Lake Cities Living Magazine July 2019

JULY 19, 2019 - AUGUST 16, 2019

HOW TO PICK After-School Care LD MAYOR EXCITED FOR NEXT TERM BACK 2 SCHOOL FAIR

Setting Themselves

APART WITH

Quality

OVER QUANTITY

Corinth - Hickory Creek - Shady Shores - Lake Dallas

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

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JULY 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 3

LakeCitiesLiving.com

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Administration

Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors Bobbi Byrne Alisha Tran

Writers & Editor Steve Gamel Leanne Yocum

Advertising

Kelly Murray Kelly@murray-media.com

Production

Art Director Liz Wallace Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Alyson Modene

Photography

What’s That Guy’s Name? | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GUY T 469.500.5657 www.whatsthatguysname.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

Content Is

KING…

So Help Us Tell Your Story

I

f your goal is to publish a monthly neighborhood magazine that will win the hearts of every reader from

the flip of the very first page, you’re going to need a healthy supply of inspiring stories that capture everyone’s attention and imagination.

Sometimes, we know exactly where to go to find those stories, whether it be at nearby schools, non-profit organizations, chamber and networking events, social media, families like yours right in the heart of our community, or at the hundreds of

artwork@murray-media.com

local businesses we build relationships

Address: 3513 Yucca Dr., Ste. 200

come from you, our readers, who aren’t

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Flower Mound, TX 75028

Lake Cities Living is published monthly

by Murray Media Group. Some articles and/or content may be sponsored by advertisers. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. 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. © 2019 Murray Media Group

with every day. Other times, the story tips afraid to let us know we missed the boat on something big.

As we inch closer to the end of a restful summer and the start of what should be another stellar school year, your friends here at Murray Media Group are committed to not only doing our part in giving you exactly what you want to read about but also providing more of it. Hopefully, you’ll see the proof is in the pudding as you read through the next few pages.

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| JULY 2019

But we still need your help! As you read through this month’s issue, be mindful of anything we missed – and let us know.

•

Residents with interesting hobbies, new inventions, or cool backgrounds

•

The local kid who did something special

•

Non-profits you’d like to see highlighted more

•

New local businesses that deserve some love

•

Teachers who live each day to inspire your children

•

Pictures (Ahhhh … we love your family pictures)

In a world where content is king, our goal is always to be the place you can go to read about what matters in your community – OUR community. So help us tell your story.

In the meantime, enjoy the latest issue.

Sincerely, Kelly Murray

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

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

16

On the Cover: Chris Bowen of Bowen Pools

Setting Themselves Apart with Quality Over Quantity FEATURED:

ASK THE EXPERTS

14 Free Time is Essential

15 Real Estate with Make the Move Team

14 Get Ready for Shark Week

19 Fitness with Jesse James Fit ARTICLES 07 Sheriff’s Corner with Sheriff Tracy Murphree 09 Foodie Friday DFW with Jay Marks Real Estate 10 How to Pick After-School Care 12 Inside Community 13 Inside Education www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

20 EDITORS PICK: LAKE DALLAS MAYOR EXCITED FOR NEXT TERM FOLLOWING REELECTION

22 Students Hope Little Free Pantry Continues to Grow 23 Community Corner 25 Barbecue Recipes for Kids 26 Back 2 School Fair 28 Restaurant Spotlight: Lambeau’s America Kitchen & Taps

The Education

ISSUE Get to know your local private schools and daycares.

Learn about the latest education trends, the hottest apps and more.

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www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

SHERIFF ’S

CORNER T

with Sheriff Tracy Murphree

he Justice Management Division is a newly created division within the Denton County Sheriff’s Office

that will come into effect this summer.

The new division will be commanded by Captain Doug Lee and will be composed of three units including Protective Detail, Bailiffs, and Crisis Intervention Unit.

Protective Detail

These deputies will replace the current security guards at county buildings throughout the county. Protective Detail

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

Deputies will be in charge of the safety

and security of county employees as well as the public using these facilities.

Bailiffs

The Bailiffs are deputies responsible

for the safety and security of the judges and courtroom.

Sheriff Murphree is excited to get this unit started. The process of hiring and evaluating safety concerns at county facilities is underway.

DON’T FORGET THE FOLLOWING: WE ARE HIRING DETENTION OFFICERS. These positions start at $37,623 per year.

Apply at www.governmentjobs.com/ careers/dentoncounty WOMAN’S EMPOWERMENT CLASS Sat., July 20 | 9am - 12pm at Denton Bible Church Woman’s Empowerment Program (WEP) is a self-defense class offered once a month.

This program is free and open to females 15 years old and older. Registration is required at WEP@dentoncounty.com.

Crisis Intervention Unit

This unit is our Mental Health Officers.

The primary responsibility is the evaluation of individuals that may be suffering from a mental health crisis.

940.349.1600 127 N.WOODROW LN., STE. 300 DENTON, TX 76205

DENTONCOUNTY.COM/DEPARTMENTS/SHERIFF.ASPX

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www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

Chasin’ Tail BBQ :Foodie Friday DFW

BBQ

Chasin’ Tail

I

f you’re on the lookout for some authentic Texas ‘cue, just follow your nose (or the pink pig) to Chasin’ Tail

BBQ located just off exit 457 on I-35E in Lake Dallas.

Owners Mike Cooper and Brooke Asbell

have been a staple of the local community from the time their original location photos courtesy of Foodie Friday DFW

opened across the freeway in Hickory

Creek. And while they may have moved, they’re still serving the same delicious

food their fans have grown to love over the years.

Mike is the creator of Chasin’ Tail,

www.chasintailbbq.com 601 S. Lake Dallas Dr. Lake Dallas, TX 75065

smoker while we were there, and boy did it ever smell delicious. They have

truly perfected their craft over the years, cooking their brisket, ribs, turkey, pork,

etc. low and slow. Is there any other way?

I think if we had to pick our favorite of

their meats it would be: 1). Ribs 2). Brisket 3). Pulled Pork, and 4). Jalapeno Sausage.

But seriously, their ribs are so hearty and

meaty and have the most incredible flavor.

No sauce necessary for those bad boys!

In addition to their perfectly-smoked

starting out in the competition circuit.

meats, Chasin’ Tail also has a variety of

and-mortar restaurant, he invited his

favorites are their Zesty Macaroni Salad,

Then when he decided to open a brick-

delicious sides! Some of our personal

church softball buddy, Brooke, to join

the Mac ‘n Cheese, and their green beans.

him. And they’ve been the “dynamic duo” 940.321.0524

We got to peek inside Chasin’ Tail’s

ever since! You’ll always see Mike at the

restaurant greeting customers, smoking briskets, and shaking hands – all while

Brooke handles all the fun stuff behind the scenes. A perfect match!

And while you can stop in any time to

their Lake Dallas restaurant for some BBQ, Chasin’ Tail also operates an amazingly popular catering business. Weddings,

parties, corporate events - they do it all!

And can you think of anything better to serve at your summer pool party than some Texas barbecue?

Genuinely, Mike and Brooke are two of

the nicest guys you’ll ever meet, who also 972.724.2540 | JayMarksRealEstate.com jay@jaymarksrealestate.com 1013 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 102 | Flower Mound, TX 75022

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

happen to own and operate a fabulous local BBQ restaurant. We’d encourage you to head on up I-35E to visit these guys and/or give them a call to cater your next event!

JULY 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 9

Education Article

O T W

HO

K C I P

O H

C S R

E T F A

L O

E R

A C by

mel

Ga ve e t S

T

he dog days of summer are drawing to a close, which means back-to-school prep is right around the corner. But outside of the typical stuff like buying supplies, showing up for teacher orientations, scheduling sports physicals, and sifting through the latest fashion trends, most parents have one more key item on their to-do list: figuring out after-school care.

Just because school ends at 3 p.m. for the kiddos doesn’t mean our work schedules do. For many of us, we’ve still got another

two or three hours left on the clock, and when you factor in the occasional early dismissal, teacher in-service day, etc., that can

create a stressful balancing act for any parent. It would really help

out if we had somewhere safe for the kids to go, and luckily, that’s

IT WOULD REALLY HELP OUT IF WE HAD SOMEWHERE SAFE FOR THE KIDS TO GO...

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where after-school care comes into play.

Below are a few tips on how to pick after-school care that fits you and your child’s needs:

SEE IF YOUR KIDS’ SCHOOL OFFERS ANY PROGRAMS Before you start looking to the myriad of childcare options

throughout Denton County, keep in mind that many school

districts have after-school programs with staff available as late as

6 p.m. The benefit is that your child doesn’t need to be bussed to www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS If you are forced to look outside your kids’ school, write down a list of your top questions ahead of time as you call facilities.

Here are a few to get you started: 1. Who is watching my child and what type of training do they have?

2. What schools do you service?

3. What activities do you offer and will my child have time to do homework?

4. How do you ensure all children are getting along?

5. How long have you been in business?

6. What are your hours? another location and will be surrounded by the same people and classmates they see in the halls each day.

CHECK WITH YOUR SCHOOL FOR A PREFERRED-PROVIDER LIST Many times, your school’s administration will have a preferred-provider list for after-school care.

Even if they don’t, simply asking someone in the front office may yield a few decent options. This will at least give you a short list to work from while also

providing peace of mind that these

outside facilities have been referred.

LOOK TO COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Safe and healthy after-school care

can normally be found at community

organizations such as the YMCA, Boys &

Girls Clubs, churches, and more. Many of these

programs are perfect for families who need more

affordable options and require flexibility for those situations where there is early dismissal, snow days, etc. www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

7. Does the facility cater to kids with special needs?

A major concern for parents of children with special needs is whether or not the after-school program is set up to handle children with special needs or learning disabilities that likely require individualized care and 1-on-1 instruction.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX The tips above should definitely help you find an after-school program that can meet you and your child’s needs. But if you don’t feel comfortable, a few additional options include hiring an after-school nanny with experience in education or finding a family member or friend who can pick your children up after school – especially if it’s a friend whose kid goes to the same school or is in the same class as your child.

At the end of the day, we as parents want nothing but the best for our children.

Selecting the right after-school program is another piece to that puzzle, and it takes careful consideration. Rather than wait until school starts, now is the time to start researching your options.

JULY 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 11

INSIDE COMMUNITY HOT DOG EATING CONTEST Sat., Jul 20 | 12 - 4pm | American Eagle Harley-Davidson 5920 S I-35E • Corinth, TX 76210 Let’s be frank...It’s National Hot Dog Day and we’re having a hot dog eating contest!

Weiner takes all! In this dog eat dog world, relish the opportunity to indulge in free ice cold beer and all the dogs you can eat which the Combat Vets Association, CVMA TX 23-1 is graciously providing. Email Lisa.M@AEHarley.com and register today!

SCHOOL OF ROCK COMES TO AMERICAN EAGLE Sat., Jul 27 | 12 - 4pm | American Eagle Harley-Davidson 5920 S I-35E • Corinth, TX 76210 Paper, scissors, ROCK! Be as crazy and different as you want to be and rock out with the young musicians from the School of Rock Flower Mound! Free music, beer, bike washes, vendors, mouth watering food grilled by our very own US Military Vets and much more! Life just doesn’t get much better than this! For more information call 940.498.500 or visit www.facebook.com/events/713953695693818/

BONNIE & CLYDE TOUR Sat., Jul 13 | 11am - 5pm | Meet at Liberation Coffee Co. 314 S Shady Shores Dr. • Lake Dallas, TX 75065 Bonnie and Clyde’s irresistible love for each other was hopelessly flawed from the dark side of infatuation and blind to the consequences of an inglorious end. Caravan down whispering roads to the banks the Barrow Gang held up, visit Clyde barrow’s home and their graves in separate cemeteries.

Although these love struck gangsters wanted to spend eternity side by side the Parker family wouldn’t allow it. $20 Per Adult (Minors Free) Must pre-pay prior to event https://sites.google.com/site/dfwadventures/. For updates friend Dave Randall www.facebook.com/dfw.adventures .

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INSIDE EDUCATION BACK TO SCHOOL DRIVE Help the Children’s Advocacy Center for Denton County inspire a child’s future with the gift of education. Help children start the school year with everything they need to succeed by donating through Amazon Charity Lists. Children who do not have the correct supplies are more likely to fall behind their peers. The biggest need is for backpacks for all ages. Please visit www.cacdc. org/backtoschool/ click on the Amazon Charity List link. On the same web page you can also easily give a monetary donation .

SCHOOL SUPPLY CHECKLIST Pencils Pens

CONGRATS TO COACH HANEY Former Colleyville Heritage assistant baseball coach Chris Haney was recently announced as the new baseball head coach for Lake Dallas.

He will be replacing the departing Ryan Howard and recently told the Lake Cities Sun, “Whether the outcome is positive or negative, you’ve got to be able to peel it, eat it and move on to the next pitch. … They look like a group that’s going to do it from what I saw [under coach Howard],” he said.

Congratulations to Coach Haney.

BACK TO SCHOOL DRIVE Donations due by August 2nd 4845 S I35E • Corinth, TX 76210 732 Savannah Blvd. • Savannah, TX 76227 Every child deserves the chance to go to school wearing the perfect first day of school outfit and carry a trendsetting backpack. Make a difference to the kids of Denton County impacted by violence and help Friends of the Family fill 400 backpacks with school supplies. To donate or volunteer, visit www.dcfof.org/backtoschool or email volunteer@dcfof.org.

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

Erasers Rulers Colored Pencils, Crayon, Markers Scissors Glue Sticks Calculator or Computer for Older Kids Highlighters Pencil Sharpener Loose-Leaf Paper Notebooks Pocket Folders Tissue Hand Sanitizer Locker Lock

JULY 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 13

Education Article

FREE TIME IS ESSENTIAL

by Audrey Christie, MSN, RN, Holistic Wellness Practitioner, Essential Healing Lake Dallas

W

hen you know better, you do better, right? That is why educating people on how to become healers in their own home to improve their health and wellness using small and sustainable shifts is so important. Because when we know better, we can do a better job of taking care of ourselves or our families.

I frequently see kiddos and adults in my practice stressed out, over-scheduled, and frankly, without the time and space to

either just be a kid or nourish their inner child. While there are techniques and hacks all over the place to help adjust to the ebbs and flows of our chronic busyness, the best option is just to stop.

You see, kids, and adults need time just to be kids – to play and explore.

This type of unstructured time and space allows kids to use their creativity and work on developing their imagination and dexterity. It also helps to build their physical, cognitive, and emotional

strength. Free time and space (electronic free) are critical to healthy brain development.

The same is true for adults.

Free time and space (away from your device and schedule) stimulates the mind and boost creativity. Play also stimulates your imagination, helping you adapt and solve problems.

Our current pace of life is physically, emotionally, and energetically exhausting.

It is built for machines – not humans.

So, I ask you as you plan the remainder of your summer and upcoming school calendars, how can you take a step back and create space for play?

GET READY FOR

by Steve Gamel

S

hark Week (airing Jul. 28 - Aug. 4) is almost here, and for all you enthusiasts out there who will be glued to the Discovery Channel, we’re betting that you are counting the days for it to begin, and believe us when we say that we do, too.

Enjoy these fun facts about sharks to get you pumped for the week.

Scientists age sharks by counting rings on their vertebrae – Much like counting rings on a tree.

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Great whites don’t have the toughest shark bite.

The bull shark in fact has been recorded with the toughest shark bite.

All facts were found on https://www.fisheries.noaa. gov/feature-story/12-shark-facts-may-surprise-you and https://bestlifeonline.com/sharks-facts/

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

Real Estate :Ask The Expert

PARTNER WITH YOUR REALTOR TO FIND THE BEST EDUCATION FOR YOUR CHILD

T

here are plenty of factors to consider when searching for a new home. Some of the big ones include lot location and size, price, layout, the neighborhood it’s in, and if it has the right amenities to fit your lifestyle. But when you’re a parent, or you plan to start a family soon, nothing trumps how the move will impact your children and their education.

VOTE FOR US! July 24

Aug. 21

Parents want to send their kids to the best schools. But knowing what schools those are or which neighborhoods feed into

Never overlook the benefits of partnering

with your realtor to find the best education for your child. We may not be picking the

school district for you, but because

the right school district can be

we know the lay of the land,

overwhelming regardless of whether you’re new to the area or you’re hopping from one side of town to the other. For example: maybe they want their kids to be in Denton ISD or nearby Lake

...we know the lay of the land, we can make suggestions for public and private schools...

Dallas. Perhaps they heard Elementary, but don’t know if they can trust the source.

As a parent of now two grown boys who moved plenty of times and has always wanted to set my boys up for future

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

for public and private schools, refer you to

contacts we have at certain schools

who can answer

more pressing

questions, and even

give you websites

is a prime example) to find

additional information such as: •

Which school districts are ranked

•

Which schools are considered the

success, I can empathize. So as a realtor, I’m always asking myself, “How can I help

we can make suggestions

(www.greatschools.org

great things about Hawk

this family?”

by Beth Caudill Make the Move Team 940.320.2777 www.MakeTheMoveTeam.com

•

among the best in the state best and why

The benefits and differences between public and private schools

Anyone who knows me will tell you that kids are a big deal to me – whether it’s my children or anyone else’s. So it makes sense that I would put their education at the top of any list. To that end, I also look for ways to help the teachers at whichever school you choose. We can all think back to a teacher in our lives who made a difference, and I’m always looking for ways to give back. Pens, pencils, construction paper, and other supplies are just a few small things that teachers need all the time.

Not only will it help the teachers, but it will help your children, also.

If you have any questions when it comes to real estate, education, or anything else that has to do with the Lake Cities or surrounding communities, give my team: Make The Move Team at eXp Realty or give me a call. We will have your back at all times.

JULY 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 15

Setting Themselves

APART WITH

Quality

OVER QUANTITY

by Steve Gamel

214.770.7227 BowenPoolsllc.com

3341 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 3341 Flower Mound, TX 75022

16 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| JULY 2019

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

“ The way we see it, we want to be the pool company you build with, service with, and in 10 years remodel with.”

Sponsored Content

C

hris Bowen leaned back in his office chair and grinned. No one had to tell him twice that his pool

company, Bowen Pools, was not only

surrounded by competition but that there were some pretty big names sprinkled in there.

photography by What’s That Guy’s Name? | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GUY T

“Yeah – there’s a big pool company on every corner,” he said with a laugh.

“But we’re beating them where it counts.”

How could Chris be so confident?

Pools are being built or serviced every day in Denton County by volume

companies that have been around for

20 years or more. Some are on billboards, television, and their names are easy to

spot, especially in an area like Lake Cities

where families are settling into new homes and crave a pool of their own.

So in terms of competition, Bowen Pools,

which has been around for just more than two years, has plenty of it. And yet, they continue to stand out thanks to the one

thing Chris says customers want the most – quality over quantity.

“We are doing things differently,

and I know we have an edge on them,”

Chris said. “Our goal is quality. The way

we see it, we want to be the pool company you build with, service with, and in 10 years remodel with.”

With that type of attitude, it’s no surprise

residents of Corinth, Hickory Creek, Shady

Shores, and Lake Dallas are picking Bowen Pools for all their pool needs. Located just a stone’s throw away in Flower Mound,

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

Bowen Pools dedicates two days a week to its Lake Cities clients and would gladly add to that as the area grows.

If there’s a problem on a construction job or a project requires extra attention, Chris and his team will make you feel like their only customer.

The best part is they are family owned and operated. When Chris isn’t working, he’s spending time with wife, Kourtney, who is a first-grade teacher. The couple lives in Flower Mound and is expecting their first child, a baby girl, in August.

This should all be music to the ears of any homeowner. We all want to know, like, and trust who we are working with.

Bowen Pools is not only a one-stop shop for all your pool needs, whether it’s weekly service repairs, remodels, or

new construction, but they also handle spas, covered patios, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and landscaping. They provide in-depth design approaches, which is pivotal to ensuring your next outdoor oasis is the envy of the neighborhood.

“I’m the owner, but I’m also the project manager for new construction.

So I’m at every job. If I’m not there, it is not difficult to get me out there to take a look,” Chris said. “We are following codes stringently, offering different packages for custom pools, putting returns in the floors of pools, and we spend a lot of money on education. There isn’t a project too big for us.”

Chris has wanted to be in the pool business as far back as he can remember

and was even a lifeguard for four years in his younger days.

When Lake Cities Living caught up with him, he was quick to share a story about how he got his first big break when the owner of the pool company that was remodeling his parents’ pool hired him as a service technician.

Chris worked there for five years cleaning pools, all while continuing to dream big of one day owning his own company.

Unfortunately, that journey took a slight detour when Chris was injured on the job and couldn’t work.

“I took some time off and sold health insurance for a year and a half. I wasn’t making a lot of money, so I turned to my wife one day and said, ‘I think I’m going to quit my job and go back to cleaning pools. I always wanted to start my own company, so now is as good a time as any.’

She was nervous at first, but I started with one pool in The Colony and now have 140 pools. At first I was working out of her Honda CRV. It took a little bit to finally buy a truck.”

Chris added, “Business is great, though.

Every month we are busier than ever.

We’ve always managed to keep growing.”

And that may finally have the big-name pool companies nervously looking over their shoulder.

JULY 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 17

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www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

Fitness :Ask The Expert

HABITS CAN GIVE YOU

EVERYTHING

by Jesse J. Leyva, Owner of Jesse James Fit & Outlaw Fitcamp JesseJamesFit.com OutlawFitcamp.com

W

ant proof that the habits you keep make all of the difference?

Confucius said, “Men’s natures are alike; it

If you aren’t happy with your body, then simply adjust your eating and exercise habits.

is their habits that separate them.”

Here’s how to adopt a habit:

John Dryden famously said, “We first make

1. Decide on the ONE habit that you

our habits, and then our habits make us.”

And Aristotle noticed that, “We are what

we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.”

It’s pretty clear that the habits you adopt

would like to develop. It’s tempting

to pick up three or four healthy habits, realistic and doable.

Here are some healthy habit ideas: •

Do not eat after 7pm each night.

What are your habits?

•

Bring your lunch to work instead of

•

Exercise four times a week after

through the same exercise routine, and fall into bed at the same time each night?

Or maybe you’ve made a habit out of

eating fast food.

work or in the morning for 45 minutes each time.

eating something sweet before bed,

•

Only eat fruits and veggies as your

as possible.

•

Resistance training three times

avoiding the gym, and staying up as late When it comes to your fitness,

the two habits that define you are your eating and exercise habits.

In fact, everyone that you know who is in great shape has dialed in these two important habits.

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

My new habit is to work with a personal trainer three times each week.

My three main motivators are: 1. To feel confident in my bathing suit this summer.

2. To have more energy.

3. To fit into my skinny jeans.

The obstacles I will face are: 1. Not having the energy to go to my session after work.

2. Not having enough money to pay for sessions.

3. Not having my spouse’s support.

I will overcome these obstacles by: 1. Doing my workouts before work instead of after work, so I have more energy.

2. Cutting down on frivolous spending to ensure that I can afford it.

3. Asking my spouse to join me so we can get in shape together.

but choosing just one new habit is

will shape who you are.

Do you eat the same thing for lunch, go

HERE’S AN EXAMPLE:

afternoon snack. a week.

2. Write your new habit down on paper.

Also include your three main motivators

3. Commit fully to your new habit, in a

public way. This could mean posting it on social media, or simply announcing it at the dinner table. Put yourself in a position where you’ll be embarrassed to give up on your new habit.

4. Keep track of your progress. You could keep a detailed journal or simply make a

check mark on each calendar day that you successfully exercised for your new habit.

Once your new habit becomes second nature, usually in about 30 days, feel free to add a second habit by going through the same steps.

for developing this new habit, the

We’d love for our fitness program to

for overcoming these obstacles.

email now to reserve your spot.

obstacles you’ll face, and your strategies

become your new healthy habit! Call or

JULY 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 19

Lake Dallas Mayor EXCITED FOR NEXT TERM

FOLLOWING REELECTION

by Steve Gamel

M

ichael Barnhart didn’t have a shred of experience in politics before becoming the Mayor of Lake Dallas in 2016. Three years later, he’s arguably one of the most revered, fair, and trusted elected officials this quiet lake community has had.

Be More Ministries and The Lake Cities

But don’t take our word for it. Just ask the

connection with their Mayor, something

see the man they affectionately dubbed

“In the past, there was so much hostility

“the street-walking Mayor” reelected for

citizens wouldn’t go near it,” Barnhart said.

more than 50% of the votes three years

“I remember telling Suzanne that I was

ago to beat out two candidates with far

going to run for Mayor because I could

more experience and name recognition,

either try to run and make a difference or

Barnhart went unopposed in 2019.

sit and do nothing. Now, people want to

go talk to their elected officials, and I feel

“I’ve had people tell me, ‘Of course you

like I have connections with people.”

went unopposed – you’ve done so much for this city,’” Barnhart said sheepishly.

Just like everyone else, Barnhart isn’t sure

Deep down, he’s the quiet type who

how the future will go. But judging by his

refrains from talking about himself.

short track record, things are bound to

“I’m beyond excited to be able to keep

turn out just fine for the city of Lake Dallas.

doing this.”

Barnhart has done plenty from a political

and elected official standpoint to improve the look and feel of the city, attract new businesses, improve relations between

Lake Dallas and the rest of the Lake Cities communities, and make decisions that

are in the best interests of every resident.

But in many ways, even he admits he’s still learning as he goes. The real secret to his popularity lies in how citizen-oriented he and wife, Suzanne, have been since taking office.

20 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| JULY 2019

Residents feel like they have a real

at City Hall, to the point where many

a second term in May. After earning just

wanted me back feels really good.”

promote and represent the community.

that wasn’t always the case.

citizens of Lake Dallas, who were elated to

He added, “The fact that the citizens

Spirit of Christmas, and doing all he can to

photo courtesy of Suzanne Barnhart

“It’s been a great trip, and now that the

first three years are behind us,” he said.

“I’m excited to see how the next three

There aren’t many days where residents don’t see him driving up and down

will go.”

Main Street. And if they don’t see the

car, they see him walking and visiting neighboring businesses (hence the

nickname, the street-walking Mayor). The rest of his workdays are spent meeting with concerned residents, welcoming

kids to school as part of the Lake Dallas ISD Watchdog program, showing up to

networking events and charitable causes,

Mayor of Lake Dallas Michael Barnhart photo courtesy of Lake Dallas Texas

running two non-profits in There Has To

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

JULY 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 21

STUDENTS HOPE LITTLE FREE PANTRY

Continues to Grow

by Steve Gamel

R

A Little Free Pantry was installed in late

can simply drop off items so that the

parents and students at Lake Dallas High

the idea to have one to support the

May thanks to the generosity of several

School. The pantry is a drop-off point for

non-perishable food so that families who

have fallen on hard times can still find the essentials they need to make it through

a long night or weekend after traditional food pantries have closed.

“It’s not meant to replace a regular food pantry. But if someone shows up to the Lake Cities UMC Food Pantry and it’s

closed, they hopefully will notice ours,”

resident Ginger Collier said. “There’s no questions asked and no paperwork.”

She added, “On the side it says, ‘Take what you need, leave what you can.’”

The Little Free Pantry is not a new concept.

The website www.freelittlepantry.org is dedicated to a national movement

pantry is always stocked. Collier said Lake Cities came from former Lake Dallas assistant trainer, Jill Cole, who had seen pantries in other areas and thought it would be a good service project for her students.

Cole approached the Colliers, who have

always been involved parents and whose

son, Sam, has been in the district’s athletic trainer program since the eighth grade.

Ginger approached Lake Shore Baptist Church to see if they’d be interested in having a pantry in their parking lot.

With help from the students, Ginger’s

husband, Jason, then built and installed

it. The students are expected to continue taking turns monitoring the pantry moving forward.

of having thousands of neighborhood

“Anyone can contribute,” Ginger said. “It

concept to spur communities to provide

the kids have been so busy throughout

pantries, applying the Little Free Library® for neighbors in need. Interested residents 22 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| JULY 2019

photo courtesy of Free Little Pantry

esidents of Lake Dallas may have noticed a new addition to the parking lot at Lake Shore Baptist Church.

took us quite a while to build it because the year, but we’ve already noticed that

people have been leaving items in there.

We’re hoping it will be a benefit to our Lake Cities community and will continue on for a long time.”

If you are interested in contributing to the Little Free Pantry, or you know someone who may benefit from it, it is located in the parking lot at Lake Shore Baptist Church at 276 E. Hundley Dr. www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

COMMUNITY

CORNER

by Denton County Commissioner Precinct 3 Bobbie Mitchell

FLOWER MOUND UPDATES COUNTY ON TOWN INITIATIVES

During a recent Denton County

Commissioners Court meeting, we

learned the latest on Flower Mound’s River Walk and Lakeside Village.

Restaurant row is under construction on the River Walk, which is anchored by a

Courtyard by Marriott, and Home2Suites and features a splash pad, amphitheater and a new retail/office building,

Lakeside Village is the latest development in the works, which will bring additional

$1.5 billion in value to the town along with seven restaurants lining Lake Grapevine on the south side.

Andrea Roy, Director of Economic

Development in Flower Mound, also touted the accolades Flower Mound

has received, including “Happiest Small Town in America” by Top Counseling

Schools, the “Most Livable Small City”

by SmartAsset and the “Safest City in Texas” by SafeHome and The Home Security Advisor.

The town has continued to diversify its tax base with additional commercial, retail

and industrial business. In 2017-2018, the town collected $12.2 million in sales tax.

In the first six months of 2018-2019, sales taxes had increased 8.2 percent.

The community update is part of a

weekly series of updates during our

Commissioners Court meetings from each of the 44 communities across Denton County.

We look forward to these updates and

hope to return the favor in the near future.

Corporation recently purchased property along south Lake Dallas Drive. A retreat this summer with the city council and

development corporation will focus on economic goals for those properties, the downtown area and the Swisher Road corridor.

LEWISVILLE TO CELEBRATE

50TH ANNIVERSARY OF TEXAS

INTERNATIONAL POP FESTIVAL On Labor Day weekend in 1969, more

than 100,000 music fans converged on

Lewisville for what would become one of the largest music events in Texas.

For three days at the former Dallas

International Motor Speedway and a smaller stage on the Lewisville Lake

shores, the Texas International Pop Festival

POINT VISTA/TURBEVILLE ROAD

featured such performers as Led Zeppelin,

CONSTRUCTION TO FINISH IN JULY

Janis Joplin, Santana and more.

Construction on Point Vista and Turbeville

Fifty years later, the Texas Pop Turns 50

The estimated $2 million dollar project

and Sunday, Sept. 1, at the Lake Park

three-lane, undivided concrete road and

ZZ Top will be the headliner on

roads in Hickory Creek is almost complete.

celebration is slated for Saturday, Aug. 31,

involved reconstructing Point Vista as a

Golf Course from 2 - 11:30pm each day.

Turbeville Road as a four-lane, divided concrete road.

Saturday with Chicago headlining on

Sunday. Both performances are at 10pm.

Turbeville is open to two-way traffic

Other performers include: Sarah Jaffee,

Turbeville Road and one way (westbound)

Glen Clark Band, and Jonathan Tyler &

along Point Vista Road, the west side of

Bombasta, The Box Tops, Animotion,

traffic on the east side of Turbeville Road.

The Northern Lights – to name a few.

The contractor is expected to finish the

For ticket, parking and other information,

A ribbon cutting ceremony has been

about-us/city-departments/community-

July 18 at the Hickory Creek Town Hall.

festivals/50th-anniversary-texas-

project by July, barring any rain delays.

visit https://www.cityoflewisville.com/

tentatively scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on

relations-tourism/special-events-

We hope you’ll join us to commemorate the completion of this project.

international-pop-festival.

If you have any questions or comments, please let me

LAKE DALLAS TO GAIN NEW BUSINESS

hear from you.

My email is

Ahern Rentals, which took over the

The town also began developing

former Coors Distribution plant, started

Thrush Park, which is dinosaur-themed.

The heavy equipment sales, rental and

park sports a new shade structure.

superstore in Lake Dallas.

themed parks, recently opening

construction to move in this summer.

Stone Creek Park with its tree-themed

repair service company is opening a

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

The Lake Dallas Community Development

bobbie.mitchell@ dentoncounty. com and my

office number is Above is Bobbie Mitchell

972.434.4780.

JULY 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 23

24 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| JULY 2019

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

Barbecue Recipes For Kids That Even Adults Will Love

S

erving food to a group of children is a bit trickier compared to cooking for adults. This is because they tend to only eat what they find attractive or what’s familiar to their taste buds. So if you’re planning a children’s party, why not take it out in the yard?

Your guests will have plenty of room for games and you can serve them these delicious barbecue recipes for kids!

GRILLED BABY RANCH BURGERS

WATERMELON WEDGES WITH MINTY LIME SUGAR

Ingredients •

8 small soft dinner rolls, split

•

1 lb ground beef

•

4 leaves lettuce, halved

•

8 slices plum tomatoes

•

1/2 cup ranch dressing

Ingredients

•

1 teaspoon olive oil

•

8 graham crackers

•

Kosher salt and ground black pepper

•

8 chunks chocolate of your choice

•

Sliced carrots and celery for serving

•

4 large marshmallows

Ingredients

MINI CAMPFIRE S’MORES

Directions

Directions

Using clean hands, form the ground beef into 3-inch patties. Season each with kosher salt and black pepper. Oil the grates and cook patties over medium high heat for about 4 to 6 minutes per side or until good grill marks appear and meat is cooked through. Place grilled patties on dinner rolls, spread with ranch dressing then top with lettuce and tomato.

Serve with sliced carrots and celery.

To make 1 s’more, sandwich 2 chunks of chocolate and 1 marshmallow between 2 crackers. Wrap each s’more with heavy duty aluminum foil and cook on a preheated grill over medium high heat for 1 to 2 minutes per side. Allow to cool for a few minutes before unwrapping the foils.

It’s important to make sure they’re cool enough for kids to eat. Drizzle with melted chocolate before serving if desired.

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

•

Precut fresh watermelon wedges

•

1 lime, zested (zest finely grated)

•

4 fresh mint leaves, finely shredded

•

3 1/2 tablespoons golden caster sugar

•

Lime wedges for serving

Directions To prepare the minty lime sugar, mix together lime zest, shredded mint leaves and 2 1/2 tablespoons golden caster sugar. Set aside. Toss the watermelon wedges in the remaining sugar. Heat watermelon on a grill over medium high heat for just a few seconds per side until grill marks appear, using tongs to flip. Place on a serving platter, sprinkle with minty lime sugar and serve with lime wedges.

JULY 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 25

Back 2

Education Article

O

n Thursday, August 8th, There Has To Be More Ministries will

The fair is a fun and FREE family

WANT TO #HELPUSHELPTHEM

with an emphasis on increased

You can drop supplies in the Back 2 School box at Lake Dallas City Hall or Lake Dallas Public Library.

event that is open to everyone

be hosting their annual Back 2

awareness of educational

School Fair at the Lake Dallas

Middle School from 5pm to 9pm.

The Backpack and Health Fair

provides LDISD families, who have found themselves with economic

challenges, the chance to start the school year off right.

opportunities, jobs, and social services. While at the fair, our families have the chance to

spend time getting to know local businesses, churches, and even

community leaders, in a one-onone setting.

24 Ct Crayola Crayons

•

Small Plastic School

•

12 Ct Crayola Colored

•

Plastic Pocket Dividers

•

10 Ct Black Pens

•

Dividers 5-Tab Poly with

•

10 Ct Blue Pens

•

12X18 Manila Paper

Supply Box Pencils

(Package Of 6)

Single Pocket

(50 Sheets)

•

Single Red Pens

•

12X18 Colored (50 Sheets)

10 Ct Red Pens

•

3 X 5 Ruled Index Cards

•

(100 Count)

Yellow Highlighters

26 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| JULY 2019

•

24 Ct #2 Ticonderoga

•

Folders 3-Prong 2 Pocket Set of 8 (2 Green, 2 Blue, 2 Red, 2 Yellow)

or Purple)

•

Blunt Tip Friskar Scissors

•

Pencil Sharpener with Lid

•

•

Folders 3-Prong 2 Pocket

Plastic Folder (3 Prongs with 2 Pockets)

•

Paper (150 Sheets)

•

Large Pink Erasers

Pointed Tip Friskar Scissors (7”)

Chisel Tip Dry Erase

•

Folders 3-Prong

•

Paper Folder (3 Prong with 2 Pockets)

•

12” Wooden Ruler

•

3 Ring Binder (1 Inch)

•

Canvas Pencil Bag

Set Of 4 (Red, Green,

•

Earbud Headphones

Blue, Yellow)

•

24 Ct Crayola Crayons

•

White Elmer’s Glue

•

Small Plastic School Supply Box

•

Folders 3-Prong 2 Pocket

5 X 7 Ruled Index Cards

•

Expo Chisel Tip Dry Erase

(90 Sheets)

(4-Pk Assorted Colors)

•

(100 Count)

Markers (4-Pk Assorted) Wide-Ruled, Notebook

Markers, Black (4-Pk)

Yellow Pencils

Subject - College or Wide Yellow Pencils

Folders 3-Prong 2 Pocket

(Red, Green, Blue, Yellow,

Set of 2 (Red and Green)

with 2 Pocket Set of 3

(Red, Green and Blue)

Wide-Ruled, Spiral

Notebook (70 Sheets)

•

25 Ct Pencil Top Erasers

8 Ct Crayola Wide-Tip

•

Folders 3-Prong 2 Pocket

Classic Color Washable Markers

•

•

Spiral Notebooks 5

Glue Sticks-Large

•

Construction Paper

•

•

Highlighters

•

12 Ct #2 Ticonderoga

Folders 3-Prong 2 Pocket Set of 7 (2 Green, 2 Blue, 2 Red, 1 Yellow)

•

•

•

•

3 X 3 Post-It Notes

•

You can also donate financially online towards supplies as well.

Glue Sticks-Small

•

•

Cross Timbers in Corinth, or Ciera Bank

•

HERE IS A LIST OF SUPPLIES •

We will also have drop boxes at the following locations starting Saturday: Point Bank Corinth, Chick-fil-A in Corinth,

Wide-Ruled, Spiral

Notebook (100 Sheets)

•

10 T Crayola Markers

•

Wide-Ruled, Composition Notebooks (100 Sheets)

(4 Oz.)

Set of 4 (Green, Blue, Red and Purple)

For more information visit: www.ThereHasToBeMore.org/ Back-2-School-Fair www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

CONGRATULATIONS

ANGELINA’S

MEXICAN RESTAURANT

IS COMING TO

HICKORY CREEK Murray Media Group was able to attend Angelina’s Mexican Restaurant ground breaking and ribbon cutting ceremony, held on July 9th. We are all excited about the future grand opening. www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

JULY 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 27

Restaurant Spotlight:

LAMBEAU’S AMERICA KITCHEN & TAPS

by Steve Gamel

I

n areas as popular as Flower Mound and Highland Village, where great restaurant options are seemingly everywhere, it is important to not only stand out with fantastic food but also make the experience personal.

Jim Verfurth has that recipe down pat.

The longtime restaurateur broke the mold when he opened Verf’s Grill and Tavern four years ago and the increasingly popular Shoal Creek two years later. Now he has done it again with a third addition to his family of restaurants: Lambeau’s America Kitchen & Taps. Lambeau’s opened in June and is located in Patrizio’s old spot in the Shops at Highland Village.

Jim wanted a place for people to come in, eat great food, and have fun socializing or watching a game,” said Valerie Sample, the general manager of nearby Shoal Creek. “I remember driving by and watching Shoal Creek being built, and it’s exciting to see this new one, too.

The process takes a long time, but it’s fun to see.”

Sample added, “Jim really cares about what the people in our area want.”

Lambeau’s is a departure from Verf’s and Shoal Creek in that it features an American grill concept that celebrates the foundation and ingenuity of the American dream. Adorning the walls are reminders of all the hard work that went into making our country so great, including iconic images of bridges and buildings being built and construction workers eating lunch on a skyscraper in New York.

The menu is to die for as it incorporates popular items influenced by people who immigrated to America then melded their family’s tastes into food we now enjoy across our nation.

28 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| JULY 2019

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

“A WARM WELCOME. A MEMORABLE MOMENT. A FOND FAREWELL.” The concept celebrates popular

dishes from cities that have an NFL team.

Some of those items include Cowboy steak fingers from Dallas, deep dish

pizza from Chicago, Tennessee hot fried chicken, Jacksonville shrimp and grits,

Philly cheesesteak, chili cheese dogs from

Michigan, Asian salads from California, and Wisconsin fried cheese curds. Executive

Chef, Florencio Benitez, who was one of

the Village Grills first employees runs both Verf’s and Shoal Creek, also oversees the operations at Lambeau’s.

Verfurth and his team went to great

lengths to make Lambeau’s stand out.

Beyond the atmosphere and amazing menu, they have an oversized solid pecan bar complete with built in

wireless chargers and 32 beers on tap.

There’s also 34 TVs and a temperature

controlled patio with glass garage doors that can be opened, creating a great

place to relax year-round. It also opens up to Central Park, where the city has

festivals and the community Christmas tree lighting each year.

To create something so unique in a sea of quality restaurants might be difficult

for anyone but Verfurth. He has been in the business since he was old enough

to work and opened his first restaurant, The Village Grill, in 1997. In 2015, he

opened Verf’s with the intention of doing something different from everyone else.

Not only did he succeed, but his staff keeps that vision going by living out the mantra of “A Warm Welcome.

A Memorable Moment. A Fond Farewell.”

“If you are able to execute all three of

those things at every level, then you’re going to be successful,” Sample said.

“It’s a great group of people who are

working there, and to see everything finally come to fruition is exciting.” www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

JULY 2019 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 29

2019 DISTRICT 8-5A ALL-DISTRICT

BASEBALL CO-MVP:

Christian Herry, Denton

CO-MVP:

Logan Kohler, Little Elm

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Ryan Hull, Lake Dallas

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Rece Parker, Denton

PITCHER OF THE YEAR:

Ryan Depperschmidt, Lake Dallas

OFFENSIVE NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: Nic Bennett, Braswell

SOFTBALL CO-MVP:

Jayda Coleman, The Colony

CO-MVP:

Lauren Lucas, Little Elm

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Kaylin Jackson, Denton

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR:

Abby Buettner, Ryan

PITCHER OF THE YEAR:

Karlie Charles, The Colony

CATCHER OF THE YEAR:

Jacee Hamlin, The Colony

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR:

CO-SOPHOMORE OF THE YEAR:

Ashanti McDade, Denton

CO-SOPHOMORE OF THE YEAR:

Olivia Wick, The Colony

Caden Greanead, Denton

Chase Brown, The Colony

PITCHING CO-NEWCOMER: Connor Bivins, Ryan

PITCHING CO-NEWCOMER:

CO-UTILITY PLAYER OF THE YEAR: CO-UTILITY PLAYER OF THE YEAR:

Izzi Fielder, Little Elm

COACHING STAFF OF THE YEAR:

The Colony

Derek Lewis, Little Elm

COACH OF THE YEAR: Toby Rumfield, Denton

FIRST TEAM Nick Perry, Braswell | Austin Wheeler, Denton Ben Price, Lake Dallas | Shay Hartis, The Colony Tayte Tredaway, Justin Northwest | Justin Rumfield, Denton Logan Quan, Braswell | Josh Renteria, Little Elm Dylan Bivins, Ryan | Jorge Aldrete, Little Elm Christian Healer, Justin Northwest | Ty Mongo, Denton Ethan Winfrey, Little Elm | Ryan Scott, The Colony Jayson Jones, Braswell | Brandon Burke, Little Elm 30 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| JULY 2019

FIRST TEAM Michelle Tillapaugh, The Colony | Elexus Facors, The Colony Madison Adams, Little Elm | Alyssa Adams, Little Elm Mikayla Roy, Little Elm | Georgia Heathcock, Little Elm Rylee Seymour, Justin Northwest | Hannah Copeland, Justin Northwest; Savanna Phillips, Ryan | Harper Hughes, Ryan Katie Baeumler, Ryan | AJ Frausto, Braswell Emma Rodrigues, Braswell | Shelby Nelson, Lake Dallas Brooklyn Morris, Denton | Brandy Sorrells, Denton Gabby Naples, Denton

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com