OurCelina - September 2020 by 4CMEDIAGROUP

september 2020 | ourcelina.com

OurCelina.com | September 2020

Letter From The Publishers We have all had a little more than a month to adjust to our new school schedules and I'm not sure about you, but I am EXHAUSTED! I think the longest spring break ever recorded ruined me. We love watching our athletes, musicians and dancers doing their thing on the field or courts; something we weren't sure would even happen just a few months ago. We have also learned to appreciate the small things and to consider all things a blessing in these strange times. Thank you all for trusting us to provide you with the positive stories of our community. We know everywhere you turn there is negative being thrown at you and we strive to be the light in all the darkness. Celina is an incredible community and we are blessed to be a part of it's story.

Jimmy, Renee, Chase, Colby & Camden www.OurCelina.com We are proud to be members of the Celina Chamber of Commerce, Preston Trail Rotary Club, Celina Ladies of Influence (CLOI), Celina PTA, Celina Project Graduation and to serve on the Celina Main Street Advisory Board and Celina Parks and Recreation Board.

OurCelina.com | September 2020

Confused, nervous, but overall excited. These were all of the emotions that the class of 2021 felt four years ago when they stepped into Celina High School for the first time. Four years later, the class of 2021 is feeling those same emotions, only this time, they’re preparing to graduate high school. The new seniors have started their last first-week of high school and thus began senior season. The transition from being a junior to taking on all of the responsibilities that come with being a senior can seem jarring and leave a lot of seniors with mixed feelings. “It feels really weird, it feels almost surreal,” Band Vice-President Collin Smith said. “I'm excited and scared at the same time.” Alongside the nerves that come with simply being a senior, there is also a lot of uncertainty about whether the traditional senior events will be happening or not due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Earlier this year, prom and many other annual senior events were cancelled for the previous class of 2020 seniors, and it has left the new seniors with a lot of concern. “There’s already so many things I did [for the] last time and didn’t even realize it,” Varsity Cheerleader and Theater President Ellie Hughes said. “I didn’t think I wouldn't be getting the chance now.” Despite the uncertainty, the seniors are hopeful for the rest of the school year and are excited to be back at school in general. “I’m hoping to make the most of this year and have a lot of fun,” Drumline and Las Gatitas member Hannah Lafreniere said. “But at the same time, I’m a little nervous for what comes next.” Other seniors also share Lafreniere’s concern for the future, as they approach their entrance into college and adult-life.

Hannah Lafreniere

“I am not looking forward to leaving. I have a feeling that I won't be saying that at the end of the year, but for now I don't even want to think about leaving and being by myself in a huge world with endless opportunities,” Athletic trainer and cross-country runner Sydney Mckiddy said. “I love seeing new places, trying new things, but it is sad to leave the places that contain the greatest memories for you.”

With the end of their high school careers in sight, the class of 2021 looks back to their freshman selves and how dramatically they’ve changed in the past four years. Some seniors were even surprised about where they ended up. “I’ve made a lot of fun memories,” Hughes said. “And [I] found new interests I would have thought I would never get into.” While lots of students used high school to explore their interests, many noticed that through these past four years, they’ve also found themselves. “I think I've matured a lot and I have a lot more confidence,” Smith said. “I'm unapologetically myself, whereas freshman year, I was very insecure and introverted.” “I know myself more than I did in my freshman year,” Mckiddy said. “I feel more like a secure leader, a trusted friend, and someone who can help the younger students get involved at school.” Sydney Mckiddy

High school has also left many seniors with skills that they plan to use in college. “I’ve learned a lot of time management skills and organizational skills that I’ll use to make life easier later on,” Lafreniere said. “I am able to understand things a lot easier, and I am so much more organized.”

In the end, the class of 2021 is aiming to make their last year the best it can possibly be, even with the restrictions and limitations. As a tribute to their own start to high school, the seniors leave the incoming freshman a last bit of advice as they navigate the coming years: “Friends are everything, so don’t take them for granted!” Hughes said. “It’s important to know teachers well and understand that they’re there to help you, even if you suck at their class.” “The advice I'd give is to be yourself,” Smith said. “Stop caring about what others think!” “There is not a reason to grow up fast, so have fun with your [friends] and just enjoy life without the drama strings attached.” Mckiddy said. “I will for sure remember the people in high school more than any work I've ever done.”

Ellie Hughes

“Don’t stress out about anything too much,” Lafreniere said. “All you have to do is enjoy yourself and the time you have [in high school], because when you get older, it just flies by.”

OurCelina.com | September 2020

September 2020

Vol 3, Issue 8

CONTENTS 4 5 8 9 12-13 15 16-17 18 20 23 24 25 26 27 29 30

Meet the Publishers Senior Season: The Final Stretch City of Celina News & Information Historic Celina Main Street Celina ISD School Zone Back To School Photos National Night Out 2020 Men of Iron College Bound Celina Community Survey Report DNT Project Update Celina Cross Country Friday Night Lights Celina Bobcat Varsity Football Schedule Celina Oktoberfest Save the Date Celina Eats: Lucy's on the Square Celina Downtown Wine Crawl Celina Public Library

Published By 4CMEDIAGROUP, LLC Editorial & Design Renee Marler Renee@4cMediaGroup.com Production Jimmy Marler James@4cMediaGroup.com Contributing Writers Renee Marler | Ava Miller | Rachel Farrar

OurCelina.com | September 2020

Contributing Art & Photography 4CMEDIAGROUP Renee Marler | Jimmy Marler | Mike Harvey Rachel Farrar Editorial Submissions Please send editorial considerations to Renee@4CMEDIAGROUP.com Advertising Information Contact us at 214.592.7512 or email us at Renee@4CMEDIAGROUP.com

CELINA ISD

Back to School Photos

12 FEATURED:

Celina resident competing in Ironman Triathalon for 22Kill/One Tribe Foundation.

CELINA EATS:

Lucy's on the Square

16 OurCelina 114 N. Ohio, Suite 100, Celina, TX 75009 214.592.7512 | www.OurCelina.com A 4CMEDIAGROUP, LLC Publication

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OurCelina.com | September 2020

City of Celina adds digital marketing expert to staff A widely-recognized expert in the emerging field of digital marketing, an outreach method that has become increasingly relevant and taken on additional importance in recent months, has been added to the staff at the City of Celina. Donna Lynch has been named Director of Marketing and Communications, bringing a critically essential dimension to the City’s efforts at connecting with residents, business owners, visitors, developers, and other stakeholders. “Donna brings with her a new level of outreach that we have not had before,” says City Manager Jason Laumer. “Her experience, enthusiasm, and her unique knowledge base will be an important part of our efforts at moving the Celina brand forward.” Lynch, a former Senior Marketing Manager for a private medical device manufacturing company, has been brought onboard to help refine and implement the marketing and communications planning and execution of the City’s Life Connected mantra. In keeping with the City’s motto, #LifeConnected., Celina continues to grow the city through this lens, from the many planned trails to the addition of fiber throughout all communities. Lynch will be at the forefront of ensuring the strategic goal of sharing the Celina story is met by creating emotional, social, and community linkages and bridges on the City’s various digital and conventional platforms. An expert in contract negotiations, project management, and teambuilding, Lynch has held multiple marketing management positions in the areas of financial services, retail, legal, and non-profit. She holds credentials in digital marketing, marketing strategy, salesforce administration, project management, and is a Certified Meeting Planner. A graduate of Marshall University where she earned a bachelor’s in business administration, she has been honored with a Bronze Stevie Award from the American Business Awards organization and a Silver Effie from the Effie Worldwide organization. Looking for information on all the sports activities Celina has to offer? Visit sports.celina-tx.gov for a complete list of Youth and Adult activities. Sign up for our Celina Parks and Recreation monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date on game times and be among the first to know about updates to the Old Celina Park renovations.

OurCelina.com | September 2020

HONK!

Kick-off your Labor Day weekend at Celina's Friday Night Market on September 4th from 6-9pm in Downtown Celina! Come stock up on your favorite homemade, homegrown, and handmade items and grab some food as you enjoy the live music by Griffin Holtby. Downtown restaurants and shops will be open!

Celina’s inaugural Touch A Truck event will be Saturday, September 19th from 9am – noon. Bring the kiddos and come check out the equipment and tools staff use to keep the city running! Folks from various departments will be on hand with goodies and to answer any questions you may have. See you there!

Beware! of the Square, Part Two will be held October 24th from 6 – 10pm on and around the Square. Trick-or-treating, vendor booths, games and spooky stuff will be fun for all ages! Dress yourself and little ones up in costumes and come enjoy a frighteningly good time.

Thanks for the kind welcome, Celina. Our vault runneth over.

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OurCelina.com | September 2020

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OurCelina.com | September 2020

Celina Independent School District

SCHOOL ZONE From The Desk of Dr. Tom Maglisceau Dear Bobcat Parents, Our theme this year is “Celina Connected,” which speaks to our connections within our relationships and our commitment to supporting one another. As our staff began connecting with both their in-person and virtual students this year, a new sense of community began to develop. We all knew this year, more than any other school year, would be an extremely unique return to school, and our community has been so supportive of one another as colleagues, classmates, and families worked through new problems. Our city leaders have also stepped in to help serve our schools and our teachers. When repeated internet and power outages in the city impacted our campuses, Mayor Sean Terry, and City Manager Jason Laumer, immediately assembled their troops to reconnect our virtual students to their teachers and classmates. Celina Connected indeed! As we have stated in previous communications to our parents, the district is committed to providing a campus environment that follows all safety protocols for the health of our students and faculty. In addition to the many procedures in place on each of our campuses, our buildings receive extensive cleaning throughout each day and overnight. While these protocols and procedures are effective, they cannot completely stop the spread of the COVID virus, and we have already had active cases on several campuses. Our nursing staff continues to follow guidelines set by the state and reports all positive cases as they are confirmed to our district. As part of our commitment to clear communication with our families, the district has added a “COVID-19 Dashboard” to our website, which includes updated counts of active cases at each campus. The dashboard will be updated often as new active cases emerge. Heading into allergy and flu seasons, and as general illnesses occur, we know that more and more students will likely have to remain home due to COVID-like symptoms. We recognize the negative impact this can have on a family, but we are committed to following the guidelines of state and local health agencies to maximize the safety of all students and staff. We appreciate our families monitoring the health of their children and keeping students home if they are experiencing illnesses that can affect other students. All the protocols and procedures implemented within our schools are for naught unless we work together and do all we can to keep illnesses from ever coming into our schools. Celina ISD and the City of Celina have a long history of persevering through whatever has come our way and seeing not the problem before us, but seeing instead the opportunity. What has always been a strength for our city and our district is the greatest calling in our “Celina Connected” theme: True connection is about taking care of one another. Sincerely, Tom Maglisceau Superintendent, Celina ISD

AUGUST 19 12

OurCelina.com | September 2020

COVID COUNTS AS OF SEPTEMBER 14, 2020

Celina Independent School District

SCHOOL ZONE Back To School

2020

OurCelina.com | September 2020

TACLB79616E TACLB37543E

Expires 9/31/2020

OurCelina One of Many Sponsors for 2020 Celina Downtown National Night Out

On Tuesday, October 6th, from 6pm to 9pm, the City of Celina will celebrate its annual National Night Out celebration. This is the time for neighborhoods to come together and build lasting relationships within their community and also with their Police Department that humbly serves them. If you don't have a block party to go to, please join OurCelina as well as other community partners with downtown neighbors in the Celina Square, where there will be free food and entertainment. This is the sixth year Celina resident Natasha Hickman has worked with Celina PD to organize this event. If your neighborhoods want to host a block party or you want some more information, please contact Officer Chase Guidera at cguidera@celina-tx.gov. Stay safe Celina. OurCelina.com | September 2020

22KILL FOUNDER/CEO CPL JACOB SCHICK WITH DAVE PLUNKETT In 2004, Jacob Schick, a healthy and fit third generation Marine, and his unit (1st battalion, 23rd Marines) were deployed to Iraq. On September 20 of that year, while conducting combat operations, the front tire of his humvee hit a triple-stacked improvised explosive device (IED), blowing Schick 30 feet through the top of the vehicle. “I felt the attack that morning before we even went out,” said Schick, And he followed through the preparations of securing his team as they went out on the drive that day. He continued, “I sensed it in this weird way so I put the bomb blanket down, told all the men to button up their neck protectors and I told the driver to move over because I was driving today.“ Schick suffered horrific injuries such as collapsed lungs, compound fracture of his left leg and left arm, injuries to his hand, he broke every single rib and lost his right leg below the knee. But he did not lose his wit. When I asked about losing his leg, he quickly interrupted me with a smirk I would see more than once during our chat, “Make no mistake, I didn’t lose my leg. I know exactly where it is, it’s just not here.” Schick never lost consciousness throughout the ordeal and remembers the day in vivid detail. “I remember my guys all gathered around me talking to me and saying my name,” he said. “In that moment I tried bargaining with God. I told God He could have me as soon as I got on the Blackhawk, I just didn’t want my men to watch me die.” The Blackhawk took over 40 minutes to arrive. He was taken to the medical tents, then to a German medical facility and finally to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. It was at Bethesda Schick’s family was finally able to see him. After spending months at Bethesda, Schick was sent to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, where he spent the next year and one-half. There he would undergo 46 operations, have over 20 blood transfusions and was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 16

OurCelina.com | September 2020

While the 18 months Schick had spent in the hospital recovering from the physical aspects of his injuries were incredibly difficult, he had no idea that the real recovery was still to come. After an emotional war waged within him, he became addicted to pain medicine and felt hopeless. He was fighting depression and at one point didn’t care if he lived or not. Schick said family, friends and faith were the most beneficial pieces of his internal recovery and ultimately kept him from taking his own life, as he had planned. After years of physical and emotional healing, Schick came upon a 2012 report from the Veteran’s Administration which found that an average of 22 veterans die by suicide every day. Schick had been to a number of funerals of Marine brothers whom had taken their own lives and said he knew he couldn’t sit by and do nothing. “Trauma doesn’t go away and we, as humans, are not created to do all this on our own, we just aren’t and we can’t be afraid to talk about big things,” says Schick. In July 2015, 22KILL became an official 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. “We originally created the push-up initiative just to raise awareness,” he said. “We had no idea it would go as far as it did. I was actually out fishing when I got t he call that The Rock [Dwayne Johnson] had shared the #22pushupchallenge online and from there, it just blew up.” By the end of 2016, the campaign and fundraising from the push up challenge allowed 22KILL to donate over half a million dollars to veterans organizations. That same year, they started what Schick calls “Soul Work”. He believes their in-house program with a hands-on approach is helping veterans regain their life after service. The purpose of 22KILL is to restore the value of life by empowering veterans, first responders, and their families. “We don’t care your political affiliation, religious affiliation or if you don’t even have one. We believe every single person has a right to live and to live well,” says Schick. Awareness means educating ourselves and the general public, opening up the conversation, and learning to become comfortable with the fear of being vulnerable. By doing this, we can identify the often avoided or unaddressed issues that can lead someone to thoughts of suicide, and confront those issues as they come, rather than letting them accumulate into something much worse. The next step is empowerment. One of the biggest challenges veterans and first responders face is finding a sense of purpose after service. 22KILL has built a vast network of organizations and resourc-

LEAN IN AND LOVE HARD IN ORDER TO LIVE WELL ” -JACOB SCHICK

“WE ARE DOING SOUL WORK...TRAUMA DOESN'T JUST GO AWAY. WE HAVE TO

by: Renee Marler

es across the country, and whether through its own programs, or through external sources, veterans, first responders, and family members can find services for mental wellness and empowerment programs to help them find or rediscover that sense of purpose.

seling and workshops, resource education, need assessments, peer retreats, and other services as necessary.

In 2017, 22KILL started traditional and non-traditional mental wellness programs such as Stay The Course, Forge, Tribal Council, Wind Therapy, W-A-T-C-H, White Star Families and more.

Too many of my brothers and sisters had taken their own lives and no one was talking about it. “Suicide is just a word until we give it meaning,” said Schick.

Stay The Course seeks to overcome barriers that may prevent Veterans, First Responders, and families from getting the help they need.

Schick says, “We have to talk about it. Shame and guilt is learned. PTSD is a normal reaction to an abnormal situation and we have to acknowledge that veterans and first responders are often faced with abnormal situations.”

Tribal Council is a monthly, peerto-peer group meeting for veterans and first responders, and is led by staff members from Stay The Course in an open-forum setting. The Forge program introduces veterans, first responders, and their families to the therapeutic benefits of the outdoors, while tapping into the camaraderie and supportive nature of the active outdoor community. Individuals will have the opportunity to join in group retreats and participate and connect with like-minded people through various activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, off-roading, range shooting, hunting, and aerial gunnery shoots. Wind Therapy focuses on introducing veterans, first responders, and their spouses to the therapeutic benefits of motorcycle riding, boating, cycling and many other activities. W-A-T-C-H (We Are The Children of Heroes) serves the children and families of America’s fallen first responders and military heroes who have died since 9/11. They work to prevent further trauma for families of America's fallen heroes by providing hope, empowerment, and new happy memories for their children. Show them that they are not alone in their grief by connecting them to others just like them, and who are dealing with the same life challenges. Connect them in a safe and comfortable setting, where they can open up, share their feelings, and begin to heal. Create inspirational activities and opportunities for joy, friendship, education, therapy, and communal healing.

DAVE PLUNKETT

CPL JACOB SCHICK

White Star Families recognizes families who have lost a service member to suicide, whether they were military or a first responder. 22KILL honors the sacrifices of both the service member and their family by providing outreach and support programs. These include family coun-

To date, 22KILL has helped thousands of veterans and first responders and at any given time has approximately 300 people in one of their many programs. The 22KILL "Tribe" allows service members to connect with like-minded individuals and gives them the opportunity to get involved with community events and projects, and be a part of something great.

When someone commits suicide, the family and those left behind bear the full brunt of the stigma.

“You have to get to the point where when you wake up and look in the mirror, you are absolutely in love with the person staring back at you,” Schick says. Advocates of 22Kill wear honor rings on their trigger finger. Wearing an honor ring displays their commitment to research and to learn about their local veteran service organizations and what their missions and needs are, to focus on veteran strengths and challenge negative attitudes around veteran “issues”. Funding for these programs comes from donations from both individuals and corporations. Enter Dave Plunkett. Dave is just a normal, everyday family guy, happily married, Celina resident with three teenage boys and a great career…and has a true passion for our veterans and military heroes. Not being able to serve in the military, Dave has committed to serve our great country the best way he can today – raising awareness and money through competing in Ironman triathlons in an effort to help our veteran’s and first responders and combat their ongoing mental health challenges. The goal of every race is to get people to understand the true issues our veterans face and help raise money for traditional and non-traditional therapy through 22KILL. Last year. Dave was able to raise close to $22,000 for 22Kill. This year, David will be competing in the Ironman Florida on November 7th, 2020 and his fundraising goal is $40,000. YOU CAN HELP!

How can you help??

Dave says, "Working with Jacob Schick and Buck Kern at One Tribe Foundation (22KILL) has truly been an eye-opening experience. 22 Suicides Per Day is Too Many – help by donating to my fundraiser so our Veterans and First Responders can get the help they need." https://app.donorview.com/ pEWmR 100% of the proceeds go towards traditional and nontraditional therapy through the One Tribe Foundation.

OurCelina.com | September 2020

2020 City of Celina Community Survey Report

The 2020 Celina Community Survey had a phenomenal response rate, with more than three times a healthy minimum for a city (i.e. two percent) and 550 more responses than the 2018 Survey, which also had a high response rate. The Survey asked the community for their thoughts and opinions of current events, trends, and happenings within Celina. Overall the Survey respondents are pleased with the current economic development and planning efforts in Celina, especially in terms of Downtown and supporting local businesses, and there is an interest in seeing the City continue to explore additional opportunities to strengthen Downtown, expand parks and recreation amenities, and improve infrastructure. View the community survey results here: https://www.celina-tx.gov/communitysurvey

https://youtu.be/Njthz6Oq1_g

OurCelina.com | September 2020

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OurCelina.com | September 2020

2020 Cross Country Schedule

High School Schedule Date:

Meet:

Host School:

Location:

Run On

Frisco

Nocona

Indian Oaks Golf Club

8:00 AM

9/12 Eaton

Eaton

7:30AM

9/19 Flower Mound

Flower Mound

Shadow Ridge Park

7:30AM

9/26/20 Denison

Denison

Denison High School

8:00 AM

9/26/20 McNeil (Girls Varsity Only)

McNeil

Old Settlers Park

8/20/20 Spike Night 9/2/20 Nocona XC Invite

10/2/20 Celina Cross Country Invite Celina

Time: 5-7pm

Old Celina Park

8:00AM 7:30AM

10/10 Byron Nelson

Byron Nelson

Valley View (Varsity 10/16 Only)

Valley View

8:00AM

Celina

Old Celina Park

9:00 AM

UTA

Jesse Owens Complex

TBD

UIL

Old Settlers Park

TBD

Host School:

Location:

Sanger

9/15 /20 Celina JH Invite (7th)

Celina

OCP

4:00 PM

9/17/20 Celina JH Invite (8th)

Celina

OCP

4:00 PM

9/26/20 Denison (7th & 8th)

Denison

Denison High School

9:30 AM

9/30 Blue Ridge (Girls)

Blue Ridge

4:30 PM

10/1 Blue Ridge (Boys)

Blue Ridge

4:30 PM

10/13/20 7th Grade District

Celina

OCP

4:00 PM

10/15/20 8th Grade District

Celina

OCP

4:00 PM

10/29/20 District 11/9/20 - 11/10/20 Regional 11/24/20 State

Junior High Schedule Date:

Meet: Sanger XC Invitational 9/9/20 (7th & 8th)

Time:

OurCelina.com | September 2020

Meet Kyle Correia, PT, DPT CLINIC O WNER

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3248 S Preston Road Suite 110 Celina, TX 75009 OurCelina.com | September 2020

OurCelina.com | September 2020

Lucy’s menu features everything you would hope to find at an establishment “deep in the heart of Texas”, and more. Local favorites include juicy Chicken Fried Steak smothered in cream gravy ($12), Punk Carter’s Meatloaf ($12), and crispy Fried Cat-

The menu also features hearty burgers that come loaded with toppings (the 12 oz. Country Burger, topped with bacon & American cheese and served on rosemary peasant bread, is a guest favorite, $14.50), and a variety of sandwiches and fried basketsall of which come with your choice of fries or homemade potato chips. A selection of generously portioned salads are also available. Little Lucy’s fans aged 10 and under can order off of a kids’ menu, and even the child portions will satisfy just about any appetite; my 3 year old ordered an impressive foot long corn dog, which came with a generous side of mac n’ cheese (and yes, he ate every bite). Lucy’s offers brunch options until 3 PM, including the Chicken and Waffle ($9.50), and Lucy’s Benedict ($8.50). Breakfast is served on the weekends, and it’s worth waking up for. The breakfast menu offers everything from omelettes and pancakes to breakfast sandwiches and burritos, and brunch drinks are available (breakfast is served until 11 AM). Weekday lunch specials are available Tuesday- Friday, 11 AM- 2 PM, featuring a variety of tempting options starting at just $8.

Lucy’s offers a full bar, with house cocktails like Moonshine Lemonade ($6.50), Tropical Patron ($7.50), and Bahama Mama ($7.50). We were surprised by how much we liked the Classic Frozen Margarita ($6), which felt like a risky order at a restaurant that is not inherently Tex Mex. Happily, the risk paid off with a nicely balanced ‘rita that was not too sweet, and not too sour. Happy Hour is every weekday from 4 PM to 7 PM, and daily drink specials can be had for $3$6. Rumor has it, a new drink menu is on the horizon, and it will take “drink local” to a whole new level with Celina-themed cocktail offerings. In response to COVID, Lucy’s is offering family meals for take-out with curbside pickup available. Meals include your choice of entree (12 chicken tenders, 12 steak fingers, or 8 fried catfish filets), two pint sized sides, and a house salad for $38. Lucy’s on the Square 127 N. Ohio St. Celina, TX 75009 (972) 382-1212 Temporary Hours due to COVID (Call or go online to verify): Monday: CLOSED Tuesday- Friday: 11 AM- 8:30 PM Saturday: 9 AM- 8:30 PM Sunday 9 AM- 2 PM

• By Rachel Farrar

Lucy’s on the Square is widely regarded as a local treasure, so it might come as a surprise to learn that the man behind the Celina institution is not originally from these parts...or anywhere even close. Moises Casillas hails from Spain, and he became the unlikely owner of Lucy’s when he took over in 2013. Casillas discovered Celina while he was here visiting family about ten years ago, and he fell in love with its small town appeal. Before long, he found himself stepping away from his career as a Civil Engineer in the Canary Islands, packing up his belongings, and putting down roots in Celina. He didn’t speak English when he arrived in Texas, but that didn’t seem to worry Casillas, or prevent him from embracing and internalizing the local culture. Determined to learn English and make connections with his neighbors, Casillas made it a point to engage with every guest he encountered, as often as possible. Much like Lucy’s on the Square, Casillas’s English just gets better over time.

For any respectable downhome Texas eatery, pie is practically a requirement. Lucy’s pie offerings rival Grandma’s recipes (but don’t tell her that), with a menu of perennial favorites like coconut, chocolate cream, lemon cream, and banana cream. Rotating daily specials are available until they sell out; we tried the Tres Leches pie on our recent visit, which was every bit as delightful as it sounds. Cute little mini-pies are served in the dining room, which are large enough to share (debatably...but why would you want to?). You can also place an advanced order for a 9” pie by visiting Lucy’s website or giving them a call.

CELINA EATS: Lucy's on the Square

estled in the heart of Downtown Celina in a century-old brick storefront, Lucy’s on the Square embodies the warmth and charm of Small Town Texas, USA. You’d be hard-pressed to visit Lucy’s without spotting a group of local teens fraternizing after practice, a multi-generational family birthday celebration, or a congregation of “regulars” posted up at the bar to rib each other over a Shiner Bock or two. Texas treasures adorn the cozy dining room from floor to ceiling, and the smell of chicken fried steak fills the air.

fish ($12). On my most recent visit, I sampled the Ranch Style Chicken- a delicious chicken fried chicken breast topped with homemade ranch dressing, zesty house made salsa, and melted Jack cheese ($13.50). The chicken was tender enough to cut with a fork, and the zesty salsa and creamy ranch added a fresh twist on a Texas classic. My husband could not resist Punk Carter’s Meatloaf (“Mr. Carter’s secret recipe”, the menu boasts), and he was not let down; this Black Angus beef meatloaf is wrapped in smoked bacon and topped with BBQ sauce, sautéed mushrooms, and onions. All of Lucy’s “comfort specialities” are served with your choice of two sides or a baked potato. The homemade mashed potatoes and mac n’ cheese were our favorites.

OurCelina.com | September 2020

Changes at your bank? Join Mobility Credit Union. We are here to stay!

Norah St. Peter Celina Branch Manager 214.574.2027 nstpeter@mobilitycu.com 28

205 E. Walnut St. Celina, TX.

OurCelina.com | September 2020

Serving Texas since 1965

OurCelina.com | September 2020

Building For The Future In Prestigious School Districts CELINA ISD | PROSPER ISD

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CENTURIONAMERICAN.COM

Celina Public Library Celina Public Library adds experience to Youth Services staff. Latest addition brings varied background to position. Counting on slightly more than a dozen years of experience at top-level library systems in Texas and Arizona, Duane Wagner has joined the Celina Public Library as Youth Services Librarian. “Duane brings a wide range of excellent experience to the library staff,” says Library Director Linda Shaw. “When we combine his experience, his educational credentials, and his unbridled enthusiasm, the entire Celina community, especially the children, youth and young adults, will benefit in ways that may surprise us. Duane will definitely be a difference-maker.” In his position, Wagner will develop plans, proposals, and projects that will complement the existing Storytime offerings by the library. He will also be instrumental in conducting a variety of related opportunities for children on a weekly basis. He will monitor and maintain available literature aimed at children and young adults, as well as assist with library item acquisition and withdrawal of the reading inventory in those categories. An important part of his role will be working closely with school librarians and staff to ensure that the library remains an important resource for students and teachers. Wagner will also become an active advocate for the larger reading community, seeking ways to partner with organizations serving youth to promote positive change. As with all library personnel, he will be constantly available to provide advice to patrons of all ages looking for fiction and nonfiction titles. Prior to joining the Celina staff, Wagner held a similar position at the Flower Mound Library for seven years, shepherding the Youth Services Division through a period of exceptional growth. Before arriving in Flower Mound, he spent five years as a Library Associate and Library Program Instructor for the Pima County Public Library in Tucson, Arizona. A member of the American and Texas Library Associations, the Association for Library Service to Children, and the Young Adult Library Services Organization, Wagner earned a Master of Arts in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University as well as a Master of Arts in Information Resources and Library Science from the University of Arizona.

OurCelina.com | September 2020

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OurCelina.com | September 2020

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OurCelina.com | September 2020

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