Life in Castle Hills Magazine October 2021

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021 - THE LET’S TALK MEDICAL ISSUE

A DOCTOR with Passion

FOR EYES

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TABLE OF

Contents ASK THE EXPERTS

11 Dentistry with Country Lakes Family Dental 42 Gardening with Complete Solutions BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS 15 Dentistry 380: Going The Extra Mile for your Smile ARTICLES 08 10 Hot Spooky Spots 12 Inside Community and Education 20 5 Things to Make 23 Tribute to Chief Asebedo 24 Plan of Action 26 The Art of Charcuterie

PAGE

16

A DOCTOR

with Passion

FOR EYES

Cover Image Dr. Saied Hashemi, with Castle Hills Eye Care and family @CastleHillsMagazine www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

OCTOBER 2021 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 5

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

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Administration

Goodbye Summer

HELLO FALL

M

y family and friends tease me a little bit for doing this, but by Labor Day every year, I’m out in my front yard like clockwork putting pumpkins and other fun decor items out in celebration of fall and the cooler weather ahead.

It doesn’t matter if it’s still around 100 degrees outside — or that it’s not even October. I’m gonna be out there. I guess that’s what happens when you’re a geek for fall.

I’m not alone, either. I read an article recently that it seems like everyone starts obsessing over fall as soon as September 1st hits. It’s all about pumpkin spice lattes, baking something delicious in the oven, fires in the fireplace, piles of leaves in the front yard for the kids to play in, pumpkin patches and hayrides, sweater weather, and football games with the family.

It’s cozy time — I mean … who can argue with that?

And, of course, the transition to fall means that Halloween is right around the corner. And that means kids trick-ortreating, adults having their ghostly costume parties, and families watching scary movies at 3 a.m. I’m not much for the scary movie stuff, but Scott and the kids try their best to rope me in somehow.

How do you spend your fall months? What do your kiddos have planned for their Halloween costumes?

Please send us your photos and share your stories!

Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors Bobbi Byrne

Editor & Writer Steve Gamel

Writers

Caylie Howard, Diane Ciarloni Jade Kensington, Jean Eisenmann Leena Duwadi, Mark Miller

Advertising Inquiries

sales@murray-media.com

Production

Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Cayla Thompson Michele Cunningham-Scott

Photography

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

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. © 2021 Murray Media Group

Who knows — you may see yourself in one of our magazines.

Happy fall, y’all!

Sincerely, Kelly Murray www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

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OCTOBER 2021 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 7

HOT SPOTS

SPOOKY

1. Moxley Manor Haunted House | moxleymanor.com 510 Harwood Rd., • Bedford, TX 76021

Moxley Manor was voted one of DFW’s Scariest Haunted Houses in 2018 and must-see Haunted House of 2019. Moxley Manor is most definitely not for the faint of heart and is sure to leave you feeling spooked this Halloween season.

2. Lake Dallas Ghost Walk | Eventbrite.com City Hall, 212 Main St., • Lake Dallas, TX 75065

Take a walk down one of the best little ghostly towns where there is no shortage of paranormal activity at the First Annual Lake Dallas Ghost Walk. Be prepared to feel chills when you hear the spooky tales of the downright scary events that have taken place in this small town. The Lake Dallas Ghost Walk is sure to impress.

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3. The Pecan Haunt | Pecanhaunt.com

4722 Bayberry St., • Flower Mound, TX 75028 The Pecan Haunt is a unique experience where their scares are mostly decorative and

FX driven. If you’re looking for a spook for all ages, the Pecan Trail is perfect. The Pecan

Asylum, Manor & Wastelands are filled with more horror suited for teens and adults. The Pecan Haunt is the place to be this scary season.

4. The Parker House Haunted Attraction | Hauntedhousedenton.com

8550 W University Dr., • Denton, TX 76207

Explore the frightful mayhem of The Parker House. Take a walk through the murderous Mary Parker’s living quarters along with the entire Parker property. You can even enjoy an interactive ride around the property in their attack vehicles to defeat the zombies.

You’re sure to feel the terror at The Parker House Haunted Attraction.

8. Cutting Edge Haunted House Cuttingedgehauntedhouse.com 1701 E Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76102 Cutting Edge Haunted House is an intense, multi-story, multi-themed haunted attraction that is full of chilling detail and unbelievable scares. Located in a 100-year-old abandoned meat packing plant in historically dubbed “Hell’s Half Acre,” the Cutting Edge Haunted House is built on a foundation of fear.

5. Hangman’s House of Horrors | Hangmans.com 4400 Blue Mound Rd., • Fort Worth, TX 76106

Hangman’s House of Horrors is Fort Worth’s original haunted house. It’s located at a 100+ year old military base that was built as a helium production plant in the early

1910s. But it’s believed it was only a guise for it to be used for top secret purposes.

If you dare, take the 45-minute walk of fear at Hangman’s House of Horrors.

6. Strangling Brothers Haunted Circus | Hauntedhouseassociation.org 2602 Mayfield Rd., • Grand Prairie, TX 75052

Expect nothing less than the thrill of a lifetime at Strangling Brothers Haunted Circus.

Voted the 7th Scariest Haunted House in the World, you’ll experience the 32 Haunted Rings of Terror and the Strangling Brothers Haunted House that feels like you’re stepping onto the set of a horror movie. You’ll feel bone-chilling scares at Strangling Brothers Haunted Circus.

7. Haunted Hill House | HauntedHillHouse.com 501 NE 1st St., • Mineral Wells, TX 76067

With direct ties to Texas’ most haunted hotel, the Baker, this real life haunted house

experience is sure to leave you spooked. You can spend the night in this house that is known for its paranormal activity. Haunted Hill House is a night of fright that you won’t soon forget.

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9. Reindeer Manor Reindeermanor.com 410 Houston School Rd., Red Oak, TX 75154 Reindeer Manor is a thrillingly spooky experience for people of all ages. You can choose from four different spooky haunted houses to experience. Reindeer Manor also offers axe throwing, stage shows, and hay rides. You’re sure to have a frightening good time at Reindeer Manor.

10. Dark Hour Haunted House Darkhourhauntedhouse.com 701 Taylor Dr., Plano, TX 75074 Dark Hour Haunted House returns this Halloween season as the Coven Awakens in a brand new way. You can experience Dark Hour in its spookiest form with the 13 coven witches together in one terrifying nightmare. Dark Hour Haunted House will leave you with chills this October.

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Business Spotlight

CASTLE

Spirits

by Leena Duwadi | photos courtesy of Castle Spirits facebook page

S

erving the residents of Lewisville and surrounding communities for almost a decade now, Castle Spirits is synonymous with cozy weekends. Nestled inside of Castle Hills in the Village Shops, this liquor store offers award-winning distilled spirits, craft beer, and hand-selected estate wines.

One of the unique selling propositions for the store is: it doesn’t have the typical liquor store feel. “We almost always have a bottle of something ready for our customers to taste. We try to personalize the experience to every customer,” said Devon Amsterdam, the owner of the shop. “If you seem like you just want to be in and out, then we will do our best to make sure that the process is as smooth as possible.”

get excited about a new product,” he said. “It’s been awesome being a part of the community. The support we receive from the community has been a driving force to keep improving.”

Castle Spirits is always looking for great new products. Currently, it carries several drinks produced by families or companies in the immediate area. Castle Spirits has recently launched a new website that offers delivery and in-store pick-up.

“We are refreshing and expanding the range of wines and spirits that we offer.

We plan to launch a Spirits Club in the near future as well,” Devon said.

Devon warmly welcomes people who want to chat about bourbon or tequila.

He is always willing to track down a unique wine or spirit for them.

Devon has owned the business since March of 2021. “It’s always great to see a smile on a customer’s face when they

972.899.0906 CastleSpiritsOnline.com 2540 King Arthur Blvd., Ste. 110 Lewisville, TX 75056 Hours: Mon-Fri 1 - 9 pm | Sat 1 - 9 pm Closed on Sunday www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

“We plan to launch a Spirits Club in the near future as well.”

The store has customers from all over the metroplex, the majority being from Castle Hills and surrounding areas. One of the reasons for Castle Spirits’ popularity is that it’s pretty convenient to the locals. “It’s so neat to see our customers pull up in their golf carts,” Devon says.

OCTOBER 2021 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 11

INSIDE COMMUNITY

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GRAHAM’S TOTALLY FREE CLOTHING Graham’s Totally Free Clothing is a program started by Frances Peters and is a new way to give back to those in need by providing free clothing. This program is among the services offered through the nonprofit Heart of the City of Lewisville. Each person can take up to 10 pieces of women’s clothing, 5 pieces of children’s clothing, 5 pieces of men’s clothing, one pair of shoes and one accessory.

CITY OF LEWISVILLE EARNS TAMI AWARDS The City of Lewisville earned three TAMI Awards which were present by the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers (TAMIO) for three of their community outreach efforts. The City earned first place (TAMI Award) in the “Special or One-Time Program” category, second place (Award of Excellence) in the “Communications Planning” category, and third place (Award of Honor) in the “Special Publication” category.

INSIDE EDUCATION

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK @CastleHillsMagazine

LISD NAMED ONE OF THE TOP PLACES TO WORK IN TEXAS Lewisville Independent School District was ranked in the top half of Forbes’ ‘America’s Best-In-State Employers 2021’ list and is currently ranked Number 1 for all of DFW-area school districts. This recognition was created by Forbes through a survey of 80,000 employees of the United States spanning across 25 industry sectors.

LEWISVILLE ISD NAMES NEW ATHLETIC DIRECTOR Lewisville ISD has appointed Christie Liles as the district’s new athletic director effective in January 2022. Christie has been the associate director of athletics since 2012. This will make Christie the first female athletic director, replacing Tom Ford, who will be retiring at the end of the year. photo courtesy of LISD

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MONSTER HALLOWEEN BASH Main Event in Lewisville is hosting the City of Lewisville’s Monster Halloween Bash. This event is being held on Sunday, October 31st from 11 am to 3 pm. Guests can enjoy games, contests, prizes and candy for the whole family to enjoy. If you dress up in your Halloween costume you’ll receive a free laser tag session.

SPOOKY TALES CAMPFIRE On October 31st from 4 pm to 5 pm at the Lake Park Campground in Lewisville, you can gather around the campfire and listen to the staff at LLELA as they read some of our favorite ghost stories and urban legends. This is a free event, however registration is required. To register, go to amilia.com or call the Parks and Recreation Administration office.

SPREADING KINDNESS ACROSS LISD Lewisville ISD celebrated Kindness Week August 30th through September 3rd. The students and staff of LISD celebrate annual Kindness Week through dress-up days, daily challenges, and fun activities. Kindness Week, which has been celebrated since 2018, is a week where the students of LISD make a commitment to be kind and to focus on the many ways to be kind to others.

DEGAN ELEMENTARY HOSTS HERITAGE DAY On September 24th, Degan Elementary celebrated Heritage Day where students and staff dressed up to share some of their heritage with their school community. Together, the students of Degan Elementary made an impact by sharing their heritage with their peers and learning new things about different cultures that they might not be as familiar with.

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Business Spotlight

GOING THE EXTRA MILE FOR YOU & YOUR

SMILE

by Steve Gamel

G

etting most people to go to the neighborhood dentist is like pulling teeth, but Dr. Travis Campbell recalls always looking forward to going to the dentist as a child because his dentist made it a fun experience. As a result, following the same career path seemed

like a no-brainer. He loves being a dentist!

But he knows full well that many others have had difficult or even traumatic experiences with dental offices.

“My dad was probably one of the worst dental-phobic people out there because of experiences he had as a child,” Dr. Campbell said. “And my dad’s fear is always top of mind when I work with other anxious patients, as well as when I design all aspects of our dental office. Everyone deserves to feel safe and comfortable. We take particular care to make every patient’s dental experience a positive one!”

Today, Dr. Campbell is the proud owner of 380 Family Dentistry in Prosper. Living by the motto that the patient is the most important person in the room, he and

his team have created a safe and comfortable atmosphere where nearly every dental need can be handled under one roof. Their trained staff genuinely

cares about your smile, and their services include everything from dental exams and fillings to Invisalign braces, root canals, implants, full-mouth reconstructions, sedation, and everything in between.

Their approach is to listen first, educate and answer questions thoroughly, and only then offer and proceed with top quality, caring treatment. Dr.

Campbell is surrounded by a team of exceptional dentists, hygienists, assistants, and office professionals — many of whom have been with

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, visit 380dental.com or call

972.534.5255

the practice since it first opened back in 2009.

“It really is a whole team effort,” Dr. Campbell said. “The majority of

the reasons why people come to us is because they see our reviews online and realize that not only is Dr. Campbell a great dentist, but

the whole team is terrific, too.”

He added, “We get to the heart of the problem, understand the patient,

and make them comfortable. And we have fun.”

Dr. Campbell knew he wanted to start a practice in Prosper long before he graduated

from Baylor College of Dentistry. As the community has continued to flourish, so has 380

Dentistry’s reputation as a standard-bearer in family dentistry. www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

OCTOBER 2021 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 15

A DOCTOR with Passion

FOR EYES At Castle Hills Eye Care

by Diane Ciarloni | photography by What’s That Guys Name? | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GUY T

D

r. Saied Hashemi, OD, has practiced optometry for more than twenty years. During all that time, his heart nurtured a dream – a dream to have his own stand-alone clinic. This longheld dream became a reality in March of this year 2021, when Dr. Saied Hashemi, his staff and family gathered to cut a giant red ribbon, marking the official welcome to Castle Hills Eye Care in Carrollton.

The staff Carolina Mercado, Sanaz Sobhani and Tori Marsh, the office manager, have been part of the dream since the beginning and now stand inside the reality. “I was born and raised in Carrollton and now I’m proud to be managing and leading this office to success,” Ms. Marsh explains. “We didn’t know what to expect with today’s covid economy and did not know how the grand opening would turn out but the community has been extremely supportive and as the word gets around we continue to grow with new referred patients.”

16 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | OCTOBER 2021

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Ca stle are C Hills Eye

972.370.EYES (3937) | CastleHillsEyeCare.com 4541 N. Josey Lane., Ste. 220 • Carrollton, TX 75010 Hours: 9-6 Mon - Fri | Closed Sat & Sun

“This clinic is literally a dream-come-true.

Both the Doctor and his wife, Paris, put so much of themselves into even the smallest of designs here. For instance, Paris designed the front desk from a drawing she made on a piece of paper and the whole office was designed around that front desk. Dr. Hashemi himself spent nearly 2 years searching for a prime location that would be both spacious and close to his previous independent practice in The Colony which eventually led him to Castle Hills,” Mrs. Marsh said.

The clinic caters to all ages with a wide range of services. Dr. Hashemi is considered a Therapeutic Optometrist and has been awarded the title Diplomate by the American Board of Optometry through vigorous certification process.

As a Diplomate he is committed to providing the highest quality patient care and engaging in lifelong learning and self-assessment. Dr. Hashemi strongly believes in comprehensive eye care, www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

and specializes in long term care for Glaucoma, Dry Eyes and Diabetic eye diseases. Outside of his passion for eyes he is a family man with 3 beautiful children, and loves to work with his younger patients.

“I think the best way to describe Dr. Hashemi is to say he truly cares for every patient. It comes from his heart, and he does everything he can to make patients feel like family members,” Marsh said. “One of our community outreach programs is a partnership with the Salvation Army. They send us one person

The office also provides emergency last minute eye care services.

each month for an eye exam and glasses.

Also, we donate five percent of our profits to them from our special events. It’s another way Dr. Hashemi gives back.”

The office also provides emergency last minute eye care services. Their extensive examinations are designed to screen for all ocular diseases as well as to identify any systemic diseases.

“We always make sure new patients know they need to set aside at least an hour for their first visit,” Marsh said.

“Doctor Hashemi looks at everything and evaluates all his findings before proceeding with any treatment plans or recommendations.”

“There’s something else that I believe defines Dr. Hashemi’s heart,” Marsh continued. “The new clinic allows him to live his dream but, at the same time, he didn’t abandon his previous patients.

He kept Eye Exam Pros, located inside of The Colony Walmart, so as to continue OCTOBER 2021 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 17

serving the patients with insurance we can’t see at our Castle Hills location.

We also continue to have the same lower fees and have not increased our prices.”

Opening the doors to Castle Hills Eye Care also provides Dr. Hashemi the latitude to grow into new services. One of those is done with a recently acquired Optos machine. Especially beneficial for diabetic patients, the machine produces a huge picture of the back of the eye without the need for dilation drops. Also a new Dry Eye Treatment accomplished through Zocular, a process that uses a substance made from the “slime” found in okra to clean all the pores on the eyelid!

We’re the place where people come after they’ve been to one of the vision chains.

TORI MARSH

18 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | OCTOBER 2021

This procedure helps enhance tear quality and reduces dry eyes. And for an even more Eye Rising treatment, they have the New UpNeeq eye drop that literally raises your eyelids without surgery. This treatment is effective for patients with droopy eyelids or people who like to have wider eyes during a zoom meeting.

“Honestly? We’re the place where people come after they’ve been to one of the vision chains. Sadly, today’s world it’s no longer about people ,” Marsh stressed, “but that isn’t the case at Castle Hills Eye Care. Dr. Hashemi’s heart is open for every person coming through our doors.

We want you to be as comfortable with us as your own family. We stand by our services and products and ensure full satisfaction.”

Check out the Castle Hills Eye Care website the next time you have a few spare minutes. You’ll be amazed at the interesting reading you’ll find.

CAROLINA MERCADO

“Everybody’s heard about the eyes being the windows of the soul. Well, they’re

also a reflection of what’s going on with

your physical health. Diabetes? Your eyes reflect that. Thyroid disease? Your eyes

reflect that. High Blood Pressure? Again

your eyes reflect that and so much more.

For instance, did you know exercise can

slow, or even prevent, the development of macular degeneration? It can. It also can have positive effects on glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. And did you

know gazing into your partner’s eyes for

three minutes can result in synchronized

heartbeats? It can! And remember when your mom warned you to not cross your

eyes as a kid, telling you they could stick in that position? She was wrong! They won’t stick but you may get a headache!

Check it out. And make an appointment at Castle Hills Eye Care for your next eye exam.

SANAZ SOBHANI

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OCTOBER 2021 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 19

Things 5 TO MAKE

PUMPKIN PIE 15 ounces of pumpkin

14 ounces sweetened condensed milk 2 large eggs

1tsp. ground cinnamon ½ tsp. ground ginger

½ tsp. ground nutmeg ½ tsp. salt Pie crust:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour CARAMEL APPLE CIDER 8 cups Apple Juice

1 tbsp. sugar

¼ cup lemon juice

4-8 tbsp. ice water

PUMPKIN BREAD 2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup caramel flavor syrup

1 tsp. baking soda

2 cinnamon sticks

1/2 tsp. salt

½ tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. ground cloves

1 tsp. salt

1 cup cold butter

1 vanilla bean

1 tbsp whole allspice

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

PUMPKIN SNICKERDOODLES

1 ½ sticks of unsalted butter

3 ½ tsp. cornstarch

2 large eggs

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. ground nutmeg

3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

2 cups sugar

1 tsp. cream of tartar

½ a can of 1 lb pumpkin pie mix

½ tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. ground cinnamon ½ tsp. ground ginger

½ tsp. ground nutmeg ¼ tsp. ground allspice

1 cup granulated sugar

¾ cup packed light brown sugar 1 cup softened unsalted butter 1 large egg yolk

For the Drink:

3 ounces vodka

3 ounces pumpkin spice creamer 1 ½ ounces of Kahlua

¾ cup canned pumpkin puree

Whipped cream and pumpkin spice for garnish

Top With:

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 ½ tsp. ground cinnamon 20 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | OCTOBER 2021

PUMPKIN SPICE WHITE RUSSIAN

For the Rim:

1 tsp sugar or sparkling sugar

3 tbsp. crushed graham cracker www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

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OCTOBER 2021 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 21

22 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | OCTOBER 2021

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TRIBUTE Chief Asebedo TO

S

by Dawn Cobb | photos courtesy of Dawn Cobb

ept. 14, 2021 - Denton County Fire Marshal Roland Asebedo, 56, passed away on Monday, Sept. 13, 2021, from complications with COVID-19. A 23-year veteran law enforcement officer with more than 30 years in emergency services, also as a firefighter/EMT, Chief Asebedo saved countless lives in his dedication to serving others.

“Chief Asebedo spent his entire adult life in service to others – the epitome of a public servant,” Denton County Judge Andy Eads said. “Roland was a one-ofa-kind leader, organizer, coworker, and friend who will be greatly missed as a vital part of our Denton County family.”

Before joining the Denton County staff,

Chief Asebedo joined the Denton County Emergency Services in May 2004, working his way to Assistant Fire Marshal and Assistant Director of Development and Emergency Services. In October 2020, Judge Eads officially pinned Chief Asebedo as Denton County Fire Marshal and Director of Development and Emergency Services.

Asebedo studied Fire Science Technology

Chief Asebedo served as Fire Chief with

the Highland Village Fire Department, Fire

Marshal with the Coppell Fire Department, and Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Marshal

with the Plainview Fire/EMS Department.

Originally from Silverton, Texas, Chief

at South Plains College. He obtained his

Master Peace Officer certification in 1998 and his Associate Degree in Applied

Sciences in 2002. He received Firefighter Master, Arson Investigator Master and

Inspector Master Certifications from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection in

2002. He received an Instructor License from TCOLE in 1993 and his EMT Certification in 1999.

Funeral service arrangements are pending.

Roland Asebedo is survived by his mother, Mary Asebedo of Silverton; his wife,

Michele “Mickey” Asebedo of Denton; his son, Jordan Asebedo of Highland

Village; his daughter, Lorrin Underwood of Flower Mound; his brother, Able Asebedo of Silverton; his sister, Marilyn Leal of

Pottsboro; and a number of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was

preceded in death by his father, Johnny Asebedo, and his sister, Venita Howell. www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

OCTOBER 2021 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 23

PLAN

ACTION OF

by Denton County Judge Andy Eads photo courtesy of Judge Andy Eads

I

their personal decisions on whether or not to become vaccinated.

We also worked with and continue to work with all of our Denton County schools

districts in dealing with the challenges

they faced last year with virtual learning

and this year as they re-opened campuses.

We meet frequently with state, local, and school officials to keep them informed

of the latest information available about

COVID-19 and to address any concerns.

And, at each Commissioners Court meeting on Tuesdays, Dr. Matt

Richardson with DCPH provides the

latest information about the pandemic to

feel it is important to remind our Denton County residents of our ongoing efforts in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. From the beginning of the pandemic in early 2020, Denton County has been at the forefront of providing assistance to our residents. We initially took steps to mitigate the spread of this virus, following constitutionally allowed measures.

the public – information that is available on our Facebook page and on our dentoncounty.gov website.

With the availability of vaccines, testing

and PPE currently available in the market, I believe we continue to find ourselves

I firmly believe these measures were appropriate at the time with the limited knowledge we had of COVID-19 and its effects on our population.

We quickly rolled out programs designed to address the needs of those facing eviction and homelessness, needing food assistance, and owning businesses that faced significant economic challenges.

We assisted non-profit organizations with personal protection equipment (PPE) and funding to ensure services could still be provided to residents in need.

We also supplied PPE to our long-term care facilities, first responders, and health care providers to ensure their safety. We expanded the capabilities of our Denton County Public Health (DCPH) team to investigate and report with transparency on the growing number of cases and rolled out extensive COVID-19 testing locations across the county.

When the COVID-19 vaccine became

today in a place of personal responsibility.

available in January, we immediately

While being considerate of others, each of

Motor Speedway, efficiently providing

individual steps we deem necessary to

thousands of residents. The White House

our loved ones.

launched a major vaccination hub at Texas

us has the responsibility to take whatever

COVID-19 vaccines to hundreds of

ensure our own safety and the safety of

followed our model in rolling out federal

We ask that everyone show compassion

vaccination hubs nationwide. In fact,

people from 45 states came to Denton County to receive their shots.

We continue to provide COVID-19 vaccines to any and all who want

them. And, soon, we will ramp up our

vaccination clinics when booster shots become more widely available to the public.

Once vaccines became available, we asked everyone to thoughtfully and

prayerfully consider getting a vaccine. We also encouraged people to do their own

research about the vaccine as they made

with each other as individuals make their own decisions about their health and

safety. Love and understanding for others,

their viewpoints and their individual health choices is an important part of coming together as a broader Denton County community.

We do not need government oversight to

supersede our individual rights. But what we do need is to be educated and informed. I

truly believe individual choice is what makes America the land of the free.

We owe it to ourselves to maintain our

individual rights while, at the same time,

CONNECT WITH US

If you have any questions or comments, please let me hear from you.

940.349.2820 | andy.eads@dentoncounty.com | www.Dentoncounty.gov/countyjudgenewslettersignup 24 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | OCTOBER 2021

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being respectful of others’ rights

event you get COVID. This plan of

for themselves.

have in case of a tornado, flood,

and the choices they make

I believe that it is important to

provide grace and understanding with one another whether that be

the medical researchers, scientists, or your own local doctor. This

is a new disease, and we are all

learning more about it each and

every day. What we knew early on in the spring of 2020 is limited in comparison to what we know today.

If you want to be vaccinated, you

can visit www.dentoncounty.gov/ covid19vaccine to register for a vaccine with DCPH or to find a location near you (scroll to the bottom).

Whether you choose to get a

vaccination or not, I encourage

you to have a plan of action in the www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

action is much like one you would or ice storm. Know a doctor with whom you can contact, do your

homework about what symptoms to look for, purchase an oximeter to monitor your blood oxygen at home, and know what to do in

case of an emergency, i.e. where

the nearest hospital with available space is located. And, lastly, know what treatments you plan to take and have them available.

I say all of this because I have had so very many people contact me after they get sick who do not

have a plan of action. And, often times, they do not even have a

relationship with a doctor to treat

them. So, please, think ahead and have a medical plan of action.

Together, we can continue to keep #DentonCountyStrong.

WE ASK THAT EVERYONE SHOW COMPASSION WITH EACH OTHER AS INDIVIDUALS MAKE THEIR OWN DECISIONS ABOUT THEIR HEALTH AND SAFETY. OCTOBER 2021 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 25

the art of

CHARCUTERIE T

by Brooke Ezzo | photos courtesy of Ann Starkweather

wo years ago, Argyle resident Lane Tunstall was on the verge of heading back to corporate America when she put together a charcuterie board for her children’s school event. The joy of arranging good, quality food on a board that brought people together gave her the idea to start her own business.

817.693.1908 | 400 N. Oak St., | Roanoke, TX 76262

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L A N E

T U N S T A L L

Life is simply better when we leisurely graze on wonderful foods with our favorite people.

Board + Brie is located in Roanoke, Texas, and has become a household name. From custom boards and cones to grazing tables of any size, Lane and her team really can do it all. Her passion is to bring people together over a delicious bite to eat.

Lane began her business during the holiday season. So when frosted cranberries and cranberry cheeses hit store shelves, her excitement soars.

“I truly care about people and every box, board, or table I create,” Lane said. “I love a challenge, I love seeing the vision come to life, and I am a foodie who loves the presentation of food.”

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DIY charcuterie classes helped launch Board + Brie nationally. Lane has hosted classes for business teambuilding meetings, retreats, and online networking events, including teaming up with Nickelodeon.

“Boards don’t always have to be meat and cheese,” Lane said. “I love finding fun props, creating kid boards with all their favorite sweets, and themed boards based on holidays and what’s in season.”

During Christmas, you will find Lane’s trademark Brie with a rosemary wreath topped with frosted cranberries on most of her charcuterie creations. It’s definitely a crowd-pleaser.

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“I get a lot of inspiration from looking at cakes on Pinterest,” Lane said. “Then I try to recreate the idea into my boards and tables. I love trying something new.”

Charcuterie has become an easy yet elegant addition to weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, and any gathering. Lane’s boards and boxes are even given as gifts, with Father’s Day being one of her busiest holidays.

Lane loves interacting with her community: talking cheese and helping others to create charcuterie masterpieces through her in-person and virtual classes.

With Board + Brie, life is gouda!

For more information about Board + Brie, visit BoardBrieDFW.com.

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How to create a beautiful board: Let it Brie - We love a good centerpiece. Brie is a beautiful choice to base the entire board around. Add honeycomb on top, frost cranberries, fruit, or greenery. Also, select three to five cheeses to fill the board. We prefer soft and hard cheeses like Manchego, dill Havarti, Gouda, sage derby, or any of your favorites.

Spread the Love - Every good cracker needs a good dip.

Depending on the vision for your board, a spread could include spicy mustard, hummus, spinach artichoke dip, pub cheese, or jams.

Add Greenery - To make each board pop, we love to add fresh basil leaves, sprigs of rosemary, beautiful sage, and eucalyptus.

Nice to Meat You - Most boards include Italian meats: salami and pepperoni, but the world is your oyster. Prosciutto, thinly sliced deli meats, and jerky can be delicious additions.

Zing!

- Add in stuffed olives, cornichons, or pickled anything for something tangy.

Not only does it add extra color to the board, but it gives guests a pop of flavor.

Be Creative - Creating depth on the board is very important. Stack cheeses, decorate with fresh and dried fruit, sprinkle smoked nuts, or top with a sweet treat. Wood boards tend to be popular for the rustic feel, but almost anything can work as a charcuterie board. www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

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