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School is a Many-Splendored Thing

As we hunker down in the record-breaking August heat and try to enjoy the last lazy, hazy days of summer, we can look forward to what’s become a kind of second New Year in U.S. culture. Back-to-school time brings excitement, anticipation and the opportunity for growth and learning—not just for students and teachers returning to classrooms, but for everyone. This is a time to embark on new learning journeys, as returning to school has evolved beyond the traditional institutions.

We’ve come to recognize that education isn’t confined to a particular age or setting; it’s a lifelong pursuit. It enriches our minds, broadens our horizons and cultivates a more sustainable, enlightened society. Even if we haven’t had kids in the house in years, we’re all still wired for constant learning. It’s baked into our society, like New Year’s Eve, signifying a fresh start and a chance to set new goals, pursue new interests, challenge ourselves and acquire new skills that will shape our future.

The makers of this Natural Awakenings Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex magazine have always been advocates of sustainable living and holistic well-being. We know that education is a powerful tool to shape individuals and communities into greener, healthier versions of themselves. That is why this issue is dedicated to the different ways of learning that can be seamlessly woven into our everyday lives.

One of the foundations of lifelong learning is the idea that knowledge knows no bounds and can be acquired from myriad sources. In these pages, you will find inspiring stories of individuals that have pursued unconventional learning paths through sports, hands-on experiences or interactions with diverse communities. From local artisans preserving traditional crafts to innovative entrepreneurs implementing sustainable practices, we celebrate those that have embraced continuous education to foster positive change in our region.

We have always been committed to highlighting sustainable initiatives and practices that empower our readers to make conscious choices for their own health and well-being and for the planet. In “Lifelong Learning: Benefits of Being the Forever Student,” Linda Sechrist explores the eye-opening personal, professional, mental and emotional gains that come with continuing to feed our intellectual hunger. In other articles, we delve into school and community initiatives to create green campuses, develop ecofriendly curricula and provide immersive nature experiences for people of all ages.

We also recognize that the pursuit of knowledge is not limited to formal education, but extends to the interconnectedness of mind, body and spirit. So we also share expert insights on healing nature, eating around food sensitivities and integrating well-being into our daily routines. We firmly believe that when we prioritize self-awareness and personal growth, the positive impact extends far beyond us to those around us.

As North Texas continues to evolve into a vibrant hub of innovation, sustainability and healthy living, we hope you will continue to find inspiration in our stories of individuals, practitioners and organizations paving the way for a better tomorrow. Through this and every issue, we hope to empower a community that values learning in all its forms and supports the growth of each member.

Fall is not just a season of new beginnings for students, but a reminder for us all to embrace lifelong learning as an integral part of our existence. Let’s celebrate the joy of gaining knowledge, sharing wisdom and collectively building a greener, healthier, more sustainable world.

Thank you for being a part of our journey at Natural Awakenings. We are glad to be a trusted source of inspiration, information and ideas that empower you to live your healthiest life on a healthy planet.

Blessings,

DISTRIBUTION Valerie Swearingen Rick Clark

Janice Robinson

Natural

To reach us, contact the Publisher, Bernice Butler at 972.992.8815 or email editor@NADallas.com. Please indicate whether you’re responding to content online or in the magazine.

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© 2023 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

CONNECTING

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July HOMEOPATHY Works with your Body for Whole Health, Healing and Prevention Dr. Cathy May Lemmon, PhD Hom, LCPH, BA 469-484-8442 or visit: HealingArts.com

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Natural Awakenings is a family of more than 70 healthy living magazines celebrating 27 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

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To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 972-992-8815 or email Publisher@ NADallas.com Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month.

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New Bone Scanning Technology

Trinity Functional Medicine Group is introducing North Texans to the Echolight Bone Density Scan device, which provides for cutting-edge technology bone health assessments. The non-invasive, radiation-free procedure offers unparalleled accuracy in measuring bone density and assessing bone health. Using advanced ultrasound technology, the Echolight technology provides precise information about bone strength, density and potential risks for osteoporosis, a condition affecting millions of Americans, particularly women and the elderly.

DFW residents can benefit from this painless and quick procedure, which requires no special preparation. The scan takes just a few minutes and patients receive immediate results, enabling early detection of bone-related issues and empowering individuals to take proactive measures to maintain their bone health. Naturopathic physician Dr. Sowmya Sridharan says, "Our technology sets a new standard for precision and convenience in bone density assessment."

Trinity Functional Medicine Group is now taking appointments for Echolight Scans and looks forward to working with patients and their other healthcare professionals.

Locations in McKinney, Frisco and Dallas. For appointments and more information, visit BoneHealthRev.com or call/text 972-999-1765.

Texas Pinners Conference

The world of creativity will take center stage at the Pinners Conference from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., September 22, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., September 23, at the Will Rogers Memorial Center for Pinterest enthusiasts. Girls’ Night Out is scheduled from 4 to 8 p.m., September 22.

With 110 interactive classes, workshops and demonstrations led by industry experts, influencers and professionals in their respective fields, participants can learn new techniques, gain insights and discover innovative crafting ideas.

A trade show with more than 250 vendors features curated products, services and resources to enhance creative endeavors. From the latest home décor trends to delectable culinary delights, fashionable accessories, beauty essentials, self-improvement tools.

General admission is $12 and includes access to the trade show. Children 8 and under are free. Class tickets include general admission. Girls’ Night Out is $19 and includes a gift and one class of choice. For more information, visit tx.pinnersconference.com.

Saddle Up for the State Fair and Rodeo

The 95th annual nonprofit North Texas Fair & Rodeo will take place from August 18 through 26, at the North Texas Fairgrounds, in Denton. Highlights include fair food, carnival rides, nightly rodeos and hot country music. There will be talented musical artists, professional and youth rodeos, livestock exhibitions, a premier midway and special exhibits. Nightly rodeos start at 7:30 p.m., followed by country music performances on two stages throughout the event with artists such as Aaron Watson, Scotty McCreery, La Mafia and more. Eight hundred seats have been added to the Coors Rodeo Arena and more remote parking options will be available on Saturdays at Texas Woman’s University in addition to the two lots at First Baptist Church and the original Denton High School.

All revenue is reinvested into programs, scholarships and facilities dedicated to preserving Western heritage. The rodeo contributes around $500,000 each year to area youth and has a significant economic impact on Denton County and the city of Denton.

For more information visit NTFair.com.

The42-acre Charles F. Ladd Nature Preserve has been established as Duncanville’s first nature park at 609 West Danieldale Road. 10-Mile Creek runs through the heart of the property. It was gifted to the city by former Duncanville business owner and real estate mogul Bob Ladd in 1998, and the deed restricted the property for “purposes related to the promotion or advancement of cultural, artistic or educational objectives,” defined as libraries, educational facilities, interactive learning centers, theaters for live performing arts, indoor ice rink, botanical gardens and nature trails.

The property sat untouched for 25 years, and practical tasks remain such as erecting a boundary fence, establishing rules and erecting signage. Long-term goals include acquiring grants, building trails, creating an eco-friendly educational arena and restoring the native prairie.

Garden in a Coal Mine

Aone-acre plot at the shuttered NRG

Jewett Mine lignite coal mine, which is being reclaimed as part of the NRG Energy Dewey Prairie Garden, located in Freestone County 60 miles east of Waco, is part of the effort to restore the 35,000-acre mine. The generator began running on cleaner-burning coal from Wyoming in 2016.

The garden has yielded about 10,000 pounds of produce for six food pantries since it began harvesting in April 2022. Texan by Nature, which manages the garden, estimates it has served approximately 2,000 people per month in Limestone, Freestone and Leon counties in a relative food desert.

In 1975, the Texas Legislature authorized the Texas Railroad Commission, which oversees the Texas’ oil and gas industry, to regulate surface coal mining. In 1977, the federal government created a fund to help pay for cleaning up old mines and required companies to restore the land to its prior condition after closing a mine.

NRG, which allotted $112 million to restore the mine, has set aside nine more acres to expand the garden, which was started as a pilot project. It is hoped that the garden can show how industry can work with local communities for benefit of all.

Are you truly living an organic healthy lifestyle?

You buy organic food, organic personal products, organic cleaning products…but what about PEST CONTROL?!?! Oops! No one mentioned pest control? What are you going to do?

Traditional pest control goes against everything you do. It can even make some people sick with nausea or headaches. Others have health issues that prevents them using traditional pest control. Not to mention the toxicity of synthetic chemicals. We are here to offer you an alternative and keep you living your organic healthy lifestyle! All of our products are from plants or green sources.

As you can see, we live what we preach!

Call us for more information, whether you decide to use us or not! We want to educate YOU!

Eco Friends ORGANIC Pest Control

972-484-7287

Services include ants, roaches, spiders, beetles, fleas, ticks, termites, roaches, rodents, bed bugs, mosquitoes, and many more!