SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020
Women’s Wellness
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TABLE OF
Contents ASK THE EXPERT 21 Health Advice with Caring for Women BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 15 Medical City Lewisville: A Unique Program Dedicated To Lifelong Success CASTLE HILLS PHOTO PAGE 07 Castle Hills Resident Photos ARTICLES 08 What To Look Out For Over 40 10 Foodie Friday DFW: Mestizo 12 Inside Community & Education 18 Sheriff’s Corner with Sheriff Tracy Murphree 22 The Future of Students Teaching Students 25 Restoring Hope & Beauty 26 Equality For All 28 Local Soccer Stars
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PAGE
16
A Family That
ORGANIZES TOGETHER
STAYS TOGETHER Cover Image Classy Closets
SEPTEMBER 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILL | 5
Publisher of Murray Media Group, kelly@murray-media.com
Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray
Administration
Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editors
Bobbi Byrne Alisha Tran
What Makes
YOU WELL?
F
or the September issue, we are talking about Women’s Wellness and overall health, a timely topic considering the many roles women play on a daily basis.
The past few months have taught me a thing or two about my wellness when I assumed I already knew it all. I get enough sleep, I work out multiple times a week, I am conscious about what I put into my body, and I make sure to spend quality time with family and friends. But, with the impact of COVID-19 and riots and the overall unrest in our country, I am noticing the decline in mental and physical stamina in the communities around us. I wear a small burden for the people I read stories about or hear about on the news, and I am sure many other people feel the same way. It can take a toll, and I believe true wellness is more than just medical but also mental and emotional. We need to look for the signs of mental distress and be available to those around us for support. With the effects of the pandemic, this is a time for us to focus on women’s wellness instead of facing the world with, “I’m fine.” Let’s be each other’s advocates. In this issue, we touch on different kinds of women’s wellness, and I hope you find something that encourages you to make a change. For me, that looks like lending a helping hand where I can, putting down my cell phone and being present, and focusing on the small moments. What does wellness look like for you? I’d love to hear from you.
Writers & Editor
Steve Gamel, Brooke Ezzo, Diane Ciarloni
Advertising Inquiries
sales@murray-media.com
Production
Graphic Designers Caroline Brock
Alyson Modene Cayla Thompson
Photography
Nick Allen Photography Your Candid Memories Photography What’s That Guy’s Name? Guy T Photography
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 Inquiries Call 972.899.3637 or email editor@murray-media.com www.Murray-Media.com Address: 3513 Yucca Dr., Ste. 200 Flower Mound, TX 75028 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
Sincerely, Kelly Murray 6 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | SEPTEMBER 2020
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WHAT TO LOOK OUT
Women’s Wellness Article
FOR OVER 40 A
by Contributing Writer
s a woman, your health risks change with the passing of time. What was a concern at 20 may not necessarily be a concern at 40. That’s okay as long as you know what to look out for. Here are the top 10 health risks facing women over 40. With knowledge comes power, so read on and become more powerful!
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HEART DISEASE Did you know that heart disease is the
leading cause of death in women over the age of 40? This is a serious issue, ladies!
We need to know the signs and causes of
heart conditions to be able to prevent this from being a major risk. Factors such as
poor eating habits and smoking can cause heart disease and greatly increase the
risk of heart attacks! To learn more about
women’s heart health and preventive care,
your chances of developing breast cancer, and can aid in early treatment if it does develop. ACCIDENTAL PREGNANCY Yes, ladies! You can still get pregnant over 40! Many women believe that once 40 hits, birth control is not necessary anymore. Not true! Every woman’s body is different, and there is no set age when a woman can’t get pregnant.
check out Go Red for Women.
BLOOD CLOTS
VITAMIN DEFICIENCY
Again, blood clots can be an issue at any age. Women over 40 have a greater risk of developing them, and many of us don’t recognize the signs until it is too late. If you have swelling or pain in your calf, you should get it checked out as soon as possible. Especially if there is redness and
Vitamin deficiencies can be an issue at any age, particularly with the common
American diet. However, as women age, vitamin deficiencies become even more common and can be the cause of many symptoms and conditions. Vitamin D
and osteoporosis can all develop in
conjunction with menopause. So pay close attention to your body, and talk to your
doctor regularly to ensure that you do not have any serious medical concerns. OSTEOPOROSIS Osteoporosis is by and large a woman’s issue. Of all osteoporosis cases in the
United States, 80 percent are in women. Bone loss is a part of getting older for women and immediately following
menopause can be at its peak (up to 20
percent bone loss in less than a decade). The key is to take good care of yourself going into menopause, make sure you
get your vitamin D, exercise and eat right,
and if you have risk factors, get your bone density tested.
ADULT-ONSET ASTHMA
to women naturally but a deficiency in
warmth to the touch as well. If this is the case, get to the E.R. or the doctor as soon as possible just to make sure. Better safe than sorry! If you wait and it is a blood clot, it can be life-threatening!
osteoporosis. Low vitamin D has also
DIABETES
menopause) can contribute to the onset of
deficiency is particularly prevalent and
can contribute to increased bone-mass loss (over the age of 40, this happens
vitamin D accelerates the problem) and been linked to depression and seasonal affective disorder. Other potential
deficiencies include iron, riboflavin, and vitamin B.
BREAST CANCER The risk of a woman developing breast cancer increases dramatically between
the ages of 30 and 40. Many factors such as diet, overall health, and environment can contribute to the likelihood of
developing breast cancer, but age is also
a factor. At age 30, the chance of a woman developing breast cancer is significantly
lower than at 40. In only 10 years, your risk grows by leaps and bounds. This means regular breast exams either that you
perform yourself or that are performed
by a doctor are very important. Beginning annual mammograms can also reduce
The risk of developing diabetes has increased exponentially in all age groups in recent years. However, women at 40 or older have an increased risk. Weight and diet also play a role. Diabetes is the number six killer in women 45 to 54, so get tested! And get active! A healthy diet and regular exercise can help reverse the effects of pre-diabetes. Getting tested is easy, so don’t wait too long. MENOPAUSE This one is pretty well-known. At some point over 40, all women go through menopause, and we also go through perimenopause (pre-menopause). Perimenopause can affect your body in many ways and it is important to know what you can do to help with symptoms. Also, heart disease, diabetes,
Most people think if you have asthma, it
developed during childhood. This is not
the case! Hormonal fluctuations (like those occurring during perimenopause and
asthma. If you have a nagging persistent
cough, get winded, and cannot catch your breath for a long period of time after or are wheezing, seek medical attention.
Asthma is treatable, and once diagnosed,
that cough and shortness of breath will be manageable or gone entirely. STROKE Women have more strokes than men. And most women are not too worried about
having a stroke. Sad but true. Women over 40 are at a greater risk, especially if they
have HRT (hormone replacement therapy such as taking estrogen) during and following menopause.
There is a “golden hour” in stroke
treatment and treatment within that first
hour of symptom onset is most effective for survival and recovery!
These are top 10 of the biggest health risks women face over the age of 40. Keep in mind, they are not the only risks. Remember to take care of yourself and to consult a medical professional if you notice anything out of the ordinary. It is always better to be safe than sorry! www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
SEPTEMBER 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILL | 9
Foodie Friday DFW: Mestizo
MESTIZO by Jay Marks | photos courtesy of Foodie Friday of DFW
W
e were contacted a few weeks ago by the owners of Mestizo in Carrollton to come visit their new Asian-Latin Fusion restaurant that celebrates the coming together of cultures through food.
If you’re looking for Asian food with a Latin twist, this is the spot for you! They have an incredible menu full of fusion items like birria ramen, birria tacos, and sizzling sisig made with crispy bits of pork rind. You can also find traditional Asian favorite drinks like boba teas, Thai tea, and their signature White Rabbit Milk Tea based off of the childhood-favorite Chinese milk candy that owners Hang Nguyen and Chef Lucky Ruocco grew up eating.
photo courtesy of Facebook.com/Mestizotx
Hang and Chef Lucky first came up with the concept for their restaurant after hosting a series of pop-ups where lots of different kinds of cuisine were able to come together under one roof. They decided to celebrate their own heritages by naming the restaurant Mestizo to celebrate the idea of those cultures coming together to create something new and unique. We saw so many excited people coming through their doors while we were there anxious to try their unique fusion cuisine. And we even saw people going back to order seconds! Especially of the birria tacos. So, be forewarned, you may want to ask for a few orders of those... Everything had such amazing flavor and you can feel the passion shine through each and every one of their dishes.
Visit Mestizo off Josey and the George Bush Turnpike to enjoy a truly unique dining experience. And did we mention they also have some incredible Instagramworthy photo backdrops as well?
972.724.2540 | JayMarksRealEstate.com jay@jaymarksrealestate.com 1013 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 102 | Flower Mound, TX 75022 10 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | SEPTEMBER 2020
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Neighborhood
MARKETPL CE
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INSIDE COMMUNITY DALLAS ARBORETUM- THE ART OF THE PUMPKIN Sept. 19- Nov. 1 | Mon-Sun 9am-5pm | Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens 8525 Garland Rd. • Dallas, TX 75218 Autumn at the Arboretum is back! Presented by Reliant Energy, this year’s theme, “The Art of the Pumpkin,” highlights the nationally-acclaimed Pumpkin Village featuring four 20-foot-tall decorated pumpkin houses and elaborate mosaics created with more than 90,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash. Plus, more than 150,000 autumn flowers accented throughout the pumpkin displays. To purchase your tickets, visit www.DallasArboretum.org/autumn. photo courtesy of Dallas Arboretum
CHALK THIS WAY AT COLORPALOOZA Sat., Oct. 31 | 10am-5pm | Lewisville City Hall 151 W. Church St. • Lewisville, TX 75057 This springtime event was postponed and then rescheduled for Oct. 31, just in time for cooler weather and the need for some fresh air. There will be music, vendors, food, art, and fun for the whole family. Visit www.ChalkThisWay.com to learn more about the scholarship contest.
INSIDE EDUCATION
LISD FOCUS ON THE FUTURE
EVERY CHILD. ONE VOICE. Oct. 12-17 | VIRTUALLY The 2020 Texas PTA Launch is going virtual. Register by September 21 to get your official LAUNCH Swag delivered to your door. Supply is limited. During these four days there will be learning opportunities and community building activities to help your PTA succeed. Registration is $50. That is half the price! To learn more, see the four-day schedule, and to register, visit www.txpta.org/attendee-information.
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Focus on the Future (FOF) is one of LISD’s post-secondary programs to provide students ages 18-21 with an intellectual disability, with an age-appropriate posthigh school educational experience. FOF facilitates a seamless transition to life after high school by providing multiple opportunities to learn and use the skills necessary to function as independently as possible. To help FOF with supplies for the 20-21 year, you can find their Amazon Wishlist Link on their Facebook page, at www.Facebook.com/lisdFOF.
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YOGA IN THE PLAZA Wed., Sept. 23 | 6-7pm | Wayne Ferguson Plaza 150 W. Church St. • Lewisville, TX 75057 Hosted by Lewisville Parks and Recreation and Blue Anjou Studio, everyone is invited to join instructors for a free yoga class. All levels are welcome. Bring your yoga mat or towel/blanket, water, and your friends and family! Although this class is free, participants must register 30 minutes prior to the start time. To do so, go to www.Facebook.com/ WayneFergusonPlaza. Hand sanitizer will be available during class.
THE LONDON BAKER NEW LOCATION COMING SOON Opening Spring 2021 | The Realm at Castle Hills 4440 TX-121 • Lewisville, TX 75056 The Food Network regular is opening her second bakery location for the Castle Hills community in spring of 2021. Elizabeth Rowe, the famous owner of The London Baker, plans to open with special order items, to-go items, and dine-in seating. The new location will give The London Baker more room to grow while continuing to produce delicious edible works of art. photo courtesy of Elizabeth Rowe
CASTLE HILLS ELEMENTARY VANDALISM Over the last few months Castle Hills Elementary has endured some vandalism and it is important that as a community we are staying vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities. There have been two separate break-ins, parking lots spray painted, dumpster fire, damage to playground canopy, and most recently a sign at the new track was stolen. The CHE PTA and the Castle Hills Schools Foundation, through your donations, provided many of these items. Lewisville PD non-emergency number is 972.219.3600. photo courtesy of Carly Dunson
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GIRL SCOUTS OF NORTHEAST TEXAS Thurs., Sept 24 | 6:30-7:30pm | Virtually Girl Scouts of Lewisville is looking for girls in grades K-5 in Lewisville ISD, who are not yet scouts, to join a troop that gives girls the tools to lead, break barriers, and create positive change! To register for this virtual introduction, visit www.EventBrite. com/e/join-girl-scouts-in-lewisville-texas.
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Business Spotlight
A Unique Program
DEDICATED TO LIFELONG
SUCCESS
Dr. Lauren Buck, M.D
by Brooke Ezzo | photo Courtesy of Tanya Nguyen
A
t Medical City Lewisville, you will find the nationally-accredited Bariatric and Metabolic Institute founded by Dr. Lauren Buck, M.D. in August 2017. This is a comprehensive, unique program dedicated to ensuring patients lead happier and healthier lives. After 15 years in the US Air Force and earning her medical degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio, Dr. Buck is eager to bring her experience to Medical City Lewisville and the bariatric program.
360-degree view of patient care.
This includes a dietician, monthly
support groups, informational seminars,
and supporting the patient after surgery to encourage lifelong success.
“Our team is multi-disciplinary.
They are so compassionate, and they
have many different skillsets
“This means...helping them come up with long lasting habits and changes that they can continue throughout their life.”
“Seeing the changes it makes in peoples lives is the thing I enjoy most about the program,” Dr. Buck said. Dr. Buck and her team are passionate about approaching weight loss with a
to help patients navigate this journey beyond just
reaching a specific number
on the scale,” Dr. Buck said.
“This means managing their nutrition, the physiological aspect, and helping them
come up with long lasting
habits and changes that they can continue throughout their life.”
The Bariatric and Metabolic Institute offers a personalized plan for each patient,
whether that is the bariatric sleeve, gastric bypass procedures, medicine, or just counseling. “We offer a customized plan and help each patient choose what is best for them,” Dr. Buck said. “Their health is our top priority.” Being overweight can impact almost everything in a person’s body, and when it comes to women’s wellness, Dr. Buck says there are many benefits to weight loss. It can cure diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, lower cancer risks, and increase fertility. It also improves self-esteem and helps to create a more active lifestyle. “We want people to live longer and be healthier,” Dr. Buck said. “We want to meet the patients where they are in their journey and be a resource for the community.”
MedicalCityLewisville.com www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
SEPTEMBER 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILL | 15
A Family That ORGANIZES TOGETHER
STAYS TOGETHER by Steve Gamel | photos courtesy of Classy Closets
PICTURED BELOW IS JERRY AND JULIE CALDWELL photo by Jerred Caldwell
J
erry Caldwell doesn’t mind telling you that he has an extensive background in construction work, including several years of successfully managing a few lumber companies. He isn’t so quick to share that he got his start at 12 years old when he, his dad, and his two brothers helped build their parents’ 4,000-squarefoot house from the ground up. “I was forced to help,” Jerry said with a laugh as his adoring wife of 31 years, Julie, looked on from across the table. “At the time, it was pure torture. But looking back, you say to yourself, ‘that was a pretty good thing to learn.’” The experience served him well. When we caught up with Jerry and Julie at their Classy Closets showroom in Grapevine, you could feel the years of hands-on knowledge and see the love they have for their craft as they guided us on a tour of their facility. This is a couple — they met in grade school, by the way — that has been in business together for 22 years.
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Classy Closets of DFW was started in 1996 by Don Cotton and Andrew Vivian (Julie’s father and their brotherin-law). Two years later, Jerry and Julie partnered with them, and now their business also includes their two sons and an amazing team of employees that have become like family. It’s truly a family business going into its third generation! Jerry and Julie aren’t just invested in selling a product; they want to help you and your family get organized. Classy Closets specializes in designing, manufacturing, and installing innovative solutions for all your home storage and www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
organization needs. And they aren’t just
closets! Take one quick look around their showroom, and it’s obvious they can also handle garages, pantries, media rooms,
under-stairs areas, workbenches, laundry rooms, and special cabinets for supplies. They also do wall beds, custom jewelry
drawers, dividers, and slanted shoe racks. If you want a pull-out mirror or ironing board that can be neatly tucked away
in your laundry room or closet, they can
do that. If you need special lighting and custom pulls and hardware, they’ve got that, too.
They can cut, stain, paint, sand, and whatever else is needed to fit your
space and style to a T while also making everything look like an original part of your home once installed.
In other words, the sky is the limit.
They can handle a project as small as
a reach-in closet to as large as a walk-
in closet that almost looks like another
master bedroom. All of their materials and workmanship carry a lifetime guarantee.
“When we meet with a client, we aren’t just there to sell them something, and there’s a lot more that goes into it than slapping up some shelves and a few rods,” Jerry said. “We are there to provide solutions to their problems. For something like a closet, we not only measure but also take inventory of what they have so that the system is built for their needs. We also present them with a full 3D virtual rendering so that they can see exactly what they are going to get.” Julie agreed, adding that what they offer is a luxury item that people still see as valuable even in difficult times. In today’s world, it’s easy for a family of four to find the home of their dreams only to quickly outgrow it because it’s not as functional as they initially thought. Before they know it, every closet in the house is loaded to the brim, they can’t find what they need in the pantry, and the garage is a catch-all for everything that can’t fit inside the house. Classy Closets has solutions for all your storage needs that add lasting value even up to the time of resale of your home.
“WE ARE THERE TO PROVIDE SOLUTIONS TO THEIR PROBLEMS. FOR SOMETHING LIKE A CLOSET, WE NOT ONLY MEASURE BUT ALSO TAKE INVENTORY OF WHAT THEY HAVE SO THAT THE SYSTEM IS BUILT FOR THEIR NEEDS.” “Pantries have been a very popular item recently because everyone is at home and cooking more often,” Julie said. “It’s been amazing to see the response over the years. We’ve made it through 9/11, the great recession,
and now we’re making it through the coronavirus. Being a luxury item, sometimes, those are the first things people cut back on. Thanks to our loyal and satisfied customers, we’ve managed to withstand those difficulties.” It’s all in a day’s work for a family that truly wants to help yours find solutions that make a real difference.
Life. Organized.® Closets | Home Offices | Garages Wall Beds | AND MORE!
972.355.7687 817.369.3033 www.classyclosets.com 1240 Texan Trail, Ste. 105 Grapevine, TX 76051 www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
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SHERIFF’S W I T H
S H E R I F F
T R A C Y
M U R P H R E E
WE ARE
Transportation
A
HIRING
SAFETY TIPS
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.
s our children head back to school, we would like to share some transportation safety tips from the National Safety Council. Whether children walk, ride their bicycle, or take the bus to school, it is extremely important that they take proper safety precautions. Here are some tips to make sure your child safely travels to school: Walkers: Review your family’s walking safety rules, and practice walking to
•
school with your child. •
Walk on the sidewalk, if one is
available; when on a street with no sidewalk, walk facing the traffic.
•
Before you cross the street, stop and
•
Make eye contact with drivers before crossing and always cross streets at crosswalks or intersections.
•
Bus Riders: Teach your children school
bus safety rules, and practice with them. •
Teach your children to stand 6 feet (or
•
If your child must cross the street in
child and the bus driver should always
crossing the street; walk bikes across the street.
•
Stay alert and avoid distracted riding.
Make eye contact with children who are crossing the street.
•
Never pass a bus loading or unloading children.
•
The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them to safely enter and exit the bus.
Teen Drivers: Car crashes are the No. 1 cause of death for teens. Fortunately, there is something we can do. •
Teens crash because they are inexperienced; practice with new drivers every week, before and after they get their license.
Driving Your Child to School:
•
Set a good example; drive the way you want your teen to drive.
•
•
Sign the New Driver Deal, an agreement that helps define expectations for parents and teens.
be able to see each other. •
Ride on the right side of the road, Come to a complete stop before
front of the bus, teach him or her to are 10 feet ahead of the bus; your
of the road, and practice riding the bike
•
•
three giant steps) away from the curb.
walk on the side of the road until they
distracted walking.
with traffic, and in a single file.
teach them the proper way to get on
•
Bike Riders: Teach your child the rules
•
Go to the bus stop with your child to and off the bus.
Stay alert and avoid
route to school with your child.
wears a properly fitted helmet and bright clothing.
look left, right, and left again to see if cars are coming.
www.governmentjobs.com/ careers/dentoncounty
Make sure your child always
Get the facts on bus safety from Injury Facts.
Stay alert, and avoid distracted driving. Obey school zone speed
limits, and follow your school’s drop-off procedure.
940.349.1600 | 127 N. WOODROW LN., STE. 300 • DENTON, TX 76205 | DENTONCOUNTY.COM/DEPARTMENTS/SHERIFF.ASPX 18 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | SEPTEMBER 2020
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Pregnancy ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS
I
by Caring for Women | photo courtesy of Kylie Ballard
f you’re an expectant mom, you probably have questions about coronavirus (COVID-19) and pregnancy. While it is true pregnant women tend to have a more sensitive immune system, right now, you should remain calm and confident. Though more data on COVID-19 and pregnancies is being compiled, this is a helpful starting point to answer common questions. This information should not take precedent over any advice given from your healthcare provider.
PLEASE NOTE:
Official guidance related to pregnancy and COVID-19 will continue to evolve as more information becomes available. Please refer to the CDC for the latest information and additional resources.
Can COVID-19 cause problems with my pregnancy? With most pregnancies, in general, if the mom does well, then her baby should do well. For an expectant mother who has tested positive, the health of the mom and baby will be closely monitored.
Health Advice: Ask The Expert
Does COVID-19 during pregnancy increase my chances of miscarrying? A miscarriage can occur with any pregnancy. Currently, there is no published research connecting COVID-19 to increased chances of miscarriages. If I have COVID-19 in my first trimester, can it increase my chances of birth defects? High fevers in the first trimester can increase the chance of birth defects. In any instance of a high fever, please contact your healthcare provider to discuss the best way to lower it. If I have COVID-19 in my second or third trimester, can it cause pregnancy complications? Currently, there is little data about COVID-19 and pregnancy. Previous history with respiratory illness (like flu) suggests pregnant women may be at greater risk of complications like preterm labor. Can COVID-19 be passed from a pregnant mom to the fetus or newborn? There’s not enough scientific evidence currently to suggest that the virus could be transferred through the placenta.
940.591.6700 | CFWDFW.COM | OFFICES IN DENTON • FLOWER MOUND • FRISCO
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SEPTEMBER 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILL | 21
THE FUTURE OF STUDENTS TEACHING STUDENTS by Brooke Ezzo | photo courtesy of Raashi Mohan
F
ounded in September 2019 by a group of Flower Mound High School Robotics Club members, STEMpump has quickly become the online peer-to-peer teaching platform of the future. It’s a student-led initiative that teaches students the latest STEM technologies for free.
Originally, STEMpump was designed as a resource for new and incoming members of the Robotics Club; a way to help them
level the playing field with older teams or members who have been in the club for a longer amount of time. The in-person camps became so popular that the
founders opened them up to all students at Flower Mound High School and other schools spanning six districts.
Once schools shut down this past spring due to the coronavirus, creator and
directors Ritesh Kanchi, Raashi Mohan,
and Akshay Jaitly quickly adapted their in-person camps to an online platform
to keep STEMpump available. Going online allowed the students to continue supporting other students through a variety of live stream lessons. These lessons are streamed on a popular platform called Twitch, and all course materials are created by students for students.
Mohan said. “The large variety of our student base has come from the online platform and also our STEMpump app.” The app allows students to have free access to courses about Web Design, Game Design, Creation, Robotics, Programming, and much more. Through exposure to different technologies, students learn about the different fields of STEM and what they are interested in. The group believes every student should always have access to the same resources and opportunities.
“The idea is to create this global platform so students can contribute any way they’d like.”
“Today, our platform has a global community of 37,000 students and a presence in over 110 countries,” Raashi
Raashi and the other directors have big hopes for STEMpump and its future. They are currently in beta testing for their new feature, STEMpass, which allows a user to create their own account with personalized content and upgrade to creator, where they can create their own course material. They hope to roll this out at the end of this month. “The idea is to create this global platform so students can contribute any way they’d like,” Raashi said. “By engaging in peerto-peer learning, we hope it leads to an increase range in classes due to student interests.” With a global presence, the group can offer courses in multiple languages with influences from different cultures and different learning styles and abilities.
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“It is essential that educational institutions are also shifting their environments to help students’ preparedness for future careers and opportunities.” Raashi said the online platform and app
are easy to use. If you have an interest in STEM based curriculum, STEMpump is for you.
“The majority of our user base are
students in ninth to 12th grades but we
do have middle school students, college students, and beyond,” Raashi said.
“STEMpump is for everybody and anyone who is interested in learning a new STEM skill.”
Over the last decade we have seen a
boom in technological advances, a shift in the marketplace, and a directional
change in job opportunities. With many
industries switching to online platforms,
it is important that our nation’s youth are prepared to bring knowledge and skills
that meet the demands of a dynamic and evolving workforce.
It is essential that educational institutions
are also shifting their environments to help students’ preparedness for future careers and opportunities. Many districts in our
area have adopted STEM programs and academies to cater to the skills students
need to succeed in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Rather than teach the four disciplines as
separate subjects, STEM integrates them
into a cohesive learning model based on real-world applications. This blended learning environment teaches students computational thinking and problemsolving skills.
“The idea is to create this global platform so students can contribute any way they’d like.” For example: students are given a problem to solve, “How do we keep others from getting sick?” They must first break down any misconceptions, beliefs, and doubts they might have. Then, they research pandemics, viruses, diseases, vaccinations, medicines, and prevention
and perform lab experiments and
simulations. This requires students to work
to together to diagnose, treat, and prevent future outbreaks.
They would need history — learning about sanitation, lack of medical knowledge, and the introduction of industry and
chemicals. This discussion could lead to
how cities and towns were designed and understanding what civil engineers take
into consideration. Students might even interview engineers, historians, and scientists.
One question posed has now led students to use math and engineering, reading
and research, science and technology,
and other skills to solve one problem. No
longer are we looking at learning subjects individually, but collectively.
STEMpump is available for download in the Apple Store or online, at www.StemPump.com. www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
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RESTORING
HopeAND
Beauty by Brooke Ezzo | photos courtesy of Shalonda Waggoner
The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the Lord of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts. — Haggai 2:9 (KJV)
T
he stories were all the same. The gratefulness felt for getting away from their abuser, having the shelter to help take care of the survivor and their children, and the support needed to move forward. But for Shalonda Waggoner, a domestic violence survivor, she could hear in these women’s stories that something was missing.
When you leave a shelter, you leave with the clothes on your back and the small amount of belongings you have. Many also leave with the worries of not having a bed for their children to sleep in or a table
to eat dinner on. These were concerns Shalonda heard time and again. That was her inspiration — to bring beauty back into the lives of survivors who had already lost so much and to give them the encouragement and strength to press forward through having a beautifully furnished, decorated, and comfortable home. “A friend of mine who is a designer said she would help me,” Shalonda said. “We put our heads together and decided we were going to do this — create beautiful spaces for survivors of domestic violence as they transition into their new beginning.”
of the Family organization and has been an advocate for many women since then. “I am a survivor, and I know what it is like to be in a place where you only have an air mattress, a blanket, and some sheets. When you are leaving a domestic violence situation, you don’t have time to load up everything you own. You grab what you can,” Shalonda said. “By helping women as they transition into their new home, I am wanting to be a hand up, not a hand out. Bringing beauty back into their lives.” LatterHouse Décor receives both furniture and monetary donations from incredible residents in the area. When they have an influx of inventory, they host a garage sale where people come and purchase items. The money raised goes right back into the ministry to help purchase necessities for the next home project. These items include home décor, kitchen utensils, dishes, furniture, and even clothes. “This is a way for me to help these women and to restore the things they have lost,” Shalonda said. “It gives them a sense of hope, a sense of care, and a sense of love.” Shalonda added, “It’s really important to know what is going on in your community. When you see people advocating for others, there are ways for you to be a part of it as well. You could donate your time, your talent, or your treasures.”
Like most things that are meant to be, LatterHouse Décor ministry was started and grew quickly. In 2016, Shalonda partnered with the Denton County Friends photo above is Shalonda Waggoner
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. — Matthew 6:21 (KJV) To learn more about LatterHouse Décor, visit www.LatterHouseDecor.org. www.CastleHillsMagazine.com
SEPTEMBER 2020 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILL | 25
room, listening to the proceedings of the Commissioners Court.
EQUALITY
FOR ALL
A
by Denton County Judge Andy Eads | photo courtesy of Judge Andy Eads
s we celebrate 100 years since the U.S. Congress certified the ratification of the 19th Amendment to give women the right to vote, it is important to understand the history of the Suffrage Movement and to learn the contributions of many women in Denton County. On Aug. 26, 1920, Congress certified the ratification, thereby approving the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. Congress shall have the power to enforce the article by appropriate legislation.”
the law shall not be denied or abridged
According to Denton Record-Chronicle archives, a total of 2,808 Denton County women had registered to vote as of July 12, 1918. In fact, the Denton County Tax Collector kept his office open late to allow women to register to vote by the deadline.
County Republican chairman, and former
On June 28, 1919, Texas became the ninth state and the first in the South to ratify women’s right to vote. Years later in 1972, Texas would also be among the first 10 states to ratify an amendment to its constitution stating, “Equality under
because of sex, race, color, creed or
national origin” as part of the Equal Rights Amendment movement.
In a 1984 article, the Washington Post
notes four Denton County women for their involvement in local politics in Texas at a time when the winds of political change
were blowing. Mary Denny, then Denton Precinct 3 County Commissioner Lee
Walker, were two women who sought
office at a time of significant growth in the region. Denny would later serve many years as State Representative.
Walker chose to pursue office following
a personal tragedy in the rape-murder of her daughter. As she told the journalist, Walker attended the trial in the Denton County Courthouse and, when the
proceedings became more than she
could bear, she would walk to another
“There was no reason I could see that a woman could not do that commissioner’s job,” she told the Post. She became the first woman to serve on the court and the first Republican elected to a courthouse office. Walker’s campaign slogan was, “She’s the man for the job.”
In the years since, women have held political offices in Denton County at several levels. Jane Nelson, a former schoolteacher, was first elected to the State Board of Education. Today, she serves as a Senator in District 12 – an office she has held since 1993. Myra Crownover served 16 years in the Texas House of Representatives. Currently, Precinct 3 Commissioner Bobbie Mitchell has served on the Denton County Commissioners Court since 2000 after having served as mayor and council member with the City of Lewisville for 10 years. These are only a few of the many women who serve in Denton County on school boards, university boards of regents, planning and zoning commissions, city councils and state-level positions. Many women serve as school superintendents, district judges, CEOs, presidents, and much more. Our history in Texas and in Denton County has demonstrated the commitment of many women who have dedicated their lives to ensuring women have equal rights. Our Denton County Office of History & Culture has created an extensive look at the Suffrage and ERA movements through a virtual tour entitled: Century of Action: Women and the Vote. You can see it here: https://youtu.be/mJyUjoA29dc. The exhibit at the Courthouse-on-theSquare Museum will remain in place through August of 2021.
If you have any questions or comments, please let me hear from you at andy.eads@dentoncounty.com or 940.349.2820 For more information, register for my newsletter at www.Dentoncounty.gov/countyjudgenewslettersignup. 26 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | SEPTEMBER 2020
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LOCAL
S CCER
Stars by Steve Gamel
T
he Dallas-Fort Worth area has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to top-
tier soccer talent. This past high
school season was no different, and despite having everything cut
short because of
COVID-19, several Denton County players earned
A total of 18 athletes representing Guyer, Hebron, Marcus, Flower Mound, and Lake Dallas were recognized in Top Drawer Soccer’s “PLAYERS EARNED postseason awards. SOME MUCH-DESERVED And several of those RECOGNITION FROM players were honored more than once.
PERHAPS THE MOST RESPECTED YOUTH SOCCER WEBSITE IN THE NATION.”
Hebron’s Briley Weatherford, a Texas Tech signee, was named to the girls’
Winter All-America team. She was also named All-Region and as a member of the All-Star squad. Meanwhile, teammate Olivia Hasler was named All-Region and All-Star. Flower Mound’s Abby Smith and Madison Schott were both All-Region and All-Star selections.
On the boys side, Marcus’ Sam Coad and Harvey Castro were All-Region and All-Star selections, as was Lake Dallas Falcons star
some much-
deserved recognition from perhaps the
most respected youth soccer website in the nation.
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Top Drawer Soccer’s Postseason Awards TDS Winter All-America Team
Piper Hemperly, Marcus
Briley Weatherford, Hebron
Leah Roulston, Marcus
TDS Winter All-Region Team
Kelly Van Gundy, Marcus
Briley Weatherford, Hebron
Harvey Castro, Marcus
Olivia Hasler, Hebron
Sam Coad, Marcus
Abby Smith, Flower Mound
Tomas Pondeca, Marcus
Madison Schott, Flower Mound
Owen Passmore, Hebron
Sam Coad, Marcus
Briley Weatherford, Hebron
Harvey Castro, Marcus
Olivia Hasler, Hebron
Brock Pope, Lake Dallas
Peyton Whipple, Flower Mound
TDS Winter All-Stars
Caitlyn Matthews, Flower Mound
Olivia Ramirez, Guyer
Madison Schott, Flower Mound
Hailey Lander, Guyer
Abby Smith, Flower Mound
Rachel Bump, Marcus
Landon Leach, Flower Mound
“AND SEVERAL OF THOSE PLAYERS WERE HONORED MORE THAN ONCE.” Brock Pope. Pope was the lone Lake Dallas athlete to make any of the lists. Overall, Marcus had the most representation among Denton County teams with seven total athletes. Flower Mound was close behind with five, and Hebron was in third with three. Marcus had two. Lake Dallas had one. We have provided above the complete list of Denton County athletes who were recognized.
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