march 2015
Helping a Hero Lantana Supports Local Hero
Guyer Boys Basketball Has Eyes on The Future
undaunted Pastor Thinks Outside The Box
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
March 2015 | LANTANA living | 3
4 | LANTANA LIVING | March 2015
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Contents
Featured Stories and News
March 26th 5:45pm-6:15pm Lantana Community Spring Festival
March 28th 10am-2pm
36
April 16th 6pm-9pm visit healthsourceofhighlandvillage.com
Pg 36 On The Cover: Chris Schoolcraft
April 9th 6-9pm See Page 31 for More Details Lantana Community Spring Garage Sale
April 18th 8am-3pm
April 23rd -26th
Want to feature your school’s or organization’s event? Contact us at artwork@lantanaliving.com 6 | LANTANA LIVING | March 2015
Ranch Hand Rescue Children Internet Safety Good First Impression Modifying Court Orders
“Top Gun” Pastor Guyer Boys Basketball Child’s Allergies F.A.Q. Helping a Hero
Photos from Lantana
11 40 46
Snow Day in Lantana Argyle Living Launch Party Snow Day in Lantana
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MAG
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’S TOR EDIPICK 2015 R E C
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Aging Gracefully
In Every
UFC + Mission Moms
RockPointe Church: Impact Week
44 49 52 54
Guyer Baseball is Ready
E ’S
HealthSource Community Appreciation Day
Chamber Connection
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12 18 24 26 30 33
EP Rayzor KinderWolves KickOFF Event
LANT AN
Lantana Community Events
Table of
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Issue
From Your Editor Inside Education Inside Community Real Estate Body & Soul Resident Spotlight Local Style Gardening Counseling Corner Upscale Home Fitness Tips The Sidelines
Spring Your Renewed Tomorrows
A Message from The Community Editor Spring is here and that is the much-anticipated season of many things…baseball, spring break for the kids, no more snow, flowers in the yard, warmer, sunny days and no more snow. Spring and “springtime” refer to the season, and also to ideas of rebirth, rejuvenation, renewal, resurrection and regrowth. It’s the perfect time to spring forward and thaw out our plans for a renewed tomorrow. It’s easy to get complacent and fall into the hamster wheel of life…do more, have more and be more. Even with so many good things today, they could be preventing great things for tomorrow. How do we continue to grow and prioritize without getting tired or discouraged? Too often we fill our schedules with many good things. However, it’s critical that we remember to look at our potential and feed it. As long as we continue to discover more about ourselves it means we have something new to share. Do what you can’t wait to do…that’s where passion lies. Too often we miss out on the deepest and best parts of who we are when we get scared off by what seems insignificant or impractical. You hear it said, “we all have gifts” and while I believe that true, it’s often the gift not as easily awarded. As long as we attempt to understand and share more of ourselves, our relationships will continue to grow with new life and flourish. Relationships are what keep us thriving and it takes many different ones to complete us. I am thankful and grateful to each of mine and know that they are a huge part in my renewed tomorrows. Just like springtime, the desire to lighten up and brighten up is hard to resist as the greening of spring floods our consciousness. The craving to see and achieve new growth is in the air. As we hibernate our sweaters and coats, it’s important to also eliminate the darkness in our hearts and spring forward to the renewed tomorrow. This also is exactly what Easter reminds us of…regrowth! Likewise, our community continuously rejuvenates as well. I love seeing the goodness that is born in every being. It melts
my heart to see the generosity of strangers for a common good and the merging of like-minded souls. People are inherently good. In daily life, one usually can find many examples of people helping people. This has been an important factor in shaping many of my beliefs. Helping others, expressing gratitude, and being with other people all literally boost the dopamine in my brain. I enjoy people immensely and love being out and part of this community. It’s one of the greatest gifts in life to be part of making a difference or of making a smile or laugh, I always know that tomorrow has those opportunities and I will take them!
Kathryn Flores Community Relations & Marketing Manager Argyle Living & Lantana Living Kathryn@murray-media.com (214) 734-5783
Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray Administration Managing Editor Jana Melton
Sub-Editor
Kristin Maurer
Contributors Eric Williams Mark Miller Steve Gamel
Advertising
Kathryn Flores kathryn@murray-media.com Kelly Murray kelly@lantanaliving.com
Production Graphic Designers Liz Wallace Zulma Martinez Stephanie Hansen Whitney Hill
Photography
Robert Payne (214) 437-9568 robertpaynephotography.com Scott Young (972) 899-3536 ScottYoungPhoto.com
Letters
Lantana Living invites reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments. Email artwork@lantanaliving.com. All submissions become the sole property of Murray Media Group. Editorial and Advertising inquiries call (214) 734-5783 or email kathryn@lantanaliving.com Address: 1011 Surrey Lane Building 100 Ste. 101 Flower Mound, TX 75022 Lantana Living is published monthly by Murray Media Group. 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 content. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission in writing from the publisher. © 2015 Murray Media Group
March 2015 | LANTANA living | 7
Whataburger Fund-Raiser Rayzor Elementary to Host to Help Harpool Students Internet Safety Class The Whataburger location on FM407 in April 8 (see page 26 for more info) Highland Village will be helping students at Lantana’s Harpool Middle School with a fund-raising event April 7 from 5-8 p.m. The popular hamburger location will donate 20 percent of its sales during that time to Harpool’s student activities account. Anyone visiting in-store or at the drive-thru window will be helping the effort whether they are affiliated with the school or not. This is the second year for Whataburger helping Harpool with its fund-raising activities. Principal Jeff Smith said the business has been instrumental in generating about $1,000 so far.
Middle School Advanced Math Meeting Slated for March 26 Parents of current Harpool Middle School sixth- and seventh-grade students interested in advanced math classes are invited to attend a parent meeting March 26 at 6 p.m. at the Denton Independent School District Professional Development Center at 1212 Bolivar St. in Denton. The meeting will discuss criteria for admission into advanced-math courses for the 2015-16 school year. More information about the event is available from Grace Anne McKay, DISD’s secondary mathematics coordinator at 940-369-0652 or gmckay2@dentonisd.org.
8 | LANTANA LIVING | March 2015
The Texas regional office of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children will conduct an Internet safety training presentation for parents April 8 at 5:30 p.m. at Lantana’s Rayzor Elementary School. Part of an overall effort to educate Denton Independent School District parents and students, the session will cover the latest information on online risks to children, including online predators, revealing too much, and cyberbullying. Attendees also will learn about resources and tips they can use to keep their kids safer online. In addition, nearly 1,500 students at E,P. Rayzor, Adkins and Blanton elementary and Harpool middle schools will be learning about similar subjects during classes April 7-9. Those presentations, which come under National Center’s Netsmartz® and Kidsmartz® programs, will teach students about online and personal safety risks in an age-appropriate manner and in the context of animated, interactive videos and presentations. Children also will learn easy-to-remember safety rules.
Adkins, Rayzor Student Artwork on Display in March in Austin Students from Lantana’s Atkins and E.P. Rayzor elementary schools were among
eight from the Denton Independent School District to have their artwork put on display
in Austin as part of the Texas Art Education Association’s Youth Art Month Capital Celebration.
All were among the select few chosen
from statewide school districts to be considered to show their work during Youth Art Month in March. Fourth-grader
and
fifth-grader
represented
Erika
Adkins
Noah
Gazalski
while
Bautista fourth
grader Isabella Minick did the same from
Rayzor with Gazalski chosen as part of the top 100 to have their work displayed at the
state capitol and Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum.
The Adkins students are taught by Kelley
McGee while Megan Schnitzius is Rayzor’s art teacher.
Bad Weather in February Means More School in April Students in the Denton County
Independent School District will be
attending school April 3 and 6 as makeup days for the inclement weather that cancelled classes in late February.
Classes will take place at their regular
times on both days which were previously designated as inclement weather makeup days on the 2014-15 district calendar.
DISD Changes Its Website to Match All Technology The Denton Independent School District launched a revamped website March 9 to better adapt to the different sizes of various devices. While all previous content remains accessible, the new website now will display fully across computers, tablets and smartphones. The district also plans to release an Android smartphone and iPhone application for further mobile connectivity. Individual school websites will move to the new design, but not all at once to ensure proper compatibility with content. Elementary and early childhood schools will be transitioned first, followed by secondary and alternative schools.
Club Offering Scholarships for Denton County High School Seniors March 31 is the deadline for 2015 Denton County graduating high school seniors to apply for scholarships from the Denton County Antique Tractor, Farm Equipment and Primitive Club. The group will award four $1,000 scholarships to seniors active in Future Farmers Association and 4-H programs. Applications are available on the scholarship tab at the texasplowboys.com web site. Winners will be notified by June 1.
EP Rayzor’s Wolves of Compassion recently raised over $350 to buy food and supplies that were donated to Denton Animal Shelter. March 2015 | LANTANA living | 9
10 | LANTANA LIVING | March 2015
Snow
Day in lantana! Readers Sent in Their Snow Day Photos!
March 2015 | LANTANA living | 11
Local Ribbon Cuttings! Pretty Pools 1510 Randolph, #405 Carrollton, TX 75066 469-416-2190 “We are a locally owned and operated company with decades of experience and knowledge in the pool service and pool repair industry. Our mission is to provide the highest quality service and attention to detail for our customers. Throughout our 30+ years in the industry, we have steadily grown and it has been mostly through client referrals. We treat your pool as though it were our own.”
The er mb a h C n
o
ti c e nn
Co
Providence Title Company 1100 Parker Square, Suite 220 Flower Mound, TX 75028 469-444-6400 “Our team members have a depth and breadth of experience and can handle the most complex transactions with ease. We have examiners on staff and available to solve title problems as they come up and right on the spot - not in another time zone or halfway around the world. We also have attorneys and trainers to keep you up-to-date on the latest continuing education topics and industry issues.”
12 | LANTANA LIVING | March 2015
Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. Lake Dallas District Office • 940-497-5031 2000 S. Stemmons Freeway, Suite 200 Lake Dallas, TX 75065 “Texas’ 26th United States Congressional District is located in the heart of North Texas. The 26th District includes most of Denton County and portions of Tarrant County. After spending nearly three decades practicing medicine in North Texas, Congressman Burgess has served the constituents of the 26th District since 2003 in the United States House of Representatives.“
Support your community by shopping local. See a full list of local businesses at the Flower Mound Chamber! 700 Parker Square Road, Flower Mound, TX 75028 (972) 539-0500 www.flowermoundchamber.com
March 2015 | LANTANA living | 13
14 | LANTANA LIVING | March 2015
Lantana Golf Club’s Sewell Receives Superintendent Award Kurt Sewell, golf course superintendent at Lantana Country Club, recently was named 2014 Superintendent of the Year by the North Texas Professional Golfers Association chapter. Sewell, who also serves as board president of the Fresh Water Supply District #6, was presented with his award at ceremonies at Royal Oak Country Club.
March 24 is Deadline for Lantana Ladies League Board Anyone wanted to volunteer for Lantana Ladies League Board of Directors for the 2015-16 or knows of someone else interested has until March 24 to submit nominations. All positions are available for consideration with descriptions of each located on the organization’s Facebook page. Nominations may be sent to Kelly Seng or Janet Malmquist at newsletter@ lantanaladiesleague.com.
Free Program for Grieving Children Starts March 26 A free, eight-week support program for children ages 5-18 and their families who have lost a loved one will begin March 26 from 7-8 p.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church of Denton. Sponsored by VNA Ann’s Haven, the SafeHaven program will be led by volunteers. Small groups of children of similar ages will be paired for age-appropriate grief and coping skill discussions and activities with adults meeting in a separate group. Registration is required and can be obtained by contacting Ginny Hudson at 940-349-5900.
Lantana Spring Garage Sale Scheduled for April 18 Lantana residents needing to de-clutter their homes can take advantage of the annual Lantana Spring Garage Sale. The 2015 event is slated for April 18 from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. More information is available by calling 940-728-1660.
Cowboys Tight End Witten Hosting Football Camp in May For the sixth consecutive year, Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten will host a youth football camp at Liberty Christian School. The two-day event will be held May 16-17 from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. It is open to boys and girls in grades 1-8. Visit jasonwittencamp.com for more information.
Youth Golf Development Program Begins March 24 at Lantana Golf Club The eight week clinics aimed at ages 7-14 will teach golf as a skill and a sport with emphasis on fundamentals. Attendees also will learn about self-discipline and competition. Taught by LGC Director of Instruction Marc Brooks, the sessions will run for eight consecutive weeks. Youth age 7-10 can take part on Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 4-5:15 p.m. with those ages 11-14 competing Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. The fee to join is $240 for club members and $265 for non-members. More information is available by calling the golf shop at 940-728-4653 or Brooks at 817-312-4670.
March 2015 | LANTANA living | 15
Real Estate
Texas Homebuyers and Sellers Report
Reveals Interesting Information By Mark Barnes
I’m often asked how home sales in Texas compare
Increased restrictions in lending standards and
to markets elsewhere, and what those differences
rising home prices in certain local markets continue
the Texas Association of Realtors, and reprinted
Texas. The percentage of first-time homebuyers in
mean for us now and in the future. Just released by here with permission, is the executive summary of the 2014 Profile of Homebuyers and Sellers – Texas Report by the National Association of Realtors.®
The 2015 Texas Homebuyers and Sellers Report
shows that Texas continues to be a national leader in median household income growth and new home
to stifle the growth of first-time homebuyers in
Texas decreased 4 percent to 29 percent of all Texas
homebuyers between July 2013 and June 2014. Nationally, the percentage of first-time homebuyers
decreased 5 percent to 33 percent of all U.S. homebuyers during the same time frame.
As a result, Texas homebuyers are older and
sales. From July 2013 to June 2014, the median
more likely to be married couples. From July 2013
5.9 percent year-over-year to $97,500. This is more
45 years old, an increase of two years from the
household income of Texas homebuyers increased than four times the increase in median household
income among homebuyers nationally, which rose
1.4 percent to $84,500 during the same time frame. Additionally, 28 percent of Texas homes
purchased between July 2013 and June 2014 were
to June 2014, the typical Texas homebuyer was previous time frame. The percentage of married homebuyers increased 1 percent year-over-year to
72 percent, compared to a 1 percent decrease to
65 percent nationally.
Other key statistics from the report include
new homes, a 1 percent decrease from the previous
the following:
new homes among U.S. home sales during the
home sales remained constant at 16 percent of
time period yet still nearly double the share of same time frame. Nationally, the share of new U.S. home purchases.
16 | LANTANA LIVING | March 2015
• Median household income among first-time homebuyers increased 5.8 percent year-over
year to $72,000 for first-time homebuyers in Texas and 2.3 percent to $68,300 for first-time homebuyers nationally.
• Median household income among repeat buyers decreased during the same time frame. • Texans are buying newer, larger homes than homebuyers nationwide. The typical three bedroom, two-bathroom home in Texas was 2,100 square feet and built in 2002. Nationally, the typical three-bedroom, two-bathroom home was 1,870 square feet and built in 1993. • Sixteen percent of homebuyers in Texas purchased a multi-generational home due to children over the age of 18 or aging parents moving into the house. Nationally this was 13 percent. • The tenure of owning a home increased one year in both Texas and nationally from July 2013 to June 2014, to nine years in Texas and 10 years nationally. • For Sale by Owner homes in Texas sold for 30 percent less than homes sold using a Texas realtor. The average Texas FSBO home sold for $160,000, compared to $228,000 for the average realtorassisted home sale.
March 2015 | LANTANA living | 17
Guyer Baseball
Guyer baseball coach Johnny Kinzy would love for his team to get off to a fast start in 2015, but that’s not as important as making sure the Wildcats are playing at their best right before the playoffs.
Every Week By Steve Gamel
“You want to be playing at your best right
This year’s district also features Denton Ryan,
just started the District 5-6A schedule.
Keller Fossil Ridge, Justin Northwest and
before playoffs,” said Kinzy, whose team
“We’ve been in the state’s largest class before, and we competed just fine back then.
Keller, Trophy Club Nelson, Keller Central, Keller Timber Creek.
Four of the teams in this district made the
“Obviously, the competition level will be
playoffs last year, three of which went two
but it’s a great challenge and we’ve accepted it.
finished 17-12 overall and lost to Cleburne in
higher than what we’ve faced the last two years, What it does is make every district game feel like a playoff atmosphere.”
rounds or deeper. That includes Guyer, which the second round.
Once the playoffs roll around, anything is
Guyer will need to rise to that level of
possible. One thing for certain is the competition
the four teams to represent 5-6A in the playoffs.
first round. Based on region pairings, Guyer’s
intensity pretty quick if it hopes to be one of
level will spike considerably – and as early as the
eight-team district is aligned with the powerful
District 6-6A, which doesn’t have a weak team in it and is highlighted by last year’s Class 5A
There’s always optimism at Guyer, though,
because the team remains a contender no
matter how hard it is hit by graduation.
Over the last two seasons alone, the Wildcats have won a combined 21 district games.
The Wildcats went into this past summer
minus 11 seniors from their recent playoff run, but there is little cause for concern given the youth coming back. Aaron Studdard was
named the District 5-4A Defensive Player of
the Year in 2014 while sophomore teammate Connor Herriage took home Newcomer of
the Year honors. Senior first baseman James
Farris returns, as do senior Doug Palmer, junior catcher Luke Cullum and junior second
state champ, Flower Mound.
baseman Willie O’Brien.
district, it could face the Jaguars or fellow
year with four doubles and nine runs batted in.
There’s also the Plano schools, which always
field, racked up 23 RBI and a .430 batting
That’s likely another reason why Kinzy hopes
a .348 batting average, 10 doubles, two home
Depending on where Guyer finishes in
18 | LANTANA LIVING | March 2015
That’s the plan for Guyer, which has made the postseason five times over the last six seasons and likely wouldn’t accept anything less this year. Kinzy expects to be right in the middle of the playoff chase despite moving up to the state’s largest classification, now known as Class 6A.
Studdard, a senior shortstop, batted .323 last
playoff juggernaut Marcus right off the bat.
Herriage, who will work in at pitcher and center
are competitive.
average as a sophomore. Farris finished with
his team doesn’t peak too early.
runs and 14 RBI.
With those players returning, Guyer has its entire infield back for what should be a solid defense. Pitching wise, Palmer should step in as the team’s ace. Last year as a junior, Palmer had a 2.44 earned run average and 40 strikeouts. Others working into the rotation will be Herriage and senior Chance Jones. Since making the playoffs for the first time in 2009, Guyer has missed the postseason once (2012). The Wildcats’ deepest run was three rounds, but they have made it to the second round in each of the last two years since coming back down to Class 4A. When they were in 5A, they made the playoffs in 2011 but missed out the following season. “It starts with pitching, and I think we are going to be pretty good,” Kinzy said. “If there was a question mark, it would be our offense. We really need to work on situational hitting. We’re putting them in as many situations as we can in practice so we can eliminate strikeouts and force the defense to make plays.” March 2015 | LANTANA living | 19
20 | LANTANA LIVING | March 2015
Where is My
Sciatica Coming From?
Body & Soul
By Meredith S. Tittle, PT, MPT
As a health care provider, I often feel that the term sciatica is commonly used and perhaps somewhat misunderstood. However, overall there truly is a condition known as sciatica, so let’s get to the “bottom� of it! Lumbar Spinal Nerves
Simply stated, there are 31 pairs of spinal nerves that travel the course of our spinal cord. The sciatic nerve arises from the levels of L4-S3 in your lower back. The sciatic nerve exits from the spinal cord at the level of your sacrum, travels through a bony notch in your pelvis (the sciatic notch) and innervates the muscles in your buttocks and the back side of your leg. It is the largest nerve in the body.
Treatment
To reduce the horrible pain in the buttocks,
tingling down the leg and/or numbness through your hamstring you must determine the location of the nerve entrapment. The reason you feel the aggravating and sometimes completely debilitating irritant depends on its source of compression. Nerves, unlike muscles, do not like to be stretched. In fact, they really like to glide similar to dental floss through your teeth. The nerves send information to our legs as a water hose distributes water flow. If the hose is pinched or tangled, the amount of flow decreases at the terminal end. To fix the flow of water, you must fix the entanglement,
not just stretch the opening where the water comes out. Make sense? Through a thorough musculoskeletal exam, a licensed physical therapist can assist in the diagnosis and discovery of the place of nerve entrapment. Possible causes of entrapment may be any of the following or a combination of them all: a problem in the spine such as a disc bulge or a narrowing of the spinal canal, a tight muscle in the buttocks or hamstring, or more rarely complications from a surgery or other abnormality. It is important to discover the area of entrapment to properly treat the condition. The good news is that with proper physical therapy the pressure can be reversed.
Take Home Message
Seek help to determine the cause of your symptoms. It is important to have a proper diagnosis as not all sciatica is the same. In some cases, specific movements can be taught to reduce the irritant, provide for healing and restoration of the tissue and structures. Do not let the symptoms continue, the sooner the pressure is relieved, the better chance there is for full and healthy recovery!
Learn more at S2SPerform.com March 2015 | LANTANA living | 21
22 | LANTANA LIVING | March 2015
Jason Raynor from Argyle Feed & Hardware takes the time to answer a few questions on how it’s like to live in Lantana! Q: Where is your family from? A: My wife and I both grew up in Highland Village and graduated from Marcus High School. Our kids were both born while we lived in Lantana. Q: Why did you choose to live in Lantana? A: For the many kids’ activities, and for the golf course Q: What are the names of your family members? If you have school age kids please include their grade and what school they attend? A: Jason and Katie; Megan (Blanton Elementary – 1st), Holt (North Star Academy – preschool)
Q: Where is your favorite local place to eat? A: Mt. Fugi at the Shops at Highland Village – best sushi! Q. How long have you lived in Lantana? A. 8 years Q. What activities are you involved with? A. I coach both my kids’ soccer teams. I like to golf, but don’t get out on the golf course as often as I used to. I enjoy watching the Cowboys win, hanging out with my family, traveling, and working. Q. What advice would you give to new residents of Lantana? A: Get out and meet your neighbors and get involved in the community – everyone in Lantana is very friendly.
ArgyleFeedStore.com (940) 241-2444 1832 FM 407 East • Argyle, TX Know of a resident who needs some recognition? Email us at artwork@murray-media.com
March 2015 | LANTANA living | 23
Argyle’s Williams is Helping More Than Just Animals By Eric Williams
B
ob Williams didn’t grow up on a farm, but as an adult he’s developed world-class skills in animal husbandry. The Michigan native believes all life is precious and when he sees neglected and abused animals, his heart is touched and his mind engaged. Creative and resourceful, Williams has built a growing organization that provides not only safety and comfort for traumatized animals; it delivers hope and healing for humans coping with mental and physical challenges. Williams is founder and chief executive officer of Ranch Hand Rescue, an Argylebased organization that draws national and even international attention for helping and healing animals so wounded and helpless that euthanasia would for many be the only other option. Most of the rescued animals came to the organization through law enforcement agencies prosecuting the animals’ former owners for neglect and cruelty. Williams learned the incredible therapeutic power of animals during his own life journey. The victim of a stroke that required him to relearn life skills, Williams took on the project of caring for a handful of animals living on the grounds of the American Pet Spa & Resort (described as boarded animals’ version of “a trip to Disneyland and visit to Grandma’s house rolled into one experience”) 24 | LANTANA LIVING | March 2015
that he and Marty Polasko established. On the road to the main offices, there was a series of pen and shelters. Williams started small. Visiting a trades-day event, he was disturbed at the plight of a tiny goat in a cage much too small for him, his neck bent and head squished into an awkward position. He asked the owner why he couldn’t provide a little pen so the goat could stretch out, move around and play. The owner’s response was hostile, letting Williams know he had a choice of buying the animal or minding his own business. Williams pulled $60 out of his pocket and carried the goat home in the back seat of his Cadillac. Soon he had five or six animals to help. When he visited his doctor and neurologist they noted remarkable improvement in his health. Williams said he described for the physicians the joy and sense of calm he felt while feeding and caring for animals. They advised that he keep doing it. The idea of establishing a charity also came up by accident. Carl Mauk, a former National Football League offensive lineman who subsequently had a terrific career in coaching, was visiting the Pet Spa and offered a check to help with care and feeding of animals his grandchildren enjoyed. Williams didn’t have a charity established, but accepted the check to help with Christmas party presents for youth from the Presbyterian Children’s Home in Denton.
Sharing the story with actress Doris Roberts, a long-time friend he knew before she became famous, Williams was advised to consider creating a public charity based on what he knew. Soon Williams’ caring heart had money, muscle and organization behind it. Ranch Hand Rescue is different than most animal shelters because it doesn’t focus resources to most efficiently help the most animals. It doesn’t weigh costs versus benefit…it provides loving care. Fans of these amazing animal recoveries can see video and written updates on the progress of rescued animals at ranchhandrescue.org. “We don’t measure how sick an animal is,” Williams said. “We do everything in our power to restore them to health and give them a good quality of life.” Because of privacy laws, cases of humans helped by RHR don’t make it to print. Children shown in videos and brochures are actors. But Williams said the help delivered is real. Because of its success, RHR is adding a second location and expanding its staff. Williams is excited to announce that Cathy Champ is joining the organization as clinical director. People interested in the organization can arrange private tours for a nominal cost and even host parties and special events. The organization is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, so donations are tax deductible.
March 2015 | LANTANA living | 25
Internet
Safety! A Bulletin from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
26 | LANTANA LIVING | March 2015
Lantana, Texas, April 7-9, 20-15 – The Texas Regional Office of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) will educate nearly 1500 elementary and middle school students and their parents in Lantana April 7 – 9, 2015 on how kids can stay safer online and in the real world. The kids’ presentations will focus on online safety risks and safety tips in the context of age-appropriate animated, interactive videos and presentations. The parent presentations — at E.P. Rayzor at 5:30pm on Wednesday,April 8 and at Blanton Elementary onThursday, April 9 at 8:30am —will cover online predators, risky online behavior, and cyberbullying and how to keep kids safer online. Several Denton County schools are also participating in the Texas Ride for Missing Children, a 100 kilometer bike ride through Denton County to raise awareness of the importance of child safety education to prevent child sexual exploitation. The Ride will stop at 4 schools in Flower Mound, Lewisville and Lantana to reinforce safety tips the kids have learned. www.ride.missingkids.com/dentontx
March 2015 | LANTANA living | 27
28 | LANTANA LIVING | March 2015
8 Spring Ways to Update Your Look for
By Paula Mock, Owner/Stylist, Mainstream Boutique
Local Style With spring almost here, it’s time to upgrade your look. Here are eight ways we recommend to do so. • Lightweight print scarves are a perfect way to compliment any outfit. • We are seeing a lot of pastel colors this season. Hats also are a huge trend right now and we love pairing them with anything and everything. • Florals are forever. They enhance any neutral top. • Elephants, elephants, elephants – we are seeing a huge trend in elephant accessories and what’s not to love about these beautiful creatures? • Aztec prints are everywhere right now. • Layering pieces is an absolute. Yes, less is more except when it comes to layering with a tank or lace tank extender. • Denim is not a dying item just moving to more of a stretch denim which is a perfect fit for most shapes and sizes. • The simplicity of stripes will forever be trendy.
Mainstream Boutique is here to help with all
your spring style needs. We are all about love, fun and fashion. Mainstream Boutique is an exciting retail clothing concept that sells some
of the fashion world’s most unique clothing, accessories and giftware at our retail stores, and a variety of direct sales venues such as corporate sponsored events.
The experience when you shop in our store is
what our customers love. They know when they walk into our stores, they will be welcomed with
excitement and passion. All of us at Mainstream love what we do and love coming to work each
day. The customer can feel this as our stylists help them look and feel beautiful. Everyone deserves
that special attention. I always say – it is all in the details.
Our clientele consists of all ages and all sizes
and always is on the lookout for something out
of the ordinary at affordable prices. We are savvy,
sales-oriented, and love working with people. We take extra care in making sure the details are delivered!
March 2015 | LANTANA living | 29
A Word from Dr. Matt . . .
Making a
Good First Impression By Dr. Matt Artho
Spring is in the air, and that means new beginnings and first impressions. We all know how a good first impression can blossom into long and lasting relationships. Why, one day you can simply smile at a girl and wake up 12 years later married to her with seven children. On the flip side, it can take months or even years to recover from a bad first impression. Of course, I don’t have any specific examples for that situation, however, I am familiar with a condition in my field that can absolutely spoil a first impression: bad breath. The technical term for bad breath is “halitosis.” Though the causes are many, they only can be treated when properly diagnosed. Let’s discuss a few of the causes: • Obvious causes of prolonged bad breath can be what you eat or don’t eat. Some foods are absorbed in the blood stream and their smell is expelled through your breath until they are processed. Crash dieting can cause bad breath when fat is broken down into a substance called ketones which produce a sweet or metallic smell. • The conditions in your mouth also can be a culprit of bad breath. An increase in oral bacteria causing bad breath is the result of factors like periodontal disease, poor tongue scraping, or dry mouth caused by medications or mouth breathing. • Systemic conditions can cause bad breath too. These include infections of the sinuses, lungs or kidneys. Conditions like acid reflux and diabetes also are known offenders. The simplest ways to avoid bad breath are utilizing the preventative routines of brushing, flossing, tongue scraping, and regular dental exams. Now you have another excuse to visit your dentist more often. Happy smiling! Dr. Matt is a practicing dentist and owner of Country Lakes Family Dental.
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Local Sponsored Content Advertisement The child must express this preference “in chambers” which is the judge’s office. Some judges will have the attorneys or the parties, the child and/or the guardian ad litem present, but it is not required. It is very rare a judge would have any parties to the case present for the interview. The court may or may not have the court reporter take down what is said in the interview with the child. The interview does not lessen the judge’s discrimination in determining what is in the child’s best interest. The fourth and final factor to modify an order is if the child has been voluntarily given up by the person with the primary care and possession of the child to another person, for at least six months. Court ordered visitation times with a child do not count towards the six months. For example, if a parent has a child for 30 days in the summer pursuant to a court order, and the other parent leaves the child in that parent’s care after the 30 days up to six months, the parent with the child still cannot file a modification because that parent cannot use the 30-day, courtordered summer possession towards the six months.
Family Law
Modifying
Family Court Orders
By Charla H. Bradshaw
Family court orders regarding a child may be changed if the right conditions are met. However, family court orders regarding a property settlement in a divorce generally cannot be changed, except to make them clear so the orders can be enforced.
custody; (G) the stability of the home or proposed placement; (H) the acts or omissions of the parent which may indicate that the existing parent-child relationship is not a proper one; and (I) any excuse for the acts or omissions of the parent.”
As a child grows older a family court order may need to be modified and to do this, a lawsuit must be filed. To modify a family court order, the court must first find that modifying the order is in the child’s best interest. The court also must find one or more of the following three things:
The Texas Supreme Court went on to say “This listing is by no means exhaustive, but does indicate a number of considerations which either have been or would appear to be pertinent.” This means the courts can and should consider anything relevant to determining a child’s best interest.
1) that there has been a material and substantial change in the circumstances of persons with rights to a child and/or a material and substantial change in the circumstances of the child;
The second factor to modify a previous court order is that that there has been a material and substantial change in the circumstances of a person with rights to a child, and/or a material and substantial change in the circumstances of the child. This burden is important so that no lawsuits are filed for no legitimate reason. For example, a person files a suit only because they do not like the previous order(s). There is no definition in the Texas Family Code for what constitutes a material and substantial change in circumstances, therefore it is analyzed on a case-by-case basis.
2) that the child is at least 12 years of age and has expressed to the court in chambers the name of the person who is the child’s preference to have the exclusive right to designate the primary residence of the child; or 3) that the person with the primary care and possession of the child has voluntarily relinquished the child to another person for at least six months. Let’s look at the first factor: what is the “best interest” of the child standard? This factor is necessary in the modification of any previous court order involving a child. The best interest of the child is vast and the Texas Supreme Court analyzed it in 1976 in the landmark case of Holley v. Adams. The Texas Supreme Court stated the following as to the best interest of a child: “An extended number of factors have been considered by the courts in ascertaining the best interest of the child. Included among these are the following: (A) the desires of the child; (B) the emotional and physical needs of the child now and in the future; (C) the emotional and physical danger to the child now and in the future; (D) the parental abilities of the individuals seeking custody; (E) the programs available to assist these individuals to promote the best interest of the child; (F) the plans for the child by these individuals or by the agency seeking
A common material and substantial change claim that is made is when agreements are made to do something different than the court order, and continue for an extended period of time. Often if the agreement(s) is/are terminated by one of the person’s with rights to a child, the other person will file a modification suit to memorialize the agreement in a new order. It should be noted however, that any person with rights to a child who desires to change a previous court order should remain in compliance with the court’s order. For example, paying child support timely, etc. The third factor to modify an order only applies when a child is age 12 or older. It is a misnomer that a minor child (of any age) can decide with whom they will live. A child age 12 or older can express a preference with whom they want to live, but a minor child cannot. The reason is because the court, and not the child, must decide what is in the child’s best interest.
It should be noted that agreements may be made regarding children that are set out in court orders, however these agreements are not exactly court orders. They are contracts between persons with rights to a child. Contracts only can be modified by agreement and not by a court. For example, two parents often make contractual agreements for the payment of college, private school, extracurricular activities, etc. but these agreements cannot be modified by a court. These agreements can only be modified by the persons who made the contract. Often persons with rights to a child will make an agreement(s) regarding the child which are not in the court order(s). Unfortunately, whether the agreement is in writing or not, the court cannot enforce the agreement. Only agreements that are in an actual court order can be enforced by a court. To obtain a court order, a lawsuit must be filed. Although agreements regarding children are encouraged, they are not enforceable by the court. If persons with rights to a child reach an agreement(s) that is/are different than the previous court order(s), they should each hire a family law attorney to file a lawsuit to modify the previous court order(s). Any person with rights to a child contemplating a modification of a prior order should seek legal advice. They also should be aware that the other person(s) with rights to the child in turn may ask for the prior orders to be modified. Collaborative law may be utilized in modification suits. There are many people besides parents who may have courtordered rights to children, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles etc., and they all must be mindful to make decisions based on the child’s best interest. I think the following quote is powerful and can apply to anyone who has rights to a child: “The best security blanket a child can have is parents who respect each other.” Jane Blaustone
320 Eagle Drive Denton TX (940)442-6677 Koonsfuller.com March 2015 | LANTANA living | 33
Gardening
Finally. . . Spring is Around the Corner
By PJ Kratohvil, Complete Exterior Solutions, 214.735.1364
Believe it or not, spring soon will be upon us and everything will be coming back to life. We definitely have had our fair share of crazy weather throughout the Argyle-Lantana area this year and I’m looking forward to things warming back up and getting back out by the pool. We’re going to focus this article on some information that will be helpful as you prepare your outdoor spaces. Q: With all the freezing temperatures and ice we’ve had in the last month what do I need to do to make sure my irrigation system is ready for action? A: If you did not winterize your sprinkler system before the weather started to get cold simply cutting the system on and inspecting all lines, heads and valves is a great place to start to ensure you don’t have any breakdowns within the system itself. One very common issue as you go through the sprinkler might be that a zone doesn’t come on. Another is heads pop up but might not spray out any water or you find water pumping out of the ground. All of these are pretty common and typically not too hard to fix if you have the right knowledge and equipment. If not, you’re better off calling an irrigation professional to ensure it’s done correctly and you have the most efficient system possible moving into this growing season. Q: What type of fertilizer should I use on my lawn and how often should it be applied?
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A: Turf fertilizer with 50-80 percent slow-release nitrogen every six to eight weeks depending on soil type and watering regiment is best for the majority of area lawns. Q: Should we scalp our yard this year? Does it really do that much for the overall health of the grass? A: We do support scalping in a majority of cases. Getting the lawn cut all the way back allows for more oxygen and sunlight to get to the soil resulting in quicker growth response and greener lawn space earlier in the year which is a great benefit for the overall health and aesthetics of your lawn. In some cases simply detaching and/or aerating turf space will go a long way. Quick Spring Checklist 1. .Ensure a good pre-emergent was put down and you have a chemical plan in place for this season. Grass will be turning very soon and if you haven’t taken the necessary steps to protect your lawn from weeds, fungus, etc. you could be left scrambling trying to throw some last-minute solutions together. As we get closer to the growing season and even into the first month or so directly treating the majority of your broadleaf weeds with a liquid spray treatment definitely is the best way to go to reap the fastest results. The more aggressive you can be early in the season the better. 2. Make sure your bed spaces have been trimmed, perennials cut back and any old annuals pulled.
3. It’s a good idea to already have your two or three inches of mulch down throughout your bed spaces as this will help reduce weeds and increase moisture retention throughout the summer months. (It is a good idea about every other season to remove ALL your old mulch, cultivate and feed the soil before you add new). As we all know there are many things that need to be done this time of year to ensure the success of our lawn and bed spaces. Being able to sit back and enjoy the season surrounded by a well-manicured lawn and landscape IS NOT too hard to accomplish. You just need to have a plan in place to ensure everything is done. Remember as you’re diving into your own spring checklist if you come up with any questions don’t hesitate to send them in so we can reply back next month. Yard of the Month We will be doing the yard of the month again this season so please send your nominations so we can add them up. Complete Exterior Solutions will be awarding a variety of giveaways to the winners this year! Contact us at admin@cexteriors.com.
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d e t n u a d n U By Steve
Gamel
s to e u n i nt le i Co h r w asto The Box rd P l a Loc Outside ’s Wo d o k G Thin eaching Pr Chris Schoolcraft is at it again. Just when it appears this local pastor has run out of ideas, he fearlessly steps out from an airport hangar decked out in an aviator jumpsuit, Ray-Ban sunglasses and a bomber jacket. Not to worry. Schoolcraft won’t be doing any skydiving on this day -- or any day, he says -- nor is he trying to reenact a movie scene as if he was Maverick from Top Gun. He did, however, joke that the thought of getting him several thousand feet in the air for a wild stunt may have been intriguing for some of his staff members at Argyle United Methodist Church.
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“This is the sort of stuff my staff does to me. Seriously,” Schoolcraft laughed. Either way, the idea of having Schoolcraft step out of his comfort zone as a dashing flyboy -- even if for a photo shoot -- is a great metaphor for his latest sermon series called Undaunted: Embracing God’s Dream. According to Schoolcraft, Undaunted brings forth the idea of facing deeper issues in our lives head on -- without fear -- so that we can get to the bigger questions that need to be answered. The sermon, which he plans to run for seven weeks beginning on April 19, is meant to both guide and challenge us to look beyond the typical goals we have set for ourselves and our family and learn how to be courageous enough to seek out ways to make a difference in things that are transcendent. “A lot of the feedback I’m getting is, ‘OK Pastor, what’s next? After the next tournament for my kid, after the next promotion or the next house we buy, what’s next? What can we do that has meaning?’ I feel like if we are going to be a church, we need to deal with the longing for significance people are searching for,” Schoolcraft said. That’s where the idea of the hangar and jumpsuit photo shoot came into play. Schoolcraft isn’t suggesting that we all prove our fearlessness by jumping out of a plane. What he’s trying to say is much deeper; let’s open ourselves up, let go, recognize there is a bigger picture, and don’t be afraid to seek it out. “Sports and school are important, but we know that they are not everything. How do we make our faith an integral part of those and other areas
of our lives? For others, when school, sports or cheer are over, the questions are have we raised motivated, compassionate and grounded kids? How can we teach our kids to make a difference in the world and our community?” Schoolcraft said. “We want to walk people through those questions and hopefully give them enough tools for them to say, ‘This is what I want our family to spend the next chapter of our life doing.’” This is not the type of sermon that can lay out answers to life’s questions in an easy seven-step format, Schoolcraft warned. There are some who might come to church hoping for quick answers to a more fulfilling life, but life is far from easy and the answers one family seeks will likely be drastically different from their neighbor. What Schoolcraft wants to do is walk alongside his congregation, spur healthy conversation and soul-searching within the community, and through those actions, slowly begin asking the right questions. It’s all part of a bigger plan to constantly keep his congregation, and the community, engaged. Since joining the church in July 2013, Schoolcraft and his staff have instituted several out-of-the-box ideas to help Argyle United Methodist Church become more than just a place to worship. Some of their ideas include Worship Without Walls, a continuing project where, instead of a holding regular services, members go into the community to visit nursing homes, beautify neighborhoods or bring food to malnourished children. It can include various other goodwill projects and simple, yet effective, random acts of kindness.
The church also kick-started a financial-strategy campaign called Revolution. It is based on the teachings of financial expert Dave Ramsey and is designed to educate both members of the church and the community at large on ways to make better financial choices. “I think most of the time when people come to church, they want the seven answers to a fulfilling life. They are drawn toward easy, cookie cutter solutions because there is so much information. The world is so overwhelming that it’s like drinking from a water hose,” Schoolcraft said. “What they long for, though, is help in understanding answers to deeper questions. We want to help them navigate that path.” He added, “People don’t want to just attend church, they want to be engaged. I’m not as much concerned about crowds on Sundays, I just want people to feel like if they want to get involved, they will make a difference. Their time will make a difference and their resources will make a difference.” It’s all in a life’s work. And for those curious, this Pastor is never short on ideas -- unless it involves jumping from a plane. “I will not jump from a plane,” Schoolcraft said. “They (staff ) wanted me too, but I said no. If I do it, we do it as a staff.” Anyone wanting to help or needs more information on any of the programs at Argyle United Methodist Church can call the parish office at 940-464-1333 or visit them online at ArgyleUMC.org
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
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Believe It:
Counseling Corner
Teenagers Really Want Time With Families By
Jill Adams Marcus High School Counselor
As a counselor for the past nine years, I have sat in my office with countless students talking about their families and family life. And guess what?! Teens actually LIKE spending time with their families. Teens WANT to spend time with their families. That’s right parents, you may not be cool anymore, but your kids still want to hang out with you! When our kids are little, they follow us around everywhere, basking in the attention we give them and begging us to spend time with them and play with them. As the activities of older kids and the attitudes of tweens seem to take over, we spend less time as a family and convince ourselves that our teenagers don’t want to be around us anymore. I’ve found time and again that this is just not true. So many teenagers wish there were still board games around the kitchen table or movie nights on the couch.
It is easy to get caught up in the hustle of balancing activities and obligations without scheduling family fun time. In fact, it sometimes slips away without us even realizing it and we can’t remember the last time there was a family movie night or even a night
everyone sat down at the dinner table together. You may think that your child’s single-word responses mean they don’t want you around, but it’s the opposite. Our kids want the opening to talk about their lives and we can set the tone for this by being present. Our kids want to know how we weigh in on things going on with their friends and in the world. Our kids want to know that we are there for them as they face decisions in their daily lives. This all starts with good old-fashioned hang-out time. Start small, make it a priority and before you know it, you’ll be back to laughing around the kitchen table and enjoying your kids. They want it and they need it and it will be one of the best investments you could make! TIP: Family Fun Jar. Each family member gets
2-3 slips of paper and writes what would be a fun activity. It could be going to get ice cream, board games, a bike ride, or anything else that seems fun. On family night, draw a slip of paper and go with it. Everyone gets his or her version of fun and it’s easy bonding time!
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Argyle Living Launch Party at PointBank in Argyle on May 5th
PointBank presented a donation to Ranch Hand Rescue
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Your Community . . . Your Lantana
Kevin Mercer General Manager
For information on the latest community updates please visit lantanatx.org.
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Upscale Home
Add Weight to Your Home Decor and a
Beautiful Focal Point A sculpture may seem like an unusual topic for decorating the inside of your home since we most often think of statues as dramatic decorative items located outdoors or in commercial buildings and museums. Sculptures can add a unique and memorable touch to your home. Depending on your space, which will determine the size of the piece, it could be placed on the floor or a table, on a shelf or even be mounted on a wall. There are so many options in material, including bronze, metal, marble and other stones, glass, wood and more. Large plates, especially hammered silver and gold metal and wired spheres mounted on a wall, also can be considered sculpture. The subject of your sculpture can be lifelike or abstract. Today, many homeowners are adding statues of Buddhas, animals, birds and classic human busts to their décor. And, in the abstract realm, almost any design is possible. Some people even like statuary that adds humor
or whimsy to the home. I usually prefer for a piece to have a story, like mounting an old buoy that washed up on the shore once when we were out of the county during a hurricane or a specific piece of glass or stone that was found on a trip with friends. It all depends on what pleases you. Wherever you put your sculpture, make sure it’s in a place where it stands out against the surrounding color and design elements. Otherwise it will “disappear” and not make an impact. The base can be important too – to steady a sculpture, bring it to the right height and add drama. Introduce a unique design element to your home with a piece of sculpture. Storage also is a challenge, especially since we Americans like to accumulate “stuff.” And almost nothing detracts more from a beautiful interior design plan than lots of clutter and chaos. A great solution – and one that can add beauty and a focal point to your home – is built-ins, including cabinets, shelving, seating and more.
Built-ins are appropriate for almost any room in the house .They also can be used to separate areas of a large room or fill an awkward space in a corner or below the stairs. Think outside the box when planning built-ins for almost any room in your home: • To serve as display space around the fireplace. • For seating as a built-in banquette in the kitchen. • To display treasures and books along a wide hallway. • To hold audio and video equipment as your entertainment center. • To create a hidden desk inside a closet. • For storage at the bedside or even under the bed. • To put away dishes, glasses, serving ware and linens in the dining room. • As a casual place to chat or read with a window seat. Consider adding built-ins to your home to maximize space and/or eliminate clutter. Visit us about wonderful update ideas for your current built ins. The results are amazing!
Paula Kratohvil, Owner Complete Interior Solutions 972-436-9083
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Guyer Boys Basketball Team
Has Eyes on
the Future By Steve Gamel
The Guyer boys basketball team saw its winningest season yet come to an abrupt end earlier this month, but that doesn’t mean the Wildcats aren’t built for future success. Head coach Grant Long has turned this once-fledgling program into a playoff power on the cusp of taking another giant step forward. Despite its 79-52 loss to fourthranked Cedar Hill on March 2 in a Class 6A Region I area round game, Guyer won a program-best 25 games while nabbing a share of the District 5-6A title and its first playoff appearance in the state’s largest classification. “There were so many positives, the first being that we were able to face so many injuries and still battle back to put together the season we did,”
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Long said. “That’s what I’m proud of the most. We had three winning seasons, and we dealt with adversity in all of them.” Guyer (25-11 this year) is 67-29 over the last three seasons with three straight playoff appearances. Prior to that, the program had one playoff appearance (2009) to its credit. The year before Long took over (2012), the team finished 12-18 overall with a 4-10 finish in district. In the Wildcats two seasons in Class 5A (2011 and 2012), they won six district games. What made this string of playoff appearances unique was Guyer’s ability to overcome injuries. As good as they were, the Wildcats rarely played with their intended starting lineup. Things were supposed to be different this year, but senior Mitchell Willard never saw the court because of nagging injuries. Early in the regular season, defensive stalwart Kason Kilgore was lost for the season. Those injuries did little to derail the team. Guyer won 10 of its first 11 district games. That included a sweep of longtime rival Denton Ryan and big wins over Keller and Trophy Club Nelson. Even after losing their last two district games, the Wildcats rebounded with a 49-46 win over Marcus in the first round of the playoffs. Zach Garza, one of several key players returning for next year, scored 29 in that game while Jake Roberts added 10. It was just enough to offset Marcus, which had three players reach double figures. Against Cedar Hill, Guyer got
18 points from Naval Academy pledge Sean Choate, but fell short of moving on. “We ran into a bit of a buzz saw in that game, but we are going to continue to build on what we’ve done up to this point,” Long said. “We’ve got younger kids sitting in the stands watching these playoff runs, and they want to be a part of that. “A day after the loss, I had kids in the gym right away willing to work. I’m sad to see our seniors go, but I’m so proud of what they’ve helped build.”
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Snow
Day in lantana! Readers Sent in Their Snow Day Photos!
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Local Sponsored Content Advertisement
Frequently Asked Questions About
Children’s Food
Allergies
By Rebecca D, Butler, M.D., FAAP
In the daily practice of pediatrics, a very large parental concern is food allergies. I feel that diagnosing and managing food allergies are two very misunderstood processes. I see too many children on elimination and restrictive diets based on the latest fad and have legitimate concerns for the nutritional health of children who do not get a well-balanced diet. It is important to understand a true food allergy and only eliminate the foods that threaten that allergy. How do I know if my child has a food allergy?
Both blood and skin tests can help identify the severity of a reaction or a specific component of a food that may trigger a reaction. Skin testing is a method in which a small amount of a food extract is placed on the child’s back or arm and the reaction is observed and measured. Blood testing also may help identify potential food allergies, but in many cases, a food-specific positive blood test needs to be verified with a skin test or oral challenge.
What are the treatment options?
Allergy action plans are utilized to teach each family about the food allergy and the medications to use in the event of a reaction. Newer treatments are being explored. One of these treatments includes food desensitization, a process by which a child’s immune system is made less reactive to a food by introducing very small amounts of it in a controlled setting over a period of weeks, months or years. The goal is to decrease the likelihood of a severe allergic reaction after an accidental ingestion of the food in question. When should I introduce foods to my baby? Complementary foods (in addition to formula and breast milk) such as rice or oat cereal, vegetables, fruits, and age appropriate meats may be introduced between ages 4 to 6 months. Highlyallergic foods, such as cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish, may be
introduced after a few complementary foods are tolerated. Whole cow’s milk as the infant’s main drink should be avoided until age 1. Whole nuts carry aspiration risk so they should be avoided until your child’s physician feels they are safe. New foods should be given at home and one new food should be introduced every 3-5 days to monitor for any allergic reaction. Local skin reactions, including a red rash or hives around the mouth due to irritation from the acid of some fruits and vegetables are not considered a food allergy, so delayed introduction of these foods is not recommended. When should my child see the allergist? When your child has poorly controlled and recurrent atopic skin rashes (i.e. eczema) or a reliable history of an immediate allergic reaction to a certain food, then referral to an allergist is warranted. It is important not to restrict your child’s diet unnecessarily. Well-rounded diets are very important in health, growth, and development. 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 Dr. Butler or to schedule an appointment, call 940-455-7200.
Rebecca D. Butler, M.D., FAAP OFF IC
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74 McMakin Road Suite 100 Bartonville, TX 76226 www.LanatanaPediatrics.com
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Fitness Tips
Make It a
“Stay-Fit Vacation” By Chani Overstreet, Owner of Strada Fitness
Another spring break has come and gone. Hopefully you had time to do something fun either away from home or through a “stay-cation…” Six Flags, the water park or one of the area lakes. Whenever you take a trip, there’s no need to get off-track on your fitness goals when you hit the road with your family. I’ve put together a few simple “on the road” snack ideas, along with a couple of “do-anywhere” workouts. Sure, it’s a time to relax, have fun and make lifetime memories; but it’s not an excuse to turn into a couch potato. Why not get everything you want out of your vacation and still lose weight, add a little muscle or just maintain your healthy lifestyle? All it takes is a little planning. First things first: Drink water. While you’re on the road, keep the water flowing, especially if you have notched up your caffeine intake to fend off drowsiness. Sure, you’ll have to make more pit stops along the way; but your body will reward
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you with more eye-popping energy. When it comes to eating on the road, my best advice is to pre-pack your food. I shouldn’t have to tell you that the roadside truck stop is not your friend. Fatty, over-processed and packaged foods will sabotage your fitness goals, while making you crabby and tired. Snacks for flying should likewise be planned ahead of time. Okay, you’ve arrived. It’s time to squeeze in your workouts. All you need is some cardio and a few dumbbells. If you aren’t near a gym, just head outdoors. Nothing feels better than exercising while you’re on vacation. You’ll feel like you’re accomplishing something, because you are! Get at least 30 minutes of cardio most of the days you’re away from home. Walk, swim, surf, hike, bike…you get the picture. It doesn’t have to be a treadmill. Make it fun, something you and your family look forward to doing, and it won’t even feel like exercise. Now, mix in a basic workout like the one below occasionally, and you’ll really be doing it right.
Keep it simple with 12 of each of the following exercises: walking lunges, squat presses, bicep curls, dumbbell rows, and triceps dips. Finish with as many push-ups as possible. Do this as a circuit, meaning one exercise after another. Complete the circuit up to four times. As you become more comfortable with the movements, and are ready to step it up a notch, add some light- to medium-weighted dumbbells; or add an extra circuit or two. The bottom line is this: Vacations and maintaining your healthy lifestyle goals really do go hand-in-hand. Stick to these simple tips, and you’ll return home sun-kissed, refreshed and, just maybe, a little tighter, healthier and fitter. Chani Overstreet is an NASM Certified Personal Trainer and owner of Strada Fitness. Strada is a state-of-the-art fitness studio located at 3041 Churchill Drive, Suite 100, in Flower Mound, across from Lifetime Fitness. Call 972-330-4300 or visit StradaFitness.com for more information.
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Empowering Wounded Warriors, One Home at a Time By Kathryn Flores
Local residents come out to pay tribute to Johnnie Yellock II, photography by Robert Payne
in manufacturing engineering from Tarleton State University, he chose to enlist in the Air Force as a combat controller in 2007.
Yellock succeeded in many roles while serving
our country. He is a trained static-line and free-fall jumper, U.S. Army-qualified scuba diver and certified air traffic controller. His first deployment
in 2010 was in Afghanistan where he lost two of
his best friends, Mark Forester and Danny Sanchez, just 13 days apart. Soon thereafter, he returned
to Texas and later redeployed in 2011 to support Special Forces in Village Stability Operations.
On July 6, 2011, Yellock’s crew set out for
another “normal” day. Three hours into his convoy, he sustained life-threatening injuries to both legs
when an improvised explosive device detonated
beneath his vehicle. Ironically, he specifically
Growing up, most of us had dreams; dreams of that perfect soul mate, the magical wedding and starting a family. For retired Air Force Staff Sergeant Johnnie
Yellock II, his dream to serve his country with honor and pride was “in the blood.” Both his
mother and father enlisted, traveled the world and retired from the Air Force. He grew up primarily
in Texas and always has been a motivated and
driven person. After earning his Bachelor’s degree
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recalls chatting with a friend the day prior, saying, “there are lots of IEDs out there, hope I don’t get blown up.” Though
severely
injured,
Yellock
applied
tourniquets to his own legs while providing helicopter landing zone guidance to MEDEVAC
himself and his injured interpreter. Since then
he’s undergone 30 surgeries, but also has received
military declarations including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Combat Action Medal for his actions nearly four years ago.
Medically retired from active duty on Nov. 27, 2013, Yellock now serves as the veteran liaison for Helping a Hero, a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2006 to assist Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom veterans. The organization is dedicated to building specially-adapted homes for severely-wounded military warriors. On Feb. 19, Helping a Hero honored Yellock with a groundbreaking ceremony recognizing his sacrifice and service to our nation. Hundreds of Lantana residents came out to shower him and his family with the support that comes naturally to this close-knit community. American flags lining his lot waved while the emotional crowd listened intently to Yellock, fellow warriors and colleagues from Helping a Hero.org. Co-chair Meredith Iler and her team have spearheaded fund-raising initiatives resulting in more than 100 homes in 22 states. It is common for all wounded warriors to forever celebrate their “Alive Day” on the date of their injury. July 6, 2015 will mark four years since combat injuries nearly took Yellock’s life. Helping a Hero.org, alongside Highland Homes, plans to host his “Welcome Home Key Ceremony” on this very special 4th Alive Day when Sergeant Yellock and his service dog, Argos, will move into their beautifully- adapted Highland Home
in the Bandera subdivision. In the meantime, he
remains ever driven, and champions the Mark
Forester Foundation (markaforester.com) which
awards at least one college scholarship annually to the deserving student(s) who exhibit the same
character traits and patriotism that were the basis of Forester’s life.
Yellock looks forward to living in the community
of young families. He loves kids and is excited about
opportunities to speak and mentor the children here, in our area, on service and serving others near and far.
What an amazing experience just to be around
the Yellock family. Their love for country, each other, the organization and their new neighbors is nothing shy of infectious.
Lantana resident and Yellock’s future neighbor
Becky McKown may have put it best when talking
about the small community. “It often feels more
like a small town rather than a large subdivision,” she said. “I love living here and having this, along with many other opportunities, to show my three
boys (Seth, Brock and Tate) how truly blessed they are to live not only in a great town but also an incredible country.”
The McKown family and all of Lantana are
looking forward to getting to know Johnnie Yellock II better and welcoming him home in July.
March 2015 | LANTANA living | 53
Gracefully
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AGING
By Steve Gamel with Rebecca Romanucci,RN, Owner/Manager of RSR Medical
RSR Medical Looks Out For Its Clients And Its Community For Rebecca Romanucci, when attempting to age gracefully, less is definitely more. Rebecca started RSR Medical Skin Rejuvenation, LLC six years ago with the belief that a conservative approach to skincare rejuvenation is not only the safest way to treat people, but it is also what people want.
A Two-Time Best Of Denton County Winner When asked what Rebecca believes makes RSR Medical different, she responded, “We believe in aging… gracefully; slowing down the negative effects of the aging process,” Romanucci said. “As we age, we carry with us the results of every smile and fun under the sun event. We wear these like badges: lines, crinkles and wrinkles. But, we also lose volume, and thanks to gravity, our face
Holly Hedrick,
Make-up Artist, Holly.Hedrick9@gmail.com
Tracey Petter, ISSA
Certified Fitness Trainer works with Rebecca
starts to sink and then sag, (jowls) and those are not badges we carry proudly. We at RSR Medical focus on slowing down the negative effects of aging.”
Bottom Line: Beauty As God Created Us RSR specializes in advanced techniques and procedures of medical aesthetics, including Botox/ Dysport, dermal fillers, IPL/laser, the Skin Pen, and Obagi prescriptive skin care. RSR Medical has also been recognized by Obagi as one of the National, top 50 skincare providers at the National 2012 Obagi Medical Leadership Summit. RSR Medical is a recipient of the triple diamond level Obagi award. With that comes an added level of responsibility. Rebecca admits that RSR isn’t for everyone. “We focus on enhancing, and not altering, a person into someone they never were created to be, and one size does not fit 54 | LANTANA LIVING | March 2015
in high demand, and travels the country to teach other nurses and doctors, the proper way to assess and treat patients. “We reach a point where we finally accept reality; there are no shortcuts to being healthy or to beauty. Shortcuts lead to short results, like crash diets. Eating responsibly, exercise and reducing stress all contribute to not only a healthy body, but also healthy skin.
Commitment To Community “I’m humbled by it all,” Rebecca said. “We are all so grateful for the nominations, and votes. Six years ago, we began with caring for a few people here and there. Their friends recognized the difference, and came to see us too. It just kept growing. I believe people were looking for the right fit, the place they could trust to have an RN listen, treat conservatively, and have people wonder if you have had a facial, or changed your hair style, and not that you have drastically altered your appearance.”
A Champion For The Community
all.” Rebecca explains, “When someone brings in a photo of a movie star or model, and asks for lips or cheeks like them, we remind them that they were not born with Angelina Jolie’s lips, or Michelle Pfeiffers’ cheek bones, and that they are beautiful -- as God created them. If you weren’t born with voluminous lips you may want to ask yourself what the outcome would be if you added too much volume, more than they were designed to hold,” Romanucci said. “We have all seen the results of those who have gone to places who WILL over-inject their lips (duck lips), or cheeks, resulting in a distorted appearance. Or be treated with Botox/Dysport to ‘freeze’ their face, resulting in the inability to make any expressions at all. At RSR, we feel that weakening specific facial
Rebecca Romanucci, RN, Advanced Trained, Registered Nurse Injector and Trainer
Michelle Shepard, RN, BSN Aesthetic Registered, Nurse Injector
muscles, and avoiding others, provides both a reduction of lines and wrinkles, as well as the ability to continue to make expressions.”
Registered Nurses: Key Difference To Consider
To contact Rebecca at:
Perhaps the most important consideration for any aesthetic injectable treatment is the expertise of the person doing the injection. All procedures and services at RSR are performed by Registered Nurses, licensed by the Texas Board of Nursing, -- all of whom have completed advanced training and certifications under the supervision and guidance of their medical director, a surgeon who is actively practicing, and certified by the American Board of Surgery. Rebecca, is
Ruthanna Wilde, RN, BSN Aesthetic Registered, Nurse Injector
Tracy Sack, RN, BSN Aesthetic Registered, Nurse Injector
At the end of the day, Rebecca is simply an extremely genuine person who lives for God, recognizing that “we all have a responsibility to act, where we are able to make a positive impact.” The growth of RSR Medical has provided me with the opportunity to give back.” She is on the advisory board of Public Affairs and Community Service, at UNT, and also passionate about serving the needs of our country’s Veterans. Rebecca is a familiar face at her children’s school, where she volunteers at least once each week, and is also her daughters’ volleyball coach.
www.RSRmedical.com
email: Rebecca@RSRmedical.com
972-978-9475 Denton | Highland Village | SouthLake
Lindsay Frazier Licensed Esthetician
Tish O’Brien, Master Technician & Certified Instructor of Interdermal Cosmetics
Robin Blair Licensed Cosmetologist iLash Love, Lash Extensions, 214.693.5520
March 2015 | LANTANA living | 55
56 | LANTANA LIVING | March 2015
ines
u
See Yo
Sidel On The
ns e p p a H t a Wh When. . . ? amel
By Steve G
In the back of my mind, I’ve always wondered what will happen when my boys are old enough to play high school sports, and how often I’ll be able to watch them.
As much as we try as parents to be there for our kids’ after-school activities, sometimes work gets in the way. It’s not the most ideal thing to deal with, but it happens. You’d think since I’m a sports writer I’d never have to deal with any of that, but I don’t have as much control over my schedule as you may think. My job takes me all over the Metroplex. Just last month, I was in Trophy Club covering a playoff basketball game on a Tuesday. Three days later, I was in Pilot Point. I remember last year covering a best-of-three baseball series between Ponder and Grandview in Saginaw. And don’t get me started on the football season. I’m everywhere.
My family knows that during the school year, I’m covering games every Tuesday and Friday without fail. Someday my boys may be playing under those same lights, and I know I can’t be in two places at the same time. So the question becomes, will I be at the same game? Furthermore, will I be able to handle it if I’m not? Honestly, I’m not sure if I can handle the possibility of missing the majority of their games. I have a hard enough time missing the occasional Little League game – my boys are ages 7 and 3, respectively. I, too, grew up playing sports and the one thing I could always count on was my dad. He coached most of my Little League teams, and when I transitioned to football in high school, he was always there in the stands cheering me on. Looking back, I don’t recall him missing a single game. My dad is the reason I fell in love with sports to begin with, and I want to share those same moments with my boys. Just like my dad did for me, I want to be able to talk to my boys on the car ride home, to get the inside scoop without having to report about it in the paper afterward. I’m not writing this in hopes of coming up with the be-all answer right away. Again, my boys are still young so it’s not like this is a pressing issue that I have to deal with tomorrow. For my oldest, though, seven years has flown by and this has been weighing on me ever since I first put a baseball glove on his little hand. A million scenarios have rolled through my mind, but I’m sure the answers will present themselves as time moves along. I love what I do for a living; that will never change. I also love being a dad...that, too, will never change. Surely there is a press box out there that will allow me the chance to do both. Until next time, I’ll see you on the sidelines.
March 2015 | LANTANA living | 57
58 | LANTANA LIVING | March 2015
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