FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021-THE PET & PATIO ISSUE
INTERVIEWwith
DR. DREW
SANDERSON www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID LEWISVILLE, TX PERMIT NO. 977
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TABLE OF
Contents
ASK THE EXPERTS
17 Edit This with Steve Gamel 25 Dentistry with Country Lakes Family Dental
34 Home Decorating with POSH Home Staging
43 Organizing with Cloud Nine Organizing
47 Travel with Terri Guthrie FLOWER MOUND PHOTO PAGES
19 Resident Photos 58 Resident Photos ARTICLES
20 Volunteer With The Medical Reserve Corps
22 7 Tips To Train Your New Puppy 26 2020 Outstanding Citizen of the Year
28 10 Pet Friendly Outdoor Patios 30 Sheriff’s Corner with Sheriff Tracy Murphree
31 Kid Jokes About Pets 36 Nothing Stops a Girl Scout 38 We Are Not Safe Yet! 40 Marcus High School’s Teacher Of The Year
04 Why You Should Volunteer
44 Staying Connected Virtually
08 10 Best Dog Parks
48 Taste Of Italy Without
10 Ready to Lead - Derek France 11 Scholarship Alert - Women of Flower Mound
12 Inside Community & Education 14 Murray Media Group Furry Family
16 Kid Jokes About Pets 18 AJ Robbins Giving A Helping Hand www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com
The Airfare
50 Tasty Treat Recipes 52 Flower Mound High School Principal Continues To Fight COVID-19
54 Dog Adoption Special 55 5 Things To Do
PAGE
32
INTERVIEW with
DR. DREW
SANDERSON Cover Image The Flower Mound Plastic Surgery and Live Young Wellness Spa Team
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Publisher of Murray Media Group, kelly@murray-media.com
Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray
Administration
Love of PETS The
Even If They Get Me In Trouble
T
he winter season is upon us! For some, it brings crisp walks outside, for others it means the opportunity to curl up with a good book and a cozy fire. Either way, it’s a wonderful time of year to celebrate family in all its forms, pets included, and for me that’s exactly what my dogs and cat are - family. So for all you pet lovers out there welcome to our pet issue where we celebrate the relationship between us and our furry friends. If you know me, you know that I am a big fan of quotes. I love how a few short words can uplift me and really change my mood. So in the spirit of sharing, here is one of my favorite pet quotes: “God couldn’t be physically with us so he gave us dogs... And notice, dog spelt backwards is god and they both show unconditional love!“ - Unknown In this issue, you’ll find all sorts of articles on pets, from how to avoid poisons to combating allergies. You may even find a few cute photos. Speaking of photos, send us your favorite pet photos by email or through social media. You never know when we might publish stuff like that.
Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors Bobbi Byrne Alisha Tran
Writers & Editor
Steve Gamel, Diane Ciarloni, Jean Eisenmann, Jade Kensington, Caylie Howard
Advertising Inquiries
sales@murray-media.com
Production
Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Alyson Modene Cayla Thompson Fernando Gomez
Photography
Miranda Longoria Photography Your Candid Memories Photography What’s That Guy’s Name? Guy T Photography
Letters
Flower Mound Town Life invites reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments. Email artwork@murray-media.com. All submissions become the sole property of Murray Media Group.
Editorial Inquiries Call 972.899.3637 or email editor@murray-media.com www.Murray-Media.com Address: 3513 Yucca Dr., Ste. 200 Flower Mound, TX 75028 Flower Mound Town Life is published monthly by Murray Media Group. Some articles and/or content may be sponsored by advertisers. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. Flower Mound Town Life is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Advertisers and its agencies assume all liability for advertising content. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission in writing from the publisher. © 2021 Murray Media Group
Don’t forget, if you have a great story idea, please email us at Editor@murray-media.com, as we LOVE getting ideas from our readers. Thanks for reading, and enjoy this month’s issue!
Sincerely, Kelly Murray 6 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | FEBRUARY 2021
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BEST
DOG PARKS
1. THE SHACKS 5800 Windhaven Pkwy. • The Colony, TX 75056 | ShacksAustinRanch.com | 7am - 10pm The Shacks is not only a dog park but also six small restaurants connected by one large patio. It’s the perfect place to spend the day with your furry friend at the one-acre dog park before grabbing some delicious food at one of the restaurants. 2. FREEDOM DOG PARK 267 Trophy Park Dr. • Trophy Club, TX 76262 | 6am - 8pm | Closed on Thurs Freedom Dog Park is an 8.3-acre park with wooded areas for shade, doggy water fountains, washing areas, separate areas for large and small dogs, and seating areas to socialize while your dog does some socializing of its own.
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3. WIGGLY FIELD DOG PARK
1760 E. Ryan Rd. • Denton, TX 76210 | Mon-Fri 6am - 7:45pm | Wed 6am - 8pm Wiggly Field Dog Park has three different areas for small, medium, and large dogs –
providing a perfect spot for every pup. The park includes water fountains, benches, and plenty of shade! It’s located in Lake Forest Park surrounded by ponds and trails. 4. HOUND MOUND DOG PARK
1202 Garden Ridge Blvd. • Flower Mound, TX 75028 | 7am - Dusk | Closed on Wed Hound Mound Dog Park is a 5-acre park that provides two separate sections for small and large dogs. The park has a hybrid Bermuda turf, trees for shade, seating, water fountains, and pet waste stations to keep the area clean. 5. K-9 KASTLE
2200 Briarhill Blvd. • Highland Village, TX 75077 | 6am - 11pm | Closed on Thurs K-9 Kastle is located at Unity Park and is 1.5 acres with shaded areas for seating. There are two different areas for large and small dogs, and it is well-maintained
with porta-potties close by so that you can let your dog spend even more time with furry friends.
6. NORTH LAKES DOG PARK
808 W. Windsor Dr. • Denton, TX 76207 | 7am - 10am The North Lakes Dog Park is a 6.35-acre park that has three separate play areas for
small, medium, and large dogs, plus a flexible area to practice agility and obedience. There are shade structures with seating for you and water fountains for your pup. 7. ROSEMEADE DOG PARK
1330 E. Rosemeade Pkwy. • Carrollton, TX 75007 | 6:30am - 10pm | Thurs 10am - 10pm Rosemeade Dog Park is a smaller, cozier park that is 45,000 square feet. Although it’s
smaller, it still has all the works with plenty of seating, shaded areas, different sections for large and small dogs, and doggy water fountains.
9. TOYOTA OF LEWISVILLE RAILROAD PARK 1301 S. Railroad St. • Lewisville, TX 75057 8am - 10pm, closed on Thurs This dog park is one of the largest at six acres – one acre designated for small dogs, and five acres for large dogs. The park provides covered seating, wash stations if your dog gets dirty, and water fountains for both people and dogs. 10. PAWSOME PLAYGROUND DOG PARK 4800 E. Lake Highlands Dr. The Colony, TX 75056 7am - 9pm | Thurs 3pm - 9pm
shade and seating. The historic silos serve as a unique entry to the small dog area.
This dog park consists of a 0.85-acre area for small dogs and a 2.1-acre area for large dogs. It has the usual water fountains and shaded seating, but what makes this park stand out are the events they hold, like the Canine Costume Party for Halloween.
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8. CANYON FALLS DOG PARK
555 Westbridge Dr. • Northlake, TX 76262 | Open 24 hours Canyon Falls Pooch Park and Hay Barn is a unique spot that combines a dog park with a community gathering area. It provides two separate spots for large and small dogs with
READY TO Derek France
M
by Derek France | photo courtesy of Derek France
y name is Derek France, and I’m announcing my candidacy for Flower Mound Town Mayor. I am excited to begin our campaign and get out to meet even more residents of this great Town of ours. Through hard work and dedication, we hope to earn your vote in May. My wife Amanda and I have been married for 23 years. We have been blessed to live in Flower Mound for the past 10 years with our three children. Our son is an active-duty US Marine, our oldest daughter attends school in College Station, and our youngest daughter will graduate in May and then join her sister in Aggieland this fall.
I have worked as an entrepreneur and senior executive in the defense and government services sector for more than 20 years. After leaving a successful law enforcement career and having completed several years in the defense contracting industry, my wife and I founded Cross Timbers Consulting Group (CTCG) where I have served as its President and CEO since 2017. As a small business owner, I know what it takes to keep up with a payroll, accommodate customers, and make ends meet. Through hard work and dedication to moral principles, I will not be swayed by the power brokers or any other unethical influences often found in politics. Our Town and its residents will always come first. I am passionate about giving back to our community through philanthropy and volunteering. I currently serve on the Town’s Veterans Liaison Board and Animal Services Committee, and have also volunteered my time and expertise to the Lewisville ISD Education Foundation (LEF) when needed.
photographed above is Derek France 10 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | FEBRUARY 2021
I am an active member of the Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce and
other professional organizations such as the International Stability Operations Association (ISOA), National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), and the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA). I am proud to serve our Town and continue to be an advocate for its success and prosperous future. Flower Mound needs true, fiscal conservative leaders in our Town, this is one of the many reasons I am running for Mayor. As more and more folks move to Flower Mound, and as our town grows, we need to be vigilant in protecting and preserving the very things that make our town special. We need to maintain our Flower Mound way of life. We must act now to keep Flower Mound great. We will soon start hosting Meet the Candidate functions, including “Dinner with Derek”. We’ll be out and about in the Town often over the next few months and look forward to meeting and speaking with you. During this local election cycle, I hope to win your trust, confidence, and eventually your vote. While there are no simple or easy answers, together we can accomplish great things! I am already overwhelmed and grateful for all the support from friends and the community. Our team and I will be going door-to-door, and I look forward to meeting even more of our wonderful citizens and discuss the issues you care about. If you want to volunteer or support the campaign, please reach out to us at Derek@DerekFrance.com. Thank you again to everyone who has encouraged me, supported me, and prayed for me and my campaign, we can Do This Together! Be sure to keep up to date with our campaign and events by liking and following our official Page and website at www.facebook.com/ DerekFranceForMayor or www.DerekFrance.com, and our new Instagram @DerekFrance20. www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com
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INSIDE COMMUNITY CHRISTY’S CAKE SHOP NOW OPEN Christy’s Cake Shop is NOW OPEN in Flower Mound. If you are looking for something sweet to help you avoid the winter blue’s then Christy’s Cake Shop is just what you need. Offering cakes available for walk-in customers and pre-ordered custom cakes for special occasions. They offer several cake flavors, including classic butter cake, tres leches, dulce de leche, red velvet, chocolate, carrot and more, plus cookies and seasonal baked goods! photo courtesy of Christy’s Cake Shop
PIGMENTS OF YOUR IMAGINATION Jan 8 - Feb 20 | ART House Gallery | 6100 Long Prairie Rd. Ste 800 • Flower Mound, TX ART House Gallery is pleased to announce the opening of the art exhibition and competition, Pigments of Your Imagination. This exhibit is free to the public and guaranteed to be a fun, family-friendly experience. Congratulations to all the winners and a special congrats to first place winner, Andy Hooker with his piece, Immersion. You can view all the winners’ art at the Pigments of Your Imaginations exhibit.
INSIDE EDUCATION
DOWNING MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER OF THE YEAR
MARCUS CHOIR Marcus High has four students selected to 2021 All-State Choirs! Those students include Cookie Ludwick, Tori Rees, Ria Chacko, and Troy Evans. Earning a spot in one of the AllState Choirs is a remarkable accomplishment. Great job Marcus Choir students!
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Congratulations to teacher Stacy Young of Downing Middle School who was named Teacher of the Year for 2020-2021. Stacy Young is a Social Studies teacher and is favored by many of her students and their parents, even years after they’re in her classroom. photo courtesy of Downing Middle School Facebook page
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BISTECCA COOKING CLASSES Chef Morris Salerno will be hosting cooking classes on the following Saturdays, February 27, and March 20 from 10am - 1pm! The classes will be $125 per person. Chef Morris Salerno will challenge you and share with you some amazing recipes to cook, taste and pair with wine. Call Stacey at 972.318.0515 or email at stacey@bisteccasteakhouse.com to book your spot. Space is limited. photo courtesy of Bistecca
CHICAGO TRIBUTE AUTHORITY TEXAS Feb. 27 | 9pm - 1am | Z Grill and Tap 2321 Cross Timbers Rd. • Flower Mound, TX Come over to Z Grill & Tap to listen and groove to great Chicago music by the one and only Chicago Tribute Authority Texas! All of that while enjoying some incredibly delicious food and drinks. This event will be featuring the new Linda Ronstadt tribute Silver Threads & Stone Ponies! photo courtesy of Chicago Tribute Authority Facebook page
LISD ANNOUNCES MLK JR. CONTEST The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay, Art and Photography Contest winners have been announced! The theme for this year’s virtual event was “A Beloved Community. Justice for All.” The winning art will be displayed at Medical City Lewisville Grand Theater until February 20th. Go to the LISD website for a full list of winners.
DRESSED TO LEARN Help Dressed to Learn collect new shoes for Lewisville ISD students in need! All sizes of shoes are needed from kids size 11 to adult size 12, boys, girls, women, and men. They are also in need of kids socks and underwear of all sizes. Collection goes until March 21st. Contact Erica Erlinger for drop-off locations and times at 817.507.5204 or dressedtolearn@lisdpta.org. logo courtesy of Dressed to Learn Facebook page
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Furry Family
“An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language.” – Martin Buber 14 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | FEBRUARY 2021
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“Pets have more love and compassion in them than most humans.” – Robert Wagner
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” – Anatole France
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Edit This: Ask The Expert
Blogs, Newsletters, Or Press Releases:
WHICH ONE DO
YOU NEED? by Steve Gamel, Owner of Edit This
T
hree popular content writing strategies that help small businesses stand out and reach their intended audience are blogs, newsletters, and press releases.
to anyone, and the more of them you write
•
Build relationships with clients
But which one do YOU need?
•
Drive traffic to your website
Technically, you could incorporate one, two – or all three. There’s no rule that says you have to pick just one.
•
Improve SEO and keywords
•
Build brand awareness
•
Convert visitors into customers
•
Establish business as the authority
•
Easily sharable on social media
With that said, blogs, newsletters, and press releases each serve a specific purpose in your overall strategy. Using them as they were intended is critical, as is choosing the one that best fits your long-term goals. What’s a blog?
consistently, the better. A few benefits include:
What’s a newsletter? Think of newsletters as being your
company newspaper. You pick the
content and send it to whomever you
Blogs are short, informal web articles. You post them to your website (usually under a specific blog tab or page) as often as you like – daily, weekly, monthly,
etc. – to share news about your business, ideas, industry trends, educational tips and tricks, fun topics, etc. Blogs are visible
A few benefits include: •
Covering multiple topics in one document
•
Staying in touch with clients and contacts
•
Providing gentle reminders to customers
•
Keeping internal staff informed
•
Setting you up as the authority on your craft
•
Fostering deeper relationships
What’s a press release? Press Releases help you share relevant information about your small business that is happening right now. The goal is to reach a larger audience, so you publish them in news wires, magazines, newspapers, and the like. Maybe you want to announce a new partnership or new hire, a new technology exclusive to your practice, or a recent award. You may be wondering, “Well, can’t I publish this same content on my website as a blog post or as an article in my company newsletter?” Yes, you can do that. But while blog posts are more conversational and informal, and newsletters are limited to a select audience, press releases are more objective, to the point, and newsy. Click the image to read an example. A few benefits include: •
Keeping people informed
etc. Unlike blogs, most people publish
•
Instant exposure to a broader audience
yearly. Also, blogs traditionally focus
•
Celebrating successes
•
Brand your company as an industry expert
•
Boost social media presence
•
Included links push visitors to your website
want – clients, email lists, employees,
newsletters monthly, quarterly, or even on one topic (5 tips for hiring the right roofer). Meanwhile, newsletters can
cover several snippets of information in
separate articles, such as company news, employee updates, educational tips and tricks, special offers, coupons, etc.
469.360.3611 | EDITTHISLLC.COM
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FEBRUARY 2021 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 17
Giving a AJ ROBBINS
HELPING
HAND by Caylie Howard | photos courtesy of Robbins Dry Cleaners social media page
A
mid a global pandemic, Robbins Dry Clean owner AJ Robbins decided to give back to the community in its time of need — and in a very big way. During the pandemic, Robbins said that he was making a routine delivery to one of his regular customers when he noticed that the family was in desperate need. The family didn’t have any furniture and were sleeping on mattresses on the floor. Robbins felt led to help.
how many more people were in a
similar position. He then went to Walmart and purchased $2,000 worth of food
and toys for the families in need that had reached out. Robbins said, “By the time
my wife and I woke up the next morning, we had 106 to 108 messages of people needing help.”
Robbins also used his business to
help since many of his customers even pitched in to help with donations. This
included everything from food to canned
“When I saw what I saw, it boosted me.”
goods and cash. Robbins was amazed at
Robbins and his wife reached out through social media and various apps to find out
willing to give. Cecil Dalton with Dalton
some of the donations that people were
Flowers gave Robbins $5,000 in Walmart
gift cards to purchase food and toys for some of the
food and toys for the family and let them pick what they wanted. Robbins said that some of the things he would buy were pre-mix cakes and rotisserie chickens. “I probably bought 60 rotisserie chickens.” He even said that at one point, he cleaned out the entire stock at Kroger.
“WHEN I SAW WHAT I SAW, IT BOOSTED ME.” Robbins said that people were still reaching out on New Year’s Eve, asking for help during these difficult times. With the need still strong, Robbins decided to take action and make it happen one more time. With the help of the donors, Robbins was able to feed 74 families in need. He even pre-made boxes of toys for families that he knew had children. This pandemic has caused hardships for many people in our community. This was a cause that was close to Robbins’ heart. Robbins’ family has also gone through financially tough times. He knows what it’s like to have your back against the wall. He knows what it’s like not to be able to put food on the table. Because of his experiences, he went to great lengths to help local families in his community. And because of that, the holidays were a little brighter.
struggling families.
On Christmas Eve, Robbins
said that he got a phone call from a family that had no
food to put on their table
and were desperate to feed their children. Robbins left his own family dinner and went out and purchased
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972.874.2178 www.robbinsdrycleaners.com 2001 Cross Timbers Rd Flower Mound, TX
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VOLUNTEER
With The Medical Reserve Corps by Dawn Cobb | photos courtesy of Judge Andy Eads & thank you photo courtesy of the Medical Reserve Corps social media page
A
s Paul Carter planned his retirement, he searched for opportunities to give back to the community. He and his wife had volunteered with their local church and at the Flower Mound Police Department. With their children grown and out of the house, they were looking for more. A friend mentioned the Medical Reserve Corps. Some 13 years later, the Flower Mound resident now volunteers at the vaccination clinics held across Denton County. “It just makes me feel good helping with the vaccination clinic,” he said. Members of the Medical Reserve Corps assist during times of need, whether a disaster, inclement weather event or a pandemic. Members have access to an assortment of training – from
cardiopulmonary resuscitation to
Stop the Bleed courses and much more. The training not only applies to
emergencies but also to everyday life. If an accident were to occur in his outings, Paul said he feels prepared. “I can at least be a stopgap measure until emergency help arrives,” he said.
The vaccination clinics offer a chance
to interact with individuals. And there’s
plenty to do – from staffing a call center to guiding traffic flow or checking in with residents while they await the COVID-19 vaccine shot.
“We need a lot of help,” Paul said. “And we get more out of it
(volunteering) than we give.” Anyone interested in assisting with the vaccination clinics can sign up
with the Medical Reserve Corps at
www.dentoncounty.gov/758/MedicalReserve-Corps. Volunteers will undergo a background check and complete a 1-hour online orientation. “To me, everybody there (at MRC) are really great people,” Paul said. “We’re all there for the same reason. We’re doing it to help the community.”
photos above are of Covid-19 vaccine volunteers at Texas Motor Speedway 20 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | FEBRUARY 2021
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by Steve Gamel
S
o you decided to get your children or significant other a cute puppy for Christmas. Now what? That may sound abrupt, but for many people, it can be overwhelming to have a fur baby in the house – especially if you’re a first-timer.
Perhaps the biggest question most people have is, “How do I properly train the dog?” HERE ARE SEVEN TIPS AND TRICKS TO TRAIN YOUR NEW PUPPY:
FIDO START EARLY As is the case with anything, the earlier you start providing your puppy with basic training, the faster your dog will get used to his or her new surroundings and recognize you as the one in charge. There
are plenty of opinions out there are the exact age range to start training, but here’s a basic rule of thumb: if your puppy is old enough to open its eyes and walk on its own, it’s time to start training.
CHOOSE A NAME FOR YOUR PUPPY, AND USE IT Choosing a name is extremely fun, but it is also an integral part of the puppy training process and should be used early and often. Dogs need to hear their name often, as it not only helps them realize you are talking to them but also maintains their attention when training.
KEEP TRAINING SESSIONS SHORT Puppies have short attention spans, so keep training sessions short and sweet – maybe start with five minutes at a time. Also, remember to work on perfecting one skill at a time and avoid throwing too much on them all at once. Master one skill, then move on to the next.
BE CONSISTENT AND KEEP A SCHEDULE Don’t just train your dog for one or two days and then skip out on the rest of the week. Stay consistent and recognize that training opportunities don’t have to stay within the confines of your house. Work on commands and other obedience training while at the park, when out for a walk, or at a friend’s house. More importantly, don’t get frustrated when your puppy doesn’t seem to be catching on at first. It all takes time, folks.
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REWARD YOUR PUPPY FOR GOOD BEHAVIOR Puppy training is a process, which is why it’s incredibly important to show patience and reward them constantly – even for the smallest of steps forward in the process. Dog treats are perfect for this, as well as lots of love and attention. Make a big deal out of a job well done; dogs are motivated by pleasing their owners.
PAY ATTENTION TO SIGNS THAT THE PUPPY NEEDS TO GO POTTY Whining, barking, and scratching at the door are all signs that your puppy is trying to tell you he or she needs to go outside to potty. Be mindful of these warning signs and don’t deny them the opportunity to go outside.
SEEK HELP FROM A PROFESSIONAL TRAINER There’s no shame in hiring a professional dog trainer. Whether it’s because you’re still having trouble doing the training on your own, or you want to make sure your dog is getting the appropriate social interaction with other animals, a professional trainer will help your puppy learn and grow. www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com
FEBRUARY 2021 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 23
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Dentistry: Ask The Expert
What Can Your
DENTIST
DO FOR YOU by Dr. Matt Artho, Owner of Country Lakes Family Dental photography by Your Candid Memories (YourCandidMemories.com)
I
grew up in West Texas, and most anyone from there is aware of the unique mineral content of water. My town was specifically known as “The Town without a Toothache” because the excess of fluoride in the water resulted in a decreased incidence of tooth decay.
cases. On the other hand, dental
Coincidentally for me, my dentist would 2016 a Texas Court ruled that dentists clean my teeth on Saturdays when his who don’t practice one of the nine hygienist was on a break. As a result, a specialties recognized by the ADA may cleaning was about the still advertise as “specialists” extent of my dental visit, so in Texas if they meet ...SO YOUR FAMILY my childhood perception of DENTIST MAY PROVIDE certain conditions. dentists is that they simply SOME SPECIALTY An example of this is “cleaned teeth.” SERVICES AT THE SAME the term “cosmetic dentist.” The truth is my dentist was Even though most dental STANDARD OF CARE... more than qualified in this care in this age focuses aspect of my oral health. So, you may ask on improving overall esthetics, no yourself what dental treatment should dental specialty is recognized by that you expect from your family dentist, and specific title. to what extent is your dentist qualified to To be clear, a dental specialty recognized provide certain types of treatment? I raise by the ADA is one that typically requires these concerns because on January 21, graduation from a post-graduate residency. Therefore, specialists are capable of treating advanced dental
implants, root canals, or treating children.
specialties were born from general
dental procedures, so your family dentist may provide some specialty services at
the same standard of care, for example It may be advantageous to have your
family dentist treat these situations to
avoid higher fees or over-treatment almost in the same way you would not visit a
cardiologist to take your blood pressure. The best way to determine if you or your child requires specialized treatment is
to visit your family dentist to determine if a specialist is recommended. Always
have the conversation with your dentist to understand their level of education and comfort with specific procedures.
Maintaining a lasting relationship with
your family dentist is invaluable in caring for you oral health and ensuring many happy smiles.
940.455.7645 | COUNTRYLAKESDENTAL.COM | 74 MCMAKIN RD., STE. 200 • BARTONVILLE, TX 76226
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FEBRUARY 2021 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 25
2020
Outstanding CITIZEN OF THE YEAR by Jade Kensington | photos courtesy of The Town Of Flower Mound social media page
L
ongtime resident and friend to the community Carol Kyer has been named Flower Mound’s 2020 Outstanding Citizen of the Year! Many Flower Mound residents know Carol as a woman who wears many hats. Her list of involvement with local non-profit organizations is impressive and commendable. As all three of her children attended Lewisville Independent School District schools, Carol has served on the PTA at Forest Vista Elementary, Forestwood Middle School, and Flower Mound High School. She served as a board member and volunteer for various groups, including the Lewisville Education Foundation, Children’s Advocacy Center of Denton County, LISD Board of Trustees, Girl Scouts of America, Youth and Family Counseling, United Way of Denton County, and Women of Flower Mound. More recently,
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Carol served as the executive director of Habitat for Humanity from 2015 to 2018 and as the ED for RISE Adaptive sports from 2018 to 2019. She currently serves as the Board President for Communities in School of North Texas, where she was also a member/advisory member since 2002. “Communities in Schools of North Texas (CISNT) would be my favorite,” Carol says. “I loved being on the LISD School Board, but the impact that CISNT makes in the school districts across North Texas is substantial. They help students stay and succeed in school, which in turn benefits our communities.” Clearly, Carol loves this community. She and her husband, Mark, have been Flower Mound residents since 1992. “I have seen this area grow from a population of 18,000 to over 76,000,” Carol states.
“We all want good schools, places for entertainment, recreational facilities for all to use, and the safety of our families to be high on the priority lists — which they are in Flower Mound.”
When asked about what she thinks makes Flower Mound special in comparison to our neighboring cities, Carol said, “Flower Mound’s location is ideal because we have the small-town feeling but are located close to major metropolitan centers and Lake Grapevine. It’s the best of both worlds—visit the big cities and then go home to a small town.” The Outstanding Citizenship Award was created by the Town of Flower Mound in 2014. Past recipients were Doug Graves, Kathy O’Keefe, Marilyn Lawson, Don McDaniel, and Angie Cox. According to the Town’s website, a nominee must be a Flower Mound resident or group located within the Town and should meet at least two of the following criteria: strive to make a positive impact in the community, enhance the Flower Mound community and the lives of its citizens, and address or fulfill a community need or concern. As this year’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year, Carol will receive an engraved
“I am honored to be included in the group of former Citizen of the Year recipients such as Angie Cox, Don McDaniel, and Kathy O’Keefe.” www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com
plaque, a wall plaque displayed at Town Hall, an engraved brick at the library, a spotlight on the Town’s website, a one-year membership to the Community Activity Center, a VIP pass at Independence Fest, and an exclusive invitation to select Town events. “I am honored to be included in the group of former Citizen of the Year recipients such as Angie Cox, Don McDaniel, and Kathy O’Keefe. While it is an honor to be recognized by the Town, I know that there are many other people that are deserving of this award. It has made 2020 a much better year!” Nominations for Outstanding Citizenship of the Year are accepted throughout the year, and for 2020, officials considered 11 applications. The selection committee— consisting of six Flower Mound residents appointed by the Mayor and Town Council as well as two non-profit representatives— reviews the applications before notifying each nominator to inform them of the status of their nominee. When Carol is not volunteering her time with local non-profit organizations, she enjoys traveling, reading, making wreaths, visiting friends, and spending quality time with her husband of 34 years. FEBRUARY 2021 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 27
10 Pet Friendly OUTDOOR PATIOS
by Caylie Howard
1. THE TAVE R N AT LA K E S I D E
2 . E N ZO ’ S P IZ Z A
3. R O CK & BR EWS
It’s always a barking good time at this tavern and gastropub!
You’re sure to have a rocking good time at Rock & Brews!
The Tavern at Lakeside is your good oldfashioned American restaurant. They offer gourmet burgers, daily specials, and even brunch on the weekends. They also offer a large selection of craft beers, along with bourbon offerings and wine lists. All of this can be enjoyed while relaxing on their outdoor patio.
You’ll feel like family at this local New York Pizzeria! Enzo’s Pizza is a family-owned, authentic New York-style pizzeria. Enzo’s uses original family recipes to create amazing and indulgent Italian food that is sure to impress. They offer a wide variety of pizza options, along with delicious pasta and salad menu items. They have an enjoyable atmosphere with their outdoor patio seating.
2600 Lakeside Pkwy., Ste.100 Flower Mound, TX 75022
900 Parker Square Rd., Ste. 990 Flower Mound, TX 75028
5351 Nebraska Furniture Mart Dr. The Colony, TX 75056
28 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | FEBRUARY 2021
Rock & Brews offers a variety of comfort food with a unique twist. They incorporate fresh, locally-sourced ingredients in each of their dishes while also training and empowering their staff with food and beer knowledge. You can enjoy their fantastic music soundtrack while kicking back in their outdoor seating.
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4. LAKE VI E W B Y PE P P E RS M A S H
They even offer fishing-themed décor
Get lost in the atmosphere at Lakeview by Peppersmash!
and familiar menu items such as New
Lakeview by Peppersmash offers a fun atmosphere by providing live music, a selection of draft beers, and handcrafted food menu items. Their menu consists of a variety of options, including steaks, buffalo wings, and burgers. You can sit and enjoy while lounging on their Lakeview patio. 4847 Main St. • The Colony, TX 75056
inside. They offer a range of delicious
England clam chowder, crawfish etouffee, Cajun pasta, and more. Their outdoor
patio is perfect for unwinding during the afternoon or evening.
4061 Barton Creek, Ste. 110 Highland Village, TX 75077 8. R USTY TACO Enjoy an authentic taco stand experience at
5. THE PE R C COF F E E H O U S E
Rusty Taco!
This vintage style craft coffeehouse will be sure to win over your heart!
This neighborhood taco stand is the place
The Perc Coffeehouse is located in the heart of downtown Lewisville. They pride themselves on working exclusively with
They pride themselves on offering delicious,
local roasters and bakeries that share their commitment to pristine quality ingredients and service. Their one-of-a-kind coffee can be enjoyed in their cozy indoor seating or their enjoyable outdoor patio. 115 W Main St. • Lewisville, TX 75057 6. RUSTY B E AGL E SP O RT S G RI L L It’s fun for the whole family at this bar and grill! Rusty Beagle Sports Grill is sure to become a favorite. They offer something for the whole family. You can enjoy their delicious handcrafted burgers, amazing chicken wings, and your choice of 24 draft beers. Their beautiful patio offers games for kids and adults with an array of big-screen televisions to watch your favorite game. 1301 FM407, Ste.109 Lewisville, TX 75077 7. ROCK F I SH SE A F O O D G RI LL Your time at Rockfish Seafood Grill will always feel like a treat! Rockfish Seafood Grill offers a casual environment that you are sure to enjoy. www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com
to be. No matter who you are, you are sure
to feel welcome and at home at Rusty Taco.
uncomplicated tacos crafted by hand. Rusty Taco offers a casual atmosphere with fun outdoor seating for all to enjoy.
210 E Hickory St. • Denton, TX 76201 9. R ED’ S YA R D Find fun and comfort at Red’s Yard! Red’s Yard is a Denton County bar and
grill that has comfort food, barbecue, and
deliciously unique appetizers that are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. You can enjoy any
of their made-from-scratch menu items or their 20 Texas beers on tap while relaxing in their large, shaded outdoor patio.
410 N Bell Ave. • Denton, TX 76209 10. FUZ Z Y’ S TACO SH OP It’s always a party at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop! Fuzzy’s Taco Shop offers modern counterservice dining that is sure to please the
whole family. Their Baja-style tacos and
their other amazing Mexican eats are what Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is famous for. You can
enjoy a cold beer or a delicious margarita with friends and family while lounging in their fun outdoor seating.
600 Byron Nelson Blvd., Ste.100 Roanoke, TX 76262
FEBRUARY 2021 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 29
SHERIFF’S W I T H
S H E R I F F
T R A C Y
M U R P H R E E
ASSISTANT CHIEF DEPUTY LEE
O
n January 1, 2021, Sheriff Murphree swore in over 200 Deputies as he started his new term. Among those was newly appointed Assistant Chief Deputy Douglas Lee. Assistant Chief Deputy Lee supervises the Denton County Sheriff’s Office Administration Bureau, which includes the Community and Media Relations Division, the Justice Management Division, the Support Services Division, the Mental Health/Crisis Intervention Team, and the Transport and Extradition Units.
Assistant Chief Deputy Lee began his Law Enforcement career in 1993 as a
Detention Officer at the Denton County Sheriff’s Office. After being promoted
into the Patrol Division in 1994, Assistant Chief Deputy Lee progressed through the ranks as a Patrol Corporal, Patrol
Sergeant, and Traffic Sergeant before he became the Captain of the Patrol
Division on January 1, 2013. During his tenure at the Denton County Sheriff’s
Office, Assistant Chief Deputy Lee has
been a Field Training Officer, a Marine
Safety Enforcement Officer, a License and Weight Enforcement Supervisor, a SWAT Team Operator, and the SWAT Team
Commander. In 2019, Assistant Chief
Deputy Lee transferred from Captain of the Patrol Division to Captain of the newly created Justice Management Division. This division includes the Bailiff Unit, the Mental Health/Crisis Intervention Team, and the Protective Detail Unit. He served as the Captain of the Justice Management Division until his most recent appointment as Assistant Chief Deputy. Assistant Chief Deputy Lee is a graduate of Texas A&M University where he earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Systems Management. Assistant Chief Deputy Lee holds a Master Jailers License and a Master Peace Officers License and currently
WE ARE
HIRING
If you are interested in a career in Law Enforcement, join our family and be a part of a great organization. Detention Officer I positions start at $38,752.00 per year. Visit our website to apply. www.governmentjobs.com/ careers/dentoncounty
represents the Sheriff’s Office on
numerous boards and committees,
including the Heroes of Denton County Executive Board, the United Way of Denton County Behavioral Health
Leadership Team, and the Denton
County MHMR Center Board of Trustees. Assistant Chief Deputy Lee has been
married to his wife, Rebekah, for 28 years, and they are the proud parents of twin daughters, Harper and Hannah.
940.349.1600 | 127 N. WOODROW LN., STE. 300 • DENTON, TX 76205 | DENTONCOUNTY.COM/DEPARTMENTS/SHERIFF.ASPX 30 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | FEBRUARY 2021
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FEBRUARY 2021 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 31
INTERVIEW with
DR. DREW
SANDERSON
photography by Your Candid Memories (YourCandidMemories.com)
How long have you been in practice here? The entity was created in late
2012, but I did not start seeing patients in Flower Mound until 2013. I was part-time in Flower Mound until 2017.
Why were you part-time until 2017? It takes time to build a plastic surgery practice, so while I was working to
establish a reputation in Flower Mound, I
was seeing patients in Gainesville, as well. So in 2017, your practice was to a point where you could come here full-time? Yes, but it was a little more complicated. The hospital where I was working in
Gainesville was struggling financially, and it just made sense for us to part
ways. I enjoyed my time and the people in Gainesville, but after I returned from
Iraq in 2017, the hospital and I mutually decided to part ways.
That’s right. You are in the Army. Tell
us about your overall experience and deployment to Iraq? The U.S. Armed
Forces is something I have always wanted to be a part of. As a child, I played with
toy guns and army men, not Legos. Had I never served, it would have always
been a regret. I am on a Head and Neck Medical Team with a neurosurgeon and an ophthalmologist, among others. The Team is responsible for injuries above
the clavicles. In 2017, things in Iraq had
settled down some for our fighting men
and women. There were a few Special Ops
men injured when I was there, but the Iraqi soldiers were taking the majority of the
D
r. Drew Sanderson, a Flower Mound resident and local business owner, is the Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Medical Director, and Owner of Flower Mound Plastic Surgery and Live Young Wellness Spa. He is recognized throughout the community for his support of local charities such as Mission Moms and The Adaptive Training Foundation, and he has been voted Best Plastic Surgeon in Denton County in each of the past five years. However, Dr. Sanderson isn’t exactly your average plastic surgeon. He has taken his medical talents to the US Army and is active duty in the US Army Reserves and a combat veteran from his deployment to Iraq in 2017. Continue reading to find out how he built one of the most successful med spas in North Texas.
casualties while taking back Mosul from the terrorist’s forces. As a side note, the more time I spend in the Army, and the
more I learn, the more respect I have for
the combat side and Special Operations Units in our Military. What they do and their sacrifice is absolutely inspiring.
Have the lessons you learned in your military service helped you in your
business? Absolutely, mostly in the area of leadership. I’ve read famous books
on leadership and heard over a hundred
descriptions on leadership qualities; it was 32 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | FEBRUARY 2021
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on a relevant topic. It is definitely a work hard, play hard environment with the
“...the more time I spend in the Army, and the more I learn, the more respect I have for the combat side and Special Operations Units in our Military.”
goal of creating strong relationships with our patrons and serving them. The team
members who thrive in this environment become like family. Our success also
stems from our principle of not selling
anything that does not work. There are a ton of treatments out there that just do
not produce results I would be proud of offering. If I do not offer it, there is likely
— Dr. Drew Sanderson
a good reason why. On the other hand, if I find something that works, there is
Image to the right is Dr. Sanderson operating in Iraq with his team. photo courtesy of Dr. Sanderson
almost nothing that would stop me from getting it.
What are some of the favorite actually a 1st Lieutenant who had enlisted in the Army at 18 and risen through the ranks that I felt exemplified leadership well. He had earned the respect of his
soldiers. There was nothing they would not do for him — and he for them. I
definitely learned from him. I think those
lessons have certainly played a huge part in the growth of my business now.
Let’s talk about your business. How
have you done during the Pandemic?
It’s hard any time you are forced to close your business. As it turns out, the bills
keep coming in. Other businesses have been hit harder, and my heart goes out to them. I’m proud to say though, our
med spa is still growing. Since 2016, we have maintained double-digit growth
every month we have been open when compared to the same month of the
previous year. I have focused a lot on the med spa because after my deployment in 2017, I realized our med spa could
Why do you think Live Young Wellness Spa has continued to succeed? That’s a complex question, but our people and our culture play a huge role in our success. Our team is great, and the culture is one of fanatical customer service. When someone joins our team, they know from the beginning they will be in the top 1% of everything they do. In other words, they will be better than 99% of all the other people who do their job elsewhere, and we train with that goal in mind. In the last three months alone, we have had team members go to two different hormone courses, two different laser courses, a customer service course, a course on advanced techniques for thread-lifting, and receive injectable training from a nationally recognized expert. We dedicate a significant percentage of our annual budget toward training. Beyond that, every Wednesday we have a “lunch and learn” where I (or someone) gives a talk
keep my team here paid should I have to
spa, I am talking to you. THANK YOU!
Our patrons and supporters allow me to continue to serve.
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all we do. We offer hormone replacement therapy, injectables like Botox and filler,
and all forms of laser skin care, including Broad Band Light Treatments, skin
hydration treatments, and relaxing facials. We also have a monthly membership
allowing people to take advantage of
nearly all our services at a reasonable cost. Finally, if you need surgery, then we have that capability as well with an OR suite
for privacy, convenience, and to help you
avoid the hospital environment during the pandemic. The more popular treatments are our injectable treatments and our
Broad Band Light treatments, but we do a lot of all of it.
What are your future plans? I really
hope to intelligently expand. My goal is to open one more Live Young Wellness
Spa in 2021. I think our culture and system
it around or building a new one. I am
the doors open, but the med spa can
spa. If you have ever been to our med
start with an explanation of exactly what
buying a struggling med spa and turning
in Iraq, I cannot operate here and keep
for all the patrons who support our med
The answer to that probably needs to
is reproducible. It may be in the form of
deploy again. In other words, when I am
continue to function. I am truly thankful
treatments at Live Young Wellness Spa?
972.691.7900 FlowerMoundPlasticSurgery.com 2931 Long Prairie Rd. Flower Mound, TX 75022
currently hiring with that plan in mind. In fact, if any of your readers know of
someone hoping to get out of the med spa business or get some help, then
have them call us because I am definitely looking to expand.
FEBRUARY 2021 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 33
Ask The Expert: Home Decorating
8 STEPS
ELEVATE TO
P
YOUR HOME’S VALUE With Pets
ets can be a wonderful part of our lives and offer unconditional love, and their presence adds warmth, love, and comfort to any home. However, when selling a home, buyers may see our beloved pets as an unattractive element. It could be a turn off to those buyers, and they may assume that the home has damage or is not as clean as other homes on the market.
Many realtors recommend removing pet toys, beds, or any signs of your pet while your home is on the market. This can be inconvenient but well worth the increase in buyer traffic. Below are eight steps to staging your home with pets for mass appeal to potential buyers: 1. Remove any items with stains and repair any damages from pets. A puppy may have had an accident on the carpet. They may have chewed up some baseboards or scratched up the back door. No matter the size of the damage, these things should be repaired or removed before a photographer shows up for listing photos. 2. Pets shed a lot. You may have become accustomed to seeing hair on the floor or sofa. However, potential buyers will notice this and raise a red
flag. Vacuum at least once a day; if it is during warmer months, vacuum twice a day to avoid unwanted pet dander. 3. Now is the time to have a professional clean out the vents. You can also clean outside the grate of your vents by wiping them down and replacing the filters with new ones that address pet dander. 4. Most people become used to the smell of their own home and are unaware of what it smells like to an outsider. With pets, there is a good chance that your home includes traces of your pet’s odor also. Opening the windows each day to air out your home is helpful. Also, clean your home weekly to avoid any offensive aromas for potential buyers. Prior to hitting the market, I recommend hiring a professional cleaner to deep clean your home.
5. Things like toys, bowls, leashes, crates, bedding, and cat litter should be removed from the home before showing. Any signs of pets can be a huge red flag to buyers and quickly eliminate your home from contention. 6. If your pet does its business in your yard, now is the time to clean up. After all, we do not want an unsuspecting buyer stepping in anything and tracking it back through the house. 7. Pets are also known for running through gardens and digging in flower beds. Take a peek at the beds to see that mulch is in place and everything is fresh and in tip-top condition. 8. When depersonalizing your home, do not forget to remove pet photos, too. Some buyers will still turn a nose to any evidence of a pet living in the home. It is best to start packing away any unnecessary care items and photos now for a quick sale. Following these eight easy steps will help elevate your home’s value and give it the best chance to impress everyone.
940.765.2684 | POSHHOMESTAGING.COM | ALLISON@POSHHOMESTAGING.COM
34 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | FEBRUARY 2021
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FEBRUARY 2021 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 35
NOTHING
STOPS A
GIRL SCOUT by Diane Ciarloni | photo of collage courtesy of Troop 5288 & Laura Rountree
B
efore the advent of the computer, where an icon represents nearly everything, the term applied to physical landmarks (Statue of Liberty), living as well as deceased celebrity types (Oprah Winfrey and Elvis Presley), religious icons such as statues (of Jesus or Buddha) and many more. Perhaps the greatest icon of all is the American Girl Scout Cookie and its accompanying, equally iconic, annual American Girl Scout Cookie Sale. The first heavenly cookie flavors began pleasuring the human palate in 1917, just five years after Juliette Gordon Lowe founded the very first troop (the Mistletoe) in Muskogee, Oklahoma. The cookies were baked in the kitchens of the Troop members, with their mothers standing by as technical advisers. The girls would perform all the labor and skill development, while mothers were advisors only when needed. That same dynamic remains intact in 2021. Laura (Girl Scout rules do not permit the use of last names) of Castle Hills explains: “Everything is ‘girl-led’ which means they make the decisions. They are the ones who figure out ways to raise money for special projects such as camps or trips. It’s up to them to construct the best
36 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | FEBRUARY 2021
ways to implement those plans. Me and Brandy, another mother, are there to offer guidance when needed, to mentor, and to support. While we’re doing that, the girls drive the troop’s bottom-line direction.” The 11 members of Troop 5288, ranging from seventh to ninth graders, have their sights trained on a trip to Lake Tahoe, California this summer. Troop 5288 comes under the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas. “We have an actual business,” says Laura, “with our own board and CEO. And, since so much of our identity and financial success are based on cookie sales, we even have a Cookie Manager.” The Annual Girl Scout Cookie Sale is an iconic giant within the United States. The www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com
“THEY APPRECIATE AND UNDERSTAND THE VALUE OF TEAMWORK...” Neil published a cookie recipe in the American Girl magazine. She calculated ingredients for six to
seven dozen cookies to be 26 to
36 cents. She suggested all 2,000 Girl Scouts begin making the
cookies, and then selling them for 25 or 30 cents per dozen.
The substantial profits would support and
new territory for most of them, but they figured it out.”
sales offered a dozen sugar cookies in a
The girls turned themselves into “digital cookies.” Each one was assigned an online link to order cookies and handle payments. They faced numerous decisions. Did they create a common website or individual websites or rely on a meticulously designed and detailed national site? How would they exert individual controls where and when needed? Would delivery of orders be exclusively curbside?
grow the Girl Scout movement. Those first wax paper bag, sealed with a sticker, and priced at 25 to 30 cents. Scouts wait for the stacks and stacks of boxes to be delivered. Most of the girls get a running start through pre-sales, telephoning, or texting “Mrs. Smith” and taking her order for how many dozen and what flavors well before the boxes begin arriving. There are also the tables that pop up in front of malls, Walmarts, and churches. And, of course, there remains the time-tested door-to-door neighborhood selling that began in 1928. Those early cookies sold in high school cafeterias but, in July of 1922, Florence
The 2020 sale snuck through just before
the first COVID-19 cases arrived, but 2021 did not work out quite as well. The sale
usually begins mid-January (January 11 for 2021) and lasts through the end of
February. Those dates don’t seem to bode well but, at the same time, never forget
“Nothing stops a Girl Scout.” She may be inconvenienced and slowed down a bit, but, never stopped.
“COVID-19 definitely put the girls in a
new and challenging position,” said Laura. “They had to think outside the box this
year. The cookie sale is always our best
teaching tool since it parallels a true small business. Each girl becomes invested in her own entrepreneurship. She utilizes her small business skills in the areas of inventory, distribution, and financials.
“They still require all these skills in 2021, but they need to broaden them while
also thinking about new ways to market,
advertise, distribute, and network. It was
One of the greatest benefits coming from COVID and the digital cookie revolution was it placed teamwork, one of the Girl Scouts’ most valued attributes, front and center. “Every girl working in Scouts understands the advantages,” says Laura. “They appreciate and understand the value of teamwork, of learning a broad variety of life lessons, of opportunities for the future such as college scholarships. They believe in learning how to give and how to earn respect.” And that, especially today, is of critical importance.
“EVERYTHING IS ‘GIRL-LED’ WHICH MEANS THEY MAKE THE DECISIONS...” www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com
FEBRUARY 2021 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 37
NOT SAFE YET! WE ARE
by Precinct 4 Commissioner Dianne Edmondson photo courtesy by Commissioner Dianne Edmondson
R
emarkable progress has been made to contain and control the COVID-19 virus. Two potent and remarkably effective vaccines are FDA approved and being mass produced, and at least two more are in final trial stages with potential FDA approval. Additionally, our own Texas A&M is partnering with a bio-tech company on yet a third potential vaccine. COVID testing is everywhere; even an at-home kit is available. More testing, predictably, reveals more cases. As a result, both cases and deaths are up astronomically nationally — even right here in Denton County which, as I write this on January 25, has reported 283 deaths from COVID within our county and 816 total confirmed COVID cases. So far, our county’s COVID cases have resulted in death for only .005% of those infected.
As you read this, more than 20,000 people
No COVID death has been reported in our county for someone under 40; most are in their 70s and 80s. You can check the county’s COVID stats on ages of deceased, locations of cases, hospital bed availability, etc. here: Dentoncounty.gov/ COVID stats.
have future appointments, there still may
will have been vaccinated at the several
Denton County Health Department clinics, which have been set up throughout
the county since our registration portal opened at 3:32 p.m. on January 8. Yet about 120,000 more are in the DCPH
queue awaiting appointments with an
anticipated 30,000 more vaccine doses expected in the first week of February. While many have been vaccinated or
be many who want to be vaccinated but
have not yet been assigned a time, date, or place. Please be patient --- YOUR TIME WILL COME! There even may
be some who want a vaccine but have not yet registered to be in the vaccine
database. If so, please register here: dentoncountygov/COVID19vaccine. We were able to utilize a mass vaccination plan that was developed and successfully used in the 2009 H1N1 flu epidemic, which made the process easy and safe both for those arriving and those staffing the clinics. By updating it with suitable locations and staffing both with Denton County Health Department personnel and also utilizing the Reserve Medical Corps volunteers, nearly 10,000 vaccines were administered in the first four clinics. The average time from entrance to exit (including a 15-minute post shot observation period) was just under 30 minutes! Many folks have written rave reviews about their experiences to post on various Message Boards and social media, as well as to me personally. We thank you for those kind words, and promise to those in line that eventually, you WILL get the vaccine. The manufacturers are working at warp speed to increase the supply, hoping to soon catch up with the demand. Recently, we have added another feature to our registration portal: On Fridays, registrants will be emailed with their number in line and any information available about upcoming clinics. In the meantime, those who are awaiting the vaccines should remember that we are not safe yet --- we are still in danger! We are being told that the “virus variant” is in North Texas, and is considered much more contagious. To keep yourselves and others safe, please practice the CDC guidelines: Wash hands, use sanitizer, practice social distancing, wear a mask when in public and avoid non-household gatherings for now. We have compiled a Q&A here that may be of help: https://www.dentoncounty. gov/1523/COVID-19-Vaccination-FAQs.
CONNECT WITH US
If you would like to receive an e-newsletter, please contact Commissioner Edmondson at 972.434.3960 | Dianne.Edmondson@dentoncounty.gov | Southwest Courthouse: 6200 Canyon Falls Dr., Ste. 90 38 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | FEBRUARY 2021
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FEBRUARY 2021 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 39
Marcus High School’s
TEACHER OF THE
by Jade Kensington | photo courtesy of Edward S. Marcus High School social media page
M
arcus High School is proud to name Mr. Dominic Pollone as its Teacher of the Year for the 2020-2021 academic year! Mr. Pollone graduated from Marcus High School in 2006 and went on to obtain his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Criminal Justice, with an emphasis on psychology. He has always found that subject matter interesting, and for a while, he felt his career path would be in some form of community service. Having been in band while he was a student, Mr. Pollone came back to Marcus each summer to work with the band program and assist with the marching instruction. “Amanda Drinkwater, who began teaching at Marcus while I was a student and who was the head band director at this time in my life, mentioned that she thought I would be a great addition to the teaching staff at the school,” Mr. Pollone explained. He thoroughly enjoyed working with the band students, and he valued
40 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | FEBRUARY 2021
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Ms. Drinkwater’s opinion. So, he took the classes required to become a certified teacher. This is Mr. Pollone’s sixth year to teach math in the Lewisville Independent School District. He taught at the Marcus 9th Grade Campus during his first year. Since then, he’s been at the main campus. For Mr. Pollone, the best part about teaching is seeing his students’ reactions when they accomplish something they did not think was possible. “When the light bulb turns on during a lesson with a difficult concept, and when I can see the look on their face as they make a connection to something they already know or how it relates to the real world. Those are the moments that make this profession the most rewarding.”
Math often gets a bad rap from students— and even adults. But Mr. Pollone tries to incorporate technology and project quality activities into his curriculum.
“My hope is that students will see how
math is utilized in the real world,” he said.
“Even when there are ways to calculate the equations without having to do them by
hand, the people who use the technology have to know what values they need and how the results are going to help them.
As technology advances, especially in the workforce, I think students will need an
even more diverse set of personal skills to accompany them.”
Being named Teacher of the Year is a noteworthy award—especially this
year. Holding the title during an unusual school year with unique circumstances due to COVID-19 is commendable.
Mr. Pollone states that students taking virtual classes have done a great job communicating when they do not
understand a concept or need extra
clarification. “I always let my students
know that they can contact me at any time so we can go over what they
need outside of our class meetings to
encourage that type of communication,” Mr. Pollone remarked. While many students know him as a math teacher, Mr. Pollone also teaches the marching program that the percussionists perform. He is also a student pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership K-12 through Dallas Baptist University. He is scheduled to graduate this May. When Mr. Pollone is outside of the academic realm, he enjoys baking. His most-requested concoction is coffeeinfused chocolate cupcakes with vanilla buttercream. As a student and as a teacher, Mr. Pollone’s intellectual acumen is admirable. “I believe that everyone— students, teachers, and citizens alike— should continuously strive to gain knowledge about something new,” he says. “We owe it to ourselves, our communities, and our future generations to never give up on the idea that we should all be life-long learners.”
W E O W E I T TO O U R S E LV E S , O U R COMMUNITIES, AND OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS TO NEVER GIVE UP O N T H E I D E A T H AT W E S H O U L D ALL BE LIFE-LONG LEARNERS.
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Organizing: Ask The Expert
How To Be Productive If You
FROM HOME by Crystal Nerpel, Owner of Cloud Nine Organizing
W
hen you step into your home office, are you being as productive as you could be, or do you find yourself getting sidetracked and distracted? Even if you feel like you’re an organized person, you can still use these five tips to help you become even more productive and efficient while working from home. Establish office hours. Beginning and finishing your workday at reasonable hours encourages productivity. Starting work at the same time each morning helps you get into a habitual, productive mindset. If possible, schedule personal appointments around your business hours. Conversely, it’s very important to know when to stop working. Working long hours can be counterproductive because it causes fatigue and impacts family life. Try setting the alarm for yourself to act like your five o’clock whistle.
Get dressed for work.
Make it a habit of getting ready for work. Wake up, make your bed, get dressed,
have breakfast, grab a cup of coffee, tell the family good-bye and head to your
office. The act of “getting ready for work” creates a mental association with being productive and can help you stay on
schedule. Pajamas are great, but they don’t always encourage productivity. Avoid multi-tasking.
Many people believe that doing multiple tasks at a time will increase productivity. I don’t find this to be the case. You may
get things done more quickly, but dividing your focus among multiple tasks can lead
to sloppy work and costly mistakes. Focus on finishing one task at a time. You’ll be
more efficient and happier with the result. Make sure your office is free of distractions.
You may need to close your office door and post your office hours to remind
family members that you are working.
It’s also a great idea to disengage from
social media during office hours. Another big distraction is clutter. File all important
documents, have a special place for current projects and throw away trash. Have a smart filing system. Everyone’s idea of a good filing system is different. Asking a professional organizer for advice on a filing system is a great idea, but it has to make sense for you because you are the one that will use it. The keyword here is “use.” You have to use your system once you have it in place. Immediately file important documents, so they are handy when you need them. I highly recommend keeping work and personal files separate. Declutter your office every day. Yes, every day. You work from home, so there won’t be any custodians coming to clean up or empty the trash can after you leave the office. Before you leave your office, take a few minutes to declutter and straighten up. Make sure current projects are organized and ready for you to address tomorrow morning. Set yourself up for success by working in a decluttered office and using productive systems that make sense to you and your work style.
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Flower Mound Senior Center
STAYING CONNECTED
VIRTUALLY
T
by Jean Eisenmann | photos courtesy of the Flower Mound Senior Center
he Flower Mound Senior Center is uncommonly quiet, devoid of the lively sounds of diners chatting over lunch, music streaming from the room where a dance lesson is underway, and the steady murmur of folks clustered together to chat about this and that. In this facility, silence is not golden. You see, the center is closed due to COVID-19.
The senior center’s activities are part of the Seniors in Motion Program (SIM) of Flower Mound, an organization of citizens 50-plus years of age. It recognizes the value of seniors in the community and therefore provides the resources that contribute to their quality of life. Such activities foster a sense of community and fellowship. SIM’s mission statement affirms its commitment to providing a safe and caring environment and a dedication to promoting the health and well-being of its members. However, officials had no choice but to close their doors indefinitely on March 13th.
This crisis completely impacted the entire program, one that had been active for 15 years. With one of the largest senior center memberships in the DFW metroplex, 2,500 seniors suddenly lost a place to spend their days. Senior Center Manager Jaime Jaco-Cooper remained on-site, along with two full-time Program Coordinators, Jon Almeida and Nicole Brasher. A brainstorming meeting resulted in a decision to conduct their programs virtually. “Our first challenge was the meal program,” Jaime said. “Tuesdays and Thursdays between noon and 1 p.m., members could get out of the house and dine with others.” An ah-ha moment gave rise to a drive-thru
photographed to the left is Nicole Brasher (left), Jaime Jaco-Cooper (center) and Jon Almeida (right) 44 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | FEBRUARY 2021
photographed above are decorated cars lined up for the drive-thru lunch program. lunch program. Maintaining those same days and times as pre-pandemic lunches, SIM members can advance purchase a hot lunch packaged in to-go boxes for only $4. They simply drive through and pick them up. “The program has been hugely successful,” Jaime exclaimed. “We’ve doubled the volume from before — about 400 meals weekly. And we didn’t have any lapse in the lunch program. The building closed on a Friday, and we served the first drive-thru meals the following Tuesday!” All the meals are provided by local restaurants, including Swirl Bakery, Mama’s Daughter’s Diner, Old Town Market, and Chasin’ Tail BBQ. On the heels of their successful lunch program, this dynamic trio took the virtual senior center idea even further. Jaime www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com
sends out an email to members every day, offering them daily activities that are interesting, mentally stimulating, and just plain fun. Her daily emails have grown to 3,200 for every current and former member in their database. “One of our biggest requests? Fitness classes,” Jaime said. “Our fitness instructors were happy to film exercise videos geared specifically for seniors. They are posted on our Facebook page. Members can choose an instructor and take the class virtually.” Jaime herself gets into the act with her own videos, featuring everything from cooking and baking segments to line dancing.
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The list of virtual fun doesn’t stop there. In December, Jaime started a craft kit program for members to craft a specifically designated item right along with her on video. Interactive videos include a live trivia challenge, zoom bingo, video day trips through museums like the Smithsonian or to cities around the world, and a virtual book club.
members to join in on the holiday spirit by decorating their cars. “We’re offering them fun and stimulating daily activities to help them cope through this difficult time,” Jaime said. “And our seniors are really embracing this approach to staying connected.”
Never one to turn down a chance to celebrate, Jaime is known for her parties. The team decorates the parking lot for the lunch program, sometimes asking
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GET YOUR KICKS
On Route 66 T
by Terri Guthrie | photos courtesy of Terri Guthrie
he historic Route 66 may be the most famous road in America! It was built in 1926 and stretches over 2,400 miles from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. Its popularity grew when travelers realized it was one of the most direct ways to reach the Pacific coast, and it was quickly nicknamed Main Street of America. Now an embodiment of the carefree, road-tripping spirit, Route 66 has been immortalized in songs, television, and famous works of fiction.
Along the way, on the “double six,” countless curious motorists will stop to witness numerous wacky roadside attractions, stunning natural landscapes, and many significant historical landmarks. Of course, most of the allure of traveling Route 66 isn’t just in the memorabilia of 1950s and 60s America—it’s the Western American landscape. One of the most beautiful parts of the road is in Arizona, where it passes near the Painted Desert,
the Petrified Forest, Meteor Crater, and the Grand Canyon. Route 66 ends in California at the Santa Monica Pier, a classic American boardwalk. It’s fun to celebrate the completion of your road trip with a ride on the famous Ferris wheel or by just watching a beautiful sunset over the Pacific Ocean. If you have read John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath, you know it’s a story about a man and his family that are forced from their farm in the Depression-era Oklahoma Dust Bowl and set out for California along Route 66 with thousands of others in search of jobs, land, and hope for a brighter future.
Travel: Ask The Expert better life. Unfortunately, life was not better. Along the way, they would gather in migrant camps only to be driven away by police who were instructed to force the migrants to move. On Route 66 near the California/Arizona border, there was actually an official sign from the state of California warning migrants to turn back because they were not welcome in California. Contrary to popular belief, of the 200,000 people who migrated to California, only 8% stayed! Within a few months, most had made the journey back home. In The Grapes of Wrath, Steinbeck became the first writer to refer to Route 66 as the “Mother Road.” In doing so, he helped capture the road’s image of redemption and turned it into a cultural icon.
Few roads in the world resonate like Route 66. It is filled with so much adventure, glamour, history, and nostalgia. This enduring route embodies everything that a road trip should be about! It even goes through eight states and three time zones. During COVID-19 times…this could be your epic road trip where you can “Get Your Kicks on Route 66!”
Well, that book is actually very close to the truth. We learned all of this and more at the Route 66 Museum in Kingman, Arizona. It depicts the historical evolution of travel along the 35th parallel that became Route 66. The drought and the depression during the 1930s drove thousands from the Midwest to California in hopes of a
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Taste of Italy WITHOUT THE AIRFARE D
photography by Your Candid Memories (yourcandidmemories.com)
iego Stefani, owner, of GiroPizza & Trattoria in Flower Mound was born and raised in Milano Italy, came up with the idea while eating at a pizzeria in Italy where his friend and now business partner introduced him to the new pizza concept called GiroPizza which in Italian means Tour of Pizza.
214.513.1777 | giropizzatx.com
3711 Justin Rd., Ste. 100 • Flower Mound, TX 75028 48 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | FEBRUARY 2021
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The GiroPizza concept consists of a tour of pizza where servers “tour” the dining room with two to three pizza flavors on a platter each presenting customers with a dining experience of tasting all pizza flavors offered. Similar to a Brazilian Steak House but just for pizza. It was this concept that triggered the desire to open something similar in his local community of Flower
He added, “It’s truly an authentic dining experience. It’s a Tour of Italy — without the airfare.”
Fast forward two years, and Diego’s
family-owned restaurant, who he runs with his wife Jerusha, has established itself as “The New Way to Eat Pizza.”
In fact it was voted the 2020 Best Pizza In Denton County. It’s not “all you can eat,” but rather, “eat to your heart’s
content,” with up to 30 different pizzas
available in one sitting. It’s also not just
any pizza. It’s authentic Italian Romana-
style thin crust that goes all the way to the edge, both savory and sweet. It is made with the freshest available ingredients, including genuine, fine-grain Italian
flour, imported meats, cheese, fresh vegetables, and herbs.
“I love it when customers tell me, ‘Wow. I
really enjoy the thin crust and can taste the flavors of the fresh ingredients on these
pizzas,” Diego said. One customer stated, “I never thought that I would be able to enjoy such an amazing authentic pizza without going back to Italy.”
Some of the award winning pizzas are, the best seller called “Pere” with Mound, offering an authentic Italian tour of pizza focused on quality ingredients in a comfortable rustic setting with an open kitchen, where customers could watch the pizzaiolo (aka pizza chef) spin the dough. The unique part of the concept is that the customer controls the flow of their Pizza Tour, with a tricolored triangular coaster, where green means bring more pizza, red means to stop, and white means that they were ready for dessert pizza. “I felt like that concept would work well here in the states,” Diego said. “For one fixed price, the customer could enjoy all the savory pizzas and dessert pizzas they wanted. There are pizza places and pizzerias with Italian names in the area, but this was something that people here had never seen before. And when we opened, it was very popular, with a line out the door.” www.FlowerMoundMagazine.com
gorgonzola and mozzarella cheese,
sliced pears, crush walnuts and a honey
drizzle, “Quattro Salumi” with San Marzano tomato sauce, fior di latte mozzarella,
GiroPizza also offers a Pizza of the Week, a daily fresh pasta dish, fresh deli meats, and the owner’s very own organic wine and extra virgin olive oil from their farm in the Chianti Hills outside of Florence, Italy. And let’s not forget their signature desserts like homemade Tiramisu Italian gelato and their Lavazza coffee bar, where you can enjoy an authentic Italian espresso or cappuccino. Their happy hour is Tuesday through Sunday (4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.), and they offer live music on Saturday nights (6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.). Olivia Stefani, Diego’s daughter, brings her incredible talent for music to the customer’s dining experience. “We started to organize our Giro d’Italia (aka. Tour of Italy) wine dinners every two months, inviting guest Italian
executive chefs to provide our customers with an off-menu, gourmet five-course feast with wine pairing from all over Italy. And in 2021, customers will receive a Wine Passport when they attend these wine dinners making them eligible for special gifts based on the number of wine dinners they attend. Our customers tell us ‘wow, you offer a lot more than just pizza’” and Diego replies “We are offering an authentic Italian dining experience. And will never deviate from our core focus, which is our one-of-a-kind authentic pizza from Italy.”
Prosciutto di Parma, speck (smoked
prosciutto), sopressata (spicy salami) and cooked ham. After being open only six months, the COVID pandemic forced
Diego to rethink a few things. He decided to expand his menu options and services
to include 15 different pastas, appetizers, salads, family menus and entrees, and the addition of delivery services and
online ordering. He even started offering homemade fresh pastas that customers
could take home as well as their famous Pizza Party Pack, which includes pizza
dough, tomato sauce and cheese, and a choice of three veggies and three
meats, which literally flew off the shelves as families looked to make their own pizzas while in quarantine.
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Tasty Treat
RECIPES by Susan Neuhalfen
CHICKEN AND BISCUIT DOG TREATS INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
• 2 cups chopped, cooked chicken (see note)
• Preheat oven to 350°F. • Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Batter will be thick and sticky.
• 2 cups whole wheat flour or white whole wheat flour
• Drop batter by level tablespoons on parchment-lined baking sheets. Flatten each using back of spoon.
• 1 5.3-ounce container nonfat plain Greek yogurt • 3/4 cup water
• Bake 12-14 minutes
• 1 egg, lightly beaten NOTE: Any chicken will work but make sure not to include any bones, or use too much of the fatty chicken skin, especially if the skin has spicy seasonings or a lot of salt on it.
• Cool completely. Store in fridge or freezer. photo courtesy of twohealthykitchens.com
DIRECTIONS
INGREDIENTS
HOMEMADE PEANUT BUTTER DOG TREATS •
2/3 cup pumpkin puree
•
1/4 cup peanut butter
•
2 large eggs
•
3 cups whole wheat flour, or more, as needed
•
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
•
Use the paddle attachment on the electric mixer and beat pumpkin puree, peanut butter and eggs on medium-high until combined. Gradually add flour (2 ½ cups) and keep adding additional until dough is no longer sticky.
•
Working on a lightly floured surface, knead the dough and roll it out to cut desired shapes.
•
Bake 20-25 minutes and let cool completely.
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photo courtesy of damndelicious.net
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FLOWER MOUND HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
CONTINUES TO FIGHT
COVID-19 by Jade Kensington
F
lower Mound High School principal Chad Russell is on the road to recovery after being diagnosed with COVID-19 at the end of November. While Mr. and Mrs. Russell were not available for comment given the circumstances, Murray Media Group has learned quite a bit from several social media posts aimed at keeping the community up to date on his recovery. “He is so strong and so very stubborn. I know he can do this with all of our help.” Jennifer Russell wrote in a December Facebook post about her husband. On January 12th, she posted a smiling selfie with Mr. Russell with the caption, “I am married to a fighter!”
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TO HELP SUPPORT PRINCIPAL
CHAD
RUSSELL
GO TO
GOFUND.ME/
7C1A39A8
AND
DONATE
Mr. Russell has certainly been through quite a battle. His initial diagnosis was around Thanksgiving, and things quickly took a turn for the worst. Four days before Christmas, his wife posted on social media that her husband had been in critical condition at a local hospital for three weeks. Upon admission, he was sedated and intubated. He was admitted to the ICU, where he received alternative treatment to help increase his oxygen absorption. By January 4th, Mr. Russell had thankfully been moved out of the ICU, as he was getting stronger every day, and his oxygen levels were doing well with the decrease in support. An update on January 14th revealed that Mr. Russell was back in Texas at a local step-down hospital to continue
Since the creation of the fundraiser, nearly $19,000 of the $20,000 goal
had been raised. The GoFundMe has
since been shared over 1,500 times and gathered nearly 300 supporters.
“I am very grateful for his recovery,
and I really appreciate everybody’s
help with donating to the GoFundMe. This means a lot to me and everyone he helped get the education they deserve,” Thomas stated.
Not to be outdone, the Lewisville-Flower Mound Young Life staff held a socially distanced prayer vigil on December 23rd in the Flower Mound Baptist
Church parking lot. The attendees
included former and current students,
family friends, and community members.
his therapy and rehabilitation treatments.
They passed out blue ribbons to continue
Needless to say, everyone is elated to see so much progress from their favorite principal. And several students have stepped up to help out the family in any way they can. The community rallied together to show support for Mr. Russell through a GoFundMe page that was started by 14-year-old Thomas Faulkner. Thomas previously attended Lamar Middle School when Mr. Russell was the principal and felt compelled to do something special.
started by Flower Mound students.
“Mr. Russell is a good man and a great principal,” Thomas said. “In order to help him, I asked my mom if we could create a GoFundMe for him. This would hopefully help with the expenses that came with Mr. Russell’s treatment.”
the effort of “Blue Ribbon for Russell” There is no doubt that Mr. Russell
is a well-liked principal, colleague,
and friend to the community. Although he has been the principal at Flower
Mound since 2019, his journey at FMHS began in 2007. He served as Assistant
Principal for 10 years before becoming the principal at Lamar Middle School for the two years following.
The outpouring of support and
generosity on social media has been nothing short of amazing from the
Flower Mound community. We pray for a full recovery from Mr. Russell,
and the Flower Mound High School administration and student body are waiting to welcome back their principal.
“IN ORDER TO HELP HIM, I ASKED MY MOM IF WE COULD CREATE A GOFUNDME FOR HIM. THIS WOULD HOPEFULLY HELP WITH THE EXPENSES THAT CAME WITH MR. RUSSELL’S TREATMENT.” pictured to the left is principal Chad Russell with Thomas Faulkner. photo courtesy of Faulkner family
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Things 5TO DO
JACK’S OUTFITTERS jacksoutfitters.com Jack’s is all about the dogs! Our store
is named after the owner’s best friend – JACK!. They offer unique gifts for your beloved pooch such as luxurious dog beds, beautiful styled & bedazzled dog collars & leads, toys that make the noise, and specialized candles, dog treats & signs for dog lovers across the globe! EAT, PLAY, LOVE AT THREE DOG BAKERY threedogdfw.com This bakery has its own unique flavor— guaranteed to delight your doggo. An ever-changing selection of unique toys, rawhides, chews, grooming gear and the latest four-legged fashion accessories gives you and your pup plenty to peruse. And of course, you can’t leave without trying they’re famous gourmet pastries or their beloved Pupcakes.® photo courtesy of Three Bog Bakery Plano Facebook pg @ThreeDogPlano
PUPPUCCINO | STARBUCKS Happiness at Starbucks isn’t limited to just humans. Bring in your four legged family member for a Puppuccino! This secret menu item is offered for free at most Starbuck’s locations. This doggie delight is just a shot of whipped cream served in an espresso or sample size Starbucks cup. No matter the size or shape Starbucks has something everyone can enjoy. photo courtesy of starbuckssecretmenu.net
DOGGIE DAY CARE Doggie daycare works a lot like daycare for children. You drop your dog off in the morning on the way to work. Your dog’s day will be filled with activities based on the curriculum set out by the daycare facility on your dog’s specific needs and temperament. And Happiness Starts With A Wet Nose & Ends With A Tail!
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BEN & JERRY’S DOGGIE DESSERTS benjerrys.co/3sjKcdQ If your furry friend gives you the puppy dog eyes when you dig into a bowl of ice cream, Ben & Jerry’s has a solution. The ice cream maker is debuting Doggie Desserts, which will hit the shelves of
grocery and pet stores this month. The line kicks off with two flavors named after its employees’ pets: Pontch’s Mix and Rosie’s Batch. photo courtesy of Ben & Jerry’s Facebook pg @benandjerrysUS FEBRUARY 2021 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 55
CANINE
Love
FOR THE
COURTYARD
OF DOGS by Jean Eisenmann | photo on top by What’s That Guy’s Name? | Photography by Guy T and photo of dog courtesy of Debi Lavoie
I
f you were to spend just one day at Canine Courtyard, you’d wish you had been born a dog. That’s how much the staff caters to the canines at this boarding, grooming, and daycare facility. In fact, their mantra is, Dogs come first!
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Paul and Debi LaVoie have always shared a special bond with dogs of all sizes and breeds, and dogs have always been part of their lives as family – not as pets. Most dog owners would agree that, as with human children, raising them is a big commitment to taking care of their needs and quality of life. That was never so evident to the LaVoie’s as when their rescue border collie, Maddie, began having seizures at eight months old. Sadly, beloved Maddie’s health got the best of her, but during that time, Debi took note of the bedside manners of those caregivers. Debi said, “After that experience, whenever we visited a facility for our other dogs’ grooming, training, and occasional boarding, Paul and I would find ourselves silently rating the business’ cleanliness, skill, staff’s compassion, and pet safety. It struck me that we could do this better than a lot of what’s out there.” Given their combined professional skills, experience, and all that doggie love, it was time to build a business. The couple found their dream location when acquiring Canine Courtyard in Flower Mound in January of 2012. And they just celebrated their nine-year anniversary! The business has grown to become such a tremendous success and a labor of love for Paul and Debi that they opened another facility in Lewisville in May of 2019. For dogs, Canine Courtyard is
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heaven on earth. For their owners, it’s a clean, safe, and loving one-stop shop. They offer all the services of the big box pet stores, including grooming, training, doggie daycare, and boarding. Plus, Canine Courtyard’s staff adds the cherry on top with their talent and dedication to caring for dogs. Here, every dog that walks through their door is treated like family. “We have a team environment at both locations,” Debi said. “We never would’ve been successful without the staff. They’re like family, too.” The business began with six employees, and that number has grown to 34. Both sites are staffed with professional canine caregivers because you wouldn’t want any less than the best for your furry family members. “I conduct three interviews before hiring someone,” Debi explained. “First and foremost, they must have a true and honest love of dogs.” And boy, do they ever!
For canines enrolled in doggie daycare and day play, there are huge outdoor play yards with lots of shade, oversized yard toys, and climate-controlled play areas for a sweltering or rainy-day option.
the first business of its kind to start curbside service for keeping people safe.” Another example of their four-legged guests receiving the royal treatment is a concierge service for older, more fragile dogs that might require additional care and monitoring. A specially-appointed first aid certified concierge is assigned to each of these special needs boarders to help the dogs maintain their quality of life. The level of care is unmatched. Along with their canine services, Canine Courtyard also sells high-end brand food, treats, collars, and leashes. These days, Paul and Debi are the proud parents of two fur babies in Aspen, a great Pyrenees who’s 10, and Crosby, a 7-year-old Anatolian shepherd mix. Both accompany her to work every day. Canine Courtyard seems to be doing everything right. Winning Best of Denton County every year since 2014 appears to validate that statement. “We have the most amazing customers and staff,” Debi said with gratitude. “It’s all for the love of dogs.”
For boarding, Canine Courtyard is equipped with the largest kennels in the area, including a luxury size (8 ft. x 8 ft.) for fur families to cuddle up in together at night. Only dogs from the same household may share a kennel. “In March of last year, we had just installed brand-new kennels in Flower Mound when COVID-19 hit,” Debi recalls. Customers still needed us for their dogs’ needs, so we were
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