Super Senior

JOHN LAINE by Teri Hebert

When you chat with John Laine, you learn that he’s been active in helping to shape Richardson and Canyon Creek for quite some time. He’s a guy who likes to provide solutions and he will find efficient ways to make things happen.

If his name sounds familiar, it could be because he was just named one of Richardson’s Real Heroes in a ceremony that took place April 5, 2018. He and three other Richardson residents were recognized for their quiet, behind-the-scenes work that makes our city and our world a better place.

John was recognized this year for his work with Texas Ramp Project, a nonprofit organization that provides wheelchair ramps for the disabled or elderly who can’t afford a ramp on their own. It’s just one of the things John has done during his time in Canyon Creek that provides a solution where he saw a need that could use his help. But let’s back up and get to know John before his recent recognition.

John met his wife Nancy during college. He and a friend had a brilliant plan to find dates by chatting with the seasonal help at a local store. While his friend found a girl to chat with in the lingerie department, John found Nancy in the book department and began a conversation. It turns out that his plan worked well. They hit it off, dated a short time, and were married just a few months later. He and Nancy have been married for fifty-one years!

In 1977, John and his family moved to Canyon Creek to the same house where he and his wife Nancy still live today. He worked with Black & Decker in aerospace hardware sales and was transferred to this area from Connecticut at that time. When it came time for the transfer, John had the choice of Atlanta or Dallas. Fortunately for Canyon Creek, they chose to come to Richardson.

John mentions that he had an opportunity to go back to Connecticut during his career, but they wanted to stay here after falling in love with Canyon Creek and Richardson. The Laines have two sons who went through Plano high schools. One son now lives in Frisco, and the other son lives in Charlotte, NC with his family and their two twin fifteen-year-old daughters. John’s wife Nancy had a wonderful career as a voice teacher, and she now spends a good bit of time in Charlotte with their two granddaughters.

As a member of the Richardson Kiwanis Club, John has a heart for helping others and volunteering to make things better for others. He says that curiosity drives him, and he likes to figure out how things work and develop solutions. In the mid-1980s, he got himself involved in Richardson city politics, helping to spread the word about important issues facing residents in local elections.

He helped form a group of active citizens to inform and influence City Council positions. John was particularly interested in planning and zoning issues that helped shape density zoning along Renner Rd. He also helped influence the direction of Collins Rd. and Lookout Rd. to help avoid a straight, secondary route of high-traffic travel through the neighborhood. One of his favorite things about Canyon Creek is that the neighborhood is like a small island. This is partly due to these traffic and infrastructure decisions that he was involved in years ago.

In 1989, John went on his first wheelchair ramp build and he became involved with what was then the Dallas Ramp Project. He saw firsthand how much of a need there is for good wheelchair ramps, and how inexpensively and efficiently these ramps can be built. He also recognized the gap in providing ramps to people who really need them. While healthcare will often provide a wheelchair worth several thousand dollars, there is a lack of funding to provide a few hundred dollars to build ramps so that those who need the wheelchairs can get around.

He realized that it doesn’t do anyone much good to have a chair they can’t use. And he realized he could do something about that need. In 2005, John sold the aerospace company he owned at the time and went full time into what is now Texas Ramp Project. The timing was good for this change. John had noticed a shift in business where it seemed like serving customers was less important than the bottom line. He knew he could let go of his business and shift his focus to Texas Ramp Project to serve people in a meaningful, face-toface way—and it would make a big difference in many lives.

The organization’s reach is now in 80% of the counties in Texas and they have provided more than 15,000 ramps to those in need. In about half a day, his teams can come in to a location, build a ramp, and immediately make it easier for the handicap or elderly person to get in and out of their home and have more freedom to get where they need or want to be.

And John is hoping to expand even more. He’s currently working to set up a similar operation in New Mexico. He travels frequently, meeting with churches and organizations to set up hubs where he can form a team to review local requests for ramps, house materials, provide volunteer labor, and respond to building ramps. He’s developed a system that is easy to replicate and low-cost. With donated funds and volunteer labor, Texas Ramp Project can build three ramps for the price of one ramp.

With his vision for helping others and his ability to recognize a need, rally support, and develop a solution, it’s clear why John Laine received recognition this year as one of Richardson’s Real Heroes. His help in keeping Canyon Creek a small oasis in the city is an amazing contribution to our community, as well.

John, thank you for all the you do for Richardson and for those in need of wheelchair ramps through Texas. We are so glad that you chose Canyon Creek!

To learn more about Texas Ramp Project visit them online at texasramps.org.

Let’s go to Camp!

by Teri Hebert

School is soon to be over and summer will be here. And that age-old question is upon us: what do we do with our kids for the summer?!?! We’ve done a little research for you and compiled a few ideas for you to keep your kids active and busy this summer. But know that this list is just a handful of ideas! Check with local churches, the library, clubs, YMCA, or try a Google search to find more interesting ideas to keep your kids entertained this summer.

1. Crull Fitness Youth Summer Camp

Crull Fitness has Youth Summer Camp available starting in June. Camp is open to boys and girls ages 6-14, including members and non-members. Available dates are: June 4–8, July 9–13, and August 6–10. Cost is $200/week with a 10% discount if registered before May 15. Sign up at crullfitness.com/events.

2. City of Richardson

Camps take place June 11-August 3 and registration is already open! Camps offer a variety of activities including, but not limited to, indoor/outdoor games, sports, arts & crafts, field trips, swimming, volunteer opportunities, and visits from special guests. Fun and safety are top priority. For more info and to register online visit www.cor. net/departments/parks-recreation/summer-camps.

3. Canyon Creek Country Club

Running from June 5-August 10, there is a camp for any age of young tennis enthusiast: The Tadpoles (ages 4-6), The Creek Tennis Camp (ages 5-13), and The Teen Tennis Camp (ages 13-16). Is your child interested in other sports? Check out The Creek Sports Camp for golf, swim, and the sport of the day. For more info visit www.clubcorp.com/ Clubs/Canyon-Creek-Country-Club/Amenities/Tennis/Junior-Tennis.

4. Sway Dance Center

For your young dancer in the family, check out Sway Dance Center. Available camps at Sway are Princess Camp for Ages 3-6 and our Teams Technique Camp. However, most ages can make any week in July a “Camp Week” by signing up for Summer Workshops! Email info@swaydancecenter.com for more information or for help signingup your dancer for a “Camp Week” of workshops!

Have older kids who aren’t interested in camp? Many local agencies enjoy teens who want to volunteer during the summer. Check out local animal shelters, libraries, churches, hospitals, gyms, etc. Or perhaps a good summer job is in order. The City of Richardson and other places often employ teens to help with lifeguard duties and summer activities for younger kids.

Whatever your needs are for the summer, the options are many! We hope you and your children have a fun, safe summer.

Louis

Share with us a funny or awesome story of living in Canyon Creek.

fly or at Shady’s. He’s a social guy and he’s excited for his closeup this month in Canyon Creek Life. Neighbors, meet Louis!

Tell us your names and your pet’s name.

We are Michael and Rachel Hochevar, and our pet is Louis Hochevar.

What breed is your pet?

Louis is a French Bulldog.

Where did you get your pet and how long have you had him or her?

We got Louis from a breeder near McKinney a little over four years ago.

How long have you lived in Canyon Creek?

We moved to Canyon Creek three years ago.

What do you love most about living in Canyon Creek?

We love to walk around the neighborhood near the golf course and meet all of the other furry neighbors and owners.

Louis is always a fan of the different neighborhood events like National Night Out or the 4th of July parade. We always like to go

You might have seen Louis out and about, maybe at Sweet Fire-

grab a bite at Shady’s, then watch all the of the floats and fun kids.

Tell us about your pet: fun tricks, unique talents, quirky personality, etc.

Louis knows how to sit (when a treat or food is present) and he can walk on a leash pretty well. French Bulldogs apparently are very stubborn and do not enjoy utilizing their big ears for listening. He does really love to play around with neighborhood dogs and will crouch down to wait for other dogs to approach him while out on walks. One of his favorite activities is to run around at the Bush Central Barkway and give the bigger dogs a run for their money as they try to chase him. He is a very happy and goofy guy who is always up for a playdate, especially with his brother who lives next door. When he is not playing, he is watching the Food Network or sunning

in the backyard.

Anything else you would love for your neighbors to know about your pet?

Louis has a very active Instagram account that keeps his followers up to speed with his daily thoughts along with neighborhood events of Canyon Creek, like when ice cream breaks are needed from Sweet Firefly. He can be found at @Everydaylouis.

Splish Splash

It's Time to Get Your Pool Ready for Summer

by Lisa Parelli

Did you know that more than 60% of single family residential homes in Dallas-Fort Worth have pools installed in their backyard? For those of us that have endured Summer in Texas know our swim season definitely exceeds the typical Memorial Day to Labor Day pool season as seen in other parts of the country.

Pools are definitely a benefit in the hot summer months as they offer a level of entertainment and exercise for families. Ask any child what their favorite summer activity is and you will likely hear “swimming.” But, what happens when your pool has aged, or has not been maintained regularly? As with the interiors of your home, your pool also ages and the style needs updating. Just like remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, your pool renovation is not “cheap.” And, if you haven’t stayed on top of structural or equipment issues, then you have added additional costs to your pool update.

Let’s just start with the cost. The cost of a major pool renovation is likely more than you will want to pay but updating can actually save you money (like updating windows or an HVAC – newer is more cost efficient). New treatments or equipment also enable your pool to run more efficiently.

Some of the top trends for making your pool look more modern and operate more efficiently with minimal investment are as follow:

1. Pool Resurfacing

Pool resurfacing is probably the highest cost in a pool remodeling budget. Pools that are 20-30 years old were likely finished in a simple plaster. Today, there are some very beautiful aggregate finishes that use many materials, many are even recycled and incorporate shells, glass, stones and other materials. These new surfaces completely change the look of your pool and replaces that old, tired plain plaster finish.

2. Lighting

Your current pool likely has a simple floodlight blasting from one end of your pool or basic lighting. LED Lighting is the way to go today. Not only is it more energy efficient, but can truly add spectacular effects around your backyard…transforming it into an oasis. LED lights come in several different colors which can give your backyard a completely different look.

3. Waterline Tile

From stunning glass, to subtle earth tones; from a simple waterline, to a raised spa wall, your tile is a focal point of your poolscape. By simply updating waterline tile alone, your pool can have a more contemporary look. If your budget permits, combining it with your deck or pool resurfacing and you will think you have a newly installed pool.

4. Water Features

Adding waterfalls and sprayers are pretty easy to add into your pool design. Although water features can increase the maintenance cost of your pool because they use extra electricity, they do breathe a more modern feel to your tired pool with motion and sound.

5. Salt Water System

Have you ever swum in a salt water pool? If so, you likely experienced softer skin and less eye irritation. The major trend of moving to a salt water system allows you to use salt to create chlorine in the water instead of strong chlorine products. It is cost-effective because it is generally cheaper to maintain – say goodbye to all the expensive traditional pool chemicals.

6. Energy Efficient Equipment and

Automated Systems

Like anything you replace, newer is usually more efficient. There are many different types of equipment for you to select for your pool. A variable speed pool pump is definitely a good choice as it uses less electricity. There are also solar powered heaters and lights which lend to energy savings.

As pool technology continues to evolve, there are a lot of products that can be retrofitted to older pools. Some of this equipment that makes life easier for the pool owner is robotic cleaners, all-in-one pool automation systems and even automatic pool covers. These hightech products allow you to check or control your pool from your smart phone.

Those Bikes We See Everywhere by Teri Hebert

Have you noticed the many colorful bikes everywhere these days? No, these are not gangs of unruly kids riding the streets and dumping their bikes on your lawn. These are commercial bikes intended for “sharing”.

Within the past year, bike share companies have introduced the concept of renting a bike to get around town. While many can appreciate the idea of providing low-cost transportation to travel short distances, the side effect of what often seems like bike litter is a concern when we see bikes blocking sidewalks, in our yards, or taking up spaces in parking lots.

But, how can we peacefully co-exist with bikes meant for good when they are often seen as evil, being left behind as though the riders have simply disappeared mid-pedal? Here are some thoughts:

1. Ransom

It seems that if a bike lands in your yard or on your sidewalk, a ransom photo and note to the company is your prerogative. Get creative. Add a copy of today’s newspaper cover (or the cover of your most recent Canyon Creek Life) to show the date (like in all those movies with ransom notes).

2. Art

Free stuff deposited on a sidewalk or yard? Use it as free stuff for an art project. Stacked bikes, bikes as other things, abstract art, whatever. Then take it to the Cottonwood Art Festival or Huffhines Art Walk next year.

3. Function

You and your children can learn valuable mechanical skills by disassembling and reassembling a bike. No need to use your own bike. Use the free one in your flower bed! Just be sure to reassemble it well so that it’s ready for the next rider.

4. Scavenger Hunt

Need a cheap birthday party idea for your child? Send them on a hunt for bikes. Have them take photos. Compile the photos and send them to LimeBike and V-Bike to kindly and helpfully remind them of where their bikes have been “thoughtfully” deposited in our ‘hood.

Of course, these ideas are all in fun to help lighten the mood on what is a real concern with these bike-share bikes. The companies like LimeBike and V-Bike who manage these programs seem to be working toward better solutions to help riders have the bikes they need when they need them, and also help keep our yards, sidewalks, and parking lots clear of bikes while not in use. Until we see improvement, consider the ideas above at your own discretion . . . or download a bike-share app, then grab that bike in your yard and take it for a ride to the park!