Lantana Living Magazine February 2019

FEBRUARY 15, 2019 - MARCH 15, 2019

BEYOND

WINS & LOSSES

In The

COURT

ROOM

THE “SHARK” OF LANTANA

SICK

OF BEING

SICK?

LANTANA

SUPER DOG!

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

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FEBRUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 3

Photos were submitted by area residents. If you’d like to submit your photos for publication or if you have any questions please email us at artwork@murray-media.com.

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| FEBRUARY 2019

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FEBRUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 5

LantanaLiving.com

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Administration Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors Bobbi Byrne Emily Mitchell

Writers & Editor

Steve Gamel Barbara-Scott Kolb

Advertising

Kelly Murray kelly@murray-media.com

Production

Art Director Liz Wallace Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Alyson Modene

Photography

Your Candid Memories 469.583.2819 yourcandidmemories.com

Letters

Lantana 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 www.murray-media.com

Address: 3513 Yucca Dr., Ste. 200 Flower Mound, TX 75028 Lantana Living is published monthly

by Murray Media Group. Some articles and/or content may be sponsored by advertisers. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. Lantana Living is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Advertisers and its agencies assume all liability for advertising content. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission in writing from the publisher. © 2019 Murray Media Group

Having A Legal Partner

YOU CAN TRUST

O

ne of the things I have always loved about our magazines here at Murray Media Group is how

quickly so many local business owners come together and get to know one

another. In this day and age, having those relationships is a valuable thing.

Think about it: who looks in a phone book anymore to find a new plumber, lawn care specialist, financial services rep, or even a babysitter? I can tell you the answer.

It’s no one. We all rely on a combination of word of mouth, referrals, in-person

networking, and social media to build

relationships with people we know, like, and trust to take care of us – no matter what that product or service may be.

This month is our legal issue, and the topic of this blog post is perfect for our lawyer friends out there. It is so

refreshing to know that no matter what

need we have in the legal world – divorce,

adoption, business legal concerns, etc. – that there is someone close by who can

handle those concerns for us in a caring, trusting, and compassionate way.

I am sure I will leave someone out,

so please forgive me in advance, but

some of the lawyers and attorneys who immediately spring to mind are firms

such as KoonsFuller, Christman Attorneys, Hayes, Berry, White & Van Zandt, Nelson Law Group, and The Wright Firm.

Just these five firms alone cover the

entire Denton County area, and there are plenty more where that came from.

We hope you learn something from this month’s legal issue, and if you have a

legal concern, please don’t hesitate to

reach out to us. We’d be happy to refer

any of our friends to these great law firms.

Thanks for reading!

Sincerely, Kelly Murray

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

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TABLE OF

CONTENTS The Legal

ISSUE

Look for the icon above and get to know your local legal experts.

32

On the Cover: Charla Bradshaw of KoonsFuller Family Law

FEATURED:

Beyond Wins & Losses In The Courtroom ASK THE EXPERTS 26 Counseling with Hopemead Counseling & Trauma Center 34 Makeover of the Month by Cloud 9 Salon & Spa 38 Organizing with Cloud

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 14 What’s That Guys Name?

Guy T Photography: AwardWinning Photographer Captures Craftsman Degree PHOTOS FROM LANTANA

20 EDITORS PICK: Lantana Super Dog! 22 Nearby Family Fun Adventures for Spring Break 24 Guyer Softball Season Preview 27 Sheriff’s Corner with

Sheriff Tracey Murphree

28 The Dreaded Robocalls

04 Lantana Resident Photos

30 Argyle & Liberty Christian Defend Their State Titles

40 School Days with Valorie McGilvra

ARTICLES

36 7 Tips to Keep Kids Safer

44 Fitness with Jesse James Fit

10 Inside Community

50 Dentistry with Country Lakes Family Dental

11 Inside Education

52 Home Design with ML Group

12 Pet Adoption of the Month

58 Gardening with Complete Solutions

16 Foodie Friday DFW

Nine Organizing

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08 When It’s Time to Lawyer-Up?

12 Blanton Fun Run

21 AFM: Mystery Illness

42 10 Years and Thriving 46 Irish Beer Cheese Soup Recipe 48 Sick of Being Sick?

54 Create Bake Love 56 Weird Laws That Still Exist 60 The “Shark” of Lantana 62 Argyle’s Standifer Commits to Clemson FEBRUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 7

Legal Article

When

IT’S TIME TO LAWYER-UP? Eight Common Sense Do’s and Don’ts

by Steve Gamel

T

here may come a day when you or a family member are faced with having to go to court. And regardless of whether you are the victim and simply there to collect damages, or you’ve been summoned because of a dispute or something you allegedly did wrong, it’s guaranteed to be a stressful situation as you wait to see how the legal process plays out.

None of us are expected to be masters of the courtroom. After all, that’s what lawyers are for. But there are a few common sense do’s and don’ts to consider when it’s time to lawyer up and protect our best interests.

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The Do’s

WITH LAWYERS HIRE AN ATTORNEY The option is there to represent yourself in court, but there’s a reason why attorneys went to school for all those years to learn about everything from family law to personal injury law, criminal law, etc. So hire one. Lawyers are highly trained to understand all the nuances of a court case and can help negotiate fair settlements, challenge evidence, keep costs low, and be a trusted advisor every step of the way. As yourself what’s at stake and bring in a lawyer who is an expert in the area you need help with.

ASK ABOUT LEGAL FEES UP FRONT Many people do not realize how quickly attorney fees, court costs, and other miscellaneous expenses can add up in a court case. Therefore, it’s common sense to know what to expect before you get into a legal battle. What are court costs and what do they include? Does your attorney bill by the hour or as a flat fee? When is payment expected?

The Don’ts

WITH LAWYERS DON’T LIE TO YOUR LAWYER This is the most common sense tip of them all. Always tell your lawyer the truth, as it arms them with all the necessary information to construct a solid case on your behalf.

The consequences of lying can include something as simple as losing your case to jail time, penalties and fines, or having to spend more money finding a new lawyer because the old one won’t work with you anymore.

DON’T TALK ABOUT YOUR CASE WITH ANYONE Except your lawyer, of course. There is a myriad of people that could reach out to you during a court case, from insurance adjusters to defense lawyers, and family and friends.

Believe it or not, talking too freely with loved ones in person and even on social media can come back to bite you in the rear. Any lawyer will tell you it’s better to keep your mouth shut and let them do the talking for you.

DO WHAT YOUR LAWYER ASKS OF YOU Last but not least, trust that your lawyer knows what is best for you. Now is not the time to let egos get in the way by challenging their decisions.

KEEP GREAT RECORDS Talk about an easy way to save money throughout the legal process. By maintaining great records, and being willing to seek out some of the information gathering stuff for your lawyer, you will cut down on how much time your lawyer is spending on the case. This can include everything from bank account information to bankruptcy paperwork, and even pictures or other evidence that might be pertinent to your case.

DON’T BE LATE TO COURT You will not put yourself in a positive light if you are late to your court case or any pretrial hearings. This is a no-brainer, so be mindful of its importance and put your best foot forward.

DON’T LET YOUR EMOTIONS GET THE BEST OF YOU It is very important that you remain calm before, during, and after court. Divorce cases and custody battles are perfect examples of cases where emotions run high, and parties in a case begin making rash decisions. Stick with the facts of your case.

*The content of this article is for informational purposes only and is in no way intended to be considered legal advice or take the place of what would otherwise be advised by an experienced lawyer. Always consult with an attorney before moving forward in any legal situation.

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FEBRUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 9

INSIDE COMMUNITY 2ND ANNUAL MUSACCHIO

MUD MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE Sat., Mar 2nd | 7am - 1pm | Cinnamon Creek Ranch 13794 Old Denton Road • Roanoke, TX 76262 Want to challenge yourself while supporting a great cause?

Well be sure to mark your calendars for the Mud Mountain

Challenge at Cinnamon Creek Archery. They’ll have a 1-mile,

2-mile or 4-mile mud run with natural terrain obstacles. Along with kids activities, there’ll be food, beer garden, music and archery fun for everyone. Register at www.active.com and search Musacchio Mud Mountain Challenge.

NORTH TEXAS

IRISH FESTIVAL

5TH ANNUAL GIVING &

GOLF TOURNAMENT

Fri. 6pm - 11pm | Sat. 10:30am - 11:30pm | Sun. 11:30am - 7:30pm

Fri - Sun, Mar 8th - 10th | Located at Fair Park Dallas, TX

Mon., Apr 8th | 8am - 3pm | Lantana Golf Club 800 Golf Club Dr. • Lantana, TX 76226

Friday Pricing: 6pm to 7pm - Free. Anyone in line at any gate on or before 7pm is allowed in free. Saturday the tickets will cost $20 and Sunday they will be $14, or get discounted tickets for $14 at Tom Thumb and Albertsons stores. For more information on discounts and packaged deals visit www.ntif.org/tickets/prices.html

Golf for a cause at the 5th annual Cloud 9 Charities Giving & Golf Tournament. Registration is at 8am with a 9am shotgun start. It will be a 4 man scramble. Only $1200 per team and includes cart and green fees, breakfast, lunch, snacks, beverages and gift. Register ahead of time at cloud9charities.org/our-events/

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INSIDE EDUCATION 4TH ANNUAL GUYER BAND MATTRESS FUNDRAISER Sat., Mar 2nd | 10am - 5pm 7501 Teasley Ln. • Denton, TX 76210 Join the Denton Guyer High School Band for their annual mattress fundraiser. All mattresses are brand new with full factory warranties.

Different sizes will be available along with various firmness and pillow-tops. Financing is available. Sleep in comfort while supporting your local high school band. For more information visit bit.ly/beds4dghs.

photo courtesy of E.P. Rayzor

CONGRATS TO DAWN VAUGHN E.P. Rayzor Elementary was proud to announce their teacher of the year, Mrs. Vaughn. She has over 30 years of teaching experience and is currently a Dyslexia Therapist at the school.

Mrs. Vaughn in a caring educator who loves

children and helps to unlock the sometimes difficult task of reading/writing. Be sure to read more about Mrs. Vaughn in our next issue of Lantana Living!

GUYER PTSA SCHOLARSHIP

APPLICATIONS OPEN

The Guyer PTSA offers scholarships to seniors through an essay contest. This year the three scholarships are 1st Place -$1000, 2nd Place - $750, 3rd Place - $500. Any PTSA member

who is a graduating senior can apply for these scholarships. Non-PTSA members may also

apply if they join PTSA prior to the application

deadline by visiting JoinPTA.org. Applications are available in the counseling office.

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GUYER

EVENTS Varsity Softball vs Lake Dallas Feb 26th at 7pm at Guyer Wildcat Softball Field Varsity Softball vs Keller Central Mar 5th at 7pm at Keller Central HS Varsity Softball vs Southlake Mar 8th at 7pm at Southlake Carroll High School Varsity Baseball vs El Paso East Lake Feb 28th at 1:30pm at Guyer High School Baseball Field Varsity Baseball vs Braswell Feb 28th at 7pm at Guyer High School Baseball Field Varsity Baseball vs Lake Highlands Mar 1st at 1:30pm at Flower Mound High School Varsity Baseball vs Flower Mound Mar 1st at 7pm at Flower Mound High School FEBRUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 11

BLANTON

ELEMENTARY

FUN RUN FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2019

T

he Blanton Elementary PTA is currently planning its annual flagship fundraising event, the 11th Annual Blanton Fun Run. Blanton students will run as many laps as they can in 20 minutes to help raise money for technology, educational programs, events and school investments that the PTA provides. Thanks to our generous corporate sponsors, each child will receive a t-shirt and a Blanton Fun Run water bottle!

PET

ADOPTION Of the Month

All donations will be flat dollar amounts. We do not do per lap pledges. An event

of this magnitude could not be successful without the support of our local business community. Through last years success, we were able to enhance our student’s quality of life by offering more programs, guest speakers, new electronics, playground equipment and much more. The PTA is excited to expand upon this success and have another great year for the event.

On March 8th, we will send home a sheet with information on how to donate and details on the prizes your child can win with donations and/or laps run. You can get a head start on donations if you’re visiting family or friends over Spring Break! On March 22nd, you will receive a pledge envelope for your students to return with all cash and check donations they collect. Donations can be made in the form of cash, check, and even online by credit card. Online donations can be made by family and friends without needing to log in to our website to use a credit card! Spirit signs and Shout-outs will also be available for purchase by parents and guests. All money from shout-outs and spirit sign purchases will count toward your student’s final donation amount.

Here is the tentative schedule for the day of the event: K - 8:30 – 9:15am 1st - 9:20 – 10:05am 2nd - 10:10 – 10:55am 3rd - 11:00 – 11:45am 4th - 11:50am – 12:35pm 5th - 12:40 – 1:25pm

MEET PAYO! Payo is a senior dog that LOVES balls and toys. He is a lab mix that wants to live out his golden years in a loving home with plenty of tennis balls. Payo is well behaved and great on a leash.

He likes to play fetch or entertain himself with toys.

Go meet Payo today!! He is available for adoption at Flower Mound Animal Services.

AWARDS CEREMONY -1:45 – 2:30pm Join in the fun – Run with your child or cheer them on while volunteering.

Hope to see you there!!

Interested in donating or sponsoring? We are so appreciative of all of our organization’s past support for this important event. You can make your donation online at www.blantonpta.org. Click on the Fun Run page and follow directions for business donation by February 28, 2019 or checks can be made payable to: BLANTON PTA (with FUN RUN written on the memo line) and can be given directly to a committee member, dropped off at the front office or mailed to:

Flower Mound Animal Services 972.874.6390 3950 Justin Rd., Flower Mound, TX 75028 9am-5pm Mon. - Fri. & 10am - 3pm Sun. photo and info courtesy of Flower Mound Animal Services

Blanton Elementary School PTA | 9501 Stacee Ln. • Lantana, TX 76226 12 | LANTANA LIVING

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FEBRUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 13

Business Spotlight

Award-Winning Photographer

CAPTURES

CRAFTSMAN DEGREE

by Steve Gamel

F

or Guy T, being a photographer means so much more than simply looking through a viewfinder and delivering professional results day in and day out. It’s about using his talents to give back through selfless service and education. If he happens to be recognized by his peers with awards and accolades along the way, then that’s just part of the journey.

“What gets you there is far more important to me,” said Guy T, owner of What’s That Guy’s Name? | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GUY T. “Being able to share

something I know with others who don’t know it yet, or being able to take someone from Point A to Point B and elevate their skill set is what’s important. The journey is far more special than the destination. They are just nice enough to give me an item I can hang around my neck. It’s nice to be recognized by my peers.”

Photography above by ‘What’s That Guy’s Name?’

The “they” Guy T referred to is the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), which awarded him with his long-awaited Craftsman degree on January 21st at a ceremony at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. Guy T walked across the stage to receive a degree he’s been pursuing for more than two years. It is yet

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another symbol of his passion for life, photography, and the expectations he has placed on himself since leaving a 26-plus year career as a corporate educator just more than six years ago.

According to the PPA, “Awarded for service as a speaker, author, or mentor, this degree shows that you have gone beyond the creation of images and dedicated your time to move the industry forward and encourage education.”

The Craftsman degree is one of a litany of accolades for Guy T, who is constantly in the know on the latest trends and techniques that separate good photographers from the best. Beyond numerous local awards and rave reviews from happy customers throughout Denton County, he has been named an Associate Fellow of the Texas Professional Photographers Association. Guy T will also step in as an instructor with the Texas School of Photography, an affiliate of the PPA, April 28th-May 3rd to teach an Adobe Lightroom class called “Unlock Lightroom (And Upgrade Your Life!).”

Bottom line, photographers can be found at every turn these days. But if you’re in the market for a corporate event photographer, quality headshots, professional images of you and your business to enhance online presence, portraits, senior photos, and fine art, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who approaches his full-time job as a photographer with as much experience, passion, personality, and commitment to his clients as Guy T. “I don’t think I’m done yet,” Guy T said of his willingness to continue learning and sharing his knowledge with others.

“When I can learn more and produce even better results for my clients, that’s really the reward.”

469.500.5657 www.WhatsThatGuysName.com www.LantanaLiving.com

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FEBRUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 15

Foodie Friday DFW: Tierney’s Cafe & Tavern

TIERNEY’S

Cafe & Tavern W e are so excited to re-feature one of our original Foodie Friday locations from five years

ago - Tierney’s Cafe and Tavern in Old Town Lewisville.

If you’re a meat and potatoes kind of

person, you should definitely give one of Tierney’s steaks a try. On Saturdays they serve up prime rib (so sad we weren’t

there on a Saturday), but any other day

We always love meeting with owner, Greg Tierney. He’s been a staple in Old Town Lewisville for 24 years - 13 years at Mill Street Cafe and 11 years at Tierney’s.

There’s something about Tierney’s that’s just – special. It could be the hundred-

year-old house it’s located in. It could be

the feeling of family you get each time you

of the week you can order other steak options like their Blue Steak.

You’ve probably also heard that Tierney’s has a fantastic outdoor patio where you can enjoy live music on the weekends.

This place really is so much more than just

a restaurant - it’s also a true venue. They’ve hosted reunions, graduation parties,

step inside. It could be their Potato Chip

wedding rehearsal dinners, and even

more than just a restaurant. But really -

But all of that goes back to the fact

Chicken, or the fact that they’re so much it’s a combination of all of those things

headed by Greg and his amazing staff.

actual weddings!

that Greg and his staff have created a spot in Old Town Lewisville where

As we mentioned, if you’re familiar with

everyone feels welcome, everyone feels

probably already know about their Potato

and enjoy themselves.

Tierney’s Cafe and Tavern at all, you

taken care of, and everyone can relax

Chip Chicken, which is absolutely one of

So, get yourselves on down to Tierney’s

their top-sellers. Greg told us whenever someone walks in the door and doesn’t need a menu, 90% of the time he can

guarantee it’s because they’re there for the Potato Chip Chicken. And there’s a

972.353.2109

Cafe and Tavern, order up some of that

Potato Chip Chicken, a salad, and a slice of

pie and just enjoy this incredible Old Town Lewisville staple.

TierneysCafeAndTavern.com 208 E. Main St. Lewisville, TX 75057

reason it’s so well-loved - it is delicious!

Tierney’s also makes some fantastic salad options like their signature

Tierney’s Salad made with mixed field greens, strawberries, pecans, onions, and blue cheese. We’re also fans of their Salmon Salad served with the Raspberry Vinaigrette.

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972.724.2540 | JayMarksRealEstate.com jay@jaymarksrealestate.com 1013 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 102 | Flower Mound, TX 75022 www.LantanaLiving.com

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FEBRUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 17

photos courtesy of Sandra Thayer

LANTANA SUPER DOG!

Helps Save Elderly Couple From Fire

by Steve Gamel

L

antana resident Sandra Thayer and her dog, Migyrl, were like two peas in a pod from the second Thayer rescued her from a shelter in Lewisville just more than a year ago. In fact, it’s not often where Migyrl will leave her owner’s side.

That’s why Thayer was thrown for a loop when she noticed Migyrl went missing on December 27.

“We were in the backyard together, and I turn around, and she’s gone,” Thayer said.

“She had ducked under the fence.”

As it turns out, Migyrl was running away for a reason – and neighbors are now crediting her for saving the lives of an elderly couple. Per a letter from a resident who preferred not to be mentioned by name in this article, she and her parents

Meet Migyrl, a Boston Bull Terrier, quarter Pomeranian and quarter Chihuahua who is being credited for saving the lives of an elderly couple.

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live next door to each other on a property that backs up to the Lantana subdivision, and on that day, her parent’s garage had caught on fire and initially went

undetected as it slowly began spreading.

Their cleaning lady had just walked onto the front porch to shake

out a few rugs when she spotted Migyrl, who is

half Boston Bull Terrier, quarter Pomeranian,

and quarter chihuahua

scurrying back and forth and acting incredibly strange. When the cleaning lady looked up, she saw the smoke and flames.

Thankfully, the cleaning lady was able to get into the parent’s home and found them safe and sound on the opposite end of the house and took them to safety.

When they went back to retrieve Migyrl, she ran away.

When I read the letter [from the resident], I couldn’t believe what I was reading. It gave me chills thinking that she saved those people.”

Thayer said she would never have known about Migyrl’s heroics if it hadn’t been for the letter she received. Migyrl was eventually found by someone else and returned to Thayer later that same day.

“She went through quite a bit of brush to get over there,” Thayer said. “I am extremely proud of her. You see dogs on TV getting awards for stuff like that. She’s a very smart dog and is very protective of me. When I read the letter [from the resident], I couldn’t believe what I was reading. It gave me chills thinking that she saved those people.”

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L Re anta sid na en t

AFM: THE POLIO-LIKE

MYSTERY ILLNESS

by Dr. Rebecca Butler, Board Certified in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics

Sponsored Content

A

cute flaccid myelitis (AFM) refers to a polio-like neurologic disease first reported in 2012 in California in a child with evidence of enterovirus D68 in respiratory tract specimens. An increase in reported cases has been observed in the late summer and fall of subsequent years, including 2014, 2016, and 2018.

As of November 2018, federal health officials have confirmed over 100 cases of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) in the United States. Most of these cases have been in children around 4 years old. Despite extensive laboratory testing, the exact cause of AFM has not been confirmed and it remains unclear whether the illness is the direct result of the viral illnesses or an autoimmune response in some individuals who contract these viral illnesses.

•

Frequent handwashing

Remember, AFM is different than polio!

•

Staying up to date on

While AFM is often called a “polio-like

While this sounds frightening, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reminds parents that AFM is very rare. The chances of a child getting it are less than one in a million.

with a respiratory or gastrointestinal illness

The best thing you can do to protect your children from getting sick is to keep up with what you are already doing:

to a few days. The average onset of

• •

routine immunizations

illness,” polio is very different.

Keeping household surfaces clean by

Prior to the polio vaccine which was

regular sanitizing and disinfecting

introduced in 1955, polio was very

Keeping your children home from

and killed thousands of people every year.

daycare or school when they are sick •

Wearing insect repellant when mosquitos are near

Characteristic features of this disorder are a febrile or respiratory illness before the onset of neurologic symptoms and a presentation similar to poliomyelitis, with limb weakness, and variable facial weakness, eye weakness, speech disturbances. Patients usually present first

common in the United States. It paralyzed Thanks to the vaccine, polio has been

eliminated in the United States. But it still occurs in other parts of the world.

Why to keep getting children vaccinated for polio:

It would only take one person

infected with polio coming from another country to bring the disease back here if we were not protected by vaccination. If

the effort to eliminate the disease from the world is successful, some day we won’t

accompanied by fever, chills and body

need polio vaccine.

aches. Weakness typically progresses

Talk with your pediatrician if you

rapidly, most often reaching maximum severity over the course of a few hours neurologic symptoms was 7 days into the viral illness.

are concerned about your child’s health.

Seek immediate medical care if your child has sudden weakness, loss of

muscle tone, a droopy face, or difficulty swallowing or speaking.

An overview of CDC information and resources for AFM in the United States is found at https://www.cdc.gov/acute-flaccid-myelitis/index.html.

940.455.7200 | www.LantanaPediatrics.com | 74 McMakin Rd., Ste. 100 • Bartonville, TX 76226 Mon, Tues, Thurs: 7:30am-5pm • Wed: 7:30am - 12:30pm • Fri: 7:30 - 4pm • Sat: 9am - 12pm

FLU SEA SO I N Plea S HER E. se s che you dul r flu sho e ts.

Nearby

FAMILY FUN ADVENTURES

FOR SPRING BREAK

by Steve Gamel

M

any families are looking to do something fun for Spring Break, but

there’s simply not enough time to go out of state or even somewhere exotic. The

good news is there are plenty of options relatively close to home.

Here are a few of those fun family ideas – all located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area:

ADVENTURE

2 1/2 and up for three hours or all day.

Kids will have fun making friends, getting exercise, and learning new skills in this super kid-friendly sport center.

ESCAPE ROOMS HQ escaperoomshq.com Escape Rooms HQ is a one-of-a-kind fantasy entertainment facility (Lewisville and Las Colinas) where players race against the clock to solve all of the clues to escape their mystery room. Your team will be charged with solving a series of codes, locks, and puzzles that reveal clues to enable the escape. This is especially good for older kids and fun for the whole family.

ALTITUDE TRAMPOLINE PARK www.altitudedenton.com/ This is incredible for kids of all ages. Go crazy with 30,000 square feet of foam pits, gymnastics tumble tracks, a kid zone, basketball dunking lanes, dodgeball, and more. The facility is located across from Golden Triangle Mall in Denton.

LEGOLAND dallasfw.legolanddiscoverycenter.com For kids who love Legos, it’s a no-brainer.

There are rides, Lego build and play zones, a 4D cinema, and a mini-city all to explore. It’s geared toward younger kids but is enjoyable for parents, too. Tickets online can be cheaper, and they have group discounts.

WINKIDS www.winkids.net/ During Spring Break, there are outrageously fun camps for children ages

ZONE ACTION PARK thezoneactionparktexas.com/ There are go-karts and putt-putt golf as well as loads of games and fun inside. It’s

22 | LANTANA LIVING

| FEBRUARY 2019

nothing fancy, but it is fun. Groupons are sometimes available.

GREAT WOLF LODGE IN GRAPEVINE greatwolf.com/grapevine Talk about a family getaway that doesn’t break the bank! Located in Grapevine near Grapevine Mills Mall, Great Wolf Lodge Resort offers everything from indoor waterslides and pools to arts, crafts, food, entertainment, lodging, and shopping. Stay for a day or stay in the luxurious hotel to maximize your fun.

ANIMALS & AQUATICS DALLAS ZOO www.dallaszoo.com The zoo is always fun, and there’s plenty for the kids to see and do. The Keeper Encounters and Training Demonstrations are always interesting for a behind-thescenes look. There’s even a guide to Pokemon Go on their website. You can www.LantanaLiving.com

save with CityPass if you’re planning to experience other nearby venues.

FORT WORTH ZOO

www.fortworthzoo.org

This is the oldest zoo in Texas, and yet, this is so much more than just a zoo. There’s

the Yellow Rose Express Train, a carrousel, a petting zoo, the Play Barn playground

and climbing area, a shooting gallery for kids, rock climbing and much more.

SHARKAROSA WILDLIFE RANCH IN

THE DALLAS ARBORETUM AND

www.sharkarosa.com/

www.dallasarboretum.org/

PILOT POINT

Another hidden gem in North Texas,

The Arboretum is beautiful with

and regulated by the USDA. Families

For the kids, there is the Rory Meyers

experience featuring endangered exotic

overlooking White Rock Lake. This is a

and a leg.

beauty that surrounds us.

Sharkarosa is a non-profit ranch licensed

breathtaking gardens at every turn.

can get an up-close-and-personal zoo

Adventure Garden for Children

wildlife – without spending an arm

great opportunity to experience all the RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT/LOUIS

DALLAS WORLD AQUARIUM

TUSSAUDS PALACE OF WAX

www.dwazoo.com

www.ripleys.com/grandprairie

Much like the zoo, it’s hard to go

Adults and children alike would definitely

wrong with a trip to the aquarium. It’s

educational, it’s fun, and it’s cool to see

sharks. There also aren’t a ton of lines, so you and the family can go at your own pace and enjoy every exhibit.

FRANK BUCK ZOO IN GAINESVILLE

www.gainesville.tx.us/index.aspx?nid=108

miss out by not checking out the unique –

MUSEUM FUN PEROT MUSEUM

www.perotmuseum.org

When you think of museums, you

Dubbed the Star of North Texas, the Frank

think quiet and sometimes boring.

experiences and more without having to

anything but boring, and the kids will

great venue to have a birthday party at or

things to do, and it’s great learning for

Buck Zoo offers all your traditional zoo

But NOT the Perot Museum. This is

drive into Dallas or Fort Worth. This is a

love it. There are lots of interactive

even have a private guided tour.

everyone. Even the building is radical.

www.LantanaLiving.com

BOTANICAL GARDENS

and odd – attractions at Ripley’s. Ever seen a two-headed animal, a shrunken head, or hung out with wax replicas of Superman

or Cher? Here’s your chance. It’s worth it.

THE SIXTH FLOOR MUSEUM AT DEALEY PLAZA www.jfk.org

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from

social media, it’s that people don’t know

their history. So let’s change that with our

kids. Teach them about what happened on that fateful November day.

FEBRUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 23

VETERAN LINEUP, QUALITY DEPTH GIVES GUYER OPTIMISM IN 2019

by Steve Gamel

T

he Guyer softball team is coming off a run to the third round of the play ofs and have almost everyone back from that team. Perhaps more impressive is its newfound depth, which could make the Lady Wildcats an even tougher out in 2019.

Head coach Keith Medford admitted he was busier than normal in January trying to be as efficient as possible with team practices so that all players could get as many reps as possible. The Lady Wildcats have more than 30 girls, including five to six returning starters. That’s a significant amount of depth for softball – even for a Class 6A squad.

scored. She’ll be joined by Ryan Gallegos, a second baseman who coach Medford said is primed for a breakout season. Last year, Gallegos batted .373 with 30 RBIs and 31 runs scored. Medford also praised outfielders Eva Meyers and Kara DeBruin.

“I don’t think anyone would argue that Morgan is the leader of the team, but it’s hard to pinpoint one girl,” said Medford, “Just when you think you’re prepared, who also has a few freshman that could then it hits you,” Medford said make waves this season. “They with a laugh. “We have more all bring something special “We have more numbers than I think we’ve to the table, and I think numbers than I think ever had, so it’s created many of them have been quite a bit of adjusting. overlooked. There are we’ve ever had, so it’s But we’re having fun also girls like Jenna Rover created quite a bit of with it.” and Kate Moala. Both play adjusting. But we’re third base and can hit the having fun with it.”

Medford has every right to ball out of the park at any be optimistic. His program is time. Our first baseman, Bailey a perennial playoff favorite and Anderson, is also incredible.” rarely misses the playoffs. The last time it did was the 2017 campaign, and it was He added, “And most of them are seniors. by one game. Guyer followed that with a They’ve been through a lot – they’ve seen 23-4-2 record last year. heartbreak, being out of the playoffs by one game and then bouncing back and Back for another round is a very strong making our longest run since the state senior class led by Morgan Medford. tournament last year.”

The all-star shortstop and Tarleton State commit batted .510 from the leadoff One of the keys to Guyer’s success over position last year while racking up 44 runs the years has always been pitching and 24 | LANTANA LIVING

| FEBRUARY 2019

having someone solid behind the plate.

Last year, Sylvia Murillo was the Lady Wildcats’ ace in the circle, and she didn’t disappoint. But Murillo graduated, as did their starting catcher, which means the biggest question mark as this season gets underway is at those two positions.

Medford didn’t want to throw any names out there yet in terms of a starter but said the competition was wide open heading into the team’s first preseason tournament in Carrollton. They have a few move-ins at both positions, and Lauren Bates, a sophomore who was injured last year, is expected to be in the mix.

At catcher, there’s also sophomore Madison Slater and freshman Kate Wentworth.

“They’ve all done so well that I think we will need to get creative in finding ways to get them all on the field. But the competition is wide open right now,” Medford said. “Those are very important positions. If we can figure those out, I think we’ll be OK. Whether you like it or not, the expectations we’ve created around here is quite the animal. We embrace that, though, and we’re going to have fun this season watching this team play.” www.LantanaLiving.com

www.LantanaLiving.com

FEBRUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 25

Ask The Expert: Counseling

about topics in your area that may benefit your learning.

Interview at least three legal experts.

MANAGING

STRESS WHEN DEALING WITH THE LAW It’s your worst nightmare coming true.

YOU ARE STRESSED.

of what each expert is saying while you are simultaneously learning about your situation.

Reach out to your community for local

referrals to experts. It is a good idea to

choose a professional who has specific

experience with your topic. The American

Bar Association can be a resource to guide you through steps in your area.

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

Talk to others. Share your problems and how you are feeling and coping with a

parent, friend, counselor, doctor, or pastor.

Make sure kids are getting some social

time so they can dilute some of the stress they are feeling.

M

aintaining a low-stress family life is not an easy task since it is a different level of stress to deal

with. Life can be incredibly stressful when things you may have never anticipated happen, and when you find yourself

needing to involve authority such as police, lawyers, and other officials,

the distress is considerably higher.

Some examples of situations include

couples who are going through divorce

negotiations, a teenager’s interaction with the law, immigration distress, adoption or fostering and Child Protection or Family Protection Services, co-parenting in the

absence of a collaborative relationship,

and need for legal aid or death of a family member to name a few.

The number of emotions one can feel

during this time are many. Some common reactions to a stressful event includes: • Disbelief, shock, and numbness

• Feeling sad, frustrated, and helpless • Fear and anxiety about the future • Feeling guilty

• Anger, tension, and irritability • Difficulty concentrating and making decisions

26 | LANTANA LIVING

This gives you a good understanding

| FEBRUARY 2019

• Crying

• Reduced interest in usual activities • Wanting to be alone • Loss of appetite

• Sleeping too much or too little

• Smoking, or use of alcohol or drugs (Source: CDC.gov) When the above symptoms occur, they can impact the brain and induce fear,

which leads to critical thinking may be impacted. This means that decisions

about loved ones may be made without

clarity and while experiencing emotional distress and fatigue. Here are some

recommendations to consider when you are in these situations:

INDIVIDUAL SELF-CARE

Eat healthy, well-balanced meals.

Exercise as much as possible and focus on getting at least seven hours of sleep.

While your mind may be telling you to

Create an advisory council. At a time that

your own stress may cloud your judgment, it is a good idea to vent ideas around next steps with a small group of 3-4 trusted

individuals in your social and family circles.

This helps you get clarity at a time you may be emotionally fatigued with the process.

Talk to a mental health professional. It

is a space you can access to work with

a therapist or counselor to support you during this trying time.

Stress can impact our physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Interacting with the law can be an incredibly

intimidating experience for most families.

Making sure to take care of the individual self while maintaining calm as your focus on your task is imperative for overall

wellness. Emotional support can benefit

the entire family and should be sought via a Licensed Mental health provider.

keep busy or focused on the stress, taking

time out for reflection, yoga, or meditation can be extremely helpful.

TASK BASED SUPPORT

Research the legal elements around your

by Sheeza Mohsin, PhD., LMFT Hopemead Counseling & Trauma Center www.hopemead.com

challenge. There are blogs and writeups

www.LantanaLiving.com

SHERIFF ’S

CORNER C

with Sheriff Tracy Murphree

aptain Douglas Lee supervises the Denton County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division. Under

Captain Lee’s command, there are

three Lieutenants, five Sergeants, three Corporals, and currently 41 Patrol

Deputies. Denton County is divided into

six sections or beats. Our deputies patrol the unincorporated areas of Denton

County but assist other agencies within

the county. Our deputies are responsible for providing 24-hour law enforcement services to the citizens residing in the

unincorporated areas of Denton County.

www.LantanaLiving.com

a School Resource Officer. Not only do we enforce state laws on state highways, but we also enforce state laws on our local lakes and farm to market roads.

Our marine unit is the busiest during the summertime and holidays. Many boaters are enjoying the hot Texas

weather on the lakes, and we like to

maintain a high presence during these times. The traffic unit not only enforces

The patrol division is comprised of three standard shifts: day shift (7 am-3 pm), evening shift (3 pm-11 pm) and night shift (11 pm- 7 am).

traffic laws, but they also are looking for

The deputies answer all types of service calls, ranging from noise complaints to homicides. There is not anything routine about this job. Deputies have to be mentally and physically prepared to face their day. They are briefed on the happenings before hitting the streets.

Within the patrol division, we have special enforcement units including the Traffic Unit, Marine Unit, Animal Control Unit, and

are also trained in accident reconstruction

impaired or reckless drivers that may

cause or be involved in traffic crashes.

The deputies assigned to the traffic unit and commercial vehicle enforcement.

Most of our deputies started their career as a detention officer, attended the

police academy, then applied and were

promoted to the position of patrol deputy.

We are currently in the process of hiring

detention officers, so if you are interested or know someone who is, you can apply

online at www.dentoncounty.com/sheriff.

FEBRUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 27

THE

DREADED

ROBOCALLS AND TIPS TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THEM

by Steve Gamel

W

hat’s a robocall? That’s not a question you hear very often these days. After all, most of us can’t go more than an hour without receiving at least two or three of them. The phone rings, we answer, and on comes a pre-recorded message promising everything from too-good-to-be-true vacations to lower interest rates on credit cards and student loans.

Some even claim to be IRS agents

demanding payment to avoid jail time (don’t fall for it, folks).

3.4 BILLION CALLS IN APRIL 2018 That’s an Increase of Almost

900 MILLION CALLS A MONTH Compared to 2017

Clearly, it’s a problem that’s not going

away anytime soon. But there are ways to

information, they’re mostly harmless. But

IF YOU DON’T RECOGNIZE THE

few buttons and giving away personal that doesn’t change the fact that they

are ridiculously annoying, illegal, and

unethical. Many times, you will receive the same pre-recorded message from five or six different phone numbers, and many appear to be coming from a local area

code, which is more infuriating because

you answer thinking it’s a legitimate call.

According to a report in the New York

Times last May, the number of robocalls in April alone. Per the report, that’s an

| FEBRUARY 2019

spoof calls a month compared to 2017.

If you don’t get duped into pushing a

has reached epic proportions – 3.4 billion

28 | LANTANA LIVING

increase of almost 900 million scam and

minimize or eliminate these robocalls.

NUMBER, DON’T ANSWER

This is difficult for people who have never made it a habit of screening their phone calls, but it’s a great deterrent. Simply

send all unrecognizable calls – local or not – to voicemail. If it’s important, whoever

is calling will leave a message. Tip: if the Caller ID shows “blocked” or “unknown number,” it’s likely a robocall. The same can be said if the “person” calling you

happens to have the same first six digits (including area code) as your number.

www.LantanaLiving.com

IF YOU DO ANSWER, HANG UP AS QUICKLY AS YOU CAN

As weird as this may sound, the longer you stay on the line listening to the message, the more likely it will be that you will continue receiving robocalls. Don’t push any buttons, even if they say, “press 1 to be removed from our call list.”

TALK TO YOUR WIRELESS CARRIER Most wireless carriers have plans that include free spam identification and blocking features and apps. In other words, your screen will literally show the number that’s calling you with the words “suspected spam.” In some cases, your provider will immediately kick the call to voicemail without your phone even ringing.

DO NOT CALL REGISTRY IS STILL A THING

It’s still not the greatest deterrent on the planet, so don’t hold your breath. But … it’s better than nothing.

DOWNLOAD A PHONE APP As the old saying goes, “there’s an app for that.” Actually, there’s several, including third-party apps like Nomorobo, Truecaller, Hiya and a relatively new one called Robokiller that touts it can block over 1.1 million telemarketers and robocalls from ringing, even if they are spoofing or changing their numbers.

Robokiller promises a 90 percent reduction in spam calls within 30 days.

REPORT FRAUDULENT CALLERS This option is for those of you who have the time and want to do everything possible to eradicate robocalls. Federal lawmakers and local law enforcement are listening, so don’t be hesitant to report unwanted calls and scammers to the Federal Trade Commission’s complaints department or the Better Business Bureau’s scam tracker. www.LantanaLiving.com

FEBRUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 29

LIBERTY

ARGYLE EAGLES

CHRISTIAN

DEFEND THEIR

STATE TITLES

by Steve Gamel

W

hen the Argyle Eagles take the field for the 2019 season, head coach

Ricky Griffin will have all his guys line up in the same spots as last year. After all,

practically everyone is back from his state championship team, which finished 37-0.

“I’m scared to death to change anything,” Griffin said with a laugh. “If you do that, it looks like you are overthinking things.”

Why try to fix something that’s broken?

have to have kids who will play for each

Ricker was 7-0 with a 0.36 ERA and 58

well. There are big targets in Argyle.”

last year while also hitting .369 with 32

other, and you need talented players as Argyle has 10 players who have signed

and his Eagles but also

nearby Liberty Christian.

Both programs won state titles last year and, while

nothing is a guarantee in

the game of baseball, both

appear to have all the pieces to make a run at defending

“We are going to do the exact same thing

Hayden Clearman (Abilene Christian),

and trying to win games,” Griffin said.

returning, including Chad Ricker (UTSA),

as we did last year in terms of going out

Alex Gonzales (Baylor), Cade Merka (Texas

Liberty Christian has five returning starters

A&M), Sean Bolin (Utah), Bo Hogeboom

(Houston), Austin King (Texas Rio Grande

Valley), Preston King (UTRGV),

“THESE KIDS ARE CONFIDENT THAT THEY CAN GO OUT THERE AND DO SOME SPECIAL THINGS”

those titles.

Brenden Dixon (Texas), and

and should be even more dominant on the mound with the addition of Jacob

Hasty. Hasty, an LSU signee, led TAPPS with 97 strikeouts last year before

Dillon Carter (TCU). The

transferring from Fort Worth Christian to

37-0, becoming just the

Wolf returns after turning in a TAPPS-best

finish a season undefeated.

Offensively, Huff and Hansen were two of

Eagles finished with a perfect

Liberty at the start of this school year. Joe

fourth UIL baseball team to

0.32 earned run average.

The last time it happened was in 2003 when Lorena went through an entire season unscathed.

They also have tradition in their corner. It

RBIs and 34 runs scored.

or committed to Division I programs

That’s the mentality that is not only shared by Griffin

strikeouts in just 39 innings on the mound

Liberty’s more dominant hitters alongside

Pryor Thomas (Harvard). The Warriors have six players committed to play college ball.

“We are pretty blessed with the arms we

Argyle’s season of dominance included 20

have, and there’s a lot more behind that

regular-season wins came against teams

Creighton Hansen,” Isom said. “All of these

difference in their lineup this year is the

first. We haven’t declared anyone yet as an

“I think we are both built very similar,”

Hudgens, though Ricker is expected to

Isom added, “I think these kids are

team environment at Argyle and here; you

punch with Bolin.

was Argyle’s second Class 4A state title

since 2015 and its third trip to the state

tournament in the last five seasons. Liberty won its fourth TAPPS state championship and first since 2013.

Liberty coach Johnny Isom said. “It’s a big

30 | LANTANA LIVING

| FEBRUARY 2019

wins by 10 runs or more. Several of those

with guys like Brett Huff (Harvard) and

in higher classifications. The only glaring

guys want to be the guy who gets the ball

loss of state title game MVP pitcher Bryson

ace, but they will all be in the mix.”

take his spot and create another solid 1-2

confident that they can go out there and do some special things.”

www.LantanaLiving.com

www.LantanaLiving.com

FEBRUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 31

BEYOND

WINS & LOSSES

In The

COURTROOM

by Steve Gamel

W

hen you’re facing one of life’s difficult decisions, and it’s time to seek help from a family lawyer with unrivaled knowledge and success in the courtroom, the easy choice will always be Charla Bradshaw.

What potential clients can’t be reminded of enough, though, is Bradshaw’s commitment to education and insistence on preparing them for possible legal roads ahead.

“It concerns me to think about what people don’t know,” said Bradshaw, the managing shareholder at KoonsFuller’s Family Law office in Denton. “That’s one reason why I really enjoy doing articles like these because we always get good feedback that the information was helpful.”

“Thankfully, we talk about things people are really interested in. Some are scared of what’s next; and most citizens don’t know the law.”

Having a lawyer in your corner who is willing to offer tips and advice – many times before the client even has a chance to ask – is top of mind now that we have all turned the page to a new year. Statistically, this is the time of year when family law offices like KoonsFuller are at their busiest.

32 | LANTANA LIVING

| FEBRUARY 2019

Divorce filings spike shortly after the

holidays and into the first of the year, and at a minimum, more people are seeking guidance on a variety of topics.

With that said, we were reminded of some of the educational tools Bradshaw has

published in Lantana Living magazine.

Like the cover story last February that

discussed the growing trend of many

spouses being woefully unprepared when it comes to their household finances –

specifically, knowing where their accounts are located, what bills need to be paid,

etc. Usually, this happens because most couples have one spouse in charge of

the finances, and in the case of a divorce or death, the other spouse is placed at a

disadvantage as they are forced to get up to speed in a stressful situation.

Another article featuring Bradshaw

provided useful tips on how divorcing

spouses can handle those first difficult

steps, especially if it’s a situation where

one spouse wants a divorce, and the other

different set of hesitations and obstacles to overcome.

“We enjoy being that practice people can turn to if they need questions answered,” Bradshaw said. “And at this time of the

year, I think it’s smart if people who may

have potential family law matters consult with a lawyer and find out what the real

rules are. What are the laws? There is so

much out there on the Internet, and I hear clients say all the time, ‘I read this’ or ‘I

read that,’ and I am quick to explain that

the information just isn’t correct. Laws are different from state to state, and overall, there is incorrect advice out there. Not

being informed or being misinformed can send you down the wrong path because you might operate on information that’s not even the law. And, everyone’s case is different.”

So, what are some practical tips and advice from Bradshaw?

•

one does not.

Questions such as, “what will happen to my house?” or “how will I support

myself?” consume their lives. And if there are children involved, there will be a

First and foremost, get educated on what the laws are in Texas and how they pertain to your case.

•

Know your finances and keep

accurate records in case of death and

divorce, to have peace of mind and to lessen attorney’s fees.

www.LantanaLiving.com

•

If you’re considering divorce or have already been through it, make sure to seek guidance from a counselor who can help you work through the emotional side. This is for the divorcing spouses as well as their children.

•

Never represent yourself in a family law case – ever. Always hire a family lawyer.

•

Know how different laws or agreements can come into play in your case. For example, there are ways to divide property among spouses without a divorce, and without dividing the entire estate.

•

Ask your lawyer what types of relationships they have with outside professionals. KoonsFuller recently hired a full-time licensed professional counselor who provides litigation support for KoonsFuller clients, and who can put clients in touch with resources to suit their needs.

More and more people are seeking out KoonsFuller for those questions.

KoonsFuller has five offices: Denton, Plano, Houston, Dallas, and Southlake.

The Denton office has five attorneys, including Bradshaw, Sarah Darnell, Sean Abeyta, James Logue, and Nicole Carroll.

Bradshaw is at the center of it all and has gained a state-wide reputation while litigating some of the most difficult cases, both locally and internationally. Bradshaw has all but her thesis in a masters in marriage and family therapy: she went on to law school before completion. Her vast experience in family law has made her a clear choice as an expert for speeches and appearances, with regard to family lawrelated matters.

“I love my job and helping people through

www.Koonsfuller.com

a most difficult time in their life. It’s why I went to law school,” Bradshaw said. www.LantanaLiving.com

FEBRUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 33

Ask The Expert: Makeover of the Month

Hair Color by Rachel

Rachel did a full head of highlights and babylites to give an overall “brighter”

JENNIFER STARLING

look. For a low-maintenance grow out,

ennifer Starling has been on the road to recover from a terrible car accident for the past two years. After facing many surgeries, blood transfusions and the mental strain of it all, she eventually moved back in with her sister in Flower Mound. Her sister, Shelby, has been watching Jennifer’s self esteem slowly down grade, and thought a good makeover would help Jennifer gain back her self worth. Cloud 9 Salon was thrilled to be a part of this transformation into helping Jennifer back on her feet.

regularly to keep her hair bright, blonde

J

she blended her grey hair by glazing

with ash. She also sent her home with a

toning shampoo and conditioner to use and beautiful!

Haircut and Style by Pam

Pam took off about two and a half inches to get the damaged ends off and give

her a healthy weight line. She then added some bangs and blended them to frame

her face for movement, volume and ease of styling. To compliment her face shape she put in some slight layering to give volume for the overall look.

Makeup by Alex

Alex gave her a natural glam with golden tones to compliment her eyes, peachy

cheeks and a warm lip color to finish the elegant look.

BEFORE

Photos by Alex Little

Makeover and clothes provided by

214.415.4806 www.cloud9salon.com

AFTER

34 | LANTANA LIVING

| FEBRUARY 2019

AFTER

Want to be the next Makeover?

Email cloud9salon@cloud9salon.com and tell us why you deserve it!

www.LantanaLiving.com

www.LantanaLiving.com

FEBRUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 35

7SAFER

T ips To K e e p K i d s

by Steve Gamel

A

s parents, we want nothing more than to keep our kids safe and healthy. But these days, it feels like our eyes and ears are on the lookout for too many threats than we can keep track of, whether it be online predators, safety concerns at school, the authority figures they put their trust into, and even who they are hanging out with when we aren’t around.

Those concerns are overwhelming because it’s a lot to keep track of, and we didn’t have to worry about the same concerns growing up. The biggest piece of advice our parents gave us was Stranger Danger, which may have worked like a charm 30 years ago but sadly falls way short in today’s world.

We’re not going to lie; keeping our kids safer takes hard work and diligence. But here are 7 tips to get you started.

REALIZE THAT STRANGER DANGER

media, and the Internet in general, can be

cheerleading practice, volunteer at school

a dangerous place, and your child needs to

in Watchdog programs, the PTA, etc.,

be aware of that. Parents should set house

attend other school functions, or follow up

come in many forms. While they should be

rules and have access to any passwords

with teachers and babysitters. Predators

mindful of strangers, not all strangers are

their child has for online accounts or cell

can’t attack if parents are involved.

bad people. In fact, many predators these

phones. You should also consider having a

days are people they know and would

list of sites your child visits regularly. Limit

normally feel comfortable with. To keep

them safe, teach them what is and is not

your child’s time online and what sites they

safe behavior. If something doesn’t feel

are allowed to visit, and install content blockers on all PCs.

ISN’T GOOD ENOUGH ANYMORE

Your children must realize danger can

right, they should trust their gut.

KEEP THEM EDUCATED

Not only should your children know their

name, your contact information, important phone numbers, addresses, etc., but they should be educated on the law, what is

acceptable behavior versus what is over the line, how to protect their privacy

online, how to be more aware of their

surroundings, and yes … what sex is and

MAINTAIN AN OPEN LINE OF COMMUNICATION

EDUCATE YOURSELF There are plenty of resources online to help parents become more educated on the dangers their children will likely experience on a daily basis and how to spot predators. Knowing what questions you should ask and how to anticipate

Your child needs should feel like they can

potential dangers will go a long way in

talk to their parents about anything, even

protecting your child.

the most sensitive of subjects, without fear of getting in trouble or not being taken seriously. Talk openly and often, and consider using role play to go over various scenarios they could face.

TEACH THEM TO TRAVEL IN GROUPS Whether they are walking home from school, going to the mall, or even to a friend’s house, your children should always travel with at least one or two other

how to properly understand their bodies.

GET INVOLVED

MONITOR SOCIAL MEDIA AND WHO

You should always be aware of what

where they must walk alone, ensure they

is going on in your child’s life, beyond

have a cell phone and that they are talking

just asking questions about their day

or staying in contact with you until they

at the dinner table. Go to baseball or

reach where they are supposed to be.

THEY ARE TEXTING

Nothing is off limits when it comes to your child’s privacy and safety online. Social 36 | LANTANA LIVING

| FEBRUARY 2019

friends. If they are stuck in a position

www.LantanaLiving.com

www.LantanaLiving.com

FEBRUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 37

Ask The Expert: Organizing

How To Be Productive

IF YOU

WORK

FROM HOME

I don’t find this to be the case. You may

get things done more quickly, but dividing your focus among multiple tasks can lead

to sloppy work and costly mistakes. Focus on finishing one task at a time. You’ll be

more efficient and happier with the result.

Make sure your office is free of distractions.

You may need to close your office door and post your office hours to remind

family members that you are working.

It’s also a great idea to disengage from

social media during office hours. Another big distraction is clutter. File all important documents, have a special place for

current projects and throw away trash.

Have a smart filing system.

Everyone’s idea of a good filing system is different. Asking a professional organizer for advice on a filing system is a great idea, but it has to make sense for you

because you are the one that will use it.

The keyword here is “use.” You have to

use your system once you have it in place.

Immediately file important documents,

so they are handy when you need them.

I highly recommend keeping work and personal files separate.

W

hen you step into your home office, are you being as productive as you could be, or

do you find yourself getting sidetracked and distracted?

working. Working long hours can be

counterproductive because it causes

fatigue and impacts family life. Try setting the alarm for yourself to act like your five o’clock whistle.

Even if you feel like you’re an organized

person, you can still use these five tips to help you become even more productive and efficient while working from home.

Establish office hours.

Beginning and finishing your workday at reasonable hours encourages

productivity. Starting work at the same

time each morning helps you get into a

habitual, productive mindset. If possible,

clean up or empty the trash can after you leave the office. Before you leave your office, take a few minutes to declutter

Wake up, make your bed, get dressed,

to address tomorrow morning.

Make it a habit of getting ready for work. have breakfast, grab a cup of coffee, tell the family good-bye and head to your

office. The act of “getting ready for work” creates a mental association with being productive and can help you stay on

projects are organized and ready for you Set yourself up for success by working in

a decluttered office and using productive systems that make sense to you and your work style.

schedule. Pajamas are great, but they don’t always encourage productivity.

very important to know when to stop

tasks at a time will increase productivity.

| FEBRUARY 2019

there won’t be any custodians coming to

and straighten up. Make sure current

Avoid multi-tasking.

38 | LANTANA LIVING

Yes, every day. You work from home, so

Get dressed for work.

schedule personal appointments around your business hours. Conversely, it’s

Declutter your office every day.

Many people believe that doing multiple

by Crystal Nerpel Cloud Nine Organizing Cloudnineorganizing.com

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FEBRUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 39

Ask The Expert: School Days

How To Really Help

YOUR CHILD

WITH SCHOOL

R

esearch shows that students earn higher grades, get better attendance, are more motivated,

and less likely to drop out of school

students to develop good study habits

and positive attitudes. It can teach them to work independently and encourage self-discipline and responsibility —

when their families are involved in their

assignments provide some children with

that encourages learning and schoolwork.

meet deadlines.

education. Create a home environment

their first chance to manage time and to

Establish a daily routine for homework,

Make a homework plan with your child so

chores, and bedtime. All of this is critical to helping your child be successful in school.

it is clear to everyone. Discuss with them what they like and don’t like. Try asking these questions: Do you want to study right when you get home, or did you

Homework Plan:

Homework may be tough to get your

child to do, however, there are so many

benefits that your time and commitment to seeing that it gets done can help

need a break? If they are in after

school care, is it possible to complete assignments there?

Do they like it to be quiet

and being alone or out with the family?

Designate a study spot. Personalize the study areas with your child’s

accomplishments, pictures, awards, comfy seating, desk, and a basket of supplies

Communication: Know what’s going on at school. Join PTA and volunteer when you can. When your child has something special going on, plan to attend. Visit the school website and social media. Join any websites, texting apps (Remind 101…) that your child’s teacher(s) are using.

Real World Experience: This is where you can really make an impact on your child’s learning. Take the skills they are learning in school and find ways to apply to real life. Create a fun message board where you can use Post-It Notes to share thoughts with your child and model for them how to ask questions, make connections, or draw conclusions.

When grocery shopping, teach them how to decide what item is a better deal. Help them learn how to estimate the cost of groceries. Teach them to count change by guessing the exact amount you give them.

If they get it right the first time, they keep it. Let them write a check. Let them do the complete self-checkout for you when you only have a few items.

By 3rd grade, they should be able to tell time. Practice intervals of time. If we have to be at the soccer field by 4:45 and we live 20 minutes away, what time should we leave?

Responsibilities: Teach them how to set an alarm clock to wake up on their own. Give them a choice between outfits for school and how to make their own lunch. This will build selfconfidence, a sense of belonging, and will set the foundation of for further learning.

Parents, families, educators, and communities—there’s no better partnership to assure that all students, pre-K to high school, have the support and resources they need to succeed in school and life.

that are only used for homework such

as; pencils, sharpener, calculator, paper, glue, tape, crayons, markers, scissors.

Encourage family members to support this study time so there are minimal

by Valorie McGilvra Certified Teacher and Life Coach

distractions around.

40 | LANTANA LIVING

| FEBRUARY 2019

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www.LantanaLiving.com

FEBRUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 41

10 YEARS AND THRIVING FOR

Ranch Hand

RESCUE

by Barbara-Scott Kolb

42 | LANTANA LIVING

| FEBRUARY 2019

www.LantanaLiving.com

R

anch Hand Rescue was the first non-profit organization to connect neglected, maltreated animals

with clients suffering from severe trauma or abuse and has become a renowned counseling institution and animal

sanctuary. The organization launched in 2008 with a primary goal in mind — to

rescue animals from blatant disregard and provide a haven for recovery to

trauma victims. This year marks Ranch Hand Rescue’s 10th Anniversary; they have counseled over 1,800 individuals and saved roughly 600 animals.

Founder and CEO, Bob Williams,

with his team of counselors and

volunteers, grew the organization

exponentially this

past year – fueling their mission and achieving

goals they have dreamt about

since the Ranch Hand Rescue's inception.

In 2018, Ranch Hand Rescue counseled

279 clients, provided roughly $200,000 in financial assistance to families who were

unable to afford it, rescued 12 critical care animals, and granted sanctuary for 39 special needs animals.

“I never thought RHR would become as big as it is today. When I started, I thought if I

could save one animal and help one person photos courtesy of Dustin Merrell

it would all be worth it,” Williams said.

Due to the rising number of clients and animals Ranch Hand Rescue continued to acquire, Williams expanded into a second facility to provide additional

service. As word spread of the success

of the provided services such as Animal

Assisted Counseling, Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Trauma, and Addiction and PTSD Counseling, referrals flooded in.

The goal is to eventually plant Ranch

www.LantanaLiving.com

Hand Rescue facilities throughout Texas to help as many animals, individuals, families, and veterans as possible.

Because of donations, fundraisers, volunteers, and hard work, Williams has also collected the necessary funds to begin another project near to his heart.

Throughout 2019, Ranch Hand Rescue will work on opening “Bob’s House of Hope,” a safe house for young men who have fallen victim to the horror of sex trafficking.

There is still a great need for more safe houses for women, but the boys become the forgotten ones due to a stereotypical society and the victim's fear of speaking up.

“There is no real safe house for young men to go to in the county. I want to fill that void,” Williams stated. “Our safe house will be a long-term treatment program; we want to put God in their lives, keep them in a safe environment, and get them a trade or a college education.”

A driving factor for Williams is the reality that perpetrators prey on the vulnerable, forcing them into a life of slavery. Too often, there are not enough available resources to provide shelter for the victims. As a survivor of sexual abuse, Williams understands the emotional aftermath of such an act – including being left immersed in hopelessness and anguish. He also knows the lifealtering benefits of counseling, which is why he has dedicated his life to providing counsel to those in need.

“I believe with all my heart that what happened to me was

God’s way of preparing me for the work I do now. And I believe God puts you where He needs you,” Williams said.

As physically and mentally taxing as it is treating dire cases on a daily basis, Williams and his team at Ranch Hand rescue live for the opportunity to better those suffering from trauma. Safeguarding and cultivating survivors of trauma is the utmost priority.

“As hard as the work is, the reward is in seeing people, especially kids, get better. This organization is the greatest thing I’ve ever done,” Williams said.

Ranch Hand Rescue frequently posts on its Facebook page, updating followers on the progress of the animals they have taken in and recent news disclosing facts of current sex trafficking and abuse. The page educates and brings forth awareness to the public while also being a way to connect with supporters, promoters, and devotees of the mission.

Ranch Hand Rescue stemmed from the vision of one man and flourished into a preeminent organization linking the sheltering of animals with client-specific counseling. The positive results within the lives of children, adults, and veterans through the program remain incomparable. The generosity of donations and volunteers continue to feed the organization’s ability to enforce change. Please visit ranchhandrescue.org to donate or schedule time to volunteer.

FEBRUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 43

Ask The Expert: Fitness

Get Your

COMPREHENSIVE

FITNESS SCORE! W

e’ve got a lot of exciting things going on at Jesse James Fit—and we can’t wait to tell

BODY COMPOSITION ASSESSMENT •

Fat mass

•

Total body water index

•

Visceral fat (fat around organs)

brand new, state-of-the-art wellness scan

•

Basal Metabolic Rate

information this scan can give you. It’s

•

Cardio Assessment

•

Determination of biological age of

you about all of them! But one of the

things we’re most excited about is our

machine. You will be amazed at the health unlike anything you’ve ever experienced!

With our new innovative technology,

we’re offering advanced, comprehensive

wellness scans— not only to our clients but to the public as well.

This specific wellness scan analyzer is only the fourth device available in the United

States, the first one in Texas, and the first available at a fitness facility! Providing

the heart

STRESS AND FATIGUE ASSESSMENT •

Stress level of the brain

•

Fatigue level of the brain

•

Vertebral Assessment

•

Neuromuscular assessment of the spinal column

CIRCULATION ASSESSMENT

the very latest in healthcare technology,

•

Circulation markers in the upper and lower limbs

information that is unprecedented for

•

Arterial stiffness index

•

Comprehensive Wellness Score

•

Clients receive a comprehensive wellness score that gives key information for determining endurance, efficiency, and

the scan measures important fitness

people who want this type of data without going through their doctors and paying exorbitant medical fees.

This Scan Provides Unbelievably Detailed Fitness and Health Information

The fitness score provided by this

wellness scan is unprecedented for its

availability and cost. Among many other things, this scan will provide you the

following important health information: (for more details go to https://discover. whatsmyfitscore.com).

44 | LANTANA LIVING

| FEBRUARY 2019

physical performance.

And this is where our team of trainers comes in...

DETAILED FITNESS INFORMATION HELPS US HELP YOU

For our clients at Jesse James Fit, the

information we get from your wellness

scan lets us tailor your workout more than ever before. By looking at your detailed health information, we can determine where it’s safe to push you, and where you should take it slower.

“When we can actually see your spinal health, we will adjust the weight-bearing exercises during your training program.

When we can see that your heart is strong, we can push fat- burning cardio or challenging intervals. After seeing your scan information, we may see that you need to take in more water, focus on heart health more than fat burning – all sorts of things we can use to guide us in developing a better suited customized

program designed specifically to that client. When your trainer gets a detailed look at your fitness score, it lets them tailor your workout accordingly.” – Jesse James PRICELESS INFORMATION This comprehensive wellness scan and results consultation are available to the public for $225 and follow-up scans to monitor health improvements can be done for $169. Current clients of Jesse James Fit or Outlaw FitCamps receive a member reduced rate.

KNOW YOUR HEALTH AND FITNESS SCORE Everyone—Jesse James clients and non-clients—can take advantage of this wellness scan. You can then track your fitness progress with optional follow-up scans every six to eight weeks, quarterly, or whenever you want to monitor your progress.

Take charge of your health this year! Our new state-of-the-art wellness scan can help us tailor a fitness program for you and then measure your progress.

Call 972.355.2639 Discover.WhatsYourFitScore.com

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

www.LantanaLiving.com

FEBRUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 45

Irish

BEER

photos courtesy of A Spicy Perspective

Cheese

Soup

by A Spicy Perspective

Servings: 8 Servings | Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 20 mins

NUTRITION FACTS Amount Per Serving (1 cup) % of Daily Value Calories 334 Total Fat 25g

38%

Saturated Fat 15g 75%

C

reamy Irish Beer Cheese Soup for Saint Patrick’s Day! This easy beer cheese soup recipe is rich and alluring, with only a handful of necessary ingredients.

Cholesterol 82mg

27%

DIRECTIONS

Sodium 1001mg

42%

1. Set a large sauce pot over medium heat.

Add the butter, onions, and garlic, and sauté for 3-5 minutes. Scoop the softened onions into the food processor (or blender) and add one cup chicken broth. Puree the onions and broth until completely smooth.

Potassium 281mg

8%

Total Carbohydrates 8g

3%

Dietary Fiber 0g

0%

Sugars 3g Protein 17g 34%

INGREDIENTS •

1 large onion, peeled and chopped

•

2 garlic cloves, minced

•

1 tablespoon butter, or bacon grease

•

2 – 12 ounce bottles Harp Irish Style Lager

•

32 ounce chicken broth

2. Pour the onion mixture back into the sauce pot, and add the remaining broth and both bottles of beer. Bring to a boil.

•

14 ounces Irish cheese,

3. Toss the shredded Irish cheese with corn starch. Add the shredded cheese, cream cheese, and dijon mustard to the broth.

Whisk to melt the cheese and break up the cream cheese cubes. Whisk until the soup is completely smooth and slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Taste, then salt and pepper as needed. Serve as-is, or garnish with bacon and chive if desired.

•

shredded (Dubliner, Irish Cheddar, Skellig, etc.)

14 ounces low fat cream cheese, cut into cubes •

2 tablespoons cornstarch, or arrow root powder

•

1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

•

Garnishes: crumbled bacon and chive

Notes: The beer broth will foam up quite a bit when boiling. Make sure to use a large pot, so it doesn’t boil over. For more recipes and information go to ASpicyPerspective.com 46 | LANTANA LIVING

| FEBRUARY 2019

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FEBRUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 47

Sick of

BEING SICK?

by Steve Gamel

N

o one has time to be sick, right? Not only is being laid up in bed with the cold or flu a total bummer, but we’ve all got busy lives – kids need to get to school on time, that to-do list at work is getting longer, we’ve got an important meeting. So we keep pushing through, ignoring the early warning signs, until our body forces us to stop.

The flu season alone peaks between December and February, but can last as late as May. At the same time, there are a variety of other illnesses that can bog us down, from the common cold to respiratory infections, ear infections, and stomach bugs. So here we are lying in bed with two hoodies on, the blankets pulled up just below our eyes, and we’re watching re-runs of Dr. Phil. Whatever this is – the cold, the flu, or something else – just won’t go away.

So how do we get to feeling better? There are plenty of well-known remedies, including getting the flu shot, being religious about washing your hands, taking medicine, eating better, and getting more than enough rest to recharge those batteries. Here are a few more options that might get you back on your feet even faster:

USE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR We’ve mentioned several natural remedies. Apple cider vinegar in water helps kill bacteria in the body. You can get the similar benefits from coconut oil, garlic, fermented cod liver oil, a spoonful of honey, and elderberry syrup.

48 | LANTANA LIVING

| FEBRUARY 2019

USE A HUMIDIFIER Humidifiers put moisture back into the air, significantly reducing the ability of airborne viruses to cause flu infections. Using a humidifier while you sleep – whether you are sick or not – has a myriad of benefits including improved sleep, faster healing, and decreased sinus issues.

DETOX BATH AND HOT SHOWERS Try detox baths with a few dashes of Epsom salt even when you aren’t sick, as it is known to draw out toxins while easing stress, improving sleep and concentration, and reducing muscle inflammation.

www.LantanaLiving.com

SALINE OR WARM WATER WASH This may seem like an unpleasant experience, but using saline, a Neti Pot, or simply filling your hands with warm water every morning and inhaling the water, clears your nose and nasal cavities. This can help with general colds, allergies, and sinus infections. Give it a try.

GARGLE WITH SALT WATER Getting a large glass from the kitchen and gargling with salt

water provides instant relief for a sore throat, sometimes faster than over-the-counter medicines or throat lozenges. It also has preventative benefits, so try it before you get sick or when you experience early warning signs.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR GUT If you want to be healthier next winter, start eating more foods that support a healthy gut. A healthy gut makes it difficult for bacteria that cause colds, the flu, and other viruses to gain traction and wreak havoc on your life. You can do this through probiotics/shopping or healthier foods.

PUT VICKS VAPORUB ON YOUR FEET, CHEST, AND NOSE Vicks VapoRub has been around forever, and everyone knows its benefits as a decongestant for your chest and throat as well as being a remedy for headaches and achy muscles.

But have you tried rubbing it on your feet and covering them with warm socks? Do this before bedtime, especially if you have a nagging cough.

www.LantanaLiving.com

FEBRUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 49

Ask The Expert: Dentistry

PRIMARY TEETH AND WHY TO TAKE CARE OF THEM?

I

t’s February, and we all know what that means? That’s right! It’s National Children’s Dental Health Month. Of

course, as dentists, we don’t really expect everyone to be on the edge of their seat

in anticipation of this national recognition.

In fact, it reminds me of an online list I

once read about certain topics people

pretend to understand but actually don’t, like roundabouts, grammar, or the actual meaning of the word “ironic.” Based on

my personal experiences, I was surprised to not find on the list “kids” or “dentistry,” as the entirety of either of those topics

can be difficult to grasp. So, I’m taking advantage of the opportunity this month to try to shed a little light on both.

Of all the points to convey, I would like to stress the importance of maintaining primary or “baby” teeth. Many parents feel that baby teeth are expendable, however their primary function is to maintain space for their permanent counterparts to prevent future complications during their eruption.

Therefore, keeping primary teeth free of decay and wear is important for the longevity of both sets of teeth.

Another key in treating primary teeth is to understand that many dental restorations placed on primary teeth are not always predictable or meant to last long term and may require revisiting. Even the best restorative work on children can face future decay or infection because of varying factors including the child’s diet, oral hygiene habits and more.

Finally, it is always important to create for your child a dental home where they feel safe and comfortable. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommends your first child’s visit is at the eruption of the first tooth or at one year of age to help create a comfortable routine for the child and to educate the parent in preventative dental care.

Happy Smiling!

by Dr. Matt owner of Country Lakes Family Dental CountryLakesDental.com

MARCH 22, 2019 March 22nd the Annual Love Life Gala hosted by Pregnancy Help 4 U will be held at the Texas Motor Speedway.

Guest speaker, Shaunti Feldhahn who is a renowned author will be speaking about helping couples thrive in life and their relationships.

FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFO GO TO WWW.PH4U.ORG/LOVELIFE OR CALL MEREDITH AT 817.753.6222 50 | LANTANA LIVING

| FEBRUARY 2019

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www.LantanaLiving.com

FEBRUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 51

Ask The Expert: Home Design

L U F R E POW

SAYINGS AND QUOTES About Architecture And Design

I

f you haven’t guessed by now, architecture is in our blood here at the ML Group. Not only do we love drawing and sketching what we feel are residential and commercial works of art, but it’s the opportunity to take a client’s ideas and dreams and bring them to life with cutting-edge design that fuels us every day.

“The difference between good and bad architecture is the time you spend.”

As we continue into this new year, here is a quick mash-up of powerful sayings and quotes about architecture and design from architects, writers, artists, and more – all of whom encourage and inspire us to create.

“Architecture is a result of a process of asking questions and testing them and re-interrogating and changing in a repetitive way.”

“Architecture is the thoughtful making of space.”

“We are what we repeatedly do.

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

— Louis Kahn

— Aristotle

“As an architect you design for the present

“Architecture should speak of its time and

with an awareness of the past for a future

place, but yearn for timelessness.”

which is essentially unknown.”

— Norman Foster “We are called to be architects of the

— Frank Gehry “You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.”

future, not its victims.”

— R. Buckminister Fuller “The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes. If you foolishly ignore beauty, you will soon find yourself without it. Your

— Mark Twain “In architecture, you should live for 150 years, because you have to learn in the first 75 years.”

days of your life.”

52 | LANTANA LIVING

“People ignore design that ignores people.”

— Frank Lloyd Wright

| FEBRUARY 2019

— Thom Maine “Good design is all about making other designers feel like idiots because the idea wasn’t theirs.”

— Frank Chimero “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you anywhere.”

— Albert Einstein At the ML Group, we design for the way you live. So put our team to work for you!

Give us a call today to discuss your next commercial or residential project.

— Renzo Piano

life will be impoverished. But if you invest in beauty, it will remain with you all the

— David Chipperfield

— Frank Chimero

by Mike Love ML Group, LLC. 972.355.8700 MLGroupTexas.com

www.LantanaLiving.com

www.LantanaLiving.com

FEBRUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 53

CreateBakeLove is a home-based bakery that already has close to 1,200 likes on

CreateBakeLove

LANTANA’S NEW CAKE BOSS

by Steve Gamel

highly personalized cookie, cake, and cupcake orders for any occasion. Take a look on Facebook, and you’ll see everything from cakes shaped like a unicorn, delicious cookies that could be mistaken for LEGOS characters, and more.

A generational baker who picked up tricks from her mother and grandmother, Ashley

A

shley Manalansan still hadn’t finished unpacking boxes from her family’s move from Houston to

Lantana in November when she finally gave an eager friend permission to let everyone know there’s a new cake boss in town.

To be clear, Ashley wouldn’t dream of

referring to herself as a cake boss, cookie boss, or even a cupcake lady. But she’s

extremely talented, and as the story goes,

her friend was so elated they’d be living in

54 | LANTANA LIVING

Facebook and specializes in custom,

| FEBRUARY 2019

the same community after all these years that she took to social media as quickly as she could.

“She kept asking, ‘Can I post something now? Can I post something now?’” Ashley said with a laugh. “She was doing it because she’s such a sweet friend, but we weren’t even done unpacking. I finally gave her permission; it was a nice post.”

Ashley added, “I’m just a one-woman show.

I’m still trying to get back up to speed.”

has a penchant for creating something unique and over-the-top creative. She can match her treats to your invitations, theme, and even ideas you saw online and want to bring to life.

“I’m still getting settled in and should be full strength again soon,” Ashley said. “It’s been neat taking in all the inquiries.”

For more information, visit

CreateBakeLove on Facebook or email at CreateBakeLove@gmail.com.

www.LantanaLiving.com

www.LantanaLiving.com

FEBRUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 55

Legal Article

Wild

Strange

LAWS

FROM ACROSS

The Nation

by Steve Gamel

S

ince the theme of this month’s magazine is legal, we decided to do something a little off the beaten path and create a list of what we feel are the weirdest laws from across our great nation. These are rumored to either still exist or existed at one point but have since been repealed or amended to catch up with the times. Either way, they’re hilarious.

56 | LANTANA LIVING

| FEBRUARY 2019

www.LantanaLiving.com

ALASKA

In Alaska, it is illegal to wake a sleeping bear to take a photo

ARKANSAS

It is illegal in Arkansas to

IDAHO

TEXAS Idaho has banned cannibalism

ILLINOIS

mispronounce Arkansas

In Illinois, you are breaking cheese shop

KANSAS

garbage to a pig without first obtaining a permit

must wash themselves with it until the soap is gone CALIFORNIA

stop and neither can move until

In California, a frog that dies

during a frog-jumping contest

LOUISIANA

MICHIGAN

cannot legally be eaten COLORADO

Colorado has banned

In Colorado, you have to get a permit to modify the weather.

A man is forbidden to kiss a

woman while she’s sleep in Logan County, Colorado

In Connecticut, a pickle cannot be sold unless it bounces

In Delaware, it’s a misdemeanor

to sell, barter, or offer the fur of a domestic dog or cat

In Georgia, it is illegal to eat fried

In Quitman, Georgia, chickens

chicken with utensils

may not cross the road

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fish drunk

In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to

walk down the street with another man’s wife

SOUTH CAROLINA

You can legally play pinball in

South Carolina if you are at least

SOUTH DAKOTA

In Huron, South Dakota, it is

illegal to cause static between

feather duster

In Tennessee, you cannot use

someone else’s Netflix account

It is illegal in Texas to milk another person’s cow

UTAH

First cousins do have the option of marrying each other in Utah, but only after they’re 65

In Utah, you cannot buy alcohol during an emergency. This is because no one can sell alcohol during an emergency

VIRGINIA

In Virginia, children are not to go trick-or-treating on Halloween

WASHINGTON

It’s illegal to ride an ugly horse in Wilbur, Washington

WISCONSIN

In Wisconsin, you can face up to six months in jail for selling home-baked cookies

WYOMING

In Wyoming, you can be fined $750 for failing to close a fence

7 am and 11 pm TENNESSEE

In Texas, it is illegal to dust any public building with a

18 years old

GEORGIA

a hotel

have a picnic in cemeteries

In Ohio, it is illegal to get a

In Texas, you cannot shoot a buffalo from the second story of

In New Hampshire, you cannot

PENNSYLVANIA

DELAWARE

tie a crocodile to a fire hydrant

OHIO

CONNECTICUT

It is against Michigan state law to

NEW HAMPSHIRE

catapulting, though you can own a catapult in Aspen

to get a special $5 permit

In Louisiana, it is illegal to steal someone else’s crawfish

If you want to walk around barefoot in Texas, you first need

the other has gone

In Mohave County, Arizona, if

anyone steals soap, he or she

In Kansas, two trains meeting at a

crossing both must come to a full

It is illegal to sell your eyes in Texas

the law if you fall asleep in a

ARIZONA In Arizona, no one can feed

behind you

In Wyoming, you may not take a picture of a rabbit from January to April without an official permit FEBRUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 57

Ask The Expert: Gardening

$ W

ith the “boom” in construction over the last couple of years and the flood of contractors in the area, we see so many scenarios where people have spent a lot of money on specific projects. That list includes things like a pool with one company, a patio with another company, and a landscape installation with yet another – all failing to keep in mind the big picture. We all try so hard to stretch our dollars as far as possible, using who offers the best price. Many times we will do things in phases because breaking it down allows us to get what we want over time as the budget allows. What we want to remind you of this month is that when phasing projects out, don’t forget the big picture, There is nothing worse than getting that patio finished realizing there’s not enough space for the pool or vice versa. If you decide to get the landscaping knocked out before the other projects, sure it can be manipulated, but why pay twice?

As with many visions things change and ideas can morph as progress is made.

Don’t find yourself in a situation where you

58 | LANTANA LIVING

| FEBRUARY 2019

have to pay to redo things as the various phases of the project rollout.

One of the best ways to ensure this doesn’t happen is to bring on a designer upfront, put together a master plan, and ensure it gets carried out accurately. If things change along the way (and they will), look down the road and see how those changes are going to affect the next phase or final product. We understand everyone can’t afford to use a larger company that will have people specializing in different aspects and a project management team that will oversee the progression, but there are plenty of small businesses that are more than capable of following a set of plans. Be prepared to pay for these plans but also I understand it will save you money in the long run.

by PJ Kratohvil of Complete Solutions completesolutionsdfw.com

www.LantanaLiving.com

www.LantanaLiving.com

FEBRUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 59

THE “SHARK” RESIDENT OF

LANTANA

by Barbara-Scott Kolb

Being the true problem-solver that he is, Rick came up with a solution by creating

couple of household magnets. It seemed like a pretty simple invention that no

one but Rick would appreciate, but that following year, friends, colleagues, and

T

he creative cogs in Rick Hopper's mind have been churning since he was a child, and over time, his

inventions have proven that America – the land of opportunity – can make dreams

come true with hard work. That includes one invention that landed him national attention on the show Shark Tank.

As the story goes, Rick had developed a knack of taking ordinary objects

and transforming them into clever

passing strangers constantly approached

him inquiring where they could buy one of those gadgets.

It was then that Rick became encouraged to refine his eyeglass holder with high-

grade magnets and stainless steel, retrieve a patent, and begin selling it.

Rick sold his product – eventually

becoming known as ReadeREST – at local

tradeshows for six months and received an outstanding response.

contraptions, a skill he continued to

It didn't take long for those who were

age 40, Rick began experiencing an

his product to Shark Tank.

pursue throughout adulthood. But around

praising him to start hounding him to take

inevitable physiological change – foggy

Shark Tank is notoriously known for its

vision. We all experience that as we get

older, but is imperative for an inventor to be able to see up close. Rick purchased

glasses, but running around testing new

inventions makes carrying around reading glasses a nuisance.

Before his appearance on Shark Tank, Rick had drawn in $65,000 in sales with his magnetic eyeglass holders. The first time Lori displayed it on QVC, she sold out in eight minutes while totaling $300,000 worth of product. Rick and Lori remain unstoppable, having now sold roughly $34 million of ReadeREST over the last seven years.

Rick has never once wavered from modesty, work ethic, or vigilance throughout the success of his company, valuing his passion for innovation as the priority over means.

“When I was in my 20s working at Home Depot and making 14 bucks an hour, it was not possible for me to be any happier if I was a millionaire. Before trying to make it big, make sure you’re happy with little because it’s guaranteed you won’t be happy with much if you aren’t already happy.”

ReadeREST is available for purchase through the website www.readerest. com, retail stores and Amazon. For Lantana residents, type in the coupon code “Lantana” for 25% off.

uncompromising, intimidating panel of business magnates. Entrepreneurs are

afforded the opportunity to present their business model to the panel in hopes of

receiving a sort of business arrangement.

They must endure a nerve-racking

“When I turned 40, and this happened

to me, reading glasses drove me crazy. I was always losing them or putting them

in my shirt collar, and they would fall out, scratch, or break,” Rick said.

60 | LANTANA LIVING

Rick withstood his time in the hot seat, anxiously waiting on a proposal from one of the “sharks." His patience was rewarded with an offer from “the queen of QVC,” Lori Greiner, in which he closed on.

Photo Courtesy by Rick Hopper

an eyeglass holder with a paper clip and a

“I was so nervous, and I almost passed out.

I practiced my business’ numbers upside down, sideways, everything. I wanted to make a deal, but I didn’t want to give up controlling interest.”

| FEBRUARY 2019

presentation in which they are grilled with questions covering every little aspect of their company.

He decided to apply, and just a week later he was invited to the show.

www.LantanaLiving.com

www.LantanaLiving.com

FEBRUARY 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 61

A R G Y L E ’ S S TA N D I F E R

of the team,” Standifer told the Denton

CLEMSON

consistently. I got to watch practice and

COMMITS TO

by Steve Gamel

Record-Chronicle. “They offered me nearly a year ago and have recruited me see how hard the players work for the coaches and how much the coaches get out of them. That was important, because I want a coach that will push me every day.”

Argyle is on its typical role as the regular season draws to a close and playoffs get underway. But it’s hard to argue Standifer’s

A

rgyle sophomore Sydney Standifer may still be recovering from a season-

ending knee injury suffered this summer, but that hasn’t stopped her from making waves on the recruiting scene.

Standifer, who led the Lady Eagles to

their fourth consecutive Class 4A state

title as a freshman, verbally committed

to Clemson in January to put an end to a

short recruitment run that saw her rack up roughly 10 Division I offers.

62 | LANTANA LIVING

| FEBRUARY 2019

The news was first reported by the Dallas Morning News and Denton RecordChronicle. Her older sister, Gabby, graduated last year and is now playing at Fresno State.

The earliest Sydney can sign her official letter of intent is November of her senior year.

“After visiting this week, they really made me feel like I was at home and a part

impact before her injury. She scored 22 points in last year’s state title game and was subsequently named MVP.

ON THE YEAR, SHE AVERAGED 15.4 POINTS, 4.6 ASSISTS, AND 3 STEALS PER GAME. SHE WAS ALSO NAMED TO THE TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF BASKETBALL COACHES ALL-STATE TEAM AND WAS THE DISTRICT 9-4A CONEWCOMER OF THE YEAR.

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