Lake Cities Living Magazine July 2016

JULY 2016

Meetin g the Needs of the

Family

Corinth - Hickory Creek - Shady Shores - Lake Dallas

IN THIS ISSUE:

We All Started Somewhere Falcons Well Represented on Baseball & Softball Teams An Ounce of Prevention Worth Pound of Cure

Before

OF THE MONTH LIBERTY LEYVA FREE MAKEOVER

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O

n December 1, 2014, Liberty decided to change her life. She was 250 pounds, couldn’t cross her legs or see her feet. She joined Jesse James Fit and, after 11 months, lost 100 pounds. What she lost was nothing compared to what she gained: lasting friendships, motivation, a positive attitude and now, a whole new look!

Nails by Alysse Liberty was given a manicure topped off with a light color of Forever Beauty by Gelish. Loose glitter was

placed on top of the gel polish by hand and then sealed with a top coat. It was a great match to her skin.

Brows by Pauletta Pauletta shaped her brows using hard wax and tweezers, complimenting her natural arch.

Color by Chesey She started with a porosity control treatment on Liberty. She decided on a warm brown copper color

melt that would be both beautiful and easy to maintain.

Cut and Makeup by April She received a one length angled bob to compliment her face shape and then April gave her loose curls to

bring out the gradation of the color. Her makeup was

applied with Jane Iredale make-up in earthy tones to enhance her natural beauty.

After photography by Caroline Simpson Makeover by

Clothing was provided by the C9 Boutique

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JULY 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 3

OPEN CARRY is Much Ado About Nothing

G

by Susan Neuhalfen

overnor Gregg Abbott signed House Bill 910, the Texas Open Carry Bill for concealed handgun holders, into law and it went into effect on January 1 of this year.

carry is the law, it doesn’t mean that any LTC

The new law allows Texans who currently hold a concealed handgun license (CHL) to carry their weapons in full view of the public. For those who currently hold a CHL, the only thing that happens is that the name changes from CHL to LTC or license to carry. Still, to carry a handgun, concealed or not, all Texans must complete a state approved LTC course.

To carry openly, an LTC holder must carry the weapon secured in a belt or shoulder holster and may not display the gun in a threatening or provocative manner.

According to Denton County Sheriff Will Travis, his office received many calls of concern about the law after it was passed and before it went into effect. These call mostly came from other county offices who were concerned with the disruption that an individual openly carrying a weapon might cause.

“Our biggest concern was with the segment of the general public who does not understand firearms,” said Sheriff Travis. “We held a lot of informational sessions to educate the public about what was going to happen as it relates to open carry.”

As it turns out, the hubbub surrounding the passing of the law, was much greater than the actual outcome.

Randy Plemons, the Assistant Chief of Operations for Denton County, held many of the informational sessions, which included when it’s necessary to contact the police.

“Just because you see someone openly carrying a weapon, that is not a need for concern,” said Plemons. “However, if that individual is displaying the weapon in a threatening manner, the police should be notified.”

How many calls have they received regarding open carry concerns so far?

“We haven’t received a single call,” confirmed Travis.

It is important to note that just because open

sign banning concealed weapons called the

4 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JULY 2016

holder is allowed to carry wherever he pleases.

Businesses can preclude an individual from coming into their establishment with either a concealed or open carry handgun. There is one 30.06. The other sign (30.07) bans individuals

from entering with an open carry handgun. The

3’ x 4’ signs must be posted at the entrance of the business in one inch block letters in both English and Spanish.

Some places where firearms are never allowed

are educational facilities including the grounds

where a school activity may be taking place (i.e. sporting event). An individual may not carry a firearm at a polling place on the day of election

or during early voting. Other places that ban firearms are correctional facilities, government

court offices including court proceedings,

commissioners court, city council and school board meetings, racetrack, horse or dog racing facilities, and the secure area of an airport.

Anyplace that derives 51% or more from alcohol sales or onsite consumption also bans weapons on the premises. Hospitals, nursing homes, amusement parks, churches, synagogues and other places of worship may also ban firearms but must have the proper signage displayed to do so.

In addition, an establishment not feeling comfortable with an individual carrying a firearm on the premises, may give that person a verbal warning and, if that individual chooses not to comply, the business should call the police.

The question still remains that if it is okay to open carry, why aren’t more people taking advantage of the law?

“From a safety standpoint, why would you want to expose yourself like that?” questioned Plemons. “If an individual who comes into an establishment wanting to do harm, as an open carrier, you have labeled yourself as his first obstacle.”

Sheriff Travis agrees that common sense dictates that if you do carry a firearm it would make more sense to keep in concealed.

JULY 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 5

Lake Cities Community Events LC Chamber July Monthly Luncheon Genti’s

Contents Table of

Featured Stories and News

Tuesday, July 19th at 11:30am Open Forum

LC Chamber Coffee at Hickory Creek City Hall

Wednesday, July 20th at 7:15am Speaker: Ann Pape, Communities in Schools of North Texas

LC Chamber Coffee at Hickory Creek City Hall Wednesday, July 27th at 7:15am Speaker: Dave Burnett with Kadash Solutions

Back 2 School Backpack and Health Fair by There Has To Be More Ministries Thursday, August 11th

Pg 16 On the Cover from left to right: Guardians of the Children (Mark “Big Cat” and LeAnn “Pipes” Trussell) There Has To Be More Ministries (Michael and Suzanne Barnhart) LDISD Falcon Mascot (Gabby Thomas) Eleos Community Care (Staci and Alton Schmidt)

from 5-9pm at the Lake Dallas Middle School

Float Fly Presented by Falcons Flying Club Saturday, August 13th at 8:30am at the Willow Grove Park

LifeLine Screening

Tuesday, August 16th at the Lake Cities United Methodist Church

Want to feature your school’s or organization’s event? Contact us at artwork@murray-media.com 6 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JULY 2016

PointBank (Ray David)

Photos from Lake Cities

14 29

4th of July Celebration Boys and Girls Club

03

Makeover of the Month

04

Open Carry

08

Falcons Quest for State Title

09

David Shershen Remembered

10

Inside Education

13

NCTC Schedule

15

An Ounce of Prevention

16

Meeting the Needs of the Family

19

Police Chief Corner

24

Immunizations

28

Inside Community

30

Falcons Well Represented

Ask the Expert 07

From Your Editor

12

Legal

18

Real Estate

21

Fitness

25

Gardening

26

Sidelines

27

Business Coach

KEEP& CALM

Stay Positive A Message from the Community Editor

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” ~ Winston Churchill

W

hen one thinks of July, what comes to mind? For most of us, we think of fireworks and barbecues and, of course, blistering summer heat. July is smack dab in the middle of the summer, and in the middle of the year. Summer is only just getting started, but the turn of autumn is only just around the corner. As we approach the remainder of summer and 2016, I would like to focus on all of the positive things that the month of July has to offer.

ministry’s Back 2 School Annual Back Pack & Health Fair to help the families of Lake Dallas ISD. Also, meeting the sponsors like Point Bank, Guardians of the Children and Eleos Community Care and see their commitment to this loving effort to help send an estimated 500 students back to school with an exciting fresh start!!! We can all make an POSITIVE impact in the lives of others!

Now for an extremely POSITIVE shocking fact...school is just around the corner!!! I know, it seems hard

As I continue to work alongside

to believe but it’s true that August

the community and business leaders

22nd is the first day back! While

of Lake Cities, I am constantly

many families are still fitting in their

reminded of the generosity and

vacations and enjoying the slow

commitment shown by many of her citizens. A few weeks ago I walked

into the office of Allstate agent, Mark Tucker. I just wanted to meet

him and shake his hand. After

spending 20 minutes visiting with

Meredith McNair, Community Relations and Advertising Consultant Lake Cities Living meredith@murray-media.com 817.291.7582

him, I realized that I knew another

devoted community influencer, committed to having

pace of summer days and wide open schedules, kids will soon be gearing up for the beginning of the 2016-17 school year. As many families know, it is an exciting time for those that

are beginning their academic journey and those who

a POSITIVE effect on Lake Cities. Routinely in my

are in the final stretch of the degree pursuit. July is a

that it’s a privilege to be connected with such devoted

summer before most of us are shifted into the realities

job I learn about needs inside of our community. I feel

time when we can savor the last few moments of the

individuals where I can simply call or text them to share

of a school calendar.

a need inside our community. They are eager to make

a commitment to such needs and/or cause without hesitation which is always extremely POSITIVE for Lake Cities!

While there are many great charities and efforts

So, as you enjoy the end of the summer of 2016, I encourage you to consider ways to serve and steward inside this great Lake Cities community. Volunteer, Support, Donate is the simple motto for ‘There Has

within our community, I am so pleased that we are able

To Be More’ ministry and we can all be reminded that

is made possible by ‘There Has To Be More’ ministry

you to join in and help us make the August 11th Back

to feature an extremely POSITIVE August event that

“we make life by what we give”. We would love for

and their generous sponsors and vendors. It has

2 School Annual Backpack & Health Fair an even

been remarkable getting to know the Barnhart’s over

several months as they have planned and promoted the

LakeCitiesLiving.com

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

Sub-Editor Bobbi Byrne

Contributors

Steve Gamel Susan Neuhalfen

Advertising

Meredith McNair meredith@murray-media.com Kelly Murray kelly@murray-media.com

Production Graphic Designers Liz Wallace Stephanie Hansen Whitney Hill Caroline Brock

Photography Scott Young 972.899.3536 ScottYoungPhoto.com

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 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. © 2016 Murray Media Group

larger success!!!

Here’s to a POSITIVELY successful month!

JULY 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 7

Falcons Quest For State Title

Comes Up Short

W

hen now former Lake Dallas coach John Tompkins said earlier this season

that he felt like his senior-heavy team could do

Those struggles culminated in an ugly 8-7 loss to

Birdville in April. Tompkins was so irate that he used

the very next practice as an open tryout, making each

some good things in 2016, he wasn’t kidding.

of his players fight for their starting jobs. He said he

exceeded those expectations after what happened next.

would light a fire for the entire team.

But even Tompkins had to be thinking the Falcons Lake Dallas went on a tear in the playoffs

and narrowly missed out on its first trip to the state tournament since 1997 with a best-ofthree series loss to Grapevine in the Class 5A Region I final on June 4. Grapevine, the eventual

shuffled four positions that day, hoping the new lineup It worked – and then some.

Their late-season heroics proved to be a miraculous turnaround for a team that had its share of struggles earlier in the season.

Class 5A State Champions, swept Lake Dallas in two games.

Regardless of the loss, their late-season heroics proved to be a miraculous turnaround for a team that had its share of struggles earlier in the season.

Those struggles were mainly in district play. The Falcons were picked to be one of the top three teams in District 6-5A with Grapevine and Birdville, and had their sights set on possibly stealing a district crown.

Instead, they were swept by both opponents and didn’t always play their best against the rest of the field.

8 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JULY 2016

Behind the leadership of its 13 seniors, Lake Dallas

won 13 of its next 15 games – including sweeps in three

of four playoff series – to set up a date with Grapevine in the fifth round. After beating Saginaw Boswell

and Burleson Centennial in the first two rounds, the Falcons used a walk-off single in Game 2 by Christian

by Steve Gamel Lubbock Cooper. They went on to turn three double plays defensively in Game 2 to clinch the series.

At the time, it was the program’s deepest run since 2011, and much of their success was attributed to the fact that the Falcons seemed to have a different hero in every game. Guys like Boulware, Drew Karp, Logan Cowart and Ty Behringer kept opponents guessing on every at-bat.

They also got steady production from pitchers Ben Williamson, Behringer, and Grant Landry.

Unfortunately for Lake Dallas, all that magic ran out against Grapevine, which won 9-2 in Game 1 and 6-1 the next day to cap the sweep and punch its ticket to the state tournament. Lake Dallas was held to three runs on eight hits with six errors.

There’s no telling what will happen with a much younger squad next season, especially now that

Boulware to sweep their series against Fort Worth

Tompkins is reportedly joining the Denton High

They came back the next week with a similar

the sort of team to be underestimated. Especially now

Arlington Heights in dramatic fashion.

School coaching staff. But the Falcons are clearly not

seventh-inning rally to steal a Game 1 win over

that they’ve been so close to the top of the mountain.

Longtime Lake Cities Resident

Remembered David Shershen

by Susan Neuhalfen

A Memorial Service for longtime Lake

said Hanlon of her brother. “He loved being

Saturday, June 25, 2016 at Kingswood Mobile

His sister said that not only loved being

Dallas resident, David Shershen, was held on

involved in the community.”

Home Park Clubhouse, in Lake Dallas.

part of the community there was no place he

his community. Shershen was at one time

Cities area for over 40 years.

David was a involved citizen who loved

the Mayor Pro Tem and served on the

would rather live. He had lived in the Lake His friend Donna Duncan remembered

Lake Dallas City Council. He was an avid

him as a quiet and intelligent man who was

a member of the Friends of the Library board.

“He would also have positive things to say

promoter of the Lake Cities Library as well as

always inspiring others.

Shershen was also member of the Lake Cities

to people,” she remembered. “He was always

His sister Patsy Hanlon remembers him

Shershen is survived by his sister, Patsy

Municipal Utility Authority board.

fondly as someone who lived to serve.

“He would do anything for anybody,”

very encouraging.”

Shershen Hanlon and his daughter, Jessica, who lives in Connecticut.

JULY 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 9

LD Band Seniors Sign with Colleges

10 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JULY 2016

to choose a major after completing his basics

at Navarro.

Photo courtesy of Lake Dallas ISD Attached photo (seniors l-r): Aaron Ruggiere, Jared Collier, Alisa Perez, Gabriela Estes, Christian Gomez, (band directors l-r): Frankie Burke, Juan Nunez, Denise Kennedy

Alisa Perez, daughter of Armando and Maribel

Perez, received a band and academic scholarship from McMurray University in Abilene, Texas.

Aaron Ruggiere, son of Paul and Auralie

Ruggiere, signed with the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. Ruggiere plays multiple instruments. He recently won a gold medal for

Marimba solo and a silver medal for Snare solo at the state UIL Solo and Ensemble contest in

Austin - a contest in which he has qualified all 4 years of high school.

“I want to major in Percussion Performance,”

Aaron said. “I chose UNT because it is one of the top music schools in the world.”

P PO

RT THE B L

UE

favorite instrument.”

Gabriela Estes, daughter of Marvin and Yvonne Estes, will attend Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. Her band accomplishments include UTA Outstanding Jazz Musician 2014 & 2016, Section Leader 2014-15 and Drum Major 2015-16. She chose Belmont because of the Music Business program, which will be her major.

Christian Gomez, son of Ernie Gomez and Rachael Arney, is continuing his music education at Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas. In his first and only year with the Falcon Band, he qualified

for state solo and ensemble contest. He plans

SU

Not to be outdone by the athletic department, LDHS held a signing day in celebration of five Lake Dallas High School Falcon Band seniors are continuing their music education at the college level. Seniors Jared Collier, Gabriela (Gaby) Estes, Christian Gomez, Alisa Perez and Aaron Ruggiere participated along with their parents and Falcon Band directors Denise Kennedy, Frankie Burke and Juan Nunez.

Jared Collier, son of Jason and Ginger Collier, signed with the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Collier qualified for state UIL solo and ensemble all 4 years of high school and this year received a gold medal for Marimba and silver medal for Snare at state. He is the recipient of the Kim Kraft Band Scholarship. Jared plans to major in Bio Medical Engineering with a minor in music.

“I chose the University of Arkansas because of the outstanding Bio Medical program and the marching band,” Jared said. “It has a front ensemble which allows me to continue my music journey playing the marimba, which is my

JULY 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 11

WANTED:

Legal

Good People with Bad Credit Y

by Rocky Haire

ou can’t believe how many homes are going

(any number of things, man) and now they need

me I’d be stuck in this thing for 20 years. The

people needing to make a move fast because

credit and sometimes get them into another

new buyer without involving the bank. They are

into foreclosure. Every day I get calls from

they are about to have their home auctioned off. Houses ranging from $35,000 to well over a million dollars. We cover Texas, sooo..... there’s a lot.

The

thing

that

throws me is that these

are smart people. Good

a friend. Me. I can get them out of it, save their home just like it. Foreclosures.

Another thing we do is get people out

Don’t think for a second we can’t fix whatever situation you find yourself in.

people. They wouldn’t

of

no-equity

go. Hope the $43 dollars you lost was worth it.

she’s gone and you

need to move so you can be with Uncle Fred

credit got you into that home for nothing down.

12 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JULY 2016

We also handle homes in probate—for when

Millie was alive. Now

started out with great credit but something

got sick, the market turned, got hooked on ____

everyone wins. The crowd goes wild.

Uncle Fred finally does himself in with Wild

great as long as Aunt

in South Lufkin. If you don’t help him, he will

happened. They got divorced, lost a loved one,

thrilled to have it, you are thrilled to leave it—

situations. You’ve been

have qualified for that house in the first place if

they didn’t have good credit. A lot of times they

great news is, I can legally transfer the Deed to a

Turkey while you were at WinStar. Way...to...

Don’t think for a second we can’t fix whatever

situation you find yourself in. We are all about mulligans and know exactly how to set you free.

drink himself to death. Problem is, your awesome It will now COST you $15,000 to sell your ‘ball

& chain’. Thanks home hustler guy, for telling

To contact Haire Law Firm for your free case evaluation, call 972.394.3000 or visit www.hrj-law.com

SCHEDULE

CAMPUS CLOSED August 5, 2016 All campuses closed for staff in-service

NCTC MUSIC DEPARTMENT PRESENTS “TAPESTRY” August 7, 2016 at 2pm, Gainesville First State Bank Center for the Performing Arts An opera written and performed by Marilyn Thompson.

For more information contact Shane Studdard at sstuddard@nctc.edu.

LVN PINNING CEREMONY

NCTC ALUMNI LUNCHEON

August 11, 2016 beginning at 7pm

July 21, 2016 at 12pm in the Library Lyceum, Gainesville Campus

Location: Gainesville First State Bank Center for the Performing Arts

Steve Keith will be speaking about the new Rodeo Team and Ashly Hartman will be speaking about the Horticulture Program. RSVPs would be great!

FINAL EXAMS FOR SUMMER II & III August 11, 2016 All Campuses.

LAST DAY FOR FALL REGISTRATION August 19, 2016

JULY 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 13

Lake Cities Many Lake Cities residents enjoyed a fun fourth of July that included a parade, live music and fun contests!

photos courtesy of Lynn Hillis

14 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JULY 2016

Club will step in to help,” said Gilmore. “In many cases we will pay for an exam and a pair of glasses.”

The Lake Cities Lions Club saw 175 kids at

last year’s Back 2 School Fair and they expect the

number to be at least that and more. Gilmore is certified to give the exams but they need more people to work in shifts. Certified or not, there’s plenty to do.

An Ounce of

PREVENTION is Worth a

Gilmore went on to say that by 6th or 7th

grade, all kids should have gone through a

POUND OF CURE

by Susan Neuhalfen

I

thorough eye exam with an eye doctor. Otherwise they will suffer academic problems.

“Squinting hard can cause headaches and

a lack of concentration,” said Gilmore. “It’s

important that all children are given the chance to learn in the best possible situation. That’s just

n 1925, during the Lions International Convention in Cedar Point, Ohio, it was Helen Keller who charged the Lions with becoming “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness.”

determine if the patient’s eyes are focused or not.

help the patient to know whether or not he or

cannot see well, and if they are afraid to tell

For nearly 100 years, the Lions Club has

help a person to see if it’s a simple vision problem

lead to numerous problems especially if the

been faithfully serving communities all over the world. It has become known, however, for its tireless efforts for the blind. It was a Lions

Club member who created the

first white cane for a blind man.

It was the Lions Club who

started training dogs as guides for the blind, making headlines

It’s that simple. The machine doesn’t go as far to

eye bank and, to this day, most eye banks are Lion sponsored.

The list goes on and on…

Today, the Lions Club helps people of all ages

with sight issues and the Lake Cities Lions Club is no different. They recycle eyeglasses and keep

an area eye bank. Along with 60 other clubs, they

Vision is vital to children in learning situations,

actually determine what is needed, but it does

Gilmore pointed out. In some situations, if they

she needs further aid from a doctor. This could

someone because of financial reasons, it could

or something more severe.

problem is more than a vision issue.

“Squinting hard can cause headaches and a lack of concentration,”

worldwide. In 1944 the Lions opened the first

one of the many reasons why we are here.”

“It is not a substitute for

an eye exam,” clarified David

Gilmore, the past president and

zone chairman. “What it does is see if there’s a problem.”

These machines are brought

to many different events such as the Back 2 School Fair being

held for LDISD students to help determine if a student will need corrective lenses. With the demand, the van had to be booked by the Lake Cities Lions Club many months in advance.

“If the patient or parents can’t

afford to see any eye doctor, the Lions

It’s important to point out that the Lions Club

helps people of all ages. Many older folks on a

budget have vision problems that they would

simply ignore without opportunities like these.

As the largest and one of the oldest civic

have

organizations helped

screening

as

the

as

their

millions

well

service programs.

in

world,

with

many

they

health

other

As for Gilmore, he and the rest of the Lake Cities Lions Club keep busy all year around

but there’s a special place in his heart for the vision screenings.

“I’m the guy who handles the vision

part and I really enjoy it,” he smiled.

“It feels great to help people.”

own and operate mobile health screening vans which house vision units, capable of determining

sight problems. These vans and the individuals running them, are responsible for helping thousands across the north central Texas area.

Lions Club members go through training

to operate these machines. In a nutshell, the operator lines up the machine with the patient’s eyes which then measures the curvature and looks for an abnormalities. The machine will

Photos courtesy of Doyt Sheets JULY 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 15

Photo by Scott Young Photography

Meeting the Needs

F of the

A

AMILY

by Susan Neuhalfen

s summer winds down, one thing that excites kids is going back to school and all of the newness that goes with it. New clothes, new backpacks, new supplies, new haircuts‌but what about the families who don’t have the budget for that? How can those kids share in the excitement of the new school year?

Event photos courtesy of There Has To Be More Sponsored Content

Every year There Has To Be More Ministries holds its Back 2 School Backpack & Health Fair in coordination with Lake Dallas ISD and other great Lake Cities sponsors and businesses. It is a family-friendly event providing backpacks, school supplies, immunizations, physicals, haircuts, vision screenings and more for economically-challenged students in LDISD. There Has To Be More Ministries, started by Michael and Suzanne Barnhart, is a non-profit organization that works without walls. They are willing to work with churches and non-profit charities to provide for the needs of families in the Lake Cities area. Though they work all year round, the Back 2 School Backpack & Health Fair is their biggest event and now in its 3rd year, it has grown to serve approximately 600 children in LDISD. “We want to make sure these kids have what they need to start the school year off right,” said Barnhart, who had the vision for the ministry that he started six years ago. “We want them to feel that same excitement.”

In order for a child to receive any of the services at the fair, he or she must be registered before the July 22 at 5pm deadline. To register, go to https://www.therehastobemore.org/back-2school-fair. Once registered, the family will receive a confirmation that their submission was received. They will then be contacted via email or phone prior to the event to let them know if they have qualified.

Many Lake Cities sponsors come together to help and the number grows every year, as it must as the event, as well as the need for donations, grows larger. Every little bit helps and vendors can even sign up for booths to distribute information, showcase their products or just provide some goodies for the attendees.

Barnhart says that in addition to getting involved for a great cause, businesses could even benefit from being involved with the fair.

“We even have businesses in need of workers bring job applications for potential employees,”

said Barnhart. “This event can go full circle to help the community.”

PointBank in Corinth is the official drop off point for donations for the Back 2 School Backpack & Health Fair. PointBank, has been a part of the event for the last couple of years, providing supplies and donations to help the event become the success that it is.

The Lions Club will provide vision screening exams while CareVan will provide immunization shots. In order for a child to qualify for the immunizations, he or she MUST be registered and parents must bring a copy of the child’s shot records on the day of the fair.

There will be nurses on hand to provide sports physicals along with the paperwork needed for school.

Ogle School of Denton will be on hand with their chairs set up and their scissors ready to give children great new looks to start the school year.

Another sponsor of the event, Eleos Community Care, will bring FUN. They serve popcorn to the kids while providing home therapy information and also bring the live entertainment, Rockin with Rhett. Rockin with Rhett is a fun Christian band for kids that makes the kids part of the show. Eleos Operation Inspiration is a children’s ministry that inspires children to achieve more through the power of love and encouraging words.

Barnhart counts himself blessed that there are other incredible non-profits in the area that help as well in the event. One non-profit partner on hand will be the Guardians of the Children, a group of Harley-Davidson riders who ride to the houses of abused children to “initiate” them into their circle of friends. The riders go to a child’s home and adopt them into their group,and give him or her a biker name and vest. A few of their motorcycles will be displayed outside of the fair for all to look at and a few of the children will be allowed to sit on them. In addition they will have a booth inside to talk about child advocacy.

“We want to make sure these kids have what they need to start the school year off right,” said Barnhart.

Though the Back 2 School Backpack & Health Fair is their biggest event, There Has To Be More keeps busy all year round helping people in need. Much like the Back 2 School Backpack & Health Fair, they find items—necessities—for families in need. They are contacted either by churches or other non-profit organizations and they immediately set to work.

“We aren’t a church so we don’t have members,” he said. “We need donors and we’re grateful when they come through.”

Barnhart has stories about helping area families that would fill volumes of books. He and others work tirelessly to provide the supplies and necessities that families need—things that are taken for granted by most. He is forever grateful to the sponsors, such as the ones with the Back 2 School Backpack & Health Fair, who are there to help.

“It’s important to us that the Back 2 School Backpack & Health Fair provides children and their families a safe and secure place they can go to,” said Barnhart. “That’s why we do what we do.”

ThereHasToBeMore.org • 940.594.4417

Proud Sponsors Listed Below: *If you would like to donate or become a sponsor visit therehastobemore.org/back-2-school-fair

Corinth branch official donation drop off JULY 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 17

Real Estate

Don’t Take a Vacation from Your

Home Goals

W

e are officially in the lazy days of summer. Some of us are returning from vacations, while some of us still have a summer trip plan planned to visit a new place, see friends and family or head to our favorite vacation spot.

If you are like us, we plan out those trips,

we ask for time off, we place it on our

into that pace of late summer when everything

slows down. Our challenge for this month is to garner the same attention to detail with your home planning as your vacation planning—

down to all those nitty gritty details. Just like all the travel planning websites, our team has the

resources you need to do the same with all of your home goals.

calendar, we plan, and we anticipate that trip.

Discover

What is interesting,

whether it’s buying, selling, new

preparing for our trip and in

time and attention on those big financial decisions.

You owe yourself the very best and you

deserve to make your house one of the biggest

investments in your life. So many times, we place less emphasis on our house re-modeling, selling

or buying budgets than we do our vacation plans.

With our vacation plans we have clarity: why we

construction, investing, home

design, or real estate careers.

Simply contact Lori Lesnansky at

972.657.0364 to meet for complimentary

coffee/tea and begin to make plans for your life-by-design.

Back To School Design Tip:

Set up a homework station before school starts

want to visit a place; the time we have to do so;

where the kids can get their work done. Color

have less clarity and so many choices that we fall

make it easier to get out the door in the morning.

and where we want to stay. With our homes we

18 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JULY 2016

possibilities

and explore your next steps,

is that we spend so much time

other areas of our life we take less

by Lori Lesnansky, Hunter Essex & Tiffanie LaRue - Bush SoSimple Home – Keller Williams • LoriL@kw.com www.sosimplehome.com www.dfwhomevalue.house

the

code school binders and activity sports bags to

T

CITY OF CORINTH NAMED 14TH SAFEST CITY IN TEXAS IN 2016

he City of Corinth has been recognized as the 14th Safest City in Texas by SafeWise, a home security and safety brand committed to increasing safety education, awareness, and preparedness in American communities.

Rankings were determined using the most recent FBI Crime Report for cities over 10,000. The cities were narrowed down based on the number of reported violent crimes (aggravated assault, murder, rape, and robbery) and property crimes (burglary, arson, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft). Based on these stats Corinth has a violent crime rate of (.091), less than one in 1,000.

Chief Debra Walthall attributes this ranking to the dedication of the men and women of the Corinth Police Department and to the citizens who work in conjunction with the police department in keeping the community safe.

The Corinth Police Department has established a variety of programs and resources that proactively address safety and crime prevention in the community. Citizens can sign up for the Vacation Watch program, participate in the Ride Along program, submit anonymous tips online, browse crime prevention tips on the website, or sign up for the Citizen’s Police Academy. Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) also play an important role in the level of safety by serving as extra eyes and ears on the streets. These efforts, alongside the partnership with residents and businesses, contribute to making Corinth a safer place to live!

JULY 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 19

20 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JULY 2016

Fitness

We All

STARTED Somewhere

by Jesse J. Leyva, Jesse James Fit & Outlaw Bootcamp 940.497.6002

S

tarting something isn’t about waiting until you’re perfect or about waiting for the perfect time. It’s about taking action to get to where you want to be. Because the fact is, the perfect time is now.

You see, we all start somewhere. Maybe your somewhere is overcoming weight gain and living a healthier life. Maybe it’s about toning and getting into shape. Or maybe it’s just losing that last 10 pounds. Regardless of where your somewhere is, we all start in the same place. We all start at Day 1, so don’t be intimidated.

The beginning of a new workout or health regimen is exciting and exhilarating. When your muscles ache and you’re feeling deprived of bread and a good burger, that’s when the real work begins. It’s easy to fall back into bad habits. A skipped worked out here, a piece of cake there, and before you know it, the results you worked

so hard to acquire begin to disappear. Setbacks

yourself with encouraging friends—your own

you not only started somewhere, you’re going

do that last push-up. Don’t let negative thoughts

happen, and that’s okay; because the fact is, somewhere new – to something great. Don’t let setbacks get you down. Keep moving forward.

MAKE TIME FOR YOU. Let’s be honest, between family, work and

you, you sometimes fall to the bottom of the list.

Commit to put yourself on a to-do list. It isn’t selfish, rather it’s selfless. You’re taking care of you, so others won’t have to later in life. A healthy

you can function at your personal best daily for your family. You never know who’s watching… like your children.

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH ENCOURAGEMENT. Living healthy is a lifetime choice and staying

motivated can be difficult. Make sure to surround

personal cheerleading section to motivate you as derail you from what you have been working so hard to achieve.

FORGIVE YOURSELF. Everyone makes mistakes, and you will too.

Learn from your mistakes, forgive yourself and move forward. The important thing is to stay

focused on where you want to be – a healthy

you. Remember, you’re doing something that

can change your life, that can bring about the healthiest and fittest you, the best you.

So where do you want to be? It’s like Robin

Sharma says, “Change is hard at first, messy in

the middle and gorgeous at the end!” The time is now. Set that goal and get to it.

JULY 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 21

C.E.S.

COMPLETE EXTERIOR SOLUTIONS

Now Merged Into One

Come Visit Our New Showroom!

972.539.8258 CompleteSolutionsDFW.com 4401 Long Prairie Road, Suite 400 Flower Mound, TX 75028

We appreciate you supporting small business by shopping local.

WINNER

BEST OF DENTON COUNTY

2016 MURRAY MEDIA GROUP

Committed to Community Excellence.

Immunizations

Safe

Key

are

to Keeping Our Children

W

by Susan Neuhalfen

ith the new school year quickly approaching, it is important to keep our children up to date on their shots. According to Sarah McKinney with Denton County Public Health, this is the perfect time to get them immunized.

“Right now, before you take them on vacation and before school starts,

is the best time,” said McKinney, the Denton County Public Health

Immunization Program Coordinator. “There is such a high volume of people trying to get their immunization shots in late August that the system really backs up.”

Parents are inundated with information both when school ends and

when school starts, so if you’re not sure what shots your child needs for the upcoming year, visit www.dentoncounty.com/health and go to the immunizations tab. Once you scroll down the page, there is a link

for Texas School Vaccine Requirements as well as Texas Child Care Vaccine Requirements.

For those without insurance, the Denton County Public Health offers

free or low-cost vaccines for kids. To qualify, the children are either

uninsured, underinsured or enrolled in CHIP or Children’s Medicaid).

They don’t need an appointment though both the Denton and Lewisville

clinics have set hours that are listed online. A parent or guardian must accompany children under 18.

Juan Rodriguez, Assistant Director and Chief Epidemiologist for

Denton County Public Health emphasized how important it is to keep children on an immunization schedule to keep them from getting sick.

“When people become complacent, diseases have a resurgence,” said

Rodriguez. “Immunizations are very effective and very easy to do.”

The best thing, according to Rodriguez, is to stay on schedule and keep

good records.

Denton County Public Health also offers vaccines for those who travel

outside the country. Vaccines such as Typhoid, Hep A, and Yellow Fever as well as TB skin tests for a cash price. They are available to Denton County residents, regardless of insurance coverage.

24 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JULY 2016

JULY WHERE IS THE SHADE...

I

Gardening

f you don’t already have an outdoor living space I bet this last month has either been miserable or you’ve just stayed inside. Let’s talk about patios.

HOW DO I FIT EVERYTHING I WANT INTO THE SPACE I HAVE?

This is where hiring a patio designer—and not just patio builder—comes into play. Here are questions the designer will have: • How many people will be on the patio at a time and how much turf are you willing to loose?

• What exposure does the back of the house have, and what are the light requirements on the bordering interior rooms?

• Are you looking for dining space or more casual sitting areas OR both?

• Is this to be an all-weather patio?

• What features do you envision (fireplace, bbq/kitchen, relaxing seating, fire pit, etc.)?

by PJ Kratohvil of Complete Solutions completesolutionsdfw.com

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A CONTRACTOR

TOP 3 PATIO OPTIONS

Here are a couple of tips when finding the best contractor for you:

outdoor space we build there are some things

• Are they local? Local means they are familiar

with our rules/regulations and close enough during the construction process to ensure things are going as planned.

• Are they insured? For piece of mind and for your own protection.

• Do they have a portfolio? Make sure they have a large portfolio of work that matches up to the quality and scope you want • Are they accessible? Do they answer calls/ emails promptly? Having a storefront, design center or place that you can always get in touch with someone is important.

When it comes to all the different patio and

that are more common than others:

• Bar Top: If you are building a counter/grill space with backsplash, extend the backsplash into a bar top to conserve space.

• Fire Pit: Whether it’s lit or not, having

different areas on a patio helps people to relax versus being centered around one central spot or table.

• Stone Seat Wall: Because of seating space

restrictions, stone seat walls are a great way conserve space and money.

JULY 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 25

Sidelines

by Steve Gamel

Here Me Out On This:

Is a Mercy Rule in Football

REALLY THAT BAD?

I

n case you didn’t hear, the state of Idaho has essentially approved a new mercy rule for all of its 11-man high school football teams. That shift

immediately sent shockwaves through the Texas high school football community, begging the question – should the Lone Star State follow suit?

Here’s a brief description of the new rule,

according to the Idaho Statesman:

“The rule stipulates that once a team is ahead

by 40 points in the second half, the clock will

the

University

Interscholastic

League for 11-man football, though there is a 45-point mercy rule in six-man football. From what I hear, there is a similar rule for Texas Association of Private and Parochial School teams.

Currently, there are no plans to change these

policies, either.

My thought: Is it such a bad idea?

Plenty of us have sat through a blowout on a

Friday night in Texas and had that sinking feeling that we’re stuck watching a game that may never

end. You know exactly what I’m talking about; it’s 58-0, the starters were pulled a long time ago and it’s only halftime.

The losing team is far from folding its tent,

run continuously with the exception of timeouts,

but is clearly demoralized. Even the winning

need to pass another board vote in August before

what’s happening.

official timeouts and scoring plays. The rule will it can officially take effect for the 2016 season.”

So what do you think? Should Texas do the

same? There is no rule like this in Texas under

26 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JULY 2016

team – and its fan base – feels uncomfortable with

There’s the argument that cutting the game

short would limit the opportunity for back ups who work just as hard to get playing time. I get

Steve Gamel is a sports writer for the Denton Record-Chronicle. He contributes monthly to Lake Cities Living.

that, and no one wants to interfere with that, but couldn’t that be solved by having coaches be more proactive with their bench earlier in a game?

I mean, it’s not hard to figure out by the end of the first quarter who’s going to win some of these games.

Another argument says that by cutting the game short, you’re teaching the kids that life will always bail you out. To that I say, “Come on! Seriously!?” Is that counterproductive to the goal of sports, which are meant to be used as life lessons? Nope, and besides, if that were the case why is it acceptable to have a mercy rule in baseball or in six-man football?

I bet if you asked the kids, they would love to avoid losing a game 91-0, which is exactly what happened two seasons ago with Aledo, which was subsequently accused of bullying. Really?!!?

I get it: it’s football, and it should be played until the final whistle. But in the interest of fairness, I really don’t think a mercy rule would be a bad thing, assuming it was monitored effectively.

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

Business Coach

JULY 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 27

American Eagle Harley Davidson Every Saturday from noon-4pm, American

Eagle Harley Davidson in Corinth is having

a party for a great cause. Come join us any Saturday at noon for live music, cold beverages

Yard.’ This program is in collaboration with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service for residents in the Denton County area. ‘Water My Yard’ is a free and simple internet-based tool that enables residents to use actual real-time information in determining how much and how long to water

and sometimes even free food. And here’s the

their landscape on a weekly basis.

allows non-profit organizations to benefit from

local weather stations, along with the customer’s

best part: American Eagle Harley Davidson their fun! Their Saturday party always benefits a

local community organization that supports kids

or the military. Are you looking for something to do this Saturday? Come check out some cool

bikes, sample some live music, and come party for a good cause!

Water Conservation Initiative Comes to Corinth

‘Water My Yard’ uses data collected from irrigation system specifications, to recommend to residents how much water is needed on their landscape. Watering recommendations are provided in minutes, making it easy for residents to adjust their irrigation system as needed and maximize water efficiency.

“Residents are encouraged to use this sciencebased program to help alleviate the problem

The City of Corinth has partnered with Upper

of overwatering,” said Cody Collier, Acting

water conservation initiative called ‘Water My

that landscapes be watered no more than two

Trinity Regional Water District to promote a

28 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JULY 2016

Director of Public Works. “It is recommended

times per week and then only when needed. By following these guidelines, customers will save both water and money.”

To learn more about ‘Water My Yard’ and sign

up for weekly e-mails and text messages, visit www.watermyyard.org. Upper Trinity Regional

Water District also offers a number of resources.

Click the link below to browse their website.

Northbound Entrance Ramp From Corinth Parkway to I-35E Temporarily Closed The

northbound

I-35E

entrance

ramp

from Corinth Parkway has been closed for approximately three months. While the ramp is

closed, drivers will continue northbound to the entrance ramp from Post Oak Drive.

This work is related to the 35Express

project, an expansion of I-35E between U.S. Highway 380 in Denton County and I-635 in Dallas County.

Sa

rk

y Lake Pa d n

Boys & Girls CLUB

Th

ursd

a y, J u n e

23

Club members were able to ride all of the carnival rides and later went swimming

photos courtesy of Rick Troutman, President of the Boys and Girls Clubs of North Central Texas

JULY 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 29

Falcons Well Represented

eG

ame l

ON BASEBALL/ SOFTBALL TEAMS

tev

by S

Ty Behringer, Makenzie Chatham and Maddy Breckenridge each earned superlative honors while leading a solid list of Lake Dallas athletes on this year’s District 6-5A all-district baseball and softball teams.

B

ehringer, a utility player for the Falcons who played first base and pitcher, capped his high school career by taking home Offensive MVP honors. In his senior season, Behringer had a .943 fielding percentage and was 8-2 on the mound with a 2.08 earned run average and 26 strikeouts while leading the Falcons to the Class 5A Region I final.

Chatham took home the same award in softball while Breckenridge was named Co-Defensive MVP with Birdville’s Caitlin Young. Chatham led her team with a .476 batting average and piled up 24 RBIs. Breckenridge finished the year with a .425 batting average and a .550 slugging percentage.

The softball team advanced two rounds deep in the playoffs.

In total, Lake Dallas had 14 players make the teams.

Here are the complete lists, as reported by the Denton Record-Chronicle.

DISTRICT 6-5A (SOFTBALL) MVP: Callie Burns, Birdville Offensive MVP: Makenzie Chatham, Lake Dallas Co-Defensive MVPs: Maddy Breckenridge, Lake Dallas; Caitlin Young, Birdville

Pitcher of the Year: Grace Greene, Birdville Catcher of the Year: Cynthia Haugh, Grapevine Newcomer of the Year: Asia Valle, Fort Worth Carter-Riverside

Coach of the Year: Steve Bottoms, Grapevine

DISTRICT 6-5A (BASEBALL)

Catchers: (Sr.) Tanner Gibson, Grapevine; (Sr.) Jose

MVP: (Jr.) Connor Neuman, Grapevine

Utility: (Sr.) Kyle Flamm, Grapevine; (Sr.) Antonio

Offensive MVP: (Sr.) Ty Behringer, Lake Dallas Defensive MVP: (Jr.) Chris Morales, Fort Worth Polytechnic

Pitcher of the Year: (Sr.) Daniel Bandy, Birdville Newcomer of the Year: (So.) Jakob Machuca, Lake Dallas

Garcia, FW Polytechnic Mendoza, FW Eastern Hills

Designated Hitter: (Sr.) Paul McCullough, Grapevine

SECOND TEAM Pitchers: (Sr.) Marcos Guardado, FW Eastern Hills; (Sr.) Grant Landry, Lake Dallas; (Jr.) Roman

Coach of the Year: Steven Hutcherson, Grapevine

Ramirez, Birdville

FIRST TEAM

Mooty, Birdville; (Jr.) Clayton Beeter, Birdville; (Jr.)

Infielders: (Sr.) Hunter Bolling, Birdville; (Sr.) Blake

Pitchers: (Jr.) Ivan Salas, Fort Worth Carter-Riverside;

John Zaldivar, FW Polytechnic; (Jr.) Jesse Lopez, FW

(Jr.) Boone Montgomery, Grapevine; (Sr.) Leo Munoz,

Polytechnic; (Jr.) Ryan Drake, Grapevine

FW Polytechnic; (So.) Tyler Duffey, Lake Dallas

Outfielders: (Sr.) Austin McCain, Birdville; (So.)

Infielders: (Jr.) Joseph Leal, Grapevine; (Sr.) Ty Jones,

Colby Ferris, Birdville; (Jr.) Dylan Gonzales, Grapevine;

Grapevine; (Sr.) Ben McConnell, Lake Dallas; (Jr.)

(Fr.) Brandon Tolentino, FW Polytechnic; (Sr.) Cody

Victor Lopez, FW Carter-Riverside; (Jr.) London Green,

Duffey, Lake Dallas

Grapevine; (Sr.) Walter Pacheco, Fort Worth

Catchers: (Sr.) Christian Boulware, Lake Dallas; (Sr.)

Eastern Hills

Jamie Totten, Birdville

Outfielders: (Sr.) James Wyche, Grapevine; (Sr.)

Utility: (Fr.) Steve Rivera, FW Eastern Hills; (So.)

Daniel Rivera, Lake Dallas; (Sr.) Oscar Castanada,

Jovanni Ojeda, FW Carter-Riverside

FW Carter-Riverside

Designated Hitter: (Sr.) Drew Karp, Lake Dallas

30 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JULY 2016

FIRST TEAM Birdville: (Jr) Gianna Valforte, 2B; (Jr.) Elena Garcia, 3B; (Sr.) McKenna Moore, C/1B

Fort Worth Carter-Riverside: (Jr.) Tiffany Esparza, P; (Sr.) Arysa Salazar, SS

Fort Worth Polytechnic: (Jr.) Selena Valadez, P Grapevine: (Jr.) Rachil Gossett, 3B; (So.) Abby Haugh, P/1B; (Jr.) Heather Haggard, SS

Lake Dallas: (Sr.) Sydni Fulks, OF; (Jr.) Autumn Graham, P

SECOND TEAM Birdville: (So.) Payton Walker, C/OF; (Sr.) Stephanie Clayton, OF; (So.) Maygan Paul, OF/1B

Carter-Riverside: (Sr.) Amy Morales, 1B; (Sr.) Denise Rojas, 2B

Fort Worth Dunbar: (Jr.) Jakayla Angelle, C; (Jr.) April Taylor, P

Polytechnic: (Sr.) Carolina Gomez, 3B; (Jr.) Leticia Ordonez, SS

Grapevine: (Sr.) Alyssa Gonzalez, IF; (Fr.) Allison Gassett, OF; (Sr.) Hannah Maxey, P/OF

Lake Dallas: (Sr.) Avery Boling, 2B, (Jr.) Haley Golden, C

JULY 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 31

PLUS PointBank will make a $25 donation to your choice of participating school organizations when you open a new personal checking account at PointBank!