I feel so blessed and fortunate that my daughter and I were referred to HSNT.
A Gentle Reminder for the Gentlemen Among Us
When I think about what it means to be a “gentleman,” I don’t think about titles, status, or even outward success. I think about character. I think about consistency. I think about the quiet, everyday ways someone shows up for the people they love. For me, that reflection begins at home.
I am endlessly grateful for my husband, Gary Burns. Gary leads our family with a steady kind of strength rooted in integrity, patience, and love. He doesn’t just talk about values, he lives them. Whether it’s through the way he handles challenges, supports our family, or simply shows up day after day, he sets the tone for what leadership truly looks like. It’s not loud or boastful; it’s intentional, grounded, and deeply felt.
And then there’s our son, Jaxx.
At 12 years old, he’s at that beautiful, impressionable stage of life where he’s watching everything, absorbing more than we realize, and beginning to shape his understanding of the world and his place in it. It’s incredible to witness, and it’s also a powerful reminder of how important strong male role models are for the next generation.
Young men like Jaxx are learning not just from what they’re told, but from what they see. They’re learning how to treat others, how to handle adversity, how to lead, and how to love. That responsibility doesn’t fall on just one person, it belongs to all of us as a community.
This Gentleman’s Issue is a celebration of the men who are showing up in meaningful ways, fathers, mentors, coaches, business leaders, and friends who are choosing to lead with character. It is also a gentle call to action.
Who are the young men in your life or your community who could benefit from your time, your encouragement, or your example? Sometimes showing up doesn’t require grand gestures. It can be as simple as offering guidance, listening without judgment, or modeling what respect and integrity look like in everyday moments.
As we celebrate the gentlemen featured in this issue, I encourage each of us to reflect on the role we play in shaping the next generation. Because the impact of a good man, of a present, intentional, and values-driven man, ripples far beyond what we can see.
June 2026
EDITOR
Deborah Dove | debie.dove@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATORS
Valerie Merrick | valerie.merrick@citylifestyle.com
Avery Ballman | avery.ballman@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITERS
Jessica Crandall Lawrence, Kate Williams
PUBLISHER
Angi Burns | angi.burns@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Kathy Moreno | kathy.moreno@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Jennifer Dartez | jennifer.dartez@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Ashton Burns | ashton.burns@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Gary Burns, Kim Hill
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Savanna Romano, Brittany Dawn Short
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Proverbs 3:5-6
inside the issue
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1 – 14: Behind the scenes at Texas Motor Speedway, this exclusive media day offered a first look at the high-octane excitement ahead for the 2026 NASCAR season. From the track to the atmosphere, everything is set and ready to serve adrenaline junkies and racing fans alike, with top-notch food and hospitality adding to an unforgettable race day experience.
Photography by Savanna Romano Photography
business monthly
A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
Prestige Nail Studio
Prestige Nail Studio in Argyle offers exquisite, chemical-free nail services including manicures, pedicures, and more. Prestige prides itself on its cleanliness protocols, experienced staff, and a personalized client experience every visit. New clients receive $10 off their first visit, so book your appointment now and treat yourself to a new set of nails.
Scan to read more
D&L Farm and Home
If you’re looking for your local feed store, look no further because D&L Farm and Home is here for Denton County’s human and animal residents! Shop the end of spring products and begin prepping your property for the Texas summer heat. To stay updated on their events and specials, follow their Instagram @dandldenton or their Facebook page D&L Farm and Home - Denton.
Scan to read more
The Little Gym of Roanoke
Whether your kiddo is ready to master their first handstand, celebrate a big birthday, or you just need a well-deserved break, The Little Gym of Roanoke is here for you! They offer a wide range of gymnastics classes and programs for your child to choose from. With over 50 years of experience, you can trust The Little Gym to provide a safe, high-energy environment where your child can thrive.
Scan to read more
Photography by Savanna Romero
Photography by Savanna Romero
Passing The Torch
LEAVING A LEGACY, LEADING THE WAY
Krevosky
We are excited to share both a heartfelt farewell and a warm introduction. As we say thank you to the incredible publishers who helped shape Northlake City Lifestyle and Denton City Lifestyle, we are also proud to introduce the next chapter, bringing both communities together into one elevated publication, SW Denton County City Lifestyle.
A NOTE FROM KELLIE KREVOSKY:
Dear Northlake City Lifestyle community,
As I sit down to write this, I find myself reflecting on the journey we’ve shared through the pages of this magazine. What started as an idea—one rooted in connection, storytelling, and celebrating this community—grew into something far more meaningful because of you.
Today, I’m writing to share that I will be stepping away and passing the torch of Northlake City Lifestyle to the new owner and publisher, Angi Burns.
This was not an easy decision, but it is one I make with clarity and respect for what this publication needs in its next chapter. I want to be very clear: this transition comes with no ill will—only gratitude. I’m proud of what we built, and I’m genuinely excited to see how it continues to evolve and grow.
To our readers, partners, and contributors: thank you for trusting me, supporting this vision, and showing up month after month. You are the heartbeat of this publication, and that will not change.
To Angi, I extend my full support and confidence. This magazine is in capable hands, and I know it will continue to serve and celebrate this community in meaningful ways.
While my role here is coming to a close, the relationships and experiences I’ve gained will stay with me. I’m deeply grateful for that.
Thank you for being part of this chapter with me.
With appreciation,
Kellie Krevosky
ARTICLE BY ANGI BURNS, THOMAS & MICHELLE TONKIN,
KELLIE KREVOSKY
Kellie
A NOTE FROM THE TONKINS:
It has been one of the greatest honors of our lives to serve as the publishers of Denton City Lifestyle. Reaching this incredible community, sharing your stories, celebrating your milestones, and highlighting what makes Denton and the Lake Cities so special has meant more to us than words can fully express.
We are deeply grateful for the talented and dedicated individuals who made this journey possible. Our editor, Jessica Lawrence, brought heart and excellence to every issue, our photographer, Savanna Romano, captured the spirit of our community with remarkable creativity, and Katie Bode, our publication director, kept operations running smoothly. We also extend our sincere thanks to the chambers and organizations who supported us so generously and embraced this publication as their own.
At this time, Michelle and I are stepping into a new season, focusing on our family and their immediate needs. While this decision was not easy, it comes with great excitement and peace knowing Denton City Lifestyle is in exceptional hands. We are thrilled to pass the torch to Angi Burns, whose experience and passion are unmatched. With her leadership and the strength of The Burns Team, we are confident the publication will continue to grow and serve this community in even greater ways.
Thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives. We look forward to watching this community thrive as Angi leads the way in showcasing all that makes Denton and the Lake Cities truly extraordinary.
With heartfelt gratitude, Thomas & Michelle Tonkin
“Thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives. We look forward to watching this community thrive as the new SW Denton County City Lifestyle showcases what makes Denton County truly extraordinary.”
Thomas & Michelle Tonkin
MEET THE NEW PUBLISHER:
Hi, I’m Angi.
I’m incredibly honored to share an exciting new chapter with you as we bring together what has been Northlake City Lifestyle and Denton City Lifestyle into one larger, more prominent publication: SW Denton County City Lifestyle.
Before looking ahead, I want to take a moment to recognize and thank the leaders who built such a strong foundation. Crystal Hobbs, Kellie Krevosky, and Michelle & Thomas Tonkin have each played an important role in creating publications that truly celebrate this community. Their dedication to highlighting local businesses, sharing meaningful stories, and connecting people is something I deeply respect. I am grateful for the opportunity to build upon the legacy they’ve created.
As we move forward, this transition is about more than a name change. It’s about growth, alignment, and elevating the way we serve you. By unifying Northlake and Denton into SW Denton County City Lifestyle, we are expanding our reach, strengthening our voice, and creating an even more impactful platform to showcase the people, businesses, and stories that make this area so special.
A little about me. I’m a North Texas native, born and raised in the North Dallas area, and a proud wife and mom of three. My husband, Gary, and I are raising our family here, and we truly value the sense of community that makes this region feel like home. Before stepping into publishing, I spent 18 years in education and also founded Ovation Academy of Performing Arts in McKinney. My journey with City Lifestyle began as a client, which gave me a unique perspective on how powerful this platform can be when it’s done with intention.
At The Burns Team, our mission is “to creatively connect the community through collaboration and celebration.” This directly supports City Lifestyle’s mission “to inspire people to use their God-given gifts” by creating space for individuals to share their talents and passions.
SW Denton County City Lifestyle will bring together the best of both communities while creating new opportunities to tell deeper stories, build stronger partnerships, and highlight the incredible people who
Angi Burns
live and work here. You can expect the same heart, the same commitment to excellence, and an even greater focus on connection.
This is not just a transition. It’s an evolution.
As we grow, so does our team and our presence in the community. I’m excited to continue expanding a passionate, service-driven team dedicated to building meaningful relationships throughout SW Denton County. You’ll also see more opportunities to connect in person through business networking events and community block parties designed to bring neighbors and local businesses together in a fun, authentic way.
I invite you to be part of it. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SWDentonCountyCityLifestyle to stay connected, and please don’t hesitate to reach out. If you have a story we should share, a business we should feature, or if you’d like to host a complimentary block party in your neighborhood, I would love to hear from you at Angi.burns@citylifestyle.com
I am truly honored to be part of this community and to help tell your stories. Together, we’re not just building community—we’re helping people live out their purpose.
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A New Era
The University of North Texas’s Newly Minted Head Football Coach Neal Brown on Football, Family, and Building Character
ARTICLE BY JESSICA CRANDALL LAWRENCE PHOTOGRAPHY
PROVIDED BY UNT
It was an unprecedented football season for the University of North Texas (UNT). The school, known prominently for powerhouse liberal arts programs, reached its highest ranking in decades in 2025 by climbing as high as No. 22 on the AP Poll. This marked the first time the team was ranked since 1959, when they reached No. 16 in college football rankings, breaking a longtime drought.
This feat was steered by Coach Eric Morris, who was with the Mean Green for two years. Morris, known for an explosive, Air Raid-style offense, was quickly picked up by Oklahoma State University at the end of the season.
A new era has begun with UNT football as the school recruited a new, highly vetted coach, Neal Brown. The Kentucky native favors the same fastpaced offensive approach as Morris. He is known for consistence and a culture-first mentality.
Brown comes to UNT as a special assistant for the University of Texas football program (2025). Prior to this he led West Virginia University (2019-2024), where he made four bowl appearances. In his early career, he had breakout moments with Troy University (2015-2018) and was named the Sunbelt Coach of the Year.
In this exciting new era of success on the turf in Denton, some are describing Coach Morris as the spark, and his successor, Coach Brown, as the architect who will frame a football program that can consistently maintain national relevance.
“My personal mission is to leave people and places better than the way we found them,” Brown explains when asked about his vision for the school. “What Morris and his staff did here last year was really just the beginning of what can be a special run for North Texas.”
“My personal mission is to leave people and places better than the way we found them. What Morris and his staff did here last year was really just the beginning of what can be a special run for North Texas.” “
You could say it’s in his pedigree. With his mother a librarian and his father a superintendent and former coach, Neal Brown remembers knowing quite early that this would be the trajectory of his life.
“My parents were educators, and I’m so proud of that,” he explains fondly. “I’m doing a lot of the same things they did. I just do it on the field instead of in the classroom.”
And he has already been creating a blueprint for the 2026 season with the Mean
CONTINUED >
Green. This includes a very exciting and physical brand of football. On offense, the team will play at a quick tempo, spread the field out, and transfer the ball to the playmakers.
It’s an exciting new chapter for Denton. Last year the average attendance at UNT home games climbed to 24,492 per game. The school set a record with 31,386 tickets sold in its first home sellout in program history against USF.
Amid all the hype, Brown says he will also emphasize the values of his players. Success is not just measured in physical ability but by the depth of ethos they carry along with a diploma.
“Football is a great developer of character,” Brown says. “We’re preparing these guys not just for the game of football, but for the game of life.”
As a father of three children, this burgeoning area was a top choice for Brown and his family.
“Denton is such a close community,” he describes. “It reminds me of home. It has the small-town feel but access to everything. I’m excited to be here.”
And it is within this tightknit community that expectations are shifting. With a nationally ranked season still fresh, the conversation has evolved. It’s no longer centered on whether UNT can compete, but whether it can keep its place on the national stage.
Family Review
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A MOO-VING EXPERIENCE
ARTICLE BY KATE WILLIAMS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA ROMANO
When locals drive down a busy road in Southlake, they often spot the cow logo and give a friendly honk in recognition. This simple act demonstrates the culture at Square Cow Moovers, where moving isn’t just about trucks and boxes; it’s about trust, relationships and showing up when people need it most.
Square Cow Moovers is a full-service moving company established in Austin, Texas, in 2008. The franchise expanded to Dallas-Fort Worth in 2015, setting out to provide the same community-focused service the business was founded on.
“The company’s real differentiator isn’t simply operational though. It’s cultural.
The team rallies around a simple phrase: Movers with Manners .”
“We’re one of the few mom-and-pop types of moving companies out there,” says Matthew Hummingbird, the DFW Branch Manager at Square Cow Moovers.
“We want to hold dear to our core values of ‘Yes, ma’am . . . yes, sir.’ Being a Texasbased company helping Texans, we take that very seriously.”
Whether a client is moving across town or between states, the team is committed to providing the highest level of care. Customers can opt for full-service or take a hybrid approach and request only packing or loading services.
Even if a client is moving to an area outside of the company’s network, they will go the extra mile to connect with other moving companies on the client’s behalf.
“As a moving company that wants to go above and beyond, we’ll find vendors— some of the best of the best—to make contact with,” Matthew says. “It never hurts to have a relationship with competitors.”
Pricing is designed to be straightforward, charging by how many men are needed on the job. After a two-hour minimum, jobs are billed hourly in 15-minute increments. The priority is clarity and
fairness. “We don’t charge a cancellation fee, we don’t charge a booking fee. There are no hidden fees,” Matthew says.
The company’s real differentiator isn’t simply operational though. It’s cultural. The team rallies around a simple phrase: Movers with Manners. “We’re selling trust,” Operations manager Fernando Clemente says. “We know that moving is incredibly stressful, so we want to make it as easy as possible for the client.”
Moving can represent pivotal, transitional moments in clients’ lives, and Square Cow Moovers carries that weight with every
“We’re selling trust. We know that moving is incredibly stressful, so we want to make it as easy as possible for the client.”
job. “We are a part of something greater than just moving furniture,” Matthew says. “We’re moving your entire life.”
It’s important to the team to build familiarity and trust with the local community through visibility. “We do what we call spot checks on the jobs,” Matthew says. “We’ll go show our faces to the clients, enhancing their overall experience.”
For both Matthew and Fernando, that trust is personal.
Matthew’s career in the industry began in 2017, moving furniture for $9 an hour. Through his customer-oriented approach, he worked his way to now leading the Square Cow Moovers DFW branch, finding not only a skill set, but a calling. “I really enjoyed being a part of several different people’s stories,” Matthew says. “I tell it to my team every day: Let’s be great and be a part of their story.”
What began as a seasonal side job for Fernando, also quickly became something more meaningful. Over 16 years later, he manages the day-to-day field operations, personally ensuring customer satisfaction. “Seeing the relief in the clients’ eyes . . . that
was the biggest thing that sold it to me,” he says. “Knowing that we were there to make an impact.”
The men also pride themselves on developing their staff into thoughtful, reliable team members, where many start with little to no experience and learning on the job. “To see their light bulb turn on, it’s awesome,” Fernando says.
Amongst the team, respect and courtesy are nonnegotiable. “I talk to some of these guys how I talk to my kids,” Matthew said. “We keep the guys very disciplined, reminding them to own their work.”
This philosophy proves Square Cow Moovers as not just a service provider, but as a partner during life’s most stressful or exciting transitions. “We’re the movers that care,” Fernando says.
“Long after everything’s put away and you’ve moved, you will still have that box in the garage that says Square Cow Moovers,” Matthew says. “We want you to see that and remember how much these guys took care of you.”
To learn more, visit squarecowmovers.com
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TALKING THROUGH THE HARD THINGS
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR PATH TO BECOMING A THERAPIST AND WHAT DREW YOU TO THIS WORK?
I pursued an undergraduate degree in therapy, but then life happened and I changed my degree to education, putting my therapy ambitions to the side. In 2004, my mom passed away from cancer. I realized during that time that grieving is hard to do. Many people don’t like to talk about grief or death. It makes them uncomfortable. Through my own grieving process, I realized that I want to help others, so I went back to school and earned my master’s and license in counseling.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PRACTICE AND THE TYPES OF CLIENTS YOU MOST OFTEN WORK WITH?
I mostly work with adults who are dealing with trauma, grief, and adjustments to new life situations. My practice is a lot about permission. I’ve seen that people in trauma or in grief
A Candid Q&A with Traci Johnson, LPC, GC-C, on Navigating Difficult Emotions and Discovering Paths Toward Healing.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA ROMANO
don’t realize they are allowed to feel what they need to feel. Especially when we’re taught as young children that feelings don’t matter, it’s hard as an adult to realize that feelings are okay. We shouldn’t live by them, but it’s okay to feel them.
WHAT
ARE SOME COMMON
MISCONCEPTIONS
PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT TRAUMA AND HEALING?
I often hear clients say, “I can’t get over this.” The phrase “get over” bothers me, because I personally don’t believe anybody gets over anything. You have to press through it. When people come in and they say, “I just want to get over this,” I challenge them to understand that getting over trauma, getting over grief, sometimes means having somebody walk beside you to help you process it.
IT’S BEEN SAID THAT MEN ARE OFTEN LESS LIKELY TO SEEK THERAPY. WHY DO YOU THINK THAT IS?
In my opinion, society today tells men that emotions are weak or should be suppressed, and that if you are in touch with your feelings, then you’re lesser than. Sometimes, when I start to talk to men in a session, they have a hard time recognizing or being open about what their emotions are. When it comes to mental health in general or seeking help from a therapist, it can be difficult to get somebody to come in when they don’t want to talk about their past or their feelings.
FOR
SOMEONE NEW TO THERAPY, WHAT DOES A TYPICAL SESSION WITH YOU LOOK LIKE?
During the first session, we will talk about confidentiality, so that everybody understands that what we say in here is confidential. Then, we dive into the current situation of why they are entering into therapy and what they want help with, as well as goals in regard to that. From there, we jump pretty quickly
CONTINUED >
into their past during session one or two. With my therapy style, it is important that we dive into the past, because I believe that we are a product of our history. Although we create patterns of behavior from our past, it doesn’t have to keep us hostage.
YOU MENTIONED SETTING GOALS. WHAT DOES “HEALING” LOOK LIKE TO YOU, AND HOW DO CLIENTS KNOW THEY’RE MAKING PROGRESS?
When we talk about goals, many times clients themselves don’t know what those goals look like. They may have an idea of what healing looks like when they come in, and within a few sessions, that might change. It’s not always an exact pinpoint goal; it may be broader. That’s okay because each client has their own journey, and only they know when they’re in a good spot.
Now I can make recommendations to guide them in a certain direction, but ultimately their goals and accomplishments are their own.
IF SOMEONE IS CONSIDERING THERAPY BUT UNSURE WHERE TO START, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THEM?
I would say to make sure that they find a clinician that they feel comfortable with, including their practice style, how they talk, and their belief system. It definitely helps when you have somebody you can connect with, because you’re able to get to trust them faster. It’s easier to make progress with a clinician you trust
AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST
Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short
Creative Director: Jen Birn
Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill
Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX
MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.
Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?
A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”
THE QUIET STANDARD:
MIKE JOHNSON
“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”
— Mike Johnson
Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?
A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”
Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?
A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”
This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
MIKE JOHNSON
Nice? Is Whiskey On Ice
In speaking to Whiskey lovers (most happen to be men, but do accept me in their brethren as a fellow enthusiast, writer, and educator), I’ve learned a great many opinions on how to drink Whiskey. Specifically, preferences on adding water and ice vary greatly.
A brand ambassador that I had the privilege of listening to recently said the obvious: both dilution and temperature change when you add ice, so if you are going to add something, a little water is best. I personally prefer to use a water dropper, so I can add one drop at a time until I get to the desired taste.
HERE ARE THE DIFFERENCES:
THE BEST WAY TO ENJOY YOUR WHISKEY: ON THE ROCKS, ROCK, NEAT, OR WITH WATER
Rocks: Provides the highest rate of dilution as a lot of ice melts quickly. If you are drinking a barrel proof Whiskey, it kind of defeats the purpose as the distiller didn’t add water as they do in every other type of finished Whiskey.
On the Rock: The single rock, cube, or sphere is the slowest to melt and thought to be the most aesthetic. It’s nice if you want to stretch out your tasting. I often order on the rock if I want my drink to last longer.
Neat: This is the way single malt Scotch is served at a tasting event, in a branded Glencairn or Neat glass so that proper nosing for aromas can be achieved - and a dram of Scotch, smaller than an ounce, fits in them perfectly.
Water: As I mentioned above, quoting the brand ambassador, a little water is better for a fine Whiskey over any kind of ice. Often, if ordered with water, the water is served in a separate vessel on the side so you can add in as much as you want.
Quoting another expert on the subject, Richard Paterson of The Dalmore famously and enthusiastically demonstrates in his Scotch classes how to drink single malt Scotch Whiskey: Paterson fills a lowball glass to the rim with ice, adds Scotch and then ceremoniously throws it over his shoulder onto the carpet of the classroom – because that much ice makes the drink worthless. One more quote, never “add green tea or milk to Whiskey. You can add a little water, but not a lot of ice.”
Ultimately, the reason we add ice can be for aesthetics, to stretch out the time spent on one glass, for cooling, and for dilution. However, the number one reason enthusiasts add water is … drumroll please … because adding a little water actually opens up a Whiskey to show more aromas and flavors.
events
SUNDAYS IN JUNE
Sunday Matinee Music Series
The Bartonville Store: 96 McMakin Rd, Bartonville, TX 76226 | 3:00 PM
Enjoy a laid-back Sunday afternoon at The Bartonville Store with their popular Sunday Matinee series, featuring live acoustic music from talented local and touring artists. Set in a historic venue known for its elevated comfort food, craft cocktails, and welcoming atmosphere, these matinee performances offer the perfect blend of great music, great food, and community connection.
JUNE 3RD
Giving Grace Casino Night
Greater Denton Arts Council: 400 E Hickory St, Denton, TX 76201 | 6:00 PM
Giving Grace Casino Night is an exciting, high-energy evening that brings the community together for a fun and meaningful cause. Guests enjoy classic casino-style games, great food, and lively entertainment, all while supporting Giving Grace and its mission to serve individuals and families in need. This memorable night blends philanthropy and fun, creating an impactful experience that helps extend hope and resources to those facing challenging circumstances.
JUNE 6TH
Moonlight & Miracles
Global Spheres Center: 7801 S. Interstate 35 East Corinth, TX 76210 | 6:00 PM
Moonlight & Miracles is a signature evening benefiting Our Daily Bread, bringing the Denton County community together for a meaningful night under the stars. This special event invites guests to gather in support of individuals experiencing homelessness and hardship while celebrating hope, compassion, and community impact. Proceeds help fund vital services including meals, shelter, and case management, making a lasting difference for those in need.
JUNE 6TH
Community Clothes Closet’s Purse Raffle
The Community Clothes Closet Purse Raffle is a fun and meaningful event that brings the community together in support of local families in need. Featuring a variety of stylish and designer handbags, this raffle offers guests the chance to win great prizes while contributing to an organization dedicated to providing clothing and essential resources to those facing hardship. Every ticket purchased helps make a direct impact in the community.
JUNE 13TH
Corinth Police Department Foot Pursuit
Commons at Agora: 3280 Agora Way, Corinth, TX 76208 | 8:00 AM
Run with your community. Run for a cause. The Corinth Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (CCPAAA) is holding its 10th fundraising walk/run benefitting the Corinth Department. Same day registration or advance online registration available at corinthcpaaa.org/5k.php
JUNE 15TH
People Helping People Golf Tournament
Denton Country Club: 1213 Country Club Rd., Argyle, TX 76226 | 9:00 AM
Denton County’s longest-running charity golf tournament returns for its 36th year. This beloved annual tradition brings the community together for a full day of competitive play culminating in a 19th Hole Celebration. Spots fill fast every year, and for good reason! The fun and festivities are waiting for you. Register your team at www.unitedwaydenton.org/golf
Captured Through Faith
Pit Boss Perfection
MASTERING THE ART OF SMOKED MEATS
ARTICLE BY GARY BURNS
WOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS
Light Meat (Pork and Chicken) pairs with Fruit Woods: Cherry Wood, Apple Wood, Pecan Wood Fruit Woods are used because they are less harsh on the lighter meats. Lighter meats cook faster and absorb more smoke. With mesquite, oak, or hickory woods, it can easily make the lighter meats taste bitter or sour.
Dark Meat (Beef) pairs with heavier wood: Mesquite, Oak, Hickory Wood Mesquite, oak, and hickory are best used on beef. Beef is denser and will not absorb as much smoke, so harsher woods will work without leaving the meat bitter or sour. These meats tend to have a savory flavor.
Ingredients
• 3–5-pound Beef Tri-Tip
• Black Pepper
• Kosher Salt
• Garlic Salt
• Onion Powder
• Olive Oil
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Foil or Butcher Paper
Suggested smoking method
Lump Charcoal, Mesquite, or Hickory Wood
Directions
Step 1.
• Trim tri-tip.
• Preheat smoker to a 250–300-degree range with lump charcoal.
• Once at a steady temperature, add 8 small chunks of hickory or mesquite.
• Prepare tri-tip in the following order: Spread olive oil on all sides of the tri-tip. Lightly sprinkle onion powder and garlic salt. Heavily season with a 50/50 mix of black pepper and kosher salt.
Step 2.
• Place tri-tip fat side up.
• After 1 hour, mix 50/50 water and Worcestershire sauce.
• Lightly spritz water/Worcestershire sauce on tri-tip to keep it moist.
• Repeat step 3 exactly 1 hour later.
Final Step.
• 1 hour after the last spritz, take tri-tip off the smoker and place it in foil or butcher paper with more water and Worcestershire sauce. Use a slightly heavier amount this time so it puddles under the tri-tip. Wrap tightly and place back on the smoker for 2-3 hours.
• Once 2-3 hours have passed, place the wrapped tritip on a platter, wrap it, and let it rest for 20 minutes. CONTINUED >
SMOKED TRI-TIP
Ingredients
• Ingredients:
• 6-10 Chicken Legs
• Olive Oil
• Garlic Salt
• Lemon Pepper
• Kosher Salt
• Olive Oil Spray
• Foil
Suggested smoking method
Apple Wood or Cherry Wood, Lump Charcoal
Directions
Step 1.
• Cover chicken legs with olive oil, light garlic salt, light onion powder, heavy lemon pepper, light kosher salt, and light olive oil spray.
• Preheat smoker to a 300-325-degree range with lump charcoal.
• Once temperature is steady, place 5-8 chunks of apple or cherry wood.
Step 2.
• Place a foil strip 4 inches wide and 12 inches long on the smoker, and cover it with olive oil.
• Place legs on foil.
• Cook for 1-1.5 hours, rotating chicken legs every 15 minutes.
• Spray lightly with olive oil as needed to keep them moist.
Final Step.
• Check the internal temperature of chicken.
• Once it reaches 165 degrees or higher in the center of the legs, remove them.
• Let rest for 5-10 minutes.
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