Lantana Living Magazine May 2018

MAY 18, 2018 - JUNE 15, 2018

‘COMFORT’ Is Still Our Middle Name

2018 Home

TRENDS

Father's Day

OUTINGS

INSTANT REPLAY FOR UIL

STATE GAMES

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

MAY 2018 | 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.

4 | LANTANA LIVING

| MAY 2018

Boots & Blessings Gala The Fourth Annual Boots & Blessings Gala took place on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at Austin Ranch at Hilton DFW Lakes to benefit Ally’s Wish. The Flower Moundbased organization grants wishes such as trips to Disney World or helicopter rides over the Grand Canyon to mothers battling terminal illnesses, so they may create lasting memories with their children and loved ones. photo courtesy of Bob Manzano

MAY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 5

LantanaLiving.com

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Administration Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editor Bobbi Byrne

Writer & Editor Steve Gamel

Advertising

René Santana rene@murray-media.com

Production

Art Director Liz Wallace Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Stephanie Hansen Savannah Halfmann

Photography

ANM Photography 940.595.0499 www.ANMPhoto.com

Hey,

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

A

s I hopped into bed after a day of Church and hanging out with family, my wife leaned over, kissed

me on the cheek, and said, "Hey! Happy Anniversary!"

Like most guys, I hesitated for just a second to internally think this potentially awkward situation through.

Wait? Did I forget our anniversary? No! That was earlier in March. Whew! But if

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. © 2018 Murray Media Group

that's the case, what anniversary is she talking about?

"What anniversary, honey?" I finally said out loud.

So, what is Edit This? Edit This is a writing and editing services company in Denton County. I help small-business owners find the right words to communicate

with their customers, and I do so in a

variety of ways, including blogs, content writing for websites, press releases, and so much more.

I also do a ton of freelance writing, which ultimately led to an opportunity to team

up with Murray Media Group. From what you will be able to see from reading

through the remaining pages of this

magazine, they clearly keep me very busy.

look on her face. "It's been four years."

I enjoy getting to meet and write about

She was right. Apparently, I had mentioned the upcoming anniversary of my writing and editing company a day or two earlier, but naturally, I forgot when the day came. And who could blame me? It fell on April 1, the same day as Easter and

business owners and residents in this

community, and I can’t wait to tell your

story next. We hope you enjoy reading this month’s magazine. If you’ve got a story you’d like to see, send me an email at steve@murray-media.com.

April Fools Day.

In the meantime, thank you for all the love

"Oh yeah," I said. "Thanks! It's been a fun

looks bright!

ride so far."

I've been a writer and editor for a little more than 20 years, but when I went off on my own four years ago (April 1, 2014), Edit This was a very small, niche thing. through the grace of God, my dream

| MAY 2018

dreams – and we're only four years in!!

"For Edit This®," she said with a surprised

I had no idea if it would catch on. Well,

6 | LANTANA LIVING

company has grown beyond my wildest

and support over the years. The future

Sincerely, Steve Gamel

Writer & Editor steve@murray-media.com

TABLE OF

CONTENTS THIS MONTH: We’re focusing on home design. Look for the icon to read the best ways to get your interior / exterior home in shape.

32

On the Cover: Jamie Mergell, BJ Lloyd, Robert McDaniel, Ken Lancaster, Steve Stewart, Shane Dendy & Veronica Mapp

FEATURED:

'Comfort' Is Still Our Middle Name ASK THE EXPERTS

50 EDITORS PICK:

Are You Networking?

Well, You Should Be!

ARTICLES

12 Home Design with ML Group

05 Boots and Blessings Gala

30 Ideas for Father’s Day Outings

16 Counseling with Acorn

08 A Legacy of Excellence

36 Local Talent: Isaac Littleton

24 Fitness with Jesse James 28 Pest Control with Mosquito Joe

10 Lady Wildcats Excited for Future

38 Foodie Friday of DFW : Mazzola’s Pizzeria

34 Makeover with Cloud 9

14 Not Another Tie

48 Gardening with Complete Solutions

18 Summertime Blues or Summertime Cruise?

42 Spring Fling Fashion Show A Smashing Success

54 Edit This with Steve Gamel 56 Dentistry with Country Lakes Dental PHOTOS FROM LANTANA 04 You Submit We Print 39 Blanton Elementary Fun Run 2018 52 Speak Life Annual Gala

20 Inside Community 21 Inside Education

44 All-District Soccer 6-6A 46 7 Ways to Upgrade Your Backyard 53 Head Lice: Lantana Pediatrics

22 2018 Home Trends

58 Water Polo Highlights

26 Instant Replay for State Title Games

60 Guyer’s Bright Young Artist Recognized

27 The Weight Loss Secret for Baby Boomers

62 New NCAA Rule Changes Recruiting MAY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 7

A LEGACY Of

by Steve Gamel

F

our years ago, Yvonne Estes had no clue what the Texas Leadership Salute was or anything about its

history. All she knew was her son, Joe, was in line to win a college scholarship and

received a professional photo shoot out of the deal.

Today, Estes not only is the driving force

behind the program, but she has selflessly

All scholarship and portrait dollars are

beginnings under the direction of Mr.

businesses and various donors. The

servicing only Denton High School to as

raised and made available from area

program, which was started in 1984 by

photographer Don Barnes and wife, Dee, originally awarded one $500 scholarship.

Estes has expanded the program to $1,500 split between two first-place winners and two runner-ups.

taken ownership of what was once a small

This year’s winners were Nathan Hardwick

down over the last 34 years by area

Swastika Sah from Denton High School.

concept graciously operated and passed photographers to showcase the good

deeds and amazing accomplishments of area high school students.

“When I go to bed

at night, I’m usually

thinking about what

made me happy that

day,” Estes said. “This makes me happy.”

from Flower Mound High School and

Jackson Crandall of Frisco Reedy and

Abbey Harrison from Lake Dallas were the two runner-ups. Estes, the proud

That servant attitude is what makes Estes the perfect person to carry on such a long-standing tradition.

The mission of the

Texas Leadership Salute is to celebrate and showcase high school leaders in

the North Texas area with their families,

owner of Yvonne

Estes Photography

Barnes, the program has grown from

many as 12, including Lake Dallas, Guyer, and Argyle.

Estes took the reins this year, following in

the footsteps of her photography mentor Peter Horn. He and wife, Marla, had

operated TLS for approximately 10 years, and Peter helped guide Estes – a former educator of 20 years – as she looked

to chase her passion for photography.

When Mrs. Horn mentioned that they

were thinking about passing the TLS torch to a new photographer, Estes was their obvious choice.

in Hickory Creek,

“I remember telling them that I didn’t have

a total of 280

give it to me,” Estes said.”

said there were

any money to buy it, but they wanted to

applicants this year.

Estes said the next step is to continue

That list was whittled down to 98 before

final selections were made.

expanding the program as a 501c3, which would allow bigger companies to jump

on as sponsors in the coming years. After

“It’s hard work, but I wanted to do more,”

all, the students she acknowledges have

doing things for people and seeing that

to what they can do with their future.

Estes said. “I get more pleasure from

proven the sky is the limit when it comes

smile and getting the thank yous than I do

Why not reach for the stars with Texas

when they pay money.”

Leadership Salute?

and a portrait display as a tangible

That servant attitude is what makes Estes

“This is important to me, and it obviously

leadership and academic achievements.

long-standing tradition. From its humble

doing it if it didn’t.”

educators, peers, and others who may not know them in the community.

TLS aims to recognize one or more

outstanding students with a scholarship acknowledgment of their high school

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| MAY 2018

the perfect person to carry on such a

drives me,” Estes said. “I don’t think I’d be

MAY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 9

LADY WILDCATS

Future

excited for

by Steve Gamel

A

fter winning just four games and finishing at the bottom of District 6-6A a year ago, it appears the

Guyer girls soccer team is back and ready to build on a breakout 2018 season.

The Lady Wildcats, who won a state title in 2013, enter this offseason feeling like they have reclaimed a little bit of that

championship swagger after winning

14 games and making the playoffs for the first time in three seasons.

Though that playoff run was cut short – Guyer lost in

the first round to Trophy

Club Byron Nelson – they believe the sky is the

limit moving forward.

“We’re not completely

over the loss, but I can’t

ask for much more from

these girls after a season like that,”

first-year coach Mandy Hall said. “As they started playing and winning, and people started noticing, it was great to see them really take ownership of the program.

Hall, a former goalkeeper at the University of North Texas who went on to begin

her coaching career at Lake Dallas and

Denton Braswell, had her work cut out for

19 goals. Sami Gomez and Olivia Ramirez added seven each to help lead a talented offensive lineup.

her this season. Despite her successes,

Hall said the most impressive thing was

level and was taking over a program

boggling stats while competing against

postseason experience. All she did was

to offer.

she had never coached at the Class 6A

watching her team achieve all those mind-

that didn’t have a single player with

some of the toughest teams Class 6A had

lead the Lady Wildcats to wins in eight of

their first nine games while going

on to win eight district games.

Some of those district wins included victories over Plano East, McKinney Boyd, and Plano. In

district, the Lady Wildcats

racked up four shutouts

while allowing just one goal

four times.

“From the very beginning, everything

worked out well,” Hall said. “These

girls were able to buy-in and trust me

early, and it was great to see them grow together throughout the year.”

“You’re talking about teams that had top, talented players sitting on their bench,” Hall said. “The depth in Class 6A was unlike anything I’ve ever seen, and it was a learning experience for me. But these girls, having played at an elite level with their club teams, were used to it. They had that mentality that every game mattered, and you couldn’t take nights off.”

Hall added, “Amber had a phenomenal season, and you can say the same thing about defenders like Cat Klein. You can’t replace players like that,” Hall said. “The seniors adapted early, and I think really did a great job inspiring the younger

“I told them the Guyer name had to mean

Including its lone playoff game, Guyer

group. We may be losing seven girls [to

it began to.”

Lyons, a UNT signee, led the team with

It’s a really good group.”

something to them. And over the season,

10 | LANTANA LIVING

| MAY 2018

scored 61 goals while allowing 24. Amber

graduation], but we have 16 coming back.

MAY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 11

Ask The Expert: Home Design

Need

CURB

APPEAL?

Focus On The Porch First

W

hen it comes to any home upgrade, one of the first places we as homeowners turn to for change is the interior. We’ll load up on new light fixtures, buy new furniture, choose a warmer shade of paint, install granite countertops, hardwood floors, and switch out older appliances for stainless steel.

• Enhance details, like adding cedar or

But what about the outside of the home –

At the ML Group, Inc., we design for

project, so start small. And in terms of

has changed over the years. Here are

accomplished by repurposing the money

our “curb appeal?”

You’re probably thinking, “Well geez, Mike! There are a million directions I

could go with that. It’s overwhelming.”

It’s true there are a billion design ideas to enhance the outside appearance of your

home, from subtle changes like improved

landscaping and a charming new mailbox

the way you live – even if your style

just a few crafty and budget-friendly architectural tips to give that older,

outdated porch a much-needed facelift.

•

Change the style or color of your

front door by painting it; use different hardware or buy a new door.

to those that completely alter the facade.

• Add appropriate light fixtures to match

But how about starting with the porch?

the desired style you are going for.

Think about it: a porch is the first thing

• Enhance architectural details to the

visitors see when they walk up to your

house. I’d venture to guess it was probably the first thing you noticed when you

bought your house. You hesitated to do

anything about it then, so why not now?

12 | LANTANA LIVING

| MAY 2018

metal accents, corbeling, or shutters.

We realize the thought of beefing up your curb appeal can feel like an overwhelming budgets, many of these ideas can be you would normally be happy to spend redefining the interior of your home.

The ML Group is not just a build-fromthe-ground-up architect. Our reputation for creativity, experience, attention to detail, and sensitivity to economics and environmental issues consistently delivers results. Give us a call today!

ceiling (bead board, dropped beams, or a pattern like herringbone).

• Change the look by staining or scoring the concrete floor. Most builders start by using plain concrete.

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

MAY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 13

by Steve Gamel

F

ather’s Day is approaching quickly – it’s on June 17, by the way. So with that said, what do you plan to get the “old man” this year? You could go with another tie or a pair of those fancy moisture-wicking socks you saw at Dick’s Sporting Goods. But will he be happy with that?

Odds are – he won’t. We scoured the Internet and put together a short list of popular 2018 gift ideas for dear old Dad. Even if this list isn’t perfect, these gifts ARE better than another tie.

A good, old-fashioned spa treatment There are plenty of local salons and spas, etc. that cater to both men and women who simply need a little pampering.

Another option is the Boardroom Salon for Men in Highland Village. For an affordable price, Dad can kick the traditional barbershop experience to the curb for a day and get the presidential treatment on haircuts, shaves, and spa services.

Amazon Echo or Echo Dot It seems like you can’t go wrong these days with tech-conscious gifts. Did you know you can get an Amazon Echo or the smaller Echo Dot for less than $200?

Think of how much fun he’ll have with these gadgets, which can play his favorite tunes, read the local news, and control appliances. Plus, it’s a gift for the entire family – just don’t tell Dad about your ulterior motive.

14 | LANTANA LIVING

| MAY 2018

Concert Tickets, Sporting events Treat Dad to a day at the ballpark watching the Rangers do their thing (hopefully winning). There are also plenty of concert and event options at American Airlines Center or even Bass Hall in Fort Worth. Want to go crazy and get out of town, make a weekend trip out of state to go see his favorite band. That’s a memory worth creating.

Personalized travel case Have a Dad who travels a lot for work or likes to go on various outdoor adventures?

He’ll love a personalized travel case for all his essentials, and most can be purchased for less than $100.

Gift Cards – lots of them Let’s face it, sometimes Dad is the most simplistic human being on the planet.

He doesn’t want or need fancy trips, the spa treatment, or even a trip to watch the Rangers. Sometimes all it takes is two or three quality gift cards. Not only does that show you care, but it gives him the choice of what to get himself for Father’s Day.

A Round or two of golf You live in Denton County, right? There are dozens of golf courses all around you, from Lantana Golf Course and Oakmont Country Club to Bridlewood, the Golf Club at Castle Hills. So, treat him to a round of golf, maybe even offer to be his caddy for the day. If he’s played all those courses, you won’t have problems finding options outside the immediate area.

Grilling tools or accessories Guys love to grill, and since summertime is practically upon us, a great idea would be to make sure Dad gets an upgrade on his utensils and various grill master accessories. This can be anything from utensils to kegerators, wood pellets, pans and racks, and new rubs and sauces. You can find them anywhere, including local stores like Grill This BBQ Supply in Denton.

MAY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 15

Ask The Expert: Counseling

PARENTING

eam AS A

T

he phone slams down. Hands shaking, you go to the kitchen and get a drink of water. I can’t believe he is already remarrying and introducing our child to her.

She’d better not try to be their Mom!

Divorce and blended families are difficult on the emotions, but I’ve learned some

things about blended families that might help you.

Single parenthood is very difficult emotionally, logistically, and

financially. Usually, someone has to help out.

At each change like dating, engagement, marriage, and new baby, the

stress in the co-parenting relationship goes up. Be

Good stepparents don’t make decisions or rules but help enforce them.

prepared, cope ahead, and get some counseling to

help you and your kids.

Good stepparents don’t make decisions

or rules but help enforce them. This makes parenting as a team much easier, actually.

The stepparent can nurture and focus on the relationship, and you have a live-in

counselor/mentor. For many of my clients, the stepparent who stays out of the

conflict between Mom and Dad can be a lifesaver.

16 | LANTANA LIVING

| MAY 2018

No one else is Mom or Dad. A child can go without seeing their parent for years, or have a really great stepparent, but they will always have a spot for their biological parent. No one can take Mom’s spot. I’ve seen the fear from Moms and Dads that they will be or could be replaced. This fear drives a lot of terrible behavior and decisions. But it is absolutely misplaced.

The relationship between the child and the parent may not be perfect, but it is always there.

Need some help with your blended family? I’ve worked with complicated families for 17 years. Call me, and we can talk for a few minutes. Maybe you need to come in; maybe you just need a book to read. Call me at 940.222.8703 x 700.

by Christy Graham LPC Play Therapist Supervisor Acorn Counseling Services 940.222.8703 acorncounseling.services

MAY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 17

Summertime Blues or

SUMMERTIME

CRUISE?

by Charla Bradshaw, KoonsFuller Family Law

W

e’ve all heard the Alan Jackson song “Summertime Blues”: “Sometimes I wonder what I’m a gonna do, but there ain’t no cure for the summertime blues”. Nor is there a cure for a difficult ex-spouse! A difficult ex-spouse can make it impossible for a divorced parent to travel with their child. This is because the other parent’s consent is necessary to obtain or renew a passport for a child or for a child to travel out of the country. If the proper provisions for obtaining a passport for a child and for a child to travel out of the country are not in the court order, then a difficult ex-spouse can prevent the child from traveling.

Some divorced parents can be difficult for the sake of being difficult and

unfortunately, passports and travel are an area where we see it a lot. Such difficult parents usually do not have a legitimate reason for preventing the travel and do so to get back at the other parent.

Unfortunately, many final custody orders do not contain provisions regarding obtaining a passport for a child or consent to travel out of the country. The rules for obtaining a passport for a child and for a child to travel out of the country have become very strict.

In order to obtain court ordered provisions for passports and out-of-the-country travel, this will require the traveling parent to return to court to obtain such orders.

Unless there are strong reasons why a child should not travel out of the country, for example medical reasons, dangerous travel conditions, etc. the courts will more than likely issue orders to obtain a passport and allow the child to travel out of the country.

Minors under the age of 16 cannot apply for a passport by themselves.

Both parents/guardians must appear

by a signed, notarized “Form DS-3053:

applying parent/guardian.

In addition, many airlines require a “Letter of Consent” to be signed by the

If the minor only has one parent/guardian,

other parent no matter what the court

the minor must be submitted with the

require a parent to sign such a letter.

evidence of sole authority to apply for

orders say. Part of the court’s order would

application in the form of a:

Even if the traveling parent has a passport

•

U.S. or foreign birth certificate,

Consular Report of Birth Abroad,

or adoption decree, listing only the applying parent •

Court order granting sole legal custody to the applying parent

(unless the child’s travel is restricted by that order) •

Court order specifically permitting

applying parent’s travel with the child

•

Judicial declaration of incompetence

•

Death certificate of the

of the non-applying parent non-applying parent

for the child, most airlines still require this letter. When a mother’s name is not the same as their child’s name, this can cause extra problems at the airport. Any divorcing mother desiring to change her name should consider making the child’s last name their middle name if they ever plan to travel out of the country with their child. The laws are becoming stricter and it is uncertain what the future holds in this regard.

Any divorced parent desiring to travel out of the country with a child needs to ask for passport and travel orders in their final orders. And, any parent desiring to travel

“Sole legal custody” is one of the

should ask the other parent in plenty of

a passport without the other parent’s

to obtain such passport and travel orders.

requirements for a parent to obtain

consent, however most custody orders do not contain sole legal custody, but rather joint custody (termed “joint

conservatorship” in Texas). Unless the order says “sole managing

conservatorship” then the traveling parent will not be able to obtain a passport without the other parent’s consent.

time in case they need to return to court Acting early can lead to the Summertime Cruise rather than the Summertime Blues!

www.koonsfuller.com Denton

320 West Eagle Dr., Suite 200 • Denton, TX 76201 (940) 442.6677 • (940) 442.6671 fax Principal Office in Dallas

Sponsored Content

in person with the minor and provide consent, authorizing passport issuance to the minor. If one parent/guardian is unable to appear in person, then the DS-11 application must be accompanied

Statement of Consent” from the non-

MAY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 19

INSIDE COMMUNITY Kids getting anxious and ready to splash around? You’re in luck, the pools are finally open and look who was caught in the Lantana Community Pool! If you haven’t noticed Lantana has not one but FIVE pools to choose from, including 2 junior Olympicsize pools. The water spray park at the South Amenity Center is filled with whimsical moveable features and plenty of space to allow children to have fun in full view of adults at the pool.

BARTONVILLE 7-ELEVEN After meeting, the town’s Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously to

recommend approval of the proposed 7-Eleven gas station and convenience store.

The 7-Eleven would be located just South of Marty B’s restaurant, off of FM 407 and I.T. Neely Drive. It will provide a much needed service to the area as drivers won’t have to go as far to fuel up their cars. The final vote will take place at the next Planning & Zoning meeting.

FLU IN DENTON COUNTY

RACE WITH GRACE 5K

Denton County Public Health reported the thirteenth influenza-

Grace Like Rain will be hosting a 5K Color Run on June

associated death in the county for the 2017-2018 flu season.

2, 2018 at 9am. The race will take place in the Harvest

Although the number of positive flu cases has decreased since

Community of Argyle, Texas. The 5k will be followed by a

February, this recent death proves that the influenza virus is still

color splash party at 11am. This event will also have food

a serious health concern. Weekly Denton County flu

trucks, bounce houses, and fun for the entire family. For more

surveillance reports and additional information is available at

information and tickets visit www.glrtx.org.

www.DentonCounty.com/flu.

Photo courtesy of ©MIHAI ANDRITOIU/123RF.COM

20 | LANTANA LIVING

| MAY 2018

Photo courtesy of Jan Parks

THE POOLS ARE OPEN!

INSIDE EDUCATION GUYER GRADUATION INFO May 25th 2018 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM at UNT Coliseum 600 Ave. D., Denton, TX Parking is available on the west side of the Coliseum off North Texas Boulevard. Handicapped parking spaces are available along Avenue D on the east side of the Coliseum.

COMMON SENSE SCHOOL

PHOTOS

Harpool Middle School has become an official Common Sense School this year. It means that they have integrated Common Sense Media principles that include being a responsible “Digital Citizen”. The term Digital Citizen, applies to how students interact with new social technologies in a safe, smart and ethical manner.

The program teaches internet safety, privacy and security, communication, how to deal with cyberbullying and drama, as well as how to deal with their digital footprint and reputation.

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP

All schools will close early on Wednesday,

After receiving double the amount of essays

May 23rd and Thursday, May 24th. The last

from eligible Seniors this year, Guyer was

day of school is May 24th. For early release times please see below: Elementary: 7:40 am - 12:00 pm Middle School: 8:15 am - 12:30 pm High School: 8:50 am - 1:05 pm

able to select the recipients of the Guyer PTSA Senior Scholarship Award. A 4th place Scholarship award was added after a tie between 2 students. The recipients are: 1st ($1000) Taylor Cox, 2nd ($500) Diego Solis, 3rd ($500) Mackenzie Erickson, 4th ($250) Kathryn Cowan, 4th ($250) Andrew Winn.

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.

MAY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 21

22 | LANTANA LIVING

| MAY 2018

Home Home Design Article

2018

TRENDS

by Madison Reid

A

s the years pass, we know styles are always changing. Now, this does not only apply to clothes and cars and things as such. It also applies to the changing trends of our homes. A lot of people take pride in their home and how beautiful it looks or how big it is. As the new year rolls in, there are different preferences to what the stylish home trends are when it comes to remodeling in North Texas.

Interior Home Trends Home trends 2018 are filled with fun and daring differences. First off, if not most importantly, the kitchen. It is official that white themed kitchens are out, and a more modern looking kitchen is desired. You can get this modern looking kitchen with the incorporation of stainless-steel appliances or soft colored wooden cabinets. In the past we have seen cabinets in dark or light brown, but this year grey is the new brown. The incorporation of these two features alone can have your kitchen looking up to date and stylish.

An upcoming trend that may be a bit unexpected is floral print. There has been a huge increase in the popularity of floral print recently. In order to successfully incorporate this into your home, you have to be sure to not use too much.

Keep it subtle, such as a floral throw pillow or floral curtains. This can add a nice tone to the room overall.

Exterior Home Trends As there are changing trends of the interior of your home, there are also new exterior trends. Some outdoor trends that are becoming popular in 2018 are outdoor kitchens and beautiful patio furniture. In order to incorporate a lot of the 2018 trends, it is good to have a nice canvas. Xeriscaping, is a new trend in North Texas. Xeriscaping is landscaping and gardening that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation and ends hassle of daily watering. Another trend we are seeing a lot of are sun shades. Sun shades are a great way to allow you to use your outdoor space even when the 100 degree temperatures arrive. They not only provide shade from the sun, but they are also a great way to protect your outdoor furniture from the scorching sun and prevent fading.

When it comes to the outdoors, it is nice to have thick wood and soft tones when it comes to your furniture and pops of color to brighten up the space. Gone are the days of only having an outdoor table and a few chairs. Today we are seeing everything from complete living room suites to even outdoor beds. Whatever your taste is home improvements in North Texas are proving to be a solid investment.

MAY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 23

Ask The Expert: Fitness

by Jesse J. Leyva, Owner of Jesse James Fit, Outlaw Bootcamp & Outlaw Fit Camp JesseJamesFit.com • OutlawBootcamp.com

B

athing suit season is right around the corner. Are you ready? Most people want to slim down before

baring it all, so I’m here to warn you of

the 5 Flat Tummy Myths that could waste your time:

Myth #1: Do extra crunches to flatten

your abs Excessive crunches aren’t the

answer for tight abs. To achieve a toned look, you’ll have to focus on burning

off the layer of fat that is covering up your tummy.

Tip: Don’t obsess about crunches instead focus on fat burning.

Myth #2: Take diet pills to speed

results. I know it’s tempting! The ads make compelling claims about the power of

popping a pill, but don’t fall for it. There

is no “magic pill.” Diet pills are more likely to burn through your pocketbook than to slim you down.

Tip: Don’t pop a pill - instead burn calories with intense exercise.

Myth #3: Turn to packaged diet products

are packed with refined sugar and other artificial ingredients that your body

doesn’t need and certainly won’t help you attain that tight tummy.

Tip: Don’t eat packaged diet foods -

instead stick with nutritious whole foods.

Myth #4: Avoid all carbohydrates to

achieve tight abs. Carbohydrates have

need to know in 3 simple steps: Step One: No more junk. The best way to do this is by purging your kitchen. Throw out the sugary, processed, and fat-filled

while slimming down. The key is to stick

that your beach-ready abs depend on

because you can (and should) eat carbs with whole grains, oatmeal, and brown

rice while avoiding processed and refined flours and sugars.

Tip: Don’t give up all carbohydrates instead stick with wholesome carbs.

Myth #5: Starve the chub away. Trying to lose weight by starving yourself is

not only ineffective, but it can also be dangerous. It may seem that severe calorie restriction would deliver the

quickest weight loss, but your body is

complex, and by doing so you’ll disrupt your metabolism and slow your results.

loss” aids. Quite often, these products

the day.

| MAY 2018

flat tummy game plan. Here’s what you

foods. Once the junk has been cleared

Tip: Don’t starve yourself - instead eat

24 | LANTANA LIVING

achieve tight abs, it’s time to go over your

been given a bad rap, which is unfortunate

to boost results. Don’t fall for the foods that are packaged as “diet” or “weight

Now that you know what not to do to

small wholesome meals throughout

out, don’t buy any more of it. Remember what you eat – don’t eat junk!

Step Two: Eat whole foods. Replace the junk food in your life with plenty of the following: cooked and raw vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains, moderate amounts of seeds and nuts, lean meats, and low-fat dairy. Clean eating is that simple.

Step Three: Come train with Us. This is the most obvious step. You’re ready to get into great shape, and we can make that happen for you. Call or visit us to get started on an exercise plan that will get you those amazing abs.

MAY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 25

by Steve Gamel

C

onsidering how big high school football is in Texas, adding instant replay to help get a controversial

call right was bound to happen eventually.

But the process will have its limitations – at least for now.

The University Interscholastic League

Purists argue the game is fine without

it, but others point out that football is a complicated sport with many moving

parts and action happening all over the field. As a result, officials can get a call wrong or miss something and derail a team’s season.

Chronicle shortly after the UIL’s

announcement. “But it’s definitely a good thing. It creates a better, fair environment

announced April 19 that instant replay

There were examples of pivotal calls that

for players. We weren’t the only ones

for all classifications in 2018, citing in a

the 2017 playoffs. Locally, Denton County

video board [at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium]

to review calls on the grandest stage.

practically every year. Guyer won state

only impact title games. It will not be used

2010 final. Argyle High School has played

will be used during state title weekend

could have been overturned as recent as

press release that it will use NCAA rules

has football teams that make title runs

However, the addition of instant replay will

titles in 2012 and 2013 and lost in the

during the regular season and playoffs.

in a state title game three times between

All reviews will be made by a college

2013 and 2015, winning once.

official in a replay booth, per the UIL.

In 2014, Argyle lost to Navasota 42-35 in

“With all UIL state championship

that game, Argyle gave up a game-tying

football games at a single location,

we have the technology and ability to

utilize these powerful tools to make the state championships the best possible

experience for coaches, players, officials

and fans,” UIL executive director Charles Breithaupt said in the release. “Instant replay will help ensure that the calls

during the biggest games of the year are as correct as possible.”

Whether or not to add instant replay has been a hot topic for a long time.

26 | LANTANA LIVING

| MAY 2018

double overtime in the state title game. In drive with just more than a minute to go in regulation, though it appeared the

receiver fumbled the ball at the 1-yard line and the ball went into the end zone and rolled out of bounds. Instead of Argyle

getting the ball back with a chance to ice

the game, the receiver was ruled down by officials on the field, setting Navasota up to score and force overtime.

“It’s a day late and a dollar short for

the Argyle Eagles,” Argyle coach Todd Rodgers told the Denton Record-

impacted, and it’s a tough situation. The

kind of exposes some of those missed or incorrect calls and makes it bigger than what it normally is.”

But there are limitations. Not only will

instant replay not be an option during the regular season or for any playoff games leading up to championship weekend,

but the UIL said coaches will not have the power to challenge a play. Targeting will also not be called as a result of a review.

“Because we play football by NCAA

rules, which allow for instant replay, we

have this opportunity. We are extremely

excited to add instant replay to our state championship games,” UIL Director of

Athletics Dr. Susan Elza said in the release.

“We’ve studied this topic thoroughly, and

have had many conversations with officials and coaches. The consensus we’ve heard

is that our game is ready for this and it will be a valuable addition.”

THE WEIGHT LOSS SECRET FOR BABY BOOMERS THAT

NO ONE WANTS TO

TELL YOU ABOUT

NOMINATE US! June 13

D

July 11

on’t you hate walking into the gym and feeling like everyone is judging you? Just because you’re older doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be there. Do you feel like losing weight is a lost cause, just because you’re 60? Is it hard for you to lose weight because you don’t know how? I understand what you are going through. These are the most common things I hear from my patients on why they were not able to lose weight.

So what do you do? Do you go on an extreme diet that you read on the Internet? Do you follow a diet you saw on TV? Or do you just give up and not even worry about it?

Has anyone ever sat you down to really explain to you what happens when you gain weight?

THE FACT THAT YOU ARE 60 OR OVER MEANS THAT YOU CAN: 1. BE HEALTHY

2. LOOK GOOD 3. FEEL GOOD 4. FEEL SEXY 5. BE HAPPY

MORE BAD FAT IN YOUR BODY CAN:

These are all things that I see in all of my

1. MAKE IT HARD FOR YOUR HEART TO WORK 2. MAKE YOU SICK 3. INCREASE THE CHANCES OF DIABETES 4. INCREASE THE RISK OF GETTING CERTAIN CANCERS 5. MAKE YOU FEEL SLUGGISH 6. MAKE YOU FEEL DEPRESSED

with fat.

These are just a few of many medical facts that are associated with gaining weight.

So the real question is, are you ready to get healthy and feel good about the way you look and feel? Are you ready to show other people that they are wrong and that you can lose weight.

patients that decide that they are fed up

Here is what we have been able to do: 1. Help patients over 60 lose weight when all else has failed 2. Help patients get off of their medications 3. Help patients feel good about themselves 4. Help patients look good 5. We make our patients HAPPY

How do we do it? If you’re looking for

Like I said, no games, no tricks, just LOSING WEIGHT the right way that makes sense.

There is no such thing when it comes

What you can expect:

takes work, knowledge, fat-slimming

1. FDA approved therapy that achieves immediate fat loss 2. Nutritional help 3. Meal planning 4. One-on-one private in-office physical training 5. Caring help 6. Sustainable weight loss

a magic bullet, stop reading right now.

to losing weight and getting healthy. It

technology, and a good team behind you that will support you.

There is no trickery, no games; just a great process that gets YOU results!

If you would like to find out if this is the right solution for you, here is what I want you to do:

If you are 60 years or older and ready to start your life of happiness and joy for 2018, CALL 940-202-1196 for a

• FREE COPY of Dr. Thai’s weight loss book explaining the most common mistake people make when losing weight.

Next, you are going to get a

• FREE NO OBLIGATION CONSULTATION •

to discover how you can lose weight. CALL 940-202-1196 for your chance at real weight loss.

This offer is good for the first 21 callers only! For more information visit www.makemeskinny.info

Ask The Expert: Pest Control

tick check using a mirror to see hard

to reach places such as the underarms,

LYME DISEASE Awareness

T

icks arrive in our area before mosquitoes, so it’s a good idea to have a plan in place for elimination

and prevention. Ticks sit on the tips of

grass and shrubs while waiting for hosts.

When brushed by a moving animal or person, ticks quickly climb onto the

host. Ticks are among the most efficient carriers of disease because they attach

firmly to the skin, feed slowly and may go unnoticed for a considerable amount of time while feeding.

Awareness about ticks and important prevention techniques can assist in

reducing your family’s exposure and the health risks they carry. Recent research by the Centers for Disease Control and

28 | LANTANA LIVING

| MAY 2018

Prevention (CDC) estimates about

300,000 people are diagnosed with Lyme disease annually.

Here are a few tips to help protect you and your family from ticks:

• Keep grass mowed, trees trimmed and remove excessive leaf litter.

• Keep pets out of thickly wooded areas where tick activity is higher.

• Wear long sleeves and pants when

walking in wooded and heavy grassy areas. Remove shoes and wash

clothing promptly after coming inside.

• Bathe or shower right after spending

time outdoors and conduct a full-body

belly button, behind the knees and on the scalp.

• Place a barrier of cedar chips or gravel between your lawn, patio, and play

equipment and any wooded areas.

This will restrict tick migration into recreational areas.

• Check pets for ticks daily and remove them as soon as possible if one is

present. Pets can carry ticks inside homes as they hide in their fur.

• Protect pets by reaching out to your local veterinarian.

• Consult a professional if and when the need arises.

by Lee & Hollie Woodham, Owner of Mosquito Joe Northwest DFW

northwestdfw.mosquitojoe.com

MAY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 29

Ideas for

Verf’s Grill and Tavern 2221 Justin Rd., Flower Mound 972.317.3390 The extensive menu at Verf’s carries everything from steak and seafood to pasta and enchiladas and all of it is scrumptious. They also carry a full bar and a long list of wines. It’s a meal you won’t soon forget!

Cinnamon Creek Ranch 13794 Old Denton Rd., Roanoke 817.439.8998

by Steve Gamel

f you’re looking for dining options for Father’s Day, there are a variety of local favorites and hidden gems throughout Denton County. But don’t limit yourself to just food. Take Dad out for a day on the town. Below are just a few dining AND fun ideas for Father’s Day.

Cinnamon Creek Ranch has become a premier destination spot for anyone who wants to try their hand at something different. Located in Roanoke, this is an 80acre archery facility featuring three indoor shooting ranges, two outdoor practice ranges and multiple 3D ranges. Show Dad who’s the boss with this fun-filled family option.

Dough Bro’s Italian Kitchen

Gatsplat PaintBall Fields

Genti’s Ristorante Italiano

2851 Plano Pkwy., The Colony 469.353.8182

582 TX-121 Business, Lewisville 972.956.5500

3700 FM 2181, Hickory Creek 940.497.5400

Dough Bro’s is another Italian favorite that is sure to quench your appetite while being served by the friendliest staff around. They focus on serving modern versions of your favorite classic dishes – all made with the finest fresh, local ingredients.

Talk about a great way to bring Dad back to his childhood – a good old-fashioned game of paintball. OK, so paintball may or may not have been popular in his era, but he’s bound to be a natural at it. You can get a huge group together and rent the entire facility during off hours.

For you Italian food lovers out there, Genti’s is a can’t miss. Located in the heart of Lake Cities, Genti’s offers everything from pizza and pasta to seafood and traditional Italian entrees. And let’s not forget desserts like cannolis, cheesecake and tiramisu.

Shoal Creek Tavern

The Classic Cafe at Roanoke

Topgolf

1701 Shoal Creek Dr., Highland Village 972.317.2250

504 N. Oak St., Roanoke 817.430.8185

3760 Blair Oaks Dr., The Colony 469.213.5204

This is just an all-around great restaurant.

It’s casual, it’s fun, and the food is fantastic.

For those still sticking to their New Year’s resolution, Jesse James Fit has his own JJ mark on the menu with dishes that he recommends to stay on track. Start with the smoked Old Fashioned.

This is not only a great place to eat, but the owners also go out of their way to create a complete experience that includes cooking classes and monthly wine tastings. Join them for lunch or dinner – be sure to check their website for accurate hours.

There are Topgolf locations throughout the Metroplex, and they include everything from a full-service restaurant and bar to private event spaces, over 200 HD TVs, Free Wi-Fi, and more than 100 climate-controlled hitting bays. Honestly, what more could Dad ask for?

I

30 | LANTANA LIVING

| MAY 2018

MAY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 31

‘COMFORT’ Is Still Our Middle Name

by Steve Gamel

Southern Comfort Mechanical excited to keep doing what they do best.

S

outhern Comfort Mechanical has been keeping families in Denton County cool in the summer and warm in the winter for the past 10 years and will continue to do so under the leadership of its new owner Steve Stewart.

The timing was not ideal, taking ownership of an air conditioning company in the middle of summer in the heart of Texas. But Stewart said he hit the ground running.

Steve Stewart Owner of Southern Comfort Mechanical

32 | LANTANA LIVING

| MAY 2018

“It’s been cool to see the relationships this company and this team has with its clients,” he said. “The clients call, and they know everyone. They even ask for their favorite technician like Shane, BJ, and Robert. It’s about long-term relationships.”

Steve is committed to continuing

Steve just wants to take all that to the next

Southern Comfort’s legacy of a friendly,

level. Pulling from experiences in prior

family business with excellent client

roles at Toyota and McKinsey, he wants

service. Although it wasn’t an easy

to stress the importance of preventative

decision for Laurie and Jason Fraser to sell their business, they believe in the future of Southern Comfort and are extremely confident with their choice of the new owner. brings with him 30 years of experience.

Growing up in Belfast, Ireland he started as a welder then worked in manufacturing plants around England for Lucas Industries making fuel injectors for trucks and ships and fuel systems for to Toyota UK as an engineer working on new model launches.

Steve then moved to Cleveland, Ohio to work for McKinsey & Company consulting for Fortune 500 companies;

before there is a system failure. He on our cars these days on tire pressures and oil changes, Steve said. “It’s great because we can call clients and let them know there’s an issue before that issue affects them, which will keep equipment heating and cooling through the tough

Veronica Mapp Office Manager

Jamie Mergell Customer Service

Dallas seasons. We’ve also got

“The clients call, and they know everyone.

They even ask for their favorite technicians...

It’s about long-term relationships.”

Container Company running a group of plants in Pennsylvania. For the past 10 years, he has worked on the private equity team of Highland Capital Management working around the world on turnarounds and executive roles. He lives locally with his wife, Gail, who is from Birmingham UK, and two children, Jemma Photography by ANM Photography

will provide early detection of problems

other new processes that

then to Consolidated

Sponsored Content

using tools like Nexia Diagnostics which

explains, “it’s similar to the alerts we get

Steve has a Degree in engineering and

aerospace. He then moved

maintenance in the spring and fall while

MEET THE TEAM

and Ben. So after years of traveling the world turning around other businesses Steve decided to start looking for an opportunity that he could call his own.

Southern Comfort Mechanical stuck out like a sore thumb.

“This isn’t a company that needs to be turned around. It already has an incredible reputation,” Steve said. “It’s about the

help us improve your home comfort, such as air balancing so you don’t have the feeling of one room being too hot and another being too cool.”

BJ Lloyd, Technician

Shane Dendy Technician

Robert McDaniel Technician

Ken Lancaster Technician

So it will continue to be

business as usual at Southern Comfort Mechanical with a core of dependable employees that you have come to count on like Shane, Robert, BJ, Veronica, and Ken along with fresh new faces Jamie, Toni, and Wayne to help meet client needs.

They are also a Best of Denton County winner for the last four years and have quite the loyal following.

Centrally located in Lewisville, Southern Comfort built its reputation on providing reliable service for residential and light commercial clients from the Lewisville and Flower Mound area to Dallas and Denton.

They can service any need: duct cleaning, insulation, WiFi thermostats and Air quality & purification.

people, the products, and the processes.

Steve and the team are extremely excited

The core elements will stay the same.”

about the future.

Call Now 972.972.4202 www.scmdfwair.com

174 Lake Park Rd., Lewisville, TX 75057

MAY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 33

Ask The Expert: Makeover

AFTER

Color by Toni Tucker

KAREN

MAKEOVER OF THE MONTH BEFORE

Makeup by Taylor Compton

Taylor started by applying a moisturizer followed by primer. To help eliminate under the eye baggage Taylor used

| MAY 2018

tones with a 7nw and 8n in Redkin shades eq.

Cut & Style by Rachel Rafferty

Rachel trimmed Karen’s hair and kept it

the perfect length for her fine hair type, which looked best at shoulder length.

She then gave her lots of layering to help give it beautiful movement around the Photography by Jeff Stephens

a Rose Gold highlighter, Barbie Pink blush and a nude lip liner with a peach lip gave Karen a rich new look.

34 | LANTANA LIVING

dimensions with 20 vol developer and

Mineral based powder was then used

Karen’s cheek bones. To finish the look off

214.415.4806 www.cloud9salon.com

an all over highlight with redkin blonde

neck and face.

give definition Taylor used concealer on

Makeover and clothes provided by

which is incredibly enticing, so Toni did

a peach primer under Karen’s eyes. and blended down her neck. To help

AFTER

Karen asked for some carmel highlights

Jeff is from Highland Village and has

been doing photography for about 8

years which has been his passion. He has

identical twin boys that are 8 that he loves and adores. To get in contact with Jeff for photography call 972.900.7477.

Want to be the next Makeover? Email cloud9salon@cloud9salon.com and tell us why you deserve it!

MAY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 35

L ocal

TALENT

Tracks: Prologue

L

ate one night (when I was around seven or eight) I was lying down on the pull-out mattress from the couch.

We actually still have the couch today and will continue to use it quite a bit (though it’s getting kind of small for us).

My dad was lying next to me as everything else in the house was more silent than it

hardly ever is. You could hear the cicadas buzzing, the crickets chirping, and the

slight rustle of leaves as the wind shook their tired limbs in the night sky.

Dad nodded and he held up a finger, “Yeah, but do you hear that?” A slight

rumble in the distance echoed through the woods and into our lake house.

“Yeah,” I nodded as I listened. It was faint, but if I focused hard enough I could hear it.

“That’s the train,” he paused and smiled.

I nodded and felt like I was about to start tearing up as well.

“And on that train are separate carts. Carts

“Hey, dad?” I asked slowly turning my

full of whos-its and whats-its and all-its

leaves whispering in the background.

I didn’t respond. “Each cart has its’ own

head to face my dad, the slight rustling of “Yeah, All-star?” He slowly opened his eyes as he looked down at me. They were as blue as the ocean, just like mine.

“Why did we have to move?” Our family

had just moved from Edmond, Oklahoma to Texas where I currently live. However, the place we were at now was just our lake house. We didn’t live there, we

just spent a lot of time there during the summer. “I miss Ian and Mason and Rylan and William.”

My dad paused as silence filled the empty space in the room. “I miss them too, All-

star,” he paused. I could see tears starting

to form in his eyes. “They’re good friends, aren’t they?”

“Yeah,” I nodded as if it were obvious.

“I miss them—a lot.”

36 | LANTANA LIVING

| MAY 2018

galore. You get what I mean?” dad asked. purpose. To carry something from one

place to another. It could vary from each

cart or they could all be carrying the same thing. But the thing I know for sure is that without each individual cart serving its’

purpose the train couldn’t continue. The

train is the bigger thing that all carts work together to accomplish.” I was confused.

“And in a lot of ways the carts on those trains are like people.”

I raised an eyebrow, somewhat skeptical. “How so?”

“Well, people will come and go out of our lives—just like carts on trains come and go from one place to another. But if there’s

anything I’m sure of it’s that the memory of that person will stay with us forever—and

that’s the foundation of those friendships; those are the TRACKS.”

Picture above courtesy of Isaac Littleton Isaac Littleton lives in Flower Mound, Texas, where he is an eighth grader at Shadow Ridge Middle School. Isaac has already published two books: The Virus and The Reunion. He is currently working on his third book, Tracks, and plans on finishing it sometime this summer. When not in Flower Mound he spends most of his time at his family’s lake house where he gets most of his writing inspiration. Isaac also loves traveling to the Outerbanks of North Carolina with his family where he one day would like to live and write his stories. Isaac has a special needs twin brother named Solomon and a younger sister named Carolina Grace. Isaac loves visiting with other people who have a love for writing and loves speaking to groups about this passion. Isaac Littleton can be reached at hideawaypublishingcompany@ gmail.com. You can get his first two books at amazon.com.

MAY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 37

Foodie Friday of DFW: Mazzola’s Pizzeria

Boston-Style

MAZZOLA’S

PIZZERIA In Flower Mound

D

enton County has been abuzz ever since Mazzola’s Pizzeria opened up at the end of March in Flower

Mound! This Boston-style pizzeria and bakery has quickly become notorious

for serving up incredible pizzas, coffee,

stop in starting at 6 am to pick up a

breakfast pastry and a cup of coffee, or

you can come with the whole family in the evening to enjoy a fantastic dinner.

When we visited Erik, he showed us how they create their popular

and baked goods (most notably, their scones!).

Owner, Erik Stenson,

created the restaurant by

modeling it after his Uncle Joe’s well-known Boston pizza shop and bakery

called Mazzola Brothers Bakery. Everything in

the restaurant is scratch-

Mazzola’s is open to feed their customers morning, afternoon, and night. You can stop in starting at 6am...

made using the best of

ingredients. They’ve designed the menu to incorporate the traditional Italian

influences Erik grew up with as well as

some unique healthy creations for today’s busy lifestyles.

Carne Pizza which comes topped with pepperoni,

sausage, brisket, roasted peppers, pepperoncini, red sauce, and a blend

of cheeses. It’s unlike any pizza you’ve had before because they prepare

all of the ingredients the “Mazzola Way.”

At Mazzola’s, you’re not

just getting a pizza. You’re getting a true culinary creation unlike anything else

you’ll find around here. So go check them out if you haven’t already - for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

469.763.3515 www.mazzolaspizzeria.com 1913 Justin Rd., Flower Mound, TX 75028

Many of the items on their menu are

shareable in true Italian fashion so that the whole family can enjoy their meal

together. But they have lots of individual items to make it easy for their customers to enjoy their food on-the-go as well.

972.724.2540 | JayMarksRealestate.com

Mazzola’s is open to feed their customers

jay@jaymarksrealestate.com

morning, afternoon, and night. You can 38 | LANTANA LIVING

| MAY 2018

2624 Long Prairie Rd. | Flower Mound, TX 75022

The 10th Annual Blanton Elementary Fun Run, held April 27th, was a great success! Thanks to everyone who participated and helped make it happen!

photography by Jessica Rene Photography

MAY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 39

The Women of Flower Mound

Spring Fling Fashion Show

A SMASHING

SUCCESS

I

by Steve Gamel

t was a full house at the Women of Flower Mound Spring Fling Fashion Show on Saturday, April 14. More than 100 guests viewed beautiful fashions from The Shops at Highland Village retailers, tasted hearty hors d’oeuvres from Shops eateries, and tried to win over 70 gift baskets with a combined value of $16,000.

42 | LANTANA LIVING

| MAY 2018

Photography by Jessie Wood (jcayedesigns@gmail.com)

“We are overwhelmed with the generosity of those who attended this year’s fashion show and give a heartfelt thanks to our guests, the community, our sponsors,

The Shops at Highland Village, and all

who volunteered their time to contribute to the Fashion Show’s success,” WOFM

accessories from Shops merchants.

Models wore the latest hair and makeup

by Toni & Guy.

Women of Flower Mound was founded in 1975 to provide leadership opportunities for area women and to aid the cause of higher education

President Tiffany Waisenan said.

The Women of Flower Mound is a non-profit organization dedicated

to providing

scholarships to

area graduating

“We are overwhelmed with the generosity of those who attended this year’s fashion show and give a heartfelt thanks to our guests, the community, our sponsors...”

high school seniors.

The Fashion Show

in a tangible way.

They participate in

fundraising activities throughout the year to benefit

the community, including their

holiday home tour,

A LIST OF LOCAL CHARITIES THEY SUPPORT INCLUDE: Love Pacs Children’s Advocacy Center Kyle’s Place Santa Cops Humane Tomorrow Shesupply.com The Street Dog Project Donation of children’s books for local schools

wine tasting event,

Women of Flower Mound wanted to thank

and other volunteer

Cox, Karen Kenner, Meerees Palmer,

annual fashion show,

the Fashion Show Committee of Angie

is their largest fundraiser of the year

activities. They also support other

Jane Recchia, Shelley Thompson, Lisa

exact amount of money raised was not

education and member donations.

Kohankle, Debbie Pace, Paula Wagner,

to accomplish this, and though the

immediately known, all proceeds will be

used to award three scholarships valued at $4,000 each.

This was the first year WOFM partnered with The Shops at Highland Village.

The event featured catwalk fashion and

local non-profit organizations through Community activities such as the Easter Sunrise Service on the Mound, the

Independence Day Children’s Parade, and

Dalton, Donna Hodge, Carla Horton, Carol Tiffany Waisanen, and Jana Wren for their hard work in making this year’s event a smashing success.

the Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting

For more information about

selfless community support.

www.womenofflowermound.org

are all examples of their far-reaching and

The Women of Flower Mound, visit

MAY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 43

DISTRICT 6-6A ALL-DISTRICT SOCCER 2018

by Steve Gamel

DISTRICT 6-6A ALL-DISTRICT BOYS SOCCER 2018

Keenan Peterson, Plano East; William

Boyd; Madison Bissa, McKinney Boyd;

MVP: Jack Monte, McKinney Boyd

East; James Stautler, Plano East; Adrian

Plano West; Madison Tacket, Plano West;

Offensive Player of the Year: Tyler Imig, McKinney

Cade von Heimburg, Allen; Christopher

Defensive Player of the Year: Haris Gusic, Plano East Midfielder of the Year: David Ortiz, McKinney Boyd Co-Goalkeeper of the Year: Blair Zepeda, Plano East; Skylar Foreman, Wylie

Torres, Plano East; Luis Sahmkow, Plano Hernandez, Allen; Michael Bognar, Allen; Firch, Allen; Jonathan Leach, McKinney;

Marcos Puga, McKinney; Stephen Kooker, McKinney; Alberto Gutierrez, McKinney;

Noah Johnson, Wylie; Jazden Paul, Wylie; Nathan Bach, Wylie; Vasco Zamudio, Wylie; Josh Mansell, Guyer; Santerri

Kokkonen, Guyer; Randy Bond, Plano

Ellie Lemaster, Plano West; Ella Mcquaid, Karsen Aguirre, Plano West; Brooke

Roberts, Plano West; Mia Fimiani, Plano; Caitlin Morse, Plano; Maddie Weimer,

Plano; Madison Morse, Plano; Samantha

Rupe, McKinney; Caitlyn Rorie, McKinney; Maddy Peake, McKinney; Aylisse Warren, Wylie;

Hailey Gonzalez, Wylie.

SECOND TEAM

Utility Player of the Year: Jack Grimes, Allen

West; Hayden Fraizer, Plano.

Newcomer of the Year: Evan Conner, McKinney Boyd

DISTRICT 6-6A ALL-DISTRICT GIRLS SOCCER 2018

Co-Soph of the Year: Landon Kronberg, Plano West; Jonathan Niece, Plano

MVP: Kristen Meadows, McKinney Boyd

Allen; Ashley Carter, Guyer; Rachel

Co-Defender of the Year: Madison Williams, Allen; Cat Klein, Guyer

Jocelyn McDonough, McKinney Boyd;

Coach of the Year:

Colby Peek, McKinney Boyd FIRST TEAM

Tanner Binion, McKinney Boyd; Nico

Neumann, McKinney Boyd; Chase Coy,

Midfielder of the Year: Tabitha Bishop, Plano Forward of the Year: Amber Lyons, Guyer

Tosin Alao, Allen; Cassie Taylor, Allen;

Kennedi Anders, Allen; Claire Carney,

Allen; Addie Tate, Allen; Andrea Ridgely, Allen; Abbey Suess, Allen; Natalie Price, Brandt, Guyer; Olivia Rimbey, Guyer; Mackenzie Preator, McKinney Boyd;

Kailyn Edestrand, McKinney Boyd; Kylie

Burton, McKinney Boyd; Mackenzie Hall, McKinney Boyd; Olivia Witte, McKinney

Goalie of the Year: Jennifer Peters, Allen

Boyd; Olivia Chung, Plano West; Abby

Boyd; Angel Serrano, McKinney Boyd;

Newcomer of the Year: Sami Gomez, Guyer

West; Erin Regan, Plano West; Lindsey

Mendez, Plano East; Edgar Sanchez,

Utility Player of the Year: Ally Jackson, Allen

Chris Del Cid, Plano East; Reed Berry,

Coach of the Year: Kevin Albury, Allen

McKinney Boyd; Brooks Scott, McKinney Cameron Bush, Plano East; Fabian

Plano East; Jacob Stuewe, Plano East; Allen; Fernando Ramirez, Allen; Kaine

Tutt, Allen; Holden Essman, Allen; Gianni

Flavo, McKinney; Micah Ardila, McKinney; Greg Lopez, McKinney; Landen Schmidt, McKinney; Brennan Slaughter, Wylie,

Colton Mowry, Wylie; Michael Agyeman, Wylie; Gavin Hanna, Wylie; Alexis Diaz, Guyer; Jaron Petreas, Guyer; Brett Learmont, Plano West; Timmy Langford, Plano.

FIRST TEAM

Natalie Wodka, Allen; Emily Russell, Allen;

Megan Russell, Allen; Grace Dennis, Allen; Haylee Spray, Allen; Elizabeth Moreno, Allen; Jordan Colbert, Allen; Laurel

Landry, Allen; Taylor Hunter, Guyer;

Maddie Janolo, Guyer; Lauren Avila, Guyer; Allie Lyons, Guyer;

Mariella Stephens, Guyer; Olivia Ramirez, Guyer;

SECOND TEAM

Taylor Jordan, McKinney

Drekman, McKinney Boyd; Bryce Barta,

McKinney Boyd; Abbigail

Gutierrez, McKinney Boyd; Griffin Ramsey,

Micaella Swain, McKinney

Adrian Kordi, McKinney Boyd; Matthew

Boyd; Laura Mauldin,

McKinney Boyd; Roberto Gonzalez-

Delozier, McKinney Boyd;

McKinney Boyd; Marin Budic, Plano East;

Boyd; Sydni Perry, McKinney

44 | LANTANA LIVING

| MAY 2018

Arkwright, Plano West; Lily Baylor, Plano Depner, Plano West; Madde Friedman, Plano West; Natalie Montanez, Plano;

Amanda Walsh, Plano; Ireland Jeffrey,

Plano; Alexis Vera, McKinney; Adi Henry,

McKinney; Estelle Flamagam, McKinney; Darian Brown, Wylie; Kylee Smith, Wylie.

There Will Be Cats & Dogs For Adoption June 9th from 10am-2pm Engel & Vรถlkers Dallas Flower Mound 2451 Lakeside Parkway, Ste. 180 Flower Mound, TX 75022

MAY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 45

7 BACKYARD Ways To

Upgrade Your

S

ummertime is almost here, which means we’ll be spending more of our free time outdoors. For many

of us, that means taking a long, hard

look around the backyard to see what

can be spruced up, added, or upgraded to either prepare for a slew of backyard

get-togethers with friends or create that well-deserved quiet oasis.

That can seem like an overwhelming

project this late into May, but it doesn’t

BUILD A SEAT WALL If you’re creating a fun and inviting living space in your backyard, you need plenty of seating areas, right? Seat walls are a custom and functional addition to any

landscape design. With a seat wall, there’s no need to take up space with traditional chairs or benches. And the best part is

by Steve Gamel

Home Design Article

it the pop it deserves, then the project is

totally worth it. The right lighting can give

your backyard depth and make certain areas feel bigger than what they actually are.

ADD A WATER FEATURE Any time you walk into a friend or

neighbor’s backyard and see a water

they come in all shapes and sizes.

feature – no matter how big or small it may

AND THEN THERE WAS LIGHT

your own. These, too, come in all different

be – it makes you wish you had one of

have to be – and it doesn’t have to be

Admittedly, lighting can get pretty

shapes and styles (stacked stone, stacked

upgrade ideas to keep in mind as you

looking backyard living space and light

because of the sights and sounds, add a

super expensive, either. Here are 7 smaller move forward with your summer: 46 | LANTANA LIVING

| MAY 2018

expensive. But if you already have a snazzy

vase, a traditional fountain, etc.) and,

fixtures are the only thing needed to give

tranquil ambiance to any landscape.

CLEAN UP YOUR LANDSCAPING Sometimes, just rolling up your sleeves and clearing out dead bushes or plants from your landscaping and adding fresh mulch will make a world of difference in the overall appearance of your backyard.

Also, think about adding unique elements such as custom steel boxes and ovalshaped pots for your plants.

UPDATE YOUR POOL’S COPING Coping is a term used for the stone or concrete material used to cap the wall around your pool. There may be nothing structurally wrong with your pool, but it could be in massive need of an update if it were installed 15 or 20 years ago. Natural stone coping and decking are useful swimming pool renovations and can add some much-needed style.

RE-STAIN YOUR FENCE AND PATIO COVER

This is another quick way to update the look of your backyard if you’re not in the market to add any new elements. Maybe do a quick power wash and use a different color than the stain you’ve been using.

STAMP OR STAIN YOUR CONCRETE One of the more well-used techniques for giving ordinary concrete a decorative and formal look is through staining and stamping. Staining concrete is literally changing its color while stamping involves stamping a pattern and/or texture into freshly laid concrete.

Many of the projects listed above are not overly complicated. If you don’t feel like doing it yourself, there are plenty of trustworthy companies out there who can transform your outdoor living space into the envy of the neighborhood. Two, in particular, is Complete Solutions in Flower Mound and Green Meadows in Castle Hills.

MAY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 47

Ask The Expert: Gardening

What to Do

WITH YOUR W

PATIO

hen you ask people what they think of their patios, some will say, “it’s a boring slab of

cook with ease can greatly enhance your

“definitely not enough space back there.”

of the space. You don’t have to go huge,

concrete,” or “it’s way too hot to use,” or, Others think up endless ideas but go

round and round never really being able to nail down what they envision much

less how to get to the point of breaking ground. Your patio space should be an extension of the house – furnished and

functional. More than anything, it should be a space that’s designed to fit your

needs. This allows you to effortlessly get

outdoor experience. Putting in a side

burner, extra storage, or even a fridge can all add to the usability and convenience

features to your patio space not only creates interesting destinations but also brings people together enabling you to enjoy the space that much more.

super luxurious, or over the top with it –

Once you’ve gotten your patio footprint

importantly, make it functional for you.

your hard space with a combination of turf

just build to suit your needs, and most

With our economy continuing to boom

together, it’s always important to balance and landscape areas. Much like the patio

and no slowing down in sight for the

itself, landscaping could definitely be a do

and should be at the top of our lists.

installation are better left to be thought

construction industry, creating privacy is Whether it be some taller landscape

it yourself task, but sometimes design and through by a local professional. We get calls and visit homes on a daily basis

out and enjoy the outdoors.

that creates a screen wall, simple curtain

Having a cover over your space really

and-forth as needed, or some remote

only to find out it’s not large enough. It

control, creating that element of privacy

had envisioned, or better yet, they have

make all the difference when your home

doesn’t necessarily specialize in layout/

allows for more useable time throughout

the year no matter the weather conditions and gives you the opportunity to truly

make it feel as if it’s just another room in

the home. Sometimes a good balance of

covered as well as uncovered patio space

is the answer – just ensure you’re investing in a vision that’s going to fit your family’s needs the best.

Having the ability and an adequate

amount of counter space to grill out during the week or entertain on the

weekends allowing you to prep and 48 | LANTANA LIVING

| MAY 2018

and rod set up that you can pull back-

where people have put together a space

solar screens that offer UV as well as bug

doesn’t offer the function or privacy they

and really finishing the space off, can

given their ideas to a “patio builder” who

and trying to unplug.

Fireplaces, fountains, fire pits, and other features won’t only set your space apart

design. Now, they need to manipulate what they’ve already paid for into something more usable.

from others but will also provide some

function to your outdoor living. Whether

it’s that focal point that a fireplace offers, a relaxing sound you get off of a water

feature or fountain or being able to gather around the fire pit on a cool night. Adding

by PJ Kratohvil of Complete Solutions completesolutionsdfw.com

MAY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 49

Are you networking?

Are You

NETWORKING? W e l l,

y o u

s h o u l d

b e!

by Steve Gamel

J

ennifer Harvey didn’t know the first thing about networking when she moved to Texas four years ago, and if you get her talking, she might try to convince you she’s still not a pro at it. But you’d never be able to tell as she stands confidently in front of a packed room on another Thursday morning.

Once again, she’s happily doing introductions – for a networking group she helped launch.

The loyal attendees include everyone

“Sometimes I wonder, how did we do this?” Harvey said with a shy laugh. “It’s magic. It has to be.”

chiropractors, and even a Mayor and city

Harvey, a registered representative with New York Life, and fellow local business owners, Dave Reese and Diane Barton, started Lake Cities Coffee & Connections in late-September. They hold meetings at 8 a.m. every Thursday at Beatitudes Tea Room in Lake Dallas and have emerged as one of the more talked-about smallbusiness networking groups in the area.

LCCC has an average of 24 to 27 participants each week and has its own Facebook page with 204 followers.

50 | LANTANA LIVING

| MAY 2018

from insurance agents to artists, mortgage officers, SEO experts, roofers, council member.

“It’s people who have a passion for what they do,” Harvey said. “And part of that is helping others grow.”

The growth of LCCC

been around for years. The goal for each is simple: build relationships with one

another on a grassroots level, grow your

business, and be engaged in the growth of business in your community.

“It’s foolish not to engage in some type of networking,” Harvey said

should come as no surprise to avid networkers across North Texas. There are countless groups in every nook and cranny of the Metroplex – many may have started yesterday, others have

And there’s never been a better time to make new connections.

“I saw an article once

that said, ‘networking is

dead,’” and I thought to

myself, well, you obviously haven’t put enough

into the process,” Dave Reese said.

“Networking is a big tool at your fingertips as a business owner, and you broaden your reach when you are in the right group with the right people.”

Reese has a Farmers Insurance office in Corinth and echoes the sentiments of many business owners who insist the benefits to being in at least one networking group each week are endless.

Those include: •

The peace of mind that you are referring/promoting someone you know and trust

•

Making new friends and being invested in your community

•

Endless career opportunities

•

Learning and sharing best practices

•

Positive influence and increased confidence

“It’s foolish not to engage in some type of networking,” Harvey said “If you want seafood, you’re going to ask a friend where you should go. It’s the same for all of us. You want people talking about you, and networking is the cheapest form of advertising. It’s also the most effective.”

Barton agreed, saying that business owners across all industries take pride in building connections.

“I want everyone who walks in that door to feel like they belong here,” said Barton, a representative with Stream. “I knew of a gentleman who was coming as a visitor one time, and I looked up his picture on Facebook beforehand, so I knew what he looked like before he got there. I wanted him to feel like he belonged. I get more joy from promoting others than I do talking about my business.”

Harvey said that selfless attitude is a big reason why LCCC has caught lightning in a bottle when it comes to networking. She invites everyone to see for themselves.

“There’s a certain chemistry with this group,” Harvey said. “I don’t know how to describe it, but it works.”

MAY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 51

Annual Gala Speak Life

On April 20, 2018 at the Texas Motor Speedway Pregnancy Help 4 U hosted their Annual Gala / fundaiser. Pregnancy Help 4 U is a Pregnancy Medical Clinic providing free medical services and information on all options regarding unplanned pregnancy. The gala included speakers, a live & silent aution, dinner and music. For more information on Pregnancy Help 4 U visit their website at lifeguards.pregnancyhelp4u.org.

52 | LANTANA LIVING

| MAY 2018

L Re anta sid na en t

HEAD

LICE

by Dr. Rebecca Butler

W

hile parents often have a strong reaction when they find out their child has head lice, they

are not a health hazard nor a sign of poor

hygiene. Head lice are common in schoolaged children and while inconvenient, they cause no medical harm and they do not spread any disease. They are

contagious (head-to-head) and should be treated.

(about the size of a sesame seed and tan

in color) as they usually move very quickly.

You will be more likely to see nits at the base of the hair and empty egg shells within an inch or two of the scalp.

How can I treat head lice? We usually recommend you start with one of the

over-the-counter (OTC) lice shampoo/

rinse treatments such as Nix or RID. It is

What are signs of head lice? Unless the

important that you follow the directions on

likely to see nits (lice eggs) than live lice

insecticides and using it more frequently

yellow, tan or brown dots on hair shafts

increase the risk of side effects. Treatment

spot since the eggs are kept warm until

a few more days to resolve. It is important

dandruff but they cannot be shaken or

of the nits/eggs with a fine tooth comb

substance which makes them stick to

to the directions. This can be a very

infestation of lice is heavy, you are more

the label for these products, as they are

crawling in the hair. Nits look like tiny

than suggested or in larger amounts may

close to the scalp. The lice prefer this

usually kills the lice, but itching may take

they hatch. Nits often look like flakes or

that you do your best to remove as many

brushed off as the nits have a glue-like

after applying the medication according

the hair shaft.

Nits hatch 1-2 weeks after they are laid

leaving behind a shell which is white in color and remains attached to the hair shaft. This is the stage when they are easiest to spot as the hair is growing Sponsored Content

often difficult to find nymph or adult lice

longer and they are within an inch or so of the scalp.

Many children will experience itching and scratch their scalp in response to

louse bites which may be your first clue to inspect their hair/scalp more closely. It is

tedious process, especially in children with long/thick hair. This is where the

term “nit-picky” comes from. We usually

recommend repeat treatment 7-10 days after the initial application to kill any

newly hatched nits. If you are looking for

someone to do this job for you, there are companies that provide this commercial

service such as Lice Doctors and Nit Picky who even have some in-home treatment services available.

There are several prescription medications for resistant head lice, but we reserve

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

these treatments for patients who have failed first line treatments with OTC products that were used correctly.

One little known secret is that an easily obtainable horse de-worming medicine called Ivermectin (which is in some of the prescription products available) can be very inexpensively obtained at a horse feed/saddlery store or online as the prescriptions are often very expensive especially when treating multiple family members. You can mix the Ivermectin paste with your favorite conditioner (1/3 paste, 2/3 hair conditioner), coat hair and scalp thoroughly, leave on for at least 10 minutes and then rinse in cool water.

Shampoo as normal the next morning. You still have to pick out all the nits!

How contagious are head lice? Lice can’t jump or fly but they can crawl and cling firmly to hair. They are usually spread when two children “put their heads together” but can also spread when combs, brushes, hats or bed linens are shared. Lice can live up to two days on a non-scalp surface. Check with your school regarding recommendations on return regulation.

Dr. Rebecca Butler is Board Certified in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is proud to be a resident of Lantana and the owner of Lantana Pediatrics. For more information on Lantana Pediatrics, Dr. Butler and/or Melanie Bitzer, CPNP or to schedule an appointment with one of these providers, call the office at 940.455.7200.

NOMINATE US! June 13

July 11

Ask The Expert: Edit This

Sometimes, you must rein in a difficult employee.

REIGN, REIN & RAIN

What’s the DIFFERENCE?

W

elcome to another grammar lesson brought to you by Edit This®. Today, we’ll be talking about the difference between Reign, Rein, and Rain. Do you find yourself getting tripped up on the proper usage for all or some of these?

And last but not least ... Rain. Rain is,

well, those water drops falling from the

sky. It can also refer to a large amount of something and can be used figuratively.

It’s raining, it’s pouring, the old man is snoring.

My son’s baseball games always get rained out this time of year.

Thanks for reading! If you need help

as a king or queen. It also means a period

telling your story, whether it be business

and editors (including yours truly) either

something is the best.

I like to say we handle all your writing and

stumble on these or find themselves at

The King’s reign lasted 40 years.

Please don’t feel bad if you do. I’m here to tell you that even the most veteran writers

least pausing to think about which one they need to use in a particular sentence.

So let’s dive right in, shall we? Reign, Rein, and Rain – What’s the difference?

Reign refers to a period of time in which someone rules or occupies a throne, such

54 | LANTANA LIVING

| MAY 2018

of dominant power, or that someone or

Her reign of terror dominates this office.

or personal related, give Edit This® a call. editing needs, including blogs, content writing for websites, press releases, and more.

Rein, on the other hand, refers to those

fancy straps we use to control a horse. It is also used in common phrases such as “rein in” or “give free rein.”

Make sure to hold those reins tight.

by Steve Gamel Edit This 469.360.3611 EditThisLLC.com

MAY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 55

Ask The Expert: Dentistry

The

Revolutionary

Dental

mplant D

uring a routine appointment, I had an enlightening conversation with one of my pediatric patients. As she tapped away on her smartphone, our conversation led to her inquiring about how phones worked when I was young. Not realizing that it had been a while since I had thought about it, a rush of almost comedic memories arose including stretching cords into other rooms for privacy, making collect calls for “long distance�, and even, at the very least, needing to remember phone numbers.

The conversation reminded me of the

feat as we can actually replace a tooth

revolutionizing advances., and when

bridges. Even so, dental implants can offer

great climate we live in with incredibly I reflect on a treatment I believe has recently revolutionized dentistry and dental care, I immediately think

without having to use dentures or dental so much more and have produced even more advances.

With the digital age upon us, we are now able to

dental implants.

digitally plan implant

A dental implant

placements and

titanium post that

the treatment using 3D

restorations prior to

is essentially a

or permanent dentures. Restorations can also be easily removed or replaced by simply removing them from the stable

implant. Additionally, advancements in the fabrication of dental implants has resulted in success rates of implant placements

reaching up to 95% with minimal postoperative recovery.

Dental implants have certainly

revolutionized my practice and have allowed me to offer a spectrum of

treatment to my patients. If you are

considering replacing missing teeth, please visit your dentist to see if you

are a candidate. It can be life changing.

Happy smiling!

radiographs, digitally

integrates with

scanned impressions,

the bone in your

and printed surgical

jaw to replace the

root of your tooth and

is restored with a crown.

This on its own is an incredible 56 | LANTANA LIVING

multiple implants to restore removable

| MAY 2018

guides. Furthermore,

we can plan multiple

restorations at once or even use

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

MAY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 57

I

t’s one thing to win a state championship. That’s hard enough to do given the talent the state of Texas

has to offer – regardless of the sport. It’s a

completely different thing when your state title win caps a perfect season.

squads. Katherine Cullen and Cameron

overtime to do it. They jumped out to a

tournament while dad was named coach

Mound only to run out of steam in an 8-6

Cullen each won MVP honors at the state of the year.

Other top honors went to Lexi Wong, who was a first-team all-state selection. Carley

That’s the historic run the Guyer girls

Manuel and Nathan Wong earned second-

month by beating Southlake Carroll 11-7

honorable mention.

water polo team finished up earlier this

team nods while Presley Woods received

in the finals of the Texas Interscholastic

“These teams felt the pain of having been

Swimming Coaches Association state

championship in Austin. The win gave the Lady Wildcats their first state title and put a pretty bow on top of a 31-0 season.

It was a busy weekend for the Guyer

program, which also saw its boys team

finish runner-up to Flower Mound. It was the first time either team had made it to the state final.

“I drove home and probably got back

around 2 a.m. and just sat in my chair for an hour letting it sink in,” Denton school

district aquatics coach Chris Cullen said.

“I’ve been doing this for a long time, and this is the ultimate goal. To reach that

pinnacle is extremely special. I couldn’t be happier for these kids and this program.”

The win was especially sweet for Cullen, who joined the Denton ISD in 1999 and

finally won it all with his daughter and son

helping lead the charge on the respective 58 | LANTANA LIVING

| MAY 2018

there before and not winning it all,” Cullen said. “It fueled them.”

2-1 lead in the first period against Flower loss. Cameron Culled scored three goals in the loss.

“I told these guys earlier in the year that there’s no reason we couldn’t be a topthree team,” Chris Cullen said. “At the time, they looked at me like I was crazy.

But they trusted me and started to believe.

The boys upset St. Mark at regionals and that had never been done before. Then

The Lady Wildcats got to state

they turn around and get to the state

championship. From there, they blew

extremely hard.”

by sweeping the North Region

past Cypress Langham Creek in the state semifinal with a 13-9 win. Once in the

title game, Katherine Cullen and Woods scored four goals apiece, and Wong

scored three goals as Guyer took the lead early and never let up.

Meanwhile, the boys (18-4-1) snuck by

Friendswood in the semifinals but needed

final with an overtime win. They worked Coach Cullen added that he is excited about the future of the program.

“I can’t wait to see what happens next,” Cullen said. “I’m so proud of this group; the boys came up a little short, but hopefully this loss will fuel them to want to do even better next year.”

MAY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 59

Guyer’s Bright Young

ARTIST

RECOGNIZED

by Steve Gamel

B

give them a leg up on opportunities

arely a night goes by where Elizabeth Heyns isn’t trying something new with the special

they might not have before heading off to college.

effects makeup and various supplies

Elizabeth and her family applied for

she keeps in her bedroom. She’ll watch endless amounts of YouTube videos

the grant and were floored when she

never heard of before, and even tries

“The Texas Young Masters grant program

was selected.

in hopes of finding tips and tricks she’s her experiments out on herself as

was created as a way to recognize and

practice rounds.

support young students pursuing the

“She’ll come downstairs to show us the

dream of becoming the next generation

growing on her face,” said Elizabeth’s

Director Gary Gibbs said in a press

work she’s done, and she’ll have plants

father, Garrett Heyns. “You just sit there

and think, ‘wow, that’s pretty cool.’ It’s raw talent, and she absolutely loves it.”

That passion recently landed Elizabeth, a

Lantana resident and junior at Guyer High School, a $10,000 grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts and the Texas

of prominent Texas artists,” TCA Executive

photo courtesy from the Heyns Family Pictured above is Elizabeth Heyns “I think the uniqueness of what she is

doing caught the judges’ eyes,” Garrett Heyns said. “You’ve got kids there for a

release. “These gifted artists earned the Young Masters title because of their

outstanding artistic ability, talent, and dedication to developing their knowledge in their chosen discipline. We congratulate them on their accomplishments.”

variety of reasons, and I think they are

Garrett Heyns said the grant money is a

state’s brightest young artists at a special

kids who do what she does, and I think it’s

in front of professionals who can teach her

ZACH Theatre in Austin.

encouragement to keep doing what she

one-on-one guidance she’s never

Cultural Trust. She and 14 other students

trying to diversify. You don’t see a lot of

godsend in terms of putting Elizabeth

great that she’s receiving affirmation and

the secrets of the industry and give her

loves doing. You can’t put a price on that.”

had before.

from Denton County and the first to be

The grant program was created to

“When you’re a parent, you watch your

for special effects makeup. She’ll use the

who have a passion and skill set in dance,

latch onto and really enjoy doing,” Garrett

School’s 2018 Summer Intensive Make-up

and visual arts. There were 300 applicants

happy to see her put effort like this toward

from Texas were recognized as the

ceremony and concert on April 16 at the

Elizabeth was the only Texas Young Master recognized in the visual arts category

recognize and support young students

kids and hope to see something that they

recent grant to attend Vancouver Film

theater, film, music, media, and literary

Heyns said. “It’s exciting, and we are

Design for Film and Television course.

this year, and the grants are designed to

something she loves.

60 | LANTANA LIVING

| MAY 2018

MAY 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 61

A

mid concerns that area softball players are receiving college offers too early in their careers,

a key piece of legislation was handed down in April by the NCAA that

drastically impacts the recruiting game moving forward.

Per the NCCA Division I Council,

the new rule establishes Sept. 1 of a

athlete, and the process itself can be rather taxing when you factor in phone calls from coaches to players, offcampus visits for softball, official visits, unofficial visits, recruiting camps, etc.

Examples of early recruiting are everywhere. The Dallas Morning News

contact a high school softball player.

Jayda Coleman as part of its coverage

any athlete who has already verbally

committed to Oklahoma as an eighth-

day any college recruiter or coach can

pointed to The Colony’s star shortstop

The changes do not affect the status of

of the new legislation. Coleman

into effect immediately for those who haven’t.

committed early will not be allowed to have any additional contact with their future college

coach until after Sept.

1 of their junior year,

whether in person or through phone calls and campus visits.

grader, long before she became a first-team All-American and led the Lady Cougars to last year’s Class

Furthermore, those who have

5A state title. Other local

It gives kids the chance to enjoy their high school softball careers a little longer without having to worry about making bigger college decisions . . .

“This is a great day for the

sport of softball,” National Fastpitch

Coaches Association executive director Carol Bruggeman said in a statement.

“Early recruiting legislation has passed.

I am so proud of the entire softball

community for coming together to do what is best for the sport. Thank you

to our coaches for being the driving force behind the change and to the NCAA for voting to pass this impactful legislation.

“The real winners are the softball

talent that committed early and are perfect examples of how much this law will change things moving forward, per the Denton Record-Chronicle,

include sophomore Abby

Buettner (Maryland) from Denton Ryan, sophomores Laney (LSU) and Lexie Roos (Northwestern State) of Aubrey, and Denton freshman Kaylin Jackson (Louisiana Tech).

Guyer’s Ryan Gallegos (LouisianaMonroe) and Morgan Medford (Tarleton), and Pilot Point’s Christine Billmeier (Sam Houston State) were also on mentioned by the DRC as young recruits.

prospective student-athletes, who can

As of press time, the new rule still

at an age-appropriate time.”

Board of Directors, but all signs

now make informed college decisions

needed to be approved by the NCAA

So why did this happen? The concern

indicated that this change would be put

coaches was that highly-touted

enjoy their high school softball careers

scholarships by major Division I

about making bigger college decisions

among many college and high school

into place. It gives kids the chance to

athletes were being offered college

a little longer without having to worry

programs way too early, some as early

| MAY 2018

That’s a massive decision for a young

student-athlete’s junior year as the first

committed to a university but will go

62 | LANTANA LIVING

as their seventh and eighth-grade year.

that will affect the rest of their lives.