildren— all of which can complicate inheritance issues, Greenberg says.

Over 60 Years Experience Virginia N. Hammerle & Robert S. Morris

For example, many states have “elective share” laws, which automatically entitle spouses to as much as half of a deceased spouse’s assets, regardless of what it says in a will. A solid prenup will take precedence over those laws. (Unmarried partners generally do not have the same right as spouses to demand an elective share.) Couples may also want to consider trusts that provide separately for children from previous marriages, Greenberg suggests. Because trusts can specify beneficiaries, they help to head off potential conflicts down the road, such as inheritance disagreements between children and a stepparent. “Another important step that many couples forget,” adds Greenberg, “is to change your

beneficiaries on your insurance, retirement plans and other important documents.” Marriage is always a big step, but that is especially true for people who remarry later in life, notes Greenberg. Communication can help you manage the changes together. Even if you maintain separate assets, be sure to discuss and align your plans so that they help you pursue the goals the two of you have decided are most important, she says. That way, you can get a good start on a second chance at marital bliss. For more information, contact Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Advisor Jeffery D. Price of the Southlake, Texas office at 817-410-4940 or Jeffery_price@ml.com.

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LOCAL EXPERTS Designing with Carol Decorating for the Holidays By Carol Collins Window fashions certified professional

“Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,” “Silver Bells, Silver Bells,” “I heard the bells on Christmas Day,” and then there are the words and music by Meredith Wilson, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, Soon the bells will start. And the thing that will make them ring is the carol that you sing right within your heart.” Yes, the bells are ringing for Christmas. But are we prepared? Have you decorated your front door, trimmed the tree, hung the stockings with a lot of care, or planned the Christmas dinner? Oh, so many things to do. You have about three weeks left. Let’s take a crash course on finishing the decorating. I recently watched a Christmas movie entitled “The Christmas Kiss.” It’s about a young interior designer assistant who gets caught up in the decorating of the home of her boss’s boyfriend. Centered around the classic “A Christmas Carol,” the designer focused her designs on the details of

the decorations in the book. The one that touched me so was the display of three Christmas trees aptly named, “Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future.” It would be somewhat difficult to arrange three trees in our homes. But, the theme could be accomplished on one tree. I have saved, as I guess many of you have, decorations from my youth and those my children have made. If you are a teacher you may have some your students have made for you. These will work beautifully for the “Christmas Past” portion of your tree. And then for “Christmas Present,” purchase small little gift bags of different colors, designs and sizes and hang them throughout your tree. For “Christmas Future,” have your grandchildren, special interest children’s groups, etc. create their vision for the future. As you can see, I am a sentimentalist when it comes to Christmas. Yes, the bells of Christmas are ringing loud and clear. And remember, “The thing that will make them ring is the carol that you sing right within your heart.” I wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. And as always – Happy Decorating!

Kwik Kar Ask the Expert:

7 Ways to Make Driving Merrier During the Holidays By Albert Gutierrez, Operations Manager, Kwik Kar Flower Mound

A leisurely roadtrip to grandma’s house during the summer can turn into a hazardous driving experience when winter weather hits, easily doubling or even tripling the drive-time time. Within minutes, a winter storm can disrupt the best of plans. Whenever there are unsafe road conditions, it is always wise to stay put and hunker down. However, for those times when you do have to face the cold, here are a few tips to help make dealing with winter a bit easier: DEICER: Before winter weather hits, put some deicer in your windshield washer fluid tank. A few blasts of this on your windshield will clear away any ice. WIPERS: Replace your windshield wipers with a heavy-duty winterized version with a protected rubber blade made to hold up under the weight of snow and ice. This will ensure the window is clean and your sightlines are clear. ANTIFREEZE: Your cars cooling system and gas tank both need protection from freezing temperatures. For your radiator, it’s not enough to just check levels, you also need to be sure the strength and concentration of the antifreeze is correct. For your gas tank, gas does not freeze, but condensation from near-empty tanks or water

contamination will most definitely freeze if proper measures are not taken. LIGHTS: Regularly check your exterior lights to be sure they are free of the grime and slush that gets kicked up by other vehicles on the road. A slight buildup can greatly reduce your visibility of the road ahead of you, and dim your rear lights making you harder to see for vehicles behind you. There are treatments (like Rain-X or car wax) you can apply to your lights to help the sludge flow off more easily. TIRES: For areas that get a lot of snow, it might be worth looking into snow tires or tire chains. Otherwise, ensure your tires are properly inflated. Due to the fluctuations in temperature during winter months, it is wise to check your tire pressure at least once a week. MATS: For those who trudge in and out of the snow frequently, slushy mixtures of dirt and salt can get tracked into your vehicle and ground into your floors. Custom molded floor mats are a great investment and an easy-clean option to protect your carpeted floorboards. CHECKLIST: Visit gokwikkar.com/ wp-content/uploads/2015/07/EmergencyCarKit.pdf to download our Emergency Car Kit Check-List to ensure you have essential items packed in your vehicle to keep you safe on the road no matter what kind of weather is on the radar. Your local Kwik Kar service pros are always here to help spread Christmas cheer, so don’t forget to bring in all your vehicles for our Winter Ready Checkup. We’ll have you back out on the road singing carols again in no time. Visit Kwik Kar of Flower Mound at www.gokwikkar.com.

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Inside This Section Your 2 Cents l Police Blotters Students of the Month

December 2015

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Wrestlers Look to Pin Down Wins This Season

Parker Square Getting New Leases on Life

By John English, Contributing Writer

By Lyn Rejahl Pry, Contributing Writer

Flower Mound’s Daryl Rutherford takes the competition to the mat.

As the winter sports seasons kick into full swing, wrestlers from around the region are gearing up for what promises to be another great year on the mats. Southern Denton County has certainly produced its share of regional and state level wrestlers and the 2015-16 season should be no different. Flower Mound has proven itself to be a perennial powerhouse in the sport of

wrestling, and coach Steven Davis said that, while his team is young, he believes it will be competitive this season. “This is the least experienced team that we will field since I came here nine years ago,” Davis said. “We have a lineup of kids that I think will battle to the end, but it remains to be seen if they can learn enough technique to hang with the SeeWRESTLERS Page B16

Photo by Helen’s Photography

Jason Adams, Managing Partner at Day One Consulting LLC, and Mark Wood, Flower Mound’s Director of Economic Development, are partnering to innovate at Parker Square.

Flower Mound’s Parker Square opened its many doors in 1999 with great fanfare and community celebrations. There were Halloween costume contests, treelighting ceremonies and band concerts in the lighted gazebo. A good time was had by all. Parker Square was developed in three phases. It was zoned for 220,000 square-

feet of office space, 125,000 square-feet of retail-- of which 30,000-square-feet would be dedicated to restaurants. Then, the recession of 2008 came to town; to every town. Parker Square was not an exception, nor were planned developments The River Walk or See PARKER SQUARE Page B4

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Page B2

The Secret to Lose That Holiday Weight Today Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner. You're probably getting ready for your holiday shopping or thinking about all the food you're about to eat. With every holiday comes 10 pounds of turkey, 5 pounds of pumpkin pie, and another 5 pounds of green bean casserole. Most of us have sweatpants that we typically break out this time of year only to feel them get tighter and tighter. If you're over the age of 40 and struggle with weight I'm here to tell you, “I have the solution!” Most of us have always thought of the holidays as our time to eat and eat and then we would just burn off all the weight after the new year as our NEW YEARS RESOLUTION. In reality, how successful are we? NOT VERY Now most of us we think that diet and exercise is the way to go, but if you have tried and failed I am here to tell you, “It’s not your fault.” Hi my name is Dr. Bao Thai, DC. I am an expert in weight loss. I'm also an author and wellness speaker. I specialize in giving my patients their quality of life back. If you struggle with weight you're probably suffering from low energy levels, low sex drive, and maybe even depression. You get sad when you look at yourself in the mirror and you wonder what happened to yourself. You might have had kids and haven't been able to lose that weight from pregnancy or maybe your work is too busy or you just do not have time for yourself. I'm here to tell you that you are important and if you try to lose weight and you haven't been successful… it’s not your fault. Did you know that each decade that passes a woman's ability to burn calories slows by 5%? If you tried diet and fitness plans before you probably discovered the problem with most of them is that they are so different than what a normal lifestyle should be. You might have lost weight on some of these plans but you found yourself gaining it back over time. When something is so different than what you would normally do it's hard to keep up with it after. This is why people yoyo with their weight. It's about working with your body, not against it. You're probably thinking it's impossible to lose weight. I'm here to tell you that there’s a solution! You might be thinking that you might have to exercise and

starve yourself. You don't. What if I told you it's about eating more, not eating less? If this is something you're interested in keep reading. Get ready to change your life. It's time to transform your body and your life. If you're like a lot of women you may feel like you're constantly struggling with your weight. Diet and exercise just do not work. You might see or know someone who all they do is exercise and eat absolutely nothing, but they're still overweight. Most people don't realize that during certain times in your life your body doesn't want to lose weight. Most programs are designed for short term success, but long-

term failure. Did you know in your twenties your hormone levels are at an absolute high? Developing muscle is like putting money in the bank. For most, losing weight in your 20’s is easy. In your 30s, your hormones start to decline and so does your metabolism. The same burger you ate in your 20’s now feels a whole lot heavier in your 30’s. In your 40’s you are losing about .05% of muscle mass every year. Your hormones start to decline and let's not even talk about the food. Everything feels like it weighs a ton. If this describes you, I have the solution. I have developed a solution that is going to help you finally lose that weight you have struggled with. I am going to help you get your life back. It’s time for you to be happy with who you are. It’s time for you to worry about yourself. Wouldn’t it be great to lose weight during the holidays? Let’s do it together! If you are ready for that life change, I want to help you. I have helped hundreds of women lose their weight. It’s EASY!! My program is so successful because it simply speeds up the process of time. I use common sense principles along with technology to help people overcome their battle with weight. No matter how old you are, if you are looking to make a change, if you are tired of the way you look and feel, if you are ready to do something for yourself, then I have the answer. I want to help transform your life to the one you can be happy with! Now, I want you to call TODAY! If you call and mention that you saw us in the Cross Timbers Gazette, you will receive our holiday special. For the first 25 callers, you will get $100 any of our weight loss programs!! This offer is only valid if you qualify for our program. Qualification will be based on the doctor’s finding that the program would be successful based on lifestyle factors and determination. Don’t wait until your weight is out of control. CALL TODAY!

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December 2015

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

Page B3

YOUR 2 CENTS Editorials, Opinion, Letters to the Editor, Forum Posts Protecting History for Future Generations By State Rep. Tan Parker

Being a lawmaker in Texas, one always has to be looking to the future. Legislators plan a budget for the next two years each session, carefully evaluating policies and voting for the ones that will improve our state for the years ahead. It might be argued that one of the responsibilities of being a lawmaker or anyone who is tasked with planning for tomorrow is to be consistently able to be looking ahead. Yet as much as we must be prepared in our lives to handle the next day, month and year, it is largely by the wisdom and experience of our past that we know where we are headed. Perhaps it is this very reminder that the recent discovery in Flower Mound struck me so profoundly. As many of you know, a log cabin built in 1860 was found within the walls of a home in Flower Mound. As land owner and developer, Curtis Grant, prepared for an inspection before demolition of the house that to many just seemed like an ordinary older home situated within a growing suburban sprawl, something incredible appeared – perfectly intact logs stacked in their original form. Instead

Letter: Public Safety Key Issue in Need for Water Tower By now you are probably aware that a jury found in favor of two Saddlebrook homeowners who do not want construction of the Cross Timbers Water Supply elevated water tower in Bartonville completed. The court entered an order requiring the tower to be destroyed. Our legal team has filed a motion requesting that the Court review and modify the judgment or conduct a new trial. Unfortunately, a final decision on the fate of the elevated tower may still be months away. It is important to note that this litigation only addressed whether or not Cross Timbers Water was subject to the rules of the Saddlebrook Homeowners Association. The litigation did not consider any need for the elevated water tower for firefighting, future domestic water supply or public safety. These were simply not issues considered in the lawsuit. Your Board of Directors feels that the Court erred in its interpretation of the Jury’s verdict as well as issues of jurisdiction and public safety. If homeowners associations were allowed to determine the needs of public utilities, it is unlikely we would have the level of electric, water or telephone service we enjoy today. To clarify the importance of public safety needs and the rights of the public at large, Cross Timbers Water Supply has asked for a new trial as well as a stay on demolishing the partially completed elevated water tower.

of seeing this as a hindrance to progress, the discovery was found to be a valuable treasure to our past. Over the past few months, Mr. Grant, investor Ray Robbins, the Town of Flower Mound, and many other concerned citizens and area officials have spent their time uncovering the history of this home, the land, and the impact of preserving what is to believed to be one of the oldest remaining structures of its kind in North Texas. Discussions emerged on why it is significant that this cabin remains on the original site and how a 155-year-old historic artifact rightfully becomes the heart of an area that is consumed by new developments and modern architecture. More and more, we have learned how important it is for people not only to understand the rich history of early settler struggles and the Indian tribes that once populated the Long Prairie geography but also to have the ability to see it up close and witness how we eventually became today’s Flower Mound. If the attendance of over 2,500 people at the first open house this past August is any indication of the curiosity that the cabin has created, then I believe this preservation project is one clearly worth becoming involved in not only as Denton County residents but for anyone dedicated to supporting keeping history alive. We can teach our children from books, find an occasional historic photo posted at a modern building around town, but we will likely never have an opportunity

to present this intimate discovery for people to better understand and witness our original roots. Far too many old buildings have been destroyed, removed or lost to environmental elements, so I hope we can together see the value of not letting this one go. I personally applaud the efforts of Mr. Grant, Mr. Robbins, the Town of Flower Mound, and many others for recently agreeing on a final deal that will maintain the integrity of the site in a fiscally sensible way. Yet, this is just the beginning of a long journey. It will be costly and there will be plenty of support needed to complete the visionary goal of a historic park, appropriately named Liberty Park that will bring us educational and historic significance. If you haven’t already done so, please start the process of learning more through Internet sites such as The Flower Mound Foundation or the Facebook page Long Prairie Homestead Save the Cabin. Then make a commitment to remain involved in some capacity to see this project completed. Together, let’s find ways to secure the resources needed to protect this important piece of history and seeing it preserved not only to honor past generations but to enlighten future ones as well. As always it is an honor to serve you in the Texas House of Representatives, and I welcome your feedback on this and any other critical state issues. If you would like to share a thought with me, please

feel free to contact me at my Capitol office at 512.463.0688 or by e-mail at tan.parker@house.state.tx.us

Cross Timbers Water has communicated with the Towns within our certificated area our need for a second water tower for public safety. Our notices to the Towns began in 2012 and culminated with our most recent determination in 2015. Cross Timbers is authorized and required to provide water for domestic use within our certificated area. This 20 square mile area is roughly defined as Copper Canyon, Double Oak, Bartonville, unincorporated areas of Denton County and a small portion of Flower Mound. Water utilities such as Cross Timbers are specifically exempted by law from any requirement to provide water for fire suppression or firefighting. Cross Timbers has voluntarily maintained fire hydrants throughout its system for several years. While not legally required, the Board of Directors has determined that this is a valuable service to its members and will maintain our fire suppression capabilities as long as practical. In order to meet our mandated domestic water service we will not be adding fire hydrants to new commercial or residential areas. We will install properly sized water lines and connections for fire hydrants so that fire suppression can be supported when additional elevated storage is available. Cross Timbers has a well-planned water resource plan which provides safe and clean domestic water throughout our certificated area. A combination of deep wells and water supply contracts with the Upper Trinity Regional Water District assures that we have an adequate supply of water now and in the future. While we have an adequate water supply, the ability to deliver that water at good pressure is dependent on elevated

tanks. We designate portions of the current elevated tank to domestic water, firefighting, and emergency supplies. Since January 2009 we have exhausted the domestic water reserve and used the firefighting reserve for domestic water purposes on 99 occasions. As development continues in our area, we will continue to dip into the firefighting reserve more frequently. The additional elevated water tank will allow us to maintain adequate reserves for fire suppression as well as meet our domestic water demands. You need have no concerns that your domestic water supply is in any danger of interruption or shortage. A moratorium on new fire hydrants and commercial fire sprinkler systems will enable us to continue our support of the current fire hydrants on our system. We are confident that a positive resolution will be made that will eliminate any need to reduce our support of fire suppression in the future.

Within minutes of hearing about the blaze, members of the Greater FM 407 Lions Club began to respond. The same afternoon of the fire Ms. Sherry Price, treasurer of the newly formed club purchased clothing for the family’s eight year-old boy and four-year old girl. The next day, several Lions had personally donated clothing and/or made cash donations. Just two days after the fire, Lions Club Treasurer Joe Adair presented a $200 check to help to help the family with emergency needs. This is a great example of how Lions can serve the local community. When tragedy strikes the victims often need help immediately. Lions Clubs are well known for providing rapid relief for many types of disasters all over the world. While our club held its first meeting just a few months ago, we are already partnering with local community leaders toward helping our neighborhood to be an even better place to live and work. Serving Bartonville, Copper Canyon, Double Oak and Lantana the Greater FM 407 Lions Club meets the 2nd and 4thTuesday at the Bartonville Town Hall. For more information or to join the Lions team, visit the club’s website at fm407lionsclub.org.

Patrick McDonald, President Cross Timbers Water Supply Board of Directors Bartonville, TX

Letter: Newly Formed Lions Club Leaps Into Action

Harry Otto, President Greater FM 407 Lions Club Bartonville, TX

The Tapia family in Bartonville lost everything in a home fire last month.

Got News? Let Us Know!

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December 2015

Parker Square

occupancy rate has jumped from 44- to 75-percent. Shore worked for the original developer of Parker Square for 11 years, signing numerous tenants. He said that his new company is substantially investing in infrastructure, landscape improvements and tackling deferred maintenance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This speaks to our commitment to this project,â&#x20AC;? said Shore. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a lot of work done in a very short amount of time,â&#x20AC;? said Phyllis Garcia, leasing agent for the real estate brokerage. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a big business commitment to give tenants the quality [facilities] they deserve. The infrastructure was first and now the trees and other outside maintenance work is being done.â&#x20AC;? Recent tenants include: ABC Pediatrics, Back N Time Barber Shop, Creative Art Studio, the relocation of Scott Young Photography, and

Continued from Page B1

Canyon Falls. By July 2010, all three developments were in bankruptcy. In addition, town events moved away from Parker Square when Heritage Park opened in 2012. Banks put the Parker Square bankrupt buildings up for auction. Community activities ceased because individual banks owned the building, so there was no single coordinator with whom the town could work. When the economy began to recover, so did sections of Parker Square. The most recent revitalization involves five buildingsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;300, 400, 600, 800 and 900. They were bought from the banks by an initial investment group, which merely held them for a time. In May 2015, they were bought by Parker Assets 1 LLC, led by Highland Village resident Curtis Shore. In the following six months, the Gift Certificates available for all classes!

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

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Henry Investment Group, which occupies the entire top floor of the 900 building. The town has also become a tenant through the soon-to-open Flower Mound Innovation Center to fill the first floor of the 600 building. Like the other tenants in the five Parker Assets 1-owned buildings, the entrepreneurial centerâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; under the management of Day One Consultingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;will have a membership in the investment. It will provide a space for local entrepreneurs to connect and find synergies as well as have access to mentors, programs, resources, and investors, according to Jason Adams, Managing Partner at Day One Consulting, a Texas corporation specializing in helping cities build economic development through local entrepreneurship. Mayor Tom Hayden has said that the three-year lease for the center will lead

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IRVING

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Over 3,000 sq ft, swimming pool, RV or boat pad & triple dog run on oversized lot. Minutes to DFW airport, North Lake College, hotels, restaurants & golf. Huge private Master suite, 4 bedrooms, 2 living areas plus ofďŹ ce. Hardwoods in Living, Dining, Family & Master. $174,900 Call Dirk 972-322-2171 www.DirkSellsHomes.com

FLOWER MOUND

FABULOUSLY UPDATED 1 STORY!

Gorgeous view of the water on Pitman Creek! Upgrades galore- carpet & gorgeous travertine installed Sept 2015. Granite ctops, ss appliances & tumbled stone bksplsh in gourmet kit. Split master has sitting rm & updated bth. Spacious living areas, French drs to study, granite in hall bth & recent paint. Wonderful neighborhood! Call Dottie at 214-212-1919 for details. $284,900 www.DottieCurryHomes.com

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to new businesses, which will grow and lease their own spaces in Parker Square or elsewhere around town. The new occupants join tenants who had have already found success in Parker Square. The 32,000-square-foot North Central Texas College (NCTC) extension campus is housed in Building 12. Its approximately 2,000 students attend classes in Workforce & Technical Education, General Education, Continuing Education, Developmental Education, Community Education, Student Development and university transfer credit coursework. Founders Classical Academy, an elementary school, is located at 500 Parker Square. The parent company, Responsive Ed, previously operated a charter high school at the same location. It also owns 700 Parker Square, an office building where curriculum and software development teams are housed, as well as the office of the Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce. The education, business and medical tenants have turned the developmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s previous perception as a retail shopping site, into a rebirth as a business location. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Of course, all kinds of retail businesses are needed and restaurants, especially a breakfast and lunch one for the students and all the people who have their business in Parker Square,â&#x20AC;? said Garcia. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We hope to fill it [Parker Square] with quality tenants and that will benefit the whole town.â&#x20AC;?

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DALLAS

CHARMING COTTAGE!

Minutes from the Bishop Arts District. All original wood ďŹ&#x201A;oors, crystal door knobs, wooden doors and gas ďŹ xtures. Great walk up concrete patio in the front and rear. Huge oversized lot with an existing concrete pad that may be able to be used for additional garage structure. $70,000 Call Tracey 469-358-3008 www.TraceyClifton.com

DECATUR

VERY NICE HOME!

GORDONVILLE

WEEKEND GETAWAY RETREAT!

Has been rebuilt from the slab-stubs up. New kitchen inc JennAir gas 4 burner-grill cooktop, dbl ovens, SS, farm-apron sink, white cabinets, granite, eat-in island. Redone master-wheel chair accessible shower and stone ďŹ&#x201A;oor. Beautiful 100+ yr trees, backs to Corp of Engineer property, walking trails to lake! $159,000 Call Cerita Loftis 972-841-1379 www.CeritaLoftisRealtor.com

LAKE DALLAS

GORGEOUS ONE STORY!

Very nice 3 Bedroom, 2 Full baths, 1 story with great room layout. Luxurious rock ďŹ replace in great room lends to a warm, entertaining environment. Large back yard and adequate drive for boat or RV parking on site. $199,900 Call Brent Nelms 214-616-7092 www.MiracleHousing.net

3-2-2 Complete with two living areas. Very light and bright, open ďŹ&#x201A;oor plan, large kitchen with island and walk in pantry. Den offers ďŹ replace and wall of windows looking over backyard. Huge back yard, fenced, oversized patio and walking distance to the lake, parks and trails. 209,900 Call Charlotte 214-808-8612 www.YourPreferredTeam.com

OAK POINT

FLOWER MOUND

Nestled on 1+beautiful acre is this custom built 2-story home on treed cul-de-sac. Meticulously updated kitchen. Bring the outside into open living spaces with huge windows in every room. Entertain in large game rm with wet bar or the open deck. Upscale, lakeside community2 parks & walking trails! $398,000 Call Cindy Haddock 940-231-1004 www.HomesByHaddock.com

Located on wooded lot adjoining Greenbelt! Gracious entry, large island kitchen that opens to family room. Spacious Master w/luxurious bath. Wonderful backyard with large wood deck and towering tree. Lovely private setting! $439,900 Call Eva Bradley 469-323-8733 www.EvaBradleyHomes.com

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I have been a resident of Flower Mound since 1986 and am extremely knowledgeable of the Real Estate Market and its current conditions. It would be my pleasure to assist you with your Real Estate needs.

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LANTANA

HIGHLAND VILLAGE

4BDM, 3BA Lantana home. Lots of room for the whole family to enjoy a media room (wired for surround), study with double French doors, living room with gas log ďŹ replace, master with garden tub. Enjoy cooking in kitchen with granite counters, gas stovetop, oven, and breakfast bar. Backyard features covered patio, and room to play. $244,900 Call Dave Ryer 972-317-9408 www.RyerRealty.com

Loads of trees! Walking distance to Highland Village Elementary School. Pool bathroom off the utility room. Backyard has additional fence to separate pool area from covered patio treed area. Galley kitchen has been opened up to make a breakfast area and open concept ďŹ&#x201A;oorplan. $248,000 Call Debbie 682-551-5305 www.DebbieLief.com

ENJOY THE AMENITIES!

BARTONVILLE

COUNTRY ESTATE HOME ON 3+ ACRES!

Home features 4 bedrooms plus study and 3.5 baths. Kitchen has plenty of counter space and large breakfast area looking out to tranquil backyard. Master down, 3 bedrooms, full bath and game room are upstairs. Backyard has a heated therapeutic plunge pool! $590,000 Call Gary 972-317-9401 www.GaryKuhatschek.com

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Informal Dining and Kitchen open and overlook the Pool and giant stocked pond with fountain. Master down, 2nd guest suite down. Garage is 4 car, pool with grand water slide. Game, media and 2 bedrooms up. $894,900 Call Sherry GrifďŹ n 214-794-6045 www.SherryGrifďŹ nRealtor.com

December 2015

Constables Corner By Tim Burch, Denton County Constable, Pct. 4

Greetings, As usual, I want to thank the Lord Jesus Christ for it is through his Grace that I am allowed to serve you as your Constable in Precinct 4. By the times you read this article I hope everyone had a very Happy Thanksgiving and is looking forward to a very Merry Christmas and Holiday Season. There have been a number of things since my last article that have transpired at my office and in my personal life. First and foremost I want to tell everyone how blessed I am to have been formally united in a short civil ceremony with my lovely wife, Candace Simon-Burch. Secondly, I was recently elected to the Office of President of the Prestigious and Governing Body of the North Texas Justice of the Peace and Constables Association. JPCA is the governing body is for continued education and legislation for the Justices of the Peace and Constables within the State of Texas. I feel very much honored to have been elected to this position by my Colleagues. For those of you that are not aware, I am up for Re-election in March of

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

2016 and would appreciate all of your support. I will be having my Annual Christmas Party and Fundraiser with funds being generated to assist in my residual efforts being active in numerous civic, social, and political organizations with my latest sponsorship being that of The Awards Dinner of the Volunteers of The Denton County Republican Party hosted by Circle R Ranch in Flower Mound. So on December 15 from 6:30-9 p.m. at La Beaux Chateau located at 2701 Corporate, Flower Mound it will be a night to enjoy festive music and fellowship as we celebrate the reason for the season. We will have music, an auction, food, and my guest of honor, Donald Driver, former wide receiver of the Green Bay Packers and the Season 14 winner of ‘Dancing with the Stars’. I cordially invite you, your guests, and your family to attend my event which is open to everyone, and your attendance would be greatly appreciated. RSVP’s are encouraged to info@ timburch.com, by visiting www.timburch.com, or by calling 817-4919001. You can contact me directly if you need assistance or have feedback you would like to share. My office is located at: 217 North Oak St., Roanoke, TX 76262. Email: timothy.burch@ dentoncounty.com. Phone: 972-4343980. You can also visit my political website: www.timburch.com or email info@timburch.com. Thank you and God Bless.

Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

Got News? Let Us Know!

news@crosstimbersgazette.com

LEE P. ONEACRE DDS

JOHN C. SHILLINGBURG DDS

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December 2015

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

oncoming traffic. The driver was taken into custody at FM 1830 and Hickory Hill Rd.

What follows was taken from Argyle police reports: An officer responded to a call that a barn had been broken into and equipment had been stolen over the previous week on Skyline Drive. A motorist reported a grey Infinity and black Mazda racing over 100 mph on northbound I-35W. The Denton PD was notified as the vehicles left Argyle’s jurisdiction. A reckless driver in a blue Honda CRV was observed crossing the yellow line, then almost drove off the road before swerving into

Police were called regarding a 37-year-old woman who was “drunk and had her baby with her in the car.” The caller added that the woman has a history of alcohol addiction and has twice attempted suicide. The caller had taken the car keys away from the woman and had possession of the child; the family was contacted, as was her AA sponsor. Responding fire officials confirmed the woman was heavily intoxicated and on muscle-relaxer pills but hadn’t attempted or threatened suicide. A woman contacted police reporting what she believed was a scam call. The man who had called told her she won $1.8 million dollars and a white Mercedes, but they needed her to leave her house and go to an unknown location and pay the $350 ship-

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ping charge for the vehicle. She hung up the phone on the scammers. In the following two days, there were three more reports of similar scam calls.

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jurisdiction.

A vehicle traveling eastbound on Crawford Rd. lost control, spun across the westbound lanes, struck a tree and then pushed a speed Police responded to a noise complaint re- survey sign over. No one was around the garding a construction site in the 500 block vehicle when police arrived. The owner and of Hearth Ter. The officer could hear the his grandson arrived. The grandson stated music from the road over the construction his grandfather was driving at the time of noise. The foreman was informed of the or- the crash. The police officer talked to his dinance relating to noise and the music was grandfather who could not give correct information on how the crash happened. The turned down. grandfather then admitted that his grandA call came in from a man who said that he son was driving the car and that he was not is drunk and didn’t want to drive. He added with him. The grandson continued to deny that he doesn’t know where he parked his driving, until his grandfather told him he had truck anyway. The caller said he doesn’t told the officer the truth. The grandson then want to get in trouble and asked for help; admitted to driving the vehicle at the time of but to please not to send flashing lights as it the crash and stated he didn’t want to get may make him go crazy. When help arrived, into trouble for driving on a suspended lithe caller was crying and requested his AA cense. Both subjects were warned for lying sponsor. He went voluntary with medics to and that they could be arrested for giving a false report. The grandson was issued get checked out. a citation for driving while his license was Two vehicles were reportedly driving errati- suspended. cally on northbound I-35W at the 77-mile marker. A white VW Jetta and a silver Toyo- A caller said she had information about a ta Camry were weaving in-and-out of traffic, man who killed three women in San Diego, and then came close together as the drivers Cali. The elderly caller said the information hit each other’s car with their hands. The was “weighing on her conscious.” vehicles continued north into Denton PD’s

Sean Kernan, CFP Branch Manager

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Charlotte Vining Branch Operations Manager

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December 2015

Flower Mound Police Calls

What follows was taken from the Flower Mound police blotter reports: In the 5700 block of Morriss Rd., a 17-year-old female was arrested on Oct. 29 at 1:20 a.m., for possession of marijuana. The minor’s bond was set at $1,000; she was transferred to DCSO. Also on Oct. 29, a 28-year-old native of Mexico was taken into custody in the 600 block of Blue Leaf Dr., on a warrant for assault on a family member. She has a previous conviction for the same third-degree felony and was released on a $6,000 bond. She is single. On Oct. 31, a 38-year-old native of Mexico was taken into custody in the 4100 block of Kirkpatrick Ln., on a warrant of assault causing bodily injury in a family violence incident. She was released on a $1,500 bond. Also, on Halloween night at 11:30 p.m., an 18-year-old man was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony, in the 5200 block of Seville Ln. He was released on a $3,500 bond. At 11:40 p.m. on Halloween, a 20-year-old woman was arrested for family violence and assault, a Class C Misdemeanor. She was released on a $500 bond. A 45-year-old man was taken into custody, on Nov. 2, in the 1800 block of Justin Rd., on a warrant for possessing a contained substance, a state jail felony. He was released on a $5,000 bond. Also, on Nov. 2, a 39-year-old man was taken into custody on a possession of a dangerous drug warrant in the 600 block of Lake Bluff Dr. He was released on a $1,000 bond for the Class A

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

Misdemeanor and a $2,000 bond for possessing marijuana in Flower Mound, a $2,500 bond for possessing marijuana in Montague County and a $1,000 bond for failure to appear in Denton County. He has an FBI number. Taken into custody on Nov. 3 in the 2100 block of Eaton St. on a warrant for abandoning and endangering a child with criminal negligence, a 25-year-old woman was released on a $3,000 bond for the state jail felony.

Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

fine. He has an FBI number.

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A 44-year-old woman was taken into custody at 2 a.m., Nov. 8, in the 3400 block of Cross Timbers Rd. for writing a bad check. She was released on a $500 bond.

Nov. 8, a 26-year-old native of Mexico was arrested for a DWI with an open container and evading arrest detention with a vehicle, a thirddegree felony; no driver’s license was listed. He was released on a $750 bond for the Class B Misdemeanor and a $5,000 bond for the felony.

In the 700 block of Gerault Rd., at 6:43 a.m. on

See FM POLICE CALLS Page B11

Arrested on Nov. 3 at 3:46 p.m. in the 5400 block of Carriage Ct., a 19-year-old woman was arrested for prostitution, a Class B Misdemeanor and assault causing bodily injury and family violence, a Class A Misdemeanor. She was transferred to the DCSO with bonds of $500 and $1,500, respectively. On Nov. 4 at 8:35 a.m., natives of Mexico were taken into custody in the 4600 block of Shiloh Rd., for money laundering. The 32- and 34-yearold women and 29-year-old man were transferred to DCSO with a $100,000 bond each and were on a federal ICE hold in the DCSO jail. Mid-morning on Nov. 4 in the 3800 block of Braxton Ln., a 32-year-old man was taken into custody on a warrant for abandonment and endangering a child with criminal negligence. He was released on a $2,500 bond for the state jail felony and has an FBI number. Midday on Nov. 5, a 36-year-old man was taken into custody in the 4000 block of Buckeye Ct. on a warrant for residential burglary The seconddegree felony had a $10,000 bond; he was transferred to DCSO. At 10:30 p.m. on Nov. 5, a 20-year-old female was arrested for marijuana possession in the 1700 block of Duncan Ln. The Lewisville native was released on a $500 bond. At 2 a.m. on Nov. 7 in the 3900 block of Bruton Orand Blvd., a 22-year-old native of Mexico without a driver’s license in his possession was arrested for a DWI with a blood-alcohol level of 0.15. He was transferred to DCSO with a $5,000

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December 2015

Holiday Scams By Denton County Sheriff Will Travis

We hear a lot about phone scams nowadays, but those

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

and many other scams become more prevalent during the holidays as the spirit of giving is all around. Unfortunately, this also brings out more scam artists seeking to take advantage of our generosity. Below are two of the scams you are likely to run into during the holidays and some tips about what to do if you fall victim

Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

to a scam. Internet holiday scams: By far the fastest-growing online holiday scam involves fake websites offering just about everything you could want for Christmas, especially those hard-to-find-gifts, at fantastic bargain prices. Scammers will not only take your money for something they will not send, but that also allows them access to your credit card details. Make sure you are familiar with the sites from which you order, and never click a link in an email to get to a site, even if it is one you’ve visited before. It is far safer to type the web address of the site into your browser than to take a chance on ending up on a bogus site. Believe the old saying, “If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.” These sites are easy to set up and the number has mushroomed in the past year, hosted all over the world. In addition to scams, these sites can contain viruses and malware that can take over your computer, so always be sure of the site you are using. Charity-related holiday scams: The most likely place you’ll encounter charity scams is when they hold out a collection box to you either as you do your shopping, at your front door, or solicit donations over the phone. We had a recent example in Denton County. We have had someone calling people claiming to be from the Sheriff’s Office and asking for donations to support the D.A.R.E. program. We have not had the D.A.R.E. program in nearly ten years. Scammers may wear seasonal costumes, dress in familiar uniforms, wear badges or claim to be associated with a police department or sheriff’s office, or a wellknown non-profit. Scammers are not

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above using kids to convince you they’re genuine. If you do not have the time to investigate the charity, do not donate. If you want to donate to a particular organization that someone claims to be representing, simply look for their website and donate online. Genuine representatives of these organizations will be more than happy for you to do this. 4 Tips To follow if you’ve been victimized: • File a police report. You can use the paperwork to prove to your bank and credit card and credit reporting companies you’ve been scammed. • Tell your credit card companies and bank. Contact the fraud department at your credit card company and bank immediately. You may have to close the account, or the institution may remove the fraudulent transactions. • Report the fraud to the three credit reporting companies. Do this as soon as possible, especially if your personal information was used to take out a new credit line, make purchases, take out loans, or anything else that could affect your credit. Each credit reporting company has a fraud unit: Equifax: (800) 525-6285; Experian: (888) EXPERIAN or (888) 397-3742; TransUnion: (800) 680-7289. • Gather evidence. In addition to the police report, save what you can related to the suspected fraud. Any paperwork you have such as letters/emails of solicitation, prospectuses, cancelled checks, cash receipts, receipts for cashier’s checks or money orders, bank statements, investment statements, or medical statements could help you get your money back or help you protect yourself from further victimization.

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December 2015

Highland Village Police Blotter

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

11/2 - Fraud/Forgery - 800 block of Camelot Court - Credit card/ID fraud

11/10 - Theft - 3000 block of Justin Road - Person took merchandise without owner’s consent.

11/2 - Criminal Mischief - 1000 block of Cottonwood Creek - Unknown person keyed a vehicle causing damage to the vehicle.

11/11 - Alcohol Violation - 1000 block of Highland Shores Boulevard - Person who was pulled over for running stop signs was found to be intoxicated.

11/2 - Criminal Mischief - 2000 block of Justin Road - Juveniles egged 3 cars.

11/13 - Assault - 2000 block of Butterfield Stage Road - A known person used a deadly weapon during the assault of a family member.

11/3 - Fraud/Forgery - 400 block of Remington Point - A person’s credit card was used without their consent. 11/5 - Threat/Harassment Complaint - 100 block of Redwood Drive - Man harassed his ex-girlfriend. 11/7 - Alcohol Violation - 1000 block of Justin Road Man called police to report that he and his girlfriend were arguing and she was minor consuming alcohol. 11/7 - Juvenile Complaint - 3000 block of Highland Shores Boulevard - Juvenile violated curfew. 11/7 - Burglary - 2000 block of Spring Oaks Drive Unknown person stole a firearm from a residence. 11/7 - Threat/Harassment Complaint - 400 block of Cannon Lane - A person made threats against another person. 11/7 - Assault - 3000 block of Lake Creek Drive Person was arrested for several Class C offenses and a warrant. 11/8 - Assault - 600 block of Sellmeyer Lane - Man held a gun to his wife’s head during an argument.

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11/9 - Suspicious Circumstances - 400 block of Copperas Trail - Unknown person offered cookies to kids walking home from school. 11/10 - Theft - 4000 block of Waller Creek - Person stole items from Victoria’s Secret.

11/3 - Property Found - 5000 block of Village Parkway - Someone found keys while walking on the trail.

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11/8 - Threat/Harassment Complaint - 2000 block of Quail Cove Drive - Person was harassed on a public roadway.

The following reports are provided by the Highland Village Police Department:

11/3 - Fraud/Forgery - 400 block of Canberra Court - Fraud/ID theft

11/13 - Burglary - 2000 block of Timbercrest Lane Person broke into a house and stole jewelry. 11/14 - Property Found - 900 block of Saddle Brook Drive - Property was found at a park.

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11/14 - Burglary of a Vehicle - 400 block of Patricia Lane - Unknown person stole cash from a vehicle. 11/16 - Fraud/Forgery - 100 block of Willow Creek Estates Drive - ID Theft 11/17 - Fraud/Forgery - 100 block of Thistle Court Person reported three of their checks being cashed twice by a known person. 11/17 - Intoxicated Driver - 2000 block of Highland Village Road - Person was driving while intoxicated.

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11/18 - Fraud/Forgery - 3000 block of Misty Oak Drive - Person had their identity stolen. 11/19 - Threat/Harassment - 1000 block of Highland Village Road 11/19 - Fraud/Forgery - 3000 block of Justin Road

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11/19 - Unauthorized Use of Vehicle - 100 block of Gayle Lane

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11/20 - Intoxicated Driver - 2000 block of Justin Road

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December 2015

Double Oak Police Beat Submitted by Chief Derrick Watson

Happy Holidays from the Double Oak Police Department. As we travel from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day agencies across Texas will dedicate resources to apprehending intoxicated drivers. Speaking broadly most people would agree that drinking too much and getting behind the wheel is a sorry idea at best and a deadly decision at worst. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention compiled statistics regarding impaired driving and determined: - In 2013, 10,076 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, accounting for nearly one-third (32%) of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. (It is very disturbing that approximately 30,000 people died from traffic-related injuries). - Of the 1,149 traffic deaths among children ages 0 to 14 years in 2013, 200 (17%) involved an alcohol impaired driver. - Of the 200 child passengers ages 14 and younger who died in alcohol-impaired driving crashed in 2013, over half (121) were riding in the vehicle with the alco-

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

hol-impaired driver. - Drugs other than alcohol (e.g., marijuana and cocaine) are involved in about 18% of motor vehicle driver deaths. These other drugs are often used in combination with alcohol. - Drivers with a BAC of 0.08% or higher involved in fatal crashes were six times more likely to have a prior conviction for DWI than were drivers with no alcohol in their system. www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/impaired_driving/impaireddrv_factsheet.html I would ask that you not presume the erratic driver in front of you is driving sober just because the hour of the day is early. Our last DWI arrest was committed at approximately 1 p.m. and involved a motorist with two prior convictions. Oftentimes motorists with lengthy histories of driving while intoxicated convictions are the persons responsible for innocent person’s deaths. Please dial 911 with a vehicle description (color, make, model and license plate); a description of the motorist’s driving behavior (“they’re swerving in traffic, they keep speeding up and / or slowing down, they’ve hit another car and continued driving…etc.”; and a description of the motorist (if you can see them through their window tint). Just about every municipal police officer I know has a terrible personal experi-

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ence with working a fatality motor vehicle collision. Notifying a parent that their child has needlessly died due to the selfishness of an intoxicated driver is heartrending. The first fatality DWI accident I ever worked was of a seventeen year old young man who had been ejected from a pickup truck passenger compartment and skidded one hundred and fifty feet, down the high-way, on the side of his head. The intoxicated driver of the pickup truck, the victim’s “friend”, had taken the wheel because the deceased was too drunk to drive. What has stayed with me for twenty-five years is that the young man, who had lost control of the pickup truck, didn’t care that his friend was deceased, but was more interested in the squad car’s mobile display terminal. Officers are looking for probable cause when investigating a suspected driving while intoxicated offense. Ideally the officer will have observed erratic driving such as failing to maintain a single lane of traffic, driving without headlights, excessive or low speeds, following another motorist too closely or even a motor vehicle accident in which the suspect was involved. Once an officer has observed a traffic offense, and is able to detail the suspect motorist’s driving behavior, the officer will initiate a traffic stop. During the traffic stop officers will be looking for additional clues as to possible intoxication: - Is there the smell of alcohol coming from the driver (yes I know alcohol is odorless, but there is a distinctive aroma as the human body excretes alcohol related toxins through the respiratory system and skin pores)? Chewing gum, using mouthwash (which often contains alcohol), or smoking cigarettes does little to nothing to conceal the odor. - Does the vehicle compartment smell of

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marijuana or other types of drug use? - Can the officer observe, in plain sight, open or empty alcohol containers or drug paraphernalia (pill bottles, marijuana pipes, narcotics residue, needles etc.)? - Does the motorist have bloodshot / watery eyes? - Can the person carry on a conversation with the police officer? Is their speech slurred? - Does the motorist admit to drinking? How long since the last drink? Where were they drinking? How many drinks have they had? When was the last time they ate? If the officer has reason to believe, based upon the suspect’s driving and officer observation, that the stopped motorist might be intoxicated the driver may be asked to exit their car and submit to standardized field sobriety testing (SFST). The officer will explain, demonstrate and then observe a series of physical and mental acuity tests to help assess the motorist’s possible level of intoxication. If, after having observed the motorist’s driving, physical condition (was the motorist having a medical problem rather than an intoxication problem?), additional evidence (open bottles or spilled alcohol in the passenger compartment), and standardized field sobriety testing, the officer believes the subject is intoxicated, the driver will be placed under arrest. Once placed under arrest the suspected intoxicated driver will be transported to a jail or detention or health facility and offered the opportunity to submit a sample of their breath or blood for analysis by a laboratory. Failure to voluntarily submit to the taking of a breath or blood sample See DO POLICE Page B14

December 2015

FM Police Calls

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

was transferred to DCSO.

Continued from Page B7

Also on Nov. 8, a 17-year-old male was arrested on marijuana possession at 6 p.m. in the 900 block of Crestwood Cir. He was released at 9 p.m. the next day on a $750 bond. Two men were arrested at 5 a.m. on Nov. 13 in the 4800 block of Neptune Ct. The 25-year-old man was arrested for criminal trespass, but was released per Judge Grant. The 57-year-old man was also arrested on criminal trespass, but was also taken into custody for the state jail felony of possession of a controlled substance and theft of a firearm. No bond was allowed and he was transferred to the DCSO. He has an FBI record and previous drug-related convictions. A 68-year-old woman was arrested on Nov. 14 at 3 p.m., in the 4000 block of Raintree Dr., on the Class B Misdemeanor of DWI and having an open container and transferred to DCSO jail. She has an FBI file number and is being held on a $5,000 bond. On the same day at approximately 9 p.m., a 55year-old man was arrested in the 1600 Lopo Rd., for the Class B Misdemeanor of DWI. He was released on a $1,500 bond. At 11:15 p.m. that same night, a 32-year-old man with an FBI record was arrested in the 1100 block of Long Prairie Rd. for burglary of a vehicle, a $5,000 bond or fine, and intent to give false information, a $3,500 bond, plus an engaged in organized criminal activity with a $5,000 bond He

At 1:22 a.m. on Nov. 15, a 30-year-old man was arrested in the 3600 block of Long Prairie Rd., for a DWI with an open container. He was released on a $1,500 bond for the Class B Misdemeanor. A residential property in the Creekside subdivision in the Heritage Park development was the site of theft of plumbing supplies valued at just under $12,000 from Powell Construction reported on Nov. 18 at 7 a.m.

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$485 bond and no drivers license with a $321 bond, as well as a non-traffic violation in Irving with an $856 fine. Also, on Nov. 21 at 10:15 a.m., a 17-year-old girl was arrested on a Class A Misdemeanor for family violence and assault causing bodily injury in the 2200 block of Long Prairie Rd. She was

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released on a $1,000 bond. At 11:20 p.m. on Nov. 21 in the 5600 block of Sunnyside Dr., a 19-year-old male was arrested for the Class B Misdemeanor of possession of marijuana. He was released on a $1,000 bond.

On Nov. 20 at 10 a.m., a 30-year-old man was taken into custody at the intersection of Cross Timbers and Long Prairie Rds. on multiple misdemeanors: Class B for driving while license is invalid and a previous conviction with a $750 bond; Class C for speeding with a $195 bond and driving while license is invalid with a $264 bond or fine; and, an expired inspection sticker with a $194 bond or fine. An 18-year-old man was arrested for possession of marijuana in the 1100 block of Flower Mound Rd. at 10:30 p.m. on Nov. 20. He was released on a $750 bond. A home burglary in the 1800 block of Newton Dr., was reported on Nov. 20. Two computers worth $1,100 and jewelry worth $2,500 and two cameras worth $800 were reported as missing. In the 5700 block of Long Prairie Rd., at 10:15 a.m. on Nov. 21, a 32-year-old man was taken in to custody on a two-part warrant; for driving while license is invalid in Flower Mound with a $350 bond, plus a driving while license is invalid with a

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December 2015

Gardening: Prep Your Garden for Winter By Noelle M. Hood, Contributing Writer

The time has arrived to start tucking gardens in for the yearly winter snooze.

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

As the temperatures drop and days grow shorter, those profusely blooming annuals have either faded or are in the process, and perennials are yawning in advance of this year’s first killer freeze. Plants with their tootsies in the soil on the protected south exposure of a building may still liven up the landscape a bit. Before you kiss your plants bonsoir and turn out the lights in anticipation of

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Kris Kringle’s visit, here are 6 chores on the To Do list. • Clean up debris and trash. Next spring you’ll be happy you did it now. • Pull out annuals’ old growth. Throw all diseased plant detritus in the trash bin, and send it off to the dump. Cut down healthy old growth then let it wilt in the sun and dry in the wind until it becomes straw. Clip up then work it back into the soil to compost. I use hedge clippers and a garden fork for this chore. • Now is the time to put a spade into the garden bed and dig up Bermuda grass stolons and pesky weeds snaking around below the surface. They come out easily, and will do just fine in a bag at the dump. • Amend your bedding soil by working in goodies like diatomaceous earth (DE), agricultural molasses (microbes love sugar), grocery store cornmeal, twigs, leaves, grass clippings, rotted herbivore manures, and kitchen vegetable scraps. Feed stores carry DE and molasses. You will have to scout around for manures. Apply this latter item about ½ inch deep. A word to the wise: Fresh manures stink because as they break down they produce ammonia, a microbe-killer. Generally speaking, soil microbes are plant-friendly, and appreciate a handout. Look for bags of manure with the words “rotted” or “well rotted” printed on the bag. The microbes, plants, and your neighbors will love you for it. • Lay a 4-6” blanket of mulch over remaining carrots, onions, and garlic.

Page B12

Over the winter it will decompose into a thin tillable layer of compost. • If you know your soil is high acid, think well below 7 on the pH scale, “sweeten” it with some lawn lime OR ammonium sulfate in the amount of 1 pound per 1,000 square feet of garden. FYI, 1,000 square feet is the footprint of a couple of two-car garages. Don’t yield to the urge to overdo. Here’s the theory behind these chores. (1) Old growth is free “organic” fertilizer, and the price is right! The materials decompose and enrich the garden during its naptime months. “Organic” means old growth contains the element carbon which soil microbes and plants use to make glucose or sugar for energy. Plant cells that conduct photosynthesis need energy to get their job done. (2) Hedge clippers are giant scissors that cut a lot of stuff at once. (3) Root crops stay in the ground until you need them. The garden is Mother Nature’s root cellar. Mulch traps ground and atmospheric heat to prevent freezing below the surface. Last but not least, (4) microbes chew up soil amendments and “inorganic” stuff like rocks and clays. This activity paves the way for plant roots to slurp in the good stuff that later feed us in the form of irresistible fruits and veggies. Oh, and don’t forget to give the garden a drink now and then if this winter is a dry one. Contact Noelle Hood at noellemhood@gmail.com

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December 2015

Wet Weather Pattern Continues By Meteorologist Brad Barton

November was a little warmer and wetter than normal, which seems positive from most angles, but two heavy rains that occurred within two weeks of each other made a lot of home gardens and landscapes too wet to work in. We also experienced at least two bouts of severe weather. We’ve begun to experience the repetitive Pacific storm systems enhanced by our current El Nino. This is just the beginning. As of press time, our average high was

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

about 70 degrees; average low was 49, which computed a day/night monthly average temperature of 59 degrees, which was 3 degrees warmer than normal. Our warmest reading was 81 degrees on November 5th. At this writing, the coldest temperature was 27 on the 22nd, which was right on time as Nov. 22 is the average date of the first freeze in North Texas. Rainfall was plentiful during the month. We received 1.42 inches on the 5th, .04 inches on the 7th, and 1.11 inches spread over the 15th, 16th and 17th. One more big round of rain was anticipated to reach North Texas around the Thanksgiving holiday that would likely break the wettest year on record of all time. Area lakes are nearly full. Severe weather returned to North Texas this past month. A small tornado that developed in North Richland Hills

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on November 5th dissipated as it moved northeast across the county line, although several reports of scattered wind damage were received across Denton County. The second outbreak occurred early on November 17th. Tornado warnings were activated about 3:30 a.m. as a small, leading-edge “spin-up” formed along a squall line sweeping across Denton County. It touched down in the community of Hickory Creek and was on the ground for about four minutes, covering one-anda-half miles with a damage path 50 yards wide. Several homes had minor roof damage, a motel on I-35E had extensive roof damage, a few garage doors were torn off, several signs were knocked down and a car wash suffered heavy damage. From the amount of damage, National Weather Service meteorologists rated the tornado an EF-1 with winds of 85 to 95

Page B13

miles an hour. Climate writer Paul Ruekberg of NewsWatch Dallas notes the weekly seasurface temperature in the El Nino region had warmed to 3 degrees above normal in mid November, making it one of the strongest in recent memory. Accordingly, the Climate Prediction Center continues to predict above-normal rainfall for North Texas in December and near-normal temperatures. It’s not outrageous to entertain the idea of snowfall here in December. North Texas experiences a “White Christmas” on average only twice a century, although we have seen two in the past six years: 2009 and 2012. Brad Barton is Chief Meteorologist of NewsTalk 820 WBAP/570 KLIF/99.5 The Wolf

December 2015

DO Police

Continued from Page B10

can / will result in the temporary suspension of the suspect’s driver’s license. In 2015 there is a strong possibility that the arresting agency will obtain an evidentiary search warrant for a blood sample from

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

the alleged offender and to aid in prosecution. Denton County has a very proactive DWI prosecution policy. Intoxicated drivers richly deserve to explain their actions to a trial judge and / or jury. Please don’t hesitate to call 911 if you see suspicious driving.

Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

Thank you for the opportunity to serve. Recent Police Calls Accident – 6200 blk. Long Prairie Rd., Flower Mound – Officer on patrol drove upon an accident between two vehicles in Flower Mound. Officer remained on scene until Flower Mound Police Department arrival. Lost Dogs – 100 blk. Twin Lakes Dr., Double Oak – A resident reported that his two labs (one black and one brown) were missing. Animal Control was notified and the officer searched the immediate area. Dogs were recovered by a neighbor. Welfare Concern – 100 blk. Meadowknoll Dr., Double Oak – Residents reported their teenage son as missing after he went out for a walk. Child returned to the residence while officer was at the home. Suspicious Vehicle – 100 blk. Victory Lane, Double Oak – A resident observed an unknown person parked in a vehicle in front of her home early in the morning. Further investigation revealed that the person was a contractor waiting to work on a nearby home. Smoke Investigation – 100 blk. Meadowknoll Dr., Double Oak – While on patrol officer observed smoke. Further investigation revealed a controlled burn by a property owner. Assist Agency – Bartonville – Officer assisted with checking on the welfare of a distraught person. Suspicious Vehicle – 8100 blk. Justin Rd., Double Oak – Officer responded to a suspicious vehicle call near a cell phone tower. Further investigation revealed it was a contractor working at the site.

Page B14

Reckless Damage – 6100 blk. Kings Rd., Double Oak – Known delivery truck company driver damaged a drainage ditch after parking off road. Company agreed to work with the property owner. Suspicious Person – 6600 blk. Hawk Rd., Double Oak – A resident reported an unknown person doing something to their property gate early in the morning. Subject fled the location as the caller approached them. Suspect description was not obtained due to a lack of light. Driving While Intoxicated – 8300 blk. Justin Rd., Double Oak – A witness reported a driver swerving into oncoming traffic. Officer followed and observed that the driver was unable to maintain a lane of traffic. An adult female was taken into custody for felony Driving While Intoxicated as the motorist had two prior DWI convictions. Animal Complaint – 100 blk. Cedarcrest Ln., Double Oak – A resident reported a large dog loose in their neighborhood. Officer located the dog and returned it to owner with a written warning. Assist Agency – Lantana – Officer assisted with checking on the welfare of a distraught person. Forgery / Fraud – 100 blk. Shady Oaks, Double Oak – Caller reported a fraud attempt by telephone. Traffic Complaint – 200 blk. Meadowknoll, Double Oak – A caller reported sounds of working vans going into and out of the area. Officer was unable to locate the work vans. Criminal Mischief – 8400 blk. Justin Rd., Double Oak – Unknown person took two pumpkins from a local business and smashed them on the road.

December 2015

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

Flower Mound Chamber Corner

Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

Page B15

Wise Advantage Group Continues to Grow to Meet Housing Demand

By Lori Walker, President

November Business of the Month - Mark Tucker Agency

Each month the Flower Mound Chamber staff and the committee that choses the Business of the Month seek to find the business that has shown support, both in the chamber and community, and who has risen to the top most recently. This month’s choice is all that and more. There are many words that describe our honored business such as generous, kind, friendly and most of all supportive of their community and the surrounding communities that they serve. As far as the Chamber is concerned, the ways that this entity has helped and supported us runs so deep that it is impossible to even measure. In a business community such as Flower Mound and the surrounding areas, the opportunity to work with exceptional business entities is prevalent. The Flower Mound Chamber has a great working relationship with all businesses, large or small and is extremely appreciative of them all. Today we honor Allstate Insurance – The Mark Tucker Agency as our November 2015 Business of the Month. Join with me in congratulating them! November Ambassador of the Month - Faith Heckman As a Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, they are the front line representatives for the Chamber at public and Chamber sponsored events/activities. They assist in ribbon cuttings, member retention visits, volunteer at chamber

events and partner with the town to promote local activities. As an Ambassador, their dedication, time and efforts are appreciated and highly valued by the Board of Directors, Chamber Staff and Membership. They ARE a critical component of the Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce success. An Ambassador needs to process certain traits: kindness, humility, pride, honesty, credibility, passion and so many more. This individual joined the Ambassador team early this year and has had an immediate positive impact. We met this individual even before they were officially part of the chamber. It was clear from our first conversation that this person was the type of individual who would do anything for anyone needing assistance. Over the past 7 months, we have seen this generosity come through time and time again. No matter what the task, they stepped up and asked how they can help. We see it during our meetings and at events like ribbon cuttings. They were also very involved with Fiesta prior to the event, making calls, volunteering to build silent auction items or even loading up trailers in the rain to bring items over to the hotel. It is not just their willingness to offer help but the Ambassador group has come to greatly appreciate her friendly demeanor by always bringing a smile and laughter to our gatherings. Each time the Ambassadors get together, we are better because this person is there too. We have all come to rely on her and can only say thank you for all of her efforts. Please welcome and congratulate Faith Heckman as our November Ambassador of the Month.

Ali Seay

Kristie Seibert

The Wise Advantage Group, a top real estate team at the Keller Williams Dallas Metro North office, is pleased to announce that Ali Seay, Kristie Seibert and Sandy Simmons recently joined the real estate group led by Kris Wise, Broker Associate, and Mark Wise, Director of Operations. They joined the award winning team of Cathy Walton-Listing Specialist, Jennifer Gray-Buyer’s Agent and Mariah LadianaOffice Manager, who all use the proven selling systems designed by founder Kris Wise. Ali Seay, a native of the DFW area, knows the neighborhoods. Ali is responsible for Inside Sales and serves as one of the Wise Advantage Group Stagers. “Wise Advantage Group stages every home to sell quickly and for over the market price and adding Ali has helped us help more sellers take advantage of this market,” Ms. Wise said. Kristie Seibert, a Builder’s Representative in the DFW area for 13 years, brings a wealth of knowledge about new construction. “Kristie’s connections have increased the exposure of our clients to all of the new construction in our immediate area. She knows it is critical to be repre-

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Sandy Simmons

sented by a Realtor when purchasing new construction and her knowledge helps our clients get the right home, on the right lot at the right price with the right builder,” stated Ms. Wise. Sandy Simmons joins the team bringing creativity in the marketing of the Wise Advantage Group brand as well as seeking out homes for her buyers even those that aren’t on the market. Sandy, like Ms. Wise, has a degree in Accounting and has always thought about real estate as a great career. “Sandy brings some very creative ideas about our marketing and how to get her buyers into homes,” said Ms. Wise. “As we grow, it is essential to maintain the customer service Wise Advantage Group is known for and that is not negotiable,” said Ms. Wise. More than 72-percent of Wise Advantage Group’s business in 2015 was from referrals from clients and friends. The Wise Advantage Group specializes in Flower Mound real estate and the surrounding areas. Sellers who sold with Wise Advantage in 2015 sold 21 days faster than the market average and for more money. Call 972-829-9040 or visit www.AllThingsHousing.com Sponsored content

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December 2015

Wrestlers

Continued from Page B1

top teams in the state. “I am cautiously optimistic that in the end it will be a good season, but I fully expect to take some lumps along the way.

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

I am anxious to see what will happen when we get our nose bloodied. Will we come fighting back or whimper in the corner?” Last year, Flower Mound finished with a dual record of 19–6, were sixth at the State Duals of Texas, won their ninth consecutive district championship,

Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

finished third at the region II meet, and sent three wrestlers to the State Championship. The Jaguars return junior Bataa Douglas, who finished third at state last season at 126 lbs. and had a record of 42–6. Flower Mound is also returning seniors Jared Holbrook and Ryan Smith, both state alternates last season at 145 and 195 respectively. Other returning starters include Spenser Behrens (Jr.) 138 lbs., 34 – 13, Duke Carrillo (Jr.) 285 lbs. 30 – 15, Daryl Rutherford (Jr.) 220 lbs. 28 – 14, Tanner Wood (Jr.) 145 lbs. 22 - 11, and Matthew Wojcicki (So.) 113 lbs. 17 – 12. “Our team goals include winning a 10th consecutive district championship, representing region II at the State Duals of Texas, and bringing home some gold medals at the UIL State Championship,” Davis said. “If that is to happen, we will need to see steady progress throughout the season. We are going to have to embrace our losses as an opportunity to grow and become better, and expect that we will mature by season’s end. It will be a big challenge for sure, and all the sweeter if we can pull it off.” Davis said he anticipates Coppell and Hebron being Flower Mound’s toughest district opponents. Over at Marcus, coach Mike Prado said that he is feeling pretty confident heading into the season, but did add there has already been a bit of a setback. Returning state alternate Brice Haney was injured during football season, but the Marauders will get back Austin Jacobs (195) a district alternate who wrestled in the regional meet last year. “Three wrestlers saw a lot of action last season and should contribute this year in Max Sterns, Wade Barker and Drew Fagen,” Prado said. Marcus finished third at the district

Page B16

meet last season and returns a number of wrestlers. Noah Jacobs is also a returning starter from last season. Marcus will host this year’s district meet in February as well. For the Argyle wrestling program, coach Bobby Morse said he believes his is capable of accomplishing great things this season and said he is especially impressed with the turnout. “Things are looking good for Argyle wrestling this year,” Morse said. “The team numbers have grown and we have a lot of good, young guys getting ready for the season.” Argyle had seven regional qualifiers last year and Chase Roth won his third state championship. “Chase returns as a senior this year and is looking forward to another run at the state title,” Morse said. Morse said he anticipates Azle being his toughest district competition this season and said the objectives for the 2015-16 season are pretty straightforward. “We look forward to a strong showing at district this year and advancing even more to the region 2 tournament and on to state,” Morse said. Down the road at Liberty Christian, coach Mark Smith said while he is optimistic about his teams’ chances this season, he does have an interesting, but completely solvable, problem. “The team is working hard, and our boys are truly building a great brotherhood,” Smith said. “We have a lot of boys at the same weight, which is great for the practice room, but it can be difficult when trying to build a dual team.” Liberty Christian placed second as a team at the TAPPS state tournament last season, following its state championship

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December 2015

Do You Have a Plan in Place? Submitted by Don Mills

“Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die.” That is one way to prepare for the inevitable. But you have worked hard to support yourself and your family. A better axiom might be “Make an Estate Plan, for Tomorrow We Die.” An Estate Plan is a set of documents designed to help you manage your assets while you live and to direct the disposition of your assets after you die. A typical Estate Plan for a married couple might include a Revocable Living Trust, Wills, Financial and Medical Powers of Attorney, Health Care Directives (Living Wills), and HIPAA Releases. A Revocable Living Trust is a legal device

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

used for the management of property. The trust holds title to property for the benefit of your designated beneficiaries. Upon death, your property is distributed to your beneficiaries without the need for probate. In an estate plan with a living trust included, Wills perform two primary functions: (1) To pour over to the trust all property not already in the name of the trust; and (2) To appoint a guardian for your minor children, if applicable. A Financial Power of Attorney, also called a Durable Power of Attorney, appoints an agent to manage your financial affairs. This document can be made effectively immediately or it can be made to spring into effect upon incapacity. A Medical Power of Attorney appoints an agent to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are incapacitated and unable to make those decisions for yourself.

Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

A Health Care Directive, also called a “Living Will” provides your directions to your health care providers and/or your agent under the Medical Power about certain “life sustaining treatments” under specified conditions. A HIPAA Release is used to authorize your medical providers to disclose and

Page B17

discuss your medical condition and related information to and with specified persons. Contact the Law Office of Don Mills in Flower Mound at 214-617-2260, dmills@ donmillslaw.com or donmillslaw.com.

Helping Ranch Hands

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Over 425 people attended the 4th Annual Saddle Up Hollywood Gala on Nov. 24 at Austin Ranch in Grapevine to support Argyle-based Ranch Hand Rescue. The event, featuring Emmy-award winning actress Doris Roberts (“Everybody Loves Raymond”), raised over $130,000 to support farm-animal rescue and rehabilitation efforts as well as fund counseling programs for children and adults. Pictured are Denton County Sheriff Will Travis, Doris Roberts, and Bob Williams, CEO of Ranch Hand Rescue.

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December 2015

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

Page B18

Outstanding Students of the Month Entrepreneurism May Be in Cards for Marcus Senior By John English, Contributing Writer

Jake Nelson

Jake Nelson is an athlete and a scholar. The Marcus High School senior is a receiver on the football team and a member of the National Honor Society, and said he cannot imagine his life any other way. “I just like to stay busy,” Nelson said. “I don’t really like to stand still and sit around. Whenever opportunities present themselves, I like to take advantage of them. I feel like if I pass on an opportunity, there could be something that I’m really going to miss out on.” Nelson is also a member of the math honor society Mu Alpha Theta and the Senior Class Vice President for the Student Council. The Marcus student, who has not yet decided where he will attend college, said that he does have a pretty good idea about what he wants to do when he grows up for a living. “My dad owns his own company, and I

have been inspired by that,” Nelson said. “I would like to be a future business owner. I plan to study business in college. I’m not exactly sure what I want to do, but I think following in my dad’s footsteps would be a good thing.” Nelson is also trying to get a part time job and completes community service hours for the clubs in which he is involved. The Marcus student said there is a major issue affecting young people these days that he would like to see change. “There are a lot of negative influences,” Nelson said. “As a whole, there is a lot of pressure put on young people, and I think people might shy away from what they would be capable of accomplishing.” Nelson attends church regularly and said he had the good fortune to go on a mission trip this past summer to Quito, Ecuador. “That was amazing,” Nelson said. “It was an awesome experience to see a country like that and kind of branch out and do something like that, it was unbelievable.” Throughout his time at Marcus High School, Nelson said there are a number of things that have meant a lot to him. “It’s all the experiences I have had over the years,” Nelson said. “The camaraderie at the school is amazing, the people, the teachers and the staff are top notch. It’s like no place else.” Nelson’s grade point average is a 4.54 on a weighted scale. Nelson’s Favorites Favorite Athlete: JJ Watt Favorite Sports Team: Houston Texans Favorite Subject: Math Favorite Food: Sushi Favorite Movie: Batman Trilogy Favorite TV Show: Prison Break Book Currently Reading: Lone Survivor Favorite Musical Group or Performer: Whiskey Myers

Top Debater Looks at All Sides By John English, Contributing Writer

Breann Smith

Breann Smith serves in many roles at Liberty Christian School and said she believes it is important for her to help out wherever she can or is needed. The Liberty Christian student is the President of the Debate team and member of the National Honor Society and said taking on so many responsibilities is something she truly enjoys. “I just really like being involved in the community,” Smith said. “I want to make an impact on other people’s lives.” A member of the Students Against Destructive Decisions club and President of the Young Democrats Club, Smith said the thing that she enjoys the most about attending Liberty Christian School is the fact that students accept all of the different points of view. “I love how open minded the people can

be,” Smith said. “They all have unique perspectives.” Smith said that if she was President of the United States for a day and could do one thing, it would probably be to shed some light on an issue that is affecting a lot of schools around the country today. “I would probably try to draw more attention to things at schools that are getting cut,” Smith said. “Things like fine arts and stuff like that.” Of all of the issues affecting young people today, Smith said that one stands out to her as being especially significant when it comes to an age when information is so readily available. “I would say that it is not being fully informed, and only looking at biased sources,” Smith said. Smith said she has enjoyed her time at Liberty Christian School and said that when she reflects on her time as a student in the future, one aspect of her time at LCS will stand out above the rest. “I will remember all of the friends that I have made over the years,” Smith said. Smith plans to attend Austin College of Mary Hardin-Baylor and plans to double major in Political Science and Psychology and minor in Philosophy. She has a 3.7 grade point average. Smith’s Favorites Favorite Subject: English Person Who Most Inspires Me: Mr. Allen, her bible teacher Favorite Food: Sushi Favorite Movie: The Judge Favorite TV Show: Criminal Minds Favorite Musical Group or Performer: Art of Dying

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December 2015

Wrestlers

Continued from Page B16

victory the year before. The Warriors had five state champions, and three, including Paul Barbaro, Dawson Parker, and Garrett Sawyer, are

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

all returning. “Returning two-time state champ Dawson Parker put in a lot of time over the summer,” Smith said. “Paul Barbaro is another returning state champ who always gives 100 percent. Garrett Sawyer is also a returning state champ, and now

Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

that football season is over, he is excited to get back into the wrestling room.” Smith anticipates Trinity Christian, Saint Thomas and McKinney Christian to be among the teams to beat this season, and said that a successful season for his team is a couple of things.

Page B19

“If you measure success by winning, it is a byproduct of what we do in the wrestling room,” Smith said. “Knowing our identity is in the Lord is the most important objective. Our boys also want to stay healthy and continue to do well in their academics.”

December 2015

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

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Inside This Section December 2015

www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

C Page C1

Annual CCA Christmas Programs Light Up Lives

Servants Spread Holiday Spirit

By Lyn Rejahl Pry, Contributing Writer

Help Wanted: It takes approximately 1,000 volunteers to help collect toys and work at CCA’s Christmas Toy Store or shopping mall Giving Trees.

Flower Mound Police Chief Andy Kancel and Assistant Chief Wendell Mitchell collect toys for the Santa Cops program.

What started as a Bible study group of seven people in 1973 has grown into an organization of over 150 staff members and more than 2,500 volunteers. Lewisville-based Christian Community Action (CCA) – one of the largest private non-profits in the state - has been bringing hope and changing lives, offering financial assistance, access to healthcare, and providing food to more

Our public servants have been under increased pressure this year, but that does not stop them from having a heart for the communities they serve, especially towards those that are struggling. Three area police departments and one fire department are conducting toy and food drives to give underprivileged children and families something to smile about this holiday season.

than 10,000 individuals annually in southern Denton County and beyond. CCA’s holistic approach from rescue-to-transition helps families in need achieve self-sufficiency by offering a “hand-up” instead of a hand-out. Here are some ways you can help CCA help others this holiday season. See CCA Page C12

Flower Mound The Flower Mound Police Department and the Flower Mound Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association are holding the town’s ninth annual Santa Cops Toy Drive. The program collects donations and gifts throughout the year and then distributes them at Christmas to children See SPIRIT Page C6

December 2015

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

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December 2015

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Scents of the Season

The staff at Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa in Flower Mound can take care of your holiday gift needs and help you de-stress during this busy season.

Do you ever wonder why certain smells can trigger a good memory or a positive emotion? Think about what scents remind you of the holiday season. Does the smell of apple cider brewing in the kitchen, turkey in the oven, or freshly baked cookies and pies make you feel warm and fuzzy for the holidays? You can thank your brain for that! The olfactory bulb, a neural structure involved with olfaction (sense of smell) interacts with both the amygdala, which is responsible for associative learning to trigger a response to smell. In addition to the scents of the season, aromatherapy is another way that our brain associates scents with a response such as stress relief and relaxation. As the name suggests, aroma means scent and therapy means treatment. It is often used to improve your health and general well-being. Aromatherapy has increased in popularity recently, but has been around for over two thousand years. At Hand & Stone, we offer three aromatherapy scents: Eucalyptus, Lavender and Peppermint. Our peppermint aromatherapy with its light, re-freshing and clear minty aroma is the perfect addition to your massage service. The holidays tend to add mounds of items to our “To Do List” making us even more busy and exhausted than usual. Luckily, peppermint aromatherapy can refresh and awaken the senses for increased mental alertness. Additionally, if you’re looking to relieve sinus problems, congestion, joint and muscle pain or mental fatigue ask for Eucalyptus. Or, if you are simply looking to relieve stress and anxiety, Lavender is the best for its calming and relaxing effects. We, at Hand & Stone in Flower Mound, wish you a very Merry Christmas and hope you remember us for any holiday gift needs and to de-stress yourself. Tis’ the Season! Hand and Stone is located at 3501 Long Prairie Rd on the corner of FM 2499 and Churchill in Flower Mound. We can be reached at 972355-3939 or online: handandstone.com.

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C H R I S T I A N

Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

C O M M U N I T Y

Page C4

A C T I O N

Give the Gift of Hope Please consider

Christian Community Action

this Christmas season! ccahelps.org/holiday-program

To Donate Text

GIVE to 972-332-5884 Select amount SEND

To make a donation to support our Angels, please use the Text-To-Give information to the left or visit our website at ccahelps.org.

Are you looking for a way to give back this season? CCA has several opportunities for you to help make this a special holiday season for so many in our community. Make a monetary donation to CCA: Make your check payable to Christian Community Action: 200 S. Mill St., Lewisville, TX, 75057 or, give online at www.ccahelps.org. Volunteer at the CCA Christmas Toy Store: Help is needed at the store, or volunteer for a shift at a mall location to manage a giving tree. Coordinate a food, Christmas toy, or clothing drive: Host a drive at your church, business, or organization. Adopt a Senior for Christmas: Adopt a senior citizen and purchase gifts from their wish list of needed items. Contact us to give, host a drive or volunteer: To give or host a drive | Cindy Shafer | 972.219.4318 | Cindy.Shafer@ccahelps.org To volunteer | 972.219.4372 | volunteer.requests@ccahelps.org

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Spirit

Continued from C1

in Flower Mound who might otherwise not receive a gift. Families and their children are selected only from the Flower Mound community. Santa Cops is designed to be an outlet for those who want to make Christmas brighter for a child, as well as provide an opportunity for a positive interaction between the Flower Mound Police Department and those children who might perceive law enforcement in a negative light. The program continues its success fostering the idea that law enforcement does serve, as well as protect.

A donation, or the contribution of a toy, will help to make a Flower Mound child’s Christmas one to remember. To notify Santa Cops of a family who needs help on Christmas, fill out the form at: www.flower-mound.com/ DocumentCenter/View/10639 and return it to FMPD in person at the Police Station, 4150 Kirkpatrick Lane, by emailing santacops@flower-mound.com, via fax at 972-874-3316 or notify any Police Officer. The number of families that can be considered is limited only by the amount of toys and donations received. All referrals must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4. To make a donation of toys or monies, contact the Santa Cops Program at: santacops@flower-mound. com, or call Santa Cops Chairperson Doug Graves at 972-874-3339. To speak with the program coordinator, or for inquiries involving larger donations, contact Crime Prevention Officer Justin Buck at justin.buck@flower-mound. com or by calling 972-8743357. New, unwrapped, nonviolent toys may be dropped off at: the Flower Mound Police Department at 4150 Kirkpatrick Lane; Flower Mound Town Hall at 2121 Cross Timbers Rd.; Flower Mound Senior Center at 2701 West Windsor Dr.; Community Activity Center at 1200 Gerault Rd.; Flower Mound Library at 3030 Broadmoor Lane;

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Flower Mound Animal Services at 3950 Justin Rd.; Bridlewood Amenity Center at 5000 Par Dr.; Chili’s (north) at 6251 Long Prairie Rd.; Cristina’s Mexican at 6424 Cross Timbers Rd.; Cloud 9 Salon & Spa at 1651 Justin Rd.; Curves at 870 Parker Square.; Enzo’s Pizza at 900 Parker Square.; Lifetime Fitness at 3100 Churchill Dr.; Presbyterian Hospital Flower Mound at 4400 Long Prairie Rd.; NCTC Flower Mound Campus at 1200 Parker Square.; Salerno’s Restaurant at 407 Long Prairie Rd.; Tour 18 at 8718 Amen Corner; Trio Coffee at 2628 Long Prairie Rd.; and Wellington Amenity Center at 3520 Furlong Dr. E. The Santa Cops Toy Drive runs until Dec. 9. Bartonville The Bartonville Police Department is teaming up with the Argyle ISD and conducting its annual Blue Santa Program. The drive helped over 40 children last year A “Blue Santa” giving tree is located inside Bartonville Town Hall, 1941 E. Jeter Rd., with wish tags for each child. Items may be donated anytime during business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Some suggested items: warm blankets, gloves, hats and grocery cards. While all children are on the free lunch program at school, they may not eat as well at home when school is out. Monetary donations and grocery store gift cards are now being accepted and may be taken to the Bartonville Police Department/Town Hall. The deadline for contributions is

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December 14th. For more information, call 817-693-5280. Highland Village The Highland Village Police Department is sponsoring their “Help for the Holidays” canned food and toy drive to benefit the local Salvation Army. “We so often don’t realize how many in our community will go without or have very little under their tree this year. And, every year we are astounded by the generosity of our community,” said Police Chief Doug Reim. “The donations of canned food and gifts for the kids of all ages make the Christmas season a joyous one for these families.” For more information, contact the HVPD at 972-317-6551. Not to be outdone, the Highland Village Fire Department will sponsor its Santa Day on Saturday, Dec. 19 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Highland Village Fire Station, 1200 Highland Village Rd. There will be a bounce house, cookies, hot chocolate, face painting and the opportunity to take a picture with Santa. It is an opportunity to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the station to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center of Denton County (CACDC). “Santa makes a special stop in Highland Village each year,” said Fire Chief John Glover. “You will see him riding through the neighborhoods with the Fire Department the week of December 13 to 18.” For more information, contact the HVFD at 972-317-3913.

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Kicking Off Christmas

The Shops at Highland Village at FM 2499 and FM 407 celebrated its multi-million dollar renovation and kicked off the holiday season Nov. 21 with the annual Our Village Glows Christmas tree lighting. For information on reservations for breakfast and brunch with Santa, Santa photo hours, horse-drawn carriage rides, concerts, contests and promotions taking place during the holiday season, visit www.TheShopsatHighlandVillage.com.

We Have it All in Highland Village Come See for Yourself!

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Yuletide Cheer Coming to Denton

Christmas Eve Service Times: 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.

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BridgeWay Church 8201 FM 407

972-317-9500

www.bwchurch.org

For the 17th year the Downtown Denton merchants will stir up their favorite recipes to compete for the coveted titles of King or Queen, Duke or Duchess, and Lord or Lady of Wassail at Wassail Fest, a tasting event held during the annual Denton Holiday Lighting Festival on Friday, Dec. 4th from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Dec. 5th from 2 to 5 p.m. The tasting is free and open to all ages. This year 38 restaurants, stores and business member locations around Downtown will participate. The list of Wassail Stops is available at www.dentonmainstreet.org.

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"Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10

Immanuel God is with us. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOURS Law Offices of Virginia A. Moore 6021 Morriss Road, Suite 112 Morriss Road Office Park III Flower Mound, TX 75028-3764 972-355-0800 (Office) vam@vamlawfirm.com

Jingle bells, It’s time for sales, The year is winding down. But don’t forget, Your dollars spent, Can fund services in Town.

SHOP

FLOWER MOUND joy

and spread the this holiday season

Parks and streets, Are paid with treats, Purchased locally. The things you buy, Can multiply, And pay for public safety. The holidays, Provide you ways, To give back to Flower Mound. Shop at our stores, Š ¦¡£ ¤ ¦¡£ထ Happy holidays all around!

Happy Holidays! From:

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Ǥƪ Ǧ Ǥ Ȁ

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CCA

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Each year, CCA’s Christmas Toy Store provides new toys to more than 2,000 children. It takes approximately 1,000 volunteers to help collect toys and work at CCA’s Christmas Toy Store or shopping mall Giving Trees with gift suggestions. Giving trees are located at Vista Ridge, Grapevine Mills and Stonebriar Centre. To ensure that Santa will visit CCA’s “Angel children” with the perfect Christmas gift, CCA’s Christmas Toy Store allows parents to provide gifts for their children despite the hardships they currently

face. Qualifying families are identified through Family Assistance Services. Parents select new, unwrapped gifts from donations provided to CCA’s Toy Store. Everything they need, from stocking-stuffers to boxes and bows, are provided to ensure a memorable holiday. The Senior Christmas program provides holiday cheer to elderly adults. In 2014, CCA provided gifts for 89 seniors and holiday food for 1,373 families. Individuals and companies purchase Christmas gifts from a wish list provided by specific seniors. Donors also provide food, drinks and entertainment for CCA’s Golden Angels Christmas Party.

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Return the wrapped gifts with the name on the tag to CCA by Monday, Dec. 7. The senior Christmas party will be held on Friday, Dec. 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 907 W., Main St., Lewisville. Volunteers are needed to help at the mall Giving Trees, local Wal-Mart Christmas displays, the CCA’s Toy Store, shopping assistants (18-years-old minimum), Toy Store Stocking and Inventory (16-yearold minimum) and Holiday Food Program helpers (16-year-old minimum). To register as a volunteer, complete the online application at: www.ccahelps. org/volunteer or contact Charlene Bell

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at 972-219-4382 or Charlene.Bell@ccehelps.org. To coordinate a Toy Drive, Adopt a Senior, or display a Giving Tree, call Michelle DeGrate at 972-219-4379 or Michelle.DeGrate@ccahelps.org; Peggy Swann at 972-219-4324 or Peggy. Swann@ccahelps.org; or Karen Westphal at 972-219-4334 or Karen.Westphal@ccahelps.org. Also provided are: Financial Assistance rent/mortgage, utilities, transportation, clothing and prescriptions; affordable housing; Spiritual Care & Counseling; Vocational/Education Services – GED & ESL classes, job-search support, budget training, literacy, job-search skills, resume building, job fairs, forklift certification and more; Case Management Services; plus Seasonal Programs – Back to School and Senior Monday, as well as the holiday and summer programs above. To schedule a fundraising event for this program contact Vice President of Development: Cindy Shafer at 972-219-4318 or Cindy. Shafer@ccahelps.org. For more information, call CCA’s Director of Food and Seasonal Programs, 972-219-4344 or programs@ccahelps.org. Help CCA bring hope by meeting the needs of the community and blessing those less fortunate this holiday season.

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 FROM 8AM - 7PM

Give yourself the gift of peace of mind this Christmas! Call me for a William Meek, AAI, LUTCF free quote! Insurance & Financial Services Agent

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Wishing You Holiday Blessings!

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all Cookie Platters or a Dozen Cookies

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Christmas Parade Entertainment on the Wayne Ferguson Plaza Stage Santa Paws Village Lewisville Lights! Movie in the Plaza featuring "ELF"

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The Shops At Highland Village

CITYOFLEWISVILLE.COM Presented by

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GIVE THE GIFT OF CONFIDENCE

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E /VSKIV 'SQTER]

Cafe Takery Catering

this holiday season LET YOURSELF GET TAKEN BY SURPRISE

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;LEX [MPP FI QSVI WYVTVMWMRK# 8LI ½RI NI[IPV] ]SY KMZI LIV SV XLI JEGX XLEX ]SY JSYRH MX EX *VIH 1I]IV .I[IPIVW MR /VSKIV# Stop by one of our 10 stores in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area today. Our GIVXM½IH ½RI NI[IPV] TVSJIWWMSREPW EVI VIEH] XS LIPT ]SY ½RH E LSPMHE] KMJX XLEX´W VIJVIWLMRKP] YRI\TIGXIH

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Light Up Your Christmas in Argyle Keep Argyle Beautiful’s 2nd Annual Argyle Christmas Festival and Tree Lighting is set for Saturday, Dec. 5, from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at Argyle Town Hall. There will be crafts for kids, along with face painting, a balloon artist, Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt, ornament decorating, a coloring station, pictures with Santa, scavenger bingo and a group picture taken in a

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photo booth with Christmas props. A hayride from designated parking areas to Town Hall will start the fun for the day. Strolling carolers and entertainers will provide a musical backdrop for the festivities. Food vendors include: Cachette Bistro cookies and bread; Fuzzy’s selling nachos; Tommy Sanderson selling hotdogs; Miss Piggy selling funnel cakes, gumbo and crawfish pie; Giovanni’s selling pizza; and the Argyle Lions Club selling sodas, water, coffee and hot chocolate.

Twenty craft vendors will be selling a variety of items that include: wood and iron work; homemade blankets; pillows; hats; jewelry; scarves; shawls; string art; greeting cards; casserole carriers; and, hair bows. A local children’s author will be selling and autographing her books. The Festival of Trees gives people the opportunity to bid and also buy tickets for a raffle on decorated Christmas trees and wreaths in a silent auction. All the proceeds will go to Ranch Hand Rescue this year. Canned or boxed food items for the Argyle Food Bank and unwrapped toys for the children at Cook’s Children Hospital will also be collected. The poster contest winner will light the official Argyle Christmas Tree with Santa. Visit Keep Argyle Beautiful Website: www. keepargylebeautiful.com or on Facebook.

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s y a d i l o Happy H

d n now an h card e e w t e b us unc Dine witthh nd receive this p es! r 26 a reat priz Decembe chance to WIN g for a from

very evmisbeitr 26th ! e r o f h c n u Get a p 3rd through Dec November 2

visit bsequent d every su r a chance to n a , it is v On your 4 you a rafﬂe ticket fodrawings. we’ll give f our weekly prize WIN one o and r punches . Eligible fo ckets 11/23 - 12/26 ti s! e ze ri fﬂ p ra r d fo e ances unlimit = more ch More pizza th

prizes range from a

groovy mellow hoodie to an i pad! Come get Mellow with us on December 26th when we will GIVE BACK 10% of all sales to the Greater Denton County Children’s Advocacy Center. 2450 Cross Timbers Rd. FLOWER MOUND 214-513-8111 mellowmushroom.com

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A heart felt THANK YOU to all of our 2015 donors. With your support we were successful in raising over $130,000 for our Annual Campaign! Thank you for helping the Cross Timbers YMCA ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶ ƚŚĞ ĨŽƵŶĚĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ ŽƵƌ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚǇ͘ Adaeze V Moghalu

Bonnie Smith

David Shirley

Highland Village Rotary Club Joseph Pace

Lila Hall

Mike Honea Insurance Agency Ray Taylor

Aidan Carrigg

Brad Cozart

Dawn Sprayman

Home Helpers

Joseph P Casey SR

Linda Adams

Mike Ruocco

Alan W Harris

Brian White

Debi Friedlander

Horace Wilkins

Josh Poole

Linda Walter

Modern Woodmen of America Rayer Bemiss

Howard Brooks

Jospeph David

Lois Farness

Mr. Howard McGovern

Richard J Wagner

Tammy Gillham

Lou Ann Warren

Mrs. Callie Newton

Rick McKinstry

Tanya Krueger

Ray Hernandez

Susan Pederson Suzanne Sutton Sylvia P Winsor

Alex Buck

Bridlewood Family Healthcare PA Debra C. Duffy, DDS, PA

Alex Dann

Brinks Incorporated

Del Risberg

Huffines Dealerships of Lewisville Joyce Love

Alfredo Santesteban

Carl Buck

Dianna Dick

Isidora G Martinez

JRMI Ltd.

Lynn Meltzer

Mulkey-Mason Funeral Home Riley & Karen Walter

Alicia McKinley

Carol Kyer

Dianne Vaughan

Jack C Ramey

Judi Archer

Marcia Blair

Nadine McKenzie

Robert Nichol

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital

Alma Hall

Carol Mack

Dickerman Sadler

Jackie Sebastian

Judy Carrico

Margaret Stockard

Nancy Thorne

Robert J Smith

Texas Lonestar Staffing, LLC

American National Bank

Casey Perkins

Dionna Charles

James E Morrison

Judy Sparkman

Margaret Mohan

Nancy Wetzel

Roswitha I Lozano

Texas Spirit

Angie D Cox

Chad Schoep

Donna Jordan

Jane L. Falkenstein

Julia M Sloan

Mark Phillips

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The Cross Timbers Gazette

Ann Killen

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Thomas H Dollahite

Anne Scales

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Elizabeth Whitchurch

Janice La Pointe Crump

Karen Meier

Mary Davis

Orthopedic Associates

Safeway, Inc (077)

Thomas Kelly

Anne Galbreath DDS

Chris Young

Exxon Mobil Foundation

Jason & Jill Walter

Katherine McLemore

Mary Frosto

Pamela Malone

Sam Gallo

Tim Bean

Arentco Rentals & Sales Of Lewisville Chris Fisher

Fish City Grill

Jason & Sharon Franks

Kathy Hill

Mary Kaiser

Pat Schier

Sam's Club

TNT Promotions LLC

Argyle Chamber of Commerce Christine Poyant

Flower Mound Assisted Living LLC Jason Carmichael

Kay Futrell

Mary Morris

Pat Burkhart

Sandra Kiesling

Total Building Maintenance Inc.

Kevin Graham

Mary Ann Clubbs

Patricia Lemoine

Sandra Cook

Trisha Leonard

Jean DeFord

Kids Triathlon Inc.

Mary Jacoby

Patricia A Sikich

Sante Center for Healing

Van & Wilma Clay

Frankie Griffin

Jeff Moore

Kim Loney

Mary Kay Walker

Patricia Christich

Sarah Chapman

Walter Bollman

Frederick Storing

Jeff H Brand

Kirk Motsenbocker

Marylou Christy

Patti Albracht

Scott Strange

Walter Geercken

Barbara L Cross

Cleveland & Gloria Sanders Garrett Mayberry

Jeffrey Cagle

Kristin Nevin

Matthew Kuhn

Patti McCoy

Shannon Brown

Wanda Ingram

Barbara Parham

CornerStone Staffing

Gary Boren

Jeffrey Grubb

Kwik Kar Vista Ridge

Matthew R Morrison

Paul & Dora Martinez Jr

Shawn Gilbert

Welding Eyecare and Laser Center

Barney & Kathy Pashak

Correne Conder

Gary Klusman

Jim B Whitchurch

Kylie Riggs

MD Pediatric Assoc. Flower Mound Paul Anderson

Shelley Hines

Will Travis

Ben & Sue Casey

CoServ Charitable Foundation Gavin Fleten

Jimmy Alexander

Lance Weibye

Medical Center of Lewisville Paula McReynolds

Shenna Harris, MD

Will Barresi

Bethany Karwowski

Craig Bickhaus

Gene E Curry

Joan Bronder

Laura Valila-Ross

Michael Cave

PGA Northern Texas Section St Philip The Apostle

Betty Sepanek

Cristina Rodriguez

George & Dianne Paroubek Joan Walker

LeAnn Hunsucker

Michael Garner

Phyllis W Worden

Stephanie Phipps

William E Hoskins

Bill Collins

Crown Trophy

Glenn Kimball

Lena Yao

Michael & Michelle Gallo

Pickleball

Steve Griffin

Yolanda Rangel

Bill Thomas

Dan Golden

Grace Community Assembly of God John Centala

Leonard Chiropractic, PA

Michael D Salas

PointBank

Straub Photography

Blue Bell Creameries

David & Leigh Ann Johnson Halley Jones

John Ibe

Lewisville Rotary Club

Michelle Paradise

Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc Sue Buchanan

Bob Peffer

David & Karen Thornhill

Hammerle Finley

John A Sullivan

Lewisville Transmission

Michiko Joseff

Rahim Phelps

Sue Lampa

Bobbie Mitchell

David Huffman

Harris Hospice, Inc.

Jorge Chavez

Lewisville Volkswagen

Mike & Lynda Smith

Ralph Brescia

Sue Ridnour

Arnavaz Vakharia

Chuck Springer

Flower Mound Family Funeral Home Jason Copes

Arthur Locke

Ciera Bank

Flower Mound Pharmacy

Audrey Follmer

Cindy R Black

Bank of America Foundation Cindy Tobin

Joanna Hudson

Terry & Shelly Brennan

William D Holcomb

December 2015

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Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Shelly Dodge, CWS® President

Kathy Beahm Ofﬁce Manager

Marle Wisner Marketing

Stocks & Bonds - Mutual Funds Fixed & Variable Annuity Products IRA’s/401k Rollovers - Alternative Investments College Savings 529 Accounts Life Insurance - Long Term Care - Disability

3305 Long prairie road, suite 140 flower mound, tx 75022

972-539-0002 www.visionaryﬁnancialgroup.com Securities and investment advisory services offered through Next Financial Group, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC Visionary Financial Group is not an affiliate of Next Financial Group, Inc.

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Give the Gift of Health this Holiday Season... with a YMCA Membership!

Cross Timbers YMCA 2021 Cross Timbers Road, Flower Mound, TX 75028 972-539-9622 www.crosstimbersymca.org Mission: To put Christian values into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

MERRY CHRISTMAS and

HAPPY HOLIDAYS fro� �ll of us �t I�de�e�de�t B��k

for more information visit ibtx.com

December 2015

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Page C22

ARGYLE: December 4 - Breakfast in Bethlehem from 8-11 AM at Argyle United Methodist Church, 9033 Fort Worth Drive. This is a come-and-go journey through Bethlehem to experience the night Jesus was born. It includes breakfast, a stable with costumes and a manger for photos, crafts, games, a scavenger hunt, story time, and a nativity petting zoo. $5/person and free for kids 2 & under. argyleumc. org/bnb December 5 - Annual Argyle Christmas Festival and Tree Lighting at Argyle Town Hall, 308 Denton Street from 3-6:30 pm. Crafts, face painting, a scavenger hunt, balloon sculptures, food and holiday vendors, pictures with Santa and a Festival of Trees raffle/silent auction with proceeds benefiting Ranch Hand Rescue. December 20 - A Service of Hope & Healing at 6:30 p.m. at Argyle United Methodist Church, 9033 Fort Worth Drive. A quiet service intended to inspire hope for those who are struggling during the holiday season. argyleumc.org BARTONVILLE: December 5 - Old Time Christmas from 5-9 p.m. at Bartonville Town Center. Live Band: The Poor Kings, face painting, caricatures, Big Al’s Totally Twisted Balloons, hot cocoa corner, Christmas cookie corner, dancing, carriage rides and Santa. 940-241-3200

December 13 - Lantana Town Center’s Grand Opening from 2-4 p.m. at FM 407 and Jeter Road. Scavenger hunt, pictures with Santa, face painting, food, and more. 940-455-2800 COPPER CANYON: December 5 - Santa Party for Copper Canyon children from 3-5 p.m. at Town Hall. 940-241-2677 DOUBLE OAK: December 5 - 10th annual Women’s Christmas Brunch featuring comedian Anita Renfroe at 10 a.m. at Crossroads Bible Church, 8101 Justin Road. Tickets $30. 972-3553343 FLOWER MOUND: December 4-6 - Elf Jr. The Musical at 7 p.m. at Trietsch Methodist Church, 6101 Morriss Road. Tickets $10 per ticket, children ages 4 and under free. Portion of proceeds will benefit the Denton County Children’s Advocacy Center. www.tmumc.org/elf

December 5 - 26th Annual Nighttime Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony. Parade goes from Spinks Road to Gerault Park from 6-9 p.m. Tree lighting ceremony at Gerault Park with choir performances, pictures with Santa Claus, hay rides, kids’ activities, petting zoo, local vendors, food trucks, and more. 972874-6276 December 8 - Argyle Chamber of Commerce Caring at Christmas party from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Flower Mound. Complementary beer, food, wine tasting, live music, pictures with Santa, door prizes. Tickets $30. Proceeds shared with participating non-profits. 940-464-9990 December 10 - Holiday Open House from 5-8 p.m. at Engel & Volkers, 2451 Lakeside Pkwy., Suite 180. Free visits with Santa. 972-388-5008 December 12 - Breakfast with Santa at the Flower Mound Community

Activity Center from 8-9 a.m. or 9:3010:30 a.m. Pre-register at 972-8746281. December 15 - 2nd Annual Constable Tim Burch Christmas Party and Fundraising Auction at La Beaux Chateaux, 2701 Corporate Dr. from 6:30-9 p.m. Special Guest of Honor Donald Driver. Food, gifts, music. RSVP at www.timburch.com or 817491-9001. December 28 - Batteries Not Included; a STEAM Program for Grades K-3 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. at the Flower Mound Public Library, 3030 Broadmoor Ln. Learning through nonfiction books and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). 972-874-6200 HIGHLAND VILLAGE: December 1 - Pancake Breakfast with Santa at The Shops at Highland Village from 8:30-10 a.m. at Corner Bakery Reservations required. www. TheShopsatHighlandVillage.com

December 2015

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

Calendar

Kids Kastle parking lot. Remove all decorations. 972-317-7430

December 4-13 - The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus, Studio B Performing Arts Center, 2400 FM 407 Highland Village. Performances are Dec. 4th & 5th at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 6th & 13th at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for children 10 & under, $12 for students and seniors, and $15 for adults. www.studiobtheater.com

LANTANA: December 15 - Lantana Ladies League Scottish Rite Toy Drive at 7 p.m. www.LantanaLadiesLeague. com

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December 5 - Santa Party from 10am2pm at RE/MAX Cross Country, 1990 Justin Road. Pictures with Santa, gifts for children and refreshments. Bring canned food donation. 972-317-9586 December 5, 12, 19 - Story Time with Mrs. Claus at The Shops at Highland Village in the Barnes & Noble Highland Village children’s area. www.TheShopsatHighlandVillage. com December 6 - Highland Shores Holiday Bazaar from 1-4 p.m. the Highland Shores HOA office, 1 Community Center Boulevard. Handmade crafts, holiday fashion & decor, health & beauty products, essential oils, embroidered baby items, and more. Rain date: December 13. www. highlandshores.net December 7 & 14 - Santa Paws Pet Photos at The Shops at Highland Village from 6-8 p.m. inside the Christmas tree in Central Park. Photo packages start at $22. www. TheShopsatHighlandVillage.com December 12 - Brunch with Santa at The Shops at Highland Village from 10 -11:30 a.m. at Blue Goose Cantina Reservations required. www. TheShopsatHighlandVillage.com December 19 - Nutty Nutcracker, Studio B Performing Arts Center, 2400 FM 407 Highland Village at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 General Admission. studiobtheater.com December 19 - Santa Day 2015 from 1-4 p.m. at Highland Village Fire Department, 1200 Highland Village Road. Enjoy pictures with Santa along with several activities including a bounce house, hot chocolate and cookies. 972-317-7430 Through December 24 - Santa photos at The Shops at Highland Village inside The Shops at Highland Village’s 60foot Christmas tree in Central Park. Photo packages start at $22. www. TheShopsatHighlandVillage.com December 26 - January 3 - Christmas Tree Recycling at Unity Park, 2200 Briarhill Boulevard. Drop trees off in

NEARBY AREAS: December 4 - 20 - “She Loves Me” presented by Greater Lewisville Community Theatre, 160 W. Main Street in Lewisville. Performances Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $22 for adults and $18 for 65 & over or 18 & under. Call 972-221-7469 or visit www.GLCT.org December 4 - Denton Holiday Lighting Festival and free Wassail tasting event presented by the Denton Main Street Association from 5:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the Denton square. www. dentonholidaylighting.com December 5 - Free Wassail tasting event from 2-5 p.m. on the Denton square with tastings, strolling musicians, selfies with Santa, food drive, chalk art, make and take crafts and more. www.dentonmainstreet. org December 5 - Annual Old Town Holiday Stroll from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Lewisville. Free activities, including Christmas Parade at noon, Holiday Stroll activities from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. including community performances, holiday activities, photos with Santa, the Santa Paws Village, and “Lewisville Lights!” Old Town Christmas Tree Lighting. 972-219-3401 December 5 - Robson Ranch Holiday Party from 6:30-11pm at Robson Ranch Clubhouse. Tickets $65 per person. 940-246-1002 December 11 - Christmas with Cross Timbers Rotary from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Hilton Garden Inn, 785 State Highway 121 Bypass, Lewisville. Featuring Professional Motivational Speaker, Bernice Washington. Christmas stories, music, food and hot cocoa. Tickets are $50 or $450 for a table. All proceeds benefit the Cross Timbers Rotary Club. www. crosstimbersrotary.com Through January 3 -Gaylord Texan Resort’s Lone Star Christmas Featuring ICE! and Santa’s Wild Workshop Snowtubing. www. ChristmasAtGaylordTexan.com Submit your event to news@crosstimbersgazette.com

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Minimally Invasive Dentistry – An alternative to Crowns So often you are told that you need a crown. It may be because you have a large filling, the tooth is cracked, decayed, or simply broken. So many people ask “Is there not an alternative way to fix teeth without doing a crown?” Yes there is, and the procedure is called an Onlay. Onlays are a very conservative method to restore teeth. They remove only the broken, decayed, or weak parts of your teeth. Healthy unaffected parts of teeth are not removed. Having more of your tooth means your tooth is stronger, healthier, and happier. We are a small, patient centered dental office that focuses on one patient at a time. If quality is your main concern, please call us and we will be more than happy to help you. If you would like further information on any of these procedures, please feel free to contact me at Dentistry For The Quality Conscious at 972-6911700 or www.drgolab.net . 3020 Broadmoor Lane #100, Flower Mound, TX 75022

December 2015

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And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. -- Galatians 6:9 Monthly Bible Verse brought to you by: www.henryinvestmentgroup.com

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How many of us have found ourselves driven to our knees, at our wits’ end, unable to see a way out of a situation? We reach that point where we feel we have no other option, and only then does it occur to us that there might be something to the idea of reaching out beyond ourselves, and the reality we see, to Jesus, who sees all and who loves us and cares for us more than we could ever imagine. This is where the church becomes important in our life of faith. While we wait - for the moment to pass, for the next step to become clear, or for our fear to subside - we can find encouragement in our relationship with Christ through others who also travel the way. We begin to look for a group of others who also want to build their relationship with Christ. That group is the church. Unlike other groups, you can find immediate acceptance and encouragement. Yes, there is a threshold for membership. That threshold is accepting the life-giving, Spirit-filled relationship Jesus offers to each of us every day. It is saying “yes” to God’s call on your heart. Once you’ve accepted that relationship, you will find many different ways

in which to grow your faith, and to help others grow theirs. In other words, to deepen your connection. It all begins with truly seeing those around you, and wanting what is best for them. It might start with a simple handshake or a quiet “hello.” It may begin slowly, but eventually you will want more. Eventually, you will need to take the next step, and the next, until one day you realize you are serving as an encourager, helping to meet another’s deepest need for belonging. Attending worship is not the same as belonging. The word “belonging” is defined as a secure relationship. As a brother or sister in Christ, not only do we notice when you are in church, but we also notice when you are not in church. We rely on you not to fill the pew, but to help us grow in our life of faith. We build a relationship based upon mutuality and interdependence as we walk this journey together. Connectedness to a church is so much more than checking a box or filling a vacant seat. Connectedness enables us to encourage and support each other along the way. Jesus puts it this way in John, chapter 15, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Have you experienced that kind of love? Do you feel connected? If not, pray that God might show you the next step. You never know. It might be where you least expect it. The Pastor’s Place features articles written by a different area church leader each month.Call 940-728-8284 for more information.

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December 2015

Something To Muench On... Elf on the Shelf... the Big Picture By Kimberly Muench

A few weeks ago, my ten-yearold daughter and I were in the Kohls checkout line when we noticed her kindergarten teacher was right behind us. After exchanging greetings, I noticed there was an Elf on the Shelf in her arms, along with some clothing. She offered that her three-year-old son was going to be the recipient of the little elf this year. I am not going to lie, it took all of my willpower to refrain from telling her to leave it at the store. I held my tongue because I don’t like it when other people give me unsolicited advice, so I assume everyone else feels the same way. After all, I myself had bought an Elf when they first became “a thing.” Colorful Cupcake arrived at our home in 2008, when my youngest two kids were five and three-years-old. Chances are I was at my wits’ end some days trying to get them to behave, so I thought this little piece of felt and plastic would be the ticket to at least a month’s worth of cooperation and good deeds. As a matter of fact, I have to be honest and admit we actually kept up the silly farce until last year when my youngest finally understood the whole Santa/Elf part of Christmas is all based on elaborate imagination and brilliant marketing. I think after a few years of elf visits in our home the tradition became more of

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a game of “where will it show up next” been good during the day or not. Then us will never change. rather than any real motivation for in- “the news of the day makes him happy If I could go back in time I would have ducing good behavior. or sad.” And, ultimately, at the end of skipped The Elf, not because of the obMy opposition to The Elf doesn’t have the month, the child will receive his/her vious reasons stated, but because of the anything to do with the lengths some gift wish if they behave their way into big picture message unconsciously reparents have gone to since its inception, Santa’s good graces. Santa’s rewards to ceived by my kids who, year-after-year, in terms of exploiting the original con- your child are conditional. learn from so many other areas of their cept...you know, those pictures you see Am I the only person who sees some- life (school being just one of them) the on social media when elves do “naugh- thing very wrong with this objective? rewards of life are superficial. ty” things that the kids wake up to each I am going to take a big leap here and Elf or no Elf, from my heart to yours, morning...though I admit this practice compare that simple, child-like lesson to I pray this holiday season is filled with seems counterproductive to me since (a) the big scale picture of God’s love for us. the giving and receiving of kindness, the parent has to clean up the mess they You see, I believe there is no behaving tolerance, stillness, and meaningful conmade and (b) if you are trying to keep your way to Eternal Life. nection with family, friends, and strangyour kids from misbehaving, why would ers who cross your path. Yes, really. you have an elf that does things like God loves us, His children, no matter spread flour all over your kitchen coun- how we behave. His love is unconditionKimberly Muench is a Flower Mound tertops? What part of that makes sense? al. However, when faith, hope and belief mother of five and author of “My MothAnd my protest has nothing to do with enter our heart, the result is a natural de- ers Footprints: A story of Faith, Calm, parents who become stressed out (dur- sire to live a life filled with words and Courage, Patience and Grace.” To see ing, what is for some, an already crazy actions which reflect God’s love for each more of her work or to contact her, visseason) because at the last moment they of us. Will we still sin? Yes. That is hu- it www.realifemom.com. remember they haven’t moved The Elf, man nature, but God’s love for and then have to make up a story to tell their kids as to why it didn’t move Your Smile is your First Impression! when it was supposed to. My criticism isn’t even about commercialism versus having a holiday centered in giving, acts of kindness, or the idea this activity may overshadow any religious practice during December. The essence of my obDr. G. Robert Marye & Dr. Janet Stone Gonzalez jection to The Elf on the Shelf is the idea we are Our Practice is Built on Patient Loyalty modeling and teaching Preventive prototype:IT in Flower Mound Aesthetic our children the reward of is now hiring: Restorative good behavior is external. Family Sales Consultant The story of The Elf on Cosmetic Implant Dentistry Customer Service Engineer the Shelf is based on the concept The Elf reports to Systems Administrator 940-455-2252 www.SmilesofTexas.com Santa every evening about www.prototypeit.net/careers Conveniently located in Bartonville Town Center! whether the child has

December 2015

The Soapbox:

My Favorite Christmas Traditions By Brandi Chambless

Can you believe Christmas is here again? Iâ&#x20AC;Ś.canâ&#x20AC;Ś.not. Taking down my goodies from the attic, I am reminded of the rich heritage of Christmas traditions I celebrate in ways both great and small. I wanted to take the time to wish you a Merry Christmas and share my favorite traditions of all! While I know they are just simple habits and mementos, my home starts to feel a little different when I celebrate them! I would have to say my best tradition of all is making

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a huge pot of my Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Tell Mama Red Beans & Rice. This has been my familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special Christmas Eve tradition since Christmas of 1999. It began in Fort Worth, Texas, as my husband Bob was entering his last year of graduate school. We were two church musicians and, yes, two starving artists. He had just thrown the last downbeat of the Christmas music we had been rehearsing since July of that year, spent our last dime on Christmas gifts and family travel, and given our final â&#x20AC;&#x153;Merry Christmasâ&#x20AC;? at church on Christmas Eve as families turned inward for the evening. We had given all of our time, money, and music, only to return to our duplex to find a beautiful Christmas tree with no gifts and an empty cupboardâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;that is, with the exception of a small package of red beans. Missing our loved ones, we decided to make the best of it and cook a huge pot of Louisiana style red beans and rice.

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It was the best pot of beans or ANYTHING we had ever had before!! Believe, you, meâ&#x20AC;Śthere were raw onions and a cornbread involved. I guess beans truly must be a magical fruit, because we began to sense the spirit of Christmas that feels like home no matter the distance. Jesus had really made Himself known in our very humble circumstances. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in a name? I just had to call this dish Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Tell Mama, since I garnished it with lime, cilantro, and diced radishesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;flavors that will never be found on my Mamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cajun table. We still enjoy it not only on Christmas Eve, but year round. It is very easy to make and will be right on point as long as you use my secret ingredient: cloves. My next favorite tradition is my grass wreath. It is really not that pretty at all, but it is over 20 years old. Every year I take the best large ribbon from all the presents, and wrap it around the wreath. But not before writing all the desires of my heart, thanksgiving, and prayer requests for the upcoming year on the inside of the ribbon. One day when I am very old, I am going to unwrap that wreath to see just how God has answered all of those prayers of a lifetime. How awesome it will be to see His promises made known! I love a good cookie exchange like the next girl, but one of the all time best Christmas traditions is adding to my collection of ornaments. I have over 40 years of ornaments that have been hand sewn by my mother when I was a child all the way to little palm prints of my own son. Those are some of my most cherished possessions. While a fancy polished tree with coordinated colored schemes from Pinterest is very beautiful, my old ornaments are the best! They represent the auld lang syne and the people and seasons I will never forget. There are millions of special Christmas traditions that have either just happened and then others that were created on purpose. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pretty easy to feel that â&#x20AC;&#x153;Christmasâ&#x20AC;? wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be â&#x20AC;&#x153;Christmasâ&#x20AC;? without some of these old traditions, but ever so important to remember that Jesus can make a way into the coldest of hearts no matter the magnitude of the fireworks, nor the depravity of the darkness. Wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you let him in? www.TheCaseForChristmas.com

December 2015

GRANDPARENTING 101? ~ SIGN ME UP! By C. Stroup

Well, I’ve not subjected you to stories about my granddaughters in quite a while now. But all good things must come to an end. At least I’m not standing in front of you with my iPhone shoved in your face. I’d be doing this while frantically swiping through thousands of boring pictures…boring photos of the little darlings doing everything from picking their noses to flushing the can for the first time. I do know people who do this. I’d much rather relate their antics through writing because I don’t believe a picture is worth a thousand words. The biggest thrill I get is hearing Jaci (age 3 yrs. 3 mos.) say my name. I go by CiCi and the way she says it makes me grin all over! Her other grandma is called MeYahYah. It’s a mystery as to how Jaci came up with this one. One theory is that she couldn’t pronounce “my grandma” so she converted that into MeYahYah and it stuck. No one knows for sure. Jaci has a vast vocabulary for a child

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her age and yes, of course, I’d say that even if it weren’t true, but it is. She’s at that age where you have to be careful what you say lest it come back to you in a surprising way. We’ve all taken to speaking pig Latin when we don’t want her to know what’s being said but she’s starting to parrot that back to us. Probably won’t be long before this becomes her second language. With the aid of some block extenders she can now reach the pedals on her tricycle and goes like an atbay outa ellhay. She and Cappy (that’s what she calls my husband) recently had a wonderful trip up and down the sidewalk in front of her house. Cappy, however, found he’d met his match. Jaci, using the logic of a three year old, tried to convince him that crossing the street was a great shortcut to get back to the house. Her dad’s instruction before they headed out was, “Do not go in the street for any reason.” I don’t have to tell you who won this match in spite of what my son had said. Cappy would have been home free except Jaci doesn’t grasp the concept of, “Let this be our little secret, okay?” Jaci and I like to play “tea party” but about the time we get things set up, she’s off to get another toy we can both enjoy. This being the case, playing “tea party” never gets old. And little sister, Gabby, helps us play sometimes. However, since the cups and teapot are very tiny, Gabby gets steered toward larger items lest she ingests the cups and saucers. Gabby turned one just a few weeks ago and had a bang up birthday party. There were at least ten little urchins there accompanied by their parents. Ken and I brought the cake but we way

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overshot how much we’d need. We gether with just the right amount of sibhad an entire sheet cake which would ling rivalry on Jaci’s part. This serves feed a small army and ice cream to go to keep things ‘interesting’ for their paon top. Ken insisted this was a good tient mom. Gabby has the most beautiful curly thing so we could bring some home. Our departure left kidlets and adults red hair ever! She gets it from her dad alike, bouncing off the walls. And who got his from my mother, whereas even after leaving gobs of chocolate I get mine from a bottle. Her sister is cake with chocolate cream icing and a blonde so between the two Brad and Bavarian filling, we managed to have Amy will have some eventful teen oodles left over which we shared with years to look forward to. My husband some neighbors and used the rest to add loves to rub that fact in by telling Brad, “Can’t wait for them to turn fifteen!” I inches to our midsections. Meanwhile, Amy (my daughter-in- don’t get why Ken seems to think fiflaw) had fixed a very small special teen is the magic number. By the time cake, just for Gabby. Some little kids these girls hit ten or eleven, the words freak out when they’re overwhelmed “boy crazy” will have taken on a whole by a bunch of loud people singing to new meaning…now that’s when the them. Not Gabby. She grinned and real fun will begin! I really don’t want seemed to know this was all about her. to put a hex on Amy because she’s such While Gabby sat up tall in her high a sweetheart, but Brad will totally dechair, Amy removed the toddler’s dress serve the heartburn! and placed the cake in front of her. The sweetest thing Gabby had ever had to eat (up until now) was fruit. She gingerly stuck her fingers, then her face into the pink icing. When she came up for air she looked totally confused. Her expression said, “I’m not sure I’m supposed to have this but whatever With Incoming Order MINIMUM 5 PIECE DRY CLEAN ORDER it is, where has it been all my ($2.99 Value) life?!!” Must Present Coupon With Incoming Order. One Coupon Per Visit. No Limit. Expires 12/31/15. Gabbert (my son’s nickname for her) is ‘full steam ahead ambulatory.’ If you’d Google that phrase, her picture would appear right next to it. She went directly from crawling to walking. She’s just at an adorable age and brings back memories of Jaci at that same time. The two actually do play well to-

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December 2015

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