MAY 15, 2020 - JUNE 19, 2020
Home & Garden Issue
CONGRATS
2020
SENIORS
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MAY 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
Photography
Your Candid Memories 469.583.2819 yourcandidmemories.com
Letters
Life in Castle Hills invites reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments. Email artwork@murray-media.com. All submissions become 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
Get Outside And Work
ON THE GARDEN N o matter where we turn, restrictions are being placed on us. We shouldn’t stand within six feet of each other. We can’t be in a waiting room or restaurant with more than 10 people. Until recently, we couldn’t go to the hair salon or pump out a few reps at the gym. I’m not suggesting any of those restrictions are wrong. In an era that none of us — including our government — has ever experienced before, we should be careful until this nasty coronavirus is behind us. Not just four ourselves, but for our friends, family, and neighbors. But as the calendar flips to May and then June and July, one thing that we all can stand to do more of is get out in the garden. Mow the lawn. Plant some pretty flowers. Clean some of the excess garbage out from below the shrubs!
and lawn maintenance, but I can tell
I bring this up because gardening, at its core, is something that can be very soothing to us emotionally and spiritually during these crazy times we live in — and now is as good a time as any to appreciate everything that gardening gives us. As we wrote in one article, gardening is relaxing and can be very therapeutic. And if we do it right, it can turn any space into something beautiful and functional.
restrictions to get used to.
I can’t say that I’m the world’s leading authority on gardening
you that getting out there with Scott
and the kids — or even by myself — has helped me recenter and focus on controlling what I can control.
The rest, as they say, will take care of itself — albeit with a few more
Here are a few inspirational quotes
about gardening and life. And thank you for reading our latest issue!
“Gardening adds years to your life and life to your years.” — unknown author “Flowers are restful to look at.
They have neither emotions nor conflicts.” — Sigmund Freud
“God Almighty first planted a garden. And indeed, it is the purest of human pleasures.” — Francis Bacon
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
Sincerely, Kelly Murray Publisher of Murray Media Group, kelly@murray-media.com
4 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MAY 2020
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TABLE OF
CONTENTS
HOME &
GARDEN ISSUE
LOOK FOR THE ICON
ASK THE EXPERTS 23 Health Advice with Caring For Women 27 Travel with Terri Guthrie 30 Organizing with Cloud Nine Organizing BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 15 Everyone Smiles In The Same Language SPONSORED SENIORS 18 Green Meadows Landscaping
FEATURED ARTICLE
16
ARTICLES 06 Garden Trends For 2020
If You Can Think It, We Can Build It
09 Home Workouts: Tips and Resources 10 Inside Community and Education 12 Safely Support Your Local Businesses 13 Sheriff’s Corner with Sheriff Tracy Murphree 14 Grieve End Of Spring Sports Season 19 Foodie Friday DFW: Earnest Donuts
EDITOR’S PICK
24 Journey To Dream Set To Host Major Fundraiser www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
26 Coronavirus Crisis And Shelter At Home Have You And Your Kids Stressed Out... 28 Local Award-Winning Author Releases New Mystery Series MAY 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 5
Home & Garden Article
GARDEN
TRENDS FOR 2020
6 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MAY 2020
by Brooke Ezzo
www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
P
eople have been gardening since the beginning of time. For some parts of the country, it is how they make their living. For other parts, it is a sustainable way of living. Gardening can be very therapeutic as well as pleasing to the eye. It can turn any space into something beautiful and functional. This year has turned out to be a very eyeopening experience for us all. We have witnessed businesses closing and the comfort of convenience interrupted. The supply and demand scale for certain items has been thrown off, and many people have retreated to learning how to grow and make household necessities themselves. The lack of certain foods in the grocery stores and practicing social distancing has led many people to start their own home gardens. If you don’t have a green thumb but want one, here are some easy gardening trends for 2020 to get you started. VERTICAL GARDENING Herbs are something everyone loves to have on hand. Fresh basil, cilantro, parsley, and mint can easily been grown using vertical gardening. Growing plants and produce vertically also reduces the carbon footprint, improving the quality of air. This type of gardening can maximize space. Create an herb garden in your kitchen, a lettuce tower on your patio, or construct wood planters on your back fence. The sky is literally the limit when it comes to vertical gardening. COMPOSTING Instead of having to go out and buy gardening soil from the stores, starting your own compost is free and comes with many benefits. When you compost wasted food and other organics, you are basically eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers. Composting enriches your backyard soil, encourages the production of beneficial bacteria and fungi, and
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absorbs water. Giving your garden a steady source of moisture and nutrients. REPURPOSING With the slow reopening of our communities and businesses, finding ways to repurpose household items in your garden saves time and money. Plus, repurposing never goes out of style. Some ideas are classic like pails and wooden crates, and some can be more creative. Old drawers can be constructed into a 3-tier flower tower, a chandelier could be painted and hung on a patio for flowing plants, or an old picture frame could be used for succulents and vertical gardening. It’s a nice combination: spring cleaning and purposeful gardening. GARDEN TO TABLE Many of us love and live by this term. So why not take this season to ensure that some of your favorites are coming from your own backyard. The growing season is not over yet. There is plenty of time to
put some seeds in the ground or in your vertical planters. To round out the end of May, some great produce to plant now includes black-eyed peas, cantaloupe, cucumber, eggplant, green beans, lima beans, okra, peppers, pumpkin, sweet corn, sweet potato, squash, and watermelon. Peppers, okra, and squash tend to grow like crazy in North Texas, and don’t forget most of your produce can be canned or frozen for later use. There is a lot of value in learning basics of backyard gardening and planting foods that can sustain us. As we have witnessed the last few months, there isn’t always a guarantee that what we need, when we need it, will be in the stores. There is a peace that comes with gardening and growing your own food, and we hope you find it!
To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow. -Audrey Hepburn
MAY 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 7
8 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MAY 2020
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work within their body weight to create exercises that fit into their physical fitness goals.
If stretching is more your speed, try
the Obe application. This application services the yoga faithful that are
looking for new, creative ways to get
their content. They are offering a free 60-day trial for their services.
WORKOUTS HOME TIPS AND RESOURCES
by Contributing Writer
W
Home workouts have been upgraded due to the coronavirus outbreak. Placing
the equipment that you have within your surroundings to work represents one of the best ways to maintain your fitness levels during this pandemic. One item that nearly every home has is table chairs. Table chairs can be used to perform a host of different exercises. Placement of a chair, backed up to a wall, serves as an incline push-up creator. Servicing this same placement, the user can place their back to the chair and position their hands directly behind the should blade to perform dips. Seating yourself backward within a chair can also serve as a bench to perform curls. Each of these exercises implies keeping proper form, which is an important measure to keep intact during at-home exercises. www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
Jesse James Fit & Outlaw FitCamp
Jesse James Fit and Outlaw FitCamp have created a free 55-day self challenge for
you to follow including a fuel plan, actions for your fitness, mindset, family and more
during this time and beyond! Check it out at outlaw55.com.
ith Denton County under quarantine there are fewer resources at consumers disposal. One of the highest impact areas for non-essential businesses is gyms and fitness centers; leaving many of us fitness enthusiasts to fend for ourselves in terms of home workouts and exercise. Thankfully, the internet is a powerful resource of information for at-home workouts and exercises in the midst of this pandemic. Below are a few selections for home workouts to help keep pace during this coronavirus outbreak.
UTILIZING HOME EQUIPMENT
SOME LOCAL FITNESS CENTERS OFFERING ONLINE WORKOUTS:
Need a little added weight? Try filling
empty milk jugs with sand, pebbles, or
water. Each of these mentioned additives
Shapes Fitness For
Women Flower Mound
They are offering free daily workouts on
their Facebook page www.facebook.com/ pgshapesflowermound Inspire Yoga
Inspire Yoga has a 24/7 on-demand library of yoga classes with their instructors plus daily live-stream yoga classes.
$60 for10 live stream classes or $35/
will create different weight settings,
month for unlimited live stream plus on
for curls, overhead lifts, and other such
membership/
doubling as free weights that can be used lifting practices. These two options are
simple ways that you can use the items
around you to perform exercises during the pandemic.
ONLINE RESOURCES The internet is full of different, resourceful materials that can be utilized to fend off
lethargic behavior during these periods
demand access! Go to inspireyoga.com/ F45 Training Lantana
F45 Training Lantana is offering free
Zoom workouts twice a day, also access to
their new 45 day Challenge. The challenge starts April 13 and ends May 28th. Just
send email to lantana@f45training.com or text 972.685.1998.
Highland Village Fit Body Boot Camp
of downtime.
Get 21 Days of Online Boot Camp Classes
Daily Burn is a second resource that
sessions with their expert trainers,
is applying their classes and teachings through a 60-day trial offer for free. This program offers many different
control settings, allowing people to
for Just $21! You’ll get daily coaching
support and motivation, a meal plan with nutritional help, and workouts to burn fat and reduce stress
bit.ly/HVFitBody21DayVIRTUAL MAY 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 9
INSIDE COMMUNITY
APPRECIATION FOR OUR MAIL CARRIERS Fri., May 8
ESSENTIAL WORKER SALUTE Wed., May 6
The incredible U.S. Navy Blue Angels flew over North Texas. They started in McKinney and ended in White Settlement, flying over major hospitals to salute and thank all healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential workers for serving on the frontlines in the fight against COVID-19. photo courtesy of Tim Lanz
Resident June Graham delivered 29 gift bags to the staff at the mail center as appreciation for their hard work. During this time, mail carriers are delivering thousands of extra packages. The gift bags included hand sanitizer, facemasks, and giftcards to PIE, Sophia’s, Kroger and Target. For contributions send to @June-Graham-1 on Venmo.
INSIDE EDUCATION
FINAL FAREWELL
Tues., May 19 | 10 - 11:30am Feeder Elementary Campuses and Feeder Middle Schools
READ-A-PALOOZA May 4 - Sept. 4
As we continue to learn at home through the remainder of the year, don’t forget about summer reading. With the Scholastic Summer Read-a-Palooza your child can interact with their favorite book characters, track their summer reading, and help to donate books. Sign up at www.scholastic.com/summer.
10 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MAY 2020
Seniors are encouraged to join the senior drive-thru parade. Students will start at their elementary and then proceed in a caravan to their middle school. Faculty and staff will be parked and ready to honk their farewells. This is a fun way to send off our seniors!
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MEMORIAL DAY Mon., May 25
Memorial Day is a federal holiday for remembering, honoring, and mourning the military personnel that had died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. As we honor their sacrifice, we would also like to thank their families.
CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY ACTION CCA is currently looking for volunteers in their warehouse and as grocery loaders. Volunteers are needed who can lift heavy boxes, unload food donations and organize the products in their warehouse. If you are interested in volunteering, apply online at http://CCAHelps.org/participate-volunteer/.
CONGRATS, CLASS OF 2020! Sat., May 23 at 10am Sun., May 24 at 5pm
Texas Motor Speedway 3545 Lone Star Circle Fort Worth, TX 76177 Lewisville ISD will host graduation ceremonies at Texas Motor Speedway. To ensure all health precautions are met, family and friends will remain in their vehicles while parked on the TMS infield and watch the broadcasted event from the 12-story-tall video board. Hebron walks on Saturday and The Colony walks on Sunday.
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LISD REGISTRATION OPEN Lewisville ISD enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year is now open. For returning students, the registrar will reach out via email. For new students to the district, LISD will be doing virtual document collection along with the online application. For more information and to register your new student visit, www.LISD.net and click on Enrollment Information. photo courtesy of Elizabeth Haas
MAY 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 11
SAFELY SUPPORT
YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES
capacity instead of the current 25 percent capacity allowed under state rules. I know that I speak for the entire
Commissioners Court in saying that
we want to see our economy back to
its thriving state before the COVID-19 pandemic began.
It was an extremely tough decision to
close businesses in the first place, one not undertaken lightly in the hope of flattening the curve enough that our
hospitals were not overburdened to the
point of not being able to handle an influx by Denton County Judge Andy Eads photo courtesy of Judge Andy Eads
W
what has become a tough season for many economically.
However, we can remain independent
and cautious simultaneously. The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control
recommend wearing face coverings if you
are out shopping or serve as an employee
Gov. Greg Abbott’s plan to Open
Texas outlines steps for many of our retail establishments to open safely,
providing specific guidelines to ensure
in any retail operation. The idea is to
protect each other from sharing the virus, which is highly infectious even before symptoms occur.
employees as well
protected during the
COVID-19 pandemic. As our Denton County Health Director Dr.
Matt Richardson often reminds us, the virus is not gone. It is still
very contagious and has the potential to
the stay-at-home mandate truly made a
difference in Denton County. Your actions
helped save lives and, for that, you should
e are glad that a number of our local businesses are beginning to re-open amid
as customers remain
of patients. Your willingness to abide by
Practicing social
I KNOW THAT I SPEAK FOR THE ENTIRE COMMISSIONERS COURT IN SAYING THAT WE WANT TO SEE OUR ECONOMY BACK TO ITS THRIVING STATE BEFORE THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC BEGAN.
infect many additional individuals if we are not careful.
As Texans, we are naturally an
independent sort and proudly so.
distancing is also key. Stay six feet or more away from anyone
wherever you go and follow the guidelines each business puts
into place to help keep both you and their
be proud.
As you helped to support the take-out
and delivery services offered by our local restaurants, I am asking you to support
our retail businesses. If they offer online
purchasing, please buy something. If you are symptom-free and take precautions, stop by our local businesses and shop. We know many of our residents
are hurting in terms of lost income. For this reason, the Denton County
Commissioners Court donated $735,000 to the United Way of Denton County to assist our local non-profits in providing
rental relief, supplemental food supplies
and other assistance. As need continues, we likely will do more.
Our hope is that one day, in the not too
employees safe.
distant future, we will look back on this
Our careful steps
together as one in Denton County,
today will enable more
businesses to open mid-month if our
state does not see a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases. It will also allow our businesses to operate at 50 percent
pandemic as a time when we all came supporting and caring for each other.
We are fortunate to be in a county filled with individuals willing to go the extra
mile to make sure we successfully reach the other side.
CONNECT WITH US Ifyouhaveanyquestionsorcomments,pleaseletmehearfromyou.andy.eads@dentoncounty.com940.349.2820. 12 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MAY 2020
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SHERIFF’S W I T H
S H E R I F F
T R A C Y
WE ARE ALL ESSENTIAL
W
e are all essential! We find ourselves in uncharted scary times. The COVID-19 virus is proving to be a challenging adversary for all of us. Law Enforcement during this time is being presented with difficulties never experienced in most of our lifetimes. Those of us responsible for detention facilities are certainly concerned. We are not only responsible for the well-being of those we lead but with the health and safety of inmates in our care.
We are then asked to identify “essential
what is going on in the world outside our
essential” home. It doesn’t take long to
schools closed, and friends worried about
personnel” and send those deemed “nonunderstand that everyone here is essential to maintaining a successful operation.
It gives you an opportunity to really look
at many different areas of your operation and get a much clearer picture of how
walls. Watching businesses being closed, jobs. I’ve seen communities affected in ways I probably never really thought
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
“community” really means.
I’m witnessing heartache and triumph.
not just the commissioned people in the
do and, at the same time, the best. I’m
contributions of everyone.
to their name and uphold the oath they
It has given me an opportunity to evaluate
I’m seeing some of the worst man can
organization but also the sacrifices and
watching as our public servants live up have sworn.
employee, and this tragedy has given
This virus will not defeat us; we will
I then applied this to my observations of
many other challenges. My hope is we will
me a much better picture of their worth.
WE ARE
of. I’m getting a better idea of what
each individual contributes to your team.
I have always known the value of each
M U R P H R E E
endure and learn from it as we have so
come out on the other side of this better for having gone through it. I hope as Americans that we end up with a clear understanding that if we are to maintain our way of life and live our American dream, we must realize that we are all essential. Take care of yourself, take care of your family, and take care of each other!
940.349.1600 | 127 N. WOODROW LN., STE. 300 • DENTON, TX 76205 | DENTONCOUNTY.COM/DEPARTMENTS/SHERIFF.ASPX www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
MAY 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 13
GRIEVEEND D
by Steve Gamel
OF SPRING SPORTS SEASON
enton County players, coaches, and fans were all holding out hope that somehow — someway — the coronavirus pandemic would not mark the end of the high school spring sports schedule for this school year. Even if they weren’t able to resume until May, or even June, at least they could salvage something from this year.
Sadly, those hopes were dashed last month when the University Interscholastic League announced that they were canceling everything for the remainder of the school year. The unprecedented move came mere hours after Gov. Greg Abbott announced that all Texas schools should remain closed to in-person learning. The spring sports schedule, which includes basketball, soccer, track and field, softball, baseball, and others, had been suspended since March 16.
The original plan was to reevaluate on May 4, but a final decision had to be made sooner. The Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools also canceled the remainder of its 2019-20 athletics schedule. “It seems unfair that our Argyle baseball seniors don’t get the chance to lead us back to Austin,” Argyle baseball coach Ricky Griffin said in a heartfelt Twitter post on April 17. His team was hoping to win its third straight Class 4A state title but won’t get that chance. “I know it’s not the season they were hoping for, but each one of them has a special place in my heart. They have been a huge part of pushing this program to where it is. I love them.” Griffin wasn’t the only coach or player voicing their devastation — especially for the countless seniors who learned that they have competed for the last game as a high school athlete. “#COUGARNATION you’ll forever be my whole heart,” The Colony softball star Jayda Coleman said. “Argyle. Over the last four years, you gave me memories that’ll last a lifetime while allowing me to grow up,” Argyle senior Alex Gonzales said on Twitter. “Sad to see my senior year and my time in red and black end so soon. Thank you to everyone who supported me along the way. I’m grateful to call this amazing town home. “To our 13 seniors: Thank you for all you’ve given to our program,” the Guyer girls track and field Twitter account said in a statement. “We’re heartbroken for everything you didn’t get to finish. It’s been a joy to watch you wear a Guyer uniform with 14 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MAY 2020
pride over the past four years. We know you’re going to do great things! Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat!” The Hebron softball team agreed. “Lots of emotions with this announcement. Zeb, Casey, Ira, Nat, Sheridan and Dani, you may have played your last game in a Hebron uniform, but you will forever be a Hawk.” The UIL said in a news release that it had been working on scenarios to resume sporting events. But without schools in session, activities would have to follow suit. According to the Dallas Morning News, at least 10 other states’ high school sports governing bodies, including that of athletic hotbed California, had already canceled their remaining sports events for the 2019-20 school year by April 5. “Our highest priority during this challenging time is ensuring the health and safety of our students and communities and making progress in the containment of COVID-19 in Texas,” UIL executive director Charles Breithaupt said in a news release. “We are now turning our attention to the 2020-2021 school year.” www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
Business Spotlight
Everyone Smiles In The
SAME LANGUAGE by Brooke Ezzo
A
smile can turn a bad day around. It can also ease fear and radiate kindness. As our community begins to slowly open back up and our paths start to cross with other residents, a loving smile will go a long way.
The Dental Implant Surgery Center of Plano has been a leader in trustworthy oral health care for many years. Dr. Paul Ezzo, D.D.S. and his team are committed to making your smile their top priority by providing personalized, gentle care that you deserve.
photos courtesy of Dr. Paul Ezzo
Dr. Ezzo has continued to work diligently through the stay-in-place order to ensure an easy and safe transition as he reopens the practice.
The large, spacious office houses a periodontist, and endodontist, and a root canal specialist.
“This gives the patient a choice between saving a tooth or removing it and replacing it with an implant,” Dr. Ezzo said. “We offer periodontal procedures to include dental implants, soft and hard tissue grafting, in addition to non-surgical and surgical periodontal therapy to treat gum disease.” His list of services are long, from cleanings and prevention to gum and jawbone corrective treatments. Dr. Ezzo is determined to get to the root of the problem and helping you achieve optimal oral health.
Dr. Ezzo has enjoyed being a part of the Plano community and wants to continue bringing a sense of kinship and expertise to the area. He has been practicing periodontics for over 20 years, and his passion for education runs deep. “I have been educating patients, students, and dentists my entire career,” Dr. Ezzo said. “I like to give back, and I truly enjoy people.” Dr. Paul Ezzo and his team at Dental Implant Surgery Center of Plano and his new office in Argyle believe in cultivating relationships and creating beautiful smiles.
972.527.4867 | www.discofplano.com | 7965 Custer Rd., Ste. #114 • Plano, TX 75025 972.468.1191 | www.discofplano.com |136 Old Town Blvd. N, Ste. 200 • Argyle, TX 76226
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MAY 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 15
If You Can
THINK IT, We Can
BUILD IT by Steve Gamel | photography by Nick Allen Photography (naphoto307.com)
214.770.7227 | BOWENPOOLSLLC.COM PLASTERING
16 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MAY 2020
TILE REPAIRS
COPING REPAIRS
HANDRAILS
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T
here are plenty of people out there who don’t have a pool and wish they did. But we’re willing to bet there are just as many who look at what they do have and aren’t as inspired by it as they once were. Sound familiar? Don’t get us wrong — the pool looked amazing 10 years ago. It had all the bells and whistles and was likely the envy of the neighborhood.
But now its features, shape, and style
changing and upsizing plumbing to
your friends have down the street.
in tanning ledges, and even changing
seem outdated in comparison to the oasis Homeowners should never be stuck with
what they have or don’t have — especially when it comes to a pool. If you’re ready to create that backyard getaway or add
oomph to what you’ve got, the sky’s the limit with one call to Bowen Pools.
“It’s important to me that no one feels
like they are stuck with the same footprint they have now,” owner Chris Bowen said. “If you need a pool, or you’re not happy with what you’ve got, we can do it. We’re not afraid to think outside the
box. We’ll put an entire
team together to handle projects from start to finish.”
Word is spreading that this family-owned and
operated pool company has already separated itself as a leader in
accommodate new water features, adding the shape of pools. On new construction,
Chris and his team have a knack for taking the smallest idea and making it larger
a lot considering the pool industry
is firing on all cylinders and is highlighted by big names that have been around for decades.
end materials no matter the size of the
caught up with him, he was quick to
your plumbing needs.
big break when the owner of the pool
job, and ensure proper hydraulics for all
share a story about how he got his first
“We’re really trying to let people know how good we are on the construction
and renovation side of pools,” Chris said.
pool hired him as a service technician.
Chris worked there for five years cleaning pools, all while continuing to dream big
able to give our clients
Unfortunately, that journey took a slight
enjoy, and I love being
of one day owning his own company.
what they’ve wanted for
detour when Chris was injured on the job
so long. We are not just a coping, tile, and plaster
company. We can do so much more.”
With that type of attitude, it’s no surprise residents
all over Denton County are
picking Bowen Pools for all their pool needs. Bowen
Pools also specializes in spas, covered
patios, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and landscaping. If there’s a problem with
a construction job or a project requires
extra attention, Chris makes you feel like his only customer.
If I’m not there, it is not difficult to get
renovations. That means everything from
company that was remodeling his parents’
“It’s what I personally
with their motto of quality over quantity. need, but they love the challenge of
business as far back as he can remember his younger days. When Lantana Living
“I’m also the project manager for
Not only can they handle any construction
Chris has wanted to be in the pool
shells, offer in-floor cleaning, use higher-
But to Bowen Pools’ credit, they are hitting those bigger companies where it hurts
a project too big for us.”
and was even a lifeguard for four years in
pool construction and
years of being in business. That’s saying
systems on all of our pools. There isn’t
than life. They waterproof all concrete
“IT’S IMPORTANT TO ME THAT NO ONE FEELS LIKE THEY ARE STUCK WITH THE SAME FOOTPRINT THEY HAVE NOW...”
renovation services after just two
pools, and doing in-floor cleaning
new construction. So I’m at every job.
me out there to take a look,” Chris said. “We are following codes stringently,
offering different packages for custom
and couldn’t work.
“I took some time off and sold health
insurance for a year and a half. I wasn’t
making a lot of money, so I turned to my wife one day and said, ‘I think I’m going to quit my job and go back to cleaning pools. I always wanted to start my own company, so now is as good a time as
any,’” Chris said. He and Kourtney now have a 10-week-old daughter named
Emerson. “Kourtney was nervous at first, but it all worked out.”
Bottom line, the folks at Bowen Pools never stop learning their craft and
would like to think their expertise in new construction and renovations is right up
there with the best of them. All you have to do is pick up the phone.
“People want to enjoy their backyard. We want to give them that.”
3341 LONG PRAIRIE RD. • FLOWER MOUND, TX 75028 OTHER GENERAL SWIMMING POOL REPAIRS
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ADDITIONS (Spas, Tanning Ledge, Waterfalls, etc.)
MAY 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 17
HEBRON GRADUATION
Photos were submitted by area residents. If you’d like to submit your photos for publication or if you have any questions please email us at artwork@murray-media.com. 18 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MAY 2020
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Earnest Donuts: Foodie Friday DFW
Earnest D
O
T
ucked into a shopping center off SH 121 and Josey Lane near Castle Hills lives Earnest Donuts, owned by Yuna Kim. Before owning her own donut shop, Yuna was actually a fashion designer. But she grew up working in her parents’ donut shop, so she was familiar with the donut business.
N
U
S
Three years ago, Yuna decided to blend her love of design and donuts and opened Earnest Donuts.
you can pre-order donut flavors
You can immediately pick up on her sense of design when you walk in the door. The shop is beautifully decorated with industrial lighting and wood accents. There’s even a chalkboard wall the kids can doodle on while you eat!
some of her most popular specialty
And when you get up to the donut case, you’ll be amazed at how beautiful all of Yuna’s donut creations are!
photos courtesy of Foodie Friday DFW
T
She’s most well-known for her specialty and preorder donuts. Some of the specialty donuts you’ll find on a daily basis in the shop include the Maple Bacon and Yuna’s favorite, the Honey Citrus Glazed. And for special occasions,
like PB&J, Ferraro Rocher, or Yuna’s unique sushi donuts made with donut flavors.
You can also order special-made donuts for birthday parties,
anniversaries, work events, etc.
Yuna can make donuts spelling
out a message, a name, or even with your logo!
But, of course, you can also
find all the donut shop classics like
kolaches, glazed and old-fashioned. Yuna says her favorite part about
owning a donut shop is getting to know her customers and seeing
their eyes light up when they get to take their donuts home.
Her customers are at the center of her business and that’s very apparent!
*During COVID-19 shutdowns, Earnest Donuts is operating revised hours but is open for walk-ins, custom orders, and pre-orders for items like cinnamon rolls and DIY kits.
972.724.2540 | JayMarksRealEstate.com jay@jaymarksrealestate.com 1013 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 102 | Flower Mound, TX 75022
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MAY 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 19
Living In
ISOLATION by Jean Eisenmann | photo courtesy of Jean Eisenmann
W
e Texans are a social bunch. It’s in our DNA to mix and mingle, gather and party, and use any excuse to have a good ol’ time...together. When differing circumstances – from measles to a veritable pandemic – arise that force us to isolate ourselves from socialization we don’t fare too well. I’m just one example. Shopping Before the Covid-19 pandemic I was one of those women who always
found an excuse to shop. Nearly every day. Just the veritable smell of a retail store
was uplifting; a mix of shoe suede, purse
leather, fabrics, and female bonding. Why can’t they come out with an air freshener comparable to that? Who needs that
vanilla cookie scent? ...Okay, there’s room for both. The female bonding between
shoppers over a pair of ‘new arrival’ shoes was my nourishment. Now I’m starving. Speaking of starving.... Eating In I don’t know about you, but during these days of isolation I’m eating my feelings. Did you know there are 25 varieties of Oreos? I’m on number 11. For three
years I had all but given up bread, rice and potatoes and ate pretty healthy.
A pandemic hits and I’m on a feeding
The key items visible from all directions
on my travel agenda that it’s listed after
friends from Frito-Lay missed me all these
anymore. The other day, while in the
Aisle 15), and all those foot-long loaves of
I used to play this same game. With my
in a grocery store are junk food. My old
Blockbuster, and they’re not even around
years (I swear I heard them call me from
middle of my “travels,” I remembered that
tanned bread – crusty on the outside but
father’s car when I was 12!
soft and warm within – made me salivate.
Thank goodness for the bandana covering my mouth. It’ll come out in the wash. Leaving the House I placed my keys in a bell jar by the front door to keep them
from getting dusty.
Sometimes I get into my car that’s parked in the garage, sit in
the driver’s seat and
just start the engine. Vroom Vroom,
I’m tooling along,
Physical Maintenance Okay, some say I’m high maintenance. What’s wrong with having something
frenzy. Normally I’m not a dessert lover,
deciding in my mind where to stop first.
on your body either plucked, trimmed,
become a sweets floozie. Good to know.
I’ve seen enough of those lately. It’s so low
every other week? These days I’m forced
but apparently during social isolation I
20 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MAY 2020
A grocery store is not foremost on my list.
colored, glued, waxed or polished about
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to do things to myself that I haven’t done
has become a pastime. It
I was going to say something else, didn’t
then there’s the tug of
since college. Like pedicures. You thought you?
My fingernails have whittled down to
uneven stubs, so I have a better chance
of picking up a paper clip with my teeth. Now I can relate to how a declawed cat
feels. So I visited the nail care section of a drug store, thinking I would try some
press-on nails that were already painted
and ready for some paper clip action. The shelves were nearly empty, so everybody
had the same brilliant idea that they stole from me. I had my choice between devil red or silver with each nail covered in
rhinestones. I decided that I really don’t have an immediate need to use paper clips just now, but I’m thinking about adopting a cat. Toilet Paper The toilet tissue shortage has left me
wiped. Counting out squares of the stuff www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
used to be golf. And war game, when the
family is down to one role and the house
has three bathrooms. Can I count that as
a workout? I fantasize about the emotional
reunion once my arms
of life’s pleasures is dining out with friends. But the new part of me will have a much deeper sense of gratitude for even the smallest things that I used to take for granted...with one exception. I will no longer covet toilet paper.
wrap around my chosen TP.
Like the blue bears in the commercial I
envision myself caressing the roll, sighing
contentedly over the softness as soothing
music plays. Is this the same stuff I used to throw onto the back seat, tear open once home and shove into the cabinet under the bathroom sink?
This isolation period will pass, and
hopefully we all will emerge with lessons learned. I will continue to be high
maintenance, shop ‘til I drop, love (but
refrain from) junk food, and believe one
photographed above is Jean Eisenmann MAY 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 21
22 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MAY 2020
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Pregnancy and
Health Advice: Ask The Expert
MENTAL WELLNESS DURING A PANDEMIC by Caring For Women Obstetrics & Gynecology
P
regnancy is supposed to be an exciting time. From baby showers to newborn photos, everything is geared toward celebrating your big day. However, as more information about coronavirus unfolds and plans change, there can be a wide range of thoughts, feelings and reactions. So how can you celebrate your baby’s arrival while taking care of your physical and emotional needs during pregnancy? Get the facts. Stay informed with the latest COVID-19 and pregnancy-specific information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
drugs. Try these nutrition tips to feed your mind and your body: 1. Start your day with protein 2. Nourish your brain with fish oil 3. Don’t stop taking your prenatal supplement, especially if nursing
Keep things in perspective. Limit worry and agitation by lessening the time you spend watching or listening to upsetting media coverage. Focus on the things that are positive in your life and things you have control over.
4. Supplement with additional vitamin D
Stay healthy. Adopt healthy habits such as frequently washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or using a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your face. Avoid contact with others who are sick and stay home as much as possible.
8. Consider making a sugar shift
Maintain a healthy daily routine. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Take a shower, eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, get a good night’s sleep, and avoid alcohol and
5. Don’t fear fat 6. Don’t skip meals 7. Avoid “naked carbs”
9. Support your gut 10. Consider food sensitivities/allergies Keep connected. Talk to your partner, family, or friends about how you’re feeling. Maintaining social networks can help preserve a sense of normalcy and provide valuable outlets for sharing feelings and relieving stress.
CFWDENTON.COM | OFFICES IN FRISCO • DENTON • FLOWER MOUND
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MAY 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 23
JOURNEY TO DREAM
PEOPLE ARE WILLING TO HELP 24 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MAY 2020
A
few months ago, Samantha Sims wasn’t sure if Journey to Dream and its homeless shelter for teenagers, Kyle’s Place, would be around to see the end of the coronavirus pandemic.
week, I was just like everyone else. I was
Today, they are gearing up for their biggest fundraiser of the year — and a shot at regaining normalcy.
the shelter doesn’t stop.”
Journey to Dream, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that has focused on helping teens avoid destructive behaviors and build healthy lives since 2004, will host the King Metal’s Invitational Golf Tournament from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on June 30 at Stonebriar Country Club in Frisco. The organization made its announcement on April 29 that the annual event would go on as planned, and proceeds will benefit JTD and Kyle’s Place. “A couple of months ago, everything had stopped, and everyone panicked at one time,” Sims said. She was named the JTD’s Chief Development Officer in November. “There was uncertainty, and for the first
thinking, ‘What are we going to do now?’ But we never stopped trying.”
She added, “People are willing to help.
They know that what we’ve got going at The golf tournament has always been a successful event for JTD, and the hope is that this year will be no exception.
To ensure safety first amid coronavirus concerns while still maximizing
participation, the organization will supply
natural gloves, masks, and hand sanitizers to all golfers. There will also be portable hand washing stations, and Stonebriar
Country Club will sanitize each cart after every use.
Registration will begin at 11:00 a.m. and Shotgun at 1:00 p.m.
“We are trying to keep all the precautions in place and still hold a fundraiser while
having a good time doing it,” Sims said. “We are moving full-steam ahead and
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SET TO HOST MAJOR FUNDRAISER by Steve Gamel
thinking of what else can be done.” The King Metal’s tournament is a great way to get Journey to Dream and Kyle’s Place back to pre-coronavirus standards and help them do what they do best. JTD programs are a “safe haven” for kids challenged by destructive behaviors or feeling like they don’t fit. According to their website, an estimated 4.2 million youth and young adults experience homelessness each year, of which 700,000 are unaccompanied minors. Most sleep in hotels, cars, parks, a friend’s sofa, or abandoned buildings. JTD has quickly changed those statistics in Denton County. In 2009, Journey to Dream was asked by the Lewisville Independent School District to replicate its small but popular program – which founder Kim Hinkle was running at Hebron High School – in all LISD high schools. The concept exploded from there. In 2014, JTD began offering additional support to a growing population of www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
homeless teens, including life skills training and access to community resources. From there came Kyle’s Place, a transitional living program for homeless and foster youth. Aside from giving teens a safe place to sleep and basic necessities, Kyle’s Place offers programs and the support homeless youth need to get back on their feet and succeed. Some of the services offered include a safe place to sleep, food, clothes, counseling, support groups, case management services, and more.
kids. The current shelter is home to 14
Long-term plans are to one day purchase a larger shelter that can serve even more
journeytodream.com for more information
teenagers. Sims said the new shelter could house more than 100 teenagers. Beyond
the golf tournament, Sims said JTD is hard at work on several virtual fundraisers and will continue to do so in whatever way
possible to give at-risk kids a place to go. “We are going to keep moving forward,”
Sims said. “Coronavirus can’t stop us. We are fighters.”
Please email Samantha Sims at samantha@ on this fantastic golf tournament.
WE ARE MOVING FULL-STEAM AHEAD MAY 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 25
26 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MAY 2020
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Travel: Ask The Expert
HAWAII A Paradise You Can’t Miss by Terri Guthrie
H
awaii is truly a unique paradise and a great destination for a family vacation! It consists of eight main islands: Kahoolawe, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, Niihau, Oahu, and the Big Island of Hawaii. It is the widest state from east to west, as it spreads across the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
If you’ve never been to Hawaii, you need to add it to your bucket list. I would suggest starting with Oahu. It is a great island to begin your Hawaiian experience! Oahu is home to the state capital, Honolulu. Highlights of the city include the International Market Place, the dormant volcano, Diamond Head, and the crown of the city, Waikiki, a beautiful iconic beach with world class dining and nightlife. West of Honolulu is Pearl Harbor, site of the WWII’s 1941 bombing attack and home to the USS Arizona Memorial. On the southeast coast is Hanauma Bay, a marine embayment formed within a tuff ring. It is one of the most popular
tourist destinations on the Island and is spectacular for scuba diving and snorkeling. The Lyon Arboretum is a 200-acre botanical garden located at the upper end of Mānoa Valley. Much of the Arboretum’s botanical collection consists of a lowland tropical rainforest with native flowers, numerous trails, and lovely water features. It’s always fun trying to pronounce Hawaiian words. This alphabet consists only of 12 letters. In1822, it was adapted from the English alphabet by American missionaries who printed a Bible in the Hawaiian language. So make plans soon and enjoy our 50th state. Aloha!!!
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MAY 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 27
Local
AWARD-WINNING Author Releases New Mystery Series by Steve Gamel
28 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MAY 2020
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Y
The Book is The First in a Series
ou only thought that you’d heard everything there is to know about Sherlock Holmes.
Liese Sherwood-Fabre, an award-
winning author from Lewisville, recently announced that her new book, The
Adventure of the Murdered Midwife, case one of The Early Case Files of Sherlock Holmes, is available for pre-order now
before it hits online bookshelves across the world on June 30.
The book is the first in a series on the fictional private detective created by
British author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Sherwood-Fabre, however, explores the
development of the character long before he met Dr. Watson. The second book,
The Adventure of the Murdered Gypsy, will follow at the end of August. The
Adventure of the Deceased Scholar will
be available in the fall. Early praise for the series includes author Gemma Halliday,
who has called it “a classic in the making.” “Arthur Conan Doyle provided very little about Sherlock Holmes’ family beyond sharing that Sherlock’s ancestors were
country squires, his grandmother was the sister of the French portraitist Vernet, and that he had a brother named Mycroft,”
Sherwood-Fabre said in a press release. "With such a blank slate, I found it
fascinating to speculate what sort of family might raise such an insightful individual.
Remember, Mycroft was also considered as brilliant as Sherlock.”
The first book in the series introduces Sherlock. After only a short time into
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his first year at Eton, Squire Holmes calls Sherlock and his brother back to Underbyrne because Violette has been accused of murdering the village midwife. They had been in a very public argument only days before, and it is Mrs. Holmes who finds the woman stabbed in the back with a pitchfork. From her jail cell, Mrs. Holmes commissions her younger son to find the true killer before she hangs. The BookLife Prize review notes the “attention to detail and vivid prose are on full display in this delightful look at the evolution of a young Sherlock Holmes.” Reviews have also been featured in a number of publications dedicated to Sherlock Holmes, such as the one by Sally Sugarman, who observes, “the richness of the characters, not only giving Sherlock greater depth but also bring[s] to life the others around him.” This is not Dr. Sherwood-Fabre’s first foray into the world of Sherlock Holmes. In addition to several short fictional Sherlock Holmes pieces, she is also a recognized scholar of the detective. She contributes regularly to numerous Sherlockian publications across the globe, including The Baker Street Journal — the premiere publication of the Baker Street Irregulars. Her writing awards include a novel that was a finalist in the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart contest, a nominee for the Pushcart Prize. The current book is a semifinalist in Chanticleer Book Reviews’ Clue award.
The First Book in The Series Introduces Sherlock
For more information, visit www.liesesherwoodfabre.com.
MAY 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | 29
Ask The Expert: Organizing
DECLUTTER
DESTRESS
AND SIMPLIFY HOUSEHOLD PROJECTS by Crystal Nerpel, Owner of Cloud Nine Organizing
W
hether you are a DIY expert or only use household tools when duct tape fails, you should have the basics on hand and make sure they are stored in an organized manner.
Basic Tools Every Home Should Have: •
•
Claw hammer (one end is flat, and the other end is in a V-shape to remove nails) Screwdriver set (Phillips and slotted)
•
Allen wrench set (hex key)
•
Medium size crescent wrench
•
Utility knife
•
Tape measure
•
Needle nose pliers
•
Level
•
Cordless drill
•
Putty knife
Having these tools on hand will keep you prepared if you need to take care of an unexpected, minor repair. Also, the number of a good handyman is also a great idea if the job is too daunting. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help from an expert!
Install pegboards to hang frequently
used tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, and hammers so that they are visible and within reach.
Store power tools off the ground in sealed cabinets or containers. You always want to keep them stowed away for safety’s sake.
Invest in a few heavy duty plastic drawers or containers for small miscellaneous
items such as nuts and bolts. Make sure
Keep Your Tools Accessible and Organized:
you label drawers and containers, so items
Streamline your tools by sorting and storing them by functionality and size. Doing so takes the frustration out of finding the right tool for the job.
MOST IMPORTANT TIP: After using
Group all tools and their corresponding accessories together, such as drills and drill bits. When they are all in the same spot, you don’t have to waste time digging around in various drawers and cabinets looking for the correct attachment.
we all want the job to be done as speedy
are easily located.
your tools, put them back exactly where you got them.
When it comes to home maintenance,
(and correctly) as possible. Having basic
tools on hand is great, but you also want to make sure those tools are sorted in a manner that makes your life easier. Declutter, de-stress and simplify!
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30 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | MAY 2020
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