Lantana Living Magazine October 2019

OCTOBER 18, 2019 - NOVEMBER 15, 2019 MEDICAL EXPERTS ISSUE

A TRUE Team Of

AMAZING MAIDS

HOW TO LIVE

TO BE 100

HALLOWEEN

RECIPE PAGE

WHAT IS YOUR DOG TRYING TO TELL YOU

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

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OCTOBER 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 3

LantanaLiving.com

It’s That Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

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

Writers & Editor Steve Gamel Brooke Ezzo

Advertising

Kelly Murray kelly@murray-media.com

Production

Art Director Liz Wallace Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Alyson Modene

Photography

Your Candid Memories 469.583.2819 yourcandidmemories.com

Letters

Lantana Living invites reader feedback, story suggestions

TIME OF

YEAR

W

e have finally reached my favorite time of the year!

Not only is Halloween right around the corner, but the spookiness of that fun night quickly leads to Thanksgiving and, of course, Christmas.

In no other time of the year do we have so many family-oriented festivities in such a short period of time. I don’t know about you, but I can hardly even contain myself thinking about all the fun times Scott and I will share with our kiddos.

They grow up so fast, so make sure you take advantage now.

In honor of Halloween, I thought I’d spend the rest of this column telling a few jokes.

These jokes were pulled from various sources across the Internet. I know most of them are pretty corny, but I hope they all bring a smile to your faces.

•

What’s it like to be kissed by a vampire?

It’s a pain in the neck.

•

How does a girl vampire flirt?

She bats her eyes.

•

What do you call wood when it is scared? Petrified.

•

When do ghouls and goblins cook their victims? On Fry Day.

•

What do you get when you cross a vampire and a snowman? Frostbite

and general comments.

Email artwork@murray-media.com.

All submissions become the sole

property of Murray Media Group.

Editorial and Advertising Inquiries call 972.899.3637 or email

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

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

I hope you enjoy this issue. And please don’t forget to send us Halloween trick-or-treat photos of your favorite princesses, vampires, ghouls, and goblins. You may just see yourself in the next issue.

Sincerely, Kelly Murray

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

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TABLE OF

CONTENTS

32

On the Cover: Debbie Sardone and her team at Buckets and Bows Maid Service

FEATURED:

A True Team of Amazing Maids

ASK THE EXPERTS 07 Edit This with Steve Gamel 19 Organizing with

Cloud Nine Organizing

40 Gardening with Complete Solutions 49 Fitness with Jesse James Fit 57 Legal Advice with Balmos Law

15 Calling All Mentors!

23 Bullying 24 How To Live To Be 100 27 Sheriff’s Corner with

Sheriff Tracy Murphree

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

37 Ally’s Wish

Dream In Western

31 Health Markets: Helping You Make Sense of Health Insurance

ARTICLES 08 Foodie Friday With

Jay Marks Real Estate

10 8 Tips On How To Choose A Local Primary Care Doctor

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5 Years Cancer Free

13 Inside Education

28 Halloween Snack Recipes

21 Cowhide Western Furniture:

EDITORS PICK:

12 Inside Community

59 Dentistry with Country Lakes Family Dental

16

34 Community Corner 42 Retired & Rocking 44 Thanksgiving Countdown Planner 46 Signs of Depression

You Need to Recognize

50 Your Friendly Spiders 54 JDRF Children’s Congress Conference 61 Sabrina Ray AdleyandAvery

Medical Experts

ISSUE Learn about hot topics in the general medical field along with advice from your local medical experts.

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Edit This :Ask The Expert

Great Quotes About

Writing Advice

A

spiring writers occasionally need to hear encouraging words and advice from predecessors who really knew what the heck they were talking about.

These tips are often referred to as nuggets of wisdom, and they are everywhere in the writing world.

by Steve Gamel Edit This 469.360.3611 EditThisLLC.com To read more from Edit This, check out our blog at www.editthisllc.com/blog.

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Here are 4 can’t-miss tips from famous writers, poets, and authors – past and present.

“Write without pay until somebody offers to pay.”

— Mark Twain

“Tell your story. Don’t try and tell the stories that other people can tell.

Any starting writer starts out with other people’s voices. But as quickly as you can start telling the stories that only you can tell, because there will always be better writers than you and there will always be smarter writers than you, but you are the only you.”

— Neil Gaiman “Never use a long word where a short one will do.”

— George Orwell “The idea is to write it so that people hear it and it slides through the brain and goes straight to the heart.”

— Maya Angelou

OCTOBER 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 7

Foodie Friday DFW: Craft Pies Pizza Co.

CRAFT PIES Pizza Co. T

his month we set out to explore what it is about Craft Pies Pizza Co. that has had people in Flower Mound raving about the Lakeside DFW location all over social media.

We tried out three of their top-sellers

The Craft Pies Pizza concept started with three guys who had a dream to be entrepreneurs, a small budget, and a pizza oven that didn’t even work.

After observing how businesses like Subway operate for years, they wanted to bring a unique twist to the fast-casual pizza concept.

pineapple, cilantro; and their Alfredo

Flat-price pizzas no matter how many toppings you load on.

I love the thin, light quality of the crust.

After you choose your crust, choose a sauce, whether it’s a classic red sauce or their buffalo sauce. Then load on some cheese, meat, veggies and finishes like arugula, sriracha, or balsamic glaze.

Same goes with their “Build-Your-Own” salads. Pick your greens, meats, veggies, and dressing. And no matter what you choose, the cost is $8.95!

If building your own pizza or salad is too overwhelming for you, they have some original recipes on their menu you can choose from instead.

Margherita; their Caribbean BBQ

topped with bbq sauce, mozzarella,

chicken, Canadian bacon, red onion,

photos courtesy of Foodie Friday DFW

You can start with a 7” crust, an 11.5” thin crust, or a 10” Gluten-free crust (at $5.95, $8.95 & $11.95 respectively) and no matter how many toppings you choose, the price stays the same!

while we were there: the classic

Heaven made with white sauce,

mozzarella, chopped garlic, chicken,

bacon, peppadew peppers, arugula, balsamic drizzle.

Their dough is made using an

authentic recipe from Naples, Italy

(also known as the birthplace of pizza).

It’s the perfect vehicle to enjoy

all the deliciously fresh toppings and finishes you put on top.

So, the next time you or the family

are craving pizza, we’d recommend

you get yourselves over to Craft Pies

Pizza Co. in Lakeside DFW. Everyone can get the pizza they want at a great price

point. And you’ll also get a taste for their culture of “servant leadership” which

trickles down to all of their employees and how they treat their customers.

855.611.0311 www.craftpiespizza.com 2451 Lakeside Pkwy., Ste. 100 Flower Mound, TX 75022

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

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OCTOBER 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 9

8 Medical Expert Article

Tips On

HOW TO CHOOSE

A Local Primary Care Doctor

F

inding the right primary care doctor can be extremely overwhelming, especially if you haven’t found the right one or have moved and don’t know where to begin. But there’s no denying that you need one. This is the one doctor who is

supposed to know you the best. They should know your medical history inside and out

by Steve Gamel

work. People tend to visit their primary care doctor more than any other medical professional, so if possible, seek out convenient options.

as well as your lifestyle, personality, and where to send you if they can’t help. If you’re with them long enough, you will develop an uncanny level of trust.

Basically, choosing the right primary care doctor is the most important health decision you could ever make. So if you’re in the market for one, where do you start? How do you narrow your search? Start with these 8 tips:

Ask for referrals

Perhaps there is no better stamp of approval than a referral from a friend, family member, coworker, or even another healthcare professional. Anyone who has been a patient can fill you in on everything from wait times to the quality of the office staff and the doctor’s bedside manner.

This doesn’t guarantee that you and that

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primary care doctor will be a good match.

But a referral is a great place to start and will help you proceed with confidence.

Look at where their office is

You could get five or six quality referrals from friends and family, but make sure they are all close to where you live or

Check which insurance they accept Just like no two doctors are the same,

not every doctor’s office is structured the same in terms of what types of insurance

they take. Obviously, you will pay less out

of pocket with an in-network doctor, so do your research or even call the office and

ask the front desk. This will help you avoid any surprises.

Look at hospital affiliations

To piggyback off the previous tip, it’s important to know which hospitals the doctor uses. While the doctor accepts

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your insurance, the hospital may not.

You may also not feel comfortable at that particular hospital should the need arise. Knowing this will help narrow down your search.

Conduct online research In today’s age of social media, you

a meet and greet with the doctor and his or her nurses. This will give you the chance to see with your own eyes how the facility is operated, how long you have to wait, how busy the doctor typically is, and if your personalties match. Compatibility is huge; your local primary doctor and his or her staff should put you at ease when in their presence.

don’t have to rely solely on friends and

family to point you in the right direction.

Search reviews on Yelp and Facebook

or on the doctor’s website to see what

other patients have to say. You can also see if the doctor has written anything

evening and weekend appointments.

This may be a deciding factor for you if you work long hours and can only get in during odd hours.

Working as a team Rather than dictate a set of instructions with every visit, your primary care doctor should want you to be just as much a part of the

Research accessibility

Many doctor’s offices nowadays are going beyond the typical 9-5 shift to provide

treatment program as they are. They should encourage questions, listen more than

they talk, and when they do speak, do so in language that you can understand.

that’s been published or if they have a professional bio online.

Pay the doctor a visit

If you’ve checked off every box above, now is a great time to drop in or schedule www.LantanaLiving.com

What did we leave off? Do you have any tips for your fellow neighbor when it comes to choosing a quality primary care doctor? Let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear from you.

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INSIDE COMMUNITY FLOWER MOUND PUMPKIN PATCH Tues., Oct. 1 - Thurs., Oct. 31 | 9am-7pm | Double Oak Ranch 5100 Cross Timbers Rd. • Flower Mound, TX 75028 It’s that time of the year when we are embraced with everything Fall. That includes PUMPKINS and perfect photo opportunities. During the month of October, the Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch will entertain you with cartoon character cutouts, bounce houses, pumpkins, hay bales, and much more! Vendors will be serving delicious food on weekend days. Parking is $5.00 for weekdays and $10.00 for weekends. All activities are free. For more information or driving directions please visit, www.flowermoundpumpkinpatch.com. photo courtesy of Jan Balekian

TRIVIA NIGHT IN THE GRILL Thurs., Oct. 24 | 6 - 8:30pm Lantana Golf Club 800 Golf Club Dr. • Lantana, TX 76226 You think you know trivia? Tell all your friends and family, then come to the Club and enjoy a fun night of trivia. There will be a variety of quiz games, drink specials, and food! The trivia rounds will be for all levels. Don’t miss out! Go to www.lantanagolf.com for more info.

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SOUP & CHILI COOK OFF

ANNUAL QUARTER AUCTION

Sun., Oct. 27 | 12 - 1pm Lantana Community Fellowship Church of the Nazarene 2200 E. Jeter Rd. • Bartonville, TX 76226

Tues., Nov. 19 | 6pm | Lantana Golf Club 800 Golf Club Dr. • Lantana, TX 76226

For those who attend the Lantana Community Church, this month’s gathering will be a chili cookoff.

Church attendees are invited to bring their best homemade soup or chili for fellowship after service. If you are looking for a church home, service will begin at 10:30am with the cookoff to follow.

For information about LCC visit www.lcfnaz.org.

The Lantana Ladies League presents its’ Annual Quarter Auction benefitting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. At the auction, attendees will purchase paddles, one paddle for $5 or three for $10. Bidders use the paddles to bid, with quarters, on auction items.

This event is open to league members and their families. Come support a great cause. For more information contact event chair Krista Middleton at info@lantanaladiesleague.com.

photo courtesy of Lantana Community Church

photo courtesy of Kristine Hallingstad www.LantanaLiving.com

INSIDE EDUCATION SCHOOL EVENTS

Guyer High Varsity Football Vs. Eaton Oct. 25 | 7pm at Northwest ISD Stadium Guyer High Varsity Football Vs. Byron Nelson Nov. 1 | 7pm at Northwest ISD Stadium

A TASTE OF LIBERTY COOKBOOK The Grandparents Association created an incredible cookbook titled, “A Taste of Liberty.”

The cookbook will benefit the Teacher Sustainability Initiative for Liberty Christian School teachers. The cookbooks are comprised of Liberty community family-favorite recipes and are now available for purchase in person or online at www.libertychristian.com/gpacookbook.

A keepsake and a great Christmas gift! Preorder price is $21. photo courtesy of Amy Mauldin

Guyer High Varsity Football Vs. Keller Fossil Ridge (Senior Night) Nov. 7 | 7pm at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex 13th Annual Guyer Choir Craft Show Nov. 9 | 9am-4pm Guyer High School

ADKINS

RON BROWN SCHOLAR PROGRAM Guyer High School seniors are encouraged to apply for the Ron Brown Scholarship, a program directed toward advancing education for African-American seniors who excel academically, are community-minded, and demonstrate a financial need. The program awards $10,000 annually toward educational expenses at an accredited four-year college or university in the United States.

The early applicant deadline is Nov 1.

The final deadline is Jan. 9, 2020.

For eligibility requirements visit www.ronbrown.org and click on “apply to be a scholar.” www.LantanaLiving.com

EVENTS

CONGRATULATIONS TO ADAM WHOOLERY On September 14 students auditioned at Truett Wilson Middle School for the All Region Jazz Band. Senior, Adam Whoolery auditioned and became the first Guyer percussionist to advance to the All-Region Jazz Band and taped for the All-Area level on October 15. Congratulations, Adam! photo courtesy of Oscar Ban

U-NITE Nov 2 | 2-6pm Benefiting Adkins, Blanton & EP Razor Featuring Ninja Course, Food Trucks, Vendors, Fair and More Adkins Elementary Dads Breakfast Oct. 24 | 7am hosted by Flight Crew

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CALLING ALL

MENTORS! Denton ISD Looks to Build on Mentorship Program

by Steve Gamel

T

he Denton Independent School District announced recently in a press release that it is still looking for a few good mentors and volunteers to provide additional encouragement and assistance this school year for students at all 42 of its campuses.

Through the Denton ISD mentoring program, mentors and mentees will meet each week for 30 to 60 minutes to talk about everything from life and school to goal-setting, completing homework, or simply reading a book together. The goal, of course, is to help our students succeed in a positive learning environment.

Per the press release, no previous teaching experience is necessary to be a mentor.

But some of the best mentors in previous years have been the ones who are patient, committed, and willing to listen to their student.

When you become a mentor, school district officials will work with you to place you at a location that is convenient for you in terms of geographic location. They will also help you find the perfect volunteering event or mentee match based on grade level and area of need (i.e., reading, academics, social/emotional).

Beyond mentorship, Denton ISD also has a program focused on providing volunteers for events such as Read Across America and Career Days.

Opportunities are available to assist with fall festivals, spring field days, teacher assistance, outdoor classroom clean-up, painting murals, and more.

To get started and get matched with a mentee, visit www.dentonisd.org/mentor. For more information

regarding volunteer or mentee opportunities, contact Courtney Martin, Community Engagement Specialist, at cmartin@dentonisd.org or 940.369.0146.

You can also call Chris Ice, Community Engagement Specialist, at cice@dentonisd.org.

All volunteers and mentors must complete an application and undergo a background and reference check each year. The 2019-2020 volunteer application (background check) can be found at www.dentonisd.org/volunteer.

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by Steve Gamel

W

hitney Ortmeier was supposed to feel as if a huge weight had finally been lifted off her shoulders this past April. She was celebrating her 38th birthday on top of being five years cancer-free, a massive benchmark experts say is when the odds of a reoccurrence is no longer likely.

But Whitney and her family couldn’t help but notice some lingering anxiety.

“I still questioned it because I had [breast cancer] twice,” said Ortmeier, a longtime Flower Mound and Highland Village resident who works for the ML Group in Flower Mound. “I did the most drastic thing you can do, and it came right back.”

She added, “The anxiety is there, but the celebration is bigger. It worked out for me.

It doesn’t work out for everyone.”

Whitney’s story of survival is one of the millions you will hear about as people all

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over the world pause for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, with one in eight women being diagnosed in her lifetime.

While breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, there are still over 3.3 million survivors alive in the United States today.

Whitney survived two separate breast cancer diagnosis in two years, each in the month of April. The first was in 2013.

Whitney and her husband had just sold

their house and needed to be out in two

weeks. After a long day of packing up the house and moving boxes, Whitney, who was 32 at the time, settled in to take a

shower and discovered a painful lump on her left breast.

“I remember thinking, ‘What is that?’

It hurt, and they say cancer doesn’t

hurt … so I just figured I was super sore from moving everything,” she recalled.

“At the same time, the lump was huge.”

Whitney did the right thing and had the mass checked. Initial test results came

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photo courtesy of Whitney Ortmeier

YEARS

5 FREE

CANCER

back negative, but one of her doctors still felt like something wasn’t adding up. Sure enough, further biopsies revealed the cancer was everywhere in her breast. This set off a whirlwind chain of events that saw Whitney get a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery all to have the cancer return exactly a year later. At that point, she went through 44 rounds of radiation.

In between that, her and husband, Daniel, got pregnant with their second child but lost their baby at 14 weeks.

“Trying to explain every detail of the story is way too much because it’s the wildest thing ever with all the surgeries and being incredibly scared,” Whitney said. “[Death] did cross my mind, and Daniel was mad at God and everyone … but it’s something you just can’t control.

I did question, ‘will my daughter have a mommy?’ As a mother, you just try to keep going and hope that God will heal me.

I had a great team of doctors around me too.”

Whitney said her biggest message to other women is early detection and selfexams. Had she not found both lumps in a self-exam, and had her doctor not questioned the initial test results, things could have turned out much differently.

And the statistics back that statement up. When breast cancer is detected early and is in the localized stage, the five-year relative survival rate is 100%.

“If you see or feel something, what’s the big deal in taking the time to go have it checked out?” Whitney said. “It may be something, or it may not be anything.

But at least you can put your head on the pillow at night knowing it’s okay.”

She added. “I’m so excited because I’m still here and my daughter is now in the fifth grade. It’s happy tears because look at how far we’ve come. Five years is a big deal. We don’t take anything for granted.” www.LantanaLiving.com

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Organizing :Ask The Expert

that spot. Moving stuff around all

the time and not being consistent with where you keep things confuses and frustrates everyone.

Next, a Family Command Center should be fairly simple, visually speaking. If you

have too many notes, agendas, calendars, and to-do listed posted all over the place, you may create information overload and

The Center of Everything

add to the chaos.

Finally, tailor your command center

to fit the current needs of your family.

Remember to update the information as

it changes. Here are a few ideas for what

you could add to your command center:

by Crystal Nerpel Cloud Nine Organizing Cloudnineorganizing.com

E

very stage of a family’s lifecycle brings with it special scheduling challenges.

Keeping up with the busy lives of all family members can be a bit overwhelming if you don’t have the right tools in place.

As your children grow, they start school, develop new interests, and become involved in extracurricular activities.

All of these things are fun but can take

Maybe you and/or your spouse have a

heavy workload, so you don’t get to see each other as often as you would like.

How do you coordinate your schedules so

some adjustment. You may need to

you can meet in the middle more often?

start coordinating carpool schedules,

You can use one of my favorite

preparing school lunches, and keeping track of homework. How do you keep it all straight without losing your mind?

As your children enter high school and college years, they are almost fully grown.

On top of that, they have developed agendas of their own — agendas independent of your agendas. This can

member’s current projects/ school papers/misc.

•

Shopping lists.

•

School lunch calendars or school

•

A dry erase board for

•

Household binder with important

lunch ideas.

special reminders.

information such as contact

numbers, school information, pet/house sitter info, etc.

This is simply an area, in your home,

•

A secret stash of emergency cash.

•

Adding a family motto to your

designated to hold everyone’s

schedules, important dates, and

frequently used household information.

Here is how I suggest creating a

simple Family Command Center to First, select a centralized location where

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Baskets for each family

An extra set of keys.

need to be in the loop about the big

without being invasive?

•

everyone’s schedules.

•

it all: A Family Command Center.

calm the chaos.

track of your grown children’s schedules

A family calendar with

organizing tools to stay on top of

be freeing for both of you, but you still events. How do you effectively keep

•

command center is another

fun idea. Print up your favorite

inspirational quote or create your own family motto as a reminder

of why you want to keep up with each other.

everyone will know to look for important

Visit CloudNineOrganizing.com/

Once you’ve chosen the location, stick to

organizing tools.

information, such as the kitchen or den.

Free-Stuff for more of Crystal’s favorite

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Dream

Business Spotlight

WESTERN

IN

by Steve Gamel

N

o matter how far her customers were willing to travel to get their hands on one-of-a-kind, ranch-style furniture, Laura Hannah always felt a little awkward meeting them at her warehouse in Denton.

“They fly in from all over … Florida,

like their furniture, and could attract

warehouse wasn’t heated, and it wasn’t

as well as out of state. Last year, they

Nebraska, and even Wisconsin. But the cooled. So you’d be trying to sell a

sectional in August, and the customer is

standing there dripping in sweat,” Laura said with a laugh. “Many times, I’d be

running in there beforehand to wipe all the dust off.”

She added, “It just wasn’t a good way to show high-end furniture.”

Laura and husband, Lucas, have run Cowhide Western Furniture as a

wholesaler and manufacturing operation since 2005 and carved out a niche by

mostly selling their customizable pieces online and at various stock shows in

shoppers from all over Denton County finally took that plunge with their new store just off the Denton Square at 207 N. Elm Street.

Laura isn’t sure why they waited so long

but agreed it was the next logical step for a furniture store that has it all.

“Traffic was slow at first, which you have to expect. But people are beginning to

realize we are here in Denton,” she said.

“It’s also that time of year when school has started, and people start thinking about

the holidays and updating their furniture.

We are busier this time of year.”

Colorado, Las Vegas, and Canton.

The furniture and customization options

sofas with cowhide on the arms to

storefront. Not only can customers build

desks. The lure, of course, is that

have touch-screen TVs and computer

They offer everything from big leather

are practically limitless in this two-story

barstools, dining chairs, tables, and

their pieces online, but in-store shoppers

customers can handpick everything from

tablets at their fingertips.

the color to the material and wood.

The only missing piece was an actual

storefront that was comfortable, unique

The Hannahs have a long history in the furniture business and love helping

people create that perfect rustic look.

Both worked for mega retailermanufacturer, Leather Center, in Carrollton before its doors closed for good in 2002. Many furniture outlets popped up after that, but Laura fell in love with the niche market of western furniture.

They manufactured their pieces locally, including in their garage at one point, and finally got one of their first big breaks when they were asked to showcase their work at the Fort Worth Stock Show.

Their following has grown by leaps and bounds ever since.

“We’ve been kicking along, and it’s fun,” Laura said. “I just feel a lot more comfortable now knowing customers have somewhere they can visit in person.”

888.643.5117 | cowhidewesternfurniture.com | 207 N Elm St., Ste. 101 • Denton, TX 76201 Hours: Mon. - Sat. 10am - 6pm | Sun. by Appt. Only

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B

BULLYING

by Dr. Rebecca Butler, Board Certified in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics

See below a simple questionnaire that I often use to address bullying.

QUESTIONAIRE INSTRUCTIONS

Sponsored Content

Circle the examples of bullying that have happened to you or seen happen to someone else.

Verbal Bullying

Physical Bullying

Cyber Bullying

name-calling

hitting

teasing

kicking

making hurtful comments

pushing

sharing embarrassing or hurtful photos, videos, comments and/or messages

threats

tripping

© 2017 Therapist Aid LLC

impersonating another person online 1

Provided by TherapistAid.com

DEALING WITH BULLIES Tell an Adult

Don’t Show Your Feelings

Telling and tattling are two different things. When a person tattles, they just want to see someone else get in trouble.

Telling, on the other hand, is about helping. If you or someone else is being bullied, reporting it to an adult is telling, not tattling! List three adults you can tell about a bully below:

Bullies like to pick on people whom they can control. If a bully realizes that they can upset you, they’re more likely to keep coming back. Hide your feelings of

sadness and anger until the bully is gone.

Respond Neutrally

2.

Bullies quickly grow bored with neutral responses. The key is to seem uninterested in what the bully has to say, without giving a reason to argue.

3.

© 2016 Therapist Aid LLC 2 Provided by TherapistAid.com

1.

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LA Re NTA sid N en A t

ullying is common, happening every seven seconds to a child in the U.S. It reaches victims in school and online via social media apps and programs like Instagram, SnapChat, WhatsApp, Burn Note, Whisper, Yik Yak, and YouTube.

Some apps are anonymous or enable messages to disappear after a period of time.

Facts About Bullying •

Both girls and boys can be bullies.

•

Bullies target children who cry, get mad, or easily give in to them.

When Your Child is the Bully If you know that your child is bullying others, take it very seriously. Now is the time when you can change your child’s behavior. In the long run, bullies continue to have problems.

These problems often get worse. If the bullying behavior is allowed to continue, when these children become adults, they are much less successful in their work and family lives and may even get in trouble with the law.

Keep communication constant, open, and honest: Talk about your own experiences and fears when you were an adolescent. Let them know that they are not alone, and their anxieties are not unique.

940.455.7200 www.LantanaPediatrics.com 74 McMakin Rd., Ste. 100 • Bartonville, TX 76226 Mon, Tues, Thurs: 7:30am-5pm Wed: 7:30am - 12:30pm Fri: 7:30am - 4pm • Sat: 9am - 12pm

OCTOBER 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 23

Medical Expert Article

How To Live To Be

eG

amel

100 v Ste by

24 | LANTANA LIVING

| OCTOBER 2019

www.LantanaLiving.com

W

e all want to grow old and live long happy lives. But what about making it to 100 years old? Would you want to? It’s a safe bet more than a handful of people reading this have at least thought about being able to blow out 100 birthday candles someday. But the odds are so astronomically against it that most of us aren’t holding our breath.

Even through the power of modern-day medicine, there’s no way to guarantee you’ll reach the century mark. But you can certainly improve your chances — maybe.

If you’d like to live to be 100, here are 8 ways to improve your chances of being a centenarian.

CHOOSE A HEALTHIER WAY OF LIVING You can lump a ton of stuff into this life strategy, including working out regularly, eating better, cutting out sugars and processed foods, avoid smoking and excessive drinking, visiting the doctor regularly, getting screened early for agerelated diseases, and more. Adjusting your daily habits alone could add a ton of years to your life.

BRUSH AND FLOSS Who knew that brushing your teeth and doing all you can to avoid cavities could help you live longer. But it’s true. In fact, poor oral hygiene is one really good way to lower your life expectancy. Diseases such as heart disease, dementia, and stroke have all been linked to an unhealthy mouth.

VACATION OFTEN Work and the desire to be successful often get in the way of a healthy work-life balance.

Vacationing often is not only fun, but it also allows our bodies and mind to destress, rest, and take a much-needed step back from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Vacations also help us avoid such things as cardiovascular disease and excess stress.

www.LantanaLiving.com

CHALLENGE YOUR MIND Don’t just accept status quo as you age.

There are always opportunities to learn a different language, learn to play a musical instrument, read a book, and even go back to school. Stimulating mental activities, even if it’s doing a crossword puzzle every morning at breakfast, will keep you mentally alert as you age.

IMPROVE YOUR SLEEPING HABITS We all struggle to get a good night’s sleep, but too much of that over a long period of time can hurt us physically, mentally, and emotionally. Per the Journal of Sleep Research, getting fewer than six hours of sleep a night comes with a 10 percent increase in the risk of an earlier death. Shoot for seven to eight hours of sleep.

BE POSITIVE There’s something to be said for being positive, smiling often, and being nice to those around you. Some people are wired to be pessimistic, but there are studies that suggest practicing more optimism toward life and everything else is linked to longer lifespans.

BE SOCIAL Surrounding yourself with friends and family and maintaining deep social connections as you age can help combat loneliness, depression, and even help you live longer. Those who have a reason to live tend to live longer.

GET A PET Cat and dog owners tend to live longer than those who don’t have pets.

According to BestLife, people who own dogs reduced their risk of death by 11 percent. Owning a cat could cut your risk of a heart attack by nearly one-third.

Did we leave anything out? Send us a message and let us know what your secrets to a long life are.

OCTOBER 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 25

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www.LantanaLiving.com

SHERIFF ’S

CORNER with Sheriff Tracy Murphree

C

CRIMES AGAINST SENIOR CITIZENS

rimes against Senior Citizens continue to increase each year nationwide as well as in Denton

County. The elderly are targets for

criminals for a variety of reasons. Senior citizens are more likely to have a “nest egg,” own their own home, and have excellent credit. Elderly people are

generally more trusting and less likely to report scams. Con artists are especially

fond of elderly widows who may be lonely and crave attention.

www.LantanaLiving.com

If you are elderly or have relatives and friends who are, please be aware and

The following steps may prevent you from being scammed: •

Request any solicitations in writing

•

Never give personal information to someone you don’t know

•

Don’t be pressured into contributing or making decisions about a major purchase

•

NEVER pay in full before services are rendered

•

Never send money for free gifts

•

Check with the Better Business Bureau before hiring someone to do work for you

•

Shred any personal information before discarding

•

Never carry large sums of money on you, as well as, valuable jewelry or all your credit cards

share this information with them.

Things to be aware of: •

Telephone Scams

•

Fraudulent Charities

•

Home Improvement Scams

•

Identity Theft

•

Purse Snatching

•

Pigeon Drops

REMEMBER, if it sounds too good to be true, IT IS!

OCTOBER 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 27

Halloween Snack Recipes APPLE MONSTERS Ingredients

STUFFED JACK O’ LANTERN STUFFED PEPPERS

1 Green Apple (Makes 4) 2 Tbsp. Sunflower Butter or Peanut Butter Sliced Almonds (Buy at Store)

Ingredients 1 lb Ground Turkey

1 Cup Chicken Stock

Edible Eyes (Buy at Store)

7 Orange Bell Peppers

1 Cup White Rice (Cooked)

Directions

2 Garlic Cloves (Minced)

1 Cup Monterey Jack Cheese

1. Cut apple into quarters.

1/2 Cup of White Button

Olive Oil, Extra-Virgin

Mushrooms

Salt and Pepper

1 Onion (Chopped)

Any Other Desired Seasonings

2. Take two apple slices and smear sunflower butter on one side for each slice. Make sure to apply a generous amount.

Directions 1. Cut off (and reserve) the top of each pepper. Remove and discard the cores and seeds. Using a sharp paring knife, carve a Jack O’Lantern face into each pepper. Drizzle the inside of each pepper with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.

Place the peppers upright in a large baking dish along with the pepper tops. Set aside.

3. Grab a few sliced almonds and arrange on each apple slice to look like teeth.

4. Stick slices together using the sunflower butter side.

5. Grab edible eye. Place a dot of sunflower butter on the apple and place edible eye on.

6. Repeat the process.

2. Preheat oven to 350°.

HOT DOG MUMMIES

3. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet. Sauté onions and mushrooms until soft. Add garlic and cook until

Ingredients

fragrant, about 30 seconds.

1 Packet of Hot Dogs | 1 Can of Crescent Roll Dough

4. Add ground turkey and sauté until cooked through. Add any desired seasoning. (We used an Italian mixed seaoning, red pepper flakes, chili powder and salt and pepper).

Directions

5. Pour 1/2 cup chicken stock, cooked rice and 3/4 cup of cheese.

Stir until the mixture is evenly combined.

6. Pour rice and turkey mixture between the hollowed out peppers.

Top with cheese.

7. Pour remaining 1/2 cup chicken stock into pan. Cover with foil and bake for about 25 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.

28 | LANTANA LIVING

| OCTOBER 2019

1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. Take hot dog and slice hot dog at the bottom and on each side.

3. Slice the crescent roll dough with pizza cutter into thin strips.

4. Grab a strip of crescent roll dough and wrap around the hot dog.

5. Placed wrapped hot dog onto flat pan. Bake for 15 - 20 minutes or until dough is golden brown.

www.LantanaLiving.com

GRAVEYARD CHEESECAKE Ingredients 1 Box of Jell-O No-Bake Classic Cheesecake Dessert Mix 2 Tbsp. Sugar 4 Tbsp. Butter (Melted) 1-1/2 Cups Cold Milk 1 Packet of Oreo Cookies 1 Packet of Millano Cookies 1 Black Tube of Decorating Gel Directions 1. Combine crust mix, sugar and butter.

2. Press onto bottom and up the side of pie plate.

3. Beat filling mix and milk with

mixer on medium speed for 3 min.

(Filling will be thick.)

4. Spoon filling over crust.

5. Refrigerate 1 hour.

6. Separate Oreo cream from cookie. Then crush cookies to desired consistency. (The more the better.)

7. Spread Oreo cookie crumbs on top of cheesecake.

6. Decorate Millano cookies with black decorating gel and insert into cheesecake.

7. Preserve in refrigerator until ready to serve. www.LantanaLiving.com

OCTOBER 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 29

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| OCTOBER 2019

www.LantanaLiving.com

Business Spotlight

Health Markets Insurance Agency:

HELPING YOU

MAKE SENSE of Health Insurance

by Steve Gamel

W

hen it comes to health

insurance, there’s no worse feeling than not knowing

what type of coverage you have and then being stuck with a plan that doesn’t work when you need it most. What you need

is someone who can decipher all the fine

print, put it in terms you understand, and if needed, give you a better option.

misleading and make it difficult to tell what’s

That is huge this time of year, especially as

covered and what isn’t. I enjoy helping them

more and more senior citizens are flooded

understand what’s going on.”

with phone calls and mail about the various

Mike added, “It’s a good feeling when someone who does get sick has a plan that actually works.”

The best part about Mike is that he works for HealthMarkets, one of the largest

Over the last seven years, Mike Martin

independent health insurance agencies

has become that go-to health insurance

health, Medicare, life, and supplemental

with HealthMarkets Insurance Agency

in the United States. They distribute

advisor for Denton County residents who

insurance products for more than

struggle to untangle the complicated web of health insurance coverage.

200 insurance companies, including UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield,

health insurance options out there. This is the only time of year that you can make a change to your Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan without a special circumstance, so it’s important to do some price comparisons.

The Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7.

It’s a chance to make the best choice for you, even if that means staying on your current plan.

“I learned what’s a good plan and what

Aetna, and more. Their mission is to help

“Making sense of it all can be overwhelming,

isn’t and how you can be covered properly

people make informed decisions that can

but that’s why I got into this business,”

or not. But a lot of people out there just

help protect their health and financial

Mike said. “I just enjoy helping people,

don’t know,” Mike said. “A lot of plans may

wellbeing, which means talking to

and it doesn’t cost them anything to have

look good on paper, but they are also

someone like Mike doesn’t cost a dime.

that conversation.”

972.786.4407 • www.HealthMarkets.com/MikeMartin www.LantanaLiving.com

OCTOBER 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 31

A TRUE Team Of

Maids

by Steve Gamel

W

hen most people hear about Buckets & Bows Maid Service, their minds immediately think of owner, Debbie Sardone. Debbie founded a fledgling company with a mop and a bucket and turned it into a cleaning empire that has become a symbol of excellence for businesses worldwide and, more importantly, a godsend for women undergoing cancer treatment who shouldn’t have to worry about cleaning their own home.

But if you ask Debbie and her legions of customers, the real face (or faces) of the company are the women she employs.

“It’s a lot of hard work, and not everyone can clean professionally and crush it like these ladies can,” Debbie said. “These are beautiful women inside and out, and it means so much to me that they spend the time they do with this company.”

And that’s not just lip service. When we last caught up with Debbie, we found her at a client’s house where she had pulled a handful of cleaning techs and training managers out of the field for a morning and treated them to a free makeup session, photo shoot, video interviews to share their stories, and even a few mimosas.

Everyone was laughing, sharing personal stories, and gushing over the one job they’ve always wanted.

“I just got married, and while we were on our honeymoon for a cruise, I found myself cleaning our cabin,” cleaning tech Courtney Bright said to a room full of laughter.

32 | LANTANA LIVING

| OCTOBER 2019

www.LantanaLiving.com

“I made our bed so that the cleaning person on the cruise didn’t have to.”

To date, that’s free house cleaning services valued at almost $12,000,000!

Ashley Sims chimed in, agreeing with Debbie that the love they have for cleaning houses for people is in their veins.

“When I finish a house, especially if it’s for someone who really needed the help, it’s a rewarding feeling. I know that I have made their life just a little bit easier,” said Betty Boriack, She is known as the team’s prayer warrior. “The relationships we build are so important. I love that I’m allowed to lead a monthly volunteer prayer group at our office, where we pray for each other, our community, the safety of our police officers, our company, and the cancer patients we help every day.”

“My boyfriend told me jokingly that I need to get a new job because I don’t clean my own house,” Ashley said.

Sponsored Content photos courtesy of Buckets and Bows

Debbie has surrounded herself with the absolute best. Buckets & Bows has more than 100 reviews on Google, averaging between 4.6 and 4.8 stars out of a possible five. That’s impressive when you consider how hard it can be to keep everyone happy. When customers hire Buckets & Bows, they get the most thorough housecleaning available thanks to a focus on quality and consistency.

Employees are trained using the Perfect Maintenance Cleaning™ method that Debbie developed and use the company’s own high-end, green cleaning products that she manufactures.

Kathy Steinkopf, who has been with the company for 23 years, agreed that the relationships are critical.

“It’s funny because you get to know people so well that even their pets know you. The pets are the best part; they know the days I am coming, and they are waiting at the door for me,” she said.

For Debbie, having this one-of-a-kind team of cleaning professionals is what she always dreamed of.

“My employees do a lot of hard work every single day. They are vacuuming, scrubbing, cleaning, and then driving to the next house to do it all over again,” she said. “But when they get to go into the home of a cancer patient and make a real difference, that’s the most rewarding experience of all. I’ve seen some of my employees refuse a tip. They leave in tears saying that it meant so much to them to be a part of it. They put their heart and soul into their job.”

She added, “Our staff members tell me how lucky they feel to be a part of a company that makes other people’s lives a little easier and one that regularly finds ways to give back to the community.

But I think I’m the lucky one to have these amazing women working for me, who really are the faces of Buckets & Bows and who make this company really special.”

“I love this staff, the owner, and our customers,” said Jodie Simons. “I also love the hours here. Being a mom, I can drop my kids off, go to my first house of the day, and usually, I’m done by around 3 to meet my oldest after school.”

Debbie also launched a nonprofit 12 years ago called Cleaning For A Reason.

Through this nonprofit, Debbie and her team give the gift of free house cleaning to women undergoing treatment for any type of cancer. Since 2006, Buckets & Bows and Cleaning For A Reason has provided free services for more than 300 cancer-stricken families right here in Denton County. And, in that same amount of time, Debbie has recruited more than 1,200 maid services nationwide to join the cause, resulting in more than 35,000 women being helped through the network.

www.LantanaLiving.com

www.bucketsandbows.com 469.610.2918

OCTOBER 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 33

COMMUNITY CORNER:

Wear More Pink

THIS OCTOBER

by Denton County Commissioner Precinct 4 Dianne Edmondson

C

okie Roberts, a longtime journalist for NPE and ABC, recently joined the legions of women whom

we have lost from breast cancer or from complications in battling the disease.

Since October is Breast Cancer

Awareness Month, I think she would expect us to mention her if only to encourage women and men to be more aware of symptoms and to get regular checkups.

The numbers photo courtesy by Commissioner Dianne Edmondson If you would like to receive a newsletter, please contact Precinct 4 Commissioner Dianne Edmondson at Dianne.Edmondson@dentoncounty.com and ask to be placed on the email list.

OR CALL AT 972.434.3960.

of those affected by breast cancer are startling.

On Monday, Oct. 21, staff at the Lewisville public health office at 190 N. Valley Parkway Denton County.... will wear pink with want to recognize breast Denton staff at the main cancer survivors, those offices at 535 S. Loop battling the disease as 288 donning pink on well as their families Thursday, Oct. 24.

and friends who serve as sources of encouragement and support.

Each year, physicians diagnose more than

200,000 cases. More than 40,000

women die of female breast cancer nationally each year.

This month, Denton County as a whole and the Denton County Public Health 34 | LANTANA LIVING

| OCTOBER 2019

(DCPH) want to recognize breast cancer survivors, those battling the disease as well as their families and friends who serve as sources of encouragement and support. We also applaud the efforts of medical professionals and researchers working to find a cure.

I hope you will consider supporting the efforts to find a cure. But it is also just as important to schedule a visit with your doctor for a regular checkup.

So, this month, wear a little more pink than usual and think of those friends, family members and even celebrities like Cokie Roberts who have dealt with this disease. www.LantanaLiving.com

www.LantanaLiving.com

OCTOBER 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 35

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www.LantanaLiving.com

Ally’s WISH

by Brooke Ezzo

T

he 2nd Annual Lakeside Family 5K Fun Run and Relay takes place Saturday, November 9 to benefit

Ally’s Wish, a nonprofit organization devoted to granting the last wish to terminally ill mothers with children.

Ally’s Wish was inspired by the late Allyson Hendrickson, who passed away in 2014

after a hard fight against ovarian cancer.

The idea for Ally’s Wish came to Missy Phipps after learning about Allyson’s terminal diagnosis.

“She was a member of our church,

and a few friends and I wanted to do

something for her,” Missy said. “When

God laid the idea on my heart, I called

my friends Melissa Cary, Holly Reed, and Heather Bryan. I asked them to come by

that night, and we talked about the idea, brainstormed, and dreamed. Ally’s Wish

was born in the middle of my living room.”

Allyson’s wish was the first wish granted through the organization. She had

blogged for years and wanted her blog to be published for her family. Missy

and her co-founders sent the blog to a

publisher to be edited and now it is sold as part of their fundraising. It is titled, www.LantanaLiving.com

The Three Little Cowboys, named for Allyson’s three sons.

Since 2014, Ally’s Wish has granted over 125 wishes and will hopefully grant 35 more by the end of this year. The Flower Mound based organization has become nationally known and referrals for wishes come in from across the country. Wishes can be almost anything. Some mothers are granted travel wishes such as Disney and Hawaii, and some wishes are charm bracelets with milestone charms to be given throughout the years. Other wishes include a puppy or even a backyard renovation.

“Our main goal is to help these families forget for even a moment the road they have been called to travel,” Missy said.

“To just relax and make memories that don’t have anything to do with illness, doctors, and treatments.”

family in the midst of the hardest battle of

their lives,” Missy said. “If the wish granted can give them even one minute without

thinking about the bad stuff, then we feel that we have been successful.”

Although Allyson is no longer with us, her legacy lives on in each wish that

is granted. When the worlds of these

families have been completely turned

upside down, Ally’s Wish is a glimmer of hope for them to see the goodness that

is still out there and a light for families to navigate on the darkest of roads.

For more information about the 5K, the annual Gala, the nomination for

Reliant Gives, Ally’s Wish game night with the Dallas

Stars, and ways to

Through fundraising and donations, Ally’s Wish is able to not only give these mothers a last wish, but to give their spouses and children something to hold onto when the fight seems too difficult.

donate please visit

“We find that these moms almost consider this to not only be a break for them but something they can give to their

of my heart and

www.allyswish.org.

My flesh and my

heart may fail, but

God is the strength my portion forever.

Psalm 73:26

OCTOBER 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 37

Ask The Expert: Gardening round of summer storms and that the gutters are clean and free of debris.

LANDSCAPES:

October T

hese cooler night time temps allow for a great start to the day if your out and about in the mornings!

It’s a very exiting time of year to be in the business as everyone is getting “Fall Fever” Patio business is in FULL SWING & Landscape Teams have plenty to do!

October is one of the most critical months when it comes to the exterior and landscape maintenance around your home. Here are a few things to contract out or add to your “To-do” list over the next few weeks:

40 | LANTANA LIVING

| OCTOBER 2019

EXTERIOR: • Ensure windows and doors are properly sealed. Restricting unwanted airflow will

keep things comfortable inside and help reduce any unwanted guests.

• All exposed wood surfaces are

painted or sealed to ensure as the

• Cutback and prune this year’s growth. This will not only help to keep your beds organized but also promote new growth come spring.

• Remove, cultivate, fertilize and add new 2” layer of mulch. We lean towards a shredded mulch vs. bark or large cut. It will hold the best, not float, and as it breaks down to offer a great weed / moisture barrier (ensure the mulch is kept below the brick line so you don’t chance having rainwater get in the weep holes during a rain event).

• Oct. thru Dec. is a great time to plant larger shrubs and trees. Allowing them to start rooting over the winter months will make the heat of summer a lot less hazardous to their health.

• Go ahe ad as things cool off and cut back on the irrigation. Watering a couple of times a week and ensuring your rain sensor is operating effectively should be sufficient and help your monthly spending.

cold weather and rain moves in and out, things are protected and less effected by weather.

• Check out your roof to make sure no

shingles have come off during our last

by PJ Kratohvil of Complete Solutions completesolutionsdfw.com

www.LantanaLiving.com

www.LantanaLiving.com

OCTOBER 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 41

Retired& ROCKING CLASSIC ROCK AND BLUES BAND

M

ost 66-year-old retirees settle down to a life of relaxing and travel after a successful business career.

Rick Troutman was never one to conform to the norm — he had different plans.

An accomplished guitarist with more than 50 years of performing both domestically and internationally, Rick decided that living a sedate life was not his cup of tea. A couple of years ago, Rick formed NT4, a Classic Rock and Blues band composed of professional players with decades of experience.

“Playing guitar and performing has been in my soul since I picked up a guitar when I was only 12 years old.”

Rick proclaimed. “In fact, the first job I received payment for was a gig when I was in the eighth grade,” Rick said.

Rick admits that was a long time ago, but his musical passion has never waned.

If Rick’s name sounds familiar, it’s because he was President of the Boys and Girls Clubs of North Central Texas for the last four years. He and wife, Babs, have been

42 | LANTANA LIVING

| OCTOBER 2019

community leaders since they took up residence in Corinth in December 1998.

“Many people know my passion for helping others and my political stance, but few individuals are aware I can lay down a jam on my 1987 Les Paul Custom Guitar that is second to none,” Troutman said.

When NT4 was established in the summer of 2017, Rick looked no further than his fellow performer Scott Callis to be the first person he asked to join the band.

“Scott and I played in a local worship band several years ago, and I knew he was a great player. I wanted him to be part of the band,” Rick said. Following Scott was drummer Ted Linich, bass player Jerry Steed, bass player, and vocalist Kaleb Tirman.

“This is a serious project for all of us,” Troutman said.

“When we walk on stage, I know people have one of two thoughts: one, these are a bunch

PRESIDENT OF THE BOYS AND GIRLS www.LantanaLiving.com

FUN IS IMPORTANT photo courtesy of Rick Troutman

old-timers trying to relive their youth, or two: these guys have been performing for years,” Rick said. “Fun is important to everyone in our band, but providing a professional product is always of utmost importance during our performances.”

Now two years down the road since their inception, they are getting noticed by both businesses looking to book great

entertainment and fans of their music. As one patron of a local brew house posted recently on Facebook, “NT4 is a killer band.”

So why would a 66-year-old not give up on dreams of playing in front of fans so many years after learning his craft? Simple, as Rick stated, “Once you get the crowd dancing and having a good time, that’s what it’s all about. And the adulation isn’t too bad either,” Troutman said with a sly smile on his face.

What’s in the future for an upcoming classic rock and blues band where the average band member age is pushing 60?

“As our fan base continues to grow, more and more individuals are looking to book us. That’s a good thing. The more we perform, the better we get, and that only helps us establish us in a very competitive music market,” Rick said.

“My ultimate goal is to take NT4 into the studio and record an album of original music. I completed a solo album years ago, and it would be great if we could leave a legacy of music for people to enjoy for years to come,” he said.

When Rick starts talking about his musical passion, it’s easy to see that probably that goal will come to fruition along with amassing a big fan base.

“In the end, it’s only rock and roll — but I really do like it,” Troutman said.

www.LantanaLiving.com

OCTOBER 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 43

Thanksgiving Countdown Planner

by Steve Gamel

I

f you’re planning on hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year for your larger-than-life family, it’s likely that your

mind has already begun processing all

the things you must do well in advance to ensure the day goes off without a hitch.

After all, you can never plan too far in

advance for Turkey day, especially if it’s your first time being in charge.

stuffing and cranberry sauce to homemade dishes, family recipes, and desserts.

Take Stock of All Your Supplies:

Do you have the necessary equipment

you need.

dishes, plates, silverware, additional tables

countdown, but if you start two weeks

for children, tablecloths, etc.

start your Thanksgiving countdown three

if you need several or if you’re ordering

you’re stress-free on the big day. Here are

until the last minute. The Food Network

purchase out of the way now, especially

weeks to a month in advance so that

a specialty bird. Bottom line: don’t wait

a few basics to get you started:

suggests that you assume two pounds of

Create Your Guest List and Send RSVPs:

minute and not being able to find what Clean The House: This is a biggie. A lot

We’re talking about pans, dishes, serving

Order The Turkey: You want to get this

3 WEEKS BEFORE THANKSGIVING

risk of showing up to the grocery store last

and supplies to make this thing happen?

So how far in advance should you start

planning? Experts say you should at least

worried about. This way, you don’t run the

turkey per adult and one pound per child.

2 WEEKS BEFORE THANKSGIVING

of people panic over this piece of the ahead of time, you’ll be able to break

up the task over a longer period of time rather than doing it on the morning of.

FINAL WEEK Start Meal Prepping: During the final

few days leading up to Thanksgiving, go

ahead and start prepping the pies, sauces, etc. to get some of that out of the way ahead of time.

Consider how many people you can

Finalize Guest List: By this point, you

Pick Up The Turkey: If you’re defrosting

family either by sending formal invitations,

to be able to make it, including any out-of-

ahead of time. If you’re buying it pre-

making a phone call. This is particularly

with the next item on the to-do list.

entertain, and then reach out to friends and

should have a good idea of who’s going

email, group invites on social media, or

town guests. This will help you a great deal

important if anyone is coming in from out of town. Also, it’s an opportunity to ask about any dietary restrictions.

Plan Your Menu: Write down your ideal

menu, from the turkey and classics such as 44 | LANTANA LIVING

| OCTOBER 2019

a turkey, go ahead and get it a week

cooked, you can safely grab it two or three days ahead of time.

Start Grocery Shopping: A lot of fanatics

Start Setting The Table AND ENJOY:

items, and that’s fine. But at this point,

in stone now, go ahead and set your

suggest starting with the nonperishable why not get everything you need — and if necessary, freeze anything that you’re

Since your guest list is pretty much locked table. It’s almost showtime, so take a deep breath because you’re almost there.

www.LantanaLiving.com

www.LantanaLiving.com

OCTOBER 2019 | LANTANA LIVING | 45

SIGNS OF

Medical Expert Article

Depression YOU NEED TO RECOGNIZE

by Steve Gamel

W

e all go through down periods in our lives where we feel sad. Maybe we lost a loved one, didn’t get that promotion we had been working so hard for, got divorced, or moved

to a new city and are struggling to adjust. These feelings are normal and are typically a short-lived emotional response.

But sometimes, what we think is just sadness is actually depression, a serious mental health disorder that is so overpowering that it affects almost every part of a person’s life.

46 | LANTANA LIVING

| OCTOBER 2019

www.LantanaLiving.com

According to the World Health Organization, depression affects more than 300 million people of all ages and is the leading cause of disability worldwide. More women are affected by depression than men, and at its worse, depression can lead to suicide.

Here are a few risk factors that can make anyone more vulnerable to depression, per helpguide.org.

• Loneliness and isolation • Recent stressful life experiences • Family history of depression • Financial or marital strain • Early childhood trauma or abuse • Alcohol or drug abuse • Health problems or chronic pain • Unemployment or underemployment Sadly, depression is on the rise globally, which means there is an increased need to spread awareness and education so we can recognize the symptoms of depression and get help.

Below are just a few of the common symptoms of depression: • An overwhelming feeling of hopelessness or helplessness — When you are depressed, you can feel as though the struggles you are going through or the situation you are facing will never improve.

• Complete loss of interest in daily

• Loss of energy — We all get those periods of feeling physically drained, but when it happens all the time and is followed by intense fatigue, aches and pains, and lethargy, you may be depressed.

• Strong feelings of worthlessness — You are constantly criticizing yourself and never feel good enough. We may compare ourselves to others and feel inferior around loved ones, coworkers, and friends.

• Reckless behavior — Suddenly taking on substance abuse, excessive gambling, or other reckless activities when they are typically not in your nature may be a sign of depression.

• Thoughts of suicide — You talk openly about death, suicide, or have thoughts of harming yourself. You may even be saying things like, “I just want out of this.”

• Unintentional weight loss or gain — Depression not only wreaks havoc on your emotional state but also affects you physically. This can include rapid and unintentional weight gain or loss.

Perhaps the most striking part about depression is that many times, we don’t even realize we are depressed. This is often because you’ve been depressed for so long that it simply feels normal to you, or you don’t even notice it since many of the symptoms mentioned above are subtle at first and develop gradually over time.

Your friends at Murray Media Group want to remind you that your mental health is nothing that should be taken for granted. If you are experiencing

activities that you once found enjoyable

any of the symptoms or signs mentioned above, or support from family

— Daily activities such as working out,

and friends and lifestyle changes aren’t enough, it may be time to

playing with your children, and being intimate with your significant other no longer seem to matter.

seek help from a mental health professional. There are many effective treatments for depression, including therapy and medication.

*This article is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice on depression. Please consult with an expert.

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Fitness :Ask The Expert

PREPARE FOR

TEMPTATION

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

W

e are officially on the verge of holiday season…and with it a myriad of food temptations and weight gain traps. Don’t fret, if you act now there’s still time to tighten up before putting on your holiday finest.

Do these 5 things NOW to quickly shape up:

1. Eat More Veggies: Your mom was right, eating vegetables really is a good idea when aiming to drop

pounds. Why? There are a couple of reasons. First, veggies are low

3. Double Up On Water: Not only will staying extra hydrated help your

skin to have a healthy glow, it will

also speed up your fat loss efforts.

Most of us are walking around in a

state of chronic dehydration, which contributes to fatigue, stubborn

in calories and high in fiber, which

weight gain, and constipation.

packing on pounds. Second, the

the day, and by limiting your intake

vegetables nourish your body

become healthier and more radiant.

means that you’re filling up without

By drinking more water throughout

vitamins and minerals in fresh

of caffeinated beverages, you’ll

and cut down on cravings.

2. Add Five Minutes: Each week,

4. Eat Low Carb (After 4pm):

One of the easiest ways to drop a few

starting with the recipe for Greek Stew below. Don’t forget that sugar counts as carbs, so skip that sugary dessert and try a grapefruit for dessert.

5. Lock Down A Routine: If you’re

not yet working out consistently or have yet to develop a routine that includes exercise, then now is the time. Starting now will give you the jumpstart you need to continue through the holidays and help with holiday weight gain. Once you develop a fitness routine, it’s harder to stop during the holidays and much more difficult to begin if you have yet to develop that routine in your lifestyle. We’d love to get you

between now and New Years,

inches around your waist before the

your workouts. Just five more minutes.

each day. This means eating dinners

will hardly be noticeable, but the extra

vegetables rather than breads and

extra five minutes to do intense burst

oatmeal or whole grain bread each

you started this week on an exercise

presses and walking lunges.

and give low carb dinners a try –

of your body.

into phenomenal shape before the

I want you to add five minutes to

holidays is to eat low carb after 4 p.m.

The slight increase from week to week

that are centred around salads and

fat burn will pay off nicely. Use these

pastas. If you simply must have your

Call or email today, and we will get

of exercise, such as burpees, squat to

day, then eat it for breakfast or lunch

program that will get you back in control

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holidays and into the new year, and to give you the foundation that will keep you lean and healthy for life.

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YOUR

FRIENDLY Spiders

A

nytime we see spiders, our immediate reaction is to run the other way, call the exterminator, or stomp them into oblivion. But not all spiders are bad. Actually, there are a few native to our area that are helpful, and a few that seem big and scary but are more afraid of you. Here is A Spider’s Plea in this years’ rendition of Please, Don’t Kill Me!

by Brooke Ezzo

“Hi! It’s me — the big spider you’ve seen around. I know most people are afraid of me, but please hear me out! My name is Argiope Aurantia, but I go by Golden Orb Weaver. I am known for creating the stereotypical wheel-like spider webs. I like to stay active during the day so that I can be beneficial to you at night. You see, I might look scary, but I can help out around the house if you would allow me to stay. I eat aphids, flies, wasps, mosquitos, and other harmful bugs. Did you know that spider silk has been proven to be the strongest natural material? It is strong, flexible, and elastic all at the same time, which is why humans test it for bulletproof clothing. You may never let me inside, but please don’t kill me.”

“Don’t be afraid! I get it, too, humans. I look frightening because they think I am a brown recluse, but I am not. I am hairless with a big yellow-brown belly and dark-red legs.

My name is Dysdera Crocata, but my friends call me the Woodlouse Hunter Spider.

Trust me, I am not a pest. Actually, I control pests for you! My favorite things to eat are isopods, or better known as roly-polies, and woodlice. I like to hang out under rocks, bricks, or plant pots. If you try to pick me up, I might bite, but you won't need to go to the doctor.

If you leave me alone, I won’t bug you.”

“Hello there! Don’t freak out. You think I am a daddy longlegs, but I am not a ground dweller like those guys. I actually prefer the corners of ceilings, the garage, and dark, damp places. My name is Pholcus Phalangioides, or Long-bodied Cellar Spider. Yes, I have long, thin legs but my body is small and oval. I am pale yellowish to light brown in color.

I’m good for you. I like to eat insects and other spiders. I play a major role in our ecosystem, and I only live for a few years. So please don’t hurt me. If I cant stay inside, just scoop me up and put me outside. I promise I won’t bite, because I can’t. I am not strong enough to puncture human skin. Friends?”

“Shhhh, don’t scream. Hello! My name is Menemerus Bivittatus, also known as the Grey Wall Jumping Spider. I know you see me. I am hiding from you because I am very shy and don’t like to get close to humans. I will jump away from you. Jumping and dancing are my favorite things to do. I tap my feet so quickly you won’t even be able to see it! Although I produce silk, I don’t usually make webs. I have fangs and produce venom, but I am not a threat. If you leave me be, I’ll protect your garden from annoying bugs that eat your plants and vegetables. Aren’t you into organic gardening? Please let me stay!”

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JDRF CHILDREN’S

Congress Conference

by Brooke Ezzo

“This is a 24-7 struggle with no breaks,

“Lexi said. “I couldn’t sit back and accept it.”

JDRF is a global organization funding T1D research, specifically the Special Diabetes Program (SDP). This program provides

funds annually for research at the National Institutes of Health, the country’s premier medical research agency. The goal is to have advancements in cure therapies, prevention studies, and treatments.

Because of previous funding and research, the life expectancy of those living with T1D has increased.

Lexi says her next steps will be to continue going out and spreading the word about

E

very two years, children delegates representing all 50 states and

the District of Columbia gather

in Washington, D.C. to meet with top decision-makers about the Juvenile

Diabetes Research Foundation Children’s Congress Conference.

Lexi Quilty, a local resident, was chosen to be a delegate at the conference. In

July, she had the opportunity to stand

on the steps of Capitol Hill, surrounded

by congressional district representatives

has granted the full multi-year renewal for the program.

T1D. She is a JDRF youth ambassador

and mentor. She frequents hospitals and speaks to children recently diagnosed.

If the SDP goes unfunded, any new

She partakes in annual fundraising events,

for Americans has already skyrocketed

in the world. This year, One Walk takes

a cure and progress for new treatments

Pavilion in Fort Worth, and at Ericsson

research would be halted. Prices of insulin

including One Walk, the largest T1D event

over the last few years, and the hope for

place on November 16 at Panther Island

would decline.

North America in Dallas.

“Standing on the steps made me feel

Living with T1D is a struggle, but Lexi

something awful into something beautiful.”

of life is still attainable. She says to get

resilient,” Lexi said. “Like I could turn

wants others to know that a good quality involved with local groups, make the

and other children delegates, to apply

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune

Special Diabetes Program.

system mistakenly destroys insulin-

“Community is important,” Lexi said.

affected spend a large portion of their

tiny steps, not giant leaps. It’s a

The teetering levels can put them

never stop learning.”

pressure on Congress to renew the

The July conference lasted three days,

with one day spent on Capitol Hill. The delegates, including Lexi, voiced their

concerns and told their stories to Congress in hopes of getting the extension for the

SDP passed. Toward the end of September,

disease in which the body’s own immune producing cells in the pancreas. Those

“You need to remember to take

time with conflicting blood-sugar levels.

learning process, and you will

at risk for medical emergencies and devastating complications.

a short-term extension was passed by the

After being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes

resolution to the President’s desk for

new life head-on. She uses her voice to

word that President Donald Trump did sign

with the same life-changing, silent disease.

Federal government operating through

place where she could become a

across the nation will find out if Congress

changes in healthcare.

House, and the Senate sent the continuing

at the age of 10, Lexi decided to face this

signing. On September 30, JDRF received

advocate for and mentor others dealing

the continuing resolution, which keeps the

She joined her local JDRF and found a

November 21. Lexi and the JDRF chapters

leader in the push to make

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lifestyle changes, and be persistent.

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Legal Advice :Ask The Expert

Focus on GOALS WHEN DEVELOPING

A PLAN M

any families view choosing between a will or a trust as the first step of estate planning. But it is really the second step. The first must be to determine the family’s goals. Knowing what is most important to the family – privacy, simplicity, flexibility, etc. – will determine which option is the best fit.

Parents with young children often ask about a revocable living trust. These trusts can be a fantastic option as they allow maximum flexibility in terms of asset distribution as well as providing protection in the event of future parental

incapacity. A revocable living trust allows parents to decide, for example, exactly how much (and when) their children or other beneficiaries will receive assets from their estate. And with such a trust, the title to assets included in the trust passes immediately and avoids probate.

That said, a trust requires additional administrative action. Assets must be re-titled in the name of the trust, and certain assets may not be held by a trust. An incorrectly funded trust can cause numerous headaches down the road.

Wills, on the other hand, are perhaps the most common method of transferring assets upon

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an individual’s passing. Wills often provide for outright gifts but can be drafted to establish trusts as well.

Including a testamentary trust can be a great way to ensure the protections of a trust while avoiding some of the administrative work that comes with a revocable living trust. That said, wills must be probated in order for the assets to pass to the beneficiaries. For some, the cost and public nature of probate is undesirable. For others, the simplicity of a will-based plan is paramount.

Both wills and trusts will transfer property upon an individual’s passing. Deciding between the two means first deciding what is most important to your family.

by Jennifer Balmos Balmos Law, PLLC 940.300.9834 Balmoslaw.com

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ADVICE for a

Healthy Dental Diet

A

s the old cliché goes, you are what you eat. And I believe it.

For instance, who doesn’t think fruitcake eaters are slightly nutty, or honey lovers tend to be a bit sweet. And we all know if you’re brave enough to try roadkill, well, you’re probably dead meat.

Of course, I can’t take all the credit for the cheesy jokes (it’s probably the pizza), but I can offer some insight on how your diet can affect your oral health.

When you think about it, every bit of food and ounce of drink that goes into our body enters through our mouth. This means your teeth and gums immediately

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withstand the effects of the type of food you put in your body, and the food that is good for your overall health tends to be what is good for your oral health as well.

Therefore, making healthy choices for your teeth and gums can help your overall health and vice versa.

There are over 600 types of oral bacteria in our mouth and they all thrive on both carbohydrates and acidic environments. Bacteria use carbohydrates and sugars for energy and growth and produce the bi-product of acid.

This eventually can lead to tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontal disease.

Dentistry :Ask The Expert

To combat this bacterial growth, the first step is to limit sugars, carbohydrates, coffee, wine, and certain teas and soups.

Then incorporate fruits and vegetables, which have a washing effect that can remove bacteria.

Of course, the very best way to remove bacteria, lower acidity, and prevent staining is to brush and floss after every meal.

Certainly, food should always be taken in context, and when done so can be just as enjoyable as, well, a dental visit.

Happy eating and happy smiling!

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

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SABRINA RAY

AdleyandAvery

by Steve Gamel

S

photos courtesy of Sabrina Ray’s Etsy page

abrina Ray insists she didn’t realize she could be so creative. No one is buying that statement, though.

That’s because in a matter of a few short years, Sabrina, a stay-at-home-mom of twin 3-year-old girls, quickly took a small hobby she started on the side and turned it into one of the more popular crafts businesses in Lantana. You know that company best as AdleyandAvery, the go-to source for custom wreaths, signs, and practically anything else crafts related.

Just a few specific examples include

Halloween and Thanksgiving wreaths, Dallas Cowboys wooden porch signs,

a set of wooden pumpkins, Christmas

countdown decor, and so much more.

If you can think it, she can make it.

According to Sabrina, the business venture started humbly enough by

responding to a single request on a community Facebook group page.

A resident was wondering if anyone

could make a wreath, and Sabrina was the first to step up. Now, she’s busy

“I do have a business management degree, but I didn’t realize this would be my calling,” Sabrina said with a laugh. “Lantana is a great community to live in; the people here really support small businesses.”

crafting all the time. Currently, she has 70

She added, “The more I put it out there, the more popularity it gained. It keeps me really busy.”

needs, so I decided to stay at home to care

AdleyandAvery is named after her daughters, and if you check out their Facebook, Instagram, and Etsy pages, there isn’t much Sabrina can’t do.

Beyond wreaths for any occasion, she can also create door hangers, holiday decor, wooden signs for practically any theme, and countdown crafts for birthdays, special family trips, etc. www.LantanaLiving.com

pending orders on their Etsy page alone.

“It’s a lot of late nights and early mornings,

but I enjoy it,” Sabrina said. “When our girls were born, they were 24-week preemies.

With that came complications and special

for them. This was something I could do for myself. It started with one wreath, and now it’s become a small but big business for both my husband and me to manage.

I really enjoy it.”

If you haven’t heard of AdleyandAvery, you’re missing out. You can visit their Facebook and Instagram pages at

AdleyandAvery to check out some of their past projects. You can also visit

their Etsy page at www.etsy.com/shop/ adleyandavery.

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WHAT IS YOUR

DOG TRYING TO

Tell You?

by Steve Gamel

W

ouldn’t it be nice if when we talk to our dogs, they talk back?

That sounds strange to say, but if you think about it, we’re already talking to them as if they can totally understand us. So why not be able to have a real conversation for once?

After all, they’re communicating with us, too; they just can’t use words to say what they want or need.

Which brings us to the topic of this article: what is your dog trying to tell you?

We will do whatever it takes to keep our dogs happy and healthy, but we’re constantly at a disadvantage since they can’t communicate like we can.

Realistically, we’re not going to wake up one day and suddenly find that our fur babies can talk. So it’s on us as parents, humans, masters, etc., to understand the common body language, movements, and behaviors shown by dogs.

It doesn’t take a dog whisperer to know what a wagging tail, exposed belly, a tail between the legs, or an intense growl means. But what are the less obvious things they are trying to tell us?

YAWNING — Humans yawn all the time, which always means we are either really bored or exhausted and need to sleep. But when dogs yawn, it could mean a variety of things. Yes, they could be tired.

But they could also be showing empathy toward you. On the flip side, yawning also means they might be feeling anxious or nervous about their surroundings.

BARKING — Barking can mean your dog is scared or angry. They could also be bored, confused, uncomfortable, lonely, hungry, or trying to alert you to someone or something that is potentially dangerous. You can tell a lot about a bark based on the pitch of the bark, how long it lasts, and the frequency. For example, a bark with a high pitch is friendly in nature, while a low pitch is a sign of aggression.

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EYE CONTACT — This can mean so many things. Unless the dog looks angry and tense, it is likely giving you constant eye contact because it loves you and wants to show affection. Relaxed eyes are telling you they are content, and large or rounded eyes mean they are surprised or scared.

BITING AND CHEWING — When a dog gently bites or chews on something, it doesn’t always mean they are angry, fearful, or simply trying to be naughty. They could be hungry, ready to play, or are simply in need of extra attention.

SHIVERING — This could mean your dog is cold, especially if he or she has been sitting outside for a long time. But it can also mean they are sick, scared, or incredibly excited to see you.

A good way to tell what the shivering or trembling means is to take note of what situations it commonly happens in.

STANDING ON YOUR FEET OR BETWEEN YOUR LEGS — This can be so annoying to many dog lovers, but there is a reason for this behavior. Your dog is being extremely possessive over you and is trying to show dominance, or more subtly, he or she may have separation anxiety and is looking for constant affection. www.LantanaLiving.com