CityLifestyle.com/Frisco
MAY 2020
Inspiring Women
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1 2 5 0 0 N . D A L L A S PA R K W AY
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LIFESTYLE LETTER
MAY 2020 PUBLISHER
Becka Corbitt | becka.corbitt@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@lifestylepubs.com
Perseverance Will Be Our "New Norm"
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Jessica DeWitt STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
I'VE SAT IN FRONT OF MY COMPUTER FOR A LONG TIME TONIGHT.
Phillip Slaughter
Contemplating how to write this Lifestyle Letter. I would say almost every person
AD DESIGNER
on the planet had a drastic change in their plans several weeks ago as we all faced
Whitney Lockhart
a word we are now very familiar with...the Coronavirus. Most have never faced a pandemic. The plans even for this month's Frisco Life May Issue had to be changed and made to become relevant for the times we are now facing and experiencing. Above all, we want to be sensitive to what our city, along with our world, is facing. We are a resilient nation and bouncing back will be challenging but most defi-
LAYOUT DESIGNER
Dani Moore CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Toni Munoz-Hunt
nitely doable. Already we have watched and witnessed how a country can
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
pull together to form a commitment toward preventing the spread and helping in
Leah Hardy
eliminating the numbers to escalate out of control. It has been remarkable to watch communities join efforts to support local businesses and creatively aid in their support of one another in hopes that the financial devastation will be lessened. Families have been forced to quarantine in their homes, schools have been cancelled and college students have made their way home. Bringing the family together in ways I'm not sure we've ever experienced. Adversity has a way of bringing us to a place of change and forcing us to gain a new appreciation for what we have and toward those we love.
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
Our team here at Frisco Life wants our community to know we care. We are praying
AD MANAGER Chad Jensen
for you and your families. We are here to do anything we can to get the message out
REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams
about your business and help in ways we can to be instrumental in supporting local.
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
We will keep showing up in your mailbox with local, inspirational and informative stories. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us. In the midst of all that we are facing, let's not forget this month to honor our mothers as we wish them all a Happy Mother's Day. It is in moments like these that hope and endurance become our montra. We will persevere, Frisco! "Comfort and prosperity have never enriched the world as much as adversity has." - Billy Graham
ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON
ON THE COVER Toni Muñoz-Hunt, Tammy
Becka Corbitt, Publisher
Meinershagen, Dana Cheney, Kristina Brown, Dr. Amber Brown, Elizabeth Copeland, Rachel Materne
Polley,
Milessa
Murphy
Stewart,
Chelsey Rogers, Crystal Gornto, Tami Alexander, Katrina Watland, Lyndsey Monahan 4
Frisco Life | May 2020
514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
CityLifestyle.com/Frisco
Proverbs 3:5-6 Frisco Life™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Frisco areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. 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 Frisco Life™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
VIRTUAL TOURS
STAY SAFE. STAY HEALTHY. WE’LL GET THROUGH THIS. Community means everything. And we’ll get through this together. At Taylor Morrison and Darling Homes, we want to help you stay excited about buying a new home. With modern technology and our unwavering commitment to providing superior customer service, you can now find your new home from the comfort and safety of your sofa.
taylormorrison.com | 469.252.2306
darlinghomes.com | 469.252.2255
All information (including, but not limited to prices, views, availability, incentives, floor plans, site plans, features, standards and options, assessments and fees, planned amenities, programs, conceptual artists' renderings and community development plans) deemed reliable as of publication date but not guaranteed and remains subject to change daily or delay without notice. Floor plans and elevations are an artist's conception and are not intended to show specific detailing. As-Built Condition will control. Price(s) shown may not reflect lot premiums, upgrades and options. Photos are for illustration only and do not necessarily represent a specific community. All homes subject to prior sale. Maps and plans are not to scale and all dimensions are approximate. Not an offer in any state where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. Please see a Community Sales Manager for details and visit www.darlinghomes.com or www.taylormorrison.com for additional disclaimers. April 2020. Darling Homes ofTexas, LLC and Taylor Morrison of Texas, Inc., respectively. All rights reserved. 1567
INSIDE THE ISSUE MAY 2020
FEATURES 12 Women’s Networking Groups: Introducing HeartStories, WEB, TrueNorth Talks, Ladies Who Launch
16 ROOT Wellness Empowering People To Live Their Best Healthy Lives
28 Frisco’s First Lady Dana Cheney Sets ‘Family First’ Priorities
12 16
30 Frisco Unites Against Virus Residents Stand Strong During COVID-19 Threat
30
28
DEPARTMENTS 4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Good Times
10
Around Town
12
Our Town
16
Healthy Lifestyle
26 Food & Wine 28 Trend Setter 30 Local’s Choice 32 Giving Back 34 Parting Thoughts
GOOD TIMES
Hard-Working Little Elm ISD Staffers Feed Students During COVID-19 School Closures Superintendent Daniel Gallagher and Deputy Superintendent Ross Roberts helped serve complimentary school meals to Little Elm ISD students during closures due to the novel coronovirus pandemic. "I'm so proud of how we focus on our kids in Little Elm ISD. Thank you to our Child Nutrition staff for taking care of our kids during this difficult time," says the superintendent.
F R I S C O | A L L E N | P R O S P E R | L U C A S | S U N N Y VA L E | H A S L E T | A R G Y L E
Ho m e s S ta r ti ng f rom the $ 50 0 ’s 8
Frisco Life | May 2020
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Everyone
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Meet Dr. Skousen Dr. Joel Skousen was born in Warren, Michigan, and grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is a Texas transplant via his wife, who went to Allen High School. Dr. Skousen received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management with a minor in Chemistry from Brigham Young University-Idaho. He then attended The Ohio State University College of Dentistry and received his D.D.S. degree. He loves dentistry and prides himself in building trust, and helping patients overcome dental fear and anxiety. Heritage Dental Studio is a new practice in Frisco and are welcoming new patients.
(469) 535-6516 | HeritageDentalStudio.com | 12828 Eldorado Pkwy Suite 110, Frisco, TX 75035 CityLifestyle.com/Frisco
9
AROUND TOWN
FRISCO MERCHANTS ESTABLISH DAILY DIGITAL DISCUSSIONS IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 In the midst of stay-at-home orders due to the coronavirus pandemic, members of The Frisco Downtown Merchants Association established a daily digital meeting for 80 to 100 small businesses throughout The Rail District to discuss issues and share resources about communications, selling under these unusual circumstances, finances, home delivery and curbside pickup services when applicable. CrossFit Löwe co-owner Cari Baer hosted the meetings through the video conferencing app Zoom. The group then shared through social media platforms the host of creative solutions about services that Rail District businesses still offered, such as at-home kits. Some of the business owners even supplied free, hospital-grade disinfectants. For another example, to take the proper precautions to help prevent the spread of COVID19, team members at CBD Wellness - Artistic Organics offered free, local home delivery to all local Frisco residents (when available); free twoday shipping to all Texas residents; and free curbside pickup for local Frisco residents approximately within 2 hours of orders. Chamber President/CEO Tony Felker called the downtown group a “great example” of partnerships in Frisco.
FRISCO COMMUNITY COMES THROUGH FOR EMERGENCY ROOM DOCTOR Daisy Brockman, a Frisco resident and wife of an emergency room physician for two Frisco hospitals, took to Facebook in search of a recreational vehicle to borrow for her husband so he could 10
Frisco Life | May 2020
self-quarantine in their driveway after shifts. She wanted to make his meals and do his laundry while trying to keep her whole family safe during dwindling airborne quality protection supplies due to COVID-19. Daisy says they got a camper lined up, and about a dozen more offered. "It was overwhelming to receive this much love and support!"
NEW CRYOTHERAPY WELLNESS CENTER OPENS IN FRISCO iCRYO recently opened at 6363 Dallas Parkway #105, as a wellness center that specializes in cryo facials, whole body cryotherapy, compression therapy and infrared sauna. Cryotherapy is a cutting-edge, holistic therapy that is used to treat inflammation in the human body. As an alternative to anti-inflammatory medication, iCRYO’s staff indicates cryotherapy is an affordable, convenient and professional service geared toward elevating people’s health lifestyle. Some people use cryotherapy to improve sleep, fight aging, rejuvenate skin, reduce acne, relieve stress, work on body sculpting, improve circulation and relieve head aches.
HITTING HIGH NOTES DURING COVID-19 During
the
pandemic
shut-
down, Frisco School of Music and Performing
Arts
team
members
launched for their students an online music program with free bonus lessons called “Cabin Fever Busters.”
Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/ Frisco using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think. CityLifestyle.com/Frisco
11
OUR TOWN ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON
WOMEN’S
Networking GROUPS: INTRODUCING HEARTSTORIES, WEB, TRUENORTH TALKS, LADIES WHO LAUNCH
12
Frisco Life | May 2020
1
HEARTSTORIES Crystal Gornto, HeartStories chief love amplifier, launched this community out of her passion to help women “hear Love louder” than all the negative noise in their lives. Through HeartStories, Crystal and her teammates are determined to create fun, innovative ways to connect women with the joy they crave and the courage to pursue their purpose. She’s a wife and mother who left a successful career to start HeartStories because she says she knows what it’s like for women to rush through life on autopilot, losing touch with close friends and the truth about themselves in little pieces along the way. “In the busy, ever-changing seasons of your life, I
2
WOMEN ENHANCING BUSINESS | FRISCO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
believe with all my heart that consistent connection
Frisco Chamber of Commerce leaders created WEB (Women
with girlfriends is what brings you the joy you crave
Enhancing Business) to provide female business owners, managers and
and helps you replace the negative stories that can
employees the opportunity to meet, advise, support, mentor, connect and
so easily hold you back. It empowers you to show
encourage one another to promote the success of their businesses, as
up boldly, to live your one-and-only beautiful heart
well as to provide opportunities for the members and guests to connect
story,” says this chieftess of love.
and learn more about the community.
HeartStories offers GNO (Girls Nights Out)
Tami Alexander, Frisco Chamber of Commerce senior vice president
events that are typically in-person. Currently, GNO
and WEB staff liaison, says WEB’s four pillars are: Advocating, Educating,
at Home events are offered through virtual meet-
Empowering and Community Support.
ups on Zoom. During these events, women are
“This is a unique, remarkable group of women who are heavily
encouraged to show up authentically to connect
involved in community needs and events. They all have servant hearts,
with one another, laugh and share stories, all while
and I’m very fortunate to be associated with them,” reflects Tami.
experiencing an educational or crafty type of work-
WEB’s pre-COVID-19 program revolved around quarterly meetings
shop. These workshops have ranged from cookie
with speakers at Scottish Rite for Children, 5700 Dallas Parkway in
decorating and wine tasting to floral arranging and
Frisco, as well as monthly socials. At press time, Tami was busy setting
event closet organizing, all experienced with a tribe
up Facebook Live opportunities for council details, committee updates
of like-hearted women, cheering each other on.
and virtual happy hours, as well as establishing an online meeting plat-
Crystal suggests three simple ways to get involved
form for members through the videoconferencing app Zoom.
with HeartStories: Sign up for a weekly dose of love
“WEB members are sharing that they truly miss talking to and being with
through emails. Buy a ticket to a GNO at Home event.
each other, however, we’re learning to communicate differently in the mean-
Stay in the know by turning on up-to-the-minute social
time. We’ll keep adjusting as necessary,” Tami adds.
media notifications on Facebook or Instagram. HeartStories.com
For WEB membership details, email Tami at talexander@friscochamber.com or WEB’s committee chair at kathy.selvidge@ndbt.com. CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Frisco
13
OUR TOWN (CONTINUED)
3
TRUENORTH COACHING Katrina Watland, founder of TrueNorth Coaching and Consulting, was always passionate about helping people accomplish their full potential. She combined that passion, experience, expertise and love for people, and turned it into a Frisco-based practice with a unique approach to helping people achieve their goals. “I call it simply navigating the course for your new direction,” explains Katrina — whether that means setting a new personal mission, finding work-life balance, uncluttering life, establishing a time management system, identifying aspirational goals or kick-starting a new, healthy lifestyle. Katrina has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, a master’s degree in social work, and 17 years of experience as a therapist. She uses an eclectic, customized approach to assist each client. “Together we can chart the course to your true north by using a unique approach to helping you achieve your goals,” promises Katrina. She says TrueNorth specifically helps women who are:
LADIES WHO LAUNCH | FRISCO ASSOCIATION FOR THE ARTS Whether an artist, business owner, patron of the arts, entrepreneur or “wantrepreneur,” women are welcome to attend and connect with other “boss ladies” through thought-provoking panel discussions at the Ladies Who Launch events, as moderated by Frisco Association for the Arts Executive Director Tammy Meinershagen. The group’s three objectives are to learn, network and share. While tickets were required due to limited luncheon seating before the COVID-19 lockdown, Tammy says they conducted the April 7 virtual gathering on the Frisco Association for the Arts on Facebook Live at no charge. The featured guests were Lilian Chavira, founder of Joy in the Breakroom, and Shannon Hammond, owner of Countdown 2 Escape. Tammy plans to approach the May 5 virtual meeting in the same manner. Ladies Who Launch scheduled meeting dates for the rest of 2020 are Nov. 3 and Dec. 1, which will be held at Crest Infiniti in Frisco. Registration is available at FriscoArts.org. Tammy says there are sponsorship opportunities for this exclusive group; she can be emailed at Tammy@friscoarts.org. 14
Frisco Life | May 2020
+ looking for new purposes once children are older. + re-entering the workforce after time at home. + managing stress. + improving assertive communication skills. + seeking parenting advice. TrueNorthCoach.net
4
E V EN T PL A NNING • FRI S CO, T X 2 1 4.5 32.307 9 • M A K EMONUMEN TA L MEMORIE S.COM BRIDE WA S SHELBY EZZELL | VENUE WA S UNDER THE WILDWOOD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HALE Y K ATHERINE PHOTOGRAPHY
Open Auditions will be rescheduled when we know it’s safe for our singers.
“Many nights we’ve prayed with no proof anyone could hear. In our hearts a hopeful song we barely understood. Now we are not afraid, although we know there’s much to fear. We were moving mountains long before we knew we could. There can be miracles when you believe. Though hope is frail, it’s hard to kill. Who knows what miracles you can achieve? When you believe, somehow you will, You will when you believe.” WHEN YOU BELIEVE from The Prince of Egypt by Stephen Schwartz
www.NTChoirs.com • Ann Smith • ann@ntchoirs.com • 940-453-7424 CityLifestyle.com/Frisco
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HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
R O OT We l l n e s s
ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON
16
Frisco Life | May 2020
EMPOWERING PEOPLE TO LIVE THEIR BEST HEALTHY LIVES
SELF-CARE IS NOT SELFISH, ASSURES DR. AMBER BROWN, FOUNDER AND OWNER OF ROOT PHYSICAL THERAPY AND WELLNESS, LLC, IN FRISCO. Every day, she sees how vital it is to help people get relief from pain associated with orthopedic conditions, recover from oncology treatment and chronic conditions, as well as women’s health issues, pelvic floor dysfunction, and pre-natal and post-natal care. Just because a condition is common does not mean it’s normal, she states. “We shouldn’t accept urinary incontinence or painful intercourse after having children, for example, “ she adds. “Stress management, treating for osteoporosis and learning how best to incorporate yoga are other major ways we make positive differences in our clients’ lives,” says Dr. Brown. In addition to completing an American Physical Therapy Association-approved Residency Program in Women’s Health, Dr. Brown obtained her board certification as a women’s health specialist, making her one of the only board-certified such specialists in Collin County. She is a certified lymphedema therapist, registered yoga teacher and certified financial coach, as well. She also offers concierge physical therapy. “We lead busy lives. At times, stopping and driving out of your way two to three times a week for a physical therapy appointment is not convenient and makes it to the bottom of your to-do list and your health suffers. Concierge physical therapy allows for us to bring physical therapy to you, at a location of your choice,” she adds. Dr. Brown can be heard on her nationally syndicated podcast, “Care 4 You First,” during which she discusses several aspects of self-care and everyday living. 469.717.0329 RootPTandWellness.org
“STRE SS MANAGEMENT, TRE ATING FOR OSTEOPOROSIS AND LE ARNING HOW BEST TO INCORPORATE YOGA ARE OTHER MA JOR WAYS WE MAKE POSITIVE DIFFERENCE S IN OUR CLIENTS’ LIVES.” — DR. BROWN
DR. AMBER BROWN
CityLifestyle.com/Frisco
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FRIS C O
RESPONSES REGARDING QUESTIONS ABOUT ADVICE, THE PANDEMIC, A MAGIC WAND & 2020
MILESSA M U R P H Y S T E WA R T WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? Catch up, clean up and reset. The best is yet to come. My advice to all…TAKE NOTHING FOR GRANTED. HOW IS THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IMPACTING YOU? As an artist, it takes me over 12 months to prepare 25 large paintings for my annual art show in April at Pier 94 NYC (ArtExpo New York). Sadly, it was cancelled due to this horrific virus. I fully understand why it was cancelled and am glad to be safe here at home here in Frisco, Texas, but it is a huge hit to my career and income.
E E F M A L insight ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON
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Frisco Life | May 2020
IF YOU COULD WAVE A MAGIC WAND, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE IN THE WORLD? I wish the citizens of the United States of America would unite and support their president, especially while he is in office. It seems that the news media and other citizens that “just want to be heard” have forgotten their manners and how to uphold dignity for an office that should be respected. Patriotism or national pride is the feeling of love, devotion and sense of attachment to a homeland and alliance with other citizens who share the same sentiment. HOW DO YOU EXPECT THIS CATCHY 2020 DECADE-STARTER TO UNFOLD BY THE END OF THE YEAR? There is a lot of science and education to be learned about fatal viruses like COVID-19, therefore we will become more prepared for something of this nature in our future. As an optimist, I believe we will thrive and come back stronger and want to live life to the fullest extent because we don’t know what tomorrow will bring.
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Frisco
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FRISCO FEMALE INSIGHT (CONTINUED)
CHELSEY ROGERS WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? Be patient and persistent, even in the hard times. Continue on with your integrity, grit and stay in tune with your customers. If they needed you before, they still need you now, you just might have to get creative in reaching them. HOW IS THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IMPACTING YOU? I’ll be completely honest. The first two days of reality setting in and understanding that normal wouldn’t be accessible for a while, I shut down. I wanted to stay in bed and just sleep. Full on depression crept in very quickly. My job in a non-pandemic reality is traveling to fun locations all over the DFW area setting up painting classes. From January 1 to April 1, all of my classes were sold out. I had an unsaid goal of having a sold-out year, it would have been difficult to achieve that goal but now it’s just impossible. Two weeks ago, all sales stopped completely. I started getting request for refunds, which luckily I’ve been able to avoid for the most part by giving them other options. For the first few days though, it was dark. I had a made a post about the reality of business and had a few friends reach out to me personally. One in particular, I didn’t really even know before, called me and told me she’d been following my business for a while and knew I needed to fight for what I loved. She knew there were things I could do for my customers and she encouraged me to start on that path. The next day I started ordering more materials to my house to be able to offer painting kits that I could sell. From there, I started creating them and within the first 24 hours, I had sold 46 kits and booked a virtual painting birthday party. Two days later, I took another batch order and sold another 45 kits. Two days after that I had someone ask about shipping the kits since
20
Frisco Life | May 2020
they lived further away and with “Shelter in Place” mandates it makes it hard to travel. I reached out to some friends that had already been shipping kits and they helped me get setup in the matter of a few hours. I’m now able to ship kits from my doorstep. When I think about how my business has changed, it’s not in a way I would ever have taken it myself. I prefer being with people, experiencing their joy with them while they create. What I realized, though, was that people still need that joy. They need to escape reality into a colorful realm where they can create and have fun. Being able to provide a little bit of joy into people’s lives these past few days has refueled me and given me hope. Hope that not all is lost, hope that I can find ways to provide for my family, and hope that I’ll still have a small business to run when all of this is over. What’s truly incredible is that this might have opened a new avenue of business that I wouldn’t have had the time to explore otherwise. Even when all this is over I plan to still be able to provide kits to purchase nationwide. IF YOU COULD WAVE A MAGIC WAND, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE IN THE WORLD? No Covid-19! I’m missing a tour to Italy in April where I was going to be able to teach a group of women how to paint on a beautiful farm in Tuscany. This disease has personally affected everyone in some way and it’s devastating to watch. I would definitely remove it from the world. HOW DO YOU EXPECT THIS CATCHY 2020 DECADE-STARTER TO UNFOLD BY THE END OF THE YEAR I’m hoping by September we’re back on track to being somewhat normal. That’s an incredibly long time from now when you think about just sitting in your house everyday but I’m hoping we’ll have some sense of normalcy by then. I’m hosting and leading a creative tour to Italy in October, so I’m hoping by then travel will be somewhat back to normal. Fingers crossed!
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Frisco
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FRISCO FEMALE INSIGHT (CONTINUED)
ELIZABETH COPEL AND WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? In business, you should always know how to pivot and to stay humble. HOW IS THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IMPACTING YOU? I am a rental business, so of course my rental business has drastically dropped in sales. This is my busy season. However I’m still accepting and working on custom orders and selling my rental dress subscription. IF YOU COULD WAVE A MAGIC WAND, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE IN THE WORLD? Equal access to opportunity.
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Frisco Life | May 2020
LY N D S E Y M O N A H A N WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? A mentor once said to me: If you believe you will ever look back at this point in your life and make a different choice, you know which choice to make. HOW IS THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IMPACTING YOU? Social distancing as a result of the pandemic is both challenging and creating opportunities. Challenging as it creates huge economic impacts for family, friends, clients, and businesses. Physical distancing is causing people to create and think differently about interaction - I believe there will be industries and solutions created out of this unprecedented time. I’m choosing to focus on how to help others move into virtual spaces with their ideas and businesses. IF YOU COULD WAVE A MAGIC WAND, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE IN THE WORLD? The negative impact the pandemic has had on the world - the way this is accomplished is by allocating world resources to focus on planning and preparedness for the next novel virus. My heart aches for the individuals and families who have been devastated by the pandemic. HOW DO YOU EXPECT THIS CATCHY 2020 DECADESTARTER TO UNFOLD BY THE END OF THE YEAR? I believe the pandemic will cause people to come together and reflect on the important things in life - loved ones, family, and friends. My hope is this will also cause us to learn from what has happened and to be kind, courteous, and respectful of everyone.
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Frisco
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FRISCO FEMALE INSIGHT (CONTINUED)
KRISTINA BROWN WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? The best advice I ever received was from my dad who said, “Whenever things don’t make sense in life, always turn to God.” The best advice I ever read was “Don’t Take Anything Personally,” which is one of the agreements in my favorite book (besides the Bible) The Four Agreements. HOW IS THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IMPACTING YOU? The COVID-19 pandemic has strengthened my resolve to increase awareness that mental health is just as important as physical health. I have fought for the National Suicide Prevention Crisis Line (currently a ten-digit number) to be changed and appointed to 988—I fought specifically for 988 because it would be federally regulated and so everyone would have access to it. IF YOU COULD WAVE A MAGIC WAND, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE IN THE WORLD? If I could wave a magic wand I would sprinkle empathy all around, starting with President Trump, who would respond to my email by saying “Yes! I will sign into law the immediate enactment of 988; and yes I would like to appoint you to work with the FCC in this transition.” President Trump would understand the amazing opportunity of reaching those who suffer with mental health situations and addictions and know that my personal and mentoring experience, coupled with my master’s degree in mass communications, professional and volunteer experience would make me the woman he wanted on that team. HOW DO YOU EXPECT THIS CATCHY 2020 DECADE-STARTER TO UNFOLD BY THE END OF THE YEAR? The outcome of this season will be determined by how each of us responds and models for our children. Social distancing does not equate to social isolation and we must be intentional in reaching out to others with compassion and empathy. We will be changed and hopefully stronger, filled with hearts of gratitude for the brevity of life, and for the loved ones in it.
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Frisco Life | May 2020
HAVE YOUR Next Event AT SNOOKERED’S
Craft Menu
Happy Hour
Mon - Fri 2pm - 6pm
HOURS SUN 11am - 11pm MON TO THU 11am - 12pm FRI & SAT 11am - 2am
Snookered is owned and operated by a husband and wife that live in Frisco, TX and are avid pool players. Both enjoy the ocean, fishing, diving, fine dining and good wine while possessing a keen eye for quality and customer service. Designing and building a high-end pool hall with great food and drinks has been a dream for a long time!
9550 Dallas Parkway Frisco
snookeredbilliards.com
(972)212-6187
Get Back to Putting You First Specializing in:
PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTION CHRONIC PAIN PRENATAL AND POST-PARTUM CARE ONCOLOGY REHAB LYMPHEDEMA ORTHOPEDIC CONDITIONS
DR. AMBER BROWN PT, DPT
AT ROOT PHYSICAL THERAPY & WELLNESS, WE BELIEVE: IN 1 ON 1 TREATMENT YOU DESERVE SOMEONE WHO ACTUALLY LISTENS TO YOU. YOUR GOALS DRIVE THE TREATMENT.
2 Locations to serve you
8105 Rasor Blvd, Suite #262, Plano 8501 Wade Blvd, Suite #630, Frisco
469.717.0329 | rootptandwellness.org |
BV
CityLifestyle.com/Frisco
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FOOD & WINE
Cake Intake BLONDIE’S BAKE HOUSE PROVIDES “FROM MIND TO TABLE” CREATIONS
“Maybe you have an idea for a cake or dessert, or maybe you want to build that vision alongside me. Whatever it is, you and I can create something that’s just for you,” she promises. Rachel is fond of asking clients if they want just a cake, or if they want something that perfectly correlates with their event. “The choice is theirs, and I’m ready to make it happen for them, either way,” she says. She’s also fond of other choices. More than 40 flavors, as a matter of fact, for cake shooters. Those tastes include fruit-inspired flavors, such as lemon raspberry, coconut lime, blackberry coconut, strawberry, coconut, key lime, lemon meringue pie and passion fruit when it’s in season. Her flavors also ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON
encompass traditionally popular tastes, such as chocolate peanut butter, cookie dough, Neapolitan, cookies and cream, chocolate fudge and s’mores. She offers flavors that mimic favorite liquors and alcohols, such as Chocolate Baileys, Amaretto, Champagne, White Peach Sangria, Piña Colada, Mimosa and Margarita. Rachel also has more rich flavors, such as mint chocolate chip, carrot cake, Black Forest, peppermint mocha and cinnamon dulce. Flavors also cue off of decadent desserts: RACHEL MATERNE POLLEY LIVES BY THE
chocolate-covered strawberry, hot fudge
MANTRA: DREAM, DESIGN, DEVOUR!
sundae, Almond Joy, pistachio almond,
As a baker who creates event cakes, cake shooters, wedding cakes, cookies, brownies and custom desserts, Rachel is a Texan baker who devotes her full-time effort to creatively designing scrumptious delectables. 26
Frisco Life | May 2020
orange creamsicle, crème brûlée, Snicker, pumpkin spice, Nutella and tiramisu.
Of course, for those times that a return-to-basics
started in education and realized it wasn’t for me, so I
flavor is craved, Rachel provides classic vanilla, wed-
dropped it and went to culinary school,” she explains.
ding almond, Italian creme, banana pudding, vanilla latte and apple pie.
Rachel says baking gives her a creative outlet. “And, I get to be a huge part of people’s celebratory events!”
“I love baking. I love it all,” admits Rachel, who
At press time, Rachel was still fulfilling clients’
graduated from Tarrant County College’s Culinary
baking orders while dealing with the COVID-19 lock-
Arts comprehensive program with faculty who have
downs. With Mother’s Day approaching May 10, she
backgrounds in food preparation, baking, pastries,
says the sooner she receives orders, the better, so she
state-of-the-art food service and dining facilities.
can properly prepare.
“I never thought baking would be a career for me.
214.949.9979
I was afraid to dive into the arts rather than a 4-year
rachelmaterne@yahoo.com
degree job, because I thought I wouldn’t make it. I
BlondiesBakeHouse.com
CityLifestyle.com/Frisco
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TREND SETTER ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON
FRISCO’S FIRST LADY DANA CHENEY SETS ‘FAMILY FIRST’ PRIORITIES
HOW DOES DANA CHENEY JUGGLE ALL OF HER ROLES AS THE WIFE OF FRISCO MAYOR JEFF CHENEY, MOTHER OF THREE, AND FULL-TIME REALTY OWNER WITH A BUSTLING TEAM? “I put my family first, and everything else just falls into place,” Dana assures. “I try to be at every single one of my kids’ games, if at all possible. I always want them to know I’m their biggest fan,” adds the mother of Zachary, Mason and Kaytlin. “Jeff and I love serving the city. We take this role very seriously, and spend countless hours making sure we represent Frisco well. We care about each member of this community, and it’s our pleasure doing it,” says Dana. She and Mayor Cheney co-own a team of about a dozen real estate experts. They co-founded The Cheney Group, a Frisco-based residential realty firm, which is considered the top residential real estate firm in Frisco and was recognized as the Frisco Small Business of the Year 2015. Dana says The Cheney group is their extended family. “We get so much satisfaction and energy from our group. They’re always our biggest cheerleaders and support system. It doesn’t ever feel like work because it’s a great group of people,” she says. Dana’s main advice to anyone is to: Put family first, shop ‘til you drop, cram in chores each day and follow passions!
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Frisco Life | May 2020
“ H av i n g s o m e w h e r e to g o i s h o m e . H av i n g s o m e o n e to l ov e i s fa m i ly. H av i n g b ot h i s a b l e s s i n g .
CityLifestyle.com/Frisco
29
LOCAL’S CHOICE
ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BECKA CORBITT
RESIDENTS STAND STRONG DURING COVID-19 THREAT
FRISCO UNITES AGAINST VIRUS DURING THE STAY-AT-HOME INITIATIVE PROMPTED BY TRYING TO DECREASE THE SPREAD OF COVID-19, FRISCO CITIZENS AND COMPANIES RESPONDED ADMIRABLY. Through drumming up extra medical supplies to making masks for health care workers, community spirit was alive and well -just honored at a distance and with built-in disinfectant routines. Following are examples of the residents who remained FriscoStrong! during this health crisis. Did you spot Walnut the Squirrel (mascot of Frisco Parks and Recreation staffers) anywhere nearby? The city’s Nature Eggsplorers event was cancelled, but Walnut made sure the 800 eggs already acquired for the gathering were donated to FriscoFastPacs to distribute with free school lunches. Way to go, Walnut! Keep using the hashtag: FriscoSpreadKindnessNotTheVirus
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Frisco Life | May 2020
CityLifestyle.com/Frisco
31
GIVING BACK
Light At End of Coronavirus TUNNEL
ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON
Normally Scouts come to city hall and council meetings to earn government and community badges. But now in mid2020, Mayor Jeff Cheney says they do Zoom calls instead, as shown here. These Scouts decided to help out by writing hundreds of letters to uplift elderly in the Frisco community during the quarantine period of COVID-19.
MAYOR JEFF CHENEY FOCUSES ON FRISCO’S POSITIVES
He says the silver lining in this crisis is seeing Frisco citizens rise to the occasion. “I’m proud to witness such giving hearts. It’s very encouraging.” The mayor reconfirmed that public safety is the city’s top priority. “People are thirsting for information,” he adds. The second main objective of Frisco’s city leaders is to keep people comforted through the fear and panic of this situation, Jeff says. He stands by what he calls thoughtful, diligent decision-making that Frisco officials applied so that “the right decisions for Frisco” could be made. “We stayed on the side of caution,” he says. Thirdly, Jeff says they already are planning for the economic reality of the hits that the city budget will take. “We’re certainly going to WHEN COVID-19 HIT HOME, RESIDENTS TURNED TO
struggle, but when it’s safe to get back out in public, I know our com-
FRISCO MAYOR JEFF CHENEY TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THE
munity will come out in groves to support local businesses,” he says.
NEW RULES OF ORDER WERE.
Frisco’s mayor says he stays energized himself by the positives he
“Our community’s health relies on all of us working together,” the
sees happening. “Be encouraging and upbeat and absorb that from
mayor quickly told residents through a March 16 virtual meeting.
others. I choose to focus on our positive stories and see all the ways
By March 19, he amended his public health emergency declaration
our community is coming together.”
to align with Gov. Greg Abbott’s Executive Order. “The word of the day is ‘unprecedented.’ This virus definitely is a
Frisco city council meetings were livestreamed before COVID-19
disruptive force in everyone’s life, and many are feeling uncertainty
forced social distancing practices. However, the city’s councilmembers
and fear. It’s a new world that people are trying to navigate, but it’s
plan to sit farther apart during their in-person meetings, and are in-
also left some good from people reassessing priorities and spend-
vestigating the possibility of taking call-in questions during the public
ing time with their families,” acknowledges Jeff.
comment period so residents can continue to participate.
32
Frisco Life | May 2020
A Frisco based photographer, Phillip has a passion for telling stories through the visual arts, mainly photos and video. Through his company, Oath Photography, he works with local businesses to communicate their message with corporate and event photography. Phillip’s passions outside of helping clients, are nature photography and working with churches and non-profits with their photography needs.
@Pslaughter34 @Oath_Photography
Contact me today to learn how I can help your business. visit www.oathphotography.com or call 214-284-7225
PARTING THOUGHTS
Corners of the Heart MAY EVERYONE FIND WAYS BACK TO THEIR CENTERS
ARTICLE TONI MUÑOZ-HUNT
CORNERS OF THE HEART HAS BECOME AN INSPIRING DEPARTURE TO FRISCO LIFE EACH MONTH. We are honored to have Toni Muñoz Hunt share from her heart the journey she and her family are experiencing as they persevere through the many changes we have seen due to the coronavirus. Corners are points farthest from the center where edges meet… These days, I wake up to my 4-year-old and 1-year-old tugging on my pillow and asking for breakfast. With my overnight cramming for upcoming PhD field exams, my husband and I have developed a routine. I get to sleep an extra 20 minutes while he heats up breakfast--precooked items I’ve made at the beginning of the week. I roll out of bed, brush my teeth, add another layer of deep conditioning treatment to my unwashed hair. We trade kiddo duties so he can hop on Zoom meetings. As I clean up the kitchen and get my eldest ready for our homeschool session, optimistic, nervous, hopeful voices emanate from my husband’s computer. He takes over teaching between calls, while I scour the deep freezers in the garage for various meats acquired from his hunting trips to thaw for dinner. Next is a trip to the pantry to mull over some canned sides. Under normal circumstances, I prefer fresh ingredients. I enjoy going to the market to see what’s in season and to hear stories from my lively butcher about his dog-children’s shenanigans. My trips to the store now are very limited and consist of wipes, sanitizer, masks and gloves. There’s nothing normal about these days. We cook-eat-clean-workschool-study-bathe-pray-repeat from home, like so many others. And the in-between times—we ease fears, wipe cabin-fever tears and answer questions we aren’t qualified to answer. This wasn’t how we planned to spend Spring Break or birthdays, but we’re grateful. We’re happy, healthy and safe thanks to our first responders, essential workers and resourceful teachers. We have each other and our center is still warm. As we journey into this new month, may we all find our way back to this center--strengthened, hopeful and renewed.
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Frisco Life | May 2020
Session 1
Session 2
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JUNE
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15-18
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Nelson MS
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20-23
27-30
3-6
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