February 21, 2020 - March 20, 2020 Pet Issue
LAKE DALLAS
POLICE GETTING FIT
ARE YOU ALLERGIC
TO YOUR PET? SPRING BREAK
CAMPS & FUN
Turning
Inspiration
Into Reality
Corinth - Hickory Creek - Shady Shores - Lake Dallas
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February 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 3
LakeCitiesLiving.com
Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray
Administration
Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors Bobbi Byrne Alisha Tran
Writers & Editor Steve Gamel Brooke Ezzo
The Love
Advertising
Kelly Murray Kelly@murray-media.com
Production
Art Director Liz Wallace Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Alyson Modene
Photography
Your Candid Memories 469.583.2819 yourcandidmemories.com
Letters
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
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Address: 3513 Yucca Dr., Ste. 200 Flower Mound, TX 75028 Lake Cities Living is published monthly by Murray Media Group. Some articles and/or content may be sponsored by advertisers. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. 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. © 2020 Murray Media Group
OF PETS Even If They Get Me In Trouble
B
eing that this is our pet issue, I am reminded by how much I love having pets around. It doesn’t matter if it’s a dog, cat, or a fish, each and every one of them deserves a home — my home.
I’m embellishing a little bit, but my husband, Scott, would be the first to tell you that I can’t say no to a cute furry face. We currently have our dog, Jake, and two rescue animals, another dog named Bentley and a cat named Nugget. In each case, I didn’t tell Scott that I was coming home with another pet. The story about Nugget is actually pretty funny, as far as I’m concerned. I went to do a walk-in at a local shelter and walked away with a cat. Scott was in Kansas for our son’s baseball tournament, so he had no idea. On top of that, I managed to hide the cat for two days before he finally noticed.
He wasn’t pleased. But luckily, Scott and our kids love a cute furry face, too, and ultimately, they quickly became an integral part of our family — as did many of our other pets over the years. In this issue, you’ll find all sorts of articles on pets, from how to avoid poisons to combating allergies. You may even find a few cute photos. Speaking of photos, send us your favorite pet photos by email or through social media. You never know when we might publish stuff like that. Thanks for reading, and enjoy this month’s issue!
Sincerely, Kelly Murray
Publisher of Murray Media Group, kelly@murray-media.com
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| February 2020
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Table of
Contents
PET ISSUE
Look For the Icon Ask the experts
On the Cover is Clark Pittman, owner of Carnival Custom Painting
09 Travel with Terri 25 Real Estate with Make The Move Team 29 Fitness with Outlaw Fitcamp business spotlights 21 Workouts That Drives Results 27 Seeing A Better Vision Of Yourself In 2020 photos from Lake Cities
Featured Article
16 Turning Inspiration Into Reality
19 Resident Pet Photos articles 06 Are You Allergic To Your Pet? 10 Inside Community and Education 15 Foodie Friday DFW: Fat Cow BBQ 18 Denton Recommends A Facebook Group That helps Your Business Thrive
20 Sheriff’s Corner with Sheriff Tracy Murphree
Editor’s Pick
12 Lake Dallas Police Getting Fit
22 Spring Break Camps & Fun 24 6th Annual Boots & Blessings Gala 28 LD Ready For Another Long Playoff Run
30 Denton Resident Shares Love Of Football With Youth
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February 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 5
Pet Article
A r e Y o u A l lerg i c to
Your Pet?
Breathe Easy
A
lthough many people have discovered the beneficial effects of caring for a furry friend, the fact remains that roughly 15 to 20% of the population is allergic to animals. The result? Countless pet parents in unhappy, unhealthy situations — and their beloved pets are the cause! Allergen is the medical term for the actual substance that causes an allergic reaction. Touching or inhaling allergens leads to reactions in allergic individuals. Symptoms can include red, itchy, watery eyes and nose; sneezing; coughing; scratchy or sore throat; itchy skin, and most serious of all, difficulty breathing. The most common pet allergens are proteins found in their dander (scales of old skin that are constantly shed by an animal), saliva, urine, and sebaceous cells. Any animal can trigger an allergic
“I love my dog, there are several things I do to manage the dander and allergens to ensure she stays with me. When she greets me at the front door after a long day at work with a wagging tail and excited tippy taps it makes it all worth it”— Liz Wallace 6 | LAKE CITIES LIVING
| February 2020
response, but cats are the most common culprits. People can also become allergic to exotic pets such as ferrets, guinea pigs, birds, rabbits, and rodents. There is no species or breed to which humans cannot develop allergies. Fur length and type will not affect or prevent allergies — sorry, Labradoodle lovers. Certain pets can be less irritating than others to those who suffer from allergies, but that is strictly on an individual basis and cannot be predicted. Once the diagnosis of a pet allergy is made, a physician will often recommend eliminating the companion animal from the surroundings. Heartbreaking? Yes. Absolutely necessary? Not always. Keep in mind that most people are allergic to several things besides pets, such as dust mites, molds, and pollens, all of which can be found in the home. Allergic symptoms result from the total cumulative allergen load. That means that if you eliminate some of the other allergens, you may not have to get rid of your pet. (Conversely, should you decide to remove your pet from your home, this may not immediately solve your problems.) You must also be prepared to invest the time and effort needed to decontaminate your home environment, limit future exposure to allergens and find a physician who will work with you. Read on for helpful tips:
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Improving the Immediate Environment • Create an allergen-free room. A bedroom is often the best and most practical choice. By preventing your pet from entering this room, you can ensure at least eight hours of freedom from allergens every night. • Limit fabrics. Allergens collect in rugs, drapes, and upholstery, so do your best to limit or eliminate them from your home. If you choose to keep some fabrics, steam-clean them regularly. You can also cover your furniture with sheets or blankets which you can remove and wash regularly. • Vacuum frequently using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA (highefficiency particulate arresting) filter or a disposable electrostatic bag. • Install an air purifier fitted with a HEPA filter. Our modern, energy-efficient homes lock in the air that is loaded with allergens, so it’s smart to let in some fresh air daily. • Use anti-allergen room sprays. These sprays deactivate allergens, rendering them harmless. Ask your allergist for a product recommendation. www.LakeCitiesLiving.com
Decontaminating Your Pet • Bathe your pet at least once a week. Your veterinarian can recommend a shampoo that won’t dry out his skin. Bathing works to wash off the allergens that accumulate in an animal’s fur. • Wipe your pet with a product formulated to prevent dander from building up and flaking off into the environment. Ask your veterinarian to suggest one that is safe to use on animals who groom themselves. • Note any symptoms of dermatitis exhibited by your companion animal. Dermatitis often leads to accelerated skin and fur shedding, which will up your allergen exposure. • Brush or comb your pet frequently. It’s best to do this outdoors, if possible.
Taking Care of Yourself • If possible, have someone other than yourself do the house cleaning, litter box work and pet washing, wiping, and brushing. If you must clean the house or change the litter, be sure to wear a dust mask. • Wash your hands after handling your companion animal and before touching your face. The areas around your nose and eyes are particularly sensitive to allergens. • Designate a “pet outfit” from among your most easily washed clothes. Wear it when playing or cuddling with your companion, and you’ll leave other clothing uncontaminated. February 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 7
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| February 2020
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Travel: Ask The Expert
Visit Inside The World Of
Claude
Monet photos courtesy of Terri Guthrie
G i v e r n y,
G
F r a n c e
by Terri Guthrie
iverny is absolutely gorgeous and a place I never expected to visit, but am so glad I did. What a treat to see the actual gardens and home that inspired this French Impressionist painter’s famous works of art. This is the birthplace of the Impressionist movement! Painter Claude Monet moved to Giverny in northern France, just 45 miles outside of Paris, after seeing the charming village from a train while traveling to Normandy. Monet rented this farm in 1883 and moved in with his wife and their eight children. By the time Monet died in 1926, the 86-year-old painter had spent almost half his life in Giverny. There are many ways to travel to Giverny from Paris – I chose a Fat Tire Bicycle Tour (a Texas Company), and it was a blast! We met near the Eiffel Tower then took a private bus to the beautiful wheat and sunflower fields of Normandy on to the village of Vernon. There, we got our bikes, visited the local market for picnic supplies, and had lunch along the Seine River in a
beautiful park. After lunch, we cycled the charming bike path to Giverny. We toured Monet’s house and gardens then leisurely pedaled back along the Seine River to the cemetery where Monet was laid to rest. After strolling through Monet’s private gardens with thousands of brilliantly colored flowers and water lilies floating on the pond, we toured Monet’s home. It is truly as though you are walking through one of his beloved paintings. One of my favorite memories was simply looking out a window of Monet’s house. Looking outside to the gardens through the window is literally like a framed painting. It was surreal. It’s so easy to imagine Claude Monet painting in his gardens. This place is fabulous and truly a feast for the eyes and a dreamy French experience!
Follow Terri on Instagram @travelwithterri
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February 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 9
Inside Community logo courtesy of Lake Dallas Animal Shelter
LAKE DALLAS ANIMAL SHELTER TEAM UP WITH CORINTH Did you know you could team up with the City of Corinth to help make sure city events are continued and special? There are several levels of sponsorships you or your business could register for. Events like Fish ‘N Fun, Pumpkin Palooza, the Christmas Tree Lighting, and more! Register online, www.cityofcorinth.com and click on Community Events to find the Event Sponsorship tab.
Inside Education
READ ACROSS AMERICA
REFLECTIONS Congratulations to the four Guyer High School students who have advanced to the PTA Reflections at the state level! Outstanding Award of Excellence is presented to Macy Kanekkeberg- Visual Arts, Avery Parker-Photography, Cindy Tran-Film Production, and Ashton Cartwright-Music Composition. Texas State PTA will announce students advancing to the national level on March 15. logo courtesy of Guyer PTSA 10 | LAKE CITIES LIVING
This past year the Lake Dallas Animal Shelter cared for over 660 dogs and cats in their facility. With the help of the shelter and the community, over 98% of these furry pets found new homes! To learn more about volunteering, email animalservices@lakedallaspd.org.
| February 2020
Mon., Mar. 2 is National Read Across America Day, held on the birthday of Dr. Seuss. This reading initiative began in 1997 and encourages students of all ages to grab your red and white hat and celebrate the joys of reading! www.LakeCitiesLiving.com
photo of play cover courtesy of Nancy Thorne
GOD OF CARNAGE Fri., Feb. 21- Sun., Feb. 23 | Fri. & Sat. at 8pm, Sun. at 3pm Greater Lewisville Community Theatre 160 W Main St. • Lewisville, TX 75057
Every Tues. | 10am-noon Lake Dallas City Hall 212 Main St. • Lake Dallas, TX 75065 Senior citizens 65 and older are invited to spend every Tuesday morning in the community room at City Hall for games and a potluck lunch. Bring whatever you’d like for the lunch. You’ll be glad you came!
photo courtesy of Melaynee Broadstreet
This dark comedy by Yasmina Reza and translated by Christopher Hampton is a 2009 Tony Award winner, and a performance of the tension between civilized surface and savage instinct. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for 65 and over, and 18 and under. For tickets, call the box office at (972) 221-SHOW (7469).
BINGO AND DOMINOES
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION OPEN FALCON BASSOONIST EARNS SPOT IN ALL STATE BAND Congratulations, Lake Dallas High School senior Michael Minassian for your incredible performance at the area audition, earning a spot in the All-State Band. This is the most prestigious honor a student can receive. Michael represented Lake Dallas in the All-State 5A Symphonic Band Feb. 12-15 in San Antonio. www.LakeCitiesLiving.com
Kindergarten registration for Shady Shores Elementary and Corinth Elementary is now open. Visit the districts website to start your online enrollment and schedule a campus tour, www.LDISD.net/ Page/1643. Welcome, Class of 2033! February 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 11
Lake Dallas Police
Getting Fit by Steve Gamel
L
ake Dallas Police Lieutenant Alan Sawyer had no idea that a chance meeting at a local self-
defense class would spark a
department-wide initiative to help his officers get in shape and feel great doing it.
But here we are, and everyone — including Sawyer — is eager
to see what the scales say next. Beginning in February,
Biggest Loser format. The holistic
Our officers have a highstress job
the Lake Dallas Police Department
partnered with local personal trainer, Rachel O’Connell of Honeycomb
Health & Wellness, to kick-start the department’s first-ever in-house
physical fitness program. The program, which runs three times a week and
strategically covers as many shifts and demanding schedules as possible,
incorporates interval training, nutritional counseling, an additional virtual boot camp, and more amazing perks. 12 | LAKE CITIES LIVING
This is far from a short-term fix or
| February 2020
approach is meant to be a permanent fixture moving forward to help officers lose weight, increase
when you get into a routine, you feel better about yourself.”
He added, “Initially, we had maybe five or six officers wanting to do it. Now, we’re getting close to it being everyone.”
strength, decrease stress,
Lieutenant Sawyer said he and Police
at their fingertips.
hard for some time to put an all-
and have healthier choices “Our officers have a high-stress job,” Sawyer said. “They are in
and out of cars going from call
to call and working a lot
of night shifts, so you find yourself eating out all the time — and there are not a lot of healthy options
sometimes. You can go
to gyms, but it’s not really
geared to what you do, and you become embarrassed about being overweight. Bringing someone in
Chief Daniel Carolla had been working encompassing program in place.
Their goal was to help their officers with physical fitness, mental well-being, and financial success. It wasn’t until he met
what they are doing to keep their officers healthy
allows it to be more personalized, and
O'Connell during a police-led women’s self-defense class at Legacy Boxing Gym in Lake
Dallas that the physical fitness piece fell into place.
O'Connell has been holding classes every Tuesday and
Thursday at Legacy Boxing
Gym since December. She has
years of experience diving into
areas where clients feel most vulnerable
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and then working with them to achieve a
better version of themselves through highend accountability coaching, elite topic-
specific trainings, and nutritional support. On that particular day, however, she
happened to be a participant in the selfdefense course.
eager to see what the scales say next “I remember asking him what they are doing to keep their officers healthy,” O'Connell said. “He was honest and
said, ‘Nothing yet, but we need to do something. Let’s talk.’ I believe their hearts are all about caring for their
community, and I think this will be huge for them to do their jobs better, have
more energy, and be stronger. I used
to be 40 pounds overweight, so I know what type of difference it makes on a
person when you are fit and feel good about yourself. It’s my passion to give that same freedom to other people, especially our first responders.” Sawyer agreed.
Bringing someone in allows it to be more personalized “We want our officers to know that we
are thinking about them. We want them to be in the best physical shape,” he said. “To do something like this was a nobrainer. She knew exactly what we
needed, and we can’t wait to share our progress.”
To learn more about Honeycomb Health & Wellness, visit www.facebook.com/ honeycombyourlife/. Please check
back with us in a future issue to hear fitness success stories from the Lake Dallas police department. www.LakeCitiesLiving.com
February 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 13
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Fat Cow BBQ: Foodie Friday DFW
Fat
CowBBQ
W
e recently visited with one of our oldest Foodie Friday pals, Allen Lockett, of Fat Cow BBQ - who was one of our original Foodie Friday features back in 2014. We (and everyone else) love going to see Allen because he always has us laughing and always makes sure we are fed until our heart’s, and stomach’s, content.
photos courtesy of Foodie Friday DFW
He and his wife, Pam, are what you might call a barbecue-restaurant “dream team.” He’s a pro when it comes to preparing and smoking all the meats, and she’s an all-star at whipping up delicious sides and desserts based on family recipes. If you’ve never been to Fat Cow BBQ before, we’ll give you a brief history lesson on how Allen got his start in the restaurant business. While working in another industry full-time, Allen began cooking up barbecue in his garage and bringing it into the office for events. His co-workers quickly fell in love with his cooking and before he knew it, he was operating a fullblown catering business out of his garage.
As most wives could relate to, Pam grew tired of having a catering business take over her house, so told Allen he needed to go open up a storefront where he could serve his food to more people. And so, in October 2010, Fat Cow BBQ was born in Lewisville, Texas and they’ve been a local barbecue favorite ever since! Before we even talk about all of Allen’s amazing cuts of smoked meat, we have to talk about one of their most famous menu items - the Fat Japs which are smoked jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon. I could eat about 10 of these in 1 sitting. We never leave Fat Cow BBQ without eating some of their Baby Back Ribs, sliced brisket, smoked chicken, or pulled pork. You won’t find any fillers or fat in their meats, and they are perfectly tender and flavorful.
some of Pam’s signature recipes come in like her mother’s potato salad recipe, their cole slaw, and the rich and creamy mac ‘n cheese. When you visit Fat Cow BBQ, you’ll feel like you’re at a fun backyard barbecue with all of your closest friends, and Allen and Pam will instantly feel like the best of friends. So give Fat Cow BBQ a try! Before you know it, you’ll become raving fans just like us!
But what’s a barbecue restaurant without some amazing sides? And that’s where
972.724.2540 | JayMarksRealEstate.com jay@jaymarksrealestate.com 1013 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 102 | Flower Mound, TX 75022
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February 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 15
Turning
Inspiration
Into Reality by Brooke Ezzo | photography by Your Candid Memories
214.616.2206
www.PaintFlowerMound.com
6101 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 744
Flower Mound, TX 75028
16 | LAKE CITIES LIVING
| February 2020
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I
t could be the exterior of your home, a few walls in the house that need updating, or a complete interior
makeover. Whatever it is, you need someone you can trust.
Clark Pittman, owner of Carnival Custom Painting, believes you should say what
you’re going to do and then do what you say. He and his team have been painting Flower Mound and surrounding cities
after selecting a paint color. Once a wall is covered, people sometimes see a color differently in their minds, so they want to make color changes.
“We like to under-promise and over-
Clark understands this can happen and says, “I’m there to intercept that and keep the project moving. The last thing I want is for a customer to settle for a color they don’t love.”
only one they have. He believes painting
As full service residential repaint
Close communications with the homeowner allows him to be flexible and keep costs down when changes are made early in the project.
painting challenges. From interior and
“We just want our customers to be delighted when we’re all done,” Clark says.
since 2001, striving to provide the highest level of service.
contractors, Carnival can handle any
exterior painting, cabinet and woodwork,
and wallpaper removal to popcorn ceiling removal, they can do it all.
Clark has a knack for being able to put his customers at ease. He knows his clients
can be overwhelmed to see a large army of painters come into their homes, so he
meets with his customers to explain how
the painting project will proceed. Pittman says he helps to “manage expectations —
that is probably the most important thing I do for my customers.”
He is an attentive manager, visiting
each project several times each day to
check progress and communicate with the homeowners. It is not unusual that
a customer may have second thoughts
He shares the visions of his customers and strives to complete each project on time and within budge expectations.
perform,” he says.
Clark and his team at Carnival Custom
Painting deal with every job as if it is the
a house is a relatively inexpensive change that can have a dramatic impact, not only in the appearance of the home, but also on how each family is affected by the renovation of their home.
“It’s gratifying to see families experience this; to view their homes in a whole new light.” Clark says.
He is passionate about his business, especially working one-on-one with
his customers. Glowing testimonials from his customers attest to his commitment to excellence.
“Wow! If you want the very best, hire Clark and his crew. They just finished painting the interior of our house, including kitchen cabinets, other built-ins, and a bathroom vanity. Clark is the kind of professional you wish you had for every project — he is responsive, communicates well, does what he says, and is an expert of his business. He provided guidance that helped us make the best decisions with a large project. The crew was hard working, friendly, helpful, paid close attentions to all the details, and completed the work on time. You couldn’t ask for more!” — C. Reynolds, Google Reviewer
YourCandidMemories.com
The testimonials are all like this. Clark and his team understand what it means to be in a customer based business, and they take their service seriously. Carnival Custom Painting continues to grow with the support of the community, and Clark is committed to turning your inspirations into reality. Looking into the New Year, Clark says his team will continue to grow into this market as more and more homes are being built or remodeled. They will continue to be the neighborhood painting professionals, always providing that extra touch.
www.LakeCitiesLiving.com
February 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 17
Denton Recommends
A Facebook group that helps your business thrive by Steve Gamel
D
enton resident Kristin Sha Boyd knew she was onto something special with the Facebook group she had just created a few weeks earlier when a new member, Phoebe, joined and came to her raving about it not even 24 hours later. “Phoebe has a catering business, and she got eight customers in one day — in a couple of hours, really,” Kristin said. “That was the point of the group, and it felt so great. I love helping businesses thrive.” To say Kristin, a residential mortgage loan originator with Republic State Mortgage, caught lightning in a bottle is not only a cliche, but it’s also an understatement. Allow us to introduce you to Denton Recommends, a Facebook group that seeks to bring together a community of Denton-area business owners to provide warm referrals and recommendations for fellow residents and entrepreneurs. Denton Recommends is free and the first of its kind in Denton. Kristin started it on December 13, and by the start of the New Year, it already had a few hundred members covering everything from mortgage officers and realtors to financial professionals, caterers, lawn care
18 | LAKE CITIES LIVING
| February 2020
companies, auto repair shops, karaoke services, and everything in between. There were well over 600 members as of press time, though an average of five or six new members are being added every day. “Social media is where it’s at,” Kristin said. She’s not wrong. Groups are the latest craze on social media, no matter what your interests are. Recent statistics show that roughly 1.4 billion people regularly use Facebook groups for everything from hobbies to staying on top of information in their communities and connecting with like-minded professionals. There are plenty of groups popping up every day, including right here in DallasFort Worth, but Kristin was surprised to find there wasn’t one for Denton business owners. Now that there is one, members can post on Denton Recommends as often as they like to ask for referrals or offer up educational information. And the best part is that practically every post is being shared, liked, and commented on. “I was part of McKinney Recommends, and that’s what ultimately inspired me to start this group,” Kristin said. “I was
surprised there wasn’t one already. The response has been amazing.” She added, “It used to be cold calling or knocking on doors, but that’s not really the direction we want to go anymore. Being able to promote other businesses and mom-and-pop stores through word of mouth and social media is really at the heart of it.” Kristin said she doesn’t intend to put too many rules on the group. She is one of three administrators and simply asks that members be respectful and are exclusive to Denton and its surrounding communities. The sky is the limit, and that means more growth and opportunities for your favorite Denton businesses. Kristin planned on hosting the first Denton Recommends mixer on February 17 and already has two more scheduled in March and April. “It literally grows every day,” Kristin said. “I’d love for it to eventually be over 1,000 members. People I know are so excited by how fast it has taken off, and that makes me incredibly happy.” Please visit Denton Recommends on Facebook to learn more.
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RESIDENT
PET PHOTOS Photos were submitted by area residents. If you’d like to submit your photos for publication or if you have any questions please email us at artwork@murray-media.com.
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February 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 19
SHERIFF’S W i t h
T
S h e r i ff
he Denton County Sheriff’s Office Citizen Academy starts Monday, February 24, 2020. This is a 12week program that meets on Monday
T r a c y
M u r p h r e e
evenings from 6:30-9pm. Come be a part of this program and get a comprehensive overview of DCSO operations. There is no cost to participants.
We are
HIRING
Detention
Officers! If you are interested in a career in Law Enforcement, join our family and be a part of a great organization. Detention Officer I positions start at $38,752.00 per year. Visit our website to apply.
www.governmentjobs.com/ careers/dentoncounty
Applications can be found on our website: DentonCounty.com/departments/sheriff. For all questions contact Deputy Keffer 940.349.1549.
20 | LAKE CITIES LIVING
| February 2020
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Business Spotlight
photos courtesy of F45 Training Corinth FB page
workouts that drives results by Steve Gamel
W
hen Fernando Laredo and his wife moved to Corinth in 2001, there wasn’t much going on in the Lake Cities area just yet. Whether it was to get something to eat, go shopping for something specific, or even getting in a decent workout, the Laredos were sometimes forced to venture outside of their young community to find what they needed.
But the potential for what was to come was always there, which is why they didn’t bat an eye when opening their F45 Training franchise in 2017. Ever the pioneers, the Laredos wanted to give their neighborhood something it didn’t have. “We could have had our pick of any territory to start in, but we thought, ‘Let’s put something here in Corinth — at home,’” said Fernando, who is both the owner and a trainer. “We wanted to put something on the map here and grow it.” Taking the chance paid off, and now residents of Corinth and the rest of the Lake Cities have a wildly popular, one-of-a-kind workout experience right down the
road — and those who have tried it are hooked. Unlike traditional box gyms or facilities that focus on either strength training or cardio, F45 Training Corinth delivers a structured and 100% functional total-body workout in under an hour by incorporating a mix of circuit and HIIT-style group workouts. The “F” stands for functional, and the “45” represents the number of minutes it takes to get through the workout. F45 offers on-site certified personal trainers to guide you every step of the way. They also offer a state-of-the-art nutrition portal called F45 Challenge that gives members access to meal plans, recipes, and more. “It’s a great combination of strength, cardio, and total body sessions six days a week, and clients can focus on what they want,” Fernando said. “If they want strength training, they can come in on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and if they want a total body blast, they can come in every single day. Doing this gets results faster because we are targeting everything.” 940.222.8700
www.F45training.com/corinth
7650 S. Interstate 35, Ste. 134 • Corinth, TX 76210 www.LakeCitiesLiving.com
February 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 21
Spring Break
Camps & Fun
D
uring Spring Break vacation, your kiddos can get bored. And when they get bored…well, you know the rest. Luckily, we have compiled a small list of local Spring Break Day Camps. If you have to work, it’s a fantastic way for your children to engage in enriching activities while they are out of school.
Studio B Performing Arts
Flower Mound Community Center
1200 Gerault Rd., Flower Mound, TX 75028 972.874.7275 website at flower-mound.com/cac Explorer camp or Adventure camp Every day from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., there will be activities galore for these kids. They will swim, play games, have gym time, and do arts and crafts. Adventure Campers go on field trips every day. To sign up, go to the website at flower-mound.com/cac or go to the address listed above. Spend your school break at the CAC going on a field trip, doing arts and crafts, playing games, and hanging out with your friends.
22 | LAKE CITIES LIVING
| February 2020
2400 FM 407, Ste. 1 Highland Village, TX 75077 972.966.2787 For Ages 5-13: Enjoy singing, dancing, and acting to a Disney Classic-The Jungle Book. CAMP DATES: Mon-Fri from 9am to 5pm, Mar. 16-20. PERFORMANCE at 6:30pm on Fri., Mar. 16. Visit www.studiobtheater.com.
Excite Gym and Cheer
2225 Highland Village Rd. Highland Village, TX 75077 972.874.8500 Excite Gym and Cheer are offering Spring Break camps from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Activities will include themed games and crafts. Ask about our members discount. Ages: 3 (potty trained) and Up Visit www.excitegym.com to register.
Spring Break Rainbow Camp SCRAP
420 South Bell Ave. Denton, TX 76201 940.808.1611 Does your child LOVE being creative? Camp SCRAP is for you, with daily activities and new crafts/projects to build. www.denton.scrapcreativereuse.org/ Camp-SCRAP www.LakeCitiesLiving.com
Studio Art House 6100 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 800 Flower Mound, TX 75028 214.285.0084 If you have an artsy kid on your hands, this is the perfect camp. During Spring Break, they offer half-day camps and week-long camps for ages 5-16 both in the morning and afternoon. There are too many activities on different days to list. Just go to Studioarthouse.com click on camps and then the Flower Mound campus. www.LakeCitiesLiving.com
Winkids
3000 Waketon Rd. Flower Mound, TX 75028 972.355.9988 They will have camps every day during Spring Break. For ages 2.5-5, parents may choose either a morning or afternoon half day of fun for the little one. For ages 5-12 children, parents may choose to go half day or full day either in the morning or afternoon. This is a place where they can truly get that energy out and you don’t have to worry about the weather. For more information go to winkids.net.
Denton Parks and Rec 321 E. McKinney St., • Denton, TX 76205 940.349.7275 All-day camps are available during Spring Break. The city offers numerous camp location options and four camps to choose from: Skate Camp, Aquatic Explorer Camp, Skyhawk Sports Camp, and Jr. Golf Academy. To find out more, go on their website at www.cityofdenton.com/enus/residents/parks-recreation/events/ spring-break-camps. February 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 23
6th Annual
Boots & Blessings Gala
Benefiting Ally’s Wish photo courtesy of Danielle Cornett
J
oin Ally’s Wish for a boot scootin’ great cause! The gala evening will include a cocktail hour, a seated dinner buffet, and live Country-Western entertainment. We are honored to announce that Dallas Cowboys legend, Tony Casillas and his wife, Tamara, will be this years event chairs. Also with Real Housewives of Dallas Star, LeeAnne Locken and Rich Emberlin serving as honorary chairs. Funds raised from this event will benefit Ally’s Wish. The Flower Mound-based organization grants wishes to young mothers battling terminal illnesses so they may create lasting memories with their children and loved ones. Individual tickets are $150 and tables of 10 are available for $1,500. Corporate and individual sponsorship levels begin at $2,500.
24 | LAKE CITIES LIVING
| February 2020
LOCATION, DATE & TIME: April 18, 2020 | 6:30 - 11pm Austin Ranch at Hilton DFW Lakes 2009 Anderson Gibson Rd. Grapevine, TX 76051 817.481.1536 WEBSITE: allyswish.org/boots-blessings-gala/ CONTACT: Missy Phipps • 469.261.8990 missy@allyswish.org FACEBOOK EVENT: www.facebook.com/allyswish14
www.LakeCitiesLiving.com
Real Estate: Ask The Expert
with
What to do
When You’re Trying To Sell Your Home
W
by Beth Caudill, Owner of Make the Move Team
e all love our pets. But one question I always get asked by homeowners is this: what do I do with my dog or cat when it’s time to sell my house and get it ready for showings? This is a very good question. After all, in some situations, you aren’t anywhere near moving out yet but still need to keep your home looking pristine for potential buyers. Keeping everything tidy can be difficult with a pet around. Not to mention, some visitors may get distracted by a really big dog or even a cute and fuzzy one when their focus should be on falling in love with your home.
• Invest in a doggy daycare — There are
Every situation is different. At a minimum, isolate and control pets for unscheduled showings with doggy crates or placing them in a specific room. For showings that are scheduled in advance, consider
let them have a doggy play date next
removing pets from your property. Here are a few solutions from your friendly, neighborhood realtor:
plenty of options right here in the
Lake Cities and throughout Denton. It’s only temporary.
• See if a friend or family member can watch them — Sometimes it’s easier to door for a few hours while the realtor showcases your beautiful home.
• Take the dog with you — If the showing is scheduled in advance, and it won’t be very long, take your pet on a walk or to
a local park. Some businesses will allow smaller pets to come inside while you take care of a few errands.
Doing any of the suggestions mentioned above will not only help you keep your pet out of sight and avoid them feeling nervous with strangers around the house, but it will also aid you in repairing or cleaning up anything that your pet damaged. Buyers will be looking for a clean, organized space where they can easily imagine themselves at home. It’s important to view the home from a buyer’s perspective and focus more on what you’ve overlooked in recent years. This includes but is not limited to: • Window screens • Doors • Furniture • Carpet • Removing pet stains, fur, and dander • Deodorize to remove pet smells and unnecessary allergens • Replacing sod/grass • Cleaning out ductwork • Sprucing up your backyard We hope you enjoyed this article, though it’s merely just a conversation starter. If you’d like to learn more or have any questions give Make The Move Team at eXp Realty a call.
940.320.2777 | www.MakeTheMoveTeam.com | 207 W. Hickory St., STE. 106 • denton, tx 76201
www.LakeCitiesLiving.com
February 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 25
26 | LAKE CITIES LIVING
| February 2020
www.LakeCitiesLiving.com
Business Spotlight
Seeing A
Better
Vision of yourself in 2020 by Steve Gamel
Photos by What’s That Guy’s Name? | Photography by GUY T
F
or Guy T, image is everything. And he’s not just talking about himself when he says that, though you can take one look at his dynamic portfolio and quickly realize he’s not your average photographer.
“Helping my clients see a better vision of themselves is important to me,” said Guy T, owner of What’s That Guy’s Name? | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GUY T. “A lot of times, people will say, ‘Well, can I not just use the pictures off my iPhone?’ That’s not a good idea.” He added, “It’s all about capturing a positive image of themselves. I want to help them capture that.”
include professional photos that aren’t just high quality but also speak to the heart of what you and your organization are all about — your story, personality, products and services, what makes you unique, and more. “I want to make a connection between the photos and their story.”
These are images that help you stand out, and in this day and Guy T, who is recognized age, a bad image or one “It’s all about as a Certified Professional that doesn’t resonate with capturing a Photographer (CPP) and is your clients can cost you a positive image the only one in Highland lot of money. If you don’t of themselves. Village, does all your know where to start, you can I want to help standard photography rest assured Guy T will take them capture sessions, including the reins. He has worked that.” corporate events, with individuals as well as headshots, portraits, and many media organizations senior photos. But where he truly stands to deliver hundreds of cover stories and out is through the magic he creates with feature articles and can guide you through branding sessions. Branding sessions the entire process.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GUY T
www.LakeCitiesLiving.com
469.500.5657 Book your free introductory phone call today to discuss the vision for your social media, online, and print presence.
469.500.5657 | whatsthatguysname.com | whatsthatguysname@live.com February 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 27
Lake Dallas L
Ready for another long playoff run
ake Dallas had one of its best playoff runs last season while soaring to a Class 5A region semifinal. But in a span of a few short months, the Falcons lost their head coach and a slew of seniors that had quickly become household names.
Rather than lower their expectations, this year’s Falcons and new coach Chris Haney intend to get right back to work.
He will have plenty to work with. Ben Price, a District 8-5A by Steve Gamel first-team selection who will pitch and play middle infield, returns and will be expected to help grab the reins following the graduation of Pitcher of the Year, Ryan Depperschmidt. Connor Perry returns after batting .322 with 17 runs and 32 RBIs, as do the likes of Hunter McDaniel and Jonah Webb.
“I definitely think these guys have what it takes [to make another run],” Haney said. “We have some core guys back who were involved in that run and knew what it took to do it. Hopefully, that will help us repeat that magic.” Having the right head coach also helps. Former coach Ryan Howard helped his squad capture lightning in a bottle while posting a 22-9 record. When he left, athletic director Scott Head wasted little time in hiring Haney. A former San Diego Padres minor league pitching prospect, Haney got into the coaching realm when his career was cut short by injury. After a brief stop at Justin Northwest, he became an assistant coach at Colleyville Heritage, which went 39-3 last year and won the Class 5A state championship. Simply put, Haney knows what it takes to perform at a high level and get the most out of his players. 28 | LAKE CITIES LIVING
| February 2020
“Defense and pitching will be extremely important, but this was a talented team that was well-coached last year,” Haney said. “They went four rounds, and they have that expectation that they can go out there and do it again. It’s a next-man-up mentality, and they have a chance to make a lot of noise.” The 2020 campaign has already started for the Falcons, who will be knee-deep in tournament play for the next month before District 8-5A action gets underway on March 17 against Justin Northwest. The district schedule again includes the likes of The Colony, Braswell, Ryan, Denton, and Little Elm. “The first several months have been great for me here at Lake Dallas, especially getting to know these kids and who we have coming back. The community support has been amazing, too. Everyone is a Falcon here, and that’s great to see,” Haney said. “At this point, we’re just ready to go out there and play some baseball.” www.LakeCitiesLiving.com
Fitness: Ask The Expert
What’s Good for Both
Your Health &
LOVE LIFE? by Jesse J. Leyva, Owner of Jesse James Fit & Outlaw Fitcamp
V
alentine’s Day has come and gone. Did you get a box of candy? A beautiful floral arrangement? Those are very nice gifts, but they’re temporary and gone in just days. There is still time for couples to consider getting healthy together this month. It’s a gift that is long-lasting and has many other great benefits. At Jesse James Fit & Outlaw FitCamp,
we’ve seen and experienced the concrete benefits of getting fit with a loved one.
And because we are committed to making lasting improvements in the lives of our clients, we put our money where our mouth is.
The Additional Cost of Working Out as a Couple at Jesse James Fit or Outlaw
price as just one of you! We know this
is an exceptional value, and we offer it
because we realize just how important
and beneficial it is to have couples make a commitment to fitness together.
In our years of providing personal training to clients, we’ve seen first-hand the
benefits that people experience when
make time in your day to exercise and start doing it together, it gives you some builtin quality time during the day.
5. Getting Fit Together Increases
Happiness with Your Relationship Lab studies show that after participating in exercise together, couples report feeling
more satisfied with their relationship and more in love with their partner. Sharing a
fitness goal can often boost the happiness you feel about your relationship.
6. Partners Help You Achieve Your
important part of your life is a great
When you work out as a couple, you’re getting healthy and prioritizing fitness together. The experience of working together toward this goal brings you closer.
People who are held accountable to their workout routine are more likely to be successful — and a partner can do exactly that. A partner joining you on workouts increases your chances of sticking to your plan.
personal trainer together for the same
the most determined couple. But if you
1. Sharing a Goal Brings You Closer
Jesse James Fit & Outlaw FitCamp
significant other can work out with a
Life, jobs, and kids get in the way of even
Fitness Goals
FitCamp? ZERO!
incredible deal — you and your
Guaranteed Quality Time
they make a fitness commitment with a loved one.
2. A Partner Holds You Accountable
is proud to always offer couples an
4. Workout Sessions Give You
Getting healthy and making fitness an activity to share. And the motivation from a partner can go a long way.
7. Workouts Give You Both a Place to Blow Off Steam
Having a “gym date” where you can blow off steam during a workout will not only help control your stress level, but it will also keep your partner from being the
target of a bad day. This can really help
keep the peace and your happiness as a couple!
Work Out Together at Jesse James Fit or
3. Trying Something New Strengthens Your Relationship
Outlaw FitCamp at No Additional Cost
Trying something new together brings closeness to a relationship. Using a personal trainer and learning new workouts together will help a couple feel more connected.
month when the candy has been eaten
Flowers and candy are nice, but later this and the flowers have died, think about something long-lasting — getting fit
together. It not only lasts longer, but it’s good for your relationship too!
972.355.2639 • JesseJamesFit.com | 940.497.6002 • OutlawFitcamp.com
www.LakeCitiesLiving.com
February 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 29
Denton resident
shares love of football
with youth
by Dawn Cobb photo courtesy of Dawn Cobb
H
arold Jackson, a Denton County maintenance assistant for 38 years, still recalls his three years as a tight end for the Denton High School Broncos in the late 70s. The then 13-year-old from Tallulah in
northeast Louisiana found friends and a sense of belonging with his teammates both on and off the football field. It is that teamwork he has tried to instill in generations of southeast Denton youth for more than 20 years through mentoring, music, and football. Starting as a volunteer in 1985 for the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, not long after he graduated DHS in 1980, Jackson crafted a plan to create activities for youth at Fred Moore Park. Using money he collected from mowing yards as a side job, Jackson bought prizes to give away as part of a youth talent competition that he and Roger “Dollar Bill” Johnson called Apollo Nights. Each week, boys and girls gathered at the pavilion in Fred Moore Park to compete for prizes and showcase their talents. A short time later, Jackson and Johnson started the annual football tournament for kids of all ages as part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations. Jackson said the evening celebrations left most of the day open, so it made sense to create something for the kids to enjoy during the afternoon. “We’d just start practicing, and they’d come out,” Jackson said, describing how the flag football tournament draws youth from across Denton each year. “Then, they’d come during the holidays.” 30 | LAKE CITIES LIVING
| February 2020
Jackson worked with local businesses and organizations to cover costs for the annual tournament so that he could give each participant a t-shirt, snacks, and a trophy. He also made connections with former football players, who volunteer their time to mentor and coach. Mike Green, a former safety and cornerback who played eight years with the Chicago Bears, Seattle Seahawks, and Washington Redskins, said Jackson’s work, “does a lot for the community. It brings kids together, teaching them leadership and teamwork.” Tramain Jones, who played defensive back for the Florida Bobcats, Orlando Predators, Carolina Cobras, and the Tampa Bay Storm as part of the Arena Football League, agreed. “It’s a great thing Harold is doing for the kids and letting the kids have fun.”
Both traditions continued for decades with the final Apollo Nights competition in 2018. The football tournament continues, finishing its 20th event this past January. In his spare time, Jackson saves all of the newspaper photos of the students he has worked with and frames them to present along with copies of DVDs from the Apollo Nights competitions. Both the keepsakes and the events serve as lifelong memories for the many youth who have enjoyed these neighborhood traditions over the past two decades. Dawn Cobb is the Director of Community Relations for Denton County. She can be reached at dawn.cobb@dentoncounty. com or at 940-349-4672. www.LakeCitiesLiving.com
