Town
Longoria
Stella Beteck
Hidden Gem Media, LLC Publisher of Alliance Living stella@alliancelivingmagazine.com
For The Love of Fall
Dearest readers,
Is it just me, or does it really start to feel like fall around Octoberish? Fall is my absolute favorite season. The cooler weather, pumpkin-flavored everything (well, most things), and cozy fall fashion always put me in a good mood. I am definitely ready for a little change and some fresh energy this season.
You may have noticed I didn’t publish our last issue. I took a break to focus on family while navigating a personal matter. I missed connecting with you, but that time was really needed. This season reminded me that life can throw unexpected curveballs and what matters most is surrounding yourself with close friends and family, especially those who pray with you and show up without hesitation. I want to give a special shout-out to my best friend and husband, Besem, and my siblings Anita, Doreen, Adolphe, and Relindis, who have been my anchor during this time. On a happy note, my 16-year-old started college this fall — yes, COLLEGE at 16, y’all! I am so proud of him, though the overprotective mama bear in me is still adjusting. Parents who have been through this milestone, any advice is appreciated!
I am also excited to have you dive into this issue! You’ll get to know Hounds Town North Fort Worth Alliance, a familyowned doggy daycare where pups are showered with love and care. You’ll also read about a local non-profit doing amazing work in the community, plus a list of fall festivals and trunk-or-treat events to enjoy and much, much more.
As always, I love hearing from you. Whether you want to share your story, highlight your business, or collaborate on something meaningful, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your stories, your events, your families, and your support of the local businesses featured in this magazine are what truly make Alliance Living what it is!
Sincerely,
Stella Beteck
Publisher & Editor
Stella Beteck
Administration
Managing Editor
Jana Melton
Assistant Editor
Bobbi Byrne
Advertising Inquiries
stella@alliancelivingmagazine.com
Production
Graphic Designers
Ronny Duwe
Steve Wulf
Shannon Robb Randee Paraskevopoulos
Writers
Craig Hewitt, Steve Gamel, Mark Miller
Photography
Miranda Longoria Photography
Letters
Alliance Living Magazine invites reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments. Email stella@alliancelivingmagazine.com All submissions become the sole property of Hidden Gem Media, LLC.
Editorial Inquiries
Call 817.941.5712 or email
stella@alliancelivingmagazine.com
Alliance Living Magazine is published monthly by Hidden Gem Media, LLC. 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. Alliance Living 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. © 2025 Hidden Gem Media, LLC.
Her Health Upgrades Technology Transforming Women’s Health Care
by Local Results Media
Women’s health has often been overlooked, underfunded, or treated with a shrug of “that’s just how it is.” But 2025 feels different. From menopause to mental health, the latest wave of tech tools is finally designed with women in mind — and they’re making wellness a lot less guesswork and a lot more personalized.
Here are six areas where technology is making a real difference — plus just a few of the apps, devices, and platforms you’ll want to chat with your doctor about. Always keep privacy concerns in mind and remember open communication with your healthcare professionals are best for your overall care.
Menopause Goes High-Tech
Hot flashes and mood swings don’t exactly come with an instruction manual, but new tech is stepping in. Midi Health, a telemedicine service focused on midlife women, pairs you with providers who specialize in hormone changes. At home, wearables like the Oura Ring Gen 3 can track sleep, stress, and temperature shifts, while the Stella app helps log symptoms so you can see patterns instead of chaos. Translation: you’ll have more than “I feel off” to bring to your doctor.
Smarter Fertility and Reproductive Care
The Mira Fertility Plus Analyzer acts like a mini-lab on your bathroom counter, measuring actual hormone levels in urine to predict ovulation with serious accuracy. Fertility platforms such as Kindbody and Progyny are also making it easier (and less overwhelming) to explore options, from egg freezing to IVF, all with digital consults and insurance help. And if you’re loyal to tracking apps, Clue and Natural Cycles are getting upgrades with AI that adapts predictions to your personal cycle quirks.
Pregnancy with a Safety Net
Pregnancy apps used to be all bump-size updates and cute fruit comparisons. Now they’re about real support. Babyscripts allows moms-to-be to track blood pressure, glucose, and weight at home, sending data directly to providers — so red flags get caught early. For hospital monitoring of the baby, Philips Avalon CL Fetal Monitoring lets women move around while connected, a big comfort upgrade. These tools are helping bridge gaps in maternal care, especially for women who live far from specialists.
Mental Health on Demand
Workouts That Actually Sync With Your Body
Ever tried to power through a bootcamp class when your energy’s in the basement? Enter Wild AI, which tailors fitness and nutrition to your menstrual cycle, adjusting recommendations based on hormone shifts. Pair that with Nutrisense, a continuous glucose monitor and app, and you’ll literally see how different foods impact your energy and mood in real time. It’s like having a personal trainer and nutritionist who understand that your body isn’t on the same settings every single day.
The Takeaway
Women juggle a lot — work, caregiving, hormones, and the occasional midnight spiral. That’s where digital mental health support shines. Woebot Health is an AI-powered chatbot that delivers cognitive behavioral therapy techniques when you need them (yes, even at 3 am). Maven Clinic goes further with virtual postpartum counseling, lactation help, and mental health resources all in one place. And for community support, Peanut connects women in every stage of life, from fertility journeys to menopause, so you can find “your people” without leaving the couch.
Closing the Data Gap — finally!
One of the biggest breakthroughs of 2025 isn’t flashy — it’s data. For decades, women were underrepresented in clinical trials, leaving huge blind spots in how treatments worked across the sexes. Platforms like Elektra Health are gathering anonymized menopause information, while apps like Flo and Clue are building massive databases of cycle and symptom data. This influx of information helps researchers — and ultimately doctors — develop better treatments designed for women, not just adapted from male-focused studies.
Women’s health technology in 2025 isn’t just about gadgets and apps — it’s about autonomy, accessibility, and being taken seriously. Whether it’s tracking hot flashes with a wearable, managing fertility with AI-powered devices, or getting maternal care from home, women now have tools designed with their specific needs in mind.
And while no app or device can replace a trusted provider, they can give women more data, more choices, and more voice in their care. The message is clear: the future of health care is personal, digital, and — finally — female-focused.
Award-Winning Sweet & Sassy Chili
Our daughter devised this recipe when she was 11 (with just a little help). It’s on the sweet side because she won't eat spicy food, and it’s true Texas chili without beans. It won first place at our church’s chili cook-off. (Her dad’s the following year only took third.) The country ribs add a luxurious, melt-in-your mouth texture. If you like it spicy, use this as a base and jazz it up with your favorite hot sauce(s).
This recipe will make a party (or cook-off) sized batch. Feel free to halve or even quarter it for family chili night.
Ingredients
3-4 pounds ground beef
1 pound ground pork
1-2 lb. boneless country pork ribs — about six ribs (remove fat, cut into ½ inch strips against the grain of the meat)
2 large white onion, diced small
6-8 small, sweet red, yellow, and/or orange peppers, diced small
7-9 cans of tomato sauce, 15 oz. (or comparative amount of larger cans)
1 can petite diced tomatoes
3-4 tbsp. chopped, garlic (jar or fresh), or browning meat
Seasoning
2-3 tbsp. chili powder
1-2 tbsp. chipotle chili powder
2-3 tbsp. cumin
1 tsp. oregano (ground small)
1 tsp. parsley flakes (ground small)
2-3 tbsp. Kosher salt
½ tsp. black pepper
½ tsp. white pepper
½ tsp. red pepper
1 tsp. cinnamon
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tbsp. sugar
½ tsp. onion powder
2 tsp. garlic powder
1-2 tbsp. chopped garlic (jar), to add directly to the chili
Regular Tabasco (we’ll use 4-6 dashes; to get an idea of proportion to others)
Chipotle Tabasco (6-8 dashes)
Green Tabasco (8-10 dashes)
Soy Sauce (6-8 dashes)
by Randee Paraskevopoulos
InStructions
1. In large stock pot, pour 6-8 cans of tomato sauce (you can add more later if it’s not juicy enough) and one can of diced tomatoes. Heat on med-high until hot.
2. In a large saute pan, heat oil. Saute onion and peppers until onions are clear. Add garlic and saute another minute or so. Remove about 2/3 and set aside.
3. Add half the ground beef/pork and brown, breaking into small pieces. Transfer beef to large stock pot, with some (but not all) of the fat. Discard the remaining fat.
4. With half the remaining onions, brown rest of ground beef as before. Do the same with the rib chunks, transferring all to the large stock pot.
5. Once all the meat is in the sauce, add the seasoning and reduce to simmer. Cook several hours, stirring occasionally.
Notes
• All measurements are approximate. Dump in what looks good and taste frequently, adjust accordingly.
• We've never actually “cooked” this in a Crockpot. But you can make it the night before, transfer to the Crockpot, and store it in the fridge overnight. Then several hours before the party, turn on the crock pot so it has time to get hot.
• We usually serve over Fritos (sometimes cornbread), garnished with sour cream and shredded cheddar. Onions or avocado are great, too!
Pumpkin Patches things to do
A PLACE FOR YOU. A PLACE FOR YOUR FAMILY.
The heart of Milestone is to reach others through a life-giving environment, see people’s relationships with God and others grow, and for individuals to walk in God’s purpose for their lives. Every weekend, we have an 8:15am, 9:45am, and 11:30am service at our Haslet campus and would love for you to be a part! We hope to see you there!
Sundays at 8:15am,9:45am, and 11:30am
Join us this weekend at our Haslet campus! Scan the QR code or visit milestonechurch.com to learn more.
HASLET CAMPUS
theLocal Buzz
All photos courtesy of the organization’s website or social media
TROPHY CLUB HARVEST FESTIVAL
Celebrate the season at Trophy Club’s first-ever Harvest Festival. Enjoy live music, fall photo ops, family games, tasty bites from local favorites, and craft booths filled with seasonal charm. Bring your friends, family, and plenty of fall spirit for this new community tradition. Scan QR code to learn more!
Saturday, November 15 | 6–10 p.m.
Independence Park East | 500 Parkview Dr., Roanoke
BARK-TOBER FEST
Celebrate your four-legged friends at Bark-tober Fest! Enjoy a dog costume contest with prizes, caricature artist, meet-andgreet with favorite dog characters, photo ops, pup cups, music, giveaways, treats, and more. Bring the whole family and your furry pals dressed in festive costumes. Scan to learn more!
Saturday, October 25 | 12–4 p.m.
Tanger Outlet | 15853 North Fwy., Fort Worth
TRICK OR TREAT ON OAK ST.
Join the fun for a night of family-friendly Halloween excitement! Trick-or-treat along Oak Street, play festive games, and cheer on pups at the Dog Costume Contest. Enjoy free activities for all ages. Scan QR code to learn more!
Friday, October 31 | 5–8 p.m.
City Hall Plaza | 500 S Oak St., Roanoke
NORTHPARK YMCA FALL FESTIVAL
Celebrate fall at NorthPark YMCA’s family-friendly festival. Enjoy trunk-or-treating, local vendors, games, and more. Costumes are encouraged, and admission is free. Scan QR code to learn more!
Saturday, October 25 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
NorthPark YMCA | 9100 N Beach St., Fort Worth
FAMILY FRIENDLY HALLOWEEN, FALL FESTIVALS &
BOO AT THE ZOO
Celebrate Halloween with a wild twist at Boo at the Zoo! Enjoy trick-or-treat stations, live entertainment, animal shows, and festive fun for all ages. This daytime event is free with Zoo admission or membership. Don’t miss out on this spooktacular family tradition! Scan QR code to learn more!
Friday–Sunday, October 24–26 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Fort Worth Zoo | 1989 Colonial Pkwy., Fort Worth
SPOOKTACULAR FALL FESTIVAL
Join the fun at Medical City Alliance’s 11th Annual Spooktacular Fall Festival. Enjoy free food, music, games, face painting, trick-or-treating, and hourly costume contests. Bring a nonperishable item for entry to support Community Storehouse. Meet local heroes from fire and police departments, take photos and much more! Scan QR code to learn more!
Saturday, October 25 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Medical City Alliance | 3100 N Tarrant Pkwy., Fort Worth
5TH ANNUAL ROANOKE COMMUNITY TRUNK OR TREAT
Join the fun at Roanoke’s 5th Annual Community Trunk or Treat! Enjoy entertainment, tons of candy, and exciting prizes from local sponsors. Admission is free, but guests are asked to bring a nonperishable item or monetary donation to support local food banks. Costumes are encouraged. Scan QR code to learn more!
Saturday, October 24 | 4–7 p.m. Roanoke Community | 201 Park Dr., Roanoke
CHRIST’S HAVEN FALL FESTIVAL & OPEN HOUSE
Celebrate fall at Christ’s Haven’s family-friendly festival! Enjoy trunk-or-treating, bounce houses, games, pony rides, food trucks, and tours of the homes. Free admission; food and T-shirts available for purchase. Bring the whole family for a day of fun and community spirit. Scan to learn more!
Saturday, October 25 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Christ’s Haven | 4200 Keller Haslet Rd., Keller
EVENTS
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Melissa Pittman: Providing a loving and trusted space for dogs in Alliance
by Steve Gamel | photography by Miranda Longoria Photography
For Melissa Pittman, life has always revolved around family, and that includes her four dogs. Their wagging tails and eager greetings after a long day remind her that pets are more than companions, they’re family. Like every devoted dog parent, Melissa only wants the very best for them, even when she can’t be there herself.
That desire led her to discover Hounds Town USA, a doggie daycare unlike any other.
“We are a dog-house family through and through, so when it came to choosing a doggie daycare, I wanted something with a family feel,” Melissa said. “Hounds Town was fun, warm, and inviting … even the colors were playful. It looked like a place I’d take my dogs.”
It also felt like something more, a business she could bring to her own community. With the support of her husband, Edward, and her children, Justin Jones and Angelique Pondexter, Melissa became the proud owner of Hounds Town North Fort Worth Alliance. The facility, which opened in February, is one of 95 Hounds Town locations nationwide and one of five in North Texas.
“Dog owners deserve to know the people they trust to care for their dogs genuinely care and are fully engaged”
The Pittman family’s Hounds Town Alliance location delivers exactly what Melissa once sought for her own pets.
“Dog owners deserve to know the people they trust to care for their dogs genuinely care and are fully engaged,” she said. “We wanted to create a place where dog parents feel confident and comfortable, and where dogs can simply be dogs.”
A Safe Haven for Dogs and Peace of Mind for Owners
Modern life doesn’t always allow us to spend every hour with our furry friends. From busy professionals to frequent travelers, families with high-energy dogs to apartment dwellers, many need extra support to ensure their pets are happy, healthy, and cared for.
That’s where Hounds Town Alliance comes in. Dogs enjoy a safe, structured, and
engaging environment where they can socialize, play, and burn off energy, while owners gain peace of mind knowing their pets are in the hands of trained, attentive staff.
Founded in 2000 by former NYPD and Nassau County Police canine handler Michael S. Gould, Hounds Town USA was built on a simple mission — give dogs a place to express their natural pack instincts in a healthy, enriching environment. Services include all-day interactive play, overnight boarding with no breed restrictions, and a full pet spa.
And yes, blueberry facials are on the menu. Alongside teeth brushing, spa baths, and nail trimming, every service is designed to keep dogs happy, clean, and stress-free.
Comfort, Care, and Family Involvement
At Hounds Town North Fort Worth Alliance, comfort is top priority. The 6,000-square-foot facility includes 54 spacious townhomes for boarding, with dogs grouped according to temperament and needs.
“We have townhomes for individual pups and larger spaces for groups of five or six,” Melissa said. “Whether it’s for one day or every day, they’re free to enjoy a comfortable, social environment.”
That personal touch is what makes the Alliance location stand out. Unlike corporately run
facilities, Melissa and her family are on-site and actively involved in daily operations.
“My family and I are here most days, and I think that shows in the care dogs receive,” Melissa said. “That’s exactly what I wanted in a doggie daycare, a place where dogs are truly cared for and families feel part of the pack.”
For Melissa, Hounds Town isn’t just a business. It’s an extension of her passion for animals, her commitment to family values, and her dedication to her community.
Kacee said the non-livestock aspects of 4-H improve confidence and provide the life skills youth need today. Since every project needed someone to lead, she and Kaden were seeking more focus on how to be a leader and providing ways for kids to become leaders even when they didn’t know it.
“We’re trying to get young kids to understand ‘yes you are having fun with your rabbit, but what did you do about leadership today,’ and they have to think outside the box.”
ing events. It ended the first year with 15 members from Haslet, Bedford, Fort Worth, and Weatherford and hopes for more this year. Haslet pitched in by providing the club with free meeting space at the Haslet Community Center.
Lonestar Legacy has been able to quickly succeed, thanks to two early fundrais-
The new club is all about meeting the kids where they are, and Kacee said there’s emphasis on helping youth who have never experienced 4-H.
“We send out a survey asking the kids ‘what do you want to do this year? Do you want to get more involved or less involved, what projects interest you,’ and we build our year based on what the kids are telling us what
they want to do,” she said.
The club will be taking part in two upcoming events. The first is the Green Jacket Academy on Oct. 25. The other is Light Up at the Luau for Spark junior leadership retreat Nov. 7-9 in Brownwood.
For more information including on how to join 4-H Lonestar Legacy, scan the QR code below to visit their Facebook page or email ll4-Hh-club@gmail.com. Visit the Tarrant County’s club website at agrilife.org/urbantarrant4h/.
Think Small Holiday SHOPPING?
The holiday season is upon us, and it’s time to start shopping for your family, friends, co-workers, and loved ones.
Do I hear a collective “ugh”?
How about trying something different this year? Shop small.
In between Black Friday and Cyber Monday comes probably the most important shopping day in our community: Small Business Saturday.
Small Business Saturday happens the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and it’s a chance to celebrate the brick and mortar/mom-and-pop shops that are like family to us.
Why is it important?
1. Small business benefits the community
For all of the big box stores and mega marts, it’s the small businesses in our communities that make North Texas unique. Taxes are paid on state and city levels by businesses, and the taxes paid in these small stores go to their local community. If you travel outside the area to go to a big box store, you’re giving your money to that city instead.
2. Small business gives back to the community
When was the last time you heard of a bigbox store sponsoring the local little league baseball team? That’s not to suggest it doesn’t happen, but local businesses are engaged in their communities and willing to serve in any way possible.
3. Small businesses create jobs
According to the 2023 Small Business Profile, small businesses added 1.2 million net new jobs during the latest year studied. There are 30.7 million small businesses in the United States, which employ 47.3 percent of the state’s private workforce. Additionally, the independent local businesses go into their community to buy unique products and services that they need, employing even more of the workforce in our area.
4. Customer service is outstanding
We don’t know about you, but every time we go into a big hardware store, we spend an hour just trying to find someone to help us find the right aisle. Small businesses are happy to help you find what you need with friendly service.
5. Prices are competitive
It’s not accurate to think that you’ll pay more at a small business. Not only are prices competitive, but they also have more unique merchandise made by local craftspeople. If you don’t believe us, visit a local boutique. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.
While there are plenty of great malls and plazas in the area that you will also frequent, don’t forget about the little guy this holiday season. You’ll find unique gifts at great prices, and you’ll also benefit your local community while you shop.
There are boutiques, salons, restaurants, brewpubs, local coffee shops, even second-hand stores — all with rare merchandise that makes for great gifts that can’t be replicated by others.
Remember, Saturday, November 29, 2025, is the day to celebrate and support small businesses in the area. But don’t just celebrate this one day out of the year. These are your friends, your neighbors, your kids’ parents, and most importantly, this is your community.
by Madison Reed
