Argyle Living Magazine January 2016

JANUARY 2016

O An

ut pouring

Argyle - Canyon Falls - Harvest - Robson Ranch

of God’s Grace & Love

Local Sponsored Content Advertisement

A Hidden Gem for Enthusiasts with

J

oe & Nola Musacchio, married for a very impressive 41 years, have lived in the Copper Canyon area for decades and raised their two children, Joey and Kristy. After over 20 years in the wild game industry, in 2009 they decided to embrace their love for the outdoors and opened Cinnamon Creek Ranch. Sprawled on 80 acres, the hidden gem offers a variety of activities for like-minded enthusiasts. Joey and Kristy are also part of the family business which keeps the beloved six grandkids (twins arriving this summer) close to home and family ties.

Joey manages the wild game side of the business while Kristy works part time in the office.

From monthly “Couples by the Creek” dates, to shooting tournaments, to wedding and corporate events, to adult and youth birthday parties, to retail offerings, to wild game processing, the Musacchio family runs a tight ship at Cinnamon Creek, making it a well-kept Denton County secret! The familyowned and operated business is committed to providing first-class indoor and outdoor shooting facilities to archery enthusiasts of every level and age!

Additionally, Cinnamon Creek is staffed to help the novas shooter with lessons and instruction as well as equipment rentals.

As country’s premier archery facility, Cinnamon Creek is located just 25 minutes from Argyle and Lantana and features three indoor shooting ranges, two outdoor practice ranges and multiple 3D ranges. On their retail forefront, customers experience the largest selection of archery and hunting equipment at competitive prices. They offer our customers the opportunity to try any equipment from the largest selection of manufacturers found anywhere.

Their knowledgeable staff utilizes a low-pressure, unbiased sales approach allowing customers the ability to make the best possible decision about what products are right for them.

By Kathryn Flores Joe finds his greatest pleasure in cooking exquisite meals and hosting parties that are talked about for years! His culinary skills are incredible and Nola brags he just gets better and better at entertaining everyone from appetizers to a seven course meal at “Couples on the Creek” each month or even cooking for the masses at on-site weddings and corporate gatherings. Both Nola and Joe believe strongly in community and bringing the small town feel to Cinnamon Creek. Kids are always welcome at the ranch and couples are encouraged to fellowship at monthly date nights. A longevity for family values is just what this area promotes and is an excellent nearby adventure for local families!

The Musacchio family goal is to grow the sport of archery through education, introductory archery programs; youth outreach programs and spreading our passion for this sport. They continue to encourage families and children to take part in archery. Joe and Nola are proud to have the largest youth archery program throughout numerous counties with a solid mission, “to share our passion for archery through our professional technicians, certified instructors, sales staff and shooting teams to everyone we encounter in a positive and encouraging manner.”

In the fall of 2016, Cinnamon Creek Ranch aims to launch archery programs to several local elementary and middle schools with the goal to expand and diversify the outlets for area youth to engage in positive activities that promote mental and physical strength and focused energy while promoting a love for the great outdoors! There is no better place to do that than here, in your backyard, Denton County!

Cinnamon Creek Ranch • 13794 Old Denton Rd. • Roanoke, TX 76262 • 817.439.8998 • cinnamoncreekranch.com

JANUARY 2016 | ARGYLE LIVING | 3

Sponsored by:

4 | ARGYLE LIVING | JANUARY 2016

Runyon’s Fine Furniture

Argyle resident

JANUARY 2016 | ARGYLE LIVING | 5

Featured Stories and News

3rd Grade Field Trip to Casa Manana February 3rd

Varsity Baseball Texas Private School Classic Tournament VS. Dallas Christian (Away Game) February 18th at 5pm Spring Musical “The Music Man” February 18th from 7 - 9:30pm Want to feature your school’s or organization’s event? Contact us at artwork@murray-media.com 6 | ARGYLE LIVING | january JANUARY 2016

Surviving Stomach Bugs

15

Will My Child Be Ready

16

Learning To Change Perspective

23

Argyle United Methodist Church Argyle Falls Short At State LI

26

Pg 18 On the Cover: Argyle United Methodist Church

A World In The Woods

NG

M AG A

2016

Your Plan “B”

36

Argyle High Students Tee Up

Every Issue 07

From Your Editor

10

Upscale Home

11

Inside Community

12

Inside Education

14

Dr. Matt

17

The Sidelines

21

Gardening

24

Coaching Corner

32

Real Estate

ZIN

E’

R’S K ITO C D I E P

31

Photos from Argyle Photos from Southern 22 Holiday Comfort Mechanical

VI

S

Kindergarten Field Trip to Legoland February 18th

08

18

All Pro Dads Breakfast February 5th from 7:30 - 8:15am Swimming Banquet February 17th from 6 - 8pm

A Hidden Gem For Enthusiasts

T

Navy Basketball District Tournaments January 30th

02

EN

Liberty Christian School Events

Contents

ARGY LE

Argyle Community Events

Table of

RE C

IP

I

Fat

Trim The Real

From Your Life

A Message from The Community Editor

“L

ife is precious” — we often over-hear genuine, heart-to-heart, gut-level sharing. We and over-say those words with little share hurts, disappointments, confess failures, regard to the depth and meaning behind disclose doubts, admit fears, acknowledge them. The holidays always seem to capitalize weaknesses and ask for help and prayer. on the times we value with dear friends and That inner circle of people in our lives should family. Additionally, the Kleenex box seems only be real relationships with mutuality. to be a presence on the counter Mutuality is defined as, “the with emotions flooding over those art of giving and receiving and that are no longer celebrating the depending on one another.” holidays with us or that are not Building a tight circle of nearby anymore. reciprocal relationships, sharing However, during this season responsibilities and helping each of sharing and celebrating, I other are among my resolutions reflected on the true experience for 2016. of spending life together. Life is In addition to resolving to intended to be shared. My beloved Kathryn Flores, trim some real fat in 2016, I book, The Purpose Driven Life Community Relations, Marketing and Advertising Manager vow to focus intentionally on says, “It is unselfish loving, honest Argyle Living & Lantana Living gratitude and being grateful for Kathryn@murray-media.com sharing, sacrificial giving and 214.734.5783 the life I have. Did you know sympathetic comforting.” In true that gratefulness is a muscle in your state of relationships, people experience authenticity. mind that you need to practice flexing every Unfortunately, many relationships today have single day? Mine is sorely out of shape way become superficial and end up doing more too often. I need to seriously get that grateful harm than good. muscle to the “I already have everything Behind many of these superficial connections I need” gym. lie selfish intentions, ones in which sometimes Whether writing down a daily list of blessings we are not even consciously aware. Relationships is your grateful workout of choice, or spending have become all about “me” and not “we.” What’s worse is we continue to remain in emotionally time in meditation, prayer, or deep thinking, you abusive relationships because we are afraid of need to consistently zen yourself out about what leaving the “security” to which we have become you’re honestly and truly thankful for and trim accustomed. We feel obligated to stay in touch the fat on the rest. As many head back to the gym with individuals who do nothing but bring us to trim the holiday Yule log pounds, I encourage down, thus hindering our ability to live our life you to also work on trimming the fat in your life and tightening your inner circles as well as your to the fullest.

There’s a fundamental challenge that comes pledge to tighten and tone physically.

This also means trimming a lot of the good fat from these freshly formed “almost-relationships.”

They operate without the foundation of how to make ample room for the dose of greatness many of the best relationships are formed: over that lies ahead! There is nothing better to fight off envy, sadness or disillusionment than a mind time, with mutual care and interest.

The alternative, authentic fellowships, are not muscle beefed-up and ready to punch with joy mundane, surface-level chit-chat. They include and gratitude. Now, go get to trimming …

ArgyleLivingMagazine.com

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray Administration Managing Editor Jana Melton

Sub-Editor Bobbi Byrne

Contributors Steve Gamel

Advertising

Kathryn Flores kathryn@murray-media.com Kelly Murray kelly@murray-media.com

Production Graphic Designers Liz Wallace Stephanie Hansen Whitney Hill Caroline Brock

Photography

Scott Young 972.899.3536 ScottYoungPhoto.com Karen Foust 214.850.3417 FoustPhotography.com

Letters

Argyle Living invites reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments. Email artwork@murray-media.com.

All submissions become the sole property of Murray Media Group.

Editorial and Advertising Inquiries call 972.899.3637 or email kathryn@murray-media.com Address: 1011 Surrey Lane Building 100, Ste. 101 Flower Mound, TX 75022 Argyle Living is published monthly by Murray Media Group. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher.

Argyle Living is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Advertisers and its agencies assume all liability for advertising content.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission in writing from the publisher. © 2016 Murray Media Group

JANUARY 2016 | ARGYLE LIVING | 7

Local Sponsored Content Advertisement

Dr. Rebecca Butler is Board Certified in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is proud to be a resident of Lantana and the owner of Lantana Pediatrics.

For more information on Dr. Butler or to schedule an appointment, call 940.455.7200.

Hand washing and keeping things clean are your best defenses from getting ill with a stomach bug. Not surprisingly, this is particularly true after touching or carrying your child and when preparing food and eating.

So while carrying around those little magic bottles of germ killer can be better than nothing, always try to wash with soap and water. I know, easier said than done. Every caregiver knows that when the vomit is flying, it is almost impossible to rein in all of the splatter, especially when it’s coming from more than one child. So simply commit to do your best.

Change the sheets and clean up areas of vomit immediately and wash aggressively after carrying or supporting your child.

Wash surfaces immediately, use hot water for the wash, and use high heat in the dryer.

Consider using a dilute bleach solution to clean hard surfaces.

8 | ARGYLE LIVING | JANUARY 2016

With a typical gastroenteritis, vomiting doesn’t usually exceed 24 hours.

Occasionally it can. Many kids don’t follow the rules. Vomiting is most often the first sign of a stomach bug in children, and children tend to vomit more than adults.

With most viruses that cause the “stomach flu,” as the infection moves through the stomach and intestines, vomiting stops after about 24 hours. But not always. If you advance liquids too quickly or children eat more solids than they are ready for, even if the first meal is 1 to 2 days into eating again, they may begin vomiting again. If this happens you have to start back at ground zero with clear liquids and advance slowly. If vomiting is worsening after 24 hours of small sips and bland foods, contact your doctor.

Children rarely need medication when recovering from gastroenteritis. Although some anti-nausea drugs are available for use in children, most children don’t need prescription medications. Talk with your child’s pediatrician if you feel your child is vomiting longer than 24 hours or becoming

dehydrated. Remember that vomiting and diarrhea are a protection reaction of your child’s body to clear infection.

Diarrhea usually follows the vomiting and can last for days. Even so, our children’s resilience will long astonish us. Protect their skin from rashes and sores, keep them hydrated, avoid sugary foods and beverages, and consider cutting out all dairy until all issues have resolved for 5-7 days.

This too shall pass.

Call to schedule appointment with Dr.Butler or our NEW Nurse Practitioner, Melanie Bitzer.

74 McMakin Road Ste., 100 Bartonville, TX 76226 www.LanatanaPediatrics.com

JANUARY 2016 | ARGYLE LIVING | 9

Upscale Home

My R

kitchen I s n ’ t

W o r k i n g

F o r

M e !

emember that your kitchen should have or needs to use the basic principle of kitchen design: A work triangle. That always is a basic workflow space no matter what your floor plan — L shape, U shape, galley, whatever. If your kitchen isn’t working for you, look at your triangle. If it’s not there, it should be.

Start laying out a workspace that would work within the triangle. For your space to work the most efficiently you may have to reconfigure your work space somewhat. If moving a refrigerator 3 feet and reworking a section of cabinets is what is needed, weigh that expense against the time that you plan to be in the home, how often you are in this kitchen, the overall hassle it is to you the way it is now, etc. Just know if it bugs you it will probably bother any future buyer.

Also consider optional ways to obtain a possible compromise by changing the hinges on some of your cabinet doors to open in a different direction or changing the direction of the door swing on a refrigerator or microwave. This might save you some time and money to get your triangle flowing.

10 | ARGYLE LIVING | JANUARY 2016

The following work triangle dimensions

suggestions usually work well:

Each leg of the work triangle should

measure between 4 and 9 feet long, and the

total length of all three legs should be between 12 and 26 feet.

“Open trash bins, cabinets and dishwashers

shouldn’t block the path from one part of the triangle to another,” recommends fixture supply companies such as Kohler. “Help keep the

pathways clear by opting for smaller paired doors

for cabinetry, rather than larger single doors that can swing out to create obstacles.”

Once all of your design kinks are resolved, it’s

time to pick materials and products to continue to work on your kitchen.

Here are some ideas to steal: • Open shelving is not for every kitchen, but if you have enough storage, exposed shelves can make a room feel spacious and bright.

• Don’t be afraid to step outside the box with edgy fixtures.

• Large industrial-style pendants can feel right at home in a traditional kitchen for an interesting pairing.

• Glass tiles are ideal for a kitchen backsplash, but blackpainted glass also is an affordable way to get a durable and easy-to-clean surface. There’s no need to settle for stone or solid surfaces.

• Pigmented concrete is a durable countertop that also can add an unexpected splash to a kitchen.

• Don’t be afraid to use alternative materials. Thin about using a stainless steel backsplash and recycled wood veneer for the cabinets.

• Mix and match work surfaces in a single space. Stone countertops for the perimeter surfaces and a wood-topped island in the center makes for a unique and airy feel.

Have fun and don’t make it so stressful. Call us before you get to that point. We would love the opportunity to help with kitchen challenges or any of your design needs. We’ll make it happen and make it enjoyable!

By Complete Solutions 972.436.9083

Chamber Holds Non-Profit Fundraiser The Argyle Chamber of Commerce had a successful fundraiser, “Caring at Christmas” last month. This event was held at Texas Health Presbyterian in Flower Mound. The fundraiser was

for

nonprofits

and

proceeds

shared

with those participating.

Argyle Police Department Equips All Patrol Vehicles With Aeds The Argyle Police Department has equipped its entire fleet of six patrol cars with automated external defibrillator devices (AEDs).

“Our mission is the protection of the public,” said Argyle Police Chief William Tackett in a press release. “The AED is one more item police can use to provide peace of mind that we take our

Argyle Fire District Honors Members At Banquet

Town Discussing Annexing Liberty Christian

The Argyle Fire District held its 15th annual banquet last month. The following awards were given:

The Argyle Town Council is in the process of discussing the possibility of annexing Liberty Christian School into the town proper. The 28.05- acre area at 1301 S. Hwy. 377 is now a part of the Town of Argyle Extra Territorial Jurisdiction.

According to town documents, this property is owned by Liberty Christian School and is where their campus is located. In recent years, expansions made to the facilities on the site have extended into the said 28.05 acres of land that was previously located in the Bartonville ETJ. The Town of Argyle provides police, wastewater, and sanitary sewer services to the site. Therefore, the two towns entered into an apportionment agreement for the best interest of their respective citizens to amend their ETJ boundaries.

A petition for annexation was filed with the town on November 30, 2015 from LCS representatives, asking to be annexed into the Town of Argyle. There will be no financial impact on the town with the annexation.

Fire Chiefs Individual CitationChief Michael Lugo Educational Award- Chief Michael Lugo Citizens Citation- Marlene Tackett Volunteer of the Year- Zack Haas Part-Timer of the Year- Jarett Monschke Firefighter of the Year- Cody Miller Paramedic of the Year- Evan McCurley Officer of the Year- Chris Muscle The Leadership Award- Kerry Brown The following also received the life-saving awards for efforts provided to patients who would not have survived otherwise: A Shift: E511, E513 & M511 B Shift: E513 & M511

responsibility very seriously.”

AEDs deliver an electric charge to the heart of a victim of sudden cardiac arrest to restore the normal rhythm of the heart. According to the American Red Cross, sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of unexpected deaths and affects more than 350,000 people in the United States annually.

Studies show four out of ten victims survive if someone gives CPR or uses an AED before emergency medical crews arrive.

While his department has not yet encountered an incident requiring an AED, Tackett said his officers are ready if needed.

“Our officers will be some of the first people to respond. They’ll be able to provide initial assessment and take action while the paramedics and fire trucks are on their way. We all just competed training with the Argyle Fire District and are aware of their protocols and will be ready and able to assist,” he said.

The Argyle Crime Control and Prevention District provided funding for the six AEDs.

JANUARY 2016 | ARGYLE LIVING | 11

Liberty Christian Students Liberty Cheerleaders Win At State Competition Celebrate Christmas All of Liberty Christian’s more than 1,300 students celebrated Christmas together in a school-wide assembly on Dec. 9.

From enjoying two videos that creatively told the Christmas story to singing with the student choir “Joy to the World,” “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “Silent Night,” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” students from preschool to high school took time to worship and ponder the true meaning of Christmas. Even preschool students sang a song for everyone titled “Mary Had a Baby.”

“Not every school can say, ‘Merry Christmas,’” said Campus Pastor Chris Searcy. “Yet it is because of Christmas that God made a way for us to be saved in His Son, Jesus.”

Searcy described the story of the candy cane, how a candy maker in the 1800s created a candy that when held one way looks like the shepherd’s staff as described in Psalm 23, and turned the other way looks like the shape of a “J,” the first letter in Jesus’ name. He also said that the stripes of red on the candy cane display the verse in Isaiah 53 that says, “By His stripes we are healed,” referring to the death Jesus endured, taking on the sins of the world.

Argyle High Band Breaks Records Members of the Argyle High School Band traveled last month to Bowie High School for Region Band auditions. Argyle band students won 52 chairs in the region band, a new school record for Argyle and all other high schools.

Also, 25 of those students will audition for the Texas All State Band – that’s another record for Argyle and other Texas high schools.

12 | ARGYLE LIVING | JANUARY 2016

The back-to-back State Champion Liberty

Christian School cheer squad came away last month with first place in the Super Varsity

Division, qualifying them to compete at the

National

High

School

Cheerleading

Championship (NHSCC) in February at Walt Disney World.

“This win is a great testament to our girls’

hard work and dedication to our program,” said Coach Stephanie Jones. “We are so proud of

their accomplishments, how they come together as a team, and their heart for the LORD.

The team competed against other high schools

in North Texas at the UCA competition that was

mrs. terra lyon What Do You Teach?

English II, Professional Communications, Student Leadership, Student Council Sponsor How Many Years Have You Taught At AHS? 6 years Philosophy On Teaching: To mkae all students either love to read and write, or to respect that they are important skills needed for life-long learning.

held at Lewisville High School December 5.

The NHSCC is a prestigious cheerleading

championship in the United States. The NHSCC

is nationally televised on ESPN and ESPN2 to

more than 100 million homes and 32 countries nationwide each year.

Argyle High Journalism Students Bring Home Top Awards

Mr. Nick Olson What Is Your Job? Tech How Many Years Have You Taught At AHS? 1 year Philosophy: To work hard, communicate, be reliable and try to help make everyone as happy as I can.

The Argyle High School UIL Journalism

team competed in the CenTex invitational last month. As part of the contest, there were 986

entries, with six different divisions, with about 40

John Walsh

1st in Feature Writing, and Brayden Ratcliff for

Grade: Sophomore Favorite Class: Money Matters with Mrs. Birch Involvement: Golf, Cross Timbers Church, Young Mens Service League and Young Life.

Goals For This Year: To maintain good grades and continue golfing.

placement from Chad Lyle and Miranda Downe.

Claire Funck

students competing in each of the categories for

4A Division II. Awards were given to the top 10 in each category.

Top honors went to Annabel Thorpe for a

2nd in Editorial. Other newcomers included

Argyle Jv B-Ball Knocks Off Two 5A Teams Argyle High School’s JV Boys Basketball team

won the Princeton tournament going undefeated and beating two 5A schools in the process.

Grade: Sophomore Favorite Class: Geometry with Mrs. Betzhold Involvement: Band, Challenge Day Club, and Tennis Goals For This Year: To maintain high grades, continue playing tennis and prepare for state competition in band.

JANUARY 2016 | ARGYLE LIVING | 13

From Dr. Matt

The

F

ebruary is National Heart Month, and to raise awareness, I would like to share a story.

Before coming to our office, the wife of one of our patients told him that every time she visited our office, I was wearing a plaid shirt. He mentioned

heart

it to me, pointing out that he has only seen me in my

usual scrubs. So, for fun, we decided to make sure

at his next appointment,

Of The Matter

everyone in the office would

be in a plaid shirt. When he

first arrived, he was taken aback

to see at every turn another team

member in plaid. The entire spectacle

warmed his heart (In fact, the photo can be seen on our Facebook page).

Why do I tell the story? Simply to prove

the point that the way to a man’s heart is not Dr. Matt is a practicing dentist and owner of Country Lakes Family Dental

www.CountryLakesDental.com

necessarily through his stomach. In reality, there are several links between the heart and the mouth.

As research-based dentistry evolves, we are

beginning to see strong relationships between

Argyle resident

oral health and cardiac health.

14 | ARGYLE LIVING | JANUARY 2016

Studies have shown dental patients with moderate to advanced gum or periodontal disease are more likely to have heart disease than those with healthy gums.

According to the Academy of General

Dentistry, patients

suffering

with

chronic

periodontal disease are overall at a higher risk for a heart attack. Some studies suggest that

the bacteria found in gum disease can enter the bloodstream resulting in certain heart infections or cause inflammation of blood vessels resulting in blood clots and elevated blood pressure. It has

also been noted that oral health can hold clues to overall health and provide warning signs for

other systemic conditions including heart disease.

For those already suffering with certain heart

conditions, your cardiologist may recommend a

strict dental regimen as a matter of prevention. In some instances, taking antibiotics prior to your

dental appointment may be necessary for further prevention of bacterial proliferation.

Your heart health is important, as well as your

oral health. To disregard either would simply be, well, heartbreaking. Happy smiling!

Local Sponsored Content Advertisement

Will My Child Be Ready For

Elementary School?

M

ore and more parents are recognizing the importance of the early years to their children’s success in elementary school and beyond.

Consider this: the most active time of brain

development occurs before age 5! Strong neural

connections formed during this critical time are established by the experiences children have with their environment. The quality of those early interactions determines how children continue to learn and form relationships, strongly influencing their future success and happiness.

Research confirms that nurturing guidance

and attention to every aspect of development in

the early years help children develop compassion, confidence and a love of learning, in addition to competence and academic skills.

“School readiness is essential to a child’s

success in elementary school and beyond,” said Erin Lundie, franchise owner of Primrose

School of Lantana. “As a former teacher and assistant principal, I saw firsthand that children who receive a quality preschool, pre-K and

kindergarten

education

develop

into

well-rounded individuals prepared for learning and for life.”

At Primrose School, “readiness” means more than just learning how to add and spell. It means learning how to think critically, use mathematical concepts, share and show self-control – skills that support a positive transition to elementary school.

Primrose School supports the development of social and life skills, as well as executive function.

Research shows that executive functioning skills help children establish positive relationships and close the achievement gap.

The Primrose Schools Balanced Learning® system blends academics, play and character development to build a strong foundation and nurture a lifelong love of learning. In addition to core academic subjects, the curriculum includes enrichment programs in music, physical activity, art, sign language, Spanish, technology and social skills Parents choose Primrose School because of its proven value in preparing children for success in school and in life. Nationally recognized assessment tools and our own research with Primrose parents show that Primrose students are advanced in social skills and concept knowledge, and therefore more ready for elementary school than many of their peers.

Primrose School believes that with the right foundation, anything is possible for your child!

To learn more about the many lifelong benefits of enrolling your child in Primrose School of Lantana, please visit www.primroselantana.com or call 940.455.2550.

By Frank & Erin Lundie Primrose School of Lantana PrimroseLantana.com 940. 455.2550

JANUARY 2016 | ARGYLE LIVING | 15

16 | ARGYLE LIVING | JANUARY 2016

See You On The Sidelines

Star WArs & Football...

Why Not?

I

was talking to a fellow sports writer buddy early last month over a few root beers about how cool it’s been in recent years to have

at least one football team in our area make it to

the state championships every year. I gloated – it really is a small feat – that this was my fifth trip as a reporter to a state final in six years.

Previous to this stretch, the last time I covered

a football title game was way back in 1997.

This year was different, though.

I was emotionally torn.

Torn between football and ... the Force.

You see, December 18 was the day the Argyle

Eagles faced Waco La Vega in the Class 4A

Division I state title game at NRG Stadium in Houston. But it was also opening day for the long

awaited movie Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Yes, I am a complete nerd ... but for those of

we’d need to hit the road for the long drive back to Dallas. There was zero time to spend sitting in a theater getting my nerd on, so to speak.

So I did the only thing a true Star Wars fan

would do – I searched for a late-night Thursday

show. By the time I started seriously looking, most of the showtimes were nearly sold out. The

only one I could find that was wide open was

at 2:40 a.m. late Thursday night/Friday morning.

Sign me up!

Again, some of you might think I’m crazy to

have gone to a movie that late. And you’re not

alone. My coworker swears up and down he’s a diehard Star Wars fan, too, but he told me I was

nuts because it would make it that much harder to drive back to Dallas that night – especially after covering football all day.

By Steve Gamel But how many opportunities like this do we have as adults to be kids again? It’s not like I was going to be playing in the football game later that day. Furthermore, it wasn’t like I was going out drinking with buddies or dancing all night at a club. I’m too old for that.

I was merely sitting in a dark theater. And it was totally worth it.

Trust me when I say the Force was strong with me. Not only did I see the movie, but I was able to get a few hours of sleep in before covering the game and writing one of the better game stories of my career. As for the drive home, it was a piece of cake.

I’m a true professional when it comes to my craft. It just so happens that I’m also a professional nerd.

May the Force be with you!

Until next time, I’ll see you on the sidelines.

you who are nerds right alongside me, you can see where I’m going with this. I had to avoid all potential spoilers and see this movie ASAP.

But how? I knew I was going to be busy that

entire day with game coverage. My job was of upmost importance, and by the time we got done

JANUARY 2016 | ARGYLE LIVING | 17

FEATURED ARTICLE Local Sponsored Content

“We want them to feel ownership and excitement over being part of this church, instead of having them simply plug in to what the church is already doing.”

An of God’s Grace & Love

By Steve Gamel 18 | ARGYLE LIVING | JANUARY 2016

photography by: Scott Young Photography

P

astor Chris Schoolcraft and his staff would love to take credit for every out-of-the-box idea that has made Argyle United Methodist Church the unique and inviting place of worship that it is today.

But they know better than to believe they could do any of it on their own. It takes a community.

“We have a bunch of people just sitting in a room in the back of the church [thinking of ideas],” Schoolcraft said with a laugh. “In all seriousness, my experience is that everything we do has to be driven by the people of the church.

We invest in our lay people.”

That is why AUMC, in conjunction with its volunteers, is happy to introduce a new Saturday evening worship experience called Outpouring.

This new service will be in addition to the church’s regular slate of three Sunday services but caters to those families and folks who can’t

– or in some cases wouldn’t – normally attend church, yet are searching for a casual, familyoriented worship service.

This is an opportunity to join something that is still being formed. Schoolcraft said they have been running preview sessions of Outpouring before launching into weekly services in March, and the services are completely flexible and open to suggested changes to better meet the needs of the community.

“We do it at 5 p.m., so it’s late enough for people who have athletics, but not too late so that they still have time to eat dinner as a family and spend time together,” Schoolcraft said.

“I had people telling me, ‘We want to come on Sundays, but when we do that, that’s the only time our family has time to spend together. So when we come, we feel guilty because we’re not doing things as a family. And when we are with our families, we feel guilty because we aren’t at church. So can you give us a reason to stay in Argyle and worship as a family while still having a day to ourselves?’”

Krystal Stroud, the church’s director of communications, said the church jumped at the idea of giving people what they want, and she loves the idea of Outpouring because of its inclusiveness.

“It’s more relaxed than your typical service,” of the church started bringing their friends, she said, adding that there is a group of 12-15 family and coworkers. And from there even volunteers constantly searching for ways to more ideas were born.

All Schoolcraft and company needed to do perfect Outpouring. was take action.

“Why attend Outpouring? Well, we are Some of their ideas over the last few years still discovering that. It’s not one thing; it’s included soul-searching sermons such as evolving. Parents can bring their kids in their Undaunted and large-scale projects like Worship cleats and not feel guilty. People who work Without Walls, a continuing community project Sundays have a chance to worship. It’s a great where, instead of holding regular services, the out-of-the-box concept.” church has its members go into the community Like previously mentioned, Schoolcraft, to visit nursing homes, beautify neighborhoods Stroud, and the rest of the staff didn’t need their or bring food to malnourished children. arms twisted to make Outpouring happen. They Those initiatives include other goodwill just wanted to make sure they did it right. projects and simple, yet effective, random acts “There are churches that do some great things of kindness. This past Thanksgiving, the church with weekend services, but their culture is very served meals to the more than 180 clients, staff much that every service is the same,” Schoolcraft and volunteers for Health Services of North said. “On Sundays, we were able to recognize we Texas, even going so far as to send vans to pick have three different worshiping communities of people up who could not drive to church.

“I’ve been with this church for two years people, so the people that come to the 8:15 a.m. and I don’t know if service are different than “The reason the church I’ve ever been a part those that come to 9:30 or of an organization 11. We wanted to create exists is because of God’s that cares this much. another community People are excited to outpouring of love.

We that is shaped by the be here.” Stroud said. people that want to be want to be an outpouring “I think we’ve created connected to it.” of love and hope in our an environment Schoolcraft said where we empower community.” society is moving past people to talk to us, the times where people are committed to just and we ask a lot of questions along the way. We one brand. People want to connect with churches are approachable.”

The church also kick-started a financial that are willing to connect with them. They want strategy campaign called Revolution last year. to be engaged.

Which echoes the church’s open line of It is based on the teachings of financial expert communication with its congregation – and Dave Ramsey and is designed to educate both the community. If you haven’t guessed by now, members of the church and the community at communication has always been at the heart of large on ways to make better financial choices.

All of it plays into what Schoolcraft wants – what this church does. an environment where worshiping God meets When Schoolcraft came in 2013, one of people’s spiritual needs. Outpouring is another the first things he noticed was how eager his example of that. congregation was to approach the staff with “There is a passage in the Bible and it talks ideas. And they weren’t just any ideas, they were about how God pours out love and grace on fresh and representative of the different sects of people. And when that happens, he sends us out the community – all of which were thirsty to be in the world to share,” Schoolcraft said. a part of something special.

9033 Fort Worth Dr. • Argyle, TX 76226 As word spread about the great things For more information, call Argyle United Methodist Church at 940.464.1333. happening at this church, those devout members

The key is keeping it casual.

JANUARY 2016 | ARGYLE LIVING | 19

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Your in

It’s All

Head Learning to Change Perspective

By Brieanna Casey, Head Instructor The Tutoring Center, Bartonville

W

hether you’re working with students who feel below or above average in the classroom, the most pervasive threat to their future success is the idea that their intelligence and ability, in school and otherwise, is fixed, measurable and innate. The fact is, as proven time and again

by Ivy League research teams, intelligence is always in flux and never loses its ability to grow with a healthy helping of encouragement and motivation.

Fixed Versus Growth Mindset Thanks to the work of educational psychologists decades ago, many of us have heard of the theory of nature vs. nurture — that certain character traits and behaviors are either innate, inherited by means of our biology, versus learned by means of our physical and social environment.

Unfortunately, taken to its logical conclusion, some have used it to support a premise that students’ ability to learn is limited by their genetics, upbringing, socioeconomic status, etc.

This mindset sometimes leads those who work with children to bestow less of that all important support and encouragement, which teaches them “learned helplessness,” or the idea that they are dependent on those more able.

Shifting the Paradigm

20 | ARGYLE LIVING | JANUARY 2016

Stanford psychologist Marina Krakovsky in her article, “The Effort Effect,” explains that what we should be teaching kids is a difference in perspectives, a “fixed mindset” versus a “growth mindset.” A fixed mindset can develop in children

and follow them into adulthood, reinforcing ideas like “I’m not good at math,” “I’m not smart enough for school,” or that what grades, standardized test scores, or even IQ tests identify as their intelligence level is an unchangeable fate.

The truth is we’re still just understanding the concept of intelligence; we have yet to create a test that can objectively measure all the kinds and multifaceted aspects of human intelligence.

Instead, what educational psychologists, like Sir Ken Robinson, have supported, is to teach both “under-achievers” and “over-achievers” how to adopt a growth mindset:

The idea that intelligence is simply a matter of sustained motivation and consistent effort … oh, and the idea that failure actually is an option.

When we say to children that “failure is not an option,” we teach them to be afraid to try, and not to continue the repeated practice that is essential for success, and by not giving them the opportunity to fail, we can in fact stilt their growth.

We should try to teach all students that intelligence is malleable, and can be expressed in many creative ways besides traditional academic ability. And that although access to educational opportunities may be dictated by our genes or our income, ability itself is dictated only by our determination to face and overcome failure, not avoid it.

Follow our blogs to continue enhancing your academic experiences, and feel free to join in on the discussion on Facebook.

Creating

Gardening

Your Outdoor S

W

p

a

c

e

hat are you looking for in your home’s outdoor experience? A little softness?

The rugged look? How about a living retreat?

Deciding exactly what you want often times can be the hardest part of the entire project. Try not to get so caught up in all your specific backyard limitations or budget at this point and think bigger picture.

Ask yourself this question “What do I want to do out here … cook,

entertain, sit back and enjoy a water feature with some bed spaces, or all of the above?”

Almost any situation can be manipulated to fit

your scenario so do not get overwhelmed by the details too soon.

Start with the patio or main feature of the

backyard and design out. When extending or

adding a new patio/outdoor living space, always

budget for more room then you think you will need. All those extra guests can really fill up the patio chairs.

About 25-30 feet per person is just right for sitting space with little room to move around.

Setting up your furniture in the lawn and spraying some outline is a great way to come up with what will work best for you, whether you’re looking to create an outdoor kitchen or living space.

Once you have the layout of your patio/sitting space you can start to overlay beds or soft areas to the design. Keep in mind your fields of view from the rear windows of the house and new patio sitting areas. You do not want to create any focal points that are features and spots that might be blocked by seating or patio cover posts.

To balance the soft and hard space is essential, but this does not mean you have to mirror what you do on one side with the other. Just keep it natural and change it up.

Sometimes just using a couple common plantings or similar stones through these spaces will carry enough similarities to tie it all together.

Privacy screening, especially out here in Lantana, is very much needed. Creating a wall out of some dense plantings is a great way to frame in the back area, balance the height of the patio cover and get you that privacy you want.

Staggering the plantings will offset the flat affect all the wood and iron fence leaves us looking at while helping add depth.

With the fun stuff laid out (patio and landscape) there still are a few commonly overlooked items that need to be addressed.

Make sure the irrigation has been set up to accommodate your new spaces. Thirsty plants, grasses and trees all need different amounts of water throughout the year; so save yourself future replacement costs and make sure all areas are on separate zones and are adequately set to the different run times.

Don’t mix and match your rotor heads with pop-up style heads or you will regret it in the summer. Check the drainage as most lots will have a swell that goes across the backyard to direct and discharge water coming from neighboring lots and your own.

Make sure a new drainage system is in place to keep the water flowing so you don’t end up drowning the plants or wading through a flooded patio.

With a solid vision and the right contractor creating your space it should be a blast. There are many other things that will come up during the process but just remember to not let any one thing overwhelm you and try to have fun!

By PJ Kratohvil Complete Solutions 214.735.1364 JANUARY 2016 | ARGYLE LIVING | 21

22 | ARGYLE LIVING | JANUARY 2016

Football:

Argyle Falls

season, and came on the grandest stage of them all.

This year was eerily similar. Leading 31-27 with 2:09

left in the game, Argyle watched almost helplessly as

La Vega stormed down the field and stole a two-point lead on a quarterback keeper from Jamal Williams

with 11 seconds left in regulation. Argyle nearly forced

overtime when it blocked the ensuing extra point.

At State

By Steve Gamel

Making it to the state title game has become somewhat old hat for the Argyle football team, and really its athletic program as a whole. The Eagles are title contenders in practically every sport. It’s what they do.

Football is still the trendsetter, though, having

advanced to three straight University Interscholastic

League state title games – four in the last five seasons. But

lately that last hump has been a rough one to climb for the Eagles, who have brought home just one gold medal in that stretch.

That includes last month, when Argyle fell 33-31 to

Waco La Vega in the Class 4A Division I final.

“We have great players. These kids are dedicated

to year-round preparation and they definitely put the

time in,” Argyle coach Todd Rodgers said shortly after the loss at NRG Stadium in Houston. “They have a

huge investment in what we’re doing here. They want Argyle to win.”

Rodgers added, “For the outcome of the game not to

be [a win], it’s devastating.”

Rodgers was right.

Dylan Sadler returned the ball just past midfield before he was chased down.

The Eagles had one more crack at tying the game

after the ensuing kickoff, but the Hail Mary pass failed.

The fact that the Eagles – who

finished 14-2 on the year – were in

this game was a credit to how tough

they are to beat. Argyle’s offense mustered less than 50 yards in the first half and only had a couple of

first downs in that stretch. Argyle finished with 247 yards thanks to key halftime adjustments and a

offensive attack to a more balanced

approach between the run and the pass.

Quarterback Dane Ledford finished the season

with 2,820 yards and 29 touchdowns thanks to a solid arsenal led by the senior trio of Drew Estrada, Gage McCook and Clemson commit J.C. Chalk.

Running

back

Taylor

Sweatt rushed for 1,576 yards and 28 touchdowns. Sweatt

was one of several players

over the years who stepped in at multiple positions when necessary to help pick up the slack.

“Everyone’s

goal

is

to

win. We’ll do whatever it takes,”

said

Sweatt,

who

defense that forced three of La Vega’s four turnovers. the third quarter.

season. “Even if you don’t want to play that position,

with two interceptions and a blocked extra point. He

of the team.”

Two of them – a fumble and an interception – came in Sophomore defensive back Gage Campbell finished

was named the game’s defensive MVP despite the loss.

game as a linebacker before switching to offense this

you do it anyway because it’s for the greater good Rodgers agreed, and despite the loss, had the look

awesome,”

of a coach who knew his team would be back next

schemes and were able to dial up some big

Argyle won state titles in girls basketball, baseball,

couple of them.”

year, the school has been runner-up in volleyball and

“The

halftime

adjustments

were

Rodgers said. “We changed up the blocking

year. And why would he think differently? In 2015,

pass plays where we hit them downfield on a

volleyball and boys golf. Dating back to last school

In the end, La Vega always had an answer. The

Pirates (16-0) won their first state title by rolling up

400 yards of offense, including 234 of those yards coming on the ground.

Rodgers said the burn of this year’s loss will wear

game trips in 4A by a combined nine points. In 2014,

pill for any team to swallow. That’s especially true

42-35, at AT&T Stadium. It was their lone loss of the

as it moved from a run-based

was named the defensive MVP of the 2014 title

off in a few weeks, but he admitted being so close in

the Eagles lost a double-overtime thriller to Navasota,

metamorphosis this season

The Eagles are title contenders in practically every sport. It’s what they do...But lately that last hump has been a rough one to climb for the Eagles, who have brought home just one gold medal in that stretch.

Since its magical and dominating 16-0 run to a

Class 3A title in 2013, Argyle has lost its last two title

The team went

through a bit of a

back-to-back trips to the state final would be a hard for Argyle, which has become one of the state’s elite programs over the last five seasons.

twice in football.

Sounds like quite the winning formula.

“They are all awesome. They are all great players,” Rodgers said.

“Some of these guys were making contributions when they were sophomores. That’s not a reflection on me, it’s a reflection on all of us.”

JANUARY 2016 | ARGYLE LIVING | 23

Coaching Corner

A

Move

By Stacy L. Allen, CACP a Certified Coaching Practitioner who helps people find their value and reach their personal, relationship or professional goals. Ask Stacy your questions at questions@stacylallen.com or for more info about her services call 972.965.6487

s I talk with people, I notice two common things that can keep us stuck mentally, physically and spiritually: regret over the past and fear of the future. When we spend too much energy disappointed about yesterday or worrying about tomorrow, we miss living today.

Regret over the past

Argyle resident

First, stop looking behind you. We don’t have eyes in the back of our heads for a reason. We’ve all made mistakes. Life is more about where we’re going than it is about where we’ve been. Our past negative choices and experiences can become valuable if we let them. Make an agreement with yourself that, from this point forward, you will choose to use what you have learned to grow personally and to help someone else. Forgiving yourself and others is often necessary to clear the negativity of the past from your heart and mind.

Don’t allow your past to define you. Simply live today wiser, stronger and healthier because of what you now understand.

24 | ARGYLE LIVING | JANUARY 2016

Worry about the future Next, quit straining to look too far ahead in

Do your best today Instead, look directly at the steps you want

the distance. Making some plans is necessary

to take today. This is the day that needs your

on what may or may not happen, it becomes

maximize to the fullest. Laugh, work, play, sing,

and beneficial, but when the focus is too much counterproductive. Why should we borrow

trouble from tomorrow when today needs our best investment? Much of what we worry about

never happens, and many problems we feel

anxious about are beyond our control. Worry

has zero power to change the future, but the choices made today definitely will. Simply

take action now.

attention. This moment is the one you can

help, try, speak, dream, give, breathe, think, exercise, believe - each moment has unique potential. Regardless of what has happened in

the past or what may happen in the future, we

have the power to make now as wonderful as it can be. Choosing a positive path and moving forward one step at a time is a gift we can give ourselves each day. Our minds, bodies and spirits will thank us.

JANUARY 2016 | ARGYLE LIVING | 25

IN G

M AG

AZI

’S R O T EDIPICK 2016 RE C

IPI

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E’S

ARG YL E

L IV

orld A

in the

Woods

Argyle Addiction Center Offers Repose

By Contributing Writer

O

n a hill in Argyle stands a house that healing built, a place of serenity and tranquility for those on their journey to finding deliverance from addiction and dependence on things that have worked to destroy their lives.

26 | ARGYLE LIVING | JANUARY 2016

The Santé Center was founded by Deb and Rip Corley, siblings from North Texas who were fustrated with how managed care in traditional hospitals was dictating some of the treatment for recovering addicts.

“They wanted to start their own facility that people could receive the best treatment possible for addictions and mental health issues,” said Sam Slaton, Santé’s COO and an Argyle resident.

“They wanted to have a treatment center where people could work on everything holistically.”

The center offers a variety of levels of care provided within the mental health addiction field, from sub-acute medical detox to outpatient

counseling. A residential program is mainly for clients who have a dependency or have had one in the past.

Intensive outpatient and transitional living opportunities are also available. Those in transition were formerly in primary treatment and are now in the outpatient program but are living off-campus in one of Santé’s apartments.

There is also a stand-alone clinic offering community-based services such as counseling and psychiatric services for anyone in the community.

Slaton said at Santé, treatment isn’t measured in number of days but in the amount of goals achieved.

The Slaton Family photography by: B Faith Photography

“Recovery is not a light switch fix … it’s a

lifetime focus,” he said. “It can be like a cancer that will never have a remission date … That’s the power of addiction, that’s the power of mental

come from anywhere in North America. When someone calls in, it’s usually a loved one or a professional looking for information.

health issues.”

Slaton grew up in Highland Village and

attended UNT, where he also had an internship role at the Santé Center. He said a lot of

people, even those who live nearby, don’t know the center exists.

“The town and community of Argyle is

growing and recognizing what Santé offers,” he said. “When I first started no one knew what it

“Very few people understand that the Santé Center for Healing is an internationally recognized treatment center.”

was. The word is spreading about who we serve.

Slaton has never heard anything negative

about Santé being in located in Argyle. He said

the center has positive relationships with the neighbors on either side

That remote locale, shrouded in nature and

away from the business of the world, can have a healing impact on the clients who live there.

“Environment definitely plays a big role,”

Slaton said. “Being in a tranquil environment where people can disconnect … where it can be

“What we offer here is individualized

treatment,” Slaton said, adding that while

For more information call 800.258.4250 or visit us at www.Santécenter.com 914 Country Club Rd. • Argyle, TX 76226

like the Santé Center offers, there are some ways of determining how many clients feel healthy again.

Follow-up surveys are done 30, 60, 90 and 180

days post treatment.

live in the area. Between 50 and 60 percent of

treatment at Santé, close to 90 percent are still

clients are from Texas and Oklahoma. The rest

“Our goal with the financial piece is to rule people into treatment, not rule them out of it,” Slaton said.

The center works with several insurance companies for client treatment and has never asked a client to leave treatment because of financial issues, he said.

“There’s no cure for addiction. It’s a battle that you can definitely fight and have a long, meaningful, joy-filled life if you’re willing to put in the effort to fight for your recovery.”

success rates can be subjective for what facilities

calm and soothing.”

The Santé Center gets some walk-ins who

Santé is a private pay facility that has the option to work with people financially in any way that they can.

“We have found that people who complete

sober after one year,” Slaton said.

JANUARY 2016 | ARGYLE LIVING | 27

C.E.S.

COMPLETE EXTERIOR SOLUTIONS

We appreciate you supporting small business by shopping local.

30 | ARGYLE LIVING | JANUARY 2016

She Helps You Find Out

YOUR Plan “Be”

By Contributing Writer

L

ibby Spears is a woman on the move, now that she knows what she wants to “be” when she grows up. The Lantana mother of two is a communication specialist, focusing on helping people get from a point of change to the next chapter of their lives.

“There’s a fundamental question that we all need to ask of ourselves before we start …

‘What do you want to be?’ From there you can make plans.”

Spears taught communication studies and did graduate work at UNT, then went on to teach at TCU. “It was at that time that this business I have now started getting a lot more momentum,” she said. “I love what I do. I get to educate no matter what stage I’m on or what room I’m in.”

Although Spears speaks locally from time-to-time, she normally works with statelevel chambers of commerce and corporate leadership training. Right now, she’s working with a Canadian engineering/architecture/ science firm, facilitating a nine-month long program with its U.S. locations.

Her topics are varied, but include emotional intelligence, communication, management, public speaking and storytelling – topics that inform the topics that are important to leaders who want to be successful.

Spears’ keynote talk, “What’s Your Plan Be?” also has a book and program connected to it.

She often speaks on this and other topics at social events. Another of her topics is about how different generations relate to each other in the workplace.

“There’s just a big difference between how young professionals think about the workplace and how Gen Xers and Baby Boomers do,” she said.

In fact, in the past 2-3 years, this has been Spears’ most popular workplace talk.

Additionally, Spears’ business, Bravo Communications & Consulting, also hosts

fundraisers and offers scholarships. One of her biggest initiatives is a Girls Night Out fundraiser held just this past month.

“This is how I want to start my year,” Spears said. “I want to give before I receive.

The idea behind it is I love the idea of a fun party that’s raising money to do something that’s important.”

Each table at the event, held in Lewisville this past year, sells at a price. About 250 women

“...when you come from a place of that’s not enough, that absolutely changes the opportunities that come your way.” attend, including some teachers. Spears reaches out to people in the community who care about a particular school, then enlists them to help buy a table for 10 teachers from that school or district.

For the past five years, this fundraiser has benefited girls in Denton ISD schools through the Denton Public Schools Foundation. This year she is also doing the same scholarship with Lewisville ISD and is also starting to awarding scholarships to boys.

Spears has daughters who are a freshman and a junior at Guyer High School.

“As a business owner I want to provide the opportunity for others …,” she said. “I live in this community, this community is important to me. I’m raising a family here. This is just that thing that I do to say this is what I care about the most.”

Bravo’s leadership committee is composed of women who have kids who are in Denton schools. Many have been friends since their kids were in kindergarten.

One of them has directly seen Spears’ approach change her life’s direction.

“I’ve done this for 10 years. Every time it happens I still am amazed by how many people come to me and say, ‘I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up.’ Then I’ll have them also say, ‘I guess it doesn’t really matter because it’s too late. I just need to stay miserable in this job that I have.’

“There has to be a better way to have this conversation and to address these challenges and have a system in place where you can really address what you want to do.”

Sometimes that means doing small things. Sometimes the steps taken are more life changing A friend on Spears’ committee held a degree in marketing, used it for a few years and decided to be a stay- at-home mom.

“Her kids got older – she’ll be 50 in two years – and she kept saying to me, ‘I’m unhappy and I don’t know where to begin.’

“Finally one day she said it out loud.

‘I want to be a nurse. That’s what I’ve always wanted to do.’”

Spears helped her explore different options to make that happen and now she’s two classes away from filing nursing school applications.

“She had to get over that internal dialogue that was telling her, ‘You’re too old. It’s too late.

You can’t do this thing.’ [Now] she’s so happy,” Spears said. “That’s the kind of thing that I try to help people achieve.”

“It’s all a matter of perspective. When things go wrong like the economy so many people panic. I think when you come from a place of that’s not enough, that absolutely changes the opportunities that come your way.”

JANUARY 2016 | ARGYLE LIVING | 31

Real Estate

Dallas-Fort Worth

By Will Woods

Housing Market I

n 2015 the federal government launched extensive new mortgage loan guidelines, the Federal Reserve raised rates, and the economy did not improve significantly. All of these items individually were supposed to have a negative impact on home sales. Imagine the overall impact of these events happening in one year.

The housing market in Texas and DallasFort Worth must have slowed … well, actually, it did not!

The Dallas-Fort Worth housing market did exactly the opposite as it posted one of the strongest performances on record. According to the Metrotex Association of Realtors, the total sales volume was nearly $25 billion for 2015.

That is a $9 billion increase over 2014. Metrotex went on to put the increase in perspective by pointing out that the entire Dallas-Fort Worth housing market in 2011 was only $9 billion.

Forbes just recently reported that Dallas was the third fastest growing city in the United States for 2015 with Fort Worth coming in at the eighth fastest growing city. Forbes went on to point out that 5 of the top 10 fastest growing cities for 2015 were in Texas. Dallas-Fort Worth is benefitting from low unemployment, affordable homes, low overall taxes and very a reasonable overall cost of living. We continue to see new companies moving to the Dallas-Fort Worth area with names such as Toyota, Amazon, Facebook, Farmers Brothers Coffee, Liberty Mutual, JP Morgan Chase, FedEx, Fannie Mae and many others. Just one development in North Texas, Legacy West, represents more than 16,000 new jobs from the companies either relocating to Texas or adding significantly to their size.

According to a Dallas Morning News article the DFW area will add an additional 300,000 new jobs by 2019.

Just in December of 2015 alone 8,543 homes were sold in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. This represented a 21 percent increase over 2014.

December is the time of year that real estate historically slows down, however in 2015 that was absolutely not the case. Many homeowners found themselves with multiple offers and their home selling in just days. Buyers are struggling to find homes to purchase with only about 2 months of overall inventory available in the Dallas-Fort Worth market. This low inventory is close to a historic low. Many buyers are competing with 5 or 6 buyers for the same home. This market is

32 | ARGYLE LIVING | JANUARY 2016

– Unstoppable!

requiring people that are looking for homes to be incredibly strong December finish for 2015 very creative with their offers and a lot of times indicates that 2016 is going to continue to be a strong year for homes sales in the Dallas-Fort paying above market value.

This low inventory is benefitting local builders Worth area. The declines in oil price and rising as they are seeing many buyers coming to them interest rates did not have a measurable impact that would have preferred to purchase preowned on our local market. The incredible job and homes instead. The builders are rapidly building population growth in our area provides us with homes and most are currently operating with strong growth opportunities for years to come.

If you are thinking a backlog of build jobs.

Local communities are Forbes just recently reported that Dallas was about selling your home and are concerned that the seeing many new requests the third fastest growing city in the United market might be slowing for large land purchases and rezoning by home States for 2015 with Fort Worth coming in down, rest assured that it at the eighth fastest growing city. is not. The year 2016 will builders attempting to start unseasonably strong meet demand.

Metrotex also reported that the average home for home sales. We had $25 billion in home sales sales price for Dallas-Fort Worth in December for 2015. That is a stunning number. It will be of 2015 was $264,804. The was a 6 percent fantastic to watch our great area enjoy strong increase over 2014 and represents a significant growth as more and more people decide that increase. Typically, we might see 3-4 percent in Texas is a wonderful place to live.

Please reach out The Woods Group if we can ever a good year.

You might ask as you read this, “What does be of service to you in your real estate transactions. all this mean?” This strong data including the You can reach us easily at 214.733.9239.

JANUARY 2016 | ARGYLE LIVING | 33

area coaches

Growing

Future Husband, Fathers of argyle

W

By Steve Gamel hile speaking at an Argyle Chamber of Commerce meeting in November, it

would have been easy for Argyle football coach Todd Rodgers and Liberty Christian coach Barton Hundley to talk strictly about

their respective teams – and perhaps throw in a few X’s and O’s of the game.

But as they each pointed out, winning

games is only part of their job description.

In front of an enthusiastic crowd, Rodgers

and Hundley talked about the real victory, which is being able to have a role – however

big or small that may be – in raising the

Argyle resident

future husbands and fathers of Argyle.

34 | ARGYLE LIVING | JANUARY 2016

dispel myths about the hard core football “Many people don’t understand how hard I work to relate to coach. We wanted people to see these kids on a daily basis. I us in a different light, and to A coach can believe that is part of my break those stereotypes.” impact more job description,” Rodgers young people In a matter of 15 minutes, said recently about in a single year Rodgers and Hundley pooled his experience at the than the average together an impassioned Chamber meeting. person may do in

a lifetime. speech that focused on “I remember how coaches impacted my everything from teaching life, and I’ve had plenty of the athletes of today about their mentors along the way. My job is the work ethic on and off the field, leadership, development of these kids in Argyle. It’s humility, teamwork, and winning and losing not just the X’s and O’s. We are looking at a with class, to encouraging teammates, bigger picture here.”

Rodgers added, “We viewed this as an giving and receiving constructive criticism opportunity to speak from the heart and to and living a Godly life.

A coach can impact more young people in a single year than the average person may do in a lifetime. For Rodgers and Hundley, that means being a role model, understanding a player’s strengths and weaknesses and knowing that athlete well enough to make good choices for them.

A coach is crucial in helping players build confidence in themselves as a player and a person.

“We are building Godly men first,” Hundley said. “Not all of them are going to go on [from high school] and keep playing football. So it’s about preparing them for life and family.

“Football is merely a pedestal we use to speak the truth. The true victory is when we see these guys 10 years down the road and they are happily married with a family living in truth and glorifying God.” These are two men who clearly get what it means to raise the leaders of tomorrow.

During his portion of the presentation, Hundley talked about an acronym he uses called CRUSHED:

Commitment/Courage Respect/Responsibility Unity Selfless/Sacrifice Hard Work/Humility Endurance/Effort Discipline “We teach that every day, and we feel if we follow that, then we are going to be a pretty good football team,” Hundley said. “We understand that we are in these kids lives so much, and if we send the right message along the way, then there is no telling how many lives they will touch when they move past high school. The message just keeps going and going.”

Rodgers and Hundley agreed that it would have been easier to simply talk about the successes of their programs, and there are plenty of them. Argyle, of course, is a perennial playoff favorite in every sport.

The football team has competed in four state title games over the last five years, and over the last calendar year, the school has won titles in girls basketball, boys golf, baseball and volleyball.

Liberty Christian is no stranger to state titles and is nearly a lock to win the Henderson Cup – a title which recognizes the most well-rounded private schools in both athletics and academics – every year. The same weekend that Argyle’s girls basketball team won the Class 4A state title last school year, Liberty Christian’s girls team won the TAPPS crown.

Many people joked that Argyle was truly Title Town.

“Not many cities or towns can say they’ve had something like that happen,” Hundley said with a laugh.

The wins – on the field and in life – will continue to role in thanks to the powerful message these coaches are preaching to their athletes.

“What we do is bigger than a sport, building muscles, or learning a game,” Rodgers said. “There are so many aspects of an athletic program that influence kids for the rest of their lives. I can’t replace a father or a grandfather. I only have a small role in this. But at the end of the day, I hope people can understand my heart, and my love and investment in these kids.”

JANUARY 2016 | ARGYLE LIVING | 35

Tee Up Argyle High Students

To Support Project Graduation

By Jane Krzysiak

I

t was 70 degrees and sunny skies on Dec. 21 when Argyle High school students descended upon Top Golf’s The Colony location to tee up at the 1st Annual Argyle Top Golf Challenge.

Accompanied in many cases by friends and family,

the students partook in a friendly round of competition, all while raising money for Project Graduation 2019 to benefit the freshman class.

Photos Courtesy of Jane Krzysiak

Project Graduation is a program provided by many U.S. high schools with the objective of creating a drug and alcohol-free post-graduation party. The event is run entirely by parent volunteers, who are supported by community leaders and businesses dedicated to bringing this important event to life. Often the events are all-night affairs and are held at hotels, local businesses or community centers.

Project Graduation originated in Maine in the early 80s after the Oxnard Hills community suffered the loss of seven students during the 1979 commencement season through a series of alcohol- related deaths.

The community came together and worked with local media and businesses to create and promote this important initiative. Record numbers of students participated in this alcohol- free night and the results were a significant decline in teen fatalities during the ensuing years.

Because of its success in Maine, Project Graduation was featured and promoted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 1983 as a model for successful prevention activities. The program became popular and many schools throughout the U.S. have adopted the Project Graduation initiative with similar results. While all school functions are supposed to be drug and alcohol free, what sets Project Graduation apart is the buy-in and support of the students.

36 | ARGYLE LIVING | JANUARY 2016

They make a conscious decision to enjoy their graduation night sober. No other group – not parents, school administrators or law enforcement — can make that decision for them.

Argyle’s

Project

Graduation

is

a

nonprofit

organization. Individual classes begin raising money

often even before they reach high school to fund this important program. The support in Argyle has been tremendous the last few years, with well over 90 percent

of graduating seniors participating in the fun-filled

evening. That so many students choose to spend their last night together as a class in a safe, drug and alcohol

free environment is a testament to the hard work and

years of financial support and planning by parents, community and business leaders.

Argyle High parent Sarah Davee kicked off the

winter break by attending the Top Golf fundraiser with family. While the day was fun for all, Davee was most

happy to lend her support to Project Graduation 2019.

“I wasn’t the biggest believer in throwing a big (and

safe) graduation party for seniors until I talked to a

friend who lost two friends on the night of graduation,” she said. “Lending support to an effort like Project

Graduation is something you can feel positive about.

It impacts these kids for a lifetime. They’ve made the

decision to be there in a safe, chemical-free environment

and as a bonus they are building memories on their last night together as a class.”

Argyle classes sell everything from scarves to

umbrellas, host parties and holiday events to raise money for Project Graduation. The Top Golf Challenge

was a new way for the Class of 2019 to come together and offer a fun outing for AHS students, while raising

money for their post-graduation party. The inaugural event was a huge success with 50 participants. Due

to significant sponsor and parent support, more than $2,200 was raised.

Thank you to all who participated!

We’ll see you next year!

JANUARY 2016 | ARGYLE LIVING | 37

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Homes Sold in AISD (Last 6 Months) Address

Sq Ft Total

Address

Acres

Price

Lot 15 Prairie View Ct

2.500

$175,000

Beds

Bath

Acres

Current Price

Lot 20 Prairie View Ct

2.500

$175,000

Lot 35 Johns Well Court 2.500

$225,000

Lot 21 Johns Well Court 2.500

$225,000

4520 Shagbark Drive

2,020

3

2/0

0.138

$205,000

401 Boonesville Bend

4,007

4

4/0

N/A

$640,000

315 Collins Street

1,202

2

2/0

0.172

$201,600

147 Country Lakes Drive

2,775

4

3/1

0.230

$285,000

4604 Argyle Lane

2,608

4

2/1

1.033

$413,000

505 Boonesville

3,554

5

3/1

0.330

$575,000

110 Pecan Acres Lane

3,216

4

2/1

3.700

$610,000

705 Old Justin Road

5,205

5

4/2

3.920

$649,900

960 Noble Champions Way

5,475

4

4/2

3.172

$1,200,000

530 E Hickory Hill Road

5,705

5

3/2

5.000

$1,349,860

417 Sam Davis Road

7,223

6

6/0

5.243

$1,450,000

550 E Hickory Hill Road

3,028

3

3/0

13.774

$997,000

903 Dyer Road

4,603

5

4/1

4.552

$990,000

1224 Saddlebrook Way

5,010

5

4/1

2.802

$949,000

811 Caublestone Hill Drive

4,597

4

3/3

2.570

$812,000

11017 Hilltop Road

7,067

5

3/0

10.697

$800,000

730 Valley View Court

5,184

5

3/2

2.600

$795,000

4500 HWY 377

456.000 $8,750,000

204 Redbud St

0.367

$84,000

24 Fincher Trail

1.000

$159,500

904 Fincher Trail

1.000

$169,000

000 Donnoli Drive

N/A

$195,000

Residential Lots Sold in AISD (Last 6 Months) Address

Acres

Current Price

1001 Fincher Road

1.000

$160,000

1005 Fincher Road

1.000

$165,000

00 Killdeer Trail

11.958

$359,000

670 Badminton Drive

2.953

$330,000

Lot 9 Hickory Ridge Court

5.000

$405,000

500 Gibbons

8.790

$535,000

4990 Kiowa Trail Unit #3A

2.000

$157,500

6575 Faught Road

5.001

$237,500

13043 Gold Hill Road

2.124

$174,500

1317 Saddlebrook Court

3.202

$187,500

1 Acre & Argyle ISD! Custom wood cabinets, granite countertops, big kitchen island with vegetable sink and travertine backsplash.

Wet bar with custom wine cabinet, granite countertop and sink.

Gorgeous wood floors. Spectacular foyer with grand iron staircase.

Stone hearth with custom wood cabinets.

Reduced to $600,000

Lease Properties Available Address

Acres

Current Price

512 N US Hwy 377 Unit # 2-1

600sqft

$1,000

134 Old Justin Road

2,100sqft

$2,250

2770 Britt Drive

3,000sqft

$2,650

3209 Hornbeam Street

1,570sqft

$1,650

4520 Lacewood Drive

1,809sqft

$1,775

920 Brush Creek Road

3,218sqft

$2,795

4608 Shagbark Drive

2,682sqft

$2,275

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940.464.1111

JANUARY 2016 | ARGYLE LIVING | 39