Greet Lakewood - April 2023

SERVING OUR COMMUNITY: MEET THE MORRIS LADIES OF LAKEWOOD

PHOTO CREDIT: APRIL BARNES PHOTOGRAPHY

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

(214) 653-1101

(972) 574-8888

(214)670-5683

(214) 979-1111

SHARE YOUR STORY!

This 2023 we would love to hear from you! Please check out some special focuses coming up this year and nominate yourself or a neighbor by using your phone camera to scan the QR code.

JUNE — DUE BY MAY 1

We Love Our Dads! Send us a note to your dad. Congratulations, Graduates! Graduating high school or college? Let us know.

JULY — DUE BY JUNE 1

Celebrating America! What makes you a proud American? Submit your photos/stories to GreetLakewood@n2co.com.

NOMINATE AN EDUCATOR!

We are launching a new Educator Spotlight to give some love to those who are making a difference in our community. Nominate someone who’s made a difference in your life or your family’s life today.

Have a story idea? Reach out to us at GreetLakewood@n2co.com!

Follow @GreetLakewood on Instagram and Facebook

911 (800) 441-0040

(817) 930-HOPE

(800)273-8255

(469) 392-4449

TRANSPORTATION

Amtrack Railroad

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport

Dallas Love Field Airport

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)

EMERGENCY AND HELPLINE CONTACTS

Fire, Ambulance, Police

North Texas Poison Center

Mental Health Hope Line

Suicide Hotline

Lakewood ER

MISCELLANEOUS

CONTENT DIRECTOR:

Kirsten Swanson

GreetLakewood@n2co.com

504-296-8664 (cell)

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO YOUR NEIGHBORS!

Inquire today about our resident business owner discount. Email us for details: GreetLakewood@n2co.com.

RESIDENT CONTRIBUTORS:

411

(214) 379-4357

(214) 844-6611

(214) 348-1212

(214)

Information Assistance

Information and Referred of Greater Dallas

Time

Weather

Dallas Chamber of Commerce

Texas Driver’s License

Postal Services Answer Line

Dallas Independent School District

DALLAS HOSPITALS

Baylor University Medical Center

1500 Gaston Ave, Dallas, TX 75246

Children’s Medical Center of Dallas

1935 Motor St., Dallas, TX 75235

City Hospital of White Rock

9400 Poppy Dr., Dallas, TX 75218

Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas

8200 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, TX 75231

BUSINESS GROUPS

Greater East Dallas Chamber www.eastdallaschamber.com

Deborah Brown – Executive Staff

Lakewood Women in Business www.veritexbank.com/community-events/ women-in-business

Darlene Ellison, Founder

Lakewood Neighborhood Association www.lakewoodneighborhood.org

CONTENT DIRECTOR:

Kirsten Swanson GreetLakewood@n2co.ccom

504-296-8664 (cell)

AD STRATEGIST:

CREATIVE DIRECTOR:

OURTEAM & RESIDENT CONTRIBUTORS

PHOTOGRAPHERS:

Sue Hunyady

Marti Stewart

April Barnes

April Barnes Photography

Megan Moates

Castles and Clouds Photography

Resident Contributors:

Ami Edge

Megan Moates

Lindsay Morris

Carlin Morris

Denisa Odegaard

Ryan Streiff

Junior Resident Contributors: Callan Ordegaard

FOLLOW US!

Follow us on Instagram @GreetLakewood.

“Like” us on Facebook @GreetLakewood.

This section is here to give our readers easier access when searching for a trusted neighborhood partner to use. Get to know the businesses who make this magazine possible. Please support them in return and thank them if you get the chance!

AIR COND, HEATING, DUCT CLEANING

Freedom Heating and Air LLC (214) 434-1391

freedomcooling.com

ANIMAL ER 24/7

Dallas Animal Emergency (214) 520-2222

dallasanimaler.com

AUTO HAND WASH & DETAIL

Carnation Auto Spa (469) 484-6200 x115

CarnationAutoSpa.com

BARBER AND SHAVE SHOP

Virtus Barber Company (972) 803-6135

virtusbarber.com

CHURCHES

Park Cities Baptist Church (214) 860-1526

pcbc.org

COMMUNITY EVENTS

White Rock Home Tour (214) 714-7144

wrhometour.com

DENTISTRY - PEDIATRIC

iKids Dental (469) 581-9001

ikidsdental.com

EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE

Lakewood ER (469) 372-2040

LakewoodEmergencyRoom.com

FLORIST / GIFTS / HOME DECOR

The T Shop (214) 821-8314

TheTShopLakewood.com

GARDEN CENTER AND GIFT SHOP

Ruibals Plant & Garden (214) 744-9100

ruibals.com

INSURANCE AUTO-HOME-BUSINESS

Sheaner Insurance Agency (214) 823-3003

SheanerInsurance.com

INTERIOR DESIGN & DÉCOR

Talulah & HESS (214) 821-1927

TalulahandHess.com

LANDSCAPE DESIGNER /LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR

The Gardener Dallas (214) 516-1053

TheGardenerDallas.com

MASSAGE/SPA

The NOW Massage (214) 764-6980

TheNowMassage.com

MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL

Montessori Children’s House and School (214) 348-6276

MORTGAGE LENDER

Theriot Mortgage Team - Origin Bank

GP Theriot (214) 789-5888

TheriotMortgage.com

ORTHODONTICS & PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Top Smile Orthodontics & Pediatrics (469) 314-2888

topsmileortho.com

PEDIATRICIAN

Pecan Tree Pediatrics Lakewood (214) 214-3100 pecantreepediatrics.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

Hensley Photography (214) 826-0700 hensleyphotography.com

RADIOLOGY

Southwest Diagnostic (214) 345-6905 swdic.com

REALTOR®

Joe Atkins Realty (214) 749-5667 joeatkinsrealty.com

RESTAURANT/CATERING

St Pete’s dancing Marlin (214) 934-0401 Dancingmarlin.com

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Juliette Fowler Communities (214) 827-0813 www.fowlercommunities.org

SYNTHETIC GRASS

Synthetic GreenScapes (972) 442-7362 SyntheticGreenScapes.com

VETERINARIAN

My Pets Wellness (972) 707-0791 mypetswellness.net

WINDOW CLEANING/PRESSURE WASHING

White Rock Pressure Washing (214) 226-1670 whiterockpressurewashing.com

Community News

Dear Lakewood Neighbors,

East Dallas is booming. We are emerging from the pandemic in better shape than most large cities. Our neighborhoods are getting safer; our schools continue to improve in rankings; we have great new restaurants coming in and other new small businesses opening; we are finally making progress on our congested intersections; and the great White Rock dredge is moving closer and closer to reality. However, with all this progress comes real challenges we face as a City.

Through my first four years on the Dallas City Council, I’ve made it a point to listen to citizens’ concerns across this district and deliver results on issues important to East Dallas residents. The issue I hear the most about is the skyrocketing increases in the cost of living for families and small businesses. This includes a sharp rise in property appraisals that lead to higher property tax bills, long delays in the residential permitting process that makes housing costs increase, and traffic congestion that costs each of us in time and productivity.

The Dallas City Council has been focused on these issues. As a result, we have worked hard to cut the tax rate for the last four years, including the current budget, which

APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS

don’t have access to feminine hygiene products). These are not usually hot-button issues for a City Council to address, but listening to those who have lost loved ones to accidental overdoses or women who cannot access necessary feminine hygiene products breaks your heart. I’m working hard to help pass meaningful laws in Dallas and legislation in Austin to curb the distribution of fentanyl and make feminine hygiene products more affordable and available to disadvantaged and lowincome women and girls.

SPRING PLANTING TIPS

represents the most significant tax cut in thirty-seven years. We also tackled the permitting process headon by working with the City Manager to untangle the red tape at City Hall and moving residential construction projects along much more efficiently. We are delivering on the promise to provide safer streets and areas for vehicular traffic, designated bike lanes, and pedestrian walkways.

Another predominant issue on taxpayers’ minds and my agenda is public safety. I’m proud to have voted to authorize the hiring of 500 new police officers in the last two years alone. I’m also proud of raising the minimum pay and salaries for Dallas’ first responders and adding 60 new civilian staffers for the 911 call center. We must have a police force that is properly staffed, impeccably trained, well-paid, and responsive to our community’s needs. We need a department that not only earns our trust and respect through its engagements with the community but that also has the trust and support of the council.

Over the last few months, I have devoted significant time to addressing the citywide issues of the dangers of fentanyl in our community and period poverty (where low-income women

Finally, I’m incredibly excited of our progress on White Rock Lake. For the first time in 25 years, I secured funding for preliminary engineering work to dredge White Rock Lake, and I want to see that through to fruition.

“Dredge Baby Dredge!” is the motto I will continue to push as White Rock Lake is the crown jewel for recreation and a higher quality of life for East Dallas residents.

East Dallas continues to be a fantastic place to live. We have a great sense of community that we can all take pride in, and serving you as your District #9 Council Representative has been a true honor. I strive to be the most responsive council member when it comes to citizens’ concerns. Please email or call my office whenever you have an issue or concern at district9@ dallascityhall.com, or 214-671-8916.

• Begin planting summer annuals, such as lantana and pentas (sun) and begonias and coleus (shade), as they become available at local nurseries. Some summer tropicals may also be found in nurseries toward the end of April.

• Before the end of May, plant your heat-tolerant summer annuals and tropicals. Our favorites for the heat are Lantana, Ornamental Sweet Potatoe Vine, Purple Fountain Grass, Ornamental Peppers, Coleus, Elephant Ears, Caladiums, Pentas, and Tropical Hibiscus.

• Continue planting perennials, trees and shrubs. Just be sure to continue watering them regularly - at least twice per week.

• The last of the heat-tolerant veggies and annual herbs can be planted until Mid-May including Southern Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Basil, and Oregano.

• Be sure to water grass regularly 2-3 times weekly and mow your lawn once per week to maintain good healthy growth and reduce any unnecessary wear and tear on lawn equipment.

April 20: Seger System NEW, Ultimate Bob Seger Tribute

April 27: Hard Nights Day, The Beatles Tribute Band

May 4: Soul Sacrifice NEW, A Santana Tribute

May 11: The Molly Ringwalds

May 18: Karen as Dolly! NEW A Tribute to Dolly Parton

May 25: Bruce in the USA

Paula Blackmon

District #9 Council Representative

UPCOMING COOL THURSDAYS CONCERTS

WILDCATS SWIM TEAM FINISHES STRONG AT STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

PHOTO CREDIT: WOODROW ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB

Wildcats Swimming wrapped up an iconic season (that began in September) by sending six swimmers to the UIL 5A State Championship, and they did not disappoint! Congratulations to Coaches Bernier and Cevallos, along with swimmers Jack Berube, Campbell Chase, Grant Closson, Landon Fike, Maxwell Freele and Tyler Patterson.

SPECIAL SHOUTOUTS TO:

• Junior, Campbell Chase set a 5A State record on her way to a 3-peat in the 200 IM! She also brought home a silver medal in the 100 Breaststroke!

• Senior, Jack Berube was the silver medal winner in the 100 Backstroke and the bronze medal in the 200 Freestyle!

• Senior, Grant Closson set a new school record and swam a personal best time on his way to the bronze medal in the 100 Freestyle!

• The Boys 200 Medley Relay placed 6th in the state! They lowered their previous school record in prelims on Friday and then broke it again in finals - 1:37.26! Congratulations to Jack (Backstroke, Sr.), Tyler (Breaststroke, Sr.), Landon (Butterfly, Fr.) and Grant (Freestyle, Sr.) on an incredible accomplishment!

• The Boys 400 Freestyle Relay placed 12th in the state. The team of Grant Closson, Landon Fike, Maxwell Freele (Sr.) and Jack Berube also set a new school record swimming a time of 3:12.89!

Our Wildcats boys team placed 11th overall in a field of over 60 5A schools throughout the state. All of the schools that placed higher had at least eight boys swimmers or divers.

Campbell placed 21st overall in the girls’ division of over 60 teams with just her two individual swims. And, they had a great time doing it!

What a way for our seniors to finish out their Wildcats swim careers! All of our senior swimmers leave behind a legacy of school records and accomplishments that will always hold a special place in Woodrow swimming history. Wildcats Nation sends congratulations to this special group for their contributions to this program.

GO WILDCATS!

Age: 11

School: 5th grade at Lakewood Elementary Activities: I really love swimming and I’m on a water polo team. I also like being part of the Lakewood Lone Star Challenge team.

Someone you admire: If I had to pick someone, I’d say George Washington. I admire that he chose not to run for a third term as President and chose the greater good for the new country, trying to be an example to all.

When I grow up, I want to... I want to travel all around the world and experience living in different places. I also think it would be really cool to be a firefighter pilot, the one who scoops up the water from lakes and fights wildfires.

MY FAVORITE THINGS!

To Do: Swimming, reading about history and playing video games.

Animal: My favorite animal is a moose, I was lucky to see two of them on our trip to Grand Teton NP last summer. And of course my dog Lucy. We rescued her in Summer 2021 and she’s now my favorite individual animal.

Color: Orange!

Movie/TV Show: I don’t really like TV, but I am making my way through the Star Wars and Jurrasic Park franchises.

Food: Korean BBQ and Kraft Mac’N’Cheese

Places To Go: Our family LOVES to travel. Few of my recent favorites are: Astoria, OR - NYC - Jackson Hole, WY - Glacier National Park, MT

Sports Teams: Florida Gators and Tampa Bay Buccaneers

School Subject: Social Studies, because it’s the closest to History

Summertime Fun: You can probably guess by now - swimming!

CALLAN ORDEGAARD

BY: CALLAN ORDEGAARD, JR. RESIDENT CONTRIBUTOR

The Woodrow Wilson Wildcats Boys 200 Medley Relay placed 6th in the State: Jack Berube, Tyler Patterson, Landon Fike and Grant Closson.

Campbell Chase won the UIL 5A State Championship in the 200 Individual Medley in grand style, breaking the 5A State Conference Record!

“It would be really cool to be a firefighter pilot!

Meet Ben Kenobi!

ADOPT ME

Looking for their fur-ever homes

The Force is strong with this one! Ben is a Domestic Shorthair mix who is waiting for a forever home with the SPCA of Texas. He is just over 5 years old and is a little on the small side. He has a white coat of fur with some dappled grey on the back of his head and tail. Ben Kenobi is a pretty sweet boy, but he is still a little on the shy side and will need a bit to warm up to new people. He is hoping to go to a calm home where he will have time to adjust. Ben would prefer to be the star of the show and the only cat in the home, with all kiddos being at least 15 years old. He is housed at the Dallas Animal Care Center, so no appointment is necessary.

Meet Scarlett! She is a dainty but energetic little lady available for adoption from the SPCA of Texas. Scarlett is a Labrador Retriever mix who nudges the scales at just over 25 pounds. She is now approaching her 11th birthday, but she can still get out and scamper with the younger pups a good bit. As an older dog, she is available for adoption with a medical consideration to address some age-related issues. Scarlett came to the SPCA of Texas from a hoarding seizure in Hunt County back in May. She’s done well in her journey since and is currently in foster care so an appointment is necessary to meet her. Meet Millie! She is an adorable little Labrador Retriever mix who is hoping to catch the eye of a happy family at the SPCA of Texas. Millie is a youngster and just spent her very first birthday in a shelter. She’s a bigger dog at 54 pounds, but she is quite the affectionate girl who loves to share snuggles and kisses. She’s an energetic play partner for other dogs or kiddos, and she has a very sweet disposition. And don’t forget an amazing pair of ears there! Millie is currently housed at the SPCA of Texas Dallas Animal Care Center, so no appointment is necessary to meet her. Swing by and she’ll be waiting with a smile.

WHITE ROCK DOG WALK

Ready to have fun and give back at the same time?

Join CHEW Animal Clinic’s 1st Annual White Rock DogWalk/5k on May 7, 2023, along Dallas’ beautiful White Rock Lake. The event will take place at the Stone Tables and Playground and include local vendors, local rescues, and food trucks. Registration is $35 per person and is available online at www.chewac.org.

CHEW Animal Clinic is a one-of-a-kind, 501C3 non-profit Veterinary clinic in Dallas. They are committed to educating the community on pet care, preventative care, and awareness of the overpopulation of dogs and cats. They offer everything from diagnostics, treatment/ hospitalization, and advanced surgeries including orthopedics for qualified families.

Due to the rising costs in veterinary medicine and families who experience financial hardships, CHEW is often the only option for these chronically sick and/or critically injured pets. Because of CHEW’s vast amount of services, they are able to help families keep their pets and prevent them from being surrendered to shelters or succumbing to a disease, sickness, or injury. The White Rock Dog Walk is their first fundraiser to jumpstart the expansion of their current clinic, allowing them to grow alongside the continuous and dire needs of the Dallas pet community. Join CHEW for a fun-filled, active fundraiser to help raise money for a great cause!

CHEW Animal Clinic 8484 Walnut Hill, Dallas, TX 75231 www.chewac.org

Scan QR Code for Event Details

Event Address: Stone Table and Playground, 553683 E Lawther Drive, Dallas 75218

Patio weather and Cinco de Mayo are just around the corner! Enjoy this amazing cocktail recipe thanks to Doña Vega Mezcal to celebrate this spring with a nice kick to it!

INGREDIENTS

• 1.5 oz Doña Vega Espadín

• .5 oz fresh pineapple juice

CAMINO DEL FUEGO

• .75 oz lemon juice

• .75 oz agave

• 1 egg white

INSTRUCTIONS

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain ice from the tin. Dry shake and pour into coupe glass. Garnish with dried habanero, or pink peppercorn on the froth.

ABOUT THE MAKER: Doña Vega is founded and produced by Mexican women who set out to make mezcal more accessible and approachable. For two years, through 73 recipes, 22 farms, and too many tastings to count, the Doña Vega team accomplished their goal of creating two exquisite varieties of mezcal. MezcalDonaVega.com

PHOTO CREDIT DOÑAVEGA

every office prior to becoming the 2022-2023 Lakewood Elementary School

Carlin is a Lakewood legacy! She has lived in Lakewood since 1980 and proudly was involved with all of the school feeder systems with her children. She joined the Lakewood Early Childhood PTA in 1983 and held many offices before she became the Lakewood Elementary PTA President from 1991-1992. When Lindsay met her husband Charlie back in 2005, she and Carlin had an instant bond over their passion for education and children. Today, Lindsay and Carlin work together with Principal Thompson (Lakewood Elementary Principal) to support the Lakewood community and school system. “Principal Thompson’s devotion and love for her job and our school make a huge

daughter, I know firsthand how hard her job is and she handles hard situations with such grace.”

Now with three grandkids at Lakewood Elementary, Carlin is not slowing down her involvement. “Carlin Morris has spent countless hours helping to raise funds for our school and continues to form close relationships with parents throughout our Lakewood community.”

These organizations help support not only our parents and teachers at the school, but they help develop our children to be the future leaders we need for our community and beyond. Joining the Lakewood Early Childhood PTA and Lakewood Elementary School PTAs are great ways to stay connected as a parent of a child at the school and they are always happy to have community volunteers as well. If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to Lindsay at President@LakewoodElementary.net or check out the following links:

Lakewood Early Childhood PTA: www.lecpta.org

Lakewood Elementary PTA: www.lakewoodelementary.net

are currently looking for volunteers who would like to take a more active role in contributing to Greet Lakewood. If you like to meet fellow neighbors, you can help! We are looking for:

EVENT TEAM ASSISTANTS - this involves helping to plan/coordinate neighborhood social events throughout the year! Restaurant Reviews, Yappy Hours, Home Tour, Wine Walk, Wine/Beer Tastings, DIY events, and more.

WRITERS/JR. WRITERS (ADULTS OR STUDENTS) - A great way to participate in your neighborhood magazine and for students to gain valuable resume experience.

Many neighbors are excited to tell their stories, but just need help writing them.

Moms & Dads - check with your child’s school about earning volunteer hours by contributing to their community newsletter!

Recommendations - Is there a local business you love to support? Do you own a business and live in the M Streets?

We would love to support you! Business owners in Lakewood are eligible for a FREE resident business spotlight and we always love to collaborate and support other local businesses doing highquality work.

Please contact Kirsten.Swanson@n2co. com and we will be happy to help develop a plan of action that is right for you!

Dr. Jenny Clifford, Pecan Tree Pediatrics

Dr. Jenny Clifford has 29 years of experience in pediatric medicine for all ages - newborns through college. She loves being a part of Pecan Tree Pediatrics as the practice focuses on the health and wellness of each child and their families or caregivers to maintain healthfulness in their patients.

Growing up in Virginia, Dr. Clifford received her education from Stanford University Medical Center in California for Pediatric Residency. Baylor College of Medicine in Houston for Pediatric Internship. The University of Texas Medical School at Houston. She has been recognized in DFW Child Magazine as a Mom-Approved doctor and by the Young Men’s Service League Board.

“With 29 years of experience, I’m in the prime of my career with the necessary energy and patience for pediatric medicine for all ages from newborn through college-aged. And as a mom of three, I can empathize with parents on the daily rigors of raising healthy happy children.”

In addition to general pediatrics, Dr. Clifford has not only an interest, but years of experience in treating attention, anxiety, and depression challenges.

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree with Dr. Clifford’s children. Matthew, the oldest, is a 4th-year medical student. Madeline, the boss of the family, is a 2nd-year medical student. Michael, the baby of the family, is a 2nd-year Computer Science Major at Rice University.

When she’s not seeing patients or continuing her medical education, you can find Dr. Clifford at the YMCA for her daily workout classes or around White Rock Lake hiking and biking with her husband of 30 years, Hien. She also enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending time with her family and friends. Most of all she loves to travel all over, domestically or internationally she will always be up for a trip!

Pecan Tree Pediatrics

6301 Gaston Ave, Suite 125P Dallas, TX 75214 214-214-3100

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.”

Our mission is to provide compassionate and high-quality care for the Pediatric and Adolescent patients in our community. Our physicians and staff are committed to exceeding the standards of medical care with courtesy and consideration for families, caregivers, and our patients.

We hope to see you and your family well into the future!

group of parent volunteers strive to share the details of these homes, while continuing the tradition of the White Rock Home Tour, with their ultimate goal, to raise funds for Hexter Elementary and continue the East Dallas Tradition!

Come see the curated vision of mid-century modern architecture at the 2023 White Rock Home Tour on April 22-23 from 12-5 pm. Visit wrhometour.com for tickets and tour details.

THE 15TH ANNUAL WHITE ROCK HOME TOUR

April 22-23

After a 3-year hiatus, the White Rock Home Tour is back for its 15th anniversary celebration

April 22-23, 2023!

Originally conceived by a small group of Hexter Elementary parents who were interested in mid-century architecture, found a way to combine their love of modern design and passion for supporting their neighborhood school in East Dallas.

This year, the White Rock Home Tour’s visionary leader is Jessica Stewart Lendvay, a local Architect and Hexter parent. She strives to create architectural literacy through exposure of classic mid-century modern designs with the homes she has curated. This year’s tour will feature homes from notable MCM Architects such as Ju-Nel and Donald Speck so that the authenticity of the style is showcased. Lendvay states, “As an architect, I feel like

it’s my responsibility to do as much as I can to explain the importance of architecture,” she said, “so we can take care of our community, so they last and they can be taken care of.”

The committee that works tirelessly to put on the home tour live in a variety of East Dallas neighborhoods, just like the homes on the tour - from Lakewood, Old Lake Highlands, Eastwood, the Peninsula to Casa Linda. The small, but mighty

The beloved garden at Hexter is one of the many programs that benefit from the proceeds of the White Rock Home Tour, and it shares a significant connection to the land on which the tour will take place.

Spring Cleaning?

Don’t Forget Your Finances

Spring has always signaled a time of renewal and regrowth. It’s the perfect opportunity to spruce up the yard, declutter the garage or start a new home improvement project. In that same spirit of rejuvenation, we at Frost also suggest scrubbing your personal finances. Just as your house can use some TLC after a long winter, your budget and investments could also use the occasional cleanup to ensure they’re working efficiently toward your goals.

HERE ARE FIVE IDEAS TO HELP FRESHEN UP YOUR FINANCIAL PLAN AND PORTFOLIO:

1. Take stock of life changes. Any significant events of recent years (a birth or death in the family; marriage or divorce; a health crisis) could trigger the need for some financial fine-tuning. That might include restructuring certain accounts, updating beneficiaries or rethinking your insurance needs.

2. Reassess your goals. Are you still on track to meet them? If not, it might be time to increase your savings rate, adjust your asset allocation or consider some alternative investment strategies based on the current economic climate. Be sure to consult your financial advisor for informed and objective guidance.

3. Examine expenses and debt. Make a list of monthly outflows and cancel any unused subscriptions/ memberships. Then, consider putting the money you save toward addressing any lingering debt. While you’re at it, pull a copy of your credit report and check for any errors or suspicious activity.

4. Clean up the clutter. Take some time to consolidate redundant accounts, such as rolling over a 401(k) from a previous employer, and close old and unused accounts. If you haven’t already, create a special folder (digital or paper) for financial statements and transactional records – you’ll thank yourself at tax time.

5. Think about family. Spring cleaning isn’t just for your benefit, it’s also a good time to ensure loved ones will be taken care of if something happens to you. Take another look at estate plans, wills and trusts to ensure they’re up to date. If you have aging parents, remind them to do the same.

BONUS TIP: Take advantage of available technology to simplify your life. Tools like Frost’s Wealth Connect allow you to see all your accounts on one screen, collaborate with your advisor and track progress toward your goals. With a new springtime shine on your finances, you’ll be in better shape for another season of healthy growth.

Would you like more information? Contact Joel at 214.515.4982 or joel.doolen@frostbank.com.

Member FDIC

Joel Doolen, Senior Vice President, Frost Bank

I don’t know about you, but lately, I find myself on the phone or computer for most of my day. Then as the shame & doubt creep in, I realize I have missed out on what is happening around me. But this isn’t the worst thing about the time spent online; Dr. Mark Hyman confirms heavy online connection = more disconnect from self. Think about that for a minute...

Maybe YOU have heard about the new studies that have been coming out showing the link between excessive screen time, mental health, and mood. This includes symptoms like social anxiety and loneliness, which are proven to be linked with reduced immune function. So, just like any other addiction, it is making us sick. Additionally, the screen’s artificial light close to bedtime delays melatonin production, which is essential to get to sleep. Sleep is a significant cornerstone for an energetic, joyful, and healthy life.

ENTER THE IDEA OF A DIGITAL DETOX: I drop everything and am reminded to be in the present! If this resonates with you, here are a couple of suggestions to embark on a digital detox.

1. Commit to a pre-determined amount of screen time per day. When the time is up, move your body for a bit. Walk around, do a chore, or even do a few yoga asanas!

2. Silence your cell phone, and don’t use your daily walk to check social media or surf the web. Better yet, do it in silence by leaving your phone at home, and tapping back into yourself, what is important to you, what you need to get done, or daydreaming.

3. Try going without TV for a week. Yes, I said it; no binge-watching for a week. How would that feel? Hard? Maybe it’s becoming an addiction?

Getting real for a second, the above things keep us from doing the things we love and accomplishing our goals! Just try one of these to let me know about your experience!