Lantana Living Magazine - May 2015

may 2015

Todd Liddell, A True Hero Sadie Strong Spreads The Word Guyer 2015 Football Schedule

We’ll Love Them The Way You Do!

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may 2015 | LANTANA living | 3

4 | LANTANA LIVING | may 2015

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Contents Featured Stories and News

at Shops at Highland Village Salute. Shop.

Serve. Support.

May 21, 6-9 p.m.

Last Day of School June 4

Golf Classic

On The Cover: Adams Furniture

In Every

Lantana Golf Club HelpingAHero.org

Bridgeway Church Day Camp June 15-19

BWChurch.org

Briarwood Summer Camps Start June 21

Be sure to visit BriarwoodRetreat.org for more info Want to feature your school’s or organization’s event? Contact us at artwork@murray-media.com 6 | LANTANA LIVING | may 2015

07 08 15 23 24 26 34 39 43 46 53 55

Issue From Your Editor Inside Education Inside Community The Sidelines

36 40 44 48

Harpool Homework Club Sean Choate Adkins Outdoor Center Lantana Guyer Grads Bugs In Your Mouth

Adams Furniture Stands Time Test Litigate, Not Mediate Sadie Strong

A

L IV

ING

MAG

A ZI

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E ’S

June 15, 8 a.m.

Pg 36

Chamber Connection

’S TOR EDIPICK EN

T

10 12 18 20 29 30

Helping a Hero

LANT AN

Lantana Community Events

Table of

2015 R E C

IPI

Guyer Football

Photos from Lantana

33 58 60

Blanton Fun Run E.P. Rayzor Fun Run & Field Day Blanton Fun Run

Real Estate Resident Spotlight Gardening Counselor’s Corner Upscale Home Fitness Tips Rejuvenation Body & Soul

Thank

You fo r

Your S e

rvice

The Parent’s Soul

A Message from The Community Editor

B

y definition, parenting is “the process of taking care of children until they are

old enough to take care of themselves.” Due to unexpected health difficulties with my beloved

father, I had lots of sitting time to reflect upon this amazing gift and relationship of parent and child.

As a parent to young children, we constantly are

devoting our time and energy into something that doesn’t produce immediate results. It is unclear, at a hundred different turns, whether what we’re doing

will have any lasting effect on our kids…which is tough because lasting effect is what we’re really after. All the effort and energy is because we want

them to become a certain kind of person in the

long run. We want them to become strong, mature, noble, kind and caring adults who one day will make

a difference in this world and in the lives of others.

All the little stuff we do is all pointed toward their

future. But this future-oriented investment never is safe and we aren’t guaranteed to see anything.

As a child of parents who are aging, we are

reflecting upon our memories, our childhood and

their legacy. I’ve never been a sentimental person.

Heirlooms are just things to me. However, at every turn of life, we learn.

Most recently, watching the 41 years of love

between my parents during this challenging time

has been an emotional journey down memory lane.

As parents, they guided me, yet allowed me to make mistakes just praying that in the long run, I would

grow into an adult making good decisions. While I often question am I doing enough for others, I do know, without a doubt, it’s always enough in my parents’ eyes. The amazing, unconditional love that I saw in my father’s eyes when I drove hurriedly into town to be by his side was something words cannot describe.

I don’t know if I’ll see my sons become courageous men. So much of what we do is an investment in the unseen, and therefore it is profoundly faith work.

It’s waiting, risky, often thankless work. Parenting, like nothing else, exposes us to the possibility of deep suffering.

I remember some of the first parenting advice when we were pregnant with our first son....“He will break your heart.” Unbeknownst to me, this did not mean, ‘break your heart as in being cute, or wrapping me around his little finger (which they both have still managed to do).’ This was “break your heart” as in ‘you are going to love this person so much that the thought of him hurting will almost drive you insane and your heart will ache over it like nothing you’ve ever felt before.’

What is equally baffling to me is that no one warned me about the reverse as well. It’s not that it replaces the feeling as a parent’s suffering, but as a child, watching your parent hurt digs deep into the pits of our being and rips out the soul, even your very existence. By definition, the soul is: “the spiritual part of a person that is believed to give life to the body.” It couldn’t be truer!

As we have celebrated Mother’s Day and look ahead to Father’s Day, we all have the memories that have shaped our heart and soul. Be open with your heart and your soul to your children.

We are leaving a legacy and those little feet will grow into feet firmly planted on the ground to do and be greatness. We shape and mold that.

Enjoy your celebrations and forge many memories this summer!

Kathryn Flores Community Relations & Marketing Manager

LantanaLiving.com

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

Sub-Editor

Kristin Maurer

Contributors Eric Williams Mark Miller Steve Gamel

Advertising

Kathryn Flores kathryn@murray-media.com Kelly Murray kelly@lantanaliving.com

Production Graphic Designers Liz Wallace Zulma Martinez Stephanie Hansen Whitney Hill

Photography

Robert Payne (214) 437-9568 robertpaynephotography.com Scott Young (972) 899-3536 ScottYoungPhoto.com

Letters

Lantana Living invites reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments. Email artwork@lantanaliving.com. All submissions become the sole property of Murray Media Group.

Editorial and Advertising inquiries call (214) 734-5783 or email kathryn@murray-media.com Address: 1011 Surrey Lane Building 100 Ste. 101 Flower Mound, TX 75022 Lantana Living is published monthly by Murray Media Group. 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. © 2015 Murray Media Group

Argyle Living & Lantana Living Kathryn@murray-media.com (214) 734-5783

may 2015 | LANTANA living | 7

New Learning Center Dedicated May 4 at Atkins With the school’s namesake in attendance,

a new outdoor learning center at Lantana’s Dorothy P. Atkins Elementary School was dedicated May 4.

The special ceremony allowed students to

celebrate the generosity that made the center

possible. Included were student-led poetry, art and choir performances.

Special thanks were conveyed to Gold

Landscape, which made a donation that helped create a butterfly and hummingbird garden dedicated to Adkins.

Additional donations to purchase engraved

pavers for the garden’s path remain available for purchase. (See page 20 for more info.)

Perry Selected as New Guyer High School Principal Shaun Perry, principal at Navo Middle

School, has been named the new principal of Guyer High School. He replaces Barbara Fisher, who is retiring after 30 years in education.

Perry has been Navo’s principal since it

school opened in 2005 and was involved in

much of the school’s building and planning process. His background and Fisher’s guidance has helped prepare him for this new position.

Perry earned his bachelor’s and master’s

degrees

from

Southeastern

Lantanaresident

State University.

8 | LANTANA LIVING | may 2015

Oklahoma

Guyer’s Handley, Green Make Their College Choices Brady Hanley, a 12-year resident of Lantana and a senior at Guyer High School, has received a golf scholarship to Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

He’s one of two Guyer student-athletes to recently announce their intentions to play their sports at the collegiate level. Senior Maddie Green signed a letter-of-intent to play softball at West Texas A&M University.

A competitive player for the past eight years, Hanley received the Presidential Leadership Scholarship from the school located east of Muskogee and west of the Arkansas border in Tahlequah. The school, founded in 1909, is the oldest institution of higher learning in Oklahoma.

Guyer’s Price Earns TASSP All-State Academic Team Honor Guyer High School senior Eliza Price has been selected to the Texas Association of Secondary School Principal’s All-State Academic Excellence Team, an honor annually bestowed upon only 50 statewide students.

Price joined students chosen from nominations made by high school principals based on SAT or ACT scores, academic grade point averages, and advanced diploma pursuits.

Other evidence of exceptional academic abilities were also taken into consideration.

Price, one of just three National Merit semifinalists in the Denton Independent

School District, wrote a brief essay to complete her application.

She was among just 20 students to earn $500 scholarships, the highest available honor.

All will be recognized at the TASSP Summer Workshop in Austin on June 11.

Senior Cave to Represent Guyer in National Competition in New York Katelyn Cave, a senior at Denton Guyer High School, will perform in a national competition on Broadway in New York City thanks to being named best actress in the Dallas Summer Musicals High School Musical Theatre Awards.

Cave earned the honor for her portrayal of the Leading Player in “Pippin” the musical after being named one of eight finalists. Guyer was among 71 state-wide schools competing in the competition held April 29 at the Music Hall at Fair Park. The annual event is recognized as one of the largest of its kind in the country.

The award means Cave’s next performance will be June 29 in the National High School Musical Theatre Awards. She received an all-expenses-paid trip to New York where she will compete for a full scholarship to New York University in the nationally-televised competition.

In addition to Cave’s best actress nomination and win, Guyer was named a finalist in four other categories: best costume design, best crew and technical execution, best choreography, and best direction.

Eleshia Crotwell leads the Guyer theatre department with assistance from Alex Rodriguez.

Thank

You fo r

Your S e

rvice

Keith McIntyre / Shutterstock.com

Thank

You fo r

Your S e

rvice may 2015 | LANTANA living | 9

Local Ribbon Cuttings!

The er Chamb

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Massage Green Spa•(972) 200-1730 1221 Flower Mound Road, #340 Flower Mound, TX

Wine Down Wine Market 1900 Long Prairie Road, #146 Flower Mound, TX

Support your community by shopping local. See a full list of local businesses at the Flower Mound Chamber!

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Bottle & Bottega • (469) 645-1105 2401 Lakeside Parkway #150 Flower Mound, TX

Caliber Collision • 1.888.CALIBER 1230 Justin Road, FM 407 Lewisville, TX

Proper Design Home Improvement (972) 539-8777 3501 Long Prairie Rd., #106 Flower Mound, TX

Liberty Tax Service 1288 W. Main St., #109 Lewisville, TX

may 2015 | LANTANA living | 11

Harpool Homework Club

Helping Students Meet Challenges

By Mark Miller

J

ose Fuentes knows personally what a

small group of Harpool Middle School

students face every day which is why he’s proud

of what those he works with in the Rocky

Photos Courtesy of Jose Fuentes

help primarily with

teacher has helped the 12-15 year olds feel

and math. Students

“I understand where they come from and

reading

vocabulary

also receive a snack

while discussing what they did that day.

“We help them with

whatever they need,

school work or just someone to talk to,” Fuentes

said. “Sometimes we take them outside and get a little air after a long day.”

Harpool principal Jeff Smith, who asked

Point Homework Zone have accomplished this

Fuentes to guide the club, has been pleased with

The club launched in early September

“I’m proud of the partnership that we’ve

school year.

the initial results.

to provide the mostly English as a Second

established this year between Adkins, Harpool,

have many resources a place to receive extra

out to a low socioeconomic student population

Language students whose families may not homework help or just somewhere to go after school. They meet for about 90 minutes every

Wednesday at Flower Mound’s Shiloh Church.

“We needed somewhere close to their

Mission Moms and Shiloh Church to reach

that doesn’t fall in line with the rest of our

student population at Harpool,” Smith said.

“We’re getting these students regular help with

more comfortable.

how they feel,” Fuentes said. “I do relate to

them probably more than a lot of them think.

Some kids at times are really scared or shy to

approach some teachers. With me, they talk to me as a friend almost. We’ll talk in Spanish or

English or whatever is necessary to get through to them.

“Being not too far from their age and

understanding what they are going through at

this age probably is a plus compared to someone a bit older. Being closer to their age helps build that trust.”

Potential future plans include bringing in

Guyer High School students and other peers to help make a good new program even better.

“The kids love it,” Fuentes said. “At times

they are sad when they have to go home. If it

homework at a place close to their home and

was up to them, they’d have it more than once

students now – and they’re all different – so

“I’ve seen growth in the kids not just

getting them fed. We’ve got more than 27,000

a week.

we know we can’t do it alone and are getting

academically but socially. Although they live

their learning.”

Learner here at Harpool is very small.

About 10-14 students regularly attend and

is the 27-year-old Fuentes who is completing

to themselves being shy and quiet and the

teachers, counselors and administrators who

education at Harpool. Being a younger

academically and socially and having fun.”

residences where it was close enough for them

to walk to the church,” said Fuentes, who grew up under similar circumstances in Fort Worth before earning his college degrees in

Spanish and kinesiology at the University of Texas-Arlington.

Fuentes has been aided at times by various 12 | LANTANA LIVING | may 2015

the help we need to get them engaged in

next to each other the English as a Second

One reason why the program has succeeded

Sometimes they feel excluded. They can stay

his second year teaching Spanish and physical

club helps them. It’s good seeing them grow

may 2015 | LANTANA living | 13

14 | LANTANA LIVING | may 2015

General Manager Mercer Honored for Serving 15 Years Members of the Denton County Fresh

Water Supply Districts 6 and 7 and Denton County Development District 4 took time out of their April meeting to celebrate 15

years of Kevin Mercer serving as Lantana general manager.

Mercer, who previously worked in a variety

of positions in Euless in Tarrant County, was presented a cake with the inscription “Lantana Thanks You for 15 Years of Service!”

He thanked his bosses and said he looks

forward to working for them for another

Germaine Volk as webmaster, and Staci Dancy as special interest lead.

Two positions – treasurer and newsletter

editor – remain open. For more information,

will take place Tuesdays through Fridays from

8-9:30 a.m. They are designed for fun plus The Mini Junior Camps for ages 7-13 will

competitions introduced to provide a fun and challenging environment.

BBQ, Tokyo Samurai and Hibachi, an

and drinks will be included.

optometrist and pediatric and general dentists.

Costs for the 10-week sessions will be $175

Friends of the Family.

The new board will be led by president

Sunny Darden. Stacy Sauer will serve as vice president, Tonya Walters as secretary, Mary

rvice

Keith McIntyre / Shutterstock.com

for members and $195 for guests for the Little

Golfers and Mini Junior Camps and $325 for members and $350 for guests in the Full Junior Camp.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their

own clubs though clubs will be available for use or sale during the camps.

For more information or to register, contact

Marc Brooks at mbrooks@lantanagolf.com or visit or call the pro shop at 940-728-4653.

Denton County Earns Gold Star Safety Award The Texas Association of Counties Risk

Beth Reinbauer as membership chair, Jenae

Management Pool has awarded Denton

co-chairs, Jennifer Peterson as historian,

for 2014.

Hibbard and Heather Shimala as program

Your S e

Those wanting a higher level of instruction

on-course play and video instruction. Lunch

$15 with proceeds going to Denton County

You fo r

short game with contests, games and team

and Nails, Domino’s, Terry’s Donuts, Dickey’s

honor the outgoing board. Dinner will cost

Thank

basic fundamentals of both the full swing and

skill-based activities and competitions plus

The event that begins at 7 p.m. also will

support the programs.

Little Golfers sessions for those ages 4-6

The Tutoring Center, SuperCuts, Lantana Spa

Golf Club.

for at least two consecutive years, go beyond

Summer Camps.

from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. These classes will feature

at a special dinner May 19 at Lantana

criteria

June 8 at the Lantana Golf Club Junior

centerpiece of a complex that also will include

Board of Directors for 2015-16 will inducted

certain

Youth ages 4-13 who want to learn how

can take part in the Full Junior Camp each day

Members of the Lantana Ladies League

meet

to play golf can do so starting the week of

The 124,000-square-foot store will be the

Lantana Ladies League Slates May 19 Inductions

must

minimum requirements and have leaders who

be held from 10 a.m.-noon. Included will be

in Bartonville.

Counties

Lantana Golf Club Sets Junior Summer Camps

New Kroger Marketplace Slates May 22 Opening Kroger Marketplace at Lantana Town Center

and innovative risk management programs.

including maintaining active safety programs

learn some of the game’s basics.

of the expected May 22 opening of the new

to counties based on their safety promotion

visit lantanaladiesleague.com.

15 years.

Final touches are being made in anticipation

The recently-announced honor is presented

County with a Gold Star Safety Award

may 2015 | LANTANA living | 15

16 | LANTANA LIVING | may 2015

Guyer’s Sean Choate

in Basketball Career

By Steve Gamel

18 | LANTANA LIVING | may 2015

ean Choate spent the last four years S immersing himself in Guyer basketball, and in turn, molded himself into one of the more dominant shooters in the area.

So it’s no surprise that Choate, a senior, felt off kilter when he didn’t need to show up at practice anymore.

“It was a little weird after the season ended,” Choate said. “I’ve been with coach (Grant) Long all four years. In a lot of ways, I don’t think it has completely hit me yet that I won’t be here next year.”

Luckily, Choate has so much to look forward to – and plenty of work to go with it.

Choate will play at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., after holding a signing ceremony at Guyer on April 16. He is the first player from Guyer to play Division I collegiate basketball.

Choate’s signing is the culmination of one successful career and the beginning of a new one. While he had other offers, Choate said choosing Navy was the smartest decision he ever made.

“I’m very excited. For me, it’s the best of both worlds because I get to play Division I basketball and also get a top-of-theline education. You can’t go wrong with the Navy,” Choate said.

“It seems like every year I got better. After all that hard work, I’m glad everything fell into place.”

Choate averaged just more than 22 points per game as a senior and led all Class 6A players in Dallas-Fort Worth in 3-pointers with 107, per the Dallas Morning News’ Class 6A statistics leaders list. To put that number into better perspective, no other player in the state’s largest classification cracked 100. Rockwall’s Austin Grandstaff made 99 treys, but he was one of only three other area players with 90 or more.

It was the end result of four years of hard work. Choate came into the program as a freshman point guard. His role was limited, just like his shooting range. By the time he was a sophomore, Long switched Choate to a shooting guard and told him he had to become a more effective shooter from anywhere on the court.

Lantanaresident Mission accomplished. Choate not only put in the time during practice, but spent hours on his own perfecting his shot. By the time the season got underway, it was clear few teams could slow him down.

“Sean is one of the best shooters I have ever coached, and I’m just thankful to have had a player like that come through this program,” Long said. “In a lot of ways, he’s like a Phil Forte (the former Flower Mound Marcus star now at Oklahoma State University) in that he’s a shooter who works extremely hard to be better.”

With Choate in the fold as a senior, Guyer won a program-best 25 games while nabbing a share of the District 5-6A title. It also was the team’s first playoff appearance in the state’s largest classification.

Guyer (25-11 this year) is 67-29 over the last three seasons with three-straight playoff appearances. Prior to that, the program had one playoff appearance (2009) to its credit.

Despite the team having to battle through injuries, Choate was the one constant.

“I will definitely miss it, but I’m excited to move forward at Navy.” Choate said. “Navy sets you up to be successful for life. It all fell into place for me.”

may 2015 | LANTANA living | 19

Adkins Elementary Celebrates

Outdoor Learning Center O

n Monday, May 4, Dorothy Adkins Elementary students, staff and parents conducted a

dedication ceremony for its newly—installed outdoor learning center. The students read

poetry and presented artwork to the generous donor, Mr. Aaron Goldstein with Gold Landscape

and Mrs. Dorothy Adkins, the namesake of the school. Mrs. McGee, Adkins art teacher, instructed students to create spring poems and artwork during Poetry Month. The school choir, led by music teacher Randy Schmidt, performed several uplifting songs for the celebration.

The Hummingbird and Butterfly Garden was dedicated to Mrs. Adkins with a plaque on a beautiful

Luder stone bench. Gold Landscape installed galvanized feeding troughs as raised planters with

irrigation. Each grade level will be responsible to plant, maintain and harvest the flowers, vegetables

and fruits in those planters. Teachers will spend time in the outdoor learning center for scientific observation, reading, acting, art and many other nature inspired activities.

In the future, the Adkins PTA is planning on further developing the outdoor learning center by

building a shade structure, a stage, sensory stations and paths to connect all the garden features. To fund these projects, Adkins PTA is running a paver fundraiser, where families can purchase engraved stones that will line a path in the outdoor learning center.

Photos courtesy of Denton ISD Flickr page 20 | LANTANA LIVING | may 2015

Lantanaresident may 2015 | LANTANA living | 21

22 | LANTANA LIVING | may 2015

es

Sidelin

Se

ye b d o o G g n Sayi ngtime to a Lo Friend Coach, amel

By Steve G

Q

ue Brittain was the first high school football coach I ever worked with, and I

almost messed it up.

I’ve never told this story before, but my first

assignment as a rookie reporter was to cover a

Flower Mound Marcus High School scrimmage.

It was August 1997 and I had just been hired by a

small community newspaper called The Lewisville

News. The sports editor at the time was Steve Stuart, and he thought it would be a great idea to go

with me so he could walk me through the process

of what it was going to be like covering Texas high school football.

I was so nervous about the opportunity that

I didn’t get much sleep the night before. I was so

tired, and I kept thinking back to my first journalism professor, who once asked me, “Have you ever read a newspaper before?” He wasn’t a fan of my writing, but I had come a long way since then and I was ready to take this on.

Of course, the first thing I did was dose off in the press box during the scrimmage.

Stuart should have fired me on the spot. He didn’t, though. I ended up going down on the field after the game and introduced myself to coach Brittain. He was a mountain of a man. Stern in his manner of speaking, but friendly. It ended up being a monster season for the Marauders, who won their first – and only – state title.

I was there every step of the way. I couldn’t get enough of it, and along the way, Brittain made me a better reporter.

On March 29, 2015, coach Brittain passed away after a long battle with cancer. He was 68.

Coach Brittain was only at Marcus until 2000, and since then I had only seen him twice. The first time was at an Argyle football game in the mid-2000s, then again this past summer at a Best Buy store in Denton. I was buying a new laptop, and as I walked down an isle loaded with printers, there he was.

The fun part was that he remembered me. After

all those years, this one coach remembered me. He looked exactly the same, though he apologized for his voice, which was raspy because of cancer. I had no idea he had been sick, but all we talked about for the next 10 minutes or so was football, and how much fun I had covering his team.

Then we both stood there and listened to a salesman talk about which printer was best.

“Are you going to get this one, then?” Brittain asked me.

“Yes. It seems like it’s the best option,” I replied.

“OK, well then I’ll get the same thing,” Brittain said with a smile as he looked at the salesman.

There have been several articles published about coach Brittain since his passing. He may have won just one title, but his coaching tree shows just how much of an impact he had on the sport. Some of his former assistants include Argyle’s Todd Rodgers, Denton’s Kevin Atkinson, Keller Central’s Bart Helsley, Skyline’s Derick Roberson, Joshua’s Mike Burt, Bridgeport’s Danny Henson, former Flower Mound coach Cody Vanderford, former Carrollton Newman Smith coach Bob Bounds and retired Denton Ryan coach Joey Florence.

And one forever grateful reporter. Thank you Que. Rest in peace, my friend.

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

Lantanaresident

n The e You O

may 2015 | LANTANA living | 23

Real Estate

Top 5 Worst Ways to Show Your Home

By Mark Barnes

S

Lantanaresident

o you put all that work into getting your home ready to be on the market.

Are you sabotaging your efforts by not having your property at its absolute best for each and every showing?

If I show 20 homes in a day, I can guarantee that at least HALF of them will not show well.

And it’s not the layout or the location or the price. It’s because of things that totally are in the seller’s control, all rather easy to remedy.

Here are the five most common mistakes I see every day:

24 | LANTANA LIVING | may 2015

1. Pets and their messes

Buyers don’t care that your dog is “friendly.”

Some buyers are afraid of them, even if, to you, they are five pounds of love and joy. Some buyers simply don’t like them. And even if other buyers are dog-friendly, they came to evaluate your property, not your pet-training skills.

Often I see “Dogs will be crated” in the showing instructions. Not good. That guarantees that the entire time of the visit, the dogs will bark nonstop, and that kills the best of showings.

What about putting them in the back yard or the garage, and leaving a note to not enter?

Every buyer wants to see your garage to evaluate parking and storage space, and they want to spend time in the yard because it may be the feature they are most interested in.

Get the pets off site, period. Short-term doggie day camp, or even kenneling for a few weeks, is a great investment that helps you sell your house fast and for better money. And definitely pick up the pet waste in the back yard. Sounds easy, right?

MANY homes that are being shown have little surprises in the back yard. Please, no surprises.

2. Bad smells

You might love bacon, curry, and deep frying but your house doesn’t. Certain smells can linger for days and can be a huge turn-off.

It’s not just cooking odors. Be extra sensitive to animal smells and cigarette smoke. Don’t try to mask what is there 10 minutes before a showing, it will smell like cheap perfume in a dimly lit bar.

Not that I know anything about that. I have been told that it smells bad.

Keep your carpets fresh, your oven clean, your menu simple, and open your windows as much as possible to let the fresh air inside at least once a day.

3. Dirt and clutter

If your goal is to communicate to a prospective buyer that you don’t have lot of pride in your home and “routine maintenance” is something the government provides, then do the following: Leave dirty laundry piles on the floor, dishes on the counter or in the sink, don’t make all the beds, keep the dirty AC filters out, and let the trash can runneth over.

4. Don’t get personal

I’ve shown homes where divorce papers have been left out, the words “move date” written on the calendar, envelopes that say “Final Notice,” etc. When buyers see that, and if they want to make an offer, it’s going to be a pretty aggressive one, believing you are in a dire “must sell” situation. Maybe you are, but keep your hand closer to the vest. No need to give them ammunition to use against you.

5. Light it up

When visiting model homes, have you noticed that every light in the model is turned on, even on the brightest days? For every showing, do the same. Your home will look brighter, cleaner and more cheerful, and the rooms will appear larger.

If you use the low energy bulbs, I applaud you for your environmental conscience. But replace them with conventional bright bulbs for when you are on the market. For the few weeks of showings you’ll be doing, the world will not freeze over, I promise.

All of this may seem simple enough, so much so that you’re saying to yourself “C’mon, people don’t really do that, do they?” Again, HALF of the homes shown each day have one or more of these issues killing their showing potential.

They receive poor reviews and will linger on the market well beyond the market norm. The longer on market, the weaker the offers that may come.

Do yourself the favor of conducting an honest assessment of what is getting in the way of your home’s showing potential. Then make some changes, and sell!

Lantanaresident may 2015 | LANTANA living | 25

By Steve Gamel

T

odd Liddell had more life-changing experiences in his four years at the United States Military Academy at West Point than most of us will have in an entire lifetime. Rather than waste it, this Lantana resident and former Army Ranger wants to use those experiences to help mentor young men and women who may be thinking of following a similar path.

Liddell has been a staunch supporter of military academies in general,

An Interview with Todd Liddell Q: Where is your family from?

A: I grew up in Angleton, Texas, while my wife’s hometown is Bartlesville, Okla.

My parents are originally from Weatherford, but still live in Angleton. My wife’s older sister lives in Austin.

Q: Why did you choose to live in Lantana?

A: We were commuting from the Roanoke/Southlake area while our kids attended Liberty Christian in Argyle. We loved Lantana and figured it would be a much easier commute for the family, so we moved here four years ago. We love living here.

Q: What are the names of your family members?

A: My wife’s name is Mandi. We have been married for 23 years. Jordan is 20 years old and a sophomore at Oklahoma. Reagan is 16 and a sophomore at Liberty Christian. Our youngest daughter is 8 and is a second grader at Liberty.

Q: What is your favorite local place to eat?

A: Savory Bistro Q: How long have you lived in Lantana?

A: Four years Q: What activities are you involved with?

A: We are extremely active in the Village Church. We also help out with an organization called Naomi’s Village, which is an orphanage in Kenya. Liberty Christian also has several programs we are a part of because of our daughters.

Q: What advice would you give to new residents of Lantana?

A: Take advantage of everything Lantana has to offer. It is a great community, and there is always something to do, like Halloween, garage sales or the concert series.

not just West Point, ever since he graduated in 1991. It was on that day that

he met President George H.W. Bush, who took the time to shake the hand of every graduate – including Liddell – as they crossed the stage.

Four years earlier, President Ronald Reagan was giving a speech on

national defense. On his way to the podium, and again while walking back to his seat, Reagan had a brief 45-second conversation with Liddell.

He even put his arm around Liddell, who at the time was a wide-eyed

freshman.

“You talk about all-time favorite memories. When you are a freshman,

it’s like you are at the bottom of the barrel,” Liddell recalled. “For him (Reagan) to do that, even if barely for a minute, it made a tremendous impact on my life.

“There are definitely peers of mine who stayed in a lot longer who have

much more impressive stories to tell than I do. Making a career of the military requires a great deal of sacrifice. But it’s a great way to start your adult life.

“I want to talk with high school students and help them answer the

question, ‘is the military right for me?’ I’m not trying to sell them on it. I just want to help them make an informed decision.”

Call him an advocate, if you will. And he’s the perfect guy for the job.

That’s because Liddell doesn’t believe in wasted opportunities in life. It’s

about living life in a way that benefits not just him, but his family, country and anyone he comes in contact with. It was no easy task, but Liddell always

was intently focused on doing his best to live up to the distinction of being a West Point graduate.

26 | LANTANA LIVING | may 2015

After West Point, Liddell successfully completed U.S. Army Ranger

Since then, Liddell hasn’t stopped trying to give back to his community

School – a rigorous 68-day training program that boasts a 50-percent wash and country. There’s Naomi’s Village Children’s Home, a registered facility out rate. He also completed U.S. Airborne School and was an Army officer providing care to orphans in Kenya. Per its website, the organization began with the Second Armored Division in Fort Hood, Texas.

in 2011 and has since brought in more than 55 children. This includes In 1994, with his wife Mandi pregnant with their first child, Liddell abandoned babies and those left parentless by terrorist attacks, HIV/AIDS, switched to the National Guard to finish out the rest of his commitment. disasters and domestic violence.

Todd and Mandi have three children, all girls. Their oldest, Jordan, is a sophomore at the University of Oklahoma. Reagan, 16, and Ryan, 8, both attend Liberty Christian.

Liddell and his family have traveled to Kenya to assist in any way possible.

The Liddell family also is involved with community activities of The

Village Church in Flower Mound, the MS150 cycling events to support

“I chose to get out earlier than I originally expected so that I could be Multiple Sclerosis, and various community events through Liberty with my new family,” Liddell said. “The military is tough, but there are so Christian School. many things you learn and I would do it again if I had the chance.”

The biggest of those initiatives is his goal to be a mentor.

Over the last 15 years, Liddell said he’s had countless one-on-one

conversations with young men and women and even parents who, after the unfortunate events of 9/11, are hesitant to send their children to the military or military academies. He pointed to one conversation he had

earlier this year with a college student who wanted to drop out to try and become an Army Ranger.

Liddell said his job was to listen and talk through the options that might

be available to him to either stay in school and pursue the officer route, or enlist now. It was about being there for others, and paying it forward to the country that changed his life for the better.

“My role is to be that person who has experience and can give them good

information...to discuss the pros and cons,” Liddell said. “I love the military

and my country. What I learned and observed can change the trajectory of your life in so many ways.”

may 2015 | LANTANA living | 27

Lantanaresident 28 | LANTANA LIVING | may 2015

Lantana’s First Students

Ready to Reach for the Stars

By Eric Williams

I

t will mark a significant milestone for Lantana on June 5 when kindergarteners who began school the year EP Rayzor Elementary School opened graduate from Denton Guyer High School. These same pioneers also formed the first sixth-grade class at Harpool Middle School.

Heather Hall, mother of Erin Hall, remembers

moving to Lantana in 2002, just a week before

school started. At the time, Lantana was new and there only were a relative handful of houses.

“We have watched Lantana grow and we

Kim Mungiguerra’s feelings were

echoed by Tami Carson, mother of Haley Carson.

“It

was

such

a

welcoming

environment,” Carson said. “Haley didn’t start kindergarten until January when our house was complete.”

Haley Carson quickly became part

of the group and by the end of the year it would be hard to know she didn’t start with the others.

“Living in Lantana was the

best place to grow up,” Tami said.

Speaking of those approaching graduation, she added “several of

Vivia Ev e pamph rett holds a le elemen t that has her tary sch o ool pho ld to.

these kids are like family.

“Haley and our entire family

have watched the kids grow,” said Hall, whose

loved EP Rayzor,” Tami added.

She added it was a great decision to choose this

middle school because I had become good

daughter will attend Texas Tech University. community. “It was such a positive experience for the kids to grow up here.”

Hall said she and her family had a great time

at community swimming pools and riding bikes in the trails and neighborhoods.

Kim

Mungiguerra, mother

of

Spencer

Mungiguerra, said she remembers when there were only about 300 residents in Lantana, but

she could tell by the community structure that it was going to be a great place to raise a family.

“I was actually sad when my kids went on to friends with a lot of the teachers.”

Logan Ferguson, father of Jake Ferguson,

actually moved to Lantana a year before the

schools opened and while the golf course was still under construction. Like a lot of other

that the schools have great facilities and faculty.

Spencer will go to college on a University of

North Texas Academic Excellence scholarship

and plans to earn a master’s degree in education.

Because of advanced placement and dual

credit courses, he already will have 39 hours of college credit.

on the green each year.

Vivia’s dad Willie marvels at the changes and

met and got to know a lot of people.”

marching band.

After graduation, Jake is planning to enroll in

Vivia Everett still remembers her first

money that directly helps the schools. She added

amenities and especially liked watching music

at Harpool and participated in the Guyer

with other parents as his son played football

Mungiguerra notes that when Lantana homes

price goes to the Lantana Education Foundation,

The senior said she’s enjoyed Lantana’s

growth in Lantana over the years.

a program at Brookhaven College preparing him

are sold, one half of one percent of the purchase

and we’re still best friends to this day.” Vivia said.

parents, Logan made a lot of social connections

“We thought this was going to be the perfect

place,” she said. “We haven’t regretted it.”

The Hall Family in 2002

to be a fireman and paramedic. day

of

kindergarten

Elementary opened.

the

year

Rayzor

“I was really nervous and I got sick,” she said.

However, soon Ms. Venables created a

comfortable environment and she was eager for school.

“I loved my kindergarten teacher,” Vivia

recalls. She also was delighted to interact with classmates, many of whom remain friends.

“One person in my class was Catherine Green

“It’s been a great experience,” he said. “We’ve Like the others, Vivia went to Harpool Middle

School, brand new the year she started. Her

older brother Stephen was part of the opening first grade at Rayzor and the first seventh grade

at Harpool. Vivia, who moved to Lantana from

Highland Village prior to kindergarten, plans

a significant journey after graduation. She’s decided to attend Savannah College of Art and Design, one of 14 colleges and seven art schools to offer her admittance.

Other Lantana residents graduating from

Guyer as identified by classmates who started

when Rayzor opened include: Emery Ehrenberg, Zach Lewis, Kristen Moore, Collin Nunnelee and Bobby Tumino.

may 2015 | LANTANA living | 29

A Word from Dr. Matt . . .

Be Aware of the “Bugs” Living in Your Mouth I

f there is anything that is appreciated in Texas, it is rain. With all the April showers we saw, there should be plenty of May flowers, and though May flowers typically are known for bringing pilgrims, in Texas, they are more likely to bring June bugs. So as we prepare to rid our gardens and lawns of those pesky little creatures, I would like to draw the focus on those pesky creatures that dwell in our mouths.

Though often referred to as “sugar bugs,” our mouths are in reality inhabited by more than 600 types of bacteria, and when the right conditions occur, these bacteria can be very detrimental to our oral health. The common misnomer is that sugar and acid decay our teeth or cause gingivitis, but the truth is that dental decay and gum disease are oral infections occurring in our mouth that require proper treatment to resolve.

Understanding the physiology of bacteria helps to understand how to prevent and stop bacteria from harming our oral health. Bacteria feed on sugars and simple carbohydrates and produce an acidic byproduct that can demineralize and eventually decay our teeth. At the same time, bacteria prefer an acidic environment, and in the presence of acid, they are able to colonize and grow in numbers, not only by reproducing but also by attracting other types of bacteria. The colonization initiates as a biofilm along our gums, but over time, this film of bacteria can form as hardened plaque that adheres to our teeth and infiltrates beneath our gums.

The best way to manage the bacteria in our mouths is with a preventative approach.

First, we can not only control our diet habits by avoiding sugary and acidic foods, but we can slow bacteria growth by decreasing the frequency and duration that we expose our mouths to these types of foods. Of course, good oral hygiene habits like brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings always are encouraged.

Lantanaresident

Let’s all work to enjoy a bug free summer. Happy smiling!

30 | LANTANA LIVING | may 2015

Dr. Matt is a practicing dentist and owner of Country Lakes Family Dental

may 2015 | LANTANA living | 31

32 | LANTANA LIVING | may 2015

Lantanaresident

aFUN RUN

may 2015 | LANTANA living | 33

Gardening

advantage of this weather. If you’re going to be doing some planting this summer get it done now. Everything will adapt easier in

these mild temperatures and your chance for

Time &

Weather are Right for Planting

successful planting will be much greater now rather than later.

Our Top 5 List for This Summer’s Plants:

*Penta – an annual flower that will last all

summer and provide great color.

*Redbud – a great native selection for this

By PJ Kratohvil, Complete Exterior Solutions, 214-735-1364

L

andscaping season is in FULL SWING! As we have enjoyed the

rain and are very grateful for what it does, our guys are ready to get back to work.

If you’re looking for someone to help with

a project and they are not at least a couple weeks out right now, you better check some references because there’s probably a good

reason why. We work alongside many other

contractors in the area and everyone is

feeling in the spring rush right now. Flowers

area that will offer some height to your bed as well as a great color.

*Salvia – comes in a variety of colors that

will offer you a heat tolerant way to inject some color to your bed spaces.

*Grasses – there’s a wide variety of grass

out there that vary in height, color and texture. Accenting your bed spaces with these

native grasses not only will help introduce

another texture to the bed but will offer some movement to help break things up and add a lighter almost no maintenance option to your bed space.

*Periwinkle – when you’re looking for

are blooming, people are out and about, and

some high impact color pockets for your bed

taken time to get outside and soak up some

in a wide variety of colors, they will last the

degrees and miserable.

things pop.

life is good here in Lantana. If you have not

you cannot go wrong with these. Offered

sun take a minute and do so before it’s 105

majority of the summer and definitely make

Almost all retail centers have their annuals

out and looking good along with native grasses, perennials and other spring options for

beautifying

your

landscape.

34 | LANTANA LIVING | may 2015

Take

Anytime you talk about planting you need to touch on irrigation. As you’re planting this season and wanting to get things growing ensure you have adequate irrigation in place.

It can be as simple as flipping your system to auto run – watching all the zones cycle and taking notes of things that could be corrected.

Adjusting

watering

times,

changing

nozzles, adding a head or just moving a few as things begin to grow larger all play a huge role in a successful landscape so take a few minutes and ensure you’re giving yours what it needs.

Happy planting and as always email us at admin@c-exteriors.com with any questions.

We are here to serve so let us know how we can help!

Visit us online to see our full list of services at c-exteriors.com/ Lantanaresident

Lantanaresident may 2015 | LANTANA living | 35

W

hat’s the big deal about this place called Adams Furniture in Justin? It’s a question that’s been thrown around a lot about the small-town furniture store, but trust owner Jim Smith when he says customers — new and existing — have been talking about his store longer than you might think.

By Steve Gamel Photography by Scott Young Photography 36 | LANTANA LIVING | may 2015

Try more than 85 years. While the store has evolved substantially from its early days as a general store, customers see Adams Furniture as one of the last vestiges of a mom-and-pop business — and its employees are prideful of maintaining that service-first attitude.

“We definitely have a generational following, with many grandchildren of customers choosing to shop with us. Our customers can range from 18 to 98 years old. Once a customer said, ‘Let me show you a picture of this dresser we bought from here in the 1940s’” Smith said. “It’s kind of neat, actually. People tell all sorts of stories. It’s nice to know you work somewhere with history.”

Adams Furniture is a simple, yet inviting, 10,000 square-foot store located on the southwest corner of farm-to-market roads 407 and 156 in Justin. Although Adams offers a wide-array of Amish and other American-made furniture, Adams specializes in many custommade options.

...customers see Adams Furniture as one of the last vestiges of a mom-and-pop business.

Smith said this is crucial because it allows Adams Furniture to put money back into the U.S. economy. Not to mention, American furniture is manufactured under strict guidelines that insure no harmful chemicals are being introduced into homes, Smith said.

“American companies use sustainable and renewable hardwoods harvested from American tree farms,” Smith said. “These trees are grown solely for furniture manufacturing. Most foreign companies continue to clear-cut trees from tropical rain forests, therefore contributing to the loss of those rain forests and certainly to global warming.”

All Adams Furniture inventory is sold for less than what you may find at a chain store.

Some of the brands it supports include Broyhill, Howard Miller, Serta, Riverside, Mayo, Borkholder, Yutsey and Best Home Furnishings, among others. Most of those can be found right on the showroom floor; the facility is crammed with living room groups, bedroom sets and dining rooms. Also included are many recliners, lamps, desks, bookcases, and just about anything else you might need for your home.

“We can do a lot more special ordering for customers than what you might find somewhere else, and we don’t do service contracts. So if it’s not right, we take care of it right here,” Smith said. “ It’s very casual, and when people walk in the door, we know who they are. I think people like that, and we like to think we do it better than any other store in North Texas.”

There is little to no turnover at Adams.

Salesman Darrell Field has been there for more than 25 years. Eddie and Jon Romine have worked there for more than 18 and 10 years, respectively.

What that’s done is create an environment where customers know they can work with the same associate years after their first purchase.

“There are customers that will only work with Darrell, Eddie, Jon or me because we know what they like,” Smith said.

Smith added, “You can go to a big-box store, meet a great salesman, but then six-months later that same person isn’t there. You won’t find that problem here. We live in a throw-away society, but Adams takes care of its products, and we provide service for everything we sell. We aren’t the only ones out there who believe in service first, but it is rare.”

Smith embodies the family atmosphere, too.

He came to work at Adams Furniture in 1969 when he was a freshman in high school, and he’s been there every day since. When he got there, the store was already a staple in the community.

The original owner, Bert R. Adams, opened it in 1929 as Adams Cash Store. At the time, competition was sparse, transportation wasn’t easy and few residents were willing to drive to Dallas for household items.

For years, Mr. Adams carried a wide-array of items such as furniture, small electrical appliances, dry goods, nuts, bolts and eventually electronics, washers, dryers, microwaves, gift items, guns and ammo and fishing supplies. Customers could order from a catalog, making Adams Cash Store a one-stop shop. Over time the hardware, electronics, appliances and other non-furniture items were replaced with more quality furniture.

This continued well after Mr. Adams turned

the business over to his son, Bert R. Adams, who later became Smith’s boss.

Despite the changes taking place, they never

lost sight of the businesses’ roots. Smith was a big part of that. As the younger Mr. Adams reached

the point of potential retirement, he looked within the organization for his successor. Smith was an easy choice.

These days, furniture stores tend to be a dime a

dozen with bigger options on almost every street

corner. It’s the goal of everyone at Adams to make their store stand out from those impersonal

big-box competitors. Smith added that most

of their clientele comes from Robson Ranch, Argyle, Lantana, Double Oak and, of course, Justin. He expects this to continue as many new families move into the area.

Come in today and see why generations of

families continue to choose Adams Furniture as their go-to place to find unique and quality

furniture for their homes. Visiting Adams

is truly an experience of genuine, warm and

personal service.

(940) 648-3145

417 N. FM 156 • Justin, Texas 76247 ShopAdamsFurniture.com may 2015 | LANTANA living | 37

Lantanaresident 38 | LANTANA LIVING | may 2015

COLLEGE BOUND!

Counseling Corner

Are you ready?

A

s summertime gets closer, college— bound high school juniors have many important decisions to make. The summer before a student’s senior year is pivotal for narrowing down potential college choices.

Although applying for colleges and making college decisions can be a huge undertaking, early preparation is pivotal in making this process seem less daunting.

complete your request and to provide them with a

Make Your Campus Visit Count: Many high schools will give their upperclassmen excused absences for college visits. It is highly recommended that students visit schools they are interested in and really try to get a feel for the culture of the school. It is important to not only take the tours that many colleges offer daily but to have a list of questions you can ask your tour guide. It is important to see typical classrooms, dorm rooms, and any music or athletic facilities the student would be interested in using. Parents and students might consider meeting with the financial aid office to find out what they offer students. Examples of questions that might be important are: • What is the student to professor ratio?

• Are freshmen required to live in the dorm?

• How active is the Greek system?

• For what programs is this university or college well known?

• How does a freshman get involved beyond academics?

they are interested. This allows the school to

College Admission Process: Seth Tracy, admissions counselor at Texas Tech University, says, “Be sure to watch the deadlines! There is nothing worse than having to tell a student that they will not qualify for scholarships because they have missed the deadline. Be proactive! Get your application done early!” Some students may consider retaking an ACT or SAT test to be a stronger candidate for admission. Many applications open Aug. 1, and it’s important to apply early because once admitted, the student has access to dorm choices and scholarship and financial aid opportunities. Some applications require essays and letters of recommendation, which will take time to gather and complete. It is courteous to give your recommenders a two-week period to

resume or brag sheet listing the student’s activities and accomplishments.

Apply!

Tom Becker, admissions officer at Iowa

State University, says, “Do not be afraid to hit the ‘submit’ button! By applying to a school a

student is telling the college/university that

send specific information so the student can

explore and see if their environment is a fit for them.” Beverly Wheeler, regional director of admissions for the University of Tulsa says

this: “I always tell my families to look for fit

in the following areas— spiritually; socially; financially; academically. It’s like a four-legged

table. Find the balance and you will find the fit.”

Take

a

deep

this exciting time!

breath

and

try

to

enjoy

Kimberly Sartor, M.S.

Marcus High School Counselor

may 2015 | LANTANA living | 39

Why Litigate

When You Can Mediate?

Two of the most frequent questions that we receive as attorneys when we begin the representation of a client are, “How much is this divorce going to cost me and what is this judge going to do in my case?”

Unfortunately, there is no time traveling Delorean that can help us predict the future cost and outcome of a case. But rather than predicting the future there is a better method, try to control the future. Divorce is one of the top stressful times in any person’s life because of a lack of control. However, most cases do not have to end with an expensive trial in front of a judge who makes a decision based on limited time and limited facts ending in a result that ultimately you and your spouse must live with for the rest of your lives. Instead, we want to empower you to try and take control of your own future. Most everyone has a close friend or relative who went through a “nasty” divorce, but the question is why did the divorce end that way? Most of the time the reason the divorce turned “nasty” was the lack of communication. Communication broke down between the parties which fueled the long term discontent and drove the case into overdrive. The attorney’s bills grew larger and larger, the judge decided the case, and in the end the parties had to live with the result.

40 | LANTANA LIVING | may 2015

What I just described is the litigation approach to a divorce. Often it is very expensive and stressful, but is there another alternative? The alternative is why litigate when you can mediate. Mediation is a tool just like litigation that attorneys have in their tool belt to help resolve conflict. What is amazing about this tool is that it gives control back to the parties to try to resolve their conflict before it becomes even more expensive and the judge decides for them. This tool also opens up lines of communication once more, between the parties, and puts out “fires” in order to come to an agreement.

Unfortunately not all conflict can be resolved in mediation, but a vast majority of conflict does settle during the mediation process and you do not have to go the litigation route. However, there is a mindset that must be reached in order for mediation to be effective and avoid costly litigation. The parties must go into the mediation with the mindset that they do not want to end up in litigation. The attorneys will help the parties come to an agreement but it is ultimately up to the parties to agree. If the parties are being vindictive and torpedo the settlement agreement, there is no doubt that litigation is in their future. When this occurs, the stressful divorce once again heads back down

the road of an unpredictable future rather than a controllable future.

Ultimately it is your decision, but we would rather represent you the best way possible by letting parties make decisions over their own lives, and their children, without the necessity of a trial. Dale Burrows is a *Board Certified Family Law Attorney who is also a certified Mediator and a certified Family Law Mediator. Mr. Burrows can meet with the parties, not as an attorney representing a party, but rather as the Mediator and help them craft a settlement agreement in an “informal mediation” process that resolves their conflict. It is called “informal” because the Court did not Order the parties to attend mediation, they took it upon themselves to do so. If this sounds like how you would prefer to proceed, give us a call and we will be happy to meet with each of you to explain the process further and how it may be a beneficial method of resolving your divorce while avoiding costly litigation.

The information provided herein is given for general information only. The information presented should not be construed as formal legal advice or the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. *Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

DALE A. LAW OFFICE OF

BURROWS, P.C.

972.304.6000

DaleBurrows.com

2900 Village Pkwy, Ste 330 Highland Village, TX 75077

may 2015 | LANTANA living | 41

Lantanaresident

Lantanaresident

Lantanaresident

Lantanaresident

42 | LANTANA LIVING | may 2015

American Made

and Quality Design

By Paula Kratohvil, Owner, Complete Interior Solutions, 972-436-9083

“Shop Local. Support American Made” means a

lot to me. I know it often is not the least expensive option in the store but for me, it is worth paying a

a Perfect Match

changing look over time while making a distinct style statement.

The products are specialized in several styles of

little more at check out.

traditional, transitional and contemporary bedding,

affordable offering from a Chicago-based company

sassy phrase pillows, and holiday décor. Items include

For several years we have had a stunning and

named Eastern Accents. Eastern Accents has a really

great quality pre-grouped selection of fabrics and

styles to dress any bedroom in an environment of décor you would favor.

as well as Italian fine linens, luxury throw pillows, shams, designer pillows, duvet covers and comforters, upholstered furniture, drapery hardware and curtain panels, trims and fabrics, inserts, and more.

We also are proud to feature private label projects

Sometimes even the most experienced homeowner

such as Barclay Butera Lifestyle Bedding, and an

bedding, pillows, throws, window coverings, and all

bedding, draperies, and upholstered furniture, there

has trouble making decisions on fabrics, styles of

that you would want to finish out a perfect bedroom.

Eastern Accents fits perfectly for that situation. EA designs and manufactures luxury bedding and home accessories for the trade. We call it design made easy.

are hundreds of luxury fabrics and trimmings. These made in America sets are of the highest quality and are super decision friendly.

If you are looking for an easy decision-making

process we can help you achieve the perfect fit

for the ultimate modern style. Another offering is

or fabricators’ quality. Complete Interior Solutions

Geometric patterns paired with cool gray and citron

tones to bring a bit of urban vitality to any space.

Splashes of tangerine for a fresh new way to dress your bed is a striking collection that can take center

stage or set the backdrop, it can be adjusted to your

several selections that are on the quick-ship order program that will ship in two weeks or less. The normal ship time would be around four to five weeks.

Stop by Compete Interior Studios to see the complete line of Eastern Accent offerings and see how easy and quick it is to put a beautiful room together.

Look at the quality of workmanship on some of the pillows and table runners and all that we have in stock and see the quality first hand. You’ll be glad you did.

Looking forward to seeing you soon.

assortment of soft home furnishings. For customized

The latest refreshing collection pairs dreamy blue

and calming gray tones with a crisp linear print

Upscale Home

without having to compromise on the custom design has several Eastern Accent binders of fabrics and design sets from which to choose.

Eastern Accents is a go-to offering when looking

for nice made-to-order, truly gorgeous, affordable quality design for bedding and drapes. There are

may 2015 | LANTANA living | 43

Young Survivor & Family

IN

G

M AG A Z

INE

’S

R’S O IT K ED PIC

L

A

IE

NT

LANTAN

IV

RE

CI

P

By Mark Miller

2015

L

ike most parents, Sarah and Shawn Keller thought of leukemia as a disease that affected someone else’s family. They never knew it could become so personal.

But that’s exactly what happened Feb. 25 when the four-year Lantana residents learned their then-7-year-old daughter Sadie not only had the disease but a specific version called Pre-B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia or ALL B Cell for short. The world as they knew it was about to change. Fortunately, the now 8-yearold Blanton Elementary School second-grader is in remission after an aggressive array of treatments. Though she still faces more than two years of chemotherapy to keep the disease from returning, the worst part of the journey hopefully is over.

“We were so clueless about any of this. It was all of a sudden your world is rocked,” said Sarah in the living room of their Bandera subdivision home.

“You have no idea anything like this could possibly happen.

“Because of how clueless we were about the day-in and day-out and what it’s really like for these children who are fighting these cancers and living with it every single day, I just felt it was my duty to raise awareness and help shed light on what these children go through.”

Keller has done so through daily postings on the Sadie’s Journey #yougothisgirl Facebook site. About 2 each morning, she adds what Sadie has gone through that day in words and pictures.

After suffering from regular bouts with the flu and later strep throat, Sadie started noticing red dots on her legs. When she told her mom they were increasing and after Sarah’s sister and father in San Antonio said the youngster looked pale, it was back to the doctor who ordered the tests that eventually led to the diagnosis.

“I took her to the lab at 3:30 p.m. and the next day at 8:30 a.m., Dr. (Rebecca) Butler called to say pick up Sadie at school. She said the tests came up positive for leukemia and we needed to pack our bags to go to Children’s Medical Center in Dallas immediately.”

44 | LANTANA LIVING | may 2015

Sadie spent five grueling days at Children’s that included several complications which eventually were brought under control. Or so they thought.

Less than two days later, she was back in the hospital with what turned out to be an e-coli infection in her shoulder and upper arm. It became so bad the port installed to administer her chemotherapy had to be removed replaced by a pick line.

This time her stay at Children’s lasted three weeks.

“The first month was tough but we got through it.” Sarah said. “Since we’ve been home things have been really good.”

The best news came on Day 29, a big day in the leukemia world.

That’s when doctors do the final tests to determine the patient’s status. Sadie’s test came back at less than .01% leukemia cells meaning she officially was in remission.

“It’s interesting what I’ve learned in the last two-and-a-half months,” Sarah said. “They go from leukemia filling their blood stream to remission at Day 29 and there’s still two-and-a-half years of treatment.”

“We still go every week. We were going twice a week through the end of April, then once a week after that for treatments. We do the wound care at home three times a week and give her antibiotics through her pick lines. So I call myself Nurse Mom because I have to flush her pick twice a week and set up her antibiotics so you learn a lot really fast.”

While Sadie was getting more back to her old self in early May, the chance of infection at the port site meant not going back to Blanton this year. Instead, she’s been visited three times weekly by a home bound teacher who brings assignments from her regular teacher Laura Crocco. That way she can finish this year and move on to third grade.

“She excited to go back to school and be with her friends,” Sarah said.

As tough as Sadie has been, she admits being scared at times throughout the ordeal. She hated being put to sleep so much and wasn’t fond of the hospital’s food. The best part, however, was the many nurses and other medical staff who befriended her.

The Kellers also were excited about the many outpourings of support they’ve received from friends, family, neighbors and the entire Lantana community led by neighbor Stephanie Baker.

“She organized a meal train and a bow-making

remission party in our cul-de-sac which was the first event where Sadie could see some of her friends,” Sarah said. “So many people made bows and put them out throughout Lantana.”

The most special event, arranged by one of Sarah’s high school friends with the New Braunfels Fire Department, occurred in late April. That’s when firefighters from Hays County near Austin visited Sadie with their two huge pink fire trucks as part of the Pink Heals group that visits people with cancer.

Firefighters bent down to give her hugs and later she was able to sign one of the trucks.

Soon after picking up 10-year-old son/brother Grant at school, the Kellers starting seeing people lining the North Amenity Center roads and parking lots wearing green Sadie Strong T-shirts and carrying signs. When the crowd swelled into the hundreds, Sadie started asking what was going on.”

“I was kind of wondering ‘why are all these people staring at me,’ ” said Sadie, still in the car with Shawn. “Kids were standing on the curb taking pictures. I’m wondering ‘how can they see me.’ “ “When Sadie got out of the car the hundreds of people there just starting cheering and yelling and clapping,” Sarah said.

“The support of this whole community has been unbelievable. We are so blessed and fortunate to be part of this community and how much they just wrap their arms around us has been overwhelming.

You just want to thank every single person.”

Fitness Tips

A

Where’s the FAT?

fter looking at many of my clients’ food journals, I have noticed a trend. Where’s the fat? I see lots of chicken, rice, and vegetables but not a lot of foods high in healthy fats. Why are so many people consistently missing it, and what are they afraid of ?

After digging a little deeper and asking some questions I found a general consensus. People think eating fat makes you fat. I believe there is just some confusion on the relationship between fat, the nutrient, and the body fat we store.

Eating more foods high in fats (particularly the healthy ones) doesn’t produce more body fat. The foods we eat have to go through a process before they are stored as body fat. In fact, carbohydrates and sugars both go through this process faster than fat does, actually making good fats less fattening than sugars and carbohydrates.

46 | LANTANA LIVING | may 2015

By Jake Camp, Strada Fitness

Food manufacturers have tricked the masses with labels reading “Low Fat.” These low fat foods have increased sugar, carbs, or sodium to make up for the missing fat. All of the carbs and sugars lead to highs and lows in your energy levels. Eating healthy fats such as the ones found in fish, nuts, avocados, and coconut oil will provide more sustained energy as well as help cut the body fat and improve body composition.

When people think about eating healthy to lose weight their minds usually turn straight to restriction. “I need to stop snacking before bed.

I’m going to cut out sweets and fast food,” are some of the first thoughts that come to mind.

Instead of always cutting back, try adding some

more healthy fats. The fats will keep your appetite suppressed, and the sustained energy will keep you from having the highs and lows you get with over consumption of carbs and sugars.

Jake Camp is an NASM Certified Personal Trainer and co-owner of Strada Fitness & Wellness Center.

Strada is a state-of-the-art fitness studio located at 3041 Churchill Drive, Suite 100, in Flower Mound, across from Lifetime Fitness. Call 972-330-4300 or visit StradaFitness.com for more information.

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Guyer 2015 Football Schedule Features

Another Tough Class 6A Slate

By Steve Gamel

T

he Guyer football team is no stranger to tough schedules. The 2015 version was released last month and didn’t get any easier with six road games, including a return date against defending Class 6A champ Allen.

The Wildcats will open against Allen for a second-straight year, but this time will travel to the Eagles on Aug. 28, the first game at the repaired $60 million Eagle Stadium. Last year, Allen beat Guyer 55-41 at the University of North Texas’ Apogee Stadium in a neutral-site showdown of defending champs. It is one of three non-district games, two of which are on the road.

Guyer also will travel to Wichita Falls Rider on Sept. 11 for its final tune-up before District 5-6A play.

The schedule features four district road games and may seem rough, but it is weighted heaviest early. Besides Allen, Guyer will host Class 5A Division I champ Ennis in Week 2 before traveling to Rider. From there, the Wildcats have a bye week before taking on a district slate they dominated last year.

Guyer was a perfect 7-0 in district last year and rolled to the second round of the playoffs.

All four district road games this year are Thursday games against Keller Independent School District teams and will be played at the Keller ISD Athletic Complex. Their highlyanticipated rival game against Denton Ryan will close the regular season.

48 | LANTANA LIVING | may 2015

The complete 2015 Guyer schedule is as follows: Date

Opponent Time

Fri., Aug. 21

@ Euless Trinity (scrimmage)

7 p.m.

Fri., Aug. 28

@ Allen

7:30 p.m.

Fri., Sept. 4

Ennis

7 p.m.

Fri., Sept. 11

At Wichita Falls Rider

7 p.m.

Fri., Sept. 18

OPEN

Thurs., Sept. 24

@ Keller

7 p.m.

Fri., Oct. 2

Justin Northwest

7 p.m.

Thurs., Oct. 8

@ Keller Fossil Ridge

7 p.m.

Thurs., Oct. 15

@ Keller Central

7 p.m.

Fri., Oct. 23

Trophy Club Nelson

7 p.m.

Thurs., Oct. 29

@ Keller Timber Creek

7 p.m.

Fri., Nov. 6

Ryan (C.H. Collins Athletic Complex)

7 p.m.

See GuyerWildcatFootball.com for more information.

Lantanaresident may 2015 | LANTANA living | 49

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may 2015 | LANTANA living | 51

Lantanaresident 52 | LANTANA LIVING | may 2015

Rejuvenation

Enjoy Your Fun in the Sun, Because There’s an App for That!

By Rebecca Romanucci,

RN Advanced Aesthetic Registered Nurse Injector Owner/Manager RSR Medical Skin Rejuvenation, L.L.C.

W

hy does sunscreen have to be so confusing? I have a love/hate relationship with sunscreen. I fully understand and support the need for each of us to be aware of the shocking statistics regarding skin cancer.

The fact is that over the past three decades, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined.

Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults ages 25-29 and the second-most common form of cancer for young people 15-29. On average, a person’s risk for melanoma doubles if they have had more than five sunburns. Sustaining five or more sunburns in youth increases lifetime melanoma risk by 80 percent.

Those are all undeniably shocking statistics that come even more to light in May which is

National Melanoma Skin Cancer Awareness Month. But still, there is this entire sunscreen dilemma. What should we use, how much, how often, when to reapply, what if it gets wet, what if someone sneezes?

Turns out, there’s an app for that! Smart phone to the rescue!

The Sunburn Timer (free app) helps you calculate the time you can spend in the sun without harm. The timer reminds you when you should put more sunscreen on. You enter your skin type, sun intensity and the sun protection factor of your sunscreen. Set the alarm, and you are notified when you need to reapply sunscreen.

Another app is the TanSmart (free) which uses the UV satellite data, skin type and sunscreen SPF, alerts you when to re-lotion, or seek shade. This app actually takes into account

the current UV index, environment (beach, snow, clouds), time of day, skin type and type of suntan protection; and suggests how long you can stay in the sun without getting burned or tanned.

Who knows, maybe my children will be

more willing to apply sunscreen, with an app making noise, flashing lights and generating

graphs. Since I am a registered nurse, I believe an improvement would be the app which also will

remind us to drink water to prevent dehydration.

Finally, the best app of all will be the one

which communicates with my husband’s smart

phone, alerting him that it is time to reapply sunscreen to my back, bring a glass of water, and by the way, my mojito glass needs a refill.

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Body & Soul

Attention

All Dancers!

By Meredith S. Tittle, PT, MPT

D

ancers are so graceful and awe-inspiring, yet we all know that those long legs, beautiful high kicks, and hours spent on their toes can lead to nagging injuries that prevent their best performance. Oh so often, dancers find themselves diagnosed with coxa saltans, or “snapping hip,” plus os trigonum, an accessory bone that can cause pain en pointe.

What is a Snapping Hip? According to research, it is not uncommon to have a “snap” in your hip without actually having pain. However, as dancers, we spend a lot of time with our legs above 90 degrees of elevation (adagio, anyone?), and this can eventually lead to a painful snapping. Both your hip flexor (primarily the iliopsoas tendon) in the front of your hip and the IT band on the outside of your hip can be the cause of this snap.

You may hear the hip flexor snap when it makes a loud “clunk,” and you may see the IT band snap as it flips front to back across your prominent lateral hip bone, the greater trochanter. Often times this snapping is caused by altered movement inside the hip joint itself. This might just be how your hip is made.

So if your hip is snapping but it is does not consistently hurt, it probably is not a problem.

However, if you begin to notice soreness inside the hip, a physical therapist can help assess the source of this pain. Once the source of the snap is identified, a physical therapist will provide a treatment plan that may include the therapist putting his/her hands around your hip while performing techniques to improve joint mobility. Alongside this technique, the PT will guide you in specific exercises designed for your individual own structure and ability that will help you return to dancing quickly and safely and also prevent future recurrences.

What is Os Trigonum?

If you are experiencing pain on the outside or back of your ankle from being en pointe or demi pointe, you may have an os trigonum. Sometimes, the bones of our feet do not fully ossify, or close together, which can cause the formation of an extra piece. In most people, it may go completely unnoticed; however, for a dancer who spends a lot of time on her toes, it can be the source of pain or stiffness in the ankle.

A PT can assist in improving the way your ankle moves in hopes of avoiding the pinching that may occur. Additionally, a PT who specializes in treating dancers can provide one-on-one assistance in guiding the dancer through dance-specific exercises while providing feedback on proper ankle and lower leg position. It may be as simple as tweaking little habits that are contributing to our pain. When we balance the muscles and improve the way we perform tendue and degage, piques and relevés, our symptoms may start to subside.

“At S2S, our interdisciplinary team of licensed physical

therapists, certified personal trainers, certified Pilates

instructors, and certified performance enhancement specialists are striving to share with you the most current

Lantanaresident

evidence in maintaining a healthy, energetic, and injury

free lifestyle! From preventative to restorative, we’ve got you covered!”

S2S Functional Performance

Whether you are concerned about the chance of an injury

or have already obtained one, our highly qualified staff is here to help.

About Wellness: Our certified performance enhancement

specialists will design a unique plan for athletes and

weekend warriors alike to help them become top performers!

About Rehabilitation: Physical therapy performed by a

skilled, knowledgable therapist will get you safely back to your sport or life activity!

Call us or visit our website for more details at www.

s2sperform.com!

Follow S2S Functional Performance on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/s2sperform, Instagram @s2sperform, and Twitter @s2sperform.

“Train

Injury Free.”

to

Live

Healthy,

Energetic,

and

– Meredith S. Tittle PT, MPT may 2015 | LANTANA living | 55

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Lantanaresident

Lantanaresident Lantanaresident

the truth About growing pains

Local Sponsored Content Advertisement

By Rebecca D, Butler, M.D., FAAP

A

re your kids waking in the middle of the night complaining of aches and pains? The first thing that may come to mind is growing pains, and you may notice that as summertime activities increase so do the restless nights. The pools are opening, the sun is shining, and if your nights become more restless; this may be why.

Despite the name “growing pains,” there is no firm evidence that supports these aches and pains are linked to growth spurts. Even at the peak of an adolescent growth spurt, a child’s growth rate is too gradual to be painful.

Growing pains may simply be muscle aches due to intense childhood activities that can wear your child’s muscles out. These activities include running, jumping, climbing, and everyday playground romping.

They seem to be more common after a kid has a particularly full day of sports. Children don’t feel sore while they’re having fun; only later, when the muscles relax, do the pains come on.

In general, growing pains are felt in both legs, especially in the front of the thighs, calves, or behind the knees. Studies suggest that children who have growing pains may be more sensitive to pain and therefore will report more headaches and abdominal pains. Please see your doctor for chronic pains, but in general, no x-rays or tests are needed.

Things to do to help lesson the pain: • Call for regular rest breaks during vigorous play and encourage your child to take part in a variety of sports and activities. This will give different muscle groups a workout and avoid overstraining the same muscles day after day.

• A warm bath before bedtime may help soothe

muscles and ease aches.

• When “growing pains” are bothersome, gently massage your child’s limbs.

• A dose of children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be helpful.

• Encourage plenty of fluids as dehydration can make cramps and pains more intense.

• Make sure your children are eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Iron deficiency may contribute to nighttime aches and pains as well as restless sleep patterns.

Lantanaresident strenuous activities, aches and pains can be very normal. Be cautious for persistent or unilateral pain that worsens or causes disruption in activities of daily living. If you have any concerns, please see your pediatrician for evaluation.

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 Dr. Butler or to schedule an appointment, call 940-455-7200.

Rebecca D. Butler, M.D., FAAP

Call your pediatrician if your child has any of the following symptoms: • Severe pain uncontrolled with the above measures.

• Pain that keeps your child from enjoying normal activities they would usually never electively miss out on.

• Swelling that doesn’t decrease or that grows worse after 24 hours, despite first aid with rest, ice or a cool compress, compression, and elevation.

• Fevers greater than 100.4 that persist or come and go for days to weeks.

• A persistent painful or painless lump in a muscle.

• Any limp or any gait changes need to be evaluated by your pediatrician.

• Reddening or increased warmth of the skin overlying the muscle could be a sign of infection.

• Dark urine, especially after exercise, along with the continue cramps and muscle pains.

As kids grow and become more active with more

74 McMakin Road Suite 100 Bartonville, TX 76226 www.LanatanaPediatrics.com

may 2015 | LANTANA living | 57

E.P. Rayzor

Fun Run &

Field Day O

n May 1, all students who participated in Spirit Week with crazy hair, inside out

and backwards day, p.j. day, and team colors day had their name put into a drawing

each day for an opportunity to be randomly selected on Friday, Fun Run and Field Day, for

either a girl’s bike or a boy’s bike. Raina (Kindergarten) and Cam (5th Grade) were drawn as the winners, but although Cam was given the option to return his bike to Academy for a larger bike, he decided to give his bike away to a kindergartner. Myer was that lucky boy

and was so excited to receive such a special gift. Students could purchase a can of silly string for $10 and spray Mrs. Dunlevy (Principal) and Mrs. Bozeman (Assistant Principal). Each

grade level had a group of students who had fun spraying the principals. After giving the students a pep talk on having G.R.I.T., the Argyle Fire Department helped clean them off afterwards and sprayed the crowd on that hot Friday afternoon.

The Principals’ Press had this to say about the event, “We had an absolutely fabulous day

for Field Day and our Fun Run. The weather was perfect, smiles were in abundance, and great sportsmanship was shown by all. The music, “Shout Outs”, and cheers from bystanders helped our runners to keep up the pace. Students cheered on riders from the Texas Ride group, who was riding to raise funds for the National Center of Missing and Exploited

Children educational programs. Your generous support of EP Rayzor during this fundraiser

is amazing. Grit-o-Grams, “Shout Outs” and Silly String sales were included in our total

amount raised of $ 18,387.50. ($1,000.00 of that total will be given to Harpoool’s P.T.A. from the fifth graders as they attend H.M.S. next Fall.)”

Game On Winners (most money raised): K-2-Peterson ($1789.50) 3-5-Wilson ($1377.00) Most Laps Run per Division: K-2-Mitchell 3-5-Jahnke Classes with The Most Laps: K-Peterson 3rd-tBarker 1st-Lynch 4th-Parrish 2nd-Mitchell 5th-Jahnke Bike Winners: Girl-Raina Feroz Boy-Cameron Saleh may 2015 | LANTANA living | 59

BLANTON FUN RUN

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