Prosper Magazine - March 2015

PROSPER Live &

TM

THE TOWN | THE PEOPLE | THE PRIDE

Home & Garden | March 2015 | $2.50 Prosper’s Community Magazine Since 2012

Prosper Real Estate Myths Plus

Grace Academy Expansion

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March 2015

C o n t e n t s Feature

20 Prosper Real Estate Myths

Columns

8 Letter From The Publishers 10 Prosper Events Calendar Events and Activities in and Around Prosper 16 Remember When The Walnut Presbyterian Church 24 Re-Style/Free-Style The Style 36 Devotional In His Presence Departments IN GOOD TASTE

12 Dining

Italian Cafe, Texas Style

28 Easy Delicious Meals

The Mighty Soybean

TOWN MATTERS

14 Eagle’s Nest

From the Desk of Dr. Drew Watkins

18 Eagle 5K

Rogers Middle School 5K & Fun Run

22 THE HEART OF PROSPER

PLA Presents- Boots & Bling

32 Prosper has a Classic in Grace Academy

Grace Academy Expansion

6 Live & PROSPER Magazine | March 2015

On The Cover

A beautiful look inside Gentle Creek Estates.

Cover photo by Cedarbrook Media

12

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Letter From The PUBLISHERS

PROSPER Live &

™

We Are Prosper

.com

Springtime, sunshine and warmer weather…that’s what we love about March! After being cooped up indoors over these last few winter months, we are ready to get out for some fresh air and yard work! Well, maybe not A LOT of yard work, but a little bit of freshening up could be fun, right? We are in that magical time of year when everything starts to wake up from the winter hibernation, things start to sprout green everywhere and the freshness in the air makes you want to breathe deep and just fill your lungs with the outdoor air. Springtime in Prosper…there’s just nothing like it!

This is a great time to think about all of the outdoor projects that you’ve put off this winter. Soak up some Vitamin D. Get out and clear out those flower beds. Pull some weeds. Plant some flowers. Create some curb appeal.

Your home will thank you for it and so will your neighbors. And when you’re finished, make some time to relax and enjoy the warmer temperatures with your family. The Trout Derby is sure to be a great time and there are tons of baseball, softball, tennis, soccer and golf games to enjoy. You can also don your favorite pair of boots and your shiniest bling for the Prosper Ladies Association’s 2nd Annual Gala. This a great month to reconnect with neighbors, the community and nature. Enjoy!

Jason & Heat her Reynolds With Prosper Pride,

March 2015 VOL III, Issue 7

Voted 2013 New Business of The Year Executive Publishers Jason & Heather Reynolds Editorial/Marketing Director Heather Reynolds Heather@CedarbrookMedia.com Production/Creative Director Jason Reynolds Jason@CedarbrookMedia.com Business Development Liz Bovard Liz@CedarbrookMedia.com Client Services Beth Padilla Beth@CedarbrookMedia.com Contributing Writers Caitlin Skidmore | Heather Reynolds Bill Hays |Delia Jo Ramsey Kenny Thacker | Kerry Mariea Karen Scholl | Wayne Bartley JR DeLaney | Drew Watkins Photography Contributors Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC Jeannie Naumann Jessica Cadis Chris Fritchie Production/Design Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC Admin@CedarbrookMedia.com Editorial Please send editorial considerations to Heather at Admin@CedarbrookMedia.com Advertising Information For media kits, contact Advertising at

469.481.2935

or email us at Sales@CedarbrookMedia.com

Coming in April: Next month, we celebrate our local Parks and area Recreation programs. We are blessed to have amazing crews who keep our parks and facilities clean and looking great. And, we have lots of opportunities for our children and families to enjoy the outdoors.

Stay tuned for our special "Camp" section to help you prepare for the summer break!

Live & Prosper Magazine PO Box 405, Prosper, Texas 75078 469.481.2935 | www.Live-Prosper.com A Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC Publication www.CedarbrookMedia.com

CedarbrookMedia Connect | Engage | Prosper

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PROSPER! For up to date news, events and web-exclusive content visit www.Live-Prosper.com.com

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8 Live & PROSPER Magazine | March 2015

Live & Prosper Magazine is wholly owned and published

by Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC. Live & Prosper Magazine is published 12 times a year. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or copied whole or in part without expressed written permission from the publisher, Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC. © 2015. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. The title and all material are protected by international copyright laws and are reserved. Although the greatest of care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this magazine at time of going to press, neither Live & Prosper Magazine nor Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC can be held liable for omissions, inexactness or errors.

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Eagle/Lady Eagle Golf @ Brookhaven Eagle Baseball @ PHS Lady Eagle Soccer @ Wylie East Eagle Soccer @ PHS

Eagle Tennis @ Denison Eagle Soccer @ PHS Lady Eagle Soccer @ Wylie Planning & Zoning Meeting @ 6:00pm

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Spring Break – No School Prosper Ladies Association Meeting @ 7:00

Spring Break – No School Eagle Soccer @ PHS Lady Eagle Soccer @ McKinney High Lady Eagle Softball @ Sherman Prosper Chamber Meeting @ 7:30am Prosper Historical Society Meeting @ 1:00pm

Spring Break – No School Lady Eagle Softball @ PHS Lions Club Meeting @ 1:30

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PISD School Board Meeting @ 7:00

Eagle Golf @ Woodbridge Lady Eagle Golf @ Rockwall GC Eagle Baseball @ Sherman Eagle Soccer @ Denison Lady Eagle Softball @ Wylie East Lady Eagle Soccer @ PHS

Lions Club Meeting @ 1:30

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Eagle/Lady Eagle Golf @ Hurricane Creek CC

Eagle Baseball @ Wylie East Prosper 5-0 @ 10:30am (Dallas Arboretum) Prosper Chamber Meeting @ 7:30am Prosper Town Council Meeting @ 6:00pm

Lady Eagle Softball @ PHS Lions Club Meeting @ 1:30

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4th Grade STAAR Writing PHS STAAR (English I)

4th Grade STAAR Writing Eagle Baseball @ PHS Lady Eagle Softball @ PHS

10 Live & PROSPER Magazine | March 2015

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March 2015 5

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Lady Eagle Softball @ Denton Eagle Baseball @ PHS

Eagle Tennis @ The Colony Eagle Baseball @ PHS Lady Eagle Softball @ Denton Eagle Track @ McKinney Relays Lady Eagle Soccer @ PHS Eagle Soccer @ Lovejoy

Eagle Baseball @ PHS Eagle Powerlifting @ Everman Lady Eagle Softball @ Denton Trout Derby @ Frontier Park

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Spring Break – No School Eagle Baseball @ PHS Senior Dinner @ Lighthouse Fellowship @ 5:00pm Rotary Club Meeting @ 12:00

Spring Break – No School Eagle Baseball @ PHS Eagle Track @ Argyle

Eagle Baseball @ PHS Eagle Track @ Southlake

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Eagle Track @ Plano East Rotary Club Meeting @ 12:00 Parks & Recreation Meeting @ 6:00pm Family Focused Care: Grand RE-Opening @ 5pm – 8pm

Eagle Tennis @ Justin Northwest Eagle Golf @ Walnut Creek Eagle Baseball @ PHS Lady Eagle Softball @ Wylie

Eagle Golf @ Walnut Creek Eagle Track @ Jesuit Sheaner Relays Prosper Clean-Up: 9:00am – 12:00pm PLA’s Boots & Bling Event 7:00pm

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Eagle Tennis @ PHS Eagle Track @ Plano West Rotary Club Meeting @ 12:00

Eagle Tennis @ PHS Lady Eagle Golf @ Tangle Ridge Eagle Track @ Texas Relays Eagle Baseball @ Wylie Lady Eagle Softball @ McKinney

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DINING

Italian Cafe, Texas style

BY DELIA RAMSEY

S

etting foot inside the front doors, you instantly see a glimpse of an inviting Italian café, bustling with laughter, happy kids eating ice cream, pizza and pasta on every table, and a cozy fireplace tucked away in the back.

family and friends.

Regardless of whether a customer chooses to dine in, take out, or order delivery we want to offer them great food with friendly service.”

when ordering delivery, the employees have been friendly and personable on the phone and upon bringing the order to our home.

If you’re not feeling up to dining out, Palio’s will deliver their high-quality Italian cuisine to your doorstep. Speaking from experience, Palio’s staff has always been attentive and prompt. Even

The food is fresh and consistently excellent, featuring made-from-scratch dough, carefully selected vine ripened Roma tomatoes, all natural marinara and pizza sauces, spring harvested

Palio’s Pizza Café is the kind of place every small town desires: a comfortable and welcoming spot to gather the whole family for a meal everyone can agree on.

While new Palio’s locations have popped up all around the metroplex over the last few years, each location is independently owned and operated, so as to not lose its captivating neighborhood charm.

In addition, they have made a serious commitment to bringing their customers the best and freshest ingredients possible, in a warm, inviting environment.

Paul Randall, owner of the Prosper location of Palio’s, says they strive to keep patrons coming back again and again for the food and the feel of their restaurant: “We want our customers to love the food, enjoy the atmosphere, and experience prompt, friendly service.”

Randall continues, “For our dine-in customers, we offer a casual, clean, friendly environment where customers can enjoy a meal with their

12 Live & PROSPER Magazine | March 2015

wheat, real mozzarella cheese, and farm fresh produce. With high quality ingredients like these, you can eat your pizza and feel little remorse afterwards, thanks to Palio’s commitment to using real, natural foods.

Those who dine in for lunch can get a salad and drink with their choice of lunch pizza, sandwich, calzone, or pasta, for only $7.99 plus tax (Monday-Friday).

The Caesar Salad Dressing is locally acclaimed, and many are known to pop in to Palio’s just for a salad. The Nutty Hawaiian Salad is another healthy and delicious choice, featuring cashews, pineapple, sundried tomatoes, and cranberries.

The pizza at Palio’s is a served on a delicate thin crust, with options for whole wheat or gluten free. Choose to build your own pizza masterpiece or select one of their gourmet specialties, like the vegetarian Mediterranean, which comes topped with spinach, Roma tomatoes, red onions, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, feta, and mozzarella cheese.

Looking for something a little more substantial?

Meat lovers will rejoice when they bite into the Meat and Cheese Deluxe, jam-packed with pepperoni, sausage, bacon, beef, Canadian bacon, and cheese.

There is also a spicy and noteworthy pie called The Scorcher, with a zippy red sauce, roasted chicken, jalapenos, corn, onions, cheese, and a touch of lime.

Other pizza offerings include off-the-beatenpath sauces like Alfredo ranch sauce, pesto, cayenne pepper, or pink sauce. Truly, there is a little something for even the greatest pizza skeptic.

Not to be missed, the Chocolate Cannoli at Palio’s is the best Cannoli I’ve eaten. The creamy, rich filling dotted with chocolate chips and the crispy, chocolate-covered shell collide for a sweet treat that will keep you coming back for more.

Palio’s welcomes diners to BYOB. They’ll provide the glasses and bottle opener.

Open daily at 11:00 am until 9:30 pm SundayThursday, and until 10:00 pm Friday and Saturday nights.

Palio’s Pizza Cafe of Prosper is located at: 120 N. Preston Road Prosper, TX 75078 972.347.3343 Home & Garden | Live-Prosper.com

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EAGLE’S NEST

From the Desk of Dr. Drew Watkins

News, News, and MORE News!!!

We are sad to announce the retirement of long time principal, Ms. Jana Thomson, Principal of Cockrell Elementary.

After 32 years of service in public education and 18 of those years in Prosper ISD, Ms. Thomson has undoubtedly touched many lives. Although we are very happy for her, her departure will certainly be impactful to PISD. Personally and professionally, I am truly going to miss her. However, in the same breath that I am saddened to announce the retirement of Ms. Thomson, I am equally excited to announce her replacement. Ms. Glenda Dophied will be taking over the reigns as the head principal of Cockrell.

Ms. Dophied has been an assistant principal for PISD for six years (the last three of which at Cockrell) and is up to the challenge. We are excited for Ms. Thomson as she begins a new chapter in her life, but I am confident that the naming of Ms. Dophied will provide for a smooth transition for the staff and families of Cockrell. Cockrell Champions will continue to soar under the leadership of Ms. Dophied!

As most of you know, Light Farms Elementary is just months away from opening. The school is scheduled to be completed by July as we prepare for the opening of our fifth elementary

14 Live & PROSPER Magazine | March 2015

school in August.

Ms. Daphne Morris (current Assistant Principal at Folsom Elementary) will be opening Light Farms in the fall as the new head principal.

Ms. Morris has previous principal experience in another district before arriving to Prosper a few years ago.

She has served as a teacher and most recently as the assistant principal at Folsom. Ms. Morris will undoubtedly make the new elementary feel like home to all of the new families that will be attending.

2015 - 2016 Calendar July S

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Early Release

1st 9 Weeks: August 24th - October 16th [38] 2nd 9 Weeks: October 19th - December 18th [39] 3rd 9 Weeks: January 5th - March 25th [51] 4th 9 Weeks: March 28th - June 3rd [47]

]

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First / Last Day

2nd Semester January 5th - June 3rd 98 Instructional Days

Elementary #6 will begin construction in a few months and will be located in Windsong Ranch on the west side of our district. This school is scheduled to be open in August of 2016. After the completion of this project, the District will address the exploding population at the middle level grades. As we have articulated now for years, our ability to build schools rests solely on the commercial/retail growth within the boundaries of the ISD, which mostly includes the Town of Prosper, but also the City of Celina, City of Frisco, City of McKinney and Denton County. We have exhausted every creative way to build schools. Once we realize this additional economic growth will we be able to build additional schools by accessing the voter-approved bonds. Until then, however, our efforts to stay ahead of this growth will continue to be restricted.

Please pay particular attention to the potential bad weather days that have been identified – we want to encourage you not to schedule any trips on those particular days since we generally have to make up one to two days each year.

Also, important to note, the State does not allow districts to begin school prior to the fourth Monday of August each year. That coupled with mandated testing dates really limits the flexibility of options each year. The timing of the spring break is consistent with surrounding districts and, more importantly, consistent with Collin College which is better for our dual credit program. As you will find, this calendar is very similar to the current calendar with graduation occurring on Saturday, June 4th, 2016.

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15

Remember When

Walnut Grove Presbyterian Church

BY BILL HAYS

In February, we discussed the Walnut Grove School and the Walnut Grove Cemetery. This month we will talk about the Walnut Grove Presbyterian Church. The Walnut Grove Presbyterian Church is one of the oldest churches in Collin County. The Walnut Grove Presby-terian Church was first organized in 1846. It was called The Union Congregation of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and was formed by the Reverend J.N. Vance. It was formed at the residence of Caleb Hart, who lived about two miles west of Weston, Texas. In 1852, the Reverend W.B. Wear came to Collin County and laid the foundation for a church. He and his family built an eighteen by twenty-foot log cabin about one and one-half miles south of the present location (where the church was before it was torn down). The building had a long ridgepole in the ceiling and over the years it began to sway and the church be-came known as “Old Swayback”.

In 1858, the congregation decided to build an arbor in an Elm grove on the southeast corner of Elder T.H. Cummingham’s field across the creek from the church. This area was shaded by trees and also had a frame with foliage overhead to protect from the weather.

In 1855, the Joseph R. Rhea family moved a few miles north of the Walnut Grove Church (later known as the Rhea’s Mill Community).

The family became very active and Joseph Rhea was the chairman of the building committee for a new church built in 1858. The new building

16 Live & PROSPER Magazine | March 2015

measured thirty by thirty-two feet. The name was changed to The Walnut Grove Congregation of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. The church was located in a grove of beautiful walnut trees near Wilson Creek. Church services were held on the grounds of the church property until 1858, when the first church edifice was built. It was basically used for the parsonage. The weather had to be favorable to hold these meetings outside. Sometimes they held their church services in private homes when the weather was unsatisfactory to meet outside. In 1869, D.M. Crutchfield donated the land for a new church to be built. This was the first building to be built on the current site of the church (or where the church was located before it was torn down). The building was remodeled and updated in 1886 at a cost of $1,425. It measured ninety by forty-two feet and the entrance was on the east side. Two small class rooms were on either side of the front door and the rest of the building was a large sanctuary with a choir loft and organ behind the pulpit. A fire in 1915 destroyed much of the building, and extensive remodeling was required. In 1968, more remodeling was done on the church. Originally the Presbyterian Church owned thirty acres (1868) at this location. The church donated land to be used for a cemetery, the Walnut Grove Ceme-tery Association. The land was split: the church basically owned the land north of the cem-etery and the Walnut Grove Cemetery owned the land on the south side of the church.

This church has had a rich and long history. During the early years this was a popular meet-ing place for Western Collin County. In addition to the religious services, other activities were held at the church. Sometimes week long camp meetings were held. They came by wagons, horseback and on foot to attend these services and meetings. This was also a time to get away from home chores and enjoy the outdoors with other families and social activi-ties. Later, the members formed the Walnut Grove Home Demonstration Club. Sometimes they met in members homes and in the church. They learned canning, upholstering, paint-ing. sewing and leather working.

As people migrated to the city the membership gradually reduced over the years. The last service was held in 1990. The church was torn down in 1998, and the lumber was buried on the church grounds. The windows of the church were donated to the Foote Baptist Church which has been moved to the historic district in downtown McKinney, Texas, the “Chesnut Square” area just south of downtown. The pews were given to another church. However, when the church sold the land to a developer, the debris (lumber) had to be dug up for housing development. The remains of the dug up church were hauled to the Lewisville, Texas, dump site. This was the end of an era for a great historic church.

The church was designated as a historical site in 1976. The historical marker has been kept and is located near the picnic table on the western part of the Walnut Grove Cemetery. Stay tuned for next month’s Remember When article, featuring a newspaper article from the Dai-ly Courier Gazette in 1902 that highlights more history of the Walnut Grove Presbyterian Church, along with a letter from 1909 written by James Rhea to the pastor at the time, M.C. Harris.

Cheer your

out

PROSPER! 2015-2016 All Star Cheer Tryouts coming April 24th- April 25th.

Sign up for cheer classes NOW to get ready for a great season!

$75 special rate for March sign-ups

CHEER - TUMBLING - GYMNASTICS - PARKOUR 972-347-3444 @Facebook.com/theinitiativedallas Bill Hays is the author of 2 books, which document the history of Prosper: Prosper Texas: Its History and Families, Volumes I and II. To purchase a book, please contact Bill Hays at: Billhays@prodigy.Net or 972-569-9062.

Located in downtown Prosper next to the Cotton Gin 208 W.Broadway Street Home & Garden | Live-Prosper.com

17

On March 21st, each Rogers student will have the opportunity to complete that “final mile” during the Eagle Marathon that will take place during the Fun Run portion of our event.

Students will gather at the start line, surrounded by family and friends, teachers and community leaders to finish what they have worked on all year. Around 10:00am on what could be a cold March morning, those students at Rogers will have crossed the finish line, ending their journey, having now completed 26.2 miles of running.

One thing is certain, upon the completion of that last mile, they will not only have gained a medal and a cool t-shirt, but something that can never be taken from them: pride and a sense of accomplishment few others have experienced.

The PTO welcomes you to attend our event, whether it be as a runner or cheerleader, to support those students as they wrap up this momentous achievement. There will be vendors available to purchase merchandise, a DJ to listen to music, and raffles for unique items, whose proceeds will go back to the school. We encourage you, more than anything, to come out and show those 1200 students of RMS that Prosper is a place where the village takes an interest in its youth.

For more information about our event, please visit http://www.eagle5kprosper.com. We hope to see many of you there supporting our students!

The Lorene Rogers Middle School Parent Teacher Organization is hosting its fundraiser, the Eagle 5K and Fun Run, on Saturday, March 21, 2015, at Rogers Middle School. The money raised from this event will allow the PTO to help fund student participation programs, educational tools for students and teachers, teacher appreciation awards, the Legacy Project, new equipment for the school, enrichment activities and outreach and assistance for families in need.

Being in its inaugural year for the Eagle 5K and Fun Run, the PTO is excited about turning it into a long term commitment to Rogers’ students and staff. Understanding the importance of getting our children involved in taking care of themselves physically and stressing the impact of maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle, the PTO created the Eagle 5K and Fun Run to show that the community takes an interest in demonstrating to our children that together we all can make a difference in our lives regarding our health. Having parents, friends, family, and teachers gather to run alongside our middle school children is one of the greatest displays of community that can happen in our school. It truly does take a village to raise our children in the values we hold most dear.

In addition, the students of RMS are running

18 Live & PROSPER Magazine | March 2015

on a consistent basis towards a common and extraordinary goal: the completion of a marathon. During their PE periods, students are running, on average, a mile a week to work towards the preliminary goal of 25.2 miles.

Some students run, others walk, but the end result is the same: taking smaller steps to complete a much larger goal, one that few people complete. How many children their age can say, “I completed a marathon today.” The students at RMS can do just that! This attitude is something we hope to instill in our students, aiding them in their continued education and career well beyond the walls of Rogers.

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19

5 Prosper Real Estate Myths

BY WAYNE BARTLEY

Myth #1: Development Will Ruin the Town - Our family moved to Prosper in 2008 from southwest Fort Worth and when we brought our daughter to Prosper to see where our future home would be, she saw all the open fields as we drove in and she said from the back seat in amazement “you didn’t tell me it was beautiful!” Many of us moved here when Prosper was still small and had lots of undeveloped land, but change is coming with new commercial and residential development. Exciting new additions will allow Prosper residents to shop, eat and office right where we live.

Commercial and Residential development will allow Prosper to add needed amenities to our town such as new parks, a redeveloped historic downtown and to continue having the best schools in the State. Not to mention the thing we have all been waiting for – a local grocery store! Prosper will continue to be “a place where everyone matters.”

20 Live & PROSPER Magazine | March 2015

Myth #2: I’m Just Buying a House – When you buy a home in Prosper, consider that you are doing more than buying just a piece of land and a structure. You are becoming part of a community.

Your family will enjoy participating in community events such as the traditional Homecoming Parade and pep rally, the downtown Christmas Festival and the Prosper Summer Series at Frontier Park.

When you purchase a home, consider what amenities your family will use and what kind of neighborhood suits your needs. Do you want a community pool where your kids can meet up with other neighborhood kids? Perhaps you want some acreage so you can have a shop or a garden. Prosper has many wonderful residential developments. Finding a neighborhood that fits the lifestyle you desire is as important as finding a floor plan that works.

Myth #3: Any Realtor Will Work – North Dallas is full of

professional real estate agents but when it comes to buying or selling in a rapidly growing area like Prosper, it’s best to use a local realtor. Local realtors know what’s going on with new development and have strategic relationships with brokers, developers and town officials to make sure you have the most up to date information about things like where a future development will be built and what roads are planned for expansion. Prosper realtors understand this changing real estate market, can assist you in understanding home values, and have networks with local businesses to provide any service you may need when buying or selling a home.

Myth #4: It’s Too Late to Get a Good Deal – As prices increase

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in the North Dallas area, it has become harder to find foreclosed homes or properties listed below market value but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a great deal. Prosper has been named the new “boomtown of North Dallas” by The Dallas Morning News. As Prosper continues to grow, there will be a demand for people to own property here and prices will most likely continue to increase.

Buying now, especially while interest rates are still low, is a good deal! Many builders also offer various incentives to homebuyers in new communities. Your realtor can help you by asking the right questions and negotiating the best price.

Myth #5: The Market is So Hot I Can Sell My Own Home – If you are interested in selling your home, you certainly have the option to sell it yourself or “by owner.” Many people believe by doing this that they save thousands of dollars by not paying marketing fees to a realtor. In addition to having access to data that will help you price your home appropriately to sell, a realtor has professional marketing expertise as well as experience negotiating a contract to help you get the most for your home. Sellers who sell by owner are left to their own knowledge in negotiating the details of a real estate transaction. One mistake or oversight can cost you thousands of dollars and leave you open to potential legal issues.

These are exciting days of growth ahead for the Town of Prosper and its residents. If you are interested in buying or selling a home, find a local agent that can help you navigate the ever-changing Prosper market with professionalism and expertise. As our community grows let’s make it a priority to keep Prosper “a place where everyone matters.”

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21

when needed. In addition to these programs we also partner with and financially assist other local non-profits here in Prosper like, Bethlehem Place, Cornerstone Financial Assistance, Samaritan Inn, and Main Gait Therapeutic Riding Center

Annual Fundraiser Benefits Program

The Prosper Ladies Association is hosting its 2nd annual Boots & Bling Gala on March 21, 2015 at the 3R’s Ranch. The Gala is the largest fundraiser PLA hosts each year, to raise money to help local families and children in need.

This annual Gala is generously sponsored by local businesses.

Over 300 attended last year’s gala, and 350 to 400 are expected at this year’s event. The Gala is an evening out on the town for local residents. You will see Prosper’s finest dressed in their best boots and bling! This year’s event will feature country singer Derek Anthony and the D Train Band and will include a seated dinner, cash bar and an extensive silent auction. Tickets are $125 each, and tables of eight are $1,000. Sponsorships at all levels are still available. To purchase tickets or get more information visit: www. prosperladiesassociation.com Proceeds from the event goes directly to support PLA’s various charitable programs, like our Summer Lite Lunch Program, which, partnering with Bethlehem Place we feed over 100 children weekly lunches throughout the summer. Due to our large membership and resources, PLA was asked to take over the Prosper Angel Tree Program this year. We were able to provide holiday assistance to over 300 local children, who received toys, clothes, and other gifts that were purchased by our Angel Tree sponsors.

We work with the Prosper ISD to provide clothing and supplies to children

22 Live & PROSPER Magazine | March 2015

We are dedicated to helping children, and families who fall on hard times.

We recently partnered with Hopes Door to help a Prosper mom and her children. We also communicate with first responders and the local charitable organizations to identify where we can really make a difference.

Our goal is to provide an umbrella where women can come together and serve families and children. The Prosper Ladies Association comes together with the passion of trained volunteers, finds an unmet need in the community, and helps to meet that need.

PROSPER COMMUNITY LIBRARY 700 N. Coleman, Prosper, Texas 75078 Library Hours: Monday – Thursday 3:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. www.prospertx.gov/ProsperLibrary.aspx Follow us on Facebook Unless otherwise noted, programs are held at Prosper Community Library

all the

March Events: 9th - St. Patrick’s Day Drop-in Crafts available each evening in the library 3:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

10th - St. Patrick’s Day Drop-in Craft 3:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

11th - St. Patrick’s Day Drop-in Craft 3:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Uniting to demonstrate Christ’s compassion by serving our neighbors in need.

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12th - 11:00 a.m. Story Time at Lighthouse Christian Fellowship Church St. Patrick’s Day Drop-in Craft 3:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

14th – Dr. Suess Event 11:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m.

17th – Happy St. Patrick’s Day 18th – 6:00 p.m. Friends of the Library Meeting 19th - 11:00 a.m. Story Time at Lighthouse Christian Fellowship Church 6:00 p.m. Library Board Meeting 26th - 11:00 a.m. Story Time at Lighthouse Christian Fellowship Church

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23

THE STYLE

I love that the name of this column is Free Style.

FreeSt yle

BY CAITLIN SKIDMORE

Sometimes magazines, blogs, and Pinterest can leave us feeling like we need just a few more things and then we’ll be set. But if we don’t know how to use what we have, we’ll keep spending and still feel like we have nothing to wear.

Learning how to shop your closet can save you time, money, and stress.

One of the best ways to do that is to learn how to remix a basic.

For example, a pair of jeans and a t-shirt are staples in almost every woman’s wardrobe, but most of us tend to stick to the same combinations instead of experimenting with other pieces we have. Here are a few outfit ideas to try with your jeans and tee.

ONE Keep a relaxed vibe by layering an open button up over the tee.

Tucking the tee and cuffing the shirt sleeves and jeans adds a finished look to the outfit. Style tip: for the perfect tuck, grab the fabric of your tee a couple of inches to the right of your zipper with your thumb on top and pointer finger on bottom.

Twist your pointer finger using the same motion as you would to scoop peanut butter out of a jar so you are pointing at the ground and the fabric is wrapped around the tip of your finger.

Next, tuck the bit of fabric into your waist band. Finally, fold any odd-looking edges under to finish off a perfect casual tuck.

TWO Jeans and a tee make the perfect blank canvas to add a statement accessory. Here, I used a hat, but you could lose the hat in favor of a scarf or statement necklace. A colored or patterned pair of shoes or a clutch would have the same effect.

THREE Dress up the duo by adding a structured completer piece, like this blazer. The jeans and tee contrast with the piece’s dressier feel to create tons of visual interest. Add a pair of classic pumps and a sparkly statement necklace and you’re ready for a night out!

These three looks are just a few of the dozens you could create by changing your accessories or completer piece (i.e.: an open button up, cardigan, blazer, etc.). Try to use these three looks as a starting point- what do you have that would work to recreate them (or a similar look)?

24 Live & PROSPER Magazine | March 2015

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IN GOOD TASTE

Sprinkle soy into your diet, easily Available in many delicious forms, soy-based foods and beverages make the swap towards healthier options a snap. Try some of these meal ideas to help you cut calories, saturated fat and cholesterol from your diet: • Breakfast: Take on the day by enjoying a fruit and soymilk blended smoothie for breakfast. Soymilk is the only plant-based dairy alternative with an average of 7 grams of protein per serving plus calcium, potassium, and vitamins A and D. • Lunch: Opt for a juicy veggie burger – easy to cook in just a few minutes. Or try this flavorful recipe for Tuna Edamame Salad, which allows you to take in all the healthy benefits of these young green soybeans with a quick and easy lunch. Did you know one cup of edamame contains 17 grams of protein?

• Snack: Throw a protein-packed nutrition bar in your car, bag or purse so you can have a healthy snack while running errands. (But read the label to make sure it contains soy protein and isn’t loaded with sugar.)

• Dinner: Load up on vegetables and protein with a tasty and easy stir fry using marinated tofu strips. Or cholesterol-free soy “crumbles” can quickly and easily be added to favorites including pasta sauce, soup, chili and tacos.

To find more recipes featuring soy protein, visit www.soyfoods.org or www.soyconnection.com.

Tuna Edamame Salad Prep time: 5 minutes Servings: 4

Did you know that small, positive additions to your diet and lifestyle can help promote a healthier heart? Instead of denying yourself the delicious flavors you crave, try weaving a few subtle changes into your menu and you can healthfully and conveniently meet your wellness goals.

the chance of heart disease.

“Soy protein is a very high quality protein, equivalent to egg or milk protein,” said Mindy Kurzer, Ph.D. and professor with the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at

1 cup frozen shelled edamame, cooked according to package directions 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half 1 cup carrots, shredded 1 can (6 ounces) tuna, water packed, drained 1/2 cup golden raisins 1/4 cup red onion, diced 1/4 cup bottled, reduced-fat Italian salad dressing Pita bread or whole grain crackers (optional) Mix edamame, tomatoes, carrots, tuna, raisins and onion in medium bowl. Pour dressing over salad and toss until combined. Serve with pita bread halves or whole grain crackers.

Easy, Delicious Meals that Make Hearts Happy

Show your heart some love Besides giving meals a satisfying boost, soy-based foods are a heart-healthy addition to your diet. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a diet containing 25 grams of soy protein per day, accompanying other foods that are low in saturated fats and cholesterol, may decrease

28 Live & PROSPER Magazine | March 2015

the University of Minnesota. “Soyfoods, such as soymilk, have been shown to lower dietary cholesterol and saturated fat, decreasing blood cholesterol concentrations and improving heart health.”

Nutrition per 1 cup serving: 210 calories; 3 g fat (0 g saturated fat); 16 g protein; 27 g carbohydrate; 4 g fiber; 25 mg cholesterol; 350 mg sodium.

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Prosper Has a Classic in Grace Academy School’s Expansion Builds on the Foundation of Classical Christian Curriculum

There’s a lot of buzz lately about one of our Prosper gems nestled just off Custer on Prosper Trails Road. The tidy red brick building houses a little school with a big vision, Grace Academy of North Texas. Even the Dallas Morning News came calling recently to track down what was behind all the buzz. “Well, we’re certainly growing….” smiled Jody Capehart, Head of School and noted “School Whisperer” who has a long legacy of schools she has founded and established including Grace Academy of Dallas, Prestonwood Christian Academy in Plano, and Legacy Christian Academy in Frisco.

Growing may be a bit of an understatement.

From 53 students in 2011 Grace has blossomed to more than 150 students this school year.

Thanks to the addition of 4 portable classrooms, the school is adding classes for PreK and grade 11 for the 2015-16 school year, which will put the campus once again to full capacity.

But the biggest growth is yet to come. With a firm vision, countless prayers and a lot of hard work the school will be leaving their currently leased building for a permanent home, a 48-acre campus just down the road on Custer at 1st Street. It may look like rolling pastures now, but thanks to an “angel” in the form of partner Jim Williams, president of LandPlan Development, the property will be developed with the $12 million Phase 1 campus set to open by the fall of 2016 welcoming Pre-K through 12th grade.

32 Live & PROSPER Magazine | March 2015

At full build-out Grace’s scenic campus will feature multiple buildings for Grammar School, Logic School, Rhetoric School, STEM, Performing Arts, gymnasiums, cafetorium, library, and a full athletic complex.

“And lots of green space,” Capehart points out, “Our design also features as many windows as we can fit in order to incorporate the views and let as much natural light in the classrooms as possible.”

One of the things that sets Grace apart from other private and Christian schools is its foundation on the classical education model.

But before you envision Greek laurel wreaths, Roman columns and students conversing in Latin (well, actually they do converse in Latin,) we asked Jody Capehart to set us straight—just what is ‘classical education’ and why choose it?

“I do get that question a lot,” chuckled

Capehart, “the short answer to ‘why Classical’ is that Classical education is the most powerful educational tool available to sharpen the Biblical mind. Many people don’t know that the classical model was the one used in the education of our American founding fathers. The Classical model incorporates tried and true principles that align not only with modern ideas about child development but with the foundations of Christian theology as well.”

At the heart of the Classical model is the Trivium. The Latin word ‘trivium’ means “the place where three roads meet” and in education it refers to the three stages of development: Grammar (grades 1-5), Dialectic/Logic (grades 6-8), and Rhetoric (grades 9-12).

“In the Grammar stage, children are absorbing many new facts from their experiences in life. During this stage they acquire and experience new information which will go through transitions in the next two stages.” Capehart explained, while adding that classical ‘background’ music, small class size, language studies (Latin and Spanish,) music and art are also key to the classical curriculum.

“In the Dialectic or Logic stage, students begin assembling the information they learned in the Grammar stage,” Capehart continued, “Essentially, they’re putting the puzzle together as they examine each piece. If you have ever encountered a child who loves to debate, dialogue, and dispute things you say,

then you have probably been in the presence of a child in this Dialectic stage. During this very disputatious stage of development, it is the perfect time to introduce the course of Logic, to teach students to question in a respectful and logical manner. So this ‘Dialectic’ stage is often called the Logic stage.”

What most refer to as “high school”, grades 9 through 12, the Classical model identifies as the Rhetoric stage. “In the Rhetoric stage, the student matures and moves into the important level of applying and articulating this new knowledge. This is the goal of a classical education— for a young person to be able to defend truth and articulate their convictions in an intelligent manner,” said Capehart. “And sometimes the tools of expression become just as important as the knowledge itself.”

A great influence on the emergence of the classical schooling movement was a 1947 speech given by renowned English writer, poet, and playwright Dorothy Sayers to Oxford University entitled The Lost Tools of Learning. In it Sayers articulates, “The goal, then, is simply this: to teach students to learn for themselves”. Capehart agrees, “The Trivium provides a wonderful roadmap to making that goal a reality as the students educate, evaluate, and express what they are learning.”

Along the way, the classical model incorporates many aspects that are often neglected by typical educational systems. One of these characteristics is the placement of great literature and original documents at the core of the curriculum. “From the Bible, to Plato to Shakespeare to Lincoln, a classical education embraces the wealth of knowledge and truth found in Western civilization.” Capehart explained adding, “Most importantly, it goes straight to the sources themselves in mining their ideas.

With the Bible as the foundation and basis for truth, the other documents can be read critically through the lens of a Christian worldview.”

Tied to this idea of original documents is the central role played by history. “This places the historical context, and lessons from past leaders’ triumphs and mistakes, at its core and is ideal for education. History reveals the providential hand of God, and remains a source of great wisdom and knowledge. I like to say that it is “HIStory” with a capital H-I-S,” quips Capehart.

Other defining characteristics of Classical education are the incorporation of Latin, fine arts, and disciplines such as apologetics and logic into the curriculum. “The arts enhance the academics and neuroscience supports this research. Latin does for the mind what exercise does for the body by structuring and organizing it, as well as preparing students for SATs, vocabulary building, study in science, law, and literature,” said Capehart adding, “The tools of apologetics and logic refine the students’ thinking, preparing them to be learners for life who have not only theoretical knowledge but practical means for approaching the complexities of life.

And these days… the complexities of life seem to be compounding!”

That is precisely why Capehart sees Classical education as so important, “It is a proven strategy for educating tomorrow’s thinking Christians by stimulating the minds, imaginations, and souls of our children.

They will be the leaders, the thinkers, the doers- providing the much needed ‘surgery’ for the spiritually clogged arteries of the modern world.”

For more information on Grace Academy of North Texas call 469-287-7111 or visit their website: www.graceacademy-nt.org. A weekly Open House with Head of School, Jody Capehart is held each Wednesday morning at 10:00.

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IN HIS PRESENCE We here at Lighthouse count it an honor and privilege to be a part of such a great and growing community. We are blessed to have many great churches to choose from in our area. God loves variety, and we know that by seeing it in His creative abilities on display in sunsets, flowers, majestic mountains, and in people as they gather to worship Him. Every church that calls itself Christian will find many things in common.

Although forms and styles may differ, there will be common elements of Bible teaching, prayer, worship in song, opportunities to give and serve, and many other commonalities. In the same way, there is lots of room for churches to have unique distinctives.

At Lighthouse, we focus on seeing the big picture of the gospel as the context for all of life. While the essence of every other religion is advice about what we should do to be accepted by God; we believe the gospel is essentially news. The gospel is the good news that God has done something through the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ that has totally and finally set things right between man and God. We believe this is the guiding message for all of life.

There are incredible implications accompanying this news. For instance, the gospel lets us know that God isn’t interested in us working for Him as slaves and servants as much as He is inviting us to work with Him as Sons and Daughters. The big story of the gospel brings purpose and meaning to the “little” stories of our lives. We have not been left to our own devices by an aloof and uninvolved God. We have been invited to work with Him in His purposes for the earth.

There is an amazing passage in the book of John, chapter 17 and verse 18. We’re getting to listen in on a conversation between Jesus and the Father as the obedient Son prays. What a thrill to realize that He’s praying about and for us! Jesus says, “As you sent Me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” This was and is the prayer from Jesus for everyone who trusts Him as Lord and Savior. The implication clearly being that we have an assignment to accomplish and we are sent into that mission the same way Jesus was sent into His. The preceding verses reveal three distinctions that God equipped Jesus with for His mission. First, Jesus was equipped with a deep, abiding relationship with the Father. Secondly, He was equipped with truth and authority.

And lastly, He was equipped with a different spirit than the rest of the world that allowed Him to make decisions without public opinion polls.

God offers us the same equipping.

At Lighthouse, our heart’s desire and intention, the grace of God helping us, is to assist you in the process of discovery, development and deployment into God’s purpose for your life.

Be Blessed, Pastor Kenny Thacker Lighthouse Christian Fellowship 4331 E Prosper Trail Prosper, TX 75078 www.lighthousentx.com 972-562-2500 Easter Service Times: 9am and 10:30am

36 Live & PROSPER Magazine | March 2015

Area Church Directory Lighthouse Christian Fellowship Pastor Kenny Thacker 4331 E. Prosper Trail Prosper, TX 75078

972.542.2155

Medical and surgical treatment of foot and ankle disorders.

www.lighthousetx.com • • • • • • • • • • • • •

First Baptist Church Prosper Pastor John Herring 601 S. Church Street Prosper, TX 75078 www.fbcprosper.org

Dustin Lloyd, DPM

Treatment Offered For:

Planter Fasciitis (Sharp, Stabbing heel pain) Heel Spurs Tendon Tears & Ruptures Bunions Hammer Toes Flat Feet Planter Warts Ingrown & Fungal Toenails Foot Infections Wounds & Sores Fallen Arches Diabetic Foot Care Ankle & Foot Pain

Two Convenient Locations

McKinney 5531 W. Virginia Pkwy, Suite 100

Prosper 301 N Preston Rd., Suite A

AdvancedFootTexas.com

Living Springs Pastor David Hancock 700 N. Coleman Street (Reynolds MS) Prosper, TX 75078 www.livingspringsfellowship.net

Rock Hill Church of Christ Preacher Jim Pyburn 9421 Rock Hill Road Frisco, Texas 75035 www.rhcoc.org and www.rhcoc.org/india

Home & Garden | Live-Prosper.com

37

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I can completely relax knowing that my many fine antiques and valuable works of art are in excellent hands with their professional staff. I would not dream of using anyone other than Delivery Limited.” - Jane Wolfe

Serving: DFW | Celina | Frisco | Prosper | Plano | Nationwide

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Dallas: 214.261.1000 | Fort Worth: 817.336.0186 | Toll Free: 877.883.4541 www.DeliveryLimited.com

38 Live & PROSPER Magazine | March 2015

A COMMUNITY BY REPUBLIC PROPERTY GROUP

HOMES FROM THE 240’S IN PROSPER ISD

LOCAL FOOD CELEBRATION!

Light Farms is a community that celebrates the natural and agriculture history of Celina, paired with a strong commitment to providing our residents the tools necessary to live a healthy and active lifestyle. We are proud to announce our partnership with Johnson’s Backyard Garden to deliver locally grown, organic produce shares to our community.

Saturday, March 21, 2015 from 9-12pm

Swing by Light Farms on March 21 from 9-12 as we kick off our new CSA (community supported agriculture) program at our Local Food Celebration! You don’t have to be a resident to take advantage of our CSA delivery (although we’d love it if you were), and signing up is easy:

1234 HOMESTEAD COURT CELINA, TX 75009

Visit jbgorganic.com to sign up and pay online. Or, come by our Farm Stand Kick Off Celebration on March 21 and sign up in person. In addition to fresh, yummy food and drinks, there will be face painters, kite flying, a petting zoo, and more!

L I G H T FA R M S T X . C O M FAC E B O O K . C O M / L I G H T FA R M S

ROCK CO-OP

Postal Customer

PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S.POSTAGE PAID Prosper TX Permit #68

CedarbrookMedia Connect | Engage | Prosper

Let Us Help You Build Your BRAND! Advertising | Community Publications | Graphic Design | Direct Mail | Website Design Social Media & Brand Management | Photography | Video Production 221 N. Preston Rd., Suite C | Prosper, Texas 75078

469.481.2935 | www.CedarbrookMedia.com