Argyle Living Magazine December 2016 by Murray Media Group

DECEMBER 2016

FATE Would Argyle - Canyon Falls - Harvest - Robson Ranch

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Argyle

SIGNING DAY 2016

BASKETBALL Vivian Gray Fort Lewis College Jocelyn Pierce Texas A&M-Commerce Madison Ralston Emporia State University

by Steve Gamel

here are two major college signing days each year, one in November and the other in February. In each case, Argyle High School never fails to produce a large number of quality athletes who end up signing the dotted line to extend their athletic careers.

The school held a ceremony for six athletes on Nov. 9, the first day of the early signing period. Of those six, two signed with Division I programs while another made a shocking announcement. That big announcement came from star basketball player Vivian Gray. The 6-foot-2-inch senior forward announced she was signing with Fort Lewis College, a Division II program in Durango, Colorado. Gray, one of the nation’s most coveted recruits, had offers from Texas, Baylor, Rice, Oklahoma State and others. She ultimately chose to be closer to her family. “It was mostly a family decision,” Gray said. “Fort Lewis is the place I felt the most comfortable with. My sister goes there and my family is out there a lot. It’s like a second home for me.” Gray was ranked as the No. 7 forward in the nation in her class by ESPN’s HoopGurlz at the time of her signing. Last year, she averaged 22.1 points and 7.6 rebounds while leading the Argyle girls basketball team to its second straight state title.

4 | ARGYLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2016

Gray wasn’t the only basketball

player to sign her letter of intent. She was joined by teammates Jocelyn Pierce and Madison Ralston. Pierce is on her way to Texas A&M-Commerce

while Ralston inked a deal with Emporia State University.

In volleyball, Halee Van Poppel and

Allison White were the lone Division

I signees that day. Van Poppel, a senior outside hitter, signed with

Division I Belmont. White, the team’s star middle blocker, signed with Texas Tech.

White and Van Poppel have been

key contributors for the Lady Eagles over the last three seasons. The team made the state tournament every year

in that stretch, winning it all in 2015. White joins former Argyle standouts Katy Keenan and Eighmy Dobbins at Tech.

They were joined by Maddie

DeGuire, who signed with Lubbock Christian. DeGuire is one of the

top liberos in the area and prior to this season was named MVP of the

Texas Girls Coaches Association All-Star game.

VOLLEYBALL Halee Van Poppel Belmont Allison White Texas Tech Maddie DeGuire Lubbock Christian

DECEMBER 2016 | ARGYLE LIVING | 5

Argyle Community Events Argyle ISD Events

Contents Table of

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Girls

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Girls on the Run is a national non-profit program for students in grades 3-5. Using a fun, experience-based curriculum, it teaches girls about the basics of running while instilling core values, building confidence, and learning teamwork. The program is a 10-week session held at Argyle Intermediate School. It is offered in spring and fall only and ends with a 5K run at Argyle and with all the DFW area GOTR councils.

photos courtesy of Tammy Tubbs DECEMBER 2016 | ARGYLE LIVING | 11

Getting

Holiday STRESS Under Control by Susan Neuhalfen

here are no two ways about it – the holidays cause stress for all of us in one form or another. In addition to our already overwhelming day-to-day lives, we have to do the holiday balancing act, scheduling parties and events, buying food and gifts and still managing the everyday things that are already enough to fill our days.

Signs that you have reached your limit this holiday season may include muscle tension, headaches, fatigue and depression. Jessica Burrows, MA, LPC, CFLE and Clinic Director of NextGen Counseling says “the first key to getting a grip on the holidays is to ask yourself why you are stressed”. “Everyone’s situation is different,” said Burrows. “Sometimes it’s family stress, sometimes it’s social stress and sometimes it’s something completely different. “ Burrows says it’s best to start by asking yourself why you are stressed. Write down everything that is causing the stress in a list. Oftentimes, we get flooded because we’re thinking about everything at the same time and it becomes overwhelming. Breaking it down one issue at a time helps us to solve each one on its own and take some of the stress away. Once you have the list, write down the actions you need to take to work through them. Then simply address them and mark them off. Don’t multi-task your problems. According to Burrows, the biggest complaint she hears during the holiday season is about family. Though many see family on a daily or

12 | ARGYLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2016

weekly basis, there are other family

members that aren’t regularly seen, except during the holidays. In addition, blending families is also a challenge, especially after divorce or loss.

“Usually we tuck our family drama under

the rug because we don’t see these relatives

and we can avoid it,” said Burrows. “You have to address these problems in order to get through the holidays.“

For many, the holidays also stir up painful

memories of loss. Though loss affects us all year around, during the holidays it seems especially

difficult. Whether it is due to death, divorce, or

estrangement, we must be cognizant that others are suffering.

“You have to remember that though the

holidays are a joyful time for many, for some they simply aren’t,” said Burrows. “We have to be sympathetic to that with others.”

There are also the financial and social pressures

of gifts, food, entertaining, decorations, eating out and more. Sometimes we get so caught up in the details, we forget what the season is really about.

Burrows says the good news is that there are solutions to these problems. Here is her advice for keeping the holidays in check and under control.

Stick with the Staples “First things first, keep it simple,” said Burrows. People go over the top for the holidays causing extra stress. Food, presents and decorations can all be simplified without unnecessary extravagance. Getting caught up in the holiday spirit can cause emotional decisions. Keep it simple. This isn’t a contest.

Budget & Plan

Budget for your food and remember that the basics are great for everyone. Make a list now and watch the circulars for coupons and sales.

Do a trial run on the table to make sure you have enough serving plates, utensils and hot pads.

Budget for your presents. Again, this isn’t a

competition. Keep it simple but memorable.

Delegate Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Having

everyone bring a dish not only takes stress off you, it gives your guests an opportunity

to introduce new dishes to the meal. Kids also love to be needed and try

new things (especially younger ones). Come together as a family and work together. Have a wrapping party with your spouse – kind of like a

date night. Also, have someone come in and clean (even if it’s just this one time) to help you prepare for your guests.

New Traditions One solution to family

issues, according to Burrows, is

to come up with new traditions.

Trying something new cannot

only break the ice with family members,

but it keeps others from “pining” for the old.

Here’s an example: instead of watching

movies or television, try playing a board game or dominoes or even a card game. Make sure

that the game is inclusive and it’s something that appeals to everyone. Even if someone isn’t participating as a player, it’s fun to watch the other players’ reactions. It’s a great way to have

“face time” with one another and create some great memories.

Take Time for Yourself Take a deep breath and make sure you take

care of yourself. If you’re not feeling your best, you’re already behind the eight ball when you get stressed. Exercise, mani-pedis and getting plenty

of sleep go a long way to helping you feel better. Finally, treat yourself but watch your diet. Don’t go crazy.

Burrows said that one thing that she urges

her patients to do is to embrace the moment

and use their senses. The smells, the sights, the conversations and singing—all of the things that

make up the holidays—take them in and make the most of the memories.

“Savor the moment,” said Burrows. “ You’ll

never get this time back, so make the most of it. “

DECEMBER 2016 | ARGYLE LIVING | 13

Sidelines

by Steve Gamel

EFFECTIVE RESUME 6 C Keys To An

rafting a standout resume is easier said than done. You could be a young person fresh out of college or a 30-year veteran with a seemingly unending list of accomplishments. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.

I did a quick non-scientific poll of the internet and it appears most employers and recruiters only spend roughly six seconds reviewing a single resume. Six seconds?! Let that sink in. It remains important to craft an amazing resume and to keep it up to date at all times. Because, you just never know. The emphasis should not only be on highlighting your educational and professional achievements, but doing so in a way that makes those six seconds count. One of the many things I do at Edit This is help business professionals craft their resume. I take pride in it because I know what it’s like to be on the job hunt. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, here are 6 tips to keep in mind: AVOID GRAMMATICAL ERRORS LIKE THE PLAGUE Just for grins, I went back and found my first resume. It was filled with so many punctuation mistakes and style errors that I wish I could travel back in time just to slap my younger self. Bottom line, no employer will take you seriously if your attention to detail is horrible. Read through what you have with a fine-toothed comb, paying

14 | ARGYLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2016

close attention to punctuation, spelling and even consistent formatting. Do that three or four times, then have someone you trust (preferably someone who has an eye for detail and isn’t afraid to hurt your feelings) read over it. Mistakes in a resume are bad, folks. CREATE A CLEAR HEADER Make sure your header has all the necessary contact information (your name and updated phone number, email, address, etc.) and that it’s properly centered all in one easy-to-find and prominent location at the top of the page. OWN YOUR SUMMARY STATEMENT There are recruiters and business professionals who don’t think having a summary statement near the top of your resume (before your employment experience section) is important. I couldn’t disagree more. In fact, I think a resume looks naked without one. Just keep it short and sweet – nothing more than 50-75 words. STAY ORGANIZED Make sure everything on your resume – specifically your work experience section – is clearly organized and includes names of previous employers, positions held, responsibilities/

duties, and key dates worked. Start with your

most recent job and work back in reverse order. Also, if you worked your way up the ladder at one company, it’s a good idea to take the time to detail out the different positions you held. AVOID GENERALITIES LIKE THE PLAGUE You want to make sure you are highlighting

your educational and professional achievements,

so make sure you are specific when you do that. Instead of saying, “responsible for increasing

business,” you should be saying, “Increased

sales revenue by 75% over a two-year span.” Be specific.

FORCE YOURSELF TO HAVE A CUTOFF POINT At some point you have to limit what you are

detailing out on your resume. A general rule of thumb is to keep your resume to a page to a page

and a half, including your education history, any certifications, and references. And I always say it’s good to provide specifics on up to 5-8 years

of work history. After that, if you want to include

the other companies you have worked for, create a

“Related Experience” section and simply include

the name of the company and last position held. Bottom line, it’s likely the person reading your resume will have a good understanding of what you can or can’t do for them after the first page. Until next time, I’ll see you on the sidelines.

Do You Know

Legal

WHEN YOU WILL DIE? T No, no one knows when it is their time. That is why you need a Will!

here are several key reasons why everyone needs a Will. The first of these is quite simply choice. Drafting and properly executing a Will gives you the power to choose who will receive your property when you pass away. You work hard during your lifetime to acquire financial wealth, a homestead, vehicles, or personal property, and therefore it should be you who decides how your assets will be distributed to your family, friends, charities, or other persons and entities when you pass away. Regardless of the size of your estate, a Will allows you to allocate your money and belongings as you see fit. It is also important to consider the alternative. If you do not choose for yourself “who gets what,” the State of Texas decides for you. Texas provides default laws that dictate how your probate assets will be distributed if you do not create a valid Will, and that default distribution scheme is sometimes counter intuitive and surprising. Drafting a Will allows you to select for yourself who gets‑and maybe more importantly, who “does not get” your property. Since you put in the effort to acquire assets during your lifetime, you should likewise put in the effort to decide who will inherit those assets at your death. A second key reason for creating a Will is to take advantage of the opportunity to appoint a guardian for your children. If you (and your spouse, if applicable) were to pass away while your children are under the age of 18, you‑not a court‑should appoint who will take care of those children. A properly drafted Will provides the peace of mind that comes with knowing your

children will be well cared‑for if the need for a guardian arises. Perhaps most importantly, creating a Will makes the handling of your affairs after your death significantly less burdensome and often less costly on your family. With a legally sound Will, probate can be handled quickly and effectively so that title to your property is changed to your loved ones very often with little complexity or delay. If you have a Will why should you update your Will? Just as one Will doesn’t fit all, your Will may no longer fit you as time passes. Be sure to periodically review your Will to ensure that it still conforms to your wishes and meets your financial planning needs as you get older. In general, you should review your estate plan every two to three years to ensure it still meets your needs. You should also review your Will upon any changes to the federal or state tax laws,

or if any significant change in your circumstances has occurred. For example, if you have changed your mind as to the disposition of your property or as to your appointed fiduciaries; if you have moved to a new state; you have acquired property in a different state; if you have gotten married or divorced; if there has been a death or a birth in your family; or you have experienced a substantial increase or decrease in assets, it’s time to call your estate planning attorney to review, and possibly revise, your estate planning documents. At the Law Office of Dale A. Burrows, P.C., we believe a strong Will ensures a lasting legacy. We turn your concerns into effective plans for the estate you wish to leave to your heirs. We are also able to review your documents, advise you on any significant changes in tax laws, and re‑evaluate your Will to make sure that, as your circumstances change, your estate plan continues to preserve your wishes. Call us today at 972.304.6000.

The information provided here in is given for general information only. The information presented should not be construed as legal advice or the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.

DECEMBER 2016 | ARGYLE LIVING | 15

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AS FATE

Would Have It A

fter spending his whole life at JT Clothiers, owner Jimmy Tritt was at a crossroads. The location that he had been leasing for 31 years was closing and he couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find just the right place to move his store.

20 | ARGYLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2016

photography by Scott Young Photography Sponsored Content

Then fate stepped in. The Ethan Allen store was closing after 54 years. Jimmy walked in and knew it was the perfect location. The Tritt family has a long background in the retail business in Denton, so he knew what a great opportunity it was not only to be on the Denton Square, but to be located in a building with such a rich history. When Jimmy Tritt’s parents opened JT Clothiers in 1970, they took a great deal of pride not only in the quality of clothing they carried, but in servicing their customers and the community. “Both of my parents are great role models; they built an incredible business from scratch,” said Jimmy. “Obviously their business model has worked well for many years. I’m now a proud owner of a family business going on almost 50 years. Jimmy’s parents opened the original JT Clothiers just off University Drive on Sunset St. as a men’s store. Fast-forward 10 years later, they expanded the store and added ladies clothing. Jimmy recalls that both he and his sister wore Ralph Lauren Polo from his parents’ store while they were in high school. Now he has a 16 year-old daughter that stops in to see all the new merchandise that has arrived in the store. Some of her favorite lines are Free People and Splendid. Jimmy still insists on the same high quality products that his parents did. Their goal has always been to carry contemporary and classic clothing for women and men. JT Clothiers

carries custom suits, sport coats and dress shirts. Some of the lines for men are Robert Talbott, Peter Millar, Robert Graham and Jack Victor. The ladies have a variety of choices like Johnny Was, Eileen Fisher and Bella Dahl. For both women and men there is AG Denim and Patagonia. JT Clothiers is always on the search for emerging designers. Jimmy has always felt that part of the role of a specialty boutique is to educate their customers on fashion and move them forward in a comfortable way. They also make an extra effort to take very good care of their customers, just like his parents did. “We’re a full service boutique for ladies and men,” said Jimmy. “We make every effort to know our customers and their specific needs and wants when it comes to clothing and accessories.” Jimmy believes wholeheartedly that the general public wants customer service again. He went on to say that customers don’t want to get lost in big box stores; they want their shopping experience to be unique and memorable. People have been coming back to JT Clothiers since Jimmy was a kid because of that level of personalized service and quality. The new store on the Denton Square has offered the opportunity for them to broaden their product lines. They are selling more unique items including baby gifts, decorative candles, grooming products for ladies and men and even items for pets. Also walking around the store you will discover one-of-a-kind accessories including a great selection of cufflinks for men, some vintage

“We’re a full service boutique for ladies and men,” said Jimmy.

and others designed exclusively for JT’s. The

ladies side offers a vast selection of jewelry from talented Texas designers.

Jimmy also feels fortunate to have had the

opportunity to find such a such a great location on the Denton Square.

“We feel more a part of the community here

on the Denton Square, more connected to the

city,” said Jimmy. “After being in the Southridge Village Shopping Center for 31 years, we are

excited about contributing to the energy that already exists on the downtown square.”

Their new building is over 100 years old and

is surrounded by windows with the original

snowflake glass. The floor is the original concrete

and the ceiling is the original tin pattern ceiling. The Tritts made every effort to maintain the

historical value that is consistent with the square. They hired Key Custom homes to bring their

vision to life. One of Jimmy’s favorite things in

the store is the Chicago brick which gives the store its classic feel.

“It’s the perfect fit for us,” said Jimmy. “It’s a

great new look and the new clientele visiting the

store represents a new generation of shoppers for JT Clothiers.”

940.387.0761 | www.jtclothiers.com | 200 W. Oak St., Denton, TX 76201 DECEMBER 2016 | ARGYLE LIVING | 21

Gardening

DON’T

WINTERTIME

Forget Your by PJ Kratohvil of Complete Solutions completesolutionsdfw.com

his time of year always seems like it’s one of the busiest as we move through the

holiday season and towards the end of the year. Remodels that need to get wrapped up before

guests arrive, long lists of Christmas lighting

to install, patio builds to get finished, customer staging, shopping to wrap up and a laundry list

of office items are just a few of the things that

we need to get taken care of before 2017 arrives. As you’re preparing for Christmas and your

own end-of-year deadlines, don’t forget to

22 | ARGYLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2016

get outside and take care of some wintertime

exposure and look for areas where water is either

an ideal time to get them limbed up and thinned

get drainage work done now that the grass is

maintenance. As the trees are losing leaves it’s

out. Along with helping to strengthen the tree, trimming will allow more sunlight to your shady turf areas, thickening them

up come spring, slowing the soil erosion

and keeping your lawn looking healthier.

Out in the Lantana and Argyle areas we’ve

eroding or pooling up. Winter is a great time to

so short and everyone can see exactly how the ground lays out. French drains along with

downspout/gutter drains are a great way

to help dry out around your property. Eliminating mosquito breeding grounds,

foundation issues and muddy backyards

noticed what seems to be an increase in mice and

should all be high on our homeowner to-do-lists

the house could also eliminate one of their routes

We hope everyone has a great Christmas

squirrels this year so getting those limbs back off

ensuring year ‘round use of our outdoor spaces.

back inside.

season and doesn’t get too overwhelmed by

year should be happening here in the next week

family and friends and invest your time in what

As the last lawn cuttings (scalpings) of the

or so if not already, take advantage of the ground

one thing or another. Enjoy the time with your really matters.

DECEMBER 2016 | ARGYLE LIVING | 23

Liberty Christian Students

Celebrate

a Lifelong Friendship by Susan Neuhalfen

ydney Ruocco is one remarkable young lady. A 7th grader at Liberty Christian, she met her best friend in pre-K and they were as thick as thieves. One day Sydney got an infraction at school on purpose just so her friend would not have to sit at the lunch table alone. This is the kind of friendship they shared.

“I remember watching the girls walk together from a party and thinking to myself these girls will be friends forever,” said Sydney’s mother Michelle. “ I did not know that forever was going to get a lot shorter.” Sydney’s best friend Tita, also a student at Liberty Christian, and Tita’s mother were killed in an car accident on April 9 of this year and since that time Sydney has been working through the unimaginable. Every milestone in her life had always included Tita. When it came time for

Sydney’s 13th birthday party, she and her mom

talked about skipping it altogether or going away to celebrate. It was too painful for Sydney

to have a party and not have Tita there. That void would never be filled.

Michelle and Sydney prayed about it and

decided that rather than mourn Tita’s absence, they would celebrate her and her mother. They decided to have a huge party at the Lantana

Golf Club, complete with balloons, a DJ, photo booth, dancing and costumes.

They invited close friends and the entire

Liberty Christian 7th grade class. In lieu of

gifts, Sydney asked invitees to donate

funds to build a prayer garden at Liberty Christian in memory

of Tita and her mom, Emma. They also asked for donations for

scholarship

established in Tita’s name.

Together with their friends

from Liberty Christian they

raised over $3600.

“It was wonderful to see kids celebrate

Sydney and honor Tita all at once,” said

photos courtesy of Michelle Ruocco 24 | ARGYLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2016

Michelle. “We were thrilled that James and Jimmy Shaffer (Tita’s dad and brother) could join us.” They are planning to give two $1,000 scholarships per year in Tita’s name to graduates of Liberty Christian who display, what they call, a servant’s heart. Teachers will nominate the students. So far, the scholarships will be awarded every year through not only what would have been Tita’s graduation, but her little brother Jimmy’s graduation as well. As for the prayer garden, it will be tied to the worship center and fine arts center once the remodeling and expanding phases are complete at Liberty Christian. The accident that killed Emma and Tita Shaffer was determined to be the result of another driver texting and driving. As a result, #TextfreeforTita has become an initiative put forward by James Shaffer and Champion Cheer to pressure lawmakers to ban the use of hand held electronics while driving. Michelle says there are a few things that citizens can do to help: 1) Sign the petition put forward by Champion Cheer to ban the use of hand held electronics while driving in Texas. 2) Contact Texas House of Representative Tan Parker’s office as well as Texas State Senator Jane Nelson in Flower Mound and urge them to make passing this law on a state level a priority. 3) The final thing that Ruocco urges families to do is to simply put down their phones while driving. “TextfreeforTita is something we are all passionate about,” said Michelle. “We want to make sure no one suffers a loss like the Shaffer family, the Liberty Christian family, her teammates at Champion Cheer and all of Tita’s friends.” For those who are interested in donating, please email Michelle Ruocco at Milata@gmail.com.

DECEMBER 2016 | ARGYLE LIVING | 25

Snow Fall Winter Ball Coming to Argyle Save the date for the first annual Snow Fall Winter Ball dance which will be held for all Pre-K through 6th grade students and their parents at Argyle Middle School. The dances all be on the following dates: Saturday, January 7th for Mothers and Sons Friday, March 3rd for Fathers and Daughters

Argyle Middle School Band Dominates in Region Competition The students at Argyle Middle School had an impressive showing at the ATSSB Region 2 auditions for the All-Region Band. Out of the 96 spots available, AMS had 36 students make the band and 7 alternates, making up 38% of the band, double that of any other school in the area. Additionally, the earned 6 of the 14 available first chairs. “This is an outstanding accomplishment and is a testament to their hard work and long-term dedication to a goal,” said Evan Fletcher, Director of Bands for AMS. “This is the highest individual honor your students can achieve.” The Region Band Clinic/Concert will be January 13-14 at Argyle High School. The students will learn an entire concert in a day and a half and will then hold a performance at Argyle High School.

Grease Coming to AHS The original high school musical Grease! will be performed at Argyle High School on January 19-21. The Argyle cast will host three performances with Katie Haynes starring as Sandy while Alex Peters will play the part of Danny Zuko. All performances will be at the Argyle High School Auditorium, 191 U.S. 377 in Argyle. Tickets range from $5-$12 and may be purchased at www. eventbrite.com.

AHS Band Members to Make Up 35% of Region 2 ATSSB Band The Argyle Eagle High School Band participated in Region 2 ATSSB Region Band auditions. Out of 69 Argyle band students who

26 | ARGYLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2016

auditioned, 48 made the region band and 26 qualified for the Area level of competition. Area auditions will be held on January 7th in Argyle and will determine the students who will participate at the state level. 26 Area qualifiers is a new Argyle record. In comparison to the other schools that auditioned, Argyle had 27 more students make the region band than the next highest competitor and had 21 more area qualifiers than the next highest competitor.

Liberty Christian Students Triumph at The University of Oklahoma’s Annual Math Day Liberty Christian took first place in nearly every event at the University of Oklahoma’s Math Day competition held in mid November. Twenty-three students from Liberty Christian competed against more than 40 high schools and 500 students. Events included geometry, trigonometry, algebra I, and

algebra II, as well as a Math Bowl, in which six teams from Liberty competed. David Qian took first place in algebra I, Guanhua Tao took first place in algebra II, and Aimee Gao took first place in geometry. In addition to immense success in individual events, Liberty students placed second overall in the annual OU Math Bowl. Two groups from Liberty made it to the final round, including self-named teams “League of Seventeen” and “Pascal’s Gals.” “I was so incredibly proud of how our students worked together and encouraged one another,” said math department chair Cynthia Vick. “They swept the competition and represented Liberty well.”

DECEMBER 2016 | ARGYLE LIVING | 27

28 | ARGYLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2016

Liberty Christian Girls Basketball:

A NEW

BEGINNING by Steve Gamel

Liberty was No. 1 in the large private schools

state poll all last year, and last year’s state tournament appearance marked the program’s eighth trip to state in 10 years. In fact, the

only year Liberty did not advance to the state tournament with its big foursome leading the charge was in 2014. Prior to winning the last

two state crowns, the Lady Warriors’ last title was in 2011.

That’s a lot to lose all at once, but it’s not

like Liberty is starting completely from scratch, either. Many of the girls that make up this year’s team have varsity experience, including seniors Tatum Barber and Addisyn Goodson, and juniors Kennedy Irwin and Sawyer Weed.

Barber scored a combined 20 points in

Liberty’s two state tournament games last year, including 13 points in its 62-51 semifinal win

iberty Christian girls basketball coach Ken Burroughs has had to retool his roster plenty of times over the years. And while Burroughs will never admit it, it’s safe to say he made it look easy. Five state titles in 10 years – including

back-to-back crowns in 2015 and 2016 – is proof of that.

This year may be his biggest challenge, though.

Burroughs, 63, said goodbye to four Division I

recruits following last season’s 48-43 win over

Plano Prestonwood in the TAPPS 5A state final. All four seniors were four-year varsity starters and a big reason for Liberty’s success.

Never has Liberty lost so much

at once, leaving an inexperienced group to mold into champions.

“We graduated all those girls,

and they were a blessing while

they were here,” Burroughs said. “On paper, we’re

not what we were. But that doesn’t mean we can’t win in a different way.”

He admits it will be different, though.

Liberty’s success in recent years has been

predicated on the foursome of Sydney Goodson (Arizona State), twin sisters Rebekah and

Hannah Hand (Marist), and Kendall Ellig (Rice). Liberty also had a deep bench with plenty

of talent, but it was obvious the longstanding championship expectations of the program rested on the big foursome.

over Tomball Concordia Lutheran.

New additions include point guard Brooke

Lay, 6-foot-5-inch post player Bailey Lewis and sophomore guard Payton Oltrogge.

The interesting part, Burroughs said, will

be seeing how these girls react in bigger roles. The season is already underway and the heart

of the district schedule is still in front of them. Burroughs said the only way to manage those

championship expectations is to realize this team must make its own mark, and take things one game at a time.

“We can only take it game by game and see

where we are in the end,” Burroughs said. “It’s a great group of girls and they work extremely

hard. Is the talent the same? No. But the work level can be. And if that happens, you just never know. It’s a new beginning, that’s all.”

DECEMBER 2016 | ARGYLE LIVING | 29

30 | ARGYLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2016

Doug’s Country Market Every Wednesday And Saturday At Bartonville Town Center Pledge to eat better and head to the farmers’ market going on every Wednesday and Saturday from 8am until sellout at Bartonville Town Center, 2652 FM 407. Doug has all kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables, canned goods, jams and relishes (perfect for gifts), homemade breads, grass fed butter, grass fed beef, homemade tortilla chips and tamales and lots more. You can even order ahead by going to http://www.dougscountrymarket.com/place-anorder/. Join their Facebook page to keep up on the latest at Doug’s Country Market.

KAB Wants Your Writing Instruments Keep Argyle Beautiful is collecting all plastic enclosed writing utensils that have broken or are no longer usable. They collect pens, mechanical pencils, sharpies, markers and any other writing instrument enclosed in plastic in order to recycle them. Baskets have been placed in every school office in Argyle. Let’s Keep Argyle Beautiful and make it a point to drop off all used pens, markers and mechanical pencils at the schools or other events where Keep Argyle Beautiful is represented.

The First Lions Country 5K Happening On December 18 In Bartonville More than 200 local runners and their families are expected to converge on the Bartonville Town Center for the inaugural Lions Country 5K and Mile Fun Run happening on Sunday, December

18 at 8am. The course will take runners through beautiful Saddlebrook Estates, a part of Bartonville’s scenic horse country atmosphere. Parking, morning race registration and award presentations will take place at the Bartonville Town Center. The race will feature electronic timing, premium finisher’s shirts, top finisher awards by age group and gender, cash prizes for local schools and a 1 mile fun run for children and families. Sign up at http://thedriven.net/lionscountry5k or on race day morning beginning at 6:30am at the Lions Club tent in the Bartonville Town Center, 2650 FM 407.

Argyle United Methodist Church Offers Small Group For Blended Families Many in the area are facing the challenges of blending families and that is why AUMC’s began a Blended Families Small Group in April of 2016. Families attending have found themselves at ease discussing their situations and various challenges they face in their new families. The family Bible studies are designed to help families grow together and for the group to be there to support one another. Although the group is primary blended families, single parents who may be considering dating again or even getting married again, are also welcome.

Mother/Son Valentine Dance February 11 The Argyle Lions Club is sponsoring the Mother/Son Valentine’s Day Dinner Dance at the Denton Country Club, Saturday, February 11 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. The celebration is open to “school age” boys; no minimum or maximum age is set. Mothers & “mother-like” figures are invited. They will be serving a buffet dinner followed by dancing with a DJ providing the music. Tickets will be sold online at argylelionsclub. com at a cost of $40 per person. Tables of 10 may also be reserved & purchased. Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor for this event should contact the Argyle Lions Club. DECEMBER 2016 | ARGYLE LIVING | 31

Christmas Traditions K

CONTINUE IN ARGYLE

eep Argyle Beautiful Sponsors Another Successful Tree Lighting in Argyle.

Despite the rain, hundreds came out to see the Argyle Christmas Tree

Lighting and Festival presented at Argyle City Hall.

In council chambers, the festival included the 3rd annual Festival of Trees,

where trees and wreaths were decorated by local citizens and businesses that

were then raffled and auctioned off, with all proceeds going to benefit Ranch Hand Rescue.

The most popular children’s activity was the Elf on the Shelf Hunt,

with children frantically searching for all 5 elves. Many found the one atop

of the Christmas tree and the one in the pancake mix box as well as other fun locations.

by Susan Neuhalfen

The trees included one designed by Northstar Bank, which was an

Argyle snowman with every ornament on the tree being homemade. B&L

also designed an outdoor adventure tree, complete with feathers and other

outdoorsy-themed ornaments.

There was no end to the giving, either. CCL Angel Tree tags were hung from

the indoor tree to help the local children. The Argyle Food bank received food

that was collected at the event and VRC had some employees collecting for their annual toy drive.

Music for the ceremony was provided by the Argyle Middle School and

High School Choruses, Argyle Graduate and The Voice contestant AJ Fine, Liberty Christian Upper School Choir, the Garrett Heyns Band and The Well

“That’s probably the most popular activity for the kids,” said Kathy Salisbury

Church Band.

Other activities for kids included pictures with Santa and his four

the Night Before Christmas. New this year, however, was an appearance by the

decorating and face painting. 12 craft vendors set up their wares

Sponsored by PointBank, the Tree Lighting Ceremony was spectacular,

of Keep Argyle Beautiful. “We really kept them busy. They had a lot of fun.”

elves sponsored by the Argyle Lions Club, scavenger bingo, ornament

for Christmas gifts, including Argyle resident and author Lynne

Sheffield Simmons who was also signing her children’s book she wrote

for Christmas.

All of the food was provided by Argyle resident vendors including the

Chick-Fil-A 407 Flower Mound location, owned by Argyle residents Kenny

& Suzie Arthur, Smoking’ Horns BBQ owned by another Argyle resident, and Heavenly Taylor Sweets located in Argyle. The Well provided hot cocoa for everyone.

As it is every year, one citizen dressed up as Charles Dickens and read ‘Twas

Grinch himself to read How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss.

however, the town seems to be outgrowing their little area around Argyle City Hall.

“We are very grateful to Argyle for letting us have the event at City Hall,

but we might need to find someplace with some more room next year,” said Salisbury. “Parking is becoming a challenge.”

The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Festival is sponsored

by Keep Argyle Beautiful who is always looking for more volunteers

The trees and wreaths donated were one-of-a-kind. Dr. Matt Artho of

to keep up with their fun schedule. For more information, to go

Lightning Protection donated two other wreaths. One wreath, themed

“Argyle is growing so quickly and we’d love to see more people involved,” said

Country Lakes Dental provided six wreaths decorated by his staff. Bonded

www.keepargylebeautiful.com or their Facebook page.

Children’s Christmas, was decorated by the kids at Argyle Intermediate School

Salisbury. “It is the perfect hometown Christmas celebration, bringing smiles &

using their school colors.

32 | ARGYLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2016

good memories from year to year.”

photos courtesy of Craig Bubeck

DECEMBER 2016 | ARGYLE LIVING | 33

Nutrition

Dear

Annette, During the darker days of fall I start to feel a little down. Does food affect my mood to help me feel better?

STEPS TOWARD A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE WOULD INCLUDE: EXERCISE

Dear Reader:

That answer is a resounding yes! Based on research from numerous studies, diets high in sugar and processed foods which are high in hydrogenated fats can contribute to low energy and depression. Check out www.mybrainfitlife.com for a review of many of these studies and some great strategies for a healthy brain. www.rebeccakatz.com is also a great source for brain healthy food. Food is medicine and can certainly alter how you feel. The good news is you can create an optimal diet and lifestyle for feeling great. An optimal diet would consist of the following: • High volume of plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and beans • High omega 3 fats, such as olive oils, avocados, nuts, seeds and oily fish • Complex carbohydrates such as brown rice, quinoa and buckwheat • Proteins from nuts, seeds, tofu, fish, poultry and beef. Grass fed animal sources of proteins are lower in saturated fats. • The odd treat from unrefined sugars like maple syrup, local honey or dark chocolate According to functional medicine properties any food or action that promotes good gut biome will also promote mental function and improve mood. Studies show the following list of foods may enhance mood:

Almonds

Coconut Milk

Olive Oil

Pumpkin Seeds

Avocado

Quinoa

Bell Peppers

Turkey

Cherries

Yogurt

Sincerely yours, Annette Doody, Savory Bistro Owner & Wellness Coach 34 | ARGYLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2016

As our fall schedule gets busier, stress is a factor in feeling a little down. Arm yourself with a healthy clean diet and some self-care lifestyle practices like yoga to help you feel a little better. If you experience serious depression that keeps you from functioning normally in your daily life it is important to visit your family doctor or mental health professional.

Eat well to live well!

DEEP BREATHING EXERCISES

CLEAR UP CLUTTER AND UNFINISHED PROJECTS

SLEEP MEDITATION

Real Estate

NEW YEAR, NEW RESOLUTIONS FOR HOMEOWNERS SET YOUR BUDGET There’s no better way to prevent overspending on maintenance and home improvements than creating a clear yearly budget. Having a budget in place will encourage you to set aside some funds for major replacements (like kitchen appliances and roofing) that tend to come up every few years, instead of needlessly spending it and wondering where it all went.

UPDATE YOUR QUOTES Your insurance renews every year, so it might not be something you think about too often but getting an updated quote for homeowner’s insurance is always a good idea. You may be eligible for discounts that weren’t available when you initially applied. Don’t be afraid to call your agent and see if you can cut down your yearly installment or shop around to see what your other options are.

GO FOR FIT & FUNCTION Ringing in a New Year tends to energize folks

to start focusing on fitness, and that’s great!

But why not work some home maintenance or

improvement projects into your workout plan?

Interior painting burns 136 calories per hour, while mowing the lawn burns 306 calories per

hour. Burning calories while keeping your home in great shape is a major win-win.

GET REASSESSED

ORGANIZE YOUR SOCKS OFF No more excuses - say goodbye to the clutter! Try instituting a new policy: for every new item (scarf, slippers or t-shirt) you receive, three things have to get the ol’ heave-ho. Make it your mission to declutter, organize and downsize in an effort to create a neater, cleaner and less stressed home. Once you focus on the things you need, and cut-out everything else, you’ll be well on your way to a simpler, happier environment. Your shelves and closets may even thank you.

Homes generally get reassessed by the county

for tax purposes every few years. That means

your assessed property value might be higher

than your current market value which means you

could be paying too much in taxes and not even know it. When you’re ready to review your tax assessment and property value, a local RE/MAX

by Cassandra Homer, The Homer Group 940.584.0800 • TheHomerGroupTX.com

Elite Agent can help.

DECEMBER 2016 | ARGYLE LIVING | 35

DIVORCE, VISITATION and the

HOLIDAYS: A FEW TIPS by Charla Bradshaw, KoonsFuller Family Law

hroughout the 23 years I’ve been practicing family law, I’ve learned from some of the top mental health professionals in the country on how to help guide families through family law cases. This is especially helpful when it comes to the hot-button topic of divorce, visitation and the holidays. Whether the issues stem from divorce, paternity, modification, or third party cases (such as grandparent cases), a lot has been written about this topic…some practical, some impractical. My hope is that this article gives parents, grandparents and extended family some of the more practical tips I’ve learned. Hopefully, it will help make the holidays more enjoyable and comfortable for both the adults and the children.

Family Traditions are Important

Coordination is Key

The golden rule is that families must be willing to accept how important it is for children to participate in family holidays and traditions. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the child to agree to a family court order that provides a visitation schedule to these events. Think of it this way: if some or all family members cannot agree on a holiday visitation schedule for the child, they are not considering the decision in the child’s best interest.

In an effort to make the holidays more successful and stress-free for the child, it is good idea to coordinate and plan the holidays in advance, informing the child of the plans ahead of time. The “unknown” is as stressful to children as it is for adults. It is much better for a child to have enough time to deal with their feelings and ask questions before the events, rather than being taken by surprise. The more details a child is given–who they will see, where they will go, how long they will be there–the better.

Beware of Bitterness

36 | ARGYLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2016

The Gift of Attention A gift all family members can give a child at the holidays is to give them their undivided, nonjudgmental attention when the child needs

feelings, whether of joy or sadness, and listen without judgment. Let’s face it: during the

holidays, stress runs high for adults. For children, who’ve yet to fully learn how to deal with it, stress can be especially tough to manage. The adult should accept the reality of where the child

is at the moment. Sometimes that means just being there and listening, helping the child cope through the situation.

Try to not let the holidays become painful for

you and your children…the result can lead to distain and contempt, instead of joy and giving

in years to come. Observe family traditions, keep

bitterness in check, coordinate and pay attention. Lastly, from myself, and all of us at KoonsFuller, Happy Holidays!

www.koonsfuller.com Denton

320 West Eagle Dr., Suite 200 • Denton, TX 76201 (940) 442.6677 • (940) 442.6671 fax Principal Office in Dallas