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JULY/AUGUST 2021

HIGH-END

FACIAL & ORAL

Surgery Care

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Northlake - Justin - Roanoke (Canyon Falls - Harvest)

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TABLE OF

Contents ASK THE EXPERT 18 Dentistry with Country Lakes Family Dental

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS 15 Wellness At Its Best 23 The Force Is With Them ARTICLES 08 10 Hot Budget Friendly Day Trips 10 Foodie Friday DFW: Bella Maca 12 Inside Community and Education 20 Living With Purpose 24 Water Safety Tips 25 Instant Pot Blackberry Iced Tea Recipe 26 Choose To Flourish 28 How to Help Your Child Pick A Career 30 5 Things To Try

PAGE

HIGH-END

FACIAL & ORAL

Surgery Care

Cover Image Dr. Michael Pace of Northern Texas Facial and Oral Surgery

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

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

IS IT MY TURN FOR THE Mommy Crisis?

ur theme for this month’s issue is family and education, which naturally got me thinking about my kiddos and how Scott and I are almost emptynesters. Some parents might see that as a good thing, and who knows, maybe we’ll adjust quickly.

But there’s this unshakable feeling in my mommy gut that’s telling me I might not handle it all too well. Our oldest son Konnor is 23 and already out of the house. Zach just graduated from high school and will be off to college next month. Meanwhile, Courtney is headed off to law school. That’s three kids … out on their own to spread their wings. All that’s left is our baby girl, Maddie. It won’t be long for her, either. We’re going on a family vacation at the end of July. How complicated will it be after this summer to get all of us in the same place? Our community magazines, Best of Denton County, and all the other amazing things we do here at Murray Media Group can only keep my mind off the reality that my kids are leaving me for so long. Pretty soon, it’s all going to hit me hard. Will it be some sort of existential crisis? Will I gain a bunch of depression weight? They say family is never far away. So I know deep down that everything is going to be fine. They’ll always need their momma. And I will always need them. But in the meantime, I’m so proud of the men and women they have become. Enjoy the rest of your summer, everyone! And be sure to hug your kids tight. I know I am!

Administration

Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors Bobbi Byrne Alisha Tran

Editor & Writer Steve Gamel

Writers

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

Advertising Inquiries

sales@murray-media.com

Production

Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Cayla Thompson Michele Cunningham-Scott

Photography

Your Candid Memories Photography What’s That Guy’s Name? Guy T Photography Miranda Longoria 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 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. © 2021 Murray Media Group

Sincerely, Kelly Murray 6 | 35 WEST | JULY 2021

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HOT

BUDGET FRIENDLY

DAY TRIPS

1. DINOSAUR VALLEY STATE PARK Take a walk down the lane of history at Dinosaur Valley State Park. This day trip is very kid-friendly. You can find dinosaur tracks, camp, have a picnic, mountain bike, swim, fish, and even paddle the river. You can also have fun watching for wildlife, looking for geocaches, or even riding your horse. This gem of a state park is located in Glen Rose, Texas, which is just a short drive from Fort Worth and makes this the perfect family day trip. 2. TURNER FALLS Fall into a fun time at Turner Falls. This is the perfect place to cool off in these hot summer Texas months. Turner Falls is a waterfall on Honey Creek in the Arbuckle Mountains of south-central Oklahoma. You can cool off by taking a swim in the refreshing water, or you can take a hike to see the famous rock castle. Turner falls is 8 | 35 WEST | JULY 2021

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just six miles south of Davis, Oklahoma and about an hour and a half drive from Denton County.

3. FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS Experience where the West begins at the Fort Worth Stockyards. Nothing embodies

western heritage better than the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. From

the original brick walkways to the wooden corrals, every inch of the Stockyards tells the

true history of Texas’ famous livestock industry. You can enjoy good food, live music, and a fun environment – all just a short distance from home. 4. DAVY CROCKETT NATIONAL FOREST It’s fun for the whole family at Davy Crockett National Forest. This Texas local destination contains more than 160,000 acres of East Texas woodlands, streams, recreation areas,

and a wildlife habitat. You can enjoy camping, swimming, picnicking, an amphitheater,

an interpretive forest trail, as well as fishing and boating. Located in Houston and Trinity counties, this is the perfect little day getaway for all to enjoy. 5. LAKE TEXOMA Cool off for the summer at Lake Texoma. This is the perfect place for people of all ages. Lake Texoma offers horse trails, golfing, fishing guides, camping, hunting, hiking and biking trails, and even casinos for adults. There truly is something for everyone. And

if you fall in love and decide to make it more than a day trip, they offer cabin rentals, resorts, and hotels. It’s a great summer day trip destination. 6. BEAVER’S BEND STATE PARK Become one with nature at Beaver’s Bend State Park. This destination is located in the

mountainous region of southeast Oklahoma along the shores of Broken Bow Lake and

the Mountain Fork River. Here, you will be able to find adventure, beautiful scenery, and plenty of activities inside the state park. The scenic beauty of Beaver’s Bend State Park makes this one of Oklahoma’s most popular destinations.

8. FIRST MONDAY TRADE DAYS Shop ‘til you Drop at First Monday Trade

Days. Also referred to as “Canton” due to its location in Canton, Texas. First Monday began more than a century ago and has grown to become the largest outdoor vendor and flea market in the world. This event takes place each month on the four days preceding the first Monday of the month. You can shop while also enjoying the delicious food that First Monday has to offer. First Monday Trade Days is a great way to spend the day. 9. ARBUCKLE WILDERNESS Step into the wild at Arbuckle Wilderness. This one-of-a-kind park is located in Murray County, Oklahoma. They offer an exotic animal park with self-drive car tours, along with a fun petting zoo, reptile center, and small rides. This is the perfect kid-friendly day trip that is sure to impress this summer vacation. 10. LAKE WHITNEY STATE PARK

7. GRANBURY, TEXAS It’s time to fall in love with Granbury, Texas. Granbury is located about 35 miles

southwest of Fort Worth, Texas. Here, you can walk the famous town square while

you shop in their boutiques and stores, dine in their local restaurants, and enjoy the

scenery of this historic square. You can also cool down and enjoy water activities at Lake Granbury. Granbury, Texas is the perfect day trip this summer. www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

It’s a summertime blast at Lake Whitney State Park. If you are wanting a fun getaway for a day, this is the place for you. Just a short road trip from DFW, you’ll find clear water, plenty of campsites, and a great place to relax with family and friends. You can enjoy fishing, swimming, boating and water skiing. You can enjoy the hiking trails, geocaching, and you can even enjoy the stars at nightfall. It’s the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day. JULY 2021 | 35 WEST | 9

BELLA MACA by Jay Marks | photos courtesy of Foodie Friday DFW

e’s cooked for the Queen of England and Paul McCartney. He’s traveled all over the world participating in cooking competitions. And now Chef Walter Bandt has opened his own restaurant, Bella Maca, to cook for the people of North DFW.

If you’ve never had the privilege of tasting some of Chef Walter’s food, trust us on this one. You’ll be able to feel all of his love, passion, and experience in each and every bite.

When it came to deciding the concept for Bella Maca, Chef Walter took inspiration from his own family and upbringing (“Maca” was his grandmother’s nickname) and decided to create an ArgentinianItalian fusion restaurant that also incorporates other cooking techniques and ingredients that he’s learned about in his world travels.

Since Foodie Friday is about the food, let’s talk about what Chef Walter made for us. To start our meal off, we sampled the Empanadas and Steamed Mussels. The empanadas start off with the perfect pastry exterior and are filled with seasoned ground beef, olives, and egg, then served with a side of their iconic chimichurri. And the mussels come straight from Maine each week and are served in a spicy tomato broth.

oh-my-gosh amazing. The meat was so tender that it came clean off the

bone and was covered in a delicious

red wine reduction sauce served over creamy polenta.

And we can’t talk about Bella Maca

without talking about their extensive collection of wines, whiskeys, and more, including some selections

straight from South America like their Argentinian Malbec.

The best way to sample their wine

selection is to reserve a spot at one of

their paired wine dinners. Each dinner has

Bella Maca has a beautiful woodfired oven, which allows them to cook incredible homestyle Italian items like their pizzas. Their signature pizza is the Don Emilio named after Walter’s father, which is topped with Canadian bacon, mushrooms, and crispy artichokes.

its own theme (Peruvian cuisine, Spanish

Then we come to the amazing selection of entrees with options like their Wild Mushroom Risotto, Poor Man’s Steak, and the Braised Short Ribs. Everything we tried was delicious, but those Short Ribs were

his restaurant, it’s not just about eating

tapas, etc.) and has a number of wines

perfectly paired with each course. Check

their Facebook page for upcoming events, and you can reserve your spot by calling the restaurant or visiting in person.

Chef Walter believes that when you visit good food but having a great experience.

And we definitely felt that when we visited Bella Maca. We can’t wait for you to give them a try!

972.724.2540 | JayMarksRealEstate.com jay@jaymarksrealestate.com

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INSIDE COMMUNITY

ROANOKE FD GETS NEW SAFETY HOUSE FOR YOUTH CONCERT BY THE CREEK On August 7 starting at 6pm, head over to Cinnamon Creek Ranch for Concert by the Creek to hear Erick Willis! Not only will there be live music, but also concessions and cornhole. This event is $10 a person and kids ages 5 and under are free. It’s BYOB, but a cooler fee must be purchased. Seating is first come first serve so bring your favorite lawn chair and have a good time! For more information and tickets go to http://www.cinnamoncreekranch.com/.

INSIDE EDUCATION

The Roanoke Fire Department purchased a new inflatable fire safety house to add to its youth education program on fire safety. A theatrical smoke pump is part of the house and simulates various situations to teach children how to evacuate and respond to a fire. The safety house is portable so the department is planning on bringing it to schools and community events in the future.

NEW PRINCIPAL OF NANCE ELEMENTARY Lindsie Smith has been named the new Nance Elementary School Principal! Smith has a heart for teaching and leading and receives true joy from seeing students succeed. She’s served Northwest ISD since 2005, first as an elementary teacher and then as an assistant principal. Smith holds a number of certifications, has led a number of professional development and training opportunities, and has been a part of leadership teams that have won state and national awards. photo courtesy of Northwest ISD

NORTHWEST ISD WINS GOLD Northwest ISD won the Gold Medal in the Blended Learning Optimization category for the Global 2021 IMS Learning Impact Awards, highlighting the collaboration between the NISD Technology Division and ClassLink! This award recognizes education technology projects and demonstrates evolving traditional educational delivery models and features a seamless technology environment for teachers and students to support effective combinations of online and in-classroom learning.

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JOURNEY TO DREAM CASINO NIGHT FUNDRAISER TROPHY CLUB LOOKING FOR ARTISTS If you’re an artist and love the idea of painting your own mural, the Aloft Hotel Trophy Club is looking to make a unique mark to give this fresh-faced property a special Trophy Club touch. If you’re interested, create an original 24”x36” piece of representative canvas work, enter your canvas by August 1st, and then potentially be the one chosen to paint your mural on the brand new Aloft Hotel! For all of the details go to https://tcmuralistoftheyear.com/.

Journey to Dream and Kyle’s Place is hosting their last big fundraiser of the year! On August 19th at Sneaky Pete’s Monterey Ballroom, try your luck and support a cause at this Charity Casino Night. Admission comes with 2 drink tickets and $200 worth of casino cash. There will also be a raffle and an auction. To learn more go to www.facebook. com/events/512498933529612.

SCHLUTER ELEMENTARY STUDENTS GROWING THEIR MINDSET

3 NISD ALUMNI QUALIFY FOR OLYMPIC TRIALS Congrats to the 3 NISD alumni who qualified for the Olympic Trials this year! Sanaä Barnes made her Olympic trial debut by placing 11th in the high jump finals at the Olympic Track and Field Team Trials. Adam Koster competed in the 50m freestyle trials with a qualifying time of 22.63. Lastly, Duke Kicinski competed in the Olympic Track and Field discus qualifying trials and finished with 58.17. photo courtesy of Northwest ISD

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Fifth grade students at Carl E. Schluter Elementary got a lesson in growth mindset with their final arts project in Ms. Casiano’s class. They used plaster and recycled material to sculpt, decorate, and paint a “selfie” planter. When the pieces were ready, students added soil, seed, and flowers to symbolize having a growth mindset as they move to middle school next year. photo courtesy of Northwest ISD

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Wellness AT ITS BEST

by Steve Gamel

Business Spotlight

if you seek to improve your wellness, you must be weak or sick by default. We know this to be nothing more than folklore, but this myth is used to deter people from being healthy. Focusing on your wellness helps unlock joy, fulfillment, strengthen communication, and have healthy boundaries.”

Gregg’s organization has constantly improved to ensure access to care is timely, convenient, affordable, and of the highest quality. They’ve increased access to care by leaning into a telehealth model as well. The leaders of Connections Wellness Group are equally aware of the wellness of their staff. “Focusing on They actually pay their staff a separate stipend your wellness to have healthy habits.

ealth is the greatest gift one can give or receive! There’s no better business than helping people achieve complete wellness and support them to enjoy life to the fullest. Connections Wellness Group is one such organization, serving Dentonites for three years now. And, we all can vouch for its success in this short time as the company has won more than 31 awards & designations at the local, state, national, and international levels.

“Wellness, to me means happiness. The concept of wellness was so important that we put it into the name of our business,” said Awstin Gregg, owner and CEO of the Group who is a professional therapist himself. Gregg is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC). “Wellness is comprehensive, it isn’t one-sided, and it certainly isn’t piecemealed. Wellness is a gift, just as it is a goal requiring maintenance. Our team at Connections pursues wellness for our patients but also practices wellness themselves.” What makes Connections Wellness Group extraordinary is its outstanding team of

940.222.2399 ConnectionsWellnessGroup.com 2701 Shoreline Dr., Ste. 151 Denton, TX 76210

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industry experts. The group offers services in all aspects of physical and mental well-being.

helps unlock joy, fulfillment, strengthen communication, and have healthy boundaries.”

“We provide everything but the hospital. Many times, we help people stay out of the hospital. We offer individual therapy, medication management, and group therapy,” Gregg mentioned. The institute also has registered dietitians on staff and offers specialty services such as TMS for those pervasive & chronic symptoms.

As mental and emotional well-being becomes the most crucial aspect of our lives, the need for mental health practices like Connections seems more important than ever. Connections has been spreading awareness about how people perceive the term ‘wellness.’ Talking about the myths around mental well-being, Gregg said: “People usually believe that

“Quite literally, we will pay our employees to eat a healthy meal, exercise, read a book, or go on a walk! We want to create a precedent for our team that we celebrate wellness all around,” Gregg proudly shared.

Connections Wellness Group is expanding across the DFW this year! A location could be right around the corner from you, further increasing convenience and access to care! You don’t have to live with your mental health symptoms. There is treatment. There is a team. There can be a plan, and they can connect it all together for you at Connections Wellness Group.

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HIGH-END

FACIAL & ORAL

Surgery Care RIGHT HERE IN DENTON COUNTY

by Steve Gamel | cover photo by Your Candid Memories (YourCandidMemories.com) & photo of Dr. Michael Pace and Staff by What’s That Guy’s Name? | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GUY T

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972.961.7595 | ntfos.com 4130 Justin Rd., Ste. 105 Flower Mound, TX 75077

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he Northern Texas Facial and Oral Surgery (NTFOS) team had a busy week to kick off the summer months. Dr. Michael Pace anticipated a routine end to another rewarding workday, and the team started to wind down for the day in preparation to enjoy their weekend. The last patient arrived and it only took a few seconds to realize that she was concerned and in pain from a fall early that morning. “She was referred to our office after her fall. To some this may not seem like a major injury, but when it effects how someone smiles and if you are having pain in your mouth something needs to be done quickly,” Dr. Pace said. “When we started the day we weren’t planning to see a patient that late in the afternoon, but we couldn’t let her leave in pain and worrying about her smile. Bottom line, we had to take care of this patient and were happy to stay and help.” This is just one example of the exemplary care that patients receive at Northern Texas Facial and Oral Surgery in Flower Mound. “Our focus is to make sure that each and every patient receives safe and comprehensive care in our practice,” Dr. Pace said. “Our team is well versed in making sure that each patient experience is exceptional.”

photo courtesy of NTFOS Dr. Pace’s journey to oral surgery started at a very young age.

“My grandfather was a general dentist

and I admired his profession, work ethic, and accomplishments,” he said. Dr.

Pace attended dental school at UCLA.

During dental school he found that oral surgery was his passion and went on

to earn his medical degree from Loma Linda University. He completed oral

and maxillofacial surgical residency at

Loma Linda University Medical Center in Southern California and received extensive training in dental and

implant surgery, wisdom teeth removal, anesthesia, orthognathic surgery, facial trauma management, and head and neck pathology.

“The profession I have chosen is a dream

come true. I have the opportunity to work with talented dentists, orthodontists,

and physicians on a daily basis,” Dr. Pace

said. “Working hand in hand as a team to

provide superb outcomes for our patients is our ultimate goal.”

The office provides advanced technology to help ensure the patient’s comfort

and an overall great experience. These technologies include a 3D cone beam

CT Scan, the Carestream 3700 intraoral scanner, and the NOMAD portable photography by Your Candid Memories

(YourCandidMemories.com)

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radiography system. They also utilize

regenerative medicine techniques such

as platelet rich fibrin (PRF) that encourages

tissue regeneration and facilitates faster healing after bone grafting, dental implant placement, and tooth extractions. “To be able to utilize the newest and available diagnostic tools to assist in providing the best results for our patients is what we strive for,” Dr. Pace said. “The patients leave confident, safe, and comfortable knowing that we offer the best treatment options available.”

If Northern Texas Facial and Oral Surgery sounds familiar, there’s a good reason for that. The practice has been serving the dental and surgical needs of North Texas residents for decades and has three other locations in Grapevine, Keller, and Irving. “It’s a team of doctors,” Dr. Pace said. “I have weekly meetings with the doctors at our other locations where we discuss cases, and they also give opinions on the treatment planning.” Dr. Pace enjoys heading up the location in Flower Mound and the opportunity to serve patients in the surrounding areas of Highland Village, Lantana, Argyle, Lewisville, Justin, Northlake, and Corinth. “We tell all dentists that if a patient is hurting, send them right over. Most times, we are able to see and treat patients that same day,” Dr. Pace said. He added, “To be able to serve this large community with phenomenal patient care and positive experiences is an honor.” JULY 2021 | 35 WEST | 17

Ask The Expert: Dentistry

CHOOSING

THE BEST ORTHODONTIC

TREATMENT by Dr. Matt Artho, Owner of Country Lakes Family Dental

reconceived notions can often lead you down a troublesome path. I experienced this not too long ago when I misjudged my dryer and thought it was shrinking my clothes. It actually turned out to be the refrigerator. Dad jokes aside, I often witness the similar incorrect assumptions when it comes to patient’s understanding of orthodontics. The reality is orthodontics is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Rather, it takes proper diagnosis and recognition of desires to reach the proper goal. Here are some aspects to bear in mind when considering orthodontic treatment.

Oftentimes, patients only see orthodontic treatment as esthetic only. The truth is health is beauty. Orthodontics improve the overall appearance of teeth because it places them in the proper position for functioning. Crowded teeth not only are more difficult to clean, but trapped surfaces allow for easier plaque buildup. Lightly touching teeth are easier to floss and create less surface area for bacteria adhesion. Furthermore, proper biting or occlusion helps to prevent uneven wear or parafunctional habits that could lead to potential TMJ disorders.

When choosing between traditional bracket orthodontics or clear aligners, like Invisalign, it is helpful to know the benefits of each. Though clear aligners are gaining a lot of ground, traditional braces still have a broad treatment span. Braces do not require the consistent compliance of aligners. Invisalign has its advantage in that it is a clear treatment that allows for easier brushing and flossing. Also, there is no concern of loose wires or dislodged brackets. In acceptable cases, I often encourage teens playing sports or in band to consider Invisalign because the trays can be removed. Adults, too, are more

ORTHODONTICS IMPROVE THE OVERALL APPEARANCE OF TEETH BECAUSE IT PLACES THEM IN THE PROPER POSITION FOR FUNCTIONING. likely to choose Invisalign for ease of use and esthetics. However, keep in mind that combination treatments can use both. Whether choosing traditional orthodontics or a modern approach, remember it is never too late to correct misaligned teeth. Several years of proper tooth placement is always worth the treatment time. Visit your dentist or orthodontist to help decide what is best for your child and for you! Happy Smiling!

940.455.7645 | COUNTRYLAKESDENTAL.COM | 74 MCMAKIN RD., STE. 200 • BARTONVILLE, TX 76226

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JULY 2021 | 35 WEST | 19

LIVING WITH

PURPOSE by Leena Duwadi | photos courtesy of Page Austin

“THIS LIFE IS SHORT. DON’T WASTE YOUR LIFE BEING SAD, ANGRY, OR DISAPPOINTED. EMBRACE EACH DAY AS A GIFT”.

t was a once in a lifetime moment for Page Austin when she heard former First Lady Laura Bush praising her in front of her family. The year was 2003, and Page, who was 22, was working as a staff assistant for Mrs. Bush and was with her on an official trip after Hurricane Katrina.

Mrs. Bush gushed over her assistant. “I am so thankful for your daughter. Page does an amazing job and is serving the American people well. You should be very proud of her.”

at the U.S. Department of Education.

She was contacted by the First Lady’s

office asking if she knew of anyone who

would want to work in her office. She sent Naturally, Page was blushing. “I traveled

to the Gulf Coast with her many times as

over my resume, and I was called for an interview,” Page shared.

my family is from there. On one of the first

Before that, she worked at the U.S.

my family was at the event because she

Schedule C Appointee.

trips, Mrs. Bush called me to make sure

Department of Energy as a Presidential

wanted to talk to them. I said no…haha. I

Austin was ambitious and hardworking

am a staff person. She insisted, though,” Page said. “So when we arrived at the

event, Mrs. Bush made her way around the venue meeting people, and then when we

came to my family, she shook their hands.” As the Lifestyle Manager in Harvest, Page Austin is a proud American who worked at The White House for five glorious

years at the beginning of her career. She

joined the First Lady’s office as an assistant for projects and policy and was later

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“I worked with a guy whose wife worked

since her college days. She went to

Mississippi State University and majored in political science. She was actively involved in student government,

college Republicans, and a government organization called the Stennis Montgomery Institute.

“I worked on tons of political campaigns. In 2000, I was offered an internship in

the Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott’s office. So summer of 2000, I was in

Washington DC. I worked hard and made www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

great contacts,” she mentioned. “Sen. Lott’s Chief of Staff got me a job on the Bush campaign in Mississippi. After Bush won the election, Lott’s COS got me an internship in Karl Rove’s office. I was an intern in political affairs at the White House for the Fall of 2001.”

When she graduated from college in

As an intern, Page witnessed the historical tragedy of 9/11, which she never forgets! That day, she reached The White House at around 6 a.m. and was busy doing her work when they all were asked to evacuate the building right after the World Trade Center was attacked.

“I love history, and it was just surreal that

“As we were grabbing our bags, we felt a powerful jolt. All I could think was that the White House had been hit. We ran out to the balcony of the Old Executive Office Building and saw the billowing smoke rising from the Pentagon. I couldn’t believe we felt that!” Page shared in an article she wrote in 2015.

worked hard, and impressed the team.

2002, she went back to D.C. The moments of her very first day in The White House are still just as fresh. She was amazed,

excited, and nervous and couldn’t believe she was working in the East Wing of the presidential palace.

I was in the place where John Adams and

Lincoln walked,” she said. “There is no onboarding or training. You are just pushed in the deep end and are expected to

swim,” she recalled about those days. However, she learned things quickly,

She got promoted after a year. As the Deputy Associate Director, she took

charge of the women’s empowerment,

women’s health, Gulf Coast recovery, and reading initiatives. She also supported

everything else that she could. She also managed the staff assistant and office interns.

“I worked from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. every

day. Sometimes we pulled all-nighters, especially if we were planning for

international travel,” Page remembers. “I

worked weekends as well. It was nonstop.” Page got to travel with the First Lady all

over the world and closely observed how amazing Laura Bush is!

“She is kind, thoughtful, and introverted. She would rather read about something than talk about it, and she’s very neat and organized,” she says of this former First Lady.

Page was one of the longest-serving staff members for Mrs. Bush.

As one of the best times of her life, Page

has cherished how she evolved and grew

as a person during those four years in The White House. She silently learned from

Mrs. Bush to be kind to all people, make them comfortable, and welcome them no matter who they are or where they

are from. To expand your mind through reading is also one of the things Page learned while being with Mrs. Bush. www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

Working as Lifestyle Manager in Harvest for a little over six years now, Page has changed the face of the community. “I love people, and I love creating a culture where people can belong and do life together,” she says. For her great works, she has been honored many times. “I won the gold award at Nationals in Las Vegas last January. It’s so great to be recognized for a job well done, and it inspires me to keep dreaming and creating!” she said. Her calendar of events is power-packed all the time. She’s a people person and is in the job she’s destined to be. As she keeps doing great things in life, Page has a message for everyone. “That this life is short. Don’t waste your life being sad, angry, or disappointed. Embrace each day as a gift. Love others even if you disagree with them. Live each day on purpose!” JULY 2021 | 35 WEST | 21

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THE FORCE

IS WITH

THEM T

by Diane Ciarloni photo of Steve & Celeste Waldroop courtesy of Cross Timbers Gazette & photo of yard courtesy of Garage Force

here was nothing seriously wrong with Steve and Celeste Waldroop’s lives. They enjoyed a solid, 32-year marriage; two adult, Flower Mound-raised daughters; and well-paying, professional careers.

“We both did very well in the corporate world,” Celeste remarked, “but, when we honestly soul-searched, we knew neither of us was indispensable in the eyes of our respective companies. Other people determined our value, and we felt we should be the ones with that control.”

It’s 20-times stronger than epoxy...even if there are cracks in the concrete. It’s also impervious to spills, including gasoline. Just wipe them up. The solution was to become their own bosses by investing in a franchise. “We put in months of research,” Steve said. “We vetted franchises in terms of a high-quality, proven product and service with a national presence.” Celeste added, “We were looking for a well defined and tested process that would ensure a quality outcome.” They attended a “discovery day” with Garage Force and, according to Celeste,

Business Spotlight

the connection with their leadership was immediate. “We launched one year ago during the pandemic,” Steve recalled. “Then we had the incredibly bad weather in February but, in March, business exploded. The entire Alliance corridor is booming with new construction. The Westlake area is fast becoming a financial district with the addition of offices for Charles Schwab, Ameritrade, Fidelity, and others. We’re looking at an amazing trajectory of growth possibilities in the entire region.” Garage Force is somewhat of a misnomer since the basic-to-elegantly glamorous floors offered by the company extend far beyond the garage in both residential and commercial facilities. Additionally, these ain’t your grandma’s concrete floors. “Epoxy was used previously,” Celeste recounted, “but it didn’t hold up. We use a patented product called Polyurea. It’s 20-times stronger than epoxy, and it won’t fail, even if there are cracks in the concrete. It’s also impervious to spills, including gasoline. Just wipe them up. We provide a lifetime guarantee on residential projects. “There’s a multitude of colors and solutions, including a stone look, oneof-a-kind metallics, quartz, and more. This is why we refer to our crew members as artisans and craftsmen.” One of the Waldroop’s long-time aspirations is helping the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, whose research was instrumental in their youngest daughter, now 27, surviving a brain tumor. They frequently share the story with their customers and plan more for the future. Married 32-years and, now, together 24/7. How’s that working? “Most days are great,” Steve chuckled. “Other days I need a motorcycle ride!”

817.888.8474 | DfwNorthWest.GarageForce.com www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

JULY 2021 | 35 WEST | 23

WATER SAFETY TIPS From The American Academy of Pediatrics by Dr. Rebecca Butler (Lantana Resident), Board Certified in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics

here are not many ways to cool off in the Texas heat, but swimming can be a great way to stay cool, enjoy the sun, and get some exercise. Time at the pool together as a family can make for good fun and great memories so let’s make sure everyone stays safe with these reminders about pool and water safety.

Welcome to our team! Priscilla Vidal, CPNP & Janet Webb, MD

PROTECT YOUR NEW BABY FROM WATER HAZARDS AROUND THE HOME Drowning can happen to any family. It’s quick, and it’s silent. Never, even for a moment, leave young children alone or in the care of another child while in or near bathtubs, pools, spas, wading pools, irrigation ditches, ponds, or other standing water. During swim times, designate a “Water Watcher” – an adult who will stay within arm’s reach to children in and around water. PROTECT THOSE CURIOUS TODDLERS Little kids are curious; and that’s a wonderful thing! Many toddlers are very curious, active and eager to explore their surrounding and are attracted to water. It shines, ripples, splashes, and can even make things float, but they don’t understand that water can be dangerous and aren’t old enough yet to do what is needed when in trouble. So, it’s essential to protect them from water hazards where you live and where you visit. Water safety is important for all ages, but especially for toddlers. Drowning is the leading cause of injury death in children 1-4. Young children can drown in as little as an inch or two of water, and it can happen quickly and silently. Remember, water safety is not just about swimming pools. Installing bathroom door locks and toilet latches, and emptying all buckets, pools and tubs helps keep curious little ones safe. START SWIMMING LESSONS EARLY Swim lessons for children ages 4 and up: a must for most families: By their 4th birthday, most children are ready for swim lessons. At this age, they usually can learn basic water survival skills such as floating, treading water and getting to an exit point. By age 5 or 6, most children in swim lessons can master the front crawl. If your child hasn’t already started in a learn-to-swim program, now is the time! DOES AAP RECOMMEND INFANT SWIM CLASSES?

VOTE FOR US! July 21

Aug. 18

RAPID AND PCR TESTING AVAILABLE

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

24 | 35 WEST | JULY 2021

There is currently no evidence that infant swim programs for babies under 1 year old lower their drowning risk. Infants this age may show reflex “swimming” movements but can’t yet raise their heads out of the water well enough to breathe. However, enrolling in a parent-child water play class to help your infant get used to being in the pool can be a fun activity to enjoy together. Make safety a priority if you own a swimming pool www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

I N S TA N T P OT ®

BLACKBERRY ICED TEA PREP TIME: 5 minutes | COOK TIME: 5 minutes active (+ time to come to pressure) | NATURAL RELEASE: 10 minutes | SERVES: 4-6

TIP TO REDUCE BITTERNESS, ADD A PINCH OF BAKING SODA PRIOR TO BREWING AND REMOVE TEA BAGS AS SOON AS THE PRESSURE HAS BEEN FULLY RELEASED.

INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

8 c. water

1. Add water, tea bags, and a half cup blackberries to Instant Pot® and stir to combine. Add lid and lock into place. Switch the vent to “Sealing” and set the “Manual” setting to 5 minutes.

6 organic black tea bags, paper tags removed 1½ c. fresh blackberries, divided 2 T. fresh basil, chopped ½ c. honey, preferably local ½ c. water 2 T. fresh lemon juice Optional garnish: Fresh blackberries Fresh basil sprigs www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

2. While the tea is brewing, add remaining blackberries, basil, honey, and water to saucepan set over medium heat. Cook, gently pressing on the blackberries to release their juices while continually stirring the mixture to combine, for 4-5 minutes. Once honey is completely melted and the mixture starts to thicken, remove from heat and set aside. 3. When cook time on Instant Pot® is complete, allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release to release any remaining pressure. 4. arefully strain hot tea mixture with a fine mesh strainer. Pour the reserved liquid into a large, heat-resistant pitcher and sweeten with the blackberry honey simple syrup, to taste. Add fresh lemon juice and stir to combine. 5. Serve immediately over ice with fresh blackberries and a sprig of fresh basil for garnish. Enjoy! JULY 2021 | 35 WEST | 25

CHOOSE FLOURISH

by Leena Duwadi | photos courtesy of Geordian Abel’s Instragram

or Geordian Abel, the sky’s the limit! She’s a blogger, social media influencer, traveler, and solopreneur. She also has her heart in interior decoration and the music industry. The story of this 27-year-old social media enthusiast from Harvest in Northlake who turned her passion into a profession could be a significant source of motivation for anyone.

Geordian was always inclined to fashion, lifestyle, and writing. She calls herself a people-pleaser and loves to make friends. She always had big dreams, aspirations, and goals. Better to say, she was never meant to be for typical jobs. “I have worked in numerous corporate jobs where I was never fulfilled, so having a side gig (blogging) was always a must,” she said. “I am

26 | 35 WEST | JULY 2021

passionate about being that long-distance BFF to my girls by sharing the latest fashion, beauty, and home trends. With my sales background, I learned how important building relationships is and have carried that professional experience over to my blog and boutique.” Starting her day with ‘morning quiet time’ and coffee, Geordian has to quickly look into fulfilling orders, computer works, creating social media content, and more. “I wear a lot of hats for my businesses, so no day is quite the same,” she says. She travels at least once a month and believes travel is excellent for fresh content to share with her audience. Napa, CA, has been her most favorite travel destination.

www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

a popular platform where one can read

knows she’s

She calls her blog ‘a place to come to feel

person, she’s

her lifestyle, fashion, and travel stories.

inspired to dress your best to feel your best… on a budget!” While she shares

many tips and tricks about lifestyle on her blog, her online boutique flourishinfrills. com offers a wide variety of fabulous

frilly outfits for every season. A frilly, pink babydoll fit is her favorite outfit. Her

mission is to build a community with her customers and watch them flourish in

their day-to-day lives via social media. She dreamed of owning a boutique

when she was 16, and last August, she

officially started Flourish in Frills. “It’s also

so motivating to be able to wake up every morning and do something I LOVE!”

com seven years ago and has built it into

t as rt w following her hea

She started her blog adoremorewithgeor.

a relentless

es t

equally grateful

d ec

for her husband, who

ision

stands by her side in all

ups and downs. “I have been

married to my gem of a husband,

Austin, for almost four years. We met my

freshman year of college and never looked back! We live in the suburbs with our two pups, Brutus and Banx,” Geordian said of her family. Austin is the man behind her

great Instagram pictures. On weekends, the couple loves to wine and dine and try out new local restaurants.

As a part of the job, Geordian regularly

she expressed her joy.

shares content with her followers on social

So, what was the experience of launching a

posts and accepts everything that comes

business amid the pandemic?

media. She tries to look authentic in her along, positively. However, she keeps

“This business has far surpassed everything I

looking forward to balancing her life online

say COVID-19 did not have too much of

she remarked.

could have dreamed of, and I can honestly an effect on it.”

and offline. “It is a major challenge,”

As she continues to work towards growing

It was not easy for her to manage everything

her business, Geordian believes that leaving

However, in November the same year, she

heart was the best decision she ever made.

opened the door for her to pursue side gigs

satisfied now. For those who aspire to be in

as she also had a full-time corporate job.

corporate opportunities and following her

got laid off from her job, and she felt like God

She’s financially as well as emotionally

full time. In her words, “Wearing multiple hats

the internet business, her word of advice

is challenging but so rewarding.” While she www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

. she ever made

is - “You cannot come straight into the

industry with zero

credibility and expect to make

X amount of money. It has taken

me seven years to get to the point I am at today.”

Last November, Flourish in Frills donated 10% of all proceeds on one day to Cook

Children’s. Geordian Abel is committed to continuing to give back to the community as the business grows. Recently, she also did her first Pampering & Revamping

giveback initiative. She took the lucky

winner to brunch and made a girls’ day out of it! “It was so fun to get to treat

someone that might not always spend

her money on pampering herself nor her

wardrobe. We are planning on doing this twice a year, once in the fall and spring,” she said. All in all, Geordian lives by a motto - “Life is a choice. Choose

to flourish.” Follow Geordian on Instagram and Facebook @adoremorewithgeor, and you can visit her website at www.FlourishInFrills.com.

JULY 2021 | 35 WEST | 27

how to help your child

pick a CAREER

28 | 35 WEST | JULY 2021

www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

they will LOVE by Steve Gamel

here have been plenty of inspiring stories of local small-business owners in the pages of our Living magazines, but there’s no doubt that the best ones are the entrepreneurial tales of our area youth. For example, there is young Zack Crabill, who started Zack’s Doggy Doody Service

here are a few

suggestions

Push their passion If you’re going to work for the next 20 or 30 years, you might as well pick something you are passionate about. As parents, it’s easy to suggest careers to our children that we like, whether it’s our own career or another that carries lots of prestige. What we should be doing is honing in on what our child’s strengths are and what they are most passionate about. They may still become a lawyer or police officer like you, or they could choose something else. Either way, they’ll be happy.

in Lantana to help him save money for his first car. There’s also the young men from Lake Dallas ISD who opened a lawn mowing service that gained a handful of new customers within a matter of days. Just last month, we highlighted 5th-grader Chloe Kelley, who is the proud CEO of Soaper Girl. After sharing those stories, and so many more just like it, it’s clear that there’s no limit to how early kids begin thinking about careers and their future. Who knows if they’ll stick with these jobs or move on to something else, but it begs the question: how can we as parents help our kids – from pre-teen to high school seniors – pick a career they’ll love? www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

Tap into your resources Speaking of chasing dreams, if your child is passionate about a particular subject in school, maybe it would be a good idea to leverage the contacts you’ve built over the years to expose them to that sort of stuff outside of the classroom. They can interview these individuals and even shadow them on the job for a day or two. And who knows, maybe that person will become their mentor.

provides them with a unique learning experience and the opportunity to prepare for a job directly out of high school.

Encourage summer internships Applying for a regular summer or afterschool job has its advantages, but for the older kids out there, taking part in a paid or non-paid internship gives them handson experience in a career they enjoy so they can decide if it’s right for them.

Help them get that new business venture off the ground The young men mentioned who started a lawn care service got help from their parents, who not only bought supplies and equipment but also gave up their time to drive them to clients’ houses since none of them had a driver’s license. Make sure your kids know how much you support them and their entrepreneurial choices.

Look for electives and trade classes at school Signing your kids up for electives and trade classes like woodworking, theater, engineering, or plumbing JULY 2021 | 35 WEST | 29

Things 5TO TRY OAK HILLS SPLASH PARK 1225 Royal Palm Ln. | Carrollton, TX One of two splash parks in Carrollton, the Oak Hills Splash Park offers tons of aquatic fun. All the water features run from 9am8pm daily from May 1 - October 15 and include a slide, spray grounds and tipping water buckets. There’s also a pavilion, tables and grills available on a first-come, first-served basis. HERITAGE SPRINGS SPLASH PAD 600 Spinks Rd. | Flower Mound, TX Heritage Park is the center of fun and events in Flower Mound, and it’s now home to a 2,000 sq ft shaded splash pad including sculpted concrete features and 14 unique water features including Misty Mountain, Over N’ Under, and a Touch ‘n Go Activator.

CARL GENE YOUNG SR. PARK 327 S Wood St. | Denton, TX The spray ground is a new amenity at Carl Gene Young Sr. Park and is open from 9am-8pm from May 10 - September 30, 2021. The popular splash pad features a water-spinning flower and several other sprayers. After you’re done cooling off, you can also enjoy the playground, basketball courts, and picnic tables.

DOUBLE RANCH PARK 310 Highland Village Rd. | Highland Village, TX

Kids and parents alike are going to love Doubletree Ranch Park, where you can walk almost a mile of trails, enjoy a family picnic at the pavilion, and then cool off by playing in the splash pad. While you’re there, you can also watch a soccer game and enjoy snacks from the concession stand. The splash pad was designed with a natural creek look and flow. 30 | 35 WEST | JULY 2021

LITTLE ELM BEACH 701 W. Eldorado Pkwy. | Little Elm, TX Little Elm Park is located on Lake Lewisville in Little Elm, Texas. Located along the western shoreline of Little Elm Park is Little Elm Beach. The public swim beach provides swimmers a safe, enclosed sand beach area that does not allow boat traffic. You’ll also find sand volleyball and a playground at this park. The beach is an open sand and has a family-friendly play area. www.LiveLocalMagazines.com