JULY/AUGUST 2020 Education Issue
LOW-COST
COMPASSIONATE
SOLUTIONS FOR
Animal Welfare
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Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray
Administration
Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors Bobbi Byrne Alisha Tran
Writers & Editor Steve Gamel Brooke Ezzo
Advertising
Kelly Murray kelly@murray-media.com
Production
Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Alyson Modene Cayla Thompson
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 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
We Want to Tell Your Story
T
hank you all from the bottom of our hearts for the outpouring of support and excitement we received after the premiere issue of Town Life hit mailboxes last month.
We are so excited to add another publication to our Murray Media Group family, and this one is especially dear to us as it is for our hometown — the place where Scott and I raise our kids, have our business, and are blessed to live. We enjoy coming across these stories at chamber and networking events, while perusing social media pages and reaching out to non-profit organizations, and from the growing relationships we have with local businesses. But we want to hear from you — our readers. As you read through the pages of this month’s issue, keep your eyes out for anything we might have missed — and let us know. Is there a local teen who did something special? What about educators who
go above and beyond? Has your neighborhood pulled together to give back to someone in need? Is there a nonprofit we should highlight?
This is a magazine about OUR community, and we want to write stories that matter to you. We want to tell your story! Also, did you know we LOVE pictures? Family pictures, vacation pictures, furry pet pictures, and event pictures. Send them to us, and you just might see them in our next issue. As Texas dials back on its reopening plan, let’s continue to support local businesses and help keep Flower Mound the best place to live, work, and play! Our mission – to inspire everyone to LIVE LIFE LOCAL!
content. No part of this publication may
be reproduced or transmitted without the permission in writing from the publisher. © 2020 Murray Media Group
Sincerely, Kelly Murray Publisher of Murray Media Group, kelly@murray-media.com
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TABLE OF
CONTENTS
EDUCATION ISSUE LOOK FOR THE ICON
PHOTO PAGES 12 Thank You First Responders 62 Lantana Residents ARTICLES 07 Chalk The Walk 08 Local Boy With Autism Graduates From Guyer On The Cover Is TCAP Employee
FEATURED ARTICLE
32
ASK THE EXPERTS
Make College Commitments
22 Organizing with Cloud Nine Organizing
36 Sheriff’s Corner with Sheriff Tracy Murphree
26 Dentistry with Country Lakes Family Dental
39 Community Corner
49 Legal Advise with Balmos Law
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29 Football News: Two Wildcats 34 Mask The Issue
42 Travel with Terri Guthrie
Neighborhoods
24 Keep Your Community Safe
15 Fitness with Jesse James Fit
30 Edit This with Steve Gamel
Photographer 40 Local Brightens Up Nearby
16 Inside Community and Education 19 War Veteran Celebrates 96th Birthday
Low-Cost Compassionate Solutions For Animal Welfare
EDITOR’S PICK
10 How to Pick After-School Care
60 Gardening with Complete Solutions BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 21 Building Strong Bodies & Minds with Championship Martial Arts
45 Living That Kind Life 46 Denton ISD Prepares For 2020-2021 School Year 50 Who Do I Call? 54 The Classic Margarita 55 Glitter: How To Incorporate This Year’s Leading Makeup Trend 59 Foodie Friday DFW: Indian Creek Smokehouse 61 5 Water Safety Tips JULY 2020 | LANTANA LIVING | 5
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Chalk theWalk by Brooke Ezzo | photos courtesy of Brinley Ash
B
rinley Ash has become a household name over the past few months. The 20-yearold Lantana resident is bringing smiles with her sidewalk chalk art to many throughout the community.
What started as a fun afternoon activity
with a friend a few years back has turned
into a side business that is helping Brinley pay for college.
“My friend and I thought it would be fun to draw on the driveway with chalk,” Brinley said. “Our first drawing was of the sun
from the Disney movie, Tangled. It was a massive drawing.”
Every time the pair would hang out, they
would create masterpieces out of sidewalk chalk on the driveway. This artistic ability
has been a part of Brinley’s life for as long as she can remember.
“I would usually draw on paper
with colored pencils,” Brinley said.
“My favorite thing to do was to look at a picture, and then I would try to draw it exactly like the picture.”
Brinley’s only art class was in the 5th
grade, so she is mainly self-taught. She grew up drawing every day and would
figure new techniques out on her own. “I would be like, ‘What do I want to draw today?’” Brinley said. “I would choose www.LantanaLiving.com
something, like a lion, go find a picture of a lion, and try to mimic it exactly.”
This ability is a natural gift and something she didn’t always have time for. Between school and her job at Hobby Lobby, her
art took a backseat to her busy schedule. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and the stay-at-home order was in place,
Brinley was furloughed from her job. Like many others, the quarantine helped slow
down the pace of busy lives, and she was able to focus on the things she enjoyed. “It gave me more time to be creative,” Brinley said. “I started drawing more with the hope of getting myself out
there. I drew more on the driveway, and neighbors started noticing.”
Brinley posted on the neighborhood Facebook page offering driveway
how happy they are when they come out to see what I’ve drawn.”
Brinley seems to have no limits to what she can create. Driveways have been chalked with video game characters,
superheroes, cars, sports idols, Disney princesses, birthday and graduation shoutouts, and much more.
“I drew Tom Hanks the other day. I spent
four hours on it,” Brinley said. “That is one of my favorites that I have done so far.” In early June, Brinley competed in the Flower Mound Chalk the Walk competition in Heritage Park.
“I drew Thor with the words, ‘THOR-oughly over this quarantine,’” Brinley said. “I won best in my age group.”
She said she is blessed to be a part of
such a supportive community and looks
forward to many more chalk driveways in the future.
chalk drawings for any occasion and
Brinley’s talent extends beyond sidewalk
of requests.
murals, chalkboards, and wood signs for
was pleasantly surprised at the amount “This has really given a lot of confidence,” Brinley said. “I also enjoy doing it for the kids, too — making their day and seeing
chalk. She will glady create drawings, any celebration.
You can find Brinley on Facebook at Chalkboards by Brinley.
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Local Boy With Autism,
GRADUATES FROM GUYER
P
by Steve Gamel | photos courtesy of Alyssa McDonald
erhaps Cole Summers thought about receiving his high school diploma just like every other kid did on that makeshift stage at Texas Motor Speedway — with a slow, purposeful walk and a proud outstretched hand.
But this wasn’t your ordinary Guyer graduation day. And Cole wasn’t your ordinary kid. So in true Cole Montgomery Summers form, he playfully took what can best be described as a Tim Tebow kneel (or Tebowing) before standing back up just in time to accept his diploma. Naturally, the Guyer faithful roared with cheers. “He didn’t tell us that he was going to do that,” Cole’s mother, Alyssa McDonald, said. “The way he did it was so Cole.” His father, Matt Summers, agreed. “It was loud and windy that day, but I’m not lying … he did get more people to cheer for him than anyone else.” While every graduate deserves high praise for taking that next step in their educational path, it was a particularly
| JULY 2020
misunderstood for a long time and
regularly faced ridicule and bullying from his classmates. Teachers tried their best to be accommodating, but they either
fell short or the school wasn’t set up to
meet his needs. Things changed for the
better when he came to Denton ISD. Cole went to E.P. Rayzor Elementary, followed
by McNair Elementary for fourth and fifth grade and eventually Harpool Middle
School. He still craved acceptance from
his classmates, but he had a great support system with his teachers. At Harpool, he played football and was the equipment manager for the basketball team.
poignant milestone for Cole, who was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD-NOS). The condition is now part of a broader category called autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While the people diagnosed with PDD-NOS are “higher functioning,” the condition does affect their social skills and ability to communicate in a variety of ways. In Cole’s case, doctors told his parents that he’d need help for the rest of his life, including the possibility of not being able to work or graduate from school.
“What helped Cole was that he went to
Not only is Cole defying those odds, but he took classes at Guyer with the same curriculum as his classmates. He graduated with a cumulative 3.5 grade point average and is going to NCTC. He wants to be a sports broadcaster.
committed himself to excel in academics,
“We were told to be ready for him to live with me forever,” Alyssa said. “That fired us up, and we pushed and pushed. But on top of that, it was Cole’s will to succeed that made the difference. In his eyes, he was never going to be mediocre.” The journey wasn’t easy. Though Cole has one of the more infectious personalities you’d
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ever hope to be around, he was
elementary and middle school with the same kids,” Matt said. “Both of those
schools were challenging for him socially, but as his peer group matured and the
autism spectrum disorder became visible, and people became more educated, they finally had a chance to understand him.” By the time he got to Guyer, Cole was
flourishing and quickly became a vital
piece to the Guyer social puzzle. He was
at every game, every pep rally, and even went to prom. He buckled down and
to the point where he’d wake up and go to school early for tutoring and stay late for more help.
Everyone knew Cole, and when he walked across that stage, everyone was eager to celebrate an incredible journey.
“He’s that kid who would never give up,”
Alyssa said. “He always said, ‘Well, if they
can do it, why can’t I do it?’ He’s grown so much in this last year. I can hardly believe it’s him.”
Matt agreed, adding that the road ahead is whatever his son plans to make of it. “I don’t think any of us thought he
wouldn’t graduate,” Matt said. “The fact
that he did graduate was exciting because it closes one chapter and opens another. And I promise you; Cole is ready for it.”
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JULY 2020 | LANTANA LIVING | 9
Education Article
O T W
HO
K C I P
O H
C S R
E T F A
L O
E R
A C by
mel
Ga ve e t S
T
he dog days of summer are drawing to a close, which means back-to-school prep is right around the corner. But outside of the typical stuff like buying supplies, showing up for teacher orientations, scheduling sports physicals, and sifting through the latest fashion trends, most parents have one more key item on their to-do list: figuring out after-school care. Just because school ends at 3 p.m. for the kiddos doesn’t mean our work schedules do. For many of us, we’ve still got another
two or three hours left on the clock, and when you factor in the occasional early dismissal, teacher in-service day, etc., that can
create a stressful balancing act for any parent. It would really help
out if we had somewhere safe for the kids to go, and luckily, that’s
IT WOULD REALLY HELP OUT IF WE HAD SOMEWHERE SAFE FOR THE KIDS TO GO... 10 | LANTANA LIVING
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where after-school care comes into play.
Below are a few tips on how to pick after-school care that fits you and your child’s needs:
SEE IF YOUR KIDS’ SCHOOL OFFERS ANY PROGRAMS Before you start looking to the myriad of childcare options
throughout Denton County, keep in mind that many school
districts have after-school programs with staff available as late as
6 p.m. The benefit is that your child doesn’t need to be bussed to www.LantanaLiving.com
ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS If you are forced to look outside your kids’ school, write down a list of your top questions ahead of time as you call facilities. Here are a few to get you started: 1. Who is watching my child and what type of training do they have? 2. What schools do you service? 3. What activities do you offer and will my child have time to do homework? 4. How do you ensure all children are getting along? 5. How long have you been in business? 6. What are your hours? another location and will be surrounded by the same people and classmates they see in the halls each day.
CHECK WITH YOUR SCHOOL FOR A PREFERRED-PROVIDER LIST Many times, your school’s administration will have a preferred-provider list for after-school care. Even if they don’t, simply asking someone in the front office may yield a few decent options. This will at least give you a short list to work from while also
providing peace of mind that these
outside facilities have been referred.
LOOK TO COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Safe and healthy after-school care
can normally be found at community
organizations such as the YMCA, Boys &
Girls Clubs, churches, and more. Many of these
programs are perfect for families who need more
affordable options and require flexibility for those situations where there is early dismissal, snow days, etc. www.LantanaLiving.com
7. Does the facility cater to kids with special needs? A major concern for parents of children with special needs is whether or not the after-school program is set up to handle children with special needs or learning disabilities that likely require individualized care and 1-on-1 instruction.
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX The tips above should definitely help you find an after-school program that can meet you and your child’s needs. But if you don’t feel comfortable, a few additional options include hiring an after-school nanny with experience in education or finding a family member or friend who can pick your children up after school – especially if it’s a friend whose kid goes to the same school or is in the same class as your child. At the end of the day, we as parents want nothing but the best for our children. Selecting the right after-school program is another piece to that puzzle, and it takes careful consideration. Rather than wait until school starts, now is the time to start researching your options. JULY 2020 | LANTANA LIVING | 11
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Fitness: Ask The Expert
Are You Staying
HYDRATED? IT’S SO IMPORTANT
Watch out for these other common dehydration symptoms: •
Thirst
•
Fatigue
• • • •
Headache Weakness Dizziness
Confusion
Take in plenty of fluids before you start experiencing the symptoms
by Jesse J. Leyva, Owner of Jesse James Fit & Outlaw Fitcamp
How to stay hydrated
Y
our lawn isn’t the only thing needing more water in the hot summer months. Staying hydrated is crucial to your well-being year-round, but it can be even more of a challenge in the summer.
Why it’s so important to stay hydrated Water is used by every cell, tissue, and organ in your body. It maintains your body’s temperature, removes waste, lubricates your joints, carries nutrients to your cells, flushes bacteria from your bladder, helps your heart pump blood, helps muscles work efficiently, maintains your heart rate and blood pressure, and maintains a healthy metabolism. Kind of important, right?! Staying hydrated is necessary—not just for survival—but for good health.
• •
Encourages weight loss
Boosts your metabolic rate
A dehydrated body On the other hand, dehydration can
from swollen feet and headaches to life-
other healthy ways to stay hydrated, but
it’s pretty hard to get the fluids you need without drinking water every day.
Keep a reusable water bottle next to you and keep it full! •
If you have trouble drinking plain
water, try adding some fruit slices to it or choose carbonated waters.
•
warning signs.
Besides water, other drinks and foods can
It’s very important to be aware of the
The difficulty with dehydration though, is that your body hides the beginning of dehydration very well. It can be
Giving your body plenty of fluids has the following benefits:
thirsty or experiencing other warning
• • •
already know it…drink water. There are
threatening illnesses such as heat stroke.
hours before you start to actually have
Better energy levels and brain function Prevent and treat headaches Skin stays healthier Prevent constipation
The best way to stay hydrated is to…you
cause serious health problems ranging
A hydrated body
•
of dehydration.
symptoms. By the time you’re feeling signs, you’re already dehydrated!
One of the best ways to recognize
that your body is dehydrated is to pay attention to the color of your urine.
Pale urine means you’re well-hydrated.
Dark urine shows that you’re not taking in enough fluids.
Get in the habit of drinking water with your meals instead of other drinks.
also help you stay hydrated. Just make
sure you’re not choosing drinks that add unnecessary sugar and extra calories to your diet.
Water, water, water! When we get into these really hot days ahead of us, it’s more important than ever to remember to stay hydrated.
But whether you’re inside or outdoors, exercising or relaxing, in summer or
winter—you always need to pay attention to staying hydrated. Now drink up!
972.355.2639 • JESSEJAMESFIT.COM | 940.497.6002 • OUTLAWFITCAMP.COM
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JULY 2020 | LANTANA LIVING | 15
INSIDE COMMUNITY
FUNNY SHIELDS
COMMUNITY COMING TOGETHER In the early morning of June 23, two Lantana homes caught fire and were considered a total loss. Because of your kindness and generosity, and quick call to action the Lantana Ladies League and Mission Moms will no longer need donations for the families involved. All of their immediate needs have been met. Thank you to the community, the organizations that took control, and the 10 agencies that responded to the emergency. We are Lantana!
Denton County resident, Alejandra Matiz has made eco friendly face shields for kids! These shields protect from direct contact with fluids and mists, and prevents face touching. Made from renewable raw materials. The headband is water resistant, and adjustable. Material is light, easy to clean, and reusable. With many patterns to choose from, purchase one today at www.Etsy.com/shop/MilibelulaOnTheFly. photo courtesy of Alejandra Matiz
INSIDE EDUCATION
SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR MEDICAL RESERVE CORPS Students interested in the medical field and public health have been volunteering with the Denton County Medical Reserve Corps. This program was established after September 1, 2001. Currently, volunteers are helping with COVID-19 efforts: answering calls from residents and helping at test sites. Interested in volunteering? Reach out to the Reserve Corps Coordinator at (940) 349-2910.
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Dr. Jamie Wilson, superintendent of Denton ISD has been named the Region 11 Superintendent of the Year Award for 2020. This award honors outstanding Texas administrators for achievement and excellence in public school administration. Congratulations, Dr. Wilson! photo courtesy of Julie Zwahr
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LOCAL ARTIST Sixteen-year-old Lantana resident has so much artistic talent it is hard to be ignored. Sophia Lee creates works of art using acrylic paint, chalk pastels, digital art, and water color. If you are interested in having your walls come to life, email Sophia at SophiaLee1571@gmail.com. Depending on the size of the artwork prices range from $20-$125. photo courtesy of Sophia Lee
JUNIOR GOLF CAMPS If you little one enjoys golf and wants to learn, don’t let those junior golfers miss out on golf camps this summer. For more information contact Jamie Thompson at 214-991-6754 or at JThompson@pga.com.
SUPPORT GUYER PTSA WITH AMAZONSMILE NEW SONG SCHOOL OF THE ARTS 7861 Tudor Ln. • Argyle, TX 76226 New Song School of the Arts offers summer camps, workshops, and intensives for students. Their second summer semester starts soon, so reserve your spot today! There are several camps to choose from: music together classes, a ukulele camp, musical theatre production, and much more. The school is taking precautions by implementing health measures during all camps. For more information, visit www.NewSongSchooloftheArts.com.
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There is another way to support the Guyer High School PTSA by simply ordering online. Most of us already use Amazon, all you have to do is turn on the donation setting and proceeds will go to help the PTSA! On the main menu of Amazon, tap on ‘Settings’ and click on ‘AmazonSmile’ then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. Thank you for your support!
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WAR VETERAN Celebrates 96th Birthday
W
by Brooke Ezzo | photos courtesy of Renee Davis
hen you’ve stormed the beaches of Normandy carrying artillery pieces next to hundreds of men in your unit and lived to tell about it, celebrating another birthday is a piece of cake.
And that’s exactly what Clifford Stump
enjoyed this year as he turned 96: good company and good cake.
On June 13, Argyle resident Renee Davis
and many others gathered at a VA center near Dallas to spend time with Cliff
and hear his stories. The week before,
Renee simply reached out to the Argyle
community via Facebook to see if anyone would like to write him a birthday card. The reactions were overwhelming.
“It was such a neat response,” Renee said. “Everyone really chipped in, and it was
neat to see it happen. He was definitely happy with the turn out.”
Residents made homemade cards,
banana bread, and cookies, as well as
a large gift bag of goodies for Renee to take to the birthday party. Even County Commissioner Dianne Edmondson gifted a court proclamation recognizing Sergeant First Class Cliff Stump on his 96th birthday as an honorary Argylian.
Coast Guard veteran and Robson Ranch resident, Brian Burns, members of the Roll Call organization, and Oklahoma resident and 82nd Airborne veteran, Ben Powers, and his wife. Cliff hasn’t been feeling himself lately due to being in quarantine and not having any family in the area, so the birthday party brought him a lot of joy. Renee is a teacher in the Eagle MountainSaginaw district, and every year they host a big veteran’s event. Through this event, she was connected with a veteran organization called Roll Call. The organization brings together veterans each month for lunch and fellowship. They also provide other volunteer opportunities for those in the community who wish to give back and spend time with veterans in our area.
“Everyone really chipped in, and it was neat to see it happen. He was definitely happy with the turn out.”
“It made his day; he was very happy,” Renee said. “We weren’t allowed to go inside for obvious reasons, but it was fun because he sat out on the porch, and we bombarded him with questions.”
The birthday party attendees included Renee and her husband, Scott,
Besides the monthly luncheons, which have been postponed due to the pandemic, the
organization has two other ways to get involved. Mail Call is a program where people can send birthday, get well, thank you, and special occasion cards to veterans. Befriend-a-Veteran is a program that allows volunteers a chance to visit with veterans and help them in any daily needs they may have. From Roll Call’s Facebook group, Renee is able to see what veterans have birthdays coming up or who might not have any family close by and needs a friend. This organization is how Renee met and befriended Cliff Stump. “I just want to say that I can’t thank everyone enough for stepping up,” Renee said. “I knew they would. Our community is a great community full of givers. A huge thank you to everyone for making his day.” To learn more about Roll Call, visit www.Roll-Call.org. JULY 2020 | LANTANA LIVING | 19
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Business Spotlight
STR NG
BUILDING
BODIES
& MINDS A
by Brooke Ezzo
t Championship Martial Arts, “Building Champions in Life” is not just the school tagline but part of the training philosophy. They believe in the complete personal development of each student.
Husband and wife team, Scott and Julie Mischke, opened the martial arts school in 2016 to create a fun and family-friendly atmosphere for students. As fourth- and fifth-degree black belts with many years of experience, the couple founded Championship Martial Arts on the strategies of teaching agebased learning. “We understand that different ages need to learn different things at different times,” Scott said. The school focuses on traditional Tae Kwon-Do and other Pilipino martial art techniques, a curriculum that builds strong focus and increases selfconfidence and discipline. “We are very structured in what we do,” Scott said. “We teach kids how to set
goals, achieve those goals, and how to follow the rules.”
Students as young as 4 can participate in programs that focus on developmental skills: running, jumping, crawling, and drills with multi-step commands. Teen to adult programs focus on the social aspect and having fun while learning to defend oneself. Self-confidence is an elevated benefit of practicing Tae Kwon-Do, and the school has seen many transformations since opening. “Kids come in who may be quiet and shy,” Scott said. “Then they start training, realize they can do the hard work, and they become more confident.” Martial arts training is a valuable skill that can translate into other areas of life, including family, friends, school, jobs, and society at-large by focusing on the principles of courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit. “It’s a great activity for parents and children, to train together,” Scott said. “We want everyone to be successful.”
940.241.1020 | LantanaTKD.com 2650 FM 407, Ste. 110 | Bartonville, TX 76226 www.LantanaLiving.com
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Ask The Expert: Organizing
How To Use A
TOMATO TIMER TO GET ORGANIZED by Crystal Nerpel, Owner of Cloud Nine Organizing
H
ave you heard of the Pomodoro Technique® Pomo-what? Pomodoro is Italian for tomato. The Pomodoro Technique® is centered around the idea of using a tomato timer to get things done. What does that have to do with organizing, you ask? It’s all about efficiency. It’s a time management technique that was credited by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. I have tested this technique out many times and find it to be super motivating. There’s something about getting as much done as possible before that timer sounds. Using a timer is a simple yet effective method you can use to stay on track while working on any big organizing project.
The genius part: you require yourself
The key is to stay within a couple parameters so that you stay on track. First of all, set the timer for no more than 15-25 minutes. Second, you have to STOP at the end of the timer. So simple!
drinking a cup of tea, doing a few yoga
to take a short break (about 15-20 minutes) after the timer goes off.
You cannot do anything related to the organizing project during the break. Try not to even think about the organizing project.
Shift your mind to a relaxed state by
moves, take a shower, walk around the
block, or anything else relaxing and nonstrenuous. These breaks will help you tackle the rest of your project with a new, fresh perspective.
After your break, you can set the timer for another 15-25 minutes and get back to organizing. The short bursts of work with systematic breaks keep you from burning out too quickly. Less burn-out means you’ll be more likely to finish your project in a timely manner (see what I did there?) I don’t suggest doing more than 4 timed-sessions in a day. If you do more than 4 sessions Cirillo recommends that you take longer breaks in between each timed-session. Remember, organizing is never a do or die situation. If you don’t get your organizing project done in one day that’s perfectly fine. You can declutter, destress and simplify your life by using short, manageable bursts of time. Set reasonable goals for yourself and set a timer.
CLOUDNINEORGANIZING.COM
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KEEP YOUR
Community
SAFE by Steve Gamel
Y
ou’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who hasn’t heard of the National Neighborhood Watch Program. One of the oldest and most effective crime prevention programs in the country, a Neighborhood Watch is a collection of everyday citizens who keep an eye on things and work with local police to deter crime and keep their neighborhoods safer.
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Thousands of registered watch groups across the country have that familiar white and blue sign with the slogan that says, “We look out for each other.” But if you’ve noticed, they aren’t in every single neighborhood locally. If you’d like to start one for your neighborhood, you can visit www.nnw.org/ register-watch. In the meantime, there are still ways you can reduce crime, improve communication among neighbors, and be more prepared when emergencies strike — with or without a formal Neighborhood Watch Program. Here are just a few to help you get started. GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS We should all make it a point to get to know who is living next to us, even if they are six or seven houses down the road or on a nearby street. Does your neighbor have children? Where do they work? Are your neighbors older and need help every so often? Good neighbors who know each other communicate better, have ways to reach each other, are aware of each other’s tendencies (when people are at work, out of town, etc.), and can recognize suspicious behavior. Even if you don’t want to form an official watch group, knowing your neighbors keeps everyone in the know and concerns top of mind.
DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUR LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT Your local police work hard every day to protect and serve, but they can’t keep track of all potential safety issues if they aren’t aware of them. The police are more than willing to meet with you and the rest of your neighbors to answer questions and share their knowledge. They may even be willing to increase daily patrols if you stress the importance of keeping the neighborhood safe. Who knows, they may help you start a Neighborhood Watch Program.
KEEP YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD LOOKING ITS BEST Neighborhoods with expensive homes and manicured lawns aren’t immune to crime. But keeping your lawn mowed, your vehicles and garage doors locked, and your property well-lit and cared for can keep suspicious activity to a minimum. The goal is to make things more difficult for criminals who may be looking for an easy score. IMPROVE THE LIGHTING ON YOUR STREET Speaking of well-lit areas, talk to your Homeowner’s Association, city officials, and neighbors about improving lighting in any areas that are sorely lacking. Encourage neighbors to turn their porch lights on in the evenings. EVERY HOUSE SHOULD HAVE A SECURITY SYSTEM One of the best ways to improve safety and decrease criminal activity in neighborhoods or communities that don’t have a dedicated Neighborhood Watch Program is to ensure every home has a security system and that it is being used regularly. Burglars are less likely to invade homes that are clearly protected by cameras and other security systems.
START A NEIGHBORHOOD SOCIAL MEDIA GROUP Most neighborhoods and communities have a Facebook group such as Lantana Life or What’s Happening Lake Cities. If yours doesn’t have one, be proactive in creating one and inviting your neighbors to join. They are the perfect forum to ask for referrals, have critical discussions, and yes, prevent crime. Neighbors who are in the know are more likely to stay happy and safe. The problem with many of these sites is that they can fall victim to cycles of negativity. If someone asks a question about something they noticed or want to understand better, be a good neighbor and help them in a positive way. www.LantanaLiving.com
JULY 2020 | LANTANA LIVING | 25
Ask The Expert: Dentistry
Dental Hygienists: Your Dental Educators by Dr. Matt Artho, Owner of Country Lakes Family Dental
I
n acknowledgement of our education issue, I would like to take this time to show appreciation to all our teachers: to the science teachers and the chemistry they bring to the classroom, to the biology teachers sharing the secrets of life, and of course, to the math teachers who always seem to know how to solve a problem. It is an honor and privilege to have you share in the cultivation of our future society. The dental equivalent to teachers in a dental practice often fall to our hygienists. In this article, I would like to pay tribute to the dental educators of our profession. Hygienists receive a specialized education specific to dental hygiene. They learn not only of methods in identifying concerns related to your gums and the supporting periodontium (the supportive structures of our teeth), but they have an educated understanding of both oral and dental pathology. A hygienist with a keen knowledge and detailed observation can identify oral health concerns and relay the information to the patient and dentist. A great dental practice has both dentists and hygienists who are equally calibrated to recognize dental and periodontal disease and collaborate with their patients on how to best treat the ailments. Because dental hygienists are often capable of spending more time with the patient, thoroughly monitoring each tooth and its surrounding structures, they are crucial in isolating oral disease and
educating the patient on their findings during cleanings and examination. Education of dental patients should always be a priority of both the hygienist and dentist in order to come to an understanding on the conditions and its treatment. Though diagnosis is limited to the dentist only, hygienists are key contributors of the dental team for helping the dentist and patient come to an agreement on treatment.
their appointments with great eagerness. So make time to keep those dental appointments. Your hygienist will thank you. Happy Smiling!
As dental educators, dental hygienists are a respected component of your dental care. Knowing they constantly look forward to maintaining their relationships with their patients, they anticipate
940.455.7645 | COUNTRYLAKESDENTAL.COM | 74 MCMAKIN RD., STE. 200 • BARTONVILLE, TX 76226
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Football News:
TWO WILDCATS MAKE
COLLEGE COMMITMENTS by Steve Gamel
W
ith a new head coach in Rodney Webb and a slew of seniors lost to graduation, the Guyer Wildcats will definitely have a different look when the 2020 season kicks off in a few short months. But the cupboard is far from bare. Not only does Guyer have a solid nucleus of playmakers to keep themselves competitive in Class 6A, but two of them recently sewed up plans for where they’ll be playing when their days as a Wildcat are done. Senior cornerback Deuce Harmon committed to Texas A&M on May 28, and linebacker Jordan Eubanks committed to Florida State two days later. The latest commitments give Guyer three Division I commits on its vaunted defense, which surrendered just 21.4 points per game last year en route to the Class 6A Division II title game. The third commitment, along with Harmon and Eubanks, is defensive end, Cooper Lanz, who committed to Baylor on May 7. “I believe we have a chance at finishing what we started last year,” Eubanks said in an interview with the Denton Record-Chronicle. “Us seniors, we are all on the same page.”
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All three athletes were considered highly-coveted recruits. Harmon, whose brother is former Guyer basketball star and Oklahoma standout De’Vion Harmon, had offers from Texas, Oklahoma State, Arkansas, TCU, and Texas Tech, among others. Eubanks garnered interest from Michigan State, SMU, Houston, and others. Lanz, who is the younger brother of former Guyer offensive lineman, John Lanz, was talking to Army, Abilene Christian, and others before finally deciding that Baylor was the best fit.
the team back to the pinnacle of
Harmon said there was no question that the Aggies would be his new home.
while guiding them to the Class 6A
“The game atmosphere is crazy,” Harmon told the Denton Record-Chronicle. “I fell in love with that when I first got there. It was great. It was like no other. I haven’t been to a game bigger than that. They support their team more than what I thought they would, whether they’re losing or winning.”
on March 30.
Texas High School football. The Wildcats
relied on their stingy defense and a nearunstoppable offense to roll to a
14-2 record last year. Longtime head coach John Walsh left during the
offseason and is now
“THAT WAS PART OF HIS ATTRACTION TO COME HERE. HE WANTS TO WIN A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.”
“I BELIEVE WE HAVE A CHANCE AT FINISHING WHAT WE STARTED LAST YEAR...”
With their futures decided, the Wildcats’ top defensive trio can focus on getting
at San Marcos High
School, but Rodney
Webb is a huge hire for Denton ISD and comes with his own history of leading teams to the biggest of stages.
Webb, who compiled
a 61-30 record in seven seasons with Rockwall
Division I semifinal last season, was announced as Guyer’s new coach
“He knows what kind of talent and
program Guyer has and the reputation
they have,” Denton ISD athletic director Joey Florence told the DRC. “That was part of his attraction to come here.
He wants to win a state championship.
And he knows how to do that. Although he hasn’t won one yet, he’s been
knocking on the door. He’s going to bring that pedigree. He knows how to win big games.”
JULY 2020 | LANTANA LIVING | 29
Ask The Expert: Edit This
TIME MANAGEMENT Hacks for Writers by Steve Gamel, Owner of Edit This
I
wrote the majority of this blog while sitting in a waiting room before a big presentation. I used a notes application on my phone to do most of the work, too.
More often than not, that’s the way it goes when you are a self-employed writer. There are a ton of projects to keep up with, so you have to make the most of your time! In fact, some might argue being really good at time management is more important than being good at your craft. If that means knocking out an article while in a waiting room, or on an airplane, you do it.
KEEP “STUFF” HANDY
My family teases me because I constantly have my computer with me in the
backseat of the car – even if I have
nothing going on. I also have my phone,
a pen, and a pad of paper. Keep that stuff handy because you NEVER want to be
caught unprepared as a self-employed
writer. That’s not to say you always have to
I’ve been a writer for nearly 20 years and have come up with a myriad of clever ways to divide my time efficiently to cover all aspects of running my business, spending time with my beautiful family, and even carving out a little time for myself.
be in “work mode,” but when inspiration
Below are hacks that work for me:
TO DELEGATE
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX ON “OFFICE HOURS” Take advantage of times during the day – or night – when you typically have your
there will come a day when a one-person show can no longer do the job on their
own. You have to be able to recognize that before it happens, and when it does, be
able to step in and delegate some of that
US
C
PLAN AHEAD Use a calendar to plan things out. It doesn’t matter if it’s a paper calendar or the one on your phone. At the beginning
KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME I made this the last one on the list because
FO
creative juices flowing and there’s less chance for interruptions. Typically, that’s not the middle of the day! I get most of my bigger articles done at night or very early in the morning.
strikes, you’re ready for it.
extra work to someone else. FOCUS
You’re going to need to stay focused on those days when it seems like too
many projects are coming in at once.
With the right focus, you will be able to of each month, I map out everything I know I have going on and when I plan on writing those projects. As the days and weeks go by and more projects come my way, I simply add them in.
slow down and prioritize each project
in your head. Cutting target goals into smaller and more immediate pieces
will help you accomplish more than you thought you could.
469.360.3611 | EDITTHISLLC.COM
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LOW-COST, COMPASSIONATE
SOLUTIONS
For Animal
Welfare
by Steve Gamel photography by Your Candid Memories (YourCandidMemories.com)
I
t’s no secret we live in a pet-loving culture. Everywhere you turn, that bond between humans and animals is unmistakable, whether it’s the little girl parading her new puppy through the neighborhood, a businessman taking time from his crowded schedule to play fetch in the park with his golden retriever, or the elderly lady at the bus stop with two kittens curled up patiently inside her oversized purse. Even when we take that long-awaited family portrait, the pets are always included – because they’re family, too.
“Our tagline this year is lowest cost, best care. We really have focused on customer service and honing in on letting people know that we have compassionate, caring vets,” Stacey said.
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We love our pets; they are an extension
little as $25. Spay and neuter services can
intentioned pet owners simply cannot
70-80 percent cheaper than a vet clinic.
of us. But all too often, good and well-
afford the most basic veterinary care such as spay and neuter services, vaccinations, and even dental care.
It’s a scenario Stacey Schumacher has
seen play out once too many times over the years, which has led to euthanasia
and overpopulation at animal shelters. So she created a non-profit called the Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP),
a low-cost alternative that partners with
full-service veterinary clinics and animal shelters while at the same time filling a void for animals who
range between $35-$65, which is roughly They offer wellness kits where customers can have all shots, microchipping, and
spay and neuter services for as little as
$135. For a kitten, the same wellness kit
can run as low as $85. Both kits essentially cover everything a puppy or kitten would need in its first year of life. TCAP also
works with several animal shelters in the
area to provide spay and neuter services onsite to help service pets owned by
customers who are unable to transport their pets to a TCAP location.
Beyond that, if TCAP
deserve quality care at a price their owners can afford.
“We started at one night a
week in one location in
2002 and have
grown so much
since then,” said Stacey, who as
TCAP’s founder and Executive Director
veterinarians notice
“It’s not our goal to take business from veterinary clinics,” Stacey said. “We see it as a partnership because we’re coming alongside them and offering the basic stuff everyone needs. And if need be, we refer out for specialized care.”
has proudly watched
her nonprofit grow to include
seven locations. “What we do in terms of services is very limited, but we do a lot
of it, and the vets we employ are subject matter experts.
“What overwhelms most pet owners is the
cost factor. They love their animals, but the cost is sometimes unattainable.”
TCAP, which is heading into its 17th year,
is upfront that they aren’t trying to replace full-service clinics. They specialize only in spay and neuter services, vaccinations, heartworm testing and prevention,
microchipping services, and dental work
such as routine cleanings, tooth extraction, and antibiotics. The level of care is equal to what you can find at vet centers but at
a fraction of the price. For example, a full
set of vaccines could cost a pet owner as www.LantanaLiving.com
photographed above is Stacey Schumacher
anything that
concerns them about a pet –
old or young
Stacey led the Hopkins County Animal Protection League in Sulphur Springs to
– from a health
open a low cost spay and neuter clinic in
they will always
the program in East Texas, Stacey then
standpoint,
the mid 1990s. Based on the success of
refer a customer
founded TCAP. Their locations are in
to a local
veterinarian’s office
for a more detailed
evaluation.
“It’s not our goal to take
business from veterinary clinics,”
Stacey said. “We see it as a partnership because we’re coming alongside them and offering the basic stuff everyone
needs. And if need be, we refer out for specialized care.”
Stacey has always had a soft spot for
animals. After working at a pet rescue in
high school, she realized her dream was to
Denton, Allen, Burleson, Fort Worth, Hurst, Weatherford, and Garland. Stacey said that in 2018 alone, TCAP spayed and neutered roughly 55,000 animals, and they go to great lengths to make sure everyone who walks through their doors – on two legs or four – has a great experience. “Our tagline this year is lowest cost, best care. We really have focused on customer service and honing in on letting people know that we have compassionate, caring vets,” Stacey said.
help not just animals but also to help the
people who love them. It all started in her
hometown of Sulphur Springs where there was no spay and neuter program. Stacey took it upon herself to rent a van every month and transport animals from her
mother’s house to a low-cost clinic in the
Dallas area. After work, she would gather them back into the van and transport them home.
940.566.5551 www.TexasForThem.org 713 Sunset St. Denton, TX 76201
JULY 2020 | LANTANA LIVING | 33
Masking THE ISSUE by Jean Eisenmann | photo courtesy of Jean Eisenmann
A
s the coronavirus pandemic continues, I reflect back a couple of months to when we were told gloves were a definite deterrent to contracting the virus. Then once we loaded up on them, buying up every store’s inventories and stuffing them in every nook and cranny of the house, the new preventive became mask. And my house smells like a latex factory.
the iridescent silvery stars reflect on the
ceiling and keep him awake. Can’t he just count them like sheep and nod off? I wear masks with red and orange
flames when I’m feeling rebellious,
I’ve now become so overexposed to
because I hadn’t realized that ripping it
sequins for masked tie, uh, black tie
profound effect on me. I seem to have
causing observers to have nightmares.
feeling my age, gingham when I want
“mass mask marketing” that it’s had a
developed a bona fide mask obsession. And to think of all the years I wasted coveting shoes.
off my face in one fell swoop might be
Today, I watched a local morning show
where the hostess announced, “Coming
up after the station break, we’ll learn how
It’s the new normal to have only half
to make masks from your husband’s old
public places draws more glares than if
masks, depending on the size of the
going about their lives wearing those
our masks. Ah, American ingenuity and
home; gardening, sunbathing, cleaning
opportunistic greed for good measure.
your face exposed. Not wearing one in
boxer shorts. One pair yields two to three
I picked my nose in church. People are
shorts.” We’re getting pretty crafty with
little fabric disguises and yes, even at
entrepreneurial spirit, with a sprinkling of
out the gutters, and jogging. And fainting,
I am accumulating quite a mask collection
because it’s just too hot to wear a mask outdoors in Texas. On TV the other
day, a newscaster conducted an
interview remotely with an “etiquette
expert” who shared with us the proper way to remove
a mask without
offending anyone.
You know, that really enlightened me
34 | LANTANA LIVING
AH, AMERICAN INGENUITY AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT, WITH A SPRINKLING OF OPPORTUNISTIC GREED FOR GOOD MEASURE. | JULY 2020
to feed my new
fixation. I have masks of every color for every occasion –
even a night mask
complete with blue half-moons and
silver stars. It’s a
little intrusive to
events, ‘70s psychedelic when I’m
to project innocence, and a red lip print when I don’t.
I removed my jewelry from its
designated box and placed the pieces
in a plastic bag. My grandfather’s college graduation ring from 1920 and my aunt’s engagement ring that she brought over from the old country don’t require the
special container with satin lining that my mask collection does.
In addition to its health benefit of virus
protection, I have come to feel virtually undressed without wearing a mask.
I see it as a burgeoning fashion industry, not only developing as we live under
health threats, but also as we become
accustomed to wearing them as part of
our wardrobes. However, there will always be skeptics who prefer to go commando.
wear while sleeping
In the future, despite whatever progressive
said it not only makes
one characteristic can never be replicated,
like Darth Vader’s, but
heartfelt – and unobstructed – smile.
because my husband
designs may evolve from today’s mask,
my breathing sound
and that’s the beauty of seeing a warm,
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SHERIFF’S W I T H
“
S H E R I F F
T R A C Y
M U R P H R E E
THANK YOU OFFICERS
T
he last few months have been very have served with honor and distinction challenging for law enforcement. throughout these difficult times. I have The COVID-19 pandemic followed watched over and over as they continue by civil unrest and anti-police sentiments to do their jobs and do their jobs well. has affected law enforcement agencies I’ve heard no complaints or whining, like nothing before. The Denton County as they have done all that I and their Sheriff’s Office and our local agencies respective Chiefs have asked of them. are no exception. In a time of uncertainty They go out every day putting their lives I want to take a moment on the line for Denton and tell you how proud I THEY HAVE WORKED County. They are moms, am of our officers. These dads, husbands, wives, TIRELESSLY men and women have sons and daughters who WITHOUT DAYS not had the opportunity have answered a call not to work from home. They many are willing to answer. OFF TO KEEP OUR have been unable to social They are angry when a COMMUNITIES SAFE. distance themselves from member of their profession the duties they are sworn brings dishonor to that to provide. They have worked tirelessly profession. They are always and will always without days off to keep our communities be there when they are needed. I’m proud safe. These officers have gone from to lead these men and women. I am also being praised as essential workers to proud of our sister agencies we work so being ridiculed with calls of defunding closely with. You should be proud of their positions. These men and women them too.”
WE ARE
HIRING If you are interested in a career in Law Enforcement, join our family and be a part of a great organization.
Detention Officer I positions start at $38,752.00 per year. Visit our website to apply. www.governmentjobs.com/ careers/dentoncounty
940.349.1600 | 127 N. WOODROW LN., STE. 300 • DENTON, TX 76205 | DENTONCOUNTY.COM/DEPARTMENTS/SHERIFF.ASPX 36 | LANTANA LIVING
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•
Taking Community
RESPONSIBILITY by Denton County Judge Andy Eads photo courtesy of Judge Andy Eads
M
any of you have reached out in recent days as much larger counties with higher case counts have taken steps to require face masks in businesses. I believe this situation does include wearing a mask, but it is about much more than a mask. It is about a temporary lifestyle change. The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally altered the way we go about our daily lives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing your hands frequently, avoiding close contact with others outside of your household, covering your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others, covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning
and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and monitoring your health. These few simple steps can also make a difference and reduce exposure: •
Instead of going to the grocery story multiple times a week, plan one or two trips instead;
•
Take advantage of patio dining at your favorite restaurants or curbside service and delivery at local businesses;
•
Worship responsibly – Sit 6 feet away from fellow congregants while attending services;
•
Wear a mask when interacting with people outside your household, this includes inside businesses and personal settings;
When you wear a mask, you are wearing it for everyone else. If all of us wear masks when in contact with each other, we help one another.
Moreover, check in with your vulnerable neighbors, friends and relatives to see if they need anything to reduce their potential for exposure.
I am sure we all know someone who could use a helping hand and I am asking us all to use this time to help our fellow residents. If you would like to volunteer to help in these efforts, contact us at volunteercovid19@dentoncounty.com. These simple and innovative steps can significantly reduce the chance of exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Our Denton County Public Health team closely monitors the situation in our county and, while the positivity rate has increased, the availability of hospital beds, ICU beds and ventilators has not increased dramatically. We continue to monitor these Denton County metrics daily as well as the metrics in the hospitals across DFW. As we experience an uptick in cases, it is not the time to panic. Instead, we need to focus our reliable, local statistics. We each have the responsibility to take care of ourselves and our loved ones. Yet we also need to exercise community responsibility. When you wear a mask, you are wearing it for everyone else. If all of us wear masks when in contact with each other, we help one another. That is what community is all about. It is also a courtesy to others working on the frontlines. The more voluntary participation we have, the less likely a mandatory mask requirement will be needed. Together, hopefully we can find a collective path forward to reduce COVID-19 transmission without resorting to mandates. Do the responsible thing. Wear a mask. For real-time Denton County Health Statistics check out www.dentoncounty. gov/COVIDstats.
CONNECT WITH US If you have any questions or comments, please let me hear from you. andy.eads@dentoncounty.com 940.349.2820. www.LantanaLiving.com
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LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER
BRIGHTENS
UP NEARBY NEIGHBORHOODS by Steve Gamel | photo by John Ousby Photography (www.john.ousby.com)
I
magine a friendly photographer hurriedly running from door to door in your neighborhood. He stops long enough to take a few creative family photos while you stand on your front porch — all for free and from a safe distance while also benefitting a great cause. If you saw something like that, would you do it? And if so, how creative could you get?
For residents of Lantana and Corinth, the answer was a resounding YES! And boy, were they creative!
It’s called The Front Porch Project,
and from April 15-30, Frisco-based
photographer John Ousby said he visited 500 homes in those three communities — including 170 on the last day — and documented some pretty special
moments during a time when the majority of families were stuck inside because of COVID-19. Ousby took photos of
everything from high school graduates
and birthdays to hilariously creative family photos complete with various props.
All the participants had to do was meet
him on their front porch and smile for the camera. While the photos were free to
download from his website, participants
still helped Ousby raise $1,000 for Mission Moms and $300 for Frisco Family Services. Both charity organizations work diligently every day to provide necessities to children and families in need.
“People were noticing what others were
doing, and it just took off — especially in Lantana,” Ousby said with a laugh. He
said of the 500 houses he visited, 326
were in Lantana. “It was nice to be able to 40 | LANTANA LIVING
| JULY 2020
do something for these families and also help out two fantastic charities. People were getting free photos, and they would also donate to the charities through my website. As for the photos, there was a real sense that people were competing with each other. It was hilarious.” Ousby’s website is proof of that. The porch gallery has some pretty creative photos, including a family of four and their dog, where the dad is wearing a suit jacket and dress shirt with shorts to symbolize the lax working-from-home environment. Meanwhile, his wife is in her PJs with a glass of wine in hand while they and their two daughters share funny messages on cardboard signs. Another family photo includes a young boy holding two rolls of toilet paper up to his ears while his dad appears to be playfully sanitizing him with a bug sprayer.
Ousby said he isn’t sure where or when The Front Porch Project started, but he was eager to jump on board after talking to a few photographers in Prosper who had done something similar. Ousby is known for his sports and events photography, but since the coronavirus started and games came to a screeching halt, he’s had to look elsewhere to keep taking inspiring photos. The Front Porch Project was the perfect antidote, even if only for a short while.
“There were families, senior graduates in their cap and gown, birthday celebrations, and just normal families coming up with fun ideas. They all put so much thought into these pictures,” Ousby said. “Some wanted to have a little fun while others were simply excited to get dressed up since they hadn’t gotten out of their shorts and t-shirts for so long.”
“You know if you aren’t doing something that you normally do every day, you start to feel uncomfortable? Well, I was getting to that point without any events going on,” he said. “I had to get into some sort of project, and this seemed like a good one to try. I knew there was a huge demand for it, but I wasn’t prepared for all of this. It was a lot of fun.” www.LantanaLiving.com
PHOTOS OF LANTANA RESIDENTS BY JOHN OUSBY PHOTOGRAPHY
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Ask The Expert: Travel
THE
Gathering Place by Terri Guthrie | photos courtesy of Terri Guthrie
A
re you looking for something nearby to do this summer? Well, I have a great idea for you, and it’s just north of us in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Gathering Place has been named “America’s Best New Attraction” by USA TODAY. It was also awarded the “World’s Greatest Places” by Time Magazine in 2019. And what a place it is!!! We have been countless times and still have not seen everything. You really need to see this new creative and very unique FREE Park! This brand new riverfront park was designed as an inclusive green space where residents and visitors alike can relax and engage with one another. The expansive park makes use of more than six million gallons of water and 80
The future for The Gathering Place looks very promising as the Kaiser Family Foundation also created a $100 million endowment to support maintenance of the park for the next 99 years. Every city should be so lucky!
tree species, with attractions like multistory fireplaces, an adventure playground, a boathouse, restaurants, coffee shops, a sensory garden, and a reading tree. There’s something here for everyone.
Fortunately, our daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons live here, so we visit this wonderful park as often as possible and always find new things to discover. It’s definitely a park like none other. Go and see for yourself…you will be glad you did!
The Gathering Place is centered on the east bank of the Arkansas River. It is largely the brainchild of Tulsa multibillionaire and philanthropist, George Kaiser. This publicprivate partnership covers approximately 100 acres of land. As of September 2018, it has cost about $465 million to construct.
FOLLOW TERRI ON INSTAGRAM @TRAVELWITHTERRI OR HER TRAVEL BLOG AT TRAVELWITHTERRI.NET
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Living That
“We did a travel camp where we took a virtual field trip to France, Mexico, and Jamaica. We did a brief history of each country; we would provide recipes and make snacks together,” Jessica said. “Another camp is called Discover America where we take the kids back to the pilgrims up through present day.”
by Brooke Ezzo photos courtesy of Jessica Bennett
A
quarantine. They organized birthday caravan parades for families in the area who were looking for unique ways to celebrate. They are also organizing ways for volunteers to do FaceTime calls with residents in nursing homes. And they are currently doing virtual travel camps.
s a young family, the Bennetts moved multiple times before landing in Flower Mound. Their journey caused several “new beginnings,” and the person it seemed to affect the most was oldest daughter, Olivia.
School was challenging because she was always the new girl. One day, when Olivia was 8, she had a hard day with some of the girls and found a hidden place on the playground to be alone and cry it out. She was, surprisingly, met by a classmate who showed her great kindness and compassion. That day left an imprint and a dream in Olivia’s heart to spread as much kindness in this world as possible. This idea led her family to start a nonprofit organization called: Living That Kind Life. Their simple but powerful mission is to encourage people of all ages to spread kindness.
Now 12, Olivia works side-by-side as CoFounding Encourager with her mother, Jessica Bennett, overseeing the kindness operations of their nonprofit. “We started by doing small random acts of kindness in the area,” Jessica said. “Olivia donated her birthday party to cheering on the kids at a Special Olympics event, and we put quarters on vending machines at the Dollar Store.” Starting in January, the Bennett family’s goal was to fill current needs in the area as best they could. They do this in several ways. Olivia makes YouTube videos and interviews others who spread kindness. They have free resources on their website that help families take part in kind acts, and they fundraise to collect items for snack, hygiene, and foster kits. “Our goal is to remind people to start by being kind to themselves,” Jessica said. “Encouraging people to fill up their cups so they can go and fill up other people’s.” As a family, they have come up with creative ways to engage the community and give back during the pandemic and
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All of the virtual camps have a level of kindness. For Discover America, all the kids wrote letters to soldiers and thankyou notes to veterans that were passed out on the 4th of July. Olivia hopes the organization helps others keep kindness as a priority and encourages others to go out and spread as much as they can. “Always love on people as big as you can,” Olivia said. “If someone is mean to you, don’t be mean back. Try to turn it around and do good. Like That Kind Life is looking for volunteers and will continue to have camps and resources on their website. For more information about how you, too, can be an encourager, visit www. LivingThatKindLife.com. Adam, Jessica, Olivia, Eli, and Selah Bennett look forward to partnering with the community to continue spreading joy and kindness. JULY 2020 | LANTANA LIVING | 45
Education Article
DENTON ISD
PREPARES FOR
2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR by Brooke Ezzo
A
s we all know, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Denton Independent School District students left schools for spring break this past March and did not return. As extended spring break turned into summer break and now school registration is looming in the background, there is still much confusion. The ever-changing information from both federal and state entities in regards to the virus has left the district, parents, and caregivers on the edge of their seats, waiting for further instruction on how to reopen schools for the 2020-2021 school year. With registration deadlines quickly approaching, Superintendent Dr. Jamie Wilson and his team have come up with possible plans for the new school year after getting guidance from the Texas Education Agency (TEA). From correspondence via email with Dr. Wilson, he said the district is prepared for whatever COVID-19 throws their way, and they plan to be flexible and nimble enough to change at a moments notice. “Our Plan A is twofold. We will offer face-to-face instruction with health and safety protocols for students and employees,” Dr. Wilson said. “And, we will offer a virtual option for parents who want to make that choice.” Dr. Wilson added, “should social distancing requirements reduce the number of students in attendance at one time, we have contingency plans in place to rotate students into face-to-face instruction while filling in the gap remotely.”
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show evidence of daily learning. This means saving all assignments until the end of the week will no longer be applicable. The district hopes to have more instruction on exactly how remote learning will look for the new school in the upcoming weeks. In-Person Learning This is understandably the most difficult decision the district will be making considering opposing views when it comes to what health measures are effective against the virus.
The district’s plan to resume school instruction is on track to begin Wednesday, August 12, regardless of the delivery method. The district is also prepared for remote learning for all schools should they need to delay the start of school or close during the school year. On June 23, Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath shared guidance with all Texas superintendents by outlining expectations for remote learning. Remote Learning at Home When students were not allowed to return to the classroom in March the district quickly converted to a virtual learning platform. To continue this form of learning, it will be a family choice but will come with the same expectations for learning as the traditional face-to-face instruction model.
With recent spikes in positive cases throughout North Texas, the district understands that its students’ health and
safety is the priority. With that, families that choose to keep their children at home or are unable to return to a classroom setting will have access to a full virtual learning experience taught online by a Denton ISD teacher or another online platform. This includes more teacher interaction and more time in virtual learning and completing lessons. Remote learning might be semi-flexible, but based on state guidelines, the students are still required to mirror the level of work, commitment, and time on a task as they would with in-person learning. Daily attendance rules will apply, and students will be required to
Information from the TEA indicated they have purchased face masks, thermometers, and hand sanitizer for every district in Texas to help with the start of the new school year. However, no further instruction was given from Commissioner Morath in the conference call on mandated health measures. In a newsletter from Dr. Wilson, he states that feedback from the community and staff, alongside any guidance from governing entities, will help determine to what degree Denton ISD will make face-to-face instruction available to all. The district’s plan to resume school instruction is on track to begin Wednesday, August 12, regardless of the delivery method. Until then parents and caregivers are encouraged to register their children during the traditional time, during July, via an online platform, and indicate their intended model of instruction for their student. Families should expect emails with more information regarding the virtual learning option before anyone has to commit to a decision.
For more information from Superintendent Dr. Jamie Wilson and the updated plans for starting the school year, please refer to the Denton Independent School District website, www.DentonISD.org and the District’s social media accounts.
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Legal Advice: Ask The Expert
Know the Type of Care Your
LOVED ONE
NEEDS by Jennifer Balmos, Owner of Balmos Law, PLLC
S
even out of ten seniors will require long-term care at some point in their lifetimes. However, long-term care is a broad spectrum, representing everything from basic help with household tasks to having medical care available 24/7.
RESPITE CARE
INDEPENDENT LIVING FACILITY
Great for: someone who lives at home with his or her caregiver. Respite care is typically provided hourly, allowing the caregiver a break from the fatigue of caregiving while knowing that his or her loved one is safe.
Great for: someone who does not need assistance with daily tasks, but feels isolated living at home. Continuing Care Retirement Communities provide several levels of care within the same complex, allowing an individual to “age in place.”
HOME CARE
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY
Great for: someone who is still living at home, but needs help with certain tasks. Attendants can help with tasks like laundry, cooking and bathing. Some attendants can provide medical care as well.
Great for: someone who enjoys the companionship of others while also receiving assistance with certain daily tasks or medicine management. Note that some assisted living facilities offer families the option of respite care as well.
SKILLED NURSING FACILITY Great for: someone who requires a greater level of care, often because of a combination of issues – perhaps problems with both mobility and mental decline. It would be dangerous for this person to live alone. Because these services are typically provided over a long period of time, the cost can become overwhelming to many families. The good news is that Medicaid will cover a number of different types of long-term services. Though Medicaid qualification does come with income and asset restrictions, individuals (and married couples) may continue to retain certain assets. Planning ahead is the key to maximizing options with long-term care.
940.300.9834 | BALMOSLAW.COM | 2652 FM 407, STE. 215G • BARTONVILLE, TX 76226
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WHO DO I CALL? L
information provided by Community Lifestyle Director Ashtin Slovak
antana is a unique community in that it does not rest inside the corporate limits of a municipality. Lantana is located in unincorporated Denton County. To provide some of the services that a municipality normally provides, Fresh Water Supply Districts 6 & 7 were created. This can be confusing sometimes for the residents of Lantana on which entity they should contact for a particular service or concern. Below is a small list to clarify who you can call for specific services.
LANTANA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
940.728.1660 | www.lantanalive.com After Hours emergency Line: 214.373.2412
FRESH WATER SUPPLY DISTRICT
940.728.5050 | www.lantanatx.org •
Trash Collection
•
Water Bill
•
Perimeter Stone & Brick Walls
•
Right of Ways Along (Lantana Trail, Rayzor Rd., Branch Crossing, Stacee Ln.)
DENTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Emergency: 9.1.1 Non-Emergency: 940.349.1600 •
Traffic Concerns (Speeding, Reckless Driving)
•
Crime Stoppers
•
Animal Control
•
Jail Information
•
Association Common Areas:
•
North Amenity Center & North Pond
•
South Amenity Center & Town Green
•
Tennis Courts
•
Mesquite Park Pool & Playground
•
Building Permits
•
Jail Records
•
Hickory Park Pool & Playground
•
Block Party Permits
•
Warrants
•
Oak Park Pool & Playground
•
Streets
•
Architectural Review Committee Submittals (For All Exterior Modifications)
•
Sidewalks (With more than 1 inch vertical movement)
•
Street Regulatory Signs
•
Neighborhood Parks
•
Hike & Bike Trails
•
Community Events
•
Front Yard Maintenance
•
Vector Security
•
Grande Communications Basic Cable (In Select Neighborhoods)
•
Barking Dogs (You will need to be able to provide address)
•
Monument entry Sign Lights
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COSERV ELECTRIC 1.800.566.2314 | www.coserv.com •
Street Light Outages
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The Classic
Margarita
N
othing says summer quite like The Original Margarita. And for the aspiring mixologist to the cocktail newbie, extra time at home is perfect for mastering The Margarita. There is nothing easier than shaking up this refreshing cocktail, in its original form or in one of its many delightful variations.
customize to your tastes or ingredients.
Here are some fun facts about The Margarita to help inspire your next happy hour with friends – virtual or otherwise:
•
It’s no surprise now that margaritas are a popular happy hour cocktail, so make sure to share your favorite Margarita recipe with your virtual happy hour pals for toasting together. 2. The origin of The Original Margarita The Original Margarita was created when Dallas socialite Margarita Sames mixed her two favorite spirits, Cointreau and tequila, together with lime juice while she was vacationing in Acapulco back in 1948.
or craving a classic there is a Margarita for everyone.
Herbal – Add fresh lemon and
basil for The Lemon Basil Margarita
that tastes straight out of the garden.
The balance of citrus and herbs gives
1. It’s the most popular cocktail in America Did you know that The Margarita is America’s favorite cocktail? Since Nielsen first started conducting surveys to discover bargoers’ favorite drinks in 2016, The Margarita has been the number one pick. In 2019, the Margarita edged out the Martini, the Old-Fashioned, the Mimosa and the Moscow Mule for the coveted first-place spot.
Whether you’re feeling adventurous
this drink a light yet juicy flavor. •
Spicy – The Cucumber Jalapeno
Margarita combines the coolness of cucumber with a spicy burst of
jalapeno for just the right amount
of kick. Experiment with the amount of jalapeno to suit your own taste. • Ingredients:
Tangy – Use slices of fresh ginger
and fresh mint leaves for a unique flavor combination. The spice
1 ounce Cointreau
of ginger gives The Ginger Mint
2 ounces Blanco tequila
is aromatically balanced by the
Margarita a tantalizing bite that refreshing mint.
1 ounce fresh lime juice Instructions:
•
Fruity – Use seasonal, colorful fruit to shake up a Margarita that is
•
Combine all ingredients in a shaker and add ice.
•
Shake and strain into a salt-rimmed rocks glass.
5. It’s the salt that makes it sweet
•
Garnish with a lime wheel.
Why the salt-rimmed glass? Salt is actually
3. All you need are three ingredients
4. It’s a highly customizable cocktail
The original recipe is elegant and simple. It’s easy to make, even for beginners – no fancy ingredients required.
The Original Margarita is a classic on its own – the recipe has stood the test of over 70 years. However, it’s very easy to
beautiful, bright and juicy. A few berries work great.
present on the Margarita glass to bring out the sweet and sour flavors of the
drink. Just a pinch of salt around the rim is needed to enhance the flavors in this classic, refreshing cocktail.
To find dozens of recipes for creative Margaritas and other iconic cocktails, visit Cointreau.com/Cocktails or follow them on Instagram @Cointreau_US.
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How To Incorporate This Year’s Leading Makeup Trend
G
by Contributing Writer
litter is making a comeback this year. From highlighting products to eyeshadows, you’ve probably noticed glitzy products adorning your favorite makeup aisle. Many women associate glitter with images of teenagers just starting out in their makeup journeys. However, you can pull off this trend at any age and virtually any occasion with the right techniques. Learn how to incorporate shimmering hues into your day-to-day routine below.
AVOID LOOSE GLITTER
ACCENT MATTE FINISHES
HIGHLIGHT YOUR CHEEKBONES
Loose glitter may be captivating but is best left on the store shelf. This is because it lacks an adhesive component that enables it to stick to the skin. As a result, you would need to mix it with a medium prior to applying it, making it both messy and time-consuming. Instead, reach for cream products containing glitter which are not only easy to apply but also long-lasting.
If you are a fan of matte eyeshadow or lipstick, try brightening up your look with a glitter eyeliner, lip topper, or multipurpose cream stick. Apply it sparingly along your top lash line to accentuate your eyes or top your favorite lip color with a glitterinfused topper or gloss to highlight your lips. Avoid overdoing it by choosing one feature to add a little sparkle too and leaving the rest of your look matte.
Highlighting products containing multidimensional glitter are not only eyecatching but also draw attention to your cheekbones. It’s best to reach for a liquid or cream highlighter containing medium to large flecks of glitter instead of powder formulas, which tend to look messy after a brief period of wear. Apply a small amount using a tapered contouring brush or petite sponge to make your cheekbones pop without overdoing it.
If you’ve been avoiding glitter due to work or other obligations, you can rest assured knowing that it can be easily incorporated into your look with these tips. Put this trend to the test by getting started today. 56 | LANTANA LIVING
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INDIAN CREEK Smokehouse
Indian Creek Smokehouse: Foodie Friday of DFW
by Jay Marks | photos courtesy of Foodie Friday DFW
O
ur Marketing Director recently moved out to Pecan Square in Northlake and came to me the other day insisting we visit a new BBQ truck called Indian Creek Smokehouse parked on the corner of FM 407 and 35W. Her neighborhood has been blowing up with rave reviews about this place since they opened just a few weeks ago, with many people claiming that they’re serving up BBQ just as good if not better than some of the most-beloved BBQ restaurants in DFW.
The only words I needed to hear were “BBQ” and “food truck,” and I was in! If you’re a fan of BBQ, you know that many of the greatest BBQ joints get their start as small operations like catering companies and food trucks.
of the BBQ he’s producing out of this
Indian Creek Smokehouse Owner and Chef, Todd Lorch, delivered food that surpassed all my expectations! The quality
so incredibly flavorful and tender. And
food truck in Corral City is incredible. He uses only the highest-quality meats
and smokes them right there on the truck which results in brisket, turkey, sausage, ribs, and pork belly burnt ends that are
speaking of those burnt ends - Todd calls those his “superstar,” and after eating
them we understand why! You cannot
leave Indian Creek Smokehouse without ordering some of them.
Every great BBQ joint has to have some delicious sides to go with their meats,
and Todd definitely has those too! Slaw, Macncheese (yes, it’s so delicious, it’s
one word), and baked beans - the perfect
accompaniments to whichever meats you choose to order.
With everything you eat at Indian Creek Smokehouse, Todd’s culinary background shines through. And you’d be shocked to hear that when he’s not serving up BBQ out of his truck, he actually has another full-time job that’s feeding his ultimate dream of owning this place. Head on out to Corral City, at the corner of 407 and 35W, to visit Todd at his truck and chow down on some of his incredible food. You can order it to eat in your car, take home with you, or you can bring your own chairs and camp out in the grassy area across from the truck and play a couple rounds of ladder ball. Welcome to Indian Creek Smokehouse!
972.724.2540 | JayMarksRealEstate.com jay@jaymarksrealestate.com 1013 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 102 | Flower Mound, TX 75022
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Ask The Expert: Gardening
THINKING
BERMUDA Blade: Sharp, Pointed, 1/8” Wide Color/Texture: Deep Green, Dense Growth: Close Cut, High Quality Water: Frequently
T
by PJ Kratohvil, Owner of Complete Solutions
hings are heating up. If you’ve notice thin, struggling, or dead patches in the lawn and are looking to make a change, look over the info below. When it comes to grass, there are options –just make sure the options you’re considering are the right ones. It’s always best to consult with a specialist, but the information below might help guide you in the right direction:
BERMUDA Bermuda grass is great for a sunexposed lawn (at least 7 sun hrs per day). Its aggressive growth habit gives it excellent weed resistance. That same trait can be a problem when Bermuda invades flower beds-planters-gardens. Bermuda is pretty wear-resistant and drought-tolerant. If you’re looking for a green lawn yearround, overseeding with rye will provide that color through winter. Roughly 1/2”3”is the recommended cut height so you can keep it short for the summer months, but let it get taller to help retain moisture. ST. AUGUSTINE St. Augustine is the turfgrass of choice in warm climates where sandy soil is prevalent and water doesn’t stand around. The broad blades will hold color into the
fall season, unlike other warm-season grasses. It can thrive with at least five hours of sunlight per day and consistent watering. It can be more susceptible to fungus and disease than other types of grass and won’t take as much traffic. But if maintained properly, it is a great option. Cut height should be 3-4” for optimum thickness and longevity.
ST. AUGUSTINE Blade: Broad with Rounded Tip, 1/4” Wide Color/Texture: Dark Green, Coarse, Spongy Growth: Slow, from Sod or Plugs Water: Frequently
ZOYSIA Zoysia prefers a warm, sunny and welldrained growing site. BUT, some varieties can take as little as three hours of light per day. This makes it a great option in our warmer climate with most of our lawns containing both sun and shade areas. It takes more care than most turfgrasses, but when its needs are met, the reward is a thick, green lawn. It has stiff leaf blades and will produce numerous seed heads if not kept cut. Cut height can vary but we typically recommend at around 1”.
ZOYSIA Blade: Narrow, Needle-Like Color/Texture: Prickly, Stiff, Carpet-Like Growth: Slow Water: Average
INTERIOR: 972.539.8258 | EXTERIOR: 214.735.1363 | COMPLETESOLUTIONSDFW.COM
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5 WATER SAFETY TIPS by Dr. Rebecca Butler (Lantana Resident) Board Certified in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics
1. 2. 3.
PROTECT YOUR NEW BABY FROM WATER HAZARDS AROUND THE HOME Drowning can happen to any family. It’s quick, and it’s silent. Never—even for a moment— leave young children alone or in the care of another child while in or near bathtubs, pools, spas, wading pools, irrigation ditches, ponds, or other standing water. During swim times, designate a “Water Watcher” – an adult who will stay within arm’s reach to children in and around water. ROTECT YOUR CURIOUS TODDLER P Little kids are curious, and that’s a wonderful thing! Many toddlers are very curious, active, and eager to explore their surrounding and are attracted to water. It shines, ripples, splashes, and can even make things float, but they don’t understand that water can be dangerous and aren’t old enough yet to do what is needed when in trouble. So, it’s essential to protect them from water hazards where you live and where you visit. THE TODDLER YEARS = HIGHER DROWNING RISK THAN ANY OTHER TIME Water safety is important for all ages, but especially for toddlers. Drowning is the leading cause of injury death in children 1-4. Young children can drown in as little as an inch or two of water, and it can happen quickly and silently. Remember, water safety is not just about swimming pools. Installing bathroom door locks and toilet latches, and emptying all buckets, pools and tubs helps keep curious little ones safe.
4.
START SWIMMING LESSONS EARLY By their 4th birthday, most children are ready for swim lessons. At this age, they usually can learn basic water survival skills such as floating, treading water, and getting to an exit point. By age 5 or 6, most children in swim lessons can master the front crawl. If your child hasn’t already started in a learn-to-swim program, now is the time!
5.
DOES AAP RECOMMEND INFANT SWIM CLASSES? No, because there is currently no evidence that infant swim programs for babies under 1 year old lower their drowning risk. Infants this age may show reflex “swimming” movements but can’t yet raise their heads out of the water well enough to breathe. It’s OK to enroll in a parent-child water play class to help your infant get used to being in the pool, though; this can be a fun activity to enjoy together.
940.455.7200 | www.LantanaPediatrics.com
74 McMakin Rd., Ste. 100 • Bartonville, TX 76226
Mon, Tues, Thurs: 7:30am-6pm | Wed: 7:30am-1pm | Fri: 7:30am-5pm | Sat: 9am-12pm
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