E A L E S T A T E H A P P E N S W H E N L I F E C H A N G E S
H E A T H E R K O B S
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h e a t h e r @ k o b s a n d m a r t i n . c o m N
( 9 7 2 ) 9 7 8 - 9 1 8 7 n a t a l i e @ k o b s a n d m a r t i n . c o m k o b s a n d m a r t i n c o m
Yay! The holiday season is finally here! By the time you receive this issue, you will have stowed away the Halloween decorations and be thinking ahead to the upcoming holiday festivities. Fall always reminds me to slow down, spend time with people I love, and celebrate the simple joys of community. It’s the season for gratitude and connecting to what matters most. Here in Canyon Creek, that means friends, family, and the shared stories that make our neighborhood feel like home.
This month, we’re spotlighting a few of those stories that capture the heart of Canyon Creek. Our family of the month, the Watsons, share not only their family life but also their passion for caring for our smiles at Watson Family Dentistry. Our featured business, Danetree Creations, brings a heartfelt touch of artistry to the season by upcycling vintage jewelry into one-of-a-kind treasures.
You’ll also meet Luke and Hale Lewis, brothers from the Plano side of the neighborhood, who are our students of the month. And don’t miss the story of Mom’s Night Out, a group of friends whose laughter and support have carried them through forty years of life’s adventures together. It’s a beautiful reminder that true friendship never goes out of style.
And of course, no issue would be complete without our pet of the month—this time a charming cat with the nickname Kippers. He’s clearly perfected the art of fall relaxation and could barely be bothered to sit for a picture with his human parents!
As we head into the holidays, I wish you and your loved ones a joyful start to the holiday season. And as always, we hope you’ll support the advertisers who make this magazine possible. Think of shopping and dining local this holiday season.
Happy early Thanksgiving!
Patti Otte
Publisher
Kyla Obert
Editor
Patti Otte
Ad Sales
Mike Obert
Designer Open Look Business Solutions
Contributors
Wilson Allen, Holly Clapp, Angela Green, Ryan Amerson, Gabe Meadows and Patti Otte
Special Thanks
The Watson family, Dana Altman, Luke and Hale Lewis, the Shows family and the women of Mom's Night Out
Cover Photo Credit Juan Peña
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
If your household income comfortably exceeds six figures, you already know the tax code wasn’t written with sympathy for success. Yet most affluent couples still leave five- and six-figure opportunities on the table each decade simply because they aren’t optimizing the tools that already exist. Below are four strategies worth exploring before the next filing season.
1. Maximize—and sometimes supersize—retirement contributions. For 2025 you can defer up to $23,500 into a 401(k) or 403(b), plus a $7,500 catch-up if you’re 50 or older; those aged 60-63 may qualify for an $11,250 “super” catch-up. Dual-income couples who also own side businesses can layer on a solo-401(k) or cash-balance plan, to help maximize total tax-deductible savings.
2 . Use today’s bracket to fund tomorrow’s Roth dollars. With the 2017 tax cuts set to potentially sunset after 2025 (legislation is pending as we speak, however), current brackets may be the lowest you’ll see for some time. Roth conversions, done in manageable amounts, that fill the 24 % or 32
By Holly Clapp, CFP®
% bracket each year can help reduce future required minimum distributions down the road and build tax-free income.
3. Give where it matters, deduct when it counts. A donor-advised fund lets you front-load several years of charitable gifts in a single high-income year, harvesting a large deduction now while granting dollars to favorite causes later. If you’re 70½ or older, qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) let you send up to $108,000 directly from an IRA to charity in 2025, satisfying RMDs and keeping the income off your 1040.
4 . Turn concentrated gains into diversified generosity. Highly appreciated stock or a low-basis business interest can trigger a hefty capital-gain bill. Contributing part of that position to a charitable remainder trust or charitable LLC may spread taxes over years, generate an immediate deduction, and provide a lifetime income stream to you before ultimately benefiting charity.
B onus tip: If you have a high deductible medical plan, don’t ignore the humble Health Savings Account. Max-funding an
HSA ($8,550 family limit in 2025) offers a rare “triple tax-free” benefit—deductible going in, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses.
Your Next Move
The best tax plan is personal, proactive, and done before December 31. If your 2025 income is tracking higher than expected, let’s run a mid-year projection and identify which of these ideas could keep more of your success compounding for your family—and for the causes you care about. Let us help you explore these and other ideas, along side a qualified tax professional.
If you need an introduction to a good tax advisor, please leverage me for a referral.
This material is for educational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the author. Holly Carroccio 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 address: 14241 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1200, Dallas, TX 75254; 972.348.6300. Neither MML Investors Services, LLC nor any of its subsidiaries, employees or representatives are authorized to give legal or tax advice. Consult your own personal attorney legal or tax counsel for advice on specific legal and tax matters.
CRN202810-9670195
By Patti Otte
In 1974, a beloved dental practice was established in the heart of Canyon Creek and this year it proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary. Over the decades, Watson Family Dentistry has become more than just a place for checkups and cleanings — it’s a cornerstone of the neighborhood’s history and heart.
A large percentage of the patients still come from the Canyon Creek area, many traveling back even after moving away. In fact, some patients make the journey from as far away as Sweden to see their trusted dental team. Today, Drs. Mat Watson and Andre Carvalho lead the thriving practice
located at the corner of Renner Parkway and Collins. Their success, however, is deeply tied to the foundation built by their predecessors, Drs. Tommy Shultz and Jim Watson.
The story began five decades ago.
A fter completing his training at Baylor College of Dentistry, Dr. Tommy B. Shultz opened his first dental office in the retail space now home to The Wine Authority off Lookout Drive. His wife assisted in those early days when she wasn’t substitute teaching or working for a pediatric dentist.
Known for his wisdom and personable nature, Dr. Shultz laid the foundation for what would become one of Richardson’s most respected dental practices.
In 1984 Dr. Jim Watson, a young dentist whose father was an engineer at Texas Instruments, joined Dr. Shultz’s growing practice. Dr. Watson grew up in Canyon Creek and always planned on returning to raise a family with his wife, Kim. This new partnership between Dr Shultz and Watson would last more than 35 years based on “putting patients first in every
situation.” Jim reflects, “So many people came in every day and thanked you.” The practice flourished, gaining a reputation for kindness, consistency and high-quality care.
The Next Generation: Dr. Mat Watson Carries on the Family Tradition
W hen Jim’s son Mat was just four years old, the Watson family settled into Canyon Creek life. Although never pressured to follow in his father’s footsteps, Mat admired the sense of balance and purpose dentistry brought to his dad’s life.
A fter earning his undergraduate degree from the University of Oklahoma and his dental degree from Baylor College of Dentistry, Mat joined the family practice in 2014. Dr. Shultz retired the following year, leaving the Watsons to continue the tradition.
Today, Mat and his wife Jordan are raising three boys — Tripp (8), Ford (6) and Miller (2) — who affectionately call their granddad “Doc.” For Mat, the greatest joy of his work is “being a vital part of a community,” one that brings both purpose and happiness.
A Familiar Face Returns: Dr. Andre Carvalho
The newest addition to the Watson Family Dentistry team, Dr. Andre Carvalho, joined in 2022 after Jim Watson’s retirement. A graduate of both OU and Baylor College of Dentistry, Carvalho’s connection to the practice runs deep. Andre grew up as a patient of Watson Family Dentistry and spent many hours mentoring in the practice as he prepared for school. Today, Carvalho takes pride in caring for his community, helping patients feel at ease and relieving pain with empathy and skill.
W hen asked what makes Canyon Creek so special, all three dentists agree: it’s the people.
“We have great patients who have sent generations of family members to our practice,” says Jim. Mat adds, “Anyone who has been a patient for 50 years gets a free tooth cleaning and we do about a dozen of these free cleanings every year.”
Mat credits his father with instilling lifelong values: “Always do the right thing, even if it’s not the most cost-effective or sensible choice. Treat folks as you’d want to
be treated so you can sleep well at night.”
In retirement, the elder Watson, a proud grandfather of eight, enjoys spending time with his grandkids — all of whom live nearby — and watching the next generation of Watsons grow up close to home.
W hile outstanding customer service is always at the forefront of their practice, staying abreast of cutting-edge technology is also a top priority. From digital orthodontics and 3D printing of appliances to same-day crown scanning and cone beam CT imaging, Watson Family Dentistry continues to evolve while maintaining its neighborhood roots. Their patient record system is now fully
cloud-based, reflecting their commitment to modernization and efficiency.
W hat began as a small dental office off Lookout Drive has grown into a multigenerational practice serving thousands, yet the heart of Watson Family Dentistry remains unchanged. For 50 years, the team has combined skill, compassion and integrity to make Canyon Creek smile. As Mat, Andre, and their team look toward the next 50 years, one thing is certain: Watson Family Dentistry will continue to embody the same care, community spirit and commitment to excellence that began in 1974.
“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."
What is the story behind Danetree Creations?
When I was little, my grandmother and I would go to garage sales, come home, have a snack and then create beautiful trees using the jewelry we had found at the sales. Why did she choose trees? Is it because the term “Tree of Life” is synonymous with a family tree that has roots and grows bigger over time? Perhaps she chose trees simply
because they were an appropriate holiday decoration. Whatever the reason, upcycled jewelry trees were her creation of choice.
I have continued to make the trees my grandmother taught me to make using upcycled jewelry, but I’ve also branched out and make wood-based ornaments in the shape of trees, letters, crosses, hearts,
college initials, sorority letters, and more. I also make one-of-a-kind wedding gifts, Christmas gifts, birthday gifts and more using upcycled jewelry.
Why do you call your business Danetree Creations?
There is a little back story here. My full name is Dana Terese Altman. When my now 23-year-old son was little, he started calling me Dane Tree to try to be clever. Well, it stuck in my head. Now Danetree Creations means several things to me.
When did Danetree Creations become an official “business”?
Danetree Creations had always been in the back of my mind, but I couldn’t create my
first piece “professionally” until I had space. When my husband, Shane, and I designed our new home, I made sure to draw in a “craft room.” We’ve lived in the same home in Richardson for about 10 years and I still don’t think my boys, Alex and Owen, have quite forgiven me for having a craft room instead of a theatre room! I sold my first tree at the end of our first year in Richardson.
Tell us about your family.
Shane and I moved to Dallas in 1994 for his first job and have been here ever since. We moved to Richardson in 2015. We fell in love with Canyon Creek and knew that this was where we wanted our boys to grow up. Moving to Canyon Creek was a Godsend. Everyone was so welcoming. I never thought
having our boys ride a bike to school would ever be an option. But it was!
As soon as I unpacked enough stuff to start creating, the fun began. I knew I had found something I could create that was all mine. That may sound selfish, but as a mom with two very active boys and a husband creating for a living in the advertising world, making jewelry trees was an outlet for me to express myself. My entire family—Mom, Dad, brother, husband and two sons—are all very supportive.
What do you love most about living in Canyon Creek?
After 10 years, we consider ourselves lucky and grateful to be part of such a great community. We got to experience Prairie Creek Elementary, North Middle School and Pearce High School. The neighborhood is great for walking and I quite enjoy seeing neighbors I know and meeting ones I don’t.
What is extra special about Danetree Creations?
I mainly do custom pieces, which I truly enjoy. There’s nothing like creating a piece, whether it’s a framed tree, an ornament, or something the customer has dreamed up that makes him or her happy and perhaps a little nostalgic. I believe that making these one-of-a-kind pieces is truly special.
Where can people purchase your creations?
You can find them at my Etsy store at DanetreeCreationstx.etsy.com.
Thanksgiving 2025 (Thursday, Nov. 27 and Friday, Nov. 28)
There will be NO solid waste pick up, Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC), or recycling collection provided Thursday or Friday, Nov. 27-28. There will be NO make-up days for trash collection or BABIC. The table below shows the recycle make-up days.
Christmas 2025 (Thursday, Dec. 25 & Friday, Dec. 26) / New Year's 2026 (Thursday, Jan. 1)
There will be NO solid waste pick up, Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC), or recycling collection provided on Thursday, Dec. 25, Friday, Dec. 26 or Thursday, Jan. 1. There will be NO make-up days for trash collection or BABIC. The table below shows the recycle make-up days.
Facility
Animal Shelter
City Hall and City Hall Annex
Eisemann Center
Gymnastics Center
Heights Recreation Center
Huffhines Recreation Center
Library
Municipal Court
Richardson IQHQ
Senior Center
Service Center
Open/Closed Status
Closes at 5 p.m. Nov. 27
Closed Nov. 28-29
Closed Nov. 27-28
Closed Nov. 27
Open noon-9:30 p.m. Nov. 28
Closed Nov. 27-28
Closes at 5 p.m. Nov. 26
Closed Nov. 27
Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 28
Closes at 5 p.m. Nov. 26
Closed Nov. 27
Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 28
Closes at 5 p.m. Nov. 26
Closed Nov. 27-28
Closed Nov. 27-28
Closed Nov. 27-28
Closes at 5 p.m. Nov. 26
Closed Nov. 27-28
Closed Nov. 27-28
Sherrill Park Golf Course Closed Nov. 27
Tennis Center Closed Nov. 27
Animal Shelter
Temporary City Hall and City Hall Annex
Eisemann Center
Closed Dec. 25-26, Jan. 1
Closed Dec. 25-26, Jan. 1
Closed Dec. 25, Jan. 1
Gymnastics Center Closed Dec. 25-26, Jan. 1
Heights Recreation Center
Huffhines Recreation Center
Library
Closed Dec. 25-26, Jan. 1
Closes at 5 p.m. Dec. 31
Closed Dec. 25-26, Jan. 1 Closes at 5 p.m. Dec. 31
Closed Dec. 25-26, Jan. 1
Closes at 5 p.m. Dec. 31
Municipal Court Closed Dec. 25-26, Jan. 1
Richardson IQHQ
Senior Center
Closed Dec. 25-26, Jan. 1
Closed Dec. 25-26, Jan. 1
Closes at 5 p.m. Dec. 31
Service Center Closed Dec. 25-26, Jan. 1
Sherrill Park Golf Course Closed Dec. 25
Tennis Center
Closed Dec. 25-26, Jan. 1
Closes at 5 p.m. Dec. 31
Highlights & Quick Facts
Established in 1957
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
• 100% of graduates are accepted into their Catholic high school of choice 8 teachers hold their master’s degree and 2 hold their Doctorate degree
• 1 of 6 Institute for Catholic Liberal Education Member schools in Texas and the only Premier Member
• Before and after school-care is available
• Students receive the sacraments on schedule
Engaged active Pastor and Parochial Vicar on campus
• Dyslexia Programs available
• Open to families of all faith backgrounds
A hidden gem in the Richardson Heights neighborhood of Richardson, Texas, SPCCS is built on rich tradition rooted in the Catholic faith since 1957. Located right off highway 75, in Richardson, we are proud to be the only Classical Catholic school in the area.
Our students, families and teachers are passionate about education in the rich Classical Education Curriculum in partnership with the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education.
Our curriculum celebrates the Catholic faith through the proclaiming of the Gospel message. This curriculum, designed with academic rigor and intentionality in developing critical thinking, places Jesus Christ at the center of all learning. With Jesus at the center of everything we do, students see and understand the Truth, Beauty and Goodness in all God’s creation and Christ’s love for us.
We proudly invite you to visit Saint Paul Catholic Classical School to learn more about the academic and extracurricular opportunities we offer for your child. Our school family is waiting for you!
Monday, November 17, 2025, at 9:30am Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 6:30pm
Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 9:30am Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 9:30am
Mom’s Night Out, or MNO as we call it, began more than 40 years ago when we were all young mothers with small children. Back then, we met for dinner on the first Thursday of each month at a local restaurant — the perfect timing since our husbands had just gotten paid! We’d gather at 7:30 pm each month, seven friends brought together through our children, neighborhoods and community. These dinners were filled with laughter, stories of the joys and challenges of motherhood, and the beginning of friendships that would last a lifetime.
O ver the years, our group has grown to 13 amazing ladies and with time, we’ve created our own cherished traditions. For example, we started “Bride Nights.” When one of our children got married, we invited the new
Submitted by members of the MNO
bride to come and share a special dinner with us, welcoming her into the circle of friendship. Later came “Grandma Showers,” where we celebrated the exciting time of becoming a grandmother, bringing gifts that would stay at Grandmother’s house.
Th roughout the years, we’ve compiled our own cookbook, designed group shirts, and taken many trips together. We’ve shared in the joy of graduations, marriages and births, and supported one another during health challenges and losses. From cheering each other on at milestone events to sitting quietly through tough times, MNO has been a source of love, laughter, and unwavering friendship.
Nowadays, we meet a bit earlier —at 6:30 p.m.—and our conversation and selection of restaurants have evolved. Instead of diapers
and potty training, we now talk about grandchildren, aging parents, retirement plans, and all the little joys and challenges of this new stage of life. Yet despite these changes, one thing has never changed: the bond of friendship that has carried us through every season of life.
Recently, we celebrated our 40th anniversary together in true MNO style— by renting a limo and enjoying a wonderful dinner at Del Frisco’s. It was a perfect reflection of who we are: a group of women who have shared decades of laughter, love, adventures, and life’s unforgettable moments. Looking back, it’s amazing to see how a simple monthly dinner for seven moms grew into a sisterhood that has enriched all of our lives and we still meet on the first Thursday of each month for dinner!
Tell us your names, what schools you currently attend, and what year each of you are in school.
Luke: I attend Plano Senior High School and I’m a senior this year!
Hale: I go to Vines High School in Plano and I’m a freshman.
Tell us about yourselves…what are your hobbies and interests? How do you like to spend your time when you are not in school?
Luke: I play attack for my high school lacrosse team and I spend a lot of time practicing and playing. When I’m not on the field, I like hanging out with friends, usually at The Golf Ranch, or just relaxing and playing video games. Lacrosse takes up a big part of my life, but I always make time to have fun with my friends. I am also involved in Scouts. I joined Scouts when I was in first grade at Aldridge Elementary and now I have almost reached the highest rank of Eagle.
Hale: I love to play lacrosse, hang out with my friends in the neighborhood, and go fishing. I am also in Scouts. I am a chaplain’s aide in my troop this year, so I lead prayers at troop meetings and I
am supposed to help with Scout Services at campouts. I have also been a patrol leader in my troop. I do a lot of camping, which I don’t mind if there’s fishing involved.
What are three adjectives each of you would use to describe your brother?
Luke: Hale is hyper, ecstatic and fun to be around.
Hale: Luke is really smart and chill, but he can funny sometimes, too.
Luke, tell us about your Eagle Scout project and when you will receive your Eagle.
For my Eagle project, I built two flag retirement boxes. One box will be placed in the lobby of Fire Station 1 in Richardson and the other box will be located at the Public Services Building. Residents can drop off tattered or damaged flags to either of these locations, and a Scout will pick them up to be retired properly with honor. I just finished up my project, so I will receive my Eagle Rank after I successfully complete my Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review.
Hale, what is your favorite subject in school? And what rank are you in Scouts?
My favorite subject in school is biology because it’s very interesting and I generally can stay awake in that class. In Scouts, I am the rank of Life Scout. I am really close to finishing my Eagle requirements, so I hope to earn my Eagle by next year.
Luke, do you have plans after high school graduation? If so, what are they?
I have been accepted to the Gibbs College of Architecture at The University of Oklahoma. I plan to study architecture just like my dad in pursuit of a career. BOOMER!
Tell us about your family, including pets if you have any. How long have y’all lived in Canyon Creek?
We’ve lived in Canyon Creek our whole lives, in the same house, with our mom and dad, Brooke and Lance Lewis, and our dog Lucie.
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?
Luke: I have the best memories of growing up here. When I was little, my dad would take me to feed the turtles at the bridge and we would walk to Bunkie’s Donuts when it was in the old Dairy Queen building. In elementary school my friends would all come over to play football in our front yard. That was probably my favorite thing of all time. Of course, I also love being able to walk to Frankie’s (yes, Frankie’s) for dinner and then ice cream at Sweet Firefly.
Hale: What I love most about living in Canyon Creek is being close to so many of my best friends. One of my favorite memories is when my friends and I were walking along the creek and, out of nowhere, a bobcat appeared! Funny things always seem to happen down there. I also
have great memories of the Fourth of July parade when I was little. After the parade we’d go swimming at the country club and do the “soda dives,” where they’d toss soda cans into the pool and we’d all race to grab our favorites.
“Noemi and her team do an incredible job. They completely reimagined our front landscape into a wonderland of beautiful flowers, trees, and greenery. Since the installation, our landscape has developed beautifully, and the Blooming Vistas team has continued to care for it like it is their own. The winter after the landscaping work we had them install lighting for the evenings and we *love* the way it turned out as well. We love working with them and feel blessed to be able to gaze out our windows at their handiwork every day!”
Tell us the name of your pet(s). What type of pet is he/she?
Luc (a.k.a. Kitters) is a doll-face Persian with a Blue Smoke colored coat.
How did he become a member of your family?
Our home has seen its fair share of pets — beta fish, hermit crabs, hamsters, guinea pigs, finches, a cockatiel, and three corgis
(yes, three). But Christy had one dream left: a cat. Roger, however, was firmly anti-cat… until some strategic persuasion changed his mind. The mission? Find a cat so lovable even Roger couldn’t resist. Enter Luc.
Christy contacted a Ragdoll rescue, but instead fell for Luc — not a Ragdoll, but a total sweetheart. His story? He was rescued from Afghanistan, where he’d been used as a breeder cat by a vet. When he was three years old, a local rescue convinced the vet to release him to a loving family; he packed his litterbox, got his ticket to freedom and flew to Dallas to live the good life. Now Luc rules the house and, yes, we’re pretty sure Roger sneaks in cuddles when no one’s watching.
Tell us more about Luc and his personality. Does he have certain quirks, tricks, talents?
Known for his striking looks, Luc briefly had his own Instagram… until Christy
realized influencer life requires actual consistency. These days, Luc’s glamour shots pop up on her Facebook and Insta under #sugarshotshows. He’s been painted by two artist friends and even landed a spot as Mr. December in a cat calendar.
Does Luc have a “favorite” family member? If so, how does he express that preference?
Luc adores all three of us — but in his own unique way. Christy is his person, complete with daily grooming sessions (yes, the comb lives on the side table). Roger handles evening shoulder rubs, and when Thomas walks in, Luc flops dramatically for tummy rubs. He’s got us all trained.
What is your favorite story/memory about your pet?
He is an inside cat, but at one time he was running from the back door, down the hall to the bedroom window, and then back down the hall to the back door “chasing” the rabbits in the backyard.
Tell us about your family. How long have y’all lived in Canyon Creek?
Roger, Christy, and Thomas Shows moved to Canyon Creek in 2008. Thomas attended Canyon Creek Christian Academy and graduated from Plano Senior High in 2012. Roger and Christy are musicians; Roger even has an album at eclectictalkingdonkeys.com and Christy is past president of the Richardson Community Band (watch for her concert posts!). Fun fact: they work at rival engineering firms — Roger’s in Construction Admin at CMTA and Christy’s in Marketing at WSP.
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?
During COVID, our neighbors turned isolation into inspiration — gathering (safely spaced) in front yards every Friday night for two years! Roger brought his guitar, leading praise songs or taking on challenges from The Beatles to Fogelburg to Rush. We even hosted a concert with his band and, occasionally, Roger and Christy broke out their brass for impromptu duets. Canyon Creek really is the best!
Ronald J. Poff PC - Brian A. Poff , CPA
833 East Arapaho, Ste. 220, Richardson, TX 75081 brian@poff cpafirm.com
224 W. Campbell Rd., Richardson, TX 75080
Scheef & Stone, L.L.P. - Chris S. Quillin
chris.quillin@solidcounsel.com Full Service Law Firm
Northrich Automotive - Rochelle Gotsdiner
All Makes - All Models • Routine Maintenance, Service & Repair
Texas Bank & Trust
Cynthia Jackson
RWB Consulting CFO
972.669.9990 rochelle@northrichauto.com
972.470.1562 cjackson@texasbankandtrustcom
BUSINESS CONSULTING
214.724.7507 roger@rwbconsultingCFO.com
Roger W. Burns Consultant • Interim CFO and “as needed” CFO services
Watson Family Dentistry
J. Mathew Watson, Jr. DDS
Serendipity Designs - Sandra Taylor Moore Serendipityds.com Window Coverings • Bedding • Pillows • Upholstery
Regions Electric, Inc
Jaime Pineda
972.234.0626
214.232.2276 serendipityds.317@gmail.com
972.272.7220 contact@regionselectric.com
972.810.4149 wilsonallen@allstate.com Canyon Creek Allstate Wilson Allen 291 Renner Pkwy., Ste. 104, Richardson, TX 75080
214.878.2136 services@aresplumbingdfw.com
972.690.8118 vfi mbres@hobertpools.com
855.783.1050 catering@ten50bbq.com
972.635.5635 info@sweetfirefly.com
Imoved to Canyon Creek in 1994 upon being transferred here from Arlington, Virginia, with the Coca-Cola company. I raised a son here, primarily as a single dad. After attending Canyon Creek Elementary and North Junior High, my son Mark graduated from the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performance and Visual Arts and went on to graduate from Johns Hopkins University in 2011. He then acquired a graduate degree in Jazz Music Performance from the Peabody Conservatory in 2013. Today, Mark plays on Broadway as Associate Music Director for the 2025 Tony awarded "The Outsiders".
He is also Music Director to "The Wiz" star Cynthia Erivo.
Lots of people know about my professional hobby—singing jazz—but they may not know these two facts about me. First, I was an acting Drill Sergeant, Commando Infantry, U.S. Army. I was also the first African-American to serve in the front office as Promotions Director for the NL Atlanta Braves and later as VP of Promotions for the NBA Atlanta Hawks.
As a singer, I’ve performed throughout the Dallas area since 1995. In addition to having performed with some of the greatest jazz musicians in north Texas, I have collaborated
with some of the greatest musicians of our time: jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and chanteuse Ella Fitzgerald’s long-time bassist, Keeter Betts, to name a few. I’ve been a mainstay on the competitive club circuit in the DFW area since 1995. My style is as diverse as those who have influenced my singing. I like the stage presence of Billy Ekstein, Sinatra’s cool classics, and Al Jarreau’s passion. These intriguing vocalists, along with Nat King Cole and my favorite, Nancy Wilson, are some of my primary influences.
In addition to my musical pursuits, I've always been passionate about giving back to my community. I continually seek opportunities to contribute to Canyon Creek's growth and vibrancy. This sense of service and connection is what inspires me each day and makes living here truly special. When I was recruited by the late Jay Dalehite to serve on the CCHOA board, I accepted the position of beautification chair. It’s right up my alley since I value the networking and camaraderie involved in making and keeping a neighborhood beautiful.
As beautification chair, I am responsible for the annual “Begonia Sale,” at which we sell begonias and other varieties of plants supplied to us by Bruce Miller Nursery. It has become sort of the annual neighborhood beautification kick off!
I am also responsible for the neighborhood Yard of the Quarter (YOQ) competition, awarding the Best Holiday Lights each year, and facilitating the decoration of the more than 200 Canyon Creek stop signs with beautiful holiday wreaths at Christmas. This effort has proven to be a favorite for many neighbors since it provides families with an opportunity to come together as we enter the holidays. All family members can contribute, from first graders to Grandma and Granddad! I even saw a family celebration last year that included a nice card table filled with food and drink at the intersection of their last stop sign. I thought to myself, “Now that’s a great idea!”
I’ve served the community in this position since 2022 and though it gets to be a challenge at times, it’s worth it when I see the beauty of our community, the safety that we enjoy, and the camaraderie that is unique to Canyon Creek!
Get ready to sparkle this holiday season! Once you've transformed your home into a festive wonderland, our four Canyon/Prairie Creek beautification quadrant coordinators will be out searching for the most dazzling Christmas holiday displays. The hunt begins Sunday, December 7, and by Sunday, December 21, we'll select a winner from each quadrant. The four lucky winners will be announced on our social media pages and on the official CCHOA website at canyoncreekhomeowners.com by Sunday, December 28.
Winners will enjoy:
• A personalized congratulatory letter from the Mayor of Richardson
Mark your calendars now for
When: Wednesday November 19, 2025
Time: 6:30 pm Networking 7:00 pm Meeting
Location: Methodist Richardson Medical Plaza 1 Entrance 403 W. Campbell Road, Richardson
* CCHOA board members and volunteers will be on hand to direct you to the meeting room.
At the annual meeting, the following topics will be covered:
• Treasurer's Report
• 2026 Slate of Officers Election
• Special Report from City Manager Don Magner on neighborhood road construction
Come for refreshments and say hello to your neighbors!
• A special letter of recognition from the Beautification chair and the CCHOA board president
• A professional photo session of your lights, home, and family, captured by photographer Meredith Embry
• A $25 gift certificate from Bruce Miller Nursery
We can’t wait to see your creativity shine—may your holidays be bright and joyful!
Happy Holidays!
Gabe Meadows CCHOA Beautification Chair
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.
Cold weather is on the way, and it’s the perfect time to make sure your home, car, and coverage are ready for it.
Winter storms can bring frozen pipes, roof leaks, and fallen limbs. Review your policy to make sure you understand your deductible — especially if you have a 2% or 5% wind and
hail deductible. On a $600,000 home, that could mean $12,000 to $30,000 out of pocket before insurance kicks in. A quick policy review now can prevent a big surprise later.
Cold weather is tough on batteries, tires, and roads. Make sure your auto policy includes towing, rental, and comprehensive
coverage in case of winter accidents, icy roads, or storm damage.
Bundle your home and auto for extra savings — and stay protected all winter long. Call Canyon Creek Insurance today for a quick winter coverage checkup. We’ll make sure you’re ready when the chill hits.
• Outstanding Athletes
• Newcomers to the Neighborhood
• Pets looking for 15 minutes of neighborhood fame
• Unique or Interesting Clubs
• (Mom’s groups, stam collecting club, etc.)
• Richardson Business Owners
• Golden Couples or INdividuals (retired, semi-retired, or long-time pillars of the community)
Anyone who has something unique to share with your neighbors!
This is YOUR neighborhood magazine and we want to tell YOUR stories in your community.
Send nominations to Kyla Obert at kobert@hylogroup.com or Patti Otte at pmotte@hylogroup.com
