Keller - Roanoke - Northeast Fort Worth | September 2024

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Keller Roanoke Northeast Fort Worth Edition VOLUME 6, ISSUE 5 SEPT. 29OCT. 29, 2024

2024 Voter Guide

Soaring to new heights

Representatives from CareFlite’s Helicopter EMS division talk with students from Keller ISD’s CTE program.

COURTESY KELLER ISD

Keller ISD, Northwest ISD add career and technical education courses to meet demand

NISD Superintendent Mark Foust, who was also at the Aug. 9 meeting, said the district is operating with a $16 million decit for the scal year 2024-25 and further cuts could lead to the district eliminat- ing programs or teaching positions.

districts across the county. During their Aug. 9 meeting, the board approved a reappraisal plan despite objections from numerous school districts. Jonathan Pastusek, Northwest ISD chief nancial ocer, said at the meeting the district could lose up to $10 million with the changes in the reappraisal process.

BY MARK FADDEN

Northwest ISD and Keller ISD have added programs, facilities and support for their career and technical education programs, though a recent decision by the Tarrant Appraisal District board could aect the future of CTE programs in school

CONTINUED ON 14

Also in this issue

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Impacts: See what Shaquille O’Neal-backed restaurant opened in Fort Worth (Page 6)

Education Edition: See the latest updates about local K12 public schools (Page 11)

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Impacts

35W

377

114

including pepperoni, Hula Hawaiian and more. • Opened Sept. 7 • 610 E. Byron Nelson Blvd., Ste. 106, Roanoke • www.littlecaesars.com 5 Southwire customer service center The company is a leading manufacturer of electrical

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Roanoke

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35W

377

35W

TRACEWOOD WAY

WESTPORT PKWY.

OTTINGER RD.

170

DOVERD.

14 3

6 Frituwhaaa The new Roanoke restaurant offers flavors from the Dominican Republic. • Opened Aug. 26 • 206 N. Oak St., Roanoke • www.frituwhaaa.com 7 J. Merrill Cigar Lounge Roanoke now has a cigar lounge inside The 206 brewery and food hall on Oak Street. • Opened Sept. 9 • 206 N. Oak St., Ste. 120, Roanoke • www.jmerrillcigar.com 8 Roanoke Thai Massage & Spa Services that the spa offers include massages and treatments inspired by ancient and modern wellness practices. • Opened Aug. 1

HERITAG E T R A

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BASSWOOD BLVD.

• 501 N. Oak St., Roanoke • www.roanokethspa.com

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35W

WESTERN CENTER BLVD.

WATAUGA RD.

1 7-Eleven The first 7-Eleven store was opened in 1927 in Dallas. Now it is a global brand with more than 84,000 stores. • Opened Aug. 2 • 11229 Timberland Blvd., Fort Worth • www.7-eleven.com 2 Enzo Sushi The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including cold plates, sushi and izakaya plates.

Coming soon

3 Original ChopShop Original ChopShop is a fast-casual eatery chain that has sandwiches, bowls, salads and fresh juices. • Opened Sept. 4 • 2865 Heritage Trace Parkway, Fort Worth • www.originalchopshop.com 4 Little Caesars The pizza chain menu includes a variety of pizza options

9 Slappy’s Car Wash The business offers both single washes and unlimited- wash plans. Wash choices include Slappy’s ceramic, glacier wax, arctic foam and a basic wash. • Coming soon • 9073 Tehama Ridge Parkway, Fort Worth • www.slappyscarwash.com

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10 Chewy Vet Care The clinic will open in the Alliance area, offering routine and emergency services. • Opening in 2025 • 3251 Tracewood Way, Ste. 131, Fort Worth • www.chewy.com/vet-care 11 Club Car Wash Club Car Wash offers state-of-the-art equipment and

14 CarMax The used car dealership will have 4.5 acres of lot space and 200 cars available on the sales lot. • Opening this November • I-35W at Heritage Trace Parkway • www.carmax.com

Now open

Relocations

several membership options. • Opening slated for October • 11200 Timberland Blvd., Fort Worth • www.clubcarwash.com

15 Fossil Creek Tree Farm The nursery will move to Keller in the space formerly occupied by McDonnell Hardware & Feed. • Reopening TBD • 600 N. Main St., Keller • www.fossilcreektreefarm.com

12 Elevate Dental Studio Dr. Brennan Benson is set to open his new practice, offering fillings, crowns and more. • Opening in November • 13000 Park Vista Blvd., Ste. 101, Fort Worth • www.elevatedentalstudiotx.com 13 Bates Street Park Next to the Keller History Museum, the park has outdoor seating, a stage and a climbing feature for kids. • Opening Oct. 5

17 Big Chicken The chicken restaurant concept was founded by former NBA player Shaquille O’Neal and partners Authentic Brands Group and JRS Hospitality. • Opened Sept. 3 • 9755 N. Freeway, Ste. 101, Fort Worth • www.bigchicken.com

Closings

16 Rush Bowls The business promoted healthy eating by offering bowls of fruit topped with granola and honey. • Closed in June • 242 Rufe Snow Drive, Ste. 170, Keller • www.rushbowls.com

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KELLER - ROANOKE - NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION

Government

BY HEATHER ALDRIDGE & MARK FADDEN

Roanoke City Council votes to keep flat tax rate Roanoke City Council unanimously approved the fiscal year 2024-25 budget and a tax rate of $0.308039 per $100 valuation during the Sept. 10 meeting. The overview The tax rate remains the same as FY 2023-24, but because the appraised value of homes went up this year, it will appear as a 2.8% tax increase, bringing in more tax revenue to the city. The budget expects to bring in $55.46 million total with general property taxes, sales taxes and various other incomes. This is an increase from the projected FY 2023-24 revenue by $2.54 million. The city expects to spend $63.32 million total for all departments and end with $34.81 million in reserves for emergency expenditures and the beginning balance for FY 2025-26 year.

Fort Worth to conduct national search for new city manager The city of Fort Worth will conduct a national search to find the new city man- ager. The initiative comes after current City Manager David Cooke announced his retirement, which is set for February 2025. Diving in deeper The release states search will target highly qualified city management professionals through national recruitment efforts, ensuring that a diverse range of candidates are considered. City and county managers have several responsibilities, including: • Carrying out the city council’s decisions • Overseeing all city employees

Projected expenditures for Roanoke FY 2024-25 Most expenditures are budgeted for administration at $21.55 million. The police department is the next-highest expenditure. Administration

$21.55M

Community Cash-Funded Capital

$3.37M

Services $1.1M

Development

$1.13M

Fire Department

$6.99M

Parks & Recreation Police Department

$6.46M

$11.15M

One-time costs Public Works

$2.1M

$7.86M

SOURCE: CITY OF ROANOKE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Additional details The taxes will be distributed with $0.178187 of taxes going toward maintenance and operation and $0.129852 towards the payment of debt for the city.

Fort Worth tabs $690M for police, fire departments The Fort Worth City Council unanimously approved the city’s fiscal year 2024-25 budget during their regular meeting Sept. 17. The tax rate of $0.6725 per $100 valuation remains unchanged from last year’s rate. The details According to the news release, the city’s general fund is $1.06 billion, which represents a 4.3% increase from FY 2023-24. The city’s entire budget for FY 2024-25 is $2.79 billion. Some budget highlights include: • $690 million for the police and fire departments • $76.5 million for parks and recreation • $107 million for transportation & public works The new fiscal year began Oct. 1.

City of Fort Worth tax rates

$0 $0.2 $0.4 $0.6 $0.8

2021 -22

2022 -23

2023 -24

2024 -25

2020 -21

SOURCE: CITY OF FORT WORTH/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Election

BY GABBY BAILEY

Voter Guide

2024

Dates to know

Where to vote

Oct. 21: First day of early voting Oct. 25: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Nov. 1: Last day of early voting Nov. 5: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or Nov. 6 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election on Election Day)

Tarrant County residents can vote at any polling location during early voting or on election day. Visit www.tarrantcountytx.gov/en/elections.html for polling locations. Denton County residents can vote at any county voting location during the early voting period but only at their specific precinct location from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Visit www.votedenton.gov/election-day-information/election-day-polling-sites for polling locations.

Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.

KEY: D Democrat G Green L Libertarian R Republican *Incumbent

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals — presiding judge R David J. Schenck D Holly Taylor Texas Court of Criminal Appeals — Place 7 R Gina Parker D Nancy Mulder Texas Court of Criminal Appeals — Place 8 R Lee Finley D Chika Anyiam State Board of Education, District 11

Tarrant County Judge, 213th Judicial District D Cindy Stormer R Chris Wolfe* Tarrant County Criminal District Judge, Number 2 R William Knight D Marquetta “Marq” Clayton Tarrant County Criminal District Judge, Number 3

Sample ballot

Federal elections President R Donald J. Trump D Kamala Harris L Chase Oliver G Jill Stein U.S. Senate R Ted Cruz* D Colin Allred L Ted Brown U.S. House Texas District 24 R Beth Van Duyne* D Sam Eppler State elections Texas Railroad Commissioner

R Douglas Allen* D John T. Brender Tarrant County Sheriff R Bill E. Waybourn* D Patrick Moses Denton County Sheriff

R Brandon Hall D Rayna Glasser G Hunter Crow

R Tracy Murphree D Frederick Bishop Tarrant County Tax Assessor-Collector R Rick Barnes D KC Chowdhury Tarrant County Commissioner, Precinct 3 R Matt Krause D Laura Leeman

Local elections Texas Senate, District 12 R Tan Parker* D Stephanie Draper Texas House Representative, District 26 R Brandon Gill D Ernest R. Lineberger III L Phil Gray Texas House Representative, District 63 R Ben Bumgarner* D Michelle Beckley Texas House Representative, District 93 R Nate Schatzline D Perla Bojorquez Texas House Representative, District 98 R Giovanni Capriglione* D Scott Bryan White

R Christi Craddick* D Katherine Culbert L Hawk Dunlap G Eddie Espinoza Texas Supreme Court Justice — Place 2 R Jimmy Blacklock* D DaSean Jones Texas Supreme Court Justice — Place 4 R John Devine* D Christine Vinh Weems Texas Supreme Court Justice — Place 6 R Jane Bland* D Bonnie Lee Goldstein L J. David Roberson

Northwest ISD Proposition A Ratifying the ad valorem tax rate of $1.1179 per $100 valuation in Northwest ISD for the current year, a rate that will result in an increase of 4.29% in maintenance and operations tax revenue for the current year. Read more about the proposition on Page 12.

SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, NORTHWEST ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

KELLER - ROANOKE - NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION

Election

BY MARK FADDEN

Northwest ISD calls for tax rate election to fund staff, classes

The Northwest ISD board of trustees unanimously approved a voter-approval tax rate election, or VATRE, for the upcoming November election during its regular meeting Aug. 13. If voters pass the 3-cent maintenance and operations tax rate increase, the new funding would help retain and attract teachers while preventing cuts to student programs. In a nutshell According to a district news release, the board of trustees called the VATRE due to the effects of “a lack of legislative action to address public educa- tion funding” at the state level, despite significant inflation in recent years. Additional VATRE funds—approximately $16 million—would be used to balance the district budget to protect class size ratios and student programs as well as continue to “provide competitive teacher and staff salaries.” Zooming in The news release states state legislators have

approved $4 billion in funding increases to Texas schools but have declined to provide it despite the state’s $32 billion budget surplus. Districts across the state have adopted budgets with shortfalls. NISD adopted a budget shortfall of $15.8 million for fiscal year 2024-25, while some districts adopted budget shortfalls exceeding $100 million. If approved by voters this fall, a $500,000 home in the district would receive an annual property tax increase of $120—or $10 a month, according to the release. Why it matters According to the release, without additional funding, “Northwest ISD will face the same cir- cumstances neighboring districts have,” such as: • Increasing class sizes • Cutting student programs • Reducing overall staff

Maintenance and operations rates Northwest ISD currently operates at the lowest M&O tax rate possible in the state.

2024-25 ISD M&O rates

$0.8

$0.6

$0.4

$0.2

SOURCE: NORTHWEST ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Education

BY MARK FADDEN

Education Edition

2024

Readers, welcome to your annual CI Education Edition! This guide features the latest updates and resources about local K-12 public school options in the community, ranging from education Q&As to budgets details to informational graphics. All of the stories were written by our team of local journalists, and all of the advertisements are from nearby businesses that support our mission to provide free, useful news to benet the community—show them your gratitude by supporting them. In this year’s education guide, we take a deep look into how career and technical education programs are gaining speed in our public schools and the benets these courses provide students looking for their rst career step after high school. We show how a group of Northwest ISD students are serving as ambassadors to advanced academics for the rst time this year. This issue also dives into in the student enrollment rates at Northwest ISD and Keller ISD by comparing and contrasting those numbers. On behalf of your local Community Impact team, we wish all our students, teachers and professional sta a wonderful year ahead!

What's inside

Breaking down Keller ISD, Northwest ISD student numbers (Page 12)

Lexi Canivel General Manager lcanivel@ communityimpact.com

Learn how Education Service Center Region 11 helps local schools (Page 13)

For relevant news and daily updates, subscribe to our free email newsletter!

NISD creates student Advanced Academics Ambassador program The Northwest ISD Advanced Academics Ambassadors program begins in the 2024-25 school year and includes 40 students who will serve as “the face” of advanced academics in the district, according to a news release. The details Advanced academics teachers at each of the district’s three comprehensive high schools can nominate up to two students in their course. Ambassadors are nominated to begin their junior year and may choose to serve a two-year term. The news release states the inaugural group of ambassadors met for the rst time this sum- mer to complete training and team building. As ambassadors, they will represent the many faces of advanced academics in Northwest ISD and be

KISD board approves $3.34M recapture The Keller ISD board of trustees approved the purchase of $3.34 million in attendance credits despite expressing opposition. Zooming out The TEA has determined that Keller ISD must reduce its excess local revenue level by $3.34 million. The district will do that by purchasing average daily attendance credits from the state, according to district documents. Recapture mandates “property-rich” districts such as KISD give funds to the state to be redistributed among “property-poor” districts. “The decision we have to make here is unpalatable,” board President Charles Randklev said.

Northwest ISD’s new Advanced Academics Ambassador program started meeting this year.

COURTESY NORTHWEST ISD

the voice of advanced academic opportunities throughout the district. A closer look The newly named ambassadors have also gained a working knowledge of the following programs: • Advanced placement • OnRamps • Dual credit • Honors courses

KELLER ROANOKE NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION

Education

BY MIRANDA JAIMES

BY KAREN CHANEY

students who are English learners and special education students has increased in recent years in both school districts. Student data

Q&A: Education Service Center Region 11 offers training for local schools With the 2024-25 school year beginning, Educa- tion Service Centers across Texas continue to work to provide services for school districts. Some of the school districts ESC Region 11 serves include Carroll and Grapevine-Colleyville. Clyde W. Steelman Jr. is the executive director of ESC Region 11. He answered questions from Community Impact , explaining where funding for ESCs comes from and insights into recent education trends. Where does the funding for an ESC come from? ESCs do not possess tax levying or bonding authority. Revenues are received from three primary sources: state funds, federal funds and contracts with school districts.

Keller ISD’s enrollment has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels while Northwest ISD’s student population has grown. However, the number of

Education Service Center Region 11 service area 76 Public school districts

Student enrollment

Student statistics

2019-20 school year

2023-24 school year

105 Charter schools 160 Private schools

Cooke

Keller ISD

Northwest ISD

Keller ISD student enrollment Northwest ISD student enrollment

Economically disadvantaged students

Denton

Wise

40K

27.84%

34.4%

20.63%

27.40%

597,543 students

-5.72% percent change

35,267

35K

Palo Pinto

Tarrant

Parker

33,250

COURTESY EDUCATION SERVICE CENTER REGION 11

30,736

In the past five years, have you noticed any trends of what school districts are needing? We’ve noticed a variety of evolving needs among school districts. Through our collaboration with several different educational input groups, ... we’ve been able to identify and address these needs effectively. ... The shift towards digital learning ... has prompted districts to boost their technology infrastructure and weave digital tools into daily teachings.

Hood

30K

Johnson

6.14%

11.06%

12.40%

English learners

9.12%

Erath

25,040

25K

Somervell

+22.75% percent change

Special education students

11.32%

15.60%

11.43%

15.75%

School year:

To see the full story and learn more about ESC Region 11, visit communityimpact.com .

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

WESTLAKE 2341 Highway 377 (817) 490-9072 KELLER 101 Keller Smithfield Rd S (817) 482-8295

Soaring to new heights From the cover

“CTE programs provide students with these experiences ... in a low-stakes environment before they graduate.” Carroll said KISD’s 2019 bond allowed funding for two significant projects: opening the Keller ISD Agriscience Learning Center in 2022 and expanding the Keller Center for Advanced Learning by more than 60,000 square feet in the spring of 2023. In Northwest ISD, Kelley Henderson, executive director of college and career readiness, the district’s recent focus has been on three key components: expanding work-based learning experiences, adding academic rigor and teacher support and investing in industry-standard equipment and practices in the district’s CTE classrooms. “Our student internship program [has] over 400 CTE student interns placed with more than 60 business and industry partners,” Henderson said. According to district documents, the seven academies that encompass Northwest ISD’s CTE program include 23 areas of study across 12 industries in need of a skilled workforce.

Expected industry growth

A closer look

2020 2030 (projected)

Educational services 14,578 19,662 (+34.87%)

The changes formally approved from the TAD meeting include reappraisals every two years instead of every year and freezing residential property values for tax year 2024-25 at current property values. Northwest ISD board President Steve Sprowls said he wants TAD to talk to the experts to understand how this decision affects the schools. He added CTE programs like the one at NISD feeds into and supports local industries in the area. According to Bodie Carroll, Keller ISD’s director of CTE, being able to experience a future career in high school, both in and out of the classroom, is “invaluable” to students. “I’ve seen many students who initially thought they were set on a particular career, only to realize through internships or advanced coursework that it wasn’t what they expected,” Carroll said.

Scientific and technical services

43,634

60,194 (+37.95%)

Construction

71,042 80,765 (+13.69%)

Transportation and warehousing

87,986

114,944 (+30.64%)

Healthcare and social assistance

113,040

136,483 (+20.74%)

SOURCE: WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS OF TARRANT COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Learn More

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY MARK FADDEN

Growth of CTE programs

Put in perspective

The context

Students not enrolled in CTE program Students enrolled in CTE program

Over the past five years, KISD’s enrollment has stayed around 34,000 students. During that time, Carroll said enrollment in KISD’s CTE program has hovered around 11,000 individual students, with approximately 21,500 total enrollments when including students taking multiple CTE courses. “Notably, in the 2024-25 school year, enrollment increased by about 2,500 due to the expansion of our offerings at the middle school level, which has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from teachers, students and parents,” Carroll said. Henderson said the Northwest ISD program serves approximately 13,000 students in 23 differ- ent programs of study. “Our seven CTE academies are very popular and successful as well as our 16 standard programs of study,” Henderson said. “Business, health sciences and agriculture programs are some of our highest numbers based on enrollment due to many factors that allow a large number of students to enroll in those programs.”

Henderson said CTE is funded through a weighted funding supplemental model that allows CTE courses to generate more funding revenue for school districts to help cover CTE resources, materials and staffing but with the added benefit of also providing funds to the district. With regard to CTE funding from the state, 55% of the funding is required to be spent by CTE and 45% of the funds can go to the general budget for other areas.

Keller ISD enrollment

*PROJECTED

11,000

2020-21

23,319

11,000

2021-22

23,813

11,000

2022-23

23,078

11,000

2023-24

22,250

13,500

*2024-25

20,500

Northwest ISD enrollment

*PROJECTED

9,991

2020-21

15,392

"CTE conducts regular-needs assessments to ensure that all programs are yielding a strong return on investment." KELLEY HENDERSON, NISD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS

10,064

2021-22

17,519

12,078

2022-23

17,171

13,004

2023-24

17,732

13,000

*2024-25

18,600

SOURCE: KELLER ISD, NORTHWEST ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

The takeaway

At a recent NISD Workforce Development Forum, Jacob Hart, a senior who attended the Aviation and Aeronautics Academy at Eaton High School, talked about how the program fueled his love of aviation. “My whole family is in aviation, and most of our family friends are pilots,” Hart said. “My dream is to become a pilot for Southwest Airlines.”

annually for internship opportunities, including: • Lockheed Martin • Caterpillar • Textron/Bell • Medical City Alliance • Texas Health Hospital Alliance

Henderson said the CTE program also offers industry-based certifications that allow students to immediately go to work and earn a livable wage after high school or while in college. She added that CTE classes are offered at all four Northwest ISD high schools. Keller ISD partners with more than 200 companies that host over 1,000 students

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KELLER - ROANOKE - NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION

Transportation

BY GABBY BAILEY

North Tarrant Express work reaches milestone

EAGLE PKWY.

35W

DAY RD.

The expansion project for the North Tarrant Express highway is now 20% complete, according

to a news release. What’s happening

Partnership allows Day Road resurfacing An interlocal agreement between Tarrant County and city of Fort Worth ocials has been approved to rehabilitate Day Road, according to the Aug. 20 Tarrant County Commissioners Court agenda. The details The project will start 600 feet east of Old Denton Highway until it dead ends, with a budget of $160,000. It is estimated to be nished by Oct. 1.

Beams have been placed at Beach Street and asphalt placed at the SH 121/183 split, the release states. Construction also has begun on I-820 between eastbound Rufe Snow Drive and Iron Horse Boulevard. New asphalt was placed at the SH 121/183 split in Bedford and Euless heading west, as well. Pre-construction started at the end of 2023 and construction ramped up over the summer to include nightly closings, according to a news release. The project will cost $414 million and will be funded by toll revenues collected from NTE TEX- press Lanes. It’s expected to be completed in 2027.

Construction at Beach Street and the 121/183 split includes new asphalt and the structuring of new beams.

COURTESY NORTH TARRANT INFRASTRUCTURE, LLC

35W

121

377

820

183

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Take A Load Off, Texas® is provided by Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC (Oncor) as part of its commitment to reduce energy consumption and demand. Marketplace is an online platform, provided by CLEAResult, that features discounted products offered through the Retail Products Program. CLEAResult implements the Retail Products Program as an Oncor-approved independent contractor. For more information, visit oncor.com/takealoadofftexas.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Real estate

Nearly 200 homes were sold and more than 300 new listings were added to the market during August across all four ZIP codes. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

August 2023

August 2024

-33.3%

+4.76%

-10.17%

76177

76244

76248

76262

377

114

76262

35W

76177

Median home sales price

170

August

2023

2024

76244 76248

114

$370,000 $380,000 $640,000 $590,545

$380,498 $396,000 $625,000 $660,000

76177

Homes sold by price point

76244

August 2024

76248

$1,000,000+

76262

$700,000-$999,999

$400,000-$699,999

Average days on the market

$100,000-$399,999

+15.4%

+45.83%

+6.66%

-26.42%

<$99,999

MARKET DATA COMPILED BY COLLIN COUNTY AREA REALTORS • WWW.CCAR.NET

76177

76244

76248

76262

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Events

BY HEATHER ALDRIDGE

• 114 N. Oak St., Roanoke • www.roanoketexas.com/111/Celebrate-Roanoke

October

Fall Market Visit Old Town Keller for the Fall Market: a celebration of artisan crafts, local bites and seasonal delights. • Oct. 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • Free admission • 107 West Vine St., Keller • www.keepitinkeller.com/event/ fall-market-old-town-keller Sip and Shop Greater Keller Women’s Club is hosting the Sip and Shop Fiesta Holiday Market. It includes wine, appetizers, treats from vendors and prize drawings. • Oct. 8, 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. • $20-$40 • The Bowden, 1775 Keller Parkway, Keller • www.gkwc.org/2024-sip-n-shop-tickets.html Celebrate Roanoke Join the festivities in Historic Downtown Roanoke featuring a live rodeo, children’s activities and Western entertainment. Grammy Award Nominee Pat Green will perform at the main stage at City Hall. • Oct. 12, noon-10 p.m. • Free admission

Murder ... In Space! Check out the latest interactive murder mystery event in space. The cantina on Federal Station Nine in the Axilon Nebula sees a lot of folks looking for a quick drink and a bite to eat, but it seems a murderer is afoot. The event is for guests 21 and up and allows visitors to bring their own beer.

• Oct. 12, 6 p.m. • Free admission • 640 Johnson Road, Keller • keller-tx.whoi.com/calendar/event/121807

Spooktacular Cinema: Alligator The Keller Public Library hosts a creature feature movie night from 1980. Guests are encouraged to bring their own beverages; ages 21 and up only. No registration required. According to the movie synopsis: Dead bodies keep turning up in the Chicago sewers. A serial killer is believed to be afoot, but it could be something more hungry.

Autumn Aqua Fest The Keller Pointe aquatics center is transforming into a ghostly realm, where guests can swim in the indoor pool, create popcorn ball snacks and receive

sweet and savory treats. • Nov. 1, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. • $10 per person in advance, $15 per person the day of • 405 Rufe Snow Drive, Keller • www.thekellerpointe.com/activities/ special-events/pumpkin-splash

• Oct. 19, 7 p.m. • Free admission • 640 Johnson Road, Keller • www.cityofkeller.com/services/library

u g

Contact Carol@PH4U.org or call 817.753.6222 to get involved. This fall, make a difference for new parents and babies. Welcoming donations of diapers, baby clothes, and essentials to Pregnancy Help 4 U. Help families thrive! Schedule a tour of our new Basswood location!

Fort Worth Tx | 817. 753.6222 | www.ph4upartners.org

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Business

BY KAREN CHANEY

Occupational therapy can include swinging on a platform swing while completing another task.

COURTESY ALLISON’S THERAPY CORNER: EE PHOTOGRAPHY

Fort Worth

GOLDEN TRIANGLE BLVD.

PARK VISTA BLVD.

4917 Golden Triangle Blvd. Ste. 411, 421, Fort Worth www.allisonstherapycorner.com

Husband and wife Caleb and Allison Mills own Allison’s Therapy Corner.

KAREN CHANEYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Allison’s Therapy Corner oers condence- building results When Allison Mills, a certied speech-language pathologist, started oering speech therapy to children from her home in February 2019, neither she nor her husband and business partner, Caleb Mills, expected the practice to grow so quickly. “I thought I would just do it in a corner of our house,” Allison said. “It started out as Allison’s

that same kind of mindset as me.” Why it matters

Speech Corner, then when we opened up the commercial location we decided to expand and oer other disciplines, so we changed the name to Allison’s Therapy Corner.” What they oer The outpatient clinic provides evidence-based diagnostic and therapeutic services to children in speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, feeding therapy and autism therapy. “I’ve been in some settings before where I just felt like there was a lot of what we call ‘cookie cutter therapy,’” she said. “These kids aren’t cookies. They’re all very individualized. It was really important for me to nd therapists that had

Allison said some of their clients are in general education classrooms while others are in special education programs. She explained speech therapy goals vary in that some are trying to reduce a stutter while others are non-verbal. “We’re helping children [who] don’t have a mode of communication, especially ... in our autism program, learn how to communicate,” Allison said. “Some of these kids are saying, ‘I love you’ to a parent for the very rst time ... It’s really neat to see their skills evolve over time.”

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A PLACE FOR y. A PLACE FOR yr famy. WE INVITE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY TO JOIN US AT ONE OF OUR CAMPUSES! TO PLAN YOUR VISIT, SCAN THE QR CODE OR GO TO MILESTONECHURCH.COM

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