S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2 0 2 0
Women’s Wellness
HELPING YOUR BUSINESS
REACH ITS FULL
POTENTIAL
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TABLE OF
Contents ASK THE EXPERTS 14 Dentistry with Country Lakes Family Dental
29 Organizing with Crystal Nerpel BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS 15 Innovative Lasers of Houston: Changing People’s Lives Through Weight Loss
19 All American Towing & Recovery: Not Your Everyday Towing Company
35 WEST PHOTO PAGE 22 35 West Resident Photos ARTICLES 07 Birthday Unmasked 08 What To Look Out For Over 40 10 Inside Community and Education 18 It’s Almost Election Time 20 Sheriff’s Corner with Sheriff Tracy Murphree
23 Local Business Update 24 Local Soccer Stars 26 Foodie Friday DFW with Here Asian Cuisine
28 Mighty Maggie: Bringing Awareness To Childhood Cancer
30 Restoring Hope and Beauty www.35WestMagazine.com
PAGE
16
HELPING YOUR BUSINESS
REACH ITS FULL
POTENTIAL
Cover Image J. Brent (left) and Diane Meche (right)
SEPTEMBER 2020 | 35 WEST | 5
Writer for Murray Media Group, Brooke@murray-media.com
Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray
Administration
Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors
Bobbi Byrne
What Makes
I
YOU WELL?
am in my mid-30s, pregnant with twins, living through a global pandemic, and trying to homeschool a 6-year-old while working from home and learning how to be a good friend, sister, daughter, mother, and wife in the middle of it all. Finding balance can be hard. Putting myself first can be hard. But wellness isn’t something you just decide to have – it’s something we must work toward. Women’s Wellness means a lot more to me now than it did 10 years ago. Back then, I focused on going to the gym a few days a week, grabbing a Smoothie King for breakfast, and trying to figure out how to make a Bloody Mary its own food group. As I have added a few more things to my plate and years to my age, I have realized that wellness includes the whole body: mind, body, and soul. For me, that looks like quiet time in the morning, finding time each day to read, learning something new, and lots of hugs from my son and husband. I know it may seem cliché, but that saying about filling up your bucket so you can fill up others, is for me, true and important. This month’s issue is all about Women’s Wellness and how it can look different for each of us. I hope you learn something you didn’t know before, find something that sparks an “a-ha” moment, or makes you feel less alone. What makes you well? I’d love some new ideas, book recommendations, places to go for a walk, or ideas for female meet-ups. Reach out to me anytime! Let’s stay connected.
“When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.”
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
Nick Allen Photography
Your Candid Memories Photography
What’s That Guy’s Name? Guy T 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. © 2020 Murray Media Group
— Unknown
Stay well, stay kind, and be blessed! Sincerely, Brooke Ezzo 6 | 35 WEST | SEPTEMBER 2020
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Birthday
UNMASKED
I
by Jean Eisenman | photo courtesy of Jean Eisenman
just celebrated my birthday with family and friends the COVID-19-compliant (party pooper) way. They say “necessity is the mother of invention,” so we did our best to conform to pandemic protocol, yet have a good time. We should’ve thrown a masquerade party.
burgers. “Because you’d have to TOUCH
To maintain occupancy compliance, there were just 10 of us. We chose to gather at my house. Odd, because it was a surprise party.
gave me a Mask-of-the-Week boxed set,
Guests arrived, some wearing dress clothes from the waist up along with pajama bottoms and slippers. They work from home. Everyone wore masks, and I had no idea who some of them were until we sat down to eat, barriers removed. It’s hard to converse with mystery guests, yet somehow a little titillating. Note to self: Next time, check IDs at the door, then slap a “Hello, my name is ______” sticker on them. The first guest to enter the house had the honor of breaking through the yellow “STERILIZED” banner I had draped across the front door. He won the...door prize. Van, my husband, temperature screened everyone as they entered. I concluded that my many gifts would offset the cost of us having to buy eight oral thermometers. Like a good hostess, I set my own birthday tablescape, complete with festive birthday-themed paper plates, wax-lined cups and matching plastic utensils. At
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every place setting was a gift bag stuffed with a pair of latex gloves and two mini bottles of hand sanitizer. Chairs around the table were placed six feet apart, which meant using the two extra table leaves we only add at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Oh, I also packed little toy megaphones into everyone’s gift bag in case we couldn’t hear each other clearly at that table distance. YOU’RE WELCOME, GRANDMA.
them,” and I mimicked the family glare.
My presents included masks that added
to my growing collection. “Cousin Ribeye” each one embossed with its own day,
from Monday through Sunday. Since I’m
a year older, these should help keep me on track in case I forget what day it is.
However, I already have day-of-the-week
underwear that serve
“It’s hard to converse with mystery guests, yet somehow a little titillating.”
I filled a wicker basket with hand sanitizer packets to pass around - family style - before eating, followed by the rolls (in a different basket).
A buffet-style dinner was ruled out. We didn’t want social distancing stickers on our carpet. So I put on my latex gloves and served (whose birthday was this again?). My cousin had the darndest time cutting his ribeye with a plastic knife, but I reminded him about being a team player in these crucial times. I also reminded him that Rome wasn’t built in a day. He glared, just as Van asked me why we didn’t serve
the same purpose. Best gift of all, a
mask from grandma, on which she hand embroidered our
family tree, each leaf containing a family member’s name –
even cousins twice
removed. The mask
extends past my larynx. We have a big family.
After everyone left, we took a few minutes
(okay, an hour) to sanitize, fumigate, wash, and disinfect the furniture, doorknobs,
carpet and floors. Once the “sanitized for your protection” band was placed on the guest toilet, the process was complete. We’ll plan our next event around, say,
2023. And if I have my way, that’ll be my next birthday, too.
SEPTEMBER 2020 | 35 WEST | 7
WHAT TO LOOK OUT
Women’s Wellness Article
FOR OVER 40 A
by Contributing Writer
s a woman, your health risks change with the passing of time. What was a concern at 20 may not necessarily be a concern at 40. That’s okay as long as you know what to look out for. Here are the top 10 health risks facing women over 40. With knowledge comes power, so read on and become more powerful!
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HEART DISEASE Did you know that heart disease is the
leading cause of death in women over the age of 40? This is a serious issue, ladies!
We need to know the signs and causes of
heart conditions to be able to prevent this from being a major risk. Factors such as
poor eating habits and smoking can cause heart disease and greatly increase the
risk of heart attacks! To learn more about
women’s heart health and preventive care,
your chances of developing breast cancer, and can aid in early treatment if it does develop. ACCIDENTAL PREGNANCY Yes, ladies! You can still get pregnant over 40! Many women believe that once 40 hits, birth control is not necessary anymore. Not true! Every woman’s body is different, and there is no set age when a woman can’t get pregnant.
check out Go Red for Women.
BLOOD CLOTS
VITAMIN DEFICIENCY
Again, blood clots can be an issue at any age. Women over 40 have a greater risk of developing them, and many of us don’t recognize the signs until it is too late. If you have swelling or pain in your calf, you should get it checked out as soon as possible. Especially if there is redness and
Vitamin deficiencies can be an issue at any age, particularly with the common
American diet. However, as women age, vitamin deficiencies become even more common and can be the cause of many symptoms and conditions. Vitamin D
and osteoporosis can all develop in
conjunction with menopause. So pay close attention to your body, and talk to your
doctor regularly to ensure that you do not have any serious medical concerns. OSTEOPOROSIS Osteoporosis is by and large a woman’s issue. Of all osteoporosis cases in the
United States, 80 percent are in women. Bone loss is a part of getting older for women and immediately following
menopause can be at its peak (up to 20
percent bone loss in less than a decade). The key is to take good care of yourself going into menopause, make sure you
get your vitamin D, exercise and eat right,
and if you have risk factors, get your bone density tested.
ADULT-ONSET ASTHMA
to women naturally but a deficiency in
warmth to the touch as well. If this is the case, get to the E.R. or the doctor as soon as possible just to make sure. Better safe than sorry! If you wait and it is a blood clot, it can be life-threatening!
osteoporosis. Low vitamin D has also
DIABETES
menopause) can contribute to the onset of
deficiency is particularly prevalent and
can contribute to increased bone-mass loss (over the age of 40, this happens
vitamin D accelerates the problem) and been linked to depression and seasonal affective disorder. Other potential
deficiencies include iron, riboflavin, and vitamin B.
BREAST CANCER The risk of a woman developing breast cancer increases dramatically between
the ages of 30 and 40. Many factors such as diet, overall health, and environment can contribute to the likelihood of
developing breast cancer, but age is also
a factor. At age 30, the chance of a woman developing breast cancer is significantly
lower than at 40. In only 10 years, your risk grows by leaps and bounds. This means regular breast exams either that you
perform yourself or that are performed
by a doctor are very important. Beginning annual mammograms can also reduce
The risk of developing diabetes has increased exponentially in all age groups in recent years. However, women at 40 or older have an increased risk. Weight and diet also play a role. Diabetes is the number six killer in women 45 to 54, so get tested! And get active! A healthy diet and regular exercise can help reverse the effects of pre-diabetes. Getting tested is easy, so don’t wait too long. MENOPAUSE This one is pretty well-known. At some point over 40, all women go through menopause, and we also go through perimenopause (pre-menopause). Perimenopause can affect your body in many ways and it is important to know what you can do to help with symptoms. Also, heart disease, diabetes,
Most people think if you have asthma, it
developed during childhood. This is not
the case! Hormonal fluctuations (like those occurring during perimenopause and
asthma. If you have a nagging persistent
cough, get winded, and cannot catch your breath for a long period of time after or are wheezing, seek medical attention.
Asthma is treatable, and once diagnosed,
that cough and shortness of breath will be manageable or gone entirely. STROKE Women have more strokes than men. And most women are not too worried about
having a stroke. Sad but true. Women over 40 are at a greater risk, especially if they
have HRT (hormone replacement therapy such as taking estrogen) during and following menopause.
There is a “golden hour” in stroke
treatment and treatment within that first
hour of symptom onset is most effective for survival and recovery!
These are top 10 of the biggest health risks women face over the age of 40. Keep in mind, they are not the only risks. Remember to take care of yourself and to consult a medical professional if you notice anything out of the ordinary. It is always better to be safe than sorry! www.35WestMagazine.com
SEPTEMBER 2020 | 35 WEST | 9
INSIDE COMMUNITY (photo attached to email titled: CCC.jpg | )
ROANOKE’S HOMETOWN HOLIDAY Sat., Dec. 5 | Noon-9pm Historic Oak Street
COMMUNITY CLOTHES CLOSET VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY Volunteer Hours Every Wed. & Thurs. | Wed. 9am-2pm • Thurs. 10:30am-12:30pm Community Clothes Closet | 117 W. 6th St. • Justin, TX 76247 Community Clothes Closet would love for you to volunteer. They are in need of people to help sort and hang clothing in their display room where families shop for “new to you” clothing. There are also opportunities to volunteer on one Saturday a month. To volunteer, contact the CCC at 817.291.8872 or CommunityClothesCloset31@gmail.com.
The City of Roanoke invites you to apply
to participate in the 21st Annual Roanoke Christmas Festival. They are currently accepting applications for artisan and craft vendors only. For questions and applications, reach out to Mary Jo Tellin at mtellin@RoanokeTexas.com or call her at 817.491.8151. Let’s make this Christmas magical; we deserve it! photo courtesy of Mary Jo Tellin
INSIDE EDUCATION
MEDLIN MIDDLE SCHOOL PROMISING PRACTICE AWARD NISD NOVEMBER ELECTIONS On August 10, the Northwest ISD Board of Trustees voted to call elections for the November 3 ballot: three seats on the Board of Trustees, a $986.6 million bond package, and a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE). The General Election for the NISD School Board and the bond election had been previously postponed from May 2, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For information on the bond package, visit www.NISDTXbond.org.
10 | 35 WEST | SEPTEMBER 2020
The Medlin English Language Arts department was awarded a Promising Practice award by Schools of Character. The award recognizes the ELA team’s efforts for its “Night at Medlin” event last year. Medlin received one of the 264 awards issued across the nation, and they will be honored at a national forum in Washington, D.C., in March 2021. Congrats, Medlin!
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PILOT KNOB ROTARY CLUB BELL FORT WORTH ALLIANCE AIR SHOW 2020 Sat., Oct. 17- Sun., Oct. 18 | 9am-5pm | Alliance Airport 2221 Alliance Blvd. • Fort Worth, TX 76177 The renowned U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will soar through the skies at the 30th Anniversary of the Bell Fort Worth Alliance Air Show. Due to health and safety precautions, this year’s show is North Texas’ first drive-in air show experience. Parking tickets are first-come, first served online only. With cars properly separated for the show, attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to sit outside and enjoy a picnic and the show. To purchase your tickets and information, visit the Events Page on www.AllianceAirShow.com. photo courtesy of Tim Lanz
The newly formed Pilot Knob Rotary Club had its first official meeting at the Robson Ranch Grill at the end of July. The group will start as a satellite club of Flower Mound’s Cross Timbers Rotary until they can charter as their own entity. If you are looking for ways to serve others and have fellowship with other residents, join the club! For more information, visit www.CrossTimbersRotary.com. photo courtesy of Donna Hernandez
NORTHWEST HS STUDENTS NEXT STEPS
ADOPT A STUDENT Thanks to the generous support from district partner Galderma, this year’s Back-to-School Fair successfully served more than 1,200 children in Northwest ISD, providing a backpack and set of school supplies for each student. For families who were unable to attend the drive-through event or did not receive supplies, the NISD Partners in Education program is looking for sponsors to adopt a student. The $26 tax-deductible donation provides a backpack and school supplies to a student on the free or reduced lunch program. For more information, email Hailee Fojtasek at hailee.fojtasek@nisdtx.org. logo photo courtesy of Alyssa Edstrom
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NISD will be providing opportunities on Wednesday, October 14 for students to take their next steps towards college, career, and military readiness. On this day, seniors can take the SAT, juniors can take the TSIA-2 instead of or in addition to the SAT and ACT, and sophomores will have their first opportunity to take the PSAT. The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test will also be available and scores determine qualification for military occupations and specialties. For more information follow NHS on Facebook or visit www.NISDTX.org.
SEPTEMBER 2020 | 35 WEST | 11
JUSTIN BUY YOUR
SPACE NOW
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per month
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Find Your Local Home-Based Business Here!
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SEPTEMBER 2020 | 35 WEST | 13
Ask The Expert: Dentistry
MONTH
DENTAL
MYTH by Dr. Matt Artho, Owner of Country Lakes Family Dental
W
e all are creatures of routine. As a parent, one of my favorite routines is bedtime, specifically when it comes time to brush my kids’ teeth. As they squirm and resist, I am happy to continually remind them that their daddy is a dentist and they are lucky to get a professional cleaning every night, a routine many others only get twice a year.
That being said, it raises the question: Why is it necessary to visit my dentist every six months? Some say the concept of routine dental exams began in the 18th century with Pierre Fauchard who wrote “Those who are diligent on the conservation of their teeth…ought to have them examined two or three times every year by an experienced dentist.”
Of course, more recently, dental insurance coverage has influenced many dental patients to only seek biannual checkups. Interestingly enough, the American Dental Association states to maintain your optimal oral health
you need regular visits at intervals “determined by your dentist.”
Pregnant and nursing mothers at risk of
three or four-month routine as a preventative measure.
you is to consult with your dentist at
pregnancy gingivitis also should modify
their dental visits. Some dental The reality is every dental insurance will allow more patient is different. frequent visits for those Patients who may suffer “THOSE WHO with periodontal with certain types of ARE DILIGENT ON THE conditions or women gum or periodontal CONSERVATION OF THEIR who are pregnant, disease may require TEETH…OUGHT TO HAVE but for the sake of more frequent THEM EXAMINED TWO OR good oral health, visits. At the same THREE TIMES EVERY YEAR preventative time, those adult or BY AN EXPERIENCED measures may be pediatric patients who DENTIST.” essential despite are at a higher risk of insurance limitations. tooth decay due to certain Of course, the best way health conditions, disabilities, to determine what is best for or poor oral hygiene, may consider a your next visit.
940.455.7645 | COUNTRYLAKESDENTAL.COM | 74 MCMAKIN RD., STE. 200 • BARTONVILLE, TX 76226
14 | 35 WEST | SEPTEMBER 2020
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Business Spotlight
Changing People’s
LIVES THROUGH WEIGHT LOSS by Steve Gamel | photo courtesy of Laura Alexis
L
aura and Lynne Alexis can tell you countless stories of everyday people who struggled with being overweight but saw their lives change in the blink of an eye — all because of a laser that looks and feels like it’s not doing anything.
For example, one gentleman needed to drop a few pounds before he could be approved for knee surgery. Within a few weeks, he went back to his doctor and was told the surgery was no longer necessary. There was also a patient who, for years, relied on a walker to get around but miraculously cast it aside, and another gentleman who always had to purchase two seats and ask for a seatbelt extender when he’d get on an airplane. They are both now living their best life. And then you have Laura, who five years ago was depressed and overweight after the loss of her baby boy, Phillip. A doctor she worked for introduced her to a small laser machine tucked away in a corner. “There was a red, shining light hovering over my tummy area, and I remember rolling my eyes and looking down as I
said, ‘Are you sure this is working? I can’t feel anything,’” Laura said. “I did this on a Monday, and when I came back two days later and saw the results, I was so excited that I couldn’t wait to get under it again and push the repeat button. When it transformed me mentally, physically, and emotionally, I knew I had to do the same for others.” And just like that, Innovative Lasers of Houston was born.
When we caught up with Laura and Lynne earlier this month, she shared how Innovative Lasers went from a single office to six — five in Houston and one in Preston Hollow — while changing the weight loss game several thousand fat cells at a time. And it’s all thanks to the Zerona Laser, the first FDA-approved non-invasive total body contouring procedure without the adverse side effects of surgical and other weight loss procedures like liposuction. There’s no downtime, no swelling, no bruising, no pain, no heat, and no cold. Zerona is FDA approved, and patients experience an average reduction of 3 to 11 inches in two weeks. “We don’t destroy fat cells; we shrink them,” Laura said. “Like a magnet that is attracted to metal, the Zerona Laser is attracted to fat cells. It creates tears in the fat cells and sweeps them throughout the body so the content of those cells naturally seep out through bodily fluids such as urine and sweat. When that happens, the results are immediate.” The Zerona Laser is good for anybody and everybody — regardless of whether you want to lose five pounds or 105 pounds. Not only does their laser shrink the fat cells, but patients aren’t left with troublesome loose skin because the laser stimulates the collagen in your body. “I feel strongly that this procedure shouldn’t just be for the rich and famous but also for the average person just like me,” she said. “I’m here to help people and change people’s lives.”
Call NOW For A FREE CONSULTATION
214.484.2340 | www.InnovativeLasersOfHouston.com www.35WestMagazine.com
SEPTEMBER 2020 | 35 WEST | 15
Your
REACH ITS FULL POTENTIAL by Steve Gamel photography by Your Candid Memories (YourCandidMemories.com)
409.924.8900 | JSOLUTIONS.US
2955 Harrison St., STE. 203A • Beaumont, TX 77702
16 | 35 WEST | SEPTEMBER 2020
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J
Brent Meche won’t shy away from telling you that he turned the big 67 the other day. He’s also quick to share that his latest birthday doesn’t mean he’s going to spend his days sleeping in, sipping tea on a back porch that overlooks the golf course, or catching re-runs of old television shows in a smoke-filled den in his Lantana home.
“I’m not going to sit home and watch
A PEO was designed for small to medium-
quote me — I’m having too much fun.”
can’t staff a full-service human resources
Gunsmoke,” he said with a laugh. “You can Mere days removed from a birthday that usually signifies that it’s time to
start slowing down, Brent is off to the
races at 5 a.m. to start another fun-filled workday. He’s got several meetings on the agenda, a few one-on-ones with prospective clients, and maybe an
afternoon conference call to check the day’s numbers before going home to
his beautiful wife, Diane, and eventually visiting the grandkids. And then he’ll
close his eyes and do it all over again
sized businesses just like yours who
department. It’s also perfect for those
who can but are tired of the headache
and simply don’t have the expertise to
manage everything that comes with it. If
this is you, then you know “everything that comes with it” means payroll processing and administration, employee benefits,
workers’ compensation, compliance, risk
management, and anything else you can
think of in the HR world. And the rules are changing every day.
When a business is part of a PEO
the next day.
company like J Solutions, they are
So what is it that is keeping him so spry?
responsibilities while still maintaining
Three letters — PEO.
essentially outsourcing those HR
the benefits of a large corporation. Your
If you’ve never heard of a Professional
employees are paid under J Solutions’ tax
not alone. Most business owners are
utilize their rates for all taxes and workers
that likely includes plenty of payroll and
the co-employer’s overall HR and payroll
time to wrap their brains around it. But
The employer still has full control while
Employer Organization (PEO), you’re
identification number — not yours — and
more caught up in a lengthy to-do list
compensation. In turn, J Solutions reduces
human resources responsibilities to have
costs, which limits liability.
the PEO concept has been growing like
gangbusters for more than 30 years. And to hear Brent and his team at J Solutions, Inc. talk about it will have you convinced by the end of this article that it’s the
perfect way to take a few things off that
to-do list and help your business reach its full potential.
“It works. And if everyone knew about it, every small business would be a part of one,” Brent said.
focusing on the day-to-day needs of growing their business.
“You are no longer in the payroll business. You are no longer in the human resources business, or the payroll tax business, or the workers’ compensation business,” Brent said. “Everything is now being
provided inside the PEO, and now the ‘little guy’ is reaping the benefits and
saving money. You’re not a one-man show anymore. A team is in your corner.”
Just think of all the things a PEO can handle for you: W-2 distribution, Payroll auditing and time management, pre-employment screenings, TWC unemployment claims, Claims Administration, employee reviews and education, employment law updates, and more. What makes J Solutions so popular in the PEO world is the enthusiasm and experience that Brent brings to the table as its face. A former radio disc jockey who also did sports play-by-play for 10 years, Brent is simply a fun guy to talk to. And he’s relatable. He and Diane moved from Beaumont to Lantana 10 years ago because their kids were living in the area and expanding their family. Not being around the grandkids was torture, he said. Luckily, Brent already had clients in the area and fit in with ease. He got his degree in marketing and communications and has spent the last 40 years in healthcare administration, entrepreneurship, medical management, and physician recruiting and management. As the owner of a medical management company in 2003, he was introduced to the PEO concept. His company quickly became a client of a PEO, and it didn’t take long before Brent was proposing that they start their own. And thus, J Solutions was born! “It was fantastic. I became both a believer and a client. Talk about believing in a product!” Brent said. “Before you can sell anything, you must believe in what you’re presenting and be proud of it. If you’re not, then you shouldn’t be selling it. A PEO is the only way you should be doing business. Period.” He added, “I’m having fun. When you help people, it’s a good feeling.”
“IT WAS FANTASTIC. I BECAME BOTH A BELIEVER AND A CLIENT. TALK ABOUT BELIEVING IN A PRODUCT!” BRENT SAID.
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SEPTEMBER 2020 | 35 WEST | 17
However, on Election Day, you MUST vote in the location assigned to your
voter precinct. To find a list of all Early
Voting and Election Day polling sites, go
to www.VoteDenton.com. This informative site also has information on voting by mail (who may do so, how to obtain your mail ballot, when it’s due, etc.)
TIME! IT’S ALMOST ELECTION
by Precinct 4 Commissioner Dianne Edmondson
photo courtesy by Commissioner Dianne Edmondson
T
he November 3, 2020 General Election seems weeks away, but the cycle has already started, and many who are new to North Texas may not be familiar with how it all works. So, let’s start with the first step
GETTING REGISTERED TO VOTE To vote in the General Election, you must be registered by Monday, October 5. If you have moved since the last election (2018), you probably need to re-register. Even if you just moved into your neighborhood from across town, you likely are in another voter precinct. And if you moved here from another town or state, then you definitely need to register to vote. We don’t register by political party here in Texas; you simply register as a voter and then affiliate with a political party by voting in that party’s primary election, normally in March of odd numbered years. Obviously, in the General
Election, people who did not vote in any primary are still able to vote for candidates from either party. The Post Office has voter registration cards that you can fill in and mail, or you may go to www.VoteTexas.gov for a voter application. WHEN, WHERE TO VOTE While the Election Date itself is Tuesday, Nov. 3, registered Texas voters also may vote early between Tuesday Oct. 13 and Friday, Oct. 30. During Early Voting, you may vote at any of the nearly 50 polling sites in Denton County, so there is sure to be one near your work or home.
VOTING PROCESS – NEW TWISTS As usual, you will need to show a photo
ID to vote, such as a Texas drivers’ license. Denton County uses a voting system,
known as “ballot on demand,” so after checking in, you will receive a ballot
printed just for you containing all the races in which you may vote.
This year, a new twist: there will be no
straight party one-punch voting. You still may vote a straight party ticket, but you
will need to select the candidate for that party in each race and vote for him/her. This process takes longer, but is still
only a matter of a few minutes in the voting booth.
Another new twist is that this election, due to the COVID-19 virus pandemic, municipal elections were postponed
until General Election dates, Nov. 3 and
its accompanying Early Voting dates. So,
if your municipality is having a council or school board election, those races also
will appear on the bottom of your ballot. They will not be identified by political
party, as these races are non-partisan, so
please do your homework ahead of time
to educate yourself about these important council or school board candidates.
All the above information is available
from this website: https://www.google.
com/search?q=Denton%20County%20 voters%20guide
So, yes, YOUR vote is important and
it does count --- don’t waste it by not using it.
To receive a newsletter contact Dianne Edmondson at | Dianne.Edmondson@dentoncounty.com OR CALL AT 972.434.3960. 18 | 35 WEST | SEPTEMBER 2020
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NOT YOUR
Business Spotlight
EVERYDAY TOWING COMPANY by Steve Gamel
departments and the police so that our heavy equipment can even be used in rescue situations. We’ve done quite a few of those, actually, and it feels really good to know that we’ve helped save lives.”
W
hen Mike and Lainie Phillips started their family-owned company, All American Towing and Recovery, six years ago, they didn’t want to be looked at as just another towing company showing up at the scene.
“We wanted to be all-inclusive,” Mike said. “No matter the situation — call one number, and our team would get it done.” Mission accomplished. All American Towing is not the everyday tow truck that shows up to get rid of an improperly parked or impounded vehicle. They are a full-service towing and recovery service that partners with police and fire personnel and everyday folks just like you for whatever life throws your way. They have over 15 state-of-the-art, late-model towing and
recovery units ranging from car and bus carriers to the largest rotating heavyduty wreckers in the area. Their services include everything from your standard towing and load transfers to tractor trailer accident and recovery, hazmat and accident scene remediation, heavy-duty winching, tire changing, jump-starts and pullstarts, fuel delivery, and more. They also offer 24-7 live dispatch, so they are there for you even if it’s 3 or 4 in the morning. “We strive to offer a higher level of service than your typical towing company,” Lainie said. “We cross-train with fire
He added, “Roughly 50% of our business is law enforcement tows. The other half is the general public when they are broken down and need help.” Mike is a third-generation towing professional, and he’s never imagined doing anything different than getting into the family business. Both he and Lainie are hands-on in everything that All American Towing and Recovery does, and they pride themselves on honesty, integrity, and professionalism. “We are incredibly appreciative to be a part of the communities we serve,” Mike and Lainie said. “We do a lot of sponsorships for sports teams and schools in the area, and it’s something we thoroughly enjoy. We like to be in a situation to help the community that has helped us all these years.” All American Towing and Recovery has locations in Decatur, Denton, and Justin. To learn more about how they can help you, please visit allamericantowingtx.com.
940.627.2800 | ALLAMERICANTOWINGTX.COM | 218 EAST 4TH ST. • JUSTIN, TX www.35WestMagazine.com
SEPTEMBER 2020 | 35 WEST | 19
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
Transportation
A
HIRING
SAFETY TIPS
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.
s our children head back to school, we would like to share some transportation safety tips from the National Safety Council. Whether children walk, ride their bicycle, or take the bus to school, it is extremely important that they take proper safety precautions. Here are some tips to make sure your child safely travels to school: Walkers: Review your family’s walking safety rules, and practice walking to
•
school with your child. •
Walk on the sidewalk, if one is
available; when on a street with no sidewalk, walk facing the traffic.
•
Before you cross the street, stop and
•
Make eye contact with drivers before crossing and always cross streets at crosswalks or intersections.
•
Bus Riders: Teach your children school
bus safety rules, and practice with them. •
Teach your children to stand 6 feet (or
•
If your child must cross the street in
child and the bus driver should always
crossing the street; walk bikes across the street.
•
Stay alert and avoid distracted riding.
Make eye contact with children who are crossing the street.
•
Never pass a bus loading or unloading children.
•
The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them to safely enter and exit the bus.
Teen Drivers: Car crashes are the No. 1 cause of death for teens. Fortunately, there is something we can do. •
Teens crash because they are inexperienced; practice with new drivers every week, before and after they get their license.
Driving Your Child to School:
•
Set a good example; drive the way you want your teen to drive.
•
•
Sign the New Driver Deal, an agreement that helps define expectations for parents and teens.
be able to see each other. •
Ride on the right side of the road, Come to a complete stop before
front of the bus, teach him or her to are 10 feet ahead of the bus; your
of the road, and practice riding the bike
•
•
three giant steps) away from the curb.
walk on the side of the road until they
distracted walking.
with traffic, and in a single file.
teach them the proper way to get on
•
Bike Riders: Teach your child the rules
•
Go to the bus stop with your child to and off the bus.
Stay alert and avoid
route to school with your child.
wears a properly fitted helmet and bright clothing.
look left, right, and left again to see if cars are coming.
www.governmentjobs.com/ careers/dentoncounty
Make sure your child always
Get the facts on bus safety from Injury Facts.
Stay alert, and avoid distracted driving. Obey school zone speed
limits, and follow your school’s drop-off procedure.
940.349.1600 | 127 N. WOODROW LN., STE. 300 • DENTON, TX 76205 | DENTONCOUNTY.COM/DEPARTMENTS/SHERIFF.ASPX 20 | 35 WEST | SEPTEMBER 2020
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SEPTEMBER 2020 | 35 WEST | 21
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LOCAL B U S I N E S S
UPDATE
NOW OPEN
FYZICAL THERAPY- PHYSICAL THERAPY CENTER fyzical.com/roanoke-tx 409 N. Oak St. Roanoke, TX 76262 EDWARD JONES - FINANCIAL ADVISOR: BRANDON DILLMAN EdwardJones.com/brandon-dillman 320 S. Oak St., Ste. 208 Roanoke, TX 76262 HARVEST OF ROANOKE SENIOR LIVING CivitasSeniorLIving.com 601 Howe Rd. Roanoke, TX 76262 LAMAR NATIONAL BANK LamarNationalBank.com 1501 Commons Crcl. Northlake, TX 76226 (Permanent location to open in 2021)
T
by Brooke Ezzo
his year has been a roller coaster with no real end in sight. While business owners are being heavily impacted, it is even more important that we as a community show up when we can. Luckily for our area, businesses are still popping up all over town. With all of the construction in Justin, Northlake, and Roanoke, we are seeing many businesses coming to our area — thus making our commutes to big-named companies obsolete. Each month, we focus on local businesses because supporting these business owners is very important to us at 35 West Magazine. And we know it is important to you, too!
COMING SOON
TEXAS ROADHOUSE TexasRoadhouse.com 18355 IH 35 W. Northlake, TX 76262 GRACE DONUT 4901 SH Hwy 114., Ste.104 Northlake, TX 76262 PJ’S COFFEE OF NEW ORLEANS Pjscoffee.com 4901 Highway 114. Northlake, TX 76262
NORTHLAKE COMMONS RETAIL North East of FM 407 & E. Cleveland Gibbs Rd. Northlake, TX 76226
SIGNED LEASES Papa Johns A Thai Restaurant Roma Italia Bistro
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SEPTEMBER 2020 | 35 WEST | 23
LOCAL
S CCER
Stars by Steve Gamel
T
he Dallas-Fort Worth area has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to top-
tier soccer talent. This past high
school season was no different, and despite having everything cut
short because of
COVID-19, several Denton County players earned
A total of 18 athletes representing Guyer, Hebron, Marcus, Flower Mound, and Lake Dallas were recognized in Top Drawer Soccer’s “PLAYERS EARNED postseason awards. SOME MUCH-DESERVED And several of those RECOGNITION FROM players were honored more than once.
PERHAPS THE MOST RESPECTED YOUTH SOCCER WEBSITE IN THE NATION.”
Hebron’s Briley Weatherford, a Texas Tech signee, was named to the girls’
Winter All-America team. She was also named All-Region and as a member of the All-Star squad. Meanwhile, teammate Olivia Hasler was named All-Region and All-Star. Flower Mound’s Abby Smith and Madison Schott were both All-Region and All-Star selections.
On the boys side, Marcus’ Sam Coad and Harvey Castro were All-Region and All-Star selections, as was Lake Dallas Falcons star
some much-
deserved recognition from perhaps the
most respected youth soccer website in the nation.
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Top Drawer Soccer’s Postseason Awards TDS Winter All-America Team
Piper Hemperly, Marcus
Briley Weatherford, Hebron
Leah Roulston, Marcus
TDS Winter All-Region Team
Kelly Van Gundy, Marcus
Briley Weatherford, Hebron
Harvey Castro, Marcus
Olivia Hasler, Hebron
Sam Coad, Marcus
Abby Smith, Flower Mound
Tomas Pondeca, Marcus
Madison Schott, Flower Mound
Owen Passmore, Hebron
Sam Coad, Marcus
Briley Weatherford, Hebron
Harvey Castro, Marcus
Olivia Hasler, Hebron
Brock Pope, Lake Dallas
Peyton Whipple, Flower Mound
TDS Winter All-Stars
Caitlyn Matthews, Flower Mound
Olivia Ramirez, Guyer
Madison Schott, Flower Mound
Hailey Lander, Guyer
Abby Smith, Flower Mound
Rachel Bump, Marcus
Landon Leach, Flower Mound
“AND SEVERAL OF THOSE PLAYERS WERE HONORED MORE THAN ONCE.” Brock Pope. Pope was the lone Lake Dallas athlete to make any of the lists. Overall, Marcus had the most representation among Denton County teams with seven total athletes. Flower Mound was close behind with five, and Hebron was in third with three. Marcus had two. Lake Dallas had one. We have provided above the complete list of Denton County athletes who were recognized.
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SEPTEMBER 2020 | 35 WEST | 25
HERE Asian Cuisine
Foodie Friday DFW: Here Asian Cuisine
by Jay Marks | photos courtesy of Foodie Friday of DFW
I
f you’re looking for great Asian cuisine, look no further than right ‘here’ in Roanoke. Serving as the original Here Asian Cuisine location, it has become a local favorite. They have an incredible menu jam-packed with everything from classic Chinese classics to their own original “50-State” sushi rolls.
Owner, Wells Wang, and his wife opened the first Here Asian Cuisine location in Roanoke five years ago. Wells himself has been working in the food industry for over 30 years, learning from chefs at several Asian cuisine restaurants over the years. In addition to their dining room decorated with beautiful, modern decor, they also have an incredible full-service bar with
several TV’s where you can pull up and watch a game. All while sipping on a cocktail and eating a sushi roll. And every day from 4:15-7:00 they offer Happy Hour with specials on drinks and a sushi special where you can get three rolls off the Happy Hour menu for just $12.99! As we mentioned before, Here Asian Cuisine has become famous locally for their signature “50-State” sushi rolls. We’ve taken quite the “cross-country road trip” through their sushi menu over the last few years and loved everything we’ve tried. Some of our personal favorite State Rolls are the Tennessee which is topped with cooked eel (yes, it really does taste like chicken); the Utah stuffed with crab, eel and cucumber and topped with sliced avocado; and the Colorado which
incorporates fruit with some mango inside the roll and sliced strawberries laid on top. If you’re not a sushi fan, have no fear. Here Asian Cuisine has plenty for you as well. Some of our favorite Chinese dishes are their Orange Chicken and the Seafood and Vegetables. If you’ve haven’t hopped on the Here Asian Cuisine train yet, definitely give them a try! Whether you’re a sushi fan or not, or you’re just looking for a place to grab a drink and watch the game, you’ll love it ‘here!’
972.724.2540 | JayMarksRealEstate.com jay@jaymarksrealestate.com 1013 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 102 | Flower Mound, TX 75022 26 | 35 WEST | SEPTEMBER 2020
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SEPTEMBER 2020 | 35 WEST | 27
MIGHTY MAGGIE: Bringing Awareness To Childhood Cancer by Brooke Ezzo | photos courtesy of Crystal Novion
A
low-grade fever and a few bruises that wouldn’t go away did not automatically alarm Crystal Novion. But listening to her motherly intuition, she decided to take her 14-month-old daughter to the doctor one more time.
Since being admitted, Maggie has been on a medical rollercoaster. From struggling to breathe due to fluid in her lungs, a swollen liver, undergoing chemotherapy that led to multiple side effects to a bone marrow transplant, she is the definition of a warrior. Luckily for Maggie, her daddy, Xander was a match for the bone marrow transplant. On July 29, the donation was completed. The hope is that the stem cells grow and start producing new red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The stem cells given to Maggie through an IV over the course of a few hours were a new beginning to the next part of her journey.
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“The community has been amazing,” Crystal said. “The Facebook group has helped to bring everyone together and to share her story. We are so thankful for friends, family, and the community.” Crystal said Maggie is an amazing baby. She is always calm and relaxed. She loves to read and look at books, and she loves Sesame Street. The fact that through all of this, Maggie is still able to smile, giggle, and play Peek-a-boo brings their family a lot of comfort and hope. As of August 28, Maggie’s liver was on the mend, slightly swollen but free of any blockage. The family said the doctor is optimistic about the bone marrow transplant because her cell counts were recovering quickly. They have started to reduce her medications with the hope of getting her back on solid food, and they look forward to finding out when they can bring Maggie home.
In late May 2020, Maggie Novion’s pediatrician reviewed her lab work with doctors at Cook’s Childrens Hospital in Fort Worth, and they determined Maggie had a form of Leukemia called Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). This type of leukemia starts in the bone marrow and causes the stem cells to produce more white blood cells than are needed. On June 1, Maggie was admitted to the hospital to start treatment. “For the first couple of weeks, I was in a daze,” Crystal said. “I have moments where it is still so surreal. As a parent, it’s your worst nightmare.”
There is so much happening with Maggie each day that Crystal and Xander found it hard to keep everyone updated on her progress. The Mighty Maggie Facebook group was started so that friends and family could post prayers and comments. Crystal and Xander could also post pictures and updates.
The month of September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and the Novion family is encouraged to emphasize the importance of research and listening to your gut. “As a mom or as a parent, you are your kids’ biggest advocate,” Crystal said. “When something doesn’t sit right, don’t second guess yourself.” To donate to the family, visit www.GoFundMe.com and search Mighty Maggie, or follow her story in the Facebook group. But, most importantly, the Novion family asks for and appreciates your prayers. They truly believe the prayers have given them strength to continue forward.
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Organizing: Ask The Expert
DECLUTTER Your Responsibilities by Crystal Nerpel, Owner of Cloud Nine Organizing
E
very day, I get to teach people how to eliminate the mess that creates stress. But before I was a professional organizer, I was an overscheduled, overwhelmed, slightly stressed out mom. The house was a mess even though I felt like I was always cleaning. I would forget about appointments even though I was always looking at my calendar. I was tired even though I went to bed early each night. I knew there had to be a better way.
I’m going to share with you how I cleaned up my messy stress. I didn’t worry about what I should start doing. I focused on what I wanted to stop doing. Here are 3 things you can stop doing right now If you’re ready to begin your decluttering journey. 1. Stop multitasking. Moms tend to be talented jugglers. We always have lots of balls in the air. We are proud of this talent because we believe we are accomplishing so much more than other people who can only do one thing at a time. Guess what. It’s not true. Research suggests that multitasking is less productive. Multitasking tends to create unfinished projects, and unfinished projects create clutter. Piles of partially opened mail, unwashed dishes, and mountains of
laundry actually disappear more quickly when we focus on completing one task at a time. 2. Stop doing it all by yourself. Make a list of all your responsibilities. Are you surprised by how long that list is? (I was!) At times, it’s impossible to get everything done because we expect so much of ourselves. Give yourself a break and get help. Delegate to the rest of the family. Teach your children to do their own laundry and pack their own school lunches. Have your spouse take over some of the daily chores. Ask a neighbor to carpool to school with you. Hire professionals to clean your home or mow your lawn. There are many ways to get help, but you’ll never get that help if you don’t ask.
3. Stop doing things you hate.
Obligation and guilt are not good enough reasons to do something. Of course,
there are certain things you can’t avoid
like paying bills or working. However, it is
possible to stop over-scheduling yourself. Don’t enjoy that monthly networking
group? Maybe you should stop going and find other ways to connect with
colleagues. Don’t love volunteering for
every event at your child’s school? Good news! You are allowed to say “No, thank
you.” Be selective about what you put on your schedule.
Intentionally declutter your responsibilities and start to watch that messy stress melt away. You may notice your home and
schedule start feeling less cluttered. You may even have more energy. Don’t get
hung up on all the things you think you
should be doing. Start thinking about a few things you want to stop doing.
Still need help? Crystal at Cloud Nine Organizing can help you declutter, destress and simplify.
CLOUDNINEORGANIZING.COM
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SEPTEMBER 2020 | 35 WEST | 29
RESTORING
HopeAND
Beauty by Brooke Ezzo | photos courtesy of Shalonda Waggoner
The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the Lord of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts. — Haggai 2:9 (KJV)
T
he stories were all the same. The gratefulness felt for getting away from their abuser, having the shelter to help take care of the survivor and their children, and the support needed to move forward. But for Shalonda Waggoner, a domestic violence survivor, she could hear in these women’s stories that something was missing.
When you leave a shelter, you leave with the clothes on your back and the small amount of belongings you have. Many also leave with the worries of not having a bed for their children to sleep in or a table
to eat dinner on. These were concerns Shalonda heard time and again. That was her inspiration — to bring beauty back into the lives of survivors who had already lost so much and to give them the encouragement and strength to press forward through having a beautifully furnished, decorated, and comfortable home. “A friend of mine who is a designer said she would help me,” Shalonda said. “We put our heads together and decided we were going to do this — create beautiful spaces for survivors of domestic violence as they transition into their new beginning.”
of the Family organization and has been an advocate for many women since then. “I am a survivor, and I know what it is like to be in a place where you only have an air mattress, a blanket, and some sheets. When you are leaving a domestic violence situation, you don’t have time to load up everything you own. You grab what you can,” Shalonda said. “By helping women as they transition into their new home, I am wanting to be a hand up, not a hand out. Bringing beauty back into their lives.” LatterHouse Décor receives both furniture and monetary donations from incredible residents in the area. When they have an influx of inventory, they host a garage sale where people come and purchase items. The money raised goes right back into the ministry to help purchase necessities for the next home project. These items include home décor, kitchen utensils, dishes, furniture, and even clothes. “This is a way for me to help these women and to restore the things they have lost,” Shalonda said. “It gives them a sense of hope, a sense of care, and a sense of love.” Shalonda added, “It’s really important to know what is going on in your community. When you see people advocating for others, there are ways for you to be a part of it as well. You could donate your time, your talent, or your treasures.”
Like most things that are meant to be, LatterHouse Décor ministry was started and grew quickly. In 2016, Shalonda partnered with the Denton County Friends photo above is Shalonda Waggoner
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. — Matthew 6:21 (KJV) To learn more about LatterHouse Décor, visit www.LatterHouseDecor.org. 30 | 35 WEST | SEPTEMBER 2020
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