THE POST AT LIGHT FARMS

T H E PO ST @

L I GH T FA RM S 3 B I G C H A N GES FO R L I GH T FA RM S I N 20 18 H O A B U D GET REV EA L ED : W h er e D o es Yo u r M o n ey Go ?

B JJ A C A D EM Y W I L L H EL P B U L L Y- PRO O F YO U R C H I L D W EEK EN D RO A D T RI P: A RB U C K L E W I L D ERN ESS PA RK

FI RST I SSU E

Jan u ar y 20 18

T h e Po st A t L i gh t Far m s Fi r st I ssu e - Jan ar y 20 18

From The Publisher

By Jodi MacCargar

Hello Neighbors! And Happy New Year. As you unwind from the holiday season, we are so excited for you to find The Post @ Light Farms in your mailbox. We are so excited to be able to deliver a magazine that will help bring our community even closer together.

First of all, let me say thank you to the advertisers that joined us this month without seeing an actual magazine! And thank you to those that let us into their homes and hearts and shared their stories with us so that we could share them with you.

So as you hold the very first issue The Post in your hands, I would like to take a moment to tell you a little bit about me and my family and I am hoping that by understanding who we are, you will understand how important this magazine is to us.

For those that don?t know me, I am your neighbor; a resident of Light Farms. My husband, Jason and I moved into the Indigo section in November of 2014. I am a mom to one son, who?s in 3rd grade with most of your kiddos.

I co-own a small business with my husband, facilitate a group of resident volunteers (Light Farms Community Council) that identifies and mitigates issues or concerns of the community residents. I also have a day job where I focus on system application risk.

Moving into Light Farms is like moving to an amazing place with your entire family; even the crazy ones Seriously though, it?s an amazing neighborhood full of fun. We have HOA events, RPG events, social events with neighbors, parents and children outside playing and riding their bikes to the neighborhood school.

This is the type of neighborhood when you can

Ph ot o Cr edit s - M ik e M or a

participate as much or as little as you?re comfortable with.

For our family, it was more than we could have hoped for.

There are so many things that make me love Light Farms. Far too many to mention here. But one that stands out is that I?ve noticed that as neighbors, as friends, and as residents we are not perfect. We make mistakes, we pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and try again the next day. But I promise that if you need something and you ask for it, this neighborhood as a collective, will give it to you.

My goal for this year is to Take ACTION. I don?t want to sit on the sidelines waiting for someone else to give me solutions. I want to be the person that searches and discovers more than I was looking for in the process.

My wish for my Light Farms neighbors and friends this year? Discovering that while there?s a big difference between a neighbor and a family, it?s easy to bridge that gap and find family among you.

As we journey together through 2018 and beyond. It is our goal for The Post to chronicle our lives.

To that end, we want you to have a say in this magazine. We want to hear about special events, birthdays, babies, clubs and anything else you are proud of and want to share. We can't promise we will be able to fit everything into our magazine. But we do know the more you are involved the better the magazine will be.

COPYRIGHT 2018, THE POST AT LIGHT FARM S LLC TO SUBSCRIBE OR ADVERTISE - CONTACT US AT 214-738-8217

DR. TOM BIETSCH, D.D.S. 221 N. PRESTON ROAD, SUITE A PROSPER, TX 75078

972-347-2222

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5? 4? 3? 2? 1? HAPPY NEW YEAR!

By Courtney Benson And with that countdown, in rushes the joy and excitement of what 2018 has in store.

Resolutions set, intentions are high and a new, clean page awaits to write or re-write your story.

By mid February, most of us have lost the ambition that radiated from us just a few weeks earlier. Life got hard, schedules get packed and the focus waned.

Let?s do this year different. Resolutions set us all up for failure and guilt before the yearly turkey comes out of the oven and the jello mold has congealed. Stop making new year?s resolutions, let?s try something new.

1. What?s In Your Bucket?

Sit down and write a list of what you are looking forward to experiencing, seeing or doing.

Start with 5 and build on it as the year goes on, this should be an ever changing and living document. Get your dreams and wants on paper, yes, actual paper and put it somewhere were you can see it, and edit it, often. A wise man once said, ?A goal not written down is really only a wish?. Stop wishing and go for it.

2. Challenge Yo?self So maybe you just wrote the worlds biggest bucket list and your pumped, now what?

Pick one thing you want to cross off your life list this year and plan for it, I mean really plan for it, pen to paper plan, just like your bucket list. Seeing it is believing it, so jot down your goal, set a date to execute and create a timeline to make that happen. Maybe it?s as simple as adding one action item to your calendar each month that will get you to you goal. Don?t have a monthly calendar? Add your action item to your grocery list for the week. Scheduling a flight fits in nicely after picking up a bottle of wine. So what is on your bucket list? Learn a new language? Visit a foreign land? Learn to cook? Pick your challenge, plan for it and make it happen.

3. What?s The Word?

Set up 2018 with an intentional vibe, this is one that will help you refocus and bring you back to how you want to live your best life, pick something that references your bucket list item. This process brings clarity for when things start to get out of whack. What?s your word for 2018?

Patience, Focus, Health, Trust, Positivity?

Pick your word, write it down, sand blast it on your Yeti, just commit it to memory.

My word for 2018 is ACTION. And, look at that, I wrote my first magazine article #bam!

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HOW LIGHT FARM S WORKS?

WHAT IS A MUD DISTRICT? Collin Cou n t y M u d #1 -Special governmental entity created by the State of Texas -Main function ? provide water, sewage, drainage and other infrastructure within its boundaries.

-MUD tax instead of City tax -Maintains streets, street signage, street lights, percentage of landscape maintenance

Who I s The Republic Proper ty Group or RPG? -Has the vision of how the community will look and grow -Sells lots to builders -Builds amenities and then conveys ownership to the HOA -Controls the HOA Board during the development of the community -Establishes approved architectural design and reviews and approves post sale modifications

What I s LF Relationship With The City Of Celina?

-By way of contract with the MUD provides Fire and Police protection -On behalf of HOA , the community adopted City Ordinances -By way of contract with MUD provides water and trash service to residents SOURCE: LIGHT FARM S HOA

WHO IS I NSIGHT ASSOCI ATION MANAGEMENT? AAMC ? Accredited Association Management Company -HOA Staff Members Employees of Insight Association Management -Deborah Ring, PCAM? Professional Community Association Manager, Over 18-years experience in HOA management, obtained CMCA ? Certified Manager of Community Associations, AMS ? Association Management Specialist.Brenda Hernandez ? Administrative Assistant, Erin Shirley ? Lifestyle Director, Terry Payne ? Maintenance, TJWatts - Porter

PURPOSE OF THE HOA -Manage and maintain common areas of property i.e. parks, pool, tennis courts, playgrounds etc.

-Manage property interests of owners i.e. covenant enforcement, collect assessments, manage financial requirements of the HOA etc.

-Provide services to owners i.e. front lawn landscape maintenance, basic alarm monitoring, develop a sense of community through social activities, educational and charitable endeavors

3 THI NGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO ON THE FARM I N 2018 BIG CHANGES COMI NG TO LIGHT FARMS I N 2018 2017 was an amazing year at Light Farms.

The neighborhood sold its 1000th home in October and we just continue to grow at an amazing pace.

Big box stores opened up over on Preston, and dozens of other amazing local businesses are opening all around us in both Prosper and Celina.

As the world around us continues to grow, Light Farms is continuing to expand with amazing new amenities that will somehow make our home even better in 2018.

The Post team found three new additions to look forward to in 2018!

CONSTELLATION PARK Constellation Park will feature an 11 acre lake complete with beach entry and dock launch, kayak & paddle board rentals, event pavilion, dog park, children?s playground, paved hike & bike trails, unpaved nature trails and more! This 90 acre park will straddle both sides of Light Farms Way at the north side of the community and will fully open in early 2018! Located near the north side of the lake just east of Light Farms Way, Constellation Park will feature 3 concrete slab camp sites features grills, and two camp sites that include a simple tent set-up and fire pit. Now you will be able to go rough it in the wild without leaving the neighborhood.

THE FARM STAND CAFE & MARKET? AND BAR? If all goes according to plan, Spring 2018 will bring one of the most exciting new additions to our neighborhood with the opening of our very own cafe.

Featuring a menu from local celebrity Chef Graham Dodds the menu will feature indoor and outdoor seating for breakfast, lunch and dinner in addtion to snacks, snack boxes, produce and sandwiches. The Cafe will also feature beer & wine for the adults, and if the rumors are true they are working on including a full bar!

SECOND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOR FALL 2018 A second on-site elementary school will open off of Frontier Parkway in August 2019 and ready for the 2018-2019 school year!

Wh at A re You M ost Ex ci ted A b out I n 2018?

Let us k now at I nf o@Th ePostA tLF.com

FARM FRESH NEWS "ONE OF THE MANY THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT LIVING IN LIGHT FARMS IS THE SPIRIT OF UNITY THAT PREVAILS. IT CAN BE SEEN AND FELT. IT'S UNIQUE AND IT'S AMAZING. -Mike Mora What's Your News?

Did we miss your birthday, anniversary or special announcement? We need your input and feedback to help grow and reflect what you want to hear and see! Send us your news for the February issue to in f o@t h epost at lf .com Did we miss your birthday, anniversary or special announcement? We need your input and feedback to help grow and reflect what you want to hear and see! Send us your news for the February issue

Congratulations 2017 Chr istmas Decorating Contest Winners

Januar y Bir thdays!

Sabrina Rapisarda - January 2nd Leah Buck - January 6th

Grand Prize, Best Overall Decorations 4332 Switchgrass, Jeremiah and Michelle Howard Colorful Children's Display - 1310 & 1314 Cottonwood, Michael and Kelly Johnson and Glenn Fox and Ruthanne Kenney (display is set up at both addresses) Most Unique and Creative - 400 Allbright, Curtis & Karen Hamilton Martha Stewart Award - 1411 Cypress Creek , Daniel & Leah Durbin Old Fashioned Christmas - 1203 Baird, Suzanne Andries Thank you very much to the many homeowner volunteer judges and to all those that decorated this holiday season.

Molly Meis - January 7 Trevor Kigen- January 10th Abby McGregor Happy 10th Birthday Liam Jadoo - January 11th Dylan Hammond - January 11th Kaitlin McDermott - January 14 Madeline Wetzel, - January 14 Kamry Gilman - January 16th Jackson Zercher - January 17th Mason Fisher - January 18th Max Butterfield - January 21st Macie Maranto - January 23rd Addie Riley - January 26th Gigi Schilling - January 29th Brynlee Houser - January 30 Sofia Lucas - January 31

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FAMILY SPOTLIGHT

LIGHT FARMS FAMI LY GI VES BACK WITH LOVE PACS When New England transplants Kevin and Jeni Sexton arrived in Light Farms three years ago, the married couple of twelve years were looking for the perfect charity for their family of five to get behind. LovePacs.org, which originated in 2011 in The Colony, immediately spoke to them and became a calling for them. LovePacs works with the local school board to find kids who are receiving free breakfasts and lunches at school, and works to collect enough food for the child to continue to receive free nutritious meals during school breaks.

LovePacs.com has become a family affair for the Sexton?s, with the children helping to pack lunches and adding handwritten cards to each box. Each box contains 2 meals and one snack over each school break period.

Currently, the Sextons are collecting and packing at their Light Farms home, but they are looking to secure a storage facility so they can continue to provide even during the summer months. The center at the Barnyard @ Light Farms has a permanent donation box that a local resident built for them. ?The community support for this great cause has been unbelievable,?the Sexton?s told The Post. ?It has been amazing the people, families and children coming together to support children in need has gone beyond what we thought.?

For More Information On LovePacs, please visit www.LovePacs.Org/prosper/

BULLY-PROOFI NG WITH BJJ ACADEMY

BY GABRIEL BENSON BJJ Academy, owned by Light Farms resident McLane Hansen, has recently moved to 133 Dylan Drive, Suite B in Prosper. BJJ Academy offers a wide variety of classes for beginners to black belts. After my two children recently took a class at the studio, The Post had to reach out to McLane to learn more about his theory behind ?Bully-Proofing.?

The Post: Tell us about the types of classes you offer at BJJ Academy.

McLane @ BJJ Academy: We offer morning and evening classes. We have classes for all ages. Starting age group classes from 4-7, 6-8, 9-13 and adult

classes. We are open Monday thru Sat. The Post: There are numerous options when it comes to martial arts in the area. Tell us what makes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu the right choice for both children and adults?

McLane @ BJJ Academy: Learning martial arts is invaluable for your self defense and getting into peak physical condition. BJJ stands for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I get asked a lot, what's the difference between BJJ and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, the answer is the teaching of Self Defense. Most BJJ gyms focus on the sportive (non self defense MMA) aspect of the martial

art. because they weren't trained in by a Gracie in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. At BJJ Academy, I can use the name Gracie Jiu-Jitsu training center, because in the 90s, I was certified by Grand Master Reylson Gracie to teach the Gracie family martial arts. BJJ Academy focuses on Gracie Self Defense, plus we teach the sportive aspect and compete at tournaments. I personally wouldn't have my child or if I were a police officer train at only a BJJ sportive gym.

Sportive is only a small part of the martial art. I've taught sportive and UFC competitors like Frank Mir, who won the UFC Heavy weight championship. Check out our website www.bjjacademy.com and come try a Free week of training.

The Post: My children have been to one of your classes, and you focus heavily on self-defense tactics. Tell us a more about how BJJ can help make a child bully-proof?

McLane @ BJJ Academy: Unfortunately, kids are in danger of getting bullied everyday. The abuse can be physical, psychological or both.

Learning how to control your body and emotions when facing an unconformable situation is not only key to self defense, but to life. A confident child is a bully-proof child. In our everyday Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Bully-proof self-defense training, we will empower your child with confidence and knowledge that actually works. They

will learn the verbal strategies to stand up to bullies, and a series of non-violent self-defense techniques to keep them safe if they are physically attacked. There are other martial arts out there, and while all have strong qualities, I feel that Gracie Jiu-Jitsu offers the best self-defense system for kids and women because we teach more than just punching and kicking.

BJJ Academy teaches Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing, Judo and MMA. If your child is bullied by a kid twice his or her size, you may only get one or two punches or kicks off. Self defense is not like the movies. It is hard to knock someone out and even more difficult, when an attacker is on top of you. I always felt that if my kids got bullied and they couldn't properly deal with it, then it was my fault. An hour of training, 2-3 times a week will make a difference in your child's life.

For More Information On BJJ Academy visit www.BJJAcademy.com or call 844-655-4878.

3 TI PS TO COMBAT BULLYI NG 1. Have a plan : Wh en you or you r ch ild t r ain s in Gr acie Jiu -Jit su , t h e ar e m en t ally pr epar in g t o be vict or iou s an d n ot a vict im . You r ch ild is pr act icin g bein g in a bad spot an d com in g ou t u n scat h ed (in a h ealt h y saf e m ar t ial ar t s gym en vir on m en t ).

2. Body Lan gu age: Con f iden ce is n on ver bal an d it does af f ect h ow ot h er s t r eat u s. Pr edat or s (bu llies) ar e n ot look in g f or t h e k id w h o h as a st r on g self im age.

3. Havin g a TRIBE: A st r on g sen se of self can an d does com e f r om pr act icin g a m ar t ial ar t , bu t it also com es f r om bein g par t of a TRIBE. Bu llies look f or in secu r e lon er s becau se in secu r e lon er s lack a syst em of su ppor t . Th ey lack peer s w h o can be t h er e f or em ot ion al su ppor t .

Get t in g To Kn ow Coach Jason St over

By Tiffini Hansen

Jason Stover and his wife Kelly moved to Texas just over three years ago from Nashville, TN. While the couple are busying raising their five children (Sean, Mark, Joseph, Katherine and Helen) as well as their golden retriever Max, Jason has found purpose and joy in coaching. ?My father was in the military, so we moved around a lot and intramural sports wasn?t really an option,?

Jason told The Post. ?I started coaching eight years ago and found that I really had a lot to offer the children I was coaching.?

Jason coaches tackle football, flag football, baseball, soccer and basketball. ?The biggest lesson I have learned coaching is that you have to have patience,? Jason continued. ?As a coach you must be willing to change your game plan to fit what your team needs. You may have a plan going into the game, but you have to be willing to be flexible and adapt to the moment. The best part is the kids will force you to do your homework an stay on top of your game.?

ARE YOU A LOCAL COACH LOOKING FOR PLAYERS? DOES YOUR TEAM DESERVE SOME RECOGNITION FOR WINNING THE BIG GAME? HAVE A SPORTS STORY FOR THE POST? EMAIL US AT INFO@THEPOSTATLF.COM

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ADVICE FOR PARENTS With the amount of time that children and parents put into intramural sports, it is extremely important that the parents and coach are able to communicate effectively as to the goals for the team and for the child. Here are a few tips from Coach Stover.

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You are your child?s advocate.

Get to know you coaches. If you are unhappy walk away respectfully.

Parents to listen and support the coaches.

Communication is key.

Encourage your child not to quit when the going gets tough.

Losing isn't fun, but you need to teach your child to be committed for the season. Important life lesson.

LI GHT FA RM S TEA M S The Storm baseball is fielding a 10U kid pitch team for year round play. We are a Christian based group focusing on skill development and game knowledge. If interested please contact head coach Jason Stover at storm10u@yahoo.com or 980.355.2258

Frozen Ropes 13AAA select baseball organization has added a full team under coach McLane Hansen and assistant coach Kyle Houser who played for the Colorado Rockies. McLane and Kyle are also coaching an 8u Baseball team for their younger sons Parker Hansen and Jackson Houser.

The goal is to develop players and help the Light Farms kids Prosper. To contact McLane, please email him at info@bjjacademy.com.

Are you interested in your child trying a new sport? Have you every considered Rugby? Ray Kleposki is coaching a 3rd and 4th grade co-ed Rugby team. There will also be opportunities for kids all ages to try out and play rugby right here in Celina, Texas. The local rugby club is the North Texas Barbarians (www.ntbarbarians.com). No experience is necessary. The younger kids start out with flag rugby (similar to flag football) and progress up. Rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the US, and many Divison 1 schools are starting Rugby programs for both men and women with significant scholarship potential. The Barbarians have a K-2 team (flag), 3-4 th grade (flag progressing to contact) , 5-6th grade (contact), middle school girls, middle school boys, JV and Varsity programs. Come check it out, any questions, contact Ray Kleposki atrkleposki@gmail.com

Ray Kleposki will be coaching a 3rd grade boys flag football team this spring at PSA. If you would like your 3rd grade son or daughter to play football , please contact Ray atrkleposki@gmail.com . Deadline is the second week in January . We will be getting new uniforms ( T-shirt?s ) that I will ask Jodi Bales MacCargar to make for us (keep it in the hood) and will be changing our names to the Light Farms Barbarians for this year .

ARBUCKLE WI LDERNESS: A SHORT DRI VE TO THE WI LD SI DE

THE POST'S WEEKEND ROAD TRI P GUI DE

Looking for a family adventure on a long weekend to take your kids away from their X-Box?s and tablets? The Post @ Light Farms has got you covered and our team is out scouting the area for fun, family friendly adventures. Our efforts led us to the Arbuckle Wilderness Park in Davis, Oklahoma. Arbuckle?s is a drive-thru Zoo that is home to a ?fun filled adventure land where wonderful and diverse creatures from over five continents roam in similar habitats to their own.?

We arrived on a quiet and slightly chilly Sunday to an almost empty parking lot. While the price of $16.99 per adult and $14.99 per child (4-11) seemed steep in theory (plus the price of animal food), my wife and I willingly jumped into the back of our pick-up truck with our kids while another member of the group drove through the park.

For the first few moments after we drove through the gate to find nothing but trees, it was easy to remember the joke from the first

Jurassic Park movie where one of the characters asked ?Are there going to be any Dinosaurs at your Dinosaur Park??

Well, that question was answered moments later when giraffes, donkeys, zebras, horses, and all kinds of other animals charged the car. They knew we had generously bought food for them at the concession stand and they were ready to eat! The animals brazenly surrounded the car doing their best to make sure you don?t drive away until they have all had a snack.

At this point the children are squealing with delight throwing the small food pellets everywhere and adding to the feeding frenzy.

Everything seems great until you turn around and see a squadron of ostriches bearing down on your location.

The long legged birds are definitely the bullies of the group, and with their head and long necks they can literally stick their beaks into your business. As my wife urged the driver to ?Go!?, the fleet footed hungry monsters followed as the kids tossed food out the back of the

truck bed.

The drive continues past water buffalo, deer, oryx, llama, bison and camels. Each and every animal will come to the car for a bite and while the park warns about letting them eat out of your hand it is hard to resit the temptation. But we warn you, every time you turn around you will see an ostrich on your tail!

As you drive through the park, you will also get to see a white tiger, giraffe and rhinoceros in cages. The giraffe is able to lean his head down far enough that you can still feed him if you are lucky.

are looking to get away for a quick weekend adventure, Arbuckle Wilderness Park is definitely worth the trip.

For M or e In f or m at ion - Please Visit Ar bu ck leWilder n essPar k .com Th e Par k is Open M on -Fr i: 9am -4:30pm an d Sat -Su n : 9am -5:30pm .

The whole trip through the park takes less than an hour, but you are allowed to drive at your own pace meaning you can choose your own adventure.

While no one would ever say an almost two hour drive north on I-35 into Oklahoma is their idea of a good time, the destination is definitely worth the trip. There are also little side trips in the area including Turner Falls, the quirky Cloverleaf store in Ardmore, and depending on the age of your companions Winstar Casino. if you

HAVE A WEEKEND ROAD TRIP SUGGESTION? LET US KNOW AT INFO@THEPOSTATLF.COM

Let Us Make Your Backyard Your Favorite Vacation Spot.