When my daughters were very young, I started them on the road to independence by allowing them to pick from different age-appropriate options – setting the table, matching socks from the dryer, doing fingerprint "spot patrol" on the woodwork, etc.

Dear Editor,

There is a very important election for Flower Mound just around the corner and I want to urge you to place your confidence in the right person for Place 2 on Town Council – my husband, Steve Dixon.

What can we do as a community? Flower Mound has a population of about 61,000. With more than 28 percent of that population being under age 15, we pride ourselves on being a family-oriented, kid-friendly community. Flower Mound has many nice parks throughout the town, but I think we can do better.

Dear Editor,

May is one busy month ... lots going on, both here and nationally.

Dear Editor,

Citizens who oppose the extraction of natural gas in the area for environmental reasons are not seeing the forest through the trees. To a great extent, the quality of life which they enjoy depends on a ready supply of power now and in the future.

This week’s issue of The Messenger is too big for its britches.

As I was enjoying my extremely tasty, nutritionally well-balanced breakfast catered by food wizard – and chef-owner – Morris Salerno of The Grotto in Highland Village, my gaze wandered around the crowded room.

So, how do you feel about President’s Day?

That’s right ... this year February has 29 days – this is a Leap Year.