Issuu

A P R I L 2 02 1

everyone HAS A

story

I’M HERE TO H E LP YO U

tell yours

FAS H I O N LIFESTYLE MARKETING SENIORS FA M I LY PETS

LIVE

beautifully

PH OTO G R APH Y

C e l i n a , Te x a s • 214 . 5 0 0 . 4 978 • w w w. l i ve b e a u t i f u l l y p h o to g ra p hy. c o m

LIFESTYLE LETTER

APRIL 2021 PUBLISHER

Becka Materne | becka.corbitt@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@lifestylepubs.com

Singing In Frisco

David Beckler | david.beckler@lifestylepubs.com

DO YOU SMELL THAT, FRISCO? It’s the fresh, spring scent after a cleansing rain.

Whitney Lockhart

Ah, April. What a wonderful month to reconnect with the Earth and spend some time

L AYO UT DESIGNER

outside. If you ever needed an excuse to buy yourself a new raincoat and matching boots, you have one now. Go out and explore—maybe get some new Instagram shots a la Singing in the Rain? While you’re out, take a moment to appreciate the gifts our planet gives us each day. How can you show your thanks? Maybe you join a neighborhood cleanup or check out some new, sustainable brands popping up in our local boutiques. This

ACCO UNT MANAGER

AD DESIGNER

Dani Moore CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Scott Brady, Eileen Torres, Bindu Chowritmootoo, Hayley Hyer CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Brandi Mieger/Live Beautifully Photography

April issue is filled with community stories. We can’t wait to see how you decide to celebrate. Be sure to share your photos with us! Thank you for all you do to keep Frisco clean and healthy. We wouldn’t be this wonderful city without each and every one of you doing your part. Happy Earth Day!

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

Becka Materne, Publisher

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER (from left): Palmer Law Group attorneys Daniel Bohmer, Shanna Nugent and founder Dana Palmer

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRANDI MIEGER/ LIVE BEAUTIFULLY PHOTOGRAPHY 4

Frisco Life | April 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Frisco

Proverbs 3:5-6 Frisco Life™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Frisco area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Frisco Life™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE APRIL 2021

FEATURES 14 Surgery Aftercare Elite Post-Op Recovery Center Offers StressFree Postoperative Recovery Experience

18 Empowering Through Knowledge Lifting Up Others Who’ve Been Marginalized Is Daily Mission Of ILAD Nonprofit Team

24 Soft, Healthy Divorces Palmer Law Group Provides Legal Advice, Negotiation And Litigation Services To Protect Families And Legacies

28 Gifts Of Graze: Sending Creative Care, Especially When Apart, Via Glorious Grazing Boards

28 14

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Locally Owned

Giving Back

24 Legal Compass 28 Culinary Creations 30 City Scene 32 DIY 34 Parting Thoughts

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GOOD TIMES

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AROUND TOWN

THE B12 STORE: VITAMIN THERAPY MADE SIMPLE The B-12 Store, opened recently in Stonebriar Centre, offers vitamin and nutrient injections for immune system boosts, energy, sleep, weight loss, anti-aging and fitness. B-12 owners Lisa and Kennon Rider offer a range of vitamins and nutrients that are both preventative and restorative, including vitamins C and D3, and the mineral zinc. They say their weight loss lipotropic injections help customers shed unwanted pounds, and that BN-12 nurses are available during mall opening hours to give injections and answer questions. Call The B-12 Store at 469.920.8506.

THE WESTIN STONEBRIAR INTRODUCES TOPGOLF SWING SUITE As a part of The Westin Stonebriar’s recent

$30

million

revitalization

comes a new way to play in Frisco. The TopGolf Swing Suite is a private space for parties, happy hours and special events. In addition to the gaming capabilities, the TopGolf Swing Suite includes a spacious lounging 10

Frisco Life | April 2021

area, flatscreen TVs and access to locally inspired dishes and beverages from Beans & Barrel, the on-property dining destination. Locals can enjoy the space hourly by

booking

through OpenTable.

For event pricing and reservations, email GroupSales.Stonebriar@ marriott.com or call 972.668.8785.

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This is not a loan commitment or guarantee of any kind. Loan approval and rate are dependent upon borrower credit, collateral, financial history, and program availability at time of origination. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Corporate Address: 3701 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 200, Charlotte, North Carolina 28273. Cardinal Financial Company, Limited Partnership (NMLS ID 66247, www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) has the following licenses: Texas. Additional licensing information can be found at https://cardinalfinancial.com/licensing/. CityLifestyle.com/Frisco

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Frisco Life | April 2021

ARTICLE EILEEN TORRES

AMBER 14

ELITE POST-OP RECOVERY CENTER OFFERS STRESS-FREE POSTOPERATIVE RECOVERY EXPERIENCE

AMBER JENKINS IS IN THE COMMUNITY- AND CONFIDENCE-BUILDING BUSINESS. She provides an upscale and luxury service for people who want to feel good in their own skin. As founder of The Haven Recovery Retreat Center, Amber helps of their lives by providing post-cosmetic surgery care in a premier and discreet environment. Hers is a true success story built from necessity.

their initial post-op needs. She was disappointed to

As a mother of four, Amber says she recog-

discover the Dallas/Fort Worth region didn’t have

nized her body had changed and she knew she

an upscale option comparable to surgery destina-

wanted to do something about it. In her research,

tions, such as Miami, Brazil and Mexico.

she found there was a lack of community geared

With a background in hospitality and event plan-

toward “moms.” She adds that she knew people

ning, Amber set her goals to open DFW’s first --

had the surgery, yet it was hard to find others

and only -- premium recovery center. She was so

openly talking about it.

compelled to make this a reality, she confides that

“Plastic surgery shouldn’t be taboo. If it helps

she began writing her business plan while she was

with your self-confidence, your self-esteem, do

recovering from her own mommy makeover surgery.

it,” says Amber.

Amber describes The Haven as a “bed and

While on her own journey, Amber says she

breakfast with a boutique feel.” She intentionally

researched “recovery houses,” which are estab-

keeps it to three private suites with luxury ameni-

lishments staffed to assist post-surgery clients with

ties located in the Star District. “I know what it’s like to be in my clients’ shoes. I also understand the importance of professional aftercare and how it’s critical to achieving desired results,” she assures. Her staff includes a team of nurses with decades of experience in the Metroplex, and a registered dietician who plans meals exclusively to match each client’s needs and restrictions. Plastic surgery can be both a physical and emotional journey. Looking ahead, Amber enthusiastically describes continuing to build a community of women who will shed the stigma of having cosmetic surgeries. In her words, “Cosmetic surgery is not always about beauty; for a lot of people, it’s about a necessity. Why should you carry around the physical reminder of who you used to be?” amber@havenrecoveryretreat.com 469.200.3684 HavenRecoveryRetreat.com

JENKINS

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Frisco Life | April 2021

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GIVING BACK

E M P OW E R I NG T H ROU GH K NOW L E D GE

LIFTING UP OTHERS WHO’VE BEEN MARGINALIZED IS THE DAILY MISSION OF ILAD NONPROFIT TEAM

ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ILAD

Frisco Life | April 2021

ENVISION TRYING TO GET A DRIVER’S LICENSE, EDUCATION, JOB OR HOME WITHOUT KNOWING HOW TO READ OR WRITE OR HAVING ACCESS TO ANY CULTURAL CUES; NAVIGATING SUCH A CHASM IS A CRIPPLING REALITY THAT LEAVES MANY WELL-INTENTIONED PEOPLE UNDOUBTEDLY FEELING POWERLESS. “Poverty is man-made, and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings,” reasoned South African philanthropist leader Nelson Mandela. One group of dedicated Texan advocates works toward that exact change by designing and implementing a variety of local and global projects informed by United Nations’ sustainable development goals. Duncanville-headquartered International Literacy and Development staffers work alongside local communities, governments and organizations by promoting local language literacy and economic development to empower people who are overlooked in society. ILAD is an organization driven by the belief that all people--regardless of language, culture or color--should have the opportunity to participate in and contribute to the prosperity of humanity. “Joining hands with people who’ve been marginalized is our job, and we’ll always take the difficult steps toward sustainable change for a better tomorrow,” says ILAD Executive Director Brenda Holland. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Frisco

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

She says their projects provide local communi-

fundraising event will be held on May 2 at 3 p.m. at

ties with tools in micro-business, agricultural train-

the beautiful Oak + Ivy Venue in Aubrey. The event

ing, literacy and educational development, all while

will feature live music, inflatable and carnival games,

preserving native languages and cultures.

food truck, beer and wine served from the Bubbles

ILAD expert teams live around the world among groups who speak languages most people have never

and Brew mini-truck, and opportunities to transform lives through a silent auction and donations.

known existed. They teach people the national, writ-

Scott says donations from this fundraiser will

ten language of their countries, prompting a sense of

provide opportunities through literacy and eco-

dignity for individuals and communities as a whole.

nomic development. ILAD is a 501(c)(3) exempt

Brenda says ILAD linguists and computer scientists

organization. Participants can secure event tickets

are partnering with other language specialists and

at $10 each on the homepage of ILAD’s website.

researchers at Dallas International University to cre-

One local example of ILAD assistance is a

ate rules, grammar, vocabulary and code to develop

group of Rohingya refugees currently living in the

human language technology. She dreams about how

Dallas area. Scott says Rohingyan people are a

helpful machine translation would be for expanding

stateless Indo-Aryan ethnic group who predom-

into other immigrant and refugee groups in the DFW

inantly are Muslims sequestered to live in camps

region, such as the Burmese and Congolese.

in Myanmar since 1962. In 2017, many fled to other

“Every person has value and should have

countries with approximately 250 relocating to

the opportunity to flourish. There’s so much we

Dallas. “We’re helping them with what’s called

exchange and learn from each other. We get to be

‘trauma-informed literacy,” says Scott.

good neighbors,” declares Brenda.

“Most Rohingya have never been to school, so this is a long-term process during which they’re

WHY TAKE THE ROUTE OF LITERACY AND

first learning that symbols, such as the English

DEVELOPMENT?

alphabet, have meanings. Then we move to con-

Literacy and community development enhance

cepts and more complicated ideas. The ultimate

one another to improve disadvantaged communi-

goal is that they will become fully integrated citi-

ties, assures Bill Kotlan, ILAD board president.

zens of our DFW community,” he adds.

“Language is key to understanding. Well-

He says ILAD even made Rohingya language

educated and socially effective adults sometimes

videos to explain to the group the health risks

forget what it’s like to be illiterate. Language learn-

and protocols

ing and teaching provide community understanding

“Imagine facing a life-threatening illness as an

that’s critical to successful development projects.

individual or family when you live in a place that

Effective community development projects provide

you don’t understand the (English) language,

an incentive for clients to value literacy and educa-

why retail locations are closing, and how to

tion,” adds Bill.

protect yourself. ILAD believes information is

He further reminds how frightening it can be for anyone who doesn’t understand a predominant

associated

with COVID-19.

critical, and we’re thankful that we’re able to help,” explains Scott.

language or culture, resulting in anxiety and feeling vulnerable rather than confident and capable.

Editor’s Note: Frisco Life is media sponsor for this event.

FUN WAY TO SUPPORT ILAD PROGRESS ON MAY 2 Scott

Brady,

ilad@ilad.email ILAD

development

director,

says a family-friendly, COVID-conscious, outdoor

Frisco Life | April 2021

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E V EN T P L A N N I N G • F R I S C O, T X 2 1 4.5 3 2. 3 0 7 9 • M A K EM O N U M EN TA L M EM O R I E S.C O M BRIDE WA S SHELBY EZZELL | VENUE WA S UNDER THE WILDWOOD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HALEY K ATHERINE PHOTOGRAPHY

CityLifestyle.com/Frisco

LEGAL COMPASS

PALMER LAW GROUP PROVIDES LEGAL ADVICE, NEGOTIATION AND LITIGATION SERVICES TO PROTECT FAMILIES AND LEGACIES

SOF

T, H E A LT H Y

RCE O V I D

WHEN FACING POTENTIAL DIVORCES, PALMER LAW

For the majority of cases, divorce is about ending the

GROUP, P.C., PROFESSIONALS INDICATE THERE’S A

fighting, not increasing it, he proposes. “We’re guides to get

TRIO OF STEPS EVERYONE NAVIGATES. “The process

you through the divorce process in the healthiest way we

of going through the three steps of divorce is import-

can. We have tremendous skills in courtrooms, but our skills

ant. Skipping a step is like building a house without laying

are even better used when we avoid court,” he assures.

a proper foundation,” says founder Dana Palmer, Esq. He says he and his staff believe family law is about finding healthy solutions when family relationships break down. ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY BRANDI MIEGER

Frisco Life | April 2021

Dana Palmer, founder, Palmer Law Group, P.C.

Support@SoftDivorce.com 214.789.4735 SoftDivorce.com

Shanna Nugent, attorney, Palmer Law Group, P.C.

Daniel Bohmer, attorney, Palmer Law Group, P.C. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Frisco

D I VO RC E

LEGAL COMPASS (CONTINUED)

+TO G E T A D I V O R C E O R N OT ? +W H AT S T R AT EG I E S SH O U L D B E USED? + D O I N G I T .

TO GET A DIVORCE OR NOT?

S T E P 2

WHAT STRATEGIES SHOULD BE USED?

S T E P

For most people, Dana says making the decision to divorce is very hard. He says people fluctuate between

precise steps involved. Dana helps clients handle

whether they should or can save their marriages. “Clients ask what things are going to be like if divorce occurs, what will happen to children involved, and what will have to be given up with a divorce,” he says.

Clients need to know more about the process and important decisions, such as overall couple finances, living arrangements, child custody, paying bills, credit cards, retirement accounts, investments as well as medical and educational factors regarding children.

S T E P

DOING IT.

Frisco Life | April 2021

“Clients come to us at different stages. Some people think they know whether they should get a divorce, but we find out while they’re mostly sure how they feel, they still have some unresolved questions, issues and lack the clarity they need,” says Dana.

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CULINARY CREATIONS

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“WE MAKE IT EASY TO SHARE MORE MOMENTS YOU

TOGETHER,

CARE

WHEN

AND

YOU’RE

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EXPLAINS EILEEN TORRES, FOUNDER OF GIFTS OF GRAZE, A PREMIUM GIFT COMPANY CREATED TO ELICIT SMILES THROUGH BEAUTIFUL, DELICIOUS GRAZING BOARDS FILLED WITH ASSORTED CURED

MEATS,

MILD

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CREAMY

CHEESES, BREAD, FRUITS AND NUTS. Eileen customizes her boards by partnering with local businesses to add unique, finishing touches of chocolate, honey, jams and flowers. She says she has a passion for personally curating a standout experience for her customers. “Each board is different. It’s a release of my creativity,” Eileen proudly states. As a transplant from Los Angles, Eileen lives in McKinney with her 19-year-old son. She launched her company during July Fourth weekend in 2019, with the support of family and friends. “I want to be an example, motivate and inspire other women, no matter their age or where they come from. We cheer other women on. Their win is my win,” Eileen enthusiastically declares.

Frisco Life | April 2021

SENDING CREATIVE CARE, ESPECIALLY WHEN APART, VIA GLORIOUS GRAZING BOARDS

Eileen says she recalls a time when she made a special delivery to an elderly customer during COVID-19. Understanding that the customer was isolated and lonely from her family and friends, Eileen added a personal touch by adding a book, puzzle and flowers to the board. This special delivery ended in tears, hugs and a long-term friendship. “I want to create a memorable experience for my customers,” Eileen says. What makes Gift of Graze different? Eileen and her team can set up a grazing table in the comfort of homes or offices along with mini party favors – board in a box. Her latest service offering is scheduling “private board workshops” for six to eight people. info@giftsofgraze.com Facebook and Instagram: @giftsofgraze GiftsOfGraze.com

CityLifestyle.com/Frisco

CITY SCENE TEAM FRISCO DOES IT AGAIN WITH STRATEGIC FOCUS

ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON

M AYOR’ S M E S S AG E BY FOCUSING ON SPREADING KINDNESS AND BY CITY STAFFERS PIVOTING FROM THEIR NORMAL ROLES, FRISCO MAYOR JEFF CHENEY REFLECTS ON A MYRIAD OF EXTRA EFFORTS ALL

FRISCO

EMPLOYEES

AND

COUNCIL MEMBERS RECENTLY PUT FORTH TO ADDRESS AN USUALLY BRUTAL WINTER STORM AS WELL AS LAUNCH THE DELIVERY OF COVID-19 VACCINATIONS IN THE SAME MONTH. The first doses of coronavirus vaccinations were administered on Feb. 2. The ‘Vaccine Hub’ established by city staffers at Stonebriar Centre required at least 75 city employees

Representatives from Frisco’s fire, police, public works, emer-

to operate. The mayor says eight firefighters handled

gency management, public information, communications, informa-

a pharmacy area for preparing shots, and 24 firefight-

tion technology, library and city logistics were available to residents’

ers operated 12 vaccine stations. He adds that remain-

needs 24/7. By Feb. 17, 33 staff members were working the EOC; the

ing city employees worked the Hub to cover associ-

center returned to its normal level on Feb. 20.

ated administrative check-ins/check-outs; technology requirements; communications; security; and traffic. Through the successful Hub effort, more than 7,800 doses were administered in four days.

“If you called, we came,” says Frisco City Council Member John Keating, who joined staffers to answer calls from residents at the center. Jeff says that between Feb. 12-23, the Frisco Team handled a total of 2,298 calls for city works and 911 services. Details were:

Jeff says between Feb. 23-26, second doses

+ The Fire department between Feb. 14-20 received 1,668 calls,

were underway. “Hats off to the staff’s efficiencies.

with an average calls per day amounting to 238.29. For the whole

By that point, everyone was served within 20 to 30

month of February, the fire department logged 2,571 calls, averag-

minutes, from door to door,” he adds.

ing 107.13 calls per day.

Online comments indicated many residents also appreciated how well the Hub was handled, with

+ Police officers received 1,992 calls during Jan. 31-Feb. 6; 1721 calls during Feb. 2-7; and 1,536 calls during Feb. 14-20.

some gratefully awarding the effort with five out of

The city’s dispatchers answered more than 8,500 storm-related calls.

a five-star quality scale.

“We’re super proud of how the entire Frisco Team worked

But, then a natural dilemma hit. Frisco water pipes

together to keep residents safe,” Jeff affirms.

bursting, water sources gushing and ceilings collapsing during an unusually cold winter storm in February led to understandably upset, distressed folks. Again, Jeff and all city representatives sprang into action by activating the city’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on Feb. 14.

Frisco Life | April 2021

Frisco City Council Member: 2007-2016 Elected mayor 2017 972.292.5050 | jcheney@friscotexas.gov

FRISCO | PROSPER | LUCAS | SUNNYVALE

UNRIVALED LUXURY IN NORTH DFW M O D E R N LU X U RY W I T H N O STA LG I C TO U C H E S

We have chosen to build in some of the most sought after locations in North Dallas such as The Grove, Edgewood and Northwood Manor in Frisco; Windsong Ranch in Prosper; Brockdale Estates in Lucas; and Stoney Creek in Sunnyvale.

S O U T H G AT E H O M E S . C O M CityLifestyle.com/Frisco

DIY ARTICLE HAYLEY HYER

A Chemical-Free Home

DIY Laundry Scent Enhancer If you have ever added those popular scent beads to your load of laundry before, you know how lovely it is to pull your amazingly scented clothes out of the dryer. The funny thing about a product like that is it truly has no purpose other than adding a good smell, but it does add lots of chemicals to your daily life! There's a safer and more beneficial way to make your clothes smell heavenly. Try this DIY scent enhancer with your next load of laundry and put it to the test.

Ingredients 3 parts Epsom Salt + 1 part Baking Soda + Essential Oils

Directions Mix your ingredients together in a jar or canister and scoop about ¼ cup directly into the washer basin before adding the clothes—just like you would with scented beads. Continue with your laundry like normal.

Learn More

For more information on starting a chemical-free household, you can browse online resources such as ChemFreeCom.com or find a social media group to join with likeminded people who have some experience from their own trial and error. If you get overwhelmed, remember that you don't have to get rid of all chemicals in one day. Every swap you make is something to celebrate!

Frisco Life | April 2021

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Tax Return Preparation Fees Form 1040 - Standard Deductions $200 Form 1040 - With Schedule A (Itemized deductions)

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Form 1040 - Schedule F (per Business entity)

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Form 1040 - Schedule E $150 (per Rental property)

$150

$200

Form 1120 - Per Corporation

$800

Form 1120S - S Corporation

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Form 990 - Tax Exempt

$650

CityLifestyle.com/Frisco

PARTING THOUGHTS

ARTICLE SCOTT BRADY

Corners Of THE HEART

A WARM EMBRACE

I Photo by Julie Brown Patton

DURING

face the elements alone or I could seek peo-

THE FEBRUARY COLD SNAP WHEN A

WAS

STANDING

OUTSIDE

ple who would give me a warm embrace. I

TINY BLUEBIRD STARTED SLOWLY HOP-

found a tennis group on GroupMe. A pastor

PING TOWARD ME. I moved toward it. Instead

pointed me to a group of guys who meet

of turning away, it came closer. I got down on

each Friday morning for breakfast. I discov-

one knee and put a hand under it. Then it

ered an amazing relationship through a dat-

tucked its head behind its wing and snuggled

ing app. And recently, I began volunteering

in while I covered it with my other hand. It was

as a mentor with a sixth-grade refugee boy

cold and needed a warm embrace.

from Nepal.

It wasn’t long ago I was that little bird.

Maybe social distancing has left you in the

During October 2019, I moved to Texas to be

cold. You don’t have to stay there. Like me,

near my grandchildren, start my new job with

you can find ways to connect with people. Or

International Literacy and Development, and

maybe you could reach out to someone who

find a fresh start.

needs the warm embrace of a new friend. In

Then COVID-19 and the accompanying social distancing hit, making it nearly impossible to meet new people, much less make friends. Like the little Bluebird, I felt left out in the cold. And like that bird, I had a choice. I could 34

Frisco Life | April 2021

doing so, you might discover that the person needing the embrace was you. Scott

Brady,

director

development,

International Literacy and Development scott.brady@ilad.email