november 2015
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Contents
Featured Stories and News
Semester Exams December 14th-18th
32
Winter Break December 21st January 4th Break in Bethlehem December 5th at the United Methodist Church at 8 a.m.
Argyleumc.org/bnb
The Shops at Highland Village Visits with Santa Daily through December 24th in Santa’s Treehouse at the New Central Park
Want to feature your school’s or organization’s event? Contact us at artwork@murray-media.com 6 | LANTANA LIVING | NOVEMBER 2015
Pg 32 On the Cover Starting from left: Brittany, Dr. Brett, Livia, Lisa, Rex and Dr. Steven Titensor
Photos from Lantana
53 60
Blanton Elementary
35 38 42 50 51 56
Threads of Kindness Lantana Pediatrics Harpool Middle School Andrew Marr
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12 14 15 16 18 24 30
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Thanksgiving Break November 23rd-27th
LANT AN
Lantana Community Events
Table of
2015 R E C
IPI
The Well Salon Sage Get Your Read On
Titensor Dental S2S Groundbreaking Blanton Provides Comfort You Are Our Heroes Coaching Corner Walk to School Day Holiday Cocktail
Halloween
Every Issue 07 08 11 26 28 29 41 47 49 52 55
From Your Editor Inside Education Inside Community Real Estate The Chamber Connection The Sidelines Gardening Dr. Matt Rejuvenation Style Upscale Home
Gratitude Black is the new
“A
A Message from The Community Editor
s we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” - John F. Kennedy Gratitude can be defined as “thankfulness, counting your blessings, noticing simple pleasures, and acknowledging everything that you receive.” To me, it means learning to live my life as if everything were a miracle, being present and aware of how much you’ve been given. Gratitude shifts your focus from what your life lacks to the abundance that already is present and slow us down and bring us centered. During this season of giving thanks, I invite you to pause and look beyond the surface for blessings. Hearing the sound of a baby coo, the infectious laughter of a child, a rainbow after a storm, a stranger holding open the door are all easy to appreciate and show grace. Life throws every single person some sort of crazy storm. It’s easy to complain about the rain when you’re walking through life without an umbrella. You can either walk in the rain angry or dance all the way home laughing. The biggest gifts in life are the ones we often overlook…the ability to hear my children laugh, the arms to hold them when they’re sick, the legs to jump in excitement for their successes, the
eyes to watch them say their prayers. For these, my heart is grateful beyond words on a page! However, when it’s not as obvious or we are incapable to see the blessings, we often miss the life lessons entirely. These include the ability to love and be loved, the willingness to forgive, the courage to get back up when life delivers a blow that knocks us off our feet and holding onto hope and faith when faced with the inability to see possibilities beyond imminent circumstances. These are the blessings that show a deeper connection to the soul and are the foundation of living a life of purpose and finding beauty in the dark. Remember, resentment kills the heart that harbors it, so do your part…forgive, then trust and believe in the rest. Gratitude is the new black around here! It’s cheap to own and free to give and best of all, will never go out of fashion! So please join me in showing your appreciation for our servicemen and women in celebration of Veterans Day and also individually through your continued acts of kindness and thoughtfulness to each other.
Kathryn Flores, Community Relations, Marketing and Advertising Manager Argyle Living & Lantana Living Kathryn@murray-media.com 214-734-5783
LantanaLiving.com
Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray Administration Managing Editor Jana Melton
Sub-Editor Bobbi Byrne
Contributors Eric Williams Mark Miller Steve Gamel
Advertising
Kathryn Flores kathryn@murray-media.com Kelly Murray kelly@murray-media.com
Production Graphic Designers Liz Wallace Stephanie Hansen Whitney Hill Josh Burkham Caroline Brock
Photography
Scott Young (972) 899-3536 ScottYoungPhoto.com Chris Ziober (817) 980-1653 LifeDigs.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 (214) 734-5783 or email kathryn@murray-media.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
NOVEMBER 2015 | LANTANA living | 7
Harpool Hosting Musical Legally Blonde Jr. On Nov. 20-21 The last chances to see Harpool Middle School’s
presentation its “Legally Blonde Jr.” musical will be Nov. 20 an d 21 in the Harpool Cafetorium
Performances will begin at 7 p.m. each day and
Orchestra, making him the first Guyer cellist to
6-foot 4-inch 258-pound Byrne who played with
All students are directed by Michelle Hanlon
City Chiefs, and New Orleans Saints in 2012 and
qualify. Alex studies privately with Carol Harlos. and Jeremy Atkins.
be $5 per person.
“Legally Blonde Jr.” is based on the novel and
Hollywood movie of the same name. It follows sorority girl Elle Woods as she enrolls in a prestigious
law school to try to rekindle a relationship with her ex-boyfriend. The family-friendly show is Harpool’s
2013, has had Type 1 diabetes since age 14.
The former University of Wisconsin tight
Coats for Kids Ride Accepting Donations For Event
will run between 60 and 70 minutes. Admission will
the San Diego Chargers, Houston Texans, Kansas
end spoke on his experiences plus his first book “Never Give Up on Your Dreams” during his initial
speaking engagement. The student who raised the
The Denton County area’s annual Coats for Kids
Ride to benefit area children will take place Nov. 29
at 2 p.m. from the Cycle Center of Denton at 521 Acme St. to American Eagle Harley-Davidson in Corinth at 5920 S. Interstate 35E. Those interested can register for the event at coatsforkidsride.com.
most money in the walk received an autographed copy of Byrne’s book.
Guyer Silverados Host Adkins Students Twice Students from Adkins Elementary School had
People who can’t attend the ride or simply
two chances to visit with and watch the Guyer
Cycle Center of Denton, American Eagle Harley-
The Silverados, many of whom attended
High School Silverado dance team.
first musical of the school year.
want to donate new coats can do so in advance at
Harpool theatre director, by phone at 940-369-
Davidson or Sawko & Burroughs at 1172 Bent
Lantana schools, welcomed the aviators to the
Coats for Kids annually accepts donations of
which was Halloween, the group put on a
For more information, contact Erin Turek,
1787 or via email at eturek@dentonisd.org.
Oaks Drive in Denton.
Record Five Guyer Students Named to All-State Orchestra
coats for children ages 5 to 18 to be distributed to
Five Guyer High School students were among
six from the Denton Independent School District to be selected to the Texas All State Orchestras
this year.
Guyer’s five selections was a school record and
the first time a DISD school had so many make
All-State Orchestra since 1991. Only once before had more than five done so in 1984 when there were seven.
Earning spots from Guyer were junior violinist
Abhishek Shah in the Philharmonic Orchestra in his first time making state. Senior violinist Inki Lee also earned a spot in the Philharmonic Orchestra in
his third attempt, a record for the Guyer Orchestra
program. Inki studies privately with Jung Yun Kim. Senior Double Bassist Ian Grems, ranking 19th
in the state, made the Philharmonic Orchestra
and Freshman Double Bassist Ethan Nguyen made the String Orchestra and was the highest-
ranking freshman bassist in the state. He has studied privately with Jeremy Atkins. Ethan studies privately with Kristin Davis. They are the first
Double Bassists from Guyer to make All State. Junior cellist Alex Koh earned a spot in the String 8 | LANTANA LIVING | NOVEMBER 2015
students in Denton County school districts.
Now in its fifth year, the Coats for Kids Ride
annually obtains thousands of coats distributed
to Denton ISD and other area school districts. This year, event organizers expect to exceed 2014’s roughly 750 motorcyclists involved in
the ride. For
more
information,
contact
Barbara
Haflich, Denton ISD social services coordinator, at
940-369-0599
or
bhaflich@dentonisd.
big school on Oct. 27. The following Saturday junior clinic.
Harpool Students Make All-Region Band The biggest contingent in Harpool Middle
School history was selected for the Texas Music
Educators Association All-Region Band following auditions Nov. 11.
The 13 students selected for the honors were:
Emily Holder – Flute – 8th chair, Honors Band
org. Event coordinators can be reached via
Kennedi Davis – Flute – Alternate
Ride website.
Ariana Tashakorri – Clarinet – 15th chair, Honors Band
Harpool Type 1 Diabetes Club Helping Create Awareness This Month
Nathan Reynolds – Trumpet - 7th chair, Honors Band
the “contact us” link on the Coats for Kid
November is Diabetes awareness Month and the
Harpool Middle School Type 1 Diabetes Club has been doing its part so spread the word.
Group members produced a video and created
a t-shirt to raise awareness throughout the month about both Type 1 and Type 1 diabetes. They also
organized a special school fundraising walk to
benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to help find a cure.
On Nov. 13, students listened to National
Football League free-agent player Jake Byrne. The
Dante Borino – Clarinet – 5th chair, Honors Band Chris Pink – Trumpet – 1st chair, Honors Band Tyler Wilson –Trumpet, Symphonic Band Drew Allen – French Horn, Symphonic Band Gavin Smethers – Trombone, Symphonic Band Luke Goldberg – Tuba – 3rd chair, Honors Band Carter Price – Tuba, Symphonic Band Jake Goldberg – Tuba – Alternate Ashton Cartwright – Percussion, Symphonic Band
Happy Thanksgiving!
Have aÂ
from
NOVEMBER 2015 | LANTANA living | 9
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county agencies never resort to the telephone
County, Community Offices Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
for such actions, anyone receiving such a
phone call is asked to call the Denton County
Denton County and Lantana home owners
association offices will be closed Nov. 26-27 to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday.
Official business for both entities will
resume on Nov. 30.
Sherriff ’s office or their local police agency.
Denton County At-Risk Youth to Benefit from Nov. 21 Run The fourth-annual TUF Turkey 5K and
1-Mile Fun Run will be held Nov. 21 at 8 a.m.
Lantana Golf Club to Host Music, Food Thanksgiving Week
at Transform U Fitness in Lewisville.
The event will be held to raise funds for
The days leading up to and including
Thanksgiving will be busy ones at Lantana Golf Club.
It all starts Nov. 21 with the Bingo, Beer
and BBQ event beginning at 7 p.m.
Five days later, the club will be dishing out
Kyle’s Place, a permanent shelter for homeless and abandoned teens in Denton County.
The cost for the fun run is $20 with the 5K
Run on Thanksgiving To Benefit Tarrant Area Food Banks Texas Motor Speedway will host the
seventh-annual Thanksgiving Grub Run at 8 a.m. Thanksgiving Day.
Proceeds from the 5K run will benefit
the Tarrant Area Food Banks. Entry will be accepted for $10 plus five cans of food. All
ages are welcome and participants can walk, jog, run, push a stroller and/or dress like a turkey.
For more information, visit
www.willrunforgrub.com.
at $30. Walk-up or pre-registration entries are available. For more information, call 214-5779641 or visit tufbodies.com.
the traditional Thanksgiving meal from 10:30 to 2 p.m.
Space will be limited and reservations will
be required. Call 940-728-4653, extension 307 or visit lantanagolf.com for more information on either event.
Several
law
enforcement
agencies
in
Denton County are reporting an increase in the number of people pretending to be officers in attempts to receive money from alleged victims.
Such phone scams include one person
stating he is a Denton County Sheriff ’s
Lantanaresident
Beware of Phone Scammers Posing as Law Enforcement
deputy. Others say they represent town or city police departments.
Typically offenders state the people they
are calling have red light camera violations or
missed court dates or jury duty and must pay a fine by pre-paid debit cards and provide card
pack numbers or face arrest. Since local and NOVEMBER 2015 | LANTANA living | 11
Group of Adkins Girls
to Help Others
S
By Mark Miller
ewing has been in Melisa O’Rear’s blood since the second grade so when the Adkins Elementary School librarian heard some students had taken up the craft this summer, she knew she had the potential for something special.
The result was the launching of the Threads of Kindness Sewing Club. The first meeting was held Oct. 14 with 15 girls in grades 4 and 5 attending. They’ve met every Wednesday for nearly an hour after school ever since with the help of parent sponsors Thea Wood, Cissy Coleman and Jennifer Duncan. O’Rear believes it’s a first for the Denton Independent School District. “It is a project-based club which means everything we make is connected to the school’s mission of Learn. Connect. Serve. Everything we make is donated to an organization,” O’Rear said. 12 | LANTANA LIVING | NOVEMBER 2015
“That is a way we can give back to people in our community and beyond our community so they can think not just right in our neighborhood but globally how we can help.” After receiving the blessing of school and district leadership to form the club, O’Rear began researching organizations needing sewed items like the tooth fairy pillows she planned for the first project. Ironically, she was contacted the Friday before the club’s first meeting by the Fort Worth-based Cook Children’s Hospital’s Stitch a Wish program seeking that very thing for its dental clinic.
“They are made for children who maybe have never been to the dentist before or lost their first tooth so the experience can be a little scary,” O’Rear said. “These help alleviate the fear of losing that first tooth. “The girls are very excited. I designed a pattern and away we go.” The next project will be making pillow cases for the Cook Children’s Pillow Fairy where hospitalized children can choose pillows delivered from the Pillow Fairy’s cart. O’Rear said since there are specific material requirements for the pillow cases, donations of gift cards to places like Joann Fabrics, Hobby Lobby and Wal-Mart are best and currently being accepted. “Our goal is to put many smiles on children’s faces with the pillow cases we create,” said O’Rear, who indicated the following project will have the girls making feeding tube covers for Cook’s patients. Club members pay no fee to belong since the sewing equipment wish list of scissors, irons, ironing board, cutting mat, rotary cutter, and quilter’s ruler was fulfilled through donations from O’Rear and others with O’Rear supplying materials for the first project. Besides helping others through their hand-made creations, club members learn how to safely and properly use sewing machines. Some girls have been taking what they’ve been learning home to create pillows they bring to O’Rear outside club time.
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Lantanaresident
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Harpool Middle School To honor all Veterans on November 11, 2015 Harpool made a wall in the main hallway dedicated to our HMS family & community members that are active duty military and veterans. Coordinated by Deputy Kady Wilkinson, SRO Harpool Middle School, Denton County Sheriff ’s Office.
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A Z I N E ’S
Traumatic Brain
EDI T PICOR’S K 01
2
Lantana Man Serves Vets With
NA LIVI N NTA G
M AG
Making Peace
LA
5R
ECI
PIENT
Injury I
t’s a national holiday, but many Americans see it merely as a day off of work, or good for a recovery after the craze of Halloween and Election Day. Veterans Day – an armistice between Germany and the Allied nations of World War I began on Nov. 11, 1918 – has been celebrated since the war to end all wars. The temporary battle cessation went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month and was commemorated for the first time in 1919 as Armistice Day. In 1954, after World War II had proven the adage about WWI wrong, veterans’ service organizations asked the 83rd United States Congress changed the holiday to Veterans Day. That summer, it became a national day to honor all those who fought for America in all wars. While providing a way for non-military Americans to remember and reflect on those who have served, Andrew Marr, a retired Army Special Forces Green Beret, said warriors don’t look for recognition on Nov. 11. “Veterans Day is not special to me,” the Lantana resident said. “I felt a moral obligation to fight for my country, not because
16 | LANTANA LIVING | NOVEMBER 2015
I wanted or sought acknowledgment for doing the right thing. “I believe Veterans Day is more a reminder for those living in America who did not serve. It is their opportunity to remember that freedom isn’t free, that it came at a cost.” Marr retired in June for medical reasons. He reaches out to his fellow wounded
He founded the Warrior Angels Foundation to help veterans with traumatic brain injuries get the treatment they need to help get back on their feet. warriors to draw attention to an often misunderstood ailment. “To change the status quo,” he said was his main reason. “Conventional traumatic brain injury treatment is predicated on medication and psychotherapy. This does not improve quality of life, and it certainly did not improve mine. “We wanted to provide a treatment that treated an individual’s underlying condition as opposed to just masking a symptom.” WAF offers a personalized approach to identify and treat the underlying
conditions of symptoms for veterans who have sustained a traumatic brain injury while in the line of duty. The foundation has partnered with Dr. Mark L. Gordon, who uses an approach including hormone therapy.
“Most of our patients start experiencing a response within weeks of beginning their personalized protocol,” Marr said. “Many return to their pre-injury status after 6 months.” So far this year, the Warrior Angels Foundation has helped 23 veterans, and Marr said it can help as many as it can fund. As of now, the foundation has more applicants than whom it can provide for. Donations are accepted through a First Giving campaign and an Indiegogo page.
Lantanaresident
Dr. Mark Gordon (Left) with Andrew Marr (Right)
NOVEMBER 2015 | LANTANA living | 17
Argyle Welcomes
New Church By Eric Williams
T
By Eric Williams
he Well is a brand new church in Argyle that will be innovative in bringing Christ to the community. But
Pastor Matthew Harding promises the church will adhere to the ancient Gospel and, like the first churches
in the New Testament, it will work to become a community that makes a positive change for members and their neighbors.
The Well, planted by Flower Mound’s burgeoning
neighborhood and sending their children to
Argyle and she felt led to help us begin well with an
RockPointe Church, held its first service in the
Argyle’s Liberty Christian School. Their son,
incredible ministry to children.”
Argyle High School Auditorium on Aug. 23, drawing
John, a junior, is 6 feet 7 inches tall and starting
a crowd of 181, including approximately 50 children.
center for the basketball team. Jennifer describes
Harding and his wife Jennifer counted a lot of
daughter Sarai, a senior at Liberty, as “a passionate
friends and family who were there for moral support.
musical theater thespian, looking to be salt and light
However, the following Sunday they were excited to
in that industry.”
have 145 after the many well-wishers went back to their home churches.
Besides the Hardings, the church has other church professionals on staff including Michael Armstrong,
“Our kids are having a blast while learning the truth of the Bible,” -Harding
The Children’s ministry is called “Waterville,” playing
off
the
theme
of
The
Well
and
life-giving water. “Our kids are having a blast while learning the truth of the Bible,” Harding noted. “We’re blown away by how many people in Argyle who have said they have been praying and waiting for a new and fresh experience of church. These Argyle residents want something new, but something tied to the ancient Christian faith.” Harding said demographic studies predict around
The church began in July in a home with a base of
the guest worship pastor who is an accomplished
10 families from RockPointe who live in the Argyle
musician with more than 20 years’ experience in
area and the church plans to grow organically as
both new and established churches. Harding said
people come to visit, get to know the church, and find
Armstrong is as an exceptional worship leader.
a place where they can grow in faith and contribute
“We also have an incredible children’s minister,
6,000 new homes in the area over the next decade which The Well Church will serve. “There are already great churches in Argyle, but we know those churches can’t reach all those people,” Harding said. “We want to welcome new residents,
Stephanie King,” Harding added. “She has several
people who are unchurched, or who have had bad
The Hardings already are part of the Argyle
years’ experience in children’s ministry at RockPointe
church experiences. We want to be the kind of church
community, living in the new Canyon Falls
Church. She and her family recently moved to
where they can feel welcome.
their talents.
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“I preach in flip flops. Our dress is very casual, but
we have a passionate and serious understanding of the gospel. The truth never changes, but our methods to deliver it have to change with each new culture.”
The Hardings tell a great story about the naming
of the church. Because the couple had a profound
rekindling of affection for one another 12 years into their marriage and experienced Christ-
centered restoration, they liked the idea of naming the new church Restoration Church. However, just
months before launch of their new church, another church with a very similar name was founded in
the south Roanoke area. So, the leadership of the church was left scrambling for the perfect name for
this new fellowship.
The Well has profound historical and scriptural
meaning – though the Hardings didn’t realize how
much until after they had chosen the name. One of the central aspects of Argyle’s unique founding and
subsequent growth was on the historical property
of Hardin John’s Well and religious campground, presently located on Old Justin Road in Argyle. John’s well was a main source of community water
until 1963 as in the early days of settlement in North Texas; John’s well often was a way-station
for travelers headed to Fort Worth to rest and water their stock. The way-station provided more than
physical renewal. It also was a place where religious services and spiritual revivals were often for the
“Thirsty
Souls
Restored” spiritually thirsty. Today, The Well Church’s motto is Despite their youthful appearances, Matthew and
Jennifer have close to a quarter-century experience in the ministry. Harding said he was a junior at the
University of Tennessee-Knoxville planning on a career as a physician when he first heard the Lord’s call to full-time ministry. He said he was initially
“kind of bummed” about it, thinking he was about to embark upon a life of humility and poverty.
“Then God completely changed my heart,” he said.
“He convinced me I could not spend my time doing
anything more important than loving people where they are at.”
climate changed and the Kenyan government would not let him and Jennifer enter the country. They redirected their energies to campus ministries around the southeast with stops at University of North Carolina-Wilmington, Middle Tennessee
State
University in Nashville, the University of Arkansas and Auburn University. Most recently he has been on staff at RockPointe Church for four years as an associate pastor. Being a life-learner, Harding has earned a PhD in Theology and a Doctorate in Ministry (DMin.) and has taught at Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth. His passion for teaching the unchangeable truths of God enhance his present ministry as pastor of The Well. Though Jennifer grew up in Arkansas, she, like
Coming
from
a
not-especially
prosperous
background, Matthew said that he wasn’t always comfortable at church among youth from affluent households. He wants to be sure The Well is welcoming to all. Besides casual clothing, the worship service unites families for the first half of worship as first through sixth graders worship with their parents. When Harding begins to preach, the youngsters go into age-appropriate learning. This fall, Harding has begun a sermon series on the Book of Acts and the beginning of the Christian Church, the ancient faith. All are welcome to attend the 10:45 a.m. service at Argyle High School. Harding added, “Come grow with us as we reach this community and the nations for God’s glory!”
Matthew, is a passionate supporter of the University of Tennessee. The two met at age 12 when Jennifer was visiting relatives in Knoxville and attended Sunday school taught by her uncle at Central Baptist Church of Bearden. Almost to her adult
A lover of languages, Harding is fluent in French
height of 6 feet, she towered over most boys her age,
missionary in Kenya helping with the francophone
They became friends and never lost touch
and the first assignment planned for him was as a
but not Matthew.
Rwandan refugees in crisis. However, the political
with one another.
For information on the church, its mission, and worship times visit thewellargyle.com. NOVEMBER 2015 | LANTANA living | 19
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Real Estate
Hot!
The Real Estate
Market is
By Tisha White
26 | LANTANA LIVING | NOVEMBER 2015
Is your house going to be for sale over the holidays? Use to your advantage the smell of the pine tree or baking pies, Christmas lights, and the warmth of holiday decorations. Be smart and use the season to create an inviting showing atmosphere. The homey feel created by the season can be a propellant to buy.
hat a hot, hot real estate market we are living in right now. There are only 70 available homes in Lantana, with current price points ranging from the high 230s to the mid-900s. With that kind of price spread there are not many homes available.
The housing shortage in North Texas has caused the region’s builders to boost new home starts in the third quarter by 21.8 percent over third-quarter 2014 to help meet the demand caused by the influx of new jobs. In the third quarter, Dallas-Fort Worth homebuilders started 8,014 homes and closed on 6,811 new homes, according to research by Dallas-based Residential Strategies Inc. Even with the inventory under construction, the supply of homes in North Texas remains tight with approximately a 2.5-month supply.
Whether you are buying, selling or investing
in real estate, it always is good to know the state of the market and plan accordingly. If you are ready to sell your home now is the time. In
DFW prices are up approximately 10 percent from last year.
Now you say ‘it is the holidays, no one buys
over the holidays’ and that is just not true.
Serious buyers are looking for homes right now. Fewer homes for sale on the market can mean more negotiating power for you!
tisha white Lantanaresident
There is a lot happening in the real estate market right now. This year, 54 percent of U.S. metropolitan areas are on pace to reach an eightyear high in homes sales. A total of 1,947,028 U.S. single-family homes and condos sold through August, up 5.4 percent from the same time period a year ago to the highest total for the first eight months of the year since 2007, when there were 2,069,963 sales. The 110 metro areas on pace for at least an eight-year high through August included Dallas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, Riverside-San Bernardino in Southern California, Detroit, Seattle, Tampa, Minneapolis and Portland. Out of the 204 local markets, 58 (28 percent) were on pace through August to reach nine-year highs in home sales in 2015, and 22 (11 percent) were on pace through August to reach 10-year highs.
W
Tisha’s Tips –
NOVEMBER 2015 | LANTANA living | 27
The Chamber
Connection
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
Local Ribbon Cuttings!
First Choice Emergency Room 3160 Justin Road •Highland Village, TX 75077 Contact: Hailey Ferguson • 972-899-6845
YZ Healthcare P.A. 4931 Long Prairie Road, Suite 300 •Flower Mound, TX 75028 Contact: Dr. Javaria Jabeen • 940-489-2489 28 | LANTANA LIVING | NOVEMBER 2015
Lantanaresident
Prime Farm to Table 5810 Long Prairie Rd. • Flower Mound, TX 75028 Contact: Chris Flahaven • 972-539-1902
See You On The Sidelines
Look Mom, No Typos!
T
here isn’t a single typo in this article. But just in case there is one, please don’t point it out to me.
I had a buddy send me a direct message on
Twitter a few weeks ago to let me know about a small error in one of my game stories. “Just a little EDITING for you,” he wrote. I know he
meant well, and I also know he had no clue the
knowledge of that one mistake – somehow I didn’t catch it despite countless re-reads – would haunt me for the rest of the day and possibly the entire weekend.
He couldn’t possibly know because he’s
not a writer.
Everywhere you look, creative people – such as
writers – struggle to like their own work. They love what they do and couldn’t imagine doing anything
else with their life. But it’s that whole “your own worst critic” mentality.
By Steve Gamel
That’s the case with yours truly. For me, there’s something truly special about telling a great story. It doesn’t matter if it’s a sports story or a feature on a lady who grew up wanting to be Betty Crocker. I want to be the guy to tell that story. Because I believe I can tell it better than any other writer. So the last thing I want is for there to be some minuscule mistake or typo to mess it all up! Like the error my buddy found, which referred to a touchdown with 22 seconds left in the first half. It was supposed to say the first quarter. A small detail, but a detail nonetheless.
Mistakes happen, especially on deadline. As I type this sentence, I can tell you there won’t be a single error in it because I had at least a week to look over it several times before we went to press. But when you are staring down a tight deadline and you have 20 minutes to write
a 700-word masterpiece after keeping stats by yourself on a three-hour football game, strange things can happen. Most of the time, we sports writers are spot on. Mistakes are few and far between. But when they do happen, it’s bothersome. Especially for me. So what’s the answer? I’m not the best person to tell you, unfortunately. I’ve heard people say don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and there is truth to that. You can’t let errors define you as a writer. At the same time, too many errors can define you in the wrong way. And that’s what I try to avoid – clearly to a fault. I rarely read my stories after they’ve been published, and I’m pretty sure my copy desk hates it when I call in right before deadline to alert them to a small change I want to make to my story. These are things I struggle with daily, because all I want is to report the news mistake free. Is that too much to ask? I know you as the reader will think more highly of me if I do. It’s the perfectionist in me, and I honestly wouldn’t change a thing. Taking the time to make sure it’s right is the only way to do this job. It will make me a better writer. Until I get there, though, please don’t point out any of my errors. Oops, I found one. Now it’s fixed. Until next time, I’ll see you on the sidelines.
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Read On! Get Your
Building an Effective Reading Program
By Brieanna Casey, Head Instructor, The Tutoring Center
S
ifting through the information available on how to develop home-reading programs for your children can be overwhelming to say the least. But if you can implement these few tips, it can greatly enhance your child’s reading decoding, and comprehension skills and make reading more enjoyable for everyone!
Reading Every Day It’s always good for a child to be read to whether at bedtime or during homework time. To really develop those reading skills, a child should make reading a part of the everyday routine. Children in grades kindergarten through fifth would benefit from at least 30 minutes of sustained reading aloud with an adult. Children in sixth grade and above should be reading at least an hour every day – either aloud, or to themselves – but an adult should be around to answer questions. It’s important to use a time requirement rather than a page requirement, as it may deter speed reading.
Checking for Understanding Now, while reading alone does have its advantages, improving comprehension skills requires following up every reading session
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with discussion afterwards. An adult always should ask probing questions to make sure the student has read and understood the material. Another way to check for understanding is to have the student keep a reading log each day that summarizes the passage, and answers a specific question you provide. These don’t have to be rote; make them fun, and change them up. For instance, “How do you feel about what happened to Susie today?” “Do you think Johnny will change his mind, why or why not?” “What do you think will happen next” “What would you do in Bobby’s situation?” These are all good open-ended questions that stimulate their memory, and heighten engagement.
Finding a “Good Fit” Book Reading Level Many reading classes today will assess your student’s reading level, and ask that you provide your child with appropriate reading materials at home at this level. However, this often is easier said than done. The first thing that will help is having an equivalency chart to compare one reading scale to the next. Barnes and Noble also has a tool to search children’s books by their reading level. It’s also perfectly acceptable to Google
“reading lists for sixth graders” to find what other schools and programs recommend as age appropriate texts. One easy rule of thumb you can remember is that there should be 3-5 unfamiliar words each page. Once you have this reference tool, you can choose from more books your child may like – which is another animal entirely. This website provides good tips about how to choose a book that will be on-level, but also engaging for your child to read. Visit our blog at bartonvilletx.tutoringcenter. com/blog to follow the links above, and feel free to join in on the discussion on Facebook at facebook.com/TheTutoringCenterBV
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FEATURED ARTICLE Local Sponsored Content
Starting from left: Brittany, Dr. Brett, Livia, Lisa, Rex and Dr. Steven Titensor. Photography by Scott Young Photography
Titensor Dental
with Gratitude to Our Community By Steve Gamel
Being a family and having the training and experience to do all phases of dentistry — locally and all over the world —is what separates them and it has loyal customers coming back. 32 | LANTANA LIVING | NOVEMBER 2015
Everywhere you look in Denton County, there are dental offices galore. In most cases, they are separated by only a few miles, and some are seemingly on every street corner.
But if you were to peel back enough layers, it’s clear that Titensor Dental is the one-stop practice everyone in Denton County craves -- offering everything from vast dental knowledge to community outreach services and a rare family atmosphere. Being a family and having the training and experience to do all phases of dentistry -- locally and all over the world -- is what separates them, and it has loyal customers coming back. “We are busier than ever,” said Dr. Brett Titensor, who joined his father, Dr. Steven Titensor’s, practice in 2014. “Dentists are everywhere, but some offices are becoming corporate. The dentist no longer owns the
dental practice in some cases. We have a traditional, family-run practice. “It feels good when you have your [last] name on the front of the building.” When patients first visit the office, located at 1901 Long Prairie Rd. in Flower Mound, they are taken aback by a tireless father-son combo who are committed to providing exceptional and unrivaled dental care to all patients. It may be for that reason that Titensor Dental was recently voted Best Cosmetic Dentist and Best Implant Dentist in the 2015 Best of Denton County awards. Residents of Argyle, Lantana, Flower Mound, Highland Village, Double Oak and all over the metroplex make it a point to seek out Titensor Dental for their needs, and the various awards and accolades that adorn the perfectly-manicured front lobby symbolize exactly what Denton County thinks of the Titensor’s hard work. For the Titensor’s, it’s all in a day’s work. On any given day, Dr. Steven Titensor can be found out in the lobby giving a longtime client a hug or personally welcoming a new patient before they step in the exam room. He doesn’t think anything of it, because it’s simply part of his routine. Dr. Brett, though still new to the office, has become beloved in such a short period of time and many longtime clients have no problem seeing him as an extension of his father. “He [Dr. Brett] takes a lot of pressure off me, and it’s fun teaching him,” said Dr. Steven Titensor, who started his practice about 30 years ago in the area. “I’m amazed at how much he knows and how much
Titensor Dental is changing lives one smile at a time through continued commitment to excellence, experience and efficiency in your Starting from left: Dr. Brett and Dr. Steven Titensor community and beyond.
he can do. We’ve built trust, and we’ve been able to maintain that with both of us here. I’ve never pressured him to do this. He absolutely loves it.” When he was younger, Dr. Brett was one of those little kids who loved working with his hands and being creative. He said it was easy to fall in love with topics like science, and for as long as he can remember, he wanted to be just like his dad -- who he still believes is the perfect mentor. “I remember growing up and seeing him come home tired from a long day,” Dr. Brett said. “Dentistry can be difficult, and for him to accomplish so much in his career has always impressed me. Especially now that I have done a lot of those same things, it makes me appreciate even more what he has done. There isn’t a dentist I’ve ever spoken to that knows more than him. He’s probably the best dentist around.” Dr. Steven Titensor graduated in 1986 from the Baylor College of Dentistry as a general dentist, and has built a solid reputation as a master of family, implant, cosmetic and sedation dentistry. The thing that made him so different was his insistence on never settling for status quo. His vision was to give patients more than the accepted standard of a “drill and fill” practice. There’s a conference room in his office that has a wall full of plaques/certificates representing years of continued education taught by some of the top clinicians in the world. Dr. Steven Titensor has obtained the International Dental Implant Association’s highest accreditation of Diplomate status and has emphasized his training in dental implants, TMJ, Invisalign, oral/IV sedation and advanced cosmetic dentistry including the much sought after DURAthin prepless veneers. That resume was more than enough to convince Dr. Brett where he needed to go in life. “He brainwashed me a long time ago,” Dr. Brett joked. Dr. Brett Titensor graduated in 2014 from the Baylor College of Dentistry. All the while, Dr. Steven Titensor worked with his son, helping to fill in the gaps of his classroom education with hands-on training. Dr. Brett proved to be as sharp as a tack. He currently holds memberships in the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association and is the youngest member in the 20-year history of
the Crown Council. He also travels to Scottsdale, Arizona once per quarter to mentor other dentists in the Cerec same day crown technology. “The technology has been so easy for him to pick up,” Dr. Steven Titensor said. “Because he excelled so quickly at it, he was hired by the Cerec team to train other dentists. He is probably one of the youngest dentists ever to do that, and I couldn’t be more proud.” With Dr. Brett now in the fold, the immediate benefit of working side by side is being able to offer clients more appointment times. The Titensor’s make it a goal to never have a time during work hours where a patient can’t come in on short notice if they need help. “We’re basically able to do double the work,” Dr. Brett said. They have also incorporated some of today’s newest and latest digital dental technology in their office. Key advancements like digital impressions allow the Titensor’s the ability to make a crown for a patient in one day. “We hardly take impressions for crowns anymore, everything is done with a digital camera,” Dr. Steven Titensor said. “No more temporary crowns, no more coming back for that second or third appointment. “We also have a CT Digital X-ray machine in the office. Everything can be quicker and more precise with this technology. Most general dentists don’t do implants, they refer it out,” Dr. Steven Titensor said. “But because of this technology and our training, we are able to do all phases of implants here in our office -- no more going from one office to the next to have implants completed.” Dr. Brett is also excited to bring to the area the Perfect Start program at Titensor Dental, which is a non-invasive, natural way of straightening teeth rather than relying on traditional orthodontics. It has proved to be a miracle system for many children and adults to help correct everything from crooked teeth to sleep disorder breathing. The goal is to make a difference in their clients’ lives with hometown, personalized customer service. Dr. Steven and Dr. Brett treat their customers like family, and they are proud to offer a level of care that can reach patients right here in Denton County and beyond -- even in several foreign countries. Looking back, perhaps the most endearing memory of Dr. Brett’s childhood was when he was 13
and his dad took him on a trip to Guadalajara to perform dentistry work in impoverished areas and orphanages. Since then, making those trips have become a key part of what the Titensor’s do. For a limited time each year, Titensor Dental offers professional teeth whitening services where all proceeds go directly to the Smiles for Life Foundation (SmilesforLife.org) to help provide care for underprivileged children all over the world. The program -- which runs for four months from March-July -- also helps fund dental humanitarian trips to places like the Dominican Republic, Nepal, Guatemala, Mexico and China. Both dentists have spent time providing school supplies, dental work, equipment and time to various villages, schools and orphanages in these struggling parts of the world. They have also been able to use their language skills in these areas -- Dr. Steven Titensor being fluent in Spanish while Dr. Brett Titensor is fluent in Mandarin Chinese. It’s a lot of work, but that’s what a family does. And the Titensor’s wouldn’t have it any other way. “Growing up with my dad, I’ve seen a lot and it’s all been a blessing. I’m getting the best benefit by learning from him,” Dr. Brett said. “I have young children and I can only imagine how cool it would be to watch them accomplish the same things I have. I’m sure that would be so rewarding for a dad to see.”
Voted Best Cosmetic & Dental Implant Dentist NOVEMBER 2015 | LANTANA living | 33
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S2S Celebrates Its A
GROUND BREAKING
fter 10 years of business at the Bartonville Town Center, S2S Functional Performance® is EXPANDING! We are proud to announce the grand opening of our new free standing, 6,000 sq ft. facility in Jernigan Heights of Northwest Flower Mound. Our hope in moving and enlarging our location is to better provide for the breadth of our community. Serving our fellow patrons is our first priority and we are excited to offer them a better experience.
At S2S, we are a unique company that provides both preventative as well as restorative services by specialized, certified and highly-qualified experts in the field of physical therapy, Stott Pilates®, TRX® and performance enhancement. With backgrounds as professional athletes and dancers, we are accustomed to the demands placed on these groups and we are here to help. We also understand that aches and pains as well as desires and accomplishments are shared by all. We want to help you regardless of your background or skill level! We offer physical therapy to fix you and general fitness training to improve you! We offer a motivating environment where everyone knows your name. Come enjoy private training or small group classes available six days a week. Included in the new accommodations will be private, separate areas for pilates classes and privates. Music will be accustomed to the needs of the workout and fit the mood thereof. A separate wing will exist to house the TRX® and Hardcore™ classes as well as our athletes and performance training sessions. We will have an
area unique for cardio equipment as well as private treatment rooms for our physical therapy patients. Additionally, we will have both men’s and women’s showers and lockers available to assist our patients and clients in transitioning to their next activity. We value our S2S’ers (the nickname that we use when referring to our loyal patients and clients) and want to emphasize that getting to know you as individuals is always and will always be our first priority. Whereas our space and offerings may continue to grow so that we can provide you a top-notch, cutting-edge experience, the care and love that we provide you with will remain the same. We are a family internally as staff and we want our S2S’ers to know that you are family as well! We will continue to serve the area from our current location at the Bartonville Town Center until the opening of our new facility. Our projected date for opening our new location is May 2016. Your individual needs are always our first priority. Thank you for sharing in this special moment with us. We are humbled by your continued loyalty and we look forward to making wonderful new stories and serving you for years to come!
Photos by: Chris Ziober of Lifedigs Photography
940.214.1215 2652 FM 407 #115, Lantana, TX 76226
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Blanton Students
Comfort Provide
for the Needy By Eric Williams
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his winter, hundreds of feet are going to be warmer and more comfortable because of the generosity, energy and creativity of students and staff at Lantana’s Blanton Elementary School.
A donation of spare Halloween candy for the Christmas stockings of the underprivileged in 2014 grew into a massive Soctoberfest in 2015 at Blanton where students and staff donated an incredible 1,079 pair for children and adults. “Last year when we did our Halloween candy donation the Salvation Army specified that the shelter is always in great need of hygiene products, socks, underwear and t-shirts in all sizes,” said Stacey Gow, Blanton’s school counselor. “We collected hygiene products last year with great success.” “Then I saw an article online talking about how socks were the most needed and least donated items to shelters, “said Lisa Dorrell, physical education teacher. “I saw another school in Sanger ISD had started a sock drive and I contacted Ms. Gow and we started our own sock drive.” “Knowing that socks are always a need at the Salvation Army we jumped in with both feet to get Socktober started at Blanton,” Gow said.
“We are always looking for ways to inspire our students to give back to the community and serve others with generous hearts.” “Students were reminded to donate socks and we allowed them to wear ‘crazy socks’ every Monday in October to remind others to donate as well,” Dorrell added. “The Salvation Army was so excited to receive our donation!” Giving to the Salvation Army makes a lot of sense to Gow. “Since I have worked in Denton ISD, the Salvation Army has been a valuable resource available to our students,” she said. The Salvation Army has provided Christmas assistance, the Angel Tree program, needed school supplies, coats and winter clothing to Denton ISD students. “The volunteers at the shelter were amazed at the amount of socks that we dropped off,” Gow said. ”Generosity and willingness to help others is one of the greatest things about this Lantana community.” The generosity didn’t end with the sock collection as the candy donation program continued through Nov. 6. Dorrell said collection boxes were set up in each hallway for students to drop off extra or unwanted Halloween candy. The goal this year was 500 pounds. Last year the students donated 800 pounds of candy to the Salvation Army, where it was used to fill Christmas stockings for beneficiaries of the charity’s Angel Tree Program.
Lantanaresident
Lantanaresident
Lantanaresident
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Get Ready
Now
for the Upcoming
Winter Months
Gardening Fire pits
Not only will a fire pit encourage conversation, but it creates intimacy and an ambiance for your area. It certainly is used for warmth but it also is aesthetically beautiful from a light standpoint. Having a fire pit on or off your patio space will offer another destination for people to gather and feel comfortable.
Fireplaces Fireplaces are the cornerstone of any gathering or dinner party creating a very social vibe. There are so many options when it comes to structure types, stone selections definitely one for all scenarios. Whether you’re a real wood burner or more of the turn the key and be done type, the outdoor fireplace won’t disappoint.
By PJ Kratohvil Complete Exterior Solutions 214-735-1364
W
Cooler temperatures, consistent rains and pansies everywhere.... I’d say November is here North Texas!
e’ve definitely been feeling that fall push of patio building, landscaping and prepping the exteriors for the unpredictable winter months. Now is a great time to get your last-minute annuals planted, beds prepped and patios winterized with that fire pit or fireplace you’ve been wanting.
Maintenance Tip If you’ve got an older stamp, colored or stained patio surface that you can visibly see wear on it might be a good idea to have it cleaned and sealed. Leaving worn patios open and venerable to the winter months many times will end in more costly repairs come spring. When the sealer wears off leaving the surface of your patio exposed many times rain, frost and/or ice will get into cracks, stamp textures and joints causing separations/cracks and the deterioration of the patio.
Lantanaresident
Best of Denton County Check Your Mailbox!
Visit BestOfDentonCounty.com to See Full List of Winners
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Adkins Students Make Veterans Proud By Mark Miller
Photos submitted by: Stacey Gow & Kathryn Flores
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he smiles on their faces and delight in their words said just how special the former military members in the audience in the Adkins Elementary School cafeteria felt.
It was the Friday morning before Veterans Day and the dozen or so people who had served their country were humbled by the way their children and grandchildren honored them for their service as part of the inaugural “You Are Our Heroes” assembly. The event was the culmination of six months of planning by a group led by Randy Schmidt, the school’s music teacher. Joined by one of their own, wounded warrior and retired U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Johnnie Yellock II, the heroes heard through words and song how these youth understand their contributions better than some others before them. “When I was in, the tide was such this type of thing didn’t go on,” said one veteran. Yellock, who soon will be moving into his new four-bedroom, handicapped-accessible home not far from the school, is treated like a celebrity from the minute he enters the school and makes his way to the event accompanied by his father Johnnie Yellock Sr. Numerous students wave and 42 | LANTANA LIVING | NOVEMBER 2015
say hi like they’ve known him their whole lives. “This is the most humbling thing in my life all of your smiling faces actually recognize me,” he said. “While I can’t say how much I appreciate all the hard work that went into making this day possible, all of you are the coolest kids I know. I can say that for sure so give a hand to yourselves.” At first the students sat orderly on the floor. They then took turns singing patriotic songs that
focused on the freedoms all Americans enjoy. Starting off the event was the season debut of the Aviator Choir which sang a song called “Americans We” followed by the “Star Spangled Banner.” Next, the second and third graders performed the “Allegiance Rap,” then “We Are Americans Every Day.” The kindergarteners and first graders took their turn with “March of the Wee Americans”
and “Oh, I Love America.” Finally, the fourth and fifth graders sang “All-American Me” and “You and Mighty United.” “Thank you children but also the staff here, the incredible teachers that allows you to take some time out to focus on how incredible this nation is,” Yellock said. “And every single age group, all the songs you sang, when you go back to read those words, a lot of the adults out in the world have forgotten those things. “So it’s important for you to take the time to sing those things and smile and do it as loud as you can because we as adults we don’t have it all figured out and sometimes need to look back at you children and realize how smart you all are and look past any differences and realize we’re all one. We’re all united and we’re proud to be Americans. So thank you for that.”
Yellock then asked those who previously served their country to say a few words. They were in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. They took part in wars as far back as Korea and Vietnam, and more recently in Operations Desert Storm, Desert Shield and Enduring Freedom. Among them was Denton County Sheriff William Travis, who served in Air Force security forces during Desert Storm. After the veterans were recognized, the event concluded with a group of seven girls who led the whole student body in one final song to thank the heroes before they posed for some well-deserved pictures.
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Thankful
There is
more
I
From Dr. Matt
to be
Dr. Matt is a practicing dentist and owner of Country Lakes Family Dental
For
www.CountryLakesDental.com
t is the month for thanksgiving, and while most everyone is giving thanks for family vacations, holiday eating, and shopping bargains, in the usual fashion, I stand with a unique few finding up-most appreciation and gratitude for all things dental. The truth is we can all share in thankfulness for the many progresses made in oral health care. So, for this article, I would like to distinguish those advances in dentistry that have benefited both dentist and patients that for which I particularly find thanks.
3D X-rays
Digital X-rays
The Electric Toothbrush
Dental Implants
While I’m on x-rays, the advent of cone beam radiographs has added incredible value for diagnosis in dental care. Cone beam x-rays can provide a 3D radiograph that allows dentists to virtually see all aspects of a patients head and neck, even down to the canal of a tooth. The extra amount of information provided by these radiographs helps find hidden lesions and give true depictions of relative anatomical structures for the completion of treatment, such as root canals, extractions and dental implant.
This remarkable development is one of my favorites. Not only have digital radiographs improved the dentist’s ability to diagnose, but they are faster, more comfortable, and, with minuscule amounts of radiation exposure, they are overall safer for patients and dental staffs.
Though the idea of an electric toothbrush itself seems simple, there are many benefits generated by this little device. Not only does it do the work for you, but developments like timers, pressure sensors, and even auxiliary music help to improve brushing efficiency, safety, and fun.
Another one of my favorites. The advances of implantology in dentistry have made the treatment nearly flawless, with placement success rates of 95-97%. I personally appreciate that when placing an implant, I can actually give something back to the patient by restoring a missing tooth.
Of course, most of all, I am thankful this season for my family, not only my wonderful wife and children, but also my dental family: those wonderful people who make up my dental team and the fantastic patients I get to enjoy every day. Happy Thanksgiving and happy smiling!
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Celebrate Christgiving
The Right Way This Holiday Season
I
“
just love it when we turn back the clocks an hour, and it becomes dark at 4:30 in the afternoon," said no one, EVER! Immediately following Halloween, the next two months just become a blur with all of the immediate commercialization and pressure for Christmas. Thanksgiving has become more of a pre-Christmas appetizer, rather than a holiday specifically designed to 'give thanks.' Each year, as Thanksgiving approaches, I promise myself to remain calm and not succumb to the pressure which weighs each other down. Not only must we have the most decorations in our yard and around our house, our cars, and even on our pets, but we also must be the first to have displayed this over-abundance of festive decor every place we go.
By Rebecca Romanucci,
RN Advanced Aesthetic Registered Nurse Injector Owner/Manager RSR Medical Skin Rejuvenation, L.L.C.
Personally, I start the season with good intentions, to keep Christ's grace and glory displayed in everything I do. At about Thanksgiving, I begin to really feel the pressure to make lists of people I would like to give a gift. Shortly after that moment, being human, I begin to slowly fall into the abyss of insecurities – "Do I need more decorations? Did I forget anyone? Do I have enough for everyone?” For now, I am confident my family and I will stay well-grounded and secure. But, Thanksgiving is only a few days away and I already feel the tornado trying to suck us into the chaos and confusion. Anxiety/stress are destructive to your skin. As the Christgiving season is upon us, hold on tight, be the person in curlers describing the tornado, and not the person inside of it.
Rejuvenation
During the upcoming stressful, cold winter days, don’t forget to take care of your skin. Keep your skin radiant and protected: cleanse and hydrate it two times each day. Exfoliate and apply sunscreen daily. Drink plenty of water. Take short warm, not hot, showers. Eat a healthy diet. And try to get plenty of sleep.
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Coaching Corner
Thanksgiving
Holiday
More Than a
Soon many of us will start making our Thanksgiving plans. Whether we travel out of town or stay at home, try new dishes or stick with family recipes, our celebrations likely will include thinking about or telling others about what we are most thankful.
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By Stacy L. Allen, CACP
his wonderful tradition that warms our hearts in November may have benefits we also should pay attention to the rest of the year. Practicing gratefulness routinely does amazing things for our minds, bodies and relationships. Who are your favorite people to be around? Chances are you enjoy their company because they express some kind of positive energy. Perhaps they are funny or calm. Maybe they’re understanding or have a knack for seeing the bright side of things. Positive emotions are powerful, and they have many benefits for ourselves and the people around us. Practicing the positive emotion of gratitude is one healthy habit we can all start today and begin receiving the rewards.
Take a couple of minutes right now and focus your thoughts on specific things you appreciate in your life. Start with something small and continue to identify every single thing for which you are truly grateful. Feel the energy shift and your load lighten? Studies increasingly show that giving thanks can change your life for the better in many ways. Here are just a few you can learn more about. Gratitude has been shown to improve quality of sleep, increase self-esteem, strengthen physiological function, increase energy levels, increase motivation to exercise, develop our personality, increase optimism, decrease materialism, decrease self-centeredness, make us feel good, make memories happier, help us relax, improve marriages, make us friendlier, deepen connection with others, increase management ability, facilitate successful networking, increase goal achievement, increase productivity and improve decision-making. With a list of potential results like these, what would keep you from intentionally practicing thankfulness every day? Gratitude certainly is not a cure-all, but I do believe it’s safe to say this simple tool often is under-utilized to improve our lives. So, don’t wait for November. Be grateful today. Be grateful in the morning, in the evening and every hour in between. Be grateful now.
Lantanaresident
Stacy L. Allen, CACP is a certified coaching practitioner who helps people find their value and reach their personal, relationship or goals. Ask Stacy your questions at questions@stacylallen.com or contact her for more info about her services at 972-965-6487.
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National Walk to School Day
O
ctober 7th was National Walk to School Day which was a DISD wide event. Adkins had 160 students walk, which is nearly 50% of their enrollment! National Walk to School Day is an annual event each October created to promote physical education initiatives, the use of safe walking paths and to encourage the proper use of rules of the road while biking, as well as supporting the Denton Sustainable Schools Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions reduction. Adkins was proud to support all these efforts!
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Style
Follow These Simple Ways to Start Dressing Better By Jonny Willingham • YourSuitGuy Custom Clothing
If you’ll keep a wardrobe with 4. Dress for the Occasion well-fitting, nicely-made clothing, When you go out somewhere it should seem like and wear everything properly, you thought about what you were wearing. You wouldn't wear jeans to the gym, so don't wear people will take notice that you gym clothes out to eat on a Friday night. Wear are dressing better especially if you more than just dress pants and polos and people will take notice. follow these tips: 1. Wear Clothes That Fit
Custom-made or off the rack, make sure what you’re wearing fits you properly. This is by far the best way to improve your style. Everything you wear should highlight your best features and hide your worst.
2. Buy Higher Quality Clothes
High quality clothes will hold up much better over time. They tend to stay true to their size as well, so a shirt that once fit won't shrink after a month and then be too short. You don't need to spend crazy amounts of money just buy five less cheap shirts for one well-made one.
3. Follow Trends and Have Pieces for Each Season
You don't need to be an expert, that's my job, but you do need to know the basics of current trends. You also need to have clothing suited for fall and winter that you wouldn't wear in the spring or summer. This should be more than just a jacket. Fall/winter is a great time for plaids, flannels, heavy wools, and tweed blazers.
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5. Take Care of Your Clothing and Replace It When Needed
Have your nicer clothing dry cleaned as much as recommended (dress shirts after every couple wears, and suits 1-2 times a year). When your favorite pair of jeans have holes the size of softballs in them then it's time to retire them.
Lantanaresident
Blanton Elementary Be a Hero. Be Kind
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Black
A Touch of
is a Design Necessity
I
magine if you will the perfect-size room of your dreams, whatever space you’ve wanted, let’s say a sophisticated entertainment area. It’s painted a nice soft beige and the carpet is high-end soft beige. The furnishings are to die for, unique, just what you would want, so comfortable, the beige on beige.
Now, imagine if you will, a group of striking black vases placed on the niche. On the wall across from vases there is a beautiful fire glowing in a freestanding fireplace finished out in a beautiful onyx wood. The room begins to take on sophistication without becoming over-burdened with too much of anything. The point is there are times that a little bit of color can go a long way. Black is one of those colors. There’s something about adding just one element of black to a room that anchors the room and enhances the other colors. You and your guests may not even notice the touch of black, but it does make a difference.
Black is a powerful color, so a little goes a long way in adding drama, sophistication, seriousness or masculinity. And one of the best things about black is that it never goes out of style, even as other colors rise and fall in popularity, so your black accents probably will outlast all your other design elements! Black goes well with so many colors, especially cream or any off-white – or even pure, snowy white. It also looks beautiful with bold jewel tones and soft pastels. Today, some people are even decorating with black as the primary color in their design scheme, but be cautious about using too much black – it can be overpowering.
Upscale Home
Ideas for a touch of black include: Frames for paintings, photographs or mirrors Granite or marble countertops in the kitchen or bath Lamps or lampshades Upholstery fabric – in moderation Flooring A valance, top treatment or drapery rod Leather-covered or inset in headboards The inside surfaces of built-in shelving systems Wrought iron for stair railings or bed frame
Black is not the only color to anchor a room. There are several statement colors. Some of us like multiple color in a room. I just wanted to help you see that it isn’t always necessary to achieve a beautiful and complete designed home. Anchor your home décor by adding a splash of black in every room. It’s a tried-and-true design adage that every room needs just a smidgeon of black.
By Paula Kratohvil, Owner Complete Interior Solutions 972-436-9083
NOVEMBER 2015 | LANTANA living | 55
Receipes sponsored by
Holiday Mule 1/2 lime 2 oz Deep Eddy cranberry vodka 4 oz ginger beer Directions
Fill copper mug with ice Squeeze 1/2 lime over ice Pour vodka over ice and top with ginger beer. Garnish with fresh mint and cranberries
Signature Cocktails Our passionate team of mixologists at PRIME offers an extensive lineup of historic cocktails and unique, specialty infusion drinks, available only at our restaurant. The Trail Mixer, a Texas Bourbon riff, infused with local dried fruits, pairs well with bar snacks, our local artisan cheese board with local breads and in-house cured meats. Other infusion specialties include the Grilled Pineapple Tuaca Liqueur and Pomegranate Vodka drinks.
Visit us for more Holiday Cocktails Prime Farm To Table 5810 Long Prairie Road, Suite 200 Flower Mound, Texas 75028
972-539-1902
www.primefarmtotable.com 56 | LANTANA LIVING | NOVEMBER 2015
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