Denton, TX April 2026

The Investment Issue

REDEFIN IN G MVP: TIM TEB OW ’ S LI FE BE YO N D FO OTBALL. A P R I L 2 02 6

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

We’re Investing in Our Community!

Dear Denton and Lake Cities Family, When we talk about investing, most people think about money. But here in our communities, investment has always meant something deeper.

It’s the time you give to a neighbor in need.

It’s the service you offer without recognition.

It’s the fellowship around a dinner table, at a school event, in church, or at a local game.

It’s choosing to show up again and again for the people who call our towns home.

That’s the kind of investment that builds strong families, thriving businesses, and lasting friendships.

At Denton City Lifestyle, we believe our community is worth investing in, not just financially, but relationally. We believe the stories of Denton and Lake Cities deserve to be told. We believe the businesses here deserve to be celebrated. We believe the families here deserve to be honored.

And we want you to know something clearly: YOU MATTER! Your dreams matter.

Your business matters.

Your family matters.

Your voice matters.

When you invest in this magazine, whether through partnership, support, collaboration, or encouragement, you’re not just supporting a publication. You’re investing in a platform that shines light on the heart of our community. You’re helping us highlight local leaders, amplify small businesses and non-profits, celebrate milestones, and speak life over the place we all love.

And we are deeply honored that you as our community have received us so warmly.

This magazine is not ours alone, it belongs to the community. It grows because of you. It succeeds because of you. It thrives because of you.

Let’s continue building something meaningful together something rooted in family, strengthened by service, fueled by fellowship, and sustained by faith in one another.

Denton and Lake Cities, you are valuable. You are powerful. You are worthy of investment.

And we cannot wait to partner with you.

With gratitude and belief in what we’re building together, MICHELLE TONKIN, PUBLISHER @DENTONCITYLIFESTYLE

April 2026 PUBLISHER

Michelle Tonkin | michelle.tonkin@citylifestyle.com CO-PUBLISHER

Thomas Tonkin | Thomas.Tonkin@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R I AL C O O R D I N ATO R

Jessica Lawrence | jessica.lawrence@citylifestyle.com P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R

Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com STAF F P H OTO G R AP H E R

Savanna Romano | sr.icemedia@yahoo.com CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Jessica Crandall Lawrence C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R

Savanna Romano

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford LAYOUT DESIGNER Liz Nixon QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Denton City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Denton area’s most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

Visit our Instagram CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/DENTON

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Denton City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue APRI L 2 0 2 6 | I N V EST MEN T

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Featured

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32 Departments

Mastering Financial Leadership

Blue Oak Consulting brings global finance discipline to Texas boardrooms

The Long Game of Wealth

Randy Robinson reflects on four decades in banking and the principles that guide smart financial decisions.

An Afternoon of Excellence

The Lake Cities Chamber hosts awards luncheon at the Olana

From Shelter to Stability

How Our Daily Bread is Creating Pathways for the Unhoused

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Lifestyle Letter

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City Scene

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Financial Buzz FINANCE + LEGAL SERVICES

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Local Limelight FINANCE + LEGAL SERVICES

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Trend Setter LIFE + CULTURE

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Decor Trends HOME + DESIGN

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Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E

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Must See ARTS + CULTURE

30

Realty Report REAL ESTATE

32

Giving Back FOOD + BEVERAGE

34

Events

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APRIL 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

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@PHOTOGRAPHERINSTA MICHELLE TONKIN

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@PHOTOGRAPHERINSTA MICHELLE TONKIN

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@PHOTOGRAPHERINSTA MICHELLE TONKIN

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@PHOTOGRAPHERINSTA JESSICAL CRANDALL LAWRENCE

@PHOTOGRAPHERINSTA JESSICAL CRANDALL LAWRENCE

@PHOTOGRAPHERINSTA MICHELLE TONKIN

1: Chuck Pierce and John Dickson at Eternal Optimist Coffee 2: Denton Chamber hosts ribbon cutting for Tint World 3: Imelda Ashitey with Prime City Spa poses for a photo in between spa treatments 4: Back 9 Golf’s table spread at its Denton Chamber event 5: The Texas First Ladies’ Historic Gown exhibit being unveiled at Texas Woman’s University 6: Huffines Kia of Corinth receiving the Platinum Prestige Dealer Award 7: Lake Cities’ business mixer at Heyward Apartments

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C I T Y SC E N E

Want to be seen in the magazine?

TA G Y O U R I N S TA G R A M P H O T O S W I T H @ D E N T O N C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

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MICHELLE TONKIN

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HOUSTON ROGERS

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COURTESY OF D&L FARM AND HOME

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MICHELLE TONKIN

MICHELLE TONKIN

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JESSICAL CRANDALL LAWRENCE

DIANE BARTON

8: Spring seedlings ready for gardening season at D&L Farm and Home 9: Ribbon cutting for State Sen. Brent Hagenbuch District 30 10: Sydney Rogers with The Podcast Trailer recording Denton City Lifestyle’s first local podcast! 11: Celebrating the opening of Back 9 Golf’s new location in Denton 12: Global Spheres Center friendship volleyball team wins 2nd place in Denton Parks & Rec tournament 13: Mamie Eisenhower’s gold brocade gown on display at the TWU Blagg-Huey Library 14: Ribbon cutting for Lake Dallas’ tennis courts and mini pitches with Mayor Kristy Bleau

AP R I L 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / D E N TO N

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MASTERING Financial LEA DERSHIP ARTICLE BY JESSICA

CRANDALL LAWRENCE PHOTOGRAPHY BY

SAVANNA ROMANO

Blue Oak Consulting brings global finance discipline to Texas boardrooms

On a quiet afternoon at Wildhorse Golf Club at Robson Ranch, Chris Thomas sits comfortably at the clubhouse, a glass of Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned in hand. The drink is classic and intentional, much like Chris himself. It’s an unhurried moment, the kind that comes only after years spent mastering complexity.

This setting, where Chris’ photoshoot and interview took place, feels fitting. Polished yet approachable. It mirrors the way he approaches business leadership. He is calm under pressure, precise in execution, and refined by experience.

Chris is not a consultant who learned finance from theory alone. His credibility was built across continents, industries, and boardrooms long before launching Blue Oak Consulting, where he now serves as a fractional CFO and trusted financial strategist to growing businesses across North Texas and beyond.

Raised primarily in Germany as the son of a U.S. Army serviceman, Chris grew up immersed in global structure and discipline.

Though a U.S. citizen by birth, his childhood unfolded across military installations and international communities, including time living in Virginia during his father’s assignment at the Pentagon.

That early exposure to systems, hierarchy, and accountability quietly honed the way he would later lead.

“It teaches you adaptability,” Chris reflects. “But it also teaches you responsibility. You learn quickly the value of structure.”

That mindset carried into his early professional life. Almost by accident, Chris entered the accounting world as an associate in Germany due to industry demand. It was during this early

exposure that he discovered not only a talent for finance and entrepreneurship, but a genuine love for it.

“I’ve always enjoyed numbers,” he says. “And now, I enjoy what they reveal about how a business actually operates.”

His career accelerated rapidly as he joined a company involved in a joint venture with a U.S. organization. Through a series of organizational changes, Chris became increasingly involved in global operations eventually overseeing accounting, production, shipping, and large-scale system implementations. By the early 2000s, he was engaged in global SAP implementations across North and South America, Europe, and Asia. It was a role that required technical precision, cross-cultural fluency, and executive-level decision-making.

In 2002, Chris was brought to the United States to support work with Celanese, a global manufacturing company headquartered in Dallas. What began as a short-term assignment turned into a multi-year relocation. By 2005, Chris had officially resigned from his German employment and established himself at the Dallas office, embedding into the U.S. manufacturing and finance landscape.

Over the next decade, his résumé continued to deepen. He served as a plant controller in the Houston area, managing financial operations at the manufacturing level, before moving into senior financial planning and analysis roles in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Later, a headhunter recruited him to join a German-based company in Philadelphia, where he became Vice President of Finance CONTINUED >

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F IN A N CIA L BU Z Z | FI NANCE + LE GAL SE RVICE S

Most small businesses don’t fail because they aren’t working hard.

They fail because they don’t understand their financial levers.

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Your financials need to tell a clear story.

Lenders and buyers are very for three U.S. sites. This role placed him squarely at the intersection of strategy, governance, and execution.

Yet despite global reach and executive titles, Chris never lost sight of the people behind the numbers.

By 2019, he and his wife chose to return to North Texas, drawn by community, friendships, and a desire to raise their children in a place that prioritizes both ambition and quality of life. They closed on their home in Denton directly following the COVID shutdown. It was a move that underscored Chris’ belief in long-term stewardship over short-term certainty.

In 2023, following a reduction in force, Chris faced a pivotal moment. Rather than re-entering corporate life, he chose a different path.

“I wanted to be closer to the impact,” he says. “Closer to the owners. The decisions. The outcomes.”

Through Blue Oak Consulting, Chris now works as a fractional CFO for businesses typically ranging from $500,000 to $25 million in revenue, though some of his clients are scaling far beyond that. One transportation brokerage he advises is approaching $32 million in growth. His work spans industries, but the focus is consistent. He offers disciplined controls and sustainable profitability.

Chris helps business owners establish policies, implement risk management, optimize profit and loss statements, and understand their cash flow. Many of his clients come to him stressed, profitable on paper but struggling with collections, cash flow management, payroll timing, and clarity around margins.

“Most small businesses don’t fail because they aren’t working hard,” he says. “They fail because they don’t understand their financial levers.”

One of his core offerings is short-term cash flow forecasting, typically four to five weeks out. His work replaces uncertainty with structure, which gives leaders the visibility to move forward confidently instead of reacting under pressure. This simple discipline can transform an owner’s quality of life. The relief, he says, is immediate and visible.

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F IN A N CIA L BU Z Z | FI NANCE + LE GAL SE RVICE S

direct. If you don’t understand your numbers, they won’t trust them either.

“They realize they don’t have to touch their savings account anymore,” he says.

“That’s powerful.”

Chris is equally passionate about education. He regularly provides finance training for non-finance professionals and emphasizes the importance of clean, consistent financials not just for operations, but for long-term valuation. He recently conducted a webinar for the North Texas Chapter of The National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA).

“If you want a loan, or you want to sell one day, your financials need to tell a clear story,” he explains. “Lenders and buyers are very direct. If you don’t understand your numbers, they won’t trust them either.”

Back at the Wildhorse Clubhouse, Chris finishes his Old Fashioned, unhurried. It’s clear he’s exactly where he intends to be.

For North Texas business owners seeking not just advice, but financial oversight, Blue Oak Consulting offers something rare: financial leadership with depth, discipline, and long-term perspective. Visit www.bluoakconsulting.net to learn more about Chris' financial services.

Photography for this piece was taken at Wildhorse Golf Club at Robson Ranch.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA ROMANO

ARTICLE BY JESSICA CRANDALL LAWRENCE

Randy Robinson reflects on four decades in banking and the principles that guide smart financial decisions.

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | FI NAN CE + LE GAL SE RVICE S

THE LONG GAME OF WEALTH Having spent more than four decades immersed in local banking, Randy Robinson has been privy to nearly every market cycle imaginable. From heady bull market booms to uncertain economic downturns, he believes the fundamentals of sound financial decisions remain unaltered. We sat down with Robinson, who is now at the helm of PlainsCapital Bank in Denton, to understand his perspective on maintaining sound finances despite a fluctuating economy.

Q: Name one financial principle you’ve seen hold true regardless of market changes.

If you look at the impact of time and what it does to your money, it’s an amazing thing. The power of small, consistent financial habits and contributions over an extended period is pretty incredible.

Starting early matters more than starting big. Even modest monthly savings can add up significantly.

Q: What role should saving play in everyday financial life?

Savings needs to become part of your lifestyle. Just like rent and utilities, you need to pay yourself. I’m talking about your future self.

If possible, treat it as a required expense, not an afterthought. The

exact percentage matters less than consistency and sustainability. Choosing an amount, you can maintain long term is more effective than short bursts of aggressive saving.

Q: How important is it to take advantage of employer retirement plans?

If I put $100 in and my employer puts $100 in, then after the vesting period is over, the full $200 is mine. At that point, you’ve doubled your money. Even if it reduces take-home pay, the long-term benefit can be life changing.

Matched contributions can create real financial freedom and flexibility down the road.

Q: How much cash should people keep on hand in uncertain times?

There needs to be some kind of cash reserve there for the unexpected. Emergency reserves

help protect against job loss, illness, or economic disruption. The right amount varies depending on income stability, expenses, and personal risk. Having cash available provides flexibility and prevents rushed or forced financial decisions.

Q: What’s your perspective on debt especially for younger generations?

Debt is not necessarily an evil thing, but you don’t want to use credit to sustain a lifestyle you can’t afford. Debt can be appropriate for long-term assets like homes or vehicles. Credit cards should be paid off monthly and used for convenience, not survival.

Monitoring credit and protecting against fraud is essential to long-term financial health. Websites like freecreditreport.com are an excellent resource for this.

AP R I L 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / D E N TO N

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Redefining MVP:

TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

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T R E N D SE T T E R | L I FE + CU LT U RE

From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.

Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST. A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.

Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW? A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.

Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU? A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken. We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.

Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY? A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that.

There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.

“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”

Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN? A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences.

That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”

Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.

This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

F E AT U R I N G T I M T E B O W

Redefining MVP For the first time ever, Tim shares the inspiration behind a project he’s been holding close to his hear t.

Scan for the exclusive reveal and more with Tim Tebow unfiltered.

AP R I L 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / D E N TO N

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S N A K E P L A N T: The Snake Plant is for anyone from a green thumb to a black thumb because anyone can grow it.

These hardy plants can adapt to any environment and can live in both high light and low light.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

INDOOR PLANT GUIDE Investing in indoor plants can not only spruce up your living space, but also bring numerous health and well-being benefits

Bringing the outdoors in with the use of house plants is a great way to add color and dimension to your space. We sat down with Jesse Nelson at Family Tree Nursery, based in Kansas, and discussed the benefits of incorporating plant life into your home. “There are plenty of studies on the health benefits of plants, and the evidence suggests that being around plants and caring for plant life increases overall wellness,” explains Nelson. “Anytime you bring a plant into a home or work environment, it’s going to make you feel better. It is going to beautify the space in a way that art cannot, and they also have the added benefit of purifying the air.” There are a wide variety of indoor plants that work for any space and light situation that you may have. Regardless if you have a green thumb or a black thumb, there are plant varieties that fit your lifestyle. Here are a few of our favorite indoor plants to incorporate into your home.

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D E C OR T R E N D S | HO M E + D E SIGN

HOPE PEPEROMIA: The Hope Peperomia likes medium to bright direct sunlight. It does well as a tabletop plant or a hanging plant. Watering is only needed one time a month regardless of plant size.

Z Z P L A N T: The ZZ plant, which its formal name is Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is a very easy plant to care for. They like anything from low light to bright light. These plants are hard to kill and can go a long time without being watered.

eat kind

EM BR ACING A PARTN ERSH IP WITH YOUR BODY Wellness isn’t about restricting — it’s really about giving. Giving to yourself and to your body in a way that allows them both to thrive.

The cool part? The things that give to your body naturally give to your mind, your hormones, your earth, your relationships, and so on — it’s all beautifully interconnected in that way.

Eat your greens, cook at home, choose local produce and quality meats, don’t be scared of healthy fats — but also support local farmers, move in a way that makes your body and mind feel good, prioritize times of mindfulness and stillness.

simple roasted salmon with dill coconut cream

INGREDIENTS: • • • • • •

2 6 oz. filets of wild caught salmon 1 Tbsp. avocado oil 1 Tbsp. coconut aminos Zest and juice from one lemon 1 Tbsp. stone ground mustard 1 4 oz. container coconut yogurt, unsweetened • 2 Tbsp. fresh dill, minced • 2 Tbsp. capers, drained and minced • Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS: 1. Marinate the salmon in the lemon juice, coconut aminos, and stone ground mustard for up to two hours.

2. Drizzle salmon with avocado oil, sprinkle with salt and ground pepper, and broil on high for five to seven minutes, until cooked to desired temperature.

3. Mix coconut cream, lemon zest, dill, capers, and ground pepper together.

4. Top salmon with coconut cream, serve with roasted or sautéed veggies, brown or cauliflower rice, or fresh greens. Enjoy!

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A N A FTER NOON OF E XC E L L E NC E

Group posing together following the awards luncheon

ARTICLE BY JESSICA CRANDALL LAWRENCE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA ROMANO

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M UST SE E | ARTS + C ULT U RE

THE LAKE CITIES CHAMBER HOSTS AWARDS LUNCHEON AT THE OLANA DESIGN CENTER

Beneath crystal chandeliers and gilded ceilings, business leaders, elected officials and longtime community champions gathered at The Olana Design Center in Hickory Creek for the annual Lake Cities Chamber of Commerce Awards Luncheon.

For Tina Henderson, who will celebrate ten years as president of the chamber in March, the occasion was a moment to reflect on a decade of remarkable progress.

“We have grown tremendously,” Henderson reflected. “We have so much synergy right now between our ambassadors and members of the chamber.”

That cohesion was evident throughout the afternoon.

Conversations flowed easily across tables as business owners from Corinth, Hickory Creek, Lake Dallas, and Shady Shores celebrated one another’s accomplishments. Awards were presented not simply as accolades, but as tributes to service to individuals who give time, talent and resources without expectation of return.

“This event recognizes our members that give so much,” Henderson explains. “They do it without any conditions. They love our chamber and they love our community. There are so many people that are deserving of awards. It fills my heart to be able to recognize the people that give.”

The Lake Cities Chamber has built its reputation on a spirit of volunteerism. According to Henderson, membership continues to expand, and attendance at mixers and luncheons is steadily increasing. But expansion, she emphasizes, must be intentional.

“I want to grow our membership. We have a lot of great events coming up this year,” she says. “We want to have more speakers.

That would be something great to continue building up.”

The chamber’s 2026 calendar reflects this ambition.

Signature events include Restaurant Week in April, the Discover CONTINUED >

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Lake Cities Tour in July, a community bike ride in September and a pickleball tournament in October. Each fundraiser allows the chamber to reinvest in its mission of supporting local businesses and fostering connection.

The Discover Lake Cities Tour is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Henderson described this as a 56-passenger motor coach experience that brings together the mayors of the four cities, Denton County judges, Chamber members, and often community residents. They board the bus for a curated tour highlighting development across the region.

Denton County Commissioner Bobbie J. Mitchell describes the current moment in the Lake Cities as one of purposeful expansion.

“What feels most exciting about business in the Lake Cities right now is the intentional growth,” Mitchell states. “We’re not just expanding; we’re collaborating with a shared vision that supports both economic vitality and quality of life for our citizens.

Our cities and chambers are working together in a way that creates opportunity while preserving the character that makes the Lake Cities special.”

As the region prepares to enter 2026, Mitchell said the shared momentum is worth highlighting.

“What we celebrate most as we enter 2026 is the shared momentum across the Lake Cities. Our business community is thriving, our cities are collaborating, and together we are creating opportunities that make this region one of the most desirable places to live and work in Denton County.”

That optimism was echoed by Robert Goodwin, general manager of Huffines Kia Subaru Corinth.

“The growth that is happening in our locale is very exciting to me,” Goodwin said. “Lots of opportunities for businesses and for the Chamber to support and promote these new businesses. Our Chamber is clearly growing with added business memberships and event and networking attendance growth. The people that volunteer to sustain and support this growth have a clear commitment and love for our community. It is very rewarding to see.”

And in true Lake Cities fashion, they are approaching the new year with a bit of humor.

“Nothing says ‘Lake Cities business’ quite like celebrating our wins with more enthusiasm than a Cowboys touchdown (about once a year!),” laughs Chris Gordon of Cowboy House Sports.

“2026 is already looking brighter than a new neon sign. Let’s go Lake Cities Chamber. We have the most loyal members in Texas!”

The awards luncheon also highlighted extraordinary individuals and organizations whose service defines the Lake Cities spirit.

The Denton-Lake Cities Rotary honored Lynn Clark with the Paul Harris Award. Chamber honors included Volunteers of the Year Grady Ray and John Henderson; Ambassador of the Year Diane Barton; President’s Award recipient Chris Graham; Member of the Year Kathy Carlson; and Citizen of the Year Tom Newell.

Business of the Year was awarded to Community Waste Disposal, represented by Jason Roemer and Robert Medigovich, recognizing the company’s continued investment in and service to the region.

The awards luncheon served as both a celebration and a catalyst. It was a reminder that in Lake Cities success is sweetest when shared.

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M UST SE E | ARTS + C ULT U RE

Citizen of the Year winner Tom Newell with award presenter Mark Tucker with The Tucker Shay Agency

Lunch was served at The Olana Design Center in Hickory Creek

First Responder of the Month Cory Qualls was honored during the event

Air Force Junior ROTC cadets presented the flag at the event

" E N J OY FA M I LY, FRIENDS, AND C O M M U N I T Y. LIVE THE LAKE C I T I E S L I F E ."

TOM NEW ELL , M AYOR PRO T E M O F S H A DY S H O R E S AP R I L 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / D E N TO N

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realty report A S A M P L E O F R E C E N T LY S O L D P R O P E R T I E S I N D E N T O N .

NEIGHBORHOOD

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

B D R M S B AT H S

217 Pimlico Dr

$850,000.00

$840,000.00

99%

7

4

5

39 Highview Cir

$560,000.00

$565,000.00

101%

68

4

3

10905 Drinkwater Dr

$1,250,000.00

$1,250,000.00

100%

0

3

4

10709 Murray S Johnson St

$750,000.00

$760,000.00

102%

29

3

3

8800 Sarasota

$619,900.00

$597,500.00

96%

40

2

2

2001 N Lariat Rd

$550,000.00

$550,000.00

100%

43

4

3

3841 Belle Wy

$772,000.00

$760,000.00

98%

36

5

5

7600 Rodeo Dr

$650,000.00

$650,000.00

100%

132

5

5

4311 Wilmette Dr

$583,000.00

$575,000.00

99%

56

4

4

400 Regency Ct

$1,400,000.00

$1,400,000.00

100%

128

3

4

This data is a sampling of sold properties from December 2025. Source: IRES MLS system.

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From Shelter To Stability How Our Daily Bread is Creating Pathways for the Unhoused “I would have died,” Wayne says quietly, reflecting on the night he found himself alone and without shelter. “If it weren’t for Our Daily Bread.”

Wayne grew up on a ranch in East Texas and later built a life in Hawaii. Eventually he moved to Dallas where a series of financial and medical hardships left him without support.

During his devastating first night on the streets, Wayne walked into a coffee shop.

A compassionate barista noticed him and called a suicide hotline; a decision Wayne credits with saving his life. After a short inpatient stay, he was referred to Our Daily Bread.

Everything changed at the shelter. He partnered with a case manager to rebuild his future. He learned to budget, applied for Social Security benefits, and began counseling.

Wayne is now working as a handyman and has maintained permanent housing for a year.

“I’m excited to have a place to call home again,” he says.

For more than 25 years, Our Daily Bread has been a steady presence of compassion in Denton. The story began when local church members started serving lunch at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church downtown. The ministry grew as need increased.

The Monsignor King Outreach Center later opened its doors at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, allowing individuals experiencing homelessness to sleep indoors. Each morning, guests would leave the shelter and

ARTICLE BY JESSICA CRANDALL LAWRENCE PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY OUR DAILY BREAD

32

G IV IN G BAC K | FO O D + BE VE RAGE

walk to St. Andrew for meals and guidance. For years, the two ministries operated in partnership.

In 2020, the shelter and Our Daily Bread officially merged, streamlining operations and expanding services at a critical time.

By December 2022, the organization had become the central hub for homeless services along Loop 288.

The demand was unprecedented. In 2024 alone, well over 1,800 individuals sought services. Denton County experienced a dramatic increase in people needing assistance, with many coming from across the metroplex. The sheer volume strained resources and underscored the need for a more sustainable approach.

Under the leadership of Executive Director Wendy McGee, Our Daily Bread made a strategic shift. Rather than functioning solely as an emergency shelter, the organization launched a housing-focused model in September of last year. According to Development Director Jenna Edwards, the goal was to create pathways out of homelessness.

“We have the opportunity to bring people and resources together to make a positive impact on the lives of others in our community,” Edwards says. “Working with our guests every day is a blessing.”

Today, Our Daily Bread operates three primary programs: • A day shelter open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. offering meals, classes, and supportive services.

• A housing-focused transitional shelter with separate men’s and women’s wings with full wraparound case management.

• An inclement weather shelter activated during severe storms or extreme temperatures.

The impact has been measurable.

In 2024, 136 individuals were housed or stabilized. That number reached 173 last year.

“Above all, our long-term goal is a community where homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring,” explains McGee. Case management is highly individualized. Some guests need assistance securing disability benefits or placement in assisted living. Others benefit from job training, addiction recovery support or mental health resources. The Ready for Work program teaches soft skills and provides paid transitional employment opportunities in partnership with the City of Denton.

Edwards describes the experience offered to guests as a second chance.

“Imagine being at one of the lowest points of your life and then walking into a place where no matter who you are or what your past holds, you are greeted with warmth, dignity, a meal and a chance to start again.”

AP R I L 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / D E N TO N

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APRIL 2026

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S

A PR I L 1 0 T H

To Kill a Mockingbird Campus Theatre | 7:30 PM From the book by Harper Lee, Theatre Denton will present To Kill a Mockingbird from Apr. 10 - 19. This powerful story centers around a small town in 1935 Alabama where a young black man is accused of assaulting a white woman and is defended in court by a local lawyer, Atticus Finch. Visit theatredenton.com to learn more.

A PR I L 1 1 T H

Touch-a-Truck Commons at Agora | 10:30 AM Come explore, climb, and learn more about all your favorite vehicles at Touch-a-Truck on Saturday, April 11. Take a look around a police car, check out the fire trucks and ambulances, pretend to dig dirt in the tractors, and meet those who help build, protect, and serve our community at the Commons at Agora in Corinth.

A PR I L 1 1 T H

Mimosa Hop Downtown Denton Square | 11:00 AM Check out local businesses and sample any one of up to 10 stops with hand-crafted mimosas during Mimosa Hop. Cool off while checking out the latest trends for the summer and enjoy tasty treats. This event is hosted by the Downtown Denton Foundation. Pre-register for this event at downtowndenton.org.

A PR I L 1 8T H

Off to the Races Monroe Pearson | 6:00 PM Off to the Races is Serve Denton’s annual charity fundraiser. It's an unforgettable evening inspired by the elegance of the Kentucky Derby. Guests will don their Derby best and enjoy a lively night of dueling pianos, delicious food, and entertainment, all while supporting Serve Denton and the vital work they do in our community. Purchase tickets at servedenton.org.

A PR I L 2 0 T H

FCA Golf Tournament Oakmont Country Club | 8:00 AM Join the Greater Denton County Fellowship of Christian Athletes for a great day of golf, community, and purpose. This event will be support school ministry. The tournament will be in the format of a four-man scramble. You can become a sponsor or play the course by visiting greaterdentonfca.org.

A PR I L 2 1 ST

TWU Concert Choir & University Chorus Margo Jones Performance Hall | 7:30 PM Enjoy an evening performance by Texas Woman's University's Concert Choir and University Chorus hosted at Margo Jones Performance Hall. Prices range from $10 for general admission to $5 for students and seniors. The event is free for children under 12. Visit twu.edu for more information.

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