Lantana Living Magazine April 2018 by Murray Media Group

APRIL 20, 2018 - MAY 18, 2018

DONNA MOSS HGTV DESIGNER

MAN CAVE Must Haves

The

Guyer Basketball Looking to Next Year

NEW LANTANA Community Center

Smile

GURU Dr. PETER LAN

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID LEWISVILLE, TX PERMIT NO. 977

APRIL 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 3

DSW Productions/

Jurassic Events

Read story on pg 36 photos courtesy of DSW Productions/Jurassic Events

4 | LANTANA LIVING

| APRIL 2018

APRIL 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 5

LantanaLiving.com

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Administration Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editor Bobbi Byrne

Writer & Editor Steve Gamel

Advertising

René Santana rene@murray-media.com

Production

Art Director Liz Wallace Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Stephanie Hansen Savannah Halfmann

Photography

Your Candid Memories 469.583.2819 yourcandidmemories.com

Letters

Lantana 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 www.murray-media.com Address: 3513 Yucca Dr., Ste. 200 Flower Mound, TX 75028 Lantana 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

What Can I Say?

I Have Many Offices to Write In

y wife has been getting on to me lately for bringing my work into the bedroom. It’s not an every

night thing, but at least a few nights a

week I am turning my laptop on, propping a few pillows up against the headboard, and typing away on my writing projects.

For me, it’s perfect because the house is quiet and sitting up in bed while typing helps me relax.

• Coffee shops • The library

• Our backyard

• Our bedroom

• A waiting room

• Our living room • A fast food joint • My car

I’m sure there are more places I’m not thinking of, but you get the point. It

beats sitting at the same desk every day

For my wife, it’s aggravating.

staring out the same window searching

I can’t blame her. Having to listen to

for inspiration. And I’m not the only writer

you’re trying to sleep is annoying. Not

creative comfort.

the tap, tap, tap on the keyboard when

who seeks out different sanctuaries for

to mention, I spent a decent amount of

I read once that Sir Walter Scott crafted his

money buying furniture for my office

downstairs. My wife even prettied up the

space to make it more inviting rather than

looking like some boring man cave I crawl into to write my next masterpiece.

writers need a change of scenery every so

often to gain a fresh perspective and keep those creative juices flowing. I like to think Some of my favorites include:

Angelou was known for writing in hotel rooms.

I am no Sir Walter Scott or Maya Angelou, but I prefer unusual writing settings, too.

That’s just it, though. I’m a writer, and

I have many offices at my disposal.

epic poem, Marmion, on horseback. Maya

Unfortunately for me, the bedroom may be off limits.

We hope you enjoy reading this month’s magazine. If you’ve got a story you’d like to see, send me an email at steve@murray-media.com.

the opinion of the publisher. Lantana

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

6 | LANTANA LIVING

| APRIL 2018

Sincerely, Steve Gamel Writer & Editor steve@murray-media.com

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

THIS MONTH:

We’re focusing on man caves. You think you have the perfect man cave? Look for the icon to read the must have’s for men today.

On the Cover is: Donna Moss HGTV Designer and Dr. Peter Lan owner of Vanilla Family Dentistry

FEATURED:

THE SMILE GURU DR. PETER LAN ASK THE EXPERTS

ARTICLES

08 Pest Control with Mosquito Joe

10 The Must-Haves for Your Man Cave

24 Gardening with Complete Solutions

12 District 6-6A All-District Basketball

28 Edit This with Steve Gamel

20 Family Mourns Loss of Son

38 College Prep with Vanguard College Prep

22 Inside Community

46 Fitness with Jesse James Fit

23 Inside Education

52 Counseling with Acorn

26 Mother’s Day Dining Ideas

58 Dentistry with Country Lakes Family Dental

29 Peanut Introduction to Infants

PHOTOS FROM LANTANA 04 DSW Productions / Jurassic Events 25 You Submit We Print

30 Wildcats Looking to Next Year 34 Mother’s Day Gifts 36 There’s A T-Rex Walking 42 Top 10 Gadgets For Men

62 EDITORS PICK:

New Community Center

44 Guyer Excited for End of Off Season 48 DISD School Board Elections 50 Foodie Friday: Barley & Board 54 Saylor Snowden: Coca-Cola Scholar 55 The Weight Loss Secret 56 Assets in Divorce 60 Lantana Resident Lara Lopez Wins

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS 14 Jay Marks Real Estate 18 ML Group: A Love for Teamwork 40 Rainbow International: Restoration Service You Can Rely On APRIL 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 7

Ask The Expert: Pest Control

Helpful Tips on MOSQUITO CONTROL S

pring is upon us, and it’s finally time to start enjoying the beautiful weather outside. With temperatures rising that also means mosquito breeding season has begun. Once temperatures start reaching 50 degrees or more mosquitoes begin breeding. The reason they come back each year is that their eggs can survive freezing temperatures and can live up to 5 years. The eggs remain dormant and become active when water is present. Mosquitoes lay up to 300 eggs, can breed in less than a capful of water and typically take 4 to 7 days to become full biting adults. Mosquitoes can breed several times within a couple of months. As the pattern continues and warmer weather sets in, mosquitoes multiply very quickly. Homeowners can help reduce the population of Mosquitoes by doing the following:

Empty out water sources such as bird baths

Ensure gutters and french drains are free flowing and not clogged with leaf litter from the winter

Turn off sprinkler systems during heavy periods of rain to prevent overwatering

Fill in low lying spots in the lawn that accumulate water

Pick up kids toys left in the yard

Keep lids on trash cans and turn over wheelbarrows and lawn equipment left outside

This may seem time intensive, but is key to prevention and can make huge differences in your outdoor enjoyment. 8 | LANTANA LIVING

| APRIL 2018

by Lee & Hollie Woodham, of Mosquito Joe Northwest DFW

northwestdfw.mosquitojoe.com

APRIL 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 9

Man Cave Article

The Must-Haves for Your

MAN CAVE by Steve Gamel

hether you prefer to call it a media room, den, mantuary, or man cave, every guy out there dreams of having one. They are great for watching sports, playing a game of pool with the guys, or sitting down to watch a movie on your very own big screen. They come in all shapes and sizes, and the benefits are truly endless.

So if you have a man cave, or you’re looking at purchasing a home that has one, what are the necessary items all man caves need? Well, that list can get pretty long. But here are just a few of the tamer items we came up with. PlayStation and XBox offer so much more while doubling as a Blu-ray player as well

as allowing you to watch Netflix, YouTube, and even live television.

A sign that says, “You are entering the man cave” This may seem like a very small detail, but for a guy, what says “I’ve officially marked my territory” better than a sign that says exactly what their space is designed to

be? How manteresting! Outsiders beware because anything is possible inside the man cave.

Multi-function recliner Memorabilia for the walls

What man cave is complete without

Dress up those walls and wow your guests

a state-of-the-art recliner that puts

framed autographed jerseys, a Fathead or

the lights in the room, the television, give

and even shelves to display your prized

even have plenty of space to hold a few

Again, there are endless possibilities.

part of a man cave is being able to be as

with posters of Oscar-winning films,

everything at your fingertips? Control

two, bobbleheads, custom display cases,

yourself a complimentary massage, and

GI Joe figures from when you were a kid.

drinks and your popcorn. After all, the best

Big screen with surround sound speakers

lazy as possible.

It’s not a TRUE man cave if you don’t

have a giant screen that could make even Jerry Jones proud. Even if sports aren’t

PlayStation or XBox gaming systems

your thing, the big screen coupled with

Depending on your age, you may be

strategic spots throughout the room give

in playing video games anymore.

surround sound speakers mounted in

you that instant theater-quality experience. 10 | LANTANA LIVING

| APRIL 2018

A wet bar and fridge

grown up just enough not to be interested

Why not go full-bore with a wet bar and

But these days, gaming systems like

plenty of space to make drinks and house

mini fridge? After all, you’re going to need

all your cold items while hosting parties or watching the big game.

Dartboard Granted, it’s probably not a great idea to have a regularly-used dart board in your man cave if it’s inside your house. But

many man caves are right in the comfort

of your garage, which is perfect for one of these traditional must-haves.

Giant, comfy couch, barstools, and bean bags This sort of goes without saying, right?

Unless you are a minimalist who prefers to sit on the ground (no judgment), where is

everyone going to sit? There are plenty of options to suit every man child’s needs.

Custom light fixtures Let there be light! Put the true finishing touches on your man cave with custom light fixtures that speak to your style. Maybe have a light fixture made completely out of beer bottles or oldschool football helmets. The possibilities are endless, guys. APRIL 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 11

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APRIL 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 13

Business Spotlight

“I’ve sold real estate surrounding happy times and sad times, and in good economies and bad economies. And no matter what the circumstance may be, my job is to help our clients achieve their goals,” said Jay.

REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE,

BIG SERVICE ks ar

Ja by

EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE, Knowledge & Community.

hat’s the mantra Jay Marks Real Estate of Flower Mound lives by with each and every one of their clients, whether they are going through the home-selling and buying process for the first time or are well-seasoned. Selling and/or purchasing a home is one of the most important financial decisions anyone will make in their lifetime and it is also typically very emotional. After working in the real estate industry for nearly 25 years, Jay Marks and his team are fully equipped to help with whatever your real estate needs may be.

972.724.2540

JayMarksRealEstate.com 2624 Long Prairie Rd,

Flower Mound TX 75022

14 | LANTANA LIVING

| APRIL 2018

Jay grew up learning about the importance of customer service and entrepreneurship from his parents and grandparents, who owned and operated gas stations in Northern Oklahoma. And that entrepreneurial spirit has followed him throughout his life. At a young age, Jay joined the United States Army as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division, which is where he continued to learn the importance of dedication, leadership and persistence. In 1993, he began his career in real estate and has helped thousands of families over the last 25 years buy, sell, and invest in real estate. His boutique brokerage in Flower Mound consists of five team members who are all highly-skilled and trained in their various roles. Jay and his team are also highly active in the local community, featuring local restaurants in their weekly Foodie Friday DFW reviews (see page 50 to read his latest review) for the last four years and local nonprofits in their new monthly Denton County Giving features. “As a small business owner, I know how important it is to have the support of other small business owners. I love that

I get to call attention to these local businesses and nonprofits that deserve to be in the spotlight. Does it help my business? Sure. But more than that, it helps me feel like I’m giving back to our community by helping others enjoy success.”

APRIL 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 15

Business Spotlight

A LOVE for Teamwork and Design:

ML Group Is Your Local Architect

sk Mike Love when he knew what he wanted to do for a living and he’ll take you back to when he

was a little boy sitting in his parent’s living room. In those days, Love could be found

in front of the television with his Big Chief Tablet of sketch paper in one hand and a pencil in the other.

Texas A&M but skipped out on a slamdunk degree in architectural design

to focus on what he called “real world

experience” working for various firms in

Houston and Dallas. He was exposed to all forms of architecture and became a go-to designer before starting his firm, the ML Group, Inc., 30 years ago.

“I played a lot of football

and basketball, but in my

downtime, I was sketching

and drawing,” Mike said with

nostalgia in his eyes. “I loved to draw. I can’t tell you how

or why, but it was really easy for me.”

by Steve Gamel

Even with all that success,

“...People say what are you known for? We’re known for making clients happy. That’s it.”

none of it would have

happened without the right people around him.

“I’m a part of this, but you have to meet the right people in your career.

There are so many great

There are a million stories we could tell

people around me who make this

written with architectural lettering to

sight of that. People and relationships –

about Mike, who once created a resume impress a prospective boss. He went to 18 | LANTANA LIVING

| APRIL 2018

happen,” Mike said. “I never want to lose that’s what we are about.”

ML Group will celebrate its 30th year in August and features one of the more gifted teams of architects, designers, and project managers you’ll find in your backyard. Located in the heart of Flower Mound, Love’s agency plans for the way you live and is one of the premier residential and commercial design firms, with relationships that include volume builders Lennar Corporation and MHI, Inc. The firm is proficient in custom home design and has positioned itself to handle the entire home design process, from initial concept and design to interior space planning and final document completion. Their reputation for creativity, experience, attention to detail, and sensitivity to economics and environmental issues consistently delivers results. “Here we are, this hard-working and laidback company in Flower Mound, and it’s been 30 years,” Love said. “We’ve seen a lot going from the days where you drew everything by hand on a drafting board to today’s way of doing things. I hired a lot of great people to make it all work. People say what are you known for? We’re known for making clients happy. That’s it.”

972.355.8700 | MLGroupTexas.com 600 Parker Sq., Ste. 205 | Flower Mound, TX

APRIL 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 19

made. The Town of Bartonville extends heartfelt prayers and condolences to the Weber family and all affected by

Bartonville Family Mourns Loss of Son

Killed in Action by Steve Gamel

nyone who dedicates their life to selflessly serving their country in the armed forces redefines what it

means to truly be a hero. Those who knew Air Force Captain Mark Weber say he was no different.

According to Mayor Scherer’s release, Capt. Weber was commissioned as a

2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force in 2011 and served as a Combat Rescue Officer.

Capt. Weber was assigned to the 38th

this tragedy.”

Guyer football coach John Walsh said that while he hadn’t had the honor of

talking to Capt. Weber in quite a while, he always knew him as a young man of high character and selfless leadership. Capt. Weber was a tight end and defensive

end for the Wildcats when the school first

opened and was part of the program’s first two seasons, where they went 1-19. He

was the first Division I football scholarship signee in the program’s history. Guyer now has 53 Division I signees.

Walsh said guys like Capt. Weber helped pave the way for a program that is now one of the best in the state. Guyer has

Weber, 29, was one of seven

Rescue Squadron, 23rd

killed on March 15 when a

and was serving in Iraq

western Iraq. He was the son

Inherent Resolve. News of

“There were very few flaws in Mark

spread throughout several

attention to detail and was very aggressive

social media, sparking kind

1-19, which is always tough when you are

prayers for the

a program, you want someone strong at

U.S. Armed Forces members

Wing, Moody AFB, Georgia,

military helicopter crashed in

in support of Operation

of Bartonville residents Ron and Margaret Weber and a

former Guyer football player released by Moody Air Force Base and Bartonville Mayor Bill Scherer.

Weber is survived by his parents and four siblings: Leah Weber, currently serving overseas in the U.S. Air Force; Kathrine Weber, serving in the U.S. Coast Guard; Lori Weber, a nurse; and Kristen Weber, a writer and Christian stand-up comedian.

20 | LANTANA LIVING

| APRIL 2018

missed the postseason since its second year as a program.

his unfortunate passing has

Weber,” Walsh said. “He had incredible

media outlets and on

on the football field. He was here for the

statements and thoughtful

just starting out, but if you’re going to start

Weber family.

the top helping you lead. And that was

“We are indebted to Capt. Weber’s

Mark Weber.

service, commitment, and sacrifice to

“When I heard [about his death], it jarred

statement. “Because of his bravery and

family and it was no surprise to me that he

our nation,” Mayor Scherer said in his

selflessness, we enjoy daily freedom and

security. It is our duty to honor and never forget the sacrifice that Capt. Weber

me pretty good. He comes from a great

wanted to serve his country. He’s always been selfless; I have always been very proud of him.”

U.S. Air Force Photo by 23rd Wing Public Affairs

and student. The news was

won two state titles in football and has not

APRIL 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 21

INSIDE COMMUNITY

CLEAN UP GREEN UP

Clean up time, Green up time! Help clean up the community at Lantana’s annual Earth Day event on Saturday, April 28, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the North Amenity Center parking lot. This event allows residents to safely dispose of hazardous household waste including: bulk items (mattresses and couches), electronics, appliances, shred documents, and safely dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications.

BARTONVILLE FARMERS MARKET The Bartonville Town Center Farmers Market will be open every Wednesday & Saturday from 8am to sell out, starting May until October. The Farmer’s Market offers locally grown fruits and vegetables, fresh bread, honey and more. For more information call 940.241.3030 or visit www.BartonvilleTC.com

CONCERTS ON THE GREEN

COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE

Lantana families pack the Town Green with your blankets,

Time for Spring Cleaning! If you’re a Lantana resident,

baskets and coolers. You will be able to enjoy an evening under

now is the time to clean out your attic, garage and

the stars listening to your favorite music by local country, pop,

other storage spaces and get rid of unwanted items.

blue grass and rock n’ roll bands every Friday night in May.

Residents are encouraged to hold garage sales in their

Check Facebook to see who the performer will be each

driveways on Saturday, April 21 from 8am - 3pm.

Friday night!

To register call 940.728.1660.

22 | LANTANA LIVING

| APRIL 2018

INSIDE EDUCATION

WHAT IS GRAD NIGHT?

Grad Night is an all-night celebration for Guyer’s graduating seniors. Graduates will spend the night of Friday, May 25, 2018 enjoying games, music, bowling, pool, miniature golf, laser tag, refreshments and drawings for amazing prizes at Main Event in Lewisville. It promises to be an unforgettable night for our seniors, the perfect send off after 13 years of hard work.

REGIONAL HISTORY BEE Harpool was strongly represented at the 2018 7th Grade

Regional History Bee on Friday, March 16, by Matthew Spivey, Raul Ortega, Hayden Hawley, Elliott Tomz and Carson McManus. Congratulations to Elliott Tomz and Carson McManus for qualifying for the National History Bee in Atlanta in June! Several of the boys also took the Geography Bee exam and qualified for the National Geography Bee. Congratulations!

GUYER SPORTS EVENTS Boys Varsity Baseball vs. Denton High School (Home) Sat., Apr 21st at 12pm Boys Varsity Baseball vs. Plano West (Away) Tues., April 24th at 7:30pm at Plano West Senior High School

PANORAMIC PHOTO Loudermilk Panoramics is now ready to

accept orders for this year’s Senior Panoramic photo. The cost for a single 10x32 Formal Pose photo is $25. You can also order a

package for $40 that includes a 10x32 Formal Pose, 5x15 Funny Pose and 10x20 “Big 18”

WILDCAT WALK

Attention Guyer HS parents and family

members, join our traditional celebration of our Graduating Wildcats. Seniors are recognized for awards and will do their

Boys Region 1 Track Meet @ UTA Maverick Stadium Fri/Sat April 27th - 28th

symbolic last walk through the Guyer halls.

photo. To order, please visit the Guyer High

Check in through the front office at Guyer,

that directs you to the website.

April 27th @ 9:30 am

School home page and there will be a link

Boys Varsity Baseball vs. Plano West (Home) Fri., Apr 27th at 7:30pm

and then make your way to the Wildcat gym

Girls Region 1 Track Meet @ UTA Maverick Stadium April 28th - 29th (Girls)

APRIL 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 23

Ask The Expert: Gardening

The Secret to

GREEN

GRASS

by PJ Kratohvil of Complete Solutions completesolutionsdfw.com

emperatures are enjoyably, things are starting to green up, and allergy season is in full effect......must be Spring. This is one of the most transitional times of the year here in North Texas and can keep you pretty busy if your trying to keep up with things on the property around your home. We are going to highlight some key points when it comes to your grassy areas.

As the weather begins to change so should the aesthetics around your property. One of the most noticeable is the grass starting to come out of dormancy and turn green. To help ensure you get a healthy lawn this year check out our “TOP 3” 1-Aeration

With our terrible north Texas soils ensure

that you aerate every third year at a

minimum. Not doing so will allow the

soil to get hard, cutting off the amount of nutrients and oxyg en resulting in your

grass thinning and dying out. If you can’t

2-Watering A good rule of thumb is to ensure your grassy areas get on average 1 inch of water per week. Obvious water restrictions and weather conditions should be taken into account. If you have not done so

remember or are new to the property, the

NOW is the time to get the irrigation

by sticking a knife down into the ground.

busted heads and/or clogged nozzles can

If it stops 1.5-2.5” down then call your

all lead to under or over watering. Either

probably good for another year.

your yard space.

quickest way to tell if it’s time to aerate is

grass guy, if it goes further then your

24 | LANTANA LIVING

| APRIL 2018

system on and evaluated. Broken pipes,

direction will have a negative result on

3-Fertilization Another way to ensure your grass is thick and healthy this season is to establish a fertilization schedule and stick to it. Being consistent with this CAN offer immediate results BUT more often will take a few treatments before you really see improvements. Being realistic with your goals and paying more for quality products are two things to keep in mind. Typically cheaper chemicals will not treat as well and will wear out a lot faster than a name brand product with a slower release schedule.

EASTER in Lantana

Photos were submitted by area residents. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to submit your photos for publication or if you have any questions please email us at artwork@murray-media.com.

APRIL 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 25

Mother’s Day Dining Ideas by Steve Gamel

f you’re looking for dining options for Mother’s Day, there are a variety of local favorites and hidden gems throughout

Denton County. Below are just a few.

For you Italian food lovers out there,

VERF’S GRILL AND TAVERN

of Lake Cities, Genti’s offers everything

972-317-3390

Genti’s is a can’t miss. Located in the heart from pizza and pasta to seafood and

traditional Italian entrees. And let’s not

forget desserts like cannolis, cheesecake and tiramisu.

DOUGH BRO’S ITALIAN KITCHEN 2851 Plano Pkwy., The Colony 469-353-8182

1701 Shoal Creek Dr., Highland Village 972-317-2250

versions of your favorite classic dishes – all made with the finest fresh,

resolution, Jesse James Fit has his own

Mound 972-539-1902

recommends to stay on track. Start with the smoked Old Fashioned.

THE CLASSIC CAFE AT ROANOKE

504 N. Oak St., Roanoke 817-430-8185 This is not only a great place to eat,

best of Texas on your plate or in your glass – so how can you go wrong with that. They offer wine and beer on tap and a full menu.

fresh from the local farmers, so your food

choices are always different and fabulous.

RESTAURANT 972-899-9779

Give your pallet a kick with KANZI. The

GENTI’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO

bound to take home some leftovers.

940-497-5400

with your beautifully plated meal.

portions are big, which means you are

| APRIL 2018

blow your mind. Their slogan is enjoy the

is created daily depending on what is

accurate hours.

26 | LANTANA LIVING

817-464-8181

only upscale, but very unique. The menu

2560 King Arthur Blvd. #142, Lewisville

3700 FM 2181, Hickory Creek

CRAFT AND VINE

Bank, this hidden gem has food that is not

includes cooking classes and monthly dinner – be sure to check their website for

soon forget!

Tucked away in the plaza behind Compass

KANZI SUSHI AND HIBACHI

wine tastings. Join them for lunch or

a long list of wines. It’s a meal you won’t

5810 Long Prairie Rd., #200, Flower

but the owners also go out of their way to create a complete experience that

scrumptious. They also carry a full bar and

This taproom and eatery is guaranteed to

around. They focus on serving modern

It’s casual, it’s fun, and the food is fantastic.

JJ mark on the menu with dishes that he

pasta and enchiladas and all of it is

while being served by the friendliest staff

PRIME FARM TO TABLE

For those still sticking to their New Year’s

everything from steak and seafood to

310 S. Oak St. #300, Roanoke

local ingredients.

This is just an all-around great restaurant.

The extensive menu at Verf’s carries

Dough Bro’s is another Italian favorite that is sure to quench your appetite

SHOAL CREEK TAVERN

2221 Justin Rd., Flower Mound

Customers may also BYOB to go along

BISTECCA STEAK HOUSE

2300 Highland Village Rd., Lewisville 972-318-0515

This is the perfect place for a romantic dinner, with both indoor and outdoor seating. The food is delicious, serving

everything from steaks to pasta, and the service is impeccable.

APRIL 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 27

Ask The Expert: Edit This

Gamel Funny Farm (Vol. 4)

elcome everyone to the fourth installment of the Gamel Funny Farm Blog. What you’ll

find below are random conversations

and hilarious moments I’ve had with my

family over the last few months. Our boys, Christian (10) and Jackson (6) are witty

and have amazing comedic timing. On

top of that, my wife, Leslie, and I are 10 percent normal and 90 percent goofy. When you add it all up, you have the Gamel Funny Farm.

You can probably imagine that as a writer, I am never at a loss for inspiration thanks to these goofballs. I hope you enjoy this latest installment.

Me: (balancing the checkbook) “What’s

Lord Jackson, and I guess Christian is the Prince.”

Christian: “Uggh. A Prince?” Daddy: “The Prince is the heir to the throne, silly!”

Christian: “Hey, I’m not AIR.” Daddy: “Seriously?” Mommy: “My King. He clearly doesn’t know what heir means.” Daddy: “Oh, Lord.” Jackson: “What?” Christian: (during the World Series)

“Wouldn’t it be great if [George] Springer hit a home run right now?”

this random $4 withdrawal?”

Me: “We definitely need it.”

Leslie: “Oh, it was so I didn’t have to use

(Two seconds later, Springer hits a homer)

the debit card at that random concession stand.”

CALLED THAT!!!!!”

Me: (eye roll). Leslie: “Would you really have wanted me to use credit?”

Jackson: “Sign up for Credit Karma. It’s free.”

Leslie: (as she types up an email) “Steve, can you spell ‘immediately’ for me?” Me: “Why don’t we try and spell it

together? How do you think it’s spelled?” Leslie: “I’ll just say ‘right away.’” Jackson: “Daddy, let’s play like we live in

a castle. We can name [our dog] Roxy the royal mutt.”

Daddy: “OK. So Daddy is the King,

Mommy is the Queen, you want to be 28 | LANTANA LIVING

Me: “IT’S GONE!!!! YOU

| APRIL 2018

Christian: “How did I do that?!?!?!” Jackson: (To the lady in the carpool lane as he’s getting out of the car) “Hey! The

Christian: “Did you know one time after

you beat me in Mortal Kombat that I got so mad I went and hid in Jackson’s closet?”

Me: “What? I didn’t know that, but I’m

really sorry. That’s why I don’t like playing against you in video games. I don’t want to hurt your feelings.”

Christian: “It’s OK. I just didn’t know what losing was.”

Me: “Well, now you do!” Christian: “Whatever! So, you wanna play me in MLB The Show?”

Jackson: “Daddy! I want to go to Olive’s Steakhouse.”

Me: “What in the world is Olive’s Steakhouse?”

Mommy: “I think he means Outback Steakhouse.”

Jackson: “It’s a restaurant where they have steak and olives.”

Mommy: “How was your STUCO meeting!?”

Astros won the World Series!”

Christian: “Good.”

Me: “You are so sensitive. You should

Mommy: “What did y’all talk about?”

be able to tell after 16 years when I am kidding and when I’m serious.”

Leslie: “Oh geez, Steve! Why don’t you just make me a flowchart!”

Jackson: “Daddy, I love you, but I want

Mommy to wake me up in the mornings.” Sitting down to help my 10-year-old with his math homework. I’m worried I won’t

know the answers. I’m just a writer, dang it! #outofmyelement

Christian: “Can’t tell ya. Top secret.” Leslie: (while at Nebraska Furniture Mart)

“Ya know, the furniture is nice, but it’s just not expensive enough.”

Me: ???????????????????????????????? by Steve Gamel Edit This 469.360.3611 EditThisLLC.com

PEANUT

Infants INTRODUCTION to

he number of infants and children developing peanut allergy continues to grow. Peanut allergy in the United States has tripled over the past 10-15 years; therefore, it is very important to understand the current recommendations on how to prevent this allergy.

Despite early thinking that avoiding peanuts during infancy and at young ages would prevent peanut allergy later on, more recent thinking has focused on introduction during infancy. The success of this strategy was recently confirmed in the 2015 study Learning Early about Peanut Allergy (LEAP). Based on the findings in this study, specific recommendations for peanut allergy prevention were developed by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID). The latest update on recommendations is based on specific risks related to presence of other chronic illnesses and/or food allergies.

Sponsored Content

Introducing Peanuts Based on Specific Risk: 1. Children with Severe Eczema and/ or Egg Allergy: Introduce peanuts containing foods as early as age 4-6 months after the introduction of other solid foods AND after consideration of peanut-specific allergy testing.

2. Mild to Moderate Eczema: Introduce

peanut containing foods around age 6 months.

3. No Eczema or Food Allergy: Introduce peanut containing foods together

with solids foods and in accordance with family preferences and cultural practices.

Best Practice for Introducing Peanut at Home:

• Peanuts should NOT be the first solid food introduced.

• Only introduce peanuts to an infant

that is healthy without acute illness or upper respiratory infection.

• Introduce these peanut-containing

food in the home setting (i.e not at a restaurant school or daycare)

• Give a small portion and wait 10

• Do not give peanut butter directly from a spoon or whole peanuts to

children younger than 5 years of age as this poses a choking hazard. • Infants at high risk (#1 above)—

should consume approximately 6-7 grams of peanut protein per week

divided over 3 or more feedings. This recommendation is based on the

actual studied amount given in the

LEAP study. It is not currently known if increased or decreased amounts would have similar outcomes.

• With regard to the other 2 risk

categories above of mild to moderate eczema or no eczema or food

allergies these infants may consume any amount that the family wishes

without otherwise associated risks. Results from the landmark LEAP study, published February 2015 in the New

England Journal of Medicine, showed that infants with severe eczema, egg allergy,

or both who regularly consumed peanutcontaining foods in infancy through age 5 years were 81% less likely to develop

peanut allergy than infants who avoided exposure to peanuts in their diets.

Obviously, there are more studies needed

and work to be done in the field of Allergy and Immunology and the prevention

of food allergies, eczema, asthma, etc.;

however, the LEAP study demonstrates

very promising and exciting results. It is important as a provider and caregiver to be aware of the latest studies and guidelines in advancing medicine.

minutes before gradually giving the

For more information and summaries go

for observation after introduction.

and talk with your pediatrician.

remainder of a serving and allow time

to: bit.ly/NIAID-food-allergy-guidelines

Dr. Rebecca Butler is Board Certified in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is proud to be a resident of Lantana and the owner of Lantana Pediatrics. For more information on Lantana Pediatrics, Dr. Butler and/or Melanie Bitzer, CPNP or to schedule an appointment with one of these providers, call the office at 940.455.7200.

940.455.7200 www.LantanaPediatrics.com | 74 McMakin Road, Ste. 100 • Bartonville, TX 76226 NEW HOURS: Mon, Tues, Thurs: 7:30am-5pm • Wed: 7:30am - 12:30pm Fri: 7:30 - 4pm • Sat: 9am - 12pm

L Re anta sid na en t

Wild ats LOOKING TO NEXT YEAR After Disappointing End To Season

eople say all the time that nothing is ever a guarantee – especially in sports. Still, the Guyer boys

basketball team appeared to be the exception to that rule.

The Wildcats were so dominant this season that very few teams could

stay competitive with them, including opponents who were seen as early

favorites to also be in the mix for a state

title. Guyer, loaded with Division I talent

and the state’s No. 1 team, beat them all with ease.

So naturally, everyone figured Guyer –

by Steve Gamel

looking at the state tournament and

According to Greg Riddle of the Dallas

for the next game. We will learn from

to become the first boys basketball team

knowing you should be there preparing this, though.”

6A Region I tournament in March and move on to state.

No one saw coming what happened next. Behind a patient clock-chewing offense

to win a state championship with just

one loss in the University Interscholastic

d a lot ys showe u g e s e h “T ting heart figh d n a it r g of You they did. e k li k c a b hard away how e k a t ’t e n ca d they’ll b n A . d e k r they wo get back.” eager to

League’s top classification since Marcus

in 2011. That Marcus team finished 39-1

and was led by guard Marcus Smart, now playing for the NBA's Boston Celtics.

Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Guyer tried to get its up-tempo style going but never could get into a rhythm as Allen

purposely held onto the ball for several minutes throughout the game before

which lost just once in the regular season – would steamroll its way through the Class

Morning News, Guyer (38-2) was trying

attempting a shot. Long has done a great job making sure

his program bounces back every year. The Wildcats are now 93-11 since 2016 and

boast one of the more incredible lineups in the state with Georgetown signee

that barely gave Guyer a chance to

Grayson Carter, Oklahoma

twice in the regular season – shocked

Le’Tre Darthard, and JaKobe Coles

final. Not only did Guyer lose, but it was

Despite all that talent and impressive

Guyer managed to rebound from an

eight-point hole twice but never could come up with the game-turning play they had managed to get so often in past games.

respond, Allen – a team Guyer had beaten

commit De’Vion Harmon, Jalen Wilson,

“When you go through something like

everyone with a 40-36 win in the region

leading the charge.

teams who went through a similar thing,”

held to its lowest single-game point total of the season. The loss created

shockwaves that are still being felt to this day.

overall record, Guyer had never made

it past the second round of the playoffs

coming into this season. They finally made

this, you end up talking to people from

Long said. “The key with all of them is that they came back after that loss and took

the next step to be better. We are hoping to copy that.”

history with 38 wins and nail-biting wins

Long added, “We want those

do, but they won’t forget this game,”

and South Grand Prairie in the second

of grit and heart fighting back like they

I won’t forget it as a coach, especially

were decided by a combined five points.

worked. And they’ll be eager to get back.”

“The kids will bounce back like they always

over perennial playoff favorites DeSoto

expectations. These guys showed a lot

Guyer coach Grant Long said. “I know

and third rounds last month. Those games

did. You can’t take away how hard they

30 | LANTANA LIVING

| APRIL 2018

APRIL 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 31

The

Smile

GURU Dr. PETER LAN by Steve Gamel

photo courtesy of Vanilla Family Dentistry

“What can I say? He saved my smile,” Mrs. Moss said. “He’s my rock.”

940.387.2273 www.vanillafamilydentistry.com 3969 Teasley Lane, Suite 1500 Denton, TX 76210

The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network

32 | LANTANA LIVING

| APRIL 2018

t was a typical Monday afternoon, and Dr. Peter Lan D.D.S. found himself sitting patiently in his office answering a myriad

of questions for an article on him and his practice. As the proud owner of Vanilla Family Dentistry in Denton, Lan, a soft-

spoken and self-professed perfectionist, had a lot to say, and he handled that

interview with grace and confidence. photography by Your Candid Memories (yourcandidmemories.com)

Yet as the interview was nearing its end,

Lan knew there was still a crucial piece of the story that hadn’t been told yet.

A few minutes later, Lan began grinning from ear to ear as

one of his patients,

Donna Moss, finally came walking into

his office. He quickly

of patients, including those right here in

with each client, and because he stays

to any other dentist office.

in dentistry, he can provide alternative

Denton County, who can’t imagine going “It’s like my hairdresser. I follow him

options for patients who come in fearful

said with a laugh. “When you develop a

tooth extraction are the only options.

around no matter where he’s at,” Moss

relationship with a dentist like I have with Dr. Lan, you’ll go wherever he’s at. It’s a relationship. He wants his clients to be

happy, and he’s not going to be satisfied

until you’re totally happy. That’s what sold me on him.”

Vanilla Family Dentistry is located in the Lakewood Square shopping center

photo courtesy of Vanilla Family Dentistry

on Teasley Lane in

Denton. Lan treats patients ages six

gave up the seat

months through 90

behind his desk –

while focusing on

signifying that Moss

general and cosmetic

was the real star of

dentistry such as

the interview.

crowns, veneers,

and root canals to

“What can I say?

implant restorations,

He saved my smile,”

Invisalign, wisdom

Mrs. Moss said.

teeth extraction, laser

“He’s my rock.”

whitening, and full-

Lan, who moved from

mouth rehabilitation.

China to America

with his family when he was nine years

DonnaMossDesigns.com

old, stood by the

doorway blushing like that small boy from

many years ago as Moss spent the next 15

to 20 minutes crediting her favorite dentist for saving not only her smile but also

her career. Moss is a renowned interior

decorator and designer, and the host of

HGTV’s Donna Decorates Dallas. She also has a new show called Bling It On airing

this summer on The Design Network. Her smile and charm can brighten any room, yet she has quietly battled behind the

scenes through numerous and complex

procedures to combat what she referred to as hereditary tooth decay.

Moss happily travels nearly two hours

from her home in Arlington – just to see

Dr. Lan. She represents a growing number

up to date on the latest advancements

Dr. Lan graduated

from the University at Buffalo School

of Dental Medicine

and averages roughly 30 to 40 hours of continuing education each year. To put

that into proper perspective, Texas only

requires 12 hours per year of continued education to maintain a dentistry

license. That broad knowledge of dental specialties allowed him to complete a

fellowship with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

He was also voted by his peers as the Best Dentist in Dallas by D Magazine in 2017. But as Moss said, at the heart of all that education and dedication to his craft is

that invasive actions such as surgery or “Since my mother is a doctor, I often have conversations with her when I am stressed out about certain clinical situations,” Dr. Lan said. “She understands and supports me, and the pearl of wisdom she gave me is to definitely treat all patients well and make my work as close to ideal as possible, but also learn to relax a little.”

Dr. Lan added, “I give my patients options. If it’s something that I know they need, I will tell them. I explain the pros and cons to everything, and ultimately do what’s best for them.” That includes referring his patients to local specialists if the situation calls for it. Donna Moss is a perfect example of that, as she has worked with Dr. Lan and an oral surgeon multiple times throughout the years. “I’m very proud and particular about my work. It’s craftsmanship, and at the end of the day, it’s the patient’s needs that matter more to me than anything. So I want to make their visit as special as possible,” Lan said. “I”m so blessed that I get to wake up every day and say to myself, ‘Wow, I get to practice dentistry.’ I enjoy this a lot.” For loyal patients like Moss, that commitment to a craft speaks volumes for Dr. Lan. She recalled how she went to 10 or 12 different dentists and specialists as she was searching for the right person.

a man who believes in comprehensive

“I’ll be a life-long client,” she said. “The

environment. Lan develops relationships

coming back. He’s my smile guru.”

dental care in a compassionate

trust I have with him is a big reason I keep

APRIL 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 33

Mother’s Day Gifts That Suit Her

LOVE

Language by Susan Neuhalfen

uthor Gary Chapman wrote an amazing book that was first published in 1995 called The 5

Love Languages®. That got us thinking:

Quality Time:

Physical Touch:

Focused and undivided attention

A non-sexual touch that reinforces

spent together. This is by far the most

Do you know Mom’s love language? Read

popular gift because most moms just

which one best describes your mother.

uninterrupted by phones, iPads, or video

through Mr. Chapman’s list below and see The explanation for each language is

listed below, along with a few Mother’s Day gift ideas.

Words of Affirmation: Verbal compliments expressing your

love and appreciation. Mom doesn’t hear thank you enough, so why not put it into words? Take the time to create a card, poem, or picture depicting your sentiment for her selflessness.

want to spend time with their families games. Put together a picnic lunch and take her to a park or on some kind of outing. Go to a restaurant where everyone is comfortable – nothing stuffy or overpriced. Giving Gifts: Tangible symbols that reflect your thoughtfulness and effort. Okay, now we’re talking. Show mom how much you love and appreciate her with some beautiful earrings, a necklace, maybe even a Mary

Acts of Service: Any act that eases the burden of

responsibility. After all, mom sure does do a lot for us, right?! The kids can all pitch

Kay gift basket complete with lipstick, lotions for her feet and hands, facial creams and moisturizer. There are a million

in, and both work on a meal and clean up

gift ideas out there that are affordable

and get the kids ready for bed. That leaves

it’s a pair of super soft and comfortable

afterward. Maybe Dad can do the dishes

and show how much you care – even if

mom to relax and enjoy her day.

pajamas for cold nights of lounging.

34 | LANTANA LIVING

| APRIL 2018

your presence (hugging, handholding,

massage). This could also be in the form

of a gift as well, perhaps a well-deserved mani-pedi or facial with a glass of wine, or a relaxing spa retreat? Many of your favorite local businesses are running

special Mother’s Day packages as we

speak, so be sure and get mom on the list immediately.

Whatever her love language, make sure to

ask mom exactly what she wants. Guys and kids often overthink what mom might want every year for Mother’s Day; they should instead stick to the basics and focus on

what comes from the heart. Chances are, all she really wants is some family time and to know you love her.

These are just some ways to show her

just how much you appreciate what she

does for you, unconditionally, every day. Oh, and by the way. If you want to grab a copy of Gary Chapman’s The 5 Love

Languages®, it can be found at any Barnes & Noble or as an audio book.

APRIL 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 35

photos courtesy of DSW Productions/Jurassic Events

T-REX

There’s a

WALKING Down The Street by Steve Gamel

ast month, Lake Dallas resident Dalles Wielenga put on a family event in front of The Original Joey O’s in

Corinth. Similar events are put on all the time by companies and local

versatile enough to cater to the average consumer for everything from kids’ birthdays to grand openings and various other social or corporate events.

businesses looking to spur

So when Wielenga unveiled

foot traffic, but this one didn’t

March, it was no surprise that it

community involvement and

his “toy” in front of Joey O’s in

have the traditional rides and

was such a scene-stealer.

games you’re used to.

“It’s random, isn’t it? And

“People were on their phones

you’re right. But it looks like

saying, ‘There’s a dinosaur

walking down 2181! You have to come see this,’” Wielenga

said with a laugh. “There were

Dalles Wielenga

people in their cars stopped at

the light taking pictures. I’m just

glad I didn’t cause an accident.” Allow us to introduce you to DSW

Productions/Jurassic Events, a new

See more photos on pg 4

Three years ago, he came across several comical dinosaur videos on YouTube

where people were pranking innocent

victims. The pranks were harmless and very popular, which made Wielenga

wonder if he could formulate a similar

concept and use it on a kid-friendly level. “Those dinosaurs were larger, so I

wondered why can’t I take the same

concept and break it down to cater to the average consumer in the community?”

the community is warming up

Wielenga said.

to it,” Wielenga said. “We did

Since that first event in March, DSW

one event, and the Mayor of Lake Dallas showed up and was

literally there all day long interacting with the people and the dinosaur. I love being in the community and meeting people. It’s my passion. This dinosaur gives me a way

Productions/Jurassic Events has spread like wildfire and plans are to eventually

add more dinosaurs to the mix (can you say Raptors?). DSW was there for the

grand opening of Legacy Boxing Gym

in Lake Dallas on March 24 and has also

to do that.”

been asked to do a similar event for

based production company. It features a

Wielenga’s out-of-the-box idea adds even

Police Department, Liberation Coffee, and

roars, and is so lifelike that Denton County

company. DSW Productions specializes

it and business owners are searching for

videography for weddings, sporting

division of Wielenga’s Lake Dallas-

mechanical Tyrannosaurus Rex that walks,

more flavor to his existing production

residents are falling head over heels for

in high-quality photography and

excuses to have it in front of their store.

events, major competition events, and

Wielenga’s man-operated baby T-Rex can

more. Wielenga’s passion is capturing

13 feet in length (from head to tail). And

smile and sometimes cry. In his words,

talking about a movie-quality dinosaur

door into another life and adventure.”

get up to 9-feet tall and is approximately

moments in people’s lives that make them

keep in mind this is NOT a costume. We’re

“Each client I work with is a story and a

36 | LANTANA LIVING

| APRIL 2018

another local business. The Lake Dallas

the Palestine Police Department have also expressed interest.

“I love to see people’s faces warm up

when they see the T-Rex, and I have to say thank you to Lake Dallas Mayor Michael Barnhart and his wife, Suzanne. Without them, we wouldn’t have generated as

much traction as we have,” Wielenga said.

“I am incredibly thankful for all the support we have received.”

APRIL 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 37

Ask The Expert: College Prep

How To Get Into Your TOP CHOICE FOR COLLEGE

anguard College Prep has been working to provide holistic preparation in the Denton community over the last 5 years. Instead of a taking a cliche one-sizefits-all approach prevalent in the education industry, we address the college application process through meaningful test-prep, individualized college counseling, and essay consultation that is tailored to each student.

When it comes to competitive college

CHOOSE THE RIGHT COLLEGE

to getting into your dream school.

you’re interested in, keep in mind class-

admissions, these are the three key steps KNOW YOUR STUFF

In showcasing your smarts, there’s no

faking it. The best way to achieve high

scores is through engaging in meaningful learning with the content and aligning your focus to the test. Discover your

areas of weakness, and seek to better understand those concepts. Keep

practicing, and take full, timed tests.

38 | LANTANA LIVING

| APRIL 2018

While you build the list of colleges

size, location, and program specialities.

Consider what you’re looking for from a social and academic environment. Visit

negligible has never been more important for families. Start early. Find out your Expected Family Contribution to know how much to save. Know what scholarships you qualify for, and prep wellwritten essays to win.

colleges early, so you have a chance

to see these factors in action. Discover what you want, and work to tailor your applications to the colleges that fit. PLAN FINANCIALLY

As tuition costs rise, keeping debt

Vanguard College Prep 214.488.4333 www.vanguardcp.com

2785 Rockbrook Dr., # 307 Lewisville, TX 75067

APRIL 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 39

Business Spotlight

“We wanted to have a servant attitude with someone who’s going through a difficult time...”

RESTORATION SERVICE You Can

Rely On by Steve Gamel

ot every homeowner knows what to do when disaster strikes. Maybe it’s a pipe that bursts in single-digit temperatures and causes water damage, a fire in the attic in the middle of the night, or a complex mold removal project.

If any of these emergencies have

back to where they were before that was

neighbors at Rainbow International® of

them through the process.”

happened to you or a loved one, your

Denton want to be your first call – every time. Owners Mike and Mary Scott, and

daughter, Micaela, have served Denton, Argyle, and surrounding communities with pride for just more than a year as

the driver for me. We want to shepherd

Rainbow International offers superior fire, smoke, and water restoration as well as

carpet cleaning, deodorization services,

and mold remediation. They also handle

independent Rainbow franchise owners

tile, grout, hard-surface cleaning, spot and

its unrivaled commitment to working with

They will rush to your home, office

and were drawn to the organization for

stain removal, and overspray protection.

customers with integrity and respect.

building, housing development, business

“You can imagine how traumatic it is when someone’s house floods or there’s been

a fire at their business or residence,” Mike

with the goal of getting you back on track as quickly as possible.

That customer-first mentality has always

that we are going to get them restored

in Denton County for more than 22

40 | LANTANA LIVING

| APRIL 2018

“We wanted to have a servant attitude with someone who’s going through a difficult time,” Mike said. “Our focus isn’t only to create a satisfied customer but to also create cheerleaders for our business. We want them to know the service they are getting is of the highest quality and that our people are trained, certified, and focused on our customers’ needs. We want them to feel like they got much more than they ever expected.”

location, factory, lab, or other property

said. “It’s our ability to come in and instill

confidence that we’ve got their back and

years. Mike was previously an executive at Microsoft in Irving who specialized in technical support for big corporate customers, and he had a dream of one day channeling that experience into a business he could call his own. Mike and Mary along with Micaela, who left working as a marketing manager for a large real estate company in Oklahoma to help get their family business off the ground, created a company that is just as much a partner in the community as it is a restoration specialist.

been in the Scott family, which has lived

24 Hour Disaster Restoration 940.489.5500

Rainbowintl.com/Denton getneighborly.com

800 Sheldon Rd. • Lantana, TX 76226

Friday, April 27th for a nine round game of golf at Timber Links Golf Club. Tickets include 9 holes with a cart, meal, prizes, goody bag, shirt, hat & hole-in-one car. Registration starts at 2pm following shotgun at 3pm $70 per player | $280 per team Go to www.cpch.org or call 940.382.5112 ex: 245 APRIL 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 41

Man Cave Article

Top 10

Gadgets FOR MEN

2018

1. Fitbit Charge 2 The Fitbit Charge 2 is an economical option for fitness buffs. The sleek, slim style of the device features an easy-toread display that monitors your heart-rate and other activities throughout the day.

2. Logitech Tunable Gaming Mouse Gaming enthusiasts will love the Tunable Gaming Mouse by Logitech. The device has balance/weight adjustments, DPI shifting, surface tuning calibration plus 11 buttons that are easily programmed to fit the needs of gameplay.

by Madison Reid

ou might be looking for the perfect gift for Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, an anniversary or a birthday. In any case, there is a variety of must have options introduced in 2018 that appeal to men having many different interests. You are bound to find the perfect gadget for the man who has everything.

3. Logitech Harmony Home Control The Logitech Harmony Home Control is the 2018 must have gadget for electronic tech enthusiasts. Along with being able to control the systems in your entertainment center, the Logitech also links with other electronic devices to control thermostats, lighting and more than 200,000 devices.

4. Rif6 Cube Convert a mobile phone into a projector that produces an impressive 120-inch display. You simply link your smartphone to the cube and watch Netflix movies or YouTube videos.

42 | LANTANA LIVING

| APRIL 2018

6. Life Straw The pocket-sized water filter ensures that outdoor recreation participants always have safe drinking water at their disposal. The device filters up to 1,000 liters of water and weighs a mere two ounces, which makes it easily portable.

photos courtesy of Amazon.com, Kegworks.com, Rif6.com, Bluesmart, Fitbit.com, Lifestraw.com

5. Sidebar Liquor Dispenser The Sidebar Liquor Dispenser is perfect for dispensing up to six different liquor or drink mix bottles to make your favorite cocktails. Each button also easily customizes to dispense the precise amount of liquid.

7. Utility Wagon The Mac Sports Folding wagon quickly folds to a mere eight inches in height, which makes it easily portable. The heavy duty frame handles loads of up to 150 pounds and the fabric is washable.

8. Divoom Voombox Whether outside enjoying a cold brew, entertaining friends or on a camping trip, the Divoom Voombox wireless speakers allow you to link your mobile devices to play your favorite music lists.

9. Bluesmart Luggage The internal GPS system tracks the piece to each destination using a mobile app. A built-in power pack also enables users to charge mobile devices. There is a special place to hold a laptop and an abundance of storage inside.

10. Jabra Elite Sport earphones The Jabra Elite Sport wireless pieces provide comfortable freedom, offer exceptional sound quality and stay in place. APRIL 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 43

by Steve Gamel

hen Guyer lost in the first round last year to Trophy Club Nelson, it was the earliest

playoff exit in program history. Not only

was that a blow to the old ego, but it also meant the Wildcats would have to wait even longer to begin spring practices.

That wait is officially over as the Wildcats

kick off spring workouts on April 23. Head coach John Walsh said this is a chance to

get better and build momentum heading into the summer.

Walsh said he’s got eight or nine linemen vying for a starting spot, all of whom will

have big shoes to fill with the graduation of TCU signee John Lanz. He added that

quarterbacks Trace Jewell and Eli Stowers

would likely create some difficult decisions on who will start next fall.

“Trace played a lot last year and is doing a fantastic job, but you also have the younger quarterback in Stowers, and he’s played good, too,” Walsh said.

“This [longer offseason] has definitely

“They are definitely

the challenge,” said Walsh, who has led

to make a decision on who

winning two. “We aren’t going to do

take some time to get ready.

been new to us, but we are embracing

making it difficult on me

his program to three state title games,

will start. It’s just going to

anything different. We’re going to stay

They’ll go compete and see

formula works.

Walsh added, “We’re always going to be

the course because we believe our

“The key is finding a way to get better and stay injury-free.”

This year’s workouts will feature a much younger look on offense. All-world

running back Kaedric Cobbs is back after rushing for 1,362 yards and 25

what happens.”

a run-first team, and it’s nice when you

have a good workhorse in the backfield

like Kaedric. He’s big, and he’s strong, but the one thing he’s really been working on is his speed. We know he’ll have another good year.”

6-6A defensive newcomer of the year last season while racking up 43.5 tackles to go with 2.5 sacks. Beyond Mahon, Walsh pointed to his depth throughout the defensive unit, including middle linebacker Cole Ramsey and defensive back Brent Jackson. “Our strength will be our defensive line,” Walsh said. “They are all all-district, all-area, Division I-type guys. We have a chance to be extremely dominant, which is a good thing because it takes pressure off the linebackers and secondary and helps us get the ball back for our offense.” The bottom line is that while Guyer will have plenty of new faces leading the charge next year, it always manages to find itself making the playoffs. And you can bet the Wildcats will be more motivated than ever in 2018 to erase the memory of last year’s early-round exit.

touchdowns as a sophomore, but he will

Defensively, Guyer is set to have a

“Spring ball is valuable time you can’t get

line. Guyer will also have a

like Grant Mahon leading the charge.

be smart about it and go out there and

be working with an entirely new offensive new quarterback.

44 | LANTANA LIVING

| APRIL 2018

breakout season in the trenches with guys

back by not having it,” Walsh said. “We will

Mahon, a senior-to-be, was the District

work as hard as we can to be better.”

APRIL 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 45

Ask The Expert: Fitness

Getting Summer Ready Means

STARTING

SOONER THAN

LATER

pring has sprung, the weather is warming up, and you just realized that you are nowhere close to being ready to wear a bathing suit. Luckily, you are not alone. Many people find themselves wanting to get in shape, trim some fat, and build some lean muscle all in time for those brutally hot, summer months. Unfortunately, the biggest mistake people make is waiting until the last possible moment to hit the gym or start eating healthy. As the famous saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” This is especially true for getting in peak physical shape. One of the most effective, healthiest,

on your own. However, within the confines

lean muscle is through group-oriented

only get pushed to a level beyond what

and fastest ways to shed fat and gain training sessions. In particular, group training or a bootcamp class. In a fitness bootcamp, you don’t work out as hard or

as often as you feel. Rather,

you exercise as intense and frequently as your group

and instructor leads you. By

allowing yourself to be under

of your fitness bootcamp group, you not you could accomplish on your own but discover that the greatest

In a hurry to get that beach-body you’ve always dreamed of?

the guidance of an instructor as well as surrounded by encouragement within

the rest of your fitness group, you can get over the mental and physical barriers you would otherwise stop at on your own. It

motivation to reach your

summer body goals comes from those around you.

Healthy competition within a group of like-minded

partners is one of the best, if not the best, method of

In a hurry to get that beach-body you’ve always dreamed of? Consider the benefits of a fitness bootcamp: intensity, camaraderie, and competition. At Outlaw Bootcamp, our members have collectively lost hundreds of pounds during our sixweek challenge. So while summer may be three months away, it is never too early to start the long road to elite physical fitness. Don’t wait until the last few weeks of Spring to finally pull the trigger! If you’re

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drastic changes in their physical fitness as well as their appearance.

Shedding fat and building muscle is a

long and daunting process if undertaken 46 | LANTANA LIVING

| APRIL 2018

by Jesse J. Leyva, Owner of Jesse James Fit, Outlaw Bootcamp & Outlaw Fit Camp JesseJamesFit.com • OutlawBootcamp.com

APRIL 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 47

n an effort to add what they called a much-needed parent’s voice to the continuing conversation on safety in

schools, two Lantana residents have

thrown their names into the running

for the upcoming Denton ISD school board elections.

Local Residents Run for

ISD

School Board by Steve Gamel

Jonathan Balmos and Barry Barnes, both of whom have children in the school

district, officially filed for consideration

before the election cutoff on February 16. Election Day is slated for May 5, and both men are eager to earn support from their fellow residents to take on a leadership role in the community they love.

If elected, Balmos and Barnes would be

the first Lantana residents to serve on the DISD school board.

“A parent’s voice is important right now,” said Barnes, who added that no current school board official has a school-age

child in the system. “There needs to be a link between the board and the parents. Right now, I think there’s a gap. Having

a parent on the board helps ties things together better.”

Both men said they felt a calling to serve

because of the increasing threat to school safety, especially after the tragic events at

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in

Parkland, Florida. On February 14, 19-yearold suspect Nikolas Cruz murdered 17 students and campus personnel while

wounding 14 others. Per CNN, the mass

shooting in Parkland is one of eight school shootings so far this year. The parameters CNN used included:

• Shootings that involved at least

one person being shot (not including the shooter)

• A shooting that occurred on school grounds

• A shooting that included grades K

through college and university level

• Gang violence, fights, and domestic violence

48 | LANTANA LIVING

| APRIL 2018

• Accidental discharge of a firearm

as long as the first two parameters were met

The conversation on gun violence and

safety in schools hits close to home no

matter where you live. Balmos and Barnes said they were approached by concerned parents and residents after a recent

meeting, and that a grassroots effort to get them elected to the school board sprung from that.

“I was asked to fix this,” Balmos said.

“We both have a vested interest in getting this fixed.”

Barnes, who is in the transportation and logistics industry, has been a Lantana

resident for two years. He has one child

at Guyer, another at Harpool, and a third at Blanton. Balmos is the president of JB Construction Services and has contracts with the federal government to do

maintenance and security upgrades. He’s been working with the school district to

upgrade school security for a year and a half and felt the next logical step was to step into a leadership role.

“We have around 28,000 students to

protect,” said Balmos, who has a first-

grader at Blanton. “Barry said it recently that he talks to his kids every day and

knows what’s going on in the schools and

what type of safety protocols are in place. You can’t get that sitting in a board room somewhere.”

Barnes said a significant piece included

in the upcoming election is a $750 million bond initiative. He said having that type

of money, if approved, means the school district could make a meaningful change in the way students and campuses in the DISD are protected moving forward.

“No Lantana resident has ever run for

the school board,” Barnes said. “I can sit around and wait for the problem to go away, or I can throw my name into the ring. That was my motivation.”

APRIL 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 49

Foodie Friday: Barley & Board

Barley &

BOARD

or years, everyone has been telling us we must feature Barley & Board on Denton Square here on Foodie Friday DFW. We are happy to announce that this week is your week, Barley & Board fans! (Also, thank you for the recommendation because our lives have now been changed for the infinitely better after having visited there.)

Barley & Board is located in the old Lacy

munchies like their signature bread and

Hotel on the Square. When they were

butter pickles, roasted nuts, pickled

refurbishing the building for Barley &

mustard seeds, and candied apricots.

Board, the original brick interior walls

I love cheese boards and this one was

were carefully excavated and brought

definitely the mother of all cheese boards!

back to life to help tell the story of

We also got to try out their incredible

Denton’s past. Everything inside of the restaurant is handmade by specialized artisans - from the furniture to the decor and even the plates your food comes served on! The way they see it, there’s a little bit of love in everything

I love cheese boards and this one was definitely the mother of all cheese boards!

at Barley & Board - and

B&B Burger, which has been named the Best Burger by D Magazine two years running. And after eating this guy, we can see why! You can enjoy their Lunch menu Monday through Friday from 11:00am-3:00pm and on Saturdays and Sundays they serve a special

that includes their menu! Barley & Board

Brunch menu from 10:00am-2:00pm. We

houses a purely from-scratch kitchen,

know we’ll definitely be headed back to

from the sauces to the cured meats.

Barley & Board soon.

Their New-American menu takes classic, traditional, homestyle foods and gives

Hopefully, we’ll see you there!

940.566.3900 www.barleyandboard.com 100 West Oak St., Denton, TX 76201

them a unique twist with an emphasis on creativity and warmth. We got to sample some of their most popular dishes while we were there this week, starting out with their Mother Board, which is a cheese and meat board that comes fully stocked with other amazing 50 | LANTANA LIVING

| APRIL 2018

972.724.2540 | JayMarksRealestate.com jay@jaymarksrealestate.com 2624 Long Prairie Rd. | Flower Mound, TX 75022

APRIL 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 51

Ask The Expert: Counseling

Faith. Family. Goals. E

xhausted, you drop into bed. Thinking over the night, you just can’t figure out what happened. Praying, you have a nagging feeling. You need to find a person to guide you – a counselor. But how do you find that person? You want someone to support your family, your faith, your role. You want a person who understands your faith and can help with the problems in your family.

treatment include teaching families to connect through fun activities and games and also helping parents to set commonsense boundaries and learn about how the brain works and grows.

Many people begin their search for a

techniques, our clinicians use extremely

Interested in working with Christian

faith, the effectiveness of treatment, and

scripture that speaks to our clients.

today! We have specialists in children,

counselor with some big questions about how to find the right therapist. These questions fill your mind with anxiety and many times stop you from

seeking the help you want and need.

Don’t be anxious. When you call Acorn, one of

effective techniques while focusing on

evidence-based therapists? Call us

If your worldview does not incorporate

adolescents, couples, family, and

Don’t be

ANXIOUS.

Christianity, we focus on

substance abuse. Just need more

and help you find

between faith and mental health?

evidence-based techniques ways to integrate your own worldview.

With families, we focus our attention on the parents’

our counselors can assist you in finding

beliefs and their vision for the family

Christians work to help you integrate your

beliefs, listen to the thoughts/feelings of

the right counselor. Our staff of committed behavior and your beliefs. Because we

have struggled to work out our faith and educated ourselves in evidence-based 52 | LANTANA LIVING

| APRIL 2018

– helping them to communicate their

their children, and supporting the family as the individuals within it grow. This

work excites us! Common goals in our

information about the intersection

Read our blog at acorncounseling.services/counseling-blog. You are not alone. We can help.

by Christy Graham LPC Play Therapist Supervisor Acorn Counseling Services 940.222.8703 acorncounseling.services

APRIL 2018 | LANTANA LIVING | 53

Guyer Student SAYLOR SNOWDEN

Named 2018 Coca-Cola Scholar by Steve Gamel

uyer High School senior and Lantana resident Saylor Snowden is now a national scholar after

receiving a $20,000 scholarship from The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, officials from the foundation stated in a recent press release.

Saylor was selected to the 30th class of the Coca-Cola Scholars from a pool of nearly 140,000 applicants from across the country for exemplifying superior

leadership, service, and academics. Per the release, her application process

was comparable to one from college,

consisting of three rounds (semifinalist, extracurricular activities, honors and awards, transcripts, multiple essays,

recommendations, and a committee

interview before a board comprised of Coca-Cola executives and former scholars.

Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation is proud to name Miss Snowden as a 2018 Coca-Cola Scholar.”

Saylor is one of 150 Coca-Cola Scholars for 2018. Only 11 of those winners are from Texas, and Saylor is one of four

from North Texas. Each scholar received $20,000 for college. The other winners

from North Texas are Shree Balaji of Frisco Liberty High School, Lal Lawmi of Dallas Emmett J. Conrad High School, and

Meghana Nadella from Allen High School. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation is a joint effort of Coca-Cola Bottlers across

America and The Coca-Cola Company. It

is one of the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship programs of its kind in the United States.

The Foundation was

established in 1986 to

commemorate the

“Saylor Snowden is

100th anniversary

part of a diverse

of Coca-Cola

group of

extraordinary

investment in

high school

the leaders of

seniors that

tomorrow, both

have shown

academically

a steadfast

and in service

commitment

to others.

to educational

Including the 2018

excellence,

leadership, and

service to her school

and community,” said Julie

class of scholars, the

Foundation has awarded

nearly 6,000 Coca-Cola

Hamilton, Chairman of the Board of the

Scholars with a total of $65.5 million in

Senior Vice President, Global Customer &

The Coca-Cola system believes that

Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and

Commercial Leadership, The Coca-Cola 54 | LANTANA LIVING

| APRIL 2018

scholarships, the press release stated.

investing in students who are leaders;

will result in positive, lasting change and sustainable communities.

Per the press release, Saylor was slated to visit The Coca-Cola Company’s

international headquarters in Atlanta on April 19 for a Scholars Weekend. During the four-day weekend, the

Scholars participate in a Leadership

Development Institute to further develop their leadership skills with top business

executives, tour local landmarks, engage with former Coca-Cola Scholars and participate in a group community service project.

The class of scholars was also scheduled to be guests of honor at the 30th annual Scholars Banquet. Sara Blakely, founder

of Spanx and the Sara Blakely Foundation,

was scheduled to be the featured speaker.

photo courtesy of Barbara Snowden

while pushing its

both academically and in service to others,

regional finalist, and finalist) that included

Company in the press release. “The

THE WEIGHT LOSS SECRET FOR BABY BOOMERS THAT

NO ONE WANTS TO

TELL YOU ABOUT D

on’t you hate walking into the gym and feeling like everyone is judging you? Just because you’re older doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be there. Do you feel like losing weight is a lost cause, just because you’re 60? Is it hard for you to lose weight because you don’t know how? I understand what you are going through. These are the most common things I hear from my patients on why they were not able to lose weight.

So what do you do? Do you go on an extreme diet that you read on the Internet? Do you follow a diet you saw on TV? Or do you just give up and not even worry about it? Has anyone ever sat you down to really explain to you what happens when you gain weight?

THE FACT THAT YOU ARE 60 OR OVER MEANS THAT YOU CAN: 1. BE HEALTHY

2. LOOK GOOD 3. FEEL GOOD 4. FEEL SEXY 5. BE HAPPY

MORE BAD FAT IN YOUR BODY CAN:

These are all things that I see in all of my

1. MAKE IT HARD FOR YOUR HEART TO WORK 2. MAKE YOU SICK 3. INCREASE THE CHANCES OF DIABETES 4. INCREASE THE RISK OF GETTING CERTAIN CANCERS 5. MAKE YOU FEEL SLUGGISH 6. MAKE YOU FEEL DEPRESSED

with fat.

These are just a few of many medical facts that are associated with gaining weight. So the real question is, are you ready to get healthy and feel good about the way you look and feel? Are you ready to show other people that they are wrong and that you can lose weight.

patients that decide that they are fed up

Here is what we have been able to do: 1. Help patients over 60 lose weight when all else has failed 2. Help patients get off of their medications 3. Help patients feel good about themselves 4. Help patients look good 5. We make our patients HAPPY

How do we do it? If you’re looking for

Like I said, no games, no tricks, just LOSING WEIGHT the right way that makes sense.

There is no such thing when it comes

What you can expect:

takes work, knowledge, fat-slimming

1. FDA approved therapy that achieves immediate fat loss 2. Nutritional help 3. Meal planning 4. One-on-one private in-office physical training 5. Caring help 6. Sustainable weight loss

a magic bullet, stop reading right now.

to losing weight and getting healthy. It

technology, and a good team behind you that will support you.

There is no trickery, no games; just a great process that gets YOU results!

If you would like to find out if this is the right solution for you, here is what I want you to do: