Mohawk Life Volume 3 Issue 12

Contents6 Prestonwood Pregnancy Center 22 Greenwood Hills Community Club16 Show Off Your Pet! Renovations in Progress!17 Neighborhood Newcomers 24 In the KitchenFront Cover photo provided by Amber Starling Photography, amberstarling.com, 469-226-12764  Business of the Month 8  Student of the Month10  Family of the Month 14  Pet of the Month www.MohawkLife.com 1

Mohawk Life Mohawk Life Letter from the Editor Publisher Kyla ObertI came aboard this team of fantastic people who put together Mohawk Life two years ago, Editor just as we were launching the first couple of Teri Hebert issues of this magazine. And if I can brag for just Ad Sales a second, with each issue, we keep getting better Mike Obert at what we do (I mean, it’s always been a fantas- Nancy Luttinger tic magazine . . . but we like to think we improve Designer on a little something with each issue to make it Maricel B. Tan better for you, our dear readers!). Contributors Ryan Amerson, Lisa Parelli With each family I meet and interview, and Special Thanks with each person or pet that we feature, we learn Tim and Amy Kahle, a little more about what makes the Mohawk/ Devionne Johnson, JJP/Reservation area so special: it’s the people. That’s for sure. And, y’all are certainly The Durrett Family, entertaining! I don’t tell all of the stories when I write about you . . . but trust me, some Grace and Ian Gill, of my interviews and responses to questions generate some interesting adventures for The Gillard family and Mazie, me! I’ll just leave it at that . . . Brad Moulten For Advertising Questions, please email In this issue, I’m excited to introduce you to Communion Neighborhood [email protected] Cooperative as our Business of the Month. It’s a great idea from one of your very own For Editoral Requests, please email neighbors! We’ve also got a super sweet pet named Mazie that you’ll enjoy meeting. [email protected] [email protected] We know how much this neighborhood loves the Greenwood Hills Community Club. What an amazing spot right here in the community! Be sure to check out the 2701 Custer Parkway, Suite 706 latest about what’s going on with the Club and how you can help with some much Richardson, TX 75080 needed projects to make the pool and club up to date and ready for future use. Managing Partners From the bottom of my heart, thank you to each of you who I’ve talked with, Mike and Kyla Obert emailed with, and met with over the past couple of years, for welcoming me in to your homes, your conversations, and in to your lives for just a little bit. Some of you Principals offer me cookies, beverages, and pizza (always welcome, I might add!). Others let Campbell Kerr and Dustin Shaffer me hold your kids, play with your pets, or check out your artwork, gardens, family photos, and other special memories throughout your homes. I do have one very special request. This neighborhood is full of wonderful retired couples and individuals. There is a lot of history in this neighborhood and they are some of my favorite stories to share. If you have a neighbor who is one of the true gems of the ‘hood, would you reach out to them and let them know I’d love to share their stories? Then send them my way and we’ll honor these neighborhood history makers with a feature in the magazine. Our Golden Couples and Super Seniors are what have made this neighborhood great for so many years before many of us came along! I love spending time with them and creating a feature for them. It’s a joy to write about you, and I can’t wait for you to read about the neighbors we’ve lined up for you in this issue. I look forward to meeting those of you who are nominated for an upcoming issue. Read on, good neighbors! 2 www.MohawkLife.com



Mohawk LifeBusiness of the MonthCOMMUNION Photos by Paul Go ImagesNEIGHBORHOODCOOPERATIVEI t’s a treat to feature a business where I can sit in their café and edit 3-roaster coffee rotation program and one of the most robust whiskey this issue of the magazine with a great cup of coffee. We are happy selections in the area. Communion Co-Working space allows for this month to introduce you to Communion Cooperative! freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small to medium sized businesses to run and grow their business, but to also connect with people andWhat is your name and the name of your business? How long businesses they would’ve never otwherwise connected with in a deephave you been in business? and meaningful way, all the while helping to impact our community. Lastly, Communion Events operates as an event venue on Thursday We are Tim and Amy Kahle. We opened Communion and Friday nights and during the day and evening Saturday andNeighborhood Cooperative in the fall of 2017. Sunday. So if you need a space for a birthday or graduation party or if you want to host an opera or wedding rehearsal, Communion offersTell us about your business (what do you do, where do you do an excellent location, venue style and staff.it, etc). What inspired you to do what you do? When we moved to Richardson five years ago, we always felt Communion’s design stems from our passion for family andsomething was missing in this city we loved so much. Early on, Timhad a vision to combine great coffee and a fun work environment. friends being able to come together and enjoy great food and drinks.Over the course of several years, locations came and went but nothing We also wanted to create a place where people could gather in ourseemed to be the right fit at the right time. Tim continued to talk to communitya place that inspires creativity and conversation, andpeople in the community and he knew the need was growing. Then gives our neighbors both the business and community resourcesin the fall of 2016 the old auto shop on Lockwood, just off of 75 and they’ve been lacking.Belt Line, came up for sale. Timing and financing lined up and wefound ourselves the new owners of an old auto shop garage complete Tells us a favorite story or two about your business.with hydraulic lifts and past service paperwork. As the design work One of the more memorable stories along the way was when a fellabegan on Communion, we knew it was going to be a special place forRichardson to gather and enjoy great food while working with others came in who, after fulfilling some legal obligations for a set time,in the community. The building allowed us to put the Café on one found his way back to what he thought was the old garage he usedside with a separate side dedicated to those wanting to have an open to work in. Upon entering, he realized his old shop had undergoneor dedicated office area. a significant change. Undeterred he sought out a staff member to inquire about his long lost but never forgotten bag of tools that had Communion Cafe offers a thoughtful menu serving breakfast, been left in the auto shop several years prior. He thought by chancelunch, dinner, and brunch on the weekend, along with a delicious4 www.MohawkLife.com

Mohawk Life Business of the Monththey might still be around all these years later. Unfortunately they had calls from extremely nice people in the Cottonwood Creek area wholong since been removed along with all the other tools and equipment would help Champ make a safe return home. It was a daily adventurethat came with the auto shop purchase. With a grateful smile and trying to keep track of all the toddlers leaving doors open! We havea tip of the hat he thanked us anyway and headed out presumably now added an invisible fence that allows all of us to safely play (andcontinuing to try and collect his belongs from other past locations. stay!) in our yard.How long have you lived in the Mohawk Area? Anything else you’d love for your neighbors to know about your Three years business or you?What brought you to the Mohawk Area? Our team is so much fun! It’s truly a gift to work with such talented, The community of friends we wanted to be close to and raise our hardworking peoplethey’re like family to us. It is our hope the community finds our space and location one that fosters connectionfamilies together. We were also drawn to our beautiful lot and large trees. among friends and family. As our staff member Paul Golangco often says: “Welcome to the Richardson living room.”What do you love most about living in the Mohawk Area? We enjoy being five minutes from Communion and spending timewith the tight knit community.Tell us about your family (names, ages, schools, work, etc). We have been married almost 10 years and have enjoyed living inRichardson for the last 5 years. We have four beautiful kids: Samuel(5-1/2) Ruthie (4 years old) and twins Judah and Abigail (2-1/2), andour yellow lab is named Champ. With so many young kids there isnever a dull moment in our home! The kids are a big part of why wewanted to start a business, in hopes that we will be inspired to stepout in faith when we feel called to do something bigand also whilethey are in our home, learn to work hard and work with other peoplein the family business. Samuel will begin Kindergarten in the fall atCoram Deo Academy and Ruthie, Judah and Abigail attend GrahamCracker Express Mother’s Day Out a few days a week.Share with us a funny or awesome story of living in the Mohawk Area Early on when we moved in to our home we discovered that we werenot going to be able to surround our lot with a fence. Despite our bestefforts we often saw our sweet Champ’s face on NextDoor as he wasspotted all over the neighborhood. If it was not possible to track himdown a few minutes after he made his getaway, we would often getwww.MohawkLife.com 5

Mohawk LifeCommunity News by Teri Hebert by Teri HebertD id you know that Richardson has a loving place to help sup- Beyond the Richardson location, PPC also extends its reach into port anyone faced with an unwanted pregnancy? It’s the underserved, low-income communities via a mobile sonogram unit, Prestonwood Pregnancy Center located near our neighbor- which recently launched. The 36-foot long unit serves as a ‘pregnancyhood at 690 W. Campbell Road, Suite 150. center on wheels’, at locations throughout Dallas County and is projected to serve over 2,000 women annually. Established in 1991, the center provides nearly 4,800 clinic visitsannually to women throughout Dallas, Collin, Denton, Rockwall To help keep services free to anyone in need, PPC can alwaysand Tarrant counties. PPC primarily serves those most vulnerable use donations and volunteers. Volunteer opportunities includeto barriers to care—women who are low income, lower educated front desk volunteers, client advocates, mobile unit volunteers,and uninsured. PPC meets the needs of women during and after an medical volunteers.unplanned pregnancy with pregnancy tests, sonograms, pregnancyoptions education, life-skills classes, community referrals for ongoing One great way to get involved is through the Baby Bottle Campaign.support and mentoring. PPC offers services free of charge regardless This project is great for your family, business, or church group. Babyof age, race, sex, or religion. Bottles are distributed to be taken home and filled with loose change over the course of a few weeks. The bottles are then brought back and 25-year-old ‘Lauren’ found PPC the first time at the age of seventeen dropped off at PPC. All of the funds benefit young moms, dads, andwhen she had her first child. She says PPC helped her tremendously their babies in difficult pregnancy situations and are used toward ourback then, so when she recently suspected she was pregnant, PPC was services. To get involved with this campaign contact Tamika Terry atthe first place she turned to. Lauren says her fears were calmed once [email protected] met with a client advocate, who educated Lauren on her options,shared her experience of being a single parent. “She also talked about For more info on volunteering, contact [email protected]. Tounexpected surprises often being the best surprises. She really helped learn more about PPC’s services, check out prestonwoodpregnancy.calm my fears.” During her appointment Lauren had a sonogram, org/services.which cemented her decision to have the baby!6 www.MohawkLife.com



Mohawk LifeStudent of the MonthDevionne What’s your favorite subject in school (your sport or activity doesn’t count!)? Johnson My favorite subject in school is chemistry. I genuinely love the subject and plan on studying it further in college. Outside of school, activities, and sports, what do you do for fun, hobbies, work, etc.? Outside of school I really love to go fishing, go on rides on my BMX bike with my friends, and play brain stimulating video games.J ust as summer is upon us, we’d like you to meet a standout senior How long have you lived in the Mohawk Area? at Pearce. Please enjoy getting to know Devionne Johnson. Officially, I have lived in the Mohawk area since the summer before 8th grade, which would make the time spent around six years.Tell us your name, what school you currently attend, and what What do you love most about living in the Mohawk Area?year you are in school. The thing I love most about living in the Mohawk area is that My name is Devionne Johnson and I am currently a senior at JJ Mohawk is a general community. Everyone is always welcoming andPearce High School. everyone knows everyone else. No one is left out, and I have never been part of a more welcoming area.What other schools have you attended? I previously went to ParkHill Junior High and Bowie Elementary. Share with us a funny or awesome story of living in the Mohawk Area.Tell us what sport you play or what activities you do and whyyou enjoy it. A couple years ago while living on Mohawk Trail there was a huge ice storm. The tree in our front yard was so full of ice that it split in During my high school career I have  participated in multiple half and the tree branches crashed on to the roof of our house. All theextracurricular activities. I am currently in DECA, a national kids in the house woke up as it was around six in the morning, andmarketing association, and previously participated in football for JJ everyone was frantically running around the house. Being the heavyPearce as a freshman, sophomore, and junior. sleeper that I am, I did not even flinch. I continued to sleep for four more hours. I enjoy DECA because I seem to have a natural affinity for it, andour sponsor, Mrs. Koshkin is a great teacher and a great advisor. Anything else you would love for your neighbors to knowThrough DECA, I’ve been to Atlanta for National Conferences, San about you?Antonio for State conference and to downtown Dallas all three yearsof my participation. Even though I’m going off to college soon I know I’ll  always be part of the Grassmere gang.8 www.MohawkLife.com



Mohawk LifeFamily of the MonthThe Durrett Family Photos by Amber Starling Photography by Teri HebertA s it turns out, I went to college with Darren Durrett. One of their main areas of involvement during those early In fact, we were in the Golden Wave Marching Band Dallas years was volunteering with Young Life. Darren and together at Baylor but we didn’t remember that until Rebecca really poured themselves into their volunteer roleabout halfway through the interview for this article. It’s one with high schools students through Young Life. It was anof the things I love about helping put this magazine togeth- amazing time for them, not yet having kids of their own.er. I get to meet fun new people, and I also get to see what They loved it so much that Rebecca left her law career behinda small world it is when I run into people I’ve known from to work with Young Life.past lives. After the birth of their first child, Dylan, they decided to Baylor just happens to also be where Darren and Rebecca met. try a new adventure. Rebecca’s parents live in Georgetown,During Darren’s sophomore year, he spotted a group of girls moving so they decided to move to Austin to be closer to her family.in to an apartment above his. He says he “called the blonde one,” and They sold their home in Dallas and on the same day, foundthat just happened to be Rebecca. I guess he called it right because out they were pregnant again with their second child, sonthey dated for a year, then were engaged for three years, then were Andrew. They packed up, moved to Austin, but soon foundmarried in December 1999. that they really missed the sense of community they had up here in Dallas. After college, Darren and Rebecca moved to Houstonwhere Darren went to work for a bank. Rebecca went to law So, after a year in Austin, Darren was able to transfer hisschool then began her law career, which she did for six years. job to Dallas and the Durretts came back to what they feltEventually Darren’s career led them to Dallas in 2004. like was “home”. This time, they chose to move to Mohawk,10 www.MohawkLife.com

Mohawk Life Family of the Monthand they’ve been here now for four years. Of course, it was the bunch. He is observant, sweet, snuggly, and you can also findthe draw of the schools that initially brought them to the him at Graham Cracker Express one day a week. He, along with bigneighborhood. And they knew it would be hard to get in to brother Andrew, also loves to check out the airplanes with mom at thethe neighborhood. But once they were able to find a house, Cavanaugh Flight Museum.they soon fell in love with the neighborhood and the senseof community. They quickly knew they’d chosen the right Darren and Rebecca felt instantly connected to peopleplace to raise their kids and build their life here together. in the neighborhood. They love being around people and neighbors. Rebecca started a ladies Monday Hang group Dylan Elizabeth is the oldest Durrett child. She is five in their home that started with just a few ladies, but hasyears old and is the introspective artist of the family. Dylan grown to about sixteen on a good night. Sometimes theyloves her kindergarten teacher at Mohawk, loves ballet and discuss a book, other times they just enjoy a glass of winetap dance (which she enjoys at Sway), and has big plans to and take a break from mom-life to connect. It’s become onebe in the Nutcracker next year. She loves to draw, she loves of Rebecca’s favorite things to do in the neighborhood.adventures with Indian Princess at the YMCA, and she’slooking forward to joining the Barracudas swim team at As a part of Watermark church, together, Rebecca andCanyon Creek Country Club this summer. She also loves to Darren host a monthly Gather group. They also enjoy thego to North Park mall and shop with mom. impromptu backyard gatherings or run-ins with neighbors as they take the kids for a walk or bike ride in the neighborhood. The next Durrett is Andrew Aaron. He is four years old andwill start kindergarten at Mohawk for the 2019 school year, Life revolves around kids and family time. Theythough he’s currently at Graham Cracker Express. He love being together and love playing outside.often goes by the nickname “Squirrel” because, as They enjoy playing games together. Anddad puts it, he’s full of adventure and goes from now that it’s summer, they’ll spendone thing to the next. Andrew is truly a “boy’s considerable time at the CCCC pool.boy”. He’s fearless, loves the outdoors, lovessoccer, airplanes, Star Wars, Minions, trains, They also admit that they probablycars, and t-ball. He also loves camping and order more takeout Mi Cocina thanfishing with dad. they should, usually at least once a And the youngest Durrett is sweet little Luke week. They are such regulars thatFinn. At 19-months old, he’s the chill one of the Mi Cocina staff knows what they want when they see Darren walk in. But, I don’t see that as a bad thing at all. Rebecca enjoys running. She has a group of ladies she runs with. Before the kids came along, she was an avid runner. Together with Darren, they trained and traveled for marathons. Rebecca has completed three full marathons and an incredible fifteen half marathons (with a goal of knocking out another five half marathons for a total of 20!). Darren is a real life Ironman. But these days, he does more cycling and a plays a pretty hefty amount of golf. The Durretts currently live on Melrose but by the time you read this, they might have already moved to their new home on Pawnee. Loving the neighborhood so much to relocate a few streets over is something they are very excited about. Durrett family, we are pleased to get to know you this month. We know your new street neighbors will welcome you with open arms. Thanks for opening your lives to Mohawk Life!www.MohawkLife.com 11

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.12 www.MohawkLife.com



Mohawk LifePet of the MonthMazieT his month, we meet one of your friendly neighborhood Gold- endoodles. She’s sweet, she’s fun, she loves people. Meet Ma- zie!Tell us your names and your pet’s name. We are the Gillard family. Ashley, Andy, Hannah, Tyler and Lila.Mazie is our fantastic dog.What breed is your pet? Mazie is a Golden Doodle.Where did you get your pet and how long have youhad him or her? We got her from Lonestar Golden Doodles and have had her foralmost a year and a half.How long have you lived in the Mohawk Area? Since 2011/2012What do you love most about living in the MohawkArea? We love all of the sweet families in our neighborhood, beingconveniently located near anything we could possibly need, and ofcourse Mohawk Elementary.Share with us a funny or awesome story of livingthe Mohawk Area. Our family is so blessed to live on a street surrounded by so manyamazing neighbors. Some of our best memories are hanging out infront yards, and eating dinner with friends while the kids run and play.Last year, our street hosted a progressive dinner at several houses toraise money for Mohawk PTA. It was a great party and fun memory.Tell us about Mazie: fun tricks, unique talents,quirky personality, etc Mazie is a very sweet and good natured Goldendoodle. She lovespeople and has never met a stranger. She is very calm despite being soyoung, but still gets extremely excited whenever her favorite peoplecome to visit. Mazie lives next door to her best friend, London.London is a silver lab, and Mazie’s favorite puppy playmate.Anything else you would love for your neighbors toknow about Mazie? Mazie has added so much joy and comfort to our family. The threeGillard kids love her deeply and she is happy to return the favor! 14 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!).

Mohawk Life Neighborhood NewcomersPhotos by Beth Sanders Photography Photos by Beth Sanders PhotographyGrace & Ian Gill What brought you to the Mohawk Area? Where did you live before you came here?T his month, meet some of your newest (yet not so new) neighbors living in the neighborhood. Grace grew up We moved to Richardson to be closer to our family! Prior to that, in Mohawk and now she is excited to be back with her we lived in Oklahoma City while I was teaching at a high school inhusband and young son. Get to know the Gills and read how Edmond and Ian was the Associate Director of Music at a church inwell Grace is connected to the neighborhood! Norman, Oklahoma.Share with us the names and ages of everyone living in your What do you love most (so far) about living in the Mohawk Area?house, including your pets. We love our neighbors! We enjoy taking Cooper for a stroll around Ian Gill, age 32. Grace Gill, age 30. Cooper Gill, age seven months the neighborhood to see family and friends. Between the schools andas of 5/10/18. Fireball the cat, age 20. Yes, you read that right—20 the families, this is an amazing area to raise our little man.years old. Tells us a favorite story or two about your family (funny,Where do your kids attend school? sentimental, etc.). One day they’ll go to Mohawk, just like mom did! I (Grace) actually grew up in the neighborhood and my parentsTell us about your 20-year old cat: Where did you get him? Does (Mary and Kerry Pierson) still live two blocks away on Navaho Trail.he have any unique tricks or quirks? My grandmother (Ida Kaufman) lives around the corner on Mohawk and my sister (Elizabeth Pierson) will be joining the Richardson party Ian got Fireball when he was twelve years old, living in Fayetteville, this fall. My grandmother was the first music teacher at Mohawk andGeorgia. Fireball has since gone to college with Ian in Tampa, Florida, my mom, sister, and I all went to Mohawk. All four of us (Mary,graduate school in Norman, Oklahoma, and now lives with us here Kerry, Elizabeth, and Grace) went to Richardson North Junior Highin Richardson! and graduated from Pearce High School. So, I am less of a newcomer and more of a ridiculous family reunion returner.What do you do for a living? I (Grace) am the Parkhill Junior High Choir Director. Ian is the What do you do for hobbies or for fun? We love to travel and cook! Most important, we love to eat. We areAssociate Director of Music at First United Methodist Church ofRichardson and Director of The Journey Youth Choir. He is also the often out creating, performing, or listening to music.Music and Artistic Director of the Richardson Community Chorale. What does young Cooper do? How does he like theHow did the two of you meet? neighborhood so far? We met in music school during Ian’s first year of his Master’s At seven months old, Cooper enjoys constantly attending both ofprogram (while I was finishing my Bachelor’s Degree) at the his parents’ music rehearsals and performances, often in a MickeyUniversity of Oklahoma. Mouse tuxedo.When did you move to the Mohawk Area? Anything else you would love for your new neighbors to know We moved into this house in the fall of 2016. about you? We love living in this area and I am so thankful to raise Cooper in an area that holds so many great memories for me.www.MohawkLife.com 17

Mohawk LifeSplish SplashIt's Time to Get Your PoolReady for Summerby Lisa ParelliD id you know that more than 60% of single family residen- 3. Waterline Tile tial homes in Dallas-Fort Worth have pools installed in their From stunning glass, to subtle earth tones; from a simple waterline, backyard? For those of us that have endured Summer in Tex-as know our swim season definitely exceeds the typical Memorial Day to a raised spa wall, your tile is a focal point of your poolscape. Byto Labor Day pool season as seen in other parts of the country. simply updating waterline tile alone, your pool can have a more contemporary look. If your budget permits, combining it with Pools are definitely a benefit in the hot summer months as they your deck or pool resurfacing and you will think you have a newlyoffer a level of entertainment and exercise for families. Ask any installed pool.child what their favorite summer activity is and you will likely hear“swimming.” But, what happens when your pool has aged, or has not 4. Water Featuresbeen maintained regularly? As with the interiors of your home, your Adding waterfalls and sprayers are pretty easy to add into your poolpool also ages and the style needs updating. Just like remodeling akitchen or bathroom, your pool renovation is not “cheap.” And, if design. Although water features can increase the maintenance cost ofyou haven’t stayed on top of structural or equipment issues, then you your pool because they use extra electricity, they do breathe a morehave added additional costs to your pool update. modern feel to your tired pool with motion and sound. Let’s just start with the cost. The cost of a major pool renovation is likely 5. Salt Water Systemmore than you will want to pay but updating can actually save you money Have you ever swum in a salt water pool? If so, you likely experienced(like updating windows or an HVAC – newer is more cost efficient). Newtreatments or equipment also enable your pool to run more efficiently. softer skin and less eye irritation. The major trend of moving to a salt water system allows you to use salt to create chlorine in the water Some of the top trends for making your pool look more modern instead of strong chlorine products. It is cost-effective because itand operate more efficiently with minimal investment are as follow: is generally cheaper to maintain – say goodbye to all the expensive traditional pool chemicals.1. Pool Resurfacing Pool resurfacing is probably the highest cost in a pool remodeling 6. Energy Efficient Equipment and Automated Systemsbudget. Pools that are 20-30 years old were likely finished in a simpleplaster. Today, there are some very beautiful aggregate finishes that use Like anything you replace, newer is usually more efficient. Theremany materials, many are even recycled and incorporate shells, glass, are many different types of equipment for you to select for your pool.stones and other materials. These new surfaces completely change the A variable speed pool pump is definitely a good choice as it uses lesslook of your pool and replaces that old, tired plain plaster finish. electricity. There are also solar powered heaters and lights which lend to energy savings.2. Lighting Your current pool likely has a simple floodlight blasting from As pool technology continues to evolve, there are a lot of products that can be retrofitted to older pools. Some of this equipment thatone end of your pool or basic lighting. LED Lighting is the way makes life easier for the pool owner is robotic cleaners, all-in-one poolto go today. Not only is it more energy efficient, but can truly add automation systems and even automatic pool covers. These high-spectacular effects around your backyard…transforming it into an tech products allow you to check or control your pool from youroasis. LED lights come in several different colors which can give your smart phone.backyard a completely different look.18 www.MohawkLife.com



BUSINESS DIRECTORY

NeighborhoodInsider Needed!People of the Mohawk area and readers of this magazine! We, here at Mohawk Lifemagazine, are looking for an insider to join forces with us.We need the help of someone living in your neighborhood As our Neighborhood Insider YOU (yes you!) could enjoywho is well-connected and can help provide connect us to the benefits of a flexible schedule while you work at home,resources for content. Does this sound like you? a coffee shop, at your PTA function, or at the gym. You will work closely with the editor and publisher to complete each • Do you live in the Mohawk/JJP/Reservation area? issue of Mohawk Life on time (and rumor has it they are pretty • Do you know people and/or pets in the neighborhood? awesome to work with). • Do you like people and/or pets in the neighborhood? • Do you know about (or can you find) events, Our magazine is published every-other-month. The time commitment to successfully fulfilling your insider role is up interesting stories, and/or intriguing neighborhood to you (oh the freedom!). In return for your excellence as a things to share with your neighbors? resource to us, you will be rewarded with: • Are you willing to provide fresh contacts (on a regular, ongoing basis) to the editor and publisher for • Fun and stimulating grown-up conversation (Talk feature articles in the magazine? only to your toddler all day? We might be a good • Are you responsive to communications (phone, break for you—sometimes.). email, and text) but also willing and available to meet with the team on a randomly-irregular basis? • The pride and ownership of knowing you made • Are you willing and able to help fill ad space in the someone’s day by nominating them as a feature for magazine by reaching out to potential advertisers and neighborhood fame and glory. renewing current ads? • Payment commensurate with completing all job responsibilities.This is NOT a full-time position, and there is no writing involved with this position (hooray!). However, it is a fun,rewarding opportunity to celebrate your neighborhood and the people who live around you. Seriously interested?Please contact Kyla Obert at [email protected].

Mohawk LifeCommunity NewsGreenwood Hills Community ClubRenovations in Progress! by Teri HebertN estled within our community is Greenwood Hills Commu- needed to help with repairs, the community has rallied to raise around nity Club, a volunteer-run pool and event center that has $40,000 for immediate maintenance need. GHCC is clearly a beloved been around since 1961. As a nonprofit social club, it is a la- part of the neighborhood and the support so far from so many to helpbor of love to keep everything safe and in good shape for everyone who maintain and enhance the Club has been phenomenal.visits the pool in the summer or for other events throughout the year. Also, in the late fall of 2017, Beth Mulligan and Brad Moulton During the spring, GHCC went through an assessment process worked collaboratively to create a vision of the future for GHCC.and some areas of improvement were uncovered. The Club needed to The goal was to create a safe, clean and fun facility that will serveraise $60,000 for these immediate updates to be made. Of the money the community for another 50 years. Beth visited with some of the GHCC patrons to discover what activities and amenities were important to them in the future. Some of the new features include making the clubhouse the new welcoming face of GHCC. It will be used year-round for many types of community activities, such as scout meetings, ladies’ nights, birthday parties, etc. A large open-air pavilion which will serve as seating and dining spots during regular operating hours. During special events, it can also be turned into a stage for a music performance or a covered theater for dive-in movies, or it can be rented out for parties. The main pool will remain the same shape with added benches and lengthened steps. Additional small seating areas will be added around the perimeter of the pool deck.    Deb Boopsing, a Reservation resident says, “GHCC is one of those hidden gems of the community! Our family loves it because we are able to meet and build relationships with families and kids across ages and grades and even across schools! We are thrilled to see the pool take the necessary steps to grow into its next phase as new generations of families are moving in. I’m excited to be a part of what comes next!”  The master plan will be implemented in phases with the main pool renovation and the clubhouse being the main priority. The remaining items will be phased in, depending upon fundraising. The community plans to create a 501 (c) 3 foundation to raise money for the pool construction projects. In addition, the club will apply for grants and host local fundraising events. The overall cost to complete all of these plans is estimated to be around $800,000.   Currently, GHCC is preparing to open the pool for this year. Thank you to everyone who was involved in the assessment and who has helped so far to raise funds or volunteer time and skills to work on the updates. For more information about GHCC and membership, visit online at www.ourpool.org. You can also volunteer to help with the renovations, or donate to help fund the project by visiting www. ourpool.org/donation.22 www.MohawkLife.com

Mohawk LifeFour Activities to Mix Up Your Spring Fit Fun by Teri HebertW armer temperatures are arriving, which means outdoor than walking and soon you’ll be moving faster and further than you activities are now in play! If you are looking for ways to thought you could. mix up your fitness routine for the spring, take a look atthese four fun fit ideas: 3. Tennis Richardson has some great tennis courts, either within our parks1. Yard work So maybe “fun” isn’t the best word to use if you are thinking of (free to use and lighted until 10:30pm!) or at Huffhines Tennis Center. Tennis is a great mix of strength, agility, and cardio. Even ifimpending “yard work” as pulling the mower out of the shed or garage you start by simply hitting the ball back and forth across the net withafter winter and that first time you weed and mow for the spring. But, a friend without too much running, you’ll get your heart rate up andyard work can be so much more than just battling weeds and bringing hone your hand-eye coordination, as well. Play for fun with friends,a dormant lawn back to life. Planting flowers that will soon bloom, or check out tennis lessons, classes, and leagues through the City offertilizing and watering your lawn, landscaping, and cleaning your Richardson at cor.net/departments/parks-recreation/tennis-center.patio to enjoy spring weather are great ways to get outside and getactive this time of year. 4. Cycling Dust off those bikes, grab the kids, and take a family bike ride to the2. Train for and Run a 5k It is surprisingly manageable to walk or run a 5k, even if you’ve park or around the neighborhood. Richardson is such a bike-friendly city, the streets are begging to be ridden when the sun is out and thenever intentionally run a step in your life before reading this sentence. temperatures rise above winter cold. Bike trails and bike lanes can beWhen I completed my first 5k, I had such a sense of accomplishment found throughout the city with maps available online to help planwhen I crossed the finish line, even though I didn’t run the whole your adventure. See cor.net/departments/parks-recreation/parks-trailsthing that first time. Grab a few friends or your family, pick one to see where it’s fun and safest to ride.of the many 5ks in the area, and make it a fun adventure. Start bywalking around the block. Gradually add more distance. Then start No matter what activity appeals to you, put away the cozy winterjogging in the middle of your route. Eventually you’ll be jogging more sweatpants, grab a buddy, get outside, and get moving!

Mohawk LifeIn the KitchenSummer Pool- or Picnic-Ready Recipes by Teri HebertI n the summer, you are on the go with kids, pets, and probably also food in tow. Whether you are headed to the pool or on a picnic, these easy recipes travel well and are great for the hot weather headed our way.Avocado Salsa From cookingclassy.com Ingredients Note: Need it to be less spicy for the kids? Leave out the jalapeño. •  6 medium roma tomatoes (20 oz), seeded and diced •  1 cup chopped red onion, chopped •  1 large or 2 small jalapeños, seeded and chopped (1/4 cup. Leave seeds if you like heat.) •  3 medium avocados, semi-firm but ripe, peeled, cored and diced •  3 Tbsp olive oil •  3 Tbsp fresh lime juice •  1 clove garlic, finely minced •  1/2 tsp salt (more or less to taste as desired) •  1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper •  1/2 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves , chopped Instructions 1.  Place red onion in a strainer or sieve and rinse under cool water to remove harsh bite. Drain well. Add to a mixing bowl along with diced tomatoes, jalapeños and avocados. 2.  I a separate small mixing bowl whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, salt and pepper until mixture is well blended. Pour mixture over avocado mixture, add cilantro then gently toss mixture to evenly coat. Serve with tortilla chips or over Mexican entrees. Grilled Watermelon From delish.com Of course, watermelon will always be a people pleaser when you slice it raw, but grilling it is a delicious twist. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Cut into cubes for easier transport to pool parties or to the park! 24 www.MohawkLife.com