Lake Cities Living Magazine May 2020

MAY 15, 2020 - JUNE 19, 2020 Home & Garden Issue

CONGRATS

2020

SENIORS

Corinth - Hickory Creek - Shady Shores - Lake Dallas

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MAY 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 3

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Administration

Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors Bobbi Byrne Alisha Tran

Writers & Editor Steve Gamel Brooke Ezzo

Advertising

Kelly Murray Kelly@murray-media.com

Production

Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Alyson Modene

Photography

Your Candid Memories 469.583.2819 yourcandidmemories.com

Letters

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

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All submissions become the sole property of Murray Media Group.

Editorial and Advertising Inquiries call 972.899.3637 or email artwork@murray-media.com www.murray-media.com Address: 3513 Yucca Dr., Ste. 200 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

Get Outside And Work

ON THE GARDEN N o matter where we turn, restrictions are being placed on us. We shouldn’t stand within six feet of each other. We can’t be in a waiting room or restaurant with more than 10 people. Until recently, we couldn’t go to the hair salon or pump out a few reps at the gym. I’m not suggesting any of those restrictions are wrong. In an era that none of us — including our government — has ever experienced before, we should be careful until this nasty coronavirus is behind us. Not just four ourselves, but for our friends, family, and neighbors.

But as the calendar flips to May and then June and July, one thing that we all can stand to do more of is get out in the garden. Mow the lawn.

Plant some pretty flowers. Clean some of the excess garbage out from below the shrubs!

and lawn maintenance, but I can tell

I bring this up because gardening, at its core, is something that can be very soothing to us emotionally and spiritually during these crazy times we live in — and now is as good a time as any to appreciate everything that gardening gives us. As we wrote in one article, gardening is relaxing and can be very therapeutic. And if we do it right, it can turn any space into something beautiful and functional.

restrictions to get used to.

I can’t say that I’m the world’s leading authority on gardening

you that getting out there with Scott

and the kids — or even by myself — has helped me recenter and focus on controlling what I can control.

The rest, as they say, will take care of itself — albeit with a few more

Here are a few inspirational quotes

about gardening and life. And thank you for reading our latest issue!

“Gardening adds years to your life and life to your years.” — unknown author “Flowers are restful to look at.

They have neither emotions nor conflicts.” — Sigmund Freud

“God Almighty first planted a garden.

And indeed, it is the purest of human pleasures.” — Francis Bacon

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. © 2020 Murray Media Group

Sincerely, Kelly Murray Publisher of Murray Media Group, kelly@murray-media.com

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TABLE OF

CONTENTS

HOME &

GARDEN ISSUE

LOOK FOR THE ICON

ASK THE EXPERTS 24 Fitness with Outlaw Fitcamp 29 Travel with Terri Guthrie ARTICLES 06 Garden Trends For 2020 09 Community Comes First

FEATURED ARTICLE

16

If You Can Think It, We Can Build It

10 Inside Community and Education 14 Sheriff’s Corner With Sheriff Tracy Murphree

19 2019-2020 LDISD Teachers Of The Year

20 Foodie Friday DFW: Mike’s Bakery 23 Grieve End Of Spring Sports Season

26 Home Workouts: Tips And Resources

28 Mrs. Lively’s Continues

EDITOR’S PICK

12

Spread Cheer Not Fear

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

Making Face Masks To Promote Individual Safety

30 Corinth Resident Finds Strength In The Rarest Of Challenges

MAY 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 5

Home & Garden Article

GARDEN

TRENDS FOR 2020

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| MAY 2020

by Brooke Ezzo

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P

eople have been gardening since the beginning of time. For some parts of the country, it is how they make their living. For other parts, it is a sustainable way of living. Gardening can be very therapeutic as well as pleasing to the eye. It can turn any space into something beautiful and functional.

This year has turned out to be a very eyeopening experience for us all. We have witnessed businesses closing and the comfort of convenience interrupted. The supply and demand scale for certain items has been thrown off, and many people have retreated to learning how to grow and make household necessities themselves.

The lack of certain foods in the grocery stores and practicing social distancing has led many people to start their own home gardens. If you don’t have a green thumb but want one, here are some easy gardening trends for 2020 to get you started.

VERTICAL GARDENING Herbs are something everyone loves to have on hand. Fresh basil, cilantro, parsley, and mint can easily been grown using vertical gardening. Growing plants and produce vertically also reduces the carbon footprint, improving the quality of air. This type of gardening can maximize space. Create an herb garden in your kitchen, a lettuce tower on your patio, or construct wood planters on your back fence. The sky is literally the limit when it comes to vertical gardening.

COMPOSTING Instead of having to go out and buy gardening soil from the stores, starting your own compost is free and comes with many benefits. When you compost wasted food and other organics, you are basically eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers. Composting enriches your backyard soil, encourages the production of beneficial bacteria and fungi, and

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absorbs water. Giving your garden a steady source of moisture and nutrients.

REPURPOSING With the slow reopening of our communities and businesses, finding ways to repurpose household items in your garden saves time and money. Plus, repurposing never goes out of style.

Some ideas are classic like pails and wooden crates, and some can be more creative. Old drawers can be constructed into a 3-tier flower tower, a chandelier could be painted and hung on a patio for flowing plants, or an old picture frame could be used for succulents and vertical gardening. It’s a nice combination: spring cleaning and purposeful gardening.

GARDEN TO TABLE Many of us love and live by this term. So why not take this season to ensure that some of your favorites are coming from your own backyard. The growing season is not over yet. There is plenty of time to

put some seeds in the ground or in your vertical planters. To round out the end of May, some great produce to plant now includes black-eyed peas, cantaloupe, cucumber, eggplant, green beans, lima beans, okra, peppers, pumpkin, sweet corn, sweet potato, squash, and watermelon. Peppers, okra, and squash tend to grow like crazy in North Texas, and don’t forget most of your produce can be canned or frozen for later use.

There is a lot of value in learning basics of backyard gardening and planting foods that can sustain us. As we have witnessed the last few months, there isn’t always a guarantee that what we need, when we need it, will be in the stores. There is a peace that comes with gardening and growing your own food, and we hope you find it!

To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.

-Audrey Hepburn

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COMMUNITY

COMES FIRST Keeping Us Connected During COVID-19

photo courtesy of Dru Murray

by Dru Murray, Parker Legal

D

elia Parker-Mims has launched Community Connect, a communication portal, and a Facebook Live weekly program that lists helpful resources and offers survival tips to Denton County Commission District 3 residents during this pandemic.

Parker-Mims listened and responded to a new community need. “During this pandemic, I noticed that many people wanted to provide resources to their neighbors and others needed help, yet there was no means for people to communicate with each other,” ParkerMims said. Another problem she identified is that many of the resources being offered focus on cities north of Lake Lewisville. “I saw a need to provide a site to connect the community.”

Community Connect is a simple concept but fulfills a great need.

Community Connect enables District 3 residents seeking resources to connect with community residents willing to provide resources, as well as other agencies and nonprofits.

“I am providing District 3 citizens Community Connect powered by Facebook (facebook.com/CommunityConnect-105495554419053/) and an interactive community discussion board (https://communityconnect.freeforums. net/). Both offer help with resources and job searches that connect the community,” said Parker-Mims.

Another aspect of Community Connect is a weekly Facebook Live program that provides valuable information to help keep us connected and useful tips as we navigate this new norm. Some of the programs include, “Strategies for Home Schooling Your Dyslexic Child,” “Are you there God? It’s me, Mommy — Mental Health Strategies for Parents,” and “Trapped on the Inside – A Look at Domestic Violence During Covid-19.”

COUNTY

“I WANT TO PROVIDE DENTON RESIDENTS WITH SMART, RESPONSIVE LEADERSHIP. WE’VE HAD THE SAME COMMISSIONER IN THIS DISTRICT FOR 20 YEARS — IT’S TIME FOR CHANGE.” www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

Delia Parker-Mims learned about helping others from her parents. Her father was a Vietnam veteran

who won a silver medal because he returned to the jungle, putting his own life in danger to rescue lost soldiers. Her mother was a waitress who worked many long hours but always managed to refer to a higher power. “They taught me that it’s bigger than you,” says Parker-Mims.

“Their selflessness inspired me to become a family lawyer who helps to empower clients such as older people with housing insecurity, battered women, and juveniles with mental health issues.”

Before starting Parker Legal, Parker-Mims worked as an attorney for Legal Aid Northwest Texas. The American Institute of Family Law Attorneys selected ParkerMims as a Top 10 attorney from Texas in 2016 and 2019.

Parker-Mims became a candidate for Denton County Commissioner 3, because as she says, “I want to provide Denton County residents with smart, responsive leadership. We’ve had the same commissioner in this district for 20 years — it’s time for change.”

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INSIDE COMMUNITY

CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY ACTION CCA is currently looking for volunteers in their warehouse and as grocery loaders.

Volunteers are needed who can lift heavy boxes, unload food donations and organize the products in their warehouse.

If you are interested in volunteering, apply online at http://CCAHelps.org/ participate-volunteer/.

ESSENTIAL WORKER SALUTE Wednesday, May 6 the incredible U.S. Navy Blue Angels flew over North Texas. They started in McKinney and ended in White Settlement, flying over major hospitals to salute and thank all healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential workers for serving on the frontlines in the fight against COVID-19. photo courtesy of Tim Lanz

INSIDE EDUCATION

LAKE DALLAS ISD TEACHERS OF THE YEAR CONGRATS GUYER SENIORS!

Fri., May 22 | 3pm | Texas Motor Speedway 3545 Lone Star Circle • Fort Worth, TX 76177 Denton ISD will host graduation ceremonies at Texas Motor Speedway.

To ensure all health precautions are met, family and friends will remain in their vehicles while parked on the TMS infield and watch the broadcasted event from the 12-story-tall video board. Guyer High School seniors will receive their “hands free” diplomas on Victory Lane. Congratulations!

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Congratulations to the incredible teachers who received Teacher of the Year for 2020! We would like to honor Rhonda Fruendt from Corinth Elementary, Jamie Roach from Lake Dallas Elementary, Tamara Lee from Shady Shores Elementary, Tyler Reed from Lake Dallas Middle School, and Jeanette Murray from Lake Dallas High School. We support and appreciate all of our LDISD educators! photo above courtesy of Melaynee Broadstreet

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MEMORIAL DAY Mon., May 25

LAKE DALLAS ANIMAL SHELTER

Memorial Day is a federal holiday for remembering, honoring, and mourning the military personnel that had died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

As we honor their sacrifice, we would also like to thank their families.

Currently the animal shelter is not open to the public but they are still having cat and dog adoptions. The adoptions are by appointment only and the facility is taking health precautions seriously. Masks and gloves are necessary. To schedule your adoption you’ll need to know which animal you would like to adopt. You can find your furbaby on Petfinder or on the animal shelter Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/ LakeDallasShelter. Logo courtesy of Lake Dallas Animal Shelter

SENIOR POWERLIFTER QUALIFIES FOR STATE CONGRATS, CLASS OF 2020

Wed., May 20 | 5pm | Texas Motor Speedway 3545 Lone Star Circle • Fort Worth, TX 76177 Lake Dallas ISD will host graduation ceremonies at Texas Motor Speedway.

To ensure all health precautions are met, family and friends will remain in their vehicles while parked on the TMS infield and watch the broadcasted event from the 12-story-tall video board. Way to go, seniors!

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After four years of hard work and determination, Lake Dallas High School senior Sam Collier finally

obtained his goal of making it to State. Qualifying for State in powerlifting is an amazing accomplishment and the Falcon community is very proud. Due to recent events, Collier was unable to attend the State competition but an incredible achievement, nonetheless. photo above courtesy of Melaynee Broadstreet

MAY 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 11

NOT FEAR

by Steve Gamel

W

hen 9-year-old Brystol Williams heard that spring break was going to be extended and that she and her friends wouldn’t be together in class again for a long time because of the coronavirus, she knew she had to do something.

Specifically, her heart went out to those friends who typically need more help than most.

the area have been spreading similar

messages of cheer in their driveways. A photo courtesy of Williams Family

r e e Ch SPREAD

for everyone to see, and several kids in

Facebook page has also been created,

and as a result of the Good Morning Texas feature, Brystol has been able to raise an additional $1,000 off t-shirt sales.

“She also has a sharing shelf in our

neighborhood,” Taylor said. “It will be filled to the brim one day, and then

the next day, it’s at its minimum, and

someone comes out of nowhere to fill

it up with donations. This was her main

goal — to spread positivity. My husband was fortunate to keep working, so [the coronavirus] hasn’t hit us like some

families. But Brystol’s concern was her Being the free spirit that she always has been, her message was simple: spread

“We were about midway through our spring

cheer, not fear.

By now, many of you have already heard about Brystol’s message, wildfire throughout Lake communities but was

ABOUT

also highlighted on Good Morning Texas on April 6.

W H AT

Essentially, she was inspired to create and sell a shirt

the proceeds to provide

WOULD HAPPEN TO

what she’s calling “meals of

cheer” to families who need

THEM

help during this time of uncertainty.

The meals continue to be provided by

local restaurants such as Genti’s, so that 12 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

mother, Taylor, said. “I didn’t think it would

WORRIED

Dallas and surrounding

Cheer, Not Fear,” and use

break, and she was so upset,” Brystol’s

SHE

which not only spread like

with the message, “Spread

those businesses can be supported, too.

| MAY 2020

friends that were struggling. She worried about what would happen to them. It’s

been a huge task that she’s taken on, and I couldn’t be more proud of her.”

Brystol has always been focused on

be as big of a hit as it was;

what other’s needs are. And she’s not

get some lunches to some of

continue on this uncharted journey. If you

started sharing, and then

donations or how you can purchase a

maybe we’d sell a few shirts and

ready to stop spreading cheer as we all

her friends. But then our friends

are interested in learning more about

more people heard about it. It

shirt, visit their Facebook page at www.

definitely took off.”

facebook.com/SpreadCheerNotFear/.

Taylor added, “She’s definitely

“She wasn’t ready for the school year to be

my little free spirit. It’s been fun to see people add to it.”

The message has definitely

taken on a personality of its

own. Taylor said that a family

friend, Amy Cote, was responsible for using sidewalk chalk to write Brystol’s

message across a giant fence in the area

done or be away from the people she grew close to,” Taylor said. “As you get older,

you get more aware of people not having the same things that you have. She was

very aware of the people who didn’t have as much that she does. To see her take it

and go as far as she has — it’s been crazy

to watch. And it’s reminded me to find the positivity, even in a pandemic like this.”

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MAY 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 13

SHERIFF’S W I T H

S H E R I F F

T R A C Y

WE ARE ALL ESSENTIAL

W

e are all essential! We find ourselves in uncharted scary times. The COVID-19 virus is proving to be a challenging adversary for all of us. Law Enforcement during this time is being presented with difficulties never experienced in most of our lifetimes. Those of us responsible for detention facilities are certainly concerned. We are not only responsible for the well-being of those we lead but with the health and safety of inmates in our care.

We are then asked to identify “essential

what is going on in the world outside our

essential” home. It doesn’t take long to

schools closed, and friends worried about

personnel” and send those deemed “nonunderstand that everyone here is essential to maintaining a successful operation.

It gives you an opportunity to really look

at many different areas of your operation and get a much clearer picture of how

walls. Watching businesses being closed, jobs. I’ve seen communities affected in ways I probably never really thought

HIRING If you are interested in a career in Law Enforcement, join our family and be a part of a great organization.

Detention Officer I positions start at $38,752.00 per year.

Visit our website to apply. www.governmentjobs.com/ careers/dentoncounty

“community” really means.

I’m witnessing heartache and triumph.

not just the commissioned people in the

do and, at the same time, the best. I’m

contributions of everyone.

to their name and uphold the oath they

It has given me an opportunity to evaluate

I’m seeing some of the worst man can

organization but also the sacrifices and

watching as our public servants live up have sworn.

employee, and this tragedy has given

This virus will not defeat us; we will

I then applied this to my observations of

many other challenges. My hope is we will

me a much better picture of their worth.

WE ARE

of. I’m getting a better idea of what

each individual contributes to your team.

I have always known the value of each

M U R P H R E E

endure and learn from it as we have so

come out on the other side of this better for having gone through it. I hope as Americans that we end up with a clear understanding that if we are to maintain our way of life and live our American dream, we must realize that we are all essential.

Take care of yourself, take care of your family, and take care of each other!

940.349.1600 | 127 N. WOODROW LN., STE. 300 • DENTON, TX 76205 | DENTONCOUNTY.COM/DEPARTMENTS/SHERIFF.ASPX 14 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| MAY 2020

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MAY 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 15

If You Can

THINK IT, We Can

BUILD IT

by Steve Gamel | photography by Nick Allen Photography (naphoto307.com)

214.770.7227 | BOWENPOOLSLLC.COM PLASTERING

16 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| MAY 2020

TILE REPAIRS

COPING REPAIRS

HANDRAILS

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T

here are plenty of people out there who don’t have a pool and wish they did. But we’re willing to bet there are just as many who look at what they do have and aren’t as inspired by it as they once were. Sound familiar? Don’t get us wrong — the pool looked amazing 10 years ago. It had all the bells and whistles and was likely the envy of the neighborhood.

But now its features, shape, and style

changing and upsizing plumbing to

your friends have down the street.

in tanning ledges, and even changing

seem outdated in comparison to the oasis Homeowners should never be stuck with

what they have or don’t have — especially when it comes to a pool. If you’re ready to create that backyard getaway or add

oomph to what you’ve got, the sky’s the limit with one call to Bowen Pools.

“It’s important to me that no one feels

like they are stuck with the same footprint they have now,” owner Chris Bowen said.

“If you need a pool, or you’re not happy with what you’ve got, we can do it. We’re not afraid to think outside the

box. We’ll put an entire

team together to handle projects from start to finish.”

Word is spreading that this family-owned and

operated pool company has already separated itself as a leader in

accommodate new water features, adding the shape of pools. On new construction,

Chris and his team have a knack for taking the smallest idea and making it larger

a lot considering the pool industry

is firing on all cylinders and is highlighted by big names that have been around for decades.

end materials no matter the size of the

caught up with him, he was quick to

your plumbing needs.

big break when the owner of the pool

job, and ensure proper hydraulics for all

share a story about how he got his first

“We’re really trying to let people know how good we are on the construction

and renovation side of pools,” Chris said.

pool hired him as a service technician.

Chris worked there for five years cleaning pools, all while continuing to dream big

able to give our clients

Unfortunately, that journey took a slight

enjoy, and I love being

of one day owning his own company.

what they’ve wanted for

detour when Chris was injured on the job

so long. We are not just a coping, tile, and plaster

company. We can do so much more.”

With that type of attitude, it’s no surprise residents

all over Denton County are

picking Bowen Pools for all their pool needs. Bowen

Pools also specializes in spas, covered

patios, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and landscaping. If there’s a problem with

a construction job or a project requires

extra attention, Chris makes you feel like his only customer.

If I’m not there, it is not difficult to get

renovations. That means everything from

company that was remodeling his parents’

“It’s what I personally

with their motto of quality over quantity. need, but they love the challenge of

business as far back as he can remember his younger days. When Lantana Living

“I’m also the project manager for

Not only can they handle any construction

Chris has wanted to be in the pool

shells, offer in-floor cleaning, use higher-

But to Bowen Pools’ credit, they are hitting those bigger companies where it hurts

a project too big for us.”

and was even a lifeguard for four years in

pool construction and

years of being in business. That’s saying

systems on all of our pools. There isn’t

than life. They waterproof all concrete

“IT’S IMPORTANT TO ME THAT NO ONE FEELS LIKE THEY ARE STUCK WITH THE SAME FOOTPRINT THEY HAVE NOW...”

renovation services after just two

pools, and doing in-floor cleaning

new construction. So I’m at every job.

me out there to take a look,” Chris said.

“We are following codes stringently,

offering different packages for custom

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,’” Chris said. He and Kourtney now have a 10-week-old daughter named

Emerson. “Kourtney was nervous at first, but it all worked out.”

Bottom line, the folks at Bowen Pools never stop learning their craft and

would like to think their expertise in new construction and renovations is right up

there with the best of them. All you have to do is pick up the phone.

“People want to enjoy their backyard.

We want to give them that.”

3341 LONG PRAIRIE RD. • FLOWER MOUND, TX 75028 OTHER GENERAL SWIMMING POOL REPAIRS

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ADDITIONS (Spas, Tanning Ledge, Waterfalls, etc.)

MAY 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 17

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spirits. It was nice to know that despite everything that’s going on, they found a way to keep doing this. They wanted it to be special.”

2019-2020 LDISD

TEACHERS

Murray agreed. This was her 19th year as the high school’s Visual Arts teacher.

“My students are like my own kids.

And when the superintendent knows your first name as you pass by each other in the school parking lot, you just know how much they care about you,” Murray said. “This is a tight-knit community, and to be recognized like this makes it all worthwhile.”

OF THE YEAR

by Steve Gamel

J

All of them said the fact that the honors were announced on the Zoom calls took them by surprise.

amie Roach thought she was just taking part in a regular Zoom meeting with her fellow teachers and administrators from Lake Dallas Elementary. But everyone’s favorite PE teacher would soon find out she was the guest of honor.

Roach, who has been at the school for five

Fruendt (Corinth Elementary), Tamara Lee

the Year on April 13.

(Lake Dallas Middle School), and Jeanette

years, was announced as LDE’s Teacher of “They announced it at the end of the call, and at first, all I could think of was that I

was glad it was on a Zoom call because

I didn’t want to get up in front of a large

crowd and give a speech,” Roach said with a laugh. “I have the best friends, students, teachers, and administrators. They make me feel appreciated every day. But this made it even better.”

She added, “Being recognized feels really good. It motivates you to do even better than you already do.”

The district named a Teacher of the Year

for all five campuses on individual Zoom

photos courtesy of their respective person

calls that day. Joining Roach were Rhonda

Jamie Roach www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

Tyler Reed

(Shady Shores Elementary), Tyler Reed

Murray (Lake Dallas High School). Lake

Dallas announces its top teacher honors every year but had to pivot slightly with

classes having been moved to online-only due to the coronavirus. Gov. Greg Abbott closed schools to in-person learning for the remainder of the academic year on

April 17, making this year’s accolade so much more important.

“It does mean more when you look at all

the challenges we have right now,” Reed said. She is a 7th grade English teacher

and a 2006 graduate of Lake Dallas High.

“I’m such a personable person; I like to give high fives and hugs, but I can’t do

that right now. Getting that news lifted my

Tamera Lee

“It was a regular staff meeting — just like every week. I had my hands over my mouth; I was so embarrassed,” said Fruendt, a 3rd-grade math teacher. “I’m not one to pat myself on the back, so it’s nice that other people recognize that you are doing your job. I’ve been here for 15 years, and I can’t compare it. There aren’t many places that do it like this.”

Lee agreed.

“I’ve always thought it was fun waiting to hear who it’s going to be,” Lee said. She’s been the school’s music teacher for three years. “She started by saying that this person has been in education for 12 years and does a lot of staff development on her own. But it still could have been anybody at that point. When she said this person teaches piano lessons, my ears perked up. It was so exciting. It’s a year we won’t forget. That’s for sure.”

Rhonda Fruendt

Jeanette Murray

MAY 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 19

Foodie Friday DFW: Mike’s Bakery

MIKE’S

Bakery photos courtesy of Foodie Friday DFW

I

f you know, you know. And everyone who’s been to Mike’s Bakery in Corinth knows that everything Mike bakes is full of “love and tenderness.” That’s a direct quote from Mike.

These are the real, authenticNewYork Cheesecake deal.

Owner, Mike Dauti, moved to the area a couple years ago and quickly determined that there was a great need for a madefrom-scratch bakery in the community.

And he’s proven over the last few years that he’s a true master of authentic Italian pastries and desserts, drawing in fans from all over the Metroplex.

His cheesecakes are notorious. These are the real, authentic New York Cheesecake deal. Light, fluffy, and delicious. He’s also well-known for his beautiful assortment of cakes. And he can make a cake for any occasion. Wedding cakes, engagement cakes, first birthday cakes - you name it, he’ll make it.

When you walk inside Mike’s Bakery, you’ll instantly feel like he’s your new best friend.

He has this magical ability to make every

person who walks through his bakery doors feel like they’re a part of his big, extended Italian family. And we love that.

And that’s what people in the community love about him.

So, the next time you’re in need of pastries like danishes and croissants, pies, cakes, cheesecakes, or cookies - make the trip up to Mike’s Bakery for some sweets and an experience you’re not likely to forget any time soon.

*During COVID-19 shutdowns, Mike’s Bakery is open for carry out and is also offering delivery through UberEats and DoorDash.

972.724.2540 | JayMarksRealEstate.com jay@jaymarksrealestate.com 1013 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 102 | Flower Mound, TX 75022 20 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

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GRIEVEEND D

by Steve Gamel

OF SPRING SPORTS SEASON

enton County players, coaches, and fans were all holding out hope that somehow — someway — the coronavirus pandemic would not mark the end of the high school spring sports schedule for this school year. Even if they weren’t able to resume until May, or even June, at least they could salvage something from this year.

Sadly, those hopes were dashed last month when the University Interscholastic League announced that they were canceling everything for the remainder of the school year. The unprecedented move came mere hours after Gov. Greg Abbott announced that all Texas schools should remain closed to in-person learning. The spring sports schedule, which includes basketball, soccer, track and field, softball, baseball, and others, had been suspended since March 16.

The original plan was to reevaluate on May 4, but a final decision had to be made sooner.

The Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools also canceled the remainder of its 2019-20 athletics schedule.

“It seems unfair that our Argyle baseball seniors don’t get the chance to lead us back to Austin,” Argyle baseball coach Ricky Griffin said in a heartfelt Twitter post on April 17. His team was hoping to win its third straight Class 4A state title but won’t get that chance. “I know it’s not the season they were hoping for, but each one of them has a special place in my heart. They have been a huge part of pushing this program to where it is. I love them.”

Griffin wasn’t the only coach or player voicing their devastation — especially for the countless seniors who learned that they have competed for the last game as a high school athlete. “#COUGARNATION you’ll forever be my whole heart,” The Colony softball star Jayda Coleman said.

“Argyle. Over the last four years, you gave me memories that’ll last a lifetime while allowing me to grow up,” Argyle senior Alex Gonzales said on Twitter. “Sad to see my senior year and my time in red and black end so soon. Thank you to everyone who supported me along the way. I’m grateful to call this amazing town home.

“To our 13 seniors: Thank you for all you’ve given to our program,” the Guyer girls track and field Twitter account said in a statement. “We’re heartbroken for everything you didn’t get to finish. It’s been a joy to watch you wear a Guyer uniform with www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

pride over the past four years. We know you’re going to do great things! Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat!”

The Hebron softball team agreed.

“Lots of emotions with this announcement. Zeb, Casey, Ira, Nat, Sheridan and Dani, you may have played your last game in a Hebron uniform, but you will forever be a Hawk.”

The UIL said in a news release that it had been working on scenarios to resume sporting events. But without schools in session, activities would have to follow suit. According to the Dallas Morning News, at least 10 other states’ high school sports governing bodies, including that of athletic hotbed California, had already canceled their remaining sports events for the 2019-20 school year by April 5.

“Our highest priority during this challenging time is ensuring the health and safety of our students and communities and making progress in the containment of COVID-19 in Texas,” UIL executive director Charles Breithaupt said in a news release. “We are now turning our attention to the 2020-2021 school year.”

MAY 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 23

Ask The Expert: Fitness

concentrate on all the muscle

groups. Upper body day includes

chest, arms, and core. There’s a class

THE RIGHT WORKOUTS

GIVE AMAZING

for back and shoulders, a leg day

for glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves, and a core day.

•

Cardio

Our fitness classes give you a

good cardio workout because we

know that keeping your heart rate

up helps burn more calories. Raising

RESULTS QUICKLY!

your heart rate to just 50 percent of its maximum level results in 85 percent

of the calories you burn coming from fat, and that’s exactly what you want!

The more calories you burn above the total you get from what you eat each

day, the more weight you will lose or

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

Y

keep off. And cardio helps you burn those calories.

ou can’t expect overnight results from exercise. While this is true, it’s also true that when you workout the right way, you can start to see some major changes in your body in as little as six weeks. That’s right—six weeks of working out consistently can result in visible changes quickly.

HIIT (high intensity interval training) HIIT workouts mix shorts bursts of activity with even shorter rest periods.

Ideally, you work to your maximum capacity during When you join Jesse James That’s right—six the short bursts of activity.

Fit or one of our local DFW weeks of working This is a training method Outlaw FitCamp locations, it out consistently that our certified personal will absolutely help you with can result in visible trainers use in FitCamp workout consistency and our changes quickly classes. HIIT workouts are certified personal trainers ideal for shorter workouts will teach you the best and faster results. Even a workout methods for quick results. You’ll shorter workout done with HIIT can be surprised to see changes in about six burn up to 30 percent more calories. weeks when you start our program.

• Full-body workout plans Getting the most from your workout Our FitCamp group classes hit each Jesse James Fit & Outlaw FitCamp muscle group every week to give workouts get quicker results by using the you the maximum results in the following training methods: shortest time. We have fitness classes on different days of each week that Did you notice the word “consistency” there? That’s one of the important factors in quick results. The other important factor is working out the right way.

•

Minimizing time between sets

Our classes help you minimize the

time between sets. Most of us take longer breaks between sets than

we really need. This unnecessarily

•

lengthens your workout time without any added benefit of recovery.

•

Outlaw FitCamp can help you see major results in a short amount of time

We offer accelerating levels of

classes at Outlaw FitCamp to help

you get the quickest results possible.

Our members usually start at our FitCamp 30 classes which cover all the exercise

methods discussed above. Then when

you’re ready to progress to something

more challenging, we offer a 45-minute

class that takes it up a notch—Xtreme 45.

At Outlaw FitCamp, we have

knowledgeable certified personal trainers and classes to help meet your fitness goals as quickly as possible.

972.355.2639 • JESSEJAMESFIT.COM | 940.497.6002 • OUTLAWFITCAMP.COM

24 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| MAY 2020

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

MAY 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 25

HOME

WORKOUTS TIPS AND RESOURCES

by Contributing Writer

W

ith Denton County under quarantine there are fewer resources at consumers disposal. One of the highest impact areas for non-essential businesses is gyms and fitness centers; leaving many of us fitness enthusiasts to fend for ourselves in terms of home workouts and exercise. Thankfully, the internet is a powerful resource of information for at-home workouts and exercises in the midst of this pandemic. Below are a few selections for home workouts to help keep pace during this coronavirus outbreak.

UTILIZING HOME EQUIPMENT Home workouts have been upgraded

due to the coronavirus outbreak. Placing the equipment that you have within your surroundings to work represents one of

perform dips. Seating yourself backward within a chair can also serve as a bench

to perform curls. Each of these exercises

implies keeping proper form, which is an important measure to keep intact during at-home exercises.

the best ways to maintain your fitness

Need a little added weight? Try filling

that nearly every home has is table chairs.

water. Each of these mentioned additives

host of different exercises. Placement

doubling as free weights that can be used

as an incline push-up creator. Servicing

lifting practices. These two options are

their back to the chair and position their

around you to perform exercises during

levels during this pandemic. One item

empty milk jugs with sand, pebbles, or

Table chairs can be used to perform a

will create different weight settings,

of a chair, backed up to a wall, serves

for curls, overhead lifts, and other such

this same placement, the user can place

simple ways that you can use the items

hands directly behind the should blade to 26 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| MAY 2020

the pandemic.

ONLINE RESOURCES The internet is full of different, resourceful materials that can be utilized to fend off lethargic behavior during these periods of downtime.

If you currently own a bike or treadmill, Peloton is offering a 90-day free trial program, offering the ability to utilize at-home equipment that is not branded under their namesake.

Daily Burn is a second resource that is applying their classes and teachings through a 60-day trial offer for free.

This program offers many different control settings, allowing people to work within their body weight to create exercises that fit into their physical fitness goals.

If stretching is more your speed, try the Obe application. This application services the yoga faithful that are looking for new, creative ways to get their content. They are offering a free 60-day trial for their services. www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

SOME LOCAL FITNESS CENTERS OFFERING ONLINE WORKOUTS: Jesse James Fit & Outlaw FitCamp Jesse James Fit and Outlaw FitCamp have created a free 55-day self challenge for you to follow including a fuel plan, actions for your fitness, mindset, family and more during this time and beyond! Check it out at outlaw55.com.

Shapes Fitness For Women Flower Mound They are offering free daily workouts on their Facebook page www.facebook.com/pgshapesflowermound Inspire Yoga Inspire Yoga has a 24/7 on-demand library of yoga classes with their instructors plus daily live-stream yoga classes. $60 for10 live stream classes or $35/month for unlimited live stream plus on demand access! Go to inspireyoga.com/membership/ F45 Training Lantana F45 Training Lantana is offering free Zoom workouts twice a day, also access to their new 45 day Challenge, which will include access to meal plans, local meal prep company, access to workouts on demand, goal tracker, and access to our Certified personal trainers to help hold you accountable. The challenge starts April 13 and ends May 28th. Do not have to be part of the challenge to gain access. Just send email to lantana@f45training.com or text 972.685.1998.

Highland Village Fit Body Boot Camp Get 21 Days of Online Boot Camp Classes for Just $21! You’ll get daily coaching sessions with their expert trainers, support and motivation, a meal plan with nutritional help, and workouts to burn fat and reduce stress bit.ly/HVFitBody21DayVIRTUAL

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

MAY 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 27

Mrs. Lively’s Continues

MAKING FACE MASKS

by Steve Gamel photo courtesy of Mrs. Lively’s

TO PROMOTE INDIVIDUAL SAFETY

E

ach morning when Kevin Lively leaves to open his restaurant, Mrs. Lively’s Cajun Konnection, his sweet mother, Judy, can be found sitting comfortably at her sewing machine. And every night when he gets home, Kevin almost always finds momma sitting in the same spot — working hard for what she believes is an important cause.

What’s she working on? Homemade face masks to help in the fight against the coronavirus.

“I will tell you what she always tells me.

She says, ‘What keeps me going every day in making these masks is that I can’t help but think throughout the day if this is the mask that’s going to save someone’s life,’” Kevin said of Judy, who is 71. “She’s done as many as 80 in a day, and she’s already burned through one sewing machine.”

Judy, with plenty of help from Kevin, is just one in a long line of business owners throughout the country — including right here in Denton County — who have pivoted their businesses to make and sell/ donate critical face masks. The Centers for Disease Control said that surgical masks and cloth face coverings are essential to slowing the spread of the coronavirus and are recommended to be worn by everyone, whether you are sick or not.

But there is also a shortage of such face coverings, and many individuals and business owners have chosen to ensure no one goes without.

While Kevin continues to run the restaurant in Lake Dallas, Judy now stays at home. She started making them when the pandemic first got serious back in March, and they are still available for purchase at the restaurant.

Most of what they sell is just $10 per mask, though masks with sports team fabric are $15. The bulk of the supplies, however, continue to be donated to first responders and medical personnel on the front lines, 28 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| MAY 2020

including nurses, doctors, police, and EMTs. Judy’s masks come in all types of colors and fabric and are available right now.

“When she first heard of the shortage, she said, ‘let me just see if I can make these,’” Kevin said. “She took one that she had worn at a doctor’s appointment and tore it apart to see how it was made. It started as just a few for some customers, but then it just exploded. People went from wanting one or two to 10 and even one order for 500. People come in, and they can’t stop talking about the masks. They thank her for all of her work, and it gets to the point where you hear the stories, and you can’t help but get emotional.”

Mrs. Lively’s Cajun Konnection is located off the lake on Hundley Dr., where Neal’s and Logan’s used to be. It is a full-tilt taste of Louisiana with an amazing variety of made-from-scratch Cajun meals that will satisfy any customer. Every dish, whether it be their gumbo, crawfish, alligator ball basket, blackened fish, or boiled shrimp, is prepared daily with fresh ingredients and cooked with only the finest signature spices. And let’s not forget about their mouth-watering desserts like pecan cobbler, buttermilk pie, and bread pudding.

If you are interested in a good meal, or want to learn more about Judy’s mask, stop in to see what they’ve got cooking. www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

Travel: Ask The Expert

HAWAII A Paradise You Can’t Miss

by Terri Guthrie

H

awaii is truly a unique paradise and a great destination for a family vacation!

It consists of eight main islands: Kahoolawe, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, Niihau, Oahu, and the Big Island of Hawaii. It is the widest state from east to west, as it spreads across the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

If you’ve never been to Hawaii, you need to add it to your bucket list. I would suggest starting with Oahu. It is a great island to begin your Hawaiian experience!

Oahu is home to the state capital, Honolulu. Highlights of the city include the International Market Place, the dormant volcano, Diamond Head, and the crown of the city, Waikiki, a beautiful iconic beach with world class dining and nightlife.

West of Honolulu is Pearl Harbor, site of the WWII’s 1941 bombing attack and home to the USS Arizona Memorial.

On the southeast coast is Hanauma Bay, a marine embayment formed within a tuff ring. It is one of the most popular

tourist destinations on the Island and is spectacular for scuba diving and snorkeling.

The Lyon Arboretum is a 200-acre botanical garden located at the upper end of Mānoa Valley. Much of the Arboretum’s botanical collection consists of a lowland tropical rainforest with native flowers, numerous trails, and lovely water features.

It’s always fun trying to pronounce Hawaiian words. This alphabet consists only of 12 letters. In1822, it was adapted from the English alphabet by American missionaries who printed a Bible in the Hawaiian language.

So make plans soon and enjoy our 50th state. Aloha!!!

FOLLOW TERRI ON INSTAGRAM @TRAVELWITHTERRI

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

MAY 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 29

Corinth Resident

FINDS STRENGTH

IN THE RAREST OF

CHALLENGES

by Brooke Ezzo | photo courtesy of Jennifer Galitz

M

her body that she could move, and her speech couldn’t go above a whisper.

She said it felt like she was being buried alive. GBS took away Jennifer’s ability to

feel anything on the outside of her body,

though she could feel pain on the inside.

Not being able to relay this was a huge fear.

“It’s terrifying to know that at any moment

my body could give out and I wouldn’t be able to tell anyone,” Jennifer said.

At seven months pregnant, Jennifer

went into labor. Despite being almost

completely paralyzed at the time, Jennifer

aybe it was the cold weather, or maybe it was a symptom from pregnancy. But when the tingling

delivered her baby girl naturally. But the delivery caused her to relapse, and she

was sent back to ICU for three weeks while

sensation in her feet and weakness in her

her daughter was taken to the NICU.

hands didn’t go away quickly, Jennifer

“I didn’t get to see her for 10 days,”

Galitz was urged to go to the doctor and

Jennifer said. “It was extremely hard.”

get checked out.

As time went on, Jennifer was moved to

At six months pregnant with her first child,

the rehab floor, where she had to learn

Jennifer was anticipating the arrival of

how to swallow, walk, and talk. When she

her baby girl, never expecting to be told

gained the ability to walk with a walker,

that she was experiencing Guillain-Barre

she was told she could go home and take

syndrome (GBS).

her baby girl with her.

“I had never been pregnant before,”

From December 16, 2003 to March 11,

Jennifer said. “I thought these were normal symptoms.

2004, Jennifer went from experiencing

Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare

paralyzed, delivering her baby girl,

GBS symptoms to becoming partially

neurological disorder in which the body’s

becoming completely paralyzed, and

immune system mistakenly attacks part

then recovering enough to come home.

of its nervous system. It can cause muscle weakness, numbness, and eventually

paralysis. Every GBS patient is different.

For some, their body repairs itself almost instantly while others may take much longer.

In Jennifer’s case, doctors believed the disorder was triggered after she had

a cold. By the time she had arrived at

her doctor’s office, only a few days after the symptoms started, Jennifer could

barely walk. The symptoms were rapidly

increasing. Luckily, Jennifer’s obstetrician

had seen GBS before and quickly ordered testing. The doctors wanted to rule out Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

30 | LAKE CITIES LIVING

| MAY 2020

Everything she and her family had “GBS is similar to MS, but where MS is

gone through was heartbreaking and

Jennifer said. “Walking into the doctors

Once she finally got home, Jennifer

permanent, Guillain-Barre repairs itself,” office was the last time I walked, on

December 16, 2003. The scary thing is you don’t know how long your Guillain-Barre will progress before it stops.”

While in the hospital, the hope from the

doctors was that Jennifer would be able to go home by Christmas. Little did they know, Jennifer would end up spending

the next three months in a hospital room.

Her symptoms continued to worsen.

In fact, her head was the only part of

inspirational all at the same time.

continued personal therapy. By the

end of the summer, she was almost back to normal.

“I always wanted to be a mom, and my first job as a mom was to show my

daughter strength. I had to get better,

so we could go home together,” Jennifer said. “That was my first lesson for my

daughter; we don’t always get the life

we expected, but what we chose to do with it is what’s important.”

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