35 West Magazines January 2022 by Murray Media Group

JANUARY 2022

things

COUNTRY LAKES FAMILY DENTAL Ringing in the NEW YEAR

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fever

children O

ne of the most common concerns we see in our clinic is for the febrile child. Most children will get a fever in response to an illness, and fortunately, most fevers are

not harmful. In fact, it’s a sign that the body is working! A specific part of the brain

is responsible for regulating the temperature of our bodies at around 98.6℉ or 37°C. When the brain senses a change requiring a change in body temperature, it will raise the normal temperature to help fight off an infection. A true fever is considered any temperature above 100.4℉ or 38°C. Except in newborns less than a month old, most fevers can be cared for at home. If a baby is less than one month of age and has a fever measured rectally, they should be taken to an emergency room immediately as it could be a sign of a severe infection. However, for older infants and children, treatment with overthe-counter

medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) along with plenty of fluids and rest, is sufficient. It is important to remember that treating the fever will not treat the underlying illness, but it will help the child feel and sleep better until the illness passes. If the child is otherwise acting normally (wanting to play, able to drink water, urinating normally), it is safe to keep them at home and rest. Once the fever persists longer than 5 days above 102℉ or 38.8°C, the child should be evaluated by a physician for a possible bacterial infection. It is important to note that a higher temperature does not necessarily mean a worse or more severe infection. What we like to see and hear in the clinic is that the child is wellhydrated and wants to play! by Dr. Janet Webb

940.455.7200 | LantanaPediatrics.com 74 McMakin Rd., Ste. 100 • Bartonville, TX 76226 Mon, Tues, Thurs: 7:30am-6pm | Wed: 7:30am-1pm Fri: 7:30am-5pm | Sat: 9am-12pm

contents

in the NEW YEAR

ARTICLES 04

FEVER IN CHILDREN

10 HOT VALENTINE’S DAY GIFTS

2022: A YEAR FOR SETTING GOALS

HOME DECORATING WITH POSH HOME STAGING & REDESIGN

TA B L E O F

Ringing 22 19

SHERIFF’S CORNER WITH SHERIFF TRACY MURPHREE

INSIDE COMMUNITY AND EDUCATION

THE BIG GAME

5 THINGS TO TRY

FEATURED

ISAAC SMITH FOR CONGRESS POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT

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ONCE IN A LIFETIME COURTNEY LASATER

COMMUNITY CLOTHES CLOSET IN JUSTIN CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY

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

Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Optimism

2022 W IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS IN

ell, the holiday season is officially behind us, and 2022 is already here. Can you believe it? Where did the time go? It seems like just yesterday

that we were sending the kiddos back to school in triple-

digit temperatures, and I can remember getting ready for Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season as if it were yesterday. But here we are, almost to February. Wow! They say time flies when you’re having fun and, while I definitely had a lot of fun this year, I have even more optimism as I look forward to another new year.

As we start to ponder how we’re going to make 2022 better than last year — personally, professionally, spiritually, etc. — I urge you all to reflect on 2021. Regardless of whether or not you nailed this past year, I’d be willing to bet that you still learned and grew in ways that you never expected this year. I know I did. And I’m sure we will take all of those lessons and put them to good use this year. That’s what I love about life – you never know what the next day (or, in this case, the next year) is going to bring. It’s the unexpected challenges that help us grow the most. We sure are happy to share our lives with each and every one of you. Enjoy your family, cherish your friends, always be kind, laugh often, and find unique and inspiring ways to make the best of even the bad days.

Administration

Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editor Bobbi Byrne

Writers

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

Advertising Inquiries

sales@murray-media.com

Production

Graphic Designers Michele Cunningham-Scott Cayla Thompson Arynn Tomson Hallie Preece

Photography

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

Letters

35 West Magazine invites reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments. Email artwork@murray-media.com. All submissions become the sole property of Murray Media Group.

Editorial Inquiries Call Caylie Howard at 972.899.3637 or email editor@murray-media.com www.Murray-Media.com Address: 3513 Yucca Dr., Ste. 200 Flower Mound, TX 75028 35 West Magazine is published monthly by Murray Media Group. Some articles and/or content may be sponsored by advertisers. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. 35 West Magazine is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Advertisers and its agencies assume all liability for advertising content. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission in writing from the publisher. © 2022 Murray Media Group

Cheers to 2022!

Sincerely, Kelly Kelly Murray Murray 6 | 35 WEST | JANUARY 2022

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POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT

by Caylie Howard | photos courtesy of isaacsmithforcongress.com

“T

o whom much is given, much is required.” This is what Isaac Smith has based his life on and what has started his journey of running for Congress. Isaac has been married to his wife, Tabitha, a nurse at Denton Presbyterian Hospital, for 14 years. Together, Isaac and

Tabitha have 2 beautiful adopted children. pandemic, Isaac’s business exploded and

dual citizenship until he was 17. “My parents

saw great success. “It was a great year for us

were missionaries in Mexico and I couldn’t wait

financially and when we asked God what we

to move to America to pursue the American

should do with our funds, we felt he told us to

Dream,” Isaac said. In 2011, a few years after his

pay off our home, so that’s what we did,” Isaac

move to the United States, Isaac made his way

said. “I love doing inspections; however, I’ve

to Texas and he’s called both Flower Mound

put my business to bed in order to follow God’s

and Highland Village his home ever since.

command to run for office.”

Isaac has a very faith-based background and

Isaac stands by his conservative and Christ-

lives his life accordingly. So, upon making

based values. “A lot of people don’t know that

Flower Mound their home, Isaac and Tabitha

they’re conservative but my wife and I know it.

quickly sought out the perfect church to call

And not only do we know it, but we also live it,”

home. After many different church visits, they

Isaac said.

Creek Church. “We knew that was where we were supposed to be and we’ve been there ever since,” Isaac said.

Isaac’s conservative beliefs are strongly represented in his stance on political issues. Some of his policy beliefs regard the freedom of choice when it comes to COVID

In 2013, Isaac started a small business

vaccines, election integrity, solutions to illegal

inspecting homes. Last year, during the

immigration, political term limits, support of

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life and making adoption a more accessible option, having a flat rate tax plan, and the support of the use and discovery of fossil fuels.

Isaac was born in Mexico and lived there with

finally found the perfect church family at Valley

the second and first amendments, being pro-

For the past 15 years, Isaac has paid great attention to politics and has always had strong opinions on what’s happening in our country. However, that being said, running for office was never something that Isaac believed he would do. “I was never one to have the desire to run for political office. However, I felt that this is what God has laid out for me to do,” Isaac said. “The position of a person in Congress is to represent the people and is held in high regard and should not be taken lightly,” Isaac said. With Isaac’s passion for his faith, his family, and his Christ-like values, he believes that he will have the character & strength to return integrity to the office and hopes to be able to humbly represent the people of our great state in his run for Congress.

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I’ve put my business to bed in order to follow God’s command to run for office.

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COURTNEY LASATER by Caylie Howard | photos courtesy of Roger Lasater

inding a truly kind, generous, and motivational person is sometimes a once in a lifetime experience. This is what

Roger Lasater found in the love of his life, Courtney. She was the light in the darkness. She was the sun that rose in the morning. She loved her husband and their son, Evan, with everything she had. Sadly, in 2016, Courtney passed away from metastatic breast cancer. Even though Courtney is no longer here, her amazing and inspiring legacy lives on. Courtney began working as a community sales manager with Taylor Morrison in 2011. Shortly after beginning her career with the well-known business, Courtney was diagnosed with her illness. “The company couldn’t have been better or more supportive with Courtney and her diagnosis,” Courtney’s husband, Roger said. After Courtney’s passing, Taylor Morrison decided to do something special for the woman that touched the lives of so many. When the company did their floor plan revamps for the Texas Region at The Ridge at Northlake, the company decided to name one of them The Courtney. “It was a complete surprise to me,” Roger said. The house was truly designed to keep the beautiful memory of Courtney alive. The master bathroom displayed her book called “Infused: My Story of Cancer, Hope and Love.” There were also photos displayed of Courtney, Roger and Evan throughout the entire floor plan. But Taylor Morrison didn’t just stop there. They took one of the children’s bedrooms and turned it into a perfect representation of Evan. Courtney and Roger were Aggies with hopes to turn Evan into an Aggie. The bedroom was decked out in Aggie memorabilia, boots, as well as pictures of Evan with all of his family members displayed all around the room. “Evan walked in and saw it and said ‘this is my room’,”

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cont...

Roger recalled. “It was a very emotional and proud day.” Courtney’s work ethic is something that was truly special about her. When the people that worked with her think of Courtney, it’s hard not to think about her dedication and drive when it came to her job. “Courtney never used her cancer as an excuse. She would have chemo on a Monday and be back at work on Wednesday, which is incredible,” Roger said. Courtney continually pushed herself to be the best version of herself that she could be. This positive trait about her was something that continues to put things in perspective for others. “I tell all of my sales employees at Taylor Morrison to treat every day like it’s the most important day of your life,” Roger said. Through Courtney’s battle, it became obvious to both Roger and Courtney that you truly don’t know what someone else is going through. “If someone isn’t kind to you at a grocery store, it could be that they just came from a hard chemo

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treatment,” Roger said. “You would be shocked at what goes on in other people’s lives. It’s truly eye-opening.” Courtney Lasater was the perfect example of what true strength and grace really look like. Her ability to fight her battle with cancer while also inspiring others and changing the lives of everyone around her shows that Courtney was and always will be a once in a lifetime.

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Ringing in

the new year with a giving heart by Steve Gamel | Photography by Live Beautifully Photography & Your Candid Memories Photography

entistry is what the team at Country Lakes Family Dental does best. Possessing both the knowledge and

compassion to treat the entire family, this dental office is well-known for its versatility and welcoming atmosphere. Those who know them best know they are consistent giving members of their communities. They not only make themselves available to their patients in times of need but are distinguished among local organizations as dependable and bighearted contributors. To ring in the new year, we recognize the many accomplishments Country Lakes Family Dental has made possible to our community through their charitable giving. Led by Dr. Matt Artho and Dr. Lauren Smits, Country Lakes has served Lantana and surrounding communities since 2012. They have a patient-first attitude where children look forward to going to the dentist, and adults feel confident that comfort and convenience are top priorities. Earning his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree at Texas A&M College of Dentistry in 2011, Dr. Matt extended his stay to complete an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency where he acquired advanced training in cosmetic and surgical procedures. Dr. Matt has also received additional training in orthodontics for both adults and children with traditional brackets and Invisalign treatment. His consistency in education earned him a Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry in 2020. Dr. Lauren is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame. She received her dental degree from the Indiana University of Dental School.

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“We are focused on our patients. But our patients have lives outside of our office, and we want to support them,” Dr. Matt said. “I take being rooted in our community seriously, and it’s not just me. We are all called to be charitable.”

When it comes to being an active contributor to

An office of profound knowledge, technology,

the community, Dr. Matt has always envisioned

comfort, and giving, Country Lakes Family

the practice to be a haven for the local

Dental is so much more than your standard

neighborhoods, schools, and organizations.

dental office. Clearly, Dr. Matt and the team at

“We are focused on our patients. But our patients have lives outside of our office, and

Country Lakes Family Dental are headed in the right direction.

we want to support them,” Dr. Matt said. “I take being rooted in our community seriously, and it’s not just me. We are all called to be charitable.” Their support list includes Mission Moms, Ranch Hands Rescue, Grace Like Rain, and the Lantana Ladies League. These organizations and many more allow Dr. Matt, Dr. Lauren, and their staff to touch so many lives. Dr. Matt and his wife, Leigh Ann, are continuously recognized for

In addition to her heart of gold, Dr. Lauren’s experience with digital impression and digital crown fabrication services is out of this world. They also do 3D imaging and laser dental treatment that replaces the common drill and doesn’t require an anesthetic. Considering how they care for their patients, the advancements Country Lakes Dental possesses nowadays are top-of-the-line. They are perfect for cosmetic dentistry, pediatrics, implant dentistry, endodontics, orthodontics, and geriatric dentistry. With all-digital impressions and 3D printing, patients can avoid uncomfortable “goopy” impressions, allowing for more accurate, digitally preplanned treatment of both traditional and Invisalign orthodontic care as well as TMJ and sleep appliances. Their prosthetic scanners and milling equipment also allow for precisely fitting same-day crowns without temporaries or lab wait times.

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their selfless work, and the practice itself has been recognized as a Best of Denton County winner for the last nine years in a row. The team not only finds new ways to give back to their community but to their patients, too. Though they have always been known to offer benefits to military members, seniors, and clergy, they are especially proud of their VIP plan for loyal patients. The plan itself is a program to benefit patients who struggle with the cumbersome experiences of insurance. With so many patients moving away from insurance and insurance companies determining providers, their VIP plan allows patients with any insurance plan or no plan at all to continue to receive care at an affordable cost. Unlike insurance, patients do not need to worry about denied or dictated treatment and there is no maximum to the benefits. Of course, the VIP plan includes all the services expected including routine and preventative care, and best of all, all x-rays are always free.

940.455.7645 COUNTRYLAKESDENTAL.COM 74 MCMAKIN RD., STE. 200 • BARTONVILLE, TX 76226 JANUARY 2022 | 35 WEST | 23

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COMMUNITY clothes closet

JUSTIN Celebrates 10th anniversary

by Steve Gamel | photos courtesy of Community Clothes Closet

wen St. Clair didn’t bat an eye when she casually mentioned that she, Executive Director Joanna Johnson, and the rest of the great folks at the Community Clothes Closet in Justin were going to celebrate the organization’s 10th anniversary all month long in January.

After all, no rule says you have to observe an anniversary for just one day. Not to mention, 10 years is a big deal. “We’ve managed to keep it going all this time with volunteer help,” St. Clair said. “Who knew it would last this long?” Somehow, St. Clair knew it would. She had been working at a booth at a local antique shop when Johnson came up with the idea of opening a charitable Christian outreach shop that provides free clothing to individuals and families in need. Their clients could range from families struggling financially to those who recently suffered an unforeseen hardship such as job loss, fire or flood, surgery, or something in between. Regardless of the reason, the Community Clothes Closet would be there to help if someone was struggling. And rather than have their efforts sponsored or funded through a government entity, church, or other organization, they’d operate independently, all while relying heavily on the kind hearts of volunteers, residents, and community groups to help keep shelves full and hangers loaded. Their goal is to provide clothing for everyday life — complete with a shopping experience unlike any other.

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“The people in our community and surrounding communities donate their clothing to us because they know it’s going to others in our community who really need it,” St. Clair said. “We sort everything and put them into categories. There’s a men’s area, children’s area, maternity area, etc. And they come in by appointment and shop.” The growth that the Community Clothes Closet has experienced over the past 10 years is mindboggling. Their first location was a small room inside the Justin Trading Post. Five months later, they leased a warehouse. By May 2017, they were in a three-building complex, and a bonus building fulfilled their dream of a retail outlet. Today, they serve an average of 156 families each month with everything from shirts and pants to shoes, socks, kids’ clothes, jackets, new underwear, toys, and more. Those families represent 64 communities, including Justin, Denton, Fort Worth, Rhome, Ponder, Decatur, Krum, Little Elm, Keller, and Argyle. Since 2012, the Community Clothes Closet has distributed 593,240 items, with 82,471 of those items being donated in 2021 alone. And when you factor in that the average cost per item

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at a traditional thrift store is $3, they’ve saved families approximately $1,779,720 that can instead be used for housing, food, and other essentials. “We had a woman come to us six months ago. She was getting ready to have shoulder surgery, and her doctor had told her that she needed a bunch of button-up shirts to wear during her recovery,” St. Clair said. “Rather than go to Walmart, she thought of us first. We ended up giving her a bunch of men’s shirts to help her through. And when she was [healed], she brought them all back. The point is that everyone’s needs are different, and we want to help whenever possible.” She added, “People put our name out there on social media whenever someone is asking for help.”

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cont... Because the Community Clothes Closet is an all-volunteer group, cash donations are needed to continue this important community outreach. They are always in need of kids’ clothes as well as gently-used clothing in all sizes for men, women, and teens. They also are looking for businesses, churches, service organizations, and individuals who will pledge donations or would like to help raise funds. “Everyone needs a little help every now and then, and since it’s our 10th anniversary, what a great time to talk about this and continue to get the word out,” St. Clair said. The Community Clothes Closet now provides families with free clothing by appointment only! Those appointments are available six to eight times per month and include a Saturday and Sunday, and they can be scheduled through their Facebook page, by calling 817.291.8872, or by visiting https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule. php?owner=19997266.

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