Lake Cities Living Magazine March 2021

MARCH/APRIL 2021 THE LOVE, WELLNESS & WEDDING ISSUE

Q & A WITH

DR. CHARLES

WALLACE

OF PLASTIC SURGERY CENTER AND MED SPA

Corinth - Hickory Creek - Shady Shores - Lake Dallas

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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID LEWISVILLE, TX PERMIT NO. 977

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MARCH 2021 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 3

4 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | MARCH 2021

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TABLE OF

Contents ASK THE EXPERTS 14 Home Decorating with POSH Home Staging

27 Travel with Terri Guthrie PHOTO PAGE 15 Thank You Volunteers ARTICLES 08 10 Hot Spring Get-Aways 10 Texas Strong 12 Inside Community and Education 18 Foodie Friday DFW:

St. Argyle’s Cajun Kitchen

20 45 Years Of Personal Service 21 5 Things To Try 22 The Tiniest Warrior 24 Sheriff’s Corner With

Sheriff Tracy Murphree

26 Lake Dallas Basketball 28 Baseball & Softball Teams Are Back!

30 A Time To Dance: Dancing With Purpose and Passion

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PAGE

16

Q & A WITH DR. CHARLES

WALLACE

OF PLASTIC SURGERY CENTER AND MED SPA

Cover Image Dr. Charles Wallace of

Plastic Surgery Center and Med Spa

MARCH 2021 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 5

Publisher of Murray Media Group, kelly@murray-media.com Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Administration

Appreciating Our

READERS MORE EVERY DAY

T

is the season to put another blistery winter behind us and start looking forward to the spring and eventually summer.

Though the seasons change, one thing that never will is my love and admiration for you, this community, and everyone in it. Thank you so much to those of you who regularly read our neighborhood magazines, contribute story ideas, and send us photos of your pets, family, or major events happening around town. Also, thank you to everyone for continuing to support local small businesses. As you know, these businesses are owned by your friends and neighbors.

They are the lifeblood of our economy and community, and I’m sure I speak for all of them when I say THANK YOU! Getting back to our magazines for a second — I am grateful for the time you’ve invested in reading what we write. There is so much that goes into creating content, discussing what topics we should tackle, and what matters most to our readers. We enjoy that daily grind, and we realize that without you, our efforts would be for not.

As Henry Ford once said, “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”

So once again, Thank you!

In closing, I’d like to challenge anyone reading this to take the time to thank someone else. Taking a moment to bless someone with a small gesture such as this (especially when they’re not expecting it) can transform their day.

Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors Bobbi Byrne Alisha Tran

Writers & Editor

Steve Gamel, Diane Ciarloni, Jean Eisenmann, Jade Kensington, Caylie Howard

Advertising Inquiries

sales@murray-media.com

Production

Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Cayla Thompson Fernando Gomez

Photography

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

Letters

Lake Cities 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 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 Lake Cities 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. Lake Cities Livings 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

Enjoy the latest issue!

Sincerely, Kelly Murray 6 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | MARCH 2021

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MARCH 2021 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 7

HOT 1. Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek Get away in luxury at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek.

Closely located to the Dallas Museum of Art and the AT&T Performing Arts Center.

They offer rooms with patios or balconies with suites that add separate living spaces, and some even have kitchens and dining rooms. They also house a fine-dining restaurant, bar, an outdoor pool and hot tub, as well as a steam room and sauna.

2821 Turtle Creek Blvd. • Dallas, TX 75219 214.559.2100 8 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | MARCH 2021

SPRING

GETAWAYS

2. The Cliffs It’s a getaway with a view at The Cliffs.

This resort is located on 1,090 acres overlooking Possum Kingdom Lake. The Cliffs offer a golf course, a marina with watercraft rentals and a full-service spa.

Enjoy their outdoor pool, exercise room, and tennis courts. Included is an on-site restaurant that serves Southwestern cuisine infused with Caribbean flavors, as well as a tavern.

160 Cliffs Dr. • Graford, TX 76449 940.779.4040 www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

3. Elm Creek Manor

The Wildwood Inn is an elegant European-

designer toiletries. Texican Court also

Creek Manor.

venue located three miles from the shops

bar with live music on weekends.

It’s always an elegant getaway at Elm Set on the banks of two creeks and

surrounded by gorgeous pecan trees, they offer elegant rooms and suites,

some with antique furnishings. Expect

in-room breakfast made with food grown on the property. Enjoy their spa with a

sauna and exercise room, outdoor pool, hot tub, hammocks, and a giant

inspired boutique hotel and wedding

and dining of historic Denton Main Street

and seven miles from Lewisville Lake. The style of their decorated rooms ranges from French Country to Tuscan to Italian rococo.

2602 Lillian Miller Pkwy. • Denton, TX 76210 • 972.317.7464

chess set.

6. Corinthian Bed & Breakfast

940.902.3501

Bed & Breakfast.

2287 FM2739 • Muenster, TX 76252

Escape to comfort at Corinthian

offers a Tex-Mex eatery as well as a tequila 501 West Las Colinas Blvd.

Irving, TX 75039 | 469.577.4599 8. Hotel St. Germain

Take a step back in time at Hotel St. Germain.

This classy lodging in an elegant colonialrevival hotel is just a short walk from

the American Airlines Center and near

downtown Dallas. Hotel St. Germain offers seven elegant rooms that feature antique furnishings, working fireplaces, and

seating areas, as well as providing canopy, sleigh, or 4-poster beds. You can also

enjoy an evening in their champagne bar.

2516 Maple Ave. • Dallas, TX 75201 214.871.2516 9. The Joule

Get away in lavish luxury at The Joule.

This artsy, Neo-Gothic hotel built in 1927 is set in downtown Dallas and is a short

distance away from the Dallas Arts District.

The Joule offers a cantilevered pool with city views, dining, and drinking options

that include two cafes, a basement cocktail bar, and Texan and Italian restaurants.

4. Hotel ZaZa

This bed & breakfast is set in a home that

It’s a high-end experience at Hotel ZaZa.

was built in 1905 and was named for the

This luxurious hotel is located in the

porch. This quaint getaway is located a

Uptown district with a short walk to the Dallas Museum of Art and a tram stop with downtown access. Their stylish

rooms feature artwork and Italian linen,

while some even offer balconies and/or

whirlpool tubs. Hotel ZaZa also houses a chic restaurant, a gym, an outdoor pool, and a spa.

2332 Leonard St. • Dallas, TX 75201 888.880.3244

5. Wildwood Inn

It’s like a European escape at the Wildwood Inn.

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1530 Main St. • Dallas, TX 75201 214.748.1300

Corinthian columns that grace its front

10. Four Seasons Resort & Club

short distance from the Dallas Arts District

Seasons Resort & Club.

and the Dallas World Aquarium. The Corinthian offers five charming,

Victorian-style suites with en-suite

bathrooms and feature period furnishings.

4125 Junius St. • Dallas, TX 75246 866.598.9988

7. Texican Court

It’s a total experience at Texican Court.

This sophisticated, Spanish-style property features colorful bespoke furniture in

their retro-chic rooms. They offer vintage minibars and sitting areas, as well as

Elegance is a must at Four

This upscale resort is located near the

Irving Arts Center, The Mustangs of Las Colinas Museum, and the Zero Gravity

Thrill Amusement Park. The Four Seasons

Resort & Club offers an elegant restaurant, a lobby lounge, and a casual bar with billiard table. This classy resort also

includes outdoor pools, a poolside bar,

and an 18-hole golf course. You can also enjoy their luxurious spa, tennis courts,

fitness center, as well as a kid’s play area.

4150 N MacArthur Blvd.

Irving, TX 75038 | 972.717.0700 MARCH 2021 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 9

P

Texas

STRONG

by Diane Ciarloni | photos courtesy of Lisa Britten

eople in Texas don’t have a high level of confidence in weather forecasts. The first problem is the predictions are wrong more often than they’re right. The second wrinkle is they nearly always change more than a few times between issuing the information and the moment of actual occurrence. So who cares? And why?

As it all turned out, millions of Texans

Lisa Britten, owner of the recently opened

leading up to Valentine’s because

bundled up in her Aubrey home. She had

should have cared during the days what happened was brutal.

Snow began falling. People laughed and joked. Kids called out, “Mama, let’s build

a snowman.” It was all fun and games until residents began realizing the snow wasn’t stopping and the temperatures were still dropping, not bottoming out one night until they hit negative 2 degrees.

The entire nation began reading the

story of Texas’ struggling electrical grid.

Linnybird Bakeshop in Lake Dallas, was

to cook and to deliver throughout Denton County. My shop is set up to bake — not to cook. That’s the reason for the frozen dinners.”

the Internet.

Lisa realized she’d bitten off far more than

“One man chopped up his furniture for

firewood in order to keep his family warm.

A woman rummaged through cabinets for old Halloween candy,” she said.

“That wasn’t right. I had to do something to get heat into those bellies.”

rolling blackouts; power for an hour for

17-miles of ice and snow-covered roads

dealt with chattering teeth.

was going 90 miles per hour, and she

Those who allegedly knew best instigated

rounded up her adult children and hit the

folks over here while folks over there

separating her from her shop. Her mind had a plan when she pulled into Linnybird’s parking lot.

Hickory Creek. There was one blackout at

“We had a fantastic week leading up to

The power was gone. The lucky ones had

keep cupcakes in the shop for more

for hundreds of indoor thermostats to

profit and intended to put it back into the

approximately 2:00 a.m. and….that was it.

Valentine’s,” she explained. “We couldn’t

a fireplace and wood. It didn’t take long

than a few hours each day. I had a nice

fall into the 30s.

business with one of those super-duper

10 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | MARCH 2021

the money to buy frozen lasagna dinners

Somehow, word spread faster than

listened to and read stories coming across

It teetered on the brink of total collapse.

lake communities of Lake Dallas and

over those 17-miles, though, said to use

power but was trying to conserve. She

Lisa, also known as the Sugar Queen,

Something went wrong in the cozy

refrigerators for the shop. The plan I made

imagination. It didn’t take long before

she could chew. So, in that moment, she calmed down and decided to do what she could do.

Lisa took her cupcake profit money and bought every lasagna dinner she could

find. She started baking and delivering, but the mountain of requests just grew higher.

“I had no idea there were so many cold, hungry, hurting people out there,” she said. “Thank goodness, Joe Flowers,

owner of Joe’s Bait and Tackle in Lake

Dallas, was in touch with me early the next morning. I just couldn’t do it alone.”

Flowers, also known locally as the Lake Cities King of Redneck Podcasts, had one question for Lisa.

“I just asked her to tell me what I could do to help make it happen,” said the big-

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hearted Flowers, who refers to his podcast followers as Joe’s Bait and Tackle Nation.

He returned to his store and “went live” to his nation. He asked for help, and in

30-minutes, they began arriving like an

army of Texas Rangers. Sandra, Joe’s wife, began organizing delivery convoys.

“We cooked, plated, and delivered 750

meals at a time in 45 minutes,” said Lisa.

“That was the only way to deliver the food while it was still hot because there were no microwaves to reheat it.”

Flowers is still high on the excitement of the more than 3,100 meals shoved out

road where a 90-year-old couple lived, so he parked his jeep and walked.

“And don’t think we were going to just poor, broken down people. Listen! If

you have no power and it’s 10 degrees

outside, a half-million dollar house is no better than the draftiest trailer. They’re both freezing and you can’t cook. And your kids are crying because they don’t understand.”

There were dozens and dozens of soldiers.

Start with the delivery drivers, more than a hundred per day.

Linnybird’s doors over five days. “Those

“The largest oven in the shop went out

he said. “They drove all over this entire

Nation people came to my shop, picked

guys showed up and never hesitated,”

on the third day,” said Lisa. “Again, Joe’s

county. One guy couldn’t get down the

up the dinners and took them home to

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cook. Mike Cooper, owner of Chasin Tail

Bar B Q, let us use his ovens. He also fed our volunteers for two days. We wound

up buying out all the dinners from Sam’s, Costco and other places in the area, but there were still more people to feed.

Keven Lively, from Mrs. Lively’s Cajun Konnection, spent nearly an hour on

the phone with one of his suppliers. He explained everything and, by the time they hung up, it was settled. We had more food.”

One of the comments on a Facebook post gave a sobering summation of those five days in February, 2021. It said: “I don’t

even know where Lake Dallas, Texas, is, but I can tell you I’ll head there if I ever move. I don’t need to see it first.”

MARCH 2021 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 11

INSIDE COMMUNITY

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BATTERY BUCKETS THOUSAND HILLS CHURCH Thousand Hills Church has become the new owners of the AMC Movie Theater in Hickory Creek. They are asking for donations to begin rehab so they can turn this building into a thriving church for their community. They’re outgrowing their current location and are hoping to raise $1.5 million by December 22. For more information and to donate go to thousandhillspeople.org/amplify. photo courtesy of Thousand Hills Church social media page

INSIDE EDUCATION

The City of Corinth has partnered with the Community Waste Disposal to offer a Battery Recycling program! This will make it possible for residents to easily recycle used batteries to help keep our water and landfills clean. All you have to do is deposit unwanted batteries into one of the containers found around the city. To find a location near you, go to bit.ly/3aXPzZr.

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FIELD TRIP COORDINATOR RON HARMON Lake Dallas ISD’s February Featured Falcon was Ron Harmon! Ron has served as a bus driver and field trip coordinator for LDISD for 12 years. Ron and his wife had made it their mission to give children in need a home and have fostered 89 children since 1971. Most people are retired by his age, but he won’t retire unless he has to, he loves what he does! Check out the video here www.facebook.com/LakeDallasISD/ posts/3739205812836270. photo courtesy of Lake Dallas ISD social media page 12 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | MARCH 2021

LAKE DALLAS ELEMENTARY STUDENTS HELP YOUNGER CLASSMATES Lake Dallas Elementary fifth-graders are helping first-graders via Zoom through the Reading Buddies program! Each fifth-grader has his or her own first-grade buddy to work with and help to improve their reading skills. Teachers have noticed how patient the students are and their willingness to cooperate with each other. It’s a great way for fifth-graders to develop their leadership skills while the first-graders improve their reading abilities. photo courtesy of Anthony Tosie

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CITY OF LAKE DALLAS IS A SILVER STAR AFFILIATE The City of Lake Dallas is now a “Silver Star” Affiliate of Keep Texas Beautiful! This was made possible through volunteer support and programs associated with Keep Lake Dallas Beautiful, like Adopt-a-Spot, our fall tree planting event, City-Wide Cleanups, recycling initiatives, and much more. Be on the lookout for our new affiliate sign, and thank you for helping keep Lake Dallas beautiful! Learn more about Keep Lake Dallas Beautiful at lakedallas.com/KLDB. photo courtesy of the City of Lake Dallas, Texas social media page

DENTON COUNTY APPROVED FOR FEMA DISASTER ASSISTANCE Denton County has been approved for FEMA Disaster Assistance! Included in this are financial assistance for housing and other needs and assistance for small businesses.

To receive assistance for damage from snow and ice, you must file a claim with your insurance before applying. To apply go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4586.

REGION BAND HONORS A total of 30 Lake Dallas High School students received recognition to the Texas Music Educators Association Region.

Out of the 30 students, 2 honor band members and one student earned all-state recognition! Because of COVID-19 the TMEA event was held virtually and all auditions were recorded and uploaded to TMEA. Junhwi Goo was the student who earned all-state band for playing the flute, which is an incredible accomplishment!

Congrats to everyone! www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

LAKE DALLAS ELEMENTARY THANKS COUNSELOR Lake Dallas Elementary School thanked counselor Cindy McClendon for National School Counseling Week! The staff and students thanked her for all she does with a wall of letters from students about why they love her. Thanks once again to all of our school counselors! photo courtesy of Lake Dallas ISD social media page MARCH 2021 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 13

Ask The Expert: Home Decorating

IMPROVING

YOUR

ENERGY

T

by Allison Fifer

he ancient Chinese practice of Feng Shui (pronounced “fung shway”), which literally means wind and water, has been widely used in Asia for thousands of years. Across the U.S. and around the world, thousands of people are discovering how simple changes in the selection, color, and arrangement of their furnishings can help improve the energy of chi within their homes.

Here are a few tips for utilizing color to appeal to different cultures and communities:

FENG SHUI BELIEFS – COLORS

• Purple – short-lived happiness – Japan

• Yellow represents good health

• Purple – Death – Brazil & Mexico

• Red brings fame and fortune

• Brown – Funerals – Persia

• White increases the chance of offspring

• Blue – Death - Syria

• Black improves career • Blue helps gain knowledge • Green brings family happiness • Purple attracts wealth COLORS – OTHER CULTURES • Red – Good luck – Asian • Green – Lucky – Hindu • Blue – Lucky – Moslem • Red – Mourning – Ghana • Black – Mourning – Western cultures • White – Weddings – Western cultures • White – Mourning – China • Black – Weddings – China

EARTH – Settling, stable energy associated with browns and beiges and a higher vibration color of yellow. Flat, square shapes, stones, brick, and ceramic objects and vases.

METAL – Contracting, introverted energy associated with white, gray, and metallic colors (silver, gold, copper, and bronze); round, half-round, and oval shapes; coins, metal, rod iron objects.

WATER – Flowing energy associated with blacks and blues; smoothly irregular shapes; liquids of all kinds and mirrors.

By adjusting the balance of the elements in a space using the colors, materials, and shapes of objects associated with the element, you can adjust the quality of the energy.

UNDERSTANDING THE FIVE FENG SHUI ELEMENTS The five elements of Feng Shui — wood, fire, earth, metal, and water — define five different qualities of chi. Each element is associated with specific colors, shapes, and types of objects. Below are the five elements and their associations, which you can easily connect to decorative elements: WOOD – Upward, growing energy associated with all shades of green, columns, vertical stripes, and any kind of plant or tree.

FIRE – Excited energy associated with reds and oranges; triangular and jaggedly irregular shapes, flames (like candles or a fireplace), lights, and electricity.

940.765.2684 | POSHHOMESTAGING.COM | ALLISON@POSHHOMESTAGING.COM

14 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | MARCH 2021

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MARCH 2021 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 15

Q & A WITH DR. CHARLES

WALLACE

OF PLASTIC SURGERY CENTER AND MED SPA photography by What’s That Guys Name? | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GUY T

1. Word is you have added some new services to your practice.

What are they?

• BodyTite and FaceTite: These are devices that we have had now for a couple of years and used the timetested principles of radiofrequency energy to reduce fat, tighten skin, tighten underlying connective tissue and stimulate collagen. Through a very well-thought-out system of temperature sensors, this has been made into a very safe system because the machine automatically cuts off if those temperatures that can be problematic are approached. These are done either under local anesthesia or possibly general, depending on where, extent, and patient preference.

• Plasma Pen: This is a very new device that is somewhat unique amongst the energy devices. It is a small handheld device that packs a lot of power for its physical size. In some ways it resembles in terms of outcomes, the older Pixel/Fraxel lasers, but in a much easier to manage device, a much more precise delivery and a shorter recovery time, albeit, that it does result in 4-6 days of downtime and some redness, 16 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | MARCH 2021

much less than the old lasers. This is generally used on the face, especially rough skin, fine lines and can go right up to the edge of the eyelids, which is one of its real strong areas.

• WiQo Peel: This is also a new technique that involves an old technology of trichloroacetic acid, but modified with some additives to help it penetrate the epidermis and not result in sloughing or redness of the skin, but tightening of the mid-dermis and production of collagen. This can be done actually anywhere on the body, albeit, that it is mostly a face, neck and decolletage procedure. It has applications elsewhere that are being expanded daily.

• No Scar on Breast Procedure: This procedure has been around since the 1980s and was improved upon in the early 1990s with the adaptation of endoscopic surgery to axillary incisions.

I have done a couple thousand of these and redone a number of them, in many cases substituting silicone implants for the old saline implants. While not every redo can be done through the armpit, many can and we still put new Gummy Bear implants in through the armpit

depending on the patient’s situation and sizes that are desired. The resulting scar is almost impossible to find.

• Morpheus8: This is the other side of the BodyTite/FaceTite machine. This is a micro-needling with radiofrequency device that is truly amazing. We have had it now for a little over 2 years.

It has been improved upon sequentially.

We are able to vary the depth, as well as vary the energy and do all kinds of improvement to skin texture or tone, fine lines, pores, etc., with minimal to no downtime. Come by the office and we can go over this in more detail as you see fit.

• TruSculpt: The TruSculpt device is a novel means introduced about a year ago utilizing radiofrequency energy to melt fat through the skin without burning the skin. It is proven to be useful for minor areas of problems, sometimes touching up other liposuction or tummy tucks and problem areas on less thick people who might not want to deal with a surgical procedure. It can be readily repeated.

It is not painful. It really has minimal risks involved. While it is designed as a one­stage procedure, the reality is, is that it can be repeated as necessary to work towards the desired goals.

The key to the success of TruSculpt is understanding its limitations, as well as its strengths. Obviously, if somebody is 30 or 40 pounds overweight and carries most of it in the stomach, this is not going to be an appropriate procedure. However, if someone is little bit overweight or has already had a tummy tuck and needs a little touch-up, this may be just the thing.

2. You are known for being a real stickler about new technology, carefully evaluating selecting the best. How do you know when to add a technology to your practice?

At this stage of practice, having been in private practice now for over 30 www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

972.380.7090: Plastic Surgery Center | 972.380.7007: Med Spa | www.DrWallace.com | 17110 Dallas N. Pkwy., Ste. 100 • Dallas, TX

years, sorting out what works, what is

first, the efficacy data behind that and

reasonable is an ongoing challenge.

reliability of the manufacturer over

worthwhile, what is safe and what is

Laser device manufacturers constantly

come out with new apparatus and wild

claims about that it will accomplish. Some of these claims are well-based and some of them belong in a fairytale. All sorts of

then look at the reputation and

the years to assess that along with hands-on personal assessment.

3. Let’s talk about silicone implants

available. How have they changed?

new energy delivery methods including

Silicone implants were invented where

ultrasound and others have been adapted

Through the 1960s, they evolved, but did

Some of them work a little. Some of them

variety of changes took place through

at taking a biopsy of the patient’s wallet.

wall thickness and all sorts of things and

we have here of late and I have personally

too thin. Very little was done in terms of

profitability, but for a liability in achieving

to misguided information that became

I am always open to new technology and

scare about silicone implants. With the

cooling, heating, radiofrequency,

I did my residency in Houston in 1962.

to the aesthetic space in the last 10 years.

not have huge changes. In the 1970s, a

work a lot. Some of them are effective only

the 1980s that included variations in

I have told you about the new devices that

unfortunately, a few of these got a little

evaluated these very carefully; not for

advancement through the 1990s thanks

excellent results and we continue to do so.

overly-publicized and resulted in a huge

new ideas, but I demand the safety data

21 Century, we saw the development in

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Europe and South America of Gummy Bear implants, which were finally approved in America in 2012. Sientra and Allergan have led the way on this with Sientra getting the first implants approved in America and now those are all made in America in 3 different densities, as well as many different shapes. Allergan has 3 different densities also, many different shapes and some larger sizes depending on what a patient’s actual requirements are.

These are excellent implants that we believe will last many years and indeed Sientra have upped the warranty for replacement expenses out to 20 years; an industry first.

For a complete discussion as it pertains to you, please come and visit Dr. Wallace and we can narrow a very broad discussion down to the specifics pertinent to your situation.

MARCH 2021 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 17

Foodie Friday DFW: St. Argyle’s Cajun Kitchen

ST. ARGYLE’S CAJUN KITCHEN

by Jay Marks | photos courtesy of Foodie Friday DFW

“Argyle’s love letter to the iconic city of New Orleans.”

T

hat’s the story behind one of Argyle’s newest restaurants, St. Argyle’s Cajun Kitchen, created by the Radical Hospitality Group and located in the old Fuzzy’s location on the corner of FM 407 and 377.

We’ll admit it - we felt a lot like we were walking into a New Orleans restaurant when we walked into St. Argyle’s. With its nods to famous New Orleans locations like the French Quarter and Cafe du Monde, those of you who have been missing visiting The Big Easy will love visiting here!

We all know that one of the things New Orleans is best known for is its amazing cuisine. St. Argyle’s has that too! Their menu is full of incredible Cajun dishes like Gumbo and Red Beans & Rice.

We also got to try their Popcorn

Shrimp served with fries, slaw, and hush puppies and their signature

Blackened Salmon served over Basmati rice with a mango relish on top.

And we all know you’ve never truly

experienced New Orleans until you’ve had a beignet from Cafe du Monde.

St. Argyle’s has some amazing beignets that are sure to satisfy your craving.

They have amazing height and are the perfect combination of being both dense and fluffy.

St. Argyle’s also has a fantastic full-service We had the chance to try out several of their most popular and signature dishes.

And we can’t wait to tell you about it.

First up was their Crawfish Boil, which they’ll always have available during crawfish season. It’s made with live crawfish, their signature crawfish seasoning, corn, potatoes, and lemon wedges. I’ll admit that I’m not the most experienced crawfish eater, but I had no problem figuring out how to eat these delicious guys!

bar where you can order beer on tap,

wine, Hurricanes, or any of their signature cocktails. This includes The “GOAT,”

made with Codigo and Velvet Falernum (AKA their Sweet ‘n Spicy Margarita).

As you can tell, there’s no shortage of delicious food, fun, and hospitality at

St. Argyle’s. Plus, did we mention you can even buy a boat? If you haven’t

been to visit them yet, go check out their amazing food, live music, and warm atmosphere!

972.724.2540 | JayMarksRealEstate.com jay@jaymarksrealestate.com 3212 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 300 | Flower Mound, TX 75022 18 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | MARCH 2021

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MARCH 2021 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 19

45 Years Of

PERSONAL SERVICE

by Betty Hilliard | photos courtesy of Ehrhart’s Jewelers

G

rowing up in the Rio Grande Valley, Annette Ehrhart certainly didn’t think she would end up in Denton, Texas. “I guess I just grew where I was planted,” said the owner of Ehrhart’s Jewelers. Annette came to Denton to attend TWU, and while in school, she helped a family friend at an Indian Jewelry show. At that show, she met her future husband Jack Ehrhart, a jewelry designer.

the best job in the world. The industry is always changing. New gems are still being discovered, and gems that customers are familiar with are being found in new parts of the world.

Soon, Annette and Jack were attending

Ehrhart’s Jewelers has proudly served three generations of customers. “It is incredibly rewarding to know that so many families have trusted us through the years,” said Annette. “Nothing makes our team happier than seeing a customer’s face when we have restored a family heirloom or made the ring of their dreams.”

jewelry shows together, and in 1975,

they put down roots and opened their

own store in Denton. Together, they built and grew their business by making the

customers their number one priority. “In

the beginning, we often joked that first we said yes to whatever the customers asked of us. Then, we figured out how to make the request happen.”

The entire team at Ehrhart’s Jewelers has a knack of genuinely listening to customers.

Whether it is assisting customers in finding the perfect piece for a special occasion or

often return because they appreciate feeling listened to but never feeling

pressured to stretch beyond their budget.

helping them discover a way to repurpose

For forty-five years, Ehrhart’s Jewelers

jewelers take great pride in their ability

to designing and creating extraordinary,

excellent customer service. Customers

still considers owning a jewelry store

and redesign a family heirloom, the

has done everything from simple repairs

to think outside the box while providing

custom pieces of fine jewelry, and Annette

940.382.5454 EhrhartJewelers.com

260 S I-35E, Ste. 200 • Denton, TX 76205 20 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | MARCH 2021

When she is not at the store, you will find Annette enjoying time with her five grown children and 16 grandchildren. She is also active in her church and supports several local, nonprofit organizations and educational groups.

Forty-five years in business is a big milestone for any company, and Annette is truly looking forward to celebrating the store’s 50th anniversary in a few years.

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Things 5TO TRY

CRAB STUFFED JALAPENO POPPERS Mrs. Lively’s Cajun Konnection, Lake Dallas Cajun Crab Stuffed Jalapenos are stuffed full of cream cheese, fresh crab meat, cheddar cheese, and bacon. This spicy appetizer is wonderfully creamy and cheesy with plenty of kick & perfect to go along with all of their amazing seafood dishes.

POBLANO MEATBALLS 1845 Taste Texas, Flower Mound

MARGARITA Magarita’s Restaurant, Justin

If you are looking for an appetizer that can substitute as an entrée, then this dish is sure to satisfy. These meatballs are smoked, fried, and served with jalapeño jelly and honey ranch, garnished with green onions and cilantro, and are sure to keep you coming back for more! photo courtesy of facebook.com/1845tastetexas

Experience a true Mexican margarita that’s delicious and authentic. Made with top shelf tequila, fresh juices and served in an ice cold glass. Perfect to pair with any of their excellent Mexican dishes whether you are enjoying date night or a fun dinner with the family. photo courtesy of facebook.com/margaritasmexicanrestaurante

EXOTIC & GOURMET DONUTS Sara’s Donut Story, Flower Mound

BURGER AND FRIES RG Burgers, Denton

If you are looking for warm donuts, that are custom, fun and exotic, for the whole family to enjoy? Then this place is a MUST! They offer a wide variety of & are also famous for their Happy Birthday

RG Burgers & Grill makes world-class hamburgers the old-fashioned way. They have over 20 different types of burgers,

donut box, that is sure to delight anyone celebrating their big day! photo courtesy facebook.com/sarasdonutstory

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including their FAMOUS King Kong Burger. It’s a FOUR decker hamburger loaded with bacon and cheese. AND if you eat it in 30 minutes, you get a free “King Kong” shirt....PLUS.... ALL BURGERS ARE SERVED WITH UNLIMITED STEAK FRIES. photo courtesy of RG Burgers MARCH 2021 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 21

TINIEST WARRIOR THE

T

by Jean Eisenmann | new born photo courtesy of Javier Pedroche, baby in onesie photo courtesy of Kyra Minnis, photo of family courtesy of Kay Simpkins

here’s no denying that Nikolas Javier Pedroche is an adorable baby boy. His smile can melt your heart unless those big eyes grab you first. He’s a happy, growing child, and this month he turned a year old. Nikolas also happens to be a miracle baby.

to this day, has left Nikolas unable to roll

At 8:05 a.m. on March 9th, 2020, Nikolas

the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for

The right side of his brain has completely

of his parents, Kyra Minnis and Javier

any permanent intestinal damage, so his

body. Consequently, he doesn’t use his

be over.

though his left leg functions normally.

was brought into the world and the lives Pedroche. He was a breech baby, born

at 24 weeks. Just 12-inches long, he only weighed 1 lb. 14 oz.

“When we first saw him, Nikolas was covered in cords, hooked up to a

breathing tube, chest tube, feeding tube, and an IV,” Kyra said. His daily struggle to live had begun.

The newborn was stable for five days,

then began another struggle. Doctors

discovered bile in his stomach and gave him a 20% chance to live. Emergency surgery revealed NEC, an intestinal disease among premature babies.

over or sit up on his own.

Fast forward to the present time, and you’ll find that his health remains compromised.

151 days. The long ordeal didn’t result in

died, which affects the left side of his

parents hoped the nightmare would

left arm at all and leaves it at his side,

While in the hospital, his health issues

continued. He developed a staph infection in his right eye, causing him to code (to stop breathing with no pulse) several times.

“His eye swelled so badly that it caused a

lack of blood flow to his brain, and he had

To aid in his overall mobility, Nikolas is

currently undergoing physical therapy.

Then, there’s speech therapy to assist him with learning to eat. And the little tyke

soon will begin occupational therapy to focus on that left arm and hand.

Nikolas has endured two more stays in

a stroke,” Kyra explained.

the hospital since being brought home

Nikolas finally left the hospital’s NICU unit

medications for the seizures haven’t

on August 7th, and for the first time since his March birth, the little one went home.

on that August day. Sadly, his current

been effective, so doctors plan to start

him on a ketogenic diet that in medicine

Translated, tiny Nikolas had a hole in

But his journey wasn’t over quite yet.

is used to treat hard-to-control epilepsy

his stomach. Ultimately, he had four

month when he began having infantile

another hospital stay for the boy, this

his intestine that was spilling waste into surgeries to combat the NEC and was in 22 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | MARCH 2021

Adversity struck again the following

in children. This, too, will necessitate

spasms, a complex seizure disorder which,

time for one week, to monitor his blood www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

sugar levels and watch for negative side effects.

Developmentally, Nikolas is equal to a 7-month-old child. He isn’t in any pain, and as yet, no prognosis has been made for any permanent disabilities in the future.

“He’s the happiest, most amazing baby,” Kyra said through her smile. “He sleeps through the night and never cries. He loves to lie on mama’s chest or be carried in daddy’s arms.”

Even COVID-19 couldn’t keep this little fighter down. Yes, he contracted it, but thankfully he was only congested for a couple of days.

This extraordinary child is happy, despite his many obstacles and limitations.

His parents have the support of their respective large families, so Nikolas

is loved – and spoiled – by two sets of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and every living soul who has ever met him. On March 9th, the birthday boy’s party had a football theme…1st down!

When choosing a name for him, Kyra and Javier simply liked the name Nikolas but later learned it meant “victory” (of the people). True to his name, Nikolas has been the victor over adversity every time it strikes. His parents ask for your prayers that this miracle baby continues to fight for those victories.

The illnesses this little warrior has endured

are not hereditary, and someday Nikolas will be sharing his parents with a little brother or sister. In fact, by the end of August, there will be a new addition to this resilient family!

HIS PARENTS ASK FOR YOUR PRAYERS THAT THIS MIRACLE BABY CONTINUES TO FIGHT FOR THOSE VICTORIES.

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MARCH 2021 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 23

SHERIFF’S W I T H

M

S H E R I F F

T R A C Y

M U R P H R E E

DIFFICULT DAYS

any Texas cities were faced with frigid temperatures, power and water outages and shortages of food in the February winter storm. Sheriff Tracy Murphree states, “The Denton County Jail is like a small city. We are in charge of the well-being and care of around 1000 inmates. While other county offices are closed for the inclement weather, we are conducting business as usual.” He also added, “I am very proud of our Officers, staff and Facility Maintenance team that went above and beyond during those difficult days.”

The Denton County Jail never lost power like so many others did during the winter storm. The jail has several generators that are in place should they be needed.

The generators are tested regularly as

mandated by the state, to assure that they are functional. The temperature in the jail never went below the acceptable range but there were extra blankets handed out as needed for inmates.

The Denton County Jail also never lost water, but because of the City of Denton’s Boil Water Notice, we were affected.

We had to boil all water that was used for cooking and drinking. Igloo water coolers were purchased to be distributed throughout the jail. We also purchased 12,000 water bottles and 6000 pounds of ice.

Another challenge the jail faced was with our food supply. We rely on food deliveries and because trucks couldn’t make their routine deliveries, we were

WE ARE

HIRING

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

forced to revamp our menus to

continue to meet the needs of our

inmates. Our revamped menus met the mandated daily calorie count for the inmates set by the state.

Because of the treacherous road

conditions and dangerous temperatures, some of our Detention Officers were

forced to sleep in jail barracks that were

set up for them. Other Officers carpooled together making sure that they arrived in time for their shifts.

940.349.1600 | 127 N. WOODROW LN., STE. 300 • DENTON, TX 76205 | DENTONCOUNTY.COM/DEPARTMENTS/SHERIFF.ASPX 24 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | MARCH 2021

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MARCH 2021 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 25

LAKE

DALLAS

BASKETBALL

FOR THEM TO KEEP TAKING STEPS AND MOVING FORWARD; THEY ARE SO RESILIENT. The Lady Falcons’ 2021 season included an unbeaten run to its second straight district title. Once in the playoffs, they knocked off Aledo, 64-35, and outlasted Mansfield Timberview in the area round, 51-43. They were beating Rider — the No. 3 team in the state — by 13 points in the first half but ultimately couldn’t maintain that momentum as the game wore on.

Mackenzie Buss, a junior who regularly makes highlight-reel plays, finished with 20 points and was nearly impossible to stop in the paint and on the perimeter.

Lake Dallas had a chance to steal a win in the closing seconds but saw a last-ditch 3-pointer rim out as time expired.

I

by Steve Gamel | photo courtesy of Lake Dallas ISD

t was one thing when the Lake Dallas girls basketball team made its Cinderella run to the region tournament last season. But to make another deep postseason run in 2021 — in the middle of a pandemic, no less — seemed improbable at best.

That’s exactly what the Lady Falcons did,

you played through,” Davis said. “We’re

24-6 record while advancing to the Class

in masks. It’s an every 100-year pandemic,

however, as they racked up an impressive 5A Region I quarterfinals on February 24.

Though their season ended earlier than they wanted in a devastating 53-52 loss

to Wichita Falls Rider, it was the program’s fourth-straight playoff appearance and proved that this once downtrodden

program is now a consistent force to be reckoned with.

Second-year head coach Jordan Davis — a former Baylor standout — praised her girls and said what they accomplished this season went beyond the call of duty.

“What I tried to tell the girls [after the loss to Rider] is that you have to look at what 26 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | MARCH 2021

standing here talking in masks, practicing and these kids are practicing their hearts out, keeping their noses covered, not

hanging out with their friends, and not

seeing people. And then you throw in an ice storm and blizzard in the middle of it

all where you have to take six days off and then go win an area-round game. That’s

hard. I’ve never gone through that in my life. I don’t know what that’s like.”

She added, “For them to keep taking steps and moving forward; they are so resilient.

I can’t imagine what it was like [for them].

They just fought, and my heart seeks for them. It didn’t end the way we wanted, and that’s always sad.”

“They broke down a bit, but they did what we asked them to do — get a screen and look for a shot,” Davis said. “It’s like I told them; they can come up and shoot all the time and do everything, but sometimes, it just doesn’t happen. We still had some good looks down the stretch. But sometimes, it’s just not your night.”

Even with the loss, the good news is that this team is far from done chasing state championships. Davis will only graduate two seniors this year, meaning that she has seven starters returning. Coming back are stars such as Buss, Camryn Richardson, Jorja Elliott, Bailey Broughton, and Allie Buchanan, to name a few.

“You want them to remember how this feels, not as a bad point, but as a motivator. You hope that they say, ‘Man, I sure hated the way that ended, and I’m going to do whatever I need to do to make sure that doesn’t happen again.

Unfortunately, we’ve got to wait a long time to do it again.”

If one thing is for sure, don’t be so quick to count the Lady Falcons out. www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

Travel: Ask The Expert

Florida EVERGLADES! AN AMERICAN TREASURE:

THE

C

by Terri Guthrie | photos courtesy of Terri Guthrie

an you name the third largest National Park in the United States? It’s Everglades National Park, which spans over 1.5 million acres in south Florida! It’s also where seven million Floridians get their daily water supply.

Here, water is the lifeblood. It is a subtropical marsh region often called “River of Grass.” The Everglades is often referred to as a “swamp,” but in reality, it is a giant, slow-moving river 60 miles

wide, 100 miles long, and generally only one foot deep.

The water moves very slowly southward from Lake Okeechobee across a limestone shelf to Florida Bay and into the Gulf of Mexico. It is a safe haven for a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

The Everglades is the only place in the world where the American Alligator and the American Crocodile co-exist. It is also home to the Florida Panther, one of the most endangered species on earth.

alligators, birds, and raccoons. This is a real adventure as we zipped in and out of narrow mangrove tunnels. It honestly was surreal as the mangroves are so thickly tangled and artistically interwoven to form dense thickets. This is the largest mangrove ecosystem in the Western Hemisphere!

This park is an American Treasure. What an amazing gift and opportunity we have been given to enjoy and experience this now and for all our future generations!

We started our tour with an exhilarating airboat ride at Everglade City Air Boats.

We chose it because the boats are equipped with personal two-way headsets to clearly hear the captain’s narrative and help soften the loud sound of the boat motor. We saw lots of wildlife like

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MARCH 2021 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 27

BA

Teams

L AL

& S L O L F A T B B E S

Back!

ARE

M

by Steve Gamel

arcus baseball coach Jeff Sherman didn’t just think he had a good team heading into the 2020 high school season. He knew that he had a state champion ball club in the making, and you couldn’t convince him otherwise.

are eager to make up for lost time. Both the baseball and softball seasons are officially underway, with many teams

planning to win big as district play starts in

“Man, I had six [pitchers] deep — all

“It was just so numbing because of how

any time, and, offensively, no one could

“I remember us coming back from a

“I have guys who are now in college at

It was gut-wrenching to see all of that get

said. “They are excited for us.”

throwing 90 plus. I could put anyone in at hold us down. We were 11-2 and had

already faced 11 or 12 Division I pitchers.

So, we had faced everyone’s best up to

that point,” he said. “We were primed and ready — all seniors and juniors. They were ready to beat everyone.”

Sadly, the Marauders never got a chance to prove their coach was right. After just

13 games, both the baseball and softball seasons were shockingly canceled

because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

There’d be no chance to play the

game they loved. There’d be no district championships or deep playoff runs.

More importantly, no champion would be crowned.

28 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | MARCH 2021

great we were playing,” Sherman said.

mid-March.

tournament in California, and it was over.

Rice, etc., sending me texts,” Sherman

taken away.”

Guyer softball coach Keith

Marcus wasn’t the only program affected by the pandemic. No one played,

including other teams right here in Denton County. Teams in the Murray Media

coverage area include Flower Mound,

Guyer, Argyle, The Colony, Hebron, Liberty Christian, Lake Dallas, Justin Northwest,

and Byron Nelson. Overall, that’s 20 teams between baseball and softball.

No one can go back and fix the past. But as everyone turns the page to the 2021

season, several area coaches are speaking on behalf of their players — all of whom

Medford agreed.

“I’d be lying if I said we didn’t get knocked to our knees by this last year,” he said.

“Not getting to complete a full season

makes us very appreciative for this season.

We are thrilled to death to be competing again.”

Argyle baseball coach Ricky Griffin added his own take. And rightfully so. His team was coming off an unbeaten run to the

Class 4A state title in 2019 and had many

of the same pieces in place to defend that title before the season was ended.

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“Obviously, everyone is looking forward

to getting back on the field,” Griffin said.

“I felt really good about our chances last

year with the team we had, and having it cut short was disappointing. We weren’t

the only ones in that boat, though. A lot of people, especially early on, have hopes

of winning the whole thing. When it’s all taken away, it’s tough. It was strange.”

Thankfully, Denton County — and really,

the entire Dallas-Fort Worth area — is still

are perennial playoff favorites. These programs tend to reload rather than rebuild, which will make for some exciting games over the next three months.

“I’ve basically got most of my varsity back except for the 12 seniors, and that was basically our pitching staff,” Sherman said.

“It’s interesting getting back into the fight and feeling the emotions during the game.”

loaded with talent. Two years ago, Argyle

Griffin agreed. The Eagles still have their

baseball. Several more, including Guyer’s

a few arms in the pitching rotation. A slew

and softball, and teams at Hebron,

and Ethan Gonzales.

and Liberty Christian won state titles in

top pitcher, Trevor Duck, along with quite

softball team, Flower Mound baseball

of stars join them, including Tyler Abrego

“We have about five or six who were on the field quite a bit last year, plus a few

move-ins who will help us out,” Griffin said.

This is an unusual situation for us because, for one, prior to the past six or seven

years, I could have told you our entire

starting lineup. Secondly, the season was

cut short last year. What that means is that I have a lot of kids who haven’t seen a

varsity baseball game yet. We still have the talented players, though. It’s a different

team, but there are a lot of kids who we are really excited about.”

After missing out on an entire season,

that’s all you can ask for — and a chance to compete for a title.

“NOT GETTING TO COMPLETE A FULL SEASON MAKES US VERY APPRECIATIVE FOR THIS SEASON. WE ARE THRILLED TO DEATH TO BE COMPETING AGAIN.”

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MARCH 2021 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 29

A TIME TO DANCE

DANCING

WITH PURPOSE AND PASSION

T

by Jean Eisenmann | photos courtesy of A Time to Dance Studio

he Bible’s book of Ecclesiastes (3:4) tells us, “To everything there is a season… a time to weep and a time to laugh…a time to mourn…and a time to dance.”

At A Time to Dance studio in Hickory Creek, they take that passage to heart. Yet, there’s more to A Time to Dance (ATTD) than training and guiding students to achieve excellence in dancing alone. Instructors are committed to inspiring, motivating, and encouraging every student to become talented dancers and confident, strong, kind, and loving human beings.

Those are big dance shoes to fill.

ATTD’s creative staff members are also dedicated to inspiring their students within a nurturing and safe environment.

Outside of their family homes, children find ATTD to be a consistently stable environment where they feel loved, appreciated, and encouraged.

“Dance training can benefit a child for a lifetime by building confidence, strength, grace, etiquette, and so much more,” Owner and instructor Elya Coleman explained. Because ATTD instructors believe in growing closer to God through nurturing young lives, they develop students through worship, dance, discipline, accountability, technical training, and performance.

The studio offers just about every form of dance instruction you can imagine, and students 2 years old through adulthood are welcome. “We have about 350 students altogether,” Elya said. “Fifty of them are in our smaller performance company within ATTD called Oaks Dance Company, which is open to those 7 years old and up.” Everyone participates in a recital at the end of the year, but Oaks performs throughout the year.

They aren’t a competition studio, meaning ATTD doesn’t participate in competitions. Instead, they find ways to share with the community. Since developing good character traits in

30 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | MARCH 2021

their students is so much a part of ATTD, they’ve always carried out service projects. When COVID-19 struck, the dancers were undaunted. They viewed the pandemic as a means of giving them new opportunities to become involved.

The theme for the studio this year is The Forward Project, encouraging dancers to

continue moving forward, not to give up, and not allow what’s happening in the world to discourage them from embracing who they were created to be. “I’m inspired by their resilience and perseverance,” Elya said. “They’re not willing to lose heart, even though dance class, school, and life look different, for they know they have a purpose.”

During the pandemic, ATTD continued classes online. Rather than postponing humanitarian efforts, they modified – and even expanded – them, such as taking part in Backpack Blessings through a church.

At these events, the dancers stuffed backpacks with food for needy kids.

During the holidays, a Spirit of Christmas event was held in Lake Dallas for dancers and their families to put on a free outdoor dance concert. They offered free meals plus complimentary donation bags of household items.

The more these dancers discover that helping others makes a difference, the more their confidence and joy grow, and their personal stress seems lighter.

ATTD has always maintained that the dancer is more important than the dance.

“We strongly believe in developing good character in our youth while giving them professional dance training,” Elya said.

“Our dancers are a generation of world changers — because we are more than just great dancing!” www.LiveLocalMagazines.com