MAY/JUNE 2021 - THE HOME ESSENTIALS ISSUE
KEEPING FAMILIES & THEIR PETS
TOGETHER DURING DIFFICULT TIMES
Direct Mailed to the Following Areas:
Northlake - Justin - Roanoke (Canyon Falls - Harvest)
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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID LEWISVILLE, TX PERMIT NO. 977
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MAY 2021 | 35 WEST | 3
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TABLE OF
Contents ASK THE EXPERT 25 Dentistry with Country Lakes Family Dental
35 WEST PHOTO PAGE 07 Metroport Chamber photos ARTICLES 08 10 Hot Backyard Decorating Tips 10 Property Management With Purpose 12 Inside Community and Education 14 Car Sickness 15 Easy Cheesesteak Lettuce Wrap Recipe 18 5 Things To Try 20 Supporting and Empowering 22 Sheriff’s Corner With Sheriff Tracy Murphree
23 An All-The-Way Mindset 26 Denton County Spotlight: Leaving A Legacy In A Rose Farm
28 Interior Painting Ideas 30 U.S. 377 Fort Worth Drive
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16
KEEPING FAMILIES & THEIR PETS
TOGETHER DURING DIFFICULT TIMES
Cover Image TCAP employee with cat
MAY 2021 | 35 WEST | 5
Publisher of Murray Media Group, kelly@murray-media.com
Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray
Happy Home I know y’all are going to think I’m off my rocker here, but now that the calendar has already flipped to May, I’m thinking about summertime, and that trusty Home Depot jingle from the TV commercials is stuck on a loop in my brain. As Home Depot likes to say, “how doers get more done.” Or maybe it’s “Dream it. Do it.” Whatever the case may be, it’s May. And before you know it, it’ll be June. That means it’s time to get outside and start following through with all of those home improvement projects you’ve been adding to your Pinterest boards all winter. With the smell of sunshine in the air comes that feeling of excitement as we dream of all the home design and decor possibilities — inside and outside, of course — to refresh our homes and give us that oasis we’ve long dreamed of. No matter the size of your project, this issue is chock-full of design ideas and local connections to help get you started. No offense to our friends at Home Depot, but we happen to know a few design and home improvement pros who are small business owners right here in Denton County. If you need a name, just let us know — we’ll throw you five or six! Within the pages of this month’s magazine, you’ll find an article with 10 Hot Backyard Decorating Trends to help you get excited to start your updates. If that doesn’t inspire your creativity, check out our 5 Things to Try, where we showcase some of Denton County’s finest cocktails. Hey, if you’re going to dream about making changes to your happy home, you might as well have a cool drink to sip on. Thank you so much for picking up a copy of this month’s magazine.
Administration
Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors Bobbi Byrne Alisha Tran
Editor & Writer Steve Gamel
Writers
Caylie Howard, Diane Ciarloni Jade Kensington, Jean Eisenmann Leena Duwadi, Rebecca Beer
Advertising Inquiries
sales@murray-media.com
Production
Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Cayla Thompson Fernando Gomez
Photography
Your Candid Memories Photography What’s That Guy’s Name? Guy T Photography Miranda Longoria Photography
Letters
35 West Magazine 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 35 West Magazine 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. 35 West Magazine 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
Sincerely, Kelly Murray 6 | 35 WEST | MAY 2021
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Metroport CHAMBER photos courtesy of Toribia Alonzo
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MAY 2021 | 35 WEST | 7
HOT
BACKYARD DECORATING TIPS
1. USING YOUR BACKYARD AS AN OFFICE Many people have found themselves moving their office space to their home in the past year. It can be draining looking at the same four walls day in and day out, not to mention the distractions that come from having your home also function as your office. You might find a change of scenery much more appealing by taking the office outdoors to a serene backyard. Just add a functional wooden desk and connect your computer to a hotspot. You might find that some fresh air will do a world of difference. 2. ADDING A PERGOLA With the summer months fast approaching, it’s safe to say that Texas is about to start heating up. So that you are able to enjoy the peace and beauty of the outdoors during those scorching summer months, it might be a good idea to look into adding a pergola 8 | 35 WEST | MAY 2021
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to your outdoor oasis. The added shade will allow relief from the sun so that you are able to entertain and relax outside all summer long. 3. CREATING A GARDEN OF FOOD TO ENJOY Not only is it super convenient to have food ready to eat growing in your backyard, but
it can also be extremely beautiful. The different vibrant colors of the vegetable and fruits add a positive and joyful appearance. You can also dress up your garden by adding raised garden beds and beautiful pots to decorate your outdoor living space. 4. BORROWING A VIEW Do you ever wish that you had more yard to admire? Sometimes, we have bigger
dreams than what our actual space will allow. This is where borrowing a view comes
into play. If you have a neighbor that shares your love for a beautiful outdoor space, you could create a doorway or fence leading from your yard that makes it appear that your yard goes on far longer than it actually does.
8. MAKING YOUR SPACE ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY The desire for more low-maintenance and sustainable yards is growing every day. With people’s busy schedules, it’s not always feasible to keep on top of taking care of outdoor plants. You could consider adding in more pollinator plants that are attracting more birds and bees – such as lavenders or plants that have berries. These plants don’t take much effort, and they also give back to the environment. 9. FIRESCAPING
5. CREATING THE MOOD YOU DESIRE If you aren’t looking to create a more livable and entertainable outdoor space, you
might consider transforming your backyard oasis into a place that will enhance your mood. You could add bright colors to create a joyful presence, or you could even look into creating a beautiful and relaxing waterfall to add tranquility to your life. 6. IT’S TIME TO PLAY With so many families choosing to place their children in at-home learning, it can be
With the outrageous number of wildfires that have taken place around our country in recent years, it’s understandable that people might want to take safety precautions by adding fire-resistant landscapes. By adding plants that have moist leaves closest to the house such as coral bells and low-growing sages, it helps to protect your home from damage.
hard to help children find a way to release all of that pent-up energy from staying inside
10. ADDING SIDE GATES
artificial turf or even multipurpose concrete pads for a small basketball court. Another
A new pandemic-approved addition is to add a side gate to your backyard living space. By adding a side gate, you can feel safe in having friends and family come to join you in relaxing in the comfort of your updated outdoor living area. With a side gate, your guests can avoid walking through the privacy of your home and can easily just go straight through to your backyard.
all day. You could choose to create an outdoor fun space for your kids by adding in fun option if you have trees is to add a hanging swing from the branches. 7. EXPANDING TO THE FRONT
With the recent social distancing that we’ve put in place, you might have found yourself missing the interactions of your neighbors and friends. By making your front yard more livable, you will be able to interact with friends while also having your own space. You could add a beautiful fire pit or create a front patio with rockers and lounge chairs to enjoy the company of your friends and neighbors. www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
MAY 2021 | 35 WEST | 9
purpose PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
WITH
T
by Jean Eisenmann | headshot photo by of Katerina Jones Photography & wedding photo courtesy of Lisa Castle
o say that Justin’s Chrissa Hartle works hard is a huge understatement. She’s as focused as a pair of binoculars. And her level of positivity is off the charts. In 2017, Chrissa launched Contre Management, LLC, then branched out with Contre Property Management. Currently, the company manages 67 residential rental properties for real estate investors. ITS General Maintenance handles property maintenance and vendor relations, also owned by her. And the Contre Realty Group, supervised by Chrissa, consists of a real estate team of four licensed agents under the brokerage of Insight Realty Network, through which she obtained her Real Estate Brokerage License. For them, she is also property management supervisor for the State of Texas.
A total of seven qualified and talented people are on Chrissa’s Contre team. But Chrissa’s successes didn’t come easily. She married into an abusive relationship in 2005 and struggled for eight years, becoming all too familiar with the government’s Section 8 Housing Program while standing in food lines,
10 | 35 WEST | MAY 2021
receiving food stamps, and relying on the charity of others for clothing. By then, she had two sons to provide for, Trey (now 15) and Conner (now 13). “They were my driving force to take control of my life and provide the best possible future for my kids,” Chrissa expressed with determination.
She enrolled in college and worked
hard to break free of those charitable programs and become independent. Divorced in 2013, she moved from
Grapevine to Justin to be closer to her parents, William and Gayle Coakley.
Reflecting on those days, Chrissa said, “I see my 20s as ‘my old life,’ and it was a
small setback for my bigger comeback.” Undaunted, Chrissa obtained her real estate license in 2016 and graduated
from UTA in 2019 with a BS in University Studies. Also during those early years,
Chrissa held office manager positions and provided bookkeeping services for a local custom home builder in Argyle. “I fell in love with the role of property manager
while working for someone else,” she said.
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In 2014, Chrissa met Steven, her best friend, soulmate, and now husband.
Along with her sons and parents, Steven became another source of inspiration and support. They were married in October 2020.
“He’s my rock,” Chrissa said lovingly. To launch Contre in 2017, Chrissa sold the home they were living in. “It was
one of the best decisions of my life,” she
confessed. The company name is a clever
combination of her boys’ names. Just one month ago, on April 15, Contre opened
a new storefront at 105 West 4th Street in Justin, and Chrissa and her staff couldn’t be more excited.
As residents of Justin can attest, Chrissa has a servant’s heart and loves to
volunteer. She strives to help struggling families and work with women to help
them understand that they are capable. Currently, she serves on the Justin City
Council, an elected roll, and is a member of Champions Rotary. Past committee
involvements include Justin Planning and Zoning, Justin Community Development Corp., and the Grapevine Youth Sports
Association. She has also held leadership roles in four non-profits.
“Nobody should give up their dream — no matter what it may be,” Chrissa advised. “I’m an example that it can come true.”
Chrissa has a servant’s heart and loves to volunteer. She strives to help struggling families and work with women to help them understand that they are capable. www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
MAY 2021 | 35 WEST | 11
INSIDE COMMUNITY
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ZACH KING BAND DENTON COUNTY MRC AWARDED Denton County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) has been selected as a 2021 MRC Program National Recognition Awardee for Community Response in COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts! This is an incredible honor and would not be possible without the amazing volunteers that stepped up for our community. We can not thank them enough! If you’d like to join Denton County MRC, sign up at mrc.dentoncounty.gov/. photo courtesy of Denton County, TX social media page
INSIDE EDUCATION
On June 10th, Events on Oak Street Concert is featuring Zach King Band! The Zach King Band has been performing their unique brand of Texas Rock for over 15 years. During that time they have played with some of the most notable superstars in rock and country music. Enjoy the live music, food, drinks, raffles, and more! photo courtesy of Zach King Band social media page
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BYRON NELSON STUDENT COUNCIL WINS PRESIDENTIAL POSITION
NISD OPENS ATHLETIC FIELD TO PUBLIC Northwest ISD middle school athletic fields are now open for public use! Officials felt that these fields would provide the easiest access to community members as campuses are spread out across the district. In addition, organized team play and practice is allowed with authorization via a rental or lease agreement. 12 | 35 WEST | MAY 2021
After receiving the most statewide votes, Byron Nelson High School was selected as the President of the Texas Association of Student Councils (TASC)! They chose the platform Serving Those That Serve which focuses on projects that promote awareness and support for the first responders, healthcare workers, and military personnel to provide aid, resources, and recognition throughout the year. photo courtesy of Northwest ISD www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
MIGHTY MAGGIE’S 5K Join Mighty Maggie’s 5K on June 19th in Justin to help raise money for baby Maggie. Maggie was just 11 months old when she was diagnosed with leukemia, and it was aggressive. Maggie quickly started treatment and received a bone marrow transplant in July 2020. She’s been home since October, but remains in isolation until her immune system becomes stronger. She’s currently in remission and at just one year has been able to touch so many lives! To register and to learn more go to raceroster.com/ events/2021/47061/mighty-maggies-5k. photo courtesy of Maggie’s Race Roster page
KEEP JUSTIN BEAUTIFUL VOLUNTEERS PICK UP TRASH The Keep Justin Beautiful Committee welcomed over 30 volunteers who picked up trash in various areas of the town! Members of the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Cub Scouts earned a special patch for their efforts. The Public Works crew also helped fill 6 rolloffs of bulk waste from residents and individuals were able to take advantage of paper shredding and electronic waste disposal. photo courtesy of City of Justin, TX social media page
NISD DESTINATION IMAGINATION ADVANCE TO GLOBAL FINALS
WINNER OF SCIENCE SNACKS THEME SONG Congratulations to Harper who was selected as the winner of the “Science Snacks” theme song competition! Science Snacks was funded through NEF’s teaching grant program with the goal to bring science to life through weekly “bite-sized” video episodes. The investigations in each episode will help foster family connections with scientific literacy and career awareness. photo courtesy of Northwest ISD Education Foundation social media page www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
Congrats to the seven teams from Northwest ISD who have advanced to the Destination Imagination Global Finals tournament! Four teams garnered a first-place finish including the Toxic Tiger Sharks and Fla-Mangos from Lakeview Elementary, the Desperadoes of DI from Beck Elementary, and the Fire-Breathing Rubber Ducks from Northwest High School, Medlin Middle School, and Adams Middle School. MAY 2021 | 35 WEST | 13
S ES KN SIC
Car Q
by Dr. Rebecca Butler (Lantana Resident), Board Certified in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics
uestions and calls regarding car and motion sickness have become a daily occurrence for us at Lantana Pediatrics. Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, many people are driving long distances to their vacation destinations, and parents are desperate for help with those children who often get sick while riding in the car. I hope some of these tips are helpful. What causes motion sickness?
Motion sickness occurs when the brain receives conflicting signals from the motion-sensing parts of the body: the
inner ears, the eyes, and nerves in the
extremities. Under
usual circumstances,
all three areas respond to any motion. When the signals received
by the ears, eyes, and
extremities are different or inconsistent, the
differing sensory inputs. If someone is looking at a stationary object within a
vehicle, such as a magazine, their eyes
will inform their brain that what they are
If your child starts to develop the signs and symptoms of motion sickness, stop the car as soon as safely possible and get them out and walk around.
brain responds in a way that can make you sick. Think of sitting in a theater watching
a fast moving or jerky motion picture. Your eyes are bouncing all over the screen
trying to take in the information, while
your inner ear and body are still. This can make you feel sick. The same thing can
happen when a child is sitting low in the
backseat of a car and cannot see outside of the car. Carsickness results from the
sensory conflict arising in the brain from
viewing is not moving. Their inner ears, however, will
contradict this by sensing
the motion of the vehicle. The eyes mostly see what
is inside of the car, which is motionless, while the inner ear senses motion as the
vehicle goes around corners or over hills and even small bumps. Therefore, the
effect is worse when looking down and may be lessened by looking outside of
the vehicle, so the eyes and inner ear are sensing the same motion. Signs and symptoms
will demonstrate it by becoming pale and restless, yawning, crying, and/or drooling. The good news is that this usually improves over time. But what you can do until then? If your child starts to develop the signs and symptoms of motion sickness, stop the car as soon as safely possible and get them out and walk around. You can also have them lie on their back for a few minutes with their eyes closed and a cool cloth on the forehead. If you are on a long car trip, you may have to make frequent short stops, but it will be worth it. Some preventative measures: • If your child has not eaten for three or more hours, give your child a light snack before the trip. This relieves hunger pangs, which seem to add to the symptoms. • Try to focus their attention away from the queasy feeling. Listen to the radio, sing, or talk. • Have them look at things outside the car, not at books, games, or movies. Medications If you are going on a trip, and your child has had motion sickness before, you might want to give medication ahead of time to prevent problems. Some of these medications are available without a prescription, but please consult with your pediatrician before using them. Although they can help, they often produce side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and blurred vision.
Motion sickness usually starts with a vague feeling of stomach upset (queasiness), a cold sweat, fatigue, loss of appetite,
and oftentimes, salivation. This usually
progresses to vomiting. A young child may not be able to describe queasiness but
CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT!
940.455.7200 | LantanaPediatrics.com 74 McMakin Rd., Ste. 100 • Bartonville, TX 76226
Mon, Tues, Thurs: 7:30am-6pm | Wed: 7:30am-1pm | Fri: 7:30am-5pm Sat: 9am-12pm
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RAPID AND PCR TESTING AVAILABLE
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EASY
CHEESESTEAK LETTUCE WRAPS RECIPE
Tip: Be sure to use very thinly sliced steak for this recipe. Placing the steak in the freezer for 20 minutes prior to slicing will make this task easier. P R E P T I M E : 15 minutes C O O K T I M E : 10-15 minutes SERVES: 4 INGREDIENTS: 1 T. unsalted butter
2 T. extra virgin olive oil, divided 1 medium yellow onion, sliced thin 1 large green bell pepper, sliced thin Sea salt and black pepper, to taste 1 lb. Ribeye steak, sliced very thin ½ t. garlic powder 4-5 slices mild Provolone cheese I large head Bibb lettuce, separated, rinsed, and patted dry
DIRECTIONS: 1. Add butter and one tablespoon olive oil to a large nonstick skillet set over medium heat. Add the onion and season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion starts to soften, approximately 3-4 minutes. 2. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the sliced peppers. Cook, stirring frequently, until the peppers are crisp-tender and nicely charred, approximately 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer the onions and peppers to a plate. Set aside. 3. Add sliced steak to the skillet and adjust heat back to medium. Season with the garlic powder, plus salt and black pepper, if desired. Cook, stirring frequently, just until the meat is browned on all sides, approximately 2-3 minutes. 4. Return the onions and peppers to the skillet and stir to combine. Remove from heat and top the mixture with the Provolone cheese slices. Cover and let stand for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted. 5. To serve, remove cover and divide the cheesesteak mixture among the lettuce leaves. www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
MAY 2021 | 35 WEST | 15
KEEPING FAMILIES & THEIR PETS
TOGETHER DURING DIFFICULT TIMES
by Steve Gamel | photography by Your Candid Memories (YourCandidMemories.com)
T
he phone team at Texas Coalition for Animal Protection was stunned as the surge of calls rolled in one after the other. It’s not like they weren’t used to getting inquiries about low-cost pet services such as vaccinations and spay and neuter services — after all, that’s what TCAP is known for. But these calls were different and far more urgent.
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940.566.5551 | TexasForThem.org | 713 Sunset St. Denton, TX 76201 www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
SPAY/NEUTERING VACCINATIONS HEARTWORM TESTING & PREVENTION MICROCHIPPING COVID-19 was hitting families throughout Denton County extremely hard. Some were sick. Others were healthy but had been laid off from work. In some cases, people couldn’t find a low-cost clinic that was still open amid the pandemic that could help provide basic wellness services to keep their pet safe and healthy. In every case, callers were struggling to find the means to pay for the care their pets desperately needed. “If you don’t have a job, you may find yourself making the decision to put food on the table for your family or take care of your pet’s basic wellness needs,” said Tiffany Ditto, TCAP’s marketing coordinator. “We don’t want to see pets end up in shelters. Our mission is to save lives, and we want to keep families and their pets together as much as possible.” In non-pandemic times, TCAP is a low-cost alternative that partners with full-service veterinary clinics and animal shelters to fill a void for animals that deserve quality care at a price their owners can afford. That’s what they’ve been doing for 19 years, and we’d venture to say no one does it better. During the coronavirus crisis — which is now stretching into year two —TCAP’s work has shifted significantly. Last year alone, TCAP spayed and neutered 63,410 animals. Of those, they sterilized 15,224 cats and dogs at no cost to the pet owner. www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
The numbers are truly staggering. In May, they spayed and neutered 3,015 cats across what was seven clinics at the time. In July, they helped 3,293 cats, and 3,186 feline sterilizations in September.
more than 550,000 North Texas animals
Those numbers don’t include numerous free vaccine events TCAP hosted throughout the year.
neuter services, vaccinations, heartworm
and vaccinated more than 1 million against the deadly rabies virus.
What they do in terms of services is very limited. They specialize only in spay and testing and prevention, microchipping services, and dental care. While their
All totaled, TCAP provided $1.4 million in free pet services in 2020.
services are limited, much of the care is
“We acknowledged that COVID-19 was hitting people hard,” Ditto said. “We made a point to continue providing lifesaving, vital services. Our mission is to save lives, so we needed to stay open — not just for our staff so that they could have a job but also for the people who have fewer resources for their pets.”
could cost a pet owner as little as $25.
Schumacher agreed, adding, “What overwhelms most pet owners is the cost factor,” she said. “They love their animals, but the cost is sometimes unattainable. “Our focus is to provide services at the lowest cost and with the best care. We focus on customer service from a very compassionate, caring veterinary team.” That’s the way TCAP has always been, though. Schumacher started the non-profit with one location in 2002 and has proudly watched it grow to include eight locations. Since being founded, TCAP has sterilized
both affordable and offered on a walk in basis. For example, a full set of vaccines Spay and neuter services are offered by appointment and range between $35$65, which is roughly 70-80 percent
cheaper than a full-service vet clinic. They offer wellness kits for puppies
where customers can have all shots,
microchipping, and spay and neuter
services for as little as $150. For a kitten, the same wellness kit can run as low as $130. Both kits essentially cover
everything a puppy or kitten would
need in its first year of life. TCAP also
works with several animal shelters in the
area to provide spay and neuter services onsite to help service pets owned by
customers who are unable to transport their pets to a TCAP location.
With a pandemic raging on, pet services
are equally important to so many families. TCAP continues to answer their call. MAY 2021 | 35 WEST | 17
Things 5TO TRY TEXAS PEACH TEA Elm Fork Taphouse & Kitchen, Hickory Creek Here’s another taphouse that also makes incredible cocktails! The Texas Peach Tea at Elm Fork Taphouse is a must-have. This cocktail consists of Western Son peach vodka, simple syrup, iced tea, and is garnished with a lemon wedge. This drink will go great with any meal you order and will have you feeling relaxed.
LAVENDER LEMONADE The Brass Tap, Roanoke The Brass Tap may be known for beer, but they have delicious cocktails as well. The Lavender Lemonade consists of butterfly pea flower-infused Drumshanbo Gin, lavender house-made simple syrup, Tempus Fugit Liqueur de Violettes, and fresh lemon juice. This refreshing cocktail will have you daydreaming you’re at the beach!
BLACK CHERRY VODKA BASIL MULE 940’s Kitchen & Cocktails, Denton Take a seat at the lofty, warehouse-style space of 940’s and enjoy a Black Cherry Vodka Basil Mule! This cocktail contains Zodiac Black Cherry Vodka, basil simple, ginger beer, and lime. This drink pairs perfectly with their Short Rib Mac n’ Cheese and is the ideal spot for date night! CUCUMBER JALAPENO MARGARITA Oak Street Drafthouse, Denton Oak Street Drafthouse is a fun, unique spot to enjoy some drinks and food! They converted a historic house into a drafthouse and they have a large, dogfriendly back patio with ping-pong. The Cucumber Jalapeno Margarita is a must! This drink consists of cucumber vodka, Triple Sec, sour, spicy agave, jalapeno, and lime.
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JACK ROSE Yellow Rose Steakhouse, Flower Mound Yellow Rose Steakhouse is fine dining in a casual atmosphere and you’ll get that with the Jack Rose cocktail. This cocktail is made with apple brandy, house-made pomegranate grenadine, and fresh lemon juice. The house-made pomegranate grenadine alone will have you drooling for more! www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
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MAY 2021 | 35 WEST | 19
SUPPORTING AND
EMPOWERING
S
by Jean Eisenmann | photos courtesy of the Glenn Garcelon Foundation
ome individuals seem to embody goodness and generosity, living their lives dedicated to performing acts of kindness and selflessness. Putting others first to make the world a better place comes as naturally to them as breathing. One such man, Glenn Garcelon, was a beloved source of humanitarianism to a lot of people. Many lost their source of light when he passed away, though peacefully, in 2008 after a three-and-a-half-year battle with glioblastoma multiforme brain cancer.
Glenn left this world fueling his family
Thanks to his family, Glenn’s altruism lives on.
support brain tumor patients and their
Glenn made an impact on improving the lives of others everywhere. He enjoyed a 30-year career with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Denton Regional Headquarters (FEMA) aiding victims of natural disasters. Much of his free time was spent volunteering at a crisis call center, reading books on tape for the blind, and regularly donating blood and plasma. Glenn supported a multitude of other humanitarian causes, such as Doctors Without Borders, Habitat for Humanity, and the Red Cross. Those are just a few of his volunteer efforts, and then there was precious time spent with wife, Gail, and daughters, Nicole and Danielle. “Glenn’s smile lit up the darkest of rooms, as he radiated a happiness and vibrancy that spread to everyone around him,” Gail reflected. 20 | 35 WEST | MAY 2021
with the inspiration to carry on his legacy of paying it forward. In 2011, the Glenn Garcelon Foundation became a reality.
The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization was
founded with a mission to empower and families by awarding grants to pay for
expenses that are beyond their means.
The eight compassionate board members hail from all across the country, while Gail and her daughters serve on the executive board.
“To coin a phrase made popular by realtors and applying it to a brain tumor, ‘it’s all
about location,’” Gail explained. “When
a tumor is located in the brain, it creates www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
life-altering changes to every part of the
Fundraisers are held in Texas, Oregon, Colorado, and Arizona. “We started out wanting
victim suffers cognitive damage and severe
states,” Gail, who now lives in Coppell, said with a smile.
body. In addition to physical challenges, the personality changes, all of which inevitably
lead to job loss, relationship breakups, and other tremendous hardships.”
Monetary grants from the Glenn Garcelon Foundation are used to ease financial
burdens compounding the overwhelming stress of the disease itself. That means the recipient may choose to pay the
mortgage, rent, utilities, insurance, purchase specialized equipment, or whatever is most necessary to ease the load. “Grants have been awarded in 47 states, plus Puerto
Rico,” Gail stated proudly. “As of March 31st, the Foundation has issued 388 grants, and 58 of those have been in Texas.”
Grant applications are accepted through
to hold a fundraiser in every state where our family had lived, but there were too many
The Foundation’s vision is to be fierce in the pursuit of support for brain tumor patients who are in physical, emotional, and financial need. Their annual fundraisers are key
to both raising awareness and donations. The Taste of Hope Galas was held in Texas,
Oregon, and Colorado. Arizona’s Denim & Diamonds, held in March, was initiated by a benevolent woman who herself suffered from a brain tumor, but didn’t need the financial assistance. She just wanted to help the cause.
These special events are wonderfully orchestrated, enjoyed by all who attend, and so
necessary to the foundation’s objective. “Sadly, all events were cancelled this year due to COVID-19, but we’ll be back next year,” Gail promised with conviction. As of this
writing, the Glenn Garcelon Foundation Golf Classic was held on May 2nd, marking
their 10th year at Tour 18 in Flower Mound. Foundation Board Member Trent Tice of Lantana, whose idea it was to hold the event, serves as tournament coordinator. The distinctive logo representing the Foundation is the image of an oak tree.
Its “branches” bear the image of people with their arms stretched upward. The tree signifies the Foundation’s commitment to reaching out and paying it forward.
the website glenngarcelonfoundation.
It’s been said that Glenn Garcelon “grew people,” guiding and encouraging them to
United States with a primary brain tumor.
and lived a life firmly rooted in his commitment to aiding and empowering others.
org and open to all patients living in the
discover their full potential. Strong, like that oak tree, he reached out to those in need
IT’S BEEN SAID THAT GLENN GARCELON “GREW PEOPLE,” GUIDING & ENCOURAGING THEM TO DISCOVER THEIR FULL POTENTIAL. STRONG, LIKE THAT OAK TREE.
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MAY 2021 | 35 WEST | 21
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
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
M
ay is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental Health issues have been on the rise for years, but the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic recession have only made things more trying for so many people. There are many ways the pandemic has likely affected mental health, particularly with widespread social isolation resulting from necessary safety measures. The Denton County Sheriff’s Office Mental Health Unit was created in 1989 with a Sergeant and four Mental Health Deputies. Today, the unit consist of a
Lieutenant, Sergeant, seven Mental Health Investigators, and an Administrative Assistant. The Sheriff’s MHU uses its dual certifications as both Peace Officers and
Certified Mental Health Peace Officers to obtain the most appropriate placement for individuals assessed by investigators for emergency commitments. The MHU provides Denton County citizens with professional law enforcement mental health assessments and transportation. The MHU does emergency apprehension and detentions independently and in conjunction with Denton County Mental Health Mental Retardation (MHMR), the Local Mental Health Authority. In 2020, our Mental Health Unit completed 517 emergency detentions compared to 2004, where 181 were detained. As Denton County’s population continues to increase and mental health issues increase, so does the number of emergency commitments. The Denton County Sheriff’s Office MHU provides updated training to law
WE ARE 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
enforcement agencies, institutions of higher education, and hospitals within the county that wish to have a better understanding of the laws and resources available to them through the mental health system in Denton County. The goal of the Denton County Sheriff’s Office MHU is to continue training to maximize the impact of crisis funding and to minimize the use of hospitals for those mentally ill individuals who do not meet the standard for voluntary or involuntary inpatient hospitalization. The MHU will continue to guide those individuals to locally available resources that can better meet their needs.
940.349.1600 | 127 N. WOODROW LN., STE. 300 • DENTON, TX 76205 | DENTONCOUNTY.GOV/707/SHERIFF 22 | 35 WEST | MAY 2021
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NOMINATE US! June 9
July 7
AN
ALL-THE-WAY
MINDSET
“
W
by Jay Marks
hen I was in the Army, I spent some time in the famed 82nd Airborne Division. As a paratrooper we had a motto of “All The Way”. It was the mindset of everyone in the division that you would go all the way and then some. So when we passed an officer, we would salute and say the phrase “All The Way” and they would reply with “Airborne”. I loved that and have kept it as my personal mantra ever since.” “Now that I have been in real estate for almost 28 years. I have seen a lot of different real estate markets. We are in one of the most aggressive markets I have ever seen. I’ve sold real estate during times of war, the housing crisis, and all types of economies, but this is really tough. How we have managed through the pandemic and this currently wild market is focused work. We went back to the basics. We connected with people at a high level. We doubled down on our brand, our relationships, and providing high-level service.”
the team got a call from a client who
“At Jay Marks Real Estate we showcase a problem-solving mindset. We have done everything from arranging rides to closings to creating a virtual home buying process called BuyAHouseFromHome.
Ever the community supporter, Jay’s
com. We have continued to impress clients with a level of service you can’t find anywhere else. For example, one of our agents, Nina Boyd, sold five homes 100% virtually — not only coordinating a showing via FaceTime, but also doing the same with various designers and contractors so that the clients’ needs were met. Last year,
hurt his back while moving. Within an
hour, our team had four people lending a helping hand.”
“A lot of realtors may have said, ‘call Ace the plumber or Mike the electrician.’
However, we coordinate repairs for them because we have always believed that each client matters, and every home matters. It can be stressful buying or
selling a home. We take care of people and meet their needs privately. People matter, and we recognize that.”
Foodie Friday DFW and Denton County
Giving video series are still going strong as well. With Foodie Friday, they’ve
doubled down on encouraging people to continue to support local restaurants by
dining in or ordering food for takeout or delivery — whatever is necessary to help keep businesses in motion.
“It’s been a crazy time, but we were
prepared because we always go ‘All The Way’”, said Jay.
972.724.2540 | JayMarksRealEstate.com | jay@jaymarksrealestate.com 3212 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 300 • Flower Mound, TX 75022
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MAY 2021 | 35 WEST | 23
24 | 35 WEST | MAY 2021
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Dentistry: Ask The Expert
DIY DENTAL
TREATMENTS
TO AVOID by Dr. Matt Artho, Owner of Country Lakes Family Dental
I
am a strong believer in the free market. There are many products and services that offer great advantages when done as a DIY or at a better cost. However, we all know there are some things better left to the educated professionals. Here are three dental DIYs I recommend a second thought before jumping in.
The first dental DIY I recommend avoiding is over-the-counter night guards. It may seem simple enough to mold a guard to your teeth, but there are several complicating factors that can occur. One of the most important aspects of an occlusal or night guard is the occlusion or bite. Your teeth are made to naturally bite and glide across each other in a healthy way to avoid further teeth or TMJ issues. Custom guards made in a dental office have these components designed into the appliance. In addition, very soft occlusal guards only encourage chewing that
aggravates the TMJ. Of course, it happens now and again that an at-home night guard gets lodged in and requires a dentist to “cut” them out. That isn’t fun for anyone. Another common attempt to practice at-home dentistry that I see is attempting to “glue” back broken restorations. The first thing is that superglue rarely bonds to teeth or dental restorations and simply makes a mess. I am not opposed to certain over-the-counter cements as long as they are recognized as temporary cements. Improperly repaired dental work can inhibit proper sealing and protection of the teeth,
resulting in further dental work. The materials in dentistry are designed to interact properly with the crystalline structure of teeth in a safe and healthy way. Finally, though it is all the buzz, at-home orthodontic care is not a good idea for everyone. Orthodontic care should be well supervised, and it is necessary to make sure you are in good dental health before even beginning. Orthodontic treatment in the presence of decay or periodontal disease will create a dental disaster. Even strong clinicians must make difficult and meticulous treatment decisions throughout orthodontic treatment. In the end, there are some things that are best dealt with a professional understanding. It is a good idea to consider consulting your dentist before attempting to become one yourself. Happy smiling!
940.455.7645 | COUNTRYLAKESDENTAL.COM | 74 MCMAKIN RD., STE. 200 • BARTONVILLE, TX 76226
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MAY 2021 | 35 WEST | 25
legacy LEAVING A
DENTON COUNTY SPOTLIGHT
IN A
F
ROSE FARM
by Leena Duwadi | photos courtesy Jim Herbison
amous writer Dale Carnegie once said, “We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses blooming outside our windows today.” This quote is perfect for Denton couple James (Jim) and Janet Herbison, who, 13 years ago, dreamed of a magical rose garden, built it, and called it their home. Now, they are enjoying every bit of their lives with a thousand bright roses blooming outside their windows. The Herbisons not only have made their lives as beautiful as roses. They’re giving Texans a reason to gift a smile. In this edition, we’re talking about the story of how James and Janet turned their passion for roses into a legacy. Growing up on a farm in Mississippi, James cultivated his love for the outdoors. Roses were his all-time favorite flowers. Decades later, when he owned a four-acre lot on Haggard Lane in the heart of Denton, he started grafting roses and creating hybrids. Realizing the space would work for more than just roses, the Herbison family decided to turn the land into a fruit farm as well. Currently, Gemini Peach and Rose Farm have peach, plum, pear trees, and a thousand rose bushes. The farm sells cut roses, rose bushes, and the rightto-name a rose from their large number of new and unique hybridized roses. James is a consulting
26 | 35 WEST | MAY 2021
rosarian certified by the American Rose Society. He is also a retired engineer. Janet has majored in home economics. The Herbisons’ haven lets families walk through hundreds of lovely roses, have a picnic, and pick juicy peaches. In the Spring, there are blackberries and blueberries as well. They also grow tomatoes and bell peppers for sale. Gemini has become many families’ favorite farm for its vibrant ambiance, cordial owners, and a perfect place for photoshoots. The farm has a 250-yearold Elm tree as one of the attractions. What makes Gemini farm unique is an interesting story. You can give a name to one of their new and unique hybridized varieties of roses. This could be a unique surprise gift for near and dear ones for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, festivals, etc., or you just don’t need any occasion to make a loved one feel special. A hybridized rose could be named after a living or a deceased loved one. Under a namea-rose package, one can select from a variety of over 600
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completely unique hybridized roses. The selected rose is registered with the American Rose Society using the name that you have chosen before you receive the delivery of two rose bushes. Queen Elizabeth, President Lincoln, Elizabeth Taylor, Dolly Parton, Princess Diana, etc., are some of the famous people who have roses named after them. Many roses are also named after Jim and Janet’s family members. For each unique hybridized rose, it costs $1,000 including the delivery fee for two rose bushes. One can order more bushes for an extra fee of $20 per rose bush. After you name your rose, that rose will only be sold
under the name that you have chosen and the rose can never be renamed. Jim’s grafting skill has made their rose business what it is today. Starting with about three or four months to complete a graft he creates, there’s a 12-step process to work on one hybrid rose. Hybridization takes time, energy, and a lot of patience. However, when the results bloom on their farm, the Herbison duo feels like it’s all worth it! For his creative contribution towards preservation and enhancement of rose species, Jim has won the Dallas Rose Show five times and the Fort Worth Rose Show four times for the best hybrid tea. Jim is a Master Rosarian with the Dallas Rose Society.
The Herbisons also help local charities with fundraisers by donating bouquets of roses, gift certificates for rose bushes, and cut roses. They also give roses to the sick, homebound, and people in nursing homes. Jim and Janet are amazing human beings who have gifted Denton people such a precious land of roses. Denton County government has also worked with the farm to beautify Denton’s downtown square with new flowers. When we asked Jim if he has any message for locals, so sweetly he said, all he wants is to welcome people to their home of roses and experience the beauty of nature. Long live their legacy!
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DENTON COUNTY SPOTLIGHT
All he wants is to welcome people to their home of roses and EXPERIENCE the beauty of nature.
MAY 2021 | 35 WEST | 27
INTERIOR
PAINTING
IDEAS by Contributing Writer
spend more time and creativity inside... 28 | 35 WEST | MAY 2021
R
edecorating or renovating your house is never easy, and it gets harder and more tedious when you also need to paint. Slapping on one coat of paint after another can be draining if you’re going at it alone and still have the whole house to consider. And let’s not even start on the ceilings! But even if you stick to the same old exterior paint job, it doesn’t need to be so for the interior. And you could always try some wild and wonderful interior painting ideas. If nothing else, you’ll be guaranteed a reaction from all who enter your house. By keeping the exterior painting to a bare minimum, you can spend more time and creativity inside. You can let your imagination run riot with all those interior painting ideas you always wanted to implement but never got around to. There’s no time like the present, and really, when are you going to paint your house again? If you stick to the drab and uninspired, you can be assured that it won’t be at least for a few more generations.
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I’m talking about... a paint job that will resemble you... Don’t get alarmed though, when I’m talking about out-of-this-world interior painting ideas. I’m not saying that you should go with something that might resemble a Picasso painting. I’m talking about something more along the lines of a paint job that will resemble you and reflect back on who you are. So, your interior painting ideas need not be anything bolder than a splash of vibrant color on one wall surrounded by soothing colors on the other walls. This works very well in any house, and the vibrant color that you pick out can be either soothing or primal depending on what you want to show of yourself. You could, of course, always go to extremes and paint all the walls a bright vibrant shade or even mix and match different
shades to different walls. If you’re doing this, then you might want to think about the effect you’ll have and whether you can actually live with the color scheme. Wild and inspired interior painting ideas are well and good, but you should always take into account whether you’re going to be able to stand the sight of your newly painted walls or not. If you have to repaint everything, it kind of defeats the purpose. This doesn’t mean that you should put a hold on your creativity or stifle your interior painting ideas. All it means is that for some of the bolder ideas you have, perhaps you should do a small test-run somewhere else. Don’t think that painting your house should be a chore, and if you really want, you can always think you’re Michelangelo or Da Vinci, or any one of those great artists, and even paint a stunning mural on your walls. The only requirement here is that you turn your great interior painting ideas into reality and that you have fun while you’re doing it.
There’s no time like the present... www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
MAY 2021 | 35 WEST | 29
U.S. 377 FORT WORTH
DRIVE A
by Dawn Cobb | photos courtesy of Dawn Cobb Director of Community Relations
pril 26, 2021 - Denton County Commissioner Precinct 4 Dianne Edmondson, along with Denton County Judge Andy Eads and Denton Mayor Gerard Hudspeth, commemorated the completion of the U.S. 377/Fort Worth Drive expansion project. The project widened U.S. 377/Fort Worth Drive from a two-lane rural road to a six-lane urban thoroughfare from Interstate 35E to just south of FM 1830. Construction began in January 2019 for a total project cost of $55.9 million. Denton County contributed $2.64 million for the project. This phase is the first of several to be completed. Another four phases are either in the construction or planning stage. One major component of the first phase was the Union Pacific Railroad overpass, which included widening for additional tracks and building the bridge to current standards. This project also included funds to add sidewalks along the portion of U.S. 377/Fort Worth Drive west of I-35E.
“The completion of this main thoroughfare has significantly helped commuters and residents who frequent U.S. 377,” said
Commissioner Edmondson. “I’m so proud of everyone who helped make this happen.”
She also commented on how well the county and Denton worked together
on the completion of the project. Sema Construction was the contractor for
the project with design engineers from Lochner Engineering.
County funds from the 2008 bond
program were earmarked to cover
a large portion of the reconstruction of U.S. 377/Fort Worth Drive.
In Precinct 4, Denton County has leveraged approximately $43.5 million in taxpayer-
funded bond dollars with a return of $2.95 billion from state and federal resources.
These funds have provided for improved public safety, congestion relief and
quality of life, officials said.
Judge Eads spoke of the work on I-35E as a major north-south thoroughfare. He added how the east-west access of U.S. 377 will
bring convenience for residents as well as for continued economic development.
“I take this route every day,” he said. “I think of several legacy businesses on U.S. 377, especially Mr. Frosty’s, a place my Dad went years ago.”
Transportation is important to the Denton
County Commissioners Court, Judge Eads said. “Mobility continues to be a priority in Denton County. You have to have good and safe transportation.”
Several dignitaries gathered for the event in the 1100 block of Fort Worth Drive,
including Mayor Hudspeth, Judge Eads,
Precinct 3 Commissioner Bobbie Mitchell
and Tina Massey, Denton area engineer with the Texas Department of Transportation. “It is important to have these
partnerships,” said Mayor Hudspeth,
referring to the cooperation between cities, the county and TxDOT. 30 | 35 WEST | MAY 2021
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