Lake Cities Living Magazine May 2016

MAY 2016

Sets Standard for

Family-Owned Businesses

Corinth - Hickory Creek - Shady Shores - Lake Dallas

FIGHTING

INFLAMMATION the Forgotten Ingredient in Heart Disease

For more information contact our Denton or Flower Mound locations: Dr. Steven Mottl Denton Heart Group 940.382.8080 dentonheartgroup.com

D

espite all of the recent advances in medications and treatments, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in this country. In fact, more Americans will die this year of heart disease than ever before. The challenge is predicting who will suffer the deadly heart attack.

What can you do to help lower your heart attack risks? Lets take a look at what causes atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, which is the most common cause of heart attacks and stroke. There is a misconception that if the cholesterol level is normal, the risk of a heart attack is low. That is not always true.

Cholesterol is only one of the ingredients used by the body to form a plaque on the artery. Really, the process starts with inflammation. Chronic inflammation that lasts for several months causes injury to the arteries. This injury leads to an inflammatory response, similar to what happens with a cut on the skin. As the healing process occurs, cells ingest cholesterol particles that stick to the artery walls, this forms a as an atherosclerosis. Rupture of these plaques is what leads to heart attacks and stroke.

and fruit. Remember, an avocado a day keeps the doctor away.

Eating more white

meats and seafood instead of red meat and pork lowers body inflammation. Get rid of the butter Heart disease requires both cholesterol and inflammation. How does inflammation occur inside the body? There are several conditions that result in higher levels of inflammation, such as skin diseases, joint diseases and intestinal disorders. Diabetes and cigarette smoke also damage the wall of the arteries.

For most Americans, food is a major culprit for inflammation. The western diet has lead to higher rates of several diseases such as strokes, cancer, dementia and, of course, heart disease.

Particularly red meats, pork products, processed carbohydrates (sugar, flour and all the products made from them), and the excess consumption of omega-6 vegetable oils like soybean, corn and sunflower that are found in many processed foods.

The Mediterranean diet is an excellent dietary guide to avoid harmful foods, and, in fact, the Mediterranean diet is one of the few diets that has actually been shown to lower your risk of a heart attack. The focus is on eating fresh

and use olive and coconut oil. Eat more healthy fats such as nuts and olive oils. Consuming foods that are high in Omega-3 such as fish or fish oil, chia seed and flax seed help balance against the damaging effects from Omega-6. Several other foods have natural anti-inflammatory properties such as ginger and turmeric.

Lastly, do not forget about exercise.

30

minutes 5 days per week at an intensity that causes you to breath heavy and break a light sweat. 1 in 5 people will die from a heart attack. Healthy living through diet and exercise will lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Today is a great day to start!

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Questions with Lake Dallas Football Coach Michael Young

Photo courtesy of Lake Dallas ISD, www.schools.ldisd.net.

L

ake Dallas football coach Michael Young is always a good sound bite for media guys who love to cover high school sports. Simply put, coach Young tells it like it is.

In a recent interview with Lake Cities Living, coach held true to form when we asked him to play an old-fashioned game of Q&A. The Falcons coach dished on everything from football to the one thing nobody knows about him and what he thinks will happen next in the new Star Wars trilogy.

Lake Cities Living: What is it about football that you love so much?

Michael Young: It has always been my first love, way back to my middle school playing days I guess. I never wanted to be a professional football player. I played in college, but I knew I wanted to coach.

by Steve Gamel Lake Cities Living: Would you rather have your team lose one regular season game before going into the playoffs, or stay undefeated and shoot for the perfect season?

Michael Young: We’ve got kids who always strive to be better, so I’d rather just win by one point and learn from what we did wrong out of the win. I’d hate to take the loss.

Lake Cities Living: Punt, or go for it on fourth down?

Michael Young: Go for it. We have gone for it more than we’ve punted over the last five years or so.

Lake Cities Living: What is the one household chore you can’t stand?

Michael Young: Cleaning the bathroom. I really try to avoid cleaning anything inside the house.

Lake Cities Living: What is your favorite hobby?

Michael Young: It’s a tie between fishing and golf. I don’t have much time to do either, but it’s a tie.

Lake Cities Living: Who is funnier, (athletic dir.) Scott Head or (baseball coach) John Tompkins?

Michael Young: That’s a no-brainer.

Scott Head.

Lake Cities Living: If you weren’t a coach, what would you be doing?

Michael Young: I’d be a game warden.

Lake Cities Living: What is your worst trait as a football coach?

Michael Young: Patience.

Lake Cities Living: What is one thing people don’t know about you?

Michael Young: I enjoy gardening.

Lake Cities Living: I heard you are a Star Wars fan. There are a lot of nerds (like me) online who are hypothesizing on who Rey’s parents will turn out to be as the trilogy continues.

What’s your take?

Michael Young: I say she’s Han Solo and Princess Leia’s kid. I just have a feeling.

MAY 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 3

There’s

NO LIVING LIKE Lake Living

According to the Unofficial Ambassador of Lake Cities

T

by Susan Neuhalfen hey say if you love what you do you’ll never work a day in your life. Clyde Fisher is the epitome of loving what he does. Fisher was just recently awarded his sixth consecutive 2016 Best of Lake Dallas Award in the Real Estate Agents category by the Lake Dallas Award Program. As a resident and Realtor in the Lake Cities area for many years, there isn’t a place in Lake Dallas where someone isn’t waiting to greet him with a smile, a handshake and possibly a joke or two.

Clyde Fisher came to Dallas in the late 70’s, an employee of Delta Airlines. He had a great job and a wonderful wife that he’d met after his move to Dallas. He knew, however, he was destined for bigger things in his career.

“I loved my job at Delta but I looked around and no one was leaving,” he said. “I knew I wasn’t going to move up anytime soon and I wanted to grow.”

That was about the time he and his wife bought their new first house and he went to work for a friend who was a builder in the Lake Cities area selling land and homes. Now, the unofficial Ambassador of Lake Cities, he’s never looked back.

“Both of my children graduated from Lake Dallas schools and now I keep busy with four grandchildren,” he said, smiling from ear to ear.

“This is a great place to raise a family.”

Touring around the Lake Cities area with Fisher is a fun history lesson as well. Lake Dallas which was formerly known as the Village of Garza, was the weekend hotspot for many Dallas residents in the 1930s. So much so, that small plots of land were sold all around the area, each approximately 25 feet by 50 feet. That’s just big enough for a fishing tent or canopy. There are still many areas around with these small property deeds and it’s quite a feat not only to find the owners, but to get them all to sell.

“I just bought 20 pieces of property around Lake Dallas and I hope to put two homes there,” explained Fisher. “Think about that, if you have just one person in the middle who is hold out, the whole deal falls through.”

That same area was also known as a hideout for Bonnie and Clyde. It was rumored that they had relatives in the area and stayed out by the lake for a period of time, probably in one of those fishing tents. Clyde mentioned that a very old 4 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | MAY 2016

pistol was found on one of the properties that he purchased but they have yet to prove that it might have belonged to the infamous couple.

“There’s no evidence to prove that,” he laughed.

“Wouldn’t that be something, though?”

When Fisher first moved to the area, Lake Dallas was the largest of the Lake Cities. He, too, was drawn by the lake. He loves to fish and has been known to show houses from his boat.

“It gives the buyers a new perspective and they enjoy seeing the house from another view,” he said about his unusual real estate tactic. ”Plus it gives me an excuse to take the boat out.”

He is not limited to Lake Dallas, Corinth, Hickory Creek and Shady Shores though. He has sold as far west as horse farms in Argyle and houses in Lantana and as far east as Frisco.

The growth around all of North Dallas is not surprising to Fisher as he’s watched it all from a front row seat. However, if you want to move to the Lake Cities area, Fisher is the man with the all of the information. He points out every restaurant, every store, explains its origin plus what is next for the business or building.

Fisher is a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, DFW American Legion, the Lake Cities Chamber of Commerce, as well as Lake Shore Baptist Church among others. He feels strongly that if you want to see your city do well, you really have to be involved.

When asked his favorite part about the Lake Cities, he says the answer is quite simple: it’s the lake. It’s not only what makes the area unique, in his opinion, it brings the whole community together.

“We have a lot of lake related activities that most communities don’t have,” said Fisher, looking out

over his favorite piece of property, Lake Dallas.

“Generations of families have loved it here and to tell you the truth, there isn’t anyplace I’d rather be.”

LDHS

Graduate is the New

Masked Rider for Texas Tech

by Susan Neuhalfen

photos courtesy of by Ashley Rodgers

F

or the 62nd year, Texas Tech has continued its tradition of naming a new Masked Rider mascot to serve the school, and this year’s rider is a graduate of Lake Dallas High School.

2013 LDHS Graduate Charlie Snider has been selected to serve as the 55th Masked Rider for the Texas Tech University Red Raiders.

“It’s a great honor to serve the university in this capacity,” said Snider at the Transfer of Reins ceremony.

“I’m looking forward to a great year.”

At the April 15th Transfer of Reins ceremony, outgoing Masked Rider Rachel McLelland transferred the reins of the horse, Fearless Champion, to Snider. The Transfer of Reins is one of Texas Tech’s oldest traditions.

At the ceremony, the school recognizes the outgoing masked rider and then welcomes the new incoming rider. The outgoing rider’s hat, mask and scarlet cape are retired, and the new rider is asked to don his or her new gear which symbolize the service of the Masked Rider to the community.

Snider, a junior from Corinth, is majoring in animal science with a focus on equine science. He began riding horses at 13 and later worked as a horse exerciser in Corinth before purchasing his own horse.

In 2013 Snider joined the equestrian team for Texas Tech, showing both western and Hunt Seal against other colleges and universities. He received numerous

awards and honors including top six placements in the Intercollegiate Horse Show and served as president of the Texas Tech Equestrian Team.

From 2014 to 2016, he served as one of the Masked Rider’s assistants. He said that his experience gave him a better understanding of the program and the importance of the Masked Rider as a representative of the university.

Snider said at the ceremony that he is looking forward to lots of fun and exciting things as his year begins. Snider ended his speech at the Transfer of Reins with the Texas Tech traditional “Guns Up” hands symbol.

The Masked Rider has been the official mascot of Texas Tech University since 1954, but the tradition began at Texas Tech in the Transfer of 1930s.

Student “Ghost Reins Ceremony Riders” would dress in a cape and mask and appear unexpectedly at home football games, circling the field.

In 1954, Texas Tech named the Masked Rider as its official mascot and every year Masked Rider tryouts are held during the spring semester.

As the Texas Tech representative, the Masked Rider makes over 300 appearances per year including games as well as community and charity events. The Masked Rider is also responsible for caring for the horse, Fearless Champion.

MAY 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 5

Lake Cities Community Events School Field Day at LDHS Football Stadium

Contents Table of

Featured Stories and News 02

Fighting Inflammation

03

Coach 10 Questions

04

Lake Living

American Legion Special Remembrance 5k at Lake Dallas City Park

05

The New Masked Rider

10

Inside Education

12

NCTC Schedule

May 28th at 7am

12

Police Chief Corner

Memorial Day City Offices Closed

15

Writer Wins Multiple Awards

May 25th - 27th

16 Lakeview Marina

May 30th

Lake Dallas High School Graduation at the UNT Coliseum June 2nd at 8pm

DATCU Dash (5k & 10k) at DATCU Headquarters in Corinth June 4th at 8am

LCEF Memorial Golf Tournament at Oakmont Country Club June 6th at 8am & 1:30pm

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

Pg 16 On the Cover from left to right: Tom Drozd, Randy Smith, Michael (back), Dean, Mike, Thomas (front) and Tim Drozd

18

#22Kill

20

LCEF Golf Tournament

22

Text Free Awareness

23

New Fire Academy

26

Inside Community

Ask the Expert 07 08 09 14 21 24 27 30

From Your Editor Sidelines Business Coaching Insurance Real Estate Gardening Fitness Restaurant Review

Lovin Outside

Starts Today!

A Message from The Community Editor

Hello, May!

excursion. While we begin to make our plans, let’s remember the beautiful lake community where we live and the fun that awaits us in our s I sit writing this letter, own backyard.

I am heading to NYC to Recently, I spent time at Lakeview Marina celebrate my daughter’s in Lake Dallas getting to know the Drozd college graduation. Like many family. While I enjoy meeting so many Lake of you celebrating the Cities residents, it was graduation season, it’s an terrific to meet this family important time to pause that works alongside each and recognize the hard other year-round to manage work, determination and care for their marina on and achievement of our Lake Lewisville. graduates. I am also As I toured Lakeview grateful to be seated next Marina with my guide, to my mother as we travel Thomas, the sights, sounds, together to celebrate Meredith McNair, and smells of the lake make Community Relations and Mother’s Day in New me long for a weekend on the Advertising Consultant York. These opportunities Lake Cities Living lake with an ice chest full of meredith@murray-media.com to share special May 817.291.7582 sodas, sandwich fixin’s and moments with family and snacks. Along with a full loved ones can bring us so tank of gas, perfectly inflated water inner tube, much joy. and a group of friends, this makes for a perfect weekend of Lake Cities fun!

May has always been a special month to me We need to remember how fortunate we are because I have a birthday that always falls around to live in this lake community and have access Memorial Day weekend. While my birthday felt to beautiful parks, recreation areas and a clean, more important to me as a child, I now realize full (not too full) lake. Also, let’s remember our the Memorial Day remembrance of our fallen blessings that we live in this great nation which armed forces heroes is far more significant. Now is served and protected by brave men and women in May, I set my sights toward this patriotic in the armed services. weekend as our nation lifts up our service men So, as we begin to set out to enjoy summertime and women and honors the sacrifices they made in this great community and great nation, let’s to protect our country. share this time and pause in remembrance of our Memorial Day weekend also seems to mark fallen heroes this Memorial Day. of the beginning of summertime. With the weather warming, everyone begins to rev up CONGRATULATIONS TO THE for the summer! It’s time to de-winterize CLASS OF 2016! the boat, enroll the kids for summer camps, Happy Memorial Day! and start making plans for a summertime

A

LakeCitiesLiving.com

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

Sub-Editor Bobbi Byrne

Contributors

Steve Gamel Susan Neuhalfen

Advertising

Meredith McNair 817.291.7582 Kelly Murray kelly@murray-media.com

Production Graphic Designers Liz Wallace Stephanie Hansen Whitney Hill Caroline Brock

Photography Scott Young 972.899.3536 ScottYoungPhoto.com

Letters

Lake Cities Living invites reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments. Email artwork@murray-media.com.

All submissions become the sole property of Murray Media Group.

Editorial and Advertising Inquiries call 972.899.3637 or email artwork@murray-media.com Address: 1011 Surrey Lane Building 100, Ste. 101 Flower Mound, TX 75022 Lake Cities Living is published monthly by Murray Media Group. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. Lake Cities Living is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine.

Advertisers and its agencies assume all liability for advertising content. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission in writing from the publisher. © 2016 Murray Media Group

MAY 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 7

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

by Steve Gamel

Keep Things in Perspective, She Says I could never be a coach. Why? I often lack perspective.

W

I started this column talking about coaches. I see

time and time again where a team has its back against

the wall and the coach is calmly circling the wagons to find a way to help the team through whatever is going on.

Just like they preach to their players, the game of

hen people say, “keep things in perspective,” they mean try not to blow things out of proportion. When

that I now had to figure out how I was going to get this car fixed.

And here’s what made me more upset — my wife

we don’t do this, we let our emotions get in the way

was as cool as the other side of the pillow about the

Being able to keep things in perspective is an

Keep things in perspective, she says. But she was

life can offer the same challenges. How you respond

to those challenges can define you and affect everyone around you.

I once saw a high school coach make several

whole thing.

questionable play calls early in a game and have it

important trait for any of us to have, wouldn’t

right. I was about to let that trivial situation ruin my

four touchdowns by halftime. Rather than lament on

If I do have that trait, it’s about as dull as an old

I think we could all use a little perspective in our

and guided his team to a last-second field goal

of what could have been solved with sound judgment.

you agree?

kitchen knife.

Several weeks back, there was a significant storm

that hit a broad swath of North Texas. During that storm, my wife’s brand new car was beat up pretty bad

by hail as the car sat in the parking lot at her work. I was livid. Never mind the fact my wife was OK, and

nobody was injured. I was preoccupied with the fact

8 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | MAY 2016

backfire so bad that his football team was behind by

entire night.

the situation as it stood, he made a few adjustments

lives. When the chips are down, it’s easy to go into a

for the win.

like my car example above, others around you are

I need to get better. And now that I have written this

shell and lose all sense of reality. We can forget that, going through the same — if not tragically worse — situation.

It’s just as easy to take a deep breath and use

better judgment.

I would have been beside myself. But that’s where

out, I feel like I have.

Does that make me a coach? No, but it does make

me a better person.

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

AMAZING Your Customers: First Things F I R S T

by Art Locke, Focal Point Coaching, ArtLockeCoaching.com

I

f you’re a business owner, you’ve undoubtedly been advised to “wow your customers” with off-beat or even gimmicky ideas designed to make doing business with your company memorable. I’m not arguing against finding ways to “wow” customers so that they buy (more) and become the source of testimonials and referrals. But there’s an important first step that cannot be overlooked if you truly want to amaze your customers.

Customers have a variety of expectations that must be met in order for them to be satisfied. The challenge for businesses is that these expectations are both unspoken and spoken.

Let’s cover the unspoken expectations first.

Unspoken requirements exist either because the requirement is such a basic aspect of an industry that it falls into the why should I have to point out the obvious? or because customers don’t know how to communicate an expectation that is relevant to a successful transaction.

Unspoken requirements typically reflect customers’ desire for convenience, respect and usability. e.g. My hotel room must be clean when I check into it. Customers don’t voice them because they assume that the vendor gets that these are necessary conditions for conducting business with us. A business must meet unspoken expectations without fail, or the dissatisfaction can be intense.

However, delivering on spoken needs is where real value is created. These are the aspects of your product or service that customers have told you they expect to receive in exchange for their patronage. More importantly, their satisfaction with your business will increase or decrease proportionately with your ability to deliver on these spoken requirements.

Business Coach Spoken requirements generally align with three basic quality attributes: the amount of time it takes to do something; the absence of defects or rework; and perceived value for the cost.

Of course, you have to have a system in place to identify exactly what your customers expect from you in order to measure and manage the quality attributes that are directly linked to increasing customer satisfaction in your business.

Doing those kinds of things well is a necessary condition for “wow”-ing customers. Said another way, doing something terrific for your customers that is unexpected or unusual cannot, by itself, overcome lapses in meeting the spoken requirements that represent a far larger body of the customer experience with your business.

So do first things first: be exceptional at meeting the spoken and obvious unspoken requirements of your customers. That will carry your business very far. Once you’re confident you can deliver on your brand promise every time without fail, then invest time in amazing your customers with unique touches and demonstrations that they would never think to ask for because they’re already receiving such good value from you.

Lake Cites RESIDENT MAY 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 9

Thank You for Your Service!

LDISD Superintendent Elected VP of TASA Lake Dallas ISD Superintendent Dr. Gayle Stinson has been elected Vice President of the Texas Association of School Administrators. Dr. Stinson who will begin serving her one year term on June 1, is involved in numerous leadership roles and activities statewide. According to its website, TASA develops initiatives to promote studentcentered schools and develop leaders for those schools as well as develop future-ready students.

The organization represents the state public education service.

LDMS Teacher Selected for NASA LiftOff Summer Institute Mrs. Olivia Stalnaker, a teacher from Lake Dallas Middle School has been selected for the prestigious LiftOff Summer Institute to be held at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas this summer. This program sponsored by NASA’s

Texas Space Grant Consortium selects teachers from across the U.S. who will increase their knowledge of space education through the LiftOff Professional Development Summer Institute.

The theme for LiftOff 2016 is Exploration: Past, Present and Future. The program combines the strengths of collaborators to enrich teaching and learning of science, mathematics, technology and engineering. The competitive weeklong institute features a series of workshops, hands-on activities, field investigations, and presentations

by NASA scientists and engineers working on various missions.

Stainaker was the LDMS Teacher of the Year and the LDISD Secondary Teacher of the Year for 2015.

LDHS Student Finalist in DNA Essay Contest Lake Dallas High School junior Blake Holman was named a finalist in 11th annual DNA Day essay contest sponsored by the American Society of Human Genetics.

“There were over 1700 entries this year and

Blake was selected as a finalist - one of less than 35,” Ms. Cynthia Powers, LDHS AP Coordinator said. “Only 2% of submitted essays reach this final round.”

The topic this year is whether or not teenagers should have access to genetic testing for lethal disorders like Huntington’s, breast cancer, etc.

Lake Dallas Student Councils Earn Statewide Recognition Both the Lake Dallas Middle School and Lake Dallas High School Student Councils have been recognized by the Texas Association of Student Councils (TASC) for outstanding achievement in leadership, service and activities that serve to improve the school and community.

“The TASC outstanding school recognition program is designed to set a standard of excellence for Texas student councils,” Mr. Terry Hamm, TASC Director said. “Fewer than 20% of TASC member schools are recognized in one or more areas, so this is quite an accomplishment.”

Lake Dallas Band Earns Sweepstakes Honors The Lake Dallas High School Varsity Wind Ensemble recently competed at the Region 24 UIL Concert and Sight-reading Contest. Under the direction of Denise Kennedy, the Wind Ensemble received a Superior rating for their stage performance and a Superior rating for their sight-reading performance.

As a result, the Falcon Band program earned their 2nd consecutive UIL SWEEPSTAKES award. This honor is awarded to programs who have earned superior ratings in marching, concert and sight-reading during the same school year.

“Both bands performed incredibly well,” Mrs. Kennedy, LDHS Director of Bands said. “We are extremely proud of their efforts and the results!”

LDHS Senior named Regional Poetry Champion

10 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | MAY 2016

Caris Allen, a senior at Lake Dallas High School has been awarded 1st place in the UIL Regional Poetry Championship. She participated in the district meet, where she placed first and now the regional, which makes her District Champion as well as Regional Champion. Next up, Caris will be competing at the Academic State Meet, May 23-25, 2016 at the University of Texas at Austin campus.

MAY 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 11

SCHEDULE

2016 YOUTH HORSEMANSHIP SUMMER CAMP Introductory/Beginner I Camp June 14th - 16th from 8:30am - Noon June 21st - 23rd from 8:30am - Noon Beginner III Camp

June 21 - 23rd from 1pm - 4:30pm Beginner II Camp

June 28th - 30th from 8:30am - Noon

SUMMER 2016 STUDY ABROAD IN COSTA RICA BIOL 2406: Environmental biology with Professor Doug Elrod Course: Online Summer III June 20th - 30th

FINAL EXAMS FOR MAY-MESTER

Trip open to all NCTC students (including dual credit), faculty, staff, friends, and family.

Trip cost includes airfare, accommodations, breakfasts, dinners, transportation, and entrance fees to all activities on itinerary.

May 31st Final exams administered during class.

For more information about studying abroad this summer, email Rochelle Gregory at rgregory@nctc.edu or visit our tour website at www.eftours.com/tour-website/1782536KH

With Summer Vacations

around the corner we would like to take a moment to provide a few tips to those who may be traveling. Here are some things you definitely want to consider:

• Forward your mail • Set your lights on timers

Debra Walthall, Chief of Police

The Corinth Police Department also offers a “Vacation Watch” program

to help ease your mind while you are away. Officers and Citizens on Patrol will check on your residence while you are away and document the date

• Have someone you trust check your home while you are away

and time they stop by. We perform this service for all Corinth and Shady

• Be very mindful of what you post on social media (advertising that you are not home).

complete an online form at www.cityofcorinth.com/170/Vacation-Watch

12 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | MAY 2016

Shores residents.

To sign up for a vacation watch please contact us at 940.498.2017 or

We hope you all have a great summer!

Pinnell Square S h o p • dine • play

Pinnell Square S h o p • dine • play

Pinnell Square

Shop • dine • play

MAY 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 13

Insurance

on the roof in the event of a hail storm. This, along with a 1%-2% deductible, could leave many homeowners with the entire bill for a new roof. Its always better to find out what is (or in many cases what is not) covered on your policy before you have to turn in a claim. You might be surprised to learn that the coverage offered five years ago has since disappeared.

As a State Farm Agent, I offer a free

by Jim Bridges, State Farm Agent consultation to meet with clients to compare Prior to 2001 most companies had the exact your policy with what a company like State Farm same product, making it easy to shop your policy. can offer. Many times people realize that the Because of a mold crisis, the state has deregulated “15% savings” an 800 number can offer may cost homeowners insurance. We currently have tens of thousands of dollars come claim time. approximately 120 different companies that Many people are shocked when they find out about changes to the policy provide homeowners they had in the past. insurance in Texas, but the You might be surprised to Again it’s that time of problem is they all have a learn that the coverage year where North Texas different product. offered five years ago has weather is at its worst. Now Most of us have seen a is the time to double-check large increase in the price of since disappeared. your coverage to prevent any homeowners insurance but surprises if your home is hit. For most Americans what many don’t realize is that most companies have reduced coverage significantly along with our home is our biggest investment. It’s always those higher rates. One of the top homeowners a great idea to meet with a local insurance expert insurers in Texas has an endorsement on the and make sure that your investment is protected policy that pays its clients a depreciated amount the way you want.

Are You

PROPERLY COVERED

Texas Weather?

For

I

t’s the time of year where North Texas weather is at its very worst. We have had

tornadoes, golf ball-sized hail and just plain nasty weather starting around Christmas. Before I became your local State Farm Agent, I was like most people and never paid any attention to the weather. Now every time I see a storm I am glued to the TV hoping that the next big storm misses us.

If you are one of the fortunate ones who have

missed the storms so far this year, I would like to encourage you to dust off your homeowners

insurance policy and take a long, hard look.

14 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | MAY 2016

Lake Cities Living

Writer Wins

Multiple AP Awards

by Susan Neuhalfen

C

ongratulations to our own Steve Gamel for his Associated Press Managing Editors 2015 journalism awards for two feature sports stories he wrote for the Denton Record-Chronicle.

In the Class A feature series category, Gamel, along with sports writers Adam Boedeker, Brett Vito and Patrick Hayslip won for their five-story series “Concussions: The Trauma, the Safeguards,” an in-depth look on how concussions are impacting high school and college athletics.

The story was an APSE (Associated Press Sports Editors) award winner on a national level as well.

Over the course of four weeks, Gamel and his associates relayed an enormous amount of research as well as interviews with coaches, trainers and other experts on how concussions affect every sport and what schools are doing to minimize their risk.

“What was incredible to me is that these schools all follow standardized procedures to do everything they can to prevent concussions,” said Gamel about the stories. “The technology has come a long way since I played and that wasn’t that long ago.”

According to Gamel, the purpose of the article

was never a witch hunt, but he was surprised at the extensive knowledge everyone involved with the game had in terms of concussion prevention. There were procedures for replacing and refurbishing equipment (especially helmets) within certain time periods. Coaches as well a trainers were taught to recognize the symptoms of a concussion and what do to immediately. Most importantly they were all trained to do everything possible to diminish the threat.

Gamel won another first place in the sports category with a sports feature story entitled A League of Her Own. The story featured Corinth resident Alicia Mathney who is a mom and Mary Kay consultant by day and a competitive softball player every chance she gets.

“It took me a long time to get her to agree to doing the article because she’s a very humble person,” said Gamel. “It was truly a joy to write.”

In fact, Steve and Alicia have been friends for years, but he said he learned more about her than he’d bargained. Because Alicia isn’t one to brag, Gamel had to go to other sources, including her own parents, to get the real story on her softball career. Gamel said he knew her as this cosmopolitan wife and mom, always looking her Mary Kay best, but all he knew of her softball career was what she’d told him. As it turned out, she was a home run hitter with numerous first and second place awards in various categories, not something she would boast about. He said he respects her even more now that he knows about her “double-life”.

Gamel has been writing for nearly 20 years and is the president/owner of Edit This, a writing editing services company in Corinth. He is a full-time sports writer for the Denton Record-Chronicle and writes for Argyle Living Magazine, Lantana Living Magazine and Lake Cities Living Magazine.

Steve and his wife Leslie live in the Denton area with their two boys, Christian age 9 and Jackson age 4.

“It was truly a joy to write.”

MAY 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 15

Lakeview Marina Sets Standard for

Family-Owned Businesses

I

By Steve Gamel

n 1942, Louis B. Drozd, Sr. opened a fishing camp in Lake Dallas. Back then, fishermen would haul the motor for their boats in the trunk of their cars, and one of Drozd’s many jobs was to help walk those motors down to their boats and get them set up for a day on the lake.

Drozd passed away years ago and left the vision

Customers relied on Drozd for everything.

He built houses, docks, provided boat and cabin rentals, and was a lake guide. He eventually turned that humble fishing camp into what is now known as Lakeview Marina.

Today, Lakeview Marina is the oldest continually-operating business in Lake Dallas.

Its story is amazing, not just because of its rich history and growth—this full-service marina has grown from 150 slips to near 500—but because

this passed down from my grandfather, to my

16 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | MAY 2016

Mike, Tom and Dean are all hands-on at all

of the company in his family’s hands.

aspects of the marina. Tom handles the shop

generations of the Drozd family have had their

a little bit of everything, working on boats and

It is run by a third generation, but five

hands in Lakeview Marina’s legacy—setting the standard for how every family-owned business should be run.

“It’s not something we take for granted,” Mike

Drozd said of his grandfather’s vision. “To have

dad, and then us ... that’s not something that happens every day.”

Lakeview Marina turns 74 this year, and Mike

says one of the keys to the success of this business

and Mike runs the boat docks while Dean does repairing docks.

Their children—all totaled, there are nine

of them—and Mike’s and Tom’s wives, Brenda and Bridgett, have worked, or are currently

working, at the marina in some capacity. So have

their grandchildren who, as young as they are, learned the ropes by working on the gas dock during the summer.

“It’s like a rite of passage!” Mike’s daughter,

is rooted in how the entire family has followed in

Alyssa Whittle, said.

business on to his son, Louis B. Drozd Jr., who

Smith, who is not a member of the Drozd

Mike, Tom, and Dean.

one can really tell the difference.

Louis Sr.’s footsteps. Louis originally passed the

eventually left it in the hands of his three sons,

There is just one current employee, Randy

family—though he’s been around so long that no

940.321.2675 • 300 Marina Dr. • Lake Dallas TX • www.ldbc-lakeview.com

photos courtesy of Texas Coalition for Animal Protection Sponsored Content

Mike, Tom, and Dean all live within a stone’s

throw of the marina—and they are there every day.

photography by Scott Young Photography

Sponsored Content

“People joke that it is easy to run a marina,”

Tom Drozd said. “But this is a seven-day-a-week job. It’s incredible to see what it takes to run this

place. My dad worked right up until he passed away. That’s just the way he was, and he was a smart guy. He knew how to take care of people.”

Tom added, “If it can be done, we do it.”

LEARNING THE BUSINESS EARLY The Drozd boys have plenty of stories to tell

about their grandfather, and when you listen

to them talk, nothing gets lost in translation.

Louis Sr. was a jack of all trades—and even that moniker doesn’t properly do him justice.

Louis’ humble fishing camp began its path toward what it is today when he built a dock for a friend. The next thing he knew, he had built another, then another. Eventually, he built one for himself.

His son, Louis Jr., came into the picture in the 1950s and was immediately put to work.

Lakeview Marina eventually became known as THE place to go for boat repairs, storage, sales and everything in between. In the meantime, the Drozd boys were into everything on the lake, including boat racing and fixing boats.

“I was welding when I was 12 and 13 years old,” Tom said. “We learned so much early on in life.”

Mike agreed. He said his favorite passeddown skill was working with the tractors and equipment. Mike passed that love on to his son Michael, who now works by his side learning the same things Mike did as a boy from his grandfather and father.

“We grew up on the lake and went to school in Lake Dallas. That was before this area is what it is today,” Mike said. “We had free range on that lake, and we did a little bit of everything.”

As they got older and more involved under their grandfather and father’s tutelage, the marina kept growing. From the 1970s to the 1990s, Lakeview Marina was the largest dealer in the southwest for Gibson Houseboats. In 2002, it became the second marina on Lake Lewisville to be certified as a clean marina by the Clean Texas Marina Program. In May 2015, the marina was inducted into the Denton County Heritage Business Program of the Office of History and Culture.

All the while, it continued to draw in customers and stayed afloat—no pun intended— through good times and bad. This marina has overcome everything from severe drought to last year’s record rainfall, and the family has done the bulk of the upgrades over the years themselves.

This includes all the road and infrastructure.

The roads and airport runway were built from the dredged soil from the lake as more room was being made for boat docks. The last set of roads,

referred to as the “high road”, was laid in the 1990s as the marina continued to grow.

“It’s been a handful. We build our own docks; we don’t subcontract any of that out. My son moves around this place like a snake fixing stuff, just like I used to be able to do,” Tom said with a laugh. “We all keep extremely busy, but I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”

TREATING CUSTOMERS LIKE FAMILY If there was one thing the Drozd family knows best—more than the ability to build their own docks, repair boats, and run a successful marina—it’s customer service.

“This business is family-oriented. I have customers who have been with us 30-34 years,” Mike said. “We cater to that. We try to be dependable, and we give them value by showing we care.”

Lakeview Marina does more than just treat customers like family. The Drozd family has made it a point to stay active in the boating and local communities by holding an active membership in the Marina Association of Texas.

They have been a member of the Lake Cities Chamber of Commerce since it’s inception in 1974 and the marina supports the local community by participating as a sponsor in many events, including Mardi Gras, Lake Cities 4th of July and Kids ‘N Cops programs.

Mike sits on the Lake Cities Education Foundation Board, and the family also started a scholarship with LCEF in their late father’s name – Louis B. Drozd, Jr. Memorial Scholarship.

“The neat thing is we don’t have a lot of employee turnover because we’re all family,” Mike said with a laugh. “That’s good for the customers because they see the same people here all the time. We are able to pass on that loyalty from this family to the customers.”

Just as grandpa intended.

MAY 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 17

Honor Courage Commitment fellowship program veterans face after transitioning from the military which is three part: 1) taking formal education to civilian life. Probably the most well-recognized classes with college credit; 2) being mentored and symbol of #22Kill is the Honor Ring. #22Kill learning to be mentors themselves; and Honor Rings are black bands worn 3) serving community service within the on the right index finger, the trigger DFW area. finger, by veteran advocates or “Battle The HCC Fellowship is a 12 week, VETERANS Buddies”. The black rings symbolize full-time program. The classes are taught the commitment to all veterans, past PER DAY and present, and are made of Tungsten by many SMU professors from the Cox School of Business and the Caruth COMMIT or Titanium. The rings may be worn Center of Entrepreneurship. Political SUICIDE by anyone, it is not just meant for leaders, including retired U.S. Army veterans. It is black to “black out” Lieutenant Colonel Allen West, serve as mentors the trigger finger as many suicides happen for the program. They must also serve with with guns. non-profit organizations. #22Kill was at the grand opening of Rock and Deputy Director Don Nguyen relayed a story Brews in the Colony earlier in May to “ring” Kiss of a Marine who came through the program to members Gene Simmons and Paul start his own personal training Stanley. Comedian D.L. Hughley, business. At the same time he Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Donald was in the difficult process of dealing with disability claims Trump are among other celebrities for his PTSD. By the time he’d sporting their Honor Rings both graduated the program, he went on and off camera. in a different direction and took a Other things that have raised job with a medical sales company. awareness include the #22Kill Two years later he came back and Push-Up Challenge where people donated his first disability check to challenge others to do 22 push-ups #22Kill. He was at a point where via video and then donate to he was financially sound and a veteran’s charity. On June 11 didn’t need it. #22Kill will host a 22k Hike in “This story exemplifies the post Grand Prairie, TX to benefit traumatic growth that we believe #22Kill. All participants must be every veteran has the potential at least 16 years old and carry an for,” said Nguyen. “It would have American flag on the hike. been easy to sit at home and collect The goal, according to Schick, is to raise enough disability checks from the government but he money to put 22 people through the HCC chose to invest in himself.”

The HCC Fellowship is a business and program every 12 weeks and to also continue to entrepreneurship program that requires a veteran’s raise money for other veterans organizations. full commitment. It also requires the funds to help Nguyen agrees. these veterans stay afloat while in the program. It “Even though the VA labels them as disabled, is through Honor Courage Commitment, that the they can’t let that define them,” said Nguyen. #22Kill initiative was born. #22Kill was created to help raise awareness Photos courtesy of #22kill, featured above is Paul Stanley about veteran suicide and the struggles that & Gene Simmons of KISS receiving their Honor Rings.

22

by Susan Neuhalfen

22

veterans per day commit suicide.

That is a very real statistic to those suffering from PTSD as well as our wounded warriors. Currently, more veterans are lost to suicide here in the United States than to combat overseas.

In 2004, Marine Michael Jernigan was struck by a roadside bomb while serving in Iraq. He had 45% of his cranium crushed and lost both of his eyes in addition to other injuries. Over 30 major surgeries and sixteen months later, he went home and “hit a brick wall”. He needed help and he knew others did, too.

Jernigan was asked to be in HBO’s Alive Day Memories: Home from Iraq, a documentary produced by James Gandolfini where he met 3rd generation Marine Jacob Schick, who was severely wounded in Iraq in 2004. Schick introduced him to the founders of Honor Courage Commitment, Inc. a non-profit organization focused on veteran empowerment.

“What I’ve seen is that a lot of these guys lose their purpose,” said Mark Roy, the Commandant of the Marine Corp. League in Denton County as well as a board member of Honor Courage Commitment and #22Kill. “Our job is to help them adjust to civilian life and find a new purpose.”

Roy, a retired Lt. Colonel in the Marines, has been instrumental in sending veterans into the

18 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | MAY 2016

MAY 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 19

information. In addition to registration and

LCEF Golf Tournament is a TEXAS-SIZED REUNION

by Susan Neuhalfen

sponsorship information, general tournament information is listed as well. There is also a link

for volunteer information just in case you’re not

a golfer, but want to help with the tournament.

If you prefer to register using a paper form, or

if you would like for someone to complete the registration for you, call Tom Davenport at 940-367-1136.

Davenport also pointed out that the best

T

hey say everything is bigger in Texas and when it comes to the Lake Cities Educational Foundation Memorial Golf Tournament, that is certainly true.

The fifteenth annual Lake Cities Education Foundation Memorial Golf Tournament will take place on Monday, June 6 at Oakmont Country Club. There will be two flights, with the first shotgun start at 8am and the second at 1:30pm with meals provided for both. The early group will enjoy breakfast and sit down lunch, while the afternoon folks will get a box lunch and a sit down dinner.

Since this is one of the largest tournaments in the area, they are expecting a full field again this year. So early registration is the key to success.

That begs the question: what makes it such a popular tournament?

“It’s two-fold,” explains Tom Davenport, Chairman of the 2016 LCEF Memorial Golf Tournament. “First it’s the value and second, quite simply, is the people.”

By value, Davenport is referring to the fact that for a registration fee not only do you get a round

photo courtesy of Karla Landrum of golf and two meals, you also get a certificate for replay at Oakmont Country Club which a player may use at a later date. The goodie bag, full of great golf gear, coupons and more, is worth the price of registration in itself. Then there are the numerous prizes including lots of electronics and other golf related gifts.

As for the people, Davenport says that many people have been playing in this tournament 20 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | MAY 2016

part of the tournament is the fact that LCEF since the beginning. Friendships have developed

donates every penny to scholarships and teacher

to see their golf buddies, so it’s like a really big

generated more than $433,000 used to fund

When asked if there would be any celebrity

students and teachers. These funds, along with

over the years and this is the one time they get

grants. The past fourteen tournaments have

family reunion.

scholarships and grants for Lake Dallas ISD

sitings, Davenport was mum.

“I can’t confirm anything just yet,” he said.

“There have been invitations though.”

The format is four person modified scramble,

with awards given to the low gross team, longest

other investments made by the LCEF Board, will make scholarships and grants a reality for

years to come. In 2015 the LCEF Foundation

awarded $35,000 for scholarships and this year

drive, closest to the pin and more.

$21,000 for teacher innovative programs grants.

Once logged on, select Tournament Info located

Davenport. “We’re doing this for them and it’s a

To register, log onto www.lcefgolf.golfreg.com.

on the left side of the home page to access the

“Our kids are our future,” points out

good cause, but it’s also a great event.”

Simple Ways

Real Estate

UPDATE YOUR HOME to

O

ne of our friends recently invited us over to see the transformation of her nice home into an amazing retreat. How so?

The power of paint!

FEEL ADVENTUROUS?

POP OF COLOR!

Upon our arrival we saw a tray full of color samples sitting on her porch. It was there so that guests could choose a sample to take home and try for themselves. This transformation was all in the feeling that she wanted to evoke for her family; a place of refuge from the fast-paced world we live in. Sherwin-Williams paint colors where chosen for this home with the main living areas, walls and ceilings in Silverpointe. For the tranquil kitchen, Rain was used to create a coastal feel. Silvermist was used in bedrooms for peaceful sleep and bathrooms awaken to Mountain Air.

professional painter transform your home? Call

Roll-up your sleeves, put on your favorite tunes,

visit your local paint store for inspiration and

begin transforming your home. Prefer to have a us for our list of preferred professional painters.

Oh for the love of shiplap! Turn on the TV,

visit a friend’s house, the buzz is all about the newest craze in wood panelings!

So why is

everyone going shiplap overboard? It begins to tell a story about your home. You get to choose

how to use it, in your kitchen, in your foyer, a focal point, a nursery, a backdrop and so much

Summer is on its way, so bring some refreshment to your front porch. Use decorative door mats, colorful pots and flowers. Maybe add a bench with decorative pillows and use accessories to complete the look.

“Ask the Expert” is written for you, our community. Please share your inspiration of what you would like to read about in upcoming articles at lori@dfwrealestateleader.com Curious about your home value? Find out now www.dfwhomevalues.house and follow us on Pinterest for more decorating ideas.

Cheers!

more. You can choose many different products

by Lori Lesnansky

wood to faux shiplap.

972.657.0364

to create your look from original wood barn

Keller Williams- DFW Real Estate Leader

Lake Cites RESIDENT MAY 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 21

One Simple Fact Remains:

WE ARE STILL DISTRACTED

by Susan Neuhalfen

I

n the split second it takes to look down at one text message while driving, everything could change. The National Safety Council reports that cell phone use while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes each year. 1 out of every four car accidents in the United States is caused by texting and driving.

Four people lost their lives in Argyle a few weeks ago and police suspect distracted driving.

Four people; each with parents, each with siblings, each with friends; and two communities of families and friends, devastated.

This isn’t a time to place blame. We’ve all done it. That doesn’t mean it won’t happen. It does, however, mean that as a community we need to come together to do what we can to stop it.

Argyle had already passed a hands-free law making it illegal for drivers to use a hand-held cellphone or electronic device while driving and many surrounding towns are following suit.

Local government is doing its part. Now it’s time to do ours.

Most new cars come with the technology to sync to our phones. We are able to talk, text and listen hands-free without ever taking our eyes off the road.

This same technology allows us to check messages in our cars. With a simple verbal command our messages are read and we are able to respond verbally as well.

One simple fact remains: WE ARE STILL DISTRACTED. Maybe you haven’t taken your eyes off the road, but your mind is somewhere else.

McKanie McNamara is a senior at Arlington High School and knew two of the victims from Champion Cheer, a facility owned by her aunt, Jennifer Graham. After learning of the accident, McKanie worked on a way to channel her emotions toward a more positive goal. She started #textfreefortita as an opportunity to remind folks that distracted driving kills.

“I changed the screensaver on my phone so that whenever I look at it, I think twice about using the phone,” she said. “I also use the hashtag #textfortita to remind others.”

2.

NEVER read or manually text in the car.

According to the CDC, 8 people per day are killed and over 1500 injured by texting and driving.

“Driving While Intexticated” is now considered more dangerous than driving drunk. Use a hands free device that will read messages to you and verbally reply. Otherwise, don’t answer until you are safely parked.

3.

Lead by example. Got a text while driving?

Show the others in the car that you will not be distracted. If the alert bothers them, explain that you don’t text while driving and you don’t believe anyone should. That sets the standard for whomever is riding in your car, including your kids who may be driving already or will be driving one day. It also puts your friends on notice to not do the same when you are riding with them.

’S

EDITOR

PICK 2016

Here are some steps we can take as a community to help put a stop to distracted driving: 1. Make it hard and fast rule not to use the phone unless it’s important. Many people take the time in the car specifically to make calls.

If you do have to make calls, make sure the

22 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | MAY 2016

phone is preprogrammed with the numbers you need and that you may reach those numbers with a verbal command.

4.

Put your phone on Do Not Disturb. That way you may focus until you get to your destination.

5.

Let technology be your conscience. There are apps that can keep you from texting while driving and some specifically designed for parents to control their teen’s phone. Cellcontrol, Drive Safe Mode, Live2Txt, TXTShield, Text Limit & AT&T’s Drive are just a few of the apps available to keep your honest. Find one that is right for you.

You can’t control the other driver, but you can control yourself and your phone. Plan ahead and do whatever you need to do to drive distractionfree. There is no text, no email, no Facebook post or Tweet worth a life. Start today changing your driving habits and others will follow.

L

LDISD ANNOUNCES FIRE ACADEMY

ake Dallas ISD (LDISD) is offering a new career path for its students who want to become firefighters. In a newly formed partnership with Lake Cities Fire Department (LCFD) and North Central Texas College (NCTC) LDISD will establish a Fire Academy at Lake Dallas High School offering a curriculum for Basic Fire Fighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certifications for students in the 11th and 12th grade. “We are excited to be able to work with our community to offer students an opportunity to be career ready graduates, especially in such a high needs and rewarding field,� said Dr. Marci Malcom, LDISD Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction.

This the first program of its kind in Denton County. Arlington has a similar program but the courses are not located on the high school campus.

Several high schools around the country have begun offering classes such as these and have seen much success.

by Susan Neuhalfen

NCTC will supply full-time faculty for the fire academy at Lake Dallas High School.

The curriculum is set by the state and Lake Cities Fire Department has built the first schedule based on those requirements to fit within the LDHS class schedule. Lake Cities Firefighters also will provide opportunities for students to participate at Fire Department training facilities as well as for ride outs with the fire department.

The program is limited to 18-20 students. Students are required to have an 80 average at LDHS in order to be considered for the program. They are expected to maintain high professional and ethical standards, pass a drug screening test and criminal background check among other health-related requirements.

Upon completion of the program, students will

earn a basic firefighter certification and will have

the opportunity to seek an associate degree in Fire

Science Technology or attend paramedic school.

Students will be eligible to earn 33 college hours at NCTC while completing the Fire Academy

and EMT certification programs. 23 hours are categorized as fire certification hours while

10 hours will be the EMT Basic c ertification hours.

The

best

part

is

that the students will have

skills, and

the

necessary

training

confidence

to

enter the workforce

immediately

after

Lake

Fire

graduating high school.

Cities

Department will provide a Fire

Academy liaison to advise LDISD and

NCTC on the direction, needs, and growth of

the program. Lake Cities Fire Department is currently securing donations of equipment and supplies for the program.

MAY 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 23

Gardening

Top SUMMER PLANTS to Update Your Garden Beds with

W

by PJ Kratohvil of Complete Solutions

arm air and rain, cold air and wind, tornadoes and sunshine……. it’s that time of year again where things are day-to-day and you never know what tomorrow’s weather has in store. We do hope everyone is staying safe and getting out to enjoy the sunshine in between.

It seems our landscape season is in full swing already, with the lack of that last cold snap, everyone has decided to go ahead and get things in the ground. Most of our summer annuals have started to come in and are looking great along with native grasses, perennials and other Summer selections. Check out our 2016 Top 10 Summer Plant List as you’re getting ready to update the beds in the next few weeks and let us know if you have any questions.

• Green Cloud Sage: Great summer selection, very low maintenance, heat tolerant and

24 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | MAY 2016

stays fuller than other varieties (not as leggy) • Red Yucca: Great native selection has good character, very low maintenance • Salvia: Does well year around, good color comes back year after year • Penta: Outstanding option for a north Texas annual, good color and very heat tolerant.

• Muley Grass: Good texture, native to the area, great movement and color.

• Agave: Great focal point, heat tolerant, all-around good character planting.

• Abelia: Good color, heat tolerant, low growing option.

• Dwarf Fountain Grass: Great frontline option, works well around rock or annual plantings, great movement.

• Loropetalum (Diamond): Great contrast planting, pretty low maintenance once established.

• Savanna Holly: Good option when you’re looking for some height, heat tolerant, low maintenance.

If you stick with things that are local/native to our area you will have a lot less stress when it heats up this summer and should notice a decrease in your irrigation bill at the same time.

As always, if you’re looking to hire your work out give the local guys a shot first and remember to check their portfolio to ensure they can deliver on what’s being promised. As the saying goes: “You get what you pay for and if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”

Lake Cities RESIDENT MAY 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 25

Thank You for Your Service!

American Legion Memorial Day 5k American Legion Auxiliary Unit 88 will be

hosting a “Special Remembrance” Memorial Day

5k on Saturday, May 28 at Lake Dallas City Park, 101 E. Hundley Dr. in Lake Dallas. Registration begins at 7am, race at 8am.

As a special way to honor those who have

given so much, each runner will run for a veteran, and those who don’t have one to remember will receive an assigned veteran from the Lake Dallas American Legion Post 88.

Either way, every

runner will have the name of a veteran on his or

her bib. The race benefits Denton County veterans.

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 88 (ALA)

is the world’s largest women’s patriotic service

organization. These women are dedicated to

Friends of Scouting Breakfast Ft. Honorable Andy Eads Keynote Address Celebrate Scouting and the important part it

plays in growing the next generation of leaders by

attending the Friends of Scouting Breakfast on

Friday, May 20 from 7:15am until 8:45am at the Hilton Garden Inn in Lewisville. Denton County

Commissioner Andy Eads will serve as the keynote speaker. The event is free but donations

are appreciated. To reserve your seat, email your RSVP to Vincent.Dorsey@scouting.org.

Huffines Subaru Shares the Love with TCAP Huffhines Subaru of Denton presented the

helping the veterans of our community and their

Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP)

ALA Programs range from scholarships and

the Love” initiative. The national program, which

families, with a special focus on their children.

educational programs, to youth development

programs. They include veteran advocacy and legislative efforts as well as individual needs.

26 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | MAY 2016

with a $25,000 check as part of Subaru’s “Share has been running for several years, collects $250

from every new Subaru sold in November and

December and donates the money to a non-profit

organization. This is only the second year that Subaru has allowed their dealerships to select a local non-profit as one of the recipients.

“The fact that we are able to pick a local charity right here in our area to support is very rewarding for our customers and I think that’s why so many donated to TCAP,” said Robert Goodwin, General Manager of Huffhines Subaru. “I don’t think any of us had any idea that it would be so sizable.”

DACTU Dash The annual DACTU Dash will be held on Saturday, June 4th with registration opening at 7am. Both the 5k and 10k races begin at 8am with the 5k awards ceremony beginning at 9:15 and the 10k at 9:45. $25 to register before race day and $30 the day of the race. There will be a special discount for students and teachers. The race starts at DATCU Administration Headquarters, 5940 I35E in Corinth next to American Eagle Harley Davidson. It’s DATCU’s 80th anniversary and the celebration includes grilled hot dogs and burgers for the runners/walkers and for those attending after the event.

Fitness

Quick Fixes DON’T WORK

If you haven’t noticed lately America’s latest trend, and really addiction, is on quick fixes!

by Jesse J. Leyva, Outlaw Fit Camp 940.497.6002 If it can’t be had instantly, it’s not worth the effort or time for the average individual in 2016.

year 2000 the average American’s attention span was 12 seconds.

In an age of smart phones, Amazon Prime and Domino’s Pizza delivery in under 17 minutes, how can you be satisfied with the pain of having to wait for something as crazy as your health goals?

year 2015 the average American’s attention span is 8 seconds.

You see, our attention span is now so limited that back in the year 2000 the average American’s attention span was 12 seconds. Now fast forward just 15 years to the age of the mobile revolution, the average American’s 2015 attention span is a mere 8 seconds.

That’s scary!

No wonder we can’t stick to our healthy nutrition plans or even our workouts. Everything is too hard or takes to dang long, right? It’s all about instant gratification.

This is where I come in with a simple idea

that does take a little bit of work on your

part. This idea has been around for years.

Some call it a Dream Board, I prefer the term VISION BOARD.

Some would create their boards with

mansions, hot girls or guys, Lamborghinis, yachts, etc. We’ve all seen them. Those are, in my eyes, a waste of time! Here is the reason for my opinion.

With a dream board such as that, some of

the items are so farfetched that the average

person can’t really ever figure a way of attaining

the items, therefore it’s merely just that, a dream board!

A VISION Board Put up your visions (GOALS) and make sure you put thought into them. Make sure they are realistic enough to achieve in a year. Pick only 3–5 goals. Don’t overwhelm yourself.

Start with the upper two thirds of your board and this is what you will do THIS YEAR.

Then go to work on these important VISIONS immediately!

The bottom 3rd of your board will be your solid, important, long-term goal once the others on top are achieved!

Now put your phone down and go to work!

Extend a line next to your vision and list 3 – 5 ways that you will attain the goal. Be specific, not vague in your description. For instance, if it’s a relationship you’re looking for, know the age (35-45yrs) personality traits, (good relationship with mother & family), responsible, etc.

MAY 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 27

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Committed to Community Excellence.

Restaurant Review

Easy Street Cafe

ts a E yJ

n n a Gr

Shh! Granny J has a secret.

Food chain restaurants aren’t always the best.

Flower Mound and Highland Village now have a lot of breakfast choices but my favorite is at 190 West Main Street in Old Town Lewisville called the Easy Street Cafe.

This restaurant is family owned and operated. Grandma is the cook with her grandkids and family members doing all the wait service.

It’s like stepping back in time with a very quiet atmosphere and an old-fashioned feeling. They are mostly busy on Sunday morning.

Grandma cooks up breakfast any way you like it, just like out on the range. Ask for potatoes with onions—it’s the best!

Don’t be timid. Try it! It’s old, but great!

Your North Texas Restaurant Critic-signing off.

30 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | MAY 2016

972.420.8737

190 W Main St #108 • Lewisville, TX 75057

MAY 2016 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 31