At Wylie Preparatory Academy we had always dreamed of building our own gym. After the tragic loss of Ally, a beloved student and star athlete our dream transformed into a mission. Gym rentals are scarce and our “home” facility is over an hour away. Our passionate community united to raise funds in Ally’s honor. Despite the effort, we still needed a loan and being a small school, most banks turned us down. Then came a turning point. Our CPA, Wayne Nabors, introduced us to Andrew at Texas Republic Bank, who saw our school as more than just numbers. He believed in our mission to grow Christian disciples through excellence in education. Grateful for their support, we have trusted Texas Republic with all our banking needs. Our relationship with Andrew and his team continues to flourish. Thanks to their unwavering support, our dream of a gym - and Ally’s legacy - became a reality.
Kristi Shaw, Director of Business Operations
Wylie Preparatory Academy
Wayne Nabors Owner Nabors CPA Services
Kristi Shaw Director of Business Operations Wylie Preparatory Academy
Scott Reuthinger Head of School Wylie Preparatory Academy
Andrew Donaldson Vice President - Loan Officer Texas Republic Bank
Letter from the EDITOR
Selfishly, May is my favorite month of the year. It’s Mother’s Day month, the end of school and beginning of summer, Cottonwood Art Festival, Wildflower!, and my birthday month. For years, I have jokingly called it “the month of me.” I hope you experience as much joy in May as I do!
This issue of Canyon Creek Life showcases a young family you may have met somewhere along the way. Laura and Brooks Caston are celebrating their tenth wedding anniversary… and what better way to celebrate than to be included in their neighborhood magazine? We’re also introducing you to Emme Dudley, our student athlete whose skills on the flag football field make her a standout. Then there’s Buck the bird dog, who is living his best life with the Pollanen family and gracing our pages as the pet of the month.
Speaking of dogs, you’ll see them coming and going from Integrative Veterinary Wellness in II Creeks. Having spent lots of time looking out the window of Sweet Firefly, I used to wonder why so many injured or older dogs would walk by with their owners. Turns out veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Smallwood uses both traditional Western medicine and traditional Chinese veterinary medicine to treat her patients. Who knew that acupuncture and other alternative therapies would be so effective for our beloved pets? This special practice is our business of the month.
On a happy note, learn about your neighborhood association’s Fourth of July festivities and the Richardson Life Magazine “Best of Richardson” contest. Voting for your favorite businesses, coffee shops, dentists, boutiques and so much more will begin June 1 at richardsonlifemagazine.com.
Have a great summer! Hope to see you soon at one of the many fun activities happening in Richardson over the next few months!
Patti Otte
Publisher
Kyla Obert
Editor
Patti Otte
Ad Sales
Mike Obert
Designer
Open Look Business Solutions
Cover Photo
Amy McCloskey Photography
Contributors
Wilson Allen, Lisa Parelli-Monaghan, Angela Green, Ryan Amerson, Hanifa Haji and Patti Otte
Special Thanks
Laura and Brooks Caston, Emme Dudley, Charlotte and Isto Pollanen and Dr. Jennifer Smallwood
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
In Honor of Small Business Month: Securing Your Business Legacy
If you are a small business owner, you certainly pour your heart into building a successful enterprise. Yet many who own companies leave out a critical component of long-term success: succession planning.
A well-crafted succession plan is not just for retirement—it's your business's insurance policy. Without one, everything you've built could face unnecessary taxes, family disputes, or even closure if you unexpectedly step away. Start by determining your “end game”. Do you want to someday:
• Transfer ownership to a family member?
• Sell to employees or an outside buyer?
• Gradually transition out while maintaining income?
• Or will it just shut down when you decide to retire?
Each path requires different financial strategies to help minimize tax burdens and maximize value.
Next, determine your business's true worth through professional valuation1. This establishes a baseline for future decisions and helps identify areas to build value before transition.
If the worst happens and you pass before you retire, how you fund a transition to a new owner is critical. Life insurance for a death scenario coupled along with a wellcrafted buy-sell agreement drafted by a tax professional can help ensure smooth ownership transfers without crippling the business financially. If you don’t have a partner or co-shareholder, similar arrangements can be made with a trusted key employee or even a friendly competitor.
If you plan to transition to a family member, younger owner or key employee, identifying and developing future leaders often takes time. The most successful transitions include mentoring potential successors years before handover.
Finally, coordinate with your personal financial plan. Business succession and personal retirement planning should work together to help support your lifestyle goals while protecting your legacy.
As your trusted financial guide, we help small business owners navigate these complex decisions. This Small Business Month, give yourself the peace of mind of knowing that you are taking the first step toward helping secure your business legacy.
Contact our office today for a confidential succession planning consultation.
1Nexus Advisors, LLC does not provide qualified business valuations. For a qualified or certified business valuation, consult a properly credentialed appraiser. Holly Clapp is a registered representative of and offers securities and investment advisory services through MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC (www.SIPC.org). Nexus Advisors, LLC is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services, LLC, or its affiliated companies. OSJ: 14241 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1200, Dallas, Texas 75254. (972)3486300. Any discussion of taxes is for general information purposes only, does not purport to be complete or cover every situation, and should not be construed as legal, tax or accounting advice. Clients should confer with their qualified legal, tax and accounting advisors as appropriate. CRN202804-8613486
Nexus Advisors connects your life’s work with your family’s future. We aim to serve as both your sounding board and your guide, listening to what matters most and clarifying the complex. Our team thoughtfully develops integrated financial plans that are designed to provide confidence and security, now and for generations to come.
Family of the Month
LCelebrating 10 Years of a Wonderful Life Together
By Patti Otte
aura and Brooks Caston met on their very first day of law school while walking across the law quad at Southern Methodist University. Friends
first, they studied together their first semester of law school. States Laura, “What bonded us was our love of good food and Brooks’ sweet spirit, being open to whatever
outing I wanted to do…whether it was riding a bike around White Rock Lake or brunching at Toulouse on Katy Trail before taking a Saturday morning walk.” The
Photo credit: Jodi Phillips Photography
couple married and are celebrating their ten-year anniversary this May.
During law school, the couple would explore areas of Dallas looking for potential places to live. Thanks to Brooks’ parents, they discovered Canyon Creek and loved it. Laura recalls, “We committed to paying down our student loans with the plan of being debt-free for one year before considering buying a home. Best laid plans! One week after paying those loans off, on a trip to golf, we spotted a ‘for sale’ sign. This was in November of 2017. We feel so blessed to have stumbled into our Canyon Creek house during a slow season. We have enjoyed our street and our neighborhood ever since.”
Brooks is an estate planning and probate attorney with Steptoe Johnson, PLLC. He currently serves as a member of the advisory council for the Communities Foundation of Texas and is an instructor within the SMU Certified Financial Planner Certificate Program’s estate planning course. An avid sports card collector and passionate Joe Burrow fan, Brooks has a notable collection, which has resulted in him being featured on various collector podcasts to discuss his unique collection and estate planning strategies for collectors.
Laura is a shareholder at Quilling, Selander, Lownds, Winslett & Moser, P.C. While at UT Austin, she interned at the Capitol and knew from that experience that family law was calling her name. Says Laura, “I loved that practicing family law allows you to touch on just about every area of law. As an eternal learner, this aspect of family law has kept me involved.” Laura is currently a member of Attorneys Serving the Community, sitting on the Silent Auction committee this year. She has also recently served on the Hope’s Door New Beginning Center board of directors.
The couple have two children: Bennett (5) and Cameran (4), known by her nickname “CeeCee.” According to Brooks and Laura, Bennett is the thinker and builder. His ability to “see” what he wants to build and then to “do” is fun and rewarding to watch, they say. “CeeCee is our tenacious, empathetic and fearless little girl. She lights up a room the moment she enters it and
her joy for life is infectious,” says Laura proudly. The Castons also have a minilabradoodle, Penny Frita Loveheart Banana Caston (“Penny” for short!). She is the kids’ buddy on all their adventures.
In this season, Brooks and Laura find joy in watching their kids having fun. Sometimes that looks like riding a roller coaster at Legoland or tackling their first golf green as a family. Other times fun looks like trying exotic churro varieties at Churro
on Top or playing a highly competitive round of “the ring game” at Shady’s. And, states the couple, “We, of course, have a soft spot for our favorite ice cream shop, Sweet Firefly!”
Coaching their kids’ YMCA soccer teams (the Mustangs and the Mini Mustangs) this spring has also been a joy, thanks to watching their kids grow in friendships and achieve new and unexpected things. And
when the kids go to “grandparent camp,” where they participate in activities ranging from sleepovers that include movies, Legos, soccer and trips to the grocery store with one set of grandparents to trips to Glen Rose to hunt dinosaur tracks, mine for rocks and feed exotic animals, including giraffes, with the other ones, Brooks and Laura enjoy sharing fun
food, golfing, playing pickleball together, and, on very rare occasions, enjoying an evening of salsa dancing.
States Laura, “We are trying to soak up this season of our kids being small—but they just don’t keep! So, we break the rules when we have extra energy at bedtime and move into the backyard to lay in our hammock, play with the Sky Guide constellation app (highly recommend!), and talk about the peaks and valleys of our kids’ day. These are the moments for us as parents when we get to witness our kids growing into amazing young people and watch their imaginations spark.” And there’s no better place for those imaginations to take flight than Canyon Creek.
Business of the Month
Integrative Veterinary Wellness
Interview
Dr.
What is your background, Dr. Smallwood?
Following veterinary school at Texas A&M, I completed an internship focused on thoroughbred racetrack medicine in Lexington, KY., where I became interested in acupuncture as a therapeutic and diagnostic tool. Even 25 years ago, most racetrack horses were receiving regular acupuncture, chiropractic and rehabilitation services.
While practicing in Kentucky, my focus shifted from a traditional Western medicine practice to an integrative practice encompassing both Western medicine and Traditional Chinese veterinary medicine
CVA
(TCVM). When we relocated to DFW, I transitioned to small animal practice and immediately noticed a need for integrative veterinary care for these animals and I knew I could help.
What services are offered at your facility?
I am a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner, and am certified by the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association. I have also earned a master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. As a result, I offer acupuncture, veterinary spinal manip-
ulation therapy (chiropractic), therapeutic laser treatments, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, platelet rich plasma injections, rehabilitation including underwater treadmill therapy, and custom bracing.
How does your practice work?
Each case is unique and the treatment plan and modalities utilized depend on the history, the exam, the underlying condition, and the response to treatment. I work with the patient’s primary veterinarian to develop an optimal plan. I provide the pain management and rehabilitation services while the primary
veterinarian or surgeon continues to provide their services. We stay in communication and work as a team to provide the most effective healthcare solutions. The ideal situation creates a community of care for the pet.
At our facility we treat only small animals (dogs and cats mainly). The small animal caseload consists of geriatric pets suffering from mobility issues, post operative patients, and healthy athletes that complete in agility, dock diving and other dog sports. Most of the post operative cases are recovering from knee surgery, hip surgery, elbow arthroscopy, or back surgery. I also utilize acupuncture and TCVM Food Therapy (diet modifications) and TCVM herbal prescriptions to help manage some GI disorders, allergies, and in some oncology cases.
I always try to make the exam parameters as objective as possible. We all (both veterinarians and owners) want animals to recover and make improvements, but we need to find methods to make our exam findings as objective as possible to eliminate subjectivity. Measuring range of motion using a goniometer in addition to feeling range of motion is one way I gather data that can be compared objectively at subsequent recheck visits. Our clinic also has a gait analysis system that provides metrics such as % body weight distribution per limb, stride length per limb, and peak vertical force. These are concrete measurements we take periodically in addition to a physical examination to gauge progress.
Why II Creeks?
I chose II Creeks because it is a quiet, community-centric center. I really wanted to avoid a loud, “cookie cutter” shopping center. I really like this area and I know our clients appreciate the neighborhood
charm. I also live close by, which is a huge plus.
I really enjoy helping families learn how to help their pets have a better quality of life. A large part of this is educating them about the medical conditions that are afflicting their animals. I enjoy teaching them about the different diagnostic and treatment options that are available and helping them formulate a plan that fits best with their needs.
Tell us about your family.
I live just north of Canyon Creek in Plano. I was raised in North Dallas and my husband is from Forney. We met at A&M. We have two children, Jane, a high school junior, and Clay, a sophomore. They both attend Prince of Peace Christian School. We share our home with Phillip, a beagle mix, and Douglas, a tuxedo cat. We are also fortunate enough to still care for the kids’ two ponies, Patches and Applesauce, who are living their best lives in retirement.
By Lisa Parelli-Monaghan
Spring in North Texas brings warmer temperatures, blooming wildflowers—and the potential for severe storms. Thunderstorms, hail, high winds, and even tornadoes are common from Spring to Early Summer. Knowing how to prepare can help you protect your family, home, and peace of mind.
1Make
Sure Your Home is Properly Insured! (MOST IMPORANT)
When you purchase homeowners or property insurance, it’s important to understand how your belongings or home will be covered in the event of a loss. Two common types of coverage are Actual Cash Value (ACV) and Replacement Cost Value (RCV). While both offer protection, they differ in how much you’ll be reimbursed after a covered loss.
• Actual Cash Value (ACV)
ACV coverage pays you the value of your item at the time of loss, taking depreciation into account. Depreciation is the decrease in value due to age, wear and tear. This means you’ll receive less money than what you originally paid or what it would cost to replace the item today.
Example:
If your 10-year-old roof is damaged in a storm, and a new roof costs $20,000, the insurer may determine that your existing roof has depreciated by 50%. With ACV coverage, you’d only receive $10,000 (minus
your deductible which is usually 1-2% of the value of your home).
• Replacement Cost Value (RCV)
RCV coverage reimburses you the full cost to replace your damaged or stolen items with new ones of similar kind and quality, without deducting for depreciation. This allows you to restore your home or belongings to their original condition before the loss.
Example:
Using the same roof scenario, if the replacement cost is $20,000, RCV coverage would pay that full amount (after you have met your deductible which is usually 1-2% of the value of your home), regardless of the roof’s age.
• Which Should You Choose?
If cost is a major concern, ACV may offer more affordable premiums. However, if you want more comprehensive protection and the ability to fully replace damaged property, RCV is often the better option. Keep in mind that hail and storm damage is highly likely in North Texas. Always review your policy and speak with your insurance agent to ensure you understand what’s covered and how claims will be paid. The right choice depends on your budget, risk tolerance, and how much you can afford to spend out of your pocket after a loss.
2Stay Weather Aware
Stay informed. Monitor local weather forecasts and consider downloading a reliable
weather app with alerts. The National Weather Service and local meteorologists provide real-time updates that can help you react quickly to changing conditions. Make sure you understand the difference between a watch (conditions are favorable) and a warning (danger is imminent or occurring).
3Create an Emergency Plan
Talk with your family about what to do in the event of severe weather. Identify a safe space in your home, such as a windowless interior room, like a bathroom or closet on the lowest floor. If you live in a mobile home, plan to evacuate to a more secure building when severe weather threatens. Do not stay in your vehicle. Practice your emergency plan with your family so everyone knows what to do.
4Build a Storm Kit
Prepare a storm kit with essentials that can help during power outages or emergencies. Include:
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• A battery-powered weather radio
• Bottled water and non-perishable snacks
• First-aid supplies
• Copies of important documents in waterproof containers
• Cell phone chargers or power banks
• Extra blankets and clothing
5Secure Your Home
Check your property for potential hazards. Trim tree limbs that could fall during strong winds. Secure outdoor furniture, grills, and lawn decor that could become projectiles. Consider installing storm shutters or impact-resistant windows if you live in a high-risk area. Review your home insurance policy to ensure it covers storm damage and consider adding coverage for hail or wind if needed.
6After the Storm
Once the storm passes, be cautious. Avoid downed power lines and report them immediately. Inspect your home for damage, but don’t attempt risky repairs yourself. Document any damage for insurance purposes and contact your provider as soon as possible.
• BEWARE OF STORM CHASERS AND DEDUCTIBLE BUYERS! - If you in fact have storm damage to your roof, a legitimate and ethical contractor
will not rush or push you into signing a contract by offering to “absorb your deductible.” THIS IS ILLEGAL according to Texas Law HB2103. You are responsible for paying your deductible. The insurance carrier pays for the rest of the damage assuming you have Replacement Cost Value in your coverage. (Check your policy and make sure you have the correct coverage). As of September 2019, homeowners are required to pay their full roof replacement deductible. Under Texas House Bill 2102 roofing contractors who offer to waive a homeowner’s deductible on their property insurance policy could face jail time. The practice of waived deductibles by roofers became commonplace in North Texas. HB 2102 requires roofers to include boldfaced language in their contracts stating that homeowners must pay the deductible under their property insurance policy. The law makes it a criminal offense for a roofing contractor to pay for, waive, absorb, rebate, or offset an insurance deductible. Following is a checklist of specific items for selecting a qualified roofing contractor.
• Does the roofing contractor have liability insurance?
• Does the roofing contractor obtain proper permitting from your local municipality?
• Is the roofing contractor compliant with OSHA’s (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) fall protection regulations?
• How many years in business? A contractor who has been in business for 10 to 15 years has amassed an incredible amount of experience, knowledge, and trustworthiness. The roofing industry is an ever-changing landscape. Building codes, products, installation methods and even warranties can change from one year to the next. A roofing contractor who has been in business for several years knows how important it is to stay abreast of the changes in their industry. And, because Texas does not require licensing there is an abundance of under experienced, storm chasing roofers.
• Does the roofing contractor understand and explain the warranties associated with the roof being installed?
• Ask the Roofing Contractor if they are trained and certified in whichever roofing system you are interested in installing.
• Does the Roofing Contractor belong to associations associated with their business?
Spring storms can be unpredictable, but with preparation, you can weather the season safely. Staying alert and taking proactive steps now can make all the difference when severe weather strikes.
Student of the Month
What is your name and the school you attend?
My name is Emme Dudley and I am a 5th grader at Canyon Creek Elementary (even though I kinda look like a second grader!).
Tell us about yourself.
I have many different hobbies, but most revolve around sports and outdoorsy type things. I love to play any sport and have my whole life. When I was little, I practiced with all my older brother Gray’s teams, no matter the sport. At one point I was playing 6 sports: soccer, volleyball, flag football,
basketball, softball and golf. Now I am just focusing on golf, softball and flag football. I also like to go fishing, go on bike rides with my friends, and hang out with friends.
We’d love to know more about your participation in flag football.
When I was younger, I played two-touch football most days with my brother and our best friends, who are our neighbors on our cul-de-sac. Then, I started practicing with my brother’s flag football team. One time Gray’s team didn’t have enough players for a game, so I got to play with them.
After that I loved it and wanted to play on my own team. But when I was in second grade, there were no all-girls
Photo credit: Eric Torrez with GT Media
flag football
Photo credit: Eric Torrez with GT Media
teams. So, I joined my friend’s team, which was an all-boys flag football team. Then, I started playing quarterback. I played with the Chiefs, coached by Jordan Bass, from second grade until this year, when they decided to play tackle.
All the boys are my good friends and we have fun together, but I didn’t want to play tackle. Then, we looked and looked for an allgirls team. Finally, my dad came across Texas Fury, an all-girls club based out of Austin and trying to start a 12U team here in DFW. I am the quarterback on my Fury team as well. I have gotten to play at Cowboys stadium and The Star! It is mainly a tournament team, but recently we joined an NFL all-girls league to get more reps.
I also play select softball and competitive golf. A big accomplishment that I am proud of in golf is that I almost went to the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals held the Sunday before The Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. After advancing in the first three qualifiers, I got regional runner-up this year for my region and age division.
Do you see a time when girls’ flag football will arrive in RISD?
Yes, I hope girls’ flag football will be a high school sport in 2028 because it is gaining a lot of popularity. The Cowboys just launched a sponsorship with a bunch of high schools around the metroplex to start a girls’ flag football program. Also, it is super cool that it will be in the 2026 summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
What is life like in the Dudley household?
It is crazy in our house when we watch sports! We are a very loud family, especially when the Cowboys play the Eagles. Come on
Cowboys, this is our year! Even though it is hard to root for them. My parents are JD and Sarah. My older brother is Gray in 7th grade and my little sister is Maryn in 3rd. We have two dogs, Molly and Maisy, who look like twins, which is funny since everyone thinks Maryn and I are twins. We are always throwing a ball or having a competition in the living room. We are very competitive playing board games, too.
What’s your favorite subject in school?
History if I have to choose, but it is really lunch, recess or dismissal!
How long have y’all lived in Canyon Creek?
I have lived here my whole life. We moved to the house we live in now when I was 3.
What do y’all love most about living in Canyon Creek?
The best part of living in Canyon Creek is living on our cul-de-sac because we are so close with all our neighbors. We are constantly outside playing sports together after school until my mom calls us in for dinner or a practice. We do a lot of fun things on The Gap, but my favorites are playing with the little kids, football or knockout basketball games. We have fun doing outdoor movie nights and glow-in-the-dark Easter egg hunts.
Fun fact: My goal is to learn how to do a standing backflip by the end of summer!
(l. to r.) JD, Gray, Maryn, Sarah and Emme Dudley
Pet of the Month
Tell us the name of your pet and how he became a member of your family.
We are a family of hunters. We do a lot of big game hunting but started to do more quail hunting. We researched various breeds of bird dogs to find one from a breeder or one that was a hunted rescue. We found Buck, our two-year-old German wirehaired pointer, through Second Chance Bird Dogs in Michigan. Owner Michael Mapes takes in dogs as rescues and hones their hunting skills if they are already slightly trained or bred to hunt. Dog owners can also board their dogs with him to be trained.
After vetting us, he agreed that we would be a good fit for Buck. We packed the car and headed to Michigan to get him! Buck's original owners had had him since he was a puppy, along with his male littermate. Buck began heavily resource guarding his food and even his humans. He became aggressive around other animals and people, including his sibling, and this made his owners nervous.
Unfortunately, Buck fed off their energy, mistaking their nervousness as fear of the animals and people around them. Buck
also had trouble with his sibling, which resulted in littermate syndrome—behavioral issues in dogs raised with littermates that includes codependency, separation anxiety, fear aggression, and difficulty bonding with humans or other animals.
We also have a Labradoodle named Ginger (she’ll be 13 this year). We were a little nervous about how well she and Buck would get along but were confident that we could train Buck to behave non-aggressively. Buck and Ginger now eat and drink from the same bowl without issue and he understands that Ginger is the boss, ha! Buck has such a calm demeanor and gets along great with other animals and people. His best friends are TomTom (Doberman) and Kiwi (AussieDor). We’re so fortunate to have found Buck and added him to our family!
Tell us more about Buck’s personality. We’d love to know what makes him unique.
He has the biggest wiggle butt!! When he yawns, he makes funny expressive noises
that really sound as though he’s talking to us. He is just so handsome and has the biggest eyes (that I think also tell you how loyal he is)! Everyone says they are human eyes. Right now, we’re teaching Buck how to hunt for antler sheds. When he sees the shotgun, he gets so excited thinking we’re about to go hunting!
Does Buck have a “favorite” family member?
Hands down... Isto is his person! Buck follows him around everywhere! He recognizes everything from the sounds Isto makes to which clothes Isto has on—he’s excited to go anywhere with Isto. Buck will wait by the door, squealing until Isto comes back. They’re two peas in a pod!
What does Buck enjoy doing when he’s not hunting birds?
Buck goes on a daily run in the neighborhood or at White Rock Lake with Isto (while Isto rollerblades). Buck also loves to swim, take naps on the patio at Dos Arroyos while Isto and I have lunch, and he especially enjoys going to Four Bullets Brewery! If you see them out running and rolling in the neighborhood, say hi!
Tell us about your family.
We have lived in Canyon Creek since 2012 and have two children—Niklas (17) and Eeva (19). Both started at Aldridge and continued along in Plano ISD schools. I (Charlotte) am a Distribution Planner at CommScope and Isto is an Engineering Manager at Mavenir. We have both had a long work history in telecommunications… nearly 30 years. We own property in southern Colorado and love to hike the mountains. Our family enjoys being out in the solitude of the country, but spending time at the beach is always a plus, too. Isto is from Finland and I grew up in Houston.
What do you love most about living in Canyon Creek?
Over the past few years, we have become heavily involved with both the Richardson Police and Fire Departments. We spend much of our free time volunteering for them at various events throughout the year. It has given us the opportunity to meet so many people and make new lifelong friends.
Neighborhood Network Services 2025 Directory
ACCOUNTING / CPA
Ronald J. Poff PC - Brian A. Poff, CPA
833 East Arapaho, Ste. 220, Richardson, TX 75081 brian@poffcpafirm.com
291 W Renner Pkwy., Suite 101, Richardson, TX 75080
Serendipity Designs - Sandra Taylor Moore
972.234.0626
Wells Fargo Advisors
972.690.8118
vfimbres@hobertpools.com
Pools
serendipityds.317@gmail.com
Coverings • Bedding • Pillows • Upholstery
@wellsfargoadvisors.com Serendipityds.com
The Canyon Creek Chronicles Echoes From The Canyon
By Hanifa Haji, CCHOA Director of Events
Hi y’all! My name is Hanifa Haji and I am your new Director of Events. My husband Naz and I moved to Canyon Creek a couple of years ago and we believe this area is the hidden secret of Richardson (maybe even DFW!). Not many people have the good fortune of having a waterfall in their back yard and almost every morning you’ll see me walking our miniature schnauzer, Zuri, along Prairie Creek Drive. Sometimes Zuri will be a good boy and trot along beside me and other times he just decides to sit down in an intersection and refuses to budge, which means we bring a lot of smiles to the faces of drivers who watch my struggles in amusement.
Naz and I have two grown and married children: our daughter Sara lives in Los Angeles and our son Ali lives in Dallas. We’ve lived in many cities in the United States and many countries around the world. One of most important lessons I’ve learned from moving
around so much is that it's the people and the community in which we live that make for a good life.
It’s challenging to move to a city and meet people when you’re a bit older and don’t have school-aged children, so it’s doubly important to get involved and volunteer, which is exactly what I did. I attended the Canyon Creek HOA annual meeting last year and there was a position open, so I volunteered. I jumped right into the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner in February and we just had Coffee with the Council in early April.
My life has been enriched by meeting the other board members and I feel much more connected to my neighbors and the neighborhood. So the next time you see a woman losing a battle to her mini schnauzer, come on over and say hello…I look forward to meeting you!
Hanifa and Naz Haji
Begonia Sale 2025 a Huge Success!
By Gabe Meadows, CCHOA Beautification Director
Each year, our CCHOA hosts a Begonia Sale to beautify the neighborhood, activate our volunteer network, and create a sense of community and camaraderie.
Our April 11-12 sale was a HUGE success! Sales of begonias, vincas/ periwinkles, and ferns topped $7,000, making it our best begonia sale ever! You showed up on Friday, even before we were to start the sale! You are getting so smart about getting there early to choose from the best of the plants. We are so grateful that the weather was perfect, even with the slightest energizing chill on Saturday morning.
Thanks so much to all the volunteers who came out to help. There were too many to name here, but among the very first to show up on Friday and early Saturday morning were Maggie Elkins, DJ
Stapleton, Samantha McKenzie, Erica Barnes, Doug Hodge, Josh Henderson, Ashley Henderson, Ginger Mayo, Randall Scott and Justin Neth. Among our CCHOA board members to pitch in early and often were Susan Kassen, Sharon Odell, Hanifah Haji, Scott Robins, Chip Pratt, Doris Benner and Patti Otte.
Plants are already adorning the neighborhood with beautiful color. Beautiful neighborhoods don’t happen by accident…they happen one plan and one plant at a time!
Here’s a friendly reminder: Why not incorporate some native plants among your blossoming plants this Spring and Summer?
Happy planting!
Fourth Of July Celebration and Parade Coming Soon!
Our next big CCHOA event is the 4th of July Parade, one of the most beloved events of the year and a huge crowd pleaser. There will be a T-Shirt design contest and prizes for best in category (best walker, biker, float, golf cart, etc.) awarded after the parade. We’ll be looking for sponsors to advertise on our T-Shirts, so if you’re interested in volunteering, sponsoring or would like more information, please reach out to canyoncreekha@gmail.com.
The 4th of July, or Independence Day, is arguably America’s favorite holiday. And in the Canyon Creek neighborhood, we certainly know how to celebrate in style! Our 4th of July parade is an event the whole neighborhood looks forward to; it’s a time to get together with friends and family, cheer our parade participants, enjoy favorite summer foods, listen to music and have a great time.
Patriotic T-Shirt Design Contest
Each year residents can submit a creative design for our annual patriotic T-shirt design contest. Show your patriotic and neighborhood pride by submitting a unique design for this year’s contest. The winning design will be our Canyon Creek 4th of July T-shirt for 2025 and will be available for all residents to wear at the parade!
All entries are due by Friday, June 6! See Official Rules & Guidelines at canyoncreekhomeowners.com.
Parade participants begin lining up at 8:00 am in the II Creeks shopping center parking lot and neighbors bring their lawn chairs and blankets and line up along both sides of Lookout to watch the parade. At 10:15 am, parade participants make their way along Lookout and end at the Canyon Creek Country Club, where the celebrations continue on the front lawn of the Club. There will be bounce houses, snow cones, live entertainment, food and drink.
Prizes will be awarded for best walker, biker, float, golf cart, etc. If you would like to participate in the parade, we STRONGLY encourage early registration. And this year we’ll award a GRAND PRIZE TROPHY for the Best of the Best! So get your creative thinking caps on and start designing your float or golf cart today!
SAVE THE PARADE DATE!
Friday, July 4th
Parade begins at 10:15 am
Celebration at Canyon Creek Country Club immediately after the parade
Bounce Houses, Snow Cones, Face Painting, Music, Food & Drink
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.
MIND THE GAPS
By Allstate
When life is running smoothly, insurance is the last thing you want to think about. But when the unexpected happens, having the right coverage can mean everything. The problem? Many homeowners have hidden gaps in their policies they don’t even know exist.
Common gaps include limited coverage for water backup (like a clogged drain), outdated replacement values on your home, or personal property caps that fall short if you ever need to replace high-value items. At Canyon Creek Insurance, we offer free coverage checkups designed to spot these gaps before they
become costly problems. Whether you’re new to the neighborhood or have lived here for years, it’s always worth a second look. Insurance isn’t just about checking a box — it’s about making sure you’re really protected when it matters most. Let’s make sure your policies are working as hard as you are.
