Arts + Culture

Artist of the Month

Local Painter Diane Walker-Gladney Creates Evocative, Abstract Paintings Article by Valerie Merrick | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Michael C. Foster Flower Mound is home to countless parks, restaurants, and community members. But one person is quietly working to create evocative, abstract paintings of her memories. Diane Walker-Gladney, our artist of the month, has been creating art since childhood, and creates superb paintings in her forest-like studio. Diane reflects on her work...

Life + Culture

Nonprofit of the Month - Pets!

Joyful Hooves Turns Rescued Miniature Horses into Literacy Ambassadors Article by Joyful Hooves | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Joyful Hooves Founded in 2022 and attaining nonprofit status in 2024, Joyful Hooves is a 501(c)(3) organization committed to promoting literacy, rescuing miniature equines, and strengthening connections through meaningful community outreach programs. Combining the calming presence of miniature horses to enhance the educational experience, Joyful Hooves...

Education

School Readiness Is More Than a Checklist

Back-to-School Readiness Begins with Trust at Primrose School Article by Ken Crawford | Photography by Macy Alex Photography There are moments at the beginning of the school year that many parents recognize. They may happen in the valet drop-off/pick-up line or at the classroom door. They may happen the night before school starts, while packing a backpack that still looks too large for the child who will carry it. A parent wonders: Are they ready? Am I ready? Ready for a new teacher and...

Home + Design

The Heart of Flower Mound

Where Family, Safety, and Community Meet Article by Averly Burns | Photography by Adeline Merrick: Merrick Multimedia Beautiful parks, scenic ponds, and gorgeous neighborhoods give Flower Mound its signature curb appeal. Yet, the families who plant roots here know that the town's real value lies in the lifestyle it creates. After sitting down with Kris Wise of the Wise Advantage Group, it became clear that the soul of Flower Mound is defined by three distinct things: world-class family...

Life + Culture

A Voice for Katherine

One Little Girl's Journey Through Foster Care Reveals the Life-Changing Impact of Denton County CASA Article by Jessica Crandall Lawrence | Photography by Christopher Bigenho Photography At five weeks old, Bethany Hartung's daughter Katherine came to her in a fragile condition after a difficult start in life. It was a sight that would prick the stoniest of hearts.  “She was so little,” recalls Bethany. “And she had this precious lip pout that we still often see on her face today. I remember...

Arts + Culture

Turning the Page on Parenting

Four unique books offering insight, encouragement, and practical guidance Article by Angi Burns Parenting doesn't come with a handbook, but the right stories and perspectives can provide encouragement when we need it most. The books featured here explore a wide range of parenting experiences, from raising children with unique abilities to helping young people develop confidence, purpose, and emotional resilience. Each author draws from personal experiences and hard-earned wisdom to offer...

Arts + Culture

Nonprofit of the Month - Kids!

Book Drive for Kids Builds Cultural Literacy That Opens Doors, Builds Confidence, and Shapes Lifelong Readers Article by Steve Gamel | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Book Drive for Kids Standing before a packed room at a local networking meeting, Michelle Cook paused and held up a handwritten thank-you card. The note’s author wasn’t a librarian, parent, or teacher at a nearby school. It was from a young student who had recently attended a free book fair hosted by Cook’s nonprofit, Book...

Auto + Marine

A Better Way to Lake

Discover a Slower Pace at Lake Ray Roberts Article by Travis Hager | Photography by Christopher Bigenho Photography By July, North Texas begins looking for water. Not simply a pool, not another patio with misters working overtime, but real water: open sky, long coves, the low hum of a boat motor. For Flower Mound families, Lake Ray Roberts sits just far enough north to feel like a departure, and close enough to become a summer habit.  For many, Ray Roberts is known first as a premier bass...

Life + Culture

Cardiac Crusade

Nonprofit of the Month Sponsored by Artisan Masonry & Granite Article by Courtesy of Cardiac Crusade | Photography by Greg Coon Some journeys begin with a destination in mind. Others begin with a heartbeat—or the terrifying absence of one. In 2018, Julie Coon was volunteering for the drill team at Plano Senior High School when her heart suddenly stopped. Without warning, she collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). What saved her life wasn't luck alone. It was the swift, heroic actions of...

Travel

Rediscovering San Antonio

Exploring Fresh Family Adventures in One of Texas’s Favorite Cities Article and Photography by Angi Burns As native Texans, my husband and I have been to San Antonio more times than we can count. We have done the Alamo tour, walked the River Walk, eaten plenty of tacos, and checked off most of the classic tourist stops over the years. So when we planned a weekend getaway with our son Jaxx, we decided it was time to experience the city a little differently. Thanks to Visit San Antonio and...