Your Town Lake Worth - 2019 Community Guide

Your Town

Paid for by the Lake Worth City Council

Published by www.Murray-Media.com

Photography by Justin Allred of OtherRed Photography

Community

GUIDE Volume IV - 2019

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

A Le t t e r F r o m t h e

MAYOR

Welcome to the City of Lake Worth!

Located in the center of the fastest growing area of the state, Lake Worth is a key location in the Northwest Tarrant Region. Year after year, we have experienced prosperity, steady economic growth, low crime rates, a wide range of affordable housing, while

adding additional amenities throughout

community that values strong families,

the City to benefit residents, businesses

close friendships, and supportive

and visitors alike. We pride ourselves

neighborhoods and churches.

on the variety of amenities we can offer

Lake Worth is an established city with

as a smaller sized community.

a strong, diversified local economy

Recent Renovations We’ve been busy this year updating and making many city offices more

feel, and friendly atmosphere. Lake

functional and customer friendly.

Worth continues to be a great place to

Our communications center, fire

live, dine, shop and play, and it’s proven

department, and animal control shelter

by the growth we’ve experienced in

all received updates that significantly

our quality retail development.

increase productivity. The police

We offer a wide-range of amenities to our citizens including an extensive multi-purpose complex which include our Senior Center, state of

mayor

low crime rate, offer a desirable

still retaining our charming, small town

Top-Notch Amenities

2

the lowest tax rates in the area, while

the art Library, and the Lake Worth Museum. Our beautiful parks are another popular attraction; the parks offer football, baseball, walking trails, exercise equipment and pavilions for special family events. We’ve recently added restrooms facilities to Hodgkin’s Park for our patrons and are exploring updates to Lake Worth Park through

department parking area has been redesigned to increase officer safety and the construction of a new city storage

that will continually improve the quality of life for our residents, businesses and future generations.

We value the preservation of our history and traditions, we strive for improvement, innovation, and growth for the future. On behalf of the City Council, we invite you to visit Lake Worth and come see why our friendly people, convenient location, and many amenities make Lake Worth the place to be.

facility is under way. In the upcoming year we’ll be starting on a customer service remodel along with major improvements to our public works facility. Our city offices and facilities help us provide top-notch service to our residents, customers and visitors.

Stop by any of our recently remodeled locations to have a look.

Our Vision The vision for Lake Worth is simple

Mayor Walter Bowen 817-237-1211 Council Member Since: October 1971 Mayor Since: May 1995

our newly adopted Master Park Plan.

and is shared by citizens from all

Current Term Expiration: May 2021

Lake Worth works to maintain one of

over the city. We strive to have a

Email: wbowen@lakeworthtxcc.org

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2019

Ta b l e o f

contents

Council members

Community Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 04

Walter Bowen Mayor wbowen@lakeworthtxcc.org Jim Smith Mayor Pro Tem, Place 1 jsmith@lakeworthtxcc.org

Municipal Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 06 City Water / Sewer / Refuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 07 Lake Worth Police Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 08 Lake Worth Fire Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 09 MedStar Mobile Healthcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 10

Geoffrey White Council Member, Place 2 gwhite@lakeworthtxcc.org Sue Wenger Council Member, Place 3 swenger@lakeworthtxcc.org

Pat O. Hill Council Member, Place 5 phill@lakeworthtxcc.org Gary Straud Council Member, Place 6 gstraud@lakeworthtxcc.org Clint Narmore Council Member, Place 7 cnarmore@ lakeworthtxcc.org

Published by

Property Enhancement & NW Tarrant Chamber . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 13 Development Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 14 Lake Worth Shopping & Dining Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 16 L.O. Bud Irby Senior Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 18 TxDOT Green Ribbon Grant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 19 Mary Lou Reddick Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 20 New Voting Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 21 Multi-Purpose Facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 22 Your LWISD Resource Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 23 Community Artist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 24 Hodgkins Memorial Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 25 7 Tips to Get Kids Back on a Sleep Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 26 Lake Worth ISD School Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 28

www.Murray-Media.com

Your Town

Publishing

www.YourTownPublishing.com 2019

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972-899-3637

LAKE WORTH DIRECTORY

contents

Ronny Parsley Council Member, Place 4 rparsley@lakeworthtxcc.org

Public Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 12

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Community

Profile

Slow down, relax, unplug, and experience the beauty and charm of Lake Worth, Texas. Located in Northwest Tarrant County, the city is home to one of the most beautiful lakes in Texas – Lake Worth. The 2010 US Census population for the city was 4,584; Texas Municipal League (TML) estimates the current population as 4,710. The city covers approximately

community profile

2.5 square miles.

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Lake Worth was built in 1914 as a reservoir and for recreation. The property is owned by the City of Fort Worth, while the Tarrant Regional Water District controls the reservoir’s water rights.

The City was incorporated on February 19, 1949, and first adopted its Home Rule Charter in 1965. The Home Rule Charter was amended in 1968, 2003, 2008 and most recently in 2019.

MAYOR/CITY COUNCIL The City operates under a Council/Manager form of government with a City Council comprised of the Mayor and seven Council members. The term of office is two years with the terms of the Mayor and three Council members expiring in oddnumbered years and the terms of the other four Council members expiring in even-numbered years. The City Manager is the chief administrative officer for the city.

City Council meetings The City Council meets regularly on the second Tuesday of the month. Meetings are usually at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers located at 3805 Adam Grubb.

CITY ADMINISTRATION The Administration Department is responsible for overseeing the management of day-to-day operations of the city including building permits, code enforcement, inspections, communications, and municipal court. The Administration Department is comprised of the City Manager, Assistant City Manager/Director of Finance, City Secretary, and Human Resources.

Did You Know?

The Lake Worth Museum has the high school year books from the 1940’s and up! Make it a point to visit and take a look at the school history that is made available to all residents.

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City Staff Members

GOVERNMENT Federal Lake Worth is located in the 12th Federal Congressional District served

by U.S. Congresswoman Kay Granger, who has an office in Fort Worth.

The state is represented by Senator Ted Cruz and Senator John Cornyn.

• Congresswoman Kay Granger 817-338-0909 kaygranger.house.gov

• Sen. Ted Cruz N. Texas Office 214-599-8749 www.cruz.senate.gov

• Sen. John Cornyn N. Texas Office 972-239-1310 www.cornyn.senate.gov State

Debbie Whitley Assistant City Manager/ Director of Finance 817-237-1211 ext. 103 dwhitley@ lakeworthtx.org Monica Solko City Secretary 817-237-1211 ext. 105 msolko@ lakeworthtx.org

Senator Jane Nelson who has an office in Grapevine. The Texas State Representative for Lake Worth is representative Charlie Geren (District 99) • Sen. Jane Nelson 817-424-3446 www.nelson.senate.state.tx.us

• Rep. Charlie Geren 817-738-8333 charliegeren.com

County Lake Worth is located within Tarrant County and is in Precinct 4 which is represented by Tarrant County Commissioner J.D. Johnson.

• Commissioner J.D. Johnson 817-238-4400 tarrantcounty.com

HELPFUL NUMBERS

Danielle Hackbusch Human Resource Manager 817-237-1211 ext. 108 dhackbusch@ lakeworthtx.org J.T. Manoushagian Interim Chief of Police 817-237-1211 ext. 304 jmanoushagian@ lakeworthtx.org

Mike Christenson Fire Chief 817-237-1211 ext. 401 mchristenson@ lakeworthtexas.org

City Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 817-237-1211 Utility Billing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 817-237-1211 ext. 110 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 817-237-1211 ext. 112 Inspection Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (voice mail only) 817-255-7925 ext. 113 Code Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 817-237-1211 ext. 111

Lara Strother Director of Library & Community Services 817-237-1211 ext. 501 laras@lakeworthlib.org

Vehicle Tags & Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 817-238-4436 Health Dept. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 817-238-4441 Progressive Waste Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 817-222-2221 DPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 817-238-9197 Chamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 817-237-0060

of t Director n Public Works ca a V

LWISD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 817-306-4200 Boat Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 817-237-6890 2019

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LAKE WORTH DIRECTORY

community profile

Lake Worth is represented by Senate District 12, currently held by

Stacey Almond City Manager 817-237-1211 salmond@ lakeworthtx.org

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Municipal

court The Lake Worth Municipal Court is committed to assisting and informing defendants of their rights, responsibilities, and options, with the highest level of professionalism, and courtesy, to ensure fair, impartial & efficient handling of their citations.

CITATIONS CAN BE PAID ONLINE AT: www.TrafficPayment.com or by phone at 1-800-444-1187

municipal court

Court is held on the third Wednesday each month. You must be present for a court session. You will need to appear in the court office on or before your appearance date and request a court date with the Judge. If you wish to contest your citation, please let the clerk know as you will be set to see the Prosecutor at a Pre-Trial Court Date.

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Municipal Court Director/ Cust. Service Sup. Natacha Valdez 817-237-1211 ext. 116 nvaldez@lakeworthtx.org

Municipal Court 3805 Adam Grubb St. Lake Worth, TX 76135 Phone: 817-255-7910 Office Hours: Mon- Fri 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Northwest Sub-Courthouse 6713 Telephone Rd. Lake Worth, TX 76135 Precinct 4 Commissioner J.D. Johnson • Ste. #301 817-238-4400 LAKE WORTH DIRECTORY

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2019

Municipal Court Clerk Lisa Shelley 817-237-1211 ext. 117 court@lakeworthtx.org

Presiding Judge: William “Bill” Lane Magistrate: Jim Minter & Rene Culp

Precinct 4 Constable Joe D. “Jody” Johnson • Ste. #102 817-238-4411

Tax Assessor/Collector

Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Christopher Gregory • Ste. #201 817-238-4425

817-238-4435

County Clerk Satellite Office* Mary Louise Garcia • Ste. #202 817-238-4420

Main Courthouse Number 817-238-4425

*Please note that Satellite Offices may have limited services.

Satellite Office* Wendy Burgess • Ste. #101 *Please note that Satellite Offices may have limited services.

City

water / sewer/ refuse

WATER SEWER

Residential Accounts

Commercial Accounts

Rate 1 Rate 1 ICL OCL

Rate 1 Rate 1 ICL OCL

$14.95

$22.43

Ready for Service Fee

$22.10

$33.15

$4.29

$6.44

Per Thousand

$5.72

$8.58

Ready for Service Fee

Per Thousand

RATES

Based on winter average. Also caps at 16,000 gallons maximum ($83.59-ICL/$125.47-OCL).

City average is currently based on 4,304 gallons; $33.41 for ICL and $50.15 for OCL.

WATER - Rates effective October 2019 billing Residential Accounts

Commercial Accounts

Fire hydrant meters

Rate 1 Rate 1 ICL OCL

Rate 2 Rate 2 ICL OCL

Rate 3 Rate 3 ICL OCL

Ready for Service Fee

$7.50

$11.25

Ready for Service Fee

$15.50 $23.25

Ready for Service Fee

$25.00 $37.50

T1 (1k-5k)

$3.10

$4.65

T1 (1k-5k)

$5.35

$8.03

T1 (1k - 5k)

$5.35

$8.03

T2 (6k - 10k)

$3.26

$4.89

T2 (6k - 10k)

$5.62

$8.43

T2 (6k - 10k)

$5.62

$8.43

T3 (11k - 30k)

$3.42

$5.13

T3 (11k - 30k)

$5.90

$8.85

T3 (11k - 30k)

$5.90

$8.85

T4 (31k & over) $3.59

$5.39

T4 (31k & over) $6.20

$9.29

T4 (31k & over) $6.20

$9.29

REFUSE - Rates effective August 2019 billing Residential accounts only, commercial accounts are billed by Waste Connections directly Regular ICL/OCL

Disabled Carry-Out

Elective Carry-Out

$9.58

$6.96

$15.38

2019

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LAKE WORTH DIRECTORY

City water / sewer / refuse

SEWER - Rates effective October 2018 billing Winter sewer averages re-calculated and effective April 2019 Billing

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L a ke Wo r t h

police department

POLICE DEPT

8

Officers in the Spotlight

prosecution efforts. Officer Watson

the development of the department’s

Officer Robert Watson &

became a certified Intoxilyzer

new Intoxilyzer program.

Officer James O’Bannon

Operator and received a certification

Two Lake Worth police officers were recently recognized in front of the Lake Worth City Council by

in Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE).

MADD also presented Officer James

The men and women of Lake Worth PD are committed to eliminating drunk driving in our community and will continue to devote time

Mothers Against Drunk Driving

O’Bannon with the Commitment

and resources to ensure our

(MADD) for their efforts to reduce

Hero Award for exemplifying a strong

citizens and visitors remain safe.

instances of impaired driving in

overall commitment to DWI education

the city of Lake Worth. MADD

and enforcement within the fiscal

representative Emma Dugas

year. As Lake Worth PD’s only Drug

presented Officer Robert Watson

Recognition Expert (DRE), Officer

with the Enforcement Hero Award

O’Bannon regularly demonstrates his

for leading Lake Worth PD in the

commitment to eliminating impaired

number of DWI arrests made

drivers from the roadway through

within the fiscal year. In addition

enforcement and by sharing his

to his enforcement efforts, Officer

knowledge of drug impairment with

Watson also volunteered to attend

new officers. Officer O’Bannon has

additional training to hone his

served as a DWI field training officer

skills as a practitioner and enhance

(FTO) and has been instrumental in

State-of-the-Art Equipment PD takes delivery of most advanced fleet to-date Lake Worth PD recently took delivery of three new patrol units equipped with the most state-of-theart equipment on the market. These new patrol units feature smart lighting technology along with high and low frequency sirens. When combined, these features greatly increase our officer’s visibility during emergency situations which keep them and the public safe. The new patrol units are also equipped with the latest technology featuring integrated high-definition cameras, tablet PCs, and upgraded radar systems.

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L a ke Wo r t h

FIRE DEPT

National Night Out 2019 On Tuesday, October 1st, 2019, the City of Lake

As Fire Prevention Week™

fires caused 2,630 fire deaths and

approaches, the Lake Worth Fire

10,600 fire injuries. On average, seven

Department reminds residents:

people died in a fire in a home per day

Not Every Hero Wears a Cape.

Plan and Practice Your Escape! ™

during 2012 to 2016. “These numbers show that home fires continue to pose a significant threat to safety,”

Every October, fire departments

another great

throughout the United States host

said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice

National Night

programs which focus on fire safety,

president of Outreach and Advocacy.

Out celebration.

education, and prevention.

“In a typical home fire, you may

This year, Fire Prevention Week

have as little as one to two minutes

begins on October 6th and

to escape safely from the time the

concludes on Saturday, October 12th.

smoke alarm sounds. Escape planning

Historically, this week has proven to

and practice can help you make the

be a vital program for the City of Lake

most of the time you have, giving

Worth Fire Department, allowing

everyone enough time to get out.

National Night Out events culminate each year on the first Tuesday of August in many areas throughout the United States. Here in Texas, we celebrate these events on the first Tuesday of October with a city-wide celebration centralized within the City of Lake Worth. NNO is an annual community-building campaign that promotes collaborative efforts amongst our residents and business owners, and those who provide services to the community. The Lake Worth Police and Fire Departments were there to provide helpful information related to safety and emergency preparedness.

The event took place at the Lake Worth Park located at 3501 Roberts Cut-Off. This year’s National Night Out events began at 6:00 pm and concluded at 9:00 pm. Residents celebrated with us while enjoying free hotdogs and beverages, browse local vendors, and simply

for numerous classes to be taught throughout the Lake Worth ISD. The Lake Worth Fire Department

While the NFPA and Lake Worth Fire Department are focusing on home fires, these messages apply to

is teaming up with the National

virtually any location. “Situational

Fire Protection Association®

awareness is a skill people need to

(NFPA®)—the official sponsor of Fire

use wherever they go,” said Fire Chief,

Prevention Week for more than 90

Mike Christenson. “No matter where

years—to promote this year’s Fire

you are, look for available exits. If the

Prevention Week campaign, “Not

alarm system sounds, take it seriously

Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and

and exit the building immediately.”

Practice Your Escape!” The campaign works to educate everyone about the small but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.

NFPA statistics show that in 2017

To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in Lake Worth, please contact the Lake Worth Fire Department at 817-255-7956.

For more general information about

enjoyed spending time with their

U.S. fire departments responded to

Fire Prevention Week and home

families and the community.

357,000 home structure fires. These

escape planning, visit www.fpw.org.

2019

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LAKE WORTH DIRECTORY

Fire department

Worth hosted

9

medstar mobile healthcare

MedStar Mobile

10

Healthcare

5 Things That Might Surprise You About MedStar Area residents are very accustomed to seeing the MedStar ambulance standing by at Boat Club and Jacksboro Highway ready to respond to your medical emergency. But, there is so much more to MedStar than just that ambulance pre-

owned by the jurisdictions that

Service (ECNS) to assist low acuity

are part of the Authority.

9-1-1 callers find more appropriate

So really, MedStar belongs to you!

resources for their medical issues than

2. More Than Just an Ambulance Service

an ambulance response and transport

MedStar does more than just

self-care at home with a follow-up

they try to prevent them. In 2009,

visit to the patient’s doctor, or even

MedStar embarked in an innovative

a community paramedic response.

delivery model called Mobile Integrated

Together, these programs have helped

the goal of helping people

a fast response to

navigate the complex

9-1-1 medical calls

healthcare system.

in Lake Worth.

Specially trained MedStar

Here are 5 things

community paramedics

you may not

visit patients who are high

know about your

utilizers of the emergency

ambulance service.

care system to help them

1. It’s YOURS!

a referral to an urgent care clinic,

respond to medical emergencies –

Healthcare (MIH), with

positioned to provide

to a hospital. Options may include

manage their healthcare

Many people

better and potentially

think MedStar is a

avoid preventable ER

private company, it’s

visits. They also work

not. MedStar is the

with area hospitals to

‘trade’ name for the

help manage patients

Metropolitan Area

recently discharged

thousands of patients, prevented unnecessary ambulance responses, and saved the healthcare system millions of dollars in healthcare spending.

MedStar is paid for all these services, so it also helps MedStar diversify its revenue stream to help control the overall cost of ambulance service.

3. MedStar Collects 28% of What They Bill Yep, you read that right – 28%.

Here’s why. Unlike agencies like fire and police departments, MedStar does not receive any tax support for the services they provide. The member

EMS Authority (MAEMSA); but

from the hospital who are at risk

that’s way too many letters to fit

for hospital readmission. Area home

on the side of an ambulance!

health and hospice agencies utilize

It is a public agency created by the

MedStar’s community paramedics to

15 member cities (including Lake

co-respond on 9-1-1 calls for their

Worth and Lakeside) that entered

enrolled patients to coordinate on-

into an interlocal agreement in

scene emergency care with the home

1988 to create the EMS authority.

health and hospice nurses. MedStar’s

The employees are government

9-1-1 center employs specially trained

ambulance response and transport to

employees, the ambulances,

nurses as part of a comprehensive

the hospital in 2018 was $422, so

equipment, supplies, everything is

Emergency Communications Nurse

they need to collect at least that

LAKE WORTH DIRECTORY

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2019

cities would prefer that MedStar try to maximize the revenue that can be generated from the services provided.

That way, the cities can use their tax revenue for other things, like fire and police departments, roads and parks. MedStar’s cost for providing an

with a balance of $500. If you are a

54% of the patients MedStar treats

StarSaver member, MedStar waives

satisfaction rating in 2018

have either Medicare or Medicaid.

the balance. Without StarSaver, you

was 95.1%.

These government payers that have a

are responsible to pay the $500. If

— Their billing office scored a

fixed amount they pay for ambulance

you are uninsured, or if your insurance

100% patient satisfaction rating

service, which is often less than the

company denies coverage due to

for four months in 2018.

cost of providing the service. 31% of

their determination the ambulance

the patients MedStar services do not

was not medically necessary, your

have insurance at all, and only 4% of

StarSaver membership provides a

the dollars billed to patients without

40% discount off the ambulance bill.

insurance are collected. When you put this all together, in order to be able to collect the required $422 at a 28% collection rate, the average MedStar ambulance bill is $1,500.

4. MedStar has a Program that Helps Cover Your Ambulance Bill MedStar and its member cities recognize that $1,500 is a lot of money, and it could even prevent some people from calling 9-1-1.

None of us want anyone to hesitate to call 9-1-1 because of the potential cost. That’s why MedStar offers an ambulance membership program called StarSaver. StarSaver covers the portion of a medically necessary ambulance trip that the patient’s insurance does not cover. Let’s say you fall and break your leg (sorry!).

MedStar responds, gives you good pain meds, splints your leg and takes you to the hospital. Your insurance company covers $1,000 of the ambulance bill, leaving you

The good news? If you have insurance, StarSaver only costs $69 annually for every resident relative in your household. Not insured?

No problem, StarSaver is $110 annually for your whole household, and you get the 40% discount.

5. Surprising Factoids Here’s a few other ‘fun facts’ about MedStar that may surprise you: • The resident population of MedStar’s 434 square mile service area is 1,016,963.

• They responded to 155,000 ambulance requests and transported over 100,000 people to a hospital in 2018

• In 2017, a Medicaid cost report of over 40 ambulance providers in the State of Texas done by an outside agency determined the average cost for MedStar to transport a Medicaid patient to the hospital was $367, the lowest in the State.

— The same report found the average cost for other provider types (like fire departments) to transport a Medicaid patient to the hospital was $1,754.

• In 2018, MedStar’s ambulance fleet logged 2,658,082 miles, consuming 403,714 gallons of fuel (no wonder they post at Quick Trip)!

For more information about MedStar’s StarSaver program, visit http://www.lakeworthtx. org/page/city_fire_dept

• MedStar is dual accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) and the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch.

— Only 0.19% of ambulance agencies in the U.S. have this dual accreditation.

2019

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LAKE WORTH DIRECTORY

medstar mobile healthcare

• MedStar’s overall patient

amount to remain self-sufficient.

11

Public

WORKS

to Badger Orion Cellular. This

Precinct 4 we have completed

upgrade will give customers access

the construction of Lakeview

to monitor their consumption.

Drive, William Springs Road,

For more information on all the

Roberts Cut Off, Fewell Drive,

new capabilities, please check out

and the outside west bound lane

the City’s Public Works webpage

of Azle Avenue with a total of

PUBLIC WORKS UPCOMING

and click the “EyeOnWater”

3,263.24 tons of new asphalt.

PROJECTS AND UPDATES:

link on the left side column.

Park Projects for 2019 – 2020:

Public works

• New LED lighting will be installed

12

Sewer Department: • CDBG 45th Year – 1,800 LF Sewer

at various parks. (Hodgkins, Rayl,

Replacement line on Shawnee,

Lake Worth Park, Charbonneau)

Apache and Mohawk Trail

• Green Ribbon Project- Please see article on Page 19 Street Projects for 2019 – 2020: • Hiawatha Trail Road Rehab Project Phase I • 6” Asphalt Overlay • New Concrete Curb and Gutter • Asphalt Overlay – Pueblo Trail, Lotus Trail, Lilac Lane, Hatch Road, Bass, Edgemere Place, Malta Street, Mohawk Trail, and Comanche Trail.

• Micro-Seal – Foster Drive, Telephone Road, Charbonneau Drive, and Azle Avenue.

Water Department: 2019-2020 • The Water Department is in the process of upgrading the City’s customers water meters LAKE WORTH DIRECTORY

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2019

18/19 Project update • Hiawatha Phase I Water and Sewer replacement project — Installation of 1,925 LF of 8”

New Road Projects

sewer line will be completed in

for 2019 – 2020

September 2019

The Street Department is setting

— Installation of 2,550 LF of “6 and 8” water line and project completion date is scheduled for November 2019 • 18” Force main replacement project — Weather delays in the first phase of the project has pushed back the estimate completion date to December 2019 • Hodgkins Park — Installation of new restroom facilities • Street Asphalt overlay project —With the help of Tarrant County

forth with a new road rehabilitation project focusing on multiple streets including Foster Drive, Telephone Road, Charbonneau Road, and Azle Avenue.

The new process we will be using for this project is known as Microsurfacing.

The microsurface process has many benefits compared to other methods.

Benefits include leveling to fill in ruts, protecting the pavement from water intrusion and oxidation, and extending the life of the pavement up to 4 to 8 years at half the cost of the traditional asphalt overlays. For more information, please visit the City’s website and go to the Street Department page.

Property Enhancement Program &

NW Tarrant Chamber

The City of Lake Worth has recently adopted a comprehensive

Eligible Enhancements

Northwest Tarrant Chamber of Commerce 817-237-0060

• Building facades

3918 Telephone Rd., #300

provide funds for enhancements to

• Interior renovations

Lake Worth, TX 76135

your business facility. A maximum

• Landscaping

matching‐grant program that can

matching grant of $5,000 is available for properties and existing businesses meeting eligibility requirements.

• Lighting • Parking and driveways • Pedestrian amenities

Program Goals • Enhance the viability and sustainability of commercial properties in the city • Improve the appearance of businesses and enhance commercial corridors • Increase the marketability and occupancy rate of commercial buildings • Provide in areas and to businesses most likely to stimulate private investment This program is intended to help existing businesses’ bottom line by attracting more customers to their enhanced facility. A wide variety of enhancements makes it easy to find a good fit for your business.

• Signage • Utilities Please contact the City of Lake Worth to discuss potential benefits for your business and pick up an application for a matching grant.

For information: 817-237‐1211

www.nwtcc.org Mission: To serve, support and promote business and tourism in Northwest Tarrant County.

Established in 1984, The Northwest Tarrant Chamber of Commerce serves Lakes Worth, NW Fort Worth, Saginaw, Azle and Tarrant County. More than 200 businesses and organizations support the Chamber and our efforts to help the local business community.

Networking Coffee at the Cotton Patch is every second Tuesday of each month, 10am-11am. We invite you to our longest standing networking event!

Coffee at Cotton Patch Café brings together those of you that are interested in networking and finding out about other businesses in the area.

Come join us for our monthly luncheon, every third Wednesday of each month. $15 if you prepay over the phone or it will be $20 at the door from 11:30 am-1pm. 7005 Charbonneau Rd., Lake Worth, TX 76135.

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Property enhancement

enhance your existing business

13

Development

development regulations

regulations

14

UPDATE OF DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS

• Equitable, harmonious, and

friendly with updated terminology/

efficient development and

definitions and a clarified process

CHAPTER 10 SUBDIVISION

distribution of population

for subdivision and development,

REGULATIONS

and land uses;

while conforming to new state laws.

CHAPTER 14 ZONING REGULATIONS

• Effective transportation system providing facilities for efficient circulation for all modes of

After the adoption of the new 2035 Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map in April 2018 the City dived right into the update and rewrite of the city’s Development Regulations, which include the Subdivision Regulations and Zoning Regulations.

The goals for the Subdivision Regulations were to format

transportation – pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular modes; • Adequate public facilities – communication, transportation, drainage, water, wastewater, schools, parks, public safety and recreational facilities, and other public facilities and services; • Protection and preservation

The proposed regulations will consist of three (3) parts: • Subdivision and Development Regulations • Appendix A – Requirements for Plans and Plats • Appendix B – Design Criteria and Construction Standards Zoning Regulations must be adopted in accordance with a comprehensive plan and must be designed to:

coordination between the Regulations

of places of historical, cultural,

and the Appendices, which include:

natural or architectural

• lessen congestion in the streets;

importance and significance

• secure safety from fire,

• Plat Process and Requirements • Construction Documents and Standards

to the community To ensure and keep record of the safe, orderly and efficient

• Facilitate Administration

development and expansion of the city, in accordance with

of Regulations

and pursuant to its Plans and

The purpose of the Subdivision Regulations are:

Ordinances; and to encourage economic development in a stable,

To protect, promote, improve and

prospering business environment.

provide for the public health, safety,

The city went with a repeal and

panic, and other dangers; • promote health and the general welfare; • provide adequate light and air; • prevent the overcrowding of land; • avoid undue concentration of population; or • facilitate the adequate provision

and general welfare of the citizens

replace approach for the Subdivision

of transportation, water,

of the City of Lake Worth through

Regulations, changing the format of

sewers, schools, parks, and

minimum standards which provide:

the document, making it more user-

other public requirements.

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with the new Comprehensive Plan and the Zoning Map. The Zoning Regulations also took the repeal and place method and zoning districts that were obsolete were replaced with new districts; the format and terminology were made more user friendly; regulations were both updated and new added.

The proposed Zoning Regulations will conform to new state laws and will be included online with the City’s Code of Ordinances and consist of six (6) parts: • General Provisions • Administration • Definitions • Land Use and Districts Generally • Zoning Districts • Supplemental Regulations

Three rezoning’s are being proposed: • City owned properties would all be rezoned to the Public Facilities District

NEW FEE SCHEDULE Effective October 1, 2019 Lake Worth City Council approved an ordinance repealing various fees addressed throughout the Code of

• Lake Worth ISD school properties

Ordinances and replaced them with

would be rezoned to the Public

a newly adopted Fee Schedule. The

Facilities District as well and;

newly adopted schedule lists all the

• Robert’s Cut Off/Broadview West

fees in one convenient, easy to access location on the city’s website, titled

area of the city which would

Fee Schedule, Exhibit A. This update

allow for all existing uses, but

also allows for greater transparency

resolve current land use issues, but would provide incentive for redevelopment of the area The City is excited to implement these new regulations which will aid in the current development and future redevelopment of the city.

For more information check the city’s website at www.lakeworthtx.org .

of fees charged for service by the city. Updates to fees charged by the city were evaluated and given careful consideration by staff and the City Council prior to adoption.

Please visit the City’s website at www.lakeworthtx.org for the complete Fee Schedule listing.

For more information please contact Suzanne Meason, Planning and Zoning Administrator at 817-255-7922.

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development regulations

With that the Zoning Regulations are being updated to coordinate

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L.O. Bud Irby

L.O. Bud Irby Senior Center

Senior Center

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their time and energy to making the

Jacqueline Lowrance and Anita

Senior Center is busier than ever.

senior center a fun and exciting place

Palmer instruct the Intergenerational

Over the past year, our membership

to visit. We are grateful every day to

Band, a blend of seniors and children

has increased by more than 50%.

our volunteers and we believe they

learning to play instruments together.

This year, we participated in the

deserve recognition and celebration

Jean Nettles leads the Material

Senior Synergy Expo for the very

from their community. All of our

Girls Quilting Class.

first time and had over 400 visitors

classes are led by seniors who have

to our booth. We are continuously

spent years mastering their crafts.

adding new programs and events

Nikki Robbins and Linda Whigham

The L.O. Bud Irby Lake Worth

to our schedule, and we anticipate that we will reach 400 active members by the end of this year.

The Lake Worth Senior Center

lead our bridge groups. Nikki’s party bridge class has been active for over forty years. Linda teaches a refresher course that

is open to all residents of Texas 55

is also suitable for beginners.

years of age or better. Members

Joyce Young and Dee Carrera are

at our center can participate in as

our art volunteers. Joyce teaches

many programs as they like and

mixed media art for members

membership is always free. We offer

interested in drawing, oil and acrylic

games, quilting, painting, bingo,

painting, and colored pencil art. Dee

fitness classes, and much more, all

teaches intermediate oil painting.

to help seniors stay active and social.

We partner with the library to foster a sense of community through events like Family Game Night.

In addition to the many classes we

Callie Gregory is our bingo caller,

Rebecca Dirksen teaches

seniors. We also partner with Meals

pinochle as well as beginner

on Wheels to provide nutritious

and intermediate mahjong.

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Potluck lunch, many seniors stay to help us out by washing dishes and cleaning the kitchen. Every little bit of assistance helps us provide fun activities and good food for our seniors. We greatly appreciate the hard work and dedication of our wonderful volunteers!

Remember to check the Senior Center’s website calendar and Facebook page for up-todate information about all our upcoming programs and events.

always brings something deliciously

to provide free tax assistance to

without our volunteers, who dedicate

live for our seniors. After our Friday

Liz Tanner is our resident chef. She homemade to our Friday potlucks.

But none of this would be possible

devote their time to performing

and Lori Rodriguez is her substitute.

offer, the center partners with AARP

meals for homebound seniors.

Every Friday, local senior bands

J’Neice Beckom is the leader of the Silver Sisters, a boogie woogie dance group that performs all over.

7005 Charbonneau Road Lake Worth, TX 76135 817-237-1211 Ext: 502 Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Tx DOT

Green Ribbon Grant

Lake Worth Awarded Green Ribbon Grant The City of Lake Worth was recently awarded a grant worth of Transportation (TxDOT) to establish a higher level of visual appearance near the intersections of eastbound and westbound I-820 and Azle Avenue through landscape and architectural improvements.

“This is the first time that the city has ever been awarded this grant,” City Manager Stacey Almond said. “The great thing about this grant is there are no matching funds – this is 100 percent funded.” In addition to the landscape and architectural improvements the city will be funding the addition of two (2)

of sustainable landscape. “We have

Worth; what a great opportunity for

city identification signs (pictured below).

designed the area with items that are

us to get this $400,000 grant which

TxDOT supports several statewide landscape programs through the Green Ribbon Landscape Improvement

native to Texas and don’t require large amounts of water,” Almond said.

The construction on the project

allows us to beautify the entrance and exit of our city,” said Almond.

If you have any questions about

Program that provides funding for

will begin in the late Fall after the

projects on state highway rights-of-

city meets with TxDOT. “The goal of

way. The city has planned to reduce

this is to provide curb appeal to the

please visit www.lakeworthtx.org or

maintenance costs through the design

highway corridor in and out of Lake

by calling city hall at 817-237-1211.

the upcoming Green Ribbon Project,

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green ribbon grant

$400,000 by the Texas Department

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M a r y Lo u R e d d i c k

mary lou reddick library

Library

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Summer Reading Program Fun! It was a summer of non-stop fun at the Mary Lou Reddick Public Library!

Step into STEM Play Time

popular literature in a relaxed,

this Fall at the Library!

welcoming atmosphere. Join us!

Discover, create and build with

While school was out, the Library was

Legos, Mega Blocks, Play-Doh, K’nex,

a busy hub of activity. Between June

Picasso Tiles, and more! Join us for

and August, nearly 1,400 children and

creative playtime with our brand-new

adults took advantage of the dozens of free programming opportunities made available to

STEM manipulatives. Build things up, knock them down, create artistic masterpieces, and just have fun. When kids are

the community.

given the chance to play,

The multi-purpose

they are learning the

rooms were packed to

fine motor skills, social

capacity on Thursday

skills, and early STEM

mornings during June

skills that will help them

and July for visits from

be successful in school.

the Fort Worth Zoo, McTeggart Irish Dancer of North Texas, Window to the Wild, and much more. The month of August brought two popular “camps” for kids. Our inaugural 3-day art camp was made possible by a grant from the Tocker Foundation. Led by local artist Dolly Valdez, area youngsters had the opportunity to learn through hands-on art making. Next up was The Science of Me, a one-day science camp presented at the library by educators from the Fort Worth

STEM Play Time is from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. on 9/12, 9/26, 10/10, 10/24, 11/7, 11/21, 12/5 & 12/19. Program made possible by a grant from the Tocker Foundation.

Library Program Schedule Preschool Storytime Every Wednesday morning at 10:30 a.m. Join us for stories, craft activities, and more. This program is encouraged for kids ages 3 to 6 years.

Second Thursday Book Club

Tail Waggin’ Tutors A monthly program on the third Wednesday beginning at 3:45 p.m.

Tail Waggin’ Tutors encourages young readers to practice their literacy skills by reading aloud to a trained therapy dog named Bane.

Halloween Slime Lab – October 17 from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Get ready to roll-up your sleeves and get messy with our super-spooky Halloween Slime Lab. Lab is come-and-go, reservations are not necessary.

Not So Scary Stories – October 26 at 11:00 a.m.

A Saturday Morning Family Story Time! Presented by storyteller Dorayne Breedlove and followed by a make-and-take craft session.

Costumes are welcome and Halloween treats will be served.

November is National Family Literacy Month Get the whole family snuggled up on the couch and open a good

Museum of Science and History.

Our book club meets at noon on

book. Studies show that reading

We hope to bring back our art and

the second Thursday of every

aloud with mom or dad is the most

science camps again next year.

month (except December) to discuss

important activity when it comes to

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N e w Vo t i n g

Equipment

own. And if you raise a good reader… pretty much anything is possible!

Story Time with Mrs. Claus – December 17th at 4:00 pm..

Ho, Ho, Ho, it’s Christmas and here comes Mrs. Claus. She is taking time to visit and share holiday stories, hot cocoa, cookies, and fun. Don’t forget your camera!

Winnie the Pooh Birthday Party – January 18 at 11:00 a.m.

What would everyone’s favorite

Tarrant County Elections New Voting Equipment These are exciting days in

vote the same way, whether it’s during Early Voting or on Election Day. Our last change is yet to

the Elections Administration

be approved by the Secretary of

Department of Tarrant County,

State (SOS). We applied for the

with new things coming your way.

Vote Centers program the day

Some changes we started rolling

after we purchased the voting

out last year, and as more are put in place, you will hopefully see they all feed into each other.

We started by adding electronic poll books to our check-in process, by doing this we eliminated a

machines. If the SOS approves our application, you will be able to vote at any location in the County on election day.

I highly encourage you

bottle neck in the check-in process.

to visit our website www.

So far, your feedback has been

tarrantcounty.com/elections and

positive. Last month we took the

can also find us on Facebook

next step and bought new voting

(@TarrantCountyElections) or

machines. Starting this November,

twitter (@tarrantelection). We are

you will vote in a Hybrid system

working very hard to make voting

March 3 at 2:00 p.m.

(HART Intercivic Verity Voting

easier, more convenient and more

Enjoy Seuss-filled crafts, stories,

System v. 2.3.1): you will first come up to a touchscreen to make

accessible. But ultimately, we need

activities, prizes and games.

Pooh Bear be without his best friend? We’ll celebrate Christopher Robin’s Birthday with Winnie the Pooh stories, a craft and treats.

Dr. Seuss Celebration –

Spring Break LEGO Lab – March 11 at 2:00 p.m.

In this LEGO lab, kids get to make a LEGO minifigure and put it through challenges.

Remember to check the Library’s website calendar and Facebook page for up-to-date information about all our upcoming programs and events.

your choices, and when you are done, the machine will print out your choices on your ballot. You will then be able to review your ballot before you go to a separate

you to cast your ballot to make it all worth it. Mark your calendars, Early Voting starts October 21, and Election Day is November 5. The General Election is May 2, 2020.

machine, a scanner, to insert it and have it counted and deposited in the ballot box. From now on every voter in Tarrant county will all have a paper trail and will

Heider Garcia Tarrant County Elections Administrator 2019

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New Voting equipment

preparing children to read on their

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Multi-Purpose

Multi-purpose Facility

Facility

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The Lake Worth Multi-Purpose Facility (MPF) is a facility that can be used for multiple functions such as birthday parties, baby showers, family reunions, graduation parties, business training, luncheons and more. The MPF is located at 7005 Charbonneau Road between the Lake Worth Library and Senior Center. This facility offers three (3) meeting rooms (that can be rented individually or combined) and a full-size kitchen is also available. Hours of operation for MPF is from 7:00 a.m. to midnight. All rentals require a 2-hour minimum. All rental deposits are refundable if no damage occurs to the rental area and the cleaning checklist is complete. All after hour rentals require a City attendant. For reservation information, please visit the City’s website www.lakeworthtx.org or call 817-237-1211 extension 100.

Description Resident Non-Resident Room Choice

Non-Profit Per Hour

501(c)(3)

Per Hour

1 Room

$25.00

$35.00

Capacity

Amenities*

*Count Based on Lecture Type Capacity

1 or 2

60 People

Wireless Internet Projectors Podium 27 Tables(30”by72”) 100 Chairs Ice Machine Coffee Pot (upon request and renter shall provide supplies)

2 Rooms $40.00 $50.00

1 and 2 or 2 and 3

120 People 107 People

3 Rooms

$55.00

$65.00

N/A

167 People

2 Rooms with Kitchen

$60.00

$70.00

N/A

107 People

3 Rooms with Kitchen

$75.00

$85.00

N/A

167 People *Amenities available in rooms 1, 2 & 3

• City Attendant- $15 per hour (mandatory fee for after hour rentals of 100 people or less) • City Attendant- $25 per hour (mandatory fee for after hour rentals of 100 people or less-City holidays only) • Security- $25 per hour in addition to City Attendant (mandatory fee for after hour rentals of 100 people or more) • $100 refundable deposit for room(s) usage only • $200 refundable deposit for rooms with use of the kitchen • Rental times need to include set up and clean up time.

• Deposit and Rental fees due in full upon reservation.

• Standing reservations are available for 2 or more rentals made by the same applicant.

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Community

Artist

Dolly Valdez was not always aware

by the LiveStrong Foundation. Cook

adamant that she was to get a “good

she retired from her health care

was only one of five hospitals in the US

education in nursing” so that she

profession. She and her son, Marcos,

to receive the funding. The program

support herself. So, after

Community Artist

program was a one-year grant awarded

owner in 2010, about the same time

would always be able to

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Dolly became a Lake Worth home

of her artistic talent. Her parents were

achieving the career goal as a Registered Nurse (and later, a Nurse Practitioner), Dolly picked up the artist brush. She

built an amazing artist’s

focused on helping children with Brain

studio, just off the back

and Spinal Cancer and their families

deck. The structure

cope with illness and loss through art.

was carved out of a

Dolly states, “children battling Cancer,

repurposed utility shed,

especially Neuro Cancer, have very

with eleven recycled

little or often times, no control over

windows beaming in

the events that erupt in their fragile

morning light. All the

lives. The art sessions offered them

fixtures were found on

the chance to be free, to get lost in

began to study and

the area internet lists.

the fun, to take their thoughts away

practice art. For art, as

The only thing new is

from the disease. And, here we were,

any other discipline,

the insulation foam,

splashing color and finding exciting

requires many hours of hard

sprayed in the ceiling and walls, at a

subjects. There was no greater reward

work before talent emerges.

greater cost than the building itself.

for me than to combine my nursing

“The excitement came as color, design, shape and media techniques allowed me to express my passion. The thrill was in being able to tell a story using water media, oil, pastels, collage, silk dye or

The next step in this Lake Worth art journey was to get connected with

career with my passion for art.”

Dolly still loves living under the

the people of the city.

big oaks and elms in Lake Worth. “I

So, for two years, Dolly

feel peaceful here. I’m close to my

volunteered at our Senior

community, my friends and family. It’s

Center as an art teacher.

a pretty easy retirement gig. I enjoy

She also embraced the

being a productive citizen of a great

opportunity to partner with

little city called Lake Worth, Texas.”

the Lake Worth Library,

mosaics. Creating

leading art projects with

vibrant watercolor

small groups of adults.

batik works on rice paper is an endless joy.

A few years ago, Dolly said she was given ‘a

ARTIST STATEMENT

“Creating beautiful art is a talent I didn’t realize until the age of 58. Now, at age 77, I spend

Using found objects and recycling,

chance of a lifetime’. She was selected

repurposing them into art fulfills my

to serve as an ‘artist in residence’ for

love of minimalism and sustainability!

the Neuro Cancer infusion center at Ft.

time. Color splashing and finding

Art is the core of my artist spirit!”

Worth’s Cook Children’s Hospital. This

exciting subjects are my passion.”

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much of my day making up for lost

Hodgkins

memorial park

Geoffrey; grandsons of James

in its heart and continue to honor the

Hodgkins invested their life savings to

Hodgkins conveyed 2.1 acres of land

wish of the beloved James Hodgkins.

purchase 240 acres in rural Northwest

for ‘Hodgkins Spring Park’ to the

Tarrant County on the banks of the Trinity River. James and Sarah Hodgkins had eight children at the time and two more were born on the Hodgkins’ farm years later. This farm was the sole livelihood for the family

City of Lake Worth. Throughout his lifetime, it was James’ wish that park land would be ‘given’ to a future city for children and adults to enjoy.

Hodgkins Park to this day remains

during these years. Beside a small

one of the most popular beloved parks

creek which fed into the Trinity River,

in the city of Lake Worth. This beautiful

Hodgkins dug a well located in what

park is shaded by the majestic canopy

we now know as Hodgkins Memorial

of Oak Trees making it a favorable

Park, the well became the only source of fresh water in the area for the next nine years. This well was the first of eight (8) wells that were later built within the network of connecting pipelines to supply water to the homes of the Hodgkins family members.

In 1987 the sons of Vivian Hodgkins White; James, Barry, Charles and

If you would like to learn more about the history of the Hodgkins family, or interested in renting out this beautiful park, please visit the city of Lake Worth’s website Parks’ page for more info.

spot for children and adults to visit throughout the year. The park is often rented out for birthdays, gatherings and other special occasions, as it features picnic tables, a large covered pavilion, grills, a playground, and soon, a public restroom which is currently being built. The city strives to keep the park and its historical significance

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hodgkins memorial park

In the fall of 1906, James and Sarah

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Get Kids Back on a sleep Schedule 26

Kids S e v e n T i p s To G e t

Back

on a school sleep schedule

by Steve Gamel

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screaming and groggy child out of bed so they can get dressed

Adjust Slowly

and make it to school on time. Wow; that’s a lot of hands. For

Once you know how much sleep

many parents, the struggle is real, especially during the first couple of

your child needs, you may be

weeks of the school year when our kiddos are still used to lazy summer

thinking the answer to making up

days of staying up late and sleeping in.

ground is to enforce a ridiculously

Getting up early for school is difficult for any kid or parent, and while you probably should have introduced a new sleep routine a week or so before school started, all is not lost. Many of the same tips still apply now that school has started.

early bedtime right off the bat. On the contrary, a solid tip is to work them into the new pattern gradually – start with moving the time up by 20 or 30 minutes, then push it up

Here are a few you can try right now to give your kids the rest they

45 minutes to an hour.

need and make those mornings a tad easier.

Cut Out Caffeine

Know How Much Sleep

Limit Electronic Screen Time

As we all know, caffeine can even

The first step in determining

Our kids are used to watching TV,

make grownups jumpy and wide

when your child should go to bed

playing video games, or talking to

awake. So you can imagine that

is determining how much sleep

friends on their phones. This extra

allowing your child to drink soda at

they need. The National Sleep

screen time, especially right before

dinner may be counterproductive if

Foundation recommends different

bedtime, makes it harder for them

you’re trying to get them to go to

hours for different age groups.

to fall asleep. Eliminate screen time

bed earlier. Choose water instead.

For example, teenagers need

at least an hour before their new

roughly 8-10 hours of sleep versus

bedtime, or better yet, immediately

a preschooler, who needs 10-13

after dinner.

hours of quality sleep.

Don’t Let Them Nap After School

Get Into A Routine

Move Everything Else Up, Too

Try to avoid allowing your child to

Creating a routine that your child

Another way to help get the kids

take a nap after school, as it will

can count on every night will help

into bed earlier once school has

only make going to bed later that

them wind down and mentally

started is to move all the busy

much more difficult. You can avoid

prepare for bed. A perfect example

household chores up an hour or

the midday snooze by keeping them

for younger kids is having them

so. For example, have them do

active with sports, putting a priority

take a bath, brush their teeth, get

their homework as soon as they

on getting their homework done, or

their pajamas on, and read a book.

get home from school, so it’s out

even putting them to work with a

You can even have fun with this and

of the way, then try having dinner

few chores around the house.

create a bedtime chart, complete

as a family at 5:30 instead of 6:30

with pictures and “good behavior

p.m. You can also adjust your own

stars.” For older kids, you can

bedtime, so your child realizes it’s

replace some of these steps by just

time for everyone to go to bed. This

sitting with them in their room and

creates a calmer mood throughout

let them talk about their day.

the house as bedtime approaches.

What tips do you have to make getting your child back on a sleep schedule less stressful? Share them with us on our Facebook page.

We’d also love to see your first day of school pictures.

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Get Kids Back on a sleep Schedule

R

aise your hand if you’re still having to “gently” pull your

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