35 West Magazine February 2022

FEBRUARY 2022

Not your

everyday

TOWING COMPANY 10 HOT

RESTAURANTS W ITH OUTDOOR PATIOS

5 THINGS TO DO DO G PA R KS

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ARE YOU ALLERGIC TO YOUR PET?

07

FIVE REASONS TO ADOPT A SHELTER PET

TOWING COMPANY

08

10 HOT RESTAURANTS WITH OUTDOOR PATIOS

10

contents

everyday

ARTICLES 04

TA B L E O F

14

Not your

ANIMAL MOVIES - FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

13

5 THINGS TO DO

17

SHERIFF’S CORNER WITH SHERIFF TRACY MURPHREE

18

OMICRON VARIANT & WHAT PARENTS SHOULD KNOW

20

TOP LANDSCAPING & GARDENING TRENDS OF 2022

23

MATTERS OF THE HEART

28

INSIDE COMMUNITY & EDUCATION

FEATURED

24

SENIOR PAWS - HELPING SENIORS FEED THEIR PETS

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26

PROPOSED HARVEST TOWN CENTER

31

JOURNEY TO DREAM - AWARDED INAUGURAL IMPACT AWARD

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Publisher of Murray Media Group, kelly@murray-media.com

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

GET OUTDOORS with your

I

FAMILY and pets

have a long-time friend who, just like me, loves eating at local restaurants. But while I won’t pass on a chance to sit out on the patio at my favorite eatery with Scott and the kids, she insists

on sitting indoors. When we plan anything between our families, the same is true — she’d prefer to do everything indoors.

Needless to say, we don’t always see eye to eye.

I’m not sure what side of the fence you’re on in this argument, but now that we’re past the latest version of February winter storms in Texas, it’s high time we break from our crotchety routines and get outdoors.

In this month’s issue, you’ll find fun pet articles, including one that features 10 of the hottest local restaurants with outdoor patios. One of our writers even pieced together a list of the best dog parks. The point, ladies and gents, is that we spend way too much of our time indoors. Think about it — we’re inside for work, school, home life, restaurants, movie theaters, shopping malls, etc. Every once in a while, it’s nice to take the dogs for a walk at a nearby park or spend the day having a picnic with the family.

I may never convince my friend to change her ways. And that’s fine — I’ll love her like a sister forever. But she’s not going to change me, either. So I’m going to put my laptop up and head outside.

Who’s coming with me?

Administration

Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editor Bobbi Byrne

Writers

Caylie Howard, Steve Gamel, Diane Ciarloni Jade Kensington, Jean Eisenmann Leena Duwadi, Mark Miller

Advertising Inquiries

sales@murray-media.com

Production

Graphic Designers Michele Cunningham-Scott Cayla Thompson Arynn Tomson Hallie Preece

Photography

Your Candid Memories Photography What’s That Guy’s Name? Photography by Guy T Miranda Longoria Photography Live Beautifully Photography

Letters

35 West Magazine invites reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments.

Email artwork@murray-media.com.

All submissions become the sole property of Murray Media Group.

Editorial Inquiries Call Caylie Howard at 972.899.3637 or email editor@murray-media.com www.Murray-Media.com Address: 3513 Yucca Dr., Ste. 200 Flower Mound, TX 75028 35 West Magazine is published monthly by Murray Media Group. Some articles and/or content may be sponsored by advertisers. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. 35 West Magazine is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Advertisers and its agencies assume all liability for advertising content. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission in writing from the publisher. © 2022 Murray Media Group

Thanks for reading, and enjoy this month’s issue!

Sincerely, Kelly Murray 6 | 35 WEST | FEBRUARY 2022

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G N I W Y N O TCOMPA

No

y a yd

r u o ty

r e ev

M

by Steve Gamel | photography by Live Beautifully Photography

ike and Lainie Phillips, owners of All American Towing and Recovery, make every effort to be more than just another towing company showing up at the scene. “We want to be all-inclusive,” Mike said.

“No matter the situation — call one number, and our team would get it done.”

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THEY ARE A FULL-SERVICE TOWING AND RECOVERY SERVICE THAT PARTNERS WITH POLICE AND FIRE PERSONNEL When you sit down with Mike and Lainie, it’s clear that they really know their stuff. On top of that, you leave feeling like you have known them for years — just Mission accomplished. All American Towing is not the everyday tow truck that shows up to get rid of an improperly parked or impounded vehicle. They are a full-service towing and recovery service that partners with police and fire personnel and everyday folks just like you for whatever life throws your way. They have over 15 state-of-theart, late-model towing and recovery units ranging from car and bus carriers to the largest rotating heavy-duty wreckers in the area. Their services include everything from your standard towing and load transfers to tractor-trailer accident and recovery, hazmat and accident scene remediation, heavy-duty winching, tire changing, jump-starts and pull-starts, fuel delivery, and more.

They also offer 24-7 live dispatch, so they are there for you even if it’s 3 or 4 in the morning.

“We strive to offer a higher level of service than your typical towing company,” Lainie said. “We cross-train with fire departments and the police so that our heavy equipment can even be used in rescue situations. We’ve done quite a few of those, actually, and it feels really good to know that we’ve helped save lives.”

Mike added, “Roughly 50% of our business is law

a down-to-earth family you can’t wait to learn more about. And boy, there is plenty to learn.

For example, Mike is a third-generation towing professional. He learned the trade throughout his entire childhood under the guidance of his father and grandfather. “I used to drive a wrecker to school because I had to go to work afterward,” Mike said with a laugh. He’s been in a wrecker full-time since he was 18. “I’ve never imagined doing anything different.”

Lainie didn’t grow up in the towing industry, but she might as well have. She and Mike started this venture together over 12 years ago, and she knows their business inside and out as the behind-the-scenes guru.

“I married into it. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

We make a great team,” she said. “Our second date was in a wrecker. He picked me up and had to go on a call. So I went along with him and it’s been an adventure ever since.”

Mike joked about that night, saying that Lainie’s father wasn’t too fond of his daughter being picked up in a tow truck.

But here they are, a happy couple with a growing family and successful business. Mike and Lainie live in Justin with their four kids,

enforcement tows. The other half is the general public when they are broken down and need help.”

940.627.2800

AllAmericanTowingTX.com 218 East 4th St. • Justin, TX 76247 www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

FEBRUARY 2022 | 35 WEST | 15

Brooklynn (10), Briggs (6), Parker Kate (1 1/2), and Avery (5 months) and they are always on call to help a neighbor in need. Both he and Lainie are hands-on in everything that All American Towing and Recovery does, and they pride themselves on honesty, integrity, and professionalism.

“We really pride ourselves on being a tightly-knit family business. Our team is like family, and we are incredibly appreciative to be a part of the communities we serve. Our business wouldn’t be what it is without them,” Lainie said. “We do a lot of sponsorships for sports teams and schools in the area, and it’s something we thoroughly enjoy. We like to be in a situation to help the community that has helped us all these years.”

All American Towing and Recovery has locations in Decatur, Texas, Denton, and Justin. To learn more about how they can help you, please visit AllAmericanTowingTX.com.

“WE REALLY PRIDE OURSELVES ON BEING A TIGHTLY-KNIT FAMILY BUSINESS. OUR TEAM IS LIKE FAMILY.”

16 | 35 WEST | FEBRUARY 2022

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what is the

OMICRON variant

and what parents should know

by Dr. Rebecca Butler Lantana Resident | Board Certified in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics

1. THE OMICRON VARIANT IS SPREADING FAST.

As of January 2022 – only one month after the variant was first detected in the U.S. – Omicron accounts for about 98% of all new COVID19 cases in the country.

Omicron is much more contagious than prior COVID19 variants, including Delta. One reason for this may be the variant’s high number of mutations in the spike protein. This can help it evade immunity or a body’s built-up protection

Children with chronic underlying conditions can be more susceptible to severe infection with COVID in general and you should discuss vaccination with your pediatrician. Children can also spread the virus to others who are at high risk. Lastly, we’re still learning about possible long-term effects of COVID19 – even from mild COVID19 infection. For these reasons, it’s important to take steps to reduce the risk of infection.

3. WE’RE STILL LEARNING ABOUT OMICRON.

to the virus. Experts at the CDC expect that

Each new variant, like Omicron, varies in how

anyone with Omicron infection can spread the

contagious it is and how virulent (harmful) it

virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or

may be. Each variant can affect the immune

don’t have symptoms.

system differently and change how effective

2. CHILDREN ARE BEING AFFECTED

BY OMICRON.

Because Omicron is highly contagious, more and more people are becoming infected with COVID19 including children.

Parents may take comfort in the fact that Omicron does not appear to cause more severe illness in children than prior variants. In general, children are still at lower risk for severe illness from COVID19 than adults.

18 | 35 WEST | FEBRUARY 2022

the Omicron variant. There are also more breakthrough cases with Omicron; meaning, cases where people are vaccinated but still contract the virus.

4. SYMPTOMS OF OMICRON IN CHILDREN ARE SIMILAR TO PAST VARIANTS.

With the increased spread of COVID19, it’s important to watch for any symptoms of infection. In general, symptoms of Omicron in children remain similar to symptoms caused by prior variants. COVID19 symptoms in children can include: •

Fever (at least 100°F)

•

Chills

•

Congestion or runny nose

•

Cough

•

Diarrhea

•

Fatigue

•

Headache

•

Muscle or body aches

•

Nausea or vomiting

•

New loss of taste or smell

•

Shortness of breath or trouble breathing

•

Sore throat

If your child starts to show COVID19 symptoms, contact your primary care provider for guidance. If your child tests positive, isolate to prevent the spread of the virus.

Most children have mild illnesses and can recover at home. However, watch for the following warning signs that your child requires emergency care: Trouble breathing.

vaccination is against infection.

Persistent pain or pressure in the chest.

Researchers are still working to uncover

New confusion.

how the Omicron variant behaves and how it responds to a person’s built-up immunity.

Inability to wake or stay awake.

We still don’t know how severe the effects of

Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail

Omicron are. Some studies suggest this variant

beds, depending on skin tone.

may cause less damage to the lungs and has a lower risk of hospitalization.

There is evidence that prior COVID19 infection

Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears, decreased urination) or inability to take liquids by mouth.

may not give a person protection against

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5. THERE ARE WAYS YOU CAN HELP PROTECT YOUR FAMILY FROM OMICRON AND FUTURE VARIANTS.

Make an educated decision for you and your family regarding COVID19 vaccination.

As new variants of the virus continue to emerge, parents and children should take additional steps to reduce the spread of infection.

Mask up and make sure to use high quality, well-fitting masks.

Keep hands clean by washing or sanitizing.

Avoid crowds when possible.

Get tested if you show any symptoms.

Stay home when sick.

Stay informed– utilize trusted and reliable sources such as your PCP for direction and more information.

If you are going to see high-risk individuals during the Omicron surge, take extra precautions to keep them healthy. Try to limit your exposure ahead of seeing them, wear masks when in public, and get a test if you suspect any exposure to the virus.

940.455.7200 | LantanaPediatrics.com 74 McMakin Rd., Ste. 100 • Bartonville, TX 76226 Mon, Tues, Thurs: 7:30am-6pm | Wed: 7:30am-1pm Fri: 7:30am-5pm | Sat: 9am-12pm

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top landscaping & trends of 2022

by Caylie Howard

trend 1

INCLUDE MORE TROPICAL PLANTS With the pandemic, traveling has become more of a dream than a reality. Because of this, it’s become a popular landscaping and gardening trend to incorporate more tropical plants into their outdoor oasis. Even if you can’t travel to your favorite holiday location, you can still enjoy its tropical beauty from the comfort of your own home.

trend 2

BRINGING YOUR INDOOR SANCTUARY TO YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE

With everyone spending so much more time at home in the last few years, gardeners and landscapers have realized that the lines between our indoor and outdoor spaces have become easily blurred. And we’re all more than okay with that! When you stop limiting your creative designs to what fits the normal status of the home, you often are left with something that is more beautiful than you could ever imagine.

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trend 3 DESIGNING WITH DARK FOLIAGE A great landscaping and gardening trend to make your outdoor space stand out against a crowd is by using dark foliage. Plants with bright and vibrant colors already make a statement on their own, but if you really want your oasis to pop, the best way to do that is by adding in some darker foliage to enhance and complement those brighter colors.

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trend 4 MAXIMIZE BALCONIES AND PORCHES

Not everyone is going to have a large, wide-open space to decorate with beautiful gardens and landscapes. Being able to make the most out of any space you have is essential in any outdoor venue. You can use large pots that can handle many different types of plants, or even hanging plants to display your beautiful foliage. Beautiful landscapes and gardens can come in all different shapes and sizes.

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