Texoma, TX September 2024

As a family-owned and operated construction company, we take pride in seamlessly blending cutting-edge building technology with meticulous attention to detail. Experience the difference of a builder who values lasting relationships, delivering excellence in every project we undertake.

A revitalization effort in downtown Sherman of developments, renovations and upgrades is underway! Urban Sherman is committed to doing its part in rebuilding our classic downtown. Contact us for available properties. www.UrbanSherman.com

Style Is Always In Fashion

I want to take a moment to celebrate and explore the fascinating world of style! Style is not limited to the clothes we wear or the way we adorn ourselves; it encompasses every aspect of our lives. From the way we decorate our homes to the music we listen to, from the books we read to the way we carry ourselves in conversations, style permeates every facet of our existence. It is the thread that weaves together the tapestry of our lives.

Style is deeply personal. And it evolves as we celebrate our quirks, our passions, and our desires. Style is a form of self-expression that communicates who we are, how we perceive the world and what we value. In this way, style becomes a powerful tool for connection, as it enables us to find common ground with others who share our aesthetic sensibilities.

As individuals, we have the freedom to embrace established styles, blend them together, or forge entirely new paths, becoming trendsetters ourselves. We hope this issue inspires you to forge new paths or perhaps explore familiar ones. There is so much here in Texoma to uplift your spirits, boost your productivity and ignite your creativity.

What I’ve found is that the best style is an authentic expression of who you really are. And that’s something no one on earth can duplicate.

Here’s to being uniquely you!

As always, thank you for reading and we'll see you around town!

BARBARA IRELAND, PUBLISHER @TEXOMACITYLIFESTYLE

September 2024

PUBLISHER

Barbara Ireland | Barbara.Ireland@citylifestyle.com

AREA DIRECTOR

Roger Ireland | Roger.Ireland@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Danielle Poche' | Danielle.Poche@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITER

Jennifer Haveman | Jennifer.Haveman@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Christine Clark, Sharla Davenport, Danielle Poche, Mike Zapata

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Courtney Mitchell, Mike Zapata

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

3:5-6

Developing the Future

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

UN-PLUG TEXOMA Business After Hours at Sparklight 2: Celebrating 4th of July with Lovelace & Company Insurance Solutions 3: AHS Sherman Medical Center ribbon-cutting with Denison Chamber of Commerce 4: New Sherman ISD elementary groundbreaking in Heritage Ranch 5: Pottsboro Chamber ribbon-cutting for Freedom Boat Club of Texoma 6: Denison, Sherman and Pottsboro Chamber meet for lunch at Deviled Egg Co. in Denison 7: 4th of July at 903 Brewers in Sherman

business monthly

ROUNDUP

Construction Begins On Three New Sherman Elementary Schools

SISD will have three new elementary schools opening for the 2025-26 school year! In addition to replacement campuses at Crutchfield Elementary School and Fairview Elementary, construction of the new elementary at Heritage Ranch is underway. This new school will provide superior facilities and modern learning environments to more than 700 students in grades K-5. Thanks to SISD Board Members, staff, parents, students and representatives from Covenant Development, City of Sherman, VLK Architects and Core1937 for helping to mark the occasion!

Sherman Chamber Welcomes Sandy Rehkopf As President

The Sherman Chamber of Commerce announced the appointment of Sandy Rehkopf, IOM as its next President and Chief Executive Officer. With a career spanning several decades in business and chamber leadership, Rehkopf brings an exciting new level of knowledge, leadership, dedication and energy to her new role. She is a small business owner and a seasoned Chamber professional, successfully serving as the President & CEO of the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce from 2014 - 2021.

FASHION | JEWELRY | BAGS | HOME DECOR | SHOES

Come See The New Store!

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE ZAPATA

MORE THAN ART DENISON ARTS COUNCIL

THE

ARTS ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF A SUCCESSFUL COMMUNITY

The Denison Arts Council is more than just your typical art organization. The Denison Arts Council [DAC] is an integral part of the efforts to promote tourism and to make Denison a more well-rounded community and a destination city. In addition to hosting various art shows and events, the Denison Arts Council partners with the City of Denison to bring in visitors and tourists to experience a more complete version of the Denison lifestyle.

According to Cindy Salem, President of the Denison Arts Council, a successful city is one that has an active arts community.  “People are often surprised to see the variety of art in Denison. It’s not just visual art. Dance, music, literary arts, photography are just a few of the many arts that the Denison Arts Council promotes and encourages. Denison and the Texoma region have so many talented artists. We provide opportunities for our local artists to show their work and promote other area art galleries when we host art exhibitions or shows.”

Denison also has unique museums that include the Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site, the Red River Railroad Museum, Perrin AFB Historical Museum and the Frontier Village and Museum.  Each of these provide a window into important eras of Denison history and are an affordable way to spend a morning or afternoon.

Several Denison Arts Council programs were created to beautify the city. Local artists cover up the unsightly trash receptacles through the Activate the Alleys program in the Arts District.  The DAC sponsors murals, public art and the Denison Home and Loft Tours which lets visitors see what a downtown residential life could be like.

The Denison Arts Council hosts many events throughout the year including the Dia de Los Muertos Festival , and the North Texas Arts Festival .  They also partner with the City of Denison to bring the Doc Holliday Festival to the community.  Other shows this year have included the HEART Show, The Works of Steve O Black, Bandits and Bordellos, and  The Women’s Show. Upcoming shows are Putting It Together/ Found Object and Collage, Mysterious and Macabre, and the Holiday Market.  Denison was also one of only 9 cities in Texas to be featured in the Amazon Prime Series “Story of Art in America”  Season 3.

Art has always been a big part of Denison’s history. It was one of Texas’ original Arts and Cultural districts and in 2009, Denison officially received the Texas Certified Cultural Arts District designation.

The DAC needs volunteers to bring their ideas and artistic talents to help continue to create amazing programs and events for the community. Salem encourages anyone to sign up to volunteer for the various opportunities. “No artistic ability is needed.  Just a willingness to share some of your time. We have so many opportunities for the public to be a part of and to contribute to our art community.”  Learn more and volunteer for the Denison Arts Council on Facebook or at DenisonArtsCouncil.org

ZIG ZAG GALLERIES HOSTS MEET UP

Denison Has Affordable Fashion And Style

Denison is known for its art, history and downtown festivals, but is not usually considered to be a fashion destination. That could be changing however, as Zig Zag Galleries, recognized as Texoma’s Best Art Gallery and the recipient of Denison’s 2023 E-Commerce award, is becoming well known nationally for its custom designed fashion hats.

Utilizing social media, Zig Zag Galleries has become nationally known for designing affordable and artistic fashion wide brim and trucker hats. Zig Zag Galleries received a grant from the City of Denison to host a nation wide meet-up on September 20-21. Hat fans and aficionados will be coming from all parts of the country to get together to make hats and explore Denison.

Jenna Zapata, owner and creative director of Zig Zag Galleries, in an effort to create an affordable yet fashionable hat for herself, found that others were very interested in her hats.  She states, “Building these hats

allows customers to test new styles and develop their personality through affordable fashion. It supports a small woman-owned business and not a big chain or box store.”

Every week, Zapata meets hundreds of fans online to create and design hats live. She uses her artistic talents and extensive collections of vintage items like brooches, matchbooks, cards, vintage lace and scarves to create unique one of a kind art that you can wear.

Teresa Goree, a fan from Albany, Georgia, will be coming to meet other fans and enjoy the Denison experience. She had never heard of Denison before but states that “Zig Zag Galleries put Denison on the map for me and I am excited to visit and explore the city.”  Allie Davis, a school teacher from Mannsville, Oklahoma, has created over 15 hats and is very excited to attend the hat meet-up.  She stated, “Building these hats inspires my creativity which helps me in my classroom.”

“

Zig Zag Galleries put Denison on the map for me.

- Teresa Goree

Cowgirl Up with Honeysuckle Rose Boutique

ARTICLE BY DANIELLE POCHE

1. OLD

Mayra Turquoise Tall Snip Toe Boot-Aqua.

The Phoenix Tote features Aztec woven serape with hair on hide accents for a touch of Western flair.

4. CHARLIE 1

Highway Camel Hat is the perfect addition to your fall fashion.

5. CHILDRESS TURQUOISE NECKLACE

Featuring a graduated bead Navajo pearl strand and triple stone turquoise pendant

242 E Jefferson St, Van Alstyne HoneysuckleRose.com

The Grill & Venue at 84 West is located in scenic, historical Denison, Texas. Our restaurant, event center, and pickleball courts sit on 250 acres of scenic woods and greenery, with a beautiful lakeside view.

Whether you’re visiting us for craft cocktails, dinner, brunch, a game of pickleball , or a special event, your visit to The Grill & Venue at 84 West is guaranteed to be a one-of-a-kind experience.

OUTDOOR LIVING

IN STYLE

LOCAL EXPERTS SHARE TRENDS FOR CREATING THE PERFECT OUTDOOR SPACE

Do you want a relaxing and entertaining outdoor home getaway but don’t know where to start? The people at Automation Integration, Weisz Selection Outdoor Living Specialists, and Daystar Landscapes can help. These local businesses share trends for creating the perfect outdoor space.

Eric Becker of Automation Integration in Celina notes new lighting styles include wash lights under the front house windows. Wash lights provide low-profile beams behind shrubs improving safety. Other trends include dimming or strengthening lights’ brightness, plus new lighting colors. Lighting rarely becomes outdated. “If anything, more styles are being added. Manufacturers are more creative offering new variety,” Becker said. “For example, wash lighting, down lighting, hardscape and outdoor kitchen lights, patio lighting, and underwater lighting are all becoming popular,” he continued.

For new homes, Becker recommends modern path lighting with linear shapes

matching the home aesthetics. For an established home, look at the home’s architecture and determine if the home has enough light in the right locations. If needed, the company may recommend adding new lighting trends to update the overall curb appeal.

Becker suggests using a professional rather than attempting do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. Common mistakes include using cheap wire connectors or fixtures with inadequate voltage. “Our company takes the lifestyle of our clients into consideration. We discuss safety, back and front yard use, and other factors,” says Becker. AutomationIntegration.net

“The pool should complement the home. Quality doesn’t go out of style so select superior lifetime materials.”

Ready to take the plunge with a pool?

Heather Weisz of Weisz Selection in Gunter has some suggestions. Gone are the “kidney bean” shaped pools replaced by ones that are sleek and linear.  “Spools” (large spa-small pool combos) provide a solution for smaller backyards, while larger spaces now incorporate lazy rivers, splash pads, or islands with sunken bars. Water and fire features, color changing LED lights, covered patio structures, outdoor kitchens, plus fireplaces are popular.

Weisz advises visiting their pool showroom to learn which products will match your needs. She says, “The pool should complement the home. Quality doesn’t

go out of style so select superior lifetime materials.” If your pool needs renovation, replace outdated tile with a high-grade glass and light-colored marble coping. Weisz says, “This can make an ugly, dated pool look great again!”

All the pools Weisz Selection builds are unique and designed according to each customer’s preferences. This sets the company apart from others in the industry. They “do it all” from design through construction. WeiszSelection.com

No outdoor living space is complete without great landscaping. Daystar Landscapes in Prosper provides solutions

for all landscaping needs. Deverie Gray with Daystar shares tips for creating stunning terrains even on a budget.

First, consider building a deck or patio. There are many options such as floating or freestanding decks and raised decks. Concrete pavers or brick patios allow for ultimate creativity and affordable options.

Second, add fresh mulch, specifically uncolored mulch with natural wood tints. Bark mulch is a good choice as is long lasting rubber mulch and pine needles. Replacing mulch gives a vibrant, clean new look to flower beds.

Finally, to obtain a beautiful yard, Daystar suggests planting trees, gardens, and various grasses. Young trees or fruit trees have minimal upkeep adding value and charm. Consider planting perennial plants as they return yearly. Ornamental grass like Blue Oat Grass is also low maintenance.

Daystar Landscapes will make your yard a sanctuary using natural elements with modern touches. The company cites trends like stamped concrete patios and driveways, and pergolas for shade and style. Daystar also makes playful spaces such as bocce ball courts, sports courts (Pickleball!), and putting greens. DaystarLandscapes.com

Enjoying outdoor living is possible with the talents and services from Automation Integration, Weisz Selection, and Daystar Landscapes. These local businesses can give your home the haven you desire.

Automation Integration 214.432.5981

Weisz Selection 972.838.4205

Daystar Landscapes 972.985.7489

Our open houses are perfect for you! Join us every weekend: Saturdays from 11 AM to 2 PM and Sundays from 1 PM to 3 PM. Tour our listings at your convenience and get a feel for your future home. Ready to take the next step in your home-buying journey? Schedule a consultation with us to explore your options.

Are you a seller seeking top-notch service? We’re here to serve our community and would love to speak with you. Call us today!

DUCK FENCE & DECK

PROVIDING STYLE AND QUALITY FENCING

With twenty-five years of experience, Duck Fence & Deck prides themselves on providing superior customer service along with using quality grade lumber and heavy gauge steel posts, concrete and screws. Their fences outlast their competitors.

Quality fencing is important but so is the appearance. Owners Ron and Lisa Sherwinski tell us, "The current trend right now is the horizontal fence. We have multiple designs and options available when it comes to doing a horizontal fence. Many companies want to charge extra for a horizontal fence, but the truth is that it is the same price, the same materials, just rotated. With us, there is no extra cost!"

972.824.7237

DuckFence.com

Duck Fence & Deck was started in 2000 with the owners going door to door putting flyers on houses in and around neighborhoods in Collin County. Their goal at the time was how to make a better fence, rather than how to make more money on a fence. This family owned business prides itself on quality work and 24 years of experience. Invest in the best and call on Duck Fence & Deck.

SHOP BLUE RYAN

Boutique in Downtown Denison Offers Quality Brands You Love And Customer Service

PHOTOGRAPHY BY COURTNEY MITCHELL

After graduating high school, Jessica Sheppard became interested in the prospect of owning a boutique. This led her to earning her Associate of Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising from the University of North Texas. Throughout college, she worked at a local boutique and interned at various fashion brands. It was important to her to make connections and gain a solid understanding of the fashion industry. After graduating college, Jessica followed her dream to open her own business. Blue Ryan Boutique opened in downtown Denison in August 2020.

Jessica loves the downtown community and how the business owners work together to make it a great place for their  customers. When asked what her favorite trends of the upcoming season are, she said, “Blazers and anything tweed.”

Shop online at ShopBlueRyan.com or in store at 204 W Main Street, Downtown Denison.

For 10% off your order, use code "texoma10"

Jessica Sheppard, owner of Blue Ryan

Jessica is from Panhandle, a small town with a population of 2,000 just outside of Amarillo, TX. She moved to Denison in 2020 and opened Blue Ryan’s first storefront at the beginning of 2021. In July 2021, she married her high school sweetheart and they happily reside in Denison with their two dogs, Sammi and Roscoe.

Buying a new home, especially your first home, is high on the life stress scale and can be immensely taxing. The stress cycle includes the uncertainty of deciding if you are ready to buy a home, apprehension about the mortgage process, the draining process of looking at homes, the challenge of making an offer, and the fear of potentially losing the offer. These factors work together to make the process of buying a home high on the list of life stressors.

Imagine having a dedicated team of coaches to guide you through every step of the home buying process. A team you can meet face-to-face, call, or text at any time, and who understand your unique circumstances. That is the value Tonya Hudgins and her team at First United Bank Mortgage in Sherman bring to the table. They are not just a number at the end of an 800-customer service call, they are your personal coaches.

After growing up in Dallas and attending the University of Texas, Tonya married into a third-generation Texas cattle family and moved to Sherman. She and her husband raised their son in the close-knit community, where they feel connected, have close friends, and enjoy the pace of life. They now have two grandchildren, and even though Sherman, much like the rest of North Texas, is growing fast, she still enjoys its small-town feel.

After a daily work commute between Sherman and Dallas, Tonya admitted it was time for a change. She wanted to work locally, be more involved in her community, and be more available for her son while he was in school. Her sister-in-law, a local real estate agent, introduced Tonya to the mortgage industry and helped her get her first closing to launch her new career. Seven years ago,

First United Bank was launching a new mortgage business and presented an opportunity for Tonya to make a move.

First United Bank has a great reputation in Sherman and offered Tonya the opportunity to start something new. Tonya and her family had banked there for years, and she loved the idea of working for a local bank, writing mortgages for families in the community she loves, and servicing those loans over the long term. One can walk into the bank in Sherman and talk to Tonya and her team with the First United Mortgage Group.

Tonya’s team, including Michal Overturf and Haley Halcomb, have a combined 35 years of mortgage experience. Tonya has known Michal and her family since Michal was a baby. That long-term relationship made it easy for Michal to join Tonya’s team at First United Bank in 2021. Haley moved from another mortgage company and joined the team in 2022. These ladies found their rhythm during the refinance boom from 2020 to 2022. During this season, they learned to utilize each person's strengths to provide top customer service. Their customers regularly give them five-star reviews on Experience.com.

The team can write mortgages through government programs for first-time buyers, veterans, and rural residents. They also handle fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages and jumbo loans for high-value properties. While most home refinancing is on hold, they are ready to jump if interest rates drop in the future. Having a heart for their community, they are willing to help families needing credit rehabilitation before qualifying for a mortgage. They help clients set up plans and check in with them every few months. Through all the transactions that Tonya and

her team complete, they find it rewarding to get someone into the home of their dreams.

Both Michal and Haley, who work full-time and have young children, find that working as a team in a local bank allows them to be available for their families when needed. They can cover for each other, and each team member knows their customers and the details of their loans. They have found Tonya to be a great mentor and see learning and working with the best in the business as an enriching experience. This personal touch and availability are what make Tonya's team stand out in the industry.

Tonya and her husband are avid college football fans and love traveling. They might be at a rodeo in Oregon, a Texas Tech football game, or joining friends in Las Vegas for a long weekend.  But they find the most joy in simply spending time with family and their two granddaughters.

Tonya and her team are deeply rooted in the Sherman community. They actively participate in Grand Central Station’s Dining Car Program, are members of the Sherman Service League, support local school districts and sports teams, and are active members of the Sherman and Denison Chambers of Commerce. Their commitment to the community is further demonstrated by their active membership in the Greater Texoma Association of Realtors, for which they were recently awarded the Affiliate of the Year honor.

You do not often find a team environment ready to collaborate and serve the community in so many ways. They subscribe to a philosophy of God first, family second, and work third.

Team Hudgins | First United Mortgage Group 903.813.5711

TonyaHudgins.com

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF HERITAGE RANCH

HERITAGE RANCH DEBUTS

REDEFINING SUBURBAN LIVING IN SHERMAN, TEXAS

TRUE TO ITS TAGLINE, “THE FUTURE OF SHERMAN IS HERE”, HERITAGE

RANCH SEAMLESSLY INTEGRATES RESIDENTIAL AREAS WITH GREEN SPACES, INCLUDING PARKS AND TRAILS

Sherman, Texas is buzzing as Heritage Ranch, the city's newest master-planned community, unveils its first model homes just in time to move in for the holiday season. This ambitious development is redefining suburban living in North Texas with its blend of modern amenities, thoughtful design, and natural beauty.

Located at the crossroads of FM 1417 and U.S. Highway 82, Heritage Ranch is strategically positioned in Sherman's "Silicon Prairie", a burgeoning high-tech hub attracting industry giants like Texas Instruments and GlobiTech, Inc. The community stands out as Sherman's first master-planned development to feature an on-site elementary school, set to open for the 2025-26 academic year. Plans also include a 112-acre entertainment district with retail, restaurants, and hospitality venues.

True to its tagline, "The Future of Sherman is Here", Heritage Ranch seamlessly integrates residential areas with green spaces, including parks and trails. Two renowned builders, K. Hovnanian

and Highland Homes, offer a diverse range of housing options to suit various lifestyles.

Highland Homes presents 16 designs from 1,491 to 2,402 square feet, with up to four bedrooms and three bathrooms, emphasizing natural light and family-friendly spaces. K. Hovnanian offers 15 floor plans ranging from 1,524 to 3,164 square feet, with four signature styles including popular "Loft" and "Farmhouse" styles. These homes feature vaulted ceilings and plenty of natural lighting, adding luxury to everyday living.

The newly opened model homes showcase elegant designs, soaring ceilings, and crisp color schemes, inspiring potential buyers to envision their future at Heritage Ranch. With modern homes, future amenities, and integration of natural elements, Heritage Ranch offers a unique opportunity to be part of North Texas's exciting future.

For those looking to move in before year's end, now is the time to explore this promising community. Visit HeritageRanchTX.com for more information.

SEPTEMBER 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 6TH

Fall at the Farm

OLD QUAIL RUN FARM | 6:30 PM

Bob Willis’s Texas Playboys are coming for a special performance at Old Quail Run Farm! With a four course farm to table dinner and exceptional music and stories told by this group, you won’t want to miss an experience like this! You will be able to visit with the artists and enjoy bites and drinks by BAY! OldQuailRunFarm.com/Calendar

SEPTEMBER 7TH

Grace and Gratitude: A Culinary Experience

SHERMAN MUNICIPAL BALLROOM | 6:00 PM

Come join us for a splendid culinary event benefitting The Dining Car Soup Kitchen. This delightful evening will be filled with delicious food prepared by the finest chefs and entertaining performances by local talents. More importantly, it's an event with a cause, aimed at supporting the overlooked and under served in our community. GrandCentralSherman.com/The-Dining-Car

SEPTEMBER 7TH

TV Munson Wine Walk

DOWNTOWN DENISON | 2:00 PM

Stroll, Sip and Shop at local wineries and restaurants in downtown Denison. Tickets include a complimentary tasting at each wine stop and snack stops. The wine walk takes place in downtown Denison in collaboration with wineries throughout North Texas. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite. Learn more at facebook.com/DowntownDenisonTX

SEPTEMBER 13TH

Commemorating 50 Years of The Tower Whiskey Bar

THE TANGLEWOOD RESORT | 5:00 PM

Come celebrate fifty years of fun and memories at The Tower Whiskey Bar at Tanglewood Resort!  John Crocker will play a live acoustic set, and the first twenty-five guests will receive a commemorative 50 Years Whiskey Glass! Visit TanglewoodPottsboro.com

SEPTEMBER 28TH

Frontier Day 2024

FRIENDSHIP PARK, POTTSBORO | 9:00 AM

Come out and enjoy food vendors, over 100 shopping booths, bug eating contest, parade, live music, children's area with face painting, arts & crafts and much more! Located in Friendship Park in Pottsboro, this event attracts those from the Texoma and surrounding areas! The event opens at 9am and the parade will travel through town at 9:30. PottsboroChamber.com/Events

SEPTEMBER 28TH

Passport to Paradise

TEXOMA EVENT CENTER | 5:00 PM

ALL ABOARD! You are cordially invited to set sail on the Junior League of Grayson County's Passport to Paradise! You'll experience unique Ports of Call, amazing onboard entertainment featuring The Landsharks, a top-of-the-line cruise dinner where all seats are at the Captain's table, and fabulous silent and live auction items. Learn more at GraysonCounty.JL.org

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