Lantana Living Magazine November 2020

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020 Automotive Issue

LIVES CHANGING PEOPLE’S

T H R O U G H

W E I G H T

L O S S

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

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TABLE OF Contents ASK THE EXPERTS

24 Fitness with Jesse James Fit 28 Gardening with Complete Solutions 24 Home Decorating with Allison Fifer 37 Travel with Terri Guthrie BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS 11 Connections Wellness Group: Supporting You During The Pandemic and Beyond 15 Adams Furniture: Furniture With A History PHOTOS FROM LANTANA 21 Lantana Resident Photos 39 Flower Mound Chamber Fiesta Photos 45 Lantana Resident Photos 61 Lantana Resident Photos ARTICLES 08 10 Ways To Save Money When buying A Car 12 A Kickstarted Nonprofit 16 Inside Community and Education 18 The Worst Of Denton County 22 This Holiday Season Shop Local 27 Sheriff’s Corner With Sheriff Tracy Murphree 30 Preventable Dental Emergency 38 A Paw-Some Woof-O-Ween 40 Service Dogs Making A Difference For Wounded Vets 42 Finding A Cure: Diabetes Awareness Month 46 Simple, Homemade Snickerdoodle Hot Chocolate 49 Increasing Breast Cancer Awareness 50 Rising From The Ashes 54 Return To School Algorithms 56 Foodie Friday DFW: Lakeside Urban Grocery

PAGE

32

CHANGING PEOPLE’S

LIVES T H R O U G H

W E I G H T

L O S S

Cover Image Laura Alexis of

Innovative Lasers of Houston

58 Safety, Warmth and Shelter www.LantanaLiving.com

NOVEMBER 2020 | LANTANA 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 Lantana 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 Lantana 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. Lantana Living is not responsible for omissions or information that has been

misrepresented to the magazine. Advertisers and its agencies assume all liability for advertising content. No part of this

publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission in writing from the publisher. © 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 | LANTANA LIVING | NOVEMBER 2020

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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 | LANTANA 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.LantanaLiving.com

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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

AND BEYOND

by Steve Gamel

I

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.LantanaLiving.com

NOVEMBER 2020 | LANTANA LIVING | 11

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.

12 | LANTANA 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.LantanaLiving.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.LantanaLiving.com

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Business Spotlight

Furniture ADAMS FURNITURE

WITH A HISTORY

by Diane Ciarloni

J

ustin, TX, just feels like the perfect backdrop for a place like Adams Furniture.

Justin was settled by 70 people in 1848. The plan was to create a Utopian society.

Its failure was official one year later.

Not much came out of Justin for the next 30 years or so. Then came the railroad, and the steam-powered locomotives

belched new life into the area. A post

office was granted in 1887, and the littletown-that-could became an established shipping and

salvage location.

Adams Furniture first appeared in 1929 as Adams Cash Store, more of a general mercantile than

anything else. The

shelves were stocked

The present, sprawling store was built in 1938 and, today, it’s stuffed to the rafters with a broad selection of quality, American-made furniture.

Owner Jim Smith was 16 when he started

Adams takes deepseated pride in having 85 to 90-percent American-made inventory.

with shoes, hardware, guns, hunting and fishing equipment, and anything else a

family living in North Texas might need.

Adams takes deep-seated pride in

having 85 to 90-percent American-

made inventory. According to Smith,

this is based on four primary reasons.

First, it helps the American economy and American craftsmen. Second, it

offers superior quality. Third, the lack of

dangerous chemicals makes it family safe.

Fourth, there are many more options to

working at the store

avoid cookie-cutter designs.

in 1969. “I became

No furniture is sold online because

a small percentage partner in 1979 and bought out the previous owners in 1982,” he explained.

Adams’ market is within a 15-mile

radius of Justin, tapping into a 200,000 population. Most customers come from word-of-mouth marketing.

pictures can be deceiving. Neither are

prices posted online because of the broad choice of options.

Adams stays current in styles by traveling to markets in North Carolina and Las

Vegas. “We also have reps come to the

store and show what they have available,” Jim said.

When you think about it, that’s impressive for a town that failed after just one year!

940.648.3145 • ShopAdamsFurniture.com • 417 FM 156 • Justin, TX 76247 www.LantanaLiving.com

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INSIDE COMMUNITY

CANDY BAGS FOR SAILORS GIFT OF LIGHTS Thursday, Nov. 26- Sunday, 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.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Janylle Koren has done it again collecting leftover Halloween candy for sailors aboard the USS Ronald Reagan.

Last year, with the help of the community, Janylle was able to send around 1,000 bags to the sailors. This year, she hopes to meet this goal again. The sailors, including her son, will remain on board well past the holidays due to COVID.

WISDOM WARRIORS COOKBOOK

REMARKABLE WARRIORS Madison O’Rourke, Senior at Liberty Christian School paid it forward to Scottish Rite Hospital by raising nearly $50,000 with her, Shaping a Better Future Fundraiser. The funds go to help underwrite the cost of care for children with scoliosis. Madison presented the check to the hospital that helped her overcome her own struggles with scoliosis in September. photo courtesy of Vivian Nichols 16 | LANTANA LIVING | NOVEMBER 2020

In 2019, The Grandparents Association created a Taste of Liberty cookbook of favorite recipes to raise money for the Teacher Sustainability fund. On October 19, the “Wisdom Warriors” presented Dr. McCullough a check for over $3,000 from the sale of those cookbooks!

The cookbooks are $21 and make great presents. To order yours, email Communications Associate, Vivian Nichols at Vivian.Nichols@mylcs.com. photo courtesy of Vivian Nichols www.LantanaLiving.com

DENTON COUNTY FRIENDS OF THE FAMILY

HOPEFUL HEARTS Over the summer Lantana resident Erica Wilson sat down at a local coffee shop with pen and paper and created a children’s book for elementary-aged students. The book, Hopeful Hearts is written to help encourage students through the changes this school year has brought and to stay positive when things may look and feel different. Lantana resident, Emily Holder illustrated the book. You can purchase your copy on Amazon or www.BarnesandNoble.com.

If you are looking for a way to give back this season, Denton County Friends of the Family offers an Adopt-a-Family Drive each year. A family, organization, or business an adopt families who have been impacted by domestic violence and spread some holiday cheer. DCFOF is providing gifts to over 700 children this year and they need YOUR help! For information on how to get involved, visit www.dcfof.org/ adoptafamily.

GUYER THEATRE PRESENTS… PARENT AND STUDENT ENGAGEMENT CLASSES Thursdays, Dec. 4- Jan. 14 | 6pm-7pm | ZOOM Denton ISD offers Social and Emotional Support Classes for parents and students.

The classes are hosted via Zoom and the links can be found online. The December 4th class is about Conflict Resolution and the December 10th class covers Anxiety and Depression, hosted by the Counseling and Social Work Department. For more class subjects and Zoom links, visit http://sites.google.com/g.dentonisd.org/guidanceand-social-emotional-/parent-student-engagement-classes. www.LantanaLiving.com

Guyer Theatre is back and these performing arts students are bringing their best to the stage. The line up for this school year includes performances of The Phantom of the Opera in February, The Beauty Queen of Leenane, The Children’s Hour, and I’m Not Rappaport.

For COVID guidelines and tickets, visit www.GuyerTheatre.com.

NOVEMBER 2020 | LANTANA LIVING | 17

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 18 | LANTANA 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. I

understand why it

that glorious grease staining your

container and fingernails with a lemonyellow, 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.

was necessary to close movie theaters

How great is our county when you can’t

mean I can’t have a weekly hissy

about, other than a couple of minor

during COVID-19, but that doesn’t fit about it. I’ve made five different

brands of popcorn at home, but none equaled movie theater popcorn;

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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T H I S H O L I D AY S E A S O N

Shop Local

by Kelly Murray

T

by Contributing Writer

he holiday season can seem like it’s all about shopping, and it is easy to get overwhelmed with sales flyers, doorbuster deals, free shipping, and online offers, especially from large, nationwide chains. No matter what you need or want to buy, however, if you shop local this holiday season, you will get far more than just your purchase. And every penny you spend benefits many more people than just your family and friends. This year it is especially important to make the effort and help our local businesses as they try and recover.

WHY SHOPPING LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS IS IMPORTANT?

you buy local, you can get the item immediately

While it is true that an online selection

with no delays

expensive than local stores (depending

problems en

might be larger and possibly less

for shipping or

on shipping costs that can inflate prices),

route. There is

than just a purchase. When you shop

than your

• Find more unique, one-of-a-kind options that aren’t available to

everyone who has internet access or visits a big box retailer.

• You are able to help more local

businesses since the business owners you purchase from are more likely

to shop local themselves for all their

personal and business

WHEN YOU BUY

needs. It creates a great community!

LOCAL, YOU CAN

Local business owners

a purchase at a local store is much more

nothing worse

GET THE ITEM

support local charities

local, you…

package arriving

IMMEDIATELY

• Support jobs in your community so

more employees earn paychecks they

can use for their families and friends as well as their own bills and necessities.

• Enjoy higher quality items as well as

more personalized customer service.

• This year, as we know, has caused

major delays in postal service. When

22 | LANTANA LIVING | NOVEMBER 2020

too late for your holiday plans.

• Develop

relationships

with business

owners that can

are the ones who that rely on local

donations. This is

WITH NO DELAYS

unlike larger retailers

FOR SHIPPING OR

to donate to national

PROBLEMS EN ROUTE.

donations usually do

lead to even better customer service for special deals, unique orders, and personal recommendations.

Denton County.

that are more likely charities and those not help

UNIQUE PLACES TO SHOP LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON www.LantanaLiving.com

Shopping local means more than just

visiting big box stores and nationwide

• Garden centers and nurseries for

holiday plants, outdoor tools, bird feeders, and more

chains in your community. True local

shopping means trying out one-of-a-

kind small businesses and searching for

• Art galleries that feature unique work from local artists as well as other art-

more unique shopping options that can

themed gifts

be pleasantly surprising with the wide variety of

• Spas and salons for

merchandise,

DON’T OVERLOOK

services they

GIFT CARDS

gifts, and

offer. Great options to

investigate for your

local holiday shopping

include…

• Niche and

www.LantanaLiving.com

• Farms for fresh local

produce, honey, and craft

CERTIFICATES FROM LOCAL SERVICE PROFESSIONALS.

items, and many other unique options

bombs, and other indulgent items

AND GIFT

boutique shops for clothes, crafts, gift

locally crafted soaps, bath

items with a rustic, nostalgic touch

• Local craft breweries for

all sorts of local handcrafted items and gifts

• Thrift stores for a wide range of items at discount prices that often support charities

• Local bakeries are a great place to pick up gift items and also add something special to your own holiday dining plans.

In addition to local shops for unique gift items, don’t overlook gift cards and gift certificates from local service professionals. If you aren’t sure what gift to buy this holiday season, a gift certificate for a future haircut at a local salon, a massage at a local spa, the next oil change at a local mechanic, or even holiday cleanup from a local cleaning service can be the perfect option. By shopping local, you not only give a gift to the recipient, but you also give a gift to the local business where you purchased it from and also to your community as a whole. And our goal here is to always inspire you to Live Life Local!

NOVEMBER 2020 | LANTANA LIVING | 23

Ask The Expert: Fitness dinner-sized plates for the main food and smaller dessert plates. Grab a

dessert plate for all your party food.

10

SM ART

Studies show that people eat less

S T R AT EG I ES

Holiday Party

FOR

when using smaller plates.

7.

Limit your intake and pass on the

drinks with sugary mixes. Try instead to sip on dry red wine, or liquor

TEMPTATIONS

with soda water. It’s also helpful to

alternate each glass of alcohol with a glass of water.

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

8.

I

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.

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.

It’s tempting to eat very little during

HAVE AT LEAST A SNACK OF PROTEIN

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.

10. TAKE YOUR TIME Eat slowly and before you go back

stomach, is calorie-free, good for your

BEFORE YOU GO

for more, wait 20 to 30 minutes. It

quickly.

nutritious meal before your party, at

signal your brain that it’s full. If you

before you go. Grab a handful of

the feeling of being overfull will

crackers with cheese.

you often find that you don’t really

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

DON’T SKIP MEALS ON PARTY DAYS TO “SAVE” CALORIES

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.

1.

BE SMART ABOUT ALCOHOL

FILL YOUR PLATE WITH THE HEALTHY STUFF FIRST

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.

6.

If it’s not possible to have a small

takes that long for your stomach to

least try to have a snack of protein

eat to the point of feeling full, then

nuts, some yogurt, a protein shake, or

kick in soon. But when you wait,

GRAB THE SMALLER PLATES

A lot of party set-ups will have large

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

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NOVEMBER 2020 | LANTANA LIVING | 25

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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.LantanaLiving.com

NOVEMBER 2020 | LANTANA LIVING | 27

FALL

Ask The Expert: Gardening

Arrived HAS

by PJ Kratohvil, Owner of Complete Solutions

T

he cooler air is here, rain has been falling, and the days are shorter. Fall in Texas is probably one of my favorite times of the year, and it’s a great time to make some improvements around your property.

Fire Feature

• Snapdragons.

Fireplaces, pots, and troughs are all great ways to add a feature to your space. Fire tables can also be a big hit! Their sleek design and easy usage make them a great choice for larger groups, whereas fireplaces are ideal for those looking for a more intimate experience. You can’t go wrong incorporating that fire element within your outdoor space. Whether you’re outside enjoying the warmth or inside just looking out, it’s a win-win.

Adding Color

• Chrysanthemums. Chrysanthemums are a common autumn flower in North Texas. ...

• Marigolds are one of the best pick because they bloom in the classic autumn colors: orange, yellow, gold, etc. The two most common groups of marigolds are the French marigolds (Tagetes patula) and the African (Tagetes erecta).

for interest, or running some Edison lights to light up the sky all will enhance your space. When it comes to safety and showing off the dynamics of your property, we suggest LED fixtures. These will help visitors navigate walkways & split level patios while highlighting features at the same time.

Lighting

With less hours of daylight this time of year, lighting is a great option to extend your usage. Adding some string lights along a handrail to create a boarder, putting some bulbs in a seasonal wreath

• Pansies. Pansies are hardy plants ideal for North Texas winters. ...

• Texas Aster. Fall aster blossoms from September to November in North Texas. ...

INTERIOR: 972.539.8258 | EXTERIOR: 214.735.1363 | COMPLETESOLUTIONSDFW.COM

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Preventable Dental

EMERGENCY D O N’ T

ENAMEL CARIES

L E T

I T

S T O P

O

Y O U

T R A C K S

ne of the most innovative developments in automobiles is the tire pressure monitoring system that automatically lets you know your tire pressure. It’s very handy, of course, until you are following your child’s bus to his class field trip and get a slow leak that you anxiously watch drop one psi at a time between Fort Worth and San Antonio. Don’t worry, I made it just in time (with 20 psi to spare), but unfortunately in dentistry, our teeth and gums usually lack the ability to give us immediate warning signs to oncoming emergencies.

examinations, most patients are aware of

the necessity to have their teeth cleaned,

but it is also important that your teeth and

gums are monitored for potential tooth or gum disease. Considering that even the

most diligent dental patient is seen twice a year, a lot can occur within six months

when it comes to oral health and catching it early can make all the difference.

When it comes to monitoring tooth decay,

oftentimes the lesion is located in between the teeth, and only a dental radiograph

will illustrate its presence. Small cavities PULPITIS

Y O U R

by Dr. Matt Artho

When making routine dental

DENTIN CARIES

I N

on the chewing surfaces may initially

appear as a stain unless checked by your

dentist. Decay that is unchecked can grow resulting in a great loss of tooth structure or fracture. By the time a tooth begins to

feel pain from extensive decay, it is likely close to the nerve requiring a root canal or extraction.

Gum health is also recorded during routine examinations. Periodontal disease is often called the silent dental disease, as it is unnoticeable if not monitored.

Bacteria beneath the gums will cause inflammation that results in bone loss around the teeth that cannot be regained.

Excessive bone loss could potentially lead to tooth loss.

Any of these conditions could quickly cause an unwanted and unexpected emergency. The best method to avoid a dental emergency is to be prepared and preventative. Make sure to keep up your homecare and don’t miss those essential dental appointments.

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info@countrylakesdental.com | 74 McMakin Road | Bartonville, TX 76226

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NOVEMBER 2020 | LANTANA LIVING | 31

LIVES CHANGING PEOPLE’S

T H R O U G H

W E I G H T

L O S S

by Steve Gamel | photography by What’s That Guy’s Name? | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GUY T

L

aura Alexis can tell you countless feel-good stories of everyday people who struggled with being overweight but saw their lives change in the blink of an eye — all because of a laser that looks and feels like it’s not doing anything.

For example, one gentleman needed to

“There was a red, shining light hovering

approved for long-overdue knee surgery.

rolling my eyes and looking down as I

drop a few pounds before he could be

WITH ZERONA, THERE’S NO DOWNTIME, NO SWELLING, NO BRUISING, NO PAIN, NO HEAT, AND NO COLD. SIMPLY BY LYING DOWN UNDER THE LASER, THE PROCEDURE MAKES TINY TEARS IN FAT CELLS, WHICH ARE NATURALLY ELIMINATED THROUGH THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM. 32 | LANTANA LIVING | NOVEMBER 2020

over my tummy area, and I remember

Within a few weeks, he went back to his

said, ‘Are you sure this is working? I can’t

no longer necessary because his joints

a Monday, and when I came back two

weight. There was also a patient who, for

excited that I couldn’t wait to get under it

but miraculously cast it aside, and another

transformed me mentally, physically, and

two seats and ask for a seatbelt extender

for others.”

doctor and was told the surgery was

feel anything,’” Laura said. “I did this on

weren’t bearing the brunt of excess

days later and saw the results, I was so

years, relied on a walker to get around

again and push the repeat button. When it

gentleman who always had to purchase

emotionally, I knew I had to do the same

when he’d get on an airplane. They are

And just like that, Innovative Lasers of

both now living their best life.

And then you have Laura herself, who

was depressed and overweight after the loss of her baby boy, Phillip. A doctor

she worked for introduced her to a laser

machine tucked away in a corner, and the rest is history.

Houston was born — and the Zerona Laser would never be stuck in a corner again.

When we caught up with Laura earlier this month, she was smiling from ear to ear.

She shared how Innovative Lasers went

from a single office to six — five in Houston and one in Preston Hollow — while single-

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Laura Alexis handedly changing the weight loss game

“We don’t destroy fat cells; we shrink

it’s all thanks to the Zerona Laser, the

attracted to metal, the Zerona Laser is

several thousand fat cells at a time. And first non-invasive total body contouring

procedure without the adverse side effects of surgical and other

weight loss procedures like liposuction and bariatrics.

With Zerona, there’s no

downtime, no swelling,

no bruising, no pain, no

heat, and no cold. Simply by lying down under

the laser, the procedure

fat cells and sweeps them throughout the

THE ZERONA LASER IS GOOD FOR ANYBODY AND EVERYBODY — REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU WANT TO LOSE FIVE POUNDS OR 105 POUNDS.

fat cells, which are naturally eliminated through the lymphatic system.

Zerona is FDA approved, and patients

experience an average reduction of 3 to 11 inches in two weeks.

While it sounds too good to be true,

there’s a very good reason for such a high

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attracted to fat cells. It creates tears in the body so the content of

makes tiny tears in

success rate.

them,” Laura said. “Like a magnet that is

those cells naturally seep out through bodily fluids such as urine and sweat.

When that happens, the results are immediate.”

She added, “We literally change people’s lives with this procedure.

I feel strongly that this

procedure shouldn’t just

be for the rich and famous but also for the average person just like me. I’m here to

troublesome loose skin because the laser stimulates the collagen in your body.

“This is all we do, every single day,” Laura said. “We hire the best staff with love and compassion as the main qualification, and because we can deliver results quickly, it has made us very popular.”

She added, “These are people who have tried everything under the sun and haven’t seen results like this before. I want to share those stories with the rest of the world”

CALL NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

214.484.2340

help people and change people’s lives.”

The Zerona Laser is good for anybody

and everybody — regardless of whether you want to lose ten pounds or 115

pounds. Not only does their laser shrink the fat cells, but patients aren’t left with

InnovativeLasersOfHouston.com NOVEMBER 2020 | LANTANA LIVING | 33

Ask The Expert: Home Decorating

The Art of Christmas

CREATING A

DESIGNER TREE

by Allison Fifer, POSH Home Staging & Redesign photo courtesy of Allison Fifer

C

reating a Designer Christmas Tree is fun and easy, right?! Well, actually it can be with the right planning. There is truly an art to creating a fabulous Christmas presentation in one’s home, however, there is also a “science,” shall we say, which provides a formula for excellence. Perfection is not necessary, nor the goal. While everyone has their own sense of style when it comes to decorating, one can simply follow the below formula to easily step into creating your very own Designer Christmas Tree.

Assemble, Shape, and Fluff After finding that special location for your tree and skirting its base, an essential yet often overlooked or rushed through step centers around shaping one’s tree after unpacking and assembly. Each branch is a vital part of your Christmas presentation, providing fullness as well as niches for ornaments in which to hang. Each branch should be straightened, positioned, and fluffed individually. This step is a bit time consuming and tedious but provides a huge payoff once decorating begins.

Playing a favorite Christmas collection of songs or fun holiday movies to enjoy while meticulously attending to each branch creates a fun tradition for you and

your loved ones in kicking off this allimportant first step.

Check the Bling Now that you have your tree assembled, fluffed, and full, this is a good time to check the lights on your tree. I like to refer to this as the bling! Be sure your tree is lighting up every branch on every row. If the lights are not coming on, ensure all plugs are connected and that fuses are good. Still no bling? Check to confirm each light bulb is securely in place or search for that broken bulb.

Top that Tree Some family traditions use the topper as the finale to the tree decorating experience. However, I like to start by creating an expression of art at the top of the tree to set the tone for how the tree’s

decorations will flow down. Many toppers take on a more traditional approach with a heavenly angel, a big bow, a twinkling star, or any type of metallic finial. Others have added a special touch of creativity with oversized stuffed animals, dolls, or toy soldiers. Be sure to use filler around your centerpiece to fill in space, accentuate a special color or attribute, and have it blend with the rest of your tree.

Create Focal Points & Ribbon Just like in your home, a Christmas tree needs focal points so that one’s eye may rest on something beautiful and peaceful.

By creating focal points, you guide the eye through your tree while allowing your guests to experience its beauty as you do. To create a focal point, identify a few niches in the tree to accentuate with a chosen grouping including your theme color; i.e., flowers, ribbons, picks, oversized ornaments. Be sure to add various sizes, textures, and shapes for increased interest and dimension.

Draping and looping a few strands of ribbon from the topper through a focal point to the bottom row of branches creates a nice flowing touch.

Final Touches of Ornaments No tree is complete without the family’s traditional, heirloom, and special handpicked ornaments. Placement of solid color ornaments closer to the trunk of the tree will assist in filling in any sparse areas while also creating a feeling of balance both with color and shapes throughout. The more ornamental pieces are then placed among the tips of the tree’s branches to ensure sparkle, interest, and visibility.

And just like that, you have created your very own Designer Tree!

940.765.2684 | POSHHOMESTAGING.COM | ALLISON@POSHHOMESTAGING.COM

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Travel: Ask The Expert

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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NOVEMBER 2020 | LANTANA LIVING | 37

A PAW-SOME

Woof-O-Ween

by Jade Kensington | photos courtesy of Town of Flower Mound, Richard Lehn and Ron Flower

T

he Town of Flower Mound’s Park and Recreation Department rolled out the red carpet for their beloved canine residents as a Halloween treat. Costumed pooches paraded around the Hound Mound Dog Park in costumes ranging from Santa’s elf and a bumblebee to the cutest side order of French fries.

Entertainment was provided by local DJ and member of the town’s Cultural Arts Commission, Jon Striklan. Animal Services had a table set up that was filled with coloring pages for the kids and information about their services. A photo area staged with hay bales and pumpkins made for fun photos for humans and their fur babies. Many people would agree that no event is complete without a designated photo area to capture those Instagramworthy photos to commemorate the occasion. Woof-O-Ween had something for dogs of all sizes and humans of all ages!

Over 25 dogs trotted down the red carpet to showcase their Halloween best. Prizes were given to the most creative, scariest, best homemade, funniest, and best pet/ owner look-alike costumes. The panel of

judges was made up of a staff member from Hollywood Feed, a Flower Mound police officer, and a member of Animal Services. Treat bags were given to all fourlegged attendees and were courtesy of Hollywood Feed, a natural and holistic pet

Krissi Oden, said they hope to make this a yearly event. Various spectators raved about the event, stating they would have participated if they had known the details before arriving on their scheduled trip to the dog park. “We’d absolutely participate again, along with any other themed events that come up,” Corbett said.

Woof-O-Ween is what the doctor had ordered to bring smiles and joy to kickstart the holiday weekend. Pets are an integral part of the family, and this event was the perfect opportunity to socialize and appreciate the community events that bring people — and pets — together.

supply store located at the corner of Cross Timbers Road and Long Prairie Road.

Flower Mound residents Kathi Corbett and Richard Lehn are Hound Mound regulars along with their 8-month-old Pomeranians, Bentley and Tucker. Bentley trotted down the red carpet, fashioning long, furry tarantula legs on his back and took home the title of Scariest Costume. Event organizer and Cultural Arts Manager,

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Difference M A K I N G

F O R

W O U N D E D

A

V E T S

by Steve Gamel | photos courtesy of Operation Mutt22

J

ustin Rie was convinced that it would take a lot of hard work and at least a good 10 years before anyone would know what Operation Mutt22 was and how they could help deserving combat veterans.

He was spot-on about the hard work part.

The whole “10 years” thing was way off base.

In two short years, Operation Mutt22 has become another beacon of light in the nonprofit community. The Lantana-based organization, which is run jointly by Rie and Jacob Robinson and now has a second facility in Tennessee, trains and delivers service dogs to veterans who return home suffering from extreme emotional and physical trauma that is often too difficult to overcome alone.

“Honestly, I’m still in disbelief,” Rie said of the program’s growth. “The amount of growth is unbelievable, and it’s gone beyond helping people in Dallas. We just sent one dog to Tennessee to be trained, and it will eventually move on to help someone in Montana. We are helping people, and that’s a great feeling.”

“THE AMOUNT OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT WE’VE RECEIVED TO CONTINUE OPERATING HAS BEEN TREMENDOUS.”

They’ve managed to place 44 dogs in that stretch and have gone beyond veterans to also help domestic violence victims, rape victims, sexually-abused children, and families of fallen soldiers.

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hesitation, he accepted his wife’s advice to get a service dog. Seeing the benefits in his own life, he wants to help others benefit.

To receive a service dog through Veteran Affairs is roughly a three-year process — an overwhelmingly long wait time for those men and women who have served our country. Operation Mutt22 provides its services at no cost to the person

The idea for the foundation stems from Rie’s personal experiences. After serving in the Marines, Rie experienced life-altering PTSD from his time in the field.

His condition was so severe that it took him six years just to feel comfortable going to the movies with his wife. With

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in need and can do so much faster.

Beginning with basic obedience training, the team gradually guides the dogs in their program to behave appropriately in various environments and serve the specific need of the veteran.

This can include PTSD alerting, seizure response, or serving as a mobility or stability partner.

“The amount of community support we’ve received to continue operating has been tremendous,” Justin said. “There are no salaries. There are no paychecks. Every dime goes to a vet or a dog, and we’ve

never stopped operating — even during COVID-19. People believe in us and what we are doing.”

The trainers at Operation Mutt22 are committed to instructing these amazing animals promptly and to be of assistance throughout a veteran’s journey with their dog. Veterans are encouraged to send an application for a service dog to operationmutt22@gmail.com and visit the foundation’s Facebook page Operation Mutt22. Contact their office for more information at 903.556.0882. www.LantanaLiving.com

NOVEMBER 2020 | LANTANA LIVING | 41

Finding A

CURE Diabetes Awareness Month

by Brooke Ezzo | photo courtesy of Kathy Duke

N

ovember is Diabetes Awareness Month, a time when the diabetic community can come together to show the world what this epidemic is really like. Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.

There are several types of diabetes, most commonly we hear of Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction that stops your body from making insulin.

With Type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t use insulin well, resulting in abnormal blood sugar levels.

Genes definitely play a role in Type 1, but researchers believe it is a mix of nature and nurture; your environment, the foods you eat, and daily routines. People 42 | LANTANA LIVING | NOVEMBER 2020

carbs. For instance, if I eat a plate of

spaghetti, I count the carbs and take the

insulin I need for those carbs. That is what will break down the sugar in those carbs.”

Insulin is the difference between life or death for people living with diabetes,

yet insulin prices are still skyrocketing.

Because of this, Kathy hopes that with

more awareness, more research will be done to find a cure.

“With two diabetics, I have to spend

thousands of dollars on diabetic supplies in some months,” Kathy said.

“THERE ARE STORIES OUT THERE ABOUT PEOPLE WHO CAN’T AFFORD INSULIN, AND THEY ARE RATIONING THEIR SUPPLIES. IT’S NOT LIKE AN ANTIBIOTIC YOU GET WHEN YOU NEED IT. IT’S NOT EVEN A CURE, BUT INSULIN IS THE ONLY WAY WE SURVIVE.” The research community is making

headway in beta cell replacement and regeneration – understanding why the

body turns on itself destroying the cells

that create insulin, immune therapy, and

Test strips, finger pricks, glucose monitors, midnight blood sugar checks, and thousands of dollars worth of insulin are just glimpses into a day in the life of a diabetic. This is something Flower Mound resident Kathy Duke and her son, Danny, know all too well.

“I was sick for a couple of years and didn’t realize it,” Kathy said. “I was diagnosed at 21 with Type 1 diabetes, and my son was diagnosed at 14 months old.”

working, so we take insulin and count

the development of an artificial pancreas.

“What a diabetic would specifically

want are things that would make our life easier. Every day you have to have your insulin and your supplies,” Kathy said.

“You can’t just run out the door with your cell phone and nothing else. You are living with diabetes are encouraged to live healthy lifestyles: maintain healthy weights, stay active, and manage blood sugar levels with food.

“You have to check your levels every day, at least five to 10 times a day,” Kathy said. “With Type 1, the pancreas stops

always planning ahead.”

Kathy added, “For me it’s about

awareness. Insulin is not a cure, and we need to find a cure.”

For more information on diabetes

research and ways to get involved, visit

www.jdrf.org and www.diabetes.org. www.LantanaLiving.com

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Simple, Homemade SNICKERDOODLE

Hot Chocolate

by Caylie Howard | photo courtesy of Caylie Howard

A

re you looking for a simple and delicious drink to make for the holidays? This recipe is sure to impress anyone who tries it. It’s perfect to make for any holiday party or gathering. Here are the ingredients you will need.

½ gallon of whole milk 3 cups of white chocolate chips ½ tbsp of vanilla extract ½ tsp of almond extract 1 tbsp of cinnamon

HERE’S HOW TO MAKE IT! Step 1: Pour your milk and white chocolate chips into a pot on medium heat. Make sure to stir continually until the chocolate chips are melted, or else the chocolate will stick to the bottom of the pot.

Step 2: Once the chocolate is completely melted, add in your vanilla extract and your almond extract.

Step 3: Add in your cinnamon and stir until combined. The cinnamon will want to clump together and sit at the top of your mixture. I’ve found that using a whisk continually helps to evenly distribute the cinnamon.

Step 4: Let simmer until you’ve reached your desired temperature.

Once your hot chocolate is ready, finish it off by dressing it up with your favorite toppings. My favorite way to dress up this drink is by adding whipped cream to the top and then sprinkling it with a little bit of cinnamon sugar.

This recipe is super simple and comes together in about 10 minutes. No matter the occasion, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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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.LantanaLiving.com

NOVEMBER 2020 | LANTANA LIVING | 49

by Brooke Ezzo | photos courtesy of Claudia Roman

T

here aren’t many 12-year-olds who can say they’ve met a president. But for Lantana resident Juliana Lopez, her philanthropic efforts led her straight to the presidential palace of Bolivia, South America.

After hearing about the August 2019 fires that destroyed more than 5.6 million acres in the Bolivian Amazon, Juliana became motivated to create a relief fund aimed to help recover the habitat of all affected animals.

“My family is from Bolivia, so when I found out, I was really sad,” Juliana said.

“I really like nature, and the fires destroyed the forests, and a lot of animals were forced out “IT WAS of their homes.”

Juliana symbolically named her fundraising project, Phoenix, wanting to help the lost animals resurface from the ashes.

“I like reworking dolls, I clean them up and then sell them,” Juliana said. “I put in new hair, remove the stains, and repaint them.

I’ve sold around 13 dolls.”

Juliana added, “I have a lot of supplies to fix dolls. I get raggedy dolls from thrift stores and then fix them up. Then I would sell them to friends and neighbors.”

A BIG PROJECT, AND IT IS INCREDIBLE AND VERY SATISFACTORY THAT YOUR MONEY CAN HELP FEED THAT MANY PEOPLE,” CLAUDIA SAID

She has always had a love for arts and crafts, and when she found an old doll on the playground at school, she came up with the idea to sell restored dolls as a way to fundraise.

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Those dolls and other fundraising initiatives earned her well over $1,000, and her family graciously matched the raised amount, giving Juliana $3,000 to donate to the relief efforts.

Unfortunately, by the time Juliana was ready to donate, the global pandemic had made its way around the world. She was aware of the financial impact the coronavirus was having on Bolivian residents and decided

pictured above is Juliana Lopez (left) and President Jeanine Anez Chavez of Bolivia (right) to put her Amazonian relief efforts on hold to focus on helping feed those in need in her family’s hometown of Santa Cruz.

“There was an immediate problem of feeding people there,” Claudia Roman, Juliana’s mother said. “She decided that the money she raised for the fires would go toward helping the people.”

With family and friends still living in Bolivia, Juliana was put in touch with a www.LantanaLiving.com

woman named Maria Paula Munoz who was running a soup kitchen with her husband and their three children. For 13 weeks straight, Maria cooked meals for over 100,000 people. The funds raised by Juliana went toward purchasing food and supplies for the soup kitchen.

institutions that were bringing aid to

“It was a big project, and it is incredible and very satisfactory that your money can help feed that many people,” Claudia said.

after severe events. And, she is the first

Word of Juliana’s project spread through the city and quickly gained the attention of former interim President, Jeanine Anez Chavez. Juliana and her parents were invited to Bolivian presidential palace this past August, along with other U.S.

the country.

“I was the only child attending the

meeting. I felt very special,” Juliana said.

“I was very happy to meet the president.

She is important to Bolivia because she helped get the country in control even female president — very independent and strong.”

Juliana added, “It felt really nice to have

someone so important say ‘thank you for your donation.’ We couldn’t really hug

or shake hands, so I elbowed her like an elbow shake.”

“I will continue to donate money and

still look forward to helping the Amazon.

I want to help any way I can.”

The coronavirus, much like the Amazon forest fires, burned through countries

destroying financial stability, job security,

and peace of mind. Projects like Phoenix, help to lift people out of the ashes one meal at a time.

Juliana and her parents spent 10 days in Bolivia seeing family, visiting military bases,

and spending time at the

soup kitchen. The kitchen

is still feeding people, and Juliana continues to send

raised funds to Bolivia. Most

recently, sales from restored

Juliana said she isn’t sure what she

wants to be when she grows up — an

investor or business owner. Whatever path she chooses to take, she hopes to make a lot of money so she can donate more.

“My dream is to help a lot of people,“ Juliana said.

dolls helped donate

To help support Juliana’s project by

children in Santa Cruz.

Claudia Roman at Clauro4@verizon.net.

necessities, like toiletries, to

www.LantanaLiving.com

“I THINK IT IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR MY GENERATION TO LEARN ABOUT WHAT’S CURRENTLY HAPPENING IN THE WORLD,” JULIANA SAID.

purchasing a restored doll, please email

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www.LantanaLiving.com

www.LantanaLiving.com

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RETURN TO

SCHOOL Algorithms

A

by Dr. Rebecca Butler (Lantana Resident) Board Certified in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics

growing body of evidence suggests a return to in-person learning can be accomplished safely, particularly for young children. Throughout the pandemic, childcare centers serving school-age children have successfully operated without significant outbreaks, even in high prevalence areas.

Overall, these algorithms (as shown) provide practical guidance to students, parents, school nurses, administrators, and community pediatricians. They foster confidence in the school community that there is a plan in place to deal with these complex situations. Of course, we must be adaptable as more is learned about this particular virus, available testing and resources, and the practical application of these guidelines.

A national mechanism to collect data

on the usage and effectiveness of these algorithms could prove useful in continuing to support “schools as healthy places” as more and more students return to in-person learning.

Additionally, realtime evaluation of the effectiveness of these algorithms must occur in partnership with our schools and

local pediatric healthcare providers to crystalize the new knowledge obtained as children return to in-person schooling.

This novel coronavirus will be with us for years to come. These plans are the first of many steps in balancing the health and education of our children.

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Mon, Tues, Thurs: 7:30am-6pm | Wed: 7:30am-1pm | Fri: 7:30am-5pm | Sat: 9am-12pm

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NOVEMBER 2020 | LANTANA LIVING | 55

Foodie Friday DFW: Lakeside Urban Grocery

LAKESIDE

Urban

GROCERY

by Jay Marks | photos courtesy of Foodie Friday DFW

W

hen space became available in Lakeside DFW for a specialty grocery store, local residents Wilma and Brian Cheshier knew they wanted to open one up where they could provide locals with all the products they’d need — from beer and wine to basic groceries and specialty items from local companies.

The new Lakeside Urban Grocery is a true family affair. Wilma and Brian are the owners, and their granddaughters help work in the shop, One of them even designed their beautiful logo!

Since opening a few weeks ago, they’ve loved getting to serve their community and getting to know so many of their neighbors who have come through the shop.

What are some of our favorite items you’ll find inside the shop? We love their grab-ngo meals prepared by a few different local caterers with options for those needing

Prisoner and Silver Oak plus Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Chardonnay Karia. When it comes to their beer, they have an amazing selection of locally-brewed beers including Wise Monkeys, Nine Volt, and Bitter Sisters.

We had a lot of fun while we were visiting Lakeside Urban Grocery checking out all of their products and watching Wilma show customers around the store.

She has the ability to make fast friends with everybody!

gluten-free, keto, and organic lifestyles.

We also love their collection of Valerie’s Thyme nuts and granolas, which make a great snack. And they have an amazing selection of rubs and sauces you can use for your barbecuing needs. Many of these local companies’ products can only be found at farmer’s markets, so it’s really special to have them in-store at Lakeside Urban Grocery!

So, go visit Wilma and her family at Lakeside Urban Grocery soon. Pick up some of their wine, beer, to-go meals, or specialty items and enjoy them at home or on their indoor or outdoor patios.

Welcome to Lakeside Urban Grocery!

And, of course, now that Lakeside Urban Grocery has beer and wine, we have to talk about their lineup! Some of their crowd-favorite wines they carry include

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www.LantanaLiving.com

www.LantanaLiving.com

NOVEMBER 2020 | LANTANA LIVING | 57

SAFETY, WARMTH

Shelter AND

by Contributing Writer | photos courtesy of Cloud 9 Charities

U

ncertain times call for living life uniquely. As our democracy rolls into a new era, the changing of seasons brings a cool chill to the air, and life as we know it continues to present new adventures and challenges.

Cloud 9 Charities stands firm in its mission.

For more information, go www.cloud9charities.org or follow the charity on social media.

58 | LANTANA LIVING | NOVEMBER 2020

www.LantanaLiving.com

Since its inception in 2004, Cloud 9

Charities, Inc. has hosted numerous awareness and fundraising events to address a multitude of needs

throughout our local community.

Through these efforts, the charity has

raised approximately $3 million, which has been donated to several other non-profit organizations that share

its mission. Cloud 9 Charities is an organization of local leaders and

business owners with a passion for giving back to this community and

working to make it a better place in which to live for all of us.

After seeing a stirring episode of 60

Minutes which featured a father with

two school-age daughters living out of their van and bathing daily at a local

gas station restroom all while trying to

maintain solid grades at school and a job, Cloud 9 Charities Founder, Kim CloudSkidmore, knew she had to laser-focus the efforts of the charity’s board to a

unique niche of homeless families in

Denton County. Quickly discovering that

the Lewisville ISD had over 300 homeless students of its own, mostly from single-

parent homes, the board knew it needed

to create a non-profit initiative to address this growing population.

Beginning in 2019, Cloud 9 Charities

changed its focus from redirecting funds

TOGETHER, WE CAN BUILD A COMMUNITY WHERE EVERYONE HAS THE SAFETY, WARMTH, AND SHELTER THEY DESERVE. www.LantanaLiving.com

to a multitude of non-profits to solely supporting its own initiative, Bedtime Rescue (BTR). Bedtime Rescue, launched in January of last year, is an ongoing program that was created to provide temporary housing for homeless families within our local community.

This program brings relief to families and single parents so they can get back on their feet, connect with appropriate resources, and make long term plans for a healthy, successful future.

This initiative has established relationships with local hotels in order to provide shelter for those affected by crisis or abrupt homelessness. Bedtime Rescue, through fundraising efforts, provides the monies to cover the hotel expenses for those it assists. Funds are raised through private donations and two annual events – its Annual “Giving & Golf Tournament” held each Spring, and its largest event “The Best Little BrewFest in Texas” each October. Both these events are unique in that 100% off all proceeds go directly to funding Bedtime Rescue. This year’s BrewFest has a new twist due to Texas Social Distancing Guidelines as the festival draws nearly 3,500 attendees and volunteers combined.

As of January last year, Bedtime Rescue has provided over 2,800 nights of shelter for families throughout Denton County.

In 2020 thus far, Cloud 9 Charities’ Bedtime Rescue has assisted 96 families and continues its efforts with the challenge of COVID-19 pressing down on so many. Today, Bedtime Rescue’s statistics show an increase of 401% in homeless families needing assistance this year.

What is your mission? Together, we can build a community where everyone has the safety, warmth, and shelter they deserve. Join Cloud 9 Charities and Bedtime Rescue in making a difference in our local community — be a sponsor, join the board, volunteer, make a donation, change your charity of choice at the grocery store, and online shopping outlets…even for a day!

As we roll into the holidays, join Cloud 9 Charities and Do Life on

Mission. Support Bedtime Rescue in its efforts of providing safety, warmth, and shelter one family at a time.

Bedtime Rescue has teamed up with Kendra Scott for a Kendra Scott Gives Back Event on November 21st from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Highland Village.

Shop at their new store located at 1500 Cottonwood Creek #180 in the Shops of Highland Village and make sure to mention Bedtime Rescue at Checkout for 20% to be donated back to the organization!

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www.LantanaLiving.com

www.LantanaLiving.com

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www.LantanaLiving.com