Argyle Living Magazine July 2020 by Murray Media Group

JULY/AUGUST 2020 Education Issue

YOUR

Turning Pie-in -The-Sky Healt hcare

GOALS INTO

Direct Mailed to the Following Areas:

Argyle - Canyon Falls - Harvest - Robson Ranch

Reality

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

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ArgyleLivingMagazine.com

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Administration

Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors Bobbi Byrne Alisha Tran

Writers & Editor Steve Gamel Brooke Ezzo

Advertising

Kelly Murray kelly@murray-media.com

Production

Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Alyson Modene Cayla Thompson

Photography

What’s That Guy’s Name? PHOTOGRAPHY BY GUY T 469.500.5657 www.whatsthatguysname.com

Letters

Argyle Living invites reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments. Email artwork@murray-media.com. All submissions become the sole property of Murray Media Group. Editorial and Advertising Inquiries call 972.899.3637 or email

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

Address: 3513 Yucca Dr., Ste. 200 Flower Mound, TX 75028 Argyle Living is published monthly by Murray Media Group. Some articles and/or content may be sponsored by advertisers. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. Argyle Living is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Advertisers and its agencies assume all liability for advertising content. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission in writing from the publisher. © 2020 Murray Media Group

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We Want to Tell Your Story

hank you all from the bottom of our hearts for the outpouring of support and excitement we received after the premiere issue of Town Life hit mailboxes last month.

We are so excited to add another publication to our Murray Media Group family, and this one is especially dear to us as it is for our hometown — the place where Scott and I raise our kids, have our business, and are blessed to live. We enjoy coming across these stories at chamber and networking events, while perusing social media pages and reaching out to non-profit organizations, and from the growing relationships we have with local businesses. But we want to hear from you — our readers. As you read through the pages of this month’s issue, keep your eyes out for anything we might have missed — and let us know. Is there a local teen who did something special? What about educators who

go above and beyond? Has your neighborhood pulled together to give back to someone in need? Is there a nonprofit we should highlight?

This is a magazine about OUR community, and we want to write stories that matter to you. We want to tell your story! Also, did you know we LOVE pictures? Family pictures, vacation pictures, furry pet pictures, and event pictures. Send them to us, and you just might see them in our next issue. As Texas dials back on its reopening plan, let’s continue to support local businesses and help keep Flower Mound the best place to live, work, and play! Our mission – to inspire everyone to LIVE LIFE LOCAL!

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

www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

EDUCATION ISSUE LOOK FOR THE ICON

ASK THE EXPERTS On the Cover is the Connections Wellness Team

06 Gardening with Complete Solutions 33 Dentistry with Country Lakes Family Dental

36 Travel with Terri Guthrie BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 13 Get Ready Big Results and

Smiles with Sylvan Learning

ARGYLE PHOTOS

FEATURED ARTICLE

Turning Pie-in-The-Sky Healthcare Goals into Your Reality

09 Argyle Resident Photos 12 Argyle Resident Photos Continued 18 Argyle Resident Photos Continued 29 Argyle Resident Photos Continued 38 Argyle Resident Photos Continued ARTICLES 08 Masking The Issue 10 How To Pick After-School Care 14 Inside Community and Education 16 Sheriff’s Corner with

Sheriff Tracy Murphree

19 5 Water Safety Tips 24 Community Corner

EDITOR’S PICK

27 War Veteran Celebrates 96th Birthday www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com

28 Foodie Friday DFW:

Indian Creek Smokehouse

34 Argyle ISD Prepares for

2020-2021 School Year JULY 2020

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Ask The Expert: Gardening

THINKING

BERMUDA Blade: Sharp, Pointed, 1/8” Wide Color/Texture: Deep Green, Dense Growth: Close Cut, High Quality Water: Frequently

by PJ Kratohvil, Owner of Complete Solutions

hings are heating up. If you’ve notice thin, struggling, or dead patches in the lawn and are looking to make a change, look over the info below. When it comes to grass, there are options –just make sure the options you’re considering are the right ones. It’s always best to consult with a specialist, but the information below might help guide you in the right direction:

BERMUDA Bermuda grass is great for a sunexposed lawn (at least 7 sun hrs per day). Its aggressive growth habit gives it excellent weed resistance. That same trait can be a problem when Bermuda invades flower beds-planters-gardens. Bermuda is pretty wear-resistant and drought-tolerant. If you’re looking for a green lawn yearround, overseeding with rye will provide that color through winter. Roughly 1/2”3”is the recommended cut height so you can keep it short for the summer months, but let it get taller to help retain moisture. ST. AUGUSTINE St. Augustine is the turfgrass of choice in warm climates where sandy soil is prevalent and water doesn’t stand around. The broad blades will hold color into the

fall season, unlike other warm-season grasses. It can thrive with at least five hours of sunlight per day and consistent watering. It can be more susceptible to fungus and disease than other types of grass and won’t take as much traffic. But if maintained properly, it is a great option. Cut height should be 3-4” for optimum thickness and longevity.

ST. AUGUSTINE Blade: Broad with Rounded Tip, 1/4” Wide Color/Texture: Dark Green, Coarse, Spongy Growth: Slow, from Sod or Plugs Water: Frequently

ZOYSIA Zoysia prefers a warm, sunny and welldrained growing site. BUT, some varieties can take as little as three hours of light per day. This makes it a great option in our warmer climate with most of our lawns containing both sun and shade areas. It takes more care than most turfgrasses, but when its needs are met, the reward is a thick, green lawn. It has stiff leaf blades and will produce numerous seed heads if not kept cut. Cut height can vary but we typically recommend at around 1”.

ZOYSIA Blade: Narrow, Needle-Like Color/Texture: Prickly, Stiff, Carpet-Like Growth: Slow Water: Average

INTERIOR: 972.539.8258 | EXTERIOR: 214.735.1363 | COMPLETESOLUTIONSDFW.COM

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Masking THE ISSUE by Jean Eisenmann | photo courtesy of Jean Eisenmann

s the coronavirus pandemic continues, I reflect back a couple of months to when we were told gloves were a definite deterrent to contracting the virus. Then once we loaded up on them, buying up every store’s inventories and stuffing them in every nook and cranny of the house, the new preventive became mask. And my house smells like a latex factory.

the iridescent silvery stars reflect on the

ceiling and keep him awake. Can’t he just count them like sheep and nod off? I wear masks with red and orange

flames when I’m feeling rebellious,

I’ve now become so overexposed to

because I hadn’t realized that ripping it

sequins for masked tie, uh, black tie

profound effect on me. I seem to have

causing observers to have nightmares.

feeling my age, gingham when I want

“mass mask marketing” that it’s had a

developed a bona fide mask obsession. And to think of all the years I wasted coveting shoes.

off my face in one fell swoop might be

Today, I watched a local morning show

where the hostess announced, “Coming

up after the station break, we’ll learn how

It’s the new normal to have only half

to make masks from your husband’s old

public places draws more glares than if

masks, depending on the size of the

going about their lives wearing those

our masks. Ah, American ingenuity and

home; gardening, sunbathing, cleaning

opportunistic greed for good measure.

your face exposed. Not wearing one in

boxer shorts. One pair yields two to three

I picked my nose in church. People are

shorts.” We’re getting pretty crafty with

little fabric disguises and yes, even at

entrepreneurial spirit, with a sprinkling of

out the gutters, and jogging. And fainting,

I am accumulating quite a mask collection

because it’s just too hot to wear a mask outdoors in Texas. On TV the other

day, a newscaster conducted an

interview remotely with an “etiquette

expert” who shared with us the proper way to remove

a mask without

offending anyone.

You know, that really enlightened me

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AH, AMERICAN INGENUITY AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT, WITH A SPRINKLING OF OPPORTUNISTIC GREED FOR GOOD MEASURE.

to feed my new

fixation. I have masks of every color for every occasion –

even a night mask

complete with blue half-moons and

silver stars. It’s a

little intrusive to

events, ‘70s psychedelic when I’m

to project innocence, and a red lip print when I don’t.

I removed my jewelry from its

designated box and placed the pieces

in a plastic bag. My grandfather’s college graduation ring from 1920 and my aunt’s engagement ring that she brought over from the old country don’t require the

special container with satin lining that my mask collection does.

In addition to its health benefit of virus

protection, I have come to feel virtually undressed without wearing a mask.

I see it as a burgeoning fashion industry, not only developing as we live under

health threats, but also as we become

accustomed to wearing them as part of

our wardrobes. However, there will always be skeptics who prefer to go commando.

wear while sleeping

In the future, despite whatever progressive

said it not only makes

one characteristic can never be replicated,

like Darth Vader’s, but

heartfelt – and unobstructed – smile.

because my husband

designs may evolve from today’s mask,

my breathing sound

and that’s the beauty of seeing a warm,

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Photos were submitted by area residents. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to submit your photos for publication or if you have any questions please email us at artwork@murray-media.com. www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com

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Education Article

O T W

K C I P

O H

C S R

E T F A

L O

E R

A C by

mel

Ga ve e t S

he dog days of summer are drawing to a close, which means back-to-school prep is right around the corner. Clearly, prepping

will be a little different this year, and plenty of questions still

abound as to what “school” will even look like. Will the kiddos be learning from home again? Will it be a combination of distance

learning and in-school time? What about us parents who barely made it through the last few months of last school year?

The typical stuff like buying supplies, showing up for teacher

orientations (in person or on Zoom), scheduling sports physicals,

and sifting through the latest fashion trends will keep us busy. But

here’s another item for the to-do list: figuring out after-school care.

IT WOULD REALLY HELP OUT IF WE HAD SOMEWHERE SAFE FOR THE KIDS TO GO... 10 | ARGYLE LIVING

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If we are back to school as normal, just because school ends at 3 p.m. for the kiddos doesn’t mean our work schedules do.

For many of us, we’ve still got another two or three hours left on the clock, and when you factor in the occasional early dismissal, teacher in-service day, etc., that can create a stressful balancing

act for any parent. It would really help out if we had somewhere

safe for the kids to go, and luckily, that’s where after-school care comes into play.

Here are a few tips on how to pick after-school care that fits you and your child’s needs: www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com

churches, and more. Many of these programs are perfect

for families who need more affordable options and require

flexibility for those situations where there is early dismissal, snow days, etc.

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS If you are forced to look outside your kids’ school, write down a list of your top questions ahead of time as you call facilities. Here are a few to get you started:

1. Who is watching my child and what type of training do they have?

2. What schools do you service? 3. What activities do you offer and will my child have time to do homework?

SEE IF YOUR KIDS’ SCHOOL OFFERS ANY PROGRAMS Before you start looking to the myriad of childcare options

throughout Denton County, keep in mind that many school

districts have after-school programs with staff available as late as

6 p.m. The benefit is that your child doesn’t need to be bussed to

another location and will be surrounded by the same people and classmates they see in the halls each day.

4. How do you ensure all children are getting along? 5. How long have you been in business? 6. What are your hours? 7. Does the facility cater to kids with special needs? A major concern for parents of children with special needs is whether or not the after-school program is set up to handle

children with special needs or learning disabilities that likely require individualized care and 1-on-1 instruction.

CHECK WITH YOUR SCHOOL FOR A PREFERRED-PROVIDER LIST

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

Many times, your school’s administration will have a

program that can meet you and your child’s needs. But if you

simply asking someone in the front office may yield a few decent

an after-school nanny with experience in education or finding

also providing peace of mind that these outside facilities have

school – especially if it’s a friend whose kid goes to the same

The tips above should definitely help you find an after-school

preferred-provider list for after-school care. Even if they don’t,

don’t feel comfortable, a few additional options include hiring

options. This will at least give you a short list to work from while

a family member or friend who can pick your children up after

been referred.

school or is in the same class as your child.

LOOK TO COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

At the end of the day, we as parents want nothing but the best

Safe and healthy after-school care can normally be found at

Rather than wait until school starts, now is the time to start

community organizations such as the YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com

for our children. Selecting the right after-school program is

another piece to that puzzle, and it takes careful consideration. researching your options.

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Business Spotlight

GET READY

BIG RESULTS and smiles by Steve Gamel

s parents, we all want our children to reach their full academic potential and live out all of

their hopes and dreams. But let’s be

honest, exceeding those expectations

and instilling confidence in our kiddos

every step of the way has been quite the challenge over the past six months. Because of COVID-19 and then

summertime, kids have almost forgotten

what it’s like to be in a regular classroom setting. Learning has switched to online,

and while parents have worked hard to fill in the gaps, even they need support.

So what’s the answer — especially with so

much uncertainty moving forward? Sylvan Learning Center of Denton.

“That’s what we are trying to convey right now. Everything is still up in the air, but

Sylvan has always been the one constant,” said owner Holly Martin. “I feel like kids

need us now more than ever, and parents need the extra support.”

She added, “That’s what we are here for. So when school starts, these kids are ready.”

And if school doesn’t start on-time, Sylvan will be there for you then, too. Sylvan has been around for more than 40 years. The certified teachers at its Denton location have been serving students and their families with personalized tutoring and homework support for 34 years. You simply can’t get consistency like that anywhere else. From individualized programs for reading, math, writing, study skills, and SAT/ACT prep, your kids receive the exact learning they need in a fun environment where they are fully engaged in the learning process.

and CDC guidelines to ensure your child’s safety.

“By the time our kids go back to school, they will have been out for six months. That goes well beyond the typical three-month summer slide where kids fall behind. That’s where Sylvan steps in,” Holly said. “We do an initial diagnostic assessment to understand what they know, what they don’t know, and the areas we need to focus on the most for them to be confident and successful in school.”

That’s what we are here for. So when school starts, these kids are ready.

Holly and her staff have learned to adapt to our ever-changing learning environment. Sylvan is open for both live-online and in-person instruction. If you prefer face-to-face support, Sylvan follows all locally-mandated

If you feel like your child has fallen behind or simply needs extra tutoring, don’t hesitate to give Sylvan Learning Center of Denton a call at 940-484-7050 or visit locations. sylvanlearning.com/us/denton-tx.

You and your child will be glad you did.

940.484.7050 • SylvanLearning.com • 2215 S Loop 288, Ste 400 • Denton, TX 76205

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INSIDE COMMUNITY

FUNNY SHIELDS NEW SONG SCHOOL OF THE ARTS 7861 Tudor Ln. â&#x20AC;˘ Argyle, TX 76226 New Song School of the Arts offers summer camps, workshops, and intensives for students. Their second summer semester starts soon, so reserve your spot today! There are several camps to choose from: music together classes, a ukulele camp, musical theatre production, and much more. The school is taking precautions by implementing health measures during all camps. For more information, visit www.NewSongSchooloftheArts.com.

Denton County resident, Alejandra Matiz has made eco friendly face shields for kids! These shields protect from direct contact with fluids and mists, and prevents face touching. Made from renewable raw materials. The headband is water resistant, and adjustable. Material is light, easy to clean, and reusable. With many patterns to choose from, purchase one today at www.Etsy.com/shop/MilibelulaOnTheFly. photo courtesy of Alejandra Matiz

INSIDE EDUCATION

EAGLE PRIDE

ARGYLE HIGH SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION As the Town continues to grow, so do our schools. The bond construction is moving right along and you can follow the process on the Argyle ISD website. Currently, the High School Phase II project is an addition to the existing Canyon Falls facility, adding additional classrooms, a new gym, administrative offices, and additional athletic facilities. We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to see the finished product!

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Show off your Eagle pride with vinyl decals for your car, Laptop, Yeti, Hydroflask, and much more! The decals are the letter A in two fonts, script or block and the proceeds go to support the Argyle West Elementary PTA. To order your decals, email PTA President DeLinn Payne at ArgyleWestPTAPresident@gmail.com. The decals are $10 each and will be mailed to you. photo courtesy of DeLinn Payne

www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com

WELCOME, RICH OLSON

TEENS CITIZENS ACADEMY POSTPONED Sadly, the Teen Citizens Academy has been postponed from the original July 2731 dates due to the recent situation regarding COVID-19. The Academy is offered to students entering 9-12 grades and has an interest in Law Enforcement. For more information on new dates and how to register your student, contact Tracey Glenn, TGlenn@ArgyleTX.com.

In early June, Mayor Donald Moser announced that Rich Olson will be the Town’s new Town Administrator. Olson has nearly 40 years of local government experience and holds a Master of Public Administration degree. Olson is expected to begin work on September 1, 2020. Welcome to Argyle! photo courtesy of Haley Pittman

STAY UP-TO-DATE As we fill out parent surveys and read over instructions for sending our children back to school in the fall, make sure you are staying up-to-date on information from the district and the state via the Argyle ISD website and social media accounts. Find the district on Facebook.com/argyleisd and online, at www.ArgyleISD.com.

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MUSIC ACADEMY HOSTING SUMMER CAMP Mon. July 27- Fri. July 31 | 8am-Noon Argyle Music Studio 306 Highway 377 • Argyle, TX 76226 Music Academy is hosting a Garage Band summer camp for students ages 7 and older. Eagle students are encouraged to sign up and rock out this summer. To reserve your spot, visit www.MusicAcademyDFW.com or call 940-468-ROCK.

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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

THANK YOU OFFICERS

he last few months have been very have served with honor and distinction challenging for law enforcement. throughout these difficult times. I have The COVID-19 pandemic followed watched over and over as they continue by civil unrest and anti-police sentiments to do their jobs and do their jobs well. has affected law enforcement agencies I’ve heard no complaints or whining, like nothing before. The Denton County as they have done all that I and their Sheriff’s Office and our local agencies respective Chiefs have asked of them. are no exception. In a time of uncertainty They go out every day putting their lives I want to take a moment on the line for Denton and tell you how proud I THEY HAVE WORKED County. They are moms, am of our officers. These dads, husbands, wives, TIRELESSLY men and women have sons and daughters who WITHOUT DAYS not had the opportunity have answered a call not to work from home. They many are willing to answer. OFF TO KEEP OUR have been unable to social They are angry when a COMMUNITIES SAFE. distance themselves from member of their profession the duties they are sworn brings dishonor to that to provide. They have worked tirelessly profession. They are always and will always without days off to keep our communities be there when they are needed. I’m proud safe. These officers have gone from to lead these men and women. I am also being praised as essential workers to proud of our sister agencies we work so being ridiculed with calls of defunding closely with. You should be proud of their positions. These men and women them too.”

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

940.349.1600 | 127 N. WOODROW LN., STE. 300 • DENTON, TX 76205 | DENTONCOUNTY.COM/DEPARTMENTS/SHERIFF.ASPX 16 | ARGYLE LIVING

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5 WATER SAFETY TIPS by Dr. Rebecca Butler, Board Certified in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics

1. 2. 3.

PROTECT YOUR NEW BABY FROM WATER HAZARDS AROUND THE HOME Drowning can happen to any family. It’s quick, and it’s silent. Never—even for a moment— leave young children alone or in the care of another child while in or near bathtubs, pools, spas, wading pools, irrigation ditches, ponds, or other standing water. During swim times, designate a “Water Watcher” – an adult who will stay within arm’s reach to children in and around water. ROTECT YOUR CURIOUS TODDLER P Little kids are curious, and that’s a wonderful thing! Many toddlers are very curious, active, and eager to explore their surrounding and are attracted to water. It shines, ripples, splashes, and can even make things float, but they don’t understand that water can be dangerous and aren’t old enough yet to do what is needed when in trouble. So, it’s essential to protect them from water hazards where you live and where you visit. THE TODDLER YEARS = HIGHER DROWNING RISK THAN ANY OTHER TIME Water safety is important for all ages, but especially for toddlers. Drowning is the leading cause of injury death in children 1-4. Young children can drown in as little as an inch or two of water, and it can happen quickly and silently. Remember, water safety is not just about swimming pools. Installing bathroom door locks and toilet latches, and emptying all buckets, pools and tubs helps keep curious little ones safe.

START SWIMMING LESSONS EARLY By their 4th birthday, most children are ready for swim lessons. At this age, they usually can learn basic water survival skills such as floating, treading water, and getting to an exit point. By age 5 or 6, most children in swim lessons can master the front crawl. If your child hasn’t already started in a learn-to-swim program, now is the time!

DOES AAP RECOMMEND INFANT SWIM CLASSES? No, because there is currently no evidence that infant swim programs for babies under 1 year old lower their drowning risk. Infants this age may show reflex “swimming” movements but can’t yet raise their heads out of the water well enough to breathe. It’s OK to enroll in a parent-child water play class to help your infant get used to being in the pool, though; this can be a fun activity to enjoy together.

940.455.7200 | www.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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YOUR Turning Pie-in -Th

e-Sky Healthcar

GOALS INTO

Reality

by Steve Gamel

photography by Wha ts That Guys Name? PHOTOGRAPHY BY GUY T (whatsthatguysnam e.com)

THE VISION IS THAT WE CAN BE THAT SOLE PROVIDER FOR EVERY PATIENT WE SEE

t was October 2018, and Nancy Bledsoe-Link, Licensed Professional Counselor and Lead Therapist, was meeting the team of clinicians at Connections Wellness Group in Denton for the first time. Everyone said all the right things — they spoke of purposeful growth, breeding a culture where employees and patients thrive, and having an unapologetic vision to reinvent the healthcare wheel. Nancy felt like she’d fit right in. But as she left, there was just one problem. “I thought, ‘I believe these people; I see their heart. But it has to be too good to be true,’” Nancy said. We’ve all been that skeptical new employee. Sometimes, everything works out fine. But more often than not, there are chinks in the organization’s armor. Lofty goals aren’t met. Customer service lags. Employees aren’t in the right roles, nor do they feel 100% supported. Even if everyone’s mindset is pure and a vision is in plain sight, they struggle to push the mark forward. This is especially true in healthcare. So, when a place like Connections Wellness grows rapidly while touting a model that’s never been done before, people think things will eventually go awry. What Connections Wellness Group does works because their internal culture of having employees feel supported and encouraged created a unique springboard where they’ve bred an even greater passion for the work they do. “Our passion is to be a hope and a light for the population we serve,” said

Molly Garcia, Associate Administrator and Chair for Connections Wellness’

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Primary Care Board. “Even during

patients who have not successfully

service,” Rentfro said. “We got into

patients know that they are not

in the treatment of their depression.

life, and this is the environment I’ve

their most vulnerable times, our

alone. The vision is that we can be

that sole provider for every patient we see.”

The vision at Connections Wellness has always been to be that place

responded to medication management Connections Wellness also added a

Registered Dietitian to the team, who specializes in nutritional well-being,

furthering their approach to providing a holistic healthcare model.

where, with one phone call, a patient

Their reach, services, and partnerships

mental health and family counseling

their forever care provider.

can be treated for everything from to primary care and nutritional

wellness. And they continue to

expand their services to meet a

full wellness model. They have a

trusted and experienced psychiatry team and a dynamic team of

therapists who provide play therapy, individual, couples and family

have patients believing they’ve found

Jaylia Rentfro, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Lead Therapist, said clinicians are encouraged to be creative and thoughtful in both their visions and approach with clients.

“I’ve worked at places where it is lip

this profession to chase our calling in always envisioned doing mine.” Shae Reid, LPC, Certified Sex

Therapist, and Lead Therapist said what they’ve created is a trickle-

down effect where employees are emotionally and mentally open to

giving back to patients in the most meaningful ways.

“We have heartbeat check-ins, which are used to see how we are doing,”

she said. “We get whatever we need,

and I think that gives all of us a boost.” And exceed those pie-in-the-sky goals every day.

counseling. Recently, they introduced Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy to serve those

940.222

.2399 ConnectionsW e ll n essGroup.co 2701 Shorelin m e Dr., Ste. 151 • Denton, TX 76210

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•

Taking Community

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

any of you have reached out in recent days as much larger counties with higher case counts have taken steps to require face masks in businesses. I believe this situation does include wearing a mask, but it is about much more than a mask. It is about a temporary lifestyle change. The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally altered the way we go about our daily lives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing your hands frequently, avoiding close contact with others outside of your household, covering your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others, covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning

and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and monitoring your health. These few simple steps can also make a difference and reduce exposure: •

Instead of going to the grocery story multiple times a week, plan one or two trips instead;

•

Take advantage of patio dining at your favorite restaurants or curbside service and delivery at local businesses;

•

Worship responsibly – Sit 6 feet away from fellow congregants while attending services;

•

Wear a mask when interacting with people outside your household, this includes inside businesses and personal settings;

When you wear a mask, you are wearing it for everyone else. If all of us wear masks when in contact with each other, we help one another.

Moreover, check in with your vulnerable neighbors, friends and relatives to see if they need anything to reduce their potential for exposure.

I am sure we all know someone who could use a helping hand and I am asking us all to use this time to help our fellow residents. If you would like to volunteer to help in these efforts, contact us at volunteercovid19@dentoncounty.com. These simple and innovative steps can significantly reduce the chance of exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Our Denton County Public Health team closely monitors the situation in our county and, while the positivity rate has increased, the availability of hospital beds, ICU beds and ventilators has not increased dramatically. We continue to monitor these Denton County metrics daily as well as the metrics in the hospitals across DFW. As we experience an uptick in cases, it is not the time to panic. Instead, we need to focus our reliable, local statistics. We each have the responsibility to take care of ourselves and our loved ones. Yet we also need to exercise community responsibility. When you wear a mask, you are wearing it for everyone else. If all of us wear masks when in contact with each other, we help one another. That is what community is all about. It is also a courtesy to others working on the frontlines. The more voluntary participation we have, the less likely a mandatory mask requirement will be needed. Together, hopefully we can find a collective path forward to reduce COVID-19 transmission without resorting to mandates. Do the responsible thing. Wear a mask. For real-time Denton County Health Statistics check out www.dentoncounty. gov/COVIDstats.

CONNECT WITH US If you have any questions or comments, please let me hear from you. andy.eads@dentoncounty.com 940.349.2820. 24 | ARGYLE LIVING

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WAR VETERAN Celebrates 96th Birthday

by Brooke Ezzo | photos courtesy of Renee Davis

hen you’ve stormed the beaches of Normandy carrying artillery pieces next to hundreds of men in your unit and lived to tell about it, celebrating another birthday is a piece of cake.

And that’s exactly what Clifford Stump

enjoyed this year as he turned 96: good company and good cake.

On June 13, Argyle resident Renee Davis

and many others gathered at a VA center near Dallas to spend time with Cliff

and hear his stories. The week before,

Renee simply reached out to the Argyle

community via Facebook to see if anyone would like to write him a birthday card. The reactions were overwhelming.

“It was such a neat response,” Renee said. “Everyone really chipped in, and it was

neat to see it happen. He was definitely happy with the turn out.”

Residents made homemade cards,

banana bread, and cookies, as well as

a large gift bag of goodies for Renee to take to the birthday party. Even County Commissioner Dianne Edmondson gifted a court proclamation recognizing Sergeant First Class Cliff Stump on his 96th birthday as an honorary Argylian.

Coast Guard veteran and Robson Ranch resident, Brian Burns, members of the Roll Call organization, and Oklahoma resident and 82nd Airborne veteran, Ben Powers, and his wife. Cliff hasn’t been feeling himself lately due to being in quarantine and not having any family in the area, so the birthday party brought him a lot of joy. Renee is a teacher in the Eagle MountainSaginaw district, and every year they host a big veteran’s event. Through this event, she was connected with a veteran organization called Roll Call. The organization brings together veterans each month for lunch and fellowship. They also provide other volunteer opportunities for those in the community who wish to give back and spend time with veterans in our area.

“Everyone really chipped in, and it was neat to see it happen. He was definitely happy with the turn out.”

“It made his day; he was very happy,” Renee said. “We weren’t allowed to go inside for obvious reasons, but it was fun because he sat out on the porch, and we bombarded him with questions.”

The birthday party attendees included Renee and her husband, Scott,

Besides the monthly luncheons, which have been postponed due to the pandemic, the organization has two other ways to get involved. Mail Call is a program where people can send birthday, get well, thank you, and special occasion cards to veterans. Befriend-a-Veteran is a program that allows volunteers a chance to visit with veterans and help them in any daily needs they may have. From Roll Call’s Facebook group, Renee is able to see what veterans have birthdays coming up or who might not have any family close by and needs a friend. This organization is how Renee met and befriended Cliff Stump. “I just want to say that I can’t thank everyone enough for stepping up,” Renee said. “I knew they would. Our community is a great community full of givers. A huge thank you to everyone for making his day.” To learn more about Roll Call, visit www.Roll-Call.org.

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Foodie Friday DFW: Indian Creek Smokehouse

INDIAN CREEK Smokehouse by Jay Marks | photos courtesy of Foodie Friday DFW

ur Marketing Director recently moved out to Pecan Square in Northlake and came to me the other day insisting we visit a new BBQ truck called Indian Creek Smokehouse parked on the corner of FM 407 and 35W. Her neighborhood has been blowing up with rave reviews about this place since they opened just a few weeks ago, with many people claiming that they’re serving up BBQ just as good if not better than some of the most-beloved BBQ restaurants in DFW.

The only words I needed to hear were “BBQ” and “food truck,” and I was in! If you’re a fan of BBQ, you know that many of the greatest BBQ joints get their start as small operations like catering companies and food trucks.

of the BBQ he’s producing out of this

Indian Creek Smokehouse Owner and Chef, Todd Lorch, delivered food that surpassed all my expectations! The quality

so incredibly flavorful and tender. And

food truck in Corral City is incredible. He uses only the highest-quality meats

and smokes them right there on the truck which results in brisket, turkey, sausage, ribs, and pork belly burnt ends that are

speaking of those burnt ends - Todd calls those his “superstar,” and after eating

them we understand why! You cannot

leave Indian Creek Smokehouse without ordering some of them.

Every great BBQ joint has to have some delicious sides to go with their meats,

and Todd definitely has those too! Slaw, Macncheese (yes, it’s so delicious, it’s

one word), and baked beans - the perfect

accompaniments to whichever meats you choose to order.

With everything you eat at Indian Creek Smokehouse, Todd’s culinary background shines through. And you’d be shocked to hear that when he’s not serving up BBQ out of his truck, he actually has another full-time job that’s feeding his ultimate dream of owning this place. Head on out to Corral City, at the corner of 407 and 35W, to visit Todd at his truck and chow down on some of his incredible food. You can order it to eat in your car, take home with you, or you can bring your own chairs and camp out in the grassy area across from the truck and play a couple rounds of ladder ball. Welcome to Indian Creek Smokehouse!

972.724.2540 | JayMarksRealEstate.com jay@jaymarksrealestate.com 1013 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 102 | Flower Mound, TX 75022 28 | ARGYLE LIVING

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Dentistry: Ask The Expert

Dental Hygienists: Your Dental Educators by Dr. Matt Artho, Owner of Country Lakes Family Dental

n acknowledgement of our education issue, I would like to take this time to show appreciation to all our teachers: to the science teachers and the chemistry they bring to the classroom, to the biology teachers sharing the secrets of life, and of course, to the math teachers who always seem to know how to solve a problem. It is an honor and privilege to have you share in the cultivation of our future society. The dental equivalent to teachers in a dental practice often fall to our hygienists. In this article, I would like to pay tribute to the dental educators of our profession. Hygienists receive a specialized education specific to dental hygiene. They learn not only of methods in identifying concerns related to your gums and the supporting periodontium (the supportive structures of our teeth), but they have an educated understanding of both oral and dental pathology. A hygienist with a keen knowledge and detailed observation can identify oral health concerns and relay the information to the patient and dentist. A great dental practice has both dentists and hygienists who are equally calibrated to recognize dental and periodontal disease and collaborate with their patients on how to best treat the ailments. Because dental hygienists are often capable of spending more time with the patient, thoroughly monitoring each tooth and its surrounding structures, they are crucial in isolating oral disease and

educating the patient on their findings during cleanings and examination. Education of dental patients should always be a priority of both the hygienist and dentist in order to come to an understanding on the conditions and its treatment. Though diagnosis is limited to the dentist only, hygienists are key contributors of the dental team for helping the dentist and patient come to an agreement on treatment.

their appointments with great eagerness. So make time to keep those dental appointments. Your hygienist will thank you. Happy Smiling!

As dental educators, dental hygienists are a respected component of your dental care. Knowing they constantly look forward to maintaining their relationships with their patients, they anticipate

940.455.7645 | COUNTRYLAKESDENTAL.COM | 74 MCMAKIN RD., STE. 200 â&#x20AC;˘ BARTONVILLE, TX 76226

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Education Article

Argyle ISD

PREPARES FOR

2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR Remote Learning and In-Person Learning Options by Brooke Ezzo

s we all know, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Argyle Independent School District students left schools for spring break this past March and did not return. As extended spring break turned into summer break and now school registration is looming in the background, there is still much confusion. The ever-changing information from both federal and state entities in regards to the virus has left the district, parents, and caregivers on the edge of their seats, waiting for further instruction on how to reopen schools for the 2020-2021 school year. Superintendent Dr. Telena Wright and her team have created a Virtual Learning Task Force that has been meeting, discussing plans, and reviewing feedback from parents from the initial survey sent out in early June. In conjunction with the guidance and instruction from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) regarding remote instruction, the task force has been working to provide opportunities that best meet the expectations of the families within the district â&#x20AC;&#x201D; which are to provide a safe learning environment and a robust virtual learning experience for students. The second survey sent out to new and returning Eagle parents covered more specific questions regarding options based on the needs of each student. This included questions about technology

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to mirror the level of work, commitment, and time on a task as they would with in-person learning. Daily attendance rules will apply, and students will be required to show evidence of daily learning. This means saving all assignments until the end of the week will no longer be applicable. In-Person Learning This is understandably the most difficult decision the district will be making considering opposing views when it comes to what health measures are effective against the virus. Information from the TEA indicated they have purchased face masks,

Daily attendance rules will apply, and students will be required to show evidence of daily learning. and bus transportation. This valuable

will come with the same expectations for

planning purposes.

instruction model.

On June 23, Texas Education

With recent spikes in positive cases

guidance with all Texas superintendents

understands that its studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; health and

remote learning.

that choose to keep their children at home

Remote Learning at Home

setting may choose a remote learning

feedback will help the district with their

learning as the traditional face-to-face

Commissioner Mike Morath shared

throughout North Texas, the district

by outlining expectations for

safety is the priority. With that, families

When students were not allowed to

return to the classroom in March the district quickly converted to a virtual

learning platform. Guidance from the

TEA indicated that continuing this form of learning will be a family choice but

or those unable to return to a classroom experience.

This includes more teacher interaction and more time in virtual learning and

completing lessons. Remote learning

might be semi-flexible but based on state guidelines, the students are still required

thermometers, and hand sanitizer for every district in Texas to help with the start of the new school year. However, no further instruction was given from Commissioner Morath in the conference call on mandated health measures. The assumption is each district will have flexibility in deciding what protocols will be put into place. Some of the safety features Argyle ISD plans to implement in the fall include frequent handwashing by students and staff, required use of hand sanitizer before entering the classroom, and screening of staff and students before coming to school. Also, students will be separated by clear Plexiglass dividers when tables are used in the classroom, high-touch areas will be disinfected daily, desks will be socially distanced inside the classroom, and face masks will be encouraged but not required. The initial survey said that the district had great feedback. Nearly 2,000 parents and staff were polled, and over two-thirds of the respondents said they would prefer to have in-person instruction. Like other districts, Argyle ISD seems to be prepared for the options the TEA has laid out.

Please visit the Argyle Independent School District website to find the Instructional Options and Plan document and the Application for Virtual Instruction.

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Ask The Expert: Travel

THE

Gathering Place by Terri Guthrie | photos courtesy of Terri Guthrie

re you looking for something nearby to do this summer? Well, I have a great idea for you, and it’s just north of us in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Gathering Place has been named “America’s Best New Attraction” by USA TODAY. It was also awarded the “World’s Greatest Places” by Time Magazine in 2019. And what a place it is!!! We have been countless times and still have not seen everything. You really need to see this new creative and very unique FREE Park! This brand new riverfront park was designed as an inclusive green space where residents and visitors alike can relax and engage with one another. The expansive park makes use of more than six million gallons of water and 80

The future for The Gathering Place looks very promising as the Kaiser Family Foundation also created a $100 million endowment to support maintenance of the park for the next 99 years. Every city should be so lucky!

tree species, with attractions like multistory fireplaces, an adventure playground, a boathouse, restaurants, coffee shops, a sensory garden, and a reading tree. There’s something here for everyone.

Fortunately, our daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons live here, so we visit this wonderful park as often as possible and always find new things to discover. It’s definitely a park like none other. Go and see for yourself…you will be glad you did!

The Gathering Place is centered on the east bank of the Arkansas River. It is largely the brainchild of Tulsa multibillionaire and philanthropist, George Kaiser. This publicprivate partnership covers approximately 100 acres of land. As of September 2018, it has cost about $465 million to construct.

FOLLOW TERRI ON INSTAGRAM @TRAVELWITHTERRI OR HER TRAVEL BLOG AT TRAVELWITHTERRI.NET

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