JUNE/JULY 2021 THE DENTAL & SUMMER ISSUE
Prestige Family Dentistry:
IT’S ALL IN
His Hands
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TABLE OF
Contents
ASK THE EXPERTS
19 Local 4th of July Events
26 Organizing with Cloud
20 Our Favorite Local Finds
Nine Organizing
24 One Team. One Vision.
31 Dentistry with Country Lakes Family Dental
55 Home Decorating with POSH Home Staging & Redesign
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS 15 DFW Oral Surgeons: Caring About You And Your Smile
23 Spray Net: The New Way To Modernize Your Home
One Goal.
28 Turning Tragedy Into Triumph 34 Schools Out! Now What? 36 A Doggone Delicious Texas Tradition
38 5 Things To Do 40 Fashion Guide 2021 43 Foodie Friday DFW: Prime Farm To Table
FLOWER MOUND PHOTO PAGES
44 Sheriff’s Corner with
07 Flower Mound Chamber First
47 4th of July Recipes
Responder Breakfast
16 Last Day of School 49 Last Day of School Continued ARTICLES 08 Counting Successes 10 10 Best Summer Patios 12 Inside Community and Education
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Sheriff Tracy Murphree
48 Flourishing Flowers 50 Volunteers Make A Difference In Denton County
52 A Life-Long Passion For Weather
56 Where There’s Smoke, There’s BBQ
PAGE
32
Prestige Family Dentistry:
IT’S ALL IN
His Hands
Cover Image starting from the left:
Jordyn Collins, Dr. Vincent DiRusso, Dr. Bryant Nguyen, Jean Keel and Annette Gibbs
JUNE 2021 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 5
Publisher of Murray Media Group, kelly@murray-media.com
Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray
HAPPY
Father’s Day TO ALL YOU DADS
F
Administration
Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors Bobbi Byrne Alisha Tran
Editor & Writer Steve Gamel
Writers
Caylie Howard, Diane Ciarloni Jade Kensington, Jean Eisenmann Leena Duwadi
Advertising Inquiries
sales@murray-media.com
ather’s Day is such a special day set aside to celebrate the value and important role our father plays/has played in our lives. And as we have turned the page to June and Father’s Day has arrived, June 20th to be exact, I urge you not to forget to show love to dear ol’ dad. A father is an equally important piece to the family dynamic, and as good of a mom as I try to be, I know my kids wouldn’t be where they are today without Scott. I know I wouldn’t be where I am without him as my husband. And putting Scott aside for a second, I also know I wouldn’t be where I am without my daddy. Our kids are lucky to have a mom and dad; that’s not the case with many families out there. I am certainly not trying to create a downer moment by saying that, but I am saying that we should all make sure to let dad know how much he means. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there. I love you, Scott. Happy Father’s Day. Here are a few inspiring quotes I found online in honor of dads everywhere. “My dad is my best friend, my father, and my boss. When I do something that is exciting, and he likes it, it feels three times as good as you can imagine.” – David Lauren “I think my mom put it best. She said, ‘Little girls soften their daddy’s hearts.’” – Paul Walker
Production
Graphic Designers Caroline Brock 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
Sincerely, Kelly Murray 6 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | JUNE 2021
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Counting SUCCESSES by Leena Duwadi | photos courtesy of Abigail’s family
working out, taking care of her diets, and motivating herself to achieve more.
“I am hoping to make it to The Paralympic Games,” she shared.
This ambitious athlete feels grateful to
have an amazing coach who supports and helps her in every possible way.
“I am very impressed by how I am
coached,” Abigail commented. “I am very thankful to my coach.” Also, achieving
this milestone at such a young age was not possible without the support of
family. Everyone has encouraged Abigail throughout her sports journey.
“My family is great. They are very
supportive. They take me to practice, and they encourage me,” she said.
As she shared, the last year was not at all easy for Abigail. With COVID-19,
F
or Flower Mound sophomore Abigail Counts, winning is all in the attitude!“The biggest thing in sports is to never give up… don’t give up on yourself!” she said. Counts, 15, recently made headlines by becoming the 400-meter wheelchair state champion with a record-breaking time of 1:07.80 at the UIL Class 5A state track meet in Austin. She won two gold medals and a silver medal while also setting a new state record.
everything was affected. On top of that, she had multiple surgeries, and it took
some time for her to get back to a healthy state. Does being physically challenged affect her sometimes?
“There are moments like that, and it’s
Counts’ first event was wheelchair shot put, where she secured first-place. She placed second in a 100-meter wheelchair race. Her last event was the 400-meter wheelchair race, where she also took gold.
When the result was announced, I thanked
sometimes discouraging… especially
and my family.”
something,” she said. “That’s when I have
Counts started playing sports at the age of
that makes me not as good as anyone
“I was not even thinking about the race, and I was just doing what I was supposed to do. When I realized that I touched the finish line and looked at the board… it was WOW… I was blown away!” Abigail said. “It feels great to win. I am proud of myself.
and she wants to continue with it when
my God and remembered my coach
5. Basketball is the first sport she played, she’s in college.
“I am a little more hopeful in basketball,” she said.
Counts has been doing track since middle school, and it was last year when she got into competitions.
“There’s no comparison; I love both sports equally,” she said. “Basketball is all about teamwork. I enjoy being with a team and
performing for the team, but the track has always been a chance to prove myself.” Abigail, who had a natural inclination
towards sports since childhood, finds herself ready to go the extra mile to
practice and perform. Every day, she’s 8 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | JUNE 2021
in sports when I feel I can’t be a part of
to remind myself that it’s not something else, I am unique, and I am proud of myself.”
For those who are physically challenged
in some way or the other and looking for a purpose, Abigail thinks sports can be a strength.
“I had no idea that there are a lot of
disabled athletes. It’s amazing to see them all. It’s a whole different world, and I am so happy that I am a part of it,” she shared.
She has a special message to the parents of physically challenged kids, which is:
“Disability should never be a weakness…
There’s a huge community of people who are disabled and are going to sports and making it big. Parents, help your child achieve what they deserve.”
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JUNE 2021 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 9
BEST PATIOS
SUMMER
1. BLUE GOOSE CANTINA 4121 Barton Creek | Highland Village, TX 75077 There’s nothing more relaxing than enjoying beautiful weather with wonderful company while sipping on a refreshing margarita. Blue Goose Cantina offers beautiful outdoor patio seating with a fun environment. They offer a delicious variety of Tex-Mex food and a great selection of drinks on the menu. 2. SHOAL CREEK TAVERN 1701 Shoal Creek., Ste. 100 | Highland Village, TX 75077 Shoal Creek Tavern is an upscale neighborhood gastropub. Along with their delicious and unique menu items, they offer two temperature-controlled patios for you to sit, relax, and enjoy. They offer over 50 specialty beers on tap, and they specialize in craft cocktails. It’s the perfect summer patio spot. 10 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | JUNE 2021
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3. THE TAVERN AT LAKESIDE
2600 Lakeside Pkwy., Ste. 100 | Flower Mound, TX 75022 This tavern and gastropub is the perfect place for an outdoor patio experience. They
offer a large selection of craft beers along with bourbon and wine lists. Not only do they offer some amazing food, but they also provide an incredible brunch experience on the weekends. The Tavern at Lakeside is the perfect patio experience. 4. PIRANHA KILLER SUSHI
5801 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 870 | Flower Mound, TX 75028 If you are looking for exquisite sushi rolls with killer drinks in a killer environment, then
Piranha Killer Sushi is the place for you. They serve up a twist on classic Japanese cuisine by fusing flavors on the Pacific Asian Rim. You can stop in for Happy Hour between 4-7 while enjoying their patio experience. 5. COFFEE TREE CAFÉ
144 Old Town Blvd N. | Argyle, TX 76226 Coffee Tree Café is the perfect little spot to unwind. They offer a great selection of
drinks with a selection of food menu items. This hidden gem also offers a great outdoor environment with its patio seating. You can enjoy the scenery of the outdoor patio experience.
6. TRUEFIRE KITCHEN AND BAR
6959 Lebanon Rd., Ste. 114 | Frisco, TX 75034 TruFire Kitchen and Bar is a casual outfit for electric New American fare. You can enjoy any of their craft cocktails while enjoying the bliss that you will find in their lofty space with a great outdoor patio. This place is sure to leave you impressed.
8. DIDI’S DOWNTOWN 7210 Main St. | Frisco, TX 75033 Didi’s Downtown offers a fun, lively, and exciting environment. The menu consists of daily lunchtime and dinner specials while also offering the fun atmosphere provided by live music. You can sit back and relax while enjoying good food and great music on their excellent patio area. 9. BOCA 31 207 S Bell Ave. | Denton, TX 76201 Boca 31 is a counter service restaurant that provides a creative take on tacos, empanadas, and more. This trendy restaurant is crafted in down-home digs with outdoor deck seating. You can enjoy delicious food and great company while unwinding on the patio. Boca 31 is sure to leave you satisfied every single time. 10. LSA BURGER CO. 113 W Hickory St. | Denton, TX 76201
7. WINDMILLS
5755 Grandscape Blvd. | The Colony, TX 75056 Windmills developed the unique idea of creating a space with an intellectual feel and
a space for people from all age groups, including families. It’s a place where you could
soak in great music, books, craft beer, and food. This place offers regular live music with a great patio environment. www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
LSA Burger is a local favorite that offers a great selection of creative burgers, live bands, and a rooftop bar in an upbeat setting inspired by Lone Star music. Located in the heart of Denton Square, you can be sure to have a great time with great food and drinks every time you visit LSA Burger Co. JUNE 2021 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 11
INSIDE COMMUNITY
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INDEPENDENCE FEST Independence Fest 2021 will take place on Sunday, July 4 at Bakersfield Park! This year’s event will be FREE with live music, a kid’s zone, a car show, local vendors, food trucks, and a firework finale. Live music will feature performances by Le Freak and Josh Abbott Band. Gates will open at 5pm. For more information go to www.flower-mound.com/731/Independence-Fest.
THE FLOUR SHOP SUMMER CAMP Sign your little one up to join The Flour Shop Scratch Bakery for a 4-day summer camp full of learning, baking, crafts, and fun! Each day your child will bring home a dessert they created. This camp is for kids age 7 and up and you may choose from a few different dates, all being from Tuesday - Friday and go from 9am - 1pm. To sign up go to https://theflour.shop/camp/.
INSIDE EDUCATION
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STUDENT CREATES STEM CLUB FOR GIRLS
MAKE A SPLASH IN YOUR COMMUNITY Support Lewisville ISD Education Foundation while saving money on your Hawaiian Falls Waterpark tickets! You can save on Big Kahuna Tickets or Island Season Passes when you use the discount code LewisvilleEF at checkout when purchasing tickets online for Hawaiian Falls Waterpark. You can also go to https://bit.ly/34OxaKM to print out the coupon to bring with you to purchase tickets at the park. 12 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | JUNE 2021
Flower Mound High School sophomore Kaylee Pfister is passionate about engineering. She wanted to share her passion with others so she started a STEM club for girls at Flower Mound Elementary School. She named this program STEM Squad and right away seven girls signed up to be a part of this club. They meet every Monday where Pfister serves as the high school mentor for the girls. photo courtesy of LISD www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
4TH MOST LIVEABLE SMALL CITY Flower Mound was named the fourth “Most Liveable Small City” according to a study by SmartAsset. Researchers examined cities with populations between 65,000 and 100,000 comparing 11 key factors. Flower Mound rose 5 spots from its number 9 ranking in 2020 and is the only Texas community in the top 25!
CRUMBL COOKIES COMING SOON The very popular cookie chain, Crumbl Cookies is coming to Flower Mound! It will be located at 2550 Cross Timbers Rd. Flower Mound in the Timber Prairie Plaza. Crumbl is famous for their weekly rotating menu featuring more than 120 specialty flavors. Their cookies are made fresh daily and will be available through in-store, delivery, pickup, and nationwide shipping.
FREE SUMMER MEALS FOR LISD STUDENTS Lewisville ISD will continue to offer free breakfast and lunch through the rest of summer until August 6th. Meals are open to all Lewisville ISD students 18 and under and are available for pickup at certain locations and times. Dates, locations, and times will differ throughout the summer and you can view all that information at www.lisd.net/freemeals.
MIDDLE SCHOOLERS GO TO CAREER EXPLORATION CAMP More than 600 Lewisville ISD middle schoolers had the opportunity to spend three days learning at the Technology, Exploration and Career Center (TECC) East and TECC West for a career exploration camp. Students went through hands-on business/ entrepreneurship, computer science, and nutrition sessions with other stops including animal science, architecture, cosmetology, horticulture and more!
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Business Spotlight
“Our team does their best to ensure that every aspect of patient care is managed to the highest degree possible.”
Caring About You
AND YOUR
SMILE
E
by Jean Eisenmann | photography by Your Candid Memories (YourCandidMemories.com)
veryone wants a beautiful smile. It’s one of the first things people notice about you. Most of us need help achieving that perfect smile, but some need more than others, due to factors such as illness or traumatic injury.
This is not a problem for Denton County residents. They have something to smile about, for DFW Oral Surgeons in Flower Mound can give you that perfect smile — no matter how complex the procedure might be to achieve it. This is a complete outpatient surgery center dedicated to diagnosing and skillfully treating any mouth and jaw condition.
Native Texan and owner, Dr. John Shillingburg, lives in Denton County and loves the idea of helping his neighbors. “My love for people and desire to help them get through a difficult situation with absolute comfort is what drives me to be the best I can be,” Dr. Shillingburg said with great sincerity.
As an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, he expertly performs procedures typically not done in a general dentist office. This includes full mouth dental implants, jaw reconstruction, complicated sinus lifts, and wisdom teeth extraction. He is a gifted surgeon with consummate skill and the confidence to perform even the most complicated procedures. To implement his procedures, Dr. Shillingburg surrounds himself with the most advanced, state-ofthe-art equipment available in the industry and has a loyal and talented staff to assist. “Our team does their best to ensure that every aspect of patient care is managed to the highest degree possible,” Dr. Shillingburg proudly stated. The Interior of DFW Oral Surgeons is immaculately clean and hygienic. “It’s safer for the patient to be in an actual outpatient surgery center like this – a completely sterile environment equipped with a bonafide operating room and supported by a state-of-theart generator. We never lose power in the middle of a surgical procedure,” Dr. Shillingburg explained. As a gifted surgeon, the genuine care and concern Dr. Shillingburg has for his patients is unsurpassed and a huge testament to his character. If your dental needs require the help of a specialist, you won’t find a better choice than Dr. John Shillingburg. Trust him to create – or restore – the smile of your dreams.
972.539.1491 | www.dfworalsurgeons.com | 4421 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 100 • Flower Mound, TX 75028 www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
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Local 4th of July
EV EN TS
FLOWER MOUND INDEPENDENCE FEST 2021
love celebrating our red, white, and blue roots! They have a full day of patriotic events planned for Sunday, July 4, 2021! This includes the Patriot 5K & Fun Run at 7:15 a.m. and the Parade of Patriots at 9:30 a.m. Fireworks go from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Celebrate America’s freedom with the Town of Flower Mound at Independence Fest on Sunday, July 4, 2021, at Bakersfield Park! A full day of activities begins with the annual Children’s Parade on Saturday, July 3, and concludes with a fantastic evening program of live music with headline act Josh Abbott Band on Sunday. The festival will also include a kid’s zone, a car show, a showcase of local vendors, food trucks, and a fireworks finale at around 9:50 p.m. Gates open at 5 p.m. www.flower-mound.com/731/ Independence-Fest
FRISCO FREEDOM FEST
www.trophyclub.org/289/Fourth-of-JulyCelebration
www.FriscoFreedomFest.org
L I T T L E E L M J U LY J U B I L E E
Frisco Freedom Fest 2021 is Sunday, July 4. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate our nation’s birthday with fantastic food, great music, and fireworks! Please remember, Frisco Freedom Fest is a family-oriented event - no alcohol is allowed, and dogs should stay home. FIREWORKS S U N D AY, J U LY 4 T H *
Sunday, July 4, 2021 | Little Elm Park 701 W. Eldorado Parkway | Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. A full day of fun capped off by an amazing fireworks display over the lake. This is a can’t miss day! Radio station KHYI 95.3 The Range (OFFICIAL) will live broadcast the music for the fireworks.
The real star of Frisco Freedom Fest is one of the largest fireworks finales in all of North Texas! This year’s 20-minute show will rival any in our area. Fireworks begin approximately at 9:45 p.m. TROPHY CLUB’S FOURTH OF J U LY C E L E B R AT I O N photo courtesy of FlowerMound.com www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
The Fourth of July Celebration is Trophy Club’s largest event of the year, and they
photo courtesy of TrophyClub.org JUNE 2021 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 19
Local 1 2 3 4 Summer Issue
O U R FAVO R I T E *Not Actual Product Image
Kelly Murray*
If you haven’t tried Chef Morris’s (Bistecca) limited time Grandma’s Strawberry Pie then you MUST add it to your to-do list for the month of July before it’s gone. It’s like putting Summer in your mouth!
Kelly Heslep*
Morgan Orlando* If you are looking to spend the 4th of July on the lake then you need to check out Rockin S on Lake Grapevine in Flower Mound. You can boat, float or swim while listening to live music and enjoy cocktails and great food.
Long weekends like the 4th of July are the perfect time to try some margaritas and one of my favorites is the Milagro Spicy Mango Margarita. It’s a sweet and spicy margarita made with Milagro® Reposado Tequila, fresh lime juice and Monin® Spicy Mango Syrup. If you haven’t tried it make sure you do and let me know what you think!
Shelly Dodge*
For 4th of July if you are looking for something fun to do and love live music like I do then you need to check out Inside Out Band that is playing at Marty B’s that day. They play all the favorite current Top 40 radio hits of today, Motown, Disco, 80’s and 90’s dance hits, Classic Rock, Jazz, Swing, Country and even Latin.
IF YOUR BUSINESS WOULD LIKE TO BE CONSIDERED, PLEASE CONTACT THE FLOWER MOUND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. BUSINESSES DO NOT NEED TO B E M E M B E R S TO B E C O N S I D E R E D .
FlowerMoundChamber.com | 972.539.0500
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FINDS 8 Nicole Smith Woodard*
If you are looking for a great way to celebrate this Summer head on over to Clink Wine Bar in Lakeside for their Happy Hour - EVERY DAY 4-6! Plus they have special appetizers and wine prices as well.
5
Cindi Howard*
Market Street is one of my favorite places to get unique gifts. They carry items from Aromatique, Swan Creek Candle Company, Swig cups, Mud Pie, Home Decor items and more!
9 6 10 7
Rachel Bagley
When I go to a backyard cookout, I always like to bring my host/ hostess a gift so when I found out that Baskets by Frankie was a local company who not only does custom baskets BUT they offer same day service and something for all budgets I became a HUGE fan. Check out this one she did for me with a 4th of July theme.
Lori Walker*
If you are looking for a way to cool off this 4th of July then head on over to 1845 Taste Texas where they will be serving $6 margaritas for all our readers.
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Pam Petrides*
The Shops at Highland Village has a Summer Concert Series every Thursday in the Courtyard. You can bring blankets and lawn chairs for up close seating. And let the kids play in the splashpad while you enjoy the music. All shows are from 7-9 pm and are free to the public.
Tracee Elrod*
If you are looking for something fun to bring to your 4th of July Backyard BBQ, make sure you check out the Red, White, & Blue Edible® Donuts at Edible Arrangements. Crisp Granny Smith apple slices hand-dipped in real, gourmet semisweet chocolate, then decorated with red, white, and blue chocolate glaze and sprinkles.
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Business Spotlight
Spray Net
THE NEW WAY TO
MODERNIZE YOUR HOME by Diane Ciarloni | photos courtesy of Spray-Net
L BEFORE
NOW
BEFORE
NOW
uckily, there’s now a new and smarter way to paint your home that decreases your frustration and increases overall value.
the original texture of the brick and allows
A company called Spray-Net has developed specialized coatings and processes that bring a factory finish to your home. Locally-owned franchises are in Flower Mound, and they are spreading the news about this revolutionary service that uses patented coatings specific to the type of surface to be covered and applies them with a high-tech weatheradjusted process. The finish gives a home that brand-new, just-built look, and it’s guaranteed against peeling for a full 15-years.
is the ability to completely update a
According to one franchise owner, Steve Forsythe, Spray-Net’s unique effectiveness is due to a “…combination of the paint, which is specially engineered for the surface being painted and the meticulously developed application process. We renew the look and extend the life of surfaces which cannot be painted effectively by traditional painters.” Surfaces include aluminum as well as vinyl siding, stucco, fiber cement, engineered wood, brick, doors, and windows. “One of my favorites is our coating for brick, which is actually a stain,” Forsythe said. “It retains
the brick to breathe.”
Spray-Net doesn’t stop at the exterior of a
home. Adding to its revolutionary concept kitchen or bathroom using the company’s kitchen cabinet refinishing service. It
can be applied to thermofoil, laminate, melamine, and wood.
Traditional kitchen remodeling can be a nightmare, costing upwards of $40,000 and turning the home into dusty chaos that requires living life in the middle of a mess for months. Spray-Net typically finishes the project in two days. That
includes prep, spray, and reinstallation
of cabinets with a factory-quality, surfacetailored paint that doesn’t peel and
washes easily. Cabinets are ready for use that day.
“We’re the only painters in the world who offer coatings specifically formulated
for your surfaces and expected weather conditions — supported by a real-time,
weather-adjusted paint job based on the actual weather conditions on the day of application,” Forsythe said.
That can be especially valuable in Texas, where the weather embraces every possible extreme.
1.877.45.SPRAY | www.Spray-Net.com www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
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ONE TEAM ONE VISION ONE GOAL by Jean Eisenmann | photos courtesy of Lakeside Aquatic Club
T
he sport of swimming has so much to offer people of all ages. It’s a healthy, low impact exercise and a resource for practicing concentration and maintaining focus. It’s also a lifetime sport. Knowing how to swim could also save your life or someone else’s from drowning. But first and foremost – it’s FUN!
Even at a young age, swimming with a local team or organization provides the
When children learn that discipline from a young age, it becomes second nature for
structure and socialization that comes
a lifetime.
with training toward a common goal. It
How fortunate for Denton County
can be a proving ground for setting goals, learning resilience, and becoming part of something bigger than just yourself.
residents to have Lakeside Aquatic Club
(LAC) right in the neighborhood of Flower Mound. LAC has long been recognized
as one of the best swim clubs in the DFW metroplex — and one of the largest and most successful in Texas. “Another distinction that sets us apart,” LAC Operations Manager Candice Saffle revealed, “is that LAC is a USA Swimming Gold Medal Club. [This is] a designation of quality awarded to only 20 of the most successful swim clubs in the United States.” Currently, there are over 3,100 swim clubs registered throughout the country! This club focuses on all levels of swimming programs for children and adults alike. From beginner stage to Masters Swimming or national level development, they offer three levels of classes: competitive (developmental), non-competitive, and lessons programs. LAC is also one of the oldest swim clubs. It all started in Lewisville in 1982. Then called the Lewisville Aquatic Club, it was labeled as a summer recreation team. Flower Mound later merged with Lewisville. “The Flower Mound/Lewisville club is very robust, and it’s the original, with 40
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years of combined history and experience,” Candice said. Teaming with the Flower Mound/Lewisville location, LAC has grown to include facilities in Keller and The Colony and operates five facilities within these three locations. “All of our locations act as one team,” Candice explained. “They work together, even though they compete against one another in order to practice competitively.”
Lessons is for ages 5 and up, where
athletes, NCAA champions, and Olympic
and safety measures.
academically and have qualified as
students are taught the basic techniques Stroke Team is developmental and meant to introduce the basic techniques of
all four competitive swimming strokes: Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Butterfly.
trials qualifiers. Many of them also excel Scholastic All-Americans.
“Some people aren’t aware that we are a
board governed, coach run 501(c)3 non-
profit organization,” Candice pointed out. “Therefore, we rely heavily on donations.
“This program teaches kids how to swim
It’s a big piece of how we support our
She added, “Our clubs really support the high school programs. Students can get PE requirements from us if their school doesn’t offer a swimming program.”
safe but to swim competitive strokes,”
The club recently launched their annual
In 2008, Coach Jason Walter joined LAC as one of more than 25 talented and highly qualified members of their coaching staff. Head coach and site manager since 2011, Jason’s leadership has generated many successes for LAC, and the club has nearly tripled in size. Combining all clubs, LAC currently fosters 1,100 swimmers.
Competitive Team (Age Group and Senior
“We are the best team in Texas and the top 20 team in the country,” Jason said proudly.
determine where they will be placed and/
LAC offers a variety of swimming programs for all skill levels: www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
the Olympic way — not only to be water Jason said. “Once you get the strokes down, we can grow you for competitive swimming.”
levels) is the ultimate goal for the majority of these students. Swimmers train to
compete, and many continue to pursue collegiate swimming careers that even continue after college.
Depending on age and skill level, tryouts are held for all swimmers, and coaches or promoted to other levels.
LAC has trained and developed high school state champions, collegiate
coaches and swimmers.”
Swim-a-Thon fundraiser in Keller, which
is open now through the end of July for donations. Check out their website or Facebook page for details.
LAC is a family-oriented organization — a large club with the feel of a small club.
Parents enjoy volunteering, and the staff
throws parties for team building. Former team members who go off to college often return to swim with the current group and even want to coach.
“You want a place where your kids can succeed but have lots of fun doing it,”
Jason said enthusiastically. “We’re here to make them the best.”
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Ask The Expert: Organizing
DIGITAL CLUTTER:
5 WAYS TO UNPLUG
WITHOUT COMPLETELY DISCONNECTING by Crystal Nerpel, Owner of Cloud Nine Organizing
T
echnology has been a huge blessing for the world as we have had to find ways to stay connected with one another. Zoom meetings have helped us conduct business in new ways, and FaceTime and social media have kept us connected with family and friends.
However, technology can never replace our basic human need for face-to-face interactions. Our minds could use a
break from the distractions, isolation, and information overload. Your connection to
you’ll reduce the number of times you engage with your technology.
2. AVOID PLACING YOUR PHONE NEAR YOUR BED
will help you re-engage with yourself, your family, and your friends. 4. SCHEDULE TIME FOR OFFLINE ACTIVITIES Learn to relax and embrace peace and quiet by performing activities that do not require access to technology. Go biking or hiking to enjoy the great outdoors. Take an extra-long soak in a bubble bath to relax. Spend some time reading some books or learning a new skill.
the online world doesn’t have to dominate
I know. You are not loving this advice,
reduce your bond to technology without
the blue light that is transmitted from
5. SPEND MORE TIME WITH YOUR FRIENDS IN PERSON
brain to turn off, which makes it harder
Now is the time to start making plans to meet up with friends! The weather is beautiful, and North Texas restaurants and businesses are looking forward to having you back. Go shopping with your best friend or have coffee with someone you love talking to. Yes, texts and phone calls are nice. But face-to-face interaction is good for the soul.
your life, and there are effective ways to
but your sleep can be disrupted by
having to be completely disengaged.
phones and tablets. It’s difficult for the
1. DESIGNATE A TECH-FREE SPACE IN YOUR HOUSE
It’s nearly impossible to completely forego all technology, but you can certainly
create a tech-free zone in your home. For
instance, you choose to have no devices in the kitchen so that mealtime is family time. Move laptops, tablets, and phones out of
to fall asleep. When your device is not
near your bed, you won’t check it before you go to sleep or when you first wake
up. You will feel more relaxed and will be better rested.
3. DESIGNATE ONE DAY TO GO OFF-GRID
the “Tech-Free Space” and into a separate
We have become addicted to being
office are great locations. You don’t have
your time and energy by designating one
room. A spare bedroom or your home
“connected” and always available. Protect
to be with your technology 24/7, and by
day or night per week when you are away
moving devices into a centralized location,
from your phone, tablet, or computer. This
Technology is a BLESSING. But it can overtake our lives if we don’t create our own usage boundaries. Finding a balance can be tricky but not impossible if you start off with these tips.
CLOUDNINEORGANIZING.COM
26 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | JUNE 2021
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JUNE 2021 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 27
Turning Tragedy INTO TRIUMPH by Caylie Howard | photos courtesy of Carrie Simpson
E
veryone goes through trials and tribulations. These troubles can come in so many different sizes, shapes, and forms. And while we are dealing with these trials, it’s so easy to get lost in the grief that you are experiencing. It becomes more and more difficult as time goes on to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Flower Mound local Carrie Simpson was able to turn her times of trial into a bright light for herself and others. Carrie Simpson is a Denton County local children’s book author. She wrote and
self-published her first children’s book
“Oh No! I swallowed a seed.” She began writing this book in 2018, and it was
released November 22, 2020. She chose
this date for a very special reason. On this date years prior, Carrie’s grandparents
Carrie always tells people to be kind to everyone.
“With all of the grief that we experienced
“You never know how different paths are going to cross” Carrie said.
were lost in a house fire.
with that day, I wanted to make it into a positive thing” Carrie said.
Carrie is also a five-time cancer survivor. September 9th will mark 22 years since
Carrie’s diagnosis. After her first diagnosis in 1999, she went on to beat her cancer
battle and was clear for seven years. It was during these seven years that she married
her husband of 19 years, Charles, and had her two daughters, Kara and Bailey. Carrie went on to battle cancer again in 2007, 2008, and 2011. 28 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | JUNE 2021
“I had one other little diagnosis, but I don’t really count it because it was the easiest of them all.” Carrie went on to say, “My husband is a great guy. He stood by me when I was bald and battling cancer, and he loved me so sweetly.”
This proved to be true when a childhood friend that she had grown up with in Sugarland, Texas, Curtis Baldwin, became her illustrator for her children’s book. Curtis now lives in Hawaii and works as a tattoo artist. “Because he works as a tattoo artist, he had to work on illustrating the book in his own time.” Carrie prides herself on the fact that she self-publishes all of her books. She www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
“In everything I do, I smile, pray, and persevere. I hope that people see Jesus in me. When anyone asks how I’m doing, I always tell them that I feel very blessed.” created her own publishing company,
Mosquito Shield is
information about Bee Kind Publishing on
year in business. Carrie
Bee Kind Publishing. You can find more her website, beekindpublishing.com.
Last year, social media guru Dani Austin
posted about Carrie’s story and her book, which helped to launch her career as an author. Within two days, Carrie had sold 1,500 books.
“It was an unexpected blessing.” Carrie also created a mosquito spraying company with her husband called Mosquito Shield.
“I’m very blessed to have two crazy and busy businesses,” Carrie said.
celebrating its third
and her husband are
proud of the fact that
the products that they use are made up of
99% natural ingredients with only 1%
controlled product. “They are very safe and non-harmful products to use.” Carrie said. You can find
more information
about Mosquito Shield by calling 214.513.2483.
Carrie has done an excellent job of finding the joy in positivity in every single situation.
“In everything I do, I smile, pray, and
persevere. I hope that people see Jesus
in me. When anyone asks how I’m doing,
I always tell them that I feel very blessed.” Carrie said.
She added, “I love people a lot. I love
everyone — even those that aren’t kind.” www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
Carrie’s love for people has led her to
reach people from all different places and walks of life. Last year, Carrie’s book went out to 49 out of the 50 states.
Carrie Simpson has become a glowing example of how to turn tragedy into
triumph. With her kindness to others, her love for people and community, and her
strong religious values, Carrie has turned a
situation that most people find unbearable into a glowing blessing for people to
enjoy for years to come. Carrie has gone
onto prove that even in the darkest night,
the light of the morning will always follow. JUNE 2021 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 29
30 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | JUNE 2021
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Dentistry: Ask The Expert
THE TAKE
AWAY THIS MONTH by Dr. Matt Artho, Owner of Country Lakes Family Dental
E
very now and then, a rare moment happens when the skies open, planets align, and you just know a great opportunity is on the horizon. I’ve experienced that moment for at least eight years when my Ask The Dental Expert column falls perfectly into the Dental Expert Issue. The only challenge is that after eight years of explaining everything from pediatrics, geriatrics, health, and cosmetics to technology and prevention, it’s difficult to choose that one, inspiring and prolific dental topic that brings it all together. So, when it comes down to the single-most important dental point to get across, I’m going to choose two.
The first significant approach to dental health that I would hope to express is do not delay dental care. Dental disease like decay or periodontal disease does not get better. It gets worse over time. Many times, I see simple procedures evolve into complicated treatments simply because the initial treatment was ignored or delayed too long. Rarely with our health do we ignore conditions like infections or traumatized tissue, and your oral health should be approached the same way. This is especially true with the knowledge of oral and systemic health
associations. In addition to taking a hasty reactive attitude toward dental care, a proactive preventative approach is even more desirable to avoid unwanted dental conditions in the first place. As promised, the second bit of advice I would like to share is an unfortunate reality in today’s healthcare world: do not let your insurance dictate your treatment or your provider. There are many misconceptions about how insurance works with regards to the doctors you can see and the treatment you need. Insurance as a business focuses on your benefits, while it is your provider whose expertise will determine what is best for your health. Also, in-network vs. out-of-network or covered vs. non-covered should not be the determining factor when attempting to get the best care. In many cases, healthcare can be managed regardless of insurance status. It is often encouraged for patients to call their insurance to better understand its workings, but never let insurance take on the provider’s role of a clinical diagnosis. I hope that much is learned in this Dental Issue. Like many dentists, I am passionate about people’s dental health, whether they are my patients or not. So, soak in the dental fun, and we hope to see you all soon! Happy Smiling!
DO NOT LET YOUR INSURANCE DICTATE YOUR TREATMENT OR YOUR PROVIDER.
940.455.7645 | COUNTRYLAKESDENTAL.COM | 74 MCMAKIN RD., STE. 200 • BARTONVILLE, TX 76226
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MAY 2021 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 31
IT’S ALL IN His Hands by Diane Ciarloni | photography by Miranda Longoria photography
E
ven before entering high school, Bryant Nguyen knew he wanted a career that allowed him to use his hands. What would it be? Play the guitar professionally? Become a sculptor? Draw? Style hair for the rich and famous?
pictured above is Dr. Vincent DiRusso, Associate Dentist (left) and Dr. Bryant Nguyen, Owner of Prestige Family Dentistry (right) 32 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | JUNE 2021
While all those are honorable endeavors, none were what the middle school boy had in mind. He wanted to work with his hands, but there was a caveat: He wanted to work with his hands to help people.
and make everything that happens
He found his answer when he came across dentistry.
Prestige Family Dentistry has quadrupled
as pain-free as possible. That’s where working with my hands comes into the picture.”
Dr. Nguyen’s patient load at his
since taking over the Flower Mound
That, to a countless number of people, does not sound like the ideal choice. Yes, a dentist definitely works with his hands — but they’re in our mouths! Most of us shrink from the thought of being in a dentist’s chair. We think of torture chambers from the Spanish Inquisition and, as a result, we develop avoidance syndrome and our dental health suffers drastically.
practice on Cross Timbers Road in 2013.
“I want to change this fear and dread,” Dr. Bryant Nguyen, DDS, said. “I want to do this by creating a relaxing, soothing, friendly, and compassionate environment
your first phone call to our office.
As a matter of fact, he and his entire staff were busy moving to a larger building across the street just days before this article was published.
“Our practice has grown considerably, but we still know our patients by name,” Dr.
Nguyen noted. “They’re still greeted with
a smile and with respect. All these details are in place from the moment you make
The goal is to introduce you immediately to the friendly and caring environment we’ve created.
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photographed from left to right is: Dr. Vincent DiRusso, Jordyn Collins, Dr. Bryant Nguyen, Annette Gibbs and Jean Keel
“I’m convinced our style of dentistry can be life-changing for people. The goal is to deal with their fears and, if at all possible, to erase them. Doing that can be a huge step forward in improving their overall health.”
his degrees at Baylor University. He served
we certainly didn’t have all the
Hospital in Temple, where he “…learned a
seeing emergency patients and I’m
Just as he knew at an early age that he wanted to work with his hands as a skilled dentist, he also knew while still in dental school that he didn’t want to work in a corporate dental atmosphere that put a high emphasis on “sales.”
perfecting those “hand skills” opens the
“I preferred to build my practice from scratch — with everything directed toward the best interests of my patients,” he said. “One of the things I like to emphasize is a conservative approach to treatment accompanied by a strong focus on prevention.”
details, and many of those details are in
Dr. Nguyen, a native Texan from Vietnamese immigrant parents, completed
experience. Needless to say, we’re up
his residency at the Central Texas VA
lot. I loved listening to the veterans’ stories and it provided a wonderful opportunity to fine-tune my hand skills.” Constantly
door to as pain-free as possible dentistry. The staff at Prestige Family Dentistry
consists of more than 20 people along with two other dentists. “The key to
providing life-changing dentistry is in the the staff,” he explained. “We want to make
sure we can see everyone, and we want to see them at their appointment time – not an hour later.”
Dr. Nguyen added, “Making our
way through COVID-19 was a huge
close and personal with our patients and
answers at the time. But we continued proud to say we did it without one mishap.”
Dr. Nguyen has dreams for the
future, including opening another
clinic within the next 12 to 18 months. If things go as planned, that second
location will be followed by a third and fourth. He also enjoys teaching, which
means he’s looking at the possibility of a dental assisting school. As far as new frontiers are concerned, he sees a coming growth in the area of cosmetic dentistry.
“Whatever we do and whatever direction we take, at the top of the list will always
be providing the highest possible level of care for our patients,” he said. “That, after all, is why we’re here.”
972.539.2820 | PrestigeFamilyDentistry.com | 4351 Cross Timbers Rd., Ste. 100 • Flower Mound, TX 75028 www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
JUNE 2021 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 33
SCHOOLS OUT!
NOW WHAT? by Kim Muench, Founder of Real Life Parent Guide (RealLifeParentGuide.com)
A
s a mother of five whose kids are spaced 17 years apart, the thought of school being out for weeks on end was enough to make my palms sweat and my heart race! How can I keep my tribe of all ages and stages happy and connected until the first August bell rings?!?! If this speaks to you too, momma, fear not. I’ve got a few ideas up my sleeve to slow that heart rate.
5 F UN WAY S TO CO N N E CT W I T H YOUR K I D S T HI S SUM M E R:
connect and promote community for all ages. This book, The Turquoise
Table by Kristin Schell, will help you
1. Take the family out to pick your own fresh produce! Pack a picnic for the road trip, as there are many options for this excursion – some closer to home than others. To get an extensive list of places to visit, go to pickyourown.org/TX.
bring back old-school events like
kick the can, hide and seek, outdoor
meals, and good old-fashioned family connection. While you watch your
kids run around or chalk the walk with the neighborhood kids, you can swap parenting wisdom, career advice, and
2. There’s nothing like an old-school neighborhood get-together to
favorite recipes with that new mom or dad or the older couple up the block you haven’t yet met.
3. Create a family ritual around games or
K I M
M
U
E N C H
movies! Maybe it’s Saturday afternoon
34 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | JUNE 2021
board games or Tuesday night movies – or both! Get your kids involved by asking what tradition they’d like to
begin this summer. For the final week of summer, do something different and bigger like break out a backyard campout!
4. One of the most important things we
can provide our kids is a regular time
to talk about any problems they or the family is experiencing. Maybe you’ve
picked up the towel off the bathroom floor for the last time and you’re
about to lose your cool. I hear you.
But instead of yelling, hold a Family
Meeting. Finish Sunday dinner with a family pow-wow and then go out for
ice cream. When we provide a trusted, safe place for our kids to talk to us,
they will open up. And trust me, you
want to birth that ongoing discussion long before they’re teenagers.
5. If your child had the benefit of a
special day just with you, what would he or she want to do? Ask them this and then plan it out. Have five kids?
It doesn’t have to be expensive. The
greatest gift we can give our sons and daughters is our undivided attention.
Time running your kid from one event to another does not count as alone
time. Taking a walk through the trails at Twin Coves Park does!
One final thought Mom and Dad: you
cannot give what you don’t have. So, even before doing number one on this list,
know that taking time for yourself is what’s gotta happen. Self-care is not a luxury,
it’s a necessity and something to practice every single day! Namaste.
Kim Muench, a Flower Mound mom of five, is the Founder of Real Life Parent Guide. Learn more about her work at www.reallifeparentguide.com.
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DOGGONE DENTON COUNTY SPOTLIGHT
A
delicious TEXAS TRADITION
I
by Jean Eisenmann | photos courtesy of Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs
f you’ve lived in Texas for any length of time and haven’t heard of Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs, don’t you dare admit it! Fletcher’s iconic hot dog on a stick is to Texas what the lobster roll is to Maine or the Philly cheesesteak to Philadelphia. You see, as any true Texan can attest, the Fletcher family created the corny dog. It’s a portable meal in your hand. A little bit of Texas heaven. And a Texas tradition.
when I was just a year old. My father,
Neil Jr., moved his family to Double Oak
around 1977, and my mother GG, brother Aaron, and I still live there.”
In 1988, with the passing of their patriarch, brothers Neil Jr. and Bill Fletcher assumed the company. For the next nearly 40
In 1942, brothers and former
to this day. Their corny dog became a
and Carl Fletcher developed
and generations of Texans have come to
dog at the State Fair of Texas.
dog on Earth. Fun fact: Fletcher’s has been
new business ideas, such as opening
product names such as K-9 and
than Big Tex!
corny dog menu. Skip introduced both
vaudeville performers Neil
cornerstone of the State Fair of Texas,
and introduced their corny
associate the event with the best corny
After experimenting with
a staple of the State Fair a decade longer
Brown Bomber, the brothers
Many fans aren’t aware that the Fletcher
decidedly agreed on the name Fletcher’s Original State Fair Corny Dogs. Though it took
them 12 years to perfect their
unique batter, the proprietary recipe remains the same
36 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | JUNE 2021
family has lived in Denton County for
decades. Neil’s granddaughter, Amber
Fletcher explained, “Grandfather moved
years, with Bill at his side, Neil (crowned Skip, “The Corny Dog King”) continued
their father’s legacy while implementing restaurants and adding new flavors to the the Jalapeño & Cheese and the Bird Dog. Later, Amber created the Veggie Dog,
while her brother Aaron came up with the Cheezy Pup.
from Missouri to Dallas in the 1930s. In
Since the passing of Skip Fletcher in 2017,
remained there until his death in 1988,
third generation. GG and Bill still maintain
the 1970s, he relocated to Lewisville and
the family’s baton has been passed to a
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an active presence in the company, though the day-to-
day operations now rest with Amber, Aaron, and Bill’s
son W.C.
For Amber, growing up with Fletcher’s Original Corny
Dogs became part of her identity.
“My neighbor loves to remind me,” she reflects laughingly,
“that as a child of about 8 years old, I introduced myself to her
saying, “Hi, I’m Amber Fletcher from Fletcher’s Corny Dogs.”
Approaching their 80th year in business, Fletcher’s has evolved within each of the three generations. The original brothers
had the State Fair of Texas and one restaurant. The next descendants also had the State Fair, the debut of
mascot Mr. Corny in 1983, new corny dog flavors,
and multiple restaurant franchises that eventually closed due to economic downturns. But the
current generation has taken the brand to new
heights — all without sacrificing the deeply-rooted
Fletcher legacy.
These days, Fletcher’s takes its corny dogs to the
full service mobile catering trailers, giving fans greater
access to their corny dog at birthday parties, weddings, local
festivals, corporate events, and more. Their 10’x10’ pop-up tents
accommodate even more venues. A summertime limited edition
to the Fletcher family of dogs was introduced in May, called “Make Mine Texan.” It’s an all-beef and brisket dog with a natural smokey flavor that Texans can’t resist.
“The State Fair of Texas, where it all began,
always will be our priority,” Amber said. “Ninetynine percent of our products are sold in Texas,
and the majority is in the DFW area. We’ll ship
our corny dogs or take our catering trailer to
neighboring states when there’s a request.” And request they do. Transplanted Texans still
crave their Fletcher’s Corny Dogs.
In 2020, when the pandemic hit, anonymous donors
commissioned Fletcher’s catering to feed first responders and
hospitals. Requests expanded into other community businesses.
“When the State Fair of Texas announced closure in 2020, citizens emailed us asking what they can do to support the brand they’ve loved for years,” Amber explained. “That kind of loyalty saved our company.”
That level of customer patronage isn’t surprising.
Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs are the finest Texas fare
at the State Fair of Texas and, for that matter, anywhere. The family, too, is awesome. Awesome, but corny.
And that’s precisely how they intend to remain. www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
DENTON COUNTY SPOTLIGHT
community year-round. In 2019, they purchased two
JUNE 2021 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 37
Things 5TO DO DINOSAUR VALLEY | Glen Rose Wouldn’t you love to put your feet in water, where dinosaur’s once roamed? Come visit Dinosaur Valley State Park, a part of the Texas Parks and Wildlife. Search for dinosaur tracks, camp, picnic, hike, bike, swim & more. 254.897.4588 TPWD.Texas.gov/State-Parks/ Dinosaur-Valley
DIVE-IN MOVIE Water Works Park Want to try something new and fun? Come visit Denton and enjoy the wave pool, all while watching a movie! Bring the whole family and enjoy a night in the water. Check the website for upcoming movie times. 940.349.7275 DentonWaterWorks.com/SpecialEvents.com
PADDLE BOARDING Bluet Sup Located at Pilot Knoll Park in the heart of Lake Lewisville they offer Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Kayaking & Canoe Rentals and Yoga/Pilates experiences! If you can walk, you can SUP! 214.717.2031 | BluetSup.com
SLEEP IN A TREE HOUSE Savannah’s Meadow, Celeste A short drive to the fine city of Celeste, and sleep in the trees at Savannah’s Meadow Treehouse Bed & Breakfast. Walk through lavender fields, sit by the pond and take in the breathtaking scenery. Book now! photo courtesy of Savannah’s Meadow Social Media page 214.668.4299 SavannahsMeadow.com 38 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | JUNE 2021
OUTDOOR CONCERT | Grandscape Come out and enjoy a concert on the stage, play yard games on the open lawn, live musical performances throughout the center and visit local tenant shops for great deals and specials. 972.668.2222 | GrandScape.com
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JUNE 2021 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 39
FASHION GUIDE 2021 photos courtesy of each respective business
MADIJAKS
817.965.0648 400 S Oak St., Ste. 110 Roanoke, TX 76262 MadiJaks is a women’s clothing and gift boutique conveniently located in downtown Roanoke. They offer a collection of unique, affordable, and on-trendy items, that are hand-picked with their customers in mind. They strive to bring their customers captivating, fashionable pieces that encourage them to live with confidence. Pictured is their bestselling KC romper. This romper is one of many perfect pieces available for weddings, graduations and every occasion in between.
40 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | JUNE 2021
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MEGAN’S LIFESTYLE BOUTIQUE
MAINSTREAM BOUTIQUE
360 BOUTIQUE
972.899.4060 Located in The Shops at Highland Village 4081 Waller Crk., Ste.16 Highland Village, TX. 75028
972.539.4800 5801 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 810 Flower Mound,TX 75028
972.318.3600 Located in Studio 360 Med Spa 2300 Highland Village Rd., Ste. 300 Highland Village, TX 75077
Megan’s Lifestyle Boutique is located in the heart of Highland Village at The Shops At Highland Village. Megan’s is celebrating 20 years of retail business and still focuses on keeping you classy and sassy. They carry brands that have stood the test of time and will have closet staying power. This maxi dress features a side slit and tie waist to show off your best features, perfect, beautiful and breezy. Comes in a soft abstract print that reminds us of the desert sky. Light weight and lined with adjustable straps.
Mainstream Boutique’s mission is to empower, strengthen and celebrate women. Look at the vibrant colors in this top, which is paired with their exclusive brand, Mac and Me denim. These colors add a touch of summer to your wardrobe and will match so many bottom pieces! Bring a pop of color to your white denim and coordinate with a colorful sandal. So many possibilities! Visit with owner, Susan Bauermeister and her daughter, Maddie, for a personalized styling experience through fashion!
360 Boutique is your one stop shop for all of the latest fashion trends. They keep up to date with all of the latest looks to keep everyone looking 360 fabulous all year round.
A tie-dye print mock neck shirt is perfect to take you into the hottest part of summer. It features ruffled sleeves and neck with a relaxed fit that will look great with denim or white shorts.
Pantone Colors Pirouette & Purple Rose
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JUNE 2021 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 41
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Foodie Friday DFW: Prime Farm To Table
PRIME FARM
TO TABLE by Jay Marks | photos courtesy of Foodie Friday DFW
S
ince Prime Farm to Table opened in Flower Mound nearly seven years ago, we’ve always loved catching up with Chef and owner, Chris Flahaven. We’re always inspired by his food, his passion, and his creativity.
In the last seven years, Prime Farm to Table has become a staple in Flower Mound when it comes to date night, special occasions, catering, their food truck, and (within the last year) takeout! When COVID started, Chris had to expand and evolve his offerings, which is nothing new for him. He’s always switching up his menu to utilize his creativity and meet the demand of his loyal customers.
And those loyal customers are what have made all the difference for Chris and Prime Farm to Table over the last year. “Last year was tough,” Chris said, “and the Flower Mound community has been our strength.”
paired with a local Texas honey pecan butter. Prime Farm to Table has a truly seasonal menu and sources their food from dozens of regional farms. So what you find here, you’re not likely to find many other places. And you can pair their unique and ever-changing menu items with some of their whiskey and spirit flights or their habanero-infused Ghost Tequila if you’re brave enough. If you’re looking for a new dining experience, head over to Prime Farm to Table where you can find anything from amazing steaks to octopus to great whiskey. They have it all and it’s all delicious!
On our visit this time around, Chris showed off some of his proudest current dishes including a Ham and Cheese souffle made with locally-sourced ingredients; a Nashville Spiced Texas Quail; and Spanish Octopus. And we can’t forget his famous jalapeno cheddar cornbread cooked in a can and 972.724.2540 | JayMarksRealEstate.com jay@jaymarksrealestate.com 3212 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 300 | Flower Mound, TX 75022
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JUNE 2021 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 43
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
photo courtesy of Stacy Turkoly
Denton County Sheriff ’s Office
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
D
enton County Sheriff’s Office Employee Spotlight - Lieutenant Curtis Stevenson was hired by The Denton County Sheriff’s Office in 1997 as a Detention Officer. While working in the Denton County Jail full-time on deep-nights and weekends at Denton County MHMR, Stevenson added 17 weeks attending the UNT Police Academy to his grueling schedule. After he obtained his Peace Officer License, he worked as a Patrol Deputy and Animal Control Officer.
Curtis left DCSO and worked at Sanger PD from 2008 – 2015. In 2015, Lt. Stevenson came back to Denton County for the Constable, Precinct 1. When Sheriff Murphree took office in 2017
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
and an opening within the mental health unit occurred, the Sheriff, aware of Lt.
Stevenson’s background in Mental Health and work ethic, asked Lt. Stevenson to
apply for that position. Curtis came back to Denton County Sheriff’s Office as a
Mental Health Investigator and has been busy climbing the career ladder since. When the Sergeant Position in mental
health came open, Lt. Stevenson with his
expertise in the mental health field as well as his relationships with our mental health partners made him the ideal candidate
for that position. And early this year, after a promotion within the Justice Logistics Division, a Lieutenant position was
available, and Curtis Stevenson promoted again to Lieutenant.
Lieutenant Stevenson also does a great deal of volunteer work such as delivering food to the American Legion Senior Center, handing out challenge coins to veterans to encourage them, participating in the holiday turkey dinner delivery at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center, participating with donations at the Monsignor King Outreach Center in Denton, and distributing food and hygiene products to the homeless population in Denton County. Lieutenant Stevenson was recently recognized by the Lake Cities Chamber of Commerce for his outstanding work as a first responder.
940.349.1600 | 127 N. WOODROW LN., STE. 300 • DENTON, TX 76205 | DENTONCOUNTY.GOV/707/SHERIFF 44 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | JUNE 2021
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ANGEL FOOD CAKE
RECIPE
•
1 cup fresh raspberries
•
1 jar of cream cheese icing
•
1 cup fresh blueberries
•
1 tsp sugar or splenda
•
1 cup fresh strawberries
•
bakery bought angel food cake Directions
Place angel food cake on an July 4th decorative plate. Smooth cream cheese icing over the top of cake. Combine raspberries, strawberries and blueberries in a bowl, sprinkle with sugar/splenda; toss gently. Add fresh raspberries, strawberries and blueberries and top cake with berry mixture. Chill and serve when ready.
4th of July BERRY SALAD
RECIPE • 6 cups mixed baby greens • 1 cup fresh blueberries • 1 cup fresh raspberries • 1 cup fresh strawberries • ¼ cup walnuts • ½ cup Gorgonzola cheese • Dressing of choice Directions
Combine all ingredients above and serve with dressing. www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
JUNE 2021 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 47
FLOURISHINGFLOWERS
W
by Steve Gamel | photos courtesy of Cynthia Dearnbarger and Flourish Flowers & Gifts social media pages
hen Cynthia Dearnbarger’s daughter, Victoria, asked her four years ago what she planned to do once all the children left for college, she looked like the proverbial deer in headlights. A wife and mother of four wonderful kids, Cynthia always had a few “next step” ideas dancing around in her head. But there was no denying that the question caught her off guard. “There was definitely a shock factor,” Cynthia said with a laugh. “I just kept thinking, ‘I’m just a mom.’” The thing is, though, Cynthia Dearnbarger was always more than just a mom. She was very talented and creative and even saw herself being a small-business owner someday. She simply needed the inspiration to set her off on the right path. That inspiration came a short while later when she and Victoria visited a quaint little flower shop in Dallas. “You’d be so good at doing something like this,” Cynthia recalled her daughter saying to her. Fast forward four years and Cynthia is the proud owner of Flourish Flowers
48 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | JUNE 2021
& Gifts in Lewisville. In that time, she
went from humble beginnings in various farmer’s markets to securing a small
storefront in Old Town. Today, they have
a new 3,700 square-foot shop just down the road and seven friendly employees. And she’s not afraid to shout to the
mountaintops that business is great.
Flourish is a full-service floral shop that creates beautiful arrangements of all shapes and sizes, whether it be your
traditional bouquet, market wrap, or
celebration of life wreath. They do daily
deliveries and are the perfect choice for weddings and special events. Flourish also has a wide range of gifts, cards,
candles, and home decor. And as Cynthia says, their “funky vases” truly help their arrangements stand out.
“I was so fearful at first because I didn’t think we’d make it,” Cynthia said. “I kept thinking, ‘If we can only break even, that’d be great.’ But now, we’re in a 3,700 square foot facility with seven people. So we’re beyond that. Jesus is a big part of my life, and I had to realize that He isn’t a God of break even. He’s a God of abundance.” Cynthia admitted that after four quick years — including battling through a pandemic — she and her team are still growing and trying to get their name out there. But she can’t complain too much. “Things have been falling into place ever since we started this,” she said. “After Victoria brought up the idea about a flower shop, I went home and spoke to my husband, Jack. We decided to pray about it and see what happens. That was in February of 2017. By June, we had our first store. It’s been a blessing.” To learn more, visit www.flourishflowerandgifts.com or call 469.464.3020. www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
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JUNE 2021 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 49
VOLUNTEERS MAKE
A DIFFERENCE
IN DENTON COUNTY
volunteers contributed 47,424 hours,
saving county taxpayers an estimated
$1,145,757. Never before in the history of our county, which is celebrating 175 years of existence this year, have we
come together in such a fashion for a common purpose.
This effort demonstrated how a county of
almost 1 million residents reached for the stars in setting a goal of vaccinating as
many individuals as possible in a manner that has caught the attention of not only
by Denton County Judge Andy Eads photo courtesy of Judge Andy Eads
the White House but even national and international media.
Agencies across the U.S. as well as
R
from neighboring counties visited our
ecently, we had the opportunity to thank the many volunteers who donated their time and energy to help make our Denton County Vaccination Hub at Texas Motor Speedway (TMS) a tremendous success.
We gave more than 371,700 vaccinations to residents across the region, providing a good base toward herd immunity
following more than a year of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
These volunteers came from across
the U.S. – from Alaska to Arkansas as
well as from many of our neighboring counties and the communities within
the county. The Texas National Guard, FEMA, and other
organizations sent
volunteers to our hub.
Police officers, firefighters, and EMTs spent countless hours directing traffic, drawing vaccine into
syringes, giving shots,
and monitoring vaccine recipients for reactions.
recipient shed tears of relief at receiving a much-desired vaccine. On May 14, we recognized their valiant efforts on the last day at TMS, providing a barbecue meal, music, a slideshow of photos, giveaways including challenge coins, tumblers and t-shirts, and, most importantly, an opportunity to meet each other and collectively celebrate their commitment to helping others.
THESE VOLUNTEERS CONTRIBUTED 47,424 HOURS, SAVING COUNTY TAXPAYERS AN ESTIMATED $1,145,757.
Our volunteers welcomed
individuals with a smile, dancing as they directed traffic to stay warm in wintry weeks and offering comfort when a
In the 16 weeks at TMS from Feb. 2 through May 14, we were able to create a system that ensured efficiency, easy access, and equitable distribution of a vaccine that would set the foundation for a return to normalcy.
Each of the estimated 8,120 volunteers who assisted in this effort can take credit for their contributions to the good of humanity and to helping their fellow residents in a time of need. These
operation to determine how they could replicate our efficiencies in vaccinating large groups of individuals safely.
Our clinics set national records, we
believe, vaccinating first 15,000-plus
and then 17,003 individuals in a single day. With careful precision, we were
able to avoid injuries in spite of moving
thousands of cars into the clinic, through 16 lanes and back out every hour.
While we are no longer at TMS, these efforts continue on a smaller scale in neighborhood clinics across Denton
County to ensure those who want the
COVID-19 vaccine receive it. Recently, we opened the appointment system
to provide more options for recipients
to schedule their own dates and times
among the available clinics in an attempt to make it more accessible for all.
We will never be able to thank our
volunteers and staff enough for their
outstanding efforts. However, we can all know that in this 175th year of
existence, Denton County proved without any doubt that, together, we are all #DentonCountyStrong.
CONNECT WITH US
If you have any questions or comments, please let me hear from you. 940.349.2820 | andy.eads@dentoncounty.com | www.Dentoncounty.gov/countyjudgenewslettersignup 50 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | JUNE 2021
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JUNE 2021 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 51
A LIFE-LONG
DENTON COUNTY SPOTLIGHT
PASSION FOR WEATHER D
by Jean Eisenmann | Max’s Headshot courtesy of Remedy A. Capella, Max at Work courtesy of Chris Rusanowsky, Max with Forecast courtesy of Denton Record Chronicle
enton County residents certainly have experienced some crazy weather over the past year, with the record-breaking snowstorm, then a chilly, rainy spring. The old adage, “If you don’t like Texas weather, wait a minute” hasn’t held true lately. This year, folks likely follow weather reports more closely than usual, turning to their favorite forecasters to advise them how their weekend is going to look or when to expect even more rain.
maps of the states, and I would color in the
Some of us might watch the Weather Channel. Some prefer our local television meteorologists or perhaps a weather app. And many of you
parents nurtured what seemed to be his
– 14,500 of you, to be exact – are followers of Denton County Weather (www.facebook.com/
52 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | JUNE 2021
DentonCountyWeather). This popular
Facebook weather platform is brimming with colorful area temperature maps, radar graphs, up-to-the-minute forecasts, 7-day predictions, and commentary.
different weather patterns – warm fronts, cold fronts, and storm fronts. For me,
the Weather Channel was what cartoons meant to other kids my age.”
Originally from New Hampshire, Max’s
burgeoning talent for all things weatherrelated and discovered a weather
program in the Boston, Massachusetts
area. The six-day course was designed for
Former Argyle resident Max Schuster is the
high school seniors and college newbies
viewers consider him to be the most accurate
“At age 10, I was accepted and was the
young man behind this active site. Many
weather guy in Denton County – and he’s only 18 years old. Within the walls of his bedroom
in the family home, Max literally runs the show,
planning to major in meteorology.
youngest to graduate from the program,” Max confessed proudly, yet humbly.
including frequently creating pre-recorded
Fast-forward a few years to 2014, with
meteorologists from every network channel.
Now in sixth grade, Max was the unofficial
weather forecasts rivaling those made by Most young people don’t have a clear,
undistorted vision of what their future career will be until, perhaps, their teen years.
the family still living in New Hampshire. meteorologist for the school, pinning
his forecasts onto the bulletin board. As a seventh grader, Max launched his first online weather page. And throughout
“I became interested in weather and weather
seventh and eighth grade, he performed
while laughing. “My mom would print out
were broadcast in the school’s lunch room.
forecasting at the age of three,” Max revealed
video forecasts on a green screen that
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“I’ve always felt comfortable giving my forecasts, but it was pretty different seeing myself on the monitor in school,” Max recollected.
“I was the school meteorologist at Argyle,” Max explained. “My forecasts were up on TV monitors, and students would stop and watch. Our principal, Mr. [John] King, was happy to have it. And I think the students liked it, too.” Max added, “I was very shy, but not when doing the weather.” In early March of 2020, Max had 300 followers. He graduated in December 2020 with his Facebook following maintaining around 8,000! His following has consistently grown. When Hurricane
In January, Max and his family moved to south Florida, where he will be attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the fall. His major? Meteorology, of course! “My goal is to be a broadcast meteorologist for a local weather station,” Max affirmed. “If you’re interested in weather, I firmly believe meteorology is the path to take. There are lots of opportunities within the field that don’t
include television, like behind the scenes at the National Weather Station. Storm chasing is another option.” Max’s Facebook audience will be happy to learn that the geographical move has not interrupted his forecasting for Denton County, solely due to his loyal followers. “I haven’t forecasted Florida, and I don’t intend to in the near future,” he attested. “I’m staying with Denton County.” Until college begins, Max is working on his site full-time with the backing of two sponsors. This young man clearly has his head in the clouds, and the forecast calls for a bright and sunny future.
MOST YOUNG PEOPLE DON’T HAVE A CLEAR, UNDISTORTED VISION OF WHAT THEIR FUTURE CAREER WILL BE UNTIL, PERHAPS, THEIR TEEN YEARS. www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
DENTON COUNTY SPOTLIGHT
The family moved to Denton County in 2017, making Argyle their home. Argyle High School became Max’s next opportunity to showcase his talents. He maintained the weather page, this time forecasting for Denton County.
Laura threatened the Texas Gulf Coast that prior August of 2020, Max’s predictions and coverage of this Category 4 storm were more accurate than those of seasoned meteorologists! The number of followers rose dramatically. Additionally, with COVID-19 added to the mix, it spurred a jump to around 4,000 followers. And February’s snow storm brought Max’s audience to 11,000, as he worked up to 10 hours a day on the site. It bears mentioning that the current number of followers has risen to 14,500!
JUNE 2021 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 53
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CREATING
Home Decorating: Ask The Expert
CURB
APPEAL
T
by Allison Fifer, POSH Home Staging & Redesign
he first impression of a home that is most critical is setting the stage for a potential buyer. It sets the tone for how the buyer sees the home, creating a perceived posture toward the home. Within 15 seconds of driving up to a home, the buyer will develop an attitude and expectation for what they will see on the inside based on its exterior curb appeal. Sometimes, a buyer will even drive away and forego viewing the inside of the home based on the exterior appearance and perceived care of the home. First impressions are challenging, especially when you have been in your home for a while. It is hard to look objectively at your own home’s exterior, but it’s crucial to view it with buyers’ eyes. A good way to gauge your home’s curb appeal is to take a walk down your street and compare the exterior of your neighbors’ homes to your home. Look at the maintenance of bushes and trees as well as floral accents. You can also source quality drive up appeal in home decorating magazines. Throughout a potential buyer’s visit, they will be looking for other items in the home to reinforce the attitude created by your
2. Fragrant Florals — Fresh, sweet
fragrances have a dramatic impact on one’s perception and mood. Flowers
are relatively inexpensive, and a small
amount can go a long way. Also, check around for some colorful pots to make the flowers pop.
3. Fresh Bark — Cover up bare areas in
planters and give your beds a manicured
look. This is an inexpensive way to give the yard a clean and freshened appeal.
4. Power Wash — The front door, patio, driveway and sidewalks should all be cleared, cleaned and power washed.
This will help in making your home feel and look new. For any tough stains, try
Dawn dishwashing liquid or Coca-Cola to eliminate it.
5. Shine — All windows and light fixtures should be clean and sparkling.
And finally, believe it or not, certain
yard styles can appear dated; ie, reddishorange rocks for a front yard.
Below is a quick way to update your curb
curb appeal. One way to make a nice first impression is to create an emotional connection point. Add a simple bench with pillows and some fresh blooming flowers. Adding a tea cup and saucer will punch up the emotion just a bit more.
appeal and bring more buyers across your
Five key ingredients to creating positive curb appeal are:
or Lowe’s.
1. Plants — Assess your yard and plant flowers in areas with low appeal. This is an economical way to add value to your home and pump up the curb appeal. Not sure what to plant? Many local nurseries have individuals who can assist and even come to your home for a small fee and help with suggestions. You want fast growing, striking, and long-lasting plants.
form of a bench, rocker, or bistro table
front door threshold.
1. Invest in a new, oversized and natural
bristled doormat. This gives the doorway a larger and cleaner feel. One can be
purchased rather inexpensively at Target 2. Consider purchasing furniture in the and chairs so that buyers can imagine a front yard resting place.
3. Consider replacing or repainting the mailbox.
4. Update or add house address numbers under light fixtures. This helps to ensure
buyers and realtors can find your house!
940.765.2684 | POSHHOMESTAGING.COM | ALLISON@POSHHOMESTAGING.COM
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JUNE 2021 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 55
Smoke, WHERE THERE’S
THERE’S
BBQ
by Diane Ciarloni | photography by Shane Summers Photography
N
either rain, wind, nor dark and angry clouds discouraged nearly 700 people from purchasing tickets to the Flower Mound Summit Club’s first Annual Smoke Fest on May 15 and 16.
Cakes, Bubba’s Kettle Corn, O-Face BBQ, and Grill This BBQ Supply.
The Smoke Fest is the latest addition
The I’d-know-it-anywhere aroma of Texas-
paid from $500 to $150. First and second
to the Summit’s event schedule.
from the top of the Marriott Courtyard
received $300 and $200, respectively.
strong group is Flower Mound’s oldest
Peoples’ Choice distinction. This is the
is leadership through various forms of
Votes were cast by the taster by dropping
to teach youth the importance of giving
style barbecue smoke floated into the air parking garage, which is where the 20
teams gathered around their cookers on
Saturday. The following day, ticket buyers tasted the results, and the winners were announced.
There were three competition categories: chicken, spare ribs, and brisket. The top
five places in the chicken and spare ribs
paid from $400 to $50. Brisket, considered the elite member of the barbecue family,
place Grand and Reserve Champions
Established in 1974, the 50-man-
Perhaps the most coveted title was the
fraternal organization. Its primary focus
one that pleased the most taste buds.
community service, with the specific intent
a ticket into the bucket stationed next to
back for today as well as for the future.
each team’s cooker. The top five places
earned from $400 to $50, with a total of $5,000 given during the Fest.
hotdogs, hamburgers, and even
pancakes — all while offering their
The rain began falling while Fest-goers
charitable dexterity to a broad array of
no serious problems. Everyone huddled
own. Claudio Forest, president of the
continued eating.
summation: “We help people,” he said.
savored their samples, but there were
non-profit organizations other than their
under protective canopies and simply
Summit Club, offers a brief but beautiful
Co-sponsored by Cornerstone Staffing,
Helping people isn’t necessarily
could not have been better chosen. They
accompanying implementation. Hours on
the vendors present for the Smoke Fest included Buttermilk Sky Pies, Handel’s
Homemade Ice Cream, Nothing Bundt 56 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | JUNE 2021
Club members are adept at flipping
easy. There’s a ton of planning and
the telephone. Networking. Rounding up event sponsors. It all takes time, and, for
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someone such as Claudio, who owns two
businesses, time is a precious commodity. “It’s a labor of love,” he said. “I can’t even explain the giant reward I receive when I hand a kid a hot dog, and his face lights
up. Our Western Saloon and Casino Night in March is our major, annual fund-raiser.
It brings in $20,000-plus, which is money
we use for charities and two scholarships
see one of those fifth or eighth graders
have Western Saloon this year because
of the college scholarships. It’s proof of
launched Smoke Fest. Western Saloon will
the community. Of course, everything
Smoke Fest permanent. Its place on the
Mound, whether it’s an individual
cross, making you wonder how only one
to NCTC each calendar year. We couldn’t
return a few years later and apply for one
of COVID, so we waited until May and
how giving back improves the future of
return in 2022, but we also intend to make
we support must be specific to Flower
event’s roster will just move to the Fall in 2022.”
Academics are high on the Summit
Club’s list. In addition to the two college scholarships, the organization also
presents awards and prizes to 78 students from the fifth and eighth grades.
“One of the things that impress me the most about this program is when we www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
resident in need, scholarships,
man did it all those years ago. The crosses
charities, Scouts – whatever.”
are returned to storage after Easter.
Easter Sunday Sunrise Service is another
The Summit Club has 30 to 35 events on
community event that is near and dear to the Summit Club, with more than 1,400
people attending this year. Club members deliver the three big, wooden crosses to
The Flower Mound via trailer. It takes five to six men to carry and plant the middle
its schedule each year. They do a great
deal to benefit police and firemen. And, of course, children hold a special place.
“Each one of us loves the ways we give
back,” Forest said. “Helping people. It’s what life’s about.”
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