MAY/JUNE 2021 THE HOME ESSENTIALS ISSUE
Helping You Get The
MOST OUT OF
LIFE
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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID LEWISVILLE, TX PERMIT NO. 977
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TABLE OF Contents ASK THE EXPERTS
30 Gardening with Complete Solutions 48 Fitness with Jesse James fit 58 Dentistry with Country Lakes Family Dental BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS 25 Decorating Den Interiors: Using A Professional Designer Never Goes Out of Style 35 Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center: Hollywood’s Anti-Aging Secrets Are Right Here In Flower Mound PHOTOS FROM LANTANA 22 Guyer Senior Prom 36 Guyer Senior Prom Continued 00 Guyer Senior Prom Continued ARTICLES 08 10 Hot Backyard Decorating Tips 11 In Memory of Dylan Dorrell 12 Women’s Health 14 Supporting and Empowering 16 Inside Community and Education 18 Car Sickness 20 Denton County Spotlight: Leaving A Legacy In A Rose Farm 26 Celebrating Strength, Wisdom & Community 29 Sheriff’s Corner With Sheriff Tracy Murphree 38 Adding Deliciousness To Texas Kitchens 43 U.S. 377 Fort Worth Drive 44 Remarkable Warriors 47 An All-The-Way Mindset 50 Broken Halos Haven 53 5 Things To Try 56 Quick Home Makeover Tips
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32
Helping You Get The
MOST OUT OF
LIFE
Cover Image starting from the left: Graham, Jared & Mike Douglas.
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MAY 2021 | LANTANA LIVING | 5
Publisher of Murray Media Group, kelly@murray-media.com Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray
Administration
Happy Home I know y’all are going to think I’m off my rocker here, but now that the calendar has already flipped to May, I’m thinking about summertime, and that trusty Home Depot jingle from the TV commercials is stuck on a loop in my brain. As Home Depot likes to say, “how doers get more done.” Or maybe it’s “Dream it. Do it.” Whatever the case may be, it’s May. And before you know it, it’ll be June. That means it’s time to get outside and start following through with all of those home improvement projects you’ve been adding to your Pinterest boards all winter. With the smell of sunshine in the air comes that feeling of excitement as we dream of all the home design and decor possibilities — inside and outside, of course — to refresh our homes and give us that oasis we’ve long dreamed of. No matter the size of your project, this issue is chock-full of design ideas and local connections to help get you started. No offense to our friends at Home Depot, but we happen to know a few design and home improvement pros who are small business owners right here in Denton County. If you need a name, just let us know — we’ll throw you five or six! Within the pages of this month’s magazine, you’ll find an article with 10 Hot Backyard Decorating Trends to help you get excited to start your updates. If that doesn’t inspire your creativity, check out our 5 Things to Try, where we showcase some of Denton County’s finest cocktails. Hey, if you’re going to dream about making changes to your happy home, you might as well have a cool drink to sip on. Thank you so much for picking up a copy of this month’s magazine.
Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors Bobbi Byrne Alisha Tran
Editor & Writer Steve Gamel
Writers
Caylie Howard, Diane Ciarloni Jade Kensington, Jean Eisenmann Leena Duwadi, Rebecca Beer
Advertising Inquiries
sales@murray-media.com
Production
Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Cayla Thompson Fernando Gomez
Photography
Miranda Longoria Photography Your Candid Memories Photography What’s That Guy’s Name? Guy T Photography
Letters
Lantana 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
Lantana 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. Lantana 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. © 2021 Murray Media Group
Sincerely, Kelly Murray 6 | LANTANA LIVING | MAY 2021
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HOT
BACKYARD DECORATING TIPS
1. USING YOUR BACKYARD AS AN OFFICE Many people have found themselves moving their office space to their home in the past year. It can be draining looking at the same four walls day in and day out, not to mention the distractions that come from having your home also function as your office. You might find a change of scenery much more appealing by taking the office outdoors to a serene backyard. Just add a functional wooden desk and connect your computer to a hotspot. You might find that some fresh air will do a world of difference. 2. ADDING A PERGOLA With the summer months fast approaching, it’s safe to say that Texas is about to start heating up. So that you are able to enjoy the peace and beauty of the outdoors during those scorching summer months, it might be a good idea to look into adding a pergola 8 | LANTANA LIVING | MAY 2021
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to your outdoor oasis. The added shade will allow relief from the sun so that you are able to entertain and relax outside all summer long. 3. CREATING A GARDEN OF FOOD TO ENJOY Not only is it super convenient to have food ready to eat growing in your backyard, but
it can also be extremely beautiful. The different vibrant colors of the vegetable and fruits add a positive and joyful appearance. You can also dress up your garden by adding raised garden beds and beautiful pots to decorate your outdoor living space. 4. BORROWING A VIEW Do you ever wish that you had more yard to admire? Sometimes, we have bigger
dreams than what our actual space will allow. This is where borrowing a view comes
into play. If you have a neighbor that shares your love for a beautiful outdoor space, you could create a doorway or fence leading from your yard that makes it appear that your yard goes on far longer than it actually does.
8. MAKING YOUR SPACE ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY The desire for more low-maintenance and sustainable yards is growing every day. With people’s busy schedules, it’s not always feasible to keep on top of taking care of outdoor plants. You could consider adding in more pollinator plants that are attracting more birds and bees – such as lavenders or plants that have berries. These plants don’t take much effort, and they also give back to the environment. 9. FIRESCAPING
5. CREATING THE MOOD YOU DESIRE If you aren’t looking to create a more livable and entertainable outdoor space, you
might consider transforming your backyard oasis into a place that will enhance your mood. You could add bright colors to create a joyful presence, or you could even look into creating a beautiful and relaxing waterfall to add tranquility to your life. 6. IT’S TIME TO PLAY With so many families choosing to place their children in at-home learning, it can be
With the outrageous number of wildfires that have taken place around our country in recent years, it’s understandable that people might want to take safety precautions by adding fire-resistant landscapes. By adding plants that have moist leaves closest to the house such as coral bells and low-growing sages, it helps to protect your home from damage.
hard to help children find a way to release all of that pent-up energy from staying inside
10. ADDING SIDE GATES
artificial turf or even multipurpose concrete pads for a small basketball court. Another
A new pandemic-approved addition is to add a side gate to your backyard living space. By adding a side gate, you can feel safe in having friends and family come to join you in relaxing in the comfort of your updated outdoor living area. With a side gate, your guests can avoid walking through the privacy of your home and can easily just go straight through to your backyard.
all day. You could choose to create an outdoor fun space for your kids by adding in fun option if you have trees is to add a hanging swing from the branches. 7. EXPANDING TO THE FRONT
With the recent social distancing that we’ve put in place, you might have found yourself missing the interactions of your neighbors and friends. By making your front yard more livable, you will be able to interact with friends while also having your own space. You could add a beautiful fire pit or create a front patio with rockers and lounge chairs to enjoy the company of your friends and neighbors. www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
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WOMEN’S
“I felt so much better. I had so much more energy. Why didn’t my previous doctors do this?”
HEALTH
— Hormone Replacement Therapy Client
M
enopause. The dreaded word that makes most women cringe. Most immediately think about hot flashes, but there is so much more involved. Menopause is caused by declining ovarian function which ultimately decreases estrogen production. The symptoms produced by menopause include insomnia, night sweats, fatigue, depression/anxiety, skin thinning due to loss of elasticity, bladder problems, and vaginal dryness. Those are the symptoms women feel and notice daily. However, there are other dangerous effects of low-to-absent estrogen levels. The risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease increase during menopause. So, how do women combat the daily symptoms as well as the underlying disease risks with each passing day? One answer is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT). In 2002, an alarming news report came out discussing synthetic estrogen hormone replacement and the subsequent increase in heart disease and cancer. Unfortunately, this report did not highlight the fact that the study involved analyzing chemically altered synthetic hormones only. In fact,
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by Stephanie Stovall, Nurse Practitioner
All hormone replacement treatments are NOT created equal. bioidentical hormones produce the opposite effects according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2004. This makes sense considering our own hormones are beneficial to the function and well-being of our bodies. Once we lose those hormones, problems and deterioration can occur. Thus, we should be replacing
those hormones with identical hormones rather than synthetic hormones, which contain over 10 different estrogens not found within the body. All hormone replacement treatments are not created equal. This therapy requires ongoing and close monitoring by licensed medical providers, and the medication must be obtained by quality compounding pharmacies. Knowing the distinction between synthetic and bioidentical hormones in regards to HRT make a world of difference in not only how you feel but also your quality of life. Including bioidentical estrogen supplementation during menopause will not only alleviate the symptoms of menopause but can also improve bone density, enhance cardiovascular health, and decrease your risk of strokes.
So what’s next? At Live Young Wellness Spa, we provide bioidentical HRT in the forms of estrogen as well as testosterone and progesterone. All of our providers go to yearly training focused specifically in the field of HRT. Our goal is to help patients find that feeling they once had when they were younger as well as improve their health and wellness along the way. Our new location in the Castle Hills area is currently open and is accepting new HRT patients, and we would love to help you optimize your hormones.
972.691.7900 | liveyoungspa.com 2931 Long Prairie Rd, Ste.100 Flower Mound, TX 75022
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Stephanie Stovall, Nurse Practitioner Stephanie Stovall is a certified and licensed Nurse Practitioner and co-owner of Live Young Wellness Spa - Castle Hills. Stephanie began her nursing career in 2002 after graduating Magna Cum Laude from the University of Texas at Arlington. After spending her career as a pediatric and neonatal intensive care unit nurse, Stephanie received her first Master’s degree in Nursing Administration soon followed by her second Master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner. At Live Young Wellness Spa, Stephanie performs injectables and specializes in the medical management of our Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy patients. Stephanie has been married for almost 18 years and is a mother of three girls ages 12, 8, and 4.
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SUPPORTING AND
EMPOWERING
S
by Jean Eisenmann | photos courtesy of the Glenn Garcelon Foundation
ome individuals seem to embody goodness and generosity, living their lives dedicated to performing acts of kindness and selflessness. Putting others first to make the world a better place comes as naturally to them as breathing. One such man, Glenn Garcelon, was a beloved source of humanitarianism to a lot of people. Many lost their source of light when he passed away, though peacefully, in 2008 after a three-and-a-half-year battle with glioblastoma multiforme brain cancer.
Glenn left this world fueling his family
Thanks to his family, Glenn’s altruism lives on.
support brain tumor patients and their
Glenn made an impact on improving the lives of others everywhere. He enjoyed a 30-year career with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Denton Regional Headquarters (FEMA) aiding victims of natural disasters. Much of his free time was spent volunteering at a crisis call center, reading books on tape for the blind, and regularly donating blood and plasma. Glenn supported a multitude of other humanitarian causes, such as Doctors Without Borders, Habitat for Humanity, and the Red Cross. Those are just a few of his volunteer efforts, and then there was precious time spent with wife, Gail, and daughters, Nicole and Danielle. “Glenn’s smile lit up the darkest of rooms, as he radiated a happiness and vibrancy that spread to everyone around him,” Gail reflected. 14 | LANTANA LIVING | MAY 2021
with the inspiration to carry on his legacy of paying it forward. In 2011, the Glenn Garcelon Foundation became a reality.
The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization was
founded with a mission to empower and families by awarding grants to pay for
expenses that are beyond their means.
The eight compassionate board members hail from all across the country, while Gail and her daughters serve on the executive board.
“To coin a phrase made popular by realtors and applying it to a brain tumor, ‘it’s all
about location,’” Gail explained. “When
a tumor is located in the brain, it creates www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
life-altering changes to every part of the
Fundraisers are held in Texas, Oregon, Colorado, and Arizona. “We started out wanting
victim suffers cognitive damage and severe
states,” Gail, who now lives in Coppell, said with a smile.
body. In addition to physical challenges, the personality changes, all of which inevitably
lead to job loss, relationship breakups, and other tremendous hardships.”
Monetary grants from the Glenn Garcelon Foundation are used to ease financial
burdens compounding the overwhelming stress of the disease itself. That means the recipient may choose to pay the
mortgage, rent, utilities, insurance, purchase specialized equipment, or whatever is most necessary to ease the load. “Grants have been awarded in 47 states, plus Puerto
Rico,” Gail stated proudly. “As of March 31st, the Foundation has issued 388 grants, and 58 of those have been in Texas.”
Grant applications are accepted through
to hold a fundraiser in every state where our family had lived, but there were too many
The Foundation’s vision is to be fierce in the pursuit of support for brain tumor patients who are in physical, emotional, and financial need. Their annual fundraisers are key
to both raising awareness and donations. The Taste of Hope Galas was held in Texas,
Oregon, and Colorado. Arizona’s Denim & Diamonds, held in March, was initiated by a benevolent woman who herself suffered from a brain tumor, but didn’t need the financial assistance. She just wanted to help the cause.
These special events are wonderfully orchestrated, enjoyed by all who attend, and so
necessary to the foundation’s objective. “Sadly, all events were cancelled this year due to COVID-19, but we’ll be back next year,” Gail promised with conviction. As of this
writing, the Glenn Garcelon Foundation Golf Classic was held on May 2nd, marking
their 10th year at Tour 18 in Flower Mound. Foundation Board Member Trent Tice of Lantana, whose idea it was to hold the event, serves as tournament coordinator. The distinctive logo representing the Foundation is the image of an oak tree.
Its “branches” bear the image of people with their arms stretched upward. The tree signifies the Foundation’s commitment to reaching out and paying it forward.
the website glenngarcelonfoundation.
It’s been said that Glenn Garcelon “grew people,” guiding and encouraging them to
United States with a primary brain tumor.
and lived a life firmly rooted in his commitment to aiding and empowering others.
org and open to all patients living in the
discover their full potential. Strong, like that oak tree, he reached out to those in need
IT’S BEEN SAID THAT GLENN GARCELON “GREW PEOPLE,” GUIDING & ENCOURAGING THEM TO DISCOVER THEIR FULL POTENTIAL. STRONG, LIKE THAT OAK TREE.
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INSIDE COMMUNITY
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LANTANA MAN PAYS IT FORWARD
DENTON COUNTY MRC AWARDED Denton County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) has been selected as a 2021 MRC Program National Recognition Awardee for Community Response in COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts! This is an incredible honor and would not be possible without the amazing volunteers that stepped up for our community. We can not thank them enough! If you’d like to join Denton County MRC, sign up at mrc.dentoncounty.gov/. photo courtesy of Denton County, TX social media page
INSIDE EDUCATION
Dave Eaton was saved by a good samaritan and Bartonville police officer after collapsing from a heart attack while jogging on Lantana Trail. The officer was able to use an AED and administer CPR until the paramedics arrived and Dave was released from the hospital a few days later. Dave thanked everyone by donating a new AED to Denton County Services District No. 1. We live in an incredible community! photo courtesy of Cross Timbers Gazette
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LIBERTY CHRISTIAN 8TH GRADERS LEAVING THEIR MARK It’s a tradition at Liberty Christian School for eighth-graders to design and paint a mural in honor of their class. This mural is located in the Middle School hallway and is for the Class of 2025! It was designed by Karys with input from Tori, Ryan, and Jaidyn. They did a great job, keep up the good work! photo courtesy of Liberty Christian School social media page
A WILDCAT IN NEED Guyer senior and varsity baseball player Mitch Lucero was hospitalized with various health issues, mostly related to liver complications. He was released, but his condition became increasingly worse since then, and was eventually admitted to Children’s Dallas hospital. As of now, it is unknown when Mitch will be well enough to be released. A GoFundMe has been created to help the Lucero family with the medical costs www.gofundme.com/f/helping-mitch-and-the-luceros-takes-a-village. photo courtesy of Mitch’s GoFundMe
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SWEET SHOP BAKE CAMP
DENTON COUNTY EARNS EXCELLENCE IN SAFETY AWARD Denton County has earned the 2020 Excellence in Safety Award from the Texas Association of Counties Risk Pool Management Pool for its involvement and commitment to safety in the workplace! Denton County is one of 11 TAC Risk Management Pool members statewide who have earned this award and less than 4% of 412 members to earn the Excellence Award. What an accomplishment!
Does your child have a love for baking? We have the perfect camp for them! The Sweet Shop Bake Camp is from May 31 - June 4, where each baker will receive a personalized tumbler, cloth apron, container for their treats, and a 6 inch, 3 layer ice cream party-themed cake. They will do all the measuring, mixing, assisted baking, and decorating for their baked goods. For more information go to stayhappening.com/e/sweet-shopbake-camp-E2ISTJA500X.
ADKINS WINS RECYCLING CHALLENGE Congratulations to Adkins Elementary for winning the Trex Plastic Recycling Challenge! This challenge provides teachers with a fun and educational activity that helps students develop eco-conscious habits. They will be awarded a Trex bench for recycling 278 pounds this year. A big thank you to Mrs. Nichole Erickson for leading the recycling campaign and to every teacher, staff, and student who participated.
DISD NAMED BEST COMMUNITY FOR MUSIC EDUCATION Denton ISD has been honored with the 2021 Best Communities for Music Education designation from the NAMM Foundation for the 14th consecutive year! This award is given to districts that demonstrate outstanding efforts to provide music access and education to all students. Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational, cognitive, and social skill benefits for children who make music, which is why Denton ISD continues to put an emphasis on music education. Great job everyone!
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MAY 2021 | LANTANA LIVING | 17
S ES KN SIC
Car Q
by Dr. Rebecca Butler (Lantana Resident), Board Certified in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics
uestions and calls regarding car and motion sickness have become a daily occurrence for us at Lantana Pediatrics. Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, many people are driving long distances to their vacation destinations, and parents are desperate for help with those children who often get sick while riding in the car. I hope some of these tips are helpful. What causes motion sickness?
Motion sickness occurs when the brain receives conflicting signals from the motion-sensing parts of the body: the
inner ears, the eyes, and nerves in the
extremities. Under
usual circumstances,
all three areas respond to any motion. When the signals received
by the ears, eyes, and
extremities are different or inconsistent, the
differing sensory inputs. If someone is looking at a stationary object within a
vehicle, such as a magazine, their eyes
will inform their brain that what they are
If your child starts to develop the signs and symptoms of motion sickness, stop the car as soon as safely possible and get them out and walk around.
brain responds in a way that can make you sick. Think of sitting in a theater watching
a fast moving or jerky motion picture. Your eyes are bouncing all over the screen
trying to take in the information, while
your inner ear and body are still. This can make you feel sick. The same thing can
happen when a child is sitting low in the
backseat of a car and cannot see outside of the car. Carsickness results from the
sensory conflict arising in the brain from
viewing is not moving. Their inner ears, however, will
contradict this by sensing
the motion of the vehicle. The eyes mostly see what
is inside of the car, which is motionless, while the inner ear senses motion as the
vehicle goes around corners or over hills and even small bumps. Therefore, the
effect is worse when looking down and may be lessened by looking outside of
the vehicle, so the eyes and inner ear are sensing the same motion. Signs and symptoms
will demonstrate it by becoming pale and restless, yawning, crying, and/or drooling. The good news is that this usually improves over time. But what you can do until then? If your child starts to develop the signs and symptoms of motion sickness, stop the car as soon as safely possible and get them out and walk around. You can also have them lie on their back for a few minutes with their eyes closed and a cool cloth on the forehead. If you are on a long car trip, you may have to make frequent short stops, but it will be worth it. Some preventative measures: • If your child has not eaten for three or more hours, give your child a light snack before the trip. This relieves hunger pangs, which seem to add to the symptoms. • Try to focus their attention away from the queasy feeling. Listen to the radio, sing, or talk. • Have them look at things outside the car, not at books, games, or movies. Medications If you are going on a trip, and your child has had motion sickness before, you might want to give medication ahead of time to prevent problems. Some of these medications are available without a prescription, but please consult with your pediatrician before using them. Although they can help, they often produce side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and blurred vision.
Motion sickness usually starts with a vague feeling of stomach upset (queasiness), a cold sweat, fatigue, loss of appetite,
and oftentimes, salivation. This usually
progresses to vomiting. A young child may not be able to describe queasiness but
CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT!
940.455.7200 | LantanaPediatrics.com 74 McMakin Rd., Ste. 100 • Bartonville, TX 76226
Mon, Tues, Thurs: 7:30am-6pm | Wed: 7:30am-1pm | Fri: 7:30am-5pm Sat: 9am-12pm
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MAY 2021 | LANTANA LIVING | 19
legacy LEAVING A
DENTON COUNTY SPOTLIGHT
IN A
F
ROSE FARM
by Leena Duwadi | photos courtesy Jim Herbison
amous writer Dale Carnegie once said, “We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses blooming outside our windows today.” This quote is perfect for Denton couple James (Jim) and Janet Herbison, who, 13 years ago, dreamed of a magical rose garden, built it, and called it their home. Now, they are enjoying every bit of their lives with a thousand bright roses blooming outside their windows. The Herbisons not only have made their lives as beautiful as roses. They’re giving Texans a reason to gift a smile. In this edition, we’re talking about the story of how James and Janet turned their passion for roses into a legacy. Growing up on a farm in Mississippi, James cultivated his love for the outdoors. Roses were his all-time favorite flowers. Decades later, when he owned a four-acre lot on Haggard Lane in the heart of Denton, he started grafting roses and creating hybrids. Realizing the space would work for more than just roses, the Herbison family decided to turn the land into a fruit farm as well. Currently, Gemini Peach and Rose Farm have peach, plum, pear trees, and a thousand rose bushes. The farm sells cut roses, rose bushes, and the rightto-name a rose from their large number of new and unique hybridized roses. James is a consulting
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rosarian certified by the American Rose Society. He is also a retired engineer. Janet has majored in home economics. The Herbisons’ haven lets families walk through hundreds of lovely roses, have a picnic, and pick juicy peaches. In the Spring, there are blackberries and blueberries as well. They also grow tomatoes and bell peppers for sale. Gemini has become many families’ favorite farm for its vibrant ambiance, cordial owners, and a perfect place for photoshoots. The farm has a 250-yearold Elm tree as one of the attractions. What makes Gemini farm unique is an interesting story. You can give a name to one of their new and unique hybridized varieties of roses. This could be a unique surprise gift for near and dear ones for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, festivals, etc., or you just don’t need any occasion to make a loved one feel special. A hybridized rose could be named after a living or a deceased loved one. Under a namea-rose package, one can select from a variety of over 600
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completely unique hybridized roses. The selected rose is registered with the American Rose Society using the name that you have chosen before you receive the delivery of two rose bushes. Queen Elizabeth, President Lincoln, Elizabeth Taylor, Dolly Parton, Princess Diana, etc., are some of the famous people who have roses named after them. Many roses are also named after Jim and Janet’s family members. For each unique hybridized rose, it costs $1,000 including the delivery fee for two rose bushes. One can order more bushes for an extra fee of $20 per rose bush. After you name your rose, that rose will only be sold
under the name that you have chosen and the rose can never be renamed. Jim’s grafting skill has made their rose business what it is today. Starting with about three or four months to complete a graft he creates, there’s a 12-step process to work on one hybrid rose. Hybridization takes time, energy, and a lot of patience. However, when the results bloom on their farm, the Herbison duo feels like it’s all worth it! For his creative contribution towards preservation and enhancement of rose species, Jim has won the Dallas Rose Show five times and the Fort Worth Rose Show four times for the best hybrid tea. Jim is a Master Rosarian with the Dallas Rose Society.
The Herbisons also help local charities with fundraisers by donating bouquets of roses, gift certificates for rose bushes, and cut roses. They also give roses to the sick, homebound, and people in nursing homes. Jim and Janet are amazing human beings who have gifted Denton people such a precious land of roses. Denton County government has also worked with the farm to beautify Denton’s downtown square with new flowers. When we asked Jim if he has any message for locals, so sweetly he said, all he wants is to welcome people to their home of roses and experience the beauty of nature. Long live their legacy!
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DENTON COUNTY SPOTLIGHT
All he wants is to welcome people to their home of roses and EXPERIENCE the beauty of nature.
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Business Spotlight
USING A
PROFESSIONAL
DESIGNER Never Goes Out Of Style
Alisa has the skills to redesign any space – beautifully. She develops relationships with her clients and cares enough to focus on saving them time, money, and stress.
“I WANT THE CLIENT TO RELAX AND ACTUALLY ENJOY THE PROCESS, PLACING THEIR TRUST IN ME,” ALISA SAID.
by Jean Eisenmann | photo courtesy of Alisa Lankenau
I
t’s safe to say that most people want their home to be a dwelling visually defined by a style and décor that represents who they are. Creating your dream space requires a professional with talent, creative energy, and experience. Award-winning interior designer Alisa Lankenau can work with your entire home, or a room within it — and you can rest assured you will be delighted beyond your expectations. As the owner of All Design Co., a full-service interior design firm, Alisa has been transforming and enhancing clients’ homes and businesses for 15 years. Her work is her passion, and every client brings a fresh new challenge and opportunity. Alisa offers complete interior design services, including space planning, color consultation, product selection, and purchasing. She provides turnkey project management and remains actively involved throughout the entire
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process while keeping the client informed of her progress every step of the way.
“Each design plan I create reflects the client’s individual tastes, needs, and interests. My goal is to make sure each client isn’t just satisfied but absolutely thrilled.” Her affiliation with the franchise organization Decorating Den gives Alisa full access to purchasing directly from luxury American manufacturers and specialized imports. This saves the client from being billed an hourly fee for Alisa to shop online or actually visit stores. In addition, All Design Co. is supported by the area’s leading contractors, painters, electricians, and other professionals. If you think hiring an interior designer would be a costly indulgence, think again. “It’s important to know that working with an interior designer actually saves you money,” Alisa explained. “Consider factors such as saving your valuable time, taking advantage of designer discounts, and utilizing professionals who have an eye for creating an expensive look without the expense.” Alisa is a designer with her clients’ interests at heart, and she has the talent to make their design dreams come true.
636.614.6464 | alankenau.decoratingden.com www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
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Celebrating
STRENGTH, WISDOM
& COMMUNITY by Contributing Writer | photos courtesy of The Texas Lantana Chapter of the National Charity League, Inc.
T
he Texas Lantana Chapter of the National Charity League, Inc. was founded in 2016 and has since contributed more than 18,000 volunteer hours to the Denton County Community. Even during the struggle and disruptiveness caused by the pandemic, this chapter’s 18 seniors have grown into strong, well-rounded women, which is one of the goals of the National Charity League, Inc.
The NCL develops socially responsible community leaders and strengthens the mother-daughter bond. 26 | LANTANA LIVING | MAY 2021
Through mission-based programming, the NCL develops socially responsible community leaders and strengthens the mother-daughter bond. The core program includes leadership development, community service, and cultural experiences. This chapter’s seniors and their mothers accounted for more than 3,200 hours of philanthropy work in the Denton County Community at organizations like Denton County Friends of the Family, Serve Denton, www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
Community Storehouse, Dogwood Estates, and Our Daily Bread. National Charity League celebrates its excellence and contributions to the community. In the words of Chapter President Heather Peet, “I am so very proud of the wonderful young women in this class and have no doubt they will continue to serve and impact their communities wherever life may lead them.” These outstanding young women also had some fun opportunities for growth, development, and learning during their five years with the organization. They had visits to the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Museum and Steel City Pops in Fort Worth, a retreat to Group Dynamix in Addison, went stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Lewisville, as well as taking a trip to Kwik Kar to learn car care prior to being licensed drivers. The National Charity League celebrates the seniors’ achievements, which were acknowledged at the traditional Senior Recognition event held at the Embassy Suites Denton Convention Center. The senior class represents seven local high schools including Argyle, Booker T. Washington, Flower Mound, Guyer, Liberty Christian, Marcus, and Ponder. “The Senior Recognition Committee had to get creative in a pandemic and the
“Our senior class is a dynamic group of hard-working and caring, young ladies. We cannot wait to see what the future holds for them.” devastating cold weather but were excited to host this wonderful event to honor the class of 2021 and to celebrate the Texas Lantana Chapter, our members, and our special guests,” said the Event Chair Kristin Jenkins. “Our senior class is a dynamic group of hard-working and caring, young ladies. We cannot wait to see what the future holds for them.” The Texas Lantana Chapter currently has 266 members and alumnae. They hope to add more amazing women to their impressive ranks and improve their communities through hard work and dedication for many years to come.
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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
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
M
ay is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental Health issues have been on the rise for years, but the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic recession have only made things more trying for so many people. There are many ways the pandemic has likely affected mental health, particularly with widespread social isolation resulting from necessary safety measures. The Denton County Sheriff’s Office Mental Health Unit was created in 1989 with a Sergeant and four Mental Health Deputies. Today, the unit consist of a
Lieutenant, Sergeant, seven Mental Health Investigators, and an Administrative Assistant. The Sheriff’s MHU uses its dual certifications as both Peace Officers and
Certified Mental Health Peace Officers to obtain the most appropriate placement for individuals assessed by investigators for emergency commitments. The MHU provides Denton County citizens with professional law enforcement mental health assessments and transportation. The MHU does emergency apprehension and detentions independently and in conjunction with Denton County Mental Health Mental Retardation (MHMR), the Local Mental Health Authority. In 2020, our Mental Health Unit completed 517 emergency detentions compared to 2004, where 181 were detained. As Denton County’s population continues to increase and mental health issues increase, so does the number of emergency commitments. The Denton County Sheriff’s Office MHU provides updated training to law
WE ARE HIRING If you are interested in a career in Law Enforcement, join our family and be a part of a great organization. Detention Officer I positions start at $38,752.00 per year. Visit our website to apply. www.governmentjobs.com/ careers/dentoncounty
enforcement agencies, institutions of higher education, and hospitals within the county that wish to have a better understanding of the laws and resources available to them through the mental health system in Denton County. The goal of the Denton County Sheriff’s Office MHU is to continue training to maximize the impact of crisis funding and to minimize the use of hospitals for those mentally ill individuals who do not meet the standard for voluntary or involuntary inpatient hospitalization. The MHU will continue to guide those individuals to locally available resources that can better meet their needs.
940.349.1600 | 127 N. WOODROW LN., STE. 300 • DENTON, TX 76205 | DENTONCOUNTY.GOV/707/SHERIFF www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
MAY 2021 | LANTANA LIVING | 29
Ask The Expert: Gardening
WHAT WE ARE SEEING by PJ Kratohvil, Owner of Complete Solutions | photos courtesy of Complete Solutions
W
hen it comes to patio & outdoor living, the current trend is very much a less-is-more philosophy. Sure, every now and then you’ll get something different, but for the most part, we’re being asked to keep things light, open, functional, and not overdone.
When it comes to landscape projects, our team uses a variety of materials to leave things looking more interesting with less. For example, we may only use 20 plants where we once would use 50, but we would incorporate small rocks, steel features, colorful pots, and possibly even a wood feature to mix things up. The same can be said for patio and outdoor living projects. Again, less is more. This includes using simpler floor finishes, less busy patterns, and more natural pavers. We also enjoy introducing larger veneers to vertical structures like counters and bars, then going with a low maintenance countertop when possible versus natural stones or granite. Also, we’ve experimented with different wood plank materials and stain colors to keep things light and open up underneath the structures.
Slowing down all the busy patterns results in a calm, larger space in most cases. Granted, everyone’s got their own style, and that’s really the great thing about this industry. But it’s up to the designers to listen, create, recommend, and construct the perfect space – no matter how big or small.
EXTERIOR: 214.735.1363 | COMPLETESOLUTIONSDFW.COM
30 | LANTANA LIVING | MAY 2021
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MAY 2021 | LANTANA LIVING | 31
Helping You Get The
MOST OUT OF
LIFE by Steve Gamel
photography by Your Candid Memories (YourCandidMemories.com)
“We really go out of our way to deal with everything the right way. There’s no cap on honesty and ethics.”
972.798.8435 | ADVENTAIR.COM | LICENSE: TACLA001216C 32 | LANTANA LIVING | MAY 2021
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M
ike Douglas insists that there “wasn’t much to buy” the day he purchased an under-the-radar air conditioning company from an investment group he had been working for. The year was 1981, and the fledgling company had only been open for about a year. It wasn’t very big, either, boasting a small office space and only a handful of employees.
Award for leadership, management,
But Mike knew he had something special. He renamed it Advent Air, and today, he’s celebrating 40 years in business.
things from five years ago — even stuff
“I had been working as their GM at the time. It was a different type of business than what they were used to, and I liked the idea of going into business for myself,” Mike said. “So I bought it and grew it from there.” He added, “Like anything else, you go through cycles of ups and downs. But it all worked out.” Saying “it all worked out” is an understatement for this family-owned and operated company. Advent Air remains a trusted and relied-on staple of the Lewisville community, even as Mike transitioned leadership to his son Jared two years ago. While they’ve maintained that small, local feel, they pride themselves on having the reach to serve the majority of the Dallas-Fort Worth area. And they do it all, too, with comfort-focused residential services ranging from repair and maintenance to new construction, replacement, and installation. They also specialize in ductless cooling systems and split heating, air purification services, 24/7 emergency services with no overtime fees, and more. Having a highly trained and certified team in the HVAC business that you can trust is invaluable, especially in North Texas. Summer temperatures spike over 100 degrees for months at a time, and we all know how brutal winter can be after February’s snowstorms. Advent Air resets the bar year after year and was recently awarded the 2020 Carrier President’s
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customer satisfaction, expertise, business growth, and operational excellence.
They are also the only HVAC company
in North Texas to win the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics.
“If we make a mistake, we make it
right,” Jared said. “As we’ve evolved
and restructured, we have identified that was misdiagnosed and is now
outside warranty — and corrected them for customers free of charge. We really
go out of our way to deal with everything the right way. There’s no cap on honesty and ethics.”
Mike agreed. “It’s all about maintaining our core values and doing honest work,” he said.
When we caught up with Mike and
Jared, the conversation never really
revolved around their work and services. Their customers will vouch for them at the drop of a hat when it comes to
that stuff. What sets them apart from
everyone else is the family piece and their commitment to their employees. In fact, when we asked Jared’s 4-year-old son, Graham, what he wants to do when he
grows up, he confidently said, “Work with my grandpa and daddy at Advent.”
Jared started working in Advent Air’s
warehouse when he was 15. He’s since held every position, from working in
replacements and installs to engineering and new construction sales. Over the last few years, he’s spearheaded the
addition of new technology while also restructuring the company so that it continues to grow the right way.
“It’s been an amazing journey — not only growing up in the industry and within
pictured above starting from the left is Jared and Mike Douglas employees. Our core passion is to help people get the most out of life — not only employees and their families but also our customers. It’s very important to us that we have people here who have a passion for life, a passion for people, and a passion for doing the right thing for the customer.” Mike agreed, adding that he even made Jared apply for his job to become Advent’s new president — if for nothing more than to double down on their commitment to ensuring everyone was in the right seat. “There are no free lunches,” Mike said with a laugh. “As it turned out, he had the interest and the skillset to excel.” While it may sound cliche, the sky truly is the limit for Advent Air moving forward. And that’s impressive when you think about how far they’ve come — and the family that continues to lead the charge.
this company but also being part of the process and seeing the dramatic and positive changes,” Jared said. “We have such a positive
culture of mentoring and supporting our
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Business Spotlight
Hollywood’s
ANTI-AGING
SECRETS Are Right Here In Flower Mound by Steve Gamel | photography by Miranda Longoria Photography
E
ight years ago, Heather Tindell was sitting in the lap of luxury as the head of the medical spa division at Beverly Hills Rejuvenation’s flagship location in Los Angeles. Actors, celebrities, and the wealthy routinely lined up at her door hoping to defy their age, look younger, and feel healthier, and plenty more clients were flying in from all over the country.
“THERE’S AN EDGE TO WHAT WE DO, AND IT LEADS TO RIDICULOUS RESULTS.”
NOMINATE US! June 9
July 7
“People would really go all that way for
the allure of LA,” Tindell said. “The best
of the best are in LA. It’s very competitive, and you have to be results-driven and
really know what you are doing. Bringing that flair and skill to DFW has been
great. We started with the first location
in Flower Mound, and we did very well, very quickly. It just took off from there.” Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center in
Flower Mound is the leading hormone replacement therapy and medical spa in the state, offering a comprehensive list of services that include everything from injectables and laser treatments
to medical-grade peels, IV therapy, hair restoration, and Coolsculpting. They
recently introduced peptide therapy
and stem cell therapy, also known as
regenerative medicine and EXCEL02 fractional laser treatments, which are exclusive to BHRC Dallas locations.
The laser treatments alone can take
up to 10 years off your skin’s appearance
and are administered by the most highlyskilled, educated, and trained staff in the nation.
No matter the reason why you are visiting Beverly Hills Rejuvenation
Center in Flower Mound, you can rest
Interestingly enough, many of those clients were from Dallas, including one gentleman who suggested that she expand her wildly popular business into Texas. To say Tindell loved the idea would be an understatement. Shortly after opening her first location in Flower Mound in 2013 with her new partner, Tindell added six more.
easy that you will experience superior
Her promise? Bring the secrets that keep the rich and famous looking fabulous closer to home for North Texans.
flawless track record,” Tindell said.
results. Together with Dr. James Kadi,
a board-certified plastic surgeon who oversees their many services as the
medical director, they rely on techniques, protocols, and treatments developed by industry leaders and set by worldrenowned physicians.
“We pride ourselves on having a
“There’s an edge to what we do, and it leads to ridiculous results.”
972.355.2777 | bhrcdallas.com | 5871 Long Prairie Rd. • Flower Mound, TX 75028
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MAY 2021 | LANTANA LIVING | 37
ADDING
DELICIOUSNESS
TEXAS KITCHENS TO
by Leena Duwadi | photos courtesy of Goober Bub’s
M
any years ago, while Tim Sutton was mowing around a peach tree, he came within two feet of a huge swarm of bees. That was his first encounter with bees which he found so fascinating. It further made him curious to explore these pollinators. Watching bees gather pollen and nectar from his blackberry plants triggered his fondness for beekeeping. Today, Tim is a famous beekeeper in Denton with more than 20 colonies of bees that are spread over four bee yards in Argyle, north of Roanoke, and outside of Gainesville. Tim says, “The honey bee part of Goober Bub’s started in the spring of 2015 with a purchase of the first colony of bees. I lost my first colony of bees over the winter and had to start over again in 2016.”
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Under their brand, Goober Bub’s, Tim, his wife Jeanna, and the whole family are very much dedicated to serving Texans with pure and unadulterated honey extracted from local honeybees. The family has 60 pecan trees at their place that have been planted over the last 20 years and blackberry plants for almost 15 years. According to Tim, the great thing about having beehives in multiple locations is that the nectar and pollen sources are different which results in honey with unique colors and flavors. All of the honey they produce is extracted from the wooden frames, and packaged and labeled at their house by the family and friends. Honey harvest is done twice per year. Tim further says, “We hope to have our first harvest this year sometime in June, but is really dependent on the timing of the primary nectar flow that usually happens in north Texas from midMay through late June or early July – the
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timing and quantity of nectar is really dependent on the weather.” Tim’s family is also a part of the Real Texas HoneyTM program, which is a Texas non-profit organization that promotes honey 100% produced by honey bees in the state. As per the program’s law, participants have to ensure that the honey that is sold displaying the Real Texas HoneyTM seal is pure and is made by honey bees in Texas by local beekeepers. The majority of the customers consuming Goober Bub’s honey are locals. They love the uniqueness of local flavor produced out of local nectar and pollen sources. Goober Bub’s also supplies pecans and blackberry jam produced under their brand. While Tim and his wife Jeanna are the backbone of the business, their son Lance and daughter Bailey are equally helping parents wholeheartedly. They all have a very close emotional connection to the brand name. The name was created as the mash-up of two grandpa names Goober and Bub. Bub is the grandpa nickname of Tim and Goober was Annie’s other grandfather. Annie is the daughter of Lance and Joy. Goober was Tim’s
daughter-in-law’s dad who had ordered a colony of bees along with Tim. Goober Bub’s has a unique logo with a family story attached to it. The character on the logo is Tim’s father-in-law, Gene Hartman. Gene is a very long-time Denton resident and was a barber in Denton for 60 years before his retirement a couple of years ago. “Gene gave me my first dozen pecan trees as a Christmas gift almost 20 years ago,” said Tim. Tim and Jeanna take pride in feeding locals real Texas honey - raw and unfiltered, pure, natural, and the sweetest. “If anyone wants to know where Goober Bub’s honey comes from, they can take a look at some of the local beehives,” says Tim. He has a full-time job, and bees, honey, pecans, and blackberries are all activities that he’s very passionate about, which he thinks are a great escape from work. Jeanna is a beloved long-serving AHS teacher. The couple has lived in Argyle for over 27 years now.
For more information visit Facebook.com/ gooberbubs. Thanks to Suttons for adding extra deliciousness in Texas kitchens!
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U.S. 377 FORT WORTH
DRIVE A
by Dawn Cobb | photos courtesy of Dawn Cobb Director of Community Relations
pril 26, 2021 - Denton County Commissioner Precinct 4 Dianne Edmondson, along with Denton County Judge Andy Eads and Denton Mayor Gerard Hudspeth, commemorated the completion of the U.S. 377/Fort Worth Drive expansion project. The project widened U.S. 377/Fort Worth Drive from a two-lane rural road to a six-lane urban thoroughfare from Interstate 35E to just south of FM 1830. Construction began in January 2019 for a total project cost of $55.9 million. Denton County contributed $2.64 million for the project. This phase is the first of several to be completed. Another four phases are either in the construction or planning stage. One major component of the first phase was the Union Pacific Railroad overpass, which included widening for additional tracks and building the bridge to current standards. This project also included funds to add sidewalks along the portion of U.S. 377/Fort Worth Drive west of I-35E.
“The completion of this main thoroughfare has significantly helped commuters and residents who frequent U.S. 377,” said
Commissioner Edmondson. “I’m so proud of everyone who helped make this happen.”
She also commented on how well the county and Denton worked together
on the completion of the project. Sema Construction was the contractor for
the project with design engineers from Lochner Engineering.
County funds from the 2008 bond
program were earmarked to cover
a large portion of the reconstruction of U.S. 377/Fort Worth Drive.
In Precinct 4, Denton County has leveraged approximately $43.5 million in taxpayer-
funded bond dollars with a return of $2.95 billion from state and federal resources.
These funds have provided for improved public safety, congestion relief and
quality of life, officials said.
Judge Eads spoke of the work on I-35E as a major north-south thoroughfare. He added how the east-west access of U.S. 377 will
bring convenience for residents as well as for continued economic development.
“I take this route every day,” he said. “I think of several legacy businesses on U.S. 377, especially Mr. Frosty’s, a place my Dad went years ago.”
Transportation is important to the Denton
County Commissioners Court, Judge Eads said. “Mobility continues to be a priority in Denton County. You have to have good and safe transportation.”
Several dignitaries gathered for the event in the 1100 block of Fort Worth Drive,
including Mayor Hudspeth, Judge Eads,
Precinct 3 Commissioner Bobbie Mitchell
and Tina Massey, Denton area engineer with the Texas Department of Transportation. “It is important to have these
partnerships,” said Mayor Hudspeth,
referring to the cooperation between cities, the county and TxDOT. www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
MAY 2021 | LANTANA LIVING | 43
REMARKABLE
warriors
W
by Steve Gamel | group photo courtesy of Liberty Christian social media page, photos of Zach & the Kristynik sisters courtesy of Amy Mauldin, & photo of Madison O’Rourke courtesy of Vivian Nichols
hat started as a way to praise one Liberty Christian School student for her good deeds in the community has become an organized push to recognize even more kids doing some pretty remarkable things on and off campus. School officials started the Remarkable Warriors program. The goal is to highlight students at all grade levels who go above and beyond to demonstrate leadership, Christ-like character, striving for excellence, pursuing service, valuing scholarship, and building a loving and giving community. Liberty has recognized seven students to date: Madison O’Rourke, Ava and Anna Claire Kristynik, Zach Salter, and the trio of Brooks Lepschy, Cade Lewis, and Josiah Sanchez. Each has a photo on a dedicated Remarkable Warriors page along with a bio that details their accomplishments. “How it came about is that we came across and shared a [social media] post about Madison O’Rourke, who had raised nearly $50,000 for Scottish Rite Hospital. From there, we figured, we’ve got to do something. So many of our kids are doing some amazing things,” said Amy Mauldin, a Communications Officer with the school. “We’ve done four posts so far that feature seven kids, and the hope is to keep doing more.” She added, “We’ve tied it all back to the Warrior Way, which is a set of core values our students follow.”
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Mauldin said they are taking submissions from anyone inside their school’s community who feels a student should be recognized as one of the Remarkable Warriors. They are also keeping their eyes and ears peeled, as many of these students are also being recognized by area media outlets and on social media. O’Rourke, a senior, started the Shaping a Better Future Fundraiser to help underwrite the cost of care for children with scoliosis. She has worked for 10 years to overcome her own struggles with scoliosis and has managed to compete in track and volleyball. In September, she presented a check for nearly $50,000 to Scottish Rite Hospital. Sisters Ava and Anna Claire Kristynik were selected to play in the All-American Underclass Games, the most prestigious high school www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
"IT’S ABOUT POURING INTO OTHERS AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD.” lacrosse tournament of the summer. They traveled to Indianapolis, and Ava’s team won the championship and advanced to the National Championship in Virginia Beach, VA. Ava is a senior and has verbally committed to play at Notre Dame. Anna Claire is a freshman and is already doing amazing things. Zach Salter, a senior, has been a dedicated member of the Boy Scouts of America for 11 years. He recently achieved the rank of Eagle Scout by dedicating over 70 service hours to community projects. He’s earned 59 merit badges while also planning, organizing, and executing his Eagle Scout project: 8X6 foot garden planter boxes for Central Elementary School in Lewisville for their science curriculum.
“THEY ARE EXCELLING, BUT BEYOND THAT, THEY ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE."
The third-grader trio of Brooks Lepschy, Cade Lewis, and Josiah Sanchez created the Buddy Bench on the Kindergarten-5th grade playground as a place for children looking for a friend. The idea is that no student should ever feel left out at recess. Their creation is a simple way to give children options when working to connect with other students. “We’re always excited to hear about what our students are doing. It makes us proud,” Mauldin said. “They are excelling, but beyond that, they are making a difference. It’s more than being the star athlete and doing the outstanding achievement. It’s about pouring into others and making a difference in the world.” If you have a Remarkable Warriors nomination, email communications@mylcs.com. www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
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NOMINATE US! June 9
July 7
AN
ALL-THE-WAY
MINDSET
“
W
by Jay Marks
hen I was in the Army, I spent some time in the famed 82nd Airborne Division. As a paratrooper we had a motto of “All The Way”. It was the mindset of everyone in the division that you would go all the way and then some. So when we passed an officer, we would salute and say the phrase “All The Way” and they would reply with “Airborne”. I loved that and have kept it as my personal mantra ever since.” “Now that I have been in real estate for almost 28 years. I have seen a lot of different real estate markets. We are in one of the most aggressive markets I have ever seen. I’ve sold real estate during times of war, the housing crisis, and all types of economies, but this is really tough. How we have managed through the pandemic and this currently wild market is focused work. We went back to the basics. We connected with people at a high level. We doubled down on our brand, our relationships, and providing high-level service.”
the team got a call from a client who
“At Jay Marks Real Estate we showcase a problem-solving mindset. We have done everything from arranging rides to closings to creating a virtual home buying process called BuyAHouseFromHome.
Ever the community supporter, Jay’s
com. We have continued to impress clients with a level of service you can’t find anywhere else. For example, one of our agents, Nina Boyd, sold five homes 100% virtually — not only coordinating a showing via FaceTime, but also doing the same with various designers and contractors so that the clients’ needs were met. Last year,
hurt his back while moving. Within an
hour, our team had four people lending a helping hand.”
“A lot of realtors may have said, ‘call Ace the plumber or Mike the electrician.’
However, we coordinate repairs for them because we have always believed that each client matters, and every home matters. It can be stressful buying or
selling a home. We take care of people and meet their needs privately. People matter, and we recognize that.”
Foodie Friday DFW and Denton County
Giving video series are still going strong as well. With Foodie Friday, they’ve
doubled down on encouraging people to continue to support local restaurants by
dining in or ordering food for takeout or delivery — whatever is necessary to help keep businesses in motion.
“It’s been a crazy time, but we were
prepared because we always go ‘All The Way’”, said Jay.
972.724.2540 | JayMarksRealEstate.com | jay@jaymarksrealestate.com 3212 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 300 • Flower Mound, TX 75022
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MAY 2021 | LANTANA LIVING | 47
Ask The Expert: Fitness
GET AMAZING
RESULTS QUICKLY! by Jesse J. Leyva, Owner of Jesse James Fit & Outlaw Fitcamp
P
eople hear constantly that you can’t expect overnight results from exercise. While this is true, it’s also true that when you work out the right way, you can start to see some major changes in your body in as little as six weeks. That’s right—six weeks of working out consistently the right way can result in visible changes quickly.
Did you notice the word “consistency” there? That’s one of the important factors in quick results. The other important factor is working out the right way. The key to seeing changes quickly is to maximize your workouts. Jesse James Fit & Outlaw FitCamp’s personal trainers know how to help you with this.
during the short bursts of activity. HIIT
workouts are ideal for shorter workouts and faster results—since you’re working out to your maximum level, you burn
more calories in less time. Even a shorter workout done with HIIT can burn up to
30 percent more calories than a normal moderate-intensity workout.
With our trainers, you’ll get an effective workout in a shorter amount of time. In fact, with a few minor adjustments, you can make shorter workouts even more effective than longer ones!
Full-body workout plans
Jesse James Fit & Outlaw FitCamp workouts get quicker results by using the following training methods:
week that concentrate on all the muscle
HIIT (high intensity interval training) HIIT workouts mix short bursts of activity with even shorter rest periods. Ideally, you work to your maximum capacity
Our FitCamp group classes hit each
muscle group every week to give you the maximum results in the shortest time. We
have fitness classes on different days each groups. Upper body day includes chest, arms, and core. There’s a class for back
and shoulders, a leg day for glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves, and a core day. Cardio Our fitness classes give you a good cardio workout because we know that keeping
your heart rate up helps burn more calories. Raising your heart rate to just 50 percent of its maximum level results in 85 percent of the calories you burn coming from fat, and that’s exactly what you want! It’s a well-known and simple concept, but it bears repeating: the more calories you burn above the total you get from what you eat each day, the more weight you will lose or keep off. Our members usually start at our FitCamp 30 classes, which cover all the exercise methods discussed above. Then, when you’re ready to progress to something more challenging, we offer a 45-minute class that takes it up a notch—Xtreme 45. In Xtreme 45, we use all the exercise training styles as in FitCamp 30 classes, but here we use longer time durations, more exercise movements, and incorporate more exercise equipment. It’s challenging but yields quicker results. Summer is around the corner— Jesse James Fit & Outlaw FitCamp will help you get ready! Call us today to see how Jesse James Fit or one of our Outlaw FitCamp locations can help you see the results you want—just in time for summer!
972.355.2639 • JESSEJAMESFIT.COM | 940.497.6002 • OUTLAWFITCAMP.COM 48 | LANTANA LIVING | MAY 2021
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MAY 2021 | LANTANA LIVING | 49
BROKEN
Halos
HAVEN by Jade Kensington | photos courtesy of Bruce Latimer.
I
n America, there are approximately 700,000 new widows each year. And nearly 1.5 million children live in a single-parent home due to the death of a parent. Local resident Natalie Reid and her three sons—Joshua, Austin, and Brody—became
part of that statistic in August 2018 when their father, Wayne, unexpectedly died of a heart attack at the age of 47.
Natalie and her boys navigated through the unplanned
“new norm” in the weeks and months following Wayne’s death. 50 | LANTANA LIVING | MAY 2021
“But as our first Christmas quickly approached, I knew it would be too difficult to be home,” Natalie said. She had a friend who invited her and the boys to come stay in her three-bedroom apartment in New York for Christmas. All they had to do was show up, and they www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
“IT WILL BE A PLACE WHERE WIDOWS, WIDOWERS, AND THEIR CHILDREN CAN STAY AT NO CHARGE TO GET AWAY FROM THEIR NEW NORM.”
would have their own personal New York
with an attempt to save and refurbish
a distraction, Natalie packed up the family
of the house,” she said.
City tour guide. Seeing that they needed
and headed to The City That Never Sleeps. “That led to an amazing week of
distraction from our grief and the making of new memories,” Natalie reminisced.
This trip was the seed in which the idea for “Broken Halos Haven” emerged.
In the heart of Old Town Lewisville lies a
100-year-old, three-bedroom, two-bathroom farmhouse that is being refurbished and
rebuilt to become a non-profit grief retreat
getaway. Natalie and her new husband, Kjell,
Shortly after purchasing the home, they discovered a gold mine of shiplap and
beadboard that they were able to bring
back to life along with the new elements they have incorporated.
Broken Halos Haven will be open and
accessible to anyone in the country. When it is not being used by grieving families, it will be available as a short-term rental on Airbnb. The rental income will help offset their operational costs.
purchased the home in June of 2020. Once
Broken Halos Haven works in three easy
goals: to allow grieving families a stress-free
and register directly on the website. Upon
complete, this home will serve three main
getaway at no cost, empower and build the
confidence of widows who are now parenting alone, and lastly, helping widows realize it is okay to have fun and find joy again. “It will be a place where widows,
widowers, and their children can stay
at no charge to get away from their new norm and be distracted by all that there is to do in Dallas-Fort Worth. We even provide admission tickets to baseball games, amusement parks, museums, and more,” Natalie said.
Natalie and Kjell have spent week after
week working with contractors, volunteers, community supporters, and sponsors to transform this home into the vision that
they have. They have added an additional 400-square feet to the home for a bunk room, kids’ attic hideout, and a covered back porch.
“Kjell and I have both been through home renovations in the past — but never a
project this big. It’s basically a new build, www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
some of the 100-year-old elements
steps. Widows can view all available dates
approval of her registration, she can create a Grief Getaway Gift Registry based on
what she and her family need and desire for their time at Broken Halos Haven.
For example, she can register for tickets to sporting events, gift cards to several
restaurants around the area, or admission tickets to a museum—whatever she feels like the family needs during their time
of distraction and healing. Lastly, once the registry is complete, a URL will be
generated so she can share with a close friend or family member who will then
serve as her coordinator and distribute the link to those wishing to contribute to gift items on her wish list.
Natalie and Kjell are hoping to have the
house completed and ready for guests by the end of June. Until then, the project is ongoing, and they welcome volunteers, individuals, or groups. Additional
information and the opportunity to
donate is available on their website at BrokenHalosHaven.org.
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Things 5TO TRY TEXAS PEACH TEA Elm Fork Taphouse & Kitchen, Hickory Creek Here’s another taphouse that also makes incredible cocktails! The Texas Peach Tea at Elm Fork Taphouse is a must-have. This cocktail consists of Western Son peach vodka, simple syrup, iced tea, and is garnished with a lemon wedge. This drink will go great with any meal you order and will have you feeling relaxed.
LAVENDER LEMONADE The Brass Tap, Roanoke The Brass Tap may be known for beer, but they have delicious cocktails as well. The Lavender Lemonade consists of butterfly pea flower-infused Drumshanbo Gin, lavender house-made simple syrup, Tempus Fugit Liqueur de Violettes, and fresh lemon juice. This refreshing cocktail will have you daydreaming you’re at the beach!
BLACK CHERRY VODKA BASIL MULE 940’s Kitchen & Cocktails, Denton Take a seat at the lofty, warehouse-style space of 940’s and enjoy a Black Cherry Vodka Basil Mule! This cocktail contains Zodiac Black Cherry Vodka, basil simple, ginger beer, and lime. This drink pairs perfectly with their Short Rib Mac n’ Cheese and is the ideal spot for date night! CUCUMBER JALAPENO MARGARITA Oak Street Drafthouse, Denton Oak Street Drafthouse is a fun, unique spot to enjoy some drinks and food! They converted a historic house into a drafthouse and they have a large, dogfriendly back patio with ping-pong. The Cucumber Jalapeno Margarita is a must! This drink consists of cucumber vodka, Triple Sec, sour, spicy agave, jalapeno, and lime.
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JACK ROSE Yellow Rose Steakhouse, Flower Mound Yellow Rose Steakhouse is fine dining in a casual atmosphere and you’ll get that with the Jack Rose cocktail. This cocktail is made with apple brandy, house-made pomegranate grenadine, and fresh lemon juice. The house-made pomegranate grenadine alone will have you drooling for more! MAY 2021 | LANTANA LIVING | 53
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4
3
Quick
HOME MAKEOVER TIPS by Contributing Writer
1
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Y
ou don’t have to sink a lot of money that you don’t have into changing your home. In fact, it doesn’t take a lot of dough to make changes that will change your mood in your home. Use the following makeover tips to express changes in your style whenever you feel the need.
1. Make Use of Rugs
2
These can be large, medium, round, or square rugs depending on your style. Area rugs can change the feel in a room and also protect your carpet underneath. Area rugs work well on hardwood floors to define spaces. Place one under your dining room table. In the living room, place a different rug under the furniture in each area of the room as a sort of dividing technique.
2. Use Mirrors
Mirrors in the hallway add length and depth to your home. Use mirrors across from windows and doorways. Save space by hanging full-length mirrors on doors and walls. Turn coffee tables into mirrored surfaces to reflect the ceiling above.
3. Add New Fixtures to Your Home
This is one of the simplest changes you can make to define your home. Use the color scheme in each room as a guide. Polished silver or bronze fixtures work well with dark colors. Don’t be afraid to use pattern or floral switch plates or socket plates. Change cabinet handles and faucet fixtures in bathrooms and kitchens. High pouring faucets allow you more room in the sink, especially when cleaning large pots and pans.
4. Add Molding
While this can be a more expensive project, it makes a big difference. You can save on the cost by enlisting the help of knowledgeable friends or a professional. Use chair rails to divide walls in your dining room or down the hallway. Crown molding also adds height to ceilings.
5. Change the Flooring
5
While this makeover tip is quick, it is also costly. Many flooring companies can change a carpeted floor to a hardwood or laminate floor in as little as six hours. To prep the area, you need to move out all furniture. Get a free estimate of the space, type of flooring that looks best, and the price from several companies before going ahead with the project.
It is the little things that mean so much in life. For your home, that adds up to a big change in how you feel and function in your living quarters. Use these few simple tips to redefine any room in your home to suit your family. Quick changes can be made at any time, and most can be redone again and again as your feelings dictate.
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Ask The Expert: Dentistry
DIY DENTAL
TREATMENTS
TO AVOID by Dr. Matt Artho, Owner of Country Lakes Family Dental
I
am a strong believer in the free market. There are many products and services that offer great advantages when done as a DIY or at a better cost. However, we all know there are some things better left to the educated professionals. Here are three dental DIYs I recommend a second thought before jumping in.
The first dental DIY I recommend avoiding is over-the-counter night guards. It may seem simple enough to mold a guard to your teeth, but there are several complicating factors that can occur. One of the most important aspects of an occlusal or night guard is the occlusion or bite. Your teeth are made to naturally bite and glide across each other in a healthy way to avoid further teeth or TMJ issues. Custom guards made in a dental office have these components designed into the appliance. In addition, very soft occlusal guards only encourage chewing that
aggravates the TMJ. Of course, it happens now and again that an at-home night guard gets lodged in and requires a dentist to “cut” them out. That isn’t fun for anyone. Another common attempt to practice at-home dentistry that I see is attempting to “glue” back broken restorations. The first thing is that superglue rarely bonds to teeth or dental restorations and simply makes a mess. I am not opposed to certain over-the-counter cements as long as they are recognized as temporary cements. Improperly repaired dental work can inhibit proper sealing and protection of the teeth,
resulting in further dental work. The materials in dentistry are designed to interact properly with the crystalline structure of teeth in a safe and healthy way. Finally, though it is all the buzz, at-home orthodontic care is not a good idea for everyone. Orthodontic care should be well supervised, and it is necessary to make sure you are in good dental health before even beginning. Orthodontic treatment in the presence of decay or periodontal disease will create a dental disaster. Even strong clinicians must make difficult and meticulous treatment decisions throughout orthodontic treatment. In the end, there are some things that are best dealt with a professional understanding. It is a good idea to consider consulting your dentist before attempting to become one yourself. Happy smiling!
940.455.7645 | COUNTRYLAKESDENTAL.COM | 74 MCMAKIN RD., STE. 200 • BARTONVILLE, TX 76226
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EASY
CHEESESTEAK LETTUCE WRAPS RECIPE
Tip: Be sure to use very thinly sliced steak for this recipe. Placing the steak in the freezer for 20 minutes prior to slicing will make this task easier. P R E P T I M E : 15 minutes C O O K T I M E : 10-15 minutes SERVES: 4 INGREDIENTS: 1 T. unsalted butter
2 T. extra virgin olive oil, divided 1 medium yellow onion, sliced thin 1 large green bell pepper, sliced thin Sea salt and black pepper, to taste 1 lb. Ribeye steak, sliced very thin ½ t. garlic powder 4-5 slices mild Provolone cheese I large head Bibb lettuce, separated, rinsed, and patted dry
DIRECTIONS: 1. Add butter and one tablespoon olive oil to a large nonstick skillet set over medium heat. Add the onion and season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion starts to soften, approximately 3-4 minutes. 2. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the sliced peppers. Cook, stirring frequently, until the peppers are crisp-tender and nicely charred, approximately 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer the onions and peppers to a plate. Set aside. 3. Add sliced steak to the skillet and adjust heat back to medium. Season with the garlic powder, plus salt and black pepper, if desired. Cook, stirring frequently, just until the meat is browned on all sides, approximately 2-3 minutes. 4. Return the onions and peppers to the skillet and stir to combine. Remove from heat and top the mixture with the Provolone cheese slices. Cover and let stand for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted. 5. To serve, remove cover and divide the cheesesteak mixture among the lettuce leaves. www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
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Served with corn chips. 62 | LANTANA LIVING | MAY 2021
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