6 minute read
Inside Community and Education
INSIDECOMMUNITY
THE PADDOCK AT CHAMPIONS CIRCLE
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15801 Championship Pkwy. • Fort Worth, TX 76177
Welcome to the neighborhood! There is a new event venue creating memories for our residents. Nestled between the Marriott Hotel and The Golf Club at Champions Circle, the Paddock offers scenic views and a large space for all your guests. This rustic style barn is an elegant option for any event. They are now open and offer pop-up restaurant nights Mondays- Saturdays from 5pm-9pm. For more information, visit www.ThePaddockAtChampionsCircle.com. logo courtesy of Robbie Hoover
TEXAS FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
MaxPreps has named recent Byron Nelson High School graduate Paige Flickinger as its Texas Female High School Athlete of the Year for the 2019-2020 school year. She was also named Volleyball Player of the Year for the entire nation. Paige helped the Bobcat volleyball team earn their first state title in Byron Nelson and NISD’s history. Congratulations, Paige! photo courtesy of Anthony Tosie
INSIDEEDUCATION
FUNNY SHIELDS
Denton County resident, Alejandra Matiz has made eco friendly face shields for kids! These shields protect from direct contact with fluids and mists, and prevents face touching. Made from renewable raw materials. The headband is water resistant, and adjustable. Material is light, easy to clean, and reusable. With many patterns to choose from, purchase one today at
www.Etsy.com/shop/MilibelulaOnTheFly.
photo courtesy of Alejandra Matiz
Northwest ISD’s advisory council is seeking new members for the 2020- 2021 school year. The council is a great opportunity for parents and community members to influence district health programs. The committee meets four times a year. For more information, please contact Michelle Shilling, assistant athletic director of health and P.E., via email at MShilling@nisdtx.org or by phone at 817-215-0202. logo courtesy of Anthony Tosie
LONE STAR KARTPARK NOW OPEN
Wed. - Sun. | 11am - 8:30pm | Lone Star Kartpark 3545 Lone Star Cr. • Fort Worth, TX 76177
Residents are now able to circle their own victory lane on the new kartpark by Texas Motor Speedway. This is a fun interactive, and maybe even a little bit competitive experience for ages starting at 7 years. Enjoy the thrill of reaching speeds over 50 mph while racing the outdoor 0.6 mile, 16-turn kart track. For more information visit, www.LoneStarKartPark.com.
IMMUNIZATION CLINICS Wed., July 22 | 10am - 1pm | Old Texan Fieldhouse 1937 Texan Dr. • Justin, TX 76247
Passport Health/Staying Healthy Medical Services will be conducting a children’s vaccination clinic to get students up to date for the school year at the Fieldhouse across from the Northwest ISD stadium. Children 4-18 years can be seen, and cloth face covers must be worn inside building. Most major PPO insurances and Medicaid are accepted, for those uninsured vaccines are $10 each. First come, first serve.
VETERAN’S HOUSE PROJECT
Months ago a group of Justin residents came together to help a local neighbor, Army Veteran Master Sergeant Richard Cropper. His home needed some TLC and thousands of volunteer hours have been put in to transforming his home. They are close to the finish line. James Clark, a leader of the construction has created a GoFundMe page to ask for assistance in the materials they need to finish the home. If you would like to help, please visit https://gf.me/u/x8adbi. photo courtesy of James Clark
NEW PRINCIPAL ELEMENTARY
FOR BECK
On June 8, Northwest ISD trustees unanimously named Amanda Bunch as the new Principal of Beck Elementary School, elevating her from the school’s assistant principal position. Mrs. Bunch has already been instrumental in furthering the school’s goals and will continue to transform learning experiences for students in the fall. photo courtesy of Anthony Tosie
Community KEEP YOUR SAFE
by Steve Gamel
You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who hasn’t heard of the National Neighborhood Watch Program. One of the oldest and most effective crime prevention programs in the country, a Neighborhood Watch is a collection of everyday citizens who keep an eye on things and work with local police to deter crime and keep their neighborhoods safer.
Thousands of registered watch groups across the country have that familiar white and blue sign with the slogan that says, “We look out for each other.” But if you’ve noticed, they aren’t in every single neighborhood locally.
If you’d like to start one for your neighborhood, you can visit www.nnw.org/ register-watch. In the meantime, there are still ways you can reduce crime, improve communication among neighbors, and be more prepared when emergencies strike — with or without a formal Neighborhood Watch Program. Here are just a few to help you get started.
GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS
We should all make it a point to get to know who is living next to us, even if they are six or seven houses down the road or on a nearby street. Does your neighbor have children? Where do they work? Are your neighbors older and need help every so often? Good neighbors who know each other communicate better, have ways to reach each other, are aware of each other’s tendencies (when people are at work, out of town, etc.), and can recognize suspicious behavior. Even if you don’t want to form an official watch group, knowing your neighbors keeps everyone in the know and concerns top of mind.
DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUR LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT
to protect and serve, but they can’t keep track of all potential safety issues if they aren’t aware of them. The police are more than willing to meet with you and the rest of your neighbors to answer questions and share their knowledge. They may even be willing to increase daily patrols if you stress the importance of keeping the neighborhood safe. Who knows, they may help you start a Neighborhood Watch Program.
KEEP YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD LOOKING ITS BEST
Neighborhoods with expensive homes and manicured lawns aren’t immune to crime. But keeping your lawn mowed, your vehicles and garage doors locked, and your property well-lit and cared for can keep suspicious activity to a minimum. The goal is to make things more difficult for criminals who may be looking for an easy score.
IMPROVE THE LIGHTING ON YOUR STREET
Speaking of well-lit areas, talk to your Homeowner’s Association, city officials, and neighbors about improving lighting in any areas that are sorely lacking. Your local police work hard every day
Encourage neighbors to turn their porch lights on in the evenings.
EVERY HOUSE SHOULD HAVE A SECURITY SYSTEM
One of the best ways to improve safety and decrease criminal activity in neighborhoods or communities that don’t have a dedicated Neighborhood Watch Program is to ensure every home has a security system and that it is being used regularly. Burglars are less likely to invade homes that are clearly protected by cameras and other security systems.
START A NEIGHBORHOOD SOCIAL MEDIA GROUP
Most neighborhoods and communities have a Facebook group such as Lantana Life or What’s Happening Lake Cities. If yours doesn’t have one, be proactive in creating one and inviting your neighbors to join. They are the perfect forum to ask for referrals, have critical discussions, and yes, prevent crime. Neighbors who are in the know are more likely to stay happy and safe. The problem with many of these sites is that they can fall victim to cycles of negativity. If someone asks a question about something they noticed or want to understand better, be a good neighbor and help them in a positive way.
