FEBRUARY 2017
TAKING PRIDE In a JOB WELL DONE
ADVENTURES
FOR SPRING BREAK
CASINO ROYALE
COOKIN’ UP A New Look
IN DENTON
LAKE CITIES LIONS CLUB
Corinth - Hickory Creek - Shady Shores - Lake Dallas
Casino Royale LAKE CITIES LIONS CLUB
Lake Cities Lions Club held their annual Casino Royale fundraising event on January 28 at the VFW Post 10640 in Lake Dallas. The Vegas style night features blackjack, craps, Texas Hold ‘Em and roulette. All money raised went to benefit the Lake Cities Lions Club that sponsors various Lake Cities charities. photos courtesy of Doyt Sheets
FEBRUARY 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 3
4 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | FEBRUARY 2017
LAKE DALLAS’ VAN NOY NAMED
at Guyer by Steve Gamel
H
eather Van Noy turned the Lake Dallas volleyball program into a consistent playoff contender in her six years as head coach. She now hopes to take that success down the road to Guyer, which incidentally, is where she began her career. Van Noy was approved as Guyer’s new
head coach at the Denton school district’s
Van Noy is the fourth head coach in Guyer
those girls, the parents and the staff. Everyone
struggled mightily last season under first-year
that it was like it could run itself. Things would
volleyball history and takes over a program that coach Erin Harden. Harden was the team’s assistant coach but became the head coach for the 2016 season when former coach Addie Mack resigned just before the season started.
Mack originally took over
board meeting on January 24, putting an end
for the school’s first coach,
record while leading the Lady Falcons to the
worked under as an assistant.
to a stretch in which she compiled a 143-91 playoffs four times. Van Noy spent the first six seasons of her coaching career as an assistant at Guyer before leaving for Lake Dallas in 2011.
Jennifer Bramlett, who Van Noy
Leaving those relationships is the hardest part.”
Anyone who knows Van
Noy will agree that she doesn’t waste any time. She
said there are big plans in
store for the Lady Wildcats,
who despite last year’s struggles,
need to be reminded that they were in
the third round of the playoffs two seasons
When Van Noy got her first
program that knows how to win, and Van Noy
to the third round in 2007.
head coaching opportunity
at Lake Dallas in 2011, she made the most of it. A once
“That’s the most exciting
downtrodden
part. Six years flew by, and
Lake
so much has changed,”
photo courtesy by LDISD
Lake Dallas advanced to the third round of the playoffs in Van Noy’s first season at the helm
Bramlett and Van Noy led Guyer on
come true, she said.
Dallas
program,
advanced
to the third round of the
Van Noy said. “Guyer was a
playoffs in Van Noy’s first
small Class 5A school when
it’s a 6A school. I went by to visit the
get done before I even had to ask.
several successful playoff runs, including a trip
Being back is a dream
we opened it [in 2005], and now
is awesome and things were running so well
season at the helm. The 2015
ago in the state’s largest classification. This is a won’t hesitate to do what she needs to do to make her team successful.
“The main goal for me right now is to focus on
building relationships with these girls, because they know how to play this game,” Van Noy
said. “I think they are craving the relationship, and I want to be available to them as much as
team matched that third-round run
possible. I’m committed to this program, and I
“It’s 100 percent tough to leave Lake Dallas,”
and move forward. Once that is done, I know
girls, and just going into the gym and walking
in Class 5A.
think all the girls want to hit the reset button
positive memories.”
Van Noy said. “The hardest part is leaving
these girls will buy in. They know volleyball.”
down the hallways again brought back so many
FEBRUARY 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 5
Contents Table of
Lake Cities Community Events
Featured Stories and News
Lake Dallas Mardi Gras Parade at City Hall
March 13th - 17th
Kids and Tail Waggers 5k/Fun/ Woofapalooza
March 25th 9am - 2pm at Sycamore Bend Park in Hickory Creek. Contact Leesa at LMorales@bgcnct.org
Want to feature your school’s or organization’s event? Contact us at artwork@murray-media.com
6 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | FEBRUARY 2017
New Guyer Volleyball Coach
10
Makeover of the Month
12
LD National Signing Day
13
Inside Community
14
Olivia Stalnaker: Helping Kids
16
February 24th from 5-9pm. For more information visit LakeDallas.com
LDISD Spring Break
05
Pg 16 On the cover starting from the left Justin Levine, Linda Sivoravong, Mike Muller, Dalyia Lara and Heather Parillo
Photos from Lake Cities
02
Casino Royale
Cookin’ Up a New Look in Denton
18
Adventures for Spring Break
21
TEA Accountability System
24
Lake Cities: Better Together
26
Taking Pride in a Job Well Done
28
Inside Education
29
LCCC Scholarships
07 11 15 19 20 22 23 25 30
From Your Editor Legal Real Estate Nutrition Fitness Sidelines Dental Gardening Insurance
“Sunshine
onMy Makes Shoulders Me “ Happy! — John Denver
A Message from The Community Editor
E
ven though Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on Groundhog Day, we are enjoying a mild winter and seeing signs of early spring in Lake
The
warmth
trucks, children’s activities, contests
right and we have to keep
our coats within reach for a few more weeks, Lake Cities
residents are stirring around
prizes.
efforts our cities make to provide
optimism of this early spring if Punxsutawney Phil is
and
We are so blessed for the
and
weather exhilarates us. Even
local
Meredith McNair, Community Relations and Advertising Consultant Lake Cities Living meredith@murray-media.com 817.291.7582
the outdoors. They are
enjoying themselves at city parks, while golfers
crowd the golf courses to take in this perfect golf weather. Local retailers are anxiously displaying
their spring merchandise and enticing shoppers with fresh goods. New businesses are opening
their doors, while others are expanding their menus and delightful services so that we have more to enjoy as we SHOP LOCAL.
Main Street in Lake Dallas is open again
and the excitement among the community is
apparent. The City of Lake Dallas recently
events
to enjoy.
such
for
wholesome
our
Advertising
Meredith McNair meredith@murray-media.com Kelly Murray kelly@murray-media.com
Letters
parade, vendor markets, food
and warm conditions of living in north Texas.
out
excitement of a hometown
blessed with the sunshiny
Steve Gamel Susan Neuhalfen
Photography
families to experience the
on trees all around us, we are
Contributors
Scott Young Photography 972.899.3536 ScottYoungPhoto.com
5-9pm. This annual event
ground and buds forming
Bobbi Byrne
Caroline Brock Stephanie Hansen
Mardi Gras parade on February 24th from brings
Jana Melton
Sub-Editor
Liz Wallace
exciting plans for the upcoming 12th Annual
always
Administration Managing Editor
Graphic Designers
coffee. City manager, Matt Shaffstall shared the
tulips and crocuses breaking
Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray
Production Art Director
hosted the Lake Cities Chamber of Commerce
Cities. As we watch the
LakeCitiesLiving.com
families
While the academic spring
semester is clearly underway
and another school year is
moving closer to an end, Lake Cities families have
the anticipation of spring break rushing toward them. With the hopes of continued warm
weather, our Falcon baseball and softball seasons are just opening up with an optimistic outlook
for another successful season. Our calendars are quickly filling up with upcoming banquets and
awards events as we enter into the one of the busiest times of year.
Lake Cities Living invites reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments. Email artwork@murray-media.com. All submissions become the sole property of Murray Media Group. Editorial and Advertising Inquiries call 972.899.3637 or email artwork@murray-media.com 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
So as you roll your windows down and take
in the warm, fresh air, feel grateful to live in our Lake Cities community that offers us such a purposeful lifestyle.
FEBRUARY 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 7
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Lynn is a warrior in her own right. A selfless
woman, she has spent much of her adult life helping our soldiers through fundraising and
program development. As a young Army wife, she worked tirelessly to raise money for young
soldiers and their families. She created a dental program for them and served on numerous
boards helping spouses of those serving overseas,
collecting items for care boxes over the holidays. She has since been a dedicated volunteer for Wounded Warriors, She serves on the board of 9 charities, is a Rotarian, a member of Argyle Chamber of Commerce and an active member of her church. Lynn’s heart and home are always open. Now that she is starting a new business, we felt she deserved a new look for 2017. She is truly a beautiful woman, inside and out. Hair by April April used beige and copper tones for the hair color to create a cohesive look with her skin tone and eye color. With the cut she did something short and sassy to fit her fun personality.
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10 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | FEBRUARY 2017
After photography by Caroline’s Creative Captures Makeover and clothes provided by
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Crazy Is As Crazy Does
P
eople ask me how I ended up representing so many bikers. The short answer is "crazy recognizes crazy"
and we understand each other. All bikers are different like that. They come from all different backgrounds. They work all different kinds of jobs. They have all different kinds of lifestyles. But they all love to ride and that’s a special kind of crazy. The good kind. Here’s the long and short of it: they don't want
a stuffy suit of a lawyer—they want someone they can talk to. That's me. I like them and they know it.
They usually get hurt by someone not paying
attention. With the advent of texting it's gotten
Legal
even worse. Usually the injuries are lower body, which take longer to heal because they're weight-bearing.
Road rash isn't as common anymore with
all the gear people wear, but it still happens
a lot. People tend to wear helmets more, too. When they don't, it's usually a family member hiring me and at the same time making funeral arrangements.
If you or a loved one gets hurt on a bike, I'm
your guy. Call me 940.484.5555.
by Rocky Haire, owner of Haire Law Firm 972.394.3000 • hrj-law.com For Free Case Evaluation!
FEBRUARY 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 11
SIGNING DAY 2017 LAKE DALLAS by Steve Gamel
A
nother national signing day is in the books for Lake Dallas. And while it was a relatively small class, the Falcons still packed quite a college recruiting punch.
Highly-touted defensive back Kobe Boyce made his recruiting process official on Feb. 1 when he signed his national letter of intent to play for the Texas Longhorns – making him one of the bigger recruiting pickups in the Denton area. Overall, Boyce was one of five college signings that week, two in football and three in soccer.
12 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | FEBRUARY 2017
Many athletes from around Denton County, including those from Lake Dallas, made their commitments well in advance – but this was a chance to officially sign on the dotted line. “I knew where I wanted to be since I committed last April,” Boyce told the Denton Record-Chronicle. “I was offered by Houston but never met coach [Tom] Herman. When coach Herman called me the day he was hired and told me he wanted me at Texas, it solidified my commitment to the Longhorns.” Boyce, who said he received about 20 offers, is regarded as one of the better shutdown defenders in the area. Proof of that was this past season, where he recorded just 36 tackles
weren’t throwing or running plays to his side of the field.
He made a name for himself as a junior with
40 tackles (3 for loss) with eight pass breakups and two interceptions in Lake Dallas’ run to the Class 5A state semifinals.
Boyce wasn’t the only Falcon football player
to sign. Offensive/defensive lineman Segun Ijiyera signed with Houston Baptist after
switching his commitment from Texas State
a week earlier. There were also a trio from the girls soccer team that are moving on to the
next level. Below is a list of Lake Dallas college signings from February:
FOOTBALL:
LAKE DALLAS
NATIONAL
and one interception because opponents
Kobe Boyce, Texas Segun Ijiyera, Houston Baptist
GIRLS SOCCER: Denyce Venegas, East Texas Baptist Riley Broughton, East Texas Baptist Corina Marin, Oklahoma Christian
Dallas Women’s Foundation Grant Awarded To Denton County Friends Of The Family
they also provide adult and child counseling to
Denton County Friends of the Family (DCFOF) will be receiving $30,000 in grant funding from Dallas Women’s Foundation in the upcoming calendar year to provide emergency shelter and direct services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Dallas Women’s Foundation is the largest regional women’s fund in the world, providing grants in the areas of Economic Security, Education and Leadership, and Health and Safety. Dallas Women’s Foundation granted over $4 million to non-profits aiding women and girls in the 2016 fiscal year alone. DCFOF is the domestic violence and sexual assault agency that serves Denton County. Not only do they have an emergency shelter (that is at capacity 11 months out of the year), but
also has a Sexual Assault Advocacy Team
traumatized victims, offer legal advocacy, and have a community education team focused on
the prevention of these violent crimes. DCFOF (SAAT), a Violence Intervention and Prevention
Program (VIPP), a thrift store, a career resource center, a food pantry, and a 24 hr crisis line. All
services provided to victims and survivors are free of charge.
Kids ’N Cops Coming April 29 And It’s All Free Join The Members of the Lake Dallas Police
Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez In Lake Dallas Come dance in the streets and celebrate Mardi Gras Lake Dallas style with great music, parades and lots of food. We’re rolling out the red carpet on Friday, February 24 from 5-9pm at the Lake Dallas City Hall. Wear your festive best and collect all the beads you can during the parade that starts at 5:30pm. Enjoy the sounds of the Lake Dallas High School jazz band who will be warming up for the N’Awlins Gumbo Kings performing on the main stage. The evening ends with a crawfish eating contest sponsored by the Cajun Kitchen.
Department and Municipal Court for KIDS
’N COPS open house / cook-out and safety fair
on Saturday, April 29 from 11am until 3pm. There will be free food, fun, music, gifts and
entertainment. It all takes place at 212 Main St. in Lake Dallas. Everyone is invited!
FEBRUARY 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 13
Helping Her Students Reach For
NEW STARS by Susan Neuhalfen
F
or students and teachers, nothing beats hands-on learning, no matter what the subject. So when Lake Dallas Middle School science teacher Olivia Stalnaker was chosen to participate in the NASA/ IPAC Teacher Archive Research Program (NITARP), she knew she couldn’t wait to get the Lake Dallas students involved. “I’m sharing a professional paper about the project on Google Drive with students who are interested,” said Stalnaker who attended the winter meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Grapevine. “This is a big deal for them to be privy to this. I didn’t see a paper like this until college.” As part of NITARP, Stalnaker was assigned to a team of teachers and students headed by Dr. Luisa Rebull (IPAC). When Stalnaker met with her research team in December, they mostly discussed the parameters of the project and how it had been implemented in the past. They then dissected the paper making it easier to understand and, in turn, easier to explain to the students. “This is high level stuff that we’re working with,” clarified Stalnaker who is sharing the paper with her current students as well as some of her former students. “This is far beyond normal 8th grade curriculum.” The paper illustrates the research that has already been done on a selected project. Stalnaker’s team is charged with further studying a cluster of young stars in a region called Cepheus-C located in the northern hemisphere. “We are focusing more narrowly on the analysis of this group of baby stars,” said Stalnaker. “This
14 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | FEBRUARY 2017
year we will explore the objects observed using different data.” The group that analyzed these stars in 2016 primarily used data from the Spitzer Space Telescope. Stalnaker’s group will use data from the Hershel Telescope and SCUBA (Submillimeter Common-User Bolometer Array,), an instrument located on a ground-based telescope in Hawaii, as well as other sources. There are two videos of the star formation along with the paper to aid in the research. Basically, they will be looking at the stars to further classify them using longer wavelengths of light. At this time, the teachers involved in the project are having a teleconference every Wednesday for about an hour to discuss questions and prepare a proposal that is due in March. Once the proposal is submitted, Stalnaker will host a weekly meeting with students interested in participating. Stalnaker feels blessed to have the support of her principal at the middle school. “His attitude is rare,” she said of Lake Dallas Middle School Principal James Parker. “He sees this as I do. It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity for our kids.”
Stalnaker went on to explain that for Lake
Dallas to have this opportunity, over many
private and magnate schools, is an honor in itself. Very few middle school teachers are included in this program because Texas is one
of the few states that teach the astronomy and the electromagnetic spectrum in 8th grade. Now
these students have been given an opportunity to do actual research. Long story short, her students are getting
exposure to something
“EVERY STUDENT
that
could
life-changing.
I’ve met in this project talks about how much they ENJOYED WORKING AS PEERS WITH THEIR TEACHERS,” said Stalnaker.
be
In addition to
being part of this
research,
Stalnaker
will be taking
two
students
to CalTech to
work for a week
on the project with
her and her team.
They will present their
findings in January of 2018
at the American Astronomical Society
meeting in National Harbor, Maryland.
“Every student I’ve met in this project talks
about how much they enjoyed working as peers with their teachers,” said Stalnaker. “That
is exactly what we will be doing here at Lake Dallas Middle School. We will be learning together as peers.”
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FEBRUARY 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 15
COOKIN’ UP A NEW LOOK IN DENTON by Steve Gamel
S
o you’re at your favorite restaurant enjoying a great meal with friends when the manager walks by to ask how everything tastes. It happens all the time, right? You and all your friends then nod in approval, and the manager moves on. Now imagine that same scenario, except this time you are so blown away by the food, the drinks, the service, and the ambiance that you tell the manager more – a lot more. Mike Muller says that type of energy-filled feedback is quickly becoming the norm at Bone Daddy’s House of Smoke, which opened its new Denton location last March. “It’s not just, ‘Oh, it’s great.’ They want to describe in depth how the food makes them feel, and how the service is. It’s a full conversation where they’re asking questions about recipes and what goes into the sauce,” said Muller, an owner at Bone Daddy’s who you can also find working in the smoke pit. “I’ve been in the restaurant business for a long time. This is simply what I do. But I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s pretty unique.”
16 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | FEBRUARY 2017
“At the end of the day, what we want is to
When Mike told the folks at Lakes Cities
be the place where you can bring your parents
ourselves. He wasn’t telling tall tales. Bone
team after a big win at a local tournament or
Living this story, we had to go find out for Daddy’s House of Smoke is a full-tilt Texas barbecue joint specializing in slow-pit smoked
meats, scratched sides, ice cold beer and
handcrafted cocktails – all served up by the friendliest people in the Lone Star State. The
reactions mentioned above are every bit on point,
to celebrate their anniversary, your little league
even the first restaurant you’d think of just to
get out of the house and have a relaxing evening with your spouse,” Levine said. “We want our
top-notch food, and the inviting environment we’ve created, to make you want to come back again and again.”
None of that happens without a lot of hard
because we felt the same way.
work and constant searching for ways to be
Levine and a team of people who are committed
and bred right here in North Texas. This isn’t
And it’s all run by Managing Partner Justin
to being more than just another restaurant in town. Bone Daddy’s is a great place to get killer
barbeque and friendly service all the while knowing you’re being taken care of by someone who is truly committed to making a difference
in our community. Simply put: it’s evident that there’s a lot more than baby back ribs
and prime brisket being cooked up at the new Bone Daddy’s.
better. The family at Bone Daddy’s was born some corporation where the management isn’t
accessible. Everyone is right here – every day –
catering to all your needs. With that being said, they recognized Bone Daddy’s needed to appeal to a broader audience. They have put themselves through a significant rebranding program since
the move to Denton. Muller said that involved a complete deep dive into everything they were
doing, from the music that was being played
to the layout of the restaurant and what the
employees were wearing. It’s the same killer food recipes they’ve had for the last 17 years, simply with more options across the board.
The end result is a restaurant that offers a
full-tilt experience where everyone feels welcome. So far, so good.
Bone Daddy’s in Denton offers a rustic Texas
feel from the second you walk in the door. Bone
Daddy’s has spared no expense in what Levine
called a “feast for your eyes” with the high-energy design, layout and feel of the restaurant.
Their service style is, admittedly, a little
different from what most patrons are used to. Instead of having just one server take orders at each table, get drinks and handle any other
needs, Bone Daddy’s uses what is called “swarm
service” where one table may be served by three, four or even five team
Bone Daddy’s is also a great place to watch your favorite sports. There isn’t a single bad seat in the house with 20 large-screen televisions.” Heather Parillo, mother of two and pseudo mother to 500 employees, has been with Bone Daddy’s for nearly eight years and stressed that these changes are not just specific to the Denton location. These changes have been made in all nine restaurants. “We’ve always known who we are and how committed we are to our people and our guests,” Parillo said. “There are people in the community that wouldn’t try us because of how we were perceived. We have made changes to make the entire environment more inviting and appealing to everyone. We are excited about the opportunity to show people what we’re all about. This is a brand we can all be proud of.”
Just listening to Muller, who has been in the
restaurant business since he was 13, talk makes you fall in love with the Bone Daddy’s experience
before even stepping foot inside the front door. His mentality is that Bone Daddy’s is the best
BBQ joint around, and his ability to explain every finer point of what you will experience is second to none.
Heather is just as passionate and she’s the
perfect example of an employee who started
from scratch in the industry but was always
the first person to raise her hand when a new opportunity came up. Her commitment to empowering young women has created a team
atmosphere like no other at Bone Daddy’s, where every employee’s personal and professional development is a primary concern.
The next step for Muller,
members throughout the
Parillo and Bone Daddy’s is
customer’s visit.
to get the word out about
“The goal is to be really
all the great things people
present in everything we do,”
Levine
said.
will experience when they
“Our
come to Bone Daddy’s. This
guests leave our restaurant
includes being an active
feeling like every need was
member of the North Texas
anticipated and fulfilled.”
community.
Then there’s the food
the streets for the last few
signature scratch sides and
months meeting with city
desserts include recipes the
officials, getting involved
founder brought in from his
with
mother’s kitchen – recipes
a place where you can get
Sponsored Content
photography by Scott Young Photography
Bone Daddy’s souped-up
of handcrafted cocktails – Jacked Up Lemonade made with Jack Daniels, blackberries and mint
served in a mason jar immediately springs to
mind – to go with ice cold beer with local craft beer selections.
Bone Daddy’s offers everything from fall-off-
the-bone baby backs and sticky pork spare ribs
to the best slow-smoked brisket and pulled pork in Texas.
“We have a beautiful patio, which can host live
music,” Muller said. “It’s also a great place to come
with your larger parties and four-legged friends.
partnering
a community partner, and
Roadhouse Spuds, which is
Also included in the roll out is a wider selection
and
school
want to make Bone Daddy’s
signature favorites is their
cheddar cheese and onions.
local
with local charities. They
for generations. One of the
potatoes, hickory-smoked bacon, sour cream,
the
districts
that have been in his family
way – a baked, gooey casserole of scalloped
and
Muller have been beating
and drinks. Bone Daddy’s
version of a potato all the
Levine
Parillo has spent months focusing on hospitality and sharing how it enhances the guest’s experience. Uniforms for the staff have been updated to boots, jeans and t-shirts that just feel right in this funky barbecue joint. “We want our people enrolled, engaged and educated around everything we do to create a full-tilt experience for our guests,” Parillo said. “Our restaurants are owned and operated by moms and dads. We all have families, and we treat members of our staff as extended family. It’s something you just can’t get anywhere else.” The quality service, rebranded image and making sure employees know they are the engine that makes it all work is easy when you have people like Muller, Parillo and Levine running the show.
great BBQ served up by the
friendliest people in the Lone Star State.
“We have spent all our time focusing on
taking great care of each other and taking great
care of our guests so they can’t wait to come
back,” Muller said. “If what we are doing doesn’t address those two concerns first, then we might as well not even bother.”
So what are you waiting for? Check out the
new look at Bone Daddy’s and see what they’re cookin’ up.
DENTON LOCATION (940) 312-5656 • bonedaddys.com 3258 South I-35 E. • Denton, TX, 76210 Sun. - Thurs: 11am - 10pm Fri. & Sat.: 11am - 11pm
FEBRUARY 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 17
Nearby Family Fun
Adventures for Spring Break by Susan Neuhalfen
F
or those planning on staying in the area for Spring Break or if you you’re just looking for some weekend adventure options, here are some great family fun ideas that keep you close to home:
ADVENTURE ALTITUDE PARK altitudedenton.com This is incredible for kids of all
ages. 30,000 square feet of foam pits,
gymnastics tumble tracks, a kid zone,
basketball dunking lanes, dodge ball and
more. It’s right across from Golden Triangle
LEGOLAND Grapevine Mills Mall dallasfw.legolanddiscoverycenter.com For kids who love Legos, it’s a no-brainer. There are three rides, 10 Lego build and play zones, a 4D cinema and a mini-city all to explore. It’s
geared toward younger kids but is enjoyable to parents, too. Tickets online can be cheaper and they have group discounts as well.
Mall so if you’re kids are a certain age, you may
ZERO GRAVITY THRILL PARK gojump.com
WINKIDS winkids.net
For the older kids looking for some serious
During Spring Break there are outrageously fun
free fall, a sky-coaster that glides 100 feet off
drop them and go shopping.
camps for children ages 2 1/2 and up for 3 hours
or all day. Kids will have fun making friends, getting exercise and learning new skills in this super kid-friendly sport center.
CINNAMON CREEK RANCH cinnamoncreekranch.com It’s the new bowling! Bring the kids for a fun-filled day of archery. There is so much to do
here and the great instructors are happy to help
the newcomers get the feel of the bow and arrow. It’s perfect for the whole family whether they are new to archery or practiced veterans.
ESCAPE ROOMS HQ escaperoomshq.com Escape Rooms HQ is a one-of-a-kind fantasy
Though not as big as Six Flags, Sandy Lake Amusement Park has something for everyone including thrill rides as well as kiddie rides and paddle boats. You can picnic with the family and bring a friend or two to enjoy the day while staying pretty close to home.
ZONE ACTION PARK Zoneactionparkdallas.com
the ground, a rocket ride that sends you straight
There are go-karts and putt-putt golf as well as two floors of games and fun inside. It’s nothing fancy, but it is fun. Groupons are sometimes available.
165-foot propeller with speeds up to 60 mph
MUSEUM FUN
thrills, there’s this: bungee jumping, a 16-story
into the air at 70mph and being strapped to a in just seconds. We’re talking 4Gs of force. Talk
PEROT MUSEUM www.perotmuseum.org
FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS fortworthstockyards.org
When you think of museums you think quiet and sometimes boring, but NOT the Perot Museum. This is anything but boring and the kids will love it. There are lots of interactive things to do and it’s great learning for everyone. Even the building is radical.
about your wild rides…
Take a trip back in time. The Fort Worth herd cattle drive comes through twice an hour and there are lots of shops, dining, museums and history to be seen.
For extra fun, take the
Grapevine Vintage Railroad there and back.
TRINITY FOREST ADVENTURE PARK trinitytreetops.com
entertainment facility where players race against
This is a seven-acre combination obstacle
mystery room. Your team will be charged with
over twenty zip-lines as well as cargo nets, rope
reveal clues to enable the escape. This is especially
courses. Go at your own pace, as long as you don’t
the clock to solve all of the clues to escape their
course and zip line park for people 6+ that has
solving a series of codes, locks and puzzles that
bridges, and other obstacles spread out over six
good for older kids and fun for the whole family.
take longer than the three-hour time limit.
18 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | FEBRUARY 2017
SANDY LAKE AMUSEMENT PARK sandylake.com
ANIMALS FORT WORTH ZOO fortworthzoo.org The oldest zoo in Texas, this is so much more than just a zoo. There’s the Yellow Rose Express Train, a carrousel, a petting zoo, the Play Barn playground and climbing area, a shooting gallery for kids, rock climbing and much more. This is an all-day adventure.
Nutrition
Dear
Annette,
I see ads for super greens. What are they and why are they important?
Dear Reader:
What a great question. There are many ads for special nutrient foods. There is also a lot of misinformation about them. First super foods in general are foods that have the highest nutrient density. We know that plants and seeds are usually the most nutrient-dense foods. Kale and wheatgrass, for example, are usually rated the highest for nutrient-dense foods. There are many super greens that are not included in these ratings as they are not usually a part of our food supply. These greens are from various sources such as the ocean. In health food isles there are many protein powders and mixtures labeled super greens. You can get these greens usually in supplement form. It is important to use a product free of mercury and other toxins. Stores like Whole Foods and Sprouts do a good job with finding organic sources. These super greens are extremely dense in nutrients and can be a great part of a spring “tune up�.
An example of such amazing green foods are: SPIRULINA
A blue-green algae freshwater plant. Helps lower blood pressure, boosts your immune system and energy level, along with reducing cholesterol.
CHLORELLA
Another blue green algae with high concentration of chlorophyll. High in protein this plant is great for detoxing and immune support.
MORINGA
Known as horseradish tree. This plant is high in antioxidants, supports brain health, fights inflammation, and promotes healthy liver enzymes.
Sincerely Yours, Annette Doody
Savory Bistro Owner & Wellness Coach
www.thesavoryteam.com
FEBRUARY 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 19
Fitness
Did You
KNOW…
D
id you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States? Every year, one in four deaths are caused by heart disease. The good news is heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices.
One healthy choice is a healthy and fit lifestyle. But getting fit and healthy is not always as easy as it sounds. Distractions, and sometimes fears, get in the way. Work pass the distractions and fears by coming up with a plan for your new lifestyle. Set a goal. The first step to achieving anything in life is to have a goal. Without goals, it’s easy to wander aimlessly through life, and when it comes to your health, “aimless” is not a good place to be. Maybe you want to lower your blood pressure, lose weight, lower cholesterol levels, or tone and strengthen your muscles. Whatever the goal, aim for it. A healthy life is a healthy heart. Set a start date. Sounds silly? Not really. There is a specific start date for a job, a vacation, a family reunion. Why not a start date for your health? Commit to yourself that you will start living a healthy and fit lifestyle on a specific date. February is American Heart Month, so what better day to start than February 14 – the ultimate “love your heart” day. Find a workout that you enjoy. Do you prefer individualized training or group workouts? Or both? You may enjoy the one-on-one guidance of individualized training to encourage and push
20 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | FEBRUARY 2017
you to achieve your goals. Or you may like the social aspect of exercise in a group workout where you laugh together, sweat together and reach for that next level together. Regardless, when you enjoy something, you’re more likely to stick with it. So maybe try both and make it part of your plan.
Surround yourself with encouragement. It’s easy to get discouraged. That’s why it’s so important to surround yourself with positive, encouraging people. There will ups and downs, celebrations and disappointments. But when you surround yourself with encouragement, those disappointments become fewer and fewer, while the celebrations become greater and more frequent. So whether it’s your family, coworkers, friends at the gym or trainer, make sure you have your own cheerleading squad there to cheer you on and lift you up as you work toward a healthier lifestyle. Forgive yourself. Everyone has a bad day, and everyone fails. But don’t let that turn into a negativity that will distract you from accomplishing your goals. Forgive yourself. It can be difficult, but it’s a must. Then get refocused and keep pushing forward. Remember, the ultimate goal is a healthy and fit lifestyle. Congratulate yourself. So often we forget how important it is to take a pause and say Good Job to ourselves. It’s okay if you get winded after
10 burpees
or if you can’t lift
a
20-pound
dumbbell. The fact is, you did 10 burpees. Yesterday, you may have only made it to five. And maybe you didn’t lift 20-pound dumbbells, but you completed three repetitions with 10-pound
dumbbells. It’s time for a pat on the back. Congratulate yourself.
Big life changes don’t come easy. They start
with small steps. But with every workout, you’ll
get stronger, and with every step on the treadmill, your heart will pump stronger.
At Jesse James Fit and Outlaw Bootcamp, we
work with clients of all ages and fitness levels to
help them reach their fitness goals. Everyone’s
fitness journey is different. Our goal is to be a positive influence as you transform your life and begin working toward a healthier lifestyle.
by Jesse J. Leyva, Outlaw Bootcamp & Jesse James Fit www.OutlawBootcamp.com www.JesseJamesFit.com
GETS AN The New TEA Accountability System for Schools
by Susan Neuhalfen
T
he Lake Dallas Independent School District as well as many schools in Texas got their first taste of the new school accountability rating system recently which grades schools on a scale of A-F. This new system, which was touted to simplify the process, has caused an uproar across the state by schools that feel the grades simply don’t reflect an accurate overall score for their school. The 84th Legislature passed HB2804, changing
the Texas school accountability system so that each campus would be graded on five “subjects” known
as domains. Those grades were then combined for an overall GPA of the school. The domains are
as follows:
Domain 1: Student Achievement In alignment with the 60X30TX plan, 60% of
Texans aged 25-34 should possess some form of
post-secondary credential. In order to keep with
this plan, an “A” rating in Domain I requires that 60% of students taking the STAAR exam score at a Postsecondary ready level or higher.
Advantage: This rates all of the students on the same level with the STARR exam.
Disadvantage: This only accounts for one test and not the overall school experience.
Domain 2: Student Progress Domain II measures each student’s scale score
on STARR this year versus last year. Students who maintain the same level of proficiency as the year before are designated as having met expected
growth. Those who gain a proficiency level are designated as having accelerated growth. Schools
get one point for expected growth and two points
for accelerated growth with zero points for below expected. Scores for this domain are then tallied for each student.
Advantage: This rates all the students on the same level with the STARR exam.
Disadvantage: Again this doesn’t take into account
overall progress - just one test. This only rates math and reading exams because they are the only ones that are tested every year.
Domain 3: Closing the Gaps
This domain examines how well each campus is doing in terms of student achievement for their economically disadvantaged students. For schools without these students they don’t receive a grade but for those with students that make up a small percentage of the school, it leverages roughly 20% of a school’s grade on a very small percentage of the student body. Advantage: If your school is primarily low income, there is a greater chance for a better grade simply by virtue of the number of students. If your school has no economically disadvantaged students, this doesn’t affect your score. Disadvantage: If your school is not primarily low income, 20% of your grade is based on a performance of a very small percentage of students. i.e. At one local school, 20% of the school’s grade will be based on the scores on 43 students out of a possible 600. So the state is telling them that they need to focus 20% of their resources on 43 students?
Domain 4: Postsecondary Readiness
35% of the school’s grade is dependent upon this domain, which is basically the attendance and dropout rates. At the elementary and middle school levels this will take into account chronic absenteeism. At the high schools, it will take into account attendance, dropout rates and graduation rate. It will also examine the percentage of students who graduate ready for college, industry credential or appropriate CTE course or the military.
Advantage: It gives schools more incentive to work toward less absenteeism and dropout rates. Disadvantage: For schools (elementary, intermediate and middle) that allow students a week off for vacations or mission trips, it works to their disadvantage. Schools have to have a 98% attendance to get an A.
F
Domain 5: Parent and Student Engagement
This section will rate community and student engagement but final measures have not been determined by TEA. Schools in the area were given a preliminary look at what their scores would be. Because of the problems with the STARR test this year, schools were not able to get an accurate overall rating, and these ratings are not counted against the school district.
Here are the LDISD scores:
Domain 1: Student Achievement:
B
Domain 2: Student Progress
B
Domain 3: Closing Performance Gaps
C
Domain 4: Postsecondary Readiness
B
Domain 5: (not used for current test) Currently, Lake Dallas ISD is rated as “met standard” by the TEA accountability system, though the district consistently exceeds the state average in all subjects in all grade levels. The Lake Dallas ISD School Board has issued a resolution calling on the Texas legislature to repeal the A-F rating system. According to the Texas Association of School Administrators, over 150 school districts across the state have asked the legislature to repeal this new accountability rating system. “The A-F State Accountability System has been designed to reflect the quality of a school based on one state test,” said Dr. Gayle Stinson, LDISD Superintendent. “We do not embrace or recognize a rating or ranking of our schools based on this narrow of an indicator or a single day performance of our students.” A-F ratings systems can also negatively impact neighborhoods and property values, affecting residents whether or not they have children in schools. Though this was only a preliminary rating, educators are hoping the system is revamped before the ratings count beginning in August of 2018. “Our schools are so much more than one test and our students are so much more than one score,” said Stinson. FEBRUARY 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 21
Sidelines
by Steve Gamel
REASONS
WHY YOUR EDITOR IS MORE THAN
A GLORIFIED SPELL-CHECKER I
wrote in last month’s column that every writer needs an editor. That’s not to say self-editing your work isn’t important – self-edits are crucial in the writing process. But writers shouldn’t make themselves the last line of defense before going to print.
They provide no value to a sentence. For
Self-editing is self-sabotage. By the end of that column I gave 4 reasons why you need to self-edit AND get a second opinion. The intent of today’s column is to drive home the point that editors are more than glorified spell-checkers. While they do look for grammatical errors, run-on sentences and misspellings, editors provide infinite value to a writer by sniffing out holes, clunks and shortcomings overlooked in self-edits. Editors shape your writing. They make your article look the way you meant it to be. Here are 5 reasons why editors are more than glorified spell-checkers.
the action of the verb. It is everywhere in our
Editors rid your writing of empty calories Empty calories are unnecessary words.
22 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | FEBRUARY 2017
example: “On a daily basis” can be rewritten to say “Daily.” Even “that” and “very” often aren’t needed in a sentence. Editors can rewrite what you mean in fewer words.
Editors rid your writing of passive voice Passive voice is when the subject receives
writing. For example: “We were invited by
my parents to the baseball game” or “The ball
was thrown by the pitcher.” Unlike the active
Editors catch what spell-check cannot Did you write “flyer” when you meant
“flier?” What about “berth” instead of “birth?” Words that sound the same but are
spelled different and mean different things will trip up any writer. Editors come in with
a fresh eye and catch these pesky words, and more.
Editors find simpler options for big words To go along with the earlier bullet point
voice, passive voice weakens a sentence and
on eliminating confusion, using big words
better when you write, “My parents invited
smarter. In fact, most readers will kindly put
threw the ball.”
through complex words or sentences. Any
doesn’t provide clarity. These sentences flow
in your writing doesn’t make you sound
us to the baseball game” and “The pitcher
your article to the side if they have to wade
Editors eliminate confusion
good editor will tell you to keep your writing
While a sentence may make sense to
simple. Instead of writing “facilitate,” use the
make sense to the reader. An editor can fix
in your writing, and some are more complex
paragraphs into shorter ones or limiting
find them? Better make sure an editor takes
you as the writer, that doesn’t mean it will
word “help.” There are countless examples
complicated writing simply by breaking up
than others for no good reason. Can you
sentences and paragraphs to one idea.
a look!
pHuss WHAT’S ALL THE
With the pH of pHoods and Drinks?
A
cidic foods and beverages are well-known to cause irreversible enamel damage over time. What does it mean when something is acidic and what’s the result of the consumption of acidic foods and beverages? The acid-base balance or “pH” is the measure of the concentration of hydrogen (H+) to hydroxide (OH-) ions in a solution and is assigned a number between 1 and 14. Acidic solutions have pH values of less than 7, alkaline solutions, more than 7, and pure water being neutral, has a pH of exactly 7. Highly acidic foods and beverages react with the minerals in the tooth’s enamel and dissolve them away in a process called erosion. Once the tooth’s enamel is stripped away, the thicker but softer layer called the dentin is left behind. Dentin wears down at a much faster rate than
enamel. There can also be tooth sensitivity when the dentin is exposed and increased incidence of tooth decay. Most dentists and dental hygienist advise their patients to moderate the amount of acidic foods and beverages they consume on a daily basis and to perhaps, supplement with fluoride to fight erosion and cavities. We all know the consumption of sodas and sports drinks should be limited. But did you know that coffee, yogurt, and even bottled water can be acidic? Not all bottled water is created equal. You may be surprised to know that some bottled waters have acid levels between 1 and 2 pH points above those of sodas. There are many commercially available bottled waters in which the pH is altered to bring the level above neutral. If you want to know the pH of the water you are drinking, pH test strips and liquids
Dental are available to consumers over the counter for testing. It’s not a bad idea to test the water you consume, especially if it comes from a bottle. Believe it or not, tap water is typically found to be neutral when tested. The pH of tap water is highly regulated by the city for many reasons but primarily, to combat corrosion of pipes. Many cities also fluoridate their water which has been found to decrease the rate of tooth decay by 60-65%. “Everything in balance” should be the motto. You do not need to eliminate everything acidic from your diet but instead, pay careful attention to what you eat and drink on a daily basis that may lead to health and dental problems in the future. There is a useful app called “Drinks Destroy Teeth” which can provide further information on the topics discussed in this article along with fun activities for kids and teachers.
by Kristina Mackie, DDS Loretto Family Dentistry, PLLC lorettofamilydentistry.com 940.498.2290
FEBRUARY 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 23
Lake Cities: BETTER TOGETHER
by Susan Neuhalfen
T
he Lake Cities Chamber had the rare privilege of hosting all three mayors of the Lake Cities at their January luncheon. Representatives from all three cities gave presentations regarding the state of their city as well as their plans for the future.
All three cities are growing at record rates and the road construction, residential development and economic development are spilling into the other cities. Once road construction starts on one road in Corinth, it usually ends on the same road but in Hickory Creek or Lake Dallas. For many projects it takes the approval of all three cities to complete it. Lynn Clark, the mayor of Hickory Creek spoke first, describing their relaxed small town as the hidden gem on the lake. The boom they have been experiencing in recent years has shown no signs of slowing down and despite a 9% increase in property value, they have managed to decrease
24 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | FEBRUARY 2017
their taxes 3.5% from the prior rate. Hickory
Creek is poised for even more growth and the city has a strong financial reserve but maintains a disciplinary approach to spending. Next, Corinth
Mayor
Bill
Heidemann
discussed the vision for Corinth. According to Heidemann they have a system in place as
to how they approach economic development. Corinth is going to great lengths to bring in quality developments that enhance long term growth. Everything is growing: the schools, the
economy and the residential areas, and they are seeing more every day.
Finally Lake Dallas City Manager Matt
Shaffstall spoke to the crowd. Shaffstall
discussed Lake Dallas’ strategic plan which consisted of community goals, organizational
goals and a Mayor’s initiative. The community goals had to do with street construction, building
construction, standards and codes, economic
development and public amenities such as parks. It takes the cooperation of all three cities working
together for the greater good of the Lake Cities. While each city has its own unique challenges, when one benefits from economic development, the surrounding communities benefit as well.
“That’s why it is so important that they
work together,” said Heidemann. “It generates
economic opportunities that help all of the surrounding counties.”
Groundhog, Forget The
Spring Is Coming To Texas Is it go time already?
P
unxsutawney Phil saw his shadow but you’d better go ahead and get those 2017 patio and landscape plans started. Spring-like weather gets the patio builders busy drawing up plans and the landscape designers busy designing. Although it will be another month or so until spring flowers start to arrive in masses, getting a jump on things is always a good idea. Cut the beds in, get that stone work going and the larger bucket sizes planted now so you can be ahead of the curve and have a better idea on that spring color (how much, what kind and where) when it gets here. We definitely consider ourselves "small
can enjoy year round is where you need to begin.
January, it's a for sure sign everyone is off and
inside or out whether using it or not. To keep all
business" and with contracting 10-12 patios in running into 2017. When looking at the outdoor
project list it's always a good idea to start with
the BIG stuff (i.e. patio extension, outdoor living
space, pool, etc.). Getting a great looking multifunctional outdoor space put together that you
Gardening and entertain, or both. Hire a designer that can provide you with an impressive portfolio, patios that look functional and that you could see your family enjoying. Letting designers know things like the typical size group you entertain, whether you want to enjoy the space rain or shine, etc., will help give them direction when putting a custom plan together for you. Once you've got the BIG stuff knocked out you can focus on then smaller items like accenting the space with accessories or pots to bring in color, balancing the backyard with added landscape. Beds, raised gardens and individual sitting areas are all great ideas and can help you create your own oasis...
You should ensure that it looks great from the
your fields of view open from the house is also key. Paying those lot premiums then cutting off
the view is too often something we come across. Determine whether you want a place to sit and
by PJ Kratohvil of Complete Solutions completesolutionsdfw.com
watch the game with friends, a place to cook
FEBRUARY 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 25
Taking PRIDE in a Job WELL DONE by Susan Neuhalfen
I
f you’ve been to the Golden Triangle Mall during the day, chances are you’ve run into an amazing group of high school students in a work-study program. These aren’t your typical teenagers. These kids face
challenges every day that many cannot comprehend. They not only face these challenges here at their jobs, they have proven to overcome them with time
and a little help from their job coaches as well as the
incredible merchants and staff at Golden Triangle Mall. These are the special education students at the four
Denton high schools. Every weekday for one hour, they come to the Golden Triangle Mall to practice honing their occupational skills. While the special
education classes at the Denton ISD high schools focus on curriculum that has work-based goals, Mark
Scott, DISD Post-Secondary Transition Specialist, believed that nothing could duplicate a real world environment. That is why he and Keri Castillo, Life
Skills Teacher and Vocational Adjustment Coordinator at Denton High School, approached Golden Triangle Mall to set up a work-based program.
“Everyone here was open to our ideas and
brought
in
ideas
of
their
own,” said
Scott.
“The biggest part of the operation is the relationships that
are
built
other merchants.”
with
the
kids,
teachers
and
here,” said Ludemann. “They have developed a sense
of pride in their assigned tasks that will stay with them in the future.”
The students arrive each day by bus and are met
by their job coach. Carrie Carter is also there to greet them with their tasks for the day. 19 year-old Matthew
is a senior. Four years ago, making eye contact and completing a sentence for him was difficult. Today, he
greets the merchants and staff at Golden Triangle Mall with his trademark pat on the shoulder saying, “Good Job!” to the people he knows.
“When he first came here he wouldn’t shake hands
or look me in the eye,” said Carter. “Today, he comes in, gets right to work, speaks in complete sentences and can even exchange money and buy his own food.
One of his favorite places to get a treat is at
Great American Cookies, one of the merchants that works directly with the students. The students help
with stacking inventory, washing trays, measuring
dough and some even assist in baking brownies and decorating cookies. Robyn Johnson, the manager at
Great American Cookies, told a story about the day a
Golden Triangle Mall General Manager Matt
new employee was opening the store and the students
Director of Business Development Teresa Sanders
“She was running behind so the students all rallied
Ludemann, Marketing Director Carrie Carter and
came to her rescue when she arrived late.
helped create a program for students to job shadow
to set up the entire counter for her,” said Johnson.
in special events like Mall-O-Ween, Christmas and
Another merchant who is involved in the program
staff and merchants at the mall as well as participate
“They’re really come a long way.”
Easter celebrations.
is Mini-Figs, a family-owned store that buys, sells and
opportunity. They want to learn and they want to be
inventory and they love it.
“These students have taken advantage of this
26 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | FEBRUARY 2017
trades Legos. The store has the students helping with
“They have helped us tremendously,” said storeowner
Anthony Bearden. “We sell a lot of Lego parts online
so they help us sort so we can find pieces easily.
They also helped build the stands for the display cases.” In addition, the students job shadow those in
security and custodial work. They are given a checklist
to look for any areas where maintenance may be needed. There is also office work and certainly plenty of work to do around the holidays.
“I thought we’d never finish stuffing all of
those Easter eggs,” laughed Castillo. “The kids loved it, though.”
The program has worked so well that this year
Rebecca Persons, Supervisor over Transition Programs for Denton ISD, developed “enterprise” businesses at
each high school, including both 18-21-age programs. Golden Triangle Mall agreed to allow the students
to merchandise a variety of items at a kiosk entitled
“World of Work”. The students came up with a logo
and were provided business guidelines by the mall. After a successful trial run, all Denton high schools plus the 18-21 transition programs now hand produce
and market a variety of items including organic dog treats, recycled paper gift cards and bookmarks, gift
tags, themed buttons and organic sugar scrubs. The merchandise changes seasonally and the students
themselves sell the products from the kiosk. Just
FYI: anyone who purchases $15 worth of dog treats gets to post their pooch’s picture on the wall next to the kiosk.
“We want all our students in the Denton community
showcasing their talents and skills to the public,” said Scott.
“Students with disabilities should be seen
everywhere.”
This program also helps the students looking for
permanent employment after high school. Together with Denton ISD, Golden Triangle Mall held mock
interviews with seniors last year, taking them through
some questions they would get during an interview and many have been hired as a result of the work.
“We’ve formed a great relationship with these kids
so they check in during the summer,” said Carter. “After they graduate, they come back and tell us of their successes.”
Both Golden Triangle Mall and Denton ISD has
set the standard for what a program like this should be. Though there are similar programs in other areas in the
country, finding a partner like Golden Triangle Mall
that is willing to go above and beyond for these kids is unfortunately not common. They are hands on with
the students, teaching them about problem solving, social skills and confidence building.
“They have such a sense of pride about working here
and the job skills training they receive,” said Carter. “We’re proud to have them here.”
FEBRUARY 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 27
Kindergarten Registration Date March 2 Lake Dallas, Corinth and Shady Shores Elementary Schools will be holding Kindergarten registration on Thursday, March 2 from 8am until 8pm, each on its own campus. In order to pre-register for Kindergarten, your child must be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2017. For Kindergarten enrollment, you will need the child’s: • Birth certificate (original) • Complete, up-to-date, Immunization Record that is verified by a physician or health clinic • Proof of residency (Ex. Utility bill, rental contract, proof of home purchase) • Social Security Card (original) Online registration may be found at https://ldisdstudent.ldisd.net/scripts/wsisa.dll/ WService=wsEAplus/skyenroll.
28 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | FEBRUARY 2017
Lake Dallas To Host Dak Prescott Youth Football ProCamp The Lake Dallas Falcons are proud to host
the Dak Prescott Youth Football ProCamp on
June 24-25 at Lake Dallas High School Falcon Stadium. The camp is a fundamental instruction
youth football camp open to boys and girls in grades 1-8.
Cost for the camp is $249 and each camper
will receive:
• Football Tips from Dak • Souvenir Autograph from Dak • Team Photo with Dak • Official Camp T-shirt Register at DakPrescottCamp.com
Use Promo Code “Falcons2017” to save 10%.
If you are interested in volunteering, email
volunteers@procamps.com and include your name, cell number, preferred email address and the event at which you are interested in volunteering.
Corinth 4th Graders Win Denton County Sumdog Contest Ms. Gallahan’s 4th grade homeroom class at
Corinth Elementary won 1st place in Denton
County’s Sumdog Math Contest. 80 classes and over 1100 students participated from all over the county. Ms. Gallahan’s students won by solving 1,000 math problems in 6 days with accuracy. Sumdog consists of educational games that
are used in thousands of schools worldwide. Children can work on math, reading and writing through fun, interactive games.
Lake Cities Chamber of Commerce
ANNOUNCES Scholarship Recipients
E
very year at the annual banquet, the Lake Cities Chamber of Commerce awards scholarships to three deserving Lake Cities high school seniors. This year, three Corinth residents were awarded a $500 scholarship each to go toward their upcoming college education. In order to be considered, students had to be Lake Cities residents with a good great point average and must have demonstrated participation in community, employment or school activities.
Kyle Anderson
Riley Van Steward
Sarah Vetters
Kyle has lived in Corinth all her life with her parents and older brother. Her hobbies include watching movies, reading and playing with her lovable dogs, Moose and Vixen. She was also a dancer for 10 years. Along with being strong in the classroom, Kyle’s focus has always been on helping those in need. She continually volunteers her time to the community while also being an athletic trainer/team manager at Guyer High School. Kyle will major in Biochemistry at Texas A&M University with aspirations of one day becoming an orthopedic surgeon.
Riley also lives in Corinth with his family. He’s ranked No. 1 in his class and his hobbies include speech and debate as well as taking part in theater and various community outreach programs. He’s currently the managing director for Pencils Pending, a nonprofit organization that provides school supplies for underprivileged children. If that weren’t enough, Riley plans to double major in Linguistics and Visual and Media Studies at Duke University. His ultimate goal is to graduate from law school having absorbed all the information he can on intellectual property law.
Sarah and her family have lived in Corinth for eight years. She is ranked 13th in her class and has been voted varsity soccer captain for both her junior and senior years. Her hobbies include playing soccer, drawing, and hanging out with friends. Sarah also loves giving back to the community as much as she can and wants to be a nurse so she can continue helping those in need. She plans to attend either Oklahoma State or Texas Woman's University in Denton.
FEBRUARY 2017 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 29
Insurance
They’re Paying for It A
lright ladies, time for you to have a little
three times as many speeding-related fatalities,
Will driving a bright colored car make your
all driving offenses. Men are also about 10% less
fun at the expense of the men in your life.
insurance rates go up (or make you more likely to get a ticket)? No. But being a guy will! What gives? As you already intuitively know, there are some very good reasons.
Of all motor vehicle crash deaths in 2013, 71% were males. Males accounted for 70% of passenger vehicle driver deaths and 91% of motorcyclist deaths. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety And it’s not just the miles driven. In study
after study, men are more likely to engage in
risky behaviors that lead to serious accidents. We’re speaking in generalities here. With 7 billion people in the world, there will be some
exceptions. Studies show that on average, men commit four times as many DUIs, cause over
30 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | FEBRUARY 2017
and in a UK study, men accounted for 88% of likely to wear a seat belt than women.
That’s not to say that men are necessarily
Interestingly, there is a brief period when men pay less than women. Before guys get too excited, you should know that it’s not much of a discount – just 1.7% less on average – but is surprising
worse drivers. A study by the University of
nonetheless. The situation reverses until the
drivers actually have slightly more accidents
pay a significant premium of 7.5%. After age 60,
Michigan found that by miles driven, female after age 25. The difference? Men are much
more likely to be involved in fatal crashes and
mid-life crisis sets in at age 50, when men again the difference drops to just over 4%, where is
high-speed accidents – both of which leave
stays permanently.
that with the extra miles men tend to drive, and
to your insurance needs. Contact the team at The
insurers on the hook for huge payouts. Combine it’s understandable why underwriters see males as a higher-risk group.
We are here to help you find the best solution Reese Agency (Farmers of Oakmont) to help.
THE COST So just how much more do men pay? The
most drastic price difference is under age 20, with teenage boys paying over 12% more than their female counterparts. Once drivers enter their 20s, the difference for men and women drops to just around 3%.
by Dave Reese The Reese Agency (Farmers Insurance at Oakmont) 940.387.2181