The Cross Timbers Gazette March 2019

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Since 1979

Argyle Vet Does More Than Horse Around

By Noelle M. Hood, Contributing Writer

People have personalities; and, according to Dr. John F. Bitter-- owner and Chief Executive Officer of Argyle Veterinary Hospital and Equine Clinic-- animals have, well, animalities.

Bitter, a sixth-generation Texan and the son of a veterinarian-- who broke ranks with a long line of engineers-- grew up on a cattle ranch near Victoria, Texas. The earliest Bitters immigrated to San Antonio from the Alsace-Lorraine region, on the border between France and Germany. “My fifth great-grandfather signed the Texas Declaration of Independence,� the doctor said.

So, in addition to practically being an archetypal cowboy in boots and jeans who speaks English with a pure Texan pronunciation, he’s a walking, talking, breathing Lone Star State patriot with a string of impressive diplomas, a busy soon-to-be-very-

suburban business and a seat on the Argyle Independent School District School Board.

Oh, and he’s a longtime husband and father. “By the time I was six I wanted to be a veterinarian like my dad,� he said.

Passing time, however, revealed a serious personal weakness for things equine.

In 1993 he graduated from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, with a Bachelor of Science in bio-medical science with a veterinary emphasis. “Toward the end of my undergraduate study, I spent a semester in Australia, at the University of Queensland, where they have a world-renowned program in equine theriogenology,� said Bitter.

Huh? Like human doctors, veterinarians have specialties. Theriogenology is the clinical practice of animal obstetrics, gyneSee BITTER on Page A15

Dr. John Bitter, owner of Argyle Veterinary Hospital and Equine Clinic, makes “horse� calls.

(Photo by Helen’s Photography)

River Walk Progressing

By Lyn Rejahl Pry, Editor

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Up to seven restaurants may line the canal at the heart of The River Walk at Central Park in Flower Mound.

“Are we there yet?�

Everyone-- including the town staff-wants to know when The River Walk at Central Park in Flower Mound will open its doors to be the hot place to go for dining, shopping and entertainment. “The retail buildings on the corner of Long Prairie (FM 2499) and Central Park are set to open in approximately oneand-a-half-months,� said Courtney Morrow, director of marketing for developer Centurion American.

The one-story 4271 Esplanade-Building 2, fronting FM 2499, already has tenants-- Orangetheory Fitness in Suite 100 and Aria Nail Bar in Suite 110-- just waiting for the town staff to open their doors.

The three-story retail/office 4281 Esplanade-Building 1, which fronts on Central Park, will house Bank of America/Merrill Lynch in Suite 300.

Meanwhile, at the southern end of the canal: “We’re looking at a late summer [2019] timeline for the restaurants, chapel, reception hall and parking garage,� said Morrow.

See RIVER WALK on Page A22

Inside This Section Mayor’s Columns Real Estate Corner Local Experts

March 2019

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March 2019

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Here is a roundup of some of the most popular articles posted the past month at CrossTimbersGazette.com: DAM ROAD TO BE CLOSED INDEFINITELY The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials announced last month that the road across the Grapevine Lake Dam will remain closed to the public indefinitely. Fairway Drive across Grapevine Dam has been off limits since August 2018 due to potentially hazardous conditions observed during a routine inspection after heavy rainfall, according to a news release from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District. “Currently, there is no estimated timeframe for reopening of Fairway Drive to the public,” the Corps said.

MEASLES CASE CONFIRMED IN DENTON COUNTY Denton County Public Health in February confirmed one measles case in Denton County.

Health officials said the case has not been linked to any other measles cases. No further information was released to protect patient confidentiality.

Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, 90 percent of the people close to that person who are not yet immune could become infected.

Children should receive measles vaccination via one dose of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) between 12-15 months of age, and another dose prior to entering school, between 4-6 years of age, according to DCPH. FLOWER MOUND, HIGHLAND VILLAGE AMONG SAFEST CITIES Home Security Advisor, a home security system ranking website, recently published its 2019 list of Texas’ safest cities, and in the list of all municipalities with a population of 10,000 or more, Highland Village and Flower Mound ranked Nos. 13 and 14, respectively. Among places with populations of 50,000 or more, however, Flower Mound ranked No. 1. Home Security Advisor staff reviewed the latest FBI crime stats and compared both violent (aggravated assault, robbery, etc.) and property crimes (burglary, motor vehicle theft, arson).

LAWSUIT CLAIMS DISTRICT VIOLATED VOTING RIGHTS ACT A lawsuit filed in federal court in February

alleges that the Lewisville ISD election system violates the Voting Rights Act of 1965 “because it denies fair representation to voters of color.”

The lawsuit claims that the school district’s atlarge voting system denies Hispanic, African American and Asian voters a fair opportunity to elect school board representatives of their choice.

All seven school board members are white, as are all members of the “Leadership Team.” Under the current electoral system, school board members are elected at large. Candidates run for specific places but do not represent a specific geographic area. The lawsuit claims the at-large system allows white voters to vote as a bloc and deny political opportunity to non-white voters. At press time, the school district had yet to publicly respond to the lawsuit.

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FLOWER MOUND BREAKS GROUND ON FIRE STATION On Feb. 15, the Flower Mound Fire Department and town officials broke ground on Fire Station No. 7, which will provide emergency service to southern and western sections of Flower Mound.

The 9,300 square-foot station will be located at 2777 Skillern Road, and is expected to open in spring 2020.

ARGYLE MAN ARRESTED IN FATAL CRASH A crash on Hwy 377 in south Denton on Feb. 7 took the life of a Denton man and an Argyle man was arrested on suspicion of intoxication manslaughter. Crash investigators determined that a gray pickup was driving southbound and left the right side of the roadway, tried to correct but lost control and slid back onto the road and crossed into the northbound lane, striking a silver car on the driver’s side. The driver of the car, Gene Housley, 54, died at the hospital. The driver of the pickup, Austin Shadle, 29, was determined to be intoxicated and was arrested.

FLOWER MOUND APPROVES UPSCALE SENIOR RENTALS The Watermere at Flower Mound Senior Independent Living development got a unanimous welcome-to-town rezoning vote from Town Council on Feb. 18. The development will be located south of Dixon Road and east of Valley Creek Church on FM 2499. The gated 224 unit independent living See ICYMI Page A21

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May Election Slates Set

challenger, Jennifer Collins, filed for Place 5.

However, Collins later withdrew her application, so Denton ISD is canceling the election.

By Mark Smith, Digital Editor

Now that the filing deadline has passed, area municipalities and school districts are making arrangements for the May 4 general elections.

Here is a look at who is running for office this May in southern Denton County. All the information came from the town/district’s website, town secretary or district spokesperson.

Argyle This year, three citizens will be elected to each serve two-year terms as mayor and Council members for Places 2 and 4. The incumbents for these positions are Don Moser, Ronald Schmidt and Cynthia Hermann, respectively. Hermann was just appointed in January to replace Todd Mankin, who resigned.

All of the incumbents filed for re-election, Shane Campbell will challenge Schmidt for Place 2 and Chet Schrader filed to run against Hermann in Place 4. Mayor Moser will run unopposed for a second term.

Bartonville The Bartonville Town Council general election is for Place 1, 3 and 5, each for a term of two years. Those seats are currently held by Jeff Traylor, Clay Sams and Josh Phillips, respectively.

All the incumbents filed to run again, and two challengers also filed. Sherry Pound will run in Place 1, and Cary Allcorn will run in Place 5.

Copper Canyon The mayor’s and Place 2 and 4 Council seats are up for election, currently held by Sue Tejml, Jeff Mangum and Dave Svatik, respectively.

All the incumbents filed for re-election, and several challengers stepped up. Former Bartonville mayor Ron Robertson filed to run for mayor, Theodore Stranczek is running for Place 2 while Robin Davis and Karla Hohenberger are vying for Place 4.

However, just before the deadline to withdraw from the race, Svatik withdrew his name

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Lewisville ISD This May, Places 3, 4 and 5 will be on the ballot. Those seats are currently held by Angie Cox, Katherine Sells and Jenny Proznik, respectively.

The incumbents filed to run for their expiring seats, and challenger Jacob Collier filed to run against Sells in Place 4. from the list of candidates, leaving Davis and Hohenberger in the hunt for Place 4.

Double Oak In May, the mayor’s seat and two Council member seats will expire. They are currently held by Mike Donnelly, Scott Whisenhunt and Ginger Brittain, respectively.

Only the incumbents filed to run for the expiring seats, so the election was cancelled.

Flower Mound Flower Mound voters will elect two Council members to three-year terms in Place 1 and 3.

Those seats are currently held by Jason Webb and Kevin Bryant, who are term-limited.

Place 1 has three candidates: Laile Neal, Laura Ella Dillon and Jim Pierson. Two people — Mike Wallace and Ben Bumgarner — filed for Place 3. Dillon and Bumgarner had actually applied in the opposite places, and then late in the process, they withdrew their original applications and applied in the other ones.

There will also be four Town Charter Amendments on the ballot: Authorize a monthly stipend for the mayor and each councilmember; Remove the requirement that new ordinances be published in the Town’s official newspaper; Remove the requirement that the Town budget be filed with various county and state agencies; and, allow transfer of funds between departments without the requirement of a budget amendment. Read more about these propositions in Flower Mound Mayor Steve Dixon’s column on Page A10.

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three City Council members to Place 3, 5 and 7. The current Council members in those seats are Mike Lombardo, Fred Busche and Daniel Jaworski.

Lombardo and Jaworski filed for re-election, and Tom Heslep filed to run for Place 5.

The election was cancelled.

Northlake The mayor and Council members for Place 4 and 5 are up for election this May. Those seats are currently held by Pete Dewing, Roger Sessions and Danny Simpson, respectively.

All the incumbents initially filed, and three challengers also joined the race. David Rettig and Earl “Bo” Roberts filed to challenge Dewing for mayor, and Bill Moore filed to challenge Sessions.

However, Dewing, Roberts and Moore all withdrew their applications, leaving one candidate in each race: Rettig for mayor, Sessions for Place 4 and Simpson for Place 5. The election was canceled.

Argyle ISD Two places on the Argyle ISD Board expire in May: Place 6, currently held by Brad Lowry, and Place 7, currently held by Jeff Williams.

The incumbents filed for re-election, and Tom Irwin is challenging Williams in Place 7.

Denton ISD The Denton ISD Board will have three seats — Places 3, 4 and 5 — up for election on May 4. Those seats are currently held by Doug Chadwick, Mia Price and Charles Stafford.

Each seat has a three-year term.

The incumbents filed for re-election and one

Northwest ISD Places 3 and 4 are expiring in May on the Northwest ISD Board of Trustees. Those seats are currently held by Anne Davis-Simpson, the board’s vice president, and Judy Copp, the board’s president, respectively. Each term will last three years.

Only the incumbents filed to run for re-election, and the general election was canceled.

However, on Feb. 21, the board accepted the resignation of Place 1 Member Josh Wright, who is moving to Austin for a new job. The board approved a special election on May 4 to fill Wright’s seat. Applications will be accepted through March 4. The term ends in May 2021.

Candidate Profiles We will publish candidate profiles for each contested race in our April issue as well as online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com. There will also be candidate forums in several towns.

Check our website or your town’s website for details.

Voting Early voting begins on April 22 for the Saturday, May 4 elections.

Residents who are not yet registered to vote, must register by April 4; and, the last day to request an absentee ballot is April 25.

Questions about early voting via mail (absentee) or in-person, specific voter identification information are available at: elections@ dentoncounty.com or by phone at 940-3493200.

Answers to questions about upcoming elections can be found at: www.votedenton.com.

March 2019

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From the Desk of Bobbie Mitchell

Denton County Days The Denton County Commissioners Court traveled to Austin in February as Denton County part of Denton County Days at the state Commissioner, Pct.3 Capitol building.

Dr. Bettye Myers: Our state and federal legislators met us A Friend to Many with open arms, welcoming the delegaLast month, we tion of more than 100 county, community, said our final fare- chamber and business leaders. well to Dr. Bettye Visiting the Texas Capitol building is Myers – a truly won- always an honor. We are appreciative of derful humanitarian our legislators for taking the time to chat and a woman I called my friend. with us about ongoing issues as well as We served on boards and spent time to- recognize us on both the House and Sengether at many area functions. ate floors.

When Gary HenSt. Paddy’s Texas derson asked me to Style lunch recently, I briefly Lewisville celwondered on which ebrates St. Patrick’s committee I would be Day with St. Paddy’s asked to serve. Little Texas Style from 1 did I know a surprise p.m. to 9 p.m. on awaited.

March 16.

That afternoon, Gary, The event, now in Bettye and I sat at Hanits third year, features nah’s Off the Square Irish music, dance, enjoying a delicious an outdoor movie, meal. We laughed and life-size games, 50reminisced. Soon, they foot zip line drop for explained that I would the kids and more at receive the Dr. Bettye the Wayne Ferguson Myers Humanitarian Dr. Bettye Myers Plaza.

Award.

I was speechless and overwhelmed The free event schedule includes: with the idea of receiving such an honor 1 p.m. – Maguire Academy of Irish named for someone I have admired for Dance years.

1:45 p.m. – Reel Treble, traditional Bettye was a person with whom you Celtic treasured time spent. She freely shared 3:15 p.m. – Sarah Hobbs, country artist both her experience and knowledge and 4:45 p.m. – Rathmore Band, Celtic rock spent her days doing for others.

6:15 p.m. – Ian Moore, Texas soul, folk, We have lost a treasured friend but she rock has left a legacy that will touch our lives 7:45 p.m. – Disney’s “Brave” for the for many years to come. movie in the plaza.

Rest in peace, dear friend.

See MITCHELL on Page A13

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Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

From the Desk of Dianne Edmondson Denton County Commissioner, Pct. 4

Being your Denton County Commissioner has been a real trip – a road trip! My staff and I are driving the roads in Precinct 4 to identify any problem areas and, already, we have found quite a few.

We will be assessing the roads as to their condition, traffic counts, usage for school bus routes and other factors to begin determining the schedule for upcoming roadwork.

Several current projects are already under contract along the length and width of Precinct 4 from Flower Mound to Krum and places in between such as Argyle, Justin, Northlake, Ponder and others. We will be adding additional projects throughout the year as our budget and our road crews’ schedules permit.

Soon, we will be sending periodic updates through a newsletter that will include more details about ongoing projects. To receive the Precinct 4 newsletter, please email me at Dianne.Edmondson@dentoncounty.com. We will make sure you are on the newsletter mailing list.

In the past few weeks, the Denton County Commissioners Court has received updates from several municipalities and communities within the county starting with Argyle Mayor Don Moser. Other mayors and community officials will give presentations in alphabetical order. Bartonville officials presented on Feb. 26 and Copper Canyon officials will present in March.

I am very proud of all of the accomplishments in Precinct 4 cities and towns and find it very interesting to hear from all of our neighboring communities. I would like to invite residents to check with us to learn when their mayor will be presenting. An

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easy way to find out is to check our agendas at www.DentonCounty.com. You also are welcome to attend the Commissioners Court meeting to watch the presentation.

You can also view the meetings via Facebook Live on the Denton County Facebook page.

In recent weeks, I have been meeting with area mayors as well as county department heads to get a good feel for their responsibilities. My goal is to learn how best we can all work together. Denton County department heads I have met with include Dawn Cobb, Director of Community Relations; Jody Gonzalez, Director of Emergency Services; Frank Phillips, Elections Administrator; Scott Arledge, Director of Purchasing; Jona Macsas, Budget Officer, and Public Works Director Fred Ehler. I have been very impressed with their expertise, professionalism and dedication – not only these department heads but also virtually every county employee with whom I have interacted.

I really enjoy serving on behalf of Denton County residents. Moreover, as your Precinct 4 Commissioner, I am learning a lot about how your county government operates, including specific details about the budget, such as the fact that the largest amount of budgeted dollars is for public safety, which totaled $72,467,695 for the adopted budget in 2018-2019.

And yet, at $0.225574, the 2018 tax rate is the lowest it has been since 1996 when it was $0.266900. We truly are a fiscally conservative county, and I’m pleased to announce that I have recently approved additional funding within the current budget for safety lights on some of our road/bridge vehicles.

Our goal is two-fold: Safety and service for Denton County residents.

Contact Precinct 4 Commissioner Dianne Edmondson at (972) 434-3960. Her office is located in the Southwest Courthouse, 6200 Canyon Falls Drive, Suite 900, in Flower Mound.

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March 2019

Around Argyle

By Argyle Mayor Don Moser

March is upon us, spring is just around the corner, and the students of Argyle ISD have been busy.

We have a talented group of young people in our town who deserve a shout out.

I want to congratulate the Lady Eagles Basketball team for securing the regional title and advancing to State as well as Heath Roth for winning his second State Championship for Wrestling. Thank you to all who support our local athletes.

I would like to thank everyone who chose to submit a packet for the two council positions that are open for election this May. While it might sound energizing at first to think about running for a council position, when you sit down and consider the commitment it takes, it sometimes feels more of a daunting decision.

Seven people requested packets; five submitted them to Town Hall. I can as-

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sure this is no easy task for which they have signed up. I have told people it is kind of like a dog chasing a car, what does he do with it after he catches it?!

So, when you meet these candidates, be sure to tell them how much you appreciate their service to the community.

The incumbents seeking re-election are myself, Ronald Schmidt, Council Place 2 and Cindy Hermann, Council Place 4.

We need everyone to come to the polls and vote not only for these positions but for the School Board as well.

Just as a reminder, I will be at Town Hall on the first Saturday of every month at 9 a.m. for “Mornings with the Mayor” This is a time for citizens to get to know me as well as talk about any issues that may be on your mind. I always try to have a topic in mind for the day but that is not set in stone. Please come out and join me for some inspiring conversation, coffee and donuts.

As always, we are committed to serving the citizens of Argyle with the utmost Integrity and Transparency. My philosophy is to serve for the Common Good with a Common Goal with Common Sense.

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Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

Bartonville Town Update

By Bartonville Mayor Bill Scherer

Greetings from Bartonville!

I am very proud to announce that the Town Council approved a new program to honor Bartonville Veterans who gave their lives while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. A wall has been dedicated in the lobby at Bartonville Town Hall in honor and memory of Bartonville’s fallen veterans.

Plaques will be permitted for those that lost their lives while serving in the armed forces and that were at the time, or had previously been, a Bartonville resident. The 8 x 10 plaque will include a 5 x 7 photo with three lines of print to include the service person’s name, branch of service, and years of service.

The first veterans to be honored through this program will be: Sgt. Michael Medlock, age 28, was assigned to the Marine Medium Tiltroter Squadron 774, died while serving in January 2016; and Capt. Mark Weber, age 29, was assigned to the 38th Rescue Squadron, was killed in a helicopter crash in Anbar Province, Iraq in March 2018.

For additional information on the program please contact Bartonville Town Hall at 817-693-5280.

After a rollercoaster winter, spring is right around the corner. Daylight saving time begins March 10. This is a

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good time to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

And with spring? We think Spring Cleaning! It is almost time for the Bartonville Annual Spring Clean Up & Recycling Day. This fun event will be held Saturday, April 13, 2019, from 8 a.m. to noon, at Lantana Community Church. FREE to Bartonville residents, this event helps us dispose of those challenging items such as furniture, fencing wire, tree limbs and branches, etc.

There will be document shredding, computer crushers, and a Goodwill donation truck. Household hazardous waste will be accepted by registration only. You may register at www.townofbartonivlle. com/HHW or call Town Hall at 817693-5280. Please note that we are not able to accept concrete, any appliance with Freon, medications or televisions.

Medications can be safely disposed of at the kiosk inside Town Hall. Information regarding the disposal of televisions can be found on the Town’s website.

Rockgate Road and Dove Creek Road from Gibbons to Noble Champions repaving is complete. Due to the recent wet weather, we are going to delay the repair of the bar ditches until they can dry out and be operated in without the heavy equipment creating more ruts.

New businesses are coming to Bartonville. The renovation of the Bartonville Store is nearing its completion and Tractor Supply has begun construction on the corner of Hilltop and FM 407. Tractor Supply should be open by the end of summer.

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March 2019

What’s Happening in Copper Canyon March 2019...... from the desk of Mayor Sue Tejml

Copper Canyon Will Have First Contested Town Election in 8 Years – May 4th Candidates have filed for Council Place #2 and #4 and Mayor. The election is Saturday, May 4th, from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Our polling place has not yet been decided by Denton County’s Election Division. Early voting is from Monday April 22nd through Tuesday April 30th. Denton County has not yet notified Copper Canyon of the locations for early voting for its registered voter residents.

Council Place #2: Jeff Mangum, our current Mayor Pro Tem, is running for re-election to Council Place #2. Jeff has served on the Council for 22 years with an almost perfect attendance record. He is the Council Liaison to our Planning & Zoning Commission and Chair of our Development Review Committee. He and his wife Karen Mangum in 1994 moved to 5.252 acres on Bridle Path Road in Copper Canyon for their horses and to raise some cattle. (4.252 acres are ag exempt.) Jeff is a Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer, P.E. with Lennox Industries in Carrollton. He is also a Captain and volunteer firefighter for our Argyle Fire District for 23 years and on the Fire Board for 22 years.

Ted Stranczek has also filed for Council Place #2. Ted and his wife Judy Stranczek moved to North Berry Trail in Copper Canyon in September of 2017.

They had lived in Highland Village for 17 years, but Ted said his family “just

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

loves it here in Copper Canyon.” On his ballot application Ted lists his profession as “retired.” He has also said that he was formerly in the “aviation industry.”

Council Place #4: Dave Svatik has served on the Council for 8 years. On Dave’s candidate application, he listed his professions as “Vice President of Solutions Engineering.” Dave withdrew his application on Feb. 22, due to the demands of his current work schedule.

Dave and his wife Dale Svatik moved to Estates Drive in Copper Canyon in May of 1998. They had previously lived in Highland Village for 7 years but loved Copper Canyon’s large lots and open space. Dave has served as Council Liaison to our Board of Adjustment and Dale as Neighborhood Watch Block Captain.

Robin Douglas Davis has lived in Copper Canyon for 29 years and 3 months.

Robin and her husband Kelly Davis live on 9.956 acres on Jernigan Road. (8.956 acres are ag exempt.) On her ballot application Robin lists her profession as Physical Therapist.

Karla Hohenberger moved to Copper Canyon in 2011 when she married our widowed Argyle Fire District Chief Mac Hohenberger. Karla has lived in Copper Canyon 8 years on their 1.58-acre home site on Landseer. (No acreage is ag exempt.) Karla has worked in the cable and advertising industry, but said she now works from home and only goes to the office in Plano once a month – so she has time to devote to being on Copper Canyon’s Council.

Copper Canyon Mayor: Sue Tejml is in her 14th year serving as Mayor of Copper Canyon and has an almost perfect attendance record for Council Meetings.

See MAYOR SUE on Page A18

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Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

News from Double Oak Town Hall

By Andrew W. Wills, Mayor Pro Tem

Greetings Double Oak Neighbors!

Spring is rapidly approaching and we have a number of activities and reminders to share with our residents.

Spring Activities As our weather gets warmer, many of you will be working in your gardens and performing maintenance on your property.

As you perform these activities, please keep the following in mind: Tree Trimming: Now is a great time to check trees located on your property, especially those that extend over the space of any street, alley, or public roadway.

Any tree branch hanging lower than 12 feet over a roadway should be trimmed to comply with town ordinances. Any other trees or large shrubs that may obstruct views at intersections should be checked and pruned accordingly. If you have any questions about tree removal or trimming, please contact Staff at Town Hall.

Brush Burning: Please make sure that you follow all local and county ordinances for disposal of brush by fire. All residents are required to check the Denton County Burn Site (available from the Town Website) to see if burning is allowed for the day. Although a permit is not required in Double Oak, you must phone (940) 3492840 and leave your contact information.

Please do not leave any fires unattended and make sure all are safely extinguished for the safety of our community.

Spring Break: Did you know that our Double Oak Police Department offers complimentary home watches while you are away on vacation? Enjoy your trip even more knowing that our police force

Page A9

will keep an eye on your home and property. Visit our website or stop by Town Hall for more information.

Repairs / Renovations / Drainage: Should you plan to perform any work on your property, please check with Town Hall to determine if you need a permit.

This is a popular time of the year for outdoor improvements, home renovations, and shoring up drainage issues from record rainfall last year. Our helpful and friendly staff will make sure all of your questions are answered and help you obtain any required permits. Please remember that it is each homeowner’s responsibility to maintain property bar ditches to ensure proper drainage and no standing water.

Call Before You Dig: Many outside activities involves digging or hiring of contractors. Please call 811 and provide at least a 48-hour advance notification if you or contractors will be digging on your property. This keeps everyone safe while work is being done!

Pedestrian Traffic: Double Oak’s unique rural atmosphere makes it even more important for us to share the road with pedestrian and cyclist traffic, especially as it increases during warmer weather. Please be alert, maintain a safe speed at or below the posted limit, and share the road with your neighbors.

Bulk Trash Day: As a reminder, Double Oak’s contracted solid waste disposal provider, Republic Services, offers bulk trash pickup on the third Friday of each month.

Republic will pick up additional items on bulk day, but please call in advance so they can staff appropriately. Republic also offers hazardous waste pickup service at your door (old paint, batteries, oil, CFL bulbs, etc.) that cannot be placed in regular trash. Contact Republic’s Customer Service at (254) 687-2456 or (800) 860-0123 for more information.

Daylight Saving Time: Don’t forget to set your clocks forward one hour on SunSee DOUBLE OAK on Page A25

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March 2019

Flower Mound Mayor Message

By Steve Dixon Flower Mound Mayor

This May, voters will have some important decisions to make for Flower Mound, including four Charter amendments. The Town’s Charter is very important and defines the organization, powers, and functions of a municipality, while also governing the actions of Town Council and staff.

Proposition A would authorize a monthly stipend of $300 for the Mayor and $200 for each Council member. Mayors and Council members in other cities receive a stipend, but Flower Mound elected officials do not. No one serves this community with the hope of being monetarily compensated. Rather, this proposition is being proposed due to the legal protection it provides, if passed. In certain cases, judges have ruled that a non-paid officer (in this case Council member or Mayor) of the municipality is not eligible for legal coverage from the municipality should they get sued for certain actions while in their official capacity. If a Council member wants to donate their stipend to charity, they have that ability. The focus of this amendment is the legal protection.

If this passes, it will be effective June 1, 2019.

Proposition B would remove the requirement that all ordinances adopted by the Town be published in the Town’s official newspaper, except those required to be published by State law. The Town’s “official” newspaper is the Denton Record Chronicle because it is a daily newspaper. Using a paper that is published less frequently would cause significant delays in projects coming forward due to waiting on the required publication period.

My guess is that very few people receive the Denton Record Chronicle in Flower

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

Mound, and none of them use it to be notified of Town business. If passed, this change will save approximately $2,000 a year, as the Town would no longer be required to purchase newspaper print space.

The Town publishes Code of Ordinance changes in other places such as agenda packets, minutes, the Town’s website, and are archived in the Town Secretary’s Office, as required by law.

Proposition C would also save the Town money, if voter-approved. It would remove the requirement for the Town to file its annual budget with the various county and state agencies, when the State and those agencies don’t require it.

The Town spends about $700 a year to file the budget with these entities. The Town complies with State law in regard to where the budget is filed. Anyone interested in looking at the Town’s budget can visit the Town’s website, Library, or Town Secretary’s Office at Town Hall.

Proposition D is another housekeeping item. If approved, it would allow the transfer of money between Town departments, from the same fund, without requiring a formal budget amendment and Council consideration. For example, if at the end of the year, a department had an unexpected expense that caused them to go over budget by $1,000 and another budget had a $1,000 surplus, a formal budget amendment and Council vote is needed to approve the transfer the funds. All this does is create unwanted and unnecessary work for both sides. If approved, this measure would help increase staff efficiency.

Early voting begins April 22 and Election Day is Saturday, May 4. This year, the Community Activity Center will be used as a new early voting location, in lieu of the Municipal Courts Building, which will be under construction at the time. I hope you’ll take the time to vote on these Charter Amendments. If you have questions about the Charter Election, please visit www.flower-mound.com/elections or contact the Town Secretary’s office at townsecretary@flower-mound.com.

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Highland Village Update

By Charlotte Wilcox Highland Village Mayor

February has been a busy and productive month. We just returned from Austin for Denton County Days where many city, county, and school district elected officials and staff, non-profit organizations, and business leaders had the opportunity to meet with our legislators. We shared our legislative program with Senator Nelson, Representative Tan Parker, and Representative Michelle Buckley. The key issue before the legislature and top of mind for us is property tax reform.

As a realtor, I hear from homeowners and prospective homeowners the need for property tax relief. As Mayor of your City, I understand the role property tax plays in providing the quality city services we’ve come to expect in Highland Village and how our tax dollars are distributed between the city, county and school district.

I, and your City Council, all agree property tax relief is needed and should encompass city, county, school and appraisal reform.

If there is one thing I hope you will take from this article, it is that you as a property owner and tax payer will take the time to educate yourself on how your property taxes are spent, how the entities you support fund the services you receive, and how the proposed legislation will impact your individual city, county, and school district.

Every entity in Texas is different and a one-size fits all remedy will affect Highland Village differently than another neighboring community. I would like to focus this article on Highland Village’s finances, a broad look at how the property tax reform in its current proposed form will impact us, and the suggested alternatives we presented to our legislators.

As you know, Highland Village is pri-

Page A10

marily a residential community and we are substantially built out meaning we don’t have the opportunity for new development to increase our revenue.

As a residential community, 63% of the revenue received by the City comes from property tax. The rest of the revenue we receive comes from sales tax (16%), franchise fees (10%), licenses and permits (3%) with the remainder coming from other revenue funds. So, as you can see, we rely heavily on property tax to fund city services.

Each year City Staff creates and presents a budget that we as Council vote on to fund the initiatives, services, projects and personnel needed to operate our City.

In conjunction with the budget, the Denton County Appraisal District determines the appraised value of all the homes and commercial properties in Highland Village and this provides the basis for the 63% revenue used in the City budget. Recently home valuations have increased year over year. Historically home valuations fluctuate, with some years showing an increase and other years showing a decrease.

When you pay your property tax bill, 64% goes to the Lewisville Independent School District, 25% to the City of Highland Village and 11% to Denton County.

State law currently sets the “rollback rate” or the percentage of revenue the City can receive over the previous year at 8% before either changing the rate to stay within the 8% or asking voters to approve the budget. The current proposed legislation would change that 8% to 2.5%. If a city wished to propose a rate higher than 2.5%, it would require voter approval.

How does that impact Highland Village? We looked at the budget for the last two years and at the 2.5% cap, Highland Village would have lost $.5M in revenue each year. To put that in perspective, four City departments have an annual budget of $.5M or less. Highland Village property owners would receive an average annual savings of $85 for a home valued at $384,214. A 2.5% threshold is not sufSee HV UPDATE on Page A20

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March 2019

District Approves Plan to Save Trees The Fresh Water Supply District #6 board last month heard from an arborist regarding options for dealing with trees along the street that have caused damage to sidewalks.

Several options were presented, including rerouting the sidewalk away from the tree, bridging or ramping the sidewalk over the roots, and grinding the roots down.

One option recommended by the arborist that was not approved by the board was to remove the offending trees and replace them with saplings. Removing the trees altogether was not an option, since they are required under the Lantana Community Association Covenants.

“I think we need to preserve these mature trees at darn near all costs,” said FWSD #6 board president Sheldon Gilbert.

There are 24 locations where the sidewalk has been torn out to be replaced, and tree roots was the culprit in all but two cases, according to Lantana General Manager Kevin Mercer.

The Fresh Water Supply District boards entered into a 10-year agreement last August with the Lantana Community Association to repair sidewalk damage caused by trees located in the districts’ right-of-way between the street and sidewalk.

Board members agreed to meet with their sister FWSD #7 board in early April to discuss how to best mitigate tree and sidewalk issues going forward.

Gold Landscape is currently grinding roots as needed to achieve a one-inch clearance from the bottom of the sidewalk. The concrete contractor is scheduled to start sidewalk replacement on March 4th.

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

Residents can report sidewalk hazards by calling 940-728-5050 or emailing cs@lantanatx.com.

Garage Sale and Earth Day Lantana is getting ready for the Community Garage Sale and Lantana Earth Day events this spring.

Residents can hold garage sales in their driveways on Saturday, March 30, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Register to participate by visiting the community calendar on the IAM Connected mobile app or website, www.

LantanaLive.com. The app is available for download by texting “iamconnected” to 59248 from your smartphone.

Lantana is partnering with Haltom Thrift for the post-garage sale cleanup. Residents can drop off garage sale leftovers on March 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at E.P. Rayzor Elementary School, 377 Rayzor Rd. Uniformed representatives will unload your vehicle and issue a tax receipt on behalf of Leukemia Texas.

Green up at Lantana’s annual Earth Day event on Saturday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the North Amenity Center parking lot.

Organized by Denton County Fresh Water Supply districts #6 and #7, the event allows residents to safely dispose of hazardous household waste and learn about planet-healthy lifestyles and habits.

In addition, residents will be able to drop off bulk items, like couches and mattresses; recycle computers, electronics and appliances; safely dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications; shred documents; and even donate unused lawn equipment.

Call 940-728-5050 or visit www.LantanaTX.org for more information about Earth Day. See LANTANA LINKS on Page A23

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Page A11

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March 2019

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

Harvest Happenings

and ending in May. So on Saturday, March 9th head over to the Farmhouse Coffee &

By Page Austin, Treasures. The market will be set up in the Lifestyle Manager parking lot. Our community will also have Can you believe it’s its Spring Garage Sale the first weekend in already March?! Time May (May 3-5). There will be lots of “newis flying by! It has to-you” treasures! Happy shopping! been nonstop fun here Harvest life is great but we have our good at Harvest. times and bad times like everyone else.

Last month we hostCurrently, our community is mourning the ed events like the Su- loss of our dear neighbor John Nagy, who per Bowl passed away unexpectedly. John Smoke Fest, Teen Pizza Party, and his wife, Linda, moved to Sushi Making Class, Glow-inHarvest last May from Robson the-Dark Putt Putt, Veterans Ranch. They loved the comCoffee, National Love Your Pet munity and the friendliness of Contest, Margarita Party, and neighbors. In fact, one of their a Teen Meltdown Hang Out to neighbor’s children called them name a few. We love seeing our paw paw and grandma. John neighbors gather and do life towas also an American hero. He gether. A new resident recently served our country in the UnitJohn Nagy told us that Harvest is “magical” ed States Navy and was active and we couldn’t agree more! with our Harvest veterans group. John has If you haven’t been to Harvest yet, there impacted this community so much and will are some great opportunities coming your be missed dearly. He leaves behind a loving way so be sure to mark your calendar! Har- wife, children and grandchildren. vest Market Days are coming back. This is Life will always have its ups and downs, an opportunity to shop local. Harvest Market but when you are part of the Harvest family Day happens on the second Saturday of the you don’t have to do it alone. month from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., starting in March #HarvestBetterTogether

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Robson Ranch Rambler

By Larry Varnes, Vice President, Resident Director, Robson Ranch HOA

Communities can be so much more than just a place to live. Robson Ranch is such a community. We are a community where residents get to know each other and interact. While we are called an active adult community, we are much more than that.

We are also a community that cares about not only our own, but also those communities that live around us.

Our various clubs and organizations are constantly looking for ways to help. We just need to become aware. For example, our Woodworkers have embarked on a project to share some Texas culture with exchange students visiting Southlake from Sister Cities in China and Japan. Each visiting student will receive wooden plagues in the shape of Texas and engraved with a star, “Southlake” and “made with love by Robson Ranch Woodworkers.”

Our Yarn Divas can be seen all around Robson Ranch knitting. Whether they are baby caps and blankets for the NICU at Texas Presbyterian, or hats for cancer patients undergoing treatment, members are pleased to give their time and materials. Material Girls join the Yarn Divas to sew quilts for our Support Our Troops (SOT) chapter.

Both our After Schoolers and Kiwanis Club are committed to mentor elementary school students in Denton. Specifically, we offer support for the teachers at both Borman and Gonzales Elementary Schools in Denton through grants, scholarships, monetary gifts and culinary treats. Kiwanis also offers an annual scholarship to a deserving TWU student.

The chapter also works closely with Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s home. The Robson Ranch Women’s Club raises money throughout the year for contributions to major charities throughout the Metroplex. They are an active sponsor of the Denton Community Food Center.

This is just part of the story. We have 89 diverse clubs at Robson Ranch. All of these clubs are committed to improving lifestyle in some capacity. Living Well is not just a committee name at Robson Ranch. It is an attitude. While we enjoy life in retirement, we

Gary Lewis Area President

Page A12

also want to give back. In so doing, we are more than a contributor to the tax rolls. We are part of the fabric of North Texas. We care!

Remember, we have a highly acclaimed public golf course, a first class banquet operation and a premier restaurant to share with our surrounding communities.

Don’t be intimidated by our front gate. You will always be greeted with a big “Welcome to Robson Ranch” with driving instructions to the Grill, Clubhouse and Pro Shop. Hope to see you soon.

Denton City Council Update

By Don Duff, Denton City Council, District 3

Tyson will be building their first totally automated frozen food distribution center in Denton. $50 Million in new taxable property, 100 full-time good paying jobs and will generate $4.9 million in revenue to the City of Denton. (Will help keep property taxes low).

Tyson will receive $268,000 in tax abatement from the city and $450,000 in reduced electricity cost from DME. For me, it was a slam dunk. It passed 4-3.

The City council approved an ordinance to send to the state legislature to authorize a municipal management district (MMD) for Cole & Hunter Ranch that allows the developers to sell bonds to recover some of the infrastructure costs. The bonds will be repaid by owners of property in the development. (Not too different than the amenity fee we pay at Robson Ranch). The developers are not asking the City of Denton for any money. Again the vote to move the project forward was 4 to 3. The same 3 voted no. Governor Abbot will sign the law to allow the MMD. There are three agreements the developers will have to be passed on by the Denton City Council to authorize the MMD. The 3 no votes will still be on the City Council after the next election.

Only District 3 will have a new City Council person. Stay tuned for the May 4 election.

The “NEW Green Deal” in the news will destroy the U.S. economy. But in Texas, we have what I call a “New Green Wave.” Texas has its own electric grid that almost all cities receive their electricity. Right now, about 1/3 of electricity in Texas is produced by wind.

See ROBSON on Page A16

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March 2019

Mitchell

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

dressing up for an evening of dancing, entertainment, food, photos and spending time together.

Registration is required by March 15.

The event will be at the Courtyard by Marriott in Flower Mound.

Call 972-874-6281 or email shelby. griffin@flower-mound.com for more information.

Continued from Page A6

Attendees can bring blankets, chairs and well-behaved pets on a leash. Free parking is also available.

For additional information, call (972) 219-3401.

20th Annual Father Daughter Prom A special event for fathers and daughters in Flower Mound is set for 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on March 23. Fathers can share a special memory with their daughters by

Spring Fling Fashion Show The Women of Flower Mound plan their annual Spring Fling Fashion Show for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 13 at The

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Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

Shops at Highland Village.

The event at 1500 Cottonwood Creek, Suite 170, will feature the current season’s fashions from local shops. A gift basket silent auction will follow the show.

Attendees will sample menu items and desserts from local eateries. Guests will also receive a swag bag with samples and special offers.

Proceeds from the event will go toward the Women of Flower Mound Scholarship Fund.

Find out more information at www. womenofflowermound.org.

Page A13

Connect With Us: Be sure and connect with Denton County on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DentonCountyTX and on Twitter @DentonCountyTX. If you have any questions or comments, please let me hear from you. My email is bobbie.mitchell@dentoncounty.com and my office number is 972-434-4780.

Get Ready to Sell With spring about to arrive in full color, many homeowners will decide to sell their home. Historically, spring has always been the best time to market and sell homes and this spring is no different. With the end of the school year only three months out, and with summer just around the corner, there are more homes coming on the market than at any other time of the year. Our market is definitely hot, including the higher end properties. There are more buyers out searching and financing Amanda Pruett is becoming increasingly more available. The inventory of well-maintained homes continues to remain lower than the demand, which in turn has helped drive up our area values. What still remains important when selling a home in any market, is that it must be clean and in good repair. This includes, in some cases, spending a little more upfront money in updating to ensure a faster sale and at the top end of your price range.

I have listed below some helpful hints in getting your home ready to sell.

• Make the most of that first impression. A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs, clutter free yard, porches and patios are a must. Plant flowers around the front door and ARGYLE BARTONVILLE CANYON OAKS

HOMES ON THE MARKET HOMES SOLD PENDING HIGH SALE LOW SALE MEDIAN AVERAGE AVERAGE PRICE PER SQ.FT. AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET AVERAGE % OF LIST TO SALE PRICE

in the beds in the backyard. Take care of any chipped paint or minor repairs. The home should be clean and in good repair. Any excess furniture or over-stocked closets should be put into storage. Look for improvements or updates particularly in the kitchen and bathrooms that cost the least amount of money, but bring the greatest return.

• Paint over those wild colors and remove outdated wallpapers. You might consider repainting those wild colored rooms, or replacing the older carpet and removing wallpaper. In most cases wallpaper dates a property and is rarely seen these days in new construction. Offering a paint, carpet or wallpaper allowance rarely works, buyers like to see what they’re going to get. If you do replace flooring, stick to more neutral colors.

• Make it light and bright. Make sure all burned-out bulbs are replaced, and that fixtures and windows are clean.

During showings, open the blinds and turn on the lights.

Buyers are looking for light and bright.

Unlike some parts of the country our market is very active! If you follow the suggestions above and price your home right it should sell quickly.

Amanda Pruett is an agent RE/MAX Cross Country REALTORS located at 1990 Justin Rd. in Highland Village.

She can be reached at 469-233-1751 or by email amandap@rmccdfw.com

COPPER CANYON

DOUBLE OAK

FLOWER MOUND

HIGHLAND VILLAGE

LANTANA

44 11 12 $1,038,603 $320,000 $400,000 $472,509 $138.08 40

80 13 21 $990,000 $300,000 $430,000 $461,401 $130.20 60

51 9 6 $525,000 $230,000 $340,000 $361,878 $183.62 77

98%

98%

97%

153 23 27 $583,100 $255,000 $410,000 $404,894 $141.70 106

13 1 1 $1,050,000 N/A N/A N/A $210.67 38

1 0 0 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

17 1 2 $990,000 N/A N/A N/A $224.54 44

5 5 3 $845,000 $405,000 $507,000 $585,667 $184.29 81

277 74 66 $1,550,000 $90,000 $421,725 $480,496 $150.11 60

97%

95%

N/A

94%

99%

97%

ROBSON RANCH

Statistics for the month of Jan 15-February 15, 2019 Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed

1990 Justin Road Highland Village, TX 75077

469-233-1751 amandap@rmccdfw.com Independently Owned and Operated

Cross Country REALTORS

CARROLLTON

VAN ALSTYNE

FLOWER MOUND

PENDING

PENDING

PENDING

3709 Cemetery Hill Road

113 Blackthorn Meadow

916 Sugarberry Lane

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! Don't Miss this great 3 bedroom 2 bath home on a LARGE corner lot. Gorgeous landscaped front yard with flagstone path leads to Solid Wood Front Door with Speak-Easy opening at top. Spacious Family Room has laminate flooring and wood slider leading out the the flagstone covered patio. Kitchen has granite counter tops, window to the backyard and wall of cabinets for easy storage. Over sized master suite with a shower. Split floor plan has 2 bedrooms in the back sharing an updated bathroom. Out back you will find a covered patio and plenty of space to relax. Great Location close to 35, 121 & George Bush. Windows recently replaced. $249,900

Truly custom one story home on a 1 acre lot in growing Van Alstyne and the sought after Van Alstyne school district. 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths, family den with floor to ceiling stone fireplace with gas logs and wood mantle plus a study or formal living room. This beautiful home features a brick and stone elevation on private lot with a tree line looking out the back of the house. Gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, 5 burner gas stove and island. Custom maple cabinets, granite counter tops and upgraded light fixtures. In ceilings energy efficient spray foam insulation encapsulated. Hand scrapped hardwood floors and upgraded tiles and upgraded light fixtures. Too many options to list. $449,900

Enter into a grand entryway with high ceilings and open floorplan. Spacious kitchen open to the family room with cozy fireplace for those cold, winter evenings. Great wood flooring throughout most of downstairs, large updated ceramic tile flooring in the kitchen. Lots of windows providing lots of light. The roomy master bedroom offers a great plus for marriage: his and her closets. Spa-type master bathroom. Jack and Jill bath for other two bedrooms with double sinks. Great neighborhood with close proximity to schools and shopping. $319,900

FORT WORTH

LANTANA

COVINGTON

PENDING

ACTIVE

ACTIVE

3111 Galemeadow Drive

9145 Penny Lane

1149 FM 67

Come and see this beautifully renovated home in Fort Worth! Located in a quite cul-de-sac, this open concepthome boasts 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a nice sized backyard with a covered porch! Upgradesinclude: freshly painted interior and exterior, a decorative fireplace, new laminate flooring, updated kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, updated bathrooms withgranite countertops, and new carpet upstairs. This home is perfect for you and your family! Comemake this home yours today! $149,900

CUSTOM BALMORAL HOME!! Unique slate & inlaid wood flooring in entry. Office has a wall of built-in bookshelves, French Doors & Beautiful Coffered Ceiling. Family Room boasts a natural stone fireplace with brick accents Hand Scraped Hardwood Floors and a wall of windows.

Kitchen has large Granite Island with room to seat 4, 5 Burner Gas Cook-Top, Double Ovens & Walk-In Pantry. Downstairs has Master En Suite and Guest Bedroom En Suite. Laundry Room has Dog Wash Station, sink and shelving. Upstairs you will find 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths. Media Room that could double as a Gaming Room & Play or Game Room. Backyard has large covered patio perfect for outdoor entertaining & Plenty of room to build a pool. $485,000

10.93 Acres in Covington, Texas. 1 Large 4660 square foot home with 4 Bedrooms 3.5 Baths, Sunroom, Formal Dining and Formal Living, Office. Also includes a guest house with a large 1 car garage and shop on the first floor.

March 2019

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

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Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

MARCH SALE! Come in today!

Page A14

March 2019

Bitter

Continued from Page A1

cology and andrology. Andrology being the male version of gynecology.

“My experience in Australia was terrific.” said Bitter. “I loved everything about the place. The outdoors there is great, the scenery is beautiful and the people are friendly.”

In 1997, Bitter graduated from Texas A&M Veterinary College, and became a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.).

Shortly thereafter he came to Argyle Veterinary Hospital, primarily as an Equine Associate.

“My then fiancée had landed a job in Dallas and, although Argyle was still pretty rural, it was close enough to town and a good fit for both of us,” he said. They’ve lived here ever since.

“Since veterinary school, I had it in my mind that I wanted to own a clinic,” said Bitter. “I just didn’t know how that was going to come about.”

In 2005, his employer retired and sold the practice to Bitter.

Today, the facility consists of two lowrise ranch-style buildings, parking and paddock on a two- acre parcel of land near the intersection of FM 407 and Highway 377; a few miles west of Lantana.

The staff of 30 professionals includes seven veterinarians, veterinary techs or nurses, receptionists, kennel assistants and business administration personnel.

“We have a thriving small animal practice, an equine-only emergency service, an equine surgical suite and partner with a veterinary pharmacy to provide online service,” said Bitter.

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

Wonder what the doctor’s examination room for horses looks like?

It’s a big-footprint room with cinderblock walls and a very high ceiling. The entrances and exits are retracting garage doors for tall customers; and, the floor is horseshoe-proof, spotless concrete. Two walls are lined with typical doctor’s office kitchen-style cabinets, countertops and a sink.

Off to one side is a one-horse steel stall.

Each end has its own gate. There’s a twocar garage-size waiting area, with a long wooden bench, where animal owners wait with tethered patients.

The doctor’s personal office is behind glass in one corner of the room.

How do you handle an unconscious animal that weighs about 1,200 pounds?

“We use an industrial hoist and a hydraulic table,” Bitter said.

Everything is BIG like the patients.

“If you go to the hospital, they give you an IV-line from a one-liter bag of fluid,” said the vet. “Here we give the patient an IV-line from a 20-liter bag!”

If you ever thought a pill was “big enough to choke a horse,” the jumbo size of a large animal hypodermic might make you flinch-and maybe run away screaming?

A horse with a runny nose is impressive.

Forget dainty tissues; vets wipe big drippy noses with a big handful of wadded paper towels.

Outside, between the two buildings, is the doctor’s pickup cum mobile office. The truck-bed is fitted with locking steel cabinets with lots of drawers and cubbies of veterinarian necessaries. Yes, he makes house calls.

“In the case of horses, it’s often easier for me to go to the patient, Bitter said. “Eighty-

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Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

percent of surgeries are performed at the farm,” How does a horse communicate something’s not right?

“Well, if they’re in pain, they do a lot of pawing and they’ll roll on the ground,” said Bitter. “If they’re upset, horses are champion ear ‘twitchers,’ biters and their kick will

Page A15

pack an attention-getting wallop.”

The spacious parking area between the hospital buildings is scheduled for expansion construction.

“As big master-planned communities are replacing our horse farm neighbors, we are See BITTER Page A19

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March 2019

Northlake Notes

By Peter Dewing, JD Mayor of Northlake

The Good and Unpleasant: The Good: As always, we are still in discussions with additional commercial and retail businesses to bring jobs and modern conveniences to the residents of Northlake. Having a comprehensive plan and following it, current regulations, responsiveness, low municipal tax rate, exceptional schools, and housing options are major factors companies find favorable and have been attracting businesses to Northlake.

Dale Earnhardt and Sam Lee roads are planned to open by the end of this month.

Speaking of roads, the first public meeting for improvement to FM 407 is planned for the 21st of March. Please review the Town’s website for additional information as it becomes available.

Stanley Black and Decker’s southwest dis-

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

tribution facility is now officially located in Northlake. They will be in the 1.2-million sq. ft. building located at Sam Lee and Dale Earnhardt.

Several businesses are also looking to move facilities to Northlake and bring additional jobs to the region.

TXDOT is planning to have the first of two public meeting on March 21st at Justin Elementary from 6-8 pm. I encourage attending and providing your comments and ideas at the public meetings. If you cannot attend I would encourage submitting your thoughts or make comments to their website not on local Facebook pages.

The Unpleasant: One recently-elected council member is still attempting to stop any and all development. In my opinion, she believes that only her views matter. Her position entitles her to mislead people on her Facebook page with deceptive/partial information. She has already expressed her opinion on Facebook that she believes that the current councilmembers need to be replaced in order to stop any growth and that Northlake has been ru-

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Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

ined. I would say if you like the progress in Northlake, disregard anything she says.

She now is attempting to find a way to rile her sycophants to stop improving FM 407.

She has opposed every business and housing development since before 2007. She also continues to mislead residents in Northlake that a future community “Pecan Square” has increased traffic on FM 407 and is having a negative impact on “old” residents. False, out of the 8,000+ vehicles over 6,300 are traveling from/to FM 156. She is opposed to Pecan Square which will bring a high school, middle school, elementary school, and sports complex to Northlake. She stated publicly that if we don’t have homes, we don’t need schools.

Her previous position says a lot of what she thinks of new residents to Northlake. She also is an administrator of a Facebook page and controls what can be said or viewed.

Last Word: We need to work together for the best interest of all of us and continue to improve Northlake, and not dwell on the past.

I have decided to not run for mayor for another term, I will be pursuing other options and opportunities to continue serving our Town. Best of luck to David Rettig, the next mayor of Northlake. I believe, based on our conversations, he is planning to continue moving Northlake forward for all.

If you have suggestions or comments on how to enrich and improve Northlake for all, please let me know. If you like the stability, services, and projects the Town is working

on let the Council know. Additionally, I encourage everyone to take the time to attend at least one Council meeting in the next year to see how your Town Officials communicate and make decisions, all agendas and Council packets are posted on the official website to ensure we remain transparent to you.

I encourage questions, concerns or recommendations not be made on Facebook.

Rather direct them to the staff or an elected representative(s) via their official e-mail.

Social media is not public to every resident, Town e-mails are. The staff and I are always willing to answer any questions or address concerns, when inquiries are made this way, they become public record. If you hear or see something on social media that interests you, contact the Town to voice your views. All facts and voices should be heard and not only presented by a few who hide on the internet.

Your voice and opinion matter. Contact information for staff and councilmembers is located at www.town.northlake.tx.us.

I am excited that the Town has a bright future and will continue to welcome everyone for generations to come. If you have any comments or suggestions to improve your quality of life in Northlake or recommendations to improve public communications/information, please let me know.

Thank you for the privilege of representing you and the Town.

Robson

for some time to handle peak loads. (Wind does not always blow and the sun does not always shine). The big advantage of DEC; it can be online in 5 minutes, run for 15 minutes and be shut down and be ready in another 5 minutes.

As electric-powered cars increase, fewer gasoline cars will be built. The air will become cleaner. Gasoline cars will still be around for a long time because gasoline will become very cheap with the overabundance of oil.

Eventually, solar will supply almost all electricity in Texas. The source of all energy is the sun. Solar panels, wind turbines, fossil fuel energy all come from the sun.

Continued from Page A12

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Wind just surpassed coal. Solar is just over 1% of Texas electricity.

Here is what is coming; coal will go away soon. Not because of pollution or global warming. Coal will not be able to compete economically. Solar will become the predominate supplier of electricity in Texas (I do not know how fast). I think that when wind turbines reach the end of their life, they will not be replaced. The storage of electricity will be solved at some point.

Engines like the Denton Energy Center (DEC) that run on natural gas will be around

Peter Dewing, JD., CWO3/USMC (ret), 940390-4303, PDewing@town.northlake.tx.us

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March 2019

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Page A17

March 2019

Mayor Sue

Continued from Page A9

Two of her 7 prior mayoral elections were contested. Sue and husband Emil Tejml have lived in Copper Canyon since 1991 or 27 years on 10.415 acres. (No acreage is ag exempt.) Sue is a retired attorney, formerly Texas Board Certified in Family Law, and for six years a former City Attorney-Municipal Prosecutor-and Police Advisor for a town of 18,000 population south of Houston. Sue has served on the board of the Argyle Fire District for 15 years and elected Denton County-wide to the Denco 911 Board of Managers for 6 years. Sue served 2 years as a CASA – Court Appointed Special Advocate for children removed from their home for physical and/or sexual abuse or severe neglect.)

Ron Robertson and his wife Sylvia Robertson bought their current home on 3.471 acres on Pilot Lane in Copper Canyon 3 years ago in March 2016. (No acre-

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

age is ag exempt.) Ron and Sylvia own and manage Robertson Pools and also have a working ranch and home in Comanche, Texas west of Fort Worth. Ron said he has “21 years’ experience in town governments, budgets, etc.” Ron was a former Council Member for Coppell and a former Mayor of Bartonville.

Candidate Forum Sunday, April 7th 2 p.m. at Copper Canyon Town Hall Max Miller, the owner of The Cross Timbers Gazette, will be the Moderator for the Forum. He asked that Copper Canyon residents email him questions to be addressed to all candidates at max@ crosstimbersgazette.com. Max is very experienced with candidate forums and knows how to remain neutral.

Cross Timbers Water wins Court Suit to allow Building of 2nd Water Tower The jury awarded zero dollars to the remaining Saddlebrook Plaintiffs in their suit against Cross Timbers Water Supply Corporation. The Plaintiffs have 30 days to appeal, but Jury Verdicts are not often successful on appeal. Without an appeal, Cross Timbers can complete the erection of its second elevated water tank on its site in Bartonville.

For Copper Canyon, it means an end to the moratorium on water hydrants in its developments. No longer will all newly built homes have to have interior fire suppressant sprinkler systems. And, no longer will all developments have to have fire suppressant ponds with constant levels supported by on site water wells. The Court win for Cross Timbers Water would be a huge financial benefit for Toll Brothers and the Vickery Family for

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Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

the proposed Vickery Park development in Copper Canyon’s Town Center south of FM 407.

Council Workshop Feb. 25 – Steve Hill reviews Pro Forma on Toll Brothers Steve Hill’s updated Pro Forma was the basis of P&Z’s 4-1 and Council’s 5-0 vote of approval at the December Joint Meeting for Toll Brothers proposed Vickery Park at a density not to exceed 225 homes. Current Council candidates had criticized the Pro Forma as (1) being available too late for scrutiny [the Saturday before the Monday December Joint Meeting of Council and P&Z and before this February 25th meeting], (2) for front loading road rebuilding and assuming Council would spend money for road rebuilding that the Town did not have [which Council would never do], (3) not including road maintenance repairs [which are always included every fiscal year in the Pro Forma, but in a separate line item for maintenance and not in the rebuilding roads category], (4) for not including in revenue property taxes from home building in the 4 square miles of Copper Canyon outside the two Town Centers [which Steve did include in the Pro Forma], (5) for exaggerating the increased cost of rebuilding roads [Steve said the costs were based on Halff engineers most current estimates for Denton County specifically and North Texas generally. Those costs have skyrocketed for concrete and because of the dire shortage of labor for road construction], and (6) that a 20 year Pro Forma is too long a time range – 5 to 10 years should be a more exact time frame for forecasting.

Steve was able to answer criticisms number 2-6. And, he apologized and acknowledge criticism #1 – the late availability of the updated Pro Forma for residents to study. But Steve is a senior executive with KPMG, one of the top

Page A18

four accounting firms – not only in the United States but in the world. Steve now offices in Manhattan and is a constant world traveler financially advising large corporations and wealthy clients all over the globe. That Steve volunteers his financial expertise to Copper Canyon and each month personally updates the Town’s Pro Forma budget is of incredible benefit to our small town.

Our Town Administrator Donna Welsh is in the process of printing out the 20year Pro Forma in color and on large easily readable 11” x 17” sheets. The Pro Forma will be available online and in hard copy at Town Hall.

Resident Scott Doores suggests RCC as a less expensive Road Rebuilding Material.

Town resident Scott Doores suggested evaluating RCC as a new road rebuilding material that is about the cost of asphalt, but with the durability and longevity of concrete. RCC stands for “recycled compressed concrete.” He said RCC was laid in the morning and cars were driving on it that afternoon. He also said that the city of Hazlett is using it to rebuild its interior roads. Our Halff engineer Brian Haynes said he is well acquainted with the Hazlett Town Engineer and will call him for information on RCC as an alternate and less expensive road rebuilding material for Copper Canyon.

Former Mayor Larry Johnson also endorsed Steve Hill’s Financial Capabilities, but criticized the Town for not having more Public Meetings on the Toll Brothers’ proposed Vickery Park Development.

Former Mayor Johnson did acknowledge that he has not attended many Town meetings in recent years, as he has been See MAYOR SUE on Page A24

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Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

Bitter

Continued from Page A15

becoming more and more of a small animal business,” said Bitter. “Urban growth is inevitable as people discover places like southern Denton County; and, like all businesses, we respond to our changing veterinary demographics.”

Bitter says small animal practice is enjoyable and the growing demand for high-quality small animal care has become a large focus of the hospital. Bitter and his staff all look forward to meeting more and more of their new neighbors.

“We add value to our clients’ veterinary experience by performing surgeries and treating internal medicine cases that most general practices refer,” he said. “Of course, we make referrals to specialists from time to time, but our investments in technology and training enable us to provide many services right here; close to home, often for less expense.”

Five-years-ago, Bitter joined the Argyle

om r f y a w A Walk That’s Anything me!

Too Ta

Argyle Veterinary Hospital and Equine Clinic invests in state-of-the-art imaging equipment. (Photo by Helen’s Photography)

Independent School District Board of Trustees.

“Quality education is so important,” he

said, having three sons in Argyle schools.

“With 2,731 students enrolled, this amazing district can boast of its community in-

Page A19

volvement, high parental expectations and willingness to put a shoulder to the proverbial wheel; a learning environment aimed at college, excellent staff and a curriculum focused on academics.”

At age of almost 50, what does John Bitter think about living life?

“Growing up in a big family, I learned the important news that the world doesn’t revolve around me,” he said. “Then I learned how to work. There were always cattle to feed, fences and water pipes to fix, fields to mow and horses to ride. The family values I grew up with, were-- do what I enjoy, have a sense of humor, be committed, work hard and give value.”

All this is evident the minute you walk on the hospital’s campus.

The Argyle Veterinary Hospital is located at 410 F.M. 407 E. in Argyle, Texas.

To schedule an appointment call 940-4643231, or visit: argylevet.com.

(Contact the writer at noellemhood@gmail.com)

John F. Bitter, DVM Ryan Royse, DVM Melissa Pearson, DVM Claire Gibson, DVM Travis Rice, DVM

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March 2019

HV Update

Continued from Page A10

ficient to keep up with inflation and others factors that affect city government.

During our time in Austin, we provided an alternative solution to our legislators and to the author of the proposed legislation. Simply put, we proposed a 6% rollback rate with a rolling average calculation. First, calculate the 6% rollback rate each year then combine the current year’s rate with the calculated rate for each of the two prior years to determine a three-year rollback average rate. The logic behind this proposal is the three–year average provides a smoothing effect for a more relevant comparison of trends and reduces the impact of a single-year spike.

As I stated, we agree having an upper threshold is good policy and believe it should serve as a check to address outliers rather than force elections each year just to maintain continuing operations. Residents elect a Council to represent the City and

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

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Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

school taxes while still maintaining the needed funding to provide the services, amenities, education system, infrastructure and public safety residents expect in order to maintain their quality of life. It is our wish to keep Highland Village and Texas a desired destination for residents, visitors, and businesses.

I know this was a lot of information and it really is the tip of the iceberg – if you’d like more details please feel free to contact myself, a Council member, or our city manager. I also encourage you to visit the Your Tax Dollars at Work page on the City website. A Highland Village homeowner can enter their address and see how their property tax is split between the City, LISD and Denton County. We have gone one step further and provided a breakdown

by City department so residents can see how their taxes fund City services.

And speaking of your tax dollars, the street bond program you approved is underway. You will remember, voters approved issuance of $2.8 million in bonds to fund street improvements in a November 2017 bond election. Twenty-three streets were identified to be reconstructed with this bond issuance. The following streets are currently in the construction phase - Oak Forest, Winding Creek, Rosedale Street, Ranier Court, Snowdon Court, Sheldon Court, and Dickinson Drive.

How were these streets selected? I spoke with our public works director, Scott Kriston, to get a better understanding of this to share with you. Our public works and streets department has a pavement management program that uses state and federal guidelines to assess the condition of roadways and determine what streets are in need of repair and what type of repair.

A manual survey of Highland Village streets is conducted semi-annually by the street supervisor walking or traveling at a slow speed noting the existing surface distresses. The street supervisor is trained and holds the Professional Development Street Supervisor Certification through the Na-

make budget decisions based on input received and the needs of the community as opposed to other states that operate on referendums and propositions.

Over the years Highland Village has operated efficiently and conservatively.

We have maintained the same ad valorem tax rate for ten years and then the last two years provided a decrease. We have planned another decrease in the ad valorem tax rate for 2021. We increased the homestead exemption for those 65 and over. We offer discounted garbage rates for those 65 and over and a monthly credit for residents of any age who sign up for automatic deductions for their utility payments. The current Council and our past Councils have worked to plan for the needs of the City.

This consistency and multi-year planning allows us to manage downturns with the use of reserves.

We agree with our state legislators, property tax relief is needed and we hope they are able to come to a consensus to provide meaningful reform to city, county and

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Page A20

tional Highway Institute’s Asset Management program. The average useful life of asphalt pavement is roughly 20 years. A detailed rating system is used to determine the condition of the street and the most practical repair plan. The typical treatment plans include pothole patching, crack sealing, partial depth repairs, full depth repairs, overlays with wedge milling and full depth reconstruction. According to the Federal Highway Administration, crack seal operations add an average of four years to the useful life of an asphalt street. Once the inventory and condition assessments are complete, maintenance is scheduled.

Highland Village streets department works to provide preventative maintenance to extend the life of our streets and reduce the burden of tax payers.

If you see areas in the City, whether it is streets that need some repair or any other issue that is the responsibility of the City, you can submit it directly to the appropriate department by using the Eye on Highland Village app. Just download GoRequest from your app store then when you see something that needs our attention, snap a photo, select the appropriate category, add an explanation and submit. You can submit anonymously or include your name and email so city staff can keep you informed of their progress.

We are fortunate to live in the great state of Texas and Highland Village. Council and staff work hard to provide you quality service and superb amenities. We know we are not perfect so if you see something that needs our attention, you have a question about something or you just want more information about Highland Village please contact me, a fellow Council member or the appropriate person on staff. We welcome the opportunity to assist you and get to know you.

Thank you for allowing me to share this information with you and to serve as your Mayor.

March 2019

ICYMI

Continued from Page A3

community will feature one- two- or three-bedroom apartments, plus 14 single-family townhomes for residents aged 55-or-older.

NEW DISTRIBUTION CENTER TO CREATE 300 JOBS Stanley Black & Decker, the world’s largest tools and storage company and leader in engineered fastening and security, announced in early February a new 1.2-million-square-foot regional distribution center in the town of Northlake. The new facility will service central and southern states with an array of power tools and hand tools and will employ more than 300 workers when it opens this spring. It is located southeast of the I-35W/

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

Hwy 114 interchange.

THAT’S THE CATCH CLOSES FLOWER MOUND LOCATION That’s The Catch, a fast-casual seafood restaurant at 3651 Justin Road in Flower Mound, abruptly shut its doors in mid-February after only six months. The Texas and Louisiana-style seafood restaurant was operating in the space formerly occupied by Modern Market. The chain’s location in Lewisville at 724 W. Main Street remains open.

ARGYLE APPROVES PLATS FOR TWO SUBDIVISIONS The Argyle Planning & Zoning Commission last month approved preliminary plats for two subdivisions in the town’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction, which are areas outside the town

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Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

that it is still able to legally exercise authority.

Argyle Crossing, a proposed 30-acre subdivision southeast of Hwy 377 and Frenchtown Road was approved for 71 residential lots and six nonresidential lots. The second approval was for Harvest Townhomes Phases 1 and 2 with 209 attached single-family residential lots on 28 acres in the Harvest subdivision, located north of FM 407 and west of I-35W. Both applicants will later have to submit a final plat application to proceed with development.

FLOWER MOUND COUNCIL APPROVES OFFICE BUILDINGS, NIXES CAR WASH Flower Mound Town Council members last month were unanimously enthusiastic with a rezoning request for the Lakeside Center office park by developer Realty Capital, but less stoked about a proposed car wash. The

Page A21

office development–-west of FM 2499, east of Northwood Drive-- will feature the town’s first official Class A Office building. The request for a Special Use Permit to allow a car wash next to Bank of America on the southeast corner of FM 3040 and Gerault Road was denied, despite being passed unanimously a week earlier by P&Z commissioners.

OLD JUSTIN ROAD CLOSED A section of Old Justin Road west of I-35W will be closed for the next six months. The Belmont Fresh Water Supply District No. 1 has advised that Old Justin Road between Cleveland-Gibbs Road and Harvest Way will be closed until August for roadway reconstruction and improvement.

Motorists are being detoured to 13th Street through the Harvest subdivision.

March 2019

River Walk

Continued from Page A1

And, of highest interest-- what dining options will be opening? A tentative list of possible restaurant tenants was announced at a Rotary fundraiser and reported in this newspaper back in Septem-

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

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Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

Page A22

ber 2018.

Nate Champion’s Prime Steak & Chop House, a high-end steak restaurant with a variety of wine selections was announced as the anchor at the southern-end of the man-made river.

Sharing the same building, was set to

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be Cuvée, a restaurant and lounge with an interior European wine décor.

Moving northward, River Social, with a gathering-spot concept described by Centurion American Vice President Jack Dawson as: “a set up for parties for 1012 people, with sports TVs, interactive games … a kind of place for everyone.”

Pizzeria Ascoli, serving Neapolitanstyle pizza, will also be in that building.

The third building was announced to feature Primo’s Tex-Mex Grille, as well as Flomo’s, a burger, shakes and sweets shop.

“No individual permits for specific restaurants in the restaurant row have been submitted to the Town,” said Andrea Roy, director of Development. “We have been informed that Primo’s may be replaced by an alternate, similar-type of restaurant.”

A final list of restaurant brands is expected to be announced in the near future.

Other amenities are in the works.

“We’re working on the design for the Farmers Market and Splash Pad with town staff,” said Morrow.

She added that the Amphitheater is currently under design and an update will be given in the next few months.

The River Walk property-- located north of FM 1171, west of Morriss Road and east of FM 2499-- was formerly owned by the Baptist Foundation. In 2013, Centurion American purchased the 158-acres and began the dredging operation to build a six-foot deep, 3,000-footlong river walk canal separating the development’s eastern residential area and its retail, restaurant and entertainment western areas.

The developer pointed to utility issues as the main reason for the slow progress of the restaurant building construction.

The River Walk is set to fling open its shopping and dining doors to add to its reputation as a hot place to visit for really cool late-summer and autumn events.

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March 2019

Lantana Links Continued from Page A11

Denim, Diamonds, & Dice to Benefit Charity The Lantana Ladies League will once again present its signature Casino Night, open to everyone in Denton and surrounding counties, on Friday, March 22.

The event will benefit Denton County Friends of the Family, which provides safety, hope, healing, justice and prevention for victims of sexual and domestic violence.

“Denim, Diamonds & Dice: A TexasStyle Casino Night” will be held at Circle R Ranch and has something for everyone.

Come dressed in your finest “cowboy cocktail” attire to enjoy a wide variety of entertainment: Traditional barbeque dinner; Casino table games (gamble with funny money to earn a chance to win

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

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prizes donated by local businesses); DJ and dancing; Mechanical bull; and Silent Auction.

Mark your calendar for a fun night to support a worthy cause on Friday, March 22, from 7-11 p.m. at Circle R Ranch, 5901 Cross Timbers Road, Flower Mound, TX 75022.

Tickets are on sale at lantanaladiesleague.com.

The League would like to extend special thanks to our Title Sponsor: The Shimala Group—Keller Williams. To inquire about additional sponsorships that are still available, contact Committee Chair, Tami Schmidt, at TamiSchmidt123@gmail.com.

For more information on Lantana Ladies League, go to lantanaladiesleague. com or visit the Lantana Ladies League Facebook page.

–Submitted by Eileen Weidman

Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

Development Watch Lantana had 3,763 occupied homes as of February 1 with an estimated population of 12,230.

There were 2,110 single-family building permits issued in Fresh Water Supply District #6 and 1,766 permits issued in

Page A23

Fresh Water Supply District #7 for single-family homes through the month of January, for a total of 3,876 permits. Total build-out is estimated to be approximately 4,000 homes.

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All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All measurements and square footagers are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Compass is a licensed real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity.

March 2019

Mayor Sue

Continued from Page A18

occupied as CEO of Fogo de Chao.

Council Member Dave Svatik commented that the Town has had multiple Council Meetings since last spring and many residents have commented publicly on the proposed Toll Brothers Vickery Park project. [Town Minutes detail many of those comments verbatim and are on the coppercanyon-tx.org website.]

Repairs begin on erosion of pilings at the base of the Poindexter Creek Bridge The pilings at the base of Poindexter Creek Bridge on Chinn Chapel Road are each surrounded by rock abutments that protect the pilings from erosion by storm water runoff. But the incredible amounts of rain in our area this last year have resulted in a record amount of storm water flowing east on Poindexter Creek to Lewisville Lake. The bridge pilings are also unique in their “jurisdictional domain.” Copper Canyon had to obtain a formal, written “20-year easement” from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers BEFORE our Town could begin repairs to the rock abutments at the base of each piling. The Corps’ written approval came in last week, I signed as Mayor of Copper Canyon, and the repairs around the bridge pilings began this week. You may have noticed the large earth moving equipment parked along Chinn Chapel

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

Road near the bridge.

A special thanks to our Halff engineer Brian Haynes and Corps Land Natural Resources Specialist Nick Wilson for shepherding approval through the Corps of Engineers Fort Worth District Office.

Firefighter Deaths and Disability – SAFE-D Conference in Frisco SAFE-D is the State organization for Emergency Service Districts. Its annual conference in Frisco this year was attended by 600 firefighters and ESD Commissioners. I was fortunate to be able to attend with our Argyle Fire District Chief Mac Hohenberger. And this year, every single one of our five Denton County Emergency Service District #1 Commissioners attended: Jim Carter of Bartonville, President; Dr. Jay Haynes, M.D. of Argyle, Vice President; Jon Donahue of Argyle, Treasurer; Steve Harris of Bartonville, Secretary; and newly appointed Clifford Travis of Northlake; Assistant Treasurer.

The keynote speaker was Todd LeDuc, a Fire Chief for 800 firefighters in Broward County, Florida (Miami’s location). With a population of 1.9 million, Broward County is the 8th largest county in the United States. Mr. LeDuc was an excellent speaker and very knowledgeable. The causes of firefighter death and disability are (1) cardiac - and for every death, 17 other firefighters become crippled.; (2) cancer, and (3) suicide.

If you miss a day, you miss a lot!

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Cross Country REALTORS I live, work & play in the Lake Cities & Highland Village areas & I love my job. I get personal satisfaction when I am able to assist sellers in obtaining the highest possible value for their home & in assisting home buyers in locating, negotiating & closing on their dream home. I’m a member of the Executive & 100% clubs based on yearly sales. I would love to assist you in negotiating a fantastic deal on your dream home. Robin St. John 940-300-5709

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9145 Penny Lane, Lantana

Immaculate & move-in ready 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath home with beautiful built-ins, coffered ceiling, stone fireplace, wood floors, granite, oversized laundry room with dog washing stall & so much more! $475,000 Call Amanda Pruett 469-233-1751

1210 Wisteria Way, Richardson Beautifully renovated 4 bedroom, 3 bath home in a great neighborhood in Richardson. Fresh paint, versatile & durable laminate flooring throughout brings a modern, relaxing atmosphere. This home features 2 master bedrooms with private bath. You won’t want to miss out on this home! $345,000 Call Suzy Britz 214-448-2888

2017 Glen Manor, Corinth Wonderful area of Corinth! Parks, fishing pond & drive up appeal in this neighborhood. This area is quiet & peaceful. 4 bedroom, 2 bath home on almost ¼ acre. Home is meticulously maintained & ready for new owners. Pergo floors throughout.

Recently installed appliances & fresh paint. $299,900 Call Ben DeAnda 972-342-5029

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Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

[NOTE: The prevalence of suicide for firefighters stunned me!]

Firefighters are “tactical athletes.”

Their job requires high exertion and physical stress in conditions of extreme hyperthermia (extreme heat.) The extreme heat of being close to flames is exacerbated by the weight and confinement of all the protective gear they must wear.

90 firefighters die a year in the line of duty. Firefighter cardiac deaths are under 47 years of age. For the ordinary person, cardiac deaths are mainly after age 65.

Of sudden cardiac deaths of firefighters, 63% were obese. Among non-cardiac deaths, obesity was still a factor. The average firefighter gains 3 pounds per year of service. As Mr. LeDuc noted, the “Fire service bonds around the kitchen table.”

There is a toxic soup of over 200 contaminants when burned. So, breathing protection is vital. But these contaminants in the air can also be absorbed through the skin. Dermal absorption is highest in wrist, neck, forehead, and groin. The standard motto after a fire is “shower within the hour.” Then wash and decontaminate your gear.

Modifiable Risk Factors. Firefighters have five modifiable risk factors in the following order: (1) Obesity - by modifying Fitness and Nutrition, (2) Alcohol use - the Fire Service has a problem, (3) Tobacco use, (4) Sleep, and (5) Toxic Exposures.

Alcohol: Heavy Drinking by firefighters in a Central U.S.A. Study: 53% Career Firefighters 39% Volunteer Firefighters

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10% of firefighters reported driving while intoxicated in the past month.

Suicide: 1 of every 2 career firefighters considers suicide.

15.5% of career firefighters attempt suicide (the attempted suicide rate is higher for women fire fighters.)

1.9 to 8.7% of the general population attempt suicide.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in firefighters is almost as high as for military veterans returning from combat.

Every year the U.S. Government sets aside $450 million for grants to firefighters. Most of the grant money is used for equipment. Only 10% is used for the health and safety of the firefighters (i.e. annual physicals). There are 1.2 million firefighters in the United States in 33,000 Fire Departments. 660,000 firefighters (over half) do NOT get annual physicals.

Jim Carter is President of our Denton County Emergency Services District #1 and serves on the State Board of SAFED. Jim asked me to review this information with our Denton County ESD#1 Commissioners and with some of our local firefighters. As I was going over the statistics Argyle Fire District’s Chief Mac Hohenberger, Assistant Chief Mike Lugo, and Emergency Manager Chris Muscle were slowly nodding their heads in agreement. They are very familiar with the above statistics and aware of the challenge they face to help their own AFD firefighters stay healthy and alive.

Binge Drinking 56% Career Firefighters 45% Volunteer Firefighters

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7214 Rector Road, Sanger

New construction 4 bedroom custom home on .949 acres! Boasting a split bedroom layout with huge bedrooms, a grand family room dressed with a wood beam 11 foot ceiling, wood-like tile flooring in all central living spaces & a wall of windows overlooking the covered patio & acreage. This home is incredible!$379,900 Call Dave Ryer 214-704-2606

229 Hunter Court, Bartonville

Gorgeous country estate! The property is heavily treed, fully fenced with well. Custom & looking brand new. The quality of construction in this home is detailed in the feature sheet and with its updated finishes to appeal to all. Vaulted Ceilings, hand scraped hardwoods, new carpeting and finishes with Kolbe and Kolbe windows and solid wood doors is only the beginning! $1,599,000 Call Sherry Griffin 214-794-6045

1000 Wagner Way, Lantana Gorgeous 5 bedroom Lantana Golf Course home!

Open & flowing floor plan offers the best in outdoor living. Pool with spa, covered patio with outdoor kitchen & multi-level deck with fireplace. Media room, game room, generously sized secondary bedrooms each with their own en-suite. $841,200 Call Cerita Loftis 972-841-1379

1357 Saddlebrook Court, Bartonville

Nestled on a Cul-De-Sac with Gorgeously Landscaped 2+ Acres, this English Tudor Styled Castle Boasts High Ceilings with Exposed Timber Beams and Large Airy Rooms. Stunning Gourmet Kitchen, Stainless Steel Appliances, SubZero Refrigeration & Wine Cellar. Game Room, Theater & Gym on Upper Level that Leads to a Balcony Overlooking A Lagoon Style Swimming Pool with Cascading Waterfalls. $1,575,000 Call Lisa Kula 469-386-2167

3907 Ridgecrest, Flower Mound Nice one story custom home situated on beautiful acre lot with many mature trees in desirable area of Flower Mound. 4/3/2, 2 living areas. Enjoy the large backyard with sparkling pool & large wood deck. New carpet & ceramic tile just installed. Well for irrigation of sprinkler system. $515,000 Call Cammy Turgon 214-724-0331

13183 Cowper, Frisco

THE SELLER IS OFFERING $2,000 TOWARDS THE BUYER’S CLOSING COST! ONE STORY on .25 acre lot.

Beautiful home with open floor plan, unique layout with split bedrooms from Master, the 4th bedroom in front of home can be used as a study, all spacious rooms, crown molding, neutral paint, pool size and more back yard. $278,000 Call Cynthia Pierce 214-632-3636

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Call Raisa Wilfong 469-635-6306

I have been licensed in Real Estate since March 2003. Residential has been my main focus however I have experience with commercial & farm & ranch as well. As a real estate professional, I’m well versed in all phases of the home buying process.

Call Roxa Maynard 214-734-2011

March 2019

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

Double Oak

residents of our town during this interim period.

day, March 10 at 2 a.m.

Outdoor Emergency Notification Sirens and Severe Weather Spring also brings higher potential threats for severe weather! To best serve our residents, the Town is pleased to announce two additional emergency notification sirens will soon be constructed. The Town of Flower Mound and Double Oak have partnered together for Double Oak to be included as part of Flower Mound’s overall network. With the upcoming installation of a warning siren funded by the Town of Double Oak and a second one funded by the Town of Flower Mound, the majority of our residents and bordering Flower Mound citizens will benefit from increased notification coverage. This is a fantastic example of neighbors working together to find a mutually beneficial solution for all!

Outdoor emergency notification sirens are intended to alert residents who are outdoors to seek shelter immediately and can be activated town-wide or within a localized area for emergencies. While these sirens are not necessarily intended to alert residents indoors, you may still be able to hear them depending on your proximity to one. Spend some time this spring to make sure you and your family are severe weather ready. Excellent resources are available at www.ready.gov/severe-weather/.

A huge thank you to the Town of Flower Mound for this invaluable partnership. We also extend our sincere gratitude to CoServ, who generously funded $5,000 of the siren cost through their not-for-profit organization. And, last, but not least, a special thanks to Fire Chief Scott Whisenhunt and Police Chief Derrick Watson for leading this initiative!

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Furry Residents: Double Oak is blessed to have so many furry friends who live in our town! Many are very clever at finding ways to escape from your home to seek adventure throughout the town and neighboring communities. Please check fencing so your companions will be safe when they are outdoors and consider joining nextdoor. com where Double Oak Residents share information about lost and found pets, along with many other items of interest to the community.

We have a fantastic town full of neighbors helping neighbors and I see so many residents working tirelessly to make sure that escape artists are returned to their home. We also have a very diverse wildlife population within Double Oak that may not be friendly toward smaller animals – please stay alert when outdoors so our furry residents will remain safe. If you see an animal wondering around and need help, please contact our Animal Control Officer, Brian Hall, at (817) 401-1861.

Town Secretary Our long-time, beloved Town Secretary Charlotte Allen retired from the Town on February 1. Residents, Council, staff, friends, and family gathered on February 4 to celebrate her many years of and to give her the proper send-off she earned and deserved! On behalf of the Town and Council, we wish Charlotte the very best as she begins this new season of her life.

Council recently appointed Eileen Kennedy as Acting Town Secretary while Council works diligently to appoint a new Town Secretary. We extend a very special thanks to Eileen and Lynn Jones, Court Clerk, for tirelessly working to serve the

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Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

May 4, 2019 Municipal Election Town Council elections have been cancelled as the filing period for the seat of Mayor and two Council Members has expired. The following candidates are unopposed: Mayor Mike Donnelly and Council Members Scott Whisenhunt and Ginger Brittain.

Town Hall Renovations Council Member Ginger Brittain leads our initiative to refresh our Town Hall and Pavilion. While plans are still in preliminary stages, Ms. Brittain has partnered with many individuals to map out improvements and strategies to update Town Hall and modernize it for our residents and staff. If you are a business owner or private citizen who would like to participate in the renovation process, please contact Ms. Brittain through the Town’s website.

Annual Audit The town received an outstanding audit report for FY2017-2018! We appreciate the efforts of staff, our Town Treasurer Ted Gruenloh, and Mayor Donnelly who worked tirelessly with our independent auditor. The Town maintains a strong financial position and the current audit report, along with historical audits, are available on the Town website.

Women’s History Month During the entire month of March, we celebrate and commemorate famous women in history who dedicated their lives as advocates for gender equality, innovation, leadership, public service, peace, among many other important things. Throughout history, women have made extremely valuable contributions to society that benefit all of us today. Locally, I know each of us can name many influential women who have helped shape our lives and had a positive impact on us – and we should take a few

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moments to thank them during this special month. As a community, we extend sincere and heartfelt appreciation to the many ladies in Double Oak who faithfully serve to make their families, communities, churches, charities, and our town a better place!

Double Oak Women’s Club Speaking of influential and great women leaders, our Double Oak Women’s Club is actively serving our community in many ways. Make a special note on your calendar for these fun events to support the DOWC. Annual Casino Night – March 30, 2019, Town Hall: Buy your tickets now to attend this fun event! This annual fundraiser benefits the DOWC scholarship, which is awarded each year to a graduating Double Oak senior. Scholarship applications are available at Guyer, Liberty, and Marcus high schools and are available to home school students at Christian Academy of America (Jonathan Pulaski). To purchase tickets or for additional information on how you can help, please visit the Town’s website and click the link for the Double Oak Women’s Club.

Annual Pancake Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt – April 13th, 9 a.m. Double Oak Fire Station: This annual event is one truly enjoyed by people of all ages!

Breakfast starts at 9 a.m., with the egg hunt at 10:30 a.m. Additional information is available on the Double Oak Women’s Club website.

Spring is certainly a busy time for all of us, but I want to take one final moment to extend a special thank you to our amazing citizens who make our Town so very special. It is truly my honor and privilege to serve you. Please stop by a Council Meeting or send me an email if I can ever be of assistance.

LOCAL EXPERTS Parenting Strong-Willed Teens and Tweens

By Dr. Bridget “Dr. B” Melson, MFT, PsyD.

Have a tough teen?

Argumentative?

Always questioning authority? Tests your boundaries and rules? Here are some tips on how to successfully handle these types of “spirited” teens and tweens: We need to first understand what is truly at the center of their heart—and that is passion, hypersensitivity to their surroundings and a sense of right and wrong and justice. There is hope. We just need to change our focus and perspective.

What is Strong-Willed Behavior About?

• Control • Independence • A Misplaced and Misunderstood Sense of Right and Wrong (Justice) • Not Coping due to not feeling understood These tough-as-nails kids need our help and although raising a strong-minded and strongwilled child is the toughest job on this planet, if you get it right, the rewards will be incredible.

It is going to be a long haul and it will take consistency in parenting and partnering with your spouse, but with God “all things are possible,” even when raising what I call “Warriors of Justice”—and that is exactly what they are. YOU were chosen to raise this child, get to it!

Strong-Willed Parent Tools • Empower vs. Enable—find doors of opportunity where they can succeed and use their gifting • Lean IN with LOVE • Point out their positive behaviors, no matter how small • Let natural CONSEQUENCES happen • Let them know they’re using their gifting wrong—these kids turn out to be lawyers, politicians, counselors and leaders in various areas. Teach them to use their strong-willed gifting for good and give them opportunities to do so.

• Don’t take their behavior personally—instead ASK them questions about why they feel so strongly about this or that—these are our social justice warriors • Allow them to feel the discomfort of their choices—this is the only way to break the will and not their spirit Honestly, knowing when to walk away and let them sit in their choices is the best thing you can do for them. But come back and let them know how much they are loved and how gifted they are. Help steer them towards using their gift and talents for GOOD and give them an opportunity to do so.

Spend quality time with them, listen to them and make sure they are active both in mind and body and be consistent with your rules and boundaries.

Keep fighting the good fight! Call anytime with questions if you have a strong-willed teen or tween—we can help.

If you have any questions or teen and parenting counseling needs, visit me at www.trinitylifesolutions.com or call 940-489-3050.

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March 2019

Preparing for Spring Hail Season

By Matt Tobben, Retirement Income Certified Professional

Hail is one of the most common and costly weather hazards in the United States, causing hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to buildings, vehicles, and crops every year. Help guard against the damaging effect of this severe weather event by following the hailstorm safety steps below.

Make a plan A hailstorm can disrupt electrical service and is often accompanied by other severe weather events, such as tornadoes. Prepare your family for the hazards and inconveniences of a hailstorm by creating a disaster preparedness plan, including a disaster survival kit and an emergency evacuation plan.

Stay informed Hail often occurs during severe weather patterns, such as strong thunderstorms.

A severe thunderstorm watch means that a storm poses an immediate threat to the people and property in its path. This warning may be accompanied by a siren or other community alert system.

Move inside, stay inside Hailstones vary greatly in size, but even small ones — driven by gravity and strong winds—pose a danger to anything or anyone caught in a storm. As a storm approach-

Legal Talk Texas

Special Needs Trusts – Planning for Disabled Folks

By Kendra L. Rey

Many families are blessed with a child (or adult) who happens to have a disability. There is obviously some concern regarding that loved one’s care and standard of living once a parent or other caregiver is no longer able to provide for them. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid can help, but they are limited and require the disabled person to have very depressed levels of assets and income to qualify. One tool which can work in tandem with Medicaid benefits and provide substantial increases in a person’s standard of living is the Special Needs Trust (SNT).

The purpose of an SNT is to provide funds to pay for additional things without disqualifying an individual from receiving government benefits. An SNT can be created either with money owned by the

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LOCAL EXPERTS es, put vehicles in the garage and bring pets inside. If you are outdoors, go indoors immediately.

Once you’re indoors, close all drapes, blinds, or shades to prevent broken window glass and hailstones from entering your home. If possible, move to a basement, cellar, or lowest level of the building and to a room with no windows. Stay indoors until the storm has passed.

If you’re on the road during a hailstorm, stay in your vehicle and slow down or stop, as roads may become slippery. Once you have pulled over safely, turn your back to windows or cover yourself with a blanket to protect yourself from broken glass.

Protect your home Roof damage is a common consequence of hailstorms. Following a strong storm, you should contact a reputable local roofer to evaluate the condition of your roof to identify any damage and prevent further deterioration. If damage is identified, call your State Farm agent to begin the claim process.

Roofing Discounts You may qualify for discounts on your homeowners insurance premiums if you use certain impact-resistant roofing products. Premium reductions are not available for roofs that have been overlaid onto existing roofs, except for on certain qualifying metal roofs. To be eligible for a reduction in your State Farm homeowners insurance premiums, you will need to complete a certificate. Before installing an impact-resistant roof or for more information about roofing discounts, please contact my office at 972724-7033.

person with disabilities (this is known as a “self-settled SNT”), or with money given by family members or friends (known as a “third-party SNT”). The biggest difference between the two types of trusts is that any money left over in the self-settled SNT after the death of the beneficiary must be paid to reimburse Medicaid for its services, while funds in a third-party SNT can be left to other family members.

SNTs have to be created and funded for a person with a recognized disability under the age of 65. The trusts are subject to some strict rules regarding distributions, which cannot be used to provide for food, housing, or Medical care that would normally be provided by Medicaid.

Breaking those rules could cause your loved one to lose his benefits. But done correctly, many distributions can be made to provide comforts and perks not otherwise available to your loved one.

Kendra is an Estate Planning and Probate Attorney at Hammerle Finley Law Firm.

The information contained in this article is general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

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Savor the Flavor During National Nutrition Month

By Dr. Sarah E. Laibstain

March symbolizes a time for growth and fresh beginnings through the start of springtime. This season of renewal is complimentary as March also marks National Nutrition Month. Created as an annual campaign by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, National Nutrition Month draws awareness to the importance of developing healthy habits.

This includes maintaining a nutritious diet in addition to participating in regular physical activity. The ultimate goal of the movement is to create a world where all are informed of the plentiful benefits of leading a nutritious and balanced lifestyle.

One of the key components of National Nutrition Month is to empower people to make informed decisions when it comes to food.

This pertains not only to nutritional value but also to being mindful of portion sizes and reducing food waste. Eating a variety of foods from each food group is imperative to maintaining a well-balanced diet as it can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure among other serious conditions. Not only does consciously incorporating varied food groups promote health, it also helps prevent the inevitable boredom that can come from eating the same dishes.

Another element of National Nutrition Month is promoting the reduction of food waste. The Food and Agriculture Organiza-

tion of the United Nations estimated that roughly one third of food produced in the world is wasted each year. Sticking to a grocery list and avoiding impulse purchases can help reduce the amount of food that goes unused and is tossed out. Additionally, researching proper food storage practices can extend the lifetime of fruits and vegetables which often ripen and rot prematurely due to improper storage. Finally, maintaining a clutter-free fridge is a great way to reduce food spoilage. Not only can you clearly see what needs to be used, but a clean fridge also prevents accidental repeat-purchases and lends to eating a varied diet.

While it may take time to incorporate these habits into a busy schedule, there are other ways to take part in National Nutrition Month.

Consider hosting a “healthy potluck” or recipe contest among friends or coworkers. Encourage the group to bring their favorite nutritious dish to spark conversation around meal ideas and preparation tips. Other ways to observe National Nutrition Month include hosting a workplace “lunch and learn” that promotes healthy eating or organizing a group fitness session at your local exercise studio or gym.

However you choose to participate, let the month of March serve as a reminder of the importance that nutrition plays in our daily lives!

Dr. Sarah E. Laibstain is a general family medicine practitioner at Family Medicine Associates of Texas in Carrollton. She thoroughly enjoys improving the health and lives of individuals ranging from young children to adulthood. For more information, call 972394-8844, or visit texasmedicine.com.

March 2019

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LOCAL EXPERTS When Can You Use a Section 529 Plan?

By Jeffery Price

Millions of Americans use 529 plans to sock away money for their kids’ and grandkids’ education.

They are popular, in part, because of the tax benefits they can provide: withdrawals, including any earnings, are federal, and possibly state, income tax free when they are used for qualified education expenses.

Previously only applicable to college-related expenses, effective January 1, 2018, 529 plan holders can also use up to $10,000 per calendar year per beneficiary to help pay for tuition at an elementary or secondary public, private or religious school.

Besides tuition and fees—the biggest educational bills you will probably face—other eligible expenses include such things as room, board, books, required supplies, the purchase of computer and peripheral equipment, computer software, or Internet access and related services, and certain expenses in the case of a special-needs beneficiary, as defined by the Internal Revenue Code.

But there are limits to what sorts of expenses are allowed. “Using 529 funds to pay for a music degree at an accredited institution for your daughter would be fine, but if you use them to pay for private piano lessons, you will be penalized,” says Richard J. Polimeni, director of the Education Savings Programs at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. “That penalty essentially means you have to pay income tax on the earnings portion of the money you withdrew, as well as a 10% additional federal

tax.” However, you will never pay income tax or the additional federal tax on the principal portion of your withdrawal, regardless of what it is used for.

The rules are fairly flexible when it comes to how many students can benefit from your 529 account. “Suppose you set aside $200,000 in an account for your daughter and you spend only half of the money,” Polimeni explains.

“You could transfer the rest to an account for another family member of the beneficiary, for example, your son or even a niece or nephew.” If there is something left over, it can stay in the account indefinitely—and be ready, decades later, to help pay the cost of a grandchild’s education. Or it could even be used to fund your own or your spouse’s continuing education.

If you want to set aside money for lessons or other educational activities that a 529 account does not cover, you could consider a trust or a custodial account under the Uniform Gifts/Transfer to Minors Act (UGMA/UTMA).

However, there are potential drawbacks to that strategy, Polimeni warns. “These gifts cannot be taken back and do not allow you to transfer assets between beneficiaries. And once the child you designate as beneficiary reaches age of majority—which varies by state—he or she will be free to spend the money for purposes other than education.

“If that is a concern, you may decide you are better off using a typical savings or investment account to earmark money for educational goals that a 529 account does not cover,” Polimeni says. “Working together with your outside tax and legal specialists, and your financial advisor can help you figure out what makes the most sense for your family.”

For more information, contact Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Advisor Jeffery Price, in the Southlake Texas office at 817-410-4940 or jeffery_price@ml.com.

Let’s have an honest conversation about your hopes, fears, dreams, and eventually, your money.

At Merrill Lynch, we don’t measure success against traditional benchmarks, we measure it against you, and your hopes and dreams. Through honest, meaningful conversations, we’ll find out what you want your future to look like, and develop a strategy together to help make it happen.

Price & Associates Jeffery D. Price Wealth Management Advisor 817.410.4940 Merrill Lynch 286 Grand Avenue Suite 200 Southlake, TX 76092 fa.ml.com/price

TAX FILING SEASON BEGINS

By Lindsey Lee

January 28, 2019, marked the start of this year’s tax filing season, and it’s the first time taxpayers will be filing under the new tax reform laws, most of which became effective in 2018.

Complicating matters is a newly revised Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, as well as the partial shutdown of the federal government. With more than 150 million individual tax returns expected to be filed for the 2018 tax year, here’s what individual taxpayers can expect: GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN; FILING AS USUAL, TAX REFUNDS ON SCHEDULE Despite the government shutdown (referred to by the IRS as the lapse in appropriations) in December and January, all taxpayers should continue to meet their tax obligations as per the normal time frame. That is, individuals and businesses should continue to file tax returns and make payments and deposits with the IRS, as required by law. For taxpayers receiving tax refunds there are no anticipated delays due to the lapse in appropriations.

NEW DESIGN FOR FORM 1040 The new Form 1040 has been redesigned for 2018. It is now “postcard sized” and gathers information about the taxpayer(s) and dependents.

It’s also the form you need to sign and date when filing your return. The new Form 1040 can also be filed by itself; however, more complex tax situations will generally require using one or more of the supplemental Schedules 1 through 6 (also new for 2018), which are briefly described below.

Note: Forms 1040A and 1040EZ no longer exist for tax year 2018. Instead, use the new Form 1040.

SCHEDULES 1 THROUGH 6 As mentioned, these supplemental schedules are to be used as needed and are generally for those with more complex tax returns.

Schedule 1, Additional Income and Adjustments To Income - Report income or adjustments to income that can’t be entered directly on Form 1040.

Schedule 2, Tax - To be used if you have additional taxes that can’t be entered directly on Form 1040. These include alternative minimum tax and excess advance premium tax credit repayment.

Schedule 3, Nonrefundable Credits - Used to report nonrefundable credits other than the child tax credit or the credit for other dependents.

Schedule 4, Other Taxes - If you have other taxes that can’t be entered on Form 1040 such as additional tax on IRAs or other qualified retirement plans or household employment taxes.

Schedule 5, Other Payments and Refundable Credits - If you have other payments or refundable credits such as any estimated tax payments for 2018 or the amount paid when requesting an extension to file.

Schedule 6, Foreign Address and Third Party Designee - If you have a foreign address or want to allow another person (other than your paid tax preparer) to discuss this return with the IRS. FILING DEADLINE For most taxpayers the filing deadline to submit 2018 tax returns is Monday, April 15, 2019; however, due to the Patriots’ Day holiday on April 15 in Maine and Massachusetts, and the Emancipation Day holiday on April 16 in the District of Columbia, taxpayers who live in Maine or Massachusetts have until April 17, 2019 to file their returns.

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March 2019

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

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Page A28

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Roy, Moy, Diego

Our names are Roy, Moy, and Diego. We are a Bichon and two Maltese. We play together in the Littles yard at Canine Courtyard. We all love to be pampered and pet, but Roy loves giving kisses the most. Diego like to bark and play with his dog friends in the yard, while Moy's best friend forever is his lovely mom. We are a sweet trio with big personalities, and we love all the attention we get when we come to daycare.

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March 2019

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Get Into the Fun Zone

Hardball High Hopes

By Mark Miller, Contributing Writer

By John English, Contributing Writer

Jody Heath invites families and businesses to his family-owned fun center Zone Action Park. (Photo by

Helen’s Photography)

From working on his parents’ West Texas farm, to serving the past 25 years as president of the trucking company his uncle and aunt started in his native city of Lubbock 80 years ago, family always has been an important part of Jody Heath’s life.

So, while his regular job can consume

him 24/7, his other gig as owner of Lewisville’s Zone Action Park is all about family entertainment. It’s been that way since 2002 when he opened Putt Putt Fun Center at the northwest corner of FM 407 and I-35E. In 2009, he replaced the two mini-golf courses and See ZONE Page B5

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The Marcus High School baseball team in Flower Mound is gunning for a state title. (Photo by Helen’s

Photography)

With baseball season getting underway, one area coach is wondering if 2019 could be the year his team brings home a State Championship.

Marcus High School baseball coach Jeff Sherman has a vested interest in the success of the Marauders baseball program that goes well beyond the hopes

and desires of a typical head coach— Flower Mound is where he grew up and Marcus is where he played high school ball.

“Because of my passion for the sport and the fact that I went there, I wanted to make sure it wasn’t a chore,” Sherman See BASEBALL age B11

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R.J. Shook, president of SHOOK Research says: "If we're going to recommend advisors to the public, we have to make sure every advisor is high quality. When we meet with an advisor in person or on the telephone we are thinking to ourselves 'is this someone we would recommend to a friend or family member?'"

In today’s world, the ability to meet with clients face-to-face can be a real competitive advantage. Unlike their digital counterparts, Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors specialize in multiple aspects of financial planning, offering everything from retirement and tax advice to financing for luxury items and amenities.

Glen D. Smith prides himself on offering the personalized service that his clients deserve. Whether you are an individual with personal and family goals or the person charged with the financial goals of your organization, Glen D. Smith & Associates can provide you with an array of financial and investment planning services essential to your success.

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Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Glen D. Smith & Associates is not a registered broker dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Out of 21,138 advisors nominated by their firms, 2,213 received the award.

Neither Forbes nor SHOOK receives a fee in exchange for rankings. This ranking is not indicative of advisor’s future performance, is not an endorsement, and may not be representative of individual clients’ experience. Neither Raymond James nor any of its Financial Advisors or RIA firms pay a fee in exchange for this award/rating. Raymond James is not affiliated with Forbes or Shook Research, LLC. The foregoing information b has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of the author or speakers and not necessarily those of Raymond James

Managing Partner, GDS Financial Advisor, RJFS glen.smith@raymondjames.com

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March 2019

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

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YOUR 2 CENTS Editorials, Opinion, Letters to the Editor, Forum Posts Together, Let’s Keep Students Safe in Our Schools

By State Representative Tan Parker

Your Texas Legislature is rapidly progressing through the 140-day legislative session and generating policy decisions to set the course for Texas’ continued strength and vibrancy. I am thrilled to see the incredible energy throughout the Capitol and the many people from Denton County who are participating in the process.

Just recently, about 200 area leaders visited Austin to share ideas on how the state can best partner with our local communities.

We talked property tax reform, education, transportation, mental health, and other important topics that are being discussed by legislators and community voices alike.

One of the most notable discussions thus far is how we can help Texans achieve the American Dream of homeownership without fear of rising property taxes that undermine this cherished freedom. Lawmakers are currently working to finalize a tax solution to offer the reform that has been needed for far too long. Additionally, legislators are addressing how the state funds our public schools as we build strong futures for not only the children of today, but for generations to come.

However, the most significant challenge we must address during the 86th Legislative Session is school safety. While we are unified that no one wishes to relive the hor-

The Beat of a Different Drum

By Cynthia Meyering

All alone… it’s one of the primal fears we have for ourselves, and one that we try to protect our children from experiencing.

After observing children for many decades, I have come to find common themes in their behaviors that are worrisome; and others that are simply goofy kid stuff. But the one behavior that scares many adults is when a child is “a loner.” We try to find the cause, looking at sensory issues, learning disorders and impulsivity and as well as social ills such as bullying and problems with self-confidence. The fact that these behaviors come and go during different natural stages of child development makes it harder to determine if “this too shall pass “ for a child. I have found, however, that giving a child something to do often opens the unique skills sets that have been dormant. Children have an incredible capacity to sprout in good soil, and I have found that music is the right kind of earth to plant a talent.

Articles abound with the successes of music therapy to heal and integrate neurological functions of the brain. Dance and other tempo driven activities not only improve flexibility and coordination, but the deliberate muscle movement connected with repeated rhythms has been known to decrease ADHD types of disorders as it strengthens whole body focus. Learning an instrument can increase the self-confidence of a child who struggles with verbal reading, as they can show innate competence and skill learning to read music.

The child who presents as a loner may be marching to the beat of a different drum. I have heard numerous adults tell

rific images from any school shooting, the reality is we must take the conversation well beyond the news cycle and social media. We must enact meaningful reforms that protect the most precious and vulnerable in our society. As a father and lawmaker, I fully believe it is paramount for all Texans to do their part to ensure our children attend school in a safe environment as no one should endure the unimaginable heartbreak that has previously shaken our state and nation.

In May 2018, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued recommendations on improving school safety. Both chambers of the Texas Legislature also took action to conduct hearings and issued respective interim reports on reducing school violence. As the 86th Legislative Session began in January, the Governor designated school safety as a priority item, which will allow the measure to be acted upon rapidly.

There is not a one size fits all approach to school safety, and the proposed solutions vary from hardening our campuses with enhanced security measures, increasing our school resource officers, improvements to mental health, additional funding mechanisms, and more. Viable solutions require collaboration on all levels and a willingness to enact real change for the wellbeing of our children and educators. Engaged communities, school boards, students, and educators recognize the strengths and weaknesses of their individual campuses, and need flexibility in order to create a plan that will prevent another horrific tragedy.

While many promising solutions are being discussed and prioritized, I want to highlight two items of legislation making their way through the committee process in the Texas House. Keep in mind, these bills are merely just the beginning of sev-

me they wish they had to courage to play and instrument or sing or write a song; as music inspires us to join with others and not isolate. On several occasions managers of local bands and music programs have readily testified that “Band saved me” touting how getting into music during one of those difficult developmental ages gave him something to do that sprouted a successful direction for his life.

Denton County has good earth for the many crops across our cities and towns.

Our reputation for growing music talent continues to produce performers, songwriters, and music programs that garner world attention. For those wanting to learn an instrument, the Denton area offers many music schools, academies and private lessons instructors that can best access your child’s style of learning.

There are some musicians that learn to read music in a snap! There are others who learn by ear and can pluck out a tune after hearing it played once. In addition, Denton County boasts many school districts with music programs that are state and nationally recognized for excellence; and are devoted to offering students ample opportunity to join the sound wave that composes our community.

So, put a set of drumsticks, a guitar pick, something in their hands that can connect them to the one-to-one attention of a music instructor. Listen to them play and then take the risk to learn an instrument yourself! Hold a mandolin and see if it fits in your hand and join in the adventure. Open your voice and see what song is released from you. March to the beat of that different drummer and notice how many others are out there just like you.

Cynthia Meyering, LMFT is a marriage and family therapist in Denton.

eral pieces of decisive legislation related to school safety that lawmakers are working through.

House Bill 17 provides direction on implementing safety measures through coordination with the Texas School Safety Center with accountability metrics that will ensure the safety plan at each school campus meets a statewide minimum. Additionally, enhancements to facility construction standards, training for employees, and greater public input will be required in this bill.

The Texas Education Agency must also adopt rules with an annual review that will ensure our public schools are safe and secure. The Multihazard Emergency Operations Plan (MEOP) will include a chain of command for disaster/emergency protocols, and immediate notification to parents of any significant threat. A district found noncompliant with reporting requirements will be required to hold a board meeting notifying the public and solicit input to begin the remedy process. There is also a focus on having broad local involvement in the School Safety and Security Committees that are required to meet a minimum of three times per year.

There is no greater investment than the safety and wellbeing of Texans, and we must be unwavering in our ability to provide resources that keep children safe. The second bill, HB 1754, creates a school safety allotment to assist school districts as they implement the new safety measures generally described in HB 17.

State lawmakers must take bold action this session to keep our school children safe. I hope you will join me in following this critical issue.

You can follow this policy topic or any matter before your Texas Legislature by either contacting me at 512.463.0688 or tan.

parker@house.texas.gov. The Texas House of Representatives website, www.house. texas.gov, provides a research option to search for any topic and the actions taken throughout the process as well as live video feeds. Government works best when people are involved, and I value your input and the privilege to represent your voice on state policy.

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March 2019

Teen Overcomes Allergies to Thrive

By John English, Contributing Writer

Brandon White

A medical condition early in life has made Argyle High School senior Brandon White grateful for a lot of things most of us take for granted.

White, 18, is a member of the football, basketball and track and field teams at AHS, but food allergies to wheat, soy, milk, nuts, eggs and seafood at a young age made it questionable if the Argyle teen would ever be able to lead a normal life.

“The only place my mom was able to shop for me was Sprouts,” White said.

“These allergies lasted from about the ages of four to nine and it has made me so grateful for the foods I am now able to eat. It has given me a whole new perspective.”

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

White is a member of the National Honor Society, Young Men’s Service League and competes on the UIL Calculator team at Argyle High School.

“I like being involved in a variety of things because it gives me different perspectives, builds many relationships and keeps me busy for the most part,” White said.

The Argyle senior already has a pretty good idea about what he would like to major in at college, but is not quite sure what he wants to do for a career.

“I would like to earn a degree in mechanical engineering and just see where it takes me in the world,” White said. “I chose mechanical engineering because of my love for math and I hope to do something I enjoy when I grow up.”

White is ranked 26th in his graduating class and carries a 98.3 grade point average.

He plans to attend either Texas Tech, Texas A&M or Colorado School of Mines.

White’s Favorites Favorite Subject: Math Person that inspires me: My mom Favorite food: Pasta Favorite movie: Facing the Giants Favorite TV show: Friends Last book I read: The Running Dream Favorite musical group or performer: Country in general is the best music.

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LCS Senior Savors Memories

By John English, Contributing Writer

Lauren Nealy

Lauren Nealy, 18, has had some special moments during her time at Liberty Christian School; and, more than anything else, she wants to remember them.

It is no surprise, then, that the LCS senior is vice president of the Photography Club, in which she and her friends, “help teach Adobe Photoshop and photography skills.”

“Studying things like photography provides a more sophisticated avenue for capturing such memories and allows me to discover new, somewhat eccentric ways to view the world,” Nealy said.

Nealy is also an Impact leader-- mentoring an eighth grade student-- and serves as manager of the cheer team at Liberty Christian School.

The Roanoke teen is also a competitor on the Science Olympiad team and is currently in the process of making a flute out of PVC pipe with one of her friends for the competition.

Page B4

“Especially, since it is my last year in high school, being involved is a great way to make memories with my friends, meet new people and better myself academically and socially,” Nealy said. “In addition, getting involved has allowed me to strengthen the more creative side of my brain, which breaks up the monotony of everyday life.”

Nealy is also a member of the National Honor Society and is ranked sixth out of her graduating class of 124 students, carrying a 4.34 grade point average along the way.

In spite of her stellar academic record, Nealy said she has struggled in the past with a need for perfection.

“One of the biggest challenges I have had to overcome is performance anxiety,” Nealy said. “Way too early in life, I became obsessed with the idea of being the perfect student with straight A’s and the highest grade in the class. Consequently, every test, quiz and assignment became a battle for ‘success,’ rather than a learning experience.

“As I grew older, teachers, such as my physics teacher Mr. Hartzler, have taught me that going to school is about much more than getting A’s; rather, school is about developing skills, such as critical thinking and problem solving, that are necessary to be successful long term. This mindset and the pure grace of God have allowed me to enjoy the learning process, regardless of what grade I may receive.”

Nealy will attend Baylor University in the fall and plans to study Supply Chain Management.

Nealy’s Favorites Favorite Subject: Biology and Calculus Person who most inspires you: My mother Favorite Food: Chicken fried rice Favorite Movie: Oceans 8 Favorite TV Show: The Office Last Book Read: Frankenstein Favorite Musical Group or Performer: Sam Smith

Zone

Continued from Page B1

rebranded as Zone Action Park.

“Having something people would like to come to do for good, wholesome entertainment was our goal,” said Heath, who was at Robert Heath Trucking, while earning his business administration degree at Texas Tech University.

Heath came up with the idea for such a business through the old Putt Putt Fun Center in his hometown of Lubbock.

When he learned it was for sale, he checked it out, but backed off when he found out the deal was a land-lease only.

“I didn’t want something where I couldn’t own it all,” he said. “Putt Putt said, ‘you can go to Lewisville, Texas, or Arkansas, or somewhere else’ and Lewisville was of interest to us. We came down here and looked for a spot and that’s where we built. The demographics were real good, as far as children. It’s still that way.”

“He always told me he wanted to own a family entertainment facility,” said General Manager Tiffany LaBreck.

“His goal was to create a place like back in Lubbock, where the main thing was families enjoying themselves.”

While Heath occasionally visited his property while living in Lubbock, it was six-years-ago, when Robert Heath Trucking expanded into Dallas, that he and wife, Michelle, began thinking of making their home here. The couple, who have been married for 46-years, moved to Flower Mound in 2014.

“We moved here because of the fun park being handy and I also can drive back and forth to work every day,” said Heath.

His only child, daughter Audra, handles Zone Action Park’s books back in Lubbock. He has two grandsons, one in the Marine Corps and the other at

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

Texas Tech.

Ever since it opened, Zone Action Park has offered much more than just minigolf. Go-karting is the most popular attraction, especially with two tracks – one for young children, the other for those at least 54-inches in height. There are bounce houses and six outdoor baseball and softball batting cages.

“We have baseball teams and softball teams taking advantage of the batting cages,” LaBreck said. “We also have people who are older coming out just to see if they can still hit a ball. We used to have a group of guys in their 70s who came every week for many years. They would go in the 70-mile-an-hour cage and spend an hour or so batting.”

Indoor is an arcade with a variety of approximately 50 games and accompanying redemption center. There also are five rooms that can entertain 1224 people each for birthday and other parties. One room has an overall Disney theme, another features the Disney princesses, a third focuses on super heroes and space, the fourth on sports-including a large wall photo of the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Park-- and the fifth is all about dinosaurs.

The snack bar features pizza, chicken wings, French fries, hot dogs, popcorn and a variety of sports drinks and soft drinks, pointing even more to the facility’s family-friendly focus. And, with the entire property fenced in, parents have peace-of-mind knowing their children are safe while at the park.

“That’s what we aim for, is families.

Yes, we have people on date nights, but really, the place caters more to families than anything else,” said LaBreck, who can’t keep her daughters, ages two and six, away from Zone Action Park.

Beyond families, Zone Action Park hopes to entice area businesses looking for a place to conduct employee

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appreciation events.

“We have several dentists’ offices and hotel chains and even Denco 911, the emergency response unit, having employee events for their families and friends,” she said. “We’re letting them know it’s a very casual, family-friendly modest location. You don’t have to

Page B5

leave the kids at home. They can bring them here and have a great time with everybody.”

Zone Action Park also involves itself in a number of events that help various community individuals, groups and See ZONE Page B18

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XANDER IS HITTING READING 'OUT OF THE PARK'!

Student Showcase Xander Barrow

When the kindergarten report came home last June, Erin panicked. Her son Xander was struggling with reading. He could not identify his letter sounds and words and he had reached the point that he was unwilling to even try. Erin spoke to a co-worker who directed her to a school principle friend in Midland, TX. "Take Xander to The Tutoring Center. I have only heard great things about them. You have one in Flower Mound and they have free diagnostic testing."

Now, nine months later, Xander brings home books from school and LOVES to read to Mom! Erin says, "It's been a drastic change. Xander loves going to The Tutoring Center, he loves to learn and he loves to read.

What a wonderful feeling for this family to watch their first grader do a complete turn-around on one of the building blocks of learning.

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Xander is a first grader at Degan Elementary School. His favorite things to do at school is to read and play during recess.

Xander's favorite sports are baseball and basketball. In his spare time, Xander loves playing Fortnight and riding his skateboards.

When he grows up he wants to be a "cop," and if he could have any superpower, he said that he'd like to run like Flash. This would definitely be useful on both the baseball field and the basketball court.

When asked what he likes best about attending The Tutoring Center, he said, "I know how to read better, and I like working with Martha."

Image by Helen's Photography

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March 2019

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

The following is a summary of incident reports from the Argyle Police Department: On Jan. 27 at 11:26 p.m., a police officer stopped after seeing a man urinating on the side of a building on FM 407. He said he was relieving himself outside because he had to take

Your care is our priority

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his puppy out to relieve itself and nature called.

On Jan. 31 at 10:58 a.m., someone reported the illegal dumping of many phone books on Crawford Road.

On Feb. 1 at 7:51 p.m., a realtor showing a vacant house on Denton Street to a potential buyer found that the windows were unlocked and there was food in the refrigerator.

On Feb. 2 at 4:19 a.m., an officer saw a vehicle in a driveway on Nora Lane with all of its doors open, and valuables inside left untouched. The officer secured the vehicle.

There have been multiple complaints about a dog being neglected at a house in the 300 block of Willow Street. On Feb. 4 at 1:36 p.m., police and All American Dogs staff looked at the dog and found it appears to be healthy, and there was a bowl of water in the room.

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On Feb. 5 at 2:57 p.m., a man who lives on Knight Street reported that when he goes to get his mail, his neighbor’s dogs chase him and try to bite him.

On Feb. 13 at 5:01 p.m., multiple drivers re-

Page B6

ported that TxDOT work on the traffic lights at the intersection of Hwy 377 and FM 407 was causing major delays. Some of the feedback from motorists included, “no one knows what they are doing” and “people don’t know what to do with the blinking lights.”

On Feb. 14 at 3:27 p.m., a caller reported people running the stop sign at the intersection of Dallas Street and Mesquite Street. An officer gave a warning to a truck driver who admitted to running the stop sign, and then he witnessed another vehicle run the stop sign.

On Feb. 14 at 7:20 p.m., a resident on Stonecrest Road reported that a man came to her door posing as an IRS agent, but the phone number on the card he left doesn’t go back to the name on the card.

On Feb. 15 at 5:17 p.m., a driver ran out of diesel near the intersection of Hwy 377 and FM 407. An officer gave him a ride to the gas station and back.

On Feb. 19 at 1:55 p.m., a woman reported that someone stole her son’s phone and used it to ask for nude pictures from females.

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March 2019

Flower Mound Police Calls

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

On Jan. 25 at 8:58 a.m., someone reported three burglaries of vehicles in the 2900 block of McPherson Lane. Another vehicle burglary was reported later that day in the 2800 block of McPherson Lane.

On Jan. 25 at 12:58 p.m., someone reported the unauthorized use of a vehicle from the 600 block of Sandy Lane.

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organized criminal activity in the 5800 block of Long Prairie Road.

On Feb. 4 at 11:37 p.m., a man was arrested on suspicion of possession of controlled substance.

On Jan. 28 at 7:16 a.m., someone reported the burglary of a vehicle from the 2500 block of Morriss Road.

On Feb. 5 at 8:01 p.m., a woman was arrested on suspicion of possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, theft and possession/ manufacture/distribution of instruments used to commit retail theft.

On Jan. 28 at 9:03 a.m., someone reported the theft of property valued $2,500-30,000 in the 1300 block of Kings Lake Road.

On Feb. 7 at 4:24 a.m., a man was arrested on suspicion of burglary of a habitation, failure to identify and possession of marijuana.

On Jan. 28 at 1:40 p.m., someone reported the burglary of a building in the 1500 block of Hilliard Drive.

On Feb. 7 at 8:50 a.m., a man was arrested on warrants for two counts of burglary of habitations.

On Jan. 30 at 4:40 p.m., someone reported the burglary of vehicle and credit card abuse from the 4300 block of Woodbine Street.

On Feb. 8 at 5:12 p.m., someone reported the theft of controlled substance from the 4100 block of Long Prairie Road.

On Jan. 21 at 9:19 p.m., a man was arrested on suspicion of DWI and possession of a controlled substance.

On Jan. 31 at 11:39 a.m., someone reported the burglary of a vehicle from the 3900 block of Bordeaux Court.

On Jan. 22 at 3:34 a.m., someone reported the burglary of a building in the 2800 block of Flower Mound Road.

On Jan. 31 at 1:39 p.m., someone reported the theft of property valued between $2,500$30,000 from the 8600 block of Cross Timbers Road.

On Feb. 11 at 4:21 p.m., a man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance, tamper/fabricate evidence, failure to identify and resist arrest/search/transport.

The following was compiled from Flower Mound Police Department incident and arrest reports: On Jan. 20 at 3:47 p.m., a man was arrested on suspicion of fraudulent use/possession of identifying information.

On Jan. 21 at 2:45 a.m., a man was arrested on a warrant for possession of a controlled substance.

On Jan. 21 at 4:49 p.m., a man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance, theft of property valued between $100-750, DWLI and possession, manufacture or distribution of instruments used to commit retail theft.

On Jan. 24 at 4:13 p.m., a man was arrested on suspicion of two counts of possession of controlled substance, one count of possession of marijuana, tampering/fabricating physical evidence, violating written notice to appear and speeding.

On Jan. 25 at 3:39 a.m., a woman was arrested on suspicion of assault causing bodily injury/family violence.

On Feb. 1 at 6:59 a.m., someone reported the burglary of a vehicle in the 1400 block of Rosewood Trail.

On Feb. 2 at 5:22 p.m., someone reported the burglary of a vehicle from the 500 block of Gerault Road.

On Feb. 4 at 8:37 p.m., someone reported

On Feb. 13 at 4:16 a.m., a man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance, burglary of a vehicle and traffic violations.

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On Feb. 15 at 7:25 a.m., someone reported the burglary of a vehicle and unauthorized use of a vehicle in the 600 block of Teakwood Drive.

On Feb. 15 at 9:05 a.m., someone reported the burglary of a vehicle in the 1300 block of River Oaks Drive.

On Feb. 15 at 10:56 a.m., someone reported the burglary of a habitation in the 1600 block of Marble Pass Drive.

On Feb. 15 2:16 p.m., a woman was arrested on suspicion of two counts of possession of controlled substance, possession of marijuana, failure to display driver’s license and wrong/altered/obscured insignia.

On Feb. 18 at 1:20 and 1:28 p.m., two burglaries of vehicles were reported in the 3100 block of Churchill Drive.

On Feb. 18 at 3:03 p.m., someone reported the burglary of a vehicle in the 4200 block of Hwy 377.

On Feb. 18 at 10:37 p.m., someone reported the burglary of a habitation to the 6800 block of Red Bud Drive.

On Feb. 21 at 7:05 a.m., a man was arrested on a warrant for sexual assault of a child.

On Feb. 13 at 4:03 p.m., a man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana.

On Feb. 21 at 4:18 p.m., a man was arrested on suspicion of four counts of possession of a controlled substance, manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana.

On Feb. 13 at 7:26 p.m., someone reported the theft of property valued between $2,50030,000 from the 3500 block of Hasland Drive.

On Feb. 23 at 11:37 p.m., a man was arrested on suspicion of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

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March 2019

Double Oak Police Beat Submitted by Chief Derrick Watson

Our officers are carrying naloxone hydrochloride, an opioid antagonist delivered through a nasal spray to counteract an overdose. I can’t even describe how disappointed I am that those words even had to be written. The United States has an ever increasing problem with opioid use and addiction. When small departments like ours are answering suspected overdose calls and weekly encountering narcotics or drug paraphernalia during traffic stops something is terribly wrong.

National Drug Overdose Deaths have skyrocketed between the years 1999-2017 (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.drugabuse.gov/related-topis/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates).

Deaths from heroin in 1999 were below 5000. In 2017 deaths from heroin were at 15,482. Deaths from prescription opioids in 1999 were below 5000. In 2017 deaths from prescription opioids were at 17,029. Deaths from Synthetic Narcotics (mainly fentanyl) hardly registered on the scale in 1999. In 2017 deaths from synthetic narcotics were 28,466. Overall deaths from drug overdoses in 2017 were set at 102,058. 102,058! A number that easily surpasses firearm deaths (39,773 total, of which 23,854 of those deaths were suicides) and vehicle accident deaths (40,100) combined.

Almost every one of those 102,058 deaths from overdose were preventable. Most everyone of the departed had family, friends and co-workers who loved and cared for them. Frankly the overwhelming number of firearm deaths and traffic collision deaths were preventable too…another day another article.

“Opium, opium derivatives and their semisynthetic substitutes (opioids) have similar effects on the human mind. They produce a general sense of well-being by reducing tension, anxiety and aggression. These effects

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

are helpful in a therapeutic setting but contribute to the drugs abuse. Narcotic/opioid use comes with a variety of unwanted effects, including drowsiness, inability to concentrate and apathy. Use can create psychological dependence. Long after the physical need for the drug has passed, the addict may continue to think and talk about using drugs and feel overwhelmed coping with daily activities.

Relapse is common if there are not changes to the physical environment or the behavioral motivators that prompted the abuse in the first place. Negative effects include slowed physical activity, constriction of the pupils, flushing of the face and neck, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and slowed breathing. As the dose in increased, both the pain relief and the harmful effects become more pronounced.”(U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration “Drugs of Abuse” – 2017 Edition pp. 38-39).

Opioids come in various forms including tablets, capsules, skin patches, powder, chunks, liquid form for oral use and injection, syrups, suppositories and lollipops.

What is fentanyl? “It is a synthetic opioid drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an analgesic (pain relief) and anesthetic. It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an analgesic. It is legally produced in the United States. Clandestinely produced fentanyl is encountered either as a powder or in counterfeit tables and is sold alone or in combination with other drugs such as heroin or cocaine. Overdose may result in stupor, changes in pupillary size, cold and clammy skin, cyanosis, coma, and respiratory failure leading to death. The presence of triad symptoms such as coma, pinpoint pupils, and respiratory depression are strongly suggestive of opioid poisoning.

Drugs that cause similar effects include other opioids such as morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, hydromorphone, methadone and heroin” (U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration “Drugs of Abuse” – 2017 Edition pp. 40-41).

Do I have a solution? Probably not. Suggestions? Some.

Why do people use opioids? Altering

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mental status, obtaining feelings of peace or achieving a state of stupor are attractive to a significant number of people. The threat of criminal prosecution does not seem to deter the majority of users.

A certain percentage of people become addicted to opioids while receiving medical treatment for injuries. Stereotypically one thinks of disabled vets returning from a war, car accident victims, and back patients. Do we encounter these people on the streets?

Sometimes.

Mostly law enforcement officers encounter narcotics users who thrive on the fringe of society and who have elected to party (or I suppose seek relief) through the use of fentanyl, oxy, heroin etc…Unfortunately while the involved user seeks funding for their narcotic of choice they neglect to consider the societal consequences of breaking into homes, vehicles, stealing identifications, engaging in fraud, shoplifting, driving intoxicated, stealing from family members, consuming medical resources, and eventually occupying a jail cell (rarely do we encounter people actively seeking treatment).

Why do we carry naloxone HCL? We’re concerned that our officers will be exposed to fentanyl on a traffic stop and literally overdose and die (there are now multiple cases across the country of police officers and narcotics K-9’s overdosing on fentanyl). We also carry protective masks and gloves and mandate that officers use personal protective equipment when they believe narcotics might be present in an area that they are searching.

We’re concerned that a patient will miscalculate their prescription narcotic dosage and accidentally overdose.

We’re concerned that a youngster has decided to experiment and run into something way beyond their understanding.

At the end of the day we’re concerned about preserving human life.

If you find a person you suspect has overdosed what can you do? Ask that person if he or she is okay and shout their name. Shake their shoulders and firmly rub the middle of their chest. Signs of an opioid overdose include not waking up or responding to voice or touch. Breathing that is very slow, irregu-

Page B8

lar, or has stopped. The center part of their eye is very small, sometimes called “pinpoint pupils.” If you don’t have naloxone (you probably won’t) call 9-1-1 and request medical assistance, begin CPR if necessary.

Police and fire are on their way.

At home, if you have youngsters in your residence, please secure prescription drugs that can be abused for recreation. If a youngster is foolish enough to bring your prescription meds to school and get caught they will suffer an enhanced penalty if found guilty in a criminal court (not to mention getting expelled from school, having to attend awareness classes, checking in often with a probation officer, costing their parents thousand’s in legal fees, and obtaining a “permanent” record if they are age seventeen or older, all around a bad experience will be had by all).

Please speak with your kids about the insanity of using narcotics for recreation. Narcotics in 2019 are far more dangerous and addictive than that which was available in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Let your children know not to trust their lives to pills manufactured in China or Mexico or in the good old United States of America. Do we really think clandestine narcotics manufacturers give a blank about your life? One of the reasons law enforcement no longer files possession of narcotics cases based upon presumptive field testing alone (those little chemical kits where officers place a sample of suspected narcotics in a tube and look for a positive result) is that time and again the drugs the user believed they were using were other analogues, or household chemicals or an agent we can’t even identify. Bottom line the user was snorting, injecting, eating or smoking something where they had no idea what the results of consuming the “narcotic” would be.

Pay attention to what your children are watching on television, the internet (check those browser histories!...read some text messages…know your kid’s friends). Know the messages your kids are receiving and tell them it’s okay to say no! (Yeah I still find it amazing that the simple message of “…just say no…” draws a giggle from certain segSee DO POLICE Page B10

March 2019

Highland Village Police Blotter The following incidents were provided by the Highland Village Police Department: 2/2 – Evading Arrest – 3100 block of Justin Road

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

Page B9

2/13 – Possession of Marijuana – 3100 block of Justin Road 2/13 – Theft – 900 block of Tartan Trail 2/14 – Assault – 2400 block of Justin Road 2/15 – Evading Arrest – 2700 block of Crestwood Lane

2/2 – Theft – 3100 block of Justin Road

2/15 – Theft – 100 block of Clearwater Drive N

2/3 – Public Intoxication – 2300 block of Justin Road

2/16 – Possession of Controlled Substance – 2700 block of Justin Road

2/4 – Possession of Marijuana – Barley Drive / Garrett Drive

2/16 – Possession of Marijuana – 2700 block of Justin Road

2/8 – Theft – 100 block of Marketplace Lane

2/19 – Possession of Controlled Substance – 4000 block of Brooks Court

2/9 – Public Intoxication – 3400 block of Castlewood Boulevard

2/22 – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – 3100 block of Justin Road

2/11 – Criminal Mischief – 3100 block of Justin Road

2/23 – Evading Arrest – 3800 block of Justin Road

2/11 – Public Intoxication – 3100 block of Justin Road

2/23 – Possession of Controlled Substance – 200 block of Main Street

2/11 – Theft – 3100 block of Justin Road

2/23 – Possession of Marijuana – 2200 block of Briarhill Boulevard

2/11 – Theft – 3100 block of Justin Road

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2/23 – Theft – 200 block of Main Street

2/12 – Assault – 2600 block of Braemar Lane

2/23 – Theft – 200 block of Main Street

2/12 – Possession of Controlled Substance – 3100 block of Justin Road

2/24 – Evading Arrest – 2700 block of Highland Shores Boulevard

2/12 – Sexual Assault of a Child – 2700 block of Garrett Road

2/24 – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – 2700 block of Highland Shores Boulevard

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March 2019

DO Police

Continued from Page B8

ments of society…it’s a true statement.)

Role model good behavior mom and dad.

Your kid’s are watching you. Our actions mean more to our kids than our words. It is recognized that a majority of face to face communication is non-verbal. If you’re drinking every night, or smoking weed, or using THC concentrate (It’s legal in Colorado Chief! You’re just not cool like us!) your kids

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

are going to go down the same rabbit hole.

If you know a user (you probably do) stop letting them use you as a piggy bank for their disorder. It’s hard to confront a user but resources for treatment are available dentoncounty.com/Pages/Social-Service-Agencies. aspx. A person suffering from substance use disorder can’t take the journey alone and needs professional treatment. I can’t endorse any particular program but I will unequivocally state that most people I’ve met in recov-

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ery that are staying sober, were helped tremendously by in-patient treatment. I also ask you to understand that relapse is very common. The old line of hate the problem not the person applies to people struggling with addiction.

If you are a user know that people care about you and resources are available. Please get help before you’re lying on the floor dying from a heart attack, or having aspirated into your own lungs, or from crashing a vehicle while high. Please get help before a person in blue, after having found your drugs (still against the law to possess narcotics that aren’t yours in Texas!), places you into handcuffs and totes you off to a concrete and steel box where you get to experience withdrawal with little to no medical assistance.

Stay safe and care for each other. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Chief Watson Recent Police Calls 01-24-19 – Arrest – Double Oak – During the conduct of a traffic stop a male, 43 years old, was taken into custody, and transported to jail, for five active misdemeanor warrants out of Arlington PD. 01-25-19 – Credit Card Abuse – Double Oak – During the month of November 2018 Double Oak Police took a report regarding the theft of credit cards. Investigating officers were able to obtain video evidence of two suspects purchasing tools, at a hardware store in Dallas County, using the Complainant’s credit card. With the assistance of multiple law enforcement agencies two felony credit card abuse cases have been filed with the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office on a male, 45 years old and a male, 36 years old.

01-26-19 – Identity Theft – Double Oak – A resident flagged down a patrol officer to report that an unknown person had opened a cell phone account in their name.

01-31-19 – Fraud – Double Oak – A local business owner reported that an unknown person cashed a financial instrument using one of their checking accounts.

02-01-19 – Child Custody Dispute – Double Oak – A resident, who is also grandparent and

Page B10

legal guardian for two children, reported having concerns about the absent parents behavior towards their kids.

02-05-19 – Lost Property – Double Oak – A resident reported that they had lost their wallet.

02-05-19 – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Double Oak – During the conduct of a traffic stop a Double Oak Officer located suspected drug paraphernalia. The violator was issued a summons to appear in court.

02-08-19 – Burglary of a Vehicle – Double Oak – A resident reported a generator that had been secured with a cable, being removed from the bed of their pickup truck.

02-09-19 – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Double Oak - During the conduct of a traffic stop a Double Oak Officer located suspected drug paraphernalia. The violator was issued a summons to appear in court.

02-11-19 – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Double Oak - During the conduct of a traffic stop a Double Oak Officer located suspected drug paraphernalia. The violator was issued a summons to appear in court.

02-13-19 – Dispute – Double Oak – Verbal dispute between neighbors. No offense.

02-13-19 – Reckless Damage – Double Oak – An unknown person ran over a resident’s mailbox and drove off. The motorist later returned to the scene of the crash and paid to have the mailbox fixed.

02-14-19 – Possession of Methamphetamine – Double Oak – During the conduct of a traffic stop Double Oak Officers found suspected methamphetamine. After an analysis of the suspected narcotics was performed at a State of Texas laboratory a felony criminal case for Possession of Methamphetamine has been filed with the Denton County District Attorney’s office on a female, 35 years of age.

02-14-19 – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Double Oak - During the conduct of a traffic stop a Double Oak Officer located suspected drug paraphernalia. The violator was issued a summons to appear in court.

March 2019

Baseball

Continued from Page B1

said. “The best thing that I do is to create an image of what it was like when I played there.”

Sherman graduated from Marcus in 1999 and went on to become a college All-American, before heading into coaching.

He assumed the head coaching position at Marcus in 2013 and in his six seasons, he has reached the regional tournament four times and regional finals twice.

“We’ve gotten close,” Sherman said.

Sherman’s team finished 30-14 in 2018 and reached the regional finals, but missed qualifying for state by one game in a loss to eventual State Champion Southlake Carroll.

Sherman said that Marcus has lost some firepower from last season, but said that he believes his team will be just fine.

“We’ve got a lot of guys to replace,” Sherman said. “But, we’ve got a hardnosed team that refuses to lose.”

Blake Mayfield (committed to Texas A&M) and Tyler Morgan (committed to Abilene Christian) should lead the way for Marcus on the mound this season, while Sherman said he expects big things from Jacob Bushnell, Brett Hedges and Hunter Teplansky as well.

Across town at Flower Mound, the Jaguars are hoping to improve on a 2018 campaign that saw the team finish 14-17 for the season, with a 4-10 mark in district competition.

Coach Danny Wallace said scrimmages have been good so far for the Jags and said that he and his players want to put 2018 behind them.

“Last season was a frustrating season for us,” Wallace said. “Several issues led to us fielding a very young club, and we struggled.”

The coach said he expects Austin Wal-

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

lace, Cam Brown, Austin Russell and Tyler Talbert to have strong seasons in 2019 and said, “we will be very deep on the mound and it will be a team strength.”

Wallace said it will take two things for his team to have a successful season in 2019.

“We have to stay healthy and get our new starters good experience during a tough tournament schedule,” Wallace said.

For the town of Argyle, 2018 was a banner year; both Liberty Christian and Argyle High School won State Championships.

Liberty Coach Johnny Isom said his team was off to a 3-2 start through its first five games of this season added, so far, it’s been kind of a mixed bag.

“We have had some good moments and some not so good moments,” Isom said.

“But overall, the effort is there and I believe we are heading in the right direction. We will continue to get our work in and really focus on coming together as a team.”

The Warriors have had seven players commit and sign letters-of-intent to play college baseball this season. Isom said he is expecting big years from Creighton Hansen, Pryor Thomas, Brett Huff, Kolsen Powers, Hayden Winter, Noah Hopkins, Joe Wolf and Mason Packwood.

Liberty Christian finished 30-12-1 overall last season with a 12-2 mark in district competition. In postseason games, the Warrior team defeated, “four of the best arms in the state,” Isom said-two Texas commitments, a Sam Houston commitment and a Texas A&M commitment-- to win the TAPPS 6A State Championship.

“The strength of our team will be our pitching and our defense,” Isom said.

“We have many unknowns offensively, but we are fortunate enough to have

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two of the TAPPS top returning starting pitchers in Joe Wolf and Jacob Hasty on our roster. They will be the backbone of our team and if we can score a few runs, it could be a really good season for the Warriors of Liberty.”

The 2018 title was the fourth State Championship Liberty Christian has won in the sport of baseball, but Isom said, while the trophies are nice, it is something more important that he wants his players to achieve through the sport of baseball.

“We are a little ‘different animal’ than most [teams] and success for us is having a season that brings honor and glory to our lord Jesus Christ,” Isom said.

“Whether that is showing people how a team that truly loves the Lord is humble in victory, or gracious in defeat, our season is devoted to Him.” Over at Argyle High School, the Eagles wrapped up 2018 with an undefeated season and won a UIL Class 4A State Championship.

Argyle amassed a record of 37-0 to become only the fourth team in UIL history to finish the season undefeated, including Lorena High School in 2003, Colmesneil High School in 1986 and South San Antonio High School in 1967.

The Eagles run-ruled Jasper High School in the state semifinals last season by a score of 14-4 in six innings; and, the

Page B11

scary thing, for opponents, is that most of the team is back.

Among the returning players are catcher Austin King, second baseman Preston King, third baseman Cade Merka, outfielder Alex Gonzales and utility player Chad Ricker who were each selected to the All-State Tournament team last season.

The Eagles did lose last year’s State Tournament MVP Bryson Hudgens, but return first-team All-State pitcher Sean Bolin and first baseman Hayden Clearman, along with second-team All-State outfielder Dillon Carter and short stop Brenden Dixon.

For Denton’s Guyer High School 2018 baseball team, a 20-9-2 season and 8-6 district mark put the Wildcats just outof-reach of a postseason berth; but, 2019 could be different.

The return of All-State Honorable Mention Luke Piper at catcher, with five players who have signed national lettersof-intent-- give Guyer a solid corps that should rival for a 5-6A playoff berth and possible District Championship in 2019.

Zach Cantu (McPherson College), Max McCready (Eastern New Mexico State), Dylan Parham (Weatherford Junior College), Kyle Gscheidle (Tarleton State), Tyler Sampson (Paris Junior College) plus Jordan Beminio should all have strong senior seasons for the Wildcats.

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March 2019

Lantana Crime Watch

By Tracy Murphree, Denton County Sheriff

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

Lantana had 154 calls for service for the month of February. The Deputies responded to 13 alarm calls, 65 traffic related calls and 88 self-initiated calls for service.

Captain Jeff Davis is the Commander for the Denton County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team. The SWAT team is made up of 18 deputies who volunteer for this posi-

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tion. The deputies come from all divisions within the Sheriff’s Office. SWAT team members have to apply and then pass a rigorous tryout which consists of a physical test, cognitive test and firearms test. After the tryout a board comprised of senior SWAT personnel will meet to evaluate the applications and success of each candidate on tasks during the tryout. Recommendations are then made and sent to the Sheriff who makes the ultimate decision.

The SWAT team is made up of Entry Level member, Team Leader, Assistant Team Leader and SWAT Commander. A team member may get assigned a specialty such as Sniper, Breacher or Less Lethal/ Chemical Munitions. The SWAT team commits to four hours of weekly training regardless of weather conditions. The SWAT team members must maintain a high level of physical fitness and firearm proficiency and are subject to ongoing testing and evaluation.

Lieutenant Jose Pena is the Team Leader over the Negotiators. This is a separate unit that works closely with the SWAT team. There are nine Negotiators and of those there is a Team Leader and Assistant Team Leader. The Negotiators are selected by applying and then going through a board interview process. Once selected for the team, a Negotiator is required to complete a Basic Hostage Negotiator School and an Advanced Hostage Negotiators School, which are each 40 hours of training. Annually our Negotiators compete in a Crisis and Hostage Negotiator Competition against National and International competitors. The Denton County Sheriff’s Office has placed in the Top 3 on several occasions and won the competition in 2016.

Some of the scenarios the SWAT team and Negotiators deal with include: • Barricaded people (mostly mentally ill individuals, drug addicts, suspects in crimes or someone who has experienced a high stress event)

Page B12

• High Risk Search/Arrest Warrants • Hostage situations • Critical Incident/Active Shooter Response • Dignitary Protection Denton County SWAT team is responsible for mutual aid responses to smaller agencies in Denton County that require a SWAT response. The SWAT team also acts as advisors to smaller agency’s SWAT teams in Denton County and assist federal agencies with operations within Denton County. The Denton County SWAT team is also used for special operations, for example the recent online solicitation operation involving multiple agencies that was conducted in Denton County.

We would like to invite you to our Denton County Sheriff’s Office Citizen Academy which starts Monday, March 18. This is an awesome opportunity to experience how your Sheriff’s Office operates. The class meets every Monday for 10 weeks from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. The first class which is on March 18th will start at 6 p.m. Applications can be found on our website www.dentoncounty.com/sheriff.

Hope you can make it!

If you are a female and are interested in a self-defense class we would like to invite you to our next Woman’s Empowerment Program (WEP). Our next Woman’s Empowerment Program will be Saturday, March 23. You must register at wep@dentoncounty.com. If you have not already liked our Facebook page, please do so.

We post very informative information on a regular basis.

The Denton County Sheriff’s Office is currently hiring Detention Officers. If you or anyone you know would like to start a career in Law Enforcement, we encourage you to join our family at DCSO. You can apply online at www.dentoncounty.com/ sheriff.

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March 2019

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

Soon we will be seeing the signs of the approaching Spring season. Spring can be a hopeful season, bringing with it the warmth of sunny days and a sense of renewal and growth.. It's a great time for fresh starts in all areas of life including, mental, emotional and relational health.

At Redeemed Life Counseling we want to help you get ready for the changes and challenges that the Spring season can bring and help you examine all the areas of your life that may need a bit of sprucing up!

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March 2019

Your Closet Isn’t the Only Thing That Needs Spring Cleaning

By Jennifer Balmos

When most people think of “spring cleaning,” their thoughts turn to messy closets and junk-filled garages. But your home isn’t the only thing that needs attention during this season of tidying and organizing.

Chances are, it’s time to dust off your estate plan and take a look at what your documents actually say.

Wills and other documents do not need to be reviewed annually in all cases. But it’s a good idea to think about the last time you looked at them.

Has it been several years? Or, since that time, have you experienced a major change such as marriage or divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, the death of a family member, the inheritance of property or other assets or the diagnosis of an illness or disease?

Any and all of the above life events can have a serious effect on your plan.

For instance, the birth or adoption of a child brings guardianship questions into consideration. Should you (and/or your spouse) pass away, it is important to consider who would take care of the child. On the flip side of the coin, if you planned to bequeath certain assets to a person who has already passed away, it is time to determine who should receive that gift in his or her place.

Next, even if you have reviewed your plan recently (and have not experienced any major life changes), it is worth asking yourself if your

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

plan is comprehensive. A will is not a comprehensive plan. Do you have a plan in place to designate someone to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to do so yourself?

Do you know under which circumstances – if any – you would like to have life-sustaining treatment discontinued? Have you designated someone to make financial decisions for you if you are unable to do so? Are there any limitations you would want place on the person making decisions on your behalf?

Further, anyone taking the time to review his or her estate plan should also consider confirming or updating the beneficiary designations on life insurance policies, IRAs and payable on death accounts. In Texas, minor children (under 18) cannot inherit property. Even if you intend for your life insurance policy to go to your child upon your passing, listing a minor’s name as a beneficiary can create problems down the road.

Having a plan is an important first step, but it is just as critical to make sure your loved ones know and understand your wishes. If no one is aware of the plan you put together (including the documents you executed), the practical result is that your plan won’t do you any good. Part of any review should include providing copies of important documents to family members or close friends, and letting someone know where the originals are kept. Taking these steps gives peace of mind to all involved.

Jennifer practices in Bartonville, and is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. For more information, please see www. balmoslaw.com.

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March 2019

A Patient’s Right to Choose

By Tad Tomaseski A patient’s right to choose is protected by law, but you would be shocked to know how that right is being denied over and over again daily in today’s big hospital systems and surgery practices.

I will give you two examples that happened just this week.

Example One: A patient was about to discharge from one of the big hospitals in Denton, when the case manager said the patient would be discharging home with home health.

The patient and family informed the case manager that they did not feel safe to go home; and, that they wanted to come to inpatient rehabilitation at icare Hospital. The case manager insisted the patient was okay to go home and didn’t need to come to icare.

Then, as the family persisted, the case manager told the patient that icare does not accept Medicare-- which is not true-- and all case managers know that all facilities like icare accept Medicare. So, this was an intentionally false statement.

As the patient’s family continued to push, the case manager proceeded to say that the patient “would not qualify” to come to icare, which again, was a false statement because the patient did qualify.

Finally, the case manager refused to refer them to icare and said that if they wanted rehab she would only refer them to a local skilled nursing facility.

After much persistence-- with debate back and forth-the patient’s advocate finally asked the case manager this question: “Are you telling me you are taking away the patients right to choose?”

At that point, the case manager knew she was just asked a legal question that was about to incriminate her if she did not initiate the referral. The referral was initiated. The patient was accepted into icare.

The patient has made tremendous progress and now is ready to go home safely.

But the case manager’s actions are not the worst part of the story.

When we received the patient’s medical records from their hospital, the physician in charge of the patient made clear written orders: “Patient is not safe to go home. Patient needs to go to an inpatient rehabilitation hospital only; they should not go to skilled nursing or home.”

So, in other words, the hospital social worker-- under the direction of the hospital administration-- not only persisted in denying the patient the right to choose, but the

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

entire time they were going against their own doctor’s medical direction for a safe discharge.

Example Two: A gentleman, who had heard me speak at the Flower Mound Senior Center, called me regarding his wife’s upcoming hip replacement surgery; and, concerns he had about the class they had just attended to prepare them for the procedure.

The lady teaching the class told the class: “You will be going home after the surgery, you will not be going to rehab. You won’t qualify for rehab, so don’t even ask for it.”

This gentleman raised his hand and challenged her statement and she stood firm saying they would not qualify.

So, he decided to reach out directly to me to see if this was true, because he wanted his wife to come to icare.

I let him know this was not a true statement and that when they go in for the surgery, they need to insist that a referral be made to icare Hospital. I let him know also to be prepared to meet the same sort of resistance from the hospital case manager trying to refuse to make the referral. But that he is to stand firm and ask: “Are you refusing my wife’s right to choose as a patient?”

This question will make any case manager concerned about the legal implications of what they are doing and make them more likely to respond to a request.

Ironically enough, I was just interrupted, while writing that last sentence, to take a call from a very nice lady concerned about her 99-year-old mother who is currently in a skilled nursing facility. Her mother has been sent back to the hospital twice and she is concerned her mother is not getting the level of care she needs.

As I described what we do at icare, she became excited about the higher-level of care we offer than what she is currently receiving.

Then the daughter said to me: “She was at the hospital right down the street from you and you were not given as a choice. Why would they not give you as a choice for my mother?”

I guess we can go ahead and call that unexpected Example Three.

As I said, this behavior is happening at epidemic levels and people should be concerned.

I close by saying you cannot trust the system to do the right thing by you or your loved one. There are financial motives for them to present you with only the options they want you to take; and, those options might not be your best option.

Therefore, do your research. Know your choices. Then fight for your right to choose; no matter how much push back you may receive, because it is your legal right!

If you have any questions about your options, or if I can help you in any way, do not hesitate to contact icare Hospital at 214-513-0333 and ask for Tad Tomaseski. I look forward to speaking with you.

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March 2019

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Page B16

Flower Mound Chamber Corner

By Lori Walker, President

New Members 1-2-Tree,LLC 523 Tech, LLC Budget Blinds Flower Mound Capstone Roofing & Construction CI Square Group Cross Timbers Church Keller Williams/Ryan Collinsworth LifeSeasons Medical Clinic Massage Heights Re/Max Cross Country/Amanda Pruett Solis Mammography/Flower Mound Biz Buzz The Original Joey O’s Chicago Style Subs will open this spring in the old Edison Coffee space in Parker Square in Flower Mound.

Christi Danielle Salon has relocated to a larger space at 6050 Long Prairie Road, Suite 400 in Flower Mound. The locallyowned salon offers women/men/children haircuts, highlights/lowlights, color, deep conditioning, Brazilian blowouts, formal upstyles, formal make-up, facials,

Salerno Restaurant and Bar opened last month in its new location in Highland Village Town Center on FM 407 in the space formerly occupied by The Village Grill. Salerno first opened in Flower Mound in 1985.

and waxing.

The 21,750-square-foot Lakeside Professional Office building on the southeast corner of Lakeside Parkway and FM 2499 in Flower Mound is nearing completion and is currently leasing.

Call 972-539-0500 or visit us at www. flowermoundchamber.com to learn more about your chamber.

If you miss a day, you miss a lot!

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The Flower Mound Chamber represented Denton County in Austin last month for Denton County Days.

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THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

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Page B17

March 2019

Zone

Continued from Page B5

organizations.

“We host fundraiser events for many organizations, including: Winning the Fight; North Central Texas College; Your Home Team Cares; Keep Lewisville Beautiful; and more,” LaBreck said.

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

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Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

Page B18

“We host spirit nights for Lewisville ISD schools, for them to raise money. We also donate birthday parties and family passes to schools and churches.”

“We like to be able to help support the community and give people the opportunity to be able to do things they wouldn’t otherwise be able to do,” Heath added.

Go-karting is the most popular attraction at Zone Action Park. (Photo by Helen’s Photography)

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With spring break coming for area schools, Zone Action Park will be plenty busy dealing with the onslaught of youth and teenagers ready to enjoy some fun.

LaBreck has been in hiring-mode for a while, seeking to fill the 40-50 spots needed to help their guests have a great time. Most employees are high school and college students.

“It’s the busiest week of the year, so we tend to hire and hire every week until spring break,” she said. “Spring break is like the whole summer condensed into one week.”

With amenities both inside and outside, Zone Action Park can remain open yearround. It adjusts its hours to meet the demand opening at 4 p.m. on weekdays

during the school year and 10 a.m. on weekends and when school is out. It closes at 8 p.m. on school days and 10 p.m. all other times.

“Rain, snow, or shine we’re definitely here,” LaBreck said.

While Zone Action Park draws customers from as far away as Gainesville and Dallas, LaBreck and her staff hope to attract more people closer to home.

“We get a lot of people who live in Lewisville, right off 407 or the other side of I-35, who didn’t realize we’re here,” she said. “Our goal is to reach people in our direct community.”

To learn how everyone is better after experiencing The Zone, stop by or visit: thezoneactionparktexas.com

Got News? Let Us Know!

news@crosstimbersgazette.com

Looking to give your youth or teen something to do? Check out the YMCA's Programs. REGISTER NOW for summer programs: day camp, swim lessons, swim team, basketball and volleyball. Go to www.crosstimbersymca.org for more information on our programs and details on our Super Summer Sign-up March 15-18!

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March 2019

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

Argyle Student Helps Pat Green With High School Football Song Argyle resident and Ticket radio personality George Dunham collaborated with Texas singer/songwriter Pat Green on a new song that pays homage to high school football.

The duo had some help from an Argyle High School student.

Campbell Wilmot

Campbell Wilmot, a junior who serves as Managing Editor for The Talon News, the Argyle student newspaper, was asked last fall by Dunham to get video footage of every football game to be used for an end-of-season overview video for the school’s annual banquet.

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The song in question is called ‘Til the Last Whistle Blows,’ co-written by Green and Dunham of 1310 The Ticket Sports Radio, Morning Musers, which centers on Texan’s infatuation with the sport of high school football.

The local radio personality said it truly was a collaborative effort.

“I wrote to my experiences in watching my sons play at Argyle High School,” Dunham said. “The song turned out great, his band did a beautiful job on it. Campbell’s work on the video was incredible.”

Wilmot, 16, said it took her one weekend, which she

Page B19

did following the Eagles victory over China Springs in the area round of the playoffs over the Thanksgiving weekend; and, it was definitely a labor of love.

“I enjoyed having the opportunity to produce something like this– for not only Mr. Dunham and Mr. Green– but, also Argyle as a whole,” Wilmot said. “I have been living in Argyle since I was only one-year-old and high school football has always been a part of my life. I was happy to produce something as meaningful for the town, as it was to me.”

See the music video at TheTalonNews on YouTube.

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COUNTERS | CABINETS | FLOORING | RENOVATION 2303 COLORADO BLVD, DENTON, TX 76205 940-382-4340 | THEDESIGNHOUSEDFW.COM Inside This Section Spring Spruce Up Out & About • Calendar March 2019

www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

C Page C1

Animal Rescue Group Moving to Greener Pastures

At Longacre Construction, It’s All in the Genes

By Mark Miller, Contributing Writer

By Mark Miller, Contributing Writer

Stacy Smith (left), Executive Director of Humane Tomorrow, with Glenn and Shirley Hulcher, who donated $2 million for the pet adoption, rehabilitation and education center in Argyle. (Photo by Helen’s Photography)

Dan Longacre, owner of Longacre Construction in Lewisville, shows off tools made by his grandfather in the 1940’s. (Photo by Helen’s Photography)

After three years and a personal health challenge later, the facility Humane Tomorrow co-founder Stacy Smith always envisioned is finally coming true.

The groundbreaking for the Glenn and Shirley Hulcher Community Center for Animals-- named for the Hulcher family, who donated $2 million to help purchase and

landscape the property and construct the first building-- was held just before Christmas at the five-acre site on Hickory Hill Road, just west of Hilltop Road near Lantana in unincorporated Denton County. It is scheduled to open this summer.

See HUMANE Page C19

Adjacent to his stand-up desk on a table in his office in Old Town Lewisville, is a saw and several other tools personally made by Dan Longacre’s great grandfather Elmer Floyd in their native state of Ohio.

They are appropriate symbols for the line of work Floyd did years ago and Longacre has done as owner of Longacre Con-

struction. Having both built and renovated homes, craftsmanship is something Longacre has had a passion for as long as he can remember.

“I was blessed with that knowledge and skill,” he said. “It is a God-given talent See LONGACRE Page C7

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Longacre

Continued from Page C1

that I am blessed with. I always knew I was going to build something.”

Growing up in Medina, Ohio, about 30-miles south of Cleveland, young Longacre was involved in Longacre and Sons Furniture and Funeral Home owned by his other great grandfather, Dawson Longacre, and grandfather Leland Longacre.

“I delivered furniture and helped in the funeral home where needed,” he said. In the meantime, he attended the Medina County Joint Vocational School his junior and senior years of high school.

“As a junior, we learned the components of building a house; and, as a senior, we built a house,” said Longacre.

“That house was sold for proceeds that were invested back into the program.”

When Dan graduated high school in 1981-- and quickly realized there was no work for him in the Cleveland area-- he decided to follow an aunt and uncle to Highland Village. He started working on hardwood flooring and later joined RosDan Construction in Flower Mound, where he remodeled properties for about five years.

“I was mentored there by a seasoned remodeler with whom I remain friends to this day,” he said.

The lessons he learned back then enabled Longacre to start his own business known as D’s Construction.

“It was just me and a van and any friends and brothers I could ‘persuade’ into helping me finish jobs,” he said.

As word of mouth helped him grow his business and he met and married his wife, Lewisville High School graduate Carol, they changed the name to Longacre Construction in 1990. For many years, she handled the business development and marketing end of the company which specializes in residential remodeling projects.

Like his father, Marcus High School graduate Rhett Longacre, 23, inherited the natural abilities for building and began working with his dad as early as sixth- or seventh-grade.

“It was a good thing to do in summers,” the younger Longacre said. “I picked up a lot back then and did a lot of sweeping. I didn’t start fulltime until my senior year. I had a co-op program where I worked and got out of school early.

“I have the genetics for it; I grew up working in the shop helping my dad on projects. I had a pretty good knowledge of what was going on pretty early and my dad is a great teacher.”

Today, the father focuses on business development and sales, while his son manages the projects in the field.

“We’re not your typical home builder,” the elder Longacre said. “Because we are remodelers, we get into all

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kinds of unique types of construction. We love these projects because we have the skill set and know how to complete them. We do whole house remodels, kitchens and additions.”

On the commercial side-- in addition to working on projects to upgrade buildings in Old Town Lewisville-Longacre Construction has done some unusual specialty projects. They include places like the Meyerson Symphony Center, the Dallas Convention Center and Dallas Aquarium.

Dan and Rhett both believe in continuing education and See LONGACRE Page C11

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Maintain Your Landscape – The Real Dirt

By Beau Propes, Earth Kind Services

Maintaining your landscape can be a challenge here in North Texas. There a lot of factors that contribute to having a healthy landscape, one of the biggest is the soil that the plants are growing in.

In our area you may have black clay, sandy rock soil, or mystery builder dirt that has all kind of surprise hidden treasures in it.

Contractors that build homes in our area are usually concerned with a stable soil for the house foundation, not a rich soil for the lawn. The grass and plants can struggle with many issues due to a weak ecosystem in the soil. Improving the soil and its diversity with organic matter is the best long term, sustainable solution to a beautiful healthy landscape.

Yes, in healthy soil there are beneficial bacteria, fungus, algae, protozoa, and larger critters like earthworms. These beneficial organisms keep your soil healthy, decompose organic matter, replenish soil nutrients, form humus, promote root growth, increase nutrient uptake, and also break down herbicides and pesticides.

Adding organic matter is essential to help

this soil food web to thrive. On flower beds use a good quality mulch like native hardwood mulch that will break down into compost.

On your lawn, mulch leaves and grass clippings when possible.

You can also top dress your lawn with a good quality compost to add marvelous organic matter to invigorate your soil. You can spread compost yourself or hire a professional.

Compost has the unique ability to improve soil structurally, biologically, and nutritionally.

For a successful landscape it’s also important to have the right plants in the right place. A bad example would be trying to grow most types of Bermuda grass in the shade and then over-trimming a tree so the Bermuda grass can grow there. In a shady area choose a shade tolerant grass like St. Augustine or Zoysia, choose a shade loving ground cover, or just mulch it. Some shady areas may do better with some gravel or stones instead of trying to growing grass.

Proper watering is important as well. Less frequent, but deeper watering works best in our area for most established plants.

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Longacre

Continued from Page C7

growing.

Dan carries several of the designations from the National Association of Homebuilders, Rhett will be starting a leadership class at the Dallas Builders Association in March; and, the entire team just returned from the International Builders Show in Las Vegas.

Longacre is extremely proud of all the work done by his company and displays many trophies and certificates in his office. Perhaps the most impressive award was when Longacre was selected among remodeling’s Big 50 in the country by Remodeling Magazine in 2010. This is a very prestigious award and Dan is honored to

be among the few that have received it.

Longacre also believes his is one of the few area companies to use the Co-Construct software as a communication tool.

It’s an interactive online portal where all parties involved can view all aspects of the project at the same time. It allows customers to have 24-hour access to the information of their project and keeps all the communication together. The tool helps Longacre Construction combine all involved into one team working together to complete each project on time and within budget.

Innovation, education, and experience are why Dan Longacre believes his company has been successful for so long.

Of course it doesn’t hurt to have four generations of good genes.

Page C11

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Gardening: Seeds and Little Plants

By Noelle M. Hood, Texas Agri-Life Master Gardener

Gaze at the color photos on seed packets in the stores and imagination kicks in with the thought of luscious fresh goodies.

Although there are a number of ways to produce new plants, Mother Nature invented seeds as their basic reproductive units.

These wonders may be as teensy-tiny as the dusty spores on the back of a fern leaf, or as large as a coconut. But, every seed contains genes from two parents. Seedlings are similar to, but not identical with, their parents or gene donors.

Genes are microscopic units of heredity strung together in that famous twistingladder located inside the chromosomes in a plant cell’s nucleus. The hereditary units are chemical combinations that determine how plants appear, behave, feel, smell and, most important in the case of fruits and vegetables, how they taste.

One ordinary garden plant cell has about five million copies of each of its 20,000 genes.

So, who’s in charge of the construction crew?

Nobody knows. Oddball offspring occur, but species do a spectacular job of preserving their own characteristics.

Under proper conditions, dormant seeds spring to life. Right circumstances constitute temperature, light, air and drink. Needs vary from one species and location to another.

For example, in north central Texas lettuce and carrot seeds come to life outside in the cool ground and short days of mid-February.

Tomatoes and cucumbers respond to the warmed soil and longer days of mid-April.

Seeds soak in water until they double in size, then the complex activity of sprouting gets underway.

Oxygen is where the friability or texture of

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Good outdoor soil contains a lot of compost or partially decomposing material. The color leans toward black. It holds water but will crumble.

Want to jump the gun?

Germinate the seeds of heat-loving plants under shop lights indoors before spring. This works best if you buy an inexpensive bag of fine-texture seed-starting soil, which contains: sterilized compost; some volcanic matter, called perlite; a slow-release fertilizer, like osmocote; and, maybe a little mica product, called vermiculite.

The sterile compost lets the seedlings sink an anchor into the air, water and food. Perlite creates air pockets; fertilizer stocks the food; and, vermiculite keeps water handy.

Place the damp starter mix in an appropriatesized container, plant the seeds, spray/mist with water, then cover with plastic cling-wrap to prevent moisture-loss from evaporation.

Place the container in a warm spot like on top of the ‘fridge or water heater. When the seedlings emerge remove the wrapper, and put the container directly under a shop light. The light should be suspended just an inch or so above the tiny new plants. Change the height of the light as the plants grow. Shop lights come with lightweight chains so their height can be adjusted. Be generous with regular spraymisting.

If the seedlings are in six- or nine-pack containers-- when the plants reach about threeto four-inches tall, wet the soil then gently thin-- the operative word here is “gently” with a table fork; then pot-up individual plants into four-inch containers and baby them along, until time to harden them off prior to transplanting.

Contact the writer at noellemhood@gmail.com

Arborist Tip of the Month A healthy tree has a structure that is both beautiful and lasting. This begins early in the tree’s life with pruning! Properly pruning a tree, will allow its growth to be focused on the dominant and ideal limbs; Thinning a tree’s foliage can help with air circulation and allows more sunlight to spread among the canopy, which can help prevent some afflictions. It’s important that a certified arborist is involved in the project, because you can over-prune a tree too! And lastly, anytime you see dead or decaying wood, it needs to be addressed, as these are the easiest points of entry for disease, fungus and insects. Taking these steps and others, will give your trees the best opportunity to thrive!

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Page C12

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Prepare Now for Severe Weather Season

By Meteorologist Brad Barton

Legendary for outof-season severe weather, ice storms and intense polar outbreaks, February weather in North Texas was warm and dry, much to the relief

of most everyone.

The warmest temperature at Denton Enterprise Airport was 81 degrees on February 4th. The coldest was 21 degrees four days later on the 8th, a 60-degree swing.

For the month, our average high temperature was 58, the average low was 40, resulting in an average day/night monthly average temperature of around 50 degrees, which was nearly 3 degrees warmer than normal.

As in January, precipitation was sparse.

Denton received .20” on the 6th and 7th: .31” between the 9th and 11th; another .42” on the 19th and .25” over the 21st and 22nd.

In all, February rainfall through the 25th added up to 1.2 inches which was 1.2 inches below normal. For the first two months of the year, Denton has recorded 2.25 inches, which leaves us running nearly 1.8” below normal so far this year. Last February, Denton recorded a record 5.63 inches.

Strong storms raked across North Texas on February 6th, but no damage from Denton County was reported by the National Weather Service. A combination Pacific storm front and Canadian cold front produced little rain

but brought wind gusts of 28-37 mph for several hours on Saturday, February 23rd.

Those winds also brought in a good deal of West Texas dust.

After years of being forecast, a weak El Nino (warmer than normal ocean temperatures) in the Pacific has finally been detected. As such, it’s not expected to have any material effect on North Texas weather for some time.

The Climate Prediction Center forecast for March for North Texas favors slightly cooler-than-normal temperatures and near normal rainfall. My experience with March is to expect the unexpected. March temperature records range from a frigid 25 degrees to 100 degrees. Snowfall and severe weather are not terribly uncommon in March. Normal March rainfall is around 3.3 inches. If dry weather continues through the spring greenup, much of North Texas could be threatened by fire danger.

Now’s the best time to prepare for the upcoming severe weather season. Prepare a “go-bag” with personal essentials including photo ID, prescription medicines, etc. Also, be sure you know how you will hear any severe weather warning for Denton County when it is issued. Some area towns and fire districts offer emergency notification services. Several smartphone apps are available free, including a number of services from the National Weather Service as well as retail providers. Also remember WBAP 820 AM broadcasts every severe thunderstorm, tornado and flash flood warning for 13 counties in North Texas live as they are issued.

Page C13

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EARLY SPRING SALE

Reg. SALE 1 gal Purple/White Trailing Lantana $7.95 $4.50 1 gal Assort Daylily $6.95 $4.75 3 gal Elaeagnus $18.95 $14.50 7 gal Elaeagnus $39.95 $28.50 4 gal Boxwood Wintergreen $12.95 $10.00 1 gal Strawberry Plants (assort) $5.95 $4.50 15 gal Coppertone Loquat $59.95 $45.00 4 gal Wax Myrtle $24.95 $20.00 4 gal Red Berry Pyracantha $34.45 $26.00 7 gal Pride of Houston Youpon Holly $59.95 $42.50

Reg. SALE 1 gal Dwarf Mondo Grass $5.95 $4.50 3 gal Narrow Leaf Holly $14.95 $11.50 4 gal Holly Fern Evergreen $34.95 $28.50 4 gal Podocarpus Japanese Yew $34.95 $28.50 3 gal Pampas Grass White $26.50 $19.95 1 gal Wintergreen Boxwood $4.88 $3.88 15 gal Live Oak Tree $149.95 $89.95 30 gal Henon Bamboo $285.00 $175.00 4 gal East Texas Pine $28.50 $22.50 15 gal DD Blanchard Magnolia $149.95 $89.95

Brad Barton is Chief Meteorologist for WBAP820/570KLIF/99.5, ‘The Wolf.’

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Page C14

UT & AB UT Foodie Friday: Real Texas BBQ at 407 BBQ

By Jay Marks

Two years ago, we made our way out to Argyle to visit a small but beloved barbecue spot called 407 BBQ across the street from the Harvest community.

Back then, they were making and serving up barbecue from a small trailer. Now owner Bryan McLarty is operating out of a 4,000+ square-foot space in front of Defender Outdoors in Argyle – still serving up the same great food, just in a much larger kitchen (which he and his team are very thankful for).

We’re thankful for that too because now instead of having “mac ‘n cheese days,” they’re making up to 80 pounds of mac ‘n cheese EVERY day! And are somehow still managing to sell out of it.

So, just FYI… it’s that good.

Another item they’ve been able to incorporate into their regular rotation since moving into their new location is their elusive Brisket Burger, which Bryan calls the chupacabra of their menu because they only make three dozen of these beauties a day! Which means you better be one of the first 36 people to order it! It is worth making sure you get there early enough in the day for. Their brisket is ground in-house and is literally melt-in-your-mouth tender.

407 BBQ has delicious meats to keep you coming back: smoked chicken, bris-

407 BBQ owner Bryan McLarty and Jay Marks.

ket, pulled pork, and their smoked meatloaf. Our personal favorite? It’s got to be their ribs. I always make sure to take POUNDS of these ribs home with me when I visit 407 BBQ. The house-made rub they use on these babies is AMAZING. And as if the ribs weren’t dessert enough, Bryan’s wife is the master at making up some delicious homemade desserts like their apple and peach cobblers and Grandma’s Banana Pudding.

The Peach Cobbler and Banana Pudding are our personal favorites, but you really can’t go wrong no matter which one you choose.

When you go visit 407 BBQ, it’ll be hard to not just keep coming back over and over again. Bryan’s such a cool guy who obviously has a love and a passion for creating great food for his customers.

We had a hard time leaving ourselves, it was so much fun!

Oh, and before we forget! In case you don’t know the backstory of 407 BBQ, Bryan actually ran a successful barbecue catering business for 20 years before finally opening the brick and mortar original 407 BBQ location in 2016. And with his amazing new kitchen, he has lots of space to fulfill catering orders these days. So, for your next party, graduation dinner, wedding reception, etc. be sure to give 407 BBQ a try. Your guests will love you for it!

407 BBQ is located at 831 FM

407, Argyle TX 76226. Find them at www.407bbq.com.

Jay Marks is the owner of Jay Marks Real Estate and a top performing real estate broker with over 24 years experience and a passion for food.

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Page C15

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Page C16

UT & AB UT The Sound of LISD Music

By Elizabeth Brannon

Marcus High school presented The Sound of Music Jan. 31-Feb. 3; and, if you didn’t attend, you missed a wonderful show and production.

For a lot of people, the movie, The Sound of Music , plays annually at family gatherings-- not just in Texas, but around the globe. Many of us can sing every note and every word of every song from the show and have been able to do so since the movie premiered in 1965.

In addition to seeing the movie more than a few dozen times, I’ve seen stage productions as well, so I wondered how our high school would present this wellknown and much-loved musical.

I was beyond amazed at the quality of the voices on stage. From the charming and solid elementary and middle school performers, to the gloriously talented high school performers, the show had no weak-links and the actors carried the story convincingly.

The nuns were particularly entertain-

ing and the audience seemed to love all their appearances on stage. The biggest take-away for me was the talent of all these singers and actors ... so young and so much to offer to the arts and to the community.

One of the things I appreciated about this production was the reason Captain Von Trapp and Elsa went their separate ways. In this production, it was clearly

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about political issues and loyalties.

In the movie, their break-up is attributed to Von Trapp falling in love with Maria. I felt this production was more true to the situation in 1939; and, I respected Marcus for presenting a more correct and thought-provoking scenario than Hollywood did.

I had seen something on Facebook about Savannah De Crow, the high school junior who played Maria. The FB article suggested Broadway needed to make way for Savannah and I agree!

Savannah comes from a long line of musical singers, performers and entertainers, so her talents are not a surprise.

But Savannah is one of those who should be called “gifted,” not just “talented.”

Her voice is mature, lovely and a welcome sound every time she sings. Bravo!

There were 133+ students presenting the show-- on stage, in the orchestra pit and back stage. The musicians were great. Apparently the reason the show started late was microphone problems, but nothing got in the way of enjoying the show.

The movie version has placed the Alps and spectacular scenery and mansions in our minds, so it’s a new show when there aren’t the natural beauties of Austria and the grand scale of the outdoors to entertain.

It means the sets have to be more clever and manageable in order to stage this show. Kudos to the scenery artists, stage

crew and technicians who brought this show to life. It was well done and they successfully created scenes with minimal props and backdrops. The technical crew did their job-- to make sure the show went on as planned and was an artistic and entertaining success.

All in all, this was a great way to spend an afternoon; enjoying the many talents of our young residents and seeing the handiwork of the educators we’re lucky to have in Flower Mound. We’ve already mentioned that the LISD Arts Programs are known state-wide for artistic excellence and this production made it easy to understand the accolades LISD gets.

As the schools in Flower Mound/LISD offer art events-- from band, to orchestra, theater, dance, drill team, writing and fine arts exhibits-- it would be terrific for artsconscious residents to attend and support these programs on a regular basis.

It’s not always easy to know when the events are happening; and, you have to look around to find out. [Editor: the websites for each school’s Fine Arts webpage will have a Calendar of Events listings to preview.]

But who knows? You may find supporting the arts programs in our LISD schools will become one of your favorite things.

Elizabeth Brannon serves on the Flower Mound Cultural Arts Commission.

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Page C17

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1500 Cross Timbers Road, Flower Mound www.parkersquare.com

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3090 FM407 Suite 330A, Highland Village, Texas 75077 (469) 630-9337 · www.tacocielo.com

March 2019

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

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Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

Page C18

ARGYLE: March 9 – Harvest Market Day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Harvest by Hillwood, 1300 Homestead Way. Crafts, art, home décor and more. 940-648-3322.

March 10 – FM 407 Community Cleanup Project from 2 to 4 p.m. at Argyle Fire Station, 511 S. Gibbons Rd. Volunteers needed to help clean up right-of-way from FM 1830 to Fire Station. Supplies provided. 817-403-0382 March 30 - Doggie Dash 1 Mile & 3 Mile Fun Run from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Harvest Community Hall, 1300 Homestead Way. visit www.tinyurl.com/ CGDoggie-Dash BARTONVILLE: Ongoing – Farmer’s Market from 8 a.m. to sell out every Saturday at Bartonville Town Center, 2652 FM 407. 940-241-3030 DOUBLE OAK: March 30 – Casino Night at 7 p.m. at Double Oak Town Hall, 320 Waketon Road. Food, drinks, gambling, raffle. Tickets $25. www.double-oak.com FLOWER MOUND: March 3 – Honey Dudes 8th Annual Golf Fundraiser at 1 p.m. at Bridlewood Golf Club, 4000 Windsor Drive. 72-897-5177.

March 5 - “More Than Snapshots/Composition” at 7 p.m. at Flower Mound Public Library, 3030 Broadmoor Lane. 972-874-6165.

March 14 –Importance of Native Plants in Your Landscape at 7 p.m. at Flower Mound Public Library, 3030 Broadmoor Lane. 972-874-6165 March 16 – 1st Annual Golf for a Cause – Denton County Friends of the Family Scramble at 10:30 a.m. at Bridlewood Golf Club, 4000 Windsor Drive.

214-709-7074 or 469-744-6715.

March 18 – Top 100 Plants for North Texas at 6:30 p.m. at Flower Mound Public Library, 3030 Broadmoor Lane. 972-874-6165 March 19 – 9th Annual Flower Mound Area Republican Club Local Candidate Forum at 5:45 p.m. at Bridlewood Golf Club, 4000 Windsor Drive. richard@steenson.us

March 23 – Community Recycling from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Downing Middle School, 5555 Bridlewood Boulevard. 909-917-5853 March 23 – Summer Fun Showcase from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Flower Mound Public Library, 3030 Broadmoor Lane. 972-874-6200 March 23 – 20th Annual Father Daughter Prom from 6 to 9 p.m. at Courtyard by Marriott Flower Mound, 4330 Courtyard Way. Registration required by March 15. 972-874-6281 March 30 – Knob Hills Trail Race from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Scout Barn 771, 9955 Cross Timbers Road. www.edsregistration.com.

April 4-6 - Marcus High School Marquettes Spring Show at 7 p.m. at Marcus High School, 5707 Morriss Road. www.marcusdrillteam.com April 8 – Kindness and Confidence Outreach Event from 1 to 6 p.m. at Roger Premier Salon, 5801 Long Prairie Rd. 214-789-9851 HIGHLAND VILLAGE: March 11–15 – The Aristocats Kids - Spring Break Camp from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Studio B Performing Arts, 2400 FM 407, Suite 1. For Kindergarten to 8th grade. 972-966-2787 March 22 – Taste of the Village from 7 to 10 p.m. at Briarwood Retreat Center, 670 Copper Canyon Road, Argyle. Includes food, casino party, and live music. For tickets, visit http://www.hvrotary.org/ event/taste-of-the-village.

Ongoing - Farmers Market every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Highland Village Town Center parking lot at FM 407 and Highland Village Road. www.fourseasonsmarkets.com LANTANA: March 22 – Lantana Ladies League Denim, Diamonds & Dice Casino Night from 7 to 10 p.m. at Circle R Ranch, 5901 Cross Timbers Road. Dinner, music, raffle, silent auction. lantanaladiesleague. com March 30 - Spring Garage Sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

940-728-1660 April 8 – Cloud 9 Charities Giving and Golf Tournament at 8 a.m. at Lantana Golf Club, 800 Golf Club Drive. 214-415-4806.

NEARBY AREAS: March 9 –Denton County Republican Party Lincoln Reagan Dinner at 5 p.m. at Embassy Suites by Hilton Denton Convention Center, 3100 Town Center Trail, Denton. Dinner, private/VIP reception and silent auction. 940-383-4446 March 16 – St. Paddy’s Texas Style from 1 to 9 p.m. at Wayne Ferguson Plaza, 150 W Church St, Lewisville. Irish music, dance, an outdoor movie, life-size games, 50-foot zip line. 972-219-3401 March 21 - FM 407 Widening Public Meeting from 6-8 p.m. at Justin Elementary School, 425 Boss Range Road, Justin. TxDOT will discuss plans to widen FM 407 from FM 1830 to west of FM 156. www.keepitmovingdallas.com

March 30 – City of Justin Spring Clean Up Event from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Justin City Hall, 415 N College Avenue. 940-648-2541 March 30 – Robson Ranch Women’s Club Annual Home & Garden Show from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Robson Ranch Clubhouse, 9428 Ed Robson Circle, Denton. www.rrwomensclub.org March 30 - Tails and Trails 5k and 1 mile Fun Run/ Walk from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at North Lakes Park, 2001 W Windsor Drive, Denton. www.dentonasf. com.

March 30 – Flower Mound Rotary Club Swimmarathon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Westside Aquatic Center, 1750 Duncan Lane, Lewisville. 940395-6465 March 30 - Serve Denton’s Seventh-Annual Celebration from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Embassy Suites by Hilton Denton Convention Center, 3100 Town Center Trail, Denton. Featuring guest speaker, Elizabeth Smart. 940-735-3234 April 6 – ColorPalooza from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Old Town, Wayne Ferguson Plaza, 150 W Church Street, Lewisville. Kid’s activities, Artisan Market, live music and more. 972-219-3401.

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March 2019

Humane

Continued from Page C1

Smith believes the center for pet adoption, rehabilitation and education will be unlike anything else in the state and maybe the country and could set a standard for the way animals are handled in the future.

“It’s more than a shelter,” she said. “If you look around over the last 10 years new animal shelters have gone up in every major community in North Texas. As soon as they’re built they fill up and we still have the same problem.”

Smith said the problem remains overpopulation, especially with dogs. But, thanks to partners like Animal Investigation Response—an organization that assists communities with animal abuse issues-- things are heading in the right direction.

“We’re euthanizing fewer animals,” she said. “We have made progress, but we’re still euthanizing animals for space. So our goal is not to just be an adoption organization, but to start solving some of the fundamental issues that are causing the problem.”

That’s where the new center will be able to help, with enough space to handle up to 100 animals for short-term stays. It also will help Humane Tomorrow to expand on its Love on Wheels relocation program where dogs are sent to New York where there’s a dramatic shortage of adoptable animals.

“We want to do education,” Smith said.

“We want to do kids’ camps. We want these kids to grow up and respect animals and not throw them away when they’re inconvenient.”

The new facility also will include dog obedience training and other seminars focused on rescuing and placing dogs and cats in new homes.

“That’s why we’re calling it a community center,” Smith said. “We want people to gather there and learn and use each other as resources and help identify and solve some of these underlying problems.”

Glenn Hulcher, chairman of Denton-based Hulcher Services Inc., wanted to do something to fulfill his wife’s dream to provide a facility to help animals. They found out about

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

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Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

the organization through their daughter, Jennifer, a long-time Humane Tomorrow volunteer who has fostered many dogs.

“I was impressed with the way they handled things and how they found new homes for the animals and protecting them,” said Shirley Hulcher, who moved with her husband to Texas from central Illinois in the 1980s.

While Humane Tomorrow received the donation in 2016-- and worked with an architect on design plans and talked to people about financing-- things were delayed when Smith was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“That took me out a good part of the year and delayed us by quite a bit,” she said. “Ever since, we’ve been working on a capital campaign to raise what’s needed to build this entire thing, because $2 million sounds like lot of money, until you start spending it.

“It took a little longer than we hoped, as we all work fulltime jobs and still try to run the organization,” added Smith, a technical writer for a mortgage company. “And, in our core organization we’ve had a lot of major life events over the last two years, so we’ve been struggling to keep going as a group. I feel like this year, just having the building started, there’s a lot more momentum and energy.”

In 1997, Smith and the late Maxine Morgan founded what was originally called the Flower Mound Humane Society in their homes. It moved to the facilities of Dr. O.J. Shaffer’s Flower Mound Veterinary Hospital, where it continues to utilize a small office and other space. Shaffer, a Bartonville resident, is expected to move his practice to the new center eventually.

“What we have to do right now is finish Phase 1, so the building and outfitting will be operational and move everything from Dr. Shaffer’s office to this place,” Smith said.

The initial building will be one story with intake areas, room to house animals shortterm, plus education and meeting space.

Plans call for a separate two-story building adjacent to the initial structure. There also will be a memorial garden for owners to spread the ashes of their beloved pets, plus walking trails and nature areas around the

pond for education.

Smith’s goal is to raise another $3.4 million over the next three years to make those additions a reality.

Phase 2 will include a patio and larger rooms to conduct bigger events, plus a kitchen, real life adoption rooms and offices; while Phase 3 will extend the current building.

April 5, 6 & 7 and 12, 13 & 14, 2019

on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad 705 S. Main St., Grapevine, TX 76051

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For now, Smith is glad to see the brick and mortar rising from the ground.

“It’s going to be beautiful and versatile,” Smith said. “It’s going to be a place where people want to come and that’s what we want it to be.”

Learn more about Humane Tomorrow at www.fmhs.org.

GVRR.com or 817-410-3185

March 2019

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

Church Directory Connecting to God. Connecting to People.

SUNDAYS

SUNDAYS: 9:30 & 11 AM

MODERN 9:45

972-317-9500 bwchurch.org 8201 FM 407, Copper Canyon, TX 75077

CHAPEL 8:30 TRADITIONAL 11:00 SUNDAY SCHOOL AT 9:45 & 11

Sunday Service - 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday Service - 7:00 p.m.

1001 Cross Timbers Rd, Suite 1050 Flower Mound, TX 75028 469-464-3940 www.calvarychapelflowermound.org

Chinn's Chapel United Methodist Church

Some people just need a little church!

Worship - Sunday at 10:30 AM 1 mi. north of FM 407 on Chinn Chapel Rd

www.chinnschapel.org

Flower Mound Presbyterian Church

2840 Village Pkwy Highland Village, TX 75077

SUNDAYS WEDNESDAYS

10 AM 7 PM

2525 Forest Vista Flower Mound, TX

fmgrace.org 972.724.7223

1501 Flower Mound Road

Sunday School: 9:30am Worship Services: 10:30am www.fmpcweb.org

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Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

The Pastor’s Place He Is Risen!

By Benjamin Lee, Evangelist, West Main Church of Christ

What makes the resurrection of Jesus so unique?

Here’s why I’m asking. When you study the Bible, you will find that a lot of people like Lazarus and Tabitha were raised from the dead, John 11:43-45; Acts 9:40. There are other examples as well.

Jesus was also raised from the grave, John 20:1-7. But what made His resurrection so unique? Here are some reasons to consider.

First, Jesus predicted His death and resurrection, John 2:19-22.

People can make claims of what will happen, but claims have to be backed up. That’s what Jesus did, John 10:17-18.

Second, the Old Testament prophets predicted the resurrection of Jesus, but none of the others I mentioned earlier, Acts 2:25-28.

Third, Jesus rose from the grave never to die again.

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While others were resurrected, they eventually died again. Yet Jesus rose to life and eventually ascended into heaven never to die again, Romans 6:9.

Fourth, the resurrection declared Jesus to be the Son of God. It pointed to His divine nature, Romans 1:4.

So, what should this information mean to you? It should mean everything, 1 Corinthians 15:1-3. The resurrection of Jesus should change our lives. His resurrection changed lives in the first century, Acts 19:17-19.

Big homes, fancy cars, nice phones, or a big social media following is not what ultimately matters in life. What really matters is that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again on the third day. What really matters is that we will die and be raised one day and stand before God, Acts 17:30-31.

Dead people don’t come back to life. The few cases we have of it are amazing. The resurrection of Jesus is even more amazing. He is risen!

The Pastor’s Place features articles written by a different area church leader each month.Call 940-7288284 for more information.

NOTICE: Effective March 7, 2019, Sanober Amin, MD, PhD will no longer be practicing with Center for Dermatology and Cosmetic Laser Surgery located at 4001 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 145, Flower Mound, TX 75028. Dr. Bryan Selkin will continue to see patients along with Lauren Hughes, PA-C and Christine Lawson, PA-C. To continue being seen in this office, no further action is needed. To schedule an appointment, please contact the office at 972-985-9003.

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March 2019

Something To Muench On...

The Warmth of Family Connection

By Kimberly Muench

Tom’s dad recently passed away.

Skip was in his early eighties, he’d been ill for awhile, however I don’t know if anyone can really prepare for a par-

ent’s death.

My in-laws live in Wisconsin; it just so happened the day we flew in for the memorial service it was the coldest day on record at -24 degrees, with a wind chill factor of negative FIFTY! Tom and I were raised in Wisconsin, our kids (who traveled with us) were born in the frozen tundra but we’ve had a dozen years of Texas winters so it was shocking to say the least to experience a blast that bitter!

All of the restaurants, gas stations, malls, grocery stores and even the taverns were closed, which made it a challenge because we were responsible for feeding 45 family members from all over the country the night we arrived.

Thank you Sam’s Club! When we called the number we couldn’t believe someone actually answered the phone and said they were open. It’s wonderful to be part of a family and come from a place where deli meat, buns, premade salads, bagged relishes, snack chips w/dip and cookie trays are considered a delicious, hearty feast!

Skip’s passing was the first time our kids experienced a funeral service. We felt fortunate that Allen-Michael was able to take a few days away from the seminary and Brigham from Texas Tech so we could be there to honor the man they affectionately called Grandpa Skippy.

We stayed with my mother-in-law; it was obvious the previous few months of Skip’s illness and hospital stay had taken a toll on her. After 54 years of marriage she now has

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to figure out how to carry on alone.

Tom and I were both raised Catholic and the most wonderful part of the memorial service was having all of the grandkids take part in the ceremony. My brother (who is married to Tom’s sister…yes, that’s true) gave part of the eulogy, my son served the mass, one nephew and two nieces read the readings, another nephew was the cantor (at 15-years-of-age I had no idea what a beautiful voice he had), our three youngest kids brought up the gifts. My brother-in-law, an accomplished woodworker, built a beautiful walnut box for Skip’s ashes, my other brother-in-law, a well-known chef in the area, provided the meal after the service. It was truly a family affair and I know Skip would have been so proud of the teamwork that was garnered in his honor.

The trip made me realize all the more how blessed I am at age 50 to continue to have both of my parents. They are still in good health, yet an event like this reminds all of us about life’s impermanence. My mom is an integral part of our daily life here in Flower Mound. She helps me run the kids when I’m at work, she makes dinner and brings it over a few nights a week…we couldn’t do it without her generosity and the lifelong commitment she’s made to nurture her family.

Connecting with extended family can be one of the biggest blessings a funeral brings.

In our fast-paced, “got to get it done” culture we often neglect to slow down and have face to face (or even phone) conversations with our relatives.

If each one of us took a moment today to do a little something extra…send the “hello” text, call the family member or friend you haven’t chatted with in six months, stopped by to check in on a parent…then the world would be a more connected place. All too often we forget to make reaching out to others a priority. Don’t let another day go by without saying hello; you never know when you will no longer have the opportunity.

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Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

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Kim Muench is a writer, speaker, and certified parent coach who believes in building a more connected world. To learn more about her work, please go to realifeparentguide. com.

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March 2019

The Soapbox:

Having Nothing, Possessing Everything

By Brandi Chambless

It was the 1 a.m. phone call that nobody wants.

Mama cell. From a dead sleep to my greeting of what’s wrong, the reason for the call was the most bizarre thing we could have ever imagined. My sister’s house was burning down.

Just hours before, I had arrived from visiting my Mama three hours away and my bags were not yet unpacked. It was an ordinary night with close friends.

There was no reason to ever imagine the potential horror of what I would learn in the next few hours.

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

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Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

My friends surrounded me in the middle of the night as I conversed with my baby sister four hours away. Everyone got out of the burning house unharmed with the exception of the family hunting dog Mae who became cornered and perished in the fire. Hearing her say that there was nothing else in the house that mattered gave me great comfort as my heart pounded and I wondered what my next steps should be.

Had it not been for a chance sighting of the fire by a neighbor, my brother-in-law and sister would have perished within the walls of their master bedroom, leaving their three monogrammed princesses asleep and likely trapped upstairs.

“I think your house is on fire,” said the neighbor when she called, as her husband called 9-1-1. When my sister opened her bedroom door, the entire living room was orange. She ran upstairs where the girls’ room was lit up with orange light from the flames outside their window, calmly

waking them. “There is a fire, we need to leave.”

Carrying the baby while walking the older girls down the stairs, there was no time for coats or shoes in the middle of winter. As she approached the front door she paused to disarm the security system out of habit, then remembering the house burning around her, she flung the door wide open as the alarm sounded. The neighbor was motioning, enticing her to move swiftly as if to say, “Come on. come on.”

As the family of five exited the burning house, the wheels on my sister’s SUV began to explode and another brand new Lexus SUV that was purchased two days prior melted in the driveway. Before too long, the entire master bedroom was consumed. Unbeknownst to my sister, this moment would be the beginning of days of red tape and phone calls to initiate a recovery process that seems endless and offered no instruction manual.

After some time, the neighbor asked my sister, our Smile is your First Impression! “We don’t mind, but would you like a pair of pants?” when my sister realized that she had been walking around in her neighborhood braless in only a strappy little shirt and underwear with a phone on one ear and a baby on the opposite hip.

The fact that a fireman Dr. G. Robert Marye & Dr. Janet Stone Gonzalez emerged from the house with my sister’s wedding Our Practice is Built on Patient Loyalty ring was an unforeseen Preventive blessing since she had Aesthetic Restorative lost her original ring Family while tossing a football in Cosmetic a local river a few years Implant Dentistry prior.

940-455-2252 Once the fire was made www.SmilesofTexas.com public on the local news, Conveniently located in Bartonville Town Center!

Y

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the entire community surrounded my family with love by sending gift cards, meals, and purchasing immediate needs.

I threw my bags back in the car and drove all night to get to my sister. I asked her if she had cried a lot and she gave the strongest, most beautiful response I could have imagined.

“It’s not about what we lost, it’s about what we saved.”

I couldn’t say that the rest of us didn’t have our fair share of private tears, first and foremost, seeing the wreckage once we could investigate the wrath of this particular fire. But mainly, because the world we lost in that fire was one where we spent many of our holidays and other family celebrations. It was the setting for a cocoon in which my little sister transformed from a college student to a wife, mother, and a career woman. It was never about one single photo or wedding dress never to be seen or touched ever again.

The event we would forevermore refer to as “the fire” had been no respecter of persons. It didn’t know whether my sister was rich or poor, black or white. She emerged wearing only her pajamas into a new life without one material possession, but she showed me a heart that knows what it is to have nothing yet possess everything.

None of us will ever forget the call of the fire. Neither shall we forget the smiles on the girls’ faces when we took them to what they now call the “burn house”.

“Look, I think that’s my old bike and over there is your scooter! Cool.” My sister has done her job quite well, for even in their young ages, the girls knew they already had all they ever needed.

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March 2019

OH, SAY CAN YOU SEE?!

By C. Stroup.

I’ve worn glasses all my life. I can remember in grade school being called four eyes, not very original but certainly hurtful. The older I got the thicker the lens became. One day while not wearing my glasses, I bent down to pick up something off the floor. I saw it as a white circle on the carpet. It was, in fact a ray of sunlight streaming through the Venetian blinds. Finally, my mother felt so sorry for me that she had me fitted for contact lens. They were quite pricey at the time but I was thrilled and they made such a difference in my appearance. The only downside was that they were made of glass or hard plastic or some material which meant they had no flexibility. I recall on more than one occasion (especially when my eyes dried out) the contacts scratched the cornea. I have never felt anything that painful.

Soft contacts were born and assuaged all the fears I’d had over the others.

These truly were a miracle! But you just can’t tie modern technology down as next came laser surgery. Let’s just peel the cornea back, scrape around on the eyeball and put it back. OMG that sounds horrible and it was, except there was no pain, just panic before the procedure. Talk about terrifying!

The advertisement promised you’d never have to carry around a glasses

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case again because you’d never need glasses again. They had me at “no glasses case.” The one for my contacts was minute compared to, oh let’s say to the hard, bulky version for the prescription sunglasses. And, unfortunately, on some occasions I was stuck relying on readers.

So I was still a slave to several corrections for my tired old eyes. Just about the time I sorta worked out a system for where in my purse I should fumble for my errant case…a very old but quite functional reading aid surfaced.

Many years ago, I had a birthday party for my husband and instructed the guests to bring gag gifts. There were some real doozies…and pretty much crap. The couple that presented with a magnifying glass, warned us not to laugh. “You just wait a few years,” they admonished.

Well, more than a few years passed and it became increasingly obvious that this magnifying glass was no joke. Indeed, my husband and I reach for it at least once a day. I don’t know how in the world we’d ever be able to read the print on the medicine bottle. It’s a wellkept secret that the manufacturers of insect repellents, OTC medications, milk cartons, (most any kind of food product) have an ongoing contest to make the most insufferable, tiniest print regarding their uses. And to read the ingredients without the magnifying glass borders on insanity.

I imagine that cataracts will come next and while I’m not looking forward to that, if it will abolish at least one pair of glasses, well I could “see clear” to do that!

Cindy Stroup is a Double Oak resident and has been contributing to The Cross Timbers Gazette for over 30 years.

Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

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March 2019

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

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Online at www.CrossTimbersGazette.com

Page C24

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