OurCelina - February 2019

February 2019 | OurCelina.com

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OurCelina.com | February 2019

OurCelina.com | February 2019

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Letter From The Publishers It seems like yesterday I was writing our very first “Letter from the Publishers” for OurCelina magazine! I can hardly believe it’s been a whole YEAR!!!

Changing the Volume to “2” on our table of contents page was exciting! The avalanche of support and encouragement we have received in the last 12 months has been nothing short of extraordinary!

We had a vision of a community publication and online presence that would truly represent Celina.

We were already very involved in many areas, but we knew it would take more - and we were ready!

We hope and pray our genuine love of Celina shines through in this publication and in person. When you see us out and about, say HI! We LOVE meeting new faces!

It’s been a great year and we are ready for Volume 2 to begin! Thank you for joining us on this journey!

From our Bobcat Family to Yours,

Jimmy, Renee, Chase, Colby & Camden www.OurCelina.com

Make sure to folllow us on social media to stay up-to-date on all the happenings in Celina www.facebook.com/ourcelina

www.twitter.com/ourcelina

CHS Senior Wins Altice USA Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest Celina High School senior, Stockten Blanco, was selected as the grand prize winner in the Altice USA Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest. To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month late last year, Altice USA launched an essay contest with the prompt, “Name a Latino, past or present, with whom you’d like to spend a day with and why?", and middle and high school students across the company's service areas were invited to participate for the opportunity to win scholarships and other prizes. Stockten is the grand prize winner of a $1,500 scholarship representing the high school age group for all of Altice USA's Suddenlink service areas. Last week, Principal David Wilson, English Teacher Emily Orr, Coach Acosta, Stockten’s parents, Jennifer and Robert Blanco, community members and Altice USA's Suddenlink employees assembled at Celina High School to congratulate and recognize Stockten for his essay submission about artist, Curly Velasquez.

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OurCelina.com | February 2019

OurCelina.com | February 2019

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Table of CONTENTS 12

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7 8 10 11 12-13 14 16 18 21

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February 2019 VOL 2, Issue 1 Published By 4CMEDIAGROUP, LLC Editorial & Design Renee Marler Renee@4cMediaGroup.com

FEATURED Places in History

Production Jimmy Marler James@4cMediaGroup.com Contributing Editor Lisa Ferguson

Letter from the Publishers Altice Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest Celina Student Selected for All-State SOLD! Celina FFA Wins Big at Show School Zone: CISD Steering Comm. FAQ School Zone: Celina ISD Calendar Celina History: Places in History CHS Theatre presents “Our Town” Food 4 Families It Is Well - Rev. Jake Patton Celina Chamber of Commerce Gotcha Covered:

On Th

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Contributing Writers Renee Marler | Lisa Ferguson | Val Stevens | Rev. Jake Patton Contributing Art & Photography 4CMEDIAGROUP Renee Marler | Lisa Ferguson | Ariana Trimmer Editorial Submissions Please send editorial considerations to Renee@4CMEDIAGROUP.com Advertising Information Contact us at

214.592.7512

or email us at Renee@4CMEDIAGROUP.com

Cover

The Stevens Insurance Group 23 Celina Main Street Calendar

2019 Celina Wine Crawl Info

Celina Garden Club 24 City of Celina Information 26 Celina Education Foundation Va len (3rd gtine Cuties Trimm rader at C Sophia G Auction Information ur E e Photor (3rd grad S) and Aid ley en er at

by Ar O ia ’D n na Trim ell).

Las Gatitas/Brigade Banquet mer 28 Bobcat Alley 29

30 31 6

Celina FD Incident Stress Mgmt Team Celina Junior High UIL Awards Celina Library: Financing the Future Celina Public Library Calendar

OurCelina.com | February 2019

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

All material published by 4CMEDIAGROUP, LLC © 2017 (either in the magazine and/or the website), including advertisements, editorials, articles and all other content is subject to our terms and conditions.

All material published by 4CMEDIAGROUP, LLC (either in the magazine and/or the website), including advertisements, editorials, articles and all other content is published in good faith. However 4CMEDIAGROUP, LLC accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. 4CMEDIAGROUP, LLC does not accept responsibility for the accuracy of claims made by advertisers. Distribution area may vary at the discretion of 4CMEDIAGROUP, LLC. No part of the magazine or this website may be reproduced without the prior written consent of 4CMEDIAGROUP, LLC.

Celina Student Selected as Texas All-State Musician "Angela Stalcup, a member of the Celina High School Bobcat Band will perform with the Texas All-State 4A Band in San Antonio, Saturday, February 16, 2019 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center as part of the 2019 Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention. She was chosen for this prestigious honor through a competitive process held this year across the state at District, Region, and Area levels. Angela Stalcup is a student of Michelle Flowers and plays at school under the direction of Benjamin Aune who is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, a 19,000+ member organization headquartered in Austin. This is Angela Stalcup’s first time to perform as a member of a TMEA All-State organization. Angela is the daughter of Wes and Becky Stalcup.

High school students selected to perform in the All-State concerts have competed through auditions to qualify at the state level. All-State is the highest honor a Texas music student can receive. 1,780 students are selected through a process that began with over 72,900 students from around the state vying for this honor to perform in one of 15 ensembles (bands, orchestras, and choirs). Texas Music Educators Association sponsors the Texas All-State competition. This competitive process begins throughout the state in auditions hosted by 33 TMEA Regions. Individual musicians perform selected music for a panel of judges who rank each instrument or voice part. From this ranking, a select group of musicians advances from their Region to compete against musicians from other areas in" "eight TMEA Area competitions. The highest-ranking musicians judged at the TMEA Area competitions qualify to perform in a TMEA All-State music group. Only the top 2.4% of musicians who initially audition become All-State musicians.

These All-State students participate in three days of rehearsals directed by nationally- recognized conductors during the TMEA Clinic/Convention. Their performances for thousands of attendees bring this extraordinary event to a close. For the All-State concert schedule and conductor information, go to the Performances section of www.tmea.org/convention.

The Texas Music Educators Association is an association of over 13,500 school music educators dedicated to promoting excellence in music education. Go to" "www.tmea.org/convention for more information."

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Pigs

Samantha Scano Dawson Beavers Brody Beavers Zane Standridge Ethan Standridge Hugh Jackson Shane Butler Lorenzo Rangel Cooper Dishman Elyse Layman Mallory Davis Ava Francis Brie Francis Payton Maynard Victoria Meinen Caden Worthey

(Made Sale) (Made Sale) (Made Sale) (Made Sale) (Made Sale) 6th Place 8th Place 8th Place 9th Place 11th Place

2nd Place and 4th Place 3rd Place 7th Place 3rd Place and 3rd Place 5th Place and 6th Place

Shop Projects

Congratulations to the following Celina FFA members for making a sale at the Collin County Junior Livestock Show!

Elyse Layman (Made Sale) Blue Ribbon

Reserve Division Champion Lorenzo Rangel Blue Ribbon, 1st Place in Class Amber Mitchell Blue Ribbon, 2nd Place in Class Caleb Miller Blue Ribbon Noah Shirley Blue Ribbon

Sheep

Rebecca Shuler Ava Shirley Noah Shirley Sadie Southwell

Market Goats Taylor Shinpaugh

Noah Shirley Kaylea Hastings Ava Shirley Sam Shirley Brielle Hall Lily Henderson

(Made Sale) 4th and 7th Place 4th Place 7th and 11th Place 12th Place

(Made Sale) 1st Place and Grand Champion of Division 1st Place and Reserve Champion of Division Reserve Champion Goat Overall (Made Sale) 1st and 5th Place (Made Sale) 4th Place (Made Sale) 4th Place (Made Sale) 6th Place 7th Place and 9th Place 7th Place and 8th Place

Breeding Goats

Taylor Shinpaugh 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place

Grand Champion Commercial Breeding Goat

Reserve Champion Over-all Breeding Goat Noah Shirley 2nd place TexieAnna Forkner 3rd Place Savannah Swanson 5th Place Hunter Dean 6th Place

Poultry

Brooklyn Wolfe Gavin Moses Owen Moses

Rabbits

Brooklyn Wolfe

3rd Place

Steers

Hayleigh Theurer (Made Sale)

1st Place

Reserve Division Champion Breyton Webb (Made Sale) 1st Place Hannah Ubanoski (Made Sale) 3rd Place Morgan Gracy (Made Sale) 4th Place Chloe Miller 3rd Place Caleb Miller 3rd Place TexieAnna Forkner 7th Place Grace Lambert 5th Place

Heifers

Caleb Miller William DeLobbe

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OurCelina.com | February 2019

1st Place 1st Place Reserve Breed Champion

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Celina Independent School District

SCHOOL ZONE

We are about to embark on an exciting time for the Celina Independent School District! After many months of research, meetings, and reviewing data collected from Templeton Demographics, Claycomb Associates Architects, NorthStar Builders and the SAMCO Financial Group, the members of the Celina ISD Bond Steering Committee brought forth their recommendation for consideration to call for a bond election.

The recommendation was made to the Trustees during the January School Board meeting. Our Trustees were asked to approve an order calling for a bond election to be held by the Celina Independent School District on May 4, 2019. Our Celina ISD Board of Trustees unanimously cast their votes in favor of a bond in the amount of $600 million that will address student enrollment growth.

Also approved with the bond package is an added inflation rate percentage. Due to the fact that the projects listed in the bond package will not be completed at the same time, the approval of an inflation rate percentage is added to the project budget predictions based upon their future start dates.

FAQS FOR STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS WHAT IS A BOND ELECTION? A bond election authorizes a school district to issue debt to pay for building new facilities, renovations of existing facilities and large infrastructure upgrades.

WHY NOW? Increasing student enrollment is the driving factor in the planning timeline. Based on a 2018 demographic report, Celina ISD’s student population is expected to double in 5 years, and double again in another 5 years.

WHAT PROJECTS ARE PROPOSED? • New elementary schools • New middle schools • Additions and renovations to Celina High School • Land purchases • District-wide improvements HOW LONG WILL THIS BOND SERVE THE DISTRICT? The proposed plan is intended to accommodate CISD’s student enrollment growth for the next 10 years.

WHAT WAS THE BOND PLANNING PROCESS? Oct 2016: Strategic Planning began Jan 2017: Stategic Plan approved Fall 2017: 10-Year Facility Planning began Jan 2018: 10-Year Facility Plan approved Fall 2018: Bond Steering Committee formed Jan 2019: Bond Steering Committee recommended a May 2019 bond HOW MUCH WILL THIS COST HOMEOWNERS? The proposed bond will not increase the District’s tax rate. Celina ISD has had the same total tax rate of $1.64 since the 2010-11 school year.

HOW CAN THE DISTRICT FUND NEW FACILITIES WITHOUT RAISING THE TAX RATE? Because of growth. As new homeowners move into the District, they contribute to the taxbase. During the 2018-19 fiscal year, CISD’s taxbase grew 17.53%.

Over the next few weeks, the district will be formWHAT IS THE ESTIMATED COST? ing committees that will be responsible for distrib$600 million. The District relied on a third-party to estimate costs based on uting the Celina Bond information to our voters. recent, similar projects in nearby school The “Frequently Asked Questions” page was credistricts. An inflation factor was included Early Vote: Mon., Apr 22 - Tues., Apr 30 as well as soft costs, furniture, fixtures, and ated for members of our Bond Steering CommitElection Day: Sat., May 4 equipment. tee to aid in answering questions pertaining to the upcoming bond election. More information can also be found on our website at www.celinaisd.com and will be updated frequently as we approach election day. If you are not registered to vote, you have until Thursday, April 4th to register to participate in the upcoming election. Early voting will be held from Rick DeMasters Monday, April 22nd through Tuesday, April 30th Superintendent of Schools Celina ISD and will be located at the Celina ISD Administration GO BOBCATS! Building, located at 205 S. Colorado Street.

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OurCelina.com | February 2019

FEBRUARY 2019 CISD CAMPUS CALENDARs Celina Primary SCHOOL

O’DELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Celina ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Feb 1 Feb 27 March 2

FCA Meeting 7:30am Camp Jolt 5th grade CARE Auction

Feb 1 Feb 6 Feb 7 Feb 12 Feb 19 Feb 25 March 2

FCA Meeting 7:20am College Shirt Day Boosterthon Fun Run Class Picture Day Incoming 6th Grade Parent meeting Food 4 Families Food Drive (all week) Band Instrument Test Drive CARE Auction

Feb 18 - SCHOOL HOLIDAY

CELINA 6th Grade CENTER Feb 1 Feb 4 Feb 6 Feb 11 Feb 12

Feb 19 Feb 23 Feb 25 Feb 26 March 2

Science Fair Registration CJH Cheer Tryout Sign Ups College Shirt Day Cheer Mandatory Parent Meeting CJH Incoming Parent Meeting CJH Belles Mandatory Parent Meeting Science Fair Projects Due Daddy Daughter Dance BETA Installation Ceremony Principal’s Coffee Band Instrument Test Drive CARE Auction

CELINA JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Feb 1 Feb 4 Feb 11

Feb 12 Feb 15 Feb 25 March 2

Band Solo & Ensemble Counselor Week (all week) CJH Incoming 8th Grade Parent Meeting Cheer Parent Meeting CJH Incoming 7th Grade Parent Meeting CJH Valentine Dance BETA Installation Ceremony CARE Auction

CELINA HIGH SCHOOL Feb 4 Feb 5 Feb 16 Feb 18 Feb 25 March 2

Cheer Parent Meeting ASVAB Career Exploration Test Drill Team Hosting Danceline Competition Cheer tryout practice (all week) Drill Team tryout clinic (all week) CARE Auction

Complete Celina ISD Calendar: https://www.celinaisd.com/calendar

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By: Lisa Ferguson

Above: The oldest grave at Old Celina Cemetery, on County Road 55, dates back to 1884. (Photo courtesy of Lisa Ferguson)

Look around the city and you’ll likely spot one of the nearly dozen markers that dot Celina’s landscape, denoting historically significant sites, buildings and points of interest.

In 2009 the Celina Public School building, at 205 S. Colorado St., was added to the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior. Designed by architect Hoke Smith and constructed in 1942 under the Works Project Administration, the facility was for decades the school district’s sole campus. It now serves as Celina ISD’s administration building. The marker is located outside the front-entrance doors.

Other markers around the city are official Texas Historical Markers bestowed by the Texas Historical Commission, the state agency that oversees historic preservation.

Such markers are awarded following a rigorous and often lengthy application process that is judged on a host of criteria.

A brick monument on the campus of Celina High School holds a Texas Historical Marker for the former Alla School, which for decades stood at the site. It explains that in 1866, Moses and Mary Jane Hubbard, with their daughter Alla, relocated to Collin County from Missouri. One of the area’s largest landholders, Moses Hubbard was also a doctor and a farmer. He and his wife were “concerned with the inadequacy of the local school.” Following Alla’s untimely death, “In 1895 her parents founded a school in her memory,” which the couple also financed. The Alla School merged with Celina ISD in 1958.

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OurCelina.com | February 2019

Left: The Collin County Historical Commission in 2014 honored Celina’s downtown square with a historical marker. (Photo courtesy of Lisa Ferguson)

Right: For nearly two decades, the former George Washington Carver School on East Elm Street was attended by African-American students in Celina. (Photo courtesy of Lisa Ferguson)

The former Nelson Hotel building in Celina’s downtown square is currently home to Annie Jack boutique. The Texas Historical Marker out front explains that the building was constructed in 1914 by “early Celina settler” Richard Tinsley Peterman. A grocery store occupied the first floor while the second floor was home to Charlie Spergon Nelson and his family, who moved to the city in 1917 and purchased the property five years later. Eventually, “The family lived on the first floor and operated the Nelson Hotel for railroad travelers on the second floor” through 1976.

A marker outside the front entrance of the former Celina Public School building denotes its listing on the National Register of Historic Places. (Photo courtesy of Lisa Ferguson)

According to the marker at Old Celina Cemetery, on County Road 55, “The oldest grave here is that of a child who died in 1884.” Land was donated by W.J. Bounds to serve as a community cemetery.

By 1910, after Celina residents and business owners had relocated to be closer to the railroad, “Only this burial ground remained at the original townsite. A cemetery association was formed in 1918.”

Cottage Hill Methodist Church and Cemetery, at 11400 FM 2478, “traces its orgin to pioneer religious gatherings organized by the Rev. John Culwell,” according to its marker. The church was built in 1881 on donated land, and H.H. Sullivan became the pastor. Early internment records suggest that the cemetery began as a family cemetery.

entific discovery made by Celina resident Homer Lafayette Merritt. In 1930, Merritt unearthed on the Haw Branch tributary of Honey Creek a massive Xiphactinus audux fish fossil that dated to the Cretaceous Period. According to the marker at County Roads 455 Cottage Hill Methodist Church was built in 1881 on and 127, the fossil donated land. (Photo courtesy of Lisa Ferguson) measured nearly 13 feet long. It was excavated and has for decades been on display at the Texas Memorial Museum in Austin.

Also, the county’s historical commission in 2014 honored Celina’s downtown square with a marker that explains how area businessman J. Fred Smith devised plans “to build a downtown shopping area.” In 1910, after acquiring the land, Smith “laid off the `square’ and proceeded to build brick buildings around it. … Celina soon had macadamized streets, concrete sidewalks, an electric plant, and water and sewage systems … and the first good road in the county named the Celina Pike.” Brick streets followed in 1925.

Left: A grocery store formerly existed on the first floor of the Nelson Hotel building, now home to Annie Jack boutique.

Lodging for railroad travelers was for decades available on the second floor. (Photo courtesy of Lisa Ferguson)

The Texas Historical Commission presented another pair of Celina cemeteries with its Historic Texas Cemetery designation including Old Union Cemetery, near East Pecan Street and North Texas Drive, which was established in 1877. Meanwhile, the marker at Crossroads Cemetery explains, “The local Baptist community built a church in 1882” on 1.5 acres previously owned by brothers Abiel D. and Edmond Stelzer.

In 1902, Crossroads Baptist Church was moved “to the new town of Celina” to be closer to the railroad, and its name was changed to First Baptist Church of Celina. A quitclaim deed was filed by the church in 1930 for Crossroads Cemetery, on West FM 455, where the oldest grave belongs to an infant who died in 1875.

In 1979, what is known as the Wilson Creek House on County Road 88 received an Official Historical Medallion from the commission. The home, which features fish-scale shingling “and other Victorian details,” was constructed in 1903 on Avenue K in Plano. Cotton Belt Railroad System employee W.W. Wilson and his family resided there.

Following their deaths, the abode was moved in 1976 to Celina.

A marker presented by the City of Celina recognizes the site of the former George Washington Carver School, at what is now a pocket park on East The Celina Public School building, which now houses Celina ISD’s adElm Street. From 1948 through ministrative offices, was built in 1942 1965, the school was attended under the Works Progress Adminisby African-American students in grades 1 through 8. According to the marker, it “provided the main educational opportunities for black/ colored students in Celina, Texas.”

Right: A Texas Historical Marker is located on the patio at the Nelson Hotel building. (Photo courtesy of Lisa Ferguson)

Left: Established in 1877, Old Union Cemetery is designated a Historic Texas Cemetery. (Photo courtesy of Lisa Ferguson)

In 2010, the Collin County Historical Commission recognized a sciOurCelina.com | February 2019

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OUR TOWN

The Celina High School Auditorium was transformed into the small New Hampshire town of Grover’s Corners in the early 1900’s for CHS Theatre’s production of Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer-Prize winning play, “Our Town.”

Cast of Characters

Stage Manager - Jorge Rios Stage Manager - Tori Meinen Stage Manager - Lena Carlson Dr. Gibbs - Thomas Engelbert Mrs. Gibbs - Mackenna Campbell George Gibbs - Zane Wharton Rebecca Gibbs - Avery Davenport Mr. Webb - Collin Otwell Mrs. Webb - Ellie Lykins Emily Webb - Ellie Hughes Young Emily Webb - Audrey McGaughey Wally Webb - Logan Campbell Joe Crowell /wedding guest/funeral- Sean Swanson Howie - Justin Rinehard Simone Stimson - Abby Morgan Simone’s Mother/Wedding Guest/deadwoman- Bailey Briscoe

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Prof. Willard/wedding guest/deadwoman - Kara McDonald Constable Warren/ Wedding guest/funeral - Ty Baker Mrs. Soames and Ms. Soames -Emily Davey, Sophia Shepherd Si Crowell- Grayson Morgan Samantha - Kayleigh Duke Joellen S. - Bekah Stuart Woman in Balcony/Deadwoman - Serena Musunza Woman in Auditorium/ Deadwoman - Jenna Carroll Lady in Box/Deadwoman - Sophia Crespo Choir Members/Funeral goers/Wedding Guests - Janelle Grove, Amy Fugiel, Emma Cash, Sayde Shortes School Children/Baseball Players - Lucas Moore, Ethan Andrejack, Ash Freeman, School Children - Emmerson Wahl, Ellie Orr, Jace Poncio, Audrey McGaughey, Mason Reed, Baily Thacker School Teachers/Wedding Guest/Funeral goers Allison Johnston, Tisha Poncio

Crew Extraordinaire

Stage Manager - Hannah Arrington ASM backstage - Olivia Snyder Lighting Queen - Madison Davenport Sound Design and Tech - Conner Sanders Sound Tech - Morgan Kramer ASM booth - Reese Flores Running Crew Head- Madison Dean Running Crew - Will Myers Costume and Makeup Crew - Ellie Lykins, Ellie Hughes, Tori Meinen, Conner Sanders, Bekah Stuart, Sierra Smith Front of House Manager - Sierra Smith Usher - Barrett Bohall Celina High School Theatre Director - Cynthia Baker

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OurCelina.com | February 2019

Local Church Mission Gives Back by Packing Food for Community Children Since 2016 First United Methodist Church of Celina has worked with Celina ISD to supply additional food to go home with students over the weekend. Hungry children suffer most over the weekends when they are away from the school cafeteria. Counselors and teachers identify students who have a need and FUMC handles the rest. The church, in addition to their own fundraising and volunteers, receives donations and support from various community organizations such as Celina MOPS, Friendship Corner Preschool, Celina varsity and JV cheerleaders, Fidelis InterSe and others.

FUMC Children’s Director, Lindsey Aune, started the program and in the first year, delivered 550 bags to Celina Elementary. The following year they added Celina Primary and O’Dell Elementary which more than tripled the number of bags by delivering 1,800 bags. This year, the group is on target to deliver an astonishing 2,880 bags to the four campuses. In addition to the weekly bags, they added larger bags for Thanksgiving, Christmas and spring break.

FUMC Children’s Director and Food 4 Families organizer, Lindsey Aune, gathers donations last month.

Celina High School cheerleaders donate and help package bags for the Food 4 Families Program.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Monetary Donations:

Text “FUMCCelina$(any amount)” to 73256 to be sent a link to complete the process via credit or debit card. Select “Food 4 Families Mission” tab from the drop down menu, complete and selevt “Give”.

Drop off checks to First United Methodist Church and make sure to notate “Food 4 Families Mission”.

All donations are tax deductible.

Food Donations: • • • • •

Cans/Pouches of meat (tuna, chicken, spam, vienna sausages) Pudding cups (non-refrigerated) Easy mac & cheese Fruit cups, applesauce cups or fruit snack pouches High protien granola bars

*We do not accept expired items or items not on this list.

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OurCelina.com | February 2019

FUMC children set up an assembly line to help pack bags for the Food 4 Families mission.

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It Is Well...

Ephesians 3:17-18 “…that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge…”

We have a neon pink crepe myrtle tree in our back yard. When in full bloom, it looks like the 4th of July. My neighbor, Martha, told me a story about the tree a while back. She said the previous owner didn’t care for the tree and he tried to remove it. First, he cut it back to a stump.

Then he doused the remains with diesel and, quite literally, burned it to the ground. Assuming the matter resolved, imagine his surprise when the following Spring, the crepe myrtle returned with new sprigs, green, victorious and rebellious, rising from the ashes. The tree stands 15 feet tall today. I’m no master gardener, but I’m sure the only reason the tree endured was because it was “rooted.” Though the life above the ground was destroyed - the untouched life below ground - in the roots” gave it security.

In Paul’s written prayer above, he uses the agricultural term, ”rooted” to describe the blessed breadth, length, height, and depth of security anyone can have in fellowship with God. Like the crepe myrtle, we can be securely, permanently, and forever rooted in God, our true home. How!? How in the world can, or, did we get that secure!? Paul answers, through Christ. Think of it this way, has a stranger ever done you a severe kindness, not because of anything you’ve done for them, but simply because the two of you have a mutual friend? It sounds like this, “Well, I’m happy to help you because any friend of so-and-so is a friend of mine!” (For an example, see David’s kindness to Mephibosheth because of Jonathan in 2 Sam. 9). This “relational security because of another” is exactly what Paul is getting at here! Even though we show up strangers to God, He offers us a severe kindness, not because of anything we’ve done for him, but because we have a “mutual friend” in Jesus. The Father is joyfully generous to people like us because “a friend of Christ is a friend of His!” To put it another way, our status as insiders has been secured permanently from outside of us through someone else. Jesus.

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Here’s what this means for us: Maybe you’ve blown it. Big time. Recently. Publicly. And maybe these words haven’t actually come out of your mouth, but you’ve wondered. ”Surely, God would never associate with the likes of me.” Or, maybe you’re a professing Christian and secretly struggle with doubt and uncertainty. And in the quiet you’ve concluded, “God could never love someone this weak or uncommitted!”

If this rings true, here’s some good news. Salvation was never designed to be “rooted” in your obedience or in your ability to maintain doubtless belief 24/7/365. This CAN’T be true because no one is good enough and no one is doubt free. But what Paul tells us here is that our salvation IS designed to be rooted in someone else’s perfect obedience and belief. Jesus’, not ours. For the humble who ask to receive and rest in the obedience and belief of Christ, you too are secure, like a rooted tree, regardless of what happens to you above ground. And those who are “rooted” not in themselves, but in Christ need never worry about their status, why? Because our fellowship is perfectly secured in the perfect Jesus. He’s the soil. It means you can be confident and secure in your fellowship with God because the perfect Jesus secured it, not the imperfect you or me. The hymn “Come, Ye Sinners” states it best. “All the fitness He requires, is to feel your need of Him.” God can uproot the humble from anywhere and transplant you in the Jesus, the solid ground. Just come empty handed!

Hope this makes you say, “Isn’t Jesus great?!” See you around Celina!

Rev. Jake Patton http://www.newcitypres.org/

Flyy Cutz Barbershop

Specializing in All Clipper Cuts Mr. Bill (972) 838-8748 Earl (469) 212-2520 701 N. Preston Rd #330 Celina, TX 75009

$12 adult cuts

$7 kid cuts Feb 5 - Mar 5

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We diagnose and treat all u strains, strep and more.

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Ce l i n a H ea l t h & We l l n e s s | 9 7 2 . 3 8 2 . 3 9 3 9 OurCelina.com | February 2019

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NEW OFFICE IN CELINA

Movement Mortgage is happy to announce the new office in Celina. Roxanne Flores is our branch manager and has lived in Celina and Prosper all of her life. Roxanne serves her community by hosting training for consumers and real estate partners to help her peers grow and succeed. If you don’t know Roxanne and her assistant, Tony Figard, go by as soon as you can to say hi.

Roxanne Flores M OV E M E N T M O R TG AG E | B R A N C H M A N AG E R

NMLS#: 700491 direct: 972.977.2350 | roxanne.flores@movement.com www.RoxanneFloresMortgageTeam.com 1050 S Preston Road Parkway, Suite 114 Celina, TX 75009

|

www.movement.com

TX | Movement Mortgage, LLC supports Equal Housing Opportunity. NMLS ID# 39179 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) | 877-314-1499. Movement Mortgage, LLC is licensed by TX. Interest rates and products are subject to change without notice and may or may not be available at the time of loan commitment or lock-in. Borrowers must qualify at closing for all benefits. “Movement Mortgage” is a registered trademark of the Movement Mortgage, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. 8024 Calvin Hall Road, Indian Land, SC 29707. CPID 7123 | Exp 6/2019

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OurCelina.com | February 2019

NEW MEMBERS FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2019

Butter Bears Cupcakery

www.CelinaChamber.org

DFW Insurance Services

Experienced Optometrists for your entire family!

1060 S. Preston Road, Ste. 10

Celina, TX 75009

LoneStarVision.com

(972) 382-2020 OurCelina.com | February 2019

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GOTCHA COVERED The Stevens Insurance Group

2019 is here...Did you pick the right Health plan?

Many times, I have individuals calling me in a panic after their new plan has gone into effect they purchased online or through the marketplace or sometimes through a Broker. YIKES! They weren’t told the Pediatrician their kids go to aren’t in the network. Or, “ugh”, paying that first premium was more than they can afford. Many times they were not aware of any other options outside of Obamacare, like Blue Cross Blue Shield etc.

The market is changing frequently. This month I’d like to give you a general overview of the plan types available. Some of these are brand new in the market or have re-entered the market due to changes in insurance law.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is one of the most controversial pieces of legislation ever passed. These plans have specific required coverages and cover even the most complex of pre-existing conditions. However, in Texas, they all have an HMO network and you MUST stay in the network in order to use your coverage. They are also very expensive for those who don’t meet the income requirements for a government subsidy. The last several years have been frustrating for those who do not qualify for assistance with their premiums...not to mention those high deductibles!

Looking for alternatives, many have sought out and enrolled in faith based sharing programs. These all have a disclaimer that states they are not insurance and they do not have to pay. I’ve helped families who had coverage through a sharing that were left uncovered with significant medical bills and others who have tried scheduling an appointment and the doctor would not see them because they don’t accept “those type of plans”.

Good NEWS! Year round enrollment is available for ALL of the following alternative plans: Over the last three years, Indemnity plans have been enhanced to offer pretty significant what I call day one dollar one benefits for medical needs that we use on a day to day basis such as: doctor visits, urgent care, and accidents. Many of these also have substantial benefits for hospitalization, chemotherapy and outpatient surgeries. These have been a viable option at a significant savings!

Recently, new legislation has passed allowing new options to enter the health insurance market. “Short term medical plans”, with large provider networks, can now be sold for up to 364 days (now not so “short”). These plans offer coverage with your choice of deductible (how much you pay before your coverage starts) and multiple variations to fit your budget at a fraction of the cost of an Affordable Care Act Plan. These plans are great for those who can qualify with underwriting and offer protection for catastrophic events.

Lastly and most recent to the market are Association Health Plans. These plans are similar to a group plan, with doctor copays, a deductible and copays for medications. They have no pre-existing exclusions and use a large network with no referral required. These are a great option for someone who has the “uh oh” moment that they have underinsured or picked a plan that will not be the best plan for their family.

No matter what your family or small group’s needs are, The Stevens Insurance Group has the options to work with you to find the coverage that best fits your specific individual needs at a price you can afford.

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OurCelina.com | February 2019

The Celina Downtown Wine Crawl has moved to a Saturday!

March 30, 2019 • 5pm - 8pm Tickets on sale now on the Chamber website at www.celinachamber.org.

After February 1, price will be $40 for two tastings at each winery stop, so get your tickets early to save your spot.

Be on the lookout for announcements; we have expanded EVERYTHING this year!

If you would like to be involved in planning these events, would like vendor opportunities, or sponsorship opportunities, please visit www. celina-tx.gov/downtownevents or call 972-382-2682 x7002.

The Celina Garden Club recently held its first meeting of 2019. Board members are Lynn Balint, president; Nancy Staley, 1st vice president; Sue Mitlyng, 2nd vice president; Andrea Greenwald, historian; Amy Davey, treasurer; Lisa Ferguson, secretary; and Melissa Green, special events and philanthropy.

Founded in 1945, the Celina Garden Club’s mission is to educate and stimulate knowledge; share resources and experiences; and enjoy fellowship with other gardeners through monthly meetings, field trips and projects. Members participate in civic-improvement programs and sponsor annual scholarships for students interested in environmental-related studies.

On June 8, the Club will present the Celina Garden Tour, a popular biennial event featuring rare glimpses of several of the city's most impressive gardens. Tickets ($20 in advance, $25 day of the event) will be available for purchase beginning March 15 at www.celinagardenclub.org.

Photo Credit: Kaitlin Howard Photography

OurCelina.com | February 2019

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City Hall will be closed Monday, February 18 for President’s Day

Trails Master Plan Update – City Staff met on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 during a public meeting to discuss the Trails Master Plan. The Consultants, Norris Design presented a draft version of the Trails Master Plan to the public and answered citizen questions.

To view the Draft Trails Master Plan, please visit www.celina-tx.gov/trailsplan

UNDER CONSTRUCTION If you've spent any time in the square recently, you have most likely noticed a few alterations. We are confident that our strategic plan goals will guide us towards meeting our City’s growth needs, and will enhance the hometown feel we all know and love.

Anticipated project completion dates depend on construction progress, weather and other building criteria, but include: · · · · ·

Removing the playground at Colorado and Walnut Street beside the Celina Police Station to make room for a modular building that will house several departments Moving our Planning and Development, Permits, Building Inspections, Engineering, EDC, IT, Main Street and Government Affairs departments into the modular building Renovating the City Hall Annex/Council Chambers (formerly the Methodist Church) Renovating City Hall Utility Billing and Courts area Renovating the EDC building at 302 W. Walnut

We anticipate both the City Council meetings, Planning & Zoning Committee meetings, and Development Services/Permitting/Engineering/Building Inspections and IT to return to the Annex building in the early months of 2020. Economic Development Corporation, Main Street and Government Affairs will return to the EDC building at 302 W. Walnut at that time as well. City Hall will be closed March 1 to facilitate the renovations.

There are many changes in the forecast for Celina, as it seems our little piece of Heaven just north of 380 is no longer our little secret. Everyone wants to be a part of the community.

We appreciate your patience with the improvements while we strive to maintain the charm and ambiance here in Celina that is second to none.

Please pardon our dust and stay tuned for more updates on the progress!

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OurCelina.com | February 2019

OurCelina.com | February 2019

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Celina Education Foundation To Host Annual Auction March 2 The Celina Education Foundation is hosting its annual auction on Saturday, March 2nd at the One Preston Event Venue in Gunter. We are thrilled to bring our Hawaiian themed dinner and auction to our community this year.

Dinner Live Music by Iron Horse Express Beer & Wine Silent and Live Auction Heads and Tails Winners Choice Vacation Raffle Our mission is simple, “ to inspire and reward academic excellence throughout Celina ISD.” The Celina Education Foundation sets out to accomplish this in two big ways, campus donations and senior scholarships. This year our organization has budgeted $50,000 in scholarships and a record $50,000 at the campus level to provide programs and equipment that will enhance the learning environment of our students. This evening is dedicated to rewarding academic excellence in Celina ISD. Your support will help us in our efforts to broaden the educational experience of all our students, provide academic scholarships for graduating seniors, while offering you a dynamic marketing opportunity to build your brand or individually to continue your personal support of CEF’s mission.

As a 501c3 tax-exempt and volunteer driven organization, we are fully funded by donations and rely on contributions from businesses and individuals for financial support. Tickets on sale now by visiting:

www.muradauctions.net/celina.

For more information, please contact Abby Hall or Heather Cunningham. On behalf of CEF members and the students of Celina Independent School District, we thank you in advance for your consideration and we look forward to your participation.

The Celina Las Gatitas and Bobcat Brigade celebrated the end of the season with their annual banquet, held at the Bella Terra event venue in Gunter. Among the award winners were seniors Avery Trimmer and Shaelyn Romero who received Miss High Kick and Miss Drill Deam, respectively. Zane Wharton received the Bobcat Spirit award and Collin Otwell recieved Brigade of the Year for the Bobcat Brigade.

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OurCelina.com | February 2019

OurCelina.com | February 2019

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Dedicated to Celina Athletics

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OurCelina.com | February 2019

Celina Fire Department Creates an Incident Stress Management Team First responders helping their own deal with psychological trauma of the job

The Celina Fire Department (CFD) is taking steps to help first responders deal with stress. CFD has established a Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team. First responders face traumatic events more frequently than the general public. Because of that, firefighters can become more vulnerable to acute stress, post-traumatic stress, depression and anxiety. CISM is a type of crisis intervention designed to provide support for those who have experienced traumatic events. Â According to Chief Mark Metdker of the Celina Fire Department, "Firefighter wellness is extremely important. When first responders experience a traumatic event, the CISM team provides an outlet to talk with people who understand what they went through and what they will experience in the coming days and weeks. Having numerous resources and support services in place will not only lead to a healthier firefighter, but a healthier fire department. According to statistics, Firefighters and Police Officers are more likely to die of suicide than a line of duty death. This must be addressed and stopped.

We are not only offering this assistance to our department, but other departments in the area that may have experienced a traumatic event" Critical incidents are defined as events that threaten physical or emotional safety or events that result in physical or psychological harm. CISM is comprised of multiple crisis response components that attempt to address each phase of a crisis.

The CFD is committed to promoting the healthiest work environment possible for its members. More information can be found at www.nfpa.org.

The UIL Middle School Academic Competition was held on Friday, January 11th at NCTC Gainesville. Celina 6th, 7th, and 8th graders competed against students from Anna, Aubrey, Gainesville, Melissa and Sanger. Celina Junior High was well represented with over ninety students participating in seventeen different events and placed second overall in the competition.

ART SMART 5th place Mary Nichols CALCULATOR APPS 3rd Place Team 2nd place Gabi Nana 4th place Isabella Tellez Team member: Naomi Daugherty DICTIONARY SKILLS 2nd Place Team 4th place Kael Cole Team members: Piper Adams, Connor Jones IMPROMPTU SPEAKING 1st place Landry Graf 4th place Kathryn Bottem 6th place Maddie Hale LISTENING SKILLS 1st Place Team 1st place Hanna Miller 2nd place Isabelle Combs 3rd place Ethan Baker MAPS, GRAPHS, & CHARTS 1st Place Team 3rd place Grace Spessard 5th place Owen Reeves Team member: Isabelle Combs MODERN ORATORY 3rd place Kimberlin Joines 4th place Grace Spessard MUSIC MEMORY 3rd Place Team 2nd place Brandon Pierce 5th place Daxon Boudreaux Team member: Tyler Moody ORAL READING 2nd place Naomi Daugherty 6th place Eli Bylund READY WRITING 5th place Kylee Keller SOCIAL STUDIES 1st Place Team 2nd place(tie) Ella Norman 2nd place(tie) Katie Hendricks Team member: Lauren Howell SPELLING 1st Place Team 1st place Brandon Pierce 2nd place Jake Gerhart 6th place Ella Norman

ART SMART 1st place Grace Newbold 5th place Ava Ford CHESS PUZZLES 1st Place Team 1st place Andrew Purvis Team members: Ethan Delgado, Hank Melton IMPROMPTU SPEAKING 3rd place Fiona Smith 5th place Grayci Oldfield LISTENING SKILLS 3rd Place Team 5th place Vivian Hubbard Team members: Ethan Andrejack, Jazmin Gutierrez MAPS, GRAPHS, & CHARTS 3rd Place Team 6th place Andrew Aubuchon Team member: Ben Thomas, Grace Newbold MATHEMATICS 3rd place Ryan Reemts 4th place(tie) Jazmin Gutierrez MODERN ORATORY 1st place Abby Norris 3rd place Jazmin Gutierrez MUSIC MEMORY 4th place Peniel Arroyo NUMBER SENSE 2nd place Abby Norris ORAL READING 3rd place Blakelon Patterson 5th place Susan Edwards 6th place Avery Roane READY WRITING 1st place Maggie Mathews SCIENCE I 2nd place Team 1st place Lily Perkins Team members: Josh Bennett, Ben Thomas SPELLING 3rd Place Team 3rd place Carson Cunningham 4th place Seth Goolsby Team member: Maggie Mathews

6th 7th

ART SMART 1st Place Team 1st place Hillary Torres 3rd place(tie) Alondra Llamas 5th place(tie) Sara Ortiz CALCULATOR APPS 1st Place Team 1st place Dani Garcia 5th place(tie) Marisa Veliz Team member: Alondra Llamas DICTIONARY SKILLS 1st Place Team 1st place Alondra Llamas 3rd place Sara Ortiz Team member: Dani Garcia EDITORIAL WRITING 2nd place Colin Hurd 4th place Haylee Turner MAPS, GRAPHS, & CHARTS 1st Place Team 5th place Eli Pritchard Team members: Gigi LaFreniere, Zac Turci MATHEMATICS 3rd Place Team 2nd place Josh Wahl Team members: Carson Adell, Kenya Saenz MUSIC MEMORY 1st Place Team 2nd place Andy Hatcher 4th place Bradley Plunkett Team member: Cohen Avelar NUMBER SENSE 2nd Place Team 2nd place Zac Turci 4th place(tie) Josh Wahl 6th place Andy Hatcher ORAL READING 2nd place John Depaolo 3rd place Madison Hagenbrock SOCIAL STUDIES 3rd place Madison Klosterman SPELLING 6th place Andy Hatcher

8th

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Financing the future By: Lisa Ferguson

When it comes to planning for retirement, it is likely that most people think about where they’d like to travel or decide what new hobby to take up during their free time. However, according to local financial professional Chianna Rodgers, there is much more to consider - especially when it comes to properly funding the so-called “Golden Years.”

“Usually people retire, and they’ll have a large lump sum of money. They go on vacation, they buy cars, they buy a house,” said Rodgers, a registered financial representative with Principal Financial Group. “Then they realize their money isn’t going as far as it did when they had a regular paycheck coming in, so they have to adjust. You can still do those things, but you have to plan accordingly.”

A resident of Celina’s Creeks of Legacy subdivision, Rodgers also serves as chairperson of Celina Public Library’s Advisory Board. At the library from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, she and her colleague Fred Shlesinger, a senior registered representative at Principal Financial Group, will present their Retirement Educational Strategies Training (R.E.S.T.) workshop.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend this free, interactive, educational event. Among the topics to be discussed are investment and tax-diversification strategies as well as asset protection. Informative handouts and worksheets will be available to those in attendance. (There will be no solicitation or selling of financial products during this event.)

Photo submitted by Chinna Rodgers

Celina resident Chianna Rodgers, a financial professional and chairperson of Celina Public Library's Advisory Board, will present a free, informative retirement-savings workshop from 6-8 p.m.

Feb. 21 at the library.

Linda Shaw, head of library services for the City of Celina, said the decision to include the retirement workshop in Celina Public Library’s 2019 programming was an easy one. “What is important to members of our community as individuals is important to us at the library. We are about making community connections. This is an awesome program,” she said. Also, “Having someone like Chianna - who knows and understands the library through serving on its board, and who is in the financial-services industry – present the information is a win for everybody. We can offer this program free of charge. It is a terrific opportunity for people to become better educated about all of the benefits that are available to them.”

A married mother of three children, Rodgers holds both Series 6 and Series 63 securities licenses. A native of Chicago who relocated to North Texas seven years ago, she is also licensed to sell life, health, property and casualty insurance.

She previously was an agent for State Farm.

Prior to retirement, she said, “Most people don’t know how to calculate how much money they’ll need” to pay for their regular expenses while maintaining the lifestyle they enjoyed while they were employed full time. “They don’t take into account medical and tax expenses, how much that costs when you’re older and don’t have a constant income stream.” Meanwhile, “All the things you learned about investment strategies reverse at retirement. That’s a big flip for people.”

The R.E.S.T. workshop is designed to educate those who are preparing to retire soon, as well as people who plan to remain in the workforce for years to come. “It’s never to early to start thinking about retirement,” Rodgers said. “It’s your job to be prepared.”

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OurCelina.com | February 2019

February 2019 Celina Public Library Calendar of Events Friday, Feb. 1

Mother Goose story time, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Friday, Feb. 8

Mother Goose story time, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Saturday, Feb. 9

Teen Valentine “Crazy Chemistry Lab”, 2 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 15

Mother Goose story time, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Monday, Feb. 18

Library closed

Tuesday, Feb. 19

Library advisory board meeting, 6-7 p.m. (public may attend)

Thursday, Feb. 21

Book Club meeting, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Free Retirement Savings Workshop, 6-8 p.m. (public may attend)

Friday, Feb. 22

Mother Goose story time, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Friday, Mar. 1

Mother Goose story time, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Saturday. Mar. 2

Dr. Suess Birthday Celebration, 11:00 a.m.

Celina Public Library 142 N Ohio St Celina, TX 75009 Linda Shaw Library Director Phone: (972) 382-8655

Monday - Tuesday 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Wednesday - Thursday 10:00 am - 6 pm Friday - Saturday 10:00 am - 4 pm

OurCelina.com | February 2019

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Local Postal Customer

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We Come To All Celina ISD Schools!

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221 N. Preston Road, Suite A • Prosper, TX 75078 • 972-347-2222

www.BietschOrthodontics.com 32

OurCelina.com | February 2019