Lakeside, TX November 2024

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Why We Are Thankful

Thankful for You

November has to be one of the coziest months of the year. In Texas, the weather finally feels like fall, families are preparing for Thanksgiving meals and everyone is taking the time to reflect on the blessings in their lives.

I know I’m especially grateful for my support systems. Between my family and the network of people who make this magazine possible, I feel fortunate that I can share many of my positive experiences with you.

Part of giving thanks is offering aid to members of the community when they need it. I am proud we are able to highlight some of these special endeavors that our small businesses have to offer, such as the National Service Day Christian Brothers Automotive in Aubrey proudly provides each year.

Our very own Amber McMahan also takes gratitude to heart, procuring her photography services to Leia’s Kids so children undergoing tough cancer treatments can feel like regular boys and girls.

Part of practicing gratitude is investing in your neighborhood. Our friends at Keep Little Elm Beautiful work hard at keeping our towns clean and equipping residents with knowledge and skills on how to maintain a healthy community.

Lastly, I’m grateful for our readers who look through the pages of Lakeside City Lifestyle and support local businesses across Little Elm, Aubrey, Cross Roads, Krugerville, Oak Point and Lakewood Village. As a proud supporter of small businesses and a small business owner, I understand how difficult it can be to put your heart and soul into something you’re passionate about.

By picking up this magazine and flipping through its pages, you are supporting so many local businesses. For that, I’m thankful.

ALEXIS JACKSON, PUBLISHER @LAKESIDECITYLIFESTYLE

November 2024

PUBLISHER

Alexis Jackson | alexis.jackson@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Gabrielle Bailey | gabrielle.bailey@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Shannon Spake | shannon.spake@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Jason Laumer | jason.laumer@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Gabrielle Bailey, Shannon Spake

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Amber McMahan

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling

NOVEMBER 2024

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Gabrielle Bailey (L) and Alexis Jackson (R) celebrate at the 15th Annual City Lifestyle Conference. 2: CoServ shows the power of electricity at a Luncheon on The Lawn at the Lakefront. 3: The women of the Little Elm Chamber enjoy the quarterly luncheon at Roma’s. 4: Realty One Group Foward Living - Linnea Lavell Realty celebrates its grand re-opening. 5: Vendors set up at a Little Elm market event on The Lawn. 6: Residents enjoy entertainment at the TXFallenPD Tribute Event. 7: Patrons gather for a good cause at the Little Elm Chamber's 2024 Golf Tournament.

Want to be seen in the magazine?

HIGHLAND VILLAGE POLICE DEPARTMENT
LITTLE ELM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
LITTLE ELM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
LITTLE ELM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
LITTLE

Congratulations to Keep Little Elm Beautiful for winning the Keep Texas Beautiful Governor's Achievement Award in June!

business monthly

G.O.A.T's Arena Sports Bar

Looking for a spot to watch your favorite team while enjoying top-notch American fare? G.O.A.T's Arena Sports Bar is keeping both its locations open until 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays so guests can enjoy specialty late-night bites and drinks during the evening games. Want to watch an early game? G.O.A.T's Arena opens its doors at 11 a.m.

Huffines Motor Company

The holidays are around the corner, marking one of the best times of the year to check out a vehicle upgrade. Huffines Motor Company recently celebrated 100 years of service in North Texas and offers variety of makes, models and brands of vehicles. Visit www.huffines.net to view what each local dealership location has to offer.

Bloomfield Homes

Award-winning DFW builder Bloomfield Homes in Arrowbrooke & Union Park is showing homes in its newest community, Woodstone in Providence Village, located right off FM 1385 and Fishtrap in Aubrey. The homes include access to many amenities, such as resort-style pools, sports fields and a variety of social spaces. Visit www.bloomfieldhomes.com to see the newest-available homes.

Photography by G.O.A.T's Arena Sports Bar
Photography by Huffines Motor Company
Photography by Bloomfield Homes
Christian Brothers Automotive - Aubrey owners Gillian and John Norman.

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS AUTOMOTIVE HONORS ITS MISSION TO 'LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF'

ARTICLE BY GABRIELLE BAILEY

This past October, Christian Brothers Automotive celebrated its 14th-annual National Service Day to help those in need in the community. All Christian Brother Automotive franchise owners participate in this initiative as a way to honor the organization’s core mission: to love your neighbor as yourself.

This is something Christian Brother Automotive - Aubrey owners John Norman and his wife, Gillian, hold near to their

PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMBER MCMAHAN

hearts. When the couple opened the organization’s Aubrey location in 2018, they wanted all their customers to have peace of mind when driving their vehicles off their lot. The National Day of Service allows them to help those who normally wouldn’t be able to have an inspection done on their vehicles.

“This is our ministry. Our business—auto repair—is just the funding mechanism that allows us to do good things for those in our community who need a helping hand,” John said.

The National Day of Service is held during the second Saturday in October. While the main service is a free oil

change, the technicians at Christian Brothers Automotive in Aubrey provide diagnostic checks on a vehicle's safety systems. Should technicians identify a safety-related issue during the inspection, they do what they can to complete the service for free.

John said this has allowed his team to see first-hand how giving back changes lives.

“This opportunity shows them the needy people in our community and offers them a way to serve by only giving their time and talent,” John said. “My team’s eyes have been opened to being more servant minded by seeing the needs in our community.”

“I NOW NO LONGER TELL CUSTOMERS WHAT WE DO FOR THEM. I LET MY TEAM PRESENT THE GOOD NEWS TO THEM SO THEY CAN EXPERIENCE THE GIFT OF GIVING.”

John personally has been overcome by how this day of service has impacted lives. He recalled speaking with a woman whose first language was Spanish — she didn’t believe him when he told her the repairs on her car were free.

“She kept telling me, ‘No, thank you’ when I told her that we replaced her brake pads, rotors and fixed her AC so that she and her kids no longer had to endure the Texas summers without AC,” he said. “When she finally understood … she broke down in tears, telling me, ‘I don’t understand, no one has ever done something like this for me before.’ Those words still echo in my head.

“... I now no longer tell customers what we do for them. I let my team present the good news to them so they can experience the gift of giving.”

The Normans work with a local nonprofit to identify those who need aid for the service day. For the last couple of years, they have worked with the Loreto House, a pregnancy and parenting resource center. The organization helps young families and those facing an unexpected pregnancy by providing them with services and resources.

Not only do the Normans hope that the company’s National Day of Service inspires others to pay it forward, but for

people to see how small acts of kindness can make a difference.

“I want this day to help these customers feel that there are people in this world who care about them and value them as human beings,” John said. “I want our employees to carry with them joy and thanksgiving for the blessings that have been bestowed on them.”

The event prompted the Normans to give back to the community in different ways. Christian Brothers AutomotiveAubrey also conducts a planning service project at the organization’s annual convention, provides lunch-and-learn opportunities at community meetings that discuss car maintenance and maintenance schedules, and gives car care clinics for students to learn basic car services.

Residents are invited to learn more about these projects by visiting www.cbac.com/Aubrey.

Leia's Kids Introducing:

SPREADING HOPE AND JOY IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CHILDHOOD CANCER

When Leia Hunt faced childhood cancer not once, but twice, she emerged from her battle stronger than ever with a mission to help others fighting the same disease. She channeled her strength into Leia’s Kids, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting children with cancer and their families. Leia knows firsthand the struggles these families face — from overwhelming medical bills to the emotional toll of battling such a terrifying illness — and she’s made it her life’s work to provide them direct support, hope and a little bit of joy.

One of the many ways Leia’s Kids spread that joy is through “Crown-A-Kid” parties. These special celebrations honor children in the midst of their cancer fight, reminding them and their families that even in the darkest days, there’s still room for laughter and love.

“The party gives the family a chance to enjoy a moment together without cancer,” Leia explained.

Leia’s capacity for empathy extends far beyond these parties. As an advocate in the battle against childhood cancer, she’s fighting for much-needed legislation in Washington to bridge the alarming gap in cancer research.

Currently, children’s cancer treatments are decades behind those for adults, leaving young patients with fewer effective options. Leia said she is is determined to change that by raising awareness and pushing for more funding dedicated to pediatric cancer research.

Through Leia’s Kids, Leia has also debuted “Princess Marygold,” a children’s book character. Princess Marygold is more than just a whimsical creation; she is the first childhood cancer-surviving princess. With her trusty companion, Peppermint Pig, Princess Marygold embarks on adventures that teach valuable life lessons about finding hope and joy even in the most challenging circumstances.

The book serves as a beacon of light for young cancer patients, showing them that even during the darkest storms, a rainbow is waiting on the other side. It also

helps to educate anyone reading it to be more aware and perhaps a bit more understanding of what kids fighting cancer go through.

“Not all cancer kids are bald kids,” Leia said. “So many of them don’t even look sick, so the expectations are that they should have the energy and focus of their healthy friends. It just doesn’t work that way.”

Leia’s personal journey has given her a deep understanding of the struggles sick children face as they try to navigate a typical childhood. As an accredited teacher in Texas, she dreams of opening a school specifically for children battling serious illnesses.

“It’s impossible to focus on math and memorizing multiplication tables when you’re dealing with the side effects of chemotherapy,” Leia said.

She envisions a supportive environment where children can learn at their own pace, whether that is remote or through in-person learning. They should be surrounded by teachers and classmates who truly understand what they’re going through, according to Leia.

To make Leia’s vision a reality, the support of community leaders, businesses and sponsors is essential. While volunteering may be limited due to the fragile immune systems of many children in treatment, there are still ways to help. Contributions from sponsors allow Leia’s Kids to continue hosting parties, offering retreats and providing invaluable resources to families in need.

“The party gives the family a chance to enjoy a moment together without cancer.”

One exciting development is the launch of Girls Retreats, where young women who have fought childhood cancer can come together for support, empowerment and healing. These retreats offer a safe space for girls to bond with others who understand their journey, creating lasting connections and memories.

The first retreat, which was held in Gulf Shores, Alabama, was a resounding success, and Leia hopes to expand this life-changing program to more locations.

Through Leia’s Kids, Leia has turned her own fight for life into a movement that uplifts and empowers others. As she continues to advocate for childhood cancer research and support families in their time of need, Leia’s message is clear: no matter how dark the storm, there is always light on the horizon.

“It’s impossible to focus on math and memorizing multiplication tables when you’re dealing with the side effects of chemotherapy.”

THE SUITE

Turbo at The Elm

Enjoy breathtaking, fourth floor views of Lewisville Lake while you sip on a cocktail Don’t miss out on our signature pizzathere’s something for everyone!

Exceptional Service

The Elm prides itself on its top-notch service From pristine, clean rooms to room service, and easy check in and check out, you won’t have to lift a finger during your stay!

Relax and Unwind

With 360 views of the lake, you’re sure to catch an exceptional sunset while at The Elm! Whether you’re just enjoying a cocktail on the patio or looking out your window, you’ll find a neat view no matter where you are

The Elm hotel sits in the heart of The Lakefront at Little Elm™! Come relax refresh at The Elm with breathtaking 360 views of the lake, exceptional customer service, and tasty cuisine. Book your stay today - the holidays are right around the corner!

HOW ONE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION OF LOCAL CITIZENS DEDICATED THEMSELVES TO PRESERVING THE TOWN’S NATURAL BEAUTY

STAYING BEAUTIFUL

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEEP LITTLE ELM BEAUTIFUL

The town of Little Elm has experienced significant growth, with its population reaching around 57,000 residents in 2023. A "Town with the Lake Attitude," Little Elm is home to North Texas' largest beach, stretching 66 miles along

50 years, KTB, along with its 250 local affiliates and community partners, has been dedicated to making Texas a better place to live, work and play.

Each year, only nine KTB affiliates receive the prestigious Governor’s

"KLEB FOCUSES ON BUILDING STRONG PARTNERSHIPS, FOSTERING COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND ENHANCING ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP."

Lake Lewisville, offering residents and visitors opportunities to enjoy water sports, sand volleyball and some of the most stunning sunsets in the area.

Beyond its recreational appeal, Little Elm is making notable progress in environmental stewardship, driven by the efforts of Keep Little Elm Beautiful (KLEB), a nonprofit organization of local citizens dedicated to preserving the town’s natural beauty and promoting sustainability.

KLEB is proud to be affiliated with Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB), an organization with a deep-rooted history in Texas. Founded in 1967 in San Antonio, KTB was established in preparation for the 1968 World’s Fair, which was set to attract over 16 million visitors.

Keep Texas Beautiful has a mission to inspire and empower Texans to create cleaner, more beautiful communities. KTB’s affiliates, impacting the lives of 19 million Texans daily, are at the forefront of environmental initiatives across the state. Over the past

Community Achievement Award (GCAA), awarded based on population size and excellence in seven environmental categories: Community Leadership and Coordination, Public Awareness and Outreach, Environmental Education and Youth Engagement, Beautification and Community Improvement, Litter Prevention and Cleanup, Solid Waste Management, and Litter Law and Illegal Dumping Enforcement. This recognition comes with a monetary award, supporting further environmental efforts in the winning communities.

“As part of our '3C’s' strategy— Connect, Collaborate, Commit—KLEB focuses on building strong partnerships, fostering community involvement and enhancing environmental stewardship. By working together, we are creating a cleaner, greener and more beautiful Little Elm," said Neeraj Madan, Chair of KLEB.

KLEB has partnered with a variety of community and environmental

organizations to create a positive impact in Little Elm, including Community Waste Disposal (CWD), the town’s solid waste contractor. Together, these collaborations aim to foster sustainability and environmental stewardship throughout the community.

In terms of volunteer hours, KLEB contributed a total of 1,871 hours, which translates into a monetary value of $59,488. This substantial contribution underscores the dedication and commitment of KLEB’s volunteers to the community.

Adopt-A-Street program also made a significant environmental impact, with 1,333 pounds of trash collected and 69,917 linear feet of road cleaned. These efforts play a vital role in keeping Little Elm clean and safe for both residents and visitors.

KLEB played a key role in supporting several Clean & Green events, which focused on the responsible disposal of hazardous household waste. These events produced remarkable results, including the collection of 6,600 pounds of paper, 1,400 pounds of hazardous waste, 15,750 pounds of e-waste, 14,102 pounds of passenger tires and 9,912 pounds of truck tires. In addition, 48 refrigerant appliances were safely evacuated, and 209 pounds of medications were collected through the pharmaceutical take-back program, preventing harmful substances from entering and polluting the environment.

In addition to these efforts, KLEB distributed 400 seedlings and provided environmental education to residents at various community events. The St. Arbor Community Garden also contributed by donating over 3,000 pounds of fresh vegetables to the local food bank, with volunteers contributing an impressive 1,452 "green" hours to these initiatives.

“A

CLEAN COMMUNITY MEANS HEALTHIER, HAPPIER RESIDENTS, AND KEEPING LITTLE ELM CLEAN AND GREEN TODAY

ENSURES A BETTER TOMORROW FOR EVERYONE.”

KLEB, CWD and the Town of Little Elm staff joined forces to form a "Green" team, providing recycling options at various community events. Through this initiative, they educated approximately 65,000 to 70,000 attendees over the past year on the importance of recycling in an engaging and approachable manner.

In June 2024, they hosted Denton County's largest "Green" Craft Brew and Barbecue event. After a year of dedicated planning, the city of Little Elm brought together more than 40 craft breweries from across the U.S. and some of Texas' top barbecue restaurants, drawing around 16,000 attendees.

The event showcased the power of collaboration, with Little Elm ISD students volunteering to help divert recyclables from the waste stream, further reinforcing the community's commitment to sustainability.

Mayor Curtis Cornelious emphasized the importance of KLEB’s efforts, stating, “A clean community means healthier, happier residents, and keeping Little Elm clean and green today ensures a better tomorrow for everyone.”

In 2024, KLEB was honored with two prestigious environmental awards: the Governor’s Community Achievement Award from Keep Texas Beautiful, which included a $250,000 landscaping grant from the Texas Department of Transportation, and the Texas Environmental Leadership Award from the State of Texas Alliance for Recycling (STAR).

thanksgiving cornucopia

How To Decorate Tables With Noteworthy November Flair

Whether traditional or modern, formal or fussfree, Thanksgiving centerpieces set a memorable ambiance for November gatherings.

deliciously edible

Make an edible bread cornucopia, ‘horn of plenty,’ for the Thanksgiving table using refrigerated bread or pizza dough, a plastic bottle mold and aluminum foil. Wrap the bottle with foil, make a tail at one end and then layer adjoining strips of dough on the foil. Brush cornucopia with melted butter, remove the plastic bottle and bake at 350 F for 25 to 30 minutes on the lower rack, or until it turns a golden, shiny brown. Fill with sweet or savory nibbles, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, gourds, nuts, rosemary breadstick twists or even cookies, for an impressive centerpiece that’ll keep guests happily munching while they wait for the main meal to begin.

florals can be gourd- geous

Or, get inspired from the following ideas and have fun creating a centerpiece completely customized.

• Slice and fill real squashes with floral foam to hold classic fall flowers, such as mums, pom-pom daisies and dahlias.

• For a pop of color on Thanksgiving tables, a large turquoise or pink pumpkin goes a long way.

• For a cranberry-filled vase, place a smaller glass cylinder inside a larger one, then pour fresh cranberries into the gap between the two vases. For flowers, mix a few grocery-store blooms with dried millet and faux dill blooms, or silk and dried flowers.

giving dip -

Fall is synonymous with gathering with friends and family and enjoying time together. Whether it is for Thanksgiving, a football watch party or a simple fall gathering, these easy appetizer dips are the perfect shareable snack to share.

fig & honey brie

The perfect cheesy fall dip that is both savory and sweet. The chopped pecans add a subtle crunch that makes this irresistible.

ingredients:

• 8 ounce brie wheel

• 1/3 cup fig spread or jam

• ¼ cup pecans

• 2 teaspoons honey

• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped

• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley

directions: Place brie in a baking dish. Spread the fig spread on top of brie and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Drizzle with honey. Add fresh herbs, and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with pita chips or crackers.

garlic herb feta dip

This savory dip is quick and easy to assemble and is perfect to serve with fresh veggies or crackers of any kind.

ingredients:

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1 whole garlic bulb, roasted

• 1 ¼ cup feta cheese

• 3 teaspoons olive oil

• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice

• ½ teaspoon dill

• 1 teaspoon parsley

• Salt and pepper to taste

directions:

First, cut the head off of the top of the garlic bulb, and drizzle olive oil on top. Wrap in foil, and place it in an oven heated to 425 degrees. Roast for 30 minutes or until soft. Squeeze roasted garlic into a bowl, and set aside. Next, add the yogurt, feta, lemon juice, salt, pepper and water in a blender and lightly blend. Add the roasted garlic and blend until smooth. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables. Enjoy!

NOVEMBER 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

NOVEMBER 2ND

Kid Fish

McCord Park | 2050 FM 423, Little Elm | 9:00 AM

The pond at McCord Park will be stocked with over 500 pounds of catfish to ensure a fish-biting good time. Kids ages 16 and younger can fish for free and prizes will be given for the largest fish according to age groups 2-6, 7-11 and 12-16. Loaner equipment will be available on a firstcome, first serve basis.

NOVEMBER 3RD

Sundays on The Lawn: Fall and Football

125 Main St., Little Elm | 12:00 PM

Enjoy a delightful fusion of autumn markets and gridiron excitement on The Lawn. Check out the charming fall market where there will be seasonal treats, crafts and treasures. Guests can catch all the thrilling football action on the big screen set up on the lawn. This event is free for the entire family.

NOVEMBER 7TH

Line Dancing Lessons

Fortuna Winery | 2297 FM2931, Aubrey | 7:00 PM

Dust off those cowboy boots and join instructor Mike Dye as he helps line-dancing novices learn their way around a dance floor. The goal is to promote skill building, knowledge of individual dances and to have fun moving and grooving. Ticket prices are $7 per person.

CONTINUED >

CONTINUED

Chatham Reserve

NOVEMBER 9TH

A Salute to Veterans

9350 Cape Cod Blvd., Aubrey | 2:00 PM

Celebrate local veterans, block-party style, with a special opening ceremony that includes Color Guard by the Vietnam Veterans of America and National Anthem. There will be a vendor market, car show, live entertainment, a kids zone, food trucks, fireworks and more.

NOVEMBER 17TH

Mustang Sally Productions Car Show

125 Main St., Little Elm | 10:00 AM

Check out classic cars from decades past as locals show off their prized hot rods. Admission is free for guests and $20 for those who want to enter a car into the show, which will be a donation to the homeless. Turbo Restaurant will be onsite providing meals and snacks, as well.

NOVEMBER 22ND

Live music from Tony D. Bakly

Fortuna Winery | 2297 FM2931, Aubrey | 6:00 PM

Tony D. Bakly will be performing classic hits from the ‘60s and ‘70s, providing the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a glass of wine and upscale pizza and charcuterie. This event is free for all Fortuna Winery guests.

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