NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020 Automotive Issue
LIVES CHANGING PEOPLE’S
T H R O U G H
W E I G H T
L O S S
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TABLE OF
Contents ASK THE EXPERT 23 Gardening with Complete Solutions BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 11 Connections Wellness Group: Supporting You During The Pandemic and Beyond
ARTICLES 08 10 Ways To Save Money When Buying A Car
12 Inside Community and Education 15 Foodie Friday DFW: Chante Mexican Grill & Cantina
16 Argyle Students Learning The Ropes 18 Preventable Dental Emergency, Don’t Let It Stop You In Your Tracks
24 A Kickstarted Nonprofit 28 Return to School Algorithms 30 Service Dogs Making A Difference For Wounded Vets
33 Sheriff’s Corner With Sheriff Tracy Murphree
PAGE
20
CHANGING PEOPLE’S
LIVES T H R O U G H
W E I G H T
L O S S
Cover Image Laura Alexis of
Innovative Lasers of Houston
37 Increasing Breast Cancer Awareness www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com
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Publisher of Murray Media Group, kelly@murray-media.com
Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray
Administration
Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors
Bobbi Byrne Alisha Tran
A T IME OF
Reflection
I
have been sitting here at my keyboard on and off all day trying to think of the words that best describe the craziness of this year. Chaotic, confusing, and unpredictable are just a few I landed on. However, during my journey down 2020 memory lane, many moments popped out at me reminding me of all the things we are grateful for: our family, our health, our jobs, and good friends. This year started off with a bang. We premiered not one but TWO new lifestyle magazines. And we could not be more pleased with the excitement and support the communities have shown us. We love being part of an area that embraces small businesses, encourages community relationships, and continuously finds ways to give back and serve others.
My favorite thing about Thanksgiving in Texas is that it kicks off the Christmas season. I love that after we give thanks, we can put up our trees and get into the holiday spirit! In Canada, where I was born and raised, Thanksgiving is in October, and it’s always on a Monday. I love that it is such a big deal here. This time of the year, we tend to slow down and spend time with friends and family. And I love that we have time to reflect on our blessings and make new memories. After the year we’ve had, I encourage you to look around and reflect on all of the things you are grateful for. There is still so much beauty in the world! To our readers, our local businesses, and the talented staff we have here at Murray Media, we want to say thank you. We are proud of the publications we send out each month and we wouldn’t be able to do it without each and every one of you.
Writers & Editor
Steve Gamel, Brooke Ezzo, Diane Ciarloni
Advertising Inquiries
sales@murray-media.com
Production
Graphic Designers Caroline Brock
Alyson Modene
Cayla Thompson
Photography
Your Candid Memories Photography
What’s That Guy’s Name? | Photography by Guy T
Letters 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 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 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
Don’t forget we love family photos. Send us your Christmas cards, your Santa pictures, and any pets-dressed-as-elves photos. Those are my favorite!
Sincerely, Kelly Murray 6 | ARGYLE LIVING | NOVEMBER 2020
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NOVEMBER 2020 | ARGYLE LIVING | 7
Automotive Article
10 WAYS
To Save Money
Car O
WHEN BUYING A by Contributing Writer
n average, spending on transportation is a family’s second-biggest expense after housing in the USA. Whether you need a new car or just want an upgrade, there are several ways you can cut auto bills and put more money toward savings or other expenses.
8 | ARGYLE LIVING | NOVEMBER 2020
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What To Do
ONLY PAY CASH
Financing a car may be your only option if you don’t have the cash to pay for a car in full. If you can do so, however, perhaps by going for an older model, your monthly outgoings will be hugely reduced. This can often more than offset any extra maintenance repairs for older vehicles.
PICK THE RIGHT TIME OF YEAR February and August are often excellent times to buy a car. Sales usually are slow following Christmas and January, and at the height of summer, so dealerships slash prices to offset this. The end of each quarter can also be good times to buy, when dealers push to hit their sales targets. Buying certain types of vehicles in unpopular seasons, such as convertibles in winter and four-wheel-drives in summer, are also good ways to make this work for you.
PICK THE RIGHT TIME OF DAY When negotiating, sometimes even the time of day can have an effect. This is particularly true toward the end of the working day on Fridays when salespeople are keen to make up for any deficits in weekly sales targets.
BUY USED This one may seem obvious, but with depreciation remaining the largest expense for owners, and new cars often costing tens of thousands of dollars more than used models, the financial advantages are huge. Going for mid-
2000s models can strike a good balance
to avoid purchasing credit life or credit
too expensive.
itself, who can often try to hard-sell you
between not being too old and not being
WAIT TO BUY NEW If you must buy new, then at least wait
disability insurance from the dealership these. Stick with individual or employer policies.
for the initial excitement of a brand-new
RESEARCH POTENTIAL MAINTENANCE COSTS
There’s no more expensive time to
While buying used is usually a great way
release, when press and consumer
yourself on potential maintenance costs
model to die down for a few months.
purchase a car than immediately after attention on a model is at its highest, and dealerships can get away with charging more.
BE AN INFORMED NEGOTIATOR
to save thousands of dollars, educate
for the model you’re shopping for and
factor that into your budget. Some cars
can be notoriously reliable even if they’re older, and going for these models can save you a lot in the long run.
ensure you know what type of car you’re
ALSO FACTOR IN FUEL ECONOMY
the average selling prices are. Consider
fuel economy is another factor which
need, and don’t allow yourself to be
cost of a new car on top of the payment
Before you even enter the showroom,
looking for, and do research to see what which specifications you truly want and
upsold useless features. It’s also a good
idea to negotiate on the basis that you’ll
be paying on finance, even if you’re not. Better deals can be struck that way, and
you can decide to pay in cash at the end if you go for it.
As well as insurance and maintenance,
can massively influence the total actual
for the vehicle itself. If you want to save money, going for four-cylinder engines rather than six-cylinder and manual
transmissions rather than automatic are two ways you can maximize fuel economy in the long-run.
FACTOR IN INSURANCE COSTS
CONSIDER IF YOU NEED A NEW CAR NOW
Insurance costs differ due to many factors,
Finally, it’s worth considering if you truly
specific model of car. Ensure you’re well-
an honest look at your budget and
including age, driving experience, and informed on how much the insurance
costs will be for the vehicle you’re looking
for by shopping around online, so you can
be realistic about how affordable your new car will be overall. It’s also usually better
need a new car right now. By taking
deciding to delay buying a new car, you
can massively reduce the amount you’re spending over the years, easily tens of
thousands of dollars over the course of a decade.
There are many aspects to buying a new car. As well as deciding on a model, factors such as buying new or used and the way you negotiate a sale can collectively have an enormous impact on the amount you spend on auto bills. By considering at least a few of these factors when purchasing a new car, you can easily save a lot of money in the years to come. www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com
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Business Spotlight C O N N E C T I O N S
W E L L N E S S
G R O U P
SUPPORTING YOU DURING THE PANDEMIC
I
AND BEYOND by Steve Gamel
t’s no secret that all of us have been struggling to mentally navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. For adults, the constant unknowns lead to anxiety over issues like layoffs, sickness, how to pay our bills, and fears over whether or not our kids are safe within school walls. Far too often, we must pretend everything is okay when it’s clearly not, which makes it worse for our children as they try to cope with their own issues: returning to school, feelings of isolation, and more.
Connections Wellness Group in Denton wants you to know you and your kids aren’t alone. It is okay to say that, from time to time, you may need help. Your mental health — even in a pandemic — is the reason they come to work every day. “Our culture tells us, ‘keep going,’ and ‘persevere on,’ or ‘it will be fine,’ and ‘you’ve got this.’ But there has to be a counterbalance to that,” CEO Awstin Gregg said. “The way we become our best is seeking and having the support we need in tough times, which leads to more success in the end.”
over the past eight months. Thankfully, many people are calling Connections Wellness, which has set a new standard in handling the most clinically challenging of circumstances — whether in person or through teleservices. They have services that assist patients as young as 3 years old and currently offer programs for teens and adults that include Process groups, psychoeducational groups, experiential groups, psychiatric evaluations, nursing evaluations, and medication education. Their therapies include cognitivebehavioral, solution-focused, dialectical behavior, motivational interviewing, cognitive processing, rational emotive behavior, SMART recovery, and many
“ YOU CAN’T KEEP POURING FROM AN EMPTY CUP.”
The sad reality is that mental health affects people of all ages, and Gregg said those struggles have only been exacerbated
other services depending on the need.
“When it comes to the pandemic, there are a few points we are trying to make, which include creating routines and structure for yourself, focusing on controllable tasks, and encouraging parents to check in on their kids more frequently,” said Dr. Syed Nizami, a child and adolescent psychologist and the medical director for the PHP and IOP programs. “We also want to help people learn coping skills and self-care, and finding ways to stay connected as best as we all can.” Gregg agreed, adding that people can’t continue being a caregiver for their family and others if they do not receive any care or encouragement in return. That’s what Connections Wellness Group is here to do — even in a pandemic. “You can’t keep pouring from an empty cup,” Gregg said. “It’s okay to say that, from time to time, you might need help. I happen to be biased, but I think we are pretty good at providing that help. Let us support you.”
940.222.2399 | ConectionsWellnessGroup.com | 2701 Shoreline Dr., Ste. 151• Denton, TX 76210 www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com
NOVEMBER 2020 | ARGYLE LIVING | 11
INSIDE COMMUNITY
HAPPY BIRTHDAY PARADE GIFT OF LIGHTS Thursday, Nov. 26- Sunday, Jan. 3 | Texas Motor Speedway 3545 Lone Star Circle, Fort Worth, TX 76177 It’s that time of the year again for the magical car ride through millions of lights hosted by Texas Motor Speedway. Tickets are sold by the carload so pack as many friends and family in the minivan as possible and let’s finish out 2020 with some twinkling joy. Tickets start at $30. Preorder today by visiting www.GiftofLightsTexas.com.
INSIDE EDUCATION
Friday, October 30 Chief Jackson, Argyle FD 511, and residents of Argyle gathered together to celebrate the 89th birthday of resident Col. Roy P. Rhodes in a birthday parade! Rhodes and his wife, Wanda, were graciously surprised as fire trucks, police vehicles and friends and family rolled down his street in a long caravan. Put together by his granddaughter, Katey Clark Carter, this is a birthday he won’t forget! photo courtesy of Katey Clark Carter
LADY EAGLES DOMINATE THE COURT
GRAND CHAMPIONS Congratulations to the Argyle Band! On Saturday, October 31, the first competition of the school year, Argyle was named the Grand Champion of the Ponder Marching contest. The Eagles finished first in all captions including- music, marching, color guard, percussion and drum major performance. photo courtesy of The Talon News 12 | ARGYLE LIVING | NOVEMBER 2020
The Lady Eagles swept Benbrook to claim the Class 4A Region I bi-district title at Fort Worth Castleberry High School in late October. The win advanced the team to the area round of the playoffs where they defeated Iowa Park sending the team to the Class 4A Region I Quarterfinals. Congrats to this talented group of athletes! photo courtesy of AISD www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com
DENTON COUNTY FRIENDS OF THE FAMILY
CANDY BAGS FOR SAILORS Janylle Koren has done it again- collecting leftover Halloween candy for sailors aboard the USS Ronald Reagan. Last year, with the help of the community, Janylle was able to send around 1,000 bags to the sailors. This year, she hopes to meet this goal again. The sailors, including her son, will remain on board well past the holidays due to COVID. photo courtesy of Janylle Koren
If you are looking for a way to give back this season, Denton County Friends of the Family offers an Adopt-a-Family Drive each year. A family, organization, or business an adopt families who have been impacted by domestic violence and spread some holiday cheer. DCFOF is providing gifts to over 700 children this year and they need YOUR help! For information on how to get involved, visit www.dcfof.org/ adoptafamily.
REMARKABLE WARRIORS
DOUBLE EAGLE CHAMPIONS Congratulations to the Argyle Eagle and Lady Eagle cross-country teams on both earning District 7-4A cross country championships. This is the boys first district championship since 2012 and defeated the two-time defending state champion Decatur. The teams brought home two gold medal performances and now prepare for the Class 4A Region I meet. photo courtesy of AISD www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com
Madison O’Rourke, Senior at Liberty Christian School paid it forward to Scottish Rite Hospital by raising nearly $50,000 with her Shaping a Better Future Fundraiser. The funds go to help underwrite the cost of care for children with scoliosis. Madison presented the check to the hospital that helped her overcome her own struggles with scoliosis in September. photo courtesy of Vivian Nichols NOVEMBER 2020 | ARGYLE LIVING | 13
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Chante Mexican Grill & Cantina: Foodie Friday DFW
CHANTE
Mexican Grill &CANTINA by Jay Marks | photos courtesy of Foodie Friday DFW
F
or quite some time, we’ve heard people talk about this amazing, authentic Mexican restaurant right on the Flower Mound-Lewisville border called Chante Mexican Grill & Cantina. We finally got to pay them a visit to find out what it is they’re serving that has made our community such fans.
We quickly found out EXACTLY why everyone has been raving about Chante. Their authentic Mexican dishes are made with the freshest of ingredients. Their owners and staff are incredibly friendly. And their margaritas are to die for. “Chante” in Spanish means “my house,” and that’s the feeling owners and brothers, Enrique and Martin Garcia, want to evoke through their warm atmosphere and family recipes. They truly want you to feel like you’re enjoying a meal with them in their house. They’re serving some family recipes that are very near and dear to their hearts. This includes the Abigail Enchiladas, which
Chante has an incredible assortment of handcrafted margaritas in addition to other cocktails, wines, tequilas, and beers. And during the week, you can get a Classic Margarita at lunch for just $2.99! If you haven’t had the privilege of visiting Chante Mexican Grill & Cantina yet, we’d highly recommend you visit them soon! You’ll love the food whether you order tacos, enchiladas, fish, or that killer Molcaxitl!
are chicken enchiladas made with their mother’s special homemade red sauce. My absolute favorite dish that we tried (and that I’ve ordered multiple times since) is their Chante Molcaxitl, an assortment of grilled chicken, steak, chorizo, jalapeños, nopal (Mexican cactus), and cheese served in a heavy lava rock bowl. Two of our other favorites are their Maya Pollo topped with chorizo and pineapple and their Pescado del Puerto covered in a cheese sauce, topped with shrimp, and served with chipotle mashed potatoes and a vegetable medley on the side. And we can’t talk about a Mexican cantina without talking about their margaritas!
972.724.2540 | JayMarksRealEstate.com jay@jaymarksrealestate.com 1013 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 102 | Flower Mound, TX 75022
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NOVEMBER 2020 | ARGYLE LIVING | 15
ARGYLE STUDENTS
Learning
Ropes THE
by Steve Gamel | photos courtesy of Jeff Woo at the Denton Record-Chronicle
S
tacy Short believes that the best way to learn something is by doing it. So when she heard this summer that the UIL was lifting its ban on live broadcasting Friday night football games, she didn’t hesitate to get her students involved.
Actually, the word “involved” doesn’t do Argyle High School’s new broadcasting team any justice. If you’ve been to an
Eagles game lately — or you watched it
from home on the Argyle Sports YouTube account — you likely did a double-take when you heard that students were
running the live feed. These students, some as young as sophomores, are
receiving professional coaching and
real-world experience doing everything
related to on-air work. This includes running cables, equipment setup, working with the Eagles’ adult play-by-play and color commentators, operating cameras on the field and from the press box, and creating graphics, highlight reels, feature packages, and everything in between. With the help of many, they are part of something much bigger. And the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
“I just advise and make sure it all goes
okay,” Short said with a laugh. “My whole reason for doing this was to get these
kids chances to build their resume and
portfolio. And now they have the material to do it. They are learning what it takes
to be a professional, and we’ve received great feedback from the community.
To show that to the kids motivates them even more. It has opened up so many possibilities.”
Short never saw herself doing something like this when she started teaching
30 years ago. She had a journalism
background, but she was an English
teacher at the time. Now, she’s the faculty
advisor for Argyle’s student news website, The Talon News, and teaches film, audiovisual production, photography, writing, digital and traditional animation, and
now broadcasting. She has anywhere
from seven to eight students designated specifically for live broadcasts.
“We’ve had to troubleshoot along the way,” she said. “Our home games run pretty smoothly because we have the
equipment there and the whole setup. But when we went to Celina, we had to set up
in the bleachers and drop a 300-foot cable beneath the bleachers. When we went to Texarkana, we were also outside. I think I 16 | ARGYLE LIVING | NOVEMBER 2020
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walked around 23,000 steps up and down the bleachers just at that game alone. It was crazy, but the kids are learning as they go.” Jaime Ramirez, a senior at UNT majoring in converged broadcast media, is the director for the live broadcast. He agreed that Argyle students such as Bobby Volling, Rylie Talk, and Delaney Lechowit are as professional as it gets on game nights. “That is the thing that has separated this crew from others that I have worked with,” Ramirez said. “They are some of the most patient human beings I have ever worked
with, and the experience for me has been irreplaceable. And not just the students, but also people like Blake Jones, Andy Smith, and everyone on the Argyle staff. It’s been great to have a team like this working together. It’s a full-blown operation, and Mrs. Short has done a great job preparing them.”
everyone on campus to jump onboard. “A few days later, I got a text from [Argyle football coach] Todd Rodgers saying
“They are some of the most patient human beings I have ever worked with, and the experience for me has been irreplaceable.”
The idea to have students running Argyle’s live broadcast would never have come to fruition had it not been for the UIL switching gears on its long-established rule of not allowing live broadcasts. In the past, Argyle games could be broadcast 45 minutes after the
game ended. Highlight reels would then be created and posted to The Talon’s website the next morning. This summer, the UIL said it would allow live broadcasts to accommodate fans who could not attend due to COVID-19 reasons or stadium seating capacity restrictions. Short had been visiting with one of the Argyle football coaches about the team’s social media accounts when she first heard the news. Her ears immediately www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com
perked up, and it didn’t take long for
that we were ready to go,” Short said. “The
booster club and Argyle Sports Network were on
board, too. They had the announcers; they just
needed us to operate
the cameras and run the equipment. The booster
club supplied most of the equipment we needed,
and it’s just taken off from
there. Andy Smith and Blake Jones know how to make everything work together, and the kids have taken their new roles and run with them.”
Ramirez agreed, adding that Argyle’s
football team isn’t the only one taking the ball and running with it on game nights. “These students are growing up with
the mindset of, ‘I need to learn as much as I can so that I can help anyone in the
industry,’” he said. “It’s satisfying to hear
that mentality. I know that the future of this industry is very bright.”
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Preventable Dental
EMERGENCY D O N’ T
ENAMEL CARIES
L E T
I T
S T O P
O
Y O U
T R A C K S
ne of the most innovative developments in automobiles is the tire pressure monitoring system that automatically lets you know your tire pressure. It’s very handy, of course, until you are following your child’s bus to his class field trip and get a slow leak that you anxiously watch drop one psi at a time between Fort Worth and San Antonio. Don’t worry, I made it just in time (with 20 psi to spare), but unfortunately in dentistry, our teeth and gums usually lack the ability to give us immediate warning signs to oncoming emergencies.
examinations, most patients are aware of
the necessity to have their teeth cleaned,
but it is also important that your teeth and
gums are monitored for potential tooth or gum disease. Considering that even the
most diligent dental patient is seen twice a year, a lot can occur within six months
when it comes to oral health and catching it early can make all the difference.
When it comes to monitoring tooth decay,
oftentimes the lesion is located in between the teeth, and only a dental radiograph
will illustrate its presence. Small cavities PULPITIS
Y O U R
by Dr. Matt Artho
When making routine dental
DENTIN CARIES
I N
on the chewing surfaces may initially
appear as a stain unless checked by your
dentist. Decay that is unchecked can grow resulting in a great loss of tooth structure or fracture. By the time a tooth begins to
feel pain from extensive decay, it is likely close to the nerve requiring a root canal or extraction. Gum health is also recorded during routine examinations. Periodontal disease is often called the silent dental disease, as it is unnoticeable if not monitored. Bacteria beneath the gums will cause inflammation that results in bone loss around the teeth that cannot be regained. Excessive bone loss could potentially lead to tooth loss. Any of these conditions could quickly cause an unwanted and unexpected emergency. The best method to avoid a dental emergency is to be prepared and preventative. Make sure to keep up your homecare and don’t miss those essential dental appointments.
940.455.7645 | www.CountryLakesDental.com PERIODONTITIS 18 | ARGYLE LIVING | NOVEMBER 2020
info@countrylakesdental.com | 74 McMakin Road | Bartonville, TX 76226
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LIVES CHANGING PEOPLE’S
T H R O U G H
W E I G H T
L O S S
by Steve Gamel | photography by What’s That Guy’s Name? | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GUY T
L
aura Alexis can tell you countless feel-good 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
“There was a red, shining light hovering
approved for long-overdue knee surgery.
rolling my eyes and looking down as I
drop a few pounds before he could be
WITH ZERONA, THERE’S NO DOWNTIME, NO SWELLING, NO BRUISING, NO PAIN, NO HEAT, AND NO COLD. SIMPLY BY LYING DOWN UNDER THE LASER, THE PROCEDURE MAKES TINY TEARS IN FAT CELLS, WHICH ARE NATURALLY ELIMINATED THROUGH THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM. 20 | ARGYLE LIVING | NOVEMBER 2020
over my tummy area, and I remember
Within a few weeks, he went back to his
said, ‘Are you sure this is working? I can’t
no longer necessary because his joints
a Monday, and when I came back two
weight. There was also a patient who, for
excited that I couldn’t wait to get under it
but miraculously cast it aside, and another
transformed me mentally, physically, and
two seats and ask for a seatbelt extender
for others.”
doctor and was told the surgery was
feel anything,’” Laura said. “I did this on
weren’t bearing the brunt of excess
days later and saw the results, I was so
years, relied on a walker to get around
again and push the repeat button. When it
gentleman who always had to purchase
emotionally, I knew I had to do the same
when he’d get on an airplane. They are
And just like that, Innovative Lasers of
both now living their best life.
And then you have Laura herself, who
was depressed and overweight after the loss of her baby boy, Phillip. A doctor
she worked for introduced her to a laser
machine tucked away in a corner, and the rest is history.
Houston was born — and the Zerona Laser would never be stuck in a corner again.
When we caught up with Laura earlier this month, she was smiling from ear to ear.
She shared how Innovative Lasers went
from a single office to six — five in Houston and one in Preston Hollow — while single-
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Laura Alexis handedly changing the weight loss game
“We don’t destroy fat cells; we shrink
it’s all thanks to the Zerona Laser, the
attracted to metal, the Zerona Laser is
several thousand fat cells at a time. And first non-invasive total body contouring
procedure without the adverse side effects of surgical and other
weight loss procedures like liposuction and bariatrics.
With Zerona, there’s no
downtime, no swelling,
no bruising, no pain, no
heat, and no cold. Simply by lying down under
the laser, the procedure
fat cells and sweeps them throughout the
THE ZERONA LASER IS GOOD FOR ANYBODY AND EVERYBODY — REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU WANT TO LOSE FIVE POUNDS OR 105 POUNDS.
fat cells, which are naturally eliminated through the lymphatic system.
Zerona is FDA approved, and patients
experience an average reduction of 3 to 11 inches in two weeks.
While it sounds too good to be true,
there’s a very good reason for such a high
www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com
attracted to fat cells. It creates tears in the body so the content of
makes tiny tears in
success rate.
them,” Laura said. “Like a magnet that is
those cells naturally seep out through bodily fluids such as urine and sweat. When that happens, the results are immediate.”
She added, “We literally change people’s lives with this procedure.
I feel strongly that this
procedure shouldn’t just
be for the rich and famous but also for the average person just like me. I’m here to
troublesome loose skin because the laser stimulates the collagen in your body. “This is all we do, every single day,” Laura said. “We hire the best staff with love and compassion as the main qualification, and because we can deliver results quickly, it has made us very popular.” She added, “These are people who have tried everything under the sun and haven’t seen results like this before. I want to share those stories with the rest of the world”
CALL NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
214.484.2340
help people and change people’s lives.” The Zerona Laser is good for anybody
and everybody — regardless of whether you want to lose ten pounds or 115
pounds. Not only does their laser shrink the fat cells, but patients aren’t left with
InnovativeLasersOfHouston.com NOVEMBER 2020 | ARGYLE LIVING | 21
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FALL
Gardening: Ask The Expert
Arrived HAS
by PJ Kratohvil, Owner of Complete Solutions
T
he cooler air is here, rain has been falling, and the days are shorter. Fall in Texas is probably one of my favorite times of the year, and it’s a great time to make some improvements around your property.
Fire Feature
• Snapdragons.
Fireplaces, pots, and troughs are all great ways to add a feature to your space. Fire tables can also be a big hit! Their sleek design and easy usage make them a great choice for larger groups, whereas fireplaces are ideal for those looking for a more intimate experience. You can’t go wrong incorporating that fire element within your outdoor space. Whether you’re outside enjoying the warmth or inside just looking out, it’s a win-win.
Adding Color
• Chrysanthemums. Chrysanthemums are a common autumn flower in North Texas. ...
• Marigolds are one of the best pick because they bloom in the classic autumn colors: orange, yellow, gold, etc. The two most common
for interest, or running some Edison lights to light up the sky all will enhance your space. When it comes to safety and showing off the dynamics of your property, we suggest LED fixtures. These will help visitors navigate walkways & split level patios while highlighting features at the same time.
groups of marigolds are the French marigolds (Tagetes patula) and the African (Tagetes erecta).
Lighting
With less hours of daylight this time of year, lighting is a great option to extend your usage. Adding some string lights along a handrail to create a boarder, putting some bulbs in a seasonal wreath
• Pansies. Pansies are hardy plants ideal for North Texas winters. ... • Texas Aster. Fall aster blossoms from September to November in North Texas. ...
INTERIOR: 972.539.8258 | EXTERIOR: 214.735.1363 | COMPLETESOLUTIONSDFW.COM
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A
K I C K S TA RT E D
Nonprofit by Steve Gamel | photos courtesy of P.J. Kratohvil
I
t’s no secret that the transition from active military life can be extremely difficult for many of our combat veterans. The mental and physically-disabling conditions they suffer from are overwhelming, and the yearning to recapture the unique brotherhood and sense of community they once had seems like it is lost forever in civilian life.
P.J. Kratohvil and Robbie Horne have lived in that world, and now they’re stepping up in a big way to help their brothers.
together and gets them back to living active lifestyles. They do that by hosting hunting trips and other activities that not only promote health and wellness but help restore that lost brotherhood and reduce or eliminate the life limitations many of these heroes are facing.
Kratohvil, a Marine Corp veteran who served two deployments in Iraq and now owns Complete Exterior Solutions in Flower Mound, has joined with Horne, who served in the It’s all about Founders Robbie Horne, P.J. Kratohvil, and Treasurer Ford Jacobs. same unit, to bringing create Therapeutic Recreation Group. back the power of hope to help build a The nonprofit brings veterans and community of veterans, first responders, first responders from their community and their families. 24 | ARGYLE LIVING | NOVEMBER 2020
“Our vision is to get these guys together, let them know we are here to support them, and let them experience things,” Kratohvil said. “We are looking right here in Flower Mound, Highland Village, and surrounding areas to build a community that supports our veterans, active-duty guys, reservists, and police and fire. We want to help bring guys who are doing great together and point them in the direction of guys who aren’t doing so great.” Kratohvil pointed to several studies that prove that when you can introduce likeminded people who share similar life experiences into an outdoor environment, it allows that individual to decompress and help them open up and begin the healing process. Remember, these are service members who were wounded or traumatized during times of war. By pairing them with Veterans and Active Duty service members who have faced similar situations, they can learn coping www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com
techniques to fit back into society and reengage with their families. Outdoor events are great first steps for this. They introduce something new and allow them to re-live activities they once enjoyed. TRG goes a step further with a follow-up program to keep everyone in touch, help veterans track progress if they wish, and continue to surround them with the support they need to achieve that functioning independence. TRG also provides education to the community by giving free lectures and slideshows at corporate offices and other public venues. They utilize social media channels and the organization’s website to provide facts, statistics, and other related data on causes, current efforts, and solutions geared to help these patriots. “We are incredibly excited to get this kicked off. There are a lot of nonprofits out there that serve and do great things. The ones I’ve worked with fly guys in from all over the country, but beyond the event, there’s no sense of community. We want to establish that,” Kratohvil said. “We want to pull from our community and create that for these people.”
Pictured above, Founders Robbie Horne and P.J. Kratohvil served together in OIF 1 & OIF 2.
Kratohvil said the idea for Therapeutic Recreation Group started a few years ago when he and Horne went on a similar hunting trip. As they were traveling back, they couldn’t stop raving about the experience and how amazing it would be to do something in their communities. With P.J. living in Flower Mound and Horne residing in Austin, they saw an opportunity to create local chapters that served veterans and first responders in a way that truly makes a difference. Their first official trip will be a duck hunt in Arkansas on December 12-13. Kratohvil said they are also planning a steer and hog hunt in January and a few more activities later in 2021. “Who knows where this can go and who it can affect in a positive way,” Kratohvil said. www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com
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RETURN TO
SCHOOL Algorithms
A
by Dr. Rebecca Butler Board Certified in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics
growing body of evidence suggests a return to in-person learning can be accomplished safely, particularly for young children. Throughout the pandemic, childcare centers serving school-age children have successfully operated without significant outbreaks, even in high prevalence areas.
Overall, these algorithms (as shown) provide practical guidance to students, parents, school nurses, administrators, and community pediatricians. They foster confidence in the school community that there is a plan in place to deal with these complex situations. Of course, we must be adaptable as more is learned about this particular virus, available testing and resources, and the practical application of these guidelines. A national mechanism to collect data
on the usage and effectiveness of these algorithms could prove useful in continuing to support “schools as healthy places” as more and more students return to in-person learning. Additionally, realtime evaluation of the effectiveness of these algorithms must occur in partnership with our schools and
local pediatric healthcare providers to crystalize the new knowledge obtained as children return to in-person schooling. This novel coronavirus will be with us for years to come. These plans are the first of many steps in balancing the health and education of our children.
940.455.7200 | www.LantanaPediatrics.com
74 McMakin Rd., Ste. 100 • Bartonville, TX 76226
FLU SHOTS AVAILABLE
Mon, Tues, Thurs: 7:30am-6pm | Wed: 7:30am-1pm | Fri: 7:30am-5pm | Sat: 9am-12pm
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Difference M A K I N G
F O R
W O U N D E D
A
V E T S
by Steve Gamel | photos courtesy of Operation Mutt22
J
ustin Rie was convinced that it would take a lot of hard work and at least a good 10 years before anyone would know what Operation Mutt22 was and how they could help deserving combat veterans.
He was spot-on about the hard work part. The whole “10 years” thing was way off base. In two short years, Operation Mutt22 has become another beacon of light in the nonprofit community. The Lantana-based organization, which is run jointly by Rie and Jacob Robinson and now has a second facility in Tennessee, trains and delivers service dogs to veterans who return home suffering from extreme emotional and physical trauma that is often too difficult to overcome alone.
“Honestly, I’m still in disbelief,” Rie said of the program’s growth. “The amount of growth is unbelievable, and it’s gone beyond helping people in Dallas. We just sent one dog to Tennessee to be trained, and it will eventually move on to help someone in Montana. We are helping people, and that’s a great feeling.”
“THE AMOUNT OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT WE’VE RECEIVED TO CONTINUE OPERATING HAS BEEN TREMENDOUS.”
They’ve managed to place 44 dogs in that stretch and have gone beyond veterans to also help domestic violence victims, rape victims, sexually-abused children, and families of fallen soldiers.
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hesitation, he accepted his wife’s advice to get a service dog. Seeing the benefits in his own life, he wants to help others benefit. To receive a service dog through Veteran Affairs is roughly a three-year process — an overwhelmingly long wait time for those men and women who have served our country. Operation Mutt22 provides its services at no cost to the person
The idea for the foundation stems from Rie’s personal experiences. After serving in the Marines, Rie experienced life-altering PTSD from his time in the field. His condition was so severe that it took him six years just to feel comfortable going to the movies with his wife. With
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in need and can do so much faster. Beginning with basic obedience training, the team gradually guides the dogs in their program to behave appropriately in various environments and serve the specific need of the veteran. This can include PTSD alerting, seizure response, or serving as a mobility or stability partner. “The amount of community support we’ve received to continue operating has been tremendous,” Justin said. “There are no salaries. There are no paychecks. Every dime goes to a vet or a dog, and we’ve
never stopped operating — even during COVID-19. People believe in us and what we are doing.” The trainers at Operation Mutt22 are committed to instructing these amazing animals promptly and to be of assistance throughout a veteran’s journey with their dog. Veterans are encouraged to send an application for a service dog to operationmutt22@gmail.com and visit the foundation’s Facebook page Operation Mutt22. Contact their office for more information at 903.556.0882. www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com
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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
WE ARE
Holidays & MENTAL HEALTH
W
ith the holidays approaching, the Denton County Sheriff’s Office Mental
Health Unit/ Crisis Intervention Team is aware that the majority of people with mental illness report that the holidays make their conditions
worse. The holidays don’t necessarily worsen mental health conditions
specifically, but they tend to create
more stress. The resulting stress can then trigger or exacerbate mental
health conditions, such as depression
or anxiety. DCSO Investigators assigned to the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)
use their dual certifications as Peace
Officers and Certified Mental Health
Officers to obtain the most appropriate placement for individuals assessed
for emergency commitment. The CIT
provides the citizens of Denton County
with professional law enforcement mental health assessments and transportation of the mentally ill. In doing so, the CIT conducts emergency apprehension
and detentions independently and in
HIRING
If you are interested in a career in Law Enforcement, join our family and be a part of a great organization. Detention Officer I positions start at $38,752.00 per year. Visit our website to apply. www.governmentjobs.com/ careers/dentoncounty
with the goal of reducing the number of mentally ill persons being inappropriately incarcerated in the Denton County Jail and other detention facilities within the county. Please remember that if your feelings of sadness during the holidays are accompanied by suicidal thoughts, do one of the following immediately: •
Call 911.
the Local Mental Health Authority (LMHA).
•
Go immediately to a hospital emergency room.
with the Local Mental Health Authority
•
Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.TALK (1.800.273.8255).
conjunction with Denton County MHMR,
The CIT remains in constant cooperation and area law enforcement agencies to
comply with jail diversion requirements
940.349.1600 | 127 N. WOODROW LN., STE. 300 • DENTON, TX 76205 | DENTONCOUNTY.COM/DEPARTMENTS/SHERIFF.ASPX www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com
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Increasing
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS by Precinct 4 Commissioner Dianne Edmondson photo courtesy by Commissioner Dianne Edmondson
S
adly, we all know someone who’s been affected by breast cancer --a wife, mother, relative, or even a neighbor here in our own block. While there has been considerable progress in the fight against breast cancer, it continues to be the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States. As such, it is important to continue increasing awareness of the disease that affects more than 300,000 additional women and their families each year.
When you look at the statistics, 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop cancer in her lifetime. Men are affected by breast cancer as well. In 2020, an estimated 2,620 men will be diagnosed this year in the U.S. Today, there are more than an estimated 3.5 million breast cancer survivors. As public officials, your Denton County Commissioners are aware and concerned about this devastating disease. To demonstrate our concern, the Denton County Commissioners Court issued a proclamation on Oct. 20 to affirm our commitment in supporting the education of all residents about breast cancer as well as risk factors, early detection, treatment and support services.
...Denton County Commissioners Court issued a proclamation on Oct. 20 to affirm our commitment in supporting the education of all residents about breast cancer...
In 2020, an estimated 276,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S. as well as 48,530 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.
We want to give special recognition to our community’s breast cancer survivors who have or are battling the disease as well as to their families and friends who provide encouragement and support, and especially to those who have lost a loved one to this awful disease. Whether it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October or any of the other 11 months of the year, we want to offer our full support to those who are dealing with this invasive disease.
To receive a newsletter contact Dianne Edmondson at | Dianne.Edmondson@dentoncounty.com OR CALL AT 972.434.3960. www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com
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