PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID LEWISVILLE, TX PERMIT NO. 977
www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
JUNE 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 3
Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray
Administration
Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors Bobbi Byrne Alisha Tran
Writers & Editor Steve Gamel Brooke Ezzo
Advertising Manager
Kelly Murray 972.890.1128 kelly@murray-media.com
Production
Graphic Designers Caroline Brock Alyson Modene Cayla Thompson
Photography
What’s That Guy’s Name? PHOTOGRAPHY BY GUY T 469.500.5657 www.whatsthatguysname.com
Letters
Life in Castle Hills invites reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments.
Email artwork@murray-media.com. All submissions become
It’s
Summertime SO MAKE IT ONE TO REMEMBER
S
ummer is finally here, and I’ve got to tell ya, it’s about time! Not only am I looking forward to things slowing down just a little bit so that Scott and I can hang out with the kids more, but I am eagerly awaiting more consistent weather patterns. Yes, that means the North Texas sun will be beating down on us unmercifully at times. Still, it also means long days outside by the pool, road trips to wherever our budget will allow, hanging out on the patio grilling steaks and burgers, and ice cream dripping down sticky fingers. I can see and feel all of that right now. Can you? Good … so let’s make the most of it — especially as we hopefully reach a turning point in the fight against the coronavirus. One thing that always works for me is to live in the moment and make the most out of each day of summer that I have. Here are a few simple tips to make the most out of yours: •
the sole property of
Murray Media Group. Editorial and Advertising Inquiries Call 972.899.3637
or email artwork@murray-media.com www.Murray-Media.com
Address: 3513 Yucca Dr., Ste. 200 Flower Mound, TX 75028
Life in Castle Hills 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. Life in Castle Hills is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Advertisers and its agencies assume all liability for advertising content. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission in writing from the publisher. © 2020 Murray Media Group
•
Have a camp out in the backyard: A friend of mine did this last summer with their little ones, and it wasn’t anything too elaborate. They simply set up shop on the trampoline in their backyard, put out a few citronella candles to repel mosquitos, and stared into the starry night sky until they drifted off to sleep. Trust me … the kids will love it. Plan something you’ve never done before: Have a family sit down and choose a few road trips or local activities you’ve never done together
before. Just be mindful of social distancing guidelines. •
Master a new skill or talent:
This can be for you or the kids.
The kids never want to stop trying new things, and adults need to
remember they can still learn new tricks at any age. A friend of mine
said he’s going to teach his littlest
son how to ride a bike this summer,
and another said she would train for a half marathon. The possibilities are endless. •
Check-in on your 2020 goals:
June is the midway point of the year, and if you set goals for
yourself back in January, it’s time to see where you are and if you need to play any catch-up. What ideas do you have for this summer?
Sincerely, Kelly Murray Publisher of Murray Media Group, kelly@murray-media.com
4 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JUNE 2020
www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
JUNE 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 5
Dental Article
BAD DENTAL
HABITS by Contributing Writer
O
ur 32 adult teeth serve valuable purposes. They help us chew food and contribute to certain kinds of speech sounds. Although tooth loss can occur with age, we should practice good dental hygiene to hold onto our teeth as long as possible. When we begin losing them, it can affect the shape of the mouth, how we chew and digest food, the way we speak, and our general appearance. Avoid these bad habits to avoid losing your teeth.
“ You Don’t Have To Brush All Your Teeth Just The Ones You Want To Keep” — Anonymous Quote
6 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JUNE 2020
www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
1
LIMITED BRUSHING
Dentists recommend brushing your teeth with toothpaste and clean water after eating. This includes snacks. In fact, many dentists discourage frequent snacking, as certain popular snack foods contain sugar or a crunchy texture that can harm teeth. Even worse, people don’t typically brush their teeth after eating between meals. If you can’t brush after snacking, at least privately rinse your mouth with water to remove some of the food debris or beverage residue.
2
RARE FLOSSING
Everyone should floss at least once a day if not after every meal. Flossing helps to remove food particles between the teeth and below the gum line where toothbrushes can’t reach. Regular flossing can keep your gums healthy by reducing or eliminating inflammation that may lead to periodontal disease.
3
NAIL BITING
Avoid chewing on your fingernails or ice, or anything else that can damage your teeth. Some people unconsciously chew pencils or other objects that can wear down their teeth or cause their bite to become misaligned. Don’t bite anything except dental-friendly food to keep your teeth strong and healthy.
4
USE TEETH AS SCISSORS
You might be tempted to break thread in two with your teeth if you don’t have a pair of scissors handy. Some people tear the rind off of citrus fruits with their teeth. Using your teeth as a sharp object to bite, peel, or cut non-food items may cause a tooth to chip, crack, or even get twisted over time.
5
HAVE BRUXISM
It’s not unusual to grind your teeth spontaneously, often due to nerves, frustration, or anger. Some people grind their teeth at night while sleeping and have little control over the habit. However, bruxism in any form can wear down your teeth edges and affect the way you eat and speak. Talk to your dentist about this problem if you have it.
By avoiding bad dental habits like these, you can protect your teeth and keep them in good condition for years to come. Take action now to practice effective dental hygiene and stop mistreating your teeth before they are permanently damaged.
www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
JUNE 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 7
FORMER HEBRON VOLLEYBALL PLAYER
TAKES THE At The Colony by Steve Gamel
L
ong before Rachel Buckley was a star volleyball player at North Carolina State, she was serving up highlight-reel plays at Hebron with relative ease. Buckley helped guide the Lady Hawks to a state title during her senior year in 2010, and after her collegiate career was over, she came back to lead Hebron to two more championships as an assistant coach.
Before that, she helped lift NC State to the NCAA tournament. Those experiences should do wonders for The Colony. The Colony is coming off playoff
appearances in two out of the last three
Now it’s time to see if she can continue
was able to see what happens behind the
seasons but has only made the playoffs a
Buckley was hired as The Colony’s
with all of that, I’ll be able to take that to
the state tournament alongside Hebron in
that momentum as a head coach.
new coach in April, ushering in a new era for a Lady Cougar program that has seen its own share of postseason success. “It will definitely be
different, but what I really think is cool is that I don’t have any seniors. It’s a young group of what
will be sophomores and
juniors, so we get to make our own legacy,” Buckley said. “These girls are on
scenes to get that out of the girls. I think
total of four times since also advancing to
The Colony and build something lasting.”
2010. The Lady Cougars lost to Grapevine
Buckley said she does have ties to The
Colony. Her older sister,
“IT WILL DEFINITELY BE DIFFERENT, ...IT’S A YOUNG GROUP OF WHAT WILL BE SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS, SO WE GET TO MAKE OUR OWN LEGACY.”
Jennifer, went to The
Colony as a freshman
and sophomore before
transferring to Hebron for her final two high school years to be apart of the
in the first round last season. The year before, they missed out because of a district tie-breaker.
The Colony will be in the new District
10-5A next season with Denison, Lovejoy, McKinney North, Princeton, Prosper Rock Hill, Sherman, and Wylie East.
school’s first graduating
“I feel like we are probably going to fight
the pedigree as a player
McKinney North have some great teams,”
class in 2002. She also has
for those last two spots since Lovejoy and
and coach to withstand
Buckley said. “But I absolutely think we
fire. I am on fire. I remember what it takes
the whirlwind of being a first-time head
have a shot at making the playoffs and
And I also had a chance to be apart of
and 2017 Hebron teams that won state
and a Lovejoy. That’s our goal, and I think
to be a player, and what goes into that.
more state titles as a coach at Hebron, so I 8 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JUNE 2020
coach. She was an assistant on the 2016
maybe even upsetting a McKinney North
titles under legendary coach Karin Keeney.
that’s a possibility.”
www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
Health Advice: Ask The Expert
Visiting Your
Screening.
HEALTHCARE
PROVIDER DURING A PANDEMIC
We are pre-screening all patients
and visitors for symptoms of cough,
shortness of breath or fever prior to their appointment and the day off. Mask precautions.
All staff are asked to wear a mask, and we will mask patients or their visitor if
they show any symptoms of respiratory infection, have been in contact with a
confirmed COVID-19-positive individual,
or have traveled to a geographic endemic hot spot.
photo courtesy of Janssen Kristen
Personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE is in use at levels recommended
by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Social distancing.
All staff, patients, and visitors will adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Providing more options to stay in touch with your provider:
T
•
his is an unprecedented time, bringing uncertainty and unease— especially regarding visiting a
healthcare provider’s office. You may
be asking yourself, “Is it safe to visit my
doctor’s office and what precautions are they taking?”
essential visitor if absolutely necessary.
and support system can still be part of
policies. To limit the overall traffic in the
practice, we are limiting patients to one
and other care areas according to the recommendations of the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Telehealth visits. You may now “visit” your provider from wherever you
may be, simply by using your existing mobile device or computer.
Infection prevention precautions.
patient waiting rooms, exam rooms
Updated visitor and companion
•
their care.
We thoroughly clean and sanitize all
HERE’S WHAT WE ARE DOING
available and we look forward to seeing you in person.
We encourage patients to use video chat during visits so that their family
In-person appointments are
•
Our patient portal remains the
best way to send secure messages, receive testing results, and share
information privately between you and your provider.
We’re still here for you—safer and more secure than ever before. 214.222.8150 | SURGICALCARENTX.COM | LOCATIONS: LEWISVILLE • FLOWER MOUND • CASTLE HILLS • CORINTH: COMING SOON
www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
JUNE 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 9
INSIDE COMMUNITY
MOTHER SON GAMES Sat., June 27 | 11am - 2pm | Thrive 1950 S. Valley Pkwy. • Lewisville, TX 75067 Calling all mother-son duos! You are invited to clown around and compete in this year’s circus themed games. Lunch will be provided. Registration for this event is open, www.LewisvilleThrive.com and click on Events. Tickets are $7 per person.
2560 King Arthur Blvd., Ste. 100 Lewisville, TX 75056 Now open inside of PIE 314 Eatery is Ashley’s Neighborhood Essentials, a micro market offering the community fresh produce, dairy products, Grab & Go items and meal kits. They also have some household essentials. Go check them out and support local!
INSIDE EDUCATION
LEWISVILLE ISD AWARD WINNERS More than 400 employees from across the district were nominated by their peers, and every school in LISD nominated a campus teacher of the year to be considered for an award in their category. Congratulations to the incredible educators and staff that continues to support our students and make Lewisville ISD a top rated district in the state.
10 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JUNE 2020
www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
Ashleys Neighborhood Essentials logo courtesy of Sean Conner
EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
photos courtesy of Elizabeth Haas
Sometimes we don’t think about it but having security and police department numbers saved somewhere convenient is a great idea. Put them on your fridge or save them in your phone! Lewisville Police Department non-emergency: 972.219.3640 and Castle Hills Security Patrol: 214.274.2057.
pictured Above Is Nicole Griffin
NOW OPEN 4541 N Josey Ln. Ste. 210 • Carrollton, TX 75010 Castle Hills Pediatric Dentistry is now open! With a brand new state of the art pediatric dental office they are ready to see new patients, 18 years and below. They accept all major PPO insurances and Dr. Simi Abraham, D.D.S. is a board certified Pediatric and Special Care Dentist. Welcome to the neighborhood! To make your appointment, call 469.669.0222 or visit www.CastleHillsPediatricDentistry.com.
Lindsay McLennan Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year The Colony High School
Allyson Salls Elementary First-Year Teacher of the Year Hebron Valley Elementary
Nicia Granado Campus Support Employee of the Year Independence Elementary
Taylor Brem Campus Aide of the Year Griffin Middle School
Ashley Hardinger Secondary First-Year Teacher of the Year Hebron 9th Grade Campus
Nicole Griffin Secondary Teacher of the Year Lakeview Middle School
Tina Krol Elementary Principal of the Year Hebron Valley Elementary
Lindsey McDaniel Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year Stewart’s Creek Elementary
pictured Above Is Tina Krol
www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
JUNE 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 11
Ask The Expert: Travel
San Diego! SCENIC
by Terri Guthrie
theaters, and is home to the worldfamous San Diego Zoo. Balboa Park is 1,200 acres, and it is the largest urban cultural park in North America. It’s a must-see on any visit to San Diego.
photos courtesy of Terri Guthrie
S
an Diego, California, is a great destination spot at any time of the year, mainly because of its incredibly mild, year-round climate – probably the best on the planet! And it has miles of beautiful beaches on the Pacific Ocean. The weather, the water, and countless things to do are all fantastic! Here are my top 3 favorites:
CORONADO ISLAND: This resort city is just across the Bay from downtown. Locals and visitors like Coronado Island for its quiet, laid-back simplicity and epic views of the downtown San Diego skyline.
BALBOA PARK: It’s an urban cultural park in the heart of the city. In addition to open space areas, natural vegetation zones, green belts, gardens, and walking paths, it contains museums, several
LA JOLLA: There is a reason why this area is so popular. It is ideally situated on a seven-mile stretch along the coast. There is hardly a more picturesque location than La Jolla. There are incredible beaches, seaside dining, art galleries, posh boutiques, and panoramic ocean views. It has a rich history steeped in the fantastical tales of Dr. Seuss and old Hollywood. This small coastal town is absolutely a jewel!
Everyone needs to see the iconic Hotel del Coronado: This sprawling, rust-redand-white, Victorian-style seaside hotel opened in 1888. Part of the fun of going to the island is getting there. If you're driving, take the Coronado Bay Bridge. It's extraordinarily tall to allow the largest military ships to pass below. Or, take the Coronado Ferry from the San Diego waterfront to Ferry Landing. Both are fun! Follow Terri on her Travel Blog at travelwithterri.net
FOLLOW TERRI ON INSTAGRAM @TRAVELWITHTERRI | TRAVELWITHTERRI.NET
12 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JUNE 2020
www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
JUNE 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 13
CROSSING C
The Finish Line
by Brooke Ezzo
ongratulations to The Colony High School and Hebron High School seniors who graduated at Texas Motor Speedway on May 23 and May 24, 2020. Although the graduation ceremony looked different this year, the community rallied behind these students and showcased love and support.
Since the ceremony was unconventional this year, we wanted to give these students another opportunity to send a farewell message to their classmates. KAITLYN COTTON | The Colony High School Valedictorian Will be attending Oklahoma State University, studying Cell and Molecular Biology
CATHERINE NGUYEN | The Colony High School Salutatorian Will be attending Rice University, studying Biological Sciences “I think this already goes without saying, but appreciate the time you have in high school. The Class of 2020 knows better than any that opportunities are precious, and some can never be recovered (I’m really wishing that I went to prom as a junior now). When you graduate, you will undoubtedly be faced with uncertainty. You have been prepared well, but don’t be afraid to ask for help. Keep persevering! Success comes in time.”
AISHA ASLAM | Hebron High School Valedictorian Will be attending Southern Methodist University, double majoring in Economics and Mathematics “The Class of 2020 may be known for missing out on senior trips, last days, proms, and [regular] graduations, but we will be remembered for rising to the occasion, bettering the world, and making a lifetime of memories, having been equipped with our education and strengthened with our experiences.” JENNA FITZGERAL | Hebron High School Salutatorian Will be attending Baylor University, studying University Scholars with concentrations in Biochemistry, Journalism, and Spanish “I hope history doesn’t look back at the class of 2020 with any pity. While we did miss out on some hallmark senior events, we still have so many good memories from the rest of our time at Hebron; scholars, athletes, musicians, journalists, and more have achieved so much in our years here. I hope history chooses to remember us as those accomplished, driven, strong students as opposed to simply the class of COVID-19.” 14 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JUNE 2020
www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
photos courtesy of Elizabeth Haas
“Yes, our senior class has lost a lot thanks to the coronavirus, but we were able to make the best of this situation and still find ways to celebrate each other and our school. I advise future graduates to make time to spend with others. Senior year is a busy time filled with college applications and schoolwork, so it is easy to neglect your friendships. However, these friendships provide you with the support you need to complete high school and begin college.”
Summer FUN
DURING COVID
by Contributing Writer
M
ake the most of this crazy time by forging some fun memories with your kiddos this summer! Making a Bucket List with your family will give some structure and purpose to your days AND help keep your kiddos entertained!! Use this one as inspiration, but brainstorming to come up with one for your family will be part of the fun! BOWLING
BUILD A FORT
You don’t need a bowling ally to have a blast bowling with the fam! Stack up some toilet paper or paper towels, if you can find ‘em, and use a soccer or playground ball to knock em’ down! This will keep your little ones busy for a while!
Building forts with your kids is the stuff memories are made of! We have a bin of old sheets that we keep just for this purpose, but you can also grab some at your local thrift store! Battery operated fairy lights will make any fort more magical.
DANCE PARTY Turn up the music and have a dance party! You’ll burn some calories and have a blast! If this isn’t your thing, start with scripted dances like the Cha-Cha Slide or the Chicken Dance. EXERCISE Teach your kids about different muscles in their bodies, and then learn an exercise that will make that muscle stronger! Challenge your kids to do those exercises every day, and help them chart their progress! www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
QUARANTINE TIME CAPSULE Create a Quarantine Time Capsule with your kids! Look on our Facebook page for a FREE Time Capsule printout. TIE DYE Make some tie dye shirts or kitchen towels! There are lots of variations of this activity - you could make “bleach” shirts using bleach spray in a bottle. You can also spray the tie dye! Or, try taping off words, like Quarantine 2020, and spray over that!
MAKE SPONGE BOMBS FOR A WATER FIGHT
Cut sponges into strips and tie them
tightly in the middle with dental floss... dunk them in water and have a “sponge bomb fight!”
GO TO THE ZOO! ONLINE Thanks to Covid-19 these zoos are bringing the zoo to you by hosting
Facebook Lives, uploading videos and
sharing live web cams so your kiddos can
pop in any cage any time. Check out both their website and Facebook pages to see what they’re up to each day. Dallas Zoo
dallaszoo.com/bringthezootoyou/ Columbus Zoo
columbuszoo.org/home/cameras The Bronx Zoo
bronxzoo.com/virtual-zoo North Carolina Zoo
facebook.com/nczoo JUNE 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 15
Keeping You And Your Family
SMILING NO MATTER WHAT by Steve Gamel | photography by Your Candid Memories (YourCandidMemories.com)
W
hen the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and many businesses were either forced to close temporarily or asked to limit their services, Dr. John Shillingburg and his amazing team at DFW Oral Surgeons in Flower Mound had everything under control. Granted, they weren’t allowed to perform elective procedures such as wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, bone and tissue grafting, etc., but they were more than ready to expedite care for their patients in emergency situations.
And according to Dr. Shillingburg, there was a surprisingly high number of those over the last few months.
Dr. Shillingburg said. “I had a gentleman yesterday who had a horrible abscessed tooth pop up out of the blue on him.”
“We treated multiple jaw fractures for kids who were home and either got hurt riding their skateboard or were playing around in some other way and got seriously injured,”
He added, “It’s hard to understand why these emergencies happened now, but they did. And we were here to help.” There are a few reasons why Dr. Shillingburg is the go-to guy for even the most complicated of emergency procedures. For starters, he’s a boardcertified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and is trained and credentialed in dentoalveolar surgery, facial cosmetic
surgery, implant surgery, orthognathic
surgery, facial reconstructive oral surgery, and dental anesthesiology. This allows him to treat everything from a simple tooth extraction to replacing every
tooth in a patient’s mouth. He holds
membership with the American Dental Association and is a Diplomate of
both the American Dental Society of
Anesthesiology and American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Dr. Shillingburg has also spared no
expense in surrounding himself with
top-of-the-line technology that makes
his job seamless. Along with that was his insistence on investing in the facility as a
whole, which is a true outpatient surgery center capable of treating any mouth
and jaw condition with ease. When you have an emergency, there’s no reason
to go anywhere else because DFW Oral Surgeons is equipped for it all.
Simply put, they do it all, and they do it right. 16 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JUNE 2020
www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
972.539.1491 | www.dfworalsurgeons.com
4421 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 100 • Flower Mound, TX 75028
“There are plenty of things that we
do all the time that we haven’t been
able to do because of the guidelines that are in place, but we have been open the entire time from an emergency basis. Our goal was to be
as safe as possible,” Dr. Shillingburg
said. “We are in the
process of adding an
air purification system
that goes well beyond what we already have. All of our procedures
will have UV and HEPA filters — just like a true
operating environment. It’s 100% purified
and extremely safe.
We wear N95 masks per CDC guidelines
of reasons. Having that type of training in
Beyond the accolades and credentials
Many of us take our oral and dental
they need us most.”
mentioned earlier in this article, perhaps what truly prepared Dr. Shillingburg
for the coronavirus
“I got used to managing patients in that environment, where we were extremely concerned about safety for a lot of reasons. Having that type of training in that type of environment prepared me.”
and even wear a traditional Level 3 mask over those for another layer of safety. It’s
enabled us to remain safe and provide the www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
best care possible for our patients when
crisis and how he
would maintain a high standard of care was
his military experience. “I was military trained in the Army. When I
was in my residency, we were at the
height of Iraq and
Afghanistan and saw a lot of wounded
soldiers and military
that type of environment prepared me.” health for granted, and when we are
suddenly faced with severe problems,
the consequences can be overwhelming. Having a doctor like John Shillingburg in your corner is a lifesaver.
Dr. Shillingburg and the amazing team at DFW Oral Surgeons are proud to
serve the residents in and around Argyle, Bartonville, Highland Village, Lantana, Double Oak, South Denton, Denton
County, and surrounding areas. We are conveniently located on the west side
of Long Prairie Road between College Parkway and Cross Timbers Road.
service members who
“As an oral surgeon, my job is to manage
some really strange
“We’ve been pretty busy considering
would come back with
complications,” Dr. Shillingburg said.
infections. I got used to managing patients
the circumstances with the coronavirus.
extremely concerned about safety for a lot
they needed us most.”
in that environment, where we were
But we were there for our patients when
JUNE 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 17
18 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JUNE 2020
www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
SHERIFF’S W I T H
S H E R I F F
T R A C Y
ASSISTANT CHIEF DEPUTY BARRY CAVER
A
ssistant Chief Deputy, Barry Caver, was raised in the Lufkin, TX area where he graduated from high school and attended Stephen F. Austin State University. Caver is a graduate of the 201st session of the FBI National Academy and holds a Master Peace Officer License and a Jailer License. Chief Caver has been in law enforcement for 43 years, which began in December 1976 when he was hired as a dispatcher/ jailer for the Angelina County Sheriff’s Department in Lufkin, Texas. He was 19 at the time. He later received his Texas peace officer certification and was employed in 1978 as a police officer with the Diboll Police Department. Caver was accepted into the training academy of the Texas Department of Public Safety in 1979, where he spent eight years as a Highway Patrol Trooper before being promoted to the position of Highway Patrol Sergeant in 1987. Caver was later promoted to the position of Texas Ranger Sergeant in 1989. In 1993, he was promoted to the position of Texas Ranger Lieutenant and stationed in Lubbock. In 1996, Caver was promoted to the position of Texas Ranger Captain, Company “E”, stationed in Midland, Texas, where he remained until his retirement in 2008. Caver retired with a Special Texas Ranger commission and was a Reserve
Deputy Sheriff with the Parker County Sheriff’s Office in Weatherford, Texas.
On January 1, 2017, Caver was appointed by Sheriff Tracy Murphree as the Assistant Chief Deputy with the Denton County
Sheriff’s Office, where he currently leads
M U R P H R E E
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
as Jail Administrator.
Besides being instrumental for the Denton County Jail in dealing with the COVID-19
pandemic, Chief Caver has many notable accomplishments throughout his career.
Caver assisted in the primary investigation of the Branch Davidian compound siege near Waco, Texas in 1993. Caver served
as commanding officer and lead hostage negotiator during the incident involving
a separatist group known as the Republic of Texas, which lead to a stand-off near Fort Davis, Texas in 1997. Chief Caver
was also the commanding officer and
incident commander on the raid on the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints’ compound near
Eldorado, Texas in 2008. With this incident, over 400 children were seized by Child Protective Services. Twelve arrests were made and 16 indictments returned on the alleged criminals involved. Denton County Sheriff’s Office is extremely honored to have the experience and integrity of Chief Barry Caver on our Command Staff! Chief Caver will graduate from Texas A&M Commerce in the Fall of 2020 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. He is married to Tammy Caver and has a daughter, two sons, and eight grandchildren.
940.349.1600 | 127 N. WOODROW LN., STE. 300 • DENTON, TX 76205 | DENTONCOUNTY.COM/DEPARTMENTS/SHERIFF.ASPX www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
JUNE 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 19
Helping G I R L S
SURVIVE
THE STRESS
of Their Teen Years by Jana Sosnowski
A
current trend in teenage circles is claiming bragging rights over who is the most stressed, which is often translated into who received the least amount of sleep each night. With a society that moves faster and faster with increases in technology, your daughter might be suffering from heightened levels of stress, particularly if her peer group comprises high achievers.
Dr.
Roni Cohen-Sandler describes the stresses that plague teenage girls today as fear of exposure, need for autonomy, fear of repercussion, fear of raising parental anxiety, avoidance of flaws, and comparison to a perceived ideal. The need for autonomy is a typical rite of passage, but adults can help girls change their desire to hide flaws and avoid exposure to perceived weakness.
girl realistically evaluate her perception
Dealing with stress as early as possible may prevent the drive to be the “most stressed out” or the student with the least amount of sleep. It can also prevent larger issues, including increased illness, craving for stimulants, lack of physical activity, and diminished academic achievement.
willingness to talk.
Helping a teenage girl develop a realistic view of herself and the world around her is key to her reducing her own stress. Parents who openly communicate about their own stresses with work may help a teen 20 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JUNE 2020
of her school work and lower her fear of
disappointing her parents. According to Dr. Cohen-Sandler, the root of stress is
often found in family expectations, cultural pressures, and self-esteem issues. Open communication between parent and
daughter can begin to ease some of these stresses. If beginning communication is difficult, assistance from a psychologist
can increase both parent and daughter’s Stress management is also assisted by the education of the parent and
development of the girl’s self-esteem via an understanding – by both parent and child – that perfect does not exist and the quest for the Ivy League school is
often more damaging than encouraging.
Girls who do not succumb to heightened levels of stress know from parents that enjoying themselves and finding their place in the world are more practical and sensible goals.
www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
JUNE 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 21
22 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JUNE 2020
www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
Organizing: Ask The Expert
REPRIORITIZING A
To Be Productive by Crystal Nerpel, Owner of Cloud Nine Organizing
s an organizing expert, I totally appreciate the importance of being productive and staying organized. But as a wife and mother, I also realize that life is never ever going to be completely organized and perfect. In fact, I usually embrace the small bit of happy chaos that keeps life interesting.
That being said, none of us expected the interesting chaos and confusion that the COVID-19 pandemic brought into all our lives. As a result of this unexpected confusion, your priorities may have shifted; what used to feel urgent can wait and what used to feel important is taking a backseat to other concerns. Now, as Texas businesses are slowly starting to open back up and as residents are getting comfortable with the idea of venturing out, you may be tempted to
start adding activities, obligations and
distractions back into your schedule. We are all excited to start feeling “normal”
again, but as you start making future plans, I encourage you to take a look at your
priorities before you start overloading your schedule.
ASK YOURSELF A FEW QUESTIONS: Is what was important to me before the pandemic still important to me now?
Have I stopped doing something during this pandemic that I don’t really miss?
What tasks do I do that take me a long
time but don’t add much value to my day? What tasks really get me closer to my goals? If you have ever noticed that you are
exhausted at the end of each day because you are super busy, but you don't feel like
you've actually accomplished anything, it's time to reprioritize. Always being busy but
unproductive will eventually take a toll; mentally and physically. You're going to crash and burn. In his highly popular book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey explains the Time Management Matrix and how effective people spend more time in Quadrant II, minimize time spent in Quadrant I, and worry very little about Quadrants III and IV. Many people allow urgent tasks to interrupt their progress because they haven’t taken the time to pay attention to their priorities. All you need is about 10 15 minutes everyday to plan ahead. Look at your next day’s schedule and decide if there is anything in Quadrant III or IV that can be delegated or deleted. So, as you adjust to your changing priorities, learn to say “no” to the tasks that are not important to the overall quality or success of your day.
CLOUDNINEORGANIZING.COM
www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
JUNE 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 23
Neighborhood Find Your Local Home-Based Business Here!
24 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JUNE 2020
www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
JUNE 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 25
COVID-19 CONTINUED
A
s everyone grappled with the many challenges wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic, it immediately became evident to us how important it was to help our businesses, non-profits, and individuals impacted from this unforeseen phenomenon. When Denton County received $147 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds from the $150 billion set aside for counties and cities with populations in excess of 500,000 in the federal government’s CARES Relief Act, helping residents recover became our top priority. To help offset the economic impact suffered by many, the Denton County Commissioners Court created the Denton County CARES (Coalition of Agencies to Restore Essential Services) program designed to designate funds to address countywide concerns.
We also reached out to the United Way of Denton County and other local non-profit organizations to find out how we could help assist individuals where they need it most. Our communities will soon receive funds based on a $55 per capita formula so they can cover COVID-19-related expenses. We also are working with them to develop additional business grants for businesses within their communities as well as continue to assist their non-profits to provide food and housing assistance.
Our communities will soon receive funds based on a $55 per capita formula so they can cover COVID-19related expenses.
The Court allotted funds in several categories, including business grants, housing assistance, and food as well as funds to help cover COVID-19-related costs incurred by non-profits and our more than 40 cities and towns. 26 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JUNE 2020
Let me assure you that none of these federal dollars will cover any revenue shortfalls for governmental entities – whether at the municipal or county levels. Commissioners Court employed experienced outside counsel to review federal guidelines and help us design
by Denton County Judge Andy Eads photo courtesy of Judge Andy Eads
specific processes to ensure these funds are spent exactly as intended. In Denton County, our teams have worked long days, weekends, and holidays to keep you informed about everything related to COVID-19. From the first case through now, we have provided daily updates on positive cases, recoveries and, tragically, the deaths directly related to this insidious virus. In fact, we provided more information than many of our fellow counties. We have worked throughout this period to ensure online services were available where possible and reopened as soon as health officials and the state deemed it safe to do so. Our Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Services Office, and Facilities Department worked collaboratively to ensure we have the proper Personal Protection Equipment available for employees and the public. They installed special stations in hightraffic areas, plastic shields in face-to-face transaction areas, and signage to guide the public into and throughout our buildings. Denton County Public Health increased the number of testing locations throughout Denton County. As of May 28, www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
state records show that more than
Normalization) to offer Denton County
local food supply as needs increase. In the
County. Currently, our Denton County
applications for up to $10,000 in grants.
opportunities for residents to find the
20,250 tests were conducted in Denton Public Health teams are providing at
least two testing centers each week –
one at the University of North Texas every
businesses an opportunity to submit
An estimated 1,337 businesses submitted grant applications
from May 13 through
Tuesday, with a second one at different
May 20. Our call
has also set up several testing centers in
calls and we received
be announced for the coming weeks
answers to questions
locations throughout the county. The state
center fielded 496
the county. Additional testing centers will
255 emails seeking
and months.
about the grant
Our Emergency Services Office also
supplied personal protection equipment (PPE) to our first responders as well as
hand sanitizer from Mary Kay’s Research and Development Facility and BENDT
Distilling Co., both in Lewisville, to our long-term care facilities. Soon, we will be working with the Denton County
Transportation Authority to provide our
non-profit organizations with an estimated 200,000 masks to help them as they
application process. This month, we will
let businesses know
if they have qualified for grants and begin sending checks to
This month, we will let businesses know if they have qualified for grants and begin sending checks to assist them in the recovery process.
assist them in the
the organizations meet these needs by
funding grant requests submitted through the North Texas Cares program. To date, we have provided $1.06 million through the United Way of Denton County to
help our area 501c3 organizations. We
anticipate continuing this process as more grant requests come in.
In mid-May, we launched Denton County OPEN (Operational Plan for Economic
planning drive-thru
opportunities to pick up food boxes or
providing hot meals
to neighborhoods in
need through regional food trucks.
Through Denton
County CARES, we are also paying tribute to the memory of Gene
for our businesses countywide.
gave generously of his time and money
announce additional grant opportunities In the next few weeks, we will expand a
eviction. As of May 27, an estimated
assistance, we have worked to help
pantries with supplies,
Gumfory, a longtime Denton County
As our non-profits have seen tremendous
families who have never before requested
bolstering existing
recovery process. We will also soon
countywide housing assistance program
as much as a 400 percent increase from
nutritional food they need to feed their
families – whether by
continue to assist our residents.
growth in demand, some experiencing
coming weeks, we hope to create more
to provide more relief for residents facing $372,064 assisted 374 residents with rent,
business owner and philanthropist who
to support many programs over the years. He established the Shiloh Field gardens,
which continue his desire to provide tens of thousands of pounds of produce to
feed the hungry among us. I want to offer
mortgage and utility payments or to keep
a heartfelt thanks to his wife, Lynn, for her
anticipate the need for housing relief will
in this manner. We believe these efforts
them housed in extended stay hotels. We
support in allowing us to honor Gene
continue to grow in the coming months.
continue his lifelong mission to help
In addition, we are currently working on
plans to expand food supplies to our local
people across the county in their journey to self-sufficiency.
non-profits as well as fill in across areas
As you can see, we are committed to
make sure no one in Denton County goes
need. We are certain that, together, we
school districts, around 45 pantries as
and move toward restoring our vibrant,
and even our area farmers to bolster our
we are Denton County Strong.
where food deserts exist so that we can
being there for you in this time of great
hungry. We are working with our local
can begin to recover from this pandemic
well as local food distribution companies
fast-growing economy. Because, together,
CONNECT WITH US If you have any questions or comments, please let me hear from you. andy.eads@dentoncounty.com 940.349.2820. www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
JUNE 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 27
CASTLE HILLS’ Silent Heroes by Brooke Ezzo | photo courtesy of June Graham
W
hile people have been following the stay-at-home orders and purchasing their necessities online, mail center employees have seen a spike in mail and package deliveries. Working each day, rain or shine, these employees are essential to the every day needs of the community.
Castle Hills resident June Graham recognized the hard work from the mail carriers and felt the urge to give back. “I feel like our mail carriers are silent heroes,” June said. “Sometimes, they can be under-appreciated.” On a Tuesday, June made a simple post on the community’s Facebook page letting people know she wanted to honor the employees with gift bags. The response was huge, and June was getting gracious donations. By that Friday, June was ready to deliver the bags. “There were different amounts donated, and every dollar was needed,” June said. “But, the important part was the coming together as a community to give back. It couldn’t have worked out any better.” 28 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JUNE 2020
Because of the selflessness of the
residents and local businesses, the
gift bags were full of incredible items. The bags included gift cards to PIE
314 Everyday Eatery, Sophia’s Kitchen, Kroger, Target, and Estilo Concept in the shops, and individually wrapped
facemasks donated by Chasing Wishes
Boutique. A cliff bar, Gatorade, and hand sanitizer were also included.
“I am really grateful that so many people
contributed so we could collectively give
a significant gift to all of them,” June said. “It’s a big job that they are doing, and it was a gift for me to be able to do this.”
That Friday morning, June and neighbor Sarah Koniar headed out bright
and early to the mail center to catch
the first wave of employees. Mail center manager Jeff Young knew about the surprise and couldn’t wait to see the employees’ reactions. “When June first approached me with the idea of recognizing the mail center employees for the essential work they www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
do each and every day, I was thrilled, surprised, and overcome with gratitude,” Jeff said.
all the employees to know how much they are appreciated, especially in this troublesome time we are all in.”
According to Jeff, the mail center has 29 employees that service the community of almost 4,300 homes and processes over 15 million pieces of mail and 215,000 packages each year. Compared to last April, the mail center saw an increase of 8,580 packages this April.
Even with a few delivery errors, the mail center still maintains a 99% quality in processing. The employees continue to do all they can to successfully service the community, and these gift bags were a wonderful way to bring up morale.
“In the service industry we sometimes hear more about the rare, worst case scenarios we inadvertently create,” Jeff said. “The recognition of the wonderful gift bags the residents provided helped
“I am really grateful that so many people contributed so we could collectively give a significant gift to all of them.” www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
“The employees were so surprised and thankful,” Jeff said. “The thought that went into the gift bags was especially incentivizing to the employees due to the inclusion of local business support in the community as well.” June Graham suggests that residents who still want to get involved show their appreciation by writing a note of thanks and putting it on their mailbox. Having Jeff Young and the center’s employees see the recognition and the spirit behind it is so meaningful.
“I would like the Castle Hills community to know how thankful all the mail center employees are,” Jeff said. “Not only about the value of the gift bags, but more importantly, about the value of appreciation and respect the entire event helped to solidify for the employees.”
JUNE 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 29
Foodie Friday DFW: J2 Steakhouse
J2 STEAKHOUSE T
Owner and Developer, Jim Murray – a resident of Hickory Creek and owner of the Prairie House Restaurant in Aubrey — took on the challenge of restoring the feed mill after it had been closed for more than five years. The Lewisville Feed Mill closed in 2010 after being a hub of Old Town Lewisville for 124 years, originally opening as the Lewisville Feed Mill Livery Stable in 1886 by J.W. Degan. Before opening the restaurant a couple of years ago, Jim and his team worked diligently to preserve the unique history contained within the walls of the feed mill. At the back of the restaurant, you can still see the original mills and serving as the
focal-point of the well-stocked bar is a gorgeous mantlepiece that was crafted in the 1800s. They even created light fixtures using items found around the feed mill as they were restoring the building. The menu at J2 Steakhouse is full of incredible dishes like high-quality steaks, barbecue, seafood, and an assortment of delicious sides that remind you of homecooking with a special J2 twist. To complement their incredible food, J2 Steakhouse also has a fantastic lineup of cocktails, wines, and beers. Two of their signature cocktails include the J2 Old Fashioned made with Old Overholt Rye Whiskey, Angostura Bitters, and a housemade simple syrup. And the
*During COVID-19 restrictions, J2 Steakhouse has opened their dining room with limited capacity and is also offering family take-out meals.
photos courtesy of Foodie Friday DFW
hose of you who have been in the area for a long time probably remember the old days when the Lewisville Feed Mill was open and was an integral part of the local community. These days, the old feed mill looks a little different. Now it’s a stunning, rustically-elegant restaurant called J2 Steakhouse that’s serving up some of the best food in the area.
Texas Mirage made with silver tequila, a cucumber and jalapeno puree, and comes served with an ancho chile salt rim. J2 Steakhouse is also the perfect place to host your private events. They have a stunning VIP room that seats 16 around the custom table made of wood from a live water oak off the Neches River in Central Texas. They also have a larger room that can accommodate up to 100 people for your larger parties. This restaurant is really a beautiful sight, so head down to J2 Steakhouse to view all the beautiful updates and upgrades Jim and his team made to the old feed mill. You’ll feel like you’re taking part in a little piece of history!
972.724.2540 | JayMarksRealEstate.com jay@jaymarksrealestate.com 1013 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 102 | Flower Mound, TX 75022 30 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | JUNE 2020
www.CastleHillsMagazine.com