Mohawk Life 13 07-30-18

Contents photo credit Michael Tannery8 Hot Dogs And Other Pets 22 Fitness12 How To Make The Perfect Outdoor 26 In the Kitchen 28 Insurance Kitchen Space20 Summer LandscapesFront Cover photo by Amber Starling Photography, amberstarling.com, 469-226-12764  Family of the Month 14  Golden Couple16  Business of the Month 18  Student of the Month www.MohawkLife.com 1

Mohawk Life Mohawk Life Letter from the Editor Publisher Kyla ObertIt certainly seems like we were just writing about the start of summer, and now it’s time to get back to Editor school. I don’t have kids to get out of summer mode Teri Hebert and in to school mode. But I’m certainly ready to get Ad Sales back to cooler temperatures! Mike Obert Nancy Luttinger The summer isn’t quite over yet, and if your yard Designer looks anything like mine, it could use more water. Openlook Creative Services Check out our feature about water-wise gardens in this Contributors issue of the magazine. I love plants that can survive our Lisa Parelli, Texas heat, and we have an expert who can help you Wilson Allen plan your landscape to look beautiful all year long. and Ryan Amerson Special Thanks We’ve also included a feature about keeping your pets safe outside during the The Jolly Family, summer. If you are too hot outside, your furry friends are too. Bill and Becky Rivers, and Liz Spence. We are excited in this issue of Mohawk Life to feature Jay Jolly and his family. For Advertising Questions, please email If you live in the Mohawk area of the neighborhood, you should recognize him as [email protected] your Neighborhood Association president. He and his family continue to serve the For Editoral Requests, please email neighborhood with passion and dedication. We’re thrilled to let y’all get to know [email protected] him, Becki, and the kids this month. [email protected] Did you know that we love feedback? We LOVE to hear from you. 2701 Custer Parkway, Suite 706 Richardson, TX 75080 • You can send us a message, leave a comment, or share an article through our Facebook page (facebook.com/MohawkLifeMag). Managing Partners Mike and Kyla Obert • We also post each issue of the magazine digitally at mohawklife.com. You can read and share the magazine electronically. Principals Campbell Kerr and Dustin Shaffer • You can also send nominations or article ideas to me at any time at [email protected] And speaking of nominations, we are looking for more pets! Check out the Pet Nominations page in this issue of the magazine. We take pets of all shapes, sizes, types, etc. If you or someone you know has an amazing pet that we need to feature, let me know! Have you met a new neighbor recently? If not, go meet one! Then let us know who they are. We are also looking for Neighborhood Newcomers-your newest Mohawk and JJP friends who have lived in the neighborhood for a year or less. Don’t let them be shy . . . send them my way! I’d love to meet them, too. We hope you are enjoying the rest of your summer! Stay safe, stay cool, cook up one of the new recipes we have for you. And enjoy this latest issue of Mohawk Life!2 www.MohawkLife.com



Mohawk LifeFamily of the Month The Jolly Family by Teri Hebert

Mohawk Life Family of the MonthThe Jolly Five (or six, if you count Callie the dog) are enjoying They lived in Sachse but didn’t really feel a strong sense of their newly-remodeled home. With space for the kids to play community. They first looked in Canyon Creek. But then they saw in the new second floor addition, the family is glad to be back the Reservation, found their house, and knew that when it was timein the house and settled in after temporarily moving to Celina to stay for them to add kids to their family, the schools in the neighborhoodwith Becki’s family. It was a long several months during the reno- would be the best for them.vation to commute back and to their lives in Richardson on a dailybasis. But that’s how much they love Richardson and the Reservation. Now, there are three children in the Jolly family. Autumn is theThey grew their house to fit their lives so they can stay and continue oldest at nine years old. She loves horses, especially her three favoriteto make an impact on this neighborhood that they love. horses: Twinkle, Scooter, and Tamale. She enjoys play dates and dancing, and she’ll be in the 4th grade at Mohawk. Currently, she is Jay and Becki met at Prestonwood as part of the Singles group. Jay reading two different chapter books at night.took the initiative and started hanging out with Becki. Eventuallythey realized they were at the same singles retreat about a year prior Campbell is next in line at six-and-three-quarter years old. She lovesyet never talked during that retreat. But things moved quickly once basketball, soccer, dance, gymnastics, movies, and games. She also enjoysthey did start talking that April. They were engaged in July, then Adventure Guides and will be going in to the 1st grade at Mohawk.married the following April. And they’ve now been married 18 years. The youngest of the three kids is Landon at three-and-three-quarter The two Jollys (Becki and Jay) arrived in the Reservation in October years old. He is an active young fellow who loves dinosaurs, climbingof 2006. At the time, Jay was looking at jobs outside of Texas. He’d the tree in the front yard, and playing the bad guy. Then there ishad a plan to get back to North Carolina where he’s from. But, falling Callie the dog, who is getting used to the invisible fence in the frontin love with Becki kind of ruined that plan for him. And when he yard, and is otherwise a really good dog.was offered a job here in the area, they decided to stay in Texas. Butthey wanted to put their roots down in a place with a bit more of a Jay works for a company called NetScout in commercial operations.community feel. Becky works with the Prestonwood Christian Learning Center and Mother’s Day Out. Becki is also on the Mohawk PTA board as the Treasurer. Both of them love being involved in the neighborhood.www.MohawkLife.com 5

Mohawk LifeFamily of the MonthThey truly feel like God has called them to be here, and since they become friends, they’ve watched younger kids grow into high schoolare here they work hard to be involved making the Reservation a students (and conveniently, babysitters close by!).wonderful place to live. Soon after moving in, Becki noticed right away that any time Jay is the president of the Reservation Neighborhood Association, a neighbor is in need, other neighbors will rally to provide meals,and Becki has also been involved with the board. She was on the board visitation, run errands, and help in other ways. She says the first weekwhen the neighborhood sign toppers came to be. They both enjoy they moved to their home in 2006, they were greeted and welcomedthat the board is a close-knit group that truly has the best interests by neighbors bringing plants and food. And they’ve felt welcome andof the neighborhood in mind. Meetings are a comfortable, friendly loved here ever since.atmosphere of neighbors working together to create a friendly, safe,inviting environment. And they work closely with the JJ Pearce The Jolly family has already had a busy summer. They’ve traveled toHomeowners association to bring the area together and support things the beach for vacation. The kids have done VBS and are involved inlike Mohawk Elementary, Pearce high school, and the Greenwood many, many summer camps: horse camp, basketball camp, RichardsonHills Community Club. Safety Camp, and the Canyon Creek Country Club multi-sport camp. Becki and Jay love that the neighborhood is diverse with different The family also enjoys traveling to North Carolina to visit Jay’sgenerations, old and young. New families revitalize the neighborhood family. His parents live in the same house where he grew up. Becki’swhile the older generations maintain the history of the neighborhood. family moved a few times over the years-from Tulsa, to Midland, andIt is quite different than their neighborhood in Sachse where they had now in Celina. While she doesn’t have a “childhood home” to go backdifficulty connecting with neighbors. The Jollys love seeing people to like Jay still has when he visits his parents, it’s nice to have Becki’sout and about in the Reservation, jogging, walking, children playing parents not too far away.in yards, and being able to interact with friends and neighbors allaround them. We are so glad that Jay and Becki had their plans interrupted by love years ago, and that the Jolly Six (including Callie the dog) found It’s a feeling that we aren’t “just” neighbors, but rather people going their way to the Reservation and have stayed all of these years. Theirthrough life together and helping each other. In fact, many of the newly renovated home is the perfect place for them to continue toneighbors who lived on the street when the Jolly family moved in are grow up together. And their commitment to and involvement in thestill here, with the exception of a few families. These neighbors have neighborhood is such a blessing. Thank you, Jolly family, for sharing your lives with us this month!6 www.MohawkLife.com



Mohawk LifeCommunity News (and Other Pets) By Teri HebertI t’s summer and it has gotten HOT sooner than I think anyone tend to be cooler in the mornings before 8am and in the evenings after was expecting. This heat is brutal for us humans! And it is “ruff” 8pm. If it’s possible, save your neighborhood stroll for those times of (pun intended) for dogs, cats, and other pets that venture outside. day to help keep your pup’s paws safe. Since you and I (probably) don’t walk around outside with a fur 3. Provide plentiful amounts of water.coat on in 90-degree heat, it’s hard to relate to what an extra layer of It’s important to have plenty of water available outside in your dog’sfur could do to affect the comfort of our furry friends while they areoutside. Here are a few things to be mindful of when caring for your or cat’s water bowl. Add an extra bowl if you notice your dog runningpets in the summer. out of water while she’s outside. And when you take that morning or evening stroll with your pup, take some water with you for a water1. Keep them indoors as much as you can. break. Both of you will appreciate having a cold drink of water mid- I’m sure some of us have “outside” dogs and cats. These pets are walk!used to spending more time outside than inside. They might even 4. Watch them carefully.truly live outside full time and never come in your house. But if it’s If your dog is anything like my dog, she doesn’t have an “off” switchpossible, create additional shade for them outdoors or perhaps allowthem in to the garage or the house during the hottest parts of the day. or “slow” function when she’s outside. She constantly runs the yardEven a little relief can go a long way! following a variety of sights and sounds, (some of which I don’t think are really there!). So, it’s up to me to help her regulate her energy and2. Walk your dog earlier in the morning or later in temperature in the heat. She doesn’t know when to stop herself before the evening. she over-does it. When she seems to be breathing hard and slobbering everywhere, I know I need to bring her inside and help her cool down. You know what it’s like to walk barefoot on the pavement when it’salmost 100 degrees outside. Unless your dog wears flip-flops, their We hope you and your pets have a fun, safe, and cool (as much aspaws can be injured on hot pavement. But, temps on the pavement possible) summer!8 www.MohawkLife.com



Show Off Your Pet! by Teri HebertP et People of the Mohawk Area! It is time to Show Off If you or someone you know has a furry, feathery, scaly, or Your Pets! some other creature that is considered a “pet”, let us know! We In each issue of our magazine, we feature one of your do not discriminate. Examples of feature-able pets include (butadorable, entertaining, loveable, fantastic pets. It’s a well- are not limited to):known fact that pets love to see themselves in print. They lookforward to our magazine each month to meet new pet friends • Dogs • Llamasin the neighborhood. • Cats • Lizards • Turtles • Goldfish We know many of you have a pet that would love to be in the • Bunnies • Swordfishspotlight. And we need your help to get to know them! • Chickens • Bats • Pigs • Parrots Pets are an important part of our neighborhood and they • Guinea pigs • (we will even accept pethelp make the Mohawk Area the place you know and love. • HorsesWhether it’s walking a dog, or cat, or even a bunny, we rats and/or snakes)love to see pets in the neighborhood. And we love to learnabout unique pets in the neighborhood that might not Accepting nominations now! Please email Teri at thebert@make it outside to be seen (but hey, if you walk your pet hylogroup.com to start your pet on the road to neighborhoodgerbil or take your ferret to the park, we’d love to know fame. We look forward to meeting your pet mongoose or chinchilla.about it!).

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Mohawk LifeHow to Makethe PerfectOutdoor Kitchen SpaceSummertime is for backyard BBQ’s and grilling. An outdoor maintain the view you currently have from inside the house to the kitchen expands your living space and allows you to cook, eat and outside, you’ll want to place the outdoor kitchen to the side or at an entertain. Incorporating interior kitchen ideas to your outdoor angle so that the view isn’t blocked. Most importantly, consider thesetting is a great way to add versatility, value and fun to your home. overall traffic flow of your yard and the safety of your family. A hot,Well-designed outdoor kitchens also combine the ease of outdoor outdoor grill shouldn’t be located right next to the area where thegrilling. There are a numerous challenges associated with creating the activities occur. Just like an indoor kitchen, the outdoor kitchen isperfect space for living and cooking outdoors. These tips can help you full of hazards so place it accordingly.overcome some challenges so you can plan a perfect space for cookingand entertaining. You will love bringing the indoors out! Choosing Your Appliances Think about what how many appliances you are considering forDefine Your Space Each homeowner may have a slightly different vision in mind of the your space and their size. You may want multiple cooking and refrigeration appliances - think about how all of the appliances willperfect outdoor space. Some may want a space that has a cooking area, fit within your allotted space. Always leave enough space on eitherand others may want a space that is more focused on conversation or side of the grill to accommodate platters and cooking tools. Counteroutdoor dining. Unless you have a very large yard, you may not be heights and work surface also allow for different functions within yourable to incorporate all of these elements into your space, and you may outdoor cooking space.need to consider what is most important to you. Think about theoutdoor living space that you and your family or friends would more Incorporate Greenery Into the Spacelikely use on a regular basis, and create a plan or design around that. For most people, a patio area simply would not be complete withoutThink About Usable Space beautiful flowers or lush greenery. You can add a built-in planter to While you are defining your space, it is important to keep in mind your patio design as one creative element. Another idea is to leave space for potted plants or to add flower beds around the perimeterthe amount of usable space that is available. A small slab patio can of your patio area. Hanging plants can add an additional element ofeasily be enlarged with poured concrete, pavers, or other elements, greenery to your space.but you want to ensure that you have enough leftover space in youryard for other elements that are needed, such as green space for the Control Lighting and Airflowkids to run around in. The outdoor living space should also have An outdoor living area should be comfortable for you and yourenough space for all of the furniture that you are planning. Room formaneuverability is also critical. The last thing you want is to crowd family or guests to be in. This means that elements like lighting,your patio area with so much furniture, a fire pit, a cooking area or temperature, and airflow will need to be moderated in some way. Youother features that you do not have space to walk around freely. can use umbrellas, awnings or other coverings to control light, and you can add lighting elements to brighten up the space at night. YouLocation, Location, Location can also use screens and other elements to block the wind as well as Where you decide to place your outdoor kitchen depends upon fans to create airflow when needed.several factors. Make sure that smoke from the grill doesn’t drift back Creating the most idyllic outdoor living space requires forethoughtinto the home. Orient the grill in an ideal location. If you frequently as well as time and effort. However, this effort will be rewarded withentertain, and don’t want to travel a long distance from the indoor the perfect outdoor living space for you to enjoy with family andkitchen to the outside, consider placing your grill and outdoor kitchen friends when you focus on these important factors.relatively near the entrance to the inside kitchen. But, if you want to12 www.MohawkLife.com



Mohawk LifeGolden CoupleBRILILV& EBERCKSYby Teri HebertIwalked in to the smell of Swedish bread straight out of the oven, small kids and they knew they wanted to find a place to call home. and soon I was sipping “secret recipe” peach tea at the table with Bill started his own company, and the family moved to Richardson. Bill & Becky Rivers. This is a great way to start an interview and toget to know your neighbors! But, before they knew that Richardson was the place they needed to be, Becky’s dad had a friend in Richardson. When they arrived at his The Rivers moved to Glen Cove in 1971. They fell in love with the house to talk with him about the area, Becky says they knew that thisneighborhood, and in 1973 made the big move two houses away to place had the right family feel for them. The Rivers family soon joinedtheir current home that they love and have lived in ever since. the Mohawk Area community. It was the perfect place to call “home”. Becky is from East Texas near New London, and Bill is originally Their oldest child, (son Bill Jr.) was born in Germany before thefrom Elgin, TX. They met at the University of Texas after they were Rivers family made it back to the States. He and his wife now liveset up on a “sort of” blind date through mutual friends. They started in Dallas and have four kids. Bill and Becky also have a daughterdating each other soon after that first meeting 58 years ago, and (Virginia) who lives in Houston with her husband and their two kids.they’ve been married for 56 years. And last, but not least, the Rivers family’s very first great-grandchild is on the way. Bill studied business, then tried law school for a year, then endedup with an MBA and began a career in real estate insurance, which he Their home was the perfect place to raise the kids, then the grandkidsstill does today. But before he could start his first job out of school, he when they were young. Bill loves that the pool was a constant part ofand Becky left for Germany so Bill could serve his time in the military childhood for his family. In fact, the pool still has its original tilespolice. from the 1960s and is likely one of the oldest working pools left in the Dallas area. It’s still ready for a dive, albeit from the much lower Upon their return, Bill took his first job in real estate insurance diving board than originally came with the pool.located in San Antonio. They moved around to a few places over theyears, including Louisville and New Orleans. But they knew they Not much about the house has changed over the years, and it’s beenalways wanted to end up back in Texas. fantastically maintained. Becky loves her cute 1960s kitchen and real brick-tiled floors. She says they’ve thought about downsizing at times, When the decision came for Bill to be transferred to Hartford withhis company, he and Becky decided to go out on their own. They had14 www.MohawkLife.com

Mohawk Life Golden Couplebut the house and the neighborhood are so special to them, they can’t 15imagine living anywhere else. Bill and Becky were the first in the area to host Young Life for theirkids and their friends in the garage (where they could shut out thesound of the music). Later, after the kids were grown and moved out,they did make one big change to the house. The “Young Life” garagewas converted into a lovely sitting room where Bill and Becky nowspend quite a bit of time. They added a new garage to the back of thehouse to make sure their cars still had a safe place to rest. Both Bill and Becky stay very busy. Becky still works as a teacher,currently heading up the Shelton School English department, whichshe’s done for 18 years. Overall, she’s about to celebrate her 50thyear as a teacher, including teaching at West Jr High, RHS, Pearce,and Berkner. She retired from RISD . . . then Shelton School calledand she couldn’t resist getting back to the classroom and writingcurriculum. Bill still runs his real estate insurance business. When they aren’tworking, they both love to travel, play golf, and go hiking. Theylove to eat, too. Becky is a great East Texas cook (according to Bill’stestimony), but she claims she doesn’t cook that often. That Swedishbread that was cooling on the stove top, however, is one thing sheloves to make from one of Bill’s relative’s old recipes. Roman Cucina is their favorite authentic Italian restaurant. Theyalso enjoy Cappuccino, Frankie’s, Mi Cocina, and Manny’s. Butwhen they are not traveling, golfing, or dining out, they truly loveto be home. They say the neighborhood is comfortable, safe, andfriendly the perfect environment for enjoying their home. And nowthey consider themselves among the “old guard” as some of the longeststanding residents on the street, watching young couples and familiesmove in and bring new life to the neighborhood. Bill and Becky love their church (First United Methodist Church).Becky is in the choir and enjoys traveling for choir trips. And speakingof travel, they are looking forward to joining their family in Telluride,CO, like they do every summer, for hiking and time together withkids, grandkids, and soon enough, the first great-grandchild. Before that trip, they will make their way down to Elgin for Bill’s63rd high school reunion. The loaves of Swedish bread were baked forthat occasion. And in case you were curious about that “special recipe”peach tea I enjoyed as I chatted with the Rivers . . . Becky let me knowit’s just Peach Crystal Light. Bill and Becky, thank you so much for sharing your story and yourhome with us this month! Have a great summer! www.MohawkLife.com

Mohawk LifeBusiness of the MonthWDMCONSTRUCTIONWhat is your name and the name of your business? How long What inspired you to do what you do?have you been in business? I had been in new home construction for many years, building in I am Bill Morrison with WDM Construction. I have been in many cities over the metroplex. With that, I have learned the most uphome construction since 1995. I did remodels on the side and a year to date and best construction practices. I have been asked to consultand a half ago decided to do it full time. You can find me online at on remodels over the years and it surprised me to see how manywdmconstructiondfw.com or contact me at 469-939-2455. remodels might not have been up to my standards. I pride myself in quality work with the highest integrity. Building new homes from theTell us about your business (what do you do, where do you do ground up is nice, but taking an existing home and recreating it in toit, etc). almost new is the best. We do home remodels, additions, and pretty much anything Tells us a favorite story or two about your business.construction related. I love working in Richardson, but will help all After leaving a new home construction company, I had a callover the metroplex. The greatest thing about the Richardson area isvisiting homes built in the 50’s & 60’s. Every home has character and from a co-worker. His father had just suffered a stroke and was inyou never know what you might walk into! Transforming the insides rehabilitation. He would be coming home in thirty days and needed aof homes or adding space to homes to meet my homeowners own complete bath remodel to be more handicap accessible. This was a bigpersonal style and knowing that I helped create their spaces they use compliment to me because he had the resources to do a lot of work onevery day is what I love. his own with the contacts and trades he knew.16 www.MohawkLife.com

Mohawk Life Business of the Month I am glad to say his father came home to the functional space heneeded. Visiting after to check on everything and making any finaladjustments needed, I saw that I made a true impact. It isn’t alwaysabout making the spaces pretty. Knowing that I helped make lifeeasier for this family was a true blessing. Another small thing I love about my business is who I have workingwith me. My father-in-law recently retired and he wanted somethingto fill his time. My brother is often at a job with me. Knowing this isa family thing and having people I trust by my side helps me ensurequality work.How long have you lived in the Mohawk Area? Our girls are what make us both work as hard as we can. Not only We’ve been in the Reservation since 2014. We bought a home that giving them the best we can, but showing them that if you work hard and do what is right, you will succeed. On occasion, they have bothappeared to have never been updated. We lived in our home through been my “assistants” at work in their “I Love wdmconstructiondfw.remodeling, so I definitely understand what my customers go through com” shirts!when updating their home. Share with us a funny or awesome story of living in the MohawkWhat brought you to the Mohawk Area? Area. Mohawk Elementary brought us here. When we researched schools After registering Maya for Kindergarten, we went to sign her upin the area, we knew we had to be in the Reservation for our oldest for the after school program. Since this was our first child going intodaughter to attend Mohawk, especially after my wife brought me school, we didn’t really know all the processes. We were also new tonumbers on how much it cost to send the kids to private school!. the neighborhood and did not know many people. The school was closed most of the summer so we showed up to back-to-school nightWhat do you love most about living in the Mohawk Area? with our after school registration paperwork. That is when we found Driving through our neighborhood ever day is what I love most. out we should have registered way before then because it was full!Since homes are my passion, seeing the different architecture in the We were added to the wait list. With school starting very soon, weolder homes mixed with the new builds popping up brings so much did not know what to do with Maya. We were not able to pick her upcharacter to our neighborhood. Taking in the mature trees and seeing at 3:00 every day since both my wife and I work full time. We searched for options and couldn’t find something that would work for us. In the kids playing in the street, neighbors visiting and the pride desperation, Lisa got on the Mohawk Area Moms Group Facebookeveryone has in our little neighborhood really seals the deal for me. page and asked for suggestions. What happened next blew our minds and showed us what an incredible neighborhood we are lucky to liveTell us about your family (names, ages, schools, work, etc). in. A neighbor, who did not know us, offered to take Maya home My wife is Lisa Morrison. We have two girls, Maya (9 years with her Kindergartener each day until we were able to get in the after school program. I am not sure how many neighborhoods have suchold and going into 4th grade) and Devon (5 years old, going into kind people. This is truly a place filled with awesome people. We areKindergarten), plus our 1.5 year old Goldendoodle, Piper. forever grateful to this family. My wife sells homes for one of the top new home builders in DFW,so I have to admit that her knowledge definitely helps in my business.She hears what a lot of homeowners want in homes for design and floorplans. There are many nights that we both sit down and brainstormremodel layouts to offer great functionality and design.www.MohawkLife.com 17

Mohawk LifeStudent of the Month Outside of schools and sports, what do you do for fun, hobbies, work, etc.? I enjoy attending Watermark Community Church, hanging out with friends, and playing with my dogs. This summer, I have been working as a nanny for the Newton Family (shout out to Georgia and Ollie, my favorite neighbor kids)!!!! How long have you lived in the Mohawk Area? I’ve lived in the Reservation for eleven years. What do you love most about living in the Mohawk Area? I love the fact that everybody knows everybody. The Reservation has such a small-town feel. I love walking my dogs around the block and chatting with many of my sweet neighbors on a daily basis!photo credit Alyssa Polk Tells us a favorite story or two about a big moment or fun moment playing your sport. LIZ SPENCE One of my favorite memories from my time in the Mighty MustangTell us your name, what school you currently attend (or recently Band was traveling by plane to Disney World with 260 band members!attended), and what year you are in school. Chaos is an understatement . . . but SO much fun! I’m sure you can only imagine how long it takes to go through security and baggage Hi Neighbors! My name is Liz Spence. I just graduated from J. J. claim in an already crowded airport with a band that size. I will alwaysPearce High School! remember the memories I made with my friends exploring all of the Disney Parks from sunrise to sunset for four days straight!What other schools have you attended? What are your collegeplans? Share with us a funny or awesome story of living in in the Mohawk Area. I have attended Mohawk, North Junior High, and Pearce HighSchool. I will be attending the University of Arkansas in the fall. Every fall, I marched through the neighborhood with the MightyWOO PIG SOOIE! Mustang Band for the annual March-athon. When I was little, I would chase after the band, never knowing that I would end up beingTell us what sport you play or activities you’ve been involved in the Head Drum Major! It was so much fun to see how my familyat school and why you enjoy it. decorated the parade route on our block. I loved seeing all of my neighbors waiting for the band in my front yard! I was the Head Drum Major of the Mighty Mustang Band. I’m sureyou heard us practicing in the parking lot every morning at 6:30 am! Anything else you would love for your neighbors to know aboutThe friendships and memories I made in band are unlike any other. you?I was also the President of Sideline Sweethearts, an SOS Lifeguard,a member of the Varsity Tennis Team, a member of the National Our family is made up of my parents, David and Tawn, my sister,Honor Society and Hearts of Servants Volunteer Club. High School Caroline, and our two rescue dogs—Leo and Fergie. Leo is a crazy Jackwas busy, busy, busy! Russell mix and Fergie is a tiny Chihuahua. I’m sure you have seen us walking them on Cheyenne!!! My Aunt Terece and Cousin Lauren live five houses away, and my grandma, Nanny, lives six houses away!Brag on yourself: Tell us your honors and awards in school andfor your sport. I was honored to be chosen as the 2018 JJP Sarah Betz Scholar andperformed a 10-minute marimba solo on the Morton H. MeyersonSymphony Center stage in May. I practiced this solo every day foran entire year! I also consistently placed in the All-Region Band, wasan AP Scholar, Texas Music Scholar, and a Language Other ThanEnglish Honor Society member.What’s your favorite subject in school or what do you plan tostudy in college? I plan to study Marketing in the Honors College at the Universityof Arkansas in the fall. 18 www.MohawkLife.com



Mohawk LifeCommunity News By Noemi QuillinSummer gardens in Texas are a delight, but there are several key For the shade garden, dragon wing begonias top my list for showy factors to make any landscape a success. From water-wise, to full annuals. If you get morning sun, camellias are treasured for their glossy sun, to full shade gardens, the most important element is proper evergreen leaves and late winter/early spring blooms. Helleborus, alsosoil preparation. Although it is the most laborious part of planting, if known as Lenten rose, is a top shade perennial, oak leaf hydrangeasdone properly, the results are magnificent. Our hard clay soil here in and ‘emerald’ yews are beautiful shrubs, and ‘coral bark’ and ‘fireglow’the Metroplex makes it difficult for any plants’ tiny, hair-like roots to Japanese maples are majestic shade trees.expand and become established. By adding rich organic compost andsoil amendments like cotton burr compost and expanded shale, you Once planted, proper watering is of the utmost importance as mostwill create the ideal conditions for plants to thrive. plants and trees take a full year to become established. Water every morning for the first two weeks, then back off to two times a week in Once soil preparation is complete, the fun part begins: selecting the spring and three times a week in the summer. Plants and trees needyour plants! But remember, you will want to pick the best plants for deep watering and you cannot rely solely on sprinklers for adequatethe best location. Some of my full-sun favorites include: watering. Whatever your garden, thoroughly amend your soil, choose plants wisely, and water adequately, and you will be rewarded for • ‘Brake lights’ yucca, a perennial dwarf yucca with bright red years to come. blooms that last from spring to first frost and are a hummingbird favorite. Without the proper amendments, your garden will fail before it’s been • ‘Pringles dwarf’ podocarpus yew, a slow-growing dwarf shrub given a chance to start. Thoroughly prized for its evergreen leaves perfect for planting under low mix organic compost and expanded windows. shale for a magnificent start to your garden! • Periwinkles, a work-horse annual that comes in lots of different colors that bloom from spring to first frost; purple Angelonia, For more information on summer another long blooming anti-rabbit annual with soothing purple landscapes, or to get Noemi’s expert help, flower spikes that bloom all season long. contact her through her business listing (Blooming Vistas) at Houzz.com or by • Yellow esperanza and the hard to find ‘bells of fire’ orange phone at 972-897-0326. esperanza, both tender perennials that are usually treated as annuals with showy tubular flowers that give the garden lots of “wow” all summer long and look spectacular in pots.20 www.MohawkLife.com



Mohawk Life No Equipment? No Problem! by Teri HebertD id you know that you can effectively work out your entire 3. Sit-ups body without the use of any equipment? No gym, no weights, Lay on your back with your knees bent and heels on the floor. With no problem! Try these effective body weight exercises if youfind yourself without equipment but with a desire to start getting ac- your fingers resting lightly behind your ears, sit up straight, then lowertive or to maintain a workout schedule away from your home or gym.. back down. Be sure not to lock your fingers behind your neck to avoid a neck injury (don’t pull on your neck!). Use your core muscles to lift1. Squats and lower your body, working your abs and low back muscles. Tried, true, and effective. With your body weight in your heels (not 4. Leg Raisesleaning forward), feet about hip width apart, and toes facing forward Lying flat on your back with your legs slightly above the floorsimply stand straight up, then lower your body down. And repeat. Becareful to keep your chest up and your back as straight as possible. If and out straight, lift and lower your legs, one at a time, alternatingthis feels awkward at first, try this move with your back against a wall legs. Be sure to keep your low back firmly connected to the floorto see what it feels like to not lean forward while standing up and to avoid back injury or strain. This move not only works your legs,lowering down. it works your lower abs to help flatten your tummy and build a strong core.2. Pushups Do each of these exercises in a circuit (one after the other), 10-12 reps each, three times through-without a break if you can, but feel Everyone’s favorite exercise! If you are new to pushups, try a free to rest 30 seconds between each round if needed. You’ll findmodification. In the pushup position (face down, hands flat on floor that it doesn’t take long to go through these exercises, you can doand placed about shoulder width apart), keep your knees on the them anywhere (indoors or out!), you’ll work up a sweat, and if youground. Be sure to keep your back straight as you lift and lower your are consistent about doing these or similar exercises several timesupper body. Once these get more comfortable and you build your per week (combined with a healthy diet!), you’ll see improvementupper body strength, lift up to your toes (no longer resting on your in your strength and body composition over timeknees). Having lower back discomfort? Try using a countertop edge(rather than the floor) as your push-off point.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Mohawk LifeYour Attic . . . . Air Quality, &Your Family - choose local! by Teri HebertY ou can always depend on Texas weather to impact your How do they do it? Their System combines three different home’s energy efficiency (and bills!), no matter the season. components: Radiant Barrier, Attic Insulation, and Proper Ventilation. Extreme heat in the summer creates a hot, humid attic space These three components work in tandem to make a complete systemthat increases the heat in your home. And those chilly winter nights that will reduce your year-round energy costs.(yes, we do get a few!) can make your entire home feel like an iceboxwithout proper attic insulation. Some of our older, established homes here in Canyon Creek have years of deteriorated materials in our attics. These materials are Aside from cranking up the a/c in the summer and the heater in the harmful to breathe, plus many older homes have developed cracks andwinter, is there anything else you can do to maintain a comfortable crevices in the attic space that allows dust, moisture, and sometimeshome year-round? If you ask your Canyon Creek neighbor Ryan unwanted critters into your home.Amerson, he can help overhaul your attic in a way that properlyinsulates your home while also reducing your utility bills. Ryan and his team work diligently to clean and clear musty, dusty, and moldy attics to transformed it into a clean, air-tight, energy- Energy Attic, locally owned and operated by Amerson and his wife efficient space. They are meticulous and detailed in their work to helpTiffany, uses a 3-part Energy Reduction System (ERS System) to make make your attic something that helps improve the air quality in youryour home or office as energy efficient as possible, save you money on home while saving you money.heating and cooling costs, and reduce your carbon footprint on theenvironment. Energy Attic products offer the following benefits for home or business owners: With a Micah 6:8 mission to “Do what is right, Love people, andWork humbly”, the Amerson Family has developed a business that • Pay for themselves in a few years or lessputs people first, and profits second. “It seems to be working!”, says • Offer green alternatives for saving money on your bills andRyan. “We strive to live out Galations 6:10: ‘. . . while we have theopportunity, let us do good to all people.’ Home means a lot of addressing the comfort level of your homedifferent things to a lot of people . . . to us, it’s where life happens. • Can be installed in new or existing homes, offices, or out-buildingsWe have an opportunity to change the performance, air quality, and • Conserve energy and help the environment by reducing yourenergy costs in the place where everyone can make a difference in thisworld: Home.” carbon footprint • Qualify as Energy Star products Visit www.energyattic.com or Call 972-548-0088 for your  FREE ATTIC OVERHAUL ESTIMATE.24 www.MohawkLife.com



Mohawk Life Kids Can Cook!In the KitchenBy Teri HebertB y mid-summer, it’s possible that you are hearing from your kids that they are bored. So, let’s give them something to do! Helping in the kitchen (supervised, of course) gives them a fun activity that is tasty and also helps YOU with a meal.Roasted Turkey and Basil Cream Cheese Pinwheel SandwichesFrom foodnetwork.com These colorful pinwheels can be made in the morning and kept chilled for an easy lunch or afternoon snack. For little kids: Let them wash and spin dry the lettuce. For big kids: Let them layer the ingredients and roll up the sandwiches. Ingredients • Four 10-inch flour tortillas • 8 slices oven-roasted deli turkey • 1 large head romaine lettuce • 4 ounces whipped cream cheese (about 8 ounces) • 1 cup baby spinach leaves, • 1 whole roasted pepper from a loosely packed jar, sliced into 1/4-inch strips • 8 large fresh basil leaves (about 1/2 cup) • Kosher salt and freshly ground • 1 cup shredded carrots black pepperDirections (Special equipment: Toothpicks)Pull the largest four romaine leaves from the outside of the bunch and wash and dry carefully, trying not to tear the leaves. Cut the leaves atthe base where they were connected to the root; the pieces should be about 9-inches long. Using a vegetable peeler, shave the center rib so theleaves roll up more easily. Set aside. Combine the cream cheese, spinach and basil in a food processor and puree until smooth. Season with 1/4teaspoon kosher salt and a few grinds of pepper.Lay one of the tortillas on a clean work surface and add one of the romaine leaves to fit neatly on top. Place 2 slices of turkey next to each other,covering the lettuce. Spread 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture over the surface of the turkey and line up a quarter of the roasted pepperstrips along one edge. Line up 1/4 cup of the shredded carrot just above the peppers. Roll up the wrap tightly starting from the edge with thepeppers and carrots, so the wrap holds together with the peppers and carrots in the middle. Place the wrap seam-side down. Cut the wraps into1-inch pieces, then pierce each segment with a toothpick.Crunchy Breakfast TacosFrom foodnetwork.com Both little and big kids can help measure, and big kids can help scramble the eggs. Ingredients • 1/2 cup salsa or taco sauce • 1 cup shredded romaine or • 8 hard corn taco shells • 6 large eggs iceberg lettuce • 1 teaspoon taco seasoning with • 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved salt or chili powder or quartered if large • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter • Sliced black olives and sour • 1 cup shredded Mexican-style cream, for serving, optional cheese blend • 3 or 4 scallions, choppedDirectionsPreheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Warm the taco shells on a baking sheet, about 5 minutes. Crack the eggs into a bowl, add the taco seasoningand whisk well with a fork. Heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Melt the butter in the skillet; when it foams and bubbles, addthe eggs and reduce the heat to low. Cook the eggs, stirring regularly with a wooden spatula to break them up, until set, 3 to 4 minutes.Line the center of each taco shell with about 2 generous tablespoons of the scrambled eggs. Top with some of the cheese, scallions and lettuce anda spoonful of salsa. Garnish with some chopped tomatoes and serve with olives and sour cream on the side.26 www.MohawkLife.com

Nominations Needed!Do you know someone who lives in the neighborhood thatwe should feature in an upcoming issue of Mohawk Life?Let us know!We are looking for: • Outstanding Athletes • Newcomers to the Neighborhood • Pets looking for 15 minutes of neighborhood fame • Unique or Interesting Clubs (Mom’s groups, stamp collecting club, etc.) • Richardson Business Owners • Golden Couples or Individuals (retired, semi-retired, or long-time pillars of the community) • Anyone who has something unique to sharewith your neighbors!This is YOUR neighborhood magazine and we want to tellYOUR stories in your community.Send nominations to Kyla Obert [email protected] Teri Hebert att[email protected].

Mohawk LifeCanyon Creek Allstate InsuranceDo You Own A Business?Do You Need Key PersonLife Insurance?If you have a family, you probably know life insurance can help How Much Coverage Should I Buy? protect your loved ones financially if you pass away. But do you have life insurance to help protect your business? Yes, there is such There’s no set formula for deciding the monetary value of your key person insurance. You may want to start by considering the financiala thing: It’s known as key person life insurance, key man, or business effects a key employee’s death would have on your company.life insurance. For instance, if you’re a sole proprietor buying key person insurance on yourself, you may want enough coverage to help yourWhat Is Key Person Insurance? heirs close your business and pay off any company debts. If you own Key person insurance is a type of life insurance policy that provides a larger company and are insuring a key employee, you may needGet a quote for our four-legged friends.a death benefit to a business if its owner or another significant enough coverage to replace that person’s sales income, for example,employee passes away. Key person insuranTceomgaeythmeakr,ewsenesecainnmmanayke roaerpdtloaifcpfeermorveeindnte.caef.inancial cushion while you search for the employee’scircumstances:• If the business’ reputation and financial viability are critically Who Owns The Key Person Policy And linked to the key employee’s name, reputation or unique skills, Who Benefits? and the key employee’s death could end the business. How your policy is structured may depend on your company’s• If the death of a key employee (like a top salesperson) could legal structure. Typically, the company pays premiums for the quickly threaten the company financially. key person policy, and also owns it and is the beneficiary. The key employee must provide consent, in writing, to your company• If a financial institution or other creditor needs collateral for a owning the policy. business loan and requires the option of putting a lien on a key person policy. To discuss in more detail, call my office at 972-810-4149• If the business is a partnership and each partner wants to be able to buy out the other’s shares in case of an untimely death. GET A QUOTE AND I’LL DONATE $20 Do you have a New Roof? As a local Allstate Agent, I’m proud to support the Dallas Street Dog Advocates. And now it’s easy for It could save you you to help too. Call or stop by for a free insurance quote and I’ll donate $20* to the Dallas Street Dog hundreds or More Advocates. on your Homeowner’s Wilson Allen Insurance! 972-810-4149 www.MohawkLife.com II Creeks Plaza28Canyon Creek [email protected]