Flower Mound Town Life November 2020

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

THE

PERFECT BALANCE

Family

&

OF LAW

LAW OFFICE OF KIMBERLY SHANKLIN

www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID LEWISVILLE, TX PERMIT NO. 977

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TABLE OF

Contents ASK THE EXPERTS

25 Home Decorating with Allison Fifer

35 Travel with Terri Guthrie 46 Organizing with Cloud Nine Organizing

53 Dentistry with Country Lakes Family Dental

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS 21 Connections Wellness Group: Supporting You During The Pandemic and Beyond

37 Sandi Hammons Studio: Helping You Look and Feel Beautiful

FLOWER MOUND PHOTO PAGES

24 Flower Mound Resident Photos 36 Flower Mound Resident Photos 38 Flower Mound Chamber Fiesta Photos

52 Flower Mound Resident Photos

12 Inside Community and Education 14 Service Dogs Making A Difference For Wounded Vets

17 Can You Really Have It All? 18 Safety, Warmth and Shelter 20 Parker-Mims Expresses Deep Concern About Our Youth

22 Dance Like Everyone Is Watching

26 The Worst of Denton County 28 The Basics of Virtual Car Buying 29 DIY Budget Friendly Coasters 30 Sheriff’s Corner with Sheriff Tracy Murphree

41 Keeping Motivated To Run Outside During The Winter

42 A Kickstarted Nonprofit 45 Increasing Breast Cancer Awareness

48 Simple, Homemade

Snickerdoodle Hot Chocolate

50 Bored? Go To The Library!

ARTICLES 08 How to Talk To Your Doctor Without Pulling Out Your Hair

11 Finding A Cure Diabetes: Awareness Month www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com

55 Holiday Cleaning Tips 56 This Holiday Season Shop Local

PAGE

32

THE PERFECT BALANCE OF LAW &

Family LAW OFFICE OF KIMBERLY SHANKLIN

Cover Image Kimberly Shanklin of

The Law Office of Kimberly Shanklin

58 A Paw-Some Woof-O-Ween NOVEMBER 2020 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 5

Publisher of Murray Media Group, kelly@murray-media.com

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Administration

Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors

Bobbi Byrne Alisha Tran

A T I ME OF

Reflection

I

have been sitting here at my keyboard on and off all day trying to think of the words that best describe the craziness of this year. Chaotic, confusing, and unpredictable are just a few I landed on. However, during my journey down 2020 memory lane, many moments popped out at me reminding me of all the things we are grateful for: our family, our health, our jobs, and good friends.

This year started off with a bang. We premiered not one but TWO new lifestyle magazines. And we could not be more pleased with the excitement and support the communities have shown us. We love being part of an area that embraces small businesses, encourages community relationships, and continuously finds ways to give back and serve others.

My favorite thing about Thanksgiving in Texas is that it kicks off the Christmas season. I love that after we give thanks, we can put up our trees and get into the holiday spirit! In Canada, where I was born and raised, Thanksgiving is in October, and it’s always on a Monday. I love that it is such a big deal here.

This time of the year, we tend to slow down and spend time with friends and family. And I love that we have time to reflect on our blessings and make new memories.

After the year we’ve had, I encourage you to look around and reflect on all of the things you are grateful for. There is still so much beauty in the world!

To our readers, our local businesses, and the talented staff we have here at Murray Media, we want to say thank you. We are proud of the publications we send out each month and we wouldn’t be able to do it without each and every one of you.

Writers & Editor Steve Gamel Brooke Ezzo

Diane Ciarloni

Advertising Inquiries

sales@murray-media.com

Production

Graphic Designers Caroline Brock

Alyson Modene

Cayla Thompson

Photography

Your Candid Memories Photography

What’s That Guy’s Name? | Photography by Guy T

Letters

Flower Mound Town Life invites reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments.

Email artwork@murray-media.com.

All submissions become the sole property of Murray Media Group.

Editorial Inquiries Call 972.899.3637 or email editor@murray-media.com www.Murray-Media.com Address: 3513 Yucca Dr., Ste. 200 Flower Mound, TX 75028 Flower Mound Town Life is published monthly by Murray Media Group. Some articles and/or content may be sponsored by advertisers. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. Flower Mound Town Life 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. © 2020 Murray Media Group

Don’t forget we love family photos. Send us your Christmas cards, your Santa pictures, and any pets-dressed-as-elves photos. Those are my favorite!

Sincerely, Kelly Murray 6 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE

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HOW TO TALK

TO YOUR DOCTOR WITHOUT PULLING OUT YOUR HAIR

by Contributing Writer

Y

ou go to see a physician because you want to learn about the issues you may be having with your health. The reality is you will only have seconds to say anything about your situation. After this, a physician will have a question, comment, or redirect the conversation. If you wonder if your doctor even hears what you’re saying, you are not alone.

Communication

patient’s health. When a person disagrees

This is not everyone’s experience when

they go to see their physician, but it is a common one. There was a recent study

with what a physician says, they

and not so much about your health history.

Both can help and physicians know that

more than 80 percent of proper diagnoses are made by effectively listening to

their patients. A list and notes can help a physician remember what they have

already told you. If you have your story

must respectfully communicate it.

may want to hear about your symptoms

and questions ready, a

Trust must be built and

IN MANY CASES,

communication with their patients. Less

them. There are certain

THERE IS A

these same physicians believe their talks

communicate effectively

DISCONNECT BETWEEN

disconnect between patient and physician

Make Notes

conducted that showed over 74 percent of physicians believe they have satisfactory

maintained between

than 22 percent of patients treated by

things a patient can do to

were adequate. In many cases, there is a

with their physician.

that is difficult to accept.

It may help if you have

Working Together

some notes about your

PATIENT AND PHYSICIAN THAT IS DIFFICULT TO ACCEPT.

It is understood that the better a physician

condition before you go

the higher a chance a patient will get

know the questions you want to ask, you

patient must work together to improve the

Patients have to realize that physicians

and a patient can speak to one another,

to your doctor’s appointment. When you

the correct treatment. A physician and

will listen more closely to the answers.

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| NOVEMBER 2020

physician will be ready to listen.

Honest and Accurate On the other side, it’s important to remember your

physician has many

patients who have not told them the whole truth about their

symptoms. This usually

happens when it involves something a

patient doesn’t feel comfortable speaking about. These topics often involve a sexual

question as well as the illegal use of drugs www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com

or alcohol and more. It’s important to try and work on developing a relationship with your physician where you are comfortable being

honest and accurate

They often follow various educational models such as rapport, empathy, support, partnership, explanations, cultural

PATIENTS HAVE

about any issue

involving your health.

TO REALIZE THAT

about the best way to

PHYSICIANS MAY WANT

It is important to ask

contact your physician with any follow-up

TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR

questions. Feel free

to communicate with your physician about

SYMPTOMS AND NOT

the experience you’ve

SO MUCH ABOUT YOUR

Physicians appreciate

HEALTH HISTORY.

your care as well as had in their office.

this type of honest

communication. They believe it helps

them learn more about the care they are providing and how their office is operating.

Physician’s Barriers

competence, as well as trust --which is better known as RESPECT. There is also acknowledge, introduce, duration, explanation, as well as thank you -- or AIDET. Some medical experts try

If you are experiencing a communication problem with your physician, you may need to seek ways to correct the situation.

You should always work with a physician that makes you feel as if you can trust them. A doctor who makes you believe they are listening to what you have to say about your medical issues. At the end of a visit, you may want to go over with your physician what was discussed and make certain you are both on the same page.

This can lead to a better understanding between the two of you and result in more effective communication taking place.

to teach physicians how to effectively communicate with their patients emphasize the Four

Es. This involves engage, enlist, educate, and empathize. This method is used as a way to help patients become active participants in their health care plans.

Try to understand your physician is also facing things that put up a

barrier for them when it comes to effectively communicating.

•

Patients being confrontational and

resistant to answering questions by

those who are providing them care.

•

They may unintentionally use jargon a

•

It is possible there is a cultural barrier

•

A patient or physician could

patient could misunderstand.

between a physician and their patient. simply have a lack of effective

communication skills. This often

involves not knowing when or how to respond to specific nonverbal cues.

•

There could be an avoidance of social

•

All physicians have a fear of

and emotional issues. being sued.

Communication Models Physicians are always trying to learn how

to communicate better with their patients. www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com

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Finding A

CURE Diabetes Awareness Month

by Brooke Ezzo | photo courtesy of Kathy Duke

N

ovember is Diabetes Awareness Month, a time when the diabetic community can come together to show the world what this epidemic is really like. Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.

There are several types of diabetes, most commonly we hear of Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction that stops your body from making insulin.

With Type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t use insulin well, resulting in abnormal blood sugar levels.

Genes definitely play a role in Type 1, but researchers believe it is a mix of nature and nurture; your environment, the foods you eat, and daily routines. People www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com

carbs. For instance, if I eat a plate of

spaghetti, I count the carbs and take the

insulin I need for those carbs. That is what will break down the sugar in those carbs.”

Insulin is the difference between life or death for people living with diabetes,

yet insulin prices are still skyrocketing.

Because of this, Kathy hopes that with

more awareness, more research will be done to find a cure.

“With two diabetics, I have to spend

thousands of dollars on diabetic supplies in some months,” Kathy said.

“THERE ARE STORIES OUT THERE ABOUT PEOPLE WHO CAN’T AFFORD INSULIN, AND THEY ARE RATIONING THEIR SUPPLIES. IT’S NOT LIKE AN ANTIBIOTIC YOU GET WHEN YOU NEED IT. IT’S NOT EVEN A CURE, BUT INSULIN IS THE ONLY WAY WE SURVIVE.” The research community is making

headway in beta cell replacement and regeneration – understanding why the

body turns on itself destroying the cells

that create insulin, immune therapy, and

Test strips, finger pricks, glucose monitors, midnight blood sugar checks, and thousands of dollars worth of insulin are just glimpses into a day in the life of a diabetic. This is something Flower Mound resident Kathy Duke and her son, Danny, know all too well.

“I was sick for a couple of years and didn’t realize it,” Kathy said. “I was diagnosed at 21 with Type 1 diabetes, and my son was diagnosed at 14 months old.”

working, so we take insulin and count

the development of an artificial pancreas.

“What a diabetic would specifically

want are things that would make our life easier. Every day you have to have your insulin and your supplies,” Kathy said.

“You can’t just run out the door with your cell phone and nothing else. You are living with diabetes are encouraged to live healthy lifestyles: maintain healthy weights, stay active, and manage blood sugar levels with food.

“You have to check your levels every day, at least five to 10 times a day,” Kathy said. “With Type 1, the pancreas stops

always planning ahead.”

Kathy added, “For me it’s about

awareness. Insulin is not a cure, and we need to find a cure.”

For more information on diabetes

research and ways to get involved, visit

www.jdrf.org and www.diabetes.org.

NOVEMBER 2020 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 11

INSIDE COMMUNITY

CONCERT IN THE PARK(ING LOT) Fri., Nov. 20 | 7:30pm-9pm | The Shops at Highland Village 1701 Shoal Creek • Highland Village, TX 75077 The final Concert in the Park (ing Lot) is tonight! Denton’s Rosana Eckert Quartet will be playing Jazz and Christmas Classics. Guests can park and sit outside of their vehicles in a vacant spot next to their car. Parking spaces will be marked to ensure social distancing.

Parking is first-come, first-serve. Tickets are $10 per vehicle, and all proceeds from concert go to the Kids Kastle rebuild. Get your tickets at www.EventBrite.com and search, “Concert in the Parking Lot.”

INSIDE EDUCATION

FLY HIGH BUTTERFLY A fourth-grader at Parkway Elementary recently published a book titled, “Fly High Butterfly.” Ricki Brathwaite wrote the book during her free time at school and credits her school learning experience for developing her into a better writer. The book is about a butterfly named Rose and touches on themes of faith, hope, and friendship. Get your copy on Amazon. photo courtesy of Greg Weghorst 12 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE

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HOLIDAY STROLL Sat., Dec. 5 | Wayne Ferguson Plaza 150 W Church St., Lewsiville, TX 75057 The annual Old Town Holiday Stroll is tentatively schedule for December 5 but due to COVID-19 restrictions, this event has not yet been confirmed.

As soon as a decision has been made the City of Lewisville will make an announcement. To stay up-to-date, visit www.CityofLewisville.com.

HOMECOMING KING AND QUEEN Congratulations to the 2020 Homecoming King and Queen: Jude Lugo and Madison Rimbey from Flower Mound High School! photo courtesy of Greg Weghorst www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com

TRAFFIC SIGNAL BOX ART PROJECT The Town of Flower Mound invites artists to compete for the chance to display an original design on a traffic signal box within the Town. This project provides an opportunity for local artists to display their work in a public space and it enhances and beautifies the Town’s landscape. Designs should be based on two themes, “The Flowers of Flower Mound” and “Celebrating Cultural Diversity.” Submissions for the 2021 wraps are due no later than Friday, January 29. For more information, visit www.Flower-Mound.com or email Krissi.Oden@flower-mound.com. photo courtesy of Krissi Oden

MAC&Z NOW OPEN Open 6 days a week, Sundays for private parties 4281 Esplanade Place Flower Mound, TX 75028 Located in The River Walk at Central Park, a nurturing indoor play area is now open. Mac&Z is designed to encourage creative and imaginative play.

They have party rooms available for birthdays and special events. Their inhouse café serves a full menu of food, coffee, tea and pastries. They also offer Spanish immersion classes and kids yoga. For hours and information, visit www.MacAndZ.com. photo courtesy of Hallie Mueller

TEACHER GRANTS INAUGURAL LEF WEEK RAISES OVER $203,000 The Lewisville ISD Education Foundation hosted a series of in-person events and virtual campaigns to raise $203,000 this past October in support of Lewisville ISD teachers, students, and community members in its first ever “LEF Week” celebration.

LEF is also celebrating its 30th Anniversary. Thank you to the Foundation for all it does for the LISD community! photo courtesy of Greg Weghorst www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com

On October 1, the Lewisville ISD Education Foundation surprised more than 65 teachers on 47 different campuses with grants totaling $103,000. Projects awarded this year ranged from technology to help students learn at their own pace to books written in multiple languages for students are dual language campuses.

Congratulations, teachers!

NOVEMBER 2020 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 13

Difference M A K I N G

F O R

W O U N D E D

A

V E T S

by Steve Gamel | photos courtesy of Operation Mutt22

J

ustin Rie was convinced that it would take a lot of hard work and at least a good 10 years before anyone would know what Operation Mutt22 was and how they could help deserving combat veterans.

He was spot-on about the hard work part.

The whole “10 years” thing was way off base.

In two short

years, Operation Mutt22 has

become another beacon of light

in the nonprofit

community. The Lantana-based organization, which is run

“Honestly, I’m still in disbelief,” Rie said of the program’s growth. “The amount of growth is unbelievable, and it’s gone beyond helping people in Dallas. We just sent one dog to Tennessee to be trained, and it will eventually move on to help someone in Montana. We are helping people, and that’s a great feeling.”

“THE AMOUNT OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT WE’VE RECEIVED TO CONTINUE OPERATING HAS BEEN TREMENDOUS.”

jointly by Rie and Jacob Robinson and

now has a second facility in Tennessee, trains and delivers service dogs to

veterans who return home suffering from extreme emotional and physical trauma that is often too difficult to overcome alone.

They’ve managed to place 44 dogs in that

stretch and have gone beyond veterans to also help domestic violence victims, rape victims, sexually-abused children, and families of fallen soldiers.

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hesitation, he accepted his wife’s advice to get a service dog. Seeing the benefits in his own life, he wants to help others benefit.

To receive a service dog through Veteran Affairs is roughly a three-year process — an overwhelmingly long wait time for those men and women who have served our country. Operation Mutt22 provides its services at no cost to the person

The idea for the foundation stems from Rie’s personal experiences. After serving in the Marines, Rie experienced life-altering PTSD from his time in the field.

His condition was so severe that it took him six years just to feel comfortable going to the movies with his wife. With

| NOVEMBER 2020

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in need and can do so much faster.

Beginning with basic obedience training, the team gradually guides the dogs in their program to behave appropriately in various environments and serve the specific need of the veteran.

This can include PTSD alerting, seizure response, or serving as a mobility or stability partner.

“The amount of community support we’ve received to continue operating has been tremendous,” Justin said. “There are no salaries. There are no paychecks. Every dime goes to a vet or a dog, and we’ve

never stopped operating — even during COVID-19. People believe in us and what we are doing.”

The trainers at Operation Mutt22 are committed to instructing these amazing animals promptly and to be of assistance throughout a veteran’s journey with their dog. Veterans are encouraged to send an application for a service dog to operationmutt22@gmail.com and visit the foundation’s Facebook page Operation Mutt22. Contact their office for more information at 903.556.0882. www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com

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CAN YOU REALLY HAVE

IT ALL

R

by Diane Ciarloni | photography by by Sharon White Photography

emember when regular, ordinary females began having careers outside the more traditional roles? Goodness! They wanted to become doctors, lawyers, engineers, and even – you’ve got to be kidding – astronauts.

emergency responders. She also works as a hostess at a local family restaurant and is a three-time Miss America local

teen title-holder. She hosted a Special Olympics and volunteers at hospitals.

She’s a Girl Scout Ambassador, an Air

Force JROTC leader, and a high school Aerospace Scholar on behalf of NASA Johnson Space Center.

How does she balance everything?

“I think everything I’m involved in

contributes to my overall personality

and character,” Lauren said about her

breakneck lifestyle. “I’ve been exposed to so many things. I’m busy but I also recognize the need for quiet time.

“I’m currently a candidate for the Naval Academy, which is extremely exciting.

I’m required to commit five years of my

life to the Navy after graduation. To me,

there would be so many benefits in doing that. Right now, I think I have a pretty good shot at acceptance.”

And most of these regular, ordinary females planned to enjoy highly successful careers while also being devoted wives and mothers.

What does this bombshell young lady aspire to do as a career?

“It would be a dream-come-true to work

That was about the time other people began saying things such as, “You can’t have it all.” And, sure enough, most of the ambitious but regular females began to falter. They began admitting the burden of a demanding career, combined with the intense challenges of being a “good” wife and mother, was too much of a burden.

Something had to go and, of course, it was the career.

with NASA as an electrical engineer and

Well, here we are in 2020 and a young, 17-year-old lady named Lauren Faria of Flower Mound seems determined to break the mold.

heritage defines her gentle beauty, and

Lauren is a dynamo. She’s a whirlwind spinning in a controlled pattern. Her confidence spills out of her with a force well beyond the level of other teenagers.

Ask her a question, and she answers without hesitation. The words come out rapidly and steadily, almost as if she rehearsed them.

be a part of actually putting people on

Mars in a livable situation,” she answered.

And what about marriage and family?

Just like all the other questions, there’s no hesitation in her answer.

“Oh, yes. Definitely.” she said.

Lauren is a second-generation Americanborn Portuguese-Filipina. Her genetic

she’s grateful to both sets of grandparents Lauren has a multitude of involvements.

There’s an Instagram podcast called Learn with Lauren. According to her, science “is magic,” and math is every bit as exciting as a trip to Paris. She marches in the nationally ranked Flower Mound High School band and is the flute squad leader. She co-hosts a teen podcast titled Girl Edition. It was her idea to hold a musicthon fundraiser to benefit COVID

for their stories and sacrifices. All four are still living.

Oh! One last thing. Would Lauren like to go to Mars? Of course, she would. But there’s one problem.

“I’m terrified of heights,” she answered quietly.

Well, maybe she can have it all, with the exception of Mars.

NOVEMBER 2020 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 17

SAFETY, WARMTH

Shelter AND

by Contributing Writer | photos courtesy of Cloud 9 Charities

U

ncertain times call for living life uniquely. As our democracy rolls into a new era, the changing of seasons brings a cool chill to the air, and life as we know it continues to present new adventures and challenges.

Cloud 9 Charities stands firm in its mission.

For more information, go www.cloud9charities.org or follow the charity on social media.

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Since its inception in 2004, Cloud 9

Charities, Inc. has hosted numerous awareness and fundraising events to address a multitude of needs

throughout our local community.

Through these efforts, the charity has

raised approximately $3 million, which has been donated to several other non-profit organizations that share

its mission. Cloud 9 Charities is an organization of local leaders and

business owners with a passion for giving back to this community and

working to make it a better place in which to live for all of us.

After seeing a stirring episode of 60

Minutes which featured a father with

two school-age daughters living out of their van and bathing daily at a local

gas station restroom all while trying to

maintain solid grades at school and a job, Cloud 9 Charities Founder, Kim CloudSkidmore, knew she had to laser-focus the efforts of the charity’s board to a

unique niche of homeless families in

Denton County. Quickly discovering that

the Lewisville ISD had over 300 homeless students of its own, mostly from single-

parent homes, the board knew it needed

to create a non-profit initiative to address this growing population.

Beginning in 2019, Cloud 9 Charities

changed its focus from redirecting funds

TOGETHER, WE CAN BUILD A COMMUNITY WHERE EVERYONE HAS THE SAFETY, WARMTH, AND SHELTER THEY DESERVE. www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com

to a multitude of non-profits to solely supporting its own initiative, Bedtime Rescue (BTR). Bedtime Rescue, launched in January of last year, is an ongoing program that was created to provide temporary housing for homeless families within our local community.

This program brings relief to families and single parents so they can get back on their feet, connect with appropriate resources, and make long term plans for a healthy, successful future.

This initiative has established relationships with local hotels in order to provide shelter for those affected by crisis or abrupt homelessness. Bedtime Rescue, through fundraising efforts, provides the monies to cover the hotel expenses for those it assists. Funds are raised through private donations and two annual events – its Annual “Giving & Golf Tournament” held each Spring, and its largest event “The Best Little BrewFest in Texas” each October. Both these events are unique in that 100% off all proceeds go directly to funding Bedtime Rescue. This year’s BrewFest has a new twist due to Texas Social Distancing Guidelines as the festival draws nearly 3,500 attendees and volunteers combined.

As of January last year, Bedtime Rescue has provided over 2,800 nights of shelter for families throughout Denton County.

In 2020 thus far, Cloud 9 Charities’ Bedtime Rescue has assisted 96 families and continues its efforts with the challenge of COVID-19 pressing down on so many. Today, Bedtime Rescue’s statistics show an increase of 401% in homeless families needing assistance this year.

What is your mission? Together, we can build a community where everyone has the safety, warmth, and shelter they deserve. Join Cloud 9 Charities and Bedtime Rescue in making a difference in our local community — be a sponsor, join the board, volunteer, make a donation, change your charity of choice at the grocery store, and online shopping outlets…even for a day!

As we roll into the holidays, join Cloud 9 Charities and Do Life on

Mission. Support Bedtime Rescue in its efforts of providing safety, warmth, and shelter one family at a time.

Bedtime Rescue has teamed up with Kendra Scott for a Kendra Scott Gives Back Event on November 21st from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Highland Village.

Shop at their new store located at 1500 Cottonwood Creek #180 in the Shops of Highland Village and make sure to mention Bedtime Rescue at Checkout for 20% to be donated back to the organization!

NOVEMBER 2020 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 19

PARKER-MIMS EXPRESSES

DEEP CONCERN ABOUT OUR YOUTH

T

by Lewisville Attorney Delia Parker-Mims

he comprehensive effects of COVID-19 have yet to be realized. Of course, we all anticipate the effects on our health, the long-term illnesses, and how it will impact our economy. But in developing an approach to handle these effects, we need to start looking at how it will affect each subset. Let’s consider young adults. We often overlook this group because their youthfulness serves as an added bonus of protection.

Unfortunately, in this instance in terms of the economic impact COVID-19 will have, young adults are experiencing the brunt of the economic impact.

Certainly, a devastating effect of the pandemic has been the joblessness our youth has suffered. This spring, young adults aged 16-24 had an unemployment rate of 25.3%, which is greater than twice that of workers 35 and older.

The high unemployment rate is due to the retail and hospitality industries – in which

almost half of young adults work – being hit the hardest. On top of it all, many of our youth aren’t eligible to receive unemployment insurance.

The fallout from our young adults’ unemployment is expansive. Studies show that 52% of those aged 18 to 29 have been forced to move back into

their parents’ or even their grandparents’ homes. That’s the worst since the

Great Depression! Another repercussion of unemployment is many college

students have been forced to drop

out of college, thereby damaging their future economic survival.

Another problem is the huge increase in mental health problems. An August 2020 CDC report says the pandemic

has caused nearly 75% of young adults aged 18-24 to report at least one

mental or behavioral health symptom, and 51.9% among those aged 25-44 have done so.

Those symptoms include ones of

anxiety or depressive disorders and COVID-19-related TSRD or trauma-

and stress-related disorder. Unfortunately, those symptoms can lead to initiating or increasing substance abuse and thoughts of suicide.

While overall the percentage of

Americans who have considered suicide

was 10.7%, among 18- to 24-year-olds the percentage who have seriously viewed

suicide as an option is a terrifying 25.5%!

THE PANDEMIC’S EFFECTS ON OUR YOUNG ADULTS & POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS Problems

Ages & Percentages

Solutions

Unemployment

16 - 24-year-olds: 25.3%

Job Center

Having to Live with Parents/Grandparents

18 - 29-year-olds: 52%

Americans Reporting at Least One Mental/Behavioral Symptom

18 - 24-year-olds: 75% 25 - 44-year-olds: 51.9%

Americans Considering Suicide

18 - 24-year-olds: 25.5% | All:10.7%

Health communication strategies & Program to ID. COVID-19-related TSRB symptoms.

Our county government needs to help young adults navigate the pandemic and emerge financially and personally well. They could: 1. Work with the school districts to emphasize training students for more skilled careers 2. Create and implement health communication strategies 3. Develop a program that identifies COVID-19-related TSRD symptoms early to prevent progression from acute to chronic TSRDs Please join me in making our community one that supports our young adults during this unprecedented time.

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Business Spotlight C O N N E C T I O N S

W E L L N E S S

G R O U P

SUPPORTING YOU DURING THE PANDEMIC

I

AND BEYOND

by Steve Gamel

t’s no secret that all of us have been struggling to mentally navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. For adults, the constant unknowns lead to anxiety over issues like layoffs, sickness, how to pay our bills, and fears over whether or not our kids are safe within school walls. Far too often, we must pretend everything is okay when it’s clearly not, which makes it worse for our children as they try to cope with their own issues: returning to school, feelings of isolation, and more.

Connections Wellness Group in Denton wants you to know you and your kids aren’t alone. It is okay to say that, from time to time, you may need help. Your mental health — even in a pandemic — is the reason they come to work every day.

“Our culture tells us, ‘keep going,’ and ‘persevere on,’ or ‘it will be fine,’ and ‘you’ve got this.’ But there has to be a counterbalance to that,” CEO Awstin Gregg said. “The way we become our best is seeking and having the support we need in tough times, which leads to more success in the end.”

over the past eight months. Thankfully, many people are calling Connections Wellness, which has set a new standard in handling the most clinically challenging of circumstances — whether in person or through teleservices. They have services that assist patients as young as 3 years old and currently offer programs for teens and adults that include Process groups, psychoeducational groups, experiential groups, psychiatric evaluations, nursing evaluations, and medication education.

Their therapies include cognitivebehavioral, solution-focused, dialectical behavior, motivational interviewing, cognitive processing, rational emotive behavior, SMART recovery, and many

“ YOU CAN’T KEEP POURING FROM AN EMPTY CUP.”

The sad reality is that mental health affects people of all ages, and Gregg said those struggles have only been exacerbated

other services depending on the need.

“When it comes to the pandemic, there are a few points we are trying to make, which include creating routines and structure for yourself, focusing on controllable tasks, and encouraging parents to check in on their kids more frequently,” said Dr. Syed Nizami, a child and adolescent psychologist and the medical director for the PHP and IOP programs. “We also want to help people learn coping skills and self-care, and finding ways to stay connected as best as we all can.”

Gregg agreed, adding that people can’t continue being a caregiver for their family and others if they do not receive any care or encouragement in return. That’s what Connections Wellness Group is here to do — even in a pandemic.

“You can’t keep pouring from an empty cup,” Gregg said. “It’s okay to say that, from time to time, you might need help.

I happen to be biased, but I think we are pretty good at providing that help. Let us support you.”

940.222.2399 | ConectionsWellnessGroup.com | 2701 Shoreline Dr., Ste. 151• Denton, TX 76210 www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com

NOVEMBER 2020 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 21

DANCE LIKE EVERYONE

IS WATCHING

by Diane Ciarloni | photos courtesy of Heather Ganson

RECOVERY WAS HARD. HEATHER KNEW IT WOULD BE, ...BUT KIERSTIN WORKED JUST AS HARD, PHYSICALLY AND EMOTIONALLY. 22 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE

| NOVEMBER 2020

T

here is no clear-cut cause for scoliosis. It’s a disease that causes a sideways curvature of the spine, and it happens most frequently during growth spurts prior to puberty. Why? Don’t know. It may be hereditary but, even if it is, we still don’t know the original, root cause.

Most cases are mild, often with no symptoms. It can worsen, however, in some children as they grow older. These cases can become quite painful as well as disabling. The condition cannot be cured.

Kierstin Ganson, 14, has scoliosis. The disabling kind, and that just does not work for a kid who’s been dancing since she was four-years-old.

Surgical treatment for scoliosis is a matter of timing, a matter of when to do it in terms of the growth spurts. Misjudge the time and the results could be permanently crippling.

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“I KNEW WE WERE LOOKING AT A SERIOUS DECISION WHEN SHE CAME TO ME ONE DAY AND SAID SHE COULD NO LONGER DANCE WITHOUT PAIN,” RECALLED HEATHER GANSON, KIERSTIN’S MOTHER.

“I knew we were looking at a serious

decision when she came to me one day and said she could no longer dance

without pain,” recalled Heather Ganson, Kierstin’s mother.

“She was in a growth spurt, and timing was critical,” continued Heather. “Scoliosis is

not a stranger in my family. I had surgery when I was a kid and all four of my

children have it to one degree or another.

Kierstin’s is the worst.

“According to research, Scottish Rite has

the gold standard for the scoliosis surgical procedure. We made an appointment and were lucky enough to meet with the head

of surgery. He said it was definitely time to go ahead and do it. He had it scheduled and done in two weeks.”

October 29, 2019, was the date. Surgery took 3 ½-hours. Heather’s surgery years earlier was nine-plus hours.

Kierstin was the perfect

patient. She went into the operating room strong, flexible, and supple

because of her years of

dancing. She was up and

out of bed a few hours after recovery and walking the halls the next day.

Recovery was hard.

Heather knew it would be, which is why she debated

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with Kierstin’s father as to whether or not their daughter should even have the surgery. But Kierstin worked just as hard, physically and emotionally.

“She was home seven weeks,” said Heather. “Yes, there were tears from time to time. There were a couple of ‘Why me’ episodes. One day she was talking about her dancing. She said, ‘Other people like it, but I love it.’

That’s when we would go for a drive and talk about other things.”

Kierstin continued working, returning to Marcus High School after Christmas.

She’s on the drill team there and is also the youngest member of an elite dance team.

competitions before spring break.

Then COVID-19 hit, and everything shut down. After that is when she auditioned

virtually for the Marquettes. She made it, but it wasn’t easy.”

Kierstin has regained her flexibility, but

there are some physical limitations in the

areas where the rods were placed during surgery. Her resilient determination is

allowing her to learn how to compensate.

“She’s very good and extremely competitive,” said Heather. “Dance and drill are really two different forms or styles but she really excels at both.

Public dance performances have been

“She got herself back into physical shape and actually participated in two

watching. After all, it was the love of dance

extremely restricted during COVID, but Kierstin is due for her 12-month post-

surgical clearance evaluation. If all goes

well, and if COVID-19 would move along, Kierstin will be dancing as if everyone is

that gave her the courage to endure the surgery and its risks.

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Home Decorating: Ask The Expert

The Art of Christmas

decorations will flow down. Many toppers take on a more traditional approach with a heavenly angel, a big bow, a twinkling star, or any type of metallic finial. Others have added a special touch of creativity with oversized stuffed animals, dolls, or toy soldiers. Be sure to use filler around your centerpiece to fill in space, accentuate a special color or attribute, and have it blend with the rest of your tree.

CREATING A

DESIGNER TREE

by Allison Fifer, POSH Home Staging & Redesign photo courtesy of Allison Fifer

C

Create Focal Points & Ribbon

reating a Designer Christmas Tree is fun and easy, right?! Well, actually it can be with the right planning. There is truly an art to creating a fabulous Christmas presentation in one’s home, however, there is also a “science,” shall we say, which provides a formula for excellence. Perfection is not necessary, nor the goal. While everyone has their own sense of style when it comes to decorating, one can simply follow the below formula to easily step into creating your very own Designer Christmas Tree.

Assemble, Shape, and Fluff After finding that special location for your tree and skirting its base, an essential yet often overlooked or rushed through step centers around shaping one’s tree after unpacking and assembly. Each branch is a vital part of your Christmas presentation, providing fullness as well as niches for ornaments in which to hang. Each branch should be straightened, positioned, and fluffed individually. This step is a bit time consuming and tedious but provides a huge payoff once decorating begins.

Playing a favorite Christmas collection of songs or fun holiday movies to enjoy while meticulously attending to each branch creates a fun tradition for you and

your loved ones in kicking off this allimportant first step.

Check the Bling Now that you have your tree assembled, fluffed, and full, this is a good time to check the lights on your tree. I like to refer to this as the bling! Be sure your tree is lighting up every branch on every row. If the lights are not coming on, ensure all plugs are connected and that fuses are good. Still no bling? Check to confirm each light bulb is securely in place or search for that broken bulb.

Top that Tree Some family traditions use the topper as the finale to the tree decorating experience. However, I like to start by creating an expression of art at the top of the tree to set the tone for how the tree’s

Just like in your home, a Christmas tree needs focal points so that one’s eye may rest on something beautiful and peaceful.

By creating focal points, you guide the eye through your tree while allowing your guests to experience its beauty as you do. To create a focal point, identify a few niches in the tree to accentuate with a chosen grouping including your theme color; i.e., flowers, ribbons, picks, oversized ornaments. Be sure to add various sizes, textures, and shapes for increased interest and dimension.

Draping and looping a few strands of ribbon from the topper through a focal point to the bottom row of branches creates a nice flowing touch.

Final Touches of Ornaments No tree is complete without the family’s traditional, heirloom, and special handpicked ornaments. Placement of solid color ornaments closer to the trunk of the tree will assist in filling in any sparse areas while also creating a feeling of balance both with color and shapes throughout. The more ornamental pieces are then placed among the tips of the tree’s branches to ensure sparkle, interest, and visibility.

And just like that, you have created your very own Designer Tree!

940.765.2684 | POSHHOMESTAGING.COM | ALLISON@POSHHOMESTAGING.COM

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NOVEMBER 2020 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 25

THE

WORST

Denton County OF

by Jean Eisenmann | photo courtesy of Jean Eisenmann

I

can’t wait for the Best of Denton County issue to come out! I think it’s wonderful that Denton county businesses have the opportunity to be recognized and commended by their very own clients and customers within their own communities. Congrats to all the nominees and recipients!

But what about things within Denton county that are not so positive? What about the WORST of Denton County?

Here are my nominees: • The Gargantuan Groups of Grackles That Gather in the Parking Lots of the “Big Box” Stores. (Say that five times fast, I dare you.) Murphy’s Law isn’t just that it rains right after you wash your car. Murphy sometimes sends you grocery shopping at the big box store right from the car wash. By the time you’re back in your vehicle, you have to open the roll of paper towels you just bought and clean the white mess obliterating the windows, or else your car had better know the way home by voice command. And the sound grackles make in unison as they bed down for the night would make Freddy Krueger shudder. I find them acceptable once a year, however, because on Halloween I like to be creeped out.

• Coyotes and Hawks and Fox, Oh My! Good commerce leads to progress, and new construction is a part of it. Consequently, woodland must 26 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE

| NOVEMBER 2020

be cleared, and displaced wild

animals find their way to Denton

County backyards to check out our

lawn furniture and test the cushions.

Perhaps dip a paw into the pool. Some residents – myself included – have never seen a wild

animal face to face.

Recently, I saw a

barn owl sitting on

our backyard fence. I

thought it was a hoot, until my husband

informed me it was

actually a hawk. No

wonder it screeched instead of hooted. I thought it was just hoarse.

• Closed Movie

Theaters. Iunderstand why it was necessary

grease staining your container and fingernails with a lemon-yellow, artificial butter-like substance

resembling frying oil. Or, in scientific

terms, JUNK FOOD. And that feeling

of satisfaction when you’re still picking the particles out of your teeth the next morning as you reflect on the movie you saw.

Don’t forget those ICEEs. Sucking them

I saw a barn owl sitting on our backyard fence. I thought it was a hoot, until my husband informed me it was actually a hawk.

through a straw used

to be my only workout for the week (bargain basement botox).

Recently, a few theaters have

reopened with

enhanced sanitation

and safety measures.

But does anyone in midlife really want

to see The Goonies or Sixteen Candles again? Buy the

popcorn “to go.”

There you have it.

to close movie theaters during

How great is our county when you can’t

can’t have a weekly hissy fit about

about, other than a couple of minor

COVID-19, but that doesn’t mean I it. I’ve made five different brands of

popcorn at home, but none equaled

movie theater popcorn; that glorious

think of anything negative to complain

irritations? We Denton Countians are a

lucky bunch. I think I’ll celebrate with some popcorn from the big box store.

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NOVEMBER 2020 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 27

The Basics Of

VIRTUAL

CAR BUYING

by BPT

O

nline car buying has become more popular in recent years. Instead of having to go out to visit dealer lots, car shoppers have found it’s easy to look at inventory, set up test drives, secure financing, negotiate the price, and complete the purchase - all online, from the comfort and safety of home.

Shop with safety and ease.

Understanding the virtual car-buying process ahead of time can help you score a great deal and make the whole experience a positive one. Here are the basics you should know.

negotiate on price and get a deal that

Set a budget. Before you start looking at vehicles, it helps to get a rough idea of what your monthly payments will be.

Car-buying expenses may include:

knowledge of the type of vehicle you’re

works favorably for your budget,” said Joe Pendergast, Vice President of Consumer Lending at Navy Federal Credit Union.

Price compare and get quotes.

With your financing in hand and the

looking for, it’s time to shop. Hunt for the best deals by checking car-selling sites

that pull inventory from multiple dealers, in addition to reaching out to individual

•

down payment

•

warranty options

•

title, taxes, and fees

your vehicle purchase while minimizing

•

trade-in value

and home delivery.

•

monthly ownership costs: financing, insurance, maintenance, fuel and depreciation

dealers by phone, email or chat. Some

dealers are offering new ways to conduct personal contact, including online sales Set up a test drive. Many dealerships

offer online virtual tours of their vehicles.

But once you’re ready to get behind the

Do your research. Once you know your budget, consider any must-have features such as size, fuel efficiency, or safety scores. Then, start researching cars online, filtering your search to match those features and your budget.

wheel for a test drive, they can often

Get your financing squared away.

“By getting preapproved for your next car loan, you’ll be in a better position to

With a market value in mind, contact

28 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE

bring the cars to you. Just be sure you

understand and feel comfortable with the test drive process, including any cleaning and safety procedures.

Ask for the price and perks you want. the dealerships that have the car you’re interested in and the price you want.

| NOVEMBER 2020

Keep it simple and focus on price before talking about dealer financing or trade-in. Car dealers may be willing to throw in a few extras, too. These may include: service and maintenance plans, spare keys, floor mats, mud flaps and even rust protection.

Get your new car delivered to your door. When it comes to actually buying the car, all the paperwork can now be done online or delivered. Ensure you’re satisfied with the safety processes and purchasing arrangement before agreeing to buy the car. When you’re done, the dealership can bring the new car right to your door. Plus, they’ll pick up your old car if you’re trading in.

“The virtual auto-buying experience is likely here to stay. For you, that means a more flexible buying process and less time visiting the dealership,” added Pendergast. www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com

BUDGET

FRIENDLY

COASTERS

by Caylie Howard | photo courtesy of Caylie Howard

A

re you looking for a sentimental holiday gift that won’t break the bank this season? Look no further! These coasters are absolutely perfect! Here is a list of supplies that you will need.

WHAT YOU NEED •

Small foam paint brushes

•

Mod Podge (I would recommend using Glossy)

•

Any photo or print of your choosing

•

Ceramic tiles (you can get these at Home Depot for less than 25 cents a piece)

•

Mod Podge Acrylic Sealer

•

Scotch felt pads

•

White scrap book paper

DIRECTIONS Step 1: Print your photos onto a sheet of white scrapbook paper. You would like them to be 4x6 in dimension.

Step 5: Smooth the picture out to get rid of any air bubbles. Be sure to be very gentle with this step to avoid any tears.

Step 2: Fit the photos to the tile and trim them as needed.

Step 6: Apply another coat of Mod Podge on top of the picture. Mod Podge sometimes leaves visible lines when applying. I’ve found that using strokes in back and forth directions helps to create minimal lines.

Step 3: Paint a layer of Mod Podge to the tile.

Step 4: Lay your picture onto the tile.

You’ll want to be very careful with this step.

Once the paper has touched the Mod Podge, it will be difficult to pick back up without ripping it.

Step 7: Let it dry over night Step 8: Once your coasters are completely dry, apply your Scotch felt pads to the back of the tile.

A fun way to gift wrap these is to stack them all together and wrap them with a festive ribbon or bow.

This is the perfect, meaningful gift for this holiday season. It is sure to bring joy to anyone who receives it.

www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com

NOVEMBER 2020 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 29

SHERIFF’S W I T H

S H E R I F F

T R A C Y

M U R P H R E E

WE ARE

Holidays & MENTAL HEALTH

W

ith the holidays approaching, the Denton County Sheriff’s Office Mental

Health Unit/Crisis Intervention Team is aware that the majority of people with mental illness report that the holidays make their conditions

worse. The holidays don’t necessarily worsen mental health conditions

specifically, but they tend to create

more stress. The resulting stress can then trigger or exacerbate mental

health conditions, such as depression

or anxiety. DCSO Investigators assigned to the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)

use their dual certifications as Peace

Officers and Certified Mental Health

Officers to obtain the most appropriate placement for individuals assessed

for emergency commitment. The CIT

provides the citizens of Denton County

with professional law enforcement mental health assessments and transportation of the mentally ill. In doing so, the CIT conducts emergency apprehension

and detentions independently and in

HIRING

If you are interested in a career in Law Enforcement, join our family and be a part of a great organization.

Detention Officer I positions start at $38,752.00 per year.

Visit our website to apply. www.governmentjobs.com/ careers/dentoncounty

with the goal of reducing the number of mentally ill persons being inappropriately incarcerated in the Denton County Jail and other detention facilities within the county.

Please remember that if your feelings of sadness during the holidays are accompanied by suicidal thoughts, do one of the following immediately: •

Call 911.

the Local Mental Health Authority (LMHA).

•

Go immediately to a hospital emergency room.

with the Local Mental Health Authority

•

Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.TALK (1.800.273.8255).

conjunction with Denton County MHMR,

The CIT remains in constant cooperation and area law enforcement agencies to

comply with jail diversion requirements

940.349.1600 | 127 N. WOODROW LN., STE. 300 • DENTON, TX 76205 | DENTONCOUNTY.COM/DEPARTMENTS/SHERIFF.ASPX 30 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE

| NOVEMBER 2020

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NOVEMBER 2020 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 31

The

Perfect Balance

Family of Law

AND

by Steve Gamel | photography by Your Candid Memories (YourCandidMemories.com)

K

imberly Shanklin insists she has one of those dreaded Type-A personalities you can see coming from four or five courtrooms away. She’s impatient, aggressive, and obsessed with doing things her way in a world where rules and procedure run her life. She also hates to disappoint and takes pride in bring prepared for anything.

Just ask her husband, Brody, who has

there for her clients. That has made the

and a busy family life for nearly 16 years.

Denton the perfect choice for anyone

watched her navigate a high-stress career “I’m fairly certain my husband thinks I’m crazy because I have detailed lists for

Law Office of Kimberly Shanklin PLLC in needing superior counsel for criminal and family law cases.

every part of my day, with back-up lists if

When Town Life magazine recently

Sometimes he’ll find me working out at

it was clear there is also a softer side

keeps moving because he knows I need

away the law degree, accolades, and

things go off schedule due to client needs.

caught up with Kimberly at her office,

10:30 pm and just shakes his head and

to this ultra-ambitious lawyer. Strip

to mark it off my list. ” Kimberly said with a laugh.

The point is that everything Kimberly has achieved on her own during her nearly

20-year career has been predicated on a take-no-prisoners attitude mixed with a

compassionate mindset of always being

impressive win-loss record, and you have the quintessential wife and mother who has created the perfect balance of law

and family life. She is a devoted wife to

Brody Shanklin, judge of the Texas 211th

District Court in Denton. They have lived in Lantana for nearly six years and have two sons, Bryce (21) and Brock (15).

“We have two amazing boys. One thinks we are crazy and has no aspirations of

being a lawyer, and the other looks just like his dad but has my personality,”

Kimberly said of her kids. “Our youngest negotiates and argues all his points, just like a lawyer, and he’s very smart about

it. Losing an argument to a child is both exhausting and frustrating.”

Kimberly could go on and on about her family. In fact, no matter how successful she is at work, the road she took to get here always had them in mind. Before

opening her firm six years ago, Kimberly spent 13 years working for a larger firm representing thousands of clients. The

experience she gained was invaluable, but it was a volume-based job. One case was always followed by seven or eight more

in a fast-paced environment, which meant longer days and nights at work and less time focusing on the attention both her growing family and clients deserved.

940.382.8216 • ShanklinLawFirm.com 32 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE

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In Kimberly’s eyes,

that’s not the way she

envisioned practicing law for the long-term. Rather than push people in and out, she wanted to take time with each client

she represented and

approach her job with a personal touch.

“The best thing I did

was go out on my own,” Kimberly said. “With

some of these family law cases, it’s very intensive

with multiple life-altering decisions involved. You

have to take a step back

and focus on quality over quantity so that you can

devote the time you need to each person. I love

helping all my clients in any way I can.”

She added, “I learned early on in my career

that it was easy to gain tons of clients with the

lure of telling them what

they wanted to hear and making false promises.

But when clients asked

for my opinion, I offered the truth — even when I

knew it may cost me that client. Then, suddenly, I noticed those clients

coming back to me after a horrible experience with someone who

didn’t deliver. Then,

those clients referred clients who had bad

You have to take a step back and focus on quality over quantity so that you can devote the time you need to each person.

experiences and didn’t

drug court and often represents both

trust lawyers. It was now

parents and children in CPS cases. She is

people seeking me out

also the go-to Denton County attorney in

based on reputation.

misdemeanor and felony criminal cases.

By knowing my worth,

I’m able to fight for my

One by one, Kimberly takes care of all her

help them with serious

is there to fight for them.

clients – all with a reassuring tone that she

clients who trust me to

life-changing decisions.”

And somehow, she’s always there for

Kimberly’s firm

her family. It’s about striking that perfect

represents clients in

balance between law and family life — and

all types of family law

Kimberly is clearly the best at it.

cases, including divorce, child custody, and

“No matter what is going on at my practice

of few attorneys chosen

spend as much time as I can being a good

clients through the family

me the flexibility and freedom to do that.”

adoptions. She is one

and how much work I put in, I want to

to represent high-risk

mom and wife. Having my own firm allows

400 West Oak Ste 204 • Denton, TX 76201 www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com

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Travel: Ask The Expert

EXPLORE

ON A

NEW FRONTIERS

IDAHO 1

PART

R O A D

I

T R I P

by Terri Guthrie | photos courtesy of Terri Guthrie

t’s hard to comprehend that one state could have such a diverse and spectacular landscape. Well, Idaho definitely does, and we have enjoyed seeing many of these sites on “Our COVID Getaway” Idaho Road Trip!

Twin Falls – It was here saw the old Oregon Trail. I have no idea how the pioneers crossed the Snake River Canyon, but today there is the massive 1,500-foot Perrine Bridge. We actually walked across it on the pedestrian walkway. It’s definitely not for those with a fear of heights!

Shoshone Falls – So many people have never heard of this “Niagara of the West.”

These falls are actually 52 feet higher than Niagara and are 1,000 feet wide.

Ketchum/Sun Valley – This is a great area. It’s even where the ski chair lift was

invented. Many celebrities live here parttime. The vibe and architecture is quaint, yet very upscale.

into the lake. We spent our time at Shore Lodge. Our favorite activity here was kayaking. We also enjoyed patio dining overlooking this magnificent lake.

Everywhere in Idaho, you will discover a postcard-perfect moment! It’s truly a wonderful destination for an unforgettable road trip.

Stanley – Redfish Lake is near the rustic downtown Stanley. It’s a glacier lake and sits at an elevation of 6,550 feet with sandy beaches and blue-green pristine water. It’s postcard perfect!

McCall – This charming town is built around the mountain-ringed Payette Lake and is near Ponderosa State Park that is a 1,000 acre stunning peninsula jutting

TRAVELWITHTERRI.NET | INSTAGRAM @TRAVELWITHTERRI | FACEBOOK TRAVELWITHTERRIFROMTEXAS

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Business Spotlight

lookfeel

HELPING YOU

AND

BEAUTIFUL

by Steve Gamel

I

t’s an uplifting feeling when you can walk into a room, and everyone stops to marvel at how beautiful you look. Your face has an unmistakable glow. The natural colors in your eyelashes and cheekbones are perfect. You look younger than ever, and perhaps the most inspiring part is that you manage to look that way every single day. Your friends are begging you to share your secret to the fountain of youth. Some may even jokingly accuse you of having a facelift.

The answer is permanent makeup. But the real secret lies in the artist who took pride in restoring your God-given beauty.

Meet Sandi Hammons, celebrity permanent makeup artist and owner of Sandi Hammons Studios in Highland Village. Sandi pioneered the permanent makeup industry, quickly becoming the go-to makeup artist and cosmetics specialist for Hollywood stars and popculture sensations all over the world.

They chose her because she can do things with permanent makeup that you simply can’t do on your own or with conventional makeup. She parlayed that notoriety into a career as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and mentor to some of the world’s foremost master stylists.

“Permanent makeup is a wonderful service when done right, and it really is artistry,” Hammons said. “I’m an artist; I understand the chemistry of the products and the colors that go into the skin. There are also so many techniques, so what I like to do is delve into what the client wants and what’s a good fit for the client’s face.”

There are several benefits to permanent makeup. The first is convenience. The days of buying over-thecounter products that don’t quite do their job and constantly having to reapply makeup are over. It’s also perfect for women who suffer from allergies related to conventional cosmetics.

The products that are used with permanent makeup promote balance in your face and features, adding natural fullness and color that complements your skin and hair tones.

“Because we inspire mastery, we only lease space to the finest cosmetic professionals in the area — leaving clients with stunning results.”

Other benefits include disguising flaws and scars on your face, enhancing lip color, and increasing your confidence.

Hammons carefully selected a team of five master-level stylists at her studio who specialize in permanent makeup.

And she is constantly providing masterlevel education for cosmetologists and aesthetic artists.

Sandi Hammons Studios, located at 2910 Justin Road in Highland Village, has quickly become the face of luxury beauty services designed to help you look and feel your best. Besides permanent makeup, their services include hair care and nails, hair and lash extensions, aesthetics, brow henna, facial fillers, hair removal, microdermabrasion, and more.

“Because we inspire mastery, we only lease space to the finest cosmetic professionals in the area — leaving clients with stunning results,” she said.

DITCH YOUR QUARANTINE LOOK AND GET GLAMORIZED TODAY! Apply to be a Permanent Makeup Model and SAVE UP TO $350 for a limited time only.

817.701.1756 | www.sandihammonsstudios.com | 2910 Justin Rd. • Highland Village, TX 75077 www.FlowerMoundMagzine.com

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Buy the right equipment: We all love to run in our sleek, new outfits during the summer. But none of that will work during the winter. Winter gear can include everything from gloves and hand warmers to long-sleeve tech shirts, running tights or sweatpants, and beanie caps. There are ways to layer up comfortably without feeling too weighed down for your run.

KEEPING MOTIVATED

TO RUN OUTSIDE During The Winter

Sleep in your running gear: To piggyback off the previous tip, consider sleeping in your workout gear. This way, you’re ready to go with zero excuses when the alarm clock goes off at 5 a.m.

by Steve Gamel

W

Sign up for a race: You’re less likely to skip out on a run in frigid temps if you’ve signed up for a local 5K and can use it as motivation to keep plugging along. Those race days can even count as your workout, and you won’t be running it alone.

hen the weather is great, there’s plenty of avid runners who prefer to skip the treadmill and log a few dozen miles outside on a nearby trail or through a few big neighborhoods. But it’s difficult for even the most dedicated of us to keep up that momentum during the winter when the wind, cold, and rain are so unforgiving that our noses freeze over and fingers turn to icicles inside the first half-mile.

Keep your mental game in check: Set goals for yourself and remember that this is wintertime. That means lots of holiday parties with food that’s not so good for you. These cheat meals will rack up and can easily expand your waistline if you start skipping two or three runs each week. Stay mindful of your weight loss goals and get to running as much as possible.

Simply put, running in the cold sucks.

Here are a few tips and tricks to keep yourself motivated to run outside during the winter: Find a buddy:

Running partners hold you accountable no matter what time of year you prefer to run. But they really come in handy during the winter when it’s easy to say, “Nah, I’ll just skip today and stay cozy under the blankets.”

As they say, misery loves company.

If you can get three or four buddies to power through a cold run with you, or you can find a local running club, you’ll be much better off.

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Reward yourself for going: The health and fitness gurus of the world will probably chastise us for suggesting this, but reward yourself with a delicious treat once a week for staying on task during the winter. Even if you don’t want to eat junk food, you can treat yourself to a day spa or even a splurge spree at the mall. Having a reward or incentive to look forward to goes a long way when it’s time to train.

What did we leave off this list? Is there something that you do to coerce yourself to get in those runs on a cold morning where you’re the only one out on the road working hard? Reach out to us and share your best winter running secrets.

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A

K I C K S TA RT E D

Nonprofit

by Steve Gamel | photos courtesy of P.J. Kratohvil

I

t’s no secret that the transition from active military life can be extremely difficult for many of our combat veterans. The mental and physically-disabling conditions they suffer from are overwhelming, and the yearning to recapture the unique brotherhood and sense of community they once had seems like it is lost forever in civilian life.

P.J. Kratohvil and Robbie Horne have lived in that world, and now they’re stepping up in a big way to help their brothers.

together and gets them back to living active lifestyles. They do that by hosting hunting trips and other activities that not only promote health and wellness but help restore that lost brotherhood and reduce or eliminate the life limitations many of these heroes are facing.

Kratohvil, a Marine Corp veteran who served two deployments in Iraq and now owns Complete Exterior Solutions in Flower Mound, has joined with Horne, who served in the It’s all about Founders Robbie Horne, P.J. Kratohvil, and Treasurer Ford Jacobs. same unit, to bringing create Therapeutic Recreation Group. back the power of hope to help build a The nonprofit brings veterans and community of veterans, first responders, first responders from their community and their families.

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“Our vision is to get these guys together, let them know we are here to support them, and let them experience things,” Kratohvil said. “We are looking right here in Flower Mound, Highland Village, and surrounding areas to build a community that supports our veterans, active-duty guys, reservists, and police and fire. We want to help bring guys who are doing great together and point them in the direction of guys who aren’t doing so great.”

Kratohvil pointed to several studies that prove that when you can introduce likeminded people who share similar life experiences into an outdoor environment, it allows that individual to decompress and help them open up and begin the healing process. Remember, these are service members who were wounded or traumatized during times of war. By pairing them with Veterans and Active Duty service members who have faced similar situations, they can learn coping www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com

techniques to fit back into society and reengage with their families.

Outdoor events are great first steps for this. They introduce something new and allow them to re-live activities they once enjoyed. TRG goes a step further with a follow-up program to keep everyone in touch, help veterans track progress if they wish, and continue to surround them with the support they need to achieve that functioning independence.

TRG also provides education to the community by giving free lectures and slideshows at corporate offices and other public venues. They utilize social media channels and the organization’s website to provide facts, statistics, and other related data on causes, current efforts, and solutions geared to help these patriots.

“We are incredibly excited to get this kicked off. There are a lot of nonprofits out there that serve and do great things. The ones I’ve worked with fly guys in from all over the country, but beyond the event, there’s no sense of community. We want to establish that,” Kratohvil said. “We want to pull from our community and create that for these people.”

Pictured above, Founders Robbie Horne and P.J. Kratohvil served together in OIF 1 & OIF 2.

Kratohvil said the idea for Therapeutic Recreation Group started a few years ago when he and Horne went on a similar hunting trip. As they were traveling back, they couldn’t stop raving about the experience and how amazing it would be to do something in their communities.

With P.J. living in Flower Mound and Horne residing in Austin, they saw an opportunity to create local chapters that served veterans and first responders in a way that truly makes a difference.

Their first official trip will be a duck hunt in Arkansas on December 12-13. Kratohvil said they are also planning a steer and hog hunt in January and a few more activities later in 2021.

“Who knows where this can go and who it can affect in a positive way,” Kratohvil said. www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com

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Increasing

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

by Precinct 4 Commissioner Dianne Edmondson photo courtesy by Commissioner Dianne Edmondson

S

adly, we all know someone who’s been affected by breast cancer --a wife, mother, relative, or even a neighbor here in our own block.

While there has been considerable progress in the fight against breast cancer, it continues to be the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States.

As such, it is important to continue increasing awareness of the disease that affects more than 300,000 additional women and their families each year.

When you look at the statistics, 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop cancer in her lifetime.

Men are affected by breast cancer as well.

In 2020, an estimated 2,620 men will be diagnosed this year in the U.S. Today, there are more than an estimated 3.5 million breast cancer survivors.

As public officials, your Denton County Commissioners are aware and concerned about this devastating disease. To demonstrate our concern, the Denton County Commissioners Court issued a proclamation on Oct. 20 to affirm our commitment in supporting the education of all residents about breast cancer as well as risk factors, early detection, treatment and support services.

...Denton County Commissioners Court issued a proclamation on Oct. 20 to affirm our commitment in supporting the education of all residents about breast cancer...

In 2020, an estimated 276,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S. as well as 48,530 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.

We want to give special recognition to our community’s breast cancer survivors who have or are battling the disease as well as to their families and friends who provide encouragement and support, and especially to those who have lost a loved one to this awful disease.

Whether it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October or any of the other 11 months of the year, we want to offer our full support to those who are dealing with this invasive disease.

To receive a newsletter contact Dianne Edmondson at | Dianne.Edmondson@dentoncounty.com OR CALL AT 972.434.3960. www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com

NOVEMBER 2020 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 45

Ask The Expert: Organizing

Organized Save Space, Time & Money

With An

PANTRY

by Crystal Nerpel, Owner of Cloud Nine Organizing

D

id you know that having an organized pantry can save you space, time, and money during the busy holiday season? Yep, it’s true. Getting your pantry organized before all holiday baking and family get-togethers is going to put you ahead of the game.

CLOUDNINEORGANIZING.COM

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Space-saving pantry ideas: If you are going to be baking and cooking during the next couple of months, you’re probably going to need extra space in your pantry for additional baking and cooking ingredients. There are several things I recommend to my organizing clients: •

•

•

Move packaged dry goods into clear, airtight, rectangular containers.

In addition to saving space, these containers save mess and keep food fresh longer (saving money already).

Remove packaged snacks (i.e., granola bars and fruit snacks) from boxes and put them inside small bins.

In addition to saving space, you’ll be able to see how much you have.

If you have the height, use stackable bins with lids.

•

Store round bottles and jars on Lazy Susan turntables.

•

Use wire baskets to store loose items (i.e., onions, potatoes, and seasoning packets).

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•

Start buying fresh or frozen vegetables. Canned foods are sometimes the biggest culprit of pantry clutter and have less nutritional value than the alternatives.

Save time and quickly find what you need:

An overstuffed pantry makes it difficult to see what you really have on hand. When you do find the hidden cans, bags, or

boxes of food, you may have to throw them out because they have expired.

That’s wasting money.

Yes, you should throw out expired food —

Cluttered pantries cause frustration, and frustration can snowball into other negative effects like an otherwise easy dinner prep turning into an annoying ordeal. When you can find your ingredients quickly, you may have just saved yourself a 20 minute trip to the grocery store. Family dinnertime should be the part of the day you look forward to the most — not the part of the day you dread because it’s just another chore.

no need to take chances.

Save money by shopping your pantry first:

pantry every week. Taking a few minutes

Look at what you actually have on hand before you make a grocery list and head to the store. Buying extra food doesn’t sound like a big deal unless it becomes a habit, and you start accumulating food-clutter.

Make it a weekly habit: The pantry will look different Friday

evening than it did Monday morning.

This is an area of the home that is

constantly changing because we are always eating our food and buying new food.

Make it a habit to pay attention to your

current stockpile and straighten up the

to straighten and rearrange will only make

life more pleasant as you are baking those holiday cookies or preparing for a big family gathering.

Tip: Always measure before

purchasing organizing products. Visit

CloudNineOrganizing.com/products

Simple, Homemade SNICKERDOODLE

Hot Chocolate

by Caylie Howard | photo courtesy of Caylie Howard

A

re you looking for a simple and delicious drink to make for the holidays? This recipe is sure to impress anyone who tries it. It’s perfect to make for any holiday party or gathering. Here are the ingredients you will need.

½ gallon of whole milk 3 cups of white chocolate chips ½ tbsp of vanilla extract ½ tsp of almond extract 1 tbsp of cinnamon

HERE’S HOW TO MAKE IT! Step 1: Pour your milk and white chocolate chips into a pot on medium heat. Make sure to stir continually until the chocolate chips are melted, or else the chocolate will stick to the bottom of the pot.

Step 2: Once the chocolate is completely melted, add in your vanilla extract and your almond extract.

Step 3: Add in your cinnamon and stir until combined. The cinnamon will want to clump together and sit at the top of your mixture. I’ve found that using a whisk continually helps to evenly distribute the cinnamon.

Step 4: Let simmer until you’ve reached your desired temperature.

Once your hot chocolate is ready, finish it off by dressing it up with your favorite toppings. My favorite way to dress up this drink is by adding whipped cream to the top and then sprinkling it with a little bit of cinnamon sugar.

This recipe is super simple and comes together in about 10 minutes. No matter the occasion, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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BORED? GO TO

Library!

THE

by Diane M. Ciarloni | photos courtesy of the Flower Mound Library Staff

T

housands, maybe even tens of thousands, of people equate libraries with darkish, maybe slightly musty-smelling places. And, of course, QUIET! “No,” said Sue Ridnour, Director of Library Services for the Flower Mound Public Library. “There’s no one going around the room telling everyone to ‘Shhh.’ Contemporary libraries have their quiet spaces, but they’re also centers for community activities. Even with all our technology, libraries are still very relevant.”

As a matter of fact, Flower Mound considers its library so relevant that it gathered $12,537,500 from a variety of sources to pay for an expansion that will elevate their physical space from 25,000-square feet to 40,000. The renovation and expansion, scheduled for completion in October of this year, is coming in less than a week late.

The official re-opening is November 5 and coincides with the facility’s 35th anniversary celebration November 2 through December 6. Festivities will be toned down considerably due to COVID-19 restrictions.

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Certainly, the goal of the Flower Mound Library is loftier than what many of us remember from libraries of the past.

“We believe we’re here to support education and to add to the quality of life in our community,” said Ridnour. “We do that in a number of ways. The new space has a dedicated children’s story time/ program area. There is space for toddlers for early childhood development. There is a dedicated space for teens and a total of seven study rooms.

“We also function as a community center and a senior center. We have speakers and we offer classes. And people still read books; lots of books.”

Ridnour’s reference to books means the kind with pages that need to be turned.

They have bindings and some even have dust jackets. There are some people who say real books have an aroma, a pleasant scent remindful of the one a favorite aunt sprinkled on her handkerchief. The doors of a library open to a myriad of cultures, traditions, opinions, and histories.

“We also function as a community center and a senior center. We have speakers and we offer classes. And people still read books; lots of books.” www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com

“Yes, people use digital devices for reading,” said Ridnour, “but that doesn’t change the attraction of books.” Proof of that statement rests in the 98,000 physical (books) items included in the 125,000plus item total. There are 20,000 electronic titles. The library, which is available to card-carrying Flower Mound residents as well as to people across Denton County, receives approximately 167,400 visitors annually (475 per day). The annual tally of circulated items comes to an impressive 425,425 or 8,000 per week. There are 23,481 cards issued to Flower Mound names and 9,612 across Denton County.

Those numbers make it much easier to under the relevant role of a library in contemporary society.

“There’s also a trend for public libraries to be viewed as a third space, in addition to home, work, or school,” explained Ridnour. “A lot of people look for a noncommercial venue where there’s no need to buy something in return for using the space — such as Starbucks.”

Flower Mound grew, and so did its

library. The first facility housed books in less than 2,000-square feet. That was in 1984, the same year The Friends of the Flower Mound Library was chartered.

Ten years later, a 4,000-square feet

interim library opened. Then, in February of 2000, The Friends of the Flower

Mound Library felt the ultimate dream was realized when the 25,000-square feet building opened. The expansion to 40,000 was unimaginable.

The expansion allows for the

children’s story time room, a teen

area with lounge, three added study

rooms, quiet reading room for adults, three patios, family restroom, small vending area, expanded parking,

multi-purpose room, and a Creation Lab with amazing equipment.

So, the next time you feel bored or at loose ends, break the monotony and

take a stroll to the library. You might be pleasantly surprised.

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Dentistry: Ask The Expert

Preventable Dental

EMERGENCY D O N’ T

L E T

I T

S T O P

Y O U

I N

Y O U R

T R A C K S

by Dr. Matt Artho, Owner of Country Lakes Family Dental

ENAMEL CARIES

DENTIN CARIES

PULPITIS

O

PERIODONTITIS

ne of the most innovative developments in automobiles is the tire pressure monitoring system that automatically lets you know your tire pressure. It’s very handy, of course, until you are following your child’s bus to his class field trip and get a slow leak that you anxiously watch drop one psi at a time between Fort Worth and San Antonio. Don’t worry, I made it just in time (with 20 psi to spare), but unfortunately in dentistry, our teeth and gums usually lack the ability to give us immediate warning signs to oncoming emergencies.

the time a tooth begins to feel pain from

When making routine dental and catching it early can make all examinations, most patients are aware the difference. of the necessity to have their teeth When it comes to monitoring tooth cleaned, but it is also important decay, oftentimes the lesion is that your teeth and gums are PERIODONTAL located in between the teeth, monitored for potential tooth DISEASE IS OFTEN and only a dental radiograph or gum disease. Considering CALLED THE SILENT will illustrate its presence. Small that even the most diligent cavities on the chewing surfaces DENTAL DISEASE dental patient is seen twice may initially appear as a stain a year, a lot can occur within six unless checked by your dentist. Decay months when it comes to oral health that is unchecked can grow resulting in a great loss of tooth structure or fracture. By

Bacteria beneath the gums will cause

extensive decay, it is likely close to the

nerve requiring a root canal or extraction.

Gum health is also recorded during

routine examinations. Periodontal disease is often called the silent dental disease, as it is unnoticeable if not monitored.

inflammation that results in bone loss

around the teeth that cannot be regained.

Excessive bone loss could potentially lead to tooth loss.

Any of these conditions could quickly cause an unwanted and unexpected

emergency. The best method to avoid a

dental emergency is to be prepared and preventative. Make sure to keep up your

homecare and don’t miss those essential dental appointments.

940.455.7645 | COUNTRYLAKESDENTAL.COM | 74 MCMAKIN RD., STE. 200 • BARTONVILLE, TX 76226

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Holiday Cleaning Tips

by Debbie Sardone, Buckets & Bows Maid Service

P

repping your home for holiday guests and parties can be hectic this time of year. Get a jump on the chaos with these pro-cleaning tips from Buckets & Bows Maid Service. Your home will be sparkling by turkey day and you’ll enjoy a stress-free season.

TIP 1:

Don’t try to clean the entire house in one day.

Give yourself a full week and tackle the job in room-sized bites. Divide your house up by easy and hard rooms and designate enough rooms per day to finish the whole house in 7 days. Plan a reward at the end of the 7th day like a spa treatment, pedicure, or massage, and make it worth it to stay on schedule.

TIP 3:

TIP 5:

The family that works together

Dress for

Get the whole family involved.

To get into the right

plays together.

“A CLEAN HOME IS A HAPPY

success.

Assign tidying tasks to make sure

HOME.”

frame of mind for cleaning,

everyone is helping to pick up, put

get dressed for the job. Wear light

up, hang up, and de-clutter. You can’t

comfortable clothing and tennis shoes.

clean before the picking up is done.

Add a utility apron to keep your small

Family members can get their areas

tools and towels close, and put your hair

neat and tidy and ready for the actual

up with a clip. Crank up the music with

cleaning to begin.

fast-paced upbeat tunes. Next, strike a

TIP 4:

Super-Woman pose, take a deep breath and go! Time yourself in every room,

Clean like a pro: follow the

never losing track of time. Refuse to get

Speed Cleaning Rules.

side-tracked with photos, memorabilia,

Speed Cleaning™ is how the

or special projects. Stay focused—the

professionals get the job done faster,

mission is cleaning.

safer, and better than mere mortals.

TIP 2:

There are 13 rules. A few of the most

Plan your work and work your plan.

important rules are:

Walk through each room of the house and note the things you want to get cleaned by the end of the week. Make sure you have the right equipment and supplies so you don’t lose momentum running to the store. You’ll need to have a long ceiling fan brush, vacuum hose with attachments, 2-step ladder for high dusting, plenty of cleaning towels, cleaners, and polishes.

1. Clean from top to bottom and

or long soak in a bubble bath with some

2. Make one trip around the room,

Make sure you treat yourself when you’ve

3. You have two hands. Keep them

is not an option in your busy life, call

4. Organize all of your tools and cleaners

hard stuff done and then follow these

you need from room to room.

throughout the holidays a breeze.

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A job well done is its own reward,

but a therapeutic massage, mani-pedi,

left to right.

aroma-therapy candles is even better.

never back-tracking.

done the hard work. If deep cleaning

both busy.

a professional maid service to get the

in one large caddy and carry everything

five tips to make maintaining the house

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T H I S H O L I D AY S E A S O N

Shop Local

by Kelly Murray

by Contributing Writer

T

he holiday season can seem like it’s all about shopping, and it is easy to get overwhelmed with sales flyers, doorbuster deals, free shipping, and online offers, especially from large, nationwide chains. No matter what you need or want to buy, however, if you shop local this holiday season, you will get far more than just your purchase. And every penny you spend benefits many more people than just your family and friends. This year it is especially important to make the effort and help our local businesses as they try and recover.

WHY SHOPPING LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS IS IMPORTANT?

you buy local, you can get the item immediately

While it is true that an online selection

with no delays

expensive than local stores (depending

problems en

might be larger and possibly less

for shipping or

on shipping costs that can inflate prices),

route. There is

than just a purchase. When you shop

than your

• Find more unique, one-of-a-kind options that aren’t available to

everyone who has internet access or visits a big box retailer.

• You are able to help more local

businesses since the business owners you purchase from are more likely

to shop local themselves for all their

personal and business needs. It creates a

WHEN YOU BUY

great community!

LOCAL, YOU CAN

Local business owners

a purchase at a local store is much more

nothing worse

GET THE ITEM

support local charities

local, you…

package arriving

IMMEDIATELY

• Support jobs in your community so

more employees earn paychecks they

can use for their families and friends as well as their own bills and necessities.

• Enjoy higher quality items as well as

more personalized customer service.

• This year, as we know, has caused

major delays in postal service. When

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too late for your holiday plans.

• Develop

relationships

with business

owners that can

are the ones who that rely on local

donations. This is

WITH NO DELAYS

unlike larger retailers

FOR SHIPPING OR

to donate to national

PROBLEMS EN ROUTE.

donations usually do

lead to even better customer service for special deals, unique orders, and personal recommendations.

Denton County.

that are more likely charities and those not help

UNIQUE PLACES TO SHOP LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com

Shopping local means more than just

visiting big box stores and nationwide

• Garden centers and nurseries for

holiday plants, outdoor tools, bird feeders, and more

chains in your community. True local

shopping means trying out one-of-a-

kind small businesses and searching for

• Art galleries that feature unique work from local artists as well as other art-

more unique shopping options that can

themed gifts

be pleasantly surprising with the wide variety of

• Spas and salons for

merchandise,

DON’T OVERLOOK

services they

GIFT CARDS

gifts, and

offer. Great investigate for your

local holiday shopping

include…

• Niche and

• Farms for fresh local

produce, honey, and craft

CERTIFICATES FROM LOCAL SERVICE PROFESSIONALS.

boutique shops for clothes, crafts, gift

items, and many other unique options

www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com

bombs, and other indulgent items

AND GIFT

options to

locally crafted soaps, bath

items with a rustic, nostalgic touch

• Local craft breweries for

all sorts of local handcrafted items and gifts

• Thrift stores for a wide range of items at discount prices that often support charities

• Local bakeries are a great place to pick up gift items and also add something special to your own holiday dining plans.

In addition to local shops for unique gift items, don’t overlook gift cards and gift certificates from local service professionals. If you aren’t sure what gift to buy this holiday season, a gift certificate for a future haircut at a local salon, a massage at a local spa, the next oil change at a local mechanic, or even holiday cleanup from a local cleaning service can be the perfect option. By shopping local, you not only give a gift to the recipient, but you also give a gift to the local business where you purchased it from and also to your community as a whole. And our goal here is to always inspire you to Live Life Local!

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A PAW-SOME

Woof-O-Ween

by Jade Kensington | photos courtesy of Town of Flower Mound, Richard Lehn and Ron Flower

T

he Town of Flower Mound’s Park and Recreation Department rolled out the red carpet for their beloved canine residents as a Halloween treat. Costumed pooches paraded around the Hound Mound Dog Park in costumes ranging from Santa’s elf and a bumblebee to the cutest side order of French fries.

Entertainment was provided by local DJ and member of the town’s Cultural Arts Commission, Jon Striklan. Animal Services had a table set up that was filled with coloring pages for the kids and information about their services. A photo area staged with hay bales and pumpkins made for fun photos for humans and their fur babies. Many people would agree that no event is complete without a designated photo area to capture those Instagramworthy photos to commemorate the occasion. Woof-O-Ween had something for dogs of all sizes and humans of all ages!

Over 25 dogs trotted down the red carpet to showcase their Halloween best. Prizes were given to the most creative, scariest, best homemade, funniest, and best pet/ owner look-alike costumes. The panel of

judges was made up of a staff member from Hollywood Feed, a Flower Mound police officer, and a member of Animal Services. Treat bags were given to all fourlegged attendees and were courtesy of Hollywood Feed, a natural and holistic pet

Krissi Oden, said they hope to make this a yearly event. Various spectators raved about the event, stating they would have participated if they had known the details before arriving on their scheduled trip to the dog park. “We’d absolutely participate again, along with any other themed events that come up,” Corbett said.

Woof-O-Ween is what the doctor had ordered to bring smiles and joy to kickstart the holiday weekend. Pets are an integral part of the family, and this event was the perfect opportunity to socialize and appreciate the community events that bring people — and pets — together.

supply store located at the corner of Cross Timbers Road and Long Prairie Road.

Flower Mound residents Kathi Corbett and Richard Lehn are Hound Mound regulars along with their 8-month-old Pomeranians, Bentley and Tucker. Bentley trotted down the red carpet, fashioning long, furry tarantula legs on his back and took home the title of Scariest Costume. Event organizer and Cultural Arts Manager,

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