Anna, TX April 2026

FINANCE + LEGAL SERVICES

KARI HEATHERLY, AGENCY OWNER THE HEATHERLY AGENCY

"PROTECT WHAT MATTERS MOST"

LOCAL SERVICES BE SEEN. BE FOUND. BE CHOSEN.

Vivian Sanchez | Anna HS

OUTSTANDING STUDENT ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

It is with great pleasure to announce Vivian Sanchez as the Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Month, as selected by the Anna Independent School District Athletic Coaching Team.

Currently a 10th grader, Vivian has a passion for both academics and athletics, balancing her creative pursuits with her dedication to cheerleading. While her favorite subject is graphic design, she has always enjoyed algebra, demonstrating a strong academic foundation alongside her artistic talents. Known for her creativity, she has a natural flair for designing structures, organizing spaces, and exploring fashion, which she hopes to develop further in her future studies.

A proud Chicago Bears fan, Vivian grew up immersed in the excitement of football, sharing her love for the team with both her dad and stepdad. Beyond sports fandom, she has actively pursued multiple athletic interests, including softball, basketball, and cheerleading. Today, she focuses on cheering full-time as a backspot on the JV squad. To enhance her skills, she participates in private tumbling lessons and contributes to her community by assisting

Anna Pride & Hometown Banking

younger cheerleaders in youth programs alongside her mom. She also dedicates time to volunteering locally, exemplifying a commitment to service and mentorship.

Looking ahead, Vivian has set ambitious goals for herself, including making the varsity cheer squad in upcoming tryouts and raising her overall GPA. Her drive and determination are matched by her thoughtful approach to her future. After graduation, she plans to attend a local community college to complete her foundational coursework before transferring to a university to pursue her passion for design, development, and organization of structures and spaces.

Vivian embodies the spirit of a well-rounded student-athlete, blending creativity, leadership, and community involvement with a dedication to her academic and athletic growth. Her commitment, talent, and ambition make her stand out both on the mat and in the classroom.

Congratulations to Vivian and her selection as the April Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Month!

9:00am - 5:00pm

8:00am - 5:00pm

Invest with Intention

Investment is a word we often associate with money, markets, and measurable returns. But at its core, investment is about intention. It is a deliberate choice to put time, resources, and energy into what matters most today so it can grow stronger tomorrow. Every meaningful outcome begins with that decision.

In this issue, we explore the many forms investment can take in our lives and communities. One feature article focuses on protecting what matters most, highlighting practical ways families can safeguard their homes, assets, and futures. True investment is not only about growth. It is also about preservation. When we protect what we have built, we create a stable foundation for everything that follows.

We also examine the power of investing in your business through a strategic blend of print plus digital advertising. In a crowded marketplace, visibility is not optional. It is essential. By pairing the credibility of print with the reach and precision of digital, businesses can expand their influence, strengthen their brand, and connect with customers in meaningful ways. Don’t just compete in your local market, dominate your local market!

Finally, we look at one of the most important long-term investments any parent can make: raising money-smart kids. Teaching financial responsibility, discipline, and confidence equips the next generation with tools that will serve them for a lifetime.

Wherever you choose to invest your time and resources, do so with purpose. The returns, both tangible and intangible, are often greater than you imagine. When guided by clarity and commitment, even small, consistent investments can yield extraordinary impact over time. The future you build begins with the decisions you make today.

Warm regards,

ANGIE TERRY, PUBLISHER @ANNACITYLIFESTYLE

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Angie Terry | angie.terry@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Shannon Roberts | shannon.roberts@citylifestyle.com

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

Anna Living

AT THE VILLAGES OF HURRICANE CREEK

scene

F R O M L A N D At

T O L E G A C Y

Let’s talk about what your land c an become.

business monthly

Your Community Banking Partner

Lamar National Bank in Anna combines community-focused banking with modern financial solutions. Offering personalized checking and savings, business loans, and digital banking tools, they help local businesses and families thrive. With a commitment to trust, service, and growth, Lamar National Bank is a dependable partner for every financial journey.

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Indulge in Serenity

At Coco Wellness Spa in Anna, self-care takes center stage. Their expert team offers a range of indulgent treatments designed to soothe body, mind, and soul. Every service is crafted to provide a blissful, personalized experience. Treat yourself to the ultimate relaxation. You deserve it.

They are More Than Just a Shipping Store

Ship It and More in Anna offers comprehensive solutions for shipping, mailing, and business needs. From USPS, FedEx, UPS, and DHL shipping to secure mailbox rentals, document services, package receiving, and notary services, they provide convenience, security, and expert support. Packaging supplies and custom solutions complete the experience.

What Matters Most PROTECTING

Helping local families and businesses secure personalized coverage, trusted guidance, and lasting peace of mind.

ARTICLE BY SHANNON ROBERTS

When most people hear the word insurance, they think of paperwork, premiums, and protection against “what if.” But insurance isn’t really about forms or fine print. At its core, it’s about protecting the life someone has worked hard to build.

“Insurance is one of the most overlooked financial tools people have,” says Kari Heatherly, owner of The Heatherly Allstate Agency in Anna. “When structured properly, it protects not just possessions, but the progress families and business owners have worked years to achieve.”

Insurance isn’t just about things. It’s about momentum.

Your home isn’t simply four walls and a roof. For most families, it is their largest financial investment. It represents equity, stability, and the memories created inside, first steps, holiday dinners, and late-night conversations at the kitchen table. Proper homeowner’s coverage protects more than materials; it protects a family’s financial foundation.

In today’s environment of rising construction costs and inflation, underinsurance has become one of the biggest hidden risks. Rebuilding expenses have increased significantly, and a policy that was sufficient five years ago may no longer reflect today’s replacement costs. Protection isn’t just about having coverage; it’s about having the right limits. According to Heatherly, many homeowners don’t realize how quickly costs have shifted in North Texas. “Construction pricing, labor shortages, and material costs have changed dramatically. We regularly review policies to make sure families aren’t unintentionally underinsured.” One overlooked gap can take years to recover from financially.

The same principle applies to business owners.

Behind every storefront or office is someone who took a risk. Entrepreneurs invest not only money but also time, energy, and sacrifice in building something meaningful. “Small business owners are some of the biggest risk-takers in our community,” Heatherly explains. “My job is to help make sure one unexpected event doesn’t undo years of hard work.” A business policy protects more than equipment or inventory; it safeguards payroll, reputation, client relationships, and long-term vision.

One unexpected event, a fire, severe weather, or liability claim, should not undo years of effort. When coverage is thoughtfully structured, it allows leaders to expand locations, hire employees, invest in technology, and serve their communities with confidence.

Auto insurance plays a bigger role than many realize.

A vehicle isn’t just transportation. It’s how people get to work, drive children to school, meet clients, and provide for their families.

Losing reliable transportation can quickly disrupt income. Proper auto coverage safeguards that daily rhythm. “Auto coverage is often viewed as routine,” says Heatherly, “but the right protection can mean the difference between a temporary inconvenience and a financial setback.”

Then there’s the long-term picture.

Life insurance, umbrella policies, and liability protection secure more than today’s possessions; they protect tomorrow’s goals: college education, retirement plans, investment properties, and generational wealth.

Life insurance ensures loved ones are not left financially vulnerable. Umbrella coverage protects hard-earned assets from major liability claims. These tools aren’t about expecting the worst; they’re about planning wisely so setbacks don’t derail decades of progress.

“As families grow, businesses expand, and assets increase, coverage should grow with them,” Heatherly emphasizes.

You insure what you can’t afford to lose.

For most families, that includes their home and income. For business owners, it includes their company and reputation. Insurance isn’t rooted in fear; it’s rooted in confidence. When people know they are protected, they’re more willing to move forward boldly. Insurance allows people to take business risks.

• It allows families to buy their first home.

• It allows homeowners to renovate and upgrade.

• It allows entrepreneurs to expand.

• It allows parents to hand the keys to their teenagers.

• It allows investors to pursue new opportunities.

KARI HEATHERLY: ALLSTATE INSURANCE HTTPS://AGENTS.KARI-HEATHERLY-ANNA-TX.HTML

Kari Heatherly is a trusted Allstate Agent serving Anna, offering personalized coverage for home, auto, life, and business needs. Known for responsive service and clear guidance, she helps families and local entrepreneurs protect what matters most while building long-term financial confidence within the growing Anna community with integrity daily.

“Insurance shouldn’t feel transactional,” Heatherly adds. “It should feel strategic. When people understand what they’re protecting, they move forward with confidence.”

Confidence fuels growth.

One of the most important parts of professional insurance guidance is education. Coverage should never be confusing or reactive. Policies should reflect intentional planning. Many people are surprised to learn they have gaps, outdated limits, overlooked endorsements, or liability exposures they didn’t realize existed.

An advisor’s role isn’t simply to sell a policy. It’s to help families and business owners understand what they’re protecting and why it matters. Insurance works best when it evolves alongside life changes: home improvements, business growth, new vehicles, expanding assets, or shifting markets.

Local Matters.

There is real value in working with someone who understands the community you live and operate in. As a local agency owner, Heatherly believes relationships matter. “When a storm hits or a claim happens, clients shouldn’t feel like they’re calling a stranger. They should have someone local who knows their situation and can guide them through it.” The Heatherly Agency works with families and business owners throughout Anna and the surrounding communities, providing personalized reviews and ongoing guidance as needs evolve.

That guidance ensures one unexpected event doesn’t erase years of dedication. It allows families to sleep more peacefully. It gives entrepreneurs stability to innovate. It safeguards legacies and long-term plans.

Protection isn’t about anticipating disasters; it’s about preserving progress. Insurance stands quietly in the background, so forward movement never stops.

Because what you’ve worked hard to build is worth protecting, and your future deserves the confidence to keep moving forward.

ARTICLE BY ANGIE TERRY

SEEN, Found, CHOSEN

The Investment That Makes Your Business Impossible to Ignore

Investing in your business goes far beyond upgrading equipment, expanding square footage, or adding new services. One of the most powerful and often underestimated investments you can make is in visibility. No matter how exceptional your product, service, or team may be, growth only happens when the right people know you exist, trust your brand, and remember you at the exact moment they are ready to buy.

Today’s customers do not stay in one place. They move seamlessly between their mailboxes, phones, social feeds, and daily routines. If your message appears in only one of those spaces, you are asking your audience to work too hard to find you. Successful businesses meet customers where they already are, clearly, consistently, and professionally.

That is why integrated marketing campaigns combining print and digital channels are proven to be 4x more effective than single-channel advertising alone. Print establishes credibility and trust. It is where your business is seen. Digital reinforces recognition and drives action. It is where your business is found. Together, they create momentum that no standalone platform can replicate. Consumers spend 30% more time engaging with social ads when they have seen a print ad first. Print opens the door, and digital invites them inside. When both work together, your business becomes the one that is chosen.

Investing in a multimedia strategy means you are no longer simply placing an ad. You are building a presence. You show up repeatedly in ways that feel familiar, polished, and intentional.

That repetition matters because buying decisions are rarely impulsive. People choose brands they recognize, brands they remember, and brands that feel established in their community.

This approach is especially powerful at the local level. Our audience is not a vague demographic scattered across the internet. It is a highly engaged local readership of more than 60,000 residents and business owners throughout Anna, Melissa, and Van Alstyne. These are people who live, work, shop, and invest where your business operates. When you speak to them, you are not competing with national noise. You are becoming part of their everyday life.

Print continues to deliver measurable results, even in a digital-first world. 82% of our readers remember print ads when making buying decisions. 75% read the magazine, not just skim it. 2 out of 3 frequent purchases from advertising partners they discover inside its pages. These numbers are actionable. They represent real people choosing real local businesses because they saw them consistently, trusted them, and remembered them.

Visibility alone is not enough. Execution, design, and consistency matter. That is where custom multimedia solutions become a true advantage for growing businesses. Instead of managing multiple vendors, platforms, and tracking tools, you benefit from a cohesive strategy designed to work together seamlessly. Matching print and digital creative ensure your brand looks polished and recognizable across every touchpoint. Technology, analytics, and tracking are handled for you, allowing you to focus on serving your customers and growing your business.

“Competing is not enough. It’s time to dominate your market.”

When your marketing is aligned, your message becomes stronger. Your brand feels intentional instead of fragmented. Your audience does not just notice you; they trust you. Trust is the currency of modern marketing, earned through consistency, quality, and relevance over time.

That is the difference between advertising and partnership. A true marketing partner does not simply sell space. They invest in your success. They understand your goals, your audience, and your local market. They help tell your story in a way that resonates, builds credibility, and converts interest into action. Most importantly, they ensure that when potential customers are ready to choose, your business is already top of mind.

This is exactly what Anna City Lifestyle was built to do. We are more than a magazine or digital platform; we are a community-driven ecosystem designed to help real people and real businesses be seen, remembered, and truly connected. Through a strategic blend of print, digital, and social visibility, businesses do not just appear in front of an audience. They become part of the community.

The combined reach of print, online platforms, and Meta advertising strategies ensures your business shows up where it matters most. Not once. Not occasionally. But consistently. That consistency builds familiarity, and familiarity drives choice.

Think about how you make decisions as a consumer. You are more likely to call the business you have seen multiple times, the one that feels established, the one that appears woven into the fabric of your community. That outcome is never accidental. It is the result of intentional marketing investment.

When you are “seen” in the magazine each month, readers slow down and pay attention. When you are “found” through co-branded social media marketing, your message is reinforced across platforms. When your audience has seen you consistently and professionally, your business is then “chosen.”

“Invest in visibility that works. Print builds trust, digital drives action, and together they position your business as the one your customers see, remember, and choose.”

Investing in your business means believing in its future. It means recognizing that growth does not happen by staying invisible. It means choosing to be proactive rather than reactive, strategic rather than hopeful. The businesses that thrive are the ones that decide to show up before they need to, so when opportunity arrives, they are already positioned to win.

Rather than competing for attention, our advertising partners are positioned to lead their market. Through repetition, smart placement, and integrated campaigns, they build recognition, trust, and preference that lasts.

If you are curious about what your business could look like with the right visibility, if you are eager to elevate your brand and attract customers who are ready to buy, and if you want a partner who understands your community and manages the complexity for you, now is the time.

Be seen, found, chosen.

Anna City Lifestyle is here today and built for the future. We are present, consistent, and ready to grow your business as your trusted marketing expert. Let us show you how to put your business in front of the right audience, at the right time, in the right places.

Mayor’s Monthly Update

April brings new opportunities for neighbors to connect, serve, and stay engaged in our growing community. With several events and initiatives planned in the weeks ahead, there are many ways for neighbors to get involved and make a positive impact here in Anna.

Join us April 13–17 for our Spring Litter Cleanup Week. We encourage neighbors and local groups to take part by helping clean up parks, roadways, and public spaces throughout the community. Small efforts make a big difference!

Then on Saturday, April 25th, join us as we celebrate Earth Day in Anna. This community-focused event is a chance to come together in support of sustainability and environmental responsibility. Neighbors can look forward to engaging activities, educational opportunities, and ways to make a positive impact right here in our community. Event details will be available on the City’s website and social media channels as the date approaches.

Looking ahead to May, don’t miss Touch-A-Truck, one of our most popular family events. Children can explore City vehicles, meet the people who operate them, and learn more about the equipment that keeps Anna running each day.

May also brings an important opportunity for civic engagement with the City Council election. We encourage all eligible neighbors to decide to vote, as local elections play a key role in shaping our city’s future.

We are excited to welcome a new City Manager to the City of Anna and look forward to formally introducing our new leadership in next month’s edition. Thank you for being an engaged and supportive part of our community. We’re excited for what’s ahead and look forward to seeing you at these upcoming events.

Raising Money-Smart Kids

TEACHING FINANCIAL LITERACY AT EVERY AGE

ARTICLE BY ANGI BURNS PHOTOGRAPHY BY TY HARPER PHOTOGRAPHY

In a world of one-click purchases, digital wallets, and instant gratification, teaching children the value of money is more important than ever. Financial literacy is not just about dollars and cents. It is about responsibility, discipline, confidence, and long-term security. When we start early and build intentionally, we give the next generation one of the greatest gifts possible: financial independence and opportunity.

Financial stress is one of the leading causes of anxiety in adulthood. When we teach children how to earn, save, invest, and spend wisely, we give them more than knowledge. We give them confidence and freedom.

Here is how to teach money skills at every stage, from preschool to young adulthood.

EARLY CHILDHOOD (AGES 3–7): BUILD THE FOUNDATION

Young children learn best through play, visuals, and repetition. At this stage, focus on helping them understand that money is earned and choices matter.

• Use clear jars labeled Save, Spend, and Give so they can see money grow.

• Divide birthday money or small allowances into the jars together.

• Read age-appropriate books about earning and saving.

• Play simple money-themed games like Monopoly Junior.

• Offer paid “extra jobs” beyond regular chores to connect effort with income.

Lesson:  When children see that money is earned and managed, they begin building healthy financial habits early.

ELEMENTARY YEARS (AGES 8–12): TEACH PLANNING AND PATIENCE

As children mature, they are ready to set goals and practice delayed gratification.

• Tie allowance to a simple budget that includes saving and spending.

• Help them save for a specific goal instead of buying items for them.

• Encourage small business ventures like lemonade stands, lawn care, craft sales, pet sitting, or Girl Scout cookie sales.

• Review earnings together and discuss profit, spending, and saving.

• Open a savings account to introduce the concept of earning interest.

Lesson: Learning to plan, save, and earn builds patience, confidence, and decision-making skills.

TEENAGE YEARS (AGES 13–18): PRACTICE REAL-WORLD RESPONSIBILITY

The teen years are when financial habits begin to solidify and independence increases.

• Encourage a part-time job to teach time management and responsibility.

• Review pay stubs together and explain taxes and deductions.

• Create a simple monthly budget that includes saving a percentage of income.

• Introduce compound interest and basic investing concepts.

• Discuss college costs, scholarships, savings plans, and student loan realities.

Lesson: Financial choices made during the teen years can shape long-term freedom and opportunity.

YOUNG ADULTS (AGES

18–25):

BUILD INDEPENDENCE AND STRATEGY

As young adults enter college or the workforce, financial decisions carry real consequences.

• Teach responsible credit card use and the importance of paying balances in full.

• Explain credit scores and how they impact renting, car loans, and future borrowing.

• Encourage building an emergency fund with several months of expenses.

• Promote living within their means and avoiding lifestyle inflation.

• Start retirement savings early through employer plans or individual accounts.

Lesson: Intentional financial planning in early adulthood creates long-term stability and wealth-building potential. By modeling healthy financial habits, encouraging entrepreneurial thinking, and creating opportunities to practice money management at every age, we set the next generation up not just to survive financially, but to thrive.

“When we start early and build intentionally, we give the next generation one of the greatest gifts possible: financial independence and opportunity.”

eat

Vitamin A is essential to protecting the corneas of our eyes. By taking care of your corneas, you can extend the health of your eyesight and reduce vision loss with age. An easy way to remember what to eat for healthy eyes is to look for orange foods. Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and butternut squash are all high in vitamin A.

SWEET POTATO SCRAMBLE

INGREDIENTS

• 2 eggs

• Dash of flax milk

• Cumin

• Salt + pepper

• ½ sweet potato, cubed

• ¼ green onion, chopped

• ¼ cup spinach

• Handful of broccoli florets

• Ghee butter or avocado oil for cooking

TOPPING IDEAS

ARTICLE BY HAYLEY HYER

PUMPKIN

SWEET POTATOES

CARROTS

BUTTERNUT SQUASH

• Cooked salmon

• Hot sauce

• Chia seeds or flax seeds

• Fresh parsley

DIRECTIONS

1. Whisk together your eggs, milk, and spices.

2. Prepare a skillet over medium heat with your ghee butter or avocado oil. Cook the sweet potato, green onion, and broccoli for 5-8 minutes. Add the spinach and cook for 1 more minute.

3. Pour your egg mixture into the skillet and scramble together until the eggs are your desired texture, roughly 3 minutes.

4. Immediately add your cooked salmon, seeds, parsley, or hot sauce and enjoy while it’s still hot! (for one)

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ARTICLE BY SHANNON ROBERTS

Investment Strategy Reads

3 HIGHLY REGARDED BOOKS ON THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERS

Three highly regarded books on money investing and financial strategy have earned spots on the New York Times bestseller lists by helping readers take control of their financial futures with clarity and confidence. Readers agree spending time on a regular basis further educating themselves, is time well invested.

The Investment Answer by Daniel C. Goldie and Gordon S. Murray delivers a straightforward framework for building wealth. The book focuses on five key decisions every investor must make, including asset allocation, diversification, and cost control. Its concise format makes complex investing principles accessible to everyday readers.

In I Will Teach You to Be Rich , Ramit Sethi blends practical money management with long-term investment strategy. From automating savings to choosing the right retirement accounts, Sethi’s conversational style empowers readers, especially young professionals, to build sustainable wealth without sacrificing lifestyle.

Meanwhile, The Quants by Scott Patterson explores the rise of quantitative investing. Through gripping storytelling, Patterson reveals how math-driven hedge fund strategies reshaped Wall Street, offering readers insight into the sophisticated forces influencing modern markets.

Together, these bestselling titles provide practical guidance, strategic insight, and a deeper understanding of today’s investment landscape. Reading investment strategy books is time well spent because financial knowledge compounds just like money. A few focused hours can sharpen decision-making, reduce costly mistakes, and strengthen long-term confidence. Rather than reacting emotionally to market swings or chasing trends, you gain timeless principles, smarter habits, and clearer perspective, practical tools that steadily build wealth, resilience, and lasting financial security.

Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.

Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.

A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.

Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?

A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.

Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?

A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.

Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?

A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.

“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”

Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?

A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”

Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.

This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

ARTICLE BY KRISTY BELLEY

The drink that makes you look forward to TAX DAY

INCOME TAX cocktail

INGREDIENTS:

• 1½ oz. Gin

• ¾ oz. Dry Vermouth

• ¾ oz. Sweet Vermouth

• ¾ oz. Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice

• 2 Dashes Angastura Bitters

• Orange Twist

• Glass Type: Coupe

DIRECTIONS:

1. Squeeze your OJ.

2. Add everything to your shaker with ice.

3. Shake.

4. Pour into your coupe.

5. Twist your orange peel again, like you did last summer.

6. Garnish.

7. Enjoy being done with taxes.

8. And a good cocktail.

The Income Tax Cocktail likely popped up during the Prohibition party scene of the 1920s. Its exact origin story remains a bit blurry, but it was definitely a hit in speakeasies. The name? Well, it's like a cheeky nod to the idea that sipping on this cocktail might be more fun than paying actual taxes! Made with gin, sweet vermouth, orange juice, and a dash of bitters, it's like a boozy adventure for your taste buds, with hints of citrus and herbs. Despite its vintage roots, the Income Tax Cocktail still brings the party vibes, transporting you back to the roaring '20s.

ARTICLE BY SHANNON ROBERTS

Editor's Corner

TOP 5 THINGS TO PREPARE FOR TAX TIME

Preparing early makes tax season smoother, less stressful, and potentially more profitable. Here are the five most important things to gather and organize before filing:

Income Documents

• W-2 forms (from employers)

• 1099 forms (contract work, interest, dividends, retirement income, etc.)

• Business income statements (if self-employed)

• Rental property income records

Personal & Dependent Information

Have updated information ready:

Tax Credit Information

Gather documentation for:

• Child Tax Credit

• Childcare expenses

• Education expenses (Form 1098-T)

• Energy-efficient home improvements

• Adoption expenses

• Social Security numbers for you, spouse, and dependents

• Dates of birth

• Bank account & routing number (for direct deposit)

• Prior year’s tax return

• Your previous return is especially helpful for ensuring consistency and accuracy.

Organize receipts and documentation for possible deductions:

• Mortgage interest statements (Form 1098)

• Property tax payments

• Charitable donation receipts

• Medical expenses

• Business expenses (if applicable)

• Mileage logs

Retirement & Investment Records Deduction & Expense Records

If you contributed to retirement accounts or sold investments, gather:

• IRA contribution statements

• 401(k) contribution records

• Brokerage 1099-B forms (stock sales)

• Cryptocurrency transaction summaries

APRIL 11TH

2026 Heart of Melissa Spring Fest

1710 Cooper Street Suite 200 Melissa, TX 75454 | 11:00 AM

The Melissa Chamber of Commerce and The Kroger Company once again brings you our biggest bi-annual community event in Melissathe 5th annual Heart of Melissa Spring Fest! Food trucks and local vendors. The event is FREE to the public.

APRIL 18TH

Pancake Breakfast Band Fundraiser

Van Alstyne High School, 700 Collin Mckinney Pkwy, Van Alstyne, TX 75495 | 8:30 AM

Support your Van Alstyne JH/MS Band and enjoy a pancake breakfast. Proceeds will go to raise money for new instruments.

APRIL 24TH

The Vinyl Countdown: A Tribute to Arena Rock

Barnhill Vineyards, 11917 County Road 509, Anna Tx | 7:30 PM

The Vinyl Countdown brings classic arena rock hits to the BarnHill stage. Live music, big energy, and Texas wine await.

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