Life in Castle Hills Magazine November 2020

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

Automotive Issue

Becomes METRO DENT

ONE-STOP-SHOP

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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 27 Health Advice with Surgical Care of North Texas 30 Travel with Terri Guthrie ARTICLES 08 10 Ways To Save Money When buying A Car 12 Sheriff’s Corner with Sheriff Tracy Murphree 14 Inside Community and Education 19 Finding A Cure: Diabetes Awareness Month 20 Increasing Breast Cancer Awareness 23 Metrocrest Awards Fire Rescue 24 It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown!

28 Foodie Friday DFW: Chante Mexican Grill & Cantina

PAGE

16

Becomes METRO DENT

ONE-STOP-SHOP Cover Image Mike Nosker of

Metro Dent in Lewisville

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

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Administration

Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors Bobbi Byrne

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.

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!

Alisha Tran

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 Life in Castle Hills 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 Life in Castle Hills 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. Life in Castle Hills 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

Sincerely, Kelly Murray 6 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 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.

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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.CastleHillsMagazine.com

NOVEMBER 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILL | 9

Neighborhood

BUY YOUR

SPACE NOW

120

$

per month

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Find Your Local Home-Based Business Here!

BUY YOUR

SPACE NOW

120

$

per month

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NOVEMBER 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILL | 11

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 12 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | NOVEMBER 2020

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INSIDE COMMUNITY

HOLIDAY STROLL TEDDY BEAR PARK 4601 Lakeside Dr. • Dallas, TX 75205 If you like to explore new areas then the 14 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds in Lakeside Park is for you. And, you read that right, this park is not only perfect for picnics in the cooler weather, long walks along the trails but it’s home to cute and cuddly teddy bear statues. Christmas card photo opportunity? Check it out and then send your teddy bear photos to our art department, we would love to see them! artwork@murray-media.com.

INSIDE EDUCATION

SUPPORTING LOCAL TEAMS If you are looking for an organization to support this giving season, the Dallas Junior Wheelchair Mavericks Basketball team is a non-profit that offers school-aged children with physical disabilities a competitive and recreational atmosphere.

Donations are used for wheelchair tires, tournament entry fees, travel expenses, and much more. To learn more about wheelchair basketball and how to donate, visit www.DallasJuniorWheelchairMavericks.org/support-us.

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Sat., Dec. 5 | Wayne Ferguson Plaza 150 W Church St. • Lewisiville, TX 75057 The annual Old Town Holiday Stroll is tentatively schedule for December 5 but due to COVID-19 restrictions, this event has not yet been confirmed.

As soon as a decision has been made the City of Lewisville will make an announcement. To stay up-to-date, visit www.CityofLewisville.com.

HOMECOMING KING AND QUEEN Congratulations to the 2020 Homecoming King and Queen! Kenny Hall and Raquel Lopez from The Colony High School were recognized at the homecoming game on October 2. photo courtesy of Greg Weghorst www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

HILLS CAFÉ 2520 King Arthur Blvd., Ste.109 Lewisville, TX 75056

VIRTUAL TURKEY TROT Thurs., Nov. 26 | 8am-Noon | Virtually The 8th annual Castle Hills Turkey Trot 5K will be held virtually this year due to the pandemic. Hosted by Riverstone Minstry, Castle Hills residents and beyond are encouraged to sign up for the 5K run/walk/bike event to help raise money for local and global charities. To register, visit www.RiverstoneMinistry.com/turkey-trot.

A new café is coming to town focusing on the most important meal of the day: breakfast! This new breakfast and lunch spot is set to open at the Castle Hills Village Shops in December. The menu will include fan favorites like French toast, huevos rancheros and lunch offerings like a Tuscan Panini and an avocado bacon burger.

INAUGURAL LEF WEEK RAISES OVER $203,000

TEACHER GRANTS On October 1, the Lewisville ISD Education Foundation surprised more than 65 teachers on 47 different campuses with grants totaling $103,000. Projects awarded this year ranged from technology to helping students learn at their own pace to books written in multiple languages for students at dual language campuses.

Congratulations, teachers! www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

The Lewisville ISD Education Foundation hosted a series of in-person events and virtual campaigns to raise $203,000 this past October in support of Lewisville ISD teachers, students, and community members in its first ever “LEF Week” celebration. LEF is also celebrating its 30th Anniversary. Thank you to the Foundation for all it does for the LISD community! photo courtesy of Greg Weghorst NOVEMBER 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILL | 15

Becomes METRO DENT

ONE-STOP-SHOP

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

M

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

Now, there’s something extra special

at 1620 E. State Hwy 121. It goes way

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

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

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

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

“I still had a lot of customers who were

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

decided the name Metro Dent fell short in

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

we can offer them the best of everything,

“People are too busy these days to go

a jet ski.”

inspection. Oil change. Professional detail.

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

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

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

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

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

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

place, turn your vehicle over to us, take

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

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

most efficient way to meet their needs.

Also add to all of that a lifetime warranty.”

Autopia was born. Boatopia, to describe

Metro Dent is one of those places that

business handled, just followed naturally.

COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing?

the ton of boat and jet ski work the

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

actually found the silver lining in the

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

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

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

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

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

SERVICE AND

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

PLANET.

QUALITY ANYWHERE ON THE

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

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

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

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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 www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

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.

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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.

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Awards M E TRO C R E S T

F I R E

R E S C U E

Press Release by Metrocrest Hospital Authority | photo courtesy of Metrocrest Hospital Authority

C

arrollton, Texas (October 19, 2020) – Carrollton Fire Rescue (CFR) has set a goal to increase the level of care for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients and achieve the highest survival rates in the country.

To help the department reach that goal, Metrocrest Hospital Authority (MHA) has awarded CFR with more than $40,000 to initiate a Resuscitation Quality Improvement program which offers not only advanced CPR training, but technology that indicates how well CPR is being performed and what corrective action needs to be taken.

“While Carrollton Fire Rescue has several programs in place for initial CPR training, the department will use the MHA grant to improve the proficiency of performing CPR. The funds will allow us to establish CPR competence skills stations at two Carrollton fire facilities that will measure the depth of compressions, rate of compressions and percentage of time in which compressions are performed.

In order to maximize the outcomes from CPR, these three metrics must be performed accurately,” said Carrollton

Carrollton’s Fire Chief Gregg Salmi (left) receives a check for $41,117 from MHA CEO Charles Heath for Carrollton Fire Rescue’s Resuscitation Quality Improvement program. www.CastleHillsMagazine.com

Fire Chief Gregg Salmi. “The two competence skills stations will consist of a half mannequin on a cart with a computer screen to guide the participant through a simulated CPR. After the participant performs CPR, they will receive immediate feedback and be provided an opportunity to correct any deficiencies.”

“The most critical time of a cardiac arrest is between the time when a person suffers the arrest and the time fire and rescue teams arrive on scene to perform advanced care,” said Charles Heath, MHA CEO. “In order to increase cardiac arrest survival rates, we must create programs that both improve CPR competency and engage partners in the community to administer quality CPR prior to the fire and rescue team’s arrival.

The Resuscitation Quality Improvement program will assess the CPR performance of Carrollton’s firefighters, paramedics and police officers, as well as those of other city employees who may be able to be on-scene before fire and rescue arrives.”

Ultimately, CFR would like to have the CPR competence skills stations at all of its fire stations and open the training program to all city residents.

The Resuscitation Quality Improvement program builds upon initiatives Carrollton already has in place. Last year, CFR launched Pulse Point, an app citizens and city employees can download for free that will alert them of a cardiac arrest incident within 1200 feet of their location. The app

will actually map them to the person in need. The department is working to get all city employees on this app as many of them will have the training to respond immediately to cardiac emergencies.

Additionally, Carrollton Fire Rescue’s current CPR program also includes a robust CPR and Automated External Defibrillators (AED) training program in CFBISD schools, teaching thousands of kids a year CPR/AED. The department also offers citizen and business CPR/AED programs.

MHA is well-known for its community philanthropic efforts. In 2020, for example, MHA donated a total of $2 million to 10 local organizations: American Heart Association, Bridge Breast Network, Children’s Advocacy Center of Denton, Children’s Medical Center Foundation, Communities in Schools, The Concilio, Essilor Vision Foundation, Metrocrest Services, PediPlace and Woven Health Clinic.

MHA also recently donated a LUCAS Chest Compression System, which provides mechanical chest compressions, to the Addison Fire Department. That medical device recently aided in saving the life of a man who had collapsed at a local service station. Afterward, five Addison firefighter/paramedics received the department’s AFD Phoenix Award for their efforts in treating the victim. The system that MHA provided is more effective than manually providing compression because it continues compressions even as the patient is moved to an ambulance and while riding in the ambulance. Since 2017 MHA has provided grants totaling more than $450,000 to Addison, Carrollton and Farmers Branch for this type of equipment.

About MHA: Since its creation in 1975, the primary mission of the MHA is to create a quality healthcare environment for both providers and users in its service area and to ensure that the Authority remains in a position to meet the health care needs in its service area.

NOVEMBER 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILL | 23

Pumpkin IT’S THE GREAT

C H A R L I E

B R O W N !

by Diane Ciarloni | photos courtesy of Sarah Hess

U

nfortunately, Charlie Brown couldn’t be there to see it, but the Carrollton Early Childhood PTA (CECPTA) made sure the iconic cartoon character’s favorite holiday was well-celebrated with the organization’s virtual pumpkin-carving contest. Photo submissions began October 17.

It was the parents who got down and dirty with all those punkin’ guts, but it’s never too early to begin making memories and sharing experiences with children — even in their early stages of development.

Parents with children under the age of six make up CECPTA. The organization

is part of the same PTA network found in the public school system but is geared for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. It allows the parents to meet, socialize, and develop a supportive network. There are monthly meetings, often with speakers focusing on topics important to parents of young children.

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Health Advice: Ask The Expert

THE BENEFITS OF

ROBOTIC SURGERY O N

H E R N I A S

H

ernias are defects in the peritoneum, the band of connective tissue that holds your abdominal organs in place. There are several types of hernias: inguinal, femoral, hiatal, umbilical, and ventral, to name a few. In robotic surgery, the surgeon is seated at a console next to you and operates using small surgical instruments from the console.

surgery offer a shorter hospital stay and a

BENEFITS OF ROBOTIC SURGERY

SURGERY DURING COVID

robotic procedures and techniques. We

Choosing to have surgery can be a very scary ordeal, but the improvement in technology has greatly reduced the risks associated with surgery. The advanced vision, precision, and control afforded to surgeons using robot technology offers several benefits to patients including:

This is an unprecedented time, bringing uncertainty and unease – especially when it comes to having surgery. We thoroughly clean and sanitize all patient waiting rooms, exam rooms, and other care areas according to the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and

• Smaller incisions/Less damage to involved tissues

Prevention (CDC). Benefits of robotic

faster recovery time, which make it easier for you to return to your normal everyday activities.

Our expert surgeons are leaders in

are committed to providing you with the

most modern technology and techniques available, combined with personalized

diagnosis and treatment options. Call one

of our specialists at Surgical Care of North Texas to learn more about your options

for hernia repair and about the benefits of having robotic surgery.

• Less bleeding and scarring • Faster recovery time • Less postoperative pain • Likely fewer incidences of postoperative complications • Faster return to work and regular activities • Shorter hospital stay

214.222.8150 | SURGICALCARENTX.COM | LEWISVILLE | FLOWER MOUND | CASTLE HILLS | CORINTH

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Foodie Friday DFW: Chante Mexican Grill & Cantina

CHANTE

Mexican Grill &CANTINA

by Jay Marks | photos courtesy of Foodie Friday DFW

F

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

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

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

And their margaritas are to die for.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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NOVEMBER 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILL | 29

Ask The Expert: Travel

EXPLORE

ON A

NEW FRONTIERS

IDAHO 1

PART

R O A D

I

T R I P

by Terri Guthrie | photos courtesy of Terri Guthrie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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