Lake Cities Living Magazine November 2020

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

Automotive Issue

Becomes METRO DENT

ONE-STOP-SHOP

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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NOVEMBER 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 3

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TABLE OF

Contents ASK THE EXPERTS 25 Fitness with Outlaw Fitcamp 30 Travel with Terri Guthrie BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 15 Connections Wellness Group:

Supporting You During The Pandemic and Beyond

ARTICLES 08 10 Ways To Save Money When Buying A Car

10 Student - Athlete Has Painting Honored

12 Inside Community and Education 19 Increasing Breast Cancer Awareness 20 The Worst of Denton County 22 A Kickstarted Nonprofit 24 Lake Dallas ISD Named TAEA District Of Distinction

27 Sheriff’s Corner with Sheriff Tracy Murphree

28 Foodie Friday DFW: Chante Mexican Grill & Cantina

29 Assistant Coach Phyllis Brahinsky

PAGE

16

Becomes METRO DENT

ONE-STOP-SHOP Cover Image Mike Nosker of

Metro Dent in Lewisville

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NOVEMBER 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 5

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

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Administration

Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors

Bobbi Byrne Alisha Tran

A T IME OF

Reflection

I

have been sitting here at my keyboard on and off all day trying to think of the words that best describe the craziness of this year. Chaotic, confusing, and unpredictable are just a few I landed on. However, during my journey down 2020 memory lane, many moments popped out at me reminding me of all the things we are grateful for: our family, our health, our jobs, and good friends.

This year started off with a bang. We premiered not one but TWO new lifestyle magazines. And we could not be more pleased with the excitement and support the communities have shown us. We love being part of an area that embraces small businesses, encourages community relationships, and continuously finds ways to give back and serve others.

My favorite thing about Thanksgiving in Texas is that it kicks off the Christmas season. I love that after we give thanks, we can put up our trees and get into the holiday spirit! In Canada, where I was born and raised, Thanksgiving is in October, and it’s always on a Monday. I love that it is such a big deal here.

This time of the year, we tend to slow down and spend time with friends and family. And I love that we have time to reflect on our blessings and make new memories.

After the year we’ve had, I encourage you to look around and reflect on all of the things you are grateful for. There is still so much beauty in the world!

To our readers, our local businesses, and the talented staff we have here at Murray Media, we want to say thank you. We are proud of the publications we send out each month and we wouldn’t be able to do it without each and every one of you.

Writers & Editor

Steve Gamel, Brooke Ezzo, Diane Ciarloni

Advertising Inquiries

sales@murray-media.com

Production

Graphic Designers Caroline Brock

Alyson Modene Cayla Thompson

Photography

Your Candid Memories Photography What’s That Guy’s Name? | Photography by Guy T

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. © 2020 Murray Media Group

Don’t forget we love family photos. Send us your Christmas cards, your Santa pictures, and any pets-dressed-as-elves photos. Those are my favorite!

Sincerely, Kelly Murray 6 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | NOVEMBER 2020

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Neighborhood

MARKETPL CE Find Your Local Home-Based Business Here!

BUY YOUR

SPACE NOW

120

$

per month

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NOVEMBER 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 7

Automotive Article

10 WAYS

To Save Money

Car O

WHEN BUYING A

by Contributing Writer

n average, spending on transportation is a family’s second-biggest expense after housing in the USA. Whether you need a new car or just want an upgrade, there are several ways you can cut auto bills and put more money toward savings or other expenses.

8 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | NOVEMBER 2020

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What To Do

ONLY PAY CASH

Financing a car may be your only option if you don’t have the cash to pay for a car in full. If you can do so, however, perhaps by going for an older model, your monthly outgoings will be hugely reduced. This can often more than offset any extra maintenance repairs for older vehicles.

PICK THE RIGHT TIME OF YEAR February and August are often excellent times to buy a car. Sales usually are slow following Christmas and January, and at the height of summer, so dealerships slash prices to offset this. The end of each quarter can also be good times to buy, when dealers push to hit their sales targets. Buying certain types of vehicles in unpopular seasons, such as convertibles in winter and four-wheel-drives in summer, are also good ways to make this work for you.

PICK THE RIGHT TIME OF DAY When negotiating, sometimes even the time of day can have an effect. This is particularly true toward the end of the working day on Fridays when salespeople are keen to make up for any deficits in weekly sales targets.

BUY USED This one may seem obvious, but with depreciation remaining the largest expense for owners, and new cars often costing tens of thousands of dollars more than used models, the financial advantages are huge. Going for mid-

2000s models can strike a good balance

to avoid purchasing credit life or credit

too expensive.

itself, who can often try to hard-sell you

between not being too old and not being

WAIT TO BUY NEW If you must buy new, then at least wait

disability insurance from the dealership these. Stick with individual or employer policies.

for the initial excitement of a brand-new

RESEARCH POTENTIAL MAINTENANCE COSTS

There’s no more expensive time to

While buying used is usually a great way

release, when press and consumer

yourself on potential maintenance costs

model to die down for a few months.

purchase a car than immediately after attention on a model is at its highest, and dealerships can get away with charging more.

BE AN INFORMED NEGOTIATOR

to save thousands of dollars, educate

for the model you’re shopping for and

factor that into your budget. Some cars

can be notoriously reliable even if they’re older, and going for these models can save you a lot in the long run.

ensure you know what type of car you’re

ALSO FACTOR IN FUEL ECONOMY

the average selling prices are. Consider

fuel economy is another factor which

need, and don’t allow yourself to be

cost of a new car on top of the payment

Before you even enter the showroom,

looking for, and do research to see what which specifications you truly want and

upsold useless features. It’s also a good

idea to negotiate on the basis that you’ll

be paying on finance, even if you’re not.

Better deals can be struck that way, and

you can decide to pay in cash at the end if you go for it.

As well as insurance and maintenance,

can massively influence the total actual

for the vehicle itself. If you want to save money, going for four-cylinder engines rather than six-cylinder and manual

transmissions rather than automatic are two ways you can maximize fuel economy in the long-run.

FACTOR IN INSURANCE COSTS

CONSIDER IF YOU NEED A NEW CAR NOW

Insurance costs differ due to many factors,

Finally, it’s worth considering if you truly

specific model of car. Ensure you’re well-

an honest look at your budget and

including age, driving experience, and informed on how much the insurance

costs will be for the vehicle you’re looking

for by shopping around online, so you can

be realistic about how affordable your new car will be overall. It’s also usually better

need a new car right now. By taking

deciding to delay buying a new car, you

can massively reduce the amount you’re spending over the years, easily tens of

thousands of dollars over the course of a decade.

There are many aspects to buying a new car. As well as deciding on a model, factors such as buying new or used and the way you negotiate a sale can collectively have an enormous impact on the amount you spend on auto bills. By considering at least a few of these factors when purchasing a new car, you can easily save a lot of money in the years to come. www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

NOVEMBER 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 9

S T U D E N T - A T H L E T E

Honored HA S

PA I NT I NG

by Steve Gamel | photos courtesy of Lanie Schantz

L

anie Schantz is used to filling her day with volleyball, school, family time, fun with friends, and staying active in other projects. So it stands to reason that when Lanie found herself in quarantine at the tail end of last school year, she had more free time on her hands than she knew what to do with.

That’s when something magical happened. She glanced over one day, remembering that she had a large blank canvas in her room that was screaming to be painted on. All Lanie needed to do was pick up a brush.

“I kept painting and painting and painting until I liked it,” the Lake Dallas senior said with a laugh.

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The result was a painting called “Through the Chaos,” which depicts how making art helps counterbalance the stress of life as a busy student-athlete. Not only was it the perfect addition to Lanie’s budding portfolio, but to her surprise, the painting received state recognition.

The artwork was recently displayed at the

annual TASA/TASB Convention held from September 30 through October 2. The event was held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Each year, the Texas Association of School Administrators and Texas Association of School Boards host a joint convention for school administrators and school board members from across the state.

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It’s a chance to provide attendees an

opportunity to grow through education, exhibits, networking, and idea-sharing.

Lanie’s artwork was submitted by her AP art teacher and was presented by the Texas Art Education Association.

“My AP art teacher told me, ‘Hey, if you

want to put up one of your pieces, you’d be perfect for this,’” Lanie said. “Next

thing I know, she’s putting it out there for everyone to see. It was really cool. I was very honored.”

Lanie said she really didn’t take an interest in art until she was in the eighth grade,

though she’s always had that creative side.

Her mother is an interior decorator, and

one of her older brothers has been known to have an artsy mind. Inspired by that,

Lanie took several art classes in eighth and ninth grade and was in AP art class by her junior year.

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“All I knew was that I have a very busy life,” Lanie said.

“My art teacher

said to use that as

inspiration. I didn’t know how to do

that at first, but it

all came to life as I started painting.”

“I was going through some artist block

for a while there and really didn’t know

which direction I’d go with this particular

painting. All I knew was that I have a very

busy life,” Lanie said. “My art teacher said to use that as inspiration. I didn’t know

how to do that at first, but it all came to life as I started painting.”

To date, Lanie has been commissioned to create roughly eight paintings for

residential and commercial use, including several for her two older brothers. Her

brothers are currently living on their own and eagerly wanted to dress up their

bland apartment walls with something from their sister.

She’s unsure if she wants to make this a

full-time career, but anything is possible.

“I always envisioned going to college and majoring in something with apparel. But

I can totally see doing something like this as a side gig. It really is fun,” Lanie said.

NOVEMBER 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 11

INSIDE COMMUNITY

GIVING BACK TO OUR FIRST RESPONDERS

LAKE CITIES SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS Lake Cities Spirit of Christmas needs YOUR help! As a non-profit organization, the Spirit of Christmas blesses families in need with the help of volunteers and the generous donations from the community. The most needed items right now are new and used coats from baby to adult and canned and boxed goods for the holiday meals. Every child deserves a Merry Christmas! For drop off locations, email SOC@ThereHasToBeMore.org.

INSIDE EDUCATION

LDISD SEEKING FOOD SERVICE, CUSTODIAL PROFESSIONALS Lake Dallas ISD is seeking new food service and custodial professionals to join its schools, with positions available at competitive rates. Food service positions feature flexible hours, holidays and summers off and available insurance benefits.

Food service experience is preferred, but the right applicants will be trained for the positions. Custodial positions also feature holidays and summers off and available insurance benefits. Applications can be submitted at www.LDISD.net under the “Employment” tab.

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One local citizen is continuing to celebrate National First Responder Day by graciously collecting donations to provide the Lake Cities Fire Department with groceries as a ‘thank you’ this giving season. If you would like to help surprise the department with delicious food and yummy treats, reach out to Jenna Graves on Facebook for the GoFundMe information, www.Facebook. com/jenna.graves. photo courtesy of Kammie Savidge

HOMECOMING KING & QUEEN Congratulations to the 2020 Homecoming King and Queen: Gray Gounaud and Gia Spiesky of Lake Dallas High School. They were crowned prior to the homecoming football game Friday, October 23. photo courtesy of Anthony Tosie www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

AN ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION

GIFT OF LIGHTS Thurs., Nov. 26 - Sun., Jan. 3 | Texas Motor Speedway 3545 Lone Star Circle • Fort Worth, TX 76177 It’s that time of the year again for the magical car ride through millions of lights hosted

by Texas Motor Speedway. Tickets are sold by the carload so pack as many friends and family in the minivan as possible and let’s finish out 2020 with some twinkling joy.

Tickets start at $30. Preorder today by visiting www.GiftofLightsTexas.com.

The City of Lake Dallas hosted a Tree Planting and Arbor Day celebration in Willow Grove Park on Saturday, October 24. This successful event could not have taken place without the hard work and collaboration of all of the organizations involved. Those organizations included the Lake Dallas Public Works Team, Lake Dallas Development Services Department, Master Arborist Rodney Roby, City Council, Parks Board, Keep Lake Dallas Beautiful Committee, and a volunteer team from the LDISD Middle School 4H Club and the community.

COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE AWARD ALPHABEST CHILD CARE ON HOLIDAYS AlphaBEST, Lake Dallas ISD’s after-school childcare service partner, will offer its childcare services on most district holiday dates from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The service, which takes place at Shady Shores Elementary School, costs $35 per child each day. Only a limited number of district holidays are not available for the service, such as major holidays.

This includes Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve as well as the day after each of these holidays. AlphaBEST’s service is open to elementary students in kindergarten to fifth grade. Snacks will be provided, but families should send their children with sack lunches. To register, visit www.alphabest.org/lakedallastx. www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

The Texas Association of School Business Officials has named Wes Everole, deputy superintendent of Lake Dallas ISD, a finalist for its Commitment to Excellence Award, the association’s top honor. Mr. Eversole has served LDISD since 1991 and will be recognized at the association’s annual conference in February. Congratulations! photo courtesy of Anthony Tosie NOVEMBER 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 13

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Business Spotlight

C O N N E C T I O N S

W E L L N E S S

G R O U P

SUPPORTING YOU DURING THE PANDEMIC

I

AND BEYOND

by Steve Gamel

t’s no secret that all of us have been struggling to mentally navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. For adults, the constant unknowns lead to anxiety over issues like layoffs, sickness, how to pay our bills, and fears over whether or not our kids are safe within school walls. Far too often, we must pretend everything is okay when it’s clearly not, which makes it worse for our children as they try to cope with their own issues: returning to school, feelings of isolation, and more.

Connections Wellness Group in Denton wants you to know you and your kids aren’t alone. It is okay to say that, from time to time, you may need help. Your mental health — even in a pandemic — is the reason they come to work every day.

“Our culture tells us, ‘keep going,’ and ‘persevere on,’ or ‘it will be fine,’ and ‘you’ve got this.’ But there has to be a counterbalance to that,” CEO Awstin Gregg said. “The way we become our best is seeking and having the support we need in tough times, which leads to more success in the end.”

over the past eight months. Thankfully, many people are calling Connections Wellness, which has set a new standard in handling the most clinically challenging of circumstances — whether in person or through teleservices. They have services that assist patients as young as 3 years old and currently offer programs for teens and adults that include Process groups, psychoeducational groups, experiential groups, psychiatric evaluations, nursing evaluations, and medication education.

Their therapies include cognitivebehavioral, solution-focused, dialectical behavior, motivational interviewing, cognitive processing, rational emotive behavior, SMART recovery, and many

“ YOU CAN’T KEEP POURING FROM AN EMPTY CUP.”

The sad reality is that mental health affects people of all ages, and Gregg said those struggles have only been exacerbated

other services depending on the need.

“When it comes to the pandemic, there are a few points we are trying to make, which include creating routines and structure for yourself, focusing on controllable tasks, and encouraging parents to check in on their kids more frequently,” said Dr. Syed Nizami, a child and adolescent psychologist and the medical director for the PHP and IOP programs. “We also want to help people learn coping skills and self-care, and finding ways to stay connected as best as we all can.”

Gregg agreed, adding that people can’t continue being a caregiver for their family and others if they do not receive any care or encouragement in return. That’s what Connections Wellness Group is here to do — even in a pandemic.

“You can’t keep pouring from an empty cup,” Gregg said. “It’s okay to say that, from time to time, you might need help.

I happen to be biased, but I think we are pretty good at providing that help. Let us support you.”

940.222.2399 | ConectionsWellnessGroup.com | 2701 Shoreline Dr., Ste. 151• Denton, TX 76210 www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

NOVEMBER 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 15

Becomes METRO DENT

ONE-STOP-SHOP

by Diane Ciarloni | photography by Your Candid Memories (YourCandidMemories.com)

M

etro Dent in Lewisville was, is, and will continue to be a premier leader in the technology of paintless dent repair. For more than 25 years, people have known this was the place to take a car or truck riddled with door dings or hail dimples and, within a few days, pick up the same vehicle that now looks as if it’s fresh off the showroom floor.

Now, there’s something extra special

at 1620 E. State Hwy 121. It goes way

beyond dents and dimples. It’s a literal utopia, where anything is possible.

Mike Nosker purchased Metro Dent from his friends in 2018. His immediate goal was to begin expanding the services

offered to his customers. Working with dedicated focus, he needed only two

years to broaden the service umbrella to cover any type of automotive or marine repair.

“I still had a lot of customers who were

surprised when they learned about all the services we provided in addition to hail and paintless dent repair,” said Mike. “I

decided the name Metro Dent fell short in

describing our expansion into a ‘one-stopshop’ kind of business. I created two new DBAs to better reflect to customers that

we can offer them the best of everything,

“People are too busy these days to go

a jet ski.”

inspection. Oil change. Professional detail.

whether they bring us a car, a boat, or Creating names can require a great

deal of deliberation. It needs to indicate the service provided, with a sound and

rhythm that sticks in a person’s head. Mike played around with words for several

weeks. “Utopia” popped into his brain and wouldn’t leave. While doodling, it occurred to him that adding “a” to the

beginning of “utopia” changed the first four letters to spell “auto.” That was it!

to a list of places to fill their needs. State Even a frame-off restoration. We can do it all, which means wyou drive to one

place, turn your vehicle over to us, take

one of our ‘loaners’ if necessary and leave everything in our hands,” Mike said. “We’ll even take care of insurance issues. We

believe this approach is essential for our customers’ convenience, as well as the

most efficient way to meet their needs.

Also add to all of that a lifetime warranty.”

Autopia was born. Boatopia, to describe

Metro Dent is one of those places that

business handled, just followed naturally.

COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing?

the ton of boat and jet ski work the

Both Autopia and Boatopia are owned and operated by Metro Dent.

actually found the silver lining in the

One of the best places to accomplish that is on the lake! There was a giant

214.735.8365 | 1620 E. STATE HWY. 121, STE. C100 | LEWISVILLE, TX 75057 AutopiaNTX.com | BoatopiaNTX.com | HailFreeCar.com

16 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | NOVEMBER 2020

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THE GOAL THAT CHASED HIM FROM ONE PLACE TO THE NEXT WAS TO HAVE A SHOP THAT PROVIDED THE BEST upswing in boat and jet ski sales. It was a way for people to get out of their homes without exposing themselves to human transmission of the virus. The result was new boaters and a doubling of watercraft traffic on the lakes. Boatopia is ready to keep all those water-going vessels in top mechanical and physical shape.

“We handle everything pertaining to auto and marine,” said Mike. “That includes cosmetic, structural, mechanical, electrical, interior, and exterior. We have a new tagline for our business. It says: ‘Time, trust, and integrity – restored and reconditioned through expert quality and service.’”

plants, and body shops. He’s worked on six of the seven continents which, in itself, is impressive. The goal that chased him from one place to the next was to have a shop that provided the best service and quality anywhere on the planet.

SERVICE AND

He grabbed the opportunity by the horns when he purchased Metro Dent from his friends in 2018. There’s no indication he’ll slow down anytime soon. After all, it requires total dedication to remain the best on the planet.

PLANET.

QUALITY ANYWHERE ON THE

What really separates Metro Dent from the would-be competition?

Answer: The entire technical staff, including Mike, travel the world to learn different techniques, actually assisting the on-site technicians from whom they’re learning. This keeps them on the cuttingedge of available technology.

Raised in Dublin, Ohio, Mike spent 20 years traveling the world and working in hail storms, automobile manufacturing

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Increasing

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

by Precinct 4 Commissioner Dianne Edmondson photo courtesy by Commissioner Dianne Edmondson

S

adly, we all know someone who’s been affected by breast cancer --a wife, mother, relative, or even a neighbor here in our own block.

While there has been considerable progress in the fight against breast cancer, it continues to be the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States.

As such, it is important to continue increasing awareness of the disease that affects more than 300,000 additional women and their families each year.

When you look at the statistics, 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop cancer in her lifetime.

Men are affected by breast cancer as well.

In 2020, an estimated 2,620 men will be diagnosed this year in the U.S. Today, there are more than an estimated 3.5 million breast cancer survivors.

As public officials, your Denton County Commissioners are aware and concerned about this devastating disease. To demonstrate our concern, the Denton County Commissioners Court issued a proclamation on Oct. 20 to affirm our commitment in supporting the education of all residents about breast cancer as well as risk factors, early detection, treatment and support services.

...Denton County Commissioners Court issued a proclamation on Oct. 20 to affirm our commitment in supporting the education of all residents about breast cancer...

In 2020, an estimated 276,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S. as well as 48,530 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.

We want to give special recognition to our community’s breast cancer survivors who have or are battling the disease as well as to their families and friends who provide encouragement and support, and especially to those who have lost a loved one to this awful disease.

Whether it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October or any of the other 11 months of the year, we want to offer our full support to those who are dealing with this invasive disease.

To receive a newsletter contact Dianne Edmondson at | Dianne.Edmondson@dentoncounty.com OR CALL AT 972.434.3960. www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

NOVEMBER 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 19

THE

WORST

Denton County OF

by Jean Eisenmann | photo courtesy of Jean Eisenmann

I

can’t wait for the Best of Denton County issue to come out! I think it’s wonderful that Denton county businesses have the opportunity to be recognized and commended by their very own clients and customers within their own communities. Congrats to all the nominees and recipients!

But what about things within Denton county that are not so positive? What about the WORST of Denton County?

Here are my nominees: • The Gargantuan Groups of Grackles That Gather in the Parking Lots of the “Big Box” Stores. (Say that five times fast, I dare you.) Murphy’s Law isn’t just that it rains right after you wash your car. Murphy sometimes sends you grocery shopping at the big box store right from the car wash. By the time you’re back in your vehicle, you have to open the roll of paper towels you just bought and clean the white mess obliterating the windows, or else your car had better know the way home by voice command. And the sound grackles make in unison as they bed down for the night would make Freddy Krueger shudder. I find them acceptable once a year, however, because on Halloween I like to be creeped out.

• Coyotes and Hawks and Fox, Oh My! Good commerce leads to progress, and new construction is a part of it. Consequently, woodland must 20 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | NOVEMBER 2020

be cleared, and displaced wild

animals find their way to Denton

County backyards to check out our

lawn furniture and test the cushions.

Perhaps dip a paw into the pool. Some residents – myself included – have never seen a wild

animal face to face.

Recently, I saw a

barn owl sitting on

our backyard fence. I

thought it was a hoot, until my husband

informed me it was

actually a hawk. No

wonder it screeched instead of hooted. I thought it was just hoarse.

• Closed Movie

Theaters. Iunderstand why it was necessary

grease staining your container and fingernails with a lemon-yellow, artificial butter-like substance

resembling frying oil. Or, in scientific

terms, JUNK FOOD. And that feeling

of satisfaction when you’re still picking the particles out of your teeth the next morning as you reflect on the movie you saw.

Don’t forget those ICEEs. Sucking them

I saw a barn owl sitting on our backyard fence. I thought it was a hoot, until my husband informed me it was actually a hawk.

through a straw used

to be my only workout for the week (bargain basement botox).

Recently, a few theaters have

reopened with

enhanced sanitation

and safety measures.

But does anyone in midlife really want

to see The Goonies or Sixteen Candles again? Buy the

popcorn “to go.”

There you have it.

to close movie theaters during

How great is our county when you can’t

can’t have a weekly hissy fit about

about, other than a couple of minor

COVID-19, but that doesn’t mean I it. I’ve made five different brands of

popcorn at home, but none equaled

movie theater popcorn; that glorious

think of anything negative to complain

irritations? We Denton Countians are a

lucky bunch. I think I’ll celebrate with some popcorn from the big box store.

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NOVEMBER 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 21

A

K I C K S TA RT E D

Nonprofit

by Steve Gamel | photos courtesy of P.J. Kratohvil

I

t’s no secret that the transition from active military life can be extremely difficult for many of our combat veterans. The mental and physically-disabling conditions they suffer from are overwhelming, and the yearning to recapture the unique brotherhood and sense of community they once had seems like it is lost forever in civilian life.

P.J. Kratohvil and Robbie Horne have lived in that world, and now they’re stepping up in a big way to help their brothers.

together and gets them back to living active lifestyles. They do that by hosting hunting trips and other activities that not only promote health and wellness but help restore that lost brotherhood and reduce or eliminate the life limitations many of these heroes are facing.

Kratohvil, a Marine Corp veteran who served two deployments in Iraq and now owns Complete Exterior Solutions in Flower Mound, has joined with Horne, who served in the It’s all about Founders Robbie Horne, P.J. Kratohvil, and Treasurer Ford Jacobs. same unit, to bringing create Therapeutic Recreation Group. back the power of hope to help build a The nonprofit brings veterans and community of veterans, first responders, first responders from their community and their families.

22 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | NOVEMBER 2020

“Our vision is to get these guys together, let them know we are here to support them, and let them experience things,” Kratohvil said. “We are looking right here in Flower Mound, Highland Village, and surrounding areas to build a community that supports our veterans, active-duty guys, reservists, and police and fire. We want to help bring guys who are doing great together and point them in the direction of guys who aren’t doing so great.”

Kratohvil pointed to several studies that prove that when you can introduce likeminded people who share similar life experiences into an outdoor environment, it allows that individual to decompress and help them open up and begin the healing process. Remember, these are service members who were wounded or traumatized during times of war. By pairing them with Veterans and Active Duty service members who have faced similar situations, they can learn coping www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

techniques to fit back into society and reengage with their families.

Outdoor events are great first steps for this. They introduce something new and allow them to re-live activities they once enjoyed. TRG goes a step further with a follow-up program to keep everyone in touch, help veterans track progress if they wish, and continue to surround them with the support they need to achieve that functioning independence.

TRG also provides education to the community by giving free lectures and slideshows at corporate offices and other public venues. They utilize social media channels and the organization’s website to provide facts, statistics, and other related data on causes, current efforts, and solutions geared to help these patriots.

“We are incredibly excited to get this kicked off. There are a lot of nonprofits out there that serve and do great things. The ones I’ve worked with fly guys in from all over the country, but beyond the event, there’s no sense of community. We want to establish that,” Kratohvil said. “We want to pull from our community and create that for these people.”

Pictured above, Founders Robbie Horne and P.J. Kratohvil served together in OIF 1 & OIF 2.

Kratohvil said the idea for Therapeutic Recreation Group started a few years ago when he and Horne went on a similar hunting trip. As they were traveling back, they couldn’t stop raving about the experience and how amazing it would be to do something in their communities.

With P.J. living in Flower Mound and Horne residing in Austin, they saw an opportunity to create local chapters that served veterans and first responders in a way that truly makes a difference.

Their first official trip will be a duck hunt in Arkansas on December 12-13. Kratohvil said they are also planning a steer and hog hunt in January and a few more activities later in 2021.

“Who knows where this can go and who it can affect in a positive way,” Kratohvil said. www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

NOVEMBER 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 23

LAKE DALLAS ISD NAMED

TAEA DISTRICT

OF DISTINCTION For Visual Arts For A Second Straight Year

by Contributing Writer | photo courtesy by LDISD Social Media Page

T

he Texas Art Education Association has named Lake Dallas ISD a District of Distinction for its visual arts programs and initiatives, making the district one of just 43 in the state to earn the prestigious honor.

More than 1,000 school districts were eligible to apply for the recognition, with Lake Dallas ISD earning the honor by meeting or exceeding a rigorous 12-point rubric. The rubric examines a district’s visual art program from participation in TAEA in areas such as community engagement in the visual arts, community service, collaboration with other content areas, and more.

This marks the second consecutive year Lake Dallas ISD has earned the TAEA’s District of Distinction honor, led by the work of Lake Dallas High School visual art

teachers Jeanette Murray and Lacy Almeida.

ability to work collectively across the

district for comprehensive visual arts education, from dedicated visual

arts teachers to school and district administrators who value our

programs,” Mrs. Almeida said.

“Art is such an important part of life, and “Many of the recipients of this visual arts is an area where every honor are larger districts student can have something to “ART IS SUCH AN with extensive visual arts offer from their own unique IMPORTANT PART OF LIFE, staff, so we are extremely perspectives and visions,” AND VISUAL ARTS IS AN proud to show up as a Mrs. Murray said. “When AREA WHERE EVERY STUDENT students leave school, smaller district.”

CAN HAVE SOMETHING TO art will permeate their This year’s requirements OFFER FROM THEIR OWN world, and I’m proud our were adjusted to fit UNIQUE PERSPECTIVES schools give students an the rapid shift to online AND VISIONS...” opportunity to explore that. instruction and participation I hope what they’ve learned here in light of COVID-19 concerns, will lead to an appreciation of visual arts including district responses throughout their lives.” to the educational challenges.

The Lake Dallas High In addition to Mrs. Almeida and School duo worked Mrs. Murray, who led the application closely with the district’s middle school and elementary visual art teachers to submit this year’s rubric, showcasing the educators’ best practices and unique lessons.

24 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | NOVEMBER 2020

“This was all possible because of our

process, Lake Dallas ISD’s visual art

teachers include Lake Dallas Middle

School’s Janay Davis and Deanna Smith, Corinth Elementary School’s Shirley

Frase, Lake Dallas Elementary School’s Jennifer Manis, and Shady Shores

Elementary School’s Shannon Henson. www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

Fitness: Ask The Expert

1 0

SM ART

dinner-sized plates for the main food and smaller dessert plates. Grab a dessert plate for all your party food.

Studies show that people eat less when using smaller plates.

S T RAT EGIES

Holiday Party

FOR

7.

BE SMART ABOUT ALCOHOL Limit your intake and pass on the drinks with sugary mixes. Try instead to sip on dry red wine, or liquor with soda water. It’s also helpful to alternate each glass of alcohol with a glass of water.

8.

DON’T SKIP MEALS ON PARTY DAYS TO “SAVE” CALORIES It’s tempting to eat very little during the day of a party to “save” the calories for later. But that almost always backfires. It’s too hard to eat in moderation when you’re hungry and have been deprived of healthy fuel all day.

9.

TRY THE THREE-BITE RULE Research shows that the first few bites of any dish are the most satisfying.

Some people find success with a three-bite rule — slowly eat and enjoy three bites of your favorite foods and then try to leave it at that.

TEMPTATIONS

by Jesse J. Leyva, Owner of Jesse James Fit & Outlaw Fitcamp

I

t’s well-known that people typically gain weight during the holiday season. But it’s not dinners at home that are the problem, it’s all the parties, work functions, family gatherings, etc. that take place this time of year.

It can just be too much temptation. According to research by the National Institutes of Health, the vast majority of people will never lose the weight they gain during the holiday season! There are things you can do before you head to your holiday gatherings to help you from overindulging.

1.

INDULGE A LITTLE

We’ll start with one you’ll like — let

4.

full of holiday desserts when you’re

treats you only get this time of

hungry. When possible, it’s much

year. The trick is to keep it in

better to eat a small, healthy meal

moderation though!

before heading to a party.

DRINK LOTS OF WATER

Drinking water takes up space in your

5.

HAVE AT LEAST A SNACK OF PROTEIN

stomach, is calorie-free, good for your

BEFORE YOU GO

quickly.

nutritious meal before your party, at

If it’s not possible to have a small

health, and helps you feel full more 3.

It’s too hard to say no to a plate of

delicious hors d’oeuvres or a table

yourself have a bit of the holiday

2.

NEVER GO A PARTY HUNGRY

least try to have a snack of protein

FILL YOUR PLATE WITH THE HEALTHY

before you go. Grab a handful of

STUFF FIRST

nuts, some yogurt, a protein shake, or

When making your plate, fill most of the space with vegetables, fruits,

or salad. This will help keep you from over-indulging on the other stuff.

crackers with cheese.

6.

GRAB THE SMALLER PLATES

A lot of party set-ups will have large

10. TAKE YOUR TIME Eat slowly and before you go back for more, wait 20 to 30 minutes. It takes that long for your stomach to signal your brain that it’s full. If you eat to the point of feeling full, then the feeling of being overfull will kick in soon. But when you wait, you often find that you don’t really want more.

‘Tis the season!

Remember, your health is determined by what you do most of the time, not what you do once in a while.

All of us from Jesse James Fit and Outlaw FitCamp wish you happy and healthy holidays!

972.355.2639 • JESSEJAMESFIT.COM | 940.497.6002 • OUTLAWFITCAMP.COM

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

NOVEMBER 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 25

26 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | NOVEMBER 2020

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

SHERIFF’S W I T H

S H E R I F F

T R A C Y

M U R P H R E E

WE ARE

Holidays & MENTAL HEALTH

W

ith the holidays approaching, the Denton County Sheriff’s Office Mental

Health Unit/ Crisis Intervention Team is aware that the majority of people with mental illness report that the holidays make their conditions

worse. The holidays don’t necessarily worsen mental health conditions

specifically, but they tend to create

more stress. The resulting stress can then trigger or exacerbate mental

health conditions, such as depression

or anxiety. DCSO Investigators assigned to the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)

use their dual certifications as Peace

Officers and Certified Mental Health

Officers to obtain the most appropriate placement for individuals assessed

for emergency commitment. The CIT

provides the citizens of Denton County

with professional law enforcement mental health assessments and transportation of the mentally ill. In doing so, the CIT conducts emergency apprehension

and detentions independently and in

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

with the goal of reducing the number of mentally ill persons being inappropriately incarcerated in the Denton County Jail and other detention facilities within the county.

Please remember that if your feelings of sadness during the holidays are accompanied by suicidal thoughts, do one of the following immediately: •

Call 911.

the Local Mental Health Authority (LMHA).

•

Go immediately to a hospital emergency room.

with the Local Mental Health Authority

•

Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.TALK (1.800.273.8255).

conjunction with Denton County MHMR,

The CIT remains in constant cooperation and area law enforcement agencies to

comply with jail diversion requirements

940.349.1600 | 127 N. WOODROW LN., STE. 300 • DENTON, TX 76205 | DENTONCOUNTY.COM/DEPARTMENTS/SHERIFF.ASPX www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

NOVEMBER 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 27

Foodie Friday DFW: Chante Mexican Grill & Cantina

CHANTE

Mexican Grill &CANTINA

by Jay Marks | photos courtesy of Foodie Friday DFW

F

or quite some time, we’ve heard people talk about this amazing, authentic Mexican restaurant right on the Flower Mound-Lewisville border called Chante Mexican Grill & Cantina. We finally got to pay them a visit to find out what it is they’re serving that has made our community such fans.

We quickly found out EXACTLY why everyone has been raving about Chante.

Their authentic Mexican dishes are made with the freshest of ingredients. Their owners and staff are incredibly friendly.

And their margaritas are to die for.

“Chante” in Spanish means “my house,” and that’s the feeling owners and brothers, Enrique and Martin Garcia, want to evoke through their warm atmosphere and family recipes. They truly want you to feel like you’re enjoying a meal with them in their house.

They’re serving some family recipes that are very near and dear to their hearts. This includes the Abigail Enchiladas, which

Chante has an incredible assortment of handcrafted margaritas in addition to other cocktails, wines, tequilas, and beers. And during the week, you can get a Classic Margarita at lunch for just $2.99!

If you haven’t had the privilege of visiting Chante Mexican Grill & Cantina yet, we’d highly recommend you visit them soon!

You’ll love the food whether you order tacos, enchiladas, fish, or that killer Molcaxitl!

are chicken enchiladas made with their mother’s special homemade red sauce.

My absolute favorite dish that we tried (and that I’ve ordered multiple times since) is their Chante Molcaxitl, an assortment of grilled chicken, steak, chorizo, jalapeños, nopal (Mexican cactus), and cheese served in a heavy lava rock bowl.

Two of our other favorites are their Maya Pollo topped with chorizo and pineapple and their Pescado del Puerto covered in a cheese sauce, topped with shrimp, and served with chipotle mashed potatoes and a vegetable medley on the side.

And we can’t talk about a Mexican cantina without talking about their margaritas!

972.724.2540 | JayMarksRealEstate.com jay@jaymarksrealestate.com 1013 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 102 | Flower Mound, TX 75022 28 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | NOVEMBER 2020

www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

Assistant

The head coaches she’s worked with say she’s the best assistant ever.

“Coach B represents exactly what an

assistant coach of the year should,” Lake

Dallas volleyball coach Kristinn Holbrooks said. “There was not a tournament we

attended or an away match we traveled to

where another head coach wouldn’t come

over and try to convince her to come work for them. She has worked with a different

Phyllis Brahinsky

by Steve Gamel | photo courtesy of Phyllis Brahinsky

P

volleyball head coach each year for the

last four seasons and treats each one the same if not better than the last.”

Heather Van Noy agreed. She coached

volleyball at Lake Dallas before taking the reins at Guyer.

“She’s the most selfless person I’ve ever

hyllis Brahinsky sat comfortably at home, lightly glancing over a newsletter from the Texas Girls Coaches Association when her eyes did a double-take. At the bottom of one page was the organization’s announcement of the state’s subvarsity coaches of the year. Brahinsky looked to see if she knew anyone on the list.

And boy, did she ever.

worked with. She has a heart of gold and

Right there — smack dab in the middle of the list — was her name.

I’m excited that it has finally happened.”

is 100% in this for the kids,” Van Noy said.

“People she coached 30 years ago are still reaching out to her — because she leaves a lasting impact on you. I nominated her

in previous years. Jason [Roemer] did, too.

Brahinsky grew up in Irving and, as a

“You know how sometimes you read a list, and you think you see something, but you’re also not sure if your mind is playing tricks on you? That’s how I felt,” Brahinsky said. “I grabbed my glasses, and that’s when I saw my name.”

freshman in high school, became a

national champion in riding horses at

rodeos and other events. She went on to Tarleton State, where she played softball and was in the band. Believe it or not,

she also has a degree from Hamburger

She added, “I started tearing up. I ran into the other room to show my husband.”

University. She got into coaching a little

The TGCA awards recognize coaches from all six classifications in volleyball, basketball, cross country, and cheerleading. Brahinsky, a varsity assistant for Lake Dallas’ volleyball team and the head freshman girls basketball coach, was named the Class 5A-6A Sub-Varsity Volleyball Coach of the Year. Last school year, the volleyball team made it to the playoffs. She also helps when needed on varsity basketball, and last year, she was there when the Lady Falcons made it to the Class 5A region tournament.

instant pro.

But anyone who knows “Coach B” insists that this award is long overdue. www.LakeCitiesLiving.com

later than most, but her experience —

plus that heart of gold — made her an And the best assistant coach you could Coach B is starting her 27th year in coaching, 15th at Lake Dallas. Yet she’d never been recognized at the state level, regardless of how many times she was nominated. During her time with the Lady Falcons, both the volleyball and basketball programs have gone through numerous head coaches, yet Brahinsky was that one constant. She embodies the “first one in the gym and last to leave” mentality and has tirelessly worked to give her life to athletes.

ask for — with or without a shiny award.

“I didn’t get to this point by myself.

You can give this award to me all you

want, but it’s their award, too,” Coach B said. “People ask me how much longer

I’ll do this, and I always say, ‘When people retire, they say it’s because they want to

spend time with family. I don’t have kids of my own, so these are my kids. This is my family. I get to be around all age

groups, and being around them is what I enjoy doing most.’”

NOVEMBER 2020 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 29

Ask The Expert: Travel

EXPLORE

ON A

NEW FRONTIERS

IDAHO 1

PART

R O A D

I

T R I P

by Terri Guthrie | photos courtesy of Terri Guthrie

t’s hard to comprehend that one state could have such a diverse and spectacular landscape. Well, Idaho definitely does, and we have enjoyed seeing many of these sites on “Our COVID Getaway” Idaho Road Trip!

Twin Falls – It was here saw the old Oregon Trail. I have no idea how the pioneers crossed the Snake River Canyon, but today there is the massive 1,500-foot Perrine Bridge. We actually walked across it on the pedestrian walkway. It’s definitely not for those with a fear of heights!

Shoshone Falls – So many people have never heard of this “Niagara of the West.”

These falls are actually 52 feet higher than Niagara and are 1,000 feet wide.

Ketchum/Sun Valley – This is a great area. It’s even where the ski chair lift was

invented. Many celebrities live here parttime. The vibe and architecture is quaint, yet very upscale.

into the lake. We spent our time at Shore Lodge. Our favorite activity here was kayaking. We also enjoyed patio dining overlooking this magnificent lake.

Everywhere in Idaho, you will discover a postcard-perfect moment! It’s truly a wonderful destination for an unforgettable road trip.

Stanley – Redfish Lake is near the rustic downtown Stanley. It’s a glacier lake and sits at an elevation of 6,550 feet with sandy beaches and blue-green pristine water. It’s postcard perfect!

McCall – This charming town is built around the mountain-ringed Payette Lake and is near Ponderosa State Park that is a 1,000 acre stunning peninsula jutting

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30 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | NOVEMBER 2020

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