Lake Cities Living Magazine November 2017

November 2017 CORINTH’S

CULINARY GANGSTER That’s What

FRIENDS ARE FOR It’s Time To Try

A TRI

Your

On Call Legal TEAM

Corinth - Hickory Creek - Shady Shores - Lake Dallas

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

Veterans Day with LDMS StuCo

Veterans Day Wall of Honor

Veterans Day Breakfast

photos courtesy of LDISD

November 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 3

4 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| November 2017

November 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 5

LakeCitiesLiving.com

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Administration

The Spirit of Gratitude

Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editor Bobbi Byrne Savannah Halfmann

Staff Writer

Susan Neuhalfen

Contributor Steve Gamel

Advertising

Becka Materne becka@murray-media.com Kelly Murray kelly@murray-media.com

Production

Art Director Liz Wallace Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Stephanie Hansen

Photography

Your Candid Memories 469.583.2819 yourcandidmemories.com

Letters

Lake Cities Living invites reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments.

Email artwork@murray-media.com.

All submissions become the sole property of

Murray Media Group.

Editorial and Advertising Inquiries call 972.899.3637 or email

artwork@murray-media.com www.murray-media.com

Address: 1011 Surrey Lane Building 100, Ste. 101

Flower Mound, TX 75022 Lake Cities Living is published monthly

by Murray Media Group. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. Lake Cities Living is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Advertisers and its agencies assume all liability for advertising content.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission in writing from the publisher. © 2017 Murray Media Group

W

hen this time of year approaches I find myself being surprised at how fast another holiday season has arrived. Here we are standing at the eve of Thanksgiving and soon we will be anticipating the sounds and seasonal delights of Christmas.

Even inside the changing of the weather we are able to feel the cool breezes approaching and the fireplaces heating up to welcome this joyful time of the year.

From the delight of preparing the table

The spirit of gratitude is so much a part of November. Slowing down and being reminded of all we have to be thankful for. There are so many ways we can offer our gratitude through helping those less fortunate. Many local charities are needing support during this time of the year.

Remember as you share this season with your friends and family to make giving to others a special part of how you express your gratitude.

show appreciation and return kindness to

The definition of gratitude is this: the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

for our Thanksgiving meal, to welcoming the hugs and kisses of our loved ones, let’s enter into this season of gratitude ready to all those we come in contact with.

This month’s issue is full of wonderful community stories, upcoming fall events and many local businesses that are offering you their expertise through promoting their businesses here in Lake Cities Living magazine.

Take a break with us and sit back and enjoy the warmth of community shared in the pages of this month’s issue of Lake Cities Living.

Sincerely, Becka Materne

Community Relations and Advertising Consultant Lake Cities Living becka@murray-media.com 972.800.8548 6 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| November 2017

Table of

Contents

16

On the Cover is owner Scott Reib of Reib Law

Featured: Your on call legal team

Lifestyle

Family

10 Edit This with Steve Gamel

24 Inside Community

12 Gardening with Complete Solutions

Corinth’s Culinary Gangster

26 That’s What Friends are For 28 Athlete Signing Day

18 It’s Time to Try a Tri

Photos from Lake Cities

22 Fitness with Outlaw Bootcamp

Editors pick:

25 Inside Education

Yourself 20 Makeover of the Month

08

02 Veterans Day at LDISD 30 LDHS Falcons

Learn how one girl helps her classmates make friends on page

26

November 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 7

Corinth’s Culinary Lifestyle

Gangster T

by Susan Neuhalfen

o think it all started with an Easy Bake Oven. Corinth Elementary 5th grader

Charlotte Murray loves to cook. She

began with her Easy Bake Oven and moved on to baking and cooking

under the supervision of her mother.

Just last year, she started attending an after school program at Corinth

Elementary put on by the 4-H Club that included a cooking class on

Tuesday afternoons. She was learning the basics when her class was

approached with a challenge.

American restaurateur Guy Fieri

was looking for a few good recipes photos courtesy of Suzanne Murray

for his new Guy’s Pig and Anchor

Restaurants aboard Carnival Cruise

Ship Lines. He turned to the 4-H Club to help him find the next big recipe.

Kids in the 4-H cooking program

were asked to enter recipes and the

and several revisions before creating

recipe at the Texas State Fair for Guy

cheese rolled in crushed corn flakes

top three were chosen to cook their and a panel of judges.

“We had to take three elements off his menu and combine them to make a

whole new recipe,” said Charlotte. “I created a barbeque sandwich using brisket, Guy’s Mac Daddy Mac n'

Cheese and his Carolina #6 sauce.”

She had one week to come up with

the recipe. She made a few attempts

the final recipe: brisket and mac and and fried, and then drizzled with

Carolina #6 sauce and mayo. She put it on Texas Toast and served it with

a side of homemade slaw, made up

of collared greens, green onion and

kale. She served it with a side of garlic Parmesan aioli to dress the slaw.

She typed up her recipe and sent it in to compete with many other 4-H students. Within a week, she was

informed that she was one of only three

4-H students from the DFW area chosen to compete at the Texas State Fair. Oh, and

by the way, she’d won a seven-day cruise

on Carnival Cruise Lines on any cruise that travels out of Galveston.

At the Texas State Fair, Charlotte had 30

minutes to prepare her barbeque

and then bring her creation

to Guy, a local

smoker vendor,

a food critic and a smokehouse

restaurant owner

who were judges, but

Guy Fieri christened Charlotte a culinary gangster and credited her for playing to the Texas crowd with her addition of Texas toast. The feedback, according to Charlotte, was mostly good even though she didn’t win first place.

Guy Fieri christened Charlotte a culinary gangster and credited her for playing to the Texas crowd with her addition of Texas toast.

she said she wasn’t really nervous.

“Getting to go onstage and meeting him was really cool,” said Charlotte who said that Guy helped her with her knife skills while she was preparing the dish. “Not many kids get this

opportunity so I know

how lucky I was.”

“I was pleased to see how well she

In addition to awarding the top three

was stressed out,” said her

$20,000 donation to Texas 4-H to help

handled that situation because I know I

students with cruises, they made a

mother, Suzanne.

fund youth and nutrition programming.

photo courtesy of LDISD

November 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 9

Lifestyle | Edit This

Your & You’re What’s the difference?

I have to agree on that point. There’s a ton of information on the web on this topic.

But with all due respect, if the general public weren’t so confused over the difference between your and you’re, then there wouldn’t be anything for a Grammar Nazi to write about. Right?

Your vs You’re — What’s the difference?

Your shows possession. Use it when talking about something that belongs to someone.

• Is that your cat?

W

elcome to another Edit This® grammar lesson. I know what you’re probably thinking: “Oh man, I’ve stumbled upon another article on the difference between your and you’re. Make it stop!!”

• Can I borrow your truck for the weekend?

• That is your house, not mine.

• What is your name?

• Steve, your blogs are funny and super informative!

You’re is simply an abbreviation of you are.

• Stop doing that. You’re making me mad!

• You’re so funny.

• I know what you’re thinking.

• I think what you’re doing is terrific.

• I hope you look this good when you’re my age.

Thanks for reading! If you’re in need of an extra set of eyes to look over your next corporate message, blog, website, article, resume, term paper, etc., call Edit This.

by Steve Gamel Edit This 469.360.3611 www.edit-this-npsteve.com

10 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| November 2017

November 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 11

Lifestyle | Gardening

Lawn Maintenance for Texas Winters G

rass growth is starting to slow down, temperatures and leaves are starting fall. It must be

November in Texas. As we’re preparing

to deal with the cooler temps, there are many things to start thinking about in

preparation of your landscaped spaces.

There is too much going on this time of year to let these things stress you out.

We've put together a short list of common questions and answers to ensure you're prepared for whatever this winter has

down roller coaster of a Texas

What can I plant that will put some

winter. Winter is a good time

color in my beds without dying after

to assess your landscaping,

the first freeze?

figure out where the blah

Winter isn't time to

areas are and consider

ignore your landscape,

your options. Cedar

in fact both rooted and

trellises, stone seating

bare rooted plants do

areas, pots and all type of

well when newly planted

rock accents are good ways

in the winter. It’s a good

idea to get your larger plantings

(30-100gal) in the ground so they can

to get creative within your bed

spaces giving it that final finishing

touch. Sometimes the greatest focal

points of your landscape are not plants at

in store.

all but rather the hardscapes they

Can I just cut the sprinklers back or do I need to shut

are supporting.

them off completely and winterize my system?

Which one of these trees can I go ahead and

Reduce watering back to once or twice

cut back and how much can I take off without

per week and shorten the runtime per

causing damage?

zone. This will not only be adequate for

your planting but should also save you a

As long as temperatures remain above

our temperatures are going to get below

most all of your trees, shrubs and

controller to the off position, close and

will reduce on overgrowth too early

lines not deeper than 12 inches. Freezing

space more organized throughout the

little on the monthly irrigation budget. If

32°F, winter is a great time to prune

freezing it's a good idea to turn your

roses. Getting things cut back now

wrap valves, and drain water from any

in the spring and help keep your bed

temperatures can cause water/ice to expand, eventually breaking your pipes and leading to costly repairs. If you're familiar

enough with your system

to go ahead and prep for winter than do so. If not, sometimes it's a good

idea to call an a irrigation professional to ensure

things are done properly.

12 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| November 2017

start to establish themselves before

spring rolls around so that they

are not affected by the early heat. It's also a good rule of thumb to ensure you have at least 2 inches

of mulch in your beds

to help regulate soil

temperatures and keep

things as consistent as

possible through the up-and-

growing season.

Hope this helps with getting your property ready for the winter months. As always, we appreciate all the support and we hope

you’re able get outside and enjoy some fresh air.

by PJ Kratohvil of Complete Solutions completesolutionsdfw.com

November 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 13

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Your

On Call Legal TEAM

by Susan Neuhalfen

16 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| November 2017

Scott Reib of Reib Law believes that when it comes to keeping your business healthy, legally speaking, prevention is key.

“Most people call attorneys only when they are in an emergency situation,” said Scott Reib. “We think of ourselves as a primary care law firm. If businesses work with us, we can potentially prevent that from happening.”

Reib Law is a unique firm. They act as in-house counsel for businesses without the expense associated with it. Back in 2012, Scott Reib created the ACCESS Program for businesses. ACCESS is an acronym:

A

C

Always available by phone, text or email

We help set up the right corporate structure for businesses in order to keep it protected.

S

S

Economic value – We will prepare and we help protect a business’ review any contracts for intellectual property and the business from leases to employee and customer show how to protect it as well as help prioritize agreements as well as that system non-disclosure and noncompete agreements.

We will set up a shatterproof business audit, making sure all of your systems are working exactly as they should be

We act as a shield for pre-litigation; we try to resolve problems and avoid litigation.

“We are here to protect your business,”

protect your business legally. Chances are,

list and make sure that everything is being

business person, there are things that

systems in place to save you from just this

said Reib. “Even if you’re an experienced we catch that you might miss. Businesses run everything though us to avoid a big problem later.”

As an example, if your business doesn’t

have an attorney and you find yourself in

trouble legally, you’ll have to pay a lawyer a big retainer plus costs involved, then

there’s the hourly billing fees and, in some cases, a percentage of the settlement.

Not to mention the hours of business

lost because you have to brief someone

completely unfamiliar with your business as well as find all of the paperwork and other material to make your case.

“The average cost of business litigation is

around $80,000,” said Reib. “If you haven’t

planned for it you are potentially exposing Sponsored Content and Photos

your business to bankruptcy.”

With the ACCESS program, you have an attorney who already knows your

business, ready to do whatever it takes to

C

E

he even set up many of the contracts or type of situation.

Remember, your business is never

bulletproof. That’s why it’s good to have

a attorney as a partner. However, before

you think you’re just paying some lawyer

to wait in the wings for you, let us explain how ACCESS works:

Reib Law uses an online program to list and track various legal topics that each client needs to discuss. The client has

access to this online tool so it is updated

by both the client and the firm. It also lists tasks and accountability so that anyone

handled in a quick and efficient manner by both the client and the attorney.

“The whole point of the ACCESS is to deal with your legal issues so that you can operate your business,” said Scott. “We can handle any legal coaching including marketing platforms and licensing.”

In addition to all of this, Reib Law can also help with asset protection and estate planning. If you look at Reib Law’s reviews, many are business owners who trust them to handle not only their business affairs, but their personal affairs as well. This is another example of how Reib law protects

involved many update the progress of

your assets on the front end so that you

the work.

don’t have problems later.

Every month they hold check-in phone

“We’re asking business owners to make

the online list is reviewed. Sometimes it’s

counsel,” said Reib. “When it comes to

what’s going on with the business. The

handle everything so that you can focus

call with each client and everything on

a paradigm shift in how they use legal

even a weekly phone call depending on

legal hassles, prevention is the key. Let us

purpose of the call is to review the task

on your business.”

940.591.0600 | www.reiblaw.com

412 S. Carroll, Suite 1000, • Denton, TX 76201 November 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 17

Yourself

It’s TimE

To Try A Tri

by Susan Neuhalfen

I

f you’ve ever thought a triathlon might be in your future, believe it or not, this is the perfect time to start.

“The last triathlon races in the area are all done now until March,” said

Lantana resident Claudia Weir, a USA Triathlon Level 1 Coach. “The race

season is March through October,

so this is a great time to start to train.

You really need to stay in physical condition year round.”

Claudia was a collegiate swimmer

who swam competitively from age 6 until 21. Her friend got her to

compete in a sprint triathlon with

her and she was hooked. Claudia

even got her father on board and he started triathlons at the ripe young age of 60. He went on to compete

“We learned so much after that first

“We have other girls and boys who

camp came around and we had 40

“We help them develop confidence

camp,” said Claudia. “Then the second kids and it just kept growing.”

Claudia, Stefanie, and Elliot are all

are uneasy on a bike,” said Claudia.

to compete which translates over to a lot of aspects of their lives.”

certified coaches and competitive

The Tri Sharks Program offers a

training juniors beginning at age

train depending on the intensity

senior group.

constraints encountered. For more

Claudia finds that many kids who

trisharkscoaching.com.

triathletes. Stefanie specializes in

variety of packages for kids to

6. Elliot helps Claudia coach the

desired as well as the time

compete in triathlons, do so because team sports aren’t necessarily

their thing. Parents have different

motivations for signing their children

up whether it be to learn to ride a bike property, run in the correct form or swim for more than one lap.

information visit their website at

As for adults, Claudia recommends visiting the USA Triathlon website to find certified triathlon coaches specific to your age group.

“I highly suggest getting a coach who has the knowledge to properly train

in several IRONMAN races proving that age is not a factor when it comes to triathlons.

Lagomarsino, along with assistant

coach Elliot Bach, are the coaches of

the Tri Sharks Team, a Lantana-based triathlon training program for kids ages 6 and up. She started about

six years ago by holding an intro to

triathlons camp for kids ages 6-13 in Highland Village where they had 20 kids come and train.

photos courtesy of Tri Shark Coaches

Claudia and her partner, Stefanie

a triathlete,” said Claudia. “I have my own coach to hold me accountable.”

Claudia suggests planning out 15 weeks in advance if you’re in relatively good shape to ensure you’re ready for your first event.

“It’s all about training smarter, not harder and not to overtrain,” she

continued. “It’s important to get enough rest, proper nutrition and recovery time between races.”

It’s also important to see a doctor before

you start any exercise regimen, especially

one like a triathlon. Claudia took some

One last advantage Claudia mentioned was the fact that triathlon is a worldwide time off and re-started the sport at a sport. She and Stefanie plan family disadvantage with an auto-immune trips and vacations around disorder. She says she is competing and there’s no Claudia finds stronger now than when she limit to how close or far a that many kids who started doing triathlons triathlon can take you. in 2002. Her father just compete in triathlons, do “You could compete in retired from triathlons at so because team sports a race just about every the age of 82. aren’t necessarily weekend locally or travel “So much of it is mental,” anywhere in the world,” their thing. said Claudia. “Working said Claudia. “Triathletes are toward personal goals is beneficial international people bound by a for everyone.” universal love for the sport.”

November 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 19

Yourself | Makeover of the month

Before

After

Makeover of the Month

nna Casteen was nominated by her sister, Amy, for a makeover.

After eight years of teaching

middle and high school math in New York, Anna has moved back to the area and no one is happier about this than Amy. They do Zumba together twice a week, have game nights and now Amy is helping her get ready for her wedding in February.

On top of all that, Anna is apparently the

Stylist’s

(from left to right) Lindsey Redfern Mills, Pauletta Collins & Taylor Compton

Want to be the next Makeover? Email cloud9salon@cloud9salon.com and tell us why you deserve it!

Makeover and clothes provided by

“coolest aunt ever” to Amy’s daughter.

Anna now teaches at a community college and doesn't have the summer off, only Fridays, so Amy thought a makeover at Cloud 9 would be a perfect way for her to enjoy the summer, even if

214.415.4806 • www.cloud9salon.com

20 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| November 2017

for only one day.

Facial by esthetician Pauletta Collins Pauletta gave Anna a mini facial to remove dead skin to brighten her

appearance and moisture. She also

performed an eyebrow wax and tint so

that her eyebrows would frame her face for hair and makeup purposes.

Hair and make-up by Taylor Compton Taylor lightened Anna’s hair two levels,

and added a lightning strike in the front

to brighten up her face, in order to match her personality to her new look.

Taylor used Mary Kay make-up provided

by Lindsey Redfern Mills, a pink Cadillac

driving Sr. Director with Mary Kay Inc. who

wants every woman to feel beautiful in her own skin.

photography by Caroline Simpson

Anna Casteen A

November 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 21

Yourself | Fitness

Bootcamp can be beneficial for:

One-on-One Fitness

For A Healthier Life

T

o be successful at fitness and obtain a healthier lifestyle, setting goals is key. But it’s not always easy to meet those goals, especially alone. Large warehouse gyms can be overwhelming, and carving out even a 30-minute-workout from an already packed schedule can seem impossible. So how do you find success when making fitness goals? Try creating a support system.

For most ages or fitness levels, Outlaw Bootcamp is an excellent way to be challenged yet have fun while reaching your fitness goals. Each class is tailored around a muscle group including cardiovascular movements, resistance and suspension training, kettlebell and more -- a hybrid of personal training in a group setting. Our instructors work alongside you for 30 minutes, ensuring proper form in a limited class size that feels like personal training. Bootcamp trainers understand your body mechanics and fitness levels to challenge or modify the workout for you while motivating you every step of the way.

For all the good intentions, fitness and exercise can understandably become overwhelming, but with the help of others, success is closer at hand and so are the results. Consider starting a program this winter for a healthier spring and summer.

Outlaw Fit Camp offers group and individual training, plus 24-hour gym access, great for most ages and fitness levels, in an encouraging, fun environment where everyone benefits. For more information, visit OutlawFitCamp.com

by Jesse J. Leyva, Owner of Outlaw Bootcamp, Outlaw Fitcamp & Jesse James Fit www.OutlawBootcamp.com • www.JesseJamesFit.com

22 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| November 2017

Couples Couples that work out together, stay together. Studies show that after participating in a physical challenge or activity, couples feel more satisfied with their relationships and more in love with their partner. Training together, couples understand each other’s goals, and can encourage each other throughout their fitness journeys.

Seniors Strength while aging: Exercise becomes ever more important as we age. In our later years, injuries are often the beginning of a downward spiral of poor health and quality of life. Exercise, on the other hand, improves strength and balance, and has even been found to increase or preserve bone mass, critical in preventing osteoporosis.

Youth Fitness and health is just as important to teenagers, especially young athletes, as it is to adults. In young people, strength training can improve coordination, increase muscle endurance and improve sport performance. Aside from the physical health benefits, exercise can also help develop a better self-image and increase self-confidence.

November 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 23

Know

Be in the

Family

Inside Community

A Shady Shores Christmas Mark your calendars for a Shady Shores Christmas on Saturday, December 2 beginning at 2:00 PM. There will be a craft fair, hayrides and caroling. Get free pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 4pm until 6pm. It all ends with the annual tree lighting and carols from Olive Stephens Elementary Choir which will start at 6:15pm. Come to the Town of Shady Shores, 101 Shady Shores Rd.

City of Corinth Tree Lighting

Join Santa and all of his helpers for the City of Corinth Tree Lighting on December 4 starting at 6pm at Corinth City Hall. Come ride the trackless train, get your face painted, take your picture with Santa, decorate cookies, ride the toboggan tunnel or just eat lots of great food. Bring the kids as the Le Theatre de Marionette Puppet Show presents North Pole Texas at 7pm.

Hickory Creek Tree Lighting

Lake Dallas Tree Lighting

The Hickory Creek tree lighting ceremony will be

The City of Lake Dallas presents Lighting up the Season

of Hickory Creek 1075 Ronald Reagan Ave. This family

City Hall, 212 Main St. in Lake Dallas. Admission is free.

Friday, December 1 from 6pm until 8pm at the Town

friendly event includes a petting zoo, crafts for the kids,

on Saturday, December 2 from 5-7pm at Lake Dallas

Enjoy live performances by student and church choirs

face painting, a photo booth, prizes to win, snack and

while gobbling up cookies and hot chocolate. Santa

himself. It’s all free and starts at 6pm.

camera. Bundle up and come on down.

treats, live music and more, as well as a visit from Santa

will be there to light the big, beautiful tree so bring a

Inside Education Guyer Student Newest Eagle Scout Guyer Senior Hayden Hazelip has just been awarded the rank of Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America’s highest honor. A member of Troop 771 in Argyle, Hayden built an enclosed storage area to house children’s outdoor toys and tricycles at the Wheeler House, a place where agencies provide family housing, street outreach, and clinic services in Denton. After graduation, Hayden will attend basic training for the Marines.

Lake Dallas Elementary December 2nd from 9am - 12am join us for a FREE pancake breakfast, pictures

Student of the month

wih Santa, silent auction, and LD District Elementary Choir Performance

Corinth Elementary’s Bret Reeves has been named the LISD student of the month. Palio’s Pizza Café in Hickory Creek has partnered with LDISD to award a Student/Teacher/Staff Member of the Month each month school year. Recipients receive a gift certificate for a free meal at Palio’s, a certificate from the district, and will be featured on the district homepage and social media.

Tree Lighting December 2nd from 6 - 7pm Join the Lake Dallas District Elementary Choir as they sing Christmas songs

Mrs. Claus visiting Kindergarten, Pre - k, & Day Care December 8th from 8am - 1pm reading Christmas stories at LD Elementary

Students All-Region Band 11 LDMS band students were selected as members of the All Region Band.Making this prestigious band were: Chloe Petty (alto saxophone), Madi DeSpain (horn), Grace photos courtesy of LDISD

Murray (percussion), Meagan Chander (tuba), Vivian Flores (tuba), Aiden Ford (euphonium), Nathan Armijo (trombone), Trey Phillips (1st alternate - tuba), Rachael Cole (euphonium), Trevor Couron (1st alternate - bass clarinet), and Aurelia Peattie (trumpet).

UNT Eagle Advantage High-achieving juniors in Lake Dallas ISD are now guaranteed admission to the

University of North Texas through UNT’s

LOCAL SCHOOL

EVENTS RCMS Winter Concerts

Eagle Advantage program. LDISD Juniors

who rank in the top 20 percent of their class

Band Concert Dec. 5th 7 - 8:30pm

accepted, qualified students need to apply

Choir Concert Dec. 11th 7 - 8pm

will earn guaranteed admission to UNT. To be through Apply Texas and submit all required documents, transcripts and test scores.

Students can register for Eagle Advantage

Orchestra Concert Dec. 12th 7 - 8:30 pm

through www.eagleadvantage.unt.edu.

November 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 25

That’s What

Family

Friends Are For

I

by Susan Neuhalfen

t’s one thing to be the new kid in school, trying to meet people and fit into your new environment. It’s another thing to be at a disadvantage socially and trying to connect with your fellow classmates.

Ashley Davis, Lake Dallas High School

Class of 2010, has a passion for kids with

disabilities. After being a part of Circle of

Friends at Marcus High School, she better understood the challenges that kids with special needs face in high school, or any school. So she started a club at LDHS called Falcon Friends.

“It’s torn down some walls for the kids.”

Jones begins with an informational

meeting for the students, helping them

to understand what disabilities are. They discuss about how to talk about these different disabilities and comprehend

what is appropriate versus inappropriate.

students with disabilities talk while the

other students listen and learn about their new friends.

Falcon Friends is an elective process

where the students sign up and volunteer to be a part of the group. They have one

class period per grading period to meet,

which is when Jones educates them about proper discussion topics and language.

The second half of the meeting usually

involves teamwork building games and

Falcon Friends is a social mentoring club

“We talk a lot about stopping the “R”

the ultimate binding tool, pizza. The other

friendships with their fellow students who

still a medical term. That’s the kind of thing

Fair, watching the homecoming parade

They meet once a grading period and

The students with disabilities fill out a

where high school students develop

word,” said Jones. “The problem is, it is

events include visiting the Texas State

have special needs or social difficulties.

we review.”

together and holding a prom-type dance

have extracurricular activities throughout the year.

questionnaire so that that the Falcon Friends know their likes and dislikes.

“Because of Falcon Friends, I now see

This way they will already have topics

in the hallway,” said Andrea Jones, LDHS

Jones also teaches them about person-

every year at Thousand Oaks Church.

They also gathered to watch some of the

students participate in Sparkle Cheer, the cheer squad for students with IDD

other students saying ‘hi’ to my students

to discuss and something to talk about.

“I don’t know if they realize the impact the

Special Education Teacher, for life skills.

first language, meaning letting the

“It’s a mutual learning experience.”

26 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| November 2017

students have on one another,” said Jones.

November 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 27

Family

High School Students Pledge their Allegiance on

Signing Day

by Susan Neuhalfen

M

any high school athletes sign a letter of intent to commit to play their sport in college. In high school, there are two major signing days each year, one in November and the other in February.

Lake Dallas High School had three athletes and Guyer High School had eight athletes sign letters of intent in November, committing to schools all over the country.

The following Lake Dallas High School Students have signed letters of intent: Jakob Machuca - Baseball Fort Scott Community College Fort Scott, KS Mason Meeks – Baseball Drury University Springfield, MO

Logan Cowart – Baseball Henderson State Arkadelphia, AR The following Guyer High School Students have signed letters of intent: Mallory Pittman - Volleyball Texas State University San Marcos, TX Kate Cowan - Volleyball Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, LA Angel Felan – Volleyball Texas A&M University Corpus Christi,TX Grayson Carter - Boys Basketball Georgetown University Washington, D.C. A’Lexiss Benton - Girls Basketball Mary Harden Baylor University Belton, TX Maddie Holder – Softball Weatherford College Weatherford, TX Sylvia Murillo - Softball Oklahoma Panhandle State University Goodwell, OK Isabella Washka - Golf Morehead State Morehead, KY photos courtesy of LDISD

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| November 2017

November 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 29

Family

LDHS Falcons

2017 UIL Region 2 Marching Band Contest

photos courtesy of Lake Dallas Band Boosters

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| November 2017