Nix started her American Idol journey by going viral for singing judge Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus Take the Wheel” while Nix’s young son fell asleep in Underwood’s arms.

She got her golden ticket, went to Hollywood, kept and advancing and now she has been voted into the top three.

The event starts at 9 a.m. with an ice cream flavor reveal and meet-and-greet with Nix at Beth Marie’s.

At 4 p.m., the community parade will start on McKinney Street, head down Elm Street and make its way through the square via Hickory Street, Locust Street and Oak Street.

The free concert that will feature Nix will begin at 7 p.m. in front of the Denton Discovery Visitor Center on Hickory Street.

To get information on where to park for free, visit Denton Main Street’s website.

For more information on the event and other Denton offerings celebrating Nix’s accomplishment, visit Discover Denton’s website.

Fans are encouraged to show their support with signs, t-shirts, and face paint, according to local radio station 99.5 The Wolf.

Nix’s music can be found on her Facebook page and Instagram page.

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Whether you’re raising a future coder, fashionista, athlete or scientist, TWU’s summer offerings aim to inspire confidence, foster friendships, and support skill-building in a safe and inclusive environment.

• Sports Camps – Kids and teens can sharpen skills in basketball, softball, soccer, gymnastics and esports — all led by experienced coaches and staff.
• STEMM Camp – Science meets medicine in this exciting camp for teens. Attendees can enjoy biology, medical case studies and lab activities that make science come to life. Two sessions of this camp available.
• ChemCamp – Explore green chemistry, solar cells and more in hands-on labs with real scientists. For high schoolers ready to get curious about careers in chemistry.
• CyberCamp: Level 1 – This is an introduction to cybersecurity for teens. They will learn how to protect data and outsmart cyber threats in a fun, beginner-friendly tech camp.
• CyberCamp: Level 2 – For those wanting something more challenging after finishing level 1, students can dive deeper into cybersecurity tactics with more advanced, team-based challenges.
• Junior Fashion Camp – Kids ages 9–13 learn sewing, design and style in a fun, supportive setting, culminating in a mini fashion show.
• Teen Fashion Camp – Teens 13–18 will sketch, sew and strut their own runway creations with guidance from fashion pros.
• Revamp Nutrition Camp – Tweens and teens learn how to fuel their bodies and minds through exciting, hands-on cooking and nutrition workshops.
• Healthy Bites: Kid’s Cooking Camp – Kids ages 8–11 will have the chance to mix, measure and munch their way to healthy habits through this interactive culinary experience.
• Preschool Language Camp (PLC) – A playful, interactive camp for ages 3–9 that builds social and communication skills through language-rich activities.

TWU also offers camps that cater toward students with learning disabilities, hearing or vision impairments and sensory challenges. It’s a way to expand its inclusiveness and allow everyone from the community the chance to participate in summer fun.

• Readin’ Roundup – Saddle up for a cowboy-themed literacy camp just for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in grades K–6. Campers will build confidence and reading skills through fun, hands-on language experiences.
• Language and Feeding with Friends (LAFF) – Designed for kids with feeding challenges, this sensory-friendly camp helps children explore new foods in a safe, supportive setting.
• Camp Abilities Texas – A one-of-a-kind sports camp for youth who are blind, visually impaired or deafblind. Campers get personalized instruction and leave with a detailed performance report to support growth beyond camp.
• CHAMP: Speech Sound Camp – A fun, intensive camp for children with speech sound disorders, including apraxia. Kids from preschool to early elementary engage in play-based therapy that strengthens communication through music, movement and literacy.

Camp schedules, age ranges and prices can all vary, but can be found on the university’s camp website page.

To register or get more information on TWU and its camps, visit the university’s website. Many registration deadlines end Wednesday.

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The court also proclaimed May 8 to be Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day.

“Although we’re observing one month and one day, it should be everyday and every month, we know it,” said Denton County Judge Andy Eads. “It calls upon all of us to be a part of this challenge to look for signs of people needing help.”

The proclamation said addressing mental health needs of the community is fundamental to the future of Denton County.

It cited records that show that 29 percent of children have been diagnosed with a mental health condition and 48 percent of parents have experienced difficulty accessing necessary mental health treatment.

“There is a strong body of research that supports the civic that all Americans could use to better handle challenges and protect their overall health and well-being,” said Eads during the proclamation.”

Denton County Commissioner Edmondson’s newsletter provided a couple of groups that serve the community regarding mental health.

United Way of Denton County and Cook Children’s Center for Community Health both have community partnerships and prevention-based approaches that serve children and adolescents by addressing their mental health needs and those of their families.

“We’re grateful for this proclamation and for helping us bring awareness to mental health issues,” said Emily Russell, a program coordinator in the Cook Children’s Health Care system. “It helps educate about resources available in our community.”

For more urgent matters, call the Denton County Crisis Hotline at 1-800-762-0157 or the National Suicide and Crisis hotline at 988, which is available 24 hours per day in English and Spanish.

The post Denton County declares May 2025 Mental Health Awareness month appeared first on Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound | News.

In many ways, Regina’s mom is the inspiration behind her current career as a board-certified behavioral analyst. She has a doctorate and is the owner of Therapy & Beyond. And yet, the most striking element of this story is that until Regina, an Argyle resident, became a therapist, she’d never interacted with another family with a child with a disability.

“I just realized that the other day, but it’s also not that surprising,” She said. “There was a time not long ago when you simply didn’t know other families like you. There was no one else to talk to or anyone in your shoes. That can feel extremely isolating—especially for moms. I saw the difference that my brother’s diagnosis made, and I often think to myself, ‘Wow … mom really had to navigate a lot on her own.'”

She added, “Mom was our family’s superhero, and my goal is to create the community she never had.”

The community Regina is referring to is the local non-profit, Labeled & Loved, an organization dedicated to supporting, connecting, empowering and “loving on” moms of children with disabilities. Nearly 21,000,000 families in the United States have a household member with a disability—yet the vast majority aren’t connected in any way, shape or form. Regina and co-founder Julie Hornok started Labeled & Loved seven years ago to buck that trend by embracing and strengthening families with disabilities through nationwide retreats, free local gatherings, virtual support groups and faith-based resources that create spaces for moms to feel seen, understood and uplifted—no matter where they are on their unique journey. 

To date, Labeled & Loved has already impacted over 3,000 special needs families across 34 states and three countries. 

Does that mean they are there to fix a diagnosis or promise developmental breakthroughs? No. Many of the children these moms care for will never move away from home, get a job, graduate or care for themselves. What Labeled & Loved offers is validation, healing, a lifeline of hope and a chance to get plugged in with a sisterhood that gets you and has your back. 

“There are so many existing resources for the child. That’s important, but no one says, ‘Hey, mom and dad, here is what you can do to stay healthy and feel supported,'” Regina said.

She added that 126 cities are currently being served with support groups. And as an organization, over 144 diagnoses are being represented.

“Many parents don’t go to a counselor. They don’t know how to process their grief. They are desperate to get help for their child, so they often don’t take the time to invest in themselves. We are there for the caregiver,” said Regina. “Regardless of their child’s diagnosis—autism, cerebral palsy, etc.—they all have something in common. The grief and loss of milestones are the same, and the care and comfort are all the same. This is a room they can walk into, and everyone gets you.” 

There are several programs they rely on to achieve this high level of sisterhood.

The first is Moms Mingles. Created for mothers who have children with disabilities (any age or diagnosis), their one-night events are free opportunities to form relationships with other women who fully understand. Participants enjoy food, drinks, giveaways, immersive art, inspirational speakers, lots of hugs and, most importantly, lasting connections with other special needs moms in that city. As soon as a mom walks in the door, she is greeted by a procession of hugs. This kicks off an immersive experience like no other.

From there, the hope is that they will take the next step by participating in a three-day weekend retreat for moms. Nineteen research studies have identified parents of children with disabilities to have an increased risk for depression (95%) and anxiety (90%). The divorce rate is over 85% for parents of children with a disability. At this retreat (they are held all over the country), every moment is carefully curated to empower moms and families to combat these statistics, all while relaxing, having fun, finding community and equipping them to return home with the tools to best care for their child and themselves. They will also meet other moms who will act as lifelines. Again, no one should feel alone during this unexpected version of motherhood.

Labeled & Loved’s third program is Sisterhood Circles. These are smaller, mom-led groups that discuss specific hope-based topics that arise within special needs motherhood. The best part is that they can be formed anywhere. Labeled & Loved provides curriculum written by Regina’s mom, Mary Urban. Mary is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and published author who takes the time to interview moms and create lesson plans built around real-life stories of hope.

Currently, the Moms Mingles program supports over 700 moms, and 403 women are enrolled in support groups. Another 229 women are enrolled in a retreat. Statistics aside, Regina said heartfelt stories of sisterhood are everywhere.

“Some of these moms will drive over two hours and walk into the room without knowing anyone. For many of them, it’s the first night in years that they’ve been away from their child,” Regina said of the Moms Mingles program. “I remember one we had recently in Frisco… there were over a hundred moms from all over. One, in particular, had a child who could not be separated for long. So, her husband drove her and sat in the car with the child to provide care—just so his wife could attend the event.”

She added, “We are loving these women—it’s really as simple as that.”

As word spreads about Labeled & Loved and its ministry, the hope is that more women will get involved. The organization will be featured on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” on May 13. They also recently hosted their annual Birdies & Big Hearts golf tournament at Denton Country Club. All money raised goes to supporting Labeled & Loved’s programs.

“It feels purpose-driven. It’s a huge thank you to my mom for being our family’s superhero, and we want to keep showing our community how much we love them,” Regina said. “Moms are powerful, and when we love, more love happens.” 

For more information on Labeled & Loved, including ways to get involved, attend the fall retreat in Dallas, or donate, please visit labeledandloved.org.

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It’s been five months since O’Keefe—an inspiration to so many in her fight against drug addiction—lost her battle to liver cancer. She was 68.

For those O’Keefe left behind, the loss still feels all too fresh. And yet, her confident and unwavering resolve lives on in the hearts of those who loved her and can’t imagine not continuing the mission she started 13 years ago.

“I miss her greatly—I look up at that picture and think,’Kathy … where are you?'” Travis said. She joined O’Keefe at Winning The Fight in 2016. Both lost a child to drug overdoses and have shared a sisterly bond ever since. “It was shocking, but we knew we had to keep going. Kathy wouldn’t want it any other way. I promised her husband, Ben, and son, Kyle, that I wouldn’t let anything happen to WTF.”

She added, “I didn’t start this, but it’s my passion, too, and we will keep going. We will keep fighting.”

Since its inception in 2012, the local non-profit Winning The Fight has spearheaded drug education to area youth, their families, and communities near and far to ensure everyone has the necessary support and resources for those suffering from the disease of addiction. That includes people like O’Keefe and Travis standing in front of large assemblies of middle and high school kids to talk about the dangers of doing drugs. They’ve worked one-on-one with grieving parents and partnered with law enforcement and other organizations to raise awareness. For her efforts, O’Keefe received the Flower Mound Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award in 2016. 

She also attended a White House Opioids Summit in 2018.

According to the organization’s most recent statistics, they provided counsel to 290 families in 2023, of which 201 were new. They also provided 209 referrals for therapists, treatment facilities, IOP, and more. Winning The Fight’s documentary, “Just Once,” was shown to 7,489 people that year, and 20,934 people received drug education. 

They now have four documentaries that they use for educational purposes. “Not Me” continues to be shown in schools and churches, and the Flower Mound Municipal Court has used the program for many who face charges for drugs and paraphernalia.

The ongoing drug overdose epidemic kills over 100,000 people annually. In recent years, many of the talks mentioned above have centered on Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is reportedly 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. It was initially developed for pain management treatment for cancer patients, anesthesia, etc., but has now made its way into the illicit drug world disguised as legitimate prescription drugs, other illegal drugs, and even candy. O’Keefe and Travis have always stressed that the people affected by drug addiction aren’t always psychologically disturbed, junkies, or criminals. They are normal people—including innocent children—from very normal families. State and federal officials echo those sentiments and are warning families that fentanyl use, overdoses, and deaths are in every suburb, HOA, gated community, and school bathroom.

“Kathy and I have spoken together at many assemblies. People called us ‘Kathy Squared’ because if she couldn’t go, I’d always be there,” Travis said. “It’s too soon to tell how border policies are impacting the amount of drugs coming across the border, but there has been a slight decline in Fentanyl overdoses due to the strong push in 2024 and the DEA and all law enforcement agencies working together to fight the battle of drugs coming over our border. That said, the DEA is still warning people about illegal online pharmacies. You think it’s Xanax or Adderall, but it’s not. If you sell or help sell drugs, you can be charged with a felony if a person dies.”

As for the future of Winning The Fight, Travis insists that they are as strong and committed as ever. 

Over the past several months, Ben O’Keefe has been added to the organization’s board of directors. He and his wife co-founded the non-profit shortly after their 18-year-old son Brett died from an accidental drug overdose. While Kathy O’Keefe quickly became the face of the organization and executive director, Ben was always involved behind the scenes and has already taken on a more prominent role.

Travis is also excited to announce the additions of Paige Furin and Haley Smithwick. Smithwick is the new part-time administrative assistant. Furin was hired as the director of programs before O’Keefe passed away. She discovered her passion and purpose in helping others overcome substance use challenges after finding sobriety in November 2018. She is heavily involved with speaking at local schools and overseeing the organization’s documentaries, sponsorships, and events. In fact, she just recently talked to almost 900 9th-graders at Marcus High School and is promoting their Winning Strides Derby on May 8. 

“It has been hard without Kathy here, and you wonder how you can grieve and still keep something like this going simultaneously,” Travis said. “But we’ve made a lot of adjustments, including building stronger relationships with the Denton County courts and keeping all the great things happening behind the scenes going. That’s what keeps me going—the fight. Every time I talk to someone—I don’t care if it’s just two people who show up—we go in thinking that we will save a life. We’ll keep fighting every single day.”

To learn more about Winning The Fight and the Winning Strides Derby fundraiser, visit wtf-winningthefight.org. 

WEB: The Winning Strides Derby fundraiser is slated for 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on May 8 at Sparrow on Main in Lewisville. Ticket prices can be found here.

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On Saturday, May 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Heritage Park on 600 Spinks Road, it’s your chance to celebrate the lovely spring month of May, the arts, creativity, connection, the Flower Mound community, local art vendors and the magic of food trucks. This year’s festival promises old familiar activities and some new and exciting ones to keep the festival fresh, always immersive and inspiring for artists and attendees. 

There will be live music on the Pavilion (Blue) Stage, including our local professional orchestra, the Lewisville Lake Symphony; the Bombshell Dance Project, a Dallas-based contemporary dance theater; the Dancing Divas, an Indian Dance Company; and Brave Combo, that wild and crazy dance band. More information is available online about each of these musical contributors to the festival. The live music will enhance both the festival arts experiences and a day spent at Flower Mound’s award-winning signature park. 

The Community (Green) Stage will feature other live performances from local companies offering Philippine Dance, Our Productions Theater Company’s Young Artists, Tribal Evolution, a belly dancing and flamenco group and the Dragon Claw Academy of Kung Fu. These diverse live events will be offered throughout the day.

The community art projects this year include adding pieces to the 4×4 puzzle murals, created by artists Beth Dilley, Lisa Chittenden, Steve Falkenberg, Murthy Mantha, Steven Rodriguez and Kelcie Sellers. In another area of the park, festival attendees can bring designs to life on a carefully curated selection of objects and also enjoy the 150 small wooden doors on display that were each designed by members of the Flower Mound community. 

As always, participants can do painting and other art activities and everyone can sit on and enjoy the six new art chairs painted by local artists Beth Dilley, Steve Falkenburg, Chuck Henderson, Rebecca J. Jones, Anita Robbins and Steven Rodriguez.

The Arts Festival at Heritage Park, established in 2021, is a direct result of Flower Mound’s 2018 Cultural Arts Master Plan. The festival showcases Flower Mound’s commitment to expanding artistic opportunities for residents thus creating a vibrant cultural identity.

The 2025 Arts and Humanities Programming Achievement Award – Class III was awarded to Flower Mound Parks and Recreation for their work hosting the Arts Festival at Heritage Park. The award honors departments with outstanding Arts and Humanities programs. Parks and Recreation groups from across the entire state of Texas were considered. It was an honor for Flower Mound Parks and Recreation to win such a prestigious award and see elements of the Cultural Arts Plan come to fruition. 

We are fortunate to have incredible sponsors supporting us, including notable partners such as CoServ and the Texas Commission on the Arts. Thanks to the town and our sponsors and volunteers, residents of all ages can come out and celebrate the joy of creativity with friends, family and the community. Mark your calendars for an exciting day of visual arts, live music and dance, immersive art projects, vendors and food trucks in the lovely setting of Heritage Park

The post The Arts: Art, music and dance take center stage at Flower Mound’s 5th Annual Arts Festival appeared first on Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound | News.

At the event near the Lake Lewisville Dam on the southern side, there will be an all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet. It will include two meats, two sides, rolls and dessert from Sullivan’s Old Town Barbecue.

Vegetarian options will also be available.

Drink options include cold brew, iced tea and lemonade.

For entertainment, toe-tapping bluegrass, gospel, pop and folk music will be played by the Tri-County Bluegrass Band in the style of Flatt & Scruggs, Tony Rice and Bob Wills.

There will also be a silent auction for attendees to bid on outdoor-themed items.

The event will last from 5:30-8 p.m. and tickets are available online. General admission is $50 until May 11, then the price increases to $60.

For questions or more information, reach out to Friends of LLELA at their email, LLELAOutdoors@gmail.com.

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That was shortly after he joined the Navy in 1945 and today the patriarch and matriarch of the Mays clan are still together as they both approach their 100th birthdays.

Though Laura and Billie Mays have lived in Irving since the 1950s, their son and daughter-in-law and most of their children and grandchildren have primarily lived in Flower Mound. So, when the time came to recognize the couple’s 80th wedding anniversary, Gary and Jaime Mays agreed to host the party. The April 13 event featured 35 family members which includes 14 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

“Billie has dementia so we decided to only do immediate family,” Jamie said. “We have a huge extended family and friend base but we’ve given them big anniversary celebrations in the past at hotels and resorts for the 50th, 60th, and 70th never dreaming they would make 80. It ended up being a good decision because we had a beautiful time.

“At one point we gathered in the living room in a circle with all the family and they retold their love story, how they met, how they married, etc. which many of the younger grands hadn’t heard. He told how it was “love at first sight for him” and he never looked at another girl after meeting Billie.

“Then the family took a turn and told them several things about what they meant to them and how they had influenced their lives. It was precious and so memorable. We wouldn’t have been able to have those moments if it had been a big gathering, one that we might not be able to ever capture again.”

His unusual first name occurred when he and his twin brother Lee – whose names were listed as Big One and Little One at birth – chose the names of their pastor and his wife when the town judge said they needed regular names on their birth certificates.

Laura attributes the long marriage to their faith and commitment to family.

“The first thing everyone should do in the morning when they get up is make their bed,” said Laura, who continues to make their big king sized bed. “If you care enough to make your bed, it sets the tone for the day.”

Laura is a World War II Navy veteran who loves talking about his military service. Last November they attended the Veterans Day program at Forestwood Middle School in Flower Mound which their great grandchildren Masy Jo (8th grade) and James (7th) attend. Their mom, Traci, is a math, science, and engineering teacher at Bridlewood Elementary School.

Traci and husband Brandon plus his brother Jim and wife Patricia, sister Mollie Sheridan and husband Travis, and sister Laura Willett and husband Nick and their children also all live in Flower Mound. Another great grandchild, Jaxon Salinas, is an assistant coach with the Flower Mound High School football team, while great grandson Cody Smith resides in Highland Village. The remainder of the family – Gary’s sisters Marsha and Cindy and their children and grandchildren – primarily live in Irving.

Many in the family have worked at Anchor Crane & Hoist Service that Laura started in 1969. Before that he was a salesperson for Dresser Industries.

Through the years they have spent time at their lake house on Lake Fork in East Texas. He enjoyed hobbies like golf and fishing while she had a talent for art including oil paintings and as a seamstress. Laura has been involved in the Honor Flight Network that provides World War II veterans with free flights to Washington, DC to visit the National World War II Memorial.

“The fact they were always there for us growing up whether at every event or gathering whatever it might be, they carried that over to the grandchildren and great grands,” Gary added. “They did it as a team. It always has been the two of them. They do everything together, except golf.”

Jaime has always felt the same way as her husband in the more than 54 years she’s been part of the family.

“From the minute I came into the family they have treated me the very same way they treated their own children – with the utmost respect and support that anyone could ask for,” she said. “That’s how they treat everyone, including strangers.

“They’ve helped more people not only financially but emotionally and spiritually. They walk the walk. What you see is how they live day to day. I’ve never seen a more devoted couple to each other either. They’re so cute.”

The post Flower Mound family hosts 80th wedding anniversary celebration appeared first on Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound | News.

Candlelight Concerts are described as a “one-of-a-kind experience in a candlelit setting” by the trailer on its Youtube page.

The instrumental concert has been played around the country in more than 140 cities, but the closest venues for Denton residents has been in Dallas or Fort Worth.

However, the Robson Ranch Women’s Club is changing that. The group is hosting the concert in the Ballroom of the Robson Ranch Clubhouse, which will have an elevated stage with seating on all sides.

Robson Ranch Women’s Club President Donna DeBoever described the concert as bringing “the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations.”

Often, concerts feature two violins, a viola and a cello.

The lobby doors will open for the event at 6 p.m. when the cash bar will be available. The ballroom doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for guests to find seating before the show starts at 7 p.m.

Tickets for the concert are available in-person at the Robson Ranch Clubhouse or online at the Robson Ranch Women’s Club website.

The post Denton County’s first Candlelight Concert will be held at Robson Ranch appeared first on Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound | News.

The new location will take over the 90,000 square-foot Cross Timbers Church campus on Hwy 377, with plans to officially open in August 2025 following renovations. In the meantime, services will begin June 15 at Liberty Christian School as part of the campus’s soft launch.

Milestone Church Pastor Jeff Little told his congregation on Sunday that Cross Timbers Church elders approached his church about a partnership after experiencing challenges during the past year.

To engage the community and grow the new campus, Milestone is assembling a Launch Team and inviting those interested to participate in ministry roles, volunteer service and church events. An interest meeting will be held May 17 at the Keller Campus, offering attendees a chance to meet Milestone staff and learn about the vision for the Argyle campus.

While Milestone prepares to move into its new space, Cross Timbers Church is also hosting a Discovery Night on May 18 at 6 p.m., designed to help community members connect with the new church’s mission and ministries.

Cross Timbers Church celebrated its 25^th anniversary this year. Milestone Church is 23 years old and has satellite campuses in Haslet and McKinney.

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