If you’re caring for a parent with dementia, a child with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) or a loved one affected by a brain injury from a stroke or traumatic event (TBI), you may find yourself facing difficult decisions about their care.
When someone can no longer manage their medical, financial or daily living needs, and their safety is at risk, guardianship may be necessary to ensure they receive appropriate support. In these cases, healthcare professionals play a critical role in the guardianship process.
To establish legal guardianship clear medical documentation showing the individual’s cognitive or physical limitations, a formal diagnosis and the prognosis of their condition—whether it is likely to improve, remain stable or decline is required. Often, a primary care physician can provide this documentation. However, in more complex situations, a specialist may be required.
For example, a neurologist or geriatric psychiatrist might be consulted to assess the effects of dementia or a brain injury, while a psychologist with experience in developmental disabilities may evaluate someone with IDD. These professionals conduct in-depth assessments to identify the specific areas where the individual struggles—such as managing medications, understanding financial matters or ensuring their own safety.
Beyond their role in the legal process, healthcare providers are often among the first to recognize when a person can no longer make sound decisions on their own. They can connect families with resources, services and support systems to help navigate the emotional and legal complexities of guardianship.
Their expertise is invaluable during a time that is often filled with uncertainty and grief, particularly when it involves aging parents, formerly independent family members, and those family members with IDD.
Attorney Mandy Williams is an attorney at Hammerle Morris Law Firm, a boutique law firm offering services in estate planning, probate, guardianship, business law, litigation, and real estate. Contact her at (972) 436-9300. This article does not constitute as legal advice.
Pokémoto, which served Hawaiian-style poké bowls as well as burritos and salads, has permanently closed its doors at the Marketplace at Highland Village on Justin Road.
The poké restaurant had been open in Highland Village for more than two years, opening in January of 2023.
Congressman Brandon Gill (R–Flower Mound, TX) wants to salute and honor local veterans by nominating them for the 26th Congressional District Veteran Commendation.
The annual Congressional Veteran Commendation honors the living distinguished veterans of Texas’ 26th Congressional District, which Gill represents.
“Our veterans sacrificed so much for our freedoms, and we owe them our deepest honor and gratitude for their dedicated service to our great nation,” said Rep. Gill. “I am proud to open nominations for this year’s Congressional Veteran Commendation—it is a small way to honor the courageous men and women in uniform in our 26th District of Texas for their patriotism.”
Congressman Gill is looking for veterans to honor from the 26th Congressional District. (Image via the office of Rep. Gill)
Rep. Gill’s office announced on Thursday it will begin taking nominations for the honor.
In order to be eligible for nomination, veterans must be residents of the 26th Congressional District of Texas, have served the nation honorably during their military career and subsequently demonstrated dedication to their community.
To nominate a veteran for this year’s 26th Congressional District Veteran Commendation, complete this nomination form.
All nominations should be submitted to Rep. Gill’s Flower Mound district office by September 15, 2025.
The annual luncheon has been put on every year since 2004.
For more information on the honor or to confirm residency within the 26th Congressional District, contact Rep. Gill’s District Director, Robin Vaughan, at 972-966-5454 or visit Rep. Gill’s website.
The annual Congressional Veteran Commendation was established in 2005. Rep. Gill continues the tradition, just as former Rep. Michael Burgess did during his time in office.
Cerulean Blue Coffee House announced that Strawberry White Chocolate will be the cookie of the month for July.
With white chocolate and strawberries mixed into the batter, Chief Baker Jessica Dietzler said the cookie is a perfect summer time treat.
Cerulean Blue’s July cookie of the month: Strawberry White Chocolate. (Photo courtesy of Cerulean Blue Coffee House)
“The Strawberry White Chocolate cookie was created with summer days in mind,” said Jessica Dietzler, Chief Baker at Cerulean Blue. “Whether you’re headed to the lake, lounging poolside or enjoying a summer evening on the front porch, this cookie is the perfect addition to your summer adventure.”
Along with the limited-time cookie of the month offerings, customers can enjoy two other Cerulean Blue staples: the Chocolate Chunk and The Caramel White Chocolate cookie.
In addition to baked goods, the family-owned and operated business features breakfast and lunch items such as sandwiches and salads.
Ever since it has opened, the shop has aimed to be a cornerstone of the Flower Mound community by hosting events and fostering relationships.
When they opened, the Dietzlers said they wanted the shop to become “the living room of Flower Mound.”
In addition to serving the community, Cerulean Blue is also giving back abroad.
For every 10 pounds of coffee sold, the business provides a water filtration system to a family in Central America. Each system produces 1,000,000 gallons of clean water and is deployed by Serve Hope International.
We’ve all seen the TV commercials where celebrities push free stuff associated with Medicare plans. “Free Dental coverage! Free vision! Free gym memberships!”
How can companies offer all these free perks?
The plans referenced in these commercials are called Medicare Advantage plans (Part C). With an advantage plan, a private insurance company handles your Medicare coverage (so put that Medicare card away). This is not a Medicare Supplement.
It’s usually a bundled plan that includes RX coverage (though not always). These plans receive money from Medicare based on your enrollment. The insurance company then uses this money to build their own plan. They set the network, establish the co-pays and create a “max out of pocket.”
This plan may or may not have a monthly premium, and although it is usually cheaper on a monthly basis, the advantage plans can be more expensive if you have a health event.
So, what about all that free stuff?
No, the insurance company isn’t generously giving things away, they simply know their numbers. They can offer a free cleaning at the dentist because they will turn around and charge a lot for an MRI. They cover the gym membership instead of the out-of-network doctor. They offer a zero-dollar premium because of the higher expenses down the road.
Although all these benefits (and lack thereof) are included in the summary of benefits and evidence of coverage, these plans still tend to catch seniors by surprise. Arming yourself with education up-front is the best way to prepare for the ins and outs of an advantage plan.
As a broker, I want you to understand both Original Medicare with a supplement AND Medicare Advantage. Once you know how each plan operates, you can confidently decide which plan is right for you. Enrollment and disenrollment in these plans can vary, so plan ahead!
We’re happy to help with the analysis, and our service is always free. Give me a call at 972-393-5080 or visit us at 2604 Long Prairie Road, Suite 100 in Flower Mound.
Medical City in Argyle has installed a drug take-back box where residents can easily and properly dispose of unused or expired medications.
The secure drop box is located next to the registrations desk in the lobby and is available to the public.
Most prescription and over-the-counter medications will be accepted.
The idea of the service is to help prevent drug misuse while supporting environmental safety by ensuring proper disposal.
It is part of Medical City Healthcare and HCA Healthcare’s year-round “Crush the Crisis” program where permanent drug take-back boxes are located inside 15 Medical City Healthcare hospitals.
The boxes comply with the Drug Enforcement Agency’s regulations and can be accessed free of charge, any day of the year.
Items that can be disposed of at the box include:
Prescription medications
Over-the-counter medications
Medicated ointments
Lotions or drops
Liquid medications as long as they are brought in leak-proof containers
Vape cartridges without batteries in them
Vitamins and supplements
Pet medications
Items that will not be accepted at the box include:
Needles or other sharp objects
Syringes
Lancets
Illegal drugs
Medical City Argyle is a campus of Medical City Denton, which is a 226-bed, acute care hospital serving the growing communities in Denton, Wise, Cooke and Montague counties. Medical City Denton became a Level II Trauma Center in 2021.
A $687 million investment from Taiwan-based electronics manufacturer Winstron will bring the company’s first U.S. manufacturing site to Denton County after County Commissioners approved a tax abatement agreement on Wednesday.
Denton County competed with El Paso and Fremont, California for the site.
“This is Wistron’s first U.S. manufacturing site, so we are very excited,” said Phil Huang, the sales and service director with Winstron. He added that the company appreciates all of the support from the county. “We look forward to bringing more jobs and more business to Denton County.”
Winstron InfoComm (USA) Corporation has plans to build at 15200 Heritage Parkway in north Fort Worth, which is expected to create 634 full-time jobs.
A second site will be purchased and built on at 14601 Mobility Way, a Hillwood Property, which is expected to add 254 full-time jobs.
“Wistron’s $687 million investment and creation of 888 new jobs marks a pivotal milestone for Denton County,” said Denton County Judge Andy Eads. “This project strengthens our role in the rapidly expanding semiconductor supply chain and brings tremendous economic opportunity to our region. We’re proud to support Wistron’s growth and welcome the innovation and high-quality jobs they bring to North Texas.”
A tax abatement agreement is an agreement between the local government and a taxable entity that exempts all or part of the increase in the value of property from taxation for a period not to exceed 10 years, according to the Texas Comptroller’s website.
Under the agreement, Winstron will receive a 40 percent abatement capped at $3 million for the site on Heritage Parkway and a 30 percent abatement capped at $900,000 for the Mobility Way project, both for a period of eight years.
If both sites are completed, the abatement rate for Heritage increases to 50 percent and for Mobility increases to 40 percent with a combined cap of $5 million over the eight-year period.
For the 888 total jobs made, the average base salary will be $63,000, according to the deal.
“We have continued to work to attract companies that offer more robust starting salaries,” said Precinct 3 Commissioner Bobbie J. Mitchell. “I am thrilled to have even more jobs on the horizon with starting wages beginning at $63,000, which enable our residents to live, work and play in Denton County.”
According to a release from the county, in return, the Winstron must:
Complete real property improvements at both project sites completed and fully operational by Dec. 31, 2026
Invest at least $80 million on real property improvements at the Heritage site and $32 million at the Mobility site
Spend at least $411 million on new tangible business property at Heritage and $164 million at Mobility by December 1, 2027
Create 634 new full-time jobs at Heritage and 254 jobs at Mobility with an average base salary of at least $63,000.
At commissioner’s court on Wednesday, Huang and James Glass, who is in charge of compliance solutions, director, tax and business incentives at ADP, accepted a framed proclamation from Governor Greg Abbott on behalf of the company.
“Wistron’s significant investment in Precinct 4 is a testament to the strength of our workforce and infrastructure,” said Precinct 4 Denton County Commissioner Dianne Edmondson. “This project brings tremendous opportunity and reinforces Denton County’s role in the global semiconductor and electronics manufacturing industry.”
On June 24, the Fort Worth City Council approved a Tax Abatement Agreement with Wistron, providing up to a 70 percent abatement for the Heritage site and up to 50 percent for the Mobility site, each for a 10-year period. If both sites are completed, the abatement increases to 80 percent for Heritage and 60 percent for Mobility.
I hope you had an enjoyable 4th of July celebrating our Nation’s independence.
The 407 Breakout Project (expanding 407 from Cleveland-Gibbs Rd. in Northlake to Gateway Dr. in Argyle) is inching closer via our work with the utilities. There are no major updates this month other than the utilities are moving through TxDOT’s process for utility clearances. I have calls with the utilities every 1-2 weeks keeping the pressure on them. However, they are highly responsive and cooperative in trying to keep things moving, and I greatly appreciate their efforts to help us.
If you drive along Hwy 114 just east of I-35W, once you pass QT and PJ’s Coffee, you might have seen a large new structure coming up out of the ground. As of a week ago, all the exterior walls have been lifted into place except for a few left out for equipment access. Steel spans are being set for the roof.
This is Northlake’s new Dallas Multisport StarCenter. For anyone not aware, it is two sheets of ice for figure skating and hockey, eight basketball courts that convert to 16 volleyball courts and a restaurant. There will also be pickleball courts outside the facility. We anticipate significant completion in late spring.
The Town owns the facility; the Dallas Stars will operate it under a 30-year lease. No current or residential property tax is being used to fund this project, it is supported by the lease, Hotel Occupancy Tax and 25% of our 2% town sales tax. This will bring more retail to that area fulfilling the wishes of residents for more services, retail, and dining options nearby, but not at the expense of our more rural areas.
The council is currently working through the budget and has seen the first requests of staff for what they feel is needed to support their current level of service with the growth of our town. Several departments have asked to provide more staff or services that will be considered by council. We intend to keep operating under our low tax rate of 29.5 cents per $100 of valuation.
Did you know that this is the lowest tax rate of any home rule city in North Texas?
The only way to operate under this low tax rate is as a limited services town. We are often asked about providing additional services, like a library. We could do that; however the tax rate would have to rise significantly to do that, and that is not something we would like to do.
Last year, our residential property tax income was approximately $2.55M and our commercial property tax income was $2.65M or about $5.2M in total. Adding in other fees and income sources gave us $12.3M in revenue for a $12.3M balanced budget. Residents ask me often why we can’t do this or that with how much property tax “we collect,” often inferring that we have a huge tax rate as a town.
However, our residents last year only funded about 20% of our operating budget which doesn’t even cover the basic service of police, let alone public works, administration, or other expenditures. We work hard to make sure that we can keep the lowest tax rate around.
I encourage you to visit town.northlake.tx.us and click on the “FY 2024-2025 Budget In Brief” link on that page. Pages 9 and 10 are the most helpful to many people in understanding how our collected funds are used.
We encourage you to come and learn more about your local government. Come out and visit us at the next council meetings on July 10 and 24 at 5:30 p.m. As always, I am happy to answer any questions, and you can email me directly at bmontini@town.northlake.tx.us.
The tide has turned on the roundabout on Highland Shores Blvd. since the City Council heard visitor comments on the project on Tuesday evening at the City Council meeting.
Originally, the roundabout was planned to reduce emergency response times.
A rendering of the proposed roundabout on Highland Shores Blvd. at Hillside Drive. (Photo courtesy of Highland Village)
However, after review and hearing comments from the public, Council decided to err on the side of safety and recommend the removal of the planned roundabout at the intersection of Highland Shores Blvd. and Hillside Drive.
“Safety is council’s number one priority,” said Mayor Charlotte Wilcox. “Is it necessary. I see all of this and it makes more sense now, but safety and those kids crossing to go to school, the park, the pool or wherever, I’m very concerned about that.”
According to a presentation from the City, the plan for the roundabout began in 2014 when the city was tasked with reducing increasing emergency response times.
More than 10 years later, the plan has finally been close to construction. However, that has brought up concerns from residents and council.
A plethora of residents raised concerns about safety in regard to cars traveling at higher speeds without a stop sign, which would make it more difficult for pedestrians to cross as well as attract more traffic to use Highland Shores Blvd. to cut through.
Mayor Wilcox was concerned the response times might not even be significantly reduced.
“I know this is about emergency response times,” she said. “But what is one roundabout going to do about response times.”
Originally, the plan called for five roundabouts and a “fly-by” on Highland Shores Blvd. at Briarhill Blvd, which would remove stop signs on Highland Shores.
Wilcox, who said she consulted her husband, a firefighter of more than 30 years, and they decided it would be beneficial to response times with that many roundabouts. However, since the plan was reduced to just one roundabout, it probably wouldn’t do much.
Secondly, the data that the plan was based on was from the city in 2014, not the city of 2025.
Councilwoman Rhonda Hurst has been outspoken about her opposition to the roundabout, especially since it was brought up in recent council meetings, but she also emphasized the importance of updated data.
“I agree that the roundabout should go, but that specific location is the absolute worst place you could put it,” she said. “This is all based on 2014 data. That was before the micro mobility mandates and before Highland Village Elementary was shut down. We’re dealing with a new set of data that we have not collected.”
The only council member that was on council when the roundabouts were planned was Jon Kixmiller. He admitted he was in favor of the plans, but he felt differently after the public hearing.
“My mind is changed,” he said. “I supported it, but I’m listening tonight and based upon that, my recommendation is that we go back to the four-way stop.”
Councilman Brian Fiorenza agreed, saying he still likes the idea of roundabouts, but doesn’t feel like Highland Village is the right place for them.
“I was an advocate, and I still am, an advocate for roundabouts,” he said. “But I took to heart everything y’all said and have also changed my mind. I think they’re helpful and I do think they will reduce response times, but I’m not sure Highland Shores Blvd. is the right place for one.”
The council wasn’t voting on anything at the meeting, but they were able to get a consensus to change the plans of the project including the roundabout and the “fly-by.”
In the end, council recommended staff reevaluate the plans, including Highland Shores Blvd. at Hillside Drive remaining a four-way stop and keeping stop signs on Highland Shores Blvd. at Briarhill Blvd.
Council reiterated its appreciation for residents that showed up and celebrated the fact that the issue could be worked out.
“I’m super proud of our residents for coming and speaking up,” said councilman Kevin Cox. “What a great opportunity to have your voice listened to, heard and then to see change amongst your elected official instantly.”
Before the hearing began, Mayor Wilcox thanked residents for showing up and contributing to the process of local government. Plus, she wanted to hear public input because, while she was on council in 2014 when the response time issue arose, she was not on council when roundabouts were proposed.
“I want to thank all of y’all for being here tonight,” she said. “I asked the roundabout be placed back on the agenda tonight for my benefit and, more importantly, for the benefit of the citizens.”
(Note: an earlier version of this article referred to the communication between residents and City Council as a public hearing, however, the City only took visitor comments on the issue, so it wasn’t considered a formal public hearing.)
It is located in north Fort Worth and will be ready by the start of classes in August 2026. It will exclusively serve pre-kindergarten students of the district.
Students will apply to get into the school, so if they aren’t accepted, they will continue going to pre-k at their normal campus.
He communicated with families in the district as well as teachers and staff when making decisions and cared about all grade levels in Northwest ISD.
Dr. Hicks served as a principal or assistant principal across all campus levels – elementary, middle and high – and advocated for early childhood literacy and pre-K for a solid educational foundation.
Perot-owned Hillwood Communities announced on Monday it will be offering 30 half-acre lots to prospective homebuyers at Pecan Square in Northlake.
The pricing for the “rare-to-find” lots, according to Hillwood, will range from $850,000 to more than $1 million. Homesites average 100 feet wide by 200 feet deep, with a minimum of 20,000 square feet.
“Homebuyers have been asking for more lots of this size since we released them in earlier phases,” said Kim Comiskey, the vice president at Hillwood Communities. “It’s not easy to find a homesite where families can build a quality home with expansive outdoor features while still enjoying the convenience and amenities offered at Pecan Square.”
Builders within the community include Highland Homes, Coventry Homes and David Weekley Homes.
In addition to the flexibility to design outdoor living spaces with pools, outdoor kitchens and fireplaces, prospective buyers will have access to the award-winning amenities, according to a release from Hillwood.
The Greeting House is a multipurpose space for co-working that features a workroom for printing and copying, a self-service convenience station and on-site Amazon Hub lockers.
Jackson Hall is considered the anchor of Town Square and has a state-of-the-art fitness center and game room.
The Arena is a 22,000-square-foot pavilion with sports courts, an event space and a dog-themed playground.
Students of Pecan Square residents are zoned for Northwest ISD. Johnie Daniel Elementary School, which is located within the community, is now open.
A new middle school, Barksdale Middle School, is under construction with an anticipated opening in August 2026.
Pecan Square is an award-winning master-planned community in southern Denton County.
Hillwood has a hand in a lot of communities in north Fort Worth and southern Denton County, specifically in the I-35W corridor. To read more about Hillwood and its projects, click here.
Flower Mound Town Council unanimously approved two exceptions requested by the Flower Mound Hindu Temple at its meeting on Monday.
One of the exceptions was a request to build a flat roof instead of a sloped roof, which is required for buildings in the Town that are smaller than 15,000 square feet. The request was submitted by the applicant, and approved by Council, because temples in the Hindu religion are to be built with a flat roof, according to ancient scriptures.
The second exception was a request to waive the enforcement of a 25-foot landscape buffer between a non-residential property and residential properties. It was requested, and approved, because denial would have prevented access to the property.
“All of the concerns the residents have brought up are valid,” said Deputy Mayor Pro-Tem Adam Schiestel. “The driveways being close together and having your house back up to a driveway is not great, but it’s part of the problem with the property, it has nothing to do with the application.”
The lot that the temple will be built on is tricky because of how it was mapped. Its only access point is a narrow strip that goes behind residences on Walnut Grove Place. This type of lot is called a “flag lot,” which Schiestel said is no longer allowed by the Town.
However, similar to what was iterated by the P&Z Commission, religious institutions are allowed under the current agricultural zoning of the property, so the Town could only vote on the exceptions requested by the applicant.
“It’s a challenging property, no matter how we engineer it,” said Schiestel. “That’s a problem for property owners and residents. We aren’t here to approve the Hindu Temple or not, it has already been approved. We are only here to decide on the exceptions and we are not able to deny access to a property.”
If council had denied the exception and essentially denied the only access to the property, it could have led to significant legal problems for the Town.
According to Town staff, under federal statute, “any governmental regulation that places a substantial burden on the practice of religion, the Town is required to show a compelling basis for the reason why, and compatibility and trees are more about aesthetics, not public safety, so it’s questionable whether they reach the level of a compelling governmental interest.”
If the Town denied the exception to the 25-foot buffer, which would prevent reasonable access to the property, it could violate the constitution and open the door for the Town to get sued.
Other than a few residents that voiced concern about the traffic, noise and compatibility, there was overwhelming support for the project.
“Never have I gotten so many emails about an agenda item,” said Mayor Cheryl Moore. “I got 150 emails in support of the Hindu temple and none in opposition.”
With approval, the temple will begin construction and has plans to finish its first phase in the fall of 2026, when use will begin.
To make it a better experience for their neighbors, the Hindu Temple will plant more trees around its property, which will be evergreen to maintain an aesthetically-pleasing atmosphere year-round.
In regards to traffic, Temple leadership said temple use is often outside of high-traffic times: the late morning and in the evening. They also mentioned reaching out to schools to make plans for any traffic that may conflict with school events.
Councilman Chris Drew encouraged the applicant to try and work with Lewisville ISD to try and figure out a joint access easement.
Temple leadership also said they would, but, according to engineer Jason Kilpatrick, the district has been difficult to work with in the past.
During the public hearing at P&Z, a resident that lives on Walnut Grove Place offered to buy the property for $800,000 so they could move the project down the road. He brought up the same idea at Town Council, but the Temple’s Board said this plan was not feasible.
The Shops at Highland Village will have seven new tenants opening their doors soon, including Warby Parker, a visionary eyewear brand, and luxury beauty retailer Bluemercury.
“We’re excited to continue our evolution with the opening of The Shops at Highland Village, a reflection of Bluemercury’s ongoing commitment to delivering excellence in beauty,” said Jenna Goldberg, head of stores, omni-channel & strategy at Bluemercury. “Through expert-led service, a curated assortment of high-performance products and a client-first approach, we look forward to redefining the luxury beauty experience in Highland Village.”
The beauty retailer will open a 1,400-square-foot storefront in Suite #170, which is located adjacent to the Lululemon. Bluemercury offers a highly-curated assortment of premium skincare, cosmetics and wellness products, along with expert-led beauty services.
The Shops at Highland Village will also welcome The Aspen Gift House, a boutique that offers curated home décor and thoughtful gifts. The store hosted a soft opening on Friday.
On Monday, Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants opened its specialty medical office on the second level of The Shops near the management office.
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming, an upscale pet store offering grooming services and gourmet pet treats will also open at The Shops.
Finally, Drybar, a hair salon offering blowouts and styling services, was included in the announcement of businesses opening.
“We’re proud to welcome these exciting brands to The Shops at Highland Village,” said Ravi Wadhwa, the senior general manager of The Shops. “Each new tenant reflects our continued commitment to curating a vibrant, high-quality mix of retail, service and wellness offerings that resonate with out community.”
In other news, the Francesca’s at The Shops will be relocating to a larger storefront across from Compass Real Estate.
July brings sunshine, watermelon, fireworks, and family gatherings. When you’re spending time with loved ones—especially older adults—it can be the perfect opportunity to check in on their plans, wishes, and future care preferences. If you ever find yourself stepping into the role of caregiver, having access to key medical and financial information can make all the difference. If you missed June’s GO Binder and 4-1-1 for Senior Talk DFW sessions, don’t worry—I’m happy to walk through the materials with you one-on-one.
One important part of future planning-deciding between a Trust and a Will. Each serves a purpose, but depending on your estate and family dynamics, one may suit your goals better than the other. A living trust can be set up while you’re alive, or you may choose a testamentary trust that takes effect after you pass. Trusts offer privacy and more control over how your assets are distributed—but they’re not right for everyone. Join us Thursday, July 17, 10-11:30 a.m. at Senior Talk DFW in Flower Mound to hear from a Trust Officer who will explain how trusts work, what they can and can’t do, and how to know if they’re the right tool for your situation. RSVP at SeniorTalkDFW.com or call/text 469-616-0561.
Another question to consider: “If I couldn’t live here anymore, where would I go?” At Senior Talk DFW–Argyle onTuesday, July 15, 10-11:30 a.m., we’ll explore Senior Living Options with Julie Davis, a seasoned expert with over 15 years in the field. From one-story homes to maintenance-free apartments to care-based communities like assisted living, there are more choices than ever. Come learn how to evaluate options based on your medical, financial, and lifestyle needs—and get smart about what to ask when visiting communities. RSVP at SeniorTalkDFW-Argyle.com or call/text 469-616-0561.
Edwena Potter, Certified Senior Housing Professional, Keller Williams Realty. You go love on your loved ones—let me handle the details.
Major floods in the Texas Hill Country have claimed more than 80 lives as of Monday morning. Here are ways to support rescue and relief efforts as well as help victims affected by the disaster.
Officials are asking that no volunteers show up unannounced as it could interfere with ongoing rescue operations. However, volunteers can sign up at this website (developed by the Texas Division of Emergency Management) or call 830-465-4797.
The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund was set up by the non-profit organization Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. Funds will go to organizations that are helping in the rescue, relief and recovery efforts. They are helping to provide
Southern Oaks Church in Kerrville is accepting monetary donations that will go toward river relief funds. At the website, make sure the “River Flood Relief Fund” option is selected.
Kerrville Pets Alive! is helping pets that have been affected by the floods. The organization is offering help finding lost pets to reunite them with their families. They are also accepting monetary donations via Venmo.
The Salvation Army’s Kerrville Kroc Center posted a list of requested items, which is mostly non-perishable foods and cleaning supplies.
The American Red Cross Serving South and Central Texas has opened shelters in the affected areas. Visit RedCross.org/donate and select “Your Local Red Cross” or Disaster Relief as a donation option. You can also call 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669) to donate over the phone.
A list of verified GoFundMe pages have been listed on the organization’s website here. There are options to donate to the San Antonio floods from June and the recent Central Texas floods. Pages include general relief donations as well as donations for specific families.
Another group, TEXSAR, has also deployed to the scene. It is an all-volunteer search and rescue team based out of Austin. To sign up to volunteer or to donate online, visit the group’s website.
With an estimated 6,700 swimming pools within five miles of Flower Mound, there’s plenty of work available for companies that service them.
For Carlos and Gabriela Villamarin and their partners at the newly reopened Pinch-A-Penny Pool Patio Spa, going beyond normal good customer service is what separates them from their competitors. This includes stocking high quality products like liquid chlorine.
“The other thing that differentiates us is the level of support you get from the store,” Carlos said. “What we strive for is ‘can we do it fast, can we do it very well, and can we stay in touch with the customer?”
A native of Colombia who first came to the United States to attend college in 1995, Villamarin has owned the Coppell location for about four months. He previously oversaw his own real estate/construction business in North Carolina and worked in the technology industry.
“Pools came to me instead of me coming to pools,” he said. “We were looking for a recession-proof business and something that was not going to be rocket science but could add value. We were looking for an industry where we could make a difference.”
The Flower Mound location, which opened in mid-May, currently has 10 employees and is growing, including adding a new store manager and operations coordinator for both stores.
“Our philosophy is we don’t want to grow too fast. We want to be able to do a great job little by little,” Villamarin said. “We want to serve the market the best that we can.”
The Villamarins, who have lived in Highland Village since 2023, spent time understanding how they can serve people better by focusing on the right training and staff.
“Our goal is, can we create the right environment, the right training, and the right incentives so we can wow the customer,” he said.
Visit them at 2221 Justin Road, Suite 107, Flower Mound, or call 817-984-7446.
Several Denton County fire departments have deployed personnel and equipment to assist in rescue and recovery efforts following devastating flooding along the Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country over the Independence Day weekend.
The Flower Mound Fire Department sent four firefighters and a fire engine Saturday morning to support operations in the flood zone. By Sunday morning, the crew had moved into Kerrville to continue assisting with ongoing relief efforts.
The Justin Fire Department also responded to a statewide request for aid through the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System. On Saturday, it deployed a Type I engine as part of Strike Team 155. Engine 571, led by Captain Nelson and Firefighter Jenkins, is working alongside two firefighters from the Fort Worth Fire Department.
Meanwhile, the Denton Fire Department has deployed a boat rescue crew to the region. Since Saturday night, they have been conducting operations between Junction and New Braunfels.
There are several savings options as you and your future college student prepare for the costs of college.
WHEN YOU ADD UP THE COSTS of raising a child, education looms large. “Four years at a public in-state college is projected to cost $47,152 today,” says Richard Polimeni, head of Education Savings Programs at Merrill. At a private college, that total could hit nearly $169,000, and at the most elite schools you could spend far more. “You can expect tuition costs to rise by about five percent each year,” he adds. That’s why it’s important to start saving as early as you can. “Ideally, you want your savings to pay for a larger portion of the costs, so you or your child can borrow less.”
“Start by setting up automatic monthly contributions to an account earmarked for college,” Polimeni suggests. Then, as freshman year approaches, you can look for ways to fill in the gaps. Contribution limits, tax benefits, and other factors differ across the four major college savings options, including a 529 savings plan, a 529 prepaid tuition plan, a Coverdell Education Savings Account, and UTMA/UGMA custodial accounts created under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act/Uniform Transfers to Minors Act. Consider a conversation with your advisor about which options best align to your family’s overall financial plan.
Make the most of tax benefits: “There are various federal income tax provisions that not only encourage people to set aside funds to pay for higher education costs but could also help offset some of those expenses,” says the Chief Investment Office (“CIO”) National Wealth Strategies Team for Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank. Those include tax credits for higher education expenses and a deduction for student loan interest. What’s more, you can withdraw funds from individual retirement accounts to cover eligible college costs without incurring additional taxes for early withdrawals, but it’s better to leave those funds invested for your long-term goals, the CIO notes. For more on these tax rules, ask your advisor for the CIO’s Wealth Strategy Report: Tax Provisions Related to Higher Education Expenses, June 2023.
Final stretch?Fill in the gaps … On average, families cover only 54% of college costs with savings and the parents’ and student’s income. Another 26% comes from scholarships and grants, with loans covering 18% (friends and relatives kick in the rest). That means that in the final run-up to college, you may want to look into one or more of these options:
Apply for federal student aid: Start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which you can do beginning Oct. 1 of your child’s senior year in high school. “Everyone should apply for federal student loans and grants, even if you think you won’t qualify,” says Polimeni. Your aid eligibility doesn’t hinge on your income alone, although it is a significant factor. Financial aid awards, which often take the form of student loans, take into account the size of your family (are you sending more than one child to college?), the cost of the college and your child’s year in school. If necessary, students should consider using federal direct subsidized loans before other types of loans as they generally have lower interest rates and more favorable repayment terms.
Borrow against your investments: A Loan Management Account (LMA account) from Bank of America is a line of credit that allows you to use the value of your eligible investments as collateral. “You can borrow against your account without disrupting your long-term investment plan, and your interest rate will be lower than most other borrowing options,” says Patrick Bitter, a credit and banking product executive at Bank of America. Plus, you can get access to a loan quickly. “When you’re borrowing against your investments, you can set that up within a couple of days,” says Bitter. The LMA also offers flexibility; it can be used as needed, with no defined repayment time frame. Just keep in mind that if the value of your investments drops sharply, you may have to repay the loan, move more money into your account or sell some of your stocks or bonds, Bitter adds.
“Your financial advisor can help you evaluate all of these options and determine which might make the most sense for you,” says Polimeni. One more tip: “Involve your child in the process,” he adds. “It’s a great way to kickstart their financial education and it will help them understand the financial impact of considering one school over another.”
For more information, contact Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Financial Advisor Jeffery D. Price of Price & Associates at jeffery_price@ml.com or (817)-410-4940.
Trying to figure out which senior living community or service is the right fit for you or a loved one can be incredibly overwhelming. But here’s something you may not know: there’s a local service based right here in Denton Countythat can guide you every step of the way—and the best part? It’s FREE!
At Lori Williams Senior Services, my team and I proudly serve as Aging Advocates for ALL of Dallas/Fort Worth. With nearly eight years in business and five consecutive “Best of Denton County” wins (Best Senior Services Consultant), we’ve helped thousands of families just like yours find peace of mind and create the right plan for aging safely and confidently.
We’re deeply rooted in our community—actively supporting Meals on Wheels, Dementia Friendly Denton County, and theFlower Mound Senior Center. Emelita’s Closet, named after my beloved grandmother, was created to provide gently used medical equipment like walkers and wheelchairs to seniors in need. If we don’t have what you need, we will call around to other closets in the metroplex, and try our best to find a free one for you.
Becoming a caregiver and advocate for an aging parent, or any disabled loved one doesn’t come with a roadmap. I know the stress and responsibility of being a caregiver and advocate, because I live it too. I am the primary caregiver for my husband, a stroke survivor.
Let us be your guide. Whether you’re exploring options to stay at home safely or considering a move to senior living, we’re here to help.
Lori Williams is an Aging Advocate and CSA with over 18 years of senior living experience. She is an Author, Podcast Host, Public Speaker and owner of the multi-award-winning senior placement service, Lori Williams Senior Services, LLC.
Work continues on the $107 million Highway 114 widening project, which will transform the stretch between I-35W and US 377 into a six-lane freeway, Denton County Commissioner Dianne Edmondson announced last week.
The project, awarded to Mario Sinacola & Sons, is progressing ahead of schedule with a bid that came in more than 7% under the engineer’s estimate. The project includes reconstructing the eastbound frontage roads and widening the westbound side. Completion is expected by May 2026 after 30 months of work and 780 working days.
Crews are currently paving the new main lanes between Al Slaughter and Mesa Butte roads and installing bridge beams at Elizabeth Creek, West Slough, and East Slough. Work is also underway on mow strips at the Litsey Bridge.
Next month, contractors plan to pour bridge decks on all three eastbound frontage road bridges.
