Argyle Living Magazine December 2019

DECEMBER 13, 2019 - JANUARY 17, 2020 New Year, New You Issue

Direct Mailed to the Following Areas:

407 BBQ

WHAT ARE YOUR

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS?

Argyle - Canyon Falls - Harvest - Robson Ranch

READY TO DEFEND TITLES

A FUNCTIONAL FITNESS ROUTINE BUILT FOR EVERYONE

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DECEMBER 2019

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ArgyleLivingMagazine.com

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Happy

Administration Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors Bobbi Byrne Alisha Tran

Writers & Editor Steve Gamel Brooke Ezzo

Advertising

Kelly Murray kelly@murray-media.com

Production

Art Director Liz Wallace Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Alyson Modene

Photography

Your Candid Memories 469.583.2819 yourcandidmemories.com

Letters

Argyle Living invites reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments.

Email artwork@murray-media.com.

All submissions become the sole property of Murray Media Group.

Editorial and Advertising Inquiries call 972.899.3637 or email

artwork@murray-media.com www.murray-media.com

Address: 3513 Yucca Dr., Ste. 200 Flower Mound, TX 75028 Argyle Living 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. Argyle Living 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. © 2019 Murray Media Group

Holidays & CHEERS TO 2020!

T

he holiday season is in full swing and 2020 is fast approaching.

Where did the time go? It seems like just yesterday that we were sending the kiddos back to school in triple-digit temperatures, and I can remember ringing in 2019 with family and friends like it happened last week. They say time flies when you’re having fun and, while I definitely had a lot of fun this year, my favorite thing to look back on are all of the things I learned and all of the challenges I overcame.

the ugly. Regardless of whether or not you

As we start to ponder on New Year’s resolutions and how we’re going to make 2020 better than this year, I urge you all to reflect on 2019 – the good, the bad, and

to be too hard on ourselves and instead

nailed all of your 2019 resolutions, I’d be willing to bet that you still learned and

grew in ways that you never expected this year. I know I did.

That’s what I love about life – you never know what the next day(or in this case, the next year) is going to bring. It’s the

unexpected challenges that help us grow the most. So we’ll make our resolutions,

and we’ll try to keep them longer than a

month, but we should also remember not take life as it comes. Enjoy your family,

cherish your friends, always be kind, laugh often, and make the best of the bad days.

Sincerely, Kelly Murray

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

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| DECEMBER 2019

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TABLE OF

CONTENTS

20

36

On the Cover is: F45 Lantana Team

FEATURED:

A Functional Fitness Routine Built For Everyone

ASK THE EXPERTS 22 Gardening with Complete Solutions 28 Dentistry with Country Lakes Family Dental

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS 11 Closets By Design:

Custom Closets To Meet Any Need

19 The Green Botica Hemporium: Who Knew?

ARTICLES 06 How To Stay On Task For The New Year

08 Ready To Defend Titles www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com

EDITORS PICK: Let’s Get This Party Started

13 407 BBQ 14 Inside Community 15 Inside Education 25 Sheriff’s Corner with

Sheriff Tracy Murphree

26 We Could All Stand To Be A Bit Nicer In The New Year

31 Foodie Friday with

Jay Marks Real Estate

32 What Are Your

Holiday Traditions?

34 Argyle Fire 38 Community Corner

New Year, New You

ISSUE Featuring articles on New Year resolutions, organizational tips and & new healthy lifestyle habits.

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New Year, New You

How To Stay

ONForTASK The

NEW YEAR

by Steve Gamel

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| DECEMBER 2019

I

f your to-do list is never-ending these days, you’re not alone. From work assignments and client meetings to shuffling the kiddos to baseball practice, doctor’s appointments, or piano lessons, there’s always something keeping us busy. And just when we knock a few things off the list and feel a sense of accomplishment, five or six more tasks quickly take their place.

Adulting is difficult. That’s why it’s more important now than ever to have a trusty tool to help us manage our personal schedules, time, and activities. Doing so eliminates guesswork, keeps us on task, and tells us where to be and when.

But what’s the best option for you as we approach the New Year?

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USE A CALENDAR There was once a less frantic time in all of our lives when we didn’t need a calendar and were okay with flying by the seat of our pants.

We could get by with mental notes and snickered at those who couldn’t. Things are different now, and calendars are the perfect remedy to stay on task of all our professional, personal, and family commitments.

Here are a few types to consider: ELECTRONIC OR ONLINE CALENDAR — Digital calendars are portable and can easily be backed up and accessed on multiple devices. This means you can schedule a meeting or appointment between tasks using your phone without having to worry about carrying around additional items all day. Everyone has their cell phone on them, so it just makes sense. Digital calendars are also better if you want to create recurring events, block out time in your day well in advance, and even share your schedule with an assistant or family member. Plus, you can set notification alerts as reminders.

PAPER CALENDAR — If the digital age isn’t quite your thing and you want something tangible, there are still desk calendars, calendars you place on the refrigerator door, and even pocket calendars that allow you to accomplish many of the same things that digital calendars do. This will require more manual work, and there’s no backup if you lose it. But a few reasons why some people prefer paper or physical calendars is that they can remember tasks better simply by writing them down. A paper calendar is also great for a quick visual reminder rather than unlocking your phone and going to a specific app.

CALENDAR

DAY PLANNER

TO-DO LIST www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com

U S E A D AY PLANNER

U S E TO - D O LISTS

Day planners are a step above a traditional paper calendar and mirror many of the benefits and features of a digital calendar.

Perhaps more enticing is that they allow you to create a system that works for you.

There are day planners out there for every organizational style, from at-a-glance daily and weekly appointment books to goalsetting diaries, planner-organizer combo sets, and everything in between. Here are just a few things you can keep track of with a day planner.

Even if you prefer using a digital

•

Setting annual goals

lists for the day while others create longer

•

Monthly overviews

•

Weekly tasks

•

Daily logs

•

Meal and workout plans

•

Shopping lists and household tasks

calendar, paper calendar, day planner, or a combination of all three, there is something about creating a to-do

list on a notepad or using a smartphone app like Evernote. Creating a to-do list right at the beginning of your day or

the night before creates structure for your day. It also gives you a sense of

accomplishment as you’re able to cross off

completed items as the minutes and hours pass by. Some people only make to-do

ones for busy weekends or an entire work week. Additional benefits include: •

Prioritization

•

Relieving stress

•

Less to keep in your head

It’s important to remember that regardless of which option you choose, none of them will be effective if you don’t consistently incorporate them into your daily and weekly schedules. Choose an option (or several) that works best for you, and then stick to it.

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O T Y D A RE

D N E F E D

S E L T TI

by Steve Gamel

T

he Argyle girls basketball team has made winning five straight Class 4A state championships

look automatic. And they have a chance of winning a sixth this year, provided that they continue to heed one specific message from head coach Chance Westmoreland: Don’t be content.

“When we got back to the state tournament last March, that’s all we were talking about.

We had a fabulous year, and we have

So far, so good, though. The bulk of the Lady Eagles’ nondistrict schedule has seen them hold their own against teams in higher classifications in an attempt to work out any kinks and be battle-tested by the time the District 8-4A opener against Bridgeport rolls around on Jan. 10.

WE HAVE A TARGET ON US.

a lot to look forward to next year. But the main thing is you can’t be content,” Westmoreland said. “Every team out there

When Westmoreland used this scheduling tactic last year, his

teams in their own class, and they didn’t lose another game.

This included a playoff run in which they beat each of the state’s four top-ranked

8 | ARGYLE LIVING

No. 3 Hardin-Jefferson). Perhaps the most impressive of those wins was over Joe

guarantee, because it’s not.”

| DECEMBER 2019

Lombard’s Canyon squad. Lombard has won 19 state titles during his more than 40-year career.

in-a-generation duo few teams will be

able to match up with moving forward.

Standifer, a Clemson commit, was the MVP of the 2018 title game before missing all of last season. In her absence, McKinney

averaged 23.9 points, 2.2 assists, and 2.9

steals per game and was the District 8-4A Brooklyn Carl, Kiley Lavelle, Abby

time they started playing

No. 2 Levelland, No. 4 Dallas Lincoln, and

You can’t say [winning state] is a

injury and has already created a once-

experienced it all by the

target on us. We have to put in the work to

He added, “Every year is different.

Sydney Standifer returns from a knee

MVP while leading Argyle to a 32-7 record.

teams to close out the year (No. 1 Canyon,

last year.”

Not only is Rhyle McKinney back, but

girls had seen and

is trying to get better, and we have a be even better than what we were

straight state title isn’t just big talk.

Williams, and Bailey Timmons add to that firepower. Shelby Henches, a 6-foot-2-

inch move-in from Pennsylvania, is quickly making a name for herself, too.

“We had to slow the game down a lot last year because we didn’t have a lot of vup

while also playing a lot more kids — and I think that will wear a lot of teams down,” Westmoreland said. “The good news is

that we have great girls who are unselfish

and want to find ways to attack the basket and find the open person. If we play

like that, we’re going to find ways to get everyone involved.”

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photo courtesy of Argyle ISD

The scary part is that winning a sixth

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Business Spotlight

CUSTOM CLOSETS To Meet Any Need

by Steve Gamel

B

efore Jay and Lisa Hemby left their corporate jobs to go into business for themselves, they were very

selective on which direction they’d go.

After all, they didn’t want just any business.

They wanted one that provided real value to its customers.

After about three years of searching,

what they found was Closets By Design.

And they were immediately hooked.

“We had looked at all types of

businesses — fast-food chains, car

washes, etc.,” Jay said. “We found this one, and we felt like it was a

great fit. Another husband-wife team

was running it, and we all had similar backgrounds. But after 19 years, they were ready to retire and be grandparents. We have literally

photo courtesy of Lisa Parelli

stepped right into their shoes.

He added, “They built-up the business; we’re just trying to help it grow.”

Jay and Lisa officially took over for the previous owners in April, and they’re

inviting everyone in Denton County to give them a call if they want an easy

answer to closet clutter and to get their home totally organized! Closets By

Design specializes in designing and

remodeling attractive storage spaces for any area of your home that needs organizing. This includes everything

from that packed closet in the master

bedroom to home offices, kitchen pantries, and garages. They have 60 employees, including a full-service design team that will measure your space and offer a myriad of custom options, and 10 installation vans that allow them to service all of DFW better and faster than anyone in the industry.

And the best part is that their vast collection of floor-based organizing options such as shelves, drawers, cabinets, dividers, lighting, desks, custom finishings, and more look like they were an original part of your home once installed.

“When we go meet with someone, they already have a need. And, obviously, closets are the lion’s share of what we do,” Jay said. “What most people have is a builder-grade closet with a single rod and a shelf above it. It’s useable, but over time, everything starts piling up because you don’t have shelves or drawers. Before you know it, your closet is a disaster. We will come in and redesign that space to optimize storage capacity and help people get organized.”

972.440.5188 | www.ClosetsByDesign.com www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com

DECEMBER 2019

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407 BBQ

by Steve Gamel

I

f you want real, mouthwatering barbecue at a good price and right in your backyard, look no further than

407 BBQ.

407 BBQ is the latest addition to a

What you can expect when you walk in

the door is BBQ perfected. This includes

all the classics, including brisket, pulled pork, ribs, baked potatoes, beans,

smoked chicken, and sausage links galore.

growing list of hidden gems in Argyle.

And that’s just for starters. If you’re still

of Dallas, the company expanded to

die for with options like Grandma’s Banana

created a full-service location at

cobbler. They also offer full-service BBQ

Originally a single BBQ trailer just outside

hungry after that, their dessert menu is to

several more trailers and eventually

Pudding and homemade peach and apple

831 FM 407.

catering and even onsite catering.

If you haven’t been there yet, we urge you

And as their website suggests, the folks

belly the right way.

cookers and offer onsite steak catering.

to hop in the car now and go feed your

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at 407 BBQ are also professional steak

Whether it’s a juicy 16-ounce boneless choice ribeye or a 12-ounce New York Strip, 407 BBQ can literally do it all.

For call-ahead orders, call 682.224.9225.

Their hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

DECEMBER 2019

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INSIDE COMMUNITY HOLIDAY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Dec. 17 - 19 | Christian Community Action | 200 S. Mill St. • Lewisville, TX 75057

If you are looking for ways to give back this season, the Christian Community Action organization is in need of volunteers as they continue their mission of ministering to the poor by providing services that bring hope and change. Their biggest request for volunteers is for Gift Distribution days on Dec. 17-19, as well as daytime volunteers at their two Giving Tree Stations. For the full list of volunteer opportunities please email volunteer.requests@ccahelps.org or call 972.219.4389. photo courtesy of the CCA facebook page @christiancommunityaction

photo courtesy of Janylle Koren

GIFT BAGS FOR SAILORS When Lantana resident, Janylle Koren came up with the idea to send gift bags to sailors aboard the USS Ronald Reagan Aircraft Carrier she never thought her simple gesture would turn into a community-wide event! With the help from all of the elementary schools and Harpool Middle within Lantana and the residents, Janylle and her volunteers are sending almost 100 boxes filled with gift bags and personalized notes to the sailors just in time for Christmas! If you would like to sponsor a box for $20 to help with shipping, please contact Janylle at 678.852.9271.

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| DECEMBER 2019

photo courtesy of Gina Ozmer

TEAM ARGYLE WALKS FOR A CURE Team Argyle was back for its second year at the JDRF One Walk on Nov. 16 in Dallas. Together they raised over $12,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Team Argyle is made up of 10 Argyle families with a child who has Type 1 Diabetes, their friends, family members and AISD nurses, making over 65 team members. They are locking arms to walk for a cure for Type 1 Diabetes.

Thank you, Team Argyle!

HEARTS FOR HOMES High school student, Carson Ozmer is spreading cheer this holiday season as he volunteers with the Hearts for Homes organization to provide a laundry basket full of home and personal care supplies, and nonperishable foods to low income senior citizens in Denton County. This year Carson and the team will deliver 91 baskets on Dec. 14. For more information on Hearts for Homes organization visit www.heartsforhomes.org.

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INSIDE EDUCATION CHOIR AREA AUDITIONS Congratulations to the Argyle High School students moving onto the All-State Choir Area Auditions. This is an incredible achievement and this is the largest number of students AHS has had moving on to the final round. The Area Auditions will feature over 2,200 students auditioning and only 112 will be selected for All-State Choir.

Although it is closed to the public, the auditions will be held Saturday, Jan. 11 at TWU. GOOD LUCK!! The choir thanks Brad Bartz with Ridgewood Wealth Management and Christy DeShazo with Coldwell Banker for sponsoring them!

AHS Boys Basketball VS Celina Dec. 17 | 5 – 9:30pm at AHS Gym AHS Lady Eagle Basketball VS Aubrey Dec. 17 | 5 – 10pm at Aubrey High School Kindergarten Music Program Dec. 18 | 8 – 9am at Hilltop Cafeteria

photo courtesy of Vivian Nichols

STATE CHAMPIONS FOR SIXTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR Congratulations to the incredible cheerleaders and coaches from Liberty Christian School for bringing home their sixth consecutive State Champion title.

The Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) competition was held over a two-day period, Nov.18 and Nov. 19, in Belton, Texas. The teams’ dedication to countless hours of practice has truly paid off, as they once again beat out eight other Texas squads for their first place ranking!

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photo courtesy of Will Griswold

CONGRATULATIONS REMEDY A CAPPELLA On Friday, Nov. 15 the Argyle High School A Cappella group, Remedy, had a chance to share their talents in the 2019 Sing Texas Vocal Arts Convention in Allen, Texas. This is the first event in Remedy’s three-year history that they have placed in the top three. This year’s students came in 2nd place with their performances of “Move You”, “GIRL”, and “Walk on Water”, but received the highest scores in the Vocal Category of the competition.

Remedy is headed to the studio to record an Album in January, if you would like to help them raise money please visit their fundraising site http://give.livingtree. com/c/remedy-a-cappella-2020-albumfundraiser.

Girls Varsity Basketball VS Dallas Thunder Dec. 20 | 6pm at Liberty Christian Gym Boys Varsity Basketball VS Dallas Thunder Dec. 20 | 7:30pm Christmas Break NO SCHOOL Dec. 23 - Jan. 10 Varsity Swimming 12th Annual Christmas Classic Dec. 21 | 12:30pm at LISD Aquatics Center DECEMBER 2019

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WHO

Business Spotlight

KNEW? Specializing In All Things Hemp

by Steve Gamel

T

hat’s the feeling shoppers get when they visit the Green Botica Hemporium in downtown Denton. Sure, most people are aware that hemp is the most sustainable plant on the planet and has a myriad of green living and health and wellness benefits. But from clothing and apparel made almost entirely of hemp to jewelry, dog treats, bath products, lip balm, hats, and cannabidiol oil-infused coffees and teas, Botica’s treasure trove of hemp goods seemingly knows no limits.

And that has CBD enthusiasts and newcomers alike clamoring for more.

resources they need to help themselves or friends and family members with common ailments and overall wellness.

photos courtesy of Green Botica Hemporium Facebook page @ TheGreenBotica

“Word of mouth keeps bringing people in,” co-owner Dylan Thompson said of his store. “We’ve been open since October 19, and we already have repeat business.

Not everyone knows all the good hemp provides. It’s our job to get it out there.”

It’s no secret that there’s always something special happening in Denton, especially on or near the square, where all types of restaurants and specialty shops have

“Hemp provides so much good, but not a lot of people know that,” Thompson said. “When you come into the store, you’ll notice right away that there’s a table in the front covered with literature.

We want people to be educated.”

become household names. Green Botica is the latest addition to the city’s flare. Thompson and partner Nils Morata graduated from UNT and pride themselves on being the area’s leading authority on hemp and CBD. They worked together before at several vape shops before chasing their passion for a CBD business.

They only sell quality goods and services, and nothing that has CBD in it is sold at their location unless it first passes their strict vetting process. More importantly, their goal was to create a place where everyone feels welcome and can find the

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940.323.0407 221 W. Hickory St. • Denton, TX 76201 DECEMBER 2019

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A FUNCTIONAL

FITNESS ROUTINE EVERYONE BUILT FOR

by Steve Gamel

I

t’s 8:45 a.m., and Averon and Jennifer Edwards are hard at work at their fitness studio, F45 Training Lantana. But instead of greeting guests in between sipping coffee and pushing paperwork in the comfort of an air-conditioned office in the back, Lantana’s newest power couple is scraping themselves off the floor after another intense workout.

In a room busting at the seams with early risers standing in a pool of their own hard work, they are right there with them.

“We don’t want any special treatment,” Jennifer said while trying to catch her breath. “If I’m doing it wrong, fix me.”

Averon agreed.

“We leave [gassed] every time. And the funny thing is that the other members will challenge you, too,” he said. “They say, ‘Come on … I thought you could do this!’ I’m like, ‘Are you kidding me?’ It’s intense, but also fun.”

So what is this latest workout craze? F45 Training is the world’s fastest-growing functional training community. The “F” in the

name stands for functional training, which incorporates a mix of circuit and HIIT-style workouts geared toward everyday

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| DECEMBER 2019

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movements. The “45” represents the

number of minutes it takes to get through the workout. And Lantana residents are signing up at a breakneck pace, largely photography by Bruce Latimer

and gyms, F45 specializes in innovative,

Sponsored Content

because unlike traditional workout clubs

follow pre-determined circuits on

high-intensity group workouts that are fast, fun, and results-driven.

A hallmark of each class is that no two

workouts are the same, and it’s structured so that enthusiasts of any fitness level can leave with a great workout. Participants television screens that incorporate

everything from bodyweight exercises

like jump rope, pushups, and standing squats to kettlebells, and cardio bikes.

They have a litany of other workout

routines and equipment, and more is on the way.

just more than a year ago near their home in Corinth. As the story goes, Averon

On top of that, F45 Training Lantana

remembers being in the middle of the

explain the workout of the day, guide

first heard a friend mention F45. His friend

employs six trainers who are on-site to you through to ensure proper

in the membership are

heart rate monitors and an opportunity to be

counseled on diet and meal plan strategies.

“That’s the thing with

this company; they are

always doing something new,” Averon said. “No

was hooked on the concept and

quickly got Averon to try out

form, and push you to your absolute limits. Included

Caribbean Ocean on a cruise when he

“ No workout is the same, so you’re never going to get bored...”

a few classes.

The next thing he

knew, he was inviting Jennifer along for the ride.

By September, they

were so hooked that

they opened their

own franchise.

“We both have full-time jobs

workout is the same, so you’re

never going to get bored. We’ve done

Camp Gladiator, CrossFit, and even had stuff at our home. But none of it worked for us. It’s a lot packed into a very small space, and people are enjoying it.”

Averon and Jennifer have been sold on F45 since they went to a class together

on top of this, so we really like coming

in the morning,” said Jennifer, who is a social worker with Child Protective

Services. Averon is in liquor and spirits

One of the biggest selling points of having their own franchise was that they had the autonomy to give their Lantana location their own look and feel. All of their personal trainers are certified, which means the clients receive an unrivaled personal training experience while still working out in a group setting.

On Saturdays, they hold a one-hour session and invite a DJ to play live music.

“We have a strong member base, but still have plenty of room to grow,” Averon said. “The biggest thing for us is creating a fun place to train and create more awareness for F45 Training Lantana and our awesome trainers/coaches.

If you walk up to 10 people and ask them if they know what F45 is, the odds are high that none of them would know

sales. “We do it because we need the

yet. But we’re getting there. We feel

Coming in early set the foundation for my

hooked. The workouts are great, and the

workout, and it’s great for stress relief.

like those who have experienced it are

day. And I know it’s the same for him.”

atmosphere is amazing.”

972.685.1998 | www.f45training.com/lantana 3600 FM 407 E. Ste. 180 & 185 • Bartonville, TX 76226 www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com

DECEMBER 2019

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Ask The Expert: Gardening

Winter LAWN CARE

T

his time of year always seems like it’s one of the busiest as we move through the holiday season and toward the end of the year. As you’re preparing for Christmas and your own “end of the year deadlines” don’t forget to get outside and take care of some wintertime maintenance.

foundation issues and muddy backyards should be high on our homeowner todo lists, ensuring year-round use of our outdoor spaces.

As the trees are losing leaves, it’s an ideal time to get them trimmed up and thinned out. Along with helping to strengthen the tree, trimming will allow more sunlight to your shady turf areas thickening them up come spring, slowing the soil erosion and keeping your lawn looking healthier. Out in the Lantana and Argyle areas, we’ve noticed what seems to be an increase in mice and squirrels this year, so getting those limbs back off the house could also eliminate one of their routes back inside.

We hope everyone has a great Christmas season and doesn’t get too overwhelmed by one thing or another. Enjoy visiting with your family and friends and invest

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| DECEMBER 2019

As the last lawn cuttings (scalpings) of the year should be happening here in the next week or so (if not already) take advantage of the ground exposure and look for areas where water is either eroding or pooling up. Winter is a great time to get drainage work done now that the grass is so short and everyone can see exactly how the ground lays out. French drains along with downspout / gutter drains are a great way to help dry out around your property.

Eliminating mosquito breeding grounds,

your time in what really matters.

by PJ Kratohvil of Complete Solutions completesolutionsdfw.com

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DECEMBER 2019

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| DECEMBER 2019

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SHERIFF ’S

• Raise Awareness and educate residents. This can be done by posting on social media or implementing neighborhood traffic calming programs that emphasize community involvement.

with Sheriff Tracy Murphree

The Texas Department of Transportation reported that in 2018 there were a total of 251 fatalities in crashes involving speeding over the limit.

CORNER T

he Denton County Sheriff’s Office shares in the concerns of neighborhood safety. We are

aware that there is an increased number of vehicles on the road due to additional subdivisions being built in our county.

Traffic complaints presented to us are taken seriously, and in response, we increase presence to heighten awareness of the speed limit and traffic flow and conduct traffic stops when appropriate.

There are several ways to address the issues:

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• Identify high volume and high speed times and provide targeted enforcement • Deploy a Police radar trailer which would produce data that shows if there are violations of the posted speed limit when we are not there and what the range of speeds are. With that information, we could determine if there was truly an issue with speed in that area or are people generally complying with the speed limit and there’s just a perception that there is a speeding issue. The trailer would also draw motorist’ attention to their speed.

WE ARE HIRING DETENTION OFFICERS! If you are interested in a career in Law Enforcement, join our family and be a part of a great organization. Detention Officer I positions start at $38,752.00 per year. Visit our website to apply. www.governmentjobs.com/careers/ dentoncounty 940.349.1600 127 N. WOODROW LN., STE. 300 DENTON, TX 76205 DENTONCOUNTY.COM/DEPARTMENTS/SHERIFF.ASPX

DECEMBER 2019

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New Year, New You

NICER In The New Year We Could All Stand To Be A Bit

by Steve Gamel

I

believe the majority of people in this world are kind-hearted, nice people. They care about the well-being of their friends, family, neighbors, and total strangers, and they go out of their way to donate their time to charitable causes. They have no biases and would prefer to revel in someone else’s success. They also raise their children right, go to church, work hard, and count their blessing each and every day. People are good.

People are kind.

But under the right circumstances, people can also be mean — and even hateful.

We live in an increasingly divisive culture

where it’s become popular to break from

our normally sunny disposition and warm values to be mean spirited and take a person’s opinion or beliefs and scrutinize them in the

court of public opinion. Not

everyone does it, but plenty do — including some really nice people who I thought

would never get caught up

in such negativity. It’s gotten

to the point where common, everyday people like you

and me can’t even have a 26 | ARGYLE LIVING

healthy conversation about politics, religion, sex, or how we prefer to raise our children without everything turning sideways.

We’ve all done it, so there’s no need to point fingers. But there’s no need for

SEEK OUT W AY S TO BE A NICER PERSON IN 2020

| DECEMBER 2019

OPEN OUR MINDS We need to listen and empathize with each other. We need to open our minds to the possibility that we don’t know everything, and our opinion could be wrong and is sometimes not welcome.

On top of that, it’s okay if someone doesn’t agree with us. Trust me, you can still be friends with someone if they are a Democrat and you’re a staunch Republican. We should open our minds to different perspectives and embrace our individuality.

the negativity. So what’s the answer?

As we approach the end of one year and the beginning of another, perhaps we should all be taking stock in how often we allow ourselves to get caught up in meanness and seek out ways to be a nicer person in 2020.

SURROUND O U R S E LV E S W I T H POSITIVE THINKERS If you find yourself hanging around negative people, you’re bound to get sucked into the same trap. Surround yourself with positive people and be more intentional about focusing on the good things in life. www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com

THINK BEFORE WE COMMENT This is particularly true on social media,

where everyone with a computer screen and a quiet room suddenly becomes

extremely brave and outspoken. There is nothing wrong with having an opinion, but if you’re choosing to blast people rather than offer constructive advice,

nothing is gained, and feelings are often hurt. Always err on the side of being

respectful in all situations, even if you

don’t always agree with what’s going on.

ASK QUESTIONS AND LISTEN We are all too often sucked into forming opinions and making brash statements before we’ve had a chance to fully

understand the topic or where someone

is coming from. Not only is this mean, but it makes us look really bad in the end.

Understand the situation, ask questions,

and be a good listener. You may just find that you are far less reactionary.

OFFER TO HELP Rather than cut someone down for

heading in the wrong direction as you,

perhaps offer to help them with advice,

resources, or through some other means.

For example, if a friend is overweight

and is expressing that they want to lose

weight, find ways to encourage them and build them up.

BE LESS SENSITIVE TO CRITICISM

It’s not easy to accept criticism, even when someone isn’t necessarily trying to be

mean. But when possible, try not to react

to someone else’s comments too harshly.

Instead, thank them for their input and decide later whether their advice was good or not. Then move on.

What are some other ways to help each other be nicer in 2020? Let us know! www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com

DECEMBER 2019

| ARGYLE LIVING | 27

Ask The Expert: Dentistry

Kicking Off 2020

WITH A SMILE!

T

he New Year will soon be upon us, and with that comes new opportunities for declarations of

improvement and resolve. As we usher into the new decade with innovative

notions of self-development, the team at Country Lakes Family Dental would

like to encourage all resolution enthusiasts

improve your look and health beyond

the typical methods of straightening your teeth and whitening your smile. As our

patients know, our office boasts the latest

technology and advancements that make

improving your dental health comfortable and predictable.

to take on the New Year with a smile!

Your smile, like your health, is

Believe it or not, making the New Year

your state of being. And like so many

bright could be as simple as beginning with a smile.

achieve that goal with different ways to

28 | ARGYLE LIVING

| DECEMBER 2019

Your individual goals can be accomplished through treatment as simple as a cleaning with whitening or can be multifactorial by incorporating cosmetic, orthodontic, or even implant dental treatment.

So, as the Holidays and New Year bring new campaigns of exercise regimens and steadfast dietary choices, these newfound determinations should be met with tenacity, enthusiasm, and, most of all, a smile! Venturing into 2020, you can rest assured our team will help you smile with ease!

undoubtedly an invaluable quality to

resolutions, sometimes dental care can

easily fall to the wayside. To curb that, we

We are brimming with ways to help you

thorough planning, to create a smile that is not only efficient but predictable.

use the current advancements in digital technology and software, along with

by Dr. Matt Artho owner of Country Lakes Family Dental CountryLakesDental.com

www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com

www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com

DECEMBER 2019

| ARGYLE LIVING | 29

30 | ARGYLE LIVING

| DECEMBER 2019

www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com

Earl’s 377 Pizza: Foodie Friday DFW

EARL’S 377 Pizza R

E

S

T

A

U

R

A

N

T

940.464.4444 | www.earls377pizza.com | 427 U.S. 377 S. • Argyle, TX 76226

A

s a lover of the theatre, I appreciate a restaurant that has a great backstory to it -

even if it is mostly made up. And if you haven’t been to Earl’s 377 Pizza out in

Argyle, you’ve yet to experience one of

the greatest restaurant stories of all time!

Earl’s is the unique brainchild of well-

notice the juxtaposition of Earl’s “good-

ol’-boy” style and Isabella’s more refined Italian taste. The chandeliers are made out of buckets, shovels, and helmets.

The furniture has a homemade, craftsy

look to it. And Isabella’s gorgeous, vintage wine carafes are on display as well.

known local restaurateur, John ‘Sparky’

The story of Earl the veteran is much

old Argyle Volunteer Fire Department into

Earl’s 377 Pizza, as well as the remainder

Pearson, who had the vision to turn the something truly special. photos courtesy of Foodie Friday DFW

In the decor of the restaurant, you’ll

And ‘special’ is exactly what I would call Earl’s.

At Earl’s you’ll become a player in the

story about a fictitious military vet who

more than “just a story,” however.

of the restaurants under the Radical

Hospitality Group, have teamed up with Spirit of a Hero, a nonprofit that works to help veterans right here in North

Texas. At their restaurants you can find

a special menu item which has all of its

met his wife, Isabella, overseas in Italy

proceeds donated to Spirit of a Hero.

with him only after promising to help

a Hero Pizza topped with a BBQ-Ranch

Italian restaurant.

and red peppers.

and convinced her to move back to Texas

And at Earl’s that item is their Spirit of

her realize her dream of opening an

sauce, Bumbershoot chopped brisket,

Their Nonna’s Meatballs are a fan-favorite as well as their Vita Mia Lasagna made with a classic bolognese sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella.

When you come to Earl’s, you’re guaranteed to have a great meal and a great experience. And the people at Earl’s want you to know they’re not just a business in the community - they are truly a part of the community.

(And here’s a pro tip - you can also order food from Bumbershoot BBQ while you’re there.) Eat well, Foodies!

Believe it or not, Earl’s has also become

well-known for their salads. Our personal favorite is their Italian Cobb made

with some of their fresh-cut salami and

giardinera. It’s big enough to feed about 5 people!

And when it comes to Italian classics,

Earl’s has more than just pizza mastered.

972.724.2540 | JayMarksRealEstate.com jay@jaymarksrealestate.com 1013 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 102 | Flower Mound, TX 75022

www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com

DECEMBER 2019

| ARGYLE LIVING | 31

What Are Your Holiday

by Steve Gamel

W

hat are your favorite family holiday traditions? You’ll probably get asked that question a million times over the next few weeks, and each time, we’re betting you’ll eagerly rattle off five or six of them with the biggest smile on your face. And why?

Because holiday traditions — especially those that involve your kids, parents, and grandparents — are the best! So in the spirit of the holiday season, your friends at Murray Media Group wanted to share our favorite holiday traditions.

KELLY AND SCOTT MURRAY, Owners & Publishers

CAROLINE BROCK, Graphic Designer

PJs or in the always-funny onesies! Now that they are older

My older sister, Elizabeth, and I had a fun childhood tradition that I still try keep

to be, but it sure is funny and reminds us of years past.

Eve, we would try

At our house, new Christmas pajamas were always a big hit

and signified that Santa was on his way. When the kids were

little, we thought it would be cute to dress them in matching

today. On Christmas

we still do the onesies. The outfits are not as cute as they use

JANA MELTON, Operations Director My favorite holiday tradition is simple: a phone call to a family

stayed up, we watched the 24-hour

to call (no texting) a family member and say, “Christmas Eve

played on TBS. We, of course, as little

member on the morning of Christmas Eve. The first person

marathon of A Christmas Story that

Gift!” wins bragging rights for the day and lots of laughs.

kids never were able to stay up to catch

It all started with my Grandfather’s family. They would call

their brothers and sisters and say, “CHRISTMAS EVE GIFT!”

dear Santa, but as we got older we still tried to stay up all night watching the

Back then, calls were very expensive, especially long-distance

marathon. To this day, even as we’ve

very special. My father and his siblings, my brothers and I,

now live in different states, we call each

calls, as they all lived in different states. Calls like that were

moved out, had families of our own, and

and now with our children, have all carried on the tradition.

other to make sure that we watch

STEVE GAMEL, Writer & Editor As far back as I can remember, my parents always allowed my

A Christmas Story.

ALYSON MODENE, Graphic Designer

brother and me to open one gift each on Christmas Eve, all

My favorite holiday

could get to our house on time to drop off the rest of the

family has takes

my kids — and it never gets old seeing them react the same

Eve. The first thing

with the promise that we’d go to bed afterward so that Santa

traditions that my

presents. Now that I’m grown, I carried that tradition over for

place on Christmas

way we did. We also look forward to our parents’ Christmas

we do for it is pull

party every year, where we get to spend time with cousins we don’t see that often.

32 | ARGYLE LIVING

every year to stay

up all night to catch Santa. While we

| DECEMBER 2019

names out of a

Santa hat, then we go to a store, normally www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com

Target, and we have about $50 and an hour to buy a gift for the person’s name we pulled out. Once we get to a location, we split up into groups. The best part of this is running through the store grabbing random things to make the other group think you are going to buy them a toilet seat or something silly like that, while also spying on them trying to figure out what they might get you. It is a tradition all about laughing and messing around as a family.

our Christmas pajamas. My mom cooks

much, but it provided a time for all of us to

chocolate while we open presents.

of hours to live our perfect little Christmas.

breakfast, and after we eat, we drink hot My mom has a rule that only one person can open a present at a time, so we can all see their reaction. I didn’t get it as a

As a child, it was an unwritten rule that my sisters and I had to be up and ready by 9 a.m. on Christmas Morning.

Now that we’re older, we all meet at my parents’ house at 9 a.m. wearing www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com

BROOKE EZZO, Writer Every Christmas

child, but now I understand that’s actually

Eve growing up,

the best part.

my brother and

I decorated cookies

AARON JUAREZ, SEO & Web

for Santa and were

Development Manager

Every Christmas Eve,

ALISHA TRAN, Social Media Manager

get together even if it was just for a couple

allowed to open

one present. I have

the whole family

fond memories of those traditions. As

cousins) would get

with my husband’s family. Every year, we

(uncles, aunts, and

together to disperse presents amongst everyone. At the

stroke of midnight, we would all open

our presents at the same time and get

surprised by Santa Claus coming through the door giving the younger kids even

more presents. Of course, the gifts weren’t

an adult, we have started a new tradition all meet up right before Christmas; aunts, grandparents, cousins, brothers, sisters,

spouses, and all the children (about 30 of us) and we walk around Grapevine Main Street. We have dinner at Esparzas, and

we end the night at The Palace Theatre to watch It’s a Wonderful Life. I look forward to this every year!

DECEMBER 2019

| ARGYLE LIVING | 33

ARGYLE FIRE

O

n November 27, the home of Fred and Lynette Gantz in Argyle was engulfed by flames and destroyed.

The community quickly gathered together, including Argyle ISD superintendent, Dr. Telena Wright, Sergeant Robert Mastropiero, and several neighbors and family friends, to provide clothing, furniture, food, and even a mobile home for temporary stay. Thank you to everyone who came together to help a local family in need.

We are Argyle!

How you can still help: Gift cards can be dropped off at the Argyle Police Department.

506 N Highway 377 Argyle, TX 76226

34 | ARGYLE LIVING

| DECEMBER 2019

www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com

www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com

DECEMBER 2019

| ARGYLE LIVING | 35

Let’s Get This

S TA RT E D

by Brooke Ezzo

photo courtesy of interskate.net

P

lanning a birthday party for your youngsters can be stressful. Between the venue, the cake and food, the balloons, the invites, and the décor, it can be full-on panic mode for some parents. If you’re interested in leaving the preparation and clean up to someone else, check out some of these fun, full-service party venues in Denton County.

This year, be a guest at your child’s party!

photo courtesy of flowermound.playstreetmuseum.com

36 | ARGYLE LIVING

| DECEMBER 2019

PLAY STREET MUSEUM- FLOWER MOUND This interactive children’s museum is perfect for our younger children who still enjoy imaginary and creative play and exploration. Play Street has a variety of party packages; the do-it-yourself allows you and your tots private use of the museum while allowing you to be the party planner. You can also leave it to the staff and choose from an array of themes. These parties include decorations, food, desserts, and drinks. For package pricing, visit www.flowermound. playstreetmuseum.com.

INTERSKATE ROLLER RINK Roller skating will never go out of style.

Period. If you want to just show up and sit at a table, or you want a private party room, Interskate has a party package to fit any budget. Either way, book your party now at www.interskate.net or call them at 972.221.4666. photo courtesy of gatsplat.com

photo courtesy of Win Kids

WIN KIDS- FLOWER MOUND Win Kids offers two birthday packages: gymnastics parties and ninja warrior parties. Both offer a full-service party so the parents can sit back and relax. Parties here are perfect for children ages 1-14.

The gym is loaded with fun equipment, and the party is designed around active kids tumbling and completing obstacle courses. To book a Win Kids party, call them at 972.355.9988 or go online www.winkids.net and click on the “parties” tab.

GAT SPLAT- LEWISVILLE Housing three indoor paintball spaces, Gat Splat is the place to be. Each party package includes entry, gun, tank, safety goggles, air fills, and paintballs.

They make it easy for you to bring food (order in pizza), drinks, and decorations.

Minimum age at Gat Splat is six. If you don’t want paintballs, check out their Nerf Parties and Axe Throwing. Suit up and call them today at 972.956.5500. www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com

photo courtesy of Zone Action Park Facebook photo courtesy of rollingescaperoom.com

ZONE ACTION PARK- LEWISVILLE They really do put the action in birthday parties. Between bounce houses, miniature golf, Go Kart rides and games, your child and their friends will be bouncing with excitement here.

They have several party packages to choose from and five private, themed party rooms: the princess room, the sports room, the space room, the Disney room, and the dinosaur room. All parties include a party host, face painting, balloon animals, pizza, and drinks. There is something for everyone here! Book today at www.thezoneactionparktexas. com, and don’t forget to check their site for party coupons!

ROLLING ESCAPE ROOM — MOBILE The first of its kind — an escape room on wheels! This interactive party is full of fun with cryptic puzzles that you and your guests have to escape out of together in the comfort of your own home. In the Rolling Escape Room, there are games the players interact together on and play a story. Will your party get out? Book now at www.rollingescaperoom.com. www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com

DECEMBER 2019

| ARGYLE LIVING | 37

COMMUNITY

CORNER OLD ALTON BRIDGE ROAD REOPENS QUICKLY AFTER WASHOUT

by Denton County Commissioner Precinct 4 Dianne Edmondson To receive a newsletter, please contact Precinct 4 Commissioner Dianne Edmondson at Dianne.Edmondson@ dentoncounty.com and ask to be placed on the email list. OR CALL AT 972.434.3960.

W

e recently commemorated the reopening of the Old Alton Road Bridge, which

initially washed out during heavy rains in September 2018.

Crews quickly began work on the project, which was finished by Oct. 5, 2019, just

over a year later. For government, that’s a pretty speedy project turnaround.

38 | ARGYLE LIVING

| DECEMBER 2019

Public safety is No. 1 in our county,

especially along a school bus route.

The road was widened and the guardrail

extended to improve safety for residents who drive on Old Alton Bridge Road.

The $541,199.66 project in Precinct 4

increased flow capacity under the road by 200 percent. Chances for water

overtopping the road at least once a year dropped from 99.5 percent to less than 30 percent.

As promised, construction on Crawford Road will begin soon, thanks to the

cooperation of the Town of Argyle and the

City of Denton, which have agreed to work with the county to complete this project.

Crawford Road reconstruction has been a goal of mine since the first day I became your Precinct 4 Commissioner. I’d like to

personally thank the Town of Argyle and the City of Denton for their willingness to help us with the much-needed improvements to this rural road.

www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com