Lantana Living - December 2014 by Murray Media Group

DECEMBER 2014

Helping Our Local Heroes Real Estate Agent Helps First Responders Buy Homes

HAPPY

HOLIDAYS From Lantana Residents Guyer Wildcats Ready to Move On After Early Loss

Wishing You A Merry Christmas

Pickup?

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Representing Yourself in a Family Law Case

! e c i w T k Thin

By Charla H. Bradshaw

After years of practicing family law, I have rarely seen a family law case where people representing themselves did not end up in future lawsuits. The problem is that those future lawsuits can be costly and cost more than if the person had hired an attorney to begin with. When a family law case is filed, the law requires that the opposing party be served with the lawsuit. This can be accomplished in several ways. Once a person is served with the lawsuit, he/she has a limited number of days to “answer” the case or the other person can obtain a final order without that person’s knowledge. This is called a default judgment. A default judgment can also occur if a person files an answer to the suit, but then fails to show up at the final trial. Either of these circumstances can be devastating, causing the person who does not agree with the order to live with the order or file a lawsuit to ask the court to set aside the order. Lawsuits to set aside final orders can be expensive and such suits are extremely technical and require certain evidence to succeed. Lack of attorney representation does not justify or result in special help from the courts. A person representing themselves is referred to as a “pro se” party and they must follow the same laws and technical rules as attorneys. In family law cases, there are no rule exceptions for persons who represent themselves. When people represent themselves and they are not educated to know the law or the ropes of the court system, such usually results in a final order that they dislike. Divorce cases are a common area where we see final orders that people dislike. A final order in a divorce case is called a “decree of divorce” and should contain a division of the spouse’s community property. Texas is a community property state and all property that is considered community property is divided by the court. Once a decree of divorce is agreed upon or the court makes an order with both spouses participating, the property division is final. One of the problematic areas is the division of private, federal or state retirement, or employee benefits such as; pensions, 401ks,

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stock options etc. The valuation and division of these benefits is extremely complex. There are other important documents that accompany finalizing a divorce besides the decree itself. We call these closing documents, and without these documents the spouse receiving property may have a hard time actually obtaining the property. For example, if real estate is being awarded to a spouse, then deeds will need to be signed so the land is actually transferred. If retirement is being transferred, there are documents that must be provided to the retirement plan to actually transfer the retirement to the non-employee spouse. If such documents are not signed at the time of the divorce and the other spouse will not sign the documents after the divorce, then the spouse receiving the property may have to return to court to obtain the other party’s signature on the required documents. Most pro se litigants are not aware of the closing documents required to actually accomplish transferring property and/or retirement. Many family law orders contain provisions regarding children. These orders consist of certain rights to the children, child support, medical support, and possession of the children. Most orders regarding to a child can be modified up until the child is 18, graduates from high school or is emancipated, depending on the type of family law case. However, to modify an order, certain conditions must be met. The rights to children must

be set out in clear detail or disagreements may ensue. This is true whether the case is a divorce case, grandparent case, aunt and uncle case etc. The most important and fought over right is the right to decide a child’s “primary residence” also known as custody. All orders containing the right to decide a child’s primary residence should state within what area the child’s residence must be established. If not, the person deciding the primary residence may establish the child’s residence anywhere they choose which could be devastating for the child’s family. In addition, the possession schedule regarding to the children should be specific or problems will arise. Likewise, child support is often addressed in orders regarding children. It can be quite disappointing for the person receiving child support to find out the order is not enforceable. A child support order that is not correctly written to provide for enforcement by “contempt,” which means the paying parent can go to jail for nonpayment, is not much of an order. The law is very clear that an order must be specific in certain respects for the order to be enforceable by contempt. If a parent wants to collect child support through the paying parent’s employer, the court must sign a wage withholding order, which must also be presented to the court. Most family law cases require a “prove-up” where the court must hear certain evidence to sign the family law order. I have rarely seen a prove-up done correctly by a person without attorney representation. Further, if the prove-up is not done correctly, the judge cannot sign the family law order. The goal for a “do-it-yourself” family law case is to save money and stay out of court, however doing it yourself may cost you more money in the long run and you could end up in court. I think Mark Twain said it best: “Good decisions come from experience. Experience comes from making bad decisions.”

www.koonsfuller.com | (817) 481-2710 Pictured above from left to right: Charla H. Bradshaw, Heather King, Ike Vanden Eykel, Rick Robertson & Sherri Evans

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Table of Contents In Every Issue

From the Editor . . . . . . . . . 08 It’s a Wonderful Life

Inside Education . . . . . . . . . 10 DISD Students/Staff Look Forward to Upcoming Long Winter Break

Guyer’s Lee Among Two DISD Students to Make All-State Orchestra National Speech/Debate Group Honors Two Guyer Teachers

Inside Community . . . . . . . . 12 Sheldon Gilbert Joins FWSD #6 Board of Directors Jury Services Canceled During Holiday Week

Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 20

Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Ringing in the New Year

Editor’s Pick . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Helping Our Local Heroes

Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Make Your Island Your Own Special Place

Gardening . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Changeable Weather Still Provides Maintenance Opportunities

Message from the General Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . GM Report for October

Temper Tantrums . . . . . . . . 09 Remaining Calm Can Help Tremendously

RSR Medical . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Resident Spotlight . . . . . . . . 18 A Little About Will Woods

Healthy Living . . . . . . . . . . 19 Don’t Let the Holidays Give You a Pain in the Neck

Kwik Kar Lube & Care Care

ASK Lantana Program Set to Start Jan. 12

Start 2015 with Realistic Resolutions

Think Twice About Representing Yourself

Business Spotlight . . . . . . . . 25

Lantana Ladies League Enjoys Successful Fall Quarter Auction

Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Family Law . . . . . . . . . . . . 04

Aging Gracefully

DISD’s Robert Stewart Earns Major Texas Personnel Award

Lantana: Looking to the Future

Features

Dr. Matt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 ‘Tis the Season for Giving and Smiling

Tech Talk . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Twitter 101: Building Awareness 140 Characters at a Time

Holiday Recipes . . . . . . . . . 35 White Christmas Holiday Drink, Christmas Cookie Bar Ingredients, Christmas Cookie Bar Instructions

What’s Your Plan Be 2015 . . . . 38

Special Event to Promote Motivation, Scholarships and a Rocking Good Time

Counselor’s Corner . . . . . . . 40 We Can All Learn True Holiday Spirit from Our Children

Lantana Submits Photos . . . . . 42 Happy Holidays!

See You on the Sidelines . . . . 48 Not as Biased as You Might Think

Football Season Wrap . . . . . . 46 Walsh, Wildcats Ready to Move on After Rare Early Playoff Loss

Guyer Girls Basketball . . . . . 50 Hopes to Take Next Step to Elite Status

Mission Moms . . . . . . . . . . 58 Mission: Blessings

On The Cover

Rebecca Romanucci with RSR Medical

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update?

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ana Living Lant LantanaMagazine.com

publisher & editor Scott & Kelly Murray

contributors Eric Williams Mark Miller Steve Gamel

advertising Kathryn Flores

kathryn@lantanaliving.com Kelly Murray

kelly@lantanaliving.com production graphic designers Becky Flanders-Ballering, Supriya Srinivasa Liz Wallace, Zulma Martinez Stephanie Hansen

photography robertpaynephotography.com 214-437-9568

administration managing editor

from the community editor

It’s a Wonderful Life Here in Texas, we simply can’t count on the white blanket of snow to bring us the Christmas spirit like those in other parts of the country. Yet of all the holidays, this definitely is the “Big Kahuna.” The Lantana trees are dressed with their lights and we drive the streets of our community admiring the holiday tradition of trees shining through the windows. We enjoy the pleasantries in the hearts of others and the gleam of magic in the eyes of our children. Our homes are cozy and warm-filled with the Texas motto “Go Big” ever-present in our countless trees, decorations, beautifully-wrapped gifts and the smell of homemade cookies for that annual cookie exchange party.

The movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” has decades of tradition this time of year, but the message is one that is timeless: • Sacrifice • Gratitude • Giving Realizing how many lives we touch and what footprint we are leaving is the meaning of life, at least in my heart. As we slow down this season, many of us reach further into our pockets of gratitude and give to those less fortunate. We realize the sacrifices those before us have made for our lives, upbringing and which we will make for the next generation. In the end, this is the one life we will ever have...nothing left for tomorrow. Be intentional with this one. Live it and love it because it definitely is “a wonderful life!”

Jana Melton

sub-editor Kristin Maurer

letters Lantana Living invites reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments. Email kelly@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.

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Happy holidays to you all! Kathryn Flores

TEMPER TANTRUMS

Remaining Calm Can Help TREMENDOUSLY

The holiday season is among us and with that comes long days of traveling, family outings and gatherings, and long shopping trips. If you have a toddler along with you, you are probably experiencing an increase in temper tantrums as well. Temper tantrums are a normal part of your child’s development as he/she learns self-control. Tantrums are the worst between the ages of 1-3 years and most resolve by age 4. There are many reasons why children have tantrums, mostly stemming from being misunderstood or not understanding what is expected from them. They may be sick, hungry, or tired and unable to communicate their needs. Staying calm and trying to understand the source of the tantrum is important in helping your toddler learn to better communicate and become less frustrated in certain situations. How to help prevent temper tantrums?

3. Keep a daily routine as much as possible, so that your child knows what to expect. 4. Avoid situations that will frustrate your child, such as playing with children or toys that are too advanced for your child’s abilities. 5. Avoid long outings or visits where your child has to sit still or cannot play for long periods of time. 6. Be prepared with healthy snacks when your child gets hungry. 7. Make sure your child is well rested, especially before a busy day or stressful activity. 8. Be choosey about saying “no”. Say “yes” sometimes. 9. Let your child choose whenever possible. For example, he may not be able to choose whether a bath is optional but you may let them choose which toy to play with at bath time.

1. Encourage your child to use words to tell you how he is feeling, such as “I’m really mad”. Try to understand how they feel and suggest words to describe their feelings. What to do when tantrums occur? 2. Set reasonable limits. Give simple reasons for the rules you set, and do not change the rules.

2. Try to remain calm. 3. Minor displays of anger such as crying, screaming, or kicking, can usually be ignored. Stand nearby or hold your child without talking until he calms down. This shows your support without giving too much attention. 4. Use a cooling-off period or a time-out. Time out should be about 1 minute of time for every year of your child’s age. If your child is old enough, talk about what happened and discuss other ways to deal with it next time. 5. You should NEVER punish a child for a temper tantrum. He may start to keep anger or frustration inside. Do NOT reward your child for stopping a tantrum. Rewards may teach your child that a tantrum will help her get her way When are tantrums serious? When the outbursts are severe or happen too often, they may be an early sign of emotional problems. Talk to your pediatrician if your child causes harm to himself or others during tantrums, holds his breath and faints, or if the tantrums get worse after age 4 years. 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

1. Distract your child by calling attention to something new.

OFFICIAL

LANTANA

Resident BUSINESS OWNER

74 MCMAKIN ROAD SUITE 100 BARTONVILLE, TX 76226 www.LantanaPediatrics.com

NOW OFFERING ALLERGY TESTING & IMMUNOTHERAPY! december 2014 lantana living 9

inside education DISD Students/Staff Look Forward to Upcoming Long Winter Break Students attending schools in the Denton Independent School District will enjoy more than two weeks off before and after the upcoming winter break surrounding the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. All DISD students will be off from Dec. 22 through Jan. 5. Teachers will return Jan. 5 for campus staff development and teacher prep. While elementary pupils will attend school as normal on Dec. 18 and 19, those in high school and middle school will have early release days. Dec. 19 signals the end of the third six weeks for elementary schools and second nine weeks for secondary schools. Jan. 6 will begin the fourth six weeks for elementary students and the third nine weeks for secondary attendees. Guyer’s Lee Among Two DISD Students to Make All-State Orchestra Guyer High School violinist Inki Lee

was one of two Denton Independent School District students named to the Texas Music Educators Association All-State Orchestra All-State Philharmonic. Lee was selected in the philharmonic orchestra category, joining Ryan High School bassist Harry Dearman, who was selected for symphonic orchestra. Both beat hundreds of competing musicians for the honors. Lee and Dearman will travel to San Antonio in February to perform at the 2015 TMEA Convention, a prestigious conference promoting musical education in Texas. Their selections mark the seventh consecutive year at least one Denton ISD student earned an all-state orchestra spot. Two Guyer musicians just missed joining Lee, with bassist Ian Grems and pianist Teresa Lee each missing their respective cutoff marks by three places. The Guyer orchestra is directed by Michelle Hanlon. National Speech/Debate Group Honors Two Guyer Teachers Josh Hamilton and Karen Gossett are being recognized for their esteemed work in speech and debate at Guyer High School. Hamilton was named a diamond award coach and Gossett a two-diamond coach by the National Speech and Debate Association based on points earned from their students. Both will receive special recognition at the association’s national tournament June 18 in Dallas.

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Guyer’s speech and debate team earned a championship at the Texas Forensic Association’s state competition in March, with Drake Lawson and Andrew Hansen winning the duet acting title. The team was among the top 10 in the overall standings, with nine state qualifiers. DISD’s Robert Stewart Earns Major Texas Personnel Award Denton Independent School District Executive Director of Human Resources Dr. Robert Stewart was recently selected the Region IV Personnel Administrator of the Year by the Texas Association of School Personnel Administrator Association. He is one of only six finalists in the state nominated for the Dr. Mary Hopkins Personnel Administrator of the Year Award. Dr. Stewart has been instrumental in balancing resources needed to hire additional positions to address DISD’s rapid student enrollment growth. In addition, he ensures the district complies with state and federal regulations including background checks and fingerprinting for all employees and volunteers. He also overseees the substitute and employee assistance programs. Dr. Stewart has worked in key DISD human resource leadership positions for seven years. He previously worked in Plano ISD’s human resources department as director of compensation and diversity.

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inside community Sheldon Gilbert Joins FWSD #6 Board of Directors Sheldon Gilbert is the newest member of Lantana’s Fresh Water Supply District #6 Board of Directors after being selected from four candidates at the board’s November meeting.

Gilbert will serve the unexpired term of Bob Baird created when Baird resigned in August. Gilbert’s term runs until May 2016. Owner of the Innovative Partnership Solutions consulting company that helps various fire agencies, Gilbert

has more than 30 years of experience serving emergency service outlets. He also works with government and private sector management companies. The new board member was scheduled to be sworn in at the board’s December meeting. Jury Services Canceled During Holiday Weeks Both weeks leading up to and following Christmas and New Year’s Day have been declared as a non-jury week by Denton County. No jurors will be summoned to appear between Dec. 22-26 and Dec. 29-Jan. 2. In addition, official county offices will be closed Dec. 25-26 and Jan. 1. Jury summons will resume Jan. 5. Lantana Ladies League Enjoys Successful Fall Quarter Auction The Lantana Ladies League will be able to help another deserving organization thanks to its excellent ts Fall Quarter Auction held Nov. 18 at Lantana Golf Club. The group raised $1,866 overall with $1,500 being donated to the Denton Independent School District Grad Night. The remainder of the funds will go into the group’s general funds account for future beneficiaries. “A fun time was had by all and our Fall Quarter Auction was definitely a success,” said Lantana Ladies League president Reanna Wallace. “We definitely will host another quarter auction next fall with the beneficiary to be determined.” Nearly 50 attendees visited the 22 vendors. Volunteers from Guyer High School and Crownover Middle School helped in the festivities which were emceed by David Nicolato. ASK Lantana Program Set to Start Jan. 12 The Lantana version of the After School Kids community bible study program will begin Jan. 12 at Argyle United Methodist Church. ASK is designed to teach children in grades K-5 about the Bible while encouraging parent involvement at

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home. The 10-session classes will be held on Mondays from 3:30-5:30 p.m. through mid-March. The schedule includes snacks, large group interaction and small group time. Lantana resident Jennifer Pender leads the program that costs $10. For information including opportunities to help work with ASK Lantana, contact her at jenjpender24@gmail.com, visit the lantanaask.com website or the Lantana ASK page on Facebook.

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real estate Lantana: Looking to the Future By Mark Barnes

n past articles, we’ve talked about sales trends and market forces, and the impact on pricing, inventory, home selection, and the like. But that looks at what’s already happened. Let’s now take a peek at Lantana in 2015, and beyond. And we can sum it up in one word: GROWTH! A growing market means a healthy market, and that translates to projected equity improvement as the market continues to mature. We’ve already

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seen an upward trend in sales prices and agents and buyers began to realize in Lantana after the past three years that Lantana was closer to this interof renewed market viability, and I just section than more than 50 percent of don’t see anything in the immediate Flower Mound residents. Then, the 407 future that would derail that. widening project was finished, followed Lantana is in a coveted position right by an invigorated retail and dining now for both new and resale homes. climate at Bartonville Town Center. When I started here almost 10 years And now, the nearby Kroger Marketago, other real estate agents in neigh- place is slated to open in the spring of boring Flower Mound and Highland 2015, in addition to several businesses Village might have recently opened or said, “why would soon to open on 407 A growing market means anyone go all the between Copper way out to Lantana?” a healthy market, and that Canyon Road and Of course, that was the curve. translates to projected when FM407 was Interestingly, a two-lane country equity improvement as the what also helps road, the widening market continues to mature. spark interest in Lantana are other of 2499 wasn’t housing developcomplete, and the Shops of Highland Village was a ments to the west in Argyle and west Flower Mound. They actually help business plan. Eventually the major retail develop- potential homebuyers and real estate ments at 2499 and 407 were completed, agents to consider Lantana as part of the “core” of the southern Denton County area, joining larger towns like Flower Mound and Highland Village. In other words, we are no longer “out there.” Forestar Group, Lantana’s developer, and homebuilders know this, and that is why new home growth in Lantana will continue, spelling out opportunities for existing Lantana residents on a number of fronts. First, new home construction creates broad interest in a community. Model homes draw a lot of potential buyers to the area, many of whom will fall in love with Lantana but opt for a resale home instead. They also create an awareness

across the metroplex of a community’s existence and appeal. Second, as each new phase opens, pricing typically moves up, and resale homes have been known to rise on those coattails. And third, new homes offer a wonderful choice for existing Lantana residents who need or would like a different home but have absolutely NO desire to leave the community. This may be one of our biggest benefits, as in my experience, roughly 75 percent of sellers in Lantana end up purchasing and staying in Lantana.

There’s no shortage of choices for those buyers, either. For example, as busy as the market has been, builders got ahead of that curve and have 38 inventory homes on the ground either ready to go or in the process of construction. And for those who prefer to select a lot, plan and build from the ground up, there’s an estimated 287 lots to choose from between now and the end of 2015. They are listed bwlor, in alphabetical order by subdivision. And this list does not include other Lantana projects, like the Reata subdivision, slated for the land north of

Number of Lots

Neighborhood

Builder

43 31 12

Bandera Bellaire Phase 3 Gaillardia

Highland Newport Darling

Garner

Lionsgate

Juniper Phase 1

Highland

27 40 8

Juniper Phase 2 Kendall Laviana

Lionsgate Highland Standard Pacific

Tanner Parkway and east of hole 16 of the Lantana Golf Club, or the planned 60-foot lots (builder TBD) in Phase B of the Garner neighborhood, home to the new Adkins Elementary School. Nor does it include any of the land north of Bandera at the furthest end of Lantana Trail. When Lantana reaches completion, we will have gone from our current occupied property count of roughly 3,000 homes to approximately 4,000. Forestar is estimating that a complete build-out will occur in five to seven years. So, why did I say we are in a coveted position? Well, just look at us: All grown up, but with room for more growth. And I can’t find a community anywhere else in the metro area that can deliver the amenities, value, and desirability of location that can be found in Lantana. That’s why my wife and I decided years ago to make Lantana our long-term place to be, and we’re now in our third Lantana home. There’s just nothing like it, and we see that only getting better!

OFFICIAL

LANTANA

Resident BUSINESS OWNER

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A Little About Will Woods

Where is your family from? Texas and Michigan â&#x20AC;&#x201D; I was born and raised in the DFW area and have four generations still alive in the area. My wife is from Michigan and has lived in Texas for more than 20 years. Why did you choose to live in Lantana? We love the rural area, the community, the amenities, location, and the homes. What are the names of your family members? If you have school age kids please include their grade and what school they attend? Will and Leslie Woods, Jack Woods (age 8) attends E.P. Rayzor and our 21-yearold daughter, Taylor.

OFFICIAL

LANTANA

Resident BUSINESS OWNER

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Where is your favorite local place to eat? Savory Bistro, Piranha Sushi, Roots Coffee Shop, The Flour Shoppe, and Mi Cocina. How long have you lived in Lantana? 6 years. What activities are you involved with? We are active in our church, we love to hunt, volunteer, and watch our son participate in Taekwondo. What advice would you give to new residents of Lantana? Utilize all of our awesome local business owners. Get outside in Lantana. It is the best way to meet the neighbors and get plugged in quickly.

healthy living Don’t Let The Holidays Give You a Pain in The Neck! By Meredith S. Tittle, PT, MPT

eadaches come in many shapes and sizes. Have you ever experienced a headache that was one-sided and seemed worse when you changed the position of your neck? Additionally, did the headache seem aggravated when touching and putting pressure on the part of your spine closest to your hairline – the most upper parts of your cervical spine? Have you had at least one headache a week for more than two months? Research shows a 50-100 percent healing success rate when these headaches are treated by a licensed physical therapist. A combination of exercise and manual therapy prove the best results. Manual therapy consists of skilled joint movements provided by the therapist that decrease pain and assist in improved mobility of the neck and upper back. Low load exercises designed to create a balance and synergy of your neck and shoulder girdle (muscles of your scapula and shoulder complex) have been proven to assist in the treatment of such disorders. The exercises prescribed are very specific to target the deep muscles of the front of your neck. These are known as the longus coli and longus capitis muscles. Skilled PTs will provide individual instruction to the technique and frequency with which to perform the movements. The benefits of physical therapy for neck pain with associated headaches include decreased duration and intensity of pain plus reduced medicine intake. In the study “Trial of Management for Cervicogenic Headache (Jull et al),” patients experienced relief for greater than 12 months. Whether you have had your headache

for one month or five years, results P e r f o r m show physical therapy still is beneficial. simple active Additionally, the study suggests that range of motion even those with moderate to severe exercises and isometric neck pain levels will benefit. As always, we encourage exercises often independence, and most patients will to maintain good receive these benefits in as little as six neck health. At S2S Functional Performance, weeks. To avoid this PAIN IN THE NECK our interdisciplinary team of licensed physical therapists, altogether, try personal avoiding prolonged The benefits of physical certified trainers, certified postures. For therapy for neck pilates instructors, and example, avoid certified performance staring at your phone pain with associated enhancement for greater than 15 headaches include specialists are striving minutes at a time and avoid all-day use. decreased duration and to share with you the most current evidence Additionally, while intensity of pain plus in maintaining a wrapping presents, energetic, take frequent breaks. reduced medicine intake. healthy, injury free lifestyle! Don’t try to wrap for hours on end. Keep moving. Movement From preventative to restorative, we’ve provides lubrication and prevents a lot got you covered! of stress to your joints.

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fitness Start 2015 with Realistic Resolutions

and nutrition is back in the spotlight. The real food movement is taking the globe by storm as so many of us turn away from fast and processed foods and return to wholesome, organic and non-GMO based meals. This will be the year that many people adopt a healthier lifestyle and drop the extra weight. Maybe even you. Did you know that 88 percent of all New Year’s resolutions will end in failure? While millions of people will start gun ho in January with lofty goals for great weight loss, the reality is that most will fail. Here’s why: They bite off more than they can chew. In all the excitement of becoming a better person and transforming their lives in the new year, they make the crucial mistake of committing to too much. But reality soon sets in and they give up. Want to be apart of the 8 percent who will achieve their resolutions? Then set realistic goals! Instead of resolving to lose 50 pounds

By Chani Overstreet Owner, Strada Fitness & Wellness

appy New Year 2015! January is an exciting time as you have a clean slate to become who you want and accomplish what you want in the year ahead. New Year’s Day is the first day of the rest of your life! In the world of fitness, this time of year means tons of new faces and lives being changed. The new year magically pulls people to exercise and eating better. Are you feeling the pull yourself? This is the year that many will lose weight and regain their health. Times are changing. People are realizing that obesity has gotten out of hand; exercise

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by June, commit to exercise 3-4 times each week. Instead of resolving to give up all carbs, commit to bring healthy snacks to work instead eating from the vending machine. Instead of resolving to drop three sizes in three months, commit to losing one pound each week until you reach your desired size. Instead of resolving to never eat out again, commit to eating healthy all week and reward yourself with one meal out on the weekends. Remember that the whole point of making a New Year’s resolution is to become a healthier, happier and more successful person. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Small changes done consistently will make a big difference.

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style Ringing in the New Year

new again with festive accessories and silver or gold shoes.

By Heather Patterson Lead Fashion Stylist MrsStyleSeeker.com

Wear Sparkles and Sequins

ew Year’s Eve (a.k.a. the best excuse all year to get dressed up, try something new and get downright creative with your look) is right around the corner! So whether you’re gearing up for a girls’ night out, a quiet evening in or something in between, these simple outfit ideas will put an end to the dreaded what-to-wear dilemma on the biggest party night of the year.

Update Your Little Black Party Dress with Silver and Gold

While wearing something brand-new feels good, you know your LBD will always look good. Make yours

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When in outfit-doubt, add something sparkly! Mix a sequin tank with casual pants and luxe leopard shoes and light up the night!

Toss the Dress for a New Year’s Eve Tuxedo

Show some tux love in a sharp tux jacket and pants or grab your black romper and layer with a white tux-inspired blazer. Add girly touches with a bold lip and major jewelry.

Get Cozy with Proportions

Ringing in 2015 with an intimate gathering at home? Play with proportion in a short sweater and a high-waisted long skirt that won’t look like you’ve tried too hard. Have a style question or fashion dilemma? I would love to hear from you! Send me a message via Facebook at facebook.com/LantanaLiving or email me at heather@MrsStyleSeeker. com! Happy Holidays!

Q: How long have you been in business? A: 3 Years Kwik Kar Lube & AutoCare Owners John and Johanna Bohannon took the time to answer a few questions for us. Q. What is the name of your business? A. Kwik Kar Lube & Auto Care Lantana Q: Why did you choose that business name? A: The name Kwik Kar is familiar and respected by most in the DFW area. We also were attracted to the fact that each Kwik Kar is individually owned and operated and are not franchisees.

Q: Why did you decide to go into business? A: John retired from his corporate job and after a year at home with me, I â&#x20AC;&#x153;urgedâ&#x20AC;? him to find a new passion. We had researched Kwik Industries for about 10 years and when we saw the for sale sign go up in our very own neighborhood we knew we had our answer! We have not regretted our decision for one second! Q: What is your favorite business memory? A: We have had many occasions when a father or husband sends his wife or daughter to us because he trusts that

we will be honest and respectful with them. That is a huge compliment and one we strive to achieve everyday! Q. Do you have any words of wisdom you can pass along to other business owners? A. Provide the same level of service to your customers that you would expect to receive. Kwik Kar Lube & Auto Care 940-584-0852 John & Johnna Bohannon 7100 Justin Road, Lantana, TX 76226 940-584-0852 www.KwikKarLantana.com

december 2014 lantana living 25

mag

LAN

’s

IVING

in e

L NA

R’S O T I EDPICK 2014 R e c i p i e

Helping Our

Local Heroes By Eric Williams

A real estate agent from Lantana and his team have devised a system to help first responders buy homes.

ill Woods, who leads the Woods Group, a Southlake-based Keller-Williams real estate team, was having a meeting when Lauren Izzo, wife of Haltom City firefighter Derek Izzo, suggested finding a way to help families of first responders. Izzo said she has a heart for the first responders. “I see how much time they miss with family, working during holidays, birthday and family events,” she said. “I kept thinking ‘how can we give back.’ ” Woods liked the idea of helping a group of citizens who sacrifice to make the rest of us safer. He agreed to reduce commission on both buying and selling transactions. Woods said he also took the idea to local title companies, lenders and Woods liked the a home inspector and all agreed to provide a discount idea of helping a on their services. In total, group of citizens the discounts would save who sacrifice to a family approximately $1,500 on the purchase make the rest of of a $200,000 home, he us safer. estimated. Woods said when he was proposing the program, he found a receptive audience among the local companies he approached. At first, the plan was aimed at police, firefighters and military personnel. Then he thought about medical personnel, active and retired military, federal and state law enforcement. When he went back to his allies with a plan to help more people “they never blinked” and agreed, Woods said. “We have one prospective buyer we’re working with,” said Izzo, a listing and buying agent. “When we presented the plan he was ecstatic about it.” Izzo said she told the person the plan was similar to Homes for Heroes, but because it has fewer rules and regulations, it was much simpler for him to access. She added “We’ve Lauren Izzo, Real Estate Agent with Team Will Woods and her firefighter husband, Derek.

26 lantana living December 2014

gotten a good response through social media.” Woods, a longtime Lantana resident, had previous careers in the corporate world, including a long stint with Microsoft and more recently with the launch of a startup company that is innovating outdoor sporting apparel. Tired of getting on airplanes for business, Woods looked for an industry that would allow him to have coffee with his wife in the morning, lunch with his son and school and be deeply involved in the community. He likes

Keller Williams because it has values that coincide with his…God and family taking priority. Woods said he enjoys bringing technology savvy, a service attitude and an innovative mindset to his business and is appreciative of Keller Williams’ commitment to training and excellence. He also loves helping out organizations like Lantana’s Mission Moms, incorporating canned good drives with open houses and providing a donation at each closing.

december 2014 lantana living 27

28 lantana living December 2014

‘Tis the Season for Giving and Smiling By Dr. Matt Artho It’s that wonderful time of year full of joy, giving, and peace. This month, I wanted to give you all a dental topic DR. MATT suitable for COUNTRY LAKES FAMILY the season. DENTAL Of course, as I conjure up the old writing muse, the only vision dancing in my head is the thought of carolers singing that nostalgic song ringing in the hearts of dentists everywhere: “All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth.” My answer to this holiday wish is, “Yes, Virginia, we can make that happen!” and it is all possible with dental implants.

The advent of dental implants has been a great breakthrough for restoring missing teeth for decades. The concept is simple. A titanium post is placed in the area of the missing tooth, acting similar to a tooth root that can be restored with a dental crown. Though the process takes time, the advantages of placing a dental implant are great. First, your teeth are stabilized within bone and act as a scaffold for this bone. When a tooth is lost, the bone can be resorbed and lost. Because the dental implant actually fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration, the bone in the area of the missing tooth can be preserved. Also, a successful dental implant is fixed within the bone such that it can function as a tooth and be cared for with regular brushing and flossing. Finally, dental implants can be used to restore large areas of missing teeth when used as the foundation for dental bridges or for retaining dentures.

As a dentist, I love the notion that with dental implants I can actually give something to my patients where they are lacking, and there is nothing better than giving the gift of a smile. Happy holidays and happy smiling! Dr. Matt is owner and dentist at Country Lakes Family Dental at countrylakesdental.com.

december 2014 lantana living 29

home Make Your Island Your Own Special Place By Paula Kratohvil, Owner Creative Design Solutions Everything is an island until it’s not. I had to think about that for a minute. I thought about it in the context of interior design. “Until it’s not….” Is that what I do? Do I connect the individual islands of houses and blend them with other parts of the rest of the world? Do I connect the people with their homes and their lives then blend their personalities into the style of that space? Is that what a home is? I strive to make a connection between the homeowners and their spaces by listening to what they want and

designing the spaces to be within the back side in the boundaries of what I hear from their shade of the trees, direction. But I like islands, so I find and the smell of myself wondering if I can have my the woods and the sounds of the birds. Just loving my little island and be connected also? I want it all, an island to call my own, a island and all that it offers. Then I want to turn around, put my feet place to disconnect from the technology up, find the remote, that I would be lost turn on the games, without but want to yell for the friends to scream and bounce I want my home to come on out. Hand off the walls at times. be nice and “done,” me some chips and I want my home to be something that says it’s dip, fire up the grill “me,” to reflect my personality, to say, good stuff just have fun and let’s get this party started. I have had “Hey you.” I want my but take care of it. about all the solitude favorite chair to hug I can handle so let me when I fall into it go Cowboys! I want on the days that I don’t make it any farther before I collapse my people around, the excitement of from it all when I come in. I want my hanging with friends and hearing the home to be nice and “done,” something hum and buzz and all that goes with that says it’s good stuff just have fun but that special part of life that connects my take care of it. I want to love my little island to the rest of the world. Yep, I want it all on my island that island and I want it to love me back with an occasional early afternoon on the says “Welcome, come on in! This is my island and you’re welcome to disconnect or connect or let my island be for you whatever you need it to be.” Think about your island. How is it connected? Is it you, does it lend to helping you connect to the part of the world that you enjoy most? Does it allow you to retreat, to disconnect and put yourself in a place that is your special place? Is it your special place? If not, we would love to help you with your island until it’s everything you want it to be. Give us a call at Complete Interior Solutions, we’ll bring the sand!

OFFICIAL

LANTANA

Resident BUSINESS OWNER

30 lantana living December 2014

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december 2014 lantana living 31

tech talk Twitter 101: Building Business Awareness 140 Characters at a Time By Suzanne Reid Owner, SuzanneReidDesign.com

Have you considered using Twitter to build your business?

Twitter is a micro-blogging platform based on 140-character messages called “tweets.” Think of tweets as instant public messages

going out to your audience whether an audience of colleagues or potential customers. Much like Facebook or LinkedIn, Twitter is a long-game strategy. Twitter is a way to build relationships and develop credibility and trust, and is an open door to connect you and your business to other companies, industry experts, and customers. Tweets should be helpful, useful, educational, and personable. If the only tweets you send are advertisements, than you won’t be effective. Twitter is a communication tool for building relationships and making people aware of the services you provide. Here are some Twitter activities to benefit your business:

Follow the Big Dogs

Stay informed with industry leaders by following them on Twitter. You’ll be surprised at how often they follow you back. Here you can connect with influential people with whom you would never connect by a phone or email. Make Twitter lists of people in different industries with whom you want to follow.

Employ the Follow-Back Rule

Follow your fans back. If people follow you or message you about how your business has helped or inspired them, use this opportunity to make it personal and thank them for their support by following them back.

Spread the Love

If someone loved your product or service and tweeted about it, favorite or retweet it with a, “Thanks @johndoe for the shout out!” Don’t be afraid to retweet posts from industry leaders. That can be a great way for them to notice you and they might retweet you back so that all of their fans can see your page. Sometimes promoting others is a great way to promote yourself.

Announce Specials, Deals or Sales

If you are a retailer or anyone who often has special offers, you can use Twitter to announce these deals instantly to a large audience. A restaurant could tweet daily specials or a real 32 lantana living December 2014

estate agent could tweet new homes on the market.

We Have A Winner!

Use Twitter as a way to run contests and receive submissions. Use a unique hashtag, like “#johndoepizzacontest14” and get people to vote on your new product or service, or give feedback. You choose the prize, maybe a gift card or a sample of your product. Followers will spread the word for the contest and people who wouldn’t have heard about your business will become aware of your business.

Promote Blog Posts, Webinars, Industry News and More

Post a link to something on Twitter, links to blog articles relevant to your customer base. If you have other content that is appealing to your audience like a free webinar, post links to those too.

Host or Participate in a Twitter Chat

A Twitter chat is a public Twitter conversation around one unique hashtag. Twitter chats usually are recurring and on specific topics to connect people and build a deeper relationship. The key to hosting an effective Twitter chat is selecting a topic that resonates with your followers. The more often you participate in a specific Twitter chat, the more relationships you form and the more recognition you gain in your industry. If you are just a participant at first but would like to be a featured guest, get to know the chat host and tweet with him or her on a regular basis. Invest in your business by developing connections and relationships with industry leaders and potential customers through Twitter. Suzanne Reid is the principal of SuzanneReidDesign.com, an online marketing company, Contact her at sr@suzannereiddesign.com. Or at her Twitter handle, @SusyReid.

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34 lantana living December 2014

Holiday Recipes

White Christmas Holiday Drink Fill a glass with the following ingredients • 4 ounces of eggnog • 1 ounce of Southern Comfort

Christmas Cookie Bar Instructions

• Sprinkle the top of the drink with chocolate ﬂakes for a decadent ﬁnishing touch.

• First, line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Mix on the sheet the Oreos, pretzels and ¾ cup of the M&M’s.

• ½ ounce of white chocolate liqueur

Christmas Cookie Bar Ingredients • 14 whole Oreos, broken up (get the Christmas ones if you can) • 1½ cups pretzels, broken. (long skinny ones work great)

• Melt the chocolate or bark in a microwave safe bowl for 1½ minutes (only if using the large bricks of bark, if using chocolate chips or smaller pieces melt 30 seconds at a time), stir, and continue melting in microwave for 30 seconds at a time until melted and smooth.

• 1 cup Christmas colored M&M’s

• Drizzle over the candy mixture and top with extra M&M’s and sprinkles.

• 1 lb white chocolate or almond bark (I used bark)

• Allow to dry at room temperature or in the refrigerator until hardened.

• Christmas colored sprinkles

• Break into chunks.

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gardening Changeable Weather Still Provides Maintenance Opportunities By PJ Kratohvil Complete Exterior Solutions 214.735.1364

reezing one week and 70 degrees the next means it must be getting close to winter time here in Texas. With the holiday season upon us there are a few things to keep in mind that should help ensure the success of your landscape and outdoor spaces.

With this crazy weather what can we really do now to spruce things up?

Focus on your hardscape. Pots, benches, trellis and dry creek beds all are things that can spruce up your spaces. Adding a few different sized pots can really enhance the overall feel of your landscape while also offering designated areas for seasonal color. Bringing in some boulders or stack stone to thicken up your rock areas can dramatically add that texture you’ve been looking for. Take advantage of the access you should have in your bed

36 lantana living December 2014

areas now that everything has been cut back and you can move freely. Don’t wait until growing season to beautify your spaces take advantage of the time you have.

Winter Maintenance

After your fall trim has been completed, dead annuals are disregarded, dry blooms and perennials cut back, 2-3 inches of mulch should be in all bed areas covering the ground and tree bases. Covering your less wintertolerant plants and annuals will ensure their survival when the temperatures drop. Water approximately twice per week in the mid-morning to avoid the afternoon winds that can make your sprinklers go off target and waste water. This also will reduce the risk of icing and the damage that can cause. Make sure your irrigation is wrapped and insulated. Knowing where the shutoff is in the event the sprinklers do split due to the cold is a very good idea. This could save you thousands of dollars in landscape replacement and pipe repair during a winter event.

Leaves Everywhere – What to do with all these leaves

Mow them back into the turf. Recent studies have shown finely-ground leaves returned back to the turf actually are beneficial to the soil and grass. Soils with finely-ground leaves returned to them showed increased microbial activity and better water infiltration. Studies also show that when finely-ground leaves were returned to the turf the

grass greened up quicker in the spring and also had fewer dandelions. The study also said those leaves break down even quicker when fall fertilizers were applied to the turf. Granted, this is not recommended for newly-established lawns but definitely for the ones that have been in a while and are in air condition. Keep in mind there is a point where the turf can only handle so many of these leaves. The process is best done during the lighter times of falling leaves. Increasing your mowing during the times when your leaves are falling will allow more than usual amounts to be returned to the turf, thickening up and encouraging it to grow. A mulching mower is your best option when doing this but if you do not have one available be sure to blow your leaves inward so that you can continue to run them over several times as you cut the lawn. NOTE: do not allow whole leaves to lay on the grass over the winter, leaves left uncut on top of your turf can actually smother the grass and make it more susceptible to molds. As always thanks for you support and let us know of any topics you would like discussed in the upcoming months. (Email submissions to pj@c-exteriors. com). From our family to yours we hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and safe New Year’s!

december 2014 lantana living 37

Plan Be 2015

What’s Your

Special Event to Promote Motivation,

Scholarships and a Rocking Good Time By Eric Williams

the “Salute to k Little Blac Dress” 3 Friday, Jan. 2 7-10 p.m.

Lantana’s Libby Spears travels the country to speak and give workshops, but an annual event in nearby Denton is a gig she looks forward to all year.

y Event Buffalo Valle ton Center, Den with After-party, a DJ, until dancing and midnight

Left to right: Joye Williams, Gina Atkinson, Phyllis Pittman

38 lantana living December 2014

“What’s Your Plan Be 2015” is a girls’ night out of dancing and entertainment she organized to raise money for scholarships and provide an emotional boost for educators she admires. The sixth-annual WYPBe will be held from 7-10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23 at the Buffalo Valley Event Center in Denton. The after-party, with dancing and a DJ, goes until midnight. “I believe in the power of a college education and I want to help girls in our school district make their college dreams come true,” said Spears, a

passionate supporter of the Denton Independent School District. She and husband Mark moved to Lantana two years ago and one of their home search criteria was the home be within the Guyer High School feeder zone. One daughter is a sophomore at Guyer and the youngest attends Harpool Middle School. “I speak all over the country and my message is built around my early experiences in the classroom as a kid, “said Spears, describing how a few key teachers and administrators influenced the direction of her life and the lasting impact of participating in high school speech and debate teams. “I sell my book What’s Your Plan Be? at these events and part of the money I make from that allows me to host the event in January.” “What’s Your Plan Be?” is Spears’ signature presentation. “Today, I make it a point to ask all my clients ‘who do you want to be?’ so that we can chart their path to success,” Spears says on her website. “And you would be shocked how many people I work with that give me a blank stare back. ‘I don’t know who I want to be’ they tell me.” This year’s theme is a “Salute to the Little Black Dress.” Tickets are $50 apiece. A reserved table of eight goes for $650. “Our goal for 2015 is to raise $15,000,”said Spears, who attended graduate school and taught

at the University of North Texas. Last year, the event had attendance of 250 and raised $10,000. “Our presenting sponsor is Classic Mazda of Denton. They became the sponsor because they attended last year and had such an amazing time,” Spears said. “Gift basket sponsors are Bookkeeper Girl, Salon Rene, CoServ Electric, and “I believe in the First United Bank. These four businesses have supported this power of a college event for the last five years and education and I that is amazing. “ The money raised is overseen want to help girls by the Denton Public Schools Foundation, said Spears, in our school who serves as a DPSF board district make their member. “The foundation allows college dreams us to tap into the best of the come true.” best scholarship applicants,” Spears said. Spears loves building awareness for the foundation which provides many other scholarships. According to the Denton ISD website, the foundation has, since 2002, provided more than $581,000 in student scholarships to graduating Denton ISD seniors plus more than $2.4 million in grants to teachers, staff scholarships, Plan Be 2015, cont. on page 56...

Left to right: Karen Schopper, Kathy Black, Nikki Walker, Tina Ledterman

december 2014 lantana living 39

counselor’s corner We Can All Learn True Holiday Spirit from Our Children By Melissa Patillo Adkins Elementary School Counselor

“

hen the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!” Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! We all come from different walks of life. Some struggle, many are on their way, and others have arrived. Which camp we belong to is no secret, not

Expect the Best

to us and not to those who live on the other side of the gates. As we approach the holiday season, the difference between prosperity and disparity becomes painfully clear. At least, that is, for the adults. The adults head to work to ensure their children’s holiday wishes come true. For some, this means earning a holiday bonus, and for others it means double-shifts. We depart from different camps, different lifestyles, to obtain this common goal. Whether we dress in a tailored suit or jeans and a t-shirt is of no significance. The only thing that matters is that we walk out the front door each day prepared to do whatever it takes to make sure we adequately provide for our children. The rest is just a combination of circumstances, a few that might have been avoided and many that fate just unexpectedly dropped in our laps. Perhaps, we aren’t as different as we seem. Meanwhile, the kids arrive at the one

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place where they all belong to the same camp — school. At school, the differences are not as profound. They are all provided the same opportunities, all entitled to the same services, and all empowered to make their marks in this world. So, they cut folded paper into snowflakes; no two are alike. They use way too much glue pasting the nose on Rudolph, and they make a mess while making holiday magic in the form of handprint ornaments. The entire time, they wear a smile, cheeks glowing from hearts on fire with all that is good and right in the world. For in this moment, all children are at their best. “Don’t you love my wreath,” asks the boy who will open only two presents Christmas morning, both of which have been donated. “Look at my pretty tree,” says the girl sitting next to him who will awaken Christmas morning to more clothes and toys than the boy has received all year. He looks at her and replies, “That is a really pretty tree.” The girl smiles, “Your wreath is so beautiful. I bet your mom is going to want to hang it on the refrigerator.” The boy blushes. Her compliment means the world to him, better than silver or gold. Oh, that we might learn from our children: A gift, whether it be a genuine compliment or the treasure of kings, warms the heart and feeds the soul — not only for the one receiving the gift, but also for the giver. I am a true believer that the Lantana community is made of giving people as I have witnessed it time and time again since this school year began. On the flip-side, I also have seen immense gratefulness from those who have been blessed by the outpouring of love. We all have something to offer. Whatever your “gift” is, please give it this year. Whether your silver and gold comes in the form of service for someone who needs help or in the form of money for those who can’t afford, please act. Most importantly, let’s share with our own children the true meaning of the season — to give and receive unconditionally.

december 2014 lantana living 41

Maui, Hawaii • Submitted by Heather

LANTANA

Submits Photos “You Send It, We Print It!”

Gage

Ken

Austin

42 lantana living December 2014

december 2014 lantana living 43

message from the general manager Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Lake Ralph Hall is anticipated by September 2015. The final EIS should be completed by May 2017.

GM Report for November 2014 By Kevin Mercer General Manager Upper Trinity Regional Water District: The November Board Meeting was the all-day annual fall retreat, work session and board meeting. This year we toured North Texas Municipal Water District’s Treatment Plant in Wylie. The plant site, comprised of more than 500 acres, contains four separate water treatment plants with a combined capacity of 750 MGD. The district headquarters also is at the same location. The people there were great hosts and gracious to allow us to conduct our board meeting in their board room. The Board authorized staff to begin the application process with the Texas Water Development Board for financial assistance with the Lake Ralph Hall project. Staff also was authorized to develop a plan to provide treated effluent irrigation water for the Union Park Development and possibly other residential developments within the service area. The draft

44 lantana living December 2014

Drought conditions: The Dallas-Fort Worth area received a total of 2.09 inches of rain in October, about 2.7 inches below average. This brings our rainfall deficit up to almost 14 inches below average for the year. Lake Lewisville – current elevation 514.69 feet, -7.31 feet, Ray Roberts – 624.85, -7.65, Lake Chapman (Cooper Lake) – 427.65, -12.35, Lake Lavon – 479.3, -12.67. Elevations given are for the conservation pool not the flood pool elevation. Flood pool elevations are 6-12 feet above the conservation pools. Argyle Fire District: At the October Board meeting Chief Hohenberger discussed implementation of new policies put in place for treatment and transportation of patients suspected of having or demonstrating signs of the Ebola virus. The fire district will offer a CPR training class in February. Those interested may contact the district for more information. Space is limited so don’t delay in signing up if you’re interested in attending. The district received a total of 21 calls for service within Lantana during September which accounted for 25 percent of the month’s total calls. Construction Updates RKM Utility Services is nearing completion on the construction of Garner Addition Phase A. The company also is nearing completion of the waste-

water lift station required to serve the subdivision. Co-Serv has completed installation of the franchised utilities. Completion was scheduled by the end of November. A preconstruction meeting for Bellaire Addition Phase 3 and Garner West Addition was held in November with Pavecon. This will be the final phase of Bellaire and will connect the Bellaire and Azalia Additions. Garner West will be between Simmons Road and Fairlin Addition. Construction should commence on both additions within the next few weeks. Helker and Crawford has completed construction of CVS which is located at 7000 FM 407. The store opened Nov. 9. Spring Valley is making good progress on the Lantana Town Center. They have completed the private improvements including prepping the pad and private utility installation for Kroger, the strip center and the pad sites. Exterior masonry wall construction is nearing completion. Roof framing and deck has been completed. Roofing currently is being installed. Mechanical duct work also is being installed along with the walk in coolers. The mezzanine floor should be completed this week as well. Kroger opening is scheduled for next spring. Spring Valley also is making good progress on the retail strip center. The foundation has been completed and exterior wall construction is approximately 50 percent complete. Coyote Constructors has set the fuel tanks for the Kroger Fuel Center. Building and canopy construction Manager, cont. on page 46...

should commence within the next month. Stovall Construction is making good progress on the construction of Pizza Hut which will be at 7040 FM 407 immediately east of Sonic. Foundation and parking lot work have been completed and framing is nearing completion. TxDoT is installing traffic signals at the intersections of Blanco and FM 407 and at Simmons and FM 407. The signal at Blanco is expected to be operational by the end of March and the Simmons signal is anticipated by May. Community Facts and Figures We now have 574 customers signed up for ACH, automatic payments for utility billing. To sign up visit the districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website at lantanatx.org, click on Utility Bill Payment, and follow the prompts to enter your bank account information. We also have 2,150 residents utilizing our electronic utility billing option. We have issued 2,006 building permits in District 6 and 1,181 in District 7 for single-family residences through the month of October.

We currently have one building permit application awaiting review in District 6 and 10 in District 7. Another 23 building permit applications for new homes were received in October with 13 approved. We now have 1,969 occupied homes in District 6 and 1,053 in District 7 as of Oct. 31. This is an increase of 17 new families for the month of October. District 6 activity: 1,999 homes have received foundation inspections, 1,991 have received framing inspections, and 1,975 have been completed and received final inspections. District 7 activity: 1,145 homes have received foundation inspections, 1,128 have received framing inspections, and 1,068 have been completed and received final inspections. During October, one residential building permit was issued in District 6 and 18 in District 7. One foundation inspection was approved in District 6 and 16 were approved in District 7. Four framing inspections were approved in District 6 and 13 in District 7. Three final inspections were approved in District 6 and 20 in District 7.

Six permits for remodels/additions and nine for swimming pools were issued in October. Building permit revenue for October was $10,433 for District 6 and $200,731 for District 7. A total of $500 was received for contractor registration renewals in October. Water accountability for the month of October was at 83 percent with 75,200,000 gallons pumped into the distribution system and 65,203,500 gallons accounted for in billings and other uses. The 75,200,000 purchased gallons equates to a load factor of 81 percent of our subscribed capacity. The increased usage is due to Lantana providing water to Cross Timbers Water Supply Corporation (CTWSC) while it repainted tanks and performed other required system maintenance. Lantana began providing water to CTWSC on Oct. 15. From Oct. 15-31, we provided 17,010,900 gallons into CTWSCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s system.

december 2014 lantana living 45

Football Season Wrap:

Walsh, Wildcats Ready to Move on After Rare Early Playoff Loss By Steve Gamel

Before Guyer lost to Southlake Carroll in a Class 6A Division II area round playoff game Nov. 22, it had been just over three years since the Wildcats lost a postseason game. To be more specific, Guyer won 13 straight playoff games, including two state titles, since losing to Mansfield on Nov. 19, 2011.

ead coach John Walsh would love to win them all — the latest loss to the Dragons still stings a bit weeks after it happened — but even this longtime coach understands that’s just not possible in this age of competitive football in Texas. “We are realistic enough to know these games We are realistic enough aren’t going to always go the to know these games way we want them to,” Walsh aren’t going to always go said. “We took it the chin this the way we want them to. on time, but the way We took it on the chin this we look at it, you can always time, but the way we look get better after losses.” at it, you can always get Guyer did take a pounding in better after losses. the 58-42 loss — Coach John Walsh to Carroll. The Dragons scored on their first seven possessions while Guyer continually hurt itself. After taking an early 7-3 lead, Guyer turned the ball over on an interception and a botched punt snap. Carroll converted both into

“

”

46 lantana living December 2014

scores, and before the Wildcats could blink, they were trailing 31-7. For the game, Carroll quarterback Ryan Agnew completed 21 of his 24 pass attempts for 241 yards and one touchdown. He also scored twice on rushing touchdowns while running back Lil Jordan Humphrey added 176 yards and three scores. “When you play big time programs like that, you can’t give them momentum,” Walsh said. “It was uncharted territory for us because we had executed well all season long. We just shot ourselves in the foot.” The good news is, Guyer is built for long playoff runs for years to come — starting with quarterback Shawn Robinson. The sophomore, who moved in from Saginaw Chisholm Trail when his mother, Andrea, took over as Guyer’s head girls’ basketball coach, proved to be a perfect fit for an offense looking for a replacement for Jerrod Heard, now at the University of Texas. Robinson was one of the top recruits in his class all season, and on the biggest playoff stage, he continued to shine. Against Carroll, he finished with 404 yards passing and another 101

yards on the ground. He accounted for all six of Guyer’s scores in the loss. His season stats were even more eye-popping. He finished with 2,799 passing yards, 1,416 rushing yards and 50 total touchdowns. He only threw five interceptions. “We’ve got the quarterback to win a state title, that’s for sure,” Walsh said. The trick will be repairing a defense that underwhelmed in a season where it was predicted to be one of the best units in the state. Walsh will have six players back on defense next year. “We’ve got work to do in that area,” Walsh said. “The key will be finding depth. Carl (Thompson) got hurt and we just never were as thick on the defensive line as we hoped to be. It was tough for us from the very beginning, so offensively, we had to keep finding ways to put up points.” Despite not being used to early playoff exists, Walsh remained optimistic and offered up this key thought. “The last time we lost in the area round, we ended up following it with back-to-back state titles,” he said.

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see you on the sidelines Not as Biased as You Might Think By Steve Gamel

here’s always that one beat reporter in the press box who is an obvious homer. I once saw a guy a few chairs down from me pound the table with the palm of his hand in excitement every time the team he was covering scored a touchdown. If the defense messed up, he was shouting suggestions to the coaching staff in the booth next to him. What happened to staying objective? Truth is, there’s a little bit of “homer-ism” in all of us beat reporters. Some just hide it better. I’ve been doing this for almost 18 years now and I admit it’s very easy to become attached to the players, coaches, fans and overall atmosphere of the team you cover. Who

doesn’t want their team to win? like that, relationOne year, I was invited to three ships are born. separate season-ending team In many ways, banquets, and was asked to give a developing those speech at two of them. My Twitter r e l a t i o n s h i p s handle is @NewspaperSteve, which is crucial to was a nickname given to me many being an effecyears ago by some young athletes when tive reporter. I covered Lewisville High School. Wanting the It’s stuck after all these years, and a team you cover to win every game is new group of athletes at Guyer, Argyle, only a natural part of the process. etc. only call me by that The key is staying name. objective. Not once I don’t go home and You can laugh or judge have I wished ill-will on lose sleep over a all you want, but I ask another team or player. you to think about it for a bad loss, and I’m not As much as I am rooting second. A beat reporter for whatever team I’m is up at the school or drawing up plays for covering to win, I’m not field house every week pounding the table, — sometimes 3-4 times the coaching staff in cussing or breaking out — doing his or her job. in sweats at the thought my free time. The beat reporter writes of a potential loss. every player feature or breaking story I don’t go home and lose sleep over a and is at every game. Coaches get used bad loss, and I’m not drawing up plays to seeing the reporter there, so he or she for the coaching staff in my free time. I always gets the latest scoop – and just don’t have free time, by the way. If I do lose sleep over anything, it’s usually over whether I successfully put together a compelling and fair story. Last month, I covered the Argyle volleyball team’s run to the Class 4A state tournament. The Lady Eagles were a very good team and marched into the state final against Decatur having won 17-straight matches. They dropped just one set in that stretch. In the end, Decatur was simply better and that’s what I reported. Would it have been better if Argyle had won that match? Sure. The coaching staff and players had joked that I was their good luck charm, so there was a big part of me that wanted to see them win it all. The alternative wasn’t so bad, though, and that’s where I think some beat reporters fail. Looking back, I feel bad for that reporter who was beating the table in frustration. I feel bad because I know what it’s like to want your team to win. At the same time, I feel bad because he’ll never be taken seriously as a writer. I don’t claim to be God’s gift to sports writing, but I can tell you from experience that coaches and players alike Gamel, cont. on page 52...

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Guyer Girls

Basketball

Hopes to Take Next Step to

Elite Status By Steve Gamel

Her team is barely into the District 5-6A schedule, but new Guyer girls’ basketball coach Andrea Robinson has been preaching all season that the Lady Wildcats are on the cusp of taking the next step in their ascension toward being an elite power.

Guyer girls basketball coach Andrea Robinson

ince the beginning of the season, Robinson has pitted the Lady Wildcats against the best competition possible. This includes non-district games against Houston Northshore, Dallas Lincoln and Cypress Woods — all losses, but key building blocks in what Robinson hopes will help her team turn a valuable corner. “We can compete at the highest level. We have shown that, but we aren’t quite doing everything elite just yet,” Robinson said. “We don’t need to play mediocre teams, and we’ve worked too hard to have someone come to our court and blow us out. This season has been rough at times, but these girls are learning. It’s just a matter of time before we learn how to win at a higher level.” First thing’s first, the Lady Wildcats need to make the playoffs. Their Dec. 12 district opener against Keller was the team’s first home game this season. By season’s end, they hope to be the top team in the district, which features Keller Central, Keller, Keller Fossil Ridge, Keller Timber Creek, Denton Ryan, Justin Northwest and Trophy Club Nelson. You can’t blame Robinson for wanting more from the Lady Wildcats. The 19-year veteran spent the last six years building Cedar Hill’s girls’ program into a perennial playoff favorite. She led Cedar Hill to the 2010 state semifinals and also took Fort Worth Dunbar to title wins in 2005 and 2007. 50 lantana living December 2014

Guyer has had its share of success. The Lady Wildcats have won at least 20 games in each of the last three seasons while competing in both Class 4A and 5A. Most of that success has come during the regular season, though, as they’ve never made it past the area round of playoffs. This year marks the first time since 2011 Guyer has been in the state’s largest classification and Robinson feels now is as good a time as any to take the next step. “And we’re almost there,” she said. “We beat a very good North Crowley team earlier in the year and only lost to Lincoln by six or eight points, so we can play with those elite teams. Where we run into problems is with things like fouls. We’re in a game against an elite team, but at the end of the game we have a bunch of our starters sitting on the bench because they’re in foul trouble. We’re going to get over the hump.”

“This season has been rough at times, but these girls are learning. It’s just a matter of time before we learn how to win at a higher level.” — Coach Robinson The Lady Wildcats have plenty of talent. Sophomore Lauren Heard and junior Bre Wickware have been the main offensive weapons so far along with fellow returner Ola Akinniyi, a senior, and the strong 3-point shooting of sophomore Sydney Meador. Senior Ali Downard also has been solid defensively. “The thing about this team is that all these girls are good in their own way and fit together perfectly like a puzzle,” Robinson said. “I’ve really been having fun with this team and I think we’ll surprise some people.”

Because you are always looking after the health of others.

Free

Women’s Health Screening Event Saturday, February 21st, 2015 8:00am – 11:30am

• Cholesterol • Sleep Apnea

• Body Composition • Blood Pressure or Body Mass Index • Heart Screening

• Glucose Checks

For a more accurate reading, do not eat or drink (except water and black coffee) after midnight if you are taking the cholesterol screening. You you should continue to take your medications as instructed by your physician.

No RSVP needed! Visit TexasHealthFlowerMound.com for more information. Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Flower Mound is a joint venture owned by Texas Health Resources and physicians dedicated to the community and meets the definition under federal law of a physician-owned hospital. Doctors on the medical staff practice independently and are not employees or agents of the hospital.

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...Gamel, Cont. from page 48

want the reporter who is going to tell their story with facts and fairness – regardless of the outcome. What they don’t want is a blowhard who writes everything through a set of rose-colored glasses. If that were the case, they might as well pick a fan from the stands to write the game story. Until next time, I’ll see you on the sidelines.

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Shop along the lovely streets of downtown Denton and checkout the special events happening all around town. Some stores will be hosting seasonal sales, door prize drawings and refreshments. Remember to support your community and small business owners by shopping locally this holiday season.

This Holiday Shopping Season

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OFFICIAL

LANTANA

Resident BUSINESS OWNER

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November 28th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; December 23rd Friday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sunday Evenings

Horse Drawn Carriage Rides & Strolling Holiday Entertainment Times vary. Visit theshopsathighlandvillage.com for complete details * Weather Permitting

At the top of every list. NW corner of FM 2499 & FM 407 | 972.317.7500 | theshopsathighlandvillage.com | december 2014 lantana living 55

...Plan Be 2015, cont. from page 39

special program support, classroom initiatives, advanced training and graduate hours. Spears receives a lot of help with the event. Many volunteers are high school juniors and seniors who handle the registration table. While tickets are available to the general public, many businesses like to sponsor a table for one of Denton ISD high schools or middle schools. Faculty members really enjoy a night out and the event gives women a chance to dress up, pull out the high heels and have a good time, Spears said. The event is highly motivational for the participants. Spears describes interactions like a tearful administrator telling her this is the kind of event teachers really need. Another participant told her, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I had no idea what to expect. It was the most fun Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had in years.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; For information on becoming a sponsor, buy an ad package or to get an event ticket, go to the http://www.wypbe.com/ website.

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Become a Volunteer... and help others Medical Center of Lewisville offers an active Volunteer Program for adults. We invite you to join us in providing professional, supportive and dependable service to enhance the care of patients and the comfort of visitors. What do Volunteers do? • Staff Information and Registration desk • Greet visitors and deliver flowers, mail & newspapers • Assist Nursing staff with Indirect patient care in various departments

Join a great team! To fill out an application or more information, go to lewisvillemedical/ careers/volunteers or call 972.420.7444.

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MISSION MOMS Mission: Blessings

Distribution to families at Copper Canyon Fire Station on November 19th. Served over 225 families and stocked the Argyle Food Bank. Also contributed extra food donations to Trietsch Church & Rock Point Ministries.

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