Lake Cities Living Magazine June 2016

JUNE 2016

How

Do You

DEFINE Family?

Corinth - Hickory Creek - Shady Shores - Lake Dallas

photos courtesy of Doyt Sheets

In Lake Dallas th July 4 is an Entire Day of Family Fun

de

Para

Ven

dors

by Susan Neuhalfen

Featuring: Big Gus and the Swampadelic • Eleven Hundred Springs

W

Monday, July 4, 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Admission is FREE Lake Dallas City Park • 101 E Hundley Dr, Lake Dallas, TX hile July 4th is an important holiday all over the DFW area, nothing rivals the spectacular, one-of-a-kind celebration that takes place at Lake Dallas City Park. This unique fun-filled festival unites the communities of Lake Dallas, Corinth, Hickory Creek and Shady Shores.

It all begins with a patriotic parade at 9:00 a.m. and then a day of food, contests, exhibitions, vendors, inflatable water slides, horseback rides and great music.

The main stage will be hopping all day with contests and performances. From local bands, to local dance troupes to zany contests, there will never be a dull moment at the park. To top it all off, the day will end with one of the largest, most dazzling fireworks displays in the area, celebrating our nation’s birthday.

2016 Schedule of Events

Time

Event Location

9:00 am

4th of July Parade presented by DATCU

Main Street

10:00 am

Flag Ceremony

Veterans Memorial

10:00 am

Vendor Market and Food Trucks Open

City Park

10:15 am

4th of July Parade Awards

Main Stage

Corinth Gymnastics

Main Stage

Apple Pie Bake-Off Awards

Main Stage

Slices of Apple Pie for Sold $1

Information Booth

1:45 pm

Watermelon Eating Contest

TBA

2:00 pm

Seed Spitting Contest

TBA

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Big Gus & Swampadelic

Main Stage

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Mustache & Beard Contest

Main Stage

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Eleven Hundred Springs

Main Stage

10:30 am – 11:00 am 12:45 pm

Sunset – around 9:15 pm

FIREWORKS SHOW! **Schedule may be subject to change.**

Parking is always a challenge, but the schools and churches in the area are accommodating.

Make sure to pack your sunscreen and your pet may come but must be on a leash. Food vendors of all kinds will be available all day. You may bring lawn chairs and blankets but no glass bottles or alcohol may be brought in. There will also be cooling tents in case the heat gets to be too much.

R&B group Big Gus and the Swampadelic perform from 5-6pm followed by a Beard and Mustache contest. Fake, decorated beards will be accepted and, yes, kids are allowed to enter with their heavily decorated false facial hair. That should be a hoot!

Headliner Eleven Hundred Springs takes the stage at 7pm, playing their own brand of country rock. These long-haired, tattooed, hippie freaks are an outlaw country band who influences include Willie Nelson, Buck Owens and Doug Sahm.

Throughout the day, musical performances by various local bands will also take the stage as well as community groups including Corinth Gymnastics.

In addition to the beard and mustache contest, there will be an Apple Pie Bake Off as well as the Watermelon Eating Contest promptly followed by the Seed Spitting Contest. The one that goes the furthest, wins! Winning contestants will be awarded cash prizes as well as ribbons.

If you are looking for great family fun this July 4th, the celebration at Lake Dallas is the perfect day-long event for you.

JUNE 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 3

What Went WITH

STAAR This Year?

by Susan Neuhalfen

M

any in Texas have long believed that there is too much emphasis placed on standardized testing. It is argued that students and educators spend too much time on standardized tests, and that there is too much pressure put on the students as well as the teachers.

Others believe that there needs to be a check and balance as to the level at which teachers and students are evaluated on the subject matter.

Every year the standardized test issues arise and every year the battle lines are drawn. This year was especially difficult since it seemed that the tests had a lot of new glitches and the fingers pointed at the new testing service.

Since 1980, Pearson Education had acted as Texas’ sole testing contractor until last year when Educational Testing Services won a four-year $280 million testing contract with the state. In March, following the STAAR tests, several schools across the state filed complaints against the new testing agency. In some districts, students tried to submit their tests online only to receive error messages. Some students in the Lewisville school district were given failing grades as a result of this glitch. It seemed the computer erased answers and,

4 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JUNE 2016

it might have gone unnoticed except for the sheer number of students who received zeroes on that section. Two of those students were seniors and, as is the rule, would not have graduated as a result if the district had not insisted on their tests being re-scored. Lewisville had about 130 tests re-scored and 20 percent of those scores were changed.

The problems encountered were mostly computer-related and since the majority of students took a paper test, they were not affected. However over 14,000 tests statewide did have to be re-scored and it was decided that those tests will not be counted with the overall scores.

Everyone involved was hesitant to re-score the tests for two reasons: 1) if problems were found, it would open up a lot of controversy and other schools wanted their tests re-scored; and 2) because of the amount of money involved in re-scoring the tests (some say it would cost approximately $25 per re-checked question).

Other problems that were encountered include the tests being delivered to the wrong location or the materials delivered were not complete in order to conduct the testing properly. Many missed deadline deliveries.

It was even discovered that one test question didn’t have a correct answer.

The final straw has been the inconsistency of test results being reported in a timely manner. In the case of 5th and 8th graders, without knowing whether students passed or failed, there is no way to know if the they needed to retake the test or go to summer school. So in June, the TEA made the decision to not only to waive the 5th grade and 8th grade STAAR test requirements but to cancel the re-tests scheduled for June as well.

Usually students must pass reading and math STAAR tests in 5th and 8th grade in order to promote to their next grade level. If the child doesn’t pass after three tests, it is up to the principal, teacher and parents to decide whether or not a student advances. Because the TEA Commissioner decided to waive the requirement—which he can do through state law— the decision will now be left to the individual districts as to how to handle the question of advancement.

Results on STAAR and end-ofcourse (EOC) exams affect academic ratings state-wide and by school, and can also determine whether students graduate. They are held as a standard for teachers and schools and reflect upon both, depending on the overall performance of the school.

JUNE 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 5

Lake Cities Community Events

Contents Table of

Featured Stories and News

American Eagle Harley Davidson

July 2nd Pre 4th of July Party with Danny Johnson Band & July 9th Miss American Eagle Contest

VBS - Thousand Hills Church June 27th - July 1st from 6 - 9pm

VBS - Lake Dallas Church of Christ July 10th - 13th

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

4th of July Celebration

04

STAAR Testing

11

This Summer with Mathnasium

15

Inside Community

Veterinary Clinic 16 Corinth

July 4th Festivites

Lake Dallas City Park, 101 E. Hundley Dr. from 8 - 10pm

03

Pg 16 On the Cover starting from left to right: (bottom) Sam Flores, Lindsey Kappen, Pearl Clinton, Carol Eddy, DVM, Sue Duckworth, Javon Saucedo, Katrina Exner, Anna Meegan (top) Brionna Pugh, Diane Bobbitt, Kristen Kerce, DVM, Kim Jacobs, CVPM (Animals) Jacob, Honey, Sally, Ellie May, Cadburry, Archer and Rex

Photos from Lake Cities

02 23

Cops & Robbers 5k Run American Legion Auxiliary

18

Oakmont Scholarships

19

CSI Summer Camp

21

Chief of Police

22

Inside Education

25

Denton Hispanic Chamber

28

Denton Arts Council

29

Spring Wrap-Up

30

Makeover of the Month

Ask the Expert 07 08 09 10 14 20 26 27

From Your Editor Legal Real Estate Gardening Fitness Sidelines Healthy Living Business Coaching

Here’s to

the DOG Days of

Summer…

A Message from The Community Editor

W

ow, here we are in June already! It’s funny how time flies when we’re having fun! Hopefully everyone can look back to the first half of 2016 and count many blessings, fruitful experiences and opportunities.

Since we survived the incessant rains again, our cover feature. Dr. Carol Eddy and Dr. Kristin this time we get to pause and be grateful that Kerce have such a dedicated and enthusiastic we didn’t experience more devastating flooding team and it was delightful to work with them on in North Texas. Sadly, our fellow the cover project. They are so Texans down south weren’t so committed to assisting each of lucky. Our thoughts and prayers go their furry (or scaly) patients out to them for their personal losses with health and wellness. As and property devastation. many of us know, pets bring Now, that we look up and start such joy to our lives and it is the beginning of our summer, we the goal of Corinth Vet Clinic can focus on these “dog days” that to treat your pet(s) like their lie ahead: hot, sunny days filled with very own and show them love, iced tea and pastel summer clothing, compassion and excellent care.

Meredith McNair, with the hopes for backyard grilling Community Relations and July 4th is upon us and Advertising Consultant topped off with a cool dip in the Lake Cities Living as Americans we all have pool. Road trips, vacations and all meredith@murray-media.com patriotic celebrations and 817.291.7582 sorts of summer adventures lie in traditions that we look our future. forward to each year. As we plan our fireworks, June is the month when we get to celebrate the importance and appreciation for buy picnic supplies and send out invitations fathers. Celebrating the men in our lives is to family and friends, let’s remember to reflect a wonderful privilege as we pause to think of and discuss with each other and especially our the influence men contribute to our families, workplace, churches and community. We don’t have to limit our Father’s Day celebration to our dads, stepdads and granddads. We all have been influenced by male teachers, mentors, pastors, friends, uncles, brothers and even our sons. I encourage everyone to take this Father’s Day and tell the important men in your life how they have made a difference in you.

On a separate note, I get the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people that contribute such valuable services to our families and Lake Cities community. This month it’s been my privilege to work with Corinth Vet Clinic on

children how and why our country was birthed into this great Republic. Through struggle and

separation from Great Britain, we have the

privilege of living our lives with unprecedented freedoms and liberty. We must never take this

for granted and it is important to reflect on and appreciate those that went before us who

sacrificed so that we can live in the greatest nation of all time.

LakeCitiesLiving.com

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

Sub-Editor Bobbi Byrne

Contributors

Steve Gamel Susan Neuhalfen

Advertising

Meredith McNair 817.291.7582 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

Happy Father’s Day! Happy Independence Day! God bless this great Nation!

JUNE 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 7

Legal

I’ve hated bullies since I can remember.

UPSIDE

DOWN DOWN

in your home?

by Rocky Haire

in your home?

UPSIDE

8 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JUNE 2016

Literally. They’re in every profession. They intimidate to get what they want. They’re everywhere—banks, insurance companies, lawyers, doctors, plumbers—and you have to punch them in the nose (legally, of course), because intimidation is the only language they

to close. Or maybe you’re in foreclosure. You’re embarrassed, and you need someone to FIX IT, quiet-like.

I know how to take your mortgage and legally transfer it, along with the deed to your house to a new buyer, without involving the bank. You won’t need realtors, either—which

“You have to punch them in the nose (legally, of course), because intimidation is the only language they speak. speak. If they know it doesn’t work on you (or me, your lawyer) they become so much more pleasant to be around. You’ve known me for 20 years as a serious injury and death trial attorney. We have now added a fascinating area of real estate to your arsenal.

You’re in a jam—lost your job, got sick, divorced, decided you are DONE and want out—I don’t care, man, you have your reasons and I will probably agree with you. But you have to sell your home. You’re upside down, so it’ll cost you $20k (you ain’t got)

works out because there’s no money there to pay them, right? You end up getting full price for your home, saving yourself from foreclosure, and the new buyers are thrilled because they couldn’t otherwise meet the ridiculous standards the banks now require for a loan. If you want to sit down and go over your options, I am happy to meet with you, send an e-mail to rockyhaire@icloud.com.

To contact Haire Law Firm call 972.394.3000 or visit www.hrj-law.com

You Have Questions?

Real Estate

We Have the Answers!

I

n this life you get to decide how you want to live your life-by-design.

If you could change your living conditions, how would you do it? Would you remodel the home that you’re in? Build a new home? Maybe you’re interested in flipping a house or just buying something different.

Where do you turn for the best advice for your life-by-design and financial well-being?

While most realtors only offer the choice to buy or sell, SoSimple Home offers custom craft plans to turn your life-by-design into a reality. Our focus is on YOU and yes, the small details matter. We want to help you make the right decisions so that you can make one of the greatest journeys of your life.

Discover the possibilities and explore your next steps. Understand what’s the best choice for you, whether it’s buying, selling, new construction, investing, flipping, 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.

Design tip of the month: It’s hot outside, so make your home an island oasis. Start by making a pitcher full of homemade lemonade to sip on while adding costal accents to your home. Use oceaninspired blue and coastal greens for your pillows, table runners, curtains and throw blankets. Use oil diffusers and mix in your favorite smells to transport you closer to the sea.

Cheers!

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

JUNE 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 9

Gardening

Rain, Rain and

More Rain...

W

e sure have gotten our share of the "Texas rainy season" over the last month. If you haven't had to deal with

any local flooding, consider yourself lucky! With even the best builder drainage plans after landscape has matured, been altered and some erosion occurs around the lot, you can often be left with

Some things to observe and consider:

• Water that still stands more than 5 hours after a rain event • Adjust your irrigation timer on side yards, tight spaces or other areas that have a noticeable drop in elevation so water doesn't run-off into lower lying areas and cause pooling

water concerns. Our crews have been busy with

• Take notice of areas that wash and cause erosion after heavy rain

foundation drains, sump pumps, french drains,

• Loss of foundation soil, exposed house slab

and interior sheetrock, flooring and base board

• Sprinkler heads distributing evenly

repairs. Being proactive can save you thousands

• Water coming in the weep holes from bed backup/overflow

when it comes to this type of water damage, as well as reduce on the mosquito activity.

Drainage inspections are a wonderful idea if you’re moving to a new property or have noticed standing water around your current home. This should include an irrigation evaluation as well.

10 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JUNE 2016

• Make sure you're over-spraying stays to a minimum, adjusting/ replacing the nozzles on your irrigation heads will help reduce the amount of overwatering in certain areas • Dead areas of grass that seem like they have settled lower than rest of lawn

• On your tighter lots it important that you run a common drain line addressing any standing water in the area as well as downspout lines that will control your roof water and discharge it properly at the property's edge or street.

These are just a few things to keep in mind as were going through the rainy season here in Texas.

If you decide to create your own checklist and address repairs or if you bring in a professional, it is a good idea to get it done before you find yourself searching for towels to dry those floors or having to throw a pump in the flowerbed to keep water from getting too deep in those questionable area.

As always we thank you for taking time out to read and hope the information we covered this month serves you well!

by PJ Kratohvil of Complete Solutions completesolutionsdfw.com

Flex Your Mental Muscle

This Summer with

MATHNASIUM F

by Susan Neuhalfen

or your kids, summer is a time for camps… soccer camp, basketball camp, strength and conditioning camp. Why not have them flex their mental muscles, too?

The truth is, the longer we let them push back from their studies, the farther back they slip. It’s called the two-month summer slide. Once they get back in school, they’ll review for the first few weeks, but if your child is in the advanced math classes, he or she won’t get the time to review and could fall even farther behind.

Think about it like the gym. Once you stop working out, it takes a while to get back where you were. Unless you dedicate yourself to it, that could take a long time and you might never get back to form.

Now is the perfect time to enroll your son or daughter in Mathnasium. At Mathnasium, your child will be assessed and tested for concepts going back as far as first grade. Their goal is to understand where the math gaps are. Maybe there is a basic math skill that your student

kind of knows, but not well. Once Mathnasium many teachers and students feel rushed and pinpoints it, they can help your child build the some very important math building blocks may math skills needed to be successful. be missed. Those same concepts that teachers A plan is created for each student. Each has only have a few days to teach, the instructors an individual binder and is working from that at Mathnasium can spend weeks teaching your binder. Through one-on-one instruction, the child how to think the way natural mathematical folks at Mathnasium focus on what your child is thinkers do and open doors. struggling with and work through those struggles Children and teens who spend time over the with him or her. Once your child has the concept summer at Mathnasium will remember more, have down, the instructors leave them to work on concepts alone, building that self confidence. a better review and be ready for a successful school The instructor then goes back and checks year. Once back in school Mathnasium will, with the permission of the parents, everything before moving on.

No more mistakes.

“Children and teens send the information to the math teacher to partner with them and If your child didn’t do well on who spend time provide feedback. the STAAR test, did you know that in some cases he or she could over the summer Mathnasium also works on retake the test? STAAR tests can, math enrichment. They provide at Mathnasium will in some cases, hold your child students that want an extra remember more,” challenge with advanced math back. Mathnasium can have your child STAAR ready. Your child skills. Some of their students are working ahead will do better on standardized testing, building of their grade level by 3 grades. his or her self-esteem.

Most importantly, Mathnasium’s motto is to Maybe your child’s report card in math wasn’t make math make sense and have your child enjoy quite where you wanted it to be. Now is the best time for the instructors at Mathnasium to review the math learning process!

Come and visit Mathnasium 5017 Teasley exactly what your child needs to work on in order Lane in Denton. Let Mathnasium show you how to be ready to take on the new school year.

Every year, school curriculum is trying to cover we can get your child’s mental muscles flexing more and more concepts. It’s to the point where this summer.

JUNE 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 11

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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

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2016 MURRAY MEDIA GROUP

Committed to Community Excellence.

Raise Your Standards,

Fitness

RAISE YOUR

SUCCESS! Y

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

ou know it’s funny. If you look at successful people, whether it’s financial or physical success you will see a consistent pattern of two things: 1) high standards; and 2) no fear of making decisions.

You see, both of those things go hand in hand

with success. Accomplished goals come from

making a DECISION to take a risk. You then have to have HIGH STANDARDS in order to

get the results you’re looking for, by not settling for mediocrity.

Let’s start with high standards. By having high

standards you tend to shoot high at everything you do, no matter what it is. You have to make it

a staple in your life, a habit! When you make it a

as

to why they

cannot commit.

Now you need to

habit you will then realize that the things you set

realize that a decision can

When you apply it to your fitness goals you will

can change your life!

out to do will tend to have a different outcome. realize that fitness isn’t always about a look but about a lifestyle, a way of life. Your quality of life changes and usually

over time the quality of life of those

around you tends to change as well.

Great things manifest from raising your standards and expecting more of yourself and those around you.

Now

for

the

change your life! That simple and that serious, it Please take a minute and visualize. What if

“ . . . have HIGH STANDARDS in order to get the results you’re looking for, by not settling for mediocrity”

all-important

you would have made the decision five years ago to start and stick with

a workout regimen and healthy nutrition regimen along with raising your standards on everything you did in that five-year span, where

would you be and what would you look like? Please think hard about

decisions. Decision is something that everyone

this. It’s your life. Actually, if you have kids,

You unconsciously make decisions all the time.

you make also affect the household and lead to

naturally does without even thinking about it.

The decision to sleep in everyday and wake up an hour before going to work. The decision to NOT

it’s their lives as well. Because the decisions

patterns of behavior of those you’re around most.

Point to take away….. make a decision to

clean your house on a set day or the decision NOT

RAISE YOUR STANDARDS, then make a

you should. The hard part about decisions is that

positive DECISIONS!

to eat clean healthy food even though you know

it’s hard to make a decision to do something that takes commitment! Commitment scares people

for some reason, and everyone has a different

14 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JUNE 2016

reason

DECISION to not be afraid of making strong,

Jesse James Leyva, Jesse James Fit & Outlaw Bootcamp

Swisher Road Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on July 6 Swisher Road has finally opened up and the Lake Cities is celebrating!

The official ribbon cutting ceremony will be July 6th. Businesses in the area have been waiting for the road to complete construction for a very long time and they’re ready for commuters to change their routes back to include Swisher Road.

Swisher Road is open for business!

throughout the day. Campers will go on one major field trip in the DFW area every week and

swimming twice per week. Enrollment

is limited to 60 and is on a first come, first serve basis. Campers must bring a sack lunch, snack, and drink

with them daily. Register online at

https://apm.activecommunities.com/

corinthrec or come into Corinth City

Hall to register.

Lake Cities UMC Hosting Vacation Bible School

All Bikers Welcome at Rushing Wind Biker Church Every Sunday, American Eagle Harley-Davidson is hosting the Rushing Wind Biker Church in the Grand Traditions Building, at the back of the north parking lot.

They’ll have music and devotional programs starting at 10am rain or shine.

American Eagle Harley-Davidson is located at 5920 S. I35 East in Corinth. Following church there will be a lunch ride.

Corinth Camps for Kids The City of Corinth Recreation Division offers summer day camp for boys and girls ages 5-12 every week of summer. Daily activities are held at Crownover Recreation Center and the camp operates Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Each week will feature a variety of activities

Lake Cities UMC presents

Cokesbury’s Surf Shack, this

beach-themed

vacation

Bible

school takes place June 20-24 from

9am to noon for kids Kindergarten through 5th grade. Register today at lakecitiesumc.org.

Thousand Hills Church Presents Cave Quest Vacation Bible School Join

Thousand

underground

Hills

over-the-top

Church

for

adventure

an at

Vacation Bible School’s Cave Quest. It’s free!

It all takes place June 26-30 from 6-9pm

at 3201 a Tower Ridge Drive, Corinth.

To register call 940.321.0488.

JUNE 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 15

How Do You DEFINE FAMILY?

by Susan Neuhalfen

F

did their externships (meaning extra training)

or the staff at the Corinth Veterinary Clinic, it can be anything or anyone two-legged, working with exotic animals. Dr. Eddy worked four-legged (or more), furry, scaly or anything in between.

For 15 years, Kim Jacobs has worked at Corinth Veterinary Clinic. She is a certified veterinary practice manager—not a common title, but she’s not a common person—who oversees staff, budget, payroll, human resources and sometimes clients. The motto at Corinth Veterinary Clinic has long been that they are pet owners serving pet owners.

“Our staff treats you with a compassion that you don’t find just anyplace,” said Jacobs. “From doctors to technicians and everyone on staff, we understand how important your pet is and we never take that for granted. We have pets, too.

They are our furry family.”

In case you were wondering, technician is a fancy name for an animal nurse (Texas is looking to change that name in the near future). Diane, the lead technician, has been there for 11 years as has Pearl, the friendly receptionist. Katrina and Brionna have been there for 5 years. Anna and Sam would be the short timers at 2 years.

Sue, Lindsey and Javon are the newest additions, they think they’ll stick around awhile. And even though Viki retired after 10 years with the clinic, she still comes back to fill in for vacations 16 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JUNE 2016

and maternity leaves. You get the picture. This family stays together.

They’ve had their share of incredible animals come through the door. Some come in for shots or blood work, some for emergencies. This is not just a doctor’s office for animals, they are also equipped to act as an emergency room and boarding facility.

“So if an animal gets bitten by a snake…”

Kim gave as an example. “We’re ready to handle most emergencies.”

Speaking of snakes, this is one of the few clinics that treats reptiles and other exotic animals.

Dr. Carol Eddy, DVM, is the owner of Corinth Veterinary Clinic. Both she and the other full-time doctor on staff, Dr. Kristin Kerce,

at a practice in Chicago that worked strictly with exotic animals. Dr. Kerce, not be outdone, did her externships at zoos. They’ve found this extra training has definitely come in handy with the number of exotic pets they see at the clinic.

“Thought it’s not common, we’ve seen 10-12 foot snakes,” said Dr. Eddy. “We’ve even seen an iguana that was about five foot in length.”

From dogs and cats to hamsters, snakes and, believe it or not, even chickens, Dr. Eddy’s “family” has grown all around since she purchased the practice in 2007. She had begun as an associate veterinarian there in 2003 and when the practice went up for sale, she felt like it was the perfect fit.

“I loved the area, the clients and my staff already,” said Dr. Eddy. “It was just the right thing for me.”

Her staff, right now, is all female. A unique group of hard working women who compliment each other.

Weekdays at the clinic start at 7am and end late, 6:30 on Mondays and Wednesdays and 5:30

Sponsored Content photography by Scott Young Photography

Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. They put in extended hours at the clinic during the week so that their weekends may be spent with their own families. There are three emergency clinics in the area that handle the weekend emergencies.

Dr. Eddy has made it clear from the beginning that there is nothing more important than family and she wouldn’t think of asking one of her employees to leave a sick child at home.

Family always comes first.

“When you think about how many hours you spend at work versus being at home,” Dr Eddy began. “ We want our staff to want to be here.”

They grieve with family, too. Last Friday they had two birthdays in the office, but had to keep their celebrations to themselves as two animals had to be put down.

“I think about the time I had to euthanize my own dog,” said Kim. “We’ve been on both sides of the table.”

They pride themselves on taking as good care of their clients as they do the pets. Dr. Eddy praises her pet owners as they are very conscientious people with a deep love for animals. They have to rely on these same pet owners, along with their own physical exam capabilities, in order to give the pet the best treatment possible. That collaboration, according to Dr. Eddy, is key.

So does she have any crazy pet owners?

“You’re going to see a wide range of owners, but before you place judgment, you need to put yourself in that person’s shoes,” she points out. “I always say you’ve got to love that person on the other end of the leash.”

Dr. Eddy elaborates that she and her staff become somewhat detached from an animal sometimes because it is too trying for them emotionally. She went on to say that when you see a woman with a dog in a fur coat and diamond stud collar, that dog might have belonged to her mother and that’s the last connection she might have with her loved one. You never know. That’s her family and it’s not our place to judge.

When asked about adding onto family with a pet, Dr. Eddy had strong advice.

“Ask yourself what your expectations are for the dog and how will he or she fit into your lifestyle,” she said. “Most importantly, don’t make an impulse purchase. Do your research.”

When you do get that pet, make sure you take proper care of that animal, just as you do of yourself and if you’re looking for a good family veterinary practice, who treats all kinds of animals, you know exactly where to go.

“I feel fortunate that I love what I do,” said Dr. Eddy. “I have to say though, I would go crazy if I saw just one type of animal. I love the crazy variety.”

Just like family.

[ [ “I always say you’ve got to love that person on the other end of the leash.”

CorinthVetClinic.com | 940.497.5383 4451 FM 2181, #105 • Corinth, TX 76210

JUNE 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 17

Oakmont It’s Neighborly In

D

espite only starting the organization a few years ago, the Oakmont Women’s Group is known for its generosity in the Lake Cities. Everything about these ladies is genuine. They want to raise money for their community and while many would stand back and let others do the work, they choose to do the heavy lifting all by themselves.

Usually organizations like this one have something in common. Maybe it’s their lineage, maybe its their love of animals, but these ladies have an unusual common bond. They all live in the Oakmont Subdivision. In an era where many of of us don’t know our neighbors, these ladies come together with their neighbors to make their community a better place to live.

Every year they hold three big events: a style show auction and a formal Tea and name the Rose raffle. From these few events, they raise money for several area programs.

Every May, they host a special event and give away the money that they raise. This year the

18 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JUNE 2016

by Susan Neuhalfen

following organizations received donations from the Oakmont Women’s Group:

Boys and Girls Club Children’s Advocacy Center Corinth Police Department Friends Of The Family Lake Cities Fire Dept.

Lake Cities Food Pantry Lake Cities Community Aid Fund NCTC Scholarship Our Daily Bread SPAN/Meals on Wheels Serve Denton/The Wheeler House Kathie Ramsey served as president this year and their community liaison was Tina Henderson.

Henderson said that they raised over $15,000 this year but that they owe much of it to their supportive community.

“All of our events are open to the public and the people are great about supporting our events and the charitable organizations in the community.”

Solve a Real Life

WHODUNNIT at Summer Camp

the crime. The kids will meet with a sketch artist as well as do their own sketches of “suspects”. Lt. Gregg says there’s also an additional learning aspect.

“Kids get to learn about all of the jobs in law enforcement,” said Lt. Gregg. “They may decide to make this their career path as a result of the camp.”

“My favorite part is when the DFW Bomb Squad

comes out to blow something up,” he laughs. “Last year it was a watermelon.”

Lt. Gregg said that after doing the camp for

eight years, he’s amazed at the impact it’s had on so many attendees.

by Susan Neuhalfen

A

re you looking for something really cool for your kids to do this summer?

How about letting them live out a real life mystery for a week? The Corinth Police Department has just the ticket.

Kids ages 13-17 are invited to attend a week long CSI Camp. Program participants spend a week at the Corinth Police Department receiving instruction from various members of the department as well as fellow agencies. They will get to play out a real whodunnit crime and solve the mystery.

18-year veteran Lt. Jimmy Gregg of the Corinth Police Department says this is his favorite part of the summer and he’s very excited for the kids.

“We’ve been doing this for eight years, so we’ve got it down,” said Lt. Gregg. “The kids always have a great week. We all do.”

During the week, students will learn how to diagram a mock crime scene, photograph the crime scene, cast a shoe print, get fingerprints and lots more as they solve

The students take field trips along the way as well. They visit the DEA to see the planes and other equipment used by the agency. A Care Flight lands so that they may see the helicopter up close and personal. DNA experts as well as other experts come in to talk about how their jobs are done. Members of the Denton County Sheriff ’s Office, Denton County Emergency Services, Dallas Fort Worth Airport Police and Lake Cities Fire Department are just some of the partners involved in bringing the program to the kids.

So what is Lt. Gregg’s favorite part of the week?

“I have kids who are now grown up come up to me

on the street and tell how me how much they loved the camp,” he said. “They always say that it was the best summer camp they’d ever attended.”

The Camp is set for July 11-15 and spaces are limited so register today!

For more information visit the following link www.cityofcorinth.com/526/Summer-Camps or call Lt. Gregg at 940-279-1510.

CELEBRATE THE 4TH

RESPONSIBLY T

he Corinth Police Department would like to extend warm wishes during this coming 4th of July Holiday. While this is a great time of the year, it is important to remember to stay safe while enjoying the holiday. The Corinth Police Department would also like to remind residents of Corinth and Shady Shores that all fireworks are illegal to possess and discharge in each respective city. We will maintain high visibility throughout the holiday weekend and will enforce these ordinances.

We encourage our residents to attend the Lake Cities Firework celebration at the Lake Dallas City Park on Monday, July 4th from 9a-10p. The festivities begin with a patriotic parade followed by food, contests, vendors, inflatable water slides, horseback rides and toe tappin’ music. The day is brought to a close with one of the largest, most dazzling fireworks displays in the area.

Also, please remember your pets. Due to fireworks usage, more dogs get lost around July 4th than any other time of the year. Keep your pets properly confined to avoid escape due to fear of fireworks. Have your dog’s registration and identification up to date in the event your pet does escape.

We hope you all have a fun and safe 4th of July Holiday!

JUNE 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 19

Sidelines

by Steve Gamel

TOP 5 TIPS

For Aspiring Journalists

I

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

still remember standing in the hallway just outside my journalism professor’s office at UNT. He didn’t have a ton of time to talk, but he wanted to go over an article I had written. His critique was short and, well, harsh.

“Have you ever read a newspaper before?” he

I dove head first into what it means to be a

that. My professor was right in that by not being an

Everything he said next was a blur. Even 10

everything I put my name on.

outside world, and I certainly wasn’t formulating

said in a condescending tone.

minutes later—long after he had walked away to his next class—I was still fixated on those seven

words. I mean ... of course I had read a newspaper

before! Ok, so maybe it had been a while since I

read a story from start to finish, but I read enough to have a general idea.

“journalist” while holding myself accountable for

I’ve written for, and learned from, a lot of folks.

I won a few awards here and there, and three years ago started my own writing and copy editing business, Edit This. My old professor, if he’s still around, would be so proud. I think.

There are plenty of articles with tips on how to

Never sacrifice your integrity, career, or the career of someone else, simply to get the story first.

My article couldn’t have been that bad, could it?

be a better journalist, and they all offer great advice.

That was 20 years ago and I’d like to think I’ve

I’d like to share those with aspiring journalists. My

Looking back, I didn’t have a clue.

come a long way. For starters, I learned what

quality writing looks like. And I’m happy to say I’ve even read a few newspapers – front page to back page, I might add.

I also became a student of the craft, striving to

write better than I did the day before while never

once considering myself God’s gift to writing.

20 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JUNE 2016

I think it boils down to five basic principles, and goal is to give you a better head start than I ever considered giving myself all those years ago.

Read, Read, Read Growing up I didn’t do enough leisure reading.

And by that I mean, reading newspapers, magazines, books, et cetera—just for fun. I regret

avid reader, I had no idea what was going on in the my own opinion on any of it. I also had no idea

what it truly meant to capture a reader’s attention.

All aspiring journalists need to read—a lot.

You should seek out writers you like, and writers

you don’t like—then read both with a critical eye.

Did they capture your attention? What could they

have done better to help you slice through their article like a knife through hot butter? Not only will reading help you decipher between quality

writing and garbage, but it will also help you find your own writing style.

Write as Much as You Can, on as Much as You Can

I always fancied myself as a decent writer, but

I don’t think I was as well rounded in my craft

until three years ago when I started Edit This. It

was then I became more than just a sports writer.

Over the last three years I’ve written articles on everything from pet adoption agencies to local business owners.

I’ve created content for hair salon websites,

helped craft resumes for out-of-work clients, and

I’ve ghost written blogs for attorneys and public speakers. There’s not a day that goes by where I’m

not writing something, and I think all aspiring

journalists need to do the same thing. Whether

it’s writing a blog or asking for extra assignments,

you need to constantly write in order to get better.

Simply put, you learn by doing—over and over and over again.

Know Your Beat A beat is specialized reporting, like sports

journalists are like that. Sort of like, not all lawyers are bad people. Never sacrifice your integrity, career, or the career of someone else, simply to get the story first. If you are on a particular beat, odds are that you will end up covering a sensitive topic, and those sources must feel like they can trust you and that you will not only be accurate in your reporting, but fair.

Stay Hungry

I tell aspiring journalists that they have to stay

hungry if they want to get their foot in the door.

Make yourself available and be willing to cover anything, from a football game or local fair to a city council meeting. Not only will it make you

a better writer, but your bosses will think of you before they offer a story to anyone else.

writing, education writing, or crime writing, that you do every single day. Regardless of what beat you plan on covering, the goal is to know it

inside and out. By doing so you set yourself up to provide insight and commentary that no one else

would know.

I feel it is imperative to build rapport and trust

with everyone I come into contact with on a beat.

You should seek out writers you like, and writers you don’t like— then read both with a critical eye.

For sports writers, that means everyone from

the coaching staff to the players, trainers, and

guys operating the press box on game day. Heck, even the parents and booster club. It also means

understanding the game itself, and the strategy behind it.

Be Fair The media as a whole gets a bad wrap for

wreaking havoc, so your goal is to show not all

Regardless of what anyone else tells you, there is a fair way to do your job. I stuck to that rule and I promise you I have garnered more respect and trust from sources than I ever could imagine.

In some cases, they won’t talk to anyone else on a given issue until they have spoken to me first.

That’s powerful, and all I did was be fair.

Before I was full-time at the Denton Record-

Chronicle, I freelanced for them for a couple of

years and there wasn’t a single instance where I turned down an assignment. It showed how much

I cared, and it showed I was willing to work. I attribute that attitude to me getting offered a full time spot.

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

JUNE 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 21

Corinth Elementary’s First Math Olympiad Team Excels

Falcon Pride is designed to improve the overall

ability of Lake Dallas ISD athletes. To register or find out more information, go to www.ldisd.net.

Corinth Elementary competed in the National Math Olympiads, helping their students learn math in a different light and work cooperatively to obtain goals.

Students at Corinth Elementary did an excellent job in their first year to compete. The top competitor was Amanda White, who placed in the top 25% internationally. She was followed

by Coen Kinser - top 30%, Kamden Beauchamp – top 40%, and Barrett Gruber – top 50%. Other participants this year were John Paul Johnson, Austin Marcotte, Teagan Davis, Peyton Butler, and Nico Hutchinson.

Shady Shores Adopts A Southwest Airlines Pilot

Falcon Pride Focuses On Speed And Power This Summer

and mathematically speaking, and the pilots

The 2016 Falcon Pride Program will take place from June 20 through July 28 at the Lake Dallas High School Field House. The program is available to girls and boys entering the 7th grade or higher in August. The program is designed to help all athletes physically, mentally and emotionally.

The 75 minute per day session focuses on core, speed, strength and flexibility. Sessions will be held four days a week Monday – Thursday. High school girls and incoming 9th grade boys will meet at 7:30am. Incoming 7th and 8th grade athletes will begin at 8:15am while 10th, 11th and 12th grade boys will start at 9am.

22 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JUNE 2016

Students at Shady Shores Elementary recently

participated in Southwest Airlines’ Adopt-A-

Pilot program as a way to learn all about aviation-

themed activities related to science, geography, math, writing and other subjects. The students

also learned about careers in aviation and the fact

that it takes a lot more than a plane and a pilot to run an airline business.

The program focuses on teaching the

students about how airplanes fly, scientifically

even visit the classrooms to demonstrate the principles involved in flight.

They also talk

about geography through map reading as well as other valuable information needed to make an airline run.

Falcon Band Brings Home 29 State Medals The Lake Dallas High Falcon Band took 48

musicians to the UIL State Solo and Ensemble Contest in Austin. Over the course of the 3 day contest, which took place in 3 locations

(simultaneously) and encompassed more than 29,000 entries, the Falcon Band members received the following accolades.

Superior Rated Soloists – Gold Medal Austin Benedetti – Snare Solo Austin Benedetti – Marimba Solo Aaron Ruggiere – Marimba Solo Blake Holman – Marimba Solo Blake Holman – Timpani Solo Kate Sweeney – Marimba Solo Jared Collier – Marimba Solo Excellent Rated Soloists – Silver Medal Chandler Skinner – Euphonium Angel Muniz – Marimba Solo Angel Muniz – Snare Solo Janae O’Connell- Marimba Solo Janae O’Connell – Snare Solo Gaby Estes – Clarinet Solo Jared Collier – Snare Solo Jamie Weston – Marimba Solo Jamie Weston – Snare Solo Kayvon Bernstein – Marimba Solo Jaiden Collins – Snare Solo Gratzelly Marquez – Snare Solo Matthew Elder – Marimba Solo Tara Halvorsen – Flute Solo Aaron Ruggiere – Snare Solo Emily Kelling – Marimba Solo Amanda Lawrence – Marimba Solo Alec Townsend – Marimba Solo Alison Milyo – Marimba Solo Kara Chidester – Alto Saxophone Solo Kaitlyn Kennedy – French Horn Solo Superior Rated Ensemble – Gold Medal Saxophone Quintet – Flight of the Bumblebee Anna Rodionova – Soprano Saxophone Kara Chidester – Alto Saxophone Jonah Covich – Alto Saxophone Harris Anwar – Tenor Saxophone Jonah Derrick – Baritone Saxophone

American Legion

Auxiliary

Remembrance 5K

May 28, 2016

at Lake Dallas City Park

JUNE 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 23

24 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JUNE 2016

TRI-COUNTY REGIONAL

HISPANIC CHAMBER

REPRESENTS MULTITUDE OF CULTURES AND BUSINESSES

by Susan Neuhalfen

T

he Tri-County Regional Hispanic Chamber serves as an umbrella to many other chamber organizations in the area. They represent 19 different chambers from 13 Latin American countries. This is a lively group of business owners, all of which have one purpose—to serve the growing Hispanic market in Denton County. It is considered a comprehensive chamber system, there to help its other branch members succeed. It is definitely an innovative idea but not without its misconceptions.

So let’s set the record straight.

For starters, this meeting started differently than the other chamber meetings. They began with the pledge of allegiance to the American flag. Having attended dozens of chamber meetings across Texas, this was a first. It would be nice if all chamber meetings should start that way.

Another thing that most do not understand is that these businesses are not all Hispanicowned and operated. The purpose of the Hispanic Chamber is to help serve and target the Hispanic audience and educate business owners. That means that anyone is welcome.

At this meeting alone, representatives from Mondays from 2-4pm in English and Fridays Chile, Brazil, Columbia and Mexico spoke to the from 2-4pm in Spanish. Chamber members who are also business owners will be crowd. It is interesting to note asked to come on the show to that every country has its own “Education Is The Key talk about their business. Past culture. Though they all speak To What We Do,” shows are also available at www.

“Spanish”, the language spoken in tricountyrhchamber.org.

Mexico is different from the one A great feature for members is TCRHCC in Columbia, and in order to market to a specific audience, the business owner needs to understand app, here is where members may find out the weekly activities happening within the chambers, the language and how to target the group.

“Education is the key to what we do,” said Pete everything from luncheons and maps, to evening Garcia, president. “All of our meetings have to activities that are going on with all the branch have an educational value—anything that affects chambers and international chambers.

The chamber meets every 3rd Tuesday of the business and how the business owner may be month and welcome visitors. more successful.”

“We welcome everyone to visit a chamber Garcia also notes that the sheer number of colleges and higher institutions in the area warrant meeting,” said Garcia, graciously. “We have a great group here and we are looking forward to growing an educational slant as well.

Business owners like Garcia came together to it even more.” form the TCRHCC because the growth in the Hispanic market has been tremendous and they felt it was time to get focused. They serve many areas including McKinney, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Frisco and Denton.

“The growth in the Hispanic business market in our area is up 352%,” said Garcia. “We are here to serve as a bridge to the Hispanic audience.”

They have also started an internet radio show to showcase chamber businesses and share information photo courtesy of Pete Garcia with the general audience. The show airs on

Lake Cities RESIDENT JUNE 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 25

Healthy Living

by Pure Barre purebarre.com

H

ave you heard all the buzz about Pure Barre yet?

Now is the time to check it out, and get involved in the workout that is sweeping the nation! Describing

Pure Barre is simple. Pure Barre is the fastest and most effective way to change your body - period. Pure Barre lifts your seat, tones your thighs, abs and arms, tapers in your

ANYONE can do it, we mean it! As long as you can hold on to a barre, you can take this class!

Pure Barre strives to better the lives of women

and men nationwide. Pure Barre is more than a workout, Pure Barre is a lifestyle, a

community, and family. At Pure Barre, clients

share a sense of community in which they

hips, and burns fat in record-breaking time. Most

are empowered and inspired by each

clients see incredible results in as little as 10 classes!

The

best

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The best part about Pure Barre -

Pure Barre is low impact, so your

body will receive love through a gentle,

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ANYONE CAN DO IT!

jumping or running required! Each

class consists of a warm up in the center

other’s fitness and lifestyle goals.

Pure Barre not only transforms

both your body and your mind, Pure Barre changes your life…for

the better!

Pure Barre Denton is the newest

Pure Barre location in Denton County,

and they are eager to welcome you to their

of the room with light weights, and the remainder

family, and introduce you to the fastest growing

to tone your thighs, seat and abs, with a series of

This is your time, this is your chance, give yourself

of the class incorporates small isometric movements stretching to create long, lean muscles. When we say

26 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JUNE 2016

workout sensation! What are you waiting for? some love…you deserve it!

IT’S ALL ABOUT

Business Coach

CONSEQUENCES the

D

ecades ago when I was working productive, but it is impossible to be productive as a Peace Corps volunteer in without being busy. Not just any old busy: Africa, Henry, our hard-working focused, deliberate, high quality busy-ness that regional director and chief liaison with the produces extraordinary results.

Getting more out of one’s time is a universal local government, proudly subscribed to the mantra “Busy, Busy, Busy.” In fact, he had challenge. And the whole point of time that slogan stamped on the outside of the soft, management principles is to help you move black briefcase he carried everywhere. Henry into a state of high productivity by learning prided himself on a sustained level of high how to correctly assign priorities to the tasks activity. He radiated an undeterred optimism that are asking for our attention. Priorities are in his ability to conquer any challenge, mostly directly influenced by consequences. Every day we’re faced with a series through perseverance, of choices for which there and believe me, that’s an are consequences: the essential trait for success Priorities are consequences of choosing as a Peace Corps volunteer.

Directly Influenced to do the thing, as well Being busy was good and

by Consequences. as the consequences of smart, while being “Busy, NOT doing the thing.

Busy, Busy” was to achieve Identifying consequences an omnipotent Henry-ness that most of us could only marvel at. So yes, is the first step in turning busy-ness Henry taught me the value of staying busy, and into productivity.

One of my favorite tools for managing time is I have valued busy-ness ever since.

We’re all so busy! Family, kids, job, church, the ABCDE method (credited to Brian Tracy). shopping, school, celebration events, recreation, How do we ABCDE the tasks begging for our and staying fit: the list of things asking for attention? The “A” tasks are those that MUST our time is long. Being busy is a badge we be done first – because the consequences of proudly wear, because we know that to change doing/not doing them are so significant. The the world for the better, being busy is a “B” tasks are those that SHOULD be done just as soon as you finish “A” tasks. “B” tasks necessary condition.

But is being busy the same as being are important to do but not urgent. The “C” productive? You can be busy and not be tasks are those that COULD be done: the

consequences of putting these tasks off are low, and they’re scheduled after “A” and “B” tasks are complete. “D” tasks are those that should be DELEGATED to someone else because they’re not the best use of your talents or time.

The “E” tasks are those that should be ELIMINATED from your list. The more you can eliminate low/no value activities, the more free time you’ll have for the things that matter most. Darren Hardy, editor of Success magazine, interviewed many of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs and declared “NO is the master skill of success.” That’s right. Your ability to say “no” to lesser consequence activities is the key to achieving super-productivity. Saying “no” is hard because it often creates conflict and disappointment with others or forces us out of our comfort zone. But it is one of the most effective tactics you can employ to gain control of your time and your life.

Looking back I realize that Henry wasn’t just “Busy, Busy, Busy”; he was highly productive, too, because he always worked on the most important things first. “Busy, Busy, Busy” was just Henry’s way of way of writing “ABCDE.”

by Art Locke, Focal Point Coaching, ArtLockeCoaching.com

JUNE 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 27

EDITOR’S

PICK

UNITE ARTIST & AUDIENCE

F

or nearly 50 years the Greater Denton Arts Council has been providing foundational support for Denton’s artists. They are a local, non-profit organization whose mission is two-fold: to give artists the opportunity to share their crafts with the public and to expose the people of Denton County to these incredible works. These include art exhibitions, theater, music and dance, and from one of their two available venues, artists and audiences will inevitably find one another.

“We have a big space and a lot of great talent

here,” said Joanna Lugo, Coordinator, Grants

and Membership for the Greater Denton Arts

Council. “We view this as a unifying space in our

community for anyone who loves art or who is an artist.”

Located just off the town square, the Patterson-

Appleton Arts Center is a 1920’s renovated steam power plant that holds two galleries and a

Festival Hall where many exhibits occur. Artists are welcome to hold exhibitions or submit single

works during their “calls for artists.” Artists

simply need to contact the council via email or call to see if there is space available. They are open to all ages, all backgrounds and all kinds of art.

“We welcome multiple arts organizations

or individuals,” said Lugo. “We also provide

grants for artists and financial support for arts organizations in the community.”

Their other venue, the Campus Theatre, is an

28 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JUNE 2016

2016

by Susan Neuhalfen

“Mick Burson painting the new public art mural at the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center”, photo courtesy of Brandon Jones Photography

historic landmark that was originally built as the

including writing, beginner dance and art healing

Denton Community Theatre, Music Theatre of

International Nightscapes: Recent Works by

Interstate Theater in 1949. Today it is home to the

Denton, and other performing arts organizations

which present over 100 performances every

year. Between the two areas, there is a bustle of activity at all times.

“There is something happening in our

buildings at all hours of the day,” laughs Lugo.

Actor Jason Lee just finished a summer

cinema series at Festival Hall where film lovers

and artists chose select movies and provided

commentary for his or her chosen movie.

Festival Hall was also the venue for the annual Community Arts Recognition Award (CARA)

workshops. Right now they are currently hosting

Bob Chilton in the Gough Gallery, featuring

gorgeous landscapes with the night sky from all over the world. They also have works by the

Denton Quilt Guild as well as an exhibition by UNT’s own Benjamin Terry.

When asked what they want the general

public to know about the Greater Denton Arts Council, Lugo didn’t hesitate with her response.

“We’re here and we’re passionate about the arts,”

said Lugo. “It’s something that unifies all walks of life.”

for outstanding achievement in the field of fine

arts or for service to the arts in the community.

This year Denton residents Sandra and Randy Robinson were celebrated for their contributions

to the arts. They have been a large part of the

Denton arts community for over 20 years. They

started Industrial Street Pop Festival, also known as Geezerpolooza, and have served on different

community and boards to help raise money

“Installation view of the 2016 Materials: Hard + Soft National Contemporary Craft Competition and Exhibition”, photo courtesy of GDAC

for many projects around the area. In a recent

interview with Lugo, the Robinsons were asked about the role of the arts in Denton.

“Denton is a very unique place,” said Robinson.

“All of the various opportunities to experience art here defines that uniqueness.”

All summer, there will be classes and

workshops at the Patterson-Appleton Arts

Center which are all listed on their website

“2016 35Denton Music Festival at the PattersonAppleton Arts Center with the Arts Open Call exhibition backing the stage”, photo courtesy of 35Denton

LAKE DALLAS FOOTBALL

Springing Forward

by Steve Gamel

T

here are still plenty of questions on how Lake Dallas will regroup following last

season’s deep playoff run, one that was led by a dynamic senior class that has now been lost to graduation.

But if spring workouts were any indication, the Falcons aren’t too worse for wear.

Lake Dallas coach Michael Young said he is very pleased with arguably a much younger Falcon squad, and added that the players he does have returning should create a solid nucleus from which to build as the team tries to match or exceed last year’s run to the Class 5A Division II state semifinal.

“We saw a lot from our younger guys,” Young said.

“We have some guys that are going from freshman to sophomores that, instead of being one year away from being ready, should be able to help us win now.”

Young said that group of seven or eight players reminds him of this last senior class, which was highlighted by the duo of quarterback Dagan Haehn and do-it-all receiver Keegan Brewer. They and others saw significant playing time as underclassmen and were cagey veterans by their junior and senior seasons.

That all culminated in 2015 when the Falcons won

12 games and were one win from the state title game. It was the deepest playoff run in program history.

Fast forward to this season and the annual spring

game—which always wraps up spring workouts —gave Young a glimpse of what is to come. That includes new starting quarterback Spencer Frederickson.

Frederickson passed for 1,101 yards and 13

touchdowns last season as Haehn’s backup, but he

started the first five games of the year as Haehn was out with a knee injury. It’s because of that extra playing

From there, the only returning starters on offense are two offensive linemen and running back Brian Griffin. Griffin rushed for nearly 500 yards and seven touchdowns last year. He will be asked to shoulder a heavier load in the run game going forward.

Frederickson also appears to still have some valuable weapons in the passing game with the return of Brendan Contreras (514 receiving yards) and Chris Slater (303 yards).

From there, Young said there are more position battles than he can count right now, including on a defense that is looking to fill gaps at linebacker,

“It’s a lot different this year. There’s more energy because of the extra competition, and what they do from here will depend a lot on how hard they work during the summer.” time that Young feels his new signal caller is way ahead of the curve as he takes the reigns this year.

“It’s hard to play quarterback without some big

games under your belt. We don’t have that problem

with Spencer; last season will help him tremendously,” Young said. “He has looked good. He understands how to read coverages and we feel pretty good about him.”

defensive line and in the secondary. All those players earned valuable playing time in the spring scrimmage.

“We still have a lot to work through, but there are some quality position battles out there,” Young said. “It’s a lot different this year. There’s more energy because of the extra competition, and what they do from here will depend a lot on how hard they work during the summer.”

JUNE 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 29

OF THE MONTH FREE MAKEOVER

Are you ready for a whole new look? Just email us at cloud9salon@cloud9salon.com and tell us why you or someone you know deserves a makeover.

We’ll select one lucky winner from our entries to receive the full hair and make-up treatment.

ENTER TODAY!

M

egan is a beautiful single mom of 3 children. She works for her church as an event coordinator and homeschools her children. She hopes to open and manage a home for women that are homeless and hopeless.

Her goal is to restore hope, responsibility and life back into them with teaching them how to find and keep work, raise their children, manage finances and become faithful and spiritual women.

MEGAN

Brow Wax by Pauletta Collins

Pauletta did a quick cleansing exfoliation and extractions. This will polish the skin for flawless makeup application! We also did a brow wax to frame her face in preparation for make up.

Highlights by Brittney Brewer

Brittney balayaged (hand painted) highlights throughout her hair, and added some highlights through the top of her hair to add some pizazz.

Cut & Style by Patti Lissberger

Patti Lissberger did the cut and style. She wanted to keep it long, so I tapered the sides giving her long layers... I cut about 2-3” off the length.

Makeup by Jacque Bustos

Jacque Bustos did Megan’s makeup for a beautiful natural look.

Clothing was provided by the C9 Boutique

Lake Cites RESIDENT

Lake Cites RESIDENT

Want to be the next Makeover?

Email cloud9salon@cloud9salon.com and tell us why you deserve it!

30 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JUNE 2016

Before

After photography by Caroline Simpson Makeover by

214.415.4806 www.cloud9salon.com

JUNE 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 31