“I met Gary Carley in 1976 when I was 12 years old as he called on our family-owned business. Gary made me my first loan to buy a car in 1979. The loan was for $1,100.00. Now decades later he has been the banker for four generations of the Hauk family. The loan volume over the years has increased substantially to millions of dollars. I still love the relationship with Gary and Texas Republic Bank and I would not change."
Yay! Spring has finally arrived! And while I once disliked daylight savings time because it made me think of the summer heat which was just around the corner, I now embrace it. We have so many wonderful outdoor places to be in Canyon Creek that it’s nice to have the extra time to spend with family and friends after school and work.
I am especially excited to bring this issue of Canyon Creek Life to you. The pages are filled with incredibly special people, like Bob and Rae Jewett, who have made their home in Canyon Creek for decades. They are our Golden Couple of the Month and two of the nicest people I have ever met. Theirs is a 60-years-long love story told here by their daughter Amy. Alongside the Jewetts, you’ll find Lex Kimball, an accomplished high school baseball player who has lived in the neighborhood his entire life and has so many wonderful memories from living here.
If you’re at all interested in snakes, you’ll enjoy our Pet of the Month feature as young Hailey Rogers is an amateur expert on snakes and has a Newton’s milksnake named Husker. I’ve never met anyone quite so passionate about these reptiles and she loves sharing her knowledge!
Swinging from pets to popcorn, we round out our neighborhood coverage by introducing you to Michelle Womack of Max A Millian Popcorn. She’s a familiar face at Sweet Firefly, having worked there for years. And she’s now the proud owner of her own small business.
Finally, Katherine Galligan reminds us of the importance of getting out in nature and its power to connect us to others, to soothe us, and to give us access to love and light. She brings us along as she journeys down Prairie Creek Path, the trail that runs next to the creek itself. Mike Obert, our publisher, took some great photos to accompany her writing. I think you’ll enjoy the journey.
Happy Spring!
Patti Otte
Publisher
Kyla Obert
Editor
Patti Otte
Ad Sales Mike Obert
Designer
Open Look Business Solutions
Cover Photo
Luis Martinez Photography
Contributors
Wilson Allen, Lisa Parelli-Monaghan, Angela Green, Ryan Amerson, Scott Robbins and Patti Otte
Special Thanks
Amy Jewett Young, Lex Kimball, Katherine Galligan, Hailey Rogers and Michelle Womack
For Advertising Questions, please email mobert@hylogroup.com
For Editoral Requests, please email nominations@hylogroup.com
HyperLocal Media
224 W Campbell Rd, STE 428 Richardson, TX 75080
Managing Partners Mike and Kyla Obert
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By Amy Jewett Young
In a world where fleeting moments often give way to the hustle and bustle of daily life, there are love stories that stand the test of time…stories that remind us of the power of connection, community and shared adventures. Bob and Rae Jewett’s love story is one such tale. This July the couple will celebrate an incredible milestone: 60 years of marriage.
Their journey, which began with a blind date, has taken them through decades of joy, challenge and unforgettable memories,
many of which have been shaped by their close-knit community in the Canyon Creek neighborhood.
A Blind Date, a Prayer, and a Special Connection
Bob and Rae grew up on opposite sides of Ft. Worth, Bob on the west and Rae on the east. Bob was a talented drummer in a high school band whose lead singer was John Denver, one of the most iconic singers of the 1970’s. Rae, on the other hand, was a majorette in high school and played drums in her marching band, which gave
her an interest in music. It was clear that music had a special place in both of their lives, but it was fate in the form of a blind date that brought them together.
On the night of their blind date, Bob was preparing for the evening when his good friend Walter unexpectedly showed up at his house, distraught. Walter had just been
dumped by his girlfriend and was looking for a distraction. Ever the good friend, Bob invited Walter to join them for dinner, thinking he wouldn’t actually accept. To Bob’s surprise, Walter agreed!
Rae, who arrived at the restaurant ready to meet her date, walked into the booth and saw not one but two guys sitting there. Momentarily confused and unsure which one was Bob, Rae said a prayer. “Please, Lord, let it be Bob,” she silently asked. As fate would have it, Rae’s prayer was answered when Bob stood up to greet her. Their first date turned into a second, third and soon they were inseparable. They were married just over a year later in a small ceremony, surrounded by close friends and family.
Soon after their wedding, Bob went to Marine flight school in Pensacola, Florida. After fulfilling his military obligation (including a tour in Vietnam), Bob was hired by Delta Air Lines to be a commercial pilot. They were given the base of Dallas, so they chose Canyon Creek to reside due to the amazing public school system in the area. The neighborhood would become more than just a place to live; it would be where they built their lives together and made lifelong friendships.
Over the years, Rae became an active member of the neighborhood, joining
several local groups that helped her forge lasting connections. One of her first adventures in Canyon Creek was joining the Canyon Creek Country Club tennis team. Whether it was a casual game or a serious match, Rae’s love for the sport grew, and so did her circle of friends.
Rae also became involved in the Canyon Creek Gourmet Club, a group of neighbors who gathered monthly to try new recipes and share meals. “The Gourmet Club was a wonderful way to connect with people,” Rae says. “It wasn’t just about the food; it was about the conversations, the laughter and the friendships that grew from it.” Rae was also a member of the Garden Club, even though she didn’t always have a green thumb. She loved the meetings, field trips they would take, and delicious food they shared each month they met.
Despite the demanding nature of Bob’s job as a commercial pilot, he was always committed to his family and his community. “I was fortunate to have a career that allowed me to travel the world, but coming home to Rae, our girls and our neighborhood friends was always the highlight of my day,” Bob says. Bob and Rae raised three daughters: Ashley, Amy and Lindsey. From an early age, the girls were involved in the community, joining the Canyon Creek Country Club’s swim team and babysitting for their neighbors. Rae’s commitment to nurturing
not only her family, but also the relationships within their community became a legacy for their daughters.
Over the years, Bob and Rae’s bond with their neighbors deepened. The Canyon Creek community became more than just a place to live; it became a family. The couples they met through the tennis team, Gourmet Club and the Garden Club became lifelong friends and the shared experiences created a sense of belonging that anchored them all. “We’ve been so blessed to have raised a family in Canyon Creek,” Rae says. “The neighbors here have supported us through highs and lows and we have celebrated so many milestones together.”
As Bob and Rae celebrate their sixtieth wedding anniversary, they reflect on the journey they’ve shared…one that began with a simple blind date and has evolved into a life filled with love, adventure and deep connections. They now reside in a zero-lot line townhouse at II Creeks, where they enjoy walking to the shopping
center for dinner, drinks, coffee or shopping. A favorite of the kids and grandkids (plus great-grandson) is Sweet Firefly Ice Cream Shop, a perfect way to end a meal with the family.
As they sit on their porch, surrounded by the familiar faces of neighbors and friends,
Bob and Rae know that their love story is far from over. Though their children are grown and their careers are behind them, their connection remains as strong as ever. And as the sun sets on their sixtieth year of marriage, they look forward to many more years of friendship, community and, of course, love.
What is your name and the name of your business?
My name is Michelle Womack and my family-owned business is called Max A Millian Popcorn. But I couldn’t make this business such a success without my sweet husband Tommy. He does all the popping, takes photos of our products, and does all the “heavy lifting” at events. We are a true team.
What made you decide to purchase a popcorn business?
Many of you may remember Scrogginthorpe Popcorn, which was founded by a Canyon Creek family. One day I was having a random conversation with Angie Conard, the owner of Sweet Firefly, who let me know that Micah and Liz were looking to liquidate their popcorn equipment and sell their business.
I was immediately interested, having recently developed an interest in starting a small business of my own. I love popcorn and thought I could make a go of the popcorn business. Micah and Liz taught us everything we needed to know and shared their recipes with us, effectively passing on the popping magic!
What is unique about Max A Millian Popcorn?
While we have kept some of Micah’s favorite mixes, we are constantly improvising and creating new recipes for our popcorn. We’ve added salt and vinegar alongside Max’s Chicago Pop with layers of caramel and white cheese popcorn. We’ve also done a garlic parmesan and a pickle flavor called Tyler’s Pickly Pop, named after my niece, Tyler.
How did you come up with the name Max A Millian Popcorn?
A girlfriend of mine, Nikki, came up with the name. Tommy and I had a beloved dachshund named Max the Weiner Dog and
Nikki thought we should use his name. It took me a bit to come around to the idea, but I really loved Max and decided to pay homage to him in this way. He’s even a part of our branding. Sadly, we lost Max prior to starting the business, so the name is especially meaningful to us now…a reminder of our sweet pup.
Tell us about your family.
My husband Tommy and I will be celebrating our 21st wedding anniversary this March. We met at LakePointe Church in a small Saturday night “Sunday school” class. We were friends first but quickly started spending time together and were married a year after meeting. We don’t have kids, but we love our dogs like children. After Max’s passing, we acquired Little Man Maverick, a miniature dachshund.
What is your connection to the Canyon Creek neighborhood?
Our primary tie to the neighborhood is Sweet Firefly. Tommy and Angie were childhood best friends who grew up together
in Oak Cliff. Angie’s dad was Tommy’s Sunday School teacher. He was one of Sweet Firefly’s first ice cream churners back in 2012. I started working at Sweet Firefly years ago and continue to work as Angie’s righthand person.
We met Liz and Micah through Sweet Firefly and our operation is based out of Sweet Firefly’s commercial kitchen.
How can people order your product? We carry several flavors at any given time at Sweet Firefly and you can also order online at http://maxamillianpopcorn.com . If you have a party or special event, we offer three different sizes of popcorn bags, a great party favor idea. Special orders can be placed at maxamillianpopcorn@gmail.com or by calling 214.725.9483.
Follow us on Facebook or Instagram @maxamillianpopcorn.
By Lisa Parelli-Monaghan
As the cost of living continues to increase, many homeowners are more conscious of their spending. Spending money on "wants" happens more infrequently because our disposable income seems to keep shrinking no matter how thrifty we try to be.
If you are looking for ways to create an energy-efficient home, here are some tips that will provide a great starting point for reducing your energy use and saving money on your monthly energy expenses:
• Turn off lights, televisions, and other gadgets or electronic items when they are not in use.
• Make sure you keep windows and doors closed if you are running the heat or air conditioning. While this tip makes perfect sense (and saves cents, as well), it's surprising how many people don't make a conscious effort to put it into action.
• Check your water heater settings. For many water heaters, the default temperature setting is 140 degrees, but this is not an ideal temperature in terms of energy use. The U.S. Department of Energy and the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommend a temperature of 120 degrees for two important reasons: the water is hot enough to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria while still providing you with adequately hot water to meet your needs, and a temperature lower than the default setting of 140 degrees also reduces the risk of scalding when using hot water.
• Turn off ceiling fans when you're not in the room to enjoy the benefits of the circulating air and make seasonal adjustments to the fan's blade rotation to increase air circulation efficiency and
improve the fan's effectiveness. In the summer, make sure the blades rotate counterclockwise to create a downward draft, and switch the rotation to clockwise in the winter so the fan will pull the air upward and push it out and around the room.
• Always use the "auto" setting for your HVAC system's fan. This allows the HVAC unit to engage the fan to push air only when it needs to, rather than letting it run continuously (which not only adds to your utility bill but also adds to wear and tear on the equipment itself).
• Check the filter and drain line on your HVAC system at least once a month and replace the filter or clear the drain line of clogs or debris if needed. Dirty filters and clogged drain lines cause the equipment to become overworked, adding to both excess energy use and increased wear and tear on the system.
• Rather than using security or flood lights on your garage, porch, or another part of your home's exterior for safety and illumination, switch to "dusk to dawn" lighting or light fixtures that come with motion detection.
• Get your home's ductwork inspected by an HVAC technician and, if they discover any damage or air leaks, have the duct system repaired or sealed. Even a slight loss of cooled or heated air as it is blown through your home's ventilation ducts can add up to a significant expense over time.
• Most homes have unheated attics, garages, or crawlspaces which are supported by walls, floors, or roofs that form parts of your home's exterior. Make sure these spaces are insulated
properly to prevent air leaks that add to the cost of heating or cooling.
• All lightbulbs in your home should now be switched to more energy-efficient alternatives like LED, halogen, or other energy-conscious options. While some of these bulb options have a small "sticker shock" price tag attached, the benefits far outweigh the initial expense in terms of much longer bulb life.
• Inspect for potential air loss in your home’s door and window jambs and frames. Small cracks or gaps around doors and windows lead directly outside and are often one of the biggest culprits when it comes to residential air leaks.
• Install a shower head or faucet fixture on your bathtub or shower that has a "pause" option so you can stop the water flow when you are lathering, shaving, or shampooing. You can also find low-flow fixtures or shower heads that use less water that come with a "pause" feature, too.
• If your water heater is in the garage, make sure the pipes going to and from the water heater are insulated. Properly insulated water heater pipes prevent a loss of heat in the water and reduce unnecessary energy consumption.
Not sure where to start? Your local utility provider may, like many others, offer a free or low-cost energy audit for residential customers. Having an energy audit performed on your home is a great way for you to find out in what areas you may be using energy wastefully or needlessly. Pinpointing problem areas first can provide you with a great place to start when it comes to making energy-efficient adjustments to your home, routines, or lifestyle.
Tell us the name of your pet. What type of pet is he/she?
I am Hailey Rogers, and Husker is my albino Nelson’s milksnake.
Why a snake for a pet? It’s an interesting choice!
Honestly, I’ve always loved snakes and all other animals, including roaches. Husker is the third snake I’ve ever had because the first two died tragically young. I got my first snake when I was in around first grade. I’ve always dreamed of having larger snakes. If my mom didn’t have a strict rule on how big a snake I could get, I would probably get a boa constrictor or a false water cobra.
I did research on different snakes and decided a Nelson’s milksnake was the best option. I bought Husker my freshmen year of high school. I am very glad I have Husker because he is so easy to take care of in spite of my busy schedule. I’ve also had a bearded dragon and a chameleon, but snakes are just so fascinating to me.
There are so many different species of snakes and they are all incredibly unique. King snakes are relatives to milksnakes and have natural antivenom because they eat venomous snakes. The gaboon viper uses its ribs to move around and has two-inch-long teeth. Boom slags’ venom causes you to bleed from every hole in your body. Garter snakes need to live with other garter snakes because they are so social. Coral snakes are actually very shy and don’t tend to bite people even though people claim they are so dangerous.
The venomous snakes we have in Texas actually aren’t as dangerous as we think because they don’t have that bad of venom and antivenom is very common. Ball Pythons are so picky that some won’t eat if the rat is a certain color. Snakes can also recognize their owners and can show some affection because, contrary to popular belief, they still have the part of the brain that allows them to show affection. It’s just not as large and prevalent as a dog, cat, lizard, or any other animal. They have
three layers of skin: the one they shed, the current layer, and the one that is ready when the current layer enters the shed stage. As you can see, I know a lot about snakes, so I think it makes sense for me to have one because I love them so much!
Tell us more about Husker and his personality.
He is kind of shy, but he LOVES food. He doesn’t like when I pick him up, but after a while he’s fine. Milksnakes and other colubrid snakes do something called musking, which is their defense mechanism. It’s a gross clumping liquid that stinks and he does that to me sometimes.
Does Husker have a “favorite” family member?
I’m probably his favorite family member because he lives in my room and I take care of him. He recognizes me and will follow my finger sometimes.
What is your favorite story/memory about Husker?
So, I actually had two Nelson’s milksnakes: Husker, my current snake, and a female I named Milkshake. Milkshake escaped somewhere, so now I just have Husker. That’s probably my favorite story to tell people.
Tell us about your family. How long have y’all lived in Canyon Creek?
My parents and I moved to Canyon Creek ten and a half years ago and I attended Aldridge Elementary School from kindergarten to fifth grade. I remember doing online school. I started 6th grade during Covid at Wilson Middle School and did online for about half the school year. I finished my middle school experience at Wilson and am now a sophomore at Academy High School.
What do you love most about living in Canyon Creek?
My house backs up to a creek, so my friends and I would go down to the creek and do all sorts of things down there. We would make secret hiding places in the bamboo. Years later I would help my dad cut down the bamboo and I would catch lizards and turtles and my dad would tell me to stop harassing the wildlife.
Ronald J. Poff PC - Brian A. Poff, CPA
833 East Arapaho, Ste. 220, Richardson, TX 75081
The UPS Store Canyon Creek – The Casaday Family
224 W. Campbell Rd., Richardson, TX 75080 brian@poffcpafirm.com
Luxe Air – Sami Sharif
AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING
HVAC Repairs • Maintenance • Installation • Residential/Commercial
Scheef & Stone, L.L.P. - Chris S. Quillin
469.677.6678 Fax 972.680.1166
972.690.6023 Full-Service Printing, Notary, Shredding, Packing & Shipping
214.364.7885 sami@luxeairtexas.com
214.706.4221 chris.quillin@solidcounsel.com Full Service Law Firm
Northrich Automotive - Rochelle Gotsdiner
All Makes - All Models • Routine Maintenance, Service & Repair
972.669.9990 rochelle@northrichauto.com
BUSINESS CONSULTING
RWB Consulting CFO
Roger W. Burns Consultant • Interim CFO and “as needed” CFO services
214.724.7507 roger@rwbconsultingCFO.com
MFG
Premier Diamonds, Inc.
1011 Hampshire Ln., Ste. 100, Richardson, TX 75080 – Andy Feist
Watson Family Dentistry
Dr. Mat Watson & Dr. Andre Carvalho 291 W Renner Pkwy., Suite 101, Richardson, TX 75080
By Appointment 972.994.9292 afeist@premierdiamonds.net
972.234.0626
Serendipity Designs - Sandra Taylor Moore 214.232.2276 serendipityds.317@gmail.com
Window Coverings • Bedding • Pillows • Upholstery
214.878.2136 reuben@aresplumbing.com Ares Plumbing Expert Repairs
Hobert Pools
972.690.8118
vfimbres@hobertpools.com Victor Fimbres New Construction • Remodel of Swimming Pools
Wells Fargo Advisors
Shelley Turner, Financial Advisor
469.252.0241
shelley.turner @wellsfargoadvisors.com Serendipityds.com
Tell us your name, what school you currently attend, and what year you are in school.
Lex Kimball, Vines High School, Sophomore
Tell us about yourself…what are your hobbies and interests? How do you like to spend your time when you are not in school?
Outside of school, I love spending time with my friends Joe, Logan and Beau. We often play basketball together and also enjoy video games. Sports are a big part of my life—I enjoy watching all kinds, but basketball is definitely my favorite. My dad and I share a passion for analyzing sports statistics. We like talking about different teams and athletes. I also love playing golf with my dad at Canyon Creek Country Club.
Traveling is another major interest of mine. My parents and I have a goal of visiting all 50 states and every MLB stadium. So far, I’ve been to 15 stadiums and 27 states. This summer we plan to visit three more stadiums.
Recently, my family and I started volunteering with the Source of Hope, where we prepare and serve meals to the homeless and elderly on the 4th Saturday of every month. I really enjoy cooking and serving others, and it’s been a rewarding experience to give back to the community.
Brag on yourself: Tell us your honors and awards in and out of school.
I am in National Honor Society and have received the President’s Award for Educational Excellence.
Can you share your journey to becoming a passionate high school baseball player? When did you start playing, who do you play for now, and in what position? Did you have a coach or someone who inspired you?
My journey to becoming a passionate baseball player began in first grade when I started playing on a team with neighborhood friends.
Early on, my coach recognized my potential and encouraged me to join a more competitive team the following year. By third grade, I was playing select baseball, which helped me develop my skills and love for the game.
Now, I’m a pitcher and the starting third baseman for Plano Senior High’s JV team. During the summer, I play for the Dallas Patriots, which gives me even more opportunities to compete and grow as a player.
Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate to have great coaches and mentors who have pushed me to improve and stay passionate about the game.
One of the most influential people in my baseball journey has been my first select coach, Tracy Holman. He had a huge impact on me by making the game fun while keeping our team focused and highly competitive. His coaching style helped shape my approach to the game and I’m grateful for the lessons he taught me both on and off the field.
What do you love about baseball? Do you have a favorite pro ball player? If so, what do you admire about the player?
What I love most about baseball is how it teaches you to bounce back from failure. Baseball is a game of failure and it challenges you to keep going even when things don’t go your way. It has helped me develop resilience and a strong mindset, both on and off the field. I also love the people I’ve met along the way and the experiences we’ve shared.
My favorite pro player is Adrian Beltre. I admire how he always made the game fun and never took himself too seriously. No matter the situation, he brought energy and joy to the field, and that’s something I try to bring to my own game as well.
Tell us about your family, including pets if you have any. How long have y’all lived in Canyon Creek?
I have lived in Canyon Creek my entire life and my family means everything to me. It’s just my parents, and my dog Elvis, and me. My mom, Amber, is super fun and always supports me in everything I do. My dad, Jason, is the goofy one—he’s always cracking jokes and making my friends and me laugh. Our family loves spending time together, whether it’s traveling, watching sports, playing games or just hanging out.
What do you love most about living in Canyon Creek? Do you have a fun or awesome story of living in the neighborhood that you can share with us?
I love having all my best friends right in the neighborhood. We have a tight-knit group of eight kids who have been close since our days at Aldridge. Over the years, we’ve shared holidays, birthdays, and even trips together, which has made growing up here really special.
One of my favorite memories is from when it snowed—we all went sledding, walked around the neighborhood, and checked out the frozen waterfall. It was awesome seeing all the snowmen people built and just experiencing that winter wonderland with my friends.
Another fun memory is going to Sweet Firefly on Fridays after elementary school. All my friends and their moms would meet up at the II Creeks courtyard, where we’d eat our ice cream and race around while our moms talked.
In the heart of our neighborhood, beyond rows of tidy houses, winds a beautiful path alongside Prairie Creek. Despite its proximity to the highway, the path offers a refuge—a liminal space between the rush of the world and the quiet of being present where nature and urban life coexist. It’s been my sanctuary and solace since I moved here 20 years ago— a place for me to connect with myself, to connect with nature, and to witness the beauty of human connection.
By Katherine Galligan
At first glance it’s just a path, a simple stretch of earth and gravel somewhat hidden in the canopy of trees. The heart of it is accessible by a bridge situated where Lookout Drive meets Prairie Creek West. On any given day at the bridge, a natural stage for life’s most cherished moments, you’ll catch a photographer crouching low to capture the tenderness of an expectant mom, the love of a newly engaged couple, rowdy prom-going teens, or the richness of
a family gathering. But go a little deeper into the path and soon you’ll see it is more.
The trail itself seems like any other nature trail filled with joggers and dog walkers, parents pushing strollers, friends deep in conversation, and couples spending time together. But I see it differently. I see it as a witness, a quiet keeper of moments, and the backdrop to many a heartwarming storyline, such as the one of my friends
In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.
- John Muir, naturalist, environmentalist, and writer often referred to as the "Father of [America’s] National Parks”
Catherine and Brandon. Their love story started with an introduction by a mutual friend they had both made on the Prairie Creek trail. It unfolded and flourished with meandering walks hand in hand, noticing and talking about nature’s beauty, stopping to engage with others, and talking about their day.
Brandon’s love for Prairie Creek Park started when his family moved from Nebraska in 1984. The trail quickly became a special place for his family. His older brother, upset about a new housing development, wrote a letter to the City of Richardson, asking them to preserve some of the natural beauty. To his surprise, the City responded, promising a small trail. Not long after, a winding path was carved
through the trees, following the creek like it had always been there. It’s incredible to think that one young resident’s simple letter could create such a lasting neighborhood legacy.
For my friend Catherine, the trail is a place to slow down and notice details as she soaks up the beauty around her with gratitude. She reflects, “Being on the path removes distractions that are stressful and strip me of peace, inviting me to show up authentically, safe to be open and vulnerable, and to talk about things of beauty, substance and love.”
Prairie Creek Path is more than just a trail for me—it is a place where my heart opens a little more each day that I walk it. I am reminded that nature, readily available
to all of us right here in our neighborhood, can provide a path to peace, connection and love. It’s a true path with a heart.
Katherine Galligan hosts a brand-new podcast, “love to you all,” with the dedicated intention of opening the world to more love. She offers programs and retreats as an empowerment coach and Ayurveda health practitioner but, most importantly, she is on a journey of evolution.
By Scott Robbins, UTD Relations Director
Dear Canyon Creek Residents,
I am beyond excited to share with you the new and exciting “Town & Gown” relationship we are establishing between Canyon Creek and the University of Texas at Dallas. As the first UTD Relations Director for the Canyon Creek HOA, I hope to accomplish much for our community. While we've always had a good relationship with UTD, we hope to strengthen the relationship to provide better communication and resources to both Canyon Creek and UTD.
To start, we now have a direct line to several members of the UTD administration (some of whom live right here in Canyon Creek!) as well as UTD’s police chief. We have consistent meetings with them to ensure events can be communicated more properly to residents and that all actions are taken to ensure Canyon Creek residents are informed and can partake in certain festivities. For example, I recently attended two phenomenal events at UTD last month: the iWeek Passport to the World as well as UTD Community Day.
At Passport to the World, students set up tables representing different countries, such as China, India, Israel, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Kenya, the United States, Japan, Italy, and many others. They shared food specific to their nation (which was delicious), cultural information and customs, objects & dress, and quite a bit of other information, such as famous athletes, celebrities and inventions developed in those countries. We rated them for Best in Show, Most Informative, Best Cuisine, Best National Dress, and several other categories.
For Community Day, the University invited residents to the Women's & Men's Basketball games vs. Hardin-Simmons University, with lunch provided for members of the community between games. At the event, UTD presented Canyon Creek with a Community Appreciation Award for our dedicated support of our next-door neighbor.
We have many other exciting events and resources to provide Canyon Creek residents via our new, more established relationship with UTD. We plan to have a Canyon Creek Day at the new Trammell and Margaret Crow Museum of Asian Art. Additionally, we’ll have more Passport Day for the Community events like the one we had in early March. Be on the lookout for emails and posts about future Passport Days as well as many other new events available to our community.
From our end, we want to help UTD by assisting students with job placement via networking in our community. If you are looking for talent, there's some in our backyard! More to come there. Additionally, we hope to have a UTD float included in our annual 4th of July parade with the university’s mascot, Temoc the Comet, in attendance.
Lastly, do not hesitate to reach out to me (CCHOAUTD@gmail. com) if you're interested in learning more or have any questions about how we can make this new partnership a great one for our community and the City of Richardson.
Thanks, Scott
Robbins
On February 27, those who have served as CCHOA volunteers in various capacities were celebrated at a dinner held at the Richardson Woman’s Club. Our new CCHOA Event Chair, Hanifa Haji, did an amazing job coordinating the festivities. Richardson Fire Chief Curtis Poovey was our guest speaker. He covered a variety of topics, including the system COR and RFD,
in partnership with Methodist Richardson Medical Center, put in place to improve critical response times to cardiac events. He also led an interesting discussion regarding how homes respond to fire based on the materials used to build them.
Accountant Ron Poff received an appreciation award for gifting his tax
services to the CCHOA for more than a decade. Anthony Brewer, owner of Canyon Creek Postal, was recognized for years of supporting the CCHOA and for sponsoring our headquarters at Canyon Creek Postal. And Angie Conard, owner of Sweet Firefly, was recognized for allowing the CCHOA board the use of the shop’s party room for all of our meetings.
Our CCHOA Membership Drive is well underway. Our goal is to get EVERYONE signed up by April 1.
Highlights of CCHOA Member Benefits…
• Neighborhood events (July 4th Parade/Party, Coffee with Council, Begonia Sale, Picnics, and more)
• Crime Watch Program & National Night Out Participation
• Resident Directory and Curb Painting
• Flag placement 4 times per year (with Flag Subscription)
There are two levels of Annual Membership:
• With Flag Subscription - $50
• Without Flag Subscription - $25
How do I participate?
The BEST and EASIEST way to sign up is through our website, where you can sign up today and you will automatically be billed every year for your membership dues. Once you sign up, you don’t have to remember to do it again the following years – it’s that easy! You can use the QR code on this page or go to cchoa.co/membership.
Don't want to pay online? You can go to Canyon Creek Postal and fill out a form with a check or download a membership form from our website and mail the form & check to:
Canyon Creek HOA
508 W. Lookout Suite 14-102 Richardson, TX 75080-1602
All members who sign up online before April 1 will receive a decorative Canyon Creek HOA garden flag to proudly display in their yard.
Note: Our Flag Program DEADLINE is MAY 1!!! If you do not sign up by May 1, you will not receive a flag in the first distribution on Memorial Day weekend. We have a new Flag Director and we want to give him plenty of time to prepare for the first Memorial Day distribution.
How do I know if I paid my dues?
The easiest way to know if you are up to date on your dues is to verify if you have paid in 2025 yet. If you have not paid in 2025, you are not up to date on your dues. In the past years, dues were paid in a calendar year, but they were reduced based on the time of year you paid (ex. If you paid for the Flag membership in May, it was $50, but in November, it was $20). So if you paid at anytime in 2024, that amount was designated as 2024 dues and you need to renew for 2025.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9
6:30 PM Networking 7:00 PM Meeting Begins
Join your CCHOA for a very important Coffee with the Council. City Manager Don Magner, current Council members and other candidates will be in attendance. They’ll be discussing road construction and other critical issues related to our neighborhood.
Each candidate for office will be given time to speak at the event. Refreshments will be served.
NEW LOCATION: Methodist Richardson Hospital, Medical Plaza Ientrance at 403 W Campbell Rd. Enter building and turn left at the first hallway. Board members will be at the entrance to offer directions to the meeting space.
At Energy Attic, the mission is wonderfully simple yet impactful: to transform attics and lives. We believe in doing what is right, showing love and mercy to people and working humbly to make a lasting difference. That’s why we are committed to fixing your attic to help save your AC. Many AC problems occur because the unit runs too hard for too long. Proper insulation and ventilation in your attic can help it perform more efficiently. By fixing your attic, you can extend the life of your AC unit, save money and make your home more comfortable. We are so confident in our services that we offer a 1-Year AC Guarantee.
Ryan Amerson, the owner of Energy Attic, begins and ends each day asking himself how he can make life better for his clients, his employees and his community. “Our efforts have resulted in 10x growth over the years and lots of positive impact on the industry!” Ryan said. “Put simply, we want to transform your attic space, which will transform your living space so your home can be all it should be.” This is something we’ve done for over 10,000 happy families, creating environments where people can love others through a comfortable and safe home.
Scammers have been known to pose as insurance agents selling cheap, fraudulent policies to consumers who think they're obtaining legitimate coverage from a licensed insurer.
Victims may not discover they've been scammed until they file a claim — only to be told that their policy is not in force with the company.
Doing business with these false insurance agents, sometimes called "ghost brokers," could put you, your family and your finances at risk.
Consider the following to help avoid becoming a victim of this type of insurance fraud.
Ghost brokers may apply for a genuine policy in your name, keep your premium payments, then cancel the policy shortly after — all without your knowledge. This practice allows the fraudsters to deceive unsuspecting "customers" into thinking
By Allstate Canyon Creek
they have a legitimate policy. The victim may only find out that the policy was canceled after making an insurance claim.
Ghost brokers typically advertise cheap insurance on social media sites or messaging apps. In fact, insurance fraudsters typically tout policies that are much cheaper than competitors' policies.
These watchouts may help you spot a fraudulent insurance agent. Be wary of:
• Agents who advertise cheap insurance on social media sites or messaging apps.
• Agents who communicate solely via social media or email. Fraudsters may not list a phone number or may be difficult to reach via phone.
• Agents who ask for cash-only payments in person, through social media or via cash-transfer mobile apps.
• Agents who promise to secure an insurance policy for you without providing any direct communication or documents from the insurance carrier.
If you're in doubt about the legitimacy of an insurance agent or a policy, the NAIC says you should:
• Don't sign any paperwork until you've checked that the agent is licensed.
• Be wary of agents who demand cashonly payment. Don't make any payments until you've confirmed the agent's license.
Pappy’s Pappy’s
