Our Great City

Say hello to the Carden family: Daniel, Vivian, Gabriella and Julianna.

Daniel is currently computer programmer at Southwest Airlines located near Love Field in Dallas. Originally, from San Antonio, Daniel grew up in the DFW area and graduated from Texas A&M University in College Station, where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets.

Vivian graduated at the University of Sao Paulo, in Brazil, with a degree in Physical Education. Since arriving in the United States, Vivian has focused on her passion, gymnastics. She has coached pre-team thru team level 6 gymnastics and coordinated several successful recreational gymnastics programs/special events throughout the DFW area until she "retired" after the birth of their second daughter, Julianna.

Daniel and Vivian met in 1999 at a Coppell outdoor volleyball event by luck and a bit of fate. The relationship blossomed and they were happily married in 2000. Vivian and Daniel spent their honeymoon at Disney World. They’ve also travelled to Brazil, Miami, and Memphis several times to visit family. Other fun trips include Cancun, Portland, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Traveling is such a fun way to help the children learn about so many different things! The Carden’s love to travel and have the most fun as a couple and as a family on vacation trips. They moved to Keller in 2006 to buy their first new house in the fast growing north side of Keller. The reputation of the school system, safety of the area, location, beautiful parks and having some family and friends close by made the choice very easy.

Daniel and Vivian are blessed with raising two beautiful and fantastic daughters, Gabriella and Julianna. Being able to take dance, gymnastics and swimming classes in local businesses is also an added bonus to living in Keller! On any typical day you will see the Carden girls singing and dancing...all of the time! The girls also enjoy swimming. Julianna's passion is gymnastics, and Gabriella's biggest passion right now is movie making. In 2010, Gabriella received 2 awards at the Keller ISD Film Festival. One of our favorite phrases is "the best way to have a great idea is to have lots of ideas"...we love brainstorming and being creative! On their "mommy and daughters" date, you can find them taking lots of pictures (that is one of the girl’s favorite activities!)

In the 2009-2010 school year, Vivian was the team manager for Independence Elementary "Destination Imagination" teams and is committed to doing it again. It was a great experience for the kids and for Vivian.

Other lucky family members are their poodle "Princess" who came from Brazil, and their lizard "Obi-Wan Kenobi"

As a family, you will find the Carden’s taking pictures, fishing, playing at the nearby park, walking their poodle, going to Fort Worth Zoo, running around Six Flags, or dining at their favorite restaurant, Brio in Southlake Town Square. They also love going to the movies as a family and visit Harkins Theaters in Southlake frequently. At home, the girls love playing on the Wii, dress-up, board games, making art, baking chocolate cupcakes, and playing on the computer.

So when you see the Carden's at school or at one of their many activities around Keller, say Hi to our Family of the Month and tell them that you heard about them on OurGreatCity.com!

Say hello to the Patton family - Robert(Bob), Kathryn, Rachel, and Clay. They moved to Keller in 2002 from Annapolis, Maryland. Bob is a former Air Force pilot and is currently a captain for American Airlines. Kathryn, a former American Airlines flight attendant and accomplished artist, raises their two kids and runs the shuttle service between kids activities.

The quiet, family atmosphere of Keller was a big draw for the Patton's when looking to relocate. Couple that with an excellent shool system and country feel, they felt right at home. Kathryn has two passions, cooking and painting and Robert says that he is probably the best fed dad in Keller! Kathryn also sells some of her dishes to neighbors and friends and is frequently asked to make a dish for special occasions. She has painted since she was a young child and graduated college with an art degree. Kathryn also volunteers at the elementary school and teaches sunday school at First United Church of Keller.

When not out of town, Bob mentors at the elementary school and also at Keller High School. He also helps coach his son's baseball and football teams and works on their neighborhood home owner's board.

Sweet spirited Rachel loves to sing and dance, not only at practice, but around the house as well, sometimes at inopportune moments. She is currently taking piano and horseback riding lessons.

Clay on the other hand, is all about sports. He loves baseball, football, and basketball. Clay plays on a select team in the area, as well as keller rec leagues and last year, played on the all star baseball team. His football team has played in the local super bowl games for the past three years. Every day after school and homework, you will find him out in the neighborhood playing the seasonal sport.

So when you see the Patton's around Keller, say Hi to our Family of the Month and tell them that you heard about them on OurGreatCity.com!

Jerry and Cindi met while working for TWA in Chicago in the late 70’s. Their careers took them through numerous jobs at the airline and just as many cities. Their jobs took them from Chicago, to Kansas City, to New York, to Connecticut, to St. Louis and finally, when American Airlines bought TWA, they landed in Texas. Both Jerry and Cindi say this is their favorite place to live. Even though American Airlines brought the family to Keller, Jerry decided that it was time for a change and after 32 years in the airline industry, he took an early retirement and is now a successful Financial Advisor.

Cindi left the airline industry in the 90’s to raise their family of four wonderful boys. Bobby, now 20 years old, is a full time college student and when he isn’t studying, he enjoys movies, music and hanging out with his friends. Steven, 17 years old, is a senior at Keller High School. Steven is an avid athlete and played JV and varsity basketball for KHS for four years. In his spare time, you will find him at the Keller Pointe picking up basketball games. Steven will be going away to college this fall. Brian, 15 years old, is a freshman at Keller High School. Brian has never met a stranger, loves music, plays drums and guiter and is living for the day when he will get his driver’s license. Justin, 12 years old, is in the 6th grade at Bear Creek Intermediate where he plays percussion in the band. He loves math and science and in his spare time, you will find him playing basketball, enjoying his friends in the neighborhood and playing video games (what else!).

Two years ago, Cindi met a friend with a spinal cord injury and through their friendship, Cindi learned first hand about the trials and quality of life issues of a spinal cord injured person. She decided to start a non-profit organization which would help spinal cord injured and disabled individuals in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. The organization is called the Neuro Assistance Foundation and Cindi works full time for the foundation to get equipment, vehicles, technology and home modifications that her clients need. The foundation has become a family affair and you will find the whole Cooperman family working at fundraising events in Keller and Southlake. In fact, on May 20, 2010, Neuro Assistance Foundation will hold it’s Second Annual “Hoopin’ with the Indians” event. This event is fun-filled family event held at Keller High School where the Dallas Wheelchair Mavs play against our own Keller High School athletic coaches in wheelchairs. Mark your calendars for this event and for more information, visit www.NeuroAssistance.org.

So when you see the Cooperman’s at school or out in the community volunteering, say Hi to our Family of the Month and tell them that you heard about them on OurGreatCity.com!