November 2017 CORINTH’S
CULINARY GANGSTER That’s What
FRIENDS ARE FOR It’s Time To Try
A TRI
Your
On Call Legal TEAM
Corinth - Hickory Creek - Shady Shores - Lake Dallas
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID LEWISVILLE, TX PERMIT NO. 977
Veterans Day with LDMS StuCo
Veterans Day Wall of Honor
Veterans Day Breakfast
photos courtesy of LDISD
November 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 3
4 | LAKE CITIES LIVING
| November 2017
November 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 5
LakeCitiesLiving.com
Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray
Administration
The Spirit of Gratitude
Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editor Bobbi Byrne Savannah Halfmann
Staff Writer
Susan Neuhalfen
Contributor Steve Gamel
Advertising
Becka Materne becka@murray-media.com Kelly Murray kelly@murray-media.com
Production
Art Director Liz Wallace Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Stephanie Hansen
Photography
Your Candid Memories 469.583.2819 yourcandidmemories.com
Letters
Lake Cities Living invites reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments.
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Murray Media Group. Editorial and Advertising Inquiries call 972.899.3637 or email
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Address: 1011 Surrey Lane Building 100, Ste. 101
Flower Mound, TX 75022 Lake Cities Living is published monthly by Murray Media Group. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. Lake Cities Living 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. © 2017 Murray Media Group
W
hen this time of year approaches I find myself being surprised at how fast another holiday season has arrived. Here we are standing at the eve of Thanksgiving and soon we will be anticipating the sounds and seasonal delights of Christmas. Even inside the changing of the weather we are able to feel the cool breezes approaching and the fireplaces heating up to welcome this joyful time of the year.
From the delight of preparing the table
The spirit of gratitude is so much a part of November. Slowing down and being reminded of all we have to be thankful for. There are so many ways we can offer our gratitude through helping those less fortunate. Many local charities are needing support during this time of the year. Remember as you share this season with your friends and family to make giving to others a special part of how you express your gratitude.
show appreciation and return kindness to
The definition of gratitude is this: the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
for our Thanksgiving meal, to welcoming the hugs and kisses of our loved ones, let’s enter into this season of gratitude ready to all those we come in contact with. This month’s issue is full of wonderful community stories, upcoming fall events and many local businesses that are offering you their expertise through promoting their businesses here in Lake Cities Living magazine. Take a break with us and sit back and enjoy the warmth of community shared in the pages of this month’s issue of Lake Cities Living.
Sincerely, Becka Materne
Community Relations and Advertising Consultant Lake Cities Living becka@murray-media.com 972.800.8548 6 | LAKE CITIES LIVING
| November 2017
Table of
Contents
16
On the Cover is owner Scott Reib of Reib Law
Featured: Your on call legal team
Lifestyle
Family
10 Edit This with Steve Gamel
24 Inside Community
12 Gardening with Complete Solutions
Corinth’s Culinary Gangster
26 That’s What Friends are For 28 Athlete Signing Day
18 It’s Time to Try a Tri
Photos from Lake Cities
22 Fitness with Outlaw Bootcamp
Editors pick:
25 Inside Education
Yourself 20 Makeover of the Month
08
02 Veterans Day at LDISD 30 LDHS Falcons
Learn how one girl helps her classmates make friends on page
26
November 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 7
Corinth’s Culinary Lifestyle
Gangster T
by Susan Neuhalfen
o think it all started with an Easy Bake Oven. Corinth Elementary 5th grader
Charlotte Murray loves to cook. She
began with her Easy Bake Oven and moved on to baking and cooking
under the supervision of her mother. Just last year, she started attending an after school program at Corinth
Elementary put on by the 4-H Club that included a cooking class on
Tuesday afternoons. She was learning the basics when her class was
approached with a challenge. American restaurateur Guy Fieri
was looking for a few good recipes photos courtesy of Suzanne Murray
for his new Guy’s Pig and Anchor
Restaurants aboard Carnival Cruise
Ship Lines. He turned to the 4-H Club to help him find the next big recipe. Kids in the 4-H cooking program
were asked to enter recipes and the
and several revisions before creating
recipe at the Texas State Fair for Guy
cheese rolled in crushed corn flakes
top three were chosen to cook their and a panel of judges.
“We had to take three elements off his menu and combine them to make a
whole new recipe,” said Charlotte. “I created a barbeque sandwich using brisket, Guy’s Mac Daddy Mac n'
Cheese and his Carolina #6 sauce.” She had one week to come up with
the recipe. She made a few attempts
the final recipe: brisket and mac and and fried, and then drizzled with
Carolina #6 sauce and mayo. She put it on Texas Toast and served it with
a side of homemade slaw, made up
of collared greens, green onion and
kale. She served it with a side of garlic Parmesan aioli to dress the slaw.
She typed up her recipe and sent it in to compete with many other 4-H students. Within a week, she was
informed that she was one of only three
4-H students from the DFW area chosen to compete at the Texas State Fair. Oh, and
by the way, she’d won a seven-day cruise
on Carnival Cruise Lines on any cruise that travels out of Galveston. At the Texas State Fair, Charlotte had 30
minutes to prepare her barbeque
and then bring her creation
to Guy, a local
smoker vendor,
a food critic and a smokehouse
restaurant owner
who were judges, but
Guy Fieri christened Charlotte a culinary gangster and credited her for playing to the Texas crowd with her addition of Texas toast. The feedback, according to Charlotte, was mostly good even though she didn’t win first place.
Guy Fieri christened Charlotte a culinary gangster and credited her for playing to the Texas crowd with her addition of Texas toast.
she said she wasn’t really nervous.
“Getting to go onstage and meeting him was really cool,” said Charlotte who said that Guy helped her with her knife skills while she was preparing the dish. “Not many kids get this
opportunity so I know
how lucky I was.”
“I was pleased to see how well she
In addition to awarding the top three
was stressed out,” said her
$20,000 donation to Texas 4-H to help
handled that situation because I know I
students with cruises, they made a
mother, Suzanne.
fund youth and nutrition programming.
photo courtesy of LDISD
November 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 9
Lifestyle | Edit This
Your & You’re What’s the difference?
I have to agree on that point. There’s a ton of information on the web on this topic. But with all due respect, if the general public weren’t so confused over the difference between your and you’re, then there wouldn’t be anything for a Grammar Nazi to write about. Right? Your vs You’re — What’s the difference? Your shows possession. Use it when talking about something that belongs to someone. • Is that your cat?
W
elcome to another Edit This® grammar lesson. I know what you’re probably thinking: “Oh man, I’ve stumbled upon another article on the difference between your and you’re. Make it stop!!”
• Can I borrow your truck for the weekend? • That is your house, not mine. • What is your name? • Steve, your blogs are funny and super informative! You’re is simply an abbreviation of you are. • Stop doing that. You’re making me mad! • You’re so funny. • I know what you’re thinking. • I think what you’re doing is terrific. • I hope you look this good when you’re my age. Thanks for reading! If you’re in need of an extra set of eyes to look over your next corporate message, blog, website, article, resume, term paper, etc., call Edit This.
by Steve Gamel Edit This 469.360.3611 www.edit-this-npsteve.com
10 | LAKE CITIES LIVING
| November 2017
November 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 11
Lifestyle | Gardening
Lawn Maintenance for Texas Winters G
rass growth is starting to slow down, temperatures and leaves are starting fall. It must be
November in Texas. As we’re preparing
to deal with the cooler temps, there are many things to start thinking about in
preparation of your landscaped spaces. There is too much going on this time of year to let these things stress you out.
We've put together a short list of common questions and answers to ensure you're prepared for whatever this winter has
down roller coaster of a Texas
What can I plant that will put some
winter. Winter is a good time
color in my beds without dying after
to assess your landscaping,
the first freeze?
figure out where the blah
Winter isn't time to
areas are and consider
ignore your landscape,
your options. Cedar
in fact both rooted and
trellises, stone seating
bare rooted plants do
areas, pots and all type of
well when newly planted
rock accents are good ways
in the winter. It’s a good
idea to get your larger plantings
(30-100gal) in the ground so they can
to get creative within your bed
spaces giving it that final finishing
touch. Sometimes the greatest focal
points of your landscape are not plants at
in store.
all but rather the hardscapes they
Can I just cut the sprinklers back or do I need to shut
are supporting.
them off completely and winterize my system?
Which one of these trees can I go ahead and
Reduce watering back to once or twice
cut back and how much can I take off without
per week and shorten the runtime per
causing damage?
zone. This will not only be adequate for
your planting but should also save you a
As long as temperatures remain above
our temperatures are going to get below
most all of your trees, shrubs and
controller to the off position, close and
will reduce on overgrowth too early
lines not deeper than 12 inches. Freezing
space more organized throughout the
little on the monthly irrigation budget. If
32°F, winter is a great time to prune
freezing it's a good idea to turn your
roses. Getting things cut back now
wrap valves, and drain water from any
in the spring and help keep your bed
temperatures can cause water/ice to expand, eventually breaking your pipes and leading to costly repairs. If you're familiar
enough with your system
to go ahead and prep for winter than do so. If not, sometimes it's a good
idea to call an a irrigation professional to ensure
things are done properly. 12 | LAKE CITIES LIVING
| November 2017
start to establish themselves before
spring rolls around so that they
are not affected by the early heat. It's also a good rule of thumb to ensure you have at least 2 inches
of mulch in your beds
to help regulate soil
temperatures and keep
things as consistent as
possible through the up-and-
growing season.
Hope this helps with getting your property ready for the winter months. As always, we appreciate all the support and we hope
you’re able get outside and enjoy some fresh air.
by PJ Kratohvil of Complete Solutions completesolutionsdfw.com
November 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 13
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Your
On Call Legal TEAM by Susan Neuhalfen
16 | LAKE CITIES LIVING
| November 2017
Scott Reib of Reib Law believes that when it comes to keeping your business healthy, legally speaking, prevention is key. “Most people call attorneys only when they are in an emergency situation,” said Scott Reib. “We think of ourselves as a primary care law firm. If businesses work with us, we can potentially prevent that from happening.”
Reib Law is a unique firm. They act as in-house counsel for businesses without the expense associated with it. Back in 2012, Scott Reib created the ACCESS Program for businesses. ACCESS is an acronym:
A
C
Always available by phone, text or email
We help set up the right corporate structure for businesses in order to keep it protected.
S
S
Economic value – We will prepare and we help protect a business’ review any contracts for intellectual property and the business from leases to employee and customer show how to protect it as well as help prioritize agreements as well as that system non-disclosure and noncompete agreements.
We will set up a shatterproof business audit, making sure all of your systems are working exactly as they should be
We act as a shield for pre-litigation; we try to resolve problems and avoid litigation.
“We are here to protect your business,”
protect your business legally. Chances are,
list and make sure that everything is being
business person, there are things that
systems in place to save you from just this
said Reib. “Even if you’re an experienced we catch that you might miss. Businesses run everything though us to avoid a big problem later.”
As an example, if your business doesn’t
have an attorney and you find yourself in
trouble legally, you’ll have to pay a lawyer a big retainer plus costs involved, then
there’s the hourly billing fees and, in some cases, a percentage of the settlement. Not to mention the hours of business
lost because you have to brief someone
completely unfamiliar with your business as well as find all of the paperwork and other material to make your case.
“The average cost of business litigation is
around $80,000,” said Reib. “If you haven’t
planned for it you are potentially exposing Sponsored Content and Photos
your business to bankruptcy.”
With the ACCESS program, you have an attorney who already knows your
business, ready to do whatever it takes to
C
E
he even set up many of the contracts or type of situation.
Remember, your business is never
bulletproof. That’s why it’s good to have
a attorney as a partner. However, before
you think you’re just paying some lawyer
to wait in the wings for you, let us explain how ACCESS works:
Reib Law uses an online program to list and track various legal topics that each client needs to discuss. The client has
access to this online tool so it is updated
by both the client and the firm. It also lists tasks and accountability so that anyone
handled in a quick and efficient manner by both the client and the attorney. “The whole point of the ACCESS is to deal with your legal issues so that you can operate your business,” said Scott. “We can handle any legal coaching including marketing platforms and licensing.” In addition to all of this, Reib Law can also help with asset protection and estate planning. If you look at Reib Law’s reviews, many are business owners who trust them to handle not only their business affairs, but their personal affairs as well. This is another example of how Reib law protects
involved many update the progress of
your assets on the front end so that you
the work.
don’t have problems later.
Every month they hold check-in phone
“We’re asking business owners to make
the online list is reviewed. Sometimes it’s
counsel,” said Reib. “When it comes to
what’s going on with the business. The
handle everything so that you can focus
call with each client and everything on
a paradigm shift in how they use legal
even a weekly phone call depending on
legal hassles, prevention is the key. Let us
purpose of the call is to review the task
on your business.”
940.591.0600 | www.reiblaw.com
412 S. Carroll, Suite 1000, • Denton, TX 76201 November 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 17
Yourself
It’s TimE
To Try A Tri by Susan Neuhalfen
I
f you’ve ever thought a triathlon might be in your future, believe it or not, this is the perfect time to start.
“The last triathlon races in the area are all done now until March,” said
Lantana resident Claudia Weir, a USA Triathlon Level 1 Coach. “The race
season is March through October,
so this is a great time to start to train. You really need to stay in physical condition year round.”
Claudia was a collegiate swimmer
who swam competitively from age 6 until 21. Her friend got her to
compete in a sprint triathlon with
her and she was hooked. Claudia
even got her father on board and he started triathlons at the ripe young age of 60. He went on to compete
“We learned so much after that first
“We have other girls and boys who
camp came around and we had 40
“We help them develop confidence
camp,” said Claudia. “Then the second kids and it just kept growing.”
Claudia, Stefanie, and Elliot are all
are uneasy on a bike,” said Claudia.
to compete which translates over to a lot of aspects of their lives.”
certified coaches and competitive
The Tri Sharks Program offers a
training juniors beginning at age
train depending on the intensity
senior group.
constraints encountered. For more
Claudia finds that many kids who
trisharkscoaching.com.
triathletes. Stefanie specializes in
variety of packages for kids to
6. Elliot helps Claudia coach the
desired as well as the time
compete in triathlons, do so because team sports aren’t necessarily
their thing. Parents have different
motivations for signing their children
up whether it be to learn to ride a bike property, run in the correct form or swim for more than one lap.
information visit their website at
As for adults, Claudia recommends visiting the USA Triathlon website to find certified triathlon coaches specific to your age group.
“I highly suggest getting a coach who has the knowledge to properly train
in several IRONMAN races proving that age is not a factor when it comes to triathlons.
Lagomarsino, along with assistant
coach Elliot Bach, are the coaches of
the Tri Sharks Team, a Lantana-based triathlon training program for kids ages 6 and up. She started about
six years ago by holding an intro to
triathlons camp for kids ages 6-13 in Highland Village where they had 20 kids come and train.
photos courtesy of Tri Shark Coaches
Claudia and her partner, Stefanie
a triathlete,” said Claudia. “I have my own coach to hold me accountable.”
Claudia suggests planning out 15 weeks in advance if you’re in relatively good shape to ensure you’re ready for your first event.
“It’s all about training smarter, not harder and not to overtrain,” she
continued. “It’s important to get enough rest, proper nutrition and recovery time between races.”
It’s also important to see a doctor before
you start any exercise regimen, especially
one like a triathlon. Claudia took some
One last advantage Claudia mentioned was the fact that triathlon is a worldwide time off and re-started the sport at a sport. She and Stefanie plan family disadvantage with an auto-immune trips and vacations around disorder. She says she is competing and there’s no Claudia finds stronger now than when she limit to how close or far a that many kids who started doing triathlons triathlon can take you. in 2002. Her father just compete in triathlons, do “You could compete in retired from triathlons at so because team sports a race just about every the age of 82. aren’t necessarily weekend locally or travel “So much of it is mental,” anywhere in the world,” their thing. said Claudia. “Working said Claudia. “Triathletes are toward personal goals is beneficial international people bound by a for everyone.” universal love for the sport.”
November 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 19
Yourself | Makeover of the month
Before
After
Makeover of the Month
nna Casteen was nominated by her sister, Amy, for a makeover. After eight years of teaching
middle and high school math in New York, Anna has moved back to the area and no one is happier about this than Amy. They do Zumba together twice a week, have game nights and now Amy is helping her get ready for her wedding in February. On top of all that, Anna is apparently the
Stylist’s
(from left to right) Lindsey Redfern Mills, Pauletta Collins & Taylor Compton
Want to be the next Makeover? Email cloud9salon@cloud9salon.com and tell us why you deserve it! Makeover and clothes provided by
“coolest aunt ever” to Amy’s daughter. Anna now teaches at a community college and doesn't have the summer off, only Fridays, so Amy thought a makeover at Cloud 9 would be a perfect way for her to enjoy the summer, even if
214.415.4806 • www.cloud9salon.com
20 | LAKE CITIES LIVING
| November 2017
for only one day.
Facial by esthetician Pauletta Collins Pauletta gave Anna a mini facial to remove dead skin to brighten her
appearance and moisture. She also
performed an eyebrow wax and tint so
that her eyebrows would frame her face for hair and makeup purposes.
Hair and make-up by Taylor Compton Taylor lightened Anna’s hair two levels,
and added a lightning strike in the front
to brighten up her face, in order to match her personality to her new look.
Taylor used Mary Kay make-up provided by Lindsey Redfern Mills, a pink Cadillac
driving Sr. Director with Mary Kay Inc. who
wants every woman to feel beautiful in her own skin.
photography by Caroline Simpson
Anna Casteen A
November 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 21
Yourself | Fitness
Bootcamp can be beneficial for:
One-on-One Fitness
For A Healthier Life
T
o be successful at fitness and obtain a healthier lifestyle, setting goals is key. But it’s not always easy to meet those goals, especially alone. Large warehouse gyms can be overwhelming, and carving out even a 30-minute-workout from an already packed schedule can seem impossible. So how do you find success when making fitness goals? Try creating a support system. For most ages or fitness levels, Outlaw Bootcamp is an excellent way to be challenged yet have fun while reaching your fitness goals. Each class is tailored around a muscle group including cardiovascular movements, resistance and suspension training, kettlebell and more -- a hybrid of personal training in a group setting. Our instructors work alongside you for 30 minutes, ensuring proper form in a limited class size that feels like personal training. Bootcamp trainers understand your body mechanics and fitness levels to challenge or modify the workout for you while motivating you every step of the way. For all the good intentions, fitness and exercise can understandably become overwhelming, but with the help of others, success is closer at hand and so are the results. Consider starting a program this winter for a healthier spring and summer. Outlaw Fit Camp offers group and individual training, plus 24-hour gym access, great for most ages and fitness levels, in an encouraging, fun environment where everyone benefits. For more information, visit OutlawFitCamp.com
by Jesse J. Leyva, Owner of Outlaw Bootcamp, Outlaw Fitcamp & Jesse James Fit www.OutlawBootcamp.com • www.JesseJamesFit.com
22 | LAKE CITIES LIVING
| November 2017
Couples Couples that work out together, stay together. Studies show that after participating in a physical challenge or activity, couples feel more satisfied with their relationships and more in love with their partner. Training together, couples understand each other’s goals, and can encourage each other throughout their fitness journeys.
Seniors Strength while aging: Exercise becomes ever more important as we age. In our later years, injuries are often the beginning of a downward spiral of poor health and quality of life. Exercise, on the other hand, improves strength and balance, and has even been found to increase or preserve bone mass, critical in preventing osteoporosis.
Youth Fitness and health is just as important to teenagers, especially young athletes, as it is to adults. In young people, strength training can improve coordination, increase muscle endurance and improve sport performance. Aside from the physical health benefits, exercise can also help develop a better self-image and increase self-confidence.
November 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 23
Know
Be in the
Family
Inside Community
A Shady Shores Christmas Mark your calendars for a Shady Shores Christmas on Saturday, December 2 beginning at 2:00 PM. There will be a craft fair, hayrides and caroling. Get free pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 4pm until 6pm. It all ends with the annual tree lighting and carols from Olive Stephens Elementary Choir which will start at 6:15pm. Come to the Town of Shady Shores, 101 Shady Shores Rd.
City of Corinth Tree Lighting
Join Santa and all of his helpers for the City of Corinth Tree Lighting on December 4 starting at 6pm at Corinth City Hall. Come ride the trackless train, get your face painted, take your picture with Santa, decorate cookies, ride the toboggan tunnel or just eat lots of great food. Bring the kids as the Le Theatre de Marionette Puppet Show presents North Pole Texas at 7pm.
Hickory Creek Tree Lighting
Lake Dallas Tree Lighting
The Hickory Creek tree lighting ceremony will be
The City of Lake Dallas presents Lighting up the Season
of Hickory Creek 1075 Ronald Reagan Ave. This family
City Hall, 212 Main St. in Lake Dallas. Admission is free.
Friday, December 1 from 6pm until 8pm at the Town
friendly event includes a petting zoo, crafts for the kids,
on Saturday, December 2 from 5-7pm at Lake Dallas
Enjoy live performances by student and church choirs
face painting, a photo booth, prizes to win, snack and
while gobbling up cookies and hot chocolate. Santa
himself. It’s all free and starts at 6pm.
camera. Bundle up and come on down.
treats, live music and more, as well as a visit from Santa
will be there to light the big, beautiful tree so bring a
Inside Education Guyer Student Newest Eagle Scout Guyer Senior Hayden Hazelip has just been awarded the rank of Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America’s highest honor. A member of Troop 771 in Argyle, Hayden built an enclosed storage area to house children’s outdoor toys and tricycles at the Wheeler House, a place where agencies provide family housing, street outreach, and clinic services in Denton. After graduation, Hayden will attend basic training for the Marines.
Lake Dallas Elementary December 2nd from 9am - 12am join us for a FREE pancake breakfast, pictures
Student of the month
wih Santa, silent auction, and LD District Elementary Choir Performance
Corinth Elementary’s Bret Reeves has been named the LISD student of the month. Palio’s Pizza Café in Hickory Creek has partnered with LDISD to award a Student/Teacher/Staff Member of the Month each month school year. Recipients receive a gift certificate for a free meal at Palio’s, a certificate from the district, and will be featured on the district homepage and social media.
Tree Lighting December 2nd from 6 - 7pm Join the Lake Dallas District Elementary Choir as they sing Christmas songs
Mrs. Claus visiting Kindergarten, Pre - k, & Day Care December 8th from 8am - 1pm reading Christmas stories at LD Elementary
Students All-Region Band 11 LDMS band students were selected as members of the All Region Band.Making this prestigious band were: Chloe Petty (alto saxophone), Madi DeSpain (horn), Grace photos courtesy of LDISD
Murray (percussion), Meagan Chander (tuba), Vivian Flores (tuba), Aiden Ford (euphonium), Nathan Armijo (trombone), Trey Phillips (1st alternate - tuba), Rachael Cole (euphonium), Trevor Couron (1st alternate - bass clarinet), and Aurelia Peattie (trumpet).
UNT Eagle Advantage High-achieving juniors in Lake Dallas ISD are now guaranteed admission to the
University of North Texas through UNT’s
LOCAL SCHOOL
EVENTS RCMS Winter Concerts
Eagle Advantage program. LDISD Juniors
who rank in the top 20 percent of their class
Band Concert Dec. 5th 7 - 8:30pm
accepted, qualified students need to apply
Choir Concert Dec. 11th 7 - 8pm
will earn guaranteed admission to UNT. To be through Apply Texas and submit all required documents, transcripts and test scores.
Students can register for Eagle Advantage
Orchestra Concert Dec. 12th 7 - 8:30 pm
through www.eagleadvantage.unt.edu.
November 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 25
That’s What
Family
Friends Are For
I
by Susan Neuhalfen
t’s one thing to be the new kid in school, trying to meet people and fit into your new environment. It’s another thing to be at a disadvantage socially and trying to connect with your fellow classmates.
Ashley Davis, Lake Dallas High School
Class of 2010, has a passion for kids with
disabilities. After being a part of Circle of
Friends at Marcus High School, she better understood the challenges that kids with special needs face in high school, or any school. So she started a club at LDHS called Falcon Friends.
“It’s torn down some walls for the kids.” Jones begins with an informational
meeting for the students, helping them
to understand what disabilities are. They discuss about how to talk about these different disabilities and comprehend
what is appropriate versus inappropriate.
students with disabilities talk while the
other students listen and learn about their new friends.
Falcon Friends is an elective process
where the students sign up and volunteer to be a part of the group. They have one
class period per grading period to meet,
which is when Jones educates them about proper discussion topics and language. The second half of the meeting usually
involves teamwork building games and
Falcon Friends is a social mentoring club
“We talk a lot about stopping the “R”
the ultimate binding tool, pizza. The other
friendships with their fellow students who
still a medical term. That’s the kind of thing
Fair, watching the homecoming parade
They meet once a grading period and
The students with disabilities fill out a
where high school students develop
word,” said Jones. “The problem is, it is
events include visiting the Texas State
have special needs or social difficulties.
we review.”
together and holding a prom-type dance
have extracurricular activities throughout the year.
questionnaire so that that the Falcon Friends know their likes and dislikes.
“Because of Falcon Friends, I now see
This way they will already have topics
in the hallway,” said Andrea Jones, LDHS
Jones also teaches them about person-
every year at Thousand Oaks Church.
They also gathered to watch some of the
students participate in Sparkle Cheer, the cheer squad for students with IDD
other students saying ‘hi’ to my students
to discuss and something to talk about.
“I don’t know if they realize the impact the
Special Education Teacher, for life skills.
first language, meaning letting the
“It’s a mutual learning experience.”
26 | LAKE CITIES LIVING
| November 2017
students have on one another,” said Jones.
November 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 27
Family
High School Students Pledge their Allegiance on
Signing Day by Susan Neuhalfen
M
any high school athletes sign a letter of intent to commit to play their sport in college. In high school, there are two major signing days each year, one in November and the other in February. Lake Dallas High School had three athletes and Guyer High School had eight athletes sign letters of intent in November, committing to schools all over the country.
The following Lake Dallas High School Students have signed letters of intent: Jakob Machuca - Baseball Fort Scott Community College Fort Scott, KS Mason Meeks – Baseball Drury University Springfield, MO
Logan Cowart – Baseball Henderson State Arkadelphia, AR The following Guyer High School Students have signed letters of intent: Mallory Pittman - Volleyball Texas State University San Marcos, TX Kate Cowan - Volleyball Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, LA Angel Felan – Volleyball Texas A&M University Corpus Christi,TX Grayson Carter - Boys Basketball Georgetown University Washington, D.C. A’Lexiss Benton - Girls Basketball Mary Harden Baylor University Belton, TX Maddie Holder – Softball Weatherford College Weatherford, TX Sylvia Murillo - Softball Oklahoma Panhandle State University Goodwell, OK Isabella Washka - Golf Morehead State Morehead, KY photos courtesy of LDISD
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November 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 29
Family
LDHS Falcons
2017 UIL Region 2 Marching Band Contest
photos courtesy of Lake Dallas Band Boosters
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| November 2017