Lake Cities Living Magazine January 2018

JANUARY 2018

Good Decisions in a

Not-So-Good

WORLD Texas’ Answer to

GROUNDHOG DAY

FALCONS Hold Their Own

Family Together Keeping the

Corinth - Hickory Creek - Shady Shores - Lake Dallas

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

JANUARY 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 3

4 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JANUARY 2018

JANUARY 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 5

LakeCitiesLiving.com

Publisher & Editor

Progress

Scott & Kelly Murray

Administration

Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editor Bobbi Byrne

Is A Good Thing

Staff Writer

Susan Neuhalfen

Contributor Steve Gamel

Advertising

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

Production

Art Director Liz Wallace Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Stephanie Hansen Savannah Halfmann

Photography

Your Candid Memories 469.583.2819 yourcandidmemories.com

Letters

Lake Cities Living invites reader feedback, story suggestions

Happy New Year!

a pet brings to our homes and families.

I

t’s exciting to start 2018 with progress having been made right here inside our own community. 35E is now complete

and 2499 is now open, as well. Two main corridors that will approve accessibility to local businesses as well as reduce

traffic congestion. It has been exciting to

businesses. Such a win here at the very

Murray Media Group.

at the start of 2018 too. You will notice my

pet to your family.

name has changed. I’m excited to start

to offer you support in your marketing

couldn’t be better. I’m thrilled to share

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. © 2018 Murray Media Group

make it a very easy process to add a loving

Issue of Lake Cities Living Magazine and

Address: 1011 Surrey Lane Building 100, Ste. 101

Society or your local animal shelter where

personal note my life drastically changed

artwork@murray-media.com

Flower Mound, TX 75022

many pets in need of a good and caring

Take a break and enjoy our January

2018 as a new wife. My husband Scott

www.murray-media.com

already own a pet, remember there are

they will welcome you with open arms and

new opportunities this will bring to their

Change is a good thing and on a

972.899.3637 or email

come from the love of a pet. If you don’t

these main highways and already see the

are enthusiastic with the completion of

All submissions become

Editorial and Advertising Inquiries call

shows how inspiration can sometimes

home. Reach out to your local Humane

start of 2018!

the sole property of

& Lola’s Closet in the January Issue that

hear from many in the community who

and general comments.

Email artwork@murray-media.com.

You will find a wonderful article on Sancho

and I married on January 5th and life

remember as you begin 2018 that I’m here efforts as you prepare your business for this coming year.

this news with our readers.

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of

Many I’m sure received a new pet for

one’s soul remains unawakened.”

Christmas and what an amazing addition

- Anatole France

Sincerely, Becka Materne Corbitt

Community Relations and Advertising Consultant Lake Cities Living becka@murray-media.com 214.326.6706 6 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JANUARY 2018

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

16

On the Cover is Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP)

FEATURED: Keeping the Family Together

FAMILY

20

Edit This with Steve Gamel

08

Inside Community

21

Graduating Senior Aims for Career

09

Inside Education

10

Falcons Hold Their Own All-District Team

12

Rescue Me

14

Texas’ Answer to Groundhog Day

LIFESTYLE 18

Cooks in the Kitchen at Corinth Elementary School

21 EDITORS PICK: Graduating Senior Aims for Career in Cancer Research

in Cancer Research 24

Gardening with Complete Solutions

25

Denton Downtown Mini Mall Fire

YOURSELF 26

Making Good Decisions in a Not-So-Good World

30

Fitness with Jesse James Fit

THIS MONTH: We celebrate our pets.

Look for the paw print JANUARY 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 7

KNOW

Be in the

Family

INSIDE COMMUNITY

DADDY/DAUGHTER DANCE FEB 3 It’s time for the City of Corinth Daddy / Daughter Dance on February 3 at the Global Spheres Center from 7:30pm until 10pm. The dance is themed to Beauty and the Beast and open to girls ages 4-12. Tickets are $25 each and include a full dinner. A photographer will be on site to take pictures. Go to Eventbrite.com to purchase tickets.

LCCC LUNCHEON

Come hear the Mayors and City Managers from our four Lake Cities give an update on what is happening in their respective cities on Tuesday, January 16 at Oakmont Country Club from 11:30AM - 1:00 PM. The luncheon will be sponsored by Judge Joe Holland - Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1. Register at http://conta.cc/2CYx30f or go to lakecitieschamber.com for more information.

LDPD GIVING BACK

The LDPD received gift cards for local businesses courtesy of LCUMC and generous donors. Over the next several weeks they will be distributing the gift cards to the community during normal police-citizen encounters. LDPD thanks the donors for providing officers with an opportunity to help individuals and families in need. This is one more way they can connect with the community in a positive manner.

STITCH AND CHAT

Attention seniors in the Lake Cities area… the

Goodtime Gang presents “Knit ‘n Knatter”. Every Friday from 10am until noon is a stitch and chat at the Lake

Dallas City Hall. Bring your needlework and come join

other seniors for a great time. Stitch and Chat is open to all knitting, crocheting, needlepoint and cross-stitching seniors 60+ from Lake Dallas, Hickory Creek, Corinth and Shady Shores.

photography by Scott Young Photography

INSIDE EDUCATION

LAWYER GIVES BACK Local personal injury lawyer Rocky Haire paid Strickland Middle School’s lunch deficit for students who still owed money on their lunch accounts. Haire had originally wished to remain anonymous but came forward in the hope that other business leaders might do the same for other schools. To donate, contact Beverly Martin, Denton ISD Child Nutrition Accountant at (940) 369-0275 or email her at bmartin2@dentonisd.org.

photos courtesy of LDISD

HOLIDAY CARD WINNERS

LDMS 8th grader Allie Buchanan is the district winner of the sixth annual district Holiday Card contest. Other finalists were Briley Boles (LDMS 8th grade), Anna Do (CE 4th grade), Joshua Im (LDE 1st grade) and Ava Teague (LDMS 8th grade). The top entry is featured on the front cover and the four finalists on the back of the district holiday card that is sent to community businesses and government officials.

LDISD

SCHOOL

EVENTS

LDMS One Act Play Performance January 31st at 7pm LDHS Performance Hall Lake Dallas Mardi Gras Festival February 9th at 6pm The LDHS Jazz Band Ensemble 1 will perform Mid Winter Band Concert February 13th at 7pm LDHS Performance Hall

LDHS TAFE WINS LDHS Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) members brought home nine individual and team awards after competing against other Region 11 districts at UNT. The regional victory qualifies the group to move on to state competition in February and then national competition for a chance at winning scholarship prizes. Categories included project visualize, inside our schools, outdoor lessons, job interviews, lesson planning and delivery, exploring non-core careers and teacher-created materials.

GUYER AP SCHOLARS 82 Denton ISD students were named Advanced Placement Scholars, excelling at college level courses and exams.

Andrew Winn of Guyer High School was

Corinth Elementary Winter Book Fair February 5th-9th 7:30am-4:00pm Corinth Elementary School Library

named a National AP Scholar, scoring 4 or higher on eight or more exams. Liet Bourbon, Nathan Gates, Lauren McKinney, Arik Palileo, Meredith Wilder, Andrew Winn were named AP Scholars with Distinction, earning an average score of 3.5 or higher on all AP exams.

Corinth Elementary STEAM Carnival February 15th 3rd-5th Grade Students Corinth Elementary Cafeteria JANUARY 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 9

Family

by Steve Gamel

L

ake Dallas may have been one of the smaller teams in its district, but that didn’t stop the Falcons from being competitive and making it back to the playoffs. For that reason, it was no surprise to see them dominate this year’s District 14-5A All-District team.

Overall, the Falcons had 16 players make

points per game. Zalen Long nabbed co-

Lake Dallas, Jr.; Cameron Constantine,

the list. And leading the charge was

defensive MVP honors and DL Roberson

McKinney North, Jr.

none other than junior quarterback Ryan

earned co-offensive lineman of the year.

Depperschmidt. Depperschmidt was named the district’s co-offensive MVP with McKinney North’s Cameron Constantine.

In his first year as the team’s full-time starter, Depperschmidt guided Lake Dallas to a 7-5 record and a playoff win. In 12 games, Depperschmidt passed for 2,392 yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for 507 yards and 17 scores.

He was joined by Ky’lee Smith, who was named the co-utility player of the year after racking up 580 receiving yards and 372 more on the ground for an offense that averaged 345 yards and nearly 30 10 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JANUARY 2018

Lake Dallas’ 16 selections this year (four superlatives, six first-team, and six secondteam) were five more than last year when it had just one superlative honoree.

Below is the complete All-District team for District 14-5A. District 14-5A All-District Team District MVP: Lamar Lucas, McKinney North, Sr.; Kaleb Adams, Prosper, Sr. Offensive Newcomer of the Year: Marshall

Offensive Lineman of the Year: Zach Frazier, McKinney North, Sr. Offensive Utility Player of the Year: DJ Love, Prosper, Sr.; Ky’lee Smith, Lake Dallas, Jr. Special Teams Player of the Year: Cade York, Prosper, Jr. Two-Way Player of the Year: Myles Price, The Colony, So. Coach of the Year: Brandon Smith, Prosper

Funches, Carrollton Newman Smith, So.;

Defensive Newcomer of the Year: Carson

Miley Harrington, The Colony, So.

Criss, McKinney North, So.

Offensive MVP: Ryan Depperschmidt,

Defensive MVP: Zalen Long, Lake Dallas,

Sr.; Justin Benvie, Prosper, Sr.; Obed

Fullback: Obed Guerrero, Turner, Sr.; Jose

Defensive End: Chi Chi Odo, McKinney

Guerrero, Carrollton R.L. Turner, Sr.

Rangel, The Colony, Sr.

North, Sr.; Kevin Simes, Prosper, Sr.,

Defensive Lineman of the Year: Jevin

Receiver: Devin Haskins, Prosper, Jr.,

Jackson, Prosper, Sr.; Peter Kimani, The

Brandon Engel, Lake Dallas, So.; Charles

Colony, Sr.; DL Roberson, Lake Dallas, Jr. Defensive Utility Player of the Year:

Williams, Lake Dallas, Sr.; Kevin Terry, Little Elm, Sr.

Brandon Crossley, Little Elm, Jr.

Tackle: Adrian Franco, The Colony, Sr.;

First Team Offense

Jacob Kimball, Little Elm, Jr.; Cameron

Quarterback: Logan Kohler, Little Elm, Jr. Running Back: Corey Moses, Little Elm, Sr.; Glenn Young, Little Elm, Sr.; Jadan Abdallah, The Colony, Jr.; Jarod Hall, Carrollton Creekview, Sr.

Hayden Brockenbush, Lake Dallas, Jr.;

Machuca, Lake Dallas, Sr. Inside Linebacker: Zach Graham, Lake Dallas, Sr.; Roy Goins, Little Elm, Sr.; Blake Young, McKinney North, Sr. Outside Linebacker: Ross Hendley, Prosper, Sr.; Noah Ellis, Prosper, Sr.; Darryl

Coler, McKinney North, Jr.

Minor, Lake Dallas, Jr.

Guard: John Hughes, Carrollton

Corners: Tavion Carr, Little Elm, Sr.; Keyon

Creekview, Sr.; Zach McMahon, McKinney

Walker, McKinney North, Sr.; Armon

North, Jr.; Carson Shaffer, Prosper, Jr.;

Johnson, Prosper, Sr.

Grayson Winters, Prosper, Sr.; Elias De

Safeties: Cameron Pair, The Colony, Jr.;

Tight End: Brandon Frazier, McKinney

Leon, Little Elm, Jr.

North, So; Aiden Carr, Prosper, Sr.; Ryan

Center: Dalton Wilcox, Little Elm, Sr.

Mora, The Colony, Jr.

Luke McPherson, Creekview, Jr.; Jakob

First Team Defense

H Back: Andre Overton, Carrollton

Defensive Lineman: Keshon Dawson,

Newman Smith, Sr.; Marcus Moore, The

Little Elm, Jr.; Ben Kopenski, Prosper, Sr.;

Colony, So.

Marcus Moore, The Colony, So.

Junior Espinoza, Little Elm, Jr.; Blake Harrington, Prosper, Sr. Kicker: Cristian Gonzales, Carrollton Newman Smith, Sr.; Nick Dill, The Colony, Sr. Punter: Keegan Sueltz, The Colony, Sr. JANUARY 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 11

Family

RESCUE ME

by Susan Neuhalfen

S

ometimes we have to go through a rough patch in life to find our purpose. That’s exactly what

happened to Bartonville resident Lynette Cano. To be fair, though, Lynette always believed that helping animals was her

purpose. However, her story led her in a direction that even she didn’t expect.

Lynette and her husband had adopted two German Shorthair Pointers named

Sancho and Lola from Texas GSP Rescue.

What might have sent other people into a

For the first year she worked alone and the

and a new mission. She began

employee. Now, less than three years

depression, set Lynette on a new course studying holistic nutrition and made an unnerving discovery.

“The more I learned what was toxic for

my body, the more I found the same toxic

second year they grew to include another later, they have five employees and the

business shows no signs of slowing down, though they have had their share of setbacks.

ingredients were used in most dog treats

“My Amazon account got hacked and it

treats sold by reputable companies.”

said Lynette. “When the Houston hurricane

and chews,” said Lynette. “These were

The dogs had been abused and seeing

In 2015 Lynette started Sancho & Lola’s

other dogs. However, she was having

specializing in natural, chemical free

took forever to get it straightened out,”

victims called for help, we had to donate product instead of cash, but everything

their struggles inspired Lynette to help

Closet, a boutique brand of pet treats

struggles of her own.

treats and chews for dogs, owned and

Her “little business” was supposed to just

or limited ingredient dog chews that

days a week, allowing her to contribute to

wheat & corn, soybean oil, thickeners like

about. To date they have donated over

BHA and BHT, bone meal (MBM), artificial

well as dogs in crisis with no official rescue

to contribute to inflammation or cancer

Sancho & Lola’s closet is strictly an

After years of burning the candles at both ends with work and exercise, Lynette

found herself sidelined. She was suffering from a debilitating joint and adrenal

condition and unable to work for 4 years, having multiple procedures/surgeries on her knees, neck and wrists while in leg braces.

operated in Lewisville. They offer single

be a side project that she worked a couple

do not contain products such as GMO

local dog rescues that she was passionate

Carrageenan, synthetic preservatives like

$18,000 in cash and product to rescues as

flavorings and colors, all known

helping them.

in dogs.

ecommerce business. Products may be

purchased through Shopify store, Amazon

out of her condo in Castle Hills. After 3

Facebook page.

sell on Amazon and started the business

and Chewy. They also have a website and

months, her inventory had grown so much

So what’s next for Sancho & Lola’s Closet?

an office building they owned in Old Town Lewisville.

“I could bring Sancho and Lola, so I agreed,” laughed Lynette.

“We are continuing to expand the product

line. As of 2018, our portfolio has doubled in size,” said Lynette. “Meanwhile my team (CEOs Sancho and Lola) will keep up their strict testing standards.”

photos courtesy of Sancho & Lola’s Closet

Lynette took an ecommerce course to

that her husband insisted she move into

12 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JANUARY 2018

worked out. We were just glad to help.”

JANUARY 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 13

Family

TEXAS’

Answer to

Groundhog Day

by Susan Neuhalfen

G

roundhog Day is an annual tradition made popular by a Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, newspaper editor who promoted the town’s groundhog as the official mascot named Punxsutawney Phil. As legend goes, if the groundhog sees his shadow he will go back into his den for another six weeks to nap until winter is over. If he does not see his shadow, then spring will arrive early.

Not to be outdone, Texas has two ways

first is the unofficial mascot of Texas, the armadillo. The second is a 13 foot-long alligator named Big Al. Armadillo Day Because the weather in Texas is so

On Gator Day, Gary dangles pieces of chicken in front of Big Al. If Big Al eats the chicken, that means that he is ready to come out of “hibernation” and spring is near. If he refuses (and he has in the past), that means six more weeks of winter.

unpredictable, not to mention so far from Pennsylvania, Texan Terry Boothe and the

Benevolent Knights of the Raccoon started a tradition known as Armadillo Day, which

happens coincidently on Groundhog Day. In Bee Cave, Texas, just west of Austin,

Terry had his property declared the “West Pole” by none other than the Texas State Legislature. There, Bee Cave Bob is the

star. The Armadillo is kept inside a pen in

which he has accurately predicted not only Texas as well for eight straight years.

Here’s how it works: if Bee Cave Bob

emerges from his hole, it will be an early

spring. He determines the political format in Texas by whether he turns right or left upon leaving his cave.

14 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JANUARY 2018

Follow Big Al’s predictions on the Gator Country Facebook page.

Gator Day Gary Saurage, owner of Gator Country in Beaumont decided that instead of trusting weather predictions to an oversized rodent, he would use the appetite of an oversized alligator instead.

Big Al is a 13 foot-long alligator and a resident at Gator Country. Alligators react

photo courtesy of Gator Country

the weather, but the political climate in

Bee Cave Bob the Armadillo has his own Facebook page if you want to keep up with all of the activities that day.

photo courtesy of Ralph Fisher

to the cold by slowing their metabolic activity during the winter. It’s similar to hibernation in that they don’t eat when it gets below 70 degrees and when it gets even colder they will go so far as to dig out the equivalent of a den and go dormant.

of determining the coming of spring. The

JANUARY 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 15

Family Keeping the

Together E

by Susan Neuhalfen

very year, approximately 2.4 million healthy, adoptable cats and dogs are put down in U.S. shelters. That equates to one animal every 13 seconds that is euthanized. The majority of these animals are the unwanted offspring of owned pets. Had the pets been spayed or neutered, this all would have been avoidable.

“The answer to stopping euthanasia and pet overpopulation starts with prevention,” said Stacey Schumacher, the founder and Executive Director at the Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP). “So many of these owners are good people who simply cannot afford to spay and neuter multiple animals.”

Sulphur Springs where there was no spay

Stacey has always had a soft spot for animals. After working at a pet rescue in high school, she realized her dream was to help not just animals but to also help the people who love them. It all started in her hometown of

Based on the success of the program in

and neuter program. Stacey took it upon herself to rent a van every month and

transport animals from her mother’s house to a low cost clinic in the Dallas area.

After work, she would gather them back into the van and transport them home.

After doing this for some time, Stacey founded her own clinic in Sulphur

Springs with the help of a small group of dedicated volunteers.

East Texas, Stacey then founded TCAP, a non-profit organization designed to help the pet overpopulation problem

throughout North Texas. By providing

affordable pet services for those in need, TCAP works to cure the epidemic of pet overpopulation.

TCAP provides low cost spay and neuter,

heartworm testing and prevention, dental cleaning and microchipping services to those who could not otherwise afford

it for their pets. TCAP is not designed to

take the place of a full service veterinarian.

9 4 0 . 5 6 6 . 5 5 5 1 | 7 1 3 S u n s e t S t . • D e n t o n | w w w .Te x a s F o r T h e m . o r g

If TCAP’s veterinary team sees a

TCAP also works with several animal

pet to a full service, local veterinarian

neuter services onsite to help service pets

problem with a pet, they will refer the for further treatment.

Sponsored Content

Photography by Your Candid Memories (yourcandidmemories.com)

“We are filling a void for people who

can’t afford basic care for their pets,” said

Stacey. “We aren’t a full service veterinary clinic. We are just here to keep animals from being euthanized.”

Since its first clinic in Denton opened in November of 2002, TCAP has sterilized more than 370,000 animals. TCAP has

shelters in the area to provide spay and

owned by customers who are unable to transport their pets to a TCAP location.

The veterinarians who contract their

services at TCAP are experts at spay and

neuter, quickly and efficiently performing multiple surgeries daily.

This year, TCAP is celebrating 15 years of

operating in Denton and there is a line of

and kids in tow, can be nerve-racking.

However, the owners remained calm and everyone seemed to be having a good time.

“We’ve been here before and everyone is so nice,” said Debbie, another customer with multiple pets. “If it weren’t for TCAP I wouldn’t be able to afford these two (dogs) and they’re my family.”

people at the door with their pets every

Stacey Schumacher is proof positive

day, just as there has been since the day

that one person really can make a

they first opened the clinic.

difference. As she looks back on 15 years

Hurst, Weatherford, Allen and Fort Worth.

“Animals just seem to keep showing up

of community service through TCAP, she

TCAP goes to great lengths to make sure

have the heart to turn them away,” said

TCAP’s team has saved but also in the

grown to include six clinics in North Texas including locations in Denton, Burleson, While they provide low cost services,

that everyone who walks through their doors, on two legs or four legs, has a great experience.

at our house and my husband and I don’t

can be proud not only the number of lives

Rachel, a Denton resident who stood with

number of lives they’ve touched.

Oliver, one of her five “kids” as she calls them. “I’m very grateful to the people

“I’ve learned that if you have really great

at TCAP or we’d have to take them to

service, whatever your business is, it will

the shelter.”

grow,” said Stacey. “The most important

possible,” said Stacey. “We continually

One noticeable thing about this line was

thing is to build on what we’ve learned

to better the service we provide.”

anything, much less with dogs on leashes

fifteen even better.”

“It is so important to us that our clients receive the best customer service

work with our team to ensure we continue

the lack of stress. Usually waiting in line for

these first fifteen years and make the next

v a c c i n a t i o n h o u r s : M o n -T h u r s 9 a m - 1 2 p m • T h u r s d a y s 6 - 8 p m

JANUARY 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 17

Lifestyle

in the

at Corinth Elementary School

T

Now they are competing against

here are a lot of cooks in the kitchen at Corinth Elementary School.

other 4-H cooking teams, demonstrating teamwork as well as

That’s because the Kid 2 Chef

learning public speaking, as each

Medlicott and Anne Waidelich

front of a panel of judges as part of

program at CE, led by Cindy

member is required to speak in

which started last spring, has

the presentation.

become one of the most popular

Recently four teams from CE

afterschool programs offered at

placed in the top 5 in the Country

Corinth Elementary.

Food Challenge hosted by Denton

“Altogether we have about 80 kids

County 4-H at Krum High School in

Cindy. “We tried to limit it but it kind

to any 4-H individuals or teams in the

participating from 2-5th grade,” said

December. The challenge was open

of exploded on us.”

This cooking class is just one of a

number of 4-H programs available in the Corinth Elementary afterschool

Richey. It is definitely one of the most popular, though.

“I spend most afternoons going

from afterschool class to class,” said Michelle. “These kids are

really focused on learning and working together.”

In order to keep the large number

of kids who wanted to participate in

the cooking classes, they divided the

8-week courses by class, starting with

Their challenge was the make a unique dish using a bag of ingredients provided with only 40 minutes to prep, prepare and clean

the second graders in the fall and

up. The ingredients remained a

spring. They start with a lesson in the

That means that all four students on

safety and then move to the cafeteria

the presentation, the duties of each

sometimes the school’s oven.

course of 40 minutes.

ending with the 4-5th graders in the

mystery until the challenge began.

classroom about nutrition or kitchen

the team had to decide on the dish,

where they work with hotplates and

member and clean up, all in the

photos courtesy of Corinth Elementary

program headed up by Michelle

district in Denton County.

“We gave them a box full of ingredients so they could practice each week,” said Anne.

“They worked well together in their teams.”

Each team was graded on a rubric so all of the kids had to participate. In addition

to preparing and presenting the dish,

The top three teams will advance to

they spoke about the process they went

the District Food Challenge on March

through to make the dish as well as the nutritional value, the safety and cleanliness of the kitchen and a price analysis per serving.

“They were all working toward one similar goal and they were all on task the whole time,” said Cindy. “None of them were afraid to present to judges.”

23 at the Fair Park in Dallas. Those

teams are: The Mini Chefs, The CE Spice Girls, The Texas Jr. Cooks, all from Corinth Elementary.

“They were super excited about the competition they were all proud of

their dishes,” said Anne. “They were so

confident at this last competition, I know they will do well in March.”

JANUARY 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 19

Lifestyle | Edit This

W

elcome to another Edit This® grammar lesson. Today, we will explore the differences

between alot, a lot, and allot. Do you know the difference?

Let’s cut to the chase right now and eliminate “alot” from the conversation.

It’s not a word, even though the correct spelling (a lot) sounds like it should be one word when you say it.

That leaves “a lot” and “allot.” Let’s discuss.

A lot (two words) refers to a large amount of something.

• I ate a lot of food over the holidays.

20 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JANUARY 2018

• My kids received a lot of presents for Christmas.

Allot (double L) sounds the same but means to divide or allocate portions of something.

• The police didn’t have enough facts to allot blame to either suspect.

• Both lawyers were allotted equal time to make their arguments.

Thanks for reading!

by Steve Gamel Edit This 469.360.3611 EditThisLLC.com

Lifestyle

Graduating Senior Aims for Career in Cancer Research

L

by Sarah McCurdy

ake Dallas High School Senior, Sarah Dunn, can check off MIT, Rice University, Abilene Christian

University, and Harvard University from

the list of colleges she has been accepted into, so far. The 17-year-old doesn’t know which school she will pick, but she does know she wants to devote herself to cancer research.

“I want to attend a college that will put me on the path to being a part of ending an

evil that has plagued our world for far too long,” Dunn said.

Her college selection will be based,

in part, by acceptance into the honors colleges, science research programs

or pre-med tracks at each school. Rice

are unavoidable, and having a clear list

pre-med program. ACU’s pre-med

overlapping events.”

only accepts six students a year in their Honors College has a high number of

students accepted into medical schools so

As a sophomore, Dunn was accepted into

school she chooses, she wants to end up

an early college entrance program located

admission there is competitive. Whichever

the Texas Academy of Math and Science,

in a cancer research center.

at the University of North Texas. She

“I am anxiously waiting for the return letters,” Dunn said.

Dunn, a 13-year student of LDISD schools, splits her time between

schoolwork, college prep, writing her

books and being with her family. She’s also seen every Friday night on the

football field leading her fellow Color Guard members as their captain. photo courtesy of LDISD

of priorities helps to choose between

“Balance is a crucial part of my life,”

Dunn said. “The best way I have found to

chose not to accept the honor for several reasons, but chief among them was being part of the Color Guard.

“My family has been there every step of the way letting me know they will support me in whatever choice I

make, especially my college search,”

Dunn said. “My sisters are my biggest

supporters alongside my parents, and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.”

Mr. James Parker, Lake Dallas Middle

School principal; and former LDHS adviser Mrs. Anne Lehew have had a significant

impact on Dunn’s success, along with her

“I didn’t want to leave them, and being a

LDHS teachers.

part of such an eclectic group gave me

“Being supported in such a way means the

the chance to be something other than a student,” Dunn said. “They gave me the chance to be their captain, and during my time with the Color Guard, I grew as a leader and a person.”

world to me. It reminds me that, no matter what, I have people to turn to if I need them,” Dunn said.

There are still several months until she

walks the stage at graduation, but Dunn

achieve equilibrium and maintain balance

Dunn’s bond with her family, including

can see the future before her.

is a combination of advanced planning

her three sisters, Julia, Sophia and

and time management. At the end of the

Jenna, helps her stay focused on what

“I see a path leading into a bright world,

day, however, there will be conflicts that

is important.

and I can’t wait to help start building it,” Dunn said.

JANUARY 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 21

Lifestyle | Gardening

W

e hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and a great start to an outstanding 2018!

Our first quarter schedules have come out and it’s going to be a busy one.

Projects can be exciting and the rewards

enjoyed for years to come. Just remember, as we always say: “Good labor ain’t cheap

over, leaving mulched leaves sitting on

example - 70 one day and high of 32 the

leaves returned back to the turf are

annual color types you’ll probably need

the lawn. Studies prove that finely ground actually beneficial for both soil and grass.

Leaving these finely ground leaves in the

soil increases microbial activity and better water filtration. Studies also show that

when the leaves were returned to the soil,

the grass greened up quicker in the spring

and cheap labor ain’t good”. By hiring

and had fewer dandelions. You just want

protect your investments and give yourself

pieces of the leaf in your lawn that will

money are going towards quality.

fall, mow more frequently to ensure they

legitimate, local contractors, you can

to make sure that you’re not leaving large

piece of mind, ensuring that your time and

smother the grass. Grind it up and, as they

Here are some recent calls that

might just answer something you’re wondering about:

Q: So with the weather being so back-

and-forth, our trees haven’t cooperated and we still have quite a few leaves

blowing around but don’t want to pay for someone to come back out and bag.

A: There’s a couple options here but the easiest would be to mow them back in

to the lawn. Use your lawn service or set

your mower to mulch and run everything 24 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JANUARY 2018

break down as needed.

Q: With the recent freezing temps do we need to shut down or drain the sprinkler system?

A: Yes and No. It is Texas, and we never know what we are going to get, but I

wouldn’t be too worried about draining

the irrigation system. If installed properly,

next. Depending on rain amounts and

to water at times throughout the winter

if you want to enjoy some color. On your sprinkler system, flip the controller to off

when freezing and back on when we are going to see a couple of warmer days in a row. That way everything can get what

it needs. Obviously, if we experience rain (depending on how much we get), that

may supplement the need for water for a few days.

We are off to a GREAT start here in 2018 and SO EXCITED about what’s to come!

As you’re sifting through your various

projects lists remember you’ve got some of the best contractors in the Denton

County right here, so shop local for your

next project. Wishing you the best of luck in 2018!

your lines should be able to withstand some freezing temperatures without

issue. Just ensure that your cover/wrap any exposed valves and or shut-offs

during freezing temps. Take last week for

by PJ Kratohvil of Complete Solutions completesolutionsdfw.com

JANUARY 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 25

Making

Yourself

GOOD DECISIONS in a

Not-So-Good World

by Susan Neuhalfen

W

hat started as a book has now, as predicted, become a movement.

Inspired Right: Your American

Opportunity is about right vs. wrong.

It’s about the actions and decisions that are being taken in our world

today by our friends, our neighbors, our co-workers and our children. It’s

a movement to bring back the basic principles and personal skills that have fallen out of our society.

“95% of our youth today are lacking personal skills,” said Brian Searcy, CEO of Main Street Pilot and Co-

Author of Inspired Right. “Increasing numbers of people simply don’t

know how to make good decisions

anymore. Fortunately, our company offers help through new programs and materials for every learning audience.”

“Parents should be teaching these

Our society feeds this epidemic,

responsibility to schools and other

media feeds on this, politics thrive on

skills but often they outsource that

entities,” said Brian. “Some parents

grew up without it themselves so they don’t know how to teach personal skills.”

they are unable to find qualified candidates with basic problem

solving skills. They listen to respond.

They won’t take responsibility and everything is someone

else’s fault.

“It’s an epidemic in our current

society,” said Mark Stratton, Director of Programming.

it and the current culture perpetuates it. Our society resolves conflict

through anger and bullying instead of simply listening to find common

Employers tell Searcy every day that

for their actions

where opinion becomes fact. The

ground with the objective of better outcomes.

Our schools teach the hard skills:

math, science, reading, writing, SATs, Staar Tests, TASC tests, etc.

95%

According to Harvard

and Stanford studies, only 15% of a

person’s success

is based on hard of our youth skills. 85% of today are lacking success depends on personal skills, personal skills. such as problem

“Somewhere along

the way, parents stopped

How did this happen? The basic

teaching their children life skills and

over generations. With two parents

The problem spans across four

that were usually taught in the home,

a decline along the way of how to

structure of the family has changed

I’m not just talking about millennials.

working, many of the personal skills

generations. There seemed to be

are simply not.

teach, learn and use these skills.”

solving and personal

responsibility, but how

do they learn personal skills

development if they are not being taught effectively?

“We are now the ‘How’,” says Mark.

The folks at Main Street Pilot have developed a number of simple

and effective programs to help provide the “How,” giving anyone the ability to

accelerate the development of personal skills in new and impactful ways.

Options for teaching and learning these critical skills are available as Decision Navigation™ classes and

courses on line, with program content and materials

available for direct use by

employers to complement professional development and ethics requirements.

There are also exciting

programs for K-12 and higher education teaching and learning audiences.

Main Street Pilot’s approach to teaching and learning is by delivering content to

audiences over an appropriate period of time. These skills cannot be developed effectively without repetition and

practical use, so the content is delivered

progressively, a little at a time, to promote

and better understand decision making

Main Street Pilot is already working with

on a personal level. Programs can span 15

corporations, small businesses, colleges,

weeks for educators and up to 48 weeks for employers. Included along the way are many opportunities to put this knowledge to use with increasing confidence.

public schools and churches to help their clients develop individual, positive, self-respecting personal skills that are desperately needed in our society today.

“Only 15% of a person’s

success is based on hard skills. 85% of success

depends on personal skills.”

Main Street Pilot has also developed technology-based and micro-learning content to appeal to the learning behavior of younger learners and corporate executives alike.

Obviously, with their varied client base, each program is tailored for different conditions depending on the clients’ circumstances, but with the same basic principles.

“Everyone is experiencing these problems, whether in business or closer to home,” said Mark. “The good news is there is now a beacon of positive possibilities out there

“What our audiences are experiencing is a very personal approach to building confidence in making better decisions, whether learning on their own or in larger

for those who want to change

groups,” said Mark.

offered visit mainstreetpilot.com.

this epidemic.”

For more information on the programs

JANUARY 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 27

28 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JANUARY 2018

JANUARY 2018 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 29

Yourself | Fitness

Lasting Changes

for You, Not the New Year

R

esearch has found that approximately 50% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions,

but only 8% stick to them. Why do

most people fail at their New Year’s

resolutions? There are many reasons, including setting unrealistic goals,

of making the change, but procrastinating

Thousands of clients at one of our 4

begin change

their WHY to be healthier outweighed

and still not motivated enough to

Preparation - Ready to take action,

usually within the month and often have developed a plan of action

believing that a positive change will

Action - Specific lifestyle modifications

a resolution will motivate them to make a

and a person intends to continue moving

make their life better, and believing that

desired change. However, lots of people

have changes they want to make, but they are not necessarily ready to make.

At Jesse James Fit, Outlaw Bootcamp &

Outlaw Fit-Camp, we talk about knowing your WHY. If your WHY is not strong

enough to motivate you to take action

on your desired behavior change, it will not happen. Psychologist Dr. James Prochaska developed a model with

stages of change for making behavior changes. This model is one way to

evaluate how ready or unready a person

is to making a change and the likelihood of being successful. The stages and

a person’s readiness in each stage is described as follows:

Pre-contemplation - Not motivated and not ready for help

Contemplation - Getting ready to make a change, usually within 6 months. The

person is educated on the pros and cons 30 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | JANUARY 2018

have been made over the past 6 months forward with the behavior change

Maintenance - This new lifestyle behavior is being sustained for at least 6 months with intention to maintain this behavior and avoid relapse

It all comes down to your WHY. Why do you want to be healthier? If your goal

is to begin an exercise program and you

like the idea of it, but you do not value the benefits of it enough to make the change, you are in the contemplation stage.

However, when you are tired of your poor health limiting your enjoyment of life and

locations began their training because the poor quality of life they were

living. Some clients looked for a place to train (preparation), and then began

their training (took action) because they

want to look better or have more energy.

But many clients have found that the

benefits of their training extended far

beyond their initial WHY. When clients

experience greater outer strength, they

find greater inner strength as well. Both

of these changes are so powerful that they adopt their workout program as a lifestyle (maintenance).

Therefore, as you approach your health and fitness goals, know WHY you want to make the change before you begin

and write it down. When you have a solid WHY, you will set yourself up to make healthy changes that will last far beyond 2018!

you REALLY want to make a change, you

Say good-bye to the cliché unsuccessful

preparation stage begins and you start

changes that contribute to a New You

have just bought into your WHY and the making changes.

New Year’s resolution and hello to for life!

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