Lantana Living Magazine - October 2015

October 2015

Breast Cancer Awareness Month This Special Issue Features Survivor Stories from Brave Women in Our Community

October 2015 | LANTANA living | 3

4 | LANTANA LIVING | october 2015

October 2015 | LANTANA living | 5

Featured Stories and News

Megan’s Lifestyle Special Event Tuesday Oct. 20, 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

32

Lantana Car Show

Saturday Nov. 14, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Ranch Hand Rescue “Saddle Up Hollywood Style”

Saturday Nov. 14, 6 p.m., Tickets @ RanchHand Rescue.org

Cloud 9 Charities “Saturday Night Fever” featuring Le Freak

Saturday Nov. 14, 7 p.m. - 12 a.m.

Tickets @ Cloud9Charities.org Want to feature your school’s or organization’s event? Contact us at artwork@murray-media.com 6 | LANTANA LIVING | october 2015

Pg 32 On The Cover: Adams Furniture

Photos from Lantana 35

Lantana 5k Run Photos

50

Lantana 5k Run Photos

36 38 42 46 52 56 60

Hail to The Champs Concussions Korak Thrives in Tahoe Cancer Survivor Stories

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MAG

2015 R E C

The PilatesBarre

Adams Furniture, A Step Ahead Grandparents’ Rights Real Boys of Summer II Watch D.O.G.S. Stephen Moore Fight to Stay Alive Harpool Builders Club Marine Corps League

From Your Editor Inside Education Inside Community Chamber Connection Style Real Estate The Sidelines Gardening Dr. Matt Rejuvenation Upscale Home

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Every Issue 07 08 11 15 25 26 29 41 45 49 55

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Saturday Oct. 24, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

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Monster Mile

Contents LANT AN

Lantana Community Events

Table of

IPI

LantanaLiving.com

Surround Us The Survivors

. . . Living with Perspective

A

Jana Melton

Sub-Editor Bobbi Byrne

Contributors Eric Williams Mark Miller Steve Gamel

A Message from The Community Editor s I recently walked through the halls of a children’s hospital visiting a sweet friend, floods of emotions raged through my head and heart. Celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness this month and Childhood Cancer Awareness last month, my perspective seems blatantly obvious and I find myself challenging my perspective more and more. Live in the now and don’t sweat the small stuff is my new motto!

There are women in our circles currently coping with young-onset breast cancer or with the BRCA gene (the mutation that prompted Angelina Jolie’s mastectomy) and are building a particularly robust, feisty community. Along with descriptions of the BRCA genes and resources for women at risk, dozens of books and websites walk women through the entire process of diagnosis, decisionmaking, surgery, breast reconstruction, and post-op adjustment. My dear friend that I wrote about this time last year, now three years post-mastectomy, is researching tips on dating post-surgery and roundups of the best swimsuits for women with reconstructed breasts as she moves into ‘life after a mastectomy.’ The pages of this issue are filled with women who have shared that battle. As you read their lives on paper, perspective also may roll down your cheeks and change your life.

The child I was visiting lives a life most of us will thankfully never know. He should not have the beacon of light in his heart and infectious kindness in his soul. It’s definitely inspiring.

However, that inspiration also was met with anger and that not everything does happen for a reason.

When I received the call, I raced to his side with memories and thoughts rolling down my cheeks.

In that moment, nothing else mattered but to be prayerfully present for him then to rush home to my own children and hold them tightly.

Between everyday life responsibilities and the daily upkeep of simply living life, it can seem like

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray Administration Managing Editor

we don’t have the time or space to examine its direction…until we are forced to. We may be going about our business when suddenly we are struck with redirection. Our lives aren’t the same and now we are faced with making new choices.

There are plenty of phrases for these occurrences in our lives. Call it mid-life crisis, a personal breakdown or a spiritual awakening. I believe major life changes are invitations to grow.

They are times that require us to move beyond what we know, into the unknown, and to expand who we are.

During these times, we may be at a total loss as to what to do next. For me, I lean on those in my inner circles who will support, honor and ‘fill my bucket.’ I picked up the phone to the voice of a dear friend who knows my heart and felt its pain then instinctively raised my spirits with support. Life is uncertain and it can be uncomfortable, but it’s not necessarily a bad place to be. It’s challenging for those of us who like to be in control.

Gaining perspective is critical and can definitely help plant your life and examine its roots yet it must be fed daily.

As I celebrate my dear friends, I reflect on all of us who seem to find that living a life with perspective has changed our life!

Kathryn Flores, Community Relations,

Advertising

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

Production Graphic Designers Liz Wallace Stephanie Hansen Whitney Hill Josh Burkham Caroline Brock

Photography

Scott Young (972) 899-3536 ScottYoungPhoto.com Chris Ziober (817) 980-1653 LifeDigs.com

Letters

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

All submissions become the sole property of Murray Media Group.

Editorial and Advertising inquiries call (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

Marketing and Advertising Manager Argyle Living & Lantana Living Kathryn@murray-media.com 214-734-5783

October 2015 | LANTANA living | 7

Connect with Lantana Elementary Schools Through Twitter Accounts Lantana’s

Adkins,

Blanton

and

E.P.

Rayzor elementary schools all have joined the 140-character world of Twitter.

Students, parents and others interested in

what’s happening at Adkins should follow @

adkinslantana where Assistant Principal Erin

Vennell tweets important announcements about the school and other updates.

Blanton can follow @Satterwhitek1 operated

by Principal Karen Satterwhite while for Rayzor, go to @eprayzorelem operated by

Principal Mary Dunlevy and Assistant Principal

Dennis E. Stephens Central Services board room at 1307 N. Locust St. in Denton.

Parents and students are invited to attend the forum which will begin with a panel discussion before transitioning into a question-and-answers session. Topics to be discussed include current trends, prevention strategies and substance abuse intervention.

For more information, contact the counseling services department at 940-369-0160.

Denton High Hosting Mystery Dinner Theatre Show on Oct. 24 The audience will be part of the show when

Linda Bozeman.

Denton High School hosts a special one-time

of the school websites to be redirected to the

Oct. 24 in the school’s studio theatre.

Go to the Twitter icons on the bottom right

respective school accounts.

Guyer Band Fares Well In Season-Opening Competition The Guyer Band opened its competition

season Oct. 3 in the USBands Music in Motion Event at Collins Stadium in Denton.

Wildcat performers advanced to the finals

where they finished in 10th place immediately

mystery dinner theatre performance at 7 p.m.

“Dead to the Last Drop” engages the audience as members try to determine the show’s killer plus one of its multiple possible outcomes. The audience enters the performance as if they were going to a coffee house, then a murder take places.

After intermission, a police officer will engage the audience in an interview process, deciding who to accuse based on evidence provided by the detective.

Tickets are $10 which includes a coffee bar

ahead of Denton Independent School District

and desserts.

took first place with Colleyville Heritage second

or tstratton@dentonisd.org or Kerri Peters at

peers Ryan and Denton. Wakeland High School and Southlake Carroll third.

Guyer’s percussion unit earned the Group IV

Classification Outstanding Percussion Award in preliminaries.

Denton ISD Forum to Focus on Substance Abuse Prevention

Contact Tom Stratton at 940-369-2087 940-369-2013 or kpeters2@dentonisd.org for more information.

National Giving Day Nets Denton Foundation More Than $3,500 Thanks to 57 donations as part of the North Texas Giving Day, the Denton Public School

The Denton Independent School District

Foundation raised $3,536 to help provide more

community forum regarding substance abuse

School District students and staff and improve

counseling services department will host a

scholarship opportunities for Denton Independent

prevention from 6:30-8 p.m. Oct. 21 at the

funding for unique classroom projects.

8 | LANTANA LIVING | october 2015

The Sept. 17 North Texas Giving Day solicited

donations for local nonprofit organizations as part of an annual initiative to gain exposure for and aid their programs and goals. The event then uses more than $2 million in bonus and prize

funds to multiply donations of $25 or more. This year, the event set nationals records with 118,663 donations totaling roughly $33.1 million that went to North Texas area nonprofits.

Jackie Jackson, executive director of the

foundation, said the donations from North Texas Giving Day will help further education and provide more opportunities for students in the Denton ISD community.

“With this money, we probably have several

classroom initiatives that can now happen, and there could also be students who can now afford to pay for their college with some financial

support we can provide,” she said. “This was our first time in North Texas Giving Day, and we’re

already planning on seeing what we can do to improve our involvement next year to raise even more money for our students and staff.”

Established in 2002, the Denton Public School

Foundation has awarded more than $2.4 million in classroom and special program support, grants

to teachers, and staff scholarships. It also has provided more than $581,000 in scholarships to graduating Denton ISD seniors.

Johnnie Yellock is Coming Home!

Monday November 9th at 5pm 1604 Verbena Lane Lantana, TX 76226

Contact Kathryn Flores for details 214-734-5783

October 2015 | LANTANA living | 9

Lantanaresident 10 | LANTANA LIVING | october 2015

Lantana Ladies League to Hold Fall Food and Wine Event on Oct. 20 Meals on Wheels will be the benefactor of the

next Lantana Ladies League event called Fall

Food and Wine scheduled for Oct. 20 from 7-10 p.m. at Prime Farm to Table in Flower Mound.

Chef Chris Flahaven will be preparing the

items for the 3-4 course meal to be specially paired with select wines.

Tickets are $55 including tips and going fast.

Contact the Lantana Ladies League for more information Lantana Ladies League.

New Hope Equine Assisted Therapy will hold

its annual Fall Festival Fundraiser from 10 a.m-2 p.m. Oct. 17 at its location at 6151 FM 1830 in Argyle.

The event will feature live music, horse rides,

paint-a-pony, a petting zoo, a horse and rider parade, cake walk, hay rides and more.

County

Master

Gardener

Association’s annual Round Up event will be conducted from 10 a.m.-noon Oct. 20 at the

Joseph A. Carroll Building 401 W. Hickory St. in Denton.

possibly becoming a member.

Anyone with a passion for gardening and

sustainable gardening practices is encouraged to

attend. Visit dcmga.com for more information and an online application.

Lantana Golf Club to Celebrate Halloween Two Days Early Members, guests, and community residents

Club’s Halloween Spooktacular on Oct. 29.

The event will feature haunted hayrides,

zombie golf, pumpkin decorating, a buffet dinner and much more. Contact the club at 940-728-4653 for more details.

Youth and Family Counseling Set to Hold Auction Event on Nov. 6 in Flower Mound Youth and Family Counseling’s High Tea

Denton County Master Gardeners Recruiting Event Slated for Oct. 20 Denton

gardeners and learn more about the program and

alike are invited to take part in the Lantana Golf

New Hope Hosts Fundraiser Scheduled for Oct. 17

The

Attendees will be able to visit with master

Actress Doris Roberts to Host Ranch Hand Rescue Special Event Ranch Hand Rescue, owned by Argyle

resident Bob Williams, presents the fourth-

annual Saddle Up Hollywood Style at 6 p.m.

Nov. 14 at The Austin Ranch in Grapevine.

Actress Doris Roberts will serve as host

with Sheriff Will and wife Shelly Travis as honorary chairs.

Tickets are $100. Visit ranchhandrescue.org

to purchase tickets.

Denton County Family Friends Celebrates 35th Year of Help As part of celebrating its 35th year of service

during the last week of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Denton County Friends of the Family will hold a Halloweenthemed social media campaign Oct. 25-31.

Interested people are asked to display their most

creative purple costume and post selfies on the

and Wreath Auction “Over the River, and

‘Denton County Friends of the Family’ Facebook

from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Bridlewood Golf Club

The one deemed most creative will win a $50 gift

Through the Wood” is scheduled for Nov. 6

wall, or tweet it to

in Flower Mound.

card to Queenie’s Steakhouse.

$500. Gary Henderson of United Way will be the

filled with various events around the county.

Contact eturner@youthandfamilycounseling.

Awareness Concert at Harvest House in Denton

Tickets are $35 each and table sponsorship of

key speaker for the event presented by CoServ. org for more information.

@DentonCountyFOF.

The week will culminate a month that was

The most recent was scheduled to be an Oct. 16 from 8 p.m.-midnight.

Lantanaresident October 2015 | LANTANA living | 11

Hail to the Champs

Rayzor Celebrates Reading Program Win

at Texas Motor Speedway

O

ne by one, the children clad in teal and aqua-colored T-shirts filed into seats near the finish line of Texas Motor Speedway late in the morning of Sept. 29.

Some held signs, most did the wave, and pretty much all jumped up and down watching themselves and others on the giant “Big Hoss” video board on the other side of the track.

On the small stage set up below them stood a tall trophy, ready to be handed out to signify the amazing feat achieved by the more than 400 kindergarten through fifth graders from Lantana’s E.P. Rayzor Elementary School.

This was the kickoff of the 2015-16 Speeding to Read program sponsored by TMS. As defending

Photography: Sarah Crabill/Getty Images for Texas Motor Speedway.

12 | LANTANA LIVING | october 2015

champions, Rayzor students, staff and chaperones were invited not only to celebrate last year’s success but to participate again. They were among more than 6,000 students from 11 schools in 7 Dallas-Fort Worth-area school districts invited to partake in the coming months.

The program teams elementary school principals with TMS to make reading fun with the goal to read as many books as possible.

In 2014-15, Rayzor students met 99 percent of their reading goals, a record for the first four years of the

“It is very cool to see all these kids so enthused about their education and about reading.” program according to Lantana resident Mike Zizzo, Texas Motor Speedway’s vice president of media relations. Zizzo said students in participating schools read a collective total of more than 1 million books.

The school year-long program will culminate in late May when Texas Motor Speedway holds an all-school assembly to crown all champions. Rayzor school leaders fully expect to be there too.

“It’s so exciting. We had 99 percent of our kids last year and our goal this year 100 percent and we’re going to meet that goal so that every child is loving reading every day,” said Rayzor principal Mary Dunlevy, who said the key to winning was having the school librarian oversee the program.

“My librarian Melissa Leonard is amazing and has done such a fabulous job with making sure every body’s involved and working together for one goal.”

In addition to its overall title, Rayzor captured top spots in the three youth divisions and both teacher

By Mark Miller

categories. Student winners were current first grader

Alysson Delloro, third-grader Ella McNamara, and fourth-grader Noah Temer. Kindergarten teacher Melanie Peterson won in the K-2 division while third-grade teacher Kyle Malinowsky took the title for grades 3-5.

Besides the trophy ceremony, students watched fifth

graders like Rayzor’s Ryder McDaniel take part in an

M&M race. They also heard from Camping World Truck Series rookie John Hunter Nemechek, who at age 18 won his first national race Sept. 19 in Chicago.

“To come out here and talk to these kids is something

special because they all look up to someone and if you

can be that someone then they are going to be fans

of yours for their entire life," said Nemechek, a North

Carolina native who drives the No. 8 SWM-NEMCO Chevrolet in the truck series.

"The Speeding to Read program is something that

I never would have thought of. It is very cool to see

all these kids so enthused about their education and about reading. These kids are here to speed to read, so if

they can speed up their learning curve all through their grades then they will be very smart in the end."

October 2015 | LANTANA living | 13

Lantanaresident

14 | LANTANA LIVING | october 2015

Local Ribbon Cuttings!

The Chamber

Connection

Support your community by shopping local.

See a full list of local businesses at the Flower Mound Chamber!

700 Parker Square Road, Flower Mound, TX 75028 (972) 539-0500 • www.flowermoundchamber.com

Allstate/The Gorrill Family Agency Tuesday, September 08, 2015 4030 Justin Road, Suite 101 • Flower Mound, TX 75077 Contact: Scott Gorrill•940-282-2850

Amber Michelle Salon Tuesday, September 08, 2015 We have been transforming men and women’s hair in the Flower Mound, Highland Village, Grapevine area for over 10 years. We are committed to providing the best services to our clients and strive to stay educated on new services, products and changes in the beauty industry.

We love giving exceptional services and support while upholding extremely high standards for quality, cleanliness and superior hair. We attribute our success and fast growth of the business to our wonderful clients that feel confident and pleased with the services we provide to recommend their friends and family. We also pride ourselves in creating a comfortable, professional and friendly environment.

2500 Lakeside Pkwy. • Flower Mound, TX 75022 Contact: Amber Russell • 972-691-9500

Nelson Law Group, PC Wednesday, September 16, 2015 When you have a legal question, it is extremely important that you have an attorney who has the legal and the practical experience to answer it. At the Nelson Law Group, our legal and life experiences uniquely qualify us to answer your questions. We represent people in a variety of legal disputes in the areas of Family Law, Personal Injury, Civil Litigation, and Estate Planning.

700 Parker Square, Suite 145 •Flower Mound, TX 75028 Contact: Brett A. Nelson • 972-808-7227

Legacy Lace Wigs Tuesday, September 22, 2015 We offer high quality hair products to ensure all women, on any budget, are able to afford to look their very best. Our hair is carefully hand selected to promise the best of the best in quality. At Legacy Lace Wig, you are sure to find the hair that’s right for you. As the ultimate source for the top quality extensions, we pledge to continue to position our products in the forefront of the fashion and beauty industry 2605 Sagebrush Dr., Suite 105 • Flower Mound, TX 75028 Contact: Ty Sanford • 972-914-9447

Medical Center of Lewisville ER Wednesday, September 23rd Medical Center of Lewisville’s Emergency Department is staffed with skilled physicians, nurses and paramedics who have been specially trained to deal with medical emergencies, including rapid stabilization of heart attacks, trauma, poisoning, severe bleeding and other sudden illnesses in adults and children. Emergency department physicians are board certified in emergency medicine with certifications in advanced cardiac life support, pediatric advanced life support and advanced trauma life support. Patients benefit from Medical Center of Lewisville’s advanced emergency department and highly trained medical specialists who are on staff 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

500 West Main Street • Lewisville, TX 75057 Contact: LaSharndra Barbarin• 972-420-1549

Luna Grill At Luna Grill, we serve a uniquely authentic Mediterranean cuisine. We offer delicious and healthy food at fair prices in a stylish, contemporary and inviting atmosphere. We also provide catering service for corporate and private events. Please visit us and discover how we strive to provide quality, freshness, great taste, prompt and courteous service, healthy choices, and a pleasant ambience at an affordable price.

2500 Cross Timbers Rd., Suite 100 • Flower Mound, TX 75028 Contact: Sheena Milligan• 972-691-5862

October 2015 | LANTANA living | 15

Participants

experienced

hot

desert

temperatures in the afternoon but at elevations

where the air would cool into the 30s at night.

For the most part they had only the clothes, food, water and safety gear they carried with them. The

athletes could carry as much water as they wanted, but because of weight they opted to carry less than

a gallon per person and would drink from streams

and even mud holes, purifying water from any source they found. Using in the neighborhood of

15,000 calories per day, Korak burned through 20 pounds of fat he had deliberately stored on his

By Eric Williams

body just to be ready for this special adventure.

M

in cold deep water where they would have been

deprived, it’s because they spend too

Teams were not allowed to use cell phones or

much time in the theatres and casinos.

For James Korak, Lantana’s amazing endurance

athlete, a trip to the area was a chance to test

his mettle, skills, endurance, courage and faith over nine grueling days on an extreme adventure course. He said his team – three men and one

woman – averaged no more than an hour and a

magnificence as he took the trip through the

Sierra Nevadas in California and Nevada, making a wide circle around Lake Tahoe including many

remote locations accessible only to the fit and

athletic. Race organizers had to get special permits to enter some areas.

ost people go to Lake Tahoe to relax and gamble. If they are sleep-

“The scenery was magnificent,” said Korak,

though he seldom paused to contemplate nature’s

subject to hypothermia within minutes.

GPS devices and had to find their way by map and compass. Of course race officials did give them a GPS tracker so they and on-line followers could

track race progress. Navigation on the course could especially be tricky. On one mountain

rich in metal ore, the compasses wouldn’t work,

Korak’s team started the race on Wednesday,

Aug. 19 and finished on Friday the 28th, completing the course at the Hard Rock Café in

downtown Lake Tahoe in sixth place among 11 of the world’s best racing adventure teams. His

team was a little more than 24 hours behind the

winning team from New Zealand. At the finish line, Korak was handed a bottle of Sierra Nevada beer that he said really tasted good.

cover 70,000 feet upwards in elevation and descend

“You have to stay healthy, injury-free, accident-free and have spot-on navigation.”

rappelled down cliffs. There was a raft trip through

For reference, Mount Everest, the world’s tallest

“Primal Quest designed it to be hardest

The last major obstacle was a 30-mile kayaking trip

no exact mileage because racers had their choice of

being overturned would dump the participants

waste a few miles by going off course.

half of sleep per day.

The route included a 1,000-foot vertical rope

course and mountain bike trails so extreme the

bikes sometimes had to be carried for miles and

spinning constantly and delaying the racers while they retraced their steps to get perfect bearings.

Korak said that from start to finish racers would

even strapped on the athletes’ backs while they

the same amount over a 450-500-mile course.

white water rapids, trail running and orienteering.

mountain, is 29,029 feet above sea level. There is

across Lake Tahoe in the dark with concerns that

routes between checkpoints and sometime would

adventure race ever made,” Korak said.

Korak, who owns a landscape company, was on

a geographically diverse team called Team 40/50 Adventure Promax/Pure captained by native

Alaskan JD Eskelson, a military officer. Joining them were Californian Alberto Flores, president and creative director of a small company, and Shari Hymes, a respiratory therapist from New York

The course was so difficult and unpredictable

that at times organizers miscalculated the amount of time it would take to get from one checkpoint

to another and the racers could get very hungry

living on protein bars and other portable snacks. In one such circumstance the foursome ran across an

elderly man driving a pickup. Sensing how hungry Pictured above JD Eskelson US Army , Alberto Flores from Mexico, James Korak from Lantana & Shari Hymes from New York.

Photo: ©LegendaryRandyEricksenFilms, courtesy of James Korak.

16 | LANTANA LIVING | october 2015

they were, he left and came back, bringing raw hot

dogs and spicy Fritos the racers ate with delight.

Other friendly folks offered beer and fajitas.

Race rules required at least one woman

per team. The New Zealand-based team that won the race actually had three women. Korak said that while women may lack the bulky muscles needed

to carry and lift large weights, they make up for it with mental and emotional strength.

“You have to everything working for you

to be competitive,” he said. “You have to stay healthy, injury-free, accident-free and have s pot-on navigation.”

And while Korak suffered nothing he called a

serious injury, he did have cuts on his legs, severe

blisters on his feet, lost some toenails and was treated for an upper respiratory infection, the kind of stuff that might send the less courageous among us to the minor emergency clinic.

Race organizers had to obtain U.S. government

permits for many parts of the course and even arranged water release in the drought-stricken west so the racers would have water on which to raft. On one section of the course a sealed

cell-phone allowed to be used only for rescue

would be unable to pick up signals, so the racers carried a two-way radio connected directly to an air rescue team.

Korak said faith was important during the trip,

probably never more so than in the dangerous trek

across Lake Tahoe in the kayaks. He knelt to pray before getting in the tiny two-person boat.

Lantanaresident

“I asked God to calm the waters and give me

strength,” Korak said.

No team did better than his getting across the

lake. It took Korak and company about five-and-

a-half hours, while other teams took an average of

8-12 hours. A member of Denton Bible Church, Korak gives motivational Christian talks based on his experiences during extreme adventure races.

Finishing the race, Korak and his team had a

few hours in the hotel room prior to gathering for a celebration. His body became so well adjusted to

working on limited sleep that when he returned

home, he would find himself naturally waking

every hour or two, ready to take on a new challenge.

Alberto Flores & James Korak on the Kayak portion of the race Class 3-4. Photos courtesy of James Korak.

October 2015 | LANTANA living | 17

Local

By Eric Williams

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.

— Eleanor Roosevelt

Harpool Teacher Grateful for School’s Support

fibrous and protein-rich food. Her hurting body

teacher

Misty

School

Richardson already

had a lot going on.

A mother, wife and math teacher with

a lot of students, she did not want her disease to become her students’ problem. She worked hard to getting well.

Richardson was diagnosed with the disease in

May 2013, the day after Mother’s Day. She and

husband Brian Richardson have two son, Baise, 13, and Chase, 11 and of course they shared the news with them while trying to cause no

special alarm. They also tried to maintain normal activities, though during chemo Richardson

than the aftermath of a mole removal she had elsewhere on her body, she said.

“The hardest part was the waiting, the fear of the disease, the fear of the treatment,” Richardson told Lantana Living.

However, the

chemotherapy

of treatment between June and October 2013. She lost her hair on July 4 and for a time the treatments

left her feeling so weak they had to be suspended.

Eventually, Richardson began on

the cravings by eating frozen yogurt and other

sugary foods. A naturally athletic person, she actually started to gain weight and took comfort

in binge-watching favorite television shows like Game of Thrones and Downton Abbey.

After the chemo at UT Southwestern Medical

Center, Richardson had surgery in Denton.

Harpool Middle School did a great job of helping

her though treatment. The school provided

took

its toll. Richardson had six rounds

cried out for carbohydrates, so she responded to

A

L IV

ING

MAG

A ZI

N

experienced

E ’S

keep up with her responsibilities even as she was

Her lumpectomy scar is so small it looks better

since it was hard to keep down some of the more

’S R O T EDIPICK EN IPI

T

Harpool

the tumors had almost gone before the operation.

LANT AN

cancer,

18 | LANTANA LIVING | october 2015

Richardson chose a treatment path in which

she had chemotherapy prior to surgery so that

When it came

Misty Richardson sporting her chemo curls

up early efforts to eat an exceptionally healthy diet

the car.

time to fight breast Middle

admits she watched some soccer games from

2015 R E C

her own to take potassium supplements,

fish oil and iron in efforts to make her blood

strong enough to handle the chemo. She also gave

substitutes

familiar

with her students and classroom procedures. There was a bank of

sick days she could draw from as she healed and she described a

never-ending stream of gift cards

from others on the Harpool staff.

She was able to arrange her schedule

so she could be back at school, teaching in a wig, when school started.

“I wanted to show the students I was OK,”

said Richardson, who has taught at Harpool since it opened.

When it was time for radiation treatments, she

scheduled the treatments early in the morning then arrived in time for the school day.

The treatments took a toll on Richardson’s heart

health, but with kickboxing, Zumba and dancing with her Xbox 360 she has restored herself to athletic heart capacity.

Richardson

is

deeply

grateful

for

encouragement from friends and coworkers. She shared a community garden with fellow teacher Else Pruneda, whose mother recovered with no ill effects from breast cancer 17 years ago.

“We call it our dirt therapy,” Richardson

said. “I wasn’t really strong when we started, but I could work as much as I wanted, slowly doing more.”

Richardson now feels vigorous and healthy, and

almost a little guilty that she received so much kind attention during her healing process. She contends

that other people have problems and health issues

– from weak hearts to ragweed allergies – that are perhaps more worthy of sympathy, love and support than she.

Parents Gather on Field Trip to Pray for Liberty Christian Teacher After beating breast cancer, Missy Fife says her

faith in God and prayer is strengthened and she strongly believes you should be sure and make time for an annual checkup.

A teacher at Argyle’s Liberty Christian School

who lives in Trophy Club, the mother of four

had missed her annual checkup in 2013. Then in February 2014 she went into a routine exam

feeling healthy, but the doctors found something in her mammogram that aroused curiosity.

“I was only 49,” said Fife, which was younger

than most of the other women she encountered during breast cancer treatment. Fortunately, Fife

was only in Stage 1 when the cancer was detected

and treatment was less traumatic than for other breast cancer survivors. She had lumpectomy surgery in April and followed up with radiation

in the summer. Because of genetic testing and

examination of other risk factors, doctors did not recommend chemotherapy so she kept her hair.

Fife now advised her friends not to miss

their checkups.

“If I had waited another year, it might have been

Stage 3,” she said.

While the daily radiation treatments caused

fatigue, they did not leave her with the sick, wrung-out feeling that many other survivors describe after chemotherapy.

“My trust in the Lord has grown through this,”

she told Argyle Living. Like everyone who gets the diagnosis, there was some initial fear, especially since Fife’s father was

second-grade students gathered on a field trip to Discovery Gardens at Fair Park in Dallas to pray for her. Supportive friends provided prayer, flowers and sympathy cards.

“My second-grade team prayed for me, supported me, and provided meals,” she added.

The love and support was important for her children, Luke, 23, Daniel, 20, Jacob 18, and Rebekah, 14, because they also were worried about their grandpa. Daniel changed plans to be home with his younger siblings the summer of her treatment.

Fife said that she’s always had faith in God, but

going through a more

she was especially deep in prayer and Bible reading

Myeloma. Like Fife, he

in her life, because little problems that used to

traumatic

bout

is in remission.

Pictured left is Jacob, Missy, Luke, Olivia, Rebekah and Daniel.

the day she had surgery, April 24, parents and

at

Fife

said

Liberty

with

friends

Christian

rallied to her cause. On

during her treatments. And now she has less stress bother her now have little emotional impact.

Continued on Page 21 October 2015 | LANTANA living | 19

20 | LANTANA LIVING | october 2015

Continued from Previous Page

While the medical community was quick to reach out and provide

emotional support from both medical professionals and volunteers, Morley

Mother of Five Managed Treatments and Responsibilities Nora

Morley

overwhelming

remembers

feeling

of

still had to figure out what to do from a bewildering array of treatment options she was presented on Dec. 18. 2013.

She quickly made appointments, visited with surgeons and oncologists and

the

being

diagnosed with breast cancer and

walking out of the Medical Center

of Lewisville with a pink bag full of brochures

Nora Morely having fun

and

information

sheets.

Having been confident that the outcome

of a biopsy would reveal no cancer, her life changed in a 15-minute visit to the

familiar hospital where she gave birth to her son. She had been Christmas

shopping with her adult son, Patrick, then 24 as part of an exciting holiday vacation schedule.

Fortunately Morley was able to pull it together and managed to deal with

the cancer while remaining successful in other life issues as a wife, mother and treasurer of the Blanton Elementary School PTA.

A breast abnormality was first detected by a mammogram during her

routine medical checkup. Still Morley thought there could be any number or

made a decision to have a double mastectomy which was performed on Jan. 13, 2014.

“I’m really glad I did it,” she told Lantana Living.

Still treatment and recovery was a big roller coaster ride for her, husband

David and young children Thomas, 12, and Joseph, 9. She also has older children, Michael 33, Katie, 28, and Patrick, 26.

She credits David with being enormously supportive, taking on preparing

dinners, lunches and getting the boys to baseball and football practices. She even showed her boys the surgeries and bandages to let them know about the processes and results.

“Thankfully, my friends were all really supportive and the school was

supportive,” Morley said.

There were practical problems. Instead of waiting for her hair to fall out in

clumps during chemotherapy, she cut it off little by little, letting the children

know about the process. She had beautiful, long straight brown hair. What has grown back is so far short and curly. She’s hopeful the brown tresses will return, perhaps just with a little more body than before.

The skin on her hands was burned during the treatments and her nails

reasons besides cancer so she wasn’t worried when she went in for a biopsy.

darkened. But her feelings of strength and good health are returning. There

positive,” she said.

the family routine.

“Then there was the surreal moment when they tell you it is

is no sign of cancer and Morley is steadily gaining strength and control over

Lantanaresident October 2015 | LANTANA living | 21

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October 2015 | LANTANA living | 23

What Defines “Age-Appropriate”

Dressing?

C

onforming to “age-appropriate” fashion, for many women, seems to be the most difficult part of how to dress.

For decades, traditional fashion styles meant the older you became, the more conservative you should dress. Thankfully, times have changed. Why should anyone be restricted by age when it comes to having fun with their wardrobe? Dressing trendy can be achieved at any age. Fashion should be about feeling confident and using your clothes to help show off your personality!

Of course, everyone has a different definition of what is “age appropriate.” Keep in mind, there are some styles that just may not work, no matter what the age. Be honest with yourself. Select items that are flattering for your body type.

Style

By Megan Condrack

are your flaws. If someone approaches to provide assistance, don’t be shy, ask for help. Be sure to know the difference from high pressure sales and true personalized attention.

At Megan’s…we love helping all women of all ages and body types. We are truly passionate about fashion and understand the importance of women feeling empowered through the confidence they gain from how they dress.

Ladies...You’ve earned it! Dress to feel good about yourself, no matter what your age!

Always remember...confidence is key!

Lantanaresident

There is no doubt finding what works can sometimes be challenging. If you're not sure, let the right people help you. Start by choosing a comfortable shopping environment with knowledgeable staff. Most experienced fashion stylists will see you with an objective eye, focusing on your best assets and not what you may think

Megan Condrack is the owner of Megan’s Lifestyle Boutique located in The Shops at Highland Village.

October 2015 | LANTANA living | 25

Real Estate

Life Stages

Moving Up or Moving Down?

Great Tips to Help You Decide

O

ne of the greatest attributes of Lantana is that it has something for everyone in nearly every stage of life from growing families to empty nesters.

Your current life stage makes a big difference on what type of home your family needs. As you are reading this article, I want you to be thinking about your life stage and about your current house. Does the space you are in currently meet your family’s needs? Maybe your house is too small and you need more space. Many people these days are finding that their house is too large and the maintenance overwhelms them. If you are thinking about selling, but unsure of what to do, here are a few things that can help:

Evaluate Your Needs

Crunch Your Numbers

Pay Attention

Take Action

Does your current space give you joy or stress? Do you need more/less yard or want a better view or pool? Are you cramped when hosting your holiday parties?

What is your current house worth in this market? A knowledgeable realtor will do a Competitive Market Analysis (CMA) so you know for sure. Knowing what your house is worth can help you figure out your equity position and what options make sense.

Is it a buyer or seller’s market?

Either can work for you but will impact your strategy. Where are mortgage rates at and where are they headed? A 1 percent mortgage increase = 11 percent reduction in purchase price. Ask me why selling over the holidays has many advantages!

Call a mortgage lender to figure out what you can really afford.

Your realtor will have a few competitive recommendations for lenders with good rates and great service. Create a list of must haves and research homes online.

Moving can be stressful and often can cause people to wait, and wait and wait even though the process can eliminate stress in the long run. Don’t let short-term stress deter your long-term goals. Being prepared can eliminate the short-term stress and get you moving towards your next stage life stage.

Tisha’s Tips: Can’t move for another year? Consider preparing your house now. Start the purge as you pull out seasonal decor. While you have the ladder out to decorate the tree, get the old dusty greenery off of the kitchen cabinets and kiss it goodbye. Finally, get rid of all the summer clothes you didn’t wear this season as your transition your closet to fall. Starting the purge now will save you a lot of stress later.

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October 2015 | LANTANA living | 27

Lantanaresident 28 | LANTANA LIVING | october 2015

See You On The Sidelines

Listing, Not Ranking, the Best Area Press Boxes

P

icking my favorite football press box is like being asked to pick a favorite child. You just can’t.

I cover a lot of games, so the ones I frequent the most have become a home away from home. There have been some horror stories at other venues, but for the majority, these are great folks who run press areas at North Texas stadiums – large and small – and it’s flat-out impossible to say one is better than the other.

They all have their perks, so please don’t look at the list below as a Top 8 by any means. In fact, I’m purposely not even numbering the following venues and only going with a list of eight instead of 10 or more. These are, as they say, in no particular order.

C.H. Collins Athletic Complex, Denton – I start here because it’s where I have spent most of my time over the last few years covering games for the Denton Record-Chronicle. Just last month, the box manager apologized – as if she had to – to all media and scouts for the food arriving late. They truly make you feel welcome, and their patience in dealing with slow writers like me well after the game is over is appreciated.

By Steve Gamel

Marcus Marauder Stadium, Flower Mound – I miss this place. Great atmosphere, not too far removed from the field and a quality staff. This is one of the few boxes I’ve been to where they mark your spot with a card or piece of paper with your name on it. Some of the last games I covered there had food from Salerno’s, Dickey’s BBQ, and Cantina Laredo.

Eagle Stadium, Argyle – A small-school football venue at its finest. This press box is not that big, but like clockwork, the radio guys have a pre-printed media guide available prior to every game and manage to run the press box and call the game at the same time. It also helps that I’ve never been to a game there that Argyle hasn’t won. A definite must for any writer looking to fill up a press box bucket list.

Munson Stadium, Denison – I enjoyed my visit to Munson earlier this season. The press box is so close to the field that you feel like you are in the stands – that makes for a wonderful view. I asked the stadium manager how much time I had to write my story before being kicked out. His response,

“Mr. Gamel, we are so slow moving out here in Denison that you won’t bother a soul.”

Warrior Stadium, Argyle – Another small-town atmosphere setting, and there is nothing wrong with that. The folks here pretty much let you have your run of the place, and it’s a shame I’ve only covered maybe three games here in my 18 years as a sports writer – two of them were last year.

Cowboys Stadium, Arlington – I love coming here because it’s usually during the state championships. Jerry World gets a red check mark for making us pay for food, but it’s so dang good and worth it. And it’s a true “working” press box.

No massive sections of screaming boosters or random kids. Just football.

Northwest ISD Stadium, Justin – I threw this one in because I seem to hit this place up come district and playoff time every year. It’s a massive stadium, and the press box doesn’t disappoint. For my old and weary eyes, it’s a little too far away from the field in my opinion to see jersey numbers, etc, but that’s my problem – not theirs. Great food, and like the others, they’ll leave the light on for you.

Neal E Wilson Stadium, Flower Mound – Again...in no particular order, Jaguar fans. I haven’t been to this stadium in years, but they take care of you. And the namesake on the press box is first class. A great man who looked over Lewisville Independent School. District athletics for years.

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

October 2015 | LANTANA living | 29

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Lantanaresident October 2015 | LANTANA living | 31

FEATURED ARTICLE Local Sponsored Content

Photography by Scott Young Photography

A Step Ahead of The Competition

I

f you were to ask Jim Smith, or any of his longtime employees, to talk about the rich history of Adams Furniture in Justin, you may just get more than what you bargained for. There is plenty to learn about this small-town jewel, which has been serving customers in North Texas for more than 85 years.

As the store’s proud owner, Smith certainly knows the place -- inside and out. But he often jokes that he tries not to paint the store out to be too old or outdated.

“When people hear ‘older’ or ‘this is your grandfather’s furniture store’, you don’t want them to think we have cobwebs hanging off the furniture or that what we sell is outdated,” Smith chuckled. “We’ve kept up with the times, both in the knowledge we’ve accumulated and the styles of product we sell. We have to be.”

32 | LANTANA LIVING | october 2015

By Steve Gamel

Options & Knowledgeable Staff Keep It

In part, that’s because Adams is surrounded by what many people refer to as big box competitors, which are large retail or chain stores. They are everywhere, and they have the ability to lure customers in with their much larger floor space and cheaper merchandise.

But therein lies the fundamental difference.

Walking into a bigger chain and being surrounded by so much merchandise can be overwhelming to some. Adams Furniture is a simple, yet inviting, 10,000 square-foot store located on the southwest corner of farm-tomarket roads 407 and 156 in Justin. Although Adams offers a wide-array of Amish and other American-made furniture, it specializes in many custom-made options that bigger chain stores simply can’t do.

Some of the brands Adams 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.

Smith said selling American-made products is crucial because it employs Americans and allows Adams Furniture to put money back into the U.S. economy. Not to mention, American

room, or even the wood floor. They’ll walk into a bigger store and the service rep will likely say, ‘Well, here’s what’s on our floor.’ It’s a what you see is what you get type thing. That’s not the case here.”

“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. “I think people like that, and we like to think we do it better than any other store in North Texas.”

Most, if not all, the furniture pieces at Adams can have 30 or more color options. So if a client walks in and finds the perfect dining room table, but wants it in rustic cherry, dark oak or perhaps needs a different base or legs, the friendly staff at Adams can make that happen.

Smith added, “We will even let people borrow fabric and wood samples to make sure it looks right at home. These are people that by the time they come to us, they’ve already spent hours at another store. Maybe they have no clue what they want, so we take the time to discuss options, styles, help coordinate pillows and even different wood finishes.”

That’s where knowledge is key.

There is little to no turnover at Adams.

Salesman Darrell Field has been there for over 25 years. Eddie and Jon Romine have worked

person,” Smith said. “They feel at home here.

That’s valuable.”

Customers have been talking about Adams

for years, and it has gained a following that continues to grow, with most of their clientele

coming from Robson Ranch, Argyle, Lantana, Double Oak and, of course, Justin. Smith expects

this to continue as many new families move into the area.

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.

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 Adams, opened it

in 1929 as Adams Cash Store. 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 furniture.

Despite the changes taking place, Adams

“. . .We know what works best, and people like to deal with the local person,” (940) 648-3145 417 N FM 156 • Justin, TX 76247 www.ShopAdamsFurniture.com furniture is manufactured under strict guidelines that insure no harmful chemicals are being introduced into homes, Smith said.

And like previously mentioned, it allows the customer to have options.

“We have created a niche for people who don’t want that cookie-cutter look. They want their own look,” Smith said. “The options we provide here at Adams are almost endless. People will come in and they’re looking for a table that will work with everything else in that particular

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.

In many ways, it’s like you are dealing with family instead of sales people.

There can be some great salespeople at big box stores, but the turnover rate is much higher.

“We’ve all accumulated a certain amount of knowledge over the years. We know what works best, and people like to deal with the local

Furniture never lost sight of the businesses’ roots.

“A lot has changed over the years, but in many

ways we’ve stayed exactly the same,” Smith said. “Our goal is to continue to offer quality

American-made products. We may not be able to cover the entire spectrum, but we can at least

give people the best options possible. And we’ll spend all the time necessary with the customers to make that happen.”

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.

October 2015 | LANTANA living | 33

34 | LANTANA LIVING | october 2015

Lantana 5K

The Run Lantana 5k was held Saturday, ​ September 19, 2015. The proceeds from the 5K run and walk benefits the Spirit Horse, providing free horse therapy to children and adults, in Denton, Texas.

More Photos on Page 50 Photos by Karen Foust Photography

Lantanaresident Lantanaresident October 2015 | LANTANA living | 35

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Lantanaresident

October 2015 | LANTANA living | 37

The Real Boys of Fall Revisited

By Steve Gamel

W

hen Chris Byrne created a fantasy football league in Lantana aptly called The League, he was more than willing to be the commissioner. After all, Byrne knows his stuff. He’s been a fantasy football junkie – sorry...fantasy football professional – for more than 20 years.

As technology improved and made managing multiple leagues easier, Byrne did what any self-respecting football connoisseur would do, he evolved. Byrne is good – and he’ll remind you every step of the way.

Except this year. After the first two weeks of the National Football League season, Byrne – the self-professed guru – was 0-2.

“I’m the commissioner, so I have to talk to everybody. I’m hearing the trash talking,” said Byrne, who wished he could hide in a dark corner. “There are guys who will talk trash regardless if they are winning or losing, but I’m sitting in last place thinking, ‘Oh Lord, what are they going to name my team next year?’”

That’s the quirky price you pay for finishing last in The League. Your adversaries – specifically, the first-place finisher – get to re-name your fantasy football team for the following season.

And trust Byrne when he says it’s never a flattering option.

And, of course, there is the last-place trophy called The Crapster.

38 | LANTANA LIVING | october 2015

“We’ve all been there before,” Byrne laughed.

“But there is always a chance at redemption.”

Because when you put all the jocularity aside, these guys know their stuff. And they aren’t alone.

Fantasy football is a fast-growing interactive online competition where users act as general managers for virtual fantasy teams comprised of real NFL players.

Players can be drafted, traded, added or dropped from a roster weekly, and how your players perform each week directly impacts your team’s point totals.

According to an article in the Denver Post last month, The Fantasy Sports Trade Association estimates there will be 57 million American players this year, up from 12 million a

decade ago and 32 million five years ago. Investors, including professional leagues, have sunk hundreds of millions of dollars into promoting the leagues, which is why TV and the Internet are swamped with advertising.

There are millions of players who are in it mostly for friendly competition, where only a little bit of money is on the line – such as The League. Then there are those who make playing fantasy sports a full-time job.

The same article highlighted a Denver native and fantasy football pro named Peter Jennings, who won more than $1 million last year playing fantasy football.

Per the article, Jennings was the game’s first known six-figure winner in 2012 when he won $150,000 on a $10 entry fee. Last year, he won the $1 million grand prize in DraftKings Fantasy Football Championship.

It wasn’t just luck. These guys study statistics and rumor mills as if it’s a full-time job. Byrne obviously is not on the same level as Jennings, but he’s still been in several different leagues over the last 20-plus years (seven this year) and also has taken part in newer fantasy programs like DraftKings and FanDuel.

“I haven’t had success yet, but I have a buddy who won $5,000 off a $2 entry fee,” Byrne said.

According to the same Denver Post article, 28 of the NFL’s 32 teams have investments or partnerships with fantasy football companies. There are at least 22 daily fantasy sports sites collecting money and paying out prizes. DraftKings and FanDuel are valued at more than $1 billion each.

For most, fantasy football is a big money machine.

But for the guys at The League, making a little money on the side is only part of the fun. And they do it all with a smile on their face.

So when the 2015 season began, the first thing we wanted to do was check back in.

As you can imagine, not much has changed.

The League is in its fourth full season and continues to thrive because everyone lives in Lantana. It is very easy to do the annual draft in person each year at Lantana Golf Club and there is never an issue working with each other’s schedules. In fact, one member once rescheduled a job interview to not miss draft day.

That was the big reason behind starting The League, Byrne said. It was to add that extra bit of competition back into their lives with a group of guys who were all local and could interact anytime they want. It has become so popular that when they lost one member after last season, his neighbor immediately stepped in.

Actually running it – setting up rules, holding a draft, etc. – is pretty simple, since everyone is like

When Lantana Living caught up with members of The League last season, it was an absolute blast exposing the good, bad and downright childish antics from this lovable band of middle-aged wannabe NFL general managers.

Byrne and knows what they are doing. So all that’s left is managing your team and leaving ample time to trash talk your opponents.

Like The Crapster Award, there’s a homemade version of the much nicer first-place trophy. It was named, The Sucko Award last year. It doesn’t stop there. One member of The League finished first two years ago, but barely got credit because others in the group, including Byrne, insisted his success was because he had Peyton Manning as his quarterback.

There is a trophy for finishing first and you get business cards printed with your team name on them, but every decision you make throughout the season – positive or negative – is heavily scrutinized.

Sure, there is a very detailed science behind the madness – and there can be a lot of money on the line. But this group doesn’t intend to get too big for its own good.

The League is all about friendly competition – and avoiding coming in dead last.

“My wife has told me I’m absolutely miserable to be around if I go a week and lose in both of my neighborhood leagues,” Byrne said. “She hates being around me. But it’s just like football. Starting 0-2 is no reason to panic, and being 2-0 is no reason to celebrate a season.”

Lantanaresident

“We would scold our own kids if they did even half the stuff we do in this league. All the childish humor comes out big time when you put 10 guys in a room together,” Byrne laughed. “Some of the team names we come up with are not printable for this magazine, and it’s the same stuff every year. We have jokes that are four years old, and without fail, we laugh every time. It’s a bunch of grown men behaving like kids.”

October 2015 | LANTANA living | 39

40 | LANTANA LIVING | october 2015

Gardening

Use Cooler

Fall Weather to Prepare for Upcoming

F

Winter

all is here, one of our favorite times of the year.

Things are finally cooling off, leaves are starting to drop and we’re able to get a full day’s work out of the crew without going through 10 cases of water.

As things start to become more bearable and we’re spending more time outside remember to take advantage of this transitional season. Kick back that irrigation to a couple of days a week, trim off all the burnt summer growth and spend some time cleaning things up in preparation for the oncoming winter and whatever weather conditions that’s going to bring.

Sprinkler System: It’s OK to go ahead and reduce watering back to a couple of days a week and shorten the run times per zone. As things cool off your plant materials/grass will not need as much water to thrive and you can save a few bucks. This time of year is a great time to run through your system ensuring each zone is watering accurately and in the most efficient way possible. Sprinkler heads get run over from week to week, valves get clogged and solenoids go out. These

are all things we deal with daily but if you’re not paying too close attention, it can run your water bill up and lead to unnecessary standing water killing the grass and/or any vegetation in the area.

It’s a little early to cut the sprinklers off so continue watering for now just make sure the water you’re putting out is being distributed in the most efficient way possible.

It’s a great time for Planting. With the cooler temperatures there are numerous varieties of plants that you can put in and be confident they will thrive.

We get asked all the time if it’s too risky to plant in the fall. You never know when that first early freeze will hit but if you stick with native plants, veering away from anything too high maintenance or ornamental other than your seasonal/annual color you should be fine. The larger varieties can weather winter better so waiting until spring to do your 1-7 gallon plantings might be a good idea.

If you’ve been wanting to put in some trees, November, December and January all are great times to do so. There are hundreds of options when it comes to bed insulation and coverings you can take advantage of if it does start to get too cool to quick.

Bed Maintenance is crucial when it comes to the health and appearance of your plantings. Getting everything trimmed back now, fertilized and with adequate layers of mulch (2-3”) put down will help to ensure your beds’ success this fall and into the winter months. Getting all the weeds and overgrowth pulled out before you mulch will give you a better shot at not having to deal with it early next year when things start to warm back up. There’s not too much to it and depending on how much bed space you have you might be able to knock it out in a single day. No doubt that whatever efforts you put forth now will be saving you double what you would’ve spent time and money come spring.

Fall Planting Ideas: • Dianthus – great in the ground or in a pot.

• Cyclamen – great pot planting provides a ton of color.

• Pansies – great for pots and all types of bed spaces.

• Tiny Violas – a nice bordering plant or in a pot.

• Dusty Miller – great in the bed or potted.

By PJ Kratohvil Complete Exterior Solutions 214-735-1364

Lantanaresident Lantanaresident October 2015 | LANTANA living | 41

Watch D.O.G.S Making Huge Impact

F

in Lantana Elementary Schools

or much of this country’s history, moms were perceived to be the only parents involved with their children’s schools while dads weren’t there because they worked long hours to provide for their families.

Fortunately, the times they have been a changing in Lantana and beyond as evidenced by the Watch D.O.G.S program. Sponsored by the National Center for Fathering, Watch D.O.G.S (Dads of Great Students) is a schoolbased father involvement program that works to support education and safety.

different things that moms go out there and volunteer for,” said Keith Emmert, a parent in his second year as Rayzor’s coodinator. “I think it’s great for dads and father figures to be able spend a day with their kids at school. The kids enjoy it as much as I and the other Watch D.O.G.S. do hanging out with the kids and learning all the things they do.”

This year’s campaigns at Adkins and Rayzor began with September launch events where pizza was served and the dads or other father figures signed up for specific dates for the 2015-16 school year. Blanton included information about the program at its Meet the Teacher Night.

The results – about 90 signed up at Atkins, between 80-100 at Rayzor and 25-30 at Blanton.

Those interested in getting involved use an on-line sign-up program to list their preferred dates then undergo a thorough background check before starting their work.

Generally, one dad serves every day at Atkins, all weekdays but Thursday at Rayzor and Thursdays and Fridays at Blanton. When today’s dads sign up to help, it’s not just to work in garden or perform the heavy lifting. They very well might work directly with students Brad Cozart & his Brad Gossett daughters Elleson & Elin & daughter Olivia helping them academically and in other ways.

Started in a single school in Springdale, Ark., Their tasks vary depending on the needs of the in 1998, it has grown to a nationally-recognized school and individual classrooms. They can range program that provides a way for dads or father from assisting the drop-off and pick-up areas to figures to take off from work for a day and helping in the front office to working in their volunteer to help on their child’s school campus child’s or other classrooms. Students typically get in any number of ways. to eat lunch with their children.

‘It comes down to dads getting involved in “It kind of changes based on what’s going kids’ lives,” said Brian Sauser, now in his second on,” said Sara Bell, a member of the Blanton year as the parent volunteer coordinator at Parent-Teacher association board of directors in Adkins Elementary School after one year in the her first year as the school’s Watch D.O.G.S. coordinator. “We’re trying to get them more same role at E.P. Rayzor.

“I think it’s great having some sort of father active in the classrooms.”

The other benefit is what the dads learn about involvement program because there’s so many 42 | LANTANA LIVING | october 2015

By Mark Miller

what happens at their children’s schools each day. For many, it can be eye-opening. It also provides an extra level of security when people know there are more adults on campus to help protect the children.

“I’ve learned a tremendous amount from being there on what’s going on, what my kids are learning,” Saucer said. “It closes that loop understanding what’s going on in the school system.”

“Kids whose dads are more involved at school are happier and healthier and more successful.

They want to see their dads there.”

At all three schools, that day’s dad is announced to the students at the start of the morning after which pictures with their children are taken and displayed prominently.

“When you walk around the school the kids are hi-fiving you. It’s a big deal to the kids,” Sauser said. “They just think you are a celebrity.

It’s a pretty neat thing. It shows how important family is to these guys to take a day off from work to come to school and help out. It’s a full day’s job pretty much.”

As successful as the program has been in Lantana, the coordinators want even more.

“My goal is to get more interest in it,” Bell said. “We’re getting feedback from the dads who have already done it and they love it. They love being involved with their kids. They like getting insight into a teacher’s day. Hopefully that will spark more interest so we can add more days next year.

“I’ve learned they really want to be put to work. They say to teachers no job is too small.

They just want to be put to work to help where ever they can. You can tell they love it. They show up saying ‘I’m here, what do you want me to do.’

“Kids whose dads are more involved at school are happier and healthier and more successful.

They want to see their dads there.”

October 2015 | LANTANA living | 43

44 | LANTANA LIVING | october 2015

From Dr. Matt

Why Your Teeth May Be Sensitive

F

all has finally arrived. It’s an end to those hot, Texas summer days, and we finally can venture outside and enjoy those long missed

outdoor activities in moderate upper to mid-90 degree temperatures.

Before we know it, that northern cold front will coast in and send us into a chilling upper 80 degrees. All kidding aside, the reality in Texas is it will be warm one day and freezing sleet the next. Of course, if you are sensitive to the fluctuating weather in Texas, that’s outside my expertise. However, if your teeth are experiencing sensitivity to changing temperatures, I am more than happy to provide some professional advice.

There are many variables that cause tooth sensitivity, but it is best to first explain the anatomy of teeth to understand why sensitivity occurs. To begin, healthy teeth are made up of an outer shell of enamel that, though very hard, also is porous. Underneath the enamel is even more porous dentin that ultimately surrounds the pulp of the tooth, which contains both blood vessels and nerves. The root of the tooth does not have enamel, but is made up of a substance called cementum that covers dentin and pulp and also is more porous than enamel.

When dentin is exposed, stimulants can make their way through tubules in the dentin that reach the pulp activating nerve fibers and cause pain or sensitivity. Causes of dentin exposure can include tooth decay (cavities), tooth fractures, worn fillings,

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

www.CountryLakesDental.com

worn enamel or cementum, and exposed tooth roots

from gum disease or hard brushing. It also is common to experience tooth sensitivity after dental work as a result of exposed dentin or pulp trauma.

Sensitive teeth can be treated depending on

the cause. Treatments can include desensitizing

toothpastes, dental restorations, fluoride treatments, gum grafting, or in severe persistent cases, root canal

therapy. If you are experiencing sensitivity, it is best not to hesitate as worsening symptoms can result in more complex treatment.

Of course, no one is more sensitive to the needs

of your teeth than your dentist and understands your teeth have “fillings,” too. Give them a visit.

Happy smiling!

October 2015 | LANTANA living | 45

Lantana’s Stephen Moore

Lives Exciting Double Life

By Mark Miller

B

y day, Stephen Moore is like most people working a regular job as marketing director for a Garland-based metal detector manufacturer.

On nights and weekends, when not involved with his wife and three children, the 48-year-old long-time Sandlin resident often can be found telling stories of Texas history and World War II in words and pictures. With his 17th book coming out in November following the spring release of the companion book for the 10-hour History Channel mini-series Texas Rising, it’s been more a labor of love than just labor.

“I think 1 percent of 1 percent make a living at this and the rest of us have day jobs,” said Moore while attending a security trade show in California. “It’s a hobby. In the back of your mind you always hope it will take off. You hope for that one big hit that makes you a bunch of money. But so far that hasn’t happened.”

The only exception has been Texas Rising, which aired to mixed reviews in May and June.

It allowed Moore to hang around The Alamo in San Antonio with some of the stars who depicted, not entirely factually, the state’s fight for independence from Mexico and the early days of the Texas Rangers.

Writing comes naturally to Moore, who studied advertising, marketing, and journalism at Stephen F. Austin State University. Rather than go into the challenging lifestyle and low pay of newspapers, he opted

© Publisher: William Morrow/Harper Collins Books, New York

His 17th book coming out in November following the spring release of the companion book for the 10-hour History Channel mini-series Texas Rising

for the advertising agency route in his native Houston, Charlotte, N.C., and Dallas, before taking his current job in marketing.

“I always was interested in writing,” he said. “I used to write stories and fiction. As I got older I got more into history. I always read World War II stories when I was a kid.

“Later in life I worked for the school newspaper and things like that. But I didn’t want to go the newspaper route so I thought I’d write my own books and see how that went. I basically pick topics that interest me and have fun with it.”

His first book, which came out in 1996, was about a World War II carrier squadron and written in collaboration with PACIFIC PAYBACK , THE BATTLE FOR HELL’S ISLAND © Publisher: NAL Caliber/Penguin Books, New York SFA professor Bob Gruebel and

46 | LANTANA LIVING | october 2015

Confederate Air Force historian Bill Shinneman.

Seven of Moore’s books relate to World War II focusing on submarine service in the Pacific War. That includes The Battle for Hell’s Island due out in November. It’s a continuation of his Pacific Payback that came out last year.

His Texas history series is divided into two sections – Savage Frontier (four books on the early Texas Rangers and Texas Indian Wars) and other Texas history (three). His other two books fall within the relic hunting/metal detecting realm.

Moore will be one of the featured authors at the 2015 Texas Book Festival on the grounds and inside of the state capitol in Austin where he’ll be part of an Oct. 18 panel discussion on Texas Rising.

“I’m looking forward to going back again,” said Moore, whose only other appearance at the festival started by former Texas and U.S. Photo ©Judy Keown Photography First Lady Laura Bush was more than a decade ago. “I’ll get to see a few friends and meet some historians.”

Following that, Moore will continue work on a book on Special Forces in Vietnam and another on 11 soldiers who escaped from a Japanese prisoner camp near the end of World War II. In between, he’ll hang out with wife Cindy; daughter Kristen, a freshman at Sam Houston State University; daughter Emily, a senior at Denton Guyer; and son Jacob, a fifth-grade at E.P. Rayzor Elementary School.

“My son is the only kid who has lived in the same house,” he said. “When the girls were little, we moved around to a lot of different houses.

“I think if we had to move again, we’d stay in Lantana. We have friends there. We have neighborhood pools, trails, and everywhere else.

It’s just a great place.”

October 2015 | LANTANA living | 47

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Rejuvenation

Three Steps for Autumn Skin Care: Repair from Summer and Prepare for Winter Exfoliate.

Don’t Blink,

You Will Miss

Autumn

By Rebecca Romanucci,

A

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

s we transition from summer to winter, we experience an express trip through autumn. In Texas, we change from shorts to coats at the moment we hear of the first snow approaching. Like spring, autumn is a time for transition. It especially is important to prepare your sun-damaged summer skin, for “winter is coming.”

Your skin constantly is turning over new cells and that dead layer of skin needs to be removed with gentle exfoliation. I have patients who complain about how their moisturizer appears to be clumping on top of their skin. Applying more moisturizer is not the answer. You are not exfoliating enough.

Obagi’s Exfoderm and Exfoderm Forte assists with deep, gentle, exfoliation. Sloughing off the dead skin cells exposes the healthy skin cells which provide the ability for moisturizers as well as antioxidants to penetrate down into the deeper layers of the skin, protecting the skin from sun and environmental damage.

Moisturize.

Sealing in as much moisture as possible will provide your skin cells with a protected environment. In the past, moisturizers were heavy, greasy and laid on top of the skin. Now we have moisturizers which actually pull water from the environment and provide a blanket of moisture. Obagi Hydrate works like a sponge on top of the skin cell, providing a time-released drink of water, without feeling greasy, or heavy.

Repair and Protect:

During the summer months, you may have noticed darker brown spots on your skin.

The gold standard for treating these hyperpigmented spots is hydroquinone. No matter the season, applying sunscreen is the No. 1 one way to protect your skin. Obagi Pro-C Suncare is by far my favorite and our best-selling sunscreen; broad-spectrum SPF 30 and also contains vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that protects against free radicals.

Keep your eyes open, or you will completely miss another incredible Texas autumn. There is a precious Texas moment, just before all of the brown leaves clutter our lawns and the schools close for Thanksgiving that the trees are full of deep red and bright yellow leaves. Thousands of strange, screaming birds are on their ‘fall break’ weekend visit before taking the last bit of humidity with them on their trip to Padre.

Don’t blink!

Lantanaresident October 2015 | LANTANA living | 49

Lantana 5K The Run Lantana 5k was held Saturday, ​September 19, 2015. The proceeds from the 5K run and walk benefits the Spirit Horse, providing free horse therapy to children and adults, in Denton, Texas.

Continued from Page 35

50 | LANTANA LIVING | october 2015

Photos by Karen Foust Photography

October 2015 | LANTANA living | 51

Wife Fought to Keep

Accident Victim

By Eric Williams

“She is the only reason I’m alive today.”

M

Lisa and Mark Jones

ark Jones adored his wife Lisa before she saved his life. Now his gratitude is unbounded.

“She is the only reason I’m alive today,”

he told Lantana Living.

Lisa credits faith in God and support from

neighbors for giving her the strength and confidence that she was making the right choices

when medical teams were ready to pull the plug on extensive life-saving efforts required to keep

Mark breathing after a motorcycle accident left

him broken and bleeding on Feb. 8 of this year.

Mark’s amazing recovery now has him back home

52 | LANTANA LIVING | october 2015

in Lantana, regaining strength and communications skills, grateful for his life and his wife’s undying love. He was finally able to come home on Sept. 11.

The Jones family, created by the second marriage for each in November 2013, moved to Lantana in August 2014. Though Mark and Lisa had not yet joined Valley Creek Church, they were regular visitors for several months. On the Sunday morning of the motorcycle accident Mark had attended Valley Creek Church in Flower Mound. He told neighbors that day he had found the message especially uplifting and felt like he was “filled up with the Word” and that for some reason he felt he had needed to be filled. He came home wearing a band on his wrist with the word “Awaken.”

At the time Mark was merely a friendly acquaintance with a neighbor couple – Janyell Koren and Vince Palmby – who also were new to the area and looking for a church. Events that happened later that day have drawn the families close together.

Today Janyell and Vince belong to Valley Creek Church and lead a small group that Mark and Lisa attend. The couple visited Mark every Sunday during the weeks he was recovering.

Twenty minutes after the conversations, Mark took off to ride his Harley on one last excursion before getting the motorcycle ready for sale. The afternoon was sunny and warm for February, but neither Lisa nor Mark’s stepdaughters Emma

Spurlock, 11, or Sophie Spurlock, 12, were up for a ride. However the girls needed a sports jersey and Mark thought maybe something appropriate would be for sale at the Roanoke Albertsons. From the supermarket he called Lisa and discussed options, then headed homeward.

Just a few minutes after he left the store, Lisa got a call from Mark’s cell phone, but it wasn’t Mark’s voice. The man on the phone let her know Mark had been in an accident, his motorcycle colliding with a car entering Highway 377 from a side road. Lisa rushed to the scene and arrived before air ambulance left to take him to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth for trauma treatment.

Suffering severe head trauma, broken ribs, a collapsed lung and a crushed pelvis, Mark was thankfully mostly unconscious for the next days and weeks. Unable to locate the source of internal bleeding, emergency room personnel cut into Mark’s abdomen for an unobstructed view of his major organs. Determining the source of bleeding was his pelvis, they closed some arteries, explaining that needed blood could be routed to the pelvis from other sources. The resulting blood deprivation later resulted in large open wounds that wouldn’t heal.

The message from doctors was far from encouraging. Lisa was repeatedly told what a daunting recovery Mark would face and was offered the chance to pull the plug on heroic lifesaving

efforts. Unwilling to make that choice alone she had doubts. One night she stayed at the hospital read her Bible and prayed for guidance. When her because ice storms made travel home to Lantana doubts were strongest, messages that Mark should unsafe and because of repeated questions about her live came through clearly. understanding about what a difficult recovery Mark “My prayer would be: ‘God what do you want for faced. She wondered if God had changed His plans his life? I can’t make that decision,’ ” she said. “Every so she prayed the prayer again. She stayed with time I prayed that I would get a sign.”

Mark until 6 a.m. and left during the two hours The first time she prayed it was after a long the ICU is closed to family. When a nurse let her difficult day. When she returned, Mark was the back into the hospital at 8 a.m. Lisa asked “how is sickest he had been, suffering from infections so he doing?” The nurse said “He’s sitting up in bed severe a sour smell permeated the room. As was watching TV.” Lisa was amazed. Mark’s eyes were her habit, Lisa would massage his face and hands open and he was looking at the television. He still but detected no voluntary movements. Finally, just couldn’t yet speak nor do other things the doctors before 4 p.m. when she wanted to see, but Lisa would have to leave the never again doubted God ICU, she grabbed his hand wanted Mark to live. and asked repeatedly, Mark still faces more “Can you squeeze my surgeries. A small gold hand.” She thought she plate in his eyelid that was felt effort. Then, just as she put there so an eye would started to let go she felt a close has to be removed. strong squeeze. “I nearly Other challenges are peed my pants,” she said removal of a colostomy with a laugh. Now she bag and improved feeling had the confidence that in his right leg. Lisa said God wanted her to keep that for much of his fighting for her husband. recovery Mark has been Mark with stepdaughters Emma and While Lisa had unable to feel his right Sophie Spurlock certainty, medical officials side, but now feeling has

returned to about the ankle. He needs feeling in

his feet to get around safely without a walker or wheelchair.

The Lantana community and family provided amazing support. Lisa’s hairstylist, Gina Wilson, a Lantana resident who works at Sola in Highland Village, was especially helpful, organizing meals and gift cards. Neighbors in Lantana came by and prayed.

“Everything was appreciated and it all was helpful,” said Lisa.

Lisa said she was told by one of Mark’s high school classmates that Mark always had excelled at everything, Lisa and therapists still marvel as Mark works tirelessly to regain his mobility and speaking skills. Formerly a sales manager in the grocery business, Lisa described Mark as a man with a golden tongue. Her expectation is that God will restore that eloquence so Mark can give Him glory. Already Mark is expressing his gratitude to God, his wife and his neighbors, Janyell and Vince, who visited him and prayed every Sunday since his accident.

The family faces some financial challenges since medical expenses long ago exhausted the liability limits of the driver whose vehicle struck Mark’s Harley. Together Mark and Lisa look forward with hope, joy and confidence they are where God wants them to be.

October 2015 | LANTANA living | 53

Lantanaresident 54 | LANTANA LIVING | october 2015

Upscale Home

is aVersatile Stone to Use

I

can remember my dad always saying “anything worth having is worth taking care of.” That usually was when it was time to clean up or do maintenance on something around the farm or in the house.

Most of what he had to say still rings true today. That’s especially the case with the beautiful and expensive stone we so often use in our homes today. Granite is a commonly-used stone that can very in color and contrast. Granite is a smooth surface which also makes it more popular even being the luxurious stone. Granite’s elegance makes it the most sophisticated interior stone to be installed. Its application can be seen

in kitchen counters because the chief aspect of granite is its durability and resistance to stains.

Because of the various colors and “movement” or the way the color or colors move throughout the slab of granite, there never is an ending resource for whatever style you are looking to enhance. Granite works well on bar tops, bathroom vanity tops and backsplashes, in furniture such as coffee tables and also end tables.

For the awesome covered outdoor spaces, granite adds just the finishing touch on these wonderful home additions.

Although granite tops are durable and resistant to stains we should be careful enough to retain the

Lantanaresident

beauty of granite through proper maintenance.

Sometimes color and luster of granite sinks down due to carelessness. To increase its life and luster it is important to take careful steps regarding maintenance. We have several ways to maintain the finished look granite kitchen countertop: According to Serene Interiors: The first usual way to retain the color and shine of granite kitchen counter top is to easily clean anything from them with a soft sponge or cloth. Make sure you do not use steel cleaner to clean the leftovers on the counter as it can leave ugly bruises on the granite. Cleaning granite with a wet cloth also helps retain the color and luster for a longer time.

To maintain the pH balance of granite stone, any chemical cleaners must be avoided as they often scrape the granite and can foil the appearance. For removing stubborn stains it is advisable to apply some foam or liquid dishwashing gel on the hard stain and leave it for overnight. Wipe off with a sponge soaked in warm water.

To make your granite countertop stain proof, you also can apply granite sealer before its installation. Manufacturers provide this service on varied basis to get the granite sealed with an appropriate commercial sealer so that granite doesn’t stand any kind of stain. The only thing to remember is to get kitchen granite countertop sealed again in a period of two or three years to retain its luster and make stain proof. If you need help with having your stone cleaned or sealed give us a call and we will get you shining before the fall holidays arrive!

By Paula Kratohvil, Owner Complete Interior Solutions 972-436-9083 October 2015 | LANTANA living | 55

By Steve Gamel

Photo by 123rf.com : Dmitriy Shironosov

J

aclyn Pirtle has quite a background in mission work and community service projects, so she is used to taking charge and helping coordinate efforts to help the greater good. But in a packed library at Harpool Middle School in Lantana, it’s the students who will be leading the cause.

That’s the point of Builders Club, a worldwide community service organization that puts middle school students in charge of projects ranging from book drives to recycling, feeding the homeless and trash pickup.

On paper, it appears to be a lot of work. But the students seem to have it all under control.

“It’s exciting to know the students care enough about the community and their school to want to be a part of this,” said Pirtle, who is in her first year at Harpool. “While we will be there to help, it’s the kids who run the meeting, elect their own officers and come up with project ideas. It’s pretty amazing.”

For those unfamiliar with Builders Club, it is a branch of the international service organization Kiwanis, which also has Key Club in high school.

56 | LANTANA LIVING | october 2015

Both Builders and Key Clubs are designed to teach students leadership through serving others.

According to the Kiwanis Builders Club website, the program was chartered in 1975 and now offers more than 1,600 clubs in Aruba, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Canada, Italy, Jamaica, Korea, Martinique, Netherlands, Antilles, Philippines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States.

Builders Club has only been at Harpool since last school year, starting with approximately 50 sixth-graders. It is sponsored by the Denton

Kiwanis Breakfast Club and has grown to include seventh grade for this school year. Meetings were scheduled to begin in October, and if all continues to go well, plans are to incorporate eighth grade next year. Pirtle, and fellow teacher Teresa Nelson, help facilitate.

“I’ve always been impressed with the ideas these students come up with,” Harpool principal

Jeff Smith said. “Some of them are pretty funny, and you have to tell them, ‘No, we are not saving the reindeers in South America.’ But it does make you feel good to know they want to help.

“We want to add to this and help people in need.”

Each meeting starts off with a pledge and the Builders Club creed, which all the students recite together. From there, the students discuss past and upcoming projects and work on various logistics to make any upcoming events as successful as possible.

Pirtle said some of the past and future projects include recycling efforts, Keep Harpool Beautiful, honoring janitors, a Soup Mobile where students feed the homeless, and an Adkins Elementary School literacy night.

There are, of course, always new projects to think of, and the school is developing different ways to help the kids take part in projects that are outside of school hours. School officials said this is the type of program that should continue to grow in the coming years.

“These kids just want to get involved as much as they can be,” Pirtle said.

Lantanaresident

October 2015 | LANTANA living | 57

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October 2015 | LANTANA living | 59

By Mark Miller

T

hough Mark Roy is retiring from long-time service to his country, he’s still plenty busy helping fellow Marine Corps alumni, Fleet Marine Force Corpsmen, their families and others.

As commandant of the Denton County-

based LCpl Jacob R. Lugo Detachment #1300

of the Marine Corps League, he’s in charge of the group’s third-annual U.S. Marine Corps

240th Birthday Charity Ball. It is scheduled to take place Nov. 7 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the University of North Texas Gateway Center.

The expected sellout crowd of 318 people

will honor SSgt Mark H. Graunke, a Flower

Mound resident severely injured in 2003 while working on a piece of U.S. munitions that failed

to work properly. The event comes just four days before Veterans Day when Roy, who reached

the level of lieutenant colonel, will be speaking at the City of Denton ceremony.

The Denton County detachment of the

Marine Corps League started about eight years

ago by Aubrey’s Jeff Perry originally to help

Lt. Col. Mark Roy

Since then, membership has grown to about

honoree. The event has proven so successful

“It’s just helped our league get going and

next year.

with the Toys for Tots program. Roy wasn’t

80 people.

when asked.

be part of the community which is part of

other veterans’ groups that weren’t resonating

who works as a senior medical brand sales

very involved at first, then started helping

Charity Ball 2014, Photos courtesy of Denton Marine Corps League.

Roy hopes to move it to the larger UNT Union

Roy, who has been deployed to Iraq twice,

Realizing the group was too similar to

our vision,” said Roy, a recent Sanger resident

served four years on active duty and more than

with younger veterans, he created a new

representative with Allergan. “We barely

as the first ambassador for the group 22Kill,

vision and mission three years ago to become more inclusive.

scratch the surface of the Marines. They just don’t know we exist.”

The new vision indirectly led to launching

the Charity Ball in 2013 not just to members

but also to the general public. The first year

honoree was Jacob Schick, a former Coppell High School football star who played a role

founded in 2014 by Dallas’ Andrew Nguyen as a campaign under his non-profit Honor Courage Commitment, Inc. It seeks to raise awareness

that 22 military veterans commit suicide each

day most symbolized through a series of special rubber, titanium and tungsten honor rings.

“The rings serve two purposes. One is honor

in the movie American Sniper while Michael

all veterans. And the second purpose is to build

roadside bomb in Iraq in 2004 was last year’s

only do I need you to wear that ring. I need you

Jernigan, a Marine blinded in both eyes by a 60 | LANTANA LIVING | october 2015

two decades in the reserves. He was chosen

awareness,” Roy said. “I like to tell people not

to reach out and connect with veterans because we just don’t know which ones are suffering and which ones are hurt.

“A lot of these guys get poker-faces on and

you don’t know if there’s anything wrong with

them. But you just reaching out to them can change their outcome. I explain to people about suicide and how people who have decided

to kill themselves that day that if one person reaches out to them it would stop them. We’re trying to build an entire force of people willing

to connect and reach out to these veterans so we can change that statistic.”

Any remaining $60 tickets for the Charity Ball are available by contacting Roy at markroy@dentonmcl.org. Information on 22Kill is available at 22kill.com.

October 2015 | LANTANA living | 61

Lantanaresident 62 | LANTANA LIVING | october 2015

Lantanaresident