Texoma, TX May 2025 by City Lifestyle

LETTER

She Believed She Could So She Did

Our Ladies' Issue is always an honor to create as we highlight the talented and influential women in our community. We can not wait for you to meet and be inspired by a few of these special ladies.

I don’t know about you, but I love any opportunity to recognize the women in my life who just make life more rich and beautiful. Our mothers and daughters are some of the most influential women in our lives. May 11th is Mother's Day, and all eyes are on Mom!

While it’s always important to shop local and support our area businesses, this month is the perfect time to patronize businesses owned by women in our communities. That’s one of my favorite parts of this role - connecting with and championing the best of the best when it comes to Texoma's women. In this issue, learn more about the Sherman Economic Development Corporation's initiative called WOMO: Women Owned and Minority Owned. We take a moment to champion our local leading ladies in business.

May is also when Spring is in full bloom. We learn about partner Freedom Boat Club and women on the water at Lake Texoma. We have a chance to also enjoy our local downtown communities with the new event Sherman Showdown: food truck tasting at it's finest. And, check out some of our toughest, most passionate women at the Texoma Roller Derby!

Let's take time to honor and cherish the important women in our lives this month. The women who are being who and what they want.

"I encourage women to step up. Don't wait for somebody to ask you." - Reese Witherspoon

Happy May, ladies. Thank you for all you do!

BARBARA IRELAND, PUBLISHER @TEXOMACITYLIFESTYLE

May 2025

PUBLISHER

Barbara Ireland | Barbara.Ireland@citylifestyle.com

AREA DIRECTOR

Roger Ireland | Roger.Ireland@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Danielle Poche' | Danielle.Poche@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITER

Jennifer Haveman

Jennifer.Haveman@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Lucas Ridley | Lucas.Ridley@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angela Broockerd, Christine Clark, Sharla Davenport, Roger Ireland, Mike Zapata

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Courtney Mitchell, Janie Jones, Mike Zapata

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders

AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Proverbs 3:5-6

MEET MELIDA

Mother’s Day

city scene

1: Award recipients at the Downtown Denison Awards helping to make the community thrive 2: Nat McClure State Farm and Mayor Teamann at Coffee with the Mayor in Sherman 3: Downtown Denison St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl at The George Tavern 4: Fans come out for the Texoma FC Home Opener at historic Bearcat Stadium 5: Denison Mayor Crawley and Sherman Mayor Teamann at Texoma FC Home Opener 6: Supporters and sponsors for Texoma FC at preseason party at Tanglewood Resort’s Tower Bar 7: 2025 1st Quarter Regional Chamber Business After Hours presented by First United Bank at Heyday Denison

DENISON CHAMBER

8: Downtown Denison’s St Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl 9: Leadership Denison Class of 2025 helping at the Texoma Family Shelter 10: Roger Ireland of Texoma City Lifestyle with Brina Dutton at 1st Anniversary of The Owen Academy

business monthly

WELCOME NEW PARTNER, HEYDAY DENISON

Welcome New Partner! At HeyDay Entertainment, their mission is to deliver exceptional entertainment and dining experiences, and positively impact the communities they serve through team members who embrace the core values to live the HeyDay Way! Bring the whole family for a day of fun whether you’re bowling, climbing the ropes course, hitting the arcade, or playing laser tag or mini golf. Take a break from all the fun on the outdoor patio! HeydayFun.com/Heyday-Denison

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THE OWEN FOUNDATION SUMMER CAMPS

The Owen Foundation was created with a heartfelt mission to support families with autism and other special abilities in our community. The Foundation focuses on education, awareness, and fostering inclusiveness to create a more accepting and cohesive community for autism & special needs families. The Foundation offers all-inclusive summer camps for soccer, cheer, and basketball. Register your child today or sign up to volunteer! Learn more at TheOwenFoundation.org

2025 GOVERNOR’S SMALL BUSINESS SUMMIT IN DENISON

First United Bank - Denison Main Governor’s Small Business Summit proudly presented by Freedom Boat Club Texoma will be on Thursday, May 15th at the Eisenhower Business Center in Denison, Texas. This event allows small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to connect with industry experts, resources, and information needed to start, strengthen, and grow a business. Hosted in partnership with the Denison Area Chamber of Commerce and Texas Workforce Commision. https://gov.texas.gov/business/event/governors-small-business-summit-denison

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IN TOUCH AT CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/TEXOMACITYLIFESTYLE

WOMEN ON THE WATER

WITH FREEDOM BOAT CLUB AT LAKE TEXOMA AND LAKE LEWISVILLE

ARTICLE BY ROGER IRELAND PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF FREEDOM BOAT CLUB

Few things evoke such potent and fond memories as family fun on the water. Kids in the water trying to survive with Dad driving the boat on those hot summer days. More and more, these same memories are being made with Mom driving the boat. According to Sue Wallace, owner of Freedom Boat Club, nearly 34% of their members are women boaters. “While women have traditionally been exposed to boating growing up, more and more women are ‘taking the helm,’ so to speak,” Sue continued. “Freedom Boat Club offers unlimited training, allowing all members to achieve a level of independence and comfort on the water.”

In recent years, North Texas has experienced a “boating boom,” with many first-time boaters joining the market, mainly due to the Pandemic. Families looking for safe, socially distanced activities that did not require travel found recreational opportunities on our local lakes convenient and affordable. As with any first-time endeavor, boating can be intimidating. In addition to concerns and details around insurance, registration, purchase, and maintenance, safety tops the list.

Sue notes, “We do all the upkeep of the boats from purchase, storage, maintenance, insurance, cleaning, and even fueling the boat. Our Coast Guard captained training program gives boaters, men and women, the confidence to operate our boats safely so having fun can be top of mind.”

In addition to making memories with the family, boating has proven a powerful networking tool in recent years. A growing trend is to trade in stuffy business lunches for a spin around the lake. With over 400 locations around the world, Freedom Boat Club allows folks to conduct business in practically any market. Networking also extends beyond the traditional business function. Many social groups have sprung up, giving like-minded individuals a new way to meet and form relationships. Your local Freedom Boat Club hosts a Women Boating Group with social outings and boat training in addition to networking opportunities.

The Texoma women’s group starts the season with a Ladies Brunch, including boat rides, on Sunday, May 18th, at 11 AM at the Point Restaurant. Both locations plan to host additional events such as wine floats, brunches, wine tours, and a beach party! For more information about the “women in boating” group or Freedom Boat Club membership, please contact texoma@freedomboatclub.com.

FreedomBoatClub.com

Texoma: (903) 419-2339

Lewisville: (972) 532-1901

“Our Coast Guard captained training program gives boaters, men and women, the confidence to operate our boats safely so having fun can be top of mind.”

SUPPORTING WOMEN HOMEBUYERS

The National Association of Realtors has recently observed a growing trend of single women purchasing homes. This group includes young professionals, single mothers, and women who are single again due to divorce or the loss of a spouse. Their financial savvy sets these women apart; they often have investments and are focused on building a stable foundation for themselves and their families. Although Sherman has not yet seen a significant influx of single women moving north from Dallas and Collin County, Tonya Hudgins noted that the decision by Texas Instruments and GlobalWafers to establish their semiconductor silicon wafer facilities in Sherman will strengthen the community and its surrounding area as a hub for high-tech manufacturing. These companies are well known for offering competitive salaries, and many employees praise their culture, benefits, and opportunities for growth. The expansion of these companies, along with others like them, certainly lays the groundwork for an increase in both families and young single professionals moving to the area.

Tonya Hudgins and her team at First United Mortgage Group in Sherman, including Michal Overturf and Haley Halcomb, bring their clients a combined 45 years of mortgage experience. Over the years, they have

ARTICLE BY CHRISTINE CLARK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY COURTNEY MITCHELL PHOTOGRAPHY

observed significant social and economic shifts among the clients they serve. More women are waiting longer to marry and start families, which allows them to establish their careers and become more financially stable. Additionally, they have noticed an increasing number of women stepping into the role of primary wage earners for their families.

The increase in educational and workforce opportunities for women is a significant factor contributing to the rise in single-female homeownership. Today, more women than men hold college degrees, often leading to higher-paying jobs and greater earning potential for purchasing homes. Studies indicate that, on average, women prioritize buying homes and tend to cut back on nonessential goods and services more than men to afford these purchases.

The Hudgins Team With First United Mortgage Group

Tonya Hudgins, The Hudgins Team

Saving for a down payment has traditionally been the biggest hurdle to homeownership. Tonya explained that working with a professional team like hers at First United Bank can help you explore various options. There are opportunities to buy a home with as little as a 3% down payment on a conventional loan or 3.5% down for an FHA loan. Additionally, eligible veterans and active-duty service members may qualify for a VA loan, which does not require a down payment. Fannie Mae also offers programs such as HomeReady, designed to assist firsttime homebuyers with down payment and closing cost assistance.

Getting prequalified with Tonya and her team enables them to create the best package for your unique situation. Additionally, First United Bank offers a Community Hero program, which provides a $500 discount on closing costs for first responders, teachers, and medical professionals.

When searching for a home as a single woman, safety is the top priority. Many women are opting to buy new construction homes in planned communities that offer amenities such as golf courses, pools, walking trails, and even popular pickleball courts. They are less likely to want to purchase an older home or a home requiring significant updates. Additionally, neighborhoods with homeowners' associations (HOAs) that maintain landscaping and feature smaller lots requiring less upkeep can particularly appeal to these women.

The all-female team at First United Mortgage Group specializes in writing mortgages through government programs for firsttime buyers, veterans, and rural residents. With interest rates expected to remain stable, the upcoming summer is set to be a busy real estate season, especially since rates are lower compared to a year ago. Tonya and her team are prepared to help women achieve homeownership.

The Hudgins Team 903-813-5711 | TonyaHudgins.com

WOMAN-OWNED AND MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESSES (WOMO)

A SHERMAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION INITIATIVE STARTED IN 2020

ARTICLE BY MIKE ZAPATA | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SEDCO

Started in 2020 by the Sherman Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO), the Women-Owned and/or Minority-Owned Businesses (WOMO) was created out of a need to help these local small businesses. According to Ashton Bellows, Chief Financial Officer for SEDCO, “We had just begun to come out of the COVID shutdowns, and we were hearing from local businesses that they were struggling and needed help, specifically many women-owned and minority-owned businesses. We heard them, and the SEDCO board was able to use their vast contacts and resources to help. We were waiting for the world to get back to normal. Unfortunately, a gap needed to be filled to bring small businesses together to share resources. SEDCO’s primary focus is Type A advanced manufacturing businesses, industrial research and development, and corporate headquarters. But SEDCO is not just for large manufacturing companies but also for small businesses with fewer than fifty employees.”

Sherman WOMO is working to create an environment of education and support to increase the number and size of Sherman women-owned and minority-owned businesses by:

• Working with the WOMO committee to continue a program that will educate and provide support to new and existing women- and/or minority-owned business owners.

• Continuing workshops and an annual event featuring local, successful WOMO business leaders presenting topics relevant to finance, organization, and marketing.

• Marketing the WOMO directory on social media and SEDCO.org

• Educating WOMO business owners on resources available to grow and expand their operations.

• Encouraging WOMO business owners to participate in events and other networking opportunities within the City of Sherman to market their businesses.

• Hosting small group breakout sessions quarterly to offer business networking and discussion in a more intimate setting. Bellows states, “We needed a year to get things together and develop an online directory. This directory would include our small women-owned or minority-owned businesses. Our goal has been to identify and contact these businesses to get them involved in WOMO. For Sherman to continue to grow and prosper, SEDCO knows it is important for our small businesses to grow, prosper, and thrive. Although primarily focused on larger businesses, we know that to be a successful city, we need to have support and growth across the entire spectrum of businesses. Even if we bring in big businesses, we know they will need resources that only our small businesses can provide, and it is keeping all those dollars local. It is a cool experience to work with smaller businesses and not just

the big corporations. Recognizing the needs and desires of all of our Sherman businesses is important, and it is great to be able to get them together. It makes a difference and can really help our business landscape be a successful one.”

SEDCO is not just for large manufacturing companies but

also for small businesses

with

fewer than fifty employees

WOMO now has an annual expo where Sherman women and minority-owned businesses can meet, receive education, share ideas, and network. WOMO also has quarterly small business breakout sessions available to Sherman businesses. Although participation in SEDCO WOMO is only for Sherman businesses, a lot of information is available on the SEDCO website for other Texoma women and minority-owned businesses. Additional resources and links are available for all small businesses to use.

To be eligible for the Sherman WOMO directory, your business must have a physical location address in Sherman, and note that home-based businesses located in Sherman are also eligible. Businesses submitted that do not have a Sherman address will not be published in the directory.

To learn more, visit SEDCO.org

MEET MELIDA

A TEXOMA

TREASURE

Famed songwriter Dolly Parton once said, “If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.” Melida Ailshire, over the years as a businesswoman, devoted mother, loving wife, and community volunteer, has created a legacy as one of Texoma’s most valued treasures. Melida Ailshire was born in Granada, Nicaragua, during a time of political unrest. In 1978, as a child, Melida fled her homeland during the Sandinista revolution with her family to Venezuela. They resided there for several years, eventually moving to Panama City, Panama. While in Panama, Melida lived in a religious convent where she worked various jobs. Over three years, she saved enough money to retrieve her entire family from Venezuela.

It was also in Panama where Melida met her husband, Tom Ailshire. Tom, a Sherman native, joined the military after high school and was finishing his deployment when the two met. The couple returned to Sherman in 1992 where Tom began his longtime career in the automotive industry where he has prospered for over thirty years.

It wasn’t long before Melida became a mother of three while also employed full-time. She is the owner of J-Talk Services, a translation and interpreter business. In addition to being a working mom, Melida decided to attend Austin College. “Balancing household responsibilities, my children's school activities, my job, and my studies kept me incredibly busy,” recalls Melida. “There were challenging moments, but those experiences taught me invaluable lessons in resilience and time management. As a nontraditional student, I truly cherished my time at the small but mighty Austin College, where I felt supported every step of the way,” she remarked.

ARTICLE BY SHARLA DAVENPORT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COURTNEY MITCHELL & COURTESY

After graduating, Melida considered law school but decided to expand her business instead. By developing more connections as a translator and interpreter for various institutions, she increased J-Talk Services to include city, state, and federal courts, plus nearby Tribal Courts. She also became a Certified Master Court Interpreter, an experience Melida declares as an immensely rewarding experience.

Giving back to the community is of high importance to Melida. “I just love helping others. It took me a while to get started. I wasn’t involved right away,” she proclaims. In fact, it was Henry Bucher, Austin College Chaplin, who suggested Melida participate in Hurricane Mitch relief efforts damaging Nicaragua. That’s all Melida needed – she’s been involved ever since in organizations like the local Rotary Club, Sherman Chamber of Commerce, and even as a board member for Austin College. “Monetary donations are wonderful, but organizations need your time most because nothing gets done without volunteers,” Melida acknowledges.

Most recently, Melida is known as a primary inspiration for the inaugural Grayson’s Leading Outstanding Women of Influence (GLOWI) Awards in Grayson County, honoring exceptional ladies in the Texoma area. Melida was thrilled to have so many women celebrated last fall. “It’s the women in this community who do so much for me. They inspire me to be a better version of myself, which motivates me to do more,” she says happily.

“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.”

-Dolly Parton

“My children were raised here, creating lasting friendships and memories that will forever be part of our lives in Texas and Oklahoma. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a community that radiates warmth and acceptance,”

-Melida Ailshire

While Melida is humble, her leadership has not gone unnoticed within the community. In 2015, she received the Sherman Chamber of Commerce Community Leader of the Year. The Denison Chamber of Commerce presented her with the Denison Chamber Select Award in 2013 for her community efforts and volunteerism. Melida has also been awarded the Big Sister of the Year Award in Grayson County, plus she received numerous other honors for her acts of kindness.

For Melida, it is easy to support a community that has given so much to her and her family. “There’s so much to love about Sherman and the entire Texoma area, the business community, shopping, fine dining, and the beautiful activities at Lake Texoma,” she notes. “My children were raised here, creating lasting friendships and memories that will forever be part of our lives in Texas and Oklahoma. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a community that radiates warmth and acceptance,” she continued. Melida Ailshire has inspired others with her leadership and service, encouraging others to do more and become more, proving that, indeed, she is one of the region’s most valued legacies and treasures.

Tom & Melida Ailshire

ARTICLE

AND PHOTOGRAPHY

BY MIKE ZAPATA

TEXOMA’S FIRST WOMEN’S FLAT-TRACK ROLLER DERBY LEAGUE

TEXOMA ROLLER DERBY

Fast-paced action, hard-hitting, exciting gameplay and women's empowerment are just a few of the things that can be found when watching roller derby. The Texoma area is now home to the Texoma Roller Derby, Texoma’s first flat-track derby league.

Texoma residents Lyndsey Manley and Missy Weaver founded the non-profit organization in 2020 to bring the exciting sport of roller derby to the area. Both women had extensive experience with roller derby as they participated in the sport when they were younger and wanted to bring something they loved to the area. Ms. Manley’s experience with social media marketing and Ms. Weaver’s networking abilities were put to good use as it was difficult to start something that often not many people know anything about. “We started with nothing,” says Ms. Manley. “We hadn’t put on our skates in years, but our positive experiences and memories just kept coming back, and we decided to do something about it.”

Derby culture is often mentioned when talking to anyone involved in roller derby. “This derby culture is just as important as the sport. It is a sisterhood. It is what drives us to make ourselves better both in the sport and in our lives,” according to

“Weevenhavewhatwecall derby wivesthatencourage,helpandshare strugglesandsuccesseswitheach other.Thesefriendshipscanlasta lifetimeevenafterrollerderby.”

Ms. Weaver. Both women are eager to share their past experiences with roller derby as it has played an important part in their lives. Ms. Manley shared that roller derby was an experience that helped her grow as a person. “I found roller derby when I was at the lowest point in my life. It helped me grow as a person. It was a place to belong to and be with other strong women, and it helped me to be more confident.”

Ms. Weaver also mentioned that roller derby is such a close-knit family. “We even have what we call derby wives that encourage, help and share struggles and successes with each other. These friendships can last a lifetime even after roller derby.”

The roller derby culture is something that can be found throughout the entire sport. You will find other teams supporting and encouraging each other. Often, other team coaches visit and share their skills and experience with the team. They provide advice, coaching and skills instruction to other teams. According to Ms. Manley, “We know that for our league to be successful, we have to be there for each other. Yes, we may hit and rough up each other during the bouts, but at the end of the day, we know we have to support and encourage each other. We want everyone to succeed on the track and in their personal lives.”

Another interesting aspect of roller derby culture is the light-hearted and fun names each team member gives themselves. “It’s almost like you have an alter ego. It is ok to have a different persona when you skate. You might be a mild-mannered housewife, mom or teacher, but you would never guess watching them play or by hearing their aliases,” says Ms. Weaver. They happily shared their derby names. Lyndsey Manley’s derby name is Paranormal Smacktivity. Missy Weaver’s name is Moonshine Missy, and coach Stacie Flood’s name is Punkslee Addamns. Learning the “game names” of the team members is one of the fun activities for fans. Ms. Manley states, “The players love to hear their names being cheered by fans. It really connects the fans to the team.”

Coach Flood agrees. “Sport and empowerment go hand in hand. The sport actually comes second to us. Empowering women is our main goal, but we want to do it in a fun and exciting way. It is not just about skill. It is about finding

“Image is so important to us.We want to send a message to women that this is an organization that is positive,helpful,encouraging...”

confidence in yourself, which they can take with them for the rest of their lives.”

Ms. Manley, Ms. Weaver and Coach Flood stress to the team that the team is a family-friendly organization. “There is zero tolerance for any kind of prejudice or nonacceptance. Every woman is accepted regardless of age, physical appearance, or abilities.”

Maintaining a positive image is an essential goal of the organization. According to Ms. Weaver, “Image is so important to us. We want to send a message to women that this is an organization that is positive, helpful, encouraging and where we build people up and not tear them down. Yes, we play rough, but, at the end of the day, we are a family, and families take care of each other.”

The team hopes to attract new fans to the sport by participating actively in the community. Ms. Weaver states, “We love to make appearances at different events and hope to teach our new fans the rules and culture. It is fastpaced and exciting, and we know it is new to so many, but we know they will find it exciting and fun. But it is a sport. Skills and abilities are involved, and we are always looking for new members for the team. We like to call them fresh meat. These newcomers have to pass a minimum skills test to be able to participate on game day. All new team members must attend a sixteen-week skate school to learn the basics of roller derby and the skills of skating, turning, stopping and falling.”

The Texoma Roller Derby begins their nine-bout season in April and continues until their last game on September 7, 2025. The team will host four home games and will have five away games. Information on bouts, purchasing tickets and this year’s schedule can be found on the Texoma Roller Derby Facebook page.

Michal

STARFISH BENEFIT

Child & Family Guidance Center of Texoma Hosts Annual Benefit

On Saturday, May 3rd, the Child & Family Guidance Center of Texoma will host the 14th Annual Starfish Benefit. This magical event will help provide critical mental healthcare and resources to over 3,000 impoverished children and families, empowering them to overcome challenges and thrive.

With the Presenting Sponsor, Utter Family of Dealerships, they are elevating the event to new heights by hosting it at the Hilton Garden Inn. They have outgrown the previous venues, and this premier location is the perfect setting to celebrate their mission and community.

For tickets and information, visit Starfish.Muradbid.com Saturday, May 3, 2025

Pre-Event VIP Party 6 - 7 PM, Event 7-10 PM Hilton Garden Inn Texoma Event Center 5015 US 75, Denison, TX

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

From Stem To Vase:

TRANSFORMING FLORALS INTO ART

Flowers have a rich history of symbolic meanings.

As far back as the 19th century, they were used to convey secret messages. Stories throughout history recount how flowers were used to send hidden messages between people. French publishers began producing flower dictionaries that cataloged the many floral codes that had been gathered over time. Some of these meanings were linked to the flower’s root name, often derived from mythology, while others were drawn from the flowers themselves. The colors, medicinal properties, and even the superstitions

associated with these flowers all contributed to the creation of this secret language.

In addition to their symbolic significance, flowers bring natural beauty to any interior, enhancing spaces with their color, texture, and mood-boosting qualities. Floral arrangements not only create a cozy atmosphere but also infuse a room with personality, elevating the overall ambiance. There are multiple ways to creatively integrate florals into your home, and whether using fresh or artificial flowers, creative displays can make quite the statement piece.

Florals and Fruit

“Not only will the flowers’ fragrance fill the air, but the citrus notes from the fruit will add a refreshing scent.”

Add an extra burst of color and texture to your floral arrangement by layering fruit around the edges of your vase. To achieve this, place a smaller vase inside a larger one, ensuring the flowers stay contained in the inner vase to preserve their shape. Fill the surrounding space with water and then arrange sliced fruit along the vase’s outer sides. For a fresh touch, add ice cubes to keep the fruit looking vibrant longer and to hold them in place. Not only will the flowers’ fragrance fill the air, but the citrus notes from the fruit will add a refreshing scent.

Flower Frogs

Hanging Florals

For a dramatic effect, try creating a hanging floral display. Floral cones are available for this style, or you can craft your own for a more personalized, organic look. The contrast between longstemmed white flowers and a dark wall creates a striking visual impact.

No matter how you choose to display them, flowers are a wonderful addition to any room. They boost mood, improve air quality, spark creativity, and bring a decorative charm to any space.

Using a frog to display flowers creates a minimalist yet elegant look that highlights the individuality of each bloom. It helps the stems stay in place. To set it up, place the frog on your chosen display base, whether it’s a vase, bowl, platter, or any container you prefer. Then, simply insert the flower stems by gently pressing them into the prongs. Tip: Flowers with sturdy stems and a lighter top work best in a frog, as delicate blooms tend to lose their shape more quickly.

D2 Built - Where Innovation Meets Craftsmanship!

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A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

A revitalization effort in downtown Sherman of developments, renovations and upgrades is underway! Urban Sherman is committed to doing its part in rebuilding our classic downtown. Contact us for available properties.

www.UrbanSherman.com 940.289.0222

MAY 1ST

Boys And Girls Club Of Sherman Summer Camp Registration

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF SHERMAN | 7:00 AM

Registration is open for Summer Camp 2025 at Boys & Girls Club of Sherman! We’re ready to Cruise into Summer with weekly field trips to the movies and skating rink, fun-filled activities, and unforgettable memories for your kids! BGCS is committed to providing children with a safe, exciting, and enriching summer experience—now with more activities and support than ever.

ShermanClubLife.org

MAY 2ND

Farm To Table Dinner With Lee Roy Parnell

OLD QUAIL RUN FARM | 6:00 PM

Come join us for a delightful evening for a farm to table dinner with the talented Lee Roy Parnell! Indulge in fresh, locally sourced ingredients while enjoying live music in a charming outdoor setting. This is a unique opportunity to savor delicious food, support local farmers, and experience a truly unique event. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience! OldQuailRunFarm.com

MAY 2ND

Strong Women Who Do Luncheon

THE VENUE AT 84 WEST | 11:30 AM

Let’s gather for an unforgettable afternoon of empowerment, inspiration, and giving back! Join us at the Strong Women Who Do Luncheon—a celebration of the incredible women who uplift our community through strength, compassion, and philanthropy. This is

more than just a lunch; it’s a chance to make a real impact for those in need right here in Grayson County. UnitedWayGrayson.org

MAY 3RD

Starfish Benefit

HILTON GARDEN INN DENISON | 7:00 PM

You're invited to support the 14th Annual Starfish Benefit. Enjoy an unforgettable evening filled with magical surprises, delectable food and desserts, libations, live music, and plenty of FUNraising opportunities! Your contribution will help provide critical mental healthcare and resources to over 3,000 impoverished children and families, empowering them to overcome challenges and thrive. CFGCenter.org

MAY 17TH

North Texas Arts Festival

KATY DEPOT | 10:00 AM

North Texas Arts Festival (NTAF) returns for its third year this month! Thanks to the new venue, the Katy Depot, the festival will be open for not one, but two days this year. Locals, art collectors, and tourists are invited to visit a variety of unique booths featuring original art. DenisonArtsCouncil.org

MAY 25TH

Texoma FC vs Greenville Triumph

HISTORIC BEARCAT STADIUM | 3:30 PM

Come out to the Historic Bearcat Stadium for Texoma FC's inaugural season. Texoma FC is the area's first professional soccer team and plays in the USL League One. Bring out the whole family and watch as Texoma FC takes on the Greenville Triumph on Sunday, May 25. TexomaFC.com

SHERMAN Showdown

Food Truck Competition In Downtown Sherman, Texas

The Sherman Showdown hosted by Downtown Sherman Now is an upcoming food truck competition set to take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, in the historic downtown square of Sherman, Texas. This inaugural event promises a day filled with culinary delights, live music, and family-friendly activities, aiming to establish itself as a premier attraction in Grayson County.

Regional food trucks will compete, each showcasing their signature dishes in hopes of claiming a portion of the $5,000 prize pool. The grand prize winner will receive $3,000, and additional awards will be given for categories such as People's Choice and other distinctions.

In addition to exceptional choices for the taste buds, the event will feature two stages with diverse musical performances, ensuring continuous entertainment throughout the day, culminating in a performance by

Jared Mitchell Band. Attendees can also explore pop-up vendor stalls, a dedicated kids' zone, corn hole games, and enjoy adult beverages, creating a festive atmosphere suitable for all ages.

The fun begins with the food truck competition from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. During this period, attendees can purchase sample competition dishes from the participating food trucks and vote for the People's Choice award. Following the competition, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, food trucks will offer their full menus, allowing guests to indulge in the full array of culinary options on offer.

Admission to this family-friendly event is free. The Sherman Showdown is poised to become a highlight in Sherman's event calendar. Whether you're a food enthusiast eager to sample diverse cuisines, a music lover seeking live performances, or a family looking for a fun-filled day out, the Sherman Showdown promises something for everyone. Mark your calendars for May 3, 2025, and join the community in celebrating this exciting new tradition.

ShermanShowdown.com